The Iron Empress
Episode 39
Place them all under arrest!
Beat them if they resist!
Stop! You're assaulting the elderly!
It doesn't matter. Arrest them all.
Minister Choe, this is wrong!
[Dae Dosu]
Just obey your orders!
[Choi Seom (Minister of Punishment)]
Do you have a death wish?
Lady Sungdeok is coming! Lady Sungdeok is coming!
My lady!
Help us, my lady!
What is the meaning of this, Minister Choe?
I asked you a question.
[Lady Sungdeok Hwangbo Su (future Empress Cheonchu)]
Lady Sungdeok,
I didn't expect to run into you here.
We're arresting insurgents who are spreading treasonous rumors.
What nonsense are you spouting?
Do those women and children look like insurgents to you?
There are insurgents among the women and children.
The innocent will be sifted out later, so you need not interfere.
No. I won't watch officers of the state doing violence to unarmed civilians.
Clear out at once!
My lady,
I'm executing a royal command.
If you interfere,
I'll be forced to regard you as one of them.
You lie. A royal command?
The king couldn't possibly issue this kind of order while lying in bed.
Must I explain?
The queen is the acting head of state on behalf of the king,
so her commands are royal commands.
I refuse to acknowledge that command.
So if you want to arrest them, arrest me first!
Deputy Minister Yi.
Yes, sir.
Take the arrested and return to the palace.
Yes, sir.
We're going back to the palace!
[Yi Yang (Minister of Defense)]
Clear out, men!
Yes, sir!
No!
Release the people!
Didn't you hear me, officer?
Secure the apprehended and move!
My lady, forgive me.
Let's go.
Stop it. You've done all you can.
What are you talking about?
What did you say about the lady and Foreman Kim?
[Yi Hyunoon]
They must've fallen in love in Liao.
[Cheon Hyang Bi]
That's absurd!
[Gang Jo]
Don't say such things.
Why is it absurd?
Who says only you can love her?
Foreman Kim is a young man in his prime.
And they were in Khitan territory for two months relying on each other for survival.
That's a long time when you're fighting for your life.
Don't insult the lady.
She would never get involved with a man like him.
You're wrong.
Think back to when we were here.
Did the lady listen when you suspected Foreman Kim of betraying her?
Chances are they were already lovers then.
No, you're wrong.
I saw them with my own eyes.
What?
They were talking in an affectionate embrace.
I know that you love the lady.
She's a wonderful woman.
But she doesn't love you.
She loves someone else.
So don't agonize over her, brother.
You're lying. There's no way.
Brother.
You're making this up.
You're making this up to turn me around.
- I'm not making this up, brother. - Leave!
Go back to the Balhaen village and do your job!
Brother!
What did you say?
Lady Sungdeok is have an illicit affair?
Yes.
She's involved with her Jurchen assistant who was held hostage with her in Khitan.
A Jurchen?
Yes.
Not only that, Gang Jo's in love with her as well.
This is becoming quite interesting.
Unbelievable!
[Queen Munwha]
Are you sure you're not mistaken?
No, I have very good ears and I heard them clearly.
Lady Sungdeok hooked up with the man back when they were in Khitan,
but apparently, Gang Jo has a thing for her too.
Unbelievable!
A chaste young widow went through a near-death ordeal with a young man in a foreign land.
You can't blame her for having feelings.
Even so, how can she do something so shameful?
The widow of the late king...
And with a Jurchen at that!
Didn't her younger sister die as a result of having an illicit affair?
I guess it runs in the family.
Listen to me carefully.
Yes, Your Grace.
You must keep an even closer eye on him.
If what you're telling me is true, this isn't a matter to be ignored.
But your words aren't enough.
Bring me irrefutable proof.
If you can prove this to be true, you'll be made a merit subject.
Do you understand?
I'll do my best, Your Grace.
Good work.
This kind of work is a piece of cake, sir.
Word travels fast and when it comes to spreading rumors,
I'm the man, sir.
But I'm concerned about the people who were arrested.
My lady, don't worry.
There's no way they can find out where the rumor got started,
[Yi Jujeong (Goryeo merchant)]
no matter how hard they grill them.
That's not it.
I'm concerned they'll be tortured during interrogation.
My lady, Drillmaster Gang is here.
[Kim Chi Yang]
Drillmaster Gang.
What are you doing here?
I came to tell you about the raid at the marketplace,
but I guess I'm too late.
Luckily I was there to stop them, but dozens were taken.
I'm afraid the merchants are getting hurt because of us.
Don't worry too much.
This will work to our advantage.
What do you mean?
The royal guards used violence against the civilians,
so public resentment for the queen will grow even more.
And they'll revere you even more since you stopped the royal guards.
But it doesn't feel right...
My lady, look at the bigger picture.
There is no reform without sacrifice.
Their sacrifice will provide a foundation for the new regime.
Yes, you're right.
I can't let things of this sort shake me up.
Drillmaster Gang, you should go back now.
They will become suspicious if you keep leaving your post.
Yes.
Foreman Kim, may I have a word with you?
What do you want to talk about?
In private, if you don't mind.
Why do you need to talk separately?
Is there something I shouldn't know about?
No, it's just a little personal matter.
What is this about?
You're scaring me with that look.
What happened between you and the lady in Khitan?
What do you mean what happened?
I know that you vowed loyalty to the Empress Dowager of Liao.
But how dare you...
Are you still stuck on that?
I already told you. I only said that to save the lady.
Bull!
You've a different agenda.
You can't fool me.
A different agenda?
What would that be?
I haven't found out yet, but I know you're a dangerous man.
Stay away from the lady when I tell you nicely.
Stay away from her?
Yes, stay away from her.
Go back to the Jurchen tribe or just leave!
Are you in your right mind?
We're planning an overthrow and you want me to leave?
Do you know something about the lady and me by any chance?
Like what?
You're getting worked up for nothing. Why?
I couldn't leave the lady even if we weren't planning an overthrow.
I'm much closer to the lady than you think.
What?
So be careful when you talk to me.
I could be your master someday.
You bastard!
What did you just say?
Do you wish to die?
Drillmaster Gang.
What's the meaning of this?
I asked you a question.
Drillmaster Gang!
Why is he angry with you again?
He still distrusts me because of what happened in Khitan.
But I explained to him about that in great detail.
My lady.
Has it ever occured to you that Drillmaster Gang might admire you as a woman?
What do you mean?
His hostility towards me has gone beyond reason.
Perhaps it's jealousy about my relationship with you.
You're implying that he knows about us?
He couldn't.
He would never even think that.
No.
An illicit affair?
With a Jurchen subordinate?
Yes, that's what I'm told.
Unbelievable!
She's the widow of the previous king!
I always knew she was wild and unruly,
but you can't even compare this to her sister's offense.
A Jurchen?
I know.
I can feel myself blushing with shame just telling you about this.
You must tell the king about this at once.
This is an unpardonable atrocity.
No, not yet.
This is nothing more than hearsay right now.
I need definite proof before I can take this to the king.
What happened at the marketplace?
We've made some arrests, but we had to clear out because of Lady Sungdeok.
You mean Lady Sungdeok was there?
Yes.
Then this isn't a coincidence after all.
It's certain that Lady Sungdeok is behind the rumors.
We're interrogating the arrested right now,
so we'll charge her with high treason as soon as we can establish a link.
Beat them until they reveal who is behind the rumors!
Talk! Reveal the source of the treacherous rumors!
And we'll stop the torture!
Show no mercy until they talk!
Yes, sir!
What?
Civilians are being tortured in the palace?
[Seongjong (The 6th King of Goryeo)]
Yes, Your Highness.
[Goh Hyun]
The severity of torture was so intense that I couldn't bear to look.
But why?
For what reason?
I'm told it was for spreading groundless rumors about you and the queen.
What's this rumor that it would grant such drastic actions?
Speak. What's this rumor?
General Gang, here you are. We've been looking for you.
What are you doing here alone?
What brings you here?
Don't ask. You're lucky you weren't with us today.
[Choi Ghi]
You would've blown your top and whipped out you spear if you were there.
I heard some merchants were arrested at the marketplace.
Yes.
I don't think I can get through the day without a drink.
Pour me a glass.
I've had it with this job.
Why are they making us treat innocent people like dogs?
And why us of all people?
[Kim Hoon]
What choice do we have?
We're soldiers and we follow our superior's orders.
That's what makes this even worse.
I had to beat up people who are like my own family for spreading rumors.
[Yu Bang]
Besides, the rumors are not entirely untrue either.
That's what I said.
Barmaid, bring us some wine!
I need to get drunk tonight!
What's wrong?
You were so excited when you left to go see Drillmaster Gang.
[Court Lady Yun]
Why are you crying?
Hyang Bi.
I'm sorry.
I want to be alone for a while.
Answer me.
Why did you order Choe Sum to arrest the civilians of the marketplace?
Your Highness, there was no other alternative.
I couldn't let them get away with spreading treacherous rumors about you and the royal house.
I've heard enough.
Release them immediately.
No, Your Highness.
They could bring great injury to the royal house and the kingdom unless punished.
I said release them!
Your Highness...
If people are spreading resentful rumors about me and the royal house,
it's a result of my failures.
I did indeed almost surrender to the enemy and give them a chunk of our land.
So the public isn't to be blamed.
But the rumors have gone far beyond that.
It's the nature of rumors to be exaggerated.
So release the arrested and compensate those who have suffered injury.
No.
Never mind. I'll do it myself.
You're to stay out of state affairs from this moment onwards.
Your Highness, it's too soon.
You'll relapse if you over exert yourself.
I've undergone a month long treatment as advised by the physician.
And I'll have Prince Gaeryeong assist me if I can't run the state alone.
Your Highness, Prince Gaeryeong...
Prince Gaeryeong has epilepsy, a detrimental flaw.
Is that why you brought up Prince Daeryang to Sir Choe Ryang?
Your Highness...
You know that I love Prince Gaeryeong more than anyone.
But he's unfit to be a ruler with his health condition.
It's better than putting Prince Daeryang on the throne.
A child born out of wedlock can't carry on the royal line.
It's unthinkable.
Are you really not leaving?
Yes.
But why won't you go back to Gaegyeong when you've been released from exile?
Because I've become too attached to you, chief.
It's nice of you to say,
but you can't let the precious prince grow up in a rural county like this.
This is the best place for him to be.
[Prince Gyeongjuwon Wang Ook]
Life of a royal prince is much like walking on blades.
The closer you get to the palace, the sharper that blade becomes.
So keeping him as far away from it as possible is the best thing to do.
[Prince Daeryang Wang Sun]
[Sa Illa]
My baby...
It's a healthy boy, my lady.
Oh, my baby...
My baby...
I thought I locked that door.
[Khitan Palace]
The emperor told the Goryeoan envoy about Lady Sungdeok?
Yes, Your Highness.
That child!
I already had a talk with him about this.
[Empress Dowager Xiao (Emperor Shengzhong's mother)]
Call the emperor immediately.
Yes, Your Highness.
Wait.
Your Highness, please calm down.
The emperor is defying my will.
I can't allow this to continue.
Your Highness, don't hurt the emperor's pride.
This isn't about his pride.
He knows that I let Lady Sungdeok go to create division in the Goryeoan court.
Yet he divulged this to get revenge for losing in an archery match.
There is no pride for the petty fool.
But I don't think what the emperor has done is going to hurt us.
[Han Derang (Khitan Commissioner of the Security Council)]
Anything can happen in the Goryeoan court right now.
And you had concerns about Lady Sungdeok becoming too powerful.
But if they find out that Lady Sungdeok made a deal with me,
they will just kill her.
And all our plans will go up in smoke.
Your Highness,
not if we alert Lady Sungdeok about the situation before the envoys return.
Then she'll have no choice but to engage in bloody war with the king,
if only to protect herself.
Your Highness, the emperor isn't a child anymore.
You must not try to control him all the time.
He'll make mistakes,
but you must allow him to make his own decisions.
General Yelu Dilie will be accompanying the princess to Goryeo as an envoy of Liao.
It's very reassuring to have the general with us on our journey.
- Envoy. - Yes, Your Highness?
I trust you won't forget our agreement.
You've granted me immense favors I could never repay.
[Kim Won Soong (Minister of Revenue)]
How could I break my promise? You won't be disappointed.
I'll say this nonetheless.
No one survives after defying my will and provoking my rage.
And I mean no one, absolutely no one.
Not even the emperor can get away with deceiving me.
[Shengzhong (6th ruler of Khitan)]
Because it's within my power to depose him if he did.
So don't even entertain the thought of doing anything behind my back.
You're to do what you're told. No more and no less.
Do you understand?
I understand clearly, Your Highness.
Kim Won Soong found out why Lady Sungdeok was spared?
Yes, it's regrettable.
This is trouble.
If the king finds out, the lady's life will be in danger.
[Sa Gamun]
You'll have to alert Lady Sungdeok to the situation before that and have her kill the king.
Why do you look so surprised?
She has no choice if she doesn't want to be killed.
And I want you to take Duyan with you to Goryeo.
May I ask why?
I'll be frank.
It's to keep an eye on you and your people.
I've made a huge investment,
so I must make certain that my investment pays off.
Duyan will handle the trading between your merchant company and Liao.
I must accompany the Liao princess and the envoys which will slow me down.
So I want you to go ahead of me and alert the queen about Lady Sungdeok.
Yes, sir.
We'll prepare to leave immediately.
[Jo Sun]
You must tell the queen exactly what's going on.
That she must eliminate Lady Sungdeok before she does further damage.
Yes, sir.
Zanli.
Yes, Your Highness.
This is goodbye for us.
You're a spy with a mission to acquire and deliver information about the royal house of Goryeo.
- Is that clear? - Yes, Your Highness.
[Xiao Zanli (Royal Consort)]
You may be exposed someday and killed by the enemy.
But you'll be dying for your country, so accept your death with honor.
And on the day I learn of your death, you'll join the ranks of the country's heroes.
Your grace is immeasurable, Your Highness.
Jiemei will go with you to help you.
If you have reports to deliver, give them to her.
Yes, Your Highness.
But Your Highness,
[Duyan] [Jiemei]
if both Jiemei and I are leaving,
who will protect you?
Don't worry.
I'll find someone.
If your devotion to me is true, be faithful to the duties I give you.
Yes, Your Highness.
Your Highness, it's most wonderful to see you back on the throne.
Your Highness, please don't leave us again.
Please don't leave us again, Your Highness.
Thank you.
I'm sure there are issues piled up that need my attending.
Let us get started.
Your Highness...
[Yi Ji Baek (Office of Diplomatic Reception)]
I must inform you that there have been actions taken by the queen in personnel affairs which are unjustified.
I'm aware of that,
and appropriate measures will be taken shortly.
Your Highness,
[Yi Gyeomui (Associate Royal Undersecretary)]
I believe it would be prudent having Prince Gaeryeong assist you with state affairs,
in order to prevent this from happening again.
Nonsense.
His Highness is back with us. What kind of ill-advised remark is that?
This has become an issue only because your men have been manipulating this court,
with the queen as your puppet.
Manipulating the court?
You can't malign our loyalty like that just because we have different views.
Malign? Am I making this up?
You had Lord Seo Hui driven out to the northern outpost!
You're trying to bring Prince Gaeryeong forward because you're blinded by greed for power!
[Kim Shimon (Minister of Punishment)]
What?
Stop!
I didn't gather myself up and come out here to see this.
Take a look around.
The war may be over, but stability is yet to be restored.
And we still don't have a clear plan to keep out the foreign enemies.
But you, the high ministers, are preoccupied with political infighting.
This is most disappointing.
Forgive us, Your Highness.
The council hall?
Does this mean he has completely recovered?
No, my lady.
According to the physician,
he has to be very careful not to over exert himself.
Otherwise, he could suffer another relapse.
Will he be at the ancestral royal shrine on the anniversary of Gyeongjong's death?
Royal Shrine: Contains ancestral tablets of all royals
He's able to attend council meetings, so I'm sure he will.
But why do you ask?
My lady, is that the day you chose for the rising?
Yes.
In a way, that's the day the throne was usurped from the departed king.
I'll reclaim it that day.
As you already know,
Jangheungjin is on the west route that connects Heunghwajin and Tongju,
so it's relatively safe from Khitan invasion.
We're not on the route of advance if they were to attack.
But they say Jangheungjin is just as important as Guiju and Tongju.
[Seo Hui] [Gang Gamchan] (Vice Minister) (Grand Secretary)
If it's not on the enemy's attack route, why?
That because there are Iron Sos throughout Jangheungjin.
Iron Sos?
Yes.
This region has an iron mine and there are weapon producing villages around it.
[Ahn Pae (Jangheungjin commander)]
You can't fight wars without weapons, and that's what makes iron important.
Iron Sos...
Along with Hyangs and Bugoks, Sos were one of the special administrative regions
that produced goods or services for the government.
The people lived and worked in these special administrative units were once thought to be slaves,
but some theories suggest they were commoners.
While Hyangs and Bugoks were mainly laborers or producers of agricultural products,
Sos were producers of government goods organized by groups of specially skilled artisans.
There were Sos for gold goods, silver goods, chinaware, metal goods, paper and wood goods.
That's good work, fellow.
I want to ask you a question.
Do you know a man named Yang Kyu?
No, I don't know anything.
That's the truth!
Fellow...
Lieutenant Yang, my man.
Yes, sir.
Can I get you anything?
I want you to leave us now.
What do you mean?
We're forsaken people, but I don't want you to ruin your life on account of us.
Sohwa is dead now,
so go back to where you belong.
No, sir.
I've nowhere else to go.
[Yang Kyu]
This is where I belong.
I'm not going anywhere. I can't.
The people at the foundry knew the name Yang Kyu.
They all avoided answering my question but they knew.
You mean the garrison commander is hiding something?
Yes.
This man Yang Kyu can't be a common thief with such amazing martial arts skills.
Even if he is, we must find him and put his talent to service of the government.
Yes.
Keep a close eye on the garrison commander.
Yes, sir.
Yang Kyu...
General, we found him.
You did? How?
We slackened security around the foundry, and just as expected,
a few of the workers ran away.
When we followed them, we came to a small village hidden deep in the woods.
In the woods?
So that's why he kept coming back for grains.
What should we do now, sir?
Minister Seo and Secretary Gang is the problem.
We must get rid of them quietly.
If Minister Seo finds out about them, we'll all be dead.
- Understand? - Yes, sir.
Quietly prepare a night raid.
Yes, sir.
Chancellor, something must be done.
The king is back and the queen has lost all authority.
Public criticism is completely out of line,
but the king's favor is leaning towards the epileptic prince.
We can't just sit here and let this happen.
I'm old, sick, and incompetent.
[Choi Ryang (Chief Advisor)]
I already spoke to the king about Prince Daeryang,
but he won't budge.
Chancellor, we need the courage we had when we brought the king to the throne.
Back then, we were willing to take up arms and die for our cause.
And if that doesn't work,
we must consider eliminating Prince Gaeryeong.
No, that's not an option.
Not only do we have the army we had back then,
but a hasty attempt on Prince Gaeryeong's life will get us all killed.
Then what do we do?
We're darned if we do and darned if we don't.
Chancellor Choe,
there is one other way, but I need your help.
What is it?
Expose Prince Gaeryeong's condition to the public.
But His Majesty will be furious if I'm behind it,
so let us use your name.
To the Jurchen tribe?
Yes, my lady.
But Saila is there.
Yes, but I'd like to see the chief and the others before the great undertaking.
They're my family and home.
Of course.
You haven't had the time to see them since we came back from Khitan
But do you've to leave at this time of the night?
The sooner I leave the sooner I return.
Very well. Go ahead.
Thank you.
Foreman Kim.
I think I'm going to be lonely without you.
Have a safe trip.
My lady...
No, we can't do this. Go.
I won't be away long.
Please take care while I'm gone.
Fool!
What's this hesitation?
Have you forgotten our cause?
This is no time to develop a heart.
You're a warrior. Do your job!
You went out to catch a whale, but brought back a bunch of sardines!
Let's eat.
Can I help you?
What have you done?
Chief! Chief!
Why are you doing this? You've killed him!
Be quiet.
Chief! Chief!
I said, be quiet.
Bring out Prince Daeryang.
What do you want with my son?
I won't say this again.
Bring out the child from the room.
My child isn't here right now.
Why are you doing this?
What have I done to you?
You've done nothing.
- Only your royal birth is to blame. - Wait.
Wait a second.
I know you.
You work for Myeongbok Palace.
Yes, you're the Jurchen woman who lived at Myeongbok Palace.
Why would you do this when you work for Lady Sungdeok?
This is Lady Sungdeok's nephew.
Don't you know Lady Seol?
But this child...
I don't know who you're talking about.
Wish for better luck in your next life.
Please don't!
You can kill me but spare the child.
If being born a prince is a crime,
I'll send him away where no one will find him.
No one will know who he is.
So if you must have blood, have mine but please spare the child.
I'm begging you.
You can send him where no one knows him.
No one will know who he is.
Please. I beg you.
Spare him for his dead mother's sake.
You can kill me. I beg you.
Please! Please spare him.
Darn it!
General, shouldn't we raise an army or something?
Watch your tongue, my man!
Are you drunk?
Yes, I'm drunk. But my head has never been more clear.
This government is despicable!
I agree, sir.
I heard they kicked Minister Seo Hui and Secretary Gang Gamchan out to the northern outpost.
Heroes get the boot and cowards rise in rank.
What kind of government is this?
The people's voice is the voice of god, they say.
I haven't heard one of those people we arrested today say anything that wasn't true.
Wow, Choe Jil, we're eye to eye on this.
I didn't do a whole lot in the last war,
but I don't think this is how the country should be run either.
We'd be better off with Lady Sungdeok as our ruler.
Stop this.
Do you even know what you're talking about here?
An overthrow.
General Gang.
It's what people do when a government goes astray.
What are you saying?
We're soldiers and we live and die by our orders.
The government may be corrupted,
but the country will fall if soldiers act in haste.
Besides, the king has returned to the throne and he'll rectify the court.
So watch your mouths, all of you.
I'm with General Gang on this.
Why should we always do what we're told?
We're not puppets.
You're talking like a man for once!
General,
frankly, I've lost faith in the king as well.
It's his bad judgement of putting the queen in charge that got us here.
Besides, he's fundamentally responsible for our near surrender.
I said watch your tongue!
Don't you know that it's high treason uttering such words?
Let's stop, man.
General, what's the use of us talking about this anyway?
We don't even know if Lady Sungdeok shares our frustration.
What if she does?
Pardon?
What if the lady could be persuaded to overthrow the regime,
what would you do?
Lady Sungdeok asked me to deliver this to you.
What does it say?
It's an order to march to Gaegyeong eight days from now.
[Yi Sulwha]
Is this true? An overthrow?
Yes, Your Highness.
He said that was Lady Sungdeok's inclination.
So, did everyone agree to be part of this?
No one gave a definite answer,
but all of them seemed tempted with the exception of General Dae Dosu.
All of them except Dae Dosu?
Yes, Your Highness.
I knew it.
Lady Sungdeok is plotting high treason.
She's the one behind all of this.
When are they going to attempt this?
I don't know.
I've told you everything that was said last night.
Then find out.
You must find out when and where they'll attempt this uprising.
Understand?
Yes, Your Highness.
The students of the National Academy are protesting outside the palace because of me?
[Gook Ja Gam: Goryeo Dynasty's top school teaching nation's affairs]
That's what I'm told.
[Court Lady Jo]
Why me? What did I do?
[Prince Gaeryeong Wang Song (Future King Mokjong)]
I don't know.
Perhaps you'd like to go and see for yourself?
Your Highness, an epileptic prince can't succeed the throne.
Prince Gaeryeong must be deposed, Your Highness!
We implore you to depose Prince Gaeryeong and choose a new royal heir, Your Highness!
Depose Prince Gaeryeong, Your Highness!
How did the students find out about this?
Who divulged the information?
My queen, what brings you?
Attendant Go, please leave us.
Was it you who exposed the prince's illness to the National Academy?
Your Highness,
I've come to see you about a matter much more serious in nature.
You must brace yourself for what I'm about to tell you.
What is it?
Lady Sungdeok...
Lady Sungdeok is plotting an overthrow.
You must arrest her at once, Your Highness.
I beg your pardon?
Your Highness,
we implore you to take away Prince Gaeryeong's succession rights!
Remove the right of succession from Prince Gaeryeong, Your Highness!
Epileptic Prince Gaeryeong can't inherit the regime!
We implore you!
We implore you, Your Highness!
Silence!
What's the meaning of this?
Clear out at once!
What do you mean?
Lady Sungdeok plotting an overthrow?
Yes, Your Highness.
You place her and her subordinates under arrest at once.
Their plot is irrefutably clear.
What's more,
she's having an illicit affair
with one of her Jurchen subordinates who was taken prisoner with her by the Khitans.
Your Highness, this is a disgrace to the royal house and this country.
Wait a second.
Where did you get this information?
From one of Gang Jo's subordinate officers.
This is a fact, Your Highness.
Gang Jo's subordinate, who?
Captain Yi Hyunoon.
Yi Hyunoon?
Answer my question!
Do I have epilepsy?
No, no.
Then why are the Academy students claiming that I do?
Tell me the truth.
Come to think of it, I fainted numerous times.
It's epilepsy, isn't it?
Forgive me, Your Highness.
It's not a malady I can cure.
Forgive me. Forgive me...
I said, leave at once!
How dare you malign the royal prince!
My lady,
are you telling us that Prince Gaeryeong isn't suffering from epilepsy?
No.
How dare you commit this outrage with a ridiculous claim?
We heard it was a fact.
From whom? Who utters such a lie?
We heard that the information came from Chancellor of State Affairs, Choe Ryang.
What? Chancellor Choe Ryang?
Yes.
This is an important matter which involves the fate of the nation.
We ask for an explanation from the king.
Chancellor Choe is indisposed and hasn't been able to attend the court for months.
He couldn't possible know if my son is ill.
It's untrue, so leave now.
We don't believe you.
You may not know of the prince's infirmity being away from him as you have.
We ask that you call the queen for us who raised Prince Gaeryeong.
We'll trust her words.
Silence!
Your jobs as students are to focus on your studies.
How dare you come here in herds and plot to destroy the future king!
This is tantamount to high treason.
If you don't leave now, I won't be idle.
Do what you wish.
We won't leave until we hear from the king or queen.
And please don't speak ill of our loyalty to this country!
Men, shout louder for the king to hear us!
Epileptic Prince Gaeryeong can't ascent to the throne!
We implore you to depose him, Your Highness!
We implore you, Your highness!
It's the queen who exposed the illness.
She's doing this to get Song deposed!
Do you love Foreman Kim? Please tell me the truth, my lady.
I just want to cherish the feeling in my heart, that's all.
I don't understand. I can't understand.
He's not good for you!
You mean they released Lady Sungdeok to create division in our court?
Lady Sungdeok must be eliminated.
That's enough! I already said, I trust Lady Sungdeok!
Help us, Your Highness!
What do you mean, depose the king?
The fate of the country is at stake.
You must brace yourself and be strong, no matter what happens.