Original subtitles

Viscount, let's not make this worse.

Give me the letter.

Now.

Whether it gets worse or not is up to you.

Are you up to doing a good deed?

You call betraying the Overlord good?

It's not betrayal. It's clearing up a misunderstanding.

The Overlord trusts me. I won't betray that.

This endangers Kim Kyongson.

The problem started with Kim Mi.

With your help, we can make this all go away.

No we can't.

Where is the letter? With Kim Kyongson?

Yangbaek.

Send me the letter.

Understood?

General. It's Kim Jun.

Where are you off to?

To see the Overlord. And you?

The same. Shall we?

A nice day.

You have the letter?

What can I say?

I'm not sure it's the right decision.

This one, that one, they're all dead.

Now it's my turn.

Sir, beg for leniency, it's the only way.

You're different from the others.

It will at least prevent your death.

Let's just go. What will be, will be.

They're all against me.

And anyone in the Corps that's against me has to be rooted out.

Very wise.

History teaches you can never pardon treason.

Exactly. You must make an example of them.

Now you've got the chancellors trembling in their boots.

True, true. Now that they fear me, Kim Jun can get on with administration.

I've cleared the way for him.

Perhaps you might consider making some appointments.

A grand gesture can go a long way.

Yes, that's true.

I was thinking that the Tripitaka is finished but has not yet been dedicated.

Perhaps you could host the ceremony?

The Tripitaka?

Yes. Your late father initiated the project, but the glory can be yours.

The success of the venture will reflect on you.

You think so? Then why wait?

I donated enough to the project, after all.

- Yes, sir, so we have heard. - Everyone has heard.

Right, right. I shelled out plenty.

A dedication it is, right, good thinking.

Set it up right away.

Make it fancy, majestic even.

Yes, Overlord.

There is something else.

What now?

For various reasons we haven't had a tournament for years.

But they are essential in finding the best warriors to fight the Mongols.

Right you are.

We wouldn't have Choe Yangbaek here if not for the games.

Why did we suspend them?

The tournament. I love the games. Nothing better.

Remember when Kim Jun swept the arena?

Oh, and Choe Yangbaek was great, too.

Yes, we must.

Have the ministry get to work on it right away.

Kim Kyongson to see the Overlord.

I have orders to present him immediately.

This way.

Overlord, Kim Kyongson and Kim Jun.

Viscount Kim?

What now?

Send them in.

Overlord, if you'll excuse us?

Sure, sure. We learned a lot today, huh?

Discuss the tournament and the dedication with the viscount here.

Yes, Overlord, we will.

Take a seat. Sit, sit.

What brings you here, Lord Kim?

Couldn't it wait to discuss at the Guard Corps?

Overlord.

My foolish nephew Kim Mi has written an ill-advised letter.

So what does it say? Why give it to me?

He has been stewing in the temple too long. He hates the world.

He vented his frustration to Kim Kyongson.

Really?

Let's take a look.

No...

That little... he's lost his mind!

- Lord Kim. - Overlord.

He's your nephew. Mine, too, actually.

What should we do with him?

Calling me scum, plotting a coup?

Me, scum?

Overlord, he's young and foolish.

He wrote those things out of frustration.

That's why I brought it to your attention.

Be merciful.

Look, right here, he told you to muster your men.

He says he has lots of supporters.

Sir, he brought this to you to clear this up.

Show mercy.

Mercy?

He writes his uncle and tells him to kill me.

Show mercy?

He's a poor foolish boy. He lost his mother and father.

I know. But why did you bring this to me?

Just throw it away.

There are no secrets in this life.

How could I hide it from you?

Sure, he got a raw deal, I get that.

But to see me as scum? Me?

Never, sir.

Hold on, hold on.

That's about to change.

General Kim!

Now, the men that followed them.

Take them into the forest and kill them.

Kill them?

I seem to recall a time you were lording over me.

'Never,' huh?

There is no pardon for treason. Understood?

Overlord, again, I beg you for mercy.

Fine. You came here to confess. I'll give you that. Let me think about it.

But I'll tell you what my father said when he killed my sister.

'Some attack with sticks.'

'And others, with clubs.'

Dismissed. I'll let you know what I decide.

Yes, sir. With your permission.

Look at this.

Nephew or not, I can't afford to let this sort of thing slide.

General.

I appreciate the time you gave me, Viscount Choe.

Your pardon.

I'm a soldier. You have my respect.

I understand. See you again.

Now I see. Of course he wrote to his uncle.

Kim Kyongson says jump and the whole corps asks how high, am I wrong?

But General Kim isn't the type.

No, no, that's not the problem.

Who is there that is true and loyal to me?

That respects the illegitimate bastard?

Sir, you have us.

I know, I know. And I know you put me here.

But we both know Kim Kyongson is dangerous.

Just look at Kim Mi's letter, you see?

Once begun, suspicion never ends.

You must be seen to be generous and confident.

If you lose Kim Kyongson, you lose the men.

I spent my life watching my father run the Corps.

I can't spare anyone that plots treason.

Overlord, both your father and your grandfather...

earned loyalty by being generous in victory.

So?

So forgo personal feelings. Think of the good of Koryo.

As an Overlord should.

I wish I could.

But enemies on every side want me dead.

Enough talk. I need to think.

You just look after administration.

I hope you will think about what I've said.

Of course. I value your counsel.

I still think of you as a brother.

No one else, just you. I'll think on it.

The Mongol envoys are here?

Yes, Sire. They are waiting for you in their quarters.

What do they want this time?

The same as always.

The capital moved back to Kaegyeong and...

Your Majesty presented at the Mongol court.

Insufferable...

Still, protocol requires that you greet them.

They believe we are a tributary state.

A little lip service goes a long way.

So I bow and scrape to butter them up?

It must be done if it will prevent a war.

The Guard Corps has been informed?

Yes, Sire. Yi Jangyong is meeting with Viscount Kim.

Is he?

I heard about Jusuk and Kim Hyojong.

Is it true?

Yes, Sire. It appears they were raising an army in secret.

When will it all end?

Endless Mongol pressure outside, a relentless bloodbath inside.

The Mongol envoys have arrived.

They await the Emperor. I'm here to discuss it.

I meant to call on you myself.

We've had peace for 5 years.

Thanks to a succession struggle after the Mongol Khan died.

Exactly. It gave Koryo time, but no longer.

I'm told Khan Mongke is hard to satisfy.

He must be appeased.

Yes, quite right. We can't afford another war.

Of course not. We've suffered from war far too long.

But now we must prepare for war again.

We will accompany His Majesty to the envoys.

Oh, I understand Kim Kyongson called on the Overlord.

Is something wrong?

In a way.

I understand you were with him.

The envoys are waiting. Shall we?

Sire, I present the Mongol envoy, Hongoi.

The King of Koryo, General.

I'm Hongoi.

Welcome.

How is it you haven't moved your capital yet?

Are we a joke to you?

Watch yourself. This is the ruler of Koryo.

Why do I have to come to your little island?

Why haven't you moved?

You want a war or what?

We couldn't move with your constant invasions.

We need time.

Be patient.

We're building you a pavilion across the water on Seungchonbu.

Then we'll move.

Listen, you. We're at peace now.

But that will change.

The Great Khan Mongke has lost his patience with you.

We haven't attacked because of the Southern Song and trouble to the west.

But we've nearly conquered them now.

Listen 'King,' you honestly thing we're scared of your little island?

Of crossing the channel?

We've had a decent navy for a long time now.

It's not like it used to be.

We've launched naval attacks on the Song more times than we can count.

We said we're trying.

Please be patient.

Your capital will be moved by my next visit.

If not, war is inevitable. Understood?

And another thing.

Why haven't you come to our court?

We keep telling you to.

As you can see, he isn't young. He can't make a long trip.

We hope to send a prince of the Imperial House.

Try to be patient.

Patient, patient. We're tired of being patient.

The Khan has had it up to here.

Especially after you tried to pass off the Duke of Yongnyong as a prince.

You lied to us.

You didn't demand a prince, just a beloved son.

We sent a member of the Imperial House. It was just a misunderstanding.

Enough lies. You knew what you were doing.

We won't put up with it any more.

No more!

Really? The Emperor called on them in their quarters?

Yes, Overlord. Lord Choe Ja and Viscount Kim were with His Majesty.

You should have heard those Mongol animals.

Barbarians. My father's dying wish was that we beat the Mongols.

And all we do is cower.

But Kim Jun will have a plan.

True.

But he was pretty outspoken in defense of Kim Kyongson.

I don't know...

But, sir, treason is treason.

Exactly, that's what I say, this is the worst case of treason yet.

It gives me goosebumps.

If Kim Kyongson acts, all the generals will follow him, am I wrong?

In all probability, sir.

But General Kim has served this country and the Corps loyally all his life.

Who doesn't know that?

But the fact is he could end the Guard Corps if he so chose.

He's far too powerful.

Would he have come here if he was that type?

His coming here or not isn't the problem.

But we don't know who may be using him to their own ends.

Kim Mi isn't the problem. Kim Kyongson is.

No, Kim Kyongson won't do at all.

After the dedication, banish him to a distant island.

Sir!

Overlord, Viscount Kim will protest. Is that alright?

Which is why we'll do it after the dedication.

First we'll send him to Paengnyong Island.

And Kim Mi? He started all this.

What's there to discuss? Exile him to the Isle of Goran.

But I can't help but think Viscount Kim will protest.

Or that he acts above his station.

He dares to challenge your authority.

Enough, I won't hear it.

We're brothers.

If I can't trust anyone else, I can trust him.

Who else can run the government if I don't have him?

Me? What do I know?

Enough of that talk.

What do you think? Astonishing, truly.

Quite so, truly.

Amazing. Incredible.

Sir, I bring orders from the Overlord.

I've been waiting.

Where is he sending me?

To Paengnyong Island, sir.

You are to leave now and await further orders.

Quite a trip.

Let's go.

Merciful Buddha, we the people of Koryo worked 12 years to carve the Tripitaka.

We beg you to drive away the barbarians

save your people and restore our nation.

- So we pray. - So we pray.

The Dedication of the Tripitaka.

Completed prior to Choe U's death...

the dedication was held in September 1251, the 38th year of Kojong's reign.

It was a glorious moment in the history of Koryo.

In the midst of war, her people shed blood and sweat for a greater good.

In May of 1398, during the 7th year of Taejo's reign of the Yi Dynasty...

the Tripitaka was moved to Haeinsa, where it is still housed today.

Tens of millions of characters carved with care and exactness.

Even today it is hailed as one of the great treasures of Korea...

and all the world.

What about my nephew?

The Isle of Goran, sir.

Goran...

He won't last long there.

So ends the House of Kim.

And in time, the House of Choe. Pride comes before a fall.

Doesn't the Overlord know even the brightest flower must fade?

I fear for Koryo.

This work would not have been possible without the House of Choe...

and Lord Jong Ahn.

Thank you, Overlord.

Not at all. We live to serve Koryo and her people.

And we must thank you, as well, Venerable.

I have done nothing.

The court's decision will be a treasure for thousands of generations.

Now I may retire in peace to a small temple near my hometown.

We only hope the Lord Buddha will accept...

this act of devotion by our people.

I'm sure he will.

Trust the Guard Corps. The Imperial House and our people will know peace.

I so swear.

A joyous day.

Let us praise our great nation.

To Koryo!

To Koryo!

- To Koryo! - To Koryo!

To Koryo!

To Koryo!

Koryo! Koryo! Koryo!

Hurry, Puni.

Your Grace, your medicine.

Take it away. I don't need it.

My son is dead. My husband is dead.

Your Grace, you have to get better.

You can't go on not eating anything.

Your Grace.

That animal killed my boy.

My son, my baby...

Seungjok... Seungjok...

What will I do now?

Seungjok...

A great day. A dedication is something to see.

Now the whole country knows what we've done.

- Just so. - All to your glory.

Sit.

I've waited a long time for this day.

Now, Kim Kyongson is off to Paengnyong Island?

Yes, sir.

Viscount Kim must know by now.

You are the Overlord, after all.

Sir, if you want to deal with this, why not do it once and for all?

Exile will only spark interest and sympathy at court.

It could come back to bite you.

But what about Viscount Kim?

The viscount thinks above his rank.

You clearly need to deal with this.

You have to separate the viscount...

by dealing with those around him.

Dealing with? How so?

The viscount is full of himself while he has Pak Songbi...

Song Kilyu and Yi Kongju.

They must be separated.

Anyway, I can't just leave Kim Kyongson.

I can't allow myself to be seen as too lenient.

Is this a challenge to me? No, it's a challenge to the Corps.

Of course.

We've started this, we should end it.

I can't rule with men like Kim Kyongson around.

It won't work.

It can't be allowed. The hero of Koryo banished for no reason?

What's happening?

Why was Kim Kyongson exiled?

Father, the Guard Corps can't be allowed to go on like this.

Careful.

People aren't that stupid. They'll figure out what the Overlord is doing.

He delivered his nephew's letter, and that got him exiled.

The Tripitaka dedication and reopening the games can't win the people back.

Who took him to Paengnyong?

Hoga was assigned as escort.

The world has gone insane.

And that Choe Yangbaek is no better.

He knew this would happen and still he pushed for the letter.

Did it have to end this way?

It's Kim Kyongson of all people.

Paengnyong Island...

Despite admitting everything.

Why did he have to be exiled?

He may have influenced the court if he had stayed.

This gets harder and harder with each passing day.

And people blame me.

But what can I do? My fate is what it is.

The Overlord trusts Kim Jun, but you and your men are his greatest supporters.

This is your chance to move up.

Find suitable contestants for the games.

It's been quite a while.

Yes, sir. Everyone is excited.

You and Kim Jun are the first names that come up.

The two of you in a match, that would be something.

Not that it could ever happen.

A match?

Of course.

Though people lean toward Kim Jun as the winner.

It would be nice to... prove them wrong.

Don't you think?

Foolishness.

I still think of you as a brother.

No one else, just you. I'll think on it.

I'm reopening the games. I'll need your help.

Hit him! Kill him!

Kill the enemy. It's the only way to win.

That's it. Take him down.

It's true, Kim Jun rose from the games.

And I fell under his shadow, it can't be denied.

We have never met in a match.

Perhaps... the time has come?

There won't be another chance.

This is it. Now we'll see who is the best.

It's a question of pride.

Pride. And my self respect.

Come on, say it again. You in the games?

Yes, sir.

At your age? You're 40 at least!

Age is irrelevant.

Be that as it may, you want a match against Kim Jun?

Yes, sir.

But why? Aren't you lifelong comrades?

That's why I thought we're long overdue for a match.

But you have to fight to win.

You both may be hurt.

Perhaps not.

Ah, so that's it, is it? Even now?

It would be a sight to see.

Still, still...

You win, he wins, either way...

there's nothing in it for me.

We are both your retainers.

Tales of your retainers' valor only adds to your glory.

You think?

This is my life's wish. Kim Jun's, too, I suspect.

Please, sir.

The games are meant to find warriors.

Not as entertainment.

Our two greatest champions finally...

have it out, is that it?

Yes, sir. Any man would want a definitive victory.

I suppose, yes. I suppose so.

Still, even if you challenge him, will Kim Jun accept?

An interesting thought.

I admit I'm curious.

Which of you would win?

Let's think on it, oh yes.

The games...

Be seated.

The Mongol envoys left the capital this morning?

Yes. Privy Council Yi Hyon and Jang Il left for the Mongol court as well.

Things were decided long ago. Why leave now?

The Guard Corps situation had them putting it off.

Envoys or not, the Duke of Yongnyong was just a temporary fix.

The Corps has no intention of moving the capital.

They simply can't believe His Majesty will be safe on the peninsula.

It keeps getting worse.

War with the Mongols is coming ...

and they're busy exiling men like Kim Kyongson.

Exactly. And when they attack?

Where will we find another man like him?

At least he wasn't executed. They trotted out the old 'treason' charge again?

Yes. And his nephew Kim Mi was exiled to the Isle of Goran.

We could do nothing.

Much to our shame.

What could we have done?

I should at least talk to the Overlord.

Do you think it will make any difference?

What else can I do?

I'll see him after we adjourn.

Lord Jong is seeing the Overlord on Kim Kyongson's behalf.

But even Viscount Kim couldn't change his mind.

But we can't sit by and do nothing.

We have a duty as retainers.

We can't sit by as our lord continues to make mistakes.

General Pak, Lord Jong is going. Perhaps we could plead his case then?

Let's try it.

As Yi Kongju says, loyal retainers can't sit idly by.

What? From the Ministry of War?

Yes, sir.

A match between our father's men and the personal guards?

A duel?

Yes, sir. What's more, they proposed Choe Yangbaek as their captain.

And they want Kim Jun to lead our team.

Are you kidding? At their age?

Viscount Choe wants a fight?

It makes sense. Lifelong rivals that never met in battle...

We serve Kim Jun. Suppose he's hurt?

No, no, that won't happen.

Certainly not against Choe Yangbaek.

Why? Our father is a master of the arts.

I've had a peek at his books. They're incredible.

He has mastered all things military.

Really?

An iron hand in a velvet glove, people don't know that about him.

Viscount Choe bit off more than he can chew.

Right, it's about time.

Find out who is on the other team.

Yes, sir.

Wonbal. An assistant instructor at the Ministry of War.

Strong and technically proficient.

People are excited.

About the games, of course, but mostly about you and Viscount Kim.

Kim Jun's men have been informed?

Yes, sir.

The others accompanied Lord Jong to talk to the Overlord.

Sir, why didn't you go, too?

There's nothing I can do.

What about Choe Yangbaek's challenge? The games, I mean.

I like the idea.

Sir?

It's best to settle the question fair and square.

Once and for all.

Gapi and Gupil, once more to the battlefield?

Need you ask?

I'm grateful for the opportunity.

That's my father.

I have no doubt you'll win.

And I'm eager to get out there myself.

He's a formidable opponent. We have to prepare.

It's Choe Yangbaek after all.

What brings you here, Uncle?

Overlord, please pardon Kim Kyongson.

Come again?

He served your father faithfully, a great and loyal subject.

And a hero.

So I should forgive and forget, huh?

Despite the threat to my life?

Everyone makes mistakes.

But Kim Kyongson has dedicated his life to the Corps.

It's true. Even if he made a mistake, you can afford to be forgiving.

Song Kilyu.

Yes, sir.

Forgiving?

He threatens my life and I should be forgiving?

Did you read Kim Mi's letter?

'Muster your men,' he said. To Kim Kyongson.

I know Kim Kyongson is respected.

Which is why all the men follow him.

Can I afford to leave him here?

Sir, harming a man of virtue will come back to haunt you.

You must send men to bring him back.

Yi Kongju!

Full of yourself since you were freed, you slave?

How dare you tell me what to do?

Overlord, one must rule with virtue, not by force.

This is a grave error. Bring him back!

I can't.

I have a knife in my back and you say this?

Virtue? Was it virtue when my dad killed all those men?

- Overlord. - Overlord.

I see Kim Jun isn't with you.

Wise, indeed. He knows what I'm thinking.

- Song Kilyu. - Yes, sir.

Go to Paengnyong Island.

To bring Kim Kyongson home?

To drown him.

- Sir. - Overlord!

He's a disease.

I cannot pardon any threats to my power. Understood?

Stop now, Overlord.

Have you no fear? Killing a loyal man?

You'll bring a curse on your head.

What man in power isn't cursed?

Listen, Uncle. No one in Koryo is higher than me.

He's a traitor. A traitor.

Understand?

You're participating in the games?

Choe Yangbaek challenged me.

It can't be avoided.

But it's absurd. Neither of you is as young as you used to be.

It's just a tournament.

Listen to you. What kind of answer is that?

My lady, Im Yon for the Viscount.

My lady, Im Yon for the Viscount.

Send him in.

Father, I have bad news.

Song Kilyu has been ordered to Paengnyong Island.

What?

To kill Kim Kyongson.

I can't believe it... no...

Tomorrow is the first day of the games. Get the men ready.

- Father, Kim Kyongson? - He's as good as dead!

What can we do?

Father.

Make way for the Emperor.

Make way for the Emperor.

Make way for the Emperor.

Sire, it's been too long. Are you ready for the games?

Holding the tournament in Kangdo has great significance.

A perfect chance to find commanders to fight the Mongols.

And to show what the men of Koryo are made of.

So it is. You have your son with you?

Yes, Sire. He's fifteen. Choe Ui.

Sire, a great day.

Head Lady.

Oh, Puni.

Who is this?

A man from Her Grace's hometown.

What?

Kim Sobang.

Kim Sobang, what's that again?

My son sent you?

Yes, Your Grace. He gave me a letter for you.

Wait... my Seungjok?

My son is alive? Seungjok!

- Praise the gods. - He's alive.

When they threw him in the sea

the commander had secret orders to help him escape.

It's like a dream. Oh gosh, it's just so...

What's this?

What?

He's coming back here?

Yes, so he said.

Why would he come back? Why?

To see you one last time before your final rest, he said.

Has he lost his senses?

Coming here of all places?

He cheated death, he should stay far away.

How could he come here? How?

What should I do? What?

Where will he be?

Pongeun Temple in two days.

No. He can't.

You go tell him he can't come here. Go.

He's on his way now. I can't reach him.

No... he can't! He can't...

Seungjok, what do I do?

Ma'am, when is the boat to Kangdo?

To Kangdo? Two or three times a day.

From the north and the south. You can't miss it.

Is that so? Thank you.

Yes! Sire, how's that for the games?

Look, they're full of fire!

Impressive, eh?

- Impressive, indeed. - Very much so.

Yes, yes, get them!

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