Ep 16. Episode 16

Empress Ki is a historical drama that unfolds in the 13th century during the Yuan dynasty in China and the Goryeo dynasty in Korea. It follows the story of Ki Seung Nyang, a young woman from Goryeo who rises to become a powerful empress in China. In season 1 episode 16, tensions are high as political and personal conflicts come to the surface.

The episode opens with the Empress Dowager being informed of Chancellor Joo Shin-tae's death by poisoning. She is immediately suspicious of Ja-chom, who had been appointed by Joo Shin-tae as his secretary. Ja-chom defends himself, but the Empress Dowager orders him to be imprisoned and tortured until he admits to the crime. Meanwhile, Ki Seung Nyang is still grieving over the loss of her son, and she seeks solace in the company of Taltal, who understands her pain as he had lost his own son.

As the investigation into Joo Shin-tae's death continues, Maha, the young prince, falls ill. The physicians are unable to determine the cause of his illness, and his mother, Tanashiri, is desperate to save him. She turns to Bayan, who suggests using a rare fungus as an antidote. However, the fungus is only found in a dangerous and remote location, and the journey to obtain it is risky. Bayan suggests that Wang Yu should take on the mission, as he is a skilled fighter and his presence in the area could also help exert the Yuan dynasty's influence over the local tribes. However, Tanashiri disagrees, stating that she cannot trust Wang Yu given his previous betrayal.

Meanwhile, Ki Seung Nyang is approached by Tal Tal, who tells her that Wang Yu has received a secret message from the newly-formed Northern Yuan dynasty, which offers an alliance if he helps them overthrow the Yuan dynasty in China. Tal Tal asks Ki Seung Nyang to intervene and convince Wang Yu to abandon his plans for the alliance, stating that it would be detrimental to Goryeo's interests. Ki Seung Nyang agrees to help and meets with Wang Yu, who is conflicted about his loyalty to the Yuan dynasty and his desire to avenge his father's death.

As Wang Yu sets out on his journey to obtain the rare fungus, he is ambushed by a group of bandits who demand that he hand over the antidote. Wang Yu fights bravely but is eventually captured. However, his captors are willing to make a deal and propose a trade - the antidote in exchange for a Mongol princess who had been kidnapped by the Yuan dynasty.

The episode ends with a tense confrontation between Tanashiri and Ki Seung Nyang, who questions her about why she had been opposed to Wang Yu's mission to obtain the fungus. Tanashiri angrily accuses Ki Seung Nyang of trying to undermine her, and the two engage in a heated argument. Meanwhile, Wang Yu is brought before the group of rebels who had kidnapped the Mongol princess. They demand that he pledge his allegiance to their cause, but Wang Yu refuses, stating that he is fighting for his own interests and not theirs.

In conclusion, Empress Ki season 1 episode 16 sets the stage for upcoming conflicts and political tensions. As Ki Seung Nyang and Tanashiri continue their power struggle, Wang Yu finds himself caught between his loyalty to the Yuan dynasty and his own personal desires. The episode also introduces new characters, such as the bandits and rebels, who add depth to the narrative and create new possibilities for the future.