Subtitles by DramaFever
We... can start again. So you should...
No, Father. It's done and over with now.
No! We can start again.
We can't back down now after putting so much effort into it.
I'll use the queen to make it happen. When the time comes...
you can enter the palace as a concubine.
Then, I'll accuse the family of the Crowned Princess for plotting treason...
Then I'll have you take the seat of the Crowned Princess...
That cannot happen.
Inhyeon!
Father, you shouldn't see blood because of me.
The seat of the Queen that I take has to be sacred, without a trace of dirt.
Because being that kind of queen would be...
my responsibility for my Crowned Prince-to-be.
You... haven't given up yet.
I believe that...
As long as I continue to paint my dream...
I'll have my dream realized at some point.
So, the Crowned Princess for now has to be Lady Ingyeong.
I believe she'll take good care of my place.
I will keep my promise.
But I have one condition.
I'd rather become Prince Boksun's...
slave, not his concubine.
A slave, not a concubine?
If I had to be humiliated and treated poorly without any feelings for him...
Then there is no point of living as a human being.
If I'm not a human being, then I'd rather live as a slave.
I thought you knew how things worked in...
this world, but you're a complete fool.
So, you want to live just like your mother for the rest of your life?
Uncle...
Whether you go as Prince Boksun's concubine...
or a slave, the point is you bear his child.
Only that will help getting the revenge for all of us, my Hong Joo, you and me.
No! Your twisted greed will ruin everyone.
That's not true, Ok Jung.
We share the same blood. You just don't realize it yet.
But once you open your eyes to it, your desire...
to own the world will be stronger than mine.
I won't be like that.
No, Ok Jung. You will definitely be like that.
So don't say a word, and prepare to move to Prince Boksun's house.
Your Highness...
If you shared the celebratory drink, please...
remove the Crowned Princess' wedding garment.
Your Highness, please remove the garment of the Crowned Princess...
And prepare to go to bed now.
Your Highness...
His Majesty is...
What happened?
He is in critical condition!
Father!
I believe it's time to come to an end.
No, Father. You can get better.
No, it's time to put an end to it.
Call in the minister to take my last words.
Who would you like as your minister?
My Lord, did you come as the king's last request for a minister?
Of course. If it's not Lord Min, who would take on the duty?
It's no time to argue about who would take His Majesty's last request.
Minister of the Military, you're already here.
Let's go inside. We should listen to the king's last words.
We cannot go in.
Only the minister will be entering.
If it's not Lord Min, the head of the Western Party...
who would listen to the king's last words?
That will be me.
I'm the minister to see His Majesty's last moment.
Lord Heo, how can you...
- By any chance... - Yes, it is.
'By any chance' can catch people off guard.
In the middle of the Western Party world, I, the head of the Southern Party...
I entered the palace as the minister to see the last moments of the king.
Now you're here, hurry up and see him.
Minister...
Heo Jeok.
- Soon. - Yes... yes, Father.
The reason I called in Heo Jeok is...
To use a wild dog only for a while to chase out a fox...
You should never trust anyone but yourself.
So you should become a strong king...
And become a truthful king to all the people.
Your Majesty!
I have done nothing for you as your wife...
How can you leave like this!
Father!
Yes, Father.
I will make it happen.
Your Majesty, please return!
Minister, relay the last words of the king.
The people of the Western Party have bothered me...
my whole life because I wasn't the first born...
Based on the Scriptures of Conduct...
It is found that the Western Party's claim has...
been contempt and mockery of the sovereign power.
The Western Party led by Min Yoo Joong...
must resign from the political forefront.
That was the last words of the late king.
To go against it is to go against my filial duty...
As well as treason against the late king.
Therefore, I will follow his words in the strictest sense.
Even if it's the last words of the late king...
how could you remove the retainers from their duty?
That doesn't justify it.
Must I find the justification for it?
Would you be able to?
During the selection process of the Crowned Princess...
Your sin of hiding your wife's death...
and letting your daughter attend the selection...
I believe it doesn't fall short of treason.
I'll consider it a resignation from you and most of the Western Party.
Resignation? Your Highness, a regime doesn't change that easily.
There are scholars in eight provinces and armed forces behind me.
Do you know about this?
A branch of a willow tree is weak, but it can tie lumber.
I already tied the Southern Party and the Moderate Party...
So the only remaining lumber is a few from the Western Party.
Minister of Military from the Western Party who can support me...
No, Father-in-law, please enter.
Will you accept now?
With the Southern Party, the Moderate Party...
and a few from the Western Party...
I will form a government in alliance.
Your Majesty, what on earth are you planning to do?
To get rid of Min Yoo Joong who protected the royal family!
Mother, he protected the Western Party, not the royal family.
That's what I mean.
Among the people in the Western Party Min Yoo Joong protected was me.
And Your Majesty is my son, so in the end...
he protected you and the royal family.
And on top of that, calling in Heo Jeok?
Calling in Heo Jeok was Father's wish.
Does that mean Father's wish is important, but not mine?
Mother!
How ungracious, truly ungracious!
To whine like that as an elder of the royal family...
and not be the support he can rely on!
You've gone too far. I only care about...
the well-being of the royal family...
Who would care about the well-being of the royal family more than His Majesty?
After the coronation, you will be the king of this country.
I trust you. Act on what you believe.
You don't need to worry.
Protecting you, the royal family and the people of this country...
Are the calling and the meaning of my life.
So trust your son.
To make the almighty Min Yoo Joong a paper tiger and...
kick him out as soon as you entered the palace!
You are indeed Lord Heo Jeok.
That's all because of Prince Boksun's good planning.
- He's been funding our efforts... - I am Officer Jang Hyun.
- You've done a lot. - I...
Let's get inside. We have a long way to go to plan for the future.
Buyongjung without you is like an ax without its handle.
I just made clothes, but you have better business skills.
Besides, you're the best in Seoul when it comes to dying fabric.
You'll do a much better job than me in managing this place.
Can't you just ask Officer Jang one more time?
Can you take a look at this?
I made Mother's coat to give to her before I follow my Uncle.
It's stuffed full of cotton...
You won't get cold in this even if you roll around on the ice.
Right? I'll take it to her now.
His Lordship is going to the palace all of a sudden...
You may leave now. Would you help me finish?
That's not necessary.
Since you started, you should finish it then come see me.
My Lady... it's my fault. You were away, I had no choice...
Even if I was away, how dare you help the lord dress himself!
I can't take it anymore, even if Officer Jang...
gives me a thousand gold coins!
You wench!
How dare you harm your master!
What's everyone doing? Get ready to flog her now!
My Lady, I'm sorry. Please forgive me. I didn't even realize... I did wrong.
What are you doing! Beat her up now!
My Lady, spare me. My Lady, please!
Until she's cured of her behavior, beat her without any mercy!
Yes, ma'am.
How have you been? I'm here to see my mother...
It's no use today. There has been a big commotion today.
Did something happen in the family?
You wench! I'm going to sell you as a government slave!
Slave? To sell her as a government slave?
Unfortunately, she got caught in His Lordships' room.
She was waiting for this to happen. Don't cause any more trouble, just go.
No, I have to go. If I tell her myself...
My Lady, My Lady!
Please stop her!
My Lady, please hear me out.
My Lady, My Lady... Please don't do this!
I'll take the beating instead. Please let me take it, My Lady.
You can't do this, leave now.
What a rude wench! How dare you be so rude!
I'll sell her as a government slave that cannot be saved with money.
Ahn, drag that wench away!
My Lady, I don't know what my mother did wrong...
But please consider it a fault of a child and show us your grace.
A fault of a child?
The servants are foolish and lacking in the eyes of Her Ladyship...
So please scold her like a child and be generous with her.
Then it'll be a bigger blessing to my mother than that of Buddha.
Now you're trying to lecture me?
What is everyone doing? Take her out now!
- Yes, ma'am. - My Lady!
My Lady! Mom! My Lady!
Mother, Mother!
Mother! My Lady...
Mother!
Ahn, send her as a government slave tomorrow. Understand?
Yes, ma'am.
Ok Jung...
Hee Jae... My babies...
Mother...
Mother!
Mot...
Baby... Is my baby okay?
Mother!
I will absolutely stop you from becoming a government slave.
I'm fine. I'm okay.
Don't even consider useless things because of me.
I'll never send you away by yourself. I'll be with you wherever you go.
Ok Jung...
Mother...
- Ok Jung... - Mother...
- My Lord, please withdraw your resignation! - Please withdraw!
Shouldn't you check on them?
Even if I do, I've already resigned.
I can't participate in the mud fight any longer.
Fighting will be done by them, not you.
If that is to happen, wouldn't they need your word of encouragement?
Meaning, at least beat the drum for those marching into the battlefield?
Lord, please withdraw your resignation and go back to the court.
That's right. Please take your spirit to fill the...
court that's full of the Southern Party thieves.
We will!
Not me, but you!
You will be the god's will, and go to the court for me.
Fight with determination for the country of Zhu Xi...
that I want to establish!
The court you're in is where I am. So go fight for it!
That's the way to save me, the Western Party, and Joseon!
My Lord! Lord!
May I choose now?
I mean, my Princess.
Everyone listen! She's my Crowned Princess.
The position of Provincial Administrator...
It has the power over all military forces including...
the royal guards and the guards of the capital...
And you're asking for that position?
Prime Minister is not enough for you?
Wouldn't it be better than dethroning Her Majesty?
Dethroning the queen?
The Western Party is always looking for a chance to return to the court.
They consider the queen and her father Kim Man Gi of the Western Party...
as their foothold.
In this situation, if we, the Southern Party...
cannot get a firm hold of the military power...
How would we protect you from the Western Party?
Can't even protect the throne without the help of the Southern Party...
Are you threatening me?
How would I dare! That can never be.
I am getting tired now. You may take your leave.
Please do as you wish.
It's only a change of the party in power. It's still the same...
Prime Minister's son Heo Gyun is gathering private soldiers?
Yes, Your Majesty.
It was under the pretense of tiger hunting, but it was quite sizable.
Above a million people, below one person...
What more could he desire after rising to the prime minister?
Unless he is reborn, there is no more seat he could rise to.
It's only a matter of how long he can hold on to it.
The King is not giving up the provincial administrator?
Why don't we just kill the king now?
But it's too dangerous to act on a whim.
How dare you voice your opinion as a lowly officer?
The king is holding a hunting competition in a few days.
If we only have some good hunting dogs...
Sounds good. Let's try it. But it needs to be done in one swing.
You have to show her your face to get your fortune told.
The matter of royal succession cannot be delayed.
If there is any lingering misfortune, we must hurry and take care of it now.
Yes, Mother.
I'd like to speak to you alone.
The current queen won't be able to continue the royal line?
Besides, 'current queen'? That means, there is another queen?
- Yes, Your Highness. - Watch what you say! How dare you...
This is not a matter of watching words! It's time to speak clearly!
Then, would the next queen come in without much noise?
I'm asking if she's from our party.
Would you spare my life regardless of what I say?
Does that mean, no?
Please promise me first.
Fine, I will. Now speak.
The next queen will be safe.
But the geography of the palace...
Tells me that a court lady on the opposite side of you...
will cause a wind of blood in the palace soon.
If she's on the opposite side of me...
that means someone from the Southern Party.
And a wind of blood only because of a court maid?
How ludicrous!
I deserve death, Your Majesty. But my interpretation has never been wrong.
Still! If you are going to keep saying that absurdity, leave right now!
On the opposite of me? A wind of blood? What a quack! Court Lady Hong!
Yes, Your Majesty?
Kick out all court maids who came in...
with the introduction of the Southern Party!
But, ma'am, court maids without any fault...
Is this your first time doing it? You only have to look for it to find fault!
How foolish...
Yes, Your Majesty.
- Who is the court maid Oh? - What's going on?
Please let me go! What's going on?
What on earth is going on? What's the reason for removing court maids?
It's only to restore discipline, so please don't mind it.
Restoring discipline is fine, but it's suspicious who's being removed.
What do you mean, suspicious?
It's only the right thing to do to remove the maids who've done wrong.
Is that why only the maids from the Southern Party...
and from my relations are being removed?
That's a misunderstanding. I believe it's a coincidence.
Misunderstanding? Why don't you hide the sky with your hands?
How can you be all over the place when the queen...
is the leader of the internal court matters?
Queen Dowager, do you understand the authority I have?
It's the authority from giving birth to a son.
Well, you've never experienced giving birth to a child...
So you wouldn't know how it feels. That's why you're so upset.
Please take it easy, Your Majesty.
Well, then.
Court Lady Choi, send someone for Jo Sa Seok and ask him to come in now!
Your Highness, how are you doing? Why did you ask for me in a hurry?
I don't have anyone else in my family I'm close to.
I don't have a child of my own, and I missed someone close from my family.
Was there any trouble with the Queen Mother again by any chance?
Parents live to raise their children and scholars live to grow their wisdom.
The fate of a widow in the middle of the palace has no place to turn to.
But you're at the top of the royal family of Joseon.
Top only in appearance?
But that's not enough anymore.
So I am going to raise one, too.
A child or a prodigy, someone who would never let go of my hand...
Someone so great that she would put...
the Queen Mother in her place.
Do you mean to support a court maid?
Not any obvious one who's been raised in the palace all her life...
But a lively one like a wild horse that's not been touched at all.
Exceptional beauty with a degree of ambition will be perfect.
Find someone like that. Then I'll give her my full support.
My Lady, My Lady! Mother, Mother!
Your Highness, would you allow a girl from a low class?
A low class!
A low class would be fine for the palace, but this girl has to be different.
She might not be from an aristocratic family...
but a low class may become a disadvantage later.
I understand.
Put your best effort into it.
I'll raise her to carry on the will of not just me...
but you and the Southern Party.
Did you stay up all night?
Worrying about it won't solve anything. Don't be like this and...
- There are people... - What people?
Those who help slaves escape. I need to meet them.
Why? No way!
Are you crazy? If you help a slave escape, you'll be taken to the office, too!
I won't live as a human being anyway under the thumb of my uncle...
Besides, my mother will be taken as a government slave.
If that happens, she won't be saved with money...
and has to live as a slave for the rest of her life.
Why does that lady hate her so much!
I am going to run away with my mother to China.
I'm getting her out before she becomes a government slave.
- Did you check it out? - It's too late.
As soon as the day breaks tomorrow...
she'll be handed over as a government slave.
I'll double your fee. Please hurry.
You think we move because of a few coins?
If we fail on a difficult job, we'll lose all the others
Who would refuse an easy job? We came to you because it's difficult.
Let's go, Hyang. What could he do when he...
doesn't even have courage to save a woman?
- Ok Jung... - You mentioned another place.
- They even rescued a man from prison. - Hey!
That's just a rumor they are spreading to get more customers!
Rumor or not, people come for help after hearing it.
This woman has some nerve.
Fine. I'll give you a special hiding place. You'll never get caught.
It's hidden in the royal hunting ground, so no one has thought of it.
Once I get her out tomorrow night, hide here for the next two days.
Then I'll put you on a ship to China after that.
In return, double the fee as you promised.
The tea tastes fine.
You look after your mother, too, but you look a lot like your late father.
When I went to China, I used to take your father as my interpreter.
Your father used to come to my house often...
and that's how he met your mother.
You inherited your father's intelligence and your mother's beauty.
You're too kind. By the way, what brings you to this humble place?
Have you... ever thought about becoming a court maid?
A court maid... do you mean, a court lady?
How would someone like me in the low class...
It won't be a problem since most of the...
court maids come from the low class.
But the Queen Dowager would be hesitant.
- Queen Dowager is hesitant? - You will learn eventually.
How about it? Will you be a court maid?
Depending on how you do, even the low class maid...
can gain power like no other in the palace.
- If you can only grab your chance. - A chance?
First, you have to please Queen Dowager.
Then you have to be noticed by the king. If that happens...
You can own the world.
No, I won't. I have something else I need to do.
Something else? What is it?
Lord Jo...
I am sorry, I don't want to become a court lady.
It's great weather for hunting.
Yes, Father. A great hunting dog must accompany a hunting trip...
I found the best dog, so we just need to wait...
until the dog bites the hunter to death.
I hate to be bored, so I hope it doesn't take long.
Your Majesty!
Follow me!
Your Majesty!
Find His Majesty!
Find him. Find His Majesty!
How did it go?
Answer the question.
It looks like a success, but we haven't found the king's body.
Haven't found the body?
Then you can't answer for sure if it's a success or a fail!
Lord, why don't we get the soldiers ready...
just in case and watch how things go?
- Who are you? - Are you Jang Ok Jung's mother?
- Mother! - Ok Jung! What's going on?
I arranged for us to get on the ship to China. Let's go together, Mother.
No, if we get caught like this, you'll be taken as a government slave, too.
Even if I just live one more day, I want to stay with you.
Please, let's go together.
All because of your mother who is full of sins...
What are you doing? Make up your mind!
I will have to become a slave or a concubine anyway.
- Please... - Okay, let's go.
Even if it's just for one more day, I'll live with my baby.
Let's go to the hiding place.
Mother! Mother, what happened?
I tripped on something.
Is he dead?
- Let's leave here quickly. - Let's go.
He's moaning, right? He must be alive.
Let's just go. If we get caught in the middle of something...
Do you know him?
Your Majesty... where could you be?
Please, please be alive.
- Blood... it's blood. - Mother, please bring me water.
Okay.
- Ok Jung got her mother out and escaped? - Yes, that's what happened last night.
How dare she! In this important time...
Look out for the ships coming in from China...
She'll try to get on one of them.
- And find everyone involved... - Yes, sir.
I knew she was talented, but she's got some nerve, too.
Tell Hee Jae to come back. He's studying in China.
If I have to, I'll use her family to bring her back.
Will you go see the sunrise with me tomorrow morning?
My fiancee should be from a family on par with the prime minister...
If not a daughter of the prime minister.
Would I exchange my heart with a lowly girl...
who runs around the forest?
- You shouldn't. - Who are you?
You...
How can you...
I found you while I was walking in the forest, so I brought you here.
What's this place?
I heard it's close to the royal hunting ground.
Near the royal hunting ground... So I didn't come too far.
Please get some rest. I'll bring some soup.
- Have you seen His Majesty recently? - When you say, recently...
Since you go see him almost everyday...
I meant yesterday or today by 'recently.'
Of course I did!
And why do you ask?
There is a rumor that His Majesty who went...
out hunting didn't return to the palace.
Just like the saying, 'don't raise your hand under a plum tree'...
To be honest, I introduced him to a nine-tailed fox...
So he returned to the palace very late.
His Majesty with no feelings... was seduced by a nine-tailed fox?
His Majesty is also a man, so there was a fox he couldn't refuse.
Then, at the new year ceremony in three days...
I will have the honor to see His Majesty...
who's been released from the nine-tailed fox.
So when will you take an office and work for the government?
Oh, taking an office? Of course I'd like to.
But it's forbidden to participate...
in politics as a member of the royal family.
It's thrilling to touch the forbidden.
If you get a chance, do you want to?
Why would I refuse a chance if it's offered?
Why? Would you consider offering me that chance?
My friend, are you steering me to treason?
You deserve to be scolded!
Please ask His Majesty to go on a hunting trip with me.
Keep everyone quiet about what happened here...
and cure that guy no matter what it takes.
I can't read his mind...
He seems to be on the king's side, but he also flirts with me.
He's still the king's man. So we can't fall for everything he says.
Since it turned out this way, why don't we just attack the palace?
We should've finished it in one swing!
My Lord, it seems we've been cornered. So please make your decision.
Wait for the right time to find justification or overthrow the throne.
If he doesn't show himself...
in two days at the new year ceremony with all the retainers gathered...
That means he's no longer alive or he's wounded beyond repair.
Then in this case of no heir...
the next in line of succession obviously goes to...
Would you just keep your arm still without moving?
Is it... your plot to connect with me with the pretense of a coincidence?
What do you mean by that?
If it's not that, why do you show up every time I am in trouble?
I don't know anything about that.
I have my reason to stay here for a bit, then I'll be leaving.
You're using this as a hiding place...
when it's accessible only by the royal family?
That's...
Do you still have the hidden weapon in your hand?
As long as I'm alive.
I desperately need it right now.
I was almost assassinated... without anyone knowing.
Then you should hurry and report it.
There are times you can't do anything even when you know the enemy.
- Why aren't you asking anything? - About what?
About that morning... why I had to break the promise and leave.
And who I am.
You must have your reasons for doing so.
You'd consider a promise with a lowly girl as light as a feather.
I never take my promise lightly, regardless of the person's class.
Ok Jung.
There are blood stains everywhere, so I'll go wash these.
I said she's not here! I'm dying to know, too!
You wench... say what you know!
- Answer me now, where is the lady? - You can't tell him.
Do what you want if you have a life to spare.
Spare me.
I'll tell you.
Mother... why don't you stay inside?
Blood stains are hard to clean.
I should just wash at least and dry them.
Since we're leaving tomorrow.
He appears to be highly refined... He's not, is he?
I hope he's not. I don't want you to go through...
the same suffering I've had to endure.
Having feelings for someone of a different class...
and suffering for a lifetime because of it.
No, Mother. He's just...
Do not miss a spot! Check for blood.
Mother, we have to go tell him. They might be looking to kill him.
Chief! Chief...
He's not inside?
I have to find him. Someone might try to kill him again.
You should never trust anyone but yourself.
It fits really well as if you measured to my size.
There are strange men in the mountain.
They were even holding swords, so in case...
Did you look for me because you worried that I'd be in danger?
That's...
Yes, I did. Then...
I am leaving now.
Would you come with me?
Would you come with me to my place?
No, I can't.
I have to leave with my mother to China tomorrow.
To China... tomorrow.
Even if I ask you?
I can't, right now.
But if someday, if it's not too late...
Where would I find you?
At the palace. You can come to the palace.
And look for me.
My name is... Lee Soon.
If I can come back to Joseon again, if I can't leave to China...
I will.
Subtitles by DramaFever
- Take that knife off of her! - Just follow me then.
Not just once, but try to escape twice? I'll report you and put you in jail.
I'm getting you out of slavery.
I plan to stab the king in his heart.
Why don't we plan a rebellion?
If Hyun Moo doesn't arrive, it could determine a life or death.
Should I look for the savior you spoke of?
No, she said she'd find me in the palace.
- Please give me back Ok Jung. - Ok Jung already left for the palace.
I plan to raise Ok Jung in a different way.
Which department do you belong to?
A flirtatious girl like her should be removed far away from His Majesty.
What other reason is there to enter the palace?
Isn't it for the grace of the king?