Original subtitles

What's that again? A divorce? A divorce?

Yes, Father.

Have you lost your mind? Who do you think you are?

My daughter, the Director General's wife, a mother of two.

Do you know what you're saying?

- You think I don't? - You do?

Have you no shame? What will people say?

Koryo law permits divorce and remarriage.

I don't want to live this lie anymore.

I'm a person, too.

How long will you force me to sacrifice myself?

Enough. If you weren't my daughter, I would never forgive this affront.

You're not here for yourself. You're here to serve others.

Father.

Why did you force me to marry Kim Yakson?

To make him your heir?

Has that worked out for you?

What?

Do you still think Yakson is the man to take over the Guard Corps?

Do you?

What are you trying to say?

I know what you're up to. You're the reason your husband is a lush.

Is it my fault he's not the man for the job?

What kind of man lets a woman interfere with his work?

Kim Jun would never do that.

Silence! Kim Jun, Kim Jun! You should be ashamed of yourself.

How long are you going to hold onto these delusions?

Have you no shame? What about your children?

Of course. I'm heartsick.

I know I'm a bad mother.

But I have my own dreams, my own hopes.

We only live once.

Must I spend my whole life doing as you say? I won't, not anymore.

Grant my request.

You insolent...enough!

Forget him.

He has a future here.

Do you want to destroy that?

You've already decided a Kim, not a Choe, should be your heir.

But my husband isn't up to it.

Saving face doesn't matter.

What matters is the future of the Guard Corps, the future of Koryo.

You think Kim Jun is the future of the Guard Corps?

You freed him. You gave him rank and title.

It's small now but the effect could be great.

Grant my request.

You can do it.

Kim Jun will do great things.

- Get out. - Father!

We never had this conversation.

Keep this up, and Kim Jun is dead.

I don't want that, but you'll force my hand.

My decision was made years ago, understand?

Get out.

- Father. - I said get out!

I'll say it again. I want my own way. And I will have it.

I need your help. Please just think about it.

Did you just get back, Chamberlain?

Yes, Your Grace.

Now you're a free man.

A military chamberlain.

I'm happy for you. Congratulations.

Thank you, Your Grace.

You'll have one more thing to do soon.

- Come along. - Yes, Your Grace.

Overlord, Kim Jun reporting from Taegu.

I failed in my mission.

The Tripitika was burned with Puin Temple.

Yet despite that, you have shown me more kindness than I can ever repay.

You have shown my comrades equal generosity, for which I humbly thank you.

The Tripitaka is a grievous loss.

It was precious to all of Koryo.

Yes, sir.

But we can't allow the loss to make us sit back, or give up.

And?

We have many difficult years ahead. The people need something to believe in.

Carving another Tripitaka will offer a light of hope to our people.

A worthy thought, but not something like that can't be done in a year or two.

You know the kind of resources that would take?

Perhaps, but nothing means more to the people than the Tripitaka.

Koryo can't do without the Buddhist canon.

It is essential to rallying the hearts of the people.

We need a larger goal to make our daily trials endurable.

This is the reality we face.

You have a lot to do.

Yes, sir. At your service.

Whenever, wherever, my life is yours to command.

You're a free man. You've been given official rank.

The eyes of the world are on you.

Be circumspect in your actions, all your actions.

Yes, sir. I will.

And, you need to marry.

A man needs a home to return to. The sooner the better.

Do you have a lady in mind?

Yes, or no?

I haven't... given it much thought, sir.

You work will keep you busy with the Directorate General and Personnel Authority.

Just let me know if you need any aides.

Yes, sir.

And you'll reside over Yi Kongju's slave brigade.

Overlord.

You must be tired from your trip.

I'll retire for the evening myself.

Yes, Overlord.

- I'm fine, I'm fine. - Overlord.

- I'm just tired. Let's go. - Sir.

Overlord, Overlord!

I'm fine, I'm fine. Help me up.

Overlord! Is anyone out there?

Easy, easy.

I'm just a little tired, my legs are playing tricks on me.

Overlord.

You had to help him walk?

Yes. He seemed to have lost his balance.

He's usually so healthy...

Anyway, welcome back. I know it wasn't easy.

No, sir. I know I have you to thank, for my freedom and new position.

Not at all. You earned it yourself.

With loyalty and sacrifice.

You can do us all proud now.

The Overlord has high expectations.

Yes, sir.

The morning intelligence report. Eastern Jin has fallen.

Sir?

The eastern border separated us from the Mongols.

Not only that, if the Mongols keep attacking the Jin. They'll fall soon.

I see.

If that happens, Koryo will be in serious trouble.

We'll face the Mongols alone.

It's inevitable.

And desperate. There's no one to help us.

What's worse, the people are nearly in revolt.

The Western and Eastern Capitals, Cholla, everywhere.

I saw that on my way here.

What do you suggest we do?

You had my answer when we moved the capital to Kanghwa.

As bitter as it is, we have to stick it out here.

I know you're right, but sometimes...

I have my doubts.

Can we last here? Can we fight them?

Sir, we have to.

That's what has changed Kim Yakson.

He's not prone to despair.

But he feels it now, a despair he can't shake.

I can't seem to get through to him.

But isn't this the time to gird our loins?

He's the next head of the Guard Corps.

If he loses his focus, so will the Corps.

It's a shame, but the Overlord is fast losing his faith in Kim Yakson.

It's my understanding you have both taken vows?

Of course. Oh, yes.

We're monks.

What kind of monks sit drinking with floozies in broad daylight?

Monks still need to eat and drink.

Celebrate the day and the joy therein.

Go on, more wine.

I also understand the Overlord sent you here to reflect, and learn circumspection.

Isn't that so?

Huh?

I'm here today to tell you that the Overlord is furious at your atrocities.

Our father?

What did we do that's so wrong?

Koryo! The country has been in crisis for years.

The people are weary, the capital moved to Kanghwa...

and things are getting worse.

But you two exploit the people, beat them, steal their women...

Now, now, now, General Kim, we never stole a thing.

I looked into it before I got here.

The people are in flight. You steal their lands, more women than can be counted.

Who do you think you are?

Did you think about Koryo at all?

Look here, General Fancypants, that's enough of that.

Who says, huh, tell me that?

More witnesses than we can count.

Yeah? Where are they then? What's your name?

Pak Hwon.

Pak Hwon?

Pak Hwon, huh? Little man in a big hat, making trouble for his betters.

Nothing a good beating can't fix.

A beating? Are two monks threatening a representative of Koryo now?

Hearing you say that, I see you're still the same.

That's about to change.

General Kim!

Men! Search the grounds. All the goods and the ledgers.

Sir!

Find the magistrate.

I want him and anyone else responsible rounded up with the two young lords.

Sir!

General, why are you doing this?

Now, now, General, come on. Don't do something you'll regret.

No, not that. Not that.

- Manjong. - Manjun.

Return the enslaved women to their homes.

Burn the account books and the ledgers.

Sir!

Now, wait, this is our stuff.

Who says you can burn what's ours? You...you can't!

It's not yours, it's Koryo's.

Now, the men that followed them...

Take them into the forest and kill them.

Kill them?

Don't kill us. What did we do wrong?

Young Lord, save us. Please save me.

Kill our servants? Our servants?

Listen to me.

Manjong is hereby banished to Dansok Temple in Jinju Province.

Manjun is banished to Sangbong Temple here in Cholla.

What? We're brothers... you can't separate us!

You can never meet again.

If either of you ever does something like this again, the Overlord won't be merciful.

Well? You heard your sentence.

Leave now.

Kim Kyongson!

You can't do this.

I'll remember what you did here, count on it.

And Pak Hwon, I'll remember you, too.

I'll kill you both.

You seem to be under a lot of stress.

It's just a cold.

Yes, Overlord, you're quite weak.

- I recommend a tonic and plenty of rest. - Fine, fine. You can go.

Your medicine.

Will you be all right?

Oh dear, you turned so haggard overnight.

I near Songi was here. Did something happen?

No, no, I'm just tired. I'm fine. Just give it a few days.

Kim Yakson is supposed to do this. Why is he making you wear yourself out?

I said I'm fine.

I just need some medicine.

I certainly hope so.

My son was so surprised at what you said, and sad to leave your side.

Is that so?

Yes. His teachers are forever praising his wit and intelligence.

I'm sure, I'm sure.

I told you he looked like a smart boy.

I'll find him a position.

Please don't. He's only sixteen.

Then he should be a general.

A general? Oh, dear. Such extravagance.

Thank you. Thank you.

Your Grace, General Pak Songbi.

Send him in. You can go.

Yes, Overlord.

I was surprised when Kim Jun told me.

You still look under the weather.

Age catches up to us all.

I'm just not myself.

I feel weak, listless.

Did you consult a doctor?

Are the Guard Corps all right?

Yes, I can report later.

It's fine.

The people are near rebellion.

Years of misery will do that.

But we can't have rebellion. Once it starts, it spreads like wildfire.

Put a stop to it.

Yes, sir.

And, His Majesty called on Kim Yakson.

He spent the entire night there.

Really?

Oh, well, he probably wants to get to know the next Overlord.

But Kim Yakson may have other ideas.

Keep a close eye on things.

You need not ask.

I'm troubled. Who will run the Guard Corps if I can't?

The thought troubles me.

If you can't?

One small ant hole can collapse a damn.

Keep an eye on things.

Yes, sir.

And, help Kim Jun along.

You weren't wrong. He's a valuable man.

Yes, sir.

I have to say it.

It's like a miracle in a way.

The three of you freed, and given posts.

All thanks to Kim Jun. Thank you.

If not for you, this would never have happened.

Us, wearing robes... I still can't believe it.

All born slaves, all freed on the same day.

You owe the Overlord your lives.

You're brothers. You live together and die together.

- Here. - I can't argue with that.

Now that you're free men, you're not in the slave brigade, you're regular army.

Yi Kongju, you can help me in the ministry.

Yes, sir.

A soldier is at the Minister of War's discretion.

I guess I'm stuck with a soldier's life.

You got that right.

What about the slave brigade that served under Yi Kongju?

Ah yes, they'll serve under Kim Jun now.

Sir, if I may?

What?

I was hoping Choe Yangbaek would take command of the slave brigade with me.

What do you think?

I just follow orders.

I need you. Comrade to comrade.

I could use your help.

A favor, an order. If you insist, what can I say?

It's always the same. Yet another master to serve.

Not a master, a comrade.

I know, I know. All for one, one for all. Loyal to the end.

Thank you.

- I owe you. - Owe me? I owe you, you bastard.

Watch your language there.

Yes, sir.

- General, a drink. - Excellent.

The more I think of it, the happier I am.

For the Overlord to be so generous, making my boy a general. At sixteen!

Congratulations, Your Grace, such an honor.

Yes, Your Grace, it truly is.

Yes, it is. A general is of the Fourth Rank.

Some men work all their lives for that. To think he's starting as a general.

It's just so exciting. Who knows how far he will rise?

In which case, Your Grace...

Yes?

I've heard we have a famous fortune teller master here.

Perhaps you could see him.

A fortune teller? Why?

For your son's future, to make the most of his current position.

Good point. Being a general so young, I can't help but wonder about his future.

Set it up.

Yes, Your Grace.

That's right, my little dragon, already a general.

By imperial decree?

Yes, Grandfather.

Good. A general is a great post, especially when you start earlier than others.

The Overlord sees you as his own son. Don't forget that.

Yes, Grandfather.

Life is a contest.

If you don't take your opportunities, they may never come again.

Butter him up, then, butter him up some more.

That's in "The Art of War". Ever hear of it?

I've read it now and then.

Good, good, you have to study.

You have to put forth a good face.

The Overlord has a son-in-law and two sons.

A pair of bums, one in Kyongsang, the other in Cholla.

His son-in-law isn't much better.

You follow me?

Now, now, sitting there all wide-eyed, at least act like you understand.

In other words, you could have...

the whole world in your hands.

Right, right, keep that to yourself. No foolish talk now.

My grandson, a general.

My grandson.

Marriage?

Our girl, to the crown prince.

The crown prince?

Yes, a future queen from our clan.

Forget our quarrel. We can't stand in the way of our children's futures.

What mother would? But we have to deal with our marriage.

What do you suggest?

We each go our own way.

We're like oil and water. We wear masks constantly.

You want a divorce?

I do.

What about our daughter becoming Crown Princess?

You said you wouldn't stand in her way.

All right. After her wedding, we'll deal with our own marriage.

Fair enough?

Are you going to marry Kim Jun?

Has he agreed to that?

I won't have you insulting him.

He's not that type.

I just want to straighten out my own life.

All right. We'll marry off our girl.

I'm not a completely worthless as a mother.

I find myself thinking propriety demands I will inform the Overlord.

It's not worth all this worry, Your Highness.

Be that as it may, the proprieties must be observed.

But she is Lord Kim's daughter. It will be all right.

Yes, about Lord Kim, I know he doesn't get along with the Overlord.

But drinking all day? He's a lush.

He'll find his way. The Overlord is a hard taskmaster.

It's Yakson's way of dealing with all this.

But Kim Yakson is the next Overlord, no matter what anyone says.

Perhaps so.

This marriage will strengthen his position.

Which can't help but strengthen yours.

I hope you're right.

I heard the Eastern Jin fell, scattered like a candle in the wind.

Doesn't that leave us to face the Mongols alone?

Yes, it does.

It's troubling, but they've been quiet for a while.

I just hope we can broker peace.

How can we fight them if there's another war?

It's even worse when things are quiet like this.

And so it was...

The Koryo capital moved to Kanghwa in the summer of 1232.

Eastern Jin fell in June of the following year.

Worse, six months later, Jin Emperor Aizong commited suicide in 1234.

The Mongols assumed control in the north, the Song in the south.

Koryo was forced to face the Mongol threat alone.

The Eastern and Central Jin have fallen. We rule all their territory.

Yes, Great Khan, just so.

Those little scrappers on the peninsula are like an itch we can't scratch.

They cost Sartai his life.

Our greatest marshal, killed in a skirmish.

Yes, Great Khan, disturbing, indeed.

We've still got to deal with the Song in the south.

Koryo bothers me.

They may clasp hands with the Song.

Grant your permission.

I'll wipe Koryo off the peninsula.

And avenge Marshal Sartai.

Well said.

Tanggu, march on Koryo and deal with that rabble.

Yes, Great Khan.

Send a message to Koryo...

Tell their little king to leave Kanghwa and present himself to my court.

They're a stubborn lot. They'll laugh at your command.

The only way to deal with them is by force.

Of course. Muster the men and send the message.

Yes, Great Khan.

Now, then, I'm leaving the politics to you.

Moving my two sons into separate provinces was well done.

They're just trouble.

Your girl is marrying the crown prince?

Yes, Overlord.

Not a bad idea.

The closer our clan is to the royal house, the better for Koryo.

One big family.

Yes, Overlord.

Kim Jun, visit the Venerable in Pongeun Temple.

Discuss the Tripitaka plans with him.

He's Koryo's leading Buddhist, after all.

Yes, sir, at your command.

How are you feeling, sir?

The medicine will help.

May I ask what Chamberlain Kim will be discussing with the Venerable?

The Tripitaka is a symbol of worship, from the throne to the lowliest hovel.

It was burned by the Mongols.

We may make another one.

But, sir, as things are, how can we commit to such a vast undertaking?

The harder it is, the better for Koryo.

It will be a rallying point for the whole country.

I disagree. I don't know much, but I know it's a bad idea.

I'm familiar with the Tripitaka.

It takes lumber, carving, writing.

The canon is vast. It will take qualified scholars 30 years working day and night!

And you want to make another one?

Think of the people, sir.

They are starving, exhausted. We can't inflict this on them again.

No one else cares for the people, is that it?

Sir?

Can the people exist without a country?

They are tired and worn. In giving them something to believe in...

We give them hope.

Rallying the people is a defense against the Mongols.

Why can't you see that?

Overlord.

Carving the Tripitaka rallies the people. Rallying the people fights the Mongols.

Or are you too busy drinking and carrying-on...

to think of your own country's future?

Answer me that.

The people are at the point of rebellion.

If we inflict this on them, they'll fight back.

It will be difficult to ensure your position.

Is that some kind of threat? Is it?

Overlord.

My lord, don't be angry.

He is merely discussing what he feels is best for Koryo.

Dismissed.

And you, Kim Jun, get to the temple.

Yes, sir. Right away.

I said dismissed. Get out!

Pathetic, short-sighted fools.

Wake up! Think 100 years ahead.

- Overlord. - Overlord!

Overlord.

You didn't come to my sickbed. You came to pour salt on my wound.

You're worthless. All but Kim Jun.

Two fishermen... casting nets in the sea.

Working together to share the catch.

Oh, I see.

In the rainy season the clouds break for 100 days of clear skies.

Use the time to sow well, and reap great rewards later.

This is a fine fortune.

Who could argue with a net full of fish?

Oh my, that's my boy's fortune?

Just so. I see that even as a young man he has risen to great heights.

You see that?

You truly are gifted.

And yet...

And yet?

Though greatly blessed in his youth, I see a crisis...

A dark future.

Is there no way to avoid it?

The next trigram indicates sorrow, in a time of happiness.

There is a way.

Perhaps a talisman or two?

What about my boy?

If we stop the misfortune, what then?

Didn't you spend years at Mt. Keumgang?

Yes.

Ten years at Tamra, ten at Keumgang, ten at Mr. Jiri.

And so, I learned my craft.

I see. You did all that?

Don't worry about trinkets. You'll be taken care of.

I want the best talismans you can make.

Need you ask? Rest assured, Your Grace.

What did I tell you?

The Overlord looks here, he looks there, but there's no one he can turn to.

No one he can trust.

Exactly. I admit I was surprised. A boy of sixteen, a general!

He has a great future.

Perhaps even head of the Guard Corps?

It's not as if Kim Yakson is attending to his duties.

So it would seem.

And his two sons are no good.

One's in Cholla, the other in Kyongsang.

Both are a far cry from being the heir.

But lest we forget, Kim Yakson has a son.

Kim Mi, the Overlord's grandson.

With the father on the outs, what chance does the son have?

You think?

There's something else.

This Kim Jun is making a name for himself.

A free man with rank and title. Sticking to the Overlord like white on rice.

I don't like it.

- He was born a slave. - And another thing...

He was pretty cozy with the Overlord's daughter once.

Who knows? He made my grandson a general. What will he do with the slave?

The world is watching. That will never happen.

Free man or not, he was born a slave. It won't happen.

Just remember your friends.

Perhaps we can arrange a good match?

Of course, of course.

Wait, what is this?

You're resigning?

I'm nearly seventy.

I've been a burden on the court long enough.

So I'm resigning.

My eyes are growing weak and my body isn't what it used to be.

Not at all. Without you here, who will lead the court?

Not to mention your gift for diplomatic documents.

Age catches up to us all.

It was bound to happen someday.

Someone else will take my place.

Have you told the Overlord?

Oh, I will when the time is right.

I heard he's taken ill.

Ill?

Yes, they thought it might be a cold at first.

We should pay our respects.

Yes, we should.

The people are growing jaded.

Hardly any taxes are coming in since we moved the capital.

Yes, so I heard.

The price of grain continues to rise.

The cost of liquor is dear.

I can't even afford a courtesan house.

Shall I arrange it?

No, no, I'm not that bad off.

I'm just heartsick over the plight of our people.

Kanghwa - Pongeun Temple

It's been far too long. Welcome, Musang.

I'm pleased to see you so well.

Yes, yes.

I heard Keumgang was given a post for taking Sartai's head.

He's in Chungju now?

Yes. With Hongji, as always.

Enough about that. You wanted to talk about the Tripitaka?

Yes, sir. You know, of course, that it was burned with Puin Temple?

And with it, one of the great inspirations for our people.

Yet crafting it again would be difficult even in the best of times.

Is it even possible now?

Many people won't think so. Is it even possible now?

Many people won't think so.

But in times like these, we need a symbol more than ever.

Even as we speak people are dying, suffering, crying out against the court.

With all they've been through, we can't force this on them.

But Abbot, think of the future.

If we can offer them even a glimmer of hope...

It will help them endure the darker days ahead.

It won't be easy.

The Tripitaka...80,000 scriptures engraved on wood.

I doubt that's the will of Buddha.

- Gapi. - Yes, sir.

No messengers from Taegu?

We should have heard from them by now.

Yes, sir. Is something wrong?

No.

About Anshim...

Yes?

I was curious so I had some inquiries made. No one knows anything about her.

I see. So frustrating.

I hate not hearing anything.

All right.

Her Grace requests you visit her in the shrine after dinner.

Me?

All right.

Why don't you use the quarters I arranged for you?

I prefer the barracks.

I expected you to pay your respects.

You must be busy.

Yes, Your Grace.

Use the quarters I prepared.

As chamberlain, you need to dress and act the part.

Oh, and my son, Mi. Teach him to fight in the arena.

I serve the Overlord. I'm afraid I don't have time.

I'm not much of a wife, in love with another man and all.

But at last I want to rear my son right. No one fights like you.

My son will be a good student.

My step-mother's son, Oh Seungjok, has been made a general.

I have to look after my boy. It's going to hard enough for him as it is.

What do you mean? Hard?

I'm getting divorced. So I can be with you.

He'll be estranged from his mother after that.

Your Grace.

My father knows. So does my husband.

I wanted you to know.

That's why I sent for you.

You can't. How can you...?

I told you, years ago, I told you.

I've long since forgotten you.

I never even thought of you.

How can you say this now?

Many people forget over the years.

That's life, I suppose.

But that's not me. It never could be. I never forgot you.

It won't be long until we can be together.

Until we can be in love.

Your Grace, please.

Don't do this.

I'm just starting my first official position.

And... I've...found a woman I want to marry.

Of course, it's only natural.

But I told you.

I'll never let you go.

We'll be happy once we're together.

Take this.

It took me the better part of six months. Your robes.

Enjoy them.

Your Grace.

I still love you, Kim Jun.

Your Grace, stop this.

Your daughter will be Crown Princess.

You'll be the mother of the Crown Princess.

The Queen Mother.

Once last time, please, forget all this.

I can't...

I can't...see you again.

Forgive me.

Kim Jun.

I hate...

I hate this love, too.

I do... I hate myself for it.

But Kim Jun...

Someday you'll be mine.

I truly believe that.

Buddha will give you to me.

The two Bodhisattvas will see to it.

We'll be together.

Kim Jun, everything will be all right.

Everything...everything...