Showbox/Mediaplex, lnc. United Pictures Present
An Opus Pictures Production
Who is the best subject to the King?
One who becomes a great general
and conquers Liao Dong.
One who is skilled in martial arts and protects the King.
One who is willing to die for the King.
Under Yuan's subjugation,
the Goryeo King selected young boys
and closely trained them to be
his royal guards called the Kunryongwe.
He allowed these boys to reside in the palace
and always kept them within his reach.
ZO ln-Sung
JOO Jin-Mo
SONG Ji-Hyo
Your Majesty.
The Princess from Yuan has arrived at the port.
It is time to go meet your Queen, Your Majesty.
The court subjects are waiting, sire.
I haven't finished playing.
Wait outside.
Producer LEE TAE HUN
Written & Directed by YOO HA
A Frozen Flower
Stop!
Han-Baek!
You've gone mad over a girl!
How dare you run away!
Chief!
I beg of you.
Please let us go.
Strike me down first if you must go.
I have no appetite.
Just one spoon, sire.
You must regain your strength.
That'll do, lad.
Just one spoon, please?
Why you...
There.
You may go.
Your Majesty?
Hmm?
Won't you please reconsider?
I won't hear any more on this matter.
As the Chief, I'm partly responsible for his actions.
If you must behead him, punish me in the same regard.
I said, enough!
I beg of you, sire.
Chief.
Come in.
Brother!
Han-Baek!
Listen carefully.
The King has generously spared Han-Baek's life.
However...
there will not be a second chance.
Anyone who disgraces the Kunryongwe's honor...
will pay with his life.
Yes, sir.
Thank you, sir!
What a relief.
Chief!
Very impressive, sir.
How did you manage to free him?
He's one of us, we can't abandon him for one mistake.
The law says to behead the foo who messes with a court maid.
It's the King's command.
The King's command?
Why of course.
What?
Stop clouding the King's judgment with pillow talk, sir.
Stop.
If you speak ill of His Majesty again...
I'll have your head.
The honeysuckle tea worked marvelously.
My fever has subsided drastically.
It's a relief, sire.
I shall request another batch.
How did you know that honeysuckle works on fevers?
My late father used to drink it when he got colds.
I see.
What would you have done?
Sire?
If you were Han-Baek,
would you have left the palace too?
You too have lived here for over years.
Wouldn't you wanted to run away from here?
How can I ever think of leaving as you are here, sire.
Her Majesty, the Queen.
Have you slept well, sire?
Welcome, my Queen.
I brought some medicine to bring down your fever, sire.
No need to bring it in person.
I shall leave in peace, sire.
My physician prepared this specially for you, sire.
Thank you for your generosity.
I heard an envoy from Yuan is coming.
Yes.
What more will they demand on account of the royal heir issue?
It worries me so.
Worrying will not solve anything.
With all due respect, sire...
Perhaps you should make more effort for an heir...
Shall I take in another royal concubine?
You wanted to see me?
I heard you took care of something I should've done.
Pardon?
My maid who was arrested for running away with a guard.
I heard she's alive thanks to you.
I wanted to thank you for what you did.
No, Your Majesty.
I'm certain the King made the decision with you in mind.
We both know that's not true.
However, remember this.
There's much clamor over the royal heir issue.
Your service to the King can be misunderstood at times like this.
So be careful.
The spring sun is stunning, sire.
We should've come here earlier.
'Tis nice to be out from the palace.
That sachet...
I haven't seen it in a while.
Oh, this?
Do you remember, sire?
You wore that when you first came from Yuan.
Its amazing that it still carries its scent.
My Queen.
Would you care to sing?
Sire?
The Goryeo song you always used to sing.
Its so unexpected, youre making me blush.
What about you, Chief HONG?
Would you like to hear the Queen sing?
Yes, Your Majesty.
See? He wants to hear it, too.
We'd be so obliged.
Oh, dear...
? Will you leave?
? Will you leave me?
? How will I live without you?
? If you leave me now?
? I wish to keep you from leaving.
? Will you not return if I look sad?
? My love... -148
YELLOWCiNEMA.COM
- You okay? - Yes, sire!
Stop them!
Protect the King!
Escort the King!
- Bring me my sword! - But, sire!
Bring it now!
Your Majesty!
Escort the Queen!
Your Majesty!
Hurry!
HONG Lim, HONG Lim!
Are you okay?
Yes, sire.
Sire!
Your Majesty!
How is he?
He is still unconscious, sir.
Only days until the Yuan envoy arrives,this is a tragedy!
You!
How dare you sit here with a straight face!
How did you allow this tragedy to fall upon the King?
You still call yourself the Chief of the Kunryongwe?
I will have you and others personally responsible for this!
Chief HONG?
His Majesty is calling for you.
Are you okay?
Did you get your wound treated?
I deserve to die, sire.
My incapacity to fulfill my duties brought you harm.
Please have me executed.
No, dear lad.
If you weren't there to save me,
I'd already be dead.
Your Majesty...
Chief...
Did you find out?
Just as we expected, sir.
Remember the raid against the Japanese?
The Privy Council is claiming...
the remnants who escaped are behind this.
What are the ministers saying?
What would the fools say?
They're all waiting on Lord CHO.
The court is filled with scoundrels.
Perhaps we can ask the King to put Lord CHO on trial?
Lord CHO is under Yuan's protection.
We can't touch him without proper proof.
Let's say that the Japanese are behind this for now.
Act as usual and obtain the evidence discreetly.
The Goryeo King shall pay respects...
to the Yuan Emperor's demands!
Long live the Emperor.
A royal letter to my son-in-law, the King of Goryeo.
The Father of Yuan who unified the world...
knew well the will of Heaven...
and took in all nations under him.
A century has passed...
in alliance with Goryeo through matrimony.
Now, the Goryeo King is without an heir...
The woes of the citizens...
are of my great concern.
Thus, I have decided to enthrone...
Lord Kyungwon as Crown Prince,
and stabilize the Goryeo court.
Also, to fight off barbarians...
who threaten Yuan...
dispatch, soldiers...
and, maidens...
in respects to thy father nation!
Sending soldiers and maidens
will not last long.
Yuan will make even more demands using the heir issue as an excuse.
Hence, appointing Lord Kyungwon as the Crown Prince quickly...
and stabilizing the court is the most viable option, sire.
Any other thoughts?
I have something to say.
Are you the King's subjects? Or Lord Kyungwon's subjects?
My lack of virtue has left me without an heir.
However! His Majesty is yet young.
But you ask to enthrone one who is not of direct descent?
Tell him to give up the throne!
That's what you all really want to say, is it not!
You've drunk much, sire.
I shall sleep here, tonight.
Return to Yuan.
As you may already know...
I am incapable of taking a woman.
Hence, to get an heir is hopeless.
Eventually, everything will be as Yuan wishes.
If Lord Kyungwon becomes the Crown Prince...
I shall be a king only in name.
What glory would there be at my side?
Before things get worse...
go back to your home country.
I am now a citizen of Goryeo.
How could I leave this palace that I call home?
Then how much longer will you endure this humiliation?
My Queen.
Yes?
We are not without options.
For the future, it's the only way.
Your Majesty...
What are you saying, sire?
Who else can I trust but you?
I want you to serve the Queen.
No, sire!
I cannot do it.
is Majesty has arrived.
Ten o'clock!
Go in.
Did you serve the Queen well?
Forgive me, sire.
You couldn't do it?
There are only two chances left.
So pull yourself together.
May I ask a question, sire?
You may.
Why did you choose me?
The child she'll have
must be as fair as you.
Midnight.
I will do it.
Morning, lad.
Have you slept well, sire?
Yes, indeed I have.
And you? How does it feel to become a man?
What was it like to hold a woman for the first time?
There is nothing to say, sire.
I served in accordance to your orders.
I wish to visit Byuklan-do for a few days.
Why?
I've been neglecting my duties as the Chief.
I'd like to personally investigate the attack, sire.
Not interested.
One of the biggest merchants around suddenly disappeared.
He went out to meet some noble person...
and was never seen after that.
Do you know where merchant MA's family is?
I have something to report, sire.
What is it?
A merchant who smuggled Japanese weapons was found dead.
His name is MA Young-Gil.
It's possible that the perpetrators killed him to cover their tracks.
Have you found any ministers who are connected to him?
We are investigating, sire.
It could be the lead we need.
When did Chief HONG say he'll be back?
He's running quite late.
Please go inside and rest, sire. It's getting late.
What if something happened to him?
Go check on him, Seung-Ki.
Yes, sire.
HONG Lim?
What brings you here, sire?
I was anxious.
What were you doing this late?
I was so worried something had happened to you.
Is something the matter?
No, sir.
You must be going through a lot.
Let's return to the palace at daybreak.
Chief?
What's that you're hiding?
Should'nt you be preparing for the banquet?
It's been cancelled, sir.
Why?
Just a moment ago His Majesty went back to see the Queen.
- Why? - She's said to be quite ill.
You have a high fever.
You must have exhausted yourself during the ritual.
Wait.
It could be a sign of morning sickness.
Perhaps you're pregnant?
Forgive me, sire.
Actually...
my menstruation started a few days ago.
So you have not conceived?
No, sire.
There'll be a feast to pray for the royal conception soon.
Keep this a secret for now.
Yes, sire. I'll arrange the consummation date after the feast.
Honeysuckle tea is good for fevers.
Make some for the Queen.
Yes, Your Majesty.
But drinking too much won't make a difference, sire.
What do you mean?
Chief HONG took some this afternoon.
Was it not meant for the Queen, sire?
Where are you going?
Were you not asleep, sire?
No.
I have something to finish up in my room.
The honeysuckle tea you gave me earlier...
Yes?
It worked well on my cold.
Why dont you send some to the Queen?
I'm sure the court physician will serve her well, sire.
You're right.
It wouldn't look good for you to send her some.
You both went throug ha lot of trouble.
However, despite your efforts, the result was inadequate.
A new date for consummation has been set.
But...
I am reluctant this time.
It had a great toll on the Queen's health.
I fear it could make things worse.
So let us postpone this for a while.
What do you think, my Queen?
What could I say, Your Majesty?
Do as you wish, sire.
What do you think, lad?
I shall do as you command.
I apologize for coming without notice, Your Majesty.
No need. What brings you here?
I heard you were sick and came to check your condition.
Thank you for the honeysuckle tea you sent through Bo-Duk.
Any court subject would do the same.
Ah, here...
What's this?
It is a perfume sachet.
A sachet?
I heard during the attack...
you lost your treasured sachet.
I found a similar one during my rounds outside the palace.
How very thoughtful.
It's nothing, madam.
I'll leave you to rest.
We, all your subjects and your people pray for
you having a prince who can succeed to the Royal line.
Long live the King!
We pray!
Tae-Ahn has become almost Goryeo people.
He dances well.
Well...
How did you find your sachet?
My brother brought me a similar one from Yuan.
I see.
Perhaps we shouldn't have held this feast.
What if the Queen really bears a child?
If such feasts had worked, there would already be an heir.
Look at those concubines.
Even Buddha's grace won't get them an heir.
But it's so quiet in palace.
Because His Majesty's so concerned about heir.
In any case, we must enthrone Lord Kyungwon at once.
Hence, we need solid grounds to do so.
How about...
bringing in the Queens brother?
Lord Tae-Ahn?
Chief!
The flower cakes are delicious. Try some.
No thanks.
All set to perform the sword dance?
Yes, sir.
Let's go.
Chief HONG?
Ah...
- Welcome. - Your Majesty.
May I offer up a drink, Your Majesty?
I beg you for the first time.
Please.
I don't want to ruin this enjoyable atmosphere.
Please rise and enjoy the festivities.
Your Majesty.
Even the late King took pleasure in singing and dancing at times.
Will you grace us a song?
This is for you.
What is it, Your Majesty?
It is a handkerchief I embroidered myself.
I hope you always keep it on you.
I'll be here again at midnight, tomorrow.
? I went in to a shop
? to buy some flower cakes.
? A man grabbed my wrist.
? If word got out
? the young errand boy
? would have told.
? I shall go to sleep there, too.
? I went into a temple
? to light it.
? The temple owner
? grabbed my wrist.
? If word got out
? the temple,
? the young monk
? would have told.
? I shall go to sleep there, too.
Try tile fish from Jeju lsland. It's delectable.
I will get it myself, sire.
You don't eat the good food on purpose.
Try it.
Yes, sire.
The new clothes suit you well.
Do you like it?
Yes, sire.
A delightful gift for you shall be arriving tomorrow.
The Sub-Chief to see you, sire.
What brings you here?
I've come to make a report, sire.
About what?
We found out who MA smuggled weapons to before getting killed.
Who is it?
Minister Kl Won-Hong's steward, sire.
Kl Won-Hong?
Lord Kyungwon wants a signed covenant from the ministers.
That will surely change the Emperor's mind.
We all support Lord Kyungwon.
But will we be enough?
Right under our noses. Treacherous fiends!
Your nephew's birthday?
Of course you should go.
Thank you for your permission, sire.
It would be splendid if you could grace us with your presence.
How long will you be staying?
I dare not leave the palace for long, sire.
Good morning, sir.
Cleanse your troubling thoughts and rest easy at home.
Make preparations to go, then.
Yes, Your Majesty.
Thank you, sire.
I've come to report on the tailing last night.
The Sub-Chief has already informed me.
He said you left for the palace earlier.
Why report to me so late?
Forgive me, sire.
I arrived very late. I was afraid to wake you.
You've been in my chambers for over years.
Since when did you use formalities?
This is the horse?
Yes, Your Majesty.
She's a real beauty.
Chief HONG will be so pleased to see her.
Please forgive me, but it may be a better horse than your own.
Bring Chief HONG at once. I want to see him ride it.
Where did Lord Tae-Ahn go at this late hour?
It's not like the Queen comes here everyday.
I heard he's been up to something as of late.
Chief HONG!
I apologize for startling you.
Leave us, Bo-Duk.
Yes, Your Majesty.
How did you...
I heard that chief Hong went out at sunset.
Okay, leave.
Do you have somethingto say?
Offer me a drink, Your Majesty.
When will we ever get to meet like this, again?
I'll pour you a drink before you go.
Do you know how much I despised you?
When I first came from Yuan...
I only had the King to depend on.
But he only had eyes for you.
It was only natural that I resented you.
I made this myself. Try it.
Flower rice cakes?
It's a Yuan custom to give this to the one you love.
I've always wanted to make this like other women.
Here, try it.
You don't like it?
No, Your Majesty.
It's exquisite.
Your Majesty.
Why do you only favor chief Hong?
Am I not better than him?
What are you talking about?
I do favor you, too.
I want to serve Your Majesty tonight.
They say 'The King is the land.'
Please allow me.
Leave.
What brings you here, sire?
Where have you been all night?
I asked you where you were.
I read a book on military tactics in the library.
Which book was that?
'The Six Secret Strategies', sire.
Which among the six did you find most amusing?
The politic and the raid strategies, sire.
What was the raid strategy about?
What was it about?
It dealt with tactics that can be used
when facing enemies on hills.
If you stayed up reading on military tactics...
you must've practiced your combat skills, too.
Bring your sword to the Kunryong court.
Draw your sword!
I am yet no match for you, sire.
Winning is not the issue.
I want to test how you've refined your skills as the Chief of guards.
Draw your sword!