Brought to you by WITH S2 Written In The Heavens Subbing Squad
Please do NOT hardsub and/or stream this episode using our English subtitles.
~ Conspiracy in the Court ~ DIRECTOR'S CUT
And for whom would that future be?!
For Joseon's people,
~ Episode 4 ~
and for Joseon's descendants.
On such a propitious day, how could I refuse to prepare his three cups*?!
*Old tradition of drinking three consecutive cups of wine as a sort of initiation
And what is the core of this tradition of ours, if not proportions?!
So... five of this,
three,
and finally, two!
Eight will be the number inundating this eventide!
I once had no fewer than fourteen cups of this, creeping about all night!
- Serve it to our guest! - Certainly.
A slight blemish, if you will, is its abundance of splatter.
Ohh Ohh! Careful, careful there!
Careful, careful, careful!
Here! Gorge upon those nectars!
The path paving the way for your future success...
can only be a propitious occurrence for us all!
I must particularly descant on my utmost beatitude,
it is killing me!
Especially considering your father is a strong candidate to lead...
the Office of Mercantile Affairs, is that right?!
Indeed, indeed, indeed!
Dealing with the market's most affluent merchants,
does that not represent the gates of limitless providence opening before him?!
Inspector Park!
See... see the way he abandons this luncheon,
disdainful pertness surrounding his every step!
Ahh... Your Excellency, may you allow me the honor.
Milady...
What on earth are you trying to accomplish?
They all gathered here to celebrate your accolades, Naeuri.
If only to repay their devotion,
may you only briefly abate your solitary concerns.
What was that infusion made of?
Palgak along with ginger, to support imbibition.
And also,
to invigorate Her Highness's spirit, ginseng and jujube.
Are you telling me you were not aware that ginseng cannot be served to her?
Immediately fetch some cold water!
I used undried ginseng!
The kind even those averse to it can easily...
Shut your gob!
I am curious how many lives you think are at your disposal!
Enough.
Your Highness.
No need for such histrionic solicitude.
Only recently has she joined these royal dwellings,
so it is natural blemishes would hamper her conduct.
You must staunchly reprove her misdeed, Your Highness!
Is she not the one who miraculously cured Lady Jung's ailments?
We can always use my gratitude for such a wondrous feat...
to supplant today's malfeasance of hers.
Being mindful of her endeavors henceforth shall suffice.
Yes, Your Highness.
Milady.
Milady!
Preparing Her Highness's infusion is the Royal Dispensary's duty.
Your only blemish was using ginseng, nothing more.
But the berries Physician Choi gave me were surely...
Are you positive this was the infusion you made with such berries?
I am sure I used those berries.
I only left my post briefly to fetch some licorice...
Why did it take you so long to get that licorice?
Did Hang Shim...
Always bear in mind that anywhere and at any time...
vigilant gazes are upon you.
I am already aware of all the malfeasance you committed.
Do you know what this is?
A rootless slattern, I see.
Then,
what is it you truly want me to do?
You still have not realized what that is?
Following orders, regardless of your being cognizant or not,
will already prove that you fulfilled your call.
I understand, Milady.
Then, are you sure that what Physician Choi gave you...
were truly those berries?
The range is still inadequate.
Despite repeated ameliorations,
those matchlocks still cannot compare with the bow's accuracy and range.
This is a weapon called flintlock, made during the former king's reign.
Join me.
It is on target, Sire.
Should we manage to make this flintlock easier to carry,
we shall be able to easily vanquish bows and even the Wa's matchlocks.
I am mortified for my oversight, Sire.
Failing to envision the larger picture for the sake of immediate benefits,
while only displaying discontent and voicing grievances,
is but a vile subterfuge to protect and relish in one's past.
A most discerning observation, Sire.
Ohh, it's you.
These kingly walls can finally welcome you.
Your humble servant, Chae Seung Hwan,
is assaulted by utmost felicity for being here in your presence, Sire.
Very well.
Let us begin.
*Tangpyeong: Yeongjo's policy to end strife, balancing between parties
"In full accordance with the former king's equalization policies*,"
"the Office of Capital Transition shall be in charge of our transfer to Hwaseong,"
"along with market restructuring near the capital."
"I hereby proclaim as its Commissioner the Right State Councilor, Shim Min Gu."
"As the Vice Commissioner, the newly appointed Minister of Personnel, Lee Jae Han."
"The Office of Mercantile Affairs shall elaborate policies..."
"to reform the yukeuijeon's market monopoly,"
"with the current Minister of Rites Park In Bin acting as Commissioner,"
"and the Vice Minister of Taxation Shin Seong Du as the Vice Commissioner."
"The Office of Military Affairs shall be entrusted with collecting levies for..."
"military service amongst yangban of the eight provinces,"
"with Minister of Punishment Kang Geuk Soo acting as Commissioner,"
"and Vice Minister of Punishment Han Doo Hee as his Vice."
Since when did state policies have to meet the accord of lowly merchants?!
How could you allow this without first alerting us, Your Excellency?
With His Excellency Chae Seung Hwan being proclaimed Inspector General,
things have severely changed in the court.
But, Your Excellency!
It is nothing I can handle by myself.
Not only is the Vice Minister of Taxation hampering my every move as my Vice,
but His Majesty and Chae Seung Hwan observe us closely.
Then,
will you just sit and witness as our market is completely annihilated?!
The market is not the issue.
If this keeps up, our party itself will meet its demise!
Your Excellency!
- How dare you? - What are you looking at?
If you wish to continue your trade without our consent,
then move out of the capital at once!
Ahh... you old fart!
You can't!
What are you doing?!
What do you think you're doing?
Engaging in trade on these premises is allowed even without prior consent.
Leave at once.
Are you telling us that starvation is our only option?!
How can this be possible?!
Look at these varmints...
- Apprehend them all! - Yes!
Ahh... Look at that!
Clashes are erupting all over the market,
and our boys always end up being apprehended.
What on earth is Master Yang doing to stop all this?!
Send word to the Vice Minister of Public Works...
and the Office of Censor General's Councilor.
They will have a lot of fellow pupils amongst Samsa* officials,
*Three censorate offices: Inspector General, Censor General, Special Advisors
so clamor them to direct public opinion to believe that the abolishment...
of exclusive market licenses will only plague our national finances.
I shall arrange a luncheon at the giru.
Ahh...
I heard there are courtiers either financing or personally running...
abusive trading ventures at the market.
You must find them all.
Make them sway, menacing to disclose their corruption and preferential mores.
It will be quite toilsome to approach anyone donning official garments,
but I shall nonetheless try.
Orabeoni!
You are back?!
Listen, Master Yang.
Have we not had enough of all this obloquy?!
They suddenly announce they will abolish the market...
And now abusive vendors swarm the streets!
Those smelly scalawags are making a complete mess down there!
And if we only attempt to protect our rights against them,
our men are instantly apprehended by the authorities.
Here... here.
Take a breather, will you? Here, have a seat.
We have no time for that.
They are even saying that designated merchants from the State Council...
will forcibly purchase all our stores.
Even before they transfer to Hwaseong, the market is about to collapse!
Is there no other way, Master Yang?
Should there be no other way,
we shall create one by ourselves.
As Your Excellency is well aware,
should not every single policy of ours follow the right procedure?!
Be it military or market reforms, they must be dealt with a modicum of forethought,
if we are not to bedazzle and enrage our people.
On the mere grounds of their refusing to pay military support levies,
is apprehending nobles and making them suffer the cudgel's ire conscionable behavior?
We announced we would abolish the market on more than one enactment,
gradually closing down stores not to cause panic,
not to mention the fact that military levies were already deliberated upon...
during the former king's reign.
So claiming this is a sudden, unheralded decision is another way to say...
that they shall not, and they cannot, comply.
However, Your Excellency.
Merely forcing levies upon the yangban because they are...
much too cumbersome for the commoners...
Their being yangban cellars does not guarantee they will be filled to the brim.
Not only there are scholars struggling to feed themsel...
Using a few sparse accounts as a pretext to justify what is hampering our populace...
Such disdainful behavior should be left to that party over there!
If you have goods in your possession, you should sell them.
We will generously pay you, so why this prolonged refusal?!
I already told you that these goods are not for sale.
We are merely following orders.
Listen to me, what about us?!
As long as proprietary rights belong to me,
the factors shall not be allowed to sell no matter what.
Abusive traders shall be forced to travel far outside the capital...
if they wish to be refurbished.
I see! Then, it looks like all those traders' resolve will start to wither!
Still...
This is not going to bring back our exclusive licenses.
It is now time...
that we show what we can truly do with our own forces.
Our only force is money, so what else could we possibly accomplish?!
Exclusive rights.
- Rights... - Exclusive rights?!
Close.
Just close up shop, now!
Every two days for an entire day, close up shops in rotation,
cutting their provisions on sale in half.
Then, what about the losses we will incur from closing the shops?
If you raise prices gradually, as the outcries for lack of goods intensify,
even just selling a small portion at a higher price will benefit us even more.
Would the authorities just sit and watch? The atmosphere is tense already.
They allowed abusive traders to operate on these premises,
so they will not be able to voice any grievance, if we decide to close down.
But... I certainly have no problem if the yangban incur a great loss,
but then the commoners will surely follow suit.
There is nothing we can do about that, for the time being.
I mean... you were the one clamoring that merchants would open...
an era of jubilation for the populace, is that even fathomable?!
Did we not all gather together to eradicate the infamy...
of all those merchants' disdainful usury?!
Indeed, uh?!
It is clear we will see people perish of starvation...
for not being able to afford rice.
- What are we going to do?! - We must make haste!
Alert all the stores in the capital.
All the men apprehended by the Hanseong prefecture still have not been released.
They are seriously planning to aggravate me.
I brought you some paper currency.
This misdeed is only to blame on their being incognizant of the new laws,
so I was hoping to conclude all this misunderstanding amicably.
Out there!
Get this varmint out of my sight, and let him know what the cudgel feels like!
Look... Chief!
You dare suborn a prefecture officer?!
Take him away!
Someone is seeking audience with you, Chief.
He is a street peddler, and claims he has something to give you.
Why are merchants suddenly swarming before my gates?!
It is of the same kind.
Where did you find this?
It was something left on our premises by a man.
- Who would that be? - He was incredibly dexterous.
He works for the market chief.
~ Proprietary Right ~
You insolent...
You think you can intimidate me with this?
From the very moment I smuggled those berries for you,
my life belonged to Your Excellency.
What is that supposed to mean?
Unless defiance was guiding you,
why would you ever flaunt this in my face, you varlet?
I was just suggesting you can take care of this matter on your own.
If my demeanor brought you discomfiture,
may you leniently forgive my obloquy.
Meseems...
your aspirations must be gazing at the sky as we speak.
Allow me to distribute those berries inside the palace firsthand.
Firsthand?!
As the Chief of Mercantile Affairs,
I shall not allow our market to be abandoned in this manner.
I know of your limitless influence in the court,
so I cordially implore your consent to distribute them myself.
Now that you mention it,
qualms of conscience were already sweltering me.
Fine.
My utmost gratitude, Your Excellency.
But it shan't be such a facile endeavor.
I was summoned to the palace.
May you enter.
That is the infusion I should have...
Milady.
Take that and follow me.
Milady!
This is not the infusion I was supposed to administer.
I do not even know what it is made of.
Shut your gob.
Listen...
There is something I must verify in haste.
Ohh Ohh... This should not become a habit of yours!
They just left with the infusion, so return later.
- Did you just say infusion?! - That is a physician's duty, why the surprise?
Where were they headed to?
- Where did they take that infusion? - You really...
Tell me where!
Dozens, hundreds of memorials,
and all they can descant is grievances over military levies for the yangban!
*Mencius, Confucius
People who drenched their youth in the teachings of the great sages*,
yet not a single utterance avows to alleviate our people's grieving throes!
How can these people be entrusted with this country's future?!
I am mortified, Sire.
Sire.
Your infusion is ready.
It is the same infusion we are serving to Her Highness the Queen Dowager.
She was able to regain her appetence by swilling down that infusion,
so she clamored us to serve it to Your Majesty as well.
Her Highness regained her appetence?!
Such words allay my concerns.
Sire!
May you pardon me the insolence,
but only a few days separated us from the harrowing events at the public deliberation.
Did she not just say it was sent by the Queen Dowager?!
Should this crown bedeck a man who cannot trust his elders,
how could he ever clamor his people to display filial piety?!
I would not dare to question Her Highness's utmost devotion,
but I fear there might be treacherous villains trying to...
use that filial piety against you, Sire!
How should we proceed, then?
I must concur with His Excellency, Sire.
Bring it here a moment.
Did His Majesty take that infusion?
And you are?
I just received a summoning order. I am Park Sang Gyu of the left capital bureau.
Did His Majesty take that infusion?
I am not aware whether he did or not,
but it was brought inside for sure.
Sire!
Left Capital Bureau Officer Park Sang Gyu seeks audience.
It is a world map called Kunyu Wanguo Quantu.
This is our Joseon.
What are you waiting for? Pay your respects.
Your humble servant, Park Sang Gyu,
answered your summoning, Sire.
Wow!
Is it this small?!
What a perfidious wastrel!
No matter how much His Majesty cherishes him,
how dare he foment suspicions concerning Her Highness's devotion?
Is he not digging his own grave, after all?!
I am daunted by undertaking such an arduous journey,
and leaving you here.
I still have not fully recovered from my ailments,
and find it most cumbersome to even walk.
I suggest you entrust this responsibility to a more suitable candidate, Sire.
What insolence!
Are you going to defy His Majesty's command?
Does that imply you shall not be able to apprehend the culprit?
It is not that...
I did not merely summon you to investigate that occurrence.
Your calling...
is to investigate the death of the former Minister of Personnel.
You are the only one incognizant of how much talent you possess.
I shall accord you ten days to complete your investigation,
so report any development to the newly appointed Minister of Personnel.
Binding yourself in chains of your own volition...
looks pitiful even to the eyes of a woman, that is all.
Accept the royal blade at once!
Sire!
Why are you hesitating?
What if only dread engulfed your every powerless, obsequious move?!
I...
do not know anyone by such name.
Should that daughter of Minister Lee who so fervently captured your thoughts...
appear right before your eyes,
would you be able to assist her in any way?
Wherever your path leads you,
I shall always be by your side.
Whatever graces your sight,
it shall always appear before my eyes.
Even if from afar, may you always appear before my eyes.
Is that clear?
Were you the one?
The trafficker, the shylock, the Minister of Personnel...
Were you truly the one who slew them all?
The same golden needle which granted me survival brought them demise!
Speak to me.
Why did you change so much?
Were you not the one...
brimming with wondrous aspirations and dreaming of a new world?!
Did you not partake in all that hope with me, Milady?
If I committed any misdeed,
you are free to punish me.
- Milady. - Otherwise, I shall leave.
Just tell me who instigated all this.
You would never... ever commit such dreadful misdeeds.
What is forcing you to act this way?
This world...
is not the world I used to know.
The world which graced my eyes in slavery...
was not the rose-colored world of a yangban maiden.
Like a commoner barely prolonging her scanty existence,
to this slave who used to glance at the sky reminiscing of your embrace,
memories quelling her fatigue and helping her survive,
this world was nothing but a merciless, cruel place.
But, Milady...
- You were... - Would you possibly understand?!
Even if you could, you would never fathom what it feels like.
The throes of people whose existence is destroyed by their upbringing,
that angst...
But once I abandoned all that fruitless compassion and attachments,
every throe grieving my soul disappeared.
I lost every hope and aspiration I fomented about this cruel world,
and suddenly, the very essence of my existence became clear.
So just one is the path which is lying ahead of me.
If I committed any misdeed,
then condemn me for it.
So is that what happened?!
If he contacted the Hanseong prefecture carrying those daggers,
it certainly must be something regarding Sang Cheon.
I enquired on his identity, and it seems like he's a street peddler.
It must be the one we met during our deliberations with Master Noh.
If they find out it belongs to Sang Cheon, they shall soon come here.
Seeing you once again brandish that sword...
fills me with awe, Master.
Is it because you wish we could return to our past?!
Beheading a few yangban shall never change this world of ours.
If we are to use them,
it is in their world, customs and credence that we shall bask.
The blade alone cannot penetrate such turbid waters.
However,
only a punishing blade can tame truculent wolves.
Wolves, you say?
The men we saw at the shylock's abode.
I made acquaintance with a Yang Man Oh, Chief of Mercantile Affairs.
Will you grace him with a parley?
He is the man who smuggled those goods from the Qing,
and I believe he could be of significant use to our cause.
Fine.
I shall endeavor to meet him.
Ehh Ehh... Look at this!
The garments of a high courtier bedeck me,
yet I am providing goods whose purpose still escapes me.
I must be inclined to admit it is quite a discomfiture.
It is not as if any conspicuous evidence could be found,
but certain people are adamant to connect me with the culprits.
I shall disclose a favorable development to you, then.
Favorable in what way...
It concerns His Excellency Chae Seung Hwan.
Is this the truth?
Sire...
Appropriating the royal treasury funds bestowed upon him to remunerate public workers...
is a direful affront against our code of laws and the royal family itself!
Were it indeed appropriation, it should certainly have been punished,
but as they were only briefly used to enhance the troops' morale...
and those public workers were remunerated two days after,
it would be difficult to call this appropriation, Sire.
Without principles and procedure, the stability of our codes will be gravely hampered.
How could a man neglecting principles and procedure...
be entrusted with the Office of Inspector General?!
His malfeasance must be staunchly punished to set the example!
What we are undertaking at the moment is paramount for our future,
so how would you respond to condemning him only after completion?
That is inadmissible.
If we disregard such blemishes on the mere grounds of his leading public works,
it will only manage to vitiate discipline amongst our public offices.
You must immediately rebuke him for his malfeasance, Sire!
Were you not aware that they would rise at the first sign of neglect?!
How could you commit such a heedless mistake?!
Sire...
May you not let my quandaries hamper your resolve.
I suggest you fulfill their requests, Sire.
They openly opposed my every move, from the very moment I ascended this throne!
They never thought of me as their king,
so would they not contend every single decision of mine?!
Sire!
Is anyone out there?
Summon the physician!
It is nothing but a brief syncope. Do not cause a commotion.
You must receive treatment, Sire!
Could I ever openly confess my ailments?!
Sire...
Throngs of villains spurting from every corner wish for my demise...
Just like at our last public deliberation,
you never know when their baneful blades shall again point at my pate.
We shall sacrifice our lives to protect you, Sire.
It is not merely my life what I am trying to salvage.
The threats of those opposing me are becoming fiercer by the day,
so I fear our reforms could be hampered by their antics.
Sire!
Never let them hamper your resolve!
Should anything befall me,
my fervent aspirations shall live on in your fealty.
No matter the quandary,
our reforms shall be completed at all cost.
Sire!
I caused you such direful discomfiture,
a thousand times must I bear the grunt of your punishing blade!
How are things proceeding?
The garments shall soon be completed, Sire.
If that is truly how they are going to face me,
they shall also contend against my resolve.
I laud your efforts!
And so we shall!
Finding a pretext to impeach Chae Seung Hwan?!
It was merely my duty as a loyal subject.
Should any such occurrence repeat itself, first deliberate it with us.
The essence of politics is gaining what you most covet from your adversaries.
It is not merely about eliminating them.
It was only to regain the reins of this political impasse.
You might have been able to oust Chae Seung Hwan,
but will the balance of power truly shift our way once again?!
I always reiterate it...
But never forget the Queen Dowager's influence.
Are not physicians usually selected by the Office of Public Service?
That is what generally happens.
But should talented candidates from the provinces emerge,
we would also accept commendations from time to time.
What I'm asking is... who advocated for that Na Young?
It is listed as the Governor of the Gyeongsang Administration.
The Governor of the Gyeongsang Administration?!
He used to work as the royal seamster,
but was released because of old age.
I am barely...
maintaining a scanty existence by sewing garments for gisaeng or yangban clans.
So what is it you wanted to show me?
Here it is.
Who commissioned you to make this?
I do not know with certainty,
but I am inclined to think it might have been a palace eunuch.
Why would a eunuch commission something the royal seamster can do...
to someone who has long retired from palace life!?
I do not know that.
I merely was remunerated, and did what I was told.
What are these garments for?
They are ceremonial garbs,
used when a new monarch ascends to the throne.
A new monarch?!
And then, Yang Man Oh went to meet Park In Bin straightway?!
Ever since he returned from the seamster's chamber,
his movements have been quite suspicious.
Have you rummaged those cellars?
Surveillance is so staunch that I still have not been able to.
But we could not find the berries anywhere else,
so they surely will be there.
It is clear Park In Bin instigated all this,
and Yang Man Oh was the one who smuggled the goods.
Should we not mobilize other officers in our support?!
If we are to apprehend specimen such as Park In Bin and Yang Man Oh,
we need clear evidence against them.
We must secure those berries at all costs.
We are graced by a most esteemed guest's presence,
*Literally "Mother of tea" - unranked female officers of the capital bureau serving the gentry
so why are you not clamoring the Damo* to bring us some tea?!
Call the Damo, will you?!
Is that the illustrious royal blade I had only heard legends about?!
Ohh... careful, careful!
With your latest appointment, our left capital bureau is already...
faltering in manpower, but was it not a foregone conclusion?!
Ohh Ohh! Listen to you!
He is acting on His Majesty's behalf, after all!
Did they say it is the position which makes the man?!
Look at how dignified and imposing you look, with your new ranks!
So... did he entrust you with the public deliberation case?
I shall gather all my forces... no! Even those I lack,
and give you my utmost support.
I was ordered not to convey a single detail about the investigation.
Ohhh... surely!
They are flagitious miscreants who tried to harm His Majesty,
so it is paramount you maintain utmost secrecy.
Are not intelligence reports becoming increasingly crucial, after all?!
That sound our ears so fervently cherish... intelligence!
I shall employ some of my bureau subordinates for this investigation.
Ohhh... you are free to do it!
Whenever and wherever, do not even ask and I shall need not say it,
use them as you wish!
Ohh... here you are.
Here... bring it here.
Ah, right.
Are you going to take part in our excursion to Mount Bukhan?
The higher you climb, the easier the clamber!
Two spoons of honey for His Excellency.
Must we really depart at once, Hyungnim?
I mean... Your Excellency.
Ahh... It will take quite some time to reach the Gyeongsang Administration!
It will soon be eventide, so bears and tigers will maunder all over the place!
It is urgent.
It is only because of my faith in you that I entrusted you this.
Understood, Hyungni... Your Excellency.
Before I meet with the governor,
we must find who commended that lady to the court as physician.
Yes.
There is no coming back!
Should I find the culprit,
I shall at least save your life, Milady.
Listen.
Who instructed you to amend this abode?
The Chief of Mercantile Affairs did.
I hear he purchased this place?!
Yang Man Oh purchased this abode?!
Whom do we have here, Naeuri?!
Then...
Is there truly no difference between the world you dream of,
and the one populating my aspirations?
Is not the concept that ideals can change depending upon your upbringing...
a mere prejudice of yours?!
What is different is your way of fulfilling such aspirations for a better world.
Starving children are swarming the streets,
so does not the sight of yangban merrily squandering money...
on the pleasures of the flesh disgust you?
How can you change social mores our rulers established...
centuries past in a matter of days?!
The mere endeavor of bringing forth reforms is commendable in itself.
Could you not bear the hope that things will gradually improve?
Just because the word "reform" graces those royal lips,
will anything really change, in truth?
It is only through words that their reforms benefit our people,
as things are in fact worsening by the day, on the contrary.
But would not that be far better...
than letting concern and trepidation drench your every moment?
One must amass enough power so that even those yangban will not ignore him,
and find a much quicker way to improve our fortunes.
- I shall never trust a yangban. - If loathing is your call,
you shall never gain that better world you so fervently aspire for.
Can't you see that your excesses always bring violence out of you?!
Is letting a rancorous blade act in your stead all that it takes?!
Why do you always bring up the past?
Here... why don't you give it a rest?
I believe that, if you truly wish to open the gates of a better world,
one should combine aspects of your diverse philosophies.
If you have been promoted to Inspector of the State Tribunal,
you must also have free access to the palace.
Did you meet Milady?
How is she faring?
Is she unscathed?
Do you truly believe...
she will go back to that old abode of hers?!
Even if her refusal is what I am faced with,
I shall continue along my path.
I see your arrogance has stood the test of time.
Is it because of her that you so fervently despise me?
Dejected by my insignificance and moved by dastardly instincts,
I engaged in vile deviltry until she once again kindled my darkness with hope.
Do not besmirch sacred words like hope in vain.
You and I might partake in our longing for her,
but I still bask in the light of those aspirations,
whereas you long have turned to the shadows.
Claiming you still are fighting for Milady's aspirations...
is nothing but an affront against her.
Don't you realize?
- What candor graces you. - You knave!
When vile rats are to be caught,
what does it matter if it's a white or black mouser?!
If it is a mountain you must climb,
what does it matter if from the south you clamber, in the north's stead?!
I shall soon meet her myself.
No...
They who are instigating her, I should say.
What are you trying to accomplish?!
It is with perfidious jewels and silk threads that I shall indulge them.
And so...
I shall find a way to rescue Milady from the claws of such harrowing treason.
Would not that be far better...
than letting concern and trepidation drench your every moment?!
You insolent...
- Keep a keen eye on the premises. - Yes!
I laud your dexterity.
Leave at once.
I am an officer of the Hanseong prefecture...
You will step down?!
All of you?!
We would not dare question the motives behind your leniency,
but idling whilst evident malfeasance is upon us...
would go against the principles guiding representatives of the court such as ourselves.
And is a court bereft of its core representatives at this crucial juncture...
what your principles suggest?!
Inculpating His Excellency the Inspector General Chae Seung Hwan...
for his misdeeds shall suffice, Sire.
Did I not just clamor I shall defer punishment to a later date?!
Sire!
May you punish Chae Seung Hwan, Sire!
Shut your gobs!
Incriminating the Inspector General for his misdeeds is one thing,
but what does it have to do with the roles I have bestowed upon you?!
How could you use it as a pretext to despoil our crucial reforms?!
Sire!
For whose sake are you engaging in politics?!
Speak to me at once!
Sire!
Sire!!
- Sire! - Sire!
- Sire... - Sire!
- Sire. - Now!
Summon the physician at once!
At last...
I have crossed these gates, Milady.
80 gwan (300kg) of hangeum*, and 40 gwan of wigeum*.
*Two different methods of weaving patterns on silk threads
Master Yang, you said?!
May you follow me.
How is it?
I cannot feel a stable pulse.
What is that supposed to mean?
May you regain your consciousness, Sire!
Your pate is at stake here!
She was able to allow a nearly unconscious patient to regain her spirits.
Come!
What are you waiting for?
I shall pierce his igeunhyeol (point right under the ears).
You could create damage to his brain.
It might happen, should I mistakenly pierce the point's core,
but stimulating the point's environs will help him regain his consciousness.
He must regain his spirits.
Can you hear me, Sire?
Escort him to his chamber!
Minister Lee...
What is the reason you directly sought my audience?
I am Chief of Mercantile Affairs, Yang Man Oh.
What did you do with our goods?
Observant eyes are trailing me,
so I did not carry them along, to avoid discomfiture.
- I shall soon bring them. - You spurious scalawag!
You did not fulfill your call, and only brought us fruitless trifle?!
Do you even realize whom you are so daringly belittling?!
I was merely here to make a plea on the dire straits afflicting our market.
I do not know whom you might be, nor am I interested.
Nor are you interested?!
Milady.
What is the matter?
His Majesty?!
The physician took Na Young to the council hall.
I shall soon send word.
Await just a moment, Milady.
She is responsible for helping you regain consciousness, Sire.
What is your name?
My name is Na Young, Sire.
You must drink your infusion and enjoy some respite,
if you are to regain your fettle.
Na Young...
You resemble a past acquaintance of mine.
Sire.
Her Highness the Queen Dowager seeks audience.
Where did you say you will go, in those conditions?!
I must reassure the courtiers that nothing serious befell me.
No way.
You must enjoy some respite first.
Head to the council hall, and alert the courtiers on his conditions.
No...
You just listen to this old matron's counsel.
What are you waiting for?
Help His Majesty to his berth.
Do not miss a single day and feel his pulse.
Should you fail your call, it shall be your very last malfeasance.
Yes, Your Highness.
So you saved His Majesty?!
Your grace is immeasurable, Your Highness.
What a most commendable feat.
You truly rescued our nation.
I wonder from whose teachings was this wondrous talent of yours borne.
Where were you idling, at such a crucial juncture?!
I deserve to perish, Your Highness.
It is only natural you should never leave His Majesty's side for a moment.
Should this happen again, I shall not forgive you.
Your Highness...
Is it not time for him to contact us?
Why are there still no reports from him?
Go trail in his footsteps.
If you find anything fomenting suspicion, alert me at once.
Yes, I will.
Chief.
He was wounded in his legs and chest.
- The cause of death was... - Enough!
I do not want to listen.
The weaving of such garments can only be entrusted to the royal seamster.
Were you aware of this?
Is that not the reason I told him to bring them here?!
What is this obloquy?!
What do these small ceremonial vestments signify?
That His Majesty might abdicate the throne.
You were part of the court ever since the former king's rule,
idly harbored those who conspired to slay His Majesty's father,
and have therefore been protagonist of his suspicions.
Indeed we were.
Were it not for the former king's final injunctions,
would we still be amongst the living today?!
Indeed.
But should His Majesty abdicate the throne to the Crown Prince,
what could possibly happen?!
He shall sit by his side as King Former*,
*Father of the (new) king, voluntarily abdicating the throne
and commence an epochal purge?
His proposal to transfer the capital,
and the fact a throng of formidable elite troops is being groomed there,
can only be connected to this, Your Excellency.
We must find a solution.
If this keeps up, we will all perish.
Your Excellency.
Your Excellency!
We have clear evidence, as you can see.
I told you repeatedly there is no need for you to pay your respects,
so what brings you here?
Did the physician examine your pulse?
In centuries past, His Majesty King Taejong abdicated the throne...
and aided King Sejong's rule as the King Former,
exalting our nation's traditions like no other.
I am reflecting upon...
the possibility of abdicating the throne to the Crown Prince.
What did you just say?
Unable to set aside antiquated customs, Joseon is forcing distress upon its people,
not to mention its negligence in developing new technologies,
which would make futile any resistance against prospects of a foreign invasion.
However,
too enamored with their personal fame and riches,
courtiers laugh in the face of the throne before which they should kneel.
Therefore,
I shall restore the authority of the crown by abdicating the throne,
and complete the policies my reign could not touch upon, as the King Former.
Is the man next to me...
really our ruler and king?!
Only King Former I might become,
but I shall never betray the former king's wishes.
And who could ever accept such utterances as a reassurance?!
If even this old matron cannot believe in such words,
what will you do?
You must, Your Highness.
If concern for Joseon's future moves you,
you must trust me.
And for whom would that future be?
For our royal family, or just yours?
For Joseon's people,
and for Joseon's descendants.
I cannot allow it.
There is no way I will!
I already alerted the Royal Secretary to inscribe the edict.
Once dawning is upon us,
I shall take the very first step towards our new Joseon's future.
Heed my words, Lady Park!
Where is Sang Cheon?!
Where is he hiding?!
He is not here at the moment.
- Apprehend them all! - Yes!
What do you think you're doing?!
Confess where your keeper is at once!
He only told me he would briefly leave the capital!
Is that so?
Take him as well!
There is a limit to how much glory and riches one can inebriate his mind with.
You assassinate an officer of the capital prefecture?!
Confess where that Sang Cheon is at once!
I do not know...
Are you also incognizant of what this is?
Lash until he confesses!
Mount Mokmyeok*, the pathway to the top.
*Namsan's old name
You finally have decided to talk.
Summon all the officers!
Promotion has graced your gates, but nary a guffaw blesses your visage.
Is it because of that lady, I wonder?!
"As the stars keep with charm the nightly sky awake,"
"Wildflowers* bloom, keeping the vast land in their loving embrace."
*Gisaeng = flower
Just pour me another drink.
Thinking of another woman in a lady's presence is not conscionable.
What else could I do?
Were it not for you, where else would I be able to confess my all in such delight?!
Did you meet her again?
And where is she, at the moment?
She is living in the palace.
I hear that, with money and a powerful clan's help,
people can now buy their way out of slavery.
So will you subject me to another tirade about power and riches?
My apologies, Naeuri.
You are right.
We live in a world...
where there is nothing money cannot buy.
Unless you fawn upon the powerful,
a simple palace gate will become an inviolable fortress.
Should I let riches and power help me turn back time?
But can the same power and riches erase the wounds inside my soul?
And would I not be able to amass such alluring companions?!
But for an instant more in this hollow solace may you bask, Naeuri.
It is suffocating me, I cannot take it anymore.
Did you not say in delight were our meetings spent?
If indeed delight it is, should it not give you a reason to stay?!
A reason to together bask in that delight?!
What is the matter?
You need not mind!
I came to discuss something with you.
You are no longer the man I once cherished.
Return to the man who worried about our people's suffering!
Then, I shall grant you my ear.
- Let us move! - Yes!
Hyungnim!
What is wrong with the Chief?
After questioning this man, they headed for Mount Mokmyeok.
They shall soon fall into our ambuscade.
It's an explosive! Find refuge!
Do not stand back!
They are nothing but slovenly rogues!
Brought to you by WITH S2 Written In The Heavens Subbing Squad
Main Translator and Timer: MisterX
Timing QC: wichitawx
Editor/QC: thunderbolt
Coordinators: mily2, ay_link
Please do NOT hardsub and/or stream this episode using our English subtitles.
This is a FREE fansub. NOT for SALE!!! Get it for FREE @ withs2.com