Original subtitles

Make way! Make way!

The most loyal and trusted subject General Yu Geumpil

is being sent away on exile!

Isn't he the one who saved His Majesty's life?

Yes, he is a renowned warrior. A man of fine stature as well.

Then why is he being exiled?

He was misrepresented by the others who were

jealous of his merits.

You mean they set him up? What is this country coming to?

Yu Geumpil - His name begins to stand out about a decade

into Wang Guhn's reign with records of his merits clearly

outnumbering the other royal subjects.

He impressed the king by using his influence in the north to

tribes, and it was no surprise

dominate Jurchen and Malgal tribes, and it was no surprise

that his peers were jealous of his merits.

Now Wang Guhn was condemning this loyal subject to exile.

But the place of exile Wang Guhn chose was Gok Island,

which appear to have been closely located to the capital.

By giving Yu punishment that appeared harsh on the surface,

Wang Guhn was cautioning the other subjects who were abusing

their growing power.

How could you let this happen, Imperial Guardian?

General park, I am just a powerless old man.

You are the highest official in the court.

Why couldn't you speak up and assert Geumpil's innocence!

What was I supposed to do when the merit subjects

were jumping all over him? My words mean nothing!

So you let them make an innocent man a criminal?

General Park, wait until you get to my age. Imperial

Guardian sounds like a powerful position, But I am powerless.

I can't believe His majesty has stripped him from his office and

sent him away in exile! What has he done to deserve this?

Only person who profits by this is King Kyun-hwon of Bekjae!

Don't you see that, Imperial Guardian?

Please, General park! It was His Majesty's...

You're the one who oversaw the proceeding, Captain Chu!

No, it was His Majesty who conducted the trial!

Quell your anger. Let us discuss this quietly.

Please calm down, Geenral park. We're not to be blamed for this.

I will not stand for this if you deny your responsability.

Please calm down.

Take this up with the merit subjects who brought up the

charges if you must. This old man and the civil officials

are helpless, I tell you.

My other sworn brother Seungkyum died on the battlefield.

And Brother Geumpil has faced death many times to save His

Majesty's life.

There is no reward bug enough for him, yet he has been exiled!

What do you hope to gain by creating in the court?

Please stop this, General Park.

I will not stand for this. I assure you I will keep

my eyes open for a chance to pay them back!

General Park!

General Park raised quite a row in the Imperial Guardian's chamber.

He is General Yu's sworn brother. I can't blame him for being angry.

But he shouldn't take this out on the Imperial Guardian.

I don't blame him. He is a demonstrative man by nature.

I must admit I was shocked by His Majesty's decision.

His crime deserves no more than a temporary suspension from office.

I know. I was shocked as well.

I did not expect His Majesty to grant our request so easily.

I felt the same feeling.

Felt what?

His Majesty not only granted our request but eagerly

imposed harsher punishment then lectured us about the law.

Yes, he did. It is odd...

Yes. He exagerated the crime and made it a bigger deal than it is.

Perhaps his underlying statement to us is this:

"Fine,I will grant your wish. But I caution you as well."

Yes, you're right.

That's exactly it!

Not on ly did His Majesty grant our request to remove his own

sworn brother from office, he condemned him unduly to exile.

Does he mean to demonstrate that any of us can be subjected

to equally harsh punishment?

Yes, you are right. That is his message.

There is something else. It's truly puzzling...

What do you mean?

I still can't fathom His Majesty's true intent.

Gok Island...He condemned General Yu most severely, but

sent him to Gok Island, which is just within a stone's throw.

You're right!

His Majesty was compelled to punish him against his will.

And he is giving us a warning. Yes, that's it. I'm sure of it.

What has you so upset, General?

You know darn well what has me upset!

Did my brother really deserve to be exiled,

Minister of Military?

Of course not.

Of course not? Then why didn't you speak up when His Majesty

was condemning him at the royal court?

An innocent man has been condemned to exile!

I know.

You know?

General Park, fact is His Majesty acted on my advice.

What? What do you have against my brother to have done this?

General Yu is the finest warrior of this era.

Yes, that is quite true.

I can't blame his peers for their jealousy and envy.

It's time he took a break. And it must be made sure

that this kind of problems never arises again.

I don't understand. Could you be more direct?

I needed to turn His Majesty's attention away from his one

favored subject and comfort the other hardworking subjects who

were feeling neglected at the same time.

What? So you used my innocent brother?

Let me finish. There is more.

Gok Island is very close to the capital and it is vulnerable to

enemy attack. Our naval force is based around the capital.

This is an opportunity to fortify this exposed area

and rest General Yu as well.

Think about it. Isn't it too close to be called a place of

exile? It's less than ten miles away from the capital.

I guess it is, but...

Those who brought changes against General Yu should be bewildered.

His Majesty imposed punishment twice harsher than they had asked

for but exiled him to a place no different than the capital.

That's why I am so frustrated!

It was all done with a purpose.

There, you got your wish. Are you satisfied?

Now what will you do for me? Come forth if there is among

you anyone completely pure. That is His Majesty's message.

That's right! No one is perfect. To error is human.

Exactly. 'The stone you throw could bounce back and hit you.

This is not about General Yu. This is about you.'

This is His Majesty's warning. Now do you understand, General?

This is so confusing.

It's quite simple. This was done to prevent future

Factional strife and power struggle among the subjects

at the expense of General Yu's brief inconvenience.

Well, I cannot argue withyou since you say that you had a

previous discussion with His Majesty, but I am frustrated

and angry. This matter has gotten way out of hand!

Loyalty! Loyalty!

Welcome General. We've been waiting for you.

You still have not learned your lesson.

Do you think you're at a military parade? What is all this fuss?

We heard that you were wrongly exiled to this island, and the

tribal leaders of the frontier have come to welcome you.

Welcome a criminal offender?

No matter how you are regarded at royal court, you are eternally

our leader and great chief of the north. Right, men?

Yes!

We welcomed General Yu with a royal salute in Pyongyang.

They called that crime and banished him to this island.

How is it crime to wich our leader long wife?

Let us salute him once more! Long live the General!

Stop! Stop this insolence at once!

Do you men wish to be punished?

This is why they call you ignorant and uncivilized!

You must not do what the country tells you not to do!

You have called me the great chief of the north.

Yourr great chief commands you. Obey the orders of the king.

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

Answer me! Do you understand?

Yes, General...

I may have been exiled, but I have also been ordered to

inspect the defense situation of this vulnerable region.

You and I will be spending this time fortying the

local military force.

Work for this country, and you will be working for me!

Yes, General!

Proceed to the military camp.

This is not my place of exile but a new strategy hamlet!

A soldier never forgets about his enemy wherever he goes.

We must always be wary of Bekjae. Do you understand?

Yes, General!

It has been too long since I had the honor of pouring your drink.

Yes...

These last few years without war makes me feel as though

the world is at peace.

But it is not, Madam Kobe.

Fight for mastery continues inthe Three Kingdoms, and

the winner and the loser will ultimately be determined.

This quietude is temporary. Battles will start up again.

Again?

Yes. You may pour mean other glass.

Yes, Your Majesty.

Your Majesty, there is somzthing I have been meaning to ask you.

Speak.

About our son Geum-kang...

What about Geum-kang?

There is much talk among the subjects about him.

I know the dilemna and difficulty Your Majesty is faced with.

My subjects do not see it my way...

It is your intention to inherit the throne to Geum-kang?

Who told you this?

I don't need to be told. You made up your mind long ago.

It is too soon to say anything.

It is true that my heart is set on Geum-kang,

but my subjects oppose.

But you are the king. You will do what you wish.

I may be the king, but the sunjects are the foundation

of this kingdom. It will not be easy if they oppose in unison.

It's unwise to delay this matter. Make your decision, Your Majesty.

You will restore peace in the royal family and silence your

subject's complaints.

It is not that easy.

This requires prudence and caution.

Geum-kang must have the endorsement of my subjects.

But Geum-kang will be the next king regardless.

Madam Kobe, I hab no idea you were so covetous.

No, Your Majesty. I am just concerned by the division

among the subjects and groving tension between the princes.

I know. Please be patient.

I do need to make a decision soon. I do...

- Prince Shin-guhm, - Yes, Mother.

you spent the entire day playing kyuk-gu yesterday.

Shouldn't you be working instead?

What is there for me to do in this court?

I had to do something to relieve my stress.

Nonsense. You must work harder.

It will be no use. Father's mind is firmly made up.

I know that he has his heart set o Geum-kang.

He and Madam Kobe are plotting their scheme as we speak.

But you mustn't be discouraged.

You are the rightful heir to the throne of Bekjae.

Do not let anyone take your birthright from you.

But father is the one holding the sword.

It is his decision which way to strikes.

What could I possibly do?

So be on your toes! You cannot veer off course just because

your father is against you!

Be strong. This kingdom belongs to you. Do you understand?

It belongs to you.

This way.

Do we still have a long way to go?

No, Prime Minister.

The Vice Prime Minister's villa is just around that corner.

Let us hurry.

Oh...My luck takes a turn for the worse this year...

The path I must cross becomes darker and darker...

I read my fortune every new year, but this is

the hardshest luck yet.

One disaster follows another for the next three years...

Perhaps my end is near...

His Majesty's luck is just as grim, hence ill fortune reigns

over the entire kingdom. Then what does this mean?

Is everything coming to an end? But I've accomplished nothing.

Bekjae has been sinking since the battle of Gochang...

And now even the stars are against us...

Who goes there?

The Prime Minister wishes to see the Vice Prime Minister.

See the guests in.

Yes, my lord.

Open the gate!

Prime Minister! To what do I owe the honor of your visit?

I thought we might have a cup of tea together.

Please come inside.

Thank you.

I'm sure you are surprised by my visit.

I wasn't expecting you.

I was hoping we could let our guards down and have a heart

to heart talk.

What's on your mind?

It was I who recruited you into court many years ago.

Yes, how could I forget?

His Majesty calls me an old man and ignores me now, but

I am still his loyal servant.

Years have passed all too soon and His Majesty is now 66 yhears

of age. He says I am old, but so is he in my opinion.

Perhaps you could get to the point.

It's about the future of this kingdom, about succession of

the throne. We are running out of time and I need your help.

My help?

We haven't exactly been very close, but that is not entirely

my fault. His majesty kept us distant.

Human heart is fickle... I lived my life only for my

master, but one day I awoke to find my master has abandoned me.

That is untrue.

Prince Shin-guhm is the rightful heir to the throne, but his

Majesty is ig noring this. And he condemns his good

subjects and calls them corrupt when they give him good advice.

I fear for the future of this kingdom. Please help me.

Is this why you are here?

Yes.

What is more important? One man or the country?

I know. You don't think Prince Shin-guhm is competent.

But I assure you. Prince Geum- kang is no more qualified.

There will be woes if the throne is stolen from the rightful heir.

His Majesty has completely made up his mind.

I know. That is why I am asking for your help.

Give prince Shin-guhm one more chance.

He left his father to die at Gochang battle. Do you deny this?

The throne was being snatched right from under his nose.

It would cross the minds of all of us in his shoes.

He does not want to hurt his own father.

It wouldn't have happened if it weren't for Prince Geum-kang.

Just one chance. That is all i ask. Will you help?

I know that you support Geum-kang, but one chance is

all I ask. Do this for the future of this kingdom.

He has had plenty of chances. One more won't change anything.

I beg you. I believe Prince Shin-guhm holds the future.

His Majesty is getting old. This administration needs

change in order to realize the unification.

All right. What can I do?

You know what to do.

All I ask is for His Majesty to open his tightly sealed heart.

Just don't let him end everything like this.

Fine. I will try yo persuade His Majesty one more time.

Thank you, Vice Prime Minister.

Koryo has seized control of Shilla's military.

Shilla is merging into Koryo right before our eyes.

I know.

Danger is approaching Bekjae. We've been fighting for decades

for one goal - unification. But we are losing the fight.

We need a catalyst to turn this war around.

Only Prince Shin-guhm can do this. His Majesty is no longer capable.

This is his last chance.

I will create an oportunity for him. But his will be his last.

Fine, Vice prime Minister. My visit tonight was worth it!

But you will end up resenting me still, Prime Minister.

What do you mean?

That is out fate.

There is nothing that anyone can say or do to change His

Majesty's mind. But if this fails, you will blame me.

Perhaps, but ...

The tea is getting cold. Please drink.

One thing that is certain is that our hearts are in

the right place. With that I am content tonight.

Please drink.

Thank you.

An envoy has come all the way from Oolung Island?

Yes, Your Majesty. They have offered their loyalty to you.

Such display of devotion from a small island is commendable.

Award grant governmlent posts to local baron Bekil and the

chieftain and allow them to govern the island.

Yes, Your Majesty.

It says Lord Shindal of North Mijilbu has surrendered to us.

Kejilbyun wishes to surrender as well?

Yes, Your Majesty.

Lords that hold sway over that land that remained of Shilla

are coming under your feet after your visit to Surabul.

Guide them well and secure their pledge of loyalty.

Yes, Your Majesty.

I heard that General Park caused quite a scene at your chamber.

He was frustrated about what happened to his sworn brother.

How dare he show such disrespect to an elder!

No, no. It is my duty as an elder to listen to the subjects'

complaints and let them vent their frustrations sometimes.

It is inexcusable.

- Minister of Military, - Yes, Your Majesty.

How is General Yu serving his time in exile?

I am told he is repenting his crime and working very

hard among the soldiers.

Good. He must pay for his offense.

But I'm afraid banishment is a bit severe.

Please grant him a pardon soon.

Nonsense.

He may be my brother but je must pay for his crime.

But Your Majesty, his crime does not warrant such harsh

punishment. Exile is...

How can you say this, Captain Chu?

You are the man who enforces the law in this kingdom!

Do not waste my time with this!

Might you consider one more time, Your Majesty?

I said no!

General Park is quite displeased, and I'm afraid...

You may leave. General Yu is getting what he deserves.

Your Majesty, Governor Wang an Lord Yu seek your audience.

See them in.

You may leave now. I require privacy.

Leave us!

Yes, Your Majesty. Let us go, Minister of Military.

We will retire,Your Majesty.

Please sit down.

It has been a while.

Yes, Your Majesty.

To what do we owe your summons, Your Majesty?

Do I need a reason? I simply wanted to have a few drinks.

Soon they will bring us refreshments.

So have you been content lately?

I don't understand...

It's just a question, my fellow. Just a question.

Odd... His Majesty has summoned Lord Wang and General Yu just to

have a drink...

What is odd about that?

The two of them were involved in General Yu's prosecution.

That's right. That must be why they were called.

Yes, I'm certain of it.

The Imperial Guardian and Captain Chu spoke to His Majesty about

that case just prior to tis, but they were chastised and sent out.

General Yu's punishment was too harsh for the crime.

The nomad tribal leaders committed the crime, but

he was removed from office and exiled!

Yes, it was a bit severe. I never thought he'd be exiled.

In any case, I wonder what they are discussing...

Let us drink.We have been too remiss.

Yes, Your Majesty.

Cousin Shikryum, you've worked very hard developing

the west capital. You've built schools, restored and expanded

the castle and attracted population into the city.

Thank you, Your Majesty. I was only doing my job.

That is not all. You sacrificed your brother's life for the

country. I will never forget that.

Your grace is immeasurable. I am humbled by your praise.

I have build a temple for Cousin Shin and ordered monks

to pray for his eternal peace.

Thank you, Your Majesty.

- And General Hong, - Yes,Your Majesty.

I often wonder where I'd be right now if it weren't for you.

I don't understand.

You are a founding merit subject and a subject first class who

hold great political power in this court.

Your Majesty...

One is a king's cousin who built the second capital, and the other

is a founding merit subject who wins every battle he fights.

I don't understand the rift between you and General Yu.

Did General Yu really deserve to be exiled?

His Majesty, that's...

Let us take our time and discuss that over a drink tonight.

What do you find amusing, Minister of Military?

His Majesty is handling everything perfectly.

Pardon?

He is cleverly tightening control of his subjects.

Lord Wang and General Hong should be sweating bullets by now.

All was at your advice.

Yes. Irt was a maneuver for the benefit of the kingdom.

It is much harder to make one realize his own mistakes than

it is to use a whip.

His Majesty is accomplishing all objectives he had in mind.

What's wrong, sire?

My chest...

Are you all right?

I've been feeling chills, but I will be all right.

Pour me another cup of tea.

You're in a lot of pain. Should I call a physician,

No, it's just a cold. I will be fine.

Drink your tea.

Please let me call a physician, sire.

No, I will be fine.

We will hear more about His Majesty's meeting soon.

Let us drink.

What are you waiting for, Cousin Shikryum? Drink.

Yes, Your Majesty.

Let me pick up where I left off. Cousin Shikryum.

You are the governor of West Capital.

There you are as powerful as the king.

And Geumpil is a military general respected by all in the north.

How did this happen when it is clear that both of you are

devoted to your country?

Your Majesty, I simply felt he needed to be chastised for

his undutiful conduct.

Let's say that is true.

- Then General Hong, - Yes, Your Majesty.

What would the world say if a merit subject always asserts

himself and condemns those in his personal disfavor?

They would say he is abusing his position.

No, I was simply...

What would happen to this country if you abuse your ^positions and

rule over your peers?

Forgive me, Your majesty. I just thought it was

dangerous for any one person to possess too much merit...

Yes, Your Majesty. We tought arrogance and misuse of power

has to be suppressed.

That is untrue! Jealousy was the reason.

You are the highest official in West Capital, but Geumpil

had more public respect.

Your Majesty...!

General Hong was the most recognized warrior on the

battlefield, but Geumpil came into scene. Am I wrong?

These are the seeds of dissension and power struggles that

eventually tear the country apart. Don't you agree?

Your Majesty...

Power is short-lived. It has no meaning.

Do you understand? Power is meaningless!