An epic Korean drama based on a real person, although I am sure her life was a struggle it was no where near what the fictional empress had to endure. The plot involves a lowly girl from Korea rising to become an empress of the Chinese Yuan empire. It is really good to see such a strong female lead and the revenge she takes upon the people who have hurt her or her family shows a woman can be as ruthless as any man. Running through most of the 51 episodes is a question of who she actually loves, is it the King of Korea or the Emperor of Yuan. The series leaves it open to interpretation and many people continue to debate giving their reasons by what they have viewed and what it means to them. I desperately want it to be one but sadly I believe it may be the other. I have given the series 9 stars as though it becomes a little plodding in the middle and there are a few too many flashbacks it is still well worth the time.