Hwajung (화정)

Episode 24

So... from the same place

by my side, just like now... please protect me.

It's me, Father.

What is it about at this hour?

You came to me after all.

What do I have to do to have her?

Yes, what do I have to do to keep her by my side?

But, Young Master...

are you sure you won't regret coming to me today?

I will use your love

and give you want you want

as well as try to realize what I want.

You may be able to gain the princess...

but you may lose your shining eyes.

Someday...

you may discover yourself so destroyed that you can't even forgive.

But even when you knew that, you remained by His Majesty's side.

Even when you know that... you're trying to go back.

Isn't that the situation for the likes of us?

Knowing that we'll burn...

we have no choice but to go towards the fire.

So I have no choice.

Even if I lose everything in the world... and even myself...

there is only one thing I want.

Do you really mean it?

Yes. As you wish, I will become your son.

I will prove to you that your blood flows through my body.

Of course, if you help me.

All right, good.

Let me hear it.

Let's see what useful goods you're showing in your first trade with me.

But even when you knew that, you remained by His Majesty's side.

Even when you know that... you're trying to go back.

Bring her over, Mother. I need to see her.

- Who? You mean Yeo Jung? - Yes.

I think there will be a way to get her into the palace.

It looks like a severe storm will be coming soon, Mother.

Gae Shi...

Not everyone can have shiny, precious things...

but all humans want them.

Even me.

I believe a real war will start by sending troops.

Not just the lands of Ming and Later Jin, but even on this land.

The one who wants to own

the one who wants to survive...

and the one who wants to realize his goal.

All of them will be caught up in the storm.

Who will end up having it, Mother?

Who will disappear...

and who will gain victory, however short-lived it may be?

Everyone will only be forgotten in the end...

but while they are alive, no one will be able to suppress the desire.

This storm will come after all.

Sire, Her Highness has arrived.

Have you not changed your mind at all?

If you tell me to step back from here

you're telling me to leave the weaponry bureau.

Gunpowder needs to be produced continuously on the battlefield

so even one more technician is necessary now, sire.

Before I am a princess, I am a skilled technician.

I will definitely be needed.

You won't be understood, Princess.

Many will criticize you for the path you chose.

Even so... I will be where I need to be.

Please allow me, sire.

You couldn't stop her after all?

Forgive me, sire.

The bracelet you gave her was on her wrist.

I'm not asking you this as the king.

I am asking as her older brother, to you, as her beloved.

Sire...

Are you able to protect her, Councilor Hong?

I must hear your answer.

Yes I will, sire.

Definitely.

This is a pledge as a man who loves her, not as your retainer.

And if I may, I will help you with it.

Look...

You will need someone to guard Hwa Yi... I mean, Her Highness on site.

Please let me do the job.

- But you are... - Yes, I am half-Japanese.

But I am a half-Joseon man.

Will you really be all right?

Of course.

If the destiny of Joseon depends on this

then at least half of it matters to me.

Besides, the princess of this country...

is also like a younger sister to me somehow.

- Ma'am! - Ma'am! Are you really coming with us?

Yes, I am coming with you.

So please don't tell me I can't.

'Yes, of course you should.' 'You got my back.'

It would be nice if you could tell me that.

Ma'am!

We need every person we can get.

Do you really not need me?

I do need you...

You know more about sulfur than anyone else, after me...

- But still, how... - Then it's good.

And thank you for saying that you need me.

Ma'am...

Just give her what you prepared.

You went out early morning to buy it because you were worried about her.

Yes, please give it to her now.

Ma'am...

at least make sure to wear this.

I had a hard time getting this instead of armor.

You need to be safe!

Manager Lee...

Manager Lee... This is such a rare thing...

For someone who is so stingy.

I'm sure everyone feels the same way.

They are worried and thankful...

and they hope for you to be safe.

Yes, don't worry. I will make sure.

Not just me, everyone will be safe, sir.

If I'm not interrupting...

In Woo!

Young Master!

Yes, if I'm not interrupting

I'd like to see the rifle storage for a minute.

You'll be going to the war as an officer of the city guard's bureau?

Yes.

It's no big deal to create a post like this.

I thought, 'Should I have taken my father's side from the beginning?'

In Woo! You...

Yes.

I'm only doing this because of my personal interests.

There are no such things as big goals for me.

But do you know this?

Big goals aren't the only things that become strong weapons.

This personal interest... was pretty scary, too.

You've... changed a lot.

If it's because of me...

I'm sorry.

Punk...

That kind of an apology is tough.

I came here today to tell you that we're on different paths now.

Yes, Hong Joo Won, our fight... has also begun.

Although it hurts... the enemy is you, my only friend.

And I don't plan on losing.

I'll knock down your king... and take your woman.

I definitely will.

Young Master In Woo.

- I'm glad that you look well. - Young Master... I...

If you are going to say, 'I'm sorry' please don't.

You probably don't know...

but hearing it after your rejection hurts quite a bit.

And more than anything...

I think it's too soon to say that.

I'll get going now.

I'll see you next time, ma'am.

Yes, Hong Joo Won. Our fight has also begun.

Although it hurts that the enemy is you, my only friend.

What? Who is going to war?

Did you just say that the princess is going?

I'm telling you since you'll find out anyway.

Her Majesty is having a tough time because of it.

So please just leave for the day, sir.

How was it, sir?

- This cheeky girl... - Pardon?

A girl should be like a girl and stay in her room.

She creates trouble with every step she takes.

And on Gwanghae's side, on top of that.

Who are you referring to...

Who else could it be?

It's that princess girl.

Seriously, sir! We're in front of Gyungwoon Palace!

- Even if you feel... - Why would I care about the location?

If I can't lead that girl and the queen dowager

my plan will become useless.

Justification... I will lose justification.

Just what is your plan?

Don't you know?

To become the king! What else could it be?

Sir!

Why are you doing this? What if someone hears you?

Did you find the one who sent the letter?

- No, not yet. - Not yet?

I don't even know who it is, so how could I?

- Right... Should I tell you how? - What?

You can do... like this!

- Do you understand? - Sir!

You're so frustrating!

Ask one of those who came to me on the day of the torch rally!

When someone feels pain, his mouth opens. Like this! Like this!

Sire...

Please don't think of the decision today as a defeat.

Don't think 'I couldn't protect my people' and be hurt either.

More than anyone else

I know that you tried to protect your people.

Please forgive us... for asking you...

to make the toughest, most painful decision, sire.

Sire...

Do you also think I've done everything?

Everything I could have done from my position.

Yes I do, sire.

I have watched everything you do, sire.

No... that's not the case.