The Iron Empress
Episode 41
What?!
In three days at the royal ancestral shrine?
Are you certain of this?
Yes.
I overhead Gang Jo and that Jurchen talking.
They clearly said it was in three days at the royal ancestral shrine.
Yi Hyunoon
Three days at the shrine...
Royal Shrine: Contains ancestral tablets of all royals
You're coming with me to see the king.
The king?
You brought back the Khitan princess?
Yes, Your Highness.
[Kim Won Soong (Minister of Revenue)]
She's at Suncheon Hall with the envoy right now.
Why did you go to Khitan to begin with?
Wasn't it to tell them that I can't accept the Khitan princess as a consort?
[Seongjong (The 6th King of Goryeo)]
Your Highness, the situation wasn't such that I could refuse their proposal.
They threatened to raise an army and attack us again if we didn't accept.
No, it was more than a threat.
The emperor was ready to take action.
Your Highness, take the woman.
And if she doesn't please you, keep her afar.
Think of her as an hostage to ensure Goryeo's peace.
Your Highness, it's urgent.
What is it?
I was right.
Lady Sungdeok is plotting an overthrow.
That again?
I'm not trying to set her up.
This man heard them talk of uprising at the royal ancestral shrine
on the anniversary of Gyeongjong's death.
You... you're...
I'm Yi Hyunoon, Your Highness.
So you're the one who keeps goading the queen with this outrageous lie?
Your Highness, it's not a lie.
I clearly heard Lady Sungdeok's men say that the uprising would be at the shrine in three days.
Your Highness, you must believe it.
Aren't you scheduled to be at the shrine that day?
They're after you.
Go back to the palace now.
[Lady Sungdeok Hwangbo Su (future Empress Cheonchu)]
I'll see you in three days.
Mother, won't you reconsider?
[Prince Gaeryeong Wang Song (Future King Mokjong)]
Why are you trying to commit high treason?
I'm scared, Mother.
Don't be weak.
I told you this is for the country.
Mother...
In three days, you'll be the king of this country.
And when a king makes his decision, he has no tears and mercy.
I'm risking my life to put you on the throne and I can't have you get weak on me.
Think of it as target shooting and focus.
You're shooting down the enemy who will get in your way of rectifying the state.
You can't hit the target if you let fear in.
Do you understand?
Your Highness, I had sent you an urgent message from Khitan.
Wasn't it received?
Is this about the ridiculous notion that Lady Sungdeok is conspiring with the Khitan Empress Dowager to destroy me?
Your Highness, it's the truth.
The information comes from one of the Khitan emperor's closest men.
Lady Sungdeok is practically an enemy spy, so I implore you to arrest her.
That's enough. Stop!
Your Highness, it all fits.
Please heed our sincere council.
I said stop!
I trust my sister more than I trust the Khitan emperor.
Besides, Minister Kim has falsely reported a treasonous plot once before
which led to my sister Seol's death.
Do you think I'm going to believe you and let you kill the last sibling I've left?
Don't make me angry.
Your Highness, an urgent report!
What is it?
A band of armed soldiers were seen leaving Myeongbok Palace
and headed in the direction of Gaegyeong.
What?
Your Highness, there is a matter which requires your immediate attention.
I've reports that Lords Yi Ji Baek and Yi Gyeomui are stirring up the court.
Whatever do you mean?
Would you elaborate?
Your Highness,
the two men have been approaching their peers asserting that the throne
should be abdicated to Prince Gaeryeong to mitigate negative public sentiment,
And they've been openly naming Lady Sungdeok to those who agree
and attempting to acquire their support.
Your Highness, can't you see?
There is a conspiracy.
Royal attendant!
Yes, Your Highness.
Where is Prince Gaeryeong?
He has gone to Sungdeok Palace with General Gang Jo.
Sungdeok Palace.
Your Highness, you still don't believe me?
They're conspiring to bring you down!
Your Highness, you must arrest them at once.
Your Highness, give me your command.
Silence!
I'll make the decisions! Don't dare push me!
Your Highness!
I'm fine. I'm fine!
Stop!
State your identity.
We're Myeongbok Palace soldiers here at the order of Lady Sungdeok.
Cheon Hyang Bi
- Myeongbok Palace? - Yes.
Myeongbok Palace's merchant caravan?
Yes.
Why do you have all these weapons?
They were brought in from the north in preparation for war.
It was Lady Sungdeok's special request.
I see, Lady Sungdeok played a huge role in our victory in the last war.
Yes, she certainly did.
Myeongbok Palace troops will be here tonight,
and both Balhaean and Jurchen troops will arrive by tomorrow, if all goes according to plan.
But not all of them can be positioned around the shrine,
so Balhaeans will wait at the marketplace and follow the civilian procession to the shrine,
and the Jurchen troops will be hiding in Mt. Song-ak.
And Myeongbok Palace troops will be hiding in Guibup Temple until the day of the uprising.
Sa Gamun
Drillmaster Gang's royal guards will be key.
Not only royal guards, garrison army and internal guards will be called to guard the king on this trip.
Kim Chi Yang
We must effectively suppress them and seize the kingdom in order to succeed.
And you and the prince will be riding in a carriage not far from the king,
so be aware of the danger.
I'm prepared.
I'll have my weapon ready in the carriage.
I'll be in the closest position to the king, so I might even have to seize him myself.
Once the king is captured, we must quickly return to the palace
and acquire a letter of abdication with the royal seal.
The ministers will compel the king to abdicate the throne to Prince Gaeryeong,
and the people will shout out your name from outside the palace.
But if the king refuses to surrender the throne, you must be prepared for blood.
Don't worry.
If it comes to that, I'll do what I have to.
Did you find out what kind of security force we're dealing with?
We've a rough figure of the internal guards,
but we've no idea how many are being deployed from the garrison army.
Yu Bang
But they will be placed in position far from the king.
Then who will be around the king's carriage?
Gang Jo
The internal guards.
Choi Ghi Kim Hoon
We were unable to get ourselves closer to the king on account of being away on regional posts for so long.
Then it's the internal guards that we'll be after.
Lady Sungdeok and the prince will be riding in a carriage right behind,
so we've to make sure they don't get hurt in the process.
And the garrison army in the rear will be taken care of by Lady Sungdeok's men.
We'll meet again tomorrow night and go over the plan one last time.
Sir, what should we tell General Dae?
We don't need to tell him anything yet.
We'll persuade him to join us after we initiate action.
He probably has some idea anyway.
His Highness, the king!
Your Highness, what brings you?
I just wanted to see you.
Yes.
Are you feeling better?
Yes, I'm much better.
Are you alright?
It must've been a shock learning about your epilepsy.
Yes, I'm fine.
That's a relief.
I heard you went to Sungdeok Palace today.
Pardon? Yes.
Why?
Mother asked me to go.
What did you two talk about?
Pardon?
Why can't you answer my question?
Is it something you can't tell me about?
No.
Then?
She just said she was worried about my condition.
Is that all?
Do you think you should rise to the throne?
Pardon?
What... do you mean?
I'm asking you if you think you're fit for the throne in your condition
I don't know.
I'll abide by your orders.
Your Highness.
You look fatigued.
Goh Hyun
Would you like to go to your bedchambers?
No, summon Dae Dosu.
Your Highness, how may I serve you?
Dae Dosu
Dae Dosu,
I heard that your father was the last prince of Balhae.
Yes, Your Highness.
And your grandfather was captured by the Khitan in the fall of Balhae and died on foreign soil.
How wretched it must've been to be a deposed king!
Is it your intent to bring the same fate upon me?
Your Highness, I don't understand.
I know that your subordinate officers and Lady Sungdeok's man Gang Jo
are trying to remove me from the throne.
Your Highness, no! They would never!
Don't pretend.
You were there at the saloon when they first discussed an overthrow
claiming the country should be ruled by Lady Sungdeok.
Your Highness!
I know that you were passive.
But it's fact that Gang Jo and your subordinate officers are trying to depose me.
Is this how you men pay me back for granting you posts in the royal court?
Your Highness, give me death!
But those words were uttered frivolously in a state of drunkenness.
It was not said in earnest, so please have mercy, Your Highness.
You're wrong.
It's a fact that your men are conspiring against me as we speak.
No, Your Highness. They couldn't, Your Highness!
But I don't wish to kill any of you.
You've rendered invaluable service in protecting the state.
Above all...
I don't wish to kill the only sister I've left.
So you decide.
Do you want them all to die, or do you want to save them?
What do I do, Your Highness?
Give me your command.
Jangheungjin
Sit down.
Yang Kyu, is it?
Yes.
So it seems you were orphaned at an early age and made a living as a stable tender.
Gang Gamchan Seo Hui (Grand Secretary of the Supreme Council) (Vice Minister of the Supreme Council)
You're not a peasant,
Yang Kyu
but you lived and worked among them.
It looks like you were very close to a mute peasant girl named Sohwa.
We grew up together.
Is her death what triggered you to go AWOL?
She was the most kind and innocent girl.
She couldn't speak but she had a huge heart.
She never had enough for herself, but she always shared with the others.
But when the new garrison commander came, life in the foundry village changed.
The villagers were treated like animals.
You wretch! Answer me!
Why haven't you produced more weapons?
Sir, we worked as hard as we could, day and night on empty stomachs.
How can you say it isn't enough?
If I say it's not enough, it's not!
[Ahn Pae (Jangheungjin commander)]
There's not enough for the royal court and there's not enough for the lords!
But, how dare you disobey me?!
What's this? Get out of here!
Get out of here!
Do you wish to die?
Get out of my sight!
What's the matter with you? Let go of me!
Sohwa!
Sohwa! Sohwa!
Sohwa!
Sohwa
Sohwa!
What the heck do you want? Get back to the line!
What are you guys doing? This wretch must be crazy! Grab him!
That's when I left the camp.
I felt no need to serve a man who treats people like animals.
Grievances are to be reported to the authorities, Soldier.
But you deserted your duty and lived as an enemy of the state.
The foundry villages reported their grievances to the authorities countless times,
but they were never once answered.
In fact, they were met with punishment.
These people don't get their freedom until they're dead.
I just wanted them to know freedom a little bit sooner.
That's my crime.
Where did you learn martial arts?
I never has any formal training.
Your skills are masterful and you've had no formal training?
You're an impressive rider as well.
That's because I can communicate with my horse.
Pardon?
Sohwa taught me how to communicate with horses.
Not with words but with your eyes and your heart.
Listen,
you committed serious crimes, deserting camp and hurting your fellow soldiers.
But the investigation has revealed extenuating circumstances.
Would you use your talents for Goryeo if you were absolved of your crimes?
Sir, instead of my absolution,
please give the villagers basic human rights.
Then I'll serve you with devotion and loyalty.
Is this everyone?
Yes, Minister Seo.
Foundry villagers and the soldiers of Jangheungjin, listen well.
It has come to my attention that the garrison commander, Ahn Pae
has been persecuting the people of this foundry village to extreme degrees.
The villagers may be humble in birth,
but they are valuable artisans who produce important goods for the government.
The garrison commander and his deputy who exploited these artisans for personal profit,
will be removed from their posts and sent to Gaegyeong for prosecution.
In addition, I order compensation for the villagers who have been denied food and clothing,
and strictly limit their work hours to daylight.
- Is that understood? - Yes, Sir!
My Lord, how will we ever repay you?
Thank you! Thank you, My Lord!
Hail the minister!
General Yelu Dilie of great Liao empire bid greetings to the king of Goryeo.
You've travelled a long way.
I come bearing an imperial edict of the emperor of great Liao.
I thank the emperor for sending me a noble princess of Liao.
But we're approaching the anniversary of the late king's death,
so I intend to set a date for the royal wedding after the memorial ceremony.
Your grace is immeasurable, Your Highness.
Yelu Dilie
This wedding will be a grand event that symbolizes the union of Goryeo and Liao.
I sincerely hope that we can put the past behind us and become inseparable allies for centuries to come.
Thank you, Envoy. I too share your wish.
I'm not well versed in Goryeoan customs and traditions.
Think of me as a younger sister and give me your kind guidance.
My younger sister?
Yes, My Queen.
Xiao Zanli
We'll serve one husband, so aren't we like sisters although not by blood?
I'll do my best to serve you properly.
She certainly isn't shy.
Court Lady Jo
Are all Khitan women that way?
Jiemei
You're improving every day, Your Majesty.
What do you think?
Who do you think will end up owning Goryeo?
The king will retain his throne, of course.
Yelu Pennu
You threw him a lifeline.
But my mother still thinks Lady Sungdeok will ultimately seize Goryeo.
[Shengzhong (6th ruler of Khitan)]
Does she?
I did what I did because I don't like Lady Sungdeok,
but if she doesn't get killed, I would like to see her again.
So I can challenge her to another match.
What brings you here, Attendant Goh?
The king is asking for you.
On what matters?
He didn't say.
Please come with us now.
Your Highness, she's here.
Send her in.
There you are.
Your Highness, why are you in bed again?
Are you unwell?
Yes.
That's why I called you.
I don't think I can go to the royal shrine tomorrow.
You can't?
No.
Your Highness,
it's your duty to attend the previous king's memorial service.
The departed will be disappointed if you're not there.
I do want to pay my respects but the physician insists that
I avoid the sun and the long carriage ride.
So I want you and Prince Gaeryeong to attend the memorial service without me.
Your Highness,
this is the first memorial service since I came back from Khitan.
I want you to be there with me.
Do you?
Yes.
Your Highness, if the sun is too much for you, we can have an awning installed on the carriage.
Do you really want me to go?
Yes, Brother.
We've never gone to the shrine together before.
I'll conduct the ceremony if you get tired, so come with me, Brother.
Su...
Yes, Brother.
Do you remember us playing in the fields when were young?
How about that time when you got hurt and I carried you on my back?
Brother, why suddenly...
It's only the two of us now.
You're my only family.
If you want me to go, I will.
Do you really want this?
Yes.
Brother, I really do.
You'll feel better when we get back.
Yes.
I hope you're right.
I really do.
[Sasu County: Modern day Sacheon]
Prince Gyeongjuwon refused to come back from Sasu County?
Yes, Your Grace.
That's the message the general, who delivered your edict, brought back.
Oh, dear...
He's still refusing to come near the throne.
[Choi Seom (Minister of Punishment)]
I thought being exiled would make him resentful and change his heart.
We've tried to persuade him for the past twenty years with no avail.
[Kim Shimon (Minister of Punishment)]
Then we must bring back Prince Daeryeong alone.
You mean separate the father and son?
If that's what's necessary.
But His Highness won't allow that.
Then we must make him allow it.
We can't let Prince Gaeryeong inherit the throne now that Lady Sungdeok's plot has been revealed.
Bring Lord Choi Ryang to the palace again.
I don't know.
He's so frail...
He was the king's mentor since childhood.
Lord Choi is our only chance of persuading the king.
I'm sorry, Prince.
Sa Illa
I've done you great wrong for the cause of erecting a new state.
But once our dream has been fulfilled and the new regime is on solid ground.
I'll find your son and raise him myself.
May your soul join your beloved Lady Seol and fulfill the love that couldn't be fulfilled on earth.
I was followed. Is it one of your men?
No, there was no such order on our side.
Mun In Wui
I'll have white tea from Song China.
Did you hear any other discussions about us?
They've been having most of their meetings in the palace lately.
And once in a while at Choi Ryang's house.
I don't have a lot of information.
Something isn't right.
I don't have a good feeling.
What's wrong?
The Khitan have leaked information about us.
Choi Seom is checking into my background, and someone is having me followed.
But it wouldn't be quiet like this if they knew about our plans.
That's why I'm nervous.
It's like the calm before the storm.
Then perhaps you should stay away on the day of the uprising.
No, I've to see this through to the end.
Yu Bang, Kim Hoon and Choi Ghi's men will slowly close in on the internal guards
during the procession to the shrine.
Once they have a go,
they'll suppress the internal guards and seize the king's carriage.
Most of the officials think it's the natural course for Prince Gaeryeong to rise to the throne.
Even the academy students
[Yi Ji Baek (Superintendent of the Office of Diplomatic Reception)]
now suspect that the epilepsy rumor was fabricated by the agitated queen.
The officials of Shillan descent have control of the Ministry of Defense,
Ministry of Punishment and Ministry of Revenue.
But the Supreme Council, Ministry of Personnel, Ministry of Public Works,
[Yi Gyeomui (Associate Royal Undersecretary)]
Ministry of Royal Decree, and the Security Council
will announce their support for Prince Gaeryeong immediately following the overthrow.
We can't just leave the Shillan descent officials in place if we succeed.
They should be removed.
My Lady?
What did you say?
Your Highness, you can't go to the shrine.
It's much too dangerous.
But I must go in order to see their insurrection myself.
That's right, Your Highness.
If he doesn't go, they might catch on and call off the plan.
That's why I'm asking you to arrest them now.
It's not a good idea for you to play along knowing of their violent plot.
Tomorrow is better to make a clean sweep of everyone involved.
My Queen, we'll place our top guards around His Highness's carriage.
And there will also be a massive army waiting for them at the royal shrine.
So have no fear.
But you mustn't ignore the king's health conditions.
The situation could become too intense for him to take.
Your Highness,
what do you intend to do once the uprising is suppressed?
I'm asking you about your plans for Prince Gaeryeong.
[Choi Ryang (Chief Advisor)]
Is this about Prince Daeryeong again?
I already said no.
But there is no other alternative.
You can't leave Prince Gaeryeong as your royal heir when his mother has plotted high treason.
That's right, Your Highness. It's unthinkable.
We'll talk about this after the plot has been thwarted.
Your Highness,
Prince Daeryeong's mother was a princess of Hwangju, who represents the North,
and his father is a royal prince of Shillan descent.
He's a symbol of harmony which will bring this country together.
Bringing Prince Daeryeong forward is important if only to mitigate the after effects of this unrest.
Please reconsider, Your Highness.
My Lady.
Foreman Kim.
What are you doing here?
Where did you go?
I met with one of my tribesmen to go over the final details.
So is everything prepared?
Yes, My Lady. Everything is ready.
I guess all that's left is the overthrow.
Yes, the success of the overthrow.
Foreman Kim...
Is this really the best option?
Yes, My Lady.
This is the best decision you can make for this country, you and the prince.
But now I'm asking myself if I really have to go to these lengths,
if I really have to strike down my own brother who's in poor health?
That perhaps we can talk this out instead.
My Lady, you mustn't get weak.
Think about the war with Khitan we just had.
Countless people lost their lives.
You mustn't forget all those who died for you and Goryeo.
You vowed not to let their sacrifice be in vain.
Don't forget that.
Yes, I did.
You're right.
I guess I lost my focus for a moment.
Thank you for bringing me back.
Rest early tonight. You've a big day tomorrow.
Foreman Kim.
Just hold me for a while.
To be honest, I'm very scared.
So am I, My Lady.
But heaven will watch over us and lead us to success.
Today I'll travel to the royal ancestral shrine to honor the late King Gyeongjong.
Lady Sungdeok and Prince Gaeryeong will be joining me, so I ask all of you
is to participate in this memorial service with reverence and solemnity.
Yes, Your Highness.
Let go of her!
She's having lunch with me.
You wish! She promised me first.
Tell us.
[Yi Jujeong(Supervisor of Myeongbok Palace)]
Do you want this Jujeong or do you want that Jujeong?
Stop calling me by my first name.
[Yi Jujeong (Goryeo merchant)]
I never said you could!
You're both Jujeong, so how about we all have lunch together?
Court Lady Yun
Please let go of me.
No.
Who are you?
This is a royal command.
[Yi Yang (Minister of Defense)]
All of you are under arrest for high treason.
What?
High treason? Do you know where you are?
- Arrest them. - Yes.
Good, I was getting bored.
Duyan
That wench!
- Kill her! - Yes!
It's the enemy! Stop them!
Now! Attack!
Seize the royal carriage!
Protect the royal carriage!
Suppress the rebels!
General Gang, stop! It's over.
What are you waiting for?
Seize the royal carriage! Attack!
Attack the royal carriage!
More rebels! Stop them!
Attack! It's the rebels!
Sulhwa, they're behind us!
Stop them!
Stop!
How dare you?!
Princess!
Court Lady Yun!
Open your eyes, Court Lady Yun!
Palace supervisor!
[Sun (Future Queen Sunjeong)]
My Lady, order your men to stop.
Why are you doing this to your own?
Stop them, My Lady!
Surrender, or you'll die. Please surrender!
Stop! Or I'll shoot the king!
My Lady!
Stop, I said!
What are you waiting for? Seize the rebels!
Attack!
No, General!
Silence! If they resist, kill them!
General!
Mother, stop. Put down the bow.
Get out of the way.
Mother, please. Don't do this!
Suri!
Sulhwa, get up!
You can't die!
Sulhwa!
Master! Watch out!
Chief!
Master...
Chief!
Our great enterprise...
Stop!
This is my last warning.
Stop or I'll shoot the king!
Ignore her and suppress the rebels!
General!
Shoot them!
Mother, no!
Stay down!