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Your Majesty.

What's all this?

Items for my pavilion.

Let's have a look.

I'm curious to know what you bought.

It's nothing.

Don't be shy.

My Liege.

Are you saying I shouldn't look?

Not at all.

Stand aside.

What is it?

Get it out of here.

Right. Off you go.

Explain yourself.

Yon Feisu here wanted to thank Your Majesty for the exclusive contract.

Your pardon.

I had to way to speak with you personally and so asked Lady Ki.

And we're supposed to believe that?

What is it you suspect?

My Liege. Give the order to have all of these opened.

If the others are filled with gold, then...

Open the rest.

That's good. I've seen enough.

We can't bring all the gold in with one shipment.

Nyang's different somehow.

It's like there's a wall between us. I feel so distant.

She's always been distant.

You're just seeing that side of her for the first time.

I wouldn't be here if not for her.

Nor would you be hurt as much.

Enough.

My Liege, you can't keep her moping around like this.

You have to be strong, make her your own.

You're not the weak, lonely boy you once were.

To let a mere consort hurt you...

I said enough.

'A mere consort?'

I'm prepared to die to say what must be said.

I don't care how much she hurts me,

I'll never give her up.

My Liege.

That's enough.

Anyone that speaks poorly of her...

will have to deal with me.

We will have to tell the Emperor everything.

We cannot. He'll use the funds for war.

I'll convince him otherwise.

I know what's best for him.

Go to war?

Why are you so surprised?

My Liege, we can't afford it.

Not after years of famine and plague.

Thank of your people.

War is out of the question.

Regent.

My Liege.

How does one treat disobedience?

As treason.

Give the word and I will take their heads.

Read the edict.

Like the great khans of old,

I raise my sword and march to glory.

Each province shall provide 20,000 men.

For a fighting force of 200,000.

Yunnan, Lingbei, Sichuan and Shanxi...

will provide stone, sulfur, iron and tin.

The others will provision the men.

Koryo will provide 10,000 men and 2,000 horses.

And necessary provisions.

We shall return to the days of wealth and glory.

Bayan is in command of the offensive.

Follow his orders.

Bayan Baghatur at your service.

What's that again?

We need to conserve our strength.

A war now to regain past glory...

Tal Tal, we once ruled all the world.

Blood and sweat made this empire.

Nations are won by the sword, but ruled by ideas.

You are my blood, my most trusted retainer.

Do not let me down.

Uncle.

Enough.

Her Worship Lady Ki.

Later. I'm busy.

As am I.

El Temur was dogmatic and self-righteous.

You're not unlike him in that way.

El Temur uses his office for self-aggrandizement.

But I dream of only one thing.

To restore our nation for the greater glory of our Emperor.

You want to be remembered as our greatest commander.

But to do that you need enemies.

To be covered in their blood.

That's why you have coerced His Majesty into this war.

If that's not self-aggrandizement...

what is?

You know what it's like in the north.

Eating field mice.

Riding till your hands freeze to the reins.

When our horses stopped, we died.

We hung on for dear life and trampled anything in our path.

That is the great destiny of the Mongols.

Looting and murdering innocents is hardly 'great.'

You cannot tame a wolf.

A predator needs prey to survive.

The heirs of the Blue Wolf will die without it.

A woman from a nice place like Koryo...

...can never understand.

That is why I opposed your crown.

And would I be worthy if I were a warmonger?

I value you.

But my country must always come first.

I want to be able to protect you.

Give up this ambition.

Bayan, you're worse than El Temur.

Sir.

Food.

Oh how I've missed this.

Sir. If you please.

I'm fine. You eat it.

Sir, why are we at this temple?

I've heard from Eagle House.

My master orders you to Yongak Temple.

Have you heard who the head of Eagle House is?

The old head of the capital branch said he's inside the palace.

The palace?

Then you must know who it is.

Do you have a guess?

I'm thinking.

He must be well-placed in the court, that much is certain.

And well-disposed toward you.

That's excellent news for us.

Filthy beggar.

Sorry.

You were talking, so...

Selfish, no-good, greedy.

I'm starving.

There's no way to stop the war.

Then we'll have to make our opportunity.

If my plan works,

the Yuan military and finances will be in your hands.

And I will get what I want.

Tell me more.

I ride for Koryo in the morning.

Bang and Jombak will stay here.

Feisu and Maksaeng have work to do.

Sungnyang.

Lady Ki is here?

She was talking to Wang Yu in the main hall.

You nuts? We'll all be killed.

Please, sir.

I can't let my worst enemy live.

I had an idea about that.

An idea?

You know what they say about planting.

How one little seed can do so much.

What's that even mean?

You'll find out.

When Lady Ki falls into my clutches.

Where were you tonight?

Praying in the temple.

Praying for what?

That the blood of your people won't be shed on the battlefield.

You wasted your breath.

My Liege.

You can still rescind the command.

Must you oppose everything I do?

Years of famine have decimated your people.

If we lose this war, you will be to blame.

I told you not to interfere.

Each drop of enemy blood will cost ten of our own.

Do you really not know what your people want?

Do you know how Han Feizi's 'Dragon scale'?

It refers to the exposed scale on a dragon's back.

Exactly. The dragon is docile. Anyone can ride it.

But touch the one exposed scale and it will turn on the rider.

And kill him.

I was pleased to let you use me for your vengeance.

Ride my back, use my influence to your own ends.

But there is one spot you dare not touch.

This war will restore my empire and ensure my power.

Do not poke the scale. Do not unleash the dragon.

Or you will kill me?

Will you turn on me and kill me?

You've always stood with me. You're the only one I could trust.

What I do, I do for you and Ayu.

I'm asking you to trust me.

I need power to be a true ruler, Nyang.

Someday you will understand.

What I do, I do for you.

I understand you were told to provide certain materials.

Yunnan is to provide sulfur.

And from Lingbei, stone.

The ingredients for explosives.

The others are to provide iron and tin.

The provinces can provide the bare minimum manpower and materiel.

How so?

The rest will be provided by a trader I know.

Enter.

Yon Feisu.

At your service.

They will buy materiel from you and sell it to the military at a profit.

From which you will each get your cut.

War profiteering, you mean?

It's the best way to feed your starving people.

But any mistakes and all our lives are forfeit.

War or no war, our lives are always at risk.

This isn't to feather your nests.

The profits are to be used for the good of your people.

Yes, Your Worship. As you say.

Your Worship.

How is it you're tending Maha?

The prince gets lonely.

The Dowager has each of us spending time with him.

He seems to want you.

Would you like to hold him?

Your Highness, am I so awful that Her Worship...

Let's go.

Your...

See how she torments the little prince?

She acts all sweet then deliberately turns away.

Turns away?

Your Majesty?

What did you report to the Dowager today?

'Report?'

I am aware you report my every move.

You misunderstand.

Lady Son, you brought me this tea?

As you commanded.

Poison?

Shall I kill you?

It wasn't me.

Please, believe me.

I saw you bring it in.

I'm innocent... I never...

Silence!

Are you calling me a liar?

Forgive me.

Spare me.

When do you attend Prince Maha?

When his servants take their meal.

Now you will do as you're told.

Come closer.

Don't be frightened.

Prove to me your loyalty and I will reward you accordingly.

What has you so distracted?

Pardon?

The princes are so adorable.

Lady Ki, speak to the Emperor on her behalf.

It isn't fitting that the Empress is without child.

Your Majesty, may I watch the little princes sometime?

You envy having children so much?

Envy is as envy does.

But the boys need to play together.

They never do. I fear it will lead to acrimony.

I tend to Ayu.

The Empress isn't wrong.

They have the same father after all.

I am pleased to watch Maha whenever you wish.

Oh?

He's jealous of Ayu.

Leave him.

Here.

And here.

Eunuch Bang.

I trust you are...

Welcome.

The list of those that are with us.

Bang.

Yes, Your Worship.

How did Prince Maha...?

He just is.

I'm here to collect Prince Maha.

Here you are.

Your Highness.

No.

What is it?

Why is he crying all of a sudden?

Don't cry.

If you will excuse me?

When will you reveal Maha isn't the Emperor's blood?

When the time is right for Ayu.

But it should be done before one is named crown prince.

Something about Maha seems so sad.

What is it? You're crying?

Her Worship was holding Maha.

Then she must know.

He hated leaving her.

Shush. There's nothing we can do.

Poor Maha. It breaks my heart.

I'll eat fast. Thanks.

Take your time.

There, there.

Why won't he stop crying?

Well?

I don't know. I just got back from eating.

He doesn't have a fever.

Is he hurt?

That's...

No.

What is this?

Bruises.

It looks like pinching.

How did this happen?

I have no idea.

Believe me.

None? If you don't know, who does?

He was with Lady Ki earlier.

What?

Actually, he was crying when I collected him.

How could she?

Surely Lady Ki would never do such a thing.

Where is she?

She left to join the Emperor.

Your Majesty.

What kind of devil would do such a thing?

Your Highness.

Allow me. Here.

Oh, no.

Look how my little man laps it up.

People will say it's beneath you.

A father feeding his son. Terrible.

What is it now?

Lady Ki.

Your Majesty.

Tanasiri's son or not, how dare you?

Mother.

Maha is covered in bruises.

Lady Ki did it to him.

I know she's a smug, nasty piece of work.

But a little child?

And if it wasn't Lady Ki?

Will you accept responsibility?

Did you just raise your voice to me?

You rush in here and slap Lady Ki.

Is that proper behavior?

I am the Empress Dowager.

I was a mother to you, your guardian.

Mother or not, no one matters more than Lady Ki to me.

Understand?

She hurt Maha. Pull yourself together.

She would never do that.

You're bewitched. Look at yourself.

Dokman.

My Liege.

I want all Maha's servants...

No, anyone that even came near him.

My Liege.

Bring Prince Maha.

So we can put your concerns to rest.

She dared touch that boy?

I won't have it.

The boy is here.

What now?

Now we find out.

Prince, come here.

Would he hug me if I had hurt him?

He may not speak yet.

But he will know who hurt him.

Each of you will hold the young prince.

There, there.

It was you.

No. Why would I...?

I'm innocent.

Why would Lady Son...

Well? Take her away.

Halt.

Now.

Are you contradicting me?

The Emperor was quite clear.

Now take her away.

I didn't do it. I'm innocent!

It was you.

Lady Son didn't act on her own.

You dare accuse me?

I know you did not do this.

Give me time...

...and I'll find out who did.

I don't know anything.

Your Worship.

It wasn't me. Really.

Leave us.

Poor thing.

If the Empress was behind it, she'll kill you with none the wiser.

If she wasn't, I'll kill you.

I know you.

We used to work together.

Spare me.

I'm sorry.

Don't be afraid.

I won't kill you.

Your Worship.

When Maha was born, you and Lady Soh were the only ones in the room.

I know he's not the Emperor's son.

When the time comes, you will say as much.

That's why I'm letting you live.

Understand?

Yes. I understand.

Her Imperial Majesty.

Your Majesty.

I'm to blame for her failings.

Has she said anything?

Yes, she has.

Leave us.

Who put her up to it?

The Dowager.

Will you tell the Emperor?

Think of the court.

We cannot.

This cannot be covered up.

Remember the attempted poisoning of Ayu?

So that was you too.

To think it was the Dowager.

It's terrifying.

How can I help you?

I'll ask for your help when the time comes.

Fair enough.

Now what about Lady Yon?

She is an important witness.

I leave her in your keeping.

Of course.

Sire, welcome back.

Congratulations, Sire.

Thank you for your welcome.

Sire, the 10,000 men, 2,000 horses and provisions are ready.

With your permission...

We will not support the Yuan war.

Henceforth and forever...

I band the tribute of concubines and eunuchs.

Sire, we dare not strain our Yuan relations.

You only just got back.

I'm not finished.

Step forward when your name is called.

Kang Dohan.

Yes, Sire.

Choe Hwan.

Kim Yijung.

Yun Jigyom.

Hong Sunghak.

Yi Chol.

Yun Sung.

Kwang Kyom.

Pak Ui.

You collaborated with the Yuan.

Committed the most vile atrocities.

You acted against your nation and the public good.

You are stripped of your titles.

And all assets.

Sire, this is unheard of.

Rescind your decree...

Silence!

You will be punished.

Each according to his crimes.

Take them away.

Move out.

Sire. Sire. Sire!

He refuses support?

Not only that.

He refuses to send concubines, eunuchs, or any other tribute.

My Liege, he has betrayed you.

Oust him from the throne and annex Koryo.

The timing is poor, with the war ahead of us.

So I should overlook his flagrant impudence?

I have a suggestion.

Go on.

An embargo on Koryo's sea lanes.

Koryo relies heavily on foreign trade.

An embargo will apply considerable pressure.

My Liege, that's it.

Then after the war I'll march on Koryo and bring you Wang Yu's head.

All trade with Koryo is forbidden.

Place an embargo on all her sea lanes.

As you command.

Barely on the throne and already making trouble.

Punishing collaborators. Currency reform.

And turning on us.

Why are you telling me this?

You and Wang Yu are, shall we say, sympathetic?

Koryo turned its back on us here.

I do not care what they do.

I suggest you keep it that way.

For your own good.

An embargo will hurt Koryo.

Not necessarily.

Sire, Yon Feisu.

I appreciate you coming.

Closer.

You act like we've never met.

Seeing you on that throne, it's intimidating.

It shouldn't be.

You and I, we've been through much together.

The Yuan have placed an embargo.

So I heard.

Remember? When you were Batolu?

Since we have no future, why not build one together?

The Yuan control the seas.

The only thing they do not control is the Silk Road.

We are in this together.

The Silk Road will give us breathing space.

Now I will keep my word.

Open the Silk Road.

If Yuan blocks the sea, we'll trade by land.

We'll deal with traders from the west.

I grant you exclusive trading rights.

Grant me Koryo ginseng and linens.

With them I can open trade on the Silk Road.

My Liege, we're ready.

At your command.

We don't know when this campaign will end.

Must you go with them?

Shall a commander dress in robes and rest on his laurels?

You are a pillar of this country.

Without which a house cannot stand.

My Liege, the first battles are crucial.

After that I will return to your side.

See that you do.

Your advancing hoofbeats mark the sound of history.

Return in victory and glory.

Our lives at your command.

My Liege.

Bayan has already taken the six Ilkhanate provinces.

He has?

He is sweeping across the land like Genghis Khan reincarnated.

Inform our people.

Let them share in the victory.

Yes, My Liege. Right away.

Initial victories aren't important.

The longer it lasts, the greater the strain on his forces.

Bayan has left his men in charge.

Yet another strain.

How is Yon Feisu doing?

She's selling the Yuan sulfur and stone in Ilkhanate.

Your profits.

Thank you.

Use this to ease the famine for your people.

Need you ask?

Not to worry.

My Liege.

Look at this.

A secret note between Lady Ki and Wang Yu.

Intercepted before it got to Xinde.

What does it say?

No one is to know about this.

Yes, My Liege.

My Liege, you're still up?

What are you...?

My Liege.

I'm just...

...glad you're with me...

And grateful.

What is it?

Don't... don't say a word.

Stay just like this.

Planting. I see.

Planting doubt between the Emperor and Lady Ki.

It's not a lie exactly.

Wang Yu and Lady Ki have always been close.

There's no repairing a vase once broken.

Once they're driven apart,

we'll have our chance.

The master of Eagle House.

I ask for your help.

[Five Years Later]

Easy.

Thank you, Maha.

Thank you, how dare this consort fail to address me as a prince?

Your Highness.

I am sorry.

I am proud to see you looking after your little brother.

The troops were routed again.

There's my prince.

You look upset.

It's that Lady Ki.

Never forget.

She is responsible for the deaths of all those dear to you.

She's a terrible person.

My Liege.

Routed?

Another defeat?

Please, Your Majesty.

And where is this wonderful general?

Waiting in the imperial hall.

Let's have a look at him.

Arise.

Sir, kill me.

Kill us.

It couldn't be helped.

Sir.

My Liege, drinking again?

My lady. Don't be a nag.

My Liege.

All the same...

...it's nice to see you.

Your Majesty.

This him?

His 3,000 face 20,000 enemy soldiers.

He lost the province?

He's a brave man. But he had no reinforcements.

Then he's a failure.

A failure?

He...

He ruined my wine.

That's a grave offense.

He had to die.

Wouldn't you say?

My Liege.

[Subtitles provided by MBC Translated by D. Bannon]

[Next on Empress Ki]

I will kill all of you, and make sure you never talk.

My Liege!

You don't think I will kill you?

Prince, you are here.

I can't stand your fake smile!

Do not run your mouth as you like.

How dare Wang Yu ignore my orders.

Bring him to me now.

If the King doesn't come out, I too shall not move from here.

He wants me to come greet him?

You've grown up with some guts.