Original subtitles

Well? I told you to send for a messenger.

We have to get word to Anheungni.

- Send for him! - Yes, sir.

Listen to you. It's me, ME, Kim Dokmyong.

Didn't I tell you I got my orders from the Overlord himself?

But we have over a thousand men on training exercises.

And no orders to the contrary.

Fine, do what you want.

- General Ryu, suit yourself. - I swear…

I delivered my message, I'm done with you.

I'm going to the main camp. Choe Junmun and I can go to Anheungni.

Chancellor Kim.

You can't just leave.

It's clear something extraordinary has happened.

And equally clear we have to cancel the exercises.

General Choe, stand down. Dismiss the men.

We can't. We should dispatch a messenger and await orders.

If we can't trust Chancellor Kim, whom can we trust?

He said he has his orders. Stand down. Dismiss the men.

- General. - Do it.

Orderlies, stand the men down.

The training is over.

Yes, sir.

And send a messenger to inform Lord Choe Hyang of the fact.

Yes, sir.

Stand down!

Stand down!

Dismiss the men!

I've got to tell the main encampment.

The Overlord's going to fuss. Time's a-wasting.

Oh, General Pak, you should get to Anheungni.

Shouldn't you inform the Overlord that Choe U is on his way?

Ah, yes, of course. On my way.

Move out.

My lord, Kim Dokmyong did it.

Those are Ryu Songjil's men marching away.

They're standing down.

- Move out. - Yes, lord.

There's plenty of wine…

But not everyone is here yet.

Enough music.

Let's have some martial arts.

Yes, Overlord.

Well? The Overlord wants a demonstration.

Warriors, step forward.

It's getting late.

Why haven't we heard from Kim Dokmyong?

I wonder the same thing.

He should have contacted us one way or the other.

What about the men?

You need only give the order, sir.

But without word from the chancellor, what should we do?

It's foolish to wait on one man.

Now is the time, sir.

Tonight we can take Choe U and be rid of him for good.

Give the order.

The order… the order…

I'll ride to the ambush waiting outside the Guard Corps.

I'll deliver your order myself.

My lord, there's no time.

I know.

D-do it.

Tell General Ryu's ambush and the main encampment.

We march. We finish this.

Yes, lord.

With me. Time is short. Move!

Sir.

Aren't you General Ryu's orderly? Explain yourself.

We awaited instructions. The men were dismissed on the Overlord's orders.

I came to report the fact.

You did what? Who delivered the order?

Chancellor Kim, sir.

Chancellor Kim?

The men were dismissed? Where are Generals Ryu and Choe now?

The main encampment, sir.

They will cancel all the training exercises and join in the banquet.

No… Something isn't right here.

No order was given, so how did..?

We have to move. Mount up.

We ride for the main camp. Move!

Sir!

I knew something was wrong.

If the Overlord was up, we're the first ones he would call.

I wondered why we hadn't heard anything.

Exactly. It must be all the excitement.

There's late and there's really late. I hope the Overlord isn't too angry.

Choe Hyang should have told us immediately.

Waiting this long…

What did Lord Choe say?

The Overlord gave the order in all his old vigor.

What was there to say?

Nothing, that's what.

There's bad and there's really bad.

This is worse.

It will be nice to drink with the Overlord again.

True.

Halt!

Sir, it's Yi Jangyong. This is a mistake.

It's all wrong.

How do you mean?

What's a mistake exactly?

We have been betrayed.

Kim Dokmyong has betrayed us.

Chancellor Kim.

Chancellor!

What's this all about? You betrayed us?

Kim Dokmyong!

It was the Overlord's orders.

It's not me, it's the Overlord.

I suspected him from the start.

Ever since he showed up with Pak Sangbi.

We've been tricked.

By Kim Dokmyong!

So, Choe Chunmyong.

And his band of traitors!

Watch your mouth.

Big talk from the lips of the real traitors!

Traitor?

A brother stealing the eldest's place?

Or trying to make himself heir, that's a traitor.

Silence!

His position isn't something to be given.

Yesterday's thieves are today's rulers.

Whoever has power, he has position.

We end this tonight.

Attack!

Well? We have our orders!

Attack!

If it's isn't Kim Jun?

Animals! Surrender and you'll be spared.

Never, Kim Jun! Do we take orders from a joke like you?

You're the joke. Now you die!

To be beaten by that no-good Kim Jun.

I know. It's that…

It's that slimy fortune-teller's fault!

Halt!

Lay down your weapons.

We should have heard something.

Why isn't Choe U here yet?

What time is it?

Nearly midnight.

Nearly…

Midnight?

Who have we here?

Lieutenant-General Choe Junmun and General Ji Yunshim.

And General Ryu Songjol.

All waiting to take my head.

Fools!

Did you think power is yours for the taking?

Power is given by the heavens.

Rebels, traitors!

There's no time. Take their heads and be done with it.

Yes, sir.

Kneel.

Lord Choe.

We were only doing our duty.

Take that into consideration.

Exactly, think about that.

We'll serve you faithfully.

Spare me. Spare me, lord.

Kim Dokmyong, you..!

Die!

My lord, spare Choe Chunmyong.

He is a gifted general, foolishly mixed up with traitors.

His death would be a great loss to Koryo.

Kim Kyongson! How dare you?

How dare you beg for my life?

Lord Choe!

Enough talk. Kill me! Now!

Lord, Yi Jangyong would be a great loss.

His was the rashness of youth.

Allow him to serve Koryo.

This is the great Pak Sonbi?

So much for being able to read people.

Lord Choe.

I kneel in defeat now, but if Choe Hyang had listened to me…

you would be dead.

Just kill me!

Enough already. They're traitors.

My lord, kill them all.

Lord.

Kill me!

If you're going to kill me…

do it and be done.

- Attention! - Sir!

What time is it?

The midnight bell just sounded.

Midnight…

Midnight…

Overlord, your guest has arrived.

Father, your son is here.

I bring the gifts you've been waiting for.

Please accept them.

Your gifts, Father.

Who have we here?

Men who stood by me over 20 yars.

Choe Junmun, Ji Yunsim, Ryu Songjol.

And their cronies.

But where is the one most deserving of death?

Where's Kim Dokmyong?

It was thanks to him that we caught the traitors.

Little rat. He weaseled out again.

That's Kim Dokmyong all right.

Choe U.

Yes, Father.

This is quite a gift you brought me.

You held your position with your own strength.

I can leave now in peace.

I apologize for causing you concern.

No, too much water spoils the potted plants.

Power is the same.

In my old age I've grown deaf and blind.

It was my failure to rein myself in that allowed them to rise to power.

Choe Hyang.

Hyang!

Yes, Father.

Well? Beg Choe U for your life.

Father…

I can't believe you share the same blood.

Beg for your life. Beg him to spare you.

Your life is his now.

Father.

B-brother… my brother…

All our woes are gone now.

Ministers, hear me.

Yes, Overlord.

My time is at hand. I must leave you.

My son Choe U will head the Guard Corps in my place.

Koryo is beset by the Mongol hordes.

Now is the time to unite behind Choe U.

Yes, Overlord. Need you ask?

A great day.

Drink, all of you. A toast.

To the glory of Koryo.

The Overlord has spoken.

A toast.

- To the glory of Koryo! - To the glory of Koryo!

Father.

- Father! - Overlord!

Choe Chungheong, of the Ubong Choe clan, also known as Nan.

In 1196, he and his brother Chongsu overthrew the dictator Yi Uimin.

Choe was overlord for 25 years.

Choe held the true power as military ruler.

He saw the abdication of four emperors.

His Ten Injunctions to the throne called for reforms and elimination of corruption.

History records that he was feasting and drinking to the end.

It would be difficult to find a greater man in all Korean history.

Hear me!

Sir!

For decades Koryo was plagued by corruption at the highest levels.

But my father brought order out of chaos.

He cared for the sick and hungry of this land.

If his concern wasn't the will of the heavens…

what was?

But it is a law of nature that in time even the finest blades will rust.

In his old age he allowed corrupt officials to hold sway.

I swear to cast away corruption!

We hold our positions to serve the people, not for personal glory.

What is a country?

The land itself is mother to us all.

The state nurtures and rears us as a loving father.

Do we dare neglect our duty to this great and divine nation and its people?

From this moment on, your lives belong to Koryo.

Do you understand?

That is how we will repay her!

And so Choe U took his father's place and continued his work for Koryo.

First he exiled Choe Hyang and all his brother's followers.

Then he consolidated all other political offices under the Guard Corps…

calling it the Personnel Authority.

In this way he maintained the dignity of the Royal House as nominal figureheads.

Choe U's era exceeded that of his father.

History records that the Directorate of Chancellors...

dared not lift their heads before him.

We can't rest even an hour in service to our country.

While we have been squabbling among ourselves,

the Mongol envoys have come and gone.

The 40 or so men they left have been learning...

our language and gathering intelligence.

You know what this means?

They mean to invade and enslave us.

So our first priority is national and border defense.

- Kyongson. - Yes, my lord.

- And Choe Chunmyong. - My lord.

You were childhood friends?

Kim Kyongson asked for a chance to die for this country.

Now you've got it.

Yes, sir.

- Three Vices. - Yes, Overlord.

Work with my brother-in-law here… and the prodigy Yi Jangyong…

and take charge of academic and civil affairs.

I will give it my full attention.

You all know my brother-in-law.

He gave up his position at court to retire to the country and care for his parents.

I've called him back.

You honor me.

His learning rivals that of Three Vices here.

He's ideal to oversee the Royal Academy.

As you wish, Overlord.

Right now Koryo's defenses are in a shambles.

No pillars, no rafters.

We only have 20,000 or so enlisted men garrisoned near the city.

The borders are left to commoners, bandits, what-have-you.

It's a mess.

Judging by the current state, it will take decades to rebuild our military.

We have few resources and allowed our military foundation to crumble.

Now we're going to change all that.

Lieutenant-General Dae Jipsong, General Jusuk.

And General Kim Hijeh, recently returned from the front.

You will get the Six Divisions in shape.

Yes, Overlord.

Lieutenant-General Song Kilyu…

as Minister of War, you will command the Guard Corps.

My lord.

Hello, Abbot.

Oh, Heungwang Temple monk? You're leaving just like that?

Why, you offering free drinks?

Of course. Don't let a lack of money stop you.

Look, it's a feast day.

With Choe U the new overlord, it's a whole new world.

Is that so?

The innocent, tax defaulters, draft dodgers, political prisoners.

He freed them all.

The prisons must be empty by now.

Well, the people should like that, which isn't a bad thing.

I think I'll have that drink.

Yes, sir. Come in.

- See to the abbot. - Yes'm.

Wait, where's the Overlord anyway?

It can't be helped.

A feast is hardly fitting for a man in mourning.

Still, we can't neglect those who served us well.

Drink. There's no music, but this is fine wine.

That it is.

I understand the Overlord has promoted...

the men that helped him put down the coup.

Promotion? We did it for Koryo.

Those traitors nearly got away with it, oh dear me.

All the same, congratulations on your new office.

You've been appointed to the Eastern Capital?

Yes, so I have.

Kyeongju? Isn't that the Prime Minister's appointment?

Amazing. Well worth changing your stripes.

Now we're all one big family.

All working for Koryo.

A toast.

Yes, he's right. A toast.

Jangyong, I look forward to working with you.

It's an honor to work with such a distinguished scholar.

Distinguished? I'm just an old lush.

We'll have to go out drinking.

You and these others.

Thanks for including me. I hate to be left out of a stiff drink.

As if I didn't know that?

Enjoy, enjoy.

You two brothers have done well.

Thank you.

Get ready to leave for the front.

Sir, there's nothing to prepare.

I have my orders. I leave tomorrow at dawn.

Yakson.

Yes, Overlord.

The Directorate General quietly controls all of Koryo's officials.

Every official will come under your scrutiny.

It holds the real power.

I thought long and hard about this.

Marry my daughter Songi.

My two sons are worthless. You can learn politics.

No answer?

But, Overlord, politics--

You're steady, educated. If you master politics…

you can run this country.

Overlord.

You can trust Pak Songbi. He'll be a great help to you.

But, Overlord, marriage…

What? Don't you like my Songi?

Her beauty is famous throughout Koryo, or don't you think so?

No, sir. How could I? Not at all.

The sooner the better.

I'm already over fifty.

This marriage is overdue.

You've done well.

Not at all.

Now you're assigned to the Inner Guard under Yi Kongju.

Attached to the Overlord and his family.

Yes, sir.

The Overlord is second only to the emperor.

Mere courage isn't enough to attend our lord.

You must be educated and observant.

Sadly, Yi Kongju lacks the former. Which is why I recommended you.

You overestimate me.

No, you're perfect.

And Kim Jun…

I'll need your help as well.

The Directorate General.

To serve our lord, you'll need to understand what I'm doing.

Yes, sir.

The Directorate gathers intelligence from across the country.

It must be handled with delicacy and prudence.

The post has been given to Kim Yakson.

A fact that in essence makes him the next overlord.

We must serve him well.

Yes, sir. As you command.

Apparently he's to wed Lady Songi.

- Just so you know. - Yes, sir.

- Yangbaek. - Sir.

Kim Jun is assigned to the Inner Guard?

Very good. Not just anyone can protect our lord.

Kim Jun has made quite a name for himself.

Which is why the Overlord approved it.

You have a lot of work ahead as Field Marshal.

I expect you to look after your men.

Yes, sir.

Song Kilyo here has been promoted to Lieutenant-General, so he should know.

You and your men did well.

Take them out on me.

Yes, sir. Thank you.

It's been all good news today.

Not least of which is the news about Kim Jun.

Protecting our lord is no small thing.

Well worth celebrating.

Here, a drink.

- Here. - Yes, sir.

Now that the storm has passed, all I want to do is rest.

I was so worried.

Surely that's understandable?

It was a life and death situation.

What did I tell you?

Father is not one to be defeated easily.

True, true…

You were worried, too.

It's all right. Things will be better now.

Yes, Your Grace.

Of course, no doubt you can barely sleep.

Things have worked out, with your marriage and all.

How lovely for you.

Yes, thank you, Miss.

“Thank you?”

Well he did beg me 10 times, 100 times, 1,000 times.

I made all this possible.

You know that?

Yes, Miss. How could I not be?

Good. You may go.

No doubt you and your fiance have much to talk about.

Take some time for yourself.

Well? Thank Her Grace.

Thank you again and again, Your Grace.

Of course, of course, Wola.

Off you go.

Your Grace.

Songi, Wola comes from a noble family.

I notice you have a certain coldness toward her.

Pardon? Me?

Try to be kind. Their lot is hard.

Yes, Mother.

But I was merely reminding her of her place.

I know, I know.

Actually, you have your own preparations to make.

Your father is talking to Kim Yakson today.

About your upcoming marriage.

Pardon? But, Mother, what marriage?

I told you I won't have it.

You have no say in the matter.

Stop being stubborn.

Your father has appointed Kim Yakson over the Directorate General.

Don't you see that it's all to ensure your future?

I won't.

Mother, listen to me.

I won't have him. I know what he's like.

Forever wavering, never losing his temper, always watching.

Sweetheart…

I'll say it again, I won't have Kim Yakson.

Yes, I lived without a care in the world.

Turning my head to whatever caught my fancy.

Until I was caught…

…by him…

…by Kim Jun.

Kim Jun.

Suddenly he was there in front of me.

And for a moment, I was happy.

For a moment, I was his.

But now he's leaving.

Leaving me.

He must go his own way.

Why does my heart beat so?

Why…

Why is my heart pierced straight through?

Why, why?

Her Grace said that?

Yes. She said to take some time to talk with my fiance.

Fiance…

Who knew we'd end up like this?

You were like my sister, after all.

No one stays a child forever.

What?

Do you still see me as a little girl? Well, darling?

Wha--? Wola.

When did you get so brazen?

At your service, my lady.

Still teasing, darling?

Shall we? The flowers are lovely.

Slowly.

Darling.

“Darling.” Not an ounce of shyness in you.

Darling…

Wola.

Yes. Just as I've always done...

I'll look after my darling little sister.

Yes, darling.

I just don't get it.

What?

What is it now?

Think about it.

Kim Jun is assigned to the Inner Guard.

Can you believe that?

Guarding the Overlord himself.

Look at what he's done. It's only natural.

We each have our place. Why let it bother you?

Can just anyone get the Inner Guard?

We've broken our backs for the Guard Corps.

Shouldn't you get that post?

It's the best posting in the slave brigade.

We don't have a thing and he gets the cream of the crop.

And what about you?

Breaks my heart.

Listen to you two.

Look, I'm a field marshal.

Being commander and field marshal is enough. What's wrong with that?

Have a drink.

Since he showed up he's completely overshadowed you.

You're in the dark. He's pushed you out of the light.

What?

It will be trouble.

He'll just keep getting in your way at this rate.

There will be nothing left for us.

If you do well, we do well, after all.

What is it with you two?

Kim Jun has earned what he's got.

Drink.

Sir, you've got to keep an eye on him.

Someday he'll walk all over you.

Look at him now.

He'll have to be taught a lesson.

Dealt with once and for all.

The pair of you…

Listen to you!

Just do your own jobs.

Sir.

Young lords, the Overlord's memorial isn't over, is this all right?

Listen to the courtesan worry…

I lost 10 years of my life.

If something had happened to Father, we would have had no place to go.

Huh? Why wouldn't we?

With gold you can go anywhere you want.

A court position, whatever.

The whole world has changed. Why don't you have postings?

The Overlord is bigger than the Emperor.

Now..!

Watch that kind of talk.

Bigger than the Emperor?

Everyone knows. What's to watch?

Little…

Manjong.

That kid Kim Yakson is running the Directorate General.

You hear that?

You know what that is?

The whole world trembles and watches, that's what.

That's a fact.

We'll have to suck up to him now.

Our lives are in his hands.

More, more.

Drink. Drink.

Miss…

Is something wrong?

Why?

You seem upset today.

Has Chunsim gone somewhere?

Yes. She has a lot to do now that there's time.

Oh?

I'm not sure, but I bet she's gone to see Yangbaek.

She's pathetic.

He doesn't want her. It's disgusting...

Don't you agree?

What can she do? She's got it bad.

Yes, when it's bad, it's bad.

Vulgar, the pair of them. Vulgar.

Disgusting…Kim Jun…

How dare you ignore my kindness and go your own way?

Kim Jun…

Who's this? Chunsim? Where are you going?

I was waiting for you.

I was hoping we could talk.

Sir, she's been waiting on you.

Hear her out.

There's no need.

I already told you.

Chunsim, listen, pull yourself together.

I'm not interested.

Are you as pretty as Wola, or like her at all?

You're pathetic.

Chase some other guy. There's plenty around.

You rotten…! How can you say that?

Are you trying to kill me?

You want me to slit my throat? Drink poison?

How dare you? What makes you so great?

What, huh?

I'm sorry.

I'm just not interested. Not at all.

I'm drunk. Goodnight… way too drunk…

Yangbaek!

He is so…sheesh…

Chunsim, look… um, listen…

Don't give up. He'll come around someday… he is so…

Manjong, pull yourself together.

Listen, Manjun, when it goes bad it goes really bad.

I mean, Kim Jun, he gets my girl, what sense does that make?

I'm the master, he's the slave.

I can do what I want, can't I?

Can I or can't I?

- Ouch, Manjong. - Kim Jun, what sense does that make?

- Manjong. - Hm?

- People can hear you. - Let them!

Lord Manjong is head over heels for Wola.

Ever since she got here.

Must be awful.

Well, he's not the only one suffering cause of Kim Jun.

Right, Chunsim?

Kim Jun…

He's making all sorts of enemies.

He'll get his someday.

And we're going to give it to him.

Chunsim, you should go.

It's just bad all around.

Let's go, Uga… When did he leave?

- Gyonga. - Huh?

You're serious? You hate Kim Jun too?

And I hate Wola.

This is all her fault. Yangbaek, I mean.

Let's kill them both.

I want to see them suffer.

Chunsim.

Kim Jun broke Lady Songi's heart.

He's a piece of work.

She saves him and he just does as he pleases?

...and that Wola. Who is she to walk right in and ruin all our lives?

Let's kill them.

Both of them.