Original subtitles

Your Majesty!

Your Majesty, are you all right?

Have you sustained any injuries?

I'm fine.

Save Ahjitae! Now!

Yes, Your Majesty! Save him!

How is he? Is alive?

Yes, Your Majesty! He is still breathing.

Thank heavens!

Move him inside!

And call the physician! Now!

Yes, Your Majesty.

I beg your forgiveness, Your Majesty. This is my oversight.

Please retreat to the camp.

Lift your head.

I said lift up your head!

You were seen striking the rope with an ax.

This was not an accident.

Who ordered you to do this? Who is behind this?

It was an accident, Your Majesty.

I just said it wasn't an accident!

It was a deliberate action. Do you dare try to deceive me?

Whose order were you acting on?

No, Your Majesty. It was an accident.

Speak the truth!

Look straight into my eyes.

I am the Maitreya. Do you think you can fool me?

Your Majesty!

I see clear into your heart.

You did not commit this tremendious act on your own.

I will spare your life if you confess the truth.

Speak! Now!

Unburden yourself. Who is behind this?

Who ordered you to kill Ahjitae?

I see words aren't working with you. Very well.

Take this man into confinement!

I will personally interrogate him.

He will talk. Take him away!

Take him away!

Your Majesty! He has severed his tongue!

No! Do not let him die!

I must know who is behind this conspiracy!

Your Majesty, this man is dead.

This was not an accident. That man was waiting for us.

This was a carefully planned conspiracy.

That is my feeling as well. We must investigate that

man's identity. He could be an operative of Shilla or Bekjae.

Shilla or Bekjae? Do we have such loose security?

Is this not a secure compound where royal personage and

government officials can walkabout freely, General Eun?

Please forgive me. It is my oversight.

I have no excuse for what happened, Your Majesty.

Of course you don't.

What could you possibly say to me, General Eunbu?

How is he? Will he recover?

His leg is fractured, and he has sustained many external

injuries, but it is not life threatening.

He should be able to move around in two weeks.

Good. Heaven was looking out for him.

Ahjitae, can you see me?

Your Majesty...

Do you know who I am?

Of course, Your Majesty.

No, don't get up. You are severely injured.

I am fine now that I see that you are uninjured, Your Majesty.

You should'nt be worried about me in your state.

I knew there would be an attempt on my life sooner or later.

Small minds sometimes do foolish things.

Yes. I foresaw this happening as well.

Physician, how bad are my injuries? Can I walk?

It is not severe. You should be able to walk in two weeks.

Two weeks! I can't be laid up that long!

I need to get back to the construction site!

Two weeks...!

You cannot work in your condition, Ahjitae.

I am all right, Your Majesty. My other leg is perfectly fine.

I must work if we are to meet the schedule.

Not in your state, Ahjitae. You could delay the work

even further if you worsen your injuries.

But...

Rest.

General Eunbu,

Yes, Your Majesty.

You will be in change of protecting Ahjitae.

I will hold you responsible if anything should happen to him.

Protect him with your life day and night.

His life is your responsibility. Do you understand?

Yes, Your Majesty.

He will be safe under your protection. Isn't that right?

It was clearly a deliberate attempt on Ahjitae's life.

I suspect it is the enemy's plot.

No. I would have been the target if that were the case.

It is an inside job.

Who in our government would dare to do such, Your Majesty?

It will be revealed eventually.

An investigation will soon expose the truth.

It won't be that easy, as the man who committed the crime is dead.

But this will not be forgotten. I will get to the bottom of this.

The perpetrator is someone who disapproves of the government

reform and the public works in Chulwon.

There may be worse demonstration of disapproval in the future.

But we must finish what we started without wavering, General Wang.

Yes, Your Majesty.

I will convert the foolish objectors at my public mass.

And this entire kingdom will embrace the reform.

Each and every citizen will take part in this reform.

The royal court has already been instructed to prepare

for this project.

And you will return to the battlefield, Brother.

I will be in the interior creating a foundation our

New Kingdom while you are at the exterior glorifying our name.

Another words, you and I will be at the forefront

of this crusade for the Great Empire of the Orient.

We will have that honor together. I put my faith in you, Brother.

I am honored, Your Majesty.

Let us prepare to return for Song-ak. We have much work ahead.

Has there been any news from Chulwon?

We should have heard from them by now.

I beg you to be patient. We will hear the good news soon.

I hope all is proceeding smoothly.

Do not fear. Everything has been carefully planned.

Ahjitae won't make it alive.

Failure will bring the most disastrous consequences.

This is our last hope. We cannot stop the public works in Chulwon

if this plan fails, and turmoil will engulf this kingdom.

Whoo knows what that will lead to? It is most alarming...

Yes...

Sleep will not visit me tonight...

Rest assured, Advisor. Ahjitae will be eliminated.

I certainly hope you are right...

Welcome. Her Majesty is waiting for you.

Let her know that I've arrived.

Your Highness, Attendant Jin.

Enter.

Has she been found?

No, Your Highness.

We have not yet received any concrete information.

What do we do? Where do we find her?

All chieftains and even the royal guards have become

involved in the search for Lord Yu's daughter.

Where could she be? I hope she is safe...

This search has become a national matter.

Why such a big fuss over one woman?

We have a moral obligation to put forth this effort.

What brings you here today, Father?

I've stopped by on my way to a cabinet meeting.

A cabinet meeting? But His Majesty is in Chulwon.

I believe Advisor will preside over the meeting.

That has been the common practice in His Majesty's absence.

What matter does this meeting concern?

It is probably about the public works, taxes, and about the next

aggression against Bekjae.

Another war?

Yes, it appears so.

But we just had a war in Naju...

Battles will continue until the Three Kingdoms are united.

I'm told General Wang is going to the front again.

General Wang?

I hope all was prepared to your satisfaction on

your first day at court.

Absolutely. I would've suffered many inconveniences without you.

Thank you for saying so.

What is the topic of today's meeting?

There's the matter of Chulwon, and of another war as well.

Will Guhn be going to the front again?

Most likely. perhaps His Majesty had Guhn join

him on his trip to Chulwon to discuss that.

We shall be leaving now. Shikryum, let us go.

Yes, Father.

- Return safely. - Goodbye, my lord.

The house is bustling with activity today.

Yes, there is a good reason for that.

What would that be?

I have invited wives of other generals and officials to get

acquainted.

Us wives have important roles in our husband's work.

Welcome!

Madam Hwang and Madam Lee! Welcome!

Let me lead you inside.

Extraordinary! Only days ago she joined this family!

She is just beginning.

I have a feeling this house will be quite lively from now on.

It is as if you are carrying all the pains of the world alone...

Master...

Has Buddha given you answers?

I don't know.

Something continues to hold me back from letting go...

Yes, I know it is difficult.

Buddha has said conquering one's own heart is harder

than conquering an army of a thousand men.

The entire country is looking for you.

There is a generous reward as well.

Your reaction suggests you haven't let go of anything.

No. I put everything behind.

Not everyone can be a monk.

Only those chosen by Buddha can become his disciple.

Think further. I do not thing that you belong here.

I won't see you for a few days. Huhwal and I are taking a trip.

Where are we headed, Huhwal?

Must we have a destination?

We'll just enjoy the splendors of nature and drink some wine.

How can you think about more wine after drinking all night?

Do you plan to attend the public mass?

...I do not wish to, but many will be chastised if I do not.

But this is not a true worship.

This mass is a device to blind the public and

strengthen the king's authority.

Must you see it that say?

It is a necessary measure to rule the kingdom.

No. That phony Maitreya will stain this kingdom with blood.

He has to be stopped. Someone has to strip of

his mask and expose the tyranny and hypocrisiy.

Sukchong, the dominating figure of orthodox Maitreya sec, had

begun the doubt Goongyae.

This was extremely important, as Goongyae's success had been

largely due to the belief that he is indeed Maitretya of salvation.

The fate of Goongyae's administration hinged on

this faith, and it was beginning to be questioned

by the high monk of Maitreya sect Sukchong.

Greeting, Supreme Councilor.

Greeting. You've come early. Let us go inside.

You must be quite busy tending to the princes, Scholar Park.

Yes, Advisor.

Are we to discuss the matters of chulwon in this assembly?

That and a few other matters.

I'm told a Buddhist mass is to be held in the near future.

As there should be. His Majesty is the Maitreya of this kingdom.

But there is another motive this time, I suspect.

What do you mean?

Is this not an repressive measure to pacify the citizens

and the officials?

Caution is due.

Oppression breeds resistance and rebellion.

Scholar Park,

Yes.

Do no take this the wrong way because it is out of concern.

Try to stay out of political matters.

It is suited for an honest and straightforward man like you.

Don't put yourself in danger. You are an indispensable man to

this kingdom, and I do not with to lose you.

I shall pay close attention to your advises.

Help me blind the scenes.

Advisor, a messenger has come from Chulwon.

Enter.

I've come from Chulwon at His majesty's command.

Good.

His Majesty asks that you expedite the preparation

for the public mass.

And?

He also informs you of this intent to order another

military strike upon his return.

I see.

How are things in Chulwon?

There was a terrible accident.

An accident?

Yes. A stack of lumber fell on His Majesty while he was

inspecting the construction site.

What?

His Majesty was unharmed, but Ahjitae suffered severe injuries.

Injuries?

The physician said he would recover with some treatment.

I see. You may go.

Oh my...! What horrible accident!

Injuries...

Goodness...

I've convened this meeting as His Majesty's command.

Relocation of our imperial capital to Chulwon has become

an incontestable project.

Public works are already in full progress.

Chulwon is to be our new capital.

But some of you still harbor displeasure, and have delayed

paying your taxes. It is most disloyal and treasonous.

Nothing can be done without resources.

I was one of those who objected to this project in the beginning,

but we cannot challenge His Majesty's decison.

He is our master. Whatever he asks of us we must give.

Not only our possession, but our lives as well.

That is our duty as his loyal subjects.

It is most disturbing to learn that some of you have not been

faithful to your duties.

What is your opinion, Minister of Finance?

Nobles and regional chieftains have been assigned a large quota.

We should allow sufficient time for collection.

Allow time, you say? That is absurd!

Their barns are overflowing with goods, yet they hesitate

to give to the country! How much time do they require?

Your poor attitude delays our progress!

But Advisor, not everyone is as affluent you might think.

Many are burdened by obligations they are unable do meet.

It is an excuse! Even the peasants are paying their

taxes and rendering services without complaints.

1000 falies from Chungju have uprooted themselves and migrated

to Chulwon to labor for the building of the imperial palace.

Complaints and excuses from the rich are unacceptable.

Pressure them.

Report the names of those who are unfaithful to their duties.

I will personally oversee this matter from now on.

If you've not taken this matter seriously before, think again.

Yes.

And the Ministry of Military has been ordered to prepare

for another battle. Begin that work immediately.

Yes, Advisor.

Are we to invade Sangju this time?

That is correct.

The military generals will begin familiarizing themselves with

geographical features of Sangju and strategizing the attack.

Who will be in chief command this time?

General Wang will take that position.

Again...?

General Wang has once before been stationed near the border of

Sangju. This mission will yield good results with him command.

Yes. General Wang's three brothers and General Hong

have gained much knowledge and experience in that region.

It is worth a challenge.

The three commanders have displayed exceptional

valor in the battle in naju as well.

You are too kind, Advisor.

You are in the ranks among the generals.

Do continue your good work.

Yes.

Lastly, I will speak about the Buddhist mass.

Unlike the previous events, this will be a national event.

Chieftains will be ordered to send each and every high monk

in the country to this mass.

Be advised that negligence in this matter will be punished.

Yes.

It is a year of bountiful harvest.

Look at the sumptuously ripened crops.

What maginficent scenery! The view seems to fill up my belly.

Does it, Brother? It is an auspicious sign for the kingdom.

Bountiful harvest is bountiful resources for the government.

Song-ak is already engaged in preparation for our next battle.

You will be sent to the front upon your return.

Yes, Your Majesty.

I am sorry for not giving you sufficient time to rest.

No, Your Majesty. A warrior belongs on the battlefield.

I appreciate your devotion.

Time is short, and there is much to do and a long way to go.

It has been almost ten years since I founded this kingdom.

How time filies..

Even the mountains change its shape in ten years, but I am

still as busy as ever...

Meeting Ahjitae was a blessing.

I would've settled in tiny Song-ak if it weren't for him.

Unification of the Three Kingdoms and creation of

the Great Empire would've remained only a dream.

We must achieve unificarion soon and expand northward.

I'd like to realize that dreams in my lifetime like

the Great King Kwangaeto...

Imagine you and I conquering the north continent.

Just the thought is overwhelming.

I'd like to realize that dream in my lifetime...

It is a grand ambition, Your Majesty.

You will realize that dream.

Yes, you will, Your majesty.

But we are still struggling to unite the Three Kingdoms.

Shilla is already dwindling, so it will come to a duel

between King Kyun-hwon of Bekjae and myself.

He is a great hero as well.

With bare hands, he has erected Bekjae.

But you will prevail as the true master of the Three Kingdoms.

Thank you, Brother.

But I'm sure Kyun-hwon has identical thoughts of himself.

Yes. It will come down to a duel...

He and I will meet face to face some day.

What? Majin is mobilizing their army again?

Do they seek to battle us again?

According to our sources, they are calling back their troops

to Song-ak and gathering military provisions.

Fine! Give it your best shot, Goongyae!

I will get my revenge for the humiliation of Geumsung!

Do we know their target?

Not yet, but it will be either Ungju or Sangju

if they are coming by land.

It is likely to be Ungju.

I was told that one of the contributors in Geumsung

operation named Yi Chi is in Ungju.

I agree. They will chose Ungju over Sangju, as rough mountain

terrain leading to Sangju makes it a difficult target.

But ungju is close to Wansanju, and Maegok Fort.

They would have positional disavantage over us.

Does it matter where they strike?

We were caught off guard the last time, but this time it's

different. we have our iron warriors and a well-trained army.

What is your opinion, Vice Prime Minister?

I believe it is merely a diversion created to diffuse the contreversy

within the kingdom. We should simply observe their moves.

Simply observe, you say?

How can you say that when the enemy is approaching?

Settle down, General Bang.

Let the vice prime minister finish.

What is the controversy in Majin you are reffering to?

Building of the imperial city, Your Majesty.

It seems the activities are requiring unreasonable levies

of resources from the nobles. Goongyae has made a risky move.

You may be right.

And it seems there is another reason why Goongyae has renamed

his kingdom and hastened the transformation.

I suspect with confidence that he is the son of Shilla's former

king, King Kyungmoon.

Goongyae is th son of King Kyungmoon, you say?

Yes. The old female monk he referred to as his mother was

confirmed to have been King Kyungmoon's concubine.

That would make Shilla's current king Goongyae's nephew!

Incredible!

What disturbing shock this would be to his people!

Exactly. And that is what we will exploit.

His name will be vilified and his people will feel deceived

when they learn that a royal blood of Shilla has proclaimed

himself the king of Koguryo's descendants.

The empire will fall on its own.

Do you really think that is possible?

A rumor will not make the empire crumble.

What if he denies of it being true?

Let us not stoop to cheap tactics.

The best way to beat them is by military attack.

I couldn't agree more. Whatever the identity of

Goongyae, we will use our mighty strength to destroy him!

Yes! We must fight! I will get revenge for Geumsung!

Winning without fighting is the best way to win.

Nonsense!

You can't win without a fight!

Settle down!

Their movement is suspicious, so put the military on alert.

And I want you to investigate further into Goongyae's past.

Yes, Your majesty.

Welcome, Your Majesty.

Welcome!

Brother Guhn,

Yes, Your Majesty.

We shall bid goodbye here. Return home and rest.

I'm sure you wsh to inquire into the search of your wife.

Yes, Your Majesty.

Minister of Military may return home as well.

Yes, Your Majesty.

Let us enter.

Yes, Your Majesty.

I'd like to invite you to my estate for a brief discussion.

Thant you. I would be delighted.

I, too, have a few things I'd like to discuss.

Let us go.

Advisor,

Yes, Your Majesty.

do tell me about the council meeting you had in my absence.

We discussed about the public works in Chulwon.

Those who have not yet paid their taxes were admonished.

Good. We need more resources for the construction.

How about the preparation for the public mass?

I have issued an order to chieftains across the country

to make sure that all high monks attend the mass.

We will hold a huge awe inspiring ceremony this time.

Do not spare anything to make this an unforgettable ceremony.

Prepare silk robes for the monks, and built a

breathtaking altar.

But your majesty, this is wartime.

And tremendous amount of funds are being consumed

on the building of the new capital.

Altering the minds or our people is the most important task.

I will display the greatness of this kingdom through this

public mass.

Your Majesty has always displayed humility, and

that is what has kept our people loyal to you.

Things are different now.

This event will raise the curtain of a new empire.

Your majesty, if I may dare advise you,

please return to your original intention.

...Original intention?

Yes, Your Majesty.

Return to the beginning.

You must consider the suffering of our people.

What?

The beginning? The beginning...

Is that why you tried to have Ahjitae killed?

To regress to the original intention?

Your majesty...!