The Iron Empress
Episode 57
Who's that woman?
I don't know. Why?
Let's follow her.
He went out?
[Empress Sunjeong]
I don't know where he has gone.
Empress.
Yes, Your Highness.
The Emperor won't even attend the morning meetings.
[Empress Dowager Cheonchu]
I'm aware.
Then how can you do nothing about it?
You have to persuade him to change.
Are you going to let him wander like this forever?
I'm sorry, Your Highness.
My lack of virtue is to blame.
I'm sorry for taking this out on you when I myself am helpless to change him.
But what can I do? He detests me.
You're the only one who can turn him around.
No. No, Your Highness.
Emperor doesn't hate you.
You don't have to comfort me.
I'm not saying this to comfort you.
Every time he speaks harshly to you, it breaks his heart.
It's just he doesn't know what to do about the rage he feels for the Finance Commissioner.
And he's been drifting further away lately in greater despair.
Because I sent Prince Daeryang into priesthood?
No.
He said you don't trust him anymore and that you think he's a conscienceless monster.
That's why he's in despair.
Your Highness, I beg you.
Open your heart and have a talk with him.
He's a gentle soul.
He doesn't hate you.
He's just lost.
Wait!
Young maiden, wait!
Are you talking to my lady?
That's rather rude.
A man is calling you.
You can at least turn and look.
What do you want, sir?
[Kim Milhwa]
Is this where you live?
Yes.
It's a nice house.
I asked you what you want.
There's only one thing a man would want from a woman.
You're not a man. You're a shameless vulgarian.
Watch your tongue! This is...
Why don't you invite me in for a cup of tea?
Step aside.
Be nice. I followed you all the way here.
Step aside before I call someone to beat you up.
How strange...
It's bizarre.
What is?
[Yu Han Gan]
I thought I was cursed with numbness.
[Mokjong (7th ruler of Goryeo)]
But I felt my masculinity for the first time.
[Jo Du]
[Hangae Temple]
Have you heard of a man named Kim Chi Yang?
[Cheon Hyang Bi]
I'll take an order of soup and rice.
Why is a pretty girl like you traveling all alone?
Let me ask you a question.
Oh, what's this?
Ask me anything you want.
Do you know much about Hangae Temple in Mt. Seolbong?
[Seolbong San: Seolak Mountain]
Why, everyone who lives in this area knows Hangae Temple.
Then have you heard of a monk named Kim Chi Yang who might have stayed there?
I might recognize some Buddhist names,
but I couldn't possibly know every monk who stayed there.
Then do you know anything about a violent attack on the temple about 30 years ago?
30 years ago?
No, I'm afraid not.
How could she know something which happened such a long time ago?
Do you know, sir?
Why don't you buy us a round of rice wine?
Give them a round of rice wine, please.
Sure. Coming right up!
Yes, there was an incident which left many monks dead a few decades ago.
But I think it was a virulent disease which killed them, not a violent attack.
And I heard many child monks died too.
I see.
Is it true that the head monk there at the time was a Shillan?
What do you mean a Shillan?
Shilla crumbled almost a hundred years ago.
If you're parents are Shillan, you're a Shillan.
That's crazy.
Why would a Shillan come all the way to Mt. Seolbong?
It's not that.
Crown Prince Mahi was building an army deep in the woods of Inje after the fall of Shilla,
and the head monk was one of his men.
That's all gibberish.
Crown Prince Mahi died on Mt. Gaegol lamenting about the fall of Shilla.
[Mt. Gaegeol: Geumgang Mountain(during winter)]
He has nothing to do with this area.
No, no. He didn't die.
He pretended to be dead so he could build an army.
Who's older? You or me?
I know more than you do.
General Kim, have another drink.
We better go now, Commissioner.
Please don't go so soon, sir.
I'll be lonely without you.
Why don't you spend the night here? It's quite late.
Yes, please spend the night.
No.
I still have some work to do at the base.
[Yang Kyu]
I must go.
I should be getting back too.
[Kim Sukheung]
[Kim Chi Yang (Finance Commissioner)]
I see.
That's a shame.
But if you must go, let me pour your last drink.
Sure.
Here, here.
May I think of the two of you as my brothers?
I grew up lonely without siblings.
I just feel comfortable with you fellows as if you're my younger brothers.
We're honored if you think of us that way.
Well then, let's drink to our brotherhood.
Did you enjoy the evening?
Yes, thank you.
Come on, come on. Move it.
Yes, set it down right here.
We're a little late on account of the box being so heavy.
What's this?
It's a gift for the two of you from Commissioner Kim.
Open it.
Coins...
I still have what he sent us last time.
I can't accept all this again.
Please don't think much of it.
It's just a token of appreciation from Commissioner Kim.
[Sa Gamun]
Very well.
If that's the case, I'll graciously accept.
Then, please extend our gratitude to the Commissioner.
Yes, of course.
So they accepted again?
Yes. Yang Kyu, in particular, seemed very pleased.
They lived in extreme poverty, so they're weak before money.
Continue to provide his family with silk and grain.
Yes, My Lord.
It'll help us tremendously if we can get the Left and Right Guards
and the Divine Tigers under our control.
I won't let you down, sir.
Start working on the junior officers as well.
Give them gifts and find their weaknesses.
And get them off the hook if they commit minor crimes.
One by one, we'll expand our influence over the entire central army.
Yes, sir.
Women, wine and a chest full of coins every time.
I guess Kim Chi Yang does think very highly of your two.
[Gang Gamchan (Minister of the Office of Ceremony)]
I don't even offer you a glass of water when I see you.
I can handle everything else, but going to gisaeng houses is torture.
Why?
Pretty women, good wine and good food, why it's paradise.
I just don't feel comfortable there.
I get indigestion every time I eat there.
I'm happier eating on dirt floor at the base after a hard training exercise.
So am I.
And I don't know what to do with all these coins.
I can't eat them, I can't throw them away. It's a headache.
Boy, the two of you are helpless country bumpkins!
General Yang, General Kim.
I know it's not easy, but get close to Kim Chi Yang and keep a watchful eye on him.
Don't worry, sir.
Do you understand?
I want to know about her father, her family background and her associates.
Yes, Your Majesty.
What do you want?
Your Majesty, the Empress Dowager wishes to see you.
Please sit down.
Where did you go tonight?
I went out for fresh air.
You should take your guards with you when you leave the palace.
Do you intend never to attend the morning meetings again?
How could a heinous Emperor who tried to kill his own mother stand before his men and face them?
An important envoy is coming from Song.
I'm told it's indecorous for me to receive him alone since Song is not under a regency like Liao.
I need you there.
I see. So you need a dummy again.
I'm sorry, but I don't feel like it.
Emperor, this is a very important state matter.
I know you hate me, but please attend to this state affair, if only just once.
I've tried to attend to state affairs but you stopped me every time.
What can I do?
I can't employ the men I want.
I can't dismiss the Finance Commissioner.
You don't let me do anything, so I tried to abdicate the throne to Prince Daeryang,
but you won't let me do that either.
Every time I tried to do something, an innocent bystander gets hurt.
Now I'm a conscienceless monster so I'm worse than worthless.
How could I attend to state affairs?
Emperor, please.
I said I would let bygones be bygones.
But I won't let you bring harm to this state.
So please stop veering astray and do as I ask.
The moment the Emperor saw Lady Milhwa, he was completely entranced.
Then he followed her like a puppy all the way back to the house and got the boot.
It looks like success.
But I hope he wasn't turned off by her rejection.
[Jo Sun]
He may be too embarrassed to seek her again.
Don't worry.
[Kim Won Soong]
There are plenty of easy women in the palace.
He needs someone who's hard to get to keep him interested.
You're right, Father.
[Lady Yunheung]
I know the Emperor.
He might be more attracted to a strong-willed woman instead of a submissive woman like the Empress.
I guess all we can do is wait now.
If only I were a few years younger,
[Court Lady Jo]
I could've done this better than Milhwa.
Your Majesty.
Yes?
I asked you what the Empress Dowager talked about.
Oh that?
Same old things she always talks about.
"Come to the council hall..."
"Attend the morning meetings..."
Oh, and she told me that an important envoy is coming from Song
and asked that I be there for the reception.
Why? Why are you looking at me funny?
I told you everything mother talked about.
That's why it's odd.
Sorry?
You never casually ramble on like this.
What's gotten into you?
You complain about the darnedest things.
So how did you reply the Empress Dowager?
I told her no.
Your Majesty.
Please don't say no all the time.
No matter how you deny it, you're the Emperor of this state.
You can't run from it.
If you're bothered by the Finance of Commissioner or his child who'll soon be born,
don't run from the problem.
Face it head on.
You know I'm not capable.
Yes, you are.
You're more than capable of leading the state.
No.
I've watched you since you were a child.
I know you better than anyone.
If you put your mind to it, you can be a great ruler.
So stop running away and live your ambitions.
And if you fail, don't give up.
Try and try again, Your Majesty.
Perhaps you can allow the Emperor to handle the domestic affairs.
And if he proves himself worthy, you can gradually confer all authority.
Give His Majesty a chance.
I've tried to attend to state affairs but you've always stopped me.
What can I do?
No, Your Highness.
Invest the Emperor with full power over domestic affairs?
It's unthinkable.
Why is it unthinkable?
Isn't it obvious?
I hate to say this, but His Majesty is unfit to lead the state.
There is no telling what he'll make of this state unless the Empress Dowager is watching him.
We don't know that until we try.
Besides, Empress Dowager will continue to oversee foreign and military affairs.
That's right.
And if it's determined later that His Majesty is unprepared for the task,
[Choi Hang (Royal Undersecretary)]
the Empress Dowager can take back the authority.
This isn't child play, giving then taking back.
We're talking about giving His Majesty a chance.
[Kim Shimon (Minister of Interior)]
Why do you oppose so strongly?
His Majesty might surprise us all if the Empress Dowager is attending to foreign and military affairs.
[Gang Jo (Minister of War)]
Yes.
And Her Highness can't continue the regency forever.
[Dae Dosu (Minister of Punishment)]
But this isn't time of peace.
Please stop, Commissioner.
Your point is well taken, so let me hear the opinion of the others.
Is there anyone else who opposes this investiture of power to the Emperor?
Then this is my decision.
From this day forward, I won't be here to partake in administration of domestic affairs.
I ask you all to assist the Emperor and guide him in the right direction.
We won't disappoint you, Your Highness.
Please reconsider, Your Highness.
If you invest the Emperor with power,
guileful retainers might goad the Emperor to drive you out all together.
Have you forgotten about the poisoned tonic?
But I can't just ignore the Emperor.
If I'm not going to forsake him, I've to prepare him to stand on his own.
But this isn't the right time.
Commissioner,
there's something I've been meaning to say.
I want to give you a piece of advice for your own good.
Don't say nay when everyone else says aye.
It doesn't help anyone.
What do you mean?
You're in a very special position because I've conceived your child.
You can unwittingly possess power that exceeds your title.
I don't want you to be seen that way.
Even when I think you're right, I must pay greater heed to others.
And you must be more cautious about everything, if only for me.
Do you understand?
Yes.
And don't make any derogatory remarks about the Emperor.
You'll only isolate yourself.
I understand. I failed to think that far.
This is my last try.
I'm putting my last hope on the Emperor.
If he makes small mistakes, I intend to overlook them.
So say nothing about them.
Your Highness,
the Emperor has left the palace again.
Again?
After everything I said about this being a critical time?
The Imperial guards are secretly following him this time for his protection.
[Sa Illa]
Your Majesty, I'll announce you.
Come on, let's go.
Are my eyes deceiving me?
What did His Majesty just do?
I don't know. I think he just jumped the wall.
Is he breaking in to steal something?
That mouth of yours! That's absurd!
What do we do now? It looks like a high noble estate.
Who are you?
Those men! They were...
How dare you break into this house?! Get them!
Stay back. This is His Majesty the Emperor!
Silence!
[Kim Yung Dae]
If this thief is the Emperor...
I'm the Emperor's uncle!
What are you waiting for? Get them.
Take your hands off of him!
This is the Emperor!
Arrest these men!
- Arrest them! - Yes.
Your Majesty, are you all right?
How dare you attempt to harm the Emperor?!
Do you have a death with?
Forgive me!
I didn't know!
Is this really the Emperor?
That's right! Who does he look like?
Your Majesty, this man deserves to be beheaded this instant.
Withdraw your sword.
But Your Majesty, he dared...
I acted in error. This man committed no crime.
What are you thugs doing here anyway? Did you follow me?
What is this about?
Forgive me, Your Majesty.
I failed to recognize you and committed an unforgivable crime.
That's enough apologies.
We made an unavoidable mistake failing to recognize you.
But isn't it also true that Your Majesty's behavior was unbefitting of an Emperor?
That sounds like you still think I am shameless.
To be honest, yes.
Milhwa.
Do you not fear death speaking so bluntly to the Emperor?
I can have you killed with a single word.
I do fear, but it is the truth.
If honesty is a crime punishable by death, do as you wish.
"Milhwa"... is that your name?
Yes.
What is your family name?
It's Kim.
And this is your father?
No, Your Majesty. I am her brother, Kim Yung Dae of Gyeongju.
I see.
Hyang Bi!
What are you doing here?
Oh, I'm...
You must've come to see your husband.
You just can't stay away. Can you?
He must be very good to you. You have a rosy glow.
Here's your honey. I'll see you later.
Did you just get back?
So you learned nothing new?
I guess I troubled you for nothing.
But it still doesn't sit well with me.
Chu was certain of what he heard.
How could all of those monks know nothing? It makes no sense.
It's possible Chu was misinformed.
Forget about it and go home now. I have to get back, too.
Husband, wait.
I heard something strange on the way back at an inn.
Like what?
Some men said the head monk at the time of the incident was a Shillan.
Shillan?
Yes, and that Shilla's Crown Prince Mahi secretly built an army in that area and
that the head monk was one of his men.
Prince Mahi and Hangae Temple...
But that has no connection to Kim Chi Yang.
No, but it still bothers me.
Don't worry about this anymore.
We'll find another way to reveal Kim Chi Yang's past.
This is not good.
If the Emperor controls domestic affairs, my position will no doubt be reduced.
I thought the mother-son relationship was completely destroyed after the poisoning incident,
but I guess blood is thicker than water.
Don't worry. There is no way that the wayward Emperor can do a good job.
My Lord, it's Steward Mun.
Come in.
What is it?
About the coins you asked me to look into, I checked with the mint and they said
there is no way there could be so many coins in circulation.
Is that right?
Yes.
Perhaps you should pay a visit to the mint.
[Mun In Wui]
The Emperor was at Yoseoktek again?
Yes, there was a huge commotion.
Did you hear that? It's just as I predicted.
He may be the Emperor, but when it comes down to it, he's just a man.
Let them send daily reports, but make sure they make no contact with us in public.
If anyone finds out we’re connected, this whole thing is over.
Yes, My Lady.
But shouldn't we have someone watching them closely?
We invested a lot of money into this, and if they should betray us...
Don't worry.
I'll put someone I can trust to be our front man.
Jumped a wall?
The Emperor broke into a stranger's estate to see a woman?
Yes, I'm afraid so.
Who is this woman?
Even at a quick glance,
[Yu Bang]
she was no ordinary beauty.
Do you know anything about her family?
No, but she lived in a huge, impressive mansion.
It was called Yoseoktek, but I was unable to find out who owns the property.
What did you think? She's no ordinary woman, is she?
No, Your Majesty.
She didn't look a thing like her brother.
Her Highness the Empress Dowager!
What's brought you here, Mother?
I heard you created quite a commotion in the city today.
It's not as if this is the first time.
Are you attracted to the woman?
What are you talking about?
I heard you jumped a wall for this woman.
If she is so beautiful, why didn't you just call her into the palace?
Why did you do something so unbecoming of the Emperor?
Emperor,
I made an announcement today
that I am giving you full power to administer domestic affairs.
Domestic affairs?
Yes.
I won't be in the council hall when domestic affairs are being discussed and decided.
So rule as you would like to rule.
Why are you taking this kind of risk when you know I'm incompetent?
I just might turn the council hall into a banquet hall.
I'm entrusting you nonetheless.
So you try your best to govern the empire in a manner that will earn you respect.
And the Song envoy is due to arrive soon, so please don't leave the palace again.
Can I count of you?
Song envoys traveled to Goryeo by sea in a long and difficult
journey that took a month to complete.
This journey is described in detail about 120 years later by the Song envoy, Xu Jing,
in "Illustrated Account of Goryeo" which is
invaluable documentation of Goryeo's culture and sea route during that time.
According to the Illustrated Account of Goryeo, Song envoys left Yingzhou of
Song on a sailboat called Shinju and entered Goryeo's international port of
Byuklando by way of Gageodo, Gogunsando, Anmyeondo and Youngjeongdo.
It is truly overwhelming to set foot
on Goryeo again after ten years of no
communication since our diplomatic
ties were severed on the 5th year of Chunhua.
Thank you for coming.
You must be exhausted from the long journey.
Owing to your kindness, I was treated with extreme courtesy since my arrival on land,
and I have been able to relieve my fatigue.
The prolonged war with the Khitan must have
the Emperor of Song greatly concerned.
Yes, Empress Dowager.
[Minister of Military of Song China]
His Majesty is preparing his final battle
to put an end to this war once and for all.
And I am here to seek your help in this endeavor.
But we are in a rather awkward position.
You may not be aware, but we have established sibling ties with Liao.
I am aware, Your Highness.
But I ask that you honor your prior agreement with us first.
Let me remind you that if we had not taken military action during your
conference with Khitan, Goryeo would have been in grave danger.
This is quite true, but we are not a powerful state like Song China.
It is not easy for us to go up against the powerful Khitan with
whom we share our border.
Does this mean you are refusing to help?
You are an impatient man.
My answer depends on what Song is willing to offer us in return.
What do you seek?
She asked for the Old Balhae territory?
In exchange for helping them conquer Liao,
she requested 1,200 miles of land including Eastern Capital Liaoyang
Prefecture all the way up to old capital of Balhae Holan Fort once Liao has fallen.
I was so nervous that I couldn't breathe.
Song was once our suzerain state after all.
[Choi Wonshin (Vice Minister of the Office of Ceremony)]
But she didn't even flinch making this demand.
I was truly amazed by the Empress Dowager's fortitude.
So did the envoy agree?
He did not give a firm answer, but he doesn't have any other options.
Without us, they can't win this war.
I guess this means we will get to see our homeland again.
Right, General Gang?
Yes.
I can still see the streets of Jeong-an
when I close my eyes.
Oh, that's right.
You are both Balhaeans.
I guess you'll lead the spearhead we march out to fight the Khitan.
Of course.
I was so young when we left. I don't remember much anymore.
I do remember it being very cold.
It'll be warm if we go back together. It's our home after all.
By the way, did you speak to Lord Gang Gamchan about Hangae Temple?
That again?
Why when we haven't learned anything new?
But he might know something that we don't that could make a connection.
He's very busy dealing with the envoy,
and there's nothing more for us to investigate.
Lord Gang will conduct his own investigation,
so there is no need for me to mention it.
Husband, then do you know a man named Mun In Wui?
Who is that?
He was Choi Seom's domestic steward but
he became palace keeper of Cheonchu Palace after turning Choi Seom in.
Is that right?
But why would someone like that be working at Cheonchu Palace?
I believe Commissioner Kim recommended him to the Empress Dowager.
I see. What about him?
I just thought he might know the story about Choi Seom and Hangae Temple.
If you questioned him...
No.
Even if he knows something, I can't ask a traitor that attached himself to
Kim Chi Yang and betrayed his own master about this.
If Kim Chi Yang found out, he would just become more wary of us.
So let it go and forget about it.
Right here.
You made it.
What do you have to report?
A woman?
Yes, my Lord.
The Emperor caused a disturbance over a woman at a place called Yoseoktek.
He can't get his way, so he's gone completely wild.
It's just another one of his escapades, so forget about it.
I don't think so, sir.
What you mean?
According to Yu Han Gan, he's really fallen for this woman.
We have trouble.
What is it?
I just got word that someone showed up at Hangae Temple asking about you again.
Who could it be?
I'm told it was a woman.
A woman?
Yes, sir.
Could Gang Jo have sent Cheon Hyang Bi?
Last time he sent one of his Balhaean friends.
Yes, I remember him lying to cover it up. It has to be Cheon Hyang Bi.
But why again after all of these years?
The Khitan are sending an envoy as well?
Yes, Your Majesty.
The message was sent from Yalu River,
so they should arrive in two weeks.
Who have they sent?
As usual, it's the great general of the Celestial Tiger Guard, Yelu Dilie.
Then I guess they're not quite up to par with the Song Chinese.
Your Highness, the problem is he will be here before the Song envoy leaves.
It does us no benefit to have the two meet, so perhaps we should delay their arrival.
No, it doesn't matter if the two envoys meet.
In fact, we need to make the two countries compete for our alliance
and get ourselves in the best position possible.
But it could be rather undignified to sway from supporting one side to another.
Yes, Your Highness.
There is trust and honor to consider.
[Chae Choongsun (Minister of Investigation)]
It is inappropriate for the government
to behave like businessmen.
I agree.
[Han Ingyeong (Minister of Finance)]
We could offend both countries
if we are not careful. We'll end up upsetting both sides.
I don't care.
We're in a position where both Liao and Song need us.
The ball is in our court. It's time to make the most of it.
I could not agree more, Your Highness.
[Khitan Military Camp]
You didn't rest well last night, Mother. You have kinks in your shoulders.
No.
I couldn't sleep.
[Empress Dowager Xiao (Emperor Shengzhong's mother)]
The war is approaching
and the odds are against us...
Try not to worry so much, Mother.
[Shengzhong of Liao (6th ruler of Khitan)]
The envoy will do his job.
I'm not sure.
Empress Dowager Cheonchu has grown too strong.
I made a mistake. I should never have sent her back alive.
Emperor.
Yes, Mother.
I don't want you to provoke Goryeo as long as Empress Cheonchu is
alive, even after I am gone.
Goryeo is no longer the inferior state we used to know.
Aren't you going to answer me?
I understand, Mother.
Do you feel any better?
I never imagined you like this. I guess you're a fragile woman after all.
[Duyan]
I hate being a woman.
This is all your fault.
Sa Gamun, are you in? Can I talk to you for a moment?
What is it?
Have you heard?
An envoy is coming from Liao, too.
[Yi Jujeong]
Is that right?
A merchant caravan is sure to be coming along.
Shouldn't we set aside some items we want to trade in advance?
Do you know who is coming as the envoy?
No, but I can certainly send my men out and find out.
No, that's not necessary.
I told you not to mind the Khitan. Just take care of yourself.
Yes, Duyan. You’re a Goryeoan now.
Your Majesty, Your Highness, have you fared well?
It's been a while.
We met when you were here for my investiture.
Yes, Your Majesty.
Time is swift.
It seems like just yesterday you stood
there threatening me and refusing to acknowledge Goryeo as an empire.
Your Majesty, I sincerely regret the mistake I made that day.
Your acknowledgement is enough. So what brings you here this time?
Your Highness, may we speak in private?
[Yelu Dilie]
This must be top secret. Should I clear the room?
No, I'd like to go somewhere with privacy and speak to you alone.
Now tell me.
Did the Empress Dowager give you a secret order of some sort?
Please come in.
Guards are not allowed.
He is not a guard. Please let him in.
Send him in.
[Han Derang (Khitan’s Prime Minister)]
Empress Dowager,
it's good to see you again.
You are...
Does Goryeo still seem weak to you, Prime Minister?
What did Song bring you?
The old Balhae territory.
I bet you never dreamed you'd see the Prime Minister again.
There is one last thing I need you to do for me.
Do you know why you are here?
To produce an Imperial heir, Your Highness.
You met the Empress Dowager?
Yes.
The woman you met is my enemy and your target.
Yes, I know.
The war has begun?
Yes.
Yes, hurry and escort her.
She has gone into labor!