(Episode 29)
Mom.
I'm sorry, Mom.
It's me.
I came too late, didn't I?
Mom... Mom, you easily get cold.
You hate the dark too.
You must be cold.
Let's go.
Let's go. Let's go home.
Mom.
What did you dream about?
- What are you doing? - I should ask you that.
This is quite a welcome.
Didn't I warn you?
I told you not to enter my chamber without my permission.
We are married.
Why is it so wrong for the Emperor to enter the Empress' chamber?
Wasn't it you who suggested first that we act like a couple?
It's just that I can't fall asleep.
Can I sleep over here for tonight?
What?
Are you mocking me?
I'm not in the mood to play with you. Get out right now.
I'm not playing with you.
Then let me just stay for a while. I can do that at least, right?
Get out. Do you not understand Korean?
Get out. Get out!
- Empress. Empress. - Get out.
Oh Sunny. She is indeed interesting.
She makes me want to conquer her.
What? We're married? What a lunatic.
I should put on a lock or something.
Yes, Chief Chun.
Where are you now?
Chief Chun?
Mr. Na Wang Shik.
Your Majesty.
My mother...
My mom...
Mom.
I'm going to kill all those people...
who put you here.
I will put them in pure torment.
I will make them beg for my mercy.
So please be patient with me until then.
Okay?
I am so...
I'm sorry, Mom.
Gosh, look at you, Mom. You're exuding your scary presence.
I'm not going to get into fights now. I'm sick of it.
It must have hurt.
It must have been so cold.
My poor mom.
She won't be cold anymore.
Goodbye.
A person died here that night.
She was hit by Hyuk's car.
- Your Majesty? - I kept my promise.
Is that really you?
Please save my mom.
In order to ditch the witness,
not only did he remove all the surveillance footage...
Let go!
But he also fabricated an alibi.
This is how you do it.
That alibi was you, Your Majesty.
I'll protect him.
I promise.
Are you awake?
Wang Shik!
How have you been?
I've been good.
I'm fine, so don't worry.
Let me get a hug.
I saw Mom in my dream.
You did?
She said she was going far away.
You won't leave me like Mom, will you?
Why would I?
I'm going to stick to you like glue until the day I die.
Is that the chief guard's badge?
Yes. Why? Do you want it?
If you want it, you can have it.
Come here. I'll put it on for you.
You look so cool.
You can look at this now whenever you miss me.
Are you really giving this to me?
It's super cool.
How about a hug?
So? Na Wang Shik didn't show even in the morning?
I think he's stalling.
I have guards on it, so you don't need to worry.
Make sure to bring him to me alive. I'll deal with him myself.
Anyway, what happened to your hand?
I got hurt during training.
Don't work so hard.
If you practice that hard, maybe I'll die by your hands one day.
You may.
What?
Are you afraid?
You're so funny.
How's the Empress?
You seem close.
She's opening her heart to me much sooner than expected.
What?
She's opening her heart to you? What's your secret?
Regardless, you tried to kill her. How could she open her heart to you?
I was only following your orders.
So? Only I'm the evil one for ordering it? You're innocent?
- What do you mean? - Nothing!
We tried to decorate the Empress' chamber as instructed, but...
But?
She has been refusing.
What? Why?
If you do not accept these, we will die.
Go back at once.
Don't you see this?
This is the Empress' orders. Take them back immediately.
The Emperor ordered that the Empress' chamber be redecorated.
Ms. Choi.
Bring me Kang Hee right now.
Yes, Your Highness.
What brings you here to my room, Princess?
Shall I ask them to bring a snack? Or would you like breakfast?
Here.
Is this for me?
Nanny. Are you insane?
I want you to arrange them nicely in a vase.
Pardon?
You're good at arranging flowers.
It's a gift for Mother.
So arrange them nicely in a vase right now.
I'm begging you.
Would you please get over yourself?
Why would I give you flowers?
They're beautiful, Princess Ari.
Thank you.
Seeing you happy makes me even happier.
What were you doing?
- What is all that? - This?
If I do this, it blocks the cold air.
You can have the workers do it.
Or you can ask them to raise the heat.
Why would you put those messy looking things...
What is this?
That? It's a hot pack.
If you stick it on, it gets hot.
It gets expensive to jack up the heat, so I should cut costs.
You are incredible, Mother.
You're wealthy, but you are frugal.
You are the model of noblesse oblige.
I am not.
I don't have money.
My gosh. I know everything.
What?
When Great-grandmother passed away, she left an enormous fortune...
What?
Nothing, Mother.
Do you want this?
What would I do with this?
What do you think? Isn't it fun?
This is awesome when you have something on your mind.
It makes time fly. You just pop them.
Is there anything you do not know?
You are my role model.
You know the Emperor dumped Yu Ra, correct?
- I've heard. - And yet, you're so calm.
Princess Ari seems to adore the Empress.
Who knows what will happen if you do nothing and watch?
What do you wish to say?
Don't pretend to be humble.
You even tried to steal the throne from Empress So Hyun, your friend.
I did not.
You're the one who sent me to the Empress' bedroom that day.
You make it sound like...
I forced you to do something you did not want.
If you were truly her friend,
you should've refused to sleep with the Emperor.
But you even had his child.
I'm sure you didn't call me here to talk about the past.
I don't plan to keep Sunny here at the palace for long.
But you don't plan to make me empress either.
What?
Empress? You? Give me a break.
Naturally, I have no intention of becoming empress.
I don't think I can win over the Emperor's heart, either.
However,
if you must kick out the Empress, I will help.
That's a given for Princess Ari's sake.
How will you repay me?
Repay you?
Are you imitating Yu Ra now?
Whom do you think you are?
Just do as you're told. How impertinent.
Seven years ago,
there was a completion party of a new palace...
on the day of Empress So Hyun's death.
Everyone went to the new palace to prepare for the party,
but did you not know that I did not go to the new palace?
What do you mean?
When I couldn't find her who was almost due, I became worried,
so I was looking for her.
I saw you and the Empress having an argument in your chamber.
Why did you hit me, Mother?
Are you angry because I found out the secret behind Chungeum Island?
Do not speak another word.
Don't do anything. You must not do anything.
No.
I will not let you cover it up now that I know the truth.
I cannot let you dirty the island however you see fit.
Shut your mouth!
I will hold a press conference soon...
and reveal why you are so obsessive over the island.
Guard Kang Joo Seung has already gotten the evidence.
What? Kang Joo Seung?
If you do that, you will lose everything.
The Emperor, your life, and the baby in you as well.
Do you not care about them?
His Majesty will believe me.
He will protect me.
It will never go your way.
Do you still not believe me?
Must I spell out...
what's going on between them and disgust myself?
I have already told you.
Kang Joo Seung and the Empress are like a brother and...
They are not. They are strangers. They are a man and a woman.
The fact that a married woman brought in a man...
whom she grew up with is wrong.
She must have missed him dearly...
to have him guard her chamber.
That's enough.
Listen to me even if you don't want to.
This isn't a simple matter.
This is a major problem that can jeopardize our family's existence.
What do you mean?
The child the Empress is carrying. Whose child is it?
- Mother! - You may believe her,
but I do not.
Can you be sure that the child is yours...
when you have seen them together day and night?
When you went on your tour to Europe last spring,
they stayed together until dawn.
I saw it with my own eyes.
And not long after, she conceived a baby.
No. That cannot be.
She would never.
Then what do you think about this?
If it was not his baby,
Kang Joo Seung would not shop for the baby with the Empress.
I am certain.
She's carrying Kang Joo Seung's child.
The Imperial Family will be run by the Kangs, not the Lees.
You were being threatened by Empress So Hyun, weren't you?
What are you accusing me of?
Is that why you killed her?
Through His Majesty's hands?
Had you not mentioned about the alleged affair between...
- the two of them... - Shut your mouth.
His Majesty was the only man she ever loved.
Even Kang Joo Seung was engaged to someone else.
But why did you... Why did you tell such a lie?
You are despicable.
If you knew Empress So Hyun so well,
why did you stay silent for all these years?
Why are you bringing that up now?
I stayed silent and spoke up for the same reason.
It was for my Ari.
I have heard that a princess can become the Empress Regnant now.
Please appoint Ari as the Crown Princess.
What? Crown Princess?
Depose Crown Prince Lee Yoon,
and install Princess Ari as the Crown Princess.
If you do,
I will take your secret to the grave.
And I will help you expel the Empress out of the palace.
I will do whatever it takes.
Here.
Goodness.
Dong Shik will eat later.
He's completely out. He's still sleeping.
My gosh, slow down.
Time to time, you eat like...
you have starved for days.
I know.
- Mr. Oh. - That's hot.
More rice... No, more soup, please.
Okay, fine.
Don't act like I've never given more food. You startled me.
Goodness.
- Oh, my. - Have you gone mad?
Isn't the soup really good? Take your time.
- Thank you. - Sure.
- Take your time. - Okay.
What are you doing? What is this?
I knew this would happen.
How could you deceive me when we live in the same house?
I'm sorry, Mr. Oh. You see...
Dad, I like him.
And I'm not a kid.
So please, don't disapprove of him. You know that he's a nice guy.
Of course, I know. That is why I'm against this.
Come to your senses, Mr. Lee.
Why would you like her out of all women?
You can do so much better.
I am totally against this relationship.
Pardon?
- Dad. - You know, Hel Ro...
acts like the biggest snob for bringing a few bucks home.
She can't do any of the house chores.
A day is not enough for her to brag about herself.
I am telling you this because I think of you as my son.
It's not too late for you to find a nice lady.
Am I adopted?
Is there a secret behind my birth?
Did you see that? Aren't I right? Look how hot-tempered she is.
Have a conscience, you know.
Mr. Lee is responsible, diligent, and upstanding man.
How dare you leech off him and try to ruin his life?
Get away from here. Come here.
Gosh, you reek of the patches.
My body is in a mess after taking a beating from you.
Let's talk.
I have nothing to say to you. Move.
It won't take long.
Don't go, My Empress.
I'm sorry, Mom. It must have hurt.
It must have been so cold.
My poor mom.
Wake up, you scumbag.
Do you think it's a joke? Is life a game to you?
Others are crying in agony because of what you have done.
Do you want to disregard that?
You think I'm a tool because I came back when you tried to kill me?
So you treat me like this?
You lunatic, trash, and son of a gun.
I dare you to approach me again. I will not hold back then.
My Empress.
What am I supposed to do?
Why... Why won't you open up to me?
You were easy to Woo Bin.
What are you doing here?
I've been looking all over for you. Where were you?
Did you eat? Your head doesn't hurt?
Did you catch a cold? Last night was pretty cold, no?
Please slow down. Ask me one at a time.
I was worried sick.
I can see that you're doing fine.
What about your hand? How is your hand?
It's fine.
I knew it. I knew you wouldn't.
You didn't even put ointment on it.
If a wound gets infected, it will be a huge problem.
Follow me.
The wound is quite deep.
I can treat these visible wounds.
How am I supposed to treat the ones in your heart?
- All done. - Thank you.
Here.
What is it?
You left it behind.
Did you go out to buy this?
You didn't have to.
Thank you very much, Your Majesty.
Not at all. It was nothing.
I'll see you later.
He says it's a thank you gift.
Only because he's thankful. That's all.
Hello, sir.
Do you mean Chungeum Island?
Yes. I heard it's a vacation spot for the Imperial Family.
I think there's something hidden there.
Did Empress So Hyun ever tell you anything?
Not really.
Actually, not Empress So Hyun...
One of the palace guards went there frequently.
He practically lived there on his days off.
Where is he now?
The day Empress So Hyun passed away,
he disappeared as well.
I've tried looking for him on my own, but I haven't found anything.
He was my favorite pupil.
What was that guard's name?
- Kang Joo Seung. - Kang Joo Seung?
Kang Joo Seung.
Where have I heard that name before?
My brother Kang Joo Seung!
He went missing from the palace seven years ago.
What did you do with him?
- I don't know who that is! - Don't play games with me!
How do you not know the name Kang Joo Seung?
You called him into the palace every night!
That's right. The guy who attacked the Emperor that day.
He was Kang Joo Seung's brother.
(Kang Joo Seung, Min Yu Ra)
You're good.
- This is fun. - You're good.
(Min Yu Ra)
No.
No!
Calm down!
Here's your chicken. Enjoy.
Mr. Oh.
It's cold out and so is my heart.
I'm reminded of my wife.
Did your wife pass away from an illness?
It was a simple surgery, but she couldn't get a blood transfusion.
She had a rare blood type.
Like RH- or something like that?
Yes. The rarest of all, AB.
That's the same as the Emperor.
Don't compare that jerk to her.
Are you his fanboy?
How do you know that?
No, I heard about it somewhere.
- Would you like a beer? - Sure.
What do you mean,
there's no blood for the Crown Prince?
His blood type is extremely rare.
We contacted all the hospitals,
but we don't have time to wait. He lost so much blood.
Get the blood somehow.
Sent a chopper, steal it, do whatever it takes.
Actually,
we did just receive RH-AB-type blood, but...
That was brought in for another patient.
Are you kidding me?
How could that person compare to the Crown Prince?
I don't care if someone else dies,
so bring that blood and save the Crown Prince!
I will compensate you generously.
Yes, Your Highness.
How long has it been since your wife passed away?
It was 10 years ago.
At which hospital did she get surgery?
The Imperial Hospital.
Why are you suddenly asking that?
I can't stand anything Imperial.
It leaves a bad taste in my mouth.
The Empress came by?
She wanted to know about Chungeum Island.
I plan to go soon.
Did you look into Princess So Jin's documents?
They're much bigger than I had expected.
The Empress Dowager probably siphoned large sums of money.
If I had more material on the businesses she controlled,
it would be easier to figure it out.
Okay. I'll send you more information as soon as I get it.
(Massage)
That's so nice.
Princess.
Bin. What's with that look? Is something wrong?
Well...
I looked into the companies you were managing,
and they seem more dangerous than expected.
What do you mean, dangerous?
They were siphoning the Imperial Family's profits.
If they get audited, you will...
be sent to prison for embezzlement.
What?
That's ridiculous.
Embezzlement?
I did nothing wrong!
It's tragic,
but it is set up so that you take all the blame.
I didn't want to believe it,
but that means Mother had been deceiving me all this time.
I need to bring this up with her!
You can't resolve anything if you are so emotional.
Then what do I do?
I'm a divorcee as it is.
But now, I'm about to go to jail.
I won't take it.
I've taken enough already!
Trust me, Princess.
How?
Do you have a plan?
First, I need documents to prove you are not associated...
with those companies.
And you must change the CEO to the Empress Dowager...
since you're innocent.
That's right.
I may be stupid, but I'm not a bad person.
Documents...
Will this do?
What else? What else do you need?
I will do everything you tell me to do.
Do you not wish to even eat with your mother anymore?
I have no appetite, so take it back.
I heard you ordered the Empress' chamber be redecorated.
What are you thinking?
You wouldn't have developed feelings for her.
If you need a woman, I'll send you some.
Don't speak that way.
Let go! Move!
Who said to let him in?
Get rid of him at once!
Send the guards away.
Or leave them, if you don't mind everyone listening.
You may go.
What nonsense are you here to spew out this time?
I am sick of both of you.
You are not worthy to be called human beings.
Watch your mouth.
Do you think you'll be the Crown Prince forever?
When you were hurt 10 years ago,
I should've just inherited the throne,
just as Father wanted!
Yoon.
Do you know who died...
in order to save you back then?
After stealing that person's life to take that throne,
how could you try to kill the Empress?
What is this jerk talking about?
Explain so we can understand and get lost.
The blood that you stole to save the Emperor...
was supposed to go to the Empress' mother.
- What? - What?
You saved the Emperor with the blood meant for the Empress' mother!
That's why she passed away! Because of the two of you!
Mother.
What is this punk...
Is this...
all true?
I'm sure you know that I did everything I could...
to save your life.
I asked if it were true.
I don't remember very clearly,
but it does sound familiar.
But why does that matter?
People like that must be sacrificed...
in order to keep the Imperial Family going.
Why are you so upset about something so insignificant?
How... How could you say that?
I thought you'd at least feel a little guilty.
Guilty? What did I do wrong?
Stop causing trouble and get out.
As long as Sunny and her family go on not knowing, it's fine.
Nothing changes, and it is not a problem.
No, they must know.
It won't be kept a secret forever!
Are you itching to play a hero or something?
What could the Empress do if she were to find out?
She'll just whine a little to get some money from us.
Is that what you want?
Loser. Don't you do anything, do you understand?
Not unless you want me to disown you.
I had no idea.
It isn't my fault. I did nothing wrong.
It's not my fault her mother's fate was to die young.
If only one could live, isn't it only natural that it be I?
Yes.
The Empress and I were ill-fated.
We should have never met.
Everything is a mess having met.
Please give this book to the Empress.
Tell her I'm sorry it's so late.
The Empress is looking around in my garden?
I thought she was looking at the flowers at first,
but that wasn't it.
She looked like she was looking for something,
like Empress So Hyun.
That wicked thing. How dare she mess with my garden?
I can't leave her as is any longer.
I must initiate the plan.
Me? Run the Imperial Family bazaar?
Didn't you always run it, Mother?
What are you up to this time?
Why did you return to the palace, Empress?
You said you'd become helpful to the Imperial Family,
but all you do is cause disorder.
How long must I remain patient?
You must feel shameless, being empress while doing nothing,
so run the bazaar and at least pretend to do something.
The Emperor will help.
Yes, Your Highness, I shall do as you instruct.
I'm sure you've all thought of items to auction off at the bazaar.
Ms. Choi, uncover it.
This was painted by the Empress Dowager herself.
Okay. I'll work hard to sell it.
I hear Princess Ari has a photo shoot before the bazaar.
The people want to see a warm father and daughter,
so give them what they want.
I'm super excited too, Grandmother.
What were you doing here?
The Empress Dowager selected your outfit for today, so I left it here.
Excuse me, then.
(The Empress' Schedule, Photo shoot, Bazaar)
Your Majesty, are you ready to go?
Yes, coming.
You opened a secret door in the garden?
Yes.
I found the key in Empress So Hyun's diary.
I'll go there tonight.
You must be careful. I will accompany you.
Nothing will happen at the bazaar, right?
She suddenly changed the sponsor of the event.
The Empress Dowager's absence is making me anxious.
But Lee Hyuk will be present. It will be fine.
No matter how much they want to get rid of me,
they won't do anything at an imperial event with VIPs.
What about Lee Hyuk?
He will go straight to the event from the studio after a photo shoot.
Okay.
- Then let us get going. - Okay.
Still no sign of him?
What's going on?
How could that be? Why is he still at the photo shoot?
Your Majesty, could you look more affectionate?
Okay.
1, 2.
I think there has been a mistake.
Lee Hyuk was informed with the wrong time for the event,
so he's still at the photo shoot.
What do you mean?
Then he hasn't even left yet?
I don't feel good about this.
Hosting the event by yourself...
But I can't just wait for him. They have already waited long.
Let's just begin.
I'm sure he'll be here soon.
(Imperial Bazaar)
Hello, I'm Empress Oh Sunny.
Thank you for your patience.
I will now begin the Imperial Bazaar.
(15 missed calls)
(Chief Guard Chun Woo Bin)
Yes, what's going on?
I believe there has been an error in your schedule today.
The bazaar has already started.
What?
The Empress Dowager selected your outfit for today, so I left it here.
Excuse me.
Mother is plotting something.
I will head over there now. Protect the Empress.
Let's go.
It's me, Your Highness.
Is that so?
He won't be able to stop it even if he goes there now.
Don't try so hard, Your Majesty.
The Empress will run out of time soon.
And she will stop confusing you too.
What on earth are you plotting, Mother?
Is this the only route?
Call someone to block the roads.
Get to the event hall as soon as you can!
All guards are on duty to secure the Empress' safety starting now.
We must stop all attacks aimed at the Empress.
However, you must not stir up the crowd.
Search the event hall quietly.
If you spot anyone suspicious, you are to catch the individual.
Report to me about any unusual activities.
- Yes, sir. - Yes, sir.
120,000 dollars.
Sold!
This is the portrait the Empress Dowager painted herself.
It's a painting from the series in the Empress Dowager's chamber.
We will start bidding at 150,000 dollars.
The bidding starts now.
150,000 dollars.
170,000 dollars.
Anyone for 210,000 dollars?
210,000 dollars? 210,000 dollars?
We have two bidders.
230,000 dollars. 230,000 dollars?
We have only one bidder now. The bidding will end now.
230,000 dollars. 230,000 dollars.
Sold!
Congratulations.
What is it?
What is the trap that the Empress Dowager has set up?
It's a pair of flower-pattern shoes I wore on the day of my wedding.
We searched the inside of the building thoroughly,
but we did not find anyone with weapons or suspicious individuals.
I checked the security cameras and the guest list. No red flags.
180,000 dollars. 180,000 dollars.
The final bidding is 180,000 dollars.
Sold! Congratulations.
The last auction item...
is the Emperor's antique clock.
The bidding will begin now.
I don't see a box from His Majesty.
It's right here.
It was wrapped poorly. I checked it again.
(Imperial Bazaar)
Please allow me to tell you about its history.
At a celebratory event to commemorate the establishment...
of the Korean Empire, the first Emperor received this table clock...
from the Russian Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs.
To celebrate the 121st year of the Korean Empire...
It's hot.
I guess this item is indeed hot.
Faster. Drive faster!
Your Majesty!
Everyone, guard the Empress!
Your Majesty! Your Majesty!
My Empress!
- Is she all right? - Move.
Woo Bin.
When did you get here, Your Majesty?
We'll take my car.
That will be faster.
How could you pull such a stunt?
I don't follow.
Did the photo shoot and the bazaar go well?
What are you doing?
Did you try to kill her even after hearing everything Yoon told you?
I knew you were frightening, but must you have gone this far?
Do you suddenly feel empathetic...
toward Sunny because of what Yoon told you?
Or do you have feelings for Sunny or something?
Is that why you stopped me?
I can't understand you.
You tried to kill her yourself.
Why are you suddenly protecting her?
If you had done as I had said, it would be over by now.
What do you think you're doing?
I've changed my mind.
What was that?
I must...
protect her from you.
Have you ever protected anything that you liked,
even once?
Want more?
What are you doing here, Crown Prince?
Did you skip class today...
to play with that bird again?
Didn't I warn you not to do that again?
I'm sorry, Mother. I won't do it again.
I'm sorry!
You are such a fool.
I guess you'll have to lose it again for you to come to your senses.
That's why...
I plan to protect her properly this time.
I will...
save the Empress.
My Majesty.
I'm scared.
Please, don't go,
Wang Shik.
Don't worry. I'll stay with you.