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Episode 9

AD 990, 9th year of Seongjong's reign

(Balhaen Village at Cheongcheon River)

You can do it!

Jurchens! Jurchens are coming!

[Lady of Sungdeok (Hwang Bo Su)]

It's the Jurchens!

Stop what you're doing and prepare for battle!

Move the women and children, and grab your weapons!

Do not panic and remember the practice drill!

Archers forward!

Wait.

Hold your fire until they come within range.

Now! Fire!

Fire!

They're breaking up. Attack!

Stop!

Let them go. We don't need to wipe them out.

- Check for casualties. - Yes, my Lady.

Tend to Jurchens as well.

Bury the dead and treat the injured.

Make them understand that we're not their enemy.

Yes, my Lady.

They're stubborn people.

They never win, but they keep coming.

They think we're aiming for their land, so they'll fight to the death to protect it.

How much long must we keep fighting like this?

(Gang Jo)

This won't end unless something is done by the government.

Don't expect anything from the government.

They're sending troops home and breaking camps.

They won't get involved in this.

Your Grace, Drillmaster Gang, I think more of them are coming!

No, that's a Goryeoan flag.

Your Grace, it's good to see you again.

(Gang Gamchan)

Have you fared well?

Good to see you as well, Lord Gang.

What brings you to this distant place?

I've come to deliver an order from the King.

His Highness wants me to leave this place?

Yes, Your Grace.

He must really have nothing better to do with his time.

Why does it matter to the Royal Court where I stay?

Since when did he become so interested in what I do?

His Highness has a strong aversion to military confrontation.

He said he does not want the former Emperor's dowager to get personally

involved in building forts and creating problems with the Jurchens.

But Sir Gang, you are the one who fought for the Balhaens to build a home here in the first place.

But every time they try to build a fort, the Jurchens attack.

And the government hasn't done anything to help them.

Who will protect them if we don't?

I don't disagree with you.

But His Highness has stated firmly,

that the Royal Guards will not get involved in this matter.

He also wants Your Grace to return to Hwangju immediately.

It is an order.

He won't protect the Balhaens and he doesn't want me to protect them either.

Does he want the Balhaens to die?

No, I refuse. I cannot obey his order.

Your Grace, perhaps you should talk to him instead of bluntly defying him.

Does he want to talk to me?

He won't even let me come to the Imperial Palace to see my son once a year.

You should go to Gaegyeong if only for your son Prince Song.

There is a situation developing that you should know about.

What do you mean?

Did something happen to my son?

No, the Emperor is trying to install him as a Royal Prince.

Install him as a Royal Prince?

I've heard of being installed a Crown Prince, but never a Royal Prince.

What does that mean?

I don't know the details, but there's a heated debate over it in the Royal Court.

This is an unprecedented event.

What could he be thinking?

Your Highness, Wang Song's investiture is wrong and inappropriate.

Withdraw your command.

Withdraw your command, Your Highness.

As I've said repeatedly, this is a precautionary measure as I have yet to produce a male heir.

[Seongjong (6th King of Goryeo)]

If I should die without a son, who will succeed as my heir?

Your Highness, you are just over thirty years old.

And you produced a princess just last year.

That proves you are capable of fathering many more children in days to come.

(Park Yang Yu)

Yes, Your Highness. You're still a young man.

It's plain silly to invest Wang Song as your heir right now.

Please reconsider.

This is a precautionary measure.

If Lady Yunheung produces a prince, that child will surely succeed my heir,

but I wish to be prepared just in cast that doesn't happen.

(Seo Hui)

His Highness is firm in his decision. Perhaps it is our duty to abide by it.

The late king had abdicated his throne to His Highness against his own son.

Who is to say His Highness can't do the same for the late King's son?

That's absurd! This is completely different situation!

How so?

Is that a rhetorical question?

(Choi Seom)

His Majesty is a benevolent ruler praised by all,

unlike the late King. In addition, he is also healthy and well.

How can you compare them?

What is your ulterior motive for suggesting such a thing?

Ulterior motive? Watch your tongue!

(Yi Ji Baek)

Gentlemen, please lower your voices.

Your Highness.

Perhaps more careful consideration is warranted before you make your final decision.

(Choi Ryang)

My decision is made.

I've been on the throne nine years with only a daughter to survive me.

The royal house will be engulfed by utter chaos if anything should happen to me.

To prevent this chaos, I intend to install the late King's son,

Song as Royal Prince of Goryeo, and you will abide by my wish.

But Your Highness.

Enough!

I will not discuss this again.

Select an auspicious date for the ceremony and proceed with preparations.

Lady Yunheung,

The Book of Filial Piety says that piety starts by taking care of oneself.

Is this because it breaks your parents' hearts if you hurt yourself?

(Lady Yunheung)

[Wang Song (Gyeongjong's son)]

Yes, that's right.

Would it break your heart...

if Jeong ever got hurt?

Of course.

It would for you as well.

If you ever got hurt, it would hurt me more than it hurts you.

I promise I will give you my filial piety.

You must, of course.

She raised you when your birthmother Lady Sungdeok abandoned you.

Escort Jo!

Isn't it time for your lessons?

Go back to your room now.

Yes, my Lady.

Do you have a death wish?

Why do you bring up a woman who's forgotten?

I'm sorry, my Lady. I wasn't thinking.

Please forgive me.

If you bring up Lady Sungdeok ever again, you won't be forgiven.

Yes, my Lady. I will remember.

(Seogyeong)

Drillmaster Gang, what is this about?

Why are these people making this fuss?

This is how people react to Lady Sungdeok everywhere she goes north of Hwangju.

Why is that?

While the King and his men ignored the countless Jurchen attacks,

Her Highness alone fought to protect the people.

How could they not admire her?

Lady Sungdeok is back!

(Myeongbok Palace, Hwangju)

Welcome back, Your Highness.

You must be exhausted from the trip.

I'm leaving for Gaegyeong again once I get cleaned up,

so get my things ready for me.

Gaegyeong?

(Escort Yun)

But it will be dark soon. Leave in the morning.

I don't have time.

I'm going to see my son, so take out the best dress I have.

Of course.

What's the meaning of this?

It's the Emperor's order. Take him!

Stop right there! Stop!

Song! Song!

Get out of my way! Let me through!

Your Majesty, I'll leave the palace this instant.

Just give me back my son!

Please give me back my child, Chi!

Brother, give me back my child!

I won't ask for anything from you.

So just give me back my son!

He's all I've got, Brother!

Brother! Brother!

Brother!

Brother, you promised me.

Why won't you let me see him?

Why won't you let me see my son?

Brother!

Please let me see him, Brother. Please...

Brother...

Brother...

Your Highness, honor your word!

You said I would be allowed to see him once a year.

You're the King! How could a king break his promise?

Please let me see him, Your Highness!

Let me see my son!

Your Highness!

Your Highness!

My Lady, let us go now.

Lord Gang.

It's been a long time.

I heard you wanted to see me.

Yes.

You're wondering about Prince Gyeongjuwon.

(Hwang Bo Seol)

Is there still no word?

My dear lady, you are stubborn.

Little girls may have crushes on handsome older men, but it has been ten years.

A decade has passed and you still hold him dear in your heart?

Is that wrong?

No, of course not.

But it's time to let him go for your own sake.

Prince Gyeongjuwon has probably forgotten all about you.

We don't even know if he is still alive.

[Wang Ook (Prince Gyeongjuwon)]

A census survey? Why all of a sudden?

I guess our celadon vases have become valued items,

sought after by the nobles and royals of Imperial City.

They want to get an accurate account of our artisans so they can maximize production.

I see.

It's going to be difficult to hide your identity when the census agents come out.

I just don't understand the King.

He is heartless toward Lady Sungdeok but wants to make her son a Royal Prince.

This must be stop.

Or we might end up having to put Lady Sungdeok's son on the throne.

(Kim Won Soong) (Kim Shimon)

That's obvious.

But what can we do when the King will not budge?

He is not the same man that we used to have complete control over ten years ago.

So we're just going to sit around and let this happen?

Lady Yunheung must produce a male heir.

That's beyond anyone's control!

I would trade my entire fortune if that was something money could buy, but it's not!

- Then perhaps what we need is another royal consort. - What? Another royal consort?!

(Seol Shinyu) (Yi Yang)

Never! My daughter is still young!

What a ridiculous idea.

I speak out of frustration.

If you're frustrated, stop Lady Sungdeok's son from becoming a Royal Prince.

And I'll see about getting my daughter to produce a son!

Why is life so difficult! Ugh!

What do you mean Sir? You mean...

...get rid of Wang Song?

(Jo Sun)

That might be the only way if he is crowned Royal Prince.

We did it once before.

There's no reason why we can't do it again.

That was an emperor who was already sick and dying.

This is different.

My Lord, this is a very dangerous game.

There are risks in every game.

I want this country in my hands.

That means I can let no one but my daughter's child occupy the throne.

No one.

Aren't you tired, my Lady?

I'm fine.

We must ride all night to get to Gaegyeong in the morning.

Let's get going!

My mind is made up Master. So help me.

The strongest opposition is coming from the officials of Shillan descent.

I need your help.

(Choi Ryang)

But Your Highness,

I don't understand either.

You are not childless.

You fathered a princess last year, so that means you can father a prince as well.

Why are you forcing this when your men are against it?

I will not be able to father a prince.

How do you know?

Lord Choi Ji Mong predicted so, three years ago, before he died.

Your Highness, there is something I must tell you.

I have studied and restudied your future time and time again.

[Choi Ji Mong(Minister since King Taejo era, predicts the future by astronomy and weather)]

When there is a change in divine providence,

human destinies change as well.

Is there something wrong?

You will indeed become a benevolent ruler as I have always known.

But regretfully, you have no male successors in your future.

Is this true? Will I die without a male heir?

I'm afraid so. You will father only daughters.

Taking that into account, it was wise that

you didn't kill Lady Sungdeok's son and raised him in the palace.

I believe this is why I felt Imperial energy from the child as well.

Do you mean that Song will succeed my throne?

If you don't have an heir, he is first in the succession line.

It fits in with my prediction.

But Your Highness, you must listen and listen well.

Do not let Song get near his mother.

Don't even let him see her. Raise Song as your own.

Lady Sungdeok and you are the most extreme opposites.

That polar energy can undermine your reign and threaten your life.

Do you understand?

That was Lord Choi's prediction?

Yes, that is the prediction of the man who put me on this throne.

But predictions can be wrong.

I had hoped it is wrong.

But I have been on the throne for nine years,

and for the first eight years, Lady Yunheung could not conceive.

Last year when the Lady finally became pregnant,

I hoped and prayed Lord Choi would be wrong,

but a princess was born.

Lord Choi was right.

Then do you really plan to bequeath your throne to Song?

If I can, I must.

No, Your Highness.

I know why you and the others are against this.

But if I don't father a son, the throne rightfully belongs to Song.

But Lord Choi said to keep the mother and son apart.

If he rises to the throne, he will call his mother back.

That will not happen.

Lady Yunheung is his mother as far as Song is concerned.

He has no affection for his birthmother.

I made sure of that since he was a baby.

So help me, Master. Song is like my own son.

You said Choi Ji Mong was going to perform another divination ritual.

Did you hear about the results?

Well...

No! No!

This can't be! No!

This must be stopped!

Steward! Anybody!

Steward! Anybody!

Anybody!

My Lord!

What's wrong, my Lord?

I must inform the King. I must inform the King.

The country is... The country is...

My Lord!

That's how he died.

He wanted to tell me something, but he died before he could.

Then it's possible that he saw a male heir in your future.

That could be true, but I'm continuing forward with Song's installation.

So help me persuade the ministers.

They won't listen to me, Your Highness.

Perhaps you should tell them about Lord Choi's predictions.

I can't do that.

If I tell them about that, I'd have to tell them about Lady Sungdeok,

and if I do that, they will surely want my sister dead.

I can't do that.

But Your Highness...

Master, think about when I came to the throne.

You trusted me though I was born of Hwangju.

Give Song the same chance.

Look past his lineage, and trust his upbringing and what I've taught him.

Isn't that why you trusted me?

(Gaegyeong Sungdeok Palace)

Welcome. The Lady awaits you.

Allow me to congratulate you.

Prince Song is to be invested in three days as Royal Prince of Gaeryeong.

Royal Prince of Gaeryeong?

Where is Gaeryeong?

[Gaeryeong: modern day Gimcheon]

It's a region close to Sunju.

Sunju?

[Sunju: modern day Goomi]

Isn't that in old Shilla territory?

- Yes. - Why would they name Song after that region?

(Yi Ji Baek) (Yi Gyeomui)

The officiate of the installation ceremony says, it was His Highness's idea.

But why?

He chose a region close to Sunju, which is Lady Yunheung's birthplace, to name the Prince after.

That's absurd.

Why would my son take his name from a place close to Lady Yunheung's home?

Song is a prince of Hwangju. Hwangju should be in his name.

My Lady...

This is ridiculous.

Why doesn't he just call him Prince of Sunju?

What kind of silly game is this?

Whose son is Song anyway?

My Lady...

(Seo Hui)

I understand how you feel, but..

his name is not very important right now.

The fact is Song is going to be crowned.

That's right, my Lady.

This means Prince Song will rule this state,

if the King fails to father a male heir.

My Lady, you might feel indignant right now,

but think about the future,

and don't dwell on less important things.

That's what's good for you and Prince Song.

I heard you decided on Prince of Gaeryeong.

Yes.

Gaeryeong is very close to your home, Sunju.

Do you know why I made this choice?

Perhaps to tell me that, while he maybe not be my own son,

he is still at arms' reach and I should regard him as my own.

It is as if you've been inside my head.

But Your Majesty...

(Lady Yunheung)

Won't it hurt Lady Sungdeok to name him this way?

I don't doubt it will. But it's for the future of this country.

Your Highness, I know.

Every time Lady Sungdeok comes to the palace and is turned away,

you can't sleep at night.

I don't know why you had to separate the mother and son,

but if it makes you feel better to crown Song a Royal Prince,

that's what I want you to do.

You are a good woman.

Sadness melts away like snow when I'm with you.

I don't know what to say.

Song is to be invested, Grandmother.

But why do I feel like I'm losing my son for good?

He is my son who I carried for nine months.

They took him from me when he was just a baby and kept us apart for nine years.

And now they're naming him after another woman's home.

This is beyond cruelty, Grandmother, isn't it?

Lady Sungdeok has arrived.

(Wang Song)

Welcome, my Lady. It is good to see you again.

Yes.

What are you waiting for? Say hello to your mother.

Have you fared well, Mother?

Yes, and you?

Would you leave us?

I'd like to be alone with my son for a while.

Yes, of course.

Come here.

Come here.

Are you really my son Song?

Look how you've grown!

Look how handsome you've become!

Do you have any idea how much I missed you?

I went to sleep every night hoping to see you in my dreams.

Look how big you are!

I had only imagined a child.

Did you miss me?

Do you remember my face?

I... don't know.

Of course.

It was there years ago that you last saw me.

Are you hungry for anything?

Tell me.

What kind of food do you like? I just want to know.

I like everything Lady Yunheung prepares for me.

I see.

Let's try this on.

I made this for you with my own hands.

I'm sorry.

I didn't know you had grown so much.

It's too small for you.

His Highness the King!

Song, leave us for a while.

Your Highness, I haven't seen my son in three years.

I said leave us.

Yes, Your Highness.

Let us go now.

Let us go, I said.

You want me to leave?

Is that all you can ever say to me?

I asked you not to enter the palace without my permission.

I haven't seen my son in three years.

First you told me I could see him every three months.

But three months became six, six months became a year, then two years, then three.

A mother just saw her son for the first time in three years and you want me to leave?

You will see him again tomorrow at the installation ceremony.

So leave for now.

You're talking about the installation not of the Crown Prince,

not the Prince of Hwangju, but the Prince of Gaeryeong.

Why would you name my son after old Shilla territory instead of Hwangju?

That again?

Taejo unified the Three Kingdoms over sixty years ago.

There is no Shilla on this land.

Old Shilla territory, Hwangju, it's all Goryeo to me.

If that's true, why do you neglect the North and pay heed only to Shillan officials?

Yes, that's exactly what I wanted to see you about.

I want you to stay quietly in Hwangju, like a Queen Dowager should.

If you go up to the North and indiscriminately start picking fights with Jurchens again,

I will not tolerate it.

Indiscriminately?

Then is it discriminate for a King to turn a blind eye,

when his land is being ravaged and plundered?

Is it discriminate to ignore his people and his land which is surrounded by scheming retainers?!

Please stop running around like a wild woman when you don't know anything!

What don't I know?

It hasn't been two years since the war between Song and Khitan ended.

In 985, Song envoys had come to us requesting military aid,

but we refused on the basis that we lack military resources.

And you want me to send troops to fight the Jurchens?

Think about the position the country is in, wedged between two greater powers.

So that's the reason you demobilized your army and destroyed your weapons?

You're supposed to build a bigger and stronger army,

and make us a powerful country they can't lay a hand on!

They're no better than us!

Forget it.

It's as if you live for war.

I don't want to hear another word about this.

Just stay put in Hwangju like a lady.

No, I don't think so.

Are you defying the King's order?

Yes, if it's a bad order.

if you must insist, there will be consequences.

Like what? Are you going to lock me up?

If you continue to defy me, you may never see Song again.

So obey me. Don't forget that I am the King.

My Lady...

I'm fine.

I'm not crying. I don't cry.

I should stop in and see the Queen.

I can't leave without seeing her when I've come all this way.

You must be Sun.

Yes, my Lady.

[Sun (Later Queen Sunjeong)]

My, you've grown!

You were only two years old when you left Hwangju.

You're here.

Your Highness.

You must've come to see Prince Song.

[Queen Mundeok (Seongjong's first wife)]

Yes.

There must be so much to catch up on. You didn't have to visit me.

I've been remiss. Why do you look so frail?

Why are you in this remote place instead of at the Queen's Hall where you belong?

I'm more comfortable here.

Being at the Queen's Hall is like sitting on a bed of nails.

It's me.

You scared me half to death!

(Escort Yun)

Moonlight on your face flushed with fright makes you look even more beautiful!

(Yi Juyeong)

Cut it out and please don't do that again.

Tada! It's for you.

What is it?

Just a little something to express how I feel about you.

It's a beautiful norigae pendant from Song across the ocean.

So why are you giving this to me?

You should give it to your daughter.

It'll look better on you than on Sulhwa.

And you know how I feel about you.

No, thank you.

No, just take it.

Stop, someone might see us.

No one will see us; just take it.

Can't you see we're busy here?

Go and take the Queen Dowager to safety!

Yes, Ma'am!

Hyang Bi, what's wrong?

What's happening outside?

Where is the Queen Dowager?

I don't know.

Fine. You're dead!

Stop!

How dare you come here swinging your swords!

Leave this palace at once!

It's the Queen Dowager! Get her!

Take her.

Master, we have a report.

(Sa Gamun)

The mission is accomplished.

Did they capture the Queen Dowager and leave a trace behind?

Yes, Sir.

Good, this is the beginning.

The glory of the millennium will be revived if it is divine will.

(Kim Chiyang)

How is the weather?

Sunny and clear, my Lady.

It's perfect for the installation ceremony.

Good. Nice weather is the least we can have.

- Let us get going. - Yes.

Your Grace!

Juyeong, what happened? Why are you injured?

Something awful has happened!

Myeongbok Palace was attacked by the bandits!

What?

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

I am the Queen of Sun Nyang Palace.

Hyang Bi was captured!

It's the Prince's investment day.

Song is very young, but there is no reason not to invest him.

She is not even the Queen, what reason do they have now for coming here?

If you help with the rescue, I won't forget your grace.

It's been a while.

Please allow me to meet with the Queen of Sungdeok Palace. Allow her custody of my daughter, so that I may go in peace.

It's a trap!

Your Highness... you must escape!

I will die by your sword.

I will remember their suffering and avenge those who died today.

Main Translator: KBS WORLD Transcriber: ay_link

Spot Translator: plegend2007 Timer: selvaspeedy

Editor/QC: melica Coordinators: mily2, ay_link

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