Original subtitles

Subtitles provided by MBC

Another letter from Wang Yu to Lady Ki.

I'll get rid of it.

No.

Let me see.

Sungyang, I keep your words close to my heart.

That your body is his, but your heart is mine.

As long as there are mountains in Koryo, my love for you will never change.

I miss you, Sungnyang.

My Liege, Her Worship Lady Ki.

Send her away.

I told her, not until I send for her.

How dare she ignore my commands?

My Liege.

Tell her this.

Disobey me again...

...and face my wrath.

Your Worship, perhaps not today.

Is he drinking again?

Not a drop so far this evening.

And he's himself?

He is.

Kolta.

I'll be drinking with Bayan tonight.

Bayan is ill, Your Majesty.

Ill?

Wang Yu is dead?

Who did it?

I asked you who killed him.

If you know will you track him down?

It was Bayan.

Enemy or not, he can't have.

Not Wang Yu...

I know how much he meant to you.

What does that mean?

He was your lord. Your ally.

And perhaps much more.

Viceroy.

Do you know why I've stuck with you?

The Emperor and Bayan are obsessed with the glory of empire.

I thought only you could stop that runaway stallion.

So I turned a blind eye.

You told me not to obsess on family.

I could say the same to you.

Don't obsess on Wang Yu.

Thank of the Emperor that made you his imperial consort.

The sword that killed him.

In that I offer no promises.

Stop the stallions? I'll stop them.

But regent or not, if it was Bayan...

I'll deal with him.

Your Worship.

I will show no mercy...

...to the man that wielded that sword.

I don't like that we didn't see the body.

I'll take some men at first light.

The Emperor.

Get me dressed.

Don't bother.

My Liege, you caught me unprepared.

I came the moment I heard.

My Liege.

But you're not ill. You're wounded.

I got this trying to kill Wang Yu.

And Wang Yu?

I ran him through.

He's probably dead.

How did it come to this?

The Emperor... Wang Yu...

I don't believe Wang Yu is dead.

Your pardon, I don't...

Cry for me.

I have no right.

Your Worship.

Every rock, every bush.

Search everywhere.

Sir.

There's no body.

He must have gotten away.

As should we before Bayan's men return.

The king is still safe.

Not that we can find him either.

Please be safe, Sire.

Sungnyang.

Don't die.

I have so much to tell you.

You have to live.

And hear my feelings.

Stay alive.

You can't cover the sky with your palm.

If you want revenge for your mother,

you'll have to kill the Emperor, the Dowager, Bayan, the entire court.

May I ask you something?

How did my mother die?

What did the Dowager say?

Always the same thing.

But no one will give me details.

And if I tell you... will you believe me?

Just give me a name. I'll decide for myself.

Your mother...

What is all this?

Come along.

I couldn't find you in your chambers.

Don't go out alone.

Yes, Your Majesty.

I'm going to ask the Emperor to name a crown prince.

In light of his current mood, shouldn't the chancellors do it?

Or better yet, the Dowager's men.

You have a plan?

Yes. I believe I do.

In light of the Emperor's condition we shouldn't delay naming a crown prince.

You are so truly guileless.

I say this without jealousy for Lady Ki.

Maha should be named, it's only proper.

Of course. As the law decrees.

Should the chancellors submit a petition?

The Emperor hates Maha. It's probably best.

I did as you asked.

I appreciate your help.

I told you anytime.

But are you certain about this?

I understand you've fallen out of favor recently.

Maha is Tanasiri's son. That works against him.

Be that as it may, the Dowager's influence cannot be ignored.

May I ask why you support my son's investiture?

I fear Maha's vengeance.

As mistress of the Inner Court, peace comes first.

Very wise.

Once you remove the Dowager, the world will be mine.

The Dowager, then Bayan.

Then you.

The investiture?

I'm in perfect health.

But I should name a successor.

It is only proper.

Yes, quite so.

Today's friends are tomorrow's foes.

I could die any minute.

Quite proper indeed!

My Liege.

You think I don't see?

Who wants to use me?

Who wants power?

Who wants her chance?

My Liege.

Please.

Read that petition.

They all want Maha named crown prince.

And Your Majesty?

El Temur's blood flows in his veins.

With my own hand...

...I wiped out his clan.

And Koryo blood flows in Ayu.

Whoever it is will be emperor someday.

May I suggest a tourney?

A tourney?

Yes.

A test of character and learning.

Then none dare oppose your selection.

Ayu is still a baby.

Nor has Maha been allowed to study per your command.

A tourney... a tourney...

It's nothing to worry about.

You've taught young Maha quite well.

Which is why I asked Bayan to suggest it.

The Emperor has no idea Maha is learned.

Well done.

I trust the tourney satisfies you?

As long as it is fair.

Maha has a fine mind.

You'll have to work at it.

Yes, quite so.

My Liege. What is it?

Kolta.

It's so strange.

I'm the one true emperor.

Why... why am I...

...so lonely?

My Liege.

It's worse than with El Temur.

Why am I so anxious?

So lonesome?

Why is this happening?

None dared challenge El Temur's power.

Now you're surrounded by people vying for it.

Is that it?

Think about it.

The only ones you can trust are Bayan and myself.

The Dowager, Lady Ki, they're all obsessed with power.

You're right.

Nyang...

Nyang was with me back then.

But no longer.

Lady Ki is the most danger...

Kolta.

Watch your words.

My Liege.

Move!

My Liege!

My Liege.

Enjoying your book?

Leave us.

Drinking again?

There was a time you thought to ignore me.

Think you can do that again?

My Liege.

Don't be coy.

My Liege.

Pine for ME!

Ache for my visits. Beg for MY favors!

No more smug looks.

It's over when I say.

Be grateful for what I've done for you.

Flirt and be grateful like some girl in a courtesan house?

If you're done with me... be done with me.

I'll never be done with you. No, never.

Now hold still!

You don't know my greatest fear.

That you'll be done with me.

People are so nasty, look at them.

Tal Tal is still looking for Wang Yu.

Head back to the capital.

If you were caring for Wang Yu, where would you go?

Who knows.

I couldn't stay here in Liaoyang.

Koryo?

Exactly. Koryo.

It's the only safe place once he's back on his feet.

Then he'll need safe passage...

Here.

Chonsudap Valley.

Then we'll wait for him there.

We're at the gate.

I made the arrangements. Don't worry.

Bow.

Sir, you know me.

Where's Yon Feisu?

The capital, sir.

I'm moving goods at her request.

May I ask what this is about?

Go.

What is it?

I have to go somewhere.

Stay here.

Blood...

Take it out.

Right.

It needs to be treated.

This is nothing.

Return to the gate.

Bang and the others will be looking.

Tell them we'll be waiting in Chonsudap Valley.

Right away.

Open it.

Don't kill him.

Kill me if you must.

But spare him.

Why do you want him to live?

He saved my life.

Is that all?

Help me to work for the good of Yuan.

If by help you mean Wang Yu...

I must decline.

The funds that help your people come from him.

El Temur's secret treasure is all gone.

Help me, Viceroy.

Where are you headed?

Across the border.

If they know he's alive they'll search to the ends of the earth.

Can you swear you will go to the mountains and never return?

Yes, I swear.

Wang Yu is dead. Remember that.

Your Worship, Lady Yon.

You know why I sent for you?

When the tourney starts and everyone is there...

...reveal that Maha is not Tanasiri's son.

Your Worship.

Scared?

When Ayu is named crown prince... you'll be released from service.

Truly?

You'll send me away?

You're from Koryo.

As am I.

We both know what life is like here for us.

Your Worship.

I'll protect you.

Just tell the truth.

Yes, Your Worship. I will.

Your Majesty.

It's so late...

It is. So why were you with Lady Ki?

Have mercy.

I will if you tell me. What did Lady Ki say?

Your Majesty.

One more book.

One more book...

and you'll die.

Tell me.

- Another book. - Your Majesty.

I'll tell...

- Release her. - Your Majesty.

Tell me.

The truth is...

Maha is not...

...Tanasiri's son.

She brought him in when she couldn't have one of her own.

Lady Ki wants me to tell.

I see.

No wonder she was so confident.

What about me?

You have to save me.

You have a man you meet now and then?

The old captain of the guard?

How did you...?

I'll release you from service before the tourney.

Your Majesty.

A little hitch in Lady Ki's plans.

Thank you.

Your Majesty.

Thank you, thank you.

Maha.

Never forget how your mother, your grandfather and your uncle died.

Remember the vengeance you will exact as emperor.

There's my sweetums.

I don't have long.

I have good news.

Good news? What?

I'm going to be released from service.

You are?

Yes. The Empress promised.

Yon Hwa.

My dreams have finally come true.

I will never be a servant again.

I know. I understand.

A huge house.

Servants calling me 'my lady' all day.

I don't know much, but that I can promise.

And a dozen kids, give or take?

It's like you read my mind.

And we'll be happy all of our lives?

Yes, Yon Hwa.

I could want nothing more.

You, our kids.

Living happily ever after.

The Empress's ring.

Sell it, buy us a house and wait.

I'll get us a house with or without this.

Pssh.

Thank you, Yon Hwa.

Your Majesty.

You've arranged to leave?

Yes, Your Majesty.

Before you leave...

...write something for me.

Write...?

Lady Ki's calumnies are the reason you're leaving after all.

Of course.

May I go now?

Yes. Farewell.

This should be enough to break Lady Ki for good.

No...

Lady Yon.

Get her down.

Sir.

Lady Yon.

Lady Yon, Yon Hwa, what happened?

Lady Yon.

Yon Hwa... Yon Hwa...

She killed herself?

They found her hanging this morning.

I promised to release her from service.

No one they asked knew about it.

The Empress must have found out.

Where is her body?

Dokman, perfect timing, I need...

Yon Hwa left a note blaming you.

She was a piece of work, but how could you?

You think she died because of me?

I helped you when you came to the palace.

I kept your pregnancy a secret.

Dokman.

I helped you because I couldn't bear to see Tanasiri's tyranny.

Now you're no better than her.

Watch it.

And if I were to stand with the Empress, reveal your secret...

what would you do?

Enough.

You wouldn't be here if you meant to do that.

Tell me what you are.

Are you fighting for what's right?

Or obsessed with greed?

It wasn't suicide. It was murder.

You'll see.

I'll reveal the truth.

And show them for what they are.

Lady Soh.

Where's Yon Hwa?

Yon Hwa... is...

My poor, poor girl.

Oh, Yon Hwa, Lady Yon.

Yon Hwa.

My Yon Hwa... What's this about?

What are you up to? Why are you doing this?

I got you a house, a nice big one.

How did... why...?

Yon Hwa!

Our whole lives were ahead.

Why?

Yon Hwa.

What are the three virtues of a retainer?

Integrity, prudence, diligence.

That's my boy.

Now finish the rest.

Father.

There's my Ayu.

Studying hard, I see?

Yes.

I haven't had a drop since that night.

How may I serve you?

I wanted a word about the investiture.

As you please.

Are you teaching him as a woman of Koryo?

You have to forget all that.

Ayu will annex Koryo if I cannot.

And that is how I want him taught.

Well?

As you say.

It's good to know the King is alive.

It is. Feisu is in love with him.

That animal?

I've seen it, I know.

Isn't that Yom the Scum?

And the Empress.

The Empress? What's she want with Yom?

From Lady Yon's letter, Lady Ki might as well have killed her herself.

I will avenge my lady.

It won't be easy alone.

Will you serve me?

Command me.

I'll walk through the fires of hell to kill Lady Ki.

You are aware the people praise her for providing famine relief?

Yes.

Water and oil cannot mix.

If we can skim the people of Koryo off the waters of Yuan...

Lady Ki will be finished.

Tell me how.

First we need help.

Spare me... mercy...

Burn it.

Why are you doing this? Please...!

You think you Yuan can suck the people of Koryo dry?

Koryo?

Things will change once Lady Ki's son is emperor.

Then Koryo will hold the capital monopoly.

You'll what...?

Fire!

Make the people of Yuan hate Koryo.

Scum! Filthy scum!

The day Maha is emperor, you Koryo scum will be gone.

Got it?

They're driving a wedge between Yuan and Koryo.

But to what end?

I know how to find out.

Another fight broke out between the Yuan and Koryo vendors.

Now all Maha has to do is die.

Die?

You never said anything about that.

The Emperor has as good as abandoned him.

Maha will be in the temple for the memorial service.

Don't let this chance slip by.

Do this and you'll have gold beyond the dreams of avarice.

Gold?

You're certain?

So he said.

The idea is to kill the prince and blame it on the people of Koryo?

Not just Lady Ki. Everyone from Koryo will pay.

I should go.

Not a word of this to anyone.

I'm leaving the capital tonight.

Lady Ki is the only one that can stop this.

He's her competition, her enemy.

That's why it must be stopped.

Poor Maha.

Your Majesty.

I told you no reading.

Let me see.

'Gentlemen of Virtue.'

Preparing for the tourney?

Little fool.

This is not your chance to be crown prince.

It's a formality for Ayu's investiture.

What have I done to displease you?

Tell me. I'll change it.

Maha, I wish you had never been born.

Your Highness.

No one knows Maha's secret.

It makes things difficult.

Your Worship, Lady Soh knows the secret.

She's no Lady Yon. She'll never talk.

A friend of the nun from the hermitage will be here in a few days.

Does this friend know about Maha?

I'm told they were close enough that it is very likely.

Another thing.

Maha is here now.

How dare you?

You broke the law.

Lighting incense for a traitor.

You're following me?

Does His Majesty know?

It was my idea.

If anyone is punished, it should be me.

How dare you?

For my mother.

Murdered by Tangqishi.

I was about your age when I lost her.

What's more, the man you know as uncle...

killed my father.

What is all this?

That is why I killed the people whose names are on those tablets.

That's enough.

Your Highness, I will not hurt you.

You are not of my enemy's house.

What's that even mean?

But know this.

The people you know as mother and grandfather...

The Dowager was involved in their deaths.

Lady Ki.

How long were you going to lie to him?

Silence.

I will reveal everything.

The prince's identity, who killed whom.

Who was behind it all.

I will reveal everything.

Your Majesty.

Have you been lying to me?

Forget it, she was rambling.

Your Majesty.

Don't listen to her.

Your Worship.

Bang.

Your Worship.

I have to speak with you.

Spare Maha.

What makes you say that?

Spare him?

Maha will die tonight.

You are the only one that can protect him.

Explain yourself.

Maha... poor Maha...

Bang.

Maha... is Star.

St... Star...

The child you thought was dead.

Your baby.

Impossible.

Star was...

Star lived. Maha is Star.

Your son.

Wang Yu's son.

That's impossible.

Maha has the three stars on his foot.

I saw them with my own eyes.

[Subtitles provided by MBC Translated by D. Bannon]