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Episode 51

Stop!

It's the Yalu River.

[Apsu: Present Day Aprok River]

Yes, Your Highness.

Naewon Fort is just across the river.

Commissioner Kim, I trust all precautionary measures are in place.

[Empress Dowager Cheonchu]

Yes, Your Highness.

[Kim Chi Yang (Finance Commissioner)]

The Jurchen troops are already in position near Naewon Fort.

The Balhaean troops are trailing right behind us as well.

[Gang Jo (Minister of War)]

Are we to wait for them and cross the river together?

No, we don't have to show the enemy all of our cards just yet.

Tell the Balhaean troops to stand by

and join us only if the situation becomes intense.

Yes, Your Highness.

Oh, there they are.

Did you check their movements?

Yes, Your Highness.

[Cheon Hyang Bi] [Sa Illa]

Empress Chengtian's entourage has already reached Naewon Fort.

How large is her army?

About as large as ours.

Let's go.

Head out!

Yes!

Is there a report?

Yes, Your Highness.

[Yelu Dilie]

Yelu Pennu and his army of 100,000 are

approaching the Bonghwang Fort.

Great.

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

We can wipe out the Goryeoans in one sweep when Yelu Pennu arrives.

How much longer before he arrives?

The quartermaster unit may take longer,

[Tachogokgi: Khitan's Quartermaster Corps]

but the main cavalry should take about 5 days.

That long?

We should have brought the army with us.

That would've been unwise.

The Chinese would've taken notice if you and I had left the city with a large army.

[Empress Dowager Xiao (Emperor Shengzhong's mother)]

And they would've deployed their troops and invaded our border immediately.

Anyway, we must launch an offensive the moment General Yelu Pennu arrives.

Your Majesty.

[Han Derang (Khitan Commissioner of the Security Council)]

You must make your decision wisely.

Goryeo has declared itself an empire.

You'd tolerate this audacity?

No, that is why Your Majesty and

the Empress Dowager have travelled all the way here to Naewon Fort.

All we have to do is overwhelm the Goryeoans with the sheer size of our army.

It does not benefit us to go to war with them right now.

You think too much, Prime Minister.

With 100,000 troops, we can conquer Goryeo in two weeks.

Even if the Chinese raise an army against us, they can't get to us in two weeks.

Goryeo is not to be taken lightly.

Why have you become so weak?

Both you and my mother overestimate Goryeo and Empress Dowager Cheonchu.

I promise you. I will bring them to their knees once and for all.

Calm down, Emperor.

You do not know warfare as well as the Prime Minister does.

Mother!

Let us meet the Empress Dowager first.

We can discuss this after that.

[Naewon Fort, Khitan Territory]

Your Highness,

I could not be happier to see you again like this.

I, too, am happy to see you on the battlefield again.

Please come inside.

My Empress Dowager awaits you.

We will allow only three, including the Empress Dowager, to enter inside.

That's unacceptable.

Her Highness's guards are her shadows.

They will go wherever she goes.

My Empress Dowager is without her guards as well.

Is that right?

Yes, Your Highness.

The Empress Dowager, the Emperor and the Prime Minister await you alone for

an intimate conference with Goryeo.

Your Highness, they're not to be trusted.

Let Sa Illa and me enter with you.

No, Empress Chengtian is not an ignoble woman who would trick me in this manner.

General Gang and Commissioner Kim will accompany me into the conference.

The rest of you may stay here.

It has been years.

I heard you named yourself Cheonchu.

That's right, Chengtian.

How dare you?!

Address her properly!

If she addresses me with respect, I will reciprocate.

That miserable wench!

Control yourself, Emperor.

Yes, I have committed a discourtesy thinking about our past relationship.

Please sit down, Empress Cheonchu.

Thank you.

I see familiar faces.

It's good to see you again, Prime Minister.

Likewise.

I heard you have become Finance Commissioner of Goryeo.

Yes.

What position might General Gang Shin's brother hold?

I am a high general of the Goryeoan Army and Minister of Military.

Yes, of course.

I'd expect nothing less from General Gang Shin's brother.

If your brother were alive, he'd be a high general of Great Liao by now.

I'd like to congratulate you on your son's rise to the throne and on your regency.

Let me congratulate you for your safe return from the war in the south.

This question is for Empress Dowager Cheonchu.

Goryeo has brutally executed a Princess of Liao

who was sent to Goryeo as a sign of our two countries' friendship.

Is this indicative of Goryeo's total lack of fear and respect for Great Liao?

This is the result of Liao's lack of respect for Goryeo.

I'd like to hear your explanation about Xiao Zanli's treacherous schemes.

What?

She could not have administered habit forming narcotics to the late King, then

attempt to get my son addicted to the substance without an order from the top.

So are you refusing to offer an apology?

Look at it from our side.

If a Goryeoan princess had brought harm to you, Emperor of Liao,

would you do nothing about it like a fool?

What did you say?

Stop, Emperor.

But Mother, she has gone too far!

Are we to tolerate this audacity?

Empress Dowager Cheonchu is right.

From Goryeo's perspective, Xiao Zanli had to die,

and as a daughter of Great Liao, she died an honorable death.

I don't wish to discuss this subject any further.

I asked you here because Goryeo has declared itself an empire.

Goryeo has never given up being an empire, so it was only fitting.

Please do not try to package a lie to make it look like the truth.

Goryeo lowered itself during Seongjong's reign and became a feudal state of Song.

That was the late King's erroneous policy.

We are trying to correct his error, so do not interfere with our domestic affairs.

Silence!

You are my humble subjects.

Retract the declaration immediately, or your land will be stained with blood.

It is not our land but yours that will be stained with blood.

Are you threatening me, the Emperor of Great Liao?

I may not be a man of exalted birth, but I do not make idle threats.

You!

How do you dare to humiliate the Emperor?!

An army of 100,000 is marching upon you.

You will not learn your lesson until your people are trampled upon!

You asked for it.

I will wipe out your entire population!

Calm down, Emperor!

This meeting is over, Mother.

Arrest these recreants.

We must march into Goryeo at once.

Your Highness,

perhaps you should speak with Empress Dowager Cheonchu alone.

Is Duyan still in your merchant group?

Yes.

[Jiemei]

So I was right.

She is the one who betrayed the Princess and the country.

Isn't she?

You should ask her yourself.

Cheeky wench.

Just wait.

You and your Empress Dowager will die here in Naewon Fort.

I will cut off your Empress Dowager's head myself for killing the Princess.

How dare you?!

Whose name are you daring to speak!

You'd better control your guileful tongue or it's your head that will come off.

Alright then.

Let's find out right now who is going to be headless.

Stop!

Don't waste your strength.

Soon you'll get your chance to wipe them all out.

The Empress Dowager and the Finance Commissioner?

You've acquired a grand presence since I've last seen you, Empress Dowager.

I owe it all to your teachings.

I'm deeply grateful for that.

Goryeo is a small state.

It cannot contend with Liao.

Apologize for declaring yourself an Empire and stay under protection of Great Liao,

for the safety and welfare of the Goryeoan people.

Only the unwise surround themselves with enemies.

It's not Goryeo but Liao that Song China is at war with.

So you dare intend to go up against me with Song covering your back?

If you take us lightly and attempt to threaten Goryeo, we will join hands

with Song China and retaliate.

I told you to yield when yielding is in your best interest,

but you're still reckless.

Reconsider.

This is not just about your life.

The entire population of Goryeo could be slaughtered.

The difference between you and me is that I don't yield when yielding is not justified.

Would you like to see who wins?

How does it feel to have risen to your ambition?

How did you feel when you became Prime Minister?

You're a smart man.

Advise Empress Dowager Cheonchu to avoid an unwinnable fight.

Whether it is winnable or not remains to be seen.

But I do think you should advise Empress Dowager Chengtian against

a war that will have no benefit to Liao.

And you don't mind if Empress Dowager Cheonchu learns about your true identity?

My identity?

You're using the Empress Dowager to snatch the throne yourself.

That's why you vowed loyalty to Liao and sought my help.

Should I reveal this?

If it pleases you.

Surely you didn't believe everything I said. Did you?

I would think you know better than that.

I used you for Goryeo and Empress Dowager Cheonchu.

Is that right?

Then what is your true ambition?

Are you content simply being the Empress Dowager's man?

Perhaps your ambitions might only go so far.

But my dreams are much bigger than that.

What would that dream be?

Together with my Empress Dowager,

I will take back all of old Goryeo territory from Liao.

You lost, Prime Minister.

Did I?

I'm talking about this baduk game.

These two groups are dead.

Now I am certain you are deceiving me,

just like you deceived me about your baduk skills.

Leave!

[Duyan]

I never want to see you again.

You made me betray my country.

I will never forgive you.

Marry me.

Let me live the rest of my life making up to you for what I've done.

Your Majesty, I don't understand.

You wish to reinstate the former Minister of Punishment, Kim Shimon?

Yes.

Your Majesty,

but he is in exile for your attempted murder.

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

He is a man who deserved to be hanged and you wish to reinstate him to service?

This is unthinkable, Your Majesty.

He was my childhood mentor.

[Mokjong (7th ruler of Goryeo)]

His involvement in high treason,

I'm sure, was under duress.

I shall grant him forgiveness for the sake of harmony.

Your Majesty.

[Choi Hang (Royal Undersecretary)]

I understand your noble intentions,

but Kim Shimon's crime is unpardonable.

His life was spared because of your past relationship,

but he cannot be brought back to the Imperial Court.

I agree, Your Majesty.

If a criminal of high treason is reinstated,

[Chae Choongsun (Secretary of the Interior)]

such precedent will invite more crime.

Secretary Choi is right.

Your Majesty, this cannot be done.

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

Please reconsider.

More importantly, this would infuriate the Empress Dowager when she returns.

We cannot make this kind of important decision

[Hwangbo Yui (Vice Minister of Finance)]

when the Empress is at the front confronting the enemy.

Are you telling me I can't do anything without my mother's permission?

No, Your Majesty, I did not mean...

Am I a puppet who can't even grant a pardon to my mentor?

Very well.

I shall be frank.

Do you know why I'm trying to reinstate Kim Shimon?

Because none of you are ever on my side.

Because I don't like any of you.

Your Majesty, you speak hastily.

We are not trying to take sides.

Silence!

Cut the gibberish.

You're on my mother's side and you know it.

Your Majesty...!

If this is His Majesty's dire wish,

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

perhaps one man would not hurt.

Yes.

[Han Ingyeong (Minister of Finance)]

Let us abide by His Majesty's wish.

That's more like it.

Then this matter is settled and closed for further discussion.

If you flip on me again when my mother returns, I'll no longer regard you as men.

This meeting is adjourned.

Do you think it's true that an army of 100,000 is coming?

It's a lie.

They would already be here if that were true.

No.

It takes preparation for an army to be launched,

and it's possible they delayed their departure to avoid the eyes of Song China.

General Gang, send the scouts and find out if there's an army moving this way.

Yes, Your Highness.

Commissioner,

supposing they are tell the truth,

what do we have to do?

We are not prepared to contend an army of that size right now.

We will be in danger if the Chinese do not live up to their agreement.

We should hold the Emperor and the Empress Dowager hostage just in case.

We must strike.

We must advance into Goryeo using Yelu Pennu's army.

Please don't be so impetuous!

Sit back down!

Have the scouts returned?

[Wontan Men's: Khitan's Reconnaissance troops]

Yes, Your Majesty.

Jurchen army of 10,000 is right behind us

and another 10,000 are standing by across the Yalu River.

Is that all?

Their confidence was not all bravado.

We need to continue the negotiation with caution.

Then we're set.

Our army is 100,000 strong.

We are more than a match for a mob of ruined Jurchens and Balhaeans.

We will pulverize them.

It's not that simple.

If the Song Chinese attack while we are at war with Goryeo,

it could be a devastating blow for us.

That's why we have to do this in one swift blow.

We can reach Goryeo in two weeks.

This is our chance, Mother.

General, isn't that Yi Hyunoon?

He nearly lost his head, but I guess he still hasn't learnt his lesson.

That no-good punk!

Who the heck...?!

It's me punk.

[Yi Hyunoon]

- General Yu Bang! - You!

You almost lost your life, but you haven't changed at all.

[Choi Ghi] [Yu Bang] [Kim Hoon]

I put you on watch duty and you fall asleep?

No, I'm not feeling too well, sir.

I think we might have rain coming.

Be quiet, punk!

Why do we have to be on our toes when the Empress Dowager isn't here?

You punk!

There is the chance the Empress Dowager might have to fight with the Khitan at the border,

and that's why we're on alert!

But

why are you hitting me?!

How can you fall asleep when we could have war?

You little...

What am I?

A punching bag?

Captain Yi Hyunoon.

Yes?

His Majesty wants you.

Come with me now.

Did you wish to see me, Your Majesty?

Yes.

Come here and have a drink.

Thank you, but no.

It's alright have a drink.

Your Majesty, forgive me

but I can't drink while I'm on duty.

My job is maintaining airtight security in the palace at this critical time of probable war.

But I will have just one shot if it's Your Majesty's order.

Do you know why I saved your life?

Actually, I'm not...

Because you and I are alike.

I'm in this huge palace getting kicked around with no one to turn to.

I'm no different from you.

Your Majesty,

I didn't want to lure you out of the palace.

I was being blackmailed by Lady Yunheung.

Never mind!

It won't change anything to lay blame for bygones.

Frankly, I like you better than the two-faced high ministers who always put on a righteous act.

I'll call you from time to time for a drink.

Your Majesty, your grace is immeasurable.

Your Majesty...

Is that true?

Lord Kim Shimon is to be reinstated?

Yes.

[Kim Won Soong]

His Majesty has sent for him, so he will be released from exile soon.

[Lady Yunheung]

How did you find out about this, Father?

My people in the Imperial Court gave me the news.

Your people?

Who are you referring to?

Minister of Finance Han Ingyeong for one.

Minister of Finance?

How did you win his favor?

You'll see, my Queen.

Soon I will have many more men in my hands.

What's more important is that the Emperor listened to you and reinstated Kim Shimon.

It's a sign that he is ready to go up against his mother.

But the Empress Dowager won't tolerate that.

It doesn't matter.

They will grow further and further apart,

so let's see what happens.

The Emperor has arrived!

Your Majesty, is there something wrong?

The Empress awaits you.

Please enter.

I will be sleeping alone tonight.

Your Majesty!

Your Majesty!

Your Majesty!

Is it true?

A massive army is advancing?

Yes.

I thought it was a bluff.

How many soldiers were there?

Countless.

This army was larger than the Viceroy of Eastern Capital's army of the previous war.

Then we may have no choice but to hold

[Dae Dosu (Minister of Punishment)]

the Emperor and his entourage hostage.

Your Highness, they are ready to resume the talks.

We must go.

Have you thought it over, Empress Dowager Cheonchu?

You have competent scouts,

so I'm sure you know by now that our army of 100,000 is on its way.

Do you still insist on maintaining your declaration of an empire?

I will give you one final chance.

I'm still fond of you, so yield

and kneel before me if you wish to live, that is.

If, your plan is to take us hostage, think again.

My guards behind me are ten times stronger than yours.

Shall we find out if that is true?

Your Highness!

It's an urgent report.

What is it?

It must be quite urgent.

Let me make a guess.

The Song army is advancing north.

They found out that your main army has moved out.

You must quickly turn your army around

or the 16 prefectures of Yan Yun will fall.

Empress Dowager, shouldn't you hurry?

Silence!

We have enough time to kill you first.

Kill them!

Stop!

General Yelu Dilie.

Yes, your Highness.

Send an order to turn the troops around.

Mother!

Obey the order!

Yes, Your Highness.

A hunting trip, Your Majesty?

Yes.

Your Majesty, it is unbecoming of a sovereign to enjoy hunting.

Especially when the Empress Dowager is on the enemy's side of the Yalu.

Your Majesty, the country is in a state of alert.

It would be impudent for you to leave the palace.

This trip will serve as a training drill for the Imperial Guards as well.

Don't try to keep me cooped up in the palace.

I'll die of suffocation.

Your Majesty, if you must insist,

please reinforce security around you.

You are the pillar of this country.

Don't worry.

There!

Corner it!

It's a hit!

You're incredible, Your Majesty!

Absolutely incredible!

All hail the Emperor!

All hail the Emperor!

I don't understand Your Majesty.

You do not wish to return to the palace?

I have business to take care of,

so leave Captain Yi and a few men and go back.

Allow us to accompany you, Your Majesty.

Captain Yi is not competent enough to be trusted with your life.

Your Majesty, we would not be doing our job if we returned without you.

Don't argue with me!

If I say go back, you just go back!

Your Majesty, we cannot comply.

What?!

It's an order!

Get out of here!

Now!

Your Majesty, where do you wish to go?

That woman... I mean, that man.

Do you know where to find him?

Whom are you speaking of?

Those entertainers we saw at the festival.

What were they called?

Mu... something.

Oh, the Mujari entertainers.

Do you wish to watch their performance again?

But why did you want those men to leave?

"Mujari" refers to a group of people during the Later Three Kingdoms

and Goryeo era that moved from place to place doing menial labor.

They may have been descendants of Later Baekje who resisted Wang Gun's conquest

or perhaps they were descendants of the Jurchens who surrendered to Goryeo.

They were at the bottom of the social hierarchy with no roots and no obligation

for state labor, and became known as "Baekjeong" during the Joseon era.

This is His Majesty the Emperor.

Kneel.

Is this him?

Yes, Your Majesty.

Lift up your head.

[Yu Hangan]

It doesn't look like him.

He was wearing makeup that night, Your Majesty.

What is your name?

Answer the question.

My name is Yu Hangan.

What's going on?

Attack!

It's trouble!

We're under attack!

Please stay here, Your Highness.

Let's go Hyang Bi.

Stop!

Didn't you hear my order?

What is the meaning of this?

Who ordered this raid?

Who?

I gave you freedom to rule the state in my absence,

but you have not learned a thing!

You are impulsive, irascible and belligerent!

What makes you different from a child?

I told you repeatedly that violence is not the answer to all things.

Mother, I am the Emperor.

If you're going to continue this pathetic behavior,

surrender the throne at once!

I will not sit by and watch my son destroy this Empire.

I'd rather put a cow on the throne!

I'm sorry.

I made a mistake.

I am not the one who requires an apology.

Then...

I'm sorry I made a mistake.

I almost broke the peace between our two states with my imprudence.

I apologize.

Does this mean you acknowledge Goryeo as an empire?

Empress Dowager, you must give the Emperor a chance to save face.

He can't very well acquiesce to all of your requests

without having tried anything when we have come all this way.

Then what do you suggest?

Let us have a war.

A war?

Not a war with the countries' fate at stake

but a contest of strength with fifty men from each side.

The loser will comply with the winner's request.

And if we refuse?

Then we shall have a real war.

The heck with those bastards!

Where have you been?

Lord Kim is doing your job because he couldn't find you!

Oh, let me do that, Sire.

Why didn't you just get someone else to do it?

[Jo Du]

We don't want anyone else to know what we're doing!

[Jo Sun]

Exactly,

where were you?

I was at Byuklando Port.

[Byuklando: A trading port at lower Yesung River.]

What for?

A tax grain ship is coming in,

and I found out that Kim Chi Yang's merchant group is handling it.

It makes me so angry that he stole our job.

Those bastards...

Who is their foreman these days?

A man named Sa Gamun, Sire.

He is the one I went to for help to save your life, Sire.

Sa Gamun...?

He must be the man I met in Liao.

What do you know about him?

Not very much.

But I heard he is infallibly loyal to Kim Chi Yang.

Why do you ask, Sire?

Let's hustle, fellows!

Be careful with that!

Yes, yes!

Let's get the job done.

Good! Good!

Where did all this come from?

The tax grain ship, of course.

Tax grain?

Then these belong to the government.

Why are you bringing them here?

Well, that�s...

[Yi Jujeong]

Actually, I don't really know why.

You should ask the foreman if you want to know.

Hustle, fellows!

Hurry. Hurry. That's right.

Let's go, let's go!

[Sa Gamun]

Is there something wrong?

Why are you embezzling grain tax?

We need them for something.

You don't have to worry.

I want to know if I'm going to be your wife.

What do you need it for?

Are you saying yes to my proposal?

I don't have a choice.

Thank you.

Don't change the subject.

Answer the question.

Why are you embezzling government property?

Do you have to know?

We're going to use it to build an army.

An army?

Isn't that the government's job?

It's not the government's army.

No more questions now.

I want to hold you.

Are you really going to marry me?

And that concludes our lesson for today.

Over already?

[Prince Daeryangwon (future King Hyeonjong)]

Can't we study a little bit longer?

We've already gone well past our scheduled time.

We'll study again tomorrow.

Now it's time to go bid the Empress goodnight.

Yes, Teacher.

Good evening, Minister Gang.

Have you finished your lessons for today?

Yes.

I'm going to bid the Empress goodnight now.

I see.

Then I mustn't stop you.

Yes.

What do you think?

He is incredibly gifted.

He soaks up everything he learns like a sponge, with amazing zeal for learning.

And on top of that, he is most kind and gentle.

Does he?

His father Prince Gyeongjuwon was the same.

It's a shame.

If only he were on the throne...

Forgive me.

I did not mean to say...

Please ignore that remark.

No.

The truth is, he would indeed make a better ruler than our current Emperor.

We have the wrong prince on the throne.

Minister Gang,

you mustn't say such a thing!

Show me that dance again.

Didn't you hear me?

Dance like the way you did that night.

Now!

Yes, Your Majesty.

[Mun In Wui]

What are you waiting for?

Drink it.

Your Majesty, please forgive me.

I cannot drink wine.

That's absurd.

You're a man. What man does not know how to drink?

It's alright. Just drink up.

Here, have another.

Your Majesty, I can't...

Her Highness, the Empress.

Your Majesty, did you have a pleasant hunting trip?

It was not bad.

Who might this be?

Don't mind him.

He is an entertainer.

Attendant Goh, are you there?

Yes, Your Majesty?

Take this fellow back to his village.

Yes, Your Majesty.

Then I will leave you now.

Wait!

Take it.

It's for doing your best to show me a good dance performance.

I will contact you from time to time.

Your grace is immeasurable.

Your Majesty, a dance?

What does that man do?

He's just an entertainer like I said.

It doesn't concern you.

Iron Calvary of Great Liao.

[Iron Cavalry: Khitan's Charging Cavalry Units]

This is a real war with honor of the Empire at stake.

Destroy your Goryeo opponents and preserve your country's honor!

Hear me, soldiers of Goryeo!

This is a battle for the Empire.

Fight with all your might and protect the Empire of Goryeo!

Attack!

Attack!

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Main Translator: KBS WORLD Spot Translator: ahsieee

Transcriber: krayfi Timer: dOtcOm

Editor: melica Coordinators: mily2, ay_link

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It's strange.

My worries and fears disappear when I look at you.

What's wrong with me?

A man.

He's a man for heaven sakes, a man.

His Majesty is behaving strangely lately.

Behaving strangely?

Whatever do you mean?

What is your name?

Yu Hangan, sir.

I don't know if you're a man or a woman, but listen and listen well.

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