The Iron Empress
Episode 6
Is it true? Is it true that the Empress is pregnant?
Yes, Your Majesty.
It is?
Yes, Your Majesty.
It appears the child is about three months into gestation.
Three months? The child?
(Gyeongjong)
But the Empress is malnourished and in feeble state of health.
And I can hardly feel the pulse of the fetus.
(Empress Hunae)
What?
What did you say?
If anything should happen to the Empress or the child, you're dead!
You hear me?
Yes, Your Majesty.
Now tell me again.
Are they all right or aren't they?
They will be all right. Do not fear, Your Majesty.
You impudent fool.
Did you eat anything?
I don't know what to say. I never dreamed you could be pregnant.
I'm sorry.
I don't really hate you.
I was just drunk and not in my right mind. I apologize.
I'm really sorry. You're pregnant with my child and I...
I know you're upset, but please take care of yourself.
I'll grant your every wish, so tell me if there's anything you need.
Perhaps you don't want to see me right now.
I shall go.
Take good care of the Empress. I'm counting on you.
We'll do our best, Your Majesty.
I beg your pardon?
Wang Chi
She's pregnant with His Majesty's child.
The palace is rejoicing after ten years of waiting.
The Empress was released on this account,
and the Empress Dowager has gone to Guibup Temple after stopping by the palace yesterday.
(Yi Gyeomui)
His Majesty has ordered no visitations for the Empress,
so perhaps you'd like to go the temple instead.
Allow us to congratulate you, Your Majesty.
This is such long-awaited news.
We could not be happier, Your Majesty.
Thank you, but don't you feel thick-faced saying this after urging me to execute the Empress just a few days ago?
Your Majesty, that...
I'm no better myself, so we'll just let that slide.
I'm so happy that we may be able to preserve the Imperial line that I have tears in my eyes.
(Han Ungong)
All must pray that the Empress bears a prince.
Yes, Your Majesty.
Perhaps high priests should be summoned from across the state to hold a prayer service for safe delivery.
(Han Ingyeong)
That's a very good idea.
Frankly, I don't trust your prayers,
so make a list of high priests and call them in.
Yes, Your Majesty.
Your Majesty, I'm very happy about this news,
(Seo Hui)
but happier that to see you out there at the council hall.
So am I, Your Majesty.
(Yi Ji Baek)
Please see us more often, and attend to state affairs.
Very well. I'll try.
Vice-Minister Choi, you haven't said a word.
Does it upset you to learn that the Empress is with a child?
Choi Seom
Of course not.
It's a greatest blessing in the Imperial house.
My sincere congratulations to you, Your Majesty.
Eat a little more.
No, I'm done.
Have some more for the baby. Just one more bite.
That's my good little Empress!
Are you making fun of me?
I see you got your strength back.
(Empress Hunjeong)
I still can't believe I'm pregnant.
We were only together once on the night of the wedding.
What I can't believe is how caring and affectionate His Majesty was to you.
I hate that.
I can't figure when he's being sincere and when he's not.
Don't say things like that. He's the father of your child after all.
Instead use this chance to tell him what you want.
Maybe you can change him into a benevolent ruler like Grandmother said.
Do you think so?
Yes, I'm positive that you can.
How could this happen?
His Majesty must have slept with hundreds of woman,
and not once gotten anyone pregnant.
And she's pregnant after one night?
I know.
(Empress Hunsuk)
I'm absolutely flabbergasted.
This is a nightmare of the worst kind.
I hate to think this, but could it be another man's child?
It couldn't be.
(Empress Hunui)
How can you be so certain, when you weren't there?
If she was already pregnant before she came into the palace...
His Majesty the Emperor!
Your Majesty...
Why are you so startled?
You must've been talking about me.
No, no, Your Majesty.
Please sit down.
Never mind. I didn't come to see your miserable faces.
I want you to move out of the Empress' hall.
What do you mean, Your Majesty?
Move out of the Empress' hall?
Have you become hard of hearing?
I want you both to move out of here and into Imperial Consort's Hall.
Your Majesty, you're not serious.
You're playing with us, right?
Do I look like I'm playing?
Just be quiet and do what you're told, you infertile woman!
If you don't like it, you can go back home to your parents!
Don't just sit there. Say something.
What do we do now?
If the Empress from Hwangju gives birth to an imperial heir, what are we to do?
What is there to say?
Hwangju will grow in power and we won't have a ground to stand on.
Choi Seom
I had put my hopes on Prince Hwangjuwon,
(Yi Yang) (Seol Shinyu)
by that's gone up in the smoke instead.
We shouldn't give up hope just yet.
Kim Shimon
The Emperor doesn't exactly fancy Hwangju.
He is actually somewhat guarded against Hwangju.
He won't be quick to grant them favors.
What are you going to do now?
I don't know.
You don't know?
No.
I feel like I just got hit on the head. I can't think.
How could this happen?
Prince...
I've been fostering a dream of becoming the Emperor for a very long time.
I was told to by my grandmother in the beginning, and later encouraged by you.
Then I decided for myself that the throne is indeed what I want.
All day I think about how to make this country better, and my head is full of ideas.
But now this...
(Choe Ryang)
Are you thinking about giving up that dream if the Empress gives birth to a male heir?
I don't have a choice.
That is ridiculous!
If you face an obstacle,
you must think about how to get through it, not about giving up.
Don't you know?
The Empress is my dearest sister.
So you'd turn your back on the people to protect your personal relationship?!
Think about the great cause.
You must fulfill your dream for the future of this land and its people!
Those things which are precious are acquired only by sacrifice.
If it is for a greater cause, you must be willing to give up your family.
You mean make an enemy of my sister for my ambition?
Yes.
Don't you remember what you said to Vice-minister Choe?
You said you'd boldly strike your own family if it should obstruct your path.
That was to gain his support.
I didn't really mean it.
No, reach deep down and ask yourself again.
What's more important to you?
Your clan or your country?
Your sister or the people?
You're here.
I haven't been in here for a long time.
(Yi Ji Baek) (Seo Hui)
It was when Master Gyunyeo was here, so it has been ages.
Master Gyunyeo was incarcerated, so you probably haven't been here in at least eleven years.
(Empress Shinjeong)
It's been a while for Your Highness as well, I take it.
Yes.
I had renounced Buddha when my son died.
But I guess Buddha had not renounced me.
Were you praying for the birth of a male heir?
As we all should.
I wanted to be a good Emperor.
I wanted to build a country of virtue and prosperity
where every individual can pursue happiness in peace.
But this is my sister.
If she give birth to a boy, my dream will be...
I'm sorry...
I may not be able to make you an Empress.
(Buyong)
Stitches are coming off.
Give me your jacket.
If you become a farmer, I will be a farmer's wife,
and if you become a fisherman, I will be a fisherman's wife.
That is my dream. Now stand up for me.
If I have a wish...
It is that you will not make decision that you will regret.
But I will follow you whatever you decide.
I'm sorry. And thank you.
I missed you so much.
I knew my sister was in trouble, but the thought of seeing you again
filled my heart with such joy and excitement all the way here.
I've got to rise to the throne if only to make you happy.
I don't know what to do.
It's hard to believe that tomboy princess is pregnant.
Yes, I know.
And I heard the Emperor is waiting on her hands and foot.
(Yi Sulhwa)
Really?
Wang Chi's wife
That's wonderful. It really is.
She must be so happy having her husband's child and receiving his love.
My lady.
Prince Hwangjuwon will realize someday how lucky he is to have you as a wife.
I'm all right.
He accepted a child that is not his and took us in.
That's enough for me.
I just want him to be happy.
But he's so lonely because he married a woman like me...
We've got to recruit even more courtiers to our side from now on.
Gate guards, eunuchs, physicians, monks, and servants,
(Kim Won Soong)
we need to recruit as many as we can regardless of rank or status.
That's going to be expensive.
We're buying a country. Spare no costs.
Think of it as buying off all the small frys in the palace.
Wouldn't it be more cost effective to buy off one influential figure?
Foreman Jo
No, No. Lofty men have lofty suspicions.
Don't even approach wealthy minister or loyal generals.
Once you have your mark,
help him without asking any questions and become his best friend.
And squeeze out any and all information you can.
Understand?
Yes, my lord.
Are you still upset with me?
I've decided not to drink anymore.
And I've stopped entertaining the ladies as well.
Why are you telling me this?
It's not as if you care how I feel.
I think I will ask how you feel about things from now on. On everything.
Everything?
Yes, everything.
What are you going to do about Lord Seo's proposal regarding the Balhaens?
Do you want me to accept it?
I will, then.
How about the morning meetings?
Do you want me to attend them?
Yes.
You got it.
Every morning?
Come on now. I haven't worked in years.
You got to go easy on me or I'll break.
You are the Emperor, the father of the people.
It's your duty to discuss state issues and policies with the ministers and...
All right, all right. I will do as you ask.
The physicians said you were still weak, but I guess he's wrong.
Your voice is so loud that my ears hurt.
And stop addressing me like I'm a child.
I am not just a lady of the palace.
I am an Empress. Why do you talk to me that way?
Yes, you are right.
I'm sorry. I do apologize, my Empress.
Does my Empress have any craving for any particular food?
I will have my men search the entire country to bring it to you.
I am fine.
I'm eating well and sleeping well, so you need not worry.
Is that right?
Now that you mention it, your belly does seem a little swelled.
May I touch it?
May I diagnose whether it is the baby, or because you're eating too well?
No. Does Your Majesty plan to be here all day?
There are state affairs that need your attention.
Yes, Your Highness. Your wish is my command.
It's a beautiful starry night.
I guess I'll start attending the morning meetings tomorrow,
and see what my crafty ministers are up to.
Your Majesty! Your Majesty!
What is ailment in his lungs?
Well, it's...
Stop dawdling and talk.
Talk!
I said talk.
It appears to be lung abscess.
[Pae-Ong: Disease of the lungs infested by puss]
What is that? Will I be cured?
Prognosis is usually good for lung abscess in most cases,
but judging from His Majesty's severe symptoms, I... I...
Talk! Finish your sentence!
I... I can't guarantee...
Are you telling me that I'm going to die?
How dare you! And you call yourself a physicians?
Stop.
Listen to me carefully.
Yes, Your Majesty.
I must live. So restore me to my health.
I will follow your treatment, no questions asked.
If I have to drink poison, I will,
and I'll endure a hundred needles in my body if that's what it takes.
Yes, Your Majesty. I will do my very best.
And no one must know about this.
If you tell anyone about this, you are a headman.
I understand, Your Majesty.
You may go now.
I will not die.
No, Your Majesty.
I must live to see my son's birth,
and I must live to protect him until he grows up and succeeds to my throne.
I must live.
I must live!
One more time.
Your Majesty! Your Majesty!
What happened?
Your Majesty, it's a boy! Imperial Prince is born!
Imperial Prince? Imperial Prince, you said?
Yes, Your Majesty. Allow me to congratulate you!
Imperial Prince! Imperial Prince!
Thank you. And I'm sorry for putting you through this.
Are you happy?
I'm so happy that I feel like I'm going to fly away.
I'm going to name him, "Song", so he'll grow up to rectify this state.
Would that be all right?
"Wang Song"
Yes, I like it.
Is there anything you want?
I'll grant your every wish.
Truly?
Yes, I'll fly to the sky and bring you back the moon if you ask.
I... miss my grandmother.
Is that too much to ask?
Thank you, Buddha!
My lord, Her Highness has given birth to a baby boy!
Imperial Prince?
Yes, the message was just delivered from the Imperial Palace.
That's wonderful!
Jo, I miss the Empress. And her new baby.
Yes, it's wonderful news.
There is even better news.
Should I tell you or should I not?
What is it?
(Gang Gamchan)
Balhaens in the refugee camp are to be freed soon.
Is that true?
Yes, His Majesty issued the edict a few days ago.
He's allowed the Balhaens make a home for themselves in Jurchen villages of the northern region.
Brother!
Are you happy?
Yes, I am.
Gang Jo
I couldn't be happier.
I will never forget what you've done for us.
No, no, I've done nothing.
I know that you had appealed to Minister Seo Hui about us Balhaens.
That's right. All I've done was appeal to him.
It's Lord Seo and the Empress who did the work.
I have a feeling this wouldn't have happened if it weren't for the Empress.
We owe her so much.
I don't know how I will ever return the debt of gratitude.
You'll get your chance someday.
Anyway, there are both wonderful news.
Long live the Emperor!
Long live the Imperial Prince!
Thank you, everyone.
Thanks to the prayers of the courtiers and Buddhist monks from across the country,
An Imperial Prince is born.
To honor this joyous occasion, I will issue a decree of amnesty
The Department of Punishment to release the prisoners
[Wui Hyung Dae: Attorney General's office in charge of criminals and jail system]
according to my instruction.
What's more, I will distribute...
Your Majesty...!
...distribute rice and wine...
Your Majesty! Your Majesty!
Open your eyes, Your Majesty!
Call the physician at once!
Your Majesty!
Grandmother!
Grandmother, I missed you so much!
Please maintain your dignity.
An Empress doesn't act like a child.
Please come inside, Your Highness.
Yes. You must've been quite busy.
Let us go inside.
He looks just like him.
Who?
Your father.
Look at that sharp nose and those eyes.
Wang Song
Indeed he is the future Emperor.
So he looks like Father.
Empress.
Yes, Grandmother.
Thank you.
I'm told the Emperor is a different man thanks to you.
You've accomplished a monumental task.
Your Highness!
I'm afraid something terrible has happened.
What is it?
His Majesty has collapsed!
What?
What did you tell the officials?
They were told you collapsed from exhaustion due to excessive work
and that you would recover with a little rest.
Good.
I can't have anyone find out about my illness.
I have not forgotten.
Your Majesty, Empress Hunae seeks your audience!
What? The Empress is here?
Empress, what are you doing here? You should be resting in bed.
Are you all right, Your Majesty? I had heard that you collapsed.
Oh dear, I must've frightened my young Empress.
It's nothing.
My body isn't used to working so much, and I just got a bit too tired, that's all.
Is that the truth? Are you sure you're not ill?
Why? Are you afraid I might make you a widow?
Don't worry, my Empress. I'm healthy as a horse.
Lung abscess?
Yes.
The disease is already in advanced stage and chances are, he won't recover.
He won't recover?
That's right.
Jo Du
I heard it straight from the attending physician.
I told you there was no reason for us to panic!
I thought he looked pallid these past few months.
His health is that bad and he kept it a secret all this time?
He might have a male heir now, but he is just an infant.
And an infant can't rule a country.
Right?
You mean Prince Gyeongjuwon is staying in Hwangju?
Yes, Your Majesty.
He has been staying at Myeongbok Palace since the last Palguanhwe.
But why?
For what reason has a drifted settled there of all places?
Forgive me, but I don't have that information.
What is he thinking?
Call him in.
Prince Gyeongjuwon?
No...
I want to see both Prince Gyeongjuwon and Prince Hwangjuwon.
Yes, Your Majesty.
(Myeongbok palace, Hwangju)
Yi Gyeomui
Wait here.
His Majesty wishes to see the two of us?
Yes, Prince Gyeongjuwon.
On what matter?
I'm afraid I don't know.
But he asked me to bring you back immediately.
Wang Chi
(Wang Ook)
Your Majesty, how may we be of service?
Haven't you heard?
Heard what?
I fainted the other day in public while all of my men watched.
Is this true? I was not made aware.
How about you, Prince Hwangjuwon?
No, Your Majesty. I, too, was not made aware.
Are you all right now?
I'm not all right. That's why I called you.
I'm no longer able to attend to state affairs on account of my fatal illness.
What do you mean, Your Majesty?
Fatal illness?
I don't want o go into details
Anyway, I'm not going to be around for long.
But my son is only an infant and I can't even think straight sometimes,
so it has come to a point where I must step down from the throne.
So I called you to abdicate the throne to one of you.
Your Majesty, this is unthinkable!
That's right Your Majesty. We could not dare to accept.
I'm talking to you because I could suddenly die tomorrow.
Someone's got to succeed to the throne of Goryeo.
But Heir Imperial has been born.
Like I said, he's only a month old infant.
One of you can take the throne and pass it down to him later when he's grown.
I'm not king material, Your Majesty.
If you must do this, I beg you to abdicate the throne to Hwangjuwon.
I cannot accept, Your Majesty. Please reconsider.
Oh dear, this is a problem!
Fine, I will give you a few days.
Think about it again and come back to see me.
But one of you must accept the throne.
Do you understand?
Where will you be going from here?
Oh, I have another business to attend in the palace.
Then, I will see you later. I have a business to attend to also.
(Hwangbo Seol)
May I help you?
How is His Majesty?
He says he's all right, but he is exhausted.
We're still very concerned.
It's understandable.
He finally has a male heir after ten years of trying.
He looked quite ill when we saw him at the morning meeting today.
I'm sure he will get better.
And the Prince Imperial is healthy and strong.
Which makes me curious as to what your intent is now that the Imperial Prince is born, Your Highness.
What is your opinion, Lord Seo?
A legitimate heir is born, so the imperial line must be maintained by the Imperial Prince.
Prince Hwangjuwon might be disappointed, but what can we do?
I disagree.
His Majesty is not well and the Prince Imperial is only an infant.
Most importantly, I think Prince Hwangjuwon is worthy of the throne.
One is molded into kingly material.
I will mold the infant prince myself.
Then you're...
I know Prince Hwangjuwon is worthy. But he had the wrong mentor.
I should've dismissed that man a long time ago,
but now he has too much influence over the Prince.
But will the Emperor trust you with the Prince Imperial's education?
The Emperor is not well. He will not have a long life.
I will outlive him. I must out live him.
So I will have my vengeance through the Prince Imperial.
The Prince Imperial must be raised to be the future of Hwangju.
If I should die before the Emperor, the Empress must make that happens.
And to do that, Prince Hwangjuwon must be sacrificed.
Is Escort Yun certain about it?
Are you sure it was Prince Gyeongjuwon?
Yes, I'm sure it was.
But you didn't see him.
But I heard from an attendant that he and Chi were at the Council Hall today.
He must have missed me too.
I just know it. I can feel him.
Seol, I know how you feel, but you have to remember that you're an Empress.
- For as long as the Emperor is still alive, you're... - I know. You don't have to tell me.
I know I can't ever see him again.
Seol...
If I can't love him in this life, we will meet again in the next life.
Welcome, Your Highness. Everyone is waiting for you.
Is it true? The Emperor wants to abdicate the throne?
Yes, and I've come to hear your thoughts. What should I do?
Humbly except, of course.
It is a confirmed fact that the Emperor is suffering from a serious illness.
You mean that was true?
Yes, and this is a god-given opportunity.
But His Majesty is an unpredictable man.
I don't feel comfortable about this.
That's why we must set this in stone before he changes his mind.
The Emperor could change his mind and take it back, like it's all been a joke,
so we must seize the power of military as soon as we have the throne.
Then all of the opposing powers will kneel before us without any extra effort.
We will have a bloodless victory!
What is your opinion?
I don't know. This is too easy for my comfort.
Yes, I feel the same way.
What are you so worried about?
When the opportunity knocks, you have to kick the door open.
There is no time to dilly dally.
No, let us wait and watch the developments.
There is something not quite right about this.
Pardon?
That's what the Emperor had summoned you for?
Yes.
We must prepare to leave this place.
No, let us pack our things and leave tonight!
What is it Sri Gant? What' wrong?
What's wrong? This is a trap.
His Majesty is testing you.
Testing me? Why?
Don't you see? Just think about it.
Why would he abdicate the throne to someone else when he just had a son?
He's trying to get rid of those who can get in his son's way in the future.
But His Majesty is ill, and...
Even if that is true, he is not one to abdicate the throne this way.
You'll end up dead unless you get yourself out of this completely.
Let us go.
We must leave, Prince Gyeongjuwon!
I will leave alone.
What do you mean?
We are brothers sworn to live and die together.
That's not what I mean.
It would be disrespectful to the Empress Dowager for both of us to leave like this.
I will send word later, so join me when the Empress Dowager returns
and you've had a chance to explain the situation.
The Empress Dowager has done all of the favors you've asked.
Yes, but... Prince Gyeongjuwon.
Prince Gyeongjuwon left the city alone directly from the palace after the meeting.
But Prince Hwangjuwon went to Guibup Temple, then to Chancellery Vice-minister Choe Sum's house
and has not been seen living.
Guibup Temple then Choe Sum's house?
Yes, Your Majesty.
I always knew Gyeongjuwon was disinterested in the throne.
The problem is Hwangjuwon.
Why is he staying with the leader of Shillan-descent official Choi Seom?
First Guibup Temple, then Choe Sum's house...
Could my grandmother have joined hands with the Shillan-descents to take the throne from me?
Then this is trouble!
I'd call in the warriors and have them all wiped out,
but if Hwangju and the Shillans are in cahoots, I can't trust the warriors either.
What am I to do?
Go Hyun
Your Majesty, may I make a suggestion?
Yes, what do you suggest?
There was a man who always came to the rescue when previous Emperors were in trouble.
Who?
The banished former Astrologer Advisor Choe Ji Mong.
Our son smiled at me.
Yes, he did.
I will protect you and our child no matter what.
Your Majesty...
You must believe in me if no one else will.
You must.
You certainly must.
I do. I do believe in you.
Choi Ji Mong. Birth name Choe Chongin.
He was a child prodigy gifted in astrological prognostication
who got his name by interpreting Taejo Wang Gun's dream and
predicting that he would unify the three states.
For the second Emperor Haejong,
Choe forewarned of Wang Gyu's uprising and saved the regime from an overthrow.
This cherished retainer first three rulers of Goryeo was banished by the 4th ruler
Gwangjong for disrespectful behavior in drunken state and spent 11 years in exile.
And now he was being called back to the Gaegyong by the 5th ruler Gyeongjong.
Your Majesty, I bid you greetings after eleven years of absence.
Welcome. I've been waiting for you.
Do you know why I called you back?
does it not concern the succession of the Imperial throne?
(Choi Ji Mong)
Yes, it does.
Will you protect me and my son as you protected my predecessors Taejo, Haejong and Jeongjong?
I may be old,
but I would give my all for the safety and welfare of the Imperial House.
Will my son the Prince Imperial rise to the throne?
Why won't you answer? Speak!
Will my son rise to the throne?
To all ministers, listen to Minister Choi's words as if it were coming from me.
It's definitely a trap!
Like a man, I'll face this matter head on.
I won't die until I can abdicate my throne to our crown prince.
Are you going to betray our family's heritage?
Grandmother, you're the one who stabbed me in the back first!
CHI!!!!!
You put Wong Seung in charge of this matter.
YOU WRETCHES!!! WHAT ARE YOU DOING!!!
Treason...You're the one who committed treason.
WHY YOU!!!
Please forgive me.....
Your Majesty.....MAJESTY!!!!!