Original subtitles

Leave Kim Jun alone.

He has to be taught a lesson.

He's done enough damage to the Guard Corps.

My wife and that other girl, the Overlord's woman.

If he deserves death, he should die.

It all comes down to this.

He wants Kim Jun dead.

Yes, he's only human. He can't win forever.

I must find a way, I can't lose him.

Kim Jun, you fool. Do you know how bad things are?

I must save Anshim. I can't lose her.

The Overlord didn't bring her here out of fondness.

I have to help her, she may be waiting for me now.

I have to see her.

Where are you off to?

I can't let things be.

You mean with Anshim?

She has no one now.

She'll be waiting for me, worrying.

Wake up. There's nothing you can do.

She belongs to the Overlord, never forget that.

I was worried what you might do, that's why I'm here.

Yangbaek, you don't understand.

Everything has changed.

What kind of man would I be if I just left her?

Why won't you listen?

She's the Overlord's, part of his household.

You're already way out of line.

You're wrong. What if I explained to the Overlord?

This from the wise and wily Kim Jun?

All right, how would you explain?

"We had a brief romance"?

Or, "Wola has come back to me"?

Yangbaek...

You're not seeing Anshim, you're seeing Wola.

You'll come to your senses in time.

Let's go get a drink.

It can't end this way.

Where is the Overlord?

In his home.

Forget it. Let's get a drink.

I have to see her. Talk to her.

- Look... - Who else?

Who else does she have?

Who else does she have to tell her troubles to?

We're not strangers.

I told you to forget it.

Yangbaek, I have to see her. This can't go on.

Your Grace, how may I help you?

Going somewhere?

To see that Anshim girl?

Do you know the trouble you're in?

Do you know what's going on without your knowledge?

What do you mean?

Your enemies know all about you and Anshim.

It's a perfect excuse, an excuse to kill you.

Who would want me dead?

You've started down the road you're meant to travel.

You can't take Anshim with you.

That's the way to death.

Pardon me, I have somewhere to be.

You fool! You're racing into the fire.

You have a great future. Stop taking risks, please.

I have something to say.

- Nothing I want to hear. - You must!

You're in danger.

I should go.

Kim Jun... Jun...

He can be so naive.

- Chamberlain Choe. - Your Grace.

I know you two are close.

Speak to him as a comrade.

He has many enemies. They're laying traps for him.

People who are committed to his death.

Your Grace?

If he keeps acting like a fool I can't help him.

Talk to him. Tell him what they're planning.

Please.

Your Grace.

What now? Now that I've lost everything?

It's all so wrong.

This love is wrong.

I know that, but still...

His heart is broken over me.

If it were just me, I could die in peace...

It's late. What do you want?

To see you.

The gate wasn't locked. I knew I shouldn't, but here I am.

You shouldn't be here.

People might misunderstand.

Misunderstand?

When my heart is torn in two over you?

Don't talk that way.

You know my situation. I'm the Overlord's concubine.

Not of your own volition.

It was my choice.

For your family.

Either way, what's done is done.

We'll find a way.

How can we?

You should go.

You have to leave. You can't stay here.

I'll leave when I die.

What do you mean?

Don't worry about me. Not anymore.

Just go.

What are you doing? Get out. Now.

I'll find a way. I'll get you out of here.

I swear it.

You have lives to spare?

You think you can just take the Overlord's woman?

Never...

if not for love.

Kim Jun.

The woman I loved has come back to me.

I won't let fate come between us.

Tell me. Do you still love me?

No. Not anymore.

You're lying. It's in your eyes.

Just go. What will people say?

Aren't you scared?

No. I'll never change, not for the whole world.

I won't see you be another man's plaything.

Would you betray the Overlord?

Can you? Would you take me away?

Are you so sure of yourself?

I can't. I'm nothing without him.

I won't betray him. I'll tell him everything, even if it costs me my life.

Everyone knows I belong to the Overlord.

You think that's possible?

To ask him for his own concubine?

It may cost my life.

But it's time I told him.

Just go.

I'll think of the past as a dream.

A lovely dream.

I accept my fate.

I won't have you hurt over me.

Go. Now. Just go.

Anshim.

Anshim...

How much did I drink last night?

My head is killing me.

Ah, that's better. Honey water does the trick.

Will you be going to the Directorate?

Why ask when you know the answer?

Now I know why people turn into lushes.

It's time to eat. Shall we get started?

Sir, it's us.

Oh, my drinking buddies. Come in, come in.

- Sit, sit. - Yes, sir.

- Well? Drinks for my guests. - My lord.

Feeling better?

Drinking every day...

Better?

A drink here, a drink there, how's that for better?

By the way, what we talked about...

What?

About Kim Jun.

That again?

The Taegu rumors are true.

Last night he called on Anshim, even went into her room.

He dares to carry on with the Overlord's concubine?

Next time we can escort the Overlord there...

and catch him in the act.

Once the Overlord finds out...

it's over for Kim Jun.

You're sure?

Absolutely. We have men watching all night.

Kim Jun can't make a move.

This is our chance.

Our chance?

What's between them? There's more to the story.

If asked, one might even say that Kim Jun was first.

My lord.

It's unmanly, using a taboo...

using a woman's tragedy to lay a trap.

- I won't have it. - No, my lord.

The problem is this man, this scum, has dared to mouth off to you.

I don't like him, he needs to be taught a lesson.

But it must be decisive.

He must be exposed, inside-out.

Just leave it to us. He'll learn his lesson, all right.

Won't he, Pak Seungson?

Let's drink on it.

I'm tired of drinking at home. And the courtesan house.

Listen, what do you say to hunting?

Sir?

Hunting?

Mount Mani is full of elk and deer.

We can spend a few days, have a few drinks.

Sounds good. We can use our men as beaters.

Good, good. We'll need lots of men.

Bring all you like. We can share the spoils with the troops.

Yes, sir.

Another drink. Here.

Delicious.

Excellent, you have a great gift.

Where would we be without you?

Not at all. I wish I could do more.

An invocation for all people.

How can we convince the people without sharing our deepest desires?

The Venerable will be pleased.

Well done, Three Vices.

Your praise overwhelms me, my lord.

Kim Jun, have the astronomer choose an auspicious day.

We need the best day to inform the people about the Tripitaka.

Yes, sir.

All our officials and generals should see it.

We want the largest dissemination possible.

Send for Choe Chunmyong and Yi Kongju.

Have all the leaders gather here.

Yes, sir.

Overlord, if I may, there's the matter of my retirement.

Please allow me to leave public life.

I'm seventy. I'm of no use in the Council, and I'm tired.

I swear...

Retire if you want, but don't go too far.

Your country may still have need of you, so to speak.

Need you ask? I'll do anything I can, of course.

Thank you for granting my wish.

Fine. That's that, then.

Oh, Three Vices... Look at this.

Reports on the Mongol war.

Our rangers are doing quite well.

Yes, Overlord.

The Mongols can't have their own way.

Now they know what Koryo can do.

Look, they gave up on Kanghwa.

Our immediate environs, as well.

The water terrifies them.

Mongol scum. Now they know Koryo!

Hold your positions! Fight to the end!

Fire! Keep firing! Hold your positions!

Catapults!

The gates!

Fire! Fire!

Koryo scum.

How long has it been?

A month already. And no progress.

We can't scale the walls.

We can't dig under them.

We can't burn them out.

You said their commander is Song Munju?

Yes, sir.

Impressive. I didn't even know he was at Fort Kwiju.

But he's showing what he can do now.

- Song Munju. - Yes, sir.

He was a colonel at the battle of Fort Kwiju.

The problem is, he knows all our tactics.

We fire catapults, he fires back.

We attack, he feigns retreat, opens the gate and counterattacks.

We can't get a foothold.

Exactly.

- Putau. - Yes, sir.

We can't waste any more time here. It's been a month.

Our casualties are too high.

We're done with Fort Jukju.

Sir.

Do it.

Our detachments are in Cholla?

Yes, sir. Cholla and Kyongsang both.

Leave Ft. Jukja.

Signal the retreat.

Sir, we've fought for a month.

Victory is within our grasp.

Let me lead another attack.

I'll level the fort.

Putau!

I understand, but we can't spend any more time here.

We fall back and march south.

Sound the retreat.

Sound the retreat! Fall back!

Sound the retreat!

Putau. Spread the word.

Bypass any fort commanded by one of Kim Kyongson's Kwiju men.

They're not worth it.

Yes, sir.

Sir, we can't possibly win this.

We all swore to fight, but look.

Our people have as good as given up.

There's no difference between us.

They have numbers, but no more battle experience than our own civilians.

Hear me!

I am Yi Yonjil, brother to the heir of Baekje, Yi Yunnyon.

Where is Kim Kyongson?

I'm Kim Kyongson.

You can see we outnumber you.

If we attack, your fort will fall in seconds.

Our leader has no desire to kill the hero of Kwiju.

Open the gate.

We can talk.

Open up.

Open the gate!

See them? Officials from the areas we've entered.

They surrendered and now we're brothers.

Surrender.

The Mongol invasion is difficult and painful, it's true.

But why resurrect a bygone era and fly the flag of Baekje?

The Emperor and Choe U ran to Kanghwa to save themselves.

Koryo is razed, the fields desolate...

and they ignore their people and continue this war.

Is this how an emperor cares for his people?

Barricading in Kanghwa was sound strategy.

Can you blame them for protecting our royal family?

Disperse your men and send them home.

We know you are an heir of the Silla royal line.

Join us and our leader will make you a grand marshal.

I'm a general of Koryo.

Not a grand marshal of traitors.

Join us. You're a hero.

Join us and not just Cholla, but all of Koryo will follow you.

You could be emperor.

I'm not interested.

I'll say it again. Don't do something you'll regret.

Disperse and go home.

You'll be the one who regrets.

Prepare for battle.

Divide the troops with the civilians. Guard any points of access.

Yes, sir.

Prepare for battle.

He said that?

Yes, sir.

It won't be easy winning Kim Kyongson to our cause.

I expected as much. He fought off the Mongol hordes, after all.

Yes, sir. Word has spread. Our men fear him.

They're comparing him to the great General Guan Yu of Ancient China.

Enough of that talk.

Kwiju was Kwiju. This is Naju.

- Prepare the men for battle. - Yes, sir.

We attack Fort Naju.

Let's see how much fight he has in him.

- Prepare for war. - Yes, sir.

- Prepare for battle. - Prepare for battle!

Attack formation! Move!

It's fine for us, but I hate to think what will happen to the civilians.

This is a battle we can't possibly win.

The enemy is at the gate. Pull yourself together.

We're all dead.

If we die...we die with honor.

A death to be remembered.

Willing to die will save us.

The Mongols had us outnumbered, too.

But working together, we survived.

Yes, sir. I'm with you to the end.

- Battle stations. - Battle stations.

Move!

That's Kim Kyongson, in the middle.

So that's Kim Kyongson.

Right. He was like some terrible mountain god.

He held off 100,000 Mongols?

Terrible or not, he's helpless now.

He has no men.

Yes, sir.

Archers to the front. Prepare the ladders.

We attack.

Yes, sir.

- You there. Archers! Ladders! - Sir.

- Attack. - Attack!

Well? What are you looking at?

- Attack! - Attack! Attack!

Men of Koryo!

I am Kim Kyongson.

Would you attack the home of an emperor?

Have you no fear?

Attack and be branded traitors.

Go home.

Go!

What are you waiting for? Attack.

Are you deaf? I said attack. Attack!

I said go home!

Well, well, so that's Kim Kyongson.

Now I see.

- I said attack! - Enough.

Our men are simple villagers. They see him as a god.

I didn't realize. We need a new strategy. We can't win with brute strength.

Kim Kyongson...

Kim Kyongson.

Fall back.

Fall back!

Fall back! Fall back!

I see.

So Kim Kyongson stands alone?

Yes, sir. He rode to Naju and is facing the rebels alone.

This is serious.

Naju is huge. He has no troops?

He has a handful of men and some civilians.

But the rebels number over a thousand.

Serious, serious indeed.

There are rumors that Kim Kyongson joined up with the rebels.

He's not the type.

I quite agree, sir.

That may be why the rebels spread the rumors in the first place.

That's the nature of rumors.

We said we'd send troops, what-have-you.

But in a crisis, in the heat of the moment, people don't think straight.

It's impossible, of course, but look into it anyway.

Yes, sir.

Our rangers are inflicting casualties, naturally.

But the people's lot is getting worse.

There hasn't been a good harvest in years.

Starvation and death are rampant.

They hide in the mountains and islands, but if they go out to till the soil,

they are killed or taken prisoner.

What can we do? We were prepared for this.

If we're exhausted, so is the enemy.

It's been 3 years since they crossed our borders.

They may be open to a cessation of hostilities at this point.

True. It's time.

The reason we came to Kangdo was to wage a war of attrition.

Send an envoy.

Yes, sir.

Now about the Tripitika?

The astronomer selected an auspicious day.

He suggests holding an Imperial ceremony in two days time.

The eyes of the nation are upon us. There can be no mistakes.

Yes, sir.

We are to re-carve the Tripitaka.

Our greatest scholars have gathered like so many clouds.

Proof that Buddhism is alive and well in Koryo.

Monks from all over Koryo join me in gathering our sacred cannon.

Others commit their lives to training, engraving, curing the wood,

all to ensure this great work moves forward.

These are trying times.

Our people starve, they die at the hands of the Mongols. We offer a flame of hope.

Posterity will know our suffering.

History will record that we were faithful to the end.

We must burn bright.

Burn through pain and suffering and a world of hell...

to create a sea of lotus flowers.

Let the fire of hope burn within you.

Where did these people come from?

Hadong, Akyang, Kulye, Kongsong, Namwon.

Other villages along the river.

How many trees will we need?

5,000 to 10,000 century-old cherry blossom trees.

10,000? Mt. Jili will be bare.

The calligraphy of the Tripitaka must be uniform in appearance.

Correct, accurate and beautiful to the eye.

Engravers must take great care.

Each character is as an offering to Buddha.

If you begrudge rising early, leave now.

If you must eat meat or sleep at home, leave now.

If you are unclean in thought, word or action, leave now.

Each character must be written with a heart that is pure.

Coming here, I committed to forebear cooked food.

Nor will I lie on comfortable floors.

- Hear me. - Sir.

Today is a tragic day, a sacred day.

We gather here to swear that we will re-carve the Tripitaka,

burned by barbarians.

We pray that with the blessings of Buddha,

Koryo will rise to its former glory.

Lord Yi Kyubo.

Overlord.

Read the Emperor's invocation.

Invocation for Engraving the Tripitaka.

The Emperor, the crown prince, chancellors, nobles of the court,

come before you in obeisance and prayer.

Great Buddha, Bodhisattvas, Lord of Heaven, The 33 Gods of the 33 Realms,

hear our prayer.

Hear us, hear us.

We are beset by the Mongol barbarians.

See with your great wisdom the cruelty of our times.

See how they burn your temples, your holy word, your servants.

See how they burned Puin Temple, wherein was housed your holy Tripitaka.

Koryo is in need.

Hear our prayer.

The Koryo Tripitaka.

After the Tripitaka was burned in Puin Temple,

Koryo produced another sacred cannon.

The Office of the Tripitaka was in Kanghwa,

the Office of Engraving on Namhae.

As an island, Namhae was shielded from the Mongol invasion.

Lumber was transported from Mt. Jiri, along the Somjin River,

and cured on the beach.

This is the Tripitaka housed in Haein Temple today.

That went well, Sire.

Good work, Lord Choe.

You have a big job ahead.

The Tripitaka will be finished.

Your invocation will see the Mongols out of Koryo.

- Nicely done, Lord Yi. - Your Majesty.

- Join me for a cup of tea. - Yes, Sire.

Shall we?

You're Anshim?

Yes, Your Grace.

Just like Wola.

Doing well, sir?

Of course. Are you keeping busy?

We all do our part. I hope to call on you soon.

Me? All right, that will be fine.

Well, well, there you are.

I see you made it.

Of course. We all bow to the Buddha, sir...

- Choe Chunmyong. - In the flesh.

Good to see you.

Chamberlain Yi, well done, indeed. Excellent work.

Flatterer. I appreciate the opportunity.

Share the joy. Hogging all the victories.

Let your friends join in.

Well said, the more the merrier.

Much further?

No. We're close.

There, there it is.

Is she in?

Yes, she is.

Her Grace is here. Announce her, quickly.

Welcome, Your Grace.

Shall we? It's pouring.

You came secretly?

It's about Kim Jun.

Kim Jun?

I'll be frank. He's in danger because of you.

Your Grace?

You're my father's concubine. You can't carry on with Kim Jun.

Carry on?

I know about you two.

You can't see him. If you do, he'll die.

Kim Jun bears a heavy burden.

He may run the Guard Corps someday.

But thanks to you he could lose all that.

Did you love him?

Tell me. Did you?

Yes.

I see. The one thing no one can stop.

The one thing that can't be helped.

But true love often requires sacrifice.

It requires enduring any pain for him.

Wouldn't you say?

Yes. I would.

Thank you. I appreciate that.

But why did you come here?

I'm like you.

I'd die for him if I had to.

Your Grace.

Every day I bite my tongue in prayer.

I pray to wake up. To live for my husband, my children.

I pray and I pray.

But, the demons won't let me go.

Kim Jun has my heart and it will never be free.

I wake up, and he's still there.

Anywhere, everywhere.

You're that in love?

Not Kim Jun.

Just me.

I'm the one that's cursed.

Please. Let Kim Jun go.

Your Grace...

Please.

I realize knowing me is a lot to bear.

To bear... That's one way to put it.

Not because of you so much but, you just keep getting in my way.

There's really no reason for it.

No, sir. I realize my manner and plain speaking have incurred your anger.

I beg your pardon.

Have a drink.

I know it isn't you.

You know, sir?

We live together. I know my own wife.

I was upset once. And I imagined a few things.

But then, I realized it isn't you.

I don't know what to say.

And me... I'm starting to understand love.

It's a disease. One with no cure.

I didn't know how bad it could be.

Sometimes...

I pity my wife.

My lord.

So now...

I find myself wondering how to free her.

Perhaps if I give up my office.

Pardon me?

I mean it.

I've long since had my fill of court life.

Everyone knows it.

Come, drink.

Anyway, look after the Overlord.

He's not young anymore.

Need you ask?

See that you do.

But stay away from Lady Anshim.

Whatever happened in the past, she's his now.

Be careful you don't get hurt.

Yes, my lord.

You have a lot of work ahead.

Always put the people before power.

But, sir, what would I know of power?

Your time is coming, that much I know.

My lord.

It took all my connections and influence to get into the Directorate General.

And now?

Kim Yakson is already losing influence.

His sycophants want Kim Jun dead.

Her Grace will demand answers.

I have to survive this.

Somehow...

Every day I bite my tongue in prayer.

I pray to wake up. To live for my husband, my children.

I pray and I pray.

Lady Songi is in love with Kim Jun?

How could that be? How?

What is it?

- You know something? - Yes, Your Grace.

Come alone.

What? Kim Jun is out of time?

Yes. Lord Kim's friends have laid a trap and they're waiting to spring it.

A trap from which there is no escape.

My husband is involved?

I'm afraid so. They're acting with his approval.

They mean to kill him.

If he deserves death, he should die.

Is there no way out?

It won't be easy.

But there may be a way.

Go on.

First, we should remove those who want to hurt him.

Yes, we should, but how?

They're forever buttering up Lord Kim for promotions.

But General Pak Songbi already has his eye on them.

Because through Lord Kim they're close to the royal house.

It's simple. If they're caught planning a coup, it's over.

A coup?

Yes, Your Grace. They're going hunting with Lord Kim.

If we work it right, we'll be rid of them for good.

And my husband? Will he be implicated?

He already wants to step down from office.

But he's the Overlord's son-in-law, father of the crown princess.

It's the only way.

A coup...

Implicating Lord Kim?

There's no arguing with fate.

Let's make a deal.

One close to you reeks of blood.

I can't believe he would do this!

Kim Yakson?

There must be some sort of misunderstanding.

Kim Yakson would never do that.

Kim Yakson has been arrested for treason.

Do you still love Kim Jun?

My own wife framed me. My wife...