Original subtitles

We've been here for weeks,

and we still have not received command to attack.

That's right. How long must we idly wait?

Why did we lead our troops here if we are not to battle?

The enemy force has established camp only several miles away.

There is no rush. Let us be patient.

But we would be in trouble if they attack us first.

Why are you all so impatient?

Our superior commander General Wang arrived here just yesterday.

That is right.

Such important decision is not for us soldiers to interject.

I know that all of you are perplexed.

But this assignment is largely a preventive measure.

I want you all to be aware of that.

If may ask, preventive measure against what?

Our Kingdom is in internal turmoil, as you all know.

The enemy can take advantage of the confusion to strike us.

That is what we are here to forestall.

But it is truly frustrating to sit on our hands and wait.

Of course. And we won't remain idle forever.

We will move when the enemy moves.

And we will seek opportunity to capture Nakdong River.

In addition, we will br carrying out a mission

to create dissension.

General Wang, what is this mission you speak of?

We will cause greater discord between King Kyun-hwon and

his father Lord Ahjagae. We will turn them against

each other, and fish in trouble waters.

Don't you think offensive strinke would be more effective?

I know you are anxious, but let us be patient.

We must try to avoid a war until the relocation of the

imperial city is complete.

Let us observe the developments a bit longer.

The eather is getting cold. We must expedite the completion.

The laborers are working day and night.

Countless men have been injured and many have died.

That is what it takes to do something worthwile.

I can't tell you how many laborers have run away.

What did you say?

Find every single one of them and hang them!

But sire, protests are overwhelming.

Please ease off on them, as construction is nearly complete.

Ease off, you say? There is no time for that!

His Majesty will be here for another visit before

the relocation! We must show him progress!

Expedite the completion!

But Scholar Ahjitae...

I do not want another word!

I don't care how many is hurt and how many are dead.

Preparation for the move is nearly complete in Song-ak!

Do you unterstand?

Be careful!

Be careful in handling them!

My lord, I was told you are to be the next Supreme Councilor.

Allow me to congratulate you.

Yes. It is the most delightful news!

Supreme councilor is the hightest official position.

It is not a matter to be happy about.

What do you mean, It is the most wonderful...

Not quite. Being appointed a high position in this state

of national crisis is but a misfortune.

A misfortune, my lord?

Lord Park is probably breathing a sigh of relief for

being discharged from the position.

Imagine the distress he has suffered.

He has alone bared extreme affronts for the

rest of the officials.

And now I will be in that position...

We were at the port receiving the goods from overseas.

I'm afraid this is greatly hurting our finances.

The entire country is suffering. Do not utter words of complaint.

Master Wang should be in Choongju by now.

I was told he has agreed to collaborate with the Advisor.

It is an attempt to control the growing public resentment.

Yes. The country is dark and cold everywhere you go.

They want us to contain the public resentment.

Would that be possible, Father?

It is a daunting task...

We've agreed to join forces and work together,

but it is a daunting task indeed...

Sister, there is wonderful news.

Uncle is to become the new Superior Councilor,

the highest position among the subjects.

Is this true? That is wonderful!

It is indeed. This family is crowned with glory.

Our husband is an illustrious warrior,

and our uncle is the highest of all royal subjects.

Yes, you're right.

I hope our husband is safe at the front...

He is a peerless hero and a fearless warrior.

Of course he is safe.

Mere the mention of his name makes people bow their heads.

Yes, but...

Do not fear.

I've witnessed his greatness in Naju.

You're right. I do not need to fear.

By the way, the kitchen looked unusually busy today.

Yes, I'm preparing a visit to the empress.

The empress?

We have her goodness and virtue to thank for our lives.

Both the emperor and the empress took trouble for us.

Yes, I know. She is a good woman.

Wives greatly affect the pursuits of their husbands.

We must maintain close connection with the palace.

My thought had not reached that far.

Our husband's glory will not shine if we do not

support him adequately.

You are right.

Please guide me with your wisdom.

Oh, Sister, it is no wisdom.

All it takes is a little more thought.

Mind-reading...

When one attains enlightenment and reaches a state of perfect

selflessness, one can see the true self.

See myself, see others, and see the world...

Those who transcend the world and reach

supramundane plane can see everything.

Mind-reading... Mind-reading...

Why have I not taken interest in this sooner?

Mind-reading...

Your Majesty, Supreme Councilor, Supreme Council Scribe,

and Minister of Finance!

Enter.

Yes, Your Majesty!

We've come at your calling, Your Majesty.

Please have your seats.

welcome.

I've called you elder statesmen to inform you of a few matters.

Supreme Councilor,

Yes, Your Majesty.

You have worked very hard on your job.

Public works in Chulwon is a requirement for our future,

but I know the struggle you've gone through.

Well, there were many complications and difficulties...

That is why I've called you, to ease your load.

Pardon?

What is your true view of me?

...True...view?

I am Maitreya.

All the world knows that, Your Majesty.

Maitreya sees and knows everything.

The Supreme Councilor has suffered many distress.

And you've also been discontent.

Your Majesty, how could I...

I am Maitreya, and I see everything.

Do you mean to chalenge that?

No, but...

Foolish sentient beings are easily disgruntled.

I do not fault you for your nature, but you mustn't lie.

Yes, Your Majesty.

Relieve yoursel from your duty and

pass it on to Lord Wang.

Yes, Your Majesty.

I am greatly honored, Your Majesty.

Minister of finance,

Yes, Your Majesty.

The public works in Chulwon is nearing completion,

but resources are still deficient.

Forgive me, Your Majesty.

This means that nobles still do not understand my grand design.

I want you to put greater pressure on them.

Yes, Your Majesty.

The new Supreme Councilor will assist Lord Yu in

completing the public works.

Yes, Your Majesty.

Buddhist faith will help unite the kingdom.

But participation and assistance of high monks are vital.

Lord Wang will make sure that all senior priests attend

the monthly Buddhist Mass.

Yes, Your Majesty.

I took pity on sentient beings and treated them with tolerance.

But not anyone.

I will enlighten them with my sutra.

And I will use my power to read minds to distinguish the

righteous and the unrighteous, and reveal the truth to the world.

Advisor, Yumsang at your service.

Enter.

Elder statesmen Lord park, Lord Wang and Lord Yu were

just in the imperial chamber.

Perhaps His Majesty has assigned Lord Wang his new duty.

Yes, he has mentioned his intention to do so.

He has also instructed them to increase religious activities

and expedite the completion of public works in Chulwon.

Yes, I'm sure...

All senior priests around the kingdom have been obligated

to attend the monthly mass held in the royal court.

All senior priests?

Yes, Advisor.

This is most dreadful... He is making another for

huge obstacle by forcing the monks to study his sutra.

Yes. This will only create another resistance force.

We must stop him.

Religious communities must not be aggravated.

But what can we do? His Majesty is Maitreya.

Who'd dare challenge his decision?

I beg you torequest aid from the Wangs of Song-ak.

There's nothing they can do at this time.

And they are still objects of caution.

But Lord Wang has become the new Supreme Councilor.

Yes, but I doubt he is happy about the promotion.

The highest branch is not the safest roost.

I beg you to join forces.

That's the only way you can stop His Majesty's tyranny.

Let us be patient.

There is a severe storm right now,

and it won't be allayed in an instant.

We must wait it out and seek our chance...

Lord Park of Pyungju has been dismissed fromhis duty.

He is to remain under status of elder statesman.

Lord Park used to be quite boastful about his hight rank.

Who succeeded his position?

Lord Wang of Song-ak was appointed.

His Majesty could have appointed you instead...

What nonsense, Mother.

His Majesty has clearly stated that maternal relatives

could not be i,volved in politics.

I,understand his reason, but experienced elder statesmen

such as myself can serve the administration well.

Let go of such idle desires, Father.

I would stop such appointment if I had to.

Your Highness, General Wang's wives seek your audience.

General Wang's wives? See them in.

Your Highness, we bid you greetings.

Have you ared well, Lord and Lady Kang?

Yes, we have...

Perhaps we should leave now, Husband.

Yes, please leave us now.

Yes, Your Highness.

How have you fared?

I am surprised to receive your visit.

We've come to thank you for your kind favors.

That's quite unnecessary. I've met you at your wedding,

but yu are a lovely lady, Lady Buyong.

Thank you, Your Highness.

I'm told Lady Doyoung is very outgoing.

I've been informed of your extended efforts in the Naju

Invasion and in finding and bringing back Lady Buyong.

Thank you for your praise. I was merely doing my duty.

So how are you enjoying your honeymoon period?

Our husband is at war.

I'm afraid there is no such enjoyment for us.

And you, Lady Buyong?

I spend my days praying for our husband's safe return.

You are both very lucky...

General Wang isa good man. Take well care of him.

Thank you, Your Highness.

We are most grateful for your concern.

If we may, we will visit you frequently from now.

Of course. The palace is a lonely place.

You two must be as lonely as I am with General Wang away.

Indeed we are, Your Highness.

Bekjae's force is setting up their camp seven miles away.

The others have mentioned this, but this mission seems pointless.

Not so.

An invisible battle was already begun.

Sulhee,

Yes, Master.

You have an important mission.

I need you to pay Lord Ahjagaeof Sabulju a visit.

Am I really to go to Sabulju?

You will politely deliver a letter from me to Ahjagae.

A letter?

It'll say that we do not intend to fight them,

and ask that we develop friendly relations.

Is this a plot to intensify hostility between him and Kyun-hwon?

Yes. This is a very important job.

You must be very cordial.

I don't think you have to worry about that.

Sulhee is in love with his daughter Daeju after all.

Leave it to me.

I would do all I can to impress daeju and her father.

But master, will they really fall for our plot?

Kyun-hwon is his son after all.

Let us watch the developments of events.

How could he do this?

Father turns his back to us every time there is a war.

We've sent countless messengers over the

years loaded with gifts.

Yet he still treats us like his worst enemy.

That's enough. This is nothing new.

He will eventually come aroundif you persistently

show him your good will.

This is beyond what I can fathom.

How could a father do this to his own son?

This is all because of the stepmother.

A family's closeness depends on the head of the household.

Fickle man ruins his home and his country.

Father would never be like this if it weren't for the stepmother.

What are you trying to imply?

That is not what we're here to discuss!

But it's true, Your Majesty.

Enough!

You must learn from your father's mistakes, Your majesty.

I said that's enough!

It's impossible to discuss anything with you!

Brother,

Yes, Your Majesty.

This discussion isn't going to yield any answers.

Just keep me informed of any new developments.

Yes, Your Majesty.

Yesterday is an indication of what is to come today.

It seems His Majesty has learned nothing from his

father's mistakes!

Stay seated.

Is there any special news to report?

We were reviewing the reports from our informers in Majin.

The construction of the new capital is putting tremendous

strain and causing internal turmoil.

What specifically is their problem?

The government is taking too much from the

nobles and peasants.

Yes... That's how we lost Geumsung.

We exacted toomuch to fund the war.

Majin's current situation is much worse than our was.

Why else would they send their top geneal on a pretend war,

and why would there have been an attempt on Ahjitae's life?

Yes. These are signs of terrible trouble.

Goongyae is becoming more despotic, and his subjects

and citizens are growing in frustration and resentment.

We can take advantage of this situation.

You have said you were devising a strategy.

Are you ready to share that with me?

I beg you to give me your patience.

I will soon propose a plan that well send Majin into a tailspin.

Fine. I know you don't like to talk before things are certain.

Your Majesty, was Her majesty able to offer her insight into

the matter of your father in Sangju?

Insight?

She only managed to further exacerbate me with her sarcasm.

She is no different than my stepmother, I tell you.

Generals Park, Gong-jik, and the two crown princes

will soon be meeting Lord Ahjagae in Sangju.

It'll be useless with my stubborn father.

It will take persistence. Send him frequent regards.

He is your father after all.

What frustrates me is the current situation.

I wouldn't be worried about Sangju right now if I could

trust my father!

Receive our humble obeisance, Grandfather.

Have you fared well, Grandfather?

Yes, I'm just fine.

What brings you here?

I see Huhjo has come with you as well.

Yes.

We came running when we heard

Majin's forces were after your territory.

I appreciate that, but you need not be here.

Our castle is intact, and we are perfectly fine.

Grandfather, I am your

grandson-in-law park Young-kyu.

What in-law?

Grandson-in-law, sire. He is your grandson-in-law.

So?

My father-in-law is the emperor of Great Bekjae

and the greatest hero of the Three Kingdoms.

What? What did you call him?

The greatest hero, Grandfather.

As you are his father, you are a hero as well.

So?

Yet a wall stands between Sangju and the imperial city.

It is a mockery to the world.

I beg you, Grandfather.

Accept His Majesty's filial piety.

Filial piety? Ridiculous!

What marvelous relationship we have because he is so filial!

I've told him to stay out of my life.

Leave us now if you're done!

Sire, I beg you as a warrior of bekjae.

The world's eyes are upon this father and son.

Please receive His Majesty's sincere regard.

It's not that simple!

Now leave at once!

My lord, Park Sulhee from Majin is at the castle gate

requesting to see you.

What? Who?

Did you say Park Sulhee?

Yes, sire! It is park Sulhee!

Park Sulhee!

Park Sulhee is here!

I told you to leave!

You have no business being here!

We've met once before.

Must you turn me away at the door?

I've come on business.

We are enemies.

What business could you possibly have? Leave!

Lord Ahjagae wouldn't like the way I'm being treated.

You audacious fool!

My lady, how long has it been?

It is I, Sulhee.

What brings you?

You have never left my heart, my lady.

We've come to defend your territory at my king's command.

I've longed to see you, my lady.

Stop the gibberish and state your business.

My lady...

State your business!

I've come to deliver General Wang's personal

letter to Lord Ahjagae.

Follow me.

Yes, my lady.

How have you fared?

You look thinner.

What garrulous man you are. Be quiet and follow me.

Yes, my lady.

Isn't this man enemy warrior Park Sulhee?

That is correct. Who might you be?

How dare you come in and out of here like this is your home!

Leave at once!

Must you be so hostile? I am here as an emissary.

Isn't that right, Lady Daeju?

That audacious fool!

Please calm down, General Chu.

He is am emissary. Let us go.

Come with me.

Yes, my lady.

Ugh! This is an outrage!

How frustrating...

He is hospitable to our enemy and hostile to us!

It seems that is his nature. Let us return to our base.

Have you fared well? What have you been doing?

I've been quite busy fighting one battle after another.

I wish we had heard from you more often.

We've often thought about you, General Park.

Thank you.

I have never forgotten about Lady Daeju.

But love cannot be compelled.

Besides, we are enemies.

By no means.

I've come bearing a personal letter from

my master Wang Guhn.

A personal letter?

In regards to what?

What does he mean?

Sangbu...? He calls me Sangbu!

Is that ho General Wang has adressed you?

Yes. It means he serves you like an older brother or father.

What respectful man this General Wang!

Indeed he is! He has come not to attack us, but to

observe Bekjae's movements. He say that he respects us.

What well-mannered man he is!

Don't be deceived, Father.

This is a plot to turn you against Kyun-hwon.

He has called your father Sangbu.

Don't be fooled.

Leave at once!

Or I will have you lynched!

No, my lady. You are mistaken.

What are you waiting for? Take this man away?

My lady! My lady!

Stop this! He hasn't done anything wrong!

Take this man away at once!

My lady! Please don't do this, my lady!

General park! General Park!

Father, this is absurd!

He is a soldier of Majin. He is our enemy, Father!

But they are not here to hurt us.

And the man is in love with you.

Father!

Oh, General Park...!

Do you really intend not to attack Sabulju Castle?

A promise is a promise.

What if they create an alliance and attack us?

We've done enough investigation to know that will not happen.

It's been over 10 years since Kyun-hwon becam an emperor,

yet they are still divided and at odds with each other.

It is hard to fathom.

How could father and son become that way?

A rift in a family can grow into resentment bigger

and bitter than in any other relationship.

That's the case for King Kyun-hwon and his father.

I am rather disappointed that we are here not for territory

expansion, but to pick up the mess Ahjitae has made.

You must not say such things! We exist only for His Majesty,

and we must obey him without question.

I was quite frustrated when I read yesterday's

report from the palace.

What are you referring to?

Granted relocation efforts are for the purpose of expansion,

but I don't understand the religious pressure.

I don't, either.

Everyone already serves His Majesty as maitreya.

I'm told that all the officials and senior monks across the

country have been required to attend the monthly mass.

Frankly, I...

That is enough!

It is not our place to criticize His Majesty's decision.

You will stop such comments.

The newly appointed Supreme Councilor

Lord Wang is doing a much better job.

My orders are being carried out far more actively.

It appears so.

I intend to make another trip to Chulwon,

and I'd like you to join me this time.

Me, Your Majesty?

Yes. And let us take the elder statesmen and other

officials who have not yet been there as well.

Yes, Your Majesty.

All is quiet at the front in Sangju, and...

Have the monks been assembled according to my instruction?

Yes. They await you at the Dharma Hall right now.

Master Huhwal and Senior Priest Sukchong is present as well.

Sukchong...

Yes, I have met him last time. What piercing eyes he had...

Well, then, let us join them.

Yes, Your majesty.

His Majesty the King!

You may be seated!

Welcome.

You are all disciples of Buddha.

And I've come to this earthly life as Maitreya Buddha.

I have written a sutra, and created new laws.

But Shakyamuni's crooked laws have brought confusion

and corruption to this world.

Of course many of his teachings are good.

But not nearly as good as my sutra, the Sutra of maitreya.

Have you studied my sutra?

I see no one can answer me.

It is not complicated. Truth is simple.

Shakyamuni has said all laws are connected to one.

That is what I want you to learn.

The Sutra of Maitreya was written for that purpose.

Master Sukchong,

Yes, Your Majesty.

You are more knowledgeable about Maitreya than anyone

in this hall.

Tell me. How was my Sutra?

I asked for your opinion.

May I answer frankly, Your Majesty?

Of course. Please tell us.

Then I will.

Your book is not a sutra, it is not laws of Buddhism,

and it is not the truth.

It is merely baneful scribble designed to beguile mortals.

Baneful scribble...? Baneful scribble, you say?

And if I may add,

why do you claim to be Maitreya?

Your Majesty, you are not Maitreya!

What?

You are not Maitreya!