Original subtitles

I will ask once more. I was told General wang

was a warrior of excellence and intelligence.

Was it his judgement to make light of Geumsung this way?

Of course not, My Lady.

As I've said, I am his martial arts master.

Would he have sent us here without due circumspection?

I beg your pardon if we offended you.

General Wang is not an imprudent man.

It seems my remark has offended you. Please forgive my error.

My father has aged. I oversee all matters of this stead now.

Is that right, My Lady? That is extraordinary for a maiden.

Why so? Do you see women inapt for such duty?

No, that is not what I meant to imply...

To survive in this world of turmoil, such prejudice

should be discarded.

Empress Janghwa... She would later become Wang Guhn's 2nd

empress, and bear King Haejong who succeeds Wang's throne.

She is the daughter of merchant baron Oh Darin of Mpkpo.

Historical records suggest she was an outgoing assertive woman.

Here, she was weighting the losses and gains with the

future of Geumsung at stake.

My Lady, you have shook us up much today.I beg you to stop.

Where has your father gone? We wish to speak to him once more.

He has gone the government agency to discuss this matter.

Do not fear. You've come fully knowing our conditions,

have you not? Then remain optimistic.

Should we, my lady?

Rest. I shall bring you some food.

We will face death today if things do not go well at the

government agency...

By the lady's expression, I think we can remain hopeful.

Let us wait with patience.

We must make a decision soon.

Things will only get worse with time.

I am truly frustrated...

Shouldn't we report this to General Sudal?

We belong to Bekjae after all.

Are you certain?

Are you sure there will not be regrets?

well...

Yes, we live in bekjae, but look at our king.

He was originally a warrior of Shilla.

But Lord Oh,

We weren't born of divided lands.

This war between the three states is a process of unification.

We are allegiant to Bekjae, but our loyalty is being

questioned right now.

We are being rebuked for unpaid taxes, and have been incapable

of fulfilling the duties the court has obligated us.

What would happen if we turned them in?

The court will uncover my illegal trading activities,

which I was forced to do to pay my taxes, and they may

even suspect me of conspiracy.

And I doubt you will be able to evade responsibility either.

Are you suggesting we give them Geumsung?

That will turn this city into a sea of fire!

The infiltrators were sent here by a man named Wang guhn.

He is the son of Song-ak's merchant baron Wang Ryung.

And a descendent of General Jang Bogo, like us!

The presented a symbol of proof! The proof that he is our brother!

Have our ancestors ever lived a harnessed life?

We are seafarers who have always lived freely!

What does our future hold if we hold hands with them?

We will need their promise.

And them?

If a covenant is reached, must we not risk our lives?

Risk our lives...

You must be quite hungry. Please eat.

Your father has confined us here. Won't your hospitality anger him?

I oversee the matters of this household. Do eat.

You are a woman of impresive grit, my lady.

Why do you say so?

We've come here with a life-threatening mission.

But you regard us with incredible aplomb.

Thank you.

I anticipate good results for you, as we don't have

very many options. But of course you already know that.

I shall help as well. My father has already started to sway upon

seeing the dagger you have brought him.

Without it, you would all be at General Sudal's camp by now.

The food is getting cold. Do eat.

Your General wang must be a man of incredible insight.

He was right on about our conditions.

Yes, that is indeed my cousin.

How clever to seek aid from Oakryong temple.

Is it true that General Wang is a disciple of Master Dosun?

Yes, my lady.

It is quite extraordinary and fascinating.

Using the name of a long deceased master to acquire

a city in enemy territory... It is quite ingenious.

Don't you agree? General wang is extraordinary.

I am fascinated.

I have not yet seen the letter you brought my father.

Do you have the means to acquire and preserve our city if we

agreed to help?

We wouldn't be here otherwise.

Yes, of course.

It is quite obvious.

The project is taking more time and expense than anticipated.

Building large vessels is not an easy task.

Yes, Sire

Waht is the progress on the military training?

We are extensively training experienced seafarers in a

secret compound. I have incorporated my army as well.

Good.

Commanders Yu, Neungsan, and Sulhee are directing

the training.

They are trustworthy men.

It will be the largest naval force in history.

My deespest concern is that there are detectable concentration of

men here and at the military training grounds in Song-ak.

Our efforts willcome to naught if this mission is exposed.

Don't be concerned. other than a few top carpenters, most men

here believe they are building merchant ships.

Bekjae's informers could be among them.

We must intensify security even more.

Do not worry.

Imagine lining up all those vessels at sea.

It will be quite a magnificent sight.

I am anxious for that day to come.

It will be an historical event. Don't you agree?

I can't believe you are doing all these menial chores.

After the way I raised you...

It's all right, Mother.

His Majesty spoke of marriage between you and General wang.

I wish your father would push forward...

Why does he insist on frustrating me like this?

General Wang Is indeed a man of flawlessness in my observation

as well. I see why your father is so enchanted by him.

I guess you are bound to become his wife now...

I have been prepared.

Prepared, you say?

A virgin maiden is serving a young bachelor.

I thought my fate decided when General wang first came here.

Yes... If that is your resolution, you must be

prepared to face any adversity or outcome.

Yes, Mother.

Let me congratulate you on the twin princes' hundredth day.

Thank you, Mother and Father.

Many family members have sent gifts.

My! Their growth is noticeable from day to day!

Raising them has made me realize your labors in raising me.

Please forgive me for all displeasure I've caused you.

No. There were no displeasure

I truly understand what love is now.

I wonder if His Majesty is aware that today is the 100th day...

Of course he does! How could he not?

He is unconcerned in matters of this sort.

Do not worry. All his subjects are aware of today.

Besides, he has changed in the way he treats you.

I am sure he will visit soon.

Yes...

Yes, of course! More importantly...

Yes, Father.

We have adopted a son.

There need be an heir to carry on our family name.

You have gained a younger brother.

So I have heard. Was this really necessary, Father?

Pardon...?

Your daughter has become an empress.

You and Mother are grandparents of the crown princes.

You possess second highest honor of this kingdom!

Be content. You do not know His Majesty.

He will not ne pleased with this.

But it is to carry on our family name.

I can not suppress this from His Majesty.

I've been advised of your trip to Jungju, Your Majesty.

Yes. I was very pleased. Countless ships are being

built, and they will soon set sail to Bekjae.

It was a tremendous projest beyond imagination of an

ordinary mind. General Wang is an extraordinary man.

But I fear it was too exposed to the public.

Secrecy can not be maintened for project of such scale.

This mission should be swiftly executed at an opportune moment.

I agree. They were making good progress.

We shall see results withion a matter of few months.

Did Scholar Ahjitae accompany you on this trip, Your Majesty?

Yes.

It was at His Majesty's special request.

We were able to engaged in many productive conversations.

General Wang was a young man of intelligence and ambition.

It was encouraring to know that such man is protecting

this kingdom.

Advisor, general Wang spoke of secret script of Dosun.

Secret Script of Dosun!

I expected a sensitive reaction from you, Advisor.

What happened? What was his remark about it?

General Eunbu may advise him of what you heard.

His men haven taken the script to Oakryong Temple in Mt Bekgae.

With that, they are to negotiate aid from nobles of Geumsung.

That script foretells the future of General Wang and Song-ak.

We must appropriate that script an analyse its contents.

This is your problem, Advisor.

We've been advised of its contents.

It is merely a survival guide, and I've ordered it burned

upon its return.

Your Majesty, I must examine that script and know its contents.

It is a legendary book that we've only heard of.

And General Wang had it in his possession. I must examine it.

It is to be burned at His Majest's order.

Advisor, learned scholars do not give weight to prophecies.

Why can't you ignore it?

What?

Forgive me for saying this, but this is the only flaw in you

otherwise flawless character. your excessive emphasis on idle

rumors has caused you to make a mistake agains this kingdom.

A mistake?

The Wang clan established Song-ak

An emperor is the ruler of the entire empire.

It was a mistake to steer His Majesty to this small land.

Silence!

Ahjitae, His Majesty is in your presence!

How dare you speak with such imprudence!

Your Majesty, this man is a frivolous trumpeter who knows

not the depth of truth. Do not be seduced by his tongue.

Song-ak is more than adequate as an imperial city.

Chulwon is absurd!

Advisor, why does a man of your composure lose his poise

in front of Ahjitae every time? We can not talk this way.

Let us continue this another day.

Your Majesty, do not listen to this man.

He will bring great injury to this country.

Advisor, you are too harsh.

I've come to the imperial city to live and die for His Majesty.

Look kindly upon me.

Silence!

That is enough.

Let us refer the matter of capital relocation to

opinion of the council.

I must go to the emperor's chamber now.

There is a discussion in progress over the matter of capital

relocation in His Majesty's chamber at this moment.

As discussed previously, we need to come to an agreement among

ourselves about this matter and voice our opnion to His Majesty.

This is a matter of utmost importance that requires

much deliberation.

Yes. I don't believe this reform requires such drastic

measures as relocation of the capital.

But after much deliberation, I've come to the conclusion

that it may be a sensible decision.

Sensible? How so, General Hwang?

His Majesty arose to power and created this kingdom.

Under his leadership we've won every battle we ever fought,

and became his royal subjects with important obligations.

I will obey his every command.

I concur with General Hwan.

But this will exhaust our citizens!

It'll be ore laborious than subduing ten castles!

That is correct. It is a daunting task indeed.

But General Hwan has a point.

How can we challe,ge our master's decision?

It seems our opinions are divided. What must we do?

Let us approach this matter with patience.

It seems we must. The council must come to an agreement so

we may testify our opinion.

How time flies. One hundred days have passed already.

Empress, you are raising the princes healthily.

It is the good work of the nannies, Your Majesty.

I'm sure the escorts and nannies are working very hard.

Your grace is immeasurable, Your Majesty.

Let us have a seat.

Yes, Your Majesty.

Let us have a seat.

Our babes look very healthy and strong.

Hiow can they not be when they have your spirit and

energy, Your Majesty?

They seem to delight you more than anyone, Father-in-law.

Naturally.

And Your Majesty, I have gained a son of my own.

I've failed to father a son. Morrows deeply concerned me,

so I've chosen a young man from our clan.

I will present him to you in a near future, Your Majesty.

Adopted a son...?

Yes. A male heir is required to preserve the family name.

Soon, I will bring...

That won't be necessary.

Pardon?

This matter does not concern me.

It isn't my affair, but what compelled you to adopt a son?

It seems you are still covetous of many things.

I, I was concerned about the crown princes' future and

the generation after...

Why should that concern you, Father-in-law?

I'm merely...

The princes are only 100 days old.

Concerned about the generation after, you say?

How much more hon or and glory do you covet?

No, Your Majesty...

Practice moderation. Learn to be satisfied with what you have.

One who does not know his limit brings suffering to himself.

Isn't that right, Empress?

If I gain a brother-in-law, I have to look after him.

He will abuse his position as the empress's brother, and the royal

court will have an undesired force of influence to deal with.

That will cause many to be wary of you. Do you understand?

Yes, Your Majesty. I thought too lightly of the matter...

Good. I wish the empress had explained to you about this.

I do not wish to pass on this kingdom to just anyone.

An emperor must possess what it takes to be a ruler.

We received reports about your men in Geumsung.

Things aren't goind as smoothly as we hoped.

What's the word?

According to y merchant associates in Geumsung Port,

Is it bad new?

I'm told your men are held in confinement i Lord Oh's manor.

Doesn't that mean something has gone wrong?

Don't be discouraged.

Geumsung is 3 days away, and I received this word just now.

I'm sure situation has changed by now.

That dagger was to arouse the deep brotherhood that seafarers possess.

And Lord Oh of Geumsung is a man who knows the sea.

But he is also the central figure of Mokpo with power

and influence over entire Geumsung.

Will he turn against his government that easily?

The arrow has alreade been fired. We have no choice but to await.

All else is going very well.

Two days have passed.

How much longer do they intend to keep us here?

Let us be patient.

Lord Oh's daughter has given us encouraging words.

Let us have faith.

It frustrates me to just sit here with such pressinbg matter at hand.

Let us give them time. It can't be an easy decision.

This is a matter of life and death for them after all.

That is true....

Let us have faith.

Lord Oh's daughter Lady Doyoung is quite a woman of confidence.

Let us put our trust in her.

What do I do? Days have already passed.

And Governor Jonglae is still unable to give me an answer.

What do I do?

I'm at the end of my rope...

Father,

Yes. Come in.

What matter has you lost in thought, Father?

It's nothing. You must've been to the saltern.

Yes, Father. And I surveyed the surroundings.

For what?

Koryo's operatives have been in our house for three days.

We will be in trouble if the authorities got wind of it.

Yes, but only Governor Jonglae and myself know of this.

We have no time to hesitate, Father.

Government informers are everywhere.

Make a swift decision.

I wish I could, but...

Make your decision.

Join hands with them, or...

Or?

Turn those men in and have them beheaded.

Beheaded?

But what good will that do us?

Then decided. Do not wait for Governor Jonglae.

...And?

I have visited with the men from Song-ak.

Go on.

They were men who truly understood you.

Was not your long struggle due to King Kyun-hwon's

refusal to understand you?

Well, that's...

Help them, Father.

They came to you in the name of brotherhood. Accept it.

And?

They are men of the sea like us.

They will return your glory to you.

If only King Kyun-hwon knew the sea... things would not

have come to this....

Welcome back, Your Majesty. Was everything pleasant?

Yes, it was a delightful hunting trip.

I am quite tired. But I shall go to the Royal audience chamber.

Let us go.

Attendant, what troubles him?

Well...

Speak up.

Father was displeased with our hunting. We were chastised.

Why are you so incompetent? Is it so hard to win his affection?

I don't know, Mother. We lose our nerve in Father's presence....

There is nothing we can do...

How can you expect to succeed his throne with such meekness?

Toughen up.

This is all because of Kobe... All because of her...

Has all fared well at the court in my short absence?

Yes, Your Majesty.

Soldiers are assiduous in their training all across the kingdom.

Battle preparations are nearly complete.

Good.

How are all else?

Koryo seems quite disordered lately.

According to reports, friction over the capital relocation is

disturbing Koryo's court.

Is that right?

I hope the strife continues while we conquer Shilla.

We are nearly reafy. Now we must choose the time.

Let us carefully select the most favorable day.

And our entire force will attack at once.

Yes, Your Majesty.

We must show our supreme power to the world this time.

Yes, we must.

Sudal will be quite wearied. He should be at the front with us.

No. He must remain and guard the southwestern coast.

I will heed your advice, but that fellow isn't one

to enjoy being idle.

It's been too long since we saw last.

I've been extremely busy directing the military training.

So I'm told, General....

Extensive military training has been in place for several

months now all across the country.

So I'm told, General...

But I've been ordered to stay behind to defend the

southwestern coast.

Oh, I see...

Governor, are you unwell?

No, no. I am fine.

Which brings me to this. I am His Majesty's sworn brother.

Yes, I know. I was there that day.

Oh, that's right. It was an unforgettable day indeed.

His Majesty is about to embark on a great crusade to conquer

Shilla once and for all. And the people of southwestern

coast, should do our part to contribute for the cause.

But General,

I know, I know.

It isn't easy.

But you must gain control over the nobles.

Isn't that your duty, Governor?

Our region has tremendous natural asset called salt!

Give Lord Oh more pressure.

I'm sure he still has plentiful wealth reserved.

General, how much more pressure can I put on him?

He is very much exhaused.

I'm telling you. There is more!

There are only three of these daggers in the world.

Us seafaring men are fond of symbols of friendship.

It is a lasting symbol of trust and allegiance.

Brothers of our ancestors are asking us to the brothers again

after over a hundred years.

Have you come to a decision, Father?

What choice do I have?

Governnor Jonglae will follow once I show my resolution.

It is time. I shall allow myself to be fooled once more.

Why do you say you are being fooled?

From now on, we must not let ourselves be taken advantage of.

But how? With what?

Make them give you want you want.

Give King Goongyae Geumsung and get a fair compensation.

Compensation?

Yes. I will perform that work for you, Father.

You?

Yes, Father?

Go now, and let them know your resolution.

Resolution?

Resolution...

Yes, let's go.

Pardon?

Did you say you would join hands with us?

Yes. I've decided to trust the meaning of the dagger

you brought to us.

Is this a firm decision?

Yes. My father has decided make Geumsung a part of Koryo.

We are indebted, Sire.

Thank you for making such a difficult decision.

Thank you, Sire.

Governor Jonglae!

Yes. I am coming from a meeting with General Sudal.

You were right, Lord Oh.

No amount of explainting or begging can make them

understand our plight. Let us go our way.

Thank you, Governor! Thank you!

Shall I serve some wine and snack, Father?

Yes, of course. Prepare a grand feast for us!

Come, come. Let us sit down and discuss our task.

I am fascinated with General Wang for devising such a

unthinkable project.

He may have known from the start that we'd reach this decision.

Yes, perhaps...

I shall pay General Wang a visit.

What?

This is just the beginning.

We've decided our course, but we are yet to make a deal.

True...

Keep these gentlemen hostage a few more days.

But my lady!

All must be done with clarity and completeness.

It is a matter of turning a city over to the enemy.

I will meet the general.

Only then will this alliance be confirmed.

Don't you agree, Father?