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They're coming back.
Episode 6
Why did you send the horse...
Trying to ride out of here would make it even easier for them.
Follow me.
They are reacting just as I expected.
If we they lose our traces now, they will no longer hinder us.
Still, would they not continue to trail us?
Once we get past here, the path will open in all directions.
Without knowing which way we took, they can't predict our itinerary.
It is likely they would squander time ransacking nearby mountain trails.
They're going east.
Hide.
Can I rise now?
They're gone.
Is it over now?
Once they realize what happened, they will be back,
since they know we're close by.
We?!
Didn't you say they were after me alone?
They are.
They are on your trail.
But also after me at the same time.
But you said you weren't being trailed.
I'll be damned...
What is it?
They're gone again?
Nobody was riding it.
The saddle is cold.
If you're not being trailed, why are hunters after you?
- Let us escape. - Tell me.
What is happening?
For the time being we must avoid pathways,
so we'll shake them off following mountain trails.
In no time, they will all be swarming this way.
Can you stuff yourself so peacefully? After losing a 500-nyang hit.
Who said we lost it? We merely haven't caught him yet.
Not "couldn't," that is?
You wench...
When your elders talk, you...
Oh boy...
If it weren't for me, you'd be riding your way to Janghowon by now?!
She's right. He seems well versed in military tactics.
Military tactics when you're running for your life?!
Military strategy teaches you to let the tree shake before you take cover.
We lost him twice today because of that.
Forget this, and let's just go after him. Uh?
They will avoid pathways, so they're clearly heading for the mountains,
and if we spread and look for them, wouldn't there be traces?
Let's suppose you do find traces.
Then, what do you plan to do?
Uh? Besides me, there is word that no one in Joseon can contend with him.
What are you looking for, a good beating?
Do you even know what he's after?
- What is it? - You wench... Always barging in.
That'd be doing exactly what he wants from us,
and that is squandering time looking for him around here, you fool.
What else can you do?
If we lose them here, it's only going to get worse.
He's got only two possible destinations, anyhow.
If it's not there, it's near there.
There where?
We'll have to find that out.
Anyhow, go ahead and eat.
No good hunter works on an empty gut.
Jumo!
Another bowl here.
How can a wench stuff herself so much?
So you think of me as a woman?
I can sense lecherous zest from here...
- Mongrels lose their teeth but not their vices. - What am I, a mongrel?
If you don't stop with those antics, men will treat you worse than that.
Just continue stuffing yourself quietly.
Ohh... Jumo.
Y...es, yes. Naeuri.
Come here.
Ever seen this woman?
Aigoo, I really know nothing, Naeuri.
Spare me...
Anyone you know with a spot on her breasts?
And how would I know what's on other people's breasts?
Her mother was sold into slavery when she was little,
and her father died while on corvee to Daeya Island.
Heard of anything like this before?
Ahh... That kind of story is a dime-a-dozen on the street.
If I'd heard it only once, maybe I could help you.
- All right. - Yes...
Naeuri.
It is time you tell me.
Why are they trailing you?
There might be people trailing me,
but I'm not running away from them.
How could that be possible?
People are on your trail, but you're not being pursued?
So who on earth are those people?
They're slave hunters.
Although I don't know whether the same people are trailing the both of us.
Slave hunters...
would never be on my trail.
I'm no slave.
Same goes for me.
I'm no slave myself.
If they're truly slave hunters...
They can't be trailing me.
I...
can no longer follow you.
Let me go.
- Have you decided on your destination? - Wherever it might be, I will go alone.
If you have not set a destination yet,
join me at least until Chungju.
I will not.
No... You must.
I might owe you a debt of gratitude, but I have no reason to follow you.
I cannot let you off now.
You are aware of my destination, so...
Is it because you fear I might report you?
No.
You would be captured before you could ever reach the office.
And then would be forced to confess regardless of your intents.
Be that as it may, I would never disclose anything about you.
Trust me.
One's tongue can always prove to be more cunning than you'd ever wish for.
Should you face incessant questioning,
whatever your intents are,
that wily tongue might confess with ease.
Then, I shall ask once more.
Are you a slave on the run?
I am not.
Is that the truth?
Nothing but.
You do not seem to trust me, so I shall follow you all the way to Chungju.
However...
I shall accept no further pretext after that.
Fine with me.
He's not the type you can trail.
You first need to learn his destination, and then act.
The only way to learn that would be by uncovering his past.
We'll have to check the official gazette at the local administration.
He donned official robes, so we will find traces of his past there.
Ahh... I really hate reading.
Me too, me too!
Will we find official gazettes in these backwoods?
Wouldn't there be at least a provincial library?
What are you looking at, hiding like dirty rats?
Let's see you.
Quite quick on her feet, for a wench donning such spurious robes.
Quite the adulation, for a first meeting.
You wench!
Who do you think you're dealing with, uh?
Peering at us with such scorn.
Just count the royal emissaries we got through, and that's half a dozen!
Should I guess your names right, would you offer me your patronage?
Well...
We will have to see what you have to show for.
What shall I grace you with?
"What shall I grace you with..."
That's quite the saucy slattern, all right!
The matchmaker said this is my lucky day,
so make sure she's gracing my bed by the eventide.
My bed?
Mine.
Catch her!
Rabid slattern...
- Let's go. - Where to?
Where do you think? To meet Jjakgwi Eonni!
Ahh... The hell is that...
Anyone in?
Keeper.
Aigoo... Yes.
Aigoo... What brings you here?
So, anything you'd wish to peruse?
Do you still have official gazettes from a few years past?
You don't seem the reading type?!
Well, anyhow.
Do you have them, or not?
I do indeed have them.
But the price would be quite exacting.
So let's see them.
But we tend not to lend when it comes to wanderers.
We've had our share of people just running away with the goods, you know?
Listen, Officer.
Yes, Naeuri.
Here you go.
As officers of the state tribunal,
we are discreetly investigating a treacherous conspiracy.
Y...Yes, Naeuri.
Should you aid our efforts, the office shall lavishly reward your fealty,
but prattle in haste, and only nefarious consequences shall await you.
Y...es! I will fetch it immediately.
You're just... deceiv...
You're surrounded by books, but there is nothing for me to borrow?
Aigoo...
I beg for your understanding just this once.
If you come back in the morrow,
I will give you anything you wish, free of charge at that.
How could a scholar put money before his thirst for erudition?
- Free the way! - Ahh...
- Pressing matters from above... - Ohh! I said move!
It's treason.
Say what?
Officers from the state tribunal are here to inquire upon a case of trea...
Yes, they... just...
Don't let me even finish, will you?
So... Anything I may assist you with?
Nothing.
Just go out and keep an eye on the gates.
Ye...Yes, Naeuri.
Listen, Keeper.
What is it?
Our bellies are quivering,
so be it with rice or cakes, would you quench our appetite?
She is a damo*, part of our retinue.
*literally tea ladies, Joseon female officers used to deal with female-specific matters
Fulfill her requests.
Yes...
You little...
It's so beautiful.
Seems this is not the right path.
What?
We took the wrong path.
Let us return.
Were you not a man of arms?
I was.
Do people like you get lost?
When there is no map and only a vague destination,
it certainly could happen.
It's a rather commonplace occurrence, anyhow.
Scriptures say that seeing the sun and the moon does not enlighten you,
- that hearing the roll of thunder does not... - But...
It's all right.
You needn't make excuses about it.
My apologies.
My apologies as well.
What is that supposed to mean?
You're the third today asking me about her.
As if we had a fair in town, all coming here on the same day.
Who did?
These horse-riding fellas raised a ruckus and then left.
While the second group is sitting over there as we speak.
Looks like we're in the same trade,
but I'd advise you against following us.
Were you sent here on Lord Choi's orders?
Like you wouldn't know.
Are you on her trail because of the reward?
Five hundred nyang and all that land is quite the lavish reward for a slattern.
It might be more than enough for what concerns us,
but we have no intention of letting anyone partake in it...
I only grazed you today,
but next time I shall not be so lenient.
Tell me.
What did you tell those who were riding horses?
I told them the truth.
That I knew nothing!
Is that really the truth?
It is.
I just told them I saw this woman wearing mourning garments, and...
My gratitude. I wish you well.
Seems like I found something.
It is from a few days after Crown Prince Sohyeon's death.
We are still in national mourning, how dare you wear such garments?
According to the Minister of the Board of Military Affairs,
the mourning period is over, so we can return to normality.
His Highness the Crown Prince has met his demise,
so how can a royal's mourning last but a mere three days?
What are you waiting for?
Go back and wear what you should!
Halt.
If you defy my command,
I shall regard it as insubordination.
I am merely following royal orders.
If following your ruler's wishes amounts to disobedience,
I shall gleefully pledge my pate in repentance.
Behead me.
Listen.
Before you consider yourselves as salaried subjects of this country,
remember you are the very pillars defending it.
As the art of war commands, there will be paths we shall never pass,
foes our blade shall never be thrust upon,
things we shall never argue,
and even royal orders we cannot accept.
Crazy fool...
He's got a death wish, all right.
Take a look here.
Is he not willingly defying royal command?
Here.
- That is fealty. - Fealty, my ass.
Not all that is true is to be spoken.
Three years of mourning is the norm for royals,
but just three days for the death of a crown prince, does it make sense?
And prancing about in white for three years does.
Anyhow, be it because of that or not, but this is what happened.
Did you just leave the office?
What brings Your Excellency to such meager lodgings?
And what is so fervently occupying your every night?
Organizing our ranks is quite an exacting endeavor.
Is that so?
But I hear a rather hectic rice trade near the eastern gates was the culprit?!
What are you trying to say?
I am sure you know that all too well.
We found it.
~ State Crops ~
Why was this found in my abode?
That is exactly what I should ask you.
Why were state crops found in your cellars?
Your Excellency.
Let us discuss the details at the Board of Punishments.
Apprehend the criminal.
Yes!
Fourth-ranked Commissioner of the Military Training Command,
Song Taeha.
Theft of state crops.
See? I told you.
All we're dealing with is a thief.
Thieving little scoundrel.
Just confess it.
Who instigated you to do so?
Instigated me?!
Who is instigating Your Excellency...
to besmirch my legacy in this manner?
We are not too shrewd, I see.
You peculated military supplies to gain a profit.
And that money was pocketed by Left State Councilor Im Youngho.
Even if it might not be the case,
that is what the truth shall become.
You may commence.
Still, this feels strange.
According to our laws, a quick trip to the netherworld was set in stone,
so how could he survive all this?
I believe quitting while you still can would be wise?
When political entanglements loom in the shadows,
avoiding any involvement would be the best course of action.
Ahh... Who said you could quit? Forgotten how much this is worth?
There are no more hints here.
His sentence was simply reduced from execution to slavery.
- That's where it ends. - It doesn't.
Why would that happen, for no apparent reason?
That is what's suspicious.
Look at any courtier who might have been involved.
Why that?
Why do you think?
You talked about political entanglements.
So someone must have created those entanglements to start with.
Take a look.
Ohh Ohh... So wondrous is the moon, it is like paradise on earth.
All fruit of His Majesty's benevolence.
I will pour you a drink.
I rejoice seeing your visage gleam like the starry night.
Your Excellency always taught me to meet every shadow with a placid smile.
Would you reciprocate?
Did I not tell you that placid warmth should come from within?!
That is what I always strive for.
Seems like it taught me how to mimic your parlance.
What a relief.
Then, allow me to impart one last piece of advice upon you.
Politicians should always know when it is time to stop.
What exactly should this politician stop?
No.
I shall be the one.
So what will you stop?
Are you not all too aware of that?
Let us drink.
In the morrow, I plan to seek audience with His Majesty.
I have been living off government salaries for far too long.
I shall now retire to my hometown and spend my final days in quietude.
It is much too early.
- State matters still await Your Ex... - They do not.
The old shall gave way to the young.
I was hampering your path for much too long.
I would never dare to covet my mentor's post.
Matters regarding the Crown Prince might be breaking the court's quietude,
but I will settle the matter amicably.
This will benefit your cause.
I believe this to be a sufficient sacrifice...
in return for Song Taeha's survival.
It is a cold breeze, Your Excellency.
Of course, what else?!
Uh? Take a look.
Left State Councilor Im Youngho, on the pretext of malady,
resigned from his post and retired to his Chungju abode.
See?!
So?
So?!
The Councilor resigned from his post.
So what?
What do you think? Isn't that a little strange?
When you reach the top of the court, only a coffin will take that away from you.
But the moment Song Taeha is spared, he returns home.
So there's a connection?
- Aren't you forcing it a little? - I sure am not.
The evidence is too clear for that to be the case.
- And if it's not? - If it's not...
Then we can just go and ask.
How Song Taeha managed to survive.
Uh?!
Hey! Let's go to Chungju.
Hey... Wake up.
Wake her up.
Seolhwa, food.
Food? Where?
In Chungju.
Still coping with it?
I wish to leave.
I laud your efforts.
It's time to rise.
Let's take a look there.
We're lodging there?
We'll get our snitcher.
What's that supposed to mean?
You'll see soon enough. Let's get going.
Anyone there?
Who are you?
Are you alone here?
Yes...
Naeuri...
- Officer Oh. - Yes, Naeuri.
We are officers from the Left Capital Bureau, here to apprehend criminals.
Yes... Yes.
Look up.
Seen this fellow before?
I haven't.
Listen well.
A wench is by his side, one donning mourning garments.
Should they come here and inquire about lodging,
pretend to give them a room, and alert the authorities at once.
He's quick on his feet, so you must be discreet.
Is that clear?
Yes, certainly, Naeuri.
If you cooperate, you shall be generously rewarded,
but try any foolish antics and you'll be accused of harboring them.
Punishment will be quite exacting.
Are we clear?
I shall follow your wishes, Naeuri.
And I thought you were slave hunters... You're conmen, all right.
Tell him you are a royal emissary, while you're there.
*mapae (horse amulet), symbol of a secret royal emissary
What, like this*?
Feel no shame at all deceiving people in that manner?
Is deceiving people our fault?
Blame a world so enchanted by deception instead.
And what is that supposed to mean?
People start trembling at the mere sight of an official robe,
so that can only make our job easier.
You can blame the world around us for all that...
Kiddo.
I bet he's sleeping under the moon again, that Song Taeha.
Fatigue will get to him once he reaches Chungju.
Just makes it a pleasure stroll for us.
But what if they capture him on the way?
Let's use that brain over there, once in a while.
Can kittens catch a tiger? Think, will you?
The tiger what?
Being born a man entails certain ambitions.
*IlInJiHa ManInJiSang: Below one man (king), above all creation (archaic slang for councilor)
If the brush is in your hands, you shall aspire to only have one man above you*.
If a sword graces them, protecting your ruler as a palace guard would make it worth it.
And if with thievery you started,
only gaining this country could quell those aspirations.
So what kind of aspirations is your path laden with?
If I could only live up to your expectations,
I couldn't ask for anything more.
So you will live to please me?
Quite the aspiration.
So is it former State Councilor Im Youngho from Chungju,
and the Royal Successor in Jeju?
Get yourself some hounds from the street.
I can do it myself.
With great endeavors come great sacrifices.
Get yourself someone you can sacrifice when in need.
They will be fruitful beyond your expectations.
I shall follow your instructions.
If you fulfill this task,
I shall bestow all my aspirations upon you.
Until that day comes, proceed on your path without reserve.
A steed galloping in the wilderness never reminisces upon the stable.
I shall bear it in mind, Your Excellency.
I told you to call me Father.
In-laws are sons as well.
Yes...
Father.
I shall depart immediately.
Greet your spouse before you leave.
Meseems my daughter is afflicted by anxiety for you.
I cannot read...
a single word you wrote.
Just speak your mind.
Seobangnim...
Do not try...
to contend with my father.
He's a daunting man.
I cannot understand...
a single word you said.
Is anyone in?
Anyone there?
Who is it?
We are wayfarers passing by.
No matter the lodgings, may we importune you for the night?
A wench wearing mourning garments will be by his side.
Should they come here and inquire about lodging,
pretend to give them a room, and alert the authorities.
I don't have a room,
but I do have a shed, so if that will suffice,
be my guest.
My gratitude.
This is all I have, may we ask for a little food?
I have no rice, but there is indeed some millet left.
That would be fine with us.
Then, come on in.
I apologize.
I never imagined it would be this small.
I am fine.
If we can avoid the dew, anything will suffice.
Yes, then...
My name is Hye Won.
What?
Reflecting upon it, this is quite laughable.
We have been traveling together for days, but still don't know each other's names.
Yes, I am...
You come from Hanyang,
Song... Tae... Ha, you said.
I've heard it back at the hermitage.
So you remember.
How could I forget my savior's name?
What is your clan name?
The Kim from Jeoneui.
*bonafide yangban clans were limited, suggesting she might have bought her nobility
The Kim from Jeoneui*...
I had ancestors from Jeoneui named Kim, myself.
I see...
Same goes for relatives.
Yes...
I even had two men under my command carrying that name.
So... what?
Is this older brother all the family you have?
Yes...
Do you have a family?
*by the Manchu (1636)
During the Byeongja invasion*,
we parted ways.
After the war, I spent the following eight years in Qing territory,
and found out upon my return that people had changed.
Then... Were you taken prisoner by the Qing?
No matter what you call it, we lost the war,
so it was just like being a prisoner.
I barely escaped the claws of demise myself, during the war.
The Young Master... rescued me.
Is that the lover you mentioned?
Yes.
He is the one.
He is no longer of this world,
so would not forgetting him and finding a new spouse be appropriate?
He captured my heart already.
Unlike men,
a woman's devotion knows no boundaries.
Have you heard anything?
No...
I did not hear...
What is the matter?
Is wayfaring a crime, now?
We were instructed by the Left Capital Bureau to apprehend thieves.
We are merely headed south to meet relatives.
Save the litany for the provincial office, and accept your orders.
Mandeuk.
Pack enough victuals for five days, and take the mongrel.
We might feast on it on the way, if needed.
Eonni. Shouldn't we get ourselves some horses?
Ever seen a slave run away on horse?
Uh?! If they run away, we'll run there to catch them,
what's with horses, all of a sudden?
For starters, if we ride horses, it'll speed up things.
So we'll catch more slaves, and make much more money.
Look at Daegil!
From the very moment he bought horses, things started looking up.
I know, I know...
But Daegil's luck has run its course.
All the hits in the capital are ours now.
Ours?! Why?
Think a tiger and a wolf can share the same cave?
One should die...
But, who's the tiger here?
Don't know?
You really don't know?
Come here.
- Come here... Mandeuk. - What's with you, again?
I said come here!
Ahh... Seems like you think being a yangban can allow you to barge in like that.
Are you Cheon Jiho?
As if I was a mongrel from down the street... Cheon Jiho... Cheon Jiho...
I hear you accept any and all offers from anyone.
How much will it take to buy your services?
We are not so easily appeased.
Meseems you've come to the wrong place.
Boys... Go on packing.
- Yes. - Yes.
Would 300 nyang suffice?
I said go on packing, you scamps!
Eonni...
We're not going after every mongrel's tail, Naeuri.
And we'd first need to listen...
Five hundred nyang.
After me.
Boys!
Pay your respects...
Naeuri! It is a privilege to serve you!
We shall serve you with utmost zeal, Naeuri.
Ohh... Horses.
But, Eonni. Are we doing the "Royal Emissary is before you!" thing?
You can buy those amulets by the nickel down the street.
Fall for everything, will you?
Seems like the provincial office sent men on our trail.
Our sketches might be circulating,
so it would be wise to part our ways here.
Part... our ways?
They will not inspect bypaths.
You go along this way,
while I will take a bypath and we will meet past the inspection.
Should they stop you for questioning,
pretend lunacy.
What?
There is no other way.
If they spot a woman wearing mourning garments and short hair,
they will think of you that way.
Is there truly no other way?
Should anything happen to you,
use this to alert me.
I will come right away.
Wait!
Stop there!
I said stop!
Stop at once!
Stop!
What are you slattern doing?
You insolent knave!
How dare you address nobility with such impudence?
Nobility, my ass. With that hair?
Wait a moment...
Didn't one of the dispatches from the Left Capital Bureau...
talk of a wench donning mourning garments?
Wait a moment! That's right?!
Let us take her to the office.
Let me go.
I said let...
Too many furtive glances, so I'll be content with your head.
Are you all right?
Close your eyes.
Close them, and think of whom you most cherish.
It will quell your fears.
These garments of yours will attract too many glances.
It is just charcoal.
It is used by them outside, in the brush's stead.
Seolhwa.
Let us hear a tune.
Nothing in life is free.
Know how much a tune of mine is worth?
You wench... Now that her belly is full she acts all prissy.
I'll give you twice the food later!
Think I would get on my knees for a meager two bowls of millet?
I told you to leave her there! She's as useless as they get.
Kiddo... Sing us a tune.
Who knows... Might be encouraged to go for meat, if you do well.
Meat?!
Pork meat? Beef?
As long as it's not a mongrel...
That'd be fine with me as well.
*unrhymed tune
What should I go for? A parting* tune?
Anything you like.
~ He departed for a long journey ~
~ Making my heart quiver in agony ~
That's nice!
I plaud you on enduring this arduous journey by my side.
As fortuitous as our meeting was, providence accorded me your support.
So...
My gratitude.
I wish you a safe journey.
Taeha, is that you?
Were you awaiting Song Taeha?
Did His Excellency send you?
I asked you if you were awaiting Taeha.
He made his move much earlier than I expected.
Did he order you to bring back my pate?
If you don't answer me,
I shall behead you.
Go ahead.
We should have smelled the rat when he tossed us that bundle.
The dances have started anyhow.
So let's join the fray.
Can't you connect the dots? There will be a murder!
We'll have to deal with all the repercussions.
It's 500 nyang for the trouble.
No matter the stakes, it needs to be done.
Let's have a smoke in the meantime.
- Let me down. - What are you waiting for?
Here... Let's go for it.
I'll head to the main gates in one gak (15 min).
General Choi, you take the north.
Wangson, you go up the roof, and look where they flee.
All right?
And me? Me.
Look after the horses. Let's go.
I should just sell the horses and run away.
Eonni... Eonni!
Ahh... Eonni!
I will, then.
Any final words?
Convey this to him.
Water gone by shall not turn the mill.
His Excellency left you these words.
No matter how unbending, no bamboo can serve as pillar.
Are you knave...
the one who slew my master?
You...
Knave? How dare a slave like you...
What is the reason behind this?
Do not ask.
No slave has the right to ask his keeper any question.
You must have always thought I could never compare with you,
that I was beneath you.
And that is...
the very reason why I shall slay you today.
Song Taeha!
Long time no see.
Ahh... I sure missed you. Uh?!
You're something. Making it all the way here.
More trouble brewing, I see.
Who are you?
Who could I be?
Are we curious?
Someone in your same exact trade.
This is not a matter for minions like you.
This is not what? Know how long I've been after him?
And you are...
Ever seen her?
Milady.
I almost risked mistaking you.
Take this one!
Let's see it to the end, shall we?
If you have eyes to see, take a look at who you're dealing with.
What, something like this?
I know every hound in town is after one prized hare,
but let's not tread on each other's toes.
Seems like you're eager to be taught a lesson.
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Main Translator and Timer: MisterX
Timing QC: julier
Editor/QC: thunderbolt
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~ On The Next Episode Of ~ SLAVE ~@~ HUNTERS
- What's that? - Oh my!
Forgive me for not being able to meet you.
It's an order to kill this yangban.
He carries two guards.
Why would someone like you be afraid?
The stakes seem to be a little high for the money you gave us.
Do you have a death wish?
- I saw Eonnyeon... - What are you talking about?
Eonnyeon.
Let's just split our money and part ways.
- Is that all you can say? - Doesn't money buy loyalty, these days?
This wench has had quite the ill-starred life.
Abandoned at every turn.
How could a runaway slave be with a Training Command officer?
The same goes for you.
I married this man.
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