Original subtitles

Subtitles by MBC

To Koryo!

To Koryo!

Congratulations, Overlord!

Congratulations, Overlord!

Thank you.

Sit, please.

A fine day. Let's dig in.

- Lord Kim. - Your Grace.

There isn't much, with the famine and all.

But please enjoy.

We could ask for nothing more than to be served by you.

Thank you.

You have always been a friend to my lord.

Thank you.

Not at all. Rather, he's been a friend to me.

Nothing gets past my lady.

It's true. You've all helped me.

Lord Yi, I think you're the most respected one here.

Not at all.

He's right.

Yes, it's true, but there are protocols.

The highest man in the court is the overlord.

- Isn't that so, Overlord? - Yes, that's so.

Overlord, if you will allow me?

Thank you, brother.

Rule well.

Yes. I plan to.

Now it's my turn. No favorites.

Yes, yes, your turn, brother.

They're lining up. Don't wear him out sucking up now.

What about you? Not going to offer your father a drink?

Yes, Mother, when my turn comes.

My uncles first, of course.

Can't argue with that, Your Grace.

Wait, wait, let me have my turn.

All the very best, Father.

Thank you.

Is your new job keeping you busy?

I can handle it. Please, drink.

Thank you.

You pushy little...

Oh, dear.

What's wrong with you?

- Kannan. - What is it?

I've never been so overwhelmed, never in my whole life.

My heart is still beating really fast.

Enough to make you blubber?

The first time I saw the Overlord, he was a slave. Him and the late Wola.

Back then he was some backwoods hick.

Now he's the Overlord, no less.

Now all the chancellors are like, 'Overlord, Overlord!'

All praising his name, it was too much, I thought I would die.

Don't be a crybaby!

We're swamped with guests today.

Less chit-chat, more chop-chop.

Yi Kongju, too, was like, 'Overlord!'

Yi Jangyong, too! 'Overlord, Overlord!'

We have guests. Chop-chop already.

How dare these little brats interrupt their elders when they're talking!

- Chop-chop! - Yes, ma'am.

Then they were like, 'Overlord, Overlord!'

- We'll have to include General Song. - Count me in!

So the Mongols have summoned His Majesty?

Didn't you know? He'll have to go.

I hate that. He went when he was Crown Prince.

Why did he send for him again?

He's not sending for a prince. He's sending for the emperor.

It's a difficult thing.

Going as a crown prince was one thing. But this is another.

The ruler of Koryo shouldn't kneel before those Mongols.

- It can't be helped, Overlord. - No, it mustn't happen!

What if they pull something? Who will take the blame if they do?

He must go.

I'll escort him. If something happens, I'll take the blame.

It's a formality, that's all. He asks that the Koryo emperor pay his respects.

Not respects.

Obeisance.

- No, it cannot be allowed. - He must go.

I said no!

I agree. It's absurd.

Exactly. To think of our emperor traveling all that way to bow to barbarians.

If he doesn't go, it will be the end of this country. We can't fight another war.

Don't you see that, Overlord?

What are you talking about?

We can fight.

The moment His Majesty goes, we lose our independence, our sovereignty.

Our sovereign has never bowed to another power in Koryo's long history.

Is that what you want?

We can't close that door.

Let it!

Door or no door, we will not sell our country.

We never have and never will.

The Palace in Kanghwa

Quite a quandary. I'm not fond of going myself.

But if I don't, they Mongols will invade again.

Whatever happens, your decision will be the right one, Sire.

You must go. For the survival of the Imperial House.

Obviously. For Koryo and to keep Kim Jun's men under control.

Yes, Sire. But most of all, we must convince Kim Jun himself.

I gave him a fancy position to hopefully convince him.

But he still won't budge. What now?

Are you unwell, Sire?

I always get this way when I think of Kim Jun.

Hits me right where it hurts.

Try not to worry. Ultimately Kim Jun can't do a thing.

He runs the country now, and the country does not want war.

You need only stand firm.

All right, I'll stand by my decision.

But will the throne be safe while I'm away?

He won't do anything.

He has already turned his back on his confidantes.

They will help the Imperial House.

Leave it to me.

It can't be allowed. His Majesty can't go.

He's right. It's throwing away our independence.

The Three Patrols won't have it. They're mustering as we speak.

What about Yi Jangyong?

Shouldn't you deal with him, sir?

Right again. You got rid of Pak Songbi. Why not Yi Jangyong, too?

He has influence over the Emperor.

What good is a government that removes all detractors?

Yi Jangyong has the respect of the court.

We'll wait for now.

Your position will be weakened if His Majesty goes to the Mongol court.

Overlord, messengers from the palace are here.

Send them in.

Overlord, the Emperor summons you. There is much to discuss.

Here.

Oh, my!

Go on. Oh, my!

And this.

Your Grace, what is all this?

I know you spent your lives serving the Guard Corps.

And the Head Lady did my lord a great service.

You have as yet gone unrewarded.

His lordship has assumed a high position.

It is fitting to bestow gifts.

Those are your slave documents. Destroy them with your own hands.

Oh, Your Grace, this is... Oh!

And that is a small token of appreciation.

It should be enough for you to live on your own.

Your Grace, are you sending us away?

You may go wherever you like and live in peace.

I never imagined this!

Please don't.

I've lived here all my life.

I have nowhere to go, no one to go to.

Slave documents or no, it's all the same to me.

Nanjang is right.

We have nowhere to go.

Please, don't send us away, let us stay.

I've thought about this for some time.

Find someplace nice and stand on your own two feet.

No, I can't live if I leave the kitchen.

Seeing Kim Jun--

Seeing the Overlord's success is my only pleasure.

Forgive me, my mouth ran away from me again.

It's all right, you may speak his name.

You've known each other since he was a slave.

You may call him Kim Jun.

Oh, dear, no, oh no, Your Grace.

Nanjang has to watch that mouth of hers.

What can I do if you refuse?

You are all free now.

You may go wherever you like, whenever you like.

Hold onto your gold.

A man may gain title and position.

Must you go unrewarded?

Take it.

Your Grace.

Let's share a drink as free women.

Will you do that for me?

Your Grace, are you sure?

The idea, sharing a drink with Her Grace.

You two, what are doing?

Get the drinks, go on.

Thank you, Your Grace.

I admit I'm fond of drinking.

Come on, now, now, Nanjang!

- Hehe. - Oh, dear.

- Prime Minister. - Yes, Sire.

The fate of Koryo now rests with me, for better or for worse.

I must make the trip.

I believe it is better to fight than to go, Sire.

You cannot.

Sorry. It keeps sneaking up on me.

I must have a weak heart.

Prime Minister, have pity on your poor emperor.

At your service, Sire.

I have to go.

There's no other way.

So before I go...

Sire!

This is unheard of, Sire!

I wanted to bow to you before I left.

No, this is my apology to our people and to my noble ancestors.

Don't try to stop me.

I must walk a bitter path never intended by our founding father Tangun.

But if I can do one thing, I choose this to save our people and preserve our nation.

Sire!

We can fight. We can survive.

You must not go.

No. Not anymore.

If you can't agree, I'll take my own life right here.

That's how desperate I am.

Hear me just this once.

Sire!

Why, Sire? Why must you commit this crime against history?

Because of 30 years of war, Koryo has nothing left.

While I'm forced to grovel, I expect you to rebuild our nation.

Please.

Sire.

What did you want to see me about?

I'm escorting His Majesty to the Mongol court.

I've kept my eye on a lot of men, but none is as trustworthy as you.

Is that so?

I'm worried about what might happen.

You've served this country for years.

Many men are loyal to you.

What do you mean by 'what might happen?'

Our country may make a grave error.

Many chancellors think so, not just me.

It could lead to another military action.

Is that possible?

Yes. This is what might happen.

To do the right thing, you may have to act against your father.

Help His Majesty.

I heard you were smart.

You think you can drive a wedge between us?

I'm asking you to protect the Imperial House.

You can do that.

If the worst happens, you can allay our fears.

I ask you this on behalf of the Emperor.

While he is away, he needs someone to watch his house.

Please.

So His Majesty is going to the Mongol court?

Sir, you stood against it.

What changed your mind?

His Majesty said if we didn't agree, he would kill himself.

What?

He laid his life on the line.

He can't be stopped.

We'll just have to prepare for what comes next.

Sir?

You mean to usurp the throne?

He was never the right man for us. He's a Mongol sympathizer.

The prince would be better. Choe's blood flows in his veins.

He's the great-grandson of Choe Ui himself.

That's enough of that.

Cha Songu's report indicates Im Yon may be a cause for concern.

He met with Pak Songbi and yesterday with Yi Jangyong.

Don't read too much into it.

They're family. Too much suspicion will only push them away.

Yes, sir.

All right, if he wants to go, he should go.

His Majesty and Yi Jangyong will both learn sooner or later.

The more they bow, the worse it will be in the end.

They'll come to see that.

If not...

we'll have no choice.

So in August of 1264 the emperor finally went to the Mongol court.

Since the founding days of Tangun, no king had ever groveled before a foreign power.

In doing so, Koryo acknowledged the Mongols as its suzerain.

Thirty-four years of resistance came to this dark and tragic end.

Palace of the Yuan Dynasty in Dadu

The emperor of Koryo is coming?

That is good news. Now we know Koryo is truly subjugated.

Quite so. He was a prince before.

Now he's their king.

It's high time. They've always been a stubborn nation.

If they had done this to start with, we wouldn't have sent our troops.

Stubborn. Thirty years later and you're all sick of them.

Quite so. Which is why you shouldn't trust them even now, Great Khan.

No, I saw him myself when he came before.

He knows how great we are. And better than most how desperate their situation is.

But the emperor doesn't rule Koryo.

Kim Jun's military regime holds the true power since the coup.

The Koryo military has always despised the Mongols.

Be that as it may, the Koryo king is coming here. He has surrendered completely.

Nothing more needs to be done.

That's right. There's no need to kick them when they beg for mercy.

That would turn our allies into enemies.

We're still dealing with the Song, who are at least as stubborn as Koryo.

Then the Japanese islands, and our domination of the world will be complete.

And for that...

we need Koryo.

Cajole them now. Use them later.

Yes, Great Khan.

Kim Jun's Residence in Kanghwa, Kangdo

Reports on the Three Patrols.

Some are assigned to peninsula defense.

Others to Kangdo and Kaegyeong.

Training seems to be too harsh.

They work day and night, not that the court gives them any help.

The military should be privileged above all others.

They keep Koryo strong.

Good performance should be rewarded.

Promotions should be based on merit.

And slaves who excel should be freed.

Yes, sir.

Let them know the military is a path to success.

Thus can we induce patriotism.

Yes, sir.

Overlord, this is Cha Songu.

Enter.

Sir, provisions for the provinces.

Magistrates always inflate their numbers.

Not to mention helping themselves.

There is quite a bit here. Divide it among the garrisons.

Yes, Overlord.

You're dismissed.

Yes, sir.

What brings you here?

The supplies from the provinces got me thinking.

About what?

Don't just send it to the Three Patrols.

Include Pak Songbi and Yi Kongju.

And Im Yon.

Is that why you're here?

I nearly forgot. I'll do as you suggest.

That's my lady.

I may well have failed them if you didn't speak up.

Popularity starts in the storehouse, after all.

They may disagree with you, but don't push them away.

Look after them.

Thank you.

You are an excellent counselor. We must manage the world like we do our family.

Here, a drink.

Not just provisions. You should call on them.

They're the only ones you can trust, whatever anyone says.

Can't argue with that.

We'll be back together once things settle down.

I'll send Song Kilyu to check on Pak Songbi.

Beef jerky.

Very nice. Our comrade is spoiling us.

Perfect with wine.

So how are you? We worked together but never really got a chance to talk.

It's going. What is there for me to do these days?

About Kim Jun.

He's moving forward with his reforms, I'm sorry to say.

Now, now, we haven't had good wine in ages. Don't spoil it with politics.

The complaints are getting worse.

It's all about the military now.

Even more so than the old days.

Must there be a split?

Nine out of ten chancellors come from the military.

We can't be divided.

Here, drink.

They're oil and water.

His Majesty is talking peace with the Mongols.

And our men are still preparing for war.

But we should help Kim Jun.

If he compromises like everyone else, what will happen to Koryo?

Someone has to survive.

Think how alone he is without the two of you.

Has that occurred to you?

Palace of the Yuan Dynasty in Dadu

You came a long way, King of Koryo.

Your obeisance pleases me more than all the lands under heaven.

Thank you, Sire.

I cannot express the honor you do us by noticing such a tiny little country.

All the lands under heaven bow to me now.

We receive all those that surrender with grace...

as brothers.

You honor us.

Now rise.

Come closer.

I sent for you to clarify our positions and ensure our future relations.

Yes, Sire.

It is my honor.

The Mongol flag flies across the globe.

Those belligerent Song will collapse any day now.

But those ignorant Japanese confined to their little islands...

don't understand how things are in the outside world.

Koryo will help us deal with them.

I swear to you.

I will honor Koryo's sovereignty.

You will have your history and culture, your customs and traditions.

Our glory will be yours.

The Mongols and Koryo will be as brothers, one blood, one family.

Hear me.

Great Khan.

Today is a great day.

Koryo is greater than any other nation we've conquered.

They resisted incessant attacks for thirty years.

Now their king bows in obeisance.

Their courage earns my highest respect.

I command you to give Koryo every assistance.

Great Khan.

Now a feast, a great feast!

To honor the king of Koryo.

Listen, King.

Yes, Sire.

I understand Koryo has been under a military regime for years.

Is that true?

Yet it has always been ruled by a Wang from the royal house.

All the same, it seems the servants are ruling over the master.

Not at all.

What's this Kim Jun character like?

A loyal subject.

I thought you might say that.

The way I hear it, he's insolent, stubborn and dangerous.

Just like Choe Ui and Choe Hang before him.

He's still strengthening his troops.

Why is that exactly?

We're frequently beset by pirates. We must protect our borders.

I'll take you at your word.

But if that Kim Jun turns on us...

or threatens you...

we won't stand it.

We'll keep an eye on him.

Thank you, Sire.

Lord Yi.

Yes, Viceroy.

How strong is your military?

Why do you ask?

I'm curious how many men it took to hold out against us for so long.

About 10,000, all told.

Surely you jest.

Jest? I wouldn't dare.

I'm told Koryo has some 40,000 troops.

Why did you lie and say 10,000?

The Great Khan says we're brothers. But do you not want that?

Great Khan, what did I tell you?

Koryo can't be trusted.

They come all the way here and still they lie.

How do you mean?

I talked to the Duke of Yongnyong before the Koryo king got here.

We will need Koryo troops for our invasion of Japan.

He says they have about 40,000.

And this liar says 10,000.

Why is that, I wonder?

A liar? Surely not.

I'll ask you again.

Yi Jangyong.

How many troops in Koryo?

10,000, no more.

Silence! You're a liar, plain and simple.

Duke.

One of you is lying.

Which is it?

Koryo has 38 legions.

A legion consists of 1,000 men, so that makes nearly 40,000.

Listen to you.

The legions have long since collapsed.

What with drought, famine and war, we hardly have any men left.

Even 10,000 is somewhat of an exaggeration.

If you don't believe me, go see for yourself.

If I'm wrong, take my head.

If the Duke is wrong

take his.

- Now hold on. - Lord Yi.

All right. In that case, how many citizens do you have?

How many window sills are in your empire?

- How could I know that? - Exactly.

Your soldiers are still at war. Who can keep up with households?

You're the premier and you don't know?

Does a premier know everything?

We sent our people to the mountains and islands during the war.

It will take decades to assess our total households.

If I'm wrong, you can have my head.

You're Yi Jangyong, huh?

You have a way with words. And you've got some guts too.

Enough, Viceroy.

Yes, Great Khan.

Now.

Yi Jangyong, I'll trust you.

I like a man that stakes his life on his word.

It's no coincidence that Koryo held out for so long.

You honor us.

Now, raise your glasses.

Tell your people of the bonds we forged today.

Today we drink.

Dancing!

Music!

Yi Jangyong.

When faced with an obvious trick question from the Mongol viceroy

he knew it was to assess Koryo's strength for an invasion of Japan.

He managed to evade the question

and so alleviate Koryo's burden.

Kublai Khan admired Yi.

The viceroy and counselors were impressed with his wit and courage.

They named the eloquent premier 'Distinguished Earl.'

For years Yi maintained close relations with Mongol officials.

These are the promotions within the Three Patrols?

Yes, Your Highness.

Promotions from the ninth rank to marshal, field marshal, viscount and colonel.

Shouldn't this be left to my father?

Hardly the task for a crown prince, I should think.

The decisions rest with me.

Whether it is you or His Majesty, it's the same.

It is vital to promote the men in a timely fashion.

Well, if you approve them, then that's fine.

A report on the north? The people there are being relocated?

Yes, Your Highness.

In times like these we need to strengthen our fortresses and train our people.

It's for the best.

But everyone says we are at peace.

Better safe than sorry.

We must prepare for any contingency.

Of course.

Your Highness.

You are the great-grandson of the Overlord Choe Ui himself.

What's your point?

He was my mentor, a man I respected.

A man who saved Koryo from falling into Mongol hands.

His Majesty is walking a path of shame.

The Mongols are barbarians, a blight on humanity.

Koryo cannot continue to kneel before them.

Your Highness, please consider carefully.

Remember the noble spirit of the House of Choe.

You frighten me. Why do you look at me so?

Someday you will rule Koryo.

Think of the future, Your Highness.

You can't be weak with the Mongols, not like your father.

It was tense at the banquet for a moment there.

What if they had insisted on taking your head?

What else? I would have lost it.

Don't risk your life so easily.

Where would that have put me?

Still, I'm worried.

Their demands when we left were absurd.

True. I have no idea how I'll explain it to the court.

They want help fighting the Song and in coercing a Japanese surrender.

I expected a few commands, but nothing quite like this.

We must find a way to ease Koryo's burden.

You think they'll go along with that?

I'm concerned about what Kim Jun will do.

I already have chest pains over it.

Palace of the Yuan Dynasty in Dadu

- Viceroy. - Yes, Great Khan.

I wonder if the military will accept the terms we sent along with the king?

They are a vassal state.

How can they not?

The Koryo royal house has long been under the military's power.

Take that Kim Jun, for instance.

Have our spies observe Koryo closely.

Yes, Great Khan.

- And Haeito. - Great Khan.

Follow them and report on their populace and military.

Especially Kim Jun.

Yes, Great Khan.

The Palace in Kanghwa, Kangdo

The Mongols received me with all due hospitality.

As I vowed before, the war is over.

My appearance there helped dispel their misgivings.

But as we left, we could not help hearing their instructions.

We must now discuss the problem.

Sire.

This problem is best left to the military.

We barely have 10,000 men.

We couldn't fight the Mongols, but now they want more from us.

They want troops to fight the Song. Provisions too.

What good came of your trip?

You border on insolence.

When His Majesty bows his head, all of Koryo bows with him.

Why did you go when you knew that was so?

If he hadn't Koryo would be in flames.

Lord Yi. You bear equal responsibility.

You insisted that His Majesty go more than anyone else.

You led him to kneel before barbarians.

The whole thing is miserable.

You know better than anyone the terrible road he had to walk for our people.

So what use was bowing before them?

There will be no end to their demands.

Send our men to Japan, send our men to fight the Song, and so on.

Still, that's better than a war on our own land.

Better?

Our men will still bleed, our harvest taken.

How is that better?

I agree with Lord Yu.

It's better than war in our own land.

It's a shame, but we have no choice.

Silence! Weak, sniveling chancellors!

What?

There's a way out of this. A middle ground.

If they ask for 10,000 men, we can negotiate to a few thousand.

This is a war of diplomacy now.

Trust in that. We don't have to send all they ask for.

Enough!

You always hide behind fancy talk.

The Mongol trip was a mistake.

You and His Majesty made the trip, but it brought us nothing.

Other than shame.

Tell me this, what responsibility will you bear? Well?

Nothing is finished yet.

His Majesty didn't shame our country, he saved it.

History will judge us.

And I'm ready to risk my life anytime, anywhere.

You name it.

Overlord! Overlord!

We need to see him. Koryo is in danger.

We won't stand it! The Emperor

and Yi Jangyong have sold us out to the Mongols.

It just won't do. We need the Overlord.

Overlord!

Stand down!

The Overlord shares your concerns.

Disperse. Disperse!

The Overlord thinks we're all Mongol sympathizers.

Sympathizers? We saved Koryo and her people.

Correct. Exactly.

- The Overlord works for Koryo too. - True.

- But he's always screaming for war. - War, he says.

We need alternatives.

The Three Patrols are at the Overlord's house

and are screaming for impeachment of the court.

- I heard. - You knew this might happen?

Of course.

Don't you have a plan?

Are you going to let him run wild?

Everything you said earlier was correct.

Danger is coming.

In the current climate, they may overthrow the Imperial House.

We need your help.

Why? Why do you need me?

You are a man that risks everything for what's right.

A man like that engenders trust, and that is a help.

The Overlord was waiting for the Three Patrols to get worked up just enough.

He expected it.

That way he means to steer the court and public opinion against His Majesty.

But if something happens to His Majesty, the Mongols will return.

The country will burn again.

Don't you agree?

Yi Jangyong is meeting with Im Yon.

All the chancellors are meeting at Lord Choe Ja's residence.

The Imperial House is all wrong. He must be dethroned.

There's no other way.

I agree. The longer we wait, the worse it will get.

What you suggest is treason.

Not treason. Revolution.

Sir, we can't wait any longer.

The Three Patrols are up in arms.

We must remove the Emperor and sever ties with the Mongols.

If we don't, Koryo will be gone forever.

Why else did we revolt before? Sir!

What is the military doing?

Those that follow Kim Jun are furious over your acceptance of the Mongol's terms.

And Kim Jun?

Not too different from his men.

He's furious.

It's worrying.

We expected the Mongols to have some conditions when we went there.

Why are they so worked up?

Nothing good will come of this.

Try not to worry.

I have prepared some plans of my own.

Be careful. We can't do anything that will give them an excuse.

Yes, Sire. But Kim Jun will think twice before mobilizing his men.

You have the Mongols behind you.

They love war. What do they care?

Oh, the Mongol envoys are here?

Yes. On the way to the palace now.

Probably to move me along.

And the military screaming at me.

The Imperial House is all wrong. He must be dethroned. There's no other way.

He comes back with these absurd demands.

Sending our troops in place of the Mongols...

Our own people fighting their war...

And His Majesty and Lord Yi didn't bat an eye.

You think they would have learned better when they went.

Instead they come back like dogs. Mongol dogs.

Father insists on going the wrong way.

We have peace and the people have an end to starvation and war.

All he and his men think of is war and death.

We couldn't beat the Mongols. We had to be clever.

What good is it to belittle His Majesty and threaten the court?

You are a man that risks everything for what's right.

A man like that engenders trust, and that is a help.

If something happens to His Majesty, the Mongols will return.

The country will burn again.

Don't you agree?

We can't afford another coup.

I must stop him.

But how, when he's so stubborn?

What to do with the Emperor?

What will people say if we depose him and return to the Choe regime?

And Yi Jangyong. Why is he getting close to Im Yon?

What does he want from him?

We may disagree...

but Im Yon is still my son.

Subtitles by MBC

It seems there's already an irreconcilable split between you two.

You're my son.

You mustn't do this.

Things are different now. We must correct what's wrong.

We must take care of them first.

- We must take measures. - We have to trick Kim Jun.

It seems the day of reckoning has finally come.

He is a threat to the emperor.

You must get Kim Jun today.

The time has come. I will kill Yi Jangyong and the rest of them!