Original subtitles

I'll tell you again.

If Bekjae's pawn dies, they will kill Wang Shin as well.

The truce will be broken and the war will resume as we wish.

But who could possibly carry out this task?

That is why I had remained silent at the assembly.

You've came upwith an outrageous idea.

But Sir Wang Shin is an innocent man.

Yes, but he is beyond a river that cannot be crossed.

It is an opportunity for him to die a valuable death.

The pawn of Bekjae is under the protection of Wang Shin's

brother Shikryum. How can we kill him?

It's impossible. No one can get close enough to that pawn.

There is one man that can. Sir Wang Shikryum is a wise

and decisive man and a true patriot.

What are you trying to say?

It is worth approachng him.

Sir Wang Shikryum?

Yes.

You want us to talk to him about taking his own brother's life?

This is a state affair. Between loyalty, filial

piety and brotherhood, loyalty is the greatest.

Fine.

If that is the only solution, we will try.

Would you? Would you approach him, General?

Yes, Minister of Military. That seems to be our only hope.

I will pay Sir Wang Shikryum a visit in the morning.

Brother...!

It will not be easy, General.

Take this.

My last failure to do my duty has prompted me to seek death,

but His Majesty convinced me otherwise. I acquired this poison

to end my life swiftly should I commit another shameful error.

Fine.

The merit subjects should know about this as well.

They are very disappointed and frustrated by His majesty's

indecision to launch military action.

We will inform them.

If anyone can do this it is you, General Yu.

I will await good news.

The night is deep, Jin Ho. I see you are still up.

Yes, Sire.

I am returning from the royal court.

The moon is bright tonight. You must be thinking about home.

No, Sire.

His Majesty was quite concerned about you and

he sent you some wine.

It is my brother who is in Bekjae in your place.

I see...

Let us have a drink together.

I can imagine the discomfort of living in an enemy state.

No, Sire. It is bearable.

My brother must be missing his home terribly as well.

Yes.

He is my one and only brother. We were very close.

I see.

But he went tofight a war and became a pawn.

I do worry about him...

Of course...

Let us drink. I know it isn't easy, but make yourself at home.

You will return to your homeland someday.

Yes, Sire.

I do appreciate your kindness. Thank you.

I am your gardian. Come to me if you need anything at all.

Yes. Wheter it is right or wrong, we don't have much time.

You'd only put yourself in an awkward position.

Who would want to take part in taking his own brother's life?

But there is no other solution.

I think it's a waste of time.

Instead of subjecting yourself to,scorn, why don't we just...

Just what?

Just bump him off ourselves? That would be the quickest way.

That would be an underhanded move. We must do this properly.

Yes, but I just don't know if it would work...

By the way, that Choi Ung is an amazing young man.

Who would have thought about killing the pawn?

Yes. He is indeed a genius as they say.

The fact that he chose you for this job, his keen

insight into Wang Shikryum's character - he sees ahead

like an eighty-year-old sage.

He is the head of the military. Do you expect anything less?

But still, he is barely in his twenties and he has us

in the palm of his hands!

Let us go. By the way, where is Brother Seungkyum?

He went to General Bae's estate to inform him or our plan.

I see. Let us go.

Goodness! Is this true? Take Sir Wang Shin's life?

Will it work?

They agreed to try and General Yu has alreadu gone to Sir Wang

Shikryum's estate.

It is most brilliant idea to break the shackle that paralyses

this kingdom. But could it possibly be carried out?

The chances are slim.

It is asking a man to take his own brother's life.

How could it work?

But this is the Minister of Military Choi Ung's idea.

He said this was the only to lift His Majesty's anxieties

and break this deadlock.

Fine. It is indecorous to press His Majesty the way we have.

Let us wait for General Yu. And if he fails...

If he fails?

We'd have to resort to plan B.

Plan B?

Do you mean we should kill him?

I think that was Minister of Military's intent by sending

you to us. Why else would he want us to know about this

highly confidential matter?

He wants us to take the pawn's life if General Yu fails.

Let us wait for now.

If General Yu is unsuccessful, we will devise another plan.

Announce General Yu Geumpil's arrival!

Yes, Sir!

Generals, what brings you to this humble place?

We thought we might have a drink.

It's been too long since we saw you last.

Yes, It has. Please come inside.

I did not know that you preferred quiet and secluded places.

Is there something wrong?

There is a shadow over your face.

Is there? I guess I am not good at hiding my feelings.

Why don't you tell me why you are here?

What is wrong? Please go ahead.

I have a very difficult request I must make.

I am His Majesty's cousin and you are His Majesty's

sworn brothers. That makes us brothers as well.

Please feel free to speak whatever is on your mind.

Oh, my...

Go ahead.

Then I will.

We've come to ask you to save this kingdom.

Me? What could I possibly do?

The defeat of Jomul Fort has left Koryo unnerved and paralysed.

Bekjae is pressing hard into Shilla, and they will eventually

turn their sword toward us.

Go on.

That is why we are here.

Please be clear. What do you want from me?

We require the life of the pawn Jin Ho.

That means your brother's life as well.

That is why we are here.

Minister of Military Choi Ung said that Sir Wang Shin was

already beyond a river that cannot be crossed.

Why not die a valuable death if death is unavoidable?

Sir Wang, would you give us your answer?

Would you sacrifice your brother's life for your country?

It is your decision. I will not pressure you.

You are asking me to consent to the slaying of my own brother.

It is for the country.

My brother is the Emperor's cousin.

How dare you ask for His Majesty's cousin's life!

We came prepared for your condemnation.

I will ask you again. We require your brother's life.

Sir Wang -

The sun has begun to set.

They should've reached some kind of decision by now.

This is not an easy decision to make.

No, but we will hear something soon. Let us wait.

I have a feeling we might have to resort to plan B.

But if we kill the pawn, we would be defying our king

and comminting high treason.

That is what I am afraid of.

It could be construed as insubordination.

That is why General yu has gone to Sir Wang.

Let us wait. I'm sure minister of Military is anxiously

awainting our word as well.

Then what do you intend to do with my houseguest?

What will you do to him, I asked?

Sir Wang, do you give us your consent?

I have known His Majesty's dilemma for a long time.

But Shin is my one and only brother...

I am consenting to my brother's death.

Why? Because you say it is a choice between dying for a

cause and dying in vain. Why? Because you say

his death can bring the country back to life.

I will help.

Thank you, Sir Wang! Thank you!

Heaven will remember you for this. Thank you.

I thank you on behalf of all of the subjects and

citizens of this kingdom. Receive my obeisance.

No, please don't.

No, this is the obeisance of all those who thank you for

your decision.

We have reached an agreement.

When do you require my houseguest's life?

The sword is drawn.

It is important to be bold and quick.

Fine.

Very well.

Orderly!

Yes, my lord.

Ask our houseguest in the to join us.

Yes, my lord.

Thank you, Sir Wang. Thank you...

Jin Ho,

Yes, Sire.

These men are His Majesty's sworn brothers.

They have made this visit specially for you.

My name is Yu Geumpil.

I am Park Sulhee.

Jin Ho is my name. I think we've met in Fort Jomul.

Thank you for coming to comfort me.

Let me pour you a glass out of this new bottle.

Tank you. I was feeling quite wearied.

Being a pawn must be a heavy load on your heart.

Yes, I always feel anxious and afraid.

I was resentful of my ill fortune at first, but I

realize it is service for my country.

Yes, just as my brother is in Bekjae to serve his country.

Yes, I know too well.

All of us here are servants of the state who will live

and die forour country. Now let us drink.

Raise that glass with us, Sir Jin Ho.

Yes.

We drink this wine for our countries.

You will drink for yours, Sir Jin Ho.

Let us drink to the very last drop.

This wine is wonderful.

Why do you look at me that way?

The wine is truly wonder...

wonder...

My lord...!

Why do I feel this way?

My chest ...feels like ...it will explode...

My lord...! My lord...!

Your death was inevitable.

You take my brother's life as well. Goodbye...

My lord...!

I will send report this to the palace.

Please tell the Minister of Military that it is done.

The mission has been accomplished.

Sir Wang, the entire kingdom thanks you for your decision.

Minister of Military was indeed right about you.

He said you were a high-minded man.

You must go and let this be known to the others.

Well, then...

State your business.

He comes from Lord Wang Shikryum's estate.

The pawn of Bekjae Jin Ho has suffered sudden death.

What?

Sudden death? Is this true?

Yes, General. It is true. I bring you this letter.

This is most unexpected! The pawn of Bekjae is dead!

What brings you at this time of the night?

Bekjae's pawn Jin Ho has suddenly died.

The Minister of Military Choi Ung has been notified.

It is a success.

Oh, that is most regretfdul. Our guest from Bekjae is dead!

What a shame...

What are you saying? Who do you say is dead?

Bekjae's pawn who had been residing at Minister of West

Capital Lord Wang's estate suddenly died during his dinner.

Suddenly died during dinner? Suddenly?

Yes, Your Majesty. The report speaks of a heart problem.

It appears he has a chronic illness prior to coming to Koryo.

Absurd! He appeared to be a perfertly healthy young man!

A chronic illness? He would've looked sickly if that were true.

Death keeps no calendar, Your Majesty.

Perfectly healthy men have gone to bed never to wake up.

Oh? Why did Shikryum not deliver this important news himself?

He is preoccupied tending to the aftermath of the unexpected event.

How could this be? I had told him repeatedly

that Jin Ho's life was own brother 's life!

Summon my cousin Shikryum at once!

Yes, Your Majesty.

General Bok,

Yes, Your Majesty.

Take the royal physician and examine the body.

Find out what the cause of death is personally.

Yes, Your Majesty.

Why is this happening?

What is the fate of my cousin Shin?

Please be seated.

This is most unexpected turn of events!

How could a perfectly healthy man die during a meal?

Such things happen. No man knows when he shall die.

It is true death keeps no calendar.

But this is shoking nonetheless.

Death of a pawn could lead to friction between the kingdoms.

We must now discuss what is to come.

Of course. Bekjae will not let this rest.

The deat is a shame but Bekjae is our enemy.

We must prepare our troops and carefully observe

the developments.

Bekjae's pawn is dead. This puts our pawn in danger as well.

The chance are they will not let him live.

And war will begin again.

I wish no harm for Sir Wang Shin in Bekjae, but we must seize this

opportunity to break through the present impasse.

That's right. Imperial Guardian, I urge preparation for possible

retalation from Bekjae. This is a perilous situation.

Yes. Bekjae will take military action upon hearing this news,

and we must be prepared for them. As the chief of military,

I request declaration of state of emergency.

Yes, that is a proper course of action.

I will seek audience with His Majesty and make a request.

I suspect foul play.

Is that right?

Death by poison leaves traces in the body.

That might be the case here.

Physician,

Yes.

This man died of a chronic illness. Do you understand?

Pardon?

This man died of an illness!An illness!

...Oh, of course. Yes, yes, General.

This man has succumbed to a longstanding illness.

How could you have done this? How could you let him die?

It was out of my hands.

Have I not said Jin Ho's life is in fact your brother Shin's life?

Yes, Your Majesty.

Then how could you let this happen?

How will you save Shin?

I am told Minister of Military Choi Ung said these words.

Choi Ung? What were his words?

That Shin is beyond a river that cannot be crossed,

and that he could either die in vain or die for this country.

Choi Ung? Are these indeed his words?

Your subjects have knwo about your inner struggle.

I'm sure Shin knows as well.

That is why I could do nothing when the pawn of Bekjae died

of his illness. Forgive me, Your Majesty.

Who did you discuss this with?

I alone knew about this.

Did you meet wiith Choi Ung?

I alone knew about this, Your Majesty.

Shin's fate is already decided. I beg you not

to probe and deliver this kingdom from distress.

Only then Shin's death will not be in vain.

So they knew...

They all knew about my distress, but I thought I was all alone....

Imperial Guardian seeks your audience, Your Majesty.

See him in.

Your Majesty, your subjects are gathered at the Supreme

Council Chambers.

They seek your councel after hearing of Jin Ho's death.

I have learned the details of his death.

He cannot be broght back to life, and a meeting will not

help situation. This man has died of an illness.

Give him proper obsequies.

But we must notify Bekjae and send his body home.

Send an envoy carrying a formal apology and report.

Yes, Your Majesty. The Minister of Military has

requested military mobilization order.

I share his concern and I approve. Reorganize the

military and prepare for all possibilities.

Yes, Your Majesty.

Your Majesty, thank you for your courageous decision.

Your grace is immeasurable.

At last I can see the kingdom rising up again, Your Majesty.

I thank you for your magnanimity, Cousin.

Thank you.

You have done a fine job, my sons!

You have successfully conquered over 20 villages and counties

since the battle of Jomul Fort!

I've called you back for a grander endeavor.

Another year has passed and our troops require rest.

We will return to the Imperial Capital. Any objections?

Father, allow us more time.

We can bring many more forts to their kness.

I praise your spirits, my sons.

But covetousness breaks the sack. You must learn restraint.

We do this for a grander ambition.

Yes. Generals Gong, Kim and I have remained here in Daeya

Fort, and we were made aware about the guest from Shilla.

I heard the news upon my arrival that they wish to cast their lot

with you. Please allow me to salute you, Your Majesty.

The Three Kingdoms will be yours now that Shilla has

kneeled before you. Koryo had already kneeled at Fort Jomul.

The Three Kingdoms belong to Bekjae.

This is most wonderful news.

It is fitting that we withdraw the troops in pursuit of this.

Your Majesty will soon be the master of Three Kingdoms.

I salute you.

We salute you, Your Majesty.

You have worked very hard. Now we will return to the capital,

reorganize the army and devise our strategy

to capture Shilla. Is that understood?

Yes, Your Majesty.

Expedite the withdrawal. We are about to embark

on a grand endeavor. We will rewrite history!

Be prepared.

Yes, Your Majesty.

In April of 926, six months after his triumphant battle

against Wang Guhn in Jomul Fort, Kyun-hwon returned to his capital.

By this time he had subjugated 20 odd forts and extended his

territory to Guh-chang.

He had a clearer vision about his directionand intended to

devise his plans upon his return.

But he would receive the shoking new aboutJin Ho's death.

What brings you, General Sodal?

An envoy has delivered a letter from Koryo.

What is this? How could this be?

Jin Ho has dead?

Died of an illness?

But he was a perfectly healthy young man!

How could Emperor Wang Guhn do this?

Jin Ho is dead! Jin Ho is dead!