Original subtitles

Bring back King Wang Guhn's head.

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

Father...!

This throne will be yours! This throne!

Did you hear me? I am offering you the throne.

Yes, Father.

You are my son. Why would I hate you?

It was because you are my eldest.

I expected more from you than I did from any of your brothers.

It is only fitting for the eldest to inherit the throne.

But why do I hesitate?

It's because you've disappointed me over and over again.

You are the son of the emperor and the first in

the line of succesion.

But it requires more than birthright to become a king.

A king is responsible for the lives of his people.

The welfare of the people, the kingdom and the future

lies in the hands of the king. Do you understand?

Yes, Father.

It is the duty of the king to provide food, shelter and

security to his people. Do you understand?

Yes, Father.

Shin-guhm,

you are my son.

My harshness toward you comes from love.

Do you understand?

Do you?

Yes, Father...

I do not hate you. It is your flaws and weaknesses that I hate.

And I chastised you only to correct your flaws.

I still love you.

Release your anger and resentment on the battlefield.

Renew yourself and prove yourself to me.

Then I will give you this throne as I promised.

And I will put an end to this dilemna.

That is my promise to you, my son.

Yes, Father.

I have been so foolish...

You bring me to my tears with your forgiveness and love.

I will return your love, Father.

Thank you, Father. Thank you...

Good.

But remember this. This is your last chance.

You will forfeit all of your rights to Geum-kang if you fail.

Do you understand?

Yes, Father.

Good. Now go. Your warriors await you.

Go and devise a strategy for this battle.

This is your last chance. Go.

Father, you don't know how much this means to me.

I will not let you down, Father.

Your grace is immeasurable

His Majesty has ordered an invasion of Koryo's capital.

This is an important operation that could turn the tide of

the war.

But Koryo's naval force is renowned for its superiority.

How could we get pass them and enter Yaesung River?

As the military advisor, I am quite curious as well.

How do you intent do break through Koryo's naval force?

Tell us your plans, Vice Prime Minister.

A military strategy is devised after complete examination of

all controlling factors. Vice Prime Minister's plan is timely

and foolproof. You need not question the feasibility.

I have thoroughly examined the pattern and movement of the enemy.

They have concentrated their efforts on ground troops only

and particularly around the Bekjae-Shilla border region.

As result, their naval forces have become dormant, and their

war vessels have turned into fishing or commercial vessels.

Hence now is the perfect time to strike Koryo's capital,

which is connected to the sea by Yaesung River.

I am getting chills down my spine. This is an amazing idea!

Yes! We can strike the enemy at the heart!

Yes. They intend to bring back the king's head as well.

And Prince Shin-guhm has been called upon to lead

this tremendous mission!

- General Sangui, - Yes, Your Highness.

You are the commanding general of our naval force.

You will be in charge of the battles on the sea as

my second in command.

Yes, Your Highness.

You will be staying behind this time, Geum-kang.

Don't take this personally.

Of course not, Brother.

I place General Park in charge of all preparations and supplies.

Yes, Your Highness.

His Majesty expects only victory.

We will commence training and preparations at once and leave

for Yaesung River as soon as possible.

This operation must be prepared and executed in strict secrecy.

Remember this, and do your very best to put Bekjae back on top.

Is that understood?

Yes, Your Highness.

His Majesty has said this would be our last chance

for me, Shin-guhm, and for Bekjae to rise again.

Do not forget that.

Yes, Your Highness.

We've built an impressive naval force.

Yes, Your Highness. We lack nothing against Koryo.

Bekjae has always had larger body of water but never won

a sea battle against Koryo.

The king of Koryo was a seafarer.

Oh yes, I have heard about that.

He comes from a family of sea merchants

Yes, so he is very knowledgeable about the sea.

He had spearheaded the battle that resulted in

our loss of Geumsung.

Things will be different this time.

Yes. According to reports, Koryo's naval forces have

been neglected for many years.

I hope we succed...

Much of the responsibility will be yours if we fail.

That's correct.

Why did you recommended me for this job when you know this?

All of my decisions are for this kingdom.

Why don't you tell me the real reason? Why are you helping me?

I do know that the Prime Minister pleaded with you.

No. In all honesty, I am here for the kingdom

All right, I will accept that.

You were there too, but I was surprised to see

that my father still cares about me.

He had begun to chance somewhere along the way.

I think it began when Geum-kang lost his eye.

He swallowed his own eyeball that came off at the tip of

an arrow saying that it was a precious gift from Father.

How could any father not adore such a son?

But it was more so because luck was not with you.

Don't you agree?

I suppose you are right.

How does it look? How do you see me, Vice Prime Minister?

What do you mean?

Will I really become the next emperor?

Father promised me the throne if I return victorious.

Will that promise be kept?

Why do you remain silent? It is unlikely?

The throne is granted by God. How could I foretell?

But I do believe victory in this battle will give you an advantage.

Is that right? Me?

Yes, Your Highness.

If only you could ascend to the throne without bloodshed...

Bloodshed? What do you mean?

I meant nothing by it.

I've lived the last few years in great frustration.

Please give me your continuing support.

I will be indebted to you.

Everything I do is for the kingdom. I will do all I can.

Thank you. I really appreciate that.

I have a good feeling about this operation.

Let us go the meeting and discuss the final strategy.

Yes, Your Highness.

We will launch our fleet in early September and proceed

to Yaesung River through the roundabout way.

Please elaborate for us, Vice Prime Minister.

Yes. Our forces will be divided into three divisions.

Prince Shin-guhm's 1st division will proceed directly to Koryo's

capital Song-ak upon landing at Yaesung River.

Permit me to accompany him.Will they strike the imperial Palace?

Of course.

Then they will face General Yu Geumpil. I must be there.

General Yaesul has much to pay back to General Yu.

Yes, I know. But General Yu is not in the capital.

He has been exiled, I'm told.

Exiled?

His absence is another lucky break for us.

You may fight with the 1st division since you have

volunteered.

Moving right along, the 2nd division will be lead by

Generals Sangui, Shin-duk, Choi Pil, Padal and Sang-ae

will proceed to Yumju and Bekjy and destroy their naval base.

Yes, Adviser.

Prince Yang-guhm will command the 3rd division and target Jungju.

Adviser Jonghoon will assist him along with Prince Yong-guhm and

General Kim Chong.

Yes, Adviser.

Keep in mind that this is a top secret mission.

Yes, Adviser.

This will be an epic battle.

Our goal is to annihilate Koryo's naval force, set

the imperial capital ablaze and capture the enemy king.

Yes, but we require an effective way to deceive the enemy.

Our warships will be disguised as KJoryo's commercial vessels.

Once we enter Yaesung River and approach Song-ak, we will

transform ourselves back to warships.

Is that clear?

Yes, Your Highness.

This battle is in the hands of the Vice prime Minister.

I have risked my life on his direction, and I ask you for

your very best effort.

Yes, Your Highness.

We must set Koryo's imperial capital ablaze and bring back

the king's head.

Remember. An opportunity like this will never come again!

I heard you were quite ill, Minister of Military.

Yes, I suffered a cold.

But I am fine now. Forgive me for the concern I have caused.

Take care of yourself. Your workload may have been too heavy.

It is true. Hence he has requested a short leave.

A leave? My dear fellow, this country requires your constant

attention. A leave is out of the question.

But Your Majesty, he is overworked and in ill health.

Perhaps it requires more attention.

Yes, he looks quite pale and sickly.

It was a mere cold.

We can't run this administration without you. Right, Captain Bok?

No, but he does look quite ill...

Might I suggest a visit to the royal physician?

No, all I require is some rest.

Your Majesty, please allow me to take a short leave.

Perhaps he could take a less taxing position instead.

How do you feel about working in the department of secretary

for a while?

But Lord Wang Kyu is in that department.

I mean for you to assist Lord Wang at a leisurely pace with

less taxing domestic concerns.

That would be wonderful, Minister of Military.

Health is important indeed. Nothing matters without it.

It may be a lower position, but take the deputy secretariat

position and remain in court.

Yes, Your Majesty. Thank you for your attention.

Yes. I cannot manage without you, Choi Ung.

Please take care of yourself.

Yes, Your Majesty.

Now where were we, Imperial Guardian?

My cousin Shikryum has requested pardon of Yu Geumpil?

Yes. I came at his ardent request.

I beg you to display your compassion, Your Majesty.

No. Our misunderstandings have been cleared, but

compassion will not overturn an official conviction.

Put that matter aside for now. It has only been a few months.

Now moving right along...

Good. We've received a large shipment of goods from Tang.

Yes, Your Majesty. Our merchants have acquired

the gifts you intend to send to Shilla.

Very good. We must maintain good relations with Shilla.

Captain Bok will make the trip to Surabul this time

Yes, Your Majesty.

Present the saddled pedigree and the precious metal goods

to the king and finery to the high officials.

Send teas and silk headbands to the region lords,

and the best teas and incense to the high monks.

Yes, Your Majesty

Peace reigns over the land. The wars have ceased, and

Shilla's trust and reliance toward us has grown stronger.

It is about time for another tour of the west capital.

- Prince Imperial, - Yes, Your Majesty.

it is your duty and mine to inspect the country while

there is peace. You will join me on this tour.

Yes, Your Majesty.

All is at peace. If only this peace could last forever...

Imperial Guardian, please make arrangements for our tour.

As you wish, Your Majesty.

There is nothing better than peace.

Peace is happiness for the people and their king.

You've been given an opportunity that warriors

only dream about. Shin-guhm,

Yes, Your Majesty.

Do not forget our promise.

No, Your Majesty.

Do not return if you fail.

But if you return triumphant, I will keep my promise to you.

Yes, Father. I will win this battle.

I will bring back King Wang Guhn's head for you.

Yes. I pray that you will.

Was that heard?

Yes, Your Majesty.

Your Majesty, the Vice Prime Minister will be at his side.

They will succeed.

Yes, Your Majesty.I have a good feeling about this battle.

You always do. Always!

Strength is not proven until it is measured.

Humble yoursel and fight with everything you've got.

Yes, Your Majesty.

Now go. Your fleet awaits you.

Fight hard and return triumphant.

We will not let you down, Your Majesty.

We will return triumphant, Your Majesty.

Please, please bring back Wang Guhn's head this time.

Please!

At last we are at sea, Vice Prime Minister.

Yes, Your Highness.

His Majesty is overly thorough.

He emphasized our deal even as we said goodbye.

That is His Majesty.

He had already founded a kingdom at my age.

No, he was much younger. But look at how pathetic I am...

Forget about the past and concentrate on your future.

But I continue to encounter obstacles.

- Vice Prime Minister, - Yes, Your Highness.

We will win this time, won't we?

You wouldn't have come with me if you had doubts.

Yes, I believe we will. But don't pursue the king of Koryo.

Stars say that death is not in his immediate future.

Oh yes. You are proficient in astrology and divination.

One naturally acquires such knowledge in the course of

academics pursuits.

Then tell me. What is my fortune?

Will it ever blossom?

I wouldn't be here if I could see the future.

I would be making a lucrative living as a foreteller.

Do your best and you will succeed, Your Highness.

I must. I am not to return if I fail.

My only option is death.

So I must succeed for my own survival.

It's a three-day travel to Yaesung river.

In another two days, we will be in Koryo's capital Song-ak.

Two days...

I can hardly wait.

We must, we must succeed.

- Cousin Shikryum, - Yes, Your Majesty.

You've done an amazing job in the west capital.

Your praise is too kind, Your Majesty.

This is a huge city that was once the heart of Old Koguryo.

Rebuilding this city was my lifelong dream.

Yes, I know.

We've transformed this city into the second capital that

rivals Song-ak. Your palace is in construction as well.

But do not overwork the people. They fight our wars, build our

buildings and still suffer from hunger and distress.

Care for them like you would your own children.

Yes, Your Majesty.

By no means is this city less striking than Song-ak.

I am impressed, Your Majesty.

Yes. This is a tremendous accomplishment, Governor Wang.

I am humbled.

The west capital will become the northern portal of interchange

for us and increae our diplomatic relations with Tang.

Tend to these matters as well, Cousin.

Yes, Your Majesty.

But we must remain guarded against the nomads.

They are rough, uncivilized people who are simple-minded

and covetous. Build lodges outside the fortress wall

and keep them under control.

Yes, Your Majesty.

I always feel a sense of relief and confidence when I come here.

Well now, let us to go the villa and try some local wine.

It's a beautiful day, Your Majesty.

- Imperiam Guardian, - Yes, Your Majesty.

The deposed king Goongyae was a man of great vision and ambition.

He could have unified the peninsula and conquered the

north if it weren't for his morbid tyranny.

But he took too many innocent lives.

He commited too many inhuman acts of violence.

It was due to a mentam illness that came from zealousness.

He was too eager for unification and territory expansion.

But his crime are unjustifiable.

True, but he was a hero.

And a hero seldom dies a hero. Many of them meet tragic ends.

It is true. Study Chinese history, and you will find

that last days of heroes were most often miserable.

Yes. A true hero is one who resigns to being a hero.

All he has to do is forsake his greed for honor and power,

but that is easier said than done.

But Your Majesty is doing just that.

You've rebuilt Koryo, brought Shilla under your feet and soon

you will conquer Bekjae. You are a true here, Your Majesty.

You give me too much credit. My desires are humble.

To die a worthy death for my country, that is my only dilemna.

Drink up, men.

This tour has made me feel rejuvenated and alive.

Your joy delights us as well, Your Majesty.

Let us enjoy the evening and tour beyond the fortress wall

tomorrow.

It is a wonderful evening.

It is already high noon, Your Highness.

We should approach Yaesung River by nighfall.

It's time to transform the fleet as merchant ships from Tang.

We'll they fall for it?

We've been following the merchant channel, so they will not be

suspicious. We will be set once the first ship passes through.

The battle is as good as won once we enter Yaesung River.

Initiate preparations, General Yaesul.

We must move in deeper to approach the imperial capital.

Yes, Your Highness.

Perhaps we should divide the troops now.

Orders have already been issued. The 2nd and the 3rd division will

each proceed to their target.

The ocean looks beautiful against the clear skies.

It will look even more beautiful once we win this battle.

But if we lose?

It will be a sea of hell. But that will not happen.

You are a hard man to figure out, Vice Prime Minister.

You were a prominent lord of Shilla and one of their

three prodigies. You studied abroad in Tang and even served

government office there. Why did a man of your

background settle down in Bekjae on your return home Shilla?

Survival is an instinct.

What would I do in Shilla when it is dying?

I see. Then I suppose our victory is a guarantee

since you always know what you're doing.

Do not worry, Your Highness. You will succeed.

I must succeed. But I am quite nervous.

Soon the night will fall and we will be in Yaesung River.

Where did all those ships come from?

There's been heavy traffic of merchant ship from Tang.

and Wuyue lately.

But I've never seen such a huge fleet! We better report this.

Of course. Go head. I'll stay here.

State your point of departure!

We come from Tang bringing salt and textiles at the

order of the royal house!

We were not informed about your fleet.

These goods are bound for Shilla.

Oh yes, I heard about the court sending imported goods to Shilla.

You men are working hard.

Catch!

Here's some meat and wine for you.

Much obliged! This was quite unnecessary.

You may pass.

Thank you!

Men, hoist the sail! We must hurry before nightfall!

This is wine, sir.

We appreciate this!

Pay attention, commanders. We have entered Yaesung River.

Soon we will be at the port that will take us to Song-ak.

Prepare for battle. It will soon be nightfall.

Yes, General.

- Vice Prime Minister, - Yes.

We're here at last.

The imperial capital of Koryo is right before our eyes.

Yes. Remain calm, Your Highness. Soon we will enter Song-ak.

Will the king of Koryo be there?

Yes, I'm sure.

I must have his head. I must not fail this time.

Heaven must be on your side. It is almost nightfall and

the enemy doesn't seem to have an inkling of our arrival.

Yes, it appears that way. Everything is smoth so far.

- General Yaesul, - Yes, Your highness.

do not light up the ship.

Bit the horses and bring them up from the lower deck.

The elite vanguards will spearhead the attack.

Yes, Your Highness.

This is it. We must take King Wang Guhn's head and

sit his imperial capital ablaze.