Ep 2. Episode 2

Empress Ki is a historical drama series set in the 13th century, which chronicles the life and journey of Ki Seung-nyang, a Goryeo-born woman who becomes one of the most powerful figures in the Mongol Empire. In season 1 episode 2 titled "Episode 2", we see the continuation of Ki Seung-nyang's struggle and how she manages to navigate the complex political landscape of the time.

The episode begins with Ki Seung-nyang arriving at the palace of the Yuan Emperor, where she is tasked with serving the Empress Dowager as one of her handmaidens. We see how Seung-nyang tries to adapt to her new role and impress the Empress Dowager with her skills. However, she faces stiff competition from other handmaidens who are already entrenched in the palace hierarchy.

Meanwhile, we see the Emperor's brother, Wang Yu, trying to mount a rebellion against the Yuan dynasty while hiding in the Goryeo kingdom. He comes across Seung-nyang, who he initially mistakes for a man, and they have an interesting conversation which highlights the complexity of their relationship. Seung-nyang also gets a chance to showcase her martial arts skills when she helps Wang Yu fend off a group of attackers.

Back in the palace, we see how the Empress Dowager is keen on finding a suitable wife for the Emperor, and how Lady Park, one of the handmaidens, is manipulating the situation to gain more power for herself. Seung-nyang sees through Lady Park's plan and tries to thwart her efforts, which puts her at odds with the other handmaidens.

We also get a glimpse of the Emperor's personal life, and how he struggles to maintain his power and balance his responsibilities as the ruler of the Yuan dynasty. We see how his mother, the Empress Dowager, still wields a lot of influence over him, while his wife, Tanasiri, is insecure and paranoid about Seung-nyang's presence in the palace.

Towards the end of the episode, we see how Seung-nyang's determination and resourcefulness pay off as she manages to secure a rare and valuable medicine for the Empress Dowager, which earns her the Empress's favor. We also see how Wang Yu's activities in Goryeo come to the attention of the Yuan authorities, setting the stage for future conflicts and intrigue.

Overall, episode 2 sets the tone for the series, as we see how Ki Seung-nyang's journey unfolds in a world of political maneuvering, power struggles, and personal drama. It showcases the different personalities and agendas of the characters, and how they are all connected in ways that are not immediately apparent. The episode also highlights the themes of gender roles, identity, and loyalty, which will continue to be explored throughout the series.