Original subtitles

I will ask you again.

Did you attempt to eliminate Ahjitae to take this country

back to the past.

Why won't you answer?

Your Majesty, Ahjitae has many enemies.

I asked you why you tried to kill him.

And your answer is that he has many enemies?

Did you try to have himkilled on behalf of his enemies?

Then you must be the biggest of all of his enemies.

Do you suspect me, Your Majesty?

You've despised him from the start and opposed him on every issue.

Ahjitae will bring this kingdom to ruin.

This is most frustrating...

What has happened to us? You and I used to think alike.

You as my master as always, Your Majesty.

Brother, you now me better than anyone.

I do not covet anything. I am still a monk.

I wish to etenally remain a Maitreya for my people.

Of course.

I will look away this time. But there won't be a next time.

We have begun a long quest for the new empire.

I want you to write this tremendous history with me.

Your Majesty, I exist to serve you. But...

Enough words have been said. Please help me, Brother.

Your Majesty...

This upcoming public mass is a tremendously important

event that will unite the kingdom.

I've rewritten a new sutra for this mass.

Your Majesty has written a suttra?

I've long desired to rewrite it to conform to the reality.

Rewrite the sutra, Your Majesty?

But the sutra is words of the Buddha...

I am the Buddha.

Where will we head from here?

Let us go to General Wang's estate since we are in Song-ak.

So that is your real reason for coming here.

Buyong should be returned to her husband.

You're right. I'm afraid priesthood is not right for her.

Then let us go.

Allow me to pour you another drink.

We've already had quite a few, General Wang.

I am truly glad we could have this time.

We've been acquainted for many years and yet this is our first.

There is something that puzzles me.

Tell me.

Why did you choose Sangju as our next target of attack?

Choryung Mountain Range makes it an extremely difficult to access.

Yes. That is one of the reasons why I chose Sangju.

What do you mean?

This kingdom is in turmoil. Our citizens are perturbed.

Yes, but...

We must turn the focus outside and relieve the domestic matters.

Bekjae still remains our most formidable foe.

And they're sharpening their swords after losing Naju to us.

We could sustain a devastating loss if they should strike while

domestic struggles are rendering us weak.

But if we manipulate the discord between Kyun-hwon and

his father Ahjitae in Sangju, we could reap unexpected gain.

This is only possible if you are in command, General Wang.

I understand.

As well, the advisor wants you out of Song-ak.

He has kept watchful eye on you for a long time.

I've come to know you well, General Wang.

A great tree attracts the wind.

You are too kind.

Advisor is also an indispensable man to this Kingdom.

Much could be accomplished if only you and he would join hands.

I do not have anynpersonal desires or complaints.

I believe Advisor will someday understand me.

It sounds like you have guests outside.

Master Huhwal, welcome.

It is good to see you again. This is monk Sukchong.

Lord Wang, I am well appraised of your name.

I am Sukchong.

Master Sukchong, it is truly an honor to meet such a high monk.

You are too kind.

It looks like you may have other guests.

Yes. The Minister of Military is visiting us.

Minister of Military?

Please come inside.

Yes. Let us go in.

What pleasant surprise it is to run into you here, Master.

I'm a roaming monk that goes where my footsteps take me.

How are you, General Bok?

I am reoccupied with the military matters as always.

Master Sukchong, what honor it is to meet you.

I thought you never leave the mountains.

I go where the wine is.

He is just a fallen monk like myself.

Your great names are recognized far and near.

We are truly honored.

Great names? That is nonsense.

At any rate, I am glad to meet you, General Wang.

I have heard much about you and Song-ak.

General wang, do tell us about your visit to Chulwon.

Massive construction was in full swing. It was quite grand.

It is sucking the life blood of the people.

Master...!

I never thought His Majesty would change like this.

Why begin such massive public works in time of hardship?

And I hear there will be another military action.

Will you be going to the front again?

War for unification is unavoidable, but you must

remember the suffering that the war imposes on our people.

I will always bear that in mind.

Let me give you a bit of good news.

Sukchong, perhaps you should tell him.

Why don't you tell him since coming here was your idea?

No, you must tell him.

Well, if you insist... General Wang,

Yes

There is a phony monk at my temple that you must take away.

Pardon me?

I saved a woman from taking her own life nit too long ago.

She entered the monastery and shaved her head to become a monk.

I believe her secular name is ...Buyong.

Pardon? Would you mind repeating that, Master?

Lady Buyong?

Yes. She sits hairless in a monk's robe, but with endless

tears in thoughts of you. Thus she is a phony monk.

We've been looking everywhere for her!

Buddha has helped us! Where is the temple, Master?

We must bring her back right away.

Yes. Caretaker!

Yes, my lord!

There's no need to hurry. It is almost dark.

Did you call, my lord?

No! You may retire.

You must've been quite concerned about her.

Bring her back in the morning.

Life in the monastery is ill suited for her.

But shouldn't we notify her family in Jungju?

What is there to rush when she will be here in the morning?

Rest as ease and bring us some more wine.

I was shocked by Advisor's change of attitude at the assembly.

His demands are absurd!

The project is grand, and there is shortage of funds....

But how could he change overnight when he is well

aware of our hardship?

He is His Majesty's loyal servant.

Our future looks gtim. How will we pay all those taxes?

We have no choice. We'll have to come up with it somehow...

Yes. We can't be out of favor with His Majsty when he is

about to forsake Koryo and build a New Kingdom.

The world is changing right before our eyes.

We have to stay alert.

Yes. I am baffled with the affairs of this kingdom.

All I can tell you is that I'm frustrated and afraid.

Nothing is forever.

People worship and believe the 84 000of Shakyamuni's

dharma gates as absolute eternal truths.

But Shakyamuni Buddha was a human himself.

A true Buddha saves himself and mankind.

How does Buddha save mankind?

By setting new ideal for salvation befitting of the time.

What is the sutra? It is the law of Buddha.

What is the law? It is only a rule estabished by authority.

Yes. I will rewrite the law for salvation of mankind.

I will use my law to enlighten and unite the masses.

Your Majesty!

Oh, it is you, Scholar Park!

Never have I entered this part of the palace before.

Welcome to the Crown princes' manor, Your Majesty.

It looks like the twin princes are awake.

We've awakened them as you ordered at the 3rd hour of day.

Third hour of the day...

As you instructed, they are awaken at this hour for worship,

then taught lessons after being fed clear porridge

for breakfast.

And you are supervising their daily routine, Scholar Park.

I obey Your Majesty's command with dedication.

But I'm afraid this routine maybe too laborious for the

young princes.

How do you discern their feelings?

It is in their cries. This may be a bit stringent if I may say.

It may be hard in the beginning, but

good habits will yield good results.

You can't expect to excel if you eat, sleep and enjoy when

others eat, sleep end enjoy.

They hold the future of this kingdom in teir hands.

They must undergo these lessons.

He that would have the fruit must climb the tree.

Your dedication to your duty is commendable.

Do not be swayed by sympathy, and keep up the good work.

Wake them up before down, and do not let them sleep during the day.

Feed them clear gruel for lucid minds, and read to them.

The night is long and painful for those waiting dawn.

But the glory of dawning sun is well worth it.

What? Did youjust say that our Buyong has been found?

Yes, sire.

Is this really true? Have you found my daughter?

Yes. General Wang should be with her about now.

Thank you gods of heaven and earth!

Our daughter is a live!

Heaven is watching out for us!

My lady...!

Lady Buyong...!

This is where you were...

I've looked for you everywhere.

I never dreamed you'd be here.

Sister, we've searched hard for you.

I beg you to return. I am not the Buyong of the past.

Forgive me. This is all my fault.

Forgive me.

Go back.

I never forgot the promise I made.

You are my wife, Buyong.

I have already left the secular life. Please go back.

Sister, I am the cause of all this.

I am to be blamed. Please forgive me.

I've asked you to go back.

Lady Buyong, please go back with me.

The general is imploring you. Please come with us.

Yes, my lady. We've searched long for you.

Let us go back together.

Please go. I am not coming with you.

I will not go...

But you must. I've come to keep my promise to you.

Please forgive me and come with us.

It is too late...What do you want me to do?

Nothing has changed. I've come to keep my promise.

You will be my wife.

'Buyong' is a fictional name given for to Wang Guhn's first

wife who is only kow as Empress Shinhae in historical records.

Koryo Archives chronicles their encounter like this:

"Taejo Wang Guhn took up lodging at Yu Chunkoong's estate while

traveling through Jungju wth his troops.

Yu offered Taejo and his men generous accomodation and

had his daughter serve Taejo in bed.

Thereafter, Yu's daughter cut her hair and became a

monk to preserve her virtue.

hearing of this, Taejo sent for her and made her his wife.

Lady Buyong has been found, you say?

Were was she found?

She was at a monastery near Song-ak.

Wonderful! That is most wonderful news!

Has His Majesty been informed of this news?

No. He has ordered not to be disturbed until the public mass.

Is that so?

Where is he now?

He is reading alone in the imperial chamber.

Reading?

Scriptures should be simple and easy to understand.

Great priest Wonhyo once said one can fully understand the

world of Buddha by knowing one single chant.

Yes. Scriptures should be simple and direct.

I must give my people hope for tomorrow, and strength

to endure today. That is the Sutra...

Goongyae's Scripture...

Unfortunately, its contents are unknown.

But based on the iformation that Goongyae was a self-

proclaimed Maitreya with expert knowledge of Buddhism,

one can assume the contents to have had some degree of

substance and depth.

The fact that Goongyae wrote a scripture tells us that he

truly believed that he was the real Maitreya Buddha.

He is rewriting the Sutra... The Sutra...

What am I to do?

All senior priests of the kingdom will gather at the

public mass...

Why is His Majesty making this scandalous attempt?

Rewriting the Sutra...

Does he mean to deny all preexisting laws of Buddha?

It is Eunbu, Advisor.

Enter.

Have you been informed? General Wang's bride has returned.

Is that right? That is good news.

How is the spirit of the citizens?

It is as if the entire kingdom is frozen cold.

As expected... Frozen cold...

The people of Chungju who were forced to Chulwon for public

labor are exhausted beyond words.

But their leader Ahjitae has volunteered their services.

Yes, but they are suffering nonetheless.

Complaints and protests are everywhere against the forced

military and public works conscription.

I've heard enough.

They have no choice but to suffer through this.

I'm told Ahjitae will be attending the public mass

despite his injuries.

As expected. He instigated this event after all.

The nobles of paesuh are still engaged in frequent

secret meetings.

Yes, I know. I've instructed increased surveillance.

His Majesty has isolated himself in his chamber.

He is rewriting the Sutra.

Pardon? But there're 84 000 dharma gates in the Sutra!

That is the reason for my frustration.

I think I know what His Majesty is thinking....

I am quite apprehensive... We are at a very steep path...

Ahjitae is to be blamed.

His removal should've been more carefully planned.

I am most regretful...

His majesty suspects us.

Is that so?

Who else would he suspect? Foul play was obvious.

Let us set that matter aside for now.

How is the military preparation progressing?

Preparations are nearly complete.

Operation will soon begin now that Generals Bok and

Wang are back. Warriors are in assembly as we speak.

Does this mean Sangju has been confirmed as our next

target of aggression?

Yes. We've determined Sangju to be the most vital point of

strategic importance.

But did we not suspend action in our last attempt?

That was due to the steep and narrow passage to sangju.

What is different this time?

This time we will be invading from two sides.

Which two sides do you refer to?

We will approach Yaechum and Andong through Jukryung, while

another division closes in on Sangju through Choryung Pass.

Yes, that is the only passage. What must be done must be done.

That is right.

We must have Sangju in order to establish a strong advanced base.

...Then where well we strike first?

That decision will require more contemplation.

You must be afraid for the fate of Ahjagae's Sabulju Castle!

That among other things...

How could be not be concerned?

Ahjagae may be his father- in-law someday after all!

Shouldn't we move out the troops before the winter?

Yes. Troops will be moved out immediately.

Sangju...

Another strom will sweep across Bekjae.

If we are dividing our forces, allow me to take Choryung Pass.

It must be true, Commander park!

You really are still in loce with Kyun-hwon's sister!

I'm afraid Commander park will not be focused on his

duty if he is sent elsewhere.

Commanders Yu Park, Neungsan and myself will take Choryung

Pass, and I'd like General Hwan to command the other generals

and proceed to Jukryung Pass.

Thank you, general. We will take Jukryung!

Divide the troops and proceed to your bases.

General wang will join you after the public mass

and his wedding ceremony.

Getting married again, General Wang?

You're the Luckiest I know!

prepare your troops and proceed to your positions.

His majesty has issued his approval.

Yes.

What? Enemy troops are moving, you say?

Did you say Choongju?

Their target must be Sangju where my father is!

Yes. We must send military aid at once!

It is only a diversion. There is no need to go up against them.

No. The enemy troops have begun their movement.

We can't just sit on our hands!

I beg you not to act in haste, Your Majesty.

This is only a diversion as I've told you.

It is insane to sit back and watch like it is

someone else's house that is on fire!

I agree.

We must give them a taste of defeat this time!

General Gong-jik,

Yes, Your Majesty.

You will you in command since you are familiar with the territory.

Yes, Your Majesty.

General Park will join him.

Yes, Your Majesty.

Prepare the troops. The two crown princes

will be the vanguards of this counterassault.

Yes, Father

But Your Majesty, Majin is experiencing severe internal

turmoil. It maybe wise to heed the vice prime minister advice.

Yes, Your Majesty.

I submit to you, our efforts will be better served recapturing

geumsung than needlessly moving our troops to Sangju.

Yes, Your Majesty. Allow me to take the troops.

Grant me a chance to recapture geumsung.

No. Goongyae's scandalous true identity or Majin's domestic

conflict does nothing for us right now.

Leave geumsung for alone for now.

The situation in Sangju is more urgent right now.

Send out the troops!

A war in Sangju?

Yes, Your Highness.

Any you say the two crown princes are to partake in the battle?

Yes, that is what I've been told.

Matters are going from bad to worse.

Why must he send aid to his Father that detests him?

I do not understand... And why must my sons be involved?

It is truly frustrating.

If only Father would see things from our perspective...

What? Majin's army is approaching us, you say?

Is this really true?

Yes, Father. They are already nearing Choongju.

Who is the man in command? Wang Guhn?

He has not been spotted among them, but his direct

subordinates have.

And another mass is crossing Jukryung Pass toward us.

Goodness! They are approaching from front and back!

We will fight them off, Mother.

How can we fight such a large army attacking from both sides?

We have our brother Kyun-hwon. He will come to our aid.

Sangju is mostly his territory excluding this Sabulju Castle.

Silence! I do not wish the hear his name!

Husband, perhaps Commander Sulhee will be here.

Yes! he is Wang guhn's direct subordinate!

Yes, Father.

Then we have nothing to fear.

It is not to fight us if Sulhee is coming.

What do you mean, Father?

We've all met Sulhee. He would never hurt us.

Their target is Kyun-hwon.

How can you say that, Father? This is our problem!

No! It isn't!

Right, wife?

Sulhee,

Yes, Brother.

The entire kingdom knows about your crush on Kyun-hwon's sister.

I'm powerless. Love is beyond one's control.

How will you fight a war in this state?

What would you do if you were ordered to capture Sabulju?

I will obey the military command, of course.

How about Kyun-hwon's sister?

That is my dilmma. But I'd figure something out.

What comes first? Love or duty?

That is the question. That is Sulhee's biggest dilemma.

Duty comes first, of course. He is a soldier after all.

The public mass should be being held in Song-ak about now.

Yes. many were unhappy about the event.

Well, but who'd dare protest against His Majesty's work?

Let us proceed.

Yes

His majesty the King!

All may be seated.

All may be seated.

Four groups of Buddha's disciples,

military and civil subjects, and citizens will listen.

Yes.

I came from the Heavens as Maitreya, and have waited long

for this day-the day I reveal the true laws to the world.

Foolish mortals, does your heart know the Maitreya?

Who is Maitreya?

Open your eyes. It is I, who sit before you.

To save you, I've come to this world.

Henceforth, all preexisting laws of Buddha will vanish!

My scripture, scripture of the true Maitreya, will be

the one and only laws of this world.

All living creatures and gods throughout heaven and earth

will exist only by my laws.

This is the law of Maitreya!