The Iron Empress
Episode 7
What do you foresee?
Will my son, the Imperial Prince, rise to the throne?
Why are you silent?!
Answer the question!
The Imperial Prince will indeed rise to the throne.
[Choi Ji Mong(Minister since King Taejo era, predicts the future by astronomy and weather)]
[Gyeongjong (The 5th Ruler of Gyeongjong)]
He will?
But there is a threat.
Threat?
A nova has violated the imperial constellation.
[Gaek-Song (a comet or a meteor)]
It is an indication that another force is after the throne.
What is that force?
If it is a powerful star from the north surrounded by smaller southern stars.
The two opposites have come together.
Hwangjuwon and the Shillans.
I knew it.
Indeed you are worthy of your reputation.
This is exactly why I summoned you back.
Prince Hwangjuwon and the men of Shillan descent,
have joined hands to steal the throne from my son!
So what do you advise? Tell me what to do.
I wanted to rally my army and wipe them out,
but I couldn't trust my army either.
Is there a way,
to protect my son and the future throne?
Yes, there is.
But first I ask you to grant me plenipotentiary powers.
I need authority in order to proceed secretly.
I'm sure everyone knows Lord Choi Ji Mong.
He was banished over a petty offence in the previous reign and now he's returned.
I am appointing Lord Choi Chief of Supreme Council.
Also, due to health reasons,
I've asked Lord Choi to temporarily attend to state affairs on my behalf.
So obey his orders as you obey mine.
What's the matter?
Do you have a problem with my decision?
Your Majesty.
Faithful retainer Lord Choi's return is entirely appropriate.
However, I am taken aback by your decision to hand over the state affairs.
I told you I am not well.
Would you rather I collapse again and never wake up?
No, Your Majesty, but...
Then be quiet and do what you are told!
If you don't want to, turn in your resignation and go home.
Father-in-law, is it true that Choi Ji Mong has become Chief of Supreme Council?
[Choi Seom (leader of Shillan faction)]
Yes.
Choi Ji Mong is closer to being one of us,
so isn't it good news to have him in such a powerful position?
Not necessarily.
My lord!
Are you alright, Father-in-law?
Sir, there's a letter attached.
"If you want to put him on the throne,"
"bring him to Wang Ryun Temple by 11 tonight."
Who could have done this?
I have no idea.
Whoever it is, he knows about our plans.
Who could it be?
(Kim Won Soong)
Could the Empress Dowager be on to us?
(Wang Chi)
If she was, she would have called me in to confirm.
It could be...
the Emperor himself.
The Emperor?
Yes, he's setting a trap.
He told Prince Hwangjuwon he'd abdicate the throne,
and hasn't said a word about it since.
Then he called Choi Ji Mong out of the blue back from eleven years in exile.
Choi Ji Mong has been a guardian angel for the Imperial house since the country was founded.
Are you saying that the Emperor reinstated him to destroy us?
Let us play along.
Prince Hwangjuwon...!
It's too dangerous. I'm certain this is a trap.
Then so be it.
But if His Majesty knew about my ambitions, he wouldn't play such games.
If he knew, I'd already be dead.
I want to face this like a man.
(Wang Ryun Temple)
Prince Hwangjuwon and Vice-minister Choi, I take it?
Yes.
The benefactor who awaits you asked me to deliver a message...
you are not in danger so you may send back your guards.
Have a seat by the lights.
Prince Hwangjuwon, hold your head up straight and look this way.
Now tell me the date and time of your birth.
I was born on the day Yang Earth Horse between 9 to 11 am.
Who are you sitting behind the veil?
Lord Choi!
You're still as impatient as ever, Vice-Minister.
(Choi Ji Mong)
What do you mean His Majesty turned over the state affairs to the Supreme Council?
He told the ministers that he had made this decision because of health reasons.
Unni, I have a feeling he's sicker than he is letting us believe.
So do I, Your Highness.
I saw some Imperial escorts whispering the other day.
And when they saw me coming, they suddenly shut up and looked away.
(Escort Yun)
My instinct tells me they were talking about His Majesty's condition.
Unni, maybe you can summon His Majesty's physician and confirm this.
Are you telling us that you will help Prince Hwangjuwon rise to the throne?
Yes.
What compels you?
I don't quite understand why you'd come back after eleven years and help us instead of the Emperor.
There are many reasons but I will tell you the most important one.
Prince Hwangjuwon was born for the Imperial throne.
Me?
Yes.
If I'm right, you will rise to the throne without fail and become a benevolent ruler that strengthens the state.
I want to help our sixth ruler rise to the throne and serve the Imperial House as I always have.
That is this old man's last wish.
If you would do that for us, there is nothing more we could ask for.
Please tell us what direction we should take now.
Your Majesty, Empress Hunae wishes to see you.
What? Empress Hunae?
What brings you at this late hour?
Why didn't you tell me? Why?
Tell you what?
I already know everything.
I don't know what you're talking about.
I just spoke to the physician. Are you still going to deny it?
He told me you had a lung disease.
[Pae-Ong: A disease where the lungs fill with puss]
That idiot!
I told him to keep his mouth shut!
This is not his fault.
You should've told me if no one else.
How could you hide this from me?
Everyday you're dying little by little, and I, the Empress, had no idea.
How could this happen..
Don't worry. I'm not going to die.
I'm going to outlive everyone, so don't worry about a thing.
- Your Majesty... - It's nothing, I tell you.
God is giving me a small scolding for the debaucherous way I've lived in the past.
But I promise you I will not die until our son is grown.
So don't worry about a thing.
Until then I will not die no matter what happens.
I will not die,
no matter what.
[Wang Ook (Prince Gyeongjuwon)]
Why do you want to leave so suddenly? Is there something wrong?
No, Your Highness.
It's been months since Prince Gyeongjuwon has been gone.
I didn't want to trespass on your hospitality but I stayed hoping he'd send word.
But I fear further waiting would be in vain.
Don't you know what Prince Gyeongjuwon wants or are you just ignoring it?
I don't understand.
He left without you because he wanted you to serve the country.
I realized that later, but...
If you're not comfortable here, stay with Minister Seo Hui.
And find a way to use your talents for Goryeo.
Of course you can stay here too, for as long as you like.
Your Highness!
What is the fuss?
Well...
(Yi Juyeong)
Oh that hurts!
Prince Hwangjuwon is back.
Where is he?
Where have you been?
I was in Gaegyeong.
Gaegyeong where?
Why are you raising your voice?
I heard you were at Guibup Temple.
But...
you left without seeing me and vanished for months.
Do you know how worried I was?
Ah, I see.
Who did you stay with in Gaegyeong?
I stayed at the manor of Lord Kim Won Soong.
Kim Won Soong?
The merchant who is in cahoots with the officials of Shillan descent?
Is this the same man who tried to offer his daughter to the Emperor?
Yes, Grandmother.
I fell in love with his daughter.
Her name is Buyong.
What?
I intend to marry her.
Are you out of your mind?
You have a wife and family at home and you want to do what?
Marry a daughter of a man who supports the Shillans?
Who propositioned you? Is your mentor behind this?
No, I made this decision on my own.
And I stayed for a while with Vice-minister Choi Seom as well.
Who did you say?
Vice-minister of the Chancellery Choi Seom.
Don't you know who he is?
He is the leader of the officials of Shillan descent who destroyed our clan!
I know. That's why I met him.
Is it your intent to betray our family?
You betrayed me first, Grandmother.
Chi!
I heard you talking to Lord Seo Hui and Yi Ji Baek at Guibup Temple.
So now the Imperial Prince is hope of Hwangju, is he?
You said I had to rise to the throne, and made me accept all kind of sacrifices.
But now I've become useless to you since you have the Imperial Prince!
Your sisters gave up everything they wanted and married the Emperor to save your life.
And you want to push aside your own nephew and seize the throne for yourself?
And by joining hands with the Shillans at that?
Ambition has completely blinded you!
No Grandmother, you're the blind one.
What?
I could give up my dream if you didn't have any ulterior motives.
But what you want out of this is exacting revenge on the officials of Shillan descent!
Of course I do!
Don't you know how painful my life has been?
Your father drank poison in front of me, and your mother hanged herself.
Do you know the tearing agony of watching your brothers get stuck down with a sword one by one?
I have never forgotten that day. And I've never forgotten revenge.
And what do you say? You dare to stand there and defend those monsters?
That is not the Goryeo that I dream of.
My job is to make this a country of peace and harmony.
That is why I want to be the Emperor to break the cycle of bloody and revenge!
Silence!
It's over no matter what you say.
Thank God I chose the Imperial Prince over you!
The rightful heir will inherit the throne.
Stay away from the Shillans.
They will soon get the punishment they deserve.
Not in your lifetime... You will not get your wish, Grandmother.
In fact, you should brace yourself for an earth-shattering change.
What do you mean by that?
Chi! Wait right there! Chi!
Must we involve the military?
(Choi Seom's manor)
This has potential to become bloodier than ever.
The ball is already in motion.
Bloodshed may be unavoidable to open up a new world.
I say this only because I fear it might be a futile fight.
(Kim Shimon) (Choi Ryang)
We're up against the Emperor of Goryeo.
We have to be prepared to take our own lives if this fails.
(Seol Shinyu)
That's right.
We can't just sit on our thumbs and let them destroy us.
(Yi Yang)
Emperor, Hwangju, they are all just enemies to us now.
That's right. The fight has already begun.
We'll just have to wait and see what happens.
(Foreman Jo) (Jo Du)
We have worked very hard training in secrecy for today to come.
Now we march to Gaegyeong to reap the fruit of our labors.
You know your mission.
Now march in perfect order!
Yes!
Did you say Wang Seung of Seogyeong?
[Suh-Kyung Ah Gwan (buildings used by Goryeo officials in the city of Suh-Kyung)]
Yes, Your Majesty.
He and his army left Seogyeong yesterday so he should reach Gaegyeong by tonight.
Wait a minute.
I thought Wang Seung was the man who incriminated you in the previous reign.
He is, Your Majesty.
You were exiled as the result and you called upon him for help?
Your Majesty, I can overlook a personal grudge in the interest of your safety and the country.
From what I've learned, Imperial Guards can no longer be trusted.
Same is true for Hwangju, so Wang Seung's Seogyeong army is the only army you can trust now.
- Is that true? - Yes, Your Majesty.
We must call upon them to simultaneously drive out both the Hwangju and Shillan forces.
This is the only way to protect the Imperial Prince.
Very well. I'm counting on you.
Have no fear, Your Majesty.
(Wang Seung)
Open the gate!
State your identity!
This is Lord Wang Seung from Seogyeong! Open the gate immediately!
We have no such instructions.
The law of the land forbids entrance of armed soldiers into the city, so turn back.
It is by the order of the Emperor that I've come!
This is the edict bearing His Majesty's Imperial Seal.
Send the edict.
That bastard.
I will take it to him.
Now open the gate!
It is indeed His Majesty's seal, but I cannot allow armed men into the palace.
Send in only one hundred unarmed men.
Are you blind? Read the edict again!
You are to follow my orders!
There is no way I would allow a fully armed army to enter the palace.
Now move your men away from the gate unless they have disarmed.
That imbecile!
General, this is causing too much delay.
Let us pretend to comply then suppress them once we're in.
It doesn't looks like there are too many of them on duty.
Very well, I will comply.
Disarm one hundred men and move the rest back.
Why did you close the gate?
Where are you going? Officer Hong! Officer Hong!
You wretches, why are you doing this?
It's a trap! You must flee, General!
Open up the gate and let the others in! Open the gate!
Open the gate!
General! General Wang!
We must break down the gate!
Break down the gate!
How dare you?! I am here by Imperial command!
Defying the Imperial command is high treason!
High treason? You are the one committing high treason, I'm afraid.
You're...!
It's been a while, Wang Seung, eleven years to be exact.
While you were living the good life after incriminating me,
I lived alone with nothing to do but stare at the ocean.
You... you set me up. You set me up!
Hong Maldu! How could you betray me?
I'm doing what's best for Goryeo.
You bastards! You treacherous traitors!
Hmm, I wonder who will go down in history as the traitor.
Cease the fight!
The chief of the Supreme Council is here!
Soldiers of Seogyeong,
I am Chief of Supreme Council Choi Ji Mong!
Your leader Wang Seung...
has just been executed for attempting to enter the palace with a forged document!
I believe you were deceived by Wang, and you will not be incriminated if you disarm.
As you can see Wang Seung is dead!
Put down your weapons now, or you too will face death for the crime of high treason!
What did you say?
Your Majesty,
I am happy to report that Wang Seung, the criminal of high treason, has been safely eliminated.
Wang Seung? Criminal of high treason?
As I've said, a nova had violated the imperial constellation.
The nova threatening the throne was Wang Seung.
Oh no!
It's you! You're the...!
Attendant! Attendant!
Yes, Your Majesty!
Lord Choi, what have you done? His majesty is...
I'm well aware that His Majesty is ill.
I shall take him to his bedchambers, so stay away!
Get him out of here!
Your Majesty! Your Majesty!
My Lord!
My Lord, we did it! We've defeated the rebels!
Is this true?
Yes, my Lord!
I knew we could do it!
Your Majesty, it appears your reign may be coming to an end.
I recommend abdication.
The city has completely been overtaken.
You must consider the safety of the Empress and the Imperial Prince.
You wretch... you wretch!
If you lay a finger on them, I will tear you from limb to limb!
Think about the mess you've made of this country.
Neither the people nor the Gods want you anymore.
Do something for Goryeo for once.
The man who will put this country on solid footing is Prince Hwangjuwon.
You!
What do you mean?
Wang Seung of Seogyeong was killed marching on the palace with his army?
It's General Yi Gyeomui's report from Gaegyeong, I think we can assume it's true.
It can't be!
A good man like Wang Seung committing high treason?
Something is not right.
He is not a man to betray the Emperor, and he has no reason to.
I don't know what's happening, but it looks like there's trouble in Gaegyeong.
What in heaven's name...!
Not in your life. You will not get your wish, Grandmother.
In fact, you should brace yourself for an earth-shattering change.
I must go to Gaegyeong at once.
Empress Dowager, I urge you to take the guards with you if you must go.
If there's been a revolt, it could be dangerous.
I will accompany you, Your Highness.
Spread it out and stand guard! Move it!
What is the meaning of this?
The North gate of the palace was violated by rebels last night.
Fortunately, Imperial Guards were able to suppress their rebellion,
and the rebel leader Wang Seung was killed at the scene.
Why would Wang Seung commit such a crime?
He's dead, so we will never know.
But it's an irrefutable fact he attempted to invade the palace, in the dark of night, with 3,000 armed men.
What's more, this is an event which coincides with my prediction.
Is His Majesty all right?
Unfortunately, he's not.
I beg your pardon? What do you mean, sir?
I just found out myself, but His Majesty is suffering from a serious illness.
A serious illness?
What is the ailment?
According to his physician, it's a lung abscess.
The shock of last night's event, on top of his illness, has caused His Majesty to collapse again.
Is he in critical condition?
(Han Ungong) (Han Ingyeong)
Where is His Majesty now?
We must see him right away.
He does not wish to see anyone right now, so please be patient.
He is physically ill and emotionally traumatized, so he is indeed in serious condition.
As a precautionary measure against potential threats by Wang Seung's unknown accomplices,
I am placing armed soldiers throughout the palace, so be advised.
Your Majesty, please open your eyes! Your Majesty! Your Majesty!
Empress...
Yes, Your Highness.
It's me... Can you see me?
Choi Ji Mong... He's trying to...
Your brother... Our son...
What are you trying to say, Your Majesty?
Please tell me again.
Our son... He's trying to...
Our son...
Who's there?
Choi Ji Mong of the Supreme Council, Your Highness.
I don't care who you are.
How dare you barge into the Emperor's bedchambers!
Your Majesty, I have placed armed guards around the Empress's Hall as well.
After all, I must also protect the Empress and the Imperial Prince.
What have you done? Where are the attendants and physicians?
Forgive me, Your Grace.
There was a disturbing incident at the North gate last night.
Is that an excuse?
The most disturbing thing here is that no one is attending to the Emperor when he is so gravely ill!
Call the physician at once. Now!
Ji Mong, what are you waiting for?
(Taejo Wang Gun)
Your Majesty...!
What are you waiting for? Fetch the physician!
Yes, Your Highness.
Lung abscess?
[Pae-Ong (Lung disease where the lungs fill with puss)]
Yes, Your Highness.
They don't think he will live for very long.
How could this be?
But there is something that doesn't sit well with us.
Wang Seung was a faithful retainer.
And the man who holds His Majesty's scepter had a grudge to settle against him.
But it is a fact that he entered the city with an army, so there's little room for doubt.
The Minister of Military confirmed this fact from interrogating his men.
Lord Yi.
[Byung Bu Kyung: Army depot, within a Providence, used during Goryeo Dynasty]
Yes, Empress Dowager.
Would you happen to know where the Vice-Minister of the Chancellery resides?
I beg your pardon?
Once you rise to the throne,
you must first eliminate the Imperial Prince and his mother.
How can you say this? You speak of my sister and my nephew.
You must listen to me very carefully.
For as long they are alive, you cannot build the country you want.
Do you know what I was shocked to find out when I first came back to the palace?
Imperial energy surrounded not only you but the infant prince as well.
The Imperial Prince?
That's right.
That means there are two suns in the sky and one must be eliminated.
But he's just an infant.
And his mother is even more dangerous.
How so?
I can't quite explain, but she is dangerous nonetheless.
I felt from her the same strength that I had felt from Emperor Taejo when I first met him as a young boy.
This is unheard of for a woman.
Her energy is so intense it will threaten the Emperor's power and more.
If such strength aids the Imperial Prince, you cannot win.
You will lose.
Kill them. You must kill them.
I cannot do that.
The reason why I want the throne is to create a country of peace and harmony.
I am not about killing.
What's more, Empress Hunae is my most cherished sister.
If you don't kill them, you could end up dead.
Empress Hunae and you are opposites of the most extreme kind.
Then be it. If that's our fate, I will die instead.
I will not go those lengths to rise to the throne.
Are you certain about this?
Yes, I am.
I guess I have no choice. Then separate the mother and son.
Separate them?
Yes.
That's the only other option which could make this work.
If you refuse, I can no longer help you.
I want to go down in history as an illustrious merit subject.
I do not wish to bring a man doomed to fail to the throne.
What is this?
Wild ginseng.
His Majesty is weak.
Foreman Jo
Use it to replenish his vitality.
His Majesty's ailment is caused by anxiety and alcohol which build up heat in his lungs.
Ginseng is indeed a wonderful medicine, but it is a hot energy herb.
He's got to get back on his feet so he can attend to state affairs.
But for an ailment of this kind, ginseng could be poisonous.
Remember, we're in the same boat.
If you turn against us, I will throw you overboard.
Are you certain it was Lord Choi of the Supreme Council?
Yes, I'm certain it was Lord Choi Ji Mong.
May I ask what Prince Hwangjuwon is doing there?
He's not trying to betray Hwangju, is he?
Not if I can help it. Never.
(Gang Jo)
That's absurd, Grandmother.
Abdicate the throne to a prince who is not even a year old?
His Majesty is gravely ill.
Lung abscess.
You knew about it? How can you be so calm?
He made me a promise.
He said he'd live to protect me and our son.
How could you be so naive?
Go to him right now and get an edict at least, just in case.
An edict?
Yes, an edict leaving the throne to the Imperial Prince.
No, Grandmother. I can't do that.
I don't want to do that to His Majesty.
I can't talk to him as if I'm waiting for him to die.
He promised me he would defeat this disease.
Empress, you have no time for this.
Your brother, Prince Hwangjuwon, has joined hands with the officials of Shillan descent to go after the throne.
Your Majesty! Your Majesty!
I will get the physician.
No, no.
Prince Hwangjuwon, bring me Prince Hwangjuwon.
When did it start?
How long have you been after my throne?
[Wang Chi (Prince Hwangjuwon)]
Never mind.
It's pointless to know now.
I brought this on myself.
Will you stop once I give you the throne?
Or is this not over until my wife and son are dead as well?
No, Your Majesty. Never.
The very reason why I want the throne is to stop the bloodshed.
How could I?
The Imperial Prince is my sister's son as well.
He is my nephew.
Can you swear to the Gods of Heaven and Earth?
Yes, Your Majesty.
Perhaps this is the will of Heaven.
I know you will make a better ruler than this reprobate ever did.
I will give you the throne.
Your Majesty!
But you must guarantee the safety of the Empress and my son.
If you break your word...
Your Majesty!
Your Majesty...
You must keep your word.
If you break it, I will come back from my grave to destroy you!
Yes, Your Majesty, I swear to you.
Good.
Now call the Chief of Supreme Council.
I will issue an edict. An edict of abdication.
This puppet show is finally over.
Your Highness! Your Highness!
What is it?
His Majesty has abdicated his throne to Prince Hwangjuwon.
What?
He issued the order to the Supreme Council and now he is asking for you.
I've come too late. Too late!
You must go and witness his final moments.
Empress.
Your Majesty.
I've decided to hand over that disgusting throne to your older brother.
Yes, I heard.
Are you upset?
No, I'm glad.
If we get away to a quiet place where you have no worries, you'll be back on your feet in no time.
No, it's too late. My time has come.
Your Majesty...
I wouldn't have ended up this way had I met you a little sooner.
You would've bought me back to my senses years earlier and made me a benevolent ruler.
Why did you show up so late?
Your Majesty...
I'm sorry making you a widow at such a young age.
And I'm so sorry for all the pain I've caused you.
Stop.
If this is what you want to talk about, I won't listen.
I don't want you to be alone for too long after I'm gone.
That's not what I want for you.
But would you still think about me once in a great while, even if you find other happiness?
I've lived a fool's life, but I don't want to be forgotten by you.
Your Majesty, please stop.
I'm sorry.
I'm really sorry.
I wanted to keep the promise I made you, but...
Your Majesty!
Attendant! Call the physician!
No, don't call anyone.
I want to be alone with you. Just you...
But you're bleeding...
My little Empress, I'm hurting you to the very end...
Forgive me.
For the awful husband I've been.
Forgive me.
No, don't say that.
To me you're the best husband a woman could ever have.
The best.
Let us meet sooner in our next life.
Your Majesty...
I want to see our son. Our son...
Escort Yun! Escort Yun!
Yes, Your Highness.
Bring the Imperial Prince. Bring him at once!
Yes, Your Highness.
Our son will be here shortly. Hang in there a little while longer.
Your Majesty!
Your Majesty, open your eyes.
You can't die like this.
Please open your eyes!
You promised me that you'd be here for us.
Keep your promise. You're the Emperor!
Your Majesty, please don't go!
Give them the throne. Give them everything.
Let them have it all and we'll leave this prison-like palace together.
Your Majesty, open your eyes! Your Majesty!
In the future, I will call you Princess of Seung-Duk Palace.
You must leave your son behind.
That child is my everything, Big Brother!
Do away with the ritual ceremony.
Are you planning to abandon our nation?
Nation of Song's representatives were kidnapped?
Tell His Majesty to some here! Tell him to come!
You must reclaim the throne for the sake of Goryeo.
Grandmother!!
You are now the owner of Myeongbok Palace.