----
What are you doing?
Go back where you belong.
He looks like some kind of animal.
He's insanely jealous of Wang Yu.
[Episode 18]
This is an imperial command.
To disobey means death.
Never speak to Wang Yu.
Never look at him, smile at him.
And never, ever...
...cry for him in front of me.
What is this about?
You heard what I said.
The King is only...
The king, the king, the king!
I can't stand any more of it.
Get out.
Follow me.
Come with me to Koryo.
We'll go together.
Yes, Sire. I will.
I'll go with you.
It will be hard.
I'm ready.
I don't know when.
A thousand, ten thousand years, I'll still wait.
Promise me one thing.
Do not try to help me.
Seeing you in danger...
...is a pain worse than death.
Yes, Sire.
As you say.
Why did I let her go?
She could be reading to me.
My Liege, what is it?
Rats, rats, rats!
Get it.
Oh.
Ugh, I swear.
Now you need swords for a little rat?
Sheathe your swords.
Nyang's even a better guard than you.
Get out.
Outy-out-out!
Calling on the Dowager?
Yes. The wedding again, it would seem.
She's persistent, I'll give her that.
And you just won't have it.
EEK! Your Majesty! Watch your feet! Rats!
There! And there!
You can let go now.
Ahem.
Well, then, thank you.
Where did all those rats come from?
I've never seen such a thing.
Anyway, I owe you for this.
If you'll excuse me.
Did I embarrass myself just now?
Yes.
Of course not.
What is all this?
Rats. Tons of 'em!
What? Rats?
You have a lot to learn. You don't look ahead.
Regent, trouble!
What is it now?
Rats in the palace.
What? Rats?
Not an invasion, just a rat or two? You call that trouble?
Not one or two.
Hundreds.
Hundreds, you say?
Is this how you run my pavilion?
Your pardon.
As many as we catch, there are just that many more.
Not just here. In the palace as well.
It's odd, coming so suddenly like this.
Pardon my saying so...
but rumors are spreading in the palace.
What rumors?
About the Curse of the Khan.
That it's begun?
Am I cold?
Even in winter without a coat, I feel no cold.
Why? The Way, the Tao.
- The Tao. - The Way.
Today let's discuss our nation.
Hours of the Snake, Dragon, Rabbit, Tiger, Ox.
And what else, huh?
The Hour of the Rat.
That's the first hour of the day, Midnight. Why?
Because when trouble hits, the rat knows to get out.
True, true.
Then why are there hundreds of rats in the imperial palace?
The palace?
Then it's the curse of Khutughtu Khan?
Keep it down.
The heavens are angry. An ill omen.
What should we do?
I heard wild dogs wiped out a village to the south.
A dragon fell to its death near the Yangtze.
A dead dragon!
You heard it, a dead dragon.
What is a dragon? Well?
The emperor, that's what!
Meaning El Temur killed... Khutughtu Khan!
Right you are.
El Temur killed the Khan, the heavens are angry.
Dogs and rats are running rampant.
What should we do?
Well? What?
Pray.
Hear our plea, Merciful Buddha.
Hear us.
Spread the word in secret.
In secret.
Hear our plea, Merciful Buddha.
I think Bang missed his calling.
The people will believe anything at this point.
What are they saying?
With rats in the palace, it's the Curse of the Khan everywhere you go.
Frustration will turn to resentment.
And resentment, to fury.
Fury aimed at El Temur.
None of this matters today.
No petitions will be approved today.
I've heard the talk.
About my late father's curse...
Who told you that?
I have eyes and ears.
As does a corpse.
Did you forget I told you to act as one dead?
Why are you so scared?
What?
Why do you fear my father's curse?
My Liege!
I may act as one dead, but my people will not.
Can you cover their eyes, their ears?
The people are fools to be manipulated by fear and lies.
You on the other hand have not yet learned to fear me.
Regent.
The temple, quickly.
What now?
You should see.
Not yet. It's too soon to move against him.
El Temur knows the same fear.
Your fear is obvious.
He keeps his hidden.
It seems to me that he's already afraid of you.
It does?
Report.
It was like this when the Dowager came in to pray.
Bayan.
This must be kept quiet. Kill anyone that talks about it.
Yes, sir.
You, too. Tell no one.
You made Buddha himself cry. You're quite a man.
Watch what you say.
I see it all now.
The curse... has begun.
The curse?
That's paint, nothing more.
You would deny what's before your eyes?
Famine, disasters, they are all on your head.
Silence!
Do you not fear the Buddha?
What is there to fear?
Are you insane?
I've burned down more temples than I can count.
What's another one more or less?
Are you insane? Are you?
Father, please.
Fear my curse. You, the Emperor!
See that you do not incur my wrath.
Your Majesty, are you all right?
I'm fine.
Merciful Buddha, have mercy.
Am I getting old?
Or have I met an enemy the likes of which I've never seen?
He is different from anyone I've faced before.
He has me in a corner.
Who is it?
Tears of blood on the Buddha?
Yes. Dokmun said El Temur swore everyone to silence.
If it wasn't you... who was it?
Whoever it is, we have El Temur cornered.
He'll need someone.
Someone?
Someone who can speak to him.
Who can help.
Who would that be?
What's Wang Yu doing with El Temur?
This move will block you for good.
Make it.
You have no defense now.
I was focused on attack. I missed that.
I forfeit. Time to talk.
You're not here to pass the time.
I spoke through our game.
You lost because you focused on the attack.
A loss from strength?
Are you suggesting I need your help?
Don't you?
A passing shower, nothing more.
You wasted your time if you thought this would impress me.
It is said you achieved your position by betraying the late Khan.
Absolute power requires absolute cruelty.
As you know better than anyone.
Do you have a death wish?
Do not make the same mistake as Khutughtu Khan.
A passing shower may well grow into a typhoon.
Still awake?
I realized three things thanks to Wang Yu.
How so?
First, I focused on the enemy I could see and failed to notice the one I could not.
Second, strength alone does not ensure victory, and third...
And third?
I need Wang Yu more than anyone else.
Do you trust him?
No one else has helped me like he has.
Don't trust him. You can't.
I know him. He will never serve you.
Are you jealous?
Jealous? Never.
Your eyes are eat up with it.
Is that why you sent Wang Yu to the border against my wishes?
You're a fool.
What do I need with a fool?
Father.
You have a lot to learn.
Watch Wang Yu. You might learn something.
You're wrong about this.
Just wait, I'll show you what Wang Yu's up to.
And what kind of son I am.
Sungnyang, Sungnyang.
What are you doing here?
Sire.
Oh, right.
Eunuchs are everywhere.
I should go.
About the Buddha...
It was you, right?
Yes, it was me. Pay no attention to the talk.
Yes, Sire.
Now go.
Going.
I can't let you do this alone. I won't.
Forgive me, Sire.
My lady, time to wash up.
You're Nyang. We're sharing the same room.
You're back with us?
Tramp!
How dare you question my sanity?
Your pardon.
Massage my legs.
Pardon?
Well? Don't make me whip you.
My lady.
You're from Koryo?
Yes.
Stubborn slackers, the lot of you.
Don't get huffy. I'm from Koryo, too.
You are?
Back to work, slacker.
My lady.
You're getting cozy with El Temur.
You joining him now?
Shouldn't I?
I asked first.
I have lost my throne.
I'll grasp at any straw that might help me.
The day you can return my throne to me...
I'll stand with you.
See that?
He's with El Temur.
Well? What do you say to that?
We cannot know who will win.
I choose to help you.
What's that mean?
If we can oust El Temur...
...return Wang Yu to his throne.
So you're playing both sides now?
You're something, you really are.
I wouldn't blame you...
for kicking me out of the palace.
And me? You don't care if I'm hurt?
Forgive me, My Liege.
Rotten.
Have you found the Blood Vow?
Your pardon.
My pardon? You know how sick I am of hearing that?
Your pardon.
What good are you?
We understand he had a eunuch with him at the end.
Who was it?
A man from Koryo. Jokho.
Jokho?
But no one knows his whereabouts.
Then go find out.
You know a eunuch named Jokho?
I heard about him when I entered palace service.
He was renowned for his loyalty and skill with the staff.
Can you find him?
I know someone that can.
No rats anywhere.
It's strange. I wake up at night, but not a one.
But I hear there are plenty in the palace.
They must like it better.
Wouldn't you?
It's a lot better than this place.
True, for a rat.
You're a man. What keeps you here?
Huh?
The Koryo village reminds me of home.
A word, please.
Which of you is the headman?
I am. Why?
Do you have a Jokho here in the village?
Jokho?
He used to be a palace eunuch.
You must be, too. No beard or nothing.
What do you want with Jokho?
Tell us if you want our help.
Do you know him?
I've heard the name.
Oh, I see.
Move, move.
- Where? - Over here.
Meat, yum.
Welcome. Leave us.
A drink or two while I was waiting.
Let's hear it.
Where to begin?
Wang Yu's men came to the village.
Next thing you know, all the rats are gone.
Gone?
And now the palace is full of them.
Did you see them catching the rats?
Not exactly.
But it's suggestive, that's for sure.
Anything else?
A eunuch showed up today.
Looking for a certain Jokho.
- Jokho? - Yes.
All save one.
His head eunuch.
His name is Jokho.
That's him all right.
One of the Emperor's eunuchs.
So the Emperor is looking for the Vow?
He's too much of a wimp.
Not with someone encouraging him.
The Empress Dowager?
No. The Jackal.
The Jackal...
You mean Sungnyang?
There are two thorns in my eyes. Sungnyang and Wang Yu.
My eyes will bleed until they're both dead.
My Liege.
We found Jokho.
Does he know about the Vow?
He'll meet you at ten tonight at the House of the Autumn Moon.
I'll be there.
You can't. Allow me and the head eunuch to go first.
I said I'm going.
If you do, it will look suspicious.
Don't worry.
I learned a few tricks in Koryo.
Odd.
El Temur should have sent someone by now.
Did my trap fail?
Sire, Tangqishi to see you.
At last.
What brings you here?
My father wants a word.
Oh?
My pleasure.
He prefers it be outside the palace.
Where then?
The House of the Autumn Moon. At ten o'clock.
I'll be there.
The robes suit you.
You'll be emperor for a night.
My Liege.
Relax, relax. No one will come tonight.
And if someone does...
...my guards are outside.
Will you be all right without me?
I have Nyang and Kuksu.
Take some men.
Too many men will be conspicuous.
I'll look after him.
Right. You cleared the way?
I sent the maids and eunuchs away.
Escort Father to the courtesan house.
Tell him the one looking for the Vow will be there.
Yes, sir.
My parents? They're safe?
Don't worry. Your actions are keeping them safe.
I will leave the palace and live with them.
Don't seek me out again.
Dispose of that.
Yes, sir.
Now this is living.
How can the same sky seem so different outside the palace?
We have to hurry.
We're not late. Don't be such a drag.
It's dangerous outside the palace.
I swear.
Fine, whatever.
Seeing you dressed like a man reminds me of Daechang Island.
A memory I can do without.
Blech.
Blech! Same old Sungnyang.
Just like the old days.
Sungnyang, wait up!
Wait!
Halt.
Jocham, right?
Who's the corpse?
He's, um...
An imperial eunuch.
How did he die?
He, um...
Spit it out.
It wasn't me.
Tangqishi told me to dispose of it.
Tangqishi?
My Liege.
General.
This isn't fitting.
Get up!
It's an emergency. Wake up.
You shouldn't wake him.
What is this?
The Emperor isn't here.
Where is he?
Why do you ask?
Tangqishi has killed a palace eunuch.
Finding the Vow isn't so simple.
Something isn't right about this.
Tangqishi is up to something all right.
No one else is here.
That's odd.
We should go back.
My father was detained.
Here. A drink.
He isn't here yet.
Right.
How will we know this Jokho?
We have a code.
Ask him if he hunts tiger.
He'll say he came to hunt bear.
My lord.
Which of you is Nyang?
I am.
A gentleman says he is here to hunt bear.
Good evening.
I don't want to show my face.
Meet me in the next room alone.
What's it say?
He's scared to show his face.
I'll be right back.
Take Kuksu.
I can't leave you alone.
I'll get the Blood Vow. Wait here.
Keep quiet.
Is this it?
Yes, Father. The one seeking the Vow is inside.
Open it.
Drop your sword.
Regent.
What brings you here?
Are you looking for the Vow?
The regent is late.
I heard the one behind the posters will be here.
The who-now?
That must be him.
Who's there?
Are you hunting tiger?
I'm here to hunt bear.
What are you doing here?
Sire.
Move in.
I got me a tiger and a bear.
Sire.
Well? Are you looking for the Vow?
Why shouldn't I?
My father wrote the Vow in his own blood.
A son shouldn't search for his own father's will?
So you posted the signs, too?
I did not.
No?
I'm after the Vow, that's it.
Who else is here?
Only our men.
I'll double-check.
Regent.
It's full of El Temur's men.
The Emperor?
It doesn't look good.
The Empress Dowager.
We have to decide.
Either stop her and side with El Temur.
Or help her to kill him.
I never give a warning twice.
But I keep warning you.
Now you'll pay...
...for ignoring me.
Spare me.
Think of all the people you'll meet on the other side.
Father.
Her Majesty is here.
What? The Dowager?
Announce me to the regent.
What brings you here?
My Liege.
Mother.
His Majesty is seeking the Blood Vow.
Despite my warnings to the contrary.
Take him away.
I was foolish.
Looking for what doesn't exist.
Escort His Majesty.
My Liege.
I don't see Nyang. We have to get her.
You have to go.
Well?
My Liege... My Liege...
Nyang... Nyang... Where are you?
My Liege.
- Nyang! - My Liege.
Explain yourselves.
We saw the Dowager and thought to stop her.
Where's that brother of yours?
What was that again?
I said you're behind the posters.
And your little tramp here manipulates the Emperor.
Am I wrong?
He has nothing to do with it.
Silence.
You have proof?
Proof.
It doesn't matter. I'll make her talk.
Touch a hair on her head, and you'll have to deal with me.
Good.
Your pain...
...is my meat.
What is all this?
Father, I found the man behind the posters.
I offered you my services.
And this is how you repay me?
What makes you so sure he did it?
Rats disappeared from the Koryo village after his men went there.
And?
And...?
Rats come and go as they please.
What else?
She's helping Wang Yu...
Moron. I told you not to be jealous.
You'll pardon my son.
Father.
Silence.
Get out.
Leave her.
Father, she serves the Emperor.
Take her away.
Now let me ask you.
Will you help me?
Will you serve me?
Have you thought it over?
Release the girl Nyang.
That's not your affair.
Release her and I will serve you faithfully.
You barter with a maid's life to enter my service?
She risked her life for me in Koryo.
How can you expect me to serve you...
if you place so little value on your retainers' lives?
She belongs to the Emperor.
Then take it up with him.
She works under his orders.
I like that. You know the meaning of loyalty.
If I spare the woman, what will you do for me?
I know what troubles you.
Go on.
The one behind the posters is quite close to you.
Yet with so many retainers, you can't tell which is loyal.
Which bothers you.
And how would you tell which is which?
Release Nyang.
And I'll tell you.
Where is Nyang? Did you find her?
She has been arrested.
Halt.
Get out.
Sir.
I told you before.
If I can't have you, no one can.
If I can't have your heart...
I'll take your life.
You're not allowed here.
Get out.
Have you lost your mind?
Your father gave me permission to take her away.
What?
Ask your father if you like.
Tell him this, too. If you dare.
Sungnyang... Sungnyang... Sungnyang!
Let's go.