Original subtitles

Kim Jun may be right. That's probably where they're headed.

Exactly. Shouldn't Kim Yakson have thought of this?

I have to hear it from Kim Jun?

Maybe if he spent less time drinking and more time planning?

If the Tripitaka burns it will crush our people.

What can we do? How can we save the Tripitaka?

Does Kim Yakson have a plan?

What now?

We have no men to send to Taegu and the enemy is on the move.

How can we stop them?

What about the Tripitaka?

Didn't we move it because Heungwang Temple was too dangerous?

Just so.

Can our garrison in Taegu stop them?

I'm sorry, but I doubt it.

They probably don't even know the Mongols are on the way.

Overlord. Send me.

I'll reconnoiter and devise a defense strategy.

The Mongols are coming from the north. If I leave now I should beat them there.

They have 1,000 cavalry.

The problem isn't getting there first, it's stopping them at all.

But, sir, we can't just do nothing.

No, riding there won't help anything.

My lord, isn't it better to fight than to lose our temple to the Mongols?

Perhaps working in tandem with the local militia we can stop them.

You may be killed.

But, desperate times call for desperate measures.

Will you do it?

Yes, Overlord. With your permission, I'll leave tonight.

Granted. You were a monk once.

I know how you feel about the Tripitaka.

Yes, sir, which is why I want to go.

Take Choe Yangbaek with you.

Yes, Overlord. Right away, sir.

Kim Jun. What's the rush this time?

A precious treasure is threatened.

We have to hurry. The Mongols are marching on Taegu.

- Move out. - Yes, sir.

Take your time.

The Koryo cowards have all run off to mountains or islands. No one's around.

Yes, sir.

Taegu. A few days or so.

The whole thing is silly.

They think some scriptures will protect their country?

So I heard.

If they believe that, no wonder they're losing.

Blocks of wood protecting a whole country?

Exactly, sir.

Anyway, this is boring.

Soldiers are meant to fight wars.

Not to ride to some backwoods town and burn a Tripi-whatever-it-is.

Tanggu's lucky, he gets to march on Kanghwa.

The detachments are burning as they go?

Yes, sir.

We have our orders from Marshal Sartai.

Burn the villages, the houses, the temples, everything.

Just as you say, sir. We burn every village, no exceptions.

Koryo will never try this again. We'll burn their country to ashes.

Yes, sir.

Now for Kaegyeong. What's the status there?

The military has lost. All that's left is rabble.

Oh? Never mind them. We march for Kanghwa.

Yes, sir.

Move it along! Time is short. Move!

What's taking so long?

This is the imperial palace. Move it!

Move!

Pak Seungson. Where is Kim Yakson?

I'm not sure. I saw him this morning.

I don't know if he left.

The reports keep coming in.

Where are the Mongols now?

One says they're at Kaegyeong.

Another says they're fighting at Fort Kwangju.

Another says they're marching along the Han River to get here.

The situation is desperate.

Here at Kangdo, Kaegyong, Fort Kwangju, even Taegu.

Yes, quite so.

Find Kim Yakson. Ask around, find out where he is.

He has a meeting to run. Now.

Yes. Right away, sir.

[Kangdo - New name for Kanghwa]

Make way.

Make way.

Hong is here?

He is. As the Mongol emissary.

Traitor. He should have died with the Mongol commissioners.

But Kim Jun let him get away.

We can fix that now. The second he gets here.

We can't kill him with impunity.

We need to have informal talks about the Mongols. We can't cut that tie.

Where is Kim Yakson?

Ah, well, he was called away.

Be that as it may, he should be here.

- To run this meeting. - True.

Life is good, huh?

War or no war, there's still good times to be had.

People have to live.

Everything is possible with money.

So true.

But shouldn't you be at the Guard Corps?

There are plenty of people to cover for me.

He's the next overlord, after all.

I hear all the chancellors bow and scrape when you show up.

Enough of that. More drinking.

Nothing wrong with knocking back a few with my old Kyongju buddies.

It's our hometown, drinking with us is like a visit from a star.

I've had too much. I'm drunk.

You, music.

And you, dancing.

Sir, Pak Seungson.

Oh, it's you. I'm drinking with my old friends.

Here, join us.

I've been looking all over for you.

The Mongol emissaries have arrived.

The Mongols are at Kimpo.

Your presence is required.

Now, now.

There's still time for a drink. Now, now.

You need to go, sir.

Whatever it is, Pak Songbi can handle it.

They don't need me.

Wait, so they send envoys and pass Namgyeong to march on Kimpo?

Yes, sir.

But Kimpo and the Han River are vital to us here.

They're right in front of our noses.

Yes, sir. Sartai's two-pronged offensive will be meeting at Kimpo under Tanggu.

I thought they were fighting at Fort Kwangju. Isn't that so?

That was nothing more than a skirmish on the way here.

So Sartai's 10,000 cavalry are here at Kanghwa?

Exactly. Infantry and cavalry combined total in the tens of thousands.

Can we possibly hold them off?

Of course we can. Why else would we be here?

Kangdo is a natural fortress. Mongols fear the water.

They can't make the crossing.

Perhaps. On the one side we have the palace wall, on the other the enemy.

I don't share your confidence.

You're here representing the Mongols?

Just so. I'm the official envoy.

And as you know, it's unwise to kill an official envoy.

So I'd appreciate it if you stopped eyeing me like cats eyeing a mouse.

The traitor is scared.

How dare you show your face here?

I heard you're the one that told them to burn Heungwang Temple.

I'm the official envoy. Let's focus on that.

Marshal Sartai asks the following...

First, why did you kill his commissioners?

Second, why did you leave the capital and hide here on Kanghwa?

As to that, we had to come here when the Mongols crossed the border.

As to the commissioners, we know nothing about them.

Don't lie.

I was with them and barely escaped with my life. Who are you kidding?

We answered your questions.

What else did you want?

Your trumped up little king or the old overlord of yours.

One or the other will come with me and bow before Sartai.

- Wh-wh-what? - Never!

Never!

Another thing.

Your little king is to return to his palace in Kaegyeong immediately.

Refusing to do so will be seen as an act of war.

And the Mongols will burn all Koryo to ashes until he behaves.

Enough, traitor! We aren't budging.

Get out before I lop off your head.

Think carefully.

Burning Heungwang Temple was nothing.

We're prepared to burn something even dearer to you.

Our Marshal Patau rides with his elite cavalry even as we speak.

He'll burn your precious little Puin Temple and the Tripitaka with it.

- No! - Traitor!

You wouldn't dare.

Burn the scriptures?

If we must, we must. So make up your minds.

And someone from Koryo must come with me and bow before Sartai.

Give me your answer.

And I mean now.

- Scum! Sleaze! - Traitor!

What's that? The place we're passing.

Chungju, sir.

Ah. So through the three mountain gates, past Sangju and we'll hit Taegu?

Yes, sir.

Three or four days at the most.

Good. Keep moving.

There may not be any enemy troops, but discipline must be maintained.

There are still plenty of bandits about.

- Understood? - Yes, sir.

We've caught up with them, Kim Jun.

At this pace we should be able to beat them there with two days to spare.

- Move out. - Move out.

I heard about the burning of Heungwang.

I rushed here to check on you and pay my respects.

I've worried about you.

War surrounds us. Where have you been?

Here, there, anywhere my feet take me.

I see Buddha wherever there is hunger and suffering.

It's everywhere now.

All thanks to our leaders, wouldn't you say?

They have led us to the very gates of hell.

People running for the mountains or the sea.

Bodies piled high on the streets.

The aged that don't starve are carted off to the mountains...

like some kind of quarantine.

They cry out, "Is this our Koryo? Is this the world we live in?"

It's up to the servants to Buddha to help.

What help can we give?

We must feed their hearts before their mouths.

Faith and hope.

We must give them both.

Stay for now. You've wandered enough.

The suffering here need you.

Venerable.

The Mongol troops are here?

Yes, Sire.

They bypassed the important forts, past Namgyeong...

and rode for Kimpo like the wind.

What now? What now?

Didn't we bring this on ourselves?

Did we think they wouldn't notice...

their commissioners dead, our capital abandoned?

Of course they sent troops.

But they're at Kimpo already?

Yes, Sire.

It's like a nightmare.

We just got word that they crossed the border and here they are at Kimpo.

I take it the country is emptied of its people?

Yes, Sire. Nearly every village is abandoned.

It's a travesty.

For Koryo to be made a wasteland during my reign.

A country in ruins.

Is there no one who will tell me the truth?

I have found a select few that worry about Your Highness.

Since you have moved here,

it's only fitting that your court convene here as well.

True, quite right.

Why didn't I think of that?

[Kimpo - Mongol Encampment]

Welcome, Marshal.

Well done. I saw your handiwork on the way here.

The whole country in ashes, just as we said.

Just following orders, sir.

We gave special attention to burning every temple and shrine we could find.

Excellent. Now they know to fear the Mongols.

Now, about Hong Bokwon.

He took a boat across. Our spotters saw him entering Kanghwa.

Where is Kanghwa anyway?

At the mouths of the Yesong, Imjin and Han Rivers.

Dangerous currents on all sides.

You can't cross one narrow little channel?

The enemy has hidden or destroyed any boats.

We're at a considerable disadvantage.

They would. But all the same, we need to find a way to land on Kanghwa.

Yes, sir.

You mean to send Lord Minhi with Hong Bokwon?

Yes, Overlord. Sartai and Tanggu have established...

their encampment near Kimpo.

And they insist His Majesty go ashore?

So Hong said.

We're prepared to fight to the end. We won't be intimidated now.

We have chosen the way of death.

Defense report.

The regular army, the Guard Corps and the people...

are all prepared to defend our shores.

They won't land. They can't make the crossing.

My lord, from what Hong said,

it appears the Mongols are marching on Puin Temple.

I sent Kim Jun, that's all we can do for now.

The enemy is at our shore. Be ready to fight to the last.

- Yes. - Yes, Overlord.

[Kanghwa - Koryo Forces]

[Kimpo - Mongol Forces]

So your king won't be coming?

Or that Choe U character?

Your troops have occupied the shore line.

Not an environment for amicable discussions.

Amicable?

I'm talking surrender here, surrender!

What discussions?

Uppity little...!

Tanggu.

Yes, sir.

I tried to talk but these Koryo pups won't listen.

Prepare to attack.

Yes, sir.

Tell your people this...

We demand unconditional surrender...

or Koryo will pay the price.

We will slaughter everyone on Kanghwa.

Understood?

And tell Choe U this...

No one will survive, not even a puppy.

Off with you.

This is all a misunderstanding.

We didn't kill your commissioners, or Jaguye all those years ago.

There was no need to march across our border.

Lies, lies! He's a lying liar that's lying lies.

They tried to kill me!

Well? Get him out of here.

Sir.

Listen, Koryo hasn't done anything to you.

Behave as nations should.

Lying liar...

- Tanggu. - Yes, sir.

No boats, you said?

None, sir.

They were prepared. Our men have no way to cross.

In that case, use logs, build rafts and attack.

I thought so too, but the channel is too rough, it's impossible.

That's just...

It's right there, I can see it.

You saying we can't get there?

We'll have to dig in and wait.

We'll hold our position until we can build a boat.

Ridiculous. How long will that take?

A few months, at least.

I'm as frustrated as you.

But there's no other way.

Meaning our hands are tied for now.

I'll join Putau and we'll take our time leveling all of Koryo.

- You hold your position here. - Yes, sir.

Well, Yi Kongju, how does it feel holding off the enemy at last?

Now I understand why Choe Yangbaek wanted to fight.

Continue holding your position here.

Kim Jun and Choe Yangbaek will look after the Overlord.

True. They've risen high in the Overlord's esteem.

- Especially Kim Jun. - Quite so.

He's part nerve and part nervousness.

Which may make it all the worse on the day he fails.

He'll be all right.

He's been ordered to ride for Taegu. Yet another dangerous mission.

Hurry, hurry! Move!

Move it!

Puin Temple, you say?

Yes, sir. One thousand Mongol cavalry are on their way.

Yes. That's why I'm relocating the civilians to the Mt. Palgong Fortress.

I'm leaving myself soon.

And Puin Temple?

I'm sorry, but my duty lies elsewhere.

I must get the people in my care to safety.

The Tripitaka is in Puin Temple. You know that?

Of course. But I only have four, five hundred men.

We can't defend the temple.

It's too big. They'll have to fend for themselves.

I act for the Overlord. Will you give me command?

Of course. The truth is, I have no experience fighting Mongols.

I don't know where to start. I'm glad to leave it to an experienced man.

Thank you. We'll ride with you to the fortress.

- Yangbaek, take charge. - Sir.

Uga, Hoga, Gapi, assume command.

Reconnoiter the enemy's access points and fort's defense positions.

Yes, sir.

Muster the men!

When will this war be over?

What can the people eat in the mountains? How can they fight?

Wait, wait.

We have to keep it simple.

Only take what you need.

We have to leave it?

Only bows, arrows, weapons.

- The soldiers... - What is it?

Ah, the girl? A real fighter, that one.

We call her the Poppy of Taegu. A daughter of the people.

Put away your things and help the soldiers.

Anshim.

A field marshal from the Guard Corps.

Is that so? I didn't expect reinforcements.

Pardon me.

Everyone is doing their part since we heard the Mongols are coming.

Our forces are small. Men, women, we need every able-bodied person.

Well, shall we?

I'll go to the temple first and join you later.

Of course.

Sir!

Sir, Mt. Palgong Fortress is a day's ride from here.

The local forces?

All in the fortress. We would have a fight on our hands.

Oh?

Mountain warfare is always a bad idea.

Our objective isn't the fortress, it's the Tripitaka in Puin.

Yes, sir.

Send men to find a way to the temple...

and observe the enemy's strength at the fortress.

One prong will stop the enemy, the other will attack the temple.

We don't have much time. Make ready for war. Understood?

Yes, sir.

You have your orders. Reconnoiter and report.

Yes, sir.

[Palgong Mountain Fortress]

The enemy will have to pass this way tomorrow.

We can stop them in the ravine.

Gapi, Gupil, Chonha, take detachments and be ready for when Kim Jun arrives.

Yes, sir.

Uga, Hoga, take the ravine on the opposite side.

Yes, sir.

Where's that field marshal that was here before?

Field Marshal Kim Jun rode for Puin Temple. He'll be--

Wola.

Who's Wola?

No one. Never mind.

Let's go.

I can't believe it. She looks just like Wola.

The enemy! Get ready!

This way, over here.

Hurry.

As you saw, we just don't have the manpower.

Most of the monks fled when they heard the Mongols are coming.

The few we have left are outside the temple.

I saw.

Why wasn't the Tripitaka moved to a safe place before this?

Is there such a place?

I don't know. A remote island, perhaps.

Our only hope is to stop them in the Mt. Palgong ravine.

If they make it through, Puin will be...

I know.

To die protecting Buddha's word...

what greater honor is there?

I'll fight to the last.

I have to get to the fortress.

I hope to see you soon.

Peace be with you. Go with the Buddha.

Overlord, I told them to make you pine nut porridge.

And raw abalone.

It's quite pleasant.

Makes a man feel like a man.

- Enjoy. - Oh, yes.

Fruit, if you please.

- Head Lady. - Your Grace.

It's still hot. Surely some rice punch would be better.

Huh? Yes, Your Grace. Right away.

Sweet rice punch, and hurry.

Yes, ma'am.

How did you know I like rice punch?

My husband is my lord. How could I not know?

Oh, your child is still studying in the country?

Yes, Overlord. A bright and well-mannered child.

I'll send for him to pay his respects to his new father.

Yes, yes. Not just to visit, either, but to stay.

I'll find him a position.

He's still quite young.

- A comfort to you in your golden years. - Yes, yes

I look forward to it. Send for him.

Yes, Overlord.

Aren't you going to the Guard Corps?

I'm leaving that to my son-in-law. He'll tell me if anything comes up.

What's Kim Yakson like?

Why do you ask?

Just curious. All the nobles are curious about the Director General, after all.

Oh, Yakson seems to have a lot on his mind lately.

- Here, here, here, another cup. - My lord.

It's the middle of the work day. Is this all right?

Why, are you scared?

One word from the Overlord and they'll throw themselves in the sea.

Cut their own throats.

But there's no need for that, not with you there.

True, true, true. I'm still Director General, after all.

If I run out of tobacco for one second, everyone knows it.

Of course, of course.

- Sire. - S-Sire.

Your Highness, to what do we owe this honor?

Yakson, don't call me that here. "My Lord" will do.

Your pardon.

Will you give us a moment?

Yes, need you ask?

- You will tell no one he was here. - Yes, of course.

Here, relax.

Relax.

Your servant.

I was curious about Kanghwa, so I dressed down a little.

It's not quite prison, but it's not Kaegyeong palace either.

I got tired of sitting in my room.

Here, a drink.

Yes, Sire.

But what brings you...?

I thought he might like a change of scenery. And to see you.

What can a worthless fool like me offer?

Worthless?

His Highness knows you better than anyone.

True. You think deep, see far.

I know how it hurts you to be at odds with the Overlord.

No, Sire, not at all.

I may be trapped in the palace, but I still hear reports now and then.

I know your warmth, your care for the people, and how all of this hurts you.

No. There's nothing I can do about it.

So I sit and drink, and talk foolishness.

Everyone knows that's not true. Don't run yourself down.

We should get together like this more often.

If you can stand a fool like me, of course.

At your service.

Having you here like this, I'm all a-flutter.

So the little schemer was asking after my husband?

Yes, Your Grace.

I see. And what did my father say?

Well...

It's all right. Say it.

He just muttered something uncomplimentary.

I knew she was trouble from the start.

But she's starting in early.

Getting my father his favorite rice punch, playing up her brat.

And my father promised him a post?

Yes, Your Grace.

Pine nut porridge, punch... She's a coy one.

But she has a long way to go before she knows him.

Ten times, twenty times, he may say, "Yes, yes."

but he's as changeable as the wind.

The little fool.

Let her wear herself out with her schemes.

My husband's all but worthless anyway.

Or so my father thinks.

Congratulations again and again.

You're one of the biggest men in Koryo now.

I knew you would be.

It's all thanks to you.

You showed me the way when things were at their worst.

I see great things for the future of your clan.

How do you mean, my clan?

Think about it. The Overlord is old.

The time will come when he doesn't leave his quarters.

That's the nature of old age, it happens to us all.

He's losing confidence in his chosen successor.

Think about it. Those two brats of his are banished in the sticks somewhere.

Kim Yakson's marriage is a farce and he's lost interest in politics.

True, I noticed that myself.

I've tried to find out what the marriage problem is, but I haven't had any luck.

Tsk-tsk-tsk. But it's something.

Why else would there be no grandchildren?

- You should find out. - Huh?

There are good times ahead.

Look, the way lies open.

To the Directorate General.

The enemy will come this way.

Prepare rice balls and water. Put the arrows over there.

Hurry.

This too, please.

And the bamboo.

Oh, and this. Thank you.

You too?

I was surprised, too.

Who would have thought it possible?

I agree.

Field Marshal.

Field Marshal, the enemy is thirty miles out.

They know we're here.

Battle stations.

Battle stations!

Battle stations!

Battle stations!

Battle stations!

This is Yongin?

Yes, sir.

Fort Choin is just a few miles that way.

Plenty of civilians and soldiers hiding there.

They would be. We sure haven't seen any Koryo troops on the road.

We'll take our time and raze the whole country.

No news from Patau yet?

Right, sir.

He's taking his time. Move out.

Yes, sir. Forward! Forward!

Sartai is marching south?

Yes. He left Tanggu to hold the shoreline. Sartai left with his men yesterday.

What did I tell you?

They can't make the crossing.

But they can build ships, sir.

And we'll send men to burn them every time.

They can't cross.

But think of the people, sir. They burn every village and temple they see.

We have to deal with what we can.

Kim Yakson?

Under the weather, sir. He'll be here soon.

Under the influence, you mean. In every bar in town.

Surely not, sir. Maybe once or twice--

I'm fed up with not being able to rely on you two.

I want a full accounting of your actions.

I'm still responsible for this country.

Your pardon.

Stop making excuses and make a man out of him.

We have an island to defend.

This is no time for drinking and carrying on.

I deserve death, sir. I'm entirely to blame.

No, no, it's my fault. For not giving in to Songi.

My lord?

If only I had given her what she wanted. If only!

Sartai is coming.

Our information was right.

Sartai left Kanghwa and is marching through Yongin to join Putau in the south.

Still...

There's not enough of us to attack.

Perhaps, but he's sure to attack Fort Choin on the way.

True. To protect his rear flank.

After which, he'll leave the skirmish at the fort and pass through Mt. Pogeh.

Pogeh?

Mt. Pogeh isn't but ten miles from Fort Choin.

Where are they headed now?

To Yongin. It has been evacuated.

Right. Perfect.

They will pause there before marching on the fort.

Send out patrols. We need constant updates.

Yes, sir.

[Yongin]

How typical. Everywhere we go, not so much an ant.

Naturally, Marshal.

They know we'll kill them all on sight.

Be that as it may, how many people in Fort Choin?

No more than a thousand, if that.

Pathetic.

Hiding in their mountain fortresses, shaking like babies,

hoping we pass them by.

Let's have a drink in that empty building there.

Yes, sir.

Boring. A tedious little war.

I can't see how the Koryo scum hope to survive.

Neither can I.

They hide on Kanghwa. Their people leave their homes.

And scurry to the mountains.

Exactly. Is this war or a game of hide-and-seek?

- More. - Sir.

By the way, it's the full moon.

There's a lot of light outside.

Yes, sir. Nearly like broad daylight.

It makes me miss the fields of my childhood.

Especially in the moonlight.

Yes, sir. Drinking, dancing, hunting.

Sometimes hunting women, eh?

Oh, yes.

Raiding villages, taking their women.

Those were the days.

Shall we go look at the moon?

My pleasure, sir.

They've bedded down for the night.

It appears that tomorrow they'll decide to attack or bypass the fort.

Sir, why not launch a surprise attack?

Far too reckless. A focused raid will be much more effective.

Master Keumgang!

- Report. - Sir.

The Mongol generals are riding toward the Mt. Pogeh canyon.

Explain.

One of them is of high rank.

He's surrounded by generals.

Is it possible?

Why would the generals go to the ravine without a contingent?

Wait. I'll go take a look.

Have the men ready.

Sir, we're pretty far out. Let's stop.

Oh, it's no more than five miles.

That's Fort Choin, isn't it?

I'd like to get the lay of the land.

The moon is nice.

I don't like this ravine. It's too narrow, too long.

They scurried to their fort like baby chicks. You worry too much.

It's Sartai. We're in luck.

Yes, it looks like him.

How far away are their men?

Five miles, no more.

Listen, Hongji. We have to act fast.

Their guards may come anytime.

Yes, sir.

Move out.

Anyway, I really hate Koryo.

There's just no dealing with them.

Under foot, they stop breathing. When they're home free, they kick back.

Let's go back, sir.

You're right, let's go.

We attack at dawn.

Not a dog or a hen left alive, just like Fort Pyongju.

Yes, sir.

Move out.

We'll build a fire and have a little barbeque.

We'll drink the night away.

Yes, sir. Move out.

Doing all right, Sartai?

Who have we here?

Koryo scum. Protect the marshal.

This road will be the last you travel in this life, Sartai.

My monk name is Keumgang, my given name, Kim Yunhu.

You should know who kills you.

Ha! Well? Attack!

Attack!

Attack!

You!

- Marshal...Marshal... - Tageh.

Spare me. I'll give you anything you want. Spare me.

I can't do that.

Do you know how many soldiers... how many people you've killed?

Spare me.

Their spirits cry out for your blood.

I execute you in the name of Koryo.

Farewell.

A singular event indeed.

Sartai died at the hands of the monk Kim Yunhu.

Sartai, who twice invaded Koryo.

Sartai, who led a vast army, rode out alone with his generals one night...

only to meet the warrior monks of Koryo.

And so the second Koryo-Mongol War spiraled into chaos.

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