Original subtitles

We are in Song-ak.

His Majesty should be at the palace by now.

Yes, General.

Commander Geumdae.

Yes, General.

I followed you back without a question because you say it is

an imperial command, but His Majesty has never summoned

me back from the front without a reasonable explanation.

Won't you tell me why I'm beingbroght back?

His Majesty and I are sworn brothers.

And I have a feeling something is terribly wrong.

Please tell me.

I will tell you since we are already in Song-ak.

It is as you suspect, General.

What has happened to His Majesty?

He was attacked, and he now barely clings on to life.

What? What happened?

He has been moved to the palace.

I believe you are being brought in for questionig

regarding this incident.

Me? Questioning?

Commander Yun,

Yes. We're come to escort you back to the palace.

Come with us.

Escort him!

Advisor Jongkahn awaits you, General Wang.

Hurry!

Are the royal guards apprehending then suspects?

Commander Yum and Jangil have been

dispatched to apprehend General and Lord Wang.

How about Ahjirae?

He is also being brought in.

Summon the other officials as well.

The Wangs will confront the assassins in

front of the others.

Everything is prepared.

Advisor

Yes, scholar Park.

I've witnessed all that has transpired,

I am afraid innocent men may be sacrificed.

What do you mean?

I believe another force is behing the assassination attempt.

You may be acting in haste by arresting the Wangs right now.

Nonsense.

We already have the confession of the perpetrators.

The people of Paesuh have displayed resistance and

harbored resentment against the royal court.

But...

I will take care of this matter, Scholar Park.

Please look into finding the healer once more.

Yes. But Advisor, beg you to be sensible about this.

I am acting in the most sensible manner.

let us visit the Imperial Chamber once more.

His Majesty must wake up soon...

We come from the Imperial Palace! Open the gate!

What brings you men?

We come from the palace. Superior Councilor Lord

Wang is to come with us at once by Royal order.

Royal order?

That is correct. Inform Lord Wang.

Commander Jangil of the royal guards,

Yes, Lord Wang.

What brings you at this early hour?

You've been ordered to enter the palace at once.

At this early hour? On what matter?

I do not know. You must come with us at once.

Is this a direct order from His Majesty?

It is from Advisor Jongkahn. You must come with us.

Don't you thik this is odd?

Yes, it is indeed.

Prepare my wardrobe.

It appears what we feared is beginning to befall.

Father...!

Prepare my wardrobe.

You must enter the palace as well.

Uncle, shouldn't you inquire the master first?

I think I know what it is.

I'm afraid I may not be coming back for a while.

Shikryum,

Yes, Father.

Take well care of the family.

Much burden rests on your shoulders now.

Yes, Father.

Goongyae, it is your father. I've come to take you.

I do not have a father! I am Maitreya Buddha!

Do you not know your own father?

You struck me with your dagger!

I do not know you!

Goongyae!

Goongyae...!

It is meehyang, Your Majesty.

Your Majesty...

Get away! Get away!

You are evil spirits! Get away!

I am Maitreya!

You are not Maitreya.

You deceive the world with your false identity!

No! I am Maitreya!

Come with me to the world beyond.

Come with me, Goongyae.

Come with us, Your Majesty.

Come with us, Goongyae.

No!

Goongyae!

Get away from me!

I still have too much to do! It is not my time to die yet!

I must leave my mark in the universe!

Goongyae!

Get away!

I still have too much to do in this world!

I can't go!

You must live, Your Majesty. You must...

Please come out of this sleep.

Please, Your Majesty.

Your Majesty...

Advisor, we have brought back General Wang.

Thank you for making the long journey.

I was told there was a crisis in the kingdom.

What is it?

Do you mean to imply that you do not know?

General Wang, do you know those men?

No, I have never seen them before.

Of course.

Supreme Councilor,

Yes, Advisor.

Do you know these men?

No, I do not.

You fear death, I see.

No, you say?

They claim to know you very well.

I do not understand.

I will not hide this any longer.

His Majesty is clinging to life right now.

He was struck by a poisoned arrow shot by these men.

They claim Lord Wang,

the leader of Paesuh nobles, is the abettor.

Advisor, what do you mean!

Felons, you will confess the truth.

Who ordered you to murder His majesty?

I've answered you ten times over.

It was Lord Wang Pyungdal.

You lie! Do you not fear god!

Why do you implicate an innocent man?

I'm sorry, Lord Wang

But we did the job you asked.

Goongyae will not live much longer.

How dare you lie like this!

I'm sorry, but I will not lie for you.

I've met Lord Wang and the two pedagogues in his house

on several occasions to discuss the hit.

Who put you up to this! Speak the truth!

I do not wish to talk any further.

Kill me now.

Gentleman, you've heard the confession.

Do you have anything to say?

This is false accusation. We do not know these men.

Advisor,

Speak.

do you denounce us based on testimony of these criminals?

I beg you to conduct a thorough investigation.

I vow on the honor of our name that this is untrue.

We are His Majesty's faithful subjects.

Silence! These men have confessed, and we have

credible proof that they are telling the truth!

This is the reprehensible leaflet that Lord Wang has

circulated in Song-ak about the time His Majesty was attacked.

It contains proof that Lord Wang has abetted this crime!

The Wangs know more about His majesty's past than anyone.

You have distorted the truth and promulgated this lie for

your own interest!

This is an injust accusation. I have no involvement in this.

You cannot deny this.

Who else but you can conceive of such conspiracy?

You are behind the agitation and the assassination attempt.

Green Pine of Song-ak.

You bought into the absurd prophecy about Wang Guhn

becoming the great ruler, and concocted this devious scheme!

I saw this coming for a long time.

Do you have anything more to say?

You are acting in haste. His Majesty would not do this.

no, he wouldn't because he is a compassionate man.

But not I. It is my duty to find and

eliminate insidious subjects like you.

Gentlemen,

Yes

you may voice your opinion.

I see that everyone agrees that this is an irrefutable case.

We will convene again for the confession and

the sentencing at the public hearing.

The criminals will be punished at by the full extent of the law.

Furthermore, we can no longer tolerate Ahjitae who beguiled

our emperor and caused suffering and disorder in our kingdom.

He provided the cause for the attempt on His Majesty's life,

and he will not be forgiven.

Royal guards!

Yes.

Take Lord Wang, General Wang and Ahjitae into confinement

and await my next command!

Yes

And arrest the two pedagogues at the Wang's estate that aided

in the conspiracy!

Yes

We will convene again soon for the sentencing

of the criminals.

Yes.

Take them away!

It's finally hapening.

This is exactly what we feared.

What are we to do?

What strikes me odd is that His Majesty has not been seen.

Uncle's remark troubles me.

I think Advisor is determinated to destroy us.

What do we do?

Only if Husband was home at a time like this...

We're facing a critical dilemma...

Sire, it is Caretaker Chang.

Come in.

Madams, Master Wang was brought back from Sangju

and apprehended.

What? Husband has returned?

Yes, Madam.

The royal guards took him to the moment he entered the city.

The officials are now gathered at the palace for an inquest

about the events of Chulwon and the mysterious leaflet.

Events of Chulwon? What do you mean,

There was an attempt on His Majesty's life.

What?

Things aren't looking good.

Some say that Lord and General wang are suspected

as prime conspirators of these crimes.

Good heavens! How could this be?

Open the gate!

Pedagogues Ma and Byun will come forth and receive

His Majesty's command! Open the gate!

Criminals Ma and Byun will come forth and surrender!

What do we do, Your Highness?

It has been 3 days!

Merciful gods of heaven and earth...

May they burn in hell! How could they conspire

to destroy him after all that he has done for them!

What do you mean, Father?

All has been revealed.

Lord and general Wang masterminded this conspiracy.

What do you mean? Why would they?

The captured hit men have confessed everything.

That cannot possibly be true...!

We've apprehended the two elder pedagogues

from the Wang's estate.

Advisor, I beg you to reconsider this.

Only evidence you have against the Wangs is the testimony of

the perpetrators. You could lose important pillars of this state.

I understand your concern. Albeit the wang may be

innocent, they are potential evil in this kingdom.

Advisor!

Men like Ahjitae are easy to eliminate, but not the Wangs.

They are winning the hearts of people above the emperor.

That alone is enough to warrant their death.

I think it would be best to bring this to an end quickly.

Of course. but first I must get unanimous endorsement,

then I will proceed according to the law.

The entire clan will perish.

Scholar Park,

Yes, Advisor.

I am anxious beyond words.

What happened to the men you've sent to Mt. Geumkang?

Three days have passed.

His Majesty's is getting worse.

I'm sure they have located the master healer by now.

I beg you to be patient.

How can I be patient when His Majesty is on the verge of death?

Advisor, the situation at the front concerns me.

General Wang's men have control of

significant part of our force.

But General Hwan and Lee are there as well.

They are loyal subjects.

We have no immediate concerns.

How frustrating this is!

Our Chief Commander General Wang has been

taken out of the battle without an explanation.

What could be the reason?

The guard offered no explanation despite our repeated inquiry.

This is an indication of serious trouble in the palace.

I agree.

Why else would they remove the commander from the battle line?

The commander was called to the palace without explanation.

I fear the enemy force might get wind of this.

Yes. This could have a serious impact on our battle.

What would we do if Bekjae's force should strike us now?

We can't even devise the basic strategy without the commander.

I'd take his place since I am next in the chain of command,

but what could be trouble that required this drastic action?

It is meaningless for us to discuss that here.

What we should do is increase our surveillance

of the enemy and be on alert.

That right. Make sure everything is

in perfect order, Generals.

Yes, General.

Our informers report that the enemy commander

General Wang has gone back to Song-ak.

Vice Prime Minister said there was an internal problem in Majin.

Perhaps that is the reason.

Yes, Your Highness. He said this was a mock war intended

to hide the internal trouble Majin was experiencing.

I think he was right.

Majin's army has been here for weeks without making any moves.

Commander Gong-jik,

Yes, General Chu.

This is the most frustrating battle.

Now that the enemy has begun to show vulnerability,

I say this is our chance to strike.

I agree.

No

The Military General has ordered us not to shed

blood in haste. Let us watch the developments.

I have never been in such a frustrating war in my life!

When you are at war, you fight!

It won't be long, General. Let us have patience.

Be seated.

Your Majesty, King Goongyae of Majin is down, and

General Wang Guhn has been taken to Song-ak.

This is our chance to strike.

Yes. It will be a swift victory if we strike while

the enemy is in a state of confusion.

You majesty, I beg to differ.

We will have ample time to strike after confirming

the outcome.

I don't agree.

Odds of victory are greater when you strike while

the enemy is distracted.

Hesitation will only lead to weakening of the spirit.

I think you harbor personal grudge against General Wang.

But this is not to be rushed.

The entire kingdom of Majin is in turmoil,

and General Wang is absent from the front!

If this weren't the perfect chance, when would it be?

Grant me a detachment, Your Majesty.

I must reclaim Geumsung!

My blood boils when I think about Geumsung as well.

But we mustn't act in haste. Vice Prime Minister has been

in charge of this operation, so let us heed his advice.

But Your Majesty, this is a golden opportunity.

I advise you to issue a mobilization order and

prepare for the possiblity.

That would not be a bad idea.

There may be an unexpected need for military action

depending upon developments in the enemy state.

Fine.

Order each garrison to be on alert and ready for my command.

Sudal, have patience. Your chance will come.

Yes, Your Majesty.

I am quite fascinated by this the turn of events.

Soon there will most delightful news from Majin.

Yes, Your Majesty.

Goongyae and Wang Guhn will die, and Majin will be

in complete chaos.

Then we will subjugate Majin with a single blow.

You alone will take credit if we achieve success,

Vice Prime Minister.

Your grace is immeasurable, Your Majesty.

I am baffled by what has transpired, Uncle.

We are already in te tiger's mouth.

Advisor has been waiting for this chance for a long time.

Who could the real conspirators be?

Perhaps Advisor is behind this.

I doubt that.

Advisor may be ruthless, but he wouldn't hurt His Majesty.

That is true.

It is mischief making by Shilla or Bekjae in all likehood.

Mischief making?

It is a rather common tactic used between warring states.

I'm sure Avisor is aware of this.

Yes, I'm sure he does.

But he is using this chance to get rid of his political rival.

I do not see a way out of this...

Is His Majesty in critical condition like he said?

I'm afraid so. But who could survive a poisoned arrow?

This was a meticulously plotted conspiracy.

I've lived long enough, but what is to become of Song-ak?

It is heavens that decide one's fate.

If you wish to live there is a way.

How?

There are creators and there are rulers.

His Majesty would've lived a prolific life just having

built the platform of history. The question is the future.

Who will succeed his throne and realize the great dream?

What are you trying to say?

I shall be frank.

His Majesty has strength, but he has lost his virtue.

You would've treated both with equal importance ,

How dare you utter such remark!

You are the cause for His Majesty's deterioration!

Yes, that is true on the surface.

But nwhat I have done is for his successor.

Perhaps you, General Wang.

Silence! How dare you utter such blasphemy!

It is not too late. Advisor is trying to eliminate us

because he feels threatened by you.

Instruct the Paesuh nobles to rise against the government.

It won't take much to vanquish the imperial power.

That's enough!

I am a learned man, General.

His Majesty is a hero but he will not rule for long.

I will say no more. The decision is yours.

That is quite enough. I will consider this unheard.

I, too, will consider this unsaid.

What brings you ladies?

Your Highness, a terrible mistake has been made!

Our clan has been falsely accused in a conspiracy!

I have heard.

Please help us, Your Highness.

How could our husband do anything to hurt His Majesty?

I don't believe he can, but they say there is proof.

That is untrue. It is a set-up.

Help us, Your Highness.

You are the only one we can turn to.

I don't believe General Wang is involved in this, either.

Everything happened so fast that I am still flustered.

If only His Majesty would wake up...

Help us, Your Highness.

His Majesty and our husband are sworn brothers.

Let us be patient.

I am powerless right now.

Let us be calm, and let us get to the bottom of this.

This is a set-up.

Once the Wangs are eliminated,

they will come after us.

This is most disturbing.

The kingdom is under a dark cloud.

They will eventually destroy all of the Paesuh nobles.

What are we to do?

Advisor alone holds the political power right now.

I admire General wang gretly, but I am powerless to help him.

The military power is already in their hands as well.

Won't General Wang's absence weaken our military position?

That is one of many concerns.

Advisor will be holding a public hearing.

This hearing will decide the Wang clan's fate.

Yes. Not only the Wangs,

but also Ahjitae will not be able to avoid death.

This is most dreadful. What are we to do...?

We must be careful as well. Advisor is always watching us.

How could everything crumble like this?

This is unbelievable. How did it come to this?

I am afraid of what another what another day will bring...

That is the Imperial Chamber.

What large house that is.

Park Yu,

Yes

I wish you hadn't trouble me like this.

Forgive me, Master.

But we desperately need your help.

Well, I will take a look.

Advisor, it is Eunbu.

Come in.

Advisor, the master healer from Mt. Geumkang has arrived.

What? He is here? Where is he?

Scholar Park just took him into the Imperial Chamber.

Let us go!

Yes, Advisor.

Is this the man?

yes, Advisor.

I am Advisor Jongkahn. How does he look?

The Advisor asked you a question.

Not good.

The poison has spread all throughout the body.

That is why we have sought you, Master.

Medicine or acupuncture won't do any good.

Only by transmitting qi(life energy) into his blood stream

could the poison be extracted from this system.

Would this be possible?

You've miraculously healed countless dying men.

They were poor peasants whom I felt compassion for.

I cannot decide if it is a right thing to save a phony Maitreya.

How dare...

Master,

The name is Sulbu.

I may imitate a master, but I am not really a master.

Your eyes tell me that you are the one to save him.

I desperately ask you to save His Majesty's life.

I beg you. Please.

Please save His Majesty.

I beg you. Please save His Majesty.