The Iron Empress
Episode 5
Long Live the Emperor!
[Gyeongjong (The 5th King)]
[Hwang Bo Seol (Empress Hunjeong)]
[Hwang Bo Su (Empress Hunae)]
Yes. Sit down.
(Empress Dowager Shinjeong)
Su, I'm counting on you to take care of the Emperor.
Transform my misguided grandson into the good man he was before.
I know that is my purpose for being here.
So, I will do all I can.
Yes, thank you.
Life in the palace will not be like the life you've led so far.
There will be watchful eyes all around you, and enemies may lurk everywhere you turn.
So, you must help and rely on each other.
Grandmother, you speak as if this is goodbye.
Don't be like that.
Yes.
But this is the Imperial Palace; my visits will not be frequent.
I know the sadness you feel right now.
But, the privileged life you've led comes with important responsibilities.
One cannot always live as one desires.
Yes, Grandmother.
Oh, Grandmother, not today...
Just give us a hug.
I'm sorry.
I swore to myself that I'd give you a warless, carefree life...
I'm sorry.
I'm sorry that I can't be a better grandmother for you.
His Majesty the Emperor!
Grandmother, what are you doing here?
I came to say my last goodbye to the Empresses before I leave.
Who let you?
Who said you could come here without my permission?
Your Majesty...!
Very well.
I'll let this slide, since you say that you're leaving.
After all, you did give me your two granddaughters.
Thank you, for letting me have your pretty girls.
All is Your Majesty's reign.
Please guide them and take care of them.
For my reign?
That's pretty funny.
I'm sure it's for your reign, or for Hwangju, to be exact.
Don't ever come to the Imperial Palace again.
I don't want to see your face until your funeral.
Your Majesty!
Remember, Grandmother, your granddaughters are my hostages.
If ever Hwangju ever gets funny ideas again,
you can be certain that the two birds in my cage will die.
Do I make myself clear?
Return safely, esteemed Empress Dowager!
Your Majesty, which Empress would you like to see?
Aren't they together?
No, Your Majesty.
Hmm... where should I go?
This is kind of fun.
I heard Western Jin's Wu Di would release a lamb and choose the chambers the lamb would stop in front of.
Maybe I'll try that.
Sit down.
It's good to see you again, though I'm angry and sad as well.
Your grandmother's greed has ruined your life.
You don't belong here.
Why are you so quiet?
What happened to the feisty little back talker I saw in Seogyeong?
Grandmother told me your story.
Oh? What did she tell you? That I'm a crazy lunatic?
She told me about your mother.
And?
She said there was a terrible misunderstanding.
That your mother died because of recriminations of wicked officials, not anything she did.
Oh?
Your Majesty, please relinquish your hatred for Grandmother.
And don't let the past ruin you.
You are the present and future of this country, Goryeo.
Yes.
There was indeed a misunderstanding.
I thought you were a pure hearted girl separate from the ambitions of Hwangju,
but I guess I was wrong.
You're a spy from Hwangju trained by your grandmother.
Your Majesty...!
So what did she tell you to do?
Seduce me and make me give the throne to your brother?
Or maybe you poisoned my drink.
How can you say that, Your Majesty? I was just...
Silence!
Sure, I can go along with this.
After all, how rude would I be if I rejected a woman trying to seduce me?
Fine. Call your sister as well.
Let's make this a threesome!
Your Majesty!
Call her! Emperor of Zhou slept with as many as nine woman at once.
Who says I can't do the same? Call your sister in!
Is she next door? Very well, I'll go get her myself.
Your Majesty, I'm sorry. Please don't be angry.
Step aside.
Are you in the habit of getting in the Emperor's way?
I made a mistake! I made a mistake!
Please forgive me.
I said get out of the way! Didn't you hear me?
Please forgive me, Your Majesty.
My sister is... my sister Seol is still a child.
What do you think you are?
You're just toys for me to play with.
And you dare to lecture me?
You dare insult me?!
You dare try to fool me?!
How dare you?! How dare you?!
Unni.
Seol.
Did you sleep well?
No.
You're not used to the bed. Poor thing.
No, I was terrified.
Stop.
Why are you crying?
Are you alright?
Yes, I'm perfectly fine. Don't cry, Seol.
I'm so scared.
I hate this palace, I hate the Emperor, and I don't want to be here.
Stop.
You mustn�t say things like that.
Nanny.
I asked you to call me Escort Yun.
(Escort Yun)
You're not in Hwangju anymore.
You can't speak and act freely like you did in Myeongbok Palace.
Now get ready.
You must see the two senior Empresses today.
We'll get used to this place soon. Don't worry, Seol.
So, how was your first night in the Imperial Palace?
I heard His Majesty spent the night in your bedchambers.
Yes.
(Empress Hunsuk) (Empress Hunui)
Why do you look somber?
Where is the afterglow?
Perhaps she's sad because she knows that His Majesty does not pick the same,
flower twice.
That is quite true.
Whether you like it or not, you are in the same boat with us now.
This one looks quite young.
She does.
Empress Dowager really is something.
Everyone wants the Emperor's favors, but how could she send a young child?
My thoughts exactly. I don't know if it's greed or senility.
Probably both.
Don't let me catch you, my little wenches!
You're quick!
Where are you?
I'm going to strip you naked when I catch you!
I'm going to strip you naked, you hear?
After that night, His Majesty never sought the Empresses again.
He continues to indulge in women and wine, ignoring state affairs.
Empress Hunae did not forget what you said and tried very hard to change the Emperor.
But the more she tried, the more distant His Majesty became.
What's more, the two empresses have been confined to their villa since that day.
The confinement order was finally lifted after three long months, but I fear
what might happen to them next.
Locked up for three months!
How could we not have known about this?
(Wang Chi)
Aren't you going to do anything, Grandmother?
What can I do?
I've been ordered to stay away from the Imperial Palace.
The crazy Emperor will end up killing my sisters.
We must drive him out before that happens!
Watch your tongue!
Am I wrong?
The Emperor is mentally ill.
This isn't just about my sisters.
We can't let him ruin the country if we care about the people.
My Prince, please control yourself.
You can be charged with high treason and be subjected to the tragedy of the,
(Lord Seo Hui)
previous reign if you're not careful.
- Lord Seo! - Enough.
Restrain yourself.
Lord Seo is right. We must be very cautious right now.
Thank you for delivering the letter.
By the way, there is someone I want you to meet.
(Myeongbok Palace vicinity)
(Gang Jo) (Gang Gamchan)
They've improved considerably since you've been training them.
You're too kind. Would you like to join us?
No, thank you.
I'm more of a baduk man than a swordsman.
Attention!
Drillmaster Gang, don't mind us and continue the training.
Yes. Resume!
[Ne Wee Sung: Top official during early Goryeo period who was in charge of business concerning Royal edict.]
Say hello. This is Supreme Council Minister, Seo Hui.
And this is...
Gang Gamchan, Sir.
It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance.
So you are Sir Gang Gungjin's son.
He visited my family often when he was alive.
I see.
Our fathers were quite close. It's wonderful to meet you.
Where is Prince Gyeongjuwon?
Please reconsider.
Turning away from the world is not the answer.
Think about all of the people who are suffering from misrule.
The people...
But...
Wang Ook (Prince Gyeongjuwon)
Why would I be the one to save those people?
Why because the Imperial house has no one more learned and qualified than you.
Choi Seom (leader of Shillan faction)
But of course there is.
Lord Choi Ryang's disciple, Prince Hwangjuwon, is more qualified than me.
But Prince Hwangjuwon is...
Prince Hwangjuwon is not of Shillan descent, is that it?
[King Gyeong Soon: Shilla's last king]
Would you be talking to me now if my mother weren't a cousin to Shilla's last ruler, King Gyeong Soon?
You may say this and that, but ultimately what you want is to resurrect Shilla within Goryeo.
And I won't be involved in such a dangerous game.
My Prince.
If you don't stop bothering me, I will take this to the Emperor.
So please just leave me alone.
I want to drift through life like a cloud and live a long, long time.
Choi Ryang (Wang Chi's teacher)
What do you think now?
Will you still insist on Prince Gyeongjuwon?
Vice Minister Choi, please reconsider.
Prince Hwangjuwon is an amazing young man.
Put his lineage aside and just meet him for me.
Khuitans changed Balhae to Liao after the conquest and became a major power in the north.
[Liao: 916-1125, founded by the Khuitans]
They've been winning victory after victory, even in battles against Song.
Khuitans want friendly relations with us to stop us from forming an alliance with Song.
Yes, I know, but Khuitans is an empire that is growing.
Balance of power between Song and Liao will eventually be broken, and when it is...
no, even if it isn't, Khuitans will come after Goryeo simply to eliminate a possible nuisance.
That's when we will need the help of the Balhaen refugees.
They've fought the Khuitans.
so Balhaens know Khuitan's military tactics and they also know the land.
They may seem like a burden to us now, but they will become a valuable asset later.
But there are simply too many of them to settle down here in Goryeo.
[Salsu River: Modern day Cheongchun River]
That's true if you only consider the land south of the Salsu River.
But...
this entire region north of the Salsu to the Yalu River is unexplored land, scarcely occupied by the Jurchens.
Are you suggesting that we settle the Balhaens there?
One of the last wishes of our founder Taejo,
was that we expand into the North, with Seogyeong as our base.
I'm saying we should seek the help of the Balhaens in that cause.
We can help them develop the region and establish a home for themselves,
and give them military duty to protect the land at the same time.
Thank you for sharing your remarkable ideas.
Sir Gang, would you be interested in working for the government?
No, I wouldn't think of it.
Is it because of your father?
I understand.
But think about how this country was built.
Many more people died back then.
Who'd run this country if everyone left the government,
because they're sick and disgusted by the smell of blood?
Who will realize the unfulfilled dreams of all of those that died?
It's my belief that every man with talent should dedicate their service to the country.
Supreme Council Minister Seo Hui...
the name is familiar.
I always thought the royal court was full of useless know-it-alls,
but meeting him made me feel ashamed of myself.
He sincerely cared about the country and the people.
I see.
It's clear now that you and I have different paths to travel.
What do you mean?
You can't just pass by the dispossessed Balhaens,
it worries you when you think about the people of this confused government,
and it ignites passion in your heart when you meet a patriot.
You're too good to drift aimlessly like me.
Why don't you enter government service like he suggested?
Like I said before,
I'll take interest in government service if you take interest in the throne.
You overestimate me.
I am too indifferent to be a sovereign ruler.
Come to think of it, I haven't heard you play the flute in a while.
Would you play a tune for me under this bright moonlight?
I don't feel up to it for some reason.
I gave my music away to mask my indifference.
I'm just figuring that out now...
(Empress Hunjeong) (Empress Hunae)
Seol.
What's wrong?
I shouldn't have brought up Hwangju. Don't cry.
Unni, I want to get out of here.
I can't stand to be here anymore.
I miss him so much I can't bear it.
Miss him? Who?
Prince Gyeongjuwon.
I miss him. I miss him so much...
Prince Gyeongjuwon?
Seol, you're not...
Yes, I am in love with him.
When did this happen?
Since the first moment we met.
Does he know?
No. But I think I'm going to go insane.
I try not to think of him, but I can't get him out of my mind.
I think of him every night. I dream about his smile.
But...
the thought of never being able to see him again,
makes me feel like I'm going to suffocate and die.
Unni, I really want to get out of here.
Why didn't you say something before we came into the palace?
How could I when Chi's life is at stake?
Su...
What do we do?
What do we do with you, Seol?
Meet the officials of Shillan descent?
Yes, Prince.
But these are men that tried to kill me.
To be truly great, you must embrace your enemy as well. It's vital for your ascent
to the throne and creates harmony in the court which will you allow you to build
a strong foundation for this country, Prince.
- I don't disagree, but... - Prince.
You cannot accomplish everything alone.
Also,
to catch a tiger, you must go into the tiger's den.
I know you're right,
but my grandmother will be very angry.
She considers them their archenemy.
I know.
Do you as well?
Do you want the cycle of bloody revenge to continue?
Forgive me, but the Empress is in the winter years of her life.
You must think of the future after she's gone.
What kind of country do you want Goryeo to be?
[Choi Seom's manor]
Prince Hwangjuwon is out of the question.
It's unthinkable.
That's right. We're better off taking up arms.
How can we bring the enemy's descendant to the throne?
Who are we bringing to the throne if our overthrow succeeds?
Prince Gyeongjuwon won't be persuaded.
May I make a suggestion?
Yes, tell us what you think, Steward Mun.
If Lord Choi Ryang is so convinced,
I think Prince Hwangjuwon warrants consideration.
That's out of the question!
Let's hear him out.
Lineage is not as important as a man's political perspective.
Prince Hwangjuwon has studied under Lord Choi Ryang for a very long time.
I'm sure his political views have been greatly influenced by Lord Choi.
If we can win him over,
it could be an opportunity to deliver a devastating blow to Hwangju.
Think about it.
How would you feel if the grandson you raised and protected turns his,
back on you and stands with your enemy?
My Lord, Lord Choi Ryang is here from Hwangju.
Choi Ryang? See him in.
I'm glad you're all here.
This is Prince Hwangjuwon from Myeongbok Palace.
My name is Wang Chi.
I know this is an unexpected visit, but I've come seeking your guidance.
(Foreman Jo)
But isn't Hwangju our enemy?
What's more,
(Kim Won Soong)
Hwangju's princesses caused your daughter to be rejected.
I think they're trying to betray us because things aren't working out.
Betray me?
Why else would they do this?
Prince Hwangjuwon is our enemy.
No, no.
In business, there are no permanent enemies.
He is from Hwangju, but he might actually be a better commodity,
than the mad Emperor we have right now.
Then will you meet him?
Yes, yes.
I must see for myself if he's a keeper or not.
Losing the Emperor last time might prove to be a blessing in disguise.
- Return safely! - See you next time!
Frankly, we are closer to being enemies.
Your family believes we are responsible for the recriminations of the previous reign,
and we've lost many good men of our own through acts of revenge
Hwangju employed after the current Emperor took the throne.
Are you aware of this?
Yes.
And yet you are here.
I take it the throne is your objective.
That is correct.
Very well.
If we help you to rise to the throne,
what would you give us?
What happened to my family and some of the powerful lords in the previous reign,
and the death of your peers through the Emperor's revenge are all in the past.
I will not dwell on skirmishes of the past.
I will create a future of peace and harmony.
No, that's not enough.
You are from Hwangju no matter what you say.
It's only natural for us to be apprehensive.
Put our minds at ease.
If your grandmother the Empress Dowager should oppose us to the point
we cannot coexist, would you be willing to turn your back on your own family?
Would you believe me if I said I would stand with you?
I will turn this country into a Confucian state; a land ruled by benevolence,
righteousness, propriety, and wisdom. Where the ruler rules his people with love,
and the people respect him like their father.
And if anyone should get in the way, I will boldly strike, even if my own family.
A Confucian state?
I was told the Empress Dowager is a devout Buddhist.
Would you abolish the
Lantern Festival and the Palguanhwe if you rose to the festival?
[Lantern Festival and Palguanhwe: National Buddhist ceremonies.]
What I hate most about Buddhism are those ceremonies.
They are the worst examples of disorder and dissipation under the guise of a national rite.
Can you swear to us that you mean every word you say?
Of course.
Very well.
If you keep your word, we officials of Shillan descent,
will do everything in our power to bring you to the throne.
But if you betray us, we will fight you to the end.
And if that happens, this country is certain to be ripped in two.
That will never happen.
I swear to our Almighty Creator.
For as long as I am alive,
no officials of Shillan descent will be sacrificed under my order.
What are you doing?
From this moment forward, you are our master!
My loyalty is yours!
Please don't. I am not the Emperor yet.
This is the most joyous day! We must celebrate with some wine.
Is anyone out there?
Yes, My Lord.
Call the girls and send in some food and wine!
I shall drink until I can drink no more!
You don't mind, do you?
Not at all.
No.
No... no... no.
No... no... no... no.
NO!
Is anyone out there?
Yes, Your Majesty.
Light up the room. I'm scared.
Did you have another nightmare?
Those who died as a result of the Revenge Policy cried out in a sea of blood.
They grabbed me by my ankles and pulled me down.
I was terrified.
It's just a dream, Your Majesty.
Bring me some wine. Now.
Your Majesty.
Now!
It's because I didn't have a drink before I went to bed.
I need to be drunk, so bring me the wine!
Yes, Your Majesty.
Why is it so cold in here?
Revenge Policy.
It was a policy, formulated by the survivors of Gwangjong's great purge, to take
revenge on those who incriminated them.
Initiated by Wang Sun in the 1st year of Gyeongjong's reign, this bloody revenge
continued for about a year. This rendered Gyeongjong's attempts to distance himself
from the carnage of the previous reign and establish benevolent rule futile.
The emotional impact of this brutal carnage and political wars made Gyeongjong
turn to alcohol and women, ignoring state affairs.
(Buyoung)
I guess I drank too much. I passed out.
You're very beautiful.
Lift your head up.
If this is a dream, I don't want to wake up.
Good morning.
Where am I? Where is the gisaeng from last night?
Escort Jo
Gisaeng?
The woman that spent the night with me last night.
She is not a gisaeng. She is Lord Soong's daughter.
And this is not a gisaeng house.
Did you sleep comfortably, My Prince?
What happened?
I couldn't let Your Highness sleep in a gisaeng house,
so I brought you to my home.
Master Choi?
He left early in the morning to see the Vice Minister.
I seem to have made a huge mistake in my drunken state.
A mistake?
I thought the woman in the room with me last night was a gisaeng,
but I heard she was your daughter.
Yes, she is my pride and joy my one and only precious child.
She not only possesses all womanly virtues,
but she is also well versed in the seven Chinese classics, poetry and art.
Then why...?
I...
My daughter...
I was thinking of making her the Queen.
Isn't Your Highness, the prince, someone who's going to become the king?
Therefore... I decided to stake everything I have on you, My Prince.
Please... I hope you'll accept my decision.
But... to be so sudden like this...
Is my daughter... not to your liking?
Ah... no... I don't mean that.
Stop!
You there!
Stop!
Who are you?
This is Empress Hunjeong, Your Majesty.
Oh, yes!
You're that feisty wench's sister.
It's been a while.
Seol?
Yes, Your Highness.
Your Highness! Your Highness!
No?
It's the Emperor's order and you say "no"?
Your Majesty, please...
You're just like your sister, defiant.
Like grandmother, like granddaughters.
Take off your clothes now if you don't want to die.
No.
If you won't do it, I'll do it for you.
Your Majesty! Please, no!
Take them off!
Take them off, you wench! Or I'll rip them off!
Stop!
What do you think you're doing?
As Your Majesty said, what do you think you're doing?
What did you say?
Aren't you ashamed in front of all these people?
You've gone mad.
I am the Emperor.
- And the Emperor can't do wrong. - I don't think so.
If you're the Emperor act like the Emperor.
When will you stop acting like a street thug?
And you call yourself the father of the people?!
You little wench!
Take a good look at yourself. Do you know how pathetic you are?
Please snap out of this!
Do you want to die?
Yes, why don't you kill me?!
- Kill me! - Stop!
Let go!
Kill me! You don't even have the guts!
Shut up!
Your Majesty!
Guards, grab that wench!
Unni!
Kill her! Cut her throat right now.
Your Majesty!
No, Your Majesty! Please have mercy!
I said kill her!
Yes, Your Majesty!
No, Your Majesty! Mercy! This is my fault!
No, I can't make it easy for this audacious the wench.
- Guards! - Yes, Your Majesty.
Lock her up and starve her!
Don't give her a drop of water until she gets down on
her knees and begs for mercy.
- Is that clear?! - Yes, Your Majesty.
Unni! Unni!
Please, Your Majesty! Please!
Unni! Unni!
This is my fault!
[Imperial Conference Hall]
This is unimaginable!
She turned over His Majesty's dining table and insulted him face to face!
This is an ill-omen.
We should've seen the potential trouble at the Palguanhwe in Seogyeong.
She doesn't even possess basic,
(Han Ungong)
virtues of a commoner's wife let alone an imperial consort.
She must be deposed.
Disposal is not enough.
(Park Yang Yu)
She deserves to be executed.
She was lucky at the Palguanhwe,
(Han Ingyeong)
but I doubt she'll get away with this.
What do you think about this, Minister Choi?
We haven't heard from you yet.
I don't have much to say.
Whatever do you mean? That is an unimaginable incident.
My Prince!
Where did you go?
I told you I was going to Gaegyeong.
I thought you'd be back in a day or two.
(Yi Juyeong)
You've been gone for five days.
Why? Did something happen while I was gone?
You don't want to know. It's something awful.
The Empress Dowager went to Gaegyeong because of it.
Your Majesty, this is my fault. Your Majesty, this is my fault.
I'll do anything you ask. Please spare my sister.
I can't sleep. Go back at your chambers at once!
I'll do anything you ask. So please, please spare my sister.
Your Majesty...
How many days has it been?
This is the sixth day, Your Majesty.
Has it been that long? And she still hasn't said she's sorry?
No, Your Majesty.
Stubborn wench.
Please Your Majesty, I beg you.
Release my sister and punish me instead.
Forgive me, Your Majesty.
(Go Hyeon)
But I fear something dreadful might happen to the Empress if this continues.
Please show mercy.
Your Majesty...
All right, all right! She won!
How can I win when she's prepared to die?
What's so hard about saying I'm sorry to the Emperor?
Why does she always have to have the last word?
Audacious wench!
I don't care anymore, so release her if you wish.
Your grace is immeasurable, Your Majesty!
I shall go and bring her back so please return to your chambers now.
Escort Yun, see her to her chambers.
Please rise, Your Highness.
Your Highness! Your Highness!
Your Highness!
Call a physician at once!
Yes, sir.
Your Highness! Your Highness!
Your Majesty! Your Majesty!
- Your Majesty! - What is it?
Your Majesty!
What's wrong?
She's not dead, is she?
Unni! Unni!
Can you see us, Your Highness?
Unni!
Your Highness!
Congratulations!
Unni,
Unni, you're pregnant.
You're going to have a baby!
Your Highness!
- Unni! - Your Highness!
Unni!
She delivered a baby boy!
Crown Prince!
I was bad.
I didn't really dislike you.
We must give up on the Prince of Hwangju.
For my ambition, are you telling me to even turn my little sister into an enemy?
Did you say pyeoong*?
* (A disease that causes abscesses in the lungs)
I want one of you to take the powers of the king.
You must leave at once!
That can't be...
Grandmother wouldn't join forces with the Shillan factor to right the past?
I mean the former special advisor Choi Ji Mong
I'm asking if my son can become the King!