Original subtitles

In March of 903, 7th year of King Hyogong's reign, Bekjae's army

led by Kyun-hwon was rapidly advancing toward Surabul.

Surabul was located opposite direction of Geumsung.

While Geumsung was the heart of the southwestern coast, Surabul

was the heart of the southeastern region.

Kyun-hwon did not anticipate aggression from Koryo as the

war had come to a state of lull, and the news of serious

trouble in Koryo over the relocation of its capital

was widespread.

Reassured by report of Goongyae's absorption with

the matter, Kyun-hwon left his kingdom unguarded, and

marched on to subjugate Shilla.

He was oblivious about the forthcoming attack on Geumsung.

Commander Yum, what brings you?

I bring you communcation from Advisor Jongkahn.

For His Majesty?

Yes

We're prepared to attack Geumsung!

Yes, Your Majesty.

They've negotiated joint attack with Shilla, and

secured internal cooperation from Geumsung!

General Wang has done impressive work.

Yes. They ask that I return and boost the spirit of the soldiers.

It is a fitting request, Your Majesty. Your encouragement

will bolster their mighty strength and fighting spirit.

But I've not yet completed my survey of Chulwon...

This trip would suffice here, Your majesty.

You will build the foundation for an eternal empire on this land.

We must revisit repeatedly and carefully consider all factors.

But let me advise you to proceed to Jungju for now and give your

encouragement to General Wang and his soldiers.

It that is your opinion, I will.

General Wang is indeed extraordinary.

He has quietly prepared this tremendous mission alone.

No other would even dare contemplate striking the

heart of the enemy territory and making it ours.

Yes. General wang is a true gem.

He is a warrior god has sent upon this kingdom.

Let us proceed a bit further and turn our course in due time.

Let us go, General Eunbu.

Yes, Your Majesty.

Inform the advisor that His Majesty will proceed

to Jungju in a few days.

Yes, General.

With cooperation fromShilla, victory is as good as ours.

This is tremendous accomplishment.

General wang's great achievements will forever

be remembered in history.

None of this would've been possible without Lord Yu's help.

You're too kind.

How far along is King Kyun-hwon now?

I'm told he is in Kangju.

But the southwestern coast is being safeguarded general Sudal.

We must noot take the enemy lightly.

If Shilla should fail to deliver on their promise,

we will be in an inescapable snarl.

That will not happen.

Bekjae has always been a greater threat to Shilla then Koryo.

And Shilla has lost Kangju, crucial southern defense wall,

to Bekjae. This will provide Shilla with a

golden opportunity to recapture kangju.

But unpredictable are wars.

We should be prepared for all possibilities.

That's right. People of Geumsung have also agreed

to help us, but there are no guarantees.

One must be offered a reward worthwile in order to motivated.

And I believe both Shilla and Geumsung have too much to gain

to let us down. Odds are in out favor by far.

Undue apprehension can dampen the spirit of the soldiers.

Lay aside your concerns.

This map indicates military post in Geumsung and Youngsan.

Their positions and connecting roads are clearly mapped.

This maps was provided to us by the governor of Geumsung

and a man of great power named Oh Darin.

They've gone great length to help us, so let us cast

aside our suspicions.

Yes. Are the troops prepared?

They are fully trained for the landing operation.

General wang's naval force is made up of experienced seafarers.

You need not worry about their competency.

We also need troops of cavalry to break the resistance on land.

The Chief of Military has that part of the operation covered.

Yes. Our men will be deployed along the attack route.

All will be set in motion once I have final approval

of His Majesty. Each of us needs to stand by fully prepared.

This will be an unprecedented battle of our lifetime.

All military generals are in Jungju, you say?

Not the court but Jungju?

Yes, Sire.

Meetings are being held concerning invasion of Geumsung.

I'm told they are discussing the details of the operation.

Yes, it is such time....

His Majesty in Chulwon has been informed of the current

developments in Jungju.

His majesty?

Yes, Sire.

Yes. It is a critical matter...

So what is His Majesty's intent?

I'm told he will change his course to Jungju shortly.

His Majesty takes great interest in Cousin Guhn's work.

It was at his special order that this mission was devised.

That is right, Sire.

A huge war is drawing nigh.... We must triumph. We must...

Otherwise, there will be a rising of those who wish guhn's downfall.

I am terribly apprehensive...

This is work of our master. There will be no disappointments.

You're right...

Ahjitae.

Yes, Your Majesty.

What is that capacious mountain in the distance called?

That is Mt. Gonam.

It looks like a place well suited for an imperial place.

An emperor's ground must possess requisite qualities, Your Majesty.

It is a platform of eternal rule.

I don't believe that is a preferable location

No. It is a superior location in my opinion.

It takes on a shape of a soaring crane from afar.

Mt. Gonam...

But Your Majesty, behold Mt. Geumhak, which holds

true association with a crane.

it is the shape of a crane sitting on her eggs.

Build a palace with Mt. Geumback to its north.

No. I prefer that mountain.

Look again, Your Majesty. This mountain is superior.

No, no. That mountain is indeed superior.

What is a home? It is where the owner feels most at ease.

Your Majesty, geomancy tells us that every land has its

rightful owner. If it is not matched...

Ahjitae

Yes, Your Majesty.

I thought you are a pragmatic scholar who does not believe

in things such as geomancy.

Geomancy is also a science based on research and observation over

innumerable years...

No, no. Giving weight to such things only make life weary.

Let us not let our lives be bound.

Now we must go to Junglu as my retainers await me.

We shall come back here again. Let us go, General Eunbu.

Goongyae's imperial city...

It was located in a village now called Heunwon, within Chulwon

County of Kangwon province.

A Local legend attributes Goongyae's hasty decision

in selecting the site for the palace as the cause for

cutting short a regime that would have lasted 300 years

to less that thirty.

His Majesty is on his return, you say? Why so soon?

I believe it is to attend to the matters of Jungju.

Matters of Jungju?

I'm told all warriors have gathered there on account of

General Wang's work.

I see. Will His Majesty be going there directly?

That is the recent report.

You may go.

Yes, Your Highness.

Why do you sigh, Your Highness?

The county is so unstable...

The talks of relocation of the capital already has the

our citizens harrowed, and now an unprecedented war of

massive scale in Bekjae... Where will they turn for comfort?

It will take thousands of citizen to build a new palace,

and even more to fight a war.

And all resentment will be directed to the royal house.

Citizens would not dare resent the royal house.

Mother, a court that does not fear its people can not last.

We are not masters of the citizens, they are our master.

Nonsense! How could lowly peasants be our masters?

His Majesty is bound for Jungju, you say?

Yes, Advisor.

Are the military generals still in Jungju?

Yes, Advisor.

They've studing the landing operation with the naval force.

I see...

This mission is no longer a secret. Bekjae will discover our

plan and devise countermeasures unless attack is launched soon.

That's right.

That is why I requested His Majesty's immediate return.

This is an unprecedented battle of tremendous scale

and significance. But it isn't the battle I'm worried about.

It is those who disturb His Majesty's surroundings.

His Majesty will initiate major change with this battle as the

milestone. That is what concerns me.

What change do you speak of?

Relocating the capital is like moving the entire kingdom.

Song-ak had all the requisites when we settled here, but not

Chulwon. It is nothing more than a wasteland.

And this is not the time to be uprooting ourselves.

Why did His Majesty have to meet Ahjitae...

The real problem awaits us after the battle...

So where is Kyun-hwon's army now?

I am told they are currently in Kangju Castle.

I see...

What are the movements of Shilla?

There have not been any detectable activities.

Shilla is a Tiger without fangs!

They haven't a strength to move!

Who will come out to the battlefield now that Hyojong

of daeya Fort is in the palace as the new Minister of State?

But this comptable absence of reaction is suspicious

despite their deficiencies. We must stay alert.

I agree Our troops are closing in on Surabul from

three directions, and there is no counteraction.

If they're not dumb, they have something up their sleeves.

We are approaching them like a tidal wave, and

they're paralysed. That is all.

They are propbably in discussion of methods to surrender.

Enemy is not to be taken lightly.

Let us not forget the lessons of Daeya Fort.

Why must you bring that up again?

We must be wary of the enemy.

I, too, am puzzled by Shilla's stillness.

We need probe into their hidden plan.

We can't fear them, but we must not underestimate them either.

It is unmistakably odd that they are so calm when we're so close.

We must take our time and find out what they are up to.

It wouldn't hurt us to know the enemy.

I suggest we take time to scrutinize the matter.

What is wrong?

Countless ships are being collected at Jungju of Koryo!

Jungju is neighboring city of Song-ak.

Jungju is a commercial harbor.

No, no. It seems they are engaged in extensive military

training as well!

Military training?

Yes, Your Majesty. The city is bustling with sudden

traffic of Goongyae's miltary personnel.

Is not Goongyae currently in Chulwon?

Yes, but our informers report suspicious activities.

Ships and military personnel? This doesn't sound right.

Not only that, they've build numerous large vessels in the

last six month under strict security.

Perhaps they are merchant vessels.

No. Why build merchant ships in secrecy, and why the

increased military traffic?

Could they be up to something?

Such as ? What could they possiby do with thoses ships?

What's wrong, Vice Prime Minister?

We must not be remiss about this.

I ordered General Sudal to stay behind because of the

possiblity of Koryo's attack on our southwestern coast.

The southwestern coast?

We are too far away. If Koryo should attack us while we are

at war with Shilla, it will be the southwestern coast.

What!

Goongyae's top warrior General wang is a masterful mariner.

And he has been removed from official duties.

And now we've learned about activities of Jungju.

Something is in the works. We need to probe into the

matter, and instruct Sudal to fortify our defence.

We need not fear if General Sudal does his job, but...

I'm getting tired of drinking. I feel listless.

Governor,

Yes, General.

His Majesty's army is assembled at Kangju Castle right now.

I've heard.

I should be there with them.

A warrior should be at war, not at a peaceful place like this!

Yes, you're right.

I've not done anything to provoke the Vice Prime

Minister, but he has expelled me from this war,

and left me to waste my time drinking.

I know!

It's inconceivable when you're such a distinguished warrior!

Yes

Our soldiers are listless as well.

They're full of complaints about their pointless assignments in

this high fishing and farming season.

I can imagine. They probably feel the same way I do.

Why don't you allow them to return home to work instead

of pointlessly standing around the port and the hills?

Home?

You can easily reassemble them if there should be a war.

They would feel forever indebted to you if you would.

Their work will enrich their own lives and profit the kingdom.

Yes. That makes good sense.

Release them. They will forever be grateful to you.

Yes. You are absolutely right. We must put our citizens first.

I will do as you suggest.

Return home and devote yourself to your occupation!

The southwestern coast is impenetrable as long as I,

Sudal, is here! Return home, and return to the work force!

This is a map of current military deployment along the main artery

from Mokpo to Geumsung.

Landings sould begin here on Goido and Aphaedo, and

all along this course to Mokpo and Geumsung.

Wouldn't it be dangerous to continue along the waterways?

Of course. Koryo's main force should proceed northward along

the river, while another unite subjugates Mu-ahn and Hampyung,

which borders this mountainous area.

What is the defense condition there?

Most are under influence of nobles who have ties with

Governor Jonglae or myself.

But that doesn't mean we can relax.

No, butthey are disorganized and unsuspecting.

And the governor is curently working on General Sudal.

Working on him?

Fishermen and farmers make up most of our region's military

force, and Sudal does not think enemy invasion is possible here.

Governor Jonglae is persuading him to send the soldiers home

to return to their occupation.

Will it work?

Sudal is a good warrior, but a simple-minded man. It will work.

A golden opportunity is upon us.

It is a fight for time from this point on.

King Kyun-hwon is in Kangju, and it is a long way from here.

We must act with the speed of lightning!

All preparations are complete. There will be a word soon.

Many of our nobles have expressed their willingness

to collaborate in strict secrecy.

We are rewriting history. There is no time to hesitate!

Do not be anxious, Father. General Wang did not appear

to be a man who'd make mistakes. Put your trust in him.

If you say so, I will try to be patient.

But it is such a grave an event...!

His Majesty is on his return.

Yes, I know.

I'm told will be coming here to Jungju directly.

Now that all preparations are complete, I feel a

sense of calmness.

Is that right?

Calmness precedes a storm, they say.

This will be a battle of a lifetime.

How are the generals?

They are reexamining their troops and anxiously awaiting

your command.

Nonsense. This is His Majesty's work.

He is the only one with the power to command.

Yes, of course.

Bekjae may have discovered our plot by now.

That's right. I hope for His Majesty's quick return...

Yes. This mission is no longer a secret.

We must act fast now.

Oh, I heard Lord Yu is having a special dinner with you tonight.

I supposed he has wine on his mind with a war on the horizon.

General Wang is in command of a crucial and difficult task.

He is merely obeying His Majesty's command as he should.

I still find it amazing how well the project was concealed.

Yes.I was stunned to learn about it and impressed with

General Wang once again.

You are too kind.

If I may speak, I've been assisting Lord Yu with funds

and goods without asking him a single question.

Yes, I know.

It was because I knew Lord Yu was helping General Wang.

That is why I didn't question him - - because we are fellow

men of Paesuch.

Yes, yes. Absolutely.

The entire kingdom is shaken up right now.

Relocate the capital? Who will bear that tremendous burden?

Even the advisor is against this.

Many are in distress over the matter.

You can't blame them.

Koryo is centered around the nobles of Paesuh right now.

Moving the capital to Chulwon means forsaking all of us.

I doubt we would be forsaken...

No, it's true. This relocation is being carried our under duress,

and all of us are too afraid to speak out.

We must unite and prepare for our uncertain future.

That is why I've come to you, Lord Wang.

I believe General Wang will lead the future.

I'm afraid that is premature assessment...

No. That has been the general trend.

I've even told my children to be wary of trend of the

time, and that they must help General Wang.

I'm afraid such remarks could provoke suspicions...

We will have nowhere to go if Ahjitae should continue to win

His Majesty's trust and trifle with his power.

That's right. We need someone to lean on.

Oh, goodness...

Lord Yu and I had spoken about this a while back.

We talked about helping each other and living in unity.

General Wang is His Majesty's most trusted servant.

He is also a man of magnanimity with a promising future.

It is only natural for people to gather under a big tree.

A great change will take place in this kingdom.

And we must prepare for that change.

Is His Majesty nearing Jungju?

Yes. I believe he will be arriving tomorrow.

Did you say he didn't seem happy about going to Jungju?

No, not in my opinion...

His heart is in the new imperial capital.

Nothing else is of interest to him.

Ahjitae is a curse...

His majesty is on his way, however.

Any unusual activities among the nobles?

Military officers are in their usual behavior, but the civil

ministers are showing suspicious behaviors.

The supreme councilor Jiwoon Park, and number of Paesuh

nobles have repeated held private meetings.

Is that so?

They met with Lord Wang of Song-ak most recently.

They are troubled because of Ahjitae as well.

But that is no reason to promote furtive power.

It is especially dangerous if they unite around General wang.

Watch them closely.

Yes, Advisor.

There is something I'm still unclear about.

Since when have Wang Guhn and Lord Yu become close enough to

share their fate and wealth? Since when? And Why?

Because their cities have much in common...

No, it's more than that.

They've long before chosen Wang Guhn as their leader.

I can sense it.

A faction is in incubation in this government.

A menacing power is growing silently like poisonous

mushrooms.

We must find them and pull them out by the root!

You've worked vrey hard.

You will leave for battle upon His Majesty's arrival.

Yes

Everything is god's will from now on.

We've done everything we can to the best of our ability.

Drink.

Yes, Sire.

I'm afraid I'm already drink after mere two drinks

That's expected. You haven't had a chance to relax in months.

That is why I brought you a very special wine tonight.

Thank you, but there are still much to be done...

You are the director of this tremendous operation.

There would be no end to your work if you did everything.

But...

Now drink. How do you like the wine?

It is smooth and aromatic, but it has intoxicated me too soon.

Yes. It may taste mild, but it is very strong.

Father, it is Buyong.

You may enter.

Sit down.

Yes, Father.

General wang will leave for an historic battle tomorrow.

Pour General Wang a glass of wine.

No, no. You mustn't impose that upon a highborn maiden.

That's all right. It is my thought and Buyong's duty.

I don't understand... I'm afraid I'm too drunk...

I had asked you take care of my daughter once.

Do you remember?

Lord Yu

Of course, you did not give me your answer.

I've called Buyong here tonight because another chance like this

may not come again.

Are you very intoxicated?

Yes... This is odd... I can't sustain myself...

I know. Like I said, it is a special wine.

What are you waiting for? Pour him a glass.

General Wang, I've given my daughter an order.

I've told her that i'd like to do something for a warrior

who is about to do great service to this country.

Lord Yu...

Buyong will serve you in bed tonight.

...Pardon?

You will be asked of nothing.

Accept my daughter and my homage.

Lord Yu...!

Rest well.

He will be your master forever. Serve him well.

Lady Yunhwa...

Lady Yunhwa...

No, General. I am not the empress.

I am Buyong... I am Buyong...

Yunhwa...