Original subtitles

All subjects are ordered to the court!

It is a royal edict!

All subjects are ordered to the court!

What? Father has summoned the entire council?

Yes, Brother. He has called a morning meeting.

A decision must be made.

A decision...

The Prime Minister and the others have been meeting daily.

The subjects are behind you, Brother.

What's the use? Father is against me.

Mother went into the imperial chambers and confronted him

yesterday.

It's no use. Things like that only make my position worse.

Subjects want you on the throne.

It won't be easy for father to have his way.

I wonder what the Vice Prime Minister said to Father.

One thing is for sur, and that is that he is not on your side.

I know. He did feel sympaty for me for a while, and

came with me to Yaesung River. But he was never on my side.

That's right. You must keep alert, Brother.

Keep alert...

I guess I must if I want to stay alive...

Anything new about Geum-kang?

Security is unusually tigh around his villa.

I'm sure he has a lot on his mind.

He is about to hit the jackpot after all.

Perhaps...But his prize remains to be seen.

It remains to be seen...

Geum-kang, did you hear?

His Majesty has called the entire council to

court tomorrow morning.

Yes, Mother.

I noticed increased security around your villa.

Good. After all, you are the future emperor.

You must be careful at all times.

Those are my usual retinue, Mother.

You must always keep armed guards near especially now.

No one knows what evil forces are preying on your life.

Be extra careful until the moment you arise to the throne.

It's quite frustrating. Will the throne really be mine?

Goodness! Listen to yourself. The empress visited His Majessty

the other day only to be scolded and asked to leave.

His Majesty called this conference immediately following her visit.

This could only be good news for you.

A conference? So he has finally made a decision.

It's senility. His Majesty has gone senile.

Why is he being so stubborn when all of his subjects

endorse Shin-guhm?

Must he put an one-eyed son of a concubine on the throne?

Never. That will never happen.

Shin-guhm, Yang-guhm and Yong- guhm would never let that happen.

Has he no fear for the consequences?

He is just like his father. Just like his senile father...

Greetings, Prime Minister.

Have you fared well?

Yes, Sire.

Greetings, General Neungyae.

Greetings. I heard you visited His Majesty a few days ago.

Yes, I paid him a short visit upon his call.

The you must know what today's meeting is about.

I would not know.

His Majesty gave you no indications?

This humble man is unsure. Let us go.

Hear me, subjects!

I have been confined to my chambers since our return

from Unju battle to treat my ailment and to ponder the

direction of our government.

In hindsight, it was my mistake to push a hopeless battle.

That mistake has caused great injury to the kingdom and our

military has become temporarily paralyzed.

For that reason, I have made a few decisions.

Restoring our lost confidence is our first priority.

We must reclaim our honor, our power and our land.

Yes, Your Majesty. I am deeply inspired by your words.

Though I have grown old, I will fight to my death if you allow

me another chance to battle for my country.

I commend your spirit, General yaesul.

But restoring our foundation is more important right now.

Yes, Your Majesty. Before we address the defense issues,

there are pressing internal issues that must be resolved.

I couldn't agree more. We cannot secure the state

wothout stability in the royal court.

I agree.

We ask that the successor the confirmed once and for all.

That is why I called this conference.

I have given this much thought. I may be 70 years old, but I

still have a lot to do before I bequeath my throne.

First I must teach my sons leadership so that they are

prepared to lead this kingdom.

Shin-guhm, Yang-guhm and Yong-guhm, Shin-guhm, Yang-guhm and Yong-guhm,

Yes, Your Majesty.

Shin-guhm, you are the eldest of my sons and have much military

experience under your belt.

Now you must study the kingdom and the people.

Yes, father.

Soon you will receive an explicit command.

- Yang-guhm and Yong-guhm, Yes, Your Majesty.

Soon the two of you will become important pillars

of support for your brother.

Go to Kangju and Muju as governors.

You are familiar with the territory.

Strengthen the regional army and build your leadership

and experience. Do you understand?

Do you understand?

Yes, Your Majesty.

Quickest way to learn is by experience.

Your Majesty, there are countless others who are better suited for

those positions. Must it be the princes?

Are you the king or am I?

Didn't you hear me? I am preparing them for the future!

Forgive me, Your Majesty...

It is indecorous that the brothers should always be

together indulging in wine. It would be good for them

to be apart and have their own responsabilities.

Leave tomorrow.

Tomorrow, Father?

Yes, leave before the end of tomorrow.

- Subjects, - Yes, Your Majesty.

I may be 70 years old, but I am still alive and kicking!

Why do are you so eager to select my successor?

It could be considered treason to argue about this while I am

still on this throne. Be assured that I will

bequeath the throne to the appropriate heir when the time

comes, and watch your tongues. Is that clear?

Yes, Your Majesty.

I may have an ailment, but it is not going to kill me this minute.

Do not act without prudence. Do you understand?

Yes, Your Majesty.

- Shin-guhm, - Yes, Your Majesty.

Once your brothers leave, you will be given a task on my

behalf to tour the country. So be prepared.

Yes, Your Majesty.

And inevitably Bekjae must reinforce our military and

battle it out with Koryo.

Until now, the control of the military has been shared among

several high generals, but I will assign total military control to

Geenral Park Young-kyu.

Assign total military control to General park, Your Majesty?

But what about the other warriors?

The others will answer to General park.

The details will be notified later.

- General Park, - Yes, Your majesty.

From this point forward, you will exercice unmitigated

control over our military. All military activities,

order of the royal palace and control of regional armies are

under your command. Is that clear?

I am overwhelmed by this unexpected command.

But I will do my very best to fulfill my duty.

Geum-kang will support General Park as his second-in-command.

Yes, Your Majesty. Your grace is immeasurable.

Your Majesty, this means that General Park and Prince Geum-

kang will have complete control of our military.

That's right. So what? Do you are object?

No, Your majesty. But military decisions usually require

collection of wide range of opinions...

It is the emperor's command!

Do you dare say you know more than I?

These are repormed policies in the interest of the state.

There's more. Vice Prime Minister,

Yes,Your Majesty.

You will take over the Prime Minister's duty and oversee

all administrative affairs of the state from now on.

It's time for the Prime Minister to retire. He is too old.

His title will be preserved but he will resign from duty.

I here by declare the rebirth of Bekjae.

We will renew our military and reform our policy.

I call for your dedication and cooperation. Is that clear?

Yes, Your Majesty.

Those who protest the government, the royal house and especially

those who argue about the throne will be charged with treason.

Be warned and steer clear of crime.

Yes, Your Majesty. Your grace is immeasurable.

What? My sons Yang-guhm and Yong-guhm are leave, you say?

Yes, Your Highness. It was His Majesty's order.

What about Shin-guhm?

Soon he is to leave fort the tour of the countryside.

Tour of the country side?

This is a carefully devised plan to divide the brothers

and alienate Shin-guhm.

There's more.

Speak.

His Majesty has assigned full control of the military to

General Park Young-kyu and Prince Geum-kang.

What? He has turned over the military control to General

Park and geum-kang?

Yes, your Highness.

His Majesty finally shows his true colors.

We're about to be hit by a lightening from a clear sky.

His Majesty has drawn his sword.

This is a thoroughly contrived plan.

Yes. We haev no choice but to consider an alternative.

Our hands are tied. General Park has seized militaey control,

and he stand with Prince Geum-kang.

It won't be easy. The chain of command may have been altered,

but most warriors control their own militia.

Things willnot work out the way they want.

At any rate, we subjects must discuss our next move.

We should meet with General ShinDuk as well

Yes.

You must have a lot to do before you leave to your posts tomorrow.

Here, let me pour you a drink before we say goodbye.

Brother, this is obviously a set-up. I will no go.

That's right. I will not go either.

Do you dare defy the emperor's command?

Brother,we are your limbs and this is a move to weaken

you by sending us away.

What can we do when these are father's orders?

You must obey them.

This is absurd. He is guarding against us by transferring total

military control to Brother-in-law.

Well, it is true that Brother- in-law and Geum-kang are close.

But who is to say whose side he is on?

After all, by blood relations, he is closer to us than to Geum-kang.

Do you defend him? Why would Father give over military

control to him and Geum-kang? They are our enemy, Brother.

Drink up. You have a long travel ahead.

We are not leaving when you are going to be rendered powerless.

Who says I am going to be rendered powerless?

I am your older brother and the eldest of the Princes.

Huh...?

Do you think I have no mind of my own?

This country wants me.

That is my last hope and my last strenght.

But mimitary control is in the hands of our adversary and

Prime Minister has been stripped of his power.

No plans is infallible. Just worry about yourselves.

Let's drink.

Brother, aren't you afraid?

Can't you feel the invisible sword approaching our throars?

My invisible sword is also draw and quietly making its moves.

Brother...?

Drink, and bid farewell to Mother before you leave.

The ball has left the court. There's no turning back now.

I'm sure Shin-guhm and the subjects know my intent to

put Geum-kang on the throne.

Yes.

I had no choice. It was the last resort to save this kingdom.

And in reality, Geum-kang is best of all of my sons.

There will be strong opposition.

Who would dare oppose me? I am the emperor.

I founded this kingdom and fathered my sons.

Those who dare to argue with me will be punished.

They will object nonetheless.

They are on Prince Shin-guhm's side.

That is why I rushed to take away military control.

More important, Vice prime Minister, what is your plan?

My plan?

Will you support Geum-kang by his side when he inherits my

throne? He cannot exist without you.

Give me your answer. He needs you.

I have no words...

It is questionable whether or not I would be alive.

What do you mean? I don't intend to waster any time with this.

I will send Shin-guhm away in a few days and immediatelely

put Geum-kang on the throne.

I am a man who has devoted his life for the service of his king.

But future cannot be promised.

My good fellow, this is not in my own self-interest.

We built this kingdom together.

Don't you want to preserve this regime?

I am too old now. Please help my son Geum-kang.

I would if only I could.

Thank you. Thank you, Vice Prime Minister.

I urge you. Show no mercy if you've made up your mind.

If you must forsake your sons, forsake them in cold blood.

That is the only way to preserve your life and the

life of this kingdom.

But how? These are my sons.

I implore you. Slay your sons once they arrive at their posts.

Slay Prince Shin- guhm as well.

Vice Prime Minister, how cruel you are.

They are my sons, and they have not committed any crime

deseeving of death.

Someday... You will remember my words...

I will say no more, Your majesty.

All I ask is that you support Geum-kang.

I feel secure when you are by my side.

Geum-kang will feel the same way. Right?

I have nothing more to say...

I am counting on you.

As you've seen at the conference, what we

feared is happening sooner than we expected.

Everything is over if Prince Shin-guhm is sent away from

the imperial city on the pretext of a national tour.

What do you foresee happening?

His Majesty will put Prince Geum-kang on the throne.

And ultimately, Prince Shin- guhm and his two brothers

will be killed.

Will it go that far?

Yes. A king cannot worry about his position.

Historically contests for the throne have always been followed

by elimination of the rivals.

As General neungyae had said time is come for a decision.

We must undo His Majesty's mistake for the sake of this

kingdom.

By the way, where are General Yaesul and Kim Chong?

They are unthinking men who know only of blind loyalty.

I did not see fit to call them to this important discussion.

We can't let this division go on.

We must quickly bring Prince Shin-guhm to the throne and set

a new stage for the new king to realize the unification.

There's only one way. General Neungyae's way.

Take up arms?

Yes. It's a revolution.

A revolution?

We are in a national crisis We've suffered consecutive

defeat on the battlefield and internal division is

intensifying. We must quickly turn this around.

What does this revolution mean?

It means Prince Shin- guhm will be our king.

What does it mean for His Majesty?

I suppose we should discuss that now.

What would be an appropriate action for our current king?

The two princes are going to outer perimeter?

Yes, Mother.

Yes...I suppose you should obey your father's command...

Is it true that you are leaving soon as well, Prince Shin-guhm?

Yes, Mother. I expect an order any day now.

So this is what we get...

He shuns his legal heir for an one-eyed son of a concubine!

Mother, we do not wish to go. Shin-guhm says he will be all

right, it'll be all over once we leave.

That remains to be seen.

Prime Minister and General Neungyae stand behind Shin-guhm.

They will not sit back and let this happen. Right?

No, I don't believe they will, Mother.

But Yang-guhm and Yong-guhm must obey Father's orders.

Go. Your brother will not take this sitting down and nor will I.

Your father has become senile. He is just like your grandfather.

He abandoned his children for his second wife and went to Koryo.

The same thing is happening to us.

Go. You will be charged with contempt if you do not.

That will only make things worse for Shin-guhm.

Yes, Mother.

But remember to exchange

None of you may survuve if the brothers do not stick together.

Yes, Mother.

Rest assured. We are behind Shin-guhm every step of the way.

Good.

Brothers should be prepared to live and die together.

We have come to an agreement. Our only choice is revolution.

Luckily, General Shin Duk has been in charge of defense.

Though the tittle is now held by General Park Young-kyu,

de facto control is in Genral Shin's hands.

That's right. Our commanding officers will answer to General

Shin over General Park.

That's most fortunate. We'd be powerless without the military.

As for His Majesty, we will discuss what to do with Prince

Shin-guhm and keep him comfortable.

Are you suggesting that we displace him?

This is not a deplacement.

He is abdicating his throne for his son.

That is how the world must see it.

There could be danger to the kingdom if the truth gets out.

That's right. Confusion must be kept as brief as possible.

Let us discuss this with Prince Shin-guhm.

Yes.

Generals Shin Duk, please prepare the military to move on command.

Yes, Prime Minister.

We must also convey our plans to Prince Yang-guhm and Yong-guhm

before they leave and secure their cooperation.

Yes, Prime Minister.

It's truly a shame that we must have this kind of discussion....

His Majesty will be delighted with this letter of high regard

and appreciation from your king.

The fate of Shilla rests with Koryo.

"The fate of Shilla rests with Koryo..."

I do like the sound of that, don't you?

It is the truth, Shilla could not last a day under Bekjae

attack if Koryo forces should pull out.

His Majesty's favors are inscrutable.

He protects and looks after Shilla year after year.

Yes. He could have conquered Shilla by force years agao,

but he cares for your country with sincere regards.

That is why some say he is the king of all kings and

a man of divine descent. To rule by compassion is no easy task.

Yet he approaches all things in life with compassion.

Envoy, as you've heard, these are the favors of king Wang Guhn.

Spread the word of his grace throughout your country upon

your return.

Yes, General, but there is no such need.

There is not a man in Shilla who does not know that Koryo

is the reason why they do not go hungry and they are safe.

I'm glad to hear that.

After all, Shilla and Koryo will soon be one.

Naturally!

In fact, that is the most debated topic in our court.

Some say we should formally surrender to Koryo, and some

say we should wait.

Shilla has already been reduced to a small city.

I certainly hope you come to a wise decision for yourselves.

And instead of sending more thank you letters, perhaps

your king's personal visit is due bearing gift of surrender.

Now there is an excellent idea!

I am told the interior agancy is quite busy these days.

Yes, Your Majesty. The consorts have no rest with all that the

empress has us involved in.

Oh, Suin...

Just what are the activities that keep you so busy?

Just as you never stop building and developing this kingdom,

Her Majesty has been touring the countryside and leaving

the campaign for hunger and poverty relief.

Yes, Mother has been sending out the servants of the palace to

help those who are homeless or sick. I am told that the

funds allocated for the royal house is being spent entirely

on this worthy cause.

Is that right? I had no idea. It is indeed commendable.

After all, you are the mother of the nation.

It is your duty to look after your people.

What's more, she tirelessly prays for the welfare and

prosperity of the Kingdom.

She exagerates. I am merely doing my job.

We each have different roles. While my job is external, the

empress has domestic tasks that I may not knwo about.

Peace is established when both of us perform our roles.

These are delightful reports.

The battles have suspended. Isn't peace wonderful?

I wish unification could be achieved without any

further conflict....

Rumor has it that the king of Bekjae has become ill.

Yes. That was the cause of their defeat in Unju.

But that doesn't mean that we can let our guard down.

Granted he is ill, their long dormancy is still suspicious.

We've sent out informers to investigate that concern.

It appears King Kyun-hwon is in the process of passing on

his throne to his son.

Is that right? Is he that old?

He is ten years my senior, so that would make him 7 this year.

Do you recall defected official Bekjae Yum Heun?

Yes.

He mentioned fierce rivalry for the throne among Kyun-hwon's son.

And departed Choi Ung said Bekjae would soon crumble

due to internal strife.

That's right.

Choi Ung also urged you to seek Master Kyungbo in Bekjae when

the right time comes.

Yes, I remember. Those were his words indeed.

Come to think of it, this must be that right time.

Thank you for the reminder.

Master Kyunbo... Yes, I shall seek him...

They say Bekjae has suffered a crushing defeat in Unju battle.

And it was because the king is ailing with a severe carcuncle.

The country is shaking after suffering consecutive defeats.

On top of that, there are rumors of intense discord between the

king and his sons, Master.

It is as I expected.

It is destiny, as it was foretold by my master...

...a long time ago.

The time has come.

The fate of Three Kingdoms is slowly unveilling...

A revolution, Prime Minister?

Yes, Your Highness.

The subjects have chosen the last alternative.

Rise up as the leader of the revolutionary arly and

rectify the wrong.

Rectify the wrong?

A son rectify the wrong of his father?

This is no revolution. This is a rebellion!

It is a revolution!

It is a rebellion!

How could a son strike his father and call it a revolution?

I've endured all kind of torture to avoid exactly this!

You want me to draw my sword after all this?

Abolish the bad and restore the good, Your Highness.

Thieves are trying to steal what is yours!

How could you not stand up and fight?

Rise up, Your Highness. And ascend to the throne.

Ascend to the throne!