Original subtitles

What are you suggesting? How can you...?

Isn't it true? Who knows Kim Jun and Songi better than us?

But, sir, you can't mean it.

- Her Grace is... - I know.

She's Kim Yakson's wife, mother-in-law to the crown prince.

Then how...?

She told me she plans to divorce him.

I condemned her at first, but then I realized my own mistake.

Didn't I force her into this marriage for the future of the Guard Corps?

- Even so... - I know, I know.

What will others say? Never mind Kim Yakson.

And their poor children.

But, reality is harsh. I have to make a decision.

Sit down.

Being ill gave me time to think.

I needed to watch my health.

I gave Kim Yakson one last chance.

To no avail.

The biggest problem is the danger to the Guard Corps and to Koryo.

- Perhaps, but... - The fact is...

I've been better for a while now.

But, I couldn't find an answer.

I need someone who can face reality.

Power is a double-edged sword.

A blessing in the hands of a master, dangerous in the hands of a child.

What would you do?

There's still time. You need to fully recover.

You can use the time to think it over.

But not Kim Jun.

Even if you insist...

Koryo society won't stand for it.

My father seized power from Yi Uimin.

That's true, of course. He had his own Guard Corps.

Exactly. Yet, he was an illegitimate child.

But those were dark days. And he ended up assassinated.

Give Kim Yakson another chance.

A man must be equal to his times.

In times of peace, Kim Yakson would be fine.

But he's not equal to our troubled times.

Well, I just wanted to kick this around.

Keep Kim Jun involved for now.

For now.

Yes, sir.

Oh, Yangbaek, look at this.

Yi Kongju's rangers wiped out all of Tanggu's provisions near Jipyong.

Including their munitions.

Really? Excellent news. That's Yi Kongju for you.

There's more.

Our rangers joined up with the local militia...

and scored a victory against the Mongols.

But the Mongols continue to march south.

We have reports that they've reached Cholla Province.

I read them.

Cholla always was rebellious. The Mongols there have me worried.

Well...

By the way, the Overlord called on Pak Songbi last night.

They spoke for quite a while, I was surprised.

He didn't look sick at all.

Did you know?

I suspected.

Oh, I see. Well, that's that, then.

I have some bad news.

About Anshim...

What is it?

The Overlord ordered her family brought here from Taegu.

And?

They were killed in the last Mongol attack.

Her whole family.

What?

The entire area was razed.

Even the magistrate's office.

No...

What will happen to Anshim?

Fate is fickle.

It's terrible, but if this happened sooner, she wouldn't be here with us now.

No, no...

Easy, Kim Jun.

You're tempting fate here. It's in your eyes.

Your concern will get you into trouble.

Take my advice.

She belongs to the Overlord now.

Alright?

Wonderful...

Delicious.

- Another. - Never mind.

Oh my, Buddha has answered our prayers.

Sitting up and everything.

Didn't I say it was just a cold?

But, you know how worried I was.

People were offering prayers for your recovery in temples all over the country.

Were they?

My son was very worried.

Yes, yes, he's a fine boy.

Oh, that fortuneteller of yours, what was his name?

You mean Ju Yonji?

Yes, right, Ju Yonji, right, right.

Why do you ask?

Just wondering. He's insightful, that one.

Attention!

- Overlord, Chamberlain Kim. - Send him in.

I was pleased to hear the patrols are making progress.

Didn't I say 1 ranger is worth 100 Mongols?

Yes, sir.

You have something to report?

We have intelligence from the Taegu area.

About Anshim.

Oh, right. Her family?

They were slaughtered by the Mongols on their southern march.

No! How awful.

It's been confirmed?

They had your orders. They would have been sure.

Terrible. I see.

This war hurts all our people, it's inevitable.

Anshim will be devastated.

Anything else?

Yes. Yi Kongju's rangers burned the Mongol's provisions.

Their southern march as been significantly impeded.

That's Yi Kongju for you.

But they reached Fort Jukju. The South and...

North Armies are encamped together.

Jukju. Then they'll have to pass Chungju?

Yes, sir.

Who's the commander there?

Song Munju. We served together at Fort Kwiju.

Good. And...?

The Mongols have sent a Cholla detachment on to Namwon.

Really?

As far as that?

You said it's a detachment. It can't be too large.

Our rangers should be able to stop them.

Yes, sir.

I should note that Baekje revivalists are gaining strength in Naju.

We can't afford rebellion.

Baekje revivalists? Baekje morons.

The three kingdoms have been unified for 300 years.

Reviving the Baekje Kingdom?

Stop them.

Yes, sir.

Sir, word from the Guard Corps.

You're to march to Naju and put down the rebellion.

I can't, not with the rebels here as well.

What about their local militia?

The Mongols are riding to Namwon.

They have to be stopped somehow.

What few men we have are dealing with them.

But our numbers are significantly increased if we include the rebels.

They numbered in the hundreds but now they have over a thousand.

People are joining them from all over the Mt. Keumsong Fortress area.

Really?

It's this war. People are starving, furious.

More than a few officials have joined up.

I doubt going there will do much good. We can't stop it.

What else can I do? I have my orders.

I have to go.

Get ready. We ride for Naju.

Fort Jukju, sir.

I see. We suffered a heavy loss at Jipyong.

So we sent a punitive detachment south.

And now we'll take Fort Jukju.

- To guard our rear flank. - Yes, sir.

You ordered them to surrender?

Yes, a few times, but they won't budge.

Then we have no choice.

We attack.

- Putau, I expect another victory. - Yes, sir.

- Prepare to attack! - Prepare to attack!

Catapults, cavalry and archers.

Catapults forward!

I know Mongol tactics better than anyone.

I saw enough of them at Fort Kwiju.

First the catapults. Then the archers and the cavalry.

But they don't know we have our own catapults.

Hold your fire until they draw in close.

- Understood? - Yes, sir.

It's a puny little fort.

A catapult barrage, followed by cavalry, archers and infantry.

- Battle stations! - Battle stations! Catapults!

What the...? Where did those come from?

- The fort, sir. - The fort?

They have catapults?

Fire...!

Well? Form ranks!

Fire! Attack!

Hold your positions! Don't panic! Attack!

Look at them run!

Don't let up. Keep firing!

Fire!

Forward!

Now. Don't let up. Oil! Hot oil!

Don't panic! There's nothing to fear!

No...no...what is this?

Who is their commander? Hiding catapults?

It's Song Munju.

He was at Kwiju with Kim Kyongson. A nasty piece of work.

Kwiju? Ft. Kwiju?

Yes, sir. Kwiju's Commander Pak hails from Jukju.

I see, a whole province of them.

Just the name Kwiju makes me want to puke.

He was there?

This is turning into another Jipyong.

This siege won't be easy, oh, no.

We've lost the initiative.

And too many men. Fall back.

Fall back!

Fort Jukju held fast?

Yes, sir.

The best generals come from great superiors.

Song Munju was a colonel, wasn't he?

Yes, sir.

His first battle and he inflicted heavy damages.

And forced the enemy to retreat 50 miles.

Fifty? Excellent.

Just the news we needed.

Yes, sir.

It's been ten days now, but they are still fighting.

But, it's not all good news.

Choe Chunmyong at Fort Jaju.

His men and the civilians held out for nearly a fortnight.

Then, the Mongols slaughtered them.

Anything else?

Sir. Kim Kyongson has left for Naju.

But his handful of men stand little chance against the insurgents.

I see. He was given an impossible task.

And still he undertook it.

Intolerable.

Yes, sir.

It's this kind of thing that led Lord Kim to criticize our strategy.

I know.

It's ridiculous. I can't understand him.

He's a fine man, I know that.

My heart is heavy over this.

I understand. If you get a chance, talk to him and clear the air.

Yes, sir.

Kim Jun, perhaps?

Why are you looking at me?

No reason. Nevermind.

- Anyway, the Guard Corps... - Sir.

We must be united in all things. You have a lot to do.

Yes, sir. I'm completely at your disposal.

Thank you. I know you're up to it.

You're a great help to me and the Overlord.

All thanks to you, sir.

Not at all.

Oh, we have more good news.

The Crown Princess is with child.

Is she? Good news, indeed.

Yes, indeed. Wonderful news.

Congratulations, Sire.

I understand the Crown Princess has happy news.

So she does.

We have too little good news these days.

It's good for the people, and the court.

I hope it's a prince, Sire.

Yes, that would be nice. A boy assures future generations.

Even if the royal house is powerless.

Powerless? You are the ruler of Koryo, Sire.

Don't say such things.

What good is a ruler that doesn't rule?

Sire.

Still, I had high hopes for the Director General.

Although it did no good.

He thinks nothing of his position and drinks the day away.

Pathetic. I hate to see it.

Drink your fill. I'm to be a grand-pappy.

The Crown Princess is with child.

Is she?

Congratulations.

Yes, yes, yes, drink up. All you want.

But, sir...

I hate to spoil the mood...

What?

You've been drinking quite a bit lately.

Doesn't it keep you from your Guard Corps duties?

Yes, my lord, he may have a point.

You don't know.

Pak Songbi is running things at the Guard Corps.

The Overlord handed it over to him long ago.

And...he has Kim Jun.

So why worry?

The music is nice.

Soothing music, good wine and the world is far, far away.

Very nice.

By the way, Pak Sungson.

Yes? Something on your mind?

This Anshim girl...

Didn't the Overlord order her family to be brought up from Taegu?

Is that so?

It is. One of our friends was assigned to the task.

He brought some disturbing news.

Disturbing? How so?

Kim Jun went to Puin Temple on Tripitaka business.

He and Anshim were involved in Taegu.

Is that possible?

It's true. We have people looking into it.

Don't be stupid.

We have to know, it can't be allowed.

He has to be taught a lesson.

Like I said, you'll be taught the lesson.

Good luck trying.

He has to be torn out from the roots.

Ripped out for good, never to return.

Yes, yes. You should see it through to the end.

You think you can do it? Then do it, if you can.

Rip those roots.

Yes, sir. Rip them out and stomp on them.

She's the Overlord's concubine. And him carrying on.

There will be a huge stink over it.

Then do it!

I'm so drunk. Yet another day goes by.

Another day wasted.

I'm honored that you sent for me again, Overlord.

What you said before, about the dragon that flew to despair.

Yes, Overlord.

The dragon that flies highest, falls furthest.

Am I going to fall soon?

Your pardon, but at age 70, all things must end.

Listen to you. I'm over 60 now.

It's obvious I don't have much time left.

I didn't mean...

I have no son. What of my progeny?

I see a long line ahead of you.

The stars speak to me.

Uh-huh, that just means you have good ears.

What will happen to them?

I see a boy, but nothing else. Sit for a reading and I can tell you more.

Sure. I could use a laugh. Come every third day.

Tell me of the outside world.

You may go.

Thank you, Overlord.

About your lady here...

What?

I sense a great tragedy in the recent past.

Go.

Yes, Overlord.

If I may, perhaps you could use me for a greater work.

Greater work?

Allow me to serve Koryo.

You want an official position?

I'll think about it.

You can go.

Overlord, I pray for your speedy recovery.

A shaman among shamans, that one.

We have news from Taegu.

Did something happen?

Yes. The Mongols killed your entire family.

Overlord!

My condolences. I had hoped to help them, and now this.

Overlord...

I know the sacrifice you made for them. But here we are.

Fate was cruel to your family.

Stay here. I'll look after you.

The Overlord likes Ju Yonji then? He sent for him again?

Yes, Your Grace.

To the Lady Anshim's quarters.

I thought he might.

Ju Yonjin has quite a gift.

I was shocked at how accurate Seungjok's fortune was.

Is that so?

Pardon me, Your Grace.

Yes?

People say they knew the shaman back in Kaegyeong.

How can that be? He said he only recently came from Mt. Keumgang.

He's similar, that's all.

The Overlord makes frequent visits to Anshim?

I'm afraid so. You may have cause for concern.

Why should I? She's nothing, a trifle.

Certainly nothing to be jealous over.

I want Seungjok to sit with the shaman.

Make an appointment.

Yes, Your Grace, as you wish.

If he helps the Overlord, he can help my boy.

They said what?

It was quite alarming.

They mean to kill Kim Jun?

Yes, Your Grace, and what's worse...

Go on.

Lord Kim approved of their plans.

Admittedly, he was drunk.

Did he?

Hearing them, it won't be easy for Kim Jun to get out of this.

It appears he was involved with Lady Anshim in Taegu.

If it turns out to be true, it's the equivalent of treason.

Quite right.

They're set on getting rid of the chamberlain.

They'll do anything to frame him.

Quite possibly.

And Lord Kim agreed to this?

He was very drunk.

But it wasn't just talk.

When they said they want Kim Jun dead, he told them to go ahead.

Then there's no time to waste.

Yes, Your Grace. We have to do something.

If we don't, they will surely kill the chamberlain.

I saved him once.

A long time ago.

If they mean to kill him, I'll save him again.

Thank you, Pak Seungson, you've been of great service.

Not at all. I'm just doing my duty.

Quite so. I need to think about this.

I want you to keep an eye out.

Your Grace.

Any other information for me?

I understand my father has a fortuneteller?

Recommended by my stepmother?

Yes, Your Grace. He's under investigation even as we speak.

Investigation?

Much of his past is in question.

He's a fraud, is that it?

Perhaps. We know he has a suspicious past.

I'll let you know when we know more.

Please, form a line.

There are too many of you. Pardon us.

No line-jumping.

I have an appointment.

So does everyone else.

If you please?

This way.

- Hands off. - Line-jumper.

Why does a general from the Ministry of Justice honor my humble abode?

I'm curious about you. I came to take a look.

What would you like to know?

The Overlord is consulting you?

Oh, yes. Just yesterday, in fact.

I've spent many years with the Guard Corps.

Naturally, all the Overlord's subordinates are interested in his fortune.

As they should be.

Attending an older gentleman, it's only natural, of course.

He was taken quite ill recently.

We hear he's recovered, but we never see him.

Is he truly all right?

Oh, yes. The picture of health.

Any other questions?

It's not easy to ask, but what about his future?

Anything there?

Anything? With a grandson in the royal house?

I see a golden dragon.

A dragon?

You mean, an emperor?

Just because I see it, doesn't mean it's definite.

We have to be careful what we say.

Yes, of course. Yes, yes, quite right.

If you have any more questions, we can meet some other time.

Her Grace is on her way.

Her Grace?

I'll go out the other way.

Don't mention that I was here.

I have many official visitors.

I'm the Overlord's vizier, after all.

Not to worry.

Forgive us. An important personage is here and it will be a little longer.

Welcome, Your Graciousness.

Oh...what do I see? What noble visage?

Oh, my...

Visage? You read nobility there?

Need you ask?

Physiognomy has a long and honored history.

Looking at his face, I see the face of a great Taoist sage.

A name that lived for centuries, glorious in the heavens. A noble visage, indeed.

Oh my! My boy was a sage in a previous life?

Just so, Your Grace.

A great one, truly great.

We see a visage like this only once or twice in a lifetime.

Such an honor, to see such a noble visage.

I'm glad I came today.

Is there anything you need?

People are quite generous.

Don't trouble yourself.

I brought his genealogy. Can you read his future?

Need you ask?

If you please....

Now relax, relax...

Such a noble visage must have a noble heritage.

We will start with your name. Which is...?

Tell him.

Oh Seungjok.

Yes, yes, excellent. Very good.

An auspicious name for a fine young man.

Oh, yes, yes...

I've missed you two.

You leave tomorrow?

Just so.

I have my orders, what else can I do?

Seriously, I appreciate being given such a rewarding job.

Now we hear the crown princess is with child. Our happiness is complete.

I appreciate it. You're related to her now, too.

Modesty forbids.

- Chamberlain Choe. - My lady.

- You have a difficult job. - Not at all.

I heard the news.

My condolences.

Kim Jun sends his, as well.

There's nothing I can say to hm.

Fate can be so cruel.

Kim Jun knows that.

He's at the Guard Corps?

Yes.

He's going through a lot.

He thought he would be happy again.

He never stopped looking for you when he got back from Taegu.

But now, you both have to forget.

I try to grin and bear it.

But now none of it matters. My choices, I mean.

I can understand why you say that.

I hope you can hold on.

There's nothing more I can say.

I must... I must...

The court is important, but the Tripitika is more so.

I've donated my entire fortune.

I know.

We're born, we take on official duties, we do well.

Now we can use our wealth to serve Buddha.

I'm prepared to do so.

That sounds more like a demand than a request.

- More like noblesse oblige. - Of course.

The Tripitaka can unite our scattered and destitute people.

Yes, I believe so.

This is a good thing. You and the Head Abbot are in complete agreement.

That's why I wanted to see you.

The preparations have begun. Now we can give this our full attention.

We're counting on you write a proper consecration.

Overlord?

We must be united, from the throne down, and need a devotion to that affect.

Yes, Overlord. To honor me with such a glorious task.

I will cleanse my spirit and write with all my soul.

Thank you.

Now let's make up for lost time. Overlord.

You're sure you're better now?

Oh, yes. I was weak for a while, but not anymore.

Do what you can on your way to Namhae.

Need you ask? You can rely on me.

The people are hurting, more so in Cholla.

This Yi Yonnyon fancies himself a Baekje descendant.

He's rallying the people.

Yes, so I heard. His power is growing.

Kim Kyongson went there, but he has so few men.

I fear for his safety.

I thought Naju had 50 men. You only have thirty?

Yes, sir. They heard the rebels were within 20 miles and deserted en masse.

The enemy is within a 20 mile radius?

Yes. Yi Yunnyon is with them.

He says he's the heir of Baekje.

You shouldn't have come. He's 1,000 strong, at least.

What can 30 men do?

First we'll bar the gates. We can't let them in.

Already done. But it won't make any difference.

They can take the fort anytime they like.

Have you gathered your citizens?

They're all terrified.

Gather them together. I'll talk to them.

It won't be easy. They know we don't have troops.

Send for them.

All of them.

Hear me.

I am Kim Kyongson, you may have heard of me.

The rebels are within 20 miles of us.

And what is Naju?

Who was Koryo's second emperor?

Emperor Hyejong.

Hyejong hailed from here, from Naju.

This was his hometown.

How can this area revolt?

Baekje? Will we let some delusional rabble march over an Emperor's home?

But Koryo deserted us.

It wasn't Koryo, it was the Mongols.

The entire country is fighting to keep Koryo alive.

Even death cannot cleanse the guilt...

of those who rebel now.

That sounds good. But what can we do against so many?

I will die here.

Those who fight with me to the end will be rewarded.

This is an emperor's home.

If you join the rebels, you will be traitors for eternity.

Meet the enemy with me.

I will die here as well.

I will win or I will die.

The cowards ran away.

But 30 brave men remain.

We fight together.

History will remember the defenders of Naju!

We fight! We fight!

Hang on, did you say Kim Kyongson?

Yes, sir.

Everyone has heard of him.

Who hasn't heard of Ft. Kwiju?

True, true. This puts me on the spot.

Killing Kim Kyongson isn't difficult.

But the people will turn on us for killing their hero.

Just so, sir. Naju is nothing.

We could take it if we like, but we shouldn't kill Kim Kyongson.

We should win them over to our side.

Exactly. Win them over.

We have the upper hand.

What have they got anyway?

Surround the fort, then we'll win them to our side.

Move out.

Yes, sir.

Yes, it's not as if we wanted to rebel. We were forced into it.

Listen, if we can win over Kim Kyongson, all of Koryo is ours for the taking.

Of course, sir.

Kim Kyongson.

Is his coming a good thing or a bad thing?

The royals and the Guard Corps ran to Kanghwa and left us here.

And now Kim Kyongson comes after us.

A pity. A pity.

Fate is fickle.

It's terrible, but if this had happened sooner, she wouldn't be here with us now.

What is this?

Why am I seeing her face again?

What good is it?

Let's go.

I can't leave her like this.

She came here as a sacrifice for her family.

But now they're all dead.

She has no reason to serve the Overlord now.

But what should I do? How should I proceed?

What about her?

What am I thinking? She belongs to the Overlord.

It won't be easy for Kim Jun to get out of this.

It appears he was involved with Lady Anshim in Taegu.

Lord Kim was very drunk. But it wasn't just talk.

When they said they want Kim Jun, he told them to go ahead.

They think they can kill Kim Jun?

How he must hate him.

As much as he hates me.

I must act.

Kim Jun is so close now.

I won't let them ruin everything now, not now.

I have to do something.

Kim Jun, you fool. What is this dark fate that binds us? What?

Your Grace.

Lord Kim has returned.

Oh?

Yes, Your Grace. In his living quarters.

Is he drunk again?

Yes, it appears so.

I see. You may go.

Your Grace.

My lord, it's me. May I come in?

Who?

My wife?

Well, well, come on in.

What is it now?

Ah, you must have heard. About our daughter.

She's knocked up.

Yes, I heard.

A perfect excuse to get drunk.

Join me?

We need to talk.

About what? Go on.

About Chamberlain Kim.

I can't get away from him.

Why do you have to bring him up today of all days?

You want to kill him?

What?

Come again? Why would I?

It's cowardly. Unmanly.

Killing someone because you don't like him?

Now, now, what's this about?

I admit I'm drunk, but you're not making any sense.

Explain yourself.

I heard you plan to kill Kim Jun.

Ah, that.

What did they say? Kim Jun and An-somebody.

Why does the Overlord bother with a courtesan?

Concubine, courtesan, whatever.

What has he done to deserve death?

What do you want to hear?

If he did wrong, he must be punished, right?

Listen to me.

Kim Jun did wrong with her.

With the Overlord's woman. Arrogant jerk.

You're not behind this?

Not this. It's all on your boyfriend.

You're not? Not this. It's all on your boyfriend.

Not this. It's all on your boyfriend.

We haven't been a couple for a long time.

Isn't it time we stopped pretending and ended this?

"We?" Sorry, but I can't do that.

What about our daughter?

If it's a boy, he may be emperor someday.

How can we get divorced? What about the boy's future?

I've decided to live as though I'm dead.

You live how you like, but...

Leave Kim Jun alone.

He has to be taught a lesson.

He's done enough damage to the Guard Corps.

My wife and that other girl, the Overlord's woman!

It's too disgusting to even talk about.

If he deserves death, he should die.

Is that so?

That is so.