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Episode 52

Attack!

Attack!

Stop the fight.

Not yet, Mother. Give them more time.

Stop the fight, I said!

Stop.

We've lost.

Hurray!

Hurray!

Hyang Bi, are you hurt?

Are you going to be all right?

This is absurd!

We're the Great Liao Empire.

How could we be defeated by the Goryeoans?

Stop, Emperor.

We should not have sent the troops back.

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

We should've charged into Goryeo and pulverized them!

I said stop! Do I have to slap you again?

This is our reality.

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

Goryeo won fairly and we have lost.

So calm down and sit down.

I can't believe it. How could we?

You must accept it now.

What's even more disturbing is that Goryeo will build their strength.

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

They have skilled warriors as it is, and in a couple of years,

they will be many times stronger than they are now.

A day might come when we fear for our future.

Are you telling me they could become stronger than us?

Yes, Your Majesty.

If you're right, we mustn't fight Goryeo right now.

Whether we like it or not,

we have to become true allies, at least until we have suppressed Song China.

Good work everyone.

You've saved the Empire.

[Empress Dowager Cheonchu]

I am very proud.

The spear carts were extremely useful. The enemy soldiers looked stunned.

Good work, Colonel Kim.

General Yang developed the spear carts, so he should take the credit.

I'm sure your undaunted spirit made their blood run cold as well.

[Kim Chi Yang (Finance Commissioner)]

But this is just the beginning.

We must build up our military so we're superior in number as well.

That's right.

Now is not the time to relax.

[Yang Kyu ]

We don't know how they might retaliate, so we must be even more alert.

Absolutely.

By the way, where is General Gang?

He is with Hyang Bi.

[Cheon Hyang Bi]

How do you feel?

I'm all right.

[Gang Jo (Minister of War)]

I Want you to stay out of dangerous battles from now on.

The men will do the fighting.

Why are you smiling?

I kind of like being injured.

I don't remember the last time when you were this sweet to me.

Have I been so cold?

Are you kidding?

You didn't even want to make eye contact with me.

Hyang Bi.

Don't get up.

How bad is your injury?

I'm fine, Your Highness. It's not a serious injury.

I'm sorry, Hyang Bi.

I put you in the fight because we couldn't afford to lose.

You fight better than any soldier...

I'm glad I was a part of it.

And I'm so happy that I can hardly feel the pain.

But you're an unmarried young girl. I'd hate for you to have a scar.

You've become quite a leader.

I still have a long way to catch up to you.

We have lost the fight.

I have no choice but to accept Goryeo's declaration of Empire.

Goryeo's declaration is not for anyone to accept or reject,

I will accept your declaration of defeat.

I feel like you're right at my heels.

I'm proud of you, but to be honest I'm a bit scared as well.

I made a mistake letting you go five years ago.

I'm flattered.

I used to be so awed by you that I could hardly breathe in your presence.

But it's different now.

What great change in just five short years!

But then, I'm getting old and you're in your prime.

What did you want to talk about?

Break your alliance with Song and make an alliance with me.

Didn't Goryeo and Song agree to

come to each other's aid if one should be attacked?

Yes.

What do you mean by an alliance with you?

I'm talking about making a promise not to attack each other.

Song Chinese have honored their word but you want me to betray them?

Weigh your benefits of alliance carefully.

Song China across the ocean or Liao just across the border.

How can I trust you?

What will guarantee that you won't attack us after

making us break our alliance with Song China.

How do you feel about forming sibling ties with my son?

Sibling ties?

Yes.

That's a losing proposition for me since I would have to serve you as my mother.

No, it would be strictly between you and my son.

I'm older, so I will die before you do.

So as the Emperor's older sister, you'll be above Great Liao Empire after I'm gone.

How about it?

Let me ask you another question.

Certainly.

Are you really a Jurchen?

What do I look like if not a Jurchen?

I just find it hard to believe you were born on a barren uncivilized land.

Not all Jurchens are barbarians.

Who knows? The Jurchen might build an empire greater than Liao someday.

I suppose. I never dreamed you'd grow this strong five years ago.

I have a questions for you as well.

Go on.

Are you content being where you are?

What do you mean?

You're a Han Chinese?

But you hold a position second only to the Emperor in an enemy state.

Don't you want to rise higher?

Higher?

Have you ever entertained the thought of building your own Empire

and becoming the Emperor yourself?

An Emperor is chosen by Heaven. I am not the chosen one.

Besides, the top is a dangerous place and also a very lonely place.

I would decline to accept such a position even if it were offered.

It's safer and lasting to be in another's shadow.

Do I detect such ambition from you?

No, I'm like you.

I already have more than I deserve right now, and this is where I intend to remain.

Is that right? Well, I hope that never changes.

By the way, what kind of a man is the Goryeoan Emperor?

Is he much like his mother?

Well...

His Majesty has gone hunting again?

It was beyond my power to stop him.

[Goh Hyun]

Oh dear...

But he has already been out once.

[Hwangbo Yui (Vice Minister of Finance)]

What is to become of this country?

Nothing good, I suspect.

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

No hunter king in history has ruled well.

Please, gentlemen,

let us talk about solutions.

[Choi Hang (Royal Undersecretary)]

He doesn't even listen to the Empress Dowager.

What can we possibly do?

[Han Ingyeong (Minister of Finance)]

We're better off leaving him alone.

But we can't put the state affairs on hold

[Chae Choongsun (Secretary of the Interior)]

and wait for the Dowager to return.

Minister Gang, I am concerned for the Emperor's safety.

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

The country is in a state of alert.

Attendant Goh...

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

I trust he is with his guards?

Yes.

General Yu and his men accompanied the Emperor, but...

Stop.

Is there something wrong, Your Majesty?

Leave Captain Yi and a few soldiers like yesterday and go back to the palace.

[Mokjong (7th ruler of Goryeo)]

Pardon?

I lost my desire to hunt, so go back to the palace.

Your Majesty...

Where do you wish to go?

[Yu Bang]

I beg you not to do this again.

We're in a quasi-state of war.

I gave you an order! Don't argue with me.

So you just left him?

[Empress Sunjeong]

Yes, Your Highness.

But you are his bodyguards. How could you leave him unprotected?

Forgive me. But His Majesty became enraged...

And you don't have any idea where he might have gone?

No.

It's fascinating.

So you are itinerant?

Yes.

Then what about that village?

We're just staying there for a festival.

The Lantern Festival is over now, so we'll be leaving after the Buddha's birthday.

Where will you go?

We just travel from village to village

and stop where people want to see our performance.

Then you must've traveled all over.

Yes.

From Haeyangdo and Sanamdo to

[Haeyangdo: Jeonnam in Yeongam district Sanamdo: Gyeongnam in Jinju district]

the south to Sakbangdo to the east,

and Paeseodo to the north,

there isn't a place in this country we have not seen.

I envy you.

[Yu Han Gan]

Why?

I live in prison.

I wish I could leave everything and fly free like you and your people.

It's strange.

Why do I feel so at peace when I'm with you?

My worries and fears disappear.

I just want to let go of everything and rest.

Sibling ties? No, thank you.

Emperor.

Why do I have to subject myself to such humiliation?

Take the wench I despise as my older sister?

Don't you want to conquer Goryeo?

If you really want to crush Goryeo, you must endure this humiliation.

This is not an option but a requirement.

How so?

We cannot fight Goryeo until our war with Song China is wrapped up.

You saw what they're capable of.

If Song and Goryeo join forces, we will be crushed.

We must tear them apart and make Goryeo our ally.

Emperor, I promise you,

I will end this war with Song in my lifetime.

Once Song is out of the way, you can avenge this humiliation.

I'm asking you to lower yourself, just for a while, for a glorious future.

I declare to the gods of heaven and earth that sibling ties are formed on this day

between Empress Dowager Cheonchu of Goryeo and Yelu Longxu of Liao.

They swear their loyalty with blood before their men,

so let this bond bring thousand years of alliance between Goryeo and Liao.

Hail the Great Liao Empire! Hail the Great Goryeoan Empire!

Hail the Great Goryeoan Empire! Hail the Great Liao Empire!

Hail! Hail!

No, allow me, Your Majesty.

No, please allow me to pour you a glass first.

I know I offended you several times during this whole thing.

But how could I drink Your Majesty's wine sitting down?

The Emperor speaks in earnest. Please accept.

My arm hurts, Prime Minister. Please raise your glass.

Emperor, won't you offer a glass to your sister as well?

I would like to make a toast.

To Goryeo and Liao's everlasting friendship and peace!

Your Majesty.

By your infinite grace and mercy, I,

[Kim Shimon (Minister of Punishment)]

Kim Shimon, have returned from exile.

Do you know my predecessor's mentor Lord Choi Ryang?

Yes, Your Majesty.

Do you know he died?

I believe he died after a long battle with an illness.

No, master.

He served King Seongjong to his final breath and died worrying about him.

But what did you do?

You raised an army to have me killed.

And you're supposed to be my mentor.

Your Majesty, I swear to you that my sword was not aimed against you.

I committed treachery against you in a desperate attempt to stop the

Empress Dowager from rising to power.

Is that so?

Yes, Your Majesty.

But what I've done is indeed a crime deserving of death.

So I will surrender my head right now if that is your wish.

You're prepared to die?

At your order, Your Majesty.

Then die serving me to the end.

My court is filled with my mother's men.

There is no one that will stand on my side and discuss the state affairs.

I want you to build me my own power in this court.

Your Majesty, I am overwhelmed that you trust this unworthy man

with this most important task!

I will give my life to your service.

My goodness!

We're going to build another warehouse!

Pardon me.

What brings you here, Jo Du?

I've come to meet the foreman of Sungdeok Palace, Sa Gamun.

[Jo Du]

[Yi Jujeong]

Did you make an appointment?

No, but it'll be in his best interest to meet me.

How so?

I am one of Kim Won Soong's people, Jo Du.

My lord is requesting a meeting with you.

Sir Kim! How long has it been?

Have you fared well, Your Grace?

Please sit down.

[Lady Yunheung]

Bring us some tea.

Yes, Your Grace.

Are you in fair health?

My bones ache on rainy days, but it's tolerable.

Have you heard anything about Lord Yi Yang and Lord Seol Shinyu?

They both passed away in their place of exile.

Your Grace, I heard you recommended me to the Emperor.

Yes.

The Emperor is very unhappy about the Empress Dowager's arbitrary actions.

I thought with a little help, he could rise above the Empress Dowager.

So I began searching for someone to help us and thought of you.

Nothing would please me more than to serve the Emperor.

But the Empress Dowager is certain to reject me when she returns.

His Majesty will protect you.

So bring the Shillan descent officials together and start building your influence.

That's the only way for us have any kind of future.

This alliance is no doubt a strategic move to buy time.

Why else would the Emperor make sibling ties with the woman he so despises?

Yes, I know.

This peace will not last very long.

Once they wrap up their conflict with Song China, they will turn their swords on us.

But this is good for us as well.

They accepted our declaration of Empire, and we bought time as well.

If we proceed full speed with the military expansion,

we can build an invincible army.

Yes, I agree.

I will build a superior army and embark on a conquest without fail.

I know I can. But...

Is it the Emperor?

Will he able to preserve Goryeo's strength once I surrender the regency?

I'm doubtful at this point.

There is still time, Your Highness.

The Emperor will eventually learn and change by watching you run the state.

Did you see them?

What do you mean?

The way Shengzhong was toward his mother and the Prime Minister...

It was as if the Prime Minister were his own father.

To be honest, it makes me jealous.

I might be able to defeat the Liao at war...

But I don't think I can defeat Empress Dowager Chengtian at being a mother.

So I'm afraid for the country's future.

Has Empress Dowager retired to bed?

No, sir.

[Sa Illa]

She is having a discussion with the Finance Commissioner.

The Finance Commissioner?

Yes. I'll let her know that you're here.

No.

It's not an urgent matter; I will talk with her in the morning.

General.

Hyang Bi...

Be good to Hyang Bi.

Your Highness, allow me to congratulate you on the successful conference.

Allow us to congratulate you, Your Highness.

Thank you. Where is the Emperor?

He is at the council hall.

What is this man doing here?

What is this man doing here wearing a courtier's robe?

Are you out of your mind?

Don't you know what he did and why he was exiled?

Yes, I do.

Do you? Then why did you reinstate him?

He tried to kill us.

Yesterday's enemy can be today's friend. Isn't that the way of the world?

I hear you and Shengzhong just become sworn siblings.

Weren't you archenemies that wanted each other dead?

Why can't I forgive Kim Shimon when you do whatever you want?

That was a strategic move to buy time build our military strength.

This not the same.

I called Kim back in a strategic move as well.

I need someone in this court to fight for me against you.

What?

Tell me, Mother. Am I really an Emperor?

Or am I just a puppet in an Emperor's robe?

Watch your tongue.

I don't care what you say.

I will not forgive a criminal of high treason.

Criminal of high treason?

Weren't you once a criminal of high treason as well?

Don't tell me you forgot. You fired an arrow at Seongjong's heart.

That's enough, Emperor.

But Seongjong forgave you.

That's not all. He bequeathed his throne to your son.

Have you forgotten all that?

Shut that mouth.

What can't I grant a meager pardon to my mentor?

If that's the way it is, depose me.

Take the throne for yourself and do what you want.

I said shut your mouth!

Sure, you got it. I'll shut up for you.

Welcome back, Commissioner

I heard you completely humiliated the Emperor and Empress Dowager of Liao.

The rumor is all over town, sir.

They say we had a miniature war with the Khitan and that we clobbered them!

And that the Khitan Emperor begged for mercy calling our

Empress Dowager "Older Sister"!

Those pathetic Khitan!

Get back to work, Steward Yi. Let's get inside.

Yes, sir.

Pathetic Khitan!

Duyan, what I meant to say was...

Me and my big mouth.

The Emperor has befriended

an itinerant entertainer?

[Itinerant entertainers: A group whose occupation was to travel around and work crowds]

Yes, my lord.

I grilled Yi Hyunoon for an answer and he said the Emperor has already been to the

peasant village twice to see the boy

and even had him over to the palace.

[Mun In Wui]

That's strange. What could be the reason?

I asked Yi about that as well, but he couldn't figure it out either.

The Emperor is such a hard man to read...

What do you have to report?

Kim Won Soong sent over one of his men the other day.

[Sa Gamun]

Kim Won Soong?

He asked for a meeting with you.

For what?

He refused to say, but perhaps to find a way to make a living.

Have you searched for good locations for the temples?

Yes, I found potential spots in the vicinity of Gaegyeong.

May I ask why we're spending so much time and resources on building temples?

I'm sure there are other priorities.

These will not be ordinary temples.

Pardon?

I intend to build a warrior monk army in these temples.

They will eventually help me conquer the Imperial Palace of Gaegyeong.

Do you have anything else to report?

Actually, My Lord...

I want to marry Duyan.

The Finance Commissioner gave us his blessing.

[Duyan]

Let's not waste any time.

I want you to have you as my wife as soon as possible.

Let's call it off.

What are you talking about?

I've betrayed my country.

A traitor must live like a traitor.

I can't get married in an enemy state

and live happily ever after when my Emperor has suffered such humiliation.

I don't deserve to.

I must live the rest of my life in guilt and shame.

Your Highness, please abide by the Emperor's wish on this.

No.

Kim Shimon raised an army to kill me and the Emperor.

But this is the Emperor's decision.

If you override his decisions every time, the Emperor will lose his authority.

Undersecretary Choi is right.

Kim Shimon has no associates in the present Imperial Court.

He is powerless to create trouble, so please grant His Majesty his wish.

Your Majesty, is that fun?

Why? Do you want to give it a try?

I heard that a King who engages in such

[Prince Daeryang (Future Hyeonjong )]

activities could become a Crimson King.

Who told you that?

It says so right here in this book.

Yes. I am a Crimson King.

My mother made me a Crimson King.

You mean you have not slept together since that one time?

No.

But why?

The Emperor has the duty and obligation to produce heirs.

Why is he keeping a distance from you?

I think it's my fault.

Is he attracted to another lady of the palace?

No.

I wish that were the case,

but I'm afraid His Majesty has been behaving very peculiarly lately.

Behaving peculiarly?

What do you mean by that?

Is this the boy?

Yes

Bow. This is the Finance Commissioner.

What is your name?

My name is Yu Han Gan.

You have a face of a girl.

He plays a girl in the performance that they do.

Listen and listen well.

If you do as I say, your entire group will never have to worry about

where your next meal is coming from.

But if you defy me, all of you will be slaughtered.

So you understand?

Lords Gang and Choi are right.

Give His Majesty some room.

You must try to understand why he is behaving this way.

He is lashing out because he's resentful about Commissioner Kim

and he feels like a powerless puppet.

So you have to start giving him some breathing room.

But his behavior is worse than a street thug.

But that's not what I called you to discuss. I wanted to talk about you.

About me?

I heard about how Hyang Bi feels about you.

I have been so neglectful.

You should've married and had children years ago.

And Hyang Bi, too.

Let me take care of that myself.

General Gang, you should marry...

No.

Please let me deal with that myself.

Please.

I'm sorry, Hyang Bi.

It's not because of the Empress Dowager. I've given up on her.

But to accept you as a woman...

My heart is just not ready.

Do I repulse you?

No, I just need some time.

I need time for my heart to heal.

I'm not ready yet.

Then I'll wait.

I'll wait for as long as it takes.

I've waited all my life, and I can wait longer.

[Jo Sun]

Welcome. Lord Kim awaits you.

This way.

Wait here.

Yes, sir.

Oh! Finance Commissioner!

Thank you so much for agreeing to meet me!

Please sit down.

Please sit down.

Things must be looking up for you.

I would think you couldn't afford to patronize places like this.

I pulled out all the stops tonight for you, Sire.

Would you like a drink first?

Never mind. Why did you wish to see me?

I know you're a busy man, so I'll get straight to the point.

I would like to be

a partner in your trading business.

[Kim Won Soong]

A partner?

I may have lost my wings not, but I've been a businessman all of my life.

I still have strong influence in the business community in this city.

Not only that, I can expand your business, not only into Song China

but into untapped markets in every corner of this country.

So you want to help me?

In a word, yes.

What do you want from me in return?

Protection.

Protection?

I've lived a rough life.

And now that I've fallen from grace, frankly, I'm scared.

I fear I'll die a miserable man if I don't rely on someone of power like you.

A good deal is when both sides profit.

You protect me and I make you money.

What do you think?

Former Minister of Punishment, Kim Shimon, you are a criminal of high treason.

But by the grace of the Emperor,

you have been absolved of your crime to stand in this Imperial Court once again.

The Emperor has given you another chance to serve the country holding your character

and talent in high regard, so I have decided to respect the

Emperor's decision after thoughtful consideration.

Speak now if anyone objects to this decision.

Then I hereby approve the reinstatement.

Your grace is immeasurable, Your Highness.

Crap.

Emperor

Oh, Mother, what brings you here?

What are you doing here when you should be at the council hall?

What would I go to the council hall for? There's nothing I can do there.

Besides, aren't you the one who taught me archery?

I'm training, even in my state of drunkenness, to become a master

archer like you, Mother.

Aren't you proud of me?

Emperor, I've approved Kim Shimon's reinstatement.

So please don't do this.

Did you?

I don't really care if you want to send him back.

Having one man on my side won't make me powerful enough to contend with you.

I'm just a puppet. Right?

Why are you doing this?

If there's something bothering you, tell me.

Nothing's bothering me.

Then why are you making your innocent wife sleep alone at night?

And why are you going out of the palace to be in the company of lowly itinerants?

Wow, Mother, you've been watching me from hundreds of miles away!

Yes, I was hundreds of miles away risking my life fighting the enemy.

Didn't you have anything better to do than hunting and watching street performers?

That's right! There was nothing for me to do!

Because unlike you, Mother, I'm not emperor material.

Why don't I just abdicate the throne?

What?

Prince Daeryang Won would make a much better ruler than I could ever be.

Lady Yunheung wanted to put him on the throne in the first place.

That's what should've happened.

Why did you put me on the throne and make everyone miserable?

Emperor.

If this is about the Finance Commissioner, I will give him up.

I will sever my personal relationship with him.

So please don't do this anymore.

I'm afraid that's not enough.

How about this?

Oh dear, I guess I'm too drunk.

I'll never be as good as you, Mother.

Brought to you by WITH S2 Written In The Heavens Subbing Squad

This is a FREE fansub. NOT for SALE! Get it for FREE @ withs2.com

Main Translator: KBS World Spot Translator: ahsieee

Special thanks to KaKaK

Transcriber: Suz07

Timer: dOtcOm

Editor/QC: melica

Coordinators: mily2, ay_link

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