Jang Ok Jung, Living in Love
Clear the way! Queen Majesty is arriving!
You were thrown out on the street...
even after you received His Majesty's heart.
Even without His Majesty's grace...
just because she was born to the noble family...
Min Yoo Joong's daughter took the seat that you can't even dare to look up at.
Why don't you hold my hand and have what you want?
I will need to want it whole-heartedly.
To do that, I will go back to the palace.
Put your life on the line to make it happen, Uncle.
Then I'll show to those who say the low class...
can never become anything or be loved by anyone.
And I will have the world under my feet and I will destroy them.
Lower the screen. I'm tired.
I'd like to...
The royal wedding has been decided regardless of your opinion anyway.
Please let me find her as the Queen after the royal wedding.
So will you bring Maid Jang into the palace once you find her?
I'll do it for you.
I'll convince the Queen Mother and quiet down the retainers of the court.
What's your plan?
Uncle, we can't send her as a mere court maid.
It may not be a golden cushion this time...
but it should at least be a flowery silk cushion.
I've sowed the seeds in the king already, so now I'll harvest from those seeds.
Besides, I need to get paid from the Queen Dowager anyway.
It would be difficult to get appointed right away and enter the palace, right?
Yes, unless you get pregnant.
But if I support you and you don't lose the king's heart...
It could be sooner.
Until you earn the title of Level 1 Bin that you want. Understand?
I'll just consider... that the person next to be is called the Queen.
I'm sure you're really only interested in the title of Queen anyway.
If...
Nothing.
Go rest. I have work to do, so...
Your Majesty.
Shouldn't we go together to pay respect tomorrow morning?
I shouldn't cause concerns, so I'll be waiting in your room.
The training officer's soldiers replaced the bridge that was ruined by the flood?
Then what about the poor who were initially assigned to the job?
They've been assigned to another job, so there is no need to worry.
No... the ones who were assigned to this job were dirt poor...
So they were promised meals and wages for this job only.
But if they were assigned to something else...
they wouldn't receive the benefits.
But it's the people's duty to work on public jobs...
so there is no need to pay them...
I plan to build a quarter just for you.
A special place just for the two of us.
Your Majesty.
I have a personal project...
I will pay the whole cost, so hire the poor for that project.
Pardon?
Yes, Your Majesty.
Your Majesty, Prince Dongpyung is here.
It's late... let him in.
Yes, Your Majesty.
Your Majesty, someone saw Ok Jung.
Does that mean you found her?
Not yet... would you like to check it out?
Of course.
Someone saw Ok Jung being dragged into this place?
A hunter passing by said so.
I'm sure she disappeared from here.
No way. No, it couldn't be like that...
She must be alive somewhere.
The Queen Dowager is looking for her everywhere...
so we'll hear news soon.
Who would dare to do something like this?
You don't think it was the Queen Mother?
Mother would do something in an open field...
But she wouldn't plot anything in the back.
Besides, she's denying any involvement in this.
Your Majesty, Lord Jo Sa Seok is here.
What brings Lord Jo here so early in the morning?
The king's been looking for her in all eight provinces...
so where did you find her?
Jang Hyun has been protecting her.
She's desperately hoping to get back to the palace.
There is a way to survive. The flickering light of the Southern Party is alive.
Then is there a way?
Whatever it takes, we'll have to find a way.
- The Queen was left alone last night? - Yes, she was.
I hope it happens again tonight.
It can't be delayed anymore. Please get ready for morning greetings by yourself.
Let's wait... a little longer.
I can't go in by myself the first day.
But if you're late, it might cause...
His Majesty has arrived!
There is no other painting like this, or a more lovely pair of love birds like this.
I wish you a life full of happiness.
But what's with the faces?
It's as if you didn't spend the first night together, and there aren't much feelings.
How could you ask such a thing... with no class?
What? Being silly is the privilege of old age.
What should I be embarrassed about?
But my Queen, you're truly a wise wife.
Even Buddha will turn his back on another woman...
I hear you'll look for His Majesty's first love yourself?
Queen Dowager, please watch what you say.
Goodness, I'm being silly again.
I'm sorry, Queen.
I just meant to compliment you for being a wise wife.
My son, please leave with the Queen now.
We should leave now.
Is there something wrong?
- Are you ill? - No, I'm not.
Then what's going on?
Your Majesty, are you not feeling well?
About Maid Jang...
Maid Jang...
Why would you look for Maid Jang?
To be honest, I saw her.
Pardon?
That's impossible.
It must have been someone else.
I wish it was.
But I haven't been able to tell His Majesty.
I know how much he's looking forward to finding her...
I actually promised him that I'd find her for him.
Queen Majesty, that cannot happen.
If Maid Jang comes back, it could be serious trouble for his lordship.
So you need to prevent her from coming back at all costs.
Trouble for my father? Do you know something I don't?
Please forgive me, it's a secret I'll take to the grave...
So I can't say. Please forgive me.
- Did the King go to the queen's quarter? - No, he's staying in his room again.
That's good. Tell Officer Jang to come to the palace right away.
- If the timing is off, it'll be useless. - Yes, Your Majesty.
The King is working and not going to the Queen's quarter again?
Yes, that's what I heard.
My my... it's not enough to see them lovey-dovey...
but the queen is left alone all the time.
How would I see my grandson like this?
I can't let it be. I have to do something.
- Court Lady Choi? - Yes, Your Majesty.
Who is this at such a late hour?
Yes, that's, the Queen Dowager's family...
Remove your cover.
What are you doing? I said, remove the cover!
Mother!
Oh, my Queen.
- You've come. - What brings you here?
I heard you'd be here, so I came.
My Queen, such a devoted daughter-in-law.
Who is this?
It seems like no big deal. Let's go to His Majesty, he's staying up all night.
I'll take care of everything, so just follow me.
Let's go.
Your Majesty, a message has arrived from the Queen Dowager.
She's in the special quarter and asking for you to come and have tea.
Special quarter?
Grandmother... it can't be another beautiful trick.
Tell her that I've gone to bed early.
Yes, Your Majesty.
No, tell her I'm coming over right now.
Ok Jung...
Where have you disappeared to...
Ok Jung!
How are you...
Your Majesty!
Is it really you?
Jang Ok Jung?
Yes, it's Ok Jung.
I came back to see you again.
What happened?
How can you not even send a message when you're alive?
I won't dream of something that's not mine anymore.
And I won't bear the sadness that I can't bear.
If I want to throw something away, I'll find a way to throw it away.
If I want something, I will have it no matter what others say.
I came back for that.
Sure, do whatever you want to do.
Have you always been this chatty?
What about His Majesty?
He said he was going for a walk.
If he was going for a walk, he should've called the Queen, too.
I'm just asking...
When I was the Crowned Prince, I met a girl at a market.
The one who wanted to wash away her low class and wear a new, clean one.
Your Majesty...
So it was you!
It was you.
I just thought that young master didn't keep...
the promise because I was low class...
So I tried hard to forget about it.
No, it's not that I didn't want to go, I couldn't go.
Please understand.
It wasn't because of your low class.
I meant what I said then.
Your Majesty.
I'm glad you came back.
It's been a long way. It's been a truly long way to get here.
I'm happy you came back.
Now I will become your disguise.
If it's a piece of clothing that will disguise...
your low class, I think I can find it.
I promise, I will become your disguise.
I'll help you put on the most beautiful dress in the world.
Queen Majesty.
What's going on for you to be so excited?
- His Majesty... - What about His Majesty?
Sent a message that he'd like you to come by his bedroom now.
- Did you say, bedroom? - Yes, Your Majesty. Please get ready.
I was wandering in the market to get my mind clear...
I ran into the Queen Majesty on her way to the palace.
Our eyes met for a brief moment.
Your eyes met with the Queen's?
Yes, when I saw her she looked away and lowered the screen.
I thought I was really dismissed from the palace...
So I was deeply saddened.
Your Majesty, the Queen Majesty has arrived.
Let her in.
Should we start with tea?
The reason I called for you at this late hour is...
That I'd like you to keep your promise.
When you say 'promise,' which promise are you referring to?
Jang Ok Jung.
The promise that once you find Jang Ok Jung...
you'll bring her to the palace.
Of course.
If I find Maid Jang, of course...
That's a relief.
You can know the depth of water but not the depth of a heart.
I was worried you were saying one thing and thinking something else.
Your Majesty, what are you talking about?
Did you, by any chance, find Maid Jang?
Yes, I thought it would be faster for me to find her than it would be for you.
I found her.
Pardon?
Maid Jang, come in and pay your respect to the Queen.
Have you been well, Queen Majesty?
Yes, where have you been until now?
It's not important where she's been.
What's important is where she will be from now on.
Wouldn't you say, Queen?
Forgive me.
Then let me see how good you are.
How you'll convince the Queen Mother...
and keep the retainers quiet as you promised.
Your grace is immeasurable.
To allow this lowly one to stay by His Majesty's side.
What would be more important than His Majesty's heart?
Let's get along together.
Your grace is immeasurable, Queen Majesty.
- Court Lady Joo. - Yes, please tell me.
I should get Maid Jang ready.
That can't be, Your Majesty.
I can't break the promise I already made.
Maid Jang should never be allowed in the palace. Please reconsider!
Please reconsider, Your Majesty!
What's really going on with you?
If you're not going to tell me the reason, then hurry up and get ready.
What? Maid Jang came back alive?
How is that possible?
I can't tell the Queen Majesty the truth...
She'll probably appoint her as Special Court Lady following His Majesty's wish.
Since I was the one who lured her out, she wouldn't let me go on...
Goodness. I considered Maid Jang to be too easy.
I will find a place for you...
So hide yourself there until things get sorted out.
Don't go outside until I send a message.
It's the precious flower I've grown for a long time.
Please accept this.
Were you the flower that Officer Jang mentioned?
That's why Grandmother helped, too.
Yes.
The Queen Dowager found out about my desperate situation, and she helped me.
Then why were you running away to China?
I've gone through a lot, as much as the stones stepped on the way to the market.
So I had no choice but to accept my uncle's offer.
What was Officer Jang's offer?
For me to become your woman.
You were already my beloved.
He got what he wanted too easily.
I could think of only one thing.
I'd do anything to come back to His Majesty.
Your Majesty, Lord Jo Sa Seok is here.
Your Majesty, Jo Sa Seok at your service.
Jang Ok Jung's comeback to the palace was...
a collaboration of the Queen Dowager, Officer Jang and you, the Southern Party.
- Your Majesty, but that's... - No need to be flustered.
Since the connection between Ok Jung and me came before your plot.
It won't change anything.
I was worried that Your Majesty might misunderstand.
I am just grateful for your understanding.
I don't want the Western Party to get too big.
I can't forgive how Heo Jeok and the Southern Party challenged me...
But I still need trustworthy retainers from...
the Southern Party to keep things in check.
But if I bring you into the core group right away...
resistance from the Western Party will be severe.
For now, I think it'll be good for you to take care...
of affairs with China as a delegate.
Then when the timing is right, I'll solidify your position.
Your Majesty, your grace is immeasurable.
That's everything. You may leave.
Yes.
Really? Finally a court maid receiving His Grace?
And I heard she's not just anyone...
She's a beauty enough to stir up the country.
The reason I have everyone gathered...
is to let you know of a change in the internal court.
There has been a court maid who has received His Majesty's grace...
So I am going to appoint that maid as Special Court Lady.
Your grace is immeasurable, Queen Majesty.
She'll be staying in Eung Hyang Gak and her maids will be selected to serve her.
Special Court Lady, you may come out.
That's Maid Jang!
What's going on?
I'm Special Court Lady Jang Ok Jung.
I will do my best to help the Queen Majesty...
and solidify the dignity of the internal court.
I rely on your support.
Then I'll show to those who say the low class...
can never become anything or be loved by anyone.
Then I'll have the whole world under my feet and I will destroy them.
To do that, I will go back to the palace.
Your Majesty, you should have never let that Jang in the palace.
It's done and over with now. I hope you don't mention it again.
Done and over with? If Maid Jang is in...
the palace, it's only the beginning of trouble.
I don't want His Majesty to be concerned over this anymore.
I'll take care of this one.
Who let her in? Queen, are you out of your mind?
It is the Queen's duty to look out for His Majesty's heart and take care of him.
How could I look the other way knowing this is what he wants?
I'll handle Court Lady Jang as part of the internal court, so please don't worry.
Just letting her in the palace feels wrong...
but giving her the title of Special Court Lady?
You're definitely asking for trouble.
This is the first thing I've handled as the leader of the internal court.
I'll make sure to keep the internal court in line, so please leave it to me.
I have someone in mind for this round of personnel change.
Is that so? If you tell me, I'll take care of it.
The relationship with China has been bumpy recently from the border issues.
I want to leave it to Jo Sa Seok who has taken care...
of disputes with China for over a decade.
But, Your Majesty...
Jo Sa Seok is from the Southern Party...
that threatened your life and fooled the court.
He's from the Southern Party...
but he didn't participate in Heo Jeok's treason.
It's not even a core position that matters...
it's only to travel to China once in a while.
Wouldn't it look better to have a few like him...
in a court full of the Western Party?
Yes, I will take care of it.
You'll learn the court decorum eventually...
If you have any trouble or questions, look for me anytime.
Your grace is immeasurable, Queen Majesty.
As I suspected, our connection is not an ordinary one.
I agree, I will do my best.
By the way, do you know Court Lady Joo?
Court Lady Joo... you mean the one who served Queen Inkyung?
She's been assigned to me recently.
She's on sick leave right now. Do you know her by any chance?
It seemed like there was something I didn't know about.
Thanks to her, my life could've gone another way...
So I'd say we have a deep connection.
Your life could've gone another way? What do you mean?
Sometimes it's better not to know.
If she ever comes back, please tell her that I'd like to give her a small gift.
For my maid, I'd like to request a maid...
from the tailor's chamber I shared a room with.
That's not hard. Sure.
That's the Special Court Lady from the low class?
She's oozing lust. So that's what it takes to get His Majesty's grace.
Prince Dongpyung!
What on earth happened? Disappearing without a trace?
I went halfway across the river of the afterlife.
Ok Jung, what horrible thing happened to you?
Because of that horrible memory, my wish became more desperate.
I wanted to come back to the palace, I had to see His Majesty again...
And now, I won't be kicked out again from...
His Majesty's side because of lack of power.
Then I also realized I would need power to do that.
Need power?
But the Southern Party that supported me...
was eliminated in the treason from last time.
So I have no one to turn to.
So I will take care of His Majesty and gather people from the Southern party.
With more of the Southern Party, my position will strengthen, too.
Do you have to take that path?
Court Lady Jang...
I crossed a river that I can't cross back when I entered the palace.
So please help us, Prince Dongpyung.
Help His Majesty and me.
My illness is not showing progress, it's just getting worse.
And no one can find a reason for it, so I called for you.
The spirit that protects the palace is angry, so what would doctors know?
The spirit that protects the palace is angry?
The opposing energy from the spirit that protects you is creeping into the palace.
It's ominous!
Ominous? Are you saying someone might die?
Yes.
That wicked energy cannot live under the same roof as Your Majesty.
What a wicked wench... wow can I kick her out of here?
- Maid Jang! - Maid Eom!
Maid Jang, you really surprised me!
I knew this would happen, that you'd receive His Majesty's grace.
Oops, it's Special Court Lady now.
Let's keep it informal between the two of us.
I can't do that. If it becomes a habit, I'd be in trouble. Oops.
Thank you for coming to my room. I was worried you might not come.
Actually, I didn't want to see Ja Kyung acting so uppity anyway...
I don't have much talent, so my pay keeps going down...
I just need to get paid a lot.
You know I have a lot of family members who rely on me.
I'll make sure to take care of it even if I have to use my own money.
That's all, right?
Your Majesty, here.
Here is one more.
Why didn't you give it to me all at once? Are you teasing me?
Your Majesty, Chief of Staff is here to see you.
I don't like any of these from the tailor's chamber.
I should just pick what I want. I'll go over to the...
tailor's chamber and pick something myself.
You can't do that anymore.
You're not just any court maid anymore.
You should act like a master and know to be served. How vulgar.
How will you build your dignity that way?
Forgive me, I'm not used to it yet.
Custom is what comes first in the palace.
It cannot be crossed over or destroyed.
Yes, I will remember that.
Ok Jung!
Jang Ok Jung! Where are you, Jang Ok Jung?
I've missed you so much throughout the meeting...
What brings you here?
I came to help her since she doesn't seem to be used to life in the palace.
If you want to help her, you could've just called for her.
There is no need for you to come all the way here.
I'll excuse myself now.
Your Majesty, this is...
So comfortable.
I've wanted to lie down near you all day.
That clueless Yang Goon and Chief of Staff were so slow...
Is that what happened?
What's in his mind?
What could be in his mind... to make him smile so brightly?
The smile that he never showed to me.
Your Majesty, a message from the Queen Mother...
asks you to take a walk. What should I do?
If you don't feel well...
Not necessary. I'll go see her. Get ready.
I'm so glad you're back.
I knew from the beginning that you're no ordinary girl.
Thank you, it's all from your blessing.
I brought this when I was married into the royal family.
Women of the noble class use it to protect themselves.
Since I don't have a child of my own to give this to, I'll give it to you.
Thank you, but how could this lowly one receive something like this...
What lowly one? You're the precious one with His Majesty's grace.
Does the vulgar blood change suddenly just because of His Majesty's grace?
You must have been in a hurry.
Just because I showed my pride of having a son a little bit...
You're raising a court maid out of haste?
Of course. I'll do my best to raise her thinking...
that a well-raised maid is better than ten sons.
Goodness. One or ten, do whatever you want.
How does that even compare to my Queen?
Even for the Queen, she needs to see the sky to grab a star...
And needs to grab a star to take it in her skirt.
Yet she's always left alone.
You might take pride in your son, but...
it'll be difficult to take pride in your grandson.
If by any chance, Court Lady Jang becomes pregnant first...
Pride in the grandson might be up for this old hag to take.
What kind of absurdity are you saying?
Are you expecting His Majesty's child from that vulgar one?
Why wouldn't I?
Whatever the class the mother is, a child from the king is just the king's child.
No way!
My son is the king of the royal blood who...
is the first-born from the proper Queen!
To have a child of the king be born from that vulgar one?
That will never happen even if the world breaks into two!
Don't even dream about it.
Queen Mother, a mother shouldn't talk bad about others' children...
And she shouldn't guarantee of something from her own children.
Don't be so sure...
You might end up collapsing from a surprise.
Queen Dowager, your words are too harsh!
Fine, talking will only raise our blood pressure and harm both us old hags.
Let's just stop the argument for the day.
Let's go, Court Lady Jang.
Can't guarantee my own children?
My son is such a respectful one. How absurd...
She doesn't seem to mean much, so please calm down.
Queen Dowager, that was great.
The taste of scholars growing their knowledge...
and parents raising their children...
I wouldn't know about that, but one thing is for sure.
I feel reassured just having you by my side.
I benefited much from having you today.
Thank you.
I thought she was just an old hag in the backroom.
But she was a hundred-year-old snake.
Succession? Throne? Says who?
Your Majesty, Lord Min is here to see you.
Lord Min? Let him in.
I heard you were not feeling well, so I came here out of concern.
The door to the afterlife is right in front of me.
That's complete nonsense.
If you don't feel well, who would my Queen rely on?
How long will this old hag live for her have to rely on?
The Queen needs to rely on the King.
The seat of the Queen means enduring life...
in the palace without the support of the King.
It's also the seat that cannot be endured without having a son.
Lord Min.
The Queen's future depends on whether she can bear a son or not.
But in the middle of the King's frequent visits to Jang...
What if she gets pregnant first?
Jang getting pregnant first?
How could you say such absurdity?
I already heard an earful from the Queen Dowager!
That won't happen until dirt covers my eyes.
Who'd dare to get pregnant before the proper Queen?
Besides, she's the vulgar one without even a proper appointment.
I brought it up... so that we can prevent...
an unfortunate accident from happening.
Prevent an unfortunate accident?
Lord Min, you didn't attend the meeting yesterday. Are you not feeling well?
It hasn't happened since my Crowned Prince days, so I was a bit surprised.
Pardon me.
Even if you're the wicked witch favored by the king...
You won't be able to tell him easily.
Because it might be asking for trouble.
Of course, Lord Min.
The right timing is the most important thing in exposing something.
I'll expose it at the most opportune time.
That you dared to kill Jang Ok Jung, His Majesty's woman.
Then I'll see you at the morning meeting tomorrow.
Medicine that prevents pregnancy? You mean, infertility medicine?
Well, do you want to shorten your own life?
You just bring it when I tell you to bring it. Why ask twice?
Forgive me, Your Majesty.
Then His Majesty's not coming tonight?
He must have a lot of work left.
Please get up and follow us, Court Lady Jang.
What's going on? Court Lady Jang is...
What are you doing? Remove her and escort the Court Lady.
Yes, ma'am.
Just follow you at this late hour? Aren't you being rude?
I'm only following the command.
What are you doing? Hurry up and escort her.
Leave me alone! What's this rude behavior!
Ma'am!
Get out! How dare you do this to the Special Court Lady!
Ma'am!
Your Majesty, it's going as planned, so please don't worry.
I see. Is the light turned off at Court Lady Jang's room?
Yes, it's turned off.
I thought I'd stop by...
Why don't you wait for me in my room. I'll be there after I stop by for a bit.
But, Your Majesty...
It's fine.
Ma'am!
- Court Lady Choi! - Who are you?
- I'm the maid for Court Lady Jang. - Court Lady Jang? And?
I've heard from Court Lady Jang that the Queen Dowager looks after her...
What an absurd thing to happen...
A court lady with His Majesty's grace is dragged out in bare feet?
Actually it's for the better.
I'll take this opportunity to strengthen the discipline of the internal court.
Untie it.
- Your Majesty, what's this about? - What's this about?
This is all for the future of the court and the royal family.
- Bring it in right now! - Yes, Your Majesty.
If you want to live, drink it.
What is this?
The medicine that will save your life.
So you'll never get pregnant.
Your Majesty!
If you drink this, you'll save your life. If you don't, you'll die at my hands.
No, Queen Mother! I cannot do that!
Your Majesty, what did I do wrong?
It's not that I'm even pregnant...
I'm just a court lady who's been looked after by His Majesty.
Looked after? That's the problem.
The Queen hasn't had that chance yet.
The problem is that you, a wicked wench, is being looked after at all.
What are you doing? Pour it into this wench's mouth!
Yes, Your Majesty. What's everyone doing?
Your Majesty!
I already served His Majesty. This can't be happening!
Ok Jung...
- You can't do this to me! - Pour it!
- Your Majesty! - Pull her head back.
His Royal Majesty!
Subtitles by DramaFever
Please reconsider!
Your rudeness is through the roof!
You're meddling in the king's private life?
I'm going to appoint Court Lady Jang as Level 4 Suk Won.
If the King means to hold hands with the Southern Party...
There will be another wind of blood in the court.
All the trouble in the world will be resolved with Jang Suk Won?
- Only if Jang Suk Won is dismissed? - Yes it will.
There is someone who's deep in hiding.
Please find her and keep her for a while.