Jang Ok Jung, Living in Love
We've been husband and wife for a while.
Yes we have, Your Majesty.
You must be disappointed about not celebrating your birthday party this time...
But I hope you understand.
I caused you concern with my father...
Why should I feel disappointed?
Thank you for thinking that way.
By the way... I'm wondering...
Please ask me.
A while ago...
About the prophesy of my mother in your dream...
That Hee Bin was an animal I killed in a past life, so she wouldn't have a child...
Do you remember that?
You mean, the dream?
His Majesty is like a hawk circling around with his nails hidden.
You can't show any loose ends.
Is it that serious?
- It's jealousy. - Jealousy?
It won't be a problem now...
It could be a reason to throw you in the middle of a political tornado.
Pardon me, I was just...
I just asked a question, but you got serious and even your hands are shaking.
That's enough.
Guess you remember.
What I want is...
To dethrone the current Queen.
I earnestly want the deposal of the current Queen!
How could you dethrone the Queen Majesty?
How could you do that to the mother of this country who has done nothing wrong?
The fault will come out if you look for it.
If that's what His Majesty wants, we'll follow his command.
But the Queen Majesty is still young...
Isn't it too early to discuss the deposal of her?
There is also a procedural issue...
It doesn't look good for me to say this as Lady Hee Bin's brother...
But I'll say something now that the procedural issues have been mentioned.
If there is one petition about the deposal of the Queen, His Majesty can approve...
So why is the procedure an excuse?
It's not a simple matter to be decided!
Your Majesty, deposing of the Queen of this country has been very rare...
So please reconsider.
You're strongly against this even as a member of the Southern Party...
This is a surprise to me.
But I do really want this even though it's rare.
Since I decided on Jang Hee Bin's son as my heir...
I can't leave the current Queen, the pivot of the Western Party, as is.
How can you not consider what's going to happen in the future?
Is it really what you want?
Why wouldn't we follow if there is justification?
But the Queen Majesty is very popular among the people...
So, if we corner them without justification...
the remaining Western Party members...
and scholars from all over the country could join...
And we might have to face serious headwinds.
Please reconsider, Your Majesty.
If that's the case...
Just as you wished...
If I give you the head of Min Yoo Joong, would you follow my wish?
I got rid of the Western Party...
And I brought you the Southern Party into the court.
So you shouldn't waste your chance.
I won't wait too long.
Leave now and have a serious talk...
Then come back. I'll be waiting for good news.
What were you doing, Hee Jae?
His Majesty mentioned the deposal of the Queen.
And you're okay with losing this god-given opportunity?
My Lady... it's hard for a monk to shave his own head.
It doesn't look good for a brother to lead the matters of his sister.
The Western Party or the Southern Party...
everyone has a level of respect for the Queen.
Besides, the Queen is still young enough to produce an heir...
So people are afraid of the aftermath in case she bears a legitimate heir later.
There is absolutely no son in the fate of the Queen.
My Lady, then how about a little bragging at this point?
Bragging?
The bragging of giving birth to a son that the late Queen Mother was so good at.
See if it works?
Brag about giving birth to a son?
Lady Hee Bin, all the retainers of the Southern Party are gathered here.
Should we remove the screen?
But Lady Hee Bin...
To see the royal concubine of His Majesty goes against the custom...
Did this Jang Ok Jung get this far following customs?
I got here by destroying customs along the way.
Remove the screen.
Min of the Queen's quarter won't have a son...
But even if she did, when would he grow up?
But my Crowned Prince is already strong...
Besides, His Majesty already promised me...
before the Crowned Prince came to this world.
That he'd give the throne to him.
And you are still hesitating?
How much longer do I have to wait before I take the Queen's quarter?
Forgive us, Lady Hee Bin.
I really hope I hear 'Queen Majesty' instead of 'Hee Bin' from you next time.
As the mother of the Crowned Prince. Do you understand?
Even the scholars are attacking me for the lack of reasons to dethrone the Queen!
Your Majesty, isn't it going too far with the deposal of the Queen Majesty?
No, that's why I changed the controlling party.
And the end of this process is not just the deposal of the Queen.
It ends with the changing of the Queen.
As long as I leave Ok Jung's current class...
It will be the political weakness for my Crowned Prince forever.
I can't leave it like that.
There is nothing more important right now than...
to make my precious son the legitimate heir.
You know that Min Yoo Joong and the Western Party are behind these letters.
Min Yoo Joong...
They think I won't bring up their treason...
So they're hiding behind the scholars and...
using the justification as their weapon!
Unless I get rid of him first, this will never see the end.
I'm actually looking forward to it.
The last attack from him.
In response to the scholars' letters...
His Majesty fired Lee Shim Ahn who was the leading the opposition.
What do you plan to do now?
A scholar without his will can't be called a scholar.
We just have to respond to him again with the brush.
Ahn, bring my brush and paper.
Where is Min Yoo Joong right now?
Actually, he's kneeling in front of Your Majesty's quarter...
After talking this nonsense...
He's kneeling right in front of me?
Please reconsider, Your Majesty!
What on earth is this?
You turned me into a petty man with temper and no patience.
Besides, I already reported my Crowned Prince to the Jong Myo Shrine...
But you ask to revert my decision on the Crowned Prince with an example of China?
What is it that you want out of this?
Of course I'd want the withdrawal of the decision on the Crowned Prince...
And your wish to dethrone the Queen Majesty without justification.
- Please reconsider, Your Majesty! - Please reconsider, Your Majesty!
I have no justification to depose the Queen?
If I find that justification, would you give in then?
Justification to a scholar is the same as his lifeline.
Of course I'll give in.
What? With your life, too?
Tell me. If I find the justification to depose the Queen...
Will you give up your life, too?
The Southern Party really wants your head...
Why would I not?
My Queen Majesty is respected by all the people.
She has no trace of fault.
So how would she have a reason for deposal?
How about the sin of jealousy?
How about one of the Seven Sins of the Wife for a reason of dethronement?
And the worst is jealousy.
What if I give you the justification of jealousy?
Jealousy?
- That's complete nonsense! - No!
The Queen said a while ago...
Hee Bin was an animal I killed in a past life...
so she was reincarnated to take revenge on me...
And she'll partner with the filthy Southern Party...
and bring the wind of blood...
Don't you remember?
Tha, that's...
And this is the most important part.
There would be no children in Hee Bin's fate.
No matter how much I try, it'll be no use.
Therefore, Hee Bin should be kicked out right away!
Even if you don't remember it...
As I confirmed recently...
The one who said it remembers very clearly...
So I don't need to hear your answer.
But... how could you call that one of the Seven Sins of the Wife...
The Seven Sins of the Wife!
Being disloyal to the parents-in-law, having no son, being jealous, stealing...
Being a gossip, framing others, having a bad illness!
The Queen is guilty of three of these.
First, saying that Hee Bin was an animal in a past life is jealousy.
Second, she doesn't have a son although she's the Queen...
Third, to tell a lie with an excuse of dreaming about the late Queen Mother...
is disloyalty to my Mother by framing her.
Do I have to keep going?
How about it?
You still won't give in?
My. With one argument, I dethroned the Queen...
But I also got your head that the Southern Party so wanted...
This really is catching two birds with one stone.
My father will be executed?
So the Southern Party that will receive the head of Lord Min...
will also ask for the dethronement of Your Majesty.
I should go. I can't let that happen.
No, Your Majesty.
His Majesty has a temper of fire.
If you go see him now, he might order the class demotion of Your Majesty.
But I can't just sit here.
My father's life is on the line.
Your Majesty, my father is still the father-in-law of this country.
Would you really give the life of my father to the Southern Party?
That's only politics.
The Southern Party wants the head of your father, and I want...
And I want the dethronement of you.
Then please send me the order of the dethronement.
I will receive your command.
Instead, please spare my father.
Then I don't have anything to give to the Southern Party.
There is something I gave to you.
You gave me something?
While you were unconscious...
I saved the Crowned Prince's life when he was in danger.
Court Lady Hong!
The price for the life of Your Majesty's son...
The price for the life of my father...
Which one is more important to you?
Please, spare him from execution.
- Yang Goon. - Yes, Your Majesty.
Call in the Secretary and give my order.
On the fourth of May in the year of Gisa...
dethrone the Queen Min and demote her class.
And Min is to be dismissed to her home. That's my order.
And appoint Jang Hee Bin to the Queen...
And I will determine the title of Jang and report to the Jong Myo Shrine.
Congratulations, Queen Majesty!
Also, Jang Kyung will be my father-in-law...
And his wife Lady Yoon will be my mother-in-law...
I'm grateful, Your Majesty.
- Court Lady Eom. - Yes, Your Majesty.
Get ready to go to His Majesty.
Is someone inside?
Yes, the one His Majesty considers the most precious in the world is inside.
Considers precious?
Who is that? By any chance...
Please hurry in.
Your Majesty.
Ok Jung.
No, now you're the Queen.
There hasn't been the ceremony yet.
Did you bring Yoon here?
Even when I was working during the day, I couldn't stop thinking about him...
I have to see him even just for a while so that I can get through the day.
- Do you like him that much? - Of course I do.
I'm deeply moved by your grace like the ocean, so I came by.
Didn't I promise you?
That I would give you the dress that will wash away your class.
Your Majesty!
So I just sent you something to Chwi Seon Dang.
So hurry back there.
You should greet the present yourself.
A present?
Shi Young... this is...
Yes, the red dress only one woman in Joseon can wear.
Congratulations, Queen Majesty.
Your Majesty...
You really did give the best dress to this Jang Ok Jung.
I believe it's time to keep my promise.
Not following the law decided by the country or the custom...
The dress will wash away your low class.
But if someday, if it's not too late...
Where can I find you?
You can come to the palace.
And find me there.
My name is... Lee Soon.
The King proclaims...
The ruling of the King must be assisted by the generosity of the Queen.
In raising the Crowned Prince, Jang must be the example of a generous mother...
It is our fortune that this kind person of the palace is finally recognized as a proper partner.
Therefore we must hold the proper ceremony.
Thousand years!
Queen Majesty...
I cannot dare to tell you what I see.
Please, tell me.
I'm harvesting the seeds I sowed as Queen and am now about to be dismissed.
What else could surprise me?
Do I have a short life, too?
Please take my life, Queen Majesty.
- I just can't... - Tell what you see, but you ask for death?
What kind of absurd behavior is this?
I can imagine from your behavior.
My life is disappointing enough, but it must be short, too.
Your Majesty...
I don't have any wish for my life...
I promised the late Queen Mother that I'd protect the pride of the royal family.
I feel guilty that I couldn't protect the pride.
You'll be able to keep that promise.
I'm getting demoted to a commoner and dismissed from the palace, how could I?
That's what I definitely see.
Your Majesty's deathbed is definitely in this Queen's quarter.
So what would that mean?
You mean, I can come back to the palace and become the Queen again?
After being dismissed from the palace?
What I can swear on my life is...
That Queen Majesty's deathbed is right here.
Where would you like to go? Will you stop by at Chwi Seon Dang?
No, I have to go right now... to my Queen's quarter.
You haven't left yet?
I'm running late.
Anyway, I don't know how to console you...
There is a saying...
If someone spits on you, wait until it dries out.
The spit will naturally dry without being wiped...
So when it happens, take it with a smile.
Are you saying that I spit on you?
When all the spit on my face from you dries out, I will come back.
But if I do...
I will be the prime example of the Queen even a hundred years after.
If I come back, it means at least I won't be a loser in history.
If that happens, I feel bad for your position.
What about my position?
As long as I have the favor of His Majesty and my son Yoon...
I'll become the Queen Majesty, then Queen Mother, and even Queen Dowager.
You must have heard it from the elders, too... to be careful after having a son.
After the end of His Majesty's favor, he's not a man, he's just a king. Isn't it?
But His Majesty definitely told me that he would never let go of my hands.
My royal marriage was an occasion that was reported to the Jong Myo Shrine.
His Majesty was the one who broke it.
Keep that in mind.
Don't blame me too much.
I absolutely needed to have this title if I wanted to love His Majesty.
Because of your family, you didn't go through even a 10,000th of my suffering.
And you just rose to the Queen's seat...
But I was kicked out even with His Majesty's grace.
I almost drank the infertility medicine...
even after I came back to the palace...
And I even had a miscarriage.
I had to put my life on the line to get this title.
So I can never give it to anyone else or have it stolen by anyone.
Sure, enjoy your seat.
The seat makes you nervous as soon as you get it.
Would someone take it? Would someone steal it?
Maybe this is the beginning of your misfortune.
You'll follow the downhill that I'm taking now...
Someone will rise to the path you're walking now.
Good luck hanging in there.
No, I won't just hang in there, I'll protect it with pride.
I will protect it to the end so that no one can covet it.
Your deathbed is right here in this room.
Why are you drinking so early on this happy day?
I just saw the palanquin of the dethroned Queen that was leaving the palace.
Mother really wanted to protect her...
But in the end, I dethroned her and kicked her out of the palace.
Isn't it for the grand purpose?
A grand purpose...
Well, the grand purpose now is...
To make perfect conditions for my Crowned Prince to take the throne.
Oh, and there is one more thing to finish.
What is it?
It's the approval of the Chinese emperor.
I ordered the office of protocol to request the appointment of Ok Jung.
So please make a trip to China as a diplomat.
Me as a diplomat?
Yes, I don't think there will be much trouble.
Since Ok Jung is a relative of Officer Jang Hyun who is well known in China...
So China seems to approve of this.
It just needs a seal to finish off.
Yes, Your Majesty.
[Queen's Quarter]
Mother, it's the roof without a dragon.
It's the name of the Queen's quarter...
It is finally mine to have.
I still can't believe it.
Of course.
I feel very emotional, thinking about everything that's happened in the past.
My Ok Jung became the mother of Joseon...
Queen Majesty, Officer Jang is here.
My. You're the first one to see me after I became the Queen.
So what brings you here...
What brings me here?
I believe it's time for me to receive the promise Your Majesty made.
A promise?
The title of the King's father-in-law after you reached Level 1 Bin and had a son.
But now you've become the mighty Queen, so how come it's still...
Oh, that...
But His Majesty considers my late father as his father-in-law and appointed so...
You've heard? My father as Lord Oksan and my mother as Lady Pasan.
Before I even made any request...
Why don't you request His Majesty now?
Uncle...
- About my teacher... - Teacher?
We're talking about the title of father-in-law...
why do you ask about something else?
When my teacher opened a store, there was a fire.
And why do you ask me about it?
The one who started the fire in the store...
Supposedly has a tattoo somewhere on his arm.
I wonder if you know anything about it?
Your Majesty, how would I know about it?
I guess not.
Then please find out now...
And I'll discuss your matter with His Majesty eventually.
Don't worry too much.
My son is the Crowned Prince who will take the throne.
Regardless, you have the title of the grandfather of the next King.
Ok Jung, now you've tasted power, you can't see anything.
So you won't keep your promise...
If a merchant is not paid for his goods, he'll even take a life.
Why the talk of the fire in the store all of a sudden?
It's Gam Go Dang.
His Majesty gave it to my family as a gift to commemorate my entrance to the palace.
Your Majesty... why didn't you go just go home?
Why did you have to choose this house?
Why stay in the house that was received as the gift of my entrance to the palace?
Yes, I would be full of resentment and would hate to even see it...
Court Lady Hong, I'll be able to go back someday.
Even without the words of the fortune teller...
I felt it as soon as I stepped into this house.
Queen Majesty!
There hasn't been a queen in Joseon that's not from the noble class.
Not even from the common class, but a queen from the low class?
I will absolutely get the title back to protect the pride of the royal family...
To do that...
Since it's the house His Majesty...
gave me as a gift for my marriage into the royal family.
So it's only right that I prepare my return in this house.
Queen Majesty...
My lack of knowledge didn't see the grand meaning of Your Majesty.
That will definitely happen, so I will serve you with my life.
Queen Majesty!
You are...
Yes, I'm the Low Court Maid Choi from your family.
I see. You've been in an out of the palace as the Low Court Maid.
It's the clothes from the tailor's chamber.
The clothes you brought to the palace from your family...
I was told to bring them...
Getting them back feels so cold...
- Is your life in the palace going well? - No! I really don't like it...
I'm just barely making it through.
How dare you speak so freely in front of Her Majesty!
It's fine. She always speaks her mind.
She's still young, so consider her a child.
No!
Court Lady Eom!
Yes, Queen Majesty.
Get ready. I'm going to see His Majesty.
This late? Without sending a messenger first?
No, I'm going without sending a messenger.
I had a bad dream...
I have to check right now.
What brings you here at this late hour, Queen Majesty?
I'm here to see His Majesty.
You cannot go in right now.
Why not?
His Majesty is working with the retainers right now.
You expect me to believe that? Working at this late hour?
- And in the bedroom? - Queen Majesty.
Who on earth is inside?
How dare you to come into His Majesty's bedroom at this late hour...
Queen, what did you just do?
Your Majesty, forgive me...
I just...
Queen Majesty, that's why I asked you not to go...
Court Lady Eom...
Something must have gotten into me.
How could I behave so crudely?
- Queen Majesty. - Why am I so nervous?
I have nothing more I want, but why am I so anxious?
What if I get punished for wanting the seat that I shouldn't have dared to desire?
Your Majesty, you have to stay strong.
Think back on the life you've had.
You are more than qualified to be in this seat right now.
So please, don't think that way anymore.
Queen Majesty.
Prince Dongpyung.
Are you okay?
I'm okay.
I showed my crude behavior...
I embarrassed you and His Majesty.
Don't worry about me.
But you seem to be nervous.
Is there any trouble with His Majesty?
Prince Dongpyung.
Forgive me. Just for a second...
Please forgive my rudeness.
- Prince Dongpyung. - Yes... Yes, Queen Majesty.
You don't have to worry about me anymore.
I have His Majesty who protects me...
And I have Yoon that I need to protect...
What other woman in the world would be so secure?
So I hope you unload all the worries you have for me now.
Yes, of course.
I mean, I did that a long time ago.
But I was heading here before I knew it...
Habit is a scary thing...
Your Majesty... should I ask the Queen Majesty?
No, I'll head to my quarter.
Yes, Your Majesty.
Hyun Moo.
Prince Dongpyung, don't go any further.
About what?
Your love for the Queen Majesty.
I hope it's just me who felt it...
Love for the Queen Majesty... what nonsense.
Are you going to accuse me of treason?
His Majesty was just here.
When both of you were here...
His Majesty was?
Luckily, His Majesty didn't show much.
I'm not worried about you or the Queen Majesty...
I'm only worried about His Majesty.
Don't corner him into deeper solitude.
If you do, I won't forgive you, even if you're Prince Dongpyung.
Why is that court maid here?
That wench definitely made a promise that she would leave Seoul...
Catch her right now!
She should have left Seoul. Why is she here?
I'm sorry.
Get rid of her before there is trouble.
Yes.
There is not even a single letter again today?
No, Your Majesty.
His Majesty has arrived!
How is my son?
You'll probably make fun of me...
But I'm so proud to see him grow so well...
So I brought him to brag in front of you.
His face is so bright and handsome...
Every time he moves, there seems to be light shining all around him.
That's right, Your Majesty.
The Crowned Prince must be a gift from heaven.
I don't know what to do about all the flattery you are giving me.
Should we get started now?
Construction of the Bukhan Mountain Fortress seems to be going well...
So I'm very happy about it.
If there is anything to report or any urgent matter, you may speak.
Your Majesty's grace is as deep as ocean... the country is in a reign of peace now.
Reign of peace?
Did you just say reign of peace?
There is a contagious disease spreading in the Ganggye area...
Its seriousness is not even known...
not to mention any cure for it...
And with the increasing population in Seoul...
There is an increase of the homeless from the lack of housing...
But you don't even know about the problem...
I've also made it clear that my policy lies on...
The revitalization of commerce and the expansion of markets...
But you keep focusing on only agriculture!
Besides, I constructed a house for my relative that went against the law...
But how come there is not even a single letter pointing out that fault?
Are you even working?
Can you still claim your pay from me without any shame?
Forgive us, Your Majesty.
Forgive you?
You should say you're embarrassed, you'd rather hide in a rat hole.
Such pathetic fools...
How did you let go this far?
Every time His Majesty receives a letter he doesn't like...
He answers with a firing, or sending him to exile...
I don't know how the Western Party endured that temper all this time...
That's some patient members of the Western Party.
His Majesty has always found answers in argument...
Bullseye!
Please calm down.
I'm concerned that the temper might cause stress on your body.
The Western Party or the Southern Party, they all accumulate wealth in the back.
But I really can't stand the incompetency of the Southern Party...
It's possible that since they've been a minority...
they lack the talent...
And they could appear incompetent.
I can't change the controlling party now...
Your Majesty...
You've thought that far?
Not that I'd do it...
I'm just so frustrated.
When are you leaving?
Pardon?
When are you leaving as a diplomat?
Oh, yes, the office of protocol will determine the date.
I believe I'll leave in the next five days.
By the way, my Ok Jung...
I mean, since when have you known my Queen?
Yes... since I ran into her on my way.
On your way...
I also met my Queen on my way somewhere.
It was like this for me...
When I first met her, I thought it was a coincidence.
Then when I met her the second time, I wondered if it's fate...
The third, forth time... then I had to believe it was fate.
It is actually a great fate between my Ok Jung and me.
Wouldn't you agree, Uncle Dongpyung?
I'm still thankful for your official protection...
when my Ok Jung was kicked out.
She was my beloved that I couldn't even tell you about...
So how did you know?
His Majesty was just here. When both of you were here.
Your Majesty, I may look uninterested, but I have my ears on everywhere I go.
Besides, I'm like siblings with the Queen Majesty and her brother Hee Jae.
Like real siblings with nothing to hide.
Siblings with nothing to hide?
I'm envious that it can exist.
Then have a good trip as a diplomat.
Bullseye!
It's the gift for the wives of the Chinese retainers...
- Make sure there is no mistake about it. - Yes, Ma'am.
This is Go Ryeo Ahn.
This makeup is produced by the royal cosmetics chamber...
It has the name of Go, for high, Ryeo for beautiful, and Ahn for comfortable.
If you put it on your face before coloring...
it will greatly improve your skin tone.
Oh!
Please make good use of it when you get home in China.
I hope we can continue our good relationship in the future.
Wow, Queen Majesty, it's as if you were the Queen from the beginning!
That was great!
The Chinese ladies were surprised twice.
By your beauty and then again by your ability to speak Chinese so well.
We learned from our father since we were little.
And you helped me, too.
Anyway, you've done a great job from the first occasion.
That's good to hear.
- Court Lady Eom. - Yes, Your Majesty.
The one in front over there... why is she so flirtatious?
Kick her out of the palace or put her in the laundry chamber.
Pardon?
Yes, I'll do that.
Master Jin.
I think we caught a big fish.
A big fish?
The ex-court maid you picked up on the street.
I even got someone to take care of her sick mother, so she seemed moved...
- So I convinced her. - And?
Why she was being chased by Jang Hee Jae...
I found out.
Jang Ok Jung...
To own Lee Soon, you even played a game with your life on the line?
Putting your precious life on the line?
His Majesty is looking for me? It's his working hour.
Yes, he finished work early today.
He's waiting for you in the bedroom.
Court Lady Eom, bring the new dress I ordered from the tailor's chamber.
Yes, Queen Majesty.
- Queen, you're here. - Yes, Your Majesty.
This must be an important guest.
She's the one who will receive your gift of a palanquin and the mother of Joseon.
And also the mother of the Crowned Prince.
I'm a merchant from China. Please just call me Master Jin.
Well, well, the room won't collapse, so sit down.
Master Jin has been helping me with big sums of my political funds.
Is that so?
And he wanted to congratulate you on the appointment as the Queen...
So he offered a gift of a palanquin.
Didn't you see it on your way in?
Yes, I saw it.
Do you like it?
Yes, I like it, Your Majesty.
I didn't give it to you...
You should thank Master Jin here.
By the way, Your Majesty...
While I was traveling the countryside recently...
I met a woman who used to be a court maid on a ship...
And she told me something strange.
Heard something strange from a woman who used to be a court maid?
What did you hear?
She was working in the royal kitchen chamber...
But she had to leave the palace and Seoul after being framed for a conspiracy.
Conspiracy? What kind? Tell me the details.
She spoke with no sense of order, so I doubt that she had her head straight.
Was there an incident of poison in rice wrapped in lotus leaf?
And... what did she say?
According to her...
Subtitles by DramaFever
I am sick of your incompetency!
What are you doing? Pour it right now!
Queen Majesty, please forgive us!
If you don't drink it, you'll die from my hands.
Isn't His Majesty's heart leaning towards us the Western Party?
Why don't we check His Majesty's heart by sending in a flower?