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It's been years.

Yes, Honorable.

You don't have to call me "Honorable" anymore.

Sir?

You're my son, aren't you?

Yes...

Yes... Father...

Kim Jun tells me you've finally become a man.

You've made donations to the Tripitaka scriptorium?

Yes, Father. It's the scriptorium, after all.

A great work for Koryo, so naturally?

You opened the storehouse for the starving?

Yes. Yes, Father.

See that you live that way.

Do all you can, for the people, for the Imperial House.

When you head the Guard Corps, all things are yours.

Do you understand that?

Yes, Father.

But you must bear the responsibility, the weight of duty.

And pay with your life if you abuse it.

That is the burden of power.

Remember that.

Yes, Father.

The men here... have stood with me through many trials.

You can trust them with your life before all others.

Think of them as brothers...

and as fathers.

Yes, Father.

You must first repay their loyalty with trust.

If you do not, their loyalty with disappear.

See that you stick close to Kim Jun.

Treat him as an honored mentor.

Yes, Father. I've already sworn to honor him as an elder brother.

I've sworn to stand with him until we die.

Hear me.

Yes, Overlord.

I can make no promises about how long I'll be here.

From now on my son will be known as Choe Hang.

The world will know him as my successor.

Hang.

Yes, Father.

Promise me one thing.

Anything.

Never turn on these men, whatever happens.

Give up your position, your very life, before giving up on them.

Understand?

Yes, Father.

You look after my son as you would me.

Do you swear to serve him?

Overlord, you already know the answer.

We will serve him with our lives.

- We swear. - We swear.

Here, here, sit.

It's nice to be here after so long.

You've done much for the Tripitaka.

It's done at last?

It is. The people and monks of Koryo have achieved a miracle.

Well done, indeed.

Not at all. I know how hard you work for our country.

Which reminds me, Young Lord Manjon?

I mean, Choe Hang has been named the Overlord's successor.

We should propose a court position for him.

Why bother if he's the next Overlord?

He must have an of a court position, but which one?

Prime Minister, like his father before him.

Of course, but we will lose the support of the people.

Anyone can see he's ill-suited for the post.

He's inexperienced and poorly educated.

But the Guard Corps run Koryo.

The successor must have a court position.

Our likes or dislikes are immaterial.

Quite so. It's not for us to grant the Overlord a court position.

It requires the Emperor's approval.

Endless discussion is meaningless. We simply submit a petition to His Majesty.

I agree. We should decide on a rank and office.

She's not your mother by birth, but she's your mother all the same.

And so, deserving of your devotion.

Need you ask?

Mother, at your service.

Thank you. Welcome to our home.

Yes, Mother.

Seungjok here is studying at the Imperial College.

He has been like a son and a great help to me.

Treat him as a younger brother.

Oh Seungjok, at your service.

Ah, we'll get along fine.

We're brothers now.

Let's stay close, right?

Thank you. Look after him for me.

Yes, Mother.

Mother...

What?

About Hang.

He has a scary look about him.

Yes, he's an odd one.

Be careful. He's a violent man.

- Hang. - Yes, Father.

Lord Son and Lord Yu will tutor you in the classics and etiquette.

- Pay your respects. - Yes, Father.

I've only heard of you. Meeting you in person, I can see you're a true gentleman.

No doubt you'll do great things for Koryo.

Yu Neung.

I only regret that we meet under such sad circumstances.

Privy Council Choe On and his family have served Koryo for generations.

You are to be married to his daughter.

But, Father... I already have a child...

Pay your respects.

Yes, Father.

At your service, sir.

Choe Yangbaek?

Yes, sir. The Overlord has assigned 500 rangers to the Young Lord.

The rangers need a commander they can trust.

That's true. And they will trust Yangbaek.

He's been overlooked far too long.

Good thinking.

May I suggest that Yi Jangyong be promoted as well?

Yi Jangyong is close to the Imperial House.

Be that as it may, he's educated and resourceful.

He has an excellent rapport with the court.

Isn't that dangerous?

More and more, our relations with the Mongols are being strained.

And Lord Choe Hang has no experience at court.

We will need Yi's prestige to help win support.

I think it's worth the risk.

It's the best way to ensure a smooth transfer of power.

- You sent for me, Viscount? - Oh, come in.

- Wait in my quarters. - Yes, Father.

I've already told you, call me, "Viscount Kim" in public.

Don't make me discipline you.

Yes, Viscount.

Funny guy. Candid and smart.

So what's this about?

The Viscount has recommended you to command Choe Hang's personal guard.

What? Me?

- His guards? - Yes.

He'll be the next Overlord.

You're the only one we can trust.

Well, now...

The guards are ranked above the Six Divisions. Are you sure?

We're counting on you. It's a big responsibility.

I go where I'm ordered.

But I won't pretend it's not a daunting task.

It will be an honor to serve the next Overlord.

Thank you. Excellent.

Choe Hang's position isn't secure. He will have a lot of enemies.

I know. You can trust me.

I'm Yangbaek, after all.

Your pardon. I got bored and, well...

You can read then?

I studied the Four Books and Three Classics before entering the military.

I hoped to sit for the state exams.

But then the Mongols invaded...

and that was that.

The provincial reports.

What did you think?

All lies. The people are content and ready to fight the Mongols?

You're biased, you see bad everywhere.

There are good magistrates. And bad.

Maybe. But, the problem is politics.

The court doesn't see reality.

The people and magistrates just want to get through this.

They don't care about patriotism.

How long has this war lasted? The country in ruins...

What's there to be patriotic about?

The magistrates are busy sucking people dry, the people are busy running away.

You have to face reality, Father.

True. You have a knack for politics.

Changing magistrates too often doesn't work either.

Now there's a new one every 6 months.

They know they're leaving, so they concentrate on getting what they can.

That makes sense. What do you suggest?

More local officials.

Young men, full of ideas and ideals.

Men who will look after the people and prepare for the Mongols.

I thought you were all talk and drinking. You've got brains.

You'll be of use to me in the Directorate General.

What? Directorate General?

Yes. As you know, Choe Hang's position isn't secure.

I'll need your help protecting him from his enemies.

Yes, Viscount.

And when we're alone...

you can call me father.

Yes, Father.

- Well, off you go. - Sir.

This won't do, we have to do something...

You saw it, they want to give that scum a high court position.

What? Make him a privy council?

So I heard, sir.

Unbelievable. The bastard son of a courtesan.

And they want to elevate him to the third rank?

None of us can believe it.

He has 500 rangers attached to him.

We have to do something, or it will be the end of the Corps and Koryo.

And more importantly, the end of out careers.

Right. If things change, what will happen to us?

The Guard Corps has been a petty dictatorship.

Naming Manjon successor is the mistake of all mistakes.

And him sticking to that Kim Jun.

You remember. Manjon telling Kim Jun to ride alongside him, that worthless slave...

Well said. Quite a spectacle, we were all shocked.

True, the Corps is taking a risk.

This is our chance.

The Overlord is sick, his son is worthless, the chancellors are whining.

If we can put the Corps in the hands of the Emperor, the world is ours.

So Choe Yangbaek will be guarding my life?

I'm honored, sir. I am at your command.

Well, if you're guarding me, I need to know where your loyalties lie.

What do I have to worry about if Kim Jun recommends you, huh?

I've waited a long time for this. Let's have a drink.

Lord, your tutors have arrived.

Oh, time for class.

Send them in.

My instructors.

Wait, isn't this the Viscount you rode into Kangdo with?

The whole capital envies you.

Yes, well, if you please?

The Overlord has ordered you to have daily lessons.

- You're Yu Neung? - Yes, Young Lord.

Look, books are for when you're bored.

Confucius and Mencius every day?

I'm 40 years old. Forget all this, let's have a drink.

Drinking is studying, too.

You, there. Bring some wine.

Quite so. All learning begins with genuine interest and focus.

Enjoy a break today.

Lord Son.

Yes, Viscount.

What kind of talk is that?

It's the day and time for his lessons. And you're his instructor.

Yes, but the Young Lord...

Who is running this class?

Young Lord, the Overlord gave orders.

You must study.

All right, can't you take a joke? All moody and stuff.

People, I swear... Right, let's get to it.

Yes, Lord.

Wait, how do you mean?

It's not for me to say...

But what parent would give his daughter away to just anyone?

Who is this Choe Hang?

And I hate power.

Look at the late Kim Yakson.

Would he be dead if not for marrying into the Overlord's family?

I see your point.

But isn't it a bit late to say something?

Which is why I need your help.

If you were to suggest that my daughter isn't suitable...

How could I?

I'm sorry. It's above my station.

Then use Kim Jun's influence.

The Viscount can solve anything.

I'm truly sorry.

Kim Jun can't help you, either.

He's not the Choe Hang he used to be.

My wife and I can't sleep. Neither can my daughter.

- Come again. - Thanks.

Hey, big boy.

What did you want to see me about?

Oh, just for a drink or two.

You have a lot of time on your hands lately.

Time enough to drink with someone like me.

It's frustrating. The world is turned upside-down.

The last Military Council, this Choe Hang business.

You pointed out the fact...

That he has no experience or education for a court position.

The Council has decided.

We're recommending that the Emperor appoint him Privy Council.

That's what is so frustrating.

Postings should be given to the deserving.

You know better than that.

Who can stop the Guard Corps?

The Corps is the problem.

Pardon?

I'm old now. I can't help but worry for Koryo.

This just won't do. We're giving a sword to a maniac. Don't you agree?

Spell it out.

Stop Choe Hang.

For the good of the Imperial House.

I realize you and the Overlord are close...

Of course, but he's going senile.

What else can explain it?

Choe Hang... I mean, Manjon. Who is he, anyway?

I'll pretend I didn't hear that.

- I value my own life. - General Choe.

I say this for the Imperial House, for Koryo.

When you have a chance, tell the Emperor my feelings on this.

- You want to involve His Majesty? - I'm serious.

Tell him to issue a command. He will be obeyed.

Of course, I have a few ideas myself...

I need a drink.

Welcome, Privy Council.

Your Majesty honors me. Choe Hang at your service.

The Guard Corps bears the weight of all Koryo.

You will carry a heavy burden.

Not at all, not with the help of these fine chancellors.

I understand our finest scholars are tutoring you.

Learned leaders make for a peaceful nation.

Wouldn't you agree, Viscount?

Wise words, Your Majesty, and quite correct.

I'm beside myself at the honor you do me.

I will be heading the Guard Corps.

I hope we may dine one evening.

Or a drink, perhaps?

Not a bad idea.

Then I will set it up. If Your Majesty will allow the use of the Imperial Hall?

Just one minute...

His Majesty invites others to dine with him.

How dare you suggest he drink with you?

What? So I asked him for a drink, so what?

He is still learning palace etiquette.

Please be patient.

Exactly.

It's just a drink, don't fuss so much.

Yes, let's set a date.

Now that's an emperor.

Here I was just trying to be nice...geez...

Of course, yes, indeed.

Bitter, bitter.

Hang is at the palace?

Yes, so I understand.

He's a fool and knows nothing of etiquette.

I hope he doesn't talk out of turn.

How could he? He studied at Heungwang Temple as a boy.

He just sat there, barely learned to read.

What do you think of him?

Oh dear, do I dare voice an opinion?

He seems quick-witted.

He'll get better.

Once the fool learns about politics and how to read people.

You and Seungjok tread softly until then.

Pardon?

I'm saying this for your own good.

I fear for you if something should happen to me.

Hang is impetuous and shallow.

Flow quietly, like water.

I'll remember.

The Emperor granted Choe Hang an audience.

To accept his position officially.

Yes, I hope that goes well.

He's my nephew, but people don't trust him. It has me worried.

It will be fine. Who does well from the start?

He has two of the finest tutors in Koryo. He'll be fine.

But think of others. If I'm worried, what about the rest of the court?

I hear the Overlord is seriously ill.

No one isn't saying it, but still...

Yes. I've been meaning to call on him.

Oh, about Choe On.

He's marrying his daughter to Choe Hang?

So I heard. It's got him quite upset.

To give away his own daughter.

He hates power and politics. Now he'll be related to the Overlord's house.

I tried to stop the wedding but it just won't do.

What now?

He's the most powerful man in Koryo.

And his son will be at the center of power.

But he's a nasty piece of work.

There's talk of women and all sorts of carrying on.

Just...kill me instead.

I've heard about this Choe Hang.

I won't have him.

I wish I could do as I wished.

One mistake and our whole clan will be wiped out, three generations worth.

Blame fate. Blame me, if you must.

Father...

Endure this, endure that, endure the Overlord's command.

Cursed with a living death, a living death...

- Listen, Lord Son. - Yes, Lord.

There's more meaning in a cup of wine...

than in all the Four Books and Three Classics.

Of course. Books are merely a way to express how people live.

Do this then, do that later, who, how and why, that's all.

True, true, so what if I don't read much?

Listen long enough you're bound to learn something.

And me, I was stuck listening to monks for 10 years.

You needn't tell me, Lord.

Here, another drink.

Excellent.

I like you.

I like how you take things easy.

It's the nature of a scholar.

Scholars know how to knock 'em back, huh? And enjoy life.

You honor me, Lord.

"Honor?" Save that for the Emperor.

To whom you may be justly compared, of course.

Well said. Let's drink to it.

Wait, why are you such a stick in the mud?

Drink.

Yes, Lord.

You're not much of a talker.

You are my lord.

I am on my best behavior in your presence.

Well, you're a military type, you're bound to be serious, sure.

One thing though.

Lord.

I hear you've got baby-dolls servicing the Guard Corps. Is it true?

Pardon me? Baby-whats?

Yes, on staff. For guests and sometimes the Overlord.

Wait, my dad gets some of that?

Better to say they are support staff for Corps or Imperial functions.

It's not widely known...

So the old dog sniffs around a little?

Better to say the female staff assists with banquets and informal drinks.

So the lech uses his ladies, huh?

Good, good.

Are there a lot of them?

- Sir, some 20-30 or so. - Wow! A regular harem!

I'd like a peek sometime.

Ah, don't mention it to Kim Jun.

No answer?

As you command, sir.

Exactly. Obedience.

What's loyalty anyway? Obedience, that's what.

Yes, Lord. I have pledged my life to your service.

Good, good.

A drink.

I have a lot of uses for you.

The truth is there are lots of men I want dead.

Men that hated me, messed with me, informed on me.

I'll pay them back...

One-by-one.

Hello...hello?

May I help you?

Viscount Kim to see his lordship. Announce him.

Sir.

What brings you here so late?

I thought we might have a drink.

Now this is something. You having a drink with me.

Does it taste better with me around?

Maybe so. Let's find out.

- Here. - Lord.

It was quite a spectacle, Viscount.

Seeing the next Overlord behaving that way at court...

and you coming to his rescue.

He is the future Overlord.

I merely hoped to spare any embarrassment.

Still, it's easy to see that you're the real power in the Guard Corps.

Come, now...

Well then, what brings you here?

Sir. You are at the center of this country's political affairs.

If not for the Guard Corps, you would be the de facto policy leader.

And?

The Military Council needs your expertise.

The Council does what the Guard Corps tells it.

The Corps is Koryo, Koryo is the Corps.

The throne is Koryo, Koryo is the throne.

It's the same thing. The Corps serves the throne and the people.

Then we understand each other.

Why me of all people?

Hard times are ahead.

And the Overlord is ill.

There's that worthless son of his.

The throne and the Corps must work together.

As I said before, I've long admired you.

We need you.

Listen to you...

We both know the real power behind the Corps... is you.

That's an overstatement.

I merely have orders to ensure the next Overlord's rule is secure.

If Koryo is to survive, the Imperial House and the Corps must join forces.

Is that possible?

Of course. With your help.

Go on.

The Overlord will issue and order soon.

Will you help me to save Koryo?

Perhaps. This has caught me off guard.

I'll think it over. You say this is to save Koryo.

But is that possible? You know all too well what Choe Hang is capable of.

Which is why if we don't join forces, Koryo cannot survive.

The times are changing.

How long will we waste time eying each other's movements?

Lord Jusuk said that?

One way or another he's going to act.

Really? He's gray, that one. Neither white nor black.

He looks out for himself. You can't trust him.

He wants to approach the throne, to sound out the Emperor.

That's absurd.

The Guard Corps is bound to fall. Why not use Jusuk?

Most of the court is unhappy with the Overlord's decision.

This may be our chance.

Don't forget the Viscount, Kim Jun.

One slip and it may be the throne that falls.

A shame to waste this. Let's ask the Emperor.

We've waited this long. Let's wait a bit more.

Kim Jun called on my home last night.

Really? What did he say?

The Overlord is ill. It's time for a new balance of power.

We should leave the Guard Corps to themselves. Keep an eye on things.

Just a bit more.

We'll see if we can trust him or not.

Oh, there you are.

My brothers have been assigned to the Ministry of War.

Thank you, Viscount, for your help.

Nothing to thank me for. We all serve Koryo.

They hope to serve the Guard Corps as rangers.

Good. Work with Gapi and Gupil.

Yes, Viscount.

Sir.

You're sure? Lord Jusuk?

Yes, sir. It's extraordinary.

He's meeting with more and more people.

He's particularly close to General Hojong. He runs the Kangdo garrison.

As a result, many of the other generals are meeting with him.

It appears they're meeting to complain about the Corps.

Particularly Choe Hang.

Really?

Look into it. Give it your full attention.

Keep an eye on this.

Yes, sir.

Lord Jusuk...

He sided with Dae Jipsong. That failed. Now he's looking elsewhere?

Now isn't the time.

One slip and the chancellors may side with him.

- The bride and groom. Bow. - A drink.

Bride and groom. Drink.

Who have we here?

Viscount Kim, always working, huh?

Yes, sir. Are you doing all right?

Sure, sure, no news here.

A lovely sight. They're a good match.

Yes, sir.

I hear you recently took a bride. Sorry I missed it.

It was a private wedding.

It's noisy here. Shall we take a walk?

- Something on your mind? - Yes. Just a friendly chat.

Of course, of course. It's quiet over there. Shall we?

Something on your mind? Go ahead.

My lord.

Yes, go on. Is it about the Guard Corps?

It's about you.

How so?

As you know, Choe Hang has been named successor.

I know, I know, everyone knows that.

He's been appointed a court position.

Nicely done, nicely done indeed.

Now we need to focus on stability.

Quite so.

We need your help.

I serve the Corps. What other help can I give?

You hope to enjoy a long and peaceful life?

What?

Now look here...

You think you can hide from the Directorate General?

What's that? This is a misunderstanding.

We know who you've been seeing and what you've been saying.

You were once a trusted retainer.

Now look here...

Viscount?

You won't get another chance.

I hope you'll take my advice.

For your own future.

My future?

Ugh.

Now I understand how Songi could kill her own husband.

Talk about putting the "ugh" in "ugly".

How old are you, "Darling?"

Well?

Eighteen.

I have a child. And I've had my share of women.

Did you know that?

Ugh.

Here.

Don't expect anything from me.

This whole marriage is wrong.

Just stay in the background and be quiet.

I'm not interested in you.

Understand?

You sleep alone.

1249, 36th year of Kojong's reign

Overlord...

Please, try to get better, Overlord.

Overlord.

Please, try to get better. What will I do without you?

Try to get better.

Sir, it's Pak Songbi. Your men are all here.

Father.

Jun...

Kim Jun...

Yes, sir. I'm here.

Death comes to us all, as surely as birth.

But still we hang on.

The Tripitaka?

Finished over a year ago.

Really? A great work.

Yes, Overlord. We have postponed the ceremony in consideration of your health.

It's done. All the engravings have been transported here from Namhae.

Thank you.

You've all done so much.

The Tripitaka is done.

The Tripitaka...

Abbot.

Abbot...

Abbot!

- Abbot. - Abbot!

Abbot!

The Tripitaka.

The re carving began 5 years after the Tripitaka was burned by the Mongols.

The entire nation worked to re carve the Buddhist cannon.

The great work was undertaken amidst war, drought and famine.

Twelve years later, a year prior to Choe U's death, the work was completed.

This, and the inspiration it provided were Choe U's greatest achievements.

You gave everything to the Tripitaka. All that you possess.

If not for the Venerable and yourself, it wouldn't have been possible.

Buddha will surely bless us.

With all the blood on my hands... I hope you're right.

Jun...

Kim Jun.

Yes, sir. I'm here.

You are my son.

Look after...Hang...for me.

Overlord!

Hang...

Yes, Father.

Look to Kim Jun. He is your brother.

Yes, Father.

Make Koryo great.

You must... you must...

defeat the Mongols.

And build an empire...

Build...

an empire...

Father.

Overlord.

Choe U, also known as Choe Yi.

Son of Choe Chungheon and heir to his military regime.

A gifted man of letters, he stood his ground against the Mongols.

Of course, his military regime came under heavy criticism by historians.

But with his death the light of the Choe clan began to fade.

Choe Hang ushered in a dark age.

Overlord, Overlord.

Overlord, Overlord.

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