Episode 9
The car is ready.
But Gong-ja Mama, if Han Sang Gung finds out… I'm dead.
Must you go out?
It's only for a little while. Nothing will happen.
Then wait just a moment.
I'll be back after I change my clothes.
[Yang Soon-yi, Seoul, Jong-ro Gu, Kwanhundong 73-2]
Mama!
You…
What are you doing here?
Huh? So this is where you live.
Are you here because of me?
Did you come alone?
How did you find out where I live?
Don't you know who I am?
What do you want?
Just... It felt weird, not seeing you around, after seeing you everyday.
Didn't you feel the same?
Why would I?
Since I don't see you, I eat better.
If you're eating well, why does your face look like that?
What's wrong with my face?
No, it's nothing.
Are you doing okay?
Yeah, I'm fine.
Is this all you want to say?
Yeah.
- Okay, then bye. - Yang Soon!
The thing is…
No, it's nothing.
What is it? Why stop mid-sentence?
It's just that... I'm sorry.
You always got in trouble because of me.
Yeah, I guess you do know.
So just leave me alone.
Would you like for me to do that?
Yeah. I would like that.
Kang Hoo, listen to me carefully.
I have dreams too, and things I want to become.
That's why I worked hard to enter the palace. But now, everything's a mess.
Why?
Because of me?
Yeah. Because of you.
I don't know what's what anymore.
I don't want to talk to you anymore.
Finish arranging the two princes' residences and the upper towers this morning.
In particular, Young Sung Gong mama's instruction materials must be even more meticulously looked after.
And starting this afternoon, we will have a special training session.
The purpose of this training is to grasp the fundamentals of serving in the presence of her majesty.
Do not make any errors and be alert.
Do you all understand?
Yes, Mama.
Then, hurry up. Start your work.
Palace maid Yang.
What kind of relationship do you have with Young Sung Gong Mama?
He's always looking for you.
How can you say you don't have any relationship with him?
What if Han Sang Gung Mama overheard us?
That's what I'm saying.
You have to be very careful.
If you get caught by Han Sang Gung again, you're dead.
Gong-ja Mama, did you sleep well?
Yes.
But…
You're here.
Yes, Mama.
Did you sleep well?
This is today's newspaper.
Was there any news?
Huh? No. Nothing special.
Whatever the case, you do still read the newspaper, don't you?
The headlines, the financial page, society page and editorials. You read those, don't you?
Why are you so surprised?
You have to know that much to get into the Royal Academy.
Do you know what the Royal Academy looks for most when admitting a Palace maid student?
No.
It's passion.
Taking the Royal Academy test while working as Palace maid isn't possible with average passion.
If you can convince them that you really want to study, then you are halfway there.
Since I have a class, I have to go out.
Goodbye, Mama.
About yesterday, I didn't say that necessarily expecting an answer.
But I do want to hear an answer someday.
Um, the thing is, how much water should I give this plant?
The plant is dying.
It could be because the weather is cold, or because you gave it too much water.
Rather than watering regularly, touch it to see when the soil is dry.
It would be good to water it when it's completely dry.
I am sorry, Pye-ha.
His independent assurances seem suspicious.
In getting rid of that event, he must have calculated ways to break the law sneakily.
It's just that, even without the Gong-ja's efforts, watching such a slippery guy fall out of our grasp unsettles me.
I understand.
However, there is something that troubles me.
What is that?
Even the Prime Minister has been included in those reports and widespread opinions.
The Prime Minister?
How could that be?
As you know, the person I trust most among the Executive Council is the Prime Minister.
I do not understand either, though I have not spoken directly with him.
For now, I will hear what the Prime Minister says and report back in full detail.
You know who I suspect to be behind this, don't you?
However, that person has already quietly evaded investigation,
So far, there has been nothing more to discover.
It must be your lunch break.
Yes.
Then you probably haven't eaten yet.
I didn't eat yet either.
Let's have lunch together.
No, I can't. I have to return right away.
I'm sorry.
What are you doing here?
These days, your father's mood is uncomfortable.
For now, I think it would be good if you are careful with your actions.
Really?
Sir.
You should already know that my mind is already set.
You should know since we grew up together.
Am I wrong, Shi-yeon?
You came all the way to the academy.
What is it that you really want to tell me?
What did my father ask you to tell me?
If he wants me to die for him, I will die for him.
Do what he tells you.
You cannot win over your father.
Please follow your father's orders.
It was hard to get in contact with you these past few days.
Oh, was it really?
Why couldn't you get in contact with me?
I had some things to do at the Palace, but if you look for me I'll be sure to contact you right back.
When you mean Palace things, do you mean teaching Hoo?
Yes.
Isn't it a bit unseemly to continue lessons with Young Sung Gong when your engagement is approaching?
They are Pye-ha's orders.
So it's awkward for me to say something, and it's awkward for you to say something.
I guess you must continue to teach him.
You're getting along with Joon, right?
Yes, things are fine.
Sae-ryung.
Since you knew Joon from when you were young, you probably know this well.
He might look tough on the outside, but inside he's gentle. When he sees something pitiful, he can't ignore it.
He used to bring home a cat who had no home, or a pigeon who couldn't fly.
Yes.
I know you don't love Joon.
They say you can't know people's fate.
Even if it's not love, there's a type of fate where you can live your whole life with that person.
When you follow that fate, they say love will follow.
I'm sorry to say this, Mother,
but I think rather than with me, Joon's heart is somewhere else.
That's why I've been having a hard time.
What do you mean by that?
What is your name?
My name is Yang Soon-yi, Dae Bu-In mama.
Is it?
The tea tastes bitter.
Either the water temperature was too high, or did you put in the tea for too long?
I'm sorry. I'll get another one ready for you.
What are you doing here, Mother?
What do you mean?
After leaving my son in the Palace, does it seem your mother has been neglectful of you?
And with your engagement approaching.
I met with Sae-ryung,
to show her support for her royal marriage,
and to listen to her thoughts about it as well.
I already told you mother, that my heart is...
I think you need to bring one more cup of tea.
Yes.
Should I bring you the same tea, Gong-ja Mama?
I already had tea.
I'm fine so you can go now.
If you're not going to drink tea, I should just leave now.
You're leaving already?
I was already here before you came in.
I see you're conscious of what others think, if an outsider like me stays too long in the palace.
There a lot of people watching in the palace, so you have to be careful of how you act.
Don't try to oppose your father's wish of the engagement,
But just follow through with it.
You know how he is, right?
You're that Palace maid from before.
Yes, Dae Bu-In mama.
You didn't clean too efficiently. There isn't even soap in the bathroom.
What?
There's no way that can be.
I'm certain we did it this morning...
Really?
Then did I see it wrong?
I…
What?
But, when I went in, there was no ring there. Really, there wasn't.
You went in there after Dae Bu-In left, right?
Attendant Kwang, are you suspicious of Yang Soon-yi?
Huh? It's not that. But the situation's like this.
You were the only one in Moon Sung Gong's room.
That is true, but...
Han Sang Gung has arrived.
As the one in charge of the prince's court residence,
I'm sorry for letting something like this happen, Dae Bu-In mama.
It's not your fault, Han Sang Gung.
But it's the fault of the person who touched something so precious.
I will take action.
It's such a relief that you were appointed to the court residence.
I am honored.
Now that I see, a lot of time has passed, Han Sang Gung.
Bring in Palace maid Yang.
Yes, Mama.
I believe you shouldn't get involved in this matter.
The royal marriage rings?
They made three rings that are exactly alike.
One is kept in the palace, and one of the other two is missing right now.
Then what will happen to Palace maid Yang if they can't find it?
What do you think? There'll be an uproar and a detailed inquiry.
It won't even get to the inquiry stage.
She'll be dismissed immediately from the palace.
That's so sad for her. How many times is this?
Why is it sad? This isn't her first time...
What did you just say now?
It seemed like you were talking about a ring. What happened?
Mama, I really don't know.
I can swear this on the heavens.
Even if you are innocent,
if the Dae-gong's royal marriage band is not found, someone will have to take responsibility.
As it is an item in the prince's court residence,
It seems you are the most likely one to suspect.
Mama
Be prepared for the worst.
I told you to move aside.
I have an order from Han Sang Gung to not let anyone in.
Do you know whose way you are blocking, Park Sang Gung?
Who am I?
Who can dare to block my way in this place?
Since as far back as the Koryo dynasty,
the palace laws state that the royalty cannot interfere with the business of the court servants.
I am sorry, Mama.
Park Sang Gung.
Gong-ja Mama
These are my orders.
I will tell you, as soon as I find out.
What happens if we can't find the ring?
Palace maid Yang will really be kicked out this time.
Han Sang Gung said that she would be.
Palace maid Yang is really a troublemaker. How come there's never a quiet day.
It's not here.
I can't find it.
Tell me the truth.
One person's life is on the line.
I don't know what you're saying, but I'm the most disappointed about the ring being missing.
I don't know who stole it, but I won't let it go unpunished.
Mother.
I was wondering why you came home,
But I guess you didn't come because you were worried about me.
Please, if you tell the truth now...
I guess you don't believe me.
At least you're not kicked out forever.
Well, you're only suspended for three months.
Three months will pass by quickly.
You should rest during these three months. How about traveling overseas?
What happened?
I can't come to work for three months.
Then, what happens after that?
I don't know yet.
I'm sorry that I couldn't take care of you well for the time that I was here.
Goodbye.
In this whole Palace it seems like we are the only people who think Yang Soon-yi was wronged.
I was thinking hard about what I should do, but this seems to be the only way.
It seems you are the only person who can save Yang Soon-yi from this.
I don't really understand what you are talking about.
Do you know the meaning of this ring, and what it represents?
It's evidence that you are heir to the throne.
Because of that one thing, a jjajangmyun delivery guy could enter into the palace.
If it's missing, it could become a problem later on.
During the last seven years I was trained to be the successor,
but you were able to take my position.
It is because of that ring.
You're going to give up that ring?
I don't know what you may think, but I take pride in the time I was a jjajangmyun deliverer.
I may change in the future, but I will not regret or feel ashamed of my past.
Even if I have to return to Incheon because of this ring,
if this ring will clear one person of the wrong that's been done to her,
I will take the consequences for it.
Tell them you found it here.
I have a favor to ask of you.
Please keep this a secret from Palace maid Yang.
She is someone who is full of pride, she wouldn't like it.
If she knew that she wasn't completely found innocent, she will feel burdened.
Yes, I will do that.
Don't cry, Yong Nam.
What does this mean?
Who is this?
The misunderstanding has been cleared.
Please forgive her.
You might not have calmed down yet.
But I hope you can forgive my mother.
It's not that!
There is nothing needing forgiveness.
I should thank everyone for their help.
Thank you, Gong-Ja Mama. Really thank you!
I seriously don't understand.
How could there be two rings?
Without question, this is Young Sung Gong's.
I can send Shi-yeon to investigate, but
there's no question he arranged it with Joon, to help that palace maid.
But we've gained something from this.
It's shown Joon's weakness.
Weakness?
Wife.
Do you know the greatest weakness in people?
Some people have decisive weaknesses.
If you gently shake that weakness, you can bring down someone completely.
What is it?
What decisive weakness is that?
If someone falls in love, the other party becomes their greatest weakness.
Such small action from you, but we gained so much.
And we received such an unexpected gift too.
You look very thoughtful today.
The winter solstice is really a long time.
It might be difficult to pass through the summer
Isn't Hwang Tae-Hu Mama from that generation too?
Yes, winter nights were long.
Long summer days, long winter nights
Through long summer days, long winter nights
When my life draws to a close, I wish to be with you
Gong-ja, how do you know this poem?
Is this a poem?
The one I watched over became overgrown with thorns,
Growing in lies, it was painful to enter
As my beloved is not with me,
I must stay here, alone in my home.
Long summer days, long winter nights,
When my life draws to a close, I wish to be with you
Is this not from the Book of Odes?
Where did you learn this from?
I didn't learn it.
When I was young, my mother would often...
I always thought it was lyrics to a song.
Really?
Your mother would always recite poems to you?
Yes.
But who wrote it?
The Book of Odes contain the oldest poems from China,
With the Book of History and the Book of Changes, it composes the Three Classics of Ancient China.
The Book of Odes is divided into "poong," "ah" and "sung. "
The "poong" was made into popular folk songs.
So nobody knows who wrote them.
The poem we just recited
was for those who left for long periods of time to fight wars and did not return.
So it is believed to be written by a grieving wife.
I have a question.
Go ahead.
Where is my father buried?
Do you want to go see him?
Actually, the Queen has mentioned it several times.
But I felt that I should wait for you to ask.
It seems like the time has come.
You might have been very troubled.
But everything has been resolved.
Forget about it, and work hard.
Thank you.
Return to work officially tomorrow.
Yes.
Oh yes, tomorrow Young Sung Gong is visiting Hyo-in Dae-gong's grave.
The room will be empty. Do a thorough cleaning with Palace maid Ma.
But, I'm restricted to enter Young Sung Gong Mama's area.
Because of this matter, I shall forgive you.
You must be diligent.
Thank you, Han Sang Gung.
I thought you wouldn't be here for good.
You're back again?
Yes, I am back.
If it wasn't for Moon Sung Gong Mama's help, I wouldn't have been able to come back.
Then...
What's so funny, Attendant Kwang?
Palace maid Ma, look at this.
It's the latest thing that's traveling around.
It isn't joking!
They're Korean.
Yang Soon-yi, hurry up, take a look.
It's really funny.
I'd like to see their faces better.
These people...
You know them?
Th-th-th-that's...
Are you going somewhere?
What to do?
I forgot about my tutoring with you.
I'm visiting my dad's grave.
It was a last minute decision.
I wasn't able to contact you.
It's okay, Gong-ja Mama.
I'm sorry, Sae-ryung.
Madam Aide.
Can Sae-ryung come along?
If Sae-ryung doesn't mind, it is alright.
Hey, he doesn't seem to know.
What to do?
Yang Soon-yi.
Honorable Ji.
Has Gong-ja left?
Yes, Pye-ha.
How could this be a good thing?
It has already reached the media, it's too late.
Pye-ha, we'll try to stop as much as we can.
Honorable Ji, contact the media and news publishers.
I don't know if there is any other way out.
Pye-ha, there is one thing very suspicious.
Before it started traveling on the internet, the press already got hold of the news.
And it is going to be out on the news in the evening.
So you mean that some people purposely...
The Executive Council are disturbed by the rumor.
Things are getting out of hand.
Why do such things always happen?
Pye-ha.
Contact your royal Aide.
And inform the Gong-ja Mama.
No.
It's something he will find out eventually.
Informing him early won't solve the situation any quicker.
He is not relaxed now as it is.
Inform the Aide quietly.
And ask Gong-ja to report here once he gets back.
Yes, Pye-ha.
[Young Sung Gong's Shady Past, Royal Family's Constant Troubles]
What is going on?
- Hey! You sold out your friend? - No, it wasn't me.
What is this? It was in your cell phone.
Did it grow legs and walk out by itself? Huh?
Calm down.
First, we should figure out how to stop the situation.
Okay, ahjussi's right.
Let's analyze the whole situation.
Frankly speaking, did anyone pay you to do this?
Or do you think it can be exchanged for cash!?
No.
Seriously, I didn't show it to anyone else besides you.
Hey, did you post it on your webpage then?
I didn't!
What about uploading? Did you upload it?
That...
You did? You did.
Hey, look into my eyes.
Who did you send it to? Who?!
I didn't send it.
- Just once, at an internet cafe... - What? Internet cafe?
I wanted to see it on a bigger screen.
What's the point in seeing it bigger?!
After you uploaded it, did you delete it?
That, that...
I'm pretty sure I would have.
What do you mean you "would have," you jerk!
From now on, you have to be more careful.
Every careless move might cause trouble to Hoo.
Yes.
It's really weird.
When I first heard that I had a father, I didn't feel any emotion toward him.
It didn't feel real.
I just thought, "Oh, I see. "
"So that's how it was. "
After seeing his grave, after some time has passed, I felt as if I'd lived with him before.
He didn't even know he had a son, and passed on.
What does that mean?
Why did that happen?
They often call such things an "iron wheel. "
Iron wheel, iron wheel...
What are all of these people doing?
What are you doing here?
This isn't a place where normal people can wander!
Get out of here!
Please watch your words.
This is Hyo-in Dae-gong's son, Young Sung Gong Mama.
Young Sung Gong?
I'm sorry I didn't greet you earlier.
Thank you for taking care of my father's grave.
What? Full of bullshit! Hurry up and go away!
Please stop it. You are treating Young Sung Gong with much disrespect.
How could Hyo-In Dae-Gong have such son?
So what if he is of royal blood?
That kid and his mother was a disgrace to the Palace!
What are we to expect from his kid!
Please watch your words. That is disrespectful towards Young Sung Gong Mama.
A son raised by one of Korea's most shameless mothers, what good can he be?!
Who are you to do this?
I'm sorry, to you elders.
Thank you for taking care of my father's grave all this while.
I sincerely thank you.
Please, I entrust and thank you to continue.
Royal Aide.
Don't report today's situation to Pye-ha or Hwang Tae-hu.
But, Gong-ja Mama...
Please.
You went to the grave?
Yes, but...
You heard about the matter from the Aide?
That was before I entered the Palace, with my friends...
I know.
I didn't call you here to reprimand you.
It has already been broadcasted.
It wasn't your friends' fault.
It happened when you were a commoner.
Gong-ja, you need not worry much.
However, the consequences of this incident might be more complicated than we thought.
It might bring burden to you,
bearing down strongly like a thunderstorm.
But you must not back out.
Prepare to face it with a courageous heart.
The citizens have already started to waver.
So it won't be settled easily.
In times like this, I hope you'll stay strong.
You can do that, right?
I'm sorry.
That I behaved like that...
Don't say such things.
Looking down on Gong-ja is just like looking down on me, and the Royal family.
Go back now.
Yes.
[What kind of person is Kang Su-young truly, cut from the royalty 20 years ago?]
[Half-naked Prince Lee Hoo's mother, Ms. Kang who was cut from the palace - Hyo-jang Dae-gong reveals mysterious circumstances]
Why weren't you able to protect my mother?
What are you saying?
I am curious why the Royal Court was unable to protect my mother.
Gong-ja.
My mother is someone with a good heart.
20 years have passed, and still no one seems to know that.
Worry about one issue a day.
You've experienced many hurdles today, so go back and rest.
Why are you still standing there?
Didn't I ask you to go back and rest?
Yes, Pye-ha.
You have to find that answer on your own.
The King can change the world with one word or one action.
When the King receives respect and love, the people will listen to what he says and trust him.
To change the circumstances of your wronged mother, think of what your first actions should be. Go and ponder that.
Gong-ja.
How could you say such things about the Imperial Court?
They were only by-standers at that time.
Uncle, do you believe my mother was innocent?
No one else will tell me the truth.
The truth...
It's alright.
I will reveal it on my own.
If my mother wasn't guilty, there will be someone else behind it.
Who are you, to go wandering out on your own!
That... Pye-ha.
How long must I put up with your willful actions?
Until you realize your mistake, you are prohobited from leaving your quarters.
Mama, it's very late.
Please go to bed soon.
Young Sung Gong Mama.
Gong-ja Mama, Mr. Jo Sang Ki is here to see you.
Ahjussi.
Gong-ja Mama.
After experiencing so much, your face doesn't look very good.
Really?
What to do?
Men are all about the face.
I've taught Bool Bam and that gang a lesson already.
They'll be careful in the future.
Why did you do that?
You have to be energetic when you're delivering.
Don't beat down their energy too much.
I will remember that.
My room is great, huh?
I wanted to show you all this while.
I couldn't wait longer, so I called you so early in the morning.
Such great place, you should be feeling very comfortable...
I have space here. Do you want to move in?
I wanted to see you regarding my mother.
That...
Wasn't the Court done with the investigations and closed the case already?
Please investigate the matter again.
I'm certain there's something else behind it.
No one in the Royal Court, and even my uncle in the Executive Council, are willing to say a word.
Now I can only rely on the trust I have for my mother and you.
You mean Hyo-jang Dae-gong?
Please.
I don't want the world to think that my mother is a bad person.
It does not matter whether I become Hwang Taeja or not.
Your mother will feel secure.
Eh?
Now you have really matured.
However, Mama.
I won't be able to provide you with much strength or support.
Ahjussi.
This incident shaken the whole country and even involved the iron wheel.
After such a long time... If we were to bring it up again, it wouldn't be resolved so easily.
You knew my mother well too.
She was framed.
Mama.
Even if you managed to investigate the truth, you'll need some back-up support.
If you don't have power, you wouldn't be able to take the truth.
You want to clear your mother from being framed, don't you?
Then use the suitable strength.
How do I do that?
Become Hwang Taeja, Mama.
Only if you become the Hwang Taeja will the country change.
Yang Soon-yi, what are you doing here?
Watering the plant?
Did Gong-ja Mama go somewhere?
Our Young Sung Gong is still young.
He can't get hold of the basics.
If he had someone as wonderful as Sae-ryung as his wife, it would be a great help.
Sae-ryung, I won't be going to the engagement ceremony.
I don't want to do things against my will anymore.
I hope you won't do anything to disappoint me.
I want to forget the name, Kang Hoo.
I am about to hang the country's future on one of you two princes.