The Iron Empress
Episode 4
Su...
How do you feel about getting married?
Married?
Yes, to the Emperor.
Grandmother, don't joke like that.
I want to know how you feel.
You met the Emperor and talked to him.
Unlike his appearance, he's a man with many emotional scars.
You might be the one to embrace those wounds.
Grandmother.
No, Grandmother. Don't scare me like that.
Yes, I met him.
And I just hope I never have to see him again.
But he granted you all of your requests.
I don't care.
You didn't see his eyes.
He's a little, no, he's completely psychotic.
Yes...
And he already has two empresses. Why would you say such a thing?
You're right. I don't know what I was thinking.
I was joking like you said, so don't worry about it.
Please do not scare me like that again, Grandmother.
All right?
All right.
(Imperial Palace of Gagyeong)
Where are you going, my little angels?
Don't get caught, or you're coming with me to bed tonight!
Where are they?
Ahhhh! Oh dear, oh dear.
You mysterious ones!
Gotcha!
You wanted to get caught, didn't you?
There. Now pour me a drink.
Your Majesty.
Are you still here?
Your Majesty.
Your ministers have been waiting for you at the palace for days.
I beg you to return to the audience hall and attend to state affairs now.
No!
Your Majesty.
You do it!
Be the Emperor yourself!
Such audacity...
Your Majesty, please try this.
Get it out of my face!
You've ruined my festive mood!
I'm going to bed, so don't wake me up.
Make way!
(Myeongbok Palace, Hwangju)
The Empress Dowager has returned!
Make way!
Grandmother, I'm glad you're back safely.
Yes, has all been well in my absence?
Yes, Your Highness.
We've had an exciting trip.
As you can see, we've added a few members to our family.
Who are these men?
And these servants..?
It's a long story.
We'll get acquainted later. Steward Yi.
Show Prince Gyeongjuwon to the guest quarters.
Yes, Your Highness.
Grandmother, I'll take him.
You will, my lady?
Right this way.
Did you have a good trip?
These are men's quarters. Women quarters are in the back.
Sulhwa.
Yes, my lady.
Say hello.
He will be in charge of martial arts training from now on.
My name is Sulhwa.
I'm Gang Jo.
(Yi Sulhwa)
Sulhwa teaches martial arts to lady attendants here.
Ladies of Myeongbok Palace learn not only manners but horseback riding
and archery as well.
You'll have to learn too. Are you up for it?
Yes, Princess.
Then, I will take her now.
Come.
What do you think? Do you like it?
I will never forget what you've done for us.
Is that all you can ever say to me?
So boring.
I won't leave you alone for a moment starting tomorrow, so get some rest.
[Wang Chi's wife (future Empress Moon Duk)]
Wow! Then, have you been to every city in Goryeo?
These are few places I haven't been yet.
Have you traveled outside of Goryeo?
Have you traveled to Song Dynasty?
How about Western Xia?
Then, have you been to Khitan territory as well?
When are you going to make your move?
If you travel so much...
your wife must worry a lot.
My wife can't say anything about it.
Why not?
Seeing as our little princess can't concentrate on her baduk game,
it must be her time for bed.
Let's call it a night.
No, I can still play.
Where did you put your last piece?
It's late. We'll play again tomorrow.
Good night.
King Gwanggaeto is a true great hero,
that expanded our territory beyond Liadong and Mt. Baekdu
through the vast land all the way along Sungari River.
I hear King Gwanggaeto was called Yeonglak the Great when he was alive.
Do you know why?
Because he used an era name of Yeonglak for Goryeo.
Instead of following the Chinese era name, Goguryeo used it's own era name.
If Goryeo had not lost *King Gwanggaeto's* vast land, Balhaens wouldn't be suffering the way they are now.
I wish Goryeo could reclaim the land we lost and embrace the Balhaeans.
I believe compassion comes first.
I think what's more important than reclaiming the land is
compassion and willingness to embrace the Balhaens.
Do you think?
That is my belief, my princess.
(Imperial Palace Audience Hall)
As you all know,
ten years have passed since His Majesty and I wed,
but the royal house is still without heir.
He wed again five years ago, but nothing has changed.
(Empress Hunsook)
I believe this to be the root cause of His Majesty's waywardness.
For this reason, the Imperial house has decided to receive another consort.
Decided?
Your Highness, we have not heard anything about this.
The Empress's office has the prerogative in the matter anyway.
May I ask from which clan the new Empress comes from?
I cannot reveal that yet.
When is the wedding planned?
Is His Majesty aware of this?
That is all I have to say for now.
Your Highness, Your Highness!
How is she?
I'm not just saying this because she's my daughter.
There is no man on earth that wouldn't fall for her, don't you think?
Yes, My Lord.
She is the fairest of all.
(Court lady Jo)
One wouldn't have to be a rock Buddha not to fall in love.
Yes, yes!
There is no flower that can compare with the lady's beauty.
is well-read and talented in music and dance.
She's a reincarnation of an angel.
(Buyong)
Sometimes I can't believe that I raised her with my own hands.
You did a fine job.
Wait, Lord Han! Lord Han!
You of all men should have this information.
Who is the woman that is to be the third Empress?
I'm afraid I don't know.
Lord Han, this is very disappointing.
How could you be so different from the time Prince Wonnang was alive?
(Han Ingyeong)
What are you talking about?
You used to visit Hwangju day and night!
Don't you fear punishment turning your back like this?
Is that a threat?
We're talking about having some decency!
Hwangju was your benefactor at one point in time.
Very well, don't tell us.
My father was a fool for having a man like you as his disciple.
Let us go.
Lord Seo.
I'll give you this one information for old time sake.
Prince Gyeonjuwon is the target of Shilla-born officials.
Prince Gyeonjuwon?
Yes...
When this marriage is consummated and the new empress wins His Majesty's heart,
Prince Gyeonjuwon will die.
They are after my grandson?
It's not enough that they killed my son and my brothers
now they're trying to render my clan extinct?
And the Empress is in on this as well?
The Empress is a royal descendent of Shilla's King Gyeongsun,
so naturally she's on their side.
His Majesty knows nothing about this, and they're trying to ruin this country.
Luckily, we know who is to be the third empress.
Who is this woman?
She is a daughter of a merchant named, Kim Wonsoong.
Merchant?
A merchant's daughter is to be the Empress?
They picked someone they can easily manipulate so they can
control the government.
Your Highness, we can't let this happen.
His Majesty is drifting further and further away from state affairs,
and they're trying to push him aside and dominate the court.
At this rate, Goryeo could very well end up becoming Shilla.
Do you share the same concern Lord Seo?
Yes, Your Highness.
A wrong Empress at this point could render this court irreparable.
I keep thinking about Daji, the woman who brought
down Shang and about Baosi who brought down Zhou.
And more importantly, I fear for Prince Gyeonjuwon's life.
I must see the Emperor.
Now?
Strike while the iron is hot.
I will not let them hurt us again!
I will protect my grandson no matter what it takes!
Your Highness.
(Yi Gyeomui)
Governor Yi of Seogyeong?
Yes, Your Highness.
I've been assigned to a post in Military Affairs.
What brings you to the Imperial City?
She came from Hwangju to see the Emperor.
The Emperor?
His Majesty has gone boating at the Seo River.
Boating?
Vice Minister of the Chancellery Choe Sum has taken him.
Vice Minister Choe?
(Yesung River)
I feel like I am in the hermit's world being here on a boat like
this with you, Your Majesty.
Why even the moonlight is adding to the mood!
I could die now and have nothing left to desire.
Is that so?
I'm bored out of my mind.
I... I see.
What a beautiful dance!
Who is that girl?
Your Majesty!
She is my daughter.
What? Your daughter?
Yes, Your Majesty.
You are a businessman indeed.
Are you offering your daughter to me?
There is nothing under the sky that does not already belong to you.
Yes, that is indeed true.
Now what would you have me do?
Your Majesty, please go inside now. Everything is prepared for you inside.
Care not about anything and rest until the morning.
Oh?
- Unni. - Huh?
What kind of man do you want to marry?
Why do you ask all of a sudden?
Just answer my question. What kind of man do you want to marry?
Someone like...*King Gwanggaeto.*
What?
I want to live my life with a man who can embrace the world like he did.
How about you?
Me? I never thought about it.
What?
I answered your question, so now it's your turn.
Answer the question!
Alright! Alright, unni. Stop.
I want to marry someone I can see all of the beautiful places in the world with.
That's it?
And.. and it would be nice if he liked poetry.
So boring..
Let's sleep.
And... someone who can play baduk very well.
Clear the path. We are here to see the Emperor.
State your identity.
I am Minister Seo Hui of the Supreme Council and this is Secretary Yi Jibaek of
the Department of Ministries.
Empress Dowager of Hwangju is here to see the Emperor, so announce us immediately.
Forgive me, sir, but...
Our orders are not to allow entry to anyone.
What? How dare you!
This is Her Highness the Empress Dowager!
Clear the path at once!
Your Highness!
What brings you all the way here, Your Highness?
Clear the path!
No, sir!
What?
Please leave. We cannot allow you entry.
Clear the path immediately!
We have an urgent matter to discuss with the Emperor!
The answer is no.
What is the commotion?
Your Majesty, it is not a matter of importance, so pay no attention.
Your Majesty!
Her Highness the Empress Dowager of Hwangju seeks your audience!
Grandmother?
Impeccable timing!
Aigoo!
What brings you here at this late hour, Grandmother?
Surely you didn't come all the way here from Hwangju to join
me in my evening boating excursion.
Forgive me for the interruption, Your Majesty.
I've come to discuss an important matter with you.
So you lost the Emperor to the Empress Dowager?
(Sul Shinyu) (Yi Yang)
Talk about ruining a done deal..
I know.
What could that old hag be up to?
I don't know how she found out, but she must be trying to interfere with our plan.
No, this is more serious than that.
She couldn't have traveled all the way from Hwangju simply to interfere.
She's got something else up her sleeve.
The Empress has declared that you would receive another consort.
Do you know about this?
Oh, really?
No, I did not, but it is wonderful idea.
She is a rootless daughter of a merchant.
I don't care.
We're all equal regardless of where we come from.
Your Majesty!
So, you rushed here all the way from Hwangju for that?
You really are something.
Is it more power you are after?
Perhaps you want to give me your granddaughters instead.
This isn't about power.
You used to be so sharp and astute. What has made you change?
Why are you so jagged? What's hurting you?
I'm glad you asked that question.
What do you think made me like this?
It's you, Grandmother.
My mother died because of your greed for power!
Your greedy desire to put your son on the throne killed my mother!
Your Majesty, how could you say this?
Who gave you this preposterous idea? It was a wicked plot to hurt us all.
Don't lie! I will not be fooled!
Your Majesty, you're wrong. I swear to you you're wrong!
Do you still want more after causing my mother to die?
Do you want the throne that much?
Your mother was also my daughter.
Do you think, you're the only one with a broken heart?
You have a broken heart, Grandmother?
Do you even have a heart?
I've lost all of my children.
My sons, my daughters and all of my brothers as well.
You lost them because of your greed for power!
No, it was not about power. It was for this country, Goryeo.
That's a lie!
Don't lie! Don't lie!
You'd do anything and everything for power and for your clan.
Just tell me the truth!
You rushed here because you heard Shillans are bringing in a new empress,
and you don't want them to have more power than you have.
So, what are you going to do? Give me your granddaughter instead?
Yes, let's do that.
If you want the throne so much, give me your granddaughter.
Give me both while you're at it. Both of them!
(Myeongbok Palace, Hwangju)
When did you get back, Madam?
Yi Jujeong
Why didn't you announce your arrival?
You didn't travel through the night, did you?
Oh, please don't tell me you've been sitting here all night?
Stop making a fuss and quietly bring Su and Seol to my chambers.
The two princesses?
Grandmother, what's wrong?
You called us and you haven't said a word.
- Su. - Yes.
- Seol. - Yes, Grandmother.
I want you to do something for our clan and our country.
No, I need you to do this.
What is it?
I want you to marry the Emperor.
Both of you.
Sis, what's Grandmother saying?
You said it was a joke.
I said not to scare me with another joke like that.
I'm not joking this time.
You have to do this. It's for our survival.
That's absurd.
Why do we have to marry a mad man like him?
Su.
And not just me but young Seol as well?
Grandmother, do you just hate us?
It's not like that. I have no other choice.
I don't want to hear it.
Seol, let's go.
Do as I say. I'm ordering you.
No! Get up!
Your brother could die!
What do you mean, Grandmother?
Sit back down.
Don't listen to her. Let's go!
We both want to get out of here so I'll make this short.
I've decided to marry again.
Allow me to congratulate you, Your Majesty!
Congratulations, Your Majesty!
My new Empress - no...
I mean Empresses,
are likely to be the two princesses of Hwangju.
So be noted.
Your Majesty...
Did you say the two princesses of Hwangju?
Yes. Are you deaf?
Your Majesty, we must object. It is not possible.
Not possible? You object?
State the reason.
The princesses of Hwangju are your maternal cousins.
Why would you choose an inter-family marriage over other options?
That's an odd thing to say.
Inter-family marriage has always been preferred by the royal house.
Why it was prevalent in the royal house of your beloved Shilla!
Yes, but I believe the Empress already has another bride in mind.
Who's getting married here? Me or the Empress?
Why?
You don't approve of my decision, Vice Minister Choe?
I... I do, Your Majesty.
Then you should congratulate me. Why do you look so upset?
I offer my congratulations, Your Majesty.
Congratulations, Your Majesty.
Thanks.
How could this happen?
Say something, Vice Minister Choe!
Do you know how much time and money I've invested on this?
I probably spent more money on the Empress, officials and on Palguanhwe,
than the amount this country collects in taxes in an entire year!
Now you have to invest more.
What?
Military action is the only option we have left.
That means we need a stronger army.
We need to recruit the guards in charge of Palace security,
and buy everyone we can in the Ministry of Military.
And after all that we succeed, exactly who do you plan to put on the throne?
Look, Lord Choe, lately I keep having these thoughts.
"Who am I spending all this money for?"
"Maybe I'm just being used to be dump and left for dead later!"
Goodness, Lord Kim. How could you think such a thing?
Father-in-law.
What is it?
Prince Gyeonjuwon is staying at Myeongbok Palace of Hwangju.
What? What is he doing there?
No!
That's absurd. I cannot allow it!
- Chi. - How could you do this to me?
You always told me that I would rise to the throne and now you stab me in the back!
Watch your tongue. Stab you in the back?
You made me dream and now you're telling me to give up that dream for my sisters.
What?
I even married a woman I have no feelings for because of you.
I married an older woman who bore another man's child because,
she is the former King's daughter.
She disgusts me, but I did it because you said I'd get closer to the throne.
And now you're pushing me out to make room for my sisters.
What am I? An idiot?
Fool!
Is this the extent of your insight?
Shillans are trying to bring in a new Empress to destroy you and your clan.
So, I'm sending your poor sisters to that demented Emperor to protect you!
Pardon?
Your sisters are being sacrificed to protect you and protect the clan.
And all you can think about is yourself?
Despicable fool!
It all started with a fallacious letter.
The former Emperor believed the treasons plot that the letter alleged,
Gyeongjong
and brutally murdered the royal relatives,
merit subjects and lords.
Gwangjong
Step aside.
Empress Daemok
I said step aside!
He even tried to kill his own son, but your aunt the Empress took the sword instead.
After her death, the young prince was left alone,
but the Emperor did not stop punishing us the royals clan of Hwangju.
Dae Jong-uk (Hwangbo Su's father)
Your father was ordered suicide by,
poisoning and so were my brothers.
Men in our family were completely wiped out and their followers were killed as well.
In those nightmarish 9 years, I lost my sons, my daughters and my brothers.
I lost them all...
Grandmother...
But I survived to this age, despite all that I've been through because,
I couldn't leave you children here alone and die.
And do you know what happened this time?
Those that gave the fallacious letter to the former Emperor are now trying,
to bring in a new empress and kill your brother!
I want to stop that from happening, Su.
I can't allow them to kill the last male heir of this clan.
So you must marry the Emperor and turn him around.
Why can't you just tell the Emperor that those men are evil?
You don't understand. His Majesty blames me.
He believes that his mother died because of me...
and that I'm the root cause of treason.
If that's what he believes, how could I turn him around?
I don't have that kind of ability.
No, the strength is within you.
You might even be able to change him back to a benevolent ruler.
You proved it at the last Palguanhwe.
But that's...
I think his Majesty saw his mother in you.
My daughter and your aunt Empress Daemok.
How dare you?
Mother...!
Where have you been?
What kept you away, Mother? Don't go!
Please don't go!
In the chronicles of Goryeo,
Choe Seungle writes about the purge of Gwangjong like this.
For 16 years from 960 to 975, treacherous men lined up to entered the court and,
the halls of the palace resounded with accusations and recriminations.
Gwangjong mercilessly liquidated veteran ministers and illustrious generals one,
by one and even the royal relatives were not spared.
The king also harbored jealousy and distrust for his only son,
and as a result, Gyeongjong lived his life with irrational fear.
I'll do it.
If I can turn the Emperor around and save Chi by marrying him, I'll do it.
Su!
But don't force this on Seol.
She's much too young.
Let me marry alone.
No.
Why not?
You said I could turn the Emperor around.
Why does she have to marry him too?
You may turn the Emperor around, but you can't win his heart.
Why?
Your aunt was just like you.
Like you, she loved archery, horseback riding and martial arts.
She was not interested in weaving or in any kind of the womanly virtues.
She did conceive Gyeongjong, but she received no love from her husband.
Still...
The Emperor is a capricious man.
To get a firm grip on him, you alone will not be enough.
- Master. - I heard the news.
I... I'm a pathetic man.
I'm selling off my sisters to save my life.
And yet I was jealous of them.
How could such a selfish coward possibly walk the path of an Emperor?
Did you think the throne would be,
handed to you without pain and sorrow?
You have to get through tougher hurdles than this.
If people mock you and call you a coward, bite your tongue and keep your focus.
Han Xin of Han crawled between a hoodlum's legs.
If you really feel indebted to your sisters, work even harder to rise to,
the throne and make this country a better place.
That is your job.
My Grandmother...
She wants me to go to the Imperial Palace.
But I don't want to go there.
I'm sure you don't.
Help me.
I want to be free like you.
Please talk to my grandmother for me.
I want...
I want to stay near you.
My lady, everyone has his or her destiny.
Sometimes it cannot be defied by human strength.
Why?
Why are you talking to me like that all of a sudden?
Because you will soon become an exalted Empress.
No, I don't want to be!
Please help me. I'll go anywhere with you.
I don't want to go to the Imperial Palace.
Music is comforting when you feel weary and alone.
This is all I have to give you.
You have a pure heart, so Heaven will be with you.
Princess.
I'm all right.
I just wanted to ride for a while.
I felt like my heart would burst if I didn't.
Why was I born a woman?
I wish I had been born a man.
No, I was born a woman, so I should enjoy weaving like other women do.
Why do I like riding and shooting arrows like men do?
It's unattractive.
I once knew a woman who liked riding and archery as well.
But to me she was the most beautiful woman.
Are you talking about the woman you were betrothed to?
We should go back. Everyone will be worried.
Yeah.
I'll just have to face it.
What's the use feeling sad?
It's too late anyway.
Come on in, Chi.
How is it?
Bitter.
Can't you say it's good even if you don't mean it?
Chi.
I'm going to the Imperial Palace.
Are you?
You're always so disapproving about my riding,
shooting arrows and acting like a tomboy.
I'm glad I won't have to listen to you criticizing me anymore.
Sure.
But you're still a good brother.
It was because I had you that I was able to act childish and do what I want.
You're forced to marry a maniac because of me...
Don't say things like that. I know what I'm doing.
If I could help the Emperor become the caring ruler he once was...
No, I'm going to make that happen.
There're invisible blades hiding around every corner in the Imperial Palace.
You must be very, very careful.
Don't worry. I'm not going to worry.
Because I know you'll always protect us like you always have.
So I'm not worried at all.
Su...
I'm sorry, Su...
What's wrong with you, Chi?
I'm so sorry, Su...
Don't cry, Chi. You're a big man.
All hail!!
I had pledged that at least you could live freely...
After today, never come to the imperial palace!
Your two granddaughters... are my hostages!
How dare you, trying to deceive me!!
How dare you!!
Have you thought about working in the royal court?
Your Highness the Prince of Kyeongju...
I want to see him so terribly...
I want to see him!
Meet the people of Shilla faction?
Create a country of Confucianism.
Even if it's family...
I will strike them resolutely.
Please stop!
Since you're the Emperor, maintain the dignity befitting of an Emperor.
Don't even give her a drop a water.
They said you're pregnant.
You have a baby, a baby!