Prince Hours Episode 16
Where is Young Sung Gong?
Young Sung Gong, what are you doing here?
Even Gong-jas cannot enter this place.
I was only curious, so I swiped the card.
Then, the door really opened, so I just came in.
Is that so?
What are you reading?
This...
Bring it over.
Yes, Mama.
What were you reading in this?
Hwang Tae-hu.
Gong-ja is reading about the correspondence of the emperors of past dynasties.
How did you know that there were letters in here?
It was I who told him, Hwang Tae-hu Mama.
Internal Manager?
Yes, Mama.
The documents concerning regents were all recorded in very difficult to understand vocabulary,
so it seemed Gong-ja was having difficulty understanding.
So I wanted him to start his understanding with simpler correspondence.
As it was my careless mistake, please punish me for my misconduct.
This is not like you. How could you make such a rash action?
I’m sorry, Hwang Tae-Hu Mama.
Young Sung Gong, is she speaking the truth?
Yes.
Concerning this matter, I will further investigate responsibility.
Yes, Mama.
Gong-ja, leave here immediately!
Yes.
Thank you, Internal Manager.
Mama,
your actions this time were really too thoughtless.
Have you seen the Wise Annals?
Yes, I’ve seen them.
The rights of your seat as regent have their definite limits.
Reading the Wise Annals goes beyond these limits.
If this matter is discovered, the situation grow more severe.
Whatever happens, you must keep it a secret.
Please remember what I have said.
Yes.
I have something to report to you.
Yes, it is a very important matter.
Please report it to Dae-Gong.
Thoughtless wild rabbit!
He has gotten himself into trouble.
He had the nerve to read the Wise Annals.
He must pay the necessary price.
What is going on?
Who should I trust now?
Pye-ha, and Hwang Tae-hu too.
Even Mom.
Who should I trust?
The first things to look at are the diplomatic documents that need the Queen’s confirmation.
Next is the special report submitted by the Internal Department.
You must also examine the major bills from the committee.
Of the Imperial Court’s Finance Bureau’s report and meeting invitation,
only the most important is selected for submission.
You must read through all of them and leave nothing out.
Why there are so many?
This is what Pye-ha has to do everyday.
After the two Gong-jas have examined them,
The final decision will be made by Hwang Tae-hu.
Hwang Tae-hu Mama has arrived!
Since the Crown Prince Hwe Min passed away two years ago,
it has always been my duty to act as a regent.
To be able to have the two Gong-jas’ assistance, I feel very relieved.
The ruler must become the focus of many people.
Because of this, when resolving issues, you cannot only keep one kind of standard.
Wisdom means using one truth to discover the path for ten people.
I hope that through this assignment, you will be able to perceive the truth meaning of wisdom.
I will remember this, Hwang Tae-hu.
They may not be familiar yet. Internal Manager, please take good care of them.
Yes, Mama.
Hwang Tae-hu Mama.
There is an urgent matter to report.
The Investigative Department has accepted the Sang Gung department’s anonymous letter accusing the attendants' department.
After the attendants found out, its dispute with the Sang Gungs has grown fiercer.
An anonymous letter?
What is this about?
They’re like that even if they’re in the same inner cabinet.
Attendants keep to their side, and palace maids to theirs.
You must be so worried.
Worried about what?
We’ll use this chance to push down the attendants’ power.
Tomorrow, a representative for the Sang Gongs and attendants will meet with the two Gong-jas.
As long as there’s proof, their hands will definitely be tied.
What else could they do?
Concerning the matter of the anonymous letter,
we’ve already ordered the Investigative Department to do a thorough investigation.
The truth will be revealed very soon.
The reason for asking everyone to come today isn't about the anonymous letter, but a different matter.
Through this incident, we've come to understand the long conflict between the Sang Gungs and attendants.
The conflict may have arisen due to the differences in each group’s point of view.
The Sang Gungs are unhappy with the attendants' arbitrary decisions.
The attendants are unhappy with the Sang Gungs' lack of cooperation.
Therefore, I want to make a suggestion.
To put it simply, just consider things from each other’s point of views.
The members of the Sang Gung and attendant departments will switch jobs for one day.
Gong-ja Mama, why is that?
Mistrust is created from a lack of understanding towards the other person.
So changing perspectives will help one understand the other.
With more understanding, there will naturally be less misunderstandings.
The work efficiency will also increase.
How about it?
What does that mean?
Young Sung Gong issued an order for the Sang Gungs and attendants switch roles.
I’ve lived ten years as an attendant.
How could such an outrageous thing happen?
Outrageous?!
You have the nerve to make such a disrespectful comment!
During the period of regentship, the Gong-ja’s order is a royal decree!
Did you not know that?
I..
Deserve to die.
Whether or not this decision is correct or agreeable,
We must all silently obey. It’s our duty.
We must not forget.
Do you understand?
Yes, Sang Gung.
I’ve lived ten years as a palace maid.
No, no, I’ve lived ten years as an attendatn.
What is this?
Don’t call me Attendant Kwang.
Call me Palace maid Kwang.
What’s wrong?
Blood! Blood!
Be careful!
Hwang Tae-hu Mama, the Palace has been paralyzed!
I fear that a serious accident might occur.
Please make an exception.
Sang Seon and Head Sang Gung, listen closely.
I, too, have always worried about the lack of harmony between the two departments.
And the same with the anonymous letter.
If there was something wrong, it should have been reported to me first.
Of course I understand your difficulties.
But the issue this time was not only Young Sung Gong’s order,
I also hope to use this opportunity to wash away all of the misunderstandings and resentment.
Can you understand my intentions?
Yes, Mama.
I understand as well.
Hwang Tae-hu Mama,
The bookkeeper requests a meeting with you.
Is that so?
Ask him in.
Please go in.
Should I get you another one?
There’s no need, it’s okay.
Please leave it and go.
There's a lot of gossip about the role switch between the departments.
I already prepared myself for that.
Compared to making friends, not making enemies is more important.
Wouldn’t it more appropriate to avoid doing things that others resent?
For a long time, I've felt that the Palace needed some changes.
If I’m afraid of public opinion or grumbling, then I won’t be able to do anything.
Is something the matter?
You don’t look well.
I don't have enough of my own strength, but I still have to take on such heavy responsibilities.
I’ve just been worried.
Don’t worry, you’re doing very well.
It seems like I’ve been impudent.
Impudent? How?
No you aren't, Sae-Ryung.
Although my strength is weak, I’ll work my hardest to help you.
Young Sung Gong, Hwang Tae-hu asks to meet with you.
Young Sung Gong has arrived!
Let him come in.
Sit down.
Young Sung Gong.
Yes, Hwang Tae-hu.
You must answer my questions honestly.
Yes.
That day.
The book that Young Sung Gong looked at while in the storage room of royalrecords...
What was it called?
Someone reported it to me.
Gong-ja.
Is it true that you looked at the Wise Annals?
Why aren’t you answering me?
Yes, I’ve looked at them.
Those are not records that you can look at so casually!
Don’t you know that?
Gong-ja, are you disregarding the rules of the Royal Court?
Or are you disregarding me?
Hwang Tae-hu Mama, I’d also like to ask you something.
In the Wise Annals, at the time when my mother left the Palace, it records,
the person who made the decision was the former Hwang-hu, the current Hwang Tae-hu.
Is that true?
It's true.
I don’t know how the Wise Annals recorded it,
But at the time, the decision to let your mother leave the Palace
was to protect the first in line to the throne, your father, Hyo-In Dae-gong.
It was an inevitable choice.
But what about my mother?
You’re still bringing up your mother.
Do you still not understand how severe it is to pass a regent’s authoritative limits,
to disobey the royal laws?
You have the audacity to bring up your mother and investigate my responsibility?
I cannot just let this pass by.
In order to reestablish the dignity of the Court,
I will revoke your powers as a regent.
You will return to your residence until the Queen returns to the country.
Think about your mistakes in solitude.
What? Young Sung Gong's regent powers were taken away?
Is that really true?
You must’ve already heard about what happened yesterday, right?
I can no longer take charge of the duties as a regent,
so I would like to leave the Palace temporarily.
Even if your ability to act as a regent has been revoked,
You are still a prince.
Please conduct yourself as such.
Thank you for your concern,
But for me, this is a matter that cannot be delayed any longer.
During this crucial time, it seems you're the only one I can say this to.
As the regent, please allow me to temporarily leave the Palace.
Please.
Young Sung Gong!
Young Sung Gong has disappeared again?
What is going on?
I’m sorry. There are people looking everywhere for him.
What's he trying to do?
Should I take it as a rebellion against me?
This is obviously an unhappy reaction towards my revoking his powers as a regent.
Mama, there must be another reason.
Before, Young Sung Gong didn’t understand the rules and left the palace himself.
Now, however, Young Sung Gong’s actions cannot be explained so simply.
He may have left after giving orders to the attendants or the palace maids.
Until the issue is cleared up, please remain calm.
I understand, you may go now.
Yoo Sang Gong, immediately call for Moon Sung Gong.
I want to ask him myself if Young Sung Gong left him any word.
Yes, Mama.
How could something like this happen?
What are you so worried about?
Father.
I heard all about it just now.
Young Sung Gong’s role as a regent has been revoked,
and he left the Palace on his own?
Hwang Tae-hu takes it as a revolt against her own orders.
That…
This match’s winner is obviously you.
If the Court elders knew about this, I’m very curious to see what their response would be.
Young Sung Gong leaving the Palace himself is particularly decisive.
No, Father.
Young Sung Gong notified me before he left.
He left after seeking permission from me, as the regent.
He did not leave on his own.
Is that so?
Then won’t it be fine as long as you keep your mouth shut?
Father…
I once asked you, could a Hwang Taeja rely solely on ability and intelligence?
Up till now, how have the results of the competition been?
When it came to literature, you lost to Young Sung Gong.
In martial arts you won, but not easily.
And also, the result of this ceremony competition, what do you think?
Do you think you won?
Well...
Are you still not clear?
If you lose in the area of wisdom, you will be the loser!
Do you still think that through your ability and intelligence, you can win the seat of Hwang Taeja?
Oh yes. I heard that you requested Yang Soon-yi as your study partner?
Your mother is against it.
But I am very happy about your actions.
What you cannot have yourself, you cannot allow the other person to get either.
I think that you’ve understood how important this concept is.
Yoo Sang Gung will take you to meet with Hwang Tae-hu.
She’ll definitely ask about Young Sung Gong’s leaving the palace.
You have to remember this:
In front of Hwang Tae-hu, your every word and movement will decide the victory or loss in this competition.
No... To put it more bluntly, it can decide whether or not you can become King.
When Young Sung Gong left the Palace, did he notify you?
He didn’t say anything to me either.
Is that so? So it’s true.
Really?
Young Sung Gong’s power as a regent?
Yeah, it’s all over the Palace.
In that case, Young Sung Gong’s going to lose this match for sure.
Palace maid Yang!
What’s wrong?
Gong-ja has disappeared!
What?
Really?
Did he get in touch with you?
Did he tell you where he was going?
Mom.
I’m here.
Yes, Bool Bam.
I think he probably went to look for you guys.
I’m not very clear either about what’s going on.
In any case, thank you.
If I run into him, I’ll call you.
Okay.
Senior, something’s come up today.
I’m going to leave early. I’m sorry.
Is something wrong?
Do you really not know anything?
According to the palace maids, it might have to do with Dae Bu-In’s case.
I’m not sure about the details.
Then where did he go?
Palace maid Yang also left early.
The two must be together.
Why do I feel so uneasy?
I feel like they've disappeared together.
Have you gotten in touch with Young Sung Gong?
If you reach him, ask him where he is, and tell me.
Could it be that he’s gone to that place?
Dae Bu-In’s grave.
If it has to do with his mother, would he have gone there?
Do you know where it is?
This is Palace restaurant.
Ah, yes, hello.
Has something happened with the Gong-ja?
Concerning the case of Kang Dae Bu-In's exile from the Palace, which has unsettled not only the Court,
but the entire country, into agitation.
The complaints of the citizens and the Court are growing fiercer and fiercer.
The demand to revoke Dae Bu-In’s nobility status strengthens each day.
I must also make up my mind.
I asked Dae Bu-In for the last time.
Dae Bu-In, crying all the while, said that everything was her fault.
There was no clarification or explanation, she only apologized.
She even begged me to throw her out of the Palace.
Sir, I'm sorry, but please go faster.
What the heck is the truth about you?
Now, isn't it your turn to tell me?
Why did you do that?
Why did you live like that?
Why?
Why?!
Did you come here to look for me?
This far?
Jerk! Do you know how worried I was?
Thank you, for coming to find me.
But...
Don't you have to go back now?
Your mother would've wanted you to.
I feel like I’ve lost my path.
I don’t know where to go anymore.
Yang Soon…
What I can’t stand is...
Although I came to see Mom, I can’t believe her.
I can't bear that.
I could investigate your responsibility now.
But for the sake of the many years you’ve served the Queen,
I will overlook it this once.
In the future, it will not happen again.
No matter how much of a blow it was for him, how could he leave the Palace without notice?
Why is Gong-ja so stubborn about the matters of the past?
Please try to understand Gong-ja’s loneliness and longing after losing his parents at such a young age.
Children are like sunflowers.
They follow as if their parents were the sun.
If they suddenly lose the sun, the children will go back and forth in the darkness.
I can understand that feeling better than anyone else.
For the Gong-ja, the truth about his mother is like life itself.
How could I not understand that feeling?
But...
It’s just like the starry sky!
It must not have been easy to collect all of this.
Yeah.
There really is a huge variety of bottlecaps here.
In this world, like these bottlecaps, there'll be many truths and lies.
Sometimes, the truth can become lies, and lies can become the truth.
She confessed to the crime herself.
If it wasn’t the truth, then how could she confess?
It might not have been the truth.
I’m not really sure of anything.
Follow your heart. Believe what you want to believe.
How can I? After all, she confessed herself!
Because she’s your mother! She’s your mother.
If my mom was criticized by the world because of a crime,
I'd still protect her, understand her,
Because she's my irreplaceable mother.
Because that's what family is.
My parents once said,
"Sometimes... life needs lies.
That’s just how life is."
It may have been that way for your mother.
Even if it is the truth, she might’ve had no way out.
Whether or not you believe it is your choice,
But don’t forget…
The only person who is able to believe your mom is you.
I’ve thought about it.
I think we can help each other.
Isn’t she the woman you broke off an engagement to pursue?
I can't just give up on him like this, either.
It feels like we're making an alliance.
Yes.
I don’t want to use Palace maid Yang as a pawn in an agreement.
Dad wants me to marry Young Sung Gong.
It doesn’t matter to me, but I don’t know what the Court will feel about that.
I don't think that'll be a problem.
I'm someone Young Sung Gong needs.
The problem is Palace maid Yang.
I can't stand seeing her by his side.
Could it be...? Are your feelings for Young Sung Gong real?
What do we need to do to form this alliance?
Go back to the Palace before it gets any later.
Pye-ha should be back by now.
Yang Soon.
What am I supposed to live for now?
For Lee Hoo, for Young Sung Gong.
You have to find your true self.
For your parents, you have to become an outstanding royal member, a wonderful Hwang Taeja.
Prince Lee Hoo.
You understand, too, that the world will get to know your parents again through you,
not through books or the newspaper.
You, yourself, will become your parents' truth.
Close your eyes.
Huh?
Why?
Hurry up!
This is your mother’s!
Now it's yours.
I want to give it to you.
It’s late.
I should go.
Will it be okay that I don't take you all the way home?
Of course. Go!
You go first. I’ll leave after I see you go.
Yang Soon!
Alex asked me to give this to you.
He said it was a clock that could bring you good luck.
During this time, were there any problems in the Palace?
So something did happen.
In the Palace, there isn’t anyone to talk with or trust about Mom’s case.
It looks like it’s time I found out the truth myself.
As luck would have it, the General Affairs Director has contacted me.
He said there was evidence that could prove her case.
He asked to meet tomorrow.
Really? Is it true?
Yes.
This time, Sae-Ryung was a huge help.
She made such an arrogant person have a change of heart.
It looks as if she’s a very nice young lady.
Awarding you the position of a regent and allowing you the temporary authority to represent me
was not in order to give you easy access to flip through the Wise Annals.
I know.
You know, and yet you still left the Palace without permission?
I’m not angry for any other reason.
How could someone who swore to become Hwang Taeja act so rashly?
You must get Hwang Tae-hu or Regent Moon Sung Gong’s permission!
As long as you did so, it’d be easier to explain.
I don’t understand what you’re thinking either.
The innocent Moon Sung Gong was summoned by Hwang Tae-hu and scolded,
that although you’re competitors, you’re still second cousins, and he was too uncaring toward you.
And also, concerning the matter of the anonymous letter...
There really was a mistake in the amount in the attendant department’s records.
Through your suggestion to switch roles,
the two departments have gotten a better understanding of each other.
This much is very good, but in the future, you must remember,
The rules and sequences of the Royal Court are supreme.
Do you understand?
Yes, I will remember.
Queen, I’m very worried about Young Sung Gong’s future.
Whenever it comes to his mother, Young Sung Gong loses his rationalization.
He’ll break the rules of the Royal Court in order to keep investigating.
I wonder if he is really suited to be the heir to the throne.
Such a mental blow will not only threaten to harm Young Sung Gong himself,
but it could also threaten all of the people in our Court.
Queen Mother...
You have just finished a tiring journey. I have said something I shouldn't.
The issue of establishing a school didn't necessarily require personal supervision.
What matter of emergency was there to make you delay your return and run to Africa?
Since I was already in Europe, it wasn't that far, so I thought I should go and see.
Is that so? I see.
I was so happy to spend time with you.
Yes, I love you too.
Good night, my Queen.
What? Alex's home?
Yes, Pye-ha.
The intent was not to actually hurt Professor Alex,
Is that so?
Pye-ha, it's best to be careful.
The same with the paparazzi at the Locality Palace last time...
It seems someone has noticed your relationship with Alex.
Internal Manager,
Yes, Pye-ha.
Tomorrow, you must go visit Alex.
Okay.
There wasn't anything there?
While Professor Alex wasn't home, we ransacked his home,
But we did not find anything.
He is a careful person.
Especially with that type of personality, a slight rustle will worry him.
Have you left a trace of your search?
As you ordered, we left a trace.
After purposefully leaving a trace,
From now on the two will be even more cautious.
Through the spy in the Queen's court, figure out her contact person with that professor.
This time, you must find decisive evidence, understand?
Yes, I will remember.
There is also something else to report.
It has to do with the General Affairs Director.
It seems as if through the arrangement of the Prime Minister's Office,
He's attempting to meet with Young Sung Gong.
Is that so?
Have we let him live for too long?
Thank you.
It seems like you've gotten busier after you became Prime Minister.
You haven't gotten enough sleep either.
Things will be much busier for you, too,
taking on the tasks of your mother's position.
I'm fine.
Sae-Ryung.
Last time when I visited Hwang Tae-hu,
she mentioned you often.
She seems very content with your helping Young Sung Gong.
So I want to ask you, what do you think of Young Sung Gong?
In the time you've spent working closely with him, have you felt anything?
What does that mean?
The General Affairs Director has passed away?
They say that he had a traffic accident at a T-intersection.
How could this happen?
Then what about the evidence that he was going to give to us?
I have met with all of his family members, but not one of them is sure.
We're back at square one.
That evidence was our only hope.
Dae-gong, before the General Affairs Director died, he mentioned the evidence.
Evidence?
The details are not clear, but it seems like he's kept the files and secret account books.
It couldn't be that it's gotten into the hands of Young Sung Gong?
That's not the case.
Is that so? That's good.
No matter what type of evidence it is, you must be the first to find it, understand?
Yes, sir.
Let me ask you something.
Young Sung Gong, could you give up the Hwang Taeja position for Palace maid Yang?
What?
If you don't want any harm to come to Palace maid Yang,
then let her go.
I don't know about anything else, but of this I'm very certain:
I will never let any harm happen to Yang Soon-yi,
No matter what happens.
I heard that you were summoned and scolded by Her Majesty Hwang Tae-hu.
I'm sorry.
About that..
That morning, I only informed you.
I didn't actually receive your permission, so you don't have to feel sorry.
I assigned a task of ceremony and wisdom to the two Gong-jas,
First, I will ask the comments of the ceremony panel.
What are the recommendations of the court elders?
When it came to the form and significance,
Joon Gong-ja's performance was more outstanding.
This is the unanimous opinion of the Court.
Pye-ha, although this is bold of me, but may I say something?
Please speak.
I also agree with the Court,
But in this performance, there was another audience that was qualified to evaluate.
What are all of these letters?
These letters were all written by the children who attended that performance.
What can the letters of children decide?
Those seated here are all clear.
For the fair judgment of this activity, the panel was not public.
The most important role in that panel was in fact played by those children.
I was informed of Pye-ha's intentions,
but in fear that it would affect the fairness of the performance, I kept it a secret.
Actually, as a traditional musician,
I have expressed my disapproval of Young Sung Gong before.
But when I saw that those children were so happy that they even participated themselves,
I understood a lot.
Only naive children, who do not have any standards, can best understand art.
The children expressed a strong support toward Young Sung Gong's performance.
Pye-ha, they are ignorant children!
And also, it is very hard for us to recognize such an unconventional performance.
One displayed beautiful art by abiding by the norms.
The other displayed moving art by using an unconventional performance.
How about this?
Moon Sung Gong's performance, in all aspects, was outstanding.
And Young Sung Gong's performance touched the children with joy.
Both have earned a favorable result.
How about we decide on a tie?
A tie! A tie!
Then how about wisdom?
During the time that I left the palace, I entrusted the two Gong-jas with the position as regents.
The assignment was to see who could use wisdom to execute the ruler's affairs.
But during the process, Young Sung Gong was disqualified.
So the winner of the wisdom assignment is Moon Sung Gong.
Now only the two tasks of courage and virtue remain.
Pye-ha, I boldy suggest that it would be better if the competition ended here.
The purpose of the competition is to determine which of the two Gong-jas is most qualified to become Hwang Taeja.
But Young Sung Gong actually left the Palace on his own in the process.
This indicates that he has given up his right and qualifications to participate in the competition for Hwang Taeja.
Of course, we must revoke Young Sung Gong's qualifications as a candidate for the throne of Hwang Taeja.
Please reconsider, Pye-ha.
Please reconsider, Pye-ha!