The Iron Empress
Episode 21
Has Instructor Yi come back with the midwife yet?
No, not yet, My Lady.
What is taking her so long?
I should have brought Court Lady Yun.
Is she still in labor?
[Lady Sungdeok- Hwangbo Su (future Empress Cheonchu)]
When the midwife gets here, bring her in right away.
See if you can find another midwife.
Yes, Chief.
[Hwangbo Seol (Hyeonjong's mother)]
Seol?
Seol! Open your eyes...
You must stay strong; why are you closing your eyes?
Seol!
Unni?
Yes... take a deep breath.
I feel so sleepy.
I don't have any strength in my body.
You fool! You can't fall asleep right now.
Does your stomach hurt?
It hurts.
It really hurts.
And I feel sleepy. I really want to go to sleep.
No, you can't.
You can't, wake up!
Seol!
What took you so long?
There was someone else in labor.
Hurry and go inside.
Did you boil some hot water?
Everything is ready for you, so hurry inside.
You're here; take a look at her.
What happened?
Her water broke on the street several hours ago...
Yet I don't see any sign of her baby coming out.
She feels cold and she is falling asleep.
How can this be?!
What's wrong?
She is bleeding too much!
Is that a bad thing?
I had a child of my own, but I don't know much about this.
If she bleeds too much before the birth, the baby is in danger.
What did you say?
She is also in danger.
Both mother and child are at risk of dying.
What are you talking about?
No one is dying here! Stop talking nonsense!
Look here, I will stay strong. I want to have this baby.
Seol?
Unni, I have found strength, so I am fine now.
I can do this.
My baby will definitely not die.
Seol!
I will have this baby now.
I don't care what happens to me,
but you must save this baby no matter what. So please save my baby.
[Prince Gyeongjuwon- Wang Ook (Hyeonjong's father)]
My Lady, little bit more. Give a little bit more strength.
Yes, Seol... gather your strength one more time.
A bit more... little bit more.
My Lady!
Seol!
Seol! Wake up! Seol!
Unni...
Okay, can you see me?
Are you okay? You can see me right?
My baby...
What about my baby?
It's a boy, My Lady. He is fine.
My baby...
My baby.
He takes after his father, My Lady.
We have a problem; she won't stop bleeding.
So what are you saying? What happens now?
No matter what I do, I have no solution for this.
You don't have a solution! What are you saying?
Just saving the baby is a grace, My Lady.
I heard the baby crying, so she has given birth?
(Sa Illa)
Yes, but more than that, I must get a physician,
because she won't stop bleeding. Her life is in danger.
(Gang Jo)
Chief Kim! Don't you have medicinal skills?
(Kim Chi Yang)
I am familiar with acupuncture, but I have no idea regarding this matter.
This can't be...
Hurry, we have no time!
(Yi Sulwha)
This won't work, I have no other ideas.
Stop talking like that! She will not die!
Seol...
You can't close your eyes.
You must stay strong.
Unni...
Yes.
Seol, you will be fine.
Just hold on, a physician will be here soon.
My husband...
I miss my husband.
Of course you do.
You must stay strong so you can see your husband again, along with your baby.
You must get up so you can meet your husband again, Seol.
Unni, I am sorry.
I don't think I will make it.
Stop talking nonsense! Don't close your eyes.
Seol! You fool!
Think about the baby. For his sake, wake-up!
You should at least breast feed your baby one time.
If you leave like this, what am I going to do with the baby?
Seol, you must stay strong!
Please take care of my baby, Unni.
Don't talk like that! You must stay strong!
I want to see him...
SEOL!!
I want to live.
I don't want to die.
I want to live.
I don't want to die.
SEOL!!
My Lady!!
You can't...
Seol!
Wake up.
You can't die like this.
How can you die this way, leaving your child like this?!
Open your eyes!
Open your eyes and feed your baby!
Please get up!!
How can this happen?!
Seol! Seol! Seol!
I am sorry...
For what?
I have nothing to give to you.
Since I have been wandering around my whole life,
I haven't even built you a proper house.
Nor been able to give you a wedding ring.
Why did you give your heart to such a worthless man?
At this moment, I am more content then having everything in this world.
Let us live like the ducks birds.
Let us never part... always flying together.
And when we die, we die together.
What?! What did you say?
Your youngest sister has passed away, Your Majesty.
Your Majesty!
(Queen Munwha)
What are you saying?
When... When did it happen?
Yesterday afternoon,
right after she saw her husband being sent away.
She was headed back to Sungdeok Palace,
when she started to go into labor.
As she was giving birth... she...
As she was giving birth?
Yes, she passed away while giving birth.
How can this happen? How in the world?
You can't go like this, My Lady!
How can this happen to such a young blooming flower?
You finally met the man you were waiting for
and you still have your whole life to live with him.
So why is this happening?
My Lady,
the Prince has given your child the name of Sun,
(Gang Gamchan)
so please wake up and call his name at least once!
How can this be happening?!
How can you leave him like this?
Without you living, how can he bear living in exile?
How can you leave like this?!
You can't let this happen, My Lady!
Didn't you promise in front of the Heavens at your wedding ceremony,
that you would be with him a lifetime, My Lady!
Please wake up!
What? What did you just say?
(Wang Song (future King Mukjong)]
My aunt... my aunt has passed away?
Yes... that is so.
How can this be? Such a young person...
Don't even mention it. I can't even bring it up.
(Attendant Jo)
It is bad enough that she had an affair, as a wife of the late King,
but to give birth!
You'll see, the rumors will spread all over Gaegyeong.
This is so embarrassing, even my face is turning red.
Shut your mouth!
How can you talk like that?!
A person died and yet you're able to speak like that!
Why are you yelling at me?
It's not like I am making up a story.
I will not let you slander my mother's family again.
Wow, you are scary!
How can I tell if she is a man or a woman,
with her wielding her sword, allowing her sister to have an affair?
What is there to be proud of?
Shut that mouth of yours!
I am just telling you this for your own sake.
Since I have opened my mouth, I will give you this advice.
Please do not go around talking about how proud you are of your family,
because you'll jeopardize your title as Prince.
I can't believe she passed away like that.
(Han Ingyeong)
Instead of sitting around like this, shouldn't we at least go pay our respects?
We can't do that now.
(Park Yang Yu)
It's only customary to attend once she has been dressed in her funeral clothes.
Then, how about His Majesty?
Since he is a relative, he should attend before the final dressing,
but isn't it obvious that he will butt heads with his sister?
that is what worries me.
(Seo Hui)
[Kim Won Soong (Minister of Revenue)]
So... you guys are gathered here.
What were you guys discussing?
You must be feeling great inside.
What are you talking about me feeling great?
Because of you, the 2nd Dowager Queen has passed away.
Are you satisfied now?
How can you say such a thing! How is this all my fault?
I heard she passed away while giving birth,
so what does that have to do with me?
Was it my child?
(Yi Ji Baek)
Was is not your fault for sending Prince Gyeongjuwon into exile?!
Because he was guilty! Why is that my fault?
Anyone who agrees with me? Anyone?
(Han Ungong)
I am sorry, but we don't wish to converse with you, so can you leave please?
That is right. Looking at your face makes me uncomfortable.
How can you guys treat me this way?!
Didn't you hear us?!
Get out immediately!
I was about to leave! I am leaving!
I am leaving this place now! Man oh man!
Don't make me laugh. Do you think you can make me blink my eyes even once?
Good luck with that!
Thanks to you, I had a great view of the prison.
[Choi Seom (Inspector of the Legislative Council)]
Oh...
Isn't this minister along with other ministers? Where are you headed?
For this and that, why don't I apologize for all that has happened? I am sorry...
I was just worried about His Majesty's safety with all my heart,
but things went awry and may have created some misunderstanding between us.
Why don't we be civilized and solve our misunderstandings together.
I don't want to hear any of it?
This and that! We don't even want to see your face, so please get out of the way.
[Kim Shimon (Minister of Foreign Affairs)]
Oh... What?!
Even if that is the case, aren't you being disrespectful?
We weren't even sure if we would live or die in jail,
(Yi Yang) (Seol Shinyu)
so if you don't want to hear us curse at you, get out of the way immediately.
Would you rather we physically abuse you instead of verbally?
Oh...
You guys have grown up a lot.
What do you believe, which keeps you laughing like that?
We will see who gets the last laugh.
You still laugh after backing us into a corner like that.
Let's see how long your laughter lasts.
Let us go.
Yes, Sir.
You all have grown up a lot... a lot.
How come there are so many who have told me to wait and see?
His Majesty is present!
[Sungdeok Palace, Gaegyeong]
Your Majesty?
You were here all along?
Yes, Your Majesty.
I heard the news of the 2nd Dowager Queen and came here.
Where is Lady Sungdeok?
Announce my presence.
We will do, Your Majesty.
My Lady, His Majesty is here.
Tell him to go back.
My Lady?
I have no reason to see His Majesty.
Tell him to go back.
Since he came all the way here,
we can't just tell him to return.
After all, he is her older brother.
Brother? Who's the brother?
Who ended our relationship in the first place?
Still, you can't do this.
Even though you and your son cannot see each other,
you can't just cut the ties of blood.
Which is the same as His Majesty and the deceased 2nd Dowager Queen...
Even if it's difficult, you must see His Majesty.
You must, My Lady!
Where can I view the deceased 2nd Dowager Queen?
I cannot allow you to see her.
Please go back.
My Lady, His Majesty is here.
Please pay your respects.
Sorry, but I do not know such a thing.
In my eyes, I only see the man who drove her to her death.
So I cannot allow that man to see my poor sister.
Your words are too harsh.
Like you,
I've cherished her as well.
Cherish?!
Who killed who?
How have you cherished her when you are the one who drove her to her death?!
Watch your mouth!
You are not in my place to judge.
This is not the place to argue,
so pay your respect and show some manners.
So you just found out that I do not know such a thing!
What's wrong, are you too embarrassed in front of others to be treated this way?
What is more important for you, your respect or your conscience?
I don't want to argue with you.
I ask of this as your brother,
my sister has died, so please make way.
I have already said, no!
This is not the proper place for you, so please go back!
I am King! It is my order!
Stop trying to go against me. Please step aside immediately!
I cannot!
Instead of invoking your right as a King,
why don't you just kill me here also,
so that you may view both of your sisters' dead bodies at the same time?!
Head Eunuch!
Yes, Your Majesty?
Call the soldiers! Arrest her for treason against the King!
Let us return.
What?
You didn't hear me?! Let us return!
Yes, Your Majesty.
Your Majesty,
why don't you retire to your chamber and rest a bit.
There's no need.
However, according to the physician,
the poison in your body has not fully detoxified.
So please calm yourself.
I said there is no need!!
I want to be alone, so get out.
and don't let anyone enter. No one...
Yes, Your Majesty.
It's been 12 years, Your Majesty.
You may have not known,
but I have loved this man for 12 years.
How can it be a crime for wanting to be with another person?
What am I suppose to do since I like him?
I don't know about such a thing...
Brother...
if loving him is a crime,
I'll take the punishment instead.
So please release him.
What are you doing?! Take her away!
Brother!
Please release him! Please! Brother!
Seol! Seol!
Seol!
It is not going as planned.
It was a golden opportunity to get rid of all of them.
But instead, it only ended up sending Prince Gyeongjuwon into exile.
[Kim Won Soong (Minister of Revenue)]
And now the others are safe.
What now?
Either way, you have now earned His Majesty's trust.
(Jo Sun)
I know it's not what you wanted, but you should be satisfied with the results.
Stop talking nonsense!
Since his sister died,
he's been looking into the matter and now I look like the bad guy.
On top of that, the Queen is very suspicious of me now.
What am I suppose to do now? What?
How can you go like this?
I raised you with my own hands...
How can you go when I am still alive, My Lady!
(Court Lady Yun)
It's heartless... just heartless.
My Lady,
(Yi Jujeong)
How can they take you? How can they?
It's time to wipe away your tears and collect yourselves.
I am sure Seol wouldn't want to see you like this.
Supervisor Yi?
We will have the funeral back at Hwangju.
At Hwangju?
We must.
She cannot be buried here.
So please make all the funeral preparations, Supervisor Yi.
Yes, My Lady.
Court Lady Yun?
Just as you did with Seol,
you must raise this child now.
His name is Sun.
[Wang Sun (future King Hyeonjong)]
Just like his mother when she was a baby,
he is beautiful.
So how can she leave him like this?
(Hyang Bi)
Hyang Bi?
Brother?
(Gang Jo)
I can't believe this.
She was such a pure and bright person.
What sins had she committed?
She cherished me since I was young.
I don't understand why this had to happen to her.
I understand your feelings,
but it's time to collect yourself.
What happened during your visit to Hangae Temple?
I couldn't even meet with him because the monk had passed away.
He passed away?
Just as we suspected, Hyang Bi was sent to the temple, under his order, to investigate.
She didn't find out anything, did she?
No, you don't have to worry about anything
(Sa Gamun)
since we took care of it already.
(Kim Chi Yang)
But Chief, the death of the 2nd Dowager Queen,
will this benefit us or be harmful to us?
I just can't grasp it.
Because of this matter, His Majesty and Her Highness have drifted even further apart.
(Sa Illa)
Is this good or bad for us?
You can't only look at it as good or bad.
Someone without any faults died thoughtlessly.
Even if we have a greater plan, we aren't heartless.
When things are sad, we must know how to grieve as well.
We must not lose our focus because of this grief.
Weakness is part of being a human.
How can we build a new nation without human qualities?
In this new nation, we cannot allow such a meaningless death.
Your Majesty?
I want to be left alone.
I heard you haven't eaten anything.
Although I am sympathetic with her passing in this manner,
I am more afraid of your health deteriorating because of this.
I should have never been in that seat to begin with.
Your Majesty, how can you say that?
Due to that seat,
I have lost so much.
My grandmother, my sister, my hometown...
I've lost everything I cherished.
If only I hadn't become the emperor,
none of this would've happened.
Please don't talk like that.
You are the best King this nation has ever seen.
The people have gained 1000's and 10,000's more because of you being the king.
If it weren't for you, there would be no bright future ahead.
So stop blaming yourself.
You're right.
There is no sense in looking back, it's too late already.
Yes.
Your Majesty, for the people, you must move forward.
If you have any sins, I'll take your punishments before I leave this world.
My Queen?
If you are feeling guilty still,
why don't you bring that child here, raise him and love him like your own.
Would that be okay with you?
As a matter of fact, I wasn't comfortable with Lady Sungdeok caring for that child.
Bring that child here, Your Majesty.
I will raise him as my own child and I will cherish that child.
Are you saying you will bring the 2nd Dowager Queen's son here to palace?
[Choi Ryang (Minister of Culture)]
Yes.
Your Majesty,
that act is too cruel.
You know they both came into the palace together and you know how close they were.
So after losing her sister like that,
do you honestly think she will be willing to give up that child so easily,
especially since she is unable to see her own son?
Because she is so narrow minded,
she will only teach that child how to hate and seek revenge,
Therefore, she is unable to teach him in a proper manner.
Speaking of that child... What palace name shall I bestow upon him?
Since it's customary to follow the mother's hometown as his own,
I think it is only right to call him Prince Soryang of Hwangju.
It can't be Hwangju! I don't want that child to be influenced by its name.
How about follow his father's hometown by calling him Prince Soryang of Gyeongju.
I can't do that either.
Rather than Hwangju or Gyeongju,
I'd like to avoid any chance influence the child might receive because of his namesake.
I want him to be raised without any political factions.
How about Prince of Daeryang?
Prince of Daeryang?
Yes, Your Highness.
To my knowledge his forefathers came from Daeryang before settling in Gyeongju after a marriage.
[Daeryang: present day Hapchun]
Daeryang?
Prince of Daeryang.
Lady Sungdeok, come out and receive His Majesty's Imperial decree!
Decree?
What other business does His Majesty have with me now?
His Majesty has ordered us to escort the 2nd Dowager Queen's child back to the palace.
[Yi Gyeomui (Minister of Defense)]
What did you say?
Since he is of a royal bloodline, His Majesty will take the reins and raise him.
Nonsense!
It's not enough that he took my own child and now he wants Seol's child as well!
I will not let you!
My Lady, forgive me.
Go and escort the child.
Yes, Sir.
Block them. Don't let them through.
This is His Majesty's decree!
If you don't listen, Her Highness might get hurt as well.
Stay where you are! Stand firm!!
Stand back!
Instructor Gang!
Forgive me, My Lady. It cannot be helped.
Escort that child.
What are you doing?
He cannot go out into that cold air!
Give him back to me!
Prince! Prince!
I am only following His Majesty's decree. Please step aside!
Hand me that child immediately!
Please step aside, My Lady?
Alright,
why don't you shoot me? Just kill me, you wretches!
Without killing me, you won't be able take this child!
My Lady, please do not act this way!
I don't wish for this either,
but I came here with an Imperial decree.
How can I go against an Imperial decree?
I've lost my sister...
I cannot lose her child also.
If that's the case, just kill me and walk over my dead body!
My Lady,
why don't you go to the palace and plead to his majesty for a favor?
I am forbidden from the palace,
even when I want to seek his audience, I am unable to.
I'll take responsibility and escort you into the palace,
so please, I beg of you, step aside.
Your Majesty, please forgive me.
If I didn't escort her here, I was afraid of making the situation worse.
I understand.
You may leave.
Please return that child back to me. Return Seol's child back to me!
I cannot do that!
Why are you doing this?
My child is not enough?
Seol's death is not enough?
After driving your sister to her death, what do you mean by taking her child as well?
Shut your mouth!!
I refrained myself for the sake of my dead sister,
and now just because you insult this throne, you think you can do as you wish.
You think I am a pushover!
I gave you a warning already, to lay low at Hwangju.
It's bad enough you go against my orders,
but to insult me in front of my servants!
Who are you?!
Who do you think you are to take that kind of an action?!
I did nothing wrong.
I was just there quiet like a mouse,
but you were the one who instigated this whole matter by interfering in my affairs.
You did nothing wrong?!
Why didn't you stop Seol from getting with Prince Gyeongjuwon?
If you would've stopped it from happening, all of this could have been avoided!
I tried to stop it,
but I had neither the power nor the authority to stop it.
I also felt sorry for her because she had loved this man her whole life.
What did she do that was so bad?
You ask as if you didn't know!
How can a wife of the late King have an affair, let alone have his child?!
It wasn't an affair! They got married.
What law is there preventing a widow from getting remarried?
Did you feel good about Seol, who was widowed at the age of 16, living her whole life alone?
But she was royalty!
The living wife of any King must always maintain herself with etiquette,
for the citizens, as an example of moral behavior.
Then, why did you marry the late Queen?
She had a child of her own when you married her.
So why did you marry her? You did it for that throne, didn't you?
That's not all!
While your first wife was alive,
you took in Munhwa and even married her after your first wife died.
How come the men of the nation aren't satisfied with just one wife,
they need two or three. Why can't a women have more?
Why does a women have to remain faithful,
even after she has been widowed?!
What kind of a nation is that?!
Let us stop this.
How can I expect you to understand the teachings of Confucius.
It is just like you!
Confucius? Yes!
I do not understand such a thing.
If that is what Confucius teaches, I will throw that stuff at the dogs!
So please return Seol's child back to me!
I will not do that, never!!
Seeing how you look down on me, why would I allow you to take responsibility him?
Get out immediately!
Brother!
Do not call me "Brother"!
If you keep up with this, didn't I tell you that your son will die!
Do you want me to lose my mind and have you and your son be killed?!
Is that what you want?!
So, leave right away.
I am sick and tired of arguing with you.
You make me furious!
If this continues, I might end up killing you.
My Lady, please get on the horse.
I need to take a walk.
I am so sorry Seol.
I am so unworthy that I lost you and now I lost your son.
I am sorry Seol. I am sorry...
My Lord?
My Lord, you must come with me.
What is going on?
A guest has come from Gaegyeong.
A guest?
Why it's you, Sir Gang.
My Prince.
Your health hasn't deteriorated from this long journey?
No, my escorts and everyone here, have been so good to me that I am in good health.
But, what brings you all the way here?
Yes, didn't I tell you that I would follow you.
I never expected it to be this fast.
Perhaps, you came with news about my wife?
There's still some time before my child is born.
Didn't I tell you to give its name?
See.. what happened is, My Lady went into labor.
Are you saying that she gave birth to our child already?
It's a boy.
Is that right? So it's a boy.
How is she? Has she recovered?
That is... your wife...
What is it?
Did her health deteriorate because of me?
My Prince, be strong and prepare yourself...
Your wife... has left this world.
Please don't joke like this.
It's the truth.
Your wife gave birth and passed away.
My Prince!
Stop, My Prince!
You can't do this. Come over here!
I cannot send her away by herself.
My Lord!
We promised to die together.
So I can't send her away by herself.
My Lord, do not speak those words.
Think about the child!
Think about that child who has to live in this world without any parents!
If you die, what will happen to that child?
No matter what anyone says,
I will not let you go.
I've regretted for ten years, and regretted still more, for not being with you.
What is it?
This child is kicking me.
Where?
Look at this!
It seems as though he will grow up to be a general.
My husband?
I am sorry.
I don't think I will witness the birth of our child.
I really wanted to be right next to you.
It's okay. Once I give birth, I will find you.
So it's true, Khitan's been invaded!
What do you think about heading to Gyeongju?
You want us to retreat without even a fight?!
The barbarians are heading this way,
so we must risk our lives to protect what's ours.
They are hiding like rats, so kill all of them.
We might all die.
If we don't, there will be no Goryeo.