Original subtitles

I execute you in the name of Koryo.

Farewell.

Sir.

Master Keumgang, the Mongols are coming.

Take Sartai's head.

Send men to Fort Choin and tell them the Mongol leader is dead.

Yes, sir.

Return to the mountains. Continue raids on the Mongols.

Yes, sir.

You all heard the horn.

Yes, sir.

Something has happened to the marshal.

Move out!

Forward!

Ambush!

Ambush!

Save the marshal! Attack!

You there! Hear me!

See this? Sartai's head.

What? No! It can't be.

It is. That's Marshal Sartai.

Look again. This is your own General Tegeh.

Do you yield?

Fall back! Fall back!

Attack! Leave no one alive.

Attack!

Mt. Palgong is wide, it's true, but also wild and steep.

Puin Temple has been here for years.

They have some forty affiliated hermitages. 2,000 monks in all.

Most of whom have run off at news of the Mongols.

Is there another way to the temple?

An ancient road, just under the fortress here.

About 15 miles from here.

Meaning the enemy must be stopped here.

They're bound to come this way.

They may choose to take the long route, but it would be difficult.

He's right. It's a tough ridge to pass, anyway you come at it.

They aren't likely to go the long way with those horses.

It has to be decided here.

They have 1,000 cavalry.

First get the elderly and sick out of harm's way. The rest must fight.

Gapi, inspection.

Yes, sir. Inspection.

Inspection.

- Inspection. - Sir.

Listen up.

Our scouts tell us that Puin Temple is some 40 miles over mountainous terrain.

And the Taegu forces are waiting for us,

in a mountain fortress some 20 miles from here.

But they are not our objective. The Tripitaka in Puin is.

It must burn.

Over there...a rocky ravine.

We'll split our cavalry.

Half will attack the fortress.

The other half will go through the ravine to the temple.

The Koryo forces have no idea we have scouted out the terrain.

We've found a way to bypass the steep ridge.

Just so, sir.

I'll lead the assault on the temple.

Yes, sir.

Do yourselves proud.

- Yes, sir. - Yes.

- Hurry. - I will.

- Gapi. - Yes, sir.

- Check over there. - Yes, sir.

The enemy will be here by nightfall.

Eat as much as you can. Drink, too.

Put the arrows there. And the stones.

Field Marshal.

You've seen a lot of battles?

Yes, at times. On the northern front.

What are the Mongols like?

Fierce. Brutal.

More like animals than men.

But why put yourself in harm's way?

I avoid it if I can, but we all must do our part.

And there's really nowhere to run.

It's the same all over Koryo.

True.

May I ask why your name is Anshim?

Do you know it means peace?

This from a field marshal?

I was a monk at one time.

To a monk, Anshim is another word for Nirvana.

In which all desire, all suffering, is left behind...

in a perfect state of peace and tranquility.

I was named by a monk who had forsaken all worldly pursuits.

Were you a monk for long?

- A while. - How long? Where?

You're curious all of a sudden.

Ah, well, I could tell you had a history when I first saw you.

Was I wrong?

Who is this Wola anyway?

What?

I must look an awful lot like her.

For all the Guard Corps men to be so shocked.

The enemy is coming. I should go.

Anshim, be careful.

Leave if you can.

Would I be here if I could?

I appreciate your concern.

Here they come. Battle stations.

Battle stations. Slave brigade, to your stations!

Archers, ready!

Sir, here are so many of them.

That's what they want you to think.

Attack the center line.

Yes, sir.

Battle stations.

- Don't be afraid. We're ready for them. - Stations!

Civilians, follow orders.

Get ready. Carry what you can.

This, too.

Patau should be at the ravine by now. Wait for it.

Sir.

We have to keep the Koryo forces busy.

Yes, sir.

- Hold! - Sir.

Faster. It's treacherous. Be careful.

Faster.

Careful. Move it along. Faster.

Move!

- All right. Attack. - Sir.

Attack!

Attack!

- Fire! - Fire!

Fire!

Help me! Help me, please.

- Fire! - Help! Help me!

Help...

Man down!

Stay here.

There they are! The right! The right flank!

The fences! Fire! Fire!

Sir, sir.

Look over there.

Are they friend or foe?

Foe. This was a diversion.

They march for Puin.

Sir!

Mount up! Move.

Yangbaek, take charge. Move out!

Where are you going?

It was a trick. They're marching on Puin.

You don't have enough men. Don't go.

Move out.

Sir. Sir!

They're taking the longer route. We can cut them off through here.

We have to stop them. We have to.

Move out.

No more than ten miles now to Puin Temple.

Yes, sir.

Stupid Koryo scum.

So easy to fool. Move out.

Sir...there...

What now?

Koryo soldiers.

Koryo?

What's this? Not exactly overwhelming.

Sir, the Mongols.

Five hundred men.

Sir, we're too late.

We have to stop them. They can't reach Puin.

But, sir, we can't, not by ourselves.

We have our orders. Protect the Tripitaka.

Or die with it.

Send a detachment to deal with them.

- They can catch up. - Yes, sir.

Sir, they're leaving.

Mongols!

Here they come! Stop them!

Move out!

Mongols!

Well? Fire! Kill them all!

Fire!

- Sir. - Sir!

Mongols!

Not Puin! Not the temple!

- Sir. - Sir!

Sir, get out of here. Now!

Chon Ha!

No...no!

Who is that?

How can he fight with all those arrows in him?

Sir, Koryo soldiers.

Enough. Puin is more important.

Move out.

Not Puin. Not the temple!

Look at him. He's a demon. Move out.

Move out!

Chon Ha. Chon Ha!

Not Puin. Not the temple.

Kim Jun, stay with us.

- Puin... - Are you all right?

- What happened? - The fort?

The Mongols rode off. We don't know why.

They're marching on Puin. There was no more need to fight.

Will you be all right, Kim Jun?

Hold...hold me up.

- We ride for Puin. - Puin Temple?

They're as good as dead.

You've lost a lot of blood. You can't go on.

Come with us, Kim Jun.

I said we ride for Puin. If I die, I'll die there.

Please, Yangbaek. Help me. It's Buddha's holy essence.

No. You've lost too much blood. Let's go.

It's the Tripitaka. You know that!

The Tripitaka!

What is a Tripitaka anyway?

Why do these monks and civilians lay down their lives to protect it?

Where is it kept?

There, sir.

- Move. - Sir.

Halt!

What's this? Is that a bunch of monks?

It looks like it.

If they want to run, they should run. If they want to fight, then fight.

Exactly.

The battle is over. I'm sick of killing.

Come out. We'll spare your lives.

You, come out from there. We're setting fire to it.

We're burning it down. Come out. Come out from there!

What are they doing?

Chanting and holding some wood.

I think they mean to die with it.

Stupid monks.

If that's the way it is, let them burn.

- Burn it. - Yes, sir.

Burn it down! Burn it!

Torch.

Buddha... Great Buddha...

How could you allow this... Buddha...

Puin Temple.

This Taegu temple was one of the great Koryo places of worship...

Along with Heungwang and with Kaegyeong's Kwibop,

one of the locations that carved Tripitaka woodblocks.

Later, it housed the Tripitaka itself after the scriptures left Heungwang.

Historians refer to this as the First Korean Tripitaka.

Begun in 1011 and finished in 1092...

the Tripitaka was famous as the most complete Buddhist cannon in Asia.

And so the First Korean Tripitaka burned.

It's bad. He's not coming around.

The Mongols?

Gone. What does the doctor say?

He may die. The first few days are critical.

Pigheaded...

Why would he rush into battle like that?

It's the way he is.

We don't see the Tripitaka the way he does.

I heard he was a monk.

Wola... Wola!

Wola! Don't go... Where are you?

Wola...Wola...

Who was Wola?

The grew up together like brother and sister.

She died the day before they were to be wed.

- How? - How...?

Everyone has their own story.

But you, you're name is Anshim?

There's similar, then there's exactly alike.

When I saw you, I thought I'd lost my mind.

Kim Jun was the same.

We have to get back.

We've fulfilled our mission. Failure or not.

Look after him.

Koryo needs him.

What if he dies?

He won't. Not now that Wola has come back.

Huh?

What's that again?

What? Who's dead? Sartai?

Yes, Overlord. Killed in an ambush by warrior monks near Fort Choin.

It's like a dream.

How did it happen? He led a huge cavalry.

Who killed him?

Warrior monk Kim Yun Hu.

Sartai's head is on the way here.

I never would have thought it, not in this life...

I can't...

I can't believe it, as much as I try.

Sartai...dead?

Not at the hand of a soldier, but a monk?

Yes, sir.

I can't...

There's no mistake?

We have it from the Ft. Choin commandant himself.

He must have been furious.

To die like that, so simple, so easy.

Kim Yun Hu...

He must be some monk, to pull this off.

Now, about the Mongols.

No difference in Tanggu's forces across the water.

But we have reports that his detachments are rushing back to the main force.

They would, they would.

Their grand marshal is dead after all!

Sartai is dead.

Sartai...

Dead at last.

A bolt of lightning out of nowhere.

How could this happen?

How, indeed?

How could this happen to our marshal?

Near some piddly little fort?

Not even some warrior, just a puny little monk.

Warrior, monk, whoever!

Where were his aides?

Where was Tegeh?

Tegeh died in battle with him.

Battle? What battle?

Sartai, dead. They must have been drunk.

Maybe, maybe not, but what do we do now?

We're in bad shape. Our provisions are nearly exhausted.

It's getting colder.

Anything from Putau?

Yes, sir. He reports messengers going in and out of Fort Choin.

This war was wrong.

We'll fall back.

We can't possibly make the crossing to Kanghwa.

Yes, sir, a nasty piece of work, sir.

Retreat or no retreat, we have to find Sartai's head.

They won't just hand it over.

- Tijyu. - Yes, sir.

Send word down the ranks to cease fighting.

Release our slaves and prisoners of war.

But, sir, after all the trouble catching them?

And you, Duke Hong.

Yes, sir.

Go to Kangdo. Negotiate terms.

Last time we dictated terms. This time we ask for them.

But, sir, they're bound to take my head now.

They'll think nothing of the Mongols with Marshal Sartai dead.

They're likely to kill me on sight.

Hong Bokwon.

Yes, sir.

The fate of our army is at stake. What we want doesn't matter.

It's the least you should expect after betraying your country.

Run away, filthy dog.

Get out of here.

Yes. Yes, sir. I'll be going then.

Who would have thought?

Unbelievable. Sartai, dead?

So he is. The hero of the day is on his way now.

So the great Sartai dies like a baby in the dirt?

This is a great day. Heaven smiles on us.

To think the enemy's grand marshal is dead.

He was killed by a monk?

Yes, so I'm told. It's unheard of.

Not some great soldier. Just a warrior monk.

A monk. That'll teach them!

Now, now, now, we should go.

The Overlord is receiving this Monk Kim Yun Hu.

Really? Let's go then.

- Yes, let's. - Hurry.

All hail the warrior monks, slayers of our enemies!

Praise them!

Koryo! Koryo!

Koryo! Koryo!

Welcome, valiant warrior monks.

What say you? Shall we praise the heroes of Koryo?

Koryo! Koryo!

Sartai, no question.

So, Sartai, you thought nothing of Koryo? Fool.

Look at you now.

You're Kim Yun Hu?

Yes, Overlord.

Wait...wasn't he at Tongson?

Why did it have to be him of all people?

You're Hong Ji?

Yes, Overlord.

Well done, very well done.

Your country owes you a great debt. You will be rewarded.

Wola, Wola.

It's serious. He hasn't opened his eyes for days.

What should we do? Sir, open your eyes, sir!

What now?

It's difficult, very difficult.

I won't have it. I just won't have it.

How could the grand marshal die at the hands of a monk?

Yes, sir.

We have orders to fall back.

Burning the Tripitaka bothers me.

Maybe this Buddha of theirs really exists.

How else could they have killed Marshal Sartai?

- Move out. - Yes, sir.

Fall in! Ready, march!

Report on the front line.

Hostilities have ceased, as ordered, sir.

Hong Bokwon?

Going to Kanghwa.

- Is Putau coming? - Yes, sir.

And Koryo has the grand marshal's head on Kanghwa.

We need it back.

Whatever it takes, we must get it back.

- It won't be easy. - Fight to the death if you must.

It's a question of honor. We won't leave his head in the hands of the enemy.

Reconnoiter and prepare for battle.

Yes, sir.

The marshal's head is more important than Koryo now.

- Understood? - Yes, sir.

This is the best news I've heard since the war with the Mongols started.

You've done a fine thing, greater than our entire army.

Not at all.

I mean it. The Mongols have killed so many of our people.

It can't go on. It couldn't go on.

Overlord.

Didn't I tell you?

We can never fully repay them.

Grant their reward.

His Majesty had already granted you appointments before you got here.

You're to be generals.

It is no more than you deserve.

A just reward.

Just, indeed.

Maybe, but generals, really?

I spent my life in the military and was only made general recently.

I mean, overnight...

Perhaps, but their victory far exceeds anything our soldiers have done.

A well earned reward.

I agree.

- Just, indeed. - Just, indeed.

Your pardon, Sire.

We did not fight for position. We did not fight for reward.

We did what we must to defend Koryo in the service of Buddha.

A general is of the Third Rank. We're not worthy.

We have neglected our duties during the war.

Perhaps as colonels we may be of service.

That's not nearly good enough.

A colonel is six ranks beneath a general. It won't do at all.

As I said, we never planned on rank or reward.

If you please, sir.

Well, now...Hong Ji, what about you?

I have never sought position.

When the war is over, I will return to the mountain.

With your permission.

Well, well...Choe U.

What do you think? We can promote them later.

This will do for now.

Yes, Sire. Just as you say.

Colonel Kim Yun Hu.

You are no longer a nameless monk, but a man of title and rank.

Serve your nation as you have always done.

Yes, Overlord.

At your service, Sire.

This is a great day.

I insist you all feast to your hearts' content.

A joyous day.

What?

Overlord, the Mongols have sent Hong Bokwon.

He is waiting outside.

Hong Bokwon?

You want Sartai's head back?

Yes, Overlord. Grant this request and they will retreat with no further conditions.

They have already released all their prisoners of war.

And all the people they had enslaved.

And what about the people Sartai killed in his two invasions?

Did you forget them?

How could I? But, Overlord, they're Mongols.

Think of future relations...

If I refuse?

Then one way or another, they will launch a full-scale attack on Kangdo.

Scaring us into agreeing, is that it?

We're not the losers here, the Mongols are.

Marshal Tanggu suggests that the cause of this war be re-examined.

And that diplomacy be left to diplomats with no military involvement.

They'll have our answer soon. Get out.

Yes, Overlord.

I will tell them to wait for good news.

He said get out.

Yes I'm going...

What are your thoughts?

Give them the head.

It's not worth the trouble it will cause.

- You? - I agree.

Returning it is in our best interest at this point.

It's been one loss after another since they crossed our borders.

The longer they stay, the worse for Koryo.

We have as much as we're going to get.

Return the head.

Yes, Overlord.

The Second Mongol Invasion.

Koryo moved its capital to Kanghwa and was prepared to fight to the death.

The people manned the mountain fortresses.

The Mongols took this all too lightly.

Because of this, Sartai was killed...

And the Mongols were ultimately forced into retreat.

Overlord, Choe Yangbaek reporting from Taegu.

Choe Yangbaek? Send him in.

Kim Jun was hurt so badly he couldn't come back?

According to Choe Yangbaek's men...

Kim Jun is at death's door.

What? Death's door?

What were his men doing, letting their own field marshal be wounded?

It was a difficult assignment from the start.

Protecting the Tripitaka is no easy thing.

What now? Kim Jun is at death's door.

It can't be. It can't!

The Tripitaka burned? The Tripitaka...

And Kim Jun is unconscious?

Yes, Overlord.

These are ill tidings.

If one thing doesn't work, find another.

He rode to death, you say?

Yes, sir. All he could think of was saving the Tripitaka.

Look what it got him.

That's Kim Jun.

All right. Dismissed.

Yes, Overlord.

Stubborn fool.

- Venerable... - Yes?

I have terrible news.

The Tripitaka at Puin Temple...

The Tripitaka? Well?

The Mongols burned it all.

No.

Oh, Buddha!

Jinpyo? What about him?

They gave their lives protecting the Tripitaka.

Jinpyo, too?

Yes, him, too.

What a world. The Tripitaka burned.

How can it be? How can we redeem this wrong?

Merciful Buddha...Merciful Buddha...

Merciful Buddha, I come before you now.

Kim Jun is at death's door.

Save him.

Kim Jun is your servant.

He was hurt trying to save your holy word.

He can't die. He can't.

Save him. Spare him, Buddha.

I bow before you 3,000 times. Buddha, spare him.

Spare him, Buddha.

Please spare him.

Please...

Wola.

Wola, Wola...

Sir...sir!

You're back with us, Field Marshal?

You've been asleep for days now.

Welcome. It's good to have you back.

We thought you might not make it.

Where is everyone?

Choe Yangbaek rode to the Guard Corps to report.

He left me to look after you.

The Mongols?

All gone.

Good.

Spare him...spare him...

It's getting late. Get some rest.

Another round. It's a great day, after all.

The Tripitaka burned. Kim Jun at death's door.

Yes, sir.

Kim Jun isn't that easy to kill.

I know that much.

Pak Songbi?

Sir, The Overlord sent for him.

The Overlord?

You sent for me?

You returned Sartai's head?

Yes, sir. The enemy is withdrawing now.

The more I think on it, the more I'm impressed with Kim Yun Hu.

Ending a war with one stroke.

And giving us back our self-respect.

Yes, sir.

Any word on Kim Jun?

It's troubling. There doesn't seem to be much progress.

He's always been a fighter. He'll pull through.

You were the one that recommended him for the Guard Corps?

Yes, sir. I suppose I was.

If you recommended him, we should help him along, don't you think?

Sir? I'm not sure I understand.

I want to give him something.

He's done everything I asked of him.

He rode to Puin knowing he might be killed.

A scholar, a warrior, he's wasted as a slave.

My lord.

His slave papers.

It's time he was freed.

If he had joined my brother Hyang, he'd have been freed long ago.

My lord.

Tell him to burn his slave papers.

He's a commoner now.

Now he'll live as a human being.

As a person. A man.

My lord.

As a warrior of Koryo.

Sir.

Subtitles by MBC

She is going back.

What do you think of returning to him?

This was the only way.

We did all we could.

Please help me.

This is unacceptable. How could you do this?

What is this? How could he refuse my offer?

He's of no help to us.

I beg of you. Please spare her life.