Original subtitles

Vacate the area!

His Majesty must not see you wretched people!

Clear the roads!

His Majesty will soon be passing through.

we must clean up the roads!

But destitution is everywhere you turn..

There is an outbreak of infectious disease

on top of the sever food shortage.

How did it come to this?

This atrocity has been in progress for a long time.

Commander geumdae,

Yes, General.

Then who will receive the king?

We have force an assemblage of nobement from outside villages.

They await his Majesty in new garments at the palace.

We've been blind...

How did we allow this atrocity to befall?

Let us go.

Yes, General.

Imperial City Relocation... Chronicles of Koryo depicts

this time like this: King Goongyae abandoned the city

of Song-ak and built a new imperial city in Buyang.

Forced conscription for city building left people tired

and famished, as time for farming was lost.

Shortage of food and ensuing epidemic caused much of the

population to perish.

An excerpt in Chronicles of Three Kingdoms reads,

"Goongyae's wastage reached extreme heights when he built

his new capital."

These records clearly depict the condition at the time of the

relocation, and many historians attribute this Goongyae's fall.

Enormous levies of manpower, resources, and repressive

measures provoked a rebellion, which overthrew his government.

Long Live the King!

Long Live the King!

Your majesty, your imperial coach awaits you.

Display your magnificence to the people.

Thank you.

You've prepared a coach for me.

The coach has been vehicle of choice for generations

of Chinese emperors.

Then I will ride the coach as well.

Please ascend, Your Majesty.

Escort the emperor!

Your Majesty, this is your meeting hall.

We've named it Poe Hall.

Yes. It is quite grand.

One can observe the eminence of tis kingdom in a single glance.

Your Majesty, the grounds of this palace measures

4370 meters long and your Imperial Chamber

alone extends 577 meters wide.

Yes, so I've seen.

It lacks nothing as the heart of this kingdom.

Where might the worship hall be?

This way, Your Majesty.

We've traveled a long way. Subjects may retire and rest.

Your grace is immeasurable, Your Majesty.

Let us go, Scholar Ahjitae.

Lord Yu,

Yes.

I guess we will al be living in Chulwon from now on.

Chulwon is our home now thanks to Ahjitae.

I am quite pleased with the dais.

It is covered with pure gold, Your Majesty.

You are the Great Maitreya of highest honor and glory.

It is only befitting to cover your dais with gold.

Indeed. Maitreya is eternal life and symbol of salvation.

Gold cannot be compared to the value of eternal life.

All in this world is superficial.

You are indeed the Great Maitreya, Your Majesty.

Your presence transforms tis hall into Elysium.

Thank you. That is our purpose.

All of our painstaking efforts are to achieve heaven on earth.

All of you will soon see the true Maitreya's paradise.

I will realize my destiny.

You've taken your first step toward the Great Empire of

the Orient. You cannot put new wine into old bottles.

The time has come to elevate your magnificence.

Shed your plain robe that signified humility.

It no longer suits you.

Put the golden robe that displays your magnificence.

You must emit aura of gandeur in everything

you do and everywhere you go.

What is wrong with me?

What is the old wound giving me such pain?

This palace appears many times larger than Song-ak's.

Yes. This palace is a product of His Majesty's personal efforts.

The worship hall was quite magnificent, Your Highness.

I'm told the dais is covered in pure gold.

Yes, I've heard. But there is someting puzzling me...

What would that be?

Every single citizen that greeted us appeared unusually wealthy.

Well, Your Highness...

Go on.

According to the guards who prepared Your majesty's arrival...

Continue.

They forced an assemblage of noblemen and their families

from outside villages.

Forced them?

Yes. It appears the real people of Chulwon are suffering from

famine and deadly epidemic.

What?

The streets are lined with corpses of people who had

died from hunger or disease What's more, the drought has

left people with no water to drink.

Is this true?

Yes. Only His Majesty is unaware of these conditions.

Good heavens!

People are dying of hunger and disease,

and His Majesty is unaware, you say?

Yes, Your Highness.

What are we to do?

What do you mean, Commander Yum?

It was trUly an atrocious sight.

What was?

Corpses were everywhere.

People were wandering without food and shelter,

and dying of small pox epidemic.

This was a project of extreme importance.

i'm sure there were sacrifices we do not know about.

But this was indescribable. What I saw was truly dreadful.

This is unlike you, Commander.

Pardon?

We are His Majesty's servants.

Like the Advisor, we exist only to serve His Majesty.

Set your personal feelings aside.

But General,

You have an important duty.

Turn a blind eye on such matters.

We should've eliminated Ahjitae some how.

It's too late now.

The Advisor is more upset over our failure than we are.

A golden dais...

This palace is made of blood and suffering of out people.

Hope and joy overflows in here, but people are dying

beyond the palace walls.

Who would deem this fair and righteous feat?

Ahjitae is not the problem...

His Majesty is the one that has changed.

His Majesty does not see what is so evident in the

eyes of everyone around him.

How dreadful the truth...

How do you feel about the new palace?

it is most awe inspiring, Scholar Ahjitae.

We're at the heart of great history in the making.

His Majesty will create an eternal empire with my help.

Yes. Your great name is already recognized everywhere.

His Majesty will accomplish nothing without me.

Conscription has brought laborers from across the

kingdom, but we, the people of Chungju, were the major

contributors. The glory is ours.

Yes, Scholar Ahjitae.

All of you have entered the court at my recommendations.

I ask you to serve me well and do valuable service for the kingdom.

Yes, Scholar.

Shinbang and I have been involved thoughout many

stages of the construction.

Do continue.

Let the truth be told, our citizens are greatly disgruntled.

They were forced to leave their family and put into

compulsory labor or military service.

There is no reward without sacrifice!

You disappoint me with your weak words!

People are suffering from draught and disease.

Drinking water is scarce, and food is even harder to...

That is nothing new. You are weak!

You are my men! I will not listen to this!

But the conditions are so severe...

We must endure this. That is why I am

trying to place you in vital positions.

His Majesty will soon reorganize his staff.

Just keep your head down and do a good job.

Commander Yim,

Yes, Scholar Ahjitae.

You will be placed in the Royal Guards or Ministry of Military

Do your best.

We men of Chungju must stick together.

Of course.

I am well aware of the suffering of our people.

But I had to push this to rebuild the government from

ground up with people of Chungju as the foundation.

Remember that.

What are you looking at, Husband?

Everything is so foreign...

It will take a while to get used to this new home.

Yes.

You've become the Supreme Councilor.

I was expecting an immediate assembly at the court.

It appears His Majesty is not rushed for the first meeting.

There will be an order soon.

Economic conditions are poor here compared to Song-ak.

I'm told people are impoverished and

merchants are panic stricken.

Yes The problem is quite serious.

I am terribly worried that you hold such high position

at such difficult times.

Many others are on the same boat,

but what's frustrating is that no one is able to speak up.

And His Majesty has become a completely different man...

Advisor,

Yes, Your Majesty.

I plan to make many change in my habit.

Ahjitae suggested that I intensify the austerity

of the imperial household.

Yes, Your Majesty.

He is an intelligent man.

Not only is he learned but also very astute.

An astute man makes a good politician, right?

Yes, Your Majesty.

Was this your proposal? And this one is from Ahjitae.

Both of your recommendations are quite good and appropriate.

Thank you, Your Majesty.

But I'd like to recommend another for the

Trade Agency commissioner.

Please go on.

This position requires someone with exceptional

knowledge of the sea.

How do you feel about Wang Guhn's cousin Wang Shikryum?

Do you object?

No, Your Majesty.

I will approve all of Ahjitae's recommendations as they are.

But Your majesty, I'm afraid too many people of Chungju are

entering the court too soon.

It is merited for the hard work they have done for this kingdom.

Lord Park's two sons have been placed in suitable positions,

and you made a wise selection in recommending Park Yu as the

Pedagogue of the Crown Princes and the Archives Commissioner.

Park Yu is truly a great scholar.

Indeed he is. And he has saved my life.

He is a good man indeed.

Very well. I will appoint the new officials as recommended.

I am told many changes have taken place in the north.

Yes, I've been appraised.

Tang dynasty has been overthrown and torn into piece.

Yes. A military leader named Zhu Quan Zhong vanquished

Later Tang and created Liang Dynastie.

Further, Khitan tribal leader Yeh-lu Apao-chi has

declared himself an emperor.

Yeh-lu Apao-chi has become an emperor?

Then Central Asia will be in his hands!

What a shame...

This was our chance to expand northward ...

What has happened to Parhae?

Parhae is contiguous to rapidly expanding Khitan.

But their government is shaky and their fate is uncertain.

I wish we were able to provide them with aid.

Now let us talk about our perimeter of defense.

We've been pushed back to Choongju after losing

Choryung and Jukryung to Bekjae.

Gochang Country borders to the east against Bekjae and Shilla.

Losing Choryung and Jukryung was a devastating blow.

But general Wang will find a way to reclaim it.

Summon the other warriors for repositioning.

Yes, Your majesty.

General Hwan should've never been left in command.

He is brave, but lacks ingenuity.

I want you to send Commanders Yun and Chun to the front.

Commander Yun has rendered many distinguished services in Song-ak.

Yes, Your Majesty.

Commander Chun will be under General Hwan, and

Commander Yun under General Wang.

Brothers Chun Yigap and Uigap are also distinguished warriors.

Put their services to good use.

Yes, Your Majesty.

I am truly honored and grateful that you have discussed

these important matters in with me today.

You are indeed a great leader.

I am continuously inspired by you to contemplate

better ways to offer my service to this kingdom.

You are kind to say so. It is merely my duty as an emperor.

Your Majesty!

What is wrong? Are you in pain?

No...I am... fine.

Your Majesty...

My chest feels a bit heavy. That is all.

You may go.

Your Majesty...

We only have one thousand soldiers remaining.

That is not enough force to defend ourselves let alone

attack the enemy.

I am truly ashamed.

We never dreamed this would happen to us.

Let us not dwell on the past, and contemplate the future.

Despite the loss and setbacks, your return to the front has

boosted our soldiers's morale. It is delightful news.

Yes.Your return will have greater impact than increasing

our soldiers by ten fold, General.

I agree as well.

Our next objective is supplementing the troops.

That's right.

We must request a supplemental force from

Chulwon or recruit new soldiers from here.

Does Chulwon have the surplus force to consign?

Probably not.

We wouldn't have been beaten by Kyun-hwon

if we had enough soldiers to fight back with.

They outnumbered by two to one!

Yes, that's right!

I agree. Force of arms is just as important as strategy.

I have been sent back here as the supreme

commander once again.

And His Majesty has summoned all of you back to the Imperial City.

I don't have the audacity to face His Majesty after

such miserable failure...

Everyone makes mistakes. Do not be discouraged.

Commander Yu,

Yes, Supreme Commander.

We must get to work on recruiting new soldiers.

Arrange a meeting with the local noblemen.

Yes, Supreme Commander.

Commander park,

Yes, Supreme Commander,

We've been pushed back even further had Ahjagae

aided Kyun-hwon in Sangju.

I'd like to thank him with a visit, but how?

The path to sabulju is now enemy territory.

Lord Yu of Choongju will find us a way.

He is a powerful local lord who frequents Sabulju.

Good idea. Get in contact with him.

Yes, Supreme Commander.

Wang Guhn is back, you say?

Wang Guhn is back and his generals have left?

Yes, Father.

Does this mean battlers will begin again?

No, Father.

With Kyun-hwon's strong defense force in position,

they wouldn't dare consider an aggressin now.

But Wang Guhn is no ordinary man.

He conquered Geumsung in just two days.

Even General Sudal was helpless against him.

This is a different situation, Mother.

We must help Brother Kyun-hwon in order for us to survive.

I know that you respect and admire Kyun-hwon.

But daeju, consider what would happen if we submit to him.

What do you mean?

Don't bother, wife. That child doesn't know anything.

If we yield to Kyun-hwon, we became his subjects,

and subjects must obey the master's commands.

If he says die, we must die. Do you understand that?

Mother is right, Daeju.

Kyun-hwon may wish to be good to us,

but his aides may not.

Brother Yongae,

Father is wise for maintaining neutrality!

I sure am. I've been keeping us on the right course.

We are safe and comfortable while our neighbors are

killing each other. We will not get involved.

Father, it is Bogae.

Enter.

General Park Sulhee from Chungju has sent you a letter.

A letter from Park Sulhee, you say?

Why just a letter? He should've come himself.

This is from Wang Guhn!

Wife,

Yes, my lord.

take a look. Wang Guhn is indeed a man of good breeding.

He honors me by calling me Sangbu.

He wants to pay us a visit to thank us.

We must welcome him especially if Sulhee will be accompanying him.

Yes, yes. He wishes to bring us a gift as well!

They are such promising young men.

How respectful they are!

I've wanted to meet Wang Guhn myself.

Passage may be difficult, but surely not impossible.

Welcome them!

Hail the king! Hail the king!

It is good to see you all again.

Your Majesty, we've been appraised of your triumph.

I offer you my wholehearted ovation.

I salute you as well, Your Majesty.

Thank you. It was a tremendous triumph.

Ever man and child of this kingdom salute you.

We salute you. Your Majesty.

Thank you. We could'nt have done it without the

hard work of Vice Prime Minister and my warriors.

Let us go inside.

Your Majesty, we've assembled a group of warriors who has

rendered exceptional service in other battles.

Yes. I have received your reports about them.

Are these the brave men?

Yes, Your Majesty.

These men have rendered truly outstanding service.

Please receive their introduction.

I am Ji Hwon. I'm currently in command at Muju Fort.

Muju is an important region.

You will have to collaborate with General Sudal.

Yes, Your Majesty.

I am General Choi Pil.

I am General Asul.

I am General Shin Duk.

General Shin Duk in particular is a warrior of exceptional

valor and skill, and I recommend him for additional services.

Yes. The war will continue, and field of battle is wide.

Each of you must devote yourselves to your duty.

Yes, Your Majesty.

And we must get reclaim Geumsung.

General Kim Chong made great contribution in this war.

He subjugated dozen or so of villages south of the line.

Thank you. Your Majesty.

Our next goal is reclaiming Geumsung.

Please allow me the chance to get it back.

Of course. The job is yours.

And I will personnaly partake in all battles henceforth, as

my presence seems to make a difference on the battlefield.

Indeed, Your Majesty.

You are the symbol of Great Bekjae.

Sudal, let us look forward to reclaiming Geumsung.

I shall join you for the fight.

Your grace is immeasurable, Your Majesty.

I heard reports of King Goongyae's relocation.

Yes. He has built a lavish palace in Chulwon and

moved his imperial city.

I am told their domestic problems are quite severe.

Yes. The strenuous public project has left his citizens

thoroughly exhausted.

Goongyae is making the same mistake I once made.

Our loss of Geumsung was due to imposition of excessive levies

for military development.

King Goongyae is making the same mistake.

The Imperial City has been moved to Chulwon.

And Chulwon is suffering terrible economic trouble.

Why did they have to leave Song-ak and

build an entire new city?

People are dying. I'm told.

Yes

How about us?

We're not getting the supplies we were promised,

and our military is being completely neglected.

But we can't raise a stink when the whole country is in distress.

General Wang is back in Choongju after being vindicated.

I feel sorry for the man. He devoted his life to the

country onty to be despised on secrecy.

Yes. The court must be in deep snarl.

General Wang was nearly executed.

That is absurd!

It is entirely disturbing to think that we are counting

on this government to protect us.

I was beside myself when I learned about General Wang's

arrest for high treason. He is my son-in-law.

I am relieved now, but my daughter could've

lost her husband!

Let me congratulate you on your appointment as the

commissioned of the Trade Agency.

You bring glory to our family name.

Thank you, sisters-in-law.

I benefit from Cousin Guhn's high achievements.

No, Shikryum. The country called upon you for service

because you are best qualified for the job.

Of course.

But you must remember to be humble and cautious.

Yes. My father has been unjustly exiled as a result

of a conspiracy against us.

I am aware that many are waiting for a chance to destroy us.

Good. Then I assume you are taking necessary precautions.

Of course.

Shikryum, why has His Majesty not summoned the subjects

when it has been days since we arrived?

He will soon enough.

But it appears there will be a Buddhist mass first.

Many are complaining.

Why must he have an extravagant worship service

when economic conditions are so poor?

I was told you were holding a Buddhist mass, Your Majesty.

Yes. It was at your suggestion.

Yes. This is a new beginning, and you must show the world

your magnificence and austerity.

I may seem indifferent, but I kow the sacrifices

my people have made to create this city.

Nothing comes without sacrifice.

You're right, but I know the terrible suffering of my people.

Do not dwell on this, Your Majesty.

You must seize tight control of everything.

You must make the world fear you just as you did at the

inquisition in Song-ak. That is the only way to

strengthen this kingdom and realize your grand desire.

You always give me strength.

Other subjects have been avoiding me.

They notie the changes in me, and it frightens them.

But they must change with me as I change.

Yes, they must.

There isn't much time...

You are the master, Your Majesty.

Do as you see fit.

There isn't much time...

And...

...expedite the preparation for the Buddhist mass.

That is the priority...

Your Majesty!

Your Majesty!

What is wrong?

Pull yourself together! Your Majesty!

The...mass...

The...mass...

Yes, Your Majesty.

Pull yourself together!

Your Majesty! Your Majesty!

Attendant! Anyone!

Your Majesty! Your Majesty!