[Episode 43]
Welcome.
Doctor Baek.
Well, what is it?
Go on.
You disappeared. Why come to see me first?
Lord Kang Dojun. Kang Dojun.
My real father.
Baek Sukgu. Baek Sukgu.
The man who reared me as his own.
And then there was my mentor, Lord Ko.
The man responsible for their deaths...
...is your father, Yi Myonghwan.
Now I'm going to make him pay.
With this.
Make my father pay?
For what he did in the past?
Yes.
- Jinyong. - Ma'am.
You're here about Doctor Baek.
They haven't seen him at home, so...
Try not to worry. He'll be back.
Pardon?
Do you know where he is?
I see.
I thought this day would come.
Sooner than this, actually.
But why tell me?
You want revenge on my father.
What made you tell me?
Well?
I need your help.
What?
The only ones that know my past other than your father are Nurse Jang and you.
And you are the Inspector General.
I will need your help to do this.
Have you lost your senses?
Yi Myonghwan is my father.
Whatever he's done. My father.
You want my help?
To destroy my own father?
Well?
Yes. And I think you will.
Doctor Baek.
To save your father's life, I think you will.
Otherwise he will die.
Yes, if I had my way, he would pay the full price for his crimes.
But that would cost him his life.
Which would hurt Jinyong.
He's a father to her.
I would spare her that pain.
And I would spare her the secret of her birth.
So please help me.
To make your father confess...
...to save his life...
...and to spare Jinyong any pain.
Her Majesty sent for me.
One moment.
Her Highness is with her.
I said no more of this.
Please, Your Majesty.
If you relent, the King will rescind Doctor Baek's dismissal.
I have never liked him.
A filthy veterinarian practicing medicine?
I knew something like this would happen.
Like this?
Saving my life is "something like this"?
What did I say?
He disgraced the royal house.
Your Highness, it's not true, Doctor Baek would never...
Doctor Baek, Doctor Baek!
How long are you going to take his side?
- Your Majesty. - Sukhwi.
Your Majesty.
Your Majesty
Lord Yi has arrived.
- Send him in. - Your Majesty.
- You can go. - But Your Majesty...
When...
When will you come to your senses?
Princess.
Princess, Her Majesty isn't herself.
She's been ill. Just give it time.
Quite so, Your Highness.
Try not to worry.
You seem frustrated and upset.
It's not good for you.
Why shouldn't I be?
That Sukhwi just keeps making me worse.
Why she protects that horse quack...
Surely she is not to blame.
If there's a problem, it's with Doctor Baek.
It was the same when he was an apprentice.
I thought it was because he showed exceptional talent.
But now she and the King take his side against you.
Which is why I don't trust him.
He spends too much time currying favor to suit me.
...ow...
Hang on, we'll treat you soon.
Shall I get wormwood leaves?
No, I'll get it.
You get things ready here.
Yes'm.
Huh? Where are my shoes?
Looking for something?
Kwanghyon.
What's going on?
Your shoes are right there.
Those aren't mine.
They aren't?
Sit.
Come on.
Foot.
But...
Well, they sure do fit, don't they.
Incredible.
Here.
Lovely.
First time here?
Mm. It's nice.
It is.
So, when did you buy these?
Those?
Quite a while ago. It was time.
You like?
Mm. But I can't wear them.
Why?
They're too pretty.
I'd forever worry about getting them dirty.
Why worry?
I'll just buy you new ones.
Every year.
Better yet, every season...
New shoes for you.
Really?
Really.
Just so long as you don't take any from your other admirers.
These are good enough.
All right, all right.
Where did you go? Not a word to anyone...
Ah, well, I had something to do.
What?
You've changed.
New shoes and such.
What is this about..?
You said you would go anywhere with me. Remember?
Will you now?
Then let's go.
I'll finish my business and we'll go.
Kwanghyon.
We'll go to some country village and open a little clinic.
A wooden bed.
And we'll look after the sick.
Hang on.
We'll need another room.
For the baby.
The baby?
Sure. Lots of babies.
We need the staff. For our clinic.
We'll teach them acupuncture.
You teach the boys.
I'll teach the girls.
Why do you teach the girls?
Well, I learned from you.
You can slap the boys around, keep them in line.
They'll all be in terror of their mom.
Come on. Pssh.
We'll leave together.
Find a place of our own.
Just us.
Doing the work that we love.
Just us.
You and me, together.
What do you want me to do?
Look into this anonymous letter.
A man was murdered many years ago.
If you're paralyzed the river won't seem cold at all.
Someone killed him with needles, not a knife.
I was there.
I saw it.
There he is. The traitor Baek Sukgu! Arrest him!
Father, why are the police after us?
I don't know. Let's go.
Why are they after me? Why me?
That was when I lost my foster father.
He was framed in an attempt to get to me.
Dad.
The murdered man was Yi Hyongik.
The order to arrest my father came from High Inquisitor at the time.
Viceroy Jong.
What?
But that was police business.
Why were the inquisitors involved?
I wondered the same thing. So I looked into the murdered man.
Surprisingly, he was a doctor.
The late Prince Sohyon's attending physician, the last to see him alive.
That was the case...
Exactly. The case that led to my real father's execution.
Your father Lord Yi was involved.
You nuts?
Over there.
- Get them. - Sir.
Time to go.
Just as Lord Yi was involved in the murder.
Then he and Viceroy Jong worked together to cover it up.
All right. You and me, we'll do it.
M-my lord...
It can't be true.
My father...
If it's not, then why was your father's man chasing me?
Why did Officer Kang want to ensure my death?
Pressure Lord Yi and the viceroy to bring this out.
- Then... - I need...
I need to speak with my father.
If it's true, I'll persuade him...
Persuade...
Do you think that's possible?
Lord Yi will never confess.
He'll try to worm his way out. Even if it means using Jinyong.
I realize how painful this must be.
But it must be done.
If you can't do it...
...I will.
I have Yi Hyongik's journal from before he died.
If I must, I'll tell everything that's in it.
There is one condition.
Say nothing about my father and the royal house.
Not Prince Sahyon.
Not the Princess.
If that comes out...
...he'll be executed.
It has to stay between us.
Please.
Jabong.
Chef.
Kwanghyon is back?
Where is he? Well, spit it out.
This way.
What? So it's all coming out?
Yes, master.
Kwanghyon, this is dangerous.
It's not just Lord Yi. It's the viceroy and who knows who else?
They won't leave this alone.
All the more reason.
They need to know they can't keep the truth hidden.
Suppose you get hurt?
Good point. They attacked the royal house. You're nothing.
It's all right. Don't worry.
Nothing will happen.
I told you already.
I'm not easy to hurt, not anymore.
Send for Doctor Jo.
My lord...
The viceroy sent for him. He's not in.
What? The viceroy?
Yes, my lord.
Why did the viceroy...
Lord Yi.
What is this?
Inspector General's office. Come with us.
So where is Choi Hyonguk now?
In a small cottage outside of town.
I know where.
Say nothing for now.
I'll let you know when.
My lord, my lord.
My lord.
What now?
Now isn't the time to stand around.
You're under indictment.
For abuse of power and conspiracy.
The Inspector General is looking for you.
What?
I'm the Chief Physician.
You insult me with some anonymous letter?
Your pardon, my lord.
But we must investigate as a matter of course.
I see. So what does this "anonymous letter" say?
It's about the death of a doctor.
It accuses you of being involved.
What?
You knew a Doctor Yi Hyongik?
Yi Hyongik?
You were close during the late King's reign.
You both worked at the pharmacy.
- Send this over. - My lord.
Songha!
Father.
I know. I instigated it.
You... Why...?
I'm the Inspector General.
When your name came up I had to act.
It's just a formality.
At least until we clear your name.
So let me ask you this.
Are you sure you weren't involved?
If you were, tell me now before...
Are you saying I was?
This is a conspiracy.
You suspect me based on some anonymous letter?
All right. The investigation will clear you.
Don't let it worry you.
Songha...
Do you...
I'm sorry, Father.
But I'm a little busy.
Songha.
Who is it?
Who knows...?
Look here.
Explain yourself.
How did you let this happen?
I'm as surprised as you.
It has to be stopped.
Your son is the Inspector General.
That would only look more suspicious.
What?
Don't worry.
No one else knows but us.
If we stay strong, we can keep this quiet.
There's no proof after all.
Who can it be?
He's aiming for both of us.
I'll ruin you.
Your crimes will come out...
...and you'll be ruined.
Ma'am, the hot springs?
Yes. It was decided the Princess needs it to restore her health.
She needs a nurse along.
And who better than you?
Doctor Baek.
How did it go?
Don't worry.
Jinyong will accompany Her Highness to the springs.
Did you have to go this far?
Jinyong will find out sooner or later.
No, she can't find out.
Lord Yi's crimes will come to light.
And then... then he will try to use Jinyong.
I won't have her hurt. No.
Absolutely not.
Welcome. This way. Come in.
But what's going to happen?
I can't sleep for worrying on it.
Who knows?
It'll be fine, we have to believe that...
That's not what I mean...
Hmph. I'm running myself ragged. What are you whispering about?
Oh, you know, the usual.
Uh-huh, gossipy old men.
You want some real news?
Huh?
One of our guests said Lord Yi and Viceroy Jong are under investigation.
Is that so?
- Well, well. - What do you know?
It just goes to show. The highest of the high, under investigation.
Am I right?
That you are. Well said.
What's going on? You're not surprised?
No, we are.
Of course, speechless even.
Right, right?
Right, I may upchuck, I'm so shocked.
Me, too... hwack...
Look at you. You haven't even eaten.
We're that surprised, huh?
Uh-huh, whew...
Listen to them.
What a shock.
What? Inquisitors?
Yes. In disguise, but definitely inquisitors.
That's not...!
Inquisitors. This is no mere formality.
What's this all about?
I mean, what are they...
Yi Myonghwan.
He's finally getting his.
I should have cut him loose when I had the chance.
The Minister of War is with the viceroy.
All right. Keep a close guard.
Sir.
It's just like you said.
I have my men watching the viceroy's house as a matter of security.
Thank you.
Won't you tell me what this is about?
Placing a guard is no problem.
But I think there's more to it.
My lord.
It's been rough on you.
I wanted to help, but I didn't have the chance.
Not at all.
You're the one that brought me back.
You see the men outside?
Yes. Inquisitors, I should think.
We have to act fast.
Who is doing all this?
My lord.
Someone to see you.
Now isn't the time...
But, my lord... it's Baek Kwanghyon...
Long time.
I've been gone a while thanks to you.
Sending for Officer Kang. You're more scared than I thought.
Was it you? Was it?
Did you start all this nonsense?
Did you think I would let you get away with slander?
Slander? Not at all.
Would I be here if it were?
What?
Let's end it here.
If we do, you have time to repent.
And to get out of this alive.
What?
You little...!
How dare you?
You...
...still have time.
It may be your last chance.
Don't waste it.
I mean it.
My lord, my lord.
- My lord. - EEP.
Lord Yi.
What's gotten into you?
You're not yourself.
It's nothing.
Just let me be.
My lord, Viceroy Jong wants you.
Huh? The viceroy?
Right. All right.
Get me Choe Hyongik.
My lord?
To deal with Lord Yi. Now.
But my lord...
You're worried you'll go down with him.
But...
Yes, my lord.
What? The viceroy?
Yes. As you said, he sent for Doctor Jo, and then they...
Deal with me before it gets worse?
Is that it?
But what has it gotten you?
You're not a surgeon. You're a butcher.
Opportunity doesn't just come from success.
It can come from failure and paying what you owe.
An opportunity for a life more valuable than any success.
Another life?
Still so naive.
Where are you off to at this hour?
Nature calls.
Like I don't know? You're going to see him again.
Why bother with that nut-case?
What good does it do?
We were close once.
That's not easy to forget.
Wait...
Ugh, old coot.
I swear.
Who's that?
Who's out there? Open up.
Open this door.
Open up... open up...
Open this door.
No...
Open up! Open up!
Open up!
Open up! Open up!
Hyonguk...
Hyonguk!
Master.
What happened?
Someone torched his house.
They wanted to kill him.
His pulse is getting faint.
Where is that medicine?
Master, master.
The wine and the cow salve.
- Master. - Are you all right?
I'm fine. Help him.
Here.
The wounds are too sensitive. Get the needles.
Right.
How is he?
His burns were severe.
He may not recover.
But why..?
It was him. Yi Myonghwan.
The old rat is covering his tracks.
Doctor Baek.
I hoped he would stop.
That he wouldn't keep going...
That I could forgive him...
I can't... the devil's on my tail...
A fire? Explain.
It happened last night.
Dead, alive, either way, he's disappeared.
My lord...
I've been looking for you.
And here you are, Doctor Jo.
Lord Yi.
Lord Yi?
I thought we could be reasonable.
But you surprised me.
For that I'm sorry.
You threatened the Princess.
Can't you see that?
So...
So you use my own men against me?
To attack me?
A record of all our dealings.
Surely you expected it.
No doubt the other ministers will be sympathetic.
Since you're so much alike.
You!
It won't be easy, being thrown to the dogs in your golden years.
Unless you choose to help me.
That is your only chance.
I still have to take this?
I'm fine, really.
That's my decision. And you're not.
Drink it up and I'll let you go outside.
What? Really?
Yes. It will be good for you to get out...
All done. Let's go.
Come on.
Coming.
Your Highness, take it easy.
Oh, dear. Your Highness, Your Highness.
You can't eat that, please...
Huh?
Your Highness!
What's that?
A travelling show.
What's today anyway?
Avoid Songsan.
The crowd is pretty rough there.
Of course. But how do you know that?
I lived here when I was little.
She's gone! Find her!
- Find her. - Sir.
I never thought I'd see it again.
Here. This way.
Officer Kang?
Someone else was asking after her the other day.
Why the interest all of a sudden?
The Chief Physician sent me.
Does he explain himself to you?
Of course not.
Hurry.
Yes, sir.
I was told it was a problem when she ran off.
Something happened here at the office...
Then you should find out what it was.
- Sir. - Now!
What's going on?
Why is Officer Kang looking at my record...?
Doctor Choi is in a coma?
Lord Yi won't be able to hurt anyone else.
No matter who it is.
He'll be questioned tomorrow.
It's time you came forward.
Hello.
You're dressed up. You should be inconspicuous.
Remember what I said.
If I go down, you go down.
Shall we?
Let's get this over with.
So this anonymous letter has no basis in fact?
- Then... - Then what?
Why even bother with this nonsense?
It's absurd.
But the record clearly indicates you ordered the investigation.
Isn't that so?
Very strange for the inquisitor's office.
Well...
I asked him to.
The late Yi Hyongik and I were very close.
After what happened, I asked the viceroy for help.
Is that so?
If anyone is at fault,
it's me for asking him for a favor.
Implicating us in murder is ridiculous.
Let's get this over with.
You are interfering with the Viceroy and the Chief Physician.
It will be over when the time is right.
You're a great man and this was a long time ago.
You couldn't have done anything.
But I'm afraid we have a witness.
What?
What was that? A witness?
A witness that will testify Baek Sukgu wasn't guilty.
The author of this letter. Baek's son.
Now hold on. What is this?
Baek Sukgu's son?
- He was... - Bring him in.
Yes, sir.
You.
You..?
Then...
How...?
How could he...?
So the name wasn't a coincidence?
He's the same boy?
Hey, hey.
Have you heard?
Lord Yi is under investigation.
He is? For what?
For murder.
Murder?
I see.
Now I see.
It's stupid. Lord Yi implicated in murder?
I saw the inspectors take him away.
I never... oh my, I never...
Is it true Doctor Baek preferred charges?
Not only that, he was the son of the man they falsely accused.
That's fate for you, the worst kind.
Watch your mouth.
Nothing is proved. It's just an investigation.
What, you think Doctor Baek is lying?
He could be.
They never did like each other.
Lord Yi got him dismissed from the clinic.
In that light it's certainly possible.
Don't you think so?
Oh, I never, I just never...
Taemang. Have you heard?
That's why I'm heading home.
My mom will have all the latest news.
I'll come with you.
Let's go.
My lady, my lady.
His lordship is coming.
- Oh? - Yes.
Hello.
So you know?
Lord Jong has been summoned.
Is it true?
Is it?
Lord Yi and the viceroy?
But how could they...
I couldn't believe it either.
Doctor Baek said he had something to do.
Is this it?
You can't forgive me, Father.
But this is the only way...
...to protect you and Jinyong.
You survived?
But how...?
You planned this from the start?
After you found out who I am, who you are...
...you started planning all of this?
Is that all you're curious about?
Is that all you have to say to me?
My real father, the man that reared me...
You killed them both.
If you had an ounce of humanity...
...you would apologize.
Apologize? Why should I? For what?
Whoever you saw, it wasn't me.
Kill a man with acupuncture?
What proof do you have?
You're Baek Sukgu's brat.
Your "testimony" will be exposed for the lie it is.
No one said he was killed...
...with a needle.
Not my letter, not the police report.
No one mentioned acupuncture.
Jinyong.
What about her?
Will she escape unscathed if I'm ruined?
If it all comes out she'll be a slave again.
That won't happen.
You cannot touch Jinyong.
What brings you here?
Where's Jinyong?
You cannot touch Jinyong.
She's out of your reach.
Servant or slave, she's gone.
Where no one can find her.
What?
There's nothing you can do now.
Nothing.