Original subtitles

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.

I know that 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.

With all that's happened we haven't had time for you.

I've told the seer to identify an auspicious day.

For your wedding.

Father.

There's nothing more to be said. The sooner the better.

From now on, think of Kim Yakson as your husband.

No.

What?

Songi.

I've told you over and over.

I'll choose my own husband.

There's no better husband for you in all Koryo.

This was your late grandfather's wish, and mine. That's that.

- Father. - I've already told him.

- Be safe. - Of course.

- Let's go. - Yes, sir.

- Move out! - Sir!

Remember what your father said.

But Mother…

Let's go.

- It's been too long. - After you.

The Overlord always has a plan. Our Mongol worries are over.

Yes, indeed.

Perfect. Now all the palace affairs are run from the Guard Corps.

Exactly. All the important ministers are in the Personnel Authority.

The old courtiers go to the palace. Those with real power come here.

It's something to see, sir.

Look at all these chancellors.

Attention!

Attention!

Sir, you seem lost in thought.

I'm just so proud to be the lord's escort.

I keep remember what General Yi Kongju said.

What was that?

That we're not slaves.

We're the Overlord's personal guard.

That we should be proud.

I saw how right he was.

You may have, too. When we caught the traitors.

He showed himself to be a man worthy of respect.

For the first time, I saw the face of a giant.

Enough already. They're traitors.

My lord, kill them all.

Kill me!

If you're going to kill me…

Do it and be done.

- Attention! - Sir!

Spare them.

As a favor to Pak Songbi and Kim Kyongson.

Release them.

But, sir, they're at the center of the traitors.

Take their heads.

He's right. Take my head now or be sorry later.

Exactly. Kill me.

I refuse to live in shame and humiliation.

Humiliations?

What do you have to be ashamed of?

The thing to be ashamed is partnering with traitors whose plans you didn't know.

Where's the humiliation in surviving?

Yi Jangyong. Cho Chunmyong.

I admit I'm curious.

How did two men like you end up with these traitors?

Because military rule scorns the Royal House.

That's why we wanted you dead.

Do you deny you would strengthen the military regime?

Spoken like a pair of fools.

Who comes first, the people or the royals?

Can there be a Koryo without its people? Or a Royal House?

Did the Royal House care for the starving people these last 100 years?

Who heard their cries of hunger?

Have you ever listened?

When the country is stable, when our people sing hymns of peace…

I'll gladly retire to the country. Understood?

You can choose life or death.

But if you choose death, don't waste it.

Die for Koryo, you fools. Understand?

I never felt that way before.

I realized then how proud I could be to be part of something.

As General Yi said, here is a lord worth risking your life for.

Yes, sir.

- Thanks for sparing us. - Me, too.

I can't see how we'll ever be able to repay you.

Allegiance to the death, that's how.

I serve Kim Jun. So should you.

I'm older…

But only in age, not rank. To me, you're “Sir”.

As brothers, then?

Right.

We're a family now, whatever our ages.

We're in this together.

Protecting our lord is our reason for living.

Serve him well.

- Yes, sir. - Sir.

The Eastern Capital.

Ancient Silla called it Gyelim, I think?

Making me not unlike a Silla king.

Making me, Kim Dokmyong, the biggest man in town.

I guess that Choe Sanbo knew what he was talking about.

- You. - Sir.

- Nice and slow. - Sir.

Kim Dokmyong was leaving the capital first thing today.

He should be here by now.

Life is strange. You never can tell what's next.

All those men full of promise are dead but he survives and gets a promotion.

Now I'll tie my future to his. Maybe hit him up for drinks.

Wait…what? What's that?

Who are you?

That's…

You're common bandits.

I'm Lord Kim of the Eastern Capital.

Stand aside.

Lord, you've come a long way.

Wait, wait… y-y-you…

Shall you enjoy wealth and glory alone?

When your late comrades are waiting for you?

Wait, General Song, General Song…

Send him on his way.

Spare me. General Song, General Song, please.

General Song, please, spare me. Please, General.

There's something wrong with a world that rewards traitors.

Wouldn't you agree?

General, General…

Farewell.

Clean this up.

Sir.

The people are the Mandate of Heaven.

I'll say it again. No injustice, no sick, no starving.

Check and re-check, understood?

Politics are the people.

Overlord.

- Lord. - What?

We just got word.

Lord Kim Dokmyong was killed on his way to the Eastern Capital.

The next scroll, sir.

Kim Dokmyong… He wasn't a beast.

See he's given a proper memorial.

Yes, sir.

Wait…What's this?

Are the Mongol envoys this bad?

Yes, sir. Jaguye is particularly nasty.

They insult the Emperor, are rude to the old retainers...

and demand exorbitant tribute.

Listen, when we getting our tribute, huh?

You can't put us off forever.

Koryo is not unaware of the protocol as a tribute nation.

We show you proper respect and you do the same.

Treating us like a debt collector won't do at all.

Hardly what one would call diplomatic.

Won't do?

What, are you insulting the Great Emperor Genghis Khan?

We have no manners? Listen to you.

Quietly.

You stand before the Emperor.

You talk as if you were Genghis Khan.

What? What was that?

Please, lower your voice.

Let's be reasonable here.

Now look.

Listen to this list.

10,000 otter pelts, 3,000 bolts of silk, 2,000 bolts of ramie.

10,000 bales of cotton, 1,000 ink slabs, 100,000 sheets of paper.

Safflower, bamboo, pyrrhotite…

It's too long to finish.

Honestly, catching 10,000 otters and skinning them?

Does that make any sense?

They only live in the lower Nakdong River.

10,000 pelts is absurd.

That's your problem, not ours.

We say, you do.

What's more, we don't have the means for so much cotton. 10,000 bales?

Not to mention the gold and silver on top of the tribute.

Is that for you, or for your emperor?

Did you just..?

It's a sign of good faith to the envoys.

Now you're finding fault with US?

Oh, something reeks here.

What's your rank? Your name?

I won't stand for this.

So you're saying it's a bribe?

Wha…t? What?

Graft? Who said anything about bribes?

It's a sign of good faith.

You… Who is this guy?

Who is he to talk to me this way?

Graft!

Easy, easy, calm down.

Have a drink with my chancellors.

Then you'll get a sense of our good faith.

Enough of this. A drink, he says?

We want our tribute.

Or you'll be sorry.

Take a look at his.

A record of making the Tripitaka some 200 years ago.

The monks and engravers describe the exact wood required.

Ah, I see, Venerable.

Fortunately, the current Overlord is favorable toward us, unlike his father.

We can look for him to help us to repair...

and maintain those portions that need it.

Working on the Tripitaka is all well and good,

but shouldn't we go back to our roots?

The country is in trouble, the people are starving right and left.

The constant Mongol demands for tribute make it worse.

The otters and herbs alone have the people scrambling.

So I've heard.

But as hard as it is, we must prepare slowly, carefully, for a future day.

You'll be standing in the forefront.

Not alone, mind you, but for all living things.

You, too? You never let up, do you?

If not you, who else can shepherd this vast history?

Do it for the future of Koryo Buddhism.

So its fragrance can last 1,000, 10,000 years.

Fragrance, heh…

Let's talk about this widow-in-a-bag deal.

This sweet thing's house… How did it go again?

Ah, as to that, this girl, I'm telling you.

She walks by, her whole body walks.

Everyone's drooling, the way she walks.

Shall we nab her?

Yeah, that's great, perfect.

Stick her in a bag and ooh-la-la.

Yes, young lord.

Manjong… It's been too long, huh?

Yeah, yeah, you go on.

I'm sick of all that.

- Wha..? - Huh?

Ugh, you thinking about that Wola?

Yep, lovesick, that's me.

I'm obsessed, all I see is her face, it's killing me.

I don't know what to do…

S-s-sir, that's...

You're Gyonga, aren't you?

Yes, correct, young lord.

What do you want? Surely you're not here to drink.

Do they need us at the Guard Corps?

No, sir. Not at all.

Young Lord, I was hoping for a word with you.

Me?

All right, what was that again?

Please, keep it down.

All right, now, Wola-what-now?

You've been wanting her but had no opportunity.

Just so. But how do you know?

I just do, you know, by accident.

So I want to help you.

How?

I'll bring her to you tomorrow at dusk.

You just get a place ready and wait there.

It's that easy?

Yes, of course.

There's a servant girl, Chunsim, she'll lure her out.

After that, well, you… can handle the rest.

Yes, yes, you know it.

Tomorrow night, you're sure?

Yes, sir. Chunsim will definitely bring her.

Chunsim…

But why are the two of you helping me?

There are a lot of people that would like you to have Wola.

Myself included. That's all you need to know.

I see. It's that simple. She'll bring Wola?

Yes, sir. And after you help yourself--

H-help myself?

Her marriage plans will be through.

Will they?

Nine out of ten times.

Right, who would want her after that?

But that slave, Kim Jun, I mean.

What about him?

You're a young lord. What can he possibly do?

True, very true. He's a slave in our household, after all.

If this works out, you'll be well rewarded.

No need for that.

Just be sure you help yourself and then some.

Then some? I'll take care of her my whole life.

That's a fact.

You just watch your mouth, got that?

Sir.

Let's do it. Let's.

Yes, sir.

Chunsim.

Can I help you?

Nothing, I was just passing.

The whole house has been a-flutter over you.

With marrying Kim Jun and all.

Ah, well, Her Grace wanted us to hurry…

I heard. Who hasn't heard about your and Kim Jun's incredible luck?

The servants, the slaves, they're all making a fuss.

Thank you.

Not at all. Actually, I envy you.

You know I'm fond of Yangbaek?

If only he had Kim Jun's luck.

Oh well…

Wola, want to go to the market with me tomorrow?

The market?

You're getting married. You should see a fortune-teller, don't you think?

Ah…

Everyone in the capital has heard of him.

Good news, bad news, he knows at a glance.

And he has talismans against those who would do you harm.

You two are such a lovely couple. Forewarned is forearmed, right?

Why, don't you want to?

If you don't, you don't.

I was just asking… Bye.

Chunsim.

Yes?

I'll go. Come get me tomorrow. I want to go.

Great. We'll go together.

All right.

Perfect.

But don't tell anyone, all right?

Slip out alone.

Tomorrow at dusk.

All right.

- Off you go. - Right.

- You're feeling all right? - Look after yourself.

The Personnel Authority keeping you busy?

State affairs more than anything. Always something.

Don't overtax yourself.

It has to be done.

Oh, how's Songi?

The same. She won't budge.

That girl. Some things are worth holding out on, others aren't.

What's wrong with Kim Yakson anyway?

I have to make way for an heir.

Kim Yakson is my only option.

Of course…

He has character and a gentle disposition. But he lacks passion.

All right, then you find someone.

Where in all Koryo can she find the man she wants?

Let's get on with it. The seer says the 1st of the month is the most auspicious.

Yes, my lord.

Where have you been?

This is where you were?

Where did you get to?

You seem busy these days.

Last night, and the night before. Something keeping you busy?

No, whatever do you mean?

Good. Busy is good, but not busy-work.

Yangbaek has long been a lost cause.

Splash water on your face and wake up.

Yes, Miss.

Miss…

About Kim Jun…

Yes?

Something interesting is about to happen.

Kim Jun will never marry that Wola girl.

- What are you saying? - Chunsim.

They're inhuman, those two.

No decency… that girl shaking her tail at other women's men…

Who?

Kim Jun and Wola.

Yangbaek said so.

He said he loves her.

Shaking…

Shaking her tail, making him fall for her.

Chunsim. Have you lost your senses?

They have nothing to do with each other.

This is all in your head.

Isn't it?

Chunsim, this is pathetic. Pull yourself together.

Now what is this gibberish?

Miss, he ignores what you've done for him.

I know it, better than anyone.

You saved him, sent him to the arena, made him a hero.

His rank of field marshal, guarding the Overlord, it's all thanks to you.

And he keeps lying to you like the scum he is.

He said he fought for you so he could run off with his little Wola.

Chunsim… Chunsim…

I'll make him pay for his ingratitude.

Shaking her tail, blinding Yangbaek….

She won't get away with it.

Chunsim, please…

Yunsim, get Chunsim some water.

She's obviously quite disturbed.

Yes, Miss.

I called you pathetic.

Well, I'm no different when I'm upset.

I understand. You're hurting over Yangbaek.

Yes, Miss, I think you're right.

Miss, Her Grace is here.

Yes, Mother? You should have sent for me.

No. I wanted to get some air.

- Let's walk. - Of course.

- Wait here. - Yes, Your Grace.

Shall we?

The first of the month? Father said that?

Yes. He wants to get on with it.

He gave an order. It must be obeyed.

No. I told you I won't.

I told him that.

But his mind is made up.

The official letter to your fiancee will arrive in a few days.

Mother, this is absurd.

Marriage is for a lifetime.

How can two people that hate each other live together?

Songi, do you honestly believe love matches exist?

Living together, having children, that's what binds a marriage.

No. I don't believe it, Mother.

What would you have me do?

Your father rules all of Koryo.

And he's the head of our clan.

You can't disobey him.

Remember that. And prepare for the wedding.

I can't. I can't do it.

I'd sooner marry a slave like Kim Jun.

What?

Who?

No one.

Kim Jun?

Wola's fiancee, that Kim Jun?

It was just an example.

Spoiled little girl.

Watch that mouth of yours.

I arranged their marriage. How can you compare theirs to yours?

How dare you mention his name?

I have to go.

Mother.

No.

Not this.

Kim Yakson…

I've known him since childhood.

He's a good man, but not a good husband.

Still…

Still…

Why did Kim Jun's name pop out of my mouth?

Why him…

It's frightening…

how much he's been on my mind.

He…

has found a place in my heart.

He…

How did this happen? How did he …?

- Manjong! - Uh-huh.

You've had quite a few.

Oh, yeah. Been a while since I felt this good.

Quite a few.

Oh, about that Kyonga guy.

- What? - What did you two talk about?

What's it to you?

All I can say is tomorrow night is going to be great.

A very good night.

With Wola?

That's all I'm saying.

A very good night.

Cotton is especially warm for a wedding blanket.

This is the same cotton they use in the Prime Minister's house.

Here, only the best pillows.

To share together for many years as husband and wife.

Thank you, ma'am.

Why are you thanking me?

Thank Her Grace.

See for yourself how much she adores you.

How can I not?

I can't believe it.

Believe it. It's no dream.

Ma'am.

The house we arranged for you only has the one room.

But there's a stable and a fence. It's quite cozy.

Yes, ma'am.

Thank you. Thank you so much.

Too much oil, you!

Whatcha lookin' at?

Don't scare me!

Guess it's getting started.

What?

The wedding for the Young Miss.

Look. All the vendors rolling in.

Really?

Oh, yes. She couldn't stay single forever.

Rumor has it the Overlord is in a rush.

Oh?

Just yesterday Her Grace told Lady Songi about it.

And she absolutely refused.

Why?

You know she can't stand suck-ups.

“Yes, Overlord.”

Like she'd want that little prude?

But people say the world is his now.

Which is what gives Her Grace headaches.

She's worried about Lady Songi's fiery nature.

It's still too oily.

Lovely. Just lovely.

Like you're floating on air, truly.

Quite so, Your Grace.

Wola, my Songi has set the date as well.

The Head Lady here will be a mother to you.

Have a good life.

You'll be leaving us in a few says.

Thank you, Your Grace.

Yes, yes, enjoy your life.

Someday it may be possible to improve your status.

Your Grace.

I would feel so much better if I could.

Such a lovely girl.

Truly.

What do you want?

Come here a second.

This way.

There's nothing more to be said. The sooner the better.

From now on, think of Kim Yakson as your husband.

No. I won't have it.

I won't spend my life with that prude little suck-up.

What should I...? What should I do?

Chunsim?

Yes, Miss.

You called?

Chunsim is gone again?

Yes. She stepped out for a moment.

For what?

I'm not sure.

Pathetic. Carrying on, acting so strange--

Do you think she's up to something?

It's all set. Just get Wola there.

There's a place next to Manjong's favorite courtesan house.

His men will be waiting.

No mistakes now.

I'm off.

Kyonga has been gone last night and today.

And the way he was talking about Kim Jun the other night…

It has me worried.

Where is he?

Well, sir…

Answer the question.

What exactly is he up to?

Actually, sir, Kyonga is set on teaching Kim Jun a lesson.

Wola, too.

Wola?

Kim Jun and Wola?

Yes, so I understand.

That little...!

What's he going to do to Wola and Kim Jun?

I don't know. All I know is it's something.

Get him. Go get him immediately.

Yes, sir.

If it isn't Chunsim.

You look nice today.

Why? Cause I look like Wola?

What are you getting at?

We're both slaves.

My mother didn't know my father.

I was sold when I was nine.

All she gave me was this ring and this dress.

To wear for my husband.

I thought you might be that man.

But you didn't feel the same.

You don't care for me, but I care for you.

If…

If things go wrong, this may be the last time I see you.

So I wanted to wear my wedding dress.

What are you getting at?

Just in case…

In case we don't meet again…

Don't lose this ring.

Please.

You sound like you're dying or something.

That's right. I'm starting on a great adventure.

To hurt those who hurt me.

Yangbaek, be happy.

Chunsim.

Be happy.

Something… they're up to something…

Kyonga and Chunsim… there's something…

Thank you.

The wedding is in two days?

Yes, sir.

So it would seem.

All the best.

Pay your respects to General Kim Yakson.

I haven't had time to introduce you with all that's happened.

Yes, sir.

You can go. You must have a lot to do.

Yes, sir.

Field Marshal?

Yes, ma'am.

Looking for Wola?

Yes, I was hoping she would be here.

She said she had somewhere to go.

I thought she was meeting you. I wonder where she is?

I'll see if I can find her.

No doubt it's some wedding business.

Off you go.

Yes, ma'am.

I was looking for you.

Kim Jun, are you looking for something?

Yes, Miss.

For Wola, perhaps? Yes?

Yes, Miss.

I'm told she left a while ago.

- Walk with me. - Miss?

Yes, Miss.

- Yunsim, wait here. - Yes, Miss.

Kim Jun.

Yes, Miss.

The truth is, I've been thinking.

Thinking a lot, actually.

Mostly about your wedding.

Can't you get out of it?

Miss? But, Miss…

Things are going too fast.

This marriage is wrong.

Don't do it.

Miss.

Miss…

Miss, what are you saying?

My marriage is wrong?

It's just a fancy of mine.

I want to leave this place.

Far away.

Far, far away where no one knows me.

The sea. The mountains.

Kim Jun.

If I did…

If I left this place…

would you…

come with me?

Miss, what are you asking me?

Are you going somewhere?

Yes, I am.

I just realized it myself.

My parents mean to trap me for life…

like a bird in a cage.

I want to be free.

Like a bird in the air.

I want to follow my heart.

I need you. Truly, Kim Jun.

Which is why I'm asking you to stop this wedding.

Miss.

I don't know what I'd do without you.

I can't imagine it.

Jun…

I'm asking you…

to be with me.