Original subtitles

You're up, sir?

Where are you off to?

Escorting Lady Songi to the temple.

Horses?

Beside the South Gate.

Sir, why were you taken off the Overlord's detail?

Orders are orders.

We'll find out later.

Yes, sir. Which temple, sir?

I have no idea. Whichever the lady wants.

Better get to the Overlord's detail. Go on.

Yes, sir.

Miss, where are you going?

I told you to prepare for a long journey.

Long journey where?

Come along and find out.

- Huh? But, Miss... - We're late.

If we've got everything, let's go.

It's awfully early to be leaving.

No breakfast or nothin'.

Good point. No entourage, either.

And look how Yunsim's dressed.

Where are they off to?

- You're early. - Miss.

Let's go.

- We have to hurry. - Miss.

- Let's go, Kim Jun. - Miss.

We're off.

- Isn't that Kim Jun and Lady Songi? - Yes, sir, it is.

Where are they off to this morning?

I couldn't say.

Sir, I heard Kim Jun was taken off the Overlord's detail.

Had you heard?

Oh? When?

Yesterday afternoon.

These things happen.

Subop has left?

Yes, Venerable. Wola's death affected him deeply.

Which is why I encouraged him to leave the world behind.

But some earthly ties remain.

How could they not?

Kim Jun, Wola...

Abbot Subop reared them as his own.

We must learn to separate ourselves from the joys and sorrows of the world.

Now, about the Tripitaka?

Are we to assume you want us to prepare against a coming disaster?

We must. It's a national treasure and Buddha's word.

It must be moved to a safe place.

I must see Prime Minister Choe.

Miss, are you in?

Miss, it's the head lady. Are you in?

I have been told to accompany Lady Songi. There is no cause for concern.

We're leaving before dawn, so our destination can't be a local temple.

That means--

Orderly!

Yes, sir. At your service.

When did Kim Jun leave this?

Around dawn, 7 o'clock, give or take.

Then we have to leave immediately.

Yi Kongju?

Ah, right, he's in Cholla Province.

General Song Kilyu?

With the Inner Guard, escorting the Overlord.

Of course.

Get Field Marshal Choe Yangbaek from the barracks. Move!

Yes, sir.

Only a few days now.

Kim Yakson's household is in a flurry.

Getting ready to welcome our Songi.

Exactly. And it's a good thing.

Kim Yakson will make her a good husband.

I've said it before, her wedding is a national event.

A state wedding. The whole country will be watching.

We can't have many mistakes.

Need you say it?

This Mongol business is a mess.

Jaguye's death, I mean. It won't be easy to fix.

Well, I'm off to work.

Attention!

- Let's go. - Overlord.

Be safe.

- Escort the Overlord. - Sir!

Your Grace, Lady Songi has left the grounds.

Hm? What do you mean? Left?

I believe she's left the city.

What? How..?

Without breakfast?

Yes. She left first thing with Kim Jun.

What? Kim Jun?

Kim Jun...with Kim Jun? Kim Jun?

Yes, Your Grace.

Who knows about this?

I spoke with General Pak Songbi earlier.

General Pak? Right... Yes... And?

He'll deal with it as quietly as possible.

Good. He's the only one.

The only one that can solve this for us.

How could she, my little girl...

How could she do this?

Lady Songi left the grounds?

Yes.

To visit a temple?

It was on her schedule, but not leaving at dawn.

I'm told she left with Kim Jun.

You have to do something.

Quietly, discreetly.

You know how important this is.

Lady Songi with Kim Jun.

Get them back here without anyone noticing.

They left from the South Gate.

I doubt they'll head to the Yesong River.

More likely it will be the Imjin.

Do you understand? Bring her back.

I repeat, the day this gets out, it will be both our necks.

- Understood? - Yes, sir.

If you leave now you can reach them before they board.

Head for the Ferry, split your men...

One group to head them off, and one to follow them.

Move. Quickly.

Sir.

General Pak, at it early, I see.

I saw Choe Yangbaek riding out with a detachment.

Is something going on?

No, sir. Not at all.

Nothing worth mentioning.

Kim Jun isn't in yet?

No, sir. He had some business to take care of.

Is that so? Just be sure you're both at my place for drinks tonight.

Yes, sir.

- We have to hurry. - Sir.

Move out.

Miss, can take a break?

No time. Just a little farther.

It's just over that rise.

Let's go.

Move the Tripitaka.

Yes, Overlord.

You're right, of course.

We can't have Koryo's greatest treasure housed so close to the capital.

Exactly, Overlord.

In times of crisis, it is a symbol that unifies the people and the military.

Just so.

The Tripitaka needs a safe haven in times of chaos and confusion.

Yes, quite right.

We must make preparations.

Many years ago I saw the Buin Temple in Daegu.

It's peaceful, well-ventilated.

A perfect home for the Tripitaka.

Is that so?

I'm familiar with Buin Temple.

Excellent. You'll have an armed guard.

Thank you. Truly, thank you, Overlord.

Overlord, the chancellors.

Send them in.

They said that?

Yes, Overlord.

His Majesty is deeply troubled.

They're amassing their hordes now.

What are the Mongols' demands?

They want details on the death of Jaguye at the Yalu.

Worse, they demand that our Emperor goes to Mongolia.

For all we know, it was Jin bandits.

And His Majesty going to Mongolia? Absurd.

Now, now, you say Jaguye's death was an accident?

Are you kidding?

He died on your soil. An accident?

Look here, it was on the border.

No one can live there.

The area is crawling with bandits and Jin deserters.

That's ridiculous.

It's Koryo soil. Our envoy's death on your soil...

is your responsibility.

Not only that...

We were nearly killed as we crossed the border ourselves.

And they looked a lot like Koryo people to me.

Now, now, certainly not.

You are obligated to see us safely across the border.

Jaguye's death, this attack, it's all a plot. A plot!

You want to scare our envoys away.

While you're safe and sound.

No, no, certainly not.

We would never dream of treating you that way. Never.

We have the border report.

Much of the tribute Jaguye was carrying was left at the scene.

The objective was murder.

The whole thing stinks of Jin interference.

Just so, Your Majesty.

Much of the tribute we labored so hard to provide was strewn on the riverbank.

The envoy took only the otter skins, gold, and medicines before he was murdered.

So you never really needed the other items.

After all the blood and sweat of our people.

All wasted.

So he tossed away a few things, so what?

That doesn't matter.

What matters is the death of our envoy.

The death of a Mongol envoy.

You think you can get away with it?

Climb down from your little throne and come with us to Mongolia.

You need to explain yourself.

You, personally.

I swear... This hardly requires my presence.

Enough of this!

Don't you dare insult our emperor.

Take our emperor to far away Mongolia?

You're animals.

- What? Animals? - Look here!

Your man Jaguye was rude, insolent, insulting both this court and His Majesty.

His offences were legion.

Who knew such an arrogant little twit would be murdered by bandits?

Ah-ha!

Now we get to the truth.

So “rude, insolent Jaguye” was killed by your people, is that it?

You're the animals!

Listen to me, “Your Majesty.”

We won't let this slide.

Clear this up, catch the offenders...

or the Mongols will march on Koryo.

Catch them before we raze your country to the ground.

Catch them!

And you must go to Mongolia to explain yourself.

That's an order.

Are we sure it wasn't Jin bandits?

From the reports, Jin deserters are all over our borders.

This coming and going as they please is a problem.

Yes, sir.

Much of the continent is razed from the long war with the Mongols.

Desertions are mounting.

Shouldn't we at least move the capital?

Otherwise the Mongols may surround us and starve us out.

Just as they did to the Jin emperor not long ago.

That would explain why Jin deserters are on our borders.

Yes, that explains a lot.

How much further to the river?

Thirty miles, give or take.

Oh? When does the boat launch?

Around one o'clock. Pretty soon.

Anytime now.

I hope Uga's shortcut gets him there in time.

Move out.

We made it.

Riding hard without a rest has worn me out.

Yes, Miss.

Shall we take a break?

It isn't far from here. We can take our time.

- Oh, Yunsim. - Yes, Miss.

Ride ahead to the dock and get the departure times.

Take the horses with you.

Go on. We'll walk.

Yes, Miss.

My little girl's wedding is just two days away.

Yes, Overlord. You chose an excellent husband for her.

- You agree? - Of course.

Everyone knows he's affable, a man of deep feeling.

Not an enemy in the world.

Exactly. Not a one.

I'm counting on you to help him.

We're all family now, after all.

You're Songi's uncle.

And you're a distant uncle as well.

Yes, Overlord.

Well, let's get back to work.

Songbi, shall we go to the Directorate General?

Sir? The Directorate?

Yes. See my future son-in-law at work, maybe share a cup of tea.

Sir.

Since we're going, why not invite Songi along?

Yes, sir.

They'll be married in two days anyway.

It can't hurt for them to spend some time together.

Yes, my lord, however...

But?

I understand Lady Songi is visiting a temple.

Ah, yes, quite right.

I told her to go visit the temple to clear her mind for the wedding.

Send some men to Heungwang Temple and tell her to come to the Directorate.

We'll have the tea when she gets there.

Yes, sir.

Lovely. I had no idea Spring could be so lovely.

Don't you agree?

Why don't you say anything?

Surely you noticed this isn't the way to the temple.

I was going to ask.

Where are you headed?

Is there a temple near here?

No. Soon we'll come to the Imjin dock.

Don't you see?

See what?

We're leaving the capital.

From the Imjin we can take a ferry to Kanghwa.

We'll catch a ship at the Port of Kanghwa, and after a few days...

arrive in Jinju.

From there we'll travel through Cholla until we arrive at Mt. Jili.

Miss, what are you saying?

We're going where it's quiet and safe.

Miss?

You'll love it there.

Everywhere you look, it's lovely and inviting.

With many temples.

A place to remember.

I'm honored that you came here, sir.

Why? Is there a law that says I can't?

In the short time it's been operating, the Directorate has provided useful reports.

We try, but fail all too often.

Koryo isn't what you'd call small.

Like I always say, for Koryo to do well, her rulers must do well.

Yes, Overlord.

I once read Zhuge Liang's book on political philosophy.

He said justice, impartiality and generosity are critical.

Just in administration.

Fair in judgment.

And prior to death, generous to others.

They must be that pure, that honest, that honorable.

We should select our officials carefully.

Tireless in our efforts to recruit the best talent.

And equally tireless in monitoring who does well and who does poorly.

Yes, Overlord.

Songi will be here soon.

She went to the temple.

Ah, is that so?

But why is she coming?

In two days you'll be sharing your lives together.

I thought a cup of tea would be in order.

You shouldn't have...

Why? Are you embarrassed?

She's going to be your wife, after all.

Yakson, come to dinner, we'll talk about family life.

Oh, sir, I already have a commitment...

Oh Really?

With whom?

Sir, with one of my men, Field Marshal Kim Jun.

And Pak Songbi here.

Is that so?

With a slave?

Yes, Overlord.

I find it best to get to know those who work under me.

Perhaps, but dinner with a slave?

You're the Director General, head of the most important office in the land.

Did you send for Songi?

Shouldn't she be here? She doesn't need to spend all day at the temple.

Ah, yes, well...

Since dinner is out, we'll have to settle for tea.

Yes, sir.

Right. So where is the slave working?

Sir, he was called away on personal business.

A slave serves the state. What personal business?

Ah, well... General Pak here granted him leave.

Oh?

When did Songi leave for the temple.

Yes, sir. First thing this morning.

First thing?

Ah, yes, I see.

- Well, some tea. - Sir.

It's quite good.

There's nothing quite like Koryo green tea.

My lord.

Miss.

Could you explain what you meant earlier?

You followed me without any idea at all? At first light?

Yes, Miss.

You said you needed me.

I had to come, whatever it took.

And...

And what?

I wanted the opportunity to make it clear that despite my great debt to you...

I must remain unattached.

Oh?

So you came all this way to tell me, is that it?

Exactly.

I can no longer attend to you personally.

I have orders from the Overlord.

I intend to keep them.

I see someone has spoken to you.

Miss, you're far, far too good for a slave like me.

Your kind heart could lead to a terrible mistake.

Please, don't seek me out again.

Do you know why you were taken off my father's detail?

Miss?

Listen to you. Your life is in danger at the Guard Corps.

I brought you out here, first, to save your life.

And...to be with me.

The road we're on...

There's no easy way back.

It's a long road, a road that leaves the capital behind forever.

The road to our freedom.

Miss.

So. Empty, is it?

It seems we've had quite a bit.

Yes, Overlord. Very satisfying.

Oh, yes, we've gone through quite a few leaves.

No doubt Songi had a lot to do in the temple today.

She should be here.

No doubt.

Well, then, that's that.

Songbi, we'll have to go for today.

Yes, sir.

I wish you the best.

Songi will be a great help to you.

Remember, women depend on men.

Kindness only goes so far. You need to be strong.

- Understand? - Yes, Overlord.

- Songbi, we should go. - Yes, sir.

- Right. You can go. - Yes, Overlord. Be well.

- Songbi. - Yes, sir.

Songi left first thing this morning? But not for Heungwang?

- You knew all along? - Yes.

- She's with Kim Jun? - Yes, sir.

You can get her back quietly?

Absolutely, sir.

And this Kim Jun.

Looking back, I can see that we owe him a lot.

It's only natural Songi should admire him.

But that's irrelevant. It can never happen, not in this country.

If I gave my understanding, if I granted her wish...

even an overlord can't change a slave's fate...

Not in Koryo, it's impossible.

When Kim Jun gets back, deal with him.

Tonight.

Now it's all been said.

Actually, for a moment, I found it hard to believe myself.

That I love you.

But...I can't hide it any longer.

Hide what, Miss?

I'm a slave. What are you saying?

I can't marry Kim Yakson in two days.

Kim Yakson isn't the man I love.

It's you, Kim Jun.

Miss.

I've done a lot of thinking.

I'm done with feeling ashamed.

I'm done with foolish pride.

I mean it. Trust me.

I'm asking you.

You can repay me for your life.

Jun, please.

Miss...

I can't do what you ask, not in this country.

Even if the heavens fell, it would be unpardonable.

So you won't leave with me? To where no one knows us?

It's impossible.

But it's a reality I can't avoid.

I can't hide it. I already told my parents.

That's why you were reassigned.

Miss?

Field Marshal, I see Uga. He made it.

Yes.

We're out of time.

My father must know by now.

Jun, your life is in danger.

We have to go. My parents will understand in time.

Hurry, Jun. Come on.

Miss.

There are no words to thank you for the honor you do a slave like me.

But, Miss, you must know...

I can't leave Wola.

She's dead!

Yes.

But though her eyes are dark, my sister lives on in my heart.

All right, I understand.

And I'm partly responsible for her death.

I loved you and couldn't stand the thought of you going to her.

So I did nothing.

I could have stopped it.

But I did nothing.

I was wrong. Terribly wrong, Kim Jun.

But what's past is past.

Protect me. I need you.

I'm sorry. I can't do that.

I've sworn to serve my lord to the death. I have no thought other than that.

Jun, oh, Jun...can't you see how I feel about you?

Can't you understand what I'm saying?

Instead...

Order me to my death.

That's an order I can obey.

There's nothing else I can do for you.

- Jun. - If I go with you...

I would betray my lord and be a traitor.

Jun, so principled...

How much more are you going to hurt me?

Can't I get through to you?

Forgive me, Miss.

Forgive me. Allow me to escort you back.

I hope for nothing, ask for nothing.

I believe time will take care of everything. Come with me.

Just be with me. Just...

Choe Yangbaek, Miss.

We're here to escort you home before it gets dark after your pleasant day trip.

There are no boats today, Miss.

Just so. No boats today.

Shall we, Miss?

Did my father send you?

I'm just obeying orders.

You've come a long way.

We have a carriage for the lady.

We'll wait.

Jun.

So this is how it ends.

You must have known, to be so adamant.

Someone must have told you.

Miss...

But I'm glad.

I told you how I feel.

I gave you my heart.

Later...

Later, when we have another chance...

don't hurt me again.

I'll never regret my decision, ever.

Today we'll go back.

But you've got to get away soon.

It's not in my father's nature to let you live for long.

Miss, please stop.

Forget you ever knew me.

I love you, Kim Jun.

Don't forget what I said.

- You travelled far. - Not at all.

Cholla Province is plenty far.

You've been gone a while.

Is Venerable Hyesim doing well?

Yes, sir. He says he'll teach the boys and you need not worry.

Well done. Get some rest.

Yes, sir.

On the way here I was informed Lady Songi was getting in late.

I saw her coming in.

Oh?

Yes, sir. Everyone is talking about the upcoming wedding.

Of course.

Pak Songbi?

Sir, still at the Directorate.

I see.

I read the letter you left.

Thanks to this we were able to reach you before the boat left.

But I'm left with a disturbing problem.

I have to deal with you tonight.

Sir?

Beheading or drowning in the river.

The Overlord is waiting for my report.

Leave the capital.

It's your only option.

If you let me go, won't it be hard on you?

Of course, I'll get an ear full.

But better that than your death.

Take your men and leave the three capitals.

Pak So is the northwest border commander.

There you'll meet Generals Kim Kyongson and Choe Chunmyong.

We have reports that the Mongols will definitely invade.

Your task is to assess the border situation.

No doubt it will take considerable time.

Yes, sir.

Dismissed.

We had an appointment to drink with Kim Yakson.

But I'll explain it to him.

Watch yourself.

Thank you for everything, sir.

Someday I'll repay you.

I'll see you again.

Where were you? Who were you with?

That slave?

Well?

Yes.

What are you thinking?

To cause trouble?

Why, Songi? You want to drive me to my grave?

- Mother. - Yes?

I already told you how I feel.

Think of me as dead. Let me go.

What nonsense is that? The date is set, the letters exchanged.

What other children do we have?

Those worthless boys are banished. You're all that's left.

You, and for you, your husband must bear the burden of this country.

It's your father's will and your destiny.

Can't you see that? Accept it.

If you can't, innocent Kim Jun is as good as dead.

Your actions within the next few days will decide if he lives or dies.

Can't you see? Have you no fear?

Why did Chunsim have to die? Wasn't it because of you?

Didn't she say she did it for you?

And Wola, why did she die?

Doesn't that involve you as well? Now you'll let innocent Kim Jun die?

Well? Say something.

What about Kim Jun?

What else can I do?

I must obey the clan.

That way Kim Jun can live and the clan won't be disgraced.

I'll do as you ask.

But...

But Mother...

Someday I'll get Kim Jun back.

How can you say that as you go to your husband's house?

I'll find a way.

I'll do it. Somehow.