Original subtitles

My lord.

Tell him to burn his slave papers.

Now he'll live as a human being.

As a person. A man.

- My lord. - As a warrior of Koryo.

There's more.

His Majesty's decree granting Kim Jun an official position.

A position? For Kim Jun?

I guess he'll need some new robes.

But my lord...

If he works with me he needs a proper title.

It's only the Ninth Rank, not much, but he'll be a military chamberlain.

My lord, you are gracious beyond words.

Kim Jun will be moved to tears when he learns of this.

I understand your depth of feeling.

We have an ancient tradition of freeing slaves.

But never of granting them titles.

I couldn't leave him a commoner.

For the good of the Guard Corps and Koryo.

He's a stallion and should be treated as such.

Thank you, sir. Your kindness honors us all.

It's already done. Send a dispatch to let him now.

Yes, sir.

Oh...another thing...

How is Kim Yakson doing?

Busy as always.

Busy?

Busy drinking and carrying on?

My lord.

I don't like hearing rumors from others.

I want reports on a regular basis.

I haven't had one useful report yet.

No more tolerance, not anymore.

You can bet the Mongols will be back.

Yes, sir.

Idleness will be the end of Koryo.

No more hesitation, no more maybe-this, maybe-that.

Rationalizations and seeking approval won't save Koryo.

I'm disappointed.

The times need more than scholarship and whining.

It's your responsibility now.

You'll be called to account for any discrepancies. Understood?

Yes, sir.

Her Grace was in the den.

Really? Alone?

Pak Seungson was with her. They had a drink and left.

They were looking for me?

They asked when you would be done in the shrine.

It's true, she was in there all day.

3,000 bows, they said.

It could be. 3,000 is nothing when you want something.

Such as?

There's no harm in telling you, everyone else knows.

There's a lot of talk about our Lady Songi.

About love. With a slave.

Oh, the talk...

No. Is it true?

The slave Kim Jun is some kind of man.

A man of character, a warrior.

Well, this should be interesting.

No peace in their marriage.

And Kim Yakson out of favor with the Overlord.

Done with your prayers?

Yes, my lord.

You spent the whole day there?

Another drink?

I've had too much already.

Go on, one more can't hurt.

You probably heard that we have peace at last.

The Mongols have withdrawn.

The people are returning to their homes.

That's good.

Perhaps we can find some peace in our home, as well.

You have had enough. Perhaps you should stop.

I suppose. I drink and drink, and I'm still thirsty.

Here. Another.

I had a chat with my brother before he left.

He told me to get out of politics while I can.

He was right. It's all so exhausting.

That's why I wanted to talk to you.

Go on.

I know I've been a disappointment to your father.

Nothing I did suited him, even in Kaegyeong.

I shouldn't be hearing this.

I know my limitations.

But no matter how I try, I can't figure a way out of the position I'm in.

You arranged for Kim Jun's quarters here on Kanghwa?

Yes I did.

I heard as much.

I heard about what went on before, too.

But that was years ago.

I had hoped to win your heart back.

I have a question.

Go on.

I have no desire to hate you or Kim Jun.

But I want to keep what's mine.

So I'm asking you now...

Will you come back to me?

You've kept this to yourself for some time now, my lord.

Answer me. Will you come back?

Why pick at old wounds?

You know me. I'm a bad person.

Years have passed but I haven't given up.

That's your answer.

If you can't give up, what will you do?

I don't know.

I know it's wrong. I know it's a road I shouldn't go down.

And despite that, I can't stop myself.

If you know it's wrong, just turn back.

Why can't you?

Forgive me.

You should have asked me this long before now.

You...should have left me long ago.

You're incredible. You're not one to hold back, are you?

Just incredible.

It's finally been said.

What road will you take now?

Fortunately, Koryo law allows for divorce and remarriage.

I'm no good. You can leave me.

Go your own way, free and clear.

Songi, is that all you can say to me?

To your own husband?

That I should lose everything over some slave?

Do you know how insulting that is? Do you?

Send men to Taegu? May I ask why?

Yes. We're sending them to Kim Jun.

He was in serious condition. I don't know how he's doing.

We got word last night.

He's awake.

That's good. His wounds were serious.

So why?

On special order from the Overlord.

Kim Jun is a free man.

Free? He's been made a commoner?

Yes. Congratulations are in order. Free and with title.

Sir?

I was surprised myself.

The decision wasn't made on impulse.

But I feel bad for the two of you, Yi Kongju and Yangbaek.

You're every bit as loyal as Kim Jun.

But there's nothing for it.

Sir, I never expected to be freed.

Yangbaek and I are proud to live and die for our lord.

Isn't that so, Yangbaek?

Yes, that's so. What else is there?

Anyway, I'm pleased. Kim Jun a free man.

With title.

Orders from the Overlord.

Tell him congratulations from me.

Yes, sir.

The sooner he gets it the better.

No loafing on the road.

Yes, sir.

Kim Jun has been freed?

What about you?

Kim Jun, yes. What about me?

Isn't it obvious? What has he done that you haven't?

Enough of that. Dismissed.

What? Kim Jun has been made a commoner?

Yes, Your Grace.

When? When did my father give the order?

Last night. Messengers left at dawn with the news.

So my father finally did it. At long last.

He's been given commoner status and a government post.

Military chamberlain, you said?

- Yes, Your Grace. - Oh, a rank, too.

As chamberlain he will liaise between the Guard Corps and the royal house.

No small task.

My father is set on keeping Kim Jun at his side.

Thank you for telling me.

Your Grace. If you'll excuse me.

So it comes to this.

Why couldn't he have done this at the start?

Why? Why didn't he listen to me before this?

Why?

You were close to death, Field Marshal.

We thought we were going to lose you.

I have you to thank for my recovery.

You're much better. You can go soon.

When will you leave?

As soon as I can stand on my own.

You've spent a lot of time nursing me.

Oh, there's always plenty more to do here.

You're not attached to the provincial office. Why do you work here?

Nevermind about that.

I doubt we'll see each other much after you leave.

Life is funny. We never know when we might meet again.

You think so?

Anyway, tell me more about you and this Wola girl.

I don't usually dwell on the past.

It seems no one does.

She was well-loved.

She was like a sister to me, a daughter, a mother.

I don't know if that's love, but there it is.

You were together a long time?

Yes. Since childhood.

We were inseparable on the mountain.

Running through fields, picking flowers, roasting chestnuts.

That's all we knew of life.

Who knew how soon it would end?

Did you like it on the mountain?

Looking back, it seems like heaven.

The happiest days of my life.

I didn't know it then.

So people say. We don't know what we've got until it's gone.

Things were bad after leaving the temple?

Paradise has been lost to me since.

Anshim.

Are you spoken for?

I've had offers, but no one that I'm interested in.

So far...

Your jurisdiction is rife with corruption. What have you been doing?

The country at war, the people in a panic...

This is when they need you most.

All the inspectors say the same thing.

Look after the people. See to their needs.

But that's not reality. It takes blood and sweat.

What's your name?

Pak Hwon.

It sounds like you resent the court and the Guard Corps.

It doesn't sound like it, we do resent them.

Not me, the people.

You know the Overlord's two sons?

The people resent them above all else.

How so?

His sons are running rampant all over the province.

The people have rice, they take it.

Women in the home? They take them, too.

Common thieves, Overlord's sons, either way, the whole province hates them.

What?

I know you were the hero of Fort Kwiju.

Fight for us here, against them, like you did in Kwiju.

No! Master, no..!

Next, some grass farmer called Oh Daebu.

What's his story?

We lent him two barrels of millet and five bales of hay.

He paid us five barrels of millet and two bales of hay.

Death to welchers.

Welcher! Don't you fear the law at all?

Masters, with the drought and all, five barrels is my entire harvest.

I'll pay you back next year.

Well? Smack ‘im.

Beat him.

Father! Have mercy...Father!

Next?

Sir. Some welcher named Kim Sobang.

We lent him half a bale and he hasn't paid us back but three bales so far.

Wasn't he bringing me another wife? Where is she then?

She ran off in the night.

Ran off? All right, beat him until she comes back.

Sir.

What, am I throwing my grain away, is that it?

He's hiding that woman of his.

Keep it up. Don't stop.

- Keep it up. - Sir.

Listen at him squeal.

Listen, the emperor moved to Kanghwa, our dad got married.

She's a young one, I heard.

We like the young ones, like father, like son, right?

And this Kim Yakson character.

You'd be Director General if we hadn't been exiled.

If you had that job, we wouldn't envy Qin Shi Huangdi a bit.

No, no, I like it here.

Kim Yakson has nothing but trouble, living under dad's eye like that.

No, not for me.

Definitely not for me, no.

That's it.

Yes, yes, like a butterfly on a flower petal.

Easy.

Let me tell you...

The taste of wine is best at a courtesan house.

Is that so? Then come back often.

Like anyone comes as much as me?

Too true.

Well, come one, have a drink.

Yes, sir.

Colonel Kim.

Yes, sir.

You asked for a promotion, right?

How does general sound?

We grew up together, general is the least I can do.

Thank you.

I'm lucky to be from your hometown, sir.

True, true, use my influence all you like.

Pak Seungson.

My lord.

Dig up my friends' service records.

We have to repay them for buying me drinks.

Yes, sir.

Drink, drink. Take advantage of my position while you can.

No one holds a good posting forever.

But you'll be the Overlord someday.

Surely that position is for life?

Of course.

So you would think, so people say.

But...they'll be disappointed.

So, what other posting would you like?

You're in the military disciplinary office now?

Yes.

Overlord.

Overlord?

You will be, someday.

Surely there's nothing wrong with calling you that now.

Too much sucking up is like poison.

It rots us from the inside.

Kim Yakson spends his time at the courtesan house?

That's not like him.

No, Sire.

It's not a new thing. He's been out of favor with the Overlord for some time.

He's always been a man of education and good character.

You can feel the tension between them...

in the Guard Corps and Privy Council meetings.

Yet he's still the Overlord's son-in-law, and the next head of the Guard Corps.

Yes, Sire.

There may be tension now, but whatever anyone says, he's next in line.

That much is certain.

It's best to stay on his good side in anticipation of the future.

Quite right. I keep this throne at the pleasure of the Choe clan.

My father was the same.

I have to keep the Guard Corps happy.

The imperial house and Koryo were founded by the Great Taejo himself.

Someday you must regain the dignity of your house.

Someone might hear you.

Enough of that.

Anyway, I should call on Yakson.

The royals often called on the Choe clan back in the day.

Yes, Sire, as you wish.

And, Sire, Lord Kim's daughter is of age.

Is she? What of it?

It's not unheard of to take a bride to solidify relations.

It occurred to me that the prince is past the age to be married.

So he is.

Oh, yes, it's worth thinking about.

Your name is Oh Seungjok?

Yes, Overlord.

I thought you were younger. You're nearly a man.

You're a bright one?

Not at all, sir. I'm still learning.

You're smart all right. I see it in your eyes.

Is that so?

All his tutors say that they teach him one thing and he learns ten.

He has that look about him.

Stick to your studies. You will be of service to your country.

Answer the Overlord.

Yes, sir. I will apply myself.

You've been studying in the country.

We'll arrange quarters for you to study here on Kangdo.

Thank you, Overlord. I don't know what to say...

He's your boy, which makes him mine, as well.

Keep at it, my boy, keep at it.

Yes, Overlord.

Oh, dear, I never dreamed you would be so generous.

I'm moved beyond words, Overlord.

What? What do you have?

See for yourself. Your slave papers.

You're to burn them yourself. Here, sir.

Here, here.

Then, he's free? A free man?

So it says.

What wonderful news.

Congratulations, Field Marshal.

Free...a free man...

Congratulations, sir. It's like a dream.

The Overlord...

The Overlord did this for me.

Despite my failing to protect the Tripitaka, he did this...

Thank you, Overlord.

Thank you for your generosity.

There's more.

The Overlord got you an imperial appointment.

You're an official of the Ninth Rank.

Sir...!

Such generosity. How can I ever repay him?

Look at you, this is a great day.

- Get up. - Please.

This calls for a celebration.

Congratulations, Field Marshal.

Overlord.

You have rank and title.

Who else was freed?

Choe Yangbaek?

Not that I heard of.

Yi Kongju?

Not him, either.

What?

Me? I was the only one?

Yes, sir.

How can that be? To single me out...

I'm grateful for this honor.

It's an honor I can never repay.

Yet, there has been a terrible mistake.

How do you mean?

Gupil. You will take my response back to the Guard Corps.

I cannot accept this honor.

Sir.

Unjust rewards bring their own punishments in the end.

Do it.

Ingrate! He dares to refuse me?

Your pardon. I suspect he doesn't fully realize the honor you have given him.

I should say not. He thinks he can dictate terms to me?

Yangbaek and Yi Kongju, too, or forget it?

He didn't mean that...

I can't believe this.

Oh well, I guess I'll have to free Yi Kongju and Choe Yangbaek, too.

If I must.

My lord.

Pak Songbi, I had expected this.

Sir?

What good is my handing out cake here and there?

Kim Jun will be their superior.

He should be the one to grant them favors.

My lord.

Well? You follow my thinking?

This will ensure Yi Kongju and Yangbaek's loyalty to Kim Jun.

Send another dispatch.

They will be freed and given capital postings.

I'm granting Kim Jun's request.

Yes, sir, just as you say.

You're a wise and generous man, sir.

Anyway, send the dispatch.

Well, that's that.

But this...

This is Kim Kyongson's report from Cholla province.

The Directorate General has been keeping things from me.

I told you to report directly to me.

I'm not certain what...

My sons. What kind of men are they?

How could you keep this from me?

Your pardon. We meant to deal with it discreetly...

I've issued new orders.

Scum, the pair of them. No sense of propriety.

Will they ever wake up?

You covered this up? Sucking dry the blood of their own people?

I want steady reports from now on.

Yes, sir.

Pair of scum.

Sir, it's a great day. Why so glum?

Is something wrong?

I've waited and waited for this day.

Now I have mixed feelings.

I can't be happy.

I'm not free of my own account, but because Kim Jun is behind me.

Kyonga told you that years ago. Kim Jun is no help to you.

But being freed is a good thing, isn't it?

Of course.

But I can't keep up with Kim Jun.

Talk about loyal. He didn't forget. He saved me.

You still have to watch him.

I'll say it again, don't forget what Kyonga said.

Kim Jun will be the end of you.

Yes. He has the world by the tail.

He whines, throws a tantrum, and the Overlord gives in.

I'm the fool.

Me.

I envy you men.

Is Choe Yangbaek that important to you?

He's been like a brother to me.

That's how comrades are.

I heard at the battle of Pakgong, he nearly lost his life because of you.

Yes, that's true.

Is that why you refused the Overlord's generous order?

A life without loyalty is no life at all.

I'd rather have it this way.

Remember when you explained what my name means?

About Nirvana.

Yes.

A state of peace and tranquility, free of all worldly desires.

Exactly.

I've found Nirvana. Where I never thought I would.

Really? Where?

With you, Field Marshal.

Anshim.

I hate to see you leave.

Will you remember me?

Anshim...

I've had marriage offers from all over.

More than a few come here to Taegu.

Field Marshal, I've refused them all since meeting you.

Remember...Nirvana.

Anshim.

But, I'm not Wola.

I'm Anshim...Anshim.

I've heard the Overlord is a very happy man.

So happy with his bride, in fact, he rarely steps out of the house.

Well, he has the Director General to look after things.

He shouldn't have to work all his life.

Well said. Let the young people look after Koryo.

Oh, I heard the Overlord sent for your grandson?

Yes, so he did, or so I heard.

Very kind of him.

All pillars to support Koryo in the future.

Have him pay his respects to the Overlord often.

Ah, yes, of course.

He has nothing but praise, over and over, for the boy.

I heard that the Overlord's aide, Kim Jun, has been given commoner status.

He's too generous by far.

A slave's a slave. They don't appreciate the finer things.

They're animals, the lot of them.

Except Choe Yangbaek.

Now there's a man.

I owe him from the last war.

Yes, he's different.

Anyway, with the Mongols gone, now we'll have some stability.

I only hope it lasts.

So you're leaving?

Yes.

Come with me.

It's a little early for that.

Come with me. We're not strangers.

I'll make you happy. I'll devote my life to you.

Our time has been short, but I'm truly happy.

Stop this. Why won't you come with me?

Have I said something wrong?

When Wola died I thought I would never love again.

But through you she lives again.

Come with me.

No. We'll meet again, if it's meant to be.

Now go. Your men are waiting.

Stay right here.

I'll send for you. I'll come back.

Please. Wait for me.

Happiness is fleeting. You said so yourself.

Forget me. The past is just a dream.

Farewell.

I'll be back for you. Wait for me.

Wait for me.

Goodbye.

I was happy.

Anshim.

Merciful Buddha, hear my plea.

Kim Jun is coming home.

Through your mercy, he was at death's door and is now whole.

Whole and ready to live a full life.

Buddha...

What is your law if not to give happiness?

I'm a mother of two.

And a wife.

But I can't douse this flame in my heart.

I'll walk through the fires of hell if I must.

Give me Kim Jun.

Please end this miserable marriage.

I don't...

I don't know what to do.

I don't...

I don't know what to do.

If you won't give Kim Jun to me...

Take my life, please.

I can't take it anymore... no more...no more...

Move out.

It's late. To what do we owe this honor?

I thought we might have a drink.

And I wanted to see you.

I haven't seen you at the palace, so here I am.

You honor me.

He speaks of you often. Shall we go in?

Please, Sire.

Oh, your children?

Yes, Sire.

Well, now, a bright pair. I can tell.

And your wife?

Sire. She's calling on her father.

I'll send for her.

No, no need. Don't bother.

I really came to see you.

Let's go.

The worst job in the world is Emperor.

You'd think you could go where you want, drink what you want...

Don't do this. Don't do that.

Am I right?

You rule all things, Sire.

You rule all you survey.

Forgive me, Sire.

Still, you honor me with your visit, Sire.

I told you years ago.

I'm an Emperor, but I'm a man, too.

I need a friend, a companion, an opponent.

Let's be comrades, you and I.

But, Sire, comrades?

I am unworthy.

Here, drink.

Oh, Lord Kim.

Yes, Sire.

Your daughter we met earlier. How old is she?

Fifteen.

Time to think about a match.

But my son...

Yes, Sire.

I've waited far too long to find him a wife.

I suppose so, Sire.

What with the war and all, there's been no time to arrange an imperial marriage.

Well? Shall we bypass the usual formalities and arrange it ourselves?

Sire, I'm unworthy. How could I..?

It's all right, it's all right.

Seeing your daughter got me to thinking, that's all.

Here, let's have a few drinks and talk it over.

A lovely night.

Here. Drink.

It's late. What did you want?

Is something wrong?

I just wanted to talk.

Really? Then we'll talk.

Your children are growing fast.

Yes, Father.

Look after your husband. He drinks too much.

A man depends on his wife.

So, what is it you wanted?

I understand you freed Kim Jun.

Kim Jun?

What about him?

And gave him position and title.

What if I have? Is that why you're here?

Yes, Father.

Have you forgotten?

What?

You don't remember what I told you?

That Kim Jun would be important to you, that you would see that for yourself.

I told you then to give him to me.

What are you saying? What is it you want to say?

My feelings haven't changed, not one bit.

Songi.

Years have passed, but Kim Jun has never left my thoughts.

Everyone knows my marriage is a farce.

I can't live this lie any longer.

Songi, have you lost your mind?

Grant me a divorce.

Grant me a divorce, Father.

Songi!