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The memory lapses started...
when I took Kolta's medicine while working.
I never remember anything after drinking it.
No.
Kolta.
Kolta is visiting is sick mother.
Have him prepare my medicine when he gets back.
My Liege.
A meeting?
At the insistence of the head of Eagle House.
I'll send men to raid it.
They're a crafty bunch.
They'll be gone before you get there.
I'll go myself.
Your Majesty.
It's difficult. And dangerous.
There is a way to go unseen.
Master.
Sir, why have you...?
An imposter. But which one?
Who are you?
That's our real master.
I asked who you are.
Your Majesty.
'Your Majesty?'
You know me well.
Who are you?
Kill the Empress.
Sir, hurry.
Fall back!
After them.
After them!
What is this?
Eagle House men.
You went yourself?
I had to act quickly. It was the only way.
Their leader?
He got away.
Still, I've no doubt you can get his name out of them.
Quite so.
Take them away.
Yes, sir.
No one knows you, don't worry.
Spread the word.
Have our men lay low.
Master.
Women are wearing Koryo fashions?
Not just clothes.
Koryo customs are spreading like a plague.
Hmph. She's making a mockery of the whole country.
What do you think?
It suits you.
And mine?
I cannot tell a lie.
You're gorgeous.
Her Imperial Majesty.
Wearing Koryo rags in the palace?
Have you no sense of decency?
Your pardon.
From now on, anyone in Koryo clothes will have to deal with me.
And why is that?
I'm told the kitchens are making Koryo food.
That's not all.
They're even adopting Koryo worship customs.
If that's not sedition, what is?
Koryo is adopting Yuan customs as well.
Brides apply rouge and pierce their ears.
It is the nature of cultural exchange.
What do you have against Koryo?
Dokman.
Send Her Majesty our finest Koryo robes.
Your Majesty.
I have no doubt you will wear them at tomorrow's invocation.
Over my dead body. Yuan will never become Koryo.
Then I suggest you retire to a nunnery.
I won't stop you.
Did they talk?
They all say the same thing.
We don't know anything.
Please believe us.
You must know something.
A name, age, location.
Tell us whatever you know.
There is one thing.
What is that?
I heard he's attached to the palace somehow.
You're certain?
So the other leaders say.
Attached to the palace?
Yes, My Liege.
The regent is investigating the staff and servants.
He'll find him.
Another headache?
My head is splitting open.
His Majesty's medicine.
Right away.
The head of Eagle House in the palace...?
No.
The Empress is getting close. Time is short.
Have Yom gather all those favoring a new emp eror.
Master.
Kolta.
My Liege.
My medicine.
Are you all right?
The headache is passing...
...but I'm not... myself...
My Liege.
Rest a while. The pain will pass.
I can't let myself doze off, I can't.
You have to stay alive till we invest a new emperor.
Just suffer through this.
When I've remade the world in my image...
I'll send you on your way.
Master.
The Dowager will gather the new emperor's supporters tonight.
Excellent.
Master? Kolta heads Eagle House?
He betrayed me.
But why? How?
These are Bayan's faithful followers.
They are here to help you enthrone a new emperor.
I'm glad you're here.
Yuan is in crisis.
Koryo trash is using our sick Emperor to her own ends.
I need your help to save our nation.
We are at your service.
At your service.
Your Highness, are you ready?
You've lit a wildfire to place me on the throne.
How could I not do my part?
First Empress Ki's supporters must be removed.
We will see that imperial decree is issued.
How is the Emperor's health?
Quite serious from the looks of it.
And high time, wouldn't you say?
My Liege, we need you healthy.
Dokman.
My Liege, are you all right?
Come closer.
Pardon?
Closer.
My Liege.
Can you do it?
At your service.
He's as good as dead...
once he starts spitting blood.
Who is the leader of Eagle House?
You'll know soon enough.
But won't it be difficult to get the Empress to step aside?
Our master will deal with that.
How?
Not to worry.
Be patient.
We'll find out who has poisoned your medicines.
Kolta, why are you doing this?
Yes, sir.
Did you catch them?
Why don't you answer?
The kitchen servant is dead.
She served Commander Pak.
Silence.
The Empress would never do such a thing.
Your pardon.
I only reported the facts...
They're framing Nyang.
But who do they want on the throne?
My Liege, that information can't be right.
I'll look into it again...
Don't.
It's the throne.
Fathers kill sons for it.
And sons kill fathers.
My Liege.
My Liege, how are you feeling?
Fine, as you can see.
You may go.
My Liege.
I said you may go.
Have I offended you?
If I have, please tell me how.
This throne of mine.
Sons kill their fathers for it.
My Liege.
I forgot how ambitious you are.
Why are you saying this?
You bore me.
Out of my sight!
Any idea why he is acting this way?
None, I'm afraid.
Yet another misunderstanding.
My Liege.
Did you find out what's in it?
Yes.
A secret and lethal poison.
Lethal?
So there's no antidote?
My Liege, what are your symptoms?
Insomnia, anxiety, headaches.
And spitting blood.
Spitting blood?
I infer that's bad?
My Liege.
It's fine, speak frankly.
If you're spitting blood...
you're past the point of no return.
When I drink it I doze off and suffer memory loss.
Is there no way to combat that?
You're going to keep taking it?
Answer the question.
How can I stay alert?
There is a neutralizing agent...
Make it for me.
I cannot.
It will keep you alert but it can't stop the poison.
You'll get worse...
I command you. Get it.
My Liege.
And not a word of this to the Empress.
What are you planning?
I must eliminate any threats to her and Ayu.
Before I die.
My Liege, she should know.
She wouldn't go along with my plan.
My Liege.
My last act of devotion.
Dokman.
Will you help me?
Yes, My Liege.
The pain is fading... but I'm so tired...
My Liege.
My Liege, don't distrust the Empress.
Kolta.
The empress... who else but her...
My Liege.
My Liege?
I'm surprised he distrusted her so easily.
It's Yom's secret letters.
Five years of distrust and hate.
Child's play.
You wrote those letters?
You? You are the head of Eagle House.
You needn't be worried.
I've driven a wedge between the Emperor and Empress.
That is good news, if it's true.
His Majesty will fall.
Before we enthrone a new ruler, perhaps you can serve as regent.
My ward will allow it?
It's not his will.
It's mine.
Aren't you a revelation?
Eagle House grew with El Temur's help.
Power requires funding.
We have always been happy to help.
El Temur then Bayan.
And now me?
If power resided in the throne,
even the simplest tasks would be difficult.
I see I have Empress Ki to thank for you coming to me.
The why isn't important.
The nation will be yours.
I ask only for exclusive mineral and salt rights.
You won't be sorry you chose me.
It is time for my ward to fall.
Yes, Your Majesty. As you say.
Are you feeling a little better?
Not so much.
Perhaps you could leave affairs of state to another for the time being?
To a regent?
To look after your health.
Invest the Empress.
Not her.
No?
I'll ask the Dowager.
The Empress has too many supporters at court.
They will resist.
I'll get rid of them.
The Empress tried to kill me.
Her supporters are no better.
I'll issue a decree. See to it.
My Liege.
His Imperial Majesty.
There are those that have always stood in my way since I took the throne.
Now they must pay.
Regent, you're dismissed.
My Liege.
Not just him.
The heads of the three offices.
The privy council, finances, personnel, all of you.
Dismissed.
My Liege, to dismiss your loyal servants for no...
That's enough.
Kolta.
Give the decree to Lord Zhang.
Hear and obey.
Affairs of state must be addressed during my illness.
To that end we appoint the Empress Dowager as regent.
Obey her as you would me.
My Liege, at your service.
Anyone who opposes...
Hold it. I haven't finished.
I said stop...
My Liege.
Escort him to his chambers.
Son.
You should be in your chambers, not your office.
There's still the matter of abdication.
Abdication?
An emperor in my condition is no good for Yuan.
Who will you name as successor?
That's why I asked you here.
Does anyone come to mind?
I can think of one person.
Go on.
Who is it?
Bolad Temur.
So their new emperor... is Bolad.
He's the only man of strength and virtue among the royals.
Ah, Bolad, perfect.
An excellent suggestion.
I'll make the announcement.
You convene the court.
Son, your sacrifice for our nation...
Kolta, I'll write it myself.
Help me.
My Liege.
What's that?
The Emperor cannot be treated?
Why are you telling me this now?
Your pardon.
The Emperor asked me not to.
He what?
Yes?
I need a word.
The Emperor...
I know.
I have secret orders from him.
Secret?
He wants you to do that?
You have to hold yourself together.
My Liege, hail.
Hail.
All thanks to you.
Don't forget me when you come into your own.
How could I?
Tell me, what do you want?
I was once a soldier for Koryo.
I would like to be a soldier again.
Commander of the Yuan forces?
You put me on the throne. How can I say no?
My Liege, you honor me.
'My Liege.'
You're the first one to call me that.
If you please. You'll be late.
Well, I'll see you at the palace.
Sir.
Now we're serving a new emperor.
Isn't it great?
I'm not one to change my allegiance.
Only change directions to stay alive.
Well, I follow you and that's that.
Aren't you a clever one?
Rats.
One whiff of power and they scramble.
For their own benefit?
Command Pak says things are about to explode.
We'll kill them first.
His Imperial Majesty.
He stands at a crossroads.
He is facing death to eliminate any threats.
To you and to Ayu.
My Liege, it's been too long.
Everyone here stands behind my guardian.
Your Majesty.
Yes, my son.
You brought them all to my attention.
Thank you.
You're fatigued. Read the decree and be done.
Right.
Traitors to the crown.
You threatened the lives of your Emperor and Empress.
And attempted to usurp the throne.
Son.
Now it is time to answer for your crimes.
What are you saying?
Regent.
Your servant, My Liege.
See all this filth before me?
Kill them.
What did I do...?
Kill them.
Your Majesty.
Zhang...!
You both betrayed me.
Why?
You betrayed me first.
I betrayed you?
You deny it?
After all I did, you cast me aside for some Koryo...
It wasn't for me. It was for my power.
And plotted treason when you didn't get your way.
Power. Of course.
It's the only way to survive here.
I gave all that power to you.
And you gave it to her.
How is that not betrayal?
That's enough of your filth.
Kolta. Why did you betray me?
I never betrayed you.
I never actually served you.
What?
I serve gold.
Gold alone.
Power betrays. Gold never does.
All right, let's hear it.
When one donkey falters, you get another.
I merely switched one donkey for another when it suited my needs.
I see.
You and your gold.
Her and her power.
And me, I was a fool.
I believed there was more than power and gold in life.
More the fool me. Me!
My Liege, please.
The Empress is no different than us.
Silence.
Would she give you her heart if you had nothing?
Silence!
You are a fool.
An ignorant, childish...
Master.
...my liege...
Your turn, 'Mother.'
Let's hear what you have to say.
My Liege.
The doctor says I'll get better.
Dokman told me everything.
Whatever you may have heard...
I will never leave you.
My Liege.
We'll be together a long time, you, me and Ayu.
Death will have to wait.
I'll do all I can to help you recover.
I'll make sure you get back on your feet.
To the temple?
You deserve death.
But I'm merciful.
Enjoy your penance.
No thank you. I'll never leave the palace.
You insist on continuing this ugliness?
Why would I let some Koryo trash oust me?
Do not ask for death.
I'm not that merciful.
My ghost will haunt the palace.
Oust me?
The Inner Court is mine, mine!
She killed herself.
Burn the body outside the palace grounds.
Get Yom the Scum!
Meet me at the Koryo village.
Huh? But they hate us there.
It's better than here.
Live to fight another day.
Sir.
To the death!
He's either dead... or very late.
Sir, it's me.
What kept you?
Scum. Of all the places to hide?
Now your worthless life is at an end.
Bloodsuckers.
Living off your brothers.
People are starving to death.
You do what you must.
You refuse to admit your crimes, too?
And you!
What have you done to get this far?
You have a crown, I have nothing.
But are we any different?
You don't know what you've done?
My crimes?
Fate doesn't care.
So I was born in Koryo, of all places.
That's my only crime.
What else have I done?
What have I done to deserve death!
Kill Yom the Scum!
Kill him!
Collaborator! Yuan pimp!
Kill him! Kill him!
Yes! I'm Yom Byongsu.
But what are you?
Ignorant mindless nothings!
Kill him!
He's lower than a worm.
Why waste a tear?
In a perfect Koryo...
he would have been a good husband, a father.
His face is that of the people of Koryo we failed to protect.
Halt.
Her Imperial Majesty.
Koryo concubines?
Your Majesty.
The palace has demanded no tribute.
Explain.
Your pardon. Certain officials have continued the practice.
Dokman.
Put them up in the palace quarters.
Then send them home.
Your Majesty.
What?
The King of Koryo slaughtered my brothers?
Yes. By assassination.
I told them to be careful.
It's true your brothers were guilty of abuses.
But the king wouldn't have his throne if not for you.
He must answer for his failure to remember that.
Yuan is beset with famine and rebellion.
But you must do something.
King of Shenyang.
Are the troops ready?
They are.
Open the gates! A messenger! [Years later]
Open the gates!
Report.
Tal Tal was killed in battle.
The rebels will break through.
You have to take shelter.
Viceroy.
The rebels have crossed the Yellow River.
If they're not stopped, they'll threaten the capital.
I'm told they're quite strong.
If I fail to return...
If the capital is threatened, ride north.
The Mongol grasslands are vast and empty.
You can go there and plan for another day.
Nyang.
The rebels?
Don't trouble yourself. Tal Tal was victorious.
That's good. Very good.
My Liege.
Wouldn't you like to see the northern fields with me?
Yuan is unsettled.
I would love to go there with you.
Yes, of course.
Anywhere you like, if it's with you.
I've already prepared everything.
Nyang.
My ears tickle.
Rest your head.
I remember the first time I served you.
Your ears tickled then, too.
And I...
I love you.
I love you, Nyang.
And I...
...love you.
I truly...
...truly...
I love you.
Your Majesty.
Have you lost your mind?
Off on a joyride with an assassin about?
Forgive me, Sire.
Nothing to forgive.
It was my order. Don't blame him.
I'm hungry.
Let's go.
Where's the other horse?
It ran off.
Ride with me.
No.
Ride with me.
Well? Mount up.
[This was a fictionalized account of the life of Empress Ki.]
[In 1368, Yuan rule collapsed and she fled to Yingchang.]
[Her son, Ayushiridara, ascended the throne in 1370.]
[Thank you for enjoying Empress Ki with us.]