Original subtitles

Your assessment of Kanghwa Island?

It's as though it were made just for us.

How so?

Mt. Mani is there, and the altar of the founder of this land.

It's the first place one sees?

Yes, Overlord.

Mt. Mani…Founder Tangun… Perfect.

And?

It's separated from Nampo and the south by the sea and a river.

Not easy for an enemy crossing.

Which river?

Yomhwa River. The tides are always high, it's a dangerous channel crossing.

The Seondol cliffs are right where the river meets the sea.

The water is rough, swirling, filled with reefs.

Any boats crossing would be smashed to pieces.

The Mongols wouldn't dare try it.

And?

The fields are vast and fertile.

The island is large enough to house a flourishing capital.

Good. Excellent report.

Moving the capital is in essence moving the whole country

The move will be time consuming and the Mongols will try to stop it.

Don't you agree?

Just so.

So we must move quickly.

I'll deal with the Privy Council.

There's something I want you to do in the meantime.

Yes, sir.

I've written it down.

Ride for the Western Capital. This is more than your life is worth.

Outside of the capital, the Mongol resident commissioners...

are concentrated to the north.

You've got to gather them all in one place to buy us time.

Marshal Sartai's Mongols are amassed at the Jin borders, eyeing Koryo like a tiger.

We can't have them march on us before we move to Kanghwa.

You get my meaning?

Yes, sir.

Kill them all?

Of course. No survivors.

We're going to war anyway.

We may as well take the initiative.

Yes, Overlord.

You'll have to strike fast. I'll begin the move immediately.

But time is of the essence.

You've got buy us time by dealing with the Mongol resident commissioners.

Yes, Overlord.

Kim Jun, what's going on?

Where are we going? I don't understand.

I told at you Kanghwa. We're moving the capital.

But where are we going now?

The Western Capital. Our mission is there.

Can't you tell me what it is?

Enough questions. You'll see when we get there.

Our mission is important, that's all you need to know.

Time to go. Move out.

Move the capital to Kanghwa?

Yes, and quickly.

Have you told the Council?

I'm telling you. You can discuss it in council.

And inform His Majesty.

Shouldn't you inform His Majesty first?

Of course I will.

But we don't have time to wait for royal permission.

The capital could burn while we're waiting.

You have to convince the chancellors.

They won't agree. Neither will His Majesty.

His Majesty isn't the problem.

We're dealing with the very future of Koryo.

Gather the court and get this moving.

But, Overlord, this means moving the capital.

Why Kanghwa of all places?

Which is more important, people or places?

Sir?

Home is where people are, where they live and work.

But not for His Majesty. What will he do for a palace?

Home is where people are!

That is where he will live and work.

The problem isn't him, it's you!

Now move! My mind is made up, so why do you keep whining about it?

Call the court and get to work.

Overlord, I'll alert the council immediately.

Moving the capital is in essence, moving the whole country.

This war with the Mongols will be long and drawn-out.

And I need to sit here explaining this to my successor?

Is that it?

Or don't you want to leave your cozy little capital to save Koryo?

Is that it?

No, sir. I'm thinking of the emperor, of the people.

For 300 years the capital has been at Kaegyeong.

Moving it will throw the whole country into chaos.

When can you call the council?

Immediately, sir.

See to it. There's no time!

- He's what? - How?

Quietly, quietly. Dignity, gentlemen.

Move the capital? What, suddenly Kaegyong isn't good enough?

Move to Kangwha?

Well said. Forget it. It's not fit for His Majesty.

The Overlord has spoken.

He has decided that it all must be moved.

Just so. And the Mongols are coming back. What else can we do?

It's either move or submit unconditionally.

All of us, your clans, we'll all be slaves.

Right. If we hesitate we'll be enslaved.

Quite right. Moving is a foregone conclusion. There's no other way.

I agree.

But how can we defeat the Mongols from Kanghwa?

Wouldn't it be best to settle things here?

I agree. The Great Emperor Taejo founded this capital.

Three hundred years, tens of thousands of subjects.

How can we just abandon it?

What other choice is there?

The Mongol's abuses are already more than we can bear.

Not too long ago, the resident commissioner killed our liaison.

But the palace is the soul of Koryo.

Deciding this without His Majesty's consent is nothing short of treason.

Exactly. The country belongs to him, as does the seat of government.

How dare we discuss this without him?

Look here, General Choe, what does all that matter now?

Koryo's future is at stake. The enemy is demanding our children.

Shall we give them everything, our blood, our sweat, our lives?

But we're talking about the capital. How can we exclude His Majesty?

Listen to you. Who says we're excluding him?

The Overlord is going there now, he'll tell him.

Look here, General Dae, don't talk down to the chancellors.

What? Who's talking down?

Isn't raising your voice and carrying on the same thing?

Is that any way to address a chancellor?

Do what now?

Enough, enough alredy.

Of course this is a serious matter. Which is exactly why we're all here.

But the Overlord has decided.

We have to move quickly for the national interest.

It's already decided.

I'm against it. This isn't something the Overlord can decide on his own.

We have to discuss it more. We're talking 300 years of tradition here.

I swear, we're at war, or did you miss that?

It's inevitable for a small country.

It's not so bad. We have to survive.

We'll serve the Mongols if we must.

What-what-what?

What's that, you old fart?

Serve the Mongols?

- What? - You're a Mongol puppet!

- You are. - No, you are.

- I'm right. - No, I am.

Just think about it!

Hold on, now. Move the capital?

Abandon the palace? My home?

Not abandon, just vacate temporarily.

The very idea is absurd.

An emperor belongs in his palace.

As a symbol to his people.

I understand. But desperate times call for desperate measures.

The Mongols have already started to bleed us dry, surely you know that.

How much more do you think we can take?

Listen, Overlord, we should appeal to them, appease them.

That's the answer. Think of the people. Kanghwa?

How can we rule from an island?

You think we haven't thought of that?

Rest assured, we'll build a palace, a fortress.

The best of Koryo will come to Kanghwa.

You won't notice any difference.

But I can't leave the palace.

This is the home of my ancestors. How can I move?

It's already begun.

What?

I've sent men to the Western Capital.

The resident commissioners are as good a dead.

Wait. Now look here. The Mongol commissioners?

Just as they killed our chancellors.

Overlord.

Prepare yourself, Sire. Leave it all to me.

- Overlord. - I realize this is difficult.

But know this, no emperor will have done more to save his country.

You will go down in history.

Overlord.

Overlord, Overlord. Kim Sechung of the Night Patrol.

Stand aside. Who dares block the Overlord?

Overlord.

- Move him. - Sir.

Overlord, allow me to speak. Please sir.

Release him.

- The Night Patrol, you said? - Yes, sir.

What's so urgent that you stop me in the street?

I heard you're moving the palace to Kanghwa.

It can't be done. You will be cursed for generations. It can't be allowed.

You!

Go on.

Don't move. It will wear on the people, the emperor, until Koryo is all but lost.

Is that all?

Yes, sir. Don't move the capital.

How would you stop the Mongols? Tell me that.

I can't, sir. But we can't move.

Fool. No plan, no strategy, just "don't do it," is that it?

- Yi Kongju. - Yes, Overlord.

Display his head outside the city gates. Move out.

- Take him away. - Sir.

Sir, don't do it! Don't move the capital!

Don't do it!

[June 16, 1232 - Night Patrol Commander Kim Sechung]

We have to decide. It's getting late.

Just so. It's time. The Overlord is waiting.

We have to wrap this up.

He's right. Let's finish this.

Yes, let's put it to a vote. We have to decide within the day.

A day? With the Privy Council?

If there's no consensus, we meet tomorrow, and the next day.

A day?

He's right. Then we submit it to His Majesty.

Bunch of old whiners. The Emperor always goes along with the Council.

Why do you keep bringing him up?

Let's just vote to move and be done.

No. There is no consensus. I'm against it.

I hear Kim Sechung's head is on display outside.

Threaten all you like, what's wrong is wrong.

Stubborn old mule. Well? Take the old fool away!

Take whom away? I was the emperor's teacher. How dare you drag me away?

Yi Kyubo, this won't do at all.

I can't believe this!

I won't go! I won't let the capital move. Never!

Welcome, Overlord.

So some old fool is screaming in council now?

Look here, Overlord, this is the Privy Council. My vote will be heard.

I vote nay. Koryo doesn't belong to the Guard Corps.

Don't insult our emperor!

Old mule.

You, men.

- Take the old man away. - Yes, sir.

- Take him away. - Sir.

You can't. You can't just do as you please with Koryo.

Vile, evil men! Fools!

We don't have time for this.

The Mongols could attack at anytime, then no place will be safe.

You've decided, then? Yea or nay?

Yea, sir.

- Is it unanimous? - Yea, Overlord.

What's this?

From the Overlord. Our mission.

I can't read. What's it say?

We're moving to Kanghwa.

This is the diversion.

What's the plan?

Remove the Mongol resident commissioners.

We what?

We get all the northern border commissioners in the Western Capital.

After they arrive, we act.

Will they all come?

They have to. That's what this order from the Overlord is for.

He is inviting them to a grand feast…

in appreciation of services rendered.

It just might work.

It might, but if we fail, the cost to Koryo will be high.

If even one commissioner suspects something, it will be all over.

This is the only way we can buy time to move the capital.

You're right about that.

Yangbaek, ride for the northern border.

If anything happens, you've got to stop the commissioners.

Understood?

Border patrol? Not a very good use of my abilities.

Isn't that a little too easy?

Not at all.

Hong Bokwon is on the border, too. You know him.

Hong Bokwon? The traitor?

Yangbaek, we can't afford a single mistake, you understand?

Hong is in Inju right now.

The commissioners are in the surrounding forts.

One mistake will wake the hornet's nest.

I understand.

But why don't I just kill him?

Yangbaek, no mistakes, not one, understand?

This is worth more than our lives.

Don't worry.

Looks like I get off easy this time.

Our men will have reached the Western Capital by now?

By now, yes.

They'll have spread the word to the Mongol commissioners.

We must move fast, but with care.

When every last one of them is in the banquet hall...

that's when we act.

We have two days.

Make certain the commissioners are coming.

Yes, sir.

- Move out. - Sir.

Sire, you sent for me?

Yes, look here, isn't there anything you can do to help me?

Your Majesty?

I can't move. Think about it.

You fight off an enemy from a mountain stronghold, not from some little island.

Your pardon, but the Council has decided.

And no palace? But plenty of open fields?

Where will I go? My retinue and retainers?

It will be inconvenient at first.

But the Overlord is doing this for the future of Koryo.

I swear...

Listen, I know you.

We were friends once.

Yes, Sire.

I was delighted to hear that you were the Overlord's successor.

No one understands the trials of the Royal House better than you.

Your Majesty.

Go back. Talk to the Overlord again.

Am I supposed to live in some seaside shack?

Talk to him again.

Please.

I'm sorry, but there's nothing I can do.

Forgive me, Sire.

I swear, what am I supposed to do? What?

The decision is made.

Exactly. It's up to the Ministry of War to make it happen.

Men were dispatched to Kanghwa?

Of course, mobilizing troops is always the first move.

We'll dispatch 10,000 men to build the emperor's palace.

Yi Kongju will lead an advance party of slave brigades.

We can consider ourselves at war.

We have a lot to do in a short period of time.

Only the military?

No. We send our men to lay the foundations.

At the same time we'll send out a nation-wide call for recruits.

We need a palace and a fortress.

It will be hard on the people. The war has just ended.

It will get harder. This is just the beginning.

Not just for the people, it's hard for everyone.

Kim Yakson was with the emperor?

Yes, sir. His Majesty sent for him.

No doubt His Majesty is quite upset.

And the Ministry of War? They're sending men to Kanghwa?

Yes, Overlord. Song Kilyu and Yi Jasong are in conference now.

Too many conferences. This is war.

We need action. This is a national emergency.

Yes, sir.

You hate that I sent you to Kim Yakson, don't you.

Sir?

But you're the only one I can rely on to help him.

These are difficult times.

I'm sorry, sir.

Overlord, if I may, Lord Jusuk is with me.

You're dismissed.

Help Yakson if you can.

Yes, Overlord.

Overlord, you must be exhausted, with all that's going on.

Not just me. All of us.

But to have already started construction?

Well done, indeed. We'll treat you to a well-earned rest.

Where?

We'll tell you later. Shall we?

Fine wine awaits you.

Forget your troubles for a while.

Forget?

If you think so much of it, you go instead.

Listen to you. We have plenty of wine here.

But wine is all about ambience.

It grows stale in the same place.

A change of atmosphere will do you good.

Listen to you.

It seems word has spread.

Yes, sir. Everyone knows the capital is moving.

And the Mongol resident commissioner?

What else? Drinking himself silly as usual.

- Yi Kongju. - Overlord.

Once we're settled, go find Dotan.

I want that filthy Mongol's head.

Display it outside the palace.

Yes, Overlord.

- But, Overlord, Overlord... - Overlord.

No, wait. Don't use a sword.

Beat him to death.

Yes, sir.

Shall we?

So this was the place, huh?

Your pardon, sir. It's been far, far too long since I've had you here.

You honor me with your presence.

We've been friends for many years.

If not for that, things would have gone much worse for you.

I'm well aware of that. You have been generous.

I haven't been able to wrap my brain around your so-called strategy.

Where did you learn it?

Ah, well...num...

Sun Tzu's Art of War.

You cost us a lot of men.

Remember, a general is responsible for his men.

Sir, another drink?

Dae Jipsong's daughter is with us.

Her husband fought bravely and gave his life in battle.

He is truly one of our honored dead.

Is that how you see it?

Need you ask?

He marched to war and died for his country.

You're not sad? Angry?

You lost your husband.

What good is a husband without a country?

- You have a child? - Yes, Overlord.

What good is a husband without a country?

Now that's a woman.

You have plenty of wine?

Of course, you need only say the word.

I feel like drinking.

Here. Another.

Thank you.

Troops have left for Kanghwa?

Yes. An advance division of 10,000 men to begin construction.

A nation-wide call is going out to draft more men.

If the Mongols hear of it they'll know we plan on fighting them.

We have to move the capital before that happens.

But we're moving too fast.

I'm told we've sent two of our field marshals to the Western Capital.

Kim Jun and Choe Yangbaek.

Pardon me, sir?

Apparently they plan on dealing with all the commisioners in one fell swoop.

What about the one here? Dotan, I mean.

He may already be dead.

I just received word that Yi Kongju was dispatched to find him.

How did it come to this?

Chaos, everything is chaos.

Yakson, it's not chaos.

It's the only way to save Koryo.

Have you forgotten how I fought for Fort Kwiju?

This is entirely different. We've already surrendered.

Yakson, I agree with the Overlord.

The whole country is unified, don't you see that?

We can't be indecisive.

If you can't see that, you'll end up hurt.

- Keep it up. Till no breath is left. - Sir.

Don't you know to fear the mighty Mongols?

I'm just paying you back is all.

Spare me. Spare me..!

Scum!

Go easy with that.

You get the carts ready?

- We'll need dozens. - Oh, dear.

Whew!

Who knew there was so much?

Move it along, come on.

- Give me that. - Oh, my.

Here we go.

Oh, dear. Come along.

Your Grace.

You have enough to do in the Guard Corps kitchen. Thank you.

Not at all.

There is no Guard Corps without the Choe House.

We'll handle this lot, don't' you worry.

Chop-chop, Kannan. Move them along.

Yes, Nanjang. Your Grace?

Well? Move it!

Must I do everything myself?

Here we go...and...oomph!

Kim Jun and Choe Yangbaek rode out?

Yes, Your Grace.

It's always something.

The Guard Corps is moving the capital, the country in arms...

and Kim Jun has more to do.

I watched him the other day.

Kim Jun...has changed.

Your Grace?

Imposing. Confident.

And so much more.

But then, he always was.

And now, leading more men. He'll reach even greater heights.

And my father claims to hate him.

Such a strange world we live in.

Here in the Western Capital? Are you sure?

Kill them all?

Have they replied?

Of course. It's from the Overlord, after all.

Word went to all the forts.

They'll be on their way.

What did you say?

Just what you told me. A grand feast for services rendered.

Gold, silver, silk, cotton, all await them here.

Once things start, we'll surround them, then...

You'll kill them?

Yes.

The worst of the commissioners are close to Hong Bokwon.

Then we'll be sure they make it.

Of course. However, that Hong is a suspicious, clever piece of work.

And he knows the court hates him.

I know. That's why we have to be extra careful.

The Western Capital isn't far from Kaegyeong.

We've already heard that the capital is being moved.

If we're not careful, Hong will find out, too.

Which is why we have to hurry. Tonight.

We have to have them here by tonight.

Yes, you're right, but...

We only have a few men. We need to use yours.

Need you ask? If only the commissioners don't catch on...

You, too, huh?

- It's been too long. - True.

- Shall we? - We shall.

That Hong trash is here in Inju.

He's coming with the commissioners from Fort Kangdong?

Yes, sir.

So they should be gathering at Kangdong?

Exactly. And from there, to the Western Capital.

Hong Bokwon. I'd love to get my hands on him.

You should.

What?

Kim Jun is going to kill them at the Western Capital anyway.

Why should he have all the fun?

If we get the chance, we should sweep down on them.

Us?

But Kim Jun gave instructions that we should act only in case of an emergency.

Can't we handle it?

He shouldn't get all the credit.

We're not his servants.

Well, if we get the chance...

I'd hate for anyone else to kill Hong.

Traitor.

Tell me, Lord Hong, why the sudden invitation to the Western Capital?

Koryo is a country of wimps that are terrified of the mighty Mongols.

They're scared to give the slightest offense.

True. I heard they gave up 3,000 men and 30 ships for our war with the Jin.

They roll over and play good doggy every time.

What else can they do? They do as they're told.

It's about time they gave us a feast.

True, true. Say, weren't you in the war?

Something about great battles and such?

Oh, Koryo has good reason to hate me.

And they do.

You've heard about my prowess, no doubt?

This just proves it. It's strange, don't you think?

Why else would they invite us to a feast after all this time?

Before they knew nothing. Now they know their place.

Welcome, sir. Thank you for all that you do.

You, too, sir? Come in. We have a feast prepared.

Please, this way.

The commissioners keep coming.

Let them have their tea, lull them into a sense of security.

Until Hong Bokwon gets here.

That may be awhile yet.

Are the men ready?

Yes, sir.

We can't move until they're all here.

Yangbaek will send word when the border is clear.

That's when we start.

- As you say, sir. - We understand, sir.

Report.

Just as we thought, Hong...

and the Fort Kangdong commissioners are riding together.

But, sir, Hong has an escort.

Oh? How many?

I'd say around 50 troops.

Sir, I can't help but think this is a bad move.

Kim Jun ordered us to watch Hong and guard the rear.

Not to confront them.

They have an escort.

Is fifty too many, you think?

No, sir. We have thirty. We can take them.

All right, we'll do it.

I'll kill Hong myself, if nothing else.

But we've got to send word to Kim Jun.

- Hoga. - Yes, sir.

Tell Kim Jun I'm dealing with this riff-raff.

He'll be awaiting word.

Why aren't the commissioners from the northern border here yet?

We've already sent men to get them.

They should be coming from Fort Kangdong anytime.

That's quite a few commissioners.

Just so. They're coming with Hong Bokwon.

They'll be here soon.

Well, let's have some refreshments while we wait.

Here.

The light is fading fast.

- Here, a drink. - Sure.

Strange. Why haven't we heard from Yangbaek?

Good question.

Sir, Hoga.

Hoga? You're late.

Where are Hong and the others? Are they almost here?

Very nearly. But Field Marshal Choe says he'll deal with them himself.

He'll what?

He changed the plan. He's going to kill Hong and the others himself.

I told you to follow them and prevent their going across the border.

He said they're as good as dead anyway.

What?

No, this is serious.

Ride. Tell him to let them pass. Go.

- But... - He told you to ride.

But it's too late.

He will have attacked Hong by now.

What?

No.

- You two. - Sir.

Take ten men.

Go to them and report.

Yes, sir.

- Move. - Sir.

No.

How far now?

We're nearly there.

Let's move it. I'm starving.

Traitor!

Hong Bokwon! Traitor!

I've waited a long time for this.

You... I remember you from Kaegyong.

Well? Stop him!

This is it. Kill them!

Them first! Get Hong first!

It's a trap. The feast was a trap!

Enjoy. We have plenty of food and drink.

Why haven't the commissioners from the north arrived yet?

Good question. And what about Hong? They should be here by now.

They must have been delayed.

We'll send some men to escort them.

Enjoy, they'll be here soon.

Sure, sure, they'll be here. Let's enjoy ourselves.

It gives us time to load up all the gifts we'll be getting.

Enjoy.

Another round.

- Nothing from Choe Yangbaek? - No, sir.

Something must have gone wrong.

We should have heard from him by now.

Whatever it is, we have to end things here and now.

- Ready. - Sir.

- Move out. - Move out.

What is this?

No, I've got to get out of here.

Stop them! Go on, fight!

I'll ride for reinforcements. Cover me!

Hong! Come back here!

Fire!

Field Marshal, what about Hong Bokwon?

If he lives, this is all for nothing.

Sir, there are too many of them.

You're right. They're tough.

- Don't hold back. - Yes, sir.

Kill them!

Kill them all! Find and kill them all!

Hong Bokwon got away.

All of this was for nothing.

There's nothing I can say.

Why didn't you follow orders?

If you had, we would have bought the time we needed to move the capital.

This was all for nothing.

I'm sorry.

Kill me.

We were acting on the Overlord's orders.

A mission that was more important than our lives.

By now Hong has crossed the Yalu and told the Mongols.

Our failure here will cost the lives of countless soldiers and civilians.

Do you know what you've done? Do you?

There is no excuse.

I wanted glory.

I wanted to kill the traitor.

But I failed.

Take my head to the Overlord and beg his forgiveness.

- Sir! - Sir!

We're not comrades.

You were wrong.

We're soldiers.

My orders came from the Overlord.

Did you hate me so much, Yangbaek?

- Kill me. - Yangbaek.

Sir!

Yangbaek!