Original subtitles

Where is Wola exactly? Why isn't she here yet?

I'll ask you again. Wola really said she's not coming?

She won't come to live in Heungwang Temple with me?

Why would I lie, Abbot?

Oh, no, how could that be?

You all know why Musang fought so hard.

For Wola.

Wola, explain this to me.

Is he right? You want to stay here?

Is it true? Is it?

Why? What for?

I won't go without him.

I can't, Abbot.

Without Musang?

Yes, Abbot. How could I leave him here?

If we're all at Heungwang, who will look after him?

But listen…

Things have changed now.

He's Kim Jun now, his place is here.

Your place is in the temple, like it used to be.

The past is gone forever.

What?

That's what Musang said.

What's past is past. I agree with him.

Abbot, I'm sorry.

I won't leave Musang here alone. I'm staying with him.

He has no one else to look after him.

Yes, I see now.

You won't go out of concern for him.

He wanted you to, out of concern for you.

Yes, as much as I hate to say it…

You two can face the world together now.

I suppose it's time.

But Wola, can you stand it?

A slave is lower than a beast.

If you have a child, it will be a slave as well.

An endless, unbroken chain. Here in Koryo…

A monk shaves his head and lives in the mountain to cut all ties with family.

It's the only way to find a new life.

That's why Musang was given his vestments.

But Karma plays its role.

Yes, Wola…

Now you have to find your own way.

Look after Musang.

Buddha is with you, always and forever.

Remember that, all right, Wola?

The world is more complex than you think.

Evil is everywhere.

Keep Buddha with you.

Abbot…

After Spring, Summer. After Autumn, Winter.

Youth is a Spring breeze, spent in dreams.

Meetings and partings are as foam on the sea.

So it is, so it must be. We rear our children to leave us.

Nice to meet you. I'm Jinpyo, disciple to the Head Abbot.

And tutor to the young lords.

I see.

Kim Jun.

I was told you were coming.

The study hall is in there.

The guards can rest just over there.

If you'll excuse me.

Pardon me.

I understand the temple houses a library?

Oh, you can read?

Yes, a little.

Of course, of course, just this way.

The archives are just beyond the inner gate.

By the Head Abbot's quarters.

Thank you.

It's easy to get lost here.

So it is. There are nearly 1,000 monks here.

Ah. Thank you.

Commander.

Yes, Gapi?

It's an honor to serve under you.

Now, now, we're old comrades.

Oh, no, you're older than me, to start with.

And more, I know the better man when I see him.

Your servant, sir.

This is awkward. What are you doing?

Knock it off.

No can do, Commander. Your loyal servant, sir.

Young lords, today we will be discussing the five Confucian classics.

The Books of Changes, History, Poetry, Spring, Autumn Annuals and Rites.

The Book of Changes, I Ching, deals with the balance of the Yang and Yin.

The Book of Poetry and History records old songs and ancient documents.

The Spring and Autumn Annals are the history of the state of Lu.

The Book of Rites is a comprehensive study of ceremonies that affect your--

Wola, Wola!

Ah, the Diamond Sutra.

Oh? The Perfection of Wisdom.

I know them all.

Is this..?

The Reign of Zhenguan?

Tang Dynasty history. Abbot Subop told me about this.

Father, you look exhausted.

Are you all right?

Yes, but we can still talk.

Now what was that again?

Who's coming?

Abbot Hyesim is coming.

Hyesim? You're lucky to see him once in a lifetime.

He's coming here?

Yes, Father. It must be important.

He may wish to call on you.

Oh? A living Buddha. This chance won't come again.

He was your brother's tutor.

I know.

Are you sure you're all right?

Perhaps some rest.

Up at the temple…

the monks sit and wait for Nirvana.

But what kind of death is that…

for a warrior?

All the same, I can tell…

the time has come.

You should send for Choe U immediately.

No, he's running the country, why bother?

You're gravely ill. He should be here.

I'll send for him.

No, no, I said no.

More importantly, when does Hyesim arrive?

Will I see him before I die?

He'll be here soon. I'm sure you will.

Good, good. I'd like to see a living Buddha.

Hyesim, born Choe Youngul.

Chinul's successor and the second most influential leader…

of the meditative Jogye Sect of Korean Zen.

A tutor to Choe U, he commanded the life-long respect of the Overlord.

From the emperor, to the ministers…

people would travel to far-off Jolla Province…

just to consult with this respected master.

Today, tomorrow at the latest.

My father's time has come.

Shall we send for Choe U?

I doubt he'll come.

How can he not, with Father at death's door?

General Choe, muster the men.

They've been standing by for some time now.

They have the city gates sealed off inside and out.

They await your orders.

The two Royal Guards, the Soaring Falcons and the Dragon Tigers: 2,000 in all.

Of the Six Divisions, the Left and Right, the Divine Tigers and Internal Security…

another 10,000.

My father will die soon.

Before he does, I've got to settle things with my brother once and for all.

Yes, sir.

Send Kim Yakson to Choe U.

Yakson is with my father all the time.

Choe U will believe him.

Tell him to have Choe U come here.

My lord. I'll see to it.

Lord, I'll check on the men outside the city.

I'll check on our officers and confirm their preparedness.

General Choe, check on your men as well.

Yes, sir.

What's that?

Venerable Hyesim is coming?

At his age, why would he..?

It's true. He's in the capital now.

Oh? I should see him.

He was my tutor, you know. I really should.

But, sir, did you forget the Overlord's orders? You can't go to Anheung.

Look here, the Venerable isn't one for traveling.

When will I see him, if not now?

He must be here because my father is ill.

All the same.

Assassins are lying in wait for you across the capital.

He's right. The military has used training exercises to go on full alert.

You can't let your guard down.

Quite so, sir.

We've enlisted more men in your personal forces.

But we still have to be careful.

I swear. It's so frustrating.

I can't do a thing. Nothing.

My father wrote this in preparation for this day.

But I have no way to use it.

It's all so frustrating.

But for these to be housed here..?

It's said the temples have housed ancient, secret texts.

I guess it's true.

All these books…

Qi Martial Arts?

Zen Combat, Buddhist Martial Arts. Royal Guards Combat Arts.

Empty Hand.

After 6 years with the Hindu Brahmin…

Siddhartha still had not found the way.

He realized only by balancing mind and body...

can one achieve true contemplation.

There must be harmony between strength and softness…

…movement and stillness…

…between you and I.

Many of these teachings come from Bodhidharma in the West.

Generations of followers have practiced it for fitness and self-defense.

After which, Buddhist temples became the source of the martial arts.

Qi Martial Arts.

Handed down from the ancients, this secret system…

was transmitted by the common people.

Tangun gave it to the people when he founded ancient Korea,

the art of Taekyon.

And from that, we now have…

Subak, Empty Hand.

Subak… I see.

I see.

All the forms are here.

Just as Keumgang taught me.

Balance… An improper stance means no balance, no strength.

Come on.

Take that!

Hmmph. Tsk-tsk-tsk.

I see how it is.

You're in the Guard Corps so all you care about is fighting.

A waste of time.

Abbot.

What now?

I've missed you.

I knew you'd be in here reading about fighting.

I thought as much. Not a thought for an old man.

Have you been out? To See Wola?

It all comes to this…

All she can think about is you.

She doesn't know how things are.

Can't you help her to see what a hell-hole that place is?

I'll try.

The world isn't what it seems.

Well, you've both left the nest now.

You have to look after Wola… Poor girl.

Where are you going? I still want to--

There's nothing more to say.

But remember this…

Buddha is waiting for you.

I told Wola the same.

Life is fleeting.

Someday you'll learn all is vanity. Come back when you do.

Abbot, Abbot!

Someday I'll come back.

I'll come back to be with you.

What's going on?

I feel so strange.

Miss, I wanted to see if you were right.

I think it's true.

Her Grace said as much.

And when I asked the Head Lady, she said,

“Mind your own business. Prepare the wedding on Her Grace's orders.”

A house and a dowry, too.

But, Miss, shouldn't he come say something?

“This is how things are,” and…

“Please give your permission,” and such.

Enough. Why ask my permission anyway?

Huh? Well…

He's your property.

Lord Choe himself called for Kim Jun.

How dare that slave show his face to the lord?

I don't understand.

Why do I feel so empty? As though I've lost something…

This is ridiculous.

Chunsim?

Yes, Miss.

You called?

You said there are performers in the market?

Yes, Miss. They come from all over for the Lantern Festival.

Good, let's go look.

It's been dull since the games ended.

Let's go. There should be something fun.

Yunsim, the Miss is stepping out. Get ready.

All right.

Miss.

Lovely.

The Young Miss is going somewhere.

Yes.

- Oh, Kannan. - Yes?

That Abbot Subippity-boppity-boo came to get Wola.

But she sent him away.

What? When?

Just this morning.

Rude little… This monk rears her.

And she just sends him packing.

Oh, you. She's getting married. Why would she go to the temple?

Or shave her head?

Oh, no, people make something out of nothing. You, too…

What?

Think you can say whatever, is that it, huh?

No, not at all. Look here.

The monk's like a father to her. She should go.

Not carry on like this. Am I right?

Am I right or am I right? Well? Right? Or right?

Oh! Sheesh!

Look at you.

Poking a burning stick like that?

You could put someone's eye out.

Oh, you're really asking for it now.

What if the Head Lady finds out?

You..!

Ah, Kim Jun.

Getting back from Heungwang Temple?

Yes, Miss. I'm attached to the young lords.

A commander.

A nice post, even if it is the slave brigade.

Oh, I've heard about you.

You're marrying Wola?

I see. So now it comes out.

You risked your life for her and her alone.

The truth comes out at last.

- Miss. - You were never like brother and sister.

How disappointing, using that as a pretext.

Marriage... Enjoy the sesame seeds while they last.

- Let's go. - Miss.

Look, Kim Jun. What was all that?

Marriage? You're marrying Wola?

Is it true?

Look, Kim Jun, you said she's your sister.

Isn't she?

Hey, you really marrying her or what?

Shall we, sir?

Hey, answer my question.

Are you? Are you marrying her?

She's not your sister?

Manjong.

Attention!

Look here! Did I stutter?

- Answer my question. - Manjong…

It's clear something urgent has come up.

- Shall we, sir? - Right, right, let's go.

- I got your “shall we”… - Manjong.

You…

Commander. Her Grace has asked for you.

Her Grace? For me?

Ladies and germs!

Your acrobat is here.

Did I say acrobat? Not just any acrobat.

I'm the acrobat that has mastered the Four Books and Three Classics!

You may be worried. One mistake and I could fall, am I right?

You know why I don't fall?

Because you're all so worried about me.

As your reward, let's give it a whirl.

Here we go!

Now I'll tell you why I don't fall.

In the classics I once read, “Center your balance, focus on the Mean.”

And that means…

- Do not lose balance. - Right.

- Focus on your center. - Right.

- And you will move correctly. - Right.

As you see, balancing a tightrope is no different from life, am I right?

Someone came from the Overlord?

Yes, sir. Kim Yakson.

Kim Yakson?

Yes, sir.

What could be so urgent?

The Overlord…

What is it?

His time is at hand.

Who sent you here?

Lord Choe Hyang. He wanted you all to know the Overlord is dying.

It's a trap. For Lord Choe.

I agree.

The Overlord's health is just an excuse. You can't go.

It's an ambush.

Well, well, the time has come.

We can't avoid the flames.

There are movements?

As far as I know, the military is under Choe Munjun and Ji Unsim.

Choe Munjun has had them in place for some time now.

And the Mongol envoy?

They were spotted to the west. They should be here by tomorrow.

Things are pressing, but we can't neglect our duties.

It's our first diplomatic meeting.

Yes, sir.

See that nothing is left to chance.

The Mongols are a great power. Follow protocol.

I leave it to you, Dae Jipsong.

Yes, sir.

But first, this Choe Hyang business…

Focus on Koryo. That will have to take care of itself.

This is important. So is that.

Alert the court.

I sent for you.

About Wola's marriage.

You're Kim Jun?

Yes, Your Grace.

I'll keep this short.

I've sworn to look after Wola.

And now is the time to do just that.

I mentioned marriage. Anything to say?

Her Grace asked you a question.

Your Grace.

Your word is my command. How could I refuse?

You have no objection?

None, Your Grace.

Then that's that.

I'm your mistress, of course. But it's hardly fitting not to ask your thoughts.

That's that.

I can see you're of serious mind just by looking at you.

You honor me.

Good. I think of Wola as my own daughter.

At one time you could never have married a girl of her position.

Take good care of her. I'll be watching.

Yes, Your Grace. I'll remember.

Good. I have one question.

How will you take care of her?

She has always been like family to me.

I will serve her as I would a sister.

What? Serve?

Yes, a man should serve his wife as he serves the heavens.

Not that I've ever seen one who did.

I'm so glad to hear you say that.

Serve? Serve?

How did you like it?

What?

The acrobat.

I like his cheek.

The rope was fine, but his presentation made the show.

Just so.

Something seems to be going on today.

Yes, Miss. The men have been mustered.

My grandfather is getting worse then.

Yes.

As you were.

Yes, Miss.

You may linger.

- Come along, Yunsim. - Yes, Miss.

Thank you, Miss.

Yangbaek.

Didn't you hear? We've been mustered.

Come here. Just for a second.

What?

We're not in a rush. Go on, lucky guy…

Yes, sir. If you'll excuse us.

What?

The Young Miss bought some candy.

Here. I've had enough.

This is what you wanted?

Just go, all right?

Yangbaek, you're killing me here.

Didn't you hear? Kim Jun is getting married.

What's that to you?

Well… We can't go on like this forever.

Like what?

I've liked you forever.

Forever and ever.

But I have my pride, after all.

Let's get married. The Miss will give you permission and that's that.

Chunsim, that's not how it works.

I have no intention of getting married.

Find someone else.

Jerk. What makes you so great?

Break my heart…

What? Choe U is too busy with the Guard Corps to come?

Yes, sir. So he said.

His father will be gone in a day or two. What kind of a son is he?

Did you make the situation clear?

Of course, sir.

I emphasized the seriousness of his condition.

Well, well…And he's still too busy with the Guard Corps.

Lord, the Venerable Hyesim has arrived.

Hyesim…

You're dismissed.

Yes, sir.

Lord, do you think they know what we're up to?

I suspect they've known for a while now.

But Hyesim has arrived. He was Choe U's tutor.

Surely he'll come to see him.

Perhaps.

He may visit the Venerable, but not here.

He knows we have Anheung surrounded.

But I'm certain they'll find a way to meet.

How so?

Ah, nothing, sir. Shall we?

Let's go.

You never travel. To what do I owe the honor?

There are very few “nevers” in life.

I heard you're ill, so here I am.

Thank you. For not forgetting me.

Death is part of life.

We can't turn back the seasons.

Rest and prepare yourself.

True, true, but life…

Life is so short…

It seems like only yesterday I became the overlord.

And now my time is come.

I keep having nightmares.

You must admit you brought that on yourself?

I did?

How many ministers have you killed? How many monks?

You have too many ghosts to count.

True, true.

My whole life I've taken and held power.

Can a man like me enter into paradise?

And knowing that…

And knowing your eternal laws…

I must be meant for the lowest level of hell.

Overlord, paradise, hell, these things destroy life.

To us, life and death are the same.

So ease your mind.

That had occurred to me.

Venerable, will you be staying the night?

It's quite late.

I should stay at the temple. In the world, I'm not among it, after all.

I'll go to Heungwang Temple.

Oh, with the Head Abbot?

A monk among monks, they say.

Just so.

Very few abbots are as committed to the scriptures as he is.

I have a mind to stay with him for a few days.

Then…this may be our final parting.

Who knows what the next life will bring?

If there is a next life…

I hope I'm not in politics.

Looking back now…

the world is no good.

Is that so?

Then what would you do in the next life?

I've had my fill of the world.

In the next life…

A Taoist, perhaps?

Then we Buddhists will have no place to go.

Venerable.

Jinpyo, sir.

We're your escort.

You needn't have bothered.

It's not but, what, 20 miles?

Choe Hyang.

Yes, Venerable.

I can see that the Overlord doesn't have long.

Yes.

But talking with him, I don't think there's much to worry about.

He's a fine man.

Death stares him in the face, but it's not here yet.

Well…

Be safe.

The envoys arrive tomorrow?

Yes, sir. All the ministers will be in attendance.

Sir, Choe U will be there as well.

Perhaps that's our opportunity…

In broad daylight, at a state function?

The world is already ours.

Yes, sir, that's true…

But I can't stop worrying.

We welcome you.

General Dae Jipsong of Koryo.

Which of you is the head envoy?

I am.

Acting on order from the Great Khan and Marshal Hapjin. I'm Politaewan.

Where is your king?

Our king? You mean our Emperor?

Oh, now, “emperor”?

Who exactly is an emperor?

Who but the Great Genghis Khan is an emperor?

Enough of that.

Koryo is a great empire.

And a Koryo Emperor has never greeted an envoy outside his own castle.

What? I won't be talked to that way!

Now, now, let's go in.

His Majesty is waiting.

Listen here.

Yes, sir.

We've come a long way to see this king of theirs.

The street isn't the place.

Yes, of course, sir.

You, escort the envoys.

Sir.

I see they were expecting us.

Look here, we already subdued the Khitan.

Why are you mustering your men?

Who knows? Training exercises, or so I'm told.

They look like Choe Hyang's men.

Envoys, step forward.

You've come a long way.

We welcome you.

Thank you.

We Mongols travelled a long way to whip the Khitan for you.

The Great Emperor Genghis Khan wishes to open diplomatic relations.

One brother to another.

Our credentials.

Nice to meet you, King Kojong. Very nice!

How dare he..!

Enough! How dare you?

How dare you lay a hand on His Majesty?

Come down here.

Look at you.

I pay respects in the Mongol fashion.

How dare you talk that way to me?

We're brothers, yes, but we're the elder, you're the younger.

Does a little brother reprimand his senior?

Step down immediately.

So we can give you proper attire.

I got your proper--!

Enough, enough, all of you.

We all have different customs.

We should respect that.

These are the terms of long-term relations between our nations.

Each year, we Mongols will dispatch ten envoys to Koryo.

As a sign of friendship, they will collect tribute from Koryo.

The first meeting with the Mongol envoys.

And so the relations between the Mongols and Koryo were established.

Koryo was forced to be a tributary state.

In fact, Koryo traded a small irritation with the Khitan…

for a much larger problem with the Mongols.

It was the sixth year of Kojong's reign, first month, 24th day.

When they left, the Mongols left a detachment of forty men.

These men were to learn the language in anticipation of Mongol rule of Koryo.

By this time the Mongols had subdued the Jin.

Koryo stood alone.

What's that?

Heungwang Temple?

Yes, sir.

The sad fact is, many of the monks still bear us a grudge.

We can use that.

And?

There are some 1,000 monks at Heungwang.

With more coming in from the provinces.

You suggest we plant assassins?

Exactly.

It's not in Choe U's nature to let the Venerable leave without a word.

How many assassins?

I suggest thirty reliable men to lie in wait outside the Venerable's quarters.

He won't visit his dying father. Why would he go to the temple?

This is just in case.

If he does call on Hyesim, shouldn't we be ready?

It's likely he'll go to Heungwang Temple.

Sir, soldiers are everywhere.

The heavens decide life and death.

What can we do?

I'm more worried about those Mongol envoys.

They're barbarians.

Sending bandits as envoys.

We resolved the diplomatic issue today.

Their demands will only get worse.

Now tell me about Venerable Hyesim.

He's staying at Heungwang Temple.

It appears he's leaving tomorrow morning.

He was my tutor.

Like a father, in many ways.

- Yi Kongju. - Yes, sir.

Turn around.

Lord, where do you plan on going?

To Heungwang.

Sir, you can't. It's nearly dark.

It isn't safe.

I can hardly rule a country if I'm too scared of my enemies to call on my tutor.

Song Kilyu, you go back. Yi Kongju, come with me to Heungwang.

Sir, you can't.

It's all right.

They can't possibly know I would suddenly decide to go.

At least let me come with you.

I can't bring a full detachment to pay my respects.

Pak Songbi, ride ahead and inform them I'm coming.

Yes, sir.

I won't have it said the future ruler failed to pay his respects.

Or that he's a coward.

What kind of ruler would I be then?

I'm calling on Hyesim. Move out.

Yes, sir.

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Block these attackers!

My lord!

He's different from typical slaves.

I'm seeing him more and more like a man.

Our lives depend on you. Please rally our troops!

Are you asking me to listen to that slave?

Yes. He said there's a good reason we should listen to him.