Original subtitles

I am not Maitreya, you say?

No, you're not.

I am not Maitreya?

Repeat your answer. I am not Maitreya?

No, Your Majesty.

You were indeed Maitreya when you first erected this kingdom,

but you are no longer.

What foolish monk you are.

How could a divine being change?

Your earnest desire of bringing salvation to all had

once made you the manifestation of Maitreya.

But that original intent has faded away, and

your appetite for power has taken on a life of its own.

How could you be Maitreya?

How dare you utter such atrocious remark!

Where do you think you are?

Royal guards! Take this lunatic away!

You are pitiable men.

It is your duties to advise the emperor of wrongs.

Why do you cower and keep silent?

That is not true loyalty.

Guards! Take this crazy monk away at once!

He will stay.

He speaks not from malice, but from ignorance.

You have gained celebrity, but you have not learned the truth.

Study my sutra with devotion, and the path will appear to you.

I say to you, take off the mask of Maitreya!

Gods are enraged!

Silence!

That is all right.

I will not fault him for his ignorance.

But Master sukchong, be advised.

Once is enough. Further ignorance will be

considered a crime now that you have been told the path to truth.

Study my sutra. You are forgiven this time.

Such foolishness.. All are ignorant...

It will be quite a task to enlighten them.

Om Mani Padme Hum.

Om Mani Padme Hum.

We should have stayed in hermitage.

We are not i control of where out feet go.

It is karmic law that moves us.

This aimless wandering is a result of our past incarnations.

Huhwal, I fear Good World will not come in our lifetime.

The way you acted at the mass took me by

surprise nonetheless.

Why?

You spoke in haste and foolhardiness.

It is useless to speak the truth to Goongyae.

Foolhardiness?

You are right, but I had to try.

Goongyae is the emperor, and his mistake could bring

damnation to the kingdom.

It is happening right now.

It is karma of the people of this land...

Goongyae was once all that true Maitreya represents...

Yes, he was...

But he has changed.

Men cannot escape from the wheels of transmigration.

So many false Maitreyas have come and gone.

It is truly a shame.

Goongyae could've been a great leader...

I had chills running down my spine.

It was a mistake to request Master Sukchong to the mass.

Enlightened monks do not fear death.

You're right.

And Sukchong is the cardinal of the Maitreya Sect.

It would be ruinous if the events of today's

mass got out to the public.

Objections are being raised about the forced

religious worship as it is.

Objections?

Those who display objections must be arrested!

We cannot have comlaints.

You must keep them under control.

The royal guards are on patrol of course, but...

This is only the beginning of trouble.

Monks do not hesitate to gives their lives for truth.

Their resistance will be fierce.

We have no choice but to repress them.

The peasants, the nobles, and now even the

monks are rankled. How frustrating this is...

If only His Majesty had not met Ahjitae...

Why must he stir up the kingdom like this?

These are things I anticipated. Resistance is beginning to rise.

But I must repress this resistance in order to

unite the kingdom. I have no selfish desires.

I am doing this to end centuries of disunity and

suffering in the Three Kingdoms.

I must fight this resistance and push forward. I must...

It doesn't warrant such anxiety on your part, my dear empress.

It is not a laughing matter, Your Majesty.

I'm told Master Sukchong is a powerful priest.

Yes, he is.

How could I not be alarmed when he has denied you of

being Maitreya at a royal mass?

My heart still pounds with fright.

It was an utterance of ignorance.

It will not happen again, as I've given him a gentle warning.

Your Highness, I'd like to make a

request with utmost respect and caution.

Do speak.

I am aware that your work is for the good of our people.

But I'm afraid your methods might be slightly exhausting them.

I beg you to take one step back.

Your heart is full of kindness, Empress.

I wish I could do as you ask as well.

But sluggishness sets in once you slow the momentum.

We will be worse off than never having begun.

But even the high monks are...

Everything is rough in the beginning.

I will teach them well.

And I will discipline them if they refuse to be taught.

Your Majesty, the kingdom is in trepidation and distress.

You need not worry, Empress. All is for the greater good.

I am their Maitreya of salvation, and I will deliver them from

suffering and fulfill their great desires.

That is what I came into this world to do.

In any case, I'm glad you are here.

You, too, should study my sutra and sing the mantra of truth.

The construction of the new imperial city is nearly complete.

I'd like you to accompany me on my last trip to

Chulwon before the relocation.

Let us invite your parents as well.

You will be quite impressed with the new palace.

Be assured, Empress.

Everything will turn very out well.

Clear the way!

Clear the way!

Is that the operation you've been clandestinely devising?

It is a brilliant, if it can be carried out successfully.

But won't be easy.

No, but we've been carefully monitoring the activities of

Majin with two objectives.

Assassinating Goongyae is one of those objectives?

Even if the assassination attempt fails, we will gain

much if we can cause internal conflict and division.

It is a brilliant plan.

But as I said, it won't be easy.

It is worth an attempt, Your Majesty.

It is a good plan, but...

It will work, Your Majesty.

Majin is in tremendous angst due to repressive measures

taken by Goongyae to complete the massive Chulwon project.

Its citizens are full of resentment.

We will push the country into chaos by exploiting this.

It will be the leader of Paesuh nobles General

Wang Guhn who will be implicated for this crime.

Victory without bloodshed is best victory yet.

Proceed with the plan. What have we got to lose?

It will be most profitable.

Yangil's followers who submitted to us have already

completed preparation for the mission in Chulwon and Song-ak.

All we have to do is wait for the good news.

Good. I have not forgotten the humiliation of Geumsung.

Teach them a lesson they won't forget.

This will eliminate the need for military action in Sangju as well.

I don't understand.

There are no signs of movement from Majin's army.

Vice Prime Minister was right.

They are not here to fight us.

But we must remain on guard. This is an important border

territory with dozens of villages they can target.

General Wang Guhn is here. It makes me sick with rage

when I think about what he did in Geumsung.

I say we attack them first.

I agree, Your Highness. Give us an attack command.

One with such authority is Superior Commander Gong-jik.

General, give us an attack command.

We cannot act in haste. Enemy forces are spread

out on two sides, and our forces are spread out to block them.

A careless move could prove fatal.

That's right. There is no need to rush.

Let us oberve a bit further.

How frustrating you are.

Why must we always wait for the enemy to move first?

We will never expand our land that way!

You have apoint, but we require support of

Sabulju in order to initiate aggression.

But Lord Ahjitae is not cooperating with us.

That is our biggest problem.

I cannot understand Father and Grandfather's animosity!

It is beyond my comprehension!

Grandfather is most unreasonable man.

Sabulju Castle would not be standing free

if it belong to someone else!

You are absolutely right, Your Highness.

It would've long ago become Bekjae's territory.

It is most frustrating!

This war is rather interesting.

Both Bekjae and Majin's forces are on guard just

observing each.

There're no signs of mvement on either side.

They are waiting for an opportune moment to strike.

Yes, Father.

I think it is because Sabulju stands in between them.

They are unable to actin a fear they might anger your father.

Yes, yes. That General Wang is a man of potential.

He called me his sangbu.

I really like the sound of that word!

Indeed he is.

You saw what a highly learned man his

subordinate Park Suhlee is.

Indeed I did.

There is no bad man under a good leader.

The more I know Park Sulhee, the more I like him.

Yes, yes.

Mother, what are you saying?

he is an enemy who has come to seize our land!

Daeju, haven't you seen General Wang's letter in

which he promised not to attack us?

Do you really believe that, Mother?

Man is only as good as his word.

The world would mock him he did not keep his promise.

Brother Kyun-hwon's army is standing by to fight them.

How can you speak in defense of the enemy?

When will you stop behaving this way, Father?

There you go again. Kyun-hwon hated me from

the beginning because I am his stepmother,

and he has even abandoned your father's name!

But father, he is your blood!

That's right.

That is why we're both so stubborn.

We know no concession.

But what can I do?

I cannot yield to my own son.

I like living this way.

I'll stay out of his life, and he'll stay out of mine.

Father!

We've accomplished our first goal if Ahjagae was

pleased with my letter.

Yes, but...

What bothers you?

Is this not a plot to intensify animosity

between Ahjagae and Kyun-hwon?

Brother Guhn has told us that from the beginning.

But wouldn't it be more honorable to fight them in a battle?

Love has you bewitched! What are you trying to say?

A part of warfare is outwitting the opponent!

Go easy on him, Brother.

You can't blame him for being in love.

I'm sure his pain is worse now that he knows he has a chance.

I'm sorry, brother.

Thank you for understanding.

But this is a battle. You must keep a clear head.

You will be together if it was meant to be.

Ahjagae has accepted my offer to serve him as my elder.

This is a good indication.

I heard the public works in Chulwon is nearly complete.

Will we not be ordered to retreat once the capital is relocated?

Yes.

Maybe we are fortunate to be at the front right now.

I would hate to witness the suffering and distress that

our people are being put through.

Do not utter words of cristicism against the government.

We are soldiers. our only concern should be our duties.

His majesty should be arriving in Chulwon by now.

Thanks to your support amid great difficulty,

the public works in chulwon is nearing completion.

Lord park has undergone tremendous labors.

It was not my effort alone. Everyone has tighten their

belt and missed meals to achieve this result.

What? Who here has missed their meals?

It was a figurative remark.

It is an offensive remark nonetheless!

He only means to say that it was a difficult work for everyone.

Yes. I was difficult.

We have a new imperial city, but it didn't come without sacrifice.

It is true.

But all is done out of loyalty for His Majesty.

We still have much work ahead.

That's right. we still have a long road ahead.

Yes indeed. we still have a very long road ahead.

What will happen to Song-ak once His Majesty leaves?

The Wang's have ruled Song-ak for generations in the past.

It is likely to be returned to them.

What treacherous remark! This is His Majesty's land!

He will have suitable arrangements for this place.

The royal guards have been ordered to strictly monitor

the relocation process.

I ask you all to conduct a thorough last inspection,

as we will soon be moving to Chulwon.

This is an order from His Majesty.

Of course.

That is what we are gathered here to discuss.

We will obey the command.

Be careful with that!

I am concerned.

More goods are taken away everyday...

I am concerned as well.

Sister, those two masters have devoted their entire

lives to teaching our husband.

Yes, I've heard.

They've come from China, I'm told.

Uncle has entered the court for a meeting regarding the

relocation to Chulwon.

Yes. I suppose we will be moving as well.

No, Sister. We belong here in Song-ak.

But our husband will go to Chulwon upon his return.

Yes, but Song-ak is much too important.

Think about it.

This magnificent Imperial City is being returned the Wang clan!

This is an incredible event.

The world will be watching us.

The world will know that the heart of the vast kingdom

belongs to ur husband.

I feel afraid for some reason, Sister.

Why?

"Subsiding leaf of Kaerim, green pine of Song-ak."

Haven't you heard the prophecy?

Doyoung!

It is destiny playing itself out.

Our husband is about to get this city back.

His Majesty is giving it back to him with no conditions attached.

There comes Scholar Ahjitae.

Welcome, Your Majesty.

I've come as soon as I was informed of your visit.

Allow me to escort you from here.

Please do.

Advisor,

Yes, Your Majesty.

We are almost at the imperial palace.

Let us take a couple of days and enjoy our trip.

Yes, Your Majesty.

Scholar Park, I see you've come as well.

You're to witness the genesis of a great empire.

Enjoy and learn.

This way, Your Majesty.

Let us go.

Goongyae will soon arrive in Chulwon and stay over night.

Is everything ready at the construction site?

Yes. Our men lay in wait completely prepared.

Good. It is our chance to take vengeance for our master.

Don't worry.

We've been waiting for this moment for a long time.

Let us go. We must arrive before they do.

Everything will be over by tomorrow.

I am amazed how much work you've accomplished in just

a few short months.

Thank you, Your Majesty.

Everyone worked in harmony with will and determination.

Empress,

Yes, Your Majesty.

This will be the platform of our eternal empire.

Aren't you impressed?

Yes, Your Majesty. It is truly grand.

As our empire grows,

this palace will grow with it accordingly.

The imperial palace of Tang is so grand that

it cannot be toured in one day.

It won't be long before our palace grows to such size.

All roads will be connected to Chulwon.

The cold weather is setting in.

The laborers lood terribly exhausted.

It is a deplorable sight. But what can we do?

The construction was too rushed....

Who goes there! What's going on?

Stop! Stop right there!

Stop those men!

What?

Who dared to put this on the palace wall?

I'm afraid they got away.

Good heavens!

What kind of audacious rogue wrote this!

"Goongyae is a phony Maitreya."

What in god's name!

" Goongyae is a banished prince of Shilla who lost his eye

running from those of royal family who wanted him dead."

Who is circulating this blasphemy?

"Erstwhile he pierced his dagger through a portrait

of a Shilla's king because he abhors his own lineage.

That king is none other than Goongyae's father.

Fearing an overthrow in the event his past is exposed,

he has changed the name of the kingdom, and hastens the

relocation of the capital."

How dare anyone write this!

Commander!

What have you found out?

We do not know the perpetrators' identity,

but these leaflets were found not only here,

but all over the city.

Nothing like this has ever happened since

this kingdom was founded!

It is a conspiracy to undermine the emperor!

Report this to His Majesty in Chulwon at once! Go now!

Yes, Commander!

Find every last one of these profane leaflets in the city,

and get rid of them.

And arrest any suspicious menyou come upon!

Yes, Commander!

What? This is signed The People of Paesuh!

The people of Paesuh wrote this?

Paesuh?

Guards!

Issue a tate of alert in Song-ak!

Intensify security, and notify the supreme councilor of this

matter as soon as the day breaks!

Yes!

Lord Park! What brings you here at this early hour?

I've come on urgent matter. Is Lord Wang inside?

Yes, my lord. This way.

My domestic staff found this on the street last night.

These were posted everywhere in the city.

Who wrote such blasphemy!

It boldy refers to His Majesty as Goongyae.

Not on ly that, it convincingly write about how he has lost

his eye, and asserts that he has lied about his identity to

become the emperor of Koryo.

It states the motive behind the changing of the kingdom's name

and relocating of the capital is to hide his true identity.

Silence! How dare you utter such words!

Such statement could damn our entire clan.

Good heavens...!

What is even worse is that it names us,

the people of Paesuh, as the author.

It is a ghastly conspiracy, Father!

Why did this have to happen while His Majesty is away?

We must assemble the officials and discuss what to do.

I'm sure Commander Yum has notified this to His Majesty.

Let us go. We must enter the palace at once.

Your Majesty, this is the Royal Audience Chamber.

Does it please you?

It is truly magnificent. Yes, I am quite satisfied.

Once our empire expands, envoys from all over the

world will come here to bid their greetings.

Yes, that day will come.

That is where your throne of pure gold will be placed.

Pure gold? That is too extravagant.

This area looks about completed.

What is that structure?

It is Her Majesty's manor. Please take a look.

Yes.

Scholar Ahjitae, is that not flames I see?

Look at all that smoke!

There seems to be a fire.

Royal guards! Inspect the area!

Fire! Fire!

Your Majesty!

Your Majesty!

Guards! Go after them!

Your Majesty!

Your Majesty!