Splendid Politics
Episode 13
Father! Father, how did you...
Counselor Hong Joo Won, watch your words!
I've come here as the new head of the Bureau of Firearms.
Listen, soldiers, arrest Counselor Hong Joo Won
and the Japanese spy that he brought in this instance!
- Yes, sir!- Counselor!
What are are you talking about?
He is a Japanese spy? No, he isn't!
I can explain that.
Silence!
There is a clear evidence and you are trying to make measly excuses?
There are some witnesses who saw him with you in Japan.
There is evidence that you manipulated his identity!
Is this what you were trying to show me, even by breaking the kingdom's law?
In order to do this, did you abandon your father and your family?
Father...
What are you all standing around for?
Arrest those two right away!
Yes, sir!
Sir! Sir!
Counselor Hong!
Timing and Subtitles brought to you by The Splendid Team @ Viki
Your Majesty.
Abolish the Bureau of Firearms, Your Majesty!
Abolish it, Your Majesty!
You need to watch your words in front of me.
The Bureau of Firearms is a hotbed of enemies.
Today's incident proves it.
Until you consent, we will not leave here.
Can't you hear me telling you to stop?
There is always a chance for an accident at the bureau. With such a trivial incident,
you come all the way to the main palace and create a ruckus?
I am afraid that this is not a trivial incident, Your Majesty.
My Lord Oh Ri!
Oh Seong!
I am deeply sorry to say this,
but this is not a meaningless riot, either, Your Majesty.
May I speak with you in private, Your Majesty?
Everybody get out of here!
All the residents must move out!
Everybody needs to get out!
Hurry up! Hurry!
Timing and Subtitles brought to you by The Splendid Team @ Viki
Everybody get out of here!
The head position of Hwagidogam that the King suggested,
you said you had recommended me for that position, right?
Is that position still available?
Didn't you say you were going to reject it before?
I will do it.
I have received this anonymous letter.
You couldn't possibly believe this, do you?
I need to confirm it myself,
to find out what the King and my son are conspiring together.
All the residents should move out of here!
Now, it's a matter of time before Hwagidogam is closed down.
Undoubtedly Hong Yeong entered Hwagidogam after reading that letter.
I'm sure he will clean it up without leaving a speck of dust.
He is not someone who will let things slide just because it's his own son.
Everybody get out!
Am I behind all this?
What do you mean by that?
All the major courtiers received an anonymous letter at the same time.
Did you just say an anonymous letter?
It says that you brought in someone from Japan to work in the Bureau of Firearms.
Of course, I don't completely believe this kind of letter.
However, there is definitely some suspicion regarding today's accident at the bureau.
Did you really not know anything about this, Your Majesty?
So is this what you are saying?
That I have brought in someone from Japan,
and that he probably is the culprit for today's accident.
That's right.
The letter clearly states that the person you brought in is a spy from Japan.
Counselor Hong from Hwagidogam
and that Japanese spy! Arrest them this instance!
They are making me into a spy.
Why? Just what is the reason?
Then, what about Counselor Hong?
What will happen to that person now?
Father.
This is the evidence that you fabricated his identity.
You won't deny it, will you?
But he is a Joseon person. He is definitely not a spy.
In that case, how will you explain today's accident at the bureau?
If it's not him, then who did it?
We haven't finished the investigation yet.
That will be done by me and the Royal Judiciary Office, not by you.
There is one thing I want to ask.
Did the King know this as well?
Answer me! Was the king aware that a Japanese spy came in to create this kind of trouble?!
Your Majesty. How will you handle this?
It's a trap.
This is definitely a trap that he made.
If that's the case, is it all your doing, Kang Joo Seon?
But...
if what it says is true,
rather than King's Royal Judiciary Office, shouldn't we establish a special investigation unit within the Bureau of Inspection?
It's possible that His Majesty is involved in this incident.
That's right! That's what we should do immediately!
Of course!
When the circumstances are like this, His Majesty won't be able to object.
- That's right.- Let's go to Bureau of Investigation!
- That's a great idea.- That's right.
That's how we can do it right.
Are you leaving so soon?
What do you mean, "so soon?" The sun is high in the sky.
Now that you are in Hanyang, let's meet each other often.
The girls waited for you so much, Young Master.
Don't worry.
There is no other place for me to go other than here.
Oh, yeah. On the way back, avoid Hwagae village.
It's panic stricken.
What do you mean panic stricken? Why?
There was a huge accident at the Bureau of Firearms last night.
What? At the Bureau of Firearms?
It's unspeakable.
Some kind of smoke spread around and people started dying. It was crazy.
Hwagidogam (Artillery, "Bureau of Firearms")
Excuse me. Let me ask you something. What on earth is happening?!
Abolish the bureau!
What? S...s...s...sir!
What are you talking about?
We have no time. You are the only one who can help me now.
Please! Let me meet him just for a little bit.
Ugh! I'm going crazy!
Counselor Hong!
What happened? What's going on here?!
There is something I want to ask you. We've got no time.
Right now... so to me...
are you asking if I really caused that or not?!
That's right. Tell me the truth.
No! Even if you ask me a hundred times over, I am innocent!
If that's true, then where did you go yesterday at that time?
Tell me! In order to trust you, I need to hear that answer.
That is...
Hwa Yi!
That is something I cannot tell you.
What did you say?
I am sorry.
But what I did yesterday or where I was
- is something I cannot tell you.- Hwa Yi.
But I swear it wasn't me. That's the truth.
No matter what the reason is or what purpose I have,
I would not let innocent people get hurt.
I am not that low to do that!
Why there was a problem in my kiln,
I am the one who wants to find out what happened yesterday.
Drag out the criminal!
Yes, sir!
Sir! You have to leave now. Please!
In that case, it's time for me to gamble this time.
- What did you say?- Did you forget?
What you said in Edo...
What are you doing?
Gambling. I can't let you go.
Sir. I can't let you go, either.
So you go out of here and find the truth about this incident.
What about you, then?
I will wait...
for you.
Until you come to save me this time.
Lead him to the secret passage.
But, sir...
Are you out of your mind? How could I?
If I get out, what will you do?
Unless the truth gets revealed about this incident, the Bureau of Firearms won't survive.
Even if I lose my life, that can't happen.
So I beg you. If it wasn't because of you, then there must be another reason.
You know more about the sulfur kiln than anyone else.
You must do this work.
Sir!
Please make sure that he gets out safely.
This may be the last thing I can do for the bureau.
Lord, we can't find Counselor Hong!
What about that guy, Hwa Yi? Where is that person?!
This is the bureau's secret passage, in case of emergency.
If you go straight, you can get outside.
But if I get out, what will happen to Counselor Hong?
That's why you have to find the root cause no matter what!
He is risking his life by sending you out!
Go!
Criminals have disappeared! Everybody search the bureau and find the criminals.
Yes, sir!
If you are looking for me, I am here.
You!
But you won't be able to find the sulfur expert.
He has already left the bureau.
What did you say?
Do you know what you just did?
Do you know that your life is on the line?!
Yes, I do, Chief of the Bureau.
You must find him! He can't be too far!
Hurry!
What did you say?
Hong Joo Won. He let go of the criminal.
What did I say?
Because of him...
you will now be in a worse situation.
Look for him!
Yes, sir!
I will wait for you.
This time, until you come back to save me.
That dummy! Why would you trust me?
How could you trust me?
I am sorry. Everything is my fault.
The weight of the responsibility...
You said you know that and you are going to pay for it with your life.
What? The person from Japan escaped?
Yes. They say Counselor Hong let him escape.
My Lord, what should we do?
- Should we chase after him-- No!
No, there is no need.
Pardon?
Just because he escaped doesn't mean this incident will be covered up.
No way! Letting the witness escape!
Joo Won and the King will be in bigger trouble.
That's right. I'm sure you wanted to squirm out of it.
When cornered, he gets foolish.
That's how humans are.
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Oh, geez! What kind of horrendous situation is this?
How's the situation at the Inspection Bureau?
As soon as the day breaks tomorrow, they will interrogate Counselor Hong.
Outside of the palace, Confucian scholars came
and were demanding
immediate abolishment of Hwagidogam!
Some are even suggesting to have a cross-examination with Counselor Hong and His Majesty.
You! How can you say such a rude thing?!
Oh! I'm not the one who said it.
That's what the Western Faction subjects are saying.
They are saying they are the same type of criminals, you see.
And you keep going on like that?!
No! That's not what I'm saying. The Western Factioners are!
These guys are going overboard!
Should I just go head to head against them?!
There seems to be no way for His Majesty to avoid this.
He has pushed for the Bureau of Firearms too much.
My Lord! We shouldn't be divisive among ourselves at a time like this.
We have to be united to protect His Majesty.
Can't you see the sign already?
- Even the Minister of Defense is gone already.- Huh?
Come to think of it, where is he?!
I am not so sure, either.
If you don't know, then who would know, when you are his turtle shell!
Excuse me?
His turtle shell?!
In this kind of urgent situation, he is just playing around?
Either drag the Defense Minister here or put him on your back and come back!
My Lord!
Well, that is... I am ill, as you can see.
But your facial color looks really good.
Are you saying I'm pretending my illness?
No, I'm just relieved that your facial color looks good even while you are sick.
You must be naturally healthy.
Then, when do you think you can come back to the palace?
At a time like this, you should be in charge.
Everybody is very worried.
Is that so? At times like this, they would miss me.
They one who defended the King with his own body, while biting and tearing down others, is me!
Then, you will be coming to the palace right away?
Observe Court Lady Kim at the main palace.
Pardon? Me?
Is there anyone else here, but you?
Yes, I'm the only one here.
Find out if Court Lady Kim sends any palace maid outside
and who she is meeting.
There must be another hound that they found to replace me.
Last time, he told me to observe the king but now it's Court Lady Kim?
It's not like a dog is ordering a dog!
But, there is another hound? Is that true?
At this time, should I change my line (my loyalty)?
It says, there was a fire at some bureau.
Ah, what happened?
Oh, there is a "Wanted Poster."
Oh, wow. This must be the guy.
Oh, let's just drink up.
Hyung-nim. Did you find something out?
Have a seat first.
Is there any way to get into the Inspection Bureau? I have to see Counselor Hong just for a bit.
It will be difficult. I don't have enough power.
The palace atmosphere is serious. It will be better for you to be careful, rather than getting involved.
Then, what about Joo Won? What will happen to Counselor Hong?
He won't be fine. Bringing in a Japanese spy is an act of treason.
Why don't you ask your father for a favor?
Pardon?
Oh, Jeez.
He definitely has more power than me!
Ask him to connect you to the Bureau of Inspection.
That, that will be difficult.
Why?
You know my relationship with my father.
Then, you wouldn't know anything about this, either.
Please just let me know if there is someone called Kang In Ho among the guests here.
This is not the type of courtesan's house for people like you to be coming in!
I am not trying to enter. I am merely looking for a person.
Whether there is a person called Kang In Ho or not. That's all I need to know.
You!
It's you, right? At Joo Won's house at that time.
Oh, do you know him, Young Master?
You are at a courtesan's house as expected. I've searched every courtesan's house in this village.
What's going on? Are you looking for me?
I have something to discuss regarding Counselor Hong.
What?
What's going on, In Woo?
It's nothing. An acquaintance of mine has come to see me.
Really?
Please go ahead and go, Hyung-nim. I'll contact you again.
Alright. Let me know if you find something new.
Yes.
The person Joo Won brought into the bureau was none other than you?!
That's right.
This guy is really crazy. He's gone completely nuts! How could he!
A lady . . . ?
Did he push you into there?
Or did you go in on your own feet? Are you the crazy one then?
Right now is not the time to argue about that. Saving Counselor Hong comes first!
Please help me.
The only person I can ask for help in this city is you, Young Master.
You really are not a Japanese spy then?
Are you asking me to believe that?
If you don't believe, do you have another way?
Even in this situation, you are defiant?
I have to prove that I didn't do it so that Counselor Hong can be cleared.
So, if you can't believe me, believe Counselor Hong and help me!
Foolish person.
Is this your core? Only for someone like the king?
I will allow the interrogation of Counselor Hong.
In addition, I will do the interrogation personally.
How dare he commit such an act of treason! More than anyone, I cannot forgive him.
The king has forsaken you.
He did not forsake me. He just did what he had to do.
Even now, tell the truth that the king knew of this fact. There is no reason for you to take all the fault.
That is not the truth. The king did not know it.
Joo Won!
Against you, Father...
I have committed an unforgivable sin.
However, this is what I believe in.
Father.
My Lord, the King is outside...
I came to meet Counselor Hong.
I am afraid that is not possible.
Why is that? Ah!
You think I will order him to keep his mouth shut till the end?
I heard that Counselor Hong is denying that I was involved.
Your Majesty!
Move over, Chief. This is the King's royal order!
You don't need to get up. You may stay seated.
No, that's improper.
I will not save you. I'm sure you have already guessed that.
I will personally attend tomorrow's interrogation. Not only that, it will be harsher than any other time.
Are you snickering at me again?
That's right. I knew you'd be like that.
No, that's not it.
I knew you'd do this but I'm definitely not snickering at you.
Rather, for proving my belief that...
you'd do what is right no matter what. I'm thankful for that...
Your Majesty.
Please do not lose the Bureau of Firearms.
Your great will for this kingdom to
increase its power to promote herself. Please do not let it go.
Your Majesty, you say.
I finally hear those words from you.
In a jail like this...
when you are abandoned by me...
Why did you let him go?
You can't cover this incident up, even if you let him go.
You are just shortening your own life by doing so.
That was my last hope.
The dream that Your Majesty and I dreamt together...
in order to protect that dream, that was the last hope.
Your Majesty.
Have you traced the person named Hwa Yi?
I'm certain that HwaYi is not Kang Joo Seon's person.
He is not? Then, could he really be a Japanese spy?
No, that doesn't seem like it.
If that was the case, he would have left the city immediately to hide himself.
But instead, he came to look for Counselor Hong's friend, Kang In Woo.
He is not Kang Joo Seon's person or a Japanese spy.
Then who in the world is he?
How much is it?
Not bad.
I'll buy it the next time.
From the beginning, I had a feeling that Counselor Hong would let him escape.
He would think that's the best he can do.
And I was going to chase after him to find out who is behind this incident.
I also knew your thoughts.
But... he isn't under Kang Joo Seon.
In that case, there may not be any way to protect the Chief or Counselor Hong.
However, Your Majesty, do not lose your faith.
Like the counselor said, that man could find out the truth about this incident.
He is merely a young technician. How can such a man do that?
In the hands of someone that we don't even know
both the Bureau of Firearms and my fate depend on it.
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No, I can't. How could I?
There is no one else, but you, Hwa Yi, who could save the bureau at this time.
I am sorry for putting this kind of burden on you, Hwa Yi.
But please, for the sake of this kingdom, muster up some strength.
I am certain that the King is in trouble because of last night's incident at Hwagidogam.
Find out the details. Can you do that?
You'd like to go out?
We are out of ingredients for the medicine. I will be right back.
Open the gate for her.
Yes, sir!
Wait!
What is that?
Wanted Poster
He looks familiar.
It's not a big deal so you don't need to come out.
That man is... I'm certain at that time...
Is this a Buddhist rosary?
It has a unique design.
Look here.
Let me ask you something.
Oh, my world! All the sulfur town people are here.
Oh, my! How terrible.
We are lucky.
Aigoo, where is that punk Young Goo?
Tal Soo ahjussi! Oh, no, what to do...
Try getting up. Try to get up!
Try to eat this so you can get up.
Do you have strength to lift up the spoon? Do you want me to spoon feed you?
Ah, that's alright.
When the bureau is in that shape, can the food go down my throat?
What are you saying? People need to survive first.
That's right. At least you should eat and get your strength back. Open your mouth. Ah... Ah...
Are you alright? Can you breathe?
I can't eat this.
It tastes terrible.
It doesn't taste good?
Oh, it has no taste whatsoever.
Since you are ill, I made it a bit bland.
Seeing how you complain about the taste, you must not be that sick. Why don't you sprinkle some salt and eat it.
What? (Word play: 'sprinkle on food' sounds like 'shove it into your mouth')
I'm saying sprinkle salt like this.
Never mind!
So, what do you think will happen to the bureau?
Is it going to be all destroyed?
Aigo, Counselor Hong got arrested
and tomorrow is his interrogation.
It's not anything else but it was caused by a Japanese spy. So...
- That son of a b***ch!- Oh, what's the matter?
When he was saying blast-furnace process or whatever, I knew something was strange.
Counselor must have been deceived as well!
But I just can't believe it.
That such a handsome person did such a thing.
You wench! It's your mouth that's the issue! An issue!
Good looking ones are the ones that does sneaky things behind your back.
For example, men shouldn't be very good looking, just like these men here. That is the best.
Elder (of Sulfur Dept.), do you think you can go out for a bit?
What is it?
Someone who knows Counselor Hong very well is outside.
Huh?
Let's get up.
Slowly, slowly.
Were you looking for me?
Are you in charge of the sulfur department?
Yes, but... who are you?
Manager of Sulfur Division?
You...!
Elder.
You...you!!!
Where do you think this is?! You dirty bas-
Elder.
What are you doing?!
It's a good thing you came.
What are you doing?! Hurry and grab him!
-I got it, I got it. -Stop it!
What are you doing to a girl?!
Young Master!
Wh-What? A girl?
No, what I meant was that to someone who seems frail like a lady; you should use words instead.
To just use words?! I should beat the living daylights out of him! But to use words?!
Let go of me!
Manager of Sulfur Division, please I beg you!
I need your help in order to rescue Counselor Hong.
What?
Please, calm down and hear me out first.
Come here!
You. Go over there and check if there are watching officers.
I understand.
Let's go together, Eun Seol. I'll protect you.
Go together.
So, it's really not your doing?
Were you not listening?
He was sent by Counselor Hong to find the truth.
Please help me, Elder.
I know it's hard but trust me too.
When the sun comes up, Counselor Hong's interrogation begins.
Before that, we have to reveal something about the case.
I didn't do it on purpose.
Elder, I only need to prove that it was only an accident.
Fine! I'll trust you...
W-What do I have to do?
You have to search
Sulfur and niter storage units?
Y-Yeah..!
We have received an order from the Chief of the bureau
to carefully search and comb through the places.
B-But, we have to watch this place.
T-There's not even a single rat wandering. What is there to watch for?
Then..do we just go by ourselves?
They say we can't go in without any officers. Are we allowed to do that?
W-Well, fine. Let's go.
We'll just go.
Wait!
First, try to get the guards protecting the kiln far outside,
so I can check the furnace, even for about fifteen minutes.
Fine, fine. What else?
That night, was there anything weird at the place?
Even if it wasn't the furnace but somewhere else.
No, there was nothing. If there was, I would have known!
Same thing with the Niter Department.
There wasn't anything in particular.
Then, where did the poisonous gas (sulfur dioxide) come from?
Wait...
Now that you mention it, not the furnace but the fire pit did look a bit weird that day.
The pit?
Yeah.
Artisan Elder..
I was very busy that day, so I'm not definite but...
What?
I think I saw green flames from the place.
Green flames?
What is that?
We have to hurry. It'll be bright soon.
We can go through this way.
Let's go. Hurry.
Wait.
Would you really be alright?
Even if you're like this, you're still a girl.
Since this is dangerous. If you just explain it to me, I could go in.
Look Young Master.
Don't look down on a person.
You think I won't be as good as you?
What?
Worry about yourself.
I don't know if you've crawled in dirt before.
Wow. She's good.
In the midst of all this... I find it's interesting.
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Look.
I think it's my fault. I keep on reflecting.
It was I that dragged you into becoming the Head for Hwagidogam.
No. Isn't it me who made the decision?
Joo Won too.
Look.
Joon Won, that child. We need to save him.
It may be hard, but we have to make Joo Won talk.
His Majesty must be behind it for sure.
If we just reveal that, his life would be safe.
What time is it?
It's just past 7 AM.
15 minutes.
Now we only have 15 minutes.
Your Majesty.
How frustrated you must be.
It's regretful I can't help you in any way.
Really?
Do you honestly think like that?
I hope this all goes well,
so your Hwagidogam stays safe. I will pray for you, Your Majesty.
Mayor, it will be like that.
Hwagidogam will be protected and
I will surely find out
whoever is trying to interfere with me.
Restricted area
There.
There will be a sulfur furnace if you go over there.
H-Hey, look! Come inside.
You'll go bald if you get morning dew on your head.
I'm fine.
You can't become bald headed, right?
Let's see. There's 22 Geun of niters.
23...
After 23, it's 24.
When are you going to finish?
I am doing it right now!
Dang it! Why did you talk to me? I forgot where I was!
I have to start over from the beginning.
What?!
How is it?
Did you find the problem?
No.
As I expected it's not the furnace.
There is a small opening, but that can't explain the leakage of poisonous gas.
It was all fine, until you tried the blast-furnace process. I've heard.
Yes! That's why I'm about to go crazy.
I only did...
I only put in the mixture of sulfur and coal in the furnace. And that is the blast-furnace process.
There was never any problem at the mine, when I did the same thing.
I'm not blaming you.
I'm just saying that that's the only difference.
Wait. Wait a minute.
Sulfur and charcoal . . . ?
What's wrong?
No way...
I saw greenish blue flames from the pit.
Do you possibly have a flint? A flint?
I'll use the restroom real quick.
Okay, go ahead.
W-wait.
Where are you going?
I said I'm going to go use the restroom!
Hey!
It's almost over.
Aish!
Aish! Oh!
Ah.
Look here!
What's that? What is that?!
Head guardsman! Head guardsman!
Head guardsman! There is an intruder!
Ah, ah, ah!
Bok Soo!
Give me the fire.
What are you trying to do? If we get caught..!
But we have to check it! Cover your nose and mouth, as much as possible.
What?
What is this?
Green flame.
They didn't possibly mix sulfur and charcoal, did they?
Hey, look over here!
What happened?
Hurry and tell me!
It wasn't an accident. It wasn't someone's mistake either!
What?
Do you understand? Someone did this on purpose!
It wasn't the furnace but the pit!
If you burn sulfur and coal together, it will produce a poisonous gas (sulfur dioxide) which will harm humans.
I heard that when I was working in the mine.
But I couldn't even think of that.
Because that means
someone is purposely trying to kill people.
It wasn't an accident.
Someone did this on purpose?!
If that isn't it,
then which crazy bastard would throw sulfur into the pit?!
Hwa Yi, hurry and run! Guards are coming!
Go!
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Hurry and leave!
Hurry!
Go after them!
My Lord, it's time now.
Bring out the criminal.
Yes.
It's good.
I think we lost them.
Then, are we done?
Can we save Joo Won?
Well either way, if we reveal that you didn't do it,
therefore, if you prove that you're not a spy,
it's over, right?
Say something!
They're going to interrogate him soon. If this is enough evidence, hurry and go.
No.
I can't.
What did you say?
I can't reveal this. It won't help.
What are you saying?! You found the reason, but why?!
His Majesty is entering!
Because... because...
There isn't any evidence left.
What?
When sulfur burns, it melts.
there are no ashes left. Nothing remains.
It doesn't make ash?
That's why...
we can't prove that
sulfur and charcoal were burning together.
No one will believe us.
Then...
Then what do we do?
What's going to happen to Joo Won?!
Proceed with the interrogation of Counselor Hong!
Can we not save him?
Do we leave Joo Won like this?
Timing and Subtitles brought to you by The Splendid Team @ Viki
No, we can't give up like this.
♫ The only person still living in my heart ♫
♫ I said was you. For me it is still you. ♫
♫ Even if you are within lots and lots of stars ♫
You must finish this current event.
Please, just kill me!
Counselor Hong will be charged with treason, and he'll be executed according to the law.
Your Majesty, That must not be! I won't allow that!
My Lord, I will protect your king and the Firearms Bureau.
What is that... "weird saying (rumor)?"
That person . . . ! That person, right now!
Where is he right now?
I will tell you the real truth.
Your Majesty, it seems as though you already knew me.
From a long time ago...
♫ The only person still living in my heart ♫