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Drink.

Your Grace, Your Grace.

What...?

Wake up, Your Grace.

What is it this time?

Poison.

Lady Ki has been poisoned.

The doctor. Quickly.

Your Majesty.

The tonic is perfectly fine.

As the investigation established.

And yet the consorts collapse after drinking it.

Someone must be singling them out.

Someone?

As in me?

Even you aren't quite that stupid.

But your jealousy is well known. It could be misinterpreted.

Don't worry on my account.

Whoever is doing this,

I'll get to the bottom of it.

Lady Yon.

Send for the guard and the lady inspector.

Your Majesty.

Please place Lord Zhang in charge.

To avoid any malicious gossip.

Fine.

Lord Zhang and Lady Yon will work together.

Escort the investigating officers to Lady Ki.

Your Majesty.

Stay with us.

Move!

Accusing me? Who does she think she is?

Even so.

Who poisoned her?

One of the other consorts.

Since the Emperor is gracing Lady Ki every night.

Then the poison Lady Oh took was intended for Lady Ki?

What does it matter either way?

It's still to my benefit.

This is my excuse to rid myself of all the consorts.

Very good, Your Majesty.

Nyang was poisoned?

I told you to report everything that happened.

It only just did.

Where is she now?

The Imperial infirmary.

My Liege. Try to be patient.

Patient?

She may very well die.

My Liege, Eunuch Dokman.

A message from the Empress Dowager.

I provided the poison.

And the next one to drink it...

will be me.

You will drink it?

Yes, I will.

When another consort is poisoned the palace will be up in arms.

The harder the Empress looks, the worse she'll appear.

Until she herself is implicated.

But why gamble your own life?

Do you imagine you might be empress?

I was there when Lady Pak was killed.

Their faces as they died...

...the girls' screams...

I can still see them.

Still hear them.

Enough. I don't want to hear anymore.

They're inhuman.

I won't have those animals running this palace.

How will you incriminate the Empress?

If it goes as she says, the Empress's fate is in my hands.

The Inner Court will be mine again.

What's that?

A red date under her tongue.

Have it tested.

Sir.

Lady Ki. It takes more than a smidgeon of poison to fell those that serve me.

I expect you to get better.

His Imperial Majesty.

My Liege.

He wants to be alone.

Is this fight so important to you, that you have to poison yourself?

I'm sorry, Nyang.

I didn't see what this meant to you.

I failed you. Forgive me, Nyang.

Well?

The date.

The poison is in the date.

Who prepared the dates?

They come from the pharmacy.

They were tainted beforehand.

I mean to find out by whom.

Yes, please do.

When we find the poison, we'll have our poisoner.

Inspectors.

Someone is hiding arsenic.

Search the chambers of the consorts, the staff and the eunuchs.

See to it.

Your Majesty.

Wang Yu, it had to end like this.

Don't hold it against me.

Yon Feisu?

Why do you want me dead?

You shouldn't have come here.

You're with Eagle House?

I should have known.

And your vision of Turks reborn?

A sucker's bet.

Sire, are you all right?

Come in.

Sire.

Any others outside?

No one.

Who's in charge now?

An vice counselor is acting in Bayan's absence.

That's the safest place.

Wake Musong and Jombak.

We're moving out.

Sire.

You can forget about me as a hostage.

We'll both die.

Once Eagle House marks you, you're as good as dead.

Report.

They disappeared with her ladyship in the night.

They took her hostage.

They can't have left Liaoyang.

Find them.

Yes, sir.

[ Liaoyang Provincial Office]

How long will you keep me here?

It won't make any difference in the end.

Kill me now. I said kill me.

Kill me.

Kill...!

I will soon enough.

How much did he cost?

Thirty in gold.

For one old bald guy?

Waste of money, a waste.

That leaves ten left for you.

Off you go.

All ten?

Thank you.

Here.

- Off you go. - Sir.

- Bye now. - Sir.

Recognize me?

Huh?

What are you...?

You bought me?

The King will ask you about Sungnyang.

Not a word about the baby.

The baby?

The child was Wang Yu's...?

The King doesn't know she was with child.

She should be the one to tell him.

Relax. I'm not a complete idiot.

Sire.

You made it.

I'm told you saved Sungnyang.

How is she?

She saw her friends die.

It was quite a blow.

I never should have left her.

This is all my fault.

You can see her when Bayan returns.

She's in good health, not to worry.

I appreciate all you did for her.

Well then. This way.

Sire.

What are your plans for Yon Feisu?

She tried to kill you.

Kill her.

She has information on Eagle House we can use.

She's too clever for that.

Starve her.

She'll help us sooner or later.

Sire.

- Search. - Your Majesty.

Lady Ki's chambers are next.

How is she?

I haven't seen her.

I doubt she's regained consciousness.

Never mind her then.

Come along.

Your Majesty.

You're awake?

What am I doing here?

I had you brought here from the infirmary.

Send for your eunuch.

I need to get back.

I won't let you down again.

Anything you want, you got.

I realized that if you died, I couldn't go on.

I know you don't care for me.

Use me for your revenge, I don't mind.

Just stay with me.

That's all I ask.

Halt.

Who was it? Which of you poisoned the dates?

None of us, as heaven is my witness.

You save lives. So save yourselves.

Spare us.

Captain...

You're not our enemies. We don't want you dead.

But the Empress is beside herself.

Give me a name.

Who was it? A consort?

Or...

The Dowager?

I swear we don't know.

Burn them.

Fainted.

Take her away.

Confess.

We know it was the consorts.

We had nothing to do with it.

The consorts' maids are being questions, save Lady Oh's and Lady Ki's.

As are the doctors that made the tonic.

They're torturing them to illicit false confessions.

Get word to Baghatur Bayan.

The governors have to act.

Your Grace.

The Empress is getting worse.

She'll fall into her own trap.

She's making it that much worse for herself.

It's Captain Yom.

Not here yet.

Thank you for coming.

What is it you wanted?

I'm wondering about the Pavilion of Women.

Is there anything you can tell me?

What do you care?

What else?

To know which way the tide is turning.

She's a consort and you're stuck a servant the rest of your life?

Or me, for that matter. Why shouldn't we get ahead?

A little give and take. What do you say?

Give and take what exactly?

The maids, for example. Are they talking?

Not a word.

How about you?

They're stubborn for a bunch of doctors.

But I have an idea.

Come here.

Lady Yon, your lips...

How dare you?

Sorry. It just slipped out.

Don't come near me again.

We'll make it seem like they're in it together.

Together?

We get similar statements.

Then we'll implicate the consorts.

You just need one.

I'll pick one, too.

The consorts will be driven from the palace.

Who do you think will get all the credit?

You should have sent word you're coming.

The Empress is upsetting the consorts and detaining their maids?

You have all heard what's been going on in the palace.

Oh, and you're saying it's the consorts?

We won't have it, not after the last time.

Take us to El Temur.

Your presence will just make things worse.

There's no telling who will be poisoned next.

I told you we would get to the bottom of this.

But why go after the consorts?

There may be other agendas involved.

Ask the Empress to leave the consorts alone.

And if one of them is the poisoner?

This is treason.

It won't end in the Inner Court.

I cannot guarantee your safety.

Don't interfere with the Empress.

Otherwise I can't promise even nominal protection.

At least this has gone beyond the Inner Court.

The Empress is leading the inspectors to the Dowager's chambers.

The Empress Dowager?

Your Majesty.

Feeling better, I trust?

I am.

Quite a recovery. From poison.

I understand you're looking into this.

I wish you the best of luck.

The poisoner will be torn limb from limb.

Don't you worry.

You bring your inspectors here?

We have searched the consorts' chambers.

And?

Now all that's left...

is here.

Meaning you intend to search my chambers?

It's in your best interests.

One must be bled to prevent illness. And cleared to prevent suspicion.

Now look here.

If you decline we will be forced to interrogate your retinue.

Is that what you want?

- Go on. - Your Majesty.

Now, now.

Easy. Take it easy.

Your presence makes them nervous.

If you please?

Search everything.

Thank you for your cooperation.

Oh, thank you.

No leads yet?

We're questioning the attendants and the doctors.

One of them will talk.

There is one place left to search.

Where?

Your Majesty's chambers.

How dare you?

It's in your best interests.

One must be bled to prevent illness.

And cleared to prevent suspicion.

What?

Lady Ki is right.

I leave you in charge.

I'll search my own chambers.

You can join us, since you're so suspicious.

Be thorough.

Leave no room for doubt.

Your Majesty.

Wait.

Let's see that.

Precious gems.

Where did you get them?

What business is that of yours?

Impudent... Give it to me.

Dates hidden among the gems.

How dare you look at me like that?

I'm told the poison was inside the dates.

So?

Explain how these dates got here.

How should I know?

Oh?

Taste one

Scared?

Surely this isn't poisoned?

Poisoned?

It's a date, nothing more.

Enjoy.

You dare?

Sweet. Quite good, actually.

You see?

Sweet and good.

No doubt those who sent the gems were concerned for your health.

Insolent.

You dare accuse me?

You little...

Your Majesty.

Lady Soh. Lady Soh!

Your Majesty... Your Maj...

You can deliver this in Hoksu's name of Eagle House?

Poison dates.

Hoksu sent them.

He works closely with Father.

Have these dates analyzed.

Your Grace.

Your Majesty.

It wasn't me, it wasn't.

I'm not the one you need to convince.

Your Majesty.

I arranged all this for you.

Eat. Drink.

Here. A toast.

Regent. Trouble.

If I may have a word in private?

Something you don't want us to hear?

Not at all.

It's all right. Speak.

The poisoner has been found.

Who is it?

Well? Who?

The Empress.

Explain yourself.

How? Why?

Poison dates were found in Hoksu's jewelry box.

Have Hoksu arrested.

Go.

Sir.

I'll keep an eye on things here. You got to Liaoyang.

Sir.

Hoksu is no pushover.

Be careful.

Not to worry.

Also.

They've had El Temur's protection till now.

This is our chance to ruin them.

Confiscate all their holdings.

Yes, sir.

A ginseng merchant dealt in counterfeit vouchers in Koryo.

The trader was pale with big eyes,

a noble nose and thin lips.

Was it you?

Dimwit. Just catching on?

Eagle House funds El Temur.

Why would you help the man that decimated your tribe?

Whom I help is irrelevant.

So long as I get money for my people.

I may have a way to cash in on Eagle House.

You're dreaming.

Go back to bed.

Someone saved me with a burning arrow at Suryong Pass.

I see it was you.

I shouldn't have done that.

Sire.

Tal Tal is back.

Wang Yu is here?

Sir.

But there's something odd.

How so?

He and Lady Ki were engaged.

Is that true?

I heard his men say it myself.

No one can know about this.

Sir.

Long time.

Where is Sungnyang?

Daidu.

Doing what?

We have more pressing matters to discuss.

Time enough for that later.

Is she safe?

Very much so.

So what is this pressing matter?

Hoksu is to be arrested and taken to the capital.

In that case, how can I help?

I owe Hoksu.

Thank you for the invitation.

And the Baghatur?

He isn't here.

He didn't invite me here?

What is this?

I have orders to arrest you.

Don't you know I have El Temur's full support?

The order for your arrest...

came from El Temur.

What?

The counterfeits must be here.

Find the storehouse.

I know it.

Go with him.

Right. Let's move.

Search everything.

- Sir. - Yes, Sire.

Sire.

What do they mean?

I don't know these letters.

They're not letters.

They're code.

You only use code for important information, Sire.

Information that will help bring Eagle House down.

Hang onto it.

Yes, Sire.

That's for when I was a slave.

There's no end to the counterfeit vouchers.

All that's left is to see Sungnyang.

She's been summoned.

But I was wondering...

How did the date get in the tonic?

It's not the date.

It's what's on it.

Huh?

No one can see this.

Even the slightest mistake will put you at risk.

If I don't risk my life...

I can't possibly win.

Her Imperial Majesty.

My Liege.

The Empress not only poisoned the consorts.

She tried to place the blame on them.

No doubt this is an attack on the governors.

My Liege, such behavior cannot be tolerated.

It's not just us. The entire court is furious over this.

It grieves me to say this.

The Empress must be removed.

Hear us, Your Imperial Majesty.

Hear us.

Father, aren't you going to do anything?

Any way I look at it, Tanasiri was a fool.

She's been framed.

You must know that.

That's what infuriates me.

She didn't bring it on herself.

The little fool let others do it to her.

First and foremost we have to save her.

If she loses her crown our whole clan will suffer.

There's no time.

Muster the guard and wait for my orders.

Will there be blood?

This is all so stupid.

How many times do I have to say it?

It wasn't me.

Yelling about it won't help.

Is the accused not to be allowed a defense?

I've heard enough.

My Liege, remove her immediately.

Remove her.

Done talking, are you?

Explain yourself.

Deposed, they said?

Yes, if she's guilty, a hundred times yes.

But I don't believe she did this.

The evidence is clear.

Who are you to interfere?

Or do you think you are above the law?

Would the imperial family be here if we followed the letter of the law?

Even so.

In times of crisis it wasn't law that saw us through.

It was faith, conviction.

If it turns out she's innocent,

what will happen to those who demanded her crown?

All right.

What do you suggest then?

I suggest she be banished to the Frozen Palace.

The Frozen Palace?

You can't do that.

Her crown or the Frozen Palace.

It's up to you.

In which case I will retain full authority.

Give me the imperial seal or lose the crown.

One or the other. It's up to you.

Now tell me about Sungnyang.

She's in the palace.

The palace?

As a lady-in-waiting again?

Not at all. As a consort of the fifth rank.

What are you talking about?

She's an imperial consort.

What did you make her do?

You sold her to the Emperor?

- Or... - No.

She went on her own.

She insisted we nominate her for the consort selection.

She wouldn't.

I recommend you watch what you say.

It can't be.

She can't... not Sungnyang...

Sire.

Enjoy the Frozen Palace.

Is that some kind of joke?

I'm told it's cold and lonely.

How dare you?

Others lie in a place much colder.

Those you killed. Lady Pak, her attendants.

They lie on the mountain. Under stone mounds.

It was you.

All of this.

It was you.

She wouldn't.

Sungnyang would never.

She swore vengeance on El Temur's clan.

Does that satisfy you?

She is no longer your retainer or your woman.

If you bother her,

you'll have to deal with me.

Why?

Why did you do it?

Sungnyang... Why?

[Subtitles provided by MBC Translated by D. Bannon]

[Next on Empress Ki]

It will happen soon enough.

You need to die now.

Never mind what it says. Sign it.

Go on. Use the seal.

It's impossible.

Impossible or not, it must be done.

Stopping an abdication will put you both at risk.

You look lovely.

Thank you, Wang Yu.

Don't hold this against me.

Do not cry. Hold to your path.

As will I.