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What's your rush?

An errand for Her Majesty and the Emperor.

Has something happened?

Sir.

We found a secret passage on the outer corridor.

A secret passage?

They're as good as gone.

The blood led to the south gate.

Close the passage and post men at the gate.

Yes, sir.

- Move out. - Sir.

Is this about the Blood Vow?

Yes.

But Jokho doesn't have it.

My Liege, you sent for me?

Yes. Tend to her wounds.

Do it.

Fortunately the tendon wasn't cut.

Then why is she so pale?

Give me your hand.

What is it?

Sir?

It's fatigue from loss of blood.

That's all.

Hide her in the Pavilion of Women.

I have to meet Bang outside the palace.

Wake up.

How can you with guards everywhere?

There's a secret passage out of the palace.

It's been discovered.

What?

Tangqishi recognized you.

You can't go anywhere.

The pavilion is the only place the guards can't go.

It won't be easy getting her there.

There's no other way. Hide her in the pavilion.

There may be a way.

What?

Who's inside?

Pak Jaein called on His Majesty.

Pak Who-now?

Ah, Lady Pak.

My lady, if I may see your face?

How dare you?

You subject a lady with child to such indignity?

Orders from Tangqishi, you understand.

My lady?

My lady, if I may see you face?

Turn around. We'll report this to His Majesty.

Sir.

Now, now.

We all have our orders.

And mine regard the imperial house.

Well? Turn around.

Fine, fine, fine.

Go on then.

Come along.

What a piece of work.

Lord Persnickety, they call him.

Ugh, dusty.

I didn't know this was here.

Some court ladies committed suicide here before.

They say it's haunted now. No one comes near.

Kind of creepy.

You can look after Nyang...

under the auspices of seeing to Lady Noh.

Yes, sir.

I'll get out of here as soon as I'm better.

Listen, Nyang.

Are you...

Am I what?

Nothing.

I'll bring you some things.

Hongdan, come with me.

Congratulations on the child.

Thank you.

Must have been tough.

Not in the least.

Surely this calls for you to open the imperial granaries in celebration?

A fine idea.

Let all the people share in the good fortune.

Sounds great.

Enjoy.

A touch of morning sickness.

Welcome, Brother.

I hope to ask a favor.

Go on.

Grant us permission to search the pavilion of women.

You still haven't found him?

If they're not here, we'll assume they left the palace.

If you please, Your Majesty.

I forbid it.

Has an Empress ever allowed men into the pavilion?

This is important.

As is the role of Empress.

People will blame me for the affront to the imperial house.

Do you want that?

Perhaps the lady inspectors can search.

I agree.

You may leave.

I'll leave you to it. Pardon me.

Are you upset?

Ease your troubled mind.

We are blessed, after all.

Jokho had no reason to risk his life over the Vow.

You think he didn't have it?

If he did, he'd have given it to the Dowager.

It's the last threat to you.

If we can destroy it...

Get some animal blood.

To what end?

Who's to say there's only one Vow?

If the Vow ever appears, who's to say which is the real one?

Now that's an idea.

My son, this is all my fault.

You may rely on El Temur after I'm gone.

He is the only one that can protect you and Yuan.

I'm sorry, my son.

There are so many.

Dokman insisted we fill it up.

Why?

No idea. He just did.

Oh, mandarin oranges.

Blech. Sour.

Sour? Tastes sweet to me.

It's not sour to you?

Mm. It never tasted so good.

How is she?

Dokman is looking after her.

Will you be going there?

No.

The ladies all serve the Empress.

I don't want to put her in more danger.

You could make a discreet visit to Lady Pak.

In the dark no one would know.

My Liege.

What brings you here?

That's what I want to ask.

You're calling on Lady Pak?

Well, I've been ignoring her lately.

My Liege, I bear your child.

You aren't playing favorites already are you?

Would I do that?

I was just saying hello.

She's eating and sleeping well.

So you needn't call on her again.

You might upset the baby.

Upset the baby?

Come along.

My Liege.

Lady Tramp is having a boy?

So the doctor says.

Then I dare not have a girl.

Have the doctor examine me.

I'll see to it.

Did I wake you?

I ate too much.

I'm fine. Get some sleep.

Are you with child?

Huh?

Are you pregnant?

Impossible. Pregnant?

You definitely are.

I can tell.

Are you asleep?

Nyang?

Sir.

Wear these.

Take this morning and night.

It will help.

And stay warm. Keep the fire lit.

Tell me the truth.

Why were you surprised when you took my pulse?

Why are you being so nice?

What herbs are these?

Talk to me first.

It's not the Emperor's.

Is it Wang Yu's?

I'm guessing it must be.

Then...

You guessed as much. You're pregnant.

Three or four months along from your pulse.

Fighting, bleeding in your condition.

The baby.

Is it all right?

Relax. The slippery pulse is nice and strong.

You weren't a servant at the time, you needn't worry.

I'll look after you till Wang Yu returns.

You'll be fine.

Is it a boy?

It is. It must be.

Your Majesty.

Spit it out. Don't tell me it's a girl.

I regret to inform you...

you're not with child.

I'm... not?

Why didn't you say before?

The slippery pulse is often weak at first.

You convinced yourself.

Convinced...?

You wanted it so much you gave yourself the symptoms...

Silence!

I know I had morning sickness.

How dare you lie to me?

I'm afraid you are infertile.

Infertile?

You cannot have a child.

I can't? Never?

I'm sorry.

Your Majesty, Your Majesty.

Wake up, Your Majesty.

Your Majesty.

Why are you sighing?

Is it the wrong father?

That's not it.

Well then?

It never occurred to me that I might have a child.

How will I care for it? Am I good enough?

It's all a blur in my mind.

All first time mothers feel that way.

But no one is stronger than a mother.

The heavens give us strength of will in lieu of a strong body.

Can I do it?

What was your mother like?

My mother...

My mother loved me more than life itself.

A true mother's heart.

Fearless when it comes to her own.

That's motherhood.

A gift from the heavens.

A blessing in itself.

Now keep your spirits up for the child.

Yes, ma'am.

I will.

Don't you worry, little one.

Come to us when it's time.

I'll pay attention too.

And be a good grandmother.

[The Koryo Village]

Kill them if they resist.

How could you?

Disgusting filthy...!

Find the headman.

Move it!

Move, move!

See that Jokho?

If you want them to leave, bring me the Vow.

If you don't, they'll all die in the mines.

You hear me?

You want to die like a dog?

This is my fault. I can't do nothing.

If they die, I'll die with them.

Is it ok to leave Sungnyang there?

What can we do?

Dokman will get her out.

We'll have to wait.

Should we tell the King?

It will just worry him.

We wait until she's free.

The doctor won't say a word?

I made that clear.

But perhaps you should just say...

The Emperor opened the granaries in celebration.

I won't be a source of embarrassment.

It will come out in a few months anyway.

I'll have a miscarriage.

Your Majesty.

I'll start fertility treatments right away.

It's quite painful.

The pain is nothing.

I won't spend my life as a semblance of a woman.

Nyang.

A word.

You know a way out of the palace?

Lady Pak will ask permission to leave the palace when the bay is due.

We can use that to get you out.

Thank you.

We Koryo girls have to stick together.

Four months.

Just four more months.

In the meantime, rest and look after the child.

I won't forget what you've done for me.

Wang Yu will be so pleased to hear the news.

[Kaegyong, Capital of Koryo]

How I've dreamed of this.

Look at me, crying like a baby.

I just wish everyone were here.

Shall we, Sire?

What?

Counterfeits?

These are fakes?

The Yuan have been using these all along?

So it would seem.

How could this happen?

Our trade minister struck some sort of deal.

He was in charge of Yuan trade.

Not a knife.

More like a blunt instrument.

Bring me the fakes and the silver.

Yes, Sire.

How much is this?

I can't tell the counterfeits from the real ones.

The investigators say they were made in the same place.

The envoys haven't paid yet?

Their contact is dead. They're putting it off.

They probably don't want to get caught using counterfeit.

We can't just kill the Yuan envoys.

What should we do to them?

Where are they now?

In their pavilion.

Do exactly as I say.

Take care of me and I'll make you my concubine.

I'd rather you sell some vouchers.

Vouchers?

Vouchers increase in value.

One of our regulars wants to buy.

If I introduce you, I can get you three times their value.

Three times?

Our information is always reliable.

Set it up.

All correct, sir.

Shouldn't you weigh it?

I'm doing that now.

Well over three times their worth.

Are they counterfeit?

They're real.

Argh. They're being careful.

Keep buying them.

Sire.

They'll use fakes sooner or later.

Yes, Sire.

Sungnyang.

I'll be here longer than I thought.

I hate to think of you there without me.

You and I will be here together someday.

Until then, be strong.

I miss you, Sungnyang.

Sir.

Sir, a letter from Wang Yu just arrived.

Sungnyang definitely isn't in Koryo.

His cronies?

Gone without a trace.

Do not lessen security.

Yes, sir.

[Four months later]

Your Majesty, from Bayan's nephew.

Your Majesty, I trust you've been well.

Bayan's first order of business has been to strengthen the Liaoyang forces.

It won't happen overnight, but we'll be stronger in time.

I'm sorry. Spare me. Please.

Kill him.

Next.

He bought his position to exploit the people for years.

Have mercy.

No mercy for the corrupt.

Confiscate his assets, beat him and toss him in jail.

Financing is the problem.

Confiscating assets of corrupt officials is not enough

to finance an army is another.

We're looking for a solution.

We're open to any ideas you may have.

Have you found any supporters?

The powerful gravitate toward El Temur.

They would.

He has maintained power.

Through all that money.

What are you planning?

There are ten provinces in Yuan.

One is already on my side.

If I can get five of the nine that remain...

we can give El Temur a fight.

I'll do all I can to help.

How is my son?

He's different.

Much quieter.

He's lonely.

Hang on. Just a little longer.

You made this yourself?

Well? For the baby?

Yes.

I can see my baby in it.

It's lovely.

Almost done.

Just a little more, a little more.

Your Majesty, a little more.

Hang on.

Just a little more.

Your Majesty, stop these treatments.

Four months of daily acupuncture and moxibustion.

With nothing to show for it.

I can't see you suffer like this anymore.

I can't give up, not after all this.

Your Majesty.

His Imperial Majesty.

Here, put this on, quickly.

What's taking so long?

His Imperial Majesty to see you.

Her Majesty was resting.

This way.

Welcome, My Liege.

What are you doing here?

Her time is at hand.

So?

She wishes to be with my mother in the temple.

With your permission.

If you please.

Let her.

It will be easier if she's comfortable.

A temple is fitting for the imperial house.

How could I object?

Thank you.

I have a favor to ask.

Please.

I want to go to the Hwanggak Temple hermitage for my last three months.

Can the Inner Court do without you?

It's for the child.

Nothing else matters.

As you wish.

My Liege.

Now you can call on Nyang in peace.

Not yet.

It's been four months.

Are you all right?

My mother keeps reminding me that

what matters is getting my power back.

Without it I can't do a thing.

For Nyang or anyone else.

You sent for me?

I need your help.

Is something troubling you?

I'm grinding my teeth to nothing with worry.

What is it?

Tell me.

You're upset. You know there's nothing I wouldn't do.

Kill Lady Pak.

I'd rather go blind than see her bear the Emperor's son.

Kill her and give me peace.

If something goes wrong you and father will be in trouble.

She's going to Kamop Temple to deliver.

No one will know if she dies on the way there.

Please help me.

It's driving me insane.

Father can never know.

I'll take it to the grave.

General Tangqishi.

I'm called Mad Dog.

You'll be well paid.

I want someone dead.

Anything you say.

My lady.

You'll die if you touch this.

It's cursed.

I understand.

I won't touch your things.

It's not mine.

You know why I'm so stingy?

It would kill you. I'll give it to you later.

Yes, ma'am.

Nyang.

Him again.

Lady Pak is leaving for the temple in two days.

She's taking a horse and carriage.

If we hide you inside, we can get you out.

Tell Bang I'll meet him on the second peak of Mt. Chilbong,

near Hwanggak Temple.

I will. Of course.

Where will you go after you leave?

To Koryo. To see the King.

I see.

Sweetie, you'll see your daddy soon.

He'll be so happy to see you.

Sire, Sire.

The sleazebags say they have 20,000 vouchers to pawn off.

They can't sell that many real ones.

They must be fake.

You have the silver?

Let's see the vouchers.

What's the idea?

Don't move.

Sire, we got them.

Take them away.

Sir.

Arrest them.

Halt.

You dare touch an envoy?

You want a war with Yuan?

These are all counterfeit.

You kept the real ones you got from the capital.

And pawned off counterfeits with the trade minister.

Which of us will El Temur kill first, I wonder?

We know they were made in one place.

Tell us where and we'll burn the fakes.

And forget this ever happened.

You mean it?

You haven't heard of me.

I'm not one to break my word.

They're made in Liaoyang province.

Liaoyang?

Isn't that Bayan's bailiwick?

Where in Liaoyang?

We don't know the details.

All we know is it's Hongga's House of Pleasure.

That's where we get them.

You're certain?

Am I likely to lie at this point?

Lock them up and tell the Yuan what they did.

Yes, Sire.

You said you'd let us go.

You're sure?

Lady Pak is coming here to deliver?

Yes. She's leaving today.

How odd.

I would have thought the Empress wouldn't allow it.

The Empress is in the Hwanggak Temple hermitage.

Whatever for?

To pray until the baby arrives.

I'm not fooled.

Pregnant? Impossible.

She's already showing.

That's easy to fake.

Why?

What's she up to?

Sweetie, I know it's cramped.

I'll untie us.

When we're free.

Nyang.

Wear these.

Right.

The carriage is waiting outside.

You'll ride inside.

The retinue is made up of Koryo girls.

Not to worry.

And the escort?

Lady Pak has a plan to deal with them.

Lady Noh?

She wanted to see you off. So she's stuck to the carriage.

Farewell.

Thank you.

I won't forget this.

She's waiting. Come along.

Lady Pak, His Majesty.

My Liege.

You needn't move.

Farewell.

My Liege.

Move out.

See there is no mistake.

Yes, sir.

Now he tells us she's pregnant?

Poor Sungnyang.

She's safe, that's what matters.

The King will be so happy.

He won't believe it.

What's keeping them?

They'll attack soon.

We should fall back.

I got it. Now shut up.

Halt.

Halt.

Her ladyship needs to relieve herself.

Relieve?

Yes. Perhaps some privacy in the trees?

Oh, of course.

Nature calls. Do what you must.

Come on, Nyang.

Hurry.

When you get to Koryo...

give this to my mother.

Of course.

This, too.

Me, too.

Listen to you. Who's that for?

For me.

Tell my mother I'm fine.

This is precious to you.

You'll regret it later.

Take it. Take it, go on.

We don't have all day.

Nyang, go before they get back.

Thank you all.

Be happy, Nyang.

Don't forget us.

- Never. - Be safe.

Raise him well.

I will.

I'm off.

- Go. - Be safe.

Farewell.

My lady.

My lady!

My lady.

My lady, don't die.

My lady, my lady.

Get out of here.

Save the baby.

My lady!

My lady...

I wanted to see Koryo once more before I died...

Go, go...

My lady... my lady... my lady!

Nyang, go on!

My lady, my lady.

Nyang, go.

My lady, my lady.

Go on.

No!

Nyang.

- Get her! - Get 'em!

Nyang. Nyang.

Go on, go.

Go!

Get her!

Bang.

Sungnyang, how did this...?

Are you all right?

Who have we here?

Sungnyang?

I'll deal with them. Get her out of here.

Sir.

It's not just you now. You have to live.

Sungnyang, come on.

Wait.

- Get her. - Sir.

Today is the day you die.

So be it.

Say hello to Commander Ki...

in hell!

Sungnyang!

Sungnyang, Sungnyang.

You all right?

I'm fine.

I'll lead them away. Hide in that cave.

Don't leave. Be strong.

Hey, slug-boys! Come on and get me!

That way! Get him!

What?

Nyang has left the palace?

Sweetie.

Don't worry.

My mom took care of me.

And I'll look after you.

Don't worry.