Original subtitles

A coup? Treason?

It's too cruel, too vicious.

Not so. As I said, they are radicals sworn to kill Chamberlain Kim.

Maybe not today, but they'll find a way to do it, sooner or later.

But my husband...

You have to choose.

Either Kim Jun dies or they do.

Your husband won't be hurt.

He's the father of the crown princess, the Emperor's in-law.

As well as the Director General and the Overlord's successor.

He'll get a slap on the wrist, if that.

You think so?

But not so with Kim Jun. He may well die.

Quite so.

Yes, Your Grace, an idea occurred to me on the way here.

You mentioned that the Overlord consults with the shaman Ju Yonji.

What does this have to do with him?

Our investigation showed Ju Yonji has a backer.

A backer we can us.

Use? How?

Leave that to me. I ask only for your approval.

I can do nothing without it.

Your husband can't know about this.

He's already given up. This will only cost him a position he doesn't care about.

Think of it that way.

And if it's worse than you think?

There's no arguing with fate.

Grant your assent.

What are your orders?

Do we save Kim Jun or not?

Yes, the time has come.

It's been building up to this for years.

This farce of a marriage must end.

And I must save Kim Jun.

Your Grace.

Do it.

As you say, there's no other way.

Yes, Your Grace

Please remember, I'm doing all of this for you.

Don't forget.

Now, now, a highfalutin is here. You'll have to wait.

Your Grace, this way, please.

You'll have to wait.

The Directorate General, eh?

And what's this?

The chart on someone in whom I'm quite interested, if you please.

And my fee?

Need you ask? As if I'd forget for a man of your stature.

I heard you called on the Overlord today.

Word spreads fast, eh?

Well, now, let's take a look.

I don't know who this is, but it's a person of considerable rank.

Continue.

But a crisis has been reached.

Will this person live...or die?

Pardon?

What, can't see that far, Choe Sanbo?

Choe...Choe... Choe Sanbo?

Choe who-now? Who's that?

Like you don't know? Aren't you Choe Sanbo?

You've made a good living in your new role, yes, indeed.

You've made a mistake. I never heard of him. I'm Ju Yonji, Ju Yonji!

A little louder. Bray like a donkey. "I'm not Choe Sanbo."

Who are you?

I'm with the Directorate General.

Dirty secrets are what we do. Or didn't you know?

I don't know anything.

Will denying it make it so?

Think you'll survive this coming out?

I know you and Kim Dokmyong helped Choe Hyang.

I'm not here to arrest you. I want to help you.

How much do you want?

I have more.

We can cut a deal.

Yes, that's why I'm here, to cut a deal.

This person must die for us to survive.

U-us?

Do well and you may get an official rank.

The price is a simple "vision" about a coup. History is full of them.

But... but...

From such small things, large things are wrought.

What do you want?

I know you consult with the Overlord.

Tell him of a coup.

Say very soon, one very close to him will threaten his life.

It's simple.

Huh?

I said it's simple. A small price for your life.

True.

The Tripitaka is on schedule?

Yes, sir. Monks from across Koryo are volunteering.

They would. They see it as a sacred duty.

Yet one requiring great effort.

Yes, sir.

Three years to fell the trees, strip and cure them.

Then they must be cut, carved and lacquered.

Fifteen, sixteen years at least.

That's what has Kim Yakson so worried.

Now what about the Gulpo River?

That? The Overlord mentioned it.

The channel crossing makes delivering grain taxes nearly impossible.

But we must do it. We have no choice.

That's where the Gulpo comes in.

Usually the grain is shipped in via boat.

The boats must travel via Taean Peninsula or land here at Fort Sondolmok.

But the crossing is shallow.

The boats run aground on the reefs.

So obviously we need a safe crossing.

Yes, sir. Look.

This is the usual route.

Shallow waters, reefs and too far to travel.

If we expand the waterway here, we will save time and ensure the safety of our boats.

Gulpo River.

A small tributary to be expanded by human hands.

At the time goods were transported via shipping routes.

Of these, Taean, Fort Sondolmok and Cape Jangsan were the most treacherous.

Gulpo was designed to help Koryo on Kanghwa Island.

The Gulpo project will help with the Tripitaka as well.

Stay on it.

Yes, sir.

The report on General Kim Kyongson.

We sent men to investigate...

And?

If you believe the rumors,

Kim Kyongson has already joined the rebels.

He's what?

His fort is under siege. With no way to confirm...

our spies report the worst.

The fact is, the rebels vastly outnumber the general's defenses.

I see. So we would expect the rebels to either remove the general or take the fort.

But, they have done neither. How odd.

And Kim Kyongson sits inside his fort.

Exactly. But we can't afford to jump to conclusions.

What else can he do with no men?

Send more scouts.

I can't submit this to the Overlord.

Does Kim Yakson know?

I doubt it.

He wouldn't, he never comes to work, so frustrating.

Anyway, look into it again.

Yes, sir. I'll dispatch more men.

Sir, the rebels' numbers are growing.

We've been under siege two weeks now. Our provisions are nearly exhausted.

I'm sorry to report more civilians deserted last night.

The growing numbers of rebels have them terrified.

At this rate, soon there will be no civilians left to protect.

But something isn't right.

They could have taken the fort by now if they wanted, but they're not doing anything.

I've heard talk. It's said they don't attack because they've won you to their cause.

That you're to be a Grand Marshal of Baekje.

Ridiculous!

Of course it is, but the people believe it.

And if you're a Grand Marshal, you may one day be king.

Enough of that. He would never do that.

People believe what they're told.

They enemy is spreading the rumor. We have to stop it.

There's nothing we can do.

We have ten men left. Of our thirty, twenty more have deserted.

We can't fight. We're stuck.

The Naju civilians keep giving up?

Yes, sir.

It must be eating at Kim Kyongson.

He talks big, but with the civilians bolting, who is he protecting?

Well said, sir.

The Kangdo spies will have made their report by now.

Keep spreading the word.

Kim Kyongson is working with us. He'll be one of our commanders.

It's been done, sir.

The crisis will come soon.

Kim Kyongson is completely stymied.

The court can't help but doubt him now.

And with him gone, the country is ours.

So the crown princess bore a son?

Yes. May I offer congratulations?

Of course. He'll be in line for the throne.

His Majesty has sent for our family?

Yes, indeed.

Congratulations, Overlord.

Yes, yes, thank you.

I didn't send for you. Why are you here?

Your Worship...

I consult the heavens every day on your behalf.

I've seen a dire omen.

What's that? An omen?

Just so.

The same omen over the past few days.

Soon disaster will strike the Overlord.

What? Disaster?

Surely you exaggerate.

Disaster will strike from very near you.

Look to those around you.

One close to you reeks of blood.

No...oh, no...

Someone close? Reeks of blood?

Yes, Your Grace.

Overlord, he said much the same the first time we saw him.

We should listen to him.

It's clearly a matter of some urgency.

Sure it is.

I thought you had some small insight. Now this nonsense.

Suppose you're wrong?

Please believe me. I've never been wrong yet.

You're in grave danger.

Sure I am.

And when I'm not, don't bother coming back.

Please believe me.

Get out.

Yes, Overlord, but remember this.

Watch those closest to you.

He's quite reliable. Don't let your guard down.

They're all the same.

"Dire omens," what-have-you, unless you pay.

Anyway, His Majesty invited us to the palace. Today is a happy day.

Congratulations.

Overlord, Pak Songbi and Kim Jun to see you.

Oh? Send them in.

Sir, we heard the news. Congratulations on your great-grandson.

Congratulations, sir.

Thank you, thank you, but not just for me alone.

It's a great day for all of Koryo.

So what is it now?

I'll leave you to it.

You were curious about Kim Kyongson.

Yes, and...? Has he gone over to the rebels or what?

If you believe the rumors.

But, we need reliable reports from good men.

Quite right. As I said, people make foolish choices in a crisis.

Without meaning to.

But if Kim Kyongson did join them...

it's a serious threat to Koryo.

We need facts, not rumors.

Yes, sir.

Sir.

The Gulpo River report.

Gulpo...

Widening the estuary inland?

It will connect to the coast, avoiding Kimpo altogether.

Emperor Injong tried much the same thing 100 years ago.

Did he? In that case...

You scout out the winds and tides for me.

Yes, sir. I was going to suggest I escort you.

I'm due at the palace. We'll go later.

Tomorrow or the next day? Anshim is all cooped up. We'll bring her along.

Yes, sir.

You're keeping an eye on the Tripitaka?

Of course, sir.

This Tripitaka will build on those that came before.

We will find errors and omissions in the Song and Khitan Tripitakas.

The first Tripitakas were riddled with mistakes.

This was true of Japan's Mahasamnipata and the Flower Adornment sutras.

Errors come from complacency.

We must keep our eyes open. We must stay alert.

Well done everyone.

Abbot, everyone's gone to mass.

You've gone too long without lying down or a decent meal.

This, too, cultivates the Way.

Will you be all right?

I subsist on pine needles and water.

I rest without resting, sleep without sleeping.

But this will take years. I worry for you.

I focused on wandering and learned nothing.

Now I burn with the light of true knowledge.

I've been reborn, what do I care for tomorrow?

There is so much to do.

Tend to the monks, to the scriptures...

and to the artisans as well.

I know, I'm still learning myself.

I knew it would take time, but it seems there is no end.

I can't believe we'll ever see it through.

Of course.

When it's done, the work will be 60km long and 2.8km high.

But we'll do it.

We'll do it because so many people have come together to that end.

When the spirit is willing, nothing is impossible.

Yes, Abbot.

Kangdo, Namhae, the whole country is working to bring about a paradise.

It will come.

Buddha won't turn a deaf ear to such devotion.

It does my heart good to have the Crown Princess' family here.

Ah, you're her brother? It's been too long.

Kim Mi, Your Majesty.

Thank you for inviting us, Sire.

Not at all.

The Crown Princess gave me a new grandson.

I'm the one that is grateful.

Wouldn't you agree?

You honor us beyond words, Your Majesty.

It's true. He was so tickled when he saw the baby.

We owe the princess much.

Wouldn't you agree?

You're too gracious. It is all to your glory, Sire.

No, no, it's the princess, don't you think?

Let us say the Imperial ancestors have watched over us, Sire.

Yes, yes, there's no doubt about that.

But tonight we thank everyone present.

The prince and his bride, of course, her parents and the Overlord.

You embarrass me, Sire.

This happy event will strengthen the ties between the Guard Corps...

and the Imperial House.

Nothing stronger than blood, eh?

Yes, too true, too true.

You were recently indisposed. Are you all right sitting here?

Yes, Sire. It's been so long since I've seen my family, I don't mind at all.

Yes, family is a fine thing.

Wouldn't you say?

Yes, Sire.

Every time I see you, I think how blessed you both are.

I envy you.

Thank you, Sire.

Now, let's excuse the new parents and break bread as grandparents.

Yes, Sire.

Then if you will excuse us?

Enjoy your meal.

Father, if you will excuse us?

Yes, Crown Princess, of course.

So I understand the Tripitaka is coming along.

And you're seeking a diplomatic solution with the Mongols?

Yes, Sire. We've sent emissaries to enter into discussions.

I'm glad to hear it.

Surely diplomacy is better than war.

Our people are suffering.

True, but all obstacles have a price, I'm afraid.

Isn't that so?

It's your business. What would I know about it?

About this Gulpo business...

It seems quite a large project at a time like this. Will it be all right?

Nothing is decided yet.

I'll be going to the coast in a few days.

To assess the feasibility of the project.

Even if it is, in light of the burden to our people, perhaps it should be delayed.

Yes, with all due deliberation, of course, Sire.

It couldn't have worked out better.

The Overlord is going to the coast to look over the Gulpo project.

And tomorrow Kim Yakson and his cronies are going hunting.

They said it would be several days. How things will change when they get back.

And I report the coup. If I work it right, I'll be set for life.

Ju Yonji did his part.

Kim Kyongson is tied up with the Naju rebellion, so he can't help his brother.

Lady Songi gave her tacit agreement. Now it's up to me.

So they will travel the Han River, pass Pupyong and Kyeyang...

as far as Kimpo?

Yes, sir. The boats will moor here.

I see, a fanciful idea.

But we'll take a look.

Yes, sir.

What do you think Anshim? Nice to get out, right?

It's not good to be cooped up all day.

Even more so on an island.

- Kim Jun. - Yes, sir.

It's nice to smell the fish and the sea air, quite refreshing.

It's been too long. Let's take our time.

Yes, sir. I'll establish a camp.

Good, good, a nice place to rest

Some fish, some wine, perfect.

Yes, sir.

All my old friends here for our hunting trip.

Yes, my lord.

It's been far, far too long, wouldn't you say?

Yes, sir. I've been ready since we started.

Are marching into battle?

Why bring all these soldiers?

We're at war. They need training.

Nothing like a little hunting, eh?

You may be right.

Let's get to it. Move out.

Yes, yes.

Excellent, very good.

I didn't expect anything like this.

- Yangbaek. - Overlord.

Seeing you now reminds me of the old days.

When you were the hero of the arena.

Those days are gone, sir.

I thought we'd never see your like again.

Then Kim Jun came along.

Sometimes I catch myself wondering what would happen if you two faced off.

I think Kim Jun would come out on top.

Is that so?

No, sir. I lean more toward a draw.

- Anshim. - My lord.

These two men here, are legends of the arena.

In all the years of the games, only these two received the royal sword.

Is that so?

The finest warriors in Koryo.

- Yangbaek. - Yes, Overlord.

Help Kim Jun.

I don't know if you're friends or not...

but he has a lot of work ahead of him.

A friend in need is a friend indeed.

You're unlettered, but not so Kim Jun.

His success will be good for you, too.

Don't forget that.

I'm well aware, sir.

Good, good, use your eyes if not your brain.

A drink.

And Kim Jun.

No, no, Anshim, pour him a drink.

Yes, Overlord.

Sir, it's not fitting.

It's fine, it's fine. We're all family here.

Go on.

Excellent, oh yes.

What was that? A coup?

Who? Who is behind it? Who is raising troops?

Take a breath...Kim Yakson.

What? Impossible. Why would he?

As you know, You serve his household.

Of course I do.

For some time now he's been holding secret trysts with his old friends.

Surely you've seen them meeting.

They invited me along and I pretended to acquiesce until I had a chance to report.

And troops? Are they moving men?

Kang Umun and Yi Sangno mustered the Dragon Guards on a pretext of a hunt.

What's their route? Where are they now?

Mt. Mani, they said.

But, they may be marching to the coast and the Overlord.

This is serious, incredibly serious.

I have no reason to distrust you.

- You, there. - Yes, sir.

Muster the men. It's rebellion.

The regular troops, the Guard Corps reserves and Song Kilyu's rangers.

We march on the rebels.

Yes, sir.

Send word to Yi Kongju to get the Overlord to safety.

Yes, sir.

How...? How did it come to this? How?

Your Grace, Your Grace.

Something is going on. There are torches everywhere.

Soldiers everywhere, the rangers strengthening defensive positions.

Your Grace?

Do we need this many men to catch a few animals?

Too many by far. What if we don't catch enough to feed them?

We will. You said you wanted to spend a few days.

We're here. We'll camp over there.

I can't wait.

My worst fears have been realized.

His quarrel with the Overlord has gone on too long.

It was bound to happen.

- Kim Jun, the Gulpo River. - Yes, sir.

The Emperor is concerned.

Using shovels and picks to dig a channel to the coast. It's concerning.

It must be properly assessed for boulders or other obstacles.

Yes, sir. It will be.

I've had too much.

I should get some rest.

Perhaps you should retire for the evening.

At your service.

Yes, yes, it's time. Whew, I'm drunk.

Kim Jun.

Right, here we go.

I long for peace, but will that day ever come?

Isn't that Yi Kongju?

Yi Kongju reporting.

What is it? Why ride in with these men?

We have to move. There's a rebellion.

- Rebellion? - Rebellion?

What do you mean? Who is rebelling exactly?

We need to get you to the Guard Corps.

Kim Yakson and his close friends have raised an army.

Who? Yakson?

Yes, sir. We need to go, sir.

Who? Yakson?

Listen here, don't be absurd.

Someone else, maybe, but Yakson, never. You have bad information.

We have to go. His troops are already on Mt. Mani.

Impossible. Kim Yakson?

But you must look after the Overlord. Time is precious.

Sir, I'll get your horse. We must get to safety.

- Guard the Overlord! - The Overlord!

- Guard the Overlord! - The Overlord!

Establish a perimeter. No one gets in.

Our beaters precede us.

They'll use drums and gongs to flush ‘em out.

Night hunting is always fun.

Yes, yes, that's a fact.

How's that valley look?

- You, men. The valley it is. - Move out.

Wait, what's this then? Did you send for other men?

Are you kidding? We have too many as it is.

Then who are they?

If it isn't Song Kilyu? What brings you here?

I think you know.

You think I know? Know what?

What are you doing with all these men?

You!

Yi Sangjo, Kang Umun!

You dare to rebel against the Overlord?

- What? - What...?

- Not look here, we're hunting... - Hunting?

A likely excuse. But we know you're attempting a coup.

A coup?

- Well? Disarm them! - Sir!

- Kill anyone that resists. - Sir.

Now wait a minute, General Song.

- Disarm them. - Sir.

Sir, whatever the testimony, Kim Yakson isn't the type.

Grant me a divorce.

Please, Father.

Yes, it was over long ago.

It must be a mistake.

I want to agree with Kim Jun, but things don't look good.

Lord Kim's long-time aide Pak Seungson testified against him.

I'm afraid there's no doubt.

Look to those around you.

One close to you reeks of blood.

Yes, Kim Yakson had no other option.

His wife looking to another man, his father-in-law criticizing him every day.

And now an in-law to the Emperor.

Sir, that's not all.

We have reports that his brother, is raising the banner of Baekje in Naju.

It hasn't been confirmed.

Be that as it may, Kim Yakson has been acting suspiciously.

Disagreeing with you at every turn, opposing your plans.

Aligning himself with the Imperial House.

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.

Pak Songbi, why don't you say something?

I'm so shocked, I don't know what to say.

Where are the prisoners?

Lord Kim is under house arrest.

Kang Umun and Yi Sangno are in custody.

Question them tomorrow. Song Kilyu, see to it.

Yes, sir.

And Lord Kim?

He's still my son-in-law. And the prince's father-in-law.

Have them face their accuser.

Then I'll make a ruling.

Sir, investigate this thoroughly.

Look into the accusation first.

It's too easy to make a mistake.

Overlord!

All right. Song Kilyu will see to it.

The Overlords dumb son-in-law tried to pull a coup.

No...is that even possible?

His own father-in-law? Kim Yakson?

He's always been strange, and not just a little bit.

I knew it.

Exactly. Him and his cronies, passing out postings and such.

And the Imperial Dragon Guards no less.

There's no other way to see it.

You go hunting, you take twenty men, tops. He had over a hundred.

They had information he meant to kill the Overlord.

Information from Lord Kim's own aide.

The man closest to him.

Exactly, exactly.

Confess. We have a witness.

Or do you want to be crippled? Confess!

I don't know anything.

We don't know a thing.

We were just hunting.

A lot of men for a simple hunting trip.

They were our beaters.

Is that so?

Pak Seungson.

Tell us what you know.

Yes, sir.

They said the hunt was a pretext to attack the Overlord.

To place the military under the Imperial House.

Pak Seungson, have you no fear?

Seungson! How dare you try to frame us!

There's no doubt. They plotted to raise an army to overthrow the Guard Corps.

And at that time, was or was not Director General Kim Yakson present?

He was and he gave his consent.

Traitors! You've heard your accuser.

We have circumstantial evidence and Pak Seongson's testimony.

- Men! - Sir.

- Burn them until they talk. - Sir.

- They're under arrest? - Yes, Your Grace.

Kim Yakson, as well?

Lord Kim has been placed under house arrest.

They'll torture them until they talk.

- Buni. - Yes, Your Grace.

I want reports on the interrogation, Lord Kim, everything.

Yes, Your Grace.

And Head Lady, give me your opinion.

Will Lord Kim survive this? It's treason, after all.

I couldn't say. But, I do know that no traitor has ever been allowed to live.

Quite so.

What?

Where did this come from?

Kim Yakson accused of treason?

On what grounds?

His hunting trip was misinterpreted.

An enemy is framing him, perhaps.

Still, he is the Overlord's son-in-law.

Who would dare entrap him?

It's a serious situation.

It's said he meant to restore the Guard Corps' military authority to the crown.

I'm concerned how this will reflect on you.

Rebellion?

Concern...?

What do you suggest?

Your Majesty.

We heard. My father-in-law is in custody?

How did it happen?

I only just heard myself.

I don't know anything.

Sire, allow me to visit my parents.

Better yet, my grandfather.

How could he let this happen?

You just had a baby, you can't make the trip.

No, it's a misunderstanding, a big one.

My father would never do this.

Allow me to go see what happened.

Please, Sire. I'll go with her.

I swear... Out of the blue...

Unbelievable...

What to do...

Traitors!

You meant to kill the Overlord. Admit it.

Or we'll tear you limb from limb.

Please. Take the coals away.

Will you confess?

I guess not.

- Burn them. - Sir.

I'll talk, I'll talk, take it away.

- Take it away. - Sir.

How long have you been plotting your coup?

I don't know.

You didn't come up with it today.

It took planning.

From when Kim Yakson grew unhappy with the Guard Corps?

Yes or no?

Yes, yes.

Just kill me.

I won't deny it, you know everything. Just kill me.

I'll ask you again.

You all confess?

Kill me. Kill me.

Just...just confess...

Pak Sungson was the informer? But why?

On whose orders?

Finally it begins.

It's been coming for so long and now it ends.

I am the villain here. The villainess.

Buddha, I bow before you in shame.

I submit to your just punishment, Lord Buddha...

I see.

So that's it. When we were talking about Kim Jun, Songi sought me out.

She asked if I meant to kill him.

The only one that knew was the same one bearing testimony against us.

So that's it.

My own wife framed me.

My very own wife.

My wife...