Original subtitles

You think the future of Koryo rests on you alone?

Do you know the bitter tears shed by our people as they point to Kangdo?

Your entire plan is a farce.

You sit here with your empty words....

while the Mongols march, we sit safely in Kanghwa.

Sending troops to the front or using guerilla tactics...

will just result in more deaths.

Is this your last great strategy?

Well, Chamberlain? Is this Koryo's grand scheme?

It is, sir.

A desperate fight to the death?

Stop them if we can, die if we must?

Koryo in ashes, our people dead, is that something to be proud of?

What kind of nation is that?

We'll be all that's left.

Sir, we didn't come to Kanghwa to fight to the death.

The chamberlain suggests guerilla fighting, not dying.

It may be that you're far too pessimistic.

Pessimistic?

At this point?

Our only choices are dark and dreary.

Not dreary.

Not dark.

We've fought bravely. We've taken Sartai's head.

Guerilla tactics can do the same.

What we need now is a way to survive.

Our fight lifts the standard of Koryo.

It keeps our faith alive.

That is the Overlord's decision.

Yes, so it is.

And yours, as well.

Did anyone bother to ask what the people want?

We need to wrap this up.

We all serve the Overlord.

We should give our decision to the Ministry of War to act upon.

The Mongols have already crossed the Chongchon River.

We have to act.

How do you think we should deploy our troops?

There's no choice. We must do as Chamberlain Kim suggests.

Is that so?

That's that, then.

The Guard Corps has decided. We'll inform the ministry.

So we fight.

"And hang the consequences," as they say.

Happy now?

Are you?

The Directorate General has decided, therefore...

Pardon the interruption.

May I ask why are you sitting in for Lord Kim?

He has other duties and so here I am.

As a senior officer, I deliver the Overlord's orders.

As you know, we fight a war of attrition.

Brief raids, guerilla-style.

Song Kilyu will brief you.

Yes, sir.

The Mongols have crossed the Chongchon...

and march past the Western Capital.

We will use men from the five military centers for coastal defense.

We will select elite men from the patrols.

The Mongols march at speed.

This gives them a logistics problem.

Materiel and provisions.

Commanders will use the terrain to attack supply lines...

and so, weaken the enemy.

- Understood? - Yes, sir.

Mission assignments.

Yes, sir.

The enemy is deploying a South Army and a North Army.

The South marches from Fort Kangdong, past Dongju to Chunju.

The North marches past Kaegyong to Yonchon, Pochon and ultimately, Jipyong.

The North Army is significantly larger and lead by Marshal Tanggu.

Yi Kongju will be assigned to that area.

I had intended to go with him, but I must stay at the Ministry of War.

Yi Kongju will be enough.

Kim Hije will lead the new Dragon-Tiger Guards.

Along with Generals, Yi Sangno and Kang Umun, you will guard the coastline.

Yes, sir.

Field Marshal Choe Yangbaek's slave brigade will defend the Guard Corps...

and police Kanghwa.

Yes, sir.

My grandson, General Oh Seungjok, is assigned to Kangdo?

Yes, sir. He will serve as Liaison Officer for the Ministry of War.

Liaison Officer. Yes, an honorable charge. Oh, yes.

Anyway, Kangdo has some 3,000 patrol troops.

They are the elite rangers we will use to combat the Mongols.

They will lead the fight.

Many of them are veterans of the arena.

We have suspended the games.

But we should open them again to find the best and bravest.

- Talk it over. - Yes, sir.

Stay alive. Come back to us, come back.

- My baby. - Mother.

Stay alive, for me?

- Don't worry, Mother. - Oh, my boy. My only son.

- Why volunteer just to die? And take this. - Don't worry.

The Ranger Patrols.

The patrols were created by Choe U to police the nation.

At first they were divided into Left and Right Patrols.

To this was added the Wing Cavalry, men who escaped the Mongols.

Together they formed the Three Patrols.

They were the best of the best, strong and true.

For 40 years they dominated the Koryo-Mongol Wars.

To them fell the task of guerilla fighting.

The rangers have left?

Yes, sir.

How many will come back alive?

Lord Kim, you have to stop.

What?

You're the Overlord's son-in-law. He said you're like a son to him.

Have you forgotten his request?

What request? It was a warning.

The walls have ears.

That kind of talk won't come to any good.

What would you have me do?

I know myself better than anyone.

Please, I'm already exhausted.

You can't give up.

The Guard Corps needs you.

I never wanted power.

I hate having everyone's eyes on me.

Let me lay down this burden. Speak to the Overlord for me.

You're the Emperor's in-law. The Director General.

No one holds such an enviable position.

Endure for now. Later, all things will be yours.

And then?

Kim Jun isn't your enemy. Use him.

Didn't the Overlord say as much?

It's not in me to use him. I've already given up.

I see only despair, everywhere I look.

I'm set on drinking myself to death.

The Overlord will be furious.

Let me die then!

He already knows.

Koryo is in the palm of his hand. He sees all, knows all.

As of today...

I won't go into the office again.

When the Overlord sees that, he'll let me go.

Don't you think?

Lord Kim.

The troops have left?

Yes, sir.

Song Kilyu wanted to go, too? It must be killing him.

Oh, I understand Dae Jipsong stood in for Kim Yakson at the ministry meeting?

Yes, sir.

He is a senior officer and a veteran, sir.

He said he wants to reinstate the games?

Yes, sir.

He finally said something useful and important.

But shouldn't the Director General preside at ministry meetings?

Well, be that as it may...

Anyway, other business?

Sir, we have replaced the men that left for the front with volunteers.

They are posted at all the crossroads to slow down and assail the enemy.

Yes, yes, well done.

100 to 1. One of our rangers is worth 100 Mongols.

I believe so.

It's so frustrating. Now isn't the time to worry about one's position.

Still, I feel like getting some air today, Kim Jun.

Yes, sir. At your service.

Will you be all right?

I have to get out. I'm turning into an old fart.

I feel better today.

Do you? I'm so pleased.

I've asked the monks to keep you in their prayers.

I thought about going to Pongeun Temple today.

Seeing you so improved I can leave with confidence.

Look after him, Chamberlain.

Yes, Your grace.

I had the Guard Corps look into the Anshim situation. Any news?

Sir. Nothing yet.

She came here in order to support her family.

We should see what we can do for them.

Look into it.

Yes, sir.

Time to get up.

- Are you all right? - I'm fine, I'm fine.

Oh, my, you do look much better today.

Such a blessing, my lord.

- Yes, yes. I'm going to change. - My lord.

Jade, have some.

I can't, my lady.

"My lady." I'll never get used to that. "My lady.”

Do you have a family?

No servant does.

That's terrible. Not too different from me.

No difference at all. Are you unhappy with your lot in life?

No, my lady. I have you.

Do you have a beau?

There was someone, but he's gone to war.

I'm sorry.

I had someone, too...once.

My lady, everyone is praising the Overlord's new wife.

For treating you so generously, I mean.

Why be jealous of a doormat?

To her, I'm a concubine... nothing more.

We want to see him.

We want the Overlord. Let me in to see him.

I came all the way from Kyongsang. They sent this wild ginseng for him.

Please let me see him.

Break it up. He doesn't have the time.

I came from Yanggwang to give him these rare medicinal herbs.

I said break it up. Take your things and go.

So irritating. One bite and he'll be as good as new.

What are these people doing here?

- We want the Overlord. - Please let us see him.

Make way for Her Grace.

- Make way! - Make way!

- Make way! - Make way!

- Your Grace. - Your Grace, please.

Oh, dear, so many people! Like I've never seen.

True. Yesterday, too, and the day before.

It's the way of the world.

They heard he's ill and want to make a name for themselves.

War or no war, they keep trying their petty graft.

- Let's go. - Your Grace.

Now my husband says he won't come to work?

Yes, Your Grace. He's washing he hands of the Directorate.

Then who is running the Guard Corps?

Pak Songbi is running everything for now.

It has me worried.

How so?

You brought me to the Directorate to supply you with information.

Quite so. You're of no use to me in any other ministry.

The Director still doesn't suspect?

Not at all. But in court life, if a superior fails, it reflects poorly on his staff.

If the Director...

Quite so.

At this rate, who knows what will happen today, tomorrow, or ever.

Exactly. If worse comes to worst, who knows how long I'll last?

That's what has me worried.

But the meeting ultimately chose in favor of Kim Jun's suggestion?

Ultimately, yes. With Song Kilyu and Pak Songbi's support.

Despite the ruckus?

What a mess. My father must already know about it.

Now, what about my stepmother?

The Directorate knows everything, after all.

It's difficult to get close to Her Grace.

But Lord Dae is a different matter entirely.

He frequently meets with Lord Jusuk.

He would. Jusuk arranged my stepmother's marriage.

Keep a close eye on them.

Now is when they'll make a mistake.

You're going to Pongeun Temple?

Yes, Father. And to see Seungjok here.

Of course.

He attended the ministry meeting.

He's not on the front lines, but still doing Guard Corps business.

Is that so? Oh, dear, my little boy.

Little? He's a general now.

Right, Seungjok?

Of course.

I only wish I could have gone to the front.

That's enough of that. Going to the front is for fools.

Your father thought courage was everything, and got killed for his trouble.

Father.

Oh, right. Enough of that.

Now...how is the Overlord?

Better every day.

By the way, I heard him talking with Chamberlain Kim.

You ran the ministry meeting today?

Oh, that. It wasn't my intention, but with the director under the weather...

I did my part.

I'm a senior officer, after all, and no one knows the Art of War like I do.

No one.

Seungjok, aren't you due at the barracks?

Yes, Mother, of course.

- If you'll excuse me? - Go on.

Oh, my little boy. Such a handsome young man now.

Off you go.

- Father. - Yes?

About Kim Yakson...

He's the most powerful man in Koryo.

Why does he hate his job so much?

He's already all washed up. He hates everything and everybody.

Something's got to give. He can't keep his post much longer.

And why is that?

When family life is bad, everything is bad.

I heard they were having trouble, but it's that bad?

Everyone had high hopes at first...

But then the marriage fell apart.

So we have to rear our Seungjok well.

The sky's the limit at this point.

So it would seem.

But Lord Kim has a son.

Yes, Kim Mira.

But he hasn't been given a posting yet.

He's the same age as Seungjok.

Why is that?

Why not, with his father like he is?

The Overlord is the problem. He can change from one day to the next.

It's up to you to find out what he's thinking.

One thing's for sure, this is our chance.

- Understand? - Yes, Father.

Nothing to report.

Yes, it's been too long. Delicious.

You left your home to come here.

Are you lonely?

Not at all.

I'll visit you often.

I looked into your family situation after you came here.

If I can, I'll bring them here to Kangdo.

I hate to be a burden.

A burden? You came here to be a comfort to me.

I should do what I can for you.

Very nice.

Nothing like getting out to clear the head.

Kim Jun...

Yes, sir.

What do you say? Fancy a game of chess?

You're still recovering. Won't it be too tiring?

It's fine. For a while I thought I would die.

But I'm better now. I'll go when the heavens will it.

- Anshim, the chess set. - Yes, Overlord.

The other day...

Some idiot fortuneteller came by.

He had quite a routine.

"The dragon that flew to despair," he said.

"The dragon that flies highest, falls furthest." Meaning me.

I was taken aback, like he could read my mind.

You have position, you now participate in matters of state.

How do you like it?

I'm learning quite a bit.

Government...

comes from the people, learn that first.

Yes, sir.

People are by nature diverse, all shapes, sizes and opinions.

Uniting them to a common cause is not easy.

It takes a little planning, a little wisdom...

and a lot of patience.

Like with moving the capital from Kaegyeong.

We did the right thing.

The Mongols can't cross the straits. They failed before and they will again.

Can they wear boats on their heads? Carry them on their backs?

The raids are a good idea.

No large troop movements, no long casualty lists.

Tell me, what do you think wears on our people the most?

They've been taxed from the start, but the grain barely trickles into the capital.

It's been years, but the amount hasn't changed.

It wouldn't. The road is dangerous.

But we have to open a way...

to reassure the people here.

See to it.

Yes, sir.

I'll spend the night there.

I could use the break, maybe a drink or two.

Send for my friends.

Yes, sir.

I know I said this before, but find yourself a bride.

Settle down. It will be a comfort and a help to you.

You really don't have a lady friend? Shall I find you one?

No, thank you, sir.

I startled him.

Now where's that horse...?

Come on, then, it's your turn.

Ah, yes, sir.

First go to Namhae in Jinju, as we discussed.

First and foremost, we need the proper materials for carving the Tripitaka.

Yes, Venerable.

I believe the re-carving of the Tripitaka is Buddha's will.

I have my reasons. Namhae is ideal for our purposes.

You know why?

Yes. First, Mt. Jiri has the trees we need for the woodcuts.

The lumber can be moved along the Somjin River.

And from there, across the saltwater straight to Namhae...

where it can be dried.

There's more. The Overlord has set aside land.

Jinju Province.

Namhae is inside Jinju.

And, our benefactor, Lord Jongan, comes from Hadong on the Somjin river.

Yes, I know.

Most of the Tripitaka will have to be carved there.

Which is why I'm sending you.

I have much to do here.

I still have doubts.

Must we re-carve the Tripitaka?

Yes, I believe so.

Who knows? It may be that because of this work...

Buddha will hold the Mongols at bay.

You're going to tell the people that the Tripitaka will protect them from Mongols?

We must.

What one word sums up the Tripitaka?

Faith.

I told you, we must give them hope.

Free from want, and war, and enemies.

Hope for a better world.

We must give them that.

Venerable.

Faith gives us strength. Strength to endure the present.

We must.

This wasn't easy to come by.

You wouldn't believe what it cost me.

I'm sure.

A rare treat indeed.

But perfect for our farewell drink before I leave.

It cost the equivalent of 30 sacks of rice.

Thank you.

Must you leave so quickly?

We've had so much fun. I confess I'm worried I'll be lonely.

I had hoped you could come with me, but the Overlord said no.

I know. There's nothing else for it.

Here....

At least I'm going back home.

But, I'm worried about Kangdo.

The Overlord isn't getting any better.

And nephew or not, successor or not, Kim Yakson seems to be losing his mind.

Such a waste. We had such high hopes for him.

We have the Mongols to deal with.

The Directorate General is left with Pak Songbi...

and that old slave, Chamberlain Kim.

So I heard. Ultimately the decision rests with the Overlord.

But I hear the Mongols have reached Kaegyeong.

Yes, the Guard Corps has sent the rangers.

But how long can they last?

What can we do?

Now it's surrender or fight.

- Diju. - Yes, sir.

Where is Putau's South Army?

Sir. They passed Dongju and are marching on Munju and Wonju.

Our troops?

They marched through Kaegyeong.

Bypassed Kanghwa and moved onto Taegu.

They must be terrified.

Seeing our glorious cavalry ride 100 miles a day.

Leaving flames in our wake, east or west.

The Kanghwa cretins must be pooping their pants.

Yes, sir.

Where are we now?

Jipyong, sir. Empty, like everywhere else.

Of course. But don't let your guard down.

We advance slowly, first to Kyongsang, then to Cholla.

Dispatching troops to leave devastation in our wake.

Yes, sir, the orders have been given.

Good.

- Move out. - Sir. Move out!

Sir!

The enemy is marching on Jipyong, as expected.

We have to ensure they travel through Mt. Yongmun.

We can't let their scouts spot us.

Yes, sir.

A narrow strip of road, coals, oil and dry wood....

We may just have a chance.

First let them pass, then close off their escape, so they can't turn around.

Our objective is to burn their provisions.

Yes, sir.

Move. Be ready when they get here.

Yes, sir.

- Move out! - Move out!

Move out!

This mountain is steep, dark and deep.

How much longer until we're over it?

Some thirty miles.

A long way. You deployed scouts?

Yes, sir. Nothing. Not so much as a baby ant.

Koryo scum are scaredy-babies, they won't show up.

They need an army to do anything, anyway.

Not to worry, sir.

The rear. Attack the rear. Use arrows, stones.

Burn their provisions!

I knew it, I could feel them.

Well? Attack! It's only a handful.

Well? Go on! Get ‘em!

Fire!

Stop them!

Logs!

The provisions, the provisions.

Feint to one side and attack the rear.

The provisions are burning.

We took them completely by surprise.

Good, excellent.

We strike and vanish. Surprise is our ally.

Douse the torches.

Douse the torches!

Move!

Sir! Sir!

Report, sir. Our rear provisions have all burned.

They weren't after us, they were after the provisions.

- Koryo scum... - Well? Put it out!

Diju, turn around. We can't do anything without supplies.

- Move out, move! - They blocked our retreat.

Those...those...! What a fiasco!

Move out, move!

Nice, very nice.

Come in, come in, have a drink.

Dancing is hard work.

War is nothing.

It's a battle to dance with courtesans and get drunk.

- Drink, everyone. - Thank you, my lord.

- Another. - By the way...

Not just us, the whole world knows about this upstart Chamberlain Kim Jun.

Blocking you every step of the way.

Blocking? When he's so sure he's doing the right thing?

Still, he dared to talk back to you at the council meeting.

Talk back?

Well, nothing wrong with that.

Since my views ended up as a gust of wind.

It's no laughing matter. How dare he ignore your views?

He should be taught a lesson.

You think you can when I can't?

- Good luck. - Yes, sir.

Here, we're all in this together, and what's life, after all?

I still have the Overlord's authority, whatever anyone says.

The authority of the man that holds all of Koryo in his hands.

Thanks to which you have postings and I'm related to the royal family.

Yes, sir.

If Kim Jun irritates you, we'll set something up.

Don't bother. Do as you like.

Eat, be merry.

Drink, drink.

More wine.

How about another dance?

- C'mon, sweetie. - Oh, you.

Nice. Some music.

Sir, is it all right to drink that?

It's fine. Chrysanthemum rice wine is weak.

Have some.

Yes, sir.

While I was laid up, I thought, so much of life is vanity.

What good is life without health?

What good is power without life?

Tell me something.

Yes, sir.

Was there ever a time...

when you were fond of Songi?

Overlord, how can you ask that?

People are people.

I've heard of unrequited love...

But was it truly one-sided?

Overlord...

Pour me a drink.

You've seen how I do things.

If you were me, what would you do? With the Guard Corps, I mean?

Sir. I'm a lowly commoner. Please don't ask those things.

We each have our lot in life, and you were born a slave.

In ancient China, Cao Cao's foster-grandfather was a eunich.

Eunichs were lowly as well.

He was labeled the lowly grandson of a eunich.

Yet, Cao Cao was the hero of his age.

We can shape our own fate.

I'm tired. It's late.

I need to lie down.

Yes, sir.

Anshim, lend me your lap.

Yes, Overlord.

People are already starting to notice you.

You're successful, and that breeds jealously.

Well? Off with you.

Yes, sir.

Goodnight.

The moon is bright.

You should go. And try to steer clear of her from now on.

My lord, you've had a little too much, be careful.

A lot too much.

Where are we?

We've nearly reached your home, sir.

You, there, help his lordship.

Did Kang Umun and Yi Sangno go somewhere?

Yes, sir. They stayed behind when you left the courtesan house.

Trash, the pair of them.

My lord, my lord.

Well, the whole world is trash.

"We're old friends, give us a step up."

So I do once or twice.

You saw them. That look in their eyes.

Gave me the creeps, looking at them.

I'm drunk. Where's my house again?

This way.

Shall we?

We'll fall with him at this rate.

Exactly.

Lord Kim has lost his influence.

But he's still of noble birth.

He's Director General, and father-in-law to the crown prince.

There's influence and there's true power.

No. Everyone knows.

He's losing influence, and we'll go down with him.

What?

It won't be long before he's out.

It's that Kim Jun. Everyone knows he's the reason for this.

So this Kim Jun...

There may be a way to kill him.

How?

He was in Taegu, wasn't he?

So was the Overlord's new concubine.

There was something going on with Anshim.

What? With Kim Jun?

Exactly. We'll get the details and go from there.

I fell asleep.

You sat here the whole time?

Light a candle and call for Yangbaek.

I should go.

Now, sir?

Yes.

Yes, sir.

Jade.

My lady.

- Yangbaek. - Overlord..

We're going. To Pak Songbi's house.

Sir? Yes, sir.

You, there. Escort the Overlord.

Fall in.

- In for the night? - I suppose.

You're not sleeping?

Sir, the head lady stopped in to see you.

Why?

She brought food and a package.

And your favorite books.

Really?

I see.

Take this.

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

Enjoy them.

Was there a time...

when you were fond of Songi?

- You delivered them? - Yes, Your Grace.

And see to his housekeeping. He lives alone, after all.

Yes, Your Grace. I've seen to it.

Lord Kim?

He came in earlier. He's asleep.

He had a few drinks.

Oh?

I see. You can go.

Your Grace. Goodnight.

Destroy yourself if you want.

My father warned you and warned you, but in the end, he'll see. You're finished.

It will go to Kim Jun.

It won't be long now.

Overlord, is something wrong?

- Let's go in. - Yes, sir.

Why so surprised?

I thought you were ill.

And it's quite late.

I have some things I want to discuss.

Sit, sit.

At your service.

I've been laid up, but I still get reports on the Guard Corps.

You know that, right?

How could I not?

I can't sleep. I'm thinking on things.

My son-in-law has given up and asked to be removed.

Overlord.

Who do you think should replace him?

Give him another chance.

I've given as much as I can. There's no time for that.

About the Guard Corps...

You've served me all your life. So go on, say it.

Will you take charge?

Overlord, how can...? Please don't say such things. I can't bear it.

You're an excellent counselor.

But that's all.

Yes, sir. I live only to serve my lord.

Who, then?

Kim Jun, perhaps?

Overlord!

Chen Sheng said, "Each man decides his own fate." Isn't that so?

Overlord.

Their marriage has gone on long enough.

Suppose I give Songi's hand to Kim Jun?

No one else knows, but you certainly do, isn't that so?

Overlord!

I think it's time for us to part ways.

Whatever your decision is, you need to decide now.

Leave Kim Jun alone!

Before that, you must marry me.

I shall die here!

Fight with me against our enemies!

Something like a sharp knife.

I'm telling you that this absolutely should not happen to Kim Jun!

Be careful. I feel that you're in grave danger.

He has said that he would get rid of Kim Jun.

- I deserve to die. - He must die.

I must find a way.