01x17 & 01x18 - Who k*lled the Grand Empress Dowager?/The Empress is Arrested for m*rder

[bunniefuu]

(This drama is a fictional depiction of a constitutional monarchy.)

(Episode 17)

Please don't be angry.

You know I have a hot temper.

You said you were angry, but you ate all the food I made.

Grandmother.

Is she asleep? Are you sleeping?

Grandmother, your arm will hurt if you sleep like this.

Sleep straight...

Grandmother.

Grandmother!

Blood! Grandmother!

Grandmother!

Who are you?

You're... Aren't you that part-timer from the fried chicken restaurants?

Why are you here?

How did you get in here?

Can you take out the thing in my pocket?

It will answer your question.

How do you have this imperial card?

Let me officially introduce myself.

I'm Crown Prince Lee Yoon of the Korean Empire.

You're Crown Prince Lee Yoon?

I was going to go quietly after meeting Grandmother.

I guess I came on a wrong day.

You are never to reveal...

that I was here tonight or about my identity.

This is an order from the Crown Prince.

I, Chun Woo Bin, will comply with Your Highness' order.

I'll see you at the fried chicken place.

You, as a guard. Me, as a part-timer.

What's going on? Why do you mean Mother isn't well?

Why are you doing? Get her to the hospital now.

The Grand Empress Dowager is dead.

That makes no sense!

She was healthy up until last night. How could that be?

I cannot believe this!

I can't let her leave like this.

Do something! Now!

It's been two hours since she passed.

There's nothing I can do.

- Mother. - Great-grandmother!

- How could this happen? - Great-grandmother!

- Grandmother! - Please open your eyes.

Grandmother!

Please open your eyes right now.

Grandmother.

Great-grandmother.

It's a day of national mourning.

Protect the Imperial Family who are lost in grief.

Preserve the scene until the police arrive.

Stop the press...

not to alarm the public.

We will serve as instructed.

The sudden death of the Grand Empress Dowager...

who was to appear at the meeting with Imperial Auditors...

shocked the entire Imperial Family as well as the public.

The Imperial Family announced to investigate...

the possibility of a m*rder thoroughly.

- It is speculated... - Grand Empress Dowager...

that Her Highness was poisoned to death.

The hairpin that was lodged in her chest...

did not hit any vital areas. We've confirmed that it wasn't lethal...

and is not a direct cause of death.

Meanwhile, the police are investigating the possibility...

of a m*rder due to the dispute within...

Grandmother.

What on earth...

Who is it?

Who k*lled you, Grandmother?

I can't believe this.

Poison in the palace?

Who on earth poisoned Grandmother?

She was... She was benevolent and noble.

Someone from the palace is the culprit.

We must catch the culprit first.

I cannot forgive the culprit who committed such a horrendous act...

against Grandmother.

You're not related to her. Stop overreacting.

You're not crying. It looks like you're exactly sad.

Why did you go to Grandmother at that hour?

What are you insinuating?

In a lot of cases, the first witness turns out to be the culprit.

- Watch your words. - How odd that you're all worked up.

I thought you were at the vacation house on Ganghwa Island.

When did you come back to the palace?

Explain why I had to be there in the first place.

Lower your voice.

How dare you raise your voice during a day of national mourning?

Grandmother passed away on the day of her request...

to summon Imperial Auditors for a meeting.

What does that signify?

The one who is against the meeting.

The one who wants to stop it.

That person must be the culprit.

We are examining the evidence we collected from the scene.

As it is a homicide, we may search and seize the whole palace.

The Imperial Family members must also submit to questioning.

What do you mean?

Why should we be questioned? We're the Imperial Family!

The palace is a sacred place that cannot be searched.

Naturally, we must submit to an investigation.

Aren't the Imperial Family members the prime suspects?

Fine.

I am the oldest in the family, so I will decide.

I will sound an alarm right away and make sure...

no one can enter or exit the palace.

You shall investigate not only the Imperial Family,

but every palace worker, and search every corner.

Make sure no suspicions remains regarding the Imperial Family.

We will cooperate fully with the investigation.

Temporary Interrogation Room.

You saw the Empress Dowager.

Yes.

I was cleaning in front of the Grand Empress Dowager's chamber,

and I saw the Empress Dowager exiting her room.

I think it was about 5am.

It's true.

I went to give her my greetings early in the morning.

(Day of Incident 5am)

Mother, have you woken?

Mother.

You're saying you just left. Is that it?

She has been sleeping in now and then lately.

I left without suspecting anything.

I should've opened the door.

I regret it so much.

I understand. You may go.

This wouldn't have happened if Ms. Hong were here.

Why was Ms. Hong not at her station?

She should always be by the Grand Empress Dowager's side.

Well...

I heard she went with the Empress to the vacation house.

Why did you bring Ms. Hong to the vacation house?

I didn't take her.

Grandmother sent her to me.

Why did you return to the palace early in the morning?

She was going to the Imperial Auditors,

so I came to wish her luck.

She was fighting against everyone else's wishes,

so I felt bad.

I never went to the Grand Empress Dowager's chamber.

Is there anyone to support your alibi?

I was with the Emperor.

Do you mean Emperor Lee?

We worked all night in his office preparing for the event...

for the guest from the Russian government.

Yes.

We worked until late in my office,

but I went to sleep in my room late at night.

(Day of Incident 6:30am)

Then are you saying you do not know where Min Yu Ra was...

early in the morning?

Why must I know where the Chief Assistant was...

early in the morning?

My apologies, Your Majesty.

Did the questioning go well, Your Majesty?

Even if you aren't guilty, it is tiring...

Your Majesty!

Don't tell me...

- it was you. - What do you mean?

Did you k*ll my grandmother?

That is absurd.

Then where did you go early in the morning?

You sneaked out of the room.

Do you suspect me?

When I went to Grandmother's room in the morning,

I smelled the tea I had received from the Thai royal family.

I recognized the unique scent immediately.

I checked and I'm missing one.

Yes, that's correct.

I went to the Grand Empress Dowager's chamber.

I went to convince her not to go to the Imperial Auditors.

Your Highness, I came across some fragrant herb tea,

so I thought of you and brought some to you.

It's good for your circulation if drunk in the morning.

Would you like some?

Your Highness, are you asleep?

But she wouldn't even turn around, so I just left.

Are you sure nothing happened?

Actually, you are more suspicious in my eyes.

What?

This...

This gold button was on the floor.

It belongs to you.

I wonder why this was there.

Was there a struggle, perhaps?

(Day of Incident 4:30am)

So give it up.

Must you turn your grandson into a m*rder*r?

- You brat. - Stop...

the auditors!

That is ridiculous.

Why would I get into a physical brawl with her?

There's no need to get angry.

As long as we're sure it was neither you nor I,

there is only one possible k*ller.

Your Highness.

Is there anything you need me to take care of?

Why?

Do you think I k*lled the Grand Empress Dowager?

Don't be absurd.

I'm sure it was Yu Ra.

Ms. Min?

The Emperor was hers to claim now,

but if Mother had gone to the Imperial Auditors...

and exposed their affair,

she would've been kicked out.

The thought of living in hiding as the Emperor's mistress...

probably scared her.

The Emperor will finally get to see what a frightening girl she is...

through this incident.

Did you wash the outfit I dropped off this morning?

Bring it to me.

We didn't wash it yet.

Why are you so slow? I said to move quickly!

Is this what you're looking for?

Detective.

It is badly stained.

Is there a reason why you need it washed in such a rush?

You need to come with us.

A stain corresponding to this tea was found on your garment.

Your fingerprint was found on the teacup as well.

Did you go into the Grand Empress Dowager's chamber this morning?

I went to bring her an herbal tea,

but she was sound asleep, so I left it on the table and left.

I spilled a little by mistake. That is all.

Then why did you lie? You said you never went.

I was shocked to hear that she passed away,

so I was afraid. I'm sorry.

Then what's this?

A powerful sedative was found in the teapot,

Ms. Min.

Answer me.

I... I didn't k*ll her. I swear.

She always suffered from insomnia, so I did add some sedatives,

but that was something she had asked me to do.

For 35 long years,

I have been patient and waited, Mother.

Is it finally my time now?

I'll be very famous soon. I don't give out autographs to anyone.

You're the only exception, Grandma...

(Hwaaerak)

I already miss you so much.

I'm about to lose my mind over missing you.

I won't really be able to see you now?

I will find who is responsible for your death.

Please wait.

I have no idea...

which monster did this.

I'm bothered that the Empress was the one who found her.

She's already been hurt and having a hard time because of me.

If it weren't for you,

she would have drowned in the river that day.

Be glad that Lee Hyuk ordered you to do the job.

It won't put the Empress in danger, right?

I'm worried about that too.

I shouldn't have told her about Empress So Hyun.

I wondered if it had anything to do with her death.

We must protect the Empress no matter what.

If Lee Hyuk tries to harm the Empress again,

I will finish him then.

Is finishing him off...

all you want for your revenge?

Real revenge is...

making him collapse.

I will win everyone in the palace over to my side.

I will even use my enemies.

I will destroy the Imperial Family.

She treasured every one of you like her own child.

The Grand Empress Dowager has passed away.

Right now, I cannot even fathom the depth of the sorrow yet.

To uncover the truth of this incident, I need your help.

Please write down the whereabouts of the Imperial Family...

for yesterday and today and submit it to me.

As it is anonymous, it will not harm you.

Please write everything, leaving nothing behind.

I ask for your help.

Ms. Hong, where have you been?

Listen to me carefully.

To hand over this envelope, I will head to...

the official residence of the Prime Minister.

What is it?

(Grand Empress Dowager)

Ms. Hong, if something grave happens to me,

hand this envelope to the Prime Minister.

Unpardonable atrocities of the Imperial Family...

are included in this envelope.

Whatever happens,

this envelope must be handed over to the Imperial Auditors.

I did not think that I would be doing this.

Those were her last words to me.

Grandmother risked her life for this?

She did it for me.

To make things right for me.

If the culprit was after the Grand Empress Dowager.

I must say that you might be in danger as well.

Even until her last moment,

she was full of worries for you.

Ms. Hong, please be safe.

Okay.

Calm down. You'll collapse at this rate.

How? The Grand Empress Dowager passed away.

Sunny, how... How could this happen?

I don't understand how she could be dead.

I can't believe this.

She was such a nice lady. Who would do something like that?

Don't stay here. Let's go home.

Pack up now. We're here to take you home.

Yes, we must take you home.

I can't let you stay here alone. I'm so worried about you.

Ever since your wedding, only bad things keep happening.

I can't. I can't go anywhere.

Why not?

Why would you stay here? For whose sake?

Emergency orders were given. I can't go out.

We must find out who m*rder*d Grandmother as well.

Are you a detective? How can you find the m*rder*r?

Actually, I have a favor to ask you?

A favor? What is it?

Just tell me. Tell me whatever it is.

Go to the official residence of the Prime Minister now.

And keep Ms. Hong safe.

Ms. Hong?

We will have a simple three-day funeral.

- Prepare the funeral as so. - Only three days?

She was the most respected figure of the Imperial Family.

Isn't that too short?

It's a m*rder.

Catching the culprit takes priority.

We won't accept mourners.

We will send her off quietly and solemnly.

Show your respect.

Yoon.

- How did you... - Crown Prince.

You're here. I'm glad you're here.

It was the right thing to do.

Where did you get back?

If you came back, you should've visited Grandmother first.

Do you have the right to do this?

What?

No one in here...

has a clean conscience to pour a glass for her.

You were never here. How dare you tell us we don't have the right?

That's enough.

Be nice to your brother who has returned after such a long time.

What took you so long?

Don't you know Grandmother adored you?

She kept saying that she missed you.

You cold-hearted jerk!

Then...

you should've taken good care of her then.

Why did you let her get k*lled? Why?

What did you do to Grandmother?

It was me who took care of her for all these years.

You left without leaving a word. How dare you yell at us?

If you did your job right, why would she die?

Why?

Will you argue again that you didn't do anything?

Empress So Hyun, seven years ago.

- Just like that time? - You jerk.

What are you doing?

Stop it.

Are you all right?

I shouldn't have left like that.

I won't leave the palace that irresponsibly.

I'm warning you.

Reveal the truth behind her death.

If you don't, what you fear will happen.

How dare you threaten me?

- Stop right there! - Stop, Your Majesty.

Lee Yoon.

Yoon!

- Chief Guard. - Grand Empress Dowager.

Wait. My goodness!

Are you all right, Your Majesty?

I cannot imagine how absurd and painful this must be for you.

Even I am so heartbroken.

Mr. Han.

I remember telling you we won't accept mourners.

Whom am I talking to?

He's ignoring you right in the open now.

How irritating!

Hel Ro.

Please handle what I asked you earlier.

This is so upsetting.

You haven't changed,

Your Highness.

Aren't you the late Empress' father?

Surprised to see a father, still alive after sending off...

his daughter so early?

What brings you here?

I have a question.

On the day of my daughter's funeral,

why did you apologize to me?

You said the Imperial Family had committed a mortal sin.

You had something to tell me, right?

You know something, don't you?

I searched everywhere...

to find the answer for the past seven years.

Too many are watching here.

I will meet you somewhere else on a better day.

Chief Byun?

Yoon. How dare you accuse me...

in front of Mother, at that?

You're still as arrogant. You arrogant jerk!

I swear I will k*ll you.

His Majesty said not to let anyone in.

Move.

You cannot go in.

How dare you act like the wife?

He's my husband until I dump him.

You're just an adulteress.

The Empress by name only shouldn't speak.

An Empress by name only...

still has much more authority than an assistant like you.

That's the law.

Plus,

it's not like you gave birth to the Emperor's child like the nanny.

What do you mean?

How could the Chief Assistant be so uninformed?

Do you...

really not know that Ari is the Emperor's child?

Princess Ari.

She's the Emperor's daughter?

Who said such nonsense?

I thought you and the Emperor...

had no secrets, since you're together night and day,

but I guess not.

I guess His Majesty doesn't trust you all that much.

What is this all about?

Princess Ari is your child?

Who said that?

Stay out of it.

How can I stay out of it?

She's your daughter!

I never once considered her to by my daughter.

Does denying it stop it from being so?

She is your only child.

Is that why you've kept Kang Hee by your side all this time?

Did you keep the woman who had your child in the palace...

by making her the nanny? Did you?

It's all in the past.

She and Ari have nothing to do with me.

Then kick her out right now.

It's offensive and it is dirty.

Do not order me around.

No one may judge me for my mistakes.

Still, you should've told me.

This isn't the time to argue about that.

Why does that matter?

How are you so cruel?

You are so mean.

What did you just say?

I asked you to speak politely to me from now on.

What? How dare you little...

You are being rude, Princess So Jin.

What? "Princess"?

Once I become the princess,

you will be after me in line for the throne.

That is the hierarchy of the Imperial Family.

Why you little brat. Where do you get off...

Don't you know who I am?

You're the one the dumped me, saying I was not your child.

You won't let me call you "Mother,"

so shouldn't I return to being the Emperor's daughter?

You are far below me in status within the Imperial Family.

You do know that, don't you?

Song Ari!

I really didn't want to say this,

but do you even know who your mom is?

Of course, I do.

If the Emperor is my father, my mother is the Empress.

My poor dear.

I guess the nanny hasn't told you yet.

Listen carefully.

Your real mom is...

I do not want to hear it!

My mother is the Empress, and no one else!

I'm not done talking. Get over here!

Have some manners!

I am the sole heir of the Emperor...

of the Korean Empire!

If you speak rudely to me, the princess,

I will not forgive you!

So what, if you don't forgive me?

Your nanny, who was on your side, is gone now.

The Emperor doesn't consider you his child.

You got to live in the palace...

all this time thanks to me, but it's over now.

Get out. You're not worthy enough to study.

Get out right this instant!

Go with your mom!

Does that hurt?

Why didn't you duck?

You are an outsider.

What atrocity is this?

"An outsider"?

A married princess must live outside of the palace.

That is the law of the Imperial Family.

Let's wait and see who is kicked out of the palace.

You wicked brat!

I guess the Prime Minister is running late.

I called him, so he'll be here soon.

If you're in a rush, shall I give it to him?

No.

I must give it to him directly.

Okay.

You must be traumatized by the sudden tragedy.

I will conduct the meeting of the auditing team...

of the Imperial Family as scheduled.

What do you mean, Mr. Prime Minister?

Naturally, you must cancel. We are in mourning.

How can you have a meeting without knowing what the accusation is?

The accusation...

should be in the file Ms. Hong brought over.

She is in my office right now.

Mr. Prime Minister, cancel the meeting right now.

Do as I say.

The Grand Empress Dowager was adamant.

We should grant her her final wish.

Whose side should you take to benefit you,

someone living or someone dead?

Are you that clueless?

I can promote you for fire you.

It's all within my control.

I am the head of the Imperial Auditors.

Whether or not to hold the meeting...

is up to me to decide.

You should solve the m*rder case first.

Leave the audit to me.

That insolent brat. Ms. Choi.

Send someone to his office and drag Ms. Hong out of there.

No. Take the document from her. Hurry!

Yes, Your Highness.

Must you stab me in the back...

even after your death, Mother?

(Ms. Choi)

(Ms. Choi)

(Power off)

We're the police.

Are you Ms. Hong So Mae, Chief Assistant Director?

Yes.

I am.

Please cooperate with us to investigate the m*rder.

Come with us.

Wait!

I must meet with the Prime Minister.

It will only take a minute. He's on his way here.

Hold on! Just give me a minute! It won't take long.

Ms. Hong!

Hey, you jerks! Let go of her!

- Please. - Ms. Hong.

Let go. Let go of her. Who are you?

- Who are you? - Are you really the police?

That's not a police vehicle.

Hand that over to me! Hurry!

- Ms. Hong! - Go inside.

Wait!

- No! - Let go of me.

Let go!

- Hurry, hurry! - Stop that.

- Open up! - Ms. Hong.

- Ms. Hong! Ms. Hong! - Wait.

Stop right there, you jerks!

No...

Where are we going?

I thought I would be questioned in the palace.

Excuse me. Answer me.

Good work.

(DNA Paternity Test Results)

Who knew you would be helping me before you left, Your Highness?

Dong Shik.

Grandpa!

What took you so long?

I was about to pass out because I am starving.

I bought some steamed buns, your favorite!

- Steamed buns? - It's cold. Let's go inside.

My goodness.

Prime Minister, I was about to call you.

Must you go this far, Your Highness?

Do you think you could hide the mistakes of the Imperial Family?

What are you accusing me of?

By the sound of your voice, I can tell you're angry.

I suppose things didn't go as you planned.

No matter how hard you try to stop it,

I will convene the meeting with the Imperial Auditors.

Did everything go as planned?

You made sure no one saw you, right?

Of course.

I've been cooped up in the hotel.

I was coming down with cabin fever.

By the way, did something bad happen?

The Empress Dowager must've snatched the document Ms. Hong brought.

The Grand Empress Dowager planned this because she knew it'd happen.

Everything has gone wrong.

I can't let that be.

Even if we come up with a new agenda,

the meeting must go on.

With what?

Use this meeting to pass a legislation...

that princesses can ascend to the throne.

If a princess can reign over an empire,

Ari will be the first in line to the throne.

Members from the Empress Dowager's side will reject it.

If you say that it was the Grand Empress Dowager's idea,

everyone will agree upon it.

Okay.

If I can only weaken the Empress Dowager's influence...

Thank you, Prime Minister.

When the Imperial Family is under my authority,

half of it will be yours.

Hey, kid.

- Who are you? - What's your name?

What's your relationship with Mr. Byun Baek h*?

- How long have you been here? - I don't know.

I don't know anything. Please go.

You should know.

When an adult asks you, you must think hard and answer him.

Do you want to come with me?

No, I don't want to...

- Let go of me! - Stop moving.

- Dong Shik, go get your things now. - Okay.

Yes. Chief Joo must have followed me.

We're on our way to Seoul now.

What about Dong Shik? Is he safe?

He's okay. His training paid off.

He's very quick.

Be safe, sir. Okay?

Where is Ms. Hong?

Did you hide her somewhere?

I should ask you.

If you're planning to cause trouble with Ms. Hong,

you should stop. You will hurt many people.

If you hadn't encouraged her to investigate Empress So Hyun's death,

Mother wouldn't have passed away.

It sounds like that's why you m*rder*d Grandmother.

How dare you make such an absurd accusation?

I will honor her wish.

I'll start with Empress So Hyun's death.

The Emperor's attempt to m*rder me.

His affair with Min Yu Ra.

And Grandmother's death.

I will report everything to the Imperial Auditors...

and reveal the truth.

Stop acting up, Sunny.

There's nothing you can do here.

I made someone insignificant and poor like you the Empress.

Like an obedient dog, you must lead a quiet life.

How dare you disobey me? You must know your place.

Don't you know who brought you here?

I ended up here because I wanted...

and because the Emperor deceived me.

Which is why I will walk out of here on my own will.

Don't fool yourself.

You didn't choose to be here.

It was me who brought you here.

Do you think you can come and leave the palace as you please?

What is it that you want to hide to go such lengths?

Why shouldn't I know the cause of the last Empress' death?

Just be honest.

And beg me to cover it up instead!

How dare you talk back to me?

Because you just slapped me,

I'll use this to stay focused.

I will tell the public what kind of place the Imperial Family is.

Do you doubt my ability?

I will...

finish what Grandmother tried to do by all means.

Did you bring her into the palace to be treated like that...

by your daughter-in-law?

Shut it, and go on your way.

I don't wish to fight you.

I want to help.

I'm sure you need me.

The day the Empress meets with the Imperial Auditors,

it will be troubling for all of us.

Now, we must help each other as we're on the same side.

You, the Emperor,

and me.

What do you mean?

Prince Yoon had been in contact with Chief Byun Baek h*,

Empress So Hyun's father.

Are you saying he was still alive?

He was hiding on Maehwa Island.

A child was with him.

As of now,

he has left his house and fled.

What is it? Do you know the kid?

Of course not.

Did you find out where they went?

They disappeared too quickly.

I have people looking for them, so I'll hear news soon.

You should've gone after...

How could you lose them?

Byun Baek h* is a lunatic.

Seeing how he has hid for seven years and then met with Yoon,

he must be up to something.

Find him and Yoon right away.

We must get rid of them quietly before they do anything.

Yes, Your Majesty.

Your Majesty, they found the Grand Empress Dowager's k*ller.

Who k*lled her?

The Grand Empress Dowager's autopsy was just concluded.

The result shows...

that the cause of her untimely death was poison.

Who poisoned her?

You said you found the k*ller.

Tell us.

Well...

Tell us quickly. I'm going crazy here.

The same poison found in her body...

was also found in the container that held the food...

that you had sent, Your Majesty.

What?

The Empress k*lled Grandmother?

That's absurd.

That can't be. There was nothing wrong with my food.

Empress,

you are under arrest for the m*rder...

of the Grand Empress Dowager.

No.

Something went wrong here.

That's not true.

Why would I?

I'm being framed.

The k*ller is framing me!

Your Majesty! No. Why would I do that?

No. It's not true.

It really wasn't me.

Why would I k*ll Grandmother?

I heard you had a big argument the day before the incident...

and was dragged out by palace guards.

- It wasn't an argument. - There were many witnesses.

Grandmother wanted to send me to the vacation house,

so I... I whined a little because I didn't want to go.

Just say whether or not it's true.

Did you argue?

It's true I misunderstood Grandmother's intent, but...

Here.

What is your relationship with the palace guard in the photos?

What are you asking?

What does this have to do with Grandmother's m*rder?

The Empress pretended to hurt her ankle...

and embraced the guard. I saw it several times.

Did you ever point that out to her?

She has authority over hiring and firing palace workers.

I couldn't dare complain or show discontent.

Apparently, the victim knew you were man-crazy.

Is that why you fought?

She never believed it from the start.

Because she knew the truth.

That it wasn't I, but the Emperor, who was cheating.

All of this is my fault.

I learned...

the Empress was cheating after we got married,

but I tried to protect her because I love her.

But...

Grandmother found out,

so I couldn't stop it.

How is the Empress doing?

This must be so hard for her.

She needs to eat.

What Mother planned to report to the Imperial Auditors...

is the Empress' affairs and her family's wasteful spending.

She even brought up dethroning the Empress.

My apologies.

The public cannot know about this.

It is disgraceful for the Imperial Family.

You used your authority over the palace workers...

to lock Min Yu Ra in the palace jail, correct?

You forced palace workers to write down their complaints...

toward the Imperial Family today as well.

Everything is wrong.

Someone... Someone is messing with me.

I did not... I did not k*ll Grandmother.

How could I?

That's absurd.

Confess already.

How did you obtain the poison?

I don't know. I've never even seen such a thing.

Admit your crime before the Prosecutors take over.

You can't avoid prison time.

Prison?

Detective.

I'm begging you.

Please let me go to the palace for a few minutes.

I have evidence to prove my innocence there.

Please, I'm begging you. Please, detective.

- Here she is. - This way.

Ms. Hong.

This way.

We will begin the questioning.

Are you okay?

Thank goodness.

I only delivered the food as the Empress ordered.

I had no idea it was poisoned.

What are you saying?

The food wasn't poisoned.

You should've k*lled me instead.

How could you do something so frightening?

She adored you so much!

How could you betray her like that?

Ms. Hong, why are you doing this to me?

Look at me!

What are you doing?

Ms. Hong!

There's an ambulance waiting outside.

Stop it already!

What are you doing? Take her out.

Come with me.

- Sit down. - Come out.

I'm hungry. Please feed me.

I want my last supper.

You've got to be kidding me.

Then confess after you eat.

Hey! Order some soup for her!

We apologize to the people for the disgraceful acts...

by the Imperial Family.

As the representative of the Imperial Family,

I express our deepest remorse that the Empress was arrested...

for the Grand Empress Dowager's m*rder.

Whereas we worked hard to cover up the disgusting scandals...

regarding the Empress, she continued to deceive us.

I cannot withhold my rage.

She will be investigated...

not as the Empress, but as an average citizen.

We promise to uncover the truth...

and punish her severely.

Furthermore,

the Imperial Family hereby strips the Empress...

of all power and authority.

Is there any other evidence?

- What happens to her now? - Did she really do it?

Is there any other evidence?

She must have been hungry.

What's wrong with her?

- What's wrong? - My stomach.

- Call an ambulance. - My stomach...

My stomach...

She suddenly got sick while eating. What's wrong with her?

Well, how would I know?

What?

Sir. It's you, right?

You saved me before.

What happened?

How did you get in touch with Ms. Hong?

Time is of the essence, Your Majesty.

Once they find out you're on the run,

the Imperial Family, as well as the police, will be alarmed.

First, we must clear your name.

Bring me back to the palace.

- I can't. It's too dangerous. - I must go back.

I've bugged the Emperor's chamber.

Conversations that would bring down Lee Hyuk must be recorded.

Director Moon, turn back to the palace.

Okay, okay.

She escaped? There were so many guards!

How could you be so incompetent?

How could you let the m*rder*r get away?

What if she comes back to k*ll us?

Catch her. Go catch her now!

Someone keeps helping the Empress.

Prince Lee Yoon has been in touch with Chief Byun Baek h* in secret.

You give me no choice but to catch you all.

Hyuk.

What are you doing? Find the Empress now!

Go get her now!

Find me the Empress!

The Empress has escaped from the police station.

She's no longer the Empress, but a mere criminal.

If she's spotted in the palace, I allow you...

to k*ll her on the spot.

- At your service! - At your service!

Your Majesty, a surveillance camera caught someone...

entering your chamber.

Issue an emergency order to the guards.

Close all of the exits in the palace.

What aren't you moving? Get to work!

- Yes, sir! - Yes, sir!

- What happened? - She's definitely here.

Over there.

Everyone, I am not the m*rder*r!

Please get rid of Seo Kang Hee and Ari.

How dare a small fry like you try to hurt me?

How dare you harbor the Empress?

Na Wang Shik. Yes, it's Na Wang Shik.

I'm utterly exhausted. I just want to run away.