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I got caught up in my own vendetta.
But now I will fight for Koryo.
And for myself.
Make me empress.
My son must be crown prince and, ultimately, emperor.
Will you work with me?
If I do, then you must do something for Koryo.
Your father wrote to me.
That is my answer.
Is that a good enough answer?
Tell me.
How may I help you.
You know about El Temur's treasure?
We're looking for it now.
El Temur used that money to secure his power.
I have the same thought.
You seem troubled.
You're helping each other.
You did the best thing. Try to relax.
Your Worship.
His Majesty has been waiting.
Where were you?
Getting some air.
I want to speak but I cannot.
But you'll see.
I will never choose another over you.
You cannot afford to antagonize Bayan and his supporters.
Without them you couldn't have removed El Temur.
Then must I take this seriously?
You must fight this head-on.
But my guardian is working with Bayan.
What can I do against her?
Invest me as Chief Consort and install me in the Xingde pavilion.
Xingde?
I need that kind of influence to protect Ayu.
All right.
That's a promise I can keep.
Never.
If we want Yuan trade we must work with the imperial house.
I trust you. But not Lady Ki.
Yon Feisu.
She bore him a prince.
She'll betray us for her son.
Lady Ki isn't like that.
Join hands with her...
and we're done.
Sire, we need her a lot more than Lady Ki.
She'll never be empress now that Bayan's niece is here.
She doesn't have to be if Ayushiridara is named crown prince.
But what about Maha?
Who cares about him?
He's just in the way.
Ri-i-ight. What was I saying?
That's Maha?
Yes, Sire.
Sire, he's a prince...
Seeing him fills me with pity.
Shall we, Sire?
Wang Yu.
He doesn't like strangers. You're an exception.
Come along.
My ward won't hold him.
He misses his father.
You're looking after him?
He's a prince, after all.
He has no one else now.
You call that clean?
You filthy little...!
Filthy?
Watch your mouth.
Or do you want a whipping?
Finish here then do the laundry.
Got that?
Come again?
Is that a no?
Yes'm.
Out of the way.
Time was I walked all over nothings like that.
If Lady Ki is chief consort, she'll be a lady in waiting.
I wish I was dead.
We have to live.
The Empress begged us to look after Maha.
We have to suck it up till our day comes.
Oh yes.
Tears?
Enough.
Ayu.
Time for his supper.
I'll feed him.
His spoon.
Your Worship, the silver...
Explain this. Poison?
Now fess up.
It wasn't us.
We're innocent.
His Imperial Majesty.
Is this them?
Yes, My Liege.
They prepared the young prince's meal.
This won't work.
Maybe they'll talk in jail.
My Liege. Take them away.
Halt.
My Liege, they didn't do it.
Then who did exactly?
We have to find out.
Leave it to me.
You have someone in mind?
Tell us why you're doing this.
You have to give us a reason.
Silence.
'Silence?' You...!
Who poisoned the prince's food?
Who did what?
Up to Tanasiri's old tricks, I see.
It wasn't us, Your Worship.
Please believe us.
After all you've done?
Your Worship.
Confess now and you'll live.
Keep holding out...
...and you will die.
Your Worship.
We didn't do it, we never...
It really wasn't us.
Can I have the rack instead?
Have mercy.
As heaven is my witness, it wasn't us.
Please.
Her Imperial Majesty.
You're certain it was them?
I'm finding out now.
Let them go.
Your Majesty.
They didn't confess under torture, did they?
They were Tanasiri's flunkies.
Why have we let them live at all?
Shall we blame servants for their master's orders?
Living as slaves is punishment enough.
Your Majesty.
See that their wounds are treated.
Your Majesty.
Take them away.
How long will you let El Temur's ghost reign?
Your Majesty.
We'll have a new empress soon.
At least try to behave yourself.
My son was nearly poisoned.
How should I behave exactly?
There are ways to do this without all the fuss.
I prefer peace.
Fair enough?
Well that was suspicious.
The seventh great khan, Kulug, was Temur's nephew.
He was succeeded by his younger brother, Buyantu.
Buyantu was succeeded by his son Gegeen.
Gegeen's cousin, Yesun, was the tenth great khan.
Yesun was succeeded by his son Arigabag.
Etiquette, genealogy...
She is learning quickly.
The other candidates are fine, but none has her character or decorum.
Choose Bayan.
After my decision I will name Lady Ki as chief consort.
And install her in Xingde pavilion.
That is second only the empress.
For a consort?
It's empty anyway.
And by living there, Lady Ki will be treated with the honor she deserves.
Did you whip him into this?
Now hold on, 'whip'?
Answer me.
Did you request the Xingde pavilion?
I thought it is the least that I deserve.
You deserve?
She has made a lot of sacrifices for me.
Bayan has done nothing to deserve the empress's palace.
Why not give Xingde to Lady Ki?
I'm not asking your permission.
My mind is already made up.
I want warrior eunuchs on staff in Xingde.
Your Worship.
You will be my lady-in-waiting.
Choose Koryo staff.
I will.
One more thing.
Have a secret room built before I move in.
A secret room?
I'll need it when we find El Temur's treasure.
As you wish.
Regarding the poisoning.
We have no clues.
Whoever tried to poison my son will have to deal with me.
I just hope it wasn't the Empress Dowager.
Your Majesty.
You'll be ladies-in-waiting again when the new empress is invested.
Again...
Thank you, Your Majesty.
Thank you.
In exchange I have a job for you.
For the good of the imperial house.
Our lives are yours to command.
Your Majesty.
Command us.
Make the new empress trust you.
Pardon?
No one can know you work for me.
I understand.
You may go.
Yes.
Your Majesty.
Do you plan on making Maha the crown prince?
I'll go blind before I see Koryo blood on the throne.
The Emperor and Lady Ki will fight you on this.
And who killed his mother?
She was from a house of traitors, there was no other...
Lady Ki. She killed her.
And so I will teach Maha.
That's right, Koryo scum killed your mother.
She manipulated the Emperor out of jealousy.
Your poor mother died a miserable death.
It's up to you to set things right.
Understand, sweetheart?
Your lady-in-waiting, Lady Soh.
Lady Yon.
The Dowager mentioned you.
I have much to learn and am bound to make mistakes.
I'm counting on your help.
Not to worry.
At your service.
Her Imperial Majesty.
Imperial robes? Does that mean...?
I have chosen the regent's niece, Bayan Hudu...
...as my empress.
Congratulations.
Hail to the Emperor.
Hail to the Empress.
The Emperor! The Empress!
Your Worship, welcome to Xingde pavilion.
Welcome, Your Worship.
Your new chambers.
And the secret room?
Is it satisfactory?
Now all I need is treasure to fill it with.
A letter from Wang Yu.
I'm told you will be chief consort.
By the time you read this, I will be riding for the mines.
Remember.
The second it is known that we're going after the treasure...
we will lose it all.
So if I do find it,
I will report the opposite.
Be well.
The regent confiscated El Temur's ledgers.
Find out where they are. Discreetly.
Your Worship.
You seem unsettled.
Perhaps more comfortable robes?
I must be ready for when my lord calls.
It is my duty to him.
Such a fine lady.
The Emperor may be adamant. But you will melt his heart.
Have you heard about Lady Ki?
The Emperor's affections are unique?
I wouldn't say that.
Other than snubbing the late Empress like...
Your pardon. I've said too much.
I don't mind.
You may go.
My Liege, you should go to her.
It is your wedding night.
I'm going to Xingde.
My Liege. Xingde?
To see Nyang.
My Liege, on your wedding night?
It's my choice. The Emperor's wish.
Kolta, I'm the emperor.
Why can't I do as I like?
Because you're the emperor.
Ah.
Mother.
An emperor may not do as he chooses.
When the situation requires it, you must endure.
Even if it's the opposite of what you want.
Therein lies greatness.
Greatness?
Don't you mean weakness?
You may be my guardian. But you don't have my interests at heart.
If you can't control yourself... we'll have to send Lady Ki away.
Mother.
As they did with Lady Zhang.
The Tang emperor was too fond of her.
Can't you see how she's manipulating you?
Do your duty, for her sake as well as yours.
This is your wedding night.
Your Worship.
The Emperor just called on the Empress.
Ayu, look at you.
Little troublemaker.
Your mother barely has time for me these days.
How dare you steal her away?
Oh, you.
You'll hurt his feelings.
Mine are hurt, too.
Tell me who you like better, me or Ayu?
Whom do you prefer, me or Ayu?
Wha..?
Nyang, I've never been so happy.
When I eat, when I go for a walk...
I still expect to wake up, from this wonderful dream
It's no dream.
Ayu and I are right here, aren't we?
That's what frightens me, I suppose.
I'm more scared of waking from reality, than waking from a dream.
That will never happen.
Waking from a dream to reality won't happen...
...when you're empress.
Ayu will be crown prince.
The three of us together.
Till we die of old age.
Don't worry, sweetie.
No one will hurt you.
I'll protect you and give you the throne.
Allow me.
Bayan.
My lord.
I'm sorry.
May I ask for what?
For tonight. For later.
I won't treat you well. This is my apology.
That's all I have to say.
My lord.
Don't get your hopes up, Your Majesty.
You've called me Bayan.
And now 'Your Majesty.'
That's good enough.
If you're not interested, I won't pursue it.
My Liege, what is it?
Are you awake?
You spent the night like that?
Why didn't you have your servants undress you?
On my own wedding night?
What is it?
My legs are cramped.
Little fool.
Sitting there till your legs cramped up.
Anyone out there?
Please.
If you could undress me?
Now I can breathe.
We still don't have a proper empress.
Tanasiri was too mean.
You're too soft.
Too much or too little.
Who would be 'proper' then?
Kolta.
My Liege.
I'll be breakfasting with Lady Ki.
As you say.
Don't worry about me.
We are one now.
If Lady Ki is precious to you, she's precious to me as well.
Where are you off to?
To call on Tal Tal.
Didn't you tell her I would be eating in her pavilion?
I did.
I had an appointment.
Your pardon, My Liege.
Nyang.
I got drunk last night, that's all.
Dizzy, tired...
I did not...
...sleep last night either.
The kitchen prepared something. Escort the Emperor.
My Liege, people are watching.
They see how she pushes you around.
Did you think how upset she must have been last night?
All these ledgers and we're still no closer to finding the treasure.
We're missing something.
Keep at it.
Sir, Lady Ki.
Welcome.
What are all these?
El Temur's ledgers.
Still no luck?
Nothing yet, but we'll find the treasure.
You look tired.
Are you angry with Bayan?
Cast aside when my usefulness is ended.
How may I help you?
The Empress was mistreated on her wedding night.
The same happened to Tanasiri, which is why she hated me.
So speak to her about me.
I don't want another Tanasiri on my hands.
That's why I'm here.
I understand.
Someone tried to poison Prince Ayu?
A baby? Were they caught?
Not yet. I'm told it's quite a mystery.
No.
Will you get involved?
No. Not now.
Not a wink all night.
It's that Lady Ki's fault.
That witch snaps her fingers and he jumps and jumps...
Enough.
You'll make me hate her.
As well you should.
That tramp...
Lady Ki is the reason you're all alone.
You should hate her.
You are so very kind.
Your Majesty, Councilor Tal Tal.
Send him in.
Your Majesty.
Welcome, brother.
Good timing. I was feeling low.
Some tea.
Not now. Leave us.
Yes sir.
What brings you here?
Perhaps you heard about last night?
May I speak candidly?
I wouldn't have it any other way.
Please.
Bayan.
Yes, brother.
I'm a distant relative but still spent my childhood with Uncle Bayan.
Yes, it was wonderful.
So I know you better than most.
Do not...
...try it again.
Poisoning a baby.
It's inhuman.
Even as a child you were strong, bold, cruel.
Like when you mangled a bird for singing too loudly.
Stop there. Enough candor.
I've had enough of that tone of yours.
Yes, I did it.
But if I wanted the brat dead, it would be dead.
That was a tiny, tiny taste.
I am the Empress.
If I didn't think I could have the Emperor I wouldn't be here.
Just wait.
I'll deal with Lady Ki and make him mine.
The Inner Court is not my affair.
But I won't have the Emperor see our clan as deranged.
That I will not allow.
Stupid...
El Temur's ledgers.
Copy these tonight and put them back.
Yes, Your Worship.
What's this?
A drawing of some grounds.
Grounds. As in El Temur's house?
Yes. So it would seem.
Who is living there now?
Bayan moved in after El Temur's death.
You still haven't found the treasure.
We can't afford for Tangqishi to find it first.
There may be a way.
What?
El Temur worked closely with Eagle House.
If we can meet the head of the house, he may have a clue for us.
But no one even knows what he looks like.
We have information that our local representative has met him.
Get him.
We're already looking for him.
We can't afford to lose that money.
I deal directly with her.
She speaks for Eagle House.
Yon Feisu.
I won't forget this.
This way. He's waiting.
Right.
Welcome, Tangqishi.
You know me?
I once did your father a favor.
I saw you from a distance.
I'll be brief.
I'm looking for my father's treasure.
Can you give me any clues?
I don't have any details.
But I do know El Temur razed an entire mining town.
What for?
What else?
So they couldn't reveal the treasure's location.
You know where?
I'm afraid not.
But my master might.
Take me to him.
He never shows his face.
But I'm asking you to make an exception.
I'll speak to him.
Thank you.
We own this establishment.
You will be safe here.
Show them their rooms.
Bayan is desperate to find Tangqishi.
Pick the wrong side and Eagle House will pay for it.
We still have time for me to speak with my master.
Where is he now?
Very close.
May I see him?
In time.
But not yet.
Huh?
Steal the treasure for ourselv...
Watch it.
Sorry.
Tangqishi means to raise an army with that money.
Do I look that crazy to you?
Then... you're helping him to...
To get my hands on the gold.
Then the world is mine.
You've got brains, I'll give you...
You're brilliant.
It's dirty work.
I will get my hands on that gold, and save my poor Yon.
Huh?
Ah, right. Quite right.
Bayan will be searching for the treasure.
Send men to find out.
Yes, sir.
Are they teasing us?
I think they're just hungry.
That's enough, enough of that.
Go on now.
You've had a long journey.
As have you.
Not just the mine.
Every corner, but nothing.
Not a hint of gold.
But if it's not here, where is it?
Where is Tangqishi?
No idea. He and Yom the Scum up and left.
Do you think he found it?
With just a few men?
Gold bars aren't easy to carry.
This isn't as easy as I'd hoped.
Kids today.
Play somewhere else.
Kids today don't listen.
That song.
Do they always sing it?
Ever since I got here.
They just sing it cause they're hungry.
Pay it no mind.
Sire, there's no reason for us to stay here.
The places where he might hide his funds are...
Here.
And six places in total, including a blacksmith to melt the gold.
Looking at his schedule... there are three possibilities.
It's one of these three.
But none of these is the mine Wang Yu mentioned.
El Temur had a confederate.
Your Worship, the Emperor.
You should have warned me.
Why didn't you come when I sent for you?
Are you still mad?
I told you I wanted to be alone.
Maybe you do. But I don't.
I get lonesome without you and I don't like it.
Please grant me this favor.
For a little while.
Please. I'm begging you.
Don't be angry with me.
Why haven't you discussed the treasure with him?
He would use it to fill the Yuan coffers.
I need it to secure my position.
A message came from Wang Yu.
He would like a word with you tonight.
El Temur wouldn't hide his treasure far away.
Close at hand but hard to find.
And impossible to steal.
Where could it be?
These have been moved.
Captain.
Have you touched these?
No, sir.
Did I have a visitor while I was out?
No one, sir.
What is it?
Someone else in the palace is interested in El Temur's treasure.
Sir.
You know who just stepped out of the palace?
I got word from my men.
That nasty piece of work Sungnyang...
...is out in the open.
Muster the men.
Yes, sir.
What is it?
Assassins.
Protect Her Worship.
Who are you? Who sent you?
The gods... have granted my fondest wish.
Tangqishi.
I'll sprinkle your blood...
on the graves of my father, my brother, my sister.
My thoughts exactly.
Murderer.
Today I avenge the blood of my mother.