Original subtitles

Your Majesty! Your Majesty!

What is wrong, Your Majesty?

Your Majesty!

I've come at your summons.

Call the physician! Call him at once!

No. I am all right.

You must be seen by the physician.

Leave us, Attendant.

Yes, Your Majesty.

What causes you pain, Your Majesty?

It is nothing.

But you appeared to be in terrible pain, Your Majesty.

It is nothing, I said. I am fine.

I must've been tired. You may be excused.

But...

Do not be concerned.

Ahjitae, your hold important duties as the new Minister

of Construction. Please do a good job.

I am forever honored and grateful that you trust me

witch such important duty.

All will be as you desire, Your Majesty.

Thank you, Ahjitae.

You may go.

Yes, Your Majesty. Well, then...

What is wrong with me? Why am I feeling this way?

What do i have to be afraid of that I suffer

these panic attacks? Why?

Advisor, His majesty has had a private meeting with Ahjitae.

They must've discussed the reorganization of the staff.

His Majesty has spoken to me about the matter earlier.

He has sought your opinion first before Ahjitae.

It is an evidence of his enduring trust in you.

Don't be too sure. He is an unpredictable man.

My only solace is that His Majesty hasn't lost his

keen insight for the world events.

Is that right?

His assessment of the current situation of China and the

Three Kingdoms was entirely accurate.

But does he realize the condition of our state?

What do you mean?

I've seen the ghastly sights on the streets of this city.

We don't need to discuss this, Commander Yum.

Do continue.

The streets of Chulwon are lined with corpses

and paupers.

That will be enough! Advisor is well aware of this.

But true loyalty is good counsel, not blind obedience.

Commander!

No. Commander Yum speaks the truth.

But there are no ears to hear that counsel.

I hear the people's cries of sorrow as you do.

But I am powerless to help them...

Your highness, how does this new palace please you?

Palaces are much the same wherever the location.

I give preference to this palce against Song-ak.

Buildings are clean and beautiful.

Yes. The Royal Audience Chamber is stunning,

and the Worship hall is absolutely magnificent!

What good are nice buildings?

Pardon?

People are dying disease and hunger on the streets.

But His Majesty has not yet spoken a word

about this problem.

His people are dying yet he has no idea.

How doomful this is...

Father, don't you have the duty to inform this to

His majesty as his servant?

Absolutely not! No one would dare bring this up.

You'd have to have nine lives to do such a thing.

It is no wonder this kingdom is in such rapid decline.

No one has any courage.

We all must remain reticent.

His majesty has raised his sword.

He will not show mercy to anyone who angers him.

What lies in our future if no one speaks the truth out of fear?

This is most distressing.

There is not a single man in this kingdom with the courage

to serve His Majesty with true loyalty.

Your majesty, your warriors have returned from Choongju.

Your Majesty, I, Hwan Sungil, bids you greetings.

We bid you greetings, Your Majesty.

Greetings, General Hwan.

I've been informed of your tremendous deeds in Choongju.

Your majesty, I beg you for mercy.

I've lost too many valuable soldiers in Choongju and Jukju.

I've told the Advisor that you are dumb.

Forgive me, Your Majesty.

You've lost my land and killed my valuable men!

I'm at your mercy. Punish me as you see fit.

But despite your stupidity, a glance into your heart

reveals true loyalty.

Your majesty, I am forever at remorse...

Stupidity may not always be bad.

Smart ones turn arrogant at a slightest praise.

At any rate, you've done your best.

General lee,

Yes, Your majesty.

And Generals Bae, Hong and Kim,

Yes, Your Majesty.

Prepare for agression against Shilla.

Expand our territory and push in further.

Yes, Your Majesty.

We're wasting too much time fighting with bekjae.

Take the lead and figure out a way to take Surabul first.

I am eternally grateful that you give us another chance.

Your grace is immeasurable, Your Majesty.

Minister of Military,

Yes, Your Majesty.

About the impending Buddhist mass,

Yes, Your Majesty.

This is the first mass in the new imperial city.

I've issued an order to summon all high monks in the kingdom.

I am aware.

I want you to expedite the arrangements.

As you wish, Your Majesty.

I've instructed Ahjitae to make this an awe inspiring event.

Ahjitae agredd that it should be so.

He said I must approach the new beginning with presence

that is larger than life.

So I've decided to name the year of our founding 'Sun-chek'.

It means glorious beginning.

It is truly a meaningful name, Your Majesty.

Do you even comprehend its meaning?

This is a new beginning for us.

And Ahjitae is the hero of this tremendous history.

He is a visionary with incredible drive.

Leave! Lord Ahjitae will not see you!

You must leave!

Please let me meet him.

I am his fellow man of Chungju.

I'm from Chungju as well.

That doesn't make any difference. You must leave.

I've waited three days!

Please just give me a moment to speak to Lord Ahjitae.

I must give him my gift.

His Lordship jas ordered not to let anyone in.

But I've traveled so far!

Listen to that sound. That is the nature of men.

They adore you when you have power.

Power attracts money and men.

Yes, bt you must be wary of the eyes of the others.

Of course.

This is most amusing to me.

Now I know why men crave power.

But it offends me that those men equate me to

the other corrupted officials.

We have ideals.

And we must be shrewd and realistic.

That is right.

We may have a new capital, but the public spirit is at its worst.

Yes. But I'm not the only one being cursed for this.

The entire court is being blamed. The country is in terrible peril.

No one knows when this public resentment will explode.

Is that your observation as well, my lord?

I'm not deaf or blind.

That is why we repeatedly reported the problems to you.

But we don't need to be afraid.

Ultimate blame is always on the king.

just sit back and observe. Eventually, the world will

come to kow who the real author of this history is.

All is progressing according to plan.

the history will say that the King was condemned,

but the ideal belonged to Ahjitae.

His Majesty is not well.

He has been unable to sleep at night.

I'm afraid his old injury may be bothering him again.

Is that right? How bad is it?

The attendants say that he has been having

convulsions at night.

He nedds to seen by a physician.

Perhaps you can urge him.

Yes. I must urge him again strongly.

Advisor, His Majesty is hastening the Buddhist Mass,

but it takes time to prepare such an event.

Yes. Calling in the high monks is not a simple task.

If I may speak, now is not the right tile for

such extravagant events.

Public relief should be our priority.

Commander Yum,

This is a crisis, Advisor.

You must find the way to overcome this distress!

You have been warned not to speak of this issue.

Do not be hard on him.

Commander speaks out of sincere loyalty.

We are already at the point of no return.

Commander Yum, this is beyond our control now.

Do expedite the preparation for the Buddhist mass.

This is an important event for His Majesty.

I don't know how effective this will be, but we must try.

I will do as told, Advisor. But please reconsider.

If you don't look out for our people, who will?

To: All Chieftains of Majin. Subject: Grand Buddhist Mass.

A Grand Buddhist mass? Great Maitreya?

Goongyae is no maitreya! He is a devil from hell!

Goongyae is a crazy devil!

Is all well in Song-ak?

Yes, Brother. People of Song-ak look upon us as

their master since His Majesty's departure.

Nonsense! You must keep such words to yourself.

Yes, Brother.

How are things here?

Everyday is continuation of apprehension and uncertainty.

Take well care of our interests in Song-ak in

Cousin Guhn and my absence.

You need not worry. I was informed of the

shortages in Chulwon, so I've brought some food

and household goods with me.

Good. Do remain mindful of the needs of the household.

Of course, Brother.

Buyong, Cousin Shin has brought many household

goods for us.

I'm relieved that things aren't as bad in Song-ak as it is here.

Yes. Thing's couldn't be worse here in Chulwon...

Yes. This city is truly deplorable.

I'm told there will be a Buddhist mass soon.

I suppose there should be a mass since we have a

new imperial city. When will it be held?

It may take some time to call in the high monks

from across the kingdom.

Sure.

I've been restless since we came here from Song-ak.

All we've heard are news of grief and distress.

Yes. Public resentment is at its peak.

You cannot find laughter anywhere.

When will peace prevail?

How I wish Husband were here...

You must miss him as well.

Of course.

I hope he is well...

Sulhee,

Yes, Master.

It will take more than manpower to reclaim

Choryung and Jukryung.

Yes

I hope Lor Yu Geungdal of Chungju could help us.

He has always been very obliging to us.

That must be him approaching to greet us.

Welcome, General Wang.

I am pleased to see you again, Lord Yu.

It has been too long since we saw each other last.

Yes, it has. We've come to greet you.

This is my trusted aide General Geum Shik.

I am Geum Shik.

He commands a large private militia in this region.

I'm pleased to make your acquaintance, General Geum.

Let us go to my estate and chat.

Yes, my lord.

Let us discuss the matters you mentioned in your letter.

Going to Sabulju will not be difficult

if I provide you with a guide.

Thank you.

Your real dilemma must be replenishing your army.

Yes, it is. I am in a quandary, my lord.

Father, it is Suin.

Enter.

General Wang, this is my daughter.

I am Wang Guhn.

My name is Suin.

I am truly honored to meet you, General.

You are too kind, my lady.

You may leave us, Suin.

Yes, Father.

Let us drink. Stay the night and let us accomodate you.

I wish we could, but we must soon be on

our way to Sabulju to meet Lord Ahjagae.

I am truly disappointed that you must leave so soon.

But it is an engagement we cannot neglect.

It is rumored that you have intimate relations with Lady

Daeju, the daughter of Lord Ahjagae. Is this true?

Well, we are simply acquainted with each other.

Simply acquainted?

How could a man and a woman be simply acquainted?

They are fond of each other, but complexities exist,

as they are enemies by citizenship.

Oh, I see. That is a dilemma.

I invited General Geum to this meeting because he expressed

willingness to assit you, General Wang.

Is this true, General Geum?

Yes. I have nearly two thousand soldiers under my command.

Two thousand?

You are a great general whom I've always respected.

I'd like to serve you with my men if you'd accept me.

Join hands with him, General Wang.

He will help you greatly.

Although his men are mostly hunters and farmers by trade,

it is not easy to have a following of such size.

Thank you, General Geum.

In truth, we are in need of lot of help.

I will be forever grateful for this.

It is our respect for you that compels us to do this, General.

Unselfish good leaders are a few in these times of turmoil.

We truly respect you, General Wang.

Thank you, Lord Yu.

Now, now, please enjoy the food and drinks.

My daughter prepared these refreshments with great care.

Thank you, Lord Yu. Thank you, General Geum.

It is my honor. Now let us drink.

I will go to your base from here and meet with your commanders.

Thank you. You hae restored my hope.

Salute.

Travel safely, General.

Thank you, my lady.

My men will guide you to Sabulju Castle.

Thank you for your help.

I will go to your base from here.

Yes. Thank you.

Let us meet again son.

Yu Geungdal was a man of influence in Choongju.

His daughter later becomes Empress Shinmyung Soonsung,

the third wife of Wang Guhn.

In cluding Princess Naklang, and Kings Jungjong and Kwangjong,

she bare six children for Wang Guhn in all, and is

speculated to have been the favorite of all of his wives.

Master,

Yes, Sulhee.

About Lord Yu's daughter Lady Suin...

What about her?

You seemed to take interest in her.

Why would I take interest?

You're right.

Sometimes I think that every man thinks as I do.

What do you mean?

I thought there was something in the way you looked at each other.

Nonsense. Quicken the pace.

We have a long road ahead.

Yes, Master. Speed it up!

Ahjagae's approval of my visit has profund significance.

King Kyun-hwon will have a fit when he finds out about this.

Yes. He shudders at mere mention of your name.

He'll be foaming a the mouth when he finds out that

you met his father.

Let us hurry.

Speed up!

Majin's new imperial capital Chulwon is in utter chaos.

Their condition is worse than we anticipated.

King Goongyae has his sights on conquering the China continent.

Ridiculous! It is an impossible dream!

Yes. But it appears his subject Ahjitae is

persistently goading him. He is doing us a great favor.

Ahjitae... What curious character!

Conquering the north is truly a nonsensical fantasy.

Yes. It is a bit extreme. How could he approach the

endless northen territory with the military force he has?

First of all, it is too far.

You must first conquer Parhae, and then Khitan to get to Tang.

But we should give him credit for his fortitude.

No man in our history has ever dared to aspire such a conquest.

That isn't so.

King Kwangaetoe of Old Koguryo once conquered most of China.

Kingdom of Sui was humiliated and eventually led to ruin.

Yes, yes. I am aware of that history.

Goongyae's ambition is not to be mocked.

But the priority is uniting the Three Kingdoms.

Yes

It is us that must bring down Majin and advance northward.

A bsolutely.

We must tighten our defense in Choryung as

Wang Guhn is back at the front.

Battles will resume if Wang Guhn is back.

Send me to the front, Your Majesty.

General Jihwon must remain in Muju and collaborate with Sudal.

Together you will soon invade Geumsung.

Your grace is immeasurable. Give us your command!

We will wait for the right time.

Then please send us to Sabulju, your Majesty.

Yes, Your Majesty!

That's unnecessary. Seasoned Generals.

Gong-jik and bang are there with an army much

larger than the enemy.

And we have possession of the entire region.

Rest at ease. Jukryung and Chorying are ours forever.

I am at ease about my father as well.

Welcome, General Wang.

Have you fared well, my lady?

Master, this his Lady Daeju, the daughter of Lord Ahjagae.

She is an excellent warrior.

You've traveled a long way, General.

Lady Daeju, I feel as though we are already acquinted

as Sulhee speaks about you much.

Let us escort you inside, General Wang.

Thank you.

Escorts the guest!

Yes!

Welcome. This is General Park,

so you must be General Wang.

Yes, my lord. I am Wang Guhn.

My! What honest and good face he has!

Indeed the rumor is true, my lord.

His virtue and dignity is evident in one glance.

Yes, yes. I'm glad you made it.

Kyun-hwon's army must've made your journey difficult.

No, my lord. We were able to avoid the military zone.

Good. I wouldn't want my guests to have a hard time.

Sit down.

I have once sought and received your permission to

serve you as my Sangbu.

I'd like to do so now if I may.

You need not ask again. We have already agreed.

That is why you did not attack my fort and I did not assist

Kyun-hwon on the last battle.

We will maintain our independence and neutrality.

I don't care if my son is the emperor.

I am very clear about my likes and dislikes.

Of course.

I honor your great intent and vow to protect your territory.

My! How reassuring are his words!

His presence alone gives me a sense of security!

Yes, yes. That is why he is so revered.

Wang Guhn... What a fine name!

I am humbled by your praises.

Permit me to present a few giffts to you, Sangbu.

Oh, my! Look at all these priceless goods!

Beautiful! This glassware must've come from overseas!

Husband, look at this beautiful pendent!

We have brought a porcelain tea set for Lady Daeju.

These are made by the finest craftsmen of Tang.

I will not accept your gift. Please take it back.

My Lady, it has been long since we saw each other last.

Won't you smile for me?

Let us discuss this with General Wang upon his return.

This may be worth a challenge.

General Geum, I am truly glad you have come to us.

Thank you.

I heard news of worsening public resentment in Chulwon.

and they have failed their harvest.

I've allowed the physician at your insistence,

but I am perfectly fine.

But you must be examined, Your Majesty.

Your health is the health of our kingdom.

Yes, but to bring the physician against my refusal...

I am grateful that you yield to my request

instead of fighting me, Your Majesty.

I could not fight you when you so strongly

urge me out of deep concern for me.

I am fine.

How is he? Does an ailment exist?

Well...

I am perfectly fine. Isn't that right, Physician?

...Yes.

Are you sure there is no ailment?

...Yes. There is...no cause... for concern.

It is as I've told you. I am in good health.

Your Majesty!

You've said His Majesty has no ailment.

What is happening to him now?

He is in pain! What is wrong with him?

Speak the truth!

Well, I... Well...

I am...fine. Am I not, Physician?

...Yes, Your Majesty.

Leave us. Now!

Yes, Your Majesty.

Your Majesty!

What is wrong? You are in pain, Your Majesty.

Why are you hiding this?

Why won't the physician tell the truth?

Leave me...

Your Majesty, why are you hiding your ailment?

Leave... I am fine.