Original subtitles

Scholar Ahjitae,

Yes, Your Majesty.

I wil ask you again.

Do you still require this word?

If you do, take it. It is yours.

Your Majesty...

No, Your Majesty. I will manage without it.

I will try my best.

Good. I'm glad to hear that.

In truth, what is most unnecessary in politics

is physical force.

Yet I've begun to use force because everything else failed.

I have raised my sword.

Should I let others raise their swords as well?

Forgive me, Your Majesty.

We were just talking about great Chinese Philosopher Han Fei Tzu.

In is essay" Eight Faults", he lists offenses of subjects.

Choi Ung,

Yes, Your Majesty.

Recite the list.

Yes, Your Majesty.

Han Fei's list of subject's eight offense is a follows.

1. To lodge with the king. 2. To be too close to the king.

3. To exploit family influence.

4. To arouse the king's desire for pleasure.

5. To exploit the name of the people.

6. To seduce by eloquent speech.

7. To exploit one's position.

8. To conspire with the neighboring country.

what do you think? Don't you agree with this?

Yes, Your Majesty.

Choi Ung, now tell us what the faults of the ruler are.

Yes, Your Majesty.

This is what is stated in "Ten Faults":

1. To practice petty loyalty.

2. To fix your eyes on a petty gain.

3. To behave in base and willful manner.

4. To give no ear to government affairs but long only for music.

5. To be greedy, perverse and too fond of profit.

6. To become infatuated with women.

7. To leave the palace for distant travels.

Eight...

8. To fail to heed your loyal ministers.

9. To take no account of internal strength but rely on others.

10. To insult big powers even through your state is small.

The most important of all is the 9th--

To take no account of internal strength but rely on others.

Han Fei Tzu an incredible man.

He read the world like the palm of his hands.

Return. And do your best.

Yes, Your Majesty.

I see all things with my mind reading.

And what this kingdom needs now is unity.

Work together with Advisor Jongkahn.

He is the most royal of all subjects.

Yes, Your Majesty.

General Wang will be returning to the capital soon.

I always spoke in high praise of General Wang.

He and I are the pillars of this kingdom.

You must work in harmony with him as well.

Yes, Your Majesty.

Return. You have much to do.

Your grace is immeasurable.

Commander Yum has transferred to the Ministry of Military.

He has done great service for us, but he was beginning to falter.

He was a loyal man...

I couldn't take his life although I should have.

And this Scholar Park has left us.

What? Are you talking about Park Yu?

Yes, Advisor.

Did he not go to Mt. Geumkang to find the Master Healer?

That is what I had thought, but he has left this letter.

What are you saying?

Are you saying he is not coming back?

Advisor, I return to the depth of the mountain,

as I can no longer bear the weight of reality.

You have built the empire together with His Majesty.

There is no doubt in my mind that he was once the Maitreya.

But greed has obscured his vision and diseased his body.

I know his ailment very well.

It stems from frustration of unrealized dreams.

Side effects of this ailment have begun to cause bloodshed

and trust our people into pain and suffering.

You are anxiously trying to cure him of his disease,

but there is no cure.

I urge you. There is only one man who can save this

country from this tailspin, and he is Wang Guhn.

Join hands with him. That is your only hope.

I appeal to you with desperation.

How could he do this? I had misjudged him.

He came to the court to break Ahjitae's evil.

How could he give up and run away like this?

Scholar Park was relying on you and His Majesty.

But everything has changed.

His Majesty is not the same man he has...

You're right...Good men are leaving us.

First Commander Yum and now Scholar Park...

Good men are leaving us one by one...

I am fearful. It is a dreadful loss.

No, we must not be afraid.

This only means we have to work harder.

We must get tougher. That is all.

That is what we must do for His Majesty.

What preposterous suggestion!

How could I join hands with Wang Guhn?

Never. Fnd Scholar Park.

Send out our men and find him.

Advisor...!

Of all learned minds, he was the only one who shared our views.

We cannot lose him.

You must find him and bring him back.

Yes, Advisor.

You say that Royal pedagogue Park Yu has left the palace?

How did you learn of this, Father?

We witnessed the royal guards leaving the palace to find him.

Goodness...

He saved His Majesty's life and educated our twin princes.

Yes, Your Highness.

I cannot imagine why he would leave the palace.

To each their own, but this is quite puzzling.

It is as if he ran away from the palace.

He must've felt disillusioned.

Disillusioned?

What do you mean, Your Highness?

Look at the state of this court. Scholar Park is a perceptive man.

Tyranny and butchery is rampant in the kingdom.

Your highness...!

Why would an enlightened man like Scholar Park want to stay?

You must be very careful of your actions, Father.

Like a hungry eagle circling the sky,

Anyone who falls victim to his mind reading will be lucky to

get our alive. Even I am not excluded.

Yes, you are right.

The subjects are trembling in fear.

Already, Commander Yum of the Royal Guards has been

dismiss from his service.

Is this true?

We must lay low and wait for the storm to pass.

General Bok, please forgive me for my reckless behaviors

in of the past in the Royal Guards.

There is no need to apologize. You were only following orders.

The Ministry of Military is not a powerful agency like

the Royal Guards.

But I am a soldier, and I am better placed in this agency.

I will serve you with loyalty.

The war is continuing, and warriors are in need.

The future is uncertain, but let us work hard together

as long as we can.

welcome to the Ministry of Military.

I'm grateful to you for accepting me, General Bok.

The country is in turmoil. There is much to be done.

Yes, General Bok.

Scholar Ahjitae, I was told you were at the Imperial Chamber.

Yes. Indeed His Majesty is a man to be feared.

What do you mean?

And that child Choi Ung,

I've heard of him. He's a prodigy.

I was very impressed. He had the most difficult

teachings fully mastered. I took a hard punch today.

What happened?

I tested His Majesty.

He was still as sharp as ever.

He's mind is twisted, but sharp nonetheless.

I don't understand.

I thought his ailment had advanced and rendered him

maniacal. I could not clearly discern the future.

So what did you do?

I was thrown aback.

He cited the Ten Faults of Han Fei Tzu,

and said the ninth of the faults was the most important.

" To take no account of internal strength but rely on others."

In other words, he does not trust anyone, including me.

Is that right?

His Majesty has changed, and I wanted to confirm that.

And I have confirmed it. He will stand alone forever.

And we are merely his expandable oblects to be

used and discarded.

But not I. I will not be used by a crazy lunatic.

General Wang is to return soon.

Then the atmosphere in the court will change.

I don't know what to think about Cousin Guhn's another wedding.

It is what the country requires.

But the sisters-in-law must be heartbroken about this.

Of course. But Shin,

Yes, Shikryum.

We must understand and accept Cousin Guhn's decision.

You've been called to service, so concentrate on your tasks.

Of course. I've been placed at the Foreign Language Academy.

Be a worthy teacher, Shin.

Yes, I will. I am still concerned about the two sisters-in-law...

Don't worry about us. We will accept it as fate.

But I still cannot believe this is happening...

This requires your understanding.

My concern is for the peace and harmony of this family.

You don't need to worry.

It was an order of the country, and our husband has accepted.

Who is to be malcontent or resentful?

Am I right, Sister?

You are right, but I'm just dazed and confused.

The wedding ceremony should be taking place about now...

The honor guards will get in position!

It is the day of Supreme Commander's wedding!

It is quite impressive, my lord.

As it should be. After all, it is my daughter's wedding.

Lords and ladies are flocking to the area.

Good. They are all invited.

General Wang's honor guards are forming a reception line.

This won't be the modest celebration you intended.

They are preparing to receive a guest.

A guest?

Yes. He is the most important man of this wedding.

Who could be more important than the bride and groom?

You shall soon find out.

Adviser Tepyoung is truly a brilliant man.

Who would've thought to use this event to such benefit?

Pardon? What do you mean?

You shall see.

Let us prepare to receive the guests.

Your caretaker does not seem to be around.

He is bringing back the important guest.

I wonder if General Wang is ready.

General Wang is a lucky mn indeed.

He is to have 3 wives!

How do you feel, Brother?

What are you really trying to ask?

Both Neungsan and I have left our wives in the country

many years ago.

You hardly remember your lady's face, but I am taking yet

another wife. Are you trying to say that this is unfair?

Exactly, Brother.

Then why don't you get married again as well?

No, thank you.

Women are headaches I prefer to live without.

My good fellow, you lie.

Tepyoung,

Yes, Master.

Where is Sulhee? Is he still at the front?

Yes, Master. He will be here very soon.

Let us hurry. Your guests await you.

All right.

Wait, an important gust has not yet arived.

Let us wait a bit longer.

Who might you be waiting for?

You will see. I am told he is almost here.

Master, Sulhee is bringing Lord Ahjagae from Sabulju

Castle as we speak.

Pardon?

I held of the news because I was unsure he'd accept the

invitation, but I just received word that they are on their way.

My lord!

My lord, he has arrived. He is entering the gate.

Is that right?

We have an important guest from Sabulju! Lord Ahjagae!

General, let us receive the guest.

Lord Ahjagae has arrived!

Salute!

Welcome, Sangbu.

Welcome!

I had no idea we would receive such a grand welcome!

Sangbu, you are the ruler of Sabulju, and the hero

of all heroes that reigns over countless lords.

Me? A hero?

Yes, sire.

I, lord Yu of Choongju, have long admired you from afar.

It is a great honor to make your acquaintance.

I've heard of you as well.

But I was surprised by your invitation.

Sire, they show genuine respect for you.

I've never been treated with such regard.

Thank you.

General Wang,

Yes, Sangbu.

You have asked me to be your Sangbu, and I have accepted.

That means I am your father and your older brother.

In other words, we are family.

Yes, we are. Please come inside.

Sulhee,

Yes, Sangbu.

This is a delightful day!

The sky is clear, and the hearts of these men are pure.

I feel wonderful!

I did not expect such treatment.

It is as if they prepared this day for me!

Let us go inside.

This way, my lord.

Bows of union!

Now there's a real hero.

He is a man of all men. Don't you agree?

Yes, indeed. You are correct.

They make a wonderful pair.

Sharing of the wine!

Now if we can only get Daeju married off...

She's going to be a virgin ghost, sire.

A virgin ghost?

Do not worry. She has Sulhee.

But daeju won't give him a light of day.

My! Don't they look beautiful together, sire?

Indeed, they do.

I wish I could get married again.

Pardon? Sire!

Your presence has glorified this wedding, my lord.

I hope my Choongju and your Sabulju could maintain a

harmonious relationship for years to come.

Yes, we will be good neighbors.

We have declared eternal neutrality.

Life is short. Why fight? Don't you agree, Lord Yu?

Of course. I will always remember those words.

I've been a fan of your grape wine for a long time.

It is most exquisite. I intend to indulge today.

And I will stay a few days and enjoy your Hot Springs as well.

Please do, my lord.

Your accomodations have been fully prepared.

Thank you.

You make an extraordinary pair.

This is your third. Right, General?

Sire...!

It's all right. This is a hero's privilege.

This wine is wonderful!

You may go. You must be exhausted.

Yes, you may retire.

This concludes the ceremony!

Make your move!

Sire, it is my observation that you have a very happy marriage.

We certainly do.

I married her after my first wife passed,

and I've never looked at another woman ever since.

Oh, sire, not that again....

Children are useless.

Spouse is all you have at old age.

But your eldest son is the emperor of Bekjae.

The emperor? He has nothing to do with me.

I only care about my wife. Everything else is unimportant.

I live my life, and he lives his own.

Right, wife?

Of course.

An exalted here does not need a son to depend on.

You are absolutely right.

She is always in high praise of me.

I have to admit I like it.

Yes, that is why we have such a happy marriage. Right, wife?

Yes, sire.

Would you like a drink?

Yes. I do not drink, but I will have a glass tonight.

It is a harsh world we live in.

I have received you as my wife although I have two others.

I accept this as fate.

Embarrasment precedes me, but I have known you from

afar for a long time, and I have admired you.

It is hard to believe this union is real.

Thank you. But I don't know how long your joy will last.

It is because I am a soldier. And a soldier is always at war.

I accept that as fate as well.

Thank you for understanding.

Husband,

Go on.

There is something I wish like to ask.

Have you ever been in love?

Would you like to know?

Yes. Do you blame me? I ask because I am a woman.

There was a woman that I loved with burning passion.

..Is that right?

But fate has torn us apart.

And she is no longer in my memory.

It has become a story of old past.

Was it easy for you to forget your love?

It was very hard at first, but memories faded in time.

And I'm glad that it did.

Your beauty is very much like hers.

It is true. You are quite beautiful.

Only you are very composed when she was an active woman.

Live in harmony with the two madams in Chulwon.

Of course.

Your cheeks have turned red.

Come close, my wife.

Husband...

Wife...

Did you enjoy yourself?

Yes, I did.

Brother Guhn will be going to Chulwon very soon.

I truly dislike Chulwon. The city is filled with swindlers.

Yes. I still get chills when I think about the

close call that Brother Guhn had there.

There will be other life and death challenges waiting him.

This may sound shrewd, but it is imperative that

he takes full advantage of his three wives.

We must continue to secure support of local powers.

It's a struggle for power now.

And winning Ahjagae's support is crucial.

Yes. Your maneuver was brilliant.

I still can't believe Ahjagae is here.

It would be a temendous benefit if we can break

Ahjagae's ties with Kyun-hwon completely.

We must do everything we can to make Ahjagae firmly ours.

That is the only way to maintain this fortress.

You are right. By the way, where is Sulhee?

Oh, Geumpil, he has no time for us.

Lady Daeju is here.

Oh, that's right!

Rest now, Daeju.

Rest well, Brother Yongae.

Let's go, Bogae.

Yes, Brother.

Lady Daeju!

What brings you?

I've been waiting for you.

For me? Why?

Why, my lady?

You are the only woman for me.

Don't you know how I feel about you?

Do you speak from your heart?

How could I say these words if they aren't from the heart?

Then I will ask you this. Was this invitation truly

out of amiration and respect for my father?

Well, that's...

You are truly ingenious in strategy.

How could I trust your words when I know

you are toying with my father?

You can trust me.

I am a soldier who obeys my superior's commands.

But my love for you is sincere.

I beg you. Please marry me, my lady.

I know that you are a good man,

Thank you, my lady.

But...

I am unlike my father. I cannot betray my blood.

I cannot betray my brother King Kyun-hwon of Bekjae

My Lady!

We can never be together.

I am unlike my father. Do you understand?

I am unlike my father.

My lady...!

It's been too long since our last trip out of our city.

Young men here are very promising like you said.

They certainly do.

General Wang has called you hero of all heroes.

Everyone recognizes your greatness except Kyun-hwon.

Why must you bring up his name?

It is true.

Let us not talk about him.

How I wish I could spend my last years traveling and

enjoying poetry and wine!

You can, sire. Let us live the way you wish.

How can I? Thieves are everywhere, and

you never know who is plotting an attack.

Who could possibly attack us?

No one would dare attack you except perhaps Kyun-hwon.

That name again! Please stop.

Wife, por me another glass.

Yes, sire.

Exquisite! This is wonderful wine!

How young you look tonight!

It is the wine talking, sire.

Your Highness, your tea is getting cold.

Thank you, Madam Kobe.

The tea is wonderful. Please try it, Mother.

All right. Visit me more often, Crown Prince.

You've been quite remiss.

His Highness has a busy schedule between the

military and public affairs, Your Highness.

Good. He should be busy. He is to become a king after all.

I am very pleased to see you looking cheerful lately, Mother.

Do I, Crown Prince?

It is because there is peace in the family.

Madam Kobe,

Yes, Your Highness.

Unlike before, you've been caring and attentive to my

princes and me lately.

Is this not better, son-in-law?

Yes, Your Highness.

Peace at home leads to peace in the country.

That is correct indeed.

By the way, where is His Majesty?

He should join us for some tea.

What is this!

He has completely lost his mind in old age!

What is wrong, Your Majesty?

My father - -

This old man is at Wang Guhn's wedding as a guest!

Pardon?

Lord Ahjagae, Your Majesty?

This must be a mistake. He wouldn't do such a thing.

He mustn't do such a thing...

This man is incorrigible!

How could a father attend the wedding of his son's worst enemy?

It's one brick wall after another.

Sangju looks hopeless.

Nonetheless, all we can do is wait patience.

I'd wipe that fort off the map if it weren't for my father!

Why is this happening?

What would Wang Guhn think of me?

That old man is making me a laughing stock!

Wine is a wondeful drink. I still feel tipsy.

A drink makes you feel like you own the world.

Daeju, I want you to get married.

Let's have a grand celebration of our own!

General Wang,

Yes, Father-in-law.

I still feel cautious with you. You may be my son-in-law, but

you are a man who will realize tremendous accomplishments.

Thank you for thinking highly of me.

You are to go to Chulwon, I'm told.

Yes.

Son-in-law,

Yes, sire.

We've searched high and low for someone to protect us.

And we've found you.

I have wagered the fate of my clan on you.

And my daughter and my life as well.

I know you. You will be the emperor.

Father-in-law, what do you mean?

I've watched you from afar for many years.

And I've gained conviction.

I would not have chosen you if I weren't sure of this.

Remember the Ganja that master Sukchong gave you.

Father-in-law...!

It is not unlike the Royal Seal.

Master Dosun prophesized your future, and Master

Sukchong bequeathed you the Ganja.

And you were declared the true Maitreya.

What is Maitreya?

He is the Emperor! The Emperor!

I will be the father-in-law of the Emperor.

You must take well care of yourself.

Father-in-law...!