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Salutation!

Episode 48

Exchange of vows!

Long live the Emperor!

Long live the Emperor!

Long live the Emperor!

Long live the Emperor!

Long live the Emperor!

Long live the Emperor!

Long live the Emperor!

Long live the Emperor!

Long live the Emperor!

Long live the Emperor!

Long live the Emperor!

Must you be so cold

[Empress Dowager Cheonchu]

to your mother on a joyous day like this?

Whatever do you mean?

I know you're not happy with me.

But I have my reasons.

- The Finance Commissioner is... - Never mind.

I don't want to talk about him.

[Mokjong (7th ruler of Goryeo)]

Do what you wish, Mother.

You won't listen to me anyway.

Don't be so cynical and let me finish.

My relationship with the Finance Commissioner is not just personal.

I have needs and feelings just like everyone else,

but the country is my priority.

If I had to give him up for the country, I would.

But attacking him right now would be purely personal.

People talk of principles, but those principles are wrong.

If I back down now, women in this country will have to bear even more injustices.

Oh, I see.

Emperor, Kim Chi Yang and I survived a Khitan abduction together and

vowed to strengthen this country together.

He knows what I want better than anyone and he is talented.

So please accept him and accept me.

You're married now, so you will soon come to understand how I feel.

You are my precious son that I have so desperately longed for.

I would never intentionally hurt you. You know that, don't you?

Yes.

Are you done now?

Have many children and build a happy family?

That is my wish for you.

Thank you. I'll be going now.

I remember giving you riding lessons at Myeongbok Palace like it was yesterday,

but you're all grown up and becoming an empress.

You haven't stopped smiling since wedding was decided.

Are you that happy?

Don't make fun of me.

Why aren't you two married yet?

[Empress Sunjeong]

Men are intimidated by women warriors like us.

[Sa Illa]

[Cheong Hyang Bi]

Why did you wish to see me?

I won't regard you with hostility from now on.

Oh? What brought on this change of heart?

It's no change of heart.

[Gang Jo (Minister of War)]

It's the Empress Dowager's order.

I see.

[Kim Chi Yang (Finance Commissioner)]

In any case, I'm glad.

But remember this.

I'm holding you responsible for the Empress Dowager's happiness.

If you break her heart, make her angry or do anything that goes against her will,

I swear I'll destroy you.

Do you understand?

That will never happen, so don't worry.

How could they do this?

How could they not invite the late King's dowager

[Court Lady Jo]

to the wedding ceremony?

I don't expect decency from the Empress Dowager

[Lady Yunheung]

but the Emperor can't do this to you.

[Jeong (Future Queen Weunjeong)]

You took him in when his mother had abandoned him and cared for him like

your own, day and night through all of his illnesses.

Stop.

But I'm so angry.

It's as if you don't even exist anymore. How could he do this?

- I said stop! - Yes...

His Majesty the Emperor!

Her Highness the Empress awaits you. Please enter, Your Majesty.

Would you like a drink?

No, thank you.

You must be tired, Cousin. No, I mean Empress.

Does this feel awkward?

It feels very awkward for me: these clothes, this room, and you, too.

It's awkward for me as well.

What's wrong, Your Majesty?

I guess I'm tired, Cousin. No, I mean...

Perhaps I'm nervous.

Go to sleep.

How could I sleep when you're not sleeping?

No, I just want to sit here for a while.

Go ahead and sleep.

Please. I'd feel more comfortable if you did.

How was your first night together?

What's wrong? Did something unpleasant happen?

No, Your Highness. I'm just... embarrassed.

Say no more.

Empress.

Yes, Your Highness.

Children have always been scare in this Imperial house.

Come to think of it, both Gwangjong and Gyeongjong only had one male heir,

and King Seongjong had none.

So succession of the throne always came with turmoil.

Yes, I know.

I am well aware of that.

Please have a lot of children, Empress.

By having a lot of children in the Imperial family, the nation and the Imperial family will be secure.

Your Highness, the martial arts event is to begin shortly.

Very well.

Take the day to relax.

Yes, Your Highness.

Your Majesty the Emperor!

Emperor, would you like to open the ceremony?

What do I know? You go ahead, Mother.

Hear me, my people!

The purpose of this martial arts contest is

to uphold the final wishes of our founding Emperor Taejo.

His desire was for us to strengthen the state and to reclaim the glory of Goguryeo.

I have always dreamed of riding out into the vast territory of our successor state Gorguryeo,

and I assure you that dream will be realized.

This event will be the first step in laying the foundation for our expansion.

So reveal yourselves.

Demonstrate your skills, talents, and spirits,

so that you may join me in my quest to build a mighty empire!

You let the Goryeoan live?

Yes, Your Majesty.

You defied my order.

[Shengzhong of Liao (6th ruler of Khitan)]

Do you have a death wish?

How could I expect to live after defying the Emperor's order?

[Yelu Pennu]

Punish me for my failure,

but I beg you not to harm the Goryeoan.

Why?

Why would you give your own life to protect him?

He was chosen by the Prime Minister to be our trading partner.

So the Prime Minister's order is more important than mine?

No, Your Majesty.

My loyalty is to you and to you only.

And yet you defy me to obey the Prime Minister!

I will cut off your head.

Your Majesty, I beg you to reconsider. He is only trying to protect you.

The Empress Dowager will be enraged when she returns

[Yelu Dilie]

and learns that we could not stop Goryeo from declaring themselves an empire.

What would happen if you kill the Prime Minister's inside man in Goryeo as well?

You mean I can't even kill a rat if and when I want to.

And I'm supposed to be the Emperor...

I'm supposed to be the Emperor of Great Liao!

Forgive me, Your Majesty...

[Sa Gamun]

Are you all right?

Don't get yourself hurt again.

[Duyan]

There's nothing I hate more than seeing a man lying in bed helpless.

Thanks... for saving my life.

So train harder and don't let anyone beat you again.

You don't want to see me beaten?

Of course not.

What woman would want to see her man get beaten?

Then can I ask you something?

Ask.

Did you save me because I'm your man or because of the Prime Minister's order?

I won't answer that.

I like you.

I want to hear your story.

Where you were born, about your family, what you like and don't like...

I want to know all about you.

I don't like talk too much.

Then just be with me like you have been.

I feel good when I'm with you.

Be quiet and just get better.

I'm bored to death not being able to fight you.

Are you sure it's the fights? Maybe it's something else you miss.

You have a dirty mind.

You're faking this injury, aren't you?

Your Highness, that woman is a Khitan.

Her name is Jiemei.

She was Empress Chengtian's bodyguard but now she serves the Princess of Liao.

Yes, I know. I've been hit by her whip before.

Should I throw her out?

No, there're no restrictions for participation, so let us watch.

There are four contestants remaining!

Let the competition continue!

This is the final match!

The winner in this match will be champion of this tournament.

Do your best, gentlemen!

First place winner Yang Kyu and the

[Dae Dosu (Minister of Punishment)]

second place winner Kim Sukheung,

you are each awarded General and Colonel of the Goryeoan Army.

- Your grace is immeasurable. - Your grace is immeasurable.

I conclude this competition with an important announcement.

From this day forward, military officials and scholar officials will be treated

equally in the Imperial Court of Goryeo.

Archers, swordsmen and spearmen will be allowed to assume leadership positions

according to their talents and ability.

In the first step in achieving this equality,

I am revising the Stipend* Land Law to extend it's benefits to the military officials as well.

[*A system in which grants of land were allocated for pay of government officials.]

The Ministry of Taxation is hereby ordered to implement the revised policy.

Long live the Emperor!

Long live the Emperor!

Long live the Empress Dowager!

The Stipend Land Law was instituted during the reign of Gyeongjong

but still retained the chatter of land grants to a privileged few.

In 998, Mokjong instituted a more comprehensive system based on rank,

and soldiers became beneficiaries of the law for the first time.

This indicates rising awareness of the importance of national defense.

You mean General Yang Kyu is the soldier of the northern outpost you mentioned?

Yes, Your Highness.

He had once abandoned camp to retaliate against a corrupt superior,

but we personally urged him to return

to service because of his exceptional

[Seo Hui (Chief of the Supreme Council)]

fighting skills and genuine caring spirit.

You have an eye for talent, Prime Minister.

Thanks to you, the country has gained a huge asset.

Colonel Kim here saved Her Highness's life in Heunglaebu*.

[*Present day Ulsan]

Then the man you said you had in mind was...

What is your background, my man?

I am a common man of humble birth.

[Kim Sukheung] [Yang Kyu]

I entered the military as means of survival, struggling in extreme poverty.

By luck, I got the chance to serve the Empress Dowager in Heunglaebu,

and now I have been given this tremendous honor.

So it is Her Highness that saved my life.

The man has a fine character, as well as fine skills.

[Gang Gamchan (Minister of the Office of Ceremony)]

Your Highness, you have any eye for good men as well.

I thought we'd put General Yang to train the cavalry since

he's skilled in equestrian martial arts,

and I'm sure Colonel Kim will have no problem handling the infantry.

That is my thought as well.

Now, let me pour you both a drink.

- Yes. - Yes.

The two of you will oversee the training of soldiers.

Our military force will grow many times its current size,

so please spare no efforts in the mission to strengthen this empire.

- We will do our best, Your Highness. - We will do our best, Your Highness.

I am afraid farmers and strongmen will

[Choi Suk (Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel)]

end up controlling the empire at this rate.

So am I.

I'm not against recruiting talent,

[Choi Wonshin (Vice Minister of the Office of Ceremony)]

but giving government posts to peasants could shake the foundation of the country.

Won't we run out of land extending

[Han Ingyeong (Minister of Finance)]

stipend land benefits to the soldiers?

Those who received their posts without taking the civil service exam may have their benefits curtailed,

and there are talks of taking back the land from those clans

who have been recipients of benefits for three or more generations.

That means we're getting the short end of the stick all around.

[Hwangbo Yui (Vice Minister of Finance)]

The idea is to share with the soldiers since they serve the state as well.

[Choi Hang (Royal Undersecretary)]

Let them till their own land and serve the state.

Why do we have to give them ours?

They'll get fat and lazy if you give them so much.

Soldiers are simpletons, and you have to work them like slaves, so they obey you

when you thrown them a bone.

The bigger problem is the Lantern Festival and Palguanhwe.

They were abolished during Seongjong's

[Chae Choongsun (Secretary of the Interior)]

reign because they are a huge waste of national resources.

If we revive them imprudently, we could get ourselves in trouble.

The public will welcome it.

Goryeo is a Buddhist state and there's no denying that.

You say that you're a devout Buddhist,

but the rest of us feel differently.

At any rate, I'm very concerned.

Are we going in the right direction or will all this sudden change send us down hill?

You swore you'd win first place and look at you.

This is pathetic.

I have no excuse, but I am surprised.

Even in Great Liao, there are only a handful of men who can defeat me.

[Jiemei]

But that man was only a common soldier.

I'm beginning to think we shouldn't underestimate the Goryeoans.

[Xiao Zanli]

Princess,

the only way that we can do damage

[Su No]

to the Goryeoan court at this point is if Lady Yunheung to accepts our proposition.

Is it true, Father?

Did you really vow loyalty to the Empress Dowager of Liao?

Yes, is there a problem?

[Kim Won Soong]

Pardon?

Calm down.

I would vow loyalty to anyone if I need to.

After all, it doesn't cost anything.

And you shouldn't refuse if she approached you for an alliance.

But they are barbarians, and they're our enemy.

What's more, the woman played a role in the King's death.

I will not join hands with such a woman.

There are no eternal enemies.

We only one enemy right now and that's Empress Dowager Cheonchu.

To destroy her, I'd join hands with the devil.

We can't be picky right now. If the Khitan want to help us, let them.

What does the Princess of Liao want you to do anyway?

She should know that you're powerless right now.

All she asked was for me to bring the Emperor here.

Is that all?

Yes.

Studying is fun, you say?

Yes.

I don't know why the people in the porcelain village don't learn to read.

Your love of learning comes from your father.

Prince, do you remember your father's face?

Yes.

You do? You were very young then.

He was always with me, so I remember him well.

[Wang Sun- Prince Daeryang (future King Hyeonjong]

Even his laugh.

That's incredible.

Then perhaps you can recall the days prior to his death.

The village chief said when your father came to drop you off,

there was a woman with him wearing a bamboo hat.

Do you remember the woman?

Of course not. You were too young.

Prince, why are you crying?

I guess I shouldn't have brought up your father.

The woman drowned a man and tried to kill my father.

What?

And my father begged her not to kill me.

That's all I remember.

I thought it was a dream.

I thought it was a dream and I was so scared...

Yes, of course. There, there, now.

It is a dream.

Everything is all right now, so don't worry.

Don't worry, my Prince.

[Mun In Wui]

Hire him as the keeper of Cheonchu Hall?

Yes, Your Highness.

Leave us.

Yes, sir.

Are you uncomfortable with the idea?

He used to work for Choi Seom.

It was his testimony that led to the arrest of the insurgents.

He has rendered vital service.

That's exactly why I can't have him.

I can't trust a man who betrayed his master.

That was my initial thought as well,

but it seems he secretly disapproved of Choi Seom for years.

He is a good man.

And he is experienced in running a household and very smart.

It would be a shame to waste such a man.

You find him that good?

Yes, give him a try. And if he doesn't please you, let him go.

I will vouch for him.

Very well. If you insist.

Thank you, Your Highness.

May I talk to you for a moment?

Do I know you?

What's this?

It's from Lady Yunheung.

What does she want?

[Yi Hyunoon]

I have nothing to do with her.

I'm sorry. I can't do it.

What's wrong?

Do I displease you, Your Majesty?

No, that's not it. You know that's not it.

Then?

I don't know.

I've never been like this, but when I'm with you...

I can't think of you as my lover.

I feel like I shouldn't be doing this.

Why not?

I don't know.

You're... you're like a sister to me, and I don't feel anything.

I'm so sorry.

The Lotus Lantern Festival* will be revived on the first full moon of the year.

[*A national Buddhist ceremony that dates back to Shilla era.]

We will light up the palace and the city

as well as temples across the country

and hold prayer services for peace and the safety of Goryeo.

So give food to the people and let no one be hungry.

Your grace is infinite, Your Highness.

Emperor.

Emperor.

Huh?

Would you like to say a few words?

About what?

Oh, the Lantern Festival.

What could I say?

I feel sorry for people that have to hang all of those lanterns.

Where the heck is that bastard when you need him?

Who are you talking about?

Who among us ever plays hooky except Yi Hub Noon?

[Kim Hoon]

You're right. Where is he?

[Choi Ghi]

He's probably hiding in a corner somewhere drinking again.

I'm going to kill him when he shows back up!

Come on in.

Who's this guy?

Don't worry. He's one of my father's men.

Sit down.

It's been a long time since we've met, Captain Yi.

Forget about it being a long time or not,

why are you doing this to me?

You promised you'd leave me alone. Why are breaking your word?

I'm sorry.

I want you to bring the Emperor here for me tomorrow night.

This is my last request.

No, I can't.

The Emperor can't just leave the palace on a whim; I have no way of doing that.

There's nothing you can do to make me do this, so good day.

What are you doing?

Haven't you ever seen money?

[Jo Du]

That's enough to buy a few houses in the city.

Take it.

And if you still don't want to do me this favor,

I'll just write a little letter to the Empress Dowager about you.

What are you going to do once the Emperor is here?

Get the Emperor to take this.

This can't be the same thing that...

It's an herbal remedy call Osoksan made from extract of opium poppies.

This is the same poison you got the King hooked on.

Are you trying to kill the Emperor as well?

No.

And it was the lasting effects of the arrow wound that killed the late King, not this.

Besides, I have an antidote.

You have an antidote?

Yes, my Lady.

It wouldn't hurt him if we give him the antidote

after the Empress Dowager is gotten rid of.

These are the profiles of the ministers.

Why is it so long?

I got everything I could find on them

[Jo Sun]

starting with their financial information, to personal habits and even about their marital relationships.

Did anyone stand out to you?

Everyone has a skeleton in his closet.

There were quite a few we might want to approach.

Good.

But I don't think it's a good idea for us to get directly involved.

They're less likely to comply if they know who we are even if we have things...

we can use against them.

If we had a front man we could use...

I have just the man for the job.

Who?

Someone with a knack for switching sides and weaseling out of danger.

Find me a gisaeng house we can use.

Yes, Sire.

By the way, Sire, are you giving up trading with the Khitan?

I have no choice right now.

They'll be suspicious if I take up trading again when I supposedly...

surrendered all of my fortune to the government.

Yes, but it hurts me to think of all the money the Kim Chi Yang will be making.

Deal with it for now.

We'll get our revenge eventually.

It's the Yalu border. We will rest for a while!

We're taking a break!

Unload and grab yourselves some food!

[Yi Jujeong]

Why aren't you eating?

I don't have any appetite.

Are you all right? You've been quiet all the way here.

If you don't want to talk to me, I'm going to take a nap.

Sa Gamun.

Why don't you become a citizen of Liao?

What do you mean?

You're a Jurchen, you have no obligations to Goryeo.

You'll be treated better in Liao.

My master is a minister of the Goryeoan court.

Why would I become a Liaoan?

I am a Goryeoan as well.

Why do you care so much about your master?

You can become a minister in the court of Liao if you want.

I'm not interested. What's this about anyway?

Goryeo and Liao will eventually be at war.

And if that happens, I might be forced to kill you.

You kill me?

Yes, my loyalty is to my country first and foremost.

Then I'll be on my knees begging you to spare my life.

I'm not kidding.

Neither am I.

I like you.

And I don't think I'd be able to kill you.

But if you have to kill me, I'll accept that.

I'd consider it a blessing to die at the hands of the one I love.

I am a warrior.

I will not be swayed by love.

Let the Lotus Lantern Ceremony begin!

General Gang.

Minister.

What are you doing here alone?

You should be with your comrades having a drink.

I've already had a few.

I would never know.

There's something I want to ask about.

What is it, sir?

Were there any talks about Gyeongjuwon at Myeongbok Palace back in 996?

996?

The year Prince Gyeongjuwon died.

I was at the northern outposts,

and I assume you and the Empress Dowager were working on the overthrow.

Yes, we were.

Did Gyeongjuwon or his son's name

ever come up in the process of planning the overthrow?

Not to my recollection. There was no reason to involve them.

I see.

Why do you ask, sir?

I'm just wondering about something.

Can I ask you a question since we're friends now?

Sure.

You have feelings for General Gang, don't you?

What... do you mean?

You can be honest with me.

I can see it in your eyes.

How did you know?

I know how it feels to love a person who doesn't love you back.

I know.

You, too?

Who?

You're kidding.

At least you have hope.

For me...

It's not even possibility.

I hope we don't turn enemies.

We won't. Since I know you now.

Wavering again?

Stay away.

I don't need you now. I won't waver.

You lie. I can see it in your eyes already.

You want an easy life now.

You've won the Empress Dowager's love,

so you don't want to continue on the onerous path.

You want to forget about the grieving souls of the dead!

You think the name of the country is unimportant, like Choi Seom said.

You're content being in power and being in the arms of the woman you love.

You're in love, and you're on the path of betrayal as well!

No.

No! Shut up!

Finance Commissioner, what are you doing here alone?

He must be drunk.

What did you want to tell me?

Your Majesty, it would be nicer to drink outside on a day like today

instead of alone in your chambers.

I don't want to see the ministers' faces. They repulse me.

No, I mean outside the palace, Your Majesty.

Outside the palace?

Yes, Your Majesty.

There are many exciting events out in the city tonight.

But how do I get out?

What do you mean?

You still have not slept together?

No.

Not once?

Why not? He's very fond of you.

I don't know exactly.

What do you mean you can't find the Emperor?

We thought he was in his bedchamber, but we found it empty.

Perhaps he is drinking elsewhere in the palace.

No, the attendants have searched the palace but he is nowhere to be found.

Yes, this is it! This is what I need!

That stinking palace suffocates you.

You have no idea how much I've wanted to get out.

Now where should we go first?

Yes, the gisaeng house!

The gisaeng house?

Yes, there's something I have to check.

Come. It'll be my treat.

Why? Don't you like women?

Are you having problems as well?

Pardon?

Just come along.

Your Majesty!

Your Majesty, it is you!

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Main Translator: KBS WORLD Spot Translator: ahsieee

Transcriber: Suz07 Timer: dOtcOm

Editor/QC: melica Coordinators: mily2, ay_link

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