Original subtitles

I must.

I have to.

Grant my request, Miss.

I can do it.

I know I can win.

You won't be sorry.

Please, Miss.

Miss!

Please, Miss.

I already said no.

You aren't going back in the arena.

You've more than fulfilled my expectations.

It's over.

I'm begging you.

You're a strange one.

Everyone says you can't do it. Why are you so stubborn?

Is it hubris?

Is that it?

I won't embarrass myself.

I'll survive and do you proud.

Listen to you.

You would die for me?

Not die. I'll live, I'll win.

Well, then…

I won't hear of it.

As praiseworthy as that is.

All right. I'll find you a good position.

Fair enough?

Leave a man his pride!

What?

How dare you?

How can I make you understand?

I'm a man, not a slave. I want to be seen as such.

Can't you see that?

What?

Kim Jun.

You are a funny one.

You want to be seen as a man?

Yes.

Will you help me?

Right. You said something like that when you volunteered.

About living like a man.

Yes.

Well, I've never really noticed a slave's gender before.

Men, women, they're all just slaves. Filthy and disgusting.

Trash.

Smelly, dirty, vulgar.

Nothing more.

But it appears I have a curious possession.

All right, if that's what you want…

I'll grant your wish.

- Miss. - Miss.

It's interesting, meeting someone like you.

Yes. What you say makes sense.

If you must die, it's not a bad way to go.

Thank you.

Thank you, Miss.

Oh, it may be too early to thank me.

You may sing a different tune in the morning.

I guess we'll see.

Come along.

Miss.

Kim Jun.

This is bad.

This is really bad.

Look at yourself.

You want to die in the arena trying to win over the lady's heart?

Are you insane?

Help me…

This guy…

Will he really enter the arena?

The idea is absurd.

He can barely walk.

It's sad, but to a man… his pride is his life.

Not just men.

Women are just as capable of throwing away their lives.

People live for pride.

Kim Jun is a fine man. I have to let him fight.

You heard him beg?

For me. For my pride.

Who is the captain of the Red Team?

General Song Kilyu.

Tell him I want a word.

I want tomorrow's roster.

Yes, Miss.

If he must fight, he should be at his best.

Kim Jun is in terrible shape.

He's nothing but scars at this point.

Yunsim.

Miss.

He's in no condition to fight.

As if that quack could heal him?

Have the Head Lady send her people.

Have the Royal Physician send his best man.

Tell them it's my father's orders.

You mean the Overlord's doctors?

No. He's too close to Uncle Hyang.

How can we trust him?

Send someone else.

Yes, Miss.

Explain Kim Jun's condition so he can bring medicine with him.

Yes, Miss.

Ah, he'll need that, too.

His mallet is heavy and unwieldy.

It has to be light and sturdy.

What are you asking me?

Your mistress wants to see the general about Kim Jun?

Yes, Lieutenant-General.

So your mistress saw Kim Jun and now she wants the general?

The Lady had him feted, as well.

It's to do with that.

It's pretty obvious what this is about.

Shall we go?

- Come with me. - Sir.

- Yangbak, go see Kim Jun. - Yes, sir.

What are you saying?

Songi sent for the royal physician?

It's absurd.

Apparently it's quite urgent.

And since I was in the area…

Whatever for?

For some slave, I understand.

Wh-what?

She sent for a member of the royal staff for a slave?

It makes no sense.

She saved the slave's life, I understand.

It's only natural that she's concerned.

All the same… What would people say?

Oh, dear.

Everyone knows how she can be.

Just as they know she's unmarried.

Oh, dear…

Miss, General Song Kilyu.

Oh, good.

How may I be of service?

Didn't Chunsim tell you? It's about Kim Jun.

Put him on tomorrow's roster.

I saw him. He's hurt, it's true.

But he'll come through the fire and fight that much harder.

Many people come to the tournament.

We have plenty of men to send to their deaths.

Surely a man that defeated the enemy to the last man is worthy?

What do you think?

Why do you smile?

It warms my heart to see you so impressed with our man.

I saved him once, as you know.

I know it's difficult, but I don't intend for him to die.

Grant my request.

It's not up to me, Miss.

General Song, I think he can do it.

You know what he said? Leave me my pride.

Let him fight.

Or must I ask my father?

Now, now, Miss, it's just…

And another thing.

Yes.

Bring me my father's mallet.

I'm not sure I understand.

I'm told my grandfather gave his mallet to my father.

My father's, like the royal's, is far lighter than other mallets.

And it protects the hands.

Surely Kim Jun will need it?

Miss, how can we give your father's mallet to a slave..?

The Red and the Blue fight for our houses, ours and my uncle's.

It's a question of my father's face.

Please, General.

If you draw a sword, shouldn't you use it?

Are you willing to bow to my uncle's house?

Well? Shouldn't you be going?

Ah, yes… Yes, Miss.

This guy, this Kim Jun.

Why don't I hand him my rice bowl, too?

I noticed you didn't say much.

You're right. Who would dare to one of the Choe House ladies?

Fine, you wanted me to use him, too, so if he dies, it's in fate's hands.

Shouldn't you go get the mallet?

How can I?

If anyone should get it, it should be a general.

True.

Though what I'll say, I have no idea.

The truth, sir.

As she said, it's not for a slave, it's so the Red doesn't lose face.

It's no good, no good.

It's to the bone. How can he ride a polo horse?

It's nearly impossible. In this condition…

The decision has been made.

Just make sure he can ride.

No more, no less. Just keep the pain down.

He's got to fight.

Energy is one thing, awareness another.

I prepared some stimulants.

They should revive and steady him.

Some tonight and more in the morning.

They're quite potent.

This acupuncture treatment will make it so he can move.

And the Miss sent some rare medicine.

Take it before you leave for the arena.

Follow instructions and you may make it.

If not, well…

You're in fate's hands.

My mallet?

Yes, sir.

For what?

The last man standing in the Red's victory. The slave, sir.

The slave?

Wasn't he critically wounded?

He insists on fighting to the death.

He's not so critical that a lightweight mallet won't help.

It's a question of the Red's face.

True. It's not about my mallet, it's about face.

Quite right.

But to think of my mallet? That's Song Kilyu.

I'm glad to see you so committed. That's Kilyu, all right.

You honor me.

All right. We'll do it.

The arena is war.

A commander needs the best materiel.

Quite right. Take it.

Thank you, sir.

The doctor treated him. General Song got my father's mallet.

Now it's up to Kim Jun.

How is he?

The doctor has treated him.

Acupuncture so he can fight tomorrow.

And I have the special medicine you ordered.

It has to simmer overnight.

Overnight?

Yes, Miss. It's a rare mountain ginseng, prepared by a secret royal process.

The medicine is quite precious.

Oh? I'm pleased to hear it.

I've done all I can do.

The rest is up to Kim Jun and to fate.

I hope he does well.

Kim Jun.

For someone I never noticed to push his way into my thoughts…

Life is funny that way.

For a slave…

You and Songi?

So he said.

He spoke of a marriage with you and Songi? The Overlord himself?

I was mortified.

What should I do?

Do? What do you think? Decline.

You know what Songi's like. She wants her share and then some.

I know.

I dread being that close to the seat of power.

Good thinking.

We caught the Overlord's eye thanks to our father.

He's got us running here and there.

But we can't get too close to real power.

Look at Choe Hyang and our own Lord Choe U.

They're brothers.

But it's a matter of time before one or the other draws his sword.

They're on a knife's edge.

I know.

So what should I do?

The Overlord has already spoken to Choe U.

Don't do it.

Think what will happen if you marry her.

Someday your name may come up as heir to the Overlord's dynasty.

If Choe U stays in power, I mean.

If either of them is left standing.

But you're gentle by nature.

You're not the conspiring, bloodthirsty type.

It could destroy you and our entire clan.

Decline.

Who can refuse the Overlord?

This is awful.

Really awful.

Abbot…

Abbot.

Abbot…

Wola, Wola… Wola, Wola…

Devotion begins with purifying the heart.

An impure heart cannot see the Buddha.

Bow again and again. Don't eat, don't sleep. Pray in earnest.

Faith demands much, all that you are.

Strip yourself bare. Think only of bowing.

Until your attachment to “self” is gone and only your purpose remains.

Only then will your purity of purpose remove all pain.

You will be beyond life or death.

You had a nightmare.

You're too hot. You're burning up.

Gapi.

Hm?

At the temple…

the Abbot had me bow over and over…

to clear away my old self.

Your what?

The grime of the heart.

In Buddhism, you must purify your heart.

But I kept thinking of the world.

So I started bowing.

I didn't eat or sleep for 20 days.

And you lived?

Of course.

I wanted to die.

I thought, I'll purify my soul or die trying.

I was scared at first.

After three days, I thought…

This is death. I wasn't myself.

Then, one day, everything was gone.

Even my thoughts.

And on the twentieth day…

I was surrounded by light.

That's when Buddha came to me.

Or so I thought.

But it wasn't him.

I kept my promise and my joy appeared…

in the form of Buddha.

The joy of being… beyond life or death.

It… It was wonderful.

Tomorrow will be the same.

We…

We'll do well.

We'll…

...do well.

- Everyone up? - Sir.

All right?

Yes, sir.

The doctor that tended you last night was one of the royal physicians.

He gave you rare medicine.

And he's famous for his acupuncture.

You'll be riding my horse.

He's quick and smart.

Thank you.

We have different mallet for you, too.

Light and sturdy.

It will ease your burden.

Front and center.

Breakfast is ready. Let's eat.

Sir.

Eat your fill.

And take the doctor's medicine when you leave.

Dispatch from the front.

Open the gate.

Credentials.

Open the gate.

Take your time, enjoy.

Don't rush, take your time.

Slowly, slowly.

Tasty, huh?

Now, now, enjoy.

Our best meat broth.

- More rice. - Yes, yes.

Today, as much as you like.

We have orders to take care of our boys in Red.

More over here.

Yunsim?

Hello, Nanjang.

What's this?

Kim Jun.

- Wassat? - Dunno.

- A tonic. - Tonic?

- Mountain ginseng. - Ginseng?

- Take it. Go on. - Valuable. Very nice.

Easy, easy…

My mistress's orders. For your health.

Tell her I'm fine. Perfect health.

Liar. Drink it.

I've got to tell her I saw for myself.

Go on.

- Drink it. - Drink it.

Go on.

There, now I can tell her.

Here.

- Off you go. - All right.

No once in all my years have I seen mountain ginseng.

You're a lucky slave, drinking the whole thing.

That medicine? The Miss had it simmering all night.

Special mountain ginseng medicine and all.

Who's the slave and who's the master?

- Slower! - A little more here.

Oh, you just get prettier and prettier.

Where's Yunsim?

She was up all night with the ginseng.

Now she's taking the medicine to Kim Jun.

It's precious stuff, so she has to go slow and easy.

True.

Kim Jun needs his strength…

Miss, I'm back.

How was he?

He said he's fine, but I'm not so sure.

He still looked half-awake to me.

Oh? Not even a little better?

I don't know… but he said to say he's in perfect health.

There's nothing for it. What's done is done. The tournament is today.

And my father's mallet?

Yes, Miss, Yi Kongju took it.

Is he?

Whose horse is this?

Sir, Commander Choe is lending it to Kim Jun.

That so? Very nice. And welcome.

- Uga. - Lieutenant.

Give him this mallet. Be very careful with it.

Yes, sir.

A dispatch. For Choe U, sir.

What is it?

News from the front. Urgent.

- Follow me. - Sir.

It can't be…

The Mongols crossed the border leading 30,000 men.

So it says.

This is serious. Marching on a country without a formal declaration?

They may have a reason, but it's still an affront.

They say it's to help crush the Khitan.

But they didn't ask and now they want our help.

The Mongols are a threat to the Jin Dynasty.

And we have no formal ties…

It doesn't bode well for the future.

“10,000 Mongols crossed the Yalu and struck from the north.”

“20,000 Jurchen marched on Hwaju.”

They're changing the landscape of the continent.

Mongols… Mongols…

It's like inviting a tiger to rid yourself of kittens.

Very serious indeed.

Finally the armies of Genghis Khan swept into Koryo.

Winter, 1218, the fifth year of Kojong's reign.

They said they sent 30,000 troops to help rid Koryo of the Khitan.

But by this time the Khitan were exhausted and split by in-fighting.

No assistance was needed. Of course, the Mongols had their own agenda.

At the time they were engaged in a full-scale war with the Jin.

They coveted Koryo's position on Jin's southeastern border.

Hear me! I am Marshal Sartai of the Mongols.

Our Emperor knows the Khitan have spent 3 years...

trying to steal your country.

He has sent Marshal Hapjin and I to help.

I am Koryo Field Marshal Cho Jung.

We appreciate the thought,

but how dare you cross our border without permission?

You would condemn us for trying to help?

Countries must be patient and understanding.

Helping us or not, this is an affront.

Pathetic. Don't you know how things are on the continent?

Your precious Jin Dynasty is on the verge of bowing to our Glorious Emperor.

Does Koryo dare refuse us?

All right. I'll pass your message to the court.

You'll have their answer soon.

We don't ask much.

It's a long march and we need provisions.

And after we subjugate the Khitan, we pledge to be an elder brother to Koryo.

Give your king that message.

Oh, I will.

Their demands aren't unreasonable.

If they're here to help us, we should certainly help them.

If they subjugate the Khitan,

it will be difficult to avoid an Elder-Younger relationship.

He's right.

The Mongols rule the continent.

The Jin can't hold out for long.

It does us no good to tweak their noses.

What kind of man is this Genghis Khan?

We don't have much intelligence on him yet.

We know he came from the desert, united the nomadic tribes…

and razed the surrounding countries.

From the desert tribes?

Exactly.

They learn to ride from the day they can walk.

The nomadic life leads to bloodshed.

They are a fierce and ferocious people.

I've got to inform my father.

And today's tournament?

It will proceed as scheduled. Just a little late.

I'll report to Anheungni.

Yes, sir.

Why we ladies go to the arena I'm sure I don't know.

It reeks of blood.

But it's important to the Guard Corps.

I still don't like it.

- My robe. - Yes, Your Grace.

Aren't you a bit close to that slave?

Calling the doctor and all?

And your father's mallet?

I fear others might think you're indiscreet.

I'm doing it for Father.

It gives him a handy excuse if the Red loses.

Let's go.

Manjong!

Come on. We're late for our lesson.

Just a second.

Who cares if we're late?

Look at that Wola.

That's her name, Wola. I found out.

I swear, not another one-mmph-mmph?

Here we go.

You.

Hey, there. Wola, right?

I've been watching you since you started.

And you are..?

Me?

Manjong, that's me. Man-jong.

Remember that.

You caught my eye, sweetstuff.

You're the tastiest thing the Guard Corps has ever seen.

Wola, what are you doing?

There's no time. Go on, scoot. Shoo.

Yes, Kannan.

- See you soon. I'll write a note. - Let's go already.

Good morning, Your Grace.

What are you doing here?

Yes, ma'am, we're heading to Heungwang Temple for our lessons.

If you'll excuse us.

Something on your mind?

That girl.

The one Manjong was pestering.

Ah, her?

A slave from Chungnyong Temple.

Wola by name.

She arrived with Kim Jun.

- Chungnyong? - Yes.

Reared by Monk Subop, a disciple of the Head Abbot.

I see. Now I see.

I thought I had seen her somewhere, it preyed on my mind.

Wola, you say?

So that's her name. Wola…

You know her, Your Grace?

Oh, yes. It's like a face from 10 years ago.

It's all so sad.

How do you know her?

Her mother and I were very close.

Like sisters.

Mother?

Bring her to my rooms tonight after the tournament.

Yes, Your Grace.

Does that mean she's of noble birth?

Yes. An unwanted child, a victim of the times.

The Mongols?

I knew this day would come.

In their war with the Jin, they were bound to turn toward Koryo.

Scary people, the Mongols.

In just seven, eight years, the Jin have been ravaged by the Mongols.

So much so that the Jin had to relocate its capital.

The Mongol coming is an attempt to cut our ties with the Jin.

We're on the Jin border.

The Mongols hope to use us to squeeze the life out of them.

So it would seem.

If we acquiesce now, it will just be...

the beginning of their interference and demands.

Why not?

When their interference gets intolerable…

We'll have to strike back.

For now, we should grant their request.

Yes, Father.

The Guard Corps have a hard road ahead.

We have to stand against the storm.

The harder it gets, the harder we fight for the Emperor.

And our people.

That's the Guard Corps' duty.

Yes, Father.

The Guard Corps has long been ruling Koryo on behalf of the Emperor.

The Guards protect Koryo.

The palace and the Royal House are symbols.

It's up to the Guard Corps to protect the royal dignity and all that goes with it.

Do you understand?

Yes, Father.

Mongols.

I've been collecting intelligence about them for some time now.

- Dokmyong. - Overlord.

There's a scroll with a blue band in my records.

- Fetch it. - Overlord.

Take it with you. Study it.

Yes, Father.

I'm not long for this world.

Each day is different.

The medicine they give me is losing it's effect.

Not even the doctors…

...can stop death.

Father…

Off with you.

The tournament awaits.

Go.

Yes, Father.

Jinpyo? Don't you have a lesson?

Lord Choe's sons didn't come to class.

They'll be at the arena today.

They're not attentive in the best of times.

It's a shame.

Bastard sons or not, Choe U is committed to their education.

Oh, well, you can't force more in a bowl than it will take.

Let's get on with printing and engraving the Tripitaka.

Yes, Head Abbot.

“The Perfection of Transcendental Wisdom.”

The first scripture to be recorded in the Tripitaka.

A total of 600 volumes.

Look.

The carving, the dye, the paper, all excellent.

Very good, sir.

Each page holds 25 lines.

And this one.

“The Flower Adornment Sutra.”

Sakyamuni's noblest teachings soon after he attained Buddhahood.

You're late. Has something happened?

Oh, yes.

Mongols have crossed the border.

The Mongols?

That's quite serious.

I've taken appropriate steps.

We'll call a council after the tournament.

Mangy Mongols…

First, we should get on with the tournament.

Please do.

In your own good time.

The Head of the Royal Secretariat will proctor the tournament for the Overlord.

All rise!

Today we continue yesterday's tournament.

As I said before, these games are a symbol of the soul of Koryo's warriors.

Fight with honor and earn your reward.

Today's victors and those that survive…

will play the final match tomorrow before the Emperor.

To the last men standing will be granted one request.

Per our custom.

Any wish in accordance with Koryo law.

Fight bravely, fight for glory!

Let the games begin.

Yes, sir.

Let the games begin.

Let the games begin.

Red and Blue, come forth.

The drums! Mount up!

Mount up!

Sir!

Forget your own life.

Think only of killing your opponent.

Come back alive.

Sir!

Kim Jun, this is better than you deserve.

Earn it.

- Move out! - Move out!

To the death!

You face slaves, trash. It shouldn't take long.

And you. That scum is back. Make up for yesterday.

Yes, sir. Yesterday was a mistake.

Today he dies.

That's right. Move out!

- Move out! - Move out!

We should be out there.

I want a crack at that Kim Jun.

I know.

But if he survives, we'll get our chance.

Whichever side, by whatever means, lands the ball in the goal,

...ends the match.

Those are the only rules.

Stay 20 paces from the ball.

Positions!

- Positions! - Positions!

Everything just so. Move it, go on, move along…

Move out!

Formation!

What are you doing? Attack!

Back up! Formation!

This way!

That's it!

You're kimchi, boy!

This is for yesterday! And this!

Last man standing? Today you die!

Two on one! Despicable!

How much can one man take?

Today you die!

You put a lot of faith in that runaway.

Did I say that?

I heard you lent him your mallet.

I see news travels fast.

You already know what happened in my house last night.

Let's just say I'm a polo fan.

That must be it.

After all…

Training thieves and convicts in secret.

A true fan.

I'm glad you see it that way.

But it doesn't look to be the Red's day.

It's not over till it's over.

However it looks now.

- Musang! - Loser! And he was so good yesterday!

Not anymore.

Kim Jun!

Kim Jun!

He… That's…

That…

He just won't stop.