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Episode 56
Salutation.
Exchange of vows.
What do you think?
Stop staring at her and tell me what you think.
She is truly a peerless beauty.
[Lady Yunheung]
Men will find her irresistible.
I'm reminded of you when you were her age, Your Grace.
[Court Lady Jo]
Father where did you find this girl?
I found her in Gyeongju.
Gyeongju?
So which clan of Gyeongju do you come from?
My father was a government interpreter, but he died many years ago.
[Kim Milhwa]
No, no.
An interpreter?
That won't do.
You're a descendant of Shilla's King Wonsung from now on.
[Kim Won Soong]
You will stay here and learn everything there is to learn
about being royalty from the Queen Dowager.
You are going to be the Emperor's woman.
Your background is what you say it is.
Right, Your Grace?
You've become an Imperial servant?
[Mokjong (7th ruler of Goryeo)]
Yes, Your Majesty.
[Yu Han Gan]
But you are a traveling performer.
How could you become an Imperial servant?
Who is helping you?
No one, Your Majesty.
Then how?
I studied.
Studied?
Why?
I wanted to work in the palace, so I studied as hard as I could.
It was my visits here with you that sparked the desire.
Why?
Were you that impressed with the palace?
There was another reason.
I saw how lonely you were and wanted to be of some comfort.
I thought how great it would be if I could somehow help you find peace
and help you become a benevolent ruler.
And then I saw an announcement that Imperial servants were being recruited.
Is this true?
Yes, Your Majesty.
Does this mean my mother knows about this?
The Empress Dowager is aware, Your Majesty.
[Goh Hyun]
Is that so?
Very well.
It's good to see you again.
Here.
Pour me a drink.
Imperial servants of Goryeo were unlike those of later dynasty Josun.
Goryeoan Imperial servants were not castrated, and many were from distinguished clans.
Not only did they accompany the Emperor in his travels,
but they drafted the Emperor's orders, lectured Confucian scriptures, managed Imperial finances,
and at times went outside the palace to observe the conditions of the people on the Emperor's behalf.
Five!
Stop now, fellows!
You are going to kill me!
We are doing this for you, General.
Forgive us!
Six!
Step aside.
What are you doing with that dried fish?
General Gang is no ordinary man.
He probably can't even feel that.
Yes that will do.
That's enough now, General Yu.
You are going to cripple the poor man.
No that wouldn't be any good.
His new bride is waiting, so let's hurry up and get it over with.
Let me have that.
Seven!
Eight!
Fellows stop!
Nine!
Thank you for coming, Your Highness.
[Cheon Hyang Bi]
And I am sorry that I can't serve you anymore.
No.
[Empress Dowager Cheonchu]
I am sorry for the things I've put you through all of these years.
Put it all behind you now and care for General Gang, as you've cared for me.
Have many children and live like a real woman.
Yes, Your Highness.
I'm sorry for leaving you to do all the work alone.
No.
[Sa Illa]
It makes me happy to see you so happy.
I will take good care of the Empress Dowager, so just have a happy life.
We better let her go now.
I'm sure General Gang is waiting.
Have a good night, Hyang Bi.
Please let me offer you my parting bow.
Your Highness, I will pray for your health and the health of your unborn child.
Thank you.
General Gang must be so excited.
Empress Dowager is going back.
Get ready.
Already?
But we are just getting started, sir.
General Yu, let's have a few more drinks.
It is a joyous day.
Get your butt up this instant!
[Yu Bang]
You are always picking on me.
I'm concerned that all of you have had too much to drink.
That's all right, General Yang.
[Kim Hoon] [Choi Ghi]
It's okay to get drunk on day like this.
Of course it is.
It's not just anyone's wedding.
[Yi Hyunoon]
It's General Gang's wedding.
That's right.
Let's go. Let's go.
Sober up!
I think they've had too much to drink.
Yes, I know.
I'm sorry.
I'm sorry for making you wait when I knew how you felt.
And I'm sorry for all of the times that I hurt you.
[Gang Jo (Minister of War)]
Perhaps we can return to our home town in Jeong-an Kingdom someday
and enjoy a peaceful life together as farmers.
[Jeong-aj Kingdom: A state formed by Balhaean refugees in the Yalu River region in 926.]
All of my dreams have already come true.
So I'll go wherever your dreams and desires take us, Brother.
What?
Are you still calling me "Brother"?
Then what should...?
We are married no, so it is Husband.
Huh?
It's awkward for me too.
I shouldn't treat you like a little sister either.
Let's practice.
Wife.
Don't tease me.
I'm not teasing you.
We have to do this from now on.
Now it is your turn, Wife.
Yes, Husband.
Good.
That's very good, Wife.
Stop now!
Husband.
Protect the Empress Dowager!
Cover her!
Protect the Empress Dowager!
Where is Prince Daeryang?
[Sa Gamun]
What is the meaning of this?
I don't know.
I will ask again.
Where is Prince Daeryang?
Who are you?
And why are you committing this slaughter in the sacred house of Buddha?
[Wang Sun- Prince Daeryang (future King Hyeonjong)]
You don't need to know.
Just die.
Prince Daeryang, are you all right?
Who are you men?
We were sent by General Yang Kyu of the Left and Right Guard to protect you.
[Ha Gongjin]
It's been awhile.
I thought you were in Liao.
Did you come back for me?
Check the dead.
Are they Khitan?
Yes, Your Highness.
They are indeed Khitan.
You couldn't have round up all of these men yourself.
There must have been an order from the top.
Who was it?
Cut the small talk and kill me.
[Jiemei]
I'll kill you soon enough.
But answer the question first.
Your government must be getting quite desperate to resort to this despicable act.
This also breaks our sworn alliance,
so I will be justified in joining hands with Song China.
Hail Great Liao!
Forgive me, Your Highness.
I had to stop her.
That's alright.
She had to die anyway.
How did you know we were in trouble?
We were concerned about the amount of wine the soldiers had, so we followed you.
Did you sustain any injury?
I'm fine thanks to the two of you.
Are you all right?
Yes, Your Highness.
Please attend to the dead and injured.
Yes, Your Highness.
Failed?
You fool!
[Kim Chi Yang (Finance Commissioner)]
You couldn't kill a helpless child in an unguarded temple?
I don't know what to say.
We ran into obstacles we didn't expect.
Gang Jo or Gang Gamchan must be behind this.
We stirred up a hornets’ nest and the child is still alive. This is trouble.
I hope you didn't leave any clues.
How did you take care of the dead bodies?
I had no time to bring them back, but none of them are recognizable.
You'll have to stay out of sight for a while.
Don't even go near Sung-gyo Temple.
Pay the rest of them off to keep them quiet and send them out of town.
Are you in?
It's me. Sa Illa.
At this time of the night?
Come in.
What are you doing here?
You are hurt.
What happened?
The Empress Dowager was attacked by Khitan mercenaries on the way back.
What?
Khitan mercenaries?
Is she all right?
Fortunately, yes.
Why are you hurt, Brother?
It's nothing.
Are you sure they were Khitan?
Yes, Jiemei was among them.
Khitan mercenaries...
Good.
Heaven comes to our aid again!
You are really not going to tell me?
I'm going to have your child.
[Duyan]
We may not be married, but I've been with you all these years.
How can you still keep secrets from me?
Must you know?
Yes.
The truth is, I went to kill Prince Daeryang at Sung-gyo Temple, but failed.
Prince Daeryang? Why?
When the Empress Dowager gives birth, we will put that child on the throne.
Now do you realize what you could have done when you tried to poison her?
There is one more thing I think you should know.
What is it?
Jiemei was killed... in a failed attempt to kill the Empress Dowager.
What?
Khitan mercenaries?
Yes, luckily, the Empress Dowager was unharmed.
[Yang Kyu]
Khitan attempting an assassination...
[Gang Gamchan (Minister of the Office of Ceremony)]
This goes to show how anxious they are.
We're stronger than we've ever been, and they're about to go to war with Song again.
I think we need to reinforce security.
[Kim Sukheung]
General Yang, are you here?
Colonel Ji?
Come in.
What are you doing here?
Sir, Sung-gyo Temple was attacked tonight.
[Ji Chaemun]
What?
By whom?
The Prince, how is the Prince?
Prince.
Minister Gang!
Prince.
Prince are you all right?
Did they hurt you?
No I am fine, but they killed so many of the other monks.
Thank Heaven.
Thank Heaven you are all right!
What exactly happened?
We've been covertly watching the temple on General Yang's order.
Sure enough a group of assailants raided the temple tonight.
They were after Prince Daeryang's life.
This is just what you had feared, sir.
Did you take a look at the assailants?
They were not trained fighters.
I didn't recognize any of them, and only a few got away alive.
Thank you, General Yang.
We owe it to these fellows.
Let me introduce them to you.
Yes.
These are the two trustworthy men I told you about.
Colonel Ji Chaemun of the Left and Right Guards, sir.
Colonel Ha Gongjin of Divine Tigers, sir.
Thank you.
I'm very proud of you.
You saved the country's future.
Sir, do you know who could be behind this?
The Empress Dowager was attacked by Khitan mercenaries right here in Gaegyeong.
This is not a matter to be taken lightly.
So I would like to discuss what we are going to do about this.
What is there to discuss?
The Khitan made sibling ties with us and tried to kill the Empress Dowager.
[Hwangbo Yui (Vice Minister of Finance)]
We have to break off the alliance.
It does not benefit us to break off the alliance hastily.
Then are you suggesting that we do nothing about this?
[Han Ingyeong (Minister of Finance)]
No that's not at all what I'm suggesting.
We should dispatch a formal complaint and request prosecution of the perpetrator
who is behind the assassination attempt.
[Choi Hang (Royal Undersecretary)]
We should also consider reestablishing friendly relations with Song China,
and keeping the Khitan in check.
[Chae Choongsun (Minister of Investigation)]
Thank you for your opinions.
I will consider carefully and decide what changes I will make
to our policies with Liao and Song.
Is there anything else to discuss?
There is something I'd like to report.
Please go on, Minister Gang.
There was also an attempt on Prince Daeryang's life last night.
Pardon?
And?
Is the Prince all right?
Yes.
Fortunately he escaped danger and he is safely at my home.
Who would do such a thing?
Who is after Prince Daeryang?
We do not know yet.
But I assure you they will be found and punished.
Do you mean that someone within the country is after Prince Daeryang's life?
[Dae Dosu (Minister of Punishment)]
Yes, that is my conviction.
Do you have an idea who that might be?
I have my suspicions, but I don't have any solid evidence yet.
I think you are making a baseless speculation prejudiced
by your affection for the Prince.
What do you mean, Finance Commissioner?
If you look at the circumstances,
it is clear that this attempt on Prince Daeryang's life was also made by Khitan.
They barely had enough men to attack the Empress Dowager.
Why would they divide their forces to attack a young prince they have nothing to gain by killing?
Nothing to gain?
The Khitan are trying to cut off the Imperial line of Goryeo.
Luckily the Emperor was within the protection of the palace.
Your Highness, we must take stronger measures to ensure that Prince Daeryang is protected.
It's clear that the Khitan are trying to kill him.
Go!
Goodness!
Red team, line up.
I will award each of you with a drink.
Here you go.
Your Majesty what is the penalty for the defeated?
Penalty?
Yes, what would be a suitable penalty?
What do you think, girls?
No please!
We will win next time!
Yes, I've got an idea.
You'll jump into the pond as a penalty.
No!
Please Your Majesty!
All right.
If you don't want to jump in, I'll push you in!
Come here, you little tramps!
Don't run away from me!
You little tramps!
Your Majesty.
It's time to end the merrymaking and go to the council hall.
I don't think so.
I'm sure the ministers are anxiously waiting for you.
Crazy fool.
Why would they wait for me when my mother is there?
You can go alone if you want to see those old fogies.
I'm going to play some more with these pretty young things!
Hey you are strangling the Emperor!
You little wench... You wench...
Your Highness, we cannot send Prince Daeryang back to Sung-gyo Temple.
Please place him in my care instead.
You?
Yes.
He won't be safe here in Gaegyeong.
Where would you take him?
I am afraid I can't disclose that to anyone.
Not even me?
No.
I will take him where no one can find him.
Minister Gang, are you convinced that someone on the inside tried to kill him?
Yes, I am.
Then tell me.
Who and why would anyone do such a thing?
Please forgive me.
But I cannot tell you until I have solid evidence.
But I am his aunt.
I have the right to know.
Your Highness, if one truth is revealed you will be forced to endure many pains.
I don't understand.
Forgive me, but I just cannot tell you right now.
I will tell you everything when the time comes.
Until then, please trust me and let me take care of Prince Daeryang.
Gang Gamchan asked for custody of Prince Daeryang?
Yes, that is was Sa Illa said.
I think it is safe to assume that it was his men protecting the Prince at Sung-gyo Temple.
That's not all.
I think he's been poking around suspecting that I am behind Gyeongjuwon's death.
But how?
There is no way he could figure that out.
No, Sa Gamun.
Master is right.
[Mui In Wui]
How else could he anticipate our attempt to kill Daeryangwon and prepare for it?
Gang Gamchan is skilled in both civil and military affairs.
He is also trusted by his peers and hailed as Seo Hui's protégée.
He could potentially be our biggest impediment, perhaps even more dangerous than Gang Jo.
Then shouldn't we eliminate him?
Not right now.
He is watching us like a hawk right now.
We have to give it some time and wait for things to cool down.
It was Kim Chi Yang, wasn't it?
There is no doubt.
He killed Prince Gyeongjuwon and now he is after Prince Daeryangwon.
Did you inform the Empress Dowager?
I couldn't.
He is going to be the father of her child.
I can't make accusations without solid proof.
Did you decide where to take Prince Daeryang?
Somewhere far away from Gaegyeong.
Wouldn't it be better to keep him close to you?
No, no.
Kim Chi Yang has too many eyes and ears in this city.
He'll get to the Prince if he puts his mind to it no matter how hard we try to protect him.
So it’s best to take the Prince where he can't be found.
The truth about Kim Chi Yang must be revealed as soon as possible, if only for the Empress Dowager's sake.
Be patient.
I've cast my bait, so he will bite soon enough.
It's the events that will follow that worry me more.
If the world learns that he killed Prince Gyeongjuwon and tried to kill his son,
it could be politically fatal for the Empress Dowager.
And the officials will be up in arms as well.
And her heart will be shattered.
Khitan attacked the Empress Dowager and Prince Daeryang?
Yes, and there is chaos in the court on that account.
Are they idiots?
How could they pull something like this and fail?
Is the Emperor all right?
Yes.
They may be bold, but they wouldn't dare infiltrate the palace.
That's a relief.
May I ask why you asked to see me?
I just wanted to know how the Emperor was doing.
He's been spending his days and nights with wine and women ever since
his altercation with his mother over the abdication.
[Kim Shimon (Minister of Interior)]
He's got to put the government under his direct rule soon.
The Empress Dowager has a tight hold on the military, so it is hard for anyone
to stand up against her and support him.
We all have to look out for ourselves.
But the bigger problem is the Emperor himself.
He is soft and weak-willed and unfit to pursue great things.
When he runs into problems, he runs away from them instead of working through them.
Minister Kim, may I ask you for a favor?
A favor?
Would you bring His Majesty here for a visit?
That's not possible.
First of all, His Majesty would refuse, but even if he did not refuse,
the Empress Dowager would eventually find out about it and raise hell.
Then perhaps we can meet him elsewhere.
Is there any particular reason why you need to see him?
So what happened to Prince Daeryang?
I am told Minister Gang Gamchan protected him and has him in his care.
Good.
Then he will be safe.
You may take your leave now.
Same thing happened to me when I was young.
A group of assailants attacked me and my mother and tried to kill us.
Your Majesty...
I had hoped something like this would never happen to Prince Daeryang.
That's why I wanted to keep him near and protect him.
But my mother sent him away and put him in danger.
This is not Empress Dowager's fault.
[Empress Sunjeong]
The Khitan are the culprits.
Emperor Dowager knows the vicious nature of the Khitan,
so she is building our military to hold them in check.
Your Majesty, please attend the council meetings
and learn about state affairs from the Empress Dowager.
So you can protect this country alongside her.
No, I will do no such thing.
Please let go of your resentment for her now.
You must make amends.
Even if I wanted to make amends, I can't.
It's too late for that.
My mother will never trust me again.
I'm not even a son to her anymore.
That's not true.
How could a mother forsake her own child?
Empress, parent-child relationships in the Imperial house are unlike those of common people.
Here, a mother can despise her son and can even take his life.
Your Majesty.
We do not know yet.
But I assure you they will be found and punished.
Your Highness, if one truth is revealed you will be forced to endure many pains.
Could it be... him?
Sire, is it all right for us to keep on doing this?
What are you talking about?
I'm worried about us churning out counterfeit coins like this day after day.
Why?
What is the problem?
Yes, there is a problem.
[Jo Sun] [Jo Du]
Coins have become scorned and unloved in the marketplace.
Scorned and unloved?
Why? They are beautiful .
You used to be able to get a whole sack of rice with one coin, but you can't even get two buckets anymore.
There's too many in circulation.
Sire, I am afraid we will be caught. Let's stop coin production for a while.
No we can't.
I am about to start a venture that requires a huge budget.
Do you wish to see me?
Commissioner.
Yes, Your Highness.
Are you hiding something from me?
What do you mean?
I'm asking you if you were behind the attempt on Daeryangwon's life?
Is that what Lord Gang Gamchan told you?
I noticed his chilly attitude toward me at the council hall.
But that is a ridiculous notion. I have no reason to hurt Prince Daeryang.
If I give birth to a son, if you are thinking about bringing that child to the throne,
one might say you do have a reason.
The pregnancy is making you overly sensitive.
How could our child rise to the throne when he will have a surname of Kim?
By chance, is that what you have in mind?
Could it be... that child will be the...
No, absolutely not.
Not only is that impossible, but if I did so much as conceive of such idea,
all of my men would turn against me permanently.
Yes, I completely agree.
All I want for our child is to be healthy and well.
Lord Gang Gamchan is wrong.
The Khitan are behind the attack at Sung-gyo Temple.
By the way, how is the Emperor lately?
I have not seen him at the council hall in a while.
I don't know.
I don't know what to do.
I want to talk to him, but I am afraid we might hurt each other even more.
Even if he hates me, he still needs to attend to state affairs.
It that's too much to ask, produce an Imperial heir at least.
I need to fix this, but I don't know where to begin.
Give it some time.
I heard he has been drinking less, so things will get better.
I have to leave?
Yes, my Prince.
Can't I just live here with you?
To be honest I am scared.
I want you here with me, too.
But it is dangerous for you here.
I'm sure you can protect me.
Yes, I will protect you.
I can promise you that.
But you will be much safer where you are going than you would be here.
Remember, my Prince.
Those who will become great are put through many trials and tribulations.
And when you overcome them with courage,
at last you will become an exalted man, revered by all.
I am a monk.
I don't need to be exalted and revered.
No, my Prince.
You will become a lot more than that.
You have to in order for this country to survive.
So don't be afraid.
I will receive reports about you, as if I'm right there with you.
And my men will make certain you are safe.
But if you still feel scared and alone, call upon your parents.
They will help you from up above.
All right.
I'll try to be brave since you will be watching over me.
You are my second father, Minister Gang.
Thank you.
I appreciate that.
You mean it could have been Sa Illa who killed Prince Gyeongjuwon?
Lord Gang Gamchan is convinced that it was.
Sa Illa could never be so heartless.
No, not toward her friends.
But it is different if you were her enemy.
And she would never defy Kim Chi Yang's order.
You mean the Empress Dowager is being deceived by the Finance Commissioner?
Yes.
I used to think it was animosity brought about by jealousy.
But if Lord Gang Gamchan has the same suspicions, I couldn't have been wrong.
Thinking back, I didn't have a good feeling about him, from our very first encounter at the Jurchen village.
And then when our Balhaean friend Chu was killed with a bladed boomerang...
He is like a man in a fog.
A man with a mysterious identity.
He is hiding something but I could never quite put my finger on it
Husband, do you remember sending me to Hangae Temple?
Of course.
Chu had learned that there was a violent attack on the temple
ordered by Choi Seom's father when Kim Chi Yang was staying there as a child monk.
And when I went there after Chu's death to investigate,
the priest who gave Chu that information had died.
Doesn't that also strike you as odd?
What do you mean?
If Sa Illa is the one that killed Chu,
perhaps it is because Choi Seom knew Kim Chi Yang’s secret.
It's possible.
But Choi Seom is dead now, so it's a dead end.
Perhaps Hangae Temple is the key.
That's where everything leads back to.
Let me pay Hangae Temple another visit.
Do you think that's necessary?
You have already been there once.
Perhaps I missed something then.
Let me investigate one more time.
[Imperial Palace of Liao]
They failed again and all of them are dead?
Yes, Your Majesty.
How could this be?
[Shengzhong (6th ruler of Khitan)]
My Imperial Guards...
Jiemei...
[Empress Dowager Xiao (Emperor Shengzhong's mother)]
We have exacerbated the situation.
This will seriously damage our relationship with Goryeo.
[Han Derang (Khitan's Chancellor)]
We are about to go to war with Song, and we have just intensified our rear threat.
Your Highness!
There is trouble!
What is it this time?
It is a report from our informants in the Imperial House of Song.
The Chinese just dispatched an envoy to Goryeo.
[Yelu Dilie]
An envoy?
For what?
Exact purpose is unknown but an envoy just left
Myeongju with Prime Minister Kouzhun's secret order.
This is not good.
If this is Kouzhun's order, it has to be a reminder for Goryeo
to launch a pincer attack when they strike us.
What now?
We are in an unfavorable situation, so we will have to yield.
How?
We will send an envoy as well.
Who?
An envoy is coming from Song?
Yes, your Highness.
A Song vessel has already reached Gogunsan,
so they should be here within ten days.
It's been a long time since Song envoys were here last.
Yes, Your Highness.
It has been over ten years since the late King severed diplomatic ties with Song.
But the rank of the man being dispatched as an envoy this time is extraordinary.
Who is coming?
The Song military Minister is coming to us personally, which is an unprecedented event.
They must be anxious.
Have the Board of Ceremony receive the envoy with due courtesy and consideration.
Yes, Your Highness.
Go out? What for?
I have arranged a waterfront outing at Seo River to lift up your spirits.
No thank you.
I've grown tired of merry-making.
Your Majesty, it's being cooped up in the palace that's getting you down.
Get out and get some fresh air.
This is odd.
You were always hounding me to read and study, but now you are encouraging me to revel.
You will be demoted if my mother ever found out.
Your Majesty, the truth is, Sir Gang Gamchan's estate is near Seo River.
Gang Gamchan's estate?
So what?
Prince Daeryang is leaving his estate today to an undisclosed location.
Don't you want to see him off?
Are you all right?
Did they hurt you anywhere?
I'm fine, Your Majesty.
But you don't look well.
It is just my heart weighing me down.
Where are they taking you?
I don't know yet.
I see.
Sun.
Yes, Your Majesty.
Promise me one thing.
Wherever you are going now, I will be calling you back someday.
And when I do, come back to me and abide by my wish.
I don't understand.
What do you wish for me to do?
Don't ask questions now.
You'll know everything when the time comes.
This is the Emperor's earnest request.
So promise me.
Yes, Your Majesty.
I will.
Thank you.
General Yang, General Kim, it's good to see you both.
Please sit down.
I knew you were both special when I saw you crush those Khitan at Naewon Fort.
What did you wish to talk about?
I just wanted to buy you a drink and show you my appreciation for your hard work.
We both have training to conduct today.
Skipping one day of training wouldn't hurt.
Let us relax and get to know one another for once.
Girls?
-Yes. -Come in.
Fill up their glasses.
Is this the right place?
Yes, Your Majesty.
This is where Minister Kim said he would be.
Then where is he?
I could use some cheering up.
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Main Translator: KBS World Spot Translator: plegend2007
Special thanks to KaKaK Transcriber: julier
Timer: dOtcOm Editor/QC: melica
Coordinators: mily2, ay_link
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