Original subtitles

Yi Kongju.

Yes, sir.

You've met Hyesim before?

Yes, sir.

I once went to Suson Temple to light incense and candles for you.

Is that so?

The truth is, I had already decided to see Hyesim before leaving for the palace.

I already packed incense and candles.

This wasn't on the spur of the moment.

Yes, My lord. I thought as much.

We've been together our whole lives. You would know if anyone would.

After all, for men like us…

there's always risk, anytime, anywhere.

We're not ones to let danger keep us from our duty.

Sometimes we risk our lives doing the smallest things.

Take today, for example.

What's so important about a student calling on his tutor?

- Kim Jun. - Sir.

Is it true? Is it?

What Songi said.

Wola's not your sister after all.

It doesn't matter.

Me, see, I won't give up on her.

Got that?

I'm bringing her into my household.

Manjong, we're in the temple.

If you please. You'll be late for your lesson.

Lesson?

That's what I think of lessons!

Mark my words. Wola is mine.

You hear me?

- If you please, young lord. - Right, let's go.

- Let go. - Sheesh.

This Tripitaka isn't just a Koryo treasure. It's a light to the whole world.

Tending to this work is a blessing above all others.

So I keep telling my disciples.

There is still much to do.

Supplements, checks and double checks.

Yes, I know.

Who knows as much about the scriptures as your good self?

Because of your work, the rest of us can rest easy…

and concentrate on our meditations.

Shall we?

Please.

General Pak, what brings you here?

Our lord would like to pay his respects to Venerable Hyesim.

He sent us ahead.

Now, now, he has a country to run.

He needn't bother with me.

Well, well, no reek of wine today?

I'm even tired of drinking at this point.

My disciple.

It's a great honor, Venerable.

Listen to you.

We're all fellow pilgrims here in the temple.

It seems to me that you are a long way on the path.

Your eyes are filled with insight.

Not at all. I'm just the temple drunk.

Pardon me.

Where are you off to?

Just the local burrow.

I've spent a lot of time there and need to pay my tab.

They'll be glad to hear that.

Hurry back.

A devout disciple.

He went off to see the world but I think he's back for good.

Very devout, I can see that.

“Lack of forethought carries troubles today.”

From the Analects of Confucius.

What does it mean?

It means the man who fails to plan for the future will be beset by worries today.

In other words, always look ahead.

Plan for the day and the year.

And more, plan one's life as well.

A fine temple.

It took, what, over ten years to build?

Exactly. Some 28,000 square feet in all.

28,000? Incredible, just incredible.

It is. I still get lost myself sometimes.

The Heungwang Tripitaka canon aside,

I understand you have a famous library here.

Yes, right over there.

The most books in all of Koryo.

- Take a look. - Thank you.

Over there are the lecture halls.

- And here we have the library. - I see.

A commander in the Guard Corps and escort for the young lords.

Oh, is that so?

You're fond of books then?

Any particular book?

Sir. A wide variety, Venerable.

A variety.

And just now?

The Diamond Sutra.

Any particular passage?

The Buddha's discussion with Elder Subhuti.

Which part?

The Bodhisattva vow, Venerable.

As long as there is suffering,

may I never attain Enlightenment.

Quite so.

But the Diamond Sutra is just one of the 84,000 blocks.

What is the Tripitaka to you?

To live is to suffer agony and anguish.

The 84,000 blocks offer wisdom to help ease suffering.

This is the Tripitaka.

Quite right.

And what else are you reading?

Sir. The Four Books and the Three Classics,

the Art of War. A variety of books.

The Four Books and Three Classics?

Yes, the foundation of any education.

How long have you been studying then?

Sir. I'm not quite sure.

He was just made a commander?

Part of the slave brigade.

A slave?

So the branches of the old tree bloom.

Kuan Yin is merciful.

“Reign of Emperor Zhenguan.”

Yangbaek.

What's going on?

Lord Choe U is coming.

You notice anything strange?

I don't think so. But why is he coming?

I beg your pardon, Venerable, but I had to come pay my respects.

I know how busy you are. You needn't have bothered.

Shall we go inside?

Please.

You men wait here.

Sir.

We're escorting the abbots. I won't have swords.

But my lord…

I won't have the clank of accoutrements in the temple.

Will it be all right?

Stay on your guard.

Kim Jun, back to your post.

Yes, sir.

You keeping your swords?

It's all right. You're a frequent visitor.

Go on.

Yes, sir.

- Move out. - Commander.

Yes, Venerable.

That's all for today.

We have important visitors.

I heard earlier that Lord Choe U is here.

Our father?

A fine temple, a great temple.

- My quarters are just up this way. - I see.

If only the grounds weren't so big.

It's the traitor Choe U. Attack!

Assassins!

Dressed as monks!

No, it can't be!

How could this be? Merciful Kuan Yin.

Help, someone! Anyone! Help!

Gapi, guard the young lords.

Commander, Commander!

What's going on?

Something's not right, sir.

Lord!

- Kim Jun, assassins. Protect the lord! - Yes, sir.

Abbot!

It's dangerous. Allow me to escort you outside.

Danger? For my father?

- So it seems. If you could go-- - Oh, no.

- If my father's in danger-- - Manjun. Let's go.

- Huh? Manjong. - If they have swords they could kill us.

- Manjong. - Come on! It's better than dying here.

- I swear. - Guard the young lords.

General, what is it.

Any way I look at it, I don't like it.

Think about it.

Hyesim is here. They're bound to have realized Lord Choe might visit.

What are you doing out here?

Our hands are tied.

Lord Choe wouldn't let us on the temple grounds with our swords.

All the same. So he went in alone?

Pak Songbi is with him. Unarmed.

What?

Report. Report!

I think they're in danger.

Danger? Well? Move in!

- Move in! - Sir!

Whew. That's a lot of men.

- Lord! - Open the gates! Open up!

- Are you all right? - All right, sir?

I'm fine. Get me some new robes.

I won't wear these in front of the Venerable.

- Well? The lord's clothes. - Yes, sir.

- Tie them up. - Sir.

Pak Sangbi, are you all right?

Yes, sir. I have no excuse.

That's our excitement for the day.

Visiting this old mountain monk nearly cost you your life.

I've made too many enemies at court. My failures are to blame.

I don't know what to say.

That trouble with my monks a few years ago.

And now this… There's no excuse.

Buddha and people are far estranged. Don't give it another thought.

Candles, incense, and some new robes.

You're too good to me.

The way I see it, your father isn't long for this world.

And you and your brother don't get along.

Again, my failures are to blame.

It will work out in the end.

Make peace in the family and the country will follow.

I worry for you.

I will do all I can.

Now, some tea.

- Please. - Thank you.

As they say, the storm has passed.

Oh yes. Oh, yes…

What about the others?

They were killed or took their own lives.

They're really something.

Skilled in swords and unarmed combat.

Sent by Choe Hyang, no doubt.

I doubt we'll be able to make them confess.

Anyway, the crisis is past. But it was close.

Where are the two young lords?

They left first, sir.

First? Their father was under attack and they left?

Those...!

Anyway, well done, Kim Jun.

Any later and the lord may have been killed.

Not at all.

Wine, c'mon, wine.

Wine!

Manjong, anyway I look at it, we were wrong to run off like that.

What should we have done? It's not like we can fight like Kim Jun.

What kind of sons run off when their dad is under attack?

Huh? You did what?

Hush, you. Pour.

Listen.

Sit.

It was beyond our control, see?

There was nothing we could do.

Good thinking. A drink.

We would have just been in the way if we tried to help.

Am I right?

My sons were studying at the time?

Yes, sir. When things got bad they chose to retreat.

Yes, I'm sure they were scared out of their wits.

It's their natures.

Send that slave to me when we get back.

Kim Jun, sir?

Yes, sir.

Psst, you hear?

About what?

Choe Hyang ordered an attack on his older brother, Choe U.

We saw that coming when we first got here.

True. But he has an advantage over Choe U.

All the military is with Choe Hyang.

You threw away the perfect chance.

You had your chance and you flubbed it.

Worthless.

Right. We could have wrapped this up in the temple, nice and quiet.

A waste of time.

I told you to keep it quiet.

It's a shame to have lost the chance.

I agree.

What's done is done.

Now we have to find another opportunity.

How, exactly?

Mobilize the men.

We're out of time. It's the only way now.

I told you I won't do that.

We have to.

They're like cornered rats now.

Even a rat will attack a cat when it's cornered.

Muster the men.

Silence.

If we lose the people's trust, power, politics, it's all water through our fingers.

Send for my brother. We have to get him here.

I just need him to concede.

If he doesn't, then I'll do what has to be done.

It's what you've planned all along. Somehow keeping it quiet…

Send more men.

The Overlord is on his last breath.

We tried that once. You want to again?

We'll get another chance.

Choe U is devoted and loyal.

His risk today at Heungwang proves that.

That makes sense.

Rather than leave it to Kim Yakson, we'll do it ourselves.

He may change his mind.

You're right.

With his two trusted advisors, he may, at that.

Time is short. My father is the more pressing matter.

Let's go then.

Yes, sir.

Overlord.

Overlord…Overlord.

I say I'm going, I say it…

yet I hold onto my last breath.

But now I think I really am.

Dokmyong.

Yes, Overlord.

My medicine.

All gone. All but the one.

Dokmyong.

Yes, Overlord.

Life is a cruel mistress.

Overlord?

Going, going, yet hanging on, that's an old man's life.

Am I right, Dokmyong?

But listen.

It's the way of the world.

Darkness is replaced by light.

You can't get melons from dog dung.

It's the way of the world.

- Yakson. - Sir.

Get me the astronomer.

Sir?

Go to the palace and get the Royal Seer.

Yes, sir.

Overlord… If you need a fortune, I have some small ability.

You just say what I want to hear.

I don't need a fortune, I need a seer.

Something's going on for sure.

The soldiers up in arms and all…

I guess so.

Choe U was surrounded by his men and it was no leisurely stroll.

- I think he was hurt. - Oh, dear…

Whatever it is, it's got me worried. I feel it in my joints.

What are you staring at? Enjoying the view, huh?

- Back to work. Go. - Yes'm.

It's not as bad as I thought at first.

But you should take it easy.

It could have been a lot worse.

Who could imagine that could happen at the temple?

Well said.

Surely Choe Hyang was behind it?

Probably. We have no proof, so don't jump to conclusions.

I hear the Overlord is at death's door.

What are your plans?

He specifically ordered me not to go there.

But if you don't visit his deathbed…

I'll be subject to ridicule.

I've got to find a way to see him.

It's only right.

But didn't he forbid it because he knew they would lay a trap?

Of course.

But what kind of son doesn't see his dying father?

I won't have it.

I just need to find a way.

Lord, Pak Songbi.

- If you'll excuse me? - My lord.

Be seated.

A brush with death, just as you predicted.

Yes, so it appears.

Too close for my liking. How could this happen?

Shouldn't we send a detachment to the temple to exact revenge?

Revenge?

The Heungwang monks weren't involved.

No more of that.

Why did you go if you knew there was danger?

Better to die in action than cowering in a corner, wouldn't you say?

But, lord…

Song Kilyu, that was good timing today.

You come off as simple and candid.

But you have your moments.

One tries, my lord.

Here. Some tea.

Report on my father's residence.

They have men waiting in ambush. Report on my father's residence.

They have men waiting in ambush.

I know about that.

What about my father?

It appears he may pass very soon.

Wola.

Move out.

I heard there was some trouble.

It was nothing.

Lord Choe?

The doctor tended his wound.

It isn't serious.

Oh? That's good.

We're on high alert. Don't stray anywhere.

Look after yourself.

You'll be alright?

Of course. Perfectly all right.

This is nothing compared to the arena.

Go on.

Kim Jun.

Yes, sir.

You're to come with me.

Me, sir?

Yes. Lord Choe wants you.

Sir? Why me?

Who knows. Let's go.

They're moving in earnest now. Assassins in the temple…

I don't know how long we can hold out.

Exactly.

But there's no denying the fact that we can't beat them.

We need a strategy.

I agree. We need a way to survive.

We either lie low, douse the fire, or negotiate.

Choe U's obstinance is frustrating.

It's all frustrating, all of it.

Well done today.

You honor me.

Take it. Gold.

For saving me.

Go on, take it.

The lord gave you a gift.

Take it and go.

My lord.

Speak.

I'm not a dog begging for scraps.

What?

Take it!

I only did my duty to you, my lord.

How can I accept this for doing what's expected of me?

Please don't make me.

Take it anyway.

I cannot.

You are my lord and the de facto ruler of this country.

There are many ways I will serve you, great and small.

Surely too many for gold on each occasion.

Please keep it.

I misspoke just now.

It's not for saving me. It's merely a gift.

Will that do?

My lord, he's just a slave…

Will it?

You honor me, lord. As you command.

Dismissed.

You, too. Well done today, all of you.

- Yes, sir. - Sir.

Wait a minute.

What do you want with him now?

We risked our lives today. Let's get a drink.

What do you say?

Today was your lucky day.

Sounds good. You have permission.

Yes, sir.

Let's go. I have some excellent chrysanthemum wine.

Wait. At Heungwang Temple?

My half-brothers scampered off while Kim Jun saved my father?

Yes, Miss. That Kim Jun is some kind of man.

Lord Choe heaped praise and rewards on him, too.

He has so many loyal retainers. He singled Kim Jun out?

So it seems.

The men were posted outside but Kim Jun was guarding the young lords.

He jumped right into the fray.

A charmed life.

There are court officials that can only dream of meeting my father face-to-face.

This is twice now my father has sent for him.

It's not likely to stop there.

What?

Not when he receives such praise.

Not when he's doing so much better than others.

True. You're not wrong.

Kim Jun…

The further he goes, the more we see his true nature.

Kim Jun.

Yes, for Kim Jun…

the future is wide open.

Even a good marriage.

Kim Jun.

Here, a drink.

General, I don't drink.

Just this once. For me.

I don't dare.

Lord Choe asked you to accept his gift.

I'm doing the same.

Have a drink.

For me.

Go on. Please.

Go on.

Sir.

General, don't… What are you doing?

I'm only a slave. Please, sir.

Here there are no slaves, no generals.

But sir…

Sit.

Listen to me.

All our lives are at risk now. We're in this together.

Understand?

Choe U is my lord and yours.

And he faces death.

I can't see a way out for him.

You know his younger brother Choe Hyang wants him dead.

Yes, sir.

The Overlord will die any day now.

He gave a secret scroll to our lord.

It had his signature and nothing else.

What would you do? How would you use it?

Sir, what would someone like me know about that?

Forgive me. I'm just an ignorant fool, truly.

Before I was a retainer, I served a magistrate.

I saw many types of men in law enforcement.

I could tell who would lie and how far they would go.

And who was hiding something.

I learned to read people.

That's why Choe U keeps me with him.

But you overestimate me.

What can you possibly read in me?

I'm just a soldier in the slave brigade.

Turning down a bag of gold is no small thing.

As you said, you're no dog.

I could tell you want to serve our lord. Am I wrong?

As a retainer, I mean.

If I'm reading you wrong, then I must be going blind.

He's in danger. His life is in danger.

Those books you read, the history of the Middle Kingdom…

They tell of people and events as great as mountains and seas.

They hold the wisdom of the ancients.

But I'm too dense to see a way out of this.

Won't you help?

I know you see what's happening here.

Won't you help? A retainer that fails to speak is no better than a traitor.

When you put it that way, I must speak, despite my unworthiness.

Go on.

The Overlord's signature…

is a command.

A command for anything.

But the military follows them.

They won't budge.

Forgive me, but I'm reminded of Li Shimin of the Tang Dynasty.

When his brothers tried to remove him, he tricked them into coming to the palace.

Where he barred the Xuanwu Gate.

Oh. And?

However large the army, it is useless without a leader.

But they're sending for us. To walk into their trap.

Then we should send for them in return.

How?

Kim Yakson came here to report the Overlord is dying.

Right. That was their trap.

But our lord didn't go.

They're bound to send for him again.

Lord Choe is the eldest.

He has to make funeral arrangements. They're counting on that.

They'll keep sending for him until he goes to Anheungni.

If one of them…

Them?

One of the Overlord's trusted retainers.

His four key men.

Suppose we were to take one of them?

Take one and the way is open?

Yes, sir.

Thank you for listening to this ignorant slave.

Forgive me.

It's more than I deserve, General.

You were in Pak Songbi's quarters?

He honored me with an invitation.

The lord sent for you too?

Good. It's not often he sends for a member of the slave brigade.

Congratulations. You deserve it.

Not at all. It's all thanks to you.

I'm grateful to have you as a friend.

Ready to get married?

Not really. I don't know if I'm coming or going.

Her Grace sprang it on me.

I'll tell you something.

I've always liked Wola.

It's true.

The first time I saw her at Chungnyong Temple, I felt I knew her somehow.

It's funny, but it's the first time I felt that.

Anyway, congratulations.

I'm just not as lucky as you.

Kim Jun.

Your kind of luck breeds jealousy.

Keep that in mind.

I will. Thanks for the advice.

Sir, at this rate you'll lose everything.

He's right. He's riding high now.

Quiet. I'm glad for him.

His coming here has been good for the brigade.

He's alright. Smart, too.

But sir…

Fighting well isn't enough. You need brains.

He's got both.

Don't be jealous.

Be a man.

Oh, that's…that's just so…

Come again?

You come to me with a plan from a slave?

- He makes sense. Slave or not-- - Enough.

I know things are bad, but asking a slave for advice?

My lord, please hear me out.

You've long said that I can read people.

He's far from the ordinary slave.

It's true.

When he explained it to me, it was like he opened my eyes.

He used Emperor Taizong as an example.

They have us outnumbered.

But if we use a similar plan, we may have a way out.

As the eldest, you must visit the Overlord's deathbed.

Kim Jun predicts they will keep sending for you.

They sent Kim Yakson and I didn't go.

They won't send someone else.

That's why they attacked at the temple.

But my lord, Kim Jun makes perfect sense.

If they meant to use soldiers they would have done so by now, don't you think?

Kim Jun suggests that they will ultimately send one of the Overlord's trusted aides.

To lower your guard and engender trust.

He suggests we hold that aide hostage.

My lord, Yi Kongju.

Choe Junmun and Ji Yunsim are here from the Overlord's residence.

My lord, Choe Junmun and Ji Yunsim are here from the Overlord's residence.

Your orders?

Previews

Father is ready to die.

How could you lie like this?

Now that I've gotten over my illness,

my body feels as light as a feather!

He won't last long.

We can't hesitate. We must finish this today.

She'll be going to your place.

Father will ensure that everything goes according to my wishes.