Original subtitles

Bastard!

You could've come to my aid, but you did not.

You could've made it to the battle if you had the

wil to come! And we would noot have failed so miserably!

If the situation were really as bad as you say, you would

have at least made an effort to come via the alternate route!

But instead you remained where you were praying that Geum-kang

and I would be killed!

No, Your majesty. You are mistaken.

Silence!

Yaesul you fool! Since when did you become such a coward?

Did Yu Geumpil scare you that much?

How could an army of 10 000 be immobilized by one man?

Forgive me, Your Majesty. I deserve death...

- General Chin Duk, - Yes, Your Majesty.

- General Choi Pil, - Yes, Your Majesty.

- Generals Kim Chong and Sangui, - Yes, Your Majesty.

when did you become such cowards? When?

If what yousay is true, you did not come because you were

afraid for your own lives when your king's life was in danger!

Punish us, Your Majesty. The supreme commander's order was...

Yes, of course. The supreme commander's order are absolute.

Right, General Shin Duk?

Forgive us, Your majesty. It was truly a difficult situation.

Prince Shin-guhm tried to do his best, but...

- Adviser Jonghoon, - Yes, Your Majesty.

You were appointed military adviser at the endorsement

of the Prime Minister and served in many battles.

Your Majesty, I had devised and recommended a strategy, but...

But your strategy was ignored?

Then what's your excuse for the losing Moonso Fort?

You've failed to do your duty! Isn't right, Shin-guhm?

Forgive us, Your Majesty.

Yang-guhm, Yong-guhm,

Yes, Your Majesty.

What were your brother's words? What did he say to his warriors?

Answer my question!

...Yes, Father.

He said we must go to your aid but we could not because

our path was blocked.

I'm sure there is another reason.

Isn't that right, Shin-guhm? Why are you so quiet?

You must be quite disappointed that Geum-kang and I made it

out alive.

Your Majesty, please quell your anger.

- Shin-guhm, - Yes...

You can't force your time to come. Do you understand?

Only those who deserve it will have his day.

The throne is bestowed by God, my child.

I've seen your black heart!

Fool...

I am glad I finally saw what is in your heart.

Though I've lost an army, it's better than losing a kingdom.

Have you anything to say?

I have no excuse. I await your punishment.

I am so appalled that I don't know what to do with you.

This is middle of nowhere. Let us return to the capital.

Prepare to move out.

Yes, Your Majesty.

I don't want to stay in Gochang for another minute.

Geum-kang, you will lead the marching line.

Yes, Your Majesty.

We are going back! Prepare to move out!

Aye!

Prepare to move out!

Wang Guhn had won.

The victory in Gochang came with a big payoff.

Not only did fi cause many villages and county to submit

to Koryo, it also broght King Kyung-soon of Shilla to humble

himself and send congratulatory adress to Wag Guhn.

Are you the envoys from Shilla?

Yes, Your Majesty.Our king congratulates you on your

victory at the battle of Gochang.

I appreciate that.

And I also bring you his cordial invitation to visit

our capital Surabul.

An invitation? I appreciate that as well.

But I was told that the last brutal pillage of Surabul by

the king of Bekjae has left your people in anxiety and

fear. I am afraid my visit may burden your court at this time.

No, Your Majesty.

King Kyun-hwon entered Surabul uninvited and ravaged our city.

But all of Three Kingdoms know that you are a virtuous king.

Please accept our king's invitation.

It is an official invitation from Shilla. Please accept.

You need not refuse their cordial invitation, Your Majesty.

But His Majesty just returned from a war and there is much

that need to be done at this time. I suggest postponement.

I agree with Prince Mu and will do so as he advises.

You may leave us now.

Yes, Your Majesty. Your grace is immeasurable.

Report the progress in Pyongyang, Cousin Shikryum.

We'de made tremendous progress. The local lords have pledged

their loyalty and support, and the nomads along the

outer frontier are relatively cooperative as well.

That is good news. Pyongyang was the capital of Koguryo,

the kingdom of our forefathers. We must reclaim its old glory.

We are already doing so. Our military force has already

exceeded 5000 troops, and the system of administration

identical to the imperial capital is in place.

Yes, of course. That is why we call it the West Capital.

Since we are on the subject, how might His Majesty feel about

relocating the imperial capital from Song-ak to Pyongyang.

Relocate the capital?

It is worth a consideration.

No, Your Majesty.

Relocating the capital is tremendously important matter.

The unification is yet to be achieved, and Pyongyang

is at the foremost front facing Khitan.

It is fooslish and dangerous to have the capital at the front.

You're out of line! Pyongyang was Old Koguryo's capital.

A solid administration is already in place, and there

will be no danger if we simply fortify the defense. It offends

me that you oppose without any consideration, General!

The court must not be partial to any one region.

Moving the heart of government to Pyongyang is not a good idea.

We are not taking about right away, General Yu.

I don't understand your sensitive reaction.

I know Pyongyan better than anyone. I was born there and

I still have strong ties.

Gentlemen, all of you are acting oversensitive.

We will discuss this matter at another time.

- Cousin Shikryum, - Yes, Your Majesty.

I'd like to visit the West Capital again since this

matter has come up.

Let us build schools and strengthen the foundation.

Yes, Your Majesty.

We will leave without delay. Geumpil will come with us.

Yes, Your Majesty.

The West Capital...

It inspires me to think about the West Capital.

Remember how powerful the Old Koguryo was.

Its influence extended all the way to the Great Wall of China.

West Capital...It is truly a meaningful place.

Wang Guhn took special interest in Pyongyang taking annual trips

and requiring his succeeding kings to spend at least 100

days out of a year there. In fact, he repeatedly examined

the prospect of relocating the capital to Pyongyang indulging

his desire to relive the glory of Old Koguryo.

It appears Khitan is still internally unstable.

There has been no interference at our northen border.

But they have conquered our sister country Parhae.

They will make their move before long.

That's right. Khitan has become a powerful empire.

They will not stay quite forever when we share a common border.

No. We must be prepared for them.

Rest assured. We will be prepared.

Who are those men?

They are the nomads.

I believe they are here for me.

Yes, they are nomads of Jurchen and Malgal tribes.

General Yu Geumpil, I am the chief of the Malgal tribe.

The men are chiefs of the Jurchen tribe.

What brings you?

You are a northern native, and we consider you our great pride.

We rushed to greet you upon hearing of your arrival.

I appreciate that.

Rest assured that the north is secure as long as you are alive.

What are you waiting for? General Yu Geumpil is here!

Let us salute him! Long live the General!

Long live the General!

What is the meaning of this? You are in His Majesty's presence!

Oh dear, oh dear...

What is the meaning of this? Stop at once!

The royal salute is for the emperor only!

How dare you commit such insolence!

Do not fault them for their ignorance.

No, Your Majesty. This is inexcusable.

Governor Wang, they probably don't know any better.

On the contrary. This is an outrage!

They are welcoming us. Leave them alone.

They are uncivilized nomads. Leave them alone.

Forgive me, Your Majesty.

No, Brother. Their high regard for you makes me proud.

You have committed a dreadful offense.

The royal salute is only for the king. Do you understand?

Yes, General. Now let us escort you from here.

Our master General Yu Geumpil has arrived!

Escort our master!

This is an outrage. A subject is taking his king's glory!

And I, the governor, am completely ignored!

Let us go.

Yes, Your Majesty.

Welcome, Your Majesty.

I am impressed.

Cousin Shikryum has done a wonderful job.

You've accomplished a great deal.

You are too kind to say so.

No. All those buildings and endless stretch of walls are

fruits of your labor. It is an incredible accomplishment.

I am deeply humbled by your praise.

We've relocated residents from neighboring villages,

and local lords have provided much of the military and

development resources.

Wonderful.

- Noble lords of Pyongyang, - Yes, Your Majesty.

This city was and is still the heart of Koryo.

I assure you that your contributions will be rewarded.

Your grace is immeasurable.

Please come inside. A villa is prepared for your lodging.

Yes.

My goodness!

What's wrong?

His Majesty has accepted the invitation from Shilla

and plans to go directly to Surabul.

Isn't that a good decision? This is a second invitation after all.

There's more from Governor Wang.

Oh dear... Please pass it around.

My goodness!

What is it?

This is an outrage! General YU Geumpil was...

What is it? What happened to Brother Geumpil?

He was hailed with the royal salute by the nomads in His

Majesty's presence!

Hailed with the royal salute? What do you mean?

That is the report. Governor Wang quite upset by the incident.

This isn't simply contempt. It's comparable to treason.

Yes, if this is indeed true, that is.

A subject seizing his master's honor...Good heavens...

But that would be completely out of character for General Yu.

That's right. Brother Geumpil would never do this.

Don't you agree?

This must be unpleasant for you since he is your sworn brother,

but General Yu began to overstep his boundaries a long time ago.

What? On what grounds do you accuse him of this?

He's been exaggeraing his merits since the battle of

Samnyun. It was merely doing his job when he protected his

master, but he has been putting his name before his King's.

True. Take Gochang battle for example. Everyone contributed

equally to the victory, but he took all the credit alone.

His arrogance has gotten out of hand and led him to commit

this crime of high treason.

Watch your tongue! High treason, you say?

It is in fact high treason if he received the royal salute!

That's right. Governor Wang would not report this asking

for fair opinion if it were a trivial matter.

He is in fact asking us to bring up charges.

Oh dear...What do we do about this?

- Minister of Military, - Yes, Imperial Guardian.

What should we do?

I can't ignore the matter, but I don't know what to do.

You must bring up charges against him.

His Majesty was present when this took place, so I believe

he will decide what to do. Let us discuss this upon his return.

Yes. I suppose this is not a matter of urgency.

The pressing issue now is establishing relations with

Shilla. I will send a plan I have been working on to His

Majesty at once.

Fine. We will talk about General Yu another time.

No! Why delay when crime is evident? The subjects must

prepare our position on this before His Majesty returns.

General Hong, you are mistaken about my brother Geumpil.

There is no mistake.

My only interest is in correcting the wrong!

No, there's something else. You were not like this before.

Isn't that right, General Hong?

Perhaps not.

- Brother Geumpil, - Yes, Your Majesty.

It's been wonderful to be on the ocean again.

The sea is the quickest way to travel.

We will be in Surabul by tomorrow morning.

Yes. We've already been on the sea for a full day.

Many years ago when I first went under king Goongyae, my

father told me to take good use of teh ocean to rule the three

Kingdoms. His cherished desire is slowly being realized.

It is a message from the Minister of Military.

Minister Choi Ung never ceases to amaze me.

What does he write?

He advises me to grant all requests for support that

Shilla seeks with reason and procure control of their

military in return.

Would that be possible?

Acquiring military control is acquiring control of the country.

Yes, that is preciously what he wants me to do.

Huh? What is this?

Oh dear...

What is wrong, Your Majesty?

It appears Shikryum has made an issue out of Brother Geumpil.

Oh, in respect to salute of the nomads, I gather.

But it was done out of ignorance.

He writes that the issue is being debated in the court.

Don't they have better things to do?

Frankly, it made heart sink as well. Although it was done

in ignorance, it could be misconstrued as huge crime

I am to be blamed But I didn't think it would come to this...

Be mindful of your conducts. Your merits have been too

conspicuous lately. Superiority breeds envy.

Yes, Your Majesty.

Put it out of your mind. Let us concentrate on

Surabul for now. We will be there by tomorrow.

The King of Koryo is coming to Surabul upon my request.

Make certain of finest accomodations.

Yes, Your Majesty.

Your Majesty, why do you invite the beast into our home?

Watch your words, my son. Koryo is not our enemy.

They have suffered great sacrifice to protect us.

I invite the king to repay his kindness.

But Koryo wants to devour us just as much as Bekjae does.

But what choice do we have? The few remaining forts around

Surabul have all surrendered to Koryo after the battle of Gochang.

It is painfully clear that Shilla is a kingdom in name only.

So we must work harder and preserve the regime.

With what strength?

You need military to defend the enemy and territory and

people to have a kingdom.

Speak up, gentlemen.

The prince speaks the truth, but I do not see a solution.

Speak up. What do you advise? Speak up.

Our grief is beyond words, Your Majesty.

Think about the late King Kyungae.

Bekjae army ravaged our palace like bandits and killed our king.

Isn't Koryo a kingdom of civility and integrity compared to Bekjae?

Our grief is beyond words, Your Majesty...

You might question my motive when I forsake the king of

Bekjae who put me on this throne and turn to Koryo.

But I tell you again. Koryo is your only hope for survival.

I am truly aggrieved, Father.

Fate of Shilla is like a candle in the wind.

It is cruel fate that you are on the throne in this darkest time.

What choice do I have?

All of this is the result of Bekjae's acts of savagery.

What choice do I have?

What? Wang Guhn of Koryo is on his way to Surabul?

And he was repeatedly solicited for a visit by

the king of Shilla, you say?

Yes, Your Majesty.

That ungrateful fool! How dare he betray the

man who put him on the throne and turn to Koryo!

Mobilize the army! He will not be forgiven for this!

Quell your anger, Your Majesty. He acts out of fear for Koryo

after our defeat in Gochang battle.

Yes, but how dare he do this!

And what did you say? Lord Yum Heun has defected to Koryo?

Yes. He left behind a letter explaining his position.

He is adding fuel to the flame!

How dare he turn to the enemy!

Find each and every member of his family and execute them!

Yes, Your Majesty.

So what did he write in his letter?

He expressed concern for Prince Shin-guhm and the future.

Shin-guhm? The future?

That bastard!

You're the reason why he left. Shin-guhm!

...Yes, Your Majesty.

He left his country because I wouldn't promise you the throne.

That fool is out of his mind. What has happened to this court?

He wanted me to put the son that leaves his father to die on the

battlefield on the throne!

I am the fool for trusting these fools to run this state!

Your Majesty, to my knowledge, Prince Shin-guhm was rendered

helpless by the impenetrable resistance of the enemy.

What did you say? Were you at that battlefield?

No, but...

Then keep your mouth shut, or it will be permanently ripped open!

Do not speak without knowing the facts! Is that clear?

Yes, Your Majesty...

It is the warrior's duty to fight to his death on the battlefield.

But we lost 20 000 troops because of cowardice.

Among them 8 000 were killed! 8 000!

It is unforgivable! There is no excuse!

And it wasn't just any army, but an army lead by my eldest

son with the best warriors of the state!

I warn you. Be alert. I never forgive twice.

Prove that you can give your life for me and this kingdom!

I will be watching. And I will reward or punish accordingly!

And never mention the next throne again. It is my decision!

Your will face death regardless of right or wrong. Is that clear?

Yes, Your Majesty.

I repeat. No one is to utter a word about the next throne!

No one! No one!

Why did you remain silent at the assembly?

What could I possibly say, Your Majesty?

Am I wrong? Am I wrong about Shin-guhm?

Your Majesty, I beg you. Give your trust to Prince Shin-guhm.

We are alone. Tell me your honest assessment of the

Gochang battle. Am I losing my mind?

Is Shin-guhm innocent? Is this a groundless accusation?

Your Majesty...

Perhaps...Perhaps my view of him is skewed because I

adore Geum-kang so much.

But not this time. He wanted me to be killed at Gochang battle.

Your Majesty...

I must be getting old... I could've simply slapped his

face and put it behind me, but I can't stop thinking about it.

It's a sign of old age.

Give him the benefit of the doubt and one more chance.

How many chances am I suppose to give him?

That crooked child doesn't deserve another chance.

I am terribly disappointed. I've lost all hope.

He is still your eldest. Look upon him kindly.

I don't know...

I've lost too much from this battle.

I've lost control of Surabul, and countless forts in Shilla's

outer perimeter have fallen into the hands of Koryo.

And I have confirmed my son's dark heart...

I'm getting too old for this... I'm getting too old...

Great Emperor Wang Guhn of Koryo!

Make way!

His Majesty the king!

Your Majesty, the king of Shilla awaits you.

Yes. Let us dismount.

Welcome, Your Majesty. I am the king of Shilla.

This king of fledgling Koryo is grateful for your

kind invitation to Shilla.

Nonsense. Koryo is now the lord of Three Kingdoms.

Receive my obeisance.

Oh, dear god!

How could the emperor of Great Shilla bow to the king of Koryo?

In February of 931, Wang Guhn visits Surabul upon repeated

invitation of King Kyung-soon. This event is recorder like this:

"Another invitation from the king of Shilla was received on the

34th day of the sexagenary cycle. On the 48th day, King Wang Guhn

went to Shilla with an entourage of fifty guards. He was received

by government officials at the countryside and by the king's

cousin outside the stronghold. King Kyung-soon himself received

him with an obeisance at the gate and the homage was reciprocated."

Shilla is a kingdom that has endured a thousand years.

It is indecorous that I should receive your obeisance alone.

Please receive my obeisance as well.

No, no...

It is important to remember that the king of Shilla bowed first.

Although Wang Guhn returned the courtesy, Kyung-soon's

bow to Wang Guhn represented Shill's exhausted strength.

At last the era of Wang Guhn had begun.