Original subtitles

Master Sukchong and master Huhwal!

What brings you here at this late hour?

What brings us here, you ask?

Yes. What brings you?

I've come to see the Maitreya.

Not the phony maitreya, but the true Maitreya.

The true Maitreya!

I beg your pardon, Master?

I said I've come to see the true Maitreya.

Who is the true Maitreya?

He is the man standing before me.

What do you mean, master? Such scandalous words!

His Majesty is the one and only true Maitreya.

Yes. the emperor was indeed a Maitreya at one point.

But he himself has stepped down from that place.

Earthly ambition and greed has pushed him out of his seat.

He who makes no mistakes makes nothing.

General,

Yes, Master.

It is not His Majesty that Sukchong has come to discuss.

It is you.

Please let us sit down.

No, my lord. There is something I must do first.

Master! You mustn't do this!

General, this wooden box is Ganja, the body of Buddha.

It is the symbol of living Buddha.

Monk Jinpyo, my master superior bequeathed it on to his disciple

200 years ago, and foresaw the events of today.

The time has come for you to have it.

Master, I am a lowly soldier who knows only of fighting wars.

How could I accept this invaluable object?

You do not know what the future holds, General Wang.

No, I am unfit to possess such an item.

You are the true savior as master Dosun prophesized,

and I have been watching you from afar.

Only you can deliver the people from hunger and fear.

Take it.

I cannot rise if you don't.

Accept it, General.

How could I?

These high monks have traveled a long way for this.

You must respect their wish.

I am truly overwhelmed.

Take it!

Do you dare reject the heaven's decree?

What am I to do?

I am shaking in fear and at loss for what to do.

But I will respect your wish and perceive this as a decree

to protect and erve my people and my country.

Ganja, the symbol of Maitreya is bequeathed to Wang Guhn.

This was a profoundly significant event.

By doing this, Sukchong, the disciple of master Jimpyo was

proclaiming Wang Guhn the new supreme leader.

Honor is yours.

Now one of my duties is complete.

Lord Yu,

Yes, Master.

may we have a few drinks before we are on our way?

Of course.

Suin,

Yes, Father.

We will accommodate the guests in the inner chamber.

Prepare the refreshments.

Yes, Father.

Let us go inside.

The Chronicles of Koryo writes about Wang Guhn's dream like this:

"At age thirthy King Taejo dreamed of being atop a

nine-story gold tower."

Astrologer and scribe Choi Jimong would later interpret

this dream as a sign that Wang Guhn would unify the

Three Kingdoms and become an emperor.

Is anyone out there?

Yes, General.

Did you have a restful sleep, General?

What happened? Where are the masters?

They left for their journey before dawn.

You fell asleep soon after my father offered you strong wine.

I must've been quite exhausted.

How uncouth of me to send them off without

a proper goodbye...

Do not feel contrite. They were rushed for time.

But still...

General, it is Tepyoung.

Enter.

I shall leave you now.

General, I've heard about the box you received last night.

It has me quite perplexed and afraid.

General, it is your destiny and the desire of our people.

My destiny?

The highest monk of the Maitreya sect Buddhism

has bequeathed you the symbol of Maitreya.

He declares you are the true Maitreya and the future king.

What treasonous remark!

Keep the box with great care.

And no one else must know about it.

What do you mean?

You could be accused of coveting His Majesty's position.

Silence!

How do you utter such dreadful words?

Yes. This is very serious and dangerous.

Guard it with your life. No one must k ow about it!

Perhaps you're not withdrawn from the world like I thought

you were.

When did you learn about General Wang Guhn?

All the world knows about him.

I feel relieved now that the Ganja is with its rightful owner.

Now I must complete my remaining duty.

Your remaining duty?

Do you refer to the Grand Mass?

Yes. I will let the truth be known and freely depart.

How refreshing the breeze!

Your Majesty, I've come to inquire about your health.

Welcome, Empress. I was just reading the sutra.

Would you like some tea?

Yes, You Majesty.

Escort, bring us some tea.

Yes, Your Majesty.

It is green tea, Your Majesty.

Good. Green tea clears your head and calms you down.

Let us drink, Empress.

Yes, Your Majesty.

I'm told you are still having trouble sleeping, Your Majesty

Nonsense. That is untrue, my empress.

Do you suffer great pain?

I am in no pain at all.

How have you fared, Empress?

I have fared well.

Your Majesty, are you certain you are all right?

I heard you were having chest pains...

I did before, but not anymore.

I've been keeping myself informed.

A construction is in progress for an outdoor worship court.

Yes. Advisor is overseeing the work.

And I'm told a man has died at the Assembly Hall....

Yes. It was truly a shame.

The man's heart was filled with evil.

I put him out of his misery.

But in such cold blood...

He was a devil, not a man.

I want you to study my sutra every chance you get.

You will acquire the power of mind reading as I have.

Mind reading is truly a fascinating power.

Let us drink our tea.

Many monks have gathered to the Imperial City.

I'm glad to hear that.

And the outdoor worship court?

We are hastening the construction.

Good. The Grand Mass is His Majesty's priority.

Make certain the monks of Bupsang Sect are in full

attendance.

Guards are being sent to each temple to bring back

the monks under duress.

Do whatever it takes.

Is Master Sukchong attending the event?

We are currently trying to locate him.

He must be present!

All of the monks must honor His Majesty.

General Wang is soon to attack Bekjae at Sangju.

He has received aid from Lord Yu of Choongju.

Generals Yu Shindal and Chun brothers have arrived at their

assigned posts, and General Hwan is repeating victories

against Shilla. He is sending his hostges to the Imperial City.

Commander Yum will oversee this matter.

Yes, Advisor.

What's this?

Incredible!

What is it, Advisor?

This reports of a fourteen- year-old prodigy who has

already mastered the Four Books and Five Classics!

His name is Choi Ung, and he is only fourteen!

Is that right?

His Majesty will find this fascinating.

Please look further into this, Scholar Park.

Choi Ung...

Also, please try to locate the master healer of Mt. Geumkang.

Is this because of His Majesty?

Yes. His condition is worsening,

and the master healer is our only hope.

It won't be easy.

I will be powerless if the chooses not to be found.

Please try. He is our only hope.

This isn't an ailment physicians can treat.

That is what frustrates me. The physicians are helpless.

My work is done. Take your seats.

It seems you are quite busy.

Ministry of Construction handles all administrative affairs.

And there're officials in every corner of this land.

Poor management could shake the foundation of the kingdom.

Yes, indeed.

The construction of the outdoor worship court is in progress.

I'm sure it is. Advisor jumps at His Majesty's command.

His loyal is commendable.

The citizens are embittered by this public works.

I know. They are quite exhausted.

What will be said at the mass that His Majesty is

so eager to push toward?

There will be an important announcement.

An tremendously important announcement...

An outdoor worship court is in construction as we speak.

Why must we build another worship facility when we

have a beautiful worship hall within the palace?

My guess is because of the capacity limit.

But it is unreasonable to subject our citizens to

another public works in this cold winter.

It is His Majesty's order.

We do not have a say-so in this.

Who dare criticize His Majesty for his work?

There are words of concern for the cirtizens who are suffering!

Citizens are His Majesty's objects!

They are at his disposal to be used as he sees fit!

They are His Majesty's possessions!

Our people are dying of hunger and cold.

We must find a way to bring relief to them.

What can the goverment possibly do for them

when heaven refuses to give them rain and

earth refuses to give them crops?

But these are the people who fight our wars, build our

palace, and harvest our grains. We must show them our effort.

That is right!

I say we release a portion of our tax reserves to feed the hungry.

But collection of levy has been very poor.

We fall far short of our projections despite our

rigorous attempts for collection.

How could tax collection be easy in this condition?

But the war is continuing amid our economic crisis.

The Grand Mass is to be recurrent,

which will require tremendous expense.

Much is in need of doing.

The high monks are coming to the palace?

Yes, it is to be a huge event, as they are

building an outdoor worship yard.

Worship is good, but to force it is wrong.

The wives of all officials have been ordered to attend as well.

Goodness!

Just how large is this event to be?

Then are we to attend as well?

Of course.

Let us go together, Sister Buyong.

I don't mind going, but I feel ill at ease.

This comfort I have makes me feel guilty when I

think about our husband who is laboring at war.

You have a kind and compassionate heart.

But be glad he is at war.

The country is in confusion and turmoil.

Our husband may be safer at the front than at the court.

Do you really think so?

I'm sure our husband feels the same way.

Listen carefully.

This is for the Supreme Councilor Lord Yu, and

this one is to be delivered directly to His Majesty

Yes, my lord.

Take the horse and be as quick as you can.

Yes, my lord.

General Wang will soon launch an attack.

And the battle will be over in just a few short days.

I must have replies to these letters befotre then.

Rest assured, my lord. I will have the replies.

Good. Leave at once.

Yes, my lord.

Everything will go our way

What have you written in those letters, Father?

Those letters were to marry you off.

I've asked General Wang's father-in-law for his consent.

Pardon?

I've also requested the Emperor's consent, and

submitted to him that General Wang should take on

many wives for the benefit of this kingdom.

So you must remember never to be jealous of his other wives.

Yes, Father.

This is a time of war.

And we must choose the strong to survive.

General Wang is the strong recognized by all.

You were there when the high monks

bequeathed him the Ganja.

Yes, Father.

We must establish a biding the with General Wang.

Everything will go in our favor.

These men have been newly assigned to our post.

I am Yoon Shindal.

I am Chun Yigap, and this is my brother Uigap.

I am Chun Uigap.

All of them are strong experienced warriors.

Welcome.

Now if I may continue, our men have covertly

infiltrated enemy territory.

We will soon launch an attack.

How many me are in position?

I would guess over a thousand.

How will they be distributed?

Send your men to Choryung. My men will take Jukryung.

My adviser Tepyoung has proposed the same strategy

that the enemy had used on us.

We will draw out the enemy from Choryung by striking

Jukryung, and ambush them en route.

It is a good idea. They won't suspect us of copying their

tactic, and neglect to prepare for such maneuver.

That is what I am counting on.

But do not be closed off to further advancement to Choryung.

There may be an opportunity to recapture it as well.

That won't be easy.

Commander Gong-jik in Choryung is a prudent man.

This strategy relies on his prudence.

Rest assured. General Bang of Jukryung has slackened

his defense counting on the cold weather to keep us off.

This battle is sure to be won if that is true.

Victory will be swift as long as Ahjagae maintains his neutrality.

Tonight is crucial.

Your men must also cross the mountain pass tonight, General.

Yes. My men are prepared.

I've fought countless battles, but this is the dullest one yet!

Is that so, General Bang?

It was too easy to capture this post!

Memorable victories are ones that are difficult to achieve.

I agree.

Is there any amusement?

There's nothing to do here but drink!

Drink up, men. Drink up!

Yes, General!

Commanders Chun and I will proceed to Jukryung from here.

Geumpil,

Yes, Master!

You will take a detahment of five hundred with Commanders

Yoon and Sulhee, and lay in wait for ambush on the enemy's path.

Yes, Master.

Commander Yoon and Sulhee, let us go!

Yes.

Let us proceed, Neungsan.

Yes, Master!

Proceed! We must be in Jukyung before daybreak!

Kyun-hwon, you dare ask me for my territory?

Father, I am the emperor of Bekjae.

How much longer must you look upon your son like dirt?

An emperor?

So are you telling me to grovel before you?

With your Sabulju Castle as my footing, I could reach

beyond the mountain pass and conquer the kingdom of

Majin in a single blow.

Only then I will be truly worthy of my title.

You are no emperor! You're just Kyun-hwon!

Stay out of my sight!

Don't you come near Sabulju again, or I will have your head!

Father!

I am no longer your father.

Your stepmother and your siblings loathe you as I do!

Do you understand?

Don't come near us again!

You fool!

Father. How could you be so cruel?

Father!

Don't you run from me!

Father...!

Your Majesty!

Your Majesty! What is wrong?

Have you had a bad dream?

Your Majesty!

I dreamt of my father. My father in Sabulju...

Was it a bad dream?

How could it be good?

I have not a single fond memory of my father.

This is a bad sign.

Never before have I had such dreams...

General, we're here with our main troops, and the outpost

guards we moved in advance are outside the castle wall.

They will attack any minute at the sound of the morning bell.

Ambush should be prepared by now in Choryung as well.

The attack has begun, General.

Give us your command!

Fine.

All forces attack! Attack!

Take the fort!

General! General!

What is going on?

It's the enemy! We're being raided!

Wang Guhn's army is attacking us!

What is happening?

General, it is Wang Guhn!

What? Wang Guhn?

The enemy troops are everywhere!

Wang Guhn?

Look over there, General!

Wang Guhn...!

Stop them! Barricade the gate and fire the flaming arrows!

General, the castle gate was left wide opened all night!

You must escape!

What? It was left opened, you say?

General, you must flee at once!

How could this be happening?

Now, General!

Do not kill those who surrender!

The castle has fallen! Cease the fight!

Do not top here, General.

We must go after the fleeing enemy commander, take the

remaining enemy camps, and seize their provisions as well.

I will go after them! Follow my lead, soldiers!

Wang Guhn's army is in Jukryung, you say?

Yes, General.

But how? When?

It appears they've been moving their men across the mountain

pass in small groups for days.

How many are there?

I'm told there're over two thousand of them.

Two thousand?

And they're all at General Bang's fort?

Yes, General.

General Bang has been neglecting his defense.

This will be a tough fight against General Wang in

direct command of a force of that size.

What are we to do?

General! General!

A report from the sentry at the gate of Choryung!

Speak!

Soldiers bearing Wang Guhn's flag was seen passing through

the ravine near our fort. I believe it is an ambush.

Ambush? Why not a frontal attack if they want the fort?

It is a trick to prevent us from assisting Jukryung.

A trick...? That makes sense.

They don't have enough men to attack both Jukyung and

Choryung. This ambush force is trickery like you suggest.

Yes, General. There is no doubt.

Their target is Jukryung.

Yes. His Majesty had used this very strategy on them once.

How foolish of them to think that we'd fall for this.

Prepare the troops.

We must go to Jukryung and aid General Bang.

We do not have much time. Act at once!

Yes, General!

General, I have an eerie feeling.

This is the spot where our troops ambushed Majin's army.

Doubts have no end. We must act with conviction

once a decision has been made. We must hurry!

Gumpil, Tepyoung is quite amazing.

The enemy is approaching just as he said he would.

Yes. He's walking right into the trap.

Give us the command of attack.

No. Be patient. We want them a little bit closer.

It's an ambush!

Prepare yourself!

Attack!

Do not leave a single man alive!

Attack!

Retreat! It's an ambush!

Retreat!

Attack!

Fire!

Fire!