Original subtitles

Take me to Kangdo, please.

Viscount, I'll say it again, no one can live like this, unwanted, abandoned.

Why don't you answer?

I'm begging you, I'm kneeling here.

Viscount, I mean it. Manjung and I are different.

There's no animosity between you and me, right?

When Manjung did what he did to Wola, I tried to stop him.

I'm serious, you have no idea.

How did I end up here? Cause of my brother, that's how.

You know that, right?

He's the one the Overlord wants.

But can Manjun rule Koryo? This little twit?

Come on, don't be like this, say something.

I said I'd serve you like a brother.

Look, I'll bow again, all right? To my elder brother, see?

Please, brother.

Move it.

What are you lookin' at?

The country's going to the dogs.

Am I right, Uncles? Look at this riff-raff.

Don't call me uncle.

How about Auntie?

- What an idiot. - Right, they are idiots.

Now it all makes sense.

The Overlord always intended Manjun to take his place.

So he sent me.

You're killing me. Would it kill you to say something?

Young Lord.

Yes, brother.

It's not fitting for a young lord to call me brother.

Please stop.

No, brother, I pay what I owe.

I'll serve you as a brother.

You were born a slave, I was born illegitimate.

If I hadn't been, if my mother weren't a courtesan...

Would I be here now?

But that's all in the past.

Brother, please, please save me.

It's not in my power.

It is. I know it is, and I know about the bloodbath in Kangdo.

Kim Yakson, my half-sister, Songi.

My father has no one now.

Let's be candid. Isn't that why you're here?

Brother, please, please take me back with you.

I'll be eternally grateful. I know you were in Tansok to see Manjung.

All right.

That's why the Overlord sent me here.

One or the other of you will be the next overlord of Koryo.

I know it's me.

Manjung would hate it anyway. He just wants to play.

But me, I'm different.

He's illiterate, but me, I know my 1,000 Characters.

Suppose...

Suppose I do take you to Kangdo...

Can you swear to never forget the commitment you feel now?

Commitment to the Guard Corps, commitment...

to protect Koryo's court and her people.

Are you kidding? I swear it, 10 times, 100 times, I swear it.

And if you swear yourself, what then?

What then?

I never will, never, but if that ever happens...

You can do as you wish.

Kill me if you must. My life is in your hands.

Can I believe that?

You can. I swore, one brother to another.

What's not to believe?

All right.

If you can't trust me, I'll write it in blood.

Stop, Overlord.

Overlord...?

Yes, Overlord.

But, brother, where did that come from?

Don't call me brother again.

When you lead the Guard Corps, your power is equal to the Emperor's.

Overlord, accept my obeisance.

You are destined to be the next overlord.

I'll ask you again...

as your retainer...

Do you swear to keep your vow?

Thank you, thank you, Kim Jun.

I swear.

I will trust you.

Starting today, you must prove me right.

I will, I will. Trust me.

The fate of Koryo is in your hands.

Thank you. I'll never forget what you've done, never.

Thank you. Thank you.

We're in this together now.

Accept my respects.

I sent a messenger so Manjun knows Kim Jun came to see me.

What's Kim Jun doing here?

Dropping in on his way to see the Tripitaka?

Not likely.

It's something else.

But the Guard Corps is too bloody for me.

This is better. Good wine, good women, making money without doing a thing.

The Corps? No thanks.

Still, being the Overlord...

That's worth a try. The Emperor and his court all looking to me.

Sounds good.

Have I been wrong all along?

No, no, it's out of my reach.

Better to just stay here.

No more of this uncle stuff. Yes, Uncle.

Choosing the next overlord can change history.

I've got to be absolutely sure.

Can Manjun look after the Corps?

They're scum, both of them. But Manjun is the savvier of the two.

Have I made the right choice?

I'm fine, I'm fine.

Doctor, there must be a reason. What's wrong with him?

Your pardon.

You keep examining him with no result. What is wrong?

I'm fine. I'll get better in time.

You've been drinking quite a bit. It takes a toll on the stomach.

That's it.

Less wine, right, doctor?

Yes, Overlord, but?

Go on.

I regret to report his pulse is irregular and I detect a tumor.

What do you mean, a tumor?

We have no means of treating cysts at this time.

Some medicines can inhibit the growth, of course...

Where did this come from? What are you saying?

Now, now, easy.

Illness is part of life.

- Doctor. - Overlord.

This stays between us. Understood?

Need you ask, sir?

- Dismissed. - Overlord.

It's all that wine. And how upset you've been.

What should we do?

There's nothing we can do, not with a tumor.

These things take time.

...Overlord...What now?...

Your Grace, a messenger from the palace.

Send him in.

- What is it? - There is an emergency.

- An emergency? - Yes, Your Grace.

The Crown Princess is in critical condition.

She may not last the night.

What? May not last the night?

Yes, sir. His Majesty sent me to tell you.

I see. I'll come straight away. Wait for me.

Now her, too? Her, too?

Doctor, is there nothing you can do? Nothing at all?

I'm sorry.

No. You can't die like this.

You have to live. Grit your teeth and get through this.

- Sire... - Yes, yes.

You didn't marry into the Imperial House to end up like this.

This is my fault. I asked your father for your hand.

For my son.

That was a mistake.

It led to all the troubles in your house.

And now you... even you...

Sire, the Overlord and Her Grace.

Send them in.

Sire, is it that serious?

Yes.

She...

She'll be gone soon.

Your Highness, Your Highness, you can't go. Try to get up.

- Grandfather. - Your Highness.

- Do something for me. - Anything. Please tell me.

Stop...stop...all this killing.

No more.

And my brother, Mi...

Look after Mi. Don't hurt my little brother.

Would I ever?

You and Mi are my own grandchildren.

Can I believe that?

You killed your own daughter. What do you care about her children?

Your Highness.

I'll never forgive you.

Never...never!

- Your Highness. - My lady, my lady!

- Your Highness. - Your Highness.

It's all my fault, my fault, Your Highness! Everything is my fault.

- Your Highness. - My lady...

My lady...

Why does Grandfather persecute our family?

Even Uncle Kim...

The whole world praises Kim Kyongson's honor and courage.

Why should he bow to that old man?

If it were me, if I were Uncle Kim, I wouldn't stand for it.

I wouldn't bow and scrape to that ...cruel old man.

So frustrating. Everything about Kangdo is frustrating.

I'd rather be out on the battlefield.

How did this happen? My entire family wiped out.

Mi exiled to a temple.

The Crown Princess dead.

What have I spent my life fighting for?

For what? For who?

Lord Kim, a visitor.

Lord Jusuk.

What do you want?

I heard what happened at the palace.

- Yes. Come in. - Come along.

- Wine? - Yes, thank you.

How long has it been since your brother passed?

You're a hero of Koryo. The Guard Corps can't treat you this way.

Exactly. The hero of Ft. Kwiju, the man that put down the rebels.

They can't treat you this way.

What is it you want to say?

Something is wrong with this country. With the Guard Corps.

The Overlord isn't what he used to be.

We all swore allegiance to the Overlord.

We gave him our lives and he protected us.

But these days things aren't what they should be.

- Enough. - I'm facing facts.

General, we can put things right.

The Overlord's successor. Who should that be?

Jusuk...

Yes.

What is your point?

My point is I'm worried for Koryo.

Not Koryo. You're worried about your prospects.

Your future.

Others, perhaps, but not you.

You don't care about Koryo.

All you care about is yourself and your opportunities.

Lord Kim, what are you...?

You tried Dae Jipsong and when that didn't work...

You tried Pak Songbi.

Now you come here?

Finish your drink and go.

Now, now, this from the man whose house stands in ruins?

Your nephew was banished to a temple.

You know what that means? Who the successor will be?

Is this the future of Koryo? That's what I'm here to ask.

Get out. None of that matters to me.

When there's a fight, I fight. I'm a warrior, understand?

Don't come back here again.

Geez...now the Crown Princess, too.

All is vanity...cold...cruel.

Father, I'm worried about the future.

You should be.

I've lived my life as a tactician, but even I have no idea what to do.

But, I hear the Overlord is getting worse...

Yes, it's quite serious.

He's not made of iron.

After all he's been through. Everyone has a limit.

Which makes me worried for Seungjok.

- Seungjok. - Yes, Mother.

You have to be extra careful now.

Careful of your friends, of anything and everything to do with the Guard Corps.

I understand.

Good, very good.

Look at Kim Mi. Don't get involved.

Forget ambition.

I had hopes of you rising in the Guard Corps.

But good sense prevailed.

There's only one way to weather a storm. Lay low and hang on.

But with everyone gone, who will be the Overlord's successor?

It's obvious. Kim Jun left under the auspices of the Tripitaka...

but that's not it.

It's something else.

Those bastard sons of his. Everyone inside already knows.

What do they know?

The worst is yet to come. They're both scum.

If one of them is...

I hate the thought of it.

If one of them runs the Corps, we're all in trouble.

Kangdo, that's what I'm talking about. Like a whole new world.

Yes, it's something. I've never seen nothin' so bright and alive.

The inns, the fancy houses, the wine shops, all of it.

Country hicks. Just you wait.

You'll come to hate this island.

You got that right.

- Come on. - Yes, sir.

- Doing all right? - Yes, sir, you've come a long way.

True.

You've had a long journey.

Is the Tripitaka nearly complete?

Yes, sir. All that's left is transporting it here.

You saw my sons?

Yes, sir.

Still carrying on, are they?

They are what they are, they're not likely to change.

Even so, between the two, whom would you choose?

Why don't you answer?

That's why I sent you.

You'll pardon my saying, but one of them wants to stay in his temple.

- The other... - Manjung? He wants to stay?

- Am I right? - Yes, sir.

He's a simpleton.

Manjun is the crafty one.

He's cunning.

Manjun says he wants to come to Kangdo.

To start a new life.

Really?

- Overlord. - I'm fine, I'm fine.

Sir.

He says if given the chance, he'll live a life worth living.

Your thoughts?

He seems sincere.

Forget sincere, he just wants a chance.

And you were bound to like Manjun over Manjung before you met them.

Manjun didn't kill your Wola, Manjung did.

Am I wrong?

Sir...

I know, it's a painful memory, that business with Manjung.

You know what you and I are discussing?

Who will hold all of Koryo in his hands. Understand?

You're Im Yon?

Yes, Chamberlain.

You fought the Mongols? Served on staff?

I did.

Kim Jun is always picking up strays.

They're with you?

Brothers-in-arms, sir. We fought together.

I like how you talk.

Welcome.

You know what today is?

A day to celebrate. Kim Jun is getting married.

- He is? - He is.

On the Overlord's orders.

And surely that calls for a celebration.

My father?

Father? Who? Viscount Kim?

So it would seem. And we're uncles. They're our nephews.

We hate it too. There's no shutting them up.

What? Huh?

Sir, you seem quite ill.

No, no.

Now about my sons.

You seem to favor Manjun.

Well, better a clever man than a fool.

But, Jun...

Yes, sir.

I'm very sick, you know that?

Whoever heads the Guard Corps...

The world is yours.

Sir, what are you...?

I sent you there so that they...

No...so that Manjun would owe you.

So you would know his weakness.

And how to exploit it.

Sir...

Helping Manjun will assure your own future.

You and I are alike. You're like a son to me.

You've envisioned a Koryo like no other. So have I.

Sir.

I agree with your decision.

And if the time comes...

that he doesn't do as you tell him...

Take over.

Sir, what are you saying?

That kind of talk?

Koryo's fate is already written.

Overlord.

Dismissed. Anshim is waiting.

Father, Mother, at your service.

May all life's blessings be yours.

Why does he call you his father?

I'm stuck with a son I never wanted.

He vowed to serve him as a father. He saved my life.

It's a bit awkward, though.

Pretty old for a son.

Not at all. I was born again thanks to him, so Father it is.

Am I right, Father?

Maybe, but how does it look?

You scampering after me saying, "Daddy, Daddy," all the time?

Yes, Father.

Anyway, we've been through a lot, but here we are at last.

Today is for my good friend, Kim Jun.

I'm always so proud of him.

May they weather the storms of life and be blessed with a large family.

Thank you all on his behalf.

Yes, now we can all acknowledge their love.

Yangbaek's sentiments are well said indeed.

Just so. A friend loyal and true.

You have been like brothers for years.

As should we all, on unofficial occasions.

Ah, well said. I've always thought so.

Thank you. Anytime, anywhere, those of us gathered here are as one.

Brothers true.

Thank you. And you, Yangbaek.

From now on, you're my younger brothers.

And you are my elders.

Thank you, brothers.

Yes! Brothers it is.

Well, sister? How's that for a big family?

You're right. Sons and brothers-in-law.

I've found a husband and so much more.

The Tripitaka is coming along?

Yes, it's nearly done.

After so much work, so many trials ... A moment of deep feeling.

The Overlord and Lord Jongan poured their fortunes into it.

His name will go down in history for this great work.

I understand you're leaving for Kangdo?

Yes. I'm already overdue.

Most of the engravings have already been shipped?

Yes. I still can't believe how much we've gotten done.

I didn't have much faith myself when I first came here.

I've realized how frightening the power of pure service can be.

Over 8,000 engraving boards.

Stacked they're higher than Mt. Paekdu.

End-to-end, longer than 150 miles.

Just so.

As impressive as that is, Abbot Subop is even more impressive.

He is engraving with his own hands.

Yes.

Where is this grain coming from?

From Tansuk Temple in Jinju and Sangbong Temple in Cholla.

Tansok and Sangbong?

Aren't Manjung and Manjun there?

Yes, as surprising as that is.

Not just this. They promise to provide until the work is complete.

My nephews said that?

That is something.

That Manjun, dragging me into this?

After all my work beating this stuff out of the people...

he makes me donate it?

But he's got to look good for Kim Jun to tell our father.

How much have I sent already?

You there. Stop, stop, stop.

Take it back, scoot.

What? Trouble at Sangbong?

Yes, sir.

Why?

Manjun has thrown open the storehouse.

He's actually giving food to the hungry.

Giving? Not lending? Giving?

The sky must be falling.

After the way he's been bleeding the people dry?

Yes. He says Buddha appeared in a dream and told him to save his people.

A dream? Ridiculous.

With all the taxes I send to the court?

And that leech draining me dry.

Now, what, a dream?

Thank you. Thank you, sir.

Line up, line up.

Hungry or not, we've got food for you. Everyone is welcome, not to worry.

Our abbot received a revelation. A vision to save Buddha's people.

Thank you, thank you, sir.

Surely you are a Living Buddha.

Providing grain in a time of famine.

Thank you, sir, thank you.

Don't thank me. Thank Lord Buddha.

Come unto me, bring your sick, your weary!

- Yes, thank you. - Sure, sure.

Right. Here you go.

Lord Manjun?

I asked Kim Jun to pick which of the two he could work with.

You have other thoughts?

It is your wish. What thoughts could I have?

The decision is made, now we have to act.

Send Choe Yangbaek to escort Manjun here.

Yes, sir.

Send Yi Kongju to Manjung. He is to take a bottle of wine with him.

Sir.

They may be illegitimate, but no elder brother wants the younger ahead of him.

I can't help but think there will be trouble later. Do it.

Distribute his assets among the people.

Yes, sir.

I have to do this before I die, to prevent further bloodshed.

I have to see it done right.

The Overlord is quite ill.

So I heard. They say he needs rest, but it's been too long now.

So he sent for his sons?

I don't think so. Look at them.

They're worse than useless.

But it's already done.

Kim Jun went to see them.

One of them will be the next overlord.

Why would the Overlord do that?

For Kim Jun. He will be the successor's regent.

Think about it.

Kim Jun is still alive, despite all that's happened.

Now, he will be the true power in the Guard Corps.

But isn't Kim Jun something of a moderate?

He understands the Imperial House.

We'll wait and see just how he truly feels.

Wang Jun and the envoys are back from the Mongol court.

It doesn't look good.

Yes, so I heard.

Something went wrong.

Always something...

What is this? The Mongols discovered his identity?

I'm afraid so, Sire.

We said he was a prince, but they learned he's just a duke.

But how?

How did it happen?

It was a mistake to try to fool them.

They insisted on a prince. Instead we sent a duke from an obscure branch.

Surely we couldn't send your own son.

Sire, we must find a way to appease their anger.

They are mustering their men.

We can't afford another war.

What now? What?

Sending the Duke of Yongnyong has come back to haunt us.

The Duke of Yongnyong.

In 1241, the 28th year of Kojong's reign, Wang Jun posed as a prince...

and went to the Mongols as a hostage.

But the Mongols found out.

They were furious and mustered their troops.

Fortunately, at that time Ogodei Khan died.

His widow, Toregene, assumed the regency.

You're the duke of Yongyong?

But Wang Jun caught the eye of Toregene...

and married a Mongol princess.

The war was temporarily postponed.

But this subterfuge caused the fourth Mongol invasion.

Later, in the Three Patrols Rebellion, Wang Jun's brother...

was briefly crowned emperor.

Manjun is coming to Kangdo?

Yes, Your Grace. His escort left four days ago.

They're both rotten by all accounts, isn't that so?

Yes.

Rape, murder, usury, isn't that so?

Just so.

Oh, my, one of those scum succeeding as overlord?

What made the Overlord choose him?

Line up, line up.

Line up for rice from the Living Buddha.

Thank you, sir. You are truly the Living Buddha.

Nothing is worse than going hungry.

Yes, sir.

The Buddha requires each man to help his brother.

- Here you go. - Thank you.

Wait. You'll like this. Take some.

- Thank you, thank you, sir. - You have good taste.

What the...?

A sleaze like that turning a new leaf?

How can this be?

It wasn't just a rumor. What happened here?

If it isn't the famous Pak Hwon.

Yes, Abbot.

I know how you reported everything I was doing to my father.

It wasn't that, it was the people...

I've never forgotten your name.

Why? Because you were with Kim Kyongson.

When he flipped over my table.

That was...

But what's going on here?

Use your ears. Buddha gave me a vision.

To save the world.

You're here, you're here.

Young Lord. I come on the Overlord's orders.

You are to come to Kangdo with us.

This is faster than I thought.

The champion of the arena, Choe Yangbaek, is my escort.

That's great. Thanks.

Not at all.

People are waiting for you in Kangdo.

If you could hurry please.

Beautiful. The sky, the earth, the whole world is beautiful.

Beautiful!

I'll just go and change my clothes.

I already got my stuff ready.

My Father sent wine?

For me?

Yes, Young Lord.

Why? Why do I have to drink it? Why me?

The Overlord's orders.

I said I don't want it. I said I'll stay here.

I'll stay here with my wine and my ladies.

Why should I drink poison?

He doesn't explain himself to us. We have our orders.

I won't.

I can't.

Why? I said Manjun can have it all.

Why do I have to die?

What for?

Why?

An order from the Overlord is an order from heaven.

Forgive us.

You...

You...

Father, why would you...?

Father...

You know as well as I that it's absurd.

Manjun is on his way.

That lush, that street trash.

The old man is senile.

Exactly.

Everyone has heard about it. No one can believe it.

Right. What will happen to Koryo now?

Dae Jipsong, the great coward. And Kim Kyongson? Some hero.

Both run off and hide when we need them.

The people have spoken. They're losing faith in the Guard Corps.

Manjun is on his way.

I don't have it in me to run things anymore.

When it's time, it's time.

I sent for Manjun because I trust in you.

Can I?

Need you ask?

Before he gets here, muster 500 rangers.

Yes, sir.

He'll need teachers for reading and protocol and such.

Kim Jun can teach him politics and diplomacy.

Yes, sir.

Military affairs, Song Kilyu.

Yes, sir.

We can't have a courtesan's son as overlord.

We'll marry him into a good family.

Privy Council Choe On's family should do nicely.

See to it.

Yes, sir.

You're the only ones I can trust.

Kim Jun will run the General Directorate now.

Pak Songbi will help.

Yes, sir.

My time has finally come.

I leave the rest to you. It's your world now.

The Young Lord has arrived. Welcome him.

Welcome, Young Lord. Congratulations on your return.

Thank you.

The Guard Corps and the court, huh?

Oh, Viscount Kim.

Viscount, I made it. At last.

Congratulations.

Yes, yes, come along.

Ride with me.

No, sir. Allow me to escort you.

Oh, ride with me, come on.

You there. Bring a mount.

A mount.

Come on, c'mon, c'mon.

Let's go.

I wouldn't mind hearing that welcome again.

Welcome the Young Lord!

Viscount, let's go, come on.

Nice to be welcomed back.

Oh, yes!

It was a big mistake naming Manjun as the successor.

No matter what happens, you must not throw out the people here.

If we give control of the soldiers back to the Imperial House, the world is ours!

Kim Jun... You are my son.

You've done a lot.

There are so many people I want to kill.

Jun... You must create a strong Koryo.

The Overlord has died!

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