Original subtitles

Empress Ki

The Yuan provinces have had the same counterfeiting problem.

Our spies report as much.

El Temur is using the slavers to toy with his own economy as well.

If this gets out,

the provincial governors will rally to us.

Our first lead is this Hongga with the traders.

Any word from the men we sent to Liaoyang?

Hongga may be onto them. He doesn't go to the inn anymore.

General Tangqishi is leaving.

I may stay on a while.

You're a newlywed after all.

I'll talk to Father. Take your time.

We ride for Liaoyang.

Sire.

[Daidu, Capital of Yuan - Modern Beijing]

Are you all right?

Still not a word?

I'm afraid not.

My Liege, you need to try.

This is important to our future.

Give flowers to the girls I indicate.

Give the rest purses.

Those with flowers will stay.

Those with purses must go.

Do you understand?

My Liege, the consorts.

Nn...nnnn....

...N-Nyang...

Nyang.

Are you all right?

Her Imperial Majesty.

It's fine. Don't let it bother you.

What brings you here?

I plan to participate in the selection.

Inner Court rules forbid your involvement...

I'm aware of that.

But there is more need than ever for fairness.

My father insists.

You may take it up with him if you like.

It will be fair, have no fear.

Now hear me.

The selection will be made according to strict tests.

I will consult with the Empress on their nature.

Dokman.

Take them to their chambers.

Your Majesty.

This way, if you please.

What on earth made you come back?

My friends tried to help me.

And died for their trouble.

So?

You think you can avenge them?

If I can, I will.

You can't do it alone.

Haphazard vengeance just makes it worse.

Stop this now.

Letters from my friends to their loved ones.

I'm afraid, too.

So much so that I didn't want to come back.

But reading these,

I realized it's not just about me.

Others will be killed just as unfairly.

It will continue until someone from Koryo has influence in the palace.

Isn't that why you helped Lady Pak?

That was my duty as a servant of the Yuan.

I know how our suffering hurts you.

Would you deny the call of our people?

I don't ask for your help.

Just know I'm not here out of ambition.

Mother, it's me, Ki Ok.

I miss you.

So very, very much.

Nyang.

Find out where she is.

My Liege, you're talking...

Keep that between us for now.

Of course.

I have to see Nyang.

Send for her.

My Liege.

No one can know the Emperor is speaking.

You're alive.

...alive...

You know how upset I've been?

Like one dead.

Awake while asleep, starving while eating.

Let go.

No.

I'll never let you go again, never.

I didn't come back so you could maul me.

Then why do you want to be my consort?

To destroy El Temur and his clan.

You would use me to take revenge?

My vengeance is yours.

Help me and I will serve you.

You begged for my forgiveness.

This is your chance.

You've changed.

Anyone would, after what I've been through.

I'm sick of vengeance.

It must be done.

Enough. No more.

What is it now?

My Liege, Nyang must be betting back.

Do all you can.

Let me know if I can help.

And I will.

[ Liaoyang Province]

Not just traders.

Slavers, assassins, if there's money to be made.

The worst of the worst.

What did it say?

The traders need guards.

Guards?

Yes, Sire.

Sire, Sire.

I found Hongga and his cronies.

Where are they?

Ma'am, it's Hongga.

I told you to lie low.

My men are starving.

We need the vouchers.

You've already been exposed.

Then why haven't we been arrested?

What?

If you won't, Hoksu will.

Anyone that's anyone is here.

Hongga unloads counterfeit vouchers here.

Sire, Hongga just left tavern.

Follow him.

Wine. Give us a taste.

That's what taverns are for.

Don't be so stingy.

One little taste.

Sleazebag.

You're Hongga?

I'm with Eagle House.

Think you'll get away with this?

I asked if you're Hongga.

Yeah. So?

Where do they make the counterfeits?

So that's what you're after.

You think this is a joke?

Do you think I would tell you?

Oops.

Look for vouchers.

Sire.

Here.

Counterfeit.

But why did you kill Hongga?

He's just trash.

Our fight is with Eagle House.

When are they recruiting new guards?

In two days.

That's when we'll send them the corpses.

What criteria do you plan on using?

First we'll start with their charts.

Second...

Leave that to me.

Of course.

You're being awfully cooperative.

I put away many things in the temple.

A naive person would fall for that smile of yours.

Please. Do not be so quick to mistake sincerity.

If you do,

no one will join you.

Shall we leave the third round to the imperial college?

As you please.

Now if you'll excuse me.

Off you go.

She's as annoying as ever.

How many consorts will you be accepting?

Not a single one.

You'll see.

A camel has a better chance passing thru the eye of a needle.

She has quite a past.

Did you hear?

Is it true?

So I'm told. Trash.

You were a palace servant?

Looks like she was.

Don't you know your place?

Quit now before it gets ugly.

Not terribly bright, are you?

What? You saying we're ignorant?

Enough.

We're all in this together now.

Together?

This Koryo tramp? This servant?

Aren't you ashamed to be competing with that?

Her Imperial Majesty.

Aren't you all lovely?

Your hubris will get you all killed.

What are you doing here?

Are you deaf? I asked what you're doing here.

Baghatur Bayan sent her.

She's the candidate from Liaoyang?

I was surprised myself.

But each province has the right to choose, after all.

There will be three rounds of competition.

Traditionally, consorts must be born under lucky signs

to ensure the imperial line.

The first round will be based on your charts.

Where are the seers?

They aren't coming.

I sent for artists instead.

Artists?

The seers are all under your authority.

We wouldn't want anyone to get the wrong idea.

I see I wasn't thinking ahead.

The artists will be painting your portraits.

The seers will then make judgments based on your facial features.

Have fun.

Did you see her face?

I did.

She's plotting with the governors.

Sowing seeds is her specialty.

You told the seers to only choose the woofers?

Only the truly ugly ones.

I'm not jealous, you know.

Who could you possibly be jealous of?

Well, I can't argue with that.

Little Maha, gootchy-gootchy.

Goo-goo.

Using anonymous portraits?

How can we tell who's who?

My mother's secret signals won't do us any good now.

Try not to worry.

Sungnyang's chart is bound to be good.

My Liege, the first round is over.

Go on.

Seven of you have passed the first round.

From Yunnan, Lady Solhwa.

What the..?

Forget it. She put the ugh in ugly.

From Lingbei, Lady Uhi.

From Sichuan, Lady Molan.

From Shanxi, Lady Milang.

From Gansu, Lady Kiye.

From Jiangxi , Lady Jilan.

And finally.

From Liaoyang, Lady Ki Nyang.

That tramp?

What happened? They're supposed to be mutts.

They look ugly to me.

The seers are judging on facial features.

The Empress is overseeing the selection.

I don't like it either.

We need a sign.

A sign.

Tell the Dowager we need ornamental hairpins.

We must be prepared for the unexpected.

I'll tell her.

My Liege.

You can relax.

The first round went well.

And Bayan's nominee?

She passed, of course.

Bayan tells me she saved your life in Koryo?

Is that true?

She's a wonder.

We wouldn't have taken the first round...

if not for her advice.

Listen, this isn't about getting a few more consorts.

It is to strengthen your position.

Take that to heart.

He collapsed from too much drink.

And this mute routine?

He lost the will to talk.

Leave us.

Sir.

Stupid cripple.

Just as well.

This is the first step to forcing him to abdicate.

Isn't that a bit sudden?

You think I'll live forever?

This girly competition is to give us hostages against the abdication.

You talk to the Empress.

Yes, Father.

Why are you keeping this from your mother?

I'll tell her later.

I'm eager to know what the second round will be.

It will be appropriate, rest assured.

Did you hear about Hwanggak?

What about it?

The hermitage where you stayed burned down with everyone in it.

Hadn't you heard?

Who would do such a thing?

We don't know that.

But the heavens will repay.

Buddha be praised.

Was that old fox testing me?

Easy now.

She can't possibly know what happened.

She was treated for fertility?

Yes. So the imperial physician indicted.

You're still suspicious?

Conduct a discreet investigation.

From the look on her face,

she was involved somehow.

Yes, Your Majesty.

Sire.

I'll go to Eagle House.

Can you do it alone?

I doubt they'll be much competition.

Don't underestimate them.

One mistake can kill you.

My life is yours to command.

Anyone else?

Step right up!

He's quite a man.

I doubt there's anyone to match him.

I'll give it a whirl.

Who are you?

I was walking by and smelled the blood.

Fair enough. Go ahead.

Looks like we found our man.

What's your name?

Choe. From Koryo.

Come closer.

I like you. We'll drink on it.

That was easy.

Royal guards, I'm tellin' ya.

That's Hoksu?

Yes. A real brooder, they say.

And the one with him?

He's not from Liaoyang.

Sire. They're here.

Sir. They were attacked.

Bandits, you think?

None of the locals would dare.

We're the only ones that know which are counterfeits.

They'll use them.

Keep your eyes open.

Yes, sir.

Who would dare?

The second round.

We will test your taste and refinement.

Bring me the finest food in the palace.

You have two hours.

You will mark the time.

Your Majesty.

Two hours.

Any later... and you will be eliminated.

Begin.

Where is the kitchen?

These ladies have been assigned to assist you.

- Go on. - This way.

Where you headed?

To the kitchens, my lady.

There is no room.

For you... that is.

My lady, the contest...

That's enough out of you.

What? Too harsh?

Not nearly harsh enough, I'd say.

Stand aside.

Or what?

I'm a court lady now.

'My ladyship.'

Kitchen. Now.

Go ahead. Take a swing.

I have Her Majesty's favor.

See what it gets you.

A consort?

Talk about full of yourself.

I'll lop off ten fingers the day you're a consort.

I'll remember that.

You'll need a kitchen first.

Good luck with that.

What can we do now?

Hongdan, hurry.

There's nothing here and the time is almost up.

Time.

Disqualify the absentee and get started.

Begin.

Your Majesty.

- Today... - Wait.

Pardon my tardy arrival.

Take your place.

Today the Empress Dowager and the Empress...

will be the judges.

As will His Imperial Majesty.

As you say.

Explain your food selection and the reason behind it.

You first.

Mushrooms, barley and beans in soft rice.

To ease stomach complaints.

An excellent food for health and longevity.

Next, Lady Molan.

Duck and mountain ginseng.

To restore and maintain one's strength.

Beef and pine mushrooms.

Shark fins.

Lady Solhwa.

Some thirty delicacies sauteed in wine.

Just as each of our ten provinces is unique in its own way...

each ingredient contributes its part...

and so strengthens the whole.

And finally...

Lady Ki.

What's that?

Salt.

Salt?

Each dish here contains salt.

Just as salt preserves our food...

the Yuan people look to the Emperor to preserve their nation.

My Liege, as all food needs salt...

your people need their Emperor.

Silence. Talk isn't actual cooking.

Still, she has a point.

I said to bring the finest food in the palace.

Salt is food.

She didn't even try. Or care.

You call that food?

A little salt and fancy talk is a fail.

Empress.

This is my round.

If you ignore that...

the selection ends here.

Your Majesty.

Are you ready?

Yes, per your instructions, we've set an impossible question.

Come in.

They will be your guards until the contest is over.

Your Majesty.

You will not talk to anyone or leave here without permission.

Clear?

Yes.

This will be fun.

Will it be that hard?

So Her Majesty has ordered.

My mother was supposed to be prepared.

Sungnyang can't possibly do it.

She failed the second round.

She's quite clever.

Be that as it may, this would be tough for a scholar.

Now for the third round.

The picture in front of you contains a profound message.

Explain what is and why.

Begin.

What does it mean?

A reign of peace and prosperity?

Peace.

And prosperity.

Surely it can't be that easy.

What then?

What is the picture saying?

That was easier than I thought.

No kidding.

Dimwit is taking her time.

It's the Koryo rice. They're all slow.

She's brighter than that.

A house, a cow, rice on the hearth.

The bodhisattva is well-dressed and smiling.

'Peace and prosperity.'

That's not it.

It's not?

Dokman, what's taking so long?

The time is almost up.

We need your answer.

The ladies making dinner.

The Goddess of Mercy smiling.

Wait...

I've seen this before.

Careless of next year's hunger, I sold the cow for taxes.

And chopped the doors for fuel.

'The Sigh of a Peasant Woman.'

Welcome back, sir.

Anything to report.

Something.

Something?

Sungnyang is alive and competing to be a consort.

What? Sungnyang is alive?

Sungnyang?

From which province exactly?

Welcome. How was Koryo?

Why did you submit Sungnyang for Liaoyang?

My niece has some skin trouble.

And the Emperor seems to like her.

Bayan.

Have you lost your mind?

Not that I've noticed.

But you, on the other hand...

What? Being governor has gone to your head.

It's not clear if she'll make it or not.

Why are you so against it?

She and Jokho found the Blood Vow.

It's a dagger pointed at my father's heart.

They did that to help Wang Yu regain his throne.

You believe that?

She asked me to tell you something.

She won't tell anyone about Lady Pak's death.

I guess you were in on it...

from your reaction.

Silence!

Whether I remain silent depends on you.

Sungnyang will keep your secret.

But me? Who knows?

But what's past is past.

There's no need for you to get all uppity.

No, don't get up.

How is the selection going?

Not good. Nyang failed the second round.

If she isn't a consort there's no need for me to stay on as a eunuch.

No word on the third round?

I suspect she missed that one, too.

They all answered 'A reign of peace and prosperity.'

All except Lady Ki, that is.

My Liege, we would like to hear her explanation...

before making a decision.

Lady Ki.

Step forward.

Please explain your answer.

In the painting there is no wood stored for the fire.

Instead they are using wood from the house.

And selling their only cow.

'Careless of next year's hunger, I sold the cow for taxes.'

'And chopped the doors for fuel.'

'The Sigh of a Peasant Woman' by Su Tungpo.

My Liege, of the seven answers, only this one is perfect.

Full marks.

We will assess the seers' assessments, the Empress's test...

and the scholars' grades.

You are dismissed until we reach a decision.

Your Majesty.

Follow me, if you please.

The traders are here.

Tell them I'm coming.

Yes, ma'am.

Get the trading information.

Sire.

Bang, tomorrow we go to the provincial office.

Sire... Bayan isn't there.

Where is he?

In Daidu for the consort selection.

Consort?

You...

Batolu?

Can you tell us what they decided?

Only the Emperor knows that.

If he gives you a purse, you're out.

A flower, you're in.

You failed the second round.

Good luck with that.

Each of you will step up to His Majesty.

Isn't he going to pick anyone?

[Subtitles provided by MBC Translated by D. Bannon]

[Next on Empress Ki]

Congratulations, Your Grace.

Your Grace.

Now we'll see what we will see.

Who knew the Empress had this much power?

To disqualify all of them.

Get the Emperor to abdicate.

You want the throne?

It goes one of two ways with El Temur.

Be destroyed. Or grovel.

I'm pleased you're here. But not like this.

I cannot help you.

Tonight you consummate her position.

Prepare the staff.

It's my own fault I have to look at the tramp.

You asked for it, Your Gracelessness.

You want a war?

You got it.