----
[Episode 17]
My eyes are closed.
My ears covered.
I see nothing.
Hear nothing.
Sit back. Relax.
You just let me lean on you?
It would be better if you gave me a hug.
I'm too good for the likes of you.
What now?
Stupid-doofus-dorkhead.
Can you hear me?
I'm at war with El Temur.
I hate appearing weak to you more than death itself.
So I have to be brave.
What are you whining about?
This stinks.
Stay with me. Help me be a true emperor.
Hands off already.
What was that again?
Insults.
Time to read.
The courier leaves tomorrow, she's told.
She sews a warrior's frock all night.
To the touch the needle is cold.
Move out.
Now he dares to bring armed guards inside the palace grounds.
I am head of the imperial guard, but to him I'm nothing.
He's getting worse by the day.
We need to lay low for now.
I dare not face the Emperor.
Her Majesty is at her prayers.
She is not to be disturbed.
You'd be better off praying to me.
Tell me what it is you wish.
Can you grant my wish?
Leave some fictitious Blood Vow out of it...
and why not?
I'm behind all this, is that what you think?
I'm warning you, don't look for it.
The winds have changed.
The flags have shifted.
Why build a fire before the wind?
The tree that bends does not break.
Be warned.
It still seems to me, that i have the upper hand.
I was praying that you have a long, long life.
Long enough to pay for what you've done.
One hundred years... no, to make payment in full...
hundreds of years.
'A flower doesn't bloom in 10 days nor does power last over 10 years.'
But that's not me.
If it was 10 days of fragrance I wouldn't even have started.
And if my power lasted only 10 years, I wouldn't have drawn my sword.
You're so certain?
Why do you think I spared your life?
You had no reason to get rid of me.
You enthrone emperors. What does my life matter?
But if I feared death I would long since have become a temple nun.
It's too late.
You think I would let you go at this point?
If you can't be serious, say nothing at all.
Your Buddha may be merciful. I am not.
Do we understand each other?
It's time.
Whom can we trust at court?
The ministers of personnel, rites and finance.
They bear a grudge against El Temur.
See if they will work with us. Discreetly.
We'll do the same within the extended imperial family.
Your Majesty.
It's not the Dowager.
How do you know?
She knows it is useless to challenge me without it.
Meaning she doesn't have it?
She would have used it by now.
Then who has it?
You've heard about these posters?
Hard not to when we're in the palace.
Where are you headed?
The Dowager summoned me.
Watch yourself. We can't have any misunderstandings.
Good advice.
It appears he doesn't know you're behind the posters.
What is it, My Liege?
Dust in my eye, I think.
Allow me.
My Liege.
You're worthless.
Nyang, you do it.
Well?
His Majesty is suffering.
Happy?
Um, no, actually.
Again.
Soft and sweet now.
Wang Yu.
What's your business here?
I'm calling on the Dowager.
I'm headed the same way.
Nyang.
No more than three paces at all times.
In battle the animal comes out.
Wine with a lovely woman...
takes one's breath away.
...whew...
Ouch.
Pull yourself together.
He's got some nerve, leering at me.
As if I would care.
Your Majesty, the Queen Dowager...
Yeah, yeah.
Pay my respects, chop-chop, I got it.
She just sent word. Not today.
Hm? Why not?
You know how things are now.
Something smells fishy.
Then I can't help but go.
- Make ready. - Your Majesty.
It's been too long.
My own husband says, 'Too long.' How sad.
Well, you look nice, I guess.
Do I?
No doubt because I don't have to worry you'll be calling on me.
Well? Announce us.
Welcome.
You weren't told not to come today?
One must pay one's respects.
Here, please.
Is the tea ready?
On the way, Your Majesty.
Nyang, you there?
My Liege.
Come boil my water.
Water is water.
Why should she do it?
Either she serves me or I don't drink.
You heard him.
May I ask why you sent for Wang Yu?
I wanted to discuss his marriage to Princess Soha.
You should have consulted me first.
Well, Wang Yu?
Thank you but I must decline.
Decline, you say?
I agree with Her Majesty.
A tie to the imperial house would significantly strengthen your position.
Not just that.
It would significantly strengthen the ties between Koryo and Yuan.
You're right, of course, but not just yet.
Is there someone else?
That is the only reason I can think of.
Your concern overwhelms me. I'm at a loss.
I will retire after our tea.
Are you all right?
Yes, fine.
How could you be so stupid?
- Take her... - It's nothing.
Nothing? It was scalding hot.
Not at all. Pardon her, please.
Get it seen to.
Of course.
I'm fine. Try not to worry.
Sire.
Well? Clean it up.
A little water and she's blubbering for him.
Sorry 'bout that, I didn't see you walking...
Nyang.
Spare me.
I'm sorry.
Try that again.
See what happens.
I get hurt in kickball she doesn't notice.
Why? Why not cry for ME?
Still, a tantrum is beneath my imperial dignity.
Where's Nyang?
She was called away.
She's with him! Get her back!
Go!
My Liege.
No permission, nothing.
It's pretty bad.
Sire.
I said go.
Let me treat you.
You should go.
Sire.
Allow me.
Sungnyang.
Leave it.
I told you to never come back here.
You're hurt because of me. I will leave after I treat you.
You're hurt because of a nothing like me.
Who said you're a nothing?
The Emperor?
No.
Never let me hear you say that again.
Sungnyang.
The Emperor's eunuch.
Go on.
I'll be back. Tonight.
Don't bother.
Burns are worse at night.
How is His Manliness?
Why look at me like that?
Ah, you thought I'd be mad.
Don't you see yet?
My heart is kind, generous.
It's a bad wound.
He'll have fever tonight.
Which worries you.
Which is why I'm asking...
Allow me to assist him tonight.
And me? What about me?
I haven't slept for days without you reading to me.
Stay with me till I doze off tonight.
May I go after that?
As if I'll doze off.
How long has the moon shone?
I toast the moon and ponder alone.
Go on then.
She is beyond the reach of men's hands.
Yet she follows our steps on land.
You will not go to Wang Yu.
Through the green mist she shines alone.
Still awake?
I was almost out.
Medicine for burns.
Take it in the morning.
Bayan, explain yourself.
You still don't know who posted those signs?
Your pardon.
And the Vow?
Nothing, Father.
Guess you don't value your lives.
Your pardon, sir.
Bayan.
Display the head of every magician in the city.
That's what I get for being nice.
Someone thinks he can mess with me?
We'll see about that.
Kill them.
The magicians were executed for their involvement in the posters.
A reward of 100 pieces of gold to anyone reporting those that speak of the Vow.
Those that speak ill will be slaughtered with their families.
As you predicted, El Temur is getting worse.
It's time for the next step.
Your orders?
A follower is worthy of his hire.
When his master declares himself Lord of All, those that believe are blessed.
His curse on those who do not.
Brings chaos and tricks the people.
We must act now so please approve.
What does it say?
Some tripe about the evil of our times.
Will the words change in the rain like last time?
Rain tomorrow?
Yes, my joints are aching. Rain for sure.
Judging from the clouds, he's not wrong.
Tonight we make our move.
Post them in the streets where they will be seen.
Musong, Bang, you take the road El Temur uses.
It's been quiet for days.
Your crackdown has paid off.
They know what's good for them.
But we can't let our guard down.
Whoa.
Rain. Shall we find shelter?
Lord of All...
...his... curse... will reign!
It's him!
It's them again.
What is all this about my father's curse?
These were posted inside and outside the palace.
Our mysterious helpers are back.
They're working against El Temur.
Our people?
They believe these four years of famine are the curse of the late Khutughtu Khan
They may well be right.
But this is just some magic trick...
It's what I believe.
My Liege.
I have to.
My father was murdered.
He's helping me by cursing El Temur.
Believing that gives me strength.
Quite right.
Khutughtu Khan is watching over us.
I believe that.
Our time has come at last.
Until it does, we cannot give El Temur an inch.
Don't let on. Stay his puppet.
Understand?
No. It's time for change.
I will never be his puppet again.
How did this happen?
'His curse will reign.' They're starting something.
He's right.
They tripped us up this time, but we'll catch them next time.
Fine, they can keep their so-called curse.
The Khan's curse?
I fear no curse.
I'm right here.
Fear MY curse.
It must be seen.
For a curse to start it must first be seen.
How will we do that?
You know which animals sense the new dawn first?
Rats.
Rats? As in 'squeak-squeak' rats?
Pulhwa, Jombak, start catching live rats.
Hundreds of them.
Rats are clever. Catching them alive...
I'll show you the trick.
Thanks now.
Dried toad skin.
Boil it up and it knocks 'em right out.
We put it on food?
Two days and they're as good as dead. Then we pick 'em up.
- Let's go. - Right.
Well now, back among the living?
Good old Koryo beans and soup has done me a world of good.
Cutting wood?
To earn my keep.
I pay what I owe.
One of the houses has orphans.
Give them the wood.
There's more to chop.
I'll drop this off and come back.
He doesn't look like much.
But he's all right.
Sir.
Doing all right?
What do you want now?
Well?
We'd like a word.
A word? Forget it.
Just for a moment.
Come inside then.
Ah-hah. I knew it.
The village headman is in on it.
Something's going on here.
First promise to keep this a secret.
A secret?
Forget it.
Secrets are a pain. Go away.
This isn't a pain.
Just look the other way, that's all.
Hang on a minute.
Right. He won't be back.
Was someone outside?
Never mind.
Well? Look the other way from what?
I needed to hear the rest.
I got the tail. The rest will follow.
Ugh, this really hurts.
Crafty old fart.
Catching rats?
What will you do with them?
They have their uses.
Even we're not that hungry.
Do we look like cats to you?
Keep it quiet, that's all we ask. We need them.
Is this for his lordship?
Yes.
Help us, please.
You want it kept quiet?
Use your herbs at night and pick them up at dawn.
Thank you.
Thanks? You're catching rats for us.
Leave us.
Has the emperor said anything about this Blood Vow?
If he does, tell me.
Not only will it save your life, it will get you anything you want.
Is that a smirk?
The Vow will condemn El Temur of treason.
It may well give me my chance at vengeance.
Now I'm more interested in it than ever.
Trust your idiot emperor, see what it gets you.
You know what happens to a rabbit when a hawk catches it out in the open?
Scamper as it may, it is already marked for death.
As I have marked you.
Little bunny.
Where have you been?
You're up early today?
I'll be up before dawn from now on. See that you're here.
Today's agenda.
Ten o'clock, exercise.
- Two o'clock... - Reading and writing.
My Liege, if the regent finds out...
He'll try to kill me.
So I need you to help me keep this secret.
Have Bayan call on me tonight.
In secret.
My Liege.
You sent for me?
I have never yet issued a command from this chair.
Until today. To you.
At your service.
Command us.
Find the Blood Vow.
It is nothing more than a rumor.
It doesn't exist...
Doesn't exist?
Then why does El Temur want it?
If the regent learns you are after the Vow,
no one can keep you safe.
Is that a threat?
Think of it as... advice.
You two can protect me.
What? Is it beyond you?
Why should you trust us?
We serve at the regent's whims.
Why trust us?
You saved my life on Daechong.
If El Temur knew, you wouldn't be safe, either.
This is an imperial command.
Bring my father's Blood Vow to me.
At your service, My Liege.
Come in.
Well?
Pardon?
I was pretty impressive, huh?
You think you can face El Temur?
I'll try.
With every breath in my body.
Emperor or King there is only one enemy.
And the fastest way to destroy El Temur...
is to find the Vow.
I will help you.
You swore to never do a thing for me.
I owe El Temur for what he did.
Your help gives me that much more courage.
That was a new look for him. Almost decisive.
People don't change that easily.
You didn't see it?
A few days ago El Temur had him whimpering like a baby.
Something is off.
Meaning someone is behind this.
Now we have to obey them both. It hurts my head.
That will stop when we get our hands on the Vow.
The Vow.
That's what we need.
Lady Noh, please!
Stay back!
This is my room!
Pull yourself together.
Stay back! Back!
Nyang, good. Help us.
She was fine till a while ago.
Then bam.
I saw it. I saw the Vow.
That again.
They'll kill you for saying that.
I know where it is.
I was the Khan's favorite.
I know.
Sir, is this true?
You believe a nutcase?
Stay back!
This is my room, mine!
That's right, it's your room.
We'll live here together.
Trust me.
Here.
That's right.
I won't go. I'm staying.
Yes you are.
She's a child in her hands.
I'll look after her.
If you please.
You'll be all right?
Yes, sir.
Oh. That Vow stuff is crazy talk.
Pay it no attention.
You saw the Blood Vow?
I was with the Khan till the end.
Where was it?
What did it say?
In it he wrote...
of his love for me.
It's true.
He said I was lovely, the only one for him.
Of course.
It's late.
Try to rest.
Are you up, My Liege?
Is the shadow play ready?
Yes.
The performers arrived last night and are in the pavilion.
But surely you don't need this play...
just to fool the regent?
Are you kidding?
I need to look like I'm not giving the Vow a second thought.
Oh.
And not a word about this to Nyang.
Hm?
Ah-hah.
Nyang will love it.
My Liege, your attendants.
- Not a word. - My Liege.
Wait, wait.
Nyang, you do it.
A court lady does not do servant's work.
Yeah, yeah, I don't care about all that.
Get out.
Nyang, you stay and get to work.
Gently now. With all your heart.
That's it, that's it.
Your hands are getting gentler.
Easy.
Or you'll get a smack.
I'd prefer it.
Owie, ouch!
This is how I do it, all right?
If you don't like it, use your servants.
No.
Why not?
I don't want other women touching me.
Your Majesty.
Your Majesty, have you heard?
I swear, first thing in the morning?
The Emperor is hosting a shadow play tonight.
A play?
For Lady Tramp?
Lady Pak... is great with child.
She is unable to attend.
Oh. Right.
Then for who?
For you, most certainly.
Me?
Now I've seen everything.
I suspect...
he hopes for a reconciliation.
A reconciliation?
Send for Wang Yu.
Whatever for?
So I don't have to see the Emperor alone.
I suspect...
the Emperor is jealous of Wang Yu.
Wang Yu is sweet on me.
If I use this right, I can fluster the husband of mine.
I understand.
But is Wang Yu really sweet on you?
How to explain the look in his eyes?
Boys will be boys.
I need some sort of excuse.
We'll make it a luncheon.
Huh?
To discuss Wang Yu's wedding.
Then I can invite both of them.
Ah, quite so.
You're so cute.
Sire, we've got hundreds of rats.
Where?
Somewhere no one can find them.
Release them tonight.
Be careful.
Everything is ready.
All those rats in the palace will be something to see.
So the curse begins.
The Curse of the Khan.
Sire, Her Majesty's messenger.
Enter.
How is it you're his food taster?
Because I say so.
Wang Yu, you will be discussing the marriage with me.
There is nothing more to discuss.
Is it so unpleasant?
Fair enough. I won't bring it up again.
Let's eat.
I understand you're hosting a shadow play tonight?
Wha...? How did she find out?
That's true.
As it is in my honor, I suppose I have to go.
Great. Perfect.
Will you be attending?
Seriously? Him, too?
No thank you.
A gentleman can hardly refuse a lady's invitation.
Wang Yu will attend. See his place is set.
Your Majesty.
How did you know I love shadow plays?
As if I would have done it if I knew?
Begin.
What is it?
A rat.
Like that's news?
Move.
Ugh. This wasn't for her.
[---- Translated by D. Bannon]
[Next on Empress Ki]
My father's curse has begun.
Who told you this rubbish?
You look scared.
What?
You have the regent running scared.
They were looking for the Vow.
Was it you?
Would that be so wrong?
Saying my father killed himself!
Your death will please many people.
- My Liege. - This is an order.
Don't look at him, don't smile at him.
And never cry for him in front of me.
Your pain is my meat.