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[Garedogam: Wedding department in charge of the king's wedding]
[Episode 21]
[Kyomyeong: Royal order to appoint a consort or a crown prince]
Do as you wish.
Is the queen's palace preparing for the ceremony
without trouble?
These are small gifts from the crown prince's palace.
Are you nervous?
Everything is unfamiliar to me.
They will support you
[Chinyoungrye: A ceremony where the king goes to the queen's palace to greet her]
to finish *Chinyoungrye well.
[Royal Bureau of Painting]
[A day before Chinyoungrye]
Chinyoungrye will be held in tomorrow.
There can be no breach of security.
Let's begin.
We, Myeong Sa, will attack the royal carriage
on its way back to the palace
after the ceremony to assassinate the king.
The royal carriage will be attended by 1,188 people.
and 391 horses will be used in the royal procession.
The escort
will consist of a front and rear guard.
A hundred excellent marksmen will be assigned to each.
This is a copy of the ceremony plans
we obtained by bribing a painter.
The escort will be about 400 people.
Marksmen will be concentrated on the front and rear guards.
How many people will be escorting the king closely?
Look here.
The Chief Royal Guard will be assigned
to the front of the carriage.
Before and after the royal carriage,
there will be *Kajeon and Kahoo armed with swords.
[*Kajeon and Kahoo: Guards for the front and rear of the royal carriage]
There will be marksmen
assigned to both sides, led by *Chokwan.
[*Chokwan: A military officer who leads a unit of 100 soldiers]
What route will the royal procession take?
Usually, the royal procession departs
from the queen's palace.
It will take the main street
and arrive via Donhwa Gate.
The moment the carriage arrives
at Donhwa Gate after taking the main street...
We'll have
just one chance to assassinate the king.
We should confirm if the royal carriage
will pass through Donhwa Gate.
Send a message to the palace.
Yes, master.
The royal carriage will depart
from the queen's palace and return through Donhwa Gate.
If *Dongraeyeon will be held in *Tongmyeong Palace,
[*Dongraeyeon: Part of the royal wedding ceremony]
isn't it reasonable for the return route to be
[Tongmyeong Palace: Palace for the queen dowager]
through Myeongjeong Gate?
Our citizens have high expectations for this procession.
If it the route we choose it too short,
they will be disappointed.
Your answer is reasonable.
I'd like you all to take defensive measures
to prevent any security breaches.
Yes, Your Highness.
After *Kantaek was decided,
[*Kantaek: Selecting a consort for a king, crown prince or princess]
His Majesty has stopped visiting Royal Noble Consort Moon,
and now his highness is diligently and elaborately
working on his father's ceremony and security.
What do you think it means?
His Majesty has no will to abandon the crown prince?
Yes.
This royal marriage is a desperate attempt of the king to break
the Old Learning Faction's will to depose the crown prince?
We shall know for sure after we see how he treats the new queen,
but it's very likely.
Good.
Look.
Throw it higher.
I failed.
Are you distracted, grandfather?
Am I distracted?
Why do you think so?
*Tuho is a game that you can play well
[*Tuho: Traditional Korean game]
if you concentrate on it.
That's right. You're right.
There are some people who are bothering me so much
that I just can't concentrate.
Who are they?
What would you do if you knew?
I have an idea to scold them.
You have an idea?
What is it?
Father!
You're playing Tuho again today.
Yes.
He comes to me everyday to bring me out to here.
I'm proud of you.
You're the one
who's taking the best care of his health.
By the way, father,
I would like to ask you a favor.
It seems that there are bad people
who are troubling grandfather very much.
Can you scold them for him, father?
Bad people?
I need you to scold them for sure
so grandfather can be healthier.
Of course.
I'll work on it.
I heard that you are working
on my ceremony and its security personally.
You must be busy with your other government affairs.
I am worried that I've made you work too hard
on such a thing.
Don't say that, father.
Your marriage...
I know
why you decided to do it.
I'm sorry.
Don't be sorry.
Just as I try to protect my son,
you
only need to think
about how to protect your son.
Then you'll have a clear answer
about how you should behave from now on.
Slowly.
Good.
San.
Like this.
Do it like grandfather. I told you to throw it high.
What a touching scene.
I think
it's time to find a trump card
to take down the crown prince.
I need you to keep a closer eye on the prince's palace.
Monitor him thoroughly, understand?
Yes, Minister of Defense.
Find the route of the procession on the day of the ceremony.
[Court Lady Choi's place]
Have you made a final check on the preparations?
Yes, of course, Your Highness.
Find the route of the procession on the day of the ceremony.
What are you doing?
What are you doing in here?
What? You are...
How could she be in the palace?
Why?
Are you truly asking me because you don't know?
Regardless
of how worried you were over her safety...
How could you...
You don't know the felonious Old Learning Faction
is on high alert for any chance to take you down?
This isn't the time to discuss it.
The map marking the route of the royal procession...
What is your reason for making a copy of it?
Did Na Chul Joo order you?
Na Chul Joo?
Even Na Chul Joo is back in the city too?
How could you know...
It's a long story,
but above all else,
this is not the time to discuss it.
I'm sorry,
but you won't be leaving here tonight.
What will you gain by meeting him in person?
The route of the procession...
If he wanted a map of that route,
the reason is...
I'm sure that I heard something.
Call the guards to look around.
Yes, Your Highness.
The map with the route of the royal procession?
What would be the reason
for wanting to know the route
of the royal procession?
Are you saying this is an assassination attempt?
It's highly possible.
If the crown prince said that he'll meet the subject person directly,
we can only assume that he knows who the assassin is.
I've ordered my subordinates to follow him,
so we will have an answer soon.
Oh ho! Things are getting interesting now.
If we're lucky,
the father's wedding anniversary will also be the anniversary of his son's death.
So?
How did it go?
I couldn't find anyone spying on us.
That's good.
I'll be back quickly after I meet him.
No, Your Highness.
If he wanted that map,
the worst case scenario
is that he's planning the king's assassination.
You can't meet such a dangerous man alone.
No way.
We should call armed men to arrest him immediately.
I can't do that.
Your Highness.
Still...
I still have time to stop him.
Your Highness.
You know why they became a traitor.
In 1755, the only thing they wanted was the truth,
but the truth was buried and they
were all accused of treason instead.
That is how this happened.
I understand their fury,
but this is...
That's why
I want to persuade them this time.
If they refuse to give in even after I try to persuade them...
At that time,
you can arrest them all
on charges of treason.
One hour.
I will give you one hour.
If you have not returned within an hour,
I will send troops after them.
To prepare for the worst,
change the route of the procession
from Donhwa Gate to Myeongjeong Gate.
Yes, Your Highness.
Change the route of the royal procession?
What is the reason?
His Highness said it would be a more effective route
since Dongraeyeon will be held in Changkyeong Palace.
Isn't this because he's suspicious of an assassination plot?
What do you mean?
I think
we should go see His Majesty immediately.
What do you think?
Assassination plot?
What do you mean by that?
The Royal Secretary will explain.
Royal Secretary.
What does the Minister of Defense mean?
What are you hesitating? Answer me quickly.
Someone infiltrated the crown prince's palace
and has seen the plans for the ceremony,
including the map of the procession.
Who was it that infiltrated the palace?
I do not know.
Lying in front of His Majesty
may endanger your life.
Do you know the person
who infiltrated to the palace?
Answer me.
I do not, Your Majesty.
If not, then who has His Highness gone out to meet?
What are you saying now?
Are you saying that the crown prince isn't in his palace now?
Yes, Your Majesty.
Where did he go?
As His Highness was very suspicious of foul play,
he went out himself to inspect
security measures to prevent any attempts on your life.
Why did the crown prince go himself?
It will be confirmed soon.
Whether His Highness went out to remove the danger of an assassination
or
whether he had a different purpose,
we will know soon.
Where is the crown prince now?
It is as I answered you.
If so,
then Hong Gye Hee's remark about a different purpose...
What does it mean?
Hong Gye Hee isn't someone
who would feed me groundless speculation.
I think you know that well too.
Tell me honestly.
If your answer is revealed to be a lie,
I can't protect the crown prince anymore.
Do you still have nothing to tell me?
No, Your Majesty.
Everyone else, follow me!
Let's go!
Well?
Over there!
This way!
What's the matter?
Why are you following me?
You lost him?
Where did the crown prince disappear to?
These weapons...
The swords and arrows...
What are they for?
My father...
The king of our nation of Joseon...
Are these to assassinate him?
Pretend that you saw nothing.
No.
Release the string.
Your Highness.
You have to kill me first
to achieve your goal,
so release the string right now!
Why do you need these?
Have I failed to earn your trust?
This is not an act of distrust.
It is the result of confidence.
We believe in you, Your Highness.
We have confidence
that we can live in a better world when you become king.
I told you to wait.
I told you to work together and wait for the right time.
- Did I not make myself clear? - That's...
You can say such a thing because of you position, Your Highness.
You are the crown prince
who lives in a warm, safe palace in your silk clothes.
That's how you can tell us to wait
and have such a peaceful, selfish thought.
Waiting...
Do you know waiting means to us?
It means constant fear of death because we could be caught any time.
We've had to leave our homes
and wander aimlessly from place to place like rootless trees.
Waiting means cold and hunger.
It's like living every day of our lives without any hope.
Do you understand?
Why must we bear that while we wait for you?
We've done nothing wrong.
Why are you forcing us to bear it?
If I gain the crown by killing my father,
I will be no different than him.
If my father's throne was built on your tears of blood,
my throne will be built
on your opponent's tears of blood.
Do you think that my crown
should cost the blood and tears of my people?
Is that the king you want to have?
I know this is hard.
I fully understand your compassion
for those in circumstances similar to yours,
but I will tell you again
that this is not a solution.
Give up on your plan and leave the city immediately.
After you leave,
you should never come back to the city until I allow it.
But...
Your assassination conspiracy...
It's already been exposed.
I stopped my retainers from sending troops here immediately
and came to persuade you in person.
They have only given me an hour.
If you have not left the city within that time,
you, your people and even Ji Dam...
None of you will be able to avoid death.
What do you want?
At the very least,
you don't want this to be a meaningless sacrifice,
do you?
I have received word
of an assassination plot against the king during tomorrow's ceremony.
Search every private house in the neighborhood
to find the suspect.
Do you understand?
- Yes, sir! - Yes, sir!
Who is it?
Search the place!
- Yes, sir! - Yes, sir!
Open the door!
Open it right now!
Open the door!
What happened?
This place is suspicious.
Open the door quickly!
Break the door down!
Yes, sir!
Darn it.
How did it go?
There is no one here.
What place is this?
Na Do Joo's merchant clan owns it.
They're from the *Kwanseo area and this is their city branch.
[*Kwanseo: Northwestern part of the Korean peninsula]
Then where are they now?
The neighbors said that it has been empty for a few days.
How long have they been gone?
No.
I'm sure this place was occupied until recently.
Na Do Joo's merchant clan from the Kwanseo area...
I think they are suspicious.
They couldn't have gotten far.
Find them!
- Yes, sir! - Yes, sir!
What bring you to the market street at this hour, Your Highness?
I came to personally see to our security details.
Alone, Your Highness?
I thought it was better to move alone
to find any suspicious movement.
Is there something wrong with that?
What about you?
Why are you here, Minister of Defense?
That's...
The same reason as you, Your Highness.
You may keep working, minister.
If you find out anything suspicious,
report to me immediately.
Yes, Your Highness.
I will.
You went out to the market street
to investigate our security yourself?
I told His Majesty.
From now on,
do not do this kind of work alone.
It could arouse suspicion in the retainers.
I will keep that in mind,
father.
Na Do Joo left the merchant clan temporarily
to hide from the troops.
Don't do it again.
Don't ever do such a reckless thing again.
No matter how dissatisfied you are with the prince,
you should not forget your duty as a retainer.
A retainer is meant to serve his master,
not to watch over him.
But Your Majesty...
If you have grounds to criticize him,
I won't stop you,
but do not start intrigue with the prince
without any evidence.
If it happens again,
your life will be in danger.
Why aren't you answering me?
Yes, Your Majesty.
I will take your order sincerely.
Would Hong Gye Hee tell me the truth?
Or...
Would Chae Je Gong tell me the truth?
Who is it that
the crown prince tried to protect?
Would it be me?
Or...
Would it be who tried to harm me?
Your Majesty.
What happened?
I received confirmation that
Na Chul Joo and his people crossed the Imjin River.
Are you positive?
Yes, Your Highness.
And the royal carriage?
After the procession, the king arrived at Tongmyeong Palace
and is currently having Dongraeyeon.
The mind.
The deepest thing in the world
is a person's mind.
That's what the Queen Consort said, isn't it?
Yes.
She must have
great sorrow in her own mind.
That is why she said
that the deepest thing
is a person's mind.
She is someone
I should sympathize with.
It's a king's duty
to share her sorrow
and wipe away her tears,
yet...
I have only added more sorrow for her.
Indeed,
I am a sinner.
You have no obligation
as my consort.
You only need to enjoy your privilege as Queen Consort.
I hope that
the rich and peaceful life provided to you
is of some comfort to you.
Where are you going in a hurry?
Since there is a new Queen Consort in the palace,
I'm very busy taking care of things.
I will never forget it.
I'm well aware of the reason
I lost the opportunity to become Queen Consort
is only because of you,
crown princess.
What an absurd speculation.
I will make sure to pay back
this kindness to you someday.
Since you've called it kindness, I cannot refuse.
I'll look forward to it.
Chief State Councillor!
What...
What brings you to my humble place?
I simply came to congratulate you.
Really?
Unload the presents over there.
Yes, councillor.
This is too much.
Compared to my favor for you,
this is nothing.
Oh?
We, the Old Learning Faction,
have remained loyal to His Majesty for the last thirty years.
We also consider ourselves loyal to the future prince
of Queen Consort now.
You should form an alliance with us
to make the future prince is the next king.
Why are you sighing?
Do you not like the Old Learning Faction's suggestion?
That is not it.
Then what?
His Majesty...
He seems to be neglecting Her Majesty.
That's why I am worried.
"You have no obligation as my consort."
"You only need to enjoy your privilege as queen."
After His Majesty offered this as consolation,
he hasn't visited the queen's palace often.
I do not think the king wishes to have any more children.
Really, I mean I don't think he's considering a new heir at all.
We
expected that somewhat.
Then will you allow it?
What brings you to the crown princess' palace,
Royal Secretary?
Seo Ji Dam...
Bing Ae.
Court Lady Bing Ae.
That's how you should address her.
So she has been revealed to you now?
I want to find a way for her to leave the palace immediately.
No way.
Your Highness.
Because of the new Queen Consort
and the incident over the national exam,
both the Old Learning Faction
and Royal Noble Consort Moon are watching.
Under these circumstances,
I can't simply make her disappear suddenly.
Even she has aroused their suspicion.
Why can't you see that her disappearance
would only exacerbate that?
I'll take care of Bing Ae's problem no matter what.
I just need you to guide
the crown prince well, Royal Secretary.
I hope that he won't make any more reckless moves
that may threaten his crown.
Did you order me to be *Seonjeonkwan?
[*Seonjeonkwan: A military officer]
[in charge of delivering the king's orders]
It is the only way for you to go
between Kwanseo and the palace without suspicion.
I need someone to supervise Na Chul Joo instead of me
to keep him from making another reckless move.
If not, the Sojae I established in Kwanseo
will end in futility.
What are you talking about, Your Highness?
I was waiting for you.
What is in Kwanseo?
And what is Seojae?
I called you in to explain exactly that.
Seojae is
an academy for the people
who can't take the exam to gather to study?
Don't you think that it's too dangerous?
I'm trying to run it
without it making any noise.
Do you know how worried His Majesty is about you?
Even though he cannot ease his doubts of you,
he is desperate to protect you, Your Highness.
Do you think that I don't know that?
If so, how could you...
I am not trying to stand against my father.
In the next five to ten years,
I want to slowly accumulate progress.
You told me that you opposed my idea to provide
equal opportunity to commoners,
but you said you would be my disputant over it.
An endless war of words is meaningless.
I need to establish this academy
to recruit and foster talented men
regardless of their social status,
so that I can have solid proof that these men are qualified
to work for the nation.
I need that evidence
to end this war of only words.
I'll look for a noble scholar
who can foster these people and verify their qualifications.
Do you think that's possible?
If I do nothing,
I won't even be able to guess
whether it's possible or not.
Above all else, I have to at least try
if I want to ask those who have been treated unfairly
to wait for the right time.
You mean you want to dispatch
Seonjeonkwan to Kwanseo, Your Highness?
There have been reports of frequent trouble
at the border between Uiju and the Amnok River.
*Hushi trade.
It's caused by smuggling between China and Joseon.
I do not want it to create a diplomatic problem again.
That is why I want to monitor the local situation carefully
and set up a prompt reporting system.
Then who would you like to assign as Seonjeonkwan?
I'm considering Min Woo Seob.
What do you think, Minister of Defense?
Yes, Your Highness.
Do as you wish.
Both Hong Gye Hee and the
Old Learning Faction are suspicious of me.
You must move quietly without any mistakes.
Yes, Your Highness.
Kwanseo...
The crown prince sent his closest attendant to Kwanseo.
Something
about this is fishy.
Fishy?
The night we were alerted to the assassination
and Merchant Na Do Joo's clan left the city in a hurry,
I heard their base was in the Kwanseo area.
Are you suggesting that the crown prince
is related to them somehow?
We should
investigate them first.
I need you to leave for Kwanseo in a few days.
Go there
and research Merchant Na Do Joo's clan.
Their base is in Kwanseo.
Yes, councillor.
[Academy in Anjoo Seosambong of the Kwanseo area]
Are you...
the second son of Song Taek Soo
who died in the events of 1755?
Yes, I am.
I've been waiting for you.
I'm Lee Dal Seong.
Please come this way.
How many months it has been?
How long will you just work for the academy?
Is living like this difficult?
We shouldn't have given up the assassination.
No matter how strongly the crown prince opposed it,
we should have pushed forward.
We
chose the crown prince as our pivot.
You know that
we have no better choice than him even now.
- But... - Moreover,
his will to gain the crown without any bloodshed...
I understand his wish perfectly.
I understand.
I understand too,
but it's absurd to think that he can improve the world
by persuading the king and the Old Learning Faction.
Our people are complaining too.
They are eager to start a rebellion.
If we start it externally
and the crown prince can *Naeeung with his people in the military from inside,
we have a chance of success.
[*Naeeung: Secret communication with an enemy]
- Wait. - Master.
This is the crown prince's decision to make.
His Highness
will realize it one day.
One day, he will realize
that he can't avoid using a sword,
no matter how it pains him.
He will
make his decision then.
As long as we've chosen him as our pivot,
we have to wait for him now.
Ah...
You're here.
Were you looking for me?
Yes.
Have a seat here.
You're reading a law book.
This is *Sokdaejeon.
[*Sokdaejeon: Amended code after the first code of Joseon, Kyoungkookdaejeon]
It has been 200 years since Kyoungkookdaejeon was compiled.
This is the amended code after revising the original code
that was old and unreasonable.
I know that you have tried
[*Anseulhyeong: Putting something heavy in a criminal's lap and pressing down on it]
to discard brutal tortures like *Anseulhyeong
[*Jajahyeong: Tattooing the offense onto a criminal's face or arm]
and *Jajahyeong.
Yes.
Would you like to suggest any further amendments?
There's a regulation
that prohibits establishing jails except for in designated places,
but those in power often have jails
in their homes for private use.
I'd like to insert a detailed provision for this regulation
to strictly prohibit that.
This is what it works.
This is how you do it.
I will hand over to you
the achievements I've accumulated.
You will take those for yourself,
compensate their defects and develop them further.
With those achievements,
this crown will succeed
from me to you and then from you to your son, San, beautifully.
That is
my last wish.
Please make an effort to make my wish come true.
Can you?
I will
endeavor to do so sincerely.
Were you looking for me, Your Majesty?
Isn't it lovely to hear his reading?
He isn't even ten years old yet.
He has distinct literary ability.
Don't you think so?
Royal Secretary Chae Je Gong.
Yes, Your Majesty.
San...
If I strengthen his position,
what would it mean
to the crown prince?
A while ago,
I had a conversation with the crown prince.
Whenever we talk,
he always tell me that he will try,
but I simply cannot
trust him.
Your Majesty.
If I appoint San as the crown prince descendant
and make the crown prince feel more responsible with his son
as the one to succeed him,
would he
become any different then?
By then,
he should make more prudent decisions.
What do you think?
Don't you think so?
Maybe.
However,
if you appoint his son
as the crown prince descendant immediately,
the Old Learning Faction will strongly oppose your will.
If I hadn't know that,
I wouldn't have called you.
Take your time
and find a way.
Yes, Your Majesty.
So...
Did you find anything?
I've searched thoroughly around Pyeongyang and Uiju,
but Merchant Na's clan is not there.
They aren't?
No, councillor.
Okay.
Thank you.
Were we wrong about it?
No.
I'm even more sure now.
What do you mean?
Merchant Na's clan...
I'm sure they are dangerous people.
I'm sure that they're hiding somewhere in Kwanseo
in close contact with the crown prince.
On what grounds do you have such a suspicion?
If not,
there would be no reason for Min Woo Seob to visit there so often.
Did you have a safe trip?
How is the academy?
I have returned with a welcomed guest this time.
You look good.
It is because I am able to study.
I am studying as much as I like.
I'll send you my books little by little from now on.
By the way, Your Highness,
after we established the academy,
we have studied the Confucian classics
and books from China.
All that we need now
is someone to lead us.
A teacher to lead the Seojae academy in Kwanseo...
It has been several months
since a Queen Consort was selected.
I think it's time, minister.
Do you mean appointing the crown prince descendant?
I will get an agreement from the
Young Learning Faction and other retainers.
I also have a request for you.
A request?
What is it?
It's about the crown prince.
What is this?
These are the details of the prince's *Naetangkeum spending.
[*Naetangkeum: The king's private assets]
What do the king's assets have to do with this?
Look at the dates here.
Whenever Min Woo Seob went to Kwanseo,
a lump sum of money was spent.
Where was he using
all that money?
In Kwanseo?
Did you ask me
to go to Kwanseo?
Go there
to administer the rebellious Seojae you established?
Yes, I did.
Even though I resigned due over the national exam incident,
I am Old Learning Faction to the bone.
I have been with the Old Learning Faction for half of my life.
I could expose this secret
to the Old Learning Faction immediately.
If we can trace the use of this money,
we could expose all of the prince's misdeeds.
Are you not afraid of that?
I am.
[Preview]
The crown prince descendant comes first.
Do you think that the Young Learning Faction
can dominate the government again
if you support the crown prince?
The crown prince's palace has taken out more Naetangkeum?
You're looking for a way to fight the crown prince?
I think we've caught a big fish.
Wait. What are you doing?
Arrest him immediately.
I'm not confident.
I'm not confident enough to oppose my father
or anything else.
That's why I'm not qualified.