Original subtitles

Days have passed since we conquered Ansi Fort.

We will leave for Yingzhou tomorrow morning to bring our people back without further delay.

But we`re still in the process of getting organized.

General Gulsabiwu must attend to the remaining matters of Liaodong while the Grandmarshal is away.

You must work closly with the forts we have conquere to set up a defense line in Liaodong,

in the aftermath of the conflict.

-Who will stay behind and help General Gulsabiwu? -I will stay.

No, General Heuk Sudol must accompany the Grand Marshal.

If it`s carring for the people General Gumlan might be the right for the job. ~Gulsabiwu~

Yes, so do I. Would you stay?

I would prefer to go to Yingzhou. ~Geumlan~

-You will stay and assist General Gulsabiwu. -But...

The rest of us will be escorting the Grand Marshal to Liaodong

-Dan, stay behind and help your uncle. -Yes, father.

General Gaepilsamun, prepare five hundered horses.

We are pressed for time, so all of us will be on horse back.

Yes, General.

General, it took too many years to bring you back here to Ansi Fort again.

Please forgive these incompeten sons

for making you wander the fades for so long.

Joyoung.

This may be the last service I do for Goguryeo.

General....

Once I`m gone,

it will be up to your generation to protect the country

There will be many more wars on this land.

But remeber this, as long as the people are protected.

Goguryeo will never die.

Even if the fortune runs out and the dynasty should fall.

The country will rise again if the people remain as one.

Take these words to heart.

Be one with the people and no matter where you are and how grand your dream,

you will achieve that dream.

I will never forget that, sir.

We finally got Ansi Fort back.

Rebuke us and scold us for taking so long

it took but a moment to lose the country, but I had never dreamed that

it would be this hard to get the country back.

Now that I am back here at Ansi I ache to hear your voice...

My heart aches to see you again, general.....

General...!!!

What did you wish to see me about?

I think I should return to Yingzhou now.

I will soon be leaving for Yingzhou as well so bring my people back so we can go together.

You came on this conquest of Lioadong under the grounds of cleaning up the eastern frontier for Khitan.

But your true motive was to secure a home for the displaced Goguryeoans.

But that doesn`t creat a problem

From Khitan prespective, enemy forces of Tang have been driven out,

and now we have a trusty ally nearby. ~Li Geom~

That`s not such a bad outcome

By the time you become King of Khitan.

A new state will be occupying the old Goguryeo territory.

If we can maintain our alliance both of our countries will enjoy peace and prosperity.

Would you be willing to share my vision?

That`s my vision as well, general.

You don`t know how glad I am that Khitan has you.

~Yingzhou, Khitan~

Father.Uncle Sun knows about Geom.

There could be disastrous consequences if you let him live.

Your Majesty,

please release those arrested for the attempt on my life.

What the people need is not oppression and tyranny but harmony and compassion.

Harmony and compassion?

-Government for the people? -Yes, Your Majesty.

That is the key to creating a strong nation.

Father why are you hesitant?

You must call an inquiry and punish the offenders.

-Your Majesty, Taepyoung. -Enter.

General Li Kaigu is making his return.

Li Kaigu?

Long live Khitan. Hail to General Li Kaigu!

Long live Khitan!

The people are hailing Li Kaigu`s return.

But of course.

He has drivin out nearly all of Tang forces norht of the Great Wall. ~Dae Jungsang~

When is Joyoung coming back from Lioadong?

Generl Dae Joyoung is aware of the situation so he will not wait long. ~Jang Sanhae~

I heard the King condition is worsening. If something should happen to him, ~Sukyoung~

before we relocate the refugees. We might run into problems.

That`s my concern as well.

Things could`ve been so much easier if Joyoung was here before Li Kaigu.

Father, perhaps you should go into the palace.

The palace?

This is a huge victory for Khitan.

You might want to congratulate the King amd check the mod in the palace.

Your Majesty, I, Li Kaigu, and the Khitan warriors have returned after driving out the Tang forces at your command.

All is your imperial grace.

Your Majesty, your grace is immeasurable.!!

There is no longer any force in the north that threaten Khitan.

With your fearless resistanc we have become a great power equal to Tang! ~Li Jinzhong:King of Khitan~

The Khitan Empire has now established a solid foundation for eternal peace.

All we have left now is

to calm the internal confusion and unify the court.

Hear me ministers and warriors of Khitan!

Yes, Your Majesty!

Tonight,

the prisoners of high treason will be taken out of their cells

and judge before the people!

All of you are ordered to attend this public inquiry!

Uncle Sun was the country`s most faithful and patriotic servant.

I can`t believe he conspired to usurp the throne.

It`s all over now. Let us get past it.

Get past it? Uncle could be executed tonight. ~Li Kaigu~

Death is the only punishment fit for his crime. ~Chulin~

Has Shin Hong mention anything to you about him?

That has me puzzled as well.

The tactician hasn`t said a word about the conspiracy.

Welcome, General Dae Jungsang.

I didn`t know until I got here that you are holding a public inquiry.

You`re here just in time. Let us go to the inquiry together.

This is internal matters of Khitan. I don`t wish to intrude.

Nonsense.

It is your army that suppressed this rebellion.

Let us go.

Criminals of high treason will answer my questions and my questions only.

Sun Wanrong,

I know you did not conspire to commit this crime alone.

Reveal your co-conspirator.

Speak!

Who is your accomplice?

Your Majesty,

I beg you to give me death. ~Sun Wanrong:Khitan King`s Brother in Law~

My crime is not in treason but in failing to serve you properly.

Because of my failure,

you still harbor injudicious notions.

-Injudicious notion? -Yes, Your Majesty.

I had risen for the people and the state.

Never did I covet the throne.

Give me death.

And be enlightened in the truth.

You must make your decision wisely.

This is my last faithful counsel, Your Majesty!

This country is at the threshold of becoming a great power.

If these criminals are executed.

I could be extinguish the park of treason.

But punishment begets resentment and resentment begets revenge.

Misfortune can only be truly removed with forgiveness and harmany.

Therefore,

I pardon and release Sun Wanrong and all those who conspired to commit high treason against me.

Father!

I forbid any further refutation or argument.

I will punish anyone who mention this matter again, so be duly noted.

Your Grace is immeasurable. Your Majesty!!

Sire!

Did you find the will?

-It`s not in his bedchamber. -It must be found.

Do whatever it takes it must be found!

Search all of the eunuchs and escorts that eneter the bedchambers.

Yes, sire.

~Chang`an, Tang~

What are you doing here? Where is Her Majesty?

Her Majesty is unwell. ~Yang Xiaowei~

I`ve been obligated to lead the morning assembly on her behalf.

This is unheard of!

Morning assemblies are held to bid greetings to the Emperor amd discuss state affairs. ~Li Wen~

I am carrying out the Emperor`s order.

Silence!

Her Majesty may not be well, but she would never appoint a proxy at her age! ~Xue Rengui~

I will not be part of this assembly!

Men, what are you waiting for?

-Let us be out of here. -Let`s go!

Pay close attention!

I, Yang Xiaowei, have been listening to your grievances as Her Majesty`s eyes and ears.

Likewise, I am here today to attend to state affairs on Her Majesty`s behalf.

Go ahead. Ignore me and leave this room.

-Go ahead and leave! -How dare....

Are you threatening the high ministers of the court?

You are not an exception, General Xue Rengui.

What?

What is the matter with you all? Are you scared of this bastard?

I won`t force anyone to stay.

leave if you wish to leave and stay if you wish to stay.

General, there`re pressing matters of the state.

All of us are already here, so let us go ahead with the meeting.

My man!

Besides, Lord Yang says he`s acting on the Emperor`s orders.

Let us get started, Lord Yang.

Between Dae Joyoung and Li Kaigu, we have a lot to discuss.

I don`t believe this!

General Xue, why don`t you take a seat?

You`re quite clever dominating the palace inch by inch.

Let see how far your get riding on the Emperor`s coat tails.

How dare you...

Take note of General Xue Rengui`s last remarks.

And see for yourself where his arrogance get him.

Forgive us for this visitation when Your Majesty is unwell.

My instructions were to discuss the state affairs with Yang Xiaowei.

Your Majesty, there is a situation developing in the north.

Li Jinzhong is suffering a terminal illness that could take him any time.

Is that right?

Your Majesty, Li Jinzhong`s death is likely to break the alliance between Dae Joyoung and Khitan

If that happens, we can move the Turks to destroy Khitan

The last time I ordered the Turks to action, they took a passive stance. ~Emperor Wu Zetian~

There is no guarantee that Muchuo will cooperate even if Dae Joyoung and Khitan break their alliance.

Muchuo is a very cautious man.

But if he knows that he can win, he will attack like a bloodthirsty wolf.

This conversation has made my head feel lighter.

Stregthen our relationship with the Turks and stay on top of what`s happening in Liaodong and Yingzhou.

We will get our chace, Your Majesty.

First we will destroy Khitan then go after Dae Joyoung

Latly we will strike the Turks, and the north will be your again.

I most certainly hope so.

I can`t handle the stress when I think of Dae Joyoung and Li Kaigu.

~Royal Palace of Khitan in Yingzhou~

Are you sure?

Why would His Majesty trust me with such an important document?

Then have you ever seen it? Does Princess Chulin have it? ~Shin Hong~

I have not seen it nor have I heard of it.

Very well. You may go.

Yes, sire.

If it`s not the physician or Taepyoung, then who?

Sire.

Did you check all the attendants?

I think I know where it is.

Where?

I think His Majesty is carrying it in his body.

His Majesty is carrying his will on his body?

The servent in waiting has seen His Majesty keeping something very dearly with him at all times.

You`ve been drinking nonstop since you were released.

I can`t calm myself.

I never dreamed His Majesty would spare my life.

Does this mean he knows my true loyalty and sincere intent?

There is no time for this.

His Majesty will soon announce his successor.

We must find his will before that happens.

Leave me alone.

He is carrying that will with him on his body.

I said leave me alone.

If what you said at the inquiry was truly from your heart you must find that will.

Of course it was from my heart.

And I believe His Majesty spoke from his heart as well.

General...

His Majesty gave me his trust so I will give him my trust as well.

He will not make the decision that we`ve been afraid he will.

So don`t do anything to disrespect him again.

I will not allow it.

Sire!

Sire, you should go outside. Dae Joyoung just arrived.

Father.

-Mother! -Welcome back.

-Have you suffered any injuries? -I`m fine, mother.

I heard about your victories from Liaodong, father.

You conquered Liaodong with mere thirty thousand men. I coudn`t be more impressed.

I heard you didn`t suffer a single defeat in your entire conquest into the west.

Did my son Geom earn his keep?

He was an ally more dependable than an army of reinforcements.

-You look good. -So do you, sire.

His Majesty awaits you. Let us go inside.

Grandfather, your grandson Geom is back.

Similarities are uncanny.... I never noticed before,

but Geom looks so much like Dae Joyoung...!

How do you fare, Your Majesty?

My precious grandson has never seemed so distant... They say blood is thicker than water.

Frightening... It is truly frightening!

Father..

His Majesty seems tired, so we will leave for now.

No, I am all right.

You don`t know how worried I`ve been that I might be dead before you returned.

-You musn`t say such a thing. -I`m nearing my end.

All I can do now is to tidy up this country the best I can until the day Heaven takes me.

So what is your plan with the Goguryeoan refugees?

Over three hundred thousand Goguryeoan need to be relocated.

Among them approximately one hundered thousand are ready to be transported to Lioadong now.

One hundred thousand....

Their lost home has been found, so I suppose they must go.

But I have one personal request.

Both you and Geom are back so I will soon announce my successor.

I want you to stay until the coronation.

Coronation?

Installation of a new King when His Majesty is alive?

I intend to step down and let young, powerful leaders govern this state.

No, Your Majesty.

I must oppose as well, Your Majesty.

We cannot install a new King when you are alive and strong.

It`s unheard of, father.

My mind is already made up. I will hear no argument.

Now I must have a word with General Dae Joyoung alone. The rest of you may leave.

Let us go to my chambers. Do you mind?

Of course not, Your Majesty.

The name West Tiger East Drangon is spreading among the people in Yingzhou these days.

Tiger of the west and dragon of the east...

It refers to General Li Kaigu and Dae Joyoung.

It is an interesting expression, but aren`t dragon and tigers are rivals by fate. ~Mimosa~

Didn`t you go to Liaodong to erect a new state? We all hope that peace will be preserved, ~Shin Hong~

but there are no guarantees.

Establishing a new state is still a distant dream to us.

More importantly, who has His Majesty chosen to succeed his throne?

No one knows.

What do you mean?

He spoke of a coronation but he is yet to announce his successor?

It is rumored among the people....

...that General Dae Joyoung may succeed to the throne of this state.

What do you know about this?

A Chimney doesn`t smoke whitout a fire.

If General Dae and His Majesty have an agreement. I`m sure you would know about it.

You`re right. If this rumor was true.

I would know all about it. But seeing as this is a surprise to me,

it must be a groundless rumor.

I disagree.

What would you do if the King grants the sovereign power to Dae Joyoung?

Then he should accept without question.

I would strongly urge General Dae to accept.

But my master would neve rise to the throne of Khitan.

The country he lost is Goguryeo and the country he is fighting to get back is Goguryeo.

The country he wins must be Goguryeo as well. And Khitan is not Goguryeo.

What is this?

It is my last will and testament.

I will become a useless piece of paper after the coronation.

Keep it safe until then and burn it.

May I ask why you are giving me this?

There has already been a disturbance in this court over the sovereign right. ~Li Jinzhong:King of Khitan~

It may have been quelled for now, but no one knows what kind of tragety greed for power mught bring.

I know that you will enforce my will fairly no matter what happens.

Does this contain the name of the next king?

Yes.

Aren`t you going to ask me who it is?

I`m sure you`ve made a wise decision whoever it is.

Is there something wrong?

You and I could have been closer than we are now.

Had I known sooner we could have shocked the word with our great accomplishments.

And the world would be a different place now.

But what can we do?

Heaven has allowed us only this.

He has declared a solemn order for us not to be closer.

I don`t understand, Your Majesty.

Someday you will.

Just remember this.. you and Khitan are bound by fate.

Look after my people for me no matter what changes the future may bring.

It is my last request to you.

Rest assured, Your Majesty. I will do as you ask.

Thank you.

-Father, -General!

Welcome back.

Good work.

You achieved an incredible feat!

-Wife, have you been well? -I`ve been fine.

You don`t know how proud I am of all of you!

Father!

Jeok, you`re here.

-Auhong, my derling! -Husband!

Now, now, lets go inside! Bang Gae has slaughtered a cow specially for us!

Eat much as you wish and relax tonight!

Let`s go.

Help yourself! I`m all right.

No, eat up.

You`ve become so thin while I`ve been away.

If you ask me,

she`s gained a few pounds since we`ve been gone. ~Tungso~

No, she`s just skin and bones.

I can`t bear to look at her. Eat, honey. You`re going to die of malnutrition. ~Auhong~ ~Heuk Sudol~

Hey, that`s my chicken!

You`ve had enough, Gaepil. Did you come here to stuff yourself?

Oh boy, I better find me a wife quick. The woes of being an old bachelor! ~Gaepilsamun~

Go ahead!

I heard the King asked you to stay until the coronation.

Yes, father.

I`m going to have to ask you to take the refugees to Liaodong.

That`s not a problem, but I don`t feel comfortable leaving you behind. ~Dae Jungsang~

I will be fine.

Uncle Dilbal, Master Jang, anf General Mu Yeom, would you accompany my father?

Don`t worry about us and be careful.

-Wife, you and Jeok should go with them as well. -I`d like to stay behind with you.

That`s not neccessary. I won`t be far behind you.

No,

there are things that need attending to after the refugees leave. ~Sukyoung:Dae Joyoung`s wife~

Do as you see fit.

Let us be prepared to leave as soon as possible.

Yes, sir.

-The name of the next King is written in here? -Yes.

Open it.

We must know who that name belongs to.

I`ve been entrusted to keep it sealed. It wouldn`t be right.

But our plans may change drastically depending on the name on that will.

-Knowing it in advance will change nothing. -That isn`t so.

What if the name of the next King is Dae Joyoung?

What are you talking about?

At first I thought it was absurd as well.

But if you think about it, entirely possible.

Our future and the future of Khitan is inside this envelope.

Open it general.

Open it. Check the name written inside.

This is Khitan`s private affair.

And this will was given to me to maintain neutrality.

General...?

We have our own destination.

Me the King of Khitan?

That`s not possible and that must not be.

Our people will soon be leaving for Liaodong.

That`s what you should be focusing on instead.

-The will His Majesty had on him is gone. -What do you mean?

The servent in waiting said the envelope His Majesty had this morning is now gone.

Find it! Do whatever it takes to...

I know you are up to something.

Don`t try to lie to me. What are you planning? ~Li Kaigu~

Are you the man behind Uncle Sun`s high treason?

Yes.

-But it was all for.... -Don`t you say it was for me!

How could hurting the King be in my interest?

His Majesty knows that Geom is Dae Joyoung`s son.

General Sun attempted high treason to protect the country from the Goguryeoans.

What are you talking about?

His Majesty`s favoritism for Dae Joyoung has exceeded reasonable limits by far.

And now he learned that he is the father of his precious grandson.

Who do you think he will choose?

You are on the verge of losing everything you have.

Your wife, your son, your honor and reputation and this country you could lose everything to Dae Joyoung.

Isn`t that enough to cause to justify my actions?

I can accept death, but I cannot watch my master fall.

My first attempt has failed but I will succeed next time.

If you can`t accept that you will have to kill me.

I will die with a smile if it is my master`s sword that kills me.

No...

His Majesty cannot know...

If it`s come to this....

everyone must die.

I must kill all of them!

Subs by:robster38