Original subtitles

Stand up straight! Be alert!

Do not let anyone set foot outside thee walls including

the Emperor, Madam Kobe and all of their servants.

Yes, General!

Inspect and report all items that enter and leave this villa.

Yes, General.

Keep tight control of your subordinates.

Of course, General.

That physician almost crushed my spine.

The treatment was unbearable before, but it wasn't so bad

this time. My pain was nothing when I pictured the moment of

Geum-kang's death...

Put it behind you, Your Majesty.

It's all over now...

Over? What's all over?

No, nothing is over.

What about my aching heart and burning fury?

Nothing is over! Nothing!

Please queel your anger, Your Majesty.

Wine! Where is my wine?

Will they go as far as deprive me of wine?

It's coming, Your Majesty. Please calm yourself down.

Bastards! I will never forgive thel! Never!

Your refreshments, Your Grace.

Bring it in.

Your Majesty, the wine is strong. Please slow down.

I'm afraid you will hurt yourself.

It couldn't get any worse than this.

What are Shin-guhm and Prime Minister doing to my state?

What are those bastards up to now?

The compound is tightly guarded. We have no way of knowing about

the outside.

Is Padal still guarding us?

Yes, Your Majesty.

Shin-guhm....Shin-guhm...

That bastard Shin-guhm!

You must ascend to the throne. Why do you hesitate?

The kingdom is yours now, but you do not have a lot of time.

That 's right. Ambiguity in the power structure leads to chaos.

Ascend to the throne, Brother.

We urge you unanimously.

Prince Shin-guhm wants acceptance of the public.

They believe that I seized temporary control of the

state because my father is indisposed.

Now I must convince my father to approve my ascension and

acquire the throne in a legitimate manner.

Then send your regards to him and display your devotion.

Visit him regularly, and win his favor with service and attention.

General Neungyae, how can you say this?

You know His Majesty better than this. He is your own brother.

But there is no other way. We will never be free of

anxiety without acceptance of the public and provincial lords.

You have a point, but we do not have that luxury.

Soon Koryo will strike, and the throne cannot be left bare.

We are back to square one. Let us put the throne aside for now.

Please understand, Mother. You do not need to worry.

I've send away my ailing father for rest and recuperation.

What is wrong with that? Now let us join the others

at the assembly hall and discuss the new order.

Heed your mother's advice. The throne mustn't be left vacant.

Father is in Geum-san Temple. I do not think we need to rush.

Please give me a little time.

I will find a fair and legitimate way.

Perhaps...But I think it is a worthless effort.

Let us proceed to the assembly hall.

- Oh, Uncle, Yes, Your Highness.

Please go to Geum-san Temple after this meeting.

I must quell father's anger even if it takes a hundred visits.

Yes, Your Highness.

Let us go.

Hear me, subjects.

Yes, Your Highness.

His Majesty is in an undisclosed location for treatment of his

ailment. But recovery may be difficult due to his age.

Nonetheless, the rest of us have our work cut out for us.

Our first task is to strngthen our defense against Koryo.

Do you agree?

Yes, Your Highness.

In order to do that, we must reorganize the military

and rally support of the regional officials.

- Uncle, - Yes, Your Higness.

You've devoted many years as our senior military advisor.

You will be in charge of national defense from now on along with

Generals Shin Duk, Yaesul,and Kim Choong.

I am honored, Your Highness. I will do my best.

General Sangui will continue to serve as the Navy General.

Yes, Your Highness.

Yang-guhm and Yong-guhm will be in charge of protecting the

imperial city and inspecting the military.

Yes, Your Highness.

Prime Minister, please continue to supervise the civil officials

and affairs of the court.

Yes, Your Highness.

Next I must reward those who led this revolution to success.

First, I hereby name Neunghwan and Neungyae Merit Subject-

First Rank of Founding Kingdom.

Your grace is immeasurable.

And I honor the merits of General Young Soon and Shin

Duk by awarding them title of Merit Subject-second Rank

as well as elevation of official position.

Your grace is immeasurable.

General Sangui, Padal and Sangae are also awarded

Merit Subject-second Rank in addition to a promotion.

History will remember their names, and their portraits will be

displayed in the halls of Merit to be honored for generations.

Your grace is immeasurable , Your Highness.

He who is treacherous will die and he who is loyal will live.

Bekjae will unify the Three Kingdoms without fail.

We will bring down Koryo and unify the peninsula!

Your grace is immeasurable, Your Highness.

Drink your tea, sire.

I care for none.

Is fury still with you?

My brothers have spared your live. It is most fortunate.

Fortunate?

They killed their half brother and ouster their own father.

I know , but there is nothing we can do.

They displayed mercy, as I am their sister. Let it go.

I suppose have no choice. I've been driven out of

the imperial capital back to Seung-pyoung.

You will have your day, sire. Be patient.

It is just as well. Spend your days in comfort here with me.

That would be hard to do with my mind ill at ease.

What is this Bekjae coming to?

A good day will come, sire. Have patience.

Grand Dowager: Kyun-hwon's daughter and the wife of

Park Youn-kyu. Her daughter would later become on of Wang

Guhn's wives Madam Dongsan-won. Up to this point, she remained

in Park's homestead in Seung- pyoung. But after Kyun-hwon's

escape from Bekjae she would play a pivotal role in history by

convincing her husband to form a connection with Wang Guhn.

What's more, her second and third daughters would marry King Jung

Jong and they were Empress Moonkong and Empress Moonsung.

And she would later be honored Grand Dowager.

Geum-kang is dead, but what could they have done to my father?

It is most frustrating. I am sure he is alive, but he is very ill.

Where could they have taken him?

They did this for the throne, but they cannot defeat Koryo.

That is why His Majesty had chosen geum-kang to inherit

the throne. That is what worries me most, Madam.

You've located the king of Bekjae?

Yes, Your Majesty. Our informants have discovered his whereabouts.

Where is the king, General Bok?

He is probably in confinement.

Yes, a son could not kill his own father.

That's right. He is being held captive in Geun-san Temple in

Kim-jae along with his servants and physician.

Geum-san Temple in Kim-jae...

It sounds familiar.Isn't it a huge historic temple?

Yes.

So he is being held captive in a temple...

Yes. A special military unit is guarding him day and night.

Of course. Nothing could be more important.

Geum-san Temple...

King Kyun-hwon is an ailing old man in his seventies.

How tragic...

But surprisingly, Bekjae seems unshaken despite the recent chaos.

we found border defense promptly stabilized, and regional powers

show no signs of defiance.

The startling fact is that the Empress of Bekjae sided

with her son Shin-guhm.

Goodness...

In any case, we have alerted our military and intensified

our defense. Detailed maneuvers will be defined upon Imperial

Guardian's return from Mt. Bekjae.

Yes...

Is it true that the rebellion in Bekjae was caused by a conflict

between the king and his son?

Yes. The son has incarcerated his father and killed his half

brother. It is most shocking.

Good heavens! Is this true?

Yes, Your Grace. it is a confirmed report.

His Majesty is being briefed on the detail as we speak.

How could one be so cruel as to kill hos own brother even

if they were born of different mothers? It is horrifying.

It certainly is. Prince Imperial,

Yes, Mother.

A strong country is built on strong family.

The king must first rule himself, rule his family

and rule the country. You have many brothers yourself.

Yes...

Taking care of your siblings is one of your most important duties.

Of course, Mother.

Master Kyungbo has told us ambiguously that he would

have work to do for us. What could that work be?

My guess is it is relared to unification issue.

Yes, of course. But what might that be?

It is quite puzzling.

If there is something a high monk can do for us right now...

Then?

perhaps it is to inspire King Kyun-hwon in Geum-san Temple.

Inspire whom? King Kyun-hwon?

Yes. King Kyun-hwon has been betrayed by his son and

imprisoned in a temple. If he could be convinced to help us.

our gain would be tremendous.

Yes, the possibility is minute, but if that could

be accomplished...

His beloved son has been killed and he has been locked up deep

in a mountain. Imagine his seething rage.

Yes, of course...If only that were possible...

If only we could move King Kyun-hwon...

General Park, whatever has happened King Kyun-hwon's father?

What was his name,

Do you mean Lord Ahjagae?

Yes, Lord Ahjagae.

We had forgotten all about him.

He remained in Chulwon when we relocated the capital.

I know that he is still alive, but how is he?

I haven't had the time to visit him, but I have been sending

yearly greeting and gifts.

How old is he now?

He is in his nineties, I believe.

He should be close to one hundred years old.

Yes, that's right.

Perhaps it is the benefit of wild ginseng he consumed when he was

suffering from tumor, but I was told he is still in sound health.

Your Majesty, perhaps he could help us win over

King Kyun-hwon's heart.

Perhaps. That thought has crossed my mind.

How does his wife fare? They were an exceptionally close couple.

She is alive and they are closer than ever.

Is that right? It's about time we paid them a visit.

How about you, Sulhee? After all, you almost became his son-in-law.

Yes,I will be glad to pay them a visit.

Why don't you visit Lady Daeju as well while you are there?

Good idea!

Do make a trip to Chulwon as soon as possible.

As you wish, Your Majesty.

Lord Ahjagae is still alive...

Try this, my lord.

What is it?

Try some chestnuts.

Thank you, wife.

Your eyesight is still intact. I could not shell these nuts.

My hair is turning dark again and so is your hair, my lord.

It's like living in heaven not having to see Kyun-hwon's face

or fuss about Bekjae. My hearing is going,

but I think I can easily live another hundred years.

Here, have it first, Madam.

No, my lord.

Please don't refuse.

Then I will take half.

Yes, our sharing spirit and love for each other is more

valuable than this chesnut. Don't you agree, Madam?

But of Course, my lord.

The fact that Lord Ahjagae is still alive is a propitious sign.

Arrange a meeting between Ahjagae and Kyun-hwon?

And convince Kyun-hwon to come to Koryo?

It is worth a try. Yes, it could not hurt.

The Imperial Guardian should be meeting the master about now...

Yes, I recently became aware that the king of Bekjae is in

Geum-san Temple.

This kingdom is without a king. His son Shin-guhm has not risen

to the throne yet. What is in Bekjae's future?

Bekjae's future?

You have penetrating eyes, young man. What might your name be?

My name is Choi Jimong.

Ah, an interpreter of dreams.

You must be enlightened in divination and astrology as well.

I am still young and inadequate.

You are a young prodigy.

You've come to discern the future for yourself.

I came to meet a revered high monk and pay my due respects.

Please advise us with your keen sight what you see in the future.

You are well mannered for your age as well.

You are a warrior, sir.

Yes, I am General Wang Choong of Koryo.

I've been ordered to escort the venerable Imperial

Guardian on this trip.

So you've come to investigate the sudden changes in Bekjae

and feel out the future.

Yes, Master. Please give us guidance.

Patience is required. Bekjae will not fall overnight.

There will be more bloodshed, and time of patience must pass.

Geum-san Temple...

I happen to be acquired with the head monk there.

I do intend to pay the distressed king a visit

since I am his priest.

Is this true, Master?

Do not trouble yourself like this again.

It is my duty a a disciple of Buddha to stop the suffering

of the people. I will pay a visit to Geum-san Temple.

That is all I can tell you at the moment.

Then Master, will you let us know if there is good news?

Yes, you will be hearing from me.

Thank you, Master.

I am simply adhering to the laws of the universe.

It is late. Please rest now so that you may get an early

start tomorrow. I must retire as well.

Thank you, Master. Thank you.

Bastard...Does he think he can do the emperor's job?

Not in his life!

Only the strong survive. He cannot contend with Wang guhn!

What are you waiting for? Bring me more wine!

This won't change anything, Your Majesty.

Please think about your health.

You are only helping Shin-guhm by doing this.

They would jump for joy if you should pass away.

Yes, I'm sure they would be.

So please fight this disease and rise again.

That is what Geum-kang and the Vice Prime Minister

would have wanted. You must first stop drinking.

Please think about you health, Your Majesty.

Yes, yes...But I will not die that easily.

I am Kyun-hwon!

I am the Emperor of Great Bekjae! The Emperor!

I will establish new order and reclaim our land!

Yes...Those were days of glory...

I began as a humble foot soldier of Shilla.

But I built an empire!

I brought Wang Guhn to his knees and killed the king of Shilla!

I came so far...Now Shilla is done, and only Koryo stands to

be conquered, but my son has ruined everything.

He has ruined everything! Everything!

Shin-guhm has ruined everything...That bastard...

General Padal, I commend you for your hard effort

so far from home.

Thank you. We were expecting you.

I hope the travel was not too uncomfortable.

Not at all. Hpw does His Majesty fare?

He has not stopped drinking. Sometimes I hear him screaming.

I couldn't blame him. This must be the head priest.

Yes, General.

I've come to see the Emperor. Would you come with us?

Yes, General. Let me lead the way.

Let us go.

I'm afraid this trip may yield no profit, General.

Profit? His Majesty and I are brothers.

I stand to gain no peronal profit.

Peace in the royal family is all I seek.

Inform the emperor.

Your Majesty, Chief Commander Neungyae has arrived from the

imperial capital.

Your Majesty, Chief Commander Neungyae seeks your audience.

What does he want with His Majesty?

It is late. Send him back to the imperial capital.

Your Majesty, it isNeungyae.

Leave us.

Your Majesty

I have asked you to leave us.

Your Majesty, I have traveled a long way. Grant me an audience.

Did you not hear me? You are shameless to have come here.

Prince Shin-guhm is concerned about your health and sends

food, wine and clothing.

Shin-guhm sends me food and clothing?

Enter!

Your Majesty...!

Your Majesty, I trust you are comfortable.

These are items Prince Shin-guhm has sent.

A million thanks!

I commend you for what you've done in cahoots

with your idiotic nephew! You treacherous fool!

Your Majesty, we dreaded what the circumstances were leading to.

But things did not improve, and the kingdom was in serious peril.

So we did what we had to do with tears in your eyes.

What? Tears in your eyes? Tears?

Yes, Your Majesty.

It was an act of patriotism to preserve the kingdom you built.

Deign to see, Your Majesty.

Prince Shin-guhm is still your son and he remains loyal to you.

Deign to see, Your Majesty.

Is that what you've come to tell me?

Yes, Your Majesty. Our only wish is to preserve the kingdom.

Please quell your anger and accept the reality.

And witness the unification of Three Kingdoms.

If only that were possible I couldn't ask for more.

But Shin-guhm does not have the capacity.

He is not the one!

That is why I was trying to bestow the throne to Geum-kang.

But you fools rebelled against me!

You killed Geum-kang and the Vice Prime Minister!

There was no other choice. Please forgive us.

They are already dead, but the kingdom must be preserved.

It is a kingdom you built from ground up.

Help us to preserve it.

Help you to preserve it? What do you mean?

Please forgive your son Shin-guhm.

Forgive him? Are you asking for the royal seal?

Is that it?

He is the only man for the throne now. Give him your consent.

How dare you!

It is all over. Give him your consent.

Silence! Seal your treacherous mouth, Neungyae!

Get out of my sight!

And take this back for yourself, you selfish pig!

That is quite a lofty harangue for beasts that killed their

own kin and robed the kingdom! Who built the empire?

Do you think thieves can preserve the empire?

That is hilarious! Leave! Leave at once!

Yes, Your Majesty. I will leave for now.

But please reconsider.

Your son wishes to inherit the kingdom you founded.

Please reconsider.

Get out at once!

Yes, Your Majesty.

I will visit you again. Be well.

Bastards...

Those bastards!

You're bleeding!

It is quite all right. I was prepared for it.

Let me escort you. That way -

Merciful Buddha...

You don't understand. I want the throne as well.

But truth will come to light. Words have wings.

Father has been removed, but that does not mean I am the emperor.

The throne cannot be forced.

But the revolution is a success. Why hesitate?

This isn't like you, Brother. Rise to the throne.

Geum-kang is already dead.

It was a revolution by force of arms.

You want me to blatantly push on since I already took up arms,

but I cannot doit that way. I still have a chance.

I will acquire Father's consent somehow. I am nothing if I don't.

The public will not obey me and nor will my subjects.

Eventually, I will become powerless.

Such regime cannot last.

But Brother!

That is why I am anguished. I have seized control of the

state, but I cannot seize the hearts of public by force.

Public support - that is the most powerful force of all.

Without it, you are helpless.

Once you veer fromthe path of righteousness and reason,

your doom is imminent.

I need to get back on that path - the path of

righteousness and reason.

That is the oly way I can earn the trust of the people.