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Thank you.

I knew you would come.

Come in.

What are you doing?

Bring that in, too.

We must do as my father orders.

Your Grace.

Viscount Kim, please.

It's all right. Leave it.

Your Grace.

Go on.

Your Grace, please, forgive me, forgive me.

Go. You did your duty.

Your Grace, please forgive this worthless servant.

Your Grace, forgive me...

Leave us.

Yes, Your Grace...

How long has it been since we've been alone like this?

We never really had a chance to talk.

But my father and Buddha will forgive us tonight.

Have a drink.

Your Grace, you can still talk to the Overlord.

Time is short. Please.

Your Grace, it's not too late to beg forgiveness.

If I meant to do that, I never would have started this business.

Here.

There's not enough time to say everything I want to.

Drink.

We never had enough time.

Someone once said...

Life is far too short.

And regrets are too long.

I had so much to say and now I can't think of a thing.

Kim Jun, our last sight of someone can be small and lonely.

Your Grace.

I was worried...

What if you didn't have one last sight of me?

Perhaps I was cruel to you in a previous life.

And doomed to love you in this one.

No, Your Grace.

All of this, everything...

is my fault.

I don't know how I can make up for it.

Even one-sided, giving love can be so meaningful.

And so joyous.

I made these for you.

Undergarments, socks...

For when you're alone at home.

Your Grace, Your Grace.

I know my father. He won't harm Anshim.

Give her the love you couldn't give me.

But...

Not in the next world.

No, not there, I won't share you there.

I had no idea loving someone could hurt so much.

Yet, I was happy.

I have a request.

Anything.

Will you wear your robes at my funeral?

Your Grace.

I don't want to go.

I want more time with you.

I took something I had prepared before you arrived.

Your Grace, Your Grace.

Quietly. Time is precious.

Please...hold my hand...

I don't want to go.

Kim Jun.

Your Grace, Your Grace...

It hurt, but I was happy.

To be with you.

I was happy...

Happy...

Your Grace, Your Grace...

Your Grace! Your Grace!

Your Grace! Your Grace!

Your Grace!

Songi...?

Songi...Songi!

Songi...

Something isn't right, it's just not right.

The case is closed.

It's clear now that Kim Jun and Her Grace have a shared destiny.

Kim Jun has been freed.

Why should she have to die?

Can't they just be together?

Nothing is ever settled cleanly.

Take my investigation into Kim Yakson.

I behaved foolishly.

I should have taken a closer look.

We all failed as retainers.

And making Kim Jun deliver the poison?

Better to have ordered him to commit suicide.

How can he be so cruel?

The Emperor sent you some wine.

He honors me.

He knows what is happening tonight.

Lady Songi is related to him by marriage.

His Majesty is devastated.

Of course.

A sad thing that it had to be done this way.

What can we do? It's the Overlord's affair.

The Crown Princess is beside herself. Medicine doesn't help.

The entire Guard Corps is wounded.

Let's not speak of the Corps. It's harsh, but the law is the law.

That's true.

You're part of the Imperial House now as well.

You've lost your brother and sister-in-law.

That's why His Majesty sent you this wine.

Then let's stop talking and start drinking.

His Majesty has high hopes for you.

You command a great deal of respect.

He hopes you will help reconcile the Imperial House and the Guard Corps.

Need he ask?

But the Corps and the throne are already intertwined.

My nephew will inherit the crown someday.

Quite so.

A drink.

This is an ugly night.

And a sad one.

Sir, Choe Yangbaek. Viscount Kim Jun to see you.

- Sir, Viscout Kim to see you. - Send him in.

- Did she go peacefully? - Yes, sir.

- I know it was difficult. - No, sir.

- A drink. - Your pardon.

You're drenched.

I fulfilled my duty. I am at your disposal.

Drink.

My life is in your hands, sir.

I drink and drink, but can't get drunk.

I want to, but cant...

Drink.

Sir, command me. I submit to your justice.

That Ju Yonji or Choe Sanbo or whoever he was.

He was all talk...

Except for one thing.

"The dragon that flew to despair," he said.

"The dragon that flies highest, falls furthest."

I look around me, but I have nowhere to go.

- Drink. - Yes, sir.

After Songi's procession, take a break for a while.

See how the Tripitaka is coming along. Go to Kyongsang and Cholla.

See how the people are doing.

Overlord...

Lady Songi is dead?

Yes, Sire.

What did Kim Kyongson say?

He was touched at the gift of the wine, Sire.

I suspect this business hurt him more than anyone.

Of course. He lost his brother and his sister-in-law.

The whole country hails him as a great hero.

A terrible thing.

The procession is tomorrow.

She lost her life. Will some grand procession make this better?

It stormed all night. Now it stopped again.

Yes, Sire, and that's quite serious.

This drought has lasted for years.

Heaven is displeased. Look at Koryo.

When will we have peace?

I miss the capital.

Just so. Regardless of what the Mongols or anyone else says,

Kaegyeong is the capital.

Perhaps so, but the Guard Corps insists on staying here.

The Mongol's requests are simple.

They want the capital restored and Your Majesty to visit the Mongol court.

Return to Kaegyeong and we've met half their demands.

I don't know why the Corps is so set on Kanghwa.

We can't stay enemies with the Mongols forever.

Well said.

We're looking into sending another member of the Imperial House.

Is that so?

Yes. Fortunately, Yong Nyonggong has agreed to be a hostage in your place.

Yong Nyonggong?

A descendant of the late Emperor Hyongjong and Seung Hwahu's brother.

To think we've come to volunteering hostages.

I'm grateful but deeply troubled.

But the Mongols won't settle for less than a son, to use as leverage.

Unless they think he is your son, Your Majesty.

Surely they will accept a "Crown Prince."

Will this war with the Mongols never end?

See, it's our boy? Your son.

Cheer up, you can't stay like this. Try to get up.

My mother...how is she?

Never mind that. Don't think on it. It's over now.

I asked how my mother is.

My grandfather sent poison...

Forget it, please.

Look, our boy is worried, see?

Mother...

My mother...is dead.

The procession is tomorrow.

A procession? Not a simple funeral?

Please...

He murders her and has a grand procession?

Is that his idea of justice?

Darling!

Does he so fear falling into the gates of hell?

Mother...Mother...

Mother...

Darling...

You there! Send for the doctor. Go!

Darling!

Many monks have been caught and killed.

What is this young man's crime?

Halt. He ran off from Grandfather. That makes him my property.

I hate this love, too.

But someday you'll be mine.

It hurt...

But, I was happy...

Your Grace, Your Grace...

Deep in thought?

General Kim.

We had a storm three nights ago.

We're all on edge.

You more than any of us.

I find myself pitying Lady Songi.

She valued love over life, even the crown itself, but to no avail.

I don't know what to say.

What will happen now? With you and Anshim?

You know?

For a man with a future, you have your share of troubles.

Some tea?

Yes, sir.

Your presence in Kangdo is a great comfort to us all.

To do what? Be a Guard Corps politician?

I hear the Mongols insist that our Emperor pay homage at their court?

It appears the court will send a member of the Imperial House instead.

We have to do something. Koryo can't last much longer.

We've had 10 years of war, not to mention the relentless droughts.

The people are hurting.

Yes, sir.

We need you.

Me, sir?

The Overlord relies on you above all others.

We're lucky you're a wise man.

What good is fighting? We need political solutions.

The Overlord has too few counselors.

Sir, I'm of very little use.

No, you're of great use.

See that what happened to my brother and sister-in-law never happens again.

You can do that much.

What? I knew he was sick, but Three Vices has died?

Yes, Lord Yi Kyubo passed in the night.

A great man, but age catches up with us all.

See to the funeral expenses.

Yes, sir.

Who will be Koryo's great man of letters now?

He did recommend someone.

Choe Ja by name. He said he would be of great service to Koryo.

Who? Choe Ja?

Yes, sir. A scholar of good reputation in the court.

Ah, he kept himself to himself so I nearly forgot.

I know him, of course.

A man to rival Yi Kyubo.

He's just the man. Old Three Vices steered us right again.

Choe Ja.

In Choe U's examinations of men of letters,

Choe Ja placed ten separate times.

Five in first place, five in second.

He passed the civil service exam but lacking title...

It took him 10 years to enter the court.

- Congratulations, Chancellor Choe. - Your Majesty.

A man second only to Yi Kyubo among Koryo scholars.

Yes, he's just the man.

And I want you to remain in charge of the Guard Corps for now.

At your service, sir.

We must restore Kim Yakson's honor.

We'll petition the Emperor to bestow on him the posthumous title Jang Ikgong.

Yes, sir.

We need to appoint new court chancellors. Men of merit and worth.

Yes, sir, I'm working on it now.

With Yakson gone, I have no successor.

Test the waters, get a feel for who people want.

Sir, to leave such a decision to...

Do it. Also ask the chancellors.

I want everyone's views on this.

Yes, sir.

Now about Kim Jun. I ordered him to leave Kangdo...

Before sunset to get some rest.

Another thing...

Read this later when you're alone.

Yes, sir, as you say.

Now about Anshim.

It's no small thing, desiring a woman that belongs to one's lord.

But, I can spare a concubine. Give her to Kim Jun.

Sir...

We can't spare any warriors in times like these.

Sir, Kim Jun will deeply moved at your generosity.

Something you want to say, Grandfather?

Nothing, I've just been thinking.

About what?

About recent events, the whirlwind that surrounds us.

The Overlord has made important decisions.

Yi Kyubo's passing will cause changes at court.

I'm thinking about you.

The Overlord has no successor. How far will you rise, I wonder?

What? Viscount Kim is leaving?

Yes, he's getting ready now.

Where will he go?

I couldn't say, but the Overlord wants him to look over the Tripitaka.

The Tripitaka?

There's more.

About Anshim.

What about her?

The Overlord is giving her to Kim Jun.

She's getting ready to leave now.

So that's that. The Overlord forgave them.

Pardon? But, sir! Lady Anshim?

Yes.

I can't believe it.

I didn't think he would forgive her.

It's his way.

How can I repay his kindness? How?

The truth is, you should have explained all this sooner.

If you had, things may have been different with Lady Songi.

It's all my fault.

Although who would dare to ask his lord for one of his concubines?

Oh, you'll be going through Kosong.

There's an inmate there by the name of Im Yon that should interest you.

How so?

Kosong houses corrupt officials.

But it may be that Im Yon was unjustly condemned.

He distinguished himself fighting under Song Onsang against the Mongols.

Look into his case.

Yes, sir.

And this...

What is it?

Read it on the way to Kosong.

Make sure you're alone. No one else should see it.

Yes, sir.

Viscount.

I'm sorry about all this.

Not at all. You've had it worse than me.

We have the Overlord to thank, for the rest of our lives.

Yes, quite so.

You'll be looking over the Tripitaka.

Leave all this business at Kangdo behind. Take your time.

It's a long way to Namhae. We'll have a drink when you get back.

True love conquers all. Now Lady Anshim is just good old Anshim again.

Thank you.

Look after her while I'm gone.

Already talking like she's your wife.

We've been through a storm.

Take time to cleanse your spirit. Overlord's orders.

You'll have a lot to do in my absence. Good luck.

Don't worry, off you go.

Anshim, goodbye for now.

Farewell.

Until we meet again.

- Goodbye. - Farewell.

- Gapi, move out. - Yes, sir.

He's a mystery. He always manages to land on his feet.

True.

This was a bad one.

But it all worked out.

Move out.

Personnel transfers?

It's natural I suppose, to clear the air and all.

His daughter and son-in-law are gone. There will be changes at court.

Of course, but I can't see why he wants to open up discussions on his successor.

You're right. I can't wrap my brain around it.

This isn't a matter of the Imperial line, it's the Guard Corps.

What the Overlord decides is good enough. Why include the court?

I wonder what he's thinking?

Who knows?

He's not asking his old retainers. He's asking the chancellors.

Oh, who knows?

Something odd is happening.

The Overlord is asking the court's opinion on his successor.

Surely the choice is up to him.

His daughter's death must have weakened him.

Perhaps, but it's nonsensical.

He's not the type to consult others. He goes his own way.

Clearly not this time.

Who would be a good successor to the Overlord?

Is he looking for someone from outside the Corps?

He must be. And with Kim Yakson's honor restored, one thinks of his son, Kim Mi.

Kim Mi...

He would have little feeling for the Guard Corps...

after what happened to his parents.

Which isn't bad for the throne.

Oh Seungjok's name has come up, the Overlord's stepson. Su Sagong's boy.

Oh Seungjok is a bit of a stretch.

Quite so, but better than bringing back the Overlord's two bastard sons.

Your Majesty here is talk of shaking the court up.

The idea being that change will improve the overall tone.

At times like these you have to stay on your toes.

One misstep can ruin us.

Who knows what the Overlord is thinking.

Don't let yourselves get pulled in.

Need you ask?

Sit, sit.

Congratulations, Chancellor Choe.

Now that you're the Chancellor for State Affairs, you're higher than all of us.

Try not to be a sycophant.

It's merely a title, nothing more.

Are you kidding?

You're a man of letters, respected by all.

Myself included.

You've all done so much behind the scenes.

Well met, indeed.

I see you made it, Choe On.

Quite so. We'll be working together General Kim.

We're on the Privy Council.

The Overlord is more concerned with the governance of Koryo than anyone.

Yu Kyong, Yu Neung, Son Inryong...

The Overlord is counting on you to help on the issue of succession.

I don't know much outside of books, but I'll do my best.

I thought we were meeting to get acquainted.

We're discussing the Overlord's successor?

Just so. An open, candid discussion.

Isn't that Guard Corps business?

We wouldn't presume to enter into the debate.

Yu Jong.

Not at all, sir, we have our orders.

It is always right for the young men to look to their elders.

What's your point?

The Imperial House and the Guard Corps...

are both part of the Overlord's family now.

Why not appoint Kim Yakson's son, Kim Mi?

Loudmouth. Our family is not interested in politics.

I disagree. He's the Overlord's grandson.

If that's the case...

Then what's wrong with young Oh Seungjok?

The Overlord himself recognized his talents by making him a general.

And the Overlord has said he thinks of the boy as a son.

Surely he's qualified.

Now, now, everyone should offer their thoughts.

Choe Chungmyong?

The Guard Corps is the center of Koryo politics.

I wouldn't dare speak before giving it considerable thought.

Pardon me.

Lord Yi Jangyong?

I agree. It is far too serious to discuss lightly.

We can discuss it after careful consideration.

Kim Mi the right choice.

There's nothing else to discuss.

It's natural, in light of his martyred father.

Listen to the loudmouth. What's natural about it?

Are you saying it's not?

Who are you to yell louder than me?

- Settle down. - Stupid loudmouth...

What's that? My father?

Yes, Your Grace. Just a while ago. They are having a drink.

I had no idea.

Why did the Overlord send for him?

Perhaps just because they're in-laws?

A lot has happened lately.

True...The Overlord doesn't have many confidantes.

The Council is meeting?

Yes, on Guard Corps business.

To discuss the succession.

And he sent for my father?

Oh my, the Overlord is too kind.

Discussing the succession in public would be awkward for my father.

So they're having a quiet word, that's why the Overlord sent for him.

Here.

Thank you.

We don't get enough time to talk.

Never enough, sir, but then you've had so much on your mind lately.

I apologize for failing to call on you sooner.

Don't be silly.

You're working in the court now?

Well, the chancellors don't mind turning to an old hand like me.

And they know how you've taken Oh Seungjok under your wing.

Thank you for that, sir.

Drink.

Yes, Overlord.

The chancellors are meeting at the Guard Corps to discuss my successor.

Yes, sir, so I heard.

Only those who sit in this seat know the true nature of power.

It hardly seems worth it.

Yes, sir, I'm sure that's so. A difficult position.

Which is what I wanted to talk about.

Yes, sir, please. I'm beside myself with anticipation!

Now, now, listen.

I must say I'm quite fond of your daughter.

Yes, I know, I know.

And you, which is why I sent for you.

Yes, sir, to discuss...?

Is power more important than life?

Sir?

A man that fills a post he hasn't earned can be hurt.

Hurt in a way that may end his life.

But, Overlord...

I made Seungjok a general for my wife's sake.

Don't misunderstand.

You talk with Lord Jusuk often?

Yes, of course... but I'm not sure...

And he wants Seungjok to be my successor...?

Not at all, oh, no, he's still just a boy.

Your successor? Perish the thought.

Sit, please. Sit.

That's what I wanted to discuss.

With my daughter and son-in-law dead, people will get foolish ideas.

I would hate to lose you.

Overlord, I appreciate this.

Thank you for sending for me and clarifying the matter.

Another drink.

Overlord.

A drought to end all droughts. Such a shame.

Yes, sir.

We'll reach Kosong within the day.

Move out.

Yes, sir.

It's absurd to have chancellors discussing the Overlord's successor.

Exactly. Why did he order it anyway?

Kim Mi, Oh Seungjok...

Strictly speaking neither is really eligible.

That must be the point. That's why he wants it discussed.

Don't you think?

At least nothing is decided.

And it won't be, so long as neither side budges.

Whatever anyone else does, we can't act rashly.

We don't know what the Overlord wants, what he really wants.

Sir?

We'll do nothing, nothing at all.

The Overlord is planning something.

I understand my name came up.

My father's name has been cleared. And he was the Overlord's successor.

What are you saying?

I'm young but I'm the obvious choice to be the next Overlord.

Fool! What kind of talk is that?

The successor? Where did you get that idea?

Don't you know why your parents died?

But, my father's honor was restored, he was given a posthumous title.

Why shouldn't my name be put forth?

Silence.

What were your mother's last words?

Don't take a position, if you do, you'll die.

Uncle.

What is it? The time has come. We're debating the Overlord's successor.

That's not it.

What is it?

He'd hate to lose me.

What?

That's what he said.

Foolish ideas could cost me my life.

The Overlord said that?

Yes. And more, he asked if you and I talk a lot.

What? He asked about me?

We have to be careful, all of us.

What good is power if we're dead?

Am I right?

Geez, I nearly wet myself. I was that scared.

We should stop meeting.

Oh...right.

Ask around, see what you can learn about this Im Yon.

Sir.

Also, find out if the corruption has gotten better or worse.

Yes, sir.

May I ask why you're interested in him?

Pak Songbi's orders.

They would miss Im Yon, so they want the facts.

Buy some drinks, ask around.

Yes, sir.

Gupil, come on.

Let's go.

Right.

Another bottle?

No, I'm fine. Which is my room?

Last one on the end.

You're not from around here.

Guilty.

Do you know about Im Yon's criminal case?

Im Yon? Sure, of course.

Everyone knows Im Yon here in Kosong.

He'll be beheaded tomorrow.

Dirty sleazebags.

Well, if he's guilty, he has to pay.

Who are these sleazebags?

The magistrate and his cronies, that's who.

They threaten us, beat us, steal good men's wives. Scum, all of them.

They took Im Yon's wife?

Why talk about it? You get some rest.

Just passing the time.

Oh, the letter Pak Songbi gave me.

Let's see here...

That's the Overlord's signature.

Make sure you're alone. No one else should see it.

The Tripitaka is important but, I want you to look up Manjong and Manjon.

It's a matter of state.

What's he saying? Look up the two young lords?

A matter of state?

Then...

Does he want me to see which of them should succeed him?

Which will be his successor?

This country is going down the drain. How dare we call upon those rascals!

You can save my life!

Capture them all and throw them into the river!

He planned all this. This was a trap!

I know the Overlord can be scary, but how can this be?

Kim Jun, can I ask you a favor?

Kim Jun probably knows by now.

Go outside. I'll take care of him.

- Are you Im Yon? - Who are you guys?