Prince Hours Episode 17
Are we going to summon the Executive Council?
Yes, Pye-ha.
Hyo-jang Dae-gong has already gotten the elders to demand a meeting of the council.
With only two competitions left, how can we revoke his qualifications?
Prime Minister Shin, please exert your influence. Can't we delay the council meeting?
Yes, it would not be too late to make a decision after the last two competitions.
In any case, I am the new Prime Minister, and my strength is still weak.
I will not forget Prime Minister Shin’s help.
I have a request on behalf of my daughter.
Sae-ryung?
It’s very possible that through this, the relationship between the two can become closer.
My father will not stand by and not do anything.
Don’t worry too much.
I always cause trouble for you and the Prime Minister.
I am happy to be able to help you.
I never thought that being able to help a person could make me so happy.
You’ve come rather early.
I came to say hello to Pye-ha.
I heard that you were also here.
You delayed the summoning of the Executive Council?
As you know, postponing or changing the Executive Council meeting falls under the Prime Minister's authority.
Isn’t it too arbitrary to dismiss a reasonable request for assembly?
Do you say it’s arbitrary? It’s not.
From what I understand, a competition for qualification, in and of itself, is worthy of suspicion.
What do you mean by that?
If you follow the Royal Court Regulations, “While a royal member has been granted special authority,
the responsibility for his actions in power are not transferred when he is revoked of that power."
Young Sung Gong, acting as regent, is only a candidate for the Hwang Taeja.
There is no rule that prohibits him from leaving the palace.
Being ungrateful has its costs. You have to be clear.
Hearing those words is rather uncomfortable.
Prime Minister Shin, if you have made up your mind to turn your back on me,
I will not just sit still.
That’s why you should watch your back.
I was just doing what I should do.
But you helped me, And I want to pay my gratitude back.
Come with Hoo.
Please, take my invitation.
Okay, I will.
Then I will see you this evening.
Bye!
Yang Soon!
You’re already here?
Of course, every second is precious.
Get in!
Really?
If someone’s inviting us, then of course we have to go.
So we'll be able to be together till nighttime?
Is it okay for you to leave the Palace like this?
I got permission.
When the competition starts, it’ll be hard for us to meet.
There are so many things I've wanted to do with you.
Today I’m going to do everything I couldn't do for you before.
Don’t even think about running away today.
Today you’re my hostage.
Says who?
Says me!
Do you really have to be a study partner?
Honestly, it bothers me.
I'm not the only one doing it.
I was ordered by Pye-ha. But can't you refuse?
I was also ordered by Hwang Tae-Hu.
How can I refuse when I attend the Academy on the Court’s scholarship?
If they say to do it, I should.
But if you said no, they can't do anything.
I just mean your opinion is important, you know?
It really bothers me.
Aren't you expressing your jealousy a bit too openly now?
This isn’t jealousy, it’s natural instinct.
What?
Which guy would be able to accept his girl in another guy's room?
What do you mean, "his girl"?
You like it too.
They’re so cool, aren’t they?
They're not cool at all.
What? They skate well.
Is skating fun?
Do you want to try?
Don’t let go!
I won’t.
Really, don’t let go!
Don’t push!
Don’t!
Dae Yeon Elementary School?
Sixth grade, class 6?
Kang Hoo?
I heard you chose Palace maid Yang to be your study partner.
I’m very curious to see how she can help you.
It’s not really about getting help.
Even if it’s through this method, I want her to stay by my side.
You’re too honest.
It leaves me rather speechless.
How about you?
Is everything going well?
Actually, I wish things would look more optimistic for you.
According to Father, Hwang Tae-hu has already made up her mind.
I think what we saw last time by the grave isn't everything.
I think I can make Prince Hoo have a change of heart toward me.
Oppa, help me.
Helping me will be good for you too.
It’s a surprise,
To hear you talking about your feelings.
Knowing how it feels to like someone...
I understand now why, even if she doesn't like you,
you can't let go of Palace maid Yang.
Watching a heart that can never be yours,
is so cruel, it’s getting harder and harder for me to carry on.
I hope you'll set your engagement early.
If you need me for something, I'll do my best to help.
This one.
How about the lucky pig?
Pig? The little pig?
Is he only inviting the two of us?
It seems like it.
If only Pye-ha could go too.
It must be painful for the two of them.
Even though they want to be together, they can't.
Should we get that one?
We’ll take this one.
Attendant Kwang, today I'll be in a bit late.
Yes.
Please tell Han Sang Gung.
Look at his cell phone.
Is he royalty?
It seems like it, he looks really familiar.
Could it be Lee Hoo Gong-ja?
Maybe, go over and see!
You’re Lee Hoo Gong-ja, right?
See? I told you that crowded places are risky.
It's uncomfortable for you, isn't it? I’m sorry.
It’s okay.
Just wait a little bit.
Don’t look elsewhere, just follow me.
No matter what anyone else says,
Promise me that you'll never run away.
Don’t ever let go of my hand.
They weren’t able to find out anything in Africa.
The more I think of it, the more of a pity it seems.
In Europe there was a press conference,
But I'm sure they were able to meet in Africa.
There must’ve been a lot going on.
Are they avoiding suspicion, or have they broken up?
That isn't it.
The greater the obstacle, the deeper the affection.
I have already reminded Yoo Sang Gung to heighten her vigilance,
And to not let even the smallest thing by.
Is that so?
Then let’s wait and see. Wait a while longer.
We must hurry, Pye-ha.
I’ll be out right away.
It’s in the red file, I put it on the desk.
Give it to him, and try to get his reply if possible.
In thirty minutes the Sang Gung and the Palace maid will change shifts.
The room will be empty for about 10 minutes.
Be careful not to be seen by anyone.
I understand, Pye-ha. Don’t worry.
You’ve done well.
I’m sorry for the trouble.
It’s okay, Professor.
Right now the situation does not feel safe.
During this time you must avoid meeting or exchanging phone calls.
The same with correspondence. It must be forwarded through me.
I will do so.
Pye-ha has asked for your reply, if possible.
Is that possible?
Yes, please allow me a moment.
I will have it ready immediately.
We have taken pictures together in Africa without anyone noticing us.
She would love to see those pictures.
I will have them with the letter.
Professor,
Thank you for the gift you gave me through Pye-ha.
You mean the bell of luck?
Which room was it?
He must be waiting for us.
What's wrong?
That's…
It’s Internal Manager!
Hand over your bag.
If you obey, I’ll spare your life.
No, no!
Who are you?
Shove off!
Internal Manager, hurry!
No! No!
Stop!
Kang Hoo!
No!
Stop!
It was all my fault that things ended up like this.
I’m sorry, Pye-ha.
No, Internal Manager.
It’s just good that you’re safe.
It’s my fault. I should’ve asked the director to go with you.
Director.
Yes, Pye-ha.
Investigate and find out who dared assault the Royal Court’s Internal Manager.
Yes, I will investigate immediately.
There was a familiar person among those who assaulted Internal Manager.
Do you recognize the woman who is always following behind Hyo-jang Dae-gong?
Actually, last time with the paparazzi, I saw her near the scene.
Is this true?
Yes.
So Hyo-jang Dae-gong really is toying with me.
Director, arrest that woman immediately!
Yes, Pye-ha.
With your skills, you were unable to steal one letter from the Internal Manager?
I didn't expect Young Sung Gong to show up there.
I'm sorry.
Have you found out who took the letter?
I have not yet found out.
Who was it that knew our plan and got a step ahead?
If the letter had been taken in Pye-ha's chambers, nothing like this would've happened.
In any case, your face has been recognized.
For now, don't move. Go into hiding.
The Internal Manager...
Yeo-wang's contact person is the Internal Manager.
I have a message from the Queen.
A confidential letter written by Pye-ha addressed for Helvetia's Royal Court went missing last night.
What is the meaning of that?
Who would dare steal the Queen's confidential letters?
No, we must see the Queen immediately.
The Investigation Committee is still looking into it. They will get to the bottom of this as quickly as possible.
Do not be too worried.
Pye-ha, this is not a simple case of theft.
From what I see, it was an internal action within the Court.
Yes, Dae-gong, you're right.
Without the direction of an internal department, who would dare enter the Queen's chambers,
and steal the Queen's correspondence?
Hyo-jang Dae-gong, what do you think?
This is what I think.
The two Gong-ja's fifth competition is in courage.
How about letting them be responsible for the investigation of this case?
Do you mean to evaluate their courage through the investigation?
Exactly, Hwang Tae-hu.
The two Gong-ja are the heirs to the throne.
So we cannot use material methods to easily test their courage.
So how about using this way of examining their courage?
It will allow them to experience the impact of threatening Pye-ha's danger, so they will heighten their vigilance,
On the other hand, it can also exhibit the Court's principle of seeking truth and justice.
Let the two Gong-jas realize who is threatening the power of the Royal Court.
It seems like a great suggestion.
Dae-gong, what do you think?
I express my support.
How about we set a period for them and let them undertake the investigation?
I understand, we'll do as such.
This competition in courage is to find the criminal who stole the letter.
Through this match, what needs to be tested is
The courage to persevere and seek the truth.
Your period for investigation is three days.
In the allotted time, do your best.
For me to interfere in a matter like this...
I know that asking this of a study partner is excessive.
But you're better than me in your understanding of the internal workings of the Palace.
And you are the only person who can freely enter and exit my residence.
So that's why I'm asking you.
I understand, Moon Sung Gong.
Thank you.
There's something I want to ask you.
Usually, what do the Palace maids do in the Palace when they're not working?
Can they walk around freely in the Palace?
The regulations in every building are different.
But in the Queen's Tae An Palace, loitering after work hours is prohibited.
After all, it's Pye-ha's residence.
I've seen the residence records.
There's something very suspicious.
In the Tae An Palace, loitering after work hours is prohibited.
Why were you still there after work?
Actually, it was because I couldn't get off work.
Because that morning, I'd lost my identification tag,
So it was impossible for me to record getting off work.
It's a stretch to believe that you couldn't leave because of that.
If I lose my tag, they'll take off points.
What did you stay in Tae An Palace to do?
I was looking everywhere for my tag.
Is that so?
You really didn't record getting off your shift.
When I was looking for my tag, I saw someone else come out from the office.
Who was it?
It was the Internal Manager.
The Internal Manager?
Currently, Internal Manager is the greatest suspect.
So I'd like to ask you some questions.
On the night that Pye-ha's letter went missing, did you enter the office in the Tae An Palace?
Yes, Mama.
That night, the Palace exit log records that after the incident occurred,
At around 8, you left the Palace and returned very late that night.
Based on the situation, it could be inferred that Internal Manager took the letter out of the Palace.
I really did leave the Palace at that time,
But I definitely didn't steal the letter.
Then when you obviously knew that Pye-ha was attending an outside function,
Why did you enter the office?
And tell me who you met with outside the Palace.
Why aren't you answering?
I cannot answer.
Okay.
That night, after Pye-ha left the Palace, you were the only person to enter that office.
And there is even also a witness who saw you leave the office carrying a file.
You admit that you entered the office, but did not take out a file, correct?
Why did you enter the office, and what did you take out?
Why can't you answer?
Attendant Ji.
Yes, Gong-ja.
Until this investigation ends, have the guards watch her every move.
I understand.
Wait, making the guards observe her is a bit too extreme.
Right now, Internal Manager is the greatest suspect.
Personally, I'd like to help her.
But I can only follow the regulations of the investigation.
Moon Sung Gong is right, Young Sung Gong.
Please stand up.
You want to help Moon Sung Gong?
Whose side are you on this time?
Frankly, I don't know either.
But wait, do you have money?
This suits my complexion the best.
Don't worry. Palace maid Kim returned the money I lent her, even including interest.
That Palace maid with all the debts?
Don't remind me. Almost every palace maid has lent her money before.
Everyone talks about it. She's just a palace maid but she's always buying designer brands,
and racked up credit card debt. To repay that, she's always borrowing money from people.
So how did she repay her debt?
I don't know either! I almost couldn't get it back.
Hey, isn't that Palace maid Kim?
She has rather good taste.
But, how does someone who always borrows money afford to buy so much make-up?
Where'd she get money so suddenly?
I was going to visit you. Are you going somewhere?
I am going to the princes' quarters.
Congratulations, Mama.
Congratulations? Is there anything worth congratulating?
Now that the competition is practically over, I'm sure you feel much more at ease.
Who said it has ended?
Now that Moon Sung Gong has won the last round,
isn't that equivalent to the end of the competition?
Is there any need to continue the challenges?
Dae Bu-In, the investigations have not yet ended.
I worry that a decision made by a small figure will cause worse trouble.
The results will be out soon.
Is there a special reason for your visit here?
I heard you normally come to visit Gong-ja at this hour, so I specially came down.
I am honored, Mama.
Let's have a seat.
I was about your age when I first entered the Palace.
In the bloom of youth, I entered an unfamiliar place and experienced a lot.
The Palace is a place countless women pass through.
But the only woman who can live in the Palace all her life is the Queen. Do you know that?
Yes, I know.
Once the decision is made, it changes to determination, then reality.
Yes, have you made a pledge with your father?
Yes, Mama.
What do you think? Will you walk along the same path together with the prince?
If I'm able to, I'd like to devote my life to Young Sung Gong and help him.
But, I'm afraid that my feelings will be a burden to Young Sung Gong.
How could that be? Aren't the both of you very close?
That is impossible.
Internal Manager is the mother figure for all the Palace maids here.
You won't be able to carry out the investigation if you are too emotional.
Palace maid Kim doesn't have a good reputation in the Palace.
Do you believe what Palace maid Kim said?
Everything is against Internal Manager.
There is no reason not to believe her.
I heard from the Investigation Officer.
When Young Sung Gong questioned her, she said she didn't know anything.
Both of you all carried out the same questioning. Don't you find it strange that her words differed?
Guys get jealous, you know. Take breaks now and then.
And skip it once in a while.
I heard about Internal Manager. What to do?
What can we do? We have to find out the truth.
That... I think there's something weird about Palace maid Kim.
Young Nam said that Palace maid Kim owed a lot of debts.
But lately, her debts were cleared, and she's spending like crazy.
Is the reason you're only saying this to me really because of that reason?
Yes, Mama.
There are many Palace maids other than me who hope you will become Hwang Taeja.
That is why I am telling you this.
Joon.
Hello, Dae Bu-In Mama.
You may leave.
Yes.
I heard that everything has come to an end?
I knew that my son would succeed.
No matter how hard the Royal family tries now, the Hwang Taeja seat is yours.
You're not very concerned today.
About why I'm having tea with a palace maid, or who she is.
Why? Is she a palace maid I should worry about?
Yoo Sang Gung?
You must be careful to escape Joon's notice.
[Hyo-jang Dae Bu-In]
Like you said, it if wasn't the Internal Manager, the witness must have given false testimony.
False testimony?
Of course. If there's no evidence, and the witness lies, it's easily covered up.
Have you checked the background reports of the witnesses?
Detailed background?
Even though they are palace maids, they should have one too.
This incident is so interesting.
Unsolvable mystery in the night...
You guys are too cute.
Hey! Where are you going?
What you wanted me to check on requires the approval of the finance supervisor,
so it cannot be sent tomorrow, but probably the day after.
Is that so?
That won't do.
[Witness questioning records]
[Palace maid Kim Mi Na background report]
I know about it all.
Framing Internal Manager...it's all your doing, right?
Not bad. You've found out so soon.
Yes, so what you intend to do?
So was this competition... all planned by you, too?
I have become your puppet.
I'll tell the truth once I get back.
Her name is Yang Soon-yi, right?
There is no reason I can't accept her.
If you were to become Hwang Taeja...
Do you know what authority is?
Authority means having the power to do what you want.
Everyone wants to have control, which is why everyone fights so hard to gain authority.
As long as men have power, women will follow.
So you mean I should ignore what's happening to the Internal Manager?
Haven't you tried that before?
As long as you shut up, things become very smooth.
One action by you this time, and the arrows will start pointing at your mother and me.
Think about it carefully.
I have made you suffer so much.
No, not at all.
You must be strong.
Pye-ha, you are a parent to this country.
Internal Manager.
For you, I'm willing to suffer much more than this.
If it wasn't for you, I would have been a mere orphan,
Unable to experience Palace life, unable to receive adequate education.
Just for that alone, I am grateful.
Don't worry about me.
Pye-ha, today is the deadline for the Gong-jas to conclude their investigations.
Now we should hand over this case to the Court.
Alright, since that's the way it should be.
Pye-ha, there's something I need to ask from you.
Please give me one more day to investigate further.
Young Sung Gong, it is already uneasy enough, entrusting the investigation to both of you.
We cannot interrupt the Court any further.
There has only been testimony from one palace maid.
And we haven't discovered who was involved.
There has been no decisive evidence.
When one person is given up for the sake of others' reputation, I believe in the value of that person.
What I mean is, I believe that Internal Manager would not have done such a thing.
Can you prove Internal Manager's innocence within a day?
Yes, I just need one more day.
Queen, I feel that this requires Moon Sung Gong's approval.
Moon Sung Gong, what do you think?
A fair competition has to abide the rules.
I'm unable to accept Young Sung Gong's suggestion.
Ignoring the competition for Hwang Taeja, this is regarding a person's life.
If I'm unable to prove her innocence within a day...
I'll give up the rights for the rest of the challenges.
Mama, why did you do that for me?
Because I believe you are innocent.
Honestly, it is for myself too.
Through this incident, I understand why my mother pled guilty.
Like you, I realized that she could have pled guilty despite being innocent, in order to protect someone else.
My mother may have been in similar situation.
Of course, I don't think that's the right thing to do.
Even if it is to protect someone, to remain loyal, lying about the truth just won't do.
I will definitely find out the truth about you, and my mother.
Here is the information you wanted.
Thank you.
But how can you finish them all within a day?
I'll just have to do as much as I can.
And, your friends from the Academy are outside.
Please go on in.
Why did you all come?
What do you mean, why? What are friends for?
You're supposed to use us in times like these.
Whoa, a competition with so much information.
Alright! Let's try.
Thanks!
What changes can be made by dragging it out for another day?
Although I understand that he doesn't want to lose, but this is digging his own grave.
It's not because he's unwilling to lose to Moon Sung Gong.
Young Sung Gong believes that Internal Manager is innocent, so he wants to save her.
He's that kind of person.
Hey! Hey! What time did Palace maid Kim get off from work?
The time has come.
Did you find out anything?
Director, please bring the witness, Palace maid Kim, here.
And Hwang Tae-hu, please ask for the witness Yoo Sang Gung.
Sit in that chair, over there.
Please go on in.
Palace maid Kim, you said that you saw Internal Manager leaving Pye-ha's room that day. Didn't you?
Yes.
But Internal Manager said that she didn't see you.
How far away were you from her?
This far?
Yes.
According to your statement, you said the documents you saw her holding had that the Royal seal.
Can you see the Royal seal?
Yes, I can.
You said you can see it?
Your sight isn't too good.
This file bears no seal whatsoever.
And this is Palace maid Kim's background information.
Here it records, left-right vision, 0.4-0.3
But it seems it has worsened.
And that night when Pye-ha left, there were only dim lights around.
The room would have been much darker.
It's hard to believe that with Palace maid Kim's eyesight, she would be able to see the seal.
I have more evidence to prove Palace maid Kim is lying.
That night you finished your shift and wandered in the Palace. You said it was because you lost your name tag.
So, have you found it?
Yes.
That's good. Did you find it in the corridors of the reception hall?
Yes.
Then, when did you actually lose your identification card?
I don't quite remember.
Jin Il Sang Gung, who was on duty, said she didn't see you from 6 to 8 pm.
So you must have lost your card before 6 pm. Isn't that right?
Yes, that should be it.
But at 7:20 pm, in the entrance and exit logs for the Hwang Tae-hu's chambers, it records that you used your card to enter.
What is going on?
Were you lying about your identification card as well?
I heard you recently repaid the money you owed the other Palace maids.
It was over 1,000 manwon ($10,000). Where did you get so much money?
The Court will investigate about the source of the cash.
The evidence above proves that Palace maid Kim gave false testimony.
And she also framed Internal Manager, who has always been loyal and truthful.
Tell the truth!
Palace maid Kim, you were the one who stole Pye-ha's letters, weren't you?
Answer me!
I'm sorry.
Please forgive me. I was doing what I was told.
Yoo Sang Gung, please save me.
Yes, it's me. Yes?
Really?
I've got it.
It was a success. Young Sung Gong found the real culprit.
Really? Oh, God, thank you!
Internal Manager.
Were you waiting for me?
Thank you, Mama.
I caused plenty of trouble for you.
I'm just doing what I should.
You helped me once before. So now, we're even.
I still remember the first time you entered the Palace.
You've changed so much since then.
Who are you looking for?
Congratulations.
Thanks. But did you come to see me?
No. Study companion.
Yeah, right.
You can't stand not seeing me every day, right?
Who said so?
Palace maid Yang, come on in.
I said to enter. Do you think the Gong-ja is kidding?
If you dropped by, you should've come in. What were you doing outside?
If I didn't call you, were you just going to leave?
If only it was as simple as you said.
Why? Sae-ryung always goes to Moon Sung Gong's place.
Is that the same?
What's the difference? Isn't it the same?
Anyway, when I see you, I want to become simpler, and brave.
You're brave enough already. Like you were with Internal Manager's case.
You're really becoming like part of the Royal family.
I've experienced some troubles and pain.
Just like we first met, do you remember?
You were holding a tray...
Could it be...
Could it be?
Hello!
Gong-ja Mama is in, right?
Yes, he is.
Please go on.
Sae-ryung!
I'm sorry, Hwang Tae-hu Mama. I'll be leaving now.
How did I fall for you?
We'd always fight whenever we met.
Being with you like this... it's hard to believe.
Yang Soon, let's not hide it anymore, and follow our hearts.
Follow our hearts?
Can we do that?
How about we settle the engagement of Young Sung Gong and Sae-ryung?
Young Sung Gong and I have feelings for each other.
Both of you have to pay for destroying the life of others!
Is it because you've become life's Iron Wheel that you're punishing me?
What are you all Both Gong-jas falling for one palace maid.
Until you die, you have be my son!
Let's just be good friends.
I've fallen for someone for the first time. How can I give up?