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Thief, thief... thief!

He stole my last sack of millet.

- Stop him! - Let go!

It's getting worse, Father.

The sea lanes leading to Kangdo and around Kimpo are all blockaded.

The capital is infested with thieves.

And parents are obsessed with protecting their own.

From what?

From people who steal them to eat them.

Save my little girl...

What about the night patrol? Aren't they keeping order?

What about them? They're starving, too.

- Move out. - Sir.

I thought this island was safe. Talk about frustrating.

They blocked our supplies and now we're stuck.

Yes, sir.

It's not just the populace. Members of the court are going without food as well.

Then shouldn't we break through the blockade?

We can't, not at our current strength.

Sir, first we have to open the Guard Corps stores.

Open them?

Our populace and the court are starving. We must feed them.

Then what will we do for food?

Well said, Overlord.

The Corps must eat to fight and, in turn, to save our people.

You can't open the storehouse.

Quite so. We can't cure this poverty.

I swear, this just gets worse and worse.

War is filthy, that's what it is.

Have the kitchen bring me some wine.

No more sneaking food.

You'll eat it before it makes it to the table.

You're just filling your own bellies.

Go easy on them. If they don't eat here,where will they eat?

Just get to work, scoot.

Gross.

It's too bland. Puni, more sauce.

Yes, Kannan.

Yummy.

Move it along.

You call that clean? Move.

Use plenty of oil.

Still bland.

I have chosen the path of treason.

Please kill me.

The responsibility is mine alone.

There was no other way.

The Overlord...

must die.

It is already in motion.

I chose a path unthinkable to a retainer.

Do with me as you see fit.

It had to be done.

If not by you, then by someone else.

He has cost too many lives already.

I won't ask the details.

How long do we have... until it's finished?

First swear you will kill me.

Punish me as you see fit.

There's nothing to punish. This was wrong from the start.

The late Overlord chose unwisely.

We owe you an apology.

Your load is too great. It had to be done.

You did the right thing.

I think so, too.

Sir...

It's already begun. We have to plan for what's next.

Any thoughts?

I can't think that far.

It's all I can do to address the issue at hand.

With your permission, there's nothing more to say.

But there are still those who remain loyal to the Overlord.

Like Choe Yangbaek.

If we move too fast it will mean trouble.

We must move slowly, like it or not.

True.

We can't give the Overlord's position to his son.

Choe Ui is a moron. And far too young.

You do it.

Do what now?

You ran the Corps for the late Overlord. There's no one else.

People aren't all alike.

I can do as you ask, but as a steward only.

Running Koryo is a different matter, not just anyone can do that.

It takes wisdom, scholarship and above all, decisiveness.

You're more than qualified. You have no enemies.

You have the trust of the people.

Please.

Enough. The late Overlord chose you.

No one is more qualified.

Sir!

Use your mind to save Koryo.

And your heart to restore the Corps to greatness.

You have our support.

I agree. Song Kilyu would too, if he were here.

You should be the next Overlord.

- But... - Things are falling apart.

Chancellors killed left and right, no policy, no principles.

Lords Son and Ryu are feathering their own nests...

and Choe Yangbaek supports them.

It has to change.

The war is the same. Who else can deal with the Mongols?

Fighting isn't important, dealing with the Mongols is!

There's only you. Song Kilyu would agree.

Sirs...

Move it along, come on.

We have fields to tend, where can we go?

We can't go, we won't. Not with harvest almost here.

The Mongols are coming.

They'll kill you or enslave you.

You must hide on the coastal islands.

There's no rice left. We'll starve on the islands!

Silence! You want to die at the hands of the Mongols?

Well? Move them along.

- Now. - Yes, sir.

We can't go. We won't.

General...

Beat anyone that won't listen.

They're too fond of their homes.

- Burn them all! - Yes, sir.

Burn us? No, don't!

It's better than dying. Now move out!

Chungju is under siege. If it falls, the enemy will be upon us.

Burn the village and get them moving.

Attack! Chungju can't hold out for long. Attack!

Fire! Fire!

Fire!

Attack! Kill the Koryo scum!

Hold the line! Fire!

Logs! Logs!

I heard Chungju would be tough.

Why do you think I brought you along?

Ten times their numbers, and they've held out for a month.

I heard the men of Koryo were stubborn.

Enough. That Kim Yunhu lives up to his name.

He killed Grand Marshal Sartai.

Look at that. Our men can't breach the line!

Sir...

Launch the catapults!

- Catapults! - Catapults!

Those scum! Breach the line and tear Kim Yunhu limb from limb!

Kangdo is in a difficult position.

As you know, people are starving. Unrest is spreading.

So we heard. We have doubled Kanghwa border security.

Nothing is worse than food riots.

Except within the Corps itself.

Yes, sir. As you said, the Overlord shouldn't stay in his Corps quarters.

Kim Jun and his cronies are already your enemies.

It's true. You two have been estranged for some time now.

Be on your guard.

You're not wrong.

But we can't make things worse.

The Overlord still trusts Kim Jun, still thinks of him as a brother.

It's frustrating.

Yes, sir. Viscount Kim is hiding something.

I can't help but wonder what he talks about with his cronies.

Just stay on your guard.

The Corps isn't what it used to be.

We can't trust any of the old retainers.

- Including Kim Jun. - Yes, sir.

Keep an eye on Kim Jun, Pak Songbi, Yi Kongju, and anyone they associate with.

And monitor any food prepared for the Overlord.

Be careful with that, careful.

This is the Overlord's favorite.

It's soy sauce, that's all.

Then move faster.

Geez...

Now that's some fish right there.

What's with you two? The Mongols still on the move?

Yes, sir. They've reach Cholla, Junju, and crossed the Nakdong River.

Yeah, yeah, I know.

Our patrols are making raids, but they can't halt the Mongol advance.

Yeah, yeah, it's dark and getting darker.

We can't hold out for long, that's for sure.

Kanghwa is surrounded, not to mention the food riots and such.

Oh, and the enemy has nearly finished making their boats.

Yes, sir, so we understand.

What were their terms again?

That the Emperor bow to them in person, and the Prince serve as a hostage.

So send him already. One Prince and the war is over, right?

Kanghwa is in crisis. Easy solution, right?

Sir, that's no different than surrendering.

You swore you would never allow His Majesty to cross the channel.

Me? I said that?

Well, things have changed now.

It doesn't matter. Send the Prince and be done.

But, sir, it would be unwise to change your ruling now.

Overlord, perhaps we can send the Duke of Angyong and see what happens.

I swear... why send a duke when we can send a Prince?

We need a truce to have time to breathe.

Our people are nearly out of food, think of them.

It's been a while since Yi Chon went to the Mongol encampment.

We should wait.

He's right, sir. At least Chungju is holding.

Grand Marshal Yeku and his army are tied up there.

Negotiations may go well.

I agree. Kim Yunhu is holding his ground.

It's been a month, 40 days at least.

Oh, really?

I'll have to reward him, then, oh yes.

That makes me feel much better.

The side dishes were excellent today.

The kitchen is getting better.

It's delicious. Do you have a new cook?

It's been quiet for three days. They'll be back.

You can hear the horns.

You're right. They've had their rest.

We may not be able to hold out.

Our arrows are spent.

We have no stones to speak of.

We swore to fight to the last.

Muster the men. We'll catapult our bodies if nothing else.

Prepare for battle. The horns are getting louder.

Yes, sir.

The Grand Marshal comes!

The Grand Marshal! Form ranks!

- Form ranks! - Form ranks!

This is absurd, ridiculous.

I've spent my life on the battlefield.

How can one little fort hold out for so long?

Yes, sir. They're a stubborn lot.

Half of the civilians are slaves.

I don't understand why oppressed people would risk their lives.

Neither do I.

It's a disgrace, a disgrace.

It's been over 40 days, nearly two months now.

Sir. Allow me to lead the attack.

No, I swore to lead the charge.

Today the fort will fall.

Or I will know the reason why. Are the men ready?

Yes, sir.

Beat the drums. Sound the attack.

Drummers! Sound the attack!

Attack!

Keep up a steady barrage.

Cavalry, infantry, forward!

Battering rams to the gates!

If the front rank falls, send in the next battalion.

Fire!

The walls!

Attack!

Attack!

Catapults!

Catapults!

Sir, fall back.

Sir!

Marshal!

- Marshal! - Marshal!

Attack. I'm fine.

Attack... attack...

Report. The attack?

Your pardon, sir. Today's attack was a failure.

Duke...

Yes, sir.

Now I understand.

Now I see how Koryo held out so long.

They fight as one.

Incredible. Especially that Kim Yunhu.

Not unlike Kim Kyongson back in the day.

Men like them have kept Koryo alive.

But for how long?

They have to fall some time.

Yes, sir. They're just Koryo scum.

They put on a good front, but inside they're weak and corrupt.

It's true. Let me lead the attack.

I'll take Fort Chungju for you.

You're dismissed.

Sir, envoys of Koryo. From their King.

Marshal, if you'll excuse me?

Who are you?

General Yi Chon, emissary for the Emperor of Koryo.

What's your little King up to? Does he agree to unconditional surrender?

We have acted in good faith.

The problem is your lack of patience.

So you can lie like always, and we just have to come back again?

Do you know our terms?

Yes. One, an imperial hostage and removal of the palace from Kanghwa.

Two, the Emperor pays his respects to the Khan. Third, a full census.

Four, a post station. Five, provision our forces...

and install our resident commissioners.

You accept?

Of course. However, our Emperor is over sixty years old.

Your "King," you mean.

He's an Emperor to me.

Koryo scum!

It's nothing to get excited about.

I act in the name of His Majesty. We can agree to disagree.

Agree to what?

Look here, you Koryo scum do as you're told.

Get out.

I'll say it again. His Majesty is getting on in years.

Even if we could send the Heir... he still has an obligation to his aged father.

What do you suggest then?

Despite his age, His Majesty has agreed to leave Kangdo

to meet with Marshal Yeku.

Really?

He'll leave Kanghwa and pay proper obeisance?

Yes. He hopes to meet in Seungchonbu across the channel from Kanghwa.

The other issues can be discussed one by one.

Really?

And as His Majesty and the Crown Prince can't go...

his son, the Duke of Angyong will go to your Khan instead.

Fine. The Grand Marshal is busy now.

I'll give him your message and let you know.

They aren't moving. They must be exhausted, too.

I doubt it. They're preparing another attack.

It's a miracle.

We have nothing left to fight with.

Except ourselves.

Hear me, Grand Marshal Yeku.

Leave here or die.

Koryo is a curse for the Mongols.

Try as you might, it will end badly.

You must go.

The longer you stay, the greater the danger.

Stay too long and you will die.

You saw the Koryo envoy?

Yes, sir.

They have agreed to nearly all of our terms.

Their King will cross the channel to meet our envoys.

I knew it. What else can they do?

Sir, we should withdraw.

The Koryo King will send his son as hostage.

No, no... it's just another trick.

They said the Duke of Yongnyong was his son, and that was a lie too.

Hold your tongue. He is married to a Princess of our Imperial house.

He's family.

Yes, sir.

Sir, we have a gifted seer from our own country.

Don't listen to this charlatan.

You'll only get worse.

Send men to Koryo.

You go with the Duke of Yongyong.

See if they really mean it.

Yes, sir.

So now the Duke of Angyong has to go to the Mongol court?

If he does, the Mongols will withdraw.

Sire, what good will it do if you don't send the Prince?

You must comply.

And you must cross the channel to Seungchonbu, Sire.

Quite right, Sire. We can't afford to wage this war any longer.

Before I said I would go and you said no.

Now you suggest I go...

If I had gone in the first place, couldn't we have avoided all of this?

Your pardon, Sire.

What is the Guard Corps planning?

Surely you don't blame the Corps?

Enough. How dare you speak to him that way?

Watch your mouth.

I thought he was insulting the Overlord.

Sire, we must stop the carnage, one way or another.

We won't oppose your decision now. Please, Sire.

Please, Sire. The enemy has sworn to withdraw.

Please, Sire. The people of Kangdo are on the verge of starvation.

Prince...

What shall we do? We must send your brother to the Mongols.

- Chang... - Yes, Father.

What can I do? How can I send my boy away?

Pardon us, there's no rice. All we can offer is barley porridge.

It's better than nothing. Other people are starving.

Mother is right. Something is better than nothing.

Well said. We haven't seen rice in Kanghwa for a while now.

I'm worried we'll have food riots next.

Unrest is rampant.

It's true. This war has to end soon.

It will.

What? Are you sure?

We reached an agreement with the Mongols?

His Majesty will leave Kangdo to meet them in Seungchonbu.

Like we said all along.

It's just another step.

We're not surrendering, merely surviving a little longer.

Preserving the nation.

Preserving?

The Mongols have been sweeping East and West for 50 years now.

The only ones to preserve their sovereignty are the Song... and us.

Is that so?

We will survive until the end.

Koryo will stand. You are the fighting men of Koryo.

You will never be slaves.

But isn't the Duke of Angyong going to the Mongol court in the Emperor's place?

That's not subjugation.

Our goal is to survive, for the name of Koryo to live on.

What took so long? Hurry.

He may have food poisoning.

Right away.

I've been like this all day.

Food poisoning? More like indigestion or an upset stomach.

Are you in distress?

I thought it would pass then this.

I've got these terrible hiccups.

Yes, sir.

Your rapid pulse and coloring indicate overwork.

Overwork? I hardly do any work at all.

Other than drinking.

Medicinal wine can be quite taxing.

Well, that's it then.

Drinking every day is bound to take its toll.

But where did these hiccups come from?

Excessive drinking and overeating can do that.

I'll have a tonic made up.

No, it's more than simple food poisoning.

Anyway, do what you must.

Yes, Overlord.

Are there any other symptoms?

Are indigestion and hiccups accompanied by hot flashes?

Sometimes. But I don't see that in this case.

A tonic will set you right.

Wait, it's either internal or his food.

Shouldn't you find out which?

They may be interconnected.

What kind of answer is that?

Enough already.

It's nothing. I'll be fine.

That was a nasty one...

Listen closely. You've spent your life serving the Emperor.

Remember that when the Overlord sends for you...

Think of what's best for you, our people, and His Majesty.

You checked the tonic?

Yes, sir. Twice, thrice, correct and proper.

Someone...

Anyone...

Sir.

What is it? The medicine didn't help?

Here.

I'm miserable. I'm sick, I'm fine... I'm fine, I'm sick...

What's going on with me?

Something is wrong. Wine... some wine.

The tonic is worthless.

Wine, that's the answer. Bring some wine.

Wine!

Yes, sir.

Get me some wine!

Sir.

Hold on... what the...

I'm fine.

One burp and that's it?

You. Go to the kitchen and get some wine.

- Sir. - Wait.

- Hoga. - Yes, sir.

Investigate the Overlord's maids and attendants.

Yes, sir.

Uga, look into whoever prepares his meals.

Make a surprise search.

Yes, sir.

Wonbal, send for another doctor.

Yes, sir.

Something... something isn't right...

Am I awake or dreaming?

Am I leaving Kangdo at last?

The day has come at last.

A moment to cherish.

A fine day, Sire.

If this ends the war, it's worth it.

The Overlord is ill?

Yes, Sire. Food poisoning, apparently.

Too bad...

Make way! Make way!

The attending physician is with me.

He's seen the Overlord.

Sometimes a doctor heals best, who heals the nation.

Leaving Kangdo...

We're actually leaving Kangdo.

It's been, what, 23 years? 24?

It's not food poisoning?

Perhaps. But I can't find any other cause.

But pain like this...

It can't be food poisoning.

My dear duke, it's been too long.

Forced to stay with the Mongols all these years.

Not at all. I was only worried about you, Sire.

I read your message.

But we failed to heed your warning.

We trust in your counsel.

Need you ask?

Which is the Duke and which is the Prince?

I'm the Crown Prince. My brother is Chang, Duke of Angyong.

I can see the King is getting on in years.

It's just as well that the Prince will visit the Great Khan.

You'll send my boy back?

That's for the Khan to decide.

If you act in good faith, he'll come home and we'll withdraw.

Be clear on that.

You must meet the terms of our truce.

Or our reprisals will be severe indeed.

Isn't the Prince's return part of those terms?

Don't threaten His Majesty.

It's not a threat. Don't whine after the fact.

Starting today you will serve the Mongol Empire.

Just as nations across the East and West have done.

When will you start to withdraw?

I will give the order when I leave with the Duke of Angyong.

But remember this...

If you fail to keep your word, we'll be back.

And we're sending resident commissioners.

We expect your full cooperation.

Of course.

I crossed the channel as promised, did I not?

But where is Grand Marshal Yeku?

He is a Grand Marshal.

I'm good enough for you.

One last warning...

Don't be foolish. You will obey, or else!

You will bow to the Mongols!

The obeisance of Kojong and the Duke of Angyong.

Yeku lead his troops to Koryo and achieved his goal.

But there was more to it...

Weak from an old illness, Yeku heeded the shaman's warning...

and withdrew his men.

Most of all, he was weary from 70 days of siege at Fort Chungju.

In any case, the fifth Mongol invasion withdrew across the Yalu.

They're retreating. They're leaving.

Sir...

We won!

We won. We did it.

Victory for us, for Koryo.

But the war isn't over. They'll be back.

They want to grind us underfoot.

They're not to be trusted. No, never that.

Yeku left with Hong Bokwon, leaving Yi Hyon behind.

A traitor who fought against Koryo, Yi Hyon served as resident commissioner.

Something Choe Hang could not forgive.

Within six months, the Mongols had another excuse to invade.

The Mongols have left?

Yes, sir. The war is over.

At least they're gone, that's good.

Now it's time for promotions and rewards.

Yes, sir.

Send for Fort Chungju's Kim Yunhu.

We tried to promote him to general once before. Do it this time.

And that rat, that traitor...

Yi Hyon.

I want Hong Bokwon dead too, but he scampered off with the Mongols.

But Yi Hyon is still here?

He was appointed a Mongol resident commissioner.

There will be reprisals if we kill their representative.

Kill him anyway. He was a Koryo chancellor before he was a Mongol.

He was our envoy, but he betrayed us and joined them.

And he lead the charge against Chungju!

Lousy traitor?

Arrest him. Now!

Kill him and put his head on display in Kangdo.

Him and his children, too.

Are you ill, sir?

Just an upset stomach from drinking too much.

The quack doctors aren't helping.

I should be better by now, but I'm not...

Move it along.

Halt!

Search the kitchen.

Sir!

What's going on? What are you looking for?

Silence.

We have our orders.

The seasoning too?

Well?

- Taste it. - Sir.

Taste everything.

Do what now?

He won't even know he's been poisoned.

Even a doctor won't be able to tell.

Mix it with his food.

What is it?

That's soy sauce, geez!

What is it?

Come on.

I'm the resident commissioner. Kill me?

You'll regret this!

Silence. You will be executed according to the law.

That's what happens to traitors.

You... my family? My family, too?

Scum!

Enough of that! You led the attack on Chungju.

You kill our people and expect to live?

I'm the commissioner. The commissioner!

The Mongol's representative!

Enough!

Well? Take him away and kill him.

General Kim Yunhu, Sir.

Is that Yi Hyon?

Yes, sir. He is to be executed.

Serves him right.

Mongol dog...

Kim Yunhu!

Farewell. Maybe you'll be a Mongol in the next life.

Move out.

Keum Kang, it's me.

I don't use that name anymore.

The Emperor says that I'm a general now.

I heard about Chungju. Truly remarkable.

Let's go. Riding is thirsty work.

Shall we?

Sir, something isn't right.

What?

The doctors can't find anything wrong.

It may be some kind of plot.

What? Against me?

It may be. I said the Guard Corps is no good for you.

Please return to your residence.

My residence...

The war is over. There's no reason to stay here.

Please, sir.

My residence...

The Guard Corps has changed. There is no one you can trust.

Let me take you home.

Home... home...

You have to listen to me.

Go home, tonight.

- Wonbal? - Yes, Viscount.

Form a detachment. We're taking the Overlord home.

Quietly.

Yes, sir.

Sir, we'll take you home.

Sir! Sir!

What is it?

My limbs... my limbs won't obey me... they won't...

Sir?

Overlord...

The Overlord is being rushed to his residence?

Yes, sir. He seems to be getting worse.

The doctors have no idea. They sent for a famous physician.

What's more, Uga is investigating the kitchen.

I see. Alright.

Dismissed.

Yes, Father.

The Overlord is dying.

Soon the world will change.

Father's time has come.

Viscount Choe?

Is Viscount Kim in?

What brings you here?

I need a reason to see an old comrade?

Viscount Choe, it's very late.

I have a question for you.

It must be quite a question to bring you here at this hour.

Come in.

Come in, then.

No matter what, one of us will die.

This must be my punishment.

The Overlord may not survive the night.

We need to consider every possible situation.

Choe Yangbaek will strike soon.

Forgive... me...

We cannot let them know of his death.

The time has come at last.

We can't ignore this any longer.

We have to muster the men.

We should do away with the Guard Corps.

Viscount Kim Jun is on the move.

What?

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