Original subtitles

General,

General, it's Buyong.

I brought you wild ginseng extract.

Father has acquired it trough a reputable ginseng miner.

My Lady, this is a job for a servant.

I am merely obeying my father's orders.

Your servitude has me truly flustered.

Do not be concerned. Drink before it cools.

Oh, dear...

You shoud drink some as well.

I could not drink such a rare tonic for myself.

You are a man of extreme importance.

My Lady

Yes, General.

Speak to your father and stop doing this.

Do not force yourself to do such work

I am erving you willingly. All is a it should be.

My Lady!

Then...

My Lady!

Have they arrived in Geumsung safely?

Yes. They headed toward Mt. Bekgae from Youngsan River

I hope all goes well.

Bekjae is engrossed in full-scale preparations

for invasion of Surabul, and Geusumg was peaceful.

Good Work.

Report this new to Lord Wang of Song-ak.

Yes, Sire.

Has the taskmaster returned from Geumsung?

Yes. He return quickly due to favorable wind.

Who are the people of Song-ak meeting in Geumsung?

You need not know, Wife.

This matter concerns our family and my daughter.

How can you day I need not know?

Concerns our daughter, you say?

You intend to marry Buyong and General Wang.

How could a mother-in-law be remise of future

son-in-law's affairs?

A mother-in-law? I do like the sound of that.

Pardon...?

But do not be curious?

This is a secret mission of the government.

Oh, Husband...

Good things will happen if this mission is successful.

I hope things go according to plan...

We are running later than planned.

We've wasted much time surveying Geumsung and Mokpo.

But we are almost here.

I wonder if they will receive us kindly.

We shall see.

Benefactors of what area might you be?

Is the Head Master available?

Yes. I will lead you to him.

From Song-ak, you say?

Who, from Song-ak, has sent you?

A disciple of Master Dosun, General Wang Guhn sent us.

General Wang Guhn?

Yes

Do you realize where you are?

We are in Bekjae territory.

Do you not fear for your lives to have infiltrated enemy land?

Our brother is a disciple of this temple's founder.

Bekjae and Koryo are warring states.

Deceit is prevalent.

With what can you prove what you say is true?

Yes...! This is Master Dosun's secret script!

What honor it is to behold such item!

There is no doubt, this is Master Dosun's script.

Then what matter brings you to us?

We require your help, Master.

What can I do?

We seek to transform Gemsung into Koryo territory.

What?

Master Dosun foretold that General Wang would save

the people of Three Kingdoms from distress.

We are here to realize that prophecy.

We wish to meet with noblemen of Geumsung.

Worldly matters should be left for the worldly people

to deal with....

Has General Wang seen the contents of this script?

Of course.

Is that right? Have you seen it?

No. General Wang has instructed us not to open it.

I am aware of this script.

Only those who correspond to the prophecy can see its contents.

Its content are invisible to me as well.

I have heard stonishing things today.

Allow me some time.

I will prepare the rear cabin for your rest.

This is a historic temple. bekjae's current military

adviser Choi Seung-woo had once sojourned here as well.

Choi Seung-woo?

He is one of Shilla's three Choi prodigies who is now Bekjae's

important policy maker much like our Advisor Jongkahn.

He is an impressive man.

Yes. He is the third highest man in Bekjae

next to Prime Minister Neunghwan.

He is a highly respected scholar and strategist.

I've been appraised of him

He is a man we must watch out for.

It is late. Let us get some shut-eye.

Our people back in Song-ak must be quite anxious...

I've heard report of their landing in Geumsung,

but I wonder if they made it to Oakryong temple safely.

They should be there by now.

It is Master Dosun's temple, Brother. They will help us.

I hope so...

Military training is progressing well.

How do things fare here?

Everything is on schedule.

We must meet regularly and review the progress.

Brother, Bekjae's army will halt southward movement

and turn back once we attack Geumsung.

Shilla can hold them back at their tracks for us.

Yes, we talked about that. It is a brilliant idea.

Shouldn't we begin that work as well?

One of you will go Shilla and propose collaboration

once we know more about their current condition.

I am sure Shilla will repond.

Yes

After all, we are stopping Bekjae from invading their territory.

Join forces with Shilla and render Bekjae helpless.

It will be quite exciting.

We observed the shipbuilding activities today.

Never before have I seen ships of such size!

They can hold horses, militarysupplies and

hundreds of soldiers.

Hundreds, you say?

Do you find it hard to believe?

I have never seen or heard such ships!

Let us drink.

We've bought and built dozens of ships thus far.

Lord Yu is indeed an impressive man.

Brother.

Yes

Was not that maiden who served us Lord Yu's daughter?

Yes

Is Lord Yu's daughter tending to you personally?

Well, it came to be somehow, but...

This is significant. There must be a special reason for

a lady of such personage be serving you in person.

A special reason?

Lord Yu is a high ranking royal retainer,

and he has his daughter serving you.

One might speculate of a promise.

A promise?

Sulhee is right.

How else could a noble maiden serving a bachelor?

Has there been a promise? If so, we should know.

What promise do you speak of?

No such thing happened!

Oh, you men....!

I am here to carry out a royal command.

Do you think I'd have time or inclination to covet women?

Here.

His Majesty is truly devoted in your readings.

No, it is merely a habit. How about you advisor?

You spend your days buried in books.

Yes. Advisor is ceaseless in his quest for knowledge.

He certainly is.

I just wish you'd get along better with Scholar Ahjitae...

Do not be concerned.

Advisor is a man of magnanimity that does not waver.

What business brings you here?

I doubt you've come for idle chat.

I've come to discuss the names of the twin princes

since it has been three weeks since their birth.

Yes. It is time to decide their names.

Have you any suggestion?

This humble servant would not dare name their imperial princes.

But it would be befitting to find names of Buddhist

element as you are the Maitreya.

Make connection with Buddha?

Yes, you are right.

If I am the Maitreya, my sons should be

Avalokitesvara and Amitabha.

Yes. I've decided. Chunkwang and Shinkwang.

How does that sound? Chungkwang and Shinkwang.

They are to become lights of this impure world.

Your Majesty, they are truly fine and meaningful names.

Then it is decided.

Chungkwang and Shinkwang.... They are fine names indeed.

Notify the empress.

Yes, Your Majesty.

Chungkwang and Shinkwang...

Well, then, now I shall see my sons.

Chungkwang and Shinkwang... Self-proclaimed Maitreya,

Goongyae, had given his sons Buddhist names.

Chungkwang signified Bodhisattva of Compassion,

and Shinkwang signified Buddha of Western Paradise.

This tells us that Goongyae belonged to Mahayana Buddhism.

Naming his first son Chungkwang (Blue Light),

which signified Bodhisattva of Compassion, also shows

his intend for the child to succeed his throne.

However, lives of the two boys would be cut short by

the hands of their own father, goongyae.

Princes, look at your mother.

This is your mother, Her Majesty the Empress.

They seem to understand the words, Your Majesty.

What could infants understand?

The babes are healthy and strong.

How wonderful they are!

His Majesty the Emperor!

Welcome, Your Majesty.

What pain you must've sulfered, my empress....

Thank you, Your Majesty.

You have accomplished an outstanding deed.

There could not be a bigger joy to this kingdom than this.

So you are my sons...

This one must be the older one.

Yes, Your Majesty.

And this one become the younger sibling by a twinkling.

They are fine looking boys.

Empress.

Yes, Your Majesty.

they are beautiful. I have decided on their names.

The older one is Chungkwang, and

the younger one is Shinkwang.

They both signify buddhas of salvation.

Yes, Your Majesty...

Chungkwang, Shinkwang, look at your father.

Grow up quikly. Grow up strong.

And we will command the world together.

Let us conquer the world and turn it into earthly paradise.

We shall, Chungkwang and Shinkwang.

Here, here! Let us drink!

Was our last family gathering at Her Family's coronation?

Yes, Sire.

Her Majesty has birthed two crown princes.

When they take the throne, we will become a royal family!

This is the highest glory to our clan!

What could be a greater blessing?

You shall see. We will be the supreme clan of this kingdom.

And Shinchun will prosper like Song-ak and Jungju.

No, our village will be even more powerful and prosperous!

Yes. We've suffered unseen prejudice,

but we can straighten up our shoulders at last!

Doors of opportunities will open for our young.

They will all enter the central government

and achieve succes!

Please give guidance to our young people and

acquaint them to the empress.

Of course, of course! Now, let us drink!

How are affairs of the kingdom? Is there anything to report?

There aren't any significant events,

but to mention a few minor things...

Go on.

Song-ak seems preoccupied assisting General wang,

Oh, how is the matter in Jungju coming along?

They have acquired and built many large battleships.

They must take extreme caution.

Yes. The Outside world knows it to be a commercial

shipbuilding project.

Good.

It is a greatly costly project. Lord Yu is quite impressive.

Of course his is funding a large portion of the expense,

but there are outside support as well.

Outside support?

The wangs are funding a bulk of the expense, and nobles of

Paesuh region are backing them up with collective donations.

The nobles?

Yes, Advisor.

Watch them closely. It is unhealthy to have

independently organized groups.

The nobles are nervous ever since that madman

Ahjitae came to the palace.

Resisting powers could emerge if we're not careful.

I understand.

Did you say General Wang is still in Jungju?

Yes. His men have infiltrated Bekjae to set up the operation.

Anything else?

I'm told Lord Kang of Shinchun is engaged in

days of continuous family celebration.

It is to be expected.

He is slowly acquiring the taste of power.

Where is Ahjitae now?

I believe he is in His Majesty's chamber.

His Majesty's chamber?

Yes, Advisor.

What insane proposal will he make this time?

Just the thought of him makes me shudder.

He is dangerous... He will cause great injury...

It is wonderful to become a father.

Who would have thought a monk would have two sons?

But you are not an ordinary monk, Your Majesty.

Having a successor is a must for an emperor.

I appreciate you saying so.

Everything is delightful these days. I've gained

two sons, and my territory is expanding day by day.

And an event that will shock the world is in

progress by General Wang.

Not only that, we will rename the kingdom and relocate the

imperial city once General Wang's mission is complete.

Yes, Your Majesty.

I'd like to pay a visit to Chulwon.

As you've said, after General Wang's mission is complete...

Do I detect trepidation from you, Ahjitae?

No, but I think it wise to seek a better time since

opposition is severe.

There's no eed for that. It has to be done.

Let us go together.

Oh, and let us stop at Jungju on the way.

I'd like to give Brother Guhn a word of encouragement.

Your majesty is wise and kind.

I've been confined to the palace too long.

Let us leave in a few days.

As you wish, Your Majesty.

We shall take General Eunbu as well.

I can't evade him, since he is my royal convoy.

Yes, Your Majesty.

Lord Yu is carrying out a tremendous endeavor.

Thank you for generously supporting my nephew.

General Wang's work is for this kigndom.

Supporting General Wang is supporting my country.

Of course.

I am too grateful for words for your financial

and emotional support.

No. You've contributed a great deal of funds,

and so have many other nobles

They all want this mission to succeed.

Yes, I am well aware.

There is invisible friction in the court between

Advisor and Ahjitae at present.

Yes, I was told.

And general Eubu is secretly monitoring our activities.

Is this true?

He and Advisor Jongkahn could easily distort our

activities as an attempt to mobilize political power.

Yes. We must take caution.

They were watchful of General wang to begin with.

Extreme caution is required.

I hope all is going we in Geumsung.

Let us wait with patience.

Were are we headed, Master?

Do not worry. You are not headed to your grave.

This looks like the path to Mokpo.

You are familiar with this area.

Yes, we are headed to Mokpo.

You chose the right time and place.

There is internal conflict in Geumsung right now.

Living conditions have not improved for the poor, and

the rich are tired of paying for costly wars.

We are aware of the situation. That is why we are here.

Are we bound for Lord Oh Darin's estate in Mokpo?

Yes. How have you managed to learn

so much about Geumsung from such far land?

We are merchants who travel far and wide.

Borders do not exist for merchants.

I see.

How much further do we have to go?

We still have a long way. Let us be on our way.

Doyoung

Yes, Father.

People used to call salt "The white gold" at one time.

It is essential to life, and only the West Sea has it.

I learned a painful truth as I give over much of my wealth.

It is power one needs more than wealth.

Even merchants need power and influence.

It is deeply felt...

Great general Jang Bogo of yorepossessed

both power and wealth.

He dominated the vast sea, sent trade missions to Japan

and Tang, and created a new world with trilateral trading.

I was told that our ancestors were a part of that enterprise.

Yes. Those were the glory days.

As General Jang's direct subordinate, our forefather

oversaw many important operations.

There were only two men in such position.

Is that right?

Yes. Details are unsure, but the two were confidants

Who came from Shilla Colony in Tang together.

Our forefather was one of them.

After general Jang was killed and his naval base crumbled,

our forefather settled here in Mokpo.

And once again our clan is crumbling in my generation....

I feel empty and unjustly violated...

You have me, father. Don't be discouraged.

King Kyun-hwon isn't the only one to be blamed for this.

It is the default of his subjects that serve him.

Don't you agree?

Prime Minister to what do I owe the honor of your visit?

I came to share some tea with you if you don't mind.

Of course, not. I will call for some tea.

Don't rush. Vice Prime Minister

Yes, Sire.

I am bothered that we've grown distant lately.

We used to be quite close.

Of course.

We will soon be going to war once again,

and it is imperative that we work in harmony.

I am ashamed for failing to come to you first.

No, no.

This all began because I ignored your warning.

It's all in the past now.

How are you?

Mentoring the crown princes is not an easy task.

All is well.

People are feeling secure, and foreign trade is flourishing.

Our kingdom is finally on a stable ground.

It would be meaningless unless we unite the Three Kingdoms.

I agree.

Responsability weights heavily on you since

you are the new Chief of Military.

I hope you are not disappointed because I took over the role.

I would be lying if I said no.

Oh...

It's all right.

I made a critical error at battle of Daeya Fort.

But look. I'm still holding my position.

You were not entirely at fault for the defeat.

Decision to fight them was an error in itself.

Well, I still maintain that we must conquer Dayea Fort first.

Daeya is the gateway to Shilla.

Shilla will fall all together once Daeya falls.

You are too hasty.

Our adversary is Koryo, not dwindling Shilla.

Shilla will fall on its own. We would cause great injury

to the kingdom if we let greed cloud our path.

Cause injury, you say?

It's only an opinion, Prime Minister...

We used to be in agreement, but is seems our views have

become very different. Whar could have caused it?

Cause injury to the kingdom? Injury?

It seems I've offended you.

It was a general comment not directed to you...

Don't brother.

I came here hoping to make amends...

I shall leave!

Prime Minister..!

Madam, doesn't his great stature remble mine?

Oh, Your Majesty, he is only an infant.

You will see. This child will grow up to be a fine leader.

Don't you agree?

Yes, Your Majesty.

Our remblance is uncanny.

I will take him. Your retainers await you.

Yes, please.

I live to see that child these days.

How is the training progressing?

The soldiers are improving day by day.

I am confident we will yield good result in this war.

Yes, we must.

How is Shilla's state of affairs?

They are as pathetic as ever.

King Hyogong is still engrossed in debauchery.

and thise who voice their sincere concerns

are expelled from the palace.

It sickens me to think that we lost a battle agains them.

Where might the Prime Minister and the Vice Prime Minister be today?

I believe the Vice Prime Minister is in the imperial library.

Read book, drink tea...

They live like they hermits without a worry in the world.

We are so different.

Now, tell me about Koryo.

I heard of great turbulence in Song-ak.

For what reason?

It seems a scholar named Ahjitae is stirring up the court.

Ahjitae?

He apparently has coaxed Goongyae into relocating

their capital and renaming the kingdom?

Rename the kingdom and move the capital?

Why?

Precisely. I'm told that this is causing great distress to the

nobles of Paesuh who have been Koryo's central support force.

I see... Very well, then.

Let them be preoccupied in a family quarrel while

we attack Shilla.

It sounds like Goongyae has found himself a rotten retainer.

General Eunbu

Yes, Your Majesty.

You have been very close to the advisor for any years now?

Yes, Your Majesty.

I plan to relocate my imperial capital to Chulwon.

Do you know the reason for advisor's adamant opposition?

He is a man of exceptional intelligence and loyalty.

But sometimes his zeal clouds his judgement.

Your Majesty, Advisor is your servant.

He knows only of loyalty to you.

That is his only concern.

Yes. Advisor is a fine scholar.

I am well aware of that. But he is too extreme.

Advisor is a pragmatic man. His judgement is faultless.

I beg you not to slight his advice.

I see you've become his man...

But Jongkahn isn't the only man in this kingdom.

I must give my ear to everyone.

I beg you to be prudent, Your Majesty.

Of course. I see everything.

Advisor is too cautious and hypercritical.

That can get in the way at times.

Your Majesty!

I've given him too much control and freedom.

Your Majesty...!

I am building a Great Empire. No one must impede my path.

I advise you to keep that in mind as well.

Relay this to Advisor Jongkahn.

I will not tolerate it if he stands in my way.

Your Majesty!