Original subtitles

Do you know

whose son Maha really is?

-Let go. -He is the son

of Wang Yu and Seung-nyang.

That cannot be.

Ask Court Lady Seo. She will tell you the truth.

You never once were...

the one...

whom Seung-nyang's heart belongs to.

You poor bastard.

No!

No!

No!

No.

Your Imperial Majesty!

Wang Yu.

Seung-nyang.

You will die at the hands of the Emperor.

He knows

you and Wang Yu's secret...

Welcome back.

I am not to be disturbed today. I wish to be left alone.

Your Imperial Majesty.

I would like

a word with you.

I am...

too tired today.

If...

this is about Wang Yu...

Wang Yu...

saved our lives.

I will not forget his service.

I am just...

glad you are okay.

Return to your chamber and get some rest.

Maha is Wang Yu and Yang's son?

It cannot be.

It is impossible.

Your Imperial Majesty,

did something happen?

I said I want to be alone.

You do not look well.

-I will call the physician-- -Get out.

Yes, Your Imperial Majesty.

Wait, Golta.

See if you can find Court Lady Seo.

-I will bring her here. -No.

I will meet her outside the Palace.

No one is to know that I am meeting her.

Do you understand?

Yes, Your Imperial Majesty.

If it is true,

I should keep anyone else from finding out

no matter what.

Then you knew...

Wang Yu...

was still alive?

I...

let him go.

His reason...

for helping the Yuan dynasty--

He wants his throne back.

He saved you and His Imperial Majesty from Dang Gise.

I believe that his service is enough

to justify his return to the throne.

Your Imperial Majesty. Court Lady Seo is here.

Golta.

Leave us.

Do not linger nearby.

Stand far back.

Far, far back.

Yes, Your Imperial Majesty.

I have

a question for you.

Is Maha truly Wang Yu and Imperial Noble Consort Ki's son?

Did you meet General Dang Gise?

Answer my question.

Yes, Your Imperial Majesty.

It is true.

Wang Yu seems to have found out

only recently.

He was heartbroken over it.

Your Imperial Majesty?

How did Tanashilli

bring Maha to the Palace as her son?

Well...

She found Maha

on the day Concubine Park died.

Do you know why I have returned to the Imperial Palace?

Surviving alone

would be shameless of me.

I want to apologize to the people

who died because of me.

That is why I am back.

I see.

She came back to me in grief after losing her child.

Your Imperial Majesty?

Does anyone else know about this except for you, Dang Gise,

Wang Yu, and his men?

-No one else knows. -Is that so?

Only those you have mentioned know the secret.

I have something to tell you.

Come closer.

Your Imperial Majesty.

Closer.

If I may.

You should never tell...

anyone else about this.

Understood, Your Imperial Majesty.

Even after...

you die.

Your Imperial Majesty.

What did I do to deserve...

You are not the only one to die.

I will kill everyone who knows about it.

Everyone.

Even Wang Yu.

Who sent all these?

Leave us.

The leader of the Eagle House

sent these chests to you.

The leader of the Eagle House?

-Why? -There is a note

that came with the chests.

I have the means to save this Empire from the wicked Imperial Noble Consort.

Go to Seoneop Temple, and you will learn how I will do so.

Your Highness, I trust you have been well.

Are you the leader of the Eagle House?

I am here on the leader's command.

I will get straight to the point.

How will you get rid of Imperial Noble Consort Ki?

The plan is simple.

If we oust the Emperor,

we will no longer be obligated to keep Imperial Noble Consort Ki in her position.

Are you suggesting treason?

Explain in detail.

The late Dang Gise had an idea

of enthroning a new emperor.

I suggest Your Highness

carry out his plan.

A new emperor?

Who do you have in mind?

We will enthrone Balracheopmoka.

Balra?

Yes. Give us your blessing,

and we will persuade Balra to join us.

His Imperial Majesty is alive.

It is treason.

Do not worry about that.

Just like candlelight that gradually becomes dimmer,

he will grow feeble and end up dying.

-What do you mean? -Trust us.

Everything will work out...

according to our plan.

I learned a recipe and brewed this myself.

Please drink it and have a good night's sleep.

Your medicine always works best for me.

It will put your mind at ease

and help you fall asleep.

You have finally

become addicted to my medicine, Your Imperial Majesty.

The leader of the Eagle House must be somewhere close.

We have to identify him as soon as possible.

Suri has infiltrated the Eagle House. We will hear from him soon.

Your Majesty.

You are needed at the Palace.

-Is that good or bad? -Your throne has been restored.

It is very good news indeed.

What?

Your Majesty.

Congratulations, Your Majesty.

Congratulations, Your Majesty.

Your Imperial Majesty.

Wang Yu has arrived.

Give this...

to Wang Yu.

How about holding an assembly?

The coronation of the new Empress is tomorrow.

We will leave out the complicated process.

Why did you not tell me that Maha died?

Wang Yu was going to

take Prince Maha to Goryeo.

Wang Yu knew...

Maha was...

his son?

Yes.

He did not want to

trouble you with the fact that he knows.

This is His Imperial Majesty's permit...

for your return to the throne.

Before you return to Goryeo,

please promise me...

one thing.

What is it?

Do not let your people

suffer what we have suffered.

I was able to see reality

only after I came here.

I realized that a nation that cannot protect its own people...

and does not care for...

its people who were sent far away from home

serves no purpose

and is guilty of being irresponsible.

I am to blame...

for everything.

It is not one man's fault.

And one man is not capable of

restoring a nation in decline.

There are many officials here

who wish to incorporate Goryeo into the Empire as one of its provinces.

Also,

many still want tribute women from Goryeo.

I will do what I can here

to stop them.

You must make

Goryeo strong.

That is why I helped you restore your throne.

I believe...

you are fully capable of

making Goryeo strong.

-I have returned, Your Imperial Majesty. -You delivered my message

to the Councilman?

I did.

May I ask...

why you are mobilizing the army?

After the coronation of the Empress,

I will have Wang Yu killed.

Pretend you know nothing.

Yes, Your Imperial Majesty.

The King of Goryeo has left Yeongyeong.

Her Imperial Majesty is entering.

-Long live Emperor Hwijong! -Long live Empress Ki!

-Long live Emperor Hwijong! -Long live Empress Ki!

-Long live Emperor Hwijong! -Long live Empress Ki!

-Long live Emperor Hwijong! -Long live Empress Ki!

-Long live Emperor Hwijong! -Long live Empress Ki!

-Long live Emperor Hwijong! -Long live Empress Ki!

-Long live Emperor Hwijong! -Long live Empress Ki!

-Long live Emperor Hwijong! -Long live Empress Ki!

-Long live Emperor Hwijong! -Long live Empress Ki!

-Long live Emperor Hwijong! -Long live Empress Ki!

-Long live Emperor Hwijong! -Long live Empress Ki!

All of you, leave.

-Please calm down, Your Highness. -How can I?

That lowly Goryeo girl has become the Empress.

The Empire is going to the dogs!

How can I possibly deal with this rage boiling inside me?

-Your Highness. -The Emperor

will pay for this someday.

He should not blame me when it happens.

He is to blame

for being blinded

by that lowly Goryeo girl.

We will leave you to your work here.

Is it true that after you return to Goryeo

Jeom-bak will become the commander of the Kheshig?

I cannot believe that an ignoramus like me

is going to command Goryeo's Royal Guard.

I will be making my family proud for generations to come.

What about you, Mu-song?

Show him some respect.

He will now become

the superintendent of the Ministry of War in Goryeo.

The superintendent?

-Will you be the supreme commander? -So it appears.

Wrap things up and return to Goryeo.

-Yes, Your Majesty. -Yes, Your Majesty.

As soon as we identify the leader of the Eagle house,

we will let Her Grace...

I mean, we will let Her Imperial Majesty know and follow you soon.

Thank you for everything.

You have done so much.

You should get going, Your Majesty.

I feel like...

I am dreaming.

You are not dreaming.

You are indeed

the Empress of this Empire.

I have waited for this day

for a long time.

Today is the happiest day

of our lives.

Your Imperial Majesty.

Do not resent me for this.

I am only doing it

to keep you safe.

Did you send word to Yoyang Province?

Yes, Your Imperial Majesty.

There is no time to waste.

We will ride day and night without stopping.

-We will obey. -We will obey.

Your Imperial Majesty.

What are these soldiers for?

Pretend you have not seen this.

How can I do that

when you are going away with a troop of soldiers?

-Grand Councillor. -Are you planning

to kill Wang Yu?

You cannot.

Stand aside.

You have already approved his reinstatement.

-If you kill the King of Goryeo-- -If I do not kill him...

the Empress will die.

What do you mean?

Only his silence

can ensure her life.

Please explain more clearly.

Just know that...

this is for her own good.

Greetings, Leader.

-Greetings, Leader. -Greetings, Leader.

Soon, the Emperor will kill

Wang Yu who has been posing as me.

What?

Are you sure that he was the one who posed as you?

How would have he gotten all the grain otherwise?

Wang Yu stole a third of the assets we own.

The Emperor will be carrying out our revenge for us.

It is good news for us.

Wake up.

Now is no time to sleep.

What is it now?

We got word from Suri just now.

The Emperor has left with an army to kill His Majesty.

Your Majesty.

We have got to let him know. Hurry.

Let us get going.

Byul.

Byul.

Byul.

-Your Majesty. -Seung-nyang.

Mother.

Father is going to teach me how to fight

and how to ride a horse.

I could not take care of him in this life.

I will look after him now.

Your Majesty.

Do you still...

resent me?

I would not have made it this far

without your help.

You will be able to overcome any hardship

without my help from now on.

Even though this is where we part,

I have no regrets at all...

for I...

truly loved you.

These are...

my last words

to you.

What...

are you saying?

What do you mean, "my last words"?

Your Majesty...

Your Majesty.

Your Majesty.

Your Imperial Majesty,

Wang Yu's life is in danger.

Your Imperial Majesty,

you cannot kill Wang Yu.

Wang Yu,

please get away.

You have to get out of Yuan territory.

This is strange.

I do not see anyone at the gate.

Hey!

Open the gate!

This is the King of Goryeo!

Open the gate!

What the...

Your Majesty.

The Emperor has come.

What are you doing?

It is time

for you to die.

We will have to break through. There is no other way.

I will hold off those scums holding bows.

We will break through together.

Your Majesty,

you do not need to worry about us.

Jeom-bak can hold the archers off

while I clear a path.

I cannot sacrifice you two.

You have to stay alive

and make it to Goryeo.

Do not die.

That is an order.

Your Majesty,

thank you for giving a lowly man like me

a chance to serve you.

Jeom-bak.

I leave them to you.

You scums.

I am

the commander of Goryeo's Royal Guard.

Come on.

I will beat you all!

Jeom-bak!

You will need more than this to strike me down!

Now. Follow me, Your Majesty!

I am the commander of Goryeo's Royal Guard!

-Jeom-bak. -Jeom-bak!

Mother.

Your Majesty!

-Mu-song. -Your Majesty.

Do not die.

You cannot die.

Forgive me.

I should have...

protected you...

until the end...

Mu-song.

Mu-song!

Why are you doing this?

I know whose son...

Maha is.

If I leave you alive,

Yang will die.

You must die...

for her to live.

Pick up your sword.

Kill me.

Pick up your sword

and fight until the end.

Seung-nyang has saved you

countless times.

And you?

What have you done for her?

Silence.

You say you love her?

If you love her,

kill me and prove...

I...

I...

I will die for Seung-nyang.

Never...

hurt her again.

Does she mean that much to you?

Do you love her to the point

where you will willingly

give up your life?

I will always

protect Seung-nyang

even after my death.

Seung-nyang.

Seung-nyang.

Seung-nyang...

Jeom-bak.

How could this happen?

-Mu-song. My poor friend. -Your Majesty.

How could you leave us like this?

What will I do now?

What will I do without you, Your Majesty?

Your Majesty.

Your Imperial Majesty.

Your Imperial Majesty.

They met such terrible ends, Your Imperial Majesty.

Your Majesty.

Your Majesty.

There is no one in the world

who can blame you.

Not...

even me.

Do not feel sorry for me.

Do not cry...

and hold to your path.

As will I.

I will not look back

or suffer.

I will not regret the past

and hold to my path.

This is all my fault.

I am to blame.

Why did you have to end up like this?

Your Majesty.

Please forget everything that has happened between us...

and rest in peace.

Please do not...

bring any memories of me with you to your next life.

But I will remember you.

In my next life...

and the next...

I will repay you...

for all you did for me.

Your Majesty.

Your Majesty.

Your Majesty!

May I

have a word with you?

Leave us.

Where are you going?

-I am going to His Imperial Majesty. -Please do not.

Why are you stopping me?

I do not want the incident to drive a wedge between the two of you.

The Empire is already in turmoil with riots here and there.

You falling out with His Imperial Majesty

is as serious a problem as political discord.

At the least, I should find out why he killed Wang Yu.

His Imperial Majesty said that it was to save you.

He did?

What does he mean by that?

I should ask you that question.

Why did Wang Yu have to die for you to live?

Is there

a secret

that no one should find out?

Seung-nyang.

You will die at the hands of the Emperor.

He knows

you and Wang Yu's secret...

His Imperial Majesty

must have found out about Maha.

Do not tell me

if it will get you into trouble.

But...

please know this.

His Imperial Majesty wanted to protect you.

So...

do not antagonize him.

I am asking you

as the Grand Councillor of the Empire.

Why...

did it have to be that way?

Why...

could you not tell me?

It must have broken your heart.

Were you planning on

bearing all the pain alone?

Yang.

No.

Yang.

Yang.

Your Imperial Majesty.

Yang?

Yang.

What is it that troubles you so much...

that you cannot even sleep?

Nothing.

I have not been...

feeling well.

You called my name in your sleep.

Yes.

I guess

I missed you greatly even in my dream.

Why are you being like this

all of a sudden?

I want to stay like this...

just for a moment.

Is there something you want to say?

I will...

tell you later...

when we grow old and gray.

You are telling me

to live a long life.

Yes, Your Imperial Majesty.

Sure.

I will.

Golta.

When the headache hits,

he cannot last a day without my medicine.

He will be confused.

At times, he will not even remember anything.

It is such a bother to wait.

Why not just poison him to death now?

I have

much use for him before killing him off.

Are you going to

manipulate the Emperor?

He is addicted to my medicine. He will believe everything I say.

Then, the toxicity of the medicine will build up inside his body

to a point where it slowly kills him.

I see. That way it will look like he died from an illness, not poison.

I will be free from suspicion.

When he is dead

and your new emperor is crowned,

the world will be ours.

It has been too long, Your Highness.

-Have you been well, Prince Taegong? -Yes, Your Highness.

I never thought Your Highness would support me.

Do not be mistaken.

When you become the emperor, I will use you as my puppet.

We understand you were close to Grand Councillor Baekan before he died.

We saw eye to eye on things.

Many of those in power

are still loyal to him.

You should start contacting them.

Are you telling me to convince them to take my side?

The Eagle House will provide all the funds you need.

Do not worry about money and win them over to your side.

Once you win them over to our side,

have them submit petitions to His Imperial Majesty.

Even if they submit petitions,

I doubt the Emperor will place his seal on them.

Do not worry. You can leave the Emperor to us.

I can see

we are a good fit, Your Highness.

Your Imperial Majesty.

Here are the petitions you asked for.

Bring them over.

Your Imperial Majesty, does your head hurt again?

You have overworked lately. You need to rest.

No. I am fine.

I cannot put off today's work.

Your Imperial Majesty.

What took you so long?

Here, bring it to me. Quickly.

You can go now, Chief Eunuch.

Yes, Your Imperial Majesty.

If you please.

Are you feeling better now?

Yes.

Your Imperial Majesty.

Now

our people will be in the key government positions.

Will the Emperor not find it strange later?

I told you he will not remember.

He will not remember if he slept nor if he placed his seal.

-Golta. -Your Imperial Majesty.

-Do you need anything? -Well, Golta.

Where are the petitions?

You have already dealt with them

and told me to send them to each department.

What shall I do with the hunting trip?

What...

What are you talking about?

Did you not say you will go for hunting?

Oh, right.

-Never mind that. -Yes, Your Imperial Majesty.

Golta, I am not myself these days.

I cannot seem to remember anything.

You have rarely let yourself rest lately.

You are simply too tired.

Is this the mask the leader of the Eagle House wear?

His Majesty

used to wear this to trick them.

May I ask why you are interested in the Eagle House?

They acquired their wealth illegally.

It will be confiscated.

It will help the Empire's economy.

Tell me.

How did you learn that Wang Yu

was in danger?

We have planted a spy in the Eagle House.

He heard it from the leader.

Did he hear that

directly from the leader?

Yes, Your Imperial Majesty.

Why does that surprise you?

He is...

right under our noses.

What do you mean?

Very few people knew

that His Imperial Majesty meant to harm Wang Yu.

Then...

If he knew about it beforehand...

What is it this time?

-Greetings, Leader. -Greetings, Leader.

-Greetings, Leader. -Greetings, Leader.

Sir, why have you...

There is an imposter!

Which one on you is an imposter?

Who are you?

He is the real leader.

I asked who you are.

What...

Empress Ki.

"Empress Ki"?

You...

know me well.

Who are you?

Your Imperial Majesty, how are you feeling?

I feel fine, as you can see.

-You may leave. -Your Imperial Majesty.

I forgot about your lust for power for a moment.

I want you to meet the military officials yourself.

Empress, let us see who dies first.

Your Imperial Majesty. When we are ready to start the new world,

I will send you on your way.

Subtitle translation by Min-jin Kim