Original subtitles

I'll say it again.

Loose talk about the Guard Corps puts you in danger.

That sounds like a threat.

It isn't. I'm saying this out of genuine respect for you.

You expect me to believe that?

When I was a slave, when Choe U and Choe Hyang were fighting, I was there.

When your life was nearly forfeit.

Remember?

When the country is stable, when our people sing hymns of peace...

I'll gladly retire to the country. Understood?

You can choose life or death.

But if you choose death, don't waste it.

Die for Koryo, you fools. Understand?

Try to remember how he spared your life.

Surely you realize he holds the ultimate power as the Overlord as it is?

I don't think he's greedy for power, either.

But your own investigations show that those close to him are.

Which is why I'm investigating.

And why do I bother? To separate fact from fiction.

As one of the Overlord's counselors, I'll say it again.

He would never usurp the throne.

Yet as one of the Emperor's counselors, I can't help but worry.

Will you help, Viscount Kim?

Help?

I'm a minor viscount, but whatever I can do within the law to halt injustice, I will.

Thank you. Thank you, Viscount.

Whatever happens, we are both committed to the Emperor...

and to Koryo's sovereignty.

I believe you.

The Guard Corps and the Imperial House share the same fate...

and now the same blood.

The Crown Princess is from the Choe clan, the Overlord's own blood.

Doubt feeds on itself and in the end can be self-fulfilling.

As you say, the Corps needs your help, do you see that? Do you?

These are dangerous times.

We can't afford to antagonize them.

Would I be so foolish?

This kind of thing takes many meetings.

But Kim Jun is the heart of the Guard Corps.

If he turns against us, the whole Corps may follow.

He has that kind of influence?

Yes, Sire.

I remember he was a champion of the tournament.

He was awarded a royal sword.

Yes, Sire.

His military skills are unequaled.

Not only that, he is a man of letters.

It's understandable why the Overlord freed him.

Quite so.

Anyway, I'm glad to have his assurance in this matter.

We have too little real power as it is.

We're at their mercy.

Your Grace, Pak to see you.

Send him in.

Well?

Your Grace, pardon my intrusion at this difficult time.

My husband is dead.

You were often here as his aide.

But now people will talk.

Just so, Your Grace, but I'm afraid this is quite urgent.

Go on.

Viscount Kim Jun.

He has been looking into my affairs.

That's not my concern.

You have to stop him. He's looking into Lord Kim's case again.

One of his men told me.

That's not my concern.

What about Lord Kim's case?

He's dead, all of them are dead, why re-open the case?

You have to help me.

Send for him and make him stop.

The case has nothing to do with me.

Now leave.

Do as you see fit.

He knows I've been to see you.

If you don't act, this could get much worse.

If it does, it does.

If it does, we're all dead.

Your Grace included.

When people do wrong, sooner or later they will be punished.

Either we live or we die.

Never come here again.

You'll come to regret this.

It appears Pak is behind the plans to usurp the throne.

He's using Ju Yonji to help influence those loyal to the Overlord and gather troops.

We know for certain Ju Yonji pulled something similar...

on Choe Hyang in the old capital.

A fact Pak could use. He must have found out.

I suspect so.

Before Pak reported Lord Kim's coup, Ju Yonji had two "visions."

His first meeting with the Overlord, then just prior to Lord Kim's arrest.

Yes, sir, it's pretty clear that's how it went.

Yes, a well-laid plan.

Yes, sir. And it appears Lady Songi was involved.

She arranged that Pak be appointed to the Directorate.

In return he gave her regular reports.

Up to today.

Today?

Yes, sir.

Continue surveillance.

If it gets out it could cost you your life. Lady Songi is involved?

- Yes, sir. - Dismissed.

Lord Buddha.

Hear my prayer, the prayer of a contrite spirit.

I am evil. I killed my own husband. I know what awaits me in the next life.

But I pray you will take pity on my late husband.

Protect him from another woman like me in the next life.

Welcome into paradise where no injustice can hurt him.

Hear this sinner's prayer.

Hear me, Lord Buddha.

It's bad, very bad.

Lady Songi is mixed up with Pak?

Yes, sir.

Is there no way to stop their absurd plan to put the Overlord on the throne?

It's high treason. The Overlord can't want that.

I made that clear to Yi Jangyong.

Yi Jangyong?

Yes. It appears they are aware of what's going on.

Then the Emperor and his counselors must suspect the Guard Corps.

Yes, sir. We must allay their suspicions.

Yes, we must.

It is our duty to make it clear the Overlord has no such intentions.

But if we continue the investigation Lady Songi may be implicated.

If Pak is guilty, then Lady Songi...

Do you think she did it?

I don't know. I'm at a loss.

But something is wrong about Kim Yakson's case.

But to think she was involved?

A terrifying crime, to murder her own husband.

Sir, what are your orders?

The throne cannot be usurped. It would mean chaos, especially now.

Be ready to make the arrests. I'll talk to the Overlord.

Sir. What about Lady Songi?

Ultimately we can't pretend it didn't happen.

We have to leave it to the Overlord, don't you think?

Sir!

We'll do all we can. See if there's any way we can keep Her Grace out of it.

Yes, sir.

We have to move faster than we thought.

You've got to muster your men.

Didn't you say we would get the Emperor to abdicate?

That would have been best, but we may be exposed.

The Directorate General is following us.

Us? But why?

Whatever the reason, it's doesn't bode well for us.

We have to act.

You told us the Overlord gave his tacit approval...

of the seer's Golden Dragon vision.

That's how this started, isn't that so?

Ah, well, I said he laughed... which isn't quite the same thing.

What is it then?

It's all too uncertain.

Muster the troops? Muster the troops?

Either way, the Choe clan will replace the Wang clan on the throne.

If we want to be retainers, it will take some risk.

We'll ready the men.

I swear... Readying the men is one thing.

But aren't we moving too fast?

We need only surround the palace. Throw open the gates and drag them out.

Once the court hails the Overlord's accession, that's that.

As if it's that easy?

If we're being tailed, they'll know we're mustering our men.

Which is why we have to hurry.

In the actual event, it's what the Overlord does that counts, am I right?

Exactly.

The Mongols insist we send a member of the Imperial House?

Yes, sir.

We've stalled them with excuses, but we can't for much longer.

We can hardly send the Emperor.

Yes, sir. Perhaps one of the Princes as a compromise.

Choe Chunmyong is over at the Dragon Tiger Guards?

Kim Jun suggested it.

Misguided loyalists are planning a coup to put you on the throne.

The Emperor is aware.

What's that?

It's because of Ju Yonji. He predicted a Golded Dragon?

Dragon?

Ah, right. He's quite a talker. I laughed it off.

Others took it seriously. Kim Hijeh,

No Jijong, Pak and Ju Yonji have formed a cabal.

A cabal?

Yes, sir. Time is pressing. If we don't do something they'll mobilize their troops.

What are you saying?

The idea is absurd.

What? Pak? Ju Yonji?

Yes, sir.

We looked into Ju Yonji.

He and Kim Dongmyong were attached to your brother.

What? With Kim Dongmyong?

Yes, sir. Ju Yonji has a history of fraud.

Unbelievable. He conspired with my brother...

and now strolls into my own house?

"Golden Dragon?"

Arrest him. Arrest them all for treason.

And this Pak character?

He testified against Kim Yakson.

He's with Ju Yonji? Arrest them immediately.

Yes, sir.

We don't know what they'll do. Have Song Kilyu muster the men.

Yes, sir. Who will lead the interrogations?

You and Kim Jun.

Yes, sir.

This is a military emergency. Arrest them all.

They're traitors. Arrest all of them, no exceptions.

Where is Ju Yonji?

Who wants to know?

Arrest him. Confiscate any documents and items in the house.

What are you doing? I'm the Overlord's vizier.

Traitor! Scum!

We know what you're up to.

- Well? Take him. - Sir!

Uh-oh...What did I do?

How dare you?

The Overlord ordered your arrest. Stand, traitor.

This is a misunderstanding. Traitor?

- Take him. - Yes, sir.

Kim Hijeh. A general of Koryo plotting rebellion?

Now, now, what rebellion?

We did it all for the Overlord.

What did we do so wrong? Rebellion?

Silence!

The Overlord has ordered you be relieved of command.

Take them away.

- Take them away! - Take them away!

We're not traitors, you don't understand.

General Song, it's a misunderstanding.

Traitor!

Put your sword down. We're unarmed.

Unhand me!

Come in, General Choe. Give me your report.

You were right to be concerned. The capital was up in arms all night.

You're in armor. You come from the Ministry of War?

Yes. I have been ordered to assume command of the Dragon Tiger Guards.

What? Command of the Dragon Tigers?

You?

Yes, Sire. I was surprised, too.

Usually the Dragon Tigers are commanded...

by one of the Overlord's men.

I have full command.

It's important that your suspicions be put to rest.

I'll see that it's done.

Sire, this is a sign of good faith from Kim Jun.

Kim Jun?

Yes, Sire, as I told you, he said we can trust the Guard Corps and the Overlord.

He said he would prove it.

He has done so by giving Choe Chunmyong command...

of your personal guard.

I see. So he has.

That's not all.

Kim Hijeh and No Jijong were arrested last night for high treason.

I confirmed it myself.

That is good news, excellent, in fact.

We owe Kim Jun our thanks.

Your Majesty may want to take a closer look at this Kim Jun.

At our meeting I found him to be candid, valiant and just.

Yes, yes, and now he has the favor of the Imperial House.

See to it. I want to see him for myself.

Yes, Sire.

You know why you were arrested.

First, Ju Yonji. Your real name is Choe Sanbo, isn't it?

Not at all. I spent my life on Mt. Keumgang. I'm Ju Yonji.

Once again. Are you Choe Sanbo or Ju Yonji?

Ju Yonji.

Burn him.

- Burn him. - Sir.

Why are you...?

What did I do?

I help the Overlord, I'm his vizier.

Once again. Choe Sanbo or Ju Yonji?

Ju Yonji!

Stoke the coals!

No!

I'm Choe Sanbo.

Choe Sanbo!

Spare me.

- Take it away. - Sir.

Now the traitor Kim Hijeh.

Now hold on. Traitor?

How dare you?

Is it true you mobilized your troops to depose the Emperor?

This seer swore the Overlord was a Golden Dragon, that's why!

Answer the question. Is it or isn't it true?

- Burn him. - Sir.

It's true. It's true.

We did it for the Overlord.

No Jijong.

You plotted with these others?

I did. For the Overlord.

Pak Seungson, what part did you play?

Speak.

Who were you working for?

No? Burn him.

Sir.

- Burn them all. - Sir!

I'll talk! Anything you want!

It was me.

I was...the one that connected the generals with Pak.

Take it away. It hurts.

How do you know each other? How did you meet?

Tell us how!

They were arrested in the night?

Yes, Your Grace? For high treason.

Vizier Ju and Pak, both.

Pak as well?

Yes, Your Grace.

Your Grace... Your Grace, Your Grace...

Once again. How do you know each other?

We just met, that's all.

I'll take over from here.

You stand accused of treason.

Enough foolishness. Talk!

Why did you do it?

It's that Ju Yonji.

I mean, Choe Sanbo.

He said if we helped the Overlord take the throne, we would all get court positions.

I never!

He's lying!

He threatened me, told me to work on the Overlord, that he would be Emperor.

There's more!

He framed Kim Yakson, had me make up a vision.

He said we were doing a great work.

Enough! You're raving!

That's a crook for you, volunteering testimony without being asked.

Viscount Kim.

The way I see it, you're no better than a dog.

- Kim Jun, good doggy. - That's enough!

Hear me, General Pak.

The shaman opened his mouth, so I might as well tell everything.

I framed Kim Yakson.

With his wife's approval.

Enough! Silence!

Kim Jun!

You know why I said you're no better than a dog?

I framed Kim Yakson to save you and your precious Anshim.

You know why?

So Her Grace could throw her life away on a pathetic slave.

And you insisted on investigating?

Kim Jun!

What kind of man are you?

Silence! I've had enough!

I won't hear any more of this. Kill him!

You honestly didn't know she did all of this for you?

Kim Jun!

Kim Jun...

You...You...

Kim Jun...

Your Grace, it's all gone wrong, what should we do?

Pak confessed everything.

Then, they beat him to death.

I see. Hearing my name, they couldn't help themselves.

Was Viscount Kim there?

Yes, Your Grace.

He must be in a state.

I don't know why Pak would ramble on like that.

Lies and deceit, cannot bear the light of day.

Buddha has called me to account.

I'm relieved it's finally out.

Your Grace.

But so fast...

I thought he would give me more time.

I didn't think I would have to atone so quickly.

I knew it. I should have handled the interrogation.

Kill Pak first, sort it out later, that's the best way.

Pak Songbi is reporting to the Overlord.

He is. And I worry how a man like the Overlord will take it.

We should stop him, or better yet, deny it ever happened.

We'll say he lied. Her Grace will live and the Overlord will save face.

Kim Jun will live, too.

But, if Pak Songbi already reported?

Kim Yakson is already dead, nothing can change that.

I swear...

How do we handle this?

No...how could this...?

Whoever heard of such a thing?

I know!

Killing her own husband because she didn't like him?

He drank poison for treason.

And it was all a lie?

So it seems.

Ju Yonji confessed everything.

No! That great seer was a fraud?

No...

It was all lies, everything he said?

- Buni. - Yes, Your Grace.

This can go no further.

He was a fake.

Seungjok... Go find my son.

Isn't he at Lord Su's?

I'll fetch him.

No, Buni.

Prepare my palanquin. I'm going out.

Yes, Your Grace.

What will happen now?

Everything has come to light. What now?

Where's the Overlord?

In the study with Pak Songbi.

Something's coming. Something terrible.

Pak died under interrogation?

Yes, sir.

And he implicated Songi?

Just bile from a known traitor, sir.

Ju Yonji and Pak were in league?

Both in plotting treason and framing Kim Yakson?

Sir, it's a fact that they were plotting to usurp the throne.

But this business of framing Kim Yakson was a lie.

There is no proof behind their claims against Lady Songi.

He knew he was dying so he wanted to drag Her Grace down with him.

Songi... Would she have gone that far?

Would she have killed her own husband?

Sir, there is no proof.

Traitors are known to lie.

Pak Songbi.

Overlord.

I've counted on you my whole life.

You're a brother to me, a son.

We have no secrets.

Isn't that so?

- Need you ask, sir? - Then don't lie to me.

Pak died under interrogation?

Yes, sir.

I suspect I know why he was beaten to death. To shut him up, right?

It all makes sense now.

Ju Yonji's warning of the reek of blood near me.

Pak conveniently bearing testimony against Kim Yakson.

And his frequent meetings with Songi.

What would they discuss?

She hated her husband.

Overlord.

"Give me Kim Jun," she said. "I'm getting a divorce," she said.

I won't ask you again.

Was Songi working with Pak?

She wanted to get rid of her husband.

- Isn't that so? - Overlord!

What is Kim Jun doing?

Wrapping up the interrogations, sir.

Tell him to wrap up this Songi business, too.

Overlord.

The Overlord will know everything by now.

What about Lady Songi?

It's all my fault, all because of me.

You know why I said you're no better than a dog?

I framed Kim Yakson to save you and your precious Anshim.

Now I see. That's why she said what she did.

You've started down the road you're meant to travel.

You can't take Anshim with you.

That's the way to death.

She saved my life, got me where I am today.

And now I must condemn her to death. I'm no better than an animal.

I have to see Her Grace, to stop this from going too far.

Now I must walk my own path. I can no longer deceive the Overlord.

No more, not like this.

There's trouble in the court. Is the Viscount all right, you think?

I couldn't say. But, there have been troops coming and going all day.

What's going on do you think?

I'm sure it's nothing.

I'll go ask again.

It has been too long, Viscount.

Yes, Your Grace.

Yonshim, we have an honored guest.

- Some refreshments. - Your Grace.

How can I help you?

Your Grace, I know how very kind you've been to me.

But, why involve yourself in something like this?

I've told you from the start not to bother with a fool like me.

Why are you falling to pieces, Viscount?

Why are you crying?

Why did you do this for a filthy slave like me?

I'm sure I don't know what you mean.

Forgive me. Everything has come out.

And the Overlord isn't the type to let it stand.

Please... Please offer him some explanation.

You see, all I wanted was to see you succeed.

I've always known you will be Koryo's greatest warrior.

It was my duty to prevent lesser men from stopping you.

Your Grace, I have to ask you.

Say it isn't so, please say it isn't so.

Did you work with them...

to frame Lord Kim?

They wanted you dead.

Say it isn't so!

Whose daughter am I?

Would I lie to save my own skin?

You're the mother of the Crown Princess.

But before that, I was a woman in love with you.

I loved you with all my heart, was that so wrong?

When did I say I wanted to be the mother of a princess?

When did I say I wanted to marry Kim Yakson?

All I've ever wanted was to be your wife, Kim Jun.

But, the world wouldn't have it.

They pushed me and pulled me to suit themselves.

All I wanted was the love of one man.

To be your woman.

Please, say it isn't so, say you didn't know.

Say that and I can get you out of this. Please!

Seeing you rush over here, it's clear my father already knows everything.

I'm a bad person, I don't deserve your love.

But I don't want to die.

I'm finally so close to you.

Aren't I...Kim Jun?

Your Grace...Your Grace!

Overlord, here is my report.

I have completed the interrogations of the traitors.

I have also completed my investigation implicating them in framing Kim Yakson.

The testimony of Pak Seungson and Ju Yunji confirmed Lord Kim's innocence.

I regret to report that Lady Songi was also implicated.

And more, I must state that despite all your kindness to me...

I have kept things from you.

You're back with us, Field Marshal?

You've been asleep for days now.

Anyway, it's good to have you back.

Remember when you explained what my name means?

About Nirvana.

Yes.

I've found Niravana.

Where?

With you, Field Marshal.

The Lady Anshim and I were in love.

Even now, knowing she is beyond my reach, I can't stop loving her.

Her Grace acted as she did because of me.

I have failed you again and again.

Only death can pay for my sins.

Grant me your permission.

Where is Kim Jun?

He left after delivering this.

For Anshim's house, I bet.

You're worse than he is.

You should have killed him long ago!

None of this would have happened if you had.

Not Songi, not Yakson, nothing.

Everything is ruined. Everything!

Overlord!

Kim Jun.

Why was he born a slave?

Of all the men in Koryo, why did Songi fall in love with him? Why?

Viscount Kim.

What is it? Why are you here?

It's over.

Pardon?

I told the Overlord.

You did what? Are you insane?

It's all for the best.

The best? How exactly? Are you leaving?

That would be a betrayal.

It's not just you. Lady Songi is in trouble because of me.

A life must be forfeit.

A life? What are you saying?

Viscount…

They'll be here at dawn. To find my body.

Viscount.

Must it end this way? Like this?

- Sir. - Sir.

Must it all fall apart this way? Like this?

Kim Jun confessed and left.

Her Grace?

It's all come out. I'm waiting for my orders.

Lady Songi framed her husband and had him killed.

What will happen to her?

The Overlord can't kill his own child, but then again…

What else can he do?

What about his successor?

I'm told she did all of this for Kim Jun.

What will happen to him?

It was for him, he won't escape unscathed.

Seungjok.

Yes, sir. At your service.

Behave with discretion. Your time is at hand.

And you, keep a close eye on the Guard Corps.

There's no telling what will happen next.

If not for him, we wouldn't be here.

Pak Sleazebag.

Will we live or die?

You should be able to see that at least.

- Come on. How should I know? - You're a seer…

The seer game is a gamble, all or nothing.

Get it right, great. Get it wrong, oh well.

Fraud!

- Let them out. - Sir.

Wait, where are you taking us?

To Hades. Well? Front and center.

Hades?

Let's go.

I didn't see this coming.

Hades? Hades?

Per your orders, the traitors were taken to the execution grounds.

What are you orders regarding Kim Jun?

He's done you a great wrong.

He's reported to be at Lady Anshim's house.

He must pay.

He stole his lord's woman.

He has to pay.

Songi?

Sir, Lady Songi was an accomplice only.

The true criminals were Pak and Ju Yonji.

I have to do this myself.

Myself…

Is there no other way?

Slaves aren't men, they're animals.

Bought and sold, like dogs or pigs.

The Overlord freed me.

And this is how I repaid him.

Perhaps you're right, but why must you choose death?

A life will pay for all.

What do you think, Yonshim? I call it Shangri-La.

It's beautiful.

Love is like a beautiful dream.

Like the paradise in the scriptures.

People in love think it will never end, like a dream from which one never wakes.

Your Grace.

Partings are short and painful.

Which is why they should be brief.

Your Grace.

Dawn is coming.

Will you excuse me?

Do you have to do this?

I understand. I wish you peace. I will follow close behind.

I will watch over you at the end.

I am guilty as well.

I will not leave.

Overlord, my life is yours.