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Episode 54
I'm sorry.
Hey!
Are you sure?
The Empress Dowager is pregnant?
Yes.
She's in her second month.
Unbelievable.
Congratulations, my Lord!
Congratulations.
Congratulations, Your Highness.
I can't believe it.
[Empress Dowager Cheonchu]
I just thought it was stress
from dealing with the Khitan when I missed my period.
How could I be pregnant at forty years of age?
I had my suspicions when you couldn't eat.
[Cheon Hyang Bi]
It was morning sickness.
Let me congratulate you again, Your Highness.
Well, I don't know if this is something to be happy about.
What? My mother is pregnant?
Yes, Your Majesty.
Are you sure you are not mistaken?
I have confirmed it several times. She is indeed pregnant.
Pregnant?
[Mokjong (7th ruler of Goryeo)]
My mother is pregnant?
Allow me to congratulate you, Your Majesty.
Yes, congratulate me.
I can't father a child, so my mother is having one herself!
She really is something, isn't she? She's an incredible woman!
She's pregnant!
[Empress Sunjeong]
Has anything like this ever happened before in history of mankind?
There have been a few king dowagers in China that had children by their lovers.
but none that were an acting head
[Chae Choongsun (Minister of Investigation)]
of state like our Empress Dowager.
This is a sign of doom!
The Emperor can’t father a child but
his mother is pregnant.
[Kim Shimon (Minister of Punishment)]
It's unheard of!
Could this possibly lead to a regime change?
Whatever do you mean?
Think about it.
The Emperor is not interested in governing the state,
[Choi Wonshin (Vice Minister of the Office of Ceremony)]
and the Empress Dowager has refused
to relinquish the regency.
If she should give birth to a male heir...
That's absurd!
You mean that a child with the surname Kim will inherit the throne?
It's entirely possible if the Empress Dowager
[Choi Hang (Royal Undersecretary)]
insists that the child carries her name
instead its father's name.
Even if we follow the maternal lineage,
[Hwangbo Yui (Vice Minister of Finance)]
the child would be a Hwangbo.
But the dowager is also Taejo's grand- daughter which makes her a Wang as well.
Let us not get ahead of ourselves.
[Gang Gamchan (Minister of the Office of Ceremony)]
Why are we talking about the next throne
when she's simply pregnant?
I'm just concerned about the Emperor.
[Dae Dosu (Minister of Punishment)]
He is upset about the Empress Dowager's
relationship with Kim Chi Yang as it is.
I'm afraid this will to push
[Gang Jo (Minister of War)]
them even further apart.
Allow me to congratulate you, Your Highness.
Your Highness, what's wrong?
[Kim Chi Yang (Finance Commissioner)]
Are you feeling all right?
I'm worried about all the the criticism this will generate.
Nonsense. You're the Empress Dowager.
Who would dare criticize you?
This is a blessing on this Imperial house and to this country.
But you know how the Emperor will react.
I don't know if I should have this child.
What do you mean? You must have this child.
This is a precious gift Heaven has granted me.
So please don't contemplate the unthinkable.
I know it's a terrible thought...
But my extraordinary position compels me to consider different things.
If I were an ordinary woman, I would be overjoyed...
Your Highness, please cast off all dreadful thoughts.
Everything will work itself out in due time.
I will find a way to put the Emperor at peace with this situation.
So please just think about the child in your womb.
Please remember that this child is the most precious child.
Your Majesty, please slow down.
I'm sorry... for being a no-good, impotent wimp.
Why did you marry me?
I'm happy just being by your side, Your Majesty.
So please don't say things like that.
That's why you're stupid.
Why aren't you blaming me for your misery?
I get so frustrated when I look at you, I feel like my heart will burst!
Darn it!
Attendant Goh!
Yes, Your Majesty.
I'm going out of the palace. Get ready.
Pardon?
Your Majesty, I will call for more food and wine.
Please don't go out.
Let go of my hand!
I'm going to a gisaeng house. Get ready!
Your Majesty, I beg you.
Such places are unfit for the Emperor.
[Goh Hyun]
I will call the ladies of the palace to entertain you instead.
Silence!
You don't know anything. You're a eunuch!
But then, I guess I'm not much different from you.
Fine, then you be the Emperor!
Your Majesty, I wish to go to a gisaeng house.
Please take me, Your Majesty!
Please take me!
Your Majesty!
General Yang.
What do you think about what
[Kim Sukheung]
Minister Gang said the other day?
Listen to me carefully, both of you.
Money or grains, I want you to accept the Finance Commissioner's gifts from now on.
Graciously accept and pretend to be loyal to him.
I don't understand, sir.
[Yang Kyu]
Why do we have to pretend?
There's something suspicious about the Finance Commissioner.
Suspicious?
But he is the Empress Dowager's most cherished retainer.
Is he plotting something dubious?
General Yang.
Yes, sir.
You trust me, don't you?
Yes.
You saved my life and the lives of the villagers of Jangheungjin.
I have nothing but complete trust for you, sir.
Then do as I ask without asking further.
Kim Chi Yang may attempt to recruit the two of you to his side.
If he does, go along with it.
I will give you the details when and if that really happens.
What could his intention be?
I don't have a clue.
But I intend to follow Minister Gang's instructions.
He would never ask us to do something like this without a good reason.
Then I will go along with it as well.
General.
There is a visitor for you.
It's a pleasure to meet you.
My name is Sa Gamun. I oversee Lord Kim Chi Yang's trading business.
And I am Sa Gamun's assistant, Yi Jujeong.
[Yi Jujeong]
What brings you here?
We had sent a gift go your home
[Sa Gamun]
the other day but it was returned.
So this time I brought it myself.
Please take a look.
Why are you trying to give me a gift I do not wish to accept?
To improve the soldiers' morale.
Please put it to good use for your hardworking men.
It's a noble intent, but government funds cannot be use this way.
Take it back.
This isn't government funds.
These are proceeds from our trading business.
With the good news and all, it's
Commissioner Kim's small act of grace for
the hard working leaders of the Six Guards.
So please do not refuse.
The good news? What would that be?
Perhaps you have not heard.
Her Highness, the Empress Dowager, is with child.
Lord Kim Chi Yang will finally be a national asset in deed and in name!
Isn't this the most wonderful news?
Where is that wench?
[Jiemei]
She couldn't be ignoring the Prime Minister's order, could she?
[Su No]
There she is.
Why are you so late?
So did you make a decision?
Is this really necessary?
It's the Prime Minister's order.
I don't want to see your two-timing face,
but I'm here because you're second to none when it comes to poison.
Colorless, odorless, tasteless...
you can even make poison that doesn't react to silver.
Yes, but...
[Duyan]
The Empress Dowager is with a child.
Oh?
That's a surprise.
So what.
Killing her is taking not one but two lives.
So what? You've killed countless people already.
So are you refusing to do it?
No, I will.
It's the Prime Minister's order.
The Empress Dowager is pregnant?
Yes, Your Grace. That's what I heard.
That can't be.
[Kim Won Soong]
You must've heard wrong.
No, sir.
I heard it from the palace eunuchs,
[Jo Sun]
so it's accurate information.
Unbelievable! Pregnant?
[Lady Yunheung]
That woman knows no shame!
Good heavens!
[Court Lady Jo]
How could the Empress Dowager
do such a disgraceful thing?
She deserves to die by any standard.
I just hope this assassination attempt succeeds.
We don't have to worry even if they fail.
This pregnancy is sure to be the last straw in the mother
and son's troubled relationship.
No, not necessarily.
Empress Dowager has tolerated the Emperor's behavior up to now
because he's the only one who can keep her in power.
But if she gives birth to another son, she might replace him.
Would she really go that far?
[Jo Du]
My father is right.
If anyone could do such a thing, it's the Empress Dowager Cheonchu.
The Khitan must succeed.
Empress Dowager Cheonchu must die.
What are you waiting for? Take off your clothes!
Take it off! All of you!
I'm going to get all of you pregnant tonight!
Your Majesty, we must go back now.
Didn't you hear me? I said take off your clothes!
Are you wenches snubbing me, too?
Fine. I will take my clothes off first!
Your Majesty! Your Majesty!
Get out of my way!
What do you want?
All right. Take off your clothes and join us!
Yi Hyunoon, let's start with you. Take off your clothes.
Pardon? Your Majesty...!
Take them off! All of them!
Your Majesty, please don't do this.
[Yu Bang]
You must maintain your dignity.
Be quiet, fool!
We have no dignity in this Imperial house.
My mother is knocked up.
Dignity? The heck with dignity!
Please forgive me for my insolence, Your Majesty.
Escort him!
Let go of me, you bastards!
Let go!
I am the Emperor! The Emperor!
Your Majesty!
Get out of my way!
I'll kill you! I'll kill you all!
Get out of my way!
Your Majesty, please calm down!
Your Majesty, you'll hurt yourself! Please put the sword down!
You... You're Yu Han Gan!
It's good to see you again, Majesty.
Where have you been all this time?
We traveled the southern region.
[Yu Han Gan]
How about your friends? Are they with you?
No, I came back alone.
I see. I'm glad you're back.
I'm so glad you're back.
Your Majesty, we must return to the palace.
Yes, I'm going back.
I'm going back right now, but I'm taking this boy with me.
Huh?
Come on.
Your Highness, the Emperor has returned.
He has? Where is he?
That's...
What's wrong? Did something happen to the Emperor?
Come on. Dance!
It's all right. I'm the Emperor!
No one can say anything to you.
Why? Is it because you're not in a dress?
I don't care.
I miss your dancing with or without your costume.
I missed you.
Your Majesty, please go inside. I fear you might take ill!
Get out of here!
Come on! Let's dance!
Doesn't this feel refreshing?
Her Highness the Empress Dowager!
What brings you, my dear mother?
Aren't you too heavy and bloated to walk around?
Oh, wait, or is it too soon for that?
I don't know because I never had a baby.
Who is that man?
He is a traveling entertainer
named Yu Han Gan.
Yu Han Gan?
Emperor, it's raining and it's late.
Please retire to bed and rest before you catch a cold.
No, I'm going to stay out here and enjoy the night.
Emperor.
I brought in a dancer to help celebrate your pregnancy.
It calls for a grand celebration.
That's why we're all out here dancing in the rain!
Right?
Your men are watching. Emperor, please restrain yourself.
Restrain myself?
I'm not out sleeping around getting women pregnant.
Restrain myself from what?
I'm just celebrating because my mother is having another baby.
What's wrong with that? Huh?
You're the one who should show restraint!
- General Yu. - Yes, Your Highness.
What are you waiting for?
Escort the Emperor inside and send that man out of the palace.
Yes, Your Highness.
Stop right here.
If you lay a finger on my body, I will have your head cut off.
You heard me. Take him inside at once!
Yes! Trample on me instead!
Trample on me and release me from this pain!
Thank you for this blessing.
Please be with me to the end and give me a son.
And let that child become the Emperor of this land.
I want no bloodshed if it is possible.
Please do not ignore my earnest prayers.
According to records of 1003 in the Condensed History of Goryeo
Kim Chi Yang built Shiwangsa Temple on the northwest corner of the Imperial
Palace and hung hideous paintings that were difficult to describe.
He gave unsolicited help with unknown ulterior motives
and placed engraving on all of his tableware.
The following words were engraved on the temple bell of Shiwangsa:
"I will sow wholesome seed with the Empress Dowager in this life on the
Nation of the East and give witness to awakening in the life thereafter."
Goryeosa also mentions that the Emperor wished to expel him
but did not do so out of fear of hurting his mother.
I heard there was
a commotion in the palace last night.
You don't look well.
I don't?
No.
You're with a child, so please take better care of yourself.
I heard it is not good for the child if you get angry or overexcited.
Thank you.
I think you're the only minister who is sincerely happy for me.
I'm sorry. Your Highness.
I don't like this either.
I probably hate this situation more than any other minister.
I had hoped...
I had really hoped that you would not conceive a child.
This will not prove to be a good thing for the one thing you love most, Goryeo.
But there is one good thing.
I think I can finally let go of you.
I think I can finally be free of the bond that weighed so heavy on my heart.
Is that right?
Yes.
I will not look at you the same way again, Your Highness.
It's been a very painful time.
But I'm ready to find my own way now.
Good. I'm so glad.
You should've done this long ago.
Marry Hyang Bi, General Gang. That's what I want for you.
Yes, I will.
And...
Don't give all of your trust to the Finance Commissioner.
He is not what he seems.
Don't let what people say bother you; think good thoughts.
Your emotional health is physical health.
Thank you. Thank you, General Gang.
Your Majesty, are you all right?
The boy... What happened to him?
Are you referring to Yu Han Gan?
He was removed from the palace by the Empress Dowager's order.
I see.
Your Majesty, why do you see that man?
He just makes me feel comfortable.
I feel like I can breathe when I'm with him.
Your Majesty.
I know you’re upset about the Empress Dowager's pregnancy.
And I know that you want to leave the throne and this palace.
But won't you think about me just a little?
Empress.
If you thought just for a moment about how I feel watching
you destroy yourself like this...
This is too hard, Your Majesty.
I'm sorry, Empress.
Empress.
Yes, Your Majesty.
Are you happy where you are?
No, Your Highness.
This palace, this position, it's too much for me.
I miss the day when I lived in Myeongbok Palace.
No, I miss the days when we lived together in Sungdeok Palace even more.
So do I.
Empress, this throne is slowly killing me.
Your Majesty...
I want us to get away from here and live free, just the two of us.
Yes, Your Majesty. I, too, wish we could.
If that were possible, I'd like nothing more.
Yes, then we will.
Attendant Goh, are you there?
Yes, Your Majesty.
Bring me Prince Daeryangwon.
And tell the undersecretary to summon all of the ministers.
No, leave my mother, Kim Chi Yang, Gang Jo and Gang Gamchan out.
My mother doesn't need to know. Is that clear?
Yes, Your Majesty.
Your Majesty, what will you do?
Why am I going to the council hall, Your Majesty?
You'll soon find out.
Just trust me and come with me. Can you do that?
Yes, Your Majesty.
I'm sure everyone her knows Prince Daeryang.
As you all know, I've been suffering from a wretched disease since childhood.
But lately, my condition has worsened and it's becoming harder for me to bear.
So for the future of Goryeo, I've decided to abdicate my throne to Prince Daeryang.
No, Your Majesty.
[Wang Sun- Prince Daeryang (future King Hyeonjong)]
I beg you to reconsider.
Do not interrupt, Prince Daeryang.
Your Majesty, you are too young for abdication.
I beg you to withdraw the order, Your Majesty.
We beg you to withdraw the order!
Be quiet. This is in the best interest of Goryeo.
You may speak with reverence toward me now, but I know you think I'm a madman.
So omit the pretence and select an auspicious date for the abdication!
Forgive me, Your Majesty, but is the Empress Dowager aware of your decision?
I am the Emperor of this country not my mother!
Are you going to cling to my mother's skirt forever?
But Your Majesty, Prince Daeryang is too young to attend to state affairs.
Yes, I know.
That is why I will be his regent until he comes of age.
Your Majesty, do you intend to exclude the Empress Dowager from state affairs?
My mother is pregnant.
Raising her child alone will be a daunting task for her at that age.
I cannot ask her to attend to the state as well.
Your Majesty, you speak the truth.
We will abide by your wishes and obey your order.
I will abide by your wishes as well.
We will abide by your wishes.
But Your Majesty, I believe it would be appropriate to discuss the issue
with the Empress Dowager first as it involves the throne.
I agree, Your Majesty.
I advise you to discuss it with the Empress Dowager before you make a decision.
Empress Dowager, Empress Dowager!
Are you my men or are you my mother's faithful dogs?
I will say this again.
I am abdicating my throne to Prince Daeryangwon.
And until he comes of age, I will be the acting head of state.
Is that understood?
This is an Imperial command.
If you want to defy me, turn in your robe and leave this court right now.
Your Majesty, please withdraw this command!
Please, Your Majesty!
I'm scared!
I'm sorry, Sun.
But you must rise to the throne for Goryeo. This is your destiny.
Your Majesty...
I told you to call me Brother when we're alone.
Emperor.
Prince Daeryang, you may go now.
Yes, Your Highness.
I heard you made an announcement to abdicate the throne.
News travels fast.
And you want to be the regent?
That's right.
Are you trying to exclude me from state affairs?
Precisely, Mother.
So you just think about having a healthy baby and raising it well.
So all this drama is because I'm pregnant?
Drama? I'm doing this for you.
You will start to show
and it'll be mortifying for you to stand before the ministers with a protruding belly.
If you were capable of governing the state,
I would've turned over the authority to you long ago.
You've made a career out of getting drunk and making scenes in front of your men.
And you want to be the regent?
That will never happen again if you step down.
I don't believe you.
How many times have you promised to stop drinking and focus on state affairs?
But you never last more than three days.
That's not all.
What did you say to me years ago when I tried to have Lady Yunheung executed?
You got down on your knees and vowed never to defy me again.
Did you keep that vow?
The Emperor leaves the palace at his whim to commit wild, shameless acts,
uses vulgar language to his men, mocks his mother, and ignores his Empress.
And what do you want to do?
Didn’t you know all this about me already? That's why I'm abdicating the throne.
I'm a crazy, self-indulgent, disrespectful, bastard who never keeps his word.
So that's why I'm abdicating my throne!
Prince Daeryang can do a better job that I can.
Prince Daeryang is a child.
And we must defeat the Khitan and launch the northern conquest right now.
Imagine a child being on the throne at a critical time like this.
And with you as the acting head of state behind him?
It's unthinkable!
Excuses!
You just don't want to let go of the power.
The northern conquest is just an excuse.
Watch your mouth.
The northern conquest is the only way to protect Goryeo.
No, the northern conquest is just entertainment for you, a warmonger.
Emperor!
Who wants war?
The officials? The people?
The only ones that want war are you and Kim Chi Yang, Mother.
Please stop talking like a fool.
You have no idea what the Khitan are like.
The moment we show weakness, we'll be crushed under the hooves of their horses.
Yes, you are amazing.
Is that why you got pregnant? For the northern conquest?
But one child won't do.
You'll need to have a few hundred thousand children to fight the Khitan.
Yes, have a whole army of smart, sober children, and conquer the world!
You can't let that happen, Your Highness. The country will crumble!
But my patience with him is wearing thin.
I'm beginning to think Prince Daeryang might be better for the throne.
No, Your Highness. Think about it.
What would happen to your dream if the state comes under the Emperor's rule?
A majority of the ministers are against military expansion as it is.
The Emperor will no doubt attempt to undo everything that you've done.
But if the Emperor doesn't change his mind, I can't stop the abdication.
I will talk to him.
What would you say?
Your Highness.
How would you feel about bringing his admirer, Yu Han Gan, into the palace?
What is it?
I heard.
You heard what?
I heard what you said to the Empress Dowager.
Did you?
Were you being honest about marrying me?
Or... were you just obeying the Empress Dowager's order?
Don't force yourself, Brother.
It hurts me more if you do.
Yes, Hyang Bi.
She is not completely out of my heart yet.
I've loved her for too long.
But I have to let her go now.
So would you help me?
Brother...
I can’t tell that I love you right now.
But I will do my best to love you.
So would you help me? Would you help me so I don't falter?
Brother...
Yes, I'll be here for you.
Don't be sad, Brother.
I'm sorry.
I'm sorry, Hyang Bi...
The pregnancy will certainly push the Emperor and his mother further apart.
But that's not enough.
We must win the Emperor's favor. Are there any suggestions?
How about finding a woman for the Emperor?
A woman?
Yes.
No man can resist a beautiful woman.
But the Emperor and the Empress seem to have a very good marriage.
He has no other consort.
Not necessarily.
I've heard that he frequents gisaeng houses in the city.
Why would he if he has a good marriage? Besides, they still don't have any children.
That's a good point.
If we send in a woman and she gives birth to a male heir,
what could be more effective in winning the Emperor's favor?
Do you have someone in mind, Father?
No, but I'm sure I can find a woman that will steal the Emperor's heart.
I'll search the entire country if I have to.
What? Kim Chi Yang has sent the money again?
Yes.
I accepted as you instructed, but don't feel comfortable.
Just use it for the soldiers.
But sir, I heard the Empress Dowager is pregnant with his child.
Would you mind telling me why we have to be wary of him?
That's all the more reason to be wary.
Power could blind men.
What's more, he is about to enter a silent war with the Emperor.
At any rate, it's clear that he is trying to recruit the two of you to his side.
So go along with it and take note of his activities.
The fate of the country is possibly riding on this.
Why did you wish to see me?
Your Majesty, I was compelled to seek your audience because I feel I may be responsible
for your recent actions.
So you know. Did you bring me a solution?
Your suicide might help relieve the problem a little.
Your Majesty, why do you abhor me?
Think back to when we first met at Myeongbok Palace.
You didn't hate me then.
Yes, I remember.
You dazzled me with your magic tricks.
You're doing the same thing now.
You got my mother to conceive your child with your dubious charm and
you're shaking up the country.
You must die in order for the country to be rectified!
In Liao, the Khitan Emperor treats his mother's lover like his father.
So you are demanding that I treat you like my father?
No, but at least you can stay objective.
Forget about abdicating the throne to Prince Daeryang.
I am going to give you a post in the government.
But I'm a lowly, ignorant peasant.
I'm eternally grateful to you as it is for taking care of me and my friends.
Where you come from doesn't mean anything.
You can become anything you want if you work hard and study like you've been doing.
You have my eternal loyalty, Sire.
Your Majesty, I-I don't understand.
I said can you concoct a potion that will terminate the pregnancy?
Yes, but why...?
Is that a rhetorical question?
Your Majesty, take my life instead. That is a dangerous notion.
Yes, I'm risking my all on this.
What makes you think your life is indispensable?
What will it be?
Do you wish to die now or will you do as I say and take a risk?
You wouldn't know since you've never been pregnant.
Having a child growing inside you is like having all of the stars in the sky.
It's magical, overwhelming, and you feel like the blessing of the universe is yours.
But no one will bless this child.
Your Highness...
Do I give up this child? Or do I leave it to fate and give birth?
Your Highness, why would you say such a thing?
Steward Yi.
Oh, you startled me!
What do you want?
Is that the herb formula for the Empress Dowager?
Yes, that's right.
She's not a young mother, so she needs herbs that will nurture
and protect her body to have a safe delivery.
Can I take a peek at the ingredients?
Why?
I'm going to have a child too, eventually.
You?
What a scary thought! That's going to be one scary baby!
Empress Dowager Cheonchu is pregnant?
Yes, Your Highness.
[Yelu Pennu] [Yelu Dilie] [Yelu Wuji]
It's apparently putting an even greater strain on her relationship with the King.
That's not bad news.
But Your Highness.
They've installed Two Armies and Six Guards in the central military
and reorganized their regional armies as well.
Now they have a military force that is
comparable in number as the Great Army of Liao.
Are you saying they have more than 300,000 soldiers?
Yes, Your Majesty.
How could that tiny state
[Shengzhong of Liao (6th ruler of Khitan)]
build such a large army?
It goes to show how hard
Empress Dowager Xiao (Emperor Shengzhong's mother)]
they have been working...
as well as their degree of contempt for us.
Then what do we do, Mother? Do we give up on our war with Song?
It's too late for that.
Han Derang (Khitan Commissioner)]
Prime Minister of Song Kouzhun
is ready for war.
It's an unavoidable fight.
So we just have to hope that Duyan does her job before we go to war with Song.
But will she, Your Highness?
According to Jiemei, Duyan has betrayed the country.
She will.
She will obey the Prime Minister even if she has betrayed the country.
What is this?
And herbal tonic, Your Highness.
An herbal tonic?
I acquired the herbs myself.
They are the best in the country, so drink.
It's fine, Your Highness.
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