Original subtitles

Subtitles by MBC

Make way! Clear the way! Make way!

Make way! Clear the way!

Make way!

Sire!

Sire!

Sire, Sire!

- Sire! - Your Majesty!

Sire!

Your Highness, Grand Marshal Kim Jun.

We heard His Majesty has passed away.

Lord Kim.

Welcome. We were just about to make the announcement.

Mourning is important, but the throne cannot remain empty for even a second.

We're here to escort His Highness.

The grandson?

Yes. With the Crown Prince absent, his son must assume temporary leadership.

Yes, of course, quite so.

To that end, His Majesty left a final bequest before he died.

A bequest?

Yes.

He decreed that the prince should assume command in the Crown Prince's absence.

The Crown Prince will be instated when he returns.

Ah, is that so?

He left Yi with this task. Lord Yi is on his way now.

Did he indeed? I had no idea.

It's his final bequest, a posthumous edict.

It's not me, it's His Majesty.

Your arrival couldn't be better timed.

Please protect the throne.

Your Highness, you must hurry.

You must go to the palace. Please come out.

Affairs of state can't wait.

Please come to the palace and assume the throne.

How can I take the throne with my father absent?

You are already handling state affairs, so I'll just leave it to you.

It is the throne of Koryo. It can't be left vacant.

You must attend to matters of state.

Our nation is in crisis.

His Majesty died while the Crown Prince is away.

But we cannot neglect our duty.

The people of the north are rebelling and turning to the Mongols.

The enemy is clearing land and repairing the western capital fortress.

They have established a command post and are controlling our people from there.

Our country is divided.

We can't afford to do nothing, especially with the rightful heir away.

Don't you agree?

Starting today the military will initiate certain reforms.

We will take the following emergency measures.

We will not return to Kaegyeong, no matter what.

Anyone discussing such a move will be tried for treason.

Also, we will recover all the land lost to the Mongols.

To that end, the Three Patrols will march to the north.

And return the people to their farms.

If war arises, they will deploy for battle.

We will draft the men we need. Any objections?

Reforms are good and all, but you're talking about preparing for another war!

Not war, just being prepared.

If we don't return to Kaegyeong, they'll invade again.

We can't win, even if we draft the whole nation.

The head of the military is the acting regent.

His word is law.

Lord Choe On, it's just as Lord Kim Yunhu said.

It's a problem of a willingness to fight.

We can stop them. We can win!

Reforms are fine, but the Crown Prince is seeking peace with the Mongols.

If we prepare for war, what will happen then?

Seeking peace?

Seeking to be Mongol lap dogs, you mean.

That's not peace. It's slavery.

A diplomatic solution is not surrender.

Fighting isn't the only way to survive, Lord Kim.

The Crown Prince is paying obeisance to the Mongol court.

He's doing that to prevent war.

We can't antagonize them.

His Majesty is gone, and his grandson sits on the throne.

We can't afford internal dissent.

Internal dissent is one thing.

Dividing public opinion is another.

The more we give in, the more the Mongols will take.

In the end we'll all be licking the barbarians' filthy feet.

Do any of you want that?

If you do, it's high treason, a crime that will cost you the lives of your clan.

Welcome, sir.

Sir, about Kim Jun.

Did he discuss it with you? These reforms, I mean.

Acting as regent, dictating policy to the court.

Kim Jun isn't wrong, but his methods are. Don't you think so?

Just drink. He meant to put the chancellors in their places.

I was surprised too. He's usually so calm and reserved.

But he's becoming more rash and violent.

Perhaps that was needed.

But we shouldn't antagonize our supporters at court.

It's even worse than in your reports?

Yes, Father. They're not our people anymore.

We should consider the people from the western capital to the border as Mongols.

They all bow to the Mongol troops.

They helped the Mongols in the last invasion.

They went so far as to guide them to Chungcheong Province. Our people did!

Those scum!

What are our own troops doing?

We trained them and sent them from Kangdo, and now what?

They're wearing Mongol uniforms now?

It's serious. We must find a way to help our people.

What do you mean?

Kim Jun already announced some reforms in the palace.

He's drafting soldiers and sending the Three Patrols to take back the land we lost.

That sounds good, but it's not so easy to do.

Perhaps not, but it has to be done.

The chancellors and the Crown Prince are weakening.

They'll make a joke of this country.

Still, our people are turning to the Mongols. That's the problem.

We have to find a way.

Or coming to Kanghwa and 30 years of war were all for nothing.

But, sir, His Majesty made a final bequest without informing you.

I don't understand that.

Exactly. I'm sure Lords Yu and Yi are going behind your back.

How else can you explain this unexpected posthumous edict?

I swear.

They clearly intended to deceive you.

Look how they all mouthed off during the meeting, especially Choe On.

Kill him.

He's right. Make an example out of him.

That should shut up the whiners.

Just you wait. If you let them be, they'll be whining about Kaegyeong again.

It's true. Who knows what they'll accuse you of to the Crown Prince.

Time to come down hard on them.

It takes twenty days to reach the mountains?

Yes, Your Highness.

It's huge. There's no end to their lands.

Where are we again?

Near the Liu-pan Mountains, Your Highness.

Are you the Koryo crown prince?

Yes.

We received word that you were coming.

You wish to see the Great Khan?

Yes.

The Great Khan passed away a few days ago.

What? Your emperor is dead?

Yes. But his brother Kublai is waiting to receive you.

Come with us.

Is that so? Thank you.

Let's go.

Yes, Your Highness.

Kublai's camp - Liu-pan Mountains

Crown Prince Chon of Koryo at your service.

You came a long way. You crossed the desert, eh?

Yes. But no distance is too far to pay respects to the Great Khan.

At your service.

Nicely said indeed.

Crown prince, eh?

My counselors tell me your father is getting on in years.

You'll be emperor someday?

Yes, Sire.

Ah, I'm not khan yet.

We haven't had a coronation since my brother died.

But I will rule all of the Mongol Empire.

Yes, Sire.

I've heard a lot about Koryo.

Just a speck of sand compared to the rest of our empire.

But you've fought us for 30 years without surrendering?

Remarkable, remarkable.

You honor us.

Well, the Tang Dynasty had the same problem with Koguryo back in the day.

You're descendants of Koguryo, are you not?

We are, Sire.

You are a proud people, I'll give you that.

Across our empire, no one has stood up to us like you.

But now the crown prince of Koryo comes all this way

to pay his obeisance to me.

A good sign.

Your coming is a good sign, indeed.

An omen.

Not at all. We only hope Your Majesty will be fair and generous to us.

Need you ask? When the future king himself comes to pay his respects?

Tell me your wish.

Withdraw your troops.

This war has ravaged our lands.

Heaven shudders at the sound of our people's cries.

Be gracious in victory, Sire.

Kublai. The fifth great khan and founder of the Yuan Dynasty.

At the time he was in a succession war with his younger brother, Ariq Boke.

But the Crown Prince bowed to him as the Mongol emperor.

This pleased Kublai. He saw it as a sign.

The recalcitrant Koryo's crown prince sought him out as emperor.

Thus the future emperor of Koryo's goodwill policy dealt Kim Jun a fatal political blow.

Not to worry. We will withdraw. I'll hear all your requests.

You're the future ruler of Koryo. Not to worry, I'll look after you.

The Western Capital - Jalairtai's Fortress

Kublai received the Koryo crown prince and ordered us to withdraw?

Yes, sir. We have our orders.

But Koryo can't be trusted.

The crown prince may bow and scrape, but he doesn't rule Koryo.

Yes, sir. A full withdrawal is a mistake.

What can we do? He'll be our next Great Khan.

The crown prince is on his way. His ministers will come here to meet him.

We'll see just how obedient they really are. Send a messenger.

The Crown Prince is returning?

Yes, sir. He crossed the Yalu and is heading to the western capital.

Judging from his Mongol escort, the trip was successful.

A royal escort should meet him at the western capital.

He's the heir, after all.

Yes, of course.

Just send chancellors.

We warriors have stood against the Mongols.

We can't bow to them now.

But the Crown Prince has finished discussions.

Why bother with that now?

Song Kilyu has a point.

Diplomacy is fine, but the military must be seen to have strength.

To ensure they don't take us lightly.

- Is that in the national interest? - It will have to be.

We'll go out to meet the Crown Prince when he arrives at Kanghwa.

I agree.

He may have bowed, but they should see the men of Koryo are alive and well.

Exactly.

The chancellors are meeting me at the western capital?

Yes, Your Highness. So the Mongols stationed there said.

Do we need to do all this ceremony? I want to get back as soon as possible.

You're to assume the throne. The proprieties must be observed.

We're beyond formalities now.

The Great Khan has heard our requests.

The military can no longer dictate the Imperial House what to do.

The Koryo Crown Prince is on his way to Kangdo.

We have to help him.

Have our men in the western capital withdrawn as promised?

Yes, Great Khan.

But Koryo has always gone back on its word.

There's no telling what they will do now.

Just do it.

We haven't defeated the Song yet.

We can't afford to stay in Koryo.

Give him whatever help he needs.

There's a power struggle going on in Koryo.

We have to help the royal house.

That should curtail the military.

They are the ones who have resisted us all this time.

True, but...

Grant all his requests. We will placate Koryo. Release all the prisoners of war.

Father, are you sure this is the right thing to do?

The reforms, I mean.

Why?

As I said, for years Koryo has been destitute, her people starving.

Conscripting the northern people into the military could explode in our faces.

We've endured and suffered till now.

Whatever happens, we'll get through it.

The Crown Prince is returning.

We don't know the details, but it's clear his meeting with the Mongol khan went well.

Which is why we must be alert.

They don't give us bread for nothing. It will be laced with poison.

But our people have suffered too long.

Father, just a little compromise?

Im Yon... you've become quite a talker.

And your thinking has weakened.

That's because I saw how our people live.

Father, now is the time for conciliation.

Rebels must be dealt with, but this isn't the time to come down hard.

Now you, too.

I'm not talking about a war per se. Just being prepared for the next step.

You sound like Pak Songbi.

Sir?

His mind has changed over time.

He refrains from speaking during council meetings.

When he does, it's to show concern for the Imperial House.

He never used to be that way.

Cha Songu.

Sir.

Time is of the essence.

Keep an eye on the court.

There is no one we can trust now.

Yes, sir.

Why reforms now, of all times?

Isn't it obvious?

He's acting for the good of Koryo.

I know.

But we're finally seeing the light after years in darkness.

Preparing for war now can only lead to trouble.

Everything has changed.

It's not time for war, it's time to rebuild.

You two did much to help the last coup.

Talk to Kim Jun.

I see your point.

But Kim Jun's concern is that the Mongols will crush Koryo's identity.

I've been thinking, too.

What to do in this crisis.

Not to mention the Imperial House leaning toward the Mongols.

What to do with the court and the people all leaning toward the Mongols.

I've been pondering over this, Lord Yi.

Then take the middle ground.

The best of both worlds, so to speak.

Kim Jun's plan is risky. It might prevent our long-awaited peace.

Things will only become more polarized when the Crown Prince takes the throne.

Hear me.

Yes, Sire.

I take my father's throne by virtue of the mandate of heaven

and your good graces.

This long war with the Mongols has impoverished our country and her people.

And the Imperial House has been blind.

Fortunately, the Mongol Khan has embraced us in our tribulation.

He grants us pardon and offers us hope.

War is a thing of the past.

The Mongols rule a vast empire.

They have sworn to honor our sovereignty.

We can no longer stand against them.

Now our people can return to tilling the soil.

The court can concentrate on rebuilding.

Yes, Sire.

The Mongols have granted all our requests.

They are no longer our enemies. They are our brothers.

We must answer their good faith in kind.

We must prepare to return to Kaegyeong as they requested.

I made a promise to my father.

I swore to create a nation of peace, free of war.

To devote all our energies to that end.

So our people will never again flee to the mountains and islands.

I expect you all to help me keep my promise.

As you command, Sire.

Ridiculous. The Mongol war is over?

Is this some kind of joke? Nothing is over.

They're lulling us, that's all.

Just before they spring the trap.

They'll choke us and take everything we have.

I won't go. That's the same as surrendering. I refuse.

We'll go forward with the reforms.

Do that and the treaty we've waited for so long will be broken.

Why not accommodate them for now and wait for another day?

Never!

They want us to disarm.

Strip us of our armor and swords, and we'll be helpless.

We move forward as planned.

Assess our population and conscript the northern people to strengthen our military.

Inspect our forts across the peninsula.

Call a military council.

- Gapi and Gupil, see to it. - Yes, sir.

They will see that our military is still alive.

It was good to hear that.

His Majesty's words were music to our ears.

Now I'm concerned that His Majesty and Kim Jun are so polarized.

Divergent opinions aren't the problem.

I'm concerned that His Majesty may have been deceived.

Who among us wants war?

But we must defend our sovereignty.

They swore to honor that.

But can we trust them? That's what worries me.

Exactly.

They've always been sweet talkers.

The same Mongols that shed Koryo blood not too long ago.

We have to go with Kim Jun's reforms.

Don't you agree, General Yi?

Well, I have nothing to add to that.

Yi Jangyong recommends a middle ground.

It doesn't have to be one or the other. We can pick and choose between them.

At times like these we need the wisdom of the court more than ever.

Shoot!

Shoot!

Faster!

Aim!

Move quickly!

That's it!

The Three Patrols continue to train in Kangdo.

Not only that, they're sending the people that serve the Mongols to the north.

They're conscripting them?

So it seems.

It makes no sense.

The war is over, but military training has increased?

I'm sure the Mongols are aware of this.

The military still runs everything.

They said the Guard Corps was disbanded, but in reality it still exists.

So it would seem.

Isn't this training Kim Jun's way of showing strength?

It appears that way.

What now?

Even with the Mongols' help, our military still has us surrounded.

Perhaps we might postpone moving to Kaegyeong.

Pressing too hard may provoke the military.

But we agreed. They've kept their word, so we must do the same.

You owe your throne and the authority therein to Kim Jun.

You must convince him that this is his duty to the throne.

But he is blatantly threatening us.

Why train? To use force if necessary.

You needn't rush.

You have already won the hearts of your people.

These are deliveries from the provinces.

They are for the Three Patrols. Take them to the Ministry of War.

Yes, sir.

The Three Patrols will take them. See to it.

But, sir, isn't this tribute for the Imperial House?

A strong military makes for a strong throne. Send them to the Ministry of War.

Yes, sir.

Send this to the Ministry of War, all of it!

Not the palace, the Ministry!

What's that again? The Ministry of War confiscated the palace's tribute?

Yes. This can't be allowed.

They acted without permission.

Cha Songu insists that the military should have the first pick of the taxes.

Oh, did he, now?

His Majesty will be furious.

The throne is the center of Koryo now that the Corps is gone.

It's a mistake to confiscate goods meant for the palace.

I didn't know.

Cha Songu acted on his own.

But the garrisons lead a tough life.

Cha must have been thinking of the old Corps days.

In the old days, a strong military made for a strong throne.

But things have changed now.

I'll give him a scolding.

But I worry that you're far too concerned for the palace.

Does it appear that way to you?

It's because we're worried.

About what?

You're moving too fast.

Think of His Majesty.

He has negotiated peace.

What happened to you? Have you forgotten the late Overlord's wishes?

Listen, brother, I know how you feel.

But we've done all we can do.

All we can do? What do you mean?

The Mongols granted his Majesty's requests because of us.

Thirty years of lethal resistance changed their stance.

We did our bit.

We can't beat them. They've taken the first step, so now it's up to us.

Otherwise it will be a battle to the death and we know how that will end.

So now you're thinking like the spineless chancellors?

Did Yi Jangyong talk you into it?

You two disappoint me. You fell for his fancy talk.

I have reports of your meetings with him.

You've been keeping us under surveillance?

I'll keep tabs on anyone for the sake of our nation.

Lord Yi suggested a middle ground, an approach that benefits us all.

To help our people and preserve Koryo.

Yi Jangyong and the royals are all the same.

They're selling off Koryo!

You're out of control.

No, I'm not, it's you who have changed.

Face the facts. His Majesty met with the khan.

We've already bowed to the Mongols.

Bowed, you say? Who?

The prince rolls over, so we have to join him too?

Why did you help with the coup? Wasn't it for the good of Koryo?

Kim Jun! We value you above all others.

You must see that we're being sincere.

I too think you're out of line.

Do you realize this?

Old friends...

I think you both might need a respite from your duties.

Kim Jun!

Don't make everyone your enemy.

You'll accomplish nothing that way.

Now hang on, we make you a general and this is what you do?

Steal the palace supplies?

Sir, whenever we go to war, the Three Patrols put their lives on the line.

They're starving.

You were there too.

We saw how the northern people are running to the Mongols.

Civilians and soldiers are in this together.

If we starve, we all starve. We share what we have.

Stealing the palace supplies was a serious mistake.

Civilians and soldiers aren't the same.

You haven't been the same since we went north.

You're just like our father. You can't see the world has changed.

Sir!

There was a time the Guard Corps ran this country.

But now the palace does.

Stealing their supplies is tantamount to treason.

The way I see it, the whole world has gone crazy.

Kim Jun's reforms are for the best.

At this rate we'll wear Mongol hairstyles, Mongol clothes, even speak their language.

You'll be a Mongol yourself.

Enough!

Why won't you listen?

The world has changed.

Must you turn your back on a good thing?

Clean out your ears.

And watch your step! Don't be so rash!

Ugh, the Corps is gone, yet I'm doing twice the work.

- Cover that up. - Yes, ma'am.

- Hurry up, the men are hungry! - Yes, ma'am.

It's strange how there are hardly any guests today.

What's going on here?

Today his lordship is eating with the lady.

Hurry up and bring the food!

Oh? Just the two of them?

It's unheard of. They always have guests.

They need time alone.

He can't always be working.

Hurry! Chop-chop!

Yes, ma'am!

Suddenly you're acting all high and mighty again and bossing us around.

Am I wrong?

Just hurry up!

Oh, look at her glaring at me. How dare you glare at me?

- Buni! - Yes, ma'am.

- Hurry and bring the food. - Yes, ma'am.

Oh brother...

People in the market are ecstatic.

They say the war is over.

They would. People don't think about tomorrow, not on full bellies.

How do you mean?

There's no such thing as peace.

Not for smaller countries.

It's all fine when they're feeling good.

But they can turn on you in a heartbeat.

Is that why you and Pak Songbi are at odds?

You know about that?

If your wife doesn't know, who will?

Your face was dark when he and Yi Kongju left.

Was it?

Treat them well. You're old comrades, after all.

That's not so easy.

I can see what the Mongols are plotting.

But they're blind to it.

Even Im Yon, who knows me the best.

I want to get drunk today.

My lord, let me say something.

What?

Whatever happens, I'll always be with you.

Thank you.

Thank you, darling.

Thank you for saying that.

But my lord, don't make enemies of your old comrades.

They care for you above all others.

What's this?

A request from Kim Jun, Sire.

Isn't Pak Songbi his closest confidante?

So I understood.

But he wants him dismissed? And Im Yon reassigned?

I thought they were like family.

He wants them sent away?

And Yi Kongju is to be transferred?

So it says. If you don't, it will ultimately affect the palace.

I'm confused. Chasing off his own men?

His family?

It's some kind of infighting.

Pak Songbi and Yi Kongju are one thing.

But Im Yon is like a son to him, his most loyal subordinate.

Pak Songbi began to change some time ago.

I could see that when we met.

This benefits you.

I see. This request is approved.

Yes, Sire.

Another thing, the Kangdo forces are still training.

Kim Jun has requested that you inspect the troops.

He wants me to attend a training session?

If you please. It appears that Kim Jun is getting nervous.

Why else would he split his family and step up the training?

Now is the time to hear him out.

Who knows what might happen otherwise?

What happened?

Need you ask?

Kim Jun told us we needed to take a break.

But how can he do this to us?

What happened to you?

Transferred from the Ministry of War to logistical oversight.

Demoted.

Stick with it. He's our brother.

It'll be difficult for me too.

But how can he do this?

Since when are postings permanent?

Things will improve.

We'll meet again.

Keep your eye on the target!

Lord Kim.

Isn't training now a blatant affront to the Mongols?

Are the Mongols our only enemies?

Pirates have been raiding our shores.

Who knows when they may strike Kanghwa Island?

Training is just a precaution.

Tell that to the Mongols if they ask.

It's for pirates.

Sire, Sire, Sire!

Sire, Sire, Sire!

What? Are you sure?

Pak Songbi dismissed? Yi Kongju transferred?

Yes, so I heard.

And Im Yon is to be reassigned?

Yes, my lady.

What's going on?

I was shocked when I heard that.

In politics, differences of opinion are bound to come up.

But to do this?

Sending away his most trusted aides and confidantes?

They're like brothers.

We are training to defend against a Mongol incursion.

Left Patrol, the east coast.

Right Patrol, the west coast.

The Guardsmen will form the last line of defense.

Defend your positions.

Sir.

Training exercises are serious.

I expect the best that you can give.

Yes, sir.

- Give me your best. - Yes, sir.

The training is showing results.

Well, we must be prepared.

The Mongols will be back.

But why did you send the others away?

They're still my comrades.

But as things are, the palace could use them.

So I gave them a hiatus.

I can't guarantee their safety if they're caught in a conspiracy.

Well, I too noticed the change in Pak Songbi, but it's still such a shame.

Yi Kongju, too.

But why Im Yon?

He's too simple. He doesn't stop when his mind is made up.

He's already in danger.

But he's like a son to you.

He is that. But there is no family in politics.

I remember what the Overlord said when he poisoned his own daughter.

You have a lot to learn, he said.

Even as he killed his own child.

But the palace will think your power base is crumbling.

Keep that in mind.

Of course.

If they see weakness, they will become more aggressive.

Lord Yi, what's that?

The Mongols sent for me again?

I went once as crown prince. Why send for me again?

Kublai has defeated his brother and now rules the empire.

He expects his subjects to pay obeisance to the Great Khan.

But a crown prince and an emperor are different.

Which is why he sent for you again.

He is calling for the ruler of Koryo.

If you do not answer his summons, he may rescind all he has given.

But what about Kim Jun?

He's training his men day and night.

The court is getting nervous.

That's up to you.

He may rule the military, but you have the Mongols behind you.

You must slowly but surely assert your authority.

Can I do that as things are?

The Mongols are there and Kim Jun's men are here.

If I leave, the throne will be vacant.

Can we afford that?

Kim Jun has no ambitions to the throne.

I've watched him his whole life.

All he cares about are the Mongols.

Perhaps.

Win him over, promote him.

Then he will think the palace trusts him.

His power won't change, whatever his title may be.

An opportunity will present itself later.

You're right.

Title or no title, he has the power, so why wait?

Let's do it. Right now.

Director General, Prime Minister, hear the words of your Emperor.

Director General, Prime Minister, hear the words of your Emperor.

Lord Kim, by imperial decree...

you are hereby charged with running all of Koryo.

Your seal.

Congratulations, Overlord.

Congratulations, Overlord.

Overlord, my congratulations.

Thank you, Lord Yi.

And all of you.

Though the burden is heavy, I dare not refuse the Emperor's command.

With humble heart I hear and obey.

Well said, Overlord.

As Director General, I will oversee the court and the governance of Koryo.

As Prime Minister, I will oversee the affairs of state, both domestic and foreign.

I pledge my life to the service of Koryo.

Congratulations, Overlord.

At long last, Kim Jun was appointed Director General and Prime Minister.

Further, his title of Marquis of Haeyang was a position reserved for the royal family.

He held position and power equal to that of Choe Chungheon and Choe Ui.

In fact, all this could have been his after the coup.

In light of his humble beginnings and holding the seventh rank

history records show that it would've been difficult for him to rise so quickly.

Still, Kim Jun was the first slave in the history of Koryo to rise so high.

Do your duty well.

Hear me.

Yes, Overlord.

His Majesty has appointed me to this post in these difficult times.

Whatever the Mongols do, we will protect what is ours

not once, not twice, but always.

Tangun founded our great land. We shall honor his legacy.

Now and for generations to come.

We work together for the glory of Koryo.

Hail Koryo!

Hail Koryo!

- Hail! - Hail!

- Hail! - Hail!

Overlord, Overlord, Overlord!

Subtitles by MBC

The Mongol khan wishes to see the Emperor.

That cannot happen.

We cannot go back on our word!

The Emperor bowing his head means all of Koryo is bowing before the Mongols!

You will have to help us, Im Yon.

I see you're playing us against each other.

We should take the next step.

We must face the Mongols and preserve our nation!

We must crush Koryo!

You must feel let down by Kim Jun, too.

Kim Jun's former comrades are already turning their backs against him.

Then I have no choice but to decide.