Original subtitles

I'll ask again. Will you?

Will you marry Songi once she's widowed?

Before she's my daughter, she's a woman in love.

It's all out of the ordinary, but still...

I've come to realize it's beyond the ordinary person's understanding.

Since the day she met you until today...

her life has been yours.

But you have had other concerns.

Sir, pardon the interruption...

About Kim Yakson...

I've already dealt with Yakson.

He had no chance to explain himself.

I'm talking about Songi now.

I'm talking about a man's life.

Thus power must be callous.

We must look ahead in the midst of death.

The Guard Corps must look beyond the law.

The Guard Corps is the center of Koryo politics.

The Imperial House can't be above the Corps.

It is a symbol, to be protected by the Corps.

No one...can challenge our authority.

Yakson isn't dying for treason. He's dying for challenging the Corps.

For dishonoring the Corps, for failing to rule his own home.

And most of all, for harboring untoward imperial expectations.

I warned him time and again.

He should have known his life was not his own the moment he married Songi.

Now he sees his failure. And why he has to die.

He may be innocent. He may have been framed.

It's tantamount to murder.

He wouldn't be the first innocent to die in the history of the world.

If he lives, he'll be a burden to the next Overlord.

As though the position were stolen from him.

He'll feel cheated and plot yet another coup.

Do you understand? It's up to me to see that doesn't happen.

Overlord. Are you saying you know he's innocent?

He's guilty.

He must die.

For treason.

The Overlord ordered Choe Yangbaek to deliver the wine to Kim Yakson.

He reached his decision.

I hoped he might be lenient.

You know as well as I the desperate situation,

we've been in these past few years.

Kim Yakson couldn't see that.

He seemed to think the Guard Corps would run itself.

He was a good person, a man of refinement.

And the wrong man for the job.

Which is why the Overlord handed the investigation to me.

Use this to end it, that was the message.

He as good as ordered me to torture the confessions out of them.

I know.

But I'm concerned.

About what?

Suppose Pak were to be interrogated.

That wouldn't bode well.

That's the general I know. Nothing gets past you.

It's all such a waste.

I just hope it ends here.

May I help you?

The Overlord sent this wine to Lord Kim. Is he in?

Yes, this way.

Your Grace, it's Yonshim.

Yes?

Chamberlain Choe Yangbaek is here.

With wine from the Overlord.

It must be laced with poison. Poison wine.

Your Grace, Your Grace.

Your Grace.

Lord Kim, Choe Yangbaek from the Guard Corps.

I'm here on the Overlord's orders.

Lord Kim, Choe Yangbaek...

Welcome. So kind of him to send over some wine.

I had thought Chamberlain Kim might deliver it.

My father sent this?

Yes, Your Grace.

I'll pour it.

- Yonshim, prepare a table. - Your Grace.

So it finally comes down to this.

So it does.

Pour me a drink?

Please.

It's been a long wait.

The Overlord has spoken.

In the form of this wine.

I didn't think it would end like this.

I know.

I never meant for you to die.

But now there's nothing I can do to stop it.

Don't blame yourself. I understand.

I won't ask for forgiveness.

But I want to say this.

I wanted to help you get out of this place.

I'm a man. I didn't want to look back.

And if I had left, where in all of Koryo could I have gone?

At least it doesn't taste bad, my wine into paradise.

Why wouldn't you listen to me?

Over and over I asked you to leave this wretched place.

I'm sorry. I meant to, many times. I meant to release you.

I saw how miserable you were.

But then, I looked at our children.

Our daughter Yon, the Crown Princess.

Our son, Mi.

I meant to release you, but thinking of the children, I couldn't do it.

You should have. If you had, this wouldn't be happening.

You knew I was a bad wife from the start.

Why did you make me keep up this charade, why?

For some time now...no, from the very start...

I understood you. I forgave you.

But I couldn't forgive ...myself.

You're right, I should have, done just as you said.

But I couldn't. I didn't have the courage.

No, the truth is...

I fell in love with you.

Don't let this happen to you again.

Be happy.

Please.

I did this to you.

I swore to Buddha I would pay for what I've done.

No. I'm the one asking forgiveness.

Be happy.

What happiness is there for a woman that killed her own husband?

I curse the fate that made me...

the way I am.

Don't blame yourself.

It seems my time has come.

My lord, my lord...

Farewell. Give Kim Jun my thanks.

My lord, how did... how did we...?

Farewell, my darling.

I loved you...truly...

My lord...my lord... my lord...

My lord.

My lord!

You haven't slept all night.

I couldn't for listening to the sea.

Neither could you, thanks to me.

I'll make some breakfast.

Nevermind. Yangbaek is back from the sound of it.

I should see him.

Overlord.

You have all you need?

Yes. It's just my maid and myself. What could we possibly need?

You're not greedy.

After all this time, I haven't given you anything.

I'll have Kim Jun look in on you.

What are you doing here?

I was curious to see where you go night fishing.

The sun is bright.

Is it done?

Yes, sir.

He went peacefully?

I believe so.

Kim Jun.

Overlord.

The cottage is lovely but incomplete somehow.

I want you to ensure she has all she needs.

Let's go.

So Lady Songi's husband is finally dead?

Are you...going to marry her?

What are you asking me?

He's more powerful than the Emperor.

You can't get out of it.

And the lady loves you so.

With all her heart.

Don't say that.

Everything is ready. I can take you away.

Take me away? How?

Who in all Koryo can defy the Overlord?

I've been waiting for a chance.

I've been meaning to talk to him when my schedule cleared up.

I didn't want it this way, but this is how it is.

You have a great work to do.

I won't stand in your way, I refuse to.

That's not who I am.

We'll have our chance.

Wait a bit more, just a bit more.

I saw a lot last night.

It scares me, the Guard Corps, I mean.

I'll do what's right for me, understand that.

Lady Songi said as much, that I shouldn't ruin you for my own benefit.

She scares me. It all does.

What?

It's too cruel, it's inhumane.

I thought he would at least spare his life.

Am I not emperor? I can't save the life of my own in-law.

Heaven will make him pay someday.

Kim Yakson was clearly framed.

Everyone knows he was an innocent sacrifice.

He was too close to the Imperial House.

This was merely an excuse to get rid of him.

What does a son-in-law matter compared to power?

Your Majesty should take great care.

Obviously. What power do I have?

Tell the Crown Prince to watch his step. Don't give the Guard Corps any excuse.

Yes, Sire.

Very wise. Now is the time to turn a blind eye. And a deaf ear.

Better days will come.

No they won't. Stop saying that.

What did the Mongols say?

The same as always.

The Emperor must go to their court, we must return to Kaegyeong.

And apologize for Sartai's death.

You think they'd be sick of this war. How many years has it been now?

Still, we did the right thing. They've never crossed the channel, not once.

But the people have paid a heavy price.

They have nowhere to farm, nothing to eat.

Then find a way.

We knew it wouldn't be easy. And the fight must go on.

Yes, sir. The envoy we sent to their court should return soon.

Song Kilyu, stay alert.

The military is our lifeblood right now.

Understood?

Yes, sir.

Be wary of threats from within.

We must be united.

Yes, sir. We continue to coordinate with the ranger commanders.

The Directorate General needs a leader.

That will be me for all appearances, but you will run the day-to-day affairs.

Yes, sir.

And assign Kim Jun more duties..

He's wasted as a chamberlain. I'm making him a viscount of the 7th rank.

But, sir...a viscount?

I'd promote you higher, but there's such a thing as appearances. We'll take it slow.

Assist Pak Songbi. And myself.

Yes, sir. But if I may...

What?

Pak, Lord Kim's aide.

I have my suspicions about him.

The investigation is closed. There's no reason to go on.

The guilty are no longer with us.

But, sir...

The Overlord said it's closed. Mind your place.

Well, Viscount Kim.

I heard. Another two ranks. Impressive.

Not that I deserved it. More a matter of convenience, really.

Still, a viscount. Drinks are on you?

Sounds good. Tonight?

Did you hear?

What?

About the Crown Princess.

She's taken ill.

Medicine doesn't help.

Shock, mostly.

Not surprising, with everything that's happened.

I was asked to tell you something.

Kim Yakson was quite candid at the end.

He truly wanted Lady Songi to be happy.

He said that?

Indeed.

He didn't lay blame.

The lady spent the night grieving for him.

A bad night.

She's been thinking of you.

Of who?

It's true. Her Grace. Anshim, too.

Honestly, you have the worst luck with women.

Yangbaek.

It's a fact. That I should be so unlucky.

Kidding, kidding, you...

What are you staring at?

You may be right.

But I don't know why...

Mother, my sister has taken ill.

It's to be expected.

I don't understand you.

Why did you sit back and watch it all happen?

You should have done something.

It was out of my hands.

You don't know.

Not about the Guard Corps.

There was nothing I could do.

And so you just let it happen?

You blame me, then.

I do.

If you cared for my father, for my sister, you would have at least tried.

I remember when I was little.

We always ate dinner with Father, but not you.

Did you know that?

Yes, I'm a bad mother.

Why is that? My whole life you...

Did you hate Father so much?

Isn't that what ultimately led to this?

Perhaps.

Each of us, Mi...

must travel our own road.

I must travel mine.

Now be strong and travel yours.

Mother.

Don't be weak like your father.

Don't travel a road that's wrong for you.

Live free, go your own way.

If you find true love, seize it.

Marry her.

Don't live a life of regret.

Try to be strong. You must.

Your pardon, Sire, for appearing before you so...

No. I know the pain and injustice you're suffering.

And the ties between father and daughter.

It's more than unjust.

Only the Emperor should have authority over life and death.

Enough. How many times must I warn you?

Look after your wife.

I'll never forget this. Never.

Enough!

He's right. I understand the situation...

between the throne and the Guard Corps now.

Someday, I'll see the Corps destroyed.

That much I swear.

By the gods of heaven and earth, I swear.

- Gapi. - Yes, sir.

I hear you're a viscount now. Congratulations.

Thank you.

You'll be working with Pak Songbi at the Directorate?

So it seems.

Things are finally going your way.

Assisting the Overlord, the Directorate General.

All the nobles will fear you.

You're impressed by power.

Don't be. The higher the post, the greater the danger.

Now, the investigation into Pak and Ju Yonji?

Yes, sir. I'm uncovering quite a bit.

What are they up to?

First, this Pak character.

It appears Lady Songi used her influence to get him on Kim Yakson's staff.

I see.

It's clear at this point that there is a connection between him and the lady.

Yes, that explains why everyone wants it covered up.

But how was Lady Songi involved?

Please stop. She did this all for you. Pak said as much.

It all started because of you.

So I should just look the other way?

If the truth comes out it will hurt Lady Songi.

She risked everything for you.

It's all over now anyway.

Enough of that. About Ju Yonji....

That's worse.

How so?

They want the Overlord to ascend to the throne.

What?

Ju Yonji swears the Overlord is a golden dragon.

You know what that means? It's the same as saying he'll be emperor.

Worse, indeed. Much worse.

You told the Overlord?

What did he say?

He laughed.

Laughed?

Isn't that the same as giving permission?

Ascending to the throne is no laughing matter.

Exactly.

He granted tacit agreement. Otherwise he would have been furious.

Am I right?

We have to act fast.

You all have troops assigned to us.

Time is of the essence now.

You can mobilize your men and tear the emperor from his throne.

That's a thought.

Yes, but talk is one thing, doing it another.

And there's public opinion.

Better to let the Emperor hand over the throne peacefully.

Mobilizing troops is high treason.

So it is.

That's a thought, too.

Far better to let the Emperor do our work for us.

Won't we need the ministers with us?

We can't afford gossip. We need to find men to join us.

The Emperor counselors, Yi Jangyong, Choe Chunmyong, for instance.

If they incite the court against us, it's no use.

We must tread carefully, without incident.

First make discreet inquiries.

We already are. We're not the only ones that think this way.

True, but too many retainers spoils the treasury.

Or so they say.

Counselor Choe.

Yes?

Have you heard the rumors? About a golden dragon?

Sure, whatever the heck it means.

They say the Overlord is the golden dragon.

It's all over the court.

And with those rumors, someone's bound to get ideas, is that it?

Of course. It's obvious. The Overlord is surrounded by loyal vassals.

Look into it. The Imperial House depends on it.

I will.

Oh, what about this Kim Jun?

He tried to clear Kim Yakson's name. What's he like?

A dangerous man.

And loyal. The Overlord freed him and gave him rank.

He was just promoted to viscount.

Yet it's a fact that he tried to save Lord Kim.

Suppose I have a word with him?

No, he and I served together, I'll talk to him.

I'll find out exactly what he's thinking.

A revolution?

Ju Yonji and Pak?

Yes. With Kim Hijae and No Jijong's help.

What do you think? Should the Overlord take the throne, or...?

That's dangerous talk.

The throne and the Guard Corps work in tandem.

His Majesty rules as a symbol. The Overlord rules in actual fact.

What does it matter who wears the imperial robes? The people won't have it.

Then what do you suggest?

Mention it when you have a chance.

Quite right. The problem is being too loyal.

What about Naju, and Kim Kyongson?

You sent scouts?

Nothing yet.

Sir, I'm sure about this. Kim Kyongson is not the type to change sides.

I agree with you.

But his brother is dead. It's natural to feel resentment.

He may be thinking of joining the rebels.

Sir, just wait, please.

[Fort Naju]

You heard from the fort?

Yes, sir. Kim Kyongson is opening the gates.

He finally saw reason.

As well he should. What did I tell you? I knew he would.

But it's odd.

He said he'd open the gates, but didn't say anything about surrendering.

Now, now, what of it? Must he say the words?

I'm just glad he's opening the gates.

I want us to give Kim Kyongson a warm welcome.

See to it.

Yes, sir.

Men! Kim Kyongson is coming out.

He'll be a marshal of Baekje.

Welcome him!

General Kim!

General Kim!

Silence!

Sir, I don't think he's surrendering.

He has a polearm.

He does. And his men are all armed.

This is no surrender.

- What now? - What else?

We need him. Take him alive.

Yes, sir.

Men! Hold your fire! Take Kim Kyongson alive.

Draw no sword against him.

Surround and hold him.

Hear me!

I am Kim Kyongson.

This is treason.

Hear me, Yi Yonnyon. There is still time.

Lower your arms and return to Koryo.

Kim Kyongson!

We treated you as men, gave you our food,

and this is how you repay us?

Now we must take you and force you to see reality.

Take him!

Men! Attack! Take them!

Attack!

Take him! Well? Take him! Take him!

You there! Attack!

Which is it? Welcome or attack?

Good question. He looks great though, huh?

Where's he going?

What are you...?

No, my brother!

You're all good men.

Return to your homes.

There will be no charges.

Disperse!

Sir.

Sir!

Sir!

Kim Kyongson and Yi Yonnyon.

Yi dreamed of reviving Baekje and died for his trouble.

He hoped to enlist Kim Kyongson to his side, but failed in the attempt.

The day Kim Kyongson rode from the fort, Yi ordered Kim be taken alive...

and so sealed his own doom.

At that time, there was no greater hero to the people of Koryo than Kim Kyongson.

Meanwhile, things were happening at the capital.

After years of devastation, the Mongols began to withdraw.

The Koryo envoy assured the Mongol court they would not resist.

They made it clear that, per Mongol's terms,

the capital would return to Kaegyeong.

Of course, it was merely a ploy for Koryo to buy time.

The next eight years saw an uneasy calm.

Drink, everyone.

The Khan ordered our retreat.

But, I still don't trust you.

Three times we've invaded. This war has lasted 10 years.

My court doesn't know you came...

to Kanghwa for the purpose of prolonging the fight.

Not at all. Mongol is a vast empire.

We're not your enemies. Rather, we're good neighbors.

Just so. We're far too small a country to dare challenge the great Mongols.

Why use force when a diplomatic solution will do?

Koryo doesn't know the meaning of the world.

I've been all over the world and never seen such obstinacy.

Such a small country yet so full of yourselves.

Ten years you've been fighting us.

Bunch of savages.

This truce is a bad idea. We should keep fighting.

He's right. Our court is making a huge mistake here.

Now, now, we're on the road to peace here.

Let's drink and break bread together.

Well said. Drinks all around. Here!

Which of you burned all our provisions?

Who is this General Yi Kongju?

I am.

You showed guts, I'll give you that.

Have a drink.

Thank you, Marshal.

I thought I was dead.

Helpless, trapped in the ravine, surrounded by flames.

Now, now, now, drink, everyone.

We have a truce, and that's worth drinking to.

Of course. Enough talk of war. A drink.

A toast, everyone!

What did you want to see me about?

I regret I haven't found the time before now.

I understand you tried to help Lord Kim.

I was more interested in seeing that justice was served.

In the end, it didn't matter.

Perhaps, but I admire your commitment to the truth.

Not at all.

I serve the Overlord.

It is my duty to provide him with facts for his decision.

I had to try.

And what did you decide?

About Kim Yakson's case.

Is that why you sent for me?

No, there's something else.

But let's start with that and go from there.

It was a mistake.

The ruling was reached too quickly.

It's a sad testament to the true nature of power in our times.

For a father to kill his own son-in-law...

Why would he do it?

Why do you think?

Lord Kim spoke for the Emperor.

The Overlord's trusted son-in-law, his chosen successor,

was too close to the throne.

The Overlord thought Lord Kim might betray him, don't you agree?

You said there's something else?

They say the Overlord is a golden dragon.

Which is the same a threat to take the throne, wouldn't you say?

I've been looking into the rumors.

They originated with this quack Ju Yonji.

We'll know more soon.

Is that so?

Which side are you on?

We know the Guard Corps has been good to you.

It's natural for you to want the Overlord on the throne, wouldn't you say?

You're sounding me out?

Is that it?

Your rank is low but you are at the center of power, Viscount Kim.

As a chancellor of Koryo, I want to know where you stand.

The answer is simple.

The Overlord would never try to take the throne.

If he did, I would stop him with my life.

- Can I believe that? - I don't care if you do!

The Guard Corps...

has replaced emperors before.

But the Corps has never once tried to overthrow the Imperial House.

People like you are obsessed with the throne.

The Overlord has the future of Koryo to worry about, you should know that!

The Overlord has no interest that puny little throne.

You can reassure His Majesty.

There is still justice in Koryo.

Loose talk and foolish actions will only get you hurt.

Understand? You're putting yourself at risk.