Original subtitles

Gentle! Be gentle!

Can't you be more gentle? The pain is intolerable

Forgive me, Your Majesty. I must drain the puss and

the root of the boil, or the infection will spread deeper.

That is what Physician Hoonkyum said before he was killed in Unju.

This is a serious condition, Your Majesty.

Yes, Hoonkyum said those exact words.

Your internal organs will be harmed if the infection

penetrates to your spine.

Yes, I know...

He said this disease was hard to cure...

...and it would lead to death. Isn't that right, Physician?

I wish I could be more reassuring...

But it is not hopeless. You require emotional rest.

Cast away anxiety and rage and seek internal peace.

How is that different from telling me to die?

A man cannot control such emotions.

There is no other way, Your Majesty.

A tiny boil has become a life threatening disease...

There is a lesson to be learned.

A smallest neglect can kill a man or bring down a kingdom.

It is the way of the universe...

You may leave now.

Yes, Your Majesty.

Oh, it's cold...

Most people do not live to see sixty, but I have lived

seventy years...

But I have accomplished nothing.

In the beginning, I began this journey to save the world.

Was I twenty-seven at the time?

At the age of 33, I revived Old Bekjae and became a king.

And 40 years have passed since I vowed to realize the grand

enterprise and unify the Three Kingdoms. 40 years...

Founder of Koryo King Goongyae is gone and Shilla is drawing its

last breath. Wang Guhn and I are the only two left standing...

It's been over 20 years since Wang Guhn arose to his throne.

But we've been fighting all our lives.

All our lives through many changes...

Years have come and gone and I have become a wrinkly old man...

Unification is still afar, but I am old and sick...

The time has come to let go of my ambition.

My only hope now is that one of my sons would finish what

I started. One of my sons...

But which one? Which one? Shin-guhm?

You are a lucky man to have been granted this opportunity.

But the question is, will you succeed.

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

Trust you?

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

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

kill your 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!

It's true that Shin-guhm tried his best for a while, but he

owes all of his accomplishments to the Vice Prime Minister.

He did nothing on his own.

He revealed his true colors at Unju battle.

His father laid dying, but all he could think about was the throne.

But not Geum-kang.

Why couldn't you stop him prior to our departure?

Repeatedly I tried, but His Majesty silenced me.

It was beyond my control.

What now? Do you intend to keep him here?

We must take Father back to the palace.

That would be most ideal of course...

Ice has begun to form, and our troops are

ill prepared for the cold. Worst yet, the word of His

Majesty's condition has spread throughout the camp.

This operation was a stretch from the beginning, Your Highness.

Then let us go back. It is not too late.

Unju can wait.

Yes, Geum-kang was prudent indeed.

He put his father's wellbeing first, and accurately read

the situation.

He is far more thoughtful and smartthan foolhardy Shin-guhm.

That's not all. He swallowed his eyeball because it was a

precious gift from his parents.

Yes,he is the one. Geum-kang is the one...

Father has taken a turn for the worse.

The physician is always in the imperial chambers.

He is 70 years old. Most men suffer infirmity at that age.

That's true, Brother. Old age is a sickness of itself,

and no one knows what could happen and when.

What are you trying to say?

I'm just saying that an told man's illness is unpredictable.

You must claim your birthright soon.

My birthright...

Father promised you the throne, but now he tells you to wait.

He has had a change of heart.

One might say this behavior is a sign of senility.

Senility? Watch your tongue!

How else could he be so frivolous?

Just drink your wine.

You've been duped, Brother. Father has fooled you.

Just drink your wine, I said. Why would a father fool his son?

Let us wait like he asked.

After all, it is about choosing a ruler of a country.

I'm sure he has a lot to consider.

Let us drink.

His Majesty summoned his sons and postponed everything.

Yes, I heard. This is not a good sign.

Unju battle caused a devastating injury to our kingdom.

I'm afraid His Majesty blames Prince Shin-guhm for our defeat.

That is absurd.

Everyone knows that it was because of His Majesty's ailment.

Yet His Majesty is having second thoughts.

He is shifting to Prince Geum-kang.

You are right. That means we are back to square one.

He will decide against Prince Shin-guhm.

I think you're right.

Then this is a very serious matter.

Yes. His Majesty has been keeping to himself lately.

He is in deep contemplation. If he announces Prince Geum-kang

as his heir to the throne, the world will turn upside down.

That's right. And he is perfectly capable of doing this.

What do we do? I dan sense it coming. What do we do?

Attendant,

Yes, Your Majesty.

The weather will not relent. It's a windy winter day...

Yes, Your Majesty.

Some hot rice wine would hit the spot, not this tea.

The physician has order no alcohol, Your Majesty.

Oh dear, my physician tries to deprive me of wine.

Fetch some now.

Yes, Your Majesty.

And send for the Vice Prime Minister.

We've been remiss since our return from Unju battle.

Yes, Your Majesty.

I must make a decision one way of the other...

If I choose Geum-kang, how could Shin-guhm react?

What am I afraid? What could he possibly do?

But then he has waited fifty years for the throne...

Non, no, I can't be swayed by personal feelings when this

is about the kingdom's future.

I do need to make a decision however...

What will my subjects say if I choose Geum-kang?

Those old fools that support Shin-guhm...

I must figure out a way...

It is drawing near...All that I have feared are coming true...

Unju battle ended in defeat as I predicted.

His Majesty has fought his last battle.

He is 70 years old after all. And his ilness is getting worse.

Then whar will he do next? He will make his selection?

He will bequeath his throne to Geum-kang. Geum-kang...

He is the one His Majesty wants and his subjects want Shin-guhm...

And the rift between the father and son is beyond repair.

Oh, where is this old man to turn to now?

I can hear the world crumbling...

Open up! Open up!

Who goes there?

We come from the palace at the emperor's command.

His Majesty summons the Vice Prime Minister.

Come with me.

His Majesty asks for me?

Yes, sire.

I will be there shortly. You may go.

Yes, sire.

Natural laws never fail...

Choi Ung is dead, but Koryo blossoms like spring flower

while Bekjae slowly subsides.

The sun is setting on Bekjae and nothing can be done...

The court is infected with hungry wolves and there is

no light in sight...

Prince Shin-guhm, I see you've been drinking.

Yes, Uncle. I had a few drinks with my brothers.

They left a short while ago, but I needed a few more.

I understand.

Understand what?

How you must feel right now?

His Majesty's words have me concerned as well.

Would you like a drink, Uncle?

Why not?

But instead of seeking comfort in wine, we should

do something about it.

Do something about it? What more can I do, Uncle?

I fought when Father told me to fight and obeyed his every

command. The problem is I was not always successful.

Now I am at my wit's end. I don't know what else

I can possibly do.

Nevertheless, it is unlike you to drown your sorrows like this.

What do you suggest I do?

Look for a solution. His Majesty's mind is already

made up, but his decision is unacceptable.

Prince Geum-kang's merits may be high, but that is irrelevant

to the matter of the throne.

Do you have a suggestion?

First I will have the subjects submit an appeal.

Do you really think that would work? Father will not be swayed.

But he needs to know that his subjects oppose his decision.

We will do whatever is necessary after that.

Whatever is necessary?

Yes, if an appeal does not work, we must apply a more forceful

and infallible method.

A forceful and infallible method?

What brings you? You look somewhat upset.

I heard that your illness has worsened. How is your pain?

It's tolerable.

It is not a short-lived disease. I will give it time and continue

to get treatment.

You are not young anymore. You must take care of your health.

Thank you for your concern.. What brings you here anyway?

I'm sure you know my concern.

What is your intention with Shin-guhm?

I have told him to wait. I still have much to consider.

Your are old and your illness is worsening.

It is only fitting that you keep your promise.

What?

What are you trying to say? What promise?

Shin-guhn is 50 years old.

He is your eldest son and he has done everything you asked.

You must give him your firm word before your subjects.

My word about what?

You promised Shin-guhm the throne before sending him

to Yaesung River battle.

Has it slipped your mind or have you gone senile?

What did you say?

You made a promise, and then you changed your tune after

Unju battle. Just why are you so dissatisfied with Shin-guhm?

You are making a mockery of yourself by doing this.

Silence!

Changed my tune? Make a mockery of myself?

Am I wrong? When will you stop hurting your son? When?

Silense, I said!

I swear to you. You will regret it if this continues.

Do you understand?

Are you threatening the emperor?

Your Majesty, Vice Prime Minister at your service.

Vice Prime Minister at your service.

Don't ever come to the imperial chambers again!

Do you hear me, Empress?

I love Shin-guhm just as you do. I love all of my children equally.

But love has nothing to do with this decision.

That is why I told him tp wait. So I can make a right decision!

Now leave! Leave at once!

You will live to regret it if you change your tune and

continue to hesitate.

Remember my words, Your Majesty. I shall leave now.

Oh, the physician told me not to get worked up,

but I blew my top.

This is very painful... Have a seat.

Yes, Your Majesty.

Pathetic....He will regret it indeed.

Why is he being so stubborn when the entire kingdom is

supporting Shin-guhm? Doesn't he fear the consequences?

I can't delay the selection of my heir any further.

No, it's long overdue, Your Majesty.

The empress is demanding that I put Shin-guhm on the throne.

But you know that the isn't the right one.

Your Majesty...

I've given him so many chances to prove himself,

but he doesn't have what it takes.

The king must be judicious, strong, and clear-sighted.

Does Shin-guhm have those qualities?

It would not matter if I said that he does.

What do you mean?

I couldn't sway you when your mind is made up.

You've selected Prince Geum-kang.

It is true. I can not put this off any longer.

Help me.I nedd your help to persuade the subjects.

How could I help?

Isn't there any way to bequeath my throne to Geum-kang without

causing division in the court and friction between my sons?

Say something. You're always known how I felt about this.

There must be a way.

Yes, there is, but...

There is? Then tell me. What must I do?

It is very simple and infallible.

Place swordsmen in the imperial chamber.

Swordsmen? You mean soldiers?

Yes, Your Majesty. Hide them behind the screen and summon

Prince Shin-guhm along with his two brothers.

And?

And when they walk in, kill them without warning.

Kill them? Kill my own sons?

That's the only way.

It would break your heart, but you can save the kingdom.

That is out of the question!

How could a father kill his own children?

That is the only way. There may be an uprising if the throne is

bequeathed to Prince Geum- kang without such measures.

Then you will lose your kingdom and your sons.

Enough, that's enough

I urge you again. Kill them.

Kill them.

If you cannot bring yourself to do this...

Then what?

Then send them away as far as you can as soon as possible.

Yes, yes. That is something I can consider.

I don't know why I waited this long to take care of this.

Come to think of it, Koryo's King Wang Guhn is very smart.

He selected his heir apparent many years ago.

I don't know. I just don't know what to do...

Prince Tae Kwang-hyun of Parhae bid you greetings.

Welcome. I heard of your exodus years ago.

I cannot be happier that you have come to me with your

subjects and your people.

Your grace is immeasurable.

Parhae and Koryo are of the same ancestry, so we are brothers.

I grieved deeply when evil Yeh-lu A-pao-chi of Khitan

seized and destroyed your kingdom.

But he assured that you are in good care now.

- Hear me, subjects. - Yes, Your Majesty.

Parhae was a great kingdom that once ruled much of China.

And it was a successor state of Koguryo just as we are.

We must remember its glory and restore it upon unification

of the Three States.

Yes, Your Majesty.

Prince Tae Kwang- hyun of Parhae...

Parhae is a state established by Koguryo general Tae Cho-yang.

With 230 year history, it was once referred to as

"the prosperous country of the East". But weakened by fierce

infighting and confusion, it collapsed in a mere 15 day

period by Khitan forces in 925.

Ten years after its fall, Prince Tae would come under

Wang Guhn with tens of thousands of his people.

Wang Guhn welcomed him by bestowing the royal surname of

Wang and recording his name in the royal ancestral register.

He also granted government positions, lands and homes to

Tae's accompanying high subjects.

Population was power. And Tae and his large group provided

added strength to Koryo.

- Hear me. - Yes, Your Majesty.

Following Unju battle, our state has become stable and

our naval force has been restored.

What's more, our merchant ships are actively traveling to China

and revitalizing our trading. Strong economy provides our

sustenance, and strong military protects our home.

Each and every subject will always bear that in mind.

Yes, Your Majesty. Your grace is immeasurable.

Unju battle renewed Wang Guhm's confidence.

While war with Bkejae continued, he nurtured the economy by

maintening active trading with Tang, and he frequently

toured the coutryside comforting his supporters.

Records also document numerous visits to the West Capital.

He had shifted his focus to strengthening the public

confidence while the battles were scarce.

Moreover, he faithfully looked after Shilla, and

consequently Shilla had become completely dependent on Koryo.

My good subjects,

Prince Tao of Parhae has resettled in Koryo with

his surviving masses. Koryo is the supreme power indeed.

Bekjae has lost its power after Unju battle.

Yes, Your Majesty. The king of Bekjae has become ill.

It appears Koryo is the final victor among the Three Kingdoms.

Watch your words, sir!

Our ancestors had once conquered both Bekjae and Koguryo and

unifiued the Three Kingdoms! Who do you say is the final victor?

Do not raise your voice, my son. He speaks the truth.

We depend on Koryo for our survival.

What's left our state has surrendered to Koryo after Unju

battle, and Shilla has been reduced to this city alone.

All that is left of Shilla is Surabul.

But Shilla has endured a thousands years, Your Majesty.

Though we suffer distress at present, things may change

if we hang on. Please stop the subjects from uttering

self-deprecating remarks.

I know how you feel, but we are without land and

without military. How could we call ourselves a country?

We must face the reality.

Your Majesty, people of Koryo and Bekjae were once

your subjects. Be strong and seek ways to rebuild this state.

It is hopeless. Perhaps there would be a chance if bekjae

and Koryo weakened each other with continued fighting.

But Bekjae is on rapid decline. It's hopeless.

We cannot deny the bleak reality.

Our concern should no longer be preservation of the state,

but welfare and safety of remaining people.

Silence! What are you trying to say?

Do you dare suggest that we surrender to Koryo?

Silence, Prince!

Why do you deny the reality that you see in plain sight?

Shilla has lived out its life. It's over.

No, Your Majesty. We can revive this kingdom.

Deign to see, Your Majesty.

We can rise again while Bekjae and Koryo are in contention.

Deign to see, Your Majesty!

That's the only away.

It would break your heart, to sacrifice your sons but you

can save the kingdom.

That is the only way. There may be an uprising if the throne is

bequeathed to Prince Geum- kang without such measures.

Then you will lose your kingdom and your sons.

I urge you again. Kill them.

I am more and more certain that Shin-guhm isn't the one.

I can't put this off any longer, and killing him

is not an option...

Send him away?

They will be suspicious if I send all of the brothers

away at once.

What do I do? Who do I send away first?

It's snowing...

Will I live to see another winter?

Not likely...

Another peaceful tea time like this will be a few...

His Majesty will not be able to kill prince Shin-guhm.

And everything will come to an end...

This is a critical situation. His Majesty has made up his mind.

Vice Prime Minister has been in his chambers.

My guess is that they has a final discussion.

A final discussion?

We must stop him from making this mistake.

I've told Prince Shin-guhm that we would submit a petition,

and that if that fails, we would use a different approach.

A different approach?

What do you mean?

Force. We have no choice but to use force.

Force? Do you mean a rebellion?

It's a revolution.

A revolution?

Let us observe His Majesty's actions and discuss this again.

No, I can't drag this on any longer.

I must do this quickly and decisively.

I can't let this issue confuse the court any longer.

Geum-kang...I must put Geum-kang on the throne.

And I must realize the grand enterprise of

unification through him. Geum-kang is the one.

- Attendant! - Yes, Your Majesty.

Issue a royal summons to subjects of all ranks!

An assembly will be held tomorrow morning.

Summon Prince Shin-guhm and all of my sons as well.

The assembly is tomorrow. Do you understand?

Yes, Your Majesty.

Yes...Tomorrow is the day. Tomorrow...