Original subtitles

Has that worked out for you Father?

Do you still think Yakson is the man to take over the Guard Corps?

Do you?

Think of the people, sir.

They are starving, exhausted. We can't inflict this on them again.

You've already decided a Kim, not a Choe, should be your heir.

But my husband isn't up to it.

Saving face doesn't matter.

What matters is the future of the Guard Corps, the future of Koryo.

The people are on the point of rebellion.

If we inflict this on them, they'll fight back.

It will be difficult to ensure your position.

Weak.

Too weak.

Your medicine, Overlord.

Overlord.

Your Grace, Yi Kyubo to see the Overlord.

- Have him come in. - Send him in.

Overlord...

You look terrible.

Has the doctor been in? The royal physician?

Yes. He says it's not serious. Just under the weather.

Public service is too wearing.

If others handled the work this wouldn't have happened.

It's just a cold, my body's way of telling me to slow down.

I just need to rest.

It's seems to be more than that.

You're telling me. I've had colds before, but this is a nasty one.

They've set a date for the Crown Prince's wedding?

Yes, so I heard.

Marrying into the royal family. Congratulations.

Yes, Overlord. Many congratulations.

A fine day for Koryo. You tied to the royal house.

Perhaps so.

The country is in dire straits. There isn't much cause for celebration.

We'll just have a small wedding.

Just talking a little wears me out.

Lord Yi...

You're retiring?

Overlord, I'm nearing seventy. I want to enjoy my golden years in my hometown.

Stay a little longer.

We'll start making a new Tripitaka soon.

We need your help.

Sir, a new Tripitaka?

We hope so.

Now that I think of it, no one knows Buddhist law like you do.

We need you to work with Lord Yi as liaison with the Venerable.

Yes, Overlord, need you ask?

As difficult as things are now, it's still an excellent idea.

I appreciate that.

Any questions you have, ask Kim Jun.

The new military chamberlain, sir?

Yes. Kim Jun will be part of our council meetings from now on.

He needs to know how the government works. Just so you know.

Sir, Hong Bokwon has arrived with a Mongol envoy.

- Hong Bokwon? - Yes.

He insists on seeing the Overlord, not the emperor.

They seem to know the Guard Corps holds the real power.

- No sign of Kim Yakson? - No. No sign of him.

Find him. If the Mongols are here, we'll have to call a council.

- Find him now. - Yes, sir.

Congratulations. Father-in-law to the Crown Prince?

Not only that. The next Overlord, part of the royal house.

Even the emperor envies him.

Don't get carried away.

Now your name is made.

No one would even dare clear his throat around you.

You will rise even higher than the Overlord.

Now, now, enough of that.

Let's not get carried away, comparing me to the Overlord?

That kind of talk is dangerous.

Oh, I hear the Overlord is under the weather?

Just a cold, that's all.

He can afford to rest with you here, right?

We should thank you.

Kang here is in the Ministry of War and you promoted me to the Third Rank.

We drink together, I can't help but do something.

Don't expect anymore. Here, drink.

Sir.

Sir, a moment.

It's always something.

What is it now?

A council meeting. The Mongol envoy is here.

Your presence is required.

I swear, every time I sit down for a drink.

My being there won't make any difference.

Sir.

- A message. - What is it?

The council is convening to discuss the Mongol envoy.

You are ordered to attend.

Me?

I'm only of the Ninth Rank.

The Overlord's orders.

All right. Oh, Gapi...

Keep an eye out for good men in the slave brigade.

- We'll be needing them. - Yes, sir.

We must do our part for the Directorate General.

Find out who the Overlord's doctors are, his wife's associates.

Everything.

Yes, sir.

And Gupil, get a feel for the Guard Corps.

The Personnel Authority, the Directorate General, the Chancellory, the military.

Identify men we can use.

Reliable men, discreet men. Men who know the price of exposure is death.

Yes, sir.

Now you listen to me...

Killing Grand Marshal Sartai was the biggest mistake you ever made.

Then you had the insolence to celebrate your stupidity!

What was that, Mongol traitor?

Insolence? Stupidity?

Who are you pointing at, blowhard?

At Hong Bokwon the Traitor!

He's right, insolence is a strong word.

You're Koryo-born, how can you speak this way?

How is killing the enemy insolence?

Sartai slaughtered our people.

Your brothers, your neighbors.

I don't think so. I'm a Mongol.

And my rightful lord, the Great Khan, has orders for you.

First, he demands an apology for the death of Grand Marshal Sartai.

Second, leave Kanghwa and return to Kaegyeong.

If you refuse, we will assume you intend to fight the great Mongols to the death.

The Mongols forced us to Kanghwa in the first place.

And who is your Khan to tell us what to do anyway?

There's more.

As Koryo is a vassal state, Koryo shall give a full accounting of its population.

Mongols...

Because the people of Koryo belong to the Great Khan.

Enough! The people of Koryo belong to the Mongols?

Exactly. We don't to listen to this twaddle.

Let's chop off his head and see how the Mongols like that.

What? My head?

Go ahead.

I have Tanggu and his thousands waiting to cross the border right now.

Mongols!

Now, now, he's the Mongol envoy, after all.

We must answer their demands one way or the other.

The envoys may retire to their quarters.

You'll have our answer soon.

Now, look, aren't you tired of war?

Just grovel a little and you're done.

How long do you think you can hold out on your little island fortress?

Just bend a little.

Stop being so stubborn.

Stubborn!

What can I do?

You keep taking your medicine, but there's no improvement.

What can we do? What?

Head Lady?

Yes, Your Grace.

Did you send for the physician?

Yes, he'll be here soon, Your Grace.

Get his medicine ready. His temperature is worse.

Please, strengthen up.

Why all the fuss? Just a little fever...

It's more than a little. You're burning up.

What kind of illness gets worse every day?

You, get more cold water.

Yes, Your Grace.

What can we do for him?

Send for Kim Jun...Kim Jun...

You're ill. Why send for him?

I said get him. And Kim Yakson and Pak Songbi.

Yes, Overlord.

Chamberlain Kim, where are you off to?

I've been looking for you.

The Overlord sent for me.

What is it?

You've been looking for Anshim?

You've heard something?

I'll say I have.

How do you mean?

See for yourself.

Anshim.

What are you doing here?

I've been looking all over for you.

Let's go.

Anshim...Anshim!

I heard about you and the lady there.

But the world has its own ideas.

I'll give you the details later.

The Overlord is waiting.

- Kim Jun. - My lord.

The Tripitaka report. You spoke with the Venerable?

He hasn't given me his decision. He is meditating...

We don't have time for that. We're making a new Tripitaka

Is that clear, Kim Yakson?

Yes, Overlord.

I won't be able to get out much.

I need to take time to rest.

The Tripitaka is for the good of Koryo.

The Venerable will see that in time.

Yi Kyubo and Jong Ahn will oversee the project.

We'll have to use the national reserves.

Yes, my lord.

- Now, Songi. - Yes, Father.

The wedding with the Crown Prince will go forward.

Yes, Father.

And you, it's time you straightened yourself out.

You don't enjoy the luxury of letting others know when we don't get along.

The Guard Corps can't be seen as unstable.

The Mongols are coming back.

An official reply is being prepared.

But they never intended to get an answer.

You're getting tired. Please rest.

Our only choice is to fight.

- Yakson. - Yes, Father.

You can see that I'm ill.

The time will come that you will succede me.

Will you show me what you can do?

Beloved Yakson, I never regretted naming you.

The war with the Mongols will go on for years.

Accept that fact and find a way to endure.

My late father said the same when I was fighting for my life with my brother.

He called me by name, "Choe U, show me how strong you can be."

You're my son, Yakson.

Father...

If you want, consult with Kim Jun here.

I think I'll use this illness as an excuse to rest.

Can you do this?

Can you?

Yes, Father.

I only heard everything today, Miss Anshim.

Oh dear. People can look alike of course, but not like this.

Like Wola, you mean?

You know her?

Yes, I meant her. We were quite close.

Oh, were you?

Yes.

But how did you hear of her?

On the way here.

I see.

So, you're from Taegu, then?

Yes. Shall I tell you my life story?

No, not at all. It's just, seeing you, naturally I thought of old times.

Her Grace will know all there is to know.

The Overlord, too.

It's not a pretty story.

She kept things from you from the start.

This war has been hard on everyone.

Anshim was no different.

Her mother took ill and died.

Her brothers got in debt and died of starvation.

Her father ended up stealing.

In the end she had to accept the magistrate's proposal.

Her father was convicted.

So now she's the Overlord's attendant.

A nice word for a concubine.

How...can this be?

Whatever went on in Taegu, forget it.

Concubine or not, she's the Overlord's now.

What should I do? What, Yangbaek?

You're lucky in everything but women.

How can this happen to you twice in a row?

Her name is Anshim?

Yes, Your Grace. Everyone keeps saying she looks exactly like Wola.

What? Exactly like her??

Yes, Your Grace.

Where's she from?

The Taegu magistrate sent her to attend the Overlord.

Taegu? Wasn't Chamberlain Kim in Taegu?

Now that I think of it, yes, he was.

I see...

Your Grace, please.

Don't do this.

I'm just starting my first official position.

And...and I've...

found a woman I want to marry.

I see. I knew it was something.

She looks like Wola?

Yes, so much so, that she could be her twin.

Kim Jun's future lies before him, and now this?

Lord Kim, the Overlord is trusting you.

Don't go astray again.

You have his full authority.

Power that I can't use now, or ever.

He wasn't trusting me.

He was giving me a last warning. Didn't you see that?

Lord Kim.

I know. This is my last chance.

He told me to show him what I'm made of or else.

Wouldn't you agree?

How can you think that?

The Overlord truly?

That wasn't the Overlord.

Take the Tripitaka, that was Kim Jun's idea.

The Overlord made up his mind and gave me orders.

Now Koryo is stuck with a huge undertaking it can't afford.

We have a hard road ahead until this war is over.

I think the Overlord is right.

We need something to believe in.

But right now, Koryo has nothing. We have to make something.

The Tripitaka is close to the hearts of the people. You must see that.

I can't. No, I won't.

I will not inflict more suffering on people already dying of starvation.

I know the emperor will agree.

Anyone that feels an ounce of pity will agree.

But you must. It's the Overlord's orders.

Is it?

If he's letting Kim Jun run things, why bother with me at all?

Lord Kim.

He told me to consult with Kim Jun.

He didn't mean consult, he meant take his orders.

Don't you see? He told me to implement Kim Jun's orders.

Lord Kim.

You're here about the Tripitaka?

Yes, Venerable.

Chamberlain Kim here tells us you're meditating on it.

My disciple insists it is a vast undertaking.

Ten, twenty years at least, perhaps even longer than that.

Just so.

But it will unite Koryo, both our officials, and the general public.

Why must we always think of the Buddha?

First we must serve the people, and second, and third.

A task of this historical magnitude will only add to the pain and misery.

The Overlord's mind is made up.

As difficult as it is, it must be done for the future of the nation and its people.

And who will provide the bottomless workers?

The Overlord has taken care of that.

And if you agree, Venerable, I'll raise support in my hometown.

We don't have much, but we'll do what we can.

If we entrust the work of Buddha to the people. If they are paid for their work...

it will help them and Koryo in the long run.

Making the woodcarvings may seem a simple matter of lumber, but it's not.

There are over 80,000 scriptures.

Thousands of workers all writing in the same style.

All of whom must be trained.

As they should be.

The wood must be cured in salt water, dried, over and over again.

Then lacquered.

We must train engravers.

We'll need every monk in Koryo.

Of course. But most importantly, we need one person to oversee the project.

To ensure it is done properly.

Please, Venerable.

The Guard Corps has already decided. I'll do my part.

Whatever we do, it will takes years of preparation.

Venerable.

I've given it a lot of thought.

But this is for posterity, for future generations.

We must preserve Buddha's truths.

And we have our orders from the Guard Corps.

We'll do it.

Thank you, Venerable. The Overlord and the emperor will both be pleased.

We couldn't do this without you.

Thank you, Venerable. Thank you.

Merciful Buddha...our burdens grow heavier and heavier.

Your name is Anshim?

Yes, Your Grace.

The Taegu magistrate sent her to attend you.

He says she's kind, with an even temperament.

All the way from Taegu? You've had quite a journey.

Getting around is difficult for me these days.

I appreciate you're coming.

The Guard Corps has more than enough maids as it is.

Why would he send us a girl from a good family?

Your point?

Not to worry, I'm not jealous.

Surely he meant her to be a concubine.

We can't ignore this gift. I'll take care of it.

At my age, in my condition, a concubine...

She'll need suitable quarters at least.

Yes, Overlord. I'll have Kim Jun arrange it.

You may go.

Yes, Your Grace.

She seems quite pleasant. Do you like her?

What man wouldn't?

I just hate that she got here when I'm under the weather.

Really? Now you have a reason to get better.

Thank you. You're a good wife.

I cry every day at the thought of your inexplicable illness.

I'm embarrassed to admit it, but I consulted a fortune teller master.

Will you see him?

Fortune teller? Listen to you.

Why do I need a fortuneteller?

He's quite gifted. He's outside now.

It might be fun.

Now, now.

Well, my late father relied on a fortune teller master.

Since he's here, why not.

Yes, Overlord.

- You, there. - Your Grace.

- Send in Ju Yonji. - Your Grace.

Ju Yonji, Your Eminence.

I'm honored in the presence of Your Worship.

What's your area? Trigrams? Astrology?

Both. All things stem from the Book of Changes,

all human insight, all philosophy.

You talk too much. Keep it simple.

Your illness didn't happen by chance. It was brought on by others.

You are the dragon that flew to despair.

Is that so? You understand what you're saying?

Yes. The dragon that flies highest, falls furthest.

You've got guts.

I'll give you that.

You've done well, be sure you don't lose it, is that what you're saying?

Your pardon.

I thought as much. But you're not entirely wrong.

It's true, Koryo is in trouble.

Will it be all right?

Your illness is brought on by those around you.

You demand much, they disappoint you, and so you have fallen ill.

What's worse, soon misfortune will befall those around you.

Unless I buy a talisman or two?

My forecasts are true.

All fortunetellers are the same.

Everything is fine except for this one thing. So pay up.

Get out.

Yes, Your Eminence.

No more visitors. I just want to rest.

Yes, Overlord.

But I am worried that misfortune may befall us soon.

That's just talk.

I'm tired. I need to rest.

My grandson, the highfalutin.

Ah, the new general?

Well? Say hello.

A member of the Privy Council.

Oh Seungjok, sir. At your service.

He's a smart one, all right.

A general at his age. Quite exceptional.

We expect great things from you, young man.

Yes, my lord.

Leave us.

Have you heard? The Overlord is quite ill.

So I heard. We should call on him.

Yi Kyubo and Jong Ahn beat us to it.

I heard he's not receiving visitors.

Illness sneaks up on the best of us, but this...

I heard he has difficulty getting about.

He called for Kim Yakson and Pak Songbi, told him to do this and that.

It's said he can't even stand up.

Really?

But Kim Yakson is all but worthless at this point. This could be serious.

If the successor doesn't take charge, someone else will.

Exactly.

This bears watching, indeed.

Pak Songbi has the Overlord's complete confidence.

And that slave Kim Jun with him.

Yes, former slave.

We'll keep watching.

On Kim Yakson and the current favorite, Kim Jun.

If not for them, the world would be yours.

The world, he says...

There must be something in your beloved "Art of War".

This is a little different than "The Art of War".

You have me there.

The Choe clan holds all the power.

First General Kyong Taesong, then Yi Uimin and then the Choe clan.

Of course.

It's the same now. Lacking a Choe, a Kim has been named as successor.

And now your grandson is given a high position.

It's quite suggestive.

I had the same thought.

I hope I can count on you for more suggestions.

We'll put our heads together. We'll come up with something.

But it might be dangerous.

Dangerous?

We're after a country.

If we don't lose our heads... we gain everything.

Make another Tripitaka?

Yes. The Guard Corps insists.

Of course, I can't help but be pleased at the idea.

But not so for our people. Think of their anger, their resentment.

Your pardon. I tried to stop it, but in the end...

I was overridden.

How frustrating for you.

I understand how you must feel, but try to stay away from the bottle.

Your Highness.

We're in-laws now. We can count on each other.

An in-law is family.

If the royal house does well, so do you.

And if the Guard Corps does well, the royal house is pleased.

You honor me, Sire.

As we discussed, we'll keep the royal wedding simple.

No royal banquet, just a quiet drink between families.

Yes, Sire. But the Overlord...

Yes, I heard. He's ill?

How is he? I should call on him.

He isn't receiving at the moment.

He hopes the wedding will proceed as Your Majesty wishes.

Things are serious. The Mongols come making threats.

If we go to war, who will fight them?

Ah, you will, of course.

Don't trust in me. I'm not the man for the job.

The Overlord will recover.

This is serious... The Mongols coming again...

Serious, indeed.

- Chamberlain. - Head Lady.

Her Grace sent for me.

Her quarters have been prepared.

Her servant.

Jade, Miss.

Shall we?

It's unbelievable.

So this Anshim girl and Kim Jun were together in Taegu?

Yes, Your Grace. During the Mongol attack.

He stayed there after he was hurt.

I see.

How long was he there?

A couple of months.

I was so surprised. I could have sworn she was Wola.

Yes...

Chamberlain Kim is escorting her to her quarters?

- Yes, on Her Grace's orders. - Thank you for telling me.

Any other news?

- Her Grace... - Yes?

She brought in a fortuneteller.

He seemed quite good.

He explained the Overlord's illness, too.

The Overlord seemed impressed.

Really? My own father, listening to a fortuneteller.

What did he say?

Oh, the usual chatter...

But he did say misfortune is coming soon.

They all say that.

The bitter with the sweet. It's how they manipulate people.

Yes, Your Grace.

That will be all. I hope I can still count on you.

Need you ask? My life is yours to command.

Thank you. You may go, too.

Your Grace.

This Anshim? With my Kim Jun?

So that's it. He's still haunted by thoughts of Wola.

Kim Jun has been given a heaven sent opportunity. What will he do?

With my father just starting to notice him...

Jade, is it?

- Take the things inside. - Yes, Miss.

Anshim, I know everything.

But we're not strangers. Why are you acting this way?

Someone might hear you.

I know no one named Kim Jun.

- No one? In Taegu... - No one.

I belong to the Overlord. Understand?

I may not be a wife, but I'm still bound to attend to him.

Anshim, it's a mistake. The Overlord doesn't know.

I'll tell him.... I'll tell him we are promised to each other.

I never said that.

I knew my fate, even then.

Never come near me again.

No, Anshim!

Do you know how long I've waited for you?

Anshim...

- Anshim! - Sir.

People are watching. It's clear there's something there.

But as she said, she belongs to the Overlord now.

No...no!

When it's bad, it's really bad.

I thought I found my Wola again.

Then fate steps in.

It's cruel. After all these years of waiting...

She's not Wola. She's Anshim.

That's Lady Anshim now.

Her quarters are small, but an Overlord's lady, is an Overlord's lady.

She's out of your reach now.

I envy you, you know.

I never once met a woman I could truly love, but you?

Wola and Anshim.

Sorry, sorry, I'm a little drunk.

Seriously, ten years ago or so, at the Imjin dock...

I was supposed to catch you.

But I found myself thinking...

Kim Jun, go away. Get on that boat and go.

Far, far away.

Listen to you.

I would have in your place.

Wola was dead, the loveliest woman in Koryo, risked everything to be with you.

How's that for sincerity?

I know. The Young Miss... I mean, Her Grace...

Her Grace is still waiting for you.

Enough! You're drunk.

Why not say yes?

Kim Yakson is already...

Well, you know what I mean.

You're in the Overlord's good graces.

Just change your mind...

and you may be Overlord someday.

That's a sight. I'd like to see that.

A slave may get an official post, but that's just drunk talk.

Surely you know that?

Any more of that foolishness and we're through.

Drunk or not.

We will no longer be comrades.

I'm proud of you. My comrade always does me proud.

Take my advice. Forget Anshim.

If you don't, it could cost you your life.

Your life.

Do you know how many people envy you?

And I'm one of them.

June, 1235.

The Crown Prince married the daughter of Kim Yakson.

Just one month later, in July of that year...

Tanggu led his Mongol hordes across the border guided by Hong Bogwon.

The Third Mongol Invasion.

But Koryo did not try to stop them.

Since moving to Kanghwa, they focused on defense and guerilla tactics.

What's more, the Guard Corps were still plagued by rebellion on the peninsula.

- Gentlemen. - Yes, sir.

We have troops to the north and the south.

The North marches from Sakju through Kwiju, Taeju and Yongbyon to Kaegyeong.

The South marches through Yongju, Cholju, Sonju and on to Kaegyeong.

Yes, sir.

Our objective is not Kanghwa.

We'll cut off Kaegyeong, march south and ravage the entire country.

They may be hiding on Kanghwa, but with their entire country suffering...

they'll be forced to raise the white flag.

Our strategy is to raze Koryo.

- Putau. - Yes, sir.

Take the South advance.

Tiju, you take the North advance with me.

Yes, sir.

This time we will have total, absolute surrender.

It's a disgrace to the Mongols. Three invasions?

This time, this time!

We will restore the honor of Grand Marshal Sartai.

- Understood? - Yes, sir!

By July they took Hamshin.

By August they were in our borders and across the Chongchon River.

Intelligence reports they haven't left one fort standing.

We hide in the mountain fortresses or the islands and wait for them to retreat.

While the damages and casualties continue to snowball.

So as we said, all that's left is guerilla tactics.

We regret it every time that we wait for them to attack.

I agree. Guerilla tactics will prove effective.

But what are "guerilla tactics"?

Cower in hiding, attack in secret?

This is a war between nations.

Not some backstreet brawl.

Sooner or later they will be here at Kangdo.

All right, suppose we try it. Who will do the fighting?

These are Mongols, barbarians.

Shall we sit here in Kangdo while our people die in guerilla fighting?

Even now the Mongols are slaughtering even farmers...

and sickles against them.

You're right.

But that's the path we've chosen to protect the future of Koryo.

Sir, the decision has been made.

This is no time for regrets.

Regrets?

Who was it that encouraged the Overlord to make that decision?

You think the future of Koryo rests on you alone?

You think you're the only one that cares?

Do you know the bitter tears shed by our people as they point to Kangdo?

Do you, Chamberlain?