Prince Hours
Episode 4
Uh... who are you...?
Pye-ha.
Why are you here?
When a younger sibling runs away from home, the older sister-figure can't just stay at home.
Huh?
Since we're out, there's a place I want to visit.
Will you come along with me?
I'm afraid this place is too humble for Pye-ha's standards. I don't know if it's suitable.
Perhaps it's because this is where the Gong-ja grew up, but this place feels familiar to me.
Then, shall I try your restaurant's jjajangmyun?
What?
Pye-ha, you want to try jjajangmyun?
Actually, I really like jjajangmyun.
When I was studying abroad, I even went from Oxford all the way to London just to eat it.
It was something like an hour and a half away.
There was a really good restaurant in London.
Ah, yes.
Can I request this of you?
I understand, Pye-ha.
Although it may be a very humble offering, I will prepare some for you.
This goes like that.
When delivering, time is important.
Who ordered jjajangmyun?
Does this suit me?
I hear jjajangmyun was first created in this Chinatown.
Yes, Pye-ha.
120 years ago, in the time when the Chinese came to this area, this food was developed.
Gong-ja, you probably also like jjajangmyun.
Of course!
If you take all the jjajangmyun I've ever eaten and stretched it out, it would circle the earth several times.
Kang Hoo!
You punk, are you some kind of ghost?
You appeared and disappeared. We've been worried, looking everywhere for you!
You punk! You!
Hey, be quiet.
But who's she?
Is she your girl?
She's not! Be quiet, don't you know who it is?
Then are you done with that forgetful girl from before?
That's not it!
You sure have unique taste in girls.
Hey. Not a bad choice!
So you like older women?
Wait a sec... I feel like I've seen her somewhere.
Do you... live in this neighborhood?
No.
How strange. Where've I seen you before?
Wait, noona.
You had your nose done, haven't you?
Hey!
He's sharp.
You guys, really!
Why don't you take off your hat? Why hide such a pretty face?
Take it off and make Bool Bam's heart flutter. It's okay.
Ah! Hold on! Okay, okay.
Let him go.
Yes, Pye-ha.
Pye-ha?
What are you doing?! Be quiet and stay still!
What are you doing to the Yeo-wang Pye-ha?!
Pye-ha...
Kang Hoo.
It's a joke, right?
She's the Yeo-wang Pye-ha.
I told you before, my second cousin.
Pye-ha!
Prepare the camera.
Yes.
Pye-ha.
Did you really come all this way because of me?
Then did you think I came to taste jjajangmyun?
I'm sorry.
I only intended to step out for a little bit, but things got complicated.
It was wrong.
Gong-ja. One person's mistake can cause pain for all of us.
And one person's sacrifice can restore faith for the rest of us.
The reason I came here is to give you a chance.
Chance?
The chance for you to leave the palace and return here.
For you to live inside the palace as a royal, you have to accept a new fate from the private life you'd led before.
That means you have to throw away familiar things, and accept new and unfamiliar things.
Do you understand what I'm saying?
A little.
Then shall we return to the place awaiting your new fate?
Yes.
What are you doing?
Um, well, it's just that...
You say it.
Pye-ha.
If you give me your autograph, and give me the honor...
For posterity.
For all posterity...
For future generations.
For generations to come, we will treasure the honor.
We will treasure it.
What are you doing?
Pye-ha! Please do us the honor!
Please do us the honor!
Are you acting in a play?
Pye-ha. Please give us this favor.
Please give us this favor.
Pye-ha, your autograph...
When will your mother return?
She went for training in diplomacy, but I don't know for sure.
But don't worry about us. Our family and servants all know my mother's system.
Your mother's system?
"Even when I'm gone, don't act as though I'm gone. Understand?" She always emphasizes that.
Then that's good.
Sae-Ryung.
Yes, Dae Bu-In mama.
You understand that we're keeping the engagement secret because we don't want to disturb the decision of the royal succession.
I won't do anything to disappoint you.
My feelings are as certain as our certainty that the Moon Sung Gong will rise to the Hwang Tae-ja position.
They say excessive selfish ambition leads to misfortune.
I will take your words into consideration, Mother.
Have they started the deliberations?
They're deciding tomorrow.
What good is it being old classmates with the Problematic Mama?
It just makes trouble for your life.
Didn't I tell you not to talk about that jerk in front of me?
Don't.
Just hearing about him, I can't think straight.
Hey.
But you have to write that 500 times. When will you write all that?
Yeah.
You worked hard. You may leave.
Yes.
I will leave now.
Because of one senseless mountain rabbit, all others' affairs are affected,
and he's even managed a visit outside the palace.
The memory is still strong.
Because of Kang Dae Bu-in (Hoo's mother), many suffered abuse and insults.
Is she his mother for nothing?
Now my heart is at ease.
Thinking something happened like last time with those men who tried to kidnap you,
my heart was ready to collapse.
I'm sorry for making you worry.
Can you promise something like this will not happen again?
Yes.
Pye-ha. I have something to ask you.
When I left, a palace maid helped me. I wonder what happened to her.
Ji Shin Sa. What happened to that palace maid?
Yes, Pye-ha. Tomorrow, she will receive her punishment.
What? Punishment? Then is she being fired...?
She won't be discharged, right?
Mama. That palace maid will not be allowed to remain in the palace.
What?
But she didn't do anything wrong.
I lied that it was a matter of life and death.
Pye-ha. Please let it go this once.
Gong-ja, palace maid matters are dealt by their own department, and the royals can't interfere with their affairs.
It is not something I can persuade them in.
That can't happen. What do I do?
What's this?
This is a cell phone for your use, approved by the Pye-ha.
The number is the same as your previous number.
Really? All right!
I will leave now, if there's nothing more.
Yes.
Bingo.
Why isn't she answering this time?
The appearance of the newly named royal descendant has been garnering much public attention.
[Headline:] Appearance of top-ranking royal
The truth has been revealed that the Hyo-in Dae-gong,
who passed away 18 years ago from cancer, and his wife Kang Dae Bu-in, had a son.
We will hear more details about the situation from our reporter at the palace.
[Headline:] Appearance of the hidden son of the Hyo-in Dae-gong
Lee Hoo Gong-ja is in the process of being confirmed as the successor to the throne,
but there is anxiety over the news.
The prince left the palace for reasons unknown,
causing the Pye-ha herself to go see him, traveling in disguise.
The aftermath of that commotion is still being felt in the place the prince has been staying.
This situation is the topic of discussion regarding the prince's suitability and character.
Lee Hoo Gong-ja had been working as a delivery boy for a Chinese restaurant
in Incheon's Chinatown, prior to knowing of his royal heritage.
So he raised the Gong-ja?
Really, that's something.
Is there anything you know after the prince's mother left the palace?
I don't know. I did not know anything.
Lee Hoo Gong-ja would likely take the place of Moon Sung Gong
as the next official successor after the Yeo-wang Pye-ha.
Currently, the seat of the Hwang Tae-ja is empty,
and there is a high possibility of Lee Hoo Gong-ja filling that position.
Master.
It is time to go to the palace.
Man.
You're being better received than I thought.
However, with this latest event,
the question of whether Lee Hoo Gong-ja has the fundamentals of the position,
is of high interest to the citizens.
Lee Hoo Gong-ja has not received the royal upbringing necessary for his position,
having lived outside royal life for twenty years.
As he is already an adult, to begin receiving instruction now...
They're courting trouble even before the fight has started.
I don't believe in fate.
You know, don't you?
I can't just sit and wait.
[Headline:] Queen with Lee Hoo Gong-ja
The cause for Lee Hoo Gong-ja's departure, and the queen's disguised search to find him,
is still awaiting official announcement.
What's that?
Why does my face look like that?
This perfect face looks all puffy and red!
How embarrassing.
They should've picked a better picture.
Is the reporter an anti-fan?
The sudden appearance of Lee Hoo Gong-ja has revived interest in his mother,
Kang Dae Bu-In of the prior administration.
[Subtitle] Wife of Hyo-In Dae-gong, Kang ssi
There is much interest in the private reasons for the Dae Bu-In's actions.
After the ruling of the royal court to remove the Dae Bu-In, she was forced to leave less than a year later...
Mom.
but there is question as to why she hid the existence of her son.
My goodness.
When we're trying to deal with the matter of entering the Gong-ja's name into the royal register,
that kind of story pops up!
I am sorry, Hwang Tae-hu mama.
Uncle. Would it be better to put this in a positive way?
An attack could be the best way to prevent problems.
Pye-ha, the public's opinion is something that passes.
What we should worry about now is what happens after having the Gong-ja entered into palace record.
What happens after?
We will need to figure out if the Gong-ja has the necessary qualities to take the position of the Hwang Tae-ja.
It would be best for now if we work quickly to ensure he possesses the characteristics of a Hwang Tae-ja.
Even if we do everything as we wish,
if the Gong-ja cannot meet the requirements to become the Hwang Tae-ja, our efforts will be in vain.
Ji Shin Sa.
Yes, Pye-ha.
Please find someone to take charge of the Gong-ja's instruction.
The academy lessons alone are insufficient.
Find out if there's someone suitable among the professors.
Yes, Pye-ha.
Pye-ha, Lee Hoo Gong-ja has arrived.
Send him in.
I have something to ask.
Sit down first. Speak while sitting.
It's about my mother.
Why did she leave the palace?
Watching TV, they said the citizens had many complaints. But I don't understand the reason.
The mother I knew is not the kind of person who would have just stood by.
Hoo, you must believe this.
It's true there were some unpleasant events, but it was not your mother's fault.
We just needed someone to bear the responsibility, and that fell to your mother.
But we'll have to leave the details for next time.
Pye-ha, the Hyo-jang Dae-gong is here.
Hello
Oh, yeah.
Your face looked quite fine on TV.
Men are all about the face.
Dae-gong. What is the matter, coming without notice?
I have something to tell the Pye-ha. Please convey that message.
Seeing the news, I wondered if the Pye-ha was much disturbed.
Dae-gong, with your deep consideration, what can I be afraid of?
Whatever the situation, whatever the purpose,
through whatever process,
I don't think of these reports as a bad thing.
I only think of it as the citizens being concerned with their nation's affairs.
What do you think?
How can my humble self know such an answer?
Only that, to recharge from the crisis facing our royal family,
there is one thing I suggest for you to do.
Yang Soon-yi, what to do?
What if you're demoted like that palace maid unni?
Shouldn't you be arguing that with the Problematic Mama?
Just now, you said Yang Soon-yi, right?
Hwang Tae-hu mama.
Gong-ja, what is it?
Is something very wrong?
Well...
Sit.
I heard you were jjang with the palace servants' matters.
Jjang? What does that mean?
Jjang, the best.
The highest.
Sure. What is it?
Hwang Tae-hu mama, just help me this once.
What do you need help with?
The palace maid who helped me, I said if something went wrong, I'd take responsibility.
But if things continue like this, I think I really have to be responsible for it.
What is this? Gong-ja!
Do you mean... you did something that needs taking responsibility for?
How could this happen?
Ah, how can this be?
I'm not sure what you're thinking.
If you need to take responsibility, are you talking of scandal? Man-woman relations?
No, it's nothing like that. That's like the title of a movie.
Then what is it you need to be responsible for?
Please stop her from being fired.
It's all because of me, and if she's dismissed, it'll be really embarrassing for me.
It's not very gentlemanly to make a promise that cannot be kept.
How should this be handled?
And the Gong-ja cannot dishonor a promise.
Yes, and I have to keep up my form. I'm really in a fix.
Men are all about form.
Do you understand now? The actions of the higher status can cause trouble for the lower.
Yes.
I understand. I will take care it.
Now forget about that business with the palace maid.
Then Yang Soon-yi won't be fired? Thank you!
Gong-ja. That language is used for the Queen.
Thank you.
I'll buy you something delicious to eat!
Stop it. I'm not in the mood to play around.
Who is it?
What kind of girl are you to just block a guy's hand like that, without any fear?
Why did you come here?
I kept calling, but you wouldn't pick up. Were you busy?
Thanks to you, I was really busy.
It doesn't look like you're that busy.
Jerk. I swore to heaven I'd lose my temper if I ever saw you again.
Why is that something to swear to heaven about? This oppa will take care of everything.
Get out.
- What are you doing? - You're not getting out?
Hey! I said I'd take care of everything!
You. Can't you shut that mouth?
Hey, it's true.
If you say one more word, I'll bite you.
Yang Soon-yi. Palace maid Yang!
Get out. You're not leaving? Get out!
Don't appear in front of me again! Got it? You Enemy Mama!
Wait, listen to me!
Yang Soon-yi. Palace maid Yang!
Hey! Yang Soon-yi.
Can't you hear me? Yang Soon-yi. Open up, come on!
What kind of disturbance are you making inside the palace?
It doesn't concern you, so just go wherever you were going.
Hey! I said I took care of everything!
Didn't you see the news?
This is more important than the news, so don't concern yourself.
Hey, hey!
I'd hoped you'd be more suitable to your status, but it turns out you're like this.
Status?
You're really... Are you done talking?
Whoever's in there, open up. This isn't a public place.
Oh my god.
Oh my god!
Regarding the Gong-ja's entry into the family register and the matter of the crown,
Can I trust the Hyo-jang Dae-gong?
There is no other way, Pye-ha.
May I suggest you think of managing this issue together?
In any case, this is something we will try this time. Please proceed as planned.
I will do that, Pye-ha.
Is this good enough?
But wait. Why’d they bring this to me?
What is it?
It is the formal attire for you to wear to the Royal Academy entrance ceremony.
What to do? I have to leave.
I will try washing it out.
Will you?
I’m quite an important person. Isn’t your behavior a little out of line?
I am sorry, mama. That wasn’t what I intended to do.
I will be more careful.
Then, I’ll go.
She gets more and more interesting.
But it’s a little tight.
It seems all right. I will take another look.
No, it’s that it’s riding up.
My butt feels tight in the pants...
Mama, your hip size must be on the large side.
No, there’s nothing big about my hip size. It’s totally normal.
I fit pants perfectly.
These pants are small.
Ah! Please don’t keep messing with it.
Is it okay if I keep my socks on?
They say members of the royal family aren’t supposed to show their bare feet.
Yes, it is fine.
We will fit your shoes to match your feet size perfectly.
Palace maid Yang. Palace maid Yang!
Palace maid Yang!
What to do? What should I do?
What’s wrong?
If I’m caught by my supervisor, I’m dead.
On top of that, your clothing...
Mama, please help me.
I’m really sorry, but could you hide for just a moment?
If I do this for you, what will you do for me?
Gong-ja mama, please help me this once. If you do, I will do whatever you want.
Here. Here would be good.
Palace maid Yang! Palace maid Yang!
Palace maid Yang!
Where has she gone?
Are these real?
They’re not fakes?
Madei... Ah, I don’t know.
Ah, my stomach.
My stomach!
Suddenly it feels like my insides are knotting up. It’s urgent. I’ll be right back.
Palace maid Yang! Palace maid Yang!
Palace maid Yang!
What are you doing?
Are you okay?
This is the official response sent by the Pye-ha.
Lee Hoo Gong-ja’s unauthorized departure from the palace has been acknowledged.
The problem isn’t that he left the palace.
It’s that the prestige of the Pye-ha, and even myself, has fallen.
I will say one thing as a representative of the public’s opinions.
The Gong-ja’s disregard for royal obligation was shown in this last incident.
I believe his entry into the Court register is no longer necessary.
I have one thing to say.
Let us consider the Gong-ja’s entry into the official register one more time.
Without knowing anything of his origins, he lived a private life for 20 years.
To be suddenly brought into royalty, isn’t it possible to be disrupted and confused with the change?
I’m speaking of giving the Gong-ja an opportunity.
If we give the Gong-ja time to accustom himself to the royal Court and family,
he will be able to become a genuine member worthy of the royal status.
I also have something to say.
Although there was an unfortunate incident,
the fact that the Gong-ja belongs to the royal family is something that cannot be denied.
If someone were to refuse to recognize this truth, the Pye-ha and I will not tolerate it.
Wait, he...
Our royal family has been noble and respected for generations.
When affairs grow turbulent and divisive, please remember that chaos always follows.
As a member of this Executive Council,
and as the prince’s uncle (prince’s father’s cousin),
I entreat you members of the Council.
Please approve of the admittance of the Gong-ja into the Court register.
That is all.
Let Moon Sung Gong become Hwang Taeja!
The royalty should change their mind!
What kind of prince is a delivery boy?!
Over here, please.
Yes, like that.
Were you well? How are you?
The Palace has the best jjajangmyun.
How do you know this man?
In Incheon, I saw him a lot. He was a common customer when I was a delivery boy.
You left the palace without notice. Was there a reason?
Huh? Reason?
There are a lot of citizens who oppose Lee Hoo Gong-ja. What do you think of that?
Well, so, that...
I think of it as a happy thing.
It’s not very persuasive to refer to such an unpleasant occurrence as something you’re happy about.
It seems I am the only one who understands what the Gong-ja means.
The Gong-ja is happy to have found his family, and likewise, my happiness is beyond words.
As you hard-working reporters have provided the Gong-ja with such a warm welcome, I give you my special thanks.
For your constant support on behalf of the royal family’s prosperity, I give you my compliments.
Yes, Pye-ha.
I understand.
Oh my, the Hyo-jang Dae-gong?
Such a thing could happen.
Yes, mama.
If not for the Hyo-jang Dae-gong’s affirmations,
entering the Gong-ja into the official family register would have been difficult.
I see. It really worked well.
It’s a present from a serpent. Because it’s something we needed.
I approved Moon Sung Gong’s moving into the palace.
So is this a trade you made with the Dae-gong?
We’ve just exchanged what we both needed from the other.
Now everything depends on the Young Sung Gong.
But I don’t see him around.
Ah, yes. He went to wake himself from sleepiness.
Sleepy...?
That would be the case. I understand.
Hello. It was a splendid performance.
I am very honored that you have come to our performance, Pye-ha.
I am thankful to have been invited to such a wonderful event.
Where is your son?
He’s coming, over there.
I give you my greetings, I am Heo Jang Sung.
Pye-ha, what you have seen so far was quite captivating.
There will be more to see in the remaining act.
Yes. When the Nutcracker turned into a handsome prince, his dance with the princess was wonderful.
You have an amazing sense.
I feel quite special. It’s the first time I’ve been approached by 20-year-old men.
Did he just say something about being taken by the perfection of a woman's body?
Lee Hoo Gong-ja, what are you doing?
You’ve been impolite to such an elegant lady.
It’s just that these friends of mine have such obvious styles.
I’m just worried you might become a victim.
I just narrowly escaped being taken in by skilled players, I see.
Thank you.
And I thank you two, for briefly entertaining me.
Should we call that paying back my gratitude for what happened before?
Okay, then.
Watching, I felt the director had a strong sense of presentation.
After the performance, please allow me the honor of waiting on your royal favors.
Then shall we see you at the palace when it’s over?
Highness! My migraine headache has returned.
Are you feeling very ill?
I don’t know if I can watch through the end.
For a moment, I wish for some peace and quiet.
I’m sorry, but will you excuse us for a moment?
Of course I must give you the opportunity.
Please enjoy the Nutcracker, as it will give you the feel for Russia’s art, as much as my perfect style does.
Of course. Excuse us.
Do you dislike him?
But I checked with his picture.
What in the world did he eat in Russia to turn him into that?
Mama.
This is the wife of government official Kim Moon Shik.
I give you my greetings, Young Sung Gong mama.
This is Lee Sung Seok’s daughter, the wife of businessman Choi Chang Ho.
Hello, Young Sung Gong mama.
Hello. Nice to meet you.
We were just talking. Congratulations on your entry into the royal register.
I offer my congratulations.
Thank you. I’m a bit busy, so...
Young Sung Gong mama.
If you could spare a moment sometime, I can introduce you to my daughter.
My daughter also attends the Royal Academy.
Ah, does she?
Yes.
Gong-ja mama.
Sae-ryung.
Young Sung Gong mama.
The Academy director would like to see you for a moment in a matter relating to your school enrollment.
Me?
Director, I am grateful for the great kindness you have shown the Young Sung Gong on his entry to the Academy.
I hope there are no problems with the preparations.
Please do not worry, Pye-ha. Everything will be prepared to our best ability.
If you will allow it, I have someone I’d like to introduce to you.
Pye-ha, this is a new instructor this semester. He is Alexander von Esterhaus.
Like the Pye-ha, he is also from Oxford University.
Yes, I see.
The instructor’s mother is Korean, but his father is from Austrian aristocracy.
As this is his first time coming to Korea, he is still getting acquainted with our language.
Yes.
Thanks for saving me. You’re very perceptive.
It seemed that you could use my help.
Ahjumma really are scary.
Now that you’re a member of the royal family,
the interest in you won't just be from the elite, but from the whole world.
My necklace. Where did it go?
Your necklace is pretty. Here.
If it’s not too much to ask, can you put it on for me?
Huh? Yes.
It’s a little difficult.
From today, the life you’ll lead will be different, won’t it?
I suppose.
The whole world is ready to meet you. Are you ready to meet the world?
I did not know the Pye-ha would make such an agreement.
We tried so hard, with no success to get our Joon into the palace, but now it happened so easily.
Your role is important.
Although Joon is now in the palace, it is still burdensome for me to make any moves.
I’m saying that eyes are watching.
But if the son goes looking for his mother, there will be nothing for the watchful eyes to speculate about.
Keep working hard.
That’s how you cultivate people.
Do you understand?
If our Joon needs help making moves, I must do what I can without hesitation.
Of course.
This isn't something for me to interfere in, I know.
But this fault lies on the royal side. Taking the punishment out on the subordinate is not appropriate.
It doesn’t look good.
In the future, do it with the right person.
Thank you for taking interest in this matter.
Even so, I have already received word from the Hwang Tae-hu to lift the restriction.
Hwang Tae-hu mama?
Young Nam!
Young Nam, I’ve been released from my punishment. Now I’m back to normal status.
Really? That’s great!
Hey.
Was it because my Joon stepped in that they agreed right away?
Who? Who stepped in?
Prince Joon. Moon Sung Gong.
Really?
Yeah, I heard. He was all upset and demanding, saying how it was unjust.
Wow. He was so charismatic.
In order to serve the prosperity of the royal family and the Pye-ha,
today’s promoted palace maids will need to take the lead and set an example.
Yes.
The people whose names I call will come up and receive your written appointments.
Each of you, confirm your assigned posts.
Palace maid Kim Min Ah.
Congratulations!
Palace maid Kim Min Ah, you are appointed to the palace library.
Palace maid Kim Su Hee.
Congratulations! How great.
Palace maid Kim Su Hee, you are appointed to the education facilities.
Palace maid Na Sang Shil.
Palace maid Na Sang Shil, you are appointed to the Queen's inner court.
Palace maid Min Dong In.
Congratulations!
I won’t make it, will I?
I won't be promoted because of that incident.
Don’t worry. You have two supporters. Problematic mama and Moon Sung Gong mama.
Palace maid Ma Young Nam.
I made it.
Yang Soon, I made it!
Congratulations. Hurry, go up.
Palace maid Ma Young Nam, you’re appointed to the residential quarters.
Palace maid Jung Sun Hee.
Palace maid Jung Sun Hee, you are to go to the outer lakeside palace.
This concludes our promotion of palace maids.
What about Yang Soon-yi? What now?
Excuse me.
Yang Soon-yi was already promoted by the Hwang Tae-hu.
Palace maid Yang Soon-yi.
Yes.
There was an error with our documents. Congratulations on your promotion.
What?
What? I made it?
The two of you will be staying together here from now on.
From the royal family perspective, you are like cousins.
You will have to learn each other’s values and weaknesses, and offer each other protection.
Can I trust you to do this?
I will take your words into deep consideration, Pye-ha.
I understand, Pye-ha.
Pye-ha. It is time to go.
I will reconsider your living arrangements in the future.
Ji Shin Sa, I hope you will watch over them and be a helpful presence to them both.
I will remember your words, Pye-ha.
Mama. Would you like me to help arrange your things?
When it’s just us, talk normally.
I’ll take responsibility.
You and your responsibility.
In the end, the appearance of your rival ends in a feud.
I should be thankful to Gong-ja mama.
Is it going to be a strong battle?
In order for the Young Sung Gong to learn how to better suit the role of prince,
please give him some time.
This is the first time that the Pye-ha has been so forceful in her support.
Her will to have Lee Hoo Gong-ja be the next successor is that strong.
What are you doing here?
It's them! Those are the ones who kidnapped me last time!
Stand by.