Subtitles by DramaFever
I'll lead them that way, so run to the hiding place.
- Then what about you? - Don't worry about me.
I'll chase them away and leave safely.
That way!
Mother...
Mother! Mother!
Mother!
What are you doing? Put the dagger away now!
Then follow me quietly.
- Mother... - Ok Jung!
- What are you doing? Escort the lady! - Yes, sir!
Time to hand them over. Lady Jo is anxiously waiting.
That's him. Kill him!
Protect His Majesty!
- Your Majesty, are you okay? - Uncle Dongpyung!
I couldn't move the soldiers, so I brought my own people.
Let's hurry. Prince Boksun and Heo Jeok are searching everywhere.
Prince Boksun and Heo Jeok... just as I thought.
Heo Gyun's soldiers might come again. Please hurry back to the palace.
Wait... I need to stop by somewhere.
- Are you looking for someone? - My savior.
The one who saved my life.
I'll look for him later.
If you don't show up to the new year ceremony, they might do something.
Not just once but trying to escape twice?
I won't say much, I'll just make sure you don't...
walk around with your shameless head up high.
Why are you just standing there?
Burn that half-slave's face with the iron!
Yes, ma'am!
You can do what you want with me, but please spare my daughter!
No, My Lady. My mother didn't do anything. This wench tricked her.
I'll take the punishment instead.
I'll make an example out of you, then report you, and put you in jail.
- Burn her face first. - Yes, ma'am.
No! Please don't! Please punish me!
If you want me to, I'll crush my head against a rock. Please, just let her go!
What are you doing? Hurry up and burn both of their faces!
No!
Stop!
My Lord, this is an internal matter.
That's why I've looked the other way until now.
But I can't stand to watch it anymore!
How can you have no generosity in your heart?
My Lord! You can't do this to me!
Do you think I don't know?
You've been blinded by Officer Jang's fortune...
and lost your virtue as the lady of the household!
No more!
My Lord! My Lord! You can't do this!
Has the King not been well lately? Do you even check on him?
- Well... when I went to see him... - Why?
Are you hoping that something happened to him?
Now! You're starting again?
Please calm down, everyone is watching.
Lord, could it be that the rumor of the King's death is true?
Well, who knows... I haven't seen him at all lately.
I'm also concerned that something bad happened.
Then, shouldn't we get ready for the succession?
How unfortunate...
His Majesty has arrived!
Thousand years! Thousand years!
Would you like to come with me to my place?
But if someday, if it's not too late, where could I find you?
You can come to the palace.
Depending on how you do, even you from a lowly...
class can gain power like no other in the palace.
If you can only grab a chance.
Mother... Mother.
Mother, please understand me regardless of what I do.
Ok Jung...
I'll relieve you from slavery. Absolutely.
Ok Jung, what are you planning to do?
Look, let me see Lord Jo! Here!
You have something to tell me? So what is it that you want to tell me?
Did you say that I can gain power like no other depending on how I do?
I did.
If I get the chance, can I change class, not just me but also my mother?
That's right.
If you still need me, please send me to the palace.
If it's still not too late, I'd like to become a court maid.
In return, please burn my mother's slavery document and let her go free.
What kind of deal is this? What will I gain?
I'll achieve what you want.
Why did you change your mind?
Are you afraid that you might become a government slave?
Yes, that's part of it.
But the reason I'm here is in hope of a new chance.
A new chance...
Is it, the hope of earning the grace of the king through the Queen Dowager?
Please send me to the tailor's chamber at the palace.
Not the king's quarter, but the tailor's chamber?
Since that's what I can do, I'd like to make clothes at the palace, too.
I'll make the best clothes in the palace and gain my power.
Is that all? The reason you decided to become a court maid?
Another reason is...
I'd like to keep it in my heart.
Keep it in your heart?
I hope that's your ambition.
Fine. But I need collateral, too.
Since I don't know how much effort you'll put in...
I can't free your mother right away.
Since she's my wife's property, it could cause trouble.
- But... - Instead...
I'll make her a day servant and find her a place outside the house.
And when the time is right, I'll free her completely.
If that's what you must do, then I'll follow your command.
But please keep your promise.
Father, I did the right thing, didn't I?
Your Majesty, did you look for me?
Is there anything urgent?
To be honest with you... I was attacked.
How... could such a thing... What about the culprit?
My guess is the Western Party who were forced out of the government.
But I don't have proof.
The Western Party are more than...
capable of carrying out such atrocious act.
Until I get evidence, I will conduct an internal investigation.
- Take charge of the investigation. - Of course.
I'll get to the bottom of who's behind it.
You have my full trust.
Does he seem to believe it?
Believe it or not, what could I do?
Even when I know who attacked me, the reality is that I can't fight back.
I thought it wouldn't be that way when I took the throne.
I see that what happened to my father keeps repeating, I feel ashamed.
It's only the beginning. Please don't concern yourself.
I'll have the doctors check on the wound. It shouldn't be infected.
- I'm going to Jong Myo Shrine first. - Jong Myo Shrine?
I came back from the footsteps of death.
I'm going to give gratitude to my father's blessing that helped me return.
Allow me to escort you.
And should I look for the savior you spoke of?
No, she probably left for China.
If she doesn't go to China, she said she'd find me at the palace...
So I believe she's gone.
So you seduced my husband and got your mother out?
You didn't think I'd find you just because you're hiding like a mouse?
I was just about to go visit you.
I don't know what wicked story you told my husband to seduce him...
But I'll make sure to lock your mother up as a government slave!
My Lady, you shouldn't treat my mother and I like that.
Should not treat that way? How dare you glare at me like that!
I'm entering the palace now for the prosperity of Lord Jo.
I made a difficult decision to sacrifice myself...
for the sake of your family's prosperity...
How could you treat my mother and I so poorly?
What? Why are you becoming a court maid?
What other reason is there for entering the palace?
Wouldn't it be... the grace of the king?
You think it's that easy?
You always said I flirt with my looks.
If Lord Jo helps me and the Queen Dowager supports me...
It wouldn't be impossible.
That's if the Queen Dowager gives her full support...
If you let my mother and I go today, I won't...
forget you when I receive the grace of the king.
Since it's for the honor of my family...
But if you break that promise, I won't hesitate to send her as a slave.
- Understand? - Please do as you wish.
Ok Jung!
You're becoming a court maid? What's going on?
That was the only way...
To live.
Court maid? A court maid? Why would you!
He thinks it's the Western Party's act.
He might be fishing. Or he might have some other plan in mind.
If the king is acting this way knowing that we did it...
Isn't he proving that he doesn't have any power?
Why don't we take this chance and start a revolt?
Do you have a plan?
Rather than going into the tiger's cave, we should...
come up with a plan to lure him into a fox cave.
We already do. We have your birthday coming up soon, Father.
It's the Prime Minister's 60th birthday, it's a good reason to invite the king...
Besides, we'll have retainers from...
The Office of the Military, so we can start a revolt then.
If we're calling in the military, I need to gather funds...
Why even bother with the military! I'll lead it myself.
So why don't you, Prince Boksun and Father, come up with a plan together?
Then I'll gather retainers who would join us and get their signatures.
And start planning.
You should do the job of hanging a bell around the cat's neck.
If Lee Soon doesn't show up at your birthday party, the plan becomes useless.
What's with your face? Is that the face of realizing your wish of seven years?
That's not true. I am deeply moved by the...
prospect of finally realizing my wish.
It's me, Kwang Sun. I have an urgent matter.
Since it's a matter of extreme urgency, I'll get right to the point.
Please give me back Ok Jung.
I won't say much either.
Don't bother my wife or Ok Jung and her mother...
with your superficial wealth anymore.
Ok Jung will carry out important duties in the future.
It's already been promised with Prince Boksun.
A promise with Prince Boksun?
If the king was to fall ill...
Who would be the next in line for succession?
You... do you know where you are! How can you say such ludicrous things?
The closest bloodline is Prince Boksun.
You mean... are you planning a rebellion now?
How would a money worm like me be at a status to even plan a rebellion?
But the king is a man after all, so who can predict the future?
I'm just making connections.
How un-royal... how do you even speak of an ill will to the king?
Your insolence from the wealth you accumulated is reaching the sky!
My Lord, please trust me this time. You'll achieve everything you've wished.
And Ok Jung will be the key to that for both of us.
That's no use. I'll raise Ok Jung in a different way.
Once the Queen Dowager decides to take her in...
She'll be out of our control.
The Queen Dowager? You mean, Ok Jung...
It's too late. Ok Jung already left for the palace.
Kwang Sun, Kwang Sun...
How could I catch up with Ok Jung with this? Get me a horse now!
And find her on the way to the palace!
Wait, Yang Goon.
Yes, Your Majesty.
- Raise the screen. - Pardon? Your Majesty, your safety...
Because of that safety of mine, I moved with the screen lowered until now.
But I won't anymore.
My face won't wear out just because people see it.
I can't share my life with my people, but if...
I cover my eyes and ears with this screen...
How could I become close to my people?
I am going to start with showing my face clearly to my people.
- Do you agree, Uncle Dongpyung? - You are right.
Instead, I will stay close...
and watch with the eyes of a hawk for anthing suspicious.
But just recently...
And let the people know I'll be coming, but don't clear the way. Let's go.
Yes, Your Majesty.
Clear the wa...
His Majesty is coming!
- The king is really handsome. - Of course, he's the precious king!
Please let go! Who are you to keep getting in the way of others?
I'm the Chief of the Royal Guards.
How is it that the Chief of the Royal Guards...
has the children of ministers under his thumb?
Because I'd tell on them to the king. Since I serve him very closely...
I'm especially close to the Crowned Prince.
Have we really not met before?
I'll go catch her.
You're the one Lord Jo Sa Seok sent?
She's been waiting. Follow me.
He was the king... who's got the right pulse?
I am Jang Ok Jung.
Your Majesty...
How dare you bow twice! [Custom of bowing twice to the dead.]
Just because I'm lying down, do you take me for a corpse?
Please forgive me. The first was my greeting, and the second for me leaving.
Sit down.
What do you think is the deepest thing in the world?
What are you doing not answering the question!
It's the heart.
- The heart? - Yes.
I believe the immeasurable heart of a person is the deepest thing in the world.
The heart is the deepest?
Now I see that you have eyes with an immeasurable depth.
How would I know if you have the loyalty of a well that won't dry out?
It's possible to know the depth of the well only after the water is pumped out.
Wouldn't you find out with time?
With time?
How daring.
You may leave. I'm tired, I need a nap.
Find me at the palace. My name is Lee Soon.
Hyang!
You're entering the palace?
You really mean to become a court maid?
Yes. I will pay you back the debt I owe.
I see.
Who was he back then... the Chief of Royal Guards at Prince Dongpyung's party?
Did you investigate behind my back?
That's not important. What's important...
Is the kind of relationship you have with that man!
We only ran into each other a few times by chance... there is nothing going on.
Okay, fine...
I won't stop you from entering the palace, but remember just one thing.
Ok Jung will never escape from my palm. Do you understand?
See you soon.
I'm glad that you found Ok Jung.
I was worried that she might be on bad terms with you.
If we were on bad terms, what would you do?
I'm an ignorant man counting the family ties.
Ok Jung is closer to me than you, Uncle.
You won't tell a lie.
What do you think of Ok Jung's decision to enter the palace?
When my sister, who's smarter than me, decided to do that...
she must have reasoned and considered a lot...
So it's not something for me to say.
What a look of a brother...
Anyway, what's important is not allowing any trace of fault on Ok Jung.
The one who controls the destiny of you and me is the destiny of your sister.
You understand what I mean by that, right?
If anyone gets in the way of my Ok Jung, then I'll cut off his lifeline.
You don't need to worry.
Ok Jung.
Can't you change your mind?
You're as pretty as a flower...
Why would you become a court maid to grow old alone?
If you become a court maid, it means you're losing...
someone in this world who will care for you.
As the mother who stole her daughter's happiness as a woman, how could I go on?
Please don't say that. The most precious person to me is you, Mother.
- Ok Jung... Ok Jung... - Mother.
Such women... Is Ok Jung going somewhere to die?
Tada!
Yes, Hee Jae is here, Mother! Ok Jung!
Now I'm going to take care of you, both Mother and Ok Jung.
Do I have to go one stitch at a time for embroidery?
I wish I could do a bundle at a time.
Queen Mother has arrived.
You're taking up embroidery with no idea of what's going on in the court?
- Please forgive me. - What's taking so long?
Bring in all the maids from the tailor's chamber and the cosmetics chamber!
Mother, if you could tell me the reason...
There is the saying, 'it happens to be a market day.'
But there is no coincidence in this world.
Anyway, you have to see the sky to grab a star.
His Majesty will walk through here on the way back from a discussion...
So trust me and...
What a coincidence!
- Mother. - Like the saying, it happens to be a market day.
The Queen and I thought we'd take a walk...
And to run into you like this by chance!
You've come.
Yes.
Right, since you are here, why don't you take a walk together?
I have to go to the main hall now to discuss important matters...
It's my wish to see a happy couple. Spend your time full of happiness.
Let's do this then. I'll throw the blue one, and you can throw the red one.
Now it's your turn.
You shouldn't hold it like that.
Since Mother's wish is so earnest, as her son, I can't look the other way.
Since a marriage of political convenience is for the appearance...
This will be it for the day.
To bring me these things again...
By the way, is His Majesty still not visiting the queen's quarter?
Lord Kim, there are endless days ahead, what are you so worried about?
It's not like he's seeing someone else.
His first priority is work, second priority is work.
He's only interested in working.
Lord Kim, please keep the Southern Party at bay.
Once the government is settled...
You won't be able to stop him from going to the queen.
Wouldn't you agree?
Isn't this the best flower to enjoy?
Of course. Last time I insisted on a rose...
And ended up getting my fingers pricked by its thorns.
By the way, did you hear the rumor? About the queen?
What kind of rumor?
That she's left by herself.
That she's treated poorly in subtle ways.
To be honest, weren't we also taken aback?
Just between us, if things didn't happen with your mother, that seat is...
I don't want to hear it anymore.
I don't like talking bad about the queen of this country when she's not around...
Besides, I don't like being brought up...
in other people's conversation because of it.
Please watch what you say.
Pardon me, but here comes an attack.
I missed this. Prime Minister, could I just take back one move?
I couldn't do it for free, but my birthday is in four days...
Would you come by?
It's your 60th birthday party.
I've become old without having done much.
You're being humble.
But what to do... I'm going hunting that day.
Oh, defend this way and attack again here.
How about it? This time I attacked you.
This gives me no chance to defend. It's a genius move, Your Majesty.
- Should I let you take back a move? - Would you do that?
I have a request instead.
It's about my childhood teacher Jo Hyun Moo.
Jo Hyun Moo?
The one who was dismissed for mutiny under my...
father's regime and has been living the life of a nomad.
I always thought it was unfortunate. I want to bring him back to the palace.
To accept anyone other than the regular force means...
- In return, would you accept a 'carriage'? - A 'carriage'?
Provincial Administrator... that wouldn't be a bad deal for you.
If the position of Provincial Administrator is on the table...
That's like giving away all the carriages and cannons...
So you wouldn't mind giving me a soldier.
If you come to my birthday party to save my face, I'll consider it a done deal.
Well... you make a suggestion I cannot refuse.
Fine, I'll stop by before I go hunting.
The king wants the nomad Jo Hyun Moo in the palace?
Even at the cost of giving up that mighty Provincial Administrator position?
It's truly upsetting. Giving up the power...
of military just to have a nomad in the palace?
What are we supposed to do now?
Sky is the limit for the Southern Party. Are we supposed to just watch them?
What's the job of the fox that got kicked out...
in the fight between a tiger and a wild dog?
It's watching. Then when one side...
is knocked out, it'll get some meat to eat.
Lord Yoon!
Keep watch on the king for now.
And stop by my house on your way.
Tell them to get ready because I'll be home soon.
So this is the guest list for Heo Jeok's birthday party?
Except for Kim Man Gi, it's everyone with authority over the armed forces.
They'll notice Kim Man Gi's move, so the only answer is Hyun Moo.
There has to be something going on.
If they come together and revolt, we have no chance.
We might have a chance because of it.
If Hyun Moo arrives on time.
You must be tired from a long trip, Mother.
Please teach me everything from major events to everyday routine of the family.
Please speak informally, Mother.
Lady, would you bring us some tea? I'd like some of your tea.
- Yes, My Lord. - Let me help you.
No, you should stay here.
Are you... disappointed by any means? About having a new mother in a hurry.
I know very well that you did this for me, so why would I feel that way?
I don't believe I lost everything just because I went off the path for a while.
I'll make sure you take your place that I've worked to achieve.
And make sure that your child takes the throne.
Father, I'd like to visit the queen's quarter.
Why the queen's quarter?
That's a good idea.
I'll take care of it.
If it's still not too late, I'd like to become a court maid.
What helped me get up was the hope that I might be able to find a new chance.
Court Lady Cheon hasn't arrived for work yet?
No, not yet. Oh, she's not on duty today.
Then report to Court Lady Cheon about her...
she's starting today at the tailor's chamber.
She's already aware of it.
I'm Shi Young with last name Uhm. And you?
I'm Jang Ok Jung. Nice to meet you.
Why so formal? Let's be friends. Come this way.
Not that one, how about this?
- I'm here. - Hi, can you get this organized?
- Court Lady Cheon is on the move! - Crap!
She's coming! Clean up!
Hurry, hurry!
Who snuck in a cinnamon drink?
- She's not even on duty today! - Get rid of it!
Hey, wipe up!
Who's Court Lady Cheon for everyone to be acting this way?
The most evil one of the court ladies. Is there any other fault she could find?
Chicken poop!
Ja Kyung...
Right, I like it.
What dog poop, chicken poops!
You can't even dress yourself, so whose dress do you dare to make?
Who measured the outer skirt of the Queen Mother?
How did you measure the Queen Mother's outer skirt?
Based on the exact measurement of the Queen Mother...
If it's the outer skirt...
A small snake would cloud the whole ocean...
An outer skirt needs to be a meter longer and wider than a regular silk skirt!
If a skirt is a meter longer...
without any change in width, what is that skirt to be called?
It's my fault. I was confused with the Queen's wedding garment.
This brain is filled only with poop.
- Reduce her pay for six months. - Yes, ma'am.
The tailor's chamber takes care of the royal family's dresses, embroidery and linen.
As one of six chambers set up for the palace's housekeeping duties.
But our tailor's chamber comes only second to the king's quarter...
So make sure to keep in mind that we are one of the best!
If you ever provide another cause to put shame on our reputation...
Then you'll be dismissed right away.
- Understood? - Yes, ma'am.
- Is she the one? - Yes.
- What was your name? - It's Jang Ok Jung.
Pathetic fools...
- Are you okay? - How could I be?
Six months of pay reduction...
Ja Kyung!
Teacher is looking for you.
Fire!
Hello, is anyone out there? Hello!
Help me!
What did you do with the cotton shirt I wore before?
- It wasn't from the palace... - Did you throw it out?
No, I had it washed and saved for now.
Good. I'll wear it today.
You'd consider a promise with a lowly girl as light as a feather.
I don't take any promise lightly, regardless of the person's class.
Your Majesty.
- Hyun Moo hasn't arrived? - There is no word yet.
He definitely received the message...
To attack the house of Prime Minister Heo Jeok?
The message was delivered and we received the sign that he left.
If Hyun Moo doesn't arrive before the party is over...
It could be a matter of life or death.
The party is starting.
Don't let anyone suspicious, even an ant, near the house. Understood?
Yes, sir!
Turn around and take a path by land. Hurry up!
Yes, sir!
How rude are you to be here! How dare you be in the way of the Queen Mother!
Forgive me.
Which chamber does she belong to?
She wears the clothes of the tailor's...
but she could be in the laundry chamber, too.
What would be your concern?
The prediction of the Queen...
still bothers me, so I just don't feel good about it.
It is wise to put such a flirtatious girl far, far away from the king.
But since she's in the tailor's chamber, it's fine. Let's go.
- Are you done with laundry? - Yes.
Why are you doing this? I'm new, but to take it out on the clean laundry...
It's not because you're new.
We were wondering how a low class person ended up in the tailor's chamber.
What does that have to do with laundry?
You have to at least be in the merchant class to be in the tailor room.
How dare you show up here and muddy up the hierarchy?
Wow, your glare is scary.
Why? Ash water is the best detergent for laundry.
Hey, that was waste water, not ash water.
Oops, my bad.
Guess I brought the wrong one. I wondered why it smelled so foul.
With this, I trust that you and I are united.
Is the Queen Dowager aware of this?
Why would a woman in the palace need to know?
Besides, Jo Sa Seok didn't even attend the party.
Selection is only made when there are options.
As soon as I enter the palace, I can receive her command.
Then what is the plan?
The secret answer lies with Xiang Zhuang.
When Liu Bang and Xiang Yu were fighting before establishing the Han Dynasty...
Xiang Yu's subordinate Xiang Zhuang performed...
the sword dance in front of Liu Bang.
His Majesty has arrived!
Thank you for making an appearance here, Your Majesty.
I could mistake this place for the court.
I realize now it's the birthday party of the Prime Minister...
with the power to drop a flying bird.
It's been a while, Uncle. I haven't seen you...
at the palace lately, but I see you here.
When my brothers or I make a move, it tends to cause trouble.
Instead, Prince Dongpyung is protecting you.
Isn't that right, Dongpyung?
How would I dare protect him? I'm just being a friend.
Please take your seat, Your Majesty.
Let's sit down.
I'd like to thank Your Majesty again...
And bow to him for coming to my father's birthday party.
And I'd also like to say thank you to the other guests.
To celebrate my father's birthday today...
I've prepared a performance of the sword dance for you.
The party will begin now, so please enjoy yourselves.
His Majesty is coming!
What brought you here, Prince Dongpyung?
Anywhere to pee around here?
Better to take care of it on the wall than going all the way to the smelly outhouse.
That's why you're here too, right?
Then let's do it!
I knew you were hanging out with Prince Boksun...
I didn't know you had a connection with the Prime Minister who just arrived in Seoul.
Of course, you've got great connections.
You are the only one who thinks highly of me...
and sees the value in me, Prince Dongpyung.
Right? A man is willing to give up his life for the one who recognizes him.
Oh, I'm not saying you should offer your life.
If you have anything to say, just say it.
We've already seen everything.
- My Lord. - The back of the head also has eyes.
You and I both have surpassed a level of common sense.
The back of your head keeps pulling me in.
- Do you know about Xiang Zhuang? - Xiang Zhuang?
An ignorant merchant can't understand much...
I heard a word here and there mentioning Xiang Yu and Liu Bang...
Then Xiang Zhuang.
It's a famous story.
Xiang Yu had Xiang Zhuang dance at a party...
And to Liu Bang in the audience...
You mean, Heo Jeok is using Xiang Zhuang's plan?
It's too late.
I've taken care of it.
The answer lies with Xiang Zhuang.
You mean to point the sword at the king in the middle of the sword dance?
To the king who'd be watching the dance...
I'll have the sword in the king's heart in one stab.
[Xiang Zhuang's sword dance]
Subtitles by DramaFever
It's over, Your Majesty. Unload your burdensome throne and give it to me.
Have you ever worried about the duties of becoming a truthful king?
The Queen is suffering from smallpox and on the line of life and death.
How dare you tell His Majesty to come and go!
You should never go there!
No, I have to!