Original subtitles

Empress Ki

That Pak tramp got herself knocked up.

Give her this.

Poison?

Why so surprised?

Are you scared?

Only that it may put you in a bad position.

You don't have to worry about that.

This is laurel extract.

It is fatal to the child only?

Quite so.

Do this for me and I will prepare the papers...

for you to live outside the palace.

But any mistakes...

and you'll leave here a corpse.

Understood?

Yes, Your Majesty.

Episode 11

Nasty. She's Tangqishi's sister all right.

What was she doing there?

She's not...

working for the Empress?

Sungnyang is a girl?

That can't be.

She's a better archer, a better rider.

Me, losing to a girl?

Then again dress Sungnyang up as a girl...

Nice.

Very nice.

It's cold, My Liege.

Shall we go in?

You.

I can't think for all your nagging.

My Liege, if you catch cold...

I want to be alone.

Don't follow me.

I swear, yak-yak-yak.

What did I just say?

Don't follow me.

My Liege, it's not...

Do as you're told...

while I'm in a good mood.

Sire.

You want to see your own people dead?

That's not my concern.

Some of them are your friends.

I have no friends.

You're kidding yourself.

This is killing me.

Inside.

Now I can think about Sungnyang all I want.

I miss you.

Where are you?

Who are you missing?

My Liege.

I asked you a question.

Who has you pining away like this?

Why don't you answer?

Is it some guy or other?

Not at all.

My Liege.

My Liege.

If you'll excuse me.

Were you coming to see her?

How goes the search for Sungnyang in Koryo?

We only sent the notice a few days ago.

You're not yourself this morning.

You're right. I didn't sleep well.

You didn't? Is something on your mind?

Not really.

Your Majesty, Lady Pak.

Your Majesty, good morning.

I'll leave you. Enjoy your chat.

So soon?

Why not take a walk with Lady Pak here?

It would be good for the baby.

Not to mention hearing its father's voice.

Fine.

I can walk alone. I know how busy you are.

You have a good heart.

I would have had nothing to say if you complained that I was being unfeeling.

Not at all, Sire.

What is it?

My lady.

Is it something you ate?

It's just morning sickness.

Morning...?

It's quite common during pregnancy.

Nothing to worry about.

I see.

You're sure she's taking the powder?

I'll make sure.

I want to see it with my own eyes.

Have the tramp come to my room.

Yes, Your Majesty.

Don't blame me.

The Emperor made me like this.

It was his doing.

Lady Pak.

Your Majesty.

You sent for me?

A few nights ago I dreamed these fish leapt out of their tank and into my arms.

A dream of conception.

Not mine. Yours.

Your pardon.

Try not to worry.

It's not good for the baby.

After it's born it will call me 'Mother,' not you.

So we should be friends.

You honor me.

It's not just your child.

If there are any complications, you will answer to me.

Of course.

So perhaps once a day we can have a little chat over sweets?

How could I refuse?

And to remove all unnecessary doubt...

your own staff will prepare the food.

Of course.

That will be all.

Yes, Your Majesty.

You must prepare the food.

Do you follow?

Do you think she knows?

She's having me make the food. I doubt it.

That's a relief.

But this is serious.

She will be checking to see you take the laurel powder.

Why don't we just tell the Queen Dowager?

Without evidence you could be accused of framing her.

I see.

What should we do?

I'll figure something out.

Thank you, Nyang.

Don't thank me.

You overlooked my crime. It's the least I could do.

Some wheat flour, rice flour.

Work in rice wine and honey.

And top with sesame oil.

Where's the oil?

In the cupboard.

I'll get it.

Here.

You mix it.

More flour?

Just a little more.

Always best to have extra.

You want some too?

Why not? We'll sneak a few for ourselves.

Yummy, huh? Good for us.

She put them in the Koryo sweets?

Yes. I saw it with my own eyes.

Everything ready?

Yes, Your Majesty.

It looks tasty.

What is it?

Koryo sweets.

Koryo sweets?

Let's try it.

You first.

Laurel extract has no effect if you are not with child.

Other than a need to urinate.

Urinate?

Nothing else.

You may eat with confidence.

Do you like them?

They're interesting.

Bring them with you each day.

Yes, Your Majesty.

Go on. Enjoy.

The powder is in the ones with pine nuts.

Our spies are coming back.

Open the gates.

Open up!

I hope Bang and Jombak are all right.

Don't eat them both, you pig.

Don't be so grabby.

Listen up.

Here I'm heaven, you're mud. I'm a phoenix, you're a dung fly.

See?

So, you think they bought it?

- One slip and we're done. - Shh.

Eat at least a tiny bit.

Full without eating, warm without clothes, that is the Tao.

Where's General Batolu anyway?

I repeat.

No Batolu, and his holiness here won't say a word.

This is General Batolu.

Huh?

This girl is Batolu?

Am I supposed to buy that?

Now knock it off and go get Batolu.

Enough!

Your holiness!

Watch your mouth.

I recognized you earlier.

I waited till you revealed yourself.

Thank you for your trust.

You've seen me.

Earn my trust. Or die.

Well then.

How shall we earn your trust?

Your tactics are already impeccable.

Using drums and gongs to disturb the enemy's sleep.

That's it?

Kill them.

The tired ones...

...are not just soldiers.

Surprised?

Ah, does Bayan know?

Relax.

Only I know your true intent.

They have fortified their flanks.

A frontal attack is our only option.

What time?

In two days.

We'll attack at dawn after they retreat.

Two days. Dawn.

You serve as a decoy for Batulo and his troops.

While Tal Tal and I take the camp.

Even if they ride out, taking the camp won't be easy.

Relax. I have a plan.

What plan is that?

Never you mind.

We're here to plan our victory.

Part of which includes you not knowing.

We attack in two days at dawn.

Not much time.

We'll hear from Bang tonight.

Send him word.

I will.

What are they up to?

Send who what?

General Yom!

Hurry. General Bayan wants you.

Keep an eye on them.

Why now?

I always trust my gut.

They're up to something.

What?

Well...

Anyway, it's something. So watch them.

'Send?' What is he sending and to whom?

I didn't catch that part.

But I don't like that Bang and Jombak are both gone.

I thought they were killed.

You believe that?

You think he's working with the Turks?

If we don't see Ho tonight...

then yes, I'm sure of it.

Filthy Turks.

Scum!

Look.

Just as I thought. No Ho.

Where's your man Ho?

Why?

Where is he?

Looking for me?

I was making torches.

What is it you wanted?

Are the torches ready?

Yes. All twelve.

Yom.

Be sure next time.

Strange. I was so sure.

There you are.

Did anyone leave the camp?

No, not that I saw.

Moron.

No more of this foolishness.

I know they said they're sending something.

Light them.

The torches.

...1, 2, 3, 4, 5...

Twelve.

A frontal attack.

When?

Douse two torches.

They doused two.

In two days.

Now douse three more.

...1, 2, 3...

They attack at 4 o'clock in two days.

Will Bang understand?

He has to.

If this is going to work.

Right.

Do you have a brother named Sungnyang?

No.

If it is Sungnyang, that was his chance.

Is he still mad about that king of his?

My Liege, more hot water?

M-my Liege... My Liege!

Any word from Koryo about Sungnyang?

Your pardon.

What's taking so long?

We should have heard by now.

There must be a reason.

I'll look into it...

Never mind.

Gosh. I guess I'll have to find out myself.

Have Nyang bring me a snack.

I'll personally ask her.

Why won't you look at me?

You don't like being here with me?

It is not my place to look at Your Majesty.

Is that the only reason?

Lift your head.

I command you. I said lift your head.

Oh, never mind.

What has me acting this way?

If that is all, I'll be going.

Fine. Go.

Why didn't you say something?

You said you were going to find out.

It's not that easy.

She's just a maid.

Just a maid?

Watch your mouth.

My Liege.

I can't be sure if she's Sungnyang or not.

I don't like the look in his eyes.

Ugh. It will make it worse if he recognizes me.

Nyang.

Where were you?

The Empress wants you. You're not in trouble, are you?

Who knows?

Perfect.

Lady Pak just loved your Koryo sweets.

And what you promised me?

After the tramp loses her brat.

Don't worry.

It may be sooner than you think.

When the extract builds up enough,

she'll need a tonic for morning sickness.

A tonic?

Licorice helps morning sickness.

It doubles the effects of laurel.

Until then make sure she knows nothing. Doubly sure.

I will.

What is she doing here?

Is she...

I saw a maid leaving.

Is she the one helping us?

Yes. And it's going quite well.

Why the long face?

Is something wrong?

Nothing.

She ate the powder?

Naturally.

I watched her eat it with my own eyes.

Sungnyang would never help us.

Oh my goodness!

You're Yonhwa?

Yes, sir.

I'll be in the archives.

Join me there.

You know who I am?

Who doesn't?

The brother of the Empress...

What is your fondest wish?

To get out of here. To work in the palace.

Small change. Why not a lady-in-waiting?

Is that even possible?

Do as I ask and you can be that and more.

Anything. Command me.

My life is yours.

See that Lady Pak eats that.

This is my chance.

What has bowing and scraping gotten me?

I hold fortune in my hands.

Why dumpling stew?

So pregnant women are supposed to crave random foods?

If you're curious, get knocked up and find out.

Don't be stupid. Are you trying to get me killed?

- Nyang, the laundry done? - Yeah.

- What's this? - Oh.

We're making dumplings for her ladyship.

Want some help?

Anytime, you kidding?

You are not allowed here.

No one other than the Emperor is allowed in the Pavilion of Women.

I lost my way after calling on my sister.

People make mistakes.

What a grouch.

It will get cold.

I was hungry earlier. But now...

Think of the child.

She's right.

You must think of the baby.

If it is a prince...

your life and life at the palace will change forever.

Try to keep that in mind.

Yes, Your Majesty.

Nyang.

Nyang.

You have to go again?

I'll get the chamberpot.

Again?

Yes, sir.

Did she drink a lot of tea?

Not while she's with child, no, never.

I'm told pregnancy can cause this.

That won't be for a few months yet.

I saw Tangqishi loitering in the inner court earlier.

Keep close watch, just in case.

Yes, sir.

Laurel extract.

Did Tangqishi...?

They're falling back.

My armor.

Great Tengri.

We are descendants of the Blue Wolf.

I, Bayan, will take the head of Batolu.

And reclaim the Silk Road.

We'll see, Bayan.

The Silk Road will never be yours.

Along this ridge is...

They will attack at dawn tomorrow.

But the first attack is a feint.

Meant to draw out your troops.

The Yuan troops are led by Bayan.

He will wait till your men move out to take the camp.

'War is deception.'

We must fool the enemy.

Use their plan against them?

Exactly.

General, we can't risk everything on his word.

How can you expect to win if you don't risk everything--

We must be cautious. We could lose everything.

When do they attack?

Dawn. Four o'clock.

And if they aren't here by then?

In that case...

My life is forfeit.

Sir.

Good. Go on.

I quoted Sun Tzu a moment ago.

'Take them unawares.'

Attack where least expected.

Advance when least expected.

It's 4 o'clock. Where are they?

I know.

We read the signals right.

'My life is forfeit,' he says, sheesh.

I had to gain their trust.

It's 4 o'clock.

Execute them at dawn.

At last.

Attack!

It was just as I anticipated.

Sound the retreat.

General Bayan will be here any minute.

Fall back!

After them! Leave no one alive!

They're going according to plan.

The camp still has a lot of men.

How can you take it alone?

This is Tal Tal's plan...?

After him!

Get Batolu!

The General is being pursued. Open the gates!

- Get him! - It's the enemy!

Kill them all! Every one!

Your Majesty, what brings you here?

We're having a chat.

Not anymore.

Morning sickness, you understand.

What, and that's my fault?

I merely meant she needs her rest.

Care of the child comes first.

Care?

I will be the child's mother. It should hear my voice.

Why aren't you eating?

Are you too uncomfortable around me?

Not at all.

Are you all right?

I'm fine.

You're pale. You're clearly nauseous.

This ends now.

No doubt...

a tonic will help.

Have the pharmacy prepare something.

Your Majesty.

Now if you'll excuse me.

My pavilion tomorrow at the same time.

Yes, Your Majesty.

After she takes the tonic we'll spread a rumor that she faked the pregnancy.

She dared deceive the Emperor.

Surely this is a case of high treason.

You can step back now.

I'll take it from here.

Of course.

Well, Dowager, you won't escape this one either.

Here. I'll take it.

Filthy... You think you can take all the credit for yourself?

No. I'll do it.

Give it here.

I'm fine.

Fine. Go ahead.

Hurry. They're waiting.

The medicine.

Quickly now.

I prefer the Pavilion of Women.

You don't like it here?

I prefer serving there.

If she is Sungnyang...

he hates being near me.

Be Sungnyang for me. Help me.

That is not my place.

They call this a persimmon? Totally tasteless.

Koryo has the best dried persimmons.

Anyway, I guess it's just as well she's not really Sungnyang.

My Liege, My Liege.

My Liege.

A little less screeching.

We have word of Sungnyang.

Spit it out.

Where is he?

He was with Wang Yu on the way here.

So he's still with Wang Yu?

- Not quite. - No?

He was brought in with the concubines.

Sungnyang was that maid all along.

No, no... he... he was what?

A man...

Disguised as a woman?

He saved Wang Yu's life on the trip here.

After that, he became a woman somehow.

My Liege.

The Koryo girls say Wang Yu adores her...

Enough.

I don't want to hear anymore.

Shall I send for Nyang?

My Liege.

No need.

My interest in him...

is over.

You looked so hard...

I said no.

He ignored me.

I will not be the first to go to him.

My Liege.

Be careful. Slowly, please.

Find out where Sungnyang is.

Go!

You.

Nyang.

You...

I'm not going because I miss her.

Hush.

Please let go.

How dare you?

But why? All the palace women want me.

Lady Pak has collapsed.

She falsely claimed she was pregnant.

She had her monthlies?

That's impossible.

I absolutely refuse.

El Temur, I cannot.

He's not the type to give up.

I intend to get the real Batolu.

The war will end, Sungnyang.

Please protect me. We will meet again soon.