Original subtitles

Empress Ki

Father, wake up!

Sir, wake up!

Father, Father!

The food tester stopped breathing.

El Temur is bound for hell.

That's not a good thing now.

What's not good about it?

His Majesty provided the wine. Who do you think will take the blame?

You should leave.

He's right.

That will make it worse.

We need to keep an eye on him.

My Liege.

No one is allowed in.

Open up.

I said open up!

My Liege, you shouldn't be here.

El Temur has collapsed.

Collapsed?

It looks like poison.

Is he dead?

They took him to the doctor...

He's dead.

There's no doubt. Dead.

You have to make sure.

Open your eyes, Father.

Why does he keep spitting up?

His 5 viscera and 6 entrails are ill.

Force him to swallow it, do it!

I will.

Get back.

Give it.

Father, you need this medicine.

To live.

Please Father.

Father, no... Father.

Father, please.

What now? He keeps spitting it up.

Do something.

Can you hear?

The man that killed you is spitting up blood.

They are weeping tears of blood, Father.

Father...

Arrest Wang Yu.

Bayan!

Well? Go get Wang Yu.

My Liege.

The wine.

Someone switched the wine.

Meaning they knew your plan.

Still, El Temur's death helps us.

But you will be blamed.

I'm worried.

Don't be.

I planned for this.

Wang Yu you are under arrest.

Arrest?

On what charge?

You need to ask?

For trying to murder El Temur.

I didn't do it.

He drank the wine you gave him.

Do you deny it?

If I wanted him dead, I wouldn't have been quite so obvious.

Silence.

Arrest him.

Sir.

Lower your weapons.

They're trying to frame you.

Drop your swords.

Sire.

I'll be back.

Take him.

Sir.

Sire, Sire!

Sire!

Did you help him?

Why are you doing this?

Why?

You want El Temur dead more than anyone.

Why are you so eager to make an arrest?

If this is about me...

You're pathetic.

Don't kid yourself.

You wish it was about you.

Now you see why he's a deposed loser.

And I'm the emperor.

Sire.

Open up.

I've had enough of you.

I was helping El Temur to regain my throne.

Can't you see this wasn't me?

You provided the means.

Whoever it was, your plan helped kill him.

This isn't about guilt. It's about killing me.

Shut up and die.

I pity your father.

What?

The traitor was inside the yurt.

They'll be laughing at him the second you kill me.

Silence.

If you care for your father you'll use me to catch them.

That's the difference between you.

You'll never be the man your father is.

Enough.

Halt.

I heard it all.

Release him.

Your Majesty, he...

I don't care about your precious little feelings.

Will you help us?

It was helping you that got me in here.

People make mistakes.

We beg your pardon, Wang you.

I have to see El Temur.

Follow me.

Weak pulse, pupils dilated. I doubt he'll make it.

Your father suspected someone in the yurt.

I know.

Have Tangqishi follow the original plan.

If they think your father is dead, they will show their hands.

I will pretend to help them and learn their plans.

How can I contact you?

We'll meet at midnight tomorrow night.

Thank you, Wang Yu.

I think I know who switched the wine.

Who?

Bayan.

Why do you say that?

He disobeyed El Temur at Daechong and let the Emperor go.

He's been looking for the Vow for the Emperor.

Of El Temur's retinue, Bayan is the most likely suspect.

He probably killed Kopsol, too.

Then it's certain.

Now what do we do about it?

We think of a way to exploit them.

What about the men in the yurt?

All quiet. And watchful.

Without a strong leader, all El Temur's work will come to naught.

The more time we waste,

the more likely it is Tangqishi will take the regency.

We should go the temple.

To pray?

The Dowager goes there every morning.

The Empress?

I didn't know you're a believer.

Your Majesty.

What were you praying for?

A word with you, actually.

You wish to speak with me?

Why do you want El Temur's clan destroyed?

Do you still fear him?

Most animals fear just the skin of a tiger.

Even with him in the grave, no one will help me.

Unless the tiger left large wounds, that is.

The chancellors have ambitions.

Ambitions you can exploit.

To your benefit.

So the one behind the posters...

...was me.

Why?

To regain my throne.

It would have been faster to curry El Temur's favor.

Wang Ko tried that.

Look what it got him.

I decided it's better to help her than El Temur.

'Her?'

Your Majesty.

Allow me to help you.

In exchange for my throne.

The Privy Counsel, General Bang.

A veteran of many wars and El Temur's most loyal retainer.

I saw him in El Temur's palace once.

He's the most powerful military man in Yuan after the Regent.

Together we're strong.

Right, right.

A nation to pass on to the generations.

Right.

Grand Chancellor Jugukchong.

Quick-witted and smooth talker.

In thick with the Regent.

I saw him and Bang in the Emperor's palace.

They are both ambitious men.

Sungnyang, I need your help.

Anything.

Speak with the Empress for me.

The Dowager and I are meeting with them tonight.

Welcome, General.

What was it you wanted?

To discuss something of great importance.

So discuss.

Assume command of the regency.

No roof can stand without its pillar.

But the pillar must be able to hold the weight.

You want me...?

To be the new regent.

Your Majesty.

But there is one small thing first.

Wang Yu? Wang Yu?

He's not here yet.

He's not coming.

Aren't you that trampy little maid?

I'm no maid.

Thanks to El Temur.

You would prefer to leave?

There is someone I want to see.

Was that someone Wang Yu?

One-sided love. Pathetic.

He gave me this message.

Jugukchong and General Bang are planning an armed coup.

Tangqishi should muster his men and be ready to march.

What? A coup?

Muster my men?

Tangqishi will march on the capital.

Can you stop him?

If it were El Temur, never.

But Tangqishi? Absolutely.

First send word that the troops are forbidden to march.

Yes, Your Majesty.

El Temur has a vast personal army.

You cannot handle them alone.

You need Jugukchong.

Pardon? Him of all people?

You are to be regent.

Surely that is worth it.

As you say.

Long time, Chancellor.

Why did you ask to see me here?

I want you to be the new regent.

Huh?

Bang and Jugukchong are planning a coup?

Yes. They're rallying their men as we speak.

They faced death with our father.

We can't suspect them on Wang Yu's word alone.

We'll get to the truth soon enough.

How so?

By testing the loyalty of all those in the yurt.

Sir, he's here.

Send him in.

Reporting as ordered.

Report.

We followed General Bang.

He's with Jugukchong even as we speak.

What? The two of them?

They hate each other.

Wang Yu was right.

Why else would two enemies meet?

Keep them under surveillance.

Yes, sir.

You have to stop doubting Wang Yu.

It's embarrassing.

We need to get Father home.

See to it.

Yes, sir.

Where are you going?

You've left your pavilion?

Out of concern for the Regent, of course.

How is he?

He regained consciousness.

We're taking him home.

May I pay my respects?

He's sleeping.

Sleeping? Not dying?

Allow me to see him, even if he is resting.

Not in this wind, I'm afraid.

Move out.

I must see him.

He's not fully recovered.

How dare you?

Did you forget he had me locked up?

How dare YOU?

Your Majesty.

Well? Pull back the curtain.

Your Majesty.

You dare draw on me?

Now listen to me.

I am his eldest son.

To upset me is to upset my father, understood?

Move out.

Lord Zhang.

Your Majesty.

He's just a corpse now.

They're removing the body.

So it would seem.

Go tell General Bang.

Time to speed things up.

Yes, Your Majesty.

One drink each then to bed.

The throne is as good as yours. If we don't drink now, when should we drink?

Let's get started before the night is over.

So what will you do when we get to Koryo?

Sungnyang, you first.

Right.

What else? Get married.

Our Jackal is like manna from heaven.

Talk about a lucky bast...

Hush! 'Bast...?'

What?

Wait, are you sweet on her?

I swear.

Since when?

Nature calls.

Have fun.

Where should we start?

What was that for?

Cause you're blind.

And dense.

As a post.

What did I do?

Will you stay by my side in Koryo as well?

I always have.

I don't mean that.

I would stand with you even if you left me.

Here, take it.

I picked it up the other day.

When we return to Koryo...

Be my queen.

If your answer is yes, wear that.

Don't decide now.

I'll wait until tomorrow.

My favorite. Test to see that it's all right.

Don't go.

I saw you first. Me.

When I broke my shell...

I saw you.

How long has the moon shone?

I toast the moon...

...and ponder alone.

You're awake?

Would you like some water?

Get out.

My Liege.

I said out.

My Liege, Baghatur Bayan.

My Liege, have you heard?

The Empress Dowager has ordered Bang and Jugukchong

to deal with El Temur's clan.

Just as well.

I never did like Tangqishi.

Just as well?

I killed El Temur.

Now they're stealing my thunder.

How is that just as well?

I know what you did.

She must have promised one or the other the regency.

That position belongs to me.

It's the Empress Dowager.

What can I do?

My Liege.

Leave it for now.

My Liege.

I said you would get your reward.

What's got him up and about so early?

I know.

He won't budge from Sungnyang's door.

Did you sleep well?

Yes, Sire.

I should call on the Empress.

Suppose we approach Bayan?

Not him.

He has his uses.

What do you have against him?

Your Majesty, Baghatur Bayan.

Speak of the devil.

Enter.

If you will excuse me?

Just so.

What is it now?

We understand General Bang will attack El Temur's clan.

Who told you that?

We can serve you.

If you will permit.

There is no job for you this time.

Your Majesty.

Leave me.

We killed El Temur.

So I was right.

The Emperor will confirm it.

This is our victory.

And?

You want the regency?

To the victor the spoils.

The regency is not for some backwoods ignoramus.

He wasn't like that before.

The Emperor never did a thing without my say so.

Now he attempts this without consulting me?

You did this.

You misunderstand.

Plot with my son without my knowledge...

and you'll have to deal with me.

If El Temur's clan falls, the Empress Dowager will have everything.

She need only lift her little finger.

The Emperor is still a puppet.

I swear.

We kill a tiger only to have a fox in his place.

Still, her meetings with Wang Yu are suspicious.

Not really.

I've always supported Her Majesty.

I have a proposition for you.

I'll talk to Her Majesty, not to worry.

Bayan can't be pushed too hard.

How did it go?

Bayan and Tal Tal are with us.

Excellent.

Sungnyang, whatcha got there?

It's purty.

So purtiful.

You seem to like it too, Sire.

Maybe I should wear one.

Should I put it through your skin?

You call that a joke?

No I was serious.

That would hurt. No wonder you don't have a girl.

Sire.

What do you...?

To see you, of course. Is that so bad?

- Sire. - Relax.

I realize how little I know about you.

Why did you dress as a man?

Tell me.

Why do you hate Wang Ko so much?

Do you remember the concubine tribute?

Fifteen years ago?

How did you know...?

I remember it.

Like it was yesterday.

A mother and daughter whipped before my eyes.

I let them go.

Run.

This is all I can do.

I'm sorry.

That one too.

They ran. Most of them died.

The girl's mother...

died.

The girl, too, most likely.

I was wrong, it was my fault.

If I hadn't let them out,

they'd still be alive.

I killed them.

Me.

You weren't to blame.

She didn't die.

The young girl...

was me.

I never blamed you, not once.

I heard how deeply it hurt you.

You saved me.

It was you.

You survived.

When will the regent assume his duties?

He still needs rest.

In the meantime my brothers will handle things.

Mouthy little narcissist.

Your day will come.

If you will excuse me.

You must have a lot to discuss.

Tonight?

Yes. After tonight...

The puppet everyone laughed at...

will be gone.

My son, now the world is mine.

You know how long I've waited for this?

Ten o'clock?

Your Majesty.

I want them alive.

I would see those that did this to my father suffer.

What's that?

No troops at all?

General Bang found a way to stop them.

If only you were alive... Father...!

Sir!

General Bayan and his men.

Welcome.

You being here is worth a thousand troops.

Sorry I'm late.

He passed in the end.

El Temur, forgive my many failings.

Nice. I wish I could go to Koryo.

Look after her.

Relax. We Koryo girls stick together.

I know that smell... what...?

Bean broth, for the Regent and no one else.

Five times a day.

He's quite finicky, so take great care.

Yes, sir.

Black beans, waxleaf berries and licorice.

Boiled for an hour or so.

It takes time.

Start first thing each day.

Definitely bean broth.

Her Majesty drinks bean broth?

Looks like.

Lady Soh takes it to her every day.

Not the servants?

Hm.

Since when?

Oh, a few days maybe?

Sir.

What brings you here?

I understand Her Majesty is drinking bean broth.

I doubt that.

She's allergic to black beans.

How is that broth used?

Well, it works against toxic...

'For the Regent and no one else.'

He took the broth each day to combat potential poisoning.

And now the servants are forbidden in Her Majesty's pavilion.

Nyang... Nyang...

Is... El Temur...?

Father.

Are you awake?

It's Tanasiri, do you know me?

Quietly.

Come here.

Prepare a coffin.

Father.

Victory or defeat...

depends on who tricks whom first.

If they knew you were alive they'd be scared stiff.

Any news from Tangqishi?

His men are in place.

They are laying in ambush.

The rebels have no idea we're waiting for them.

Ghosts may know. No one else.

Who's there?

Bayan and Wang Yu.

When the fighting starts,

Bayan, Tal Tal and Wang Yu will show their true colors.

Jade or rock.

Friend or foe.

Father.

What's the rush?

El Temur... is alive.

A dead man?

No one saw the corpse.

Go ask the Empress.

There's no doubt.

He's alive.

The palace has eyes.

We can't meet, so we'll use a signal.

If Tangqishi suspects...

a blue band.

If we catch enemy spies, yellow.

And this white band...

is for emergencies.

What sort of emergency?

Oh, the unexpected.

You'll have to decide.

That's easy. If El Temur came back to life.

Am I right or am I right?

My Liege.

Why are you so shocked?

Announce me.

His Imperial Majesty.

He can't know I'm alive yet.

I was resting.

What brings you...?

I meant to spend the night here.

But you look tired.

I'm been upset about my father.

Then you should rest.

I'll leave you to it.

Bean broth.

Pardon?

Nyang was right.

El Temur is alive.

Muster the royal guard.

But why...?

To kill El Temur.

My Liege.

Sir!

The enemy has arrived.

The city guard?

Ready to wipe them out on our signal.

When it starts, take Tangqishi's head.

You can take Talahai.

I'll take Yom the Scum.

Right.

Traitors! Surrender your arms!

Silence!

Kill them!

Sungnyang.

The white band.

El Temur is alive?

[Next on Empress Ki]

They tricked us?

El Temur isn't dead. We need a new plan.

We can't let any of them live.

Tangqishi has us surrounded.

- Report. - The rebels are quashed.

What do you want?

To regain my throne.

When a tiger has wings.

El Temur is all alone.

Move out.

Kill him.