Original subtitles

In December of 929 A.D., at the age of 63, King Kyun-hwon

of later Bekjae embarks on a crusade to conquer Gochang.

Koryo immediately responds by deploying their force.

Gochang is modern Andong. Andong is the aggrandized name

Wang Guhn would bestow in recognition of its locals for

his victory at this battle. Gochang's leaders at this

time were castle lord Kim Sun-pyung, Shilla's royalty

Kim Hang, and Jang Jung-pil.

How dare you!

What? Surrender or die?

Who sends this contemptuous letter?

Supreme Commander Shin-guhm of Bekjae sends this letter.

Do you know anything about Gochang?

We possess private army of over 3000 troops!

Not only that we despise wicked mob like Bekjae!

How dare you! We are people of thousand-year regime Shilla!

It may be dwindling now, but your evil acts are unforgivable!

You have killed our king and violated our queen!

We would never stoop to Bekjae!

That's right. We have an emissary from Koryo among us.

Koryo is indeed our friend.

Koryo's great army is coming to help us as we speak!

We have decided long ago to cast our lots with Koryo.

Koryo has suffered tremendous injury and sacrifice trying to

help Shilla in Mt. Gong. Trying to punish the wicked mob Bekjae!

Now they come to Gochang to help us. How could we not be grateful?

- Listen carefully, messenger. - Yes, my lord.

I'd have your head right now, but messengers are not to be

slain, so I spare your life.

Return and relay what you heard word for word.

Yes, my lord.

Go at once.

We have not forgotten about the grief your king has suffered

trying to save Shilla. But Shilla is dwindling.

Yes. I am of Shilla's royal descent, but it has become

impossible to remain loyal to Shilla.

We will cast our lot with Koryo and fight as Koryo army.

I am most grateful.

His Majesty is on his way here as is the king of Bekjae.

It is a blessing to our king that you give him your support.

We will win this battle without fail.

Yes. We intend to fight to our deaths.

We care not about Koryo's recent setbacks.

We respect the kingdom and the army we can trust.

Thank you. His Majesty will be greatly pleased.

Commanders, Bekjae army is drawing near and the king of

Koryo is coming to help us.

Get into battle position and prepare to greet the Koryo army.

Yes, my lord.

We won't be able to resist Bekjae's large army inside

the fort. We know this terrain very well, so we could cut off

the enemy's path and stage a surprise ambush.

Yes.

Then we must collaborate with His Majesty's army.

The messenger has been sent. Let us greet His Majesty

outside the fort.

Yes. I anticipate only good results.

Your Majesty, we are nearing Gochang.

We contended with Bekjae forces in this area a decade ago.

We didn't make it to Gochang, but I am familiar with the land.

Yes. This is a rough territory along with Sangju, and Kangju.

I know. I was stationed here for a while with as well.

Gochang is know for its rough terrain.

That's right. It's easy to fall into a trap unlesss you

know the topography well.

Yes, as it is for all battlefields.

There is a great disadvantage without the help of the locals.

Identify yourself!

We are messengers sent by the lord of Gochang.

We bring you his letter.

Oh my!

Wonderful!

- Minister of Military, - Yes, Your Majesty.

Your prediction was accurate. Lord Kim Sung-pyung of Gochang

has decided to cast his lot with Koryo

It is Your Majesty's fortune.

Not only that, they are preparing to meet the enemy with 3 000

troops of their own. They wish to collaborate with our troops.

Royal Secretariat Wang Kyu has done an excellent job.

Let us proceed, Your Majesty.

Let us hurry, Sulhee. It'll require time to strategize

a collaborative operation. They are waiting for us.

Speed up the march!

Welcome, Your Majesty.

Your Majesty, Kim Sun-pyung of Gochang bids you greetings.

Kim Hang bids you greetings.

Jang Jun-pil bids you greetings.

Thank you. Your wise decision has brought hope not only to

Gochang but to entire Koryo.

Your grace is immeasurable.

The king of Bekjae is bringing a large army to Gochang.

Though I was quick in my decision to help you, I

was quite concerned about how it might be received.

I am very please that you have decided to join Koryo.

You are a man who shuns evil and upholds righteousness.

How could we cast our lot elsewhere? Please accept us.

Accept us, Your Majesty.

You have my deepest gratitude. Lead us, Lord Kim.

The enemy is near, so let us discuss our defense strategy.

Yes, Your Majesty.

This way. We've set up a temporary command center.

Let us go, Generals.

Yes, Your Majesty.

Let us go.

A branch of Taebek Mountain Range extends across Gochang.

Its north is protected by Mt. Mimyun and Mt. Yunjum, and

to its southeast lie Mt. Bomoon, Bekja Peak, and Mt. Galla.

I am somewhat familiar with Gochang's geography.

The topography of Gochang is quite complex.

The northern mountains are very high and precipitous whereas the

southwest, from which Bekjae army is approaching, is low

with Nakdong River running across their path.

That's right. We could take advantage of the mountains

and the river and cut off the enemy's path.

From which direction are the enemy forces approaching us?

Shin-guhm's army of 10 000 is coming from Uisungbu,

and King Kyun-hwon's army of 20 000 has left Chungju a few

days ago, so they should have be approaching Daim about now.

Soon Kyun-hwon's army will pass between Mt. Bomoon and Bekjae Peak,

and Shin-guhm's army will come through this area between Bekja

Peak and Mt. Galla into Gochang.

Our main garrison is positioned in the fort right here.

The enemy will try to lock Your Majesty's army at Mt. Yunjum and

Mt. Mimyun, and cross the edge of Nakdong River to attack our fort.

That's right. They know our direction and we know theirs.

The question is how are we going to stop them when our forces are

clearly outnumbered.

The enemy forces are twice the size as ours.

The rule is to avoid a head- on combat on an open field.

We should monitor their movements out of sigh and strike when we

see an opening.

The troops at the main fort could be put in danger if we hesitate.

Why hesitate if you're ready to fight to your death?

I say we strike the enemy head on.

I'm saying we should avoid unnecessary risks, General Yu.

Avoid? This is timle to strike the enemy, not to avoid them!

Fellows, fellows, the discussion isn't over yet.

Please continue, Lord Kim.

Your Majesty once fell into King Kyun-hwon's trap in Mt.

Gong and suffered a terrible blow.

Yes, I did.

Use the same strategy. This territory is very similar.

Lure the enemy into this side of Nakdong River and

cut off their retreat path.

Yes. Our mountains are rough and ravines are deep. And

with Nakdong River in the center, there is nowhere to run or hide.

I assure you this strategy will be effective.

I cannot hide my excitement, Your Majesty.

We can lure them into the river and wipe them out!

Yes. I am getting chills down my spine. We can literally return

the exact humiliation they made us suffer in Mt. Gong.

I, too, am inspired. It is a chance to capture King Kyun-hwon.

What do you think, Minister of Military? Everyone is eager.

Naturally. Lure them to the river through the deep ravine,

and have the Gochang army cut off their retreat path.

The main force will block all possible outlet north and

south of the upper river.

But this territory is too broad to cover.

Yes, but the roads they can take are few.

It won't be easy, of course.

We must fight to our death with the river to our backs.

But this is the best chance we've got.

Fine. That is what we will do.

- Generals, - Yes, Your Majesty.

The minister of Military and I will take the royal army

and cover the north side. Divide the rest into two

armies and each take King Kyun- hown and Prince Shin-guhm's army.

The first division will be led by General Hong Yu with

Generals Bae, Yum Yoon and Wang in second command.

Your grace is immeasurable.

Brother Geumpil, Sulhee, and the two general Parks will

contend with Shin-guhm's army.

Your grace is immeasurable.

The royal advisor will come with me.

Yes, Your Majesty.

Gochang army will stand by at the fort, and the rest

of us will fight.

Yes, Your Majesty.

This will be a fierce battle.

It is our last chance to turn this war around.

I hope all goes according to plan...

It will, Your Majesty.

We troops of Gochang are prepared to die fighting.

Thank you. Proceed to your positions, generals.

The enemy is coming. Be thoroughly prepared.

Yes, Your majesty.

We are up against an army of over 30 000. Order the sappers to bring

out every equipment and weapon we have and place them on the hills

and in the woods. Attack without mercy when the enemy comes.

King Kyun-hwon is coming? To see me, no doubt.

I am anxious to see him as well.

And I can't wait the report the outcome of this battle

to Brother Seungkyum in the word beyond.

You will, Your Majesty.

You will defeat Bekjae this time.

Halt!

Are you not the outrider?

Report the current situation of Moonso and Gochang.

Yes, General. I return from Moonso Fort.

Have they attempted contact with the lord of Gochang?

Yes, Sire. But the leaders of Gochang refused Prince

Shin-guhm's advice to surrender.

What? So they chose death. They leave us no choice.

Report the location of the enemy army.

An army of 15 000 led by the king of Koryo were last seen

north of Gochang Fort. We were unable to get

closer due to rough terrain and tight defense.

There's no need.

They will go cross Kangju and enter Gochang from the north.

15 000...That is too bad. They are no match for us.

But this is enemy territory and they are prepared to die.

An army prepared for death is an army to be feared, Your Majesty.

We must be cautious.

Of course. But Gochang only has 3000 troops, and Brother

Wang Guhn only 15 000. That's only half our size.

What's more, forts all around Gochang have turned against Koryo.

Odds are largely in our favor.

My another concern is the fact that we have no close knowledge

of enemy's movements.

They have tightened their security with sheer determination

this time. But it's no use. They are in our hands.

All we have to do is grab them. That is all.

Let us slow down. We will set up a camp up ahead and

send a messenger to Shin-guhm to discuss the strategy

Yes, Your Majesty.

What beautiful mountain! It is wonderful to be in out nature!

Wonderful!

We will stop and wait for the enemy.

Shin-guhm's army will cross this territory.

Yes, Brother.

But what should we do with that child?

What child?

Should we kill him or capture him alive?

That child Shin-guhm, I mean.

Your biggest flaw is your lack of patience.

Including the local militia, they are nearly 10 000 strong.

We must either crush them here or lure them to the ambush location.

Why don't we just finish them right here?

Yes. Why hesitate?

We are outnumbered. If our plans fail we will lure them past the

ambush location and strike them at Nakdong River.

Let us see what happens.

Spead out and take your positions.

Yes, General.

Spead out and hide out of sight!

Take your positions!

Father sends word that he is nearing Gochang.

When will we strike?

I don't know yet. Koryo's royal army is north of Gochang.

We've agreed to communicate again after observing their movement.

Geum-kang will take command of Father's army, no doubt.

Why must you bring him up? I don't care what he does!

Your Highness, we've failed to obtain information about

the enemy's movements due to tight security at Gochang Fort.

I advise you to devise a strategy after further

knowledge is obtained.

They declared a "do-or-die" battle and joined hands with

Koryo's royal army. We must practice ultimate caution.

But how long could a tiny village hold up?

Koryo's king once almost died in my hands.

His army does not intimidate me.

That is right. We're not afraid of Koryo army.

Your highness! Your Highness!

Are you returning from the enemy camp?

Yes, General. Koryo army and Gochang army have already

begun their joint operation.

Why are you so nervous and out of breath?

I penetrated their defense at the risk of my life and learned

Learned what?

General Yu Geumpil and his *army await us at our path.

Who? Who awaits us,

Warrior Yu Geumpil of Koryo.

Yu Geumpil?!?

Isn't he the one who almost took your life, General,

..Oh, oh yes. Yu Geumpil, he is the one.

His Majesty has warned us against him.

He is one of Koryo's best warriors.

Yes, I know. So what do we do now?

Your Highness, I'd like to go in advance and contend

with him once if you would allow me the chance.

It is dangerous and foolish to walk inot the enemy's trap.

I advise you to keep the troops on standby and feel

out the enemy first.

But Father is near by. We cannot get stuck here

when we are to launch a collaborative attack.

We cannot stop, Your Highness. I urge you to press forward.

We will be called cowards if we do not.

But the enemy awaits us and we know nothing about their

size of intent. We must be cautious especially if this

army is being led by Yu Geumpil.

we will set up a camp here and feel the enemy out.

You have made a wise decision, Your Highness.

Do not act in haste. We are up against a tough enemy this time.

You must practice due caution.

According to report King Kyun-hwon's army has pitched camp

about seven miles away. They are likely to enter Gochang tomorrow.

Yes. They would not move in the darkness of night.

I wonder how General Yu is doing.

We received his report a short while ago.

Shin-guhm's army has apparently stopped their approach toward

General Yu's direction to feel out the situation.

Perhaps they are waiting for sunlight to proceed.

It is my guess they are intimated by General Yu.

Bekjae's best warrior Yaesul was cut down to size by him

at the battle of Samnyun Fort.

Boy, that new sure does last.

Even Captain Wang from West Capital knew about it.

It was a tremendous victory.

It's not proper to emphasize on the merit of a warrior who was

only doing his duty, especially when he rescued His Majesty from

an embarrassing situation. Must we keep dwelling on it?

You are right. And the fact is all of us are just as

good as General Yu.

Too much of ought is good for naught. Right, General Hong?

That's right.

We will face King kyun-hwon's army tomorrow.

Will we fight them head on or lure them into the trap?

Let us trap King Kyun-hwon as he did to our King in Mt. Gong.

He could slip away if we are not careful.

We will trap him in instead and let His Majesty exact revenge.

Very well. All we have to do is cut off his retreat path.

Tomorrow is the day..It will be quite a spectacle.

Both armies of Bekjae have halted their approach to

feel out our movements.

Of course. They would not dare cross the deep ravine

in the dakness. Tomorrow will be the day to watch.

Yes. They are coming just as we expected. Tomorrow is the day.

The night is deep, yet I am restless.

If they indeed approach the river, they will be trapped

like I was against them in Mt. Gong.

Yes, Your majesty. It will happen.

Ling Kyun-hwon must've felt the same way that night as I do now.

I must admit he is a man to be admired.

Your majesty, the enemy leader does not deserve your praise.

Despite his odious deeds, he is clearly among the heroes if you

measure him as a man. It provokes mixed feelings to think that he

could meet his doom tomorrow.

And I don't understand why I feel a certain bond with him

when my sworn brothers have died by his hands.

Your Majesty is a compassionate and virtuous leader.

But this is a battlefield and he is your enemy.

Do not worry. I will not get weak.

I want his head just as much as he wants mine

I look forward to tomorrow. Tomorrow...

We must proceed to Gochang and join Father's army.

That is the order, of course, but...

But General Yu Geumpil's army is blocking our path.

We must be careful. He has trounced General Yaesul.

Luck was not with me that time...

He may be strong, but we cannot hesitate. Give us your command.

Yu Gumpil is not the problem. We are in the same spot that

King Wang Guhn was in against us in Samnyun Fort.

They await us in Gochang, but we have no knowledge of where

or how many they are.

Let us be patient. Hasty action could result in defeat.

But His Majesty awaits us for collaborative attack.

We cannot press on nonetheless. I advise you to send word to

His Majesty recommending postponement of this attack.

Then he will call me a coward again.

Father is behind my back, Yu Geumpil is in front of

me, and I know too little about the enemy...

Let us press on, Your Highness.

There will be severe admonishment otherwise.

I will spearhead the fight.

It is dangerous.

No. there will be worde consequences if we do not go.

How strong could the enemy be? Let us fight them.

They could not be a force larger than ours.

I agree. We must go, Your Highness.

We must go.

Fine. We will send out additional outriders and

advance with caution.

I do not wish to be called a coward. Yes, let us go!

Your Highness

That's enough, Advisor Jonghoon.

What choice do I have when it is His Majesty's order? Let us go.

There is a detour we can take to circle around and

come back if we must.

Send word to His Majesty about our plan.

We will try to be there at the agreed time.

Yes, Supreme Commander.

I wonder what King Kyun-hwon is doing right now.

The sun came up hours ago.

They should be on the move by now.

Our two divisions each lay in wait at the enemy army's path.

If they break through the ambush they will enter this area.

Is all prepared?

Rest assured, Your Majesty.

The troops of Gochang are prepared to fight to death.

Our intelligence performance has been unusually poor.

It is as expected. The enemy has put up an airtight security.

But don't be overly concerned.

- Geum-kang, - Yes, Your Majesty.

Has there been a report from Shin-guhm?

Yes, it just arrived.

He will move his troops and join us at the agreed location.

Did you hear that, Vice Prime Minister?

Shin-guhm is improving. He has begun to move.

He is pushing forward with due caution like a seasoned general.

He has learned a lot.

Yes, Your Majety. I'm sure his advisor Jonghoon is very

concerned about our lack of intelligence data as well.

There are three things you must know to win a war:

the enemy, the geography of the land, and yourself.

We already know all we need to know.

Being over cautious and afraid is not good.

But Your Majesty

Gochang is a very important fort.

As I have said before, we have no time to waste.

Brother Guhm is my feed as long as he is here.

I can devour him anytime I want.

That's right, Father.King Wang Guhn is anxious to exact revenge.

I'm sure he is. I kep him pressed under my feet for not

days, not months, but years. Now that I'm done toying with

him, I am here to crush him. So why should I hesitate?

I suggest caution, Your Majesty.

There is no harm in patience, but there could be in imprudence.

You've become overly cautious. Perhaps it could reduce the

casualties, but casualties are a part of war.

What is imortant is the result. Don't you agree?

Please heed my advice, Your Majesty. Give it a few days.

Abide by my orders. Today is the day.

We will wrap this up today and tomorrow. Is that clear?

Geum-kang, increase the outriders and continue

efforts to feel out the enemy.

Your brother Shin-guhm is busily working forward.

Don't let him take credit for this battle.

Yes, Your Majesty. Men, you heard the command.

Dispatch more outriders and continue the march.

General, it's Bekjae army.

Isn't that General Yaesul at the lead?

I gave him a good whipping last time.

But he is no ordinary warrior. I am delighted to see him.

This is a battlefied, Sulhee.

Prepare the archery unit to engage.

- Brother, - What is it?

We can't kill him with an arrow.

Why not?

I've grown to like the man. Besides, why waste precious

ammunition on such a small group? Let us go head to head with them.

That is true. Would you like to take him on yourself?

Yes, Brother.

It's the enemy! Protect the prince!

It's the enemy!

Who might this ne? If is isn't General Yaesul of Bekjae.

It is I, Park Sulhee.

Huh? Oh, there is my ugly friend!

It's been a while Park Sulhee!

How have you been? I've been wonderful as you can see.

I see you haven't changed. Do you remember our promise?

We said we'd duel to the end if our paths ever crossed again.

Yes, I remember.

But I through your brother Yu Geumpil was coming.

Did someone mention my name?

Yes, I believe we have an old score to settle.

Sulhee, it's your call.

Yaesul old buddy, my brother wants to give me a chance.

How about it?

Approach!

Don't go anywhere.

We come face to face again at last, Sulhee.

This is the warriors' destiny. Meet my sword, Yaesul!

Don't regret this if your head falls today!

You took the words right out of my mouth.

Be warned. I will show no mercy, Sulhee.

Approach!