Original subtitles

I beg you.

You have the power to save the emperor's life.

I beg you to save him, master Healer.

What must we do?

We will do anything you ask.

I beg you. Please save His Majesty's life.

Advisor...

You are making it hard to refuse.

That is right.

Life is precious peasants, an emperors alike.

What makes life different is how it is lived.

Please get up. You make me feel ill at ease.

Thank you. I will consider my wish granted.

Please rise, Advisor.

I have a friend named Sukchong who visits me

now and then.

He has told me this man is a phony Maitreya.

So I came to see for myself if that is true.

His majesty is the true Maitreya.

I'm afraid I can't tell yet.

I shall revive him first and see.

Thank you. I will not forget your favor.

Favor?

Don't jump to Conclusions.

I do this only because all life is precious.

Thank you.

But I have a feeling I might regret this...

You frustrate me, Yu.

Why did you leave the mountains to

come in to this hellish world?

There are conditions that physicians cannot heal.

It is in this cases that only qi can heal a man.

This is going to take every bit of qi from my body.

It is amazing that this man is still alive.

You must leave us. There isn't much time.

Only park Yu may visit us once a day.

Yes, Master.

You must leave us now.

Thank you, Master.

How curious!

No medicine, no acupuncture, but qi?

What is qi?

It is life energy drawn from the universe and

manipulated freely by spiritual masters.

Years of practice generates supernatural healing powers

and one becomes a mountain sorcerer.

Sorcerer? You mean there is such existence?

Let us put our faith in him. We have no other choice.

We will go to my chamber for some tea.

Yes, Advisor.

Advisor, I do not trust that man Sulbu.

He is arrogant and contemptuous in his speaking.

Most spiritual masters are unreserved in their ways.

Let us set our feelings aside. We have already entrusted him.

And Master Sukchong must be punished for his blasphemy.

Leave him alone.

Their words are reflection of the world.

When do you plan to call the public hearing for the Wangs?

I am in contemplation.

It is best to be swift.

Yes, but we must undergo proper legal process to

justify our actions.

Yes, but

They will be executed.

We must now anticipate the thereafter.

Work in a reasonable manner.

Public sentiment is powerful. Irritation may lead to eruption.

Strength sometimes surpasses reason.

It is a critical state of crisis this county is in.

There is no time to fuss with being reasonable.

What baffling character...

How could he sleep at a time like this?

Yes, but Sire,

Go on.

We cannot allow this injustice.

We must procure aid to save our lives.

This is the chance they have been waiting for.

Who could possibly save us?

Truth will prevail. Let us have patience.

No, Master. We cannot be nonchalant about this.

This is a calculated conspiracy.

That is true, but we are helpless...

We should've anticipated this...

Nobles of Paesuh still make up a

majority of this government.

Let us request their aid.

Advisor is behind this ploy.

If the officials stand behind us and defended our innocence..

They can hardly defend their own lives.

Who would defend ours?

But there's truth to what that man has said.

What do you mean?

Military holds definitive power in this government.

If powerful lords and the Ministry of Military helped us,

Are you suggesting a military coup?

Not necessary, but if they would stand behind us...

That is a dangerous move that could worsen the situation.

It cannot get any worse. They are trying to

eliminate us while His Majesty is indisposed.

Allow me to figure a way out of this, my lord.

What do you have in mind?

I will solicit aid from Lord Yu and General Bok.

How?

I will attempt communication through the jail guards.

Many people could get hurt if someting goes wrong.

No, it's worth a try.

This is only the begining. Advisor will eventually

eliminate each and every one of the Paesuh nobles.

Master Byun,

Yes, my lord.

Do as you will.

Request aid from Lord Yu and General Bok.

If maybe too late.

You should've listened to me at the time of

General Wang's arrest.

A forceful leader must overtthrow the government and start over.

Every word that you speak is treacherous!

We speak not of a mutiny but of getting out of this

pinch and uncovering the truth!

Truth?

Politics is power. There is no truth.

The strongest is truth itself.

What a shame...

Many wish to give you a chance,

but you are closed of to it.

You will not live to your potential if you do not

transcend the bounds of moralistic contradiction.

Allow me to carry out my plan, my lord.

Fine. But be very careful.

Our husband has been imprisoned.

Must not we go see him?

Yes, but will they allow our visit?

He is accused of attempting to take His Majesty's life.

It won't be easy...

The empress appreared powerless to help us.

Perhaps you should speak to your father in Jungju, Sister.

His son-in-law has been imprisoned.

I'm certain he is already doing everything he can.

Visiting him will only add to his distress.

You're right...

The Advisor has kept open anxious eyes for

such opportunity. We must all be careful.

Caretaker Chang,

Yes, young lord.

Yes, young lord.

I think I will pay a visit to the Advisor.

The Advisor?

Yes. I will implore him to let us to see Guhn.

The Wang clan will perish if we don't do something.

This is the most dreadful circumstance...

The entire country knows that this is injustice!

You know my son-in-law's virtue better than anyone,

Unfortunately, the men that were captured at the scene are

implicating the Wangs, and the Advisor is eagerly exploiting it.

General Wang has done moremeritorious service for

this country than anyone.

Please help him, General.

You are the Minister of Military.

It is a position without substance.

General Eunbu's Royal Guards are involved in every part of

the military administration. I'm afraid I'm powerless.

We will end up like the Wangs if His majesty should perish.

Undoubtedly.

We must pull together and figure a way out.

Yes, we must...

Who is to ascend to the throne if His Majesty should perisg?

Who would dare remark on that now?

That decision will also be made by the Advisor.

The Crown Princes are only toddlers.

The nearest future is unpredictable.

What is to become of this kingdom?

Welcome.

Empress, how distressed you must be...

What brings you to the palace?

We were concerned about His Majesty.

I'm told he is still unconscious.

Yes..

This is most distressing. It has been days!

Yes, indeed... What are we to do,

We can only hope for a miracle.

But he has been shot with a poisoned arrow.

Physicians have given up hope,

and everything is uncertain.

Your Highness must anticipate the worst.

What do you mean?

The Advisor has assumed rhe rein of government since

His Majesty was attacked. I fear for the throne.

What do you mean?

Advisor could seize the throne if we are not careful.

You must acquire regency and prepare to promote

the Crown Prince to the throne.

That is absurd, Father!

Your Highness!

The Emperor is on the verge of death, and

innocent men are about to be hanged.

How could you discuss the next throne at a time like this?

Your Highness, this demands your closest attention.

That's enough!

Please leave if that is why you are here.

It is good advice. Innocent men, you say?

The whole country knows of the Wang clan's guilt!

I wish to be left alone. Please leave. Leave!

Fine. We will leave.

Let us go, Madam.

Can things get any worse?

Everyone is absorbed in their self-interests...

How treacherous this world...

Attendant Jin,

Yes, sire.

Keep me informed of developments of the palace.

Of course.

Let us go, Madam.

Empress will eventually realize that I am right.

What shame it is that she has no prudence...

Yes, indeed...

It is time I had a word with the officials.

Master, His Majesty has moved!

Master!

I still have much work to do. Please give me silence.

Is the Master Healer still in His Majesty's chamber?

Yes, Advisor.

Only Scholar Park has been visiting him once a day.

This must work... How does all else fare?

We are carefully monitoring the activities in the kingdom.

There could be a backlash if we're not careful.

We are practicing extreme caution in the monitoring.

Lord Kang was in Her majesty's chamber a moment ago.

And?

He brought up a discussion about His Majesty's successor,

and received Her Majesty's castigation.

He has no place discussing the throne.

I suppose greed for power is endless.

Doddering old fool.

He is not worth our discussion.

What else?

Meetings between the elder statemen have become frequent.

Minister of Finance, and Minister of Military engaged

in a meeting at the former Supreme Councilor's manor.

It is expected. With General wang in

confinement, they are growing increasingly fearful.

Yes.

But I do not want Minister of Military associating with them.

He is the head of the military after all.

Do not fear.

The Royal Guards have the Ministry of Military in check.

That is crucial. The fate of this kingdom now rests

on the stance of the military power.

Commander Yum,

Lord Wang, what brings you to the palace?

I've come to see the Advisor.

Is that so? I am on my way to see him as well.

Let us go together.

Advisor, it is Yumsang.

Young Lord Wang is here to see you as well.

Enter.

An obeisance is not necessary, Lord wang.

Please have a seat. What brings you?

I've come to implore you for a great favor.

A great favor? What do you mean?

This is a conspiracy against my family.

I beg you for compassion.

Everything is being done according to the law of

this land. What more could I possibly do?

My father and my cousin would never plot against His Majesty.

But proof of their guilt is irrefutable.

I understand how you feel, but law is inflexible.

We will not discuss this issue.

Is there anything else I can do for you?

I beg you for your compassion.

My family is trembling in fear completly baffled about

what has transpired.

They are convicted of attempted assassination of the Emperor.

We cannot allow situation.

But Guhn's wives are desperate to see him.

Please grant us this if nothing else.

He is a man convicted of high treason!

His family is without crime, and I sympathize with them.

Allow them a visit.

But...

That is fine.

Lord Wang, I will make an exception and allow this.

You may see them this evening. You may see them this evening.

Thank you! Thank you, Advisor!

This is the least I can do.

What has happened is truly a shame.

Is there anything else?

I beg you once more, Advisor.

Please investigate the matter further to ensure

no injustice is done.

I will do so, but the case is clear.

Leave us now. Escort the guest out.

Advisor...

You must go and prepare your family to visit General Wang.

See the guest out.

Yes, Advisor. This way, young lord.

What brings you, Commander Yum?

A jail guard has brought this a short while ago.

What is this letter?

It is a letter that Wang Guhn's two teachers have written

to the MiNister of Military.

What? What does it say?

It states that they are being framed, and

they request aid from the nobles of Paesuh.

"There will be a ways if all joined hands," it says.

What? There will be a way if all joined hands?

This letter is addressed to the Ministry of Military.

And it requests aid from all of the nobles of Paesuh.

They are soliciting military support and counting on the

influence of the nobles.

Yes, you're right.

This is conspiracy.

This letter promotes a rebellion.

Yes, it could be construed that way.

No, it is irrefutable.

This letter alone is enough to prove their guilt.

It is perfect evidence.

Summon Minister of Military into my chamber at once.

Yes.

They've allowed us to see each other.

What terrible distress you must be suffering...

We are caught in a very deep trap.

You must keep alert.

Husband, how could this have happened?

Is all of this not a plot by the Advisor?

Wife, we do not know if the advisor is behind this.

You must be careful of your words.

Masters, this must be agony for you as well...

How can we complain when the family elders are suffering?

We are simply frustrated by the injustice.

Our peers know of our integrity. It will not end this way.

That's right. They will not allow this injustice.

Lady Buyong's father will not stand by and let this happen.

Not only Lord Yu, but the others will help us as well.

We have carefully sent communication to them.

We must all remain calm and collected through this.

Please go back now, wives. You shouldn't have come.

Don't lose hope, Husband.

Rest assured. I've faced death many a times in war.

Please just take well care of our family.

Do not worry, Cousin.

I am taking well care of domestic concerns.

Yes. Please don't lose hope.

Good. Return home now.

We will get you out of this predicament somehow.

Go now. Return home.

What do you mean the successor to the throne?

The Crown Princes are too young for the throne.

But this is an issue that must be addressed in our

present situation.

That is absurd. It is no time to be discussing that now.

General Bok, you have the command of our military.

You must anticipate what is to come!

You are the father of the matriach of this kingdom.

This is potential cause for dreadful misunderstanding.

This is our reality!

What is to become of this kingdom if His majesty should perish?

You must assess the situation accurately, and help us!

I will consider this unheard. His Majesty is alive, and

it is an unforgivable crime for the subjects to discuss this.

Please do not mention this again.

This very subject makes me sweat.

You are the Minister of Military!

My lord, messengers have come from the palace.

From the palace?

The Advisor requests your presence at the palace.

Advisor? Why?

I have not been informed of the details. You must come.

Now?

Yes. He awaits you.

Fine. I am with a guest, so give me a moment to prepare.

Please be quick. We will wait here.

Fine.

Advisor, I advise you not to delay General Wang's removal.

You've become fainthearted. Are you nervous?

To be frank, yes.

There are too many that respect General wang.

It won't be wrong. We must do this by the law.

And this is most dreadful thought, but if His Majesty

should fail to recover...

You mustn't speak such dreadful words!

We need not think about tomorrow.

Just be faithful to today.

We do not exist without His Majesty.

And Advisor, who could be the real mastermind behind

the assassination attempt?

It is most likely to be King Kyun-hwon.

Pardon?

It is a plot to create dissension.

We are pretending to fall for it for our advantage.

Do not mention this again.

The truth is unimportant to us.

At last we can die with dignity.

We have avenged our master's death.

But there is no word that goongyae has died.

He has taken a poisoned arrow. he cannot survive.

And we've taken General Wang Guhn down with him.

We've done our job.

We've been faithful to our master.

I thought we'd be subjucted to more severe torture.

Our death is unavoidable.

Master is watching us and making our death easeful.

They are focussed on the prosecution of the wangs.

Perhaps they will let us go free.

It is ridiculous to think that we could survive this.

We will die.

Prepare for death with dignity.

King Kyun-hwon must be jumping for joy right now.

What wonderful gift we've given him!

Look at this report.

The warriors are itching to fight.

I don't blame them.

Enemy commander General Wang has been called away

from the front, and the enemy spirits are at the lowest.

That's right, Your Majesty. It is time to make our move.

What is your feeling, Vice Prime Minister?

Yes. The time has come.

Majin's detachment force has inched their way

through the rugged mountain pass and

entered yaechun and Gochang to the east.

But Choryung Pass still has them in check to the west.

Is that so? The border region has always been unstable....

But they would never have made it as far as Yaechun if only my

father gave us his support! That upsets me greatly!

This is our chance.

Push hard against the enemy and crush them completely.

Yes. I will go to the front myself.

Yes, Your Majesty. This fight will yield great results.

As well, please attempt another reconciliation with Lord Ahjagae.

Everything is going our way except that...

But you must consistently show your goodwill, and

compel him to help us.

I will try.

The southwest coastal region is secure.

General Kim,

Yes, Your Majesty.

We will leave the Prime Minister in charge of the

Imperial City and enter the war. Prepare to leave at once .

Yes, Your Majesty.

What? His Majesty is going to the front again?

Yes, Your Highness.

What is so pleasurable about wars that he must go himself?

I share your sentiment.

I see no need for ,his direct participation.

I do not understand him...

He will demoralized our sons with his disparaging words again.

And why does he wish to see his Father?

Why must he go to Sangju?

What? Wang Guhn was called back to Song-ak?

Yes, Father.

Does this mean they are withdrawing from this war?

No. It appears there is internal turmoil in Majin.

He was summoned unexpectedly,

and hasn't been heard from since.

Did Suhlee Park leve as well?

No. I'm told General Wang left alone.

That is a shame. I wanted to get to know General Wang.

But General Park is still here, Husband.

Yes, yes. That's right.

He is due for another visit, isn't he?

He should be visiting us again soon.

Oh, General Park...

Brother, what is the report from Song-ak?

Brother Guhn has been imprisoned!

What?

There was an attempt on His Majesty's life.

And the Wangs are accused of plotting the conspiracy.

How could that be?

An investigation is being conducted,

and we are to maintain our position.

What will happen to Brother Guhn?

It doesn't look good for him...

What about the front?

General Hwan's detachment has advanced inland to Yaechun.

That is a vulnerable area that Bekjae is not concerned with.

Yes, but they will be in a dangerous position if attacked.

You're absolutely right,

but General Hwan is in command now.

What could be happening with Brother Guhn?

This is most frustrating!

How could he be accused of the assassination attempt!

I suspect that the Advisor is behind this.

We have been in poor correspondence, General Bok.

Yes, Advisor.

I'm told you are quite busy lately.

Pardon me...?

His Majesty is on the verge of death, but you've been

preoccupied rubbing shoulders with many

statesmen including the empress's father.

Oh, that's...

The rumor has there has been talks of young crown

princes' accession to the throne.

You are mistaken!

There have been no such talks!

General Bok,

Yes, Advisor.

You have the command of this country's military.

Be careful.

Don't do anything to buy suspicion.

Yes...but I have not done anything to cause suspicion.

I know.

I warn you because others are trying to provoke you.

Yes, Advisor...

The royal Guards are watching every move the military.

No action will be taken without my authorization from now on.

Yes, Advisor.

Advisor, I bring you news from the Imperial Chamber.

What is it?

His Majesty is beginning to regain his consciousness.

What?

He is waking up, Advisor!

What?

He is waking up! His Majesty is waking up!