Original subtitles

What are you waiting for? The emperor is hee!

I'm sorry, but Lord Choi is indisposed...

Where is he? Where is Choi Ung?

His den is that way, Your Majesty.

My lord!

Your Majesty!

Choi Ung..Is he dead?

Yes, Your Majesty. He has left us...

It can't be! He can't be dead!

He would not leave me!

Heavens! He has died with his eyes open in a seated position.

Only highest priests die such a death...

He looks as if he is alive.

Yes...

Choi Ung!

You can't die!

How could you leave me?

Choi Ung, your king is here.

Say something! I command you to speak! Speak!

You can't die... You are a young man!

Oh, alminghty creator, how could you be so cruel?

Speak, Choi Ung! Speak!

Choi Ung - the son of Udal, merchant baron of Hwangju.

He was ordered killed at birth by King Goongyae and was raised in

concealment because cucumber vines in his family garden had

yielded melons at his conception, and this was

deemed an ill omen to the regime by the royal augur.

He was installed into office at age 14 and served the country

as the prodigy of the time.

His expert knowledge of Chinese Classics and composition earned

him adoration of King Goongyae who called him

a divine sage and kept him very close

After Goongyae turned despotic and began taking innocent lives

by claming to possess mind reading powers, Wang Guhn also

fell victim to his mistrust and faced death, but Choi saved his

life and played a vital role in Wang Guhn's rise to the throne.

Under Wang Guhn's administration, he held high offices in Supreme

Council, Ministry of Construction and Ministry of Military, and was

noted for his purity and selflessness.

Upon his death at 35, he was elevated to Great Son/Great

Guardian, and was buried at the royal sepulcher under

posthumous title of Bright and Calm.

You say Lord Choi Ung has passed on?

Yes, Mother. Father is heartbroken over the loss.

But Lord Choi was still a young man...

Everyone is grieving his death.

Life is just a fleeting moment, they say.

I can't believe death can come so unexpectedly at

such a young age.

Men know when they are born, not when they shall die.

Only god nows.

He was a genius of the century.

This is a great loss for the country as well.

Yes, but his untimely death is no surprise.

When we were worried about tomorrow, his job required

him to worry about the next thousand years.

His death is no surprise. It was stress. He was overworked

Imperial Guardian, this is the letter Choi Ung left for me.

Yes, Your Majesty.

He writes about the way of the ruler and exercising authority.

He warns us against borrowing foreign aid for unification.

I couldn't agree more.

Shilla was never able to free itself from Tang influence

because it had relied on Tang to unify the Three Kingdoms.

True. Choi Ung also tells us to reclaim the glory of Old Koguryo.

Denouncing toadyism, he says that virtue will win out force.

These are valuable advice.

Impetuous king of Bekjae Kyun-hwon does everything by brute force.

He tried to subdue Shilla by brutal attack on it's capital,

but you dealt with them with kindness and brought them under

your feet. It is an example of virtue winning out force.

This is advice about policy.

Oh dear, oh dear...

What is it, Your Majesty?

He writes about Bekjae. It will surely fall before long, he says.

Is that right?

Bekjae's royal advisor Choi Seung-woo implied that the

internal strife will be the cause of their fall.

Choi Seung-woo?

Yes. In a recent secret meeting, Choi grieved about

where to rest his bones.

Good heavens! When did this take place!

There's more. He advises me to seek Master Kyungbo in

Mt. Bekgae for counsel in preparation of unification.

Master Kyungbo?

Choi Ung says he will play a vital role.

He is the disciple of my teacher Master Dosun.

Master Kyungbo...Yes, a visit is due indeed.

Curiouly, Choi Ung writes as if Bekjae might fall tomorrow.

How could that be? King Kyun-hwon is no ordinary man.

Choi Ung was no ordinary man either, Your Majesty.

He was recognized as a genius at home and abroad.

I am certain this is not a groundless prediction.

Surely not, but...

Look at this report!

Shin Guhm has botched things up again in Gok Island!

What did I tell you?

Shin-Guhm always starts well but fails at the end.

Our naval force had greatly meneaced Daewoo Island, but

missed their chance somehow.

Yes. Prince Shin-guhm's work is commendable despite the

last oversight.He has managed to destroy Koryo's naval force and

ravage their imperial palace. These are unprecedented exploits.

What are you talking about? I'm pointing out his stupid

mistake in Gok Island! His earlier victories have become

meaningless because of that one mistake!

But Your Majesty, our naval force is still intact.

They encountered Yu Geumpil and suffered some damage,

but overall result was good.

Yes, Father. Brother Shin-guhm's merits are greater

than his failures.

I suppose that is true, but it is such a shame.

Such a shame..

Stop staring!

I will concede that his merits are greater than failures.

Our next target is Unju, and I will command the battle myself.

- Brother Neungyae, - Yes, Your Majesty.

Rearm the troops and prepare to strike again

once Shin-guhm returns. We mustn't lose this momentum

We must push forward and break the spirit of the enemy.

Yes, Your Majesty.

What's more, Koryo has recently lost their prodigy Choi Ung.

Yes, Your Majesty. They have declared national mourning.

We had suffered numerous blows because of that man.

His death is good news for Bekjae.

Let us go to Unju.

There we will break Koryo's spirit and restore our vitality.

Combine your efforts and initiate groundwork.

Yes, Your Majesty.

It's a new beginning. This is the new beginning for Bekjae.

I'm relieved.

His Majesty did not dwell on Prince Shin-guhm error.

Yes.

He is right about Shin-guhm in that he always starts well,

But blunders at the end.

He did a good job this time nonetheless.

He reduced Koryo's mighty navy to ashes and invaded

their royal palace.

I see a ray of hope. His Majesty acknowledged his merits.

And he had promised the throne to Shin-guhm if he succeeded

this mission.

Yes, but he slipped in Gok Island.

It's too weak to demand that the promise be kept.

Prince Shin-guhm must prove himelf once more on the

forthcoming Unju battle.

Is His Majesty really going to Unju himself?

Yes, but I believe he will take Prince Shin-guhm as well. Why?

His Majesty appeared rather unwell today.

He kept reaching for his back.

Yes, I noticed that weeks ago.

I think he has developed a boil on his back.

I suppose a boil cannot stop a man from going to war...

What's wrong? Is it bad?

Yes, Your Majesty. Why did you not call me sooner?

All you have to do is drain the puss when it's ready.

These are not ordinary boils They are contagious carbuncles.

Carbuncles?

Yes. They are worst of the boils and the infection is

deep an stubborn.

You exaggerate. They are just boils. What do you recommend?

You must refrain from alcohol and meat, avoid stressful

activities, control your temper and continue treatment until

they heal completely.

I can refrain from drinking, but control my temper and

avoid eating meat?

Rise in blood pressure can causes the infections to harden,

block the blood flow, and even cause unconsciousness.

You mustn't take this condition lightly, Your Majesty.

Is there any way to speed up the treatment?

This is going to last a while. You require rest, Your majesty.

Rest? Over a pimple on my back? I am to go command a war in Unju!

You mustn't take your condition lightly, Your Majesty.

Then look in on me regulary. And keep this confidential.

I do not want anything to dampen the spirit of my army.

Do you understand?

Yes, Your Majesty.

A tiny sore is causing so much annoyance...

Is it true that Shin-guhm is on his return?

Yes, Your Highness. He is nearing the palace.

Could a man be more luckless?

He was attacked on his return from a brilliant victory.

At least His Majesty's criticism was mild...

Yes, Your Highness. His Majesty was easy on him.

This is a critical time. His Majesty has openly

promised him the throne. He must prove himself worthy.

Many including Prince Geum-kang said his merits were

greater than failures.

Is that right? Geum-kang said this?

Yes, Your Highness. General Park Youngkyu agreed as well.

General Park is my son-in-law, but he stood with Geum-kang.

I am surprised that they are defending Shin-guhm.

They must've finally come around.

Yes, Your Highness.

Shin-guhm must prove himself once again.

I wonder if he knows how worried I am...

Your Highness, I congratulate you on your triumphant return.

Thank you, Prime Minister.

Well done, Vice Prime Minister.

Thank you.

We made great strides but blundered at the end.

We received the report.

His Majesty cares little of your oversight.

Let us go inside.

Welcome back, warriors. His Majesty awaits you.

Yes, Prime Minister.

Your reports were well received.

Many were good, but some were disappointing.

Your Majesty, forgive me for failing to fulfill my

duty to the end.

Knowing your mistake is the first step to preventing the next.

Learn from this and never repeat the same mistake again.

Yes, Your Majesty.

I have vowed to use this victory as the impetus to

turn the tide of this war.

We are heading to Unju, our current largest line of defense.

Finish the duty that you've failed to complete in Unju.

Yes, Your Majesty.

It is not easy to be a king. You must strengthen your

mind and body with strict training and discipline.

Many in this court have faith in you.

But you are still deficient in your father's eyes.

Prove yourself. I want you to prove yourself to me.

Unju battle will decide everithing.

The tide of the war swung in Koryo's favor after our

defeat in Gochang. We must turn it around.

Prove yourself to me in Unju once and for all. Do you understand?

Yes, Your Majesty.

If I may speak, Your Majesty.

Yes, Vice Prime Minister. Do speak.

Unju Battle should not be rushed.

Should not be rushed? What do you mean?

Unju is afar and albeit Koryo's naval force has been disabled,

their ground troops remains strong as ever.

Our military has not fully recovered from prior damage.

We need more time for recuperation.

Whatever do you mean? Prince Shin-guhm has revived the

dwindling spirit of this kingdom with your help.

What better time than now to turn thing around completely?

I understand your enthusiasm, but we mustn't be hasty.

Our troops are still exhausted, and Unju can wait.

We can attack Unju after we have reserved our strength.

But Your Majesty, I am burning with energy and ambition.

Send me to Unju. My men are still in high spirits.

I agree with you wholeheartedly.

Vice Prime Minister speaks with caution, but we cannot wait.

This is our chance to turn the tide of the war.

We all want to fight.

Yes, Your Majesty. We can fight.

Yes, we can. If someone has to win this war and unify the

Three Kingdoms, we must fight on until we see the end.

I beg you patience, Your Majesty. There is no need to rush.

You've supported Prince Shin-guhm thus far, and together

we've succeeded every mission.

I don't understand why you are suddenly afraid.

Nor do I. We are the triumphant army.

Yes, Your Majesty.

Unju and Gochang define our perimeter against Koryo to

the east and west. When we lost Gochang it was a tremendous blow.

If we lose Unju, passage north will be blocked completely.

Are you listening, Vice Prime Minister?

Unju nis that important. Everyone says we must go.

Winter is approaching, Your Majesty.

It is difficult to fight in the cold, and Unju is rugged

mountainous territory. This is too soon, Your Majesty.

On the contrary. This is a chance we've been waiting for.

We will prevail. After all, I am commanding this battle.

I am still young. Cast aside you fear, and prepare to come

along, Vice Prime Minister.

- Hear me. - Yes, Your Majesty.

As I've said, I will personally comand the battle of Unju.

There we will attempt to turn the table on the enemy.

There will be no homecoming if we do not succeed.

Brace yourselves. And take every measure to secure a victory.

Yes, Your Majesty.

I will show him.

I will show Wang Guhn what I am made of.

Your Majesty's grace is immeasurable for calling

this wrongdoer back to service.

Nonsense. Koryo would've lost all honors if it weren't for you.

You have saved us from toal disgrace.

Your grace is immeasurable.

General Yu is the hero. He has destroyed half of Bekjae's naval

force with a few fishing boats and a small army of nomads.

Yes. No mand could have pulled this off exceptGeneral Yu.

I agree. Well done, General Yu.

Thank you, Governor Wang.

General Yu, please don't take offense for what happened in

the past, as our actions were out of patriotism.

Welcome back

Thank you, General Hong.

You returned when we need you most. Welcome back, General.

Thank you. You must be quite busy now that you are in

charge of the Ministry of Military, General Bae.

The battleground is shifting once again this time to unju.

Brother Geumpil,

Yes, Your Majesty

You are starting to show some grays as well.

But unification is still our goal and there is a lot to be done.

Now we must go to Unju. I put you in command.

This one is going to be a battle of large scale.

How could I spare myself for my country? Service is an honor.

Recent invasion on our capital has taugh us the consequences

of minor oversight. Our naval force has been reduced to ashes

and the city is in dreadful conditions.

Lead this battle to victory in Unju and repay Bekjae in Kind.

Your grace is immeasurable.

Our inquiry has revealed a large army being assembled

in Bekjae for nortward advancement from Unju.

Changes are King Kyun-hwon will come to the battle himself.

The king of Bekjae?

Then I will go as well.

But who will govern the imperial capital, Your Majesty?

Prince Imperial will maintain the capital in my absence.

I must go if the king of Bekjae is to come.

Prepare your strategy accordingly, Brother Geumpil.

Yes, Your Majesty.

And the ministry of military will focus on rebuilding our navy.

Mastery of the sea is my pride and the pride of Koryo.

Yes, Your Majesty.

Bekjae will try to take vengeance for their humiliation in Gochang.

This is an important battle that will decide who captures

the west portal and seizes decisive control of this war.

And we may come face to face with the king of Bekjae.

Be thouroughly prepared.

Yes, Your Majesty. General Yu is back and Your Majesty has

appointed him in command. What is there to fear?

That's right. The public cheers at the mere mention of his name.

Bekjae will be quite terrified when they learn General Yu is

in command. He has never lost a battle.

Your praise is undeserved, Imperial Guardian.

We all have highest expectations for you. Do not let us down.

I will do my very best, Your Majesty.

Battle of Unju: Unju refers to modern Hongsung in Chungchong

Province. Unju was directly east of Gochang where Kyun-hwon had

tasted bitter defeat a few years earlier.This horizontal line

now defined the battlefield between Koryo and Bekjae.

Wang Guhn wanted to strike Bekjae through Unju,

and Bekjae wanted to break a new path for their expansion.

This battle in late September of 934 was a chance for Bekjae to

recover from defeat in Gochang and Koryo to restore its

pride from humiliating invasion of Yaesung River.

Now, as they entered late fall, the two armies were prepared to

move out to Unju.

It's quite painful.

I cannot tolerate it.

Is it so deeply rooted?

The root of infection must be extracted after puss is drained,

but it is very stubborn.

Try again.

It will be very painful.

Do it.

Forgive me.

Stop! That's enough! Stop!

Your Majesty, I beg you not to go to this battle.

You cannot go in this condition.

Nonsense! My generals are counting on me.

I will not let them down.

But you are in pain and the infection will spread

accompanied by fever and fatigue.

The battlefield is no place for you place in this condition.

I must go. The king of Koryo will be there.

Don't you know how important this battle is?

You will come with me. That should solve the problem.

I beg you to reconsider, Your Majesty. You mustn't go.

Silence! The fate of the nation rests in this battle.

Prepare to join the entourage. You will come with me.

Yes...

Prime Minister and Vice Prime Minister seeks your audience.

Prime Minister?

My robe! Now!

Hurry!

I was just about to go. Are warriors waiting?

Yes, Your Majesty.

The king of Koryo has finally moved his army.

Wang Guhn has moved his army, you say?

Your Majesty, I implore you once more to remain

in the capital this time.

My dear fellow, I've already made my decision.

We are going together. Do not bring this up again.

Are all preparations complete?

We must leave if Wang Guhn is on his way.

Prime Minister, take care of the imperial city in my absence.

Rest assured, Your Majesty.

You must leave now. Your warriors await you.

Yes, I was just about to go. Prepare to leave Hoonkyum.

Oh, I'm taking the physixcian along, as I have a slight cold.

But of course.

Take well care of His Majesty.

Yes, Prime Minister.

Well then, I better prepare for the road.

Unju...I am already getting exited.

Wang Guhn is coming. Wang Guhn...

Let us go.

- Royal Advisor, - Yes, Your Majesty.

dark clouds are moving in.

Yes. I'm afraid a storm is approaching.

A storm?

Yes, Your Majesty.

Oh dear, but it is a long way to Unju.

We must speed up the march.

- Brother Geumpil, - Yes, Your Majesty.

there may be a storm ahead. We have a long road and

several river to cross ahead. Speed up the march.

Yes, Your Majesty.

Commanders, we have adverse weather conditions.

Speed up the maching line.

We must find a suitable camping ground before dark.

Speed up the march!

Loyalty! Loyalty! Loyalty!

Hear me, warriors!

To restore the dignity of Great Bekjae, I have decided to go to

this battle myself!

Not long ago, Prince Shin-guhm had invaded Koryo's imperial

city and made their hearts freeze with terror.

We were unlucky in Gochang and suffered considerable injury,

but we will return the shame and pain in Unju.

Trust your king and march to the battle line.

I will give you revenge and ease your anguish.

Koryo army is already on the road to Unju.

But we will arrive before they do.

This will be a biggest battle yet with the fate of both Koryo and

Bekjae resting on the outcome.

And the victory will be ours! Victory is ours!

Do not fear. It is a sign from God assuring us of victory.

Follow me. To Unju!

Long live the king! Long live the king!

Darn!