Original subtitles

Jingju is so close, yet this is my first visit.

What wondeful ocean Lord Yu possess...

Lord Yu is a merchant giant along with the

Wangs of Song-ak.

They are bold and enterprising people.

Building and buying over a hundred ships is

a tremendous endeavor unthinkable by most.

Yes. You wisely put Lord Yu in charge of

the kingdom's financial concerns.

Yes. Lord Yu is our Minister of Finance.

I regard them highly because they accept and give devotion

their duty without complaint at their own costly burden.

I heard reports that Lord Yu is secretly collecting

contribution from other nobles for this project as well.

Is that so?

It is reasonable considering the magnitude of this project.

But their alliance could spawn a faction and

give them political power.

General Wang is acting under my authorization.

Too much interference can dampen their spirits.

How much further to Lord Yu's estate?

We are quite close. I've sent Commanders

Geumdae ahead of us to prepare for your arrival.

What? His Majesty is approaching, you say?

Where about is he now?

He is quite close.

Without any notice...!

Taskmaster, Yes, sire.

Has General Wang been notified?

Yes, Sire.

I am befuddled!

It is a secretive appearance. Prepare to receive him.

Notify the staff and prepare to receive the emperor.

Is His Majesty making an appearance?

Yes. You men are still here.

Yes, we were discussing the military training.

I see. Let us go.

His Majesty the King! His Majesty the King!

Oh, there they are.

Welcome, Your Majesty.

What requires your travel at this late hour?

Welcome, Your Majesty.

I wanted to see Brother Guhn and Minister of Finance.

I am honored to receive you at my humble residence.

Please come in.

Oh, you men are here as well. I am delighted.

We're honored.

Your visit is a great honor to our family, Your Majesty.

You're too kind.

How have you fared, Brother?

Have you been staying here?

Yes. I am grateful for your approval and your garcious

display of interest in this endeavor.

I approved because your judgement is sound and

this mission is necessary. I commend you for your labor.

Father, your tea is served...

Enter. Your Majesty, allow me to offer you some tea.

Yes. That would be splendid.

This is my daughter.

Oh...!

I am Buyong, Your Majesty.

You mentioned of her once.

She is a maiden of beauty and grace.

You are a fortunate man, Lord Yu.

Thank you.

Well, then...

Lord Yu

Yes, Your Majesty.

Have you found a suitor for your daughter?

I'm afraid not yet....

Is that right?

Brother, how is the operation progressing?

There are important groundwork to be done prior to the invation.

We've sent secret agents into Geumsung for this reason.

Secret agents, you say?

Yes. We've sent men to Oakryong Temple, which

was fouded master Dosun. We saw a need to procure

local influence in order to successfully subdue Geumsung.

It is a dangerous gamble!

The nobles of Geumsung hold posts inBekjae's court.

We took measures to guarantee their safety.

How?

I once receveid teachings by Master Dosun, and

he has left me agift.

What would that gift be?

It is what the people call Secret Sript of Dosun.

Secret script of dosun?

Yes, Your Majesty. My men have taken

the script to the temple Master Dosun founded.

With the script as leverage, they will seek assistance

from disciples of Master Dosun.

Do you mean that the script truly exists?

Yes.

It is the truth that Master Dosun has given it to you?

Yes

The contents of the script have remained a mystery.

What does it reveal?

Does that interest you so?

The rumor has it that the script foretells the future of

this land and names the true master as you,

General Wang. Is this true?

I asked you if this is true.

That could not be more wrong.

Nowhere on the script are such things recorded.

The script maintains that destiny is not predetermined.

It is a book of geomancy, observance to gods of nature,

and the way of truth.

I will show you, if you'd like, upon its return.

Prophecies are lies. It is nothing unique.

Learned men do not give credence to

myths and prophecies.

I believe General wang is telling the truth.

Master Dosun was a high monk of our time.

It is hearsay of the ig norant that such erudite has written

a book of prophecy. Don't you agree?

Yes, yes. You are right.

Destiny is not determined, but shaped by one's will.

General Eunbu, does that satisfy you?

Forgive me, Your Majesty, but may we view the script

upon its return, General Wang?

Of course.

No, no. I do not wish to be bound by prophecies.

Only the foolish and weak become obsessed with such.

Men of our responsability can not let myths control our lives.

General wang

Yes, Your Majesty.

I want you to burn it upon its return.

Don't let it cause anymore confusion or misunderstanding.

Yes, Your Majesty.

General Eunbu will inform Advisor Jongkahn of this as well.

Yes, Your Majesty.

The tea has cooled.

We wasted too much time talking of this matter.

I wonder what caused his visit.

His Majesty has come to give our brother encouragement.

It is brotherly love and great confidence.

How old are you now, Brother Guhn?

I am twenty-seven this year.

Thirty is right around the corner.

What is your true reason for remaining a bachelor?

I'm not yet...

No, no. You are already 27 years of age.

Lord Yu

Yes, Your Majesty.

Your daughter is a fine young maiden.

How do you feel about making ties with General wang?

I wish it were that simple, but marriage is a personal decision.

But someone has to set up the stage for the dancers to dance.

Let us both try. Gie it serious thought, Brother.

Buddhism gives great importance to karma.

There is cause to every occasion.

There is a reason why General Wang is here,

and why a fine young maiden is in this household.

Yes. They would make a beautiful pair.

A distinguished young general and a cherished maiden of gentry.

Yes, indeed.

There is another matter I'd like to discuss since I'm here.

Yes, Your Majesty.

It's about renaming the Kingdom and relocating our capital.

I'd like to begin the process concurrently with your mission.

Your Majesty, you spoke of deferring that work until

after the subjugation of Geumsung.

I am anxious to get it started.

Your Majesty...!

Song-ak has been your family's land for generations.

It burdens me that I'm holding your territory.

Your Majesty, you are the master of this kingdom.

Yes, it would be treasonous for subjects to distinguish

their master's land as their own

But you've preserved and maintained Song-ak in

the name of His Majesty, General Wang.

I believe His Majesty means tht Song-ak is unfit for an

imperial city. He seeks to build a larger city, a larger

palace, and show the grand presence of a new empire.

Chulwong is where he arose to power,

and in excellent gegraphical location.

But your Majesty, I fear now is not the time.

I beg you to reconsider.

No, no. I do not mean to relocate now.

I only intend to begin intial survey.

Yes, of course.

General Wang, His Majesty intends only to firmly declare

his decision at the time

Yes, that is all.

I am decided, and I will not change my mind.

I thought you of all people should know about it

along with the advisor.

Once I have your support, I will go forward full force.

You will get back Song-ak, and I will return to Chulwon.

That is what I've come to tell you

Let us chat some more tonight and

do some sightseeing tomorrow.

Yes, Your Majesty.

His Majesty has gone to Jungju with Ahjitae...

He will discuss Ahjitae's proposal with

Wang Guhn and lord Yu.

How do I handle this man Ahjitae...?

How far will that green scholar go with this

nefarious provocation?

That fool thinks his ungainly tactics will

prevail in this kingdom. It is menacing and farcical...

I asked youall today hoping to have a candid discussion

about the matter of relocation the capital.

Why must such matter trouble us in this time of distress?

We mustfrom an opinion and present a petition.

His Majesty has spoken of renaiming the kingdom,

but not yet of the relocation.

Where did that rumor originate anyway?

We've all heard about it,

and His majesty seems firmly decided.

I think we should come together and appeal to him.

Yes. It is our duty as royal subjects.

I agree. It has only been a few years since the last relocation.

Another relocation is unreasonable.

That Ahjitae is creating quite a storm.

Which city does His Majesty have in mind?

Chulwon, according to rumors.

That stands to reason.

Chulwon is where His Majesty arose to power.

But he has set foundation here in Song-ak.

Building another palace and transforming the city will take

tremendous public sacrifice.

It seems most of us disapprove of this matter.

But His Majesty has not yet spoken of the relocation to us.

Who will bring this up to him and express our sentiment?

I do not see Lord Kang of Shinchun among us today....

Yes, yes!

You are truly astrong and fine looking young man!

You are my son!

Yes, Father.

We are an illustrious family that has produced an empress.

But we've been devoid of an heir until today.

I am truly delighted! Truly delighted!

The princes are very healthy.

They are not even hundred days old,

but already moving their heads!

Aren't they adorable, Your Highness?

What mother would not adore her children?

They are so handsome! Look, Your Highness.

They are most handsome babies.

Their resemblance to His Majesty is uncanny.

Yes indeed.

There is a grand celebration back at home right now.

A celebration? For what occasion?

A family must have a son to carry o its name.

Weare receiving an adopted son in Shinchun right now.

Pardon? An adopted son?

Your father and I are old,

and we need someone to carry on our family name.

Carry on our name? Is that the only reason?

What do you mean?

How long do you think this glory will last, Mother?

Your Highness...!

What do you hope to gain by adopting a son?

I'm afraid Father is mistaken about something.

Mistaken?

I'm an empress and my children are princes,

but that doesn't change anything.

Please advise Father to be cautious.

Your Highness...!

He still does not know what His Majesty is like.

Please tell him to forget about honor and power.

I see Jungju is a port nearly as large as Song-ak.

Yes. Song-ak and Jungju inserable brother cities.

Lord Yu

Yes, Your Majesty.

Your Magninimity is as wide as that vast ocean.

You've sacrificed your fortune for this kingdom.

All those ships are being built with your private funds.

It takes an extraordinary man to do such a thing.

Your grace is immeasurable.

In truth, many other retainers are supporting us as well.

So those tremedous ships will go forth and

hang my flag in Bekjae.

I am thoroughly impressed.

It is truly a brilliant idea, General wang.

Your grace is immeasurable.

I can not approach the work site any closer since all

needs to be done in secrecy, so I shall leave from here.

Yes. Even in plain clothes,

enemy spies will detect your presence.

I observed from a distance, so I will be on my way now.

I commend you for your hard work as well , men.

It is our honor, Your Majesty.

Commander Yu

Yes, Your Majesty.

Seeing you has reminded me of the time in Chulwon.

You gave us a fine display of sword dance with General Hwang.

Thank you, Your Majesty.

Have you made any progress with Kyun-hwon's sister,

Commander Park?

No, I am afraid we've lost contact.

In love with an enemy...

What heartbreaking story it is...

Let us hope for expeditious unification.

Your name is Neungsan. Correct?

Yes, Your Majesty.

You are a man of commanding presence.

You will do great things for this kingdom.

Yes. He is an excellent swordman and

a man of character.

You have fine men serving you, General Wang.

Let us go, General Eunbu.

Return safely.

We shall see each other again, General Wang.

Return safely, Your Majesty.

We are here.

That is Lord Oh Darin's estate.

Your leader General Wang is a brilliant man.

He has sent a script written by my master to gain my trust,

and now a dagger?

General Wang's connection to Lord Oh is mariner's

camaraderie.

Yes. I am aware of mariners unfailing spirit of brotherhood.

Now, let us call someone.

Anyone there?

Would you be the head monk at Oakryong temple?

Yes. Is Lord Oh inside?

Yes, he has been expecting you. This way.

Let us go inside.

Welcome.

Welcome, Master! It is wonderful to see you.

Have you fared well, Sire?

Yes, Master. Who might theses...?

May I trouble you for some tea?

Yes. Please come inside.

How odd...

What do you mean?

Something strange is going on...

He sent a messenger just yesterday,

and today he has brought strange guests.

They don't look like merchants...

I received your letter yesterday and waited for you.

Are these the important guests you mentioned?

Yes. They are special guests to our temple,

but it turns out their business is with you, Sire.

I don't quite understand.

They may be your family friends.

Master....what do you mean friends?

Who are they?

If you don't mind where are you from?

We've come from Song-ak of Koryo.

Song-ak?

Are you need of salt? Are you merchants?

There is something we need more than salt.

What do you mean?

Something you need more than salt?

What do you speak of?

Lord Oh, we've come at the order of

General Wang Guhn of Song-ak.

Wang Guhn? Wang Guhn of Koryo?

Are you speaking of King Goongyae's warrior?

Yes

I am his martial arts master.

This is General Wang's cousin, Shikryum,

and this is general Yi.

What do you want with me?

Master, why have you brought these men?

They are people of enemy country!

In truth, the Three Kingdoms are one, we are of one race.

There's no need for us to call each other enemies.

Master!

Do you recognize this dagger?

Do you recognize it?

How did you acquire this?

I asked you a question!

Only descendants of General Jang Bogo's

direct subordinates have this dagger.

Why is this in your possession?

My ancestors were General Jang's subjects,

and so were yours.

Need I explain further?

What do you want from me?

Geumsung.

Geumsung?

You want geumsung? Geumsung?

You are insane!

This letter is from General Wang.

How audacious you are!

Geumsung?

You dare ask me to turn over Geumsung to you?

Taskmaster Bae!

Yes, Sire.

Lock these men up in the warehouse!

Lord Oh! We are envoys of Koryo.

You can't lock us up!

Lock them up!

Sire, everything rests in your hands now.

I will hope for a good result.

Take them away!

Why did you arrange such an outrageous meeting?

What does this dagger represent?

It tells you that your ancestors were brethren

who shared their hopes and dreams.

Are you telling me to help Koryo?

That is your decision. I led them to you because

a man of virtue should unite the kingdoms and

comfort our people.

How do you know this is a virtuous man?

I am a disciple of Master Dosun.

General Wang Guhn was his disciple as well.

I should leave now as my work here is done.

Master!

Master!

Bulls eye!

Excellent, Your Majesty!

I still haven't lost my touch.

I feel invigorated. Don't you, Madam?

Yes, Your Majesty. I am joyful as well.

Our soldiers are hard at their trainning.

Hunting is another form of training.

Yes, Your Majesty.

We've done quite well today, Your Majesty.

May I suggest a festive dinner tonight?

Oh, yes!

Let us relieve all or our built-up stress today.

How did you do today, Princes?

You repeatedly let the animals slip away.

Luck was not with them today.

Couple of rabbits? Is that all?

Pathetic!

You aren't learning a thing from this!

Let's go!

You say he has taken Madam Kobe on a hunting expedition?

He has forgotten about me completely...

How could he have changed so much?

and getting worse by the day...

Now, let us drink!

Yes, Your majesty.

Why aren't you drinking, Shin Guhm?

I have had many, Father.

A real man knows how to drink!

Such coward...

What have you learned?

Must you disappoint me every time?

Your majesty, many retainers are present...

He needs reprimand. This would not be the

result if they had been diligent in their training!

It is merely a sport of hunting, Your Majesty.

It's indicative of all of their aptitude.

Your Majesty, I'm sure they have understood you...

Just pour me another glass of wine.

Yes

Good god!

General Wang Guhn of Song-ak has sent them.

They are seafarers as well.

They are asking us to inform against our government.

Yes. They have been observing our distress

for a long time.

Did you say a monk from Oakryong temple arranged this?

Yes. What should we do? We must make a decision.

Do we help them, of turn them in and show our loyalty?

We've been friends for a long time.

Tell me what to do.

What should we do about them?

Should we help them?

That's insane!

Both of our families will be wiped out!

But this could be our chance to get out of the tiger's cave.

We are doomed one way or another.

Are the guest comfortable?

Yes, my lady.

Open the door.

Pardon me?

Now.

Didn't you hear me?

Yes, my lady...

Who might you be?

I am Doyoung. Are you Lord Wang Shikryum?

Yes. How much longer do you intend to

have us locked up?

You are not locked up.

You are merely taking a rest.

I heard you were General Wang Guhn's cousin.

Yes, General Wang is my older cousin.

I'm told he is quite an extraordinary man.

And befittingly,

he has proposed an unthinkable deal to us.

Do you think he will succeed?

If he doesn't, your father will live to regret it.

Regret, you say?

Your lives are already in my father's hands.

What gives you the confidence to say such a thing?

Do you take all your enemies that lightly?

What makes you think Geumsung is vulnerable?

I heard General Wang was a man of intelligence,

but it seems he has sent you without thinking.

Is this the extent of his intelligence?