The Iron Empress
Episode 8
July 981...
The Emperor died at the age of 26 on the 6th year of his reign.
Goryeo History writes that the Emperor was gentle, kind and sincere.
He had disliked excessive merriment,
but towards the end of his life, he neglected his duties indulging in wine and women daily.
It also writes that he turned good men away and kept inferior men near which led to political and cultural decline.
Posthumous title-Hunhwa; Temple name-Gyeongjong;
he was buried on the hills south of Gaegyeong where his tomb is named Yeongneungho.
The 5th ruler Gyeongjong was now gone and the 6th ruler, Seongjong ascended to the throne.
Your Majesty, Dowager Hunae seeks your audience.
The late Emperor ordered a 26 day mourning, So you may take off your mourning garment now.
Seongjong
Let the others do so. I am not ready yet.
Empress Hunae
Of course. You are the most grief-stricken.
Why did you wish to see me?
I prepared a villa for you outside the city and named it Sungdeok Palace.
I'm going to call you Lady of Sungdeok from now on.
Are you asking me to leave the palace?
Perhaps I should, since His Majesty is gone.
Very well, I will leave.
One more thing, I want you to leave alone.
Have you prepared another villa for Seol as well?
There is no need. We can live together as we always have.
That's not what I mean.
I want you to leave your son and move alone.
What? I beg your pardon?
I will raise Song here at the palace.
That's ridiculous. Why?
Why in the world do I have to be separated from my son?
It's the late Emperor's wish.
That's a lie. His Majesty would never want this.
What's this about? Why are you doing this to me?
What did I ever do to you to make you want to take my son away from me?
You did nothing. But I will raise the child.
This is the Emperor's order. And you must obey without question!
The Emperor's order?
Ha! I get it now.
Grandmother was right.
My dear brother was after the throne all along.
What did you do to my husband?
- What are you talking about? - Don't act like you don't know what I'm talking about.
The night of the disturbance,
the night His Majesty's condition worsened, he kept repeating you and Lord Choi's names.
What happened that night? What did you do to him?
What are you implying?
What does that have anything to do with this?
Grandmother warned me that you joined hands with the Shillans and you were after the throne!
You mustn't listen to anything she says. She's a dangerous woman!
No, you're the dangerous one.
Why else would you try to take my son away from me?
Do you think he's a threat to your throne?
If that's what you're worried about, relax.
My son and I are not interested in the seat of power.
So don't try to separate us.
You will not succeed. Never!
Let us not be so callous.
It hasn't even been a month since the Emperor passed.
What's more, she is the new Emperor's sister.
When an Emperor dies, it's customary for his empresses and consorts to leave the palace.
(Choi Ji Mong)
And the two elder empresses have already done so.
(Choi Seom)
His Majesty is being generous granting her a palace outside the city.
The problem is she is being asked to leave her son.
(Yi Ji Baek) (Seo Hui)
What mother in the world would want to be separated from her infant child?
I don't understand that either.
Why must we keep him in the palace when he is no longer an Imperial Prince?
(Park Yang-yu)
It's the late Emperor's wish.
I don't know why the late Emperor left such a wish.
( Han Ungong) (Han Ingyeong)
Isn't it obvious?
He wants the next throne to go to his son.
If that's the case, I guess Lady of Sungdeok doesn't need to be upset about this after all.
Nonsense!
The new Emperor is young and he may have dozens of children in the future.
Lady Sungdeok's son will not be considered for the throne.
According to your line of reasoning,
the late Emperor's abdication isn't normal either-not when he is survived by a legitimate heir.
So are you saying His Majesty shouldn't be on the throne?
No! I'm talking about the proper process!
Please stop. This is for His Majesty to decide.
It is not for us to argue about.
That's absurd, Unni. How could he?
(Empress Hunjeong)
Did brother really said this to you?
Leave a baby that's not even a year old?
Why would Brother do this to you?
He adored you more than anyone.
I will protect my son.
I am not leaving this palace alone. Never.
Unni, can't we go back to Hwangju instead? With the baby, of course.
Is that what you want to do?
Okay.
We'll pack our things tomorrow and go back home.
Grandmother will be pleased, too. I don't like the palace anymore either.
Ahjussi!
Hi, Hyang Bi. What have you got there?
I met a man outside the palace and he asked me to deliver this to you.
(Cheon Hyang Bi)
Sir Gang.
(Gang Gamchan)
Forgive me for leaving the way I did.
I'm sure you know by now, but you and I have different paths to follow.
I'm a drifter that chases the wind, but you have too much to offer.
(Wang Ook)
I am a coward running away from these troublous times,
but you are a man with what it takes to deliver this country from distress.
So I send you my respect with a poem.
"A ferry dock draped with weeping willow seldom travelers are found,"
"an oarsman rows his boat to the shore on the other side."
"All that remains is longing like Spring sunshine,
but I do say goodbye from here or from there with a willing heart."
I ask you to deliver the mandolin to the lady at the palace when you enter the court.
The sky is very clear where I am. I hope it is there, too.
What a selfish man you are.
You're as free as a bird, but you want me to walk into a storm alone.
Wang Song
Teasing you is my only joy these days.
I don't drink, I don't have parties, you've got to give me some slack.
Gyeongjong
Empress.
Yes?
The baby, the Imperial Prince smiled at me.
Did he?
Our son looked at me and smiled.
Yes, Your Majesty.
I will protect you and our son no matter what.
Your Majesty..
You must believe in me if no one else will.
You must.
I do. I do believe in you.
Your Majesty, we'll be leaving the palace tomorrow.
You promised you would protect us, so please keep your word and watch over us.
Your Majesty…
Imperial energy surrounded not only you but the infant prince as well.
That means there are two suns in the sky and one must be eliminated.
And the mother is even more dangerous.
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 that it will threaten the emperor and then some.
If such strength aids the Imperial Prince, you cannot win.
You will lose. Kill them. You must kill them.
If you must insist on keeping them alive separate the mother and son.
That's the only other opinion that could make this work.
I can no longer help if you refuse.
Stop! What is the meaning of this?
It is the Emperor's order. Take him.
Your Highness!
Stop right there! Stop!
Your Highness!
Song! Song!
Let go of me! Let go!
Song! Song!
We've been ordered to escort you out of the palace.
We will take you to Sungdeok Palace.
Fine, I'll go. Just bring back my child!
Bring back my child!
I'm afraid I can't.
You will only be allowed to see him once every three months.
What?
What are you waiting for? Go after her!
Get out of my way! Let me through!
Your Majesty, how could you do this to me?
I'll leave the palace this instant. Just give me back my son!
Please just give me back my child, Brother!
What did I do wrong? Please give him back, Brother!
Brother!
Brother…
Please give me my son back!
Go Hyun
Your Majesty, Lady Sungdeok is outside…
Silence!
Your Majesty.
What are you waiting for? Get her out of the palace!
Remember how close we were before we came to the palace.
How could you do this to me, my brother?
You! How dare you lay your hands on me!
Your Majesty, please just give me my son back!
I won't ask for anything else. So please just give him back.
He's all I've got, Brother.
Brother! Brother!
Unni! Unni!
Your Grace, please open your eyes!
Unni, wake up!
Unni! Open your eyes, Unni!
Unni!
Wake-up...Wake-up...
Unni...Unni...Unni...
Whatever do you mean?
(Empress Shinjeong)
They took the prince away from her and forced her out of the palace?
Yes, Your Grace.
She was almost dragged out of the city and into Sungdeok Palace.
It was truly a tragic sight to watch.
Where is the Empress now? Why didn't you bring her here?
She's staying at Sungdeok Palace refusing to eat or drink.
(Escort Yun)
She does not intend to leave until she gets the Imperial Prince back.
Unbelievable!
I never dreamed his Majesty would treat the Empress this way.
The Empress went into the Imperial Palace for him after all.
As she was being carried out unconscious,
we saw the most extravagant entourage of the Emperor's new consort entering the palace.
It breaks my heart.
New consort?
His wife hasn't even moved into the palace and he has a new consort?
Yes, he named her Consort Yunheung.
I'm told they've been lovers from prior to His Majesty's ascension to the throne and that he simply adores her.
Is this the daughter of Kim Won Soong?
Yes, Your Grace.
Abolish the Palguanhwe ceremony, Your Majesty?
[Palguanhwe: A national annual Buddhist ceremony celebrated in Shill and Goryeo era.]
That's unthinkable, Your Majesty.
I agree, Your Majesty.
I beg you to reconsider.
I won't accept this excuse for dissipation any longer.
And this is something I've considered for a very long time.
But Your Majesty, Palguanhwe is our founder Taejo's…
His Majesty has spoken. Stop defying the Emperor.
We cannot hastily get rid of a national rite that was Taejo's dying wish for us to honor!
Watch your tongue!
Are you saying His Majesty is acting hastily?
I say we abolish not only Palguanhwe but the Lotus Lantern Ceremony as well!
Are you out of your mind?
Please stop, both of you. You are before the Emperor.
May I hear the opinion of the others?
Your Majesty, it is a wise decision.
I agree that an even that's become an excuse for indulgence and dissipation should be abolished immediately.
Indeed it is a national rite honored since Taejo's reign,
but it would be foolish to continue this costly and unproductive tradition based on that reason alone.
That's right, Your Majesty.
If you take the great cost we spend on Palguanhwe every year and put it to better use,
public will be inspired by your grace and wisdom.
Is that all of your opinion?
Yes, Your Majesty.
Empress Dowager is here.
Grandmother! Grandmother…
Grandmother, Su is…
I know. I know…
Grandmother…
Look at you.
This is exactly why I told you that the Imperial Prince must inherit the throne.
Now you've lost your son and look where you are.
I don't care about the throne.
Grandmother, please help me get my son back.
Please, Grandmother!
Su…
Chi won't even see me.
I don't know what made him change like this.
I wish he'd tell me what I've done wrong, but he won't say even talk to me.
I truly have no interest in the throne.
Please talk to Chi for me, Grandmother.
All right, I will talk to him, so please eat something.
I can't. I can't eat anything.
I can hardly breathe.
Grandmother, please help me get my son back.
Please, Grandmother.
Your Highness.
There you two are.
Have you fared well?
Allow me to congratulate you.
Prince Hwangjuwon has risen to the throne so now you are the Grand Empress Dowager.
This is hardly a position to celebrate.
Frankly, I'd rather be a carefree peasant woman.
You must have heard about Empress Hunae.
Yes.
Have you heard about abolishment of Palguanhwe as well?
Pardon? Abolishment of Palguanhwe?
I'm sure you've heard.
My sister the former Empress's son is here in the palace.
Yes, I know.
I separated the mother and child.
Lady Yunheung
I had no other choice.
For this country, for my sister and the child, that was the only thing I could do.
I will take care of him.
I know I can't replace his mother, but I'll do my best to take care of the prince.
Please don't worry.
My lady…
Your Majesty, Her Highness the Grand Empress Dowager to see you!
What is the meaning of this? This is the Empress's Hall!
Why are this woman's belongings are in this room?
Please leave us.
(Empress Mundeok)
Are you here about the Empress?
I've already ordered her entry to the palace.
I'm sure you would've received the message if you had waited.
I'm sorry.
I guess this old fusspot should try to be more patient.
By the way, Your Majesty…
I heard a preposterous rumor that you're abolishing Palguanhwe.
It's not a rumor. It's a fact.
Palguanhwe causes moral decline and more importantly it is wasteful.
Observation of Palguanhwe was one of Taejo's last wishes.
It serves an important political purpose by demonstrating Goryeo's prestige and power to foreign diplomats,
that are invited to attend the celebration.
You know that it is not just for indulgence.
This country needs to work on building substance before outer appearance.
What is your idea of substance?
Bringing in Confucian influence and turning us into a state bound by China?
Confucianism is a philosophy that teaches moral virtue and duty.
I intend to promulgate these teachings to my people and make Goryeo a county of moral virtue.
Oh?
Was it by these teachings that you took the infant son away from a sister who once saved your life?
I did that to protect the Prince.
“The Prince"? He is the Imperial Prince!
A child who has not been officially invested as heir apparent is not an Imperial Prince.
That is the law.
The law!
First you snatch the throne from the young Imperial Prince and now you want to take his right of succession as well?
Is this what the Shillan-descent officials put you up to?
I want you to stop this right now.
And give the Imperial Prince back. I will take care of him and his mother.
Grandmother, I am not a child that obeys your orders anymore.
I am the ruler of Goryeo!
So don't talk to me in that tone of voice!
All right.
Then would you have me get down on my knees and beg?
Then will you sever ties with those treacherous Shillans and come back to your senses?
Don't you see?
I'm doing this because of you, Grandmother!
I'm a thousand times more afraid of you than I am of the Shillans!
What?
When I think of the butchery your grudge and hatred could bring, it makes me tremble.
That's why I'm keeping the prince here away from your influence!
So please leave, grandmother. Do not tell the Emperor what to do!
Grandmother! Grandmother, what's wrong?
She's not feeling well.
What happened? You look so pale.
Grandmother, is it Song? Did something happen to my son?
No, Imperial Prince is fine.
I want you both to pack your things. Come back to with me to Hwangju.
The Emperor is hopeless.
Grandmother, why would you say that?
You don't have a brother anymore. My grandson Chi is gone.
The Emperor is nothing but a puppet under Shillan-descent officials' control.
But what about my son? How can I leave without my son?
Su…
Grandmother, how am I supposed to live?
How am I supposed to go on without my son?
On the 2nd year of his reign,
Seongjong appointed Choe Seunglo Junior First-grade Chancellor,
Choe Seunglo
and set out to reform the central and regional government.
Cheo presented a plan for current affairs made up of 28 provisions based on Confucianism.
Using this plan as a guide,
Seongjong restricted excessive and abusive Buddhist activities, established fair public works distribution,
shaped the status hierarchy system and instituted new policies to strengthen the foundation of Goryeo.
He also established the system of twelve administrative divisions,
to stop the abuse of regional lords and centralized the government.
Allow me to congratulate you, Minister of Revenue!
Oh, you're embarrassing me.
But then, I am the Emperor's Father-in-law.
I deserve this considering the huge investment I made, right?
Of course you do, sir.
Besides, I don't know of a better businessman in the country.
Minister of Revenue is in charge of household registration and taxes,
(Kim Won Soong)
so this is the perfect job for the numbers expert like me.
Yes, sir.
Foreman Jo
So…
I'll be busy with state affairs from now on, so I won't have much time for business.
You're going to have to attend to the merchant group for me.
- I'd be honored, sir. - Good.
Now that I'm the Minister of Revenue, the first thing I'll do is to put us in charge of transportation taxes paid in grain.
If we can get the contract, profit margin will be huge.
We can use the proceeds to dominate trading with Song and Khitan,
and turn it into a fortune that could move the entire country.
You are my right hand man indeed!
I'll cover your back, so make us the biggest and most powerful merchant group anyone has ever seen.
You just wait.
Once my daughter produces an Imperial Prince,
I will not only have trading rights but the whole country will be in my hands!
Now I know why Prince Gyeongjuwon left the mandolin for you.
I've never heard It make such beautiful music.
Have you heard nothing from Prince Gyeongjuwon since?
No.
You're not hiding anything from me, are you?
Of course not.
If I knew where he was, I wouldn't be here right now.
I'd go after him and give him a huge noogie for making me study for the civil service exams at my old age.
Do you think he will come back someday?
I'm sure we will see him again someday if he is alive.
- Just follow me, Your Highness. - What is it?
Brother, she's here.
Gang Jo
We were worried about you never getting any fresh air.
Oh.
It's your bow and arrow.
Hyang Bi and I took good care of it for you.
- Please give it a try. - Yes, Your Highness.
I want to see your incredible marksmanship again.
Thank you. But I don't feel like it.
Then would you like to go for a ride?
Your favorite horse is groomed and ready.
Your Highness, you must keep up your strength if only for the Imperial Prince.
I know. But don't want to do anything right now.
Nothing.
Have you fared well, Your Grace?
Yes, Lord Yi! Did His Majesty send you?
Are you taking me to see my son?
(Yi Ji Baek) (Yi Gyeomui)
No, we are here to see the Grand Empress Dowager.
I see. Why haven't I heard from His Majesty?
He said I would see him every three months, but I haven't heard from him.
Who is taking care of my Song?
I believe Lady Yunheung is taking care of him.
Yunheung? Why her when there is the Empress?
Please don't worry, Your Grace.
Lady Yunheung, I am told, is quite devoted to the prince.
Do you know if he is healthy?
Yes, he is healthy and well.
Well then, we will be on our way to see the Empress Dowager.
What do you mean he proclaimed himself servant of the Emperor of Song?
He said it was unbefitting to be called an Emperor when we are a feudal state that uses Song's era name,
and requires Song's approval for investiture of its rulers.
What do you mean?
It's merely diplomatic formalities that we us Song's era name and seek their approval for investitures.
Goryeo was proclaimed an empire at its founding by Emperor Taejo.
How dare he attempt to undo this?
We must stop this.
We must!
We must risk death to stop him from doing this!
It's too late, Your Highness. There is nothing we can do.
Lord Seo Hui is trying will all his might to change His Majesty's mind,
but Shillan-descent officials dominate the court.
All efforts will be useless.
In a few days, Song envoys will be arriving for His Majesty's investiture.
His Majesty will announce his intent at that time.
Unbelievable! My own grandson is trying to ruin Goryeo!
I cannot let this happen! I will not let this happen!
Are we prepared to receive the Song envoys?
Rest assured, Your Highness. All preparations are complete.
They are important guests coming to see us on behalf of the Emperor of Song.
Pay careful attention to every detail of their stay.
Your Majesty…
I beg you to reconsider.
Must you reduce this empire of Goryeo to a feudal state?
Don't start that again. This matter is already settled.
There is no reason to lower yourself by proclaiming to be vassalage to Song.
It is not too late, Your Majesty. I beg you to reconsider.
I'm trying to make this a country of moral virtue.
If I told the world that we are a feudal state then turned around and acted like an Emperor within the state,
how disingenuous would that be?
But Your Majesty…
Oh please stop! Would you please stop calling him “His Majesty"?
He doesn't want to be called “His Majesty"! What is your problem, sir?
Minister Seo, Song envoys are due to arrive at Byuklando Harbor tomorrow.
[Byuk Rhan Do: A harbor in Yeh Song river, Koryo's trading port]
Let us stop discussing this.
That's right.
This matter has already seen settled through due process, so let us not discuss it any further.
Who are they?
Protect the envoys! Protect the envoys!
What do you mean the envoys have been kidnapped?
Who would dare do this?
Your Highness, we've learned Hwangju is behind the crime.
Hwangju? Is this true?
Yes, there were soldiers from Myeongbok Palace of Hwangju.
Your Highness, this is tantamount to high treason.
Not only must the envoys be rescued, but there must be consequences for the Grand Empress Dowager as well.
That's right, Your Majesty. This cannot be dealt with lightly.
They have challenged your royal authority.
That's not all.
The Emperor of Song will be furious once he finds out about this.
You must take punitive military action against Hwangju immediately.
An army?
Yes.
(Yi Sulhwa)
It looks like the entire Royal Guards of Gaegyeong.
Then we'll fight.
Gear up the soldiers and put out best men to protect the Empress Dowager and the two Empresses.
Go. Move quickly.
Yes, Drillmaster Gang.
Drillmaster Gang, do you really intend to fight the Royal Guards?
Yes.
You can't.
It's reckless to go up against the Royal Guards.
Besides, we can't kill our own countrymen.
Most importantly, it's high treason.
I know.
But Grand Queen Dowager doesn't want us to back down, so I will not back down.
- Shields Up! - Shields Up!
Stand your ground!
I will warn you again. Drop your weapons and surrender!
Unsheathe your swords!
Stop this at once!
Halt!
What is the meaning of this?
How dare you bring armed guards into my palace!
Grand Queen Dowager, it is the King's order.
Please disarm your men and turn over the envoys.
Never.
This is a sacred place where even Taejo did not dare to disrespect!
How dare you attempt to desecrate this palace!
If you defy the King's order, we have no choice to treat this as high treason.
Silence!
Tell the Emperor to come here himself if he wants to command me!
This is where the Emperor was born and I am the one who raised him!
How dare you fire arrows upon this palace!
You! Go back and bring the Emperor!
Bring that bastard Chi at once!
Grandmother!
Your Highness!
- Grandmother! - Your Highness!
Grandmother!
Your Highness!
Grandmother, Grandmother, are you alright?
Grandmother?
Su.
Yes, Grandmother. I'm here.
Can you see me?
What happened?
We surrendered.
We had no choice.
You collapsed, and we couldn't fight our own countrymen…
Su.
Yes, Grandmother.
I have something to tell you.
The late Emperor had every right to hate me.
It is true that I harbored treasonous intent against Emperor Gwangjong to protect this clan.
That's why his mother…
…my daughter…was killed.
Grandmother!
But I have no regrets.
Our clan...
does not submit to anyone who tries to ruin the country that His Majesty Taejo founded even if that person…
…even if that person occupies the throne.
Don't talk, Grandmother.
Your brother is ruining this country.
Shillan-descent officials are using your brother to ruin… to ruin this…
Please Grandmother, don't talk.
You are the mistress of Myeongbok Palace now.
Bring your son forward.
Bring your son forward and restore this country, Goryeo.
Do you understand?
Yes. Yes, Grandmother.
I'm sorry. I've put such heavy burden on you…
My poor child…
Grandmother?
Grandmother! Grandmother!
Grandmother…
Grandmother!
So she…is gone?
Yes, Your Majesty.
Soldiers have been disbanded and only servants remain at the palace.
Please do not treat Hwangju as your enemy anymore
and grant forgiveness to everyone involved in this incident, Your Majesty!
I must go.
I will go to Hwangju.
She is my grandmother.
Forgive me, Your Majesty.
But Empress Hunae does not want you there.
I can't bid her final goodbye?
She asked me to tell you that you no longer have any ties to Hwangju.
I said I want to be left alone!
Yes, Your Highness.
Yes, Grandmother. I'm going to be strong.
For this clan, for this country and for my son's future, I will be strong.
Guide me and watch over me, Grandmother.
His Majesty said he would overlook the kidnapping of the envoys.
But he will not allow the clan to have more than one hundred private soldiers.
- Sir Gang. - Yes, Your Grace.
Enter the royal court for me. My son has no one right now.
Lords Seo Hui and Yi Ji Baek's influence is not enough.
Please. Enter the royal court for me.
Your Grace.
All right. Let's go for a ride.
I want to shoot some arrows as well.
I hope I didn't forget how.
She fought with all her might.
As for Jurchens, bury the dead and treat the wounded.
I will become a filial son for you.
Song, Prince of Sun Nyang will be entitled Keh Ryung Goon, therefore...
In regards to Song, you do know who his parents are!
You mean...get rid of Hwang Song!
It's the queen! Capture her!
It's only the beginning, after 1000 years of ups and downs, our chance will come.