Original subtitles

I ask you again.

Are you prepared to sacrifice you life?

I asked you a question.

I believe I've already answered yes, Your Majesty.

Extraordinary! I am quite impressed.

Advisor

Yes, Your Majesty.

You've selected a remarkable man, as I expected you would.

Every educated man should have this much fortitude.

Scholar Park

Yes, Your Majesty.

I've met many men, but men of your merits have been rare.

Your grace is immeasurable.

However, overconfidence sometimes leads to ruin.

I forgive your offense today because I like your boldness.

A man is at his best when he is manly. Don't you agree, Advisor?

Your Majesty is very kind. I am certain Scholar Park's

remark was out of concern for this kingdom.

That may be so, but blaspheme is intolerable!

Enough. That's enough.

Scholar Park

Yes, Your Majesty.

I am the monarch of this kingdom.

I've emerged from a wasteland and founded this empire.

I've lived among my people sharing sweats, tears and

laughter, and to this day shun luxury and opulence.

I am well aware.

But changes requires adjustment.

When your family grows, you require a bigger house.

What frustrates me is that my subjects don't understand that.

Think about Tang Empire.

What once seemed invincible has helplessly crumbled.

And a nomadic tribe leader Yeh-lu Apao-chi is trying

to swallow that region whole. Yet we are at the tiniest

corner of the continent unable to see beyond our immediate.

Advisor

Yes, Your Majesty.

I will not waver. I will endure all reproach and walk the path

that will ensure the future of this kingdom.

Let this be known to my subjects once more.

Where is your answer?

...Yes, Your Majesty.

Scholar park, begin administering education

to my twin princes.

They are still too yong, but I will begin drafting

an appropriate course.

Learn young, learn fair.

A sprout cannot become a great tree if it bends.

Instruct the east palace to raise the children in a manner

that monks live.

But they are only one year old!

Good habits are vital.

Monks wake up before sunrise for worship.

My sons will be awoken at the same hour and fed clear rice

gruel for lucid minds, and they will be read sutras to

learn about the world of Buddha.

Books of philosophy will be read to them in the

remaining hours of the day.

There will be no meat in their diet, and enchanting

music or dance must not be seen or heard by them.

They must be shielded from seeing or hearing lascivious

laughter of women or inebriated men. Is that understood?

...Yes, Your Majesty.

Your Majesty, I am inspired once more.

Your wisdom will surely lead your ambition to realization.

The matter of my children's education is settled.

Let us now greet General wang is his triumphant return.

Yes, Your Majesty. All is prepared for the reception.

I am excited about his return.

General wang will soon bring all of Bekjae and Shilla at my feet.

Inform the empress to prepare to leave.

Her attendants have been informed.

It is inconceivable...

Academic training for infants...

What could they possibly learn?

How are they caring for my princes?

There are two nannies in care of them, and a scholar named

Park Yu is overseeing their education.

I've heard of the scolar, but what could he possibly

teach the infants that cannot even speak?

It is a tragedy...

And this is just the beginning...

I am afraid of what may lie ahead....

You must get ready, Your Highness.

His Majesty wishes you to accompany him for General

Wang's reception.

His Majesty coming as well, you say?

Yes, my lord. Her Majesty is expected as well.

How could he stay? Master Guhn is returning triumphantly

from a war that will forever leave an imprint in history.

Then we should be there before His Majesty's arrival.

Yes, Father. We may leave now.

By the way,

Yes, Father.

Will Guhn be joined by his new bride?

I believe so, as they were married under imperial command.

I am at a loss for what to do...

What about the promise of marriage to Lord Yu's daughter?

This marriage was His Majesty's decision.

Perhaps he will resolve that matter for us as well.

How? How could this tangled mess ever be resolved?

I am truly frustrated...

Let us go.

We must hurry before the emperor arrives.

Yes, my lord. We will make it in time.

Everyone will be there. Let us hurry.

Husband! Husband!

Buyong has disappeared!

What do you mean?

She left us a letter and vanished this morning!

What?

Look, Husband! This was found in her room!

Don't make a fuss, Wife. She must've taken a short trip.

No, you're wrong. Read this letter.

She left home in resentment of the world, and she asks

that we not look for her. What are we to do, Husband?

That can't be true, Madam.

Maidservant,

Yes.

Where were you that you did not notice the lady leaving?

I got up at dawn, and her door was left opened...

What do we do, husband? What do we do?

Please settle down! Caretaker

Yes, My Lord.

First make sure this word does not get out. And find her!

Send everyone out and find her!

Yes, my lord.

Escort the lord to Song-ak. I will remain here.

Yes.

Father, please forgive me.

I truly loved General Wang.

What am I to do now?

Please forget about me...

Your Majesty, I Wang Guhn, have successfully subjugated Geumsung.

General Wang, you have glorified my name and this kingdom.

I praise you for your triumphant return on behalf

of our people and the gods.

Your grace is immeasurable.

Your triumph has revealed to the world that the gods are with me.

This day will be recorded in history and forever

remembered as a day of glory.

Rise, General wang.

The names of all warriors those who rendred distinguished

serviced in this battle will also be recorded and honored.

Your grace is immeasurable!

Is this matron Lord Daryun's daughter?

Yes, Your Majesty.

I have bestowed suitable rewards to the people of Geumsung.

You've married my brother, so we are now one family.

I am truly overhelmed with honor, Your Majesty.

His solitude has long worried me, but now he

is to have not one but two wives.

It is your grace.

Minister of Finace,

Yes, Your Majesty.

Proceed quickly with the wedding. I shall attend as well.

Yes, Your Majesty.

Where is the bride when her groom has returned from a war?

I deeply regret she has come down with a cold...

A cold? That is a pity.

General, let me congratulate you on your series of boon.

Your Highness is too kind.

Your wife appears to possess both beauty and intelligence.

Thank you, Your Highness.

We must celebrate this glorious day!

Let us go to the palace where a grand reception awaits you.

Yes.

His Majesty is returning to the palace. Prepare the royal escorts.

Escorts!

Father...And Mother...

I am ending my life...

I do not resent anyone... Now General Wang or anyone...

I desired what I do not deserve. My ill fortune is to blame...

Please forgive me...

Stop!

Why do you seek to end the precious life that

Heaven has granted?

Do you think your can break the circle of karma by ending

the life?

How foolish you are.

Your past life has produced this life, and this life will beget

your next life.

Sukchong...A disciple of high monk Jinpyo, he was the dominant

figure in Bupsang School of Buddhism that worshiped

maitreya and ksitigarbha.

Sukchong would later give Wang Guhn Maitreya Commandments that

were bequeathed to him by Jinpyo.

It seems you are not destined to die now, as Buddha has sent

this humble mont to you.

Come, Buddha is calling you.

What joyous day it is!

I've not felt this much joy since the day I built this kingdom.

Your dominion has been established within Bekjae.

Unimaginable has been realized.

General Wang's brilliance is to be credited.

And I could not be happier on the personal level, as

he has finally taken a wife.

Brother Guhn,

Yes, Your Majesty.

I was unable to attend your wedding in Naju, but

I shall personally arrange your wedding to Lord Yu's daughter.

Your grace is immeasurable.

And let us expedite the relocation of the capital

now that you are back.

we must expand to accomodate our growth.

While you were in Naju, I toured Chulwon once again.

Chulwon is a perfect place to established a platform for

our great kingdom.

The citizens of Chungju have already begun the public works.

We're in the process of building the city walls.

This will be a project of an unprecedented scale.

Did you say that the citizens of Chungju are being employed?

Yes. They are people of undying loyalty.

You will observe the grandeur of Chulwon upon your visit.

That is where we will start anew.

Great Empire of the Orient will arise.

All will listen.

I am trying to strengthen our nation by reshaping

our foundation. Call it a revolution if you will.

However, many of you are still dwelling in the past.

That is unacceptable.

Your vision must grow with the kingdom.

Your entire way of thinking must change!

Trust and abide by my command.

I am the alminghty maitreya. I will lead you to paradise.

Distrust begets dissention, and dissention is death.

This is a new beginning.

Let us enter paradise together. Have I made myself clear?

Yes, Your Majesty.

There is another announcement I must make.

I have made some modifications to your positions and duties.

This kingdom is now beginning a major reform.

This includes reform in our ruling structure.

Goongyae's reform...

Goongyae tightened up his government organizations

and set about creating an infallible administration.

But this resulted in strengthening Goongyae's

dictatorship and weakening the power of his subjects.

In addition, His Majesty has granted special positions to

those who rendered distinguished services for the Naju Invasion.

Lord Wang Pyungdal is named Secretary of Supreme Council.

I am truly honored.

Wang Shikryum is appointed independant adviser for the

supreme council, and Park Sumoon and Park Sukyung are each

apponted secretary and adviser of ministry of foreign affairs.

It seems I've let General Wang's banquet turn into a conferance.

Let us discuss the matters of the kingdom another time

and enjoy the celebration.

Lord Yu, I am deeply regretful...

You had no choice...

I am truly sorry.

Is your daughter greatly ill?

I must go to Jingju no. I must have hurt her deeply...

It's of no use...

I should have told you sooner, but I didn't have the chance.

What do you speak of?

Buyong.. has left home.

Pardon me?

Did you say that Lady Buyong has left home?

Do not be concerned.

My men are looking for her, so she will soon be found.

Good lord! How could this have happened?

I am to be blame for evrything...

You must find her. She is my elder.

Grief and regret will plague me forever if she is not found.

You must find her.

Welcome, master Sukchong.

We've been waiting for your arrival.

It appears I may have to trouble you with a brief stay here.

It is no trouble.

We would be honored to have you with us.

You are too kind.

I wonder if you could provide a room for this maiden as well.

Of course.

Have you quelled your emotions?

Why have you lost your will to live?

Do you wish to forget?

Perhaps you'd like to cut your hair and give your life to Buddha.

...Yes, I do.

Is that right?

You should not make a hasty decision.

Thake your time and think it through.

No. I wish to shed this life as soon as possible.

Thinking will not change my decision.

You must be suffering tremendous pain.

But a few days of deliberation wouldn't hurt.

What disarray this world is in...

A good woman wants to take her own life,

and Maitreya is stumbling in a drunken state...

What utter chaos...

What are you waiting for? Get moving!

This is the imperial palace of the Great Empire of the Orient!

Not a moment can be waited!

Muster your strength! Push yourselves!

Is this everyone?

Yes, Madam.

I'm sure all of you know why you were called today.

I've quietly watched all of you for days.

But not a single chore was getting done right.

You've displayed negligence and laziness beyond my tolerance.

But not any more. Nothing but perfection will be tolerated

in this house as long as I am here. Is that clear?

Yes, Madam.

I will tend to each and every domestic matter in this house.

Be advised and act accordingly.

Lady Buyong is still missing?

Why is this happening? Lights are followed by shadows...

We must find her and we will.

Yes, we must.

You must pay attention to rapidly changing state of affairs as well.

People are panic-stricken.

His Majesty is pushing them too hard with his move to Chulwon.

That concerns me as well...

And the advisor will have his eyes on you again now

that you're back from the war.

Advisor? Why?

He has been wary of you from the moment he set foot in Song-ak.

You must be careful.

Nonsense.

Shikryum is right.

He is a dangerous mand and he wants to bring you down.

We felt that as well.

Why must you be negative? Friction exists wherever

there're people.

All we need to do is be wise in our conduct.

You don't know that man, Guhn. Be careful.

What has you so preoccupied, Advisor?

Wang Guhn is back...

And he came back a hero...

But that's...

Isn't it odd? His Majesty has become a different person, yet

his adoration for Wang Guhn remains unchanged.

But that is due to the general's recent achievements.

Nobles of paesuh will be even more united now that he is back.

And it'Il get worse once we move the imperial city.

We have to send him out to another war.

Yes, Advisor.

Lord Yu of Jungju...

That man's motive is questionable.

He spent his entire fortune funding Naju Invasion.

Was that out of loyalty for His Majesty and this kingdom?

No. It was for Wang Guhn.

And he established blood relations by wedlock.

He is a businessman.

And businessman invests where there is more profit.

Then...?

Keep your eyes on them. They'Il slip soon or later.

Yes, Advisor.

Our biggest fear Prophecy of Song-ak is slowly becoming a

reality. And Ahjitae is aggravating the situation.

That is right. It has come to an intolerable state.

We don't have any choice, do we?

Just give me your command. He will disappear without a trace.

I received your summoning, Your Highness.

I wanted to thank you for good work with the princes,

and chat with you about the state of affairs.

Thank you.

Is His Majesty still in Madam Kobe's chamber?

He has returned to the imperial chamber.

The vice prime minister has requested his audience.

Are you speaking of Scholar Choi?

Yes, Your Highness.

I'm told he is still in command of the military.

Yes.

I find that most inequitable. You were held responsible for

the defeat in Daeya. Why is he getting away this his failure?

He is responsible for the loss of Geumsung.

The princes tell me that the vice prime minister foresaw

this invasion, yet did nothing to prevent it.

Isn't that a bigger crime? Do you not agree?

But...

I agree. The vice prime minister should be held liable for this

defeat as the commander of our military, and you should

be reinstated into the position, Mentor.

Your Highness...!

What brings you?

It is difficult to see you these days, Your Majesty.

I am not made of steel. I need rest as well.

Of course, but Your Majesty must display optimism and strength.

Public morale is at its lowest right now.

I'm sure must have other matters to discuss.

Of course. I've come to report our defense conditions.

Continue.

Our borders against Shilla have been secured.

We are putting pressure on many of Shill's bordering

villages, and expect good results in the near future.

How about Koryo?

Goongyae has begun building his new palace in Chulwon.

They are no longer Koryo but Majin.

Another name and another capital...

Why can't Goongyae keep things simple?

Let us call them what we like regardless of what

they call themselves.

How about Northern Mob since they are in the north?

As you wish, Your Majesty.

What could Goongyae's motive be for relinquishing Koryo

when Old Koguryo is their foundation?

That puzzles me as well.

I don't understand why he has chosen this perilous course.

But it is clear that he is making a mistake.

A mistake?

Yes. King and his people are like fish and water.

A fish out of water cannot sustain life for very long.

It is baffling that Goongyae would make this mistake with

his uncanny ability to read the hearts of people.

There must be an underlying reason or explanation.

Yes, and we need to find out what that is.

Dispatch spies into Koryo and find out all you can.

Yes, Your majesty.

A group of perished Yangil's subjects have come under Sudal

recently offreing their services.

They would be perfect for this job.

Is that right? Yangil's subjects...

This should send chills down Goongyae's spine.

Advisor, obeserve how majestic and awe inspiring it is.

This is where our palace will be.

It may not be as large as imperial palace of Tang, but

it is incomparable to Shilla or Bekjae's.

This is where housing will be developed, and this area

here will be the comercial district.

You don't look pleased.

Are you still displease about the relocation?

My only concern is for our people, Your Majesty.

That again? This is for the good of our people.

You know just as well as I that momentary discomfort

cannot dissuade us from working for our future.

All is progressing as planned. Taxes are being collected

without problems, and construction is going well.

Why don't you join me on my next trip to Chulwon?

You will be at ease once you see for yourself.

I could not leave the palace unattended, Your majesty.

I will go on my own on another occasion.

Do as you wish.

By the way, why haven't we heard from General Wang?

I am waiting for his wedding to shedule my trip to Chulwon.

It still amazes me that he is getting married.

And twice at that!

It seems they have encountered a problem.

A problem?

I'm told Lord Yu's daughter has left home and disappeared.

Left home and disappeared? Why?

It seems the news of general wang's marriage to Lord Daryun's

daughter was a terrible shock.

Is that right?

Husband, what do we do?

Buyong has never done something like this before!

My lord,

Enter.

Have you found Buyong?

I'm sorry...

You mean you still haven't found her?

We have men looking all over Jungju and Song-ak, but she

is nowhere to be found.

Ohhh!

Husband, what do we do? Please say something!

Have you reached a decision?

Does your will remain unchanged?

...Yes, it does.

The pain in your heart must be overwhelming...

But know that it is an illusion.

Love and yearning dissolve like bubbles with time.

But what can you do? Mortals are foolish beings

incapable of controlling one's own emotions.

I will forget everything. Everything...

I will ask you once again.

Do you truly wish to be a disciple of Buddha?

...Yes