Tae Wang Sa Shin Gi/Legend- Ep 12 summary

It gets more difficult with each episode as the dialogues are increasingly about war strategies. So thank you very much Gaulsan, for your translation, without which we would have found it so hard to appreciate the drama. Also, once again, thanks to all those on soompi who have helped in the translations and explanations.

Joomochi fought with Dam Deok, agreeing to only 10 rounds as he believed Dam Deok, who looked like a waekling, wouldn’t last beyond a couple of rounds. But of course Dam Deok proved him wrong, even though Joomochi was definitely stronger physically.

I really love looking at Dam Deok fight. ^^

Dalbee was looking really worried. She was afraid Dam Deok, her King would loose and end up getting hurt.

And then Joomochi’s axe cut Dam Deok’s sword into 2, crashed down onto the table and sent the knives and swords flying into the air and down directly onto Joomochi. Dam Deok quickly pushed him away out of danger and saved him.

Dam Deok said it was already over 10 blows. I believe Joomochi had a better impression of Dam Deok because of this saving act from him as Joomochi offered his hand and helped Dam Deok onto his feet. : P

Joomoochi said that though he would accept him but they were very expensive and he still has to give half the money in advance for food. (hehe! Ba Son was complaining earlier that they eat too much).

Dam Deok then said that he would get/ find the Sheewoo’s [the name of Joomoochi’s tribe] land back for him. Joomochi thought he was joking and said if he thought he was going to get them for free. He asked Dam Deok if he really didn’t have any money (which he probably didn’t) Dam Deok then said one more time that he would get the land back for Joomochi. They can then live well there with his people. Joomochi knew then he was serious this time but he didn’t still didn’t really believed him. He said that Kings and nobles had always made use of the people and then get rid of them. He’s like telling Dam Deok…he was going to make them offer their help for free (with the promise of getting back their land) and then get rid of them later.

Dam Deok asked if Joomochi was a guy that could be gotten rid off easily.

Now Joomochi was interested and serious. More than money, I guess what they wanted was to get back their own land so that they could live in peace and raise their family.

Joomoochi looked at Dam Deok in the eye and said: “Don’t make me kneel down before your majesty.” Dam Deok assured him that he won’t. Joomochi then said: “Don’t make me and my people citizens of Goguryeo and then Dam Deok replied that Baekje, Malga, Sunbi and Goguryeo were all brothers in the beginning. At this, Joomochi bowed and left. This was the starting of his allegiance to Dam Deok (and of course as the White Tiger later).

Ho Gae was walking inside the palace, led by Dong Gam. He paused a little, remembering his childhood days…when he was teaching Dam Deok how to use the spear, and telling Dam Deok about hunting. He actually had a slight smile on his face as he recollected those brief happy moments. If not for their family and the circumstances, both of them would have been really good friends.

Dam Deok was sitting in the exact same spot as he was years ago when he met Ho Gae.

He was glad that Ho Gae went to meet him. Considering all that had happened, everyone expected Ho Gae to avoid him. But Ho Gae was never the evil guy, neither was he petty, he just chose that path because people kept pushing him onto it.

Ho Gae said that he shouldn’t meet him alone without any bodyguards. At which, Dam Deok asked if he was thinking of assasinating him. Ho Gae, looking serious, replied that he was thinking about it (I don’t think Ho Gae will do such a thing but his father might. hehe!) But Dam Deok just laughed and indicated to Ho Gae to sit next to him. Ho Gae didn’t sit next to him, but he did sit near him. Aiyah…why must the 2 of them fight?

Dam Deok asked if his first target was Baekje. Ho Gae replied that he has been informed that the symbol of Chongryong (Blue Dragon) was brought to Baekje by the followers of Sosuhno, Queen of Joomong (I remember reading that Bakeje and Goguryeo were supposed to be ‘brothers’ as Baekje was founded by one of Jumong’s son.

Anyway, Ho Gae said that he was sure the King would already have known all these from the Geo Mool people.

Dam Deok said that since Ho Gae addressed him as King, would he also obey his orders if they went into battle. And Ho Gae replied this was a contest to find out who was the real King of Jushin and people joined his army because they wanted him to be King (basically, it’s a no…Hmm…he might as well staged a revolt if he’s not going to obey the King. Why the presence of finding the symbols?)

Dam Deok said that if they were really going all out to find the symbols, there will be war. Ho Gae mistook this to mean that he didn’t want to fight with Ho Gae for the crown and asked if he didn’t have the confidence to start a war and if his confidence was in tricking people. But Dam Deok’s real reason was he didn’t want to make the soldiers die because of this fight/ contest between the 2 of them and said so to Ho Gae.

But Ho Gae was adamant. He said there will be a Jaega meeting the next day with tribal chiefs and he could hear what the people of Goguryeo, whom he was worried about have to say about this.

The next day, inside the palace court, the officer announced the arrival of the King, but nobody really paid attention and everyone was reluctant to stand up and pay their respects except for Heuk Gae of the Chor No tribe. Yon Gar Ryeo and Ho Gae looked most unhappy (they were probably thinking that it should have been Ho Gae up there). Anyway, the officer announced the arrival of the King, this time much more forcefully, and everyone finally stood up reluctantly.

It was interesting to note that Dam Deok did not sit on the throne as was his right as the King. Instead, he stood behind the throne. Did he perhaps felt that it was not quite the right time to sit there yet as he did not have the approval of the rest of court and the chiefs?

Ho Gae announced that he would like to ask for permission to set out with his army on the last day of the month.

Dam Deok then replied that as war cost lives, there must be a good reason to go to war and plans had to be made if blood was not to be spilled (I think the word used is costing their neck…I could be wrong).

Anyway, Ho Gae replied that there were many reasons. To rebuild the land of Jushin, they need to find all the four symbols and one of them was in Baekje. Secondly, he said, it was not entirely about finding the symbol. He asked if Dam Deok had forgotten that Go Gook Won Wang was killed by Baek Je.

At this, everyone stomped feet on the ground, agreeing in unison.

(Go Gook Won Wang was the 16th King of Goguryeo and died in battle with Gun Cho Go Wang, the King of Baek Je, when he invaded Pyongyang in AD 371. (translated by Gualsan)

Ho Gae announced that he would seek the revenge for their King. He also said that his strategy was him and his 20,000 ~ 30,000 soldiers. At this, the chiefs and everyone stamped their feet on the floor even more in approval. Basically, his only tactic and strategy was based on the fact that he had a large army, who was willing to fight. There was no real plan.

But revenge was even a better reason to go to war then finding the symbol, The symbol may or may no be in Baekje and it would not be quite right to start a war over something that was not confirmed. But to avenge for a King who died in battle was a valid reason. And it would definitely appeal to the chiefs, who were all warriors.

Dam Deok calmly said that if they invaded Baekje this way, there would only be a 50% of winning. Ok…the following was really difficult to understand but according to Gaulsan’s translation, Dam Deok had suggested that before starting on the war, they should establish diplomatic ties with the surrounding states like Shilla, Hooyon and Malga and made sure they would not help Baekje or invade Goguryeo when all the soldiers were out there fighting. (This, he had mentioned briefly in Ep 11 when Ho Gae was busy recruiting his army). He continued by saying that since Baekje was divided into 2- eastern and western Baekje, they should use this and make them fight against each other.

Now, this is the mind for a good strategist and commander. It’s not enough to just fight …you have to fight smart as well.

But before Dam Deok could continue further, one of the tribal chief interrupted him and said if he was against the war because he was afraid. He then said that Ho Gae had been fighting for a long time and he, Dam Deok should learn to be courageous like Ho Gae.

This infuriated Heuk Go, who shouted at the chief. Hehe! I like the fat chief of the Chor No tribe. ^^

Chojoodo (Yon’s aide) interrupted further by saying that he would like to say a few words from his heart (this man has always been a slippery one with words). He said that it wasn’t about finding the symbols of Jushin land but rather to take revenge against Baekje. He said that Ho Gae was so trusted that all the soldiers were volunteering to help him. He then said that Dam Deok shouldn’t be jealous of him (this guy really knows how to talk. Now, not only will everyone think Dam Deok was a coward, but he was also petty as well). He ended by saying that Ho Gae’s victory was the victory of Goguryeo, which means it was also his victory (as the King of Goguryeo).

All the court officials and the chiefs started talking, becaming rather heated. Dam Deok observed all these quietly, taking it all in. He look a little worried but unafraid. No doubt, he already expected it but he still wanted to try and discouraged against the war if possible. Yon Gar Ryeo was observing Dam Deok’s reactions. And in the background, Hyeon Go was there too..listening to the whole episode.

That night, inside the palace court, Dam Deok spotted Suzini sitting there, drinking. Hmmm…why was she drinking inside the court? I’m sure there are plenty of nicer place to sit and drink. hehe! Anyway, Dam Deok’s face sort of lighted up and with a smile, said: “You’re drinking again?” Suzini said she wasn’t drinking. Dam Deok took the bottle of drink from her.

Dam Deok then asked her where she had been the whole day but Suzini said it was a secret. Dam Deok took a sip of the drink and remarked why it was so strong. hoho! Our Suzini really drinks strong wine.

Anyway, Dam Deok said to her: “I told you not to do that.” Suzini asked innocently what was it? Dam Deok said that she went to Yon’s house, didn’t she? Suzini asked who told him that (yeah…how did he know? Only Suzini and the funny, short guy went to Yon’s house). Dam Deok told her again not to do it and asked if she had forgotten that he told her not to meddle in other people’s affair.

Suzini was very indignant and asked if he thought she had gone there to play. I mean, here she was, doing serious work, trying to find out why Ki Ha was at Yon’s place and she was angry with Dam Deok for thinking that she had gone there to play.

Dam Deok actually replied that he would like to see her play around like going to the gambling places (that was when Dam Deok first met her).

Now Suzini was even more upset amd said…yeah…she was playing around. She went to Yon’s house because she heard there’s lots of drinks in his house and she went to see see what kind of wine and how much they had and to try them.

Now Dam Deok knew she didn’t go there for this and smiling asked what she was hiding from him. I think he’s really patient with her.

Suzini sat down with a sigh and asked if his majesty still liked that woman a lot. At this, Dam Deok’s smile faded and his face changed.

Suzini, without looking at him and not realizing this change, continued, saying that everyone in Geo Mool village knew that they liked each other since they were young, and so they thought she must have been a really good women. But why did she do it, why did she kill the previous King? Perhaps she had a good reason or she didn’t mean it as he was her lover’s father. (She’s saying I don’t understand this woman at all.)

Dam Deok didn’t want to listen any more and looking away from her, said in a cold voice: “That’s enough. Don’t say anymore.”

Suzini, still not realizing anything, turned to him and said even more loudly: “However, please do not like this woman. Your majesty, she stabbed you with the sword.” Aiyoh..this girl don’t know when to stop. This point was probably the most painful to him and she still reminded him about it. Anyway, she continued by saying that maybe there’s a reason for it too. Being a Joo Jak, she may have known from the beginning that he wouldn’t die, that’s why she could do it. But Suzini could not forgive her.

This time, Dam Deok shouted out and said: “I told you to stop!”

Poor Dam Deok. He wasn’t angry with her. It was just very painful for him to listen to all this.

Suzini became even more agitated and started shouting that Dam Deok didn’t know anything and he didn’t know what she was doing (she saw Ki Ha and Ho Gae hugging and thought that she Ki Ha was playing around with Dam Deok). She said that it was Dam Deok who should stop and why was he so angry anyway, did he still like her? (Of course, he still likes her, silly girl. You think love can just stop like that?)

Dam Deok, slowly looking up..and then you can see that painful, slightly teary (not because he was sad but I think more because he was frustrated and angry) look on his face. He said quietly that yes, he did still like her. That shut Suzini up and I believe she was rather disappointed at hearing this. Because, deep down, subconsciously, she was probably hoping to hear him say that he didn’t like her anymore.

Dam Deok sighed and said bitterly that he couldn’t stop thinking about her and that he missed her. He wanted to meet her and talk to her. (But he couldn’t because now he really believed that she killed her father). Then he sighed again, took a deep breath and said: “Therefore, don’t mention about her in front of me.”

And Suzini, the happy-go-lucky girl, who probably almost never cried, sat down, facing away from him, said with tears in her eyes: “I understand.” Suzini has already fallen in love with him without realizing it. And then Dam Deok sighed again. Poor Dam Deok…Suzini should have just turned around and given him a hug at this point.

Hyeon Go, the Geo Mool village people, General Ko, Heuk Gae (chief of Chor No tribe) and Dam Deok were all looking at some sort of map and discussing.

Heuk Gae said that people were saying that the new King was a coward and General Ko shouted at him to watch his words. But hor…you know lah, this big, fat teddy chief though very loyal, was also quick tempered.

Heuk Gae asked Dam Deok to allow him and his tribe to join in the battle and that they would fight for him.

Dam Deok, looking up, asked Hyeon Go what was the possibility if they fought with Baekje. He wasn’t at all ruffled by Heuk Gae’s outburst. ^^

Hyen Go replied that it would be difficult to win as both countries were well prepared. Then the rest of the conversation, really hard to get. But according to Gaulsan, it seemed Heuk Gae said that he would bring in all the reserve forces and even summoned the border guards. This chief hor…not very bright right? How can bring in the border guards? Then who’s going to guard the borders? Hyeon Go then rebutted back that if the border guards were recalled, then Hooyon and Georan will attack (I guess other tribes or states). At this, Heuk Gae had to shut up. ^^

Then, the other guy from Geo Mool village started to explain the military aspects of Ho Gae’s expedition (which was even more difficult to understand). But basically, according to Gaulsan’s translation, Ho Gae has to attack over 20 citadels to reach (I’m guessing he meant the capital) Baekkje. If each citadel took 10 days, it would take him at about 3 months to invade half of those citadels.

Dam Deok, was listening to all these, deep in thought..and then he looked up and said to Hyeon Go: “Teacher.”

Hehe! Hyeon Go was obviously pleased that Dam Deok respected him and said proudly to Heuk Gae: “I’m his majesty’s teacher.” Hehe! Heuk Go was not pleased.

Dam Deok said that since Geo Mool knew everything in the world, would they also know how to leak out information. Hyeon Go and everyone was surprised at this. Dam Deok continued that he wanted a secret to be leaked out and if it could be done, then he would approve Ho Gae’s war expedition. He said he had no choice anyway.

Heuk Gae then asked what he was going to do if they went out to fight?

Damdeok then replied that since they said that Ho Gae’s army was Goguryeo’s army and that Ho Gae’s victory was his victory, he was thinking of helping so that he could win. (hehe! This was said by Yon’s aide at the meeting, to sort of make it sound better officially and politically correct).

It was busy at the work place of Ba Son and many blacksmiths were arriving. Then I think one of the blacksmith who used to be from her village also arrived and she was very surprised and happy to see him.

Iron ore arrived and Ba Son and everyone else looked at it as if they were really precious. Hmmm…I know it’s probably not easy to mine them but I wonder if they were really difficult to get? Or were they special kind of iron ore?

In the meeting room, Hyeon Go was saying that if they fought against East Baekje alone, maybe they could win but if West Baekje also joined in, they could not win, even with 40,000 soldiers. (Ho Gae was going to attack East Baekje).

Dam Deok turned to him and said he called him teacher and brought his group there. He did not want to know about ‘can’t do, cannot win etc’. (ie, I didn’t bring you guys here to listen to all these)

Woah….This King can be respectful and authoritative at the same time.

Anyway, Dam Deok said that there were many reasons why they won’t and can’t win but now he wanted them to tell him how they could win. Ahh…that is how a commander should be like. If he’s already thinking of loosing from the start, then the battle is already lost before it even began.

Hyeon Go asked if they could stop Ho Gae and Dam Deok’s immediate reply was no. Dam Deok said he would have difficulty raising 40,000 men for his army, so let’s see how they could win with this army.

Hyeon Go said that the military forces of both Baekje and Goguryeo were the same level. The one thing they may be better at was horse riding.

Dam Deok immediately asked how was Ba Son doing and Gam Dong (that officer who was also from Geo Mool village) replied that Ba Son has announced that she would reveal her secrets and therefore all the blacksmiths in the country were at her work place. Ahh…..so that was why all these blacksmiths were arriving. Hmm..so she must be really good and well-known for her skills then.

Next you see Ba Son showing all the blacksmiths around and telling them how to make great weapons and showing off her special armour and shield etc.

Back in the meeting room, Hyeon Go was telling Dam Deok that they didn’t have enough time and it would take half a year to arm 40,000 soldiers (hmmm… Hyeon Go thought Dam Deok was going to arm Ho Gae’s army..because so far, Dam Deok did not say anything about fighting).

Ok…all these military talk was really, seriously difficult to understand even one bit,so many thanks to Gaulsan.

Dam Deok looked thoughtful for awhile and then asked General Ko that once Ho Gae set out, how long it would take his army to reach the borders of Baekje.

General Ko replied that as Ho Gae had been fighting from young and was experienced, he would reach it in 7 days. Dam Deok then asked how long it would take West Baekje to cross the sea with support. (East and West Baekje were separated by the sea).

General Ko said that they would be aware of Ho Gae’s move in 3 days and would be able to cross the sea in 10 to 14 days (aiyoh…really cannot catch the way they say the number of days. Were they using a different type of counting for days?)

Hmm…let’s do some calculations here…it would therefore take the reinforcement about 2 weeks to arrive. By then, Ho Gae’s army hadn’t even reach the middle of Baekje. Remember in earlier scene, the guy from Geo Mool village said that Ho Gae would probably take about 3 months to invade about 10 cities/ towns. So by the time he arrived at his destination (assuming he won all the way), the combined army of both West and East Baekje would be ready and waiting for him.

At this reply, Dam Deok looked a little discouraged, and both General Ko and Hyeon Go sort of looked at Dam Deok, as if waiting for some brilliant answers or decisions to this problem (I thought they were supposed to be the people providing answers but I think this was a very subtle hint that Dam Deok was slowly being respected not just as the King but also as a good strategist). Anyway, within a second, he seemed to have recovered and said that no matter what, he wanted to try and delay Ho Gae’s army from arriving at Baekje. Of course this didn’t make sense to anyone. I mean the longer Ho Gae’s army was delayed, the more time West Baekje would have to arrive with reinforcement. Damdeok then said during the time of delay, they would try and stop West Baekje. Hyeon Go asked if they were going to stop them with General Ko’s army and Chor No tribe, at which General Ko said the combined troops was less than 3,000 (wow, that’s a very small army. Ho Gae has 40,000!).

Dam Deok smiled and said wasn’t the smaller the better as they would be able to make the weapons’ faster for them. Hyeon Go asked with astonishment if they were going to fight the West Baekje army with only 3,000 soldiers (which was suicidal).

Then Dam Deok said they have to delay the departure of Ho Gae for about 2 weeks and to divert them from their current target of Hansung towards east instead.

Hyeon Go then asked again worriedly if they were going to fight the West Baekje with just 3 thousand soldiers. Dam Deok turned to General Ko and, with a slight smile and resolve and asked how good was the Baekje’s intelligence network and he replied that if he had a cold, the whole of Hunsung in Baekje would know it in 5 days.

Dam Deok then said sort of with a little amusement (he’s really cute with this expression) that let’s make everyone think that he was going to stay inside the palace and he was definitely too afraid to fight. (Ok, we all know this isn’t true but that’s what everyone thought). With that, Dam Deok got up to leave (he had already planned his strategy and didn’t really care even if others thought he was a coward). But Hyeon Go got up and said immediately that it was not ok and if he was going to help Ho Gae in the battle and let him find the symbol. (remember, to Hyeon Go, they were not there to help the King of Goguryeo or interfere in their politics. Rather their allegience was to the King of Jushin so finding the symbols was important for him).

Dam Deok turned to Hyeon Go and looking at him straight in the eye, said: “Teacher, without citizens, one cannot be King. Hoe Gae’s army are my people. I do not wish them to die.”

All along, Dam Deok’s main concern was to protect his people first in battle..to minimize the casualties.

And hehe! Hyeon Go really liked to be called teacher by Dam Deok.

Ba Son was holding up an arrow that she had made and showing it to Suzini. Think she was telling her how strong and good it was and how fast and straight it could fly.

Suzini said that it was strange that Bason didn’t make such great weapons before coz if she did, she would have been rich. Ba Son told her to use her head and think…if she did that, then many people would die? Hmm… Not too sure but I think she said if she did for one, then another would ask her to make too and she didn’t want unworthy people to receive such good weapons? Hmm…the gist of it I think.

Anyway, Suzini then asked if she thought now their Kimg (Dam Deok) was worth receiving them. Hehe! I think Ba Son said that if she knew the King was good, she would reveal the secrets and make the weapons (beacuse Dam Deok’s request to her was to make better armour to protect his people and not better weapons to kill, she decided that this King was worth supporting ^^).

Ba Son saw Dalbee holding onto a notebook and seemed to be deep in thought. She wondered if she was thinking of that ajusshi. (hehe! she was referring to Joomochi as ajuhssi)

Dalbee saw them looking at her and quickly kept her book, with a sort of guilty look and got on with her work. Suzini went up to her and ask her if she was missing Joomochi (Ok…so, everyone know they sort of like each other). This Suzini so naughty, she was teasing her. Then Suzini said she was going to the palace then (I supposed Joomochi must be near Dam Deok for discussion about the attack plans) and Dalbee called out to her to wait and she went to her bag and took out the book. She passed the book to Suzini and asked her to give it to the King. Suzini was surprised and said, it’s not Joomochi..it’s the King? (did she think she was going to have another competition? haha!) Dalbee said if the King was busy, to give it to someone who may be interested.

Suzini asked what it was and Dalbee explained that it was a logistics book for military expedition…food, horses etc. She was doing it when she was at the Yon’s residence. Suzini had this open-mouth, incredulous look on her face..Dalbee said she thought it might help…Suzini continued to have this I-cannot-believe-it look. Dalbe mistook Suzini’s look to mean she thought it was a joke. She said she was alone and had nothing to do and just thought…and then she apologized and walked away with a rather downcast face (she really wanted to help Dam Deok but she wasn’t sure it would be of help because well..she was just a maid). Actually, Suzini was very impressed and took the book from her. ^^

Sar Ryang brought food into Ki Ha room but found her missing. Aiyah..he really very nice to her.

Ho Gae remembered his mother’s dying wish for him to be King of Jushin. It’s really quite sad…because he didn’t really want to be King initially. He had no intention of taking the position from Dam Deok..but because of his mother..his father… 🙁

So Ho Gae made a promise to himself that he would become the King of Goguryeo and Jushin..for his mother and for that person (Ki Ha).

Ho Gae saw Ki Ha, who was finally up and about but she looked like a ghost and didn’t seemed to be quite right mentally. Hmm…and while she was almost always dressed in white previously, she was now all in black. Is this a sign of the change in her? Was she starting to turn bad?

Ki Ha was talking to herself and saying that her power to use the fire was stronger but strangely, she could not put it out (Is this another sign she was turning wicked? Becoming the black Joo Jak?) Anyway, she was talking very softly and I couldn’t hear at all what she was saying so thanks to Gaulsan for the translation.

Ho Gae was obviously very pleased to see Ki Ha conscious and asked if she was ok. He said he was waiting for her, to see her etc. Ki Ha, still in her low quiet voice (which I think was pretty scary), asked why he was waiting for her, she has never waited for him at all. Then not sure what Ho Gae said but he asked why did she stabbed Dam Deok with the sword, what was she thinking of? Perhaps she didn’t love him anymore?

Ki Ha, still in an emotionless voice, turning to look at him finally, said that she thought of dying together. Ho Gae was a little shock. Ki Has said but now she had a reason to live. She wanted to meet him (Dam Deok) and then decide how she should live. Hmm…what was going through her mind?

But at least this solved the mystery for many of us…whether she stabbed Dam Deok, meaning to die together or she stabbed him, hoping to save him. She really meant to kill him and then commit suicide.

Inside the palace, Suzini was showing Dalbee’s book to Dam Deok, and asked him if he understood it. Dam Deok looked at it in detail and asked if it was written by the Yon’s maid. Suzinie said her name was Dalbee and her husband, a captain of Yon’s soldiers was killed. She escaped and was now living with Ba Son. Hehe! Actually, Suzini didn’t really understand exactly the whole book well and wasn’t too sure if it was useful. Dam Deok sort of ignored her and called out to General Ko.

Dam Deok asked if General Ko was looking for a quartermater (someone in charge of logistics). The term is 병참부대, an army unit responsible for soldiers’ accommodation, food, and clothing.

This person/ unit was very important in any expedition, particularly for battle/ war. Without food, the soldiers would suffer. Even more important was providing food for the horses coz without horses, soldiers cannot go to war. I remembered watching Chinese period dramas and reading related books that the unit in charge of food must always be protected and arrive first before the proper army. Only a well-fed army can fight well.

Anyway, General Ko replied that yes, but all the good, reliable staff were working for Ho Gae. (Of course, none of them wanted to work for General Ko).

Damdeok passed the book to General Ko and asked him to take a look as he was quite impressed. General Ko took over the book, but did not look at it or checked it, said that if his majesty thought it was ok, he had no objection and would appoint this person immediately.

Now most Kings or commanders would have been pleased that their orders were not questioned (in most circumstances, they should not be questioned..hehe!), but Dam Deok was different. He said that long time ago, General Ko taught him that if the quartermaster/ logistics did not provide good support, the soldiers cannot fight well. General Ko was very pleased that he remembered his teachings.

Dam Deok then said that if he made a mistake for such an important position, would it be his fault or the General fault who received the order from the King and did not questioned them. ^^

General Ko replied that it would be his fault and said that he would meet the person and give her the job that he judged appropriate. he got the drift.

So slowly, we are beginning to see why this King was great and able to expand the territories of Goguryeo. He did not want his men to just listen blindly to instructions but to question them when necessary.

As the 2 of them were talking, a commotion broke out between Suzini and one of the Geo Mool people. They were fooling around and putting ink on each other’s face.

Dam Deok turned and saw this scene and didn’t look happy. Hyeon Go was looking at Dam Deok…looking at Suzini.

Now this very small scene was of much discussion amongst the few of us at the forum. We figured that this was a sign that Dam Deok liked her. Some said he was jealous. I don’t think it was really jealousy but more displeasure that Suzini was getting all physical with other men. I think Suzini (who had grown up with all these men) often forgot she was a girl but Dam Deok did not forget.. hehe! Anyway, should take a look at this scene coz I’m quite sure I’m right about how he felt as it tied in with a scene later.

That night in the palace, as the soldiers stood guard, there seemed to be someone around and a shadow was seen passing by quickly. Hyeon Go was inside the room with his members working hard (actually, Hyeon Go was dozing off but the others were working hard). Suddenly, there was a strong gust of wind ..and Hyeon Go was a little concerned and suspicious. He looked outside and shut the door.

Suzini was happily walking around with a bottle of wine…and in the background, Ki Ha was observing her. Suzini sort of sensed a presence but when she turned to take a look, she couldn’t see anyone.

Anyway, the next scene was quite funny..

Dam Deok was poring over his papers in his room and suddenly, he looked up, sniffing at something and there was Suzini…waving the smell of the liquor towards him.

Anyway, Suzini said a whole lot of things about the merits of the wine…well…she was really thrilled about the wine.

Dam Deok asked if she could just stop drinking for one day and Suzini, holding the bottle closed to her and said no. Haha! This girl has been drinking since she was young.

Dam Deok, with a sigh..turned back to his papers. He really didn’t know what to do with this girl. ^^

Think she was asking the King to take a break from his learning and have a drink to relax? (Sorry, not too sure). Anyway, she placed the bottle of wine right under Dam Deok’s nose and said this (wine) was from heaven.

Dam Deok looked at Suzini with a solemn look…his majesty was not amused. ^^

Suzini then begged Dam Deok to have just a taste, a sip…because the wine was for the King only but if he tasted it, then the rest of them could have it as well.

Dam Deok laughed, and with a small sigh, gave in to her request.

He took a sip, turned to Suzini (who was expecting him to pass the wine back to her)..but he looked away, and with a little smile, took another sip. He was teasing her.

Dam Deok said the smell was quite good and then Suzini…waiting in anticipation, wanted to have her bottle of wine back and said he didn’t have to drink anymore (hehe! the more he drank, the less wine left for her). He took another sip, tasted it and was pondering about the taste… Suzini was getting more and more agitated and said she thought he didn’t like wine. Dam Deok said the wine was a little too strong..but still proceeded to take another sip anyway. Now Suzini was really angry and frustrated- like a little kid denied of her favourite toy.

Dam Deok sort of tasted the wine again, and then said it was nothing unusual and threw the bottle of wine at Suzini, who quickly caught hold of it.

All this while, Ki Ha was looking in from the opposite side into the window, looking at the 2 of them. Gosh…she really looked like a ghost.

As Suzini held on tightly to the bottle of wine and walked out, Dam Deok looked up and stop her, asking her where she was going. Then he asked her if she going to get drunk and misbehave with the men. (hehe! He definitely did not like her fooling around with men). Suzini was indignant and asked when did she ever behaved in such a way.

Anyway, Dam Deok asked her to sit down over there…where he could see her drink. Suzini was still looking at him…and then Dam Deok said since they’re both disciples of the same master (they both call Hyeon Go ‘teacher’), her disgrace would be his disgrace. hehe! He just wanted her to be around. Anyway, Suzini was still hesitating but Dam Deok went: “Oh hoh…” in a commanding voice and Suzini gave in and went to sit down in a corner quietly. Hehe! Dam Deok was really cute when he went ‘Oh hoh..’.

Whilst Suzini enjoyed her drink, Dam Deok was smiling away and….and… Ki Ha was looking at him…with a murderous look on her face. She had said she wanted to know see him and then she could decide how to live. I guess she was expecting him to be in misery…just like she was. Yet, here he was, joking with another women. He seemed to have forgotten about her completely. Maybe he never cared about at all?

Then Dam Deok sensing something, looked up to the opposite tower but Ki Ha was already gone.

Ki Ha returned to Hwa Cheon…obviously heart broken and sad..and in the background, she remembered what Ho Gae said about waiting for her heart and that he would be setting out the next day.

The next day, Ho Gae set off with his army with much fanfare and rousing support from the people. Ho Gae looked determined, there was only one purpose on his mind….to get the symbol in Baekje and proved himself as the King of Jushin once and for all.

In a small village seaport of Baekje, a group of armed guards were escorting a man, who was carrying a box carefully. They rested in a small eating place and the waiter starred intently at the box seemed which was flickering. The man blocked the waiter’s view and one of the guard motioned for the waiter to step away.

The man then said to the guard that they have to hurry as the symbol was unstable.

The group left the eating place and after walking some distance, when they were certain there wasn’t anyone following them, the man got out of the carriage and stretched himself. Hehe! They were from Geo Mool village. The man said their master (the other party) would hear about it and they had achieved their target mission. That waiter was from Hwa Cheon and they knew he would definitely let Daejangro know about this. This was the ‘secret’ that Dam Deok wanted Geo Mool to leak out.

The man opened the box and blew out the few lighted candles inside the box.

The waiter sent out the message.

Inside the Hwa Cheon HQ, Daejangro received the note which said that the symbol of Cheongrol was seen in the eastern part of Baekje. But he didn’t really believed it. If it was really the symbol, it should be in Hansung (the capital of Baekje), why would it be in such a remote place? Sar Ryang then commented that perhaps it was where the owner lived.

Aiyoh…really, really cannot hear what Daejangro say all the time. And did you see the way he drank his tea? Really oozing with evil. Yeew!

Daejangro and Yon Gar Ryeo were discussing. Daejangro said that it has been rumoured that Sosuhno (the queen of Jumong) took the symbol with her when she went south with her 2 sons. There were also other rumours that the guardian of the Cheongryong symbol chose to follow her.

Translation by Gaulsan on the text about Sosuhno
* Sosuhno> The wife of Choomodaewang[the king who built Koguryo], who moved to the south with her two sons and built Baekje.

Yon Gar Ryeo said that since he said he didn’t know exactly where the symbol was now, how did he know that the symbol was in Baekje. Daejangro then said that the light of Cheongryong was seen on the day that Ho Gae was born but since then, nobody knew where it was (Hmm..I thought Sar Ryang saw the father plunging the symbol into the boy’s heart?)

Yon Gar Ryeo then asked of the symbol was now seen in Eastern part of East Baekje. Daejangro confirmed it and suggested that Ho Gae should get the symbol first and then attack Baekje later.

Dam Deok really quite smart. He knew Daejangro and everyone will be more concerned about getting the symbol.

The funny short guy was walking along the stree, selling his stuff. A stage had been set and a public play was about to begin.

Inside the palace, Dam Deok, Heuk Gae and everyone were discussing about situation. Dam Deok commented that if the Geo Mool village people did their job well, then Ho Gae’s army would moved towards Palgoonsung. (hmm..where was that?)

Anyway, Heuk Gae almost choked on his drink and said if they were going to make Ho Gae attack that place (apparently, it was a well prepared citadel).

Dam Deok said they had to start the battle slowly and as far away from West Baekje as possible.

Heuk Gae, not understanding what was going on….was getting frustrated and said smoke was coming out of his head. hehehe! This big teddy bear is so cute. Dam Deok merely smiled and said as Ho Gae has 40,000 thousand men, and if he thought Baekje would know.

Heuk Gae thought it was a stupid question and said everyone in both East and West Baekje would know by now. (Yah lor…so big an army, sure know one). Dam Deok then asked if he thought Ho Gae would win with a well prepared army and reinforcement.

Heuk Gae drew himself up proudly and said even though he didn’t like Ho Gae, nobody could defeat their army.

Dam Deok looked at Heuk Gae calmly again and asked once more if he thought Ho Gae would win. Now Heuk Gae kept quiet because he knew deep down it would be a very difficult victory and frankly, Ho Gae may not win with the combined Baekje army.

And then Dam Deok’s expression was so cute…in a ‘you-just-said-he-will-win teasing look, said: “He will win (right?).”

In the street, the actor was praising Ho Gae and said he would look at Baejje in the eye (I think that’s what he said). Anyway, there’s lots of support for Ho Gae.

The rest of the dialogue was very complicated to understand but according to Gaulsan, Dam Deok’s plan was to attack the provinces where they were not expected.

Heuk Gae asked if they were fighting (hehe! He must have been pleased to know that Dam Deok was finally planning to go into battle coz he thought he wasn’t going to).

Dam Deok then said that when the provinces were attacked, the soldiers would rush back and defend and he asked General Ko to tell Ho Gae that they should attack Baekje’s army from behind when that happened. (Basically, this would catch Baekje’s army unaware by attacking them form behind. Also at the same time, the provinces who were not well defended would also fall to Dam Deok’s army).

Heuk Gae asked once again if they were fighting too.

Dam Deok smiled and said that they were not attacking Baekje’s Hansung but attacking the middle part that connected East and West Baekje. If they managed to do that, they would have access to the sea.

This was a smart move because by cutting off the connection (ie, controlling the sea), it would mean that East Baekje would not be able to get help from West Baekje. Not just reinforcement but also probably things like food and necessities. East Baekje would have to fend for itself.

It then cut to the scene of the public play and the actor was playing a scene where Ho Gae found the symbol in Baekje and teh guardian said that he had been waiting for Ho Gae (everyone still believes that Ho Gae is the real King of Jushin). The whole crowd applauded.

Continuing in the meeting, Dam Deok then announced that he had a mission for the Jeolno tribe and the chief was so happy coz after listening to all the talk about attacking, he thought Dam Deok was going to give him the orders to fight.

Dam Deok: “First, please go back to your Jeolno territory.”

Heuk Gae spluttered out…: “Your…your majesty.” He was like…what-the-$5#@7&…you’re not letting me fight but instead asking me to go back to my own place.

Dam Deok clearly knew this guy’s character and said with a smile: “I still have something to prepare.” He said he cannot send his soldiers into battleground unless he had finished preparing.

Heuk Gae shouted out like what was there to prepare…nobody went into battlefield prepared. Hehe! Like I said, he’s a warrior but not exactly a commander and strategist.

Dam Deok replied that he would do so (be prepared) and that he won’t start a war unless he was sure of winning. (This was also exactly what he said years ago when he found out Ho Gae’s mother was poisoning his father. At that time, he told General Ko he would not start a war he could not win)

At that moment, Dong Gam came in and said that Jeok Hwan and the Gaema soldiers were waiting to see him.

The play continued, with the actor mocking Dam Deok as a coward. The funny short guy walked away angrily.

Dam Deok went out and again, he did not sit on the throne, but instead sat down on the steps in front of the army. The army was very respectful of Dam Deok. I really think Jeok Hwan is a good soldier and an upright man. He was just misled into thinking that Ho Gae was the true Jushin King instead.

Don’t know what he said but according to Gaulsan, he told Dam Deok the proud history of Gaema as an elite army..probably always the first to fight etc…

I think he said that they would follow the King and whenever he (Dam Deok) was going to battle, they would be accompanying him. But since he was not……Anyway, he asked for Dam Deok’s permission to join Ho Gae’s army as it would be an insult and shame to the Gaema army if they were not there.

Dam Deok listened quietly and then said…of course the army could not be shamed and insulted. Then he stood up and put his hands on Jeok Hwan’s shoulders saying that he didn’t think about it (Gaema’s army position). He gave permission for the Gaema army to join in the battle and that a message will be sent to Ho Gae to wait for them before attacking.

Jeok Hwan was very moved and extremely grateful. I’m sure he never thought Dam Deok would agree to it.

This actually worked out quite well into Dam Deok’s plan as he wanted to delay Ho Gae into fighting as long as possible. He told General Ko to delay the Gaema army as long as possible to buy time.

I really loved the scene of Ho Gae and his army riding down..it is truly impressive. And even though he’s not a very nice guy, he still looks pretty good leh.

A messenger arrived and delivered a message to Ho Gae that the King has released the Gaema army to join him and that he was to wait for their arrival before attacking. This sounded quite good to Ho Gae as it seemed to be an admission of defeat from Dam Deok but Ho Gae’s generals were not happy and in disagreement about it as it would mean that Baekje had more time to prepare whilst they wait for the Gaema army.

Ho Gae was still hesitating and then the messenger said there was another message from his family. The message was that the Gaema army would be coming together with the owner of Joo Jak (Ki Ha).

This was the deciding factor. He may not want to wait for the Gaema army but he will wait for Ki Ha.

End of Ep 12…

Whew!……