Ah...
But...
Yes?
I gave all of myself to you...
but do I get nothing in return?
That is... because I really have nothing to give to you.
Is there something that you want?
I want... I want to try it.
That thing...
I'm not sure what you mean?
That is... that thing...
The thing you played with hyeongnim while you were at the Infirmary--
you used a small stick to play...
If we succeed in overthrowing the king,
you will be able to have both.
However, there is still something I am not comfortable with.
What do you mean? What is it?
It is not difficult for me to give up my free life,
but it will not be easy for you to give up your position as the King's father-in-law.
I don't have any intention of surrendering my position.
As far as I know, you only have one daughter.
If it is necessary, I can always get another one.
For the first time, I really pity the Queen.
How can I know that you will not betray me,
if you are able to forsake your own flesh and blood?
Are you... testing me?
Just as you first tested me,
I must test you as well.
If our stakes are not even, there will be no agreement.
Since I have already shown you my true colors,
then you should also show me yours.
It's very clear that you will expect to gain more power.
Apart from this, what else do you want?
Restore the Wongsangje system.
-=Wonsangje - the system where the king shares the power with the prime minister.=-
Wonsangje system? I guess that is one way of preventing the king from having too much power.
I will have to consider it.
However,
I will absolutely not reconsider the issue of Heo Yeon U.
If you take the former king's woman as your royal consort,
the scholars will rebel.
The more something is treasured, the more you should keep it hidden, right?
If I want to enjoy the privileges of the king,
suppression of some other parties will be required.
Then fine. I guess you and I will be together in the same boat.
Do you want to live inside the palace?
Then, would you like to look around the palace?
Father, don't tell me you really would abandon His Majesty and me?
No... it can't be!
Your Highness, where are you going at this time of night?
His Majesty is in danger...
I must go and tell him.
Your Highness!
- What is written here? - What does it say?
On this side, it says,
The King is keeping a shaman by his side.
And on this side, it says,
that the Queen's clan
is the one who murdered the Crown Princess. Without us knowing anything,
which one is really telling the truth?
I think this one about the shaman is more believable.
But... the rumor said
that the Crown Princess who died 8 years ago has suddenly come back to life.
Ridiculous! watch your mouth, don't talk nonsense!
How can it be possible for someone to come back from the dead?
But I would hope that it could be true.
Since the Queen's clan has held power, things have been in disarray.
If the Crown Princess was alive, perhaps this awful situation could turn around.
That would be great!
Well actually...
I heard that the shaman is in fact, not really a shaman,
but the Crown Princess who had died.
What is this?
Then, you're saying that the current Queen
is just shamelessly sitting in the Queen's position?
- This is incredible. - Unbelievable!
- How can this happen? - Who would spread such vicious rumors?
As for the people who are spreading these stories,
they must all be arrested!
They should be punished severely.
Your words are justified.
The fact that the Crown Princess died of an illness has long been known by the people.
Despite that, there are many rumors and opinions spreading around.
Certainly it is the work of wicked people who are trying to destabilize the government.
Everything that the Minister said is reasonable.
Please see to it that they are immediately arrested and punished,
according to the strictest of our laws.
I very much understand all of your concerns.
However,
what about the rumors regarding me? It seems you are indifferent to those.
Really, I am rather disappointed.
The rumors say that I was so infatuated with the shaman
that I neglected the affairs of the nation.
It seems all of you are just going to stand by and do nothing.
Is it possible that you also believe these rumors to be true?
What do you mean by such nonsense?
Unless of course, it is all of you who are spreading such rumors.
All right.
I was just joking with you.
I saw that child in the palace, Father.
Why do you continue on like this?
Don't tell me you called me in here just so you could complain about this?
I am not complaining.
I am not seeing a ghost, either.
That child is definitely right here in the palace.
Regardless of whether that child is alive or dead, or anywhere else,
it doesn't matter at all.
It doesn't matter?
Father, what are you thinking? Are you planning something?
I do not mean to be disrespectful, but I have urgent matters to attend to.
I will take my leave.
If I would be abandoned by the King and my father, I have no choice.
I will have to protect my position by myself.
Court Lady Jo.
Yes, Your Highness.
Go to the Celestial Hall and find the temporary head shaman. Bring her here immediately.
What?
Why do you want me to find her?
Just go and find her.
That's enough of your nonsense.
I will obey your orders.
I had no choice, I had to follow the Great Queen Dowager's command.
Also, I couldn't ignore my friend's wish for me to protect you.
Recently, you are becoming more and more obvious.
You don't seem the least bit shy any longer to look at my face.
Your Majesty.
What is it?
Please forgive my boldness, I have a favor to ask.
A favor?
Quickly tell me.
I will promise you anything you ask.
I wish to meet with the Head Shaman.
That person is the one who nearly put you to death.
How can you meet with such a sinner?
But she has also saved my life.
I cannot be more grateful.
So are you saying she is your savior?
Whenever I look at Your Majesty's face,
I am so grateful that I am still alive.
To be able to see Your Majesty now,
is because the Head Shaman saved my life.
Although I cannot forgive her sins,
I still wish to see her one more time.
I need to sort my feelings for the past 8 years.
I hope you can give your permission.
Your Highness has summoned me. Why did you wish to see me?
Have you seen Shaman Jang's spiritual daughter before?
Yes, I have seen her.
So, is it possible for you to use your power to put a curse on her?
Quickly answer me!
Is it possible to cast the curse?
It's not... totally impossible. There are ways.
But there are several limitations to it.
Limitations?
The curse must be cast near the victim.
The distance can't be too far.
If the person is in the palace, is that possible?
Although it may not result in sudden death,
just like the last time when the King was cursed,
it will make them suffer.
So that incident, was it done by you?
I have committed a terrible sin!
I was only following the orders of the Prime Minister.
My father?
Never mind.
That happened in the past, so I no longer blame you.
But...
If you can't kill her, you must let her experience so much pain that she will no longer want to live.
I will... try my best.
But...
To cast a spell this powerful, a great offering is required.
If it is combined with the strong desire of a pure virgin,
it may be powerful enough to cause death.
With that offering...
you can kill her?
Blood!
Are you Jang Nok Yeong?
Yes.
Where are you going?
While I am away, don't go to the Northern village.
Are Seol and Jan Shil living well?
Yes, they are both doing well.
Shinmu, have you been well?
Why do you still call me Shinmu?
While I was in prison, you told me
that you once had a dear friend.
That person's last request was to ask you to protect me.
That is correct.
What kind of person was she?
I only know that
before you were born,
fate brought her together with your mother, who rescued her.
You say it is because of my mother's good deeds?
Yes.
In the end, your savior was not me, and it wasn't my friend,
it was your own mother.
I believe your words because you protected me.
Although I haven't completely forgiven you,
I can understand.
After I learned the truth, I also remained silent.
However,
before it's too late,
I really want to say this...
Thank you.
Thank you for saving me.
Thank you for taking care of me, raising me and protecting me
during the past 8 years.
For being my mother... Thank you.
I told you about the offering. Is it ready?
Where is it?
I...
will be the offering.
Tonight, a curse will be released in the palace.
Is it perhaps to harm His Majesty?
No.
The spell is to cause your own death.
In that case, His Majesty will be in danger as well.
I will block it.
I will block it, even with my life.
Evil spirit, return to the one who sent you.
You think you have done nothing wrong.
You think that you are a victim.
But you are wrong!
The sin of knowing and not speaking out.
The sin of just watching as she was killed.
The sin of greed for coveting someone else's position.
The sin of deceiving the King and refusing to repent.
These are your sins!
No!
Court Lady Jo! Court Lady Jo!
Quickly take her away! Quickly!
You think you have done nothing wrong.
You think that you are a victim.
- But you are wrong! - Do you want to kill Yeon U?
The sin of knowing and not speaking out.
The sin of just watching as she was killed.
The sin of greed for coveting someone else's position.
The sin of deceiving the King and refusing to repent.
These are your sins!
Must you go, Mother?
I told you I wanted to pray for the Princess to give birth safely.
Also...
I want to stay in the temple for a few days.
I want to pray for our Yeon Woo.
Mother.
It's just that I feel that before a new life is born,
I need to let go of those who have passed away.
If I cannot let go of Yeon Woo's shadow,
I'm afraid it will affect the Princess' pregnancy.
When I gave birth to Yeon U,
your father had gone to China as an ambassador.
Although it did no good, my heart was still sad.
So, Yeom, you need to be by her side and take care of her.
I will.
Your Excellency!
What is it?
Have you heard the rumors?
What rumors?
That...
the death of Miss Yeon U.
What about with our Yeon U?
Recently, there have been many strange rumors.
That...
8 years ago, Miss Yeon U died because of...
your wife's family.
What do you mean?
It's not only that.
There are rumors that Agassi may be still alive.
For the past 8 years, something has bothered me.
What has bothered you?
Just as I told the investigator the other day,
in fact, the day after the funeral of Agassi, I went to her grave.
The grave had traces of being dug up.
What?
So, the person Madam has seen possibly really is Miss Yeon U.
Your Excellency, are you okay?
Is that a letter? Who is responsible?
Uibin. (Uibin = Prince Consort)
Did you know that your sister did not die of an illness?
You should know, 8 years ago
because of Princess Min Hwa's desire for you, she was involved in a curse
that killed your sister.
Furthermore, the former King has covered up her crime.
Uibin, didn't you know?
But, do you have a wife?
I am not married yet.
Then, a fiancé?
Do you have a fiancé?
Please forgive me, husband.
What do you mean?
For it all, for everything.
Husband.
In fact, you know that this peaceful period of time you have enjoyed,
is built upon your sister's dead body and is nothing more than an illusion.
Now that you know, what do you plan to do about it?
Husband, please come and sit down.
Why are you just standing there?
Here. I was sewing a jacket for the baby.
It's so small. Isn't it cute?
I will raise this child well.
He will be like my husband, smart and handsome.
Did you... really want me that much?
What?
That you would have done anything?
So now,
did you get what you wanted from me?
What did I have that you would do such a thing?
Otherwise, please tell me I'm wrong.
Tell me I'm wrong.
I've made a terrible mistake.
Please forgive me, husband.
Please forgive me!
How could this...
How could you?
For all this time,
you hid it from me, you hid it from my mother.
My sister!
I wanted to tell you!
I tried to tell you!
But when I saw you so happy about the baby,
I was just unable... unable to open my mouth.
I was afraid that if I said anything, your child
would be taken away from me.
The ones who killed my sister,
were not just you, Princess.
In fact, I am also a sinner.
Because it was you who killed my sister,
so then I am the biggest sinner of all.
Because unknowingly,
I loved you and was living a happy life with you.
I am also a sinner.
To forsake my sister for a life of high position and wealth,
I am the greater sinner.
No. I am the sinner.
My husband and my child have committed no sins.
Husband, you may denounce me, but please do not blame yourself.
Please do not turn a blind eye towards your child, I beg you!
By now, shouldn't the Uibin know the truth about everything?
It seems that this woman is really hard to believe.
That the seemingly pure and innocent princess would do something so incredible.
Who would have thought of it?
In short, once he knows the truth,
the Uibin will not be able to disregard it.
He may possibly commit suicide to atone for his sins.
If he really did that, it would be good.
But he may decide they should confess their sins and continue on with their lives.
In which case, we will have to get rid of him.
Who's out there?
Seol.
I will protect you. Please, young master, go back inside.
I can't do that.
How can I let a woman defend me?
Seol! Seol!
Wake up! Seol. Seol...
Seol. Seol. Seol.
Wake up... Seol!
Yeon U Agassi...she is still alive.
Young master, you asked me
to protect her when you weren't around.
I am very sorry.
Originally... I wanted to protect Agassi for her whole life.
But I have to leave in this way. I am sorry, Young Master.
Don't say that. Seol, you have always been with our Yeon U.
For this, I cannot thank you enough.
For someone as small as you, I am sorry I gave you such a heavy burden.
Please do not say you're sorry.
When I first came to this house,
I did not have a name. It was you who gave me the name of Seol.
From that day to this moment,
even though I knew I should not,
someone lowly as me had feelings for someone as precious as you.
I've always buried this in my heart.
For that, I was always very sorry.
Please forgive me.
Sorry for what? Forgive you for what?
What are you asking of me?
How much can I be worth,
that you would give your life for me?
Young Master, it is thanks to you that I became a person.
I became a woman. I became Seol.
Although I had a short life, right now, more than any woman in the world, I am happy.
Therefore, please...Young Master, you must be happy.
Seol! Seol!
Seol!
Shinmu, Seol eonni... has just passed away.
She kept telling me to live well.
Also, she asked me to tell you thank you.
Because she is very happy now, so she told us to live happily.
You foolish girl. Are you happy that you can at last embrace your fire flower and go?
Yes, I am very happy.
For just a servant girl like me, haven't I lived a pretty good life?
The Princess and Uibin.
I have moved them to a safe place.
I was late by one step.
Were any innocents lost?
The woman named Seol... was killed.
It seems that she was protecting Uibin. She was alone fighting against the assassins.
Send someone to Onyang Residence.
Great Queen Dowager is in danger.
Yun Dae Hyeong! You bastard....
You... how dare you...
Your Majesty.
Have you come to see your Grandmother?
Hurry...hurry...
Your Majesty.
Your Majesty, all of this was done for your sake.
Do you really not understand your Grandmother's heart?
Your Majesty do not... this cannot be!
No! It cannot be! You can't be...
Eight years ago, you killed the innocent Crown Princess.
Also,
the sin of involving your own grandaughter in casting an evil curse.
Why do you think I kept silent all this time?
Even after I learned the truth about the death of Prince U Seong, I did not seek justice.
Who did I do that for?
After 13 years of remaining silent, I have fulfilled my duty to you as a son.
Therefore,
please do not be greedy anymore.
Now that the old fox has also been eliminated,
who can stop us now?
However, public opinion should not be overlooked.
People are concerned about these strange rumors.
Even the scholars have started to become suspicious.
If this continues, we may succeed on one hand,
but it's possible that we'll lose the support of the people.
Then we should move up the timetable of our big event.
Bring forward the big event?
Could it be that you have a good plan?
Before these rumors get out of control,
we must end things quickly.
If you lose the support of the people, you will not be seen as one reestablishing order,
but merely as one that is greedy for power.
Fortunately, I have some abilities in winning over the hearts of the people.
Winning the hearts of the people?
Could it be that you haven't heard of my reputation at the Infirmary?
I treated both commoners and noblemen without discrimination.
That's why a person must do a lot of good deeds.
Who would have known that reputation would be useful in this matter?
If our effort is successful,
it will probably be recorded in history books in this way.
The king who wanted the pitiful shaman, who ignored his loyal cabinet, ignored public opinion,
was overthrown by the hero of the people,
their new sovereign king.
Tonight,
I look forward to our official alliance.
If you want to cry, cry as much as you want.
I... I do not have the right to cry.
All this time, Seol has been by my side guarding me.
But that child, I was unable to protect her.
Was she... very precious to you?
She was my friend. She was my family.
No, she was more than that.
Yes, she must have been.
Therefore,
that is why she would give her life for her master without hesitation.
Why must Seol die?
Why was my orabeoni in danger?
I really cannot understand.
What is power?
What is status?
Why should they require that innocent people's blood be given?
You've lost someone important.
I too... have lost a loyal citizen.
Therefore,
I will not stop.
I won't let an innocent person be sacrificed again.
This cycle of evil deeds,
I will definitely...
definitely make sure it ends.
I see many familiar faces here.
Why are you laughing?
I was just thinking how amusing it was,
who would have thought that a fun-loving gentleman like me
would actually be yearning for the king's position.
How can you say such a thing?
Everyone here tonight
believes that you are the rightful owner of that position.
Without a doubt.
That's enough.
So when have you planned this event to occur?
From what I see,
the best opportunity will be the upcoming martial arts exhibition.
The martial arts exhibition?
That's fine.
However,
the location will not be in the hunting area,
but will take place in the palace.
The palace becomes the hunting field?
And the prey will be...
the King.
What is this?
All of you who believe in me,
and are willing to follow me, write down your name.
Although at this moment this is only an ordinary book,
on the day that I sit on the throne,
this will be the record of my loyal followers who helped reestablish order.
A list of heroes.
Are the preparations going well for the hunting expedition tomorrow?
Yes, Your Majesty.
Signs have already been prepared around the hunting area in Gyeonggi.
The residents are prohibited from hunting or chopping wood there.
It has been a long time since our last martial arts exhibition.
I'm looking forward to it.
I am also anticipating it greatly.
We look forward to enjoying the entertainment while we're away.
This expedition is for military purposes, not only for entertainment.
It is also to drill in military maneuvers.
I especially want to use this time to practice these exercises,
as well as use it as an opportunity to strengthen our relationship to the villages.
None of you should forget this.
We will remember that.
At the same time,
it will also determine who will be the hunter and who will be the prey.
A battle that will decide the winner.
Ah, Minister of Defense.
Approximately how many men will be participating in the exercises?
Because Your Majesty has given the order to reduce the size,
there will be about 200 people attending the event.
On that day, how many men will be moving?
I will report to His Majesty that there will be about 200 people.
But there will be another 100, for a total of 300 proceeding to the hunting area.
Then the garrison within the Palace and in the Capitol will be weakened.
When the time comes, the king will lead a party to the troops ceremony.
I'll also use my status as a royal family member and follow behind.
We must take that opportunity.
The moment the palace gate opens, when everyone is heading to the Jongmyo Shrine,
Minister of Defense, you will lead the soldiers into the palace instead of proceeding to the hunting area.
Therefore, the solders will be assembled early tomorrow morning.
I will lead them to the hunting area first.
I was concerned that everyone might be feeling a little anxious about this event.
However, I think we can expect it to be somewhat enjoyable.
When the time comes, everyone should be sure to demonstrate their hunting skills.
I'm particularly looking forward to Minister Yun's performance.
Of course, Your Majesty.
I will definitely live up to Your Majesty's expectations.
Get packed and ready to leave.
Where are we going?
Tomorrow, a martial arts exhibition will be held.
I have heard that.
Although it is not far away,
I may not be able to return to the palace that day.
Thus, I think you should temporarily move to another safe place to live.
That would be better.
Do I have to do this?
How can I leave you here in an empty room alone?
To have you staying here alone,
I would really not feel at ease.
I hope you can listen to my request.
Of course I will.
Wherever you are,
as long as Your Majesty is safe and well,
I have no other desires.
No matter how it turns out,
whatever Your Majesty is trying to achieve,
I will not worry.
I know you can achieve your goal.
That will be the case.
Please...
you must return safely.
I will.
In this manner.
See!
What did I tell you?
The moon
would follow me wherever I go.
Let me ask you one thing.
Are you here on royal order
or...
or are you here as a friend?
I came here as a friend.
Friend?
The word 'friend' is really good.
Let me ask you one question.
You have already asked one.
You are really such a boring friend.
Then, I will ask you another thing.
Please do so.
You...
even now, do you still consider me as a friend?
So far, I have always done so
and it will be the same in the future.
So,
no matter what I have decided,
or what I have done,
will you still consider me as your friend?
This... why do you ask?
Forget it! I do not need your answer.
No matter what your answer would be,
My determination will not be changed.
It's just that,
Why has it come to this point?
I kept having this thought.
The royal family and the ministers are all prepared and are currently waiting for you.
Now it is time
for Your Majesty to go to Jongmyo Shrine.
Good. I know.
Your Majesty.
All this time,
to serve at Your Majesty's side
has been your servant's honor.
Why are you talking as if you are going to die?
Please...
you must return safely.
Do not worry.
I have not been idle all this time.
Un-ah, are you ready?
As long as there is a King's order,
I am always ready.
His Majesty, the King is here.
Now it is the time.
The time for everything to return back to its rightful place.
Before His Majesty stands at the Palace Hall, it'll serve as a signal.
The palace gates will be opened.
When His Majesty leads the royal family and the ministers,
towards the Jongmyo Shrine,
that is the moment when it begins.
Set out now!
I'll also use my status as a royal family member and follow behind.
You must wait for the opportunity to take action.
The moment that the palace gates open, proceed to the Jongmyo Shrine.
The sun lives in the sky.
But the sky has abandoned the Sun.
I've come to tell you now, your destiny has changed. The revolution is starting.
~ I hope it isn't love. ~
~ I hope it isn't you. ~
~ I hope that not even an inch of my heart will allow it. ~
~ My heart that is stained red, my hot tears ~