Original subtitles

No matter how great, power and glory does not last forever.

Yes, Your Majesty...

I know how hard you have worked for this kingdom.

But power is meaningless.

I don't believe you did this out of greed for power.

You denounced General Yu out of patriotism. Isn't that so?

Yes. I am an old man now. What selfish motive could there be?

That's right. That is why I have invited you here tonight.

Then let me ask you for an advice. How long should we

keep General Yu in exile? How soes 20 years sound?

No, Your Majesty! Please release him now.

What do you think?

Much of this is our fault. Please release him.

What about my reputation?

Who would respect the law if the king were so capricious?

But since you insist, we shall reduce his sentence to 2 years.

Two years? That is too long, Your Majesty.

Please bring him back now.

Yes. The fortunate thing is that you did this not out of

self-interest and jealousy but out of love for your country.

In fact, if anyone deserves to be punished, it is I.

I should've been more sensitive to my sunjects' feelings.

It was my error.

No, no, Your Majesty.

Please stop. We don't know what to do...

Yes, Cousin. We shall stop. But I do want to say this.

We cannot have internal division in this court. Right, General?

Absolutely, Your Majesty.

Bekjae is shaking right now.

It was solid as a rock for many years, but it's begun to crumble.

And we learned that the king and his son are in conflict.

This has caused confusion and division in the court,

and resulted in defection of one of its officials to our kingdom.

Bekjae has begun to expose their weakness.

The regime with internal division cannot unify the peninsula.

I deliberately exaggerated General Yu's crime to stop

division in this court.

But the truth is General Yu's crime is my crime.

No, Your Majesty.

General Hong and Cousin Shikryum,

Yes, Your Majesty.

I sincerely apologize to the two of you.

Please forgive me. And please accept my bow.

No, Your Majesty! You mustn't do this!

Don't do this, Your Majesty! We confess our error.

Please forgive us, Your Majesty. We were wrong.

We've cleared up all confusion tonight and saw what is in each

other's heart. Let us work even harder together for our country.

Yes, Your Majesty.

Thank you. Thank you very much.

Your tea is served, my lord.

Bring it in.

Hot tea will not do, sire. May I fetch a physician?

I will give it another day.

But it's been two days, my lord. You require a physician.

Perhaps...This is no ordinary cold.

I am burning up one minute and cold the next, and I

can't breathe well either.

Yes, you may fetch a physician.

Yes, my lord.

Oh dear, oh dear...

What fascinating fate!

Choi ung of Koryo is at his life's end according to the

book of divination.

He was born in January of 55th term of the sexagenary cycle.

Oh dear, what ill-fated man he is...

He will not make it through the year.

I spoke disparagingly about His Majesty and my own

approaching ill fortune, but here is a fortune even worse.

The royal advisors are the true navigators of a kingdom.

Bekjae has been run by me, and Koryo has been run by Choi Ung.

We share similar fate, but his time will come before mine.

All is vanity in life...

That young genius is to die. What a shame...

Does it irritate you again?

Yes. Perhaps the wine is making it worse.

I will be fine.

Shall I call a physician?

I will not make a fuss over some rashes.

Soon they will disappear.

More importantly, where is the Vice Prime Minister?

I have not seen him in a few days.

I suppose he is taking a few days off for the new years.

But he should know that I require his constant advice!

Imperial attendant!

Yes, Your Majesty.

Send for the Vice Prime Minister.

Yes, Your Majesty.

Your Majesty.

Yes?

Won't you call Geum-kang as well?

Why?

Frequent visits and discourse with you would provide valuable

lessons for the future ruler.

Lessons for the future ruler?

Such lessons are taught by experience.

These are warring times. Warfare, territory expansion,

mastery; these are what the king must know.

Then teach Geum-kang those things, Your Majesty.

Madam, I know how you feel.

But I cannot show special interest any one particular son.

My subjects are watching.

But Your Majesty

Be patient. I must not display favoritism.

I will sort everything out in due time.

But I am afraid, Your Majesty.

Afraid? What are you afraid of?

Menacing eyes of the brothers are upon Geum-kang.

That again! I am still here, and they are still brothers.

They will not harm him. And you mustn't rush me.

This requires process and endorsement of the subjects.

Let us drink.

Yes, Your Majesty.

Prepare a fresh tray of refreshments for the Vice

Prime Minister.

Yes, Your Majesty.Geum-kang and I are counting on you.

According to the stars, Koryo is to thrive while

Bekjae begins to struggle...

All prospects are bleak and unstable...

I cannot let this happen. We must break through this stalemate.

This dark cloud must be lifted.

Troops have lost their spirit since Gochang battle, and the

subjects are in strife over the succession of the throne.

There has to be a way to turn this around...

My lord,

Yes?

A messenger is here from the palace.

A messenger?

Yes, my lord. His Majesty requests your presence.

His Majesty summons me?

Yes, Vice Prime Minister.

Fine, I will follow shortly. You may go.

Things have become so complex...

Yes, His Majesty is getting too old. No one can deny this.

A successor must be decided now. Prince Geum-kang?

He is brave and spirited, but he is still too young.

Then Prince Shin-guhm?

But ill lick follows him everywhere he goes...

Our future looks grim unless internal problems are resolved.

Then look for a solution from the exterior?

Let me pour you a drink, Prime Minister.

I am not fond of drinking, Your Highness.

How odd...It seems all intellects prefer tea to wine.

That's because we prefer to be clearheaded at all times.

I envy you. I haven't had a day of compete sobriety

since I reached adulhood.

I've lived my whole life in intimidation trying to avoid

father's criticisms and win his favors.

Do not deprecate yourself. You still have many chances.

First stop drinking. Others may think that you are giving up.

But it is true.

The Vice Prime Minister has agreed to help you.

Yes, I heard, but I am quite surprised.

I never expected him to stand on my side.

He is guileless man.

He, too, believes that you should succeed to the throne.

His Majesty's obstinacy is his only reason why he hasn't helped.

Time is cruel.

I am almost fifty years of age, and I am still nothing.

It is a New Year. Things will change.

Practice restraint.

You mustn't let Prince Geum-kang see you weak.

I don't know. I am tired. Every day is a living hell.

I am sick of living like this.

Have some tea since you do not drink.

I have already had a few glasses of wine since this afternoon.

Do you have a boil, Your Majesty? You keep scratching your back.

Yes, I have something on my back that is irriting me.

I should have a physician take a look.

What have you been doing in the confines of your home?

I've been engrossed in several mattes of the state.

Just a I thought.

You're the one who holds the fate of this kingdom after all.

Bekjae has been sinking. We must find a way to turn things around.

Yes. We must look for a way to break out of this stagnation.

Have you come up with any ideas?

I will not intervene in the area of domestic problems.

The only real problem inside the kingdom concerns my sons.

It's quite frustrating. My eldest is incompetent,

and everyone is against Geum-kang whom I want to pass on my seat.

I suppose I will give it more time.

So what about Koryo? Any goodideas?

Yes, Your Majesty. I have been exploring a strategy.

Is that right? Tell me.

It's a plan that could make king Wang guhn's blood run cold.

Make Wang Guhn's blood run cold?

The war between Koryo and Bekjae has been primarily a land battle.

That's right.

We will strike a crushing blow to their sleeping naval force

and reduce the capital of Koryo to ashes.

Strike a crushing blow to Koryo's naval force and

reduce Song-ak to ashes?

Yes. This strategy will stun the world and restore our

sinking spirit.

It's the sea, Your Majesty. We can crush their confidence,

and perhaps bring back King Wang Guhn's head.

Bring back Wang Guhn's head?

Is there really such a strategy?

Yes, Your Majesty.

Koryo has been preoccupied with Shilla since they began

full alliance. They are under an illusion that they have

realized the unification.

Yes, I know. I am quite disturbed about that.

The king of Shilla is fawning to the king of Koryo who has

his head held up high like he owns the world.

In truth, Shilla is as good as his.

Yes. Our defeat in Gochang has intensified their relationship.

The world will be shocked if we attack Koryo's capital

through Yaesung River by way of the ocean now.

It is an ingenious plan!

Reduce Song-ak to ashes and bring back Wang Guhn's head?

It would be fantastic if we can succeed!

When will we begin this operation?

Who will we send in command? Should I go myself?

I advise you to stay. This will be a quick raid.

Yes, I suppose you're right. Then whom do you suggest?

Tell me. Who would fit the bill? I am quite anxious.

I recommend Prince Shin-guhm.

What? Who? Shin-guhm?

Yes, Your Majesty.

Are you out of your mind? You cannot be serious!

Your Majesty.

I don't want to hear it! Don't mention his name again!

Shin-guhm is out of the question!

He tried to kill his own father!

I could have had him prosecuted by martial law, but I did not

because he is my son!

Your Majesty, do not dwell on the past.

Boldly overlook his error and put him to good use.

Who? Shin-guhm?

Yes, Your Majesty.This court cannot afford further division.

This is my last request. Give Prince Shin-guhm one more chance.

I will accompany him this time.

You? To the capital of Koryo?

Yes, Your Majesty.

Why? For Shin-guhm?

For you and for this court. I will give up on Prince

Shin-guhm if this invasion fails due to his error.

Put Prince Geum-kang on the throne if that happens.

Do it quickly and end this confusion and division.

I promise you my support, Your Majesty.

Oh dear...

This is a difficult proposition.

You're supporting a hopeless candidate.

Geum-kang would do an incredible job if we put him in command.

This will be the last time, Your Majesty.

Please grant me this request. I will go with him.

Yaesung invasion must be assigned to Prince Shin-guhm.

Give this incredible mission to Shin-guhm?

Allow him the chance to slay Wang guhn and set the

capital of Koryo ablaze?

Oh dear...

Isn't it wonderful to see your children, Your Majesty?

Yes. I feel badly that I have been kept away by state affairs.

Today is your birdhay, Prince Soh.

Yes, Father.

I am glad that I can be with you on your birthday this year.

Aren't you, Madam Suin?

Your grace is immeasurable, Your Majesty.

You are the mistress of the palace, Empress.

Please look after my many wives and children.

Of course.

It was mother that remembered Brother Soh's birthday this year.

Yes. We are grateful for the empress's love and kindness.

You are a woman of abounding virtue.

You are embarrassing me. I am merely doing my duty.

Eat well, my son.

You must grow up healthy and strong.

Yes, Father.

Soh - He would grow up to be the 4th king of the Koryo Kwang-jong.

Madam Yu Suin of Choongju was mother to two future kings.

Kwang-jong's older brother Yo would succeed Haejong as the

3rd king of Koryo, then pass on the throne to Soh.

Out of 29 wives, Yu would bear most children for Wang Guhn.

Her five sons were Tae, King Jung-jog, King Kwang-jong,

posthumous honored King Moonwon, and High Mong Jeng-tong.

Her two daughters were princes Naklang and Hongbang.

Among them, the most prominent was King Kwang-jong who would

place Koryo on secure footing and become known as the Second

Founding King.

One might say that I am a greedy man for having 29 wives and

countless children.

You are the founding king. It is your duty to propagate

and secure the future of the kingdom.

It is true, Your Majesty.

Yes, and there is more. There are still many regions throughout

the three states where regional lords practice de facto control.

By establishing blood ties with them, we secure their territory

and their cooperation.

You don't need to explain, Your Majesty. I understand.

I'm glad to hear that.

Mark my words, Soh.

Your father will unite the Three Kingdoms without fail.

Yes, Father.

But after that, all is in the hands of you and your brothers.

It is your duty to preserve this kingdom.

You must be strong and healthy, do you understand?

Yes, Father.

His answer is quite confident.

I should be getting back to the imperial chamber now.

The minister of military has been absent for a few days.

For a few days?

Yes. I've sent an attendant, so I will hear from him soon.

I hope he is not ill.

Physician, speak up now that you have examined me.

Why are you silent?

Well...

What is it? Is there something difficult to say?

Forgive me, but when did these symptoms first begin?

I would guess it has been a while.

Well, I have had similar symptoms once in a great

while, but I couldn't tell you when they first began. Why?

Speak up. What is wrong?

Speak up, physician.

I regret most deeply, but it is a very serious illness.

A serious illness?

Speak up. How bad is this illness?

There is no cure.

No cure?

No. It is much too late for treatment. Malignant growth

has spread throughout the heart, liver and the lungs.

What? Malignant growth?

It has spread all over the organs, you say?

How could it be that it was undetected all this time?

Quiet down, caretaker.

Yes, my lord. Oh dear... What do we do, my lord?

Don't hold anything back. What will happen to me now?

In most cases, it is already too late when this disease

is detected. I'm afraid...

That's all right. Speak up. How much time do I have?

Well, I...

It's all right.

I'm afraid you only have a few months.

Are you saying that he only has a few months to live?

That is my opinion.

Oh no! What do we do, my lord?

What is this man saying, sire? He is no doctor. He is a phony.

Call the royal physician. I will inform to His Majesty.

Why do you make such a fuss?

All men must die. Some go a little sooner than the other.

Thank you, physician. But it is your duty as

a physician to keep this confidential.

Of course, sire.

My deepest regrets...

You may go.

Yes, sire.

Inform this to His Majesty and get the royal physician's

second opinion.

I have had a bad feeling for a while. I know that I am dying.

Why don't we have some tea?

Minister of military.

You came to the court because you are a prodigy just as I did.

Prodigies have high expectations to uphold.

You are a talented diviner. Won't you read my fortune?

I suppose it is pointless to know what cannot be changed.

Just have some tea.

Call for a fresh pot of hot water. Now.

...Yes, my lord.

Imperial Guardian, I require your help.

What can I do for you?

I realized how wrong I've been after talking to His Majesty.

Help me to free General Yu Geumpil from exile.

I'm afraid that would be difficult.

Why is it difficult?

The fact is I already made such attempt shortly after

General Park Sulhee's protest.

But His Majesty strongly denied the request and chastised him.

Let us put that matter to rest.

No, I must undo what I have done. Please help me, Imperial Guardian.

My hands are tied. Perhaps the Minister of Military or

General Park Sulhee might be able to help.

General Hong Yu is with General Park now.

Is that right? General Yong Yu?

That is wonderful! This old man would be very relieved

if harmony is restored among the subjects.

An apology?

Yes. I realize that I may have been wrong.

Yes, you were. An innocent man has been exiled.

How could a man be exiled for being loyal to his country?

It is true that General Yu has rendered outstanding service,

but the others are just as loyal and hard working as he is.

I was simply concerned about his growing power.

But I realized I acted in haste after talking to His Majesty.

So I'm asking you to forgive me.

Forgive you? Forgive you?

I say this in all sincerity.

We must work together as one for the sake of this kingdom.

I tell you, I did not do this out of malice.

What do you say? Will you forgive or not?

You're not asking for forgiveness; you are demanding it!

Fine.

Remember how close we all used to be? Of course I forgive you.

Brother Geumpil left for Gok Island with a smile.

He is probably enjoying this time off.

Thank you. Thank you for your magnanimity, General.

Think nothing of it.

I was prepared to go to you and try to make amends first.

This is wonderful. Let us be one again.

Thank you, General Park.

Repair the ships and build lookout towers all around.

All fisherman will be mandated to serve military duty in

conjuction with their trade. Is that understood?

Yes, General.

Do not spare your self for your country!

Long period of lull and neglect has left our naval force in

unrecognize condition.

Pay attention, tribal leaders and regional lords!

Yes, General.

I may be here serving a sentence for a crime, but I am your great

chief. I will be keeping my eyes on you.

Soldiers must always be ready for the enemy.

Repair the war vessels and prepare all local fishing

vessels to be used in colbat at any given time.

Yes, General!

This is the last gateway to the imperial capital and

vulnerable to enemy attack. Go about each task as if

we were in a state of war. Is that clear?

Yes, General.

Vice Prime Minister wants me to put you in command of the

Yaesung River invasion. Have you heard?

Yes, Your Majesty.

I've fought countless battles, but this is most inspiring

and exciting invasion that could shok the world.

Vice Prime Minister is pushing me to give this incredible

project to you, Shin-guhm.

It appears you still have some luck left seeing that

you've been granted this tremendous opportunity.

But the question is, will you succeed.

Yes, Father. I will not let you down. Please trust me.

Trust you?

Trust you?

Yes, I should trust you since you are my son.

I can imagine how frustrated you must've been to try to

kill your own father.

Father...

Yes, I should give you another chance.

But Shin-guhm, this is your very last chance.

Do not expect more from me.

And blame your incompetence before you resent me if you fail.

Bring back King Wang Guhn's head.

If you do, I will pass this throne on to you.

Father!

You will have this throne. This throne!