Original subtitles

I see.

So that's it. When we were talking about Kim Jun, Songi sought me out.

She asked if I meant to kill him.

The only one that knew was the same one bearing testimony against us.

So that's it.

My own wife framed me.

My very own wife.

My wife...

Everyone's all worked up. Soldiers everywhere.

They say it's treason.

A lot of people are saying your husband is behind it.

Your Grace, your son and the Crown Princess.

Mother, it's me.

Yonshim, leave us.

Yes, Your Grace.

Mother. What's going on? Father is under house arrest?

I don't know either.

How could they say Father would do such a thing?

I heard he might be executed. Is it true?

They say he acted against the Overlord.

Shouldn't you speak to Grandfather? You can't just sit here.

What if something happens to Father?

Mother, I should speak to Father.

Yes, and me, as well. I need to hear his side of it.

The Overlord has given orders. Lord Kim is to have no visitors.

None? I'm Koryo's crown princess.

I can't see my own father?

Your Highness, we are all subject to the Overlord.

Mother, I'll go to the Overlord. I'll beg him for mercy.

- Mother, Mother. - Mother, Mother!

Overlord, please. I understand you haven't made a ruling.

You must show mercy.

Crown Prince, it will be done according to the law.

I'm the Prime Minister, I can't let personal feelings interfere.

The investigation is over. His guilt is clear.

With all due respect, you can show leniency.

Please.

Show mercy, just this once.

You will sit on the throne. What are...?

What are you doing? You can't grovel like this.

Yet here I am, begging you, Overlord.

You, there! Assist His Highness!

Sir!

Worthless eunuch! Are you blind to His Highness?

Can't you see he stumbled and fell?

Yes, Overlord, as you command.

Your Highness, allow me. Please.

Please, Lord Choe. Spare his life.

Overlord...

Please.

The Crown Princess went home, the Crown Prince to the Overlord.

But charges of treason against the Guard Corps won't be easy to allay.

Quite so.

Attacking the Guard Corps is tantamount to attempting to kill the Overlord.

Surely he'll suspect the Imperial House is involved.

This is serious.

Surely not. It was Lord Kim and his conspirators.

The Overlord can't possibly blame you.

We can't be sure of that.

He may well suspect Your Majesty.

He may.

The Guard Corps has replaced emperors before.

The Choe clan put my father on the throne.

How could that weak-kneed Kim Yakson put us in this position?

It will be fine.

In actual fact, Your Majesty rules this land.

Who are the Choe's to exercise power over you?

The Guard Corps should be disbanded.

Lord Yi. How many heads do you have?

Watch your tongue.

The walls have ears, the ceiling, the floor.

You have nothing to fear.

Many members of the court would lay down their lives for you.

Lord Kim is one of them.

Unfortunately, he was unable to serve you.

Enough. No more of this talk.

How did this happen? It's completely out of nowhere.

Kim Yakson did what exactly?

Conspiracy? A man like that?

Exactly. What's the world coming to?

It's been coming for a long time. He and the Overlord have never gotten along.

Just so. Yes, him and his drinking and carrying-on.

And his sycophants and cronies.

But even so! I would never hurt my son-in-law, you know, the Overlord.

What's the world coming to?

Another thing. This brother of his, Kim Kyongson.

Kim Yakson must know about him.

How could his brother join with the rebels and Lord Kim not know?

That hasn't been proven. It's just a rumor.

The Guard Corps sent men, they reported the rumor, so it must be true.

The rebels want to re-establish Baekje or some such.

A little success goes to their heads, but it won't change the people.

Dig ten fathoms deep, you still can't get to a man's heart.

Well said. His brother is a rebel.

He's the Crown Prince's father-in-law, the Overlord hates him.

I'm betting he thought he would take a chance.

Right, right, that's it exactly.

Yes, that's what happened.

Something's not right, anyway you look at it.

There's something. It's just off somehow, it's too perfect.

He was accused the same day of the hunt.

Which just happened to be the same day the Overlord goes to the coast.

What are you trying to say?

The Overlord gave the case to Song Kilyu.

A case involving the Director General, a case of high treason.

Shouldn't someone else be given such an important case?

Why do you say that?

You know Song Kilyu.

He's a rough man. He'll get the answers he wants under torture.

The Overlord appointed him.

We still don't know why he did so, Yangbaek.

Sir?

Politics aren't your forte. You're too naive.

We serve the Overlord. We do as we're told.

That's all we need to know.

You say I coerced their confessions?

I'm just suggesting that this case requires a thorough investigation.

Pak Seungson should be interrogated further.

You know why the Overlord appointed me?

Because it was over before it began.

Sir.

I agree with the Overlord.

He's an itch we couldn't scratch, a blight on the Guard Corps.

A blight that should be removed.

The Overlord knows that.

Sir, we can't convict an innocent man.

Innocent? We have a witness.

He wanted to kill the Overlord and return power to the throne.

They all confessed.

Under torture.

What do you care Kim Jun?

This helps you. We're doing what has to be done.

Forever playing "the people" card, opposing every plan, I was sick of him.

Not to mention finding out his brother had joined the rebels.

That isn't confirmed.

Maybe not, but Kim Yakson has sided with the Imperial House a long time now.

He was wrong from the start, for the Guard Corps, I mean.

Sir, let me look into it again.

- Into what? - Pak Seungson.

Something's not right. We shouldn't just release him.

He gave testimony, but we should weigh the facts and the truth carefully.

He's part of Lord Kim's inner circle. There's nothing to investigate.

We're talking about a man's life.

A life...

that's ended.

This way. Please.

We share the same fate.

Say the wrong thing and you're dead.

M-me? The wrong thing?

- Oh, but poor, poor Lord Kim? - Scumbag!

Say Lord Kim's name once more.

It will cost you your life.

Oh, right, of course.

This is the beginning. It will get more interesting.

Planning another dirty trick?

Only a short step for a Choe's ascension.

What?

Why so surprised? You're the one that mentioned a golden dragon.

How did you..?

Words travel 1,000 miles. You know how dangerous that is?

Suppose we have a Choe sitting on the Wang clan's royal throne?

One slip and you're a traitor. One step and you're a retainer.

You know what a retainer is?

A man of title, position, rank, wealth.

A man honored for generations.

Impress the Overlord.

And the others that visit you. Kim Hije and No Jijong.

You seem to know everything.

As much as you.

Things are underway.

We have to see this through. Understand?

Understand?

Kim Hije to see you.

That's my cue to leave. We'll talk again. Understood?

Understood?

Understood, understood.

That your quick exit?

I'll see you soon.

And often.

You must have had an important client.

You kept us waiting.

It happens some...?

Sometimes.

How may I help you?

Kangdo is up in arms. You know why. I have a question.

What will happen to the Guard Corps?

Will Kim Yakson live? Or die?

An attempted coup. It's obvious.

Yes, you're right.

Which brings me to something else.

You mentioned a golden dragon before.

Meaning the Overlord?

That's not something to ask about.

Kim Yakson has made things difficult for the Imperial House.

We can't help but wonder about our "golden dragon".

I said I saw a golden dragon in the Choe's future, but nothing more.

You seem to be thinking of finding a new emperor.

Isn't that what the signs foretell?

I can't make the future a reality.

The future is reality.

That's what you're saying. That's what that means.

Have you told the Overlord this?

Not yet.

Should I or shouldn't I? I must choose carefully.

Now is the time to tell him.

Your insight led to stopping Kim Yakson, didn't it?

You could say red beans are soybeans and he'd believe you.

The emperor is a figurehead, has been for generations.

Why shouldn't the Overlord wear the royal robes?

We wouldn't mind being retainers.

Retainers?

They've all confessed. They meant to overthrow the Guard Corps and kill me.

How should I deal with them?

What's there to discuss? Kill them all.

And Kim Yakson?

He led them. He should be punished first.

But, sir, we've interrogated everyone except Lord Kim.

He should be allowed to explain himself.

I agree. We need to weigh all the statements.

There's no need.

We can't be seen as coddling your son-in-law.

We have the confessions. It's beneath you...

to listen to his prevarications and excuses.

Quite so.

But he's a man of great stature, a member of the royal family.

Sir, allow me to investigate further.

It's not right to condemn him without questioning.

He deserves the opportunity.

Perhaps.

He's the Crown Princess's father. Your son-in-law.

Kim Jun.

Overlord.

Those responsible to history don't have the luxury of indulging family.

But if you must, go see him.

I'm interested in what he'll say.

Yes, sir.

The Tripitaka is coming along well. And the Mongols...

And you're seeking a diplomatic solution.

Yes, sir. Plans are underway.

Lord Min Hee is assessing the Mongol position.

Our envoys are traveling to the Mongol court to negotiate.

A tiresome war, for them as well as us.

Tread carefully.

Yes, sir.

About Anshim, Kim Jun.

Yes, sir.

She seemed to enjoy the beach.

Build her a seaside cottage.

Not too far away.

Yes, Overlord.

Your Grace, the Head Lady.

- Send her in. - Your Grace.

You can go in.

Thank you.

Wait here.

The Overlord treats you so well, taking you to the beach and all.

He said you liked it so much, he's having a seaside cottage built.

A lovely view, a pleasant home, very nice.

I'll make the arrangements.

Thank you.

Not at all. I see something of Wola in you.

We were so, so close, like sisters.

Then I think of poor Kim Jun...

Kim Yakson's wife came to see me.

Does she know about Wola and Chamberlain Kim?

Yes, of course.

It breaks my heart to think of it.

There is no greater lady in all of Koryo.

But...she would give it all up for him.

And Wola.

Such a nice girl. A bit naive, perhaps.

And Kim Jun?

Such a sad man.

If not for Wola, he may have run off with Songi...

Songi?

Kim Yakson's wife. The Crown Princess's mother.

No one knows how it will all end.

Kim Yakson is sure to be punished, leaving Her Grace alone...

Oh dear, listen to me run on.

Don't pay any attention to me.

Chamberlain Kim.

You're looking into Kim Yakson's case?

Isn't that a waste of time?

Song Kilyu will be waiting for you to make a mistake.

How so?

Don't you see?

Power is complicated.

You're far too naive.

Find out what the Overlord wants first.

An innocent man may die.

He may at that, but this is trouble too big for us.

- It's a power struggle. And the Overlord? - Reporting for duty.

You sent for us?

Yes. Everything is in order?

Of course. We have men on it.

Put Pak Seungson under constant surveillance.

Who he meets, where he goes, what he drinks, everything.

Yes, sir, everything.

Get information on anyone he meets.

Not only him, but all the men jailed for treason.

- Start from the beginning. - Yes, sir.

There's not much time.

I want you to take a detachment and look into this Kim Kyongson business.

Rumors are cheap. Enter the fort.

Assess the situation and get us the facts.

Dismissed.

Yes, sir.

It won't be easy.

It's difficult overturning the status quo.

I have to try.

Kim Yakson deserves it, guilty or not.

No one wants you to do this. No one.

[Naju - Yi Yonnyon's Encampment]

Hello to the fort.

The marshal is sending food again today.

Kim Kyongson doing all right?

Of course. Thanks for sending in food.

One big happy family.

When will he open the gates?

No idea. Someday.

Sir, isn't this strange?

They keep feeding us.

If they hadn't, we'd have starved by now.

The whole country thinks we're working with the rebels.

Shouldn't we be doing something?

First, I'll enjoy my meal. And I won't feel bad.

I won't thank them, either.

Whose food is this? Koryo's. Her people's.

They have their reasons.

To win us over.

What will you do? We've been stuck in this fort far too long.

We wait.

Our chance will come.

And when it does, we'll open the gates and give them what for.

"What for?" "Open the gates?"

With 20 men?

War isn't numbers. You'll see.

Come on, let's eat.

Not long now.

They were reticent at first, but now they can't wait for the food deliveries.

How many people inside?

Most of the civilians have fled.

Kim Kyongson, two aides, and twenty soldiers, give or take.

There's no rush.

The whole country thinks he's with us anyway.

He'll open the gates.

And with him on our side, Koryo will be ours.

I can't argue with that.

But the Mongols marched into Cholla province a while ago.

If they come here we're in trouble.

You're right. We've got to end this Kim Kyongson business before that.

Peace talks?

Yes, sir. It's been a long, painful war.

For your troops as well as for Koryo.

For us? It's been worse for Koryo.

How much of Koryo is left? We've razed the country.

Yet we continue to fight.

Our rangers continue to hamper you.

Enough!

Not exactly peace talks.

State your terms.

Anyway, war hurts everyone.

And it will only get worse.

What do you say to a peaceful withdrawal?

Leave empty-handed?

What about our terms?

Your king will leave Kanghwa and return to Kaegyeong.

We couldn't help but see him hiding on Kanghwa as a challenge.

If you withdraw, the Emperor will consider returning to Kaegyeong.

Really?

And what about compensation for the death of Grand Marshal Sartai?

That wasn't our army. It was guerillas, warrior monks.

We offer sincere apologies.

Another thing.

You king goes to our court.

Will he or won't he?

A state visit isn't easy to arrange.

I will present your terms and ensure steps are taken.

I don't trust Koryo.

Turn around, they change their minds. Take a nap, they break faith.

Am I wrong?

Not at all. The weak must do what they can to survive.

Surely you can understand that.

How many times must I invade you?

I'm sick of it.

This time I'll root out the problem.

I just got word this morning.

Your precious Golden Dragon Temple was burned to the ground.

Hwangnyong Temple, understand?

What? Hwangyong? Burning?

Look at you! Don't you get it yet?

We mean to burn anything and everything associated with Buddhism.

He's absolutely right.

We'll burn the hope of your people to the ground.

Not just Hwangnyong Temple.

We know you're re-carving the Tripitaka on Namhae.

Go ahead. Knock yourselves out.

In the end it won't make any difference.

I'll burn that, too.

Easy there.

Easy.

No, no!

Venerable.

- If it isn't Chamberlain Kim? - Sir.

We're building a home for the text. A great work, the best lumber.

Worthy of the sacred texts it will house.

So I heard.

It must be high, free of air and moisture.

As important as the engraving.

52,000,000 characters.

It will take 300 men working day and night over 12 years to complete.

The mulberry tree paper, it takes one man a day to produce 50 sheets.

We need 320,000 sheets.

And another million practice sheets.

We can't do it without Buddha's help.

Have you heard about Subop?

It's been 5 years since he's eaten or slept properly.

Oh? I didn't know.

It's possible through study to reach a place of No-Self.

Subop has done that.

But why punish himself like that?

Punish? Devotion. Consecration of self.

I understand there's some excitement at the Guard Corps.

Yes, Venerable.

Is it true Kim Yakson was involved?

Yes.

Kim Yakson struck me as a decent man, a good man.

You're busy. I'll let you go.

I appreciate the visit.

Not at all. I'll be by often.

Did you learn anything?

Yes, sir. We kept our eyes out, as you ordered.

Did you visit and ask them about the mastermind?

Kang Umun and Yi Sangno.

Yes, sir. I visited the prison.

They're despondent.

But, they insist they've been framed.

Pak Seungson?

Under surveillance.

He calls on Ju Yonji, the Overlord's seer.

Anything else? Before the Directorate?

In the Foreign Office. He came to the Directorate with Lord Kim.

Which was odd.

Someone helped him.

So it seems.

Look into it. Time is short. If we don't clear him soon,

all of this will have been in vain.

Dismissed.

Yes, sir. I'll report back.

Is Lord Kim in?

Yes, he's waiting for you.

In the pavilion.

Chamberlain Kim is calling on Lord Kim?

Yes, Your Grace.

On my father's orders? Kim Jun is investigating?

Yes.

No! Why is he involved?

You're my first visitor since my arrest.

What do you want?

There are a lot of questions about your case.

Such as?

It reeks of a trap.

If you don't clear yourself, you'll fall into it deeper.

Can't you read the Overlord yet?

I don't know his intent, but he wouldn't kill an innocent man.

Power is above all cruel.

Pak Seungson gave evidence against you.

How did you meet him?

How did he come to the Directorate?

He was sent to me when I was appointed.

Friends at court, I imagine.

He was in your inner circle.

Why didn't you suspect him?

People...they're all the same, really. You can't trust anyone.

I'm looking into his known associates at the time.

We'll clear your name.

- Don't bother. - Sir.

It's all just a big puzzle.

Solve it and you won't like what you find.

It's quite simple.

Sir?

This is due to my indecisive nature.

I should have given up long ago.

If only for my children's future.

What are you saying?

Not...

Lord Kim.

I want to go quietly.

That's what everyone's expecting.

The Guard Corps will go on, she'll go on, you'll go on.

Sir, what are you...?

I'll get to the bottom of this. I'll fix this.

Thank you, but I must decline.

I know what road I must take.

No, sir. Kim Kyongson made me promise before he left.

He said to look after you when the crisis came.

My brother said that?

He must be a seer.

But, even if I make it through this, I won't last long.

My time has come.

As it does to us all.

Lord Kim, be patient. I'll clear your name.

Do me a favor. Don't make this any worse.

Just let me go.

And Chamberlain Kim.

It won't be easy to meet again, so I'll tell you this.

I was a failure. But, you have your own road ahead.

You'll grow stronger.

But always remember the Emperor and our people.

That's the true road to power.

Lord Kim.

I was quite fond of you. Farewell.

Lord Kim.

You're a general now. No problems, I trust?

No, sir. I continue my studies.

Excellent. Your mother worries about you.

Oh, now, Overlord, you're too kind.

The worse the crisis, the more scrupulous those close to power must be.

Be mindful of your surroundings. Don't allow your actions to be misunderstood.

That's all for now.

Yes, sir.

He's more impressive every time I see him.

He has a great future in Koryo, Your Worship.

It must be true, if the seer says so.

Don't you agree?

Well, it was an unpleasant business, but your prediction was spot on.

Any trouble ahead?

Trouble? No trouble, no, but important.

I consult the stars each day on your behalf.

Your future is bright indeed.

Oh, my, of course, of course he's right, Overlord.

Each time I consult the stars, I see a sky of gold.

And in that sky, a golden dragon, a wishing stone in its mouth.

A golden dragon?

Yes, Your Grace.

A golden dragon. Indeed, a future on the throne.

Oh, my... oh, my...

Listen to you.

A lot of talk.

Enough nonsense. Get out.

He has miraculous powers. Surely it's not nonsense?

You're going to sit on the throne.

Enough.

Ju Yonji.

Your Holiness.

Everyone likes being buttered up.

But not if you go too far.

I won't have you spouting this nonsense again.

Yes, Your Perspicacity.

But shall I withhold my visions?

Get out.

Your Worshipfulness.

He's a piece of work.

He gets some things right, sure, but this is absurd.

It's stuffy in here. I need some air.

I'm going out. Send for Kim Jun.

Overlord.

Have you made a decision regarding Kim Yakson?

I understand the Crown Prince was here.

You'll see soon enough. Send for my retinue.

And Kim Jun.

Overlord.

It's odd. It's been days without a word.

Do you think he'll pardon Kim Yakson?

He is his son-in-law. What else can he do?

You think? But it's treason.

He wanted to kill the Overlord, disband the Guard Corps...

and return power to the throne.

True.

You're a lucky man.

Why?

Isn't this what you've been waiting for?

We didn't lift a finger, didn't say a thing, and our problem is removed.

Kim Yakson, I mean.

Exactly.

And what will happen next? Who will be the Overlord's successor?

Why ask when you already know?

Who else is there?

Oh Seungjok, that's who. Am I right?

Exactly.

It's as good as done.

Drink up!

There's been a lot of talk.

You and the seer here are quite a pair.

You've done Koryo a great service.

No doubt the Overlord will reward you.

What do I care about a reward?

I couldn't stand by and watch a coup.

True.

Fortunately, we have a seer who was able to warn the Overlord in time.

He's had an even greater vision.

Have you heard? About the golden dragon?

I heard.

Ahem.

I was surprised. But this is no ordinary seer.

Every word he says becomes reality.

- True. - Very true.

If the Overlord is so blessed, and if the seer has made that fact clear...

it follows that he will need retainers.

Retainers?

Quite right. The Wang clan has been waning for years.

The Choe clan has been running things for 50 years now.

The royal line needs new blood.

But the Overlord can't do it alone.

We must prepare the way.

Quite right. And we will.

The seer has told us his vision. Why hesitate?

Let's make a pact on our lives.

Here.

Who are you?

Guard Corps, Slave Brigade.

Assigned to Chamberlain Kim.

So?

We're investigating the coup.

That case is closed.

There are still some facts to clear up.

I was Lord Kim's aide. You dare question my testimony?

When and where did you meet with the traitors?

We know you met often.

Outside of the courtesan house, you met in Kim Yakson's quarters as well?

Enough of this. I already answered these questions.

We know you've been meeting with Lady Songi.

It's not hard to figure out why.

You're a brave one.

Tell Kim Jun this for me.

This was all to save his skin, understand?

He can talk to me himself if he wants to know more.

Well, Anshim? Ever been night fishing?

Never.

Taegu is a mountain region. Not much fishing there.

Kim Jun?

This is a first, sir.

And for me.

It's not very hard.

You get a feel for if the fish will take the bait or not.

Yes, sir.

But, it's no fun if you only go night fishing.

Anshim, a drink.

Overlord.

And for these two.

Overlord.

About Gulpo.

Sir.

Let's forget it.

A canal would be great, but digging with picks and shovels presents problems.

And a burden to our people.

Yes, sir.

How is the investigation going?

Into Kim Yakson.

We'll have something soon.

Song Kilyu isn't pleased.

Re-opening the case after he worked so hard to close it.

What's done is done. Leave it alone.

But, sir!

Do as I say.

It has to end now.

Yangbaek, you had your drink?

Yes, sir.

I had some wine prepared.

Take it to Yakson immediately.

Overlord.

Go. Report back when he finishes it.

Sir, please.

Well, Yangbaek? I said go.

Yes, sir. At your command.

Overlord.

And Kim Jun...

When Songi is a widow...

will you marry her?

Well?

Overlord.

Are you really going to marry Songi?

He said the Overlord is a Golden Dragon.

Other people are watching. You'll work your way up slowly.

Isn't that the same as saying he's going to overthrow the Emperor?

I'm here on the Overlord's orders.

I think they brought him poisoned wine.

I think this will be our last time sitting like this together.

Why, why didn't you listen to me?

Because I love you.