If only I could go back just once…

Episode 48.

 

Court Lady Seo grabbed the chance to enter the Emperor’s chamber when Ta-hwan woke up and called for Golta. She proceeded to tell Ta-hwan something about Maha after Ta-hwan gave her the permission to speak…but Seung-nyang arrived, forcing her to change her initial plan. She ended up telling them about Maha’s death and Seung-nyang was truly shaken to hear the devastating news.Court Lady Seo was lucky that Seung-nyang was more focused on her Byul at that time and Eunuch Park (He’s a Commander now I think) warned her not to show herself on the palace ground after this, or it would mean death for her.

 

The Emperor’s chamber was quiet and Ta-hwan was the first to break the silence, thinking that Maha might had resented him. He asked whether Seung-nyang was okay since she seemed a bit off and she told him that she’s okay, although her voice translated otherwise. Ta-hwan didn’t want to drink the medicine but took it after Seung-nyang told him to do so. Ta-hwan felt sleepy shortly after drinking it and fell into unconsciousness again, to Golta’s surprise. The eunuch demanded to know what had been fed to the Emperor and Seung-nyang calmly informed him that it’s for Ta-hwan to fall into deep sleep for a short time (a.k.a. Yuan’s sleeping pills?). She insisted on bringing Ta-hwan to her quarters although Golta tried to stop her, saying that he’s the person who would escort the Emperor. Is that your loyalty speaking, or are you afraid she might cause you more loss, Golta? He demanded to know what she was planning but Seung-nyang thought that she didn’t have to tell him her plan. Nice one, lady!

Seung-nyang tucked the sleeping Ta-hwan in her bed but her mind was full of the thought about her Byul. She wanted to avenge Byul’s death properly and ordered for Bayan to be killed by poisoning and the reward money for capturing Byung-soo was to be raised.

 

Commander Park arrived at the town where Bayan was exiled as Seung-nyang was waiting at the temple to see her child. Seung-nyang was calm at first but she broke down when Eunuch Bang gave her the urn containing Maha/Byul’s ashes. It’s so heartbreaking to see her hugging the urn and crying for her dead child as her sad cries echoed in the empty temple. *sobs* At the same time, Bayan was dragged out and she still demanded to be treated with respect as she’s the Chancellor’s niece. Commander Park told her that Consort Ki had ordered her death by poisoning and forced her to drink the poison. As Bayan was dying from the poison’s effect, Seung-nyang was praying for Byul and thought that Bayan’s death alone won’t be enough to make up for what the Empress had done to her child.

 

Bayan’s dead body was brought to the Chancellor’s house and Baek Ahn blamed himself, thinking that he caused Bayan’s death since he was the one who made her the Empress. He vowed to deal with Consort Ki and headed straight to the palace but he got to know from Empress Dowager that Ta-hwan had been brought to Consort Ki’s quarters. Taltal saw Golta and Guksu snooping around and those two were being silent spectators to the conflict that was about to begin. Knowing that Baek Ahn was different from Yeon-chul, Golta knew that the Chancellor would act according to his plan and this might lead to Consort Ki’s downfall. You might have to be careful of Taltal, Golta…

 

Ta-hwan woke up while Seung-nyang was feeding her the medicine and he was surprised to find himself at her quarters. She told Ta-hwan that she’s going to take care of him and he could lean on her. He fell into deep sleep again when all of a sudden, Hong-dan called for Seung-nyang. Baek Ahn was already standing in front of her quarters and Seung-nyang told Hong-dan to take care of the Emperor but to keep it a secret that Ta-hwan had regained his consciousness. The Chancellor was furious to have his path blocked as he’s denied the permission to enter the quarters and Seung-nyang went out to meet him. He wanted to escort the Emperor back to his quarters and he was ready to use force, but Seung-nyang was prepared with more guards. She warned him not to meddle in her affairs and he, in return, warned her to take good care of Ta-hwan.

 

Seung-nyang went back to her chamber and found Ta-hwan looking for Golta. She informed him that his eunuch wasn’t there, causing him to be more eager to go back to his quarters, telling her that he felt uncomfortable there. Seung-nyang used her last resort, pulling him into a desperate, tight hug and pleaded for him not to leave the place. He wondered if something happened while he was unconscious but there wasn’t any; in fact, something was yet to happen and she hoped that he would trust her.

 

The physician who attended on the Emperor was brought to the Empress Dowager’s quarters and Dok-man saw him being escorted there. The poor physician had to spill everything in front of the Dowager and Baek Ahn about the medicine he was ordered to prepare: it was something that would be dangerous for Ta-hwan because of his heart condition, leading them to suspect that Consort Ki might be trying to kill the Emperor. The physician said that he had never seen the Emperor since the day he was brought to the consort’s quarters; plus, the food preparation for the Emperor was personally supervised by Consort Ki. They were worried since the people around Ta-hwan were on Consort Ki’s side and the Dowager thought that it was possible if the Emperor might had died. Well, it doesn’t get better since Consort Ki had summoned all the commanders and generals to meet her.

 

It was only a trap set by Seung-nyang to lead her rivals into thinking that she’s raising a coup soon. Baek Ahn and the Dowager were both worried that they might encounter a big problem if the Emperor had passed away since Consort Ki would be the Regent for the young Crown Prince Ayu. Baek Ahn planned to kill both Consort Ki and Ayu on that night and guess who’s the happiest person to hear that? Empress Dowager.

 

Seung-nyang told Dok-man that she herself drank the medicine sent by the physician and another physician was taking care of Ta-hwan. Dok-man was worried, wondering what she was planning to do but their conversation was interrupted when Taltal went to meet her. Seung-nyang wasn’t afraid to tell Taltal that the war between Baek Ahn and her would only end with one of them dying and she wished not to prolong it for the sake of the suffering citizens outside the palace. He knew that she would use the Chancellor’s mistake to her advantage and she was halfway through her success, since Baek Ahn had planned to attack her. It’s up to Taltal now, whether to tell Baek Ahn about her plan or not, but Seung-nyang predicted that something might happen on that night. Taltal wanted to know if the Emperor had regained his consciousness but Seung-nyang chose to keep the news to herself, since she only put half of her trust on him for the time being. But then, she believed Taltal and his decision although the outcome for her plan was in his hands at that moment.

 

Baek Ahn got to know that Taltal went to see Consort Ki and demanded to know the reason why he met her. Taltal only told him that he went there to check on the manpower guarding the quarters and he couldn’t find out whether the Emperor was still alive or already passed away. Baek Ahn was satisfied with Taltal’s answer but his words after that caused Taltal to die a little inside.

Baek Ahn: Taltal, althought the way you and I see the world is different, I believe that our hearts are the same. You’re my cherished nephew, my cherished successor. That’s why I hope you won’t bear any resentment towards me.

Taltal sent him with an apologetic look (Gaaaahhhhhh his heart is breaking!! *sobs*), asking his uncle why he always chose the wrong path and failed to see the right path.

 

Ta-hwan was getting better and he’s all dressed up, ready to leave Seung-nyang’s quarters but he was blocked by Dok-man and Commander Park. He was angry and started to throw tantrums (and a flower vase) but Seung-nyang entered the chamber, saving the day (and another vase). Ta-hwan wanted to know why he was forced to stay in the chamber and Seung-nyang had no other choice but to tell him the reason: Baek Ahn was planning to to kill both Crown Prince Ayu and herself. Ta-hwan found it impossible but Seung-nyang told him to see it for himself ans stay there until that night. Ifshe turned out to be wrong, Seung-nyang promised to shave her hair and live the rest of her life at a temple.

 

The imperial physician was the one who opened the quarters’ gate for Baek Ahn’s men to enter the place but Dok-man was there spying on him. The Chancellor was ready to launch the attack and led his army into the quarters. Empress Dowager thanked the Buddha for watching over their plan but it won’t end that well..Baek Ahn reached Seung-nyang’s chamber and she walked out, disappointed that he had finally decided to revolt. She challenged him to kill himself if he wanted to save the country instead of trying to kill her, but Baek Ahn had enough of her rambles and raised his sword..and Ta-hwan walked out of her chamber when Seung-nyang called him. The Chancellor was shocked to see the Emperor alive (although not fully recovered) and Ta-hwan asked why Baek Ahn was trying to kill Consort Ki. It was a moment full of tension but I find it funny when Taltal and Golta were playing angel and devil, taking turns to whisper into Baek Ahn’s ears.

 

Golta: You have to kill Consort Ki right now.

Taltal: Shut up.

Golta: The whole quarters is already under our control and if you don’t kill her, you’re going to regret it.

Taltal: Then, you’ll become a real traitor.

Golta: Hurry up and order them to launch the attack, Chancellor.

Seung-nyang told Baek Ahn to put down his sword while Ta-hwan was still waiting to hear his answer. Baek Ahn was still torn in between going through with his plan or giving up on it and in the end, he chose the latter (Golta looked so disappointed ㄱ_ㄱ). Seung-nyang ordered for the traitor Baek Ahn to be escorted away as she smiled victoriously.

 

Golta Leader-nim issued a new order to Dangkise, which was for him to help the White Lotus/Han with their Red Turban Army in terms of financial aid. It was because the group would get the best outcome from the war, which was also a favourite thing of Leader-nim. Wang Yoo decided to use the mask and trick the Eagle Group’s section leaders by summoning them for a meeting, including Dangkise. He decided to spare Dangkise for the time being and ordered for the available gold to be exchanged with money. Dangkise asked about the support plan for the White Lotus behind the Red Turban Army and Wang Yoo’s side didn’t see it coming; however, Yoo was calm enough to tell them to stop the plan for the time being. Well, Byung-soo looked kind of suspicious of the order..

 

The Dowager got to know that the officials had gathered in the throne hall and she knew that they might be voting for Baek Ahn to be sentenced to death. Before the Dowager could leave her quarters, Seung-nyang went to find her first knowing that she would try to help Baek Ahn. Seung-nyang was just trying to tolerate her antics, although she knew that the Dowager was with the Chancellor in planning the rebellion. She ordered for the Dowager to be put under house arrest, keeping her inside her quarters until finished Seung-nyang dealing with the Chancellor.

 

Baek Ahn was locked in the prison but he received a visitor that was Ta-hwan. He knew that Consort Ki had tricked him into raising his army and Golta tried to persuade Ta-hwan into believing Baek Ahn’s words but he was told to keep quiet. HA. Ta-hwan sighed, thinking that it won’t turn out to be like that if Baek Ahn didn’t believe Consort Ki in the first place. Ta-hwan stated that Consort Ki is as precious as Baek Ahn was to him and he felt troubled to see them fighting each other in front of him. Baek Ahn hoped that Ta-hwan would depose Consort Ki to save their country although he would be sentenced to death. Ta-hwan pleaded for Baek Ahn to step back for his sake as it was the only way for him to spare his cherished Chancellor.

 

Seung-nyang went to meet the officials and told them her wish: she won’t be able to forgive Baek Ahn for trying to kill her and her son and asked if there’s anyone who would disagree with her order to sentence the Chancellor to death. The Three Lords expressed their support for her, but suddenly, Ta-hwan made his appearance..together with Ayu in Baek Ahn’s arms. Uh-oh. Ta-hwan told her that Baek Ahn had sworn his loyalty towards Ayu and her but Seung-nyang wanted him to choose between her and Baek Ahn. Ta-hwan answered her with neither and told them to both leave or stay beside him. It’s kind of sad when he stated that he’s aware of how lonely an Emperor was and both of them made him forget his loneliness for a while. Baek Ahn made his decision by bowing to Seung-nyang with the promise to protect Ayu and her (insert Golta’s disappointed look here).

 

Taltal didn’t seem happy to witness the scene and went to meet his uncle later, who was upset with himself. Baek Ahn found it humiliating to have himself proclaiming his loyalty to and kneeling in front of a lowly concubine instead of the Emperor. Taltal tried to console him, saying that it’s all for the Emperor’s sake and Baek Ahn asked for his help for one last time, which was to arrange for a meeting with Consort Ki. He planned to get done with it and kill Consort Ki, and if Taltal refused to lend him a hand, he won’t have any other chance but to get rid of the rest of the people on the consort’s side, including the Crown Prince and the officials. He kept saying that it’s for the Emperor’s sake, but I’m sure at this point, it’s all for his own pride…

 

Seung-nyang summoned Taltal later and she told him that no matter how she tried to think about the matter, she could only reach one conclusion (which was to kill Baek Ahn). She asked Taltal to arrange a meeting with Baek Ahn since she would take care of him herself. Taltal asked to be given some time to think about it and promised to meet her later that night at the throne hall. He told Baek Ahn about the meeting and the Chancellor was planning to put her men around the hall before the meeting. Taltal escorted his uncle to the hall and Baek Ahn, knowing that he might end up dead because of killing the consort, told Taltal to watch over the country after he died. Darn, I feel bad for Taltal, who couldn’t do anything to stop both Consort Ki and Baek Ahn. Baek Ahn entered the hall and Seung-nyang was already waiting for him, while Ta-hwan received the info about the guards entering the throne hall.

 

Seung-nyang was sitting there with the tea making set, calmly sipping her tea as she told him about her undying wish to avenge her family’s death. Although Baek Ahn had sworn to her his loyalty, she’s well aware that he had never changed his mind. Baek Ahn drew out his sword and called out his soldiers, only to find that the guards were all Seung-nyang’s men. He realized that he had been tricked again and Seung-nyang, with a cold voice, ordered them to get rid of him. Baek Ahn fought against the guards and he managed to handle it well, but he was soon overpowered. He called for Taltal to help him, but his nephew was torn in between the two sides. Baek Ahn was approaching the door and opened it..

..only to have himself stabbed with a sword, which belonged to Taltal.

 

Taltal was in tears as Baek Ahn asked why he betrayed him (ㅠㅠ) Baek Ahn was still thinking that he was doing it for the Emperor and the country’s sake, while Taltal stated that he was only blinded with his own greed. Taltal bid him goodbye and pulled his sword out of Baek Ahn’s body.

 

Ta-hwan reached the hall and saw Baek Ahn lying on the floor, barely alive. Baek Ahn said that it was his fault that he couldn’t protect Ta-hwan..and died in Ta-hwan’s arms. The Emperor called for his Chancellor while hugging his lifeless body as the Consort sat there, witnessing the scene happening in front of her…

Ta-hwan’s eyes were full of fury when he glared at Seung-nyang, whose eyes didn’t show any sign of fear..

*

Episode 49.

We didn’t get to see the funeral for Baek Ahn but Ta-hwan went to pray for him at the temple and Seung-nyang made a surprise visit there. Ta-hwan was still angry over what she had done, demanding to know why she didn’t consult with him first before she killed his dearest Chancellor. It’s a futile effort for Seung-nyang to explain about Baek Ahn’s attempt to manipulate him as Ta-hwan ordered for her to kneel, admit her crime, and beg for his forgiveness (No Golta, he’s not doing this for you so you don’t have to look THAT happy).

 

Seung-nyang was on her way to the throne hall when Taltal met her. He didn’t want to see her taking the blame for killing the Chancellor by herself when he was the one who caused his uncle’s death. Taltal showed a book recording all the clans of Han (native Chinese), which was the proof that Baek Ahn was planning to get rid of the Han. He was on the verge of breaking down, saying the plan was the reason for him to kill his own uncle (his voice sobs). Although Taltal wanted to show the record to Ta-hwan, Seung-nyang stopped him from doing so since she didn’t want to see him getting into any more trouble since he had a lot of things left to do for the people. Gaaaahhhh my feels~!! Seung-nyang, in her most confident voice, assured him that she would solve this on her own. I want to hug these two right now!!

 

 

Seung-nyang was not alone as she got her closest servants and the other concubines with her, standing in front of the hall. She didn’t kneel and admit her crimes because she didn’t commit any. Although Ta-hwan said that he might not forgive her this time, Seung-nyang didn’t budge from her initial decision. She was left alone outside the hall while Taltal was watching her from afar Ta-hwan was waiting for her to say something. Realizing that she won’t change her mind, Ta-hwan ordered for her to leave for the temple on the next day together with the Goryeo servants and she was to be hit 100 times a day until she would admit her mistakes. If she refused to do so, she won’t be able to set her foot on the palace ground for the rest of her life. Seung-nyang didn’t say anything in return as Taltal, having heard everything, stood there silently looking at her. Ta-hwan went back to his chamber, telling himself not to take back his words.

Golta was glad to see that with Consort Ki leaving the palace, Ta-hwan won’t have anyone beside him. Although the Emperor was the ruler of the country, but the country actually belonged to the Emperor’s owner. Ohhh creepy Golta. Guksu reported to him that the grain supplies suddenly skyrocketed in the market, causing the price to be cheaper. Golta thought that with the shortage in supplies because of the famine, the price should be higher and it was a bad move to do so, but he was thinking of buying the grain instead of finding the person responsible behind the happening.

Although the supplies were abundant, the citizens couldn’t afford to buy them. Yoo got to know that the increasing amount of supplies in the market meant that the merchant leaders under Eagle Group had been trading off their grains with money. He wanted to wait until the price went down before buying it back with the money from the merchant leaders. His plan was working smoothly, but he found out that Seung-nyang had been sent away from the palace to the temple.

 

Ta-hwan started his morning with drinking and refused to see Seung-nyang, who went to his quarters to bid him goodbye. Golta lied about Ta-hwan, saying that the Emperor wasn’t drinking and promised to take care of the Emperor (Yeah, RIGHT). Empress Dowager made a trip to witness the downfall of the so-called mighty consort and mocked Seung-nyang for her current state. Seung-nyang reminded her to stop her plan of using the Emperor, but the Dowager told her to be careful since, who knew, she might ended up like Bayan while she was at the temple. Wow, the Dowager didn’t even try to hide her grin!

 

The Three Lords were planning to plead for the Emperor to bring Consort Ki back after hearing about the recent events but Ta-hwan made his entrance, dragging his sword along the path to his throne. He started to point out at the officials: The Three Lords were on Consort Ki’s side, some of them were Baek Ahn’s people, while Tutor Jang was the Dowager’s most loyal personnel (he actually called him her ‘faithful dog’..). Taltal was also there and Ta-hwan remarked that it was a different case for him: half on Baek Ahn’s side and the other half of him was loyal to Consort Ki, but since he killed the Chancellor, that would make him completely on Consort Ki’s side. As both Consort Ki and Baek Ahn were no longer there, Ta-hwan wondered whom would they swore their allegiance to and gave them a chance: those who were willing to die for him had to kneel on the ground and those who didn’t would be killed with his sword.

 

All of them except Taltal knelt before him in the count of three and Ta-hwan wanted to know why he refused to do so. Taltal was willing to have his limbs teared off if that would prove his loyalty but he didn’t have any desire to express his loyalty to that side of Ta-hwan. Darn, Ta-hwan knew that only Taltal was brave enough to tell the truth while the rest of the officials were cowards and they were actually afraid of his sword. He wanted to kill all of them, the disloyal subjects of him, but the Dowager stopped him. Ta-hwan suggested that she should be kneeling on the ground to prove her loyalty since she was also one of his subjects. She told his bodyguards to escort the Emperor to his quarters as Ta-hwan continued to ramble in his drunk state.

Tutor Jang expressed his concern over Ta-hwan’s temper,who seemed to be worse after Consort Ki left the palace, but the Dowager thought that it’s a good opportunity for her to make a new plan, which was to get rid of Ayu from the Crown Prince’s seat and choose a new heir.

 

Golta tucked the sleeping Ta-hwan in bed and…HA, it’s so creepy to see him holding Ta-hwan’s hand, telling the Emperor to lend him his power since he had been serving Ta-hwan for a long time. At the temple, Seung-nyang woke up from a nightmare about Ta-hwan and she proceeded to kneel in front of the Buddha while praying for Ta-hwan’s safety.

 

 

Ta-hwan woke up and he was served with the tea which had been drugged by Golta (Yaaaahhhh you sly thing!). Taltal was there to see him and Golta was about to send him away, but Ta-hwan gave him the permission to enter his chamber. Taltal showed Ta-hwan several documents recording Baek Ahn’s plan, including getting rid of Han people and also the record of his transaction with Eagle Group in return for eliminating the other merchant group. Golta was fuming to hear Taltal’s plea for Ta-hwan to deal with his merchant group, who had been controlling the nation’s economy and oppressing the citizens. Ta-hwan was about to give him an order but Taltal wanted to resign from his post as he felt guilty for killing his own uncle and he was planning to continue his studies. Ta-hwan sighed, saying that he’s also leaving him side, but Taltal thought that he should bring Consort Ki back to the palace since it would be enough for Ta-hwan to have her by his side.

At the temple, Seung-nyang was hit while she knelt in front of the Buddha. Ta-hwan went there and Golta informed him that Consort Ki had never said anything about her mistakes but expressed her resentment towards him (I’m sure the second part was just your lies, Golta!). Ta-hwan only looked at her from outside and left without meeting her.

 

 

Yoo and his men were working with the merchants who were caught by Baek Ahn before to make the counterfeits. But then, Yoo decided to change his initial plan to buy the grains at that moment. Eunuch Bang wondered if he’s doing it for Consort Ki’s sake but Yoo only said that they had to act before the real Eagle Group leader found out about their plan. Leader-nim was a step too late when he realized that his underlings had sold off the grain supplies as ordered by the fake leader and ordered for them to buy the grains back, but Yoo had already bought the supplies through the merchants. Taltal was still around and thought that the merchants had someone behind them…and suspected that Yoo was in the capital. He told his henchmen to find out Yoo’s whereabouts. Meanwhile, Dangkise was busy with his own business, meeting the Commander of the palace guards who was once his underling. He wanted to put several of his men inside the palace guards and rewarded him with some gold.

 

Golta was angry to find out about someone disguising as the group’s leader but chose to keep it a secret from the other members. He wanted to wait until they could catch the fake leader’s weakness to deal with that person. Ta-hwan poured out his heart to Golta, thinking that he felt so uneasy although he’s the Emperor and he even hated the sound of people calling him ‘Your Majesty’. Golta offered to serve some drinks but Ta-hwan wanted to go out for a walk. You did the right thing, Ta-hwan! He walked around the palace ground and he was reminded of the memories he had with Seung-nyang at some places: the laundry area where he went to find her, the garden where he tried to cheer her up, and the small bridge where she consoled him.

 

He ended up sitting alone on that bridge but it made him even more resentful towards Seung-nyang. Ta-hwan made the decision to go to the temple to punish Seung-nyang, who had humiliated him. However, when he reached the place, he heard Seung-nyang praying for him. Seung-nyang went back to her room later and she was too tired to realize that it was Ta-hwan who entered her room instead of Hong-dan. He put some medicine on her sore shoulder because of the beatings and hugged her, telling her to go back to the palace. She wanted to finish her prayers for both him and their son, but Ta-hwan thought that she shouldn’t refuse it..who knew, it might be the last time he would forgive her. Okay, now I’m a bit worried after hearing his words..

 

Seung-nyang returned to the palace and she was greeted by the other concubines. Ayu ran into her arms, telling her not to leave him by himself anymore. Empress Dowager had never thought that Consort Ki would make her comeback so soon but she’s confident that the next time Seung-nyang was sent out of the palace, it would be her lifeless body that would leave the palace. Wang Yoo, on the other hand, was distributing the counterfeits to the merchants to be spread throughout the country. He also told them to spread the news about the counterfeits; but then, Yoo got to know that Taltal wished to meet him.

 

Ta-hwan was given several documents which were in Seung-nyang’s possession before, including the Imperial Treasury ledger which was almost empty and also the information she collected regarding Eagle Group. She thought that they should try to bring the wealth accumulated by the merchant group to the Imperial Treasury to help their citizens, but Ta-hwan wanted to know why she was suddenly giving him those documents. Seung-nyang explained that the fight between her and Baek Ahn was to protect herself and Ayu, hence she didn’t need those power anymore and chose to hand it over to him. She was thinking of staying by his side and supporting him while raising Ayu. Ta-hwan apologized for his failure to see her true intention earlier and Seung-nyang grabbed the chance to ask something from him: she hoped that he would take care of his health and stop drinking for good. She asked for another thing but we didn’t get to hear it since the camera was more interested in following Golta outside, where he started to think of killing Consort Ki with his own hands. Another bad news was coming his way with the sudden influx of counterfeits, causing Golta to be more determined to find the fake leader.

Taltal spent his time (like a true scholar he was) with painting but one day, he received a visitor: Seung-nyang. She had sent Eunuch Park three times before but he didn’t change his mind, so she decided to visit him personally. She had received Ta-hwan’s permission to make him the Chancellor, but Taltal thought that the position wasn’t for him. Seung-nyang said that the Chancellor’s position was actually for someone with credibility like him but Yeon-chul and Baek Ahn had used the position to cause problems for the country. She was about to leave (since she believed that he would accept it) when Taltal told her about the counterfeits which had been circulating around in the country.

 

 

Seung-nyang informed Ta-hwan about the counterfeits and suggested that he changed the currency altogether. She assured him that the citizens would accept the change and his subjects were what made him a powerful Emperor instead of the officials and the noblemen. Ta-hwan’s decree about the new currency was read by Taltal the new Chancellor (Weeee~~~) and Golta almost lost it there (HAHAHAHA) but he had another announcement to make: he wanted to make Consort Ki the primary Empress and he didn’t need Empress Dowager’s permission to do so (Muahahahaha). Seung-nyang accepted it (about time, my lady!) while the whole court rejoiced in unison except for Golta and the Dowager.

 

Yoo and Co. heard about the decree issued by the Emperor and the new currency would make Eagle Group penniless in no time since the currency in their possession would have no value. Yoo made the decision to send the supplies they had gathered to the palace and his underlings were surprised to hear that. The supplies were delivered to the palace anonymously but Seung-nyang later asked Taltal about the person who sent them. Taltal only promised to tell her everything later.

 

Byung-soo and Jo-cham were summoned to meet Leader-nim and he removed his mask to show his face. They were shocked to find out that Golta was the leader of the group and he gave them two options since they had seen his face: either die or work for him. Of course those two would choose the latter..it’s a given!

 

Suri handed over a letter from Dangkise to Yoo, which was actually meant for Leader-nim. In the letter, Dangkise expressed his wish to meet the leader since he was planning to kill the Emperor and Consort Ki. Yoo thought that he had to meet with Dangkise first. Dangkise was on his way to meet the leader when he ran into Court Lady Seo, who was waiting at the same spot to tell him something. She informed him that Maha was actually Seung-nyang and Yoo’s child and she wanted to ease off Tanashiri’s burden in the afterlife.

 

Dangkise went to the meeting with the leader but he demanded to see the face of the leader to make sure that he’s not someone who’s on Consort Ki’s side. The leader removed his mask…and it was just another man. Phew! Yoo was actually standing beside Dangkise, posing as one of the members. Dangkise told them about his plan: he wanted to put a new Emperor on the throne, who was Ta-hwan’s relative: Bolud Temür. The man was a perfect candidate for a puppet since he only cared for women and wealth. Dangkise wanted the leader to work with the Dowager while he would kill the Emperor, Consort Ki and the Crown Prince. The reason he was so confident was because he had planted his men among the guards.

 

Ta-hwan and Seung-nyang made a trip outside the palace to see the grains distributed to the citizens. Ta-hwan felt happy to see his people’s smiling faces and they started singing him praises for his generosity. They headed back to the palace when two men appeared all of a sudden blocking their path and one of them was Dangkise. Darn.

 

 

Ta-hwan called for the guards to catch him but the guards launched the attack on the eunuchs. Dangkise was so confident that he would be able to conclude his fight with Seung-nyang but Yoo was there to save the day! He appeared together with a group of masked men, fighting off the guard who were actually Dangkise’s men. Seung-nyang grabbed a bow and shot an arrow right at Dangkise’s heart. Yoo fought him off and Seung-nyang managed to shoot two more arrows before Yoo made a finishing strike on his back. She saw Yoo but he ran after the guards who were trying to escape.

 

They were about to leave the place but Ta-hwan suddenly had the urge to check on Dangkise, who was lying on the ground. He approached the dead body..but Dangkise grabbed his collar and refused to let him go. He told Ta-hwan that Maha was actually Seung-nyang and Yoo’s son. Although Ta-hwan denied it again and again, Dangkise told him to ask Court Lady Seo if he didn’t believe it and mocked him for living with the empty shell of Seung-nyang. Ta-hwan was furious and Seung-nyang called him, but Yoo joined them and showed his face..

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No preview yet for episode 50.

It’s hard to believe that next week is the final week of this drama…