The Iron Empress
Episode 18
My Lady?
It's been awhile, Minister Kim.
What...
What brings you to my humble home?
Please sit down.
[Lady Sungdeok Hwangbo Su (future Empress Cheonchu)]
I don't think so.
I couldn't sit in the house of the man who tried to kill my son and me.
[Kim Won Soong (Minister of Finance)]
Par... pardon me?
My Lady?
I will give you another chance.
So try it again.
Pardon? What do you mean?
If you want to kill me, take this dagger... and pierce it into my heart.
Now!
My Lady... why are you doing this?
What?
Are you afraid now?
I thought you'd have greater courage having attempted my son's and my murders.
What are you talking about?!
Don't lie to me!
You're the one who ordered the assassination of me and my son at Guibup Temple.
That... that's absurd!
Who told you this?
Your subordinate, Jo Sun, confessed to everything.
What?
What did you say?
Are you still going to deny it?
No... you're wrong.
That isn't true!
Your man confessed!
I'm innocent! If that's true, he did it on his own!
I never ordered him to do such a thing. Never!
Really?
Of course not! Why would I want Prince Gaeryeong dead?
My daughter, the Queen, loves him like her own son.
You're wrong. It's a mistake!
I know you're lying... I let this go just once.
But... I warn you,
if you ever try to hurt my son again... I will kill you.
And the Queen won't survive either.
This is the solemn vow of the mother of Prince Gaeryeong.
Try this again... and I will wipe out your entire family.
- Drillmaster Gang, let's go. - Yes, my Lady.
Jo Du! Jo Du! Jo Du, are you outside?!
Sir!
Where... where's Foreman Jo? Where is he?
Sir...
You! Did you... confess?!
Did you tell Lady Sungdeok that I ordered their assassination?!
(Jo Sun)
No, Sir. Of course not.
I didn't even mention your name.
They threatened to kill me with a knife at my throat...
but I didn't say anything.
Look what they did to me, but I didn't confess your involvement.
Is that true?
Yes, Sir.
I'm... I'm not that easy to crack.
Oh no!... They fooled me!
Did you see him?
He was very nervous.
(Gang Jo)
Yes, my Lady.
It's definitely him.
Sir Gang Gamchan was right.
Will this be effective?
It could put Song in greater danger.
Yes it was. He's frightened.
He won't try anything again.
We should go see Lady Seol now.
Why do you live in a place like this, my Prince?
And why haven't you contacted me,
when you live so close to Gaegyeong?
What would that accomplish?
And I'm happy here. So, you don't have to be concerned.
(Prince Gyeongjuwon- Wang Ook)
Why did you come to see me?
My Prince, times change and we with time.
Does the throne still not interest you?
Are you still interested in me after all these years, Minister Choi?
[Choi Seom (Vice-Minister of the Chancellery)]
But of course.
You're the last living son of King Taejo.
And the current king does not have a male heir.
Please think it over for the future of this kingdom.
There is no candidate better than you anywhere in Goryeo.
But of course there is.
Prince Gaeryeong was invested as Royal Prince.
The throne will rightfully go to him.
But Prince Gaeryeong is...
Stop.
This is not a conversation I wish to continue.
Goodbye.
My Prince, did you get married?
I heard you brought medicine from the pharmacy for your wife.
Congratulations.
Who is your bride?
Do I have to tell you about my private life?
I was just curious. Well then, I shall go now.
I will visit again soon.
So, please think it over.
That's unnecessary.
Don't trouble yourself again.
What's wrong, Husband?
Pack our things. We must leave immediately.
[Hwangbo Seol (Future mother of King Hyunjong)]
Leave? What happened?
I'll explain later, but we must pack right now.
Husband!
Seol!
Unni!
I heard you're pregnant.
Yes, Unni.
That's wonderful.
You're going to be a mother.
Congratulations.
But Unni... my husband...
So you came?
What's going on?
What are you doing with a bag?
We're in trouble. Lord Choi Seom was here just now.
Did he see you two together?
No, but there is no telling when he might be back.
We must leave before he does.
It's my fault for overlooking Hangae Temple.
I never thought anyone would go there.
Don't worry, Sir.
The head monk has been transferred to another place.
Drillmaster Gang is the problem.
(Kim Chi Yang)
Why is he still so wary of us?
(Sa Gamun)
Sir.
Why... don't we just get rid of him?
What are you saying?!
We can't risk the mission on account of one man.
If we are suspected, we might as well...
That's out of the question!
Why do you always think in extremes without any discretion?
We have to give up everything if we fail.
Gang Jo is not a man to be taken lightly.
All we can do right now is to hope that Sa Illa gets the job done in Gaegyeong.
- Sir, you're back. - Yes.
Sir! Minister Choi!
Sir, I must have a word with you. Please give me a moment of your time.
Who are you? Do you know who this is?
Sir, I'm from Myeongbok Palace of Hwangju.
Myeongbok Palace?
He was here to see you this afternoon too, Sir.
What business do you have with me?
Yes... actually...
Be careful, Sir!
Look Mister! Come to your senses!
Han... gae... Temple.
Fellow! Wake up!
Sir, he's dead.
What in the world just happened?
I've been waiting for you, my Lady.
Prince Gyeongjuwon! Did you come together?
Something came up.
[Gang Gamchan (Vice Minister of the Office of Royal Decree)]
Yes, I heard.
I heard you're going to be a father.
Yes, I am.
It's wonderful news.
Congratulations, Prince.
I hope you have a son just like Prince Gyeongjuwon.
I want a son, but the Prince wants a daughter.
He does?
Then I hope you have a daughter just like the Lady.
I can't wait to see the perfect child, the perfect couple is going to have.
Can I ask in advance for your daughter's hand in marriage for my son?
Minister Choi showed up at their home?
Yes.
How did he find out where they live?
It looks like the Prince was spotted when he went into the city to buy medicine.
For the reasons of interest in the next in line for the throne,
Choi Seom went looking for Prince Gyeongjuwon, I am certain.
Yes, they're a tenacious group.
They will do whatever it takes to put a prince from their region on the throne.
Did he catch on to the fact that the Lady Seol is with the Prince?
I don't think so.
If that gets out, there will be grave consequences.
So, I'm thinking about taking them back to Hwangju.
Even in Hwangju, they will have to remain in hiding.
They will stay with me until the child is born
and I will send them far away where they won't be recognized.
I guess there is no other choice.
Oh, and...
This is a letter for Song.
Would you be able to deliver it?
It won't be easy, but I'll try.
I am sorry, Sir Gang.
Don't mention it.
You can call on me for anything anytime, my Lady.
Thank you.
(Myeongbok Palace, Hwangju)
Is he dead?
Yes.
(Sa Illa)
He's gone.
Really? Good job.
But I think he might have said something before he died.
Like what?
I couldn't tell because of the distance, but he mumbled something to Choi Seom.
I think you should take a trip to Gaegyeong just in case, Sir.
- Contact our men, and... - Shh! Someone's coming!
Good, you're all here. Lady Sungdeok is back.
Lady Seol, it's so good to have you back!
Steward Yi, how have you been?
[Yi Jujeong (Supervisor of Myeongbok Palace)]
I've been well.
But you must've been through so much in the outside world!
I'm so glad you're back. I couldn't be happier.
Steward Yi.
Yes, my Lady.
I want you to round up the entire staff right now.
Everyone? Yes, my Lady.
Attendant Yun, take them to the guest quarters for now.
Yes, my Lady.
This way, please.
Starting today,
Prince Gyeongjuwon and Lady Seol will be staying here in the guest quarters.
I've called you all to give you very important instructions regarding their stay.
So pay close attention.
No one outside of this palace, under any circumstances, can know that the couple is here.
Settle down, everyone! Settle down!
Please continue, my Lady.
There could be unspeakable consequences if word gets out, so behave accordingly.
Is that understood?
Yes, my Lady!
Attendant Yun and Steward Yi, talk to them again individually and make sure everyone
keeps this strictly confidential.
Yes, my Lady.
Back to work, everyone!
You found him but you just came back?
How can I stay when he's telling me to leave?
I sent the Vice-Minister again, so we'll see what happens.
We'll go again and again until he relents.
How is the second consort selection going?
The best candidate we have so far
is the Ministry of Works, Vice-Minister Choi Hangun's daughter.
Minister Choi Hangun?
[Kim Shimon (Choi Seom's son-in-law)]
Yes, Sir.
He's a Confucianist who placed first on the first civil service exam after the King's ascension.
His family home is in Gyeongju.
And he stands with us on all of the issues.
I already spoke to Lord Choi Ryang about it.
He sounds adequate.
We have no time to delay, so let's push it through.
But...
(Yi Yang)
Minister Kim Won Soong will be incensed.
Can you handle him?
This is no time to tip-toe around that man!
He's changed much too much.
Ever since his daughter became the Queen he thinks he is above me.
He was nothing but a common merchant and I made him who he is today.
My Lord, Minister Kim Won Soong is here.
Speaking of the devil.
Welcome, Minister Kim.
Welcome.
What are you doing here so early in the morning?
I just came to discuss something with Minister Choi.
What are you discussing?
[Kim Won Soong (Minister of Revenue and Queen Munwha's father)]
Is it about a royal consort?
No.
I hope not.
I already gave you all a fair warning about what I would do
if you bring a second consort before the King.
You haven't forgotten, have you?
My father-in-law is waiting for you.
Please go on in.
Is this true?
Lady Sungdeok came to your home in the flesh?
Yes, and she grilled me about Guibup Temple saying she already knew that,
I was the one who ordered the attack!
I was so scared; I was sweating bullets.
You didn't confess, did you?
Do you think I'm stupid?!
I played dumb but she seems to have something solid against us.
We have to deny it to the end nonetheless.
Of course!
But I can't figure out...
how she could have found out?
Could it have leaked from your end?!
That's ridiculous!
We did nothing!
Wait.
Come to think of it.
There was a strange incident last night.
A strange incident?
Last night, a strange man approached me at my gate.
He said he had something to talk to me about.
And he said he was from Myeongbok Palace.
Myeongbok Palace?
Then what?!
But incredibly, a weapon flew out of nowhere and killed him.
What?
My Lord!
My Lord, Prince Gyeongjuwon has disappeared!
(Seol Shinyu)
Do you think this has something to do with Lady Sungdeok?
What is he talking about?
What's this about Prince Gyeongjuwon and what has what to do with Lady Sungdeok?
Oh, it's nothing. It's nothing at all.
What are you people cooking up behind by back?!
Nothing! We're not doing anything!
Prince Gyeongjuwon disappeared...
and it has something to do with Lady Sungdeok.
Something is definitely going on.
They're definitely plotting something behind my back.
Sir, did you call for me?
Yes.
Listen to me carefully.
Go to Hwangju right now and keep surveillance on Myeongbok Palace.
Myeongbok Palace?
I don't care if you hire someone or go in yourself.
But...
I want every detail about what's going on in the palace.
Especially, if it involves Prince Gyeongjuwon.
Yes, Sir.
Think of this as a chance to make up for your last mistake...
and don't let me down. Do you understand?
Yes, Sir.
(Jo Du)
I will not disappoint you this time, Sir.
Here.
How is your morning sickness?
It's strange, it disappeared when I came back home.
What are you making?
It's a patch for the baby's layette.
A lotus flower.
You're wishing purity and longevity for the child.
Yes.
I want my child to live a long, happy life.
Seol, you must keep to your quarters from now on so you're not seen.
Yes, I know. Nanny talked to me about it
Most of the King's men are Confucian extremists.
If they find out about you and Prince Gyeongjuwon,
they'll say that you've corrupted public morals and try to hurt you.
Once the child's born,
you must go where you won't be recognized and live a very quiet life.
But it's not morally wrong for a widow to remarry.
You were married to the King.
If the ministers want to use this to hurt you,
the King won't be able to protect you.
But Unni, I'm sure Brother will understand once he learns we have a baby.
The man you chose as your husband has right of succession to the royal throne.
A child born of a Queen Dowager and a Prince with the rights of succession...
That child is an inevitable threat to the King.
Do you understand?
This is the fate you accepted when you chose Prince Gyeongjuwon.
Okay.
We will go far away and live where no one will find us.
I'm sorry that I can't do more for you.
No.
You don't know how good it is just having you here, next to me right now.
Drillmaster Yi.
How does your wrist feel?
Oh... it's fine.
(Sa Gamun)
It's a perfume case the women of our tribe carry.
[Yi Sulhwa (Weapons Instructor of Myeongbok Palace)]
So why are you giving it to me?
Why are you...?
Don't you know by now?
No, I don't!
I just want to give you nice things.
[Prince Gaeryeong- Wang Song (future King Mukjong)]
Thank you.
I won't forget this.
Song, I was moved to tears by your letter.
My wonderful son is all grown up and now comforting me with his reassuring words!
You don't know how happy and thankful I was.
In retrospect, I think there was a reason why Heaven separated us.
Windstorms and snow storms only make the tree stronger.
If you grow up without heartache,
you wouldn't seek to understand other people's pain.
So my son, look forward to the future and make everyday count.
It's important to feed your mind,
but remember that it's also important to keep your body healthy and strong.
And most importantly, don't forget about the northern land beyond Seogyeong.
Northern expansion is my dream and the future of Goryeo you must pursue
when you rise to the throne.
Until then, I will hold back my yearning for you.
My proud son, always dream big and be healthy and strong.
Yes, Mother.
Please be healthy and strong, too.
[King Seongjong (The 6th King of Goryeo)]
(Queen Munhwa)
You don't look well.
What's upsetting you?
The second consort has been chosen.
It's Choi Hangun's daughter.
I see.
I'm sorry.
No, it's fine, Your Highness.
A woman from a reputable clan is joining the Royal house.
It is a good thing.
Let me pour you a drink.
Are you all right with this?
Your Highness, would you pour me a drink as well?
It's... it's bitter.
It's wine.
No, Your Highness.
What I just swallowed is jealousy.
The truth is, I've been jealous since the moment I heard.
The man I love will receive another woman.
My Queen...
But you have your duties as a King and I have mine as a Queen.
And my most important duty of all is to procreate.
So, I am swallowing my jealousy.
But, Your Highness...
You must give your heart to me and me only.
I refuse to share your love with anyone.
No, you won't have to.
My heart is yours only.
So don't allow anyone to come between us.
Your Highness...
Minister Yi, what's the progress on the preparation for the military mission?
Your Highness.
We should be able to deploy the military forces in a matter of days.
As troops are gathering from across the state.
Make sure everything goes according to plan.
Yes, Your Highness.
Minister Han, has an envoy been chosen for the trip to Song?
Yes.
*Hanlim Scholar Baek Sayu has been selected.
[*Hanlim Scholars- Officials who draft Royal proclamations and decrees]
This is very important mission.
He must make certain that our intent is not misconstrued by the Song court.
Rest assured, Your Highness.
Scholar Baek is the perfect emissary to convey our gratitude for
the Great Buddhist Cannon and explain the solitary purpose of this military endeavor.
Let him emphasize that we're forced to take this action for the safety of our people.
Yes, Your Highness.
Are there any other issues?
(Park Yang Yu)
Your Highness...
Have you reached your decision regarding the selection of the second consort?
I've decided to receive the daughter of Choi Hangun and call her Lady Yunchang.
Second consort? What are you talking about?
Minister Choi Ryang, I thought this was agreed upon among the officials.
Yes, Your Highness. We had indeed reached an agreement.
Agree.. agreement! What agreement?!
His Highness has made his decision, so let us select a date.
It's an auspicious occasion, so it should be before the deployment of the troops.
I agree.
But the Minister of Revenue won't be idle when he finds out.
It's for the greater good. He will have to accept it.
Here you all are!
What are you plotting behind my back this time?
Are you cooking up a scheme to drive my daughter, the Queen, out of the palace?
You're out of line, Minister Kim!
How so?! How am I out of line?!
You're the ones that plotted to put a dagger through my daughter's heart.
With the same mouths that gobbled up my silk and rice!
You're drunk!
(Seo Hui) (Yi Ji Baek)
Keep your dignity!
Dignity?
I don't care about things like that!
Don't you know who I am? I'm Kim Won Soong!
I'm Kim Won Soong! Kim Won Soong!
The merchant who wheeled and dealed his way to becoming the King's father-in-law!
Do you really think you can stab me in the back and get away with it?!
I've had enough!
Where do you think you are barging in here drunk?
You need to leave right now!
What?!
Let's go. Let's go outside and talk.
Let me go!
Minister Choi, what you did is wrong.
Let's see how well things work out for you, after making a mockery of me.
Let's see!
Unbelievable! My enemy was right under my nose!
Humans are the worst beasts!
Why didn't you stop him?
You should've gotten on your knees and begged if you had to.
A second consort?
But you're still young and beautiful.
Father, you've had too much to drink.
Choi Seom, that bastard!
He stabs me in the back after all I did for him!
I won't let them get away with this!
They broke your heart, so I'll make them cry tears of regret!
You're making this more difficult for me, Father.
It's customary for Kings to have more than one consort.
Why are you so upset?
They do this to you because you always talk like the Buddha.
Be a little selfish for a change!
Why have you become so small, Father?
What did you tell me when I first married the King?
You said you'd be a merchant who buys kingdoms.
Have you forgotten?
No, that's why I'm so upset!
No, you are acting like a common street peddler.
I am the Queen of Goryeo.
The woman who has the King in the palm of her hands.
I may not have given birth to a son,
but I have raised Prince Gaeryeong with my heart.
I am his mother.
And when he rises to the throne, I will be the Queen Mother.
Even if another consort bears a son, that will not change.
Because I will not let it change.
So, now go home.
Stop making a mockery of yourself.
You're spitting on yourself by acting this way, Father.
Fine.
Tell Foreman Jo that I'm glad he returned safely.
Why would the thieves do this?
(Attendant Jo)
When they've got the goods?
Bastards... I'm going to rip them to pieces!
It's okay, Brother.
His Highness is sending a military expedition to wipe out the Jurchen.
No, I have to go back and exact revenge myself.
I swear to you... I will!
A military expedition?
Yes.
But Sir Gang tells me they will avoid confrontation whenever possible.
The main purpose is to drive the Jurchen to the other side of Yalu.
Still, you should warn your tribe and have them evacuate in advance.
Yes, my Lady.
Thank you for alerting me in advance.
My Lady! My Lady!
What is it?
You might want to come outside.
There is a man here from Minister Choi Seom's manor in Gaegyeong.
Minister Choi Seom?
Mister Chu...
What happened? Why is he dead?
- Well... - What's the commotion?
This is the Lady of Sungdeok.
My Lady, I am Steward Mun, under the service of Lord Choi Seom.
What business does Lord Choi Seom's steward have with me?
I came to bring this man back.
Who is this?
He lived at the Balhaen village.
Balhaen village?
Do you know this man?
Yes.
He had come to Lord Choi introducing himself as
Drillmaster Gang Jo's subordinate at Myeongbok Palace.
So, how did he die?
[*Hye Roone Cham: Boomerang type of weapon fitted with blades]
A bladed boomerang flew out of nowhere and killed him just as he approached my master.
We haven't a clue what it was about.
Drillmaster Gang, what happened?
I don't know.
I really don't know how... he ended up there.
Brother...
This is my fault.
I shouldn't have sent him there by himself.
How did this happen?
It's him. It's Kim Chi Yang.
I'm sure of it.
(Cheon Hyang Bi)
What do you mean?
Kim Chi Yang?
Are you still suspicious of Foreman Kim?
Sir Gang checked his background and said he could be trusted.
His subordinate Sa Illa... uses the bladed boomerang.
Bladed boomerangs are rare, but that's not enough to incriminate Sa Illa.
I sent Chu to Gaegyeong.
I sent him to Choi Seom's house to investigate Kim Chi Yang.
And he was killed by the same weapon that Kim Chi Yang's subordinate uses.
Brother, if you really think this is what happened, tell Her Highness.
No, I need better proof.
All I've got is my gut feeling right now.
I'm still in the dark about his identity and his motive for being here.
But I'll find out and I'll expose his identity.
And I will pay him back for what he did to Chu.
Any other challengers?
I'll take you on.
Drillmaster Gang.
Sa Illa is no match for you yet, Sir.
Then I'll take on both of you at once.
Pardon?
Are you sure?
It might not be as easy as you think.
Let's find out.
Brother!
You can use your bladed boomerang if you want!
What are you talking about?!
Stop, Sir.
Sir!
Sir, this is just a match.
Why are you doing this?
Why did you kill him?
Pardon?
Why did you kill him?!
If you want to live, talk!
I don't know what you mean.
What is the meaning of this?
Let go.
What is this meaning of this?
Brother!
Stop this, please.
Foreman Kim.
Let's go.
Lady Yunchang of the Choi clan entered the palace as Seongjong's second consort.
Born in Gyeongju,
she was a daughter of Choi Hangun who placed 1st on the civil service exam during
the 2nd year of Seongjong's reign and she would later give birth to
King Hyeongjong's second wife, Queen Wonhwa.
Later that year, a military expedition was launched to suppress the Jurchen.
A condensed account of this incident in Goryosa
reads that the Jurchen tribes of the Yalu River Basin were driven beyond Baekdu Mountain.
The Jurchen of Cheongchun and Yalu appear to have migrated east of
Mt. Baekdu at that point and established the hub of Eastern Jurchen.
But judging from accounts of their repeated reappearance along the Cheongchun River,
This military expedition appears to have been short-lived.
I'm sorry to have made you a courier.
I'm glad to be one.
You look wonderful. Is it because of the letters?
That too, but I heard the military mission was a huge success.
Yes.
I'm told the Minister of Defense,
was greeted by the deafening cheers of the people, when he returned to Seogyeong.
It's most fortunate.
If His Highness continues to administer the state this way,
I wouldn't mind being locked up in this palace.
How is Lady Seol?
Is she due soon?
She is due next month.
My, how time flies.
My Lady, won't you allow Lady Seol to go outside?
Her feet are very swollen due to lack of exercise.
- Are they? - Yes.
Everyone in the palace already knows that she is pregnant.
So let her get some exercise, if only at night.
It will help with her delivery.
Alright, very well.
But be very careful not to be seen by outsiders.
Yes, my Lady.
Ah, fresh air! I don't how long it's been.
Even my head feels better.
Aren't you getting tired?
Tired? I feel like I can fly.
What is it? Is something wrong?
It's nothing.
The baby is kicking.
She must be enjoying the fresh air, too.
Do you think so? Let me.
Oh my!
I think this little tyke is going to be a warrior.
I thought you wanted a girl. Do you want a boy now?
No, a woman warrior.
So she could beat up her husband if he doesn't treat her right.
What did you say?
Prince Gyeongjuwon and Lady Seol?
Yes, Sir.
That can't be right!
You got the wrong information!
No, Sir.
I heard a rumor about the two
and I spent two months in a hole observing outside the guest quarters.
It's a fact Lady Seol is pregnant with Prince Gyeongjuwon's child.
My Lord, if that's true, this is the perfect chance to exact revenge.
You must tell the King right away.
No wait, wait, wait!
Let's think for a minute.
If this is indeed true... There's more we can get out of this.
If I play this just right,
I can make those backstabbing Confucianists pay
for what they did to me, as well.
If I play it just right.
Your Highness, the Minister of Revenue seeks your audience.
Send him in.
What brings you at this early hour?
Your Highness, I've come to report a plot that will shake this entire kingdom!
What do you mean?
Brace yourself, Your Highness.
Lady Sungdeok of Hwangju
and the Minister of Punishment Choi Seom,
are plotting high treason against you!
What?!
Bladed boomerangs are rarely used.
Are these the only letters you received from Lady Sungdeok?
Meet with the Minister of Punishment.
Prince Gyeongjuwon at Choi Seom's manor?
What are you waiting for? This is high treason!
High treason?
Is it true that my sister is with Prince Gyeongjuwon's child?
Criminal of High Treason, Wang Ook, come forth and accept the Royal command.