[Episode 20]
King Gyeongjong (Joseon's 20th King)
Though there is no way to express the sadness due to the former king's passing (Prime Minister Kim Chang Jip)
the position of taking care of the nation's people, the throne,
cannot be left vacant for long.
For this nation's vitality and to continue proper rule,
Crown Prince Yi Yoon will be the newly appointed King.
Hurrah.
Ten-Thousand Years
Hurrah again.
Thousands of Thousand Years.
Prince Yeoning (Future King Yeongjo)
What is it?
Think it through and speak.
That life of yours could possibly be spared, depending on your answer.
Jeong Hee Ryang
So it is evidence to catch Yi In Jwa that you seek.
Someone like you who is full of suspicions more than anyone else,
you wouldn't have joined an alliance with Yi In Jwa without any clause.
Where is it? The proof of your alliance.
WHY SHOULD I
give you my lifeline to you?
So there is (a clause).
Want to bet whether I'll find it or not?
Gyeongjong (Joseon 20th King)
To be in audience with Your Majesty seated in the royal throne,
your humble subject is deeply moved.
You have kept your promise.
I will protect Your Highness the Crown Prince.
I will give you all. If you will protect me.
Everything I have.
Even if that is, if that is,
the royal throne.
You said this to me at the time.
That you'd only take my heartfelt thought.
Your feeling. Is it the same now?
Your Majesty, my mind when I swore to protect Your Majesty,
has not changed one bit.
I can wager my life to swear by it.
Thank you. You may leave now.
Center strike.
Will you wager with me as well?
Why? Jeong Hee Ryang is fine
but not me.
Center strike.
If you win, I will buy you drink
and oblige a wish of yours.
However, if you lose...
One of the royal bloodline of Jong has ended,
- so only three remain. - Baek Dae Gil.
Lay bare your truth.
Where did this entanglement start?
Do you really think I am interested in the royal throne?
Then, you are not?
There are things in this world that must be done even if you don't desire to,
if it is what the people want.
Have you the confidence you can still decline it then? The royal throne.
Royal throne. King. Tell me.
What exactly is king.
King is the father of the people.
The nation's foundation. The unwavering root.
- And for the sake of the people, spending his entire life— - The foundation of the nation is the people.
And for the people to be unwavering, they need to eat and live well.
Look. This sumptuous feast. Those whose deaths await one footstep away. Dozens or hundreds of times,
their images haunts me, and I can't eat.
Did I not say it? It is the king's lot to worry over the people.
That's why you covered up Prince Yeonryeong's death?
For the people? In order to promote national stability?
Do not speak of it so lightly.
I have given it hundreds and thousands of thoughts.
When I cast my arrows,
am I to lose as a subject,
to lose as brother?
But I had to win.
I have a wish I want you to grant for winning.
Center strike.
What is it? Your wish.
Trust me.
Not for my sake, but for your sake. That is my wish.
And from now on, I plan to show my respect as your subject.
I can't grant you that wish.
I can't trust you is what I'm saying.
What? Your heart feels numb?
A small distrust in your heart
will become a large calamity.
When you fight, don't turn back with doubts.
I know.
It's nothing for someone like me who has nothing to lose.
But I suppose that isn't the case for His Highness, who has a lot to lose.
What is your plan now?
What else?
I need to catch him.
His Majesty has ascended to the throne,
and it is now your lordship's world.
We're back, My Liege
How did it go?
We ransacked Jeong's mountain lodge inside and out.
No.
But we failed to find the blood pledge.
Of course, Master Jeong is not so slipshod.
It is a rope to his life so he must be clenching it tight with both hands.
Welcome.
You trusted Baek Dae Gil too much and courted calamity.
You don't seem to be all that trustworthy of a person either.
I'd love to release you at once, but I don't have the pretext.
Do you plan to abandon me?
Did you forget? We are those who shared blood.
I will think of a way somehow to have you released. So please wait.
I can't give you the blood pledge.
In case you let go of my hand,
that blood pledge will become my lifeline.
That pains me.
How you speak those words to me.
Give me a farthing. Give me a farthing.
Remember. If you want to see me,
take this to the beggar in the market streets.
Give me a farthing. Give me a farthing.
Hong Mae is a dim-witted wench but be careful of Mother Hwanggu.
She can see the spirits too.
Watch out for Yi In Jwa especially.
Not even a minor error can be acceptable. Got that?
Sister!
What? A guest is here?
Not a guest, but a wretch.
Huh?
Boss Hong, have you been well?
The gambling den is pretty slack.
That's because the nation is in this bad predicament.
You betrayed me to save yourself,
just to suck your fingers?
That's my business. Did you ever scoop a meal for me?
Just name your business and go.
Did you already forget?
I clearly said if you did three things for me,
I promised to return this gambling den to you.
Was that some promise I wanted to do?
You half-forced me to do it after striking all sorts of swindles and swallowing my den.
Where is it? The blood pledge Jeong put in your care.
Take care of it for me.
What is it?
A strong rope.
You have many grievances against Yi In Jwa, right?
Since he's made from a gambler den boss into a lowly errand runner.
Disgusting.
As long as you have this blood pledge that can pluck Yi In Jwa's neck,
this rope, are you going to grip it or not?
I'll pay you a handsome amount for it.
Your Lordship's lifeline hangs on that blood pledge?
Money doesn't talk anymore.
You seem deluded.
What this means is, if you cough up the blood pledge, I will spare you.
Then, by tomorrow is what I give you.
Hong Mae?
Yi In Jwa met Hong Mae.
I thought their relationship ended after Yi In Jwa was jailed.
At any rate, thank you. Is Father well?
Come to the place recorded there when your business is done.
You can meet Chief Man Geum there.
Nice to meet you.
You've entered the royal palace.
It's welcoming to see you like this, special cavalry officer, Baek Dae Gil.
Enjoy all you want, but your wings will soon be snapped.
I have made plans for the ages.
Prepare yourself.
Prepare to be king.
So we've all gathered in one place like this.
Is it time?
I will mobilize by your order.
Come in.
I should have acknowledged your merit sooner.
I am a bit late.
Your Majesty. I am not qualified to receive a government position.
You don't think you're qualified?
Your humility is abundant. When you could have ambition for a bigger position
than a lowly special cavalry officer.
Since I failed to capture the man who co-conspired treason with the traitor Jeong.
Yes, it is Yi In Jwa.
You are sure? Can you be responsible for those words?
How would I dare to speak false words before this audience?
Your subject will surely find the evidence.
Yi In Jwa is my teacher.
If Yi In Jwa was not involved in treason, you will have to pay for the crime of holding in contempt the royal throne, with your life.
I heed your words, Your Majesty,
Before Royal Father ascended to Heaven, he held a private audience with you, I heard.
Yes, I met him.
Baek Dae Gil.
Your Majesty, please postpone the traitor Jeong's punishment for the time being.
To allow Yi In Jwa to show his tail.
Yi In Jwa.
So what is your reason?
The reason your humble subject came to Your Majesty's audience today is for the sake of Prince Yeoning.
Prince Yeoning?
Seje (Royal Successor Brother as Crown Prince).
Seje = Crown Prince.
Install Prince Yeoning as Crown Prince? What is the reason?
Your Majesty has no heir.
Hence, the Noron ministers will seek to have Prince Yeoning be installed as Crown Prince.
Give it to them, what they want.
Then you can separate the foes clearly.
This is the most suitable timing right now.
His Majesty's health is dwindling by the day.
He is also without an heir, so the Crown Prince...
Crown Prince Installation.
Where do you think you are!
That should be done. The installation of a crown prince.
I will assist you.
Your offering of goodwill makes me leery.
The judgement is the lot of you ministers. Then...
Your Excellency, isn't this an opportunity?
His Majesty has no heir. Hence he's deemed Noron to be in favor of power.
Yi In Jwa's intention seems untrustworthy.
Why do you falter? Let's push forward with it.
Installing the royal brother as the crown prince. The pretext is abundant.
Hence I will give it a try.
Your humble subject seeks to bring to Your Majesty today
a matter of utmost importance that the survival of the nation hangs upon.
Are you speaking of crowning the royal brother as the crown prince?
I understand, since my health isn't faring well and I have no heir.
Your Majesty.
What is your thought, Prince Yeoning?
Your humble subject...
Your Majesty. Expedite installation of the Crown Prince
and plan for a successor.
It is not possible, Your Majesty.
Your Majesty is in the prime of youth. Installation of royal brother as Crown Prince?
This can't be.
In the case of a monarchy without a successor installed, that is only for the barbaric nations without foundations.
This nation Joseon is a patent Confucian state with roots.
How is it that you teach His Majesty the way of the barbarians?
What did you just say?
Do that.
Your Majesty.
I install Prince Yeoning to be Royal Prince Successor Brother (Crown Prince).
Your Majesty. You mustn't.
You mustn't.
You mustn't, Your Majesty.
You mustn't.
Your Majesty.
You mustn't.
Take it.
But you won't be saying otherwise after taking this blood pledge, right?
Hong Mae is no longer my person. Kill her.
What the heck is this now?
I'm sorry.
Baek Dae Gil.
Is a human life such a laugh to you?
You bastards! Stop bullying me, you rotten wretches!
Yeah, I don't need the gambling den or whatever so let's see the end of this.
The blood pledge was burned and is gone?
Yes.
Boss Hong has quite a tenacious lifeline.
It's fine this way,
since I was going to destroy it anyway.
Spared me a hand.
Are you inside?
What brings you here, Your Excellency?
Is that you? The one who moved His Majesty.
What is the reason? I can't seem to figure out your gain.
Your Excellency, gathered heads become a throng of beasts.
Then one prey doesn't satisfy and instinct comes out.
That beast is Noron?
Greed has no end. The craving for more and more will continue
without knowing life or death.
I will command. I have received a great awakening. Considering the heavens and the Confucian duties,
it is necessary to appropriately install an heir successor.
I bestow onto Prince Yeoning, Yi Geum,
the title of Crown Prince.
Your grace is immeasurable, Your Majesty.
Your grace is immeasurable.
Your Highness, I offer my sincere congratulations.
Congratulations
Truly, my heart is heavy.
Since your position has changed, the responsibility is tremendous.
Isn't that the weight that you must continue to bear on your shoulders?
When the work is done, go to the place that is written there. You will be able to meet Merchant Man Geum.
Oh is that so
Isn't that Sire?
Yes it is. Sire Baek Dae Gil has arrived.
Sir! Sir!
I'm really glad!
Sir Baek Dae Gil! Sir!
Aigoo! Sir Baek Dae Gil!
Sir!
Nice to meet you, sir!
Sir!
You have finally come!
You're here
Father.
- Play nicely with one another. - Yes!
They all will become your subjects.
You saved up so that those people can eat and survive?
Why would I create that difficulty for myself?
They're not ones to come if I asked, either.
To those people you are their savior,
because you were the one that let those who the nation abandoned, live.
Now you get it, right? What I meant by the words, your life isn't just your own.
Father, I have no desire in my heart to become such a thing as a King.
Turn those people away.
They don't exactly have anywhere to go and they're not ones to leave because you tell them to.
Then. You want me to create an act of treason or something?
What can be done? It says it's in your fate.
Says who? Yi In Jwa?
No Oldman Southern Goblin said so.
What?
It's a joke. You know very well that you are of royal blood, right?
So what. What are you doing here, Father?
Did you gather all those people to rob or something?
You really. Though I may look like this, your father
is the Head of the Provincial Merchant League of the 8 Provinces.
In the Honam Region (present-day Jeolla Province), there's a man with the surname of Park.
I am chasing after that guy.
Clanman Park in Honam?
That guy is the other half of that animal, Yi In Jwa.
There was such a guy?
Until he rears his head,
this has to remain an absolute secret. Got it?
Carry it well and don't drop it.
Aigoo. You go far away.
Thank you, Father.
Aigoo, Sir. Come back again, Sir.
Aigoo, Sir. Thank you.
Have a safe trip!
Seeing that things have sorted themselves out more easily than expected,
doesn't it make you anxious?
The height of power has shifted in our favor.
It is said to take an iron out while it's hot.
Let's go ahead and push a regency on him.
- Let's do so. If we ride this wave out– - Tisk, tisk
Don't act recklessly. Be reserved in your speech and actions.
At a time when His Majesty's condition is worsening by the day,
I'm saying don't interfere and make trouble.
That is exactly why a regency is urgently needed.
That's right. When again will such an opportunity be presented to us?
Don't forget. If you become drunk on the easy wind, you'll be hit with a strong opposing wind.
What do you mean Regency?
His Majesty has just made a great decisive measure in the installation of the Crown Prince.
How can you suggest a regency?
Though there was some noise temporarily,
I told them to reflect and be withdrawn.
Don't worry.
The Crown Prince appointment itself was too early.
Don't say those weak things.
His Majesty is gravely ill. He has no heir.
Someday, Your Highness will become a strong King
and sit on that throne.
I had promised the deceased Her Highness Royal Noble Consort Sook
that I would firmly protect you, Your Highness.
I, Kim Chang Jip, will certainly keep my promise with Her Highness.
Your Excellency
Your Highness, believe in me, Kim Chang Jip.
Someday Your Highness will become a strong King
and you must sit atop of that throne.
Congratulations, Your Highness.
Your dragon robes look excellent on you.
If you have something to say, say it quickly.
You had asked that if the people wanted it, would I be able to refuse.
Have you come to give an answer to that question?
I, your lowly servant, cannot refuse.
The hands that the people extend. The courage to reject that gesture,
is not something I have.
However, there is one realization I had.
When it comes to looking after the people,
the position of a throne, is not needed.
What did you say?
I will, in my position,
do my best to take care of the people.
Is what you want
just that?
It is my great and lofty wish.
Your wish...
Have faith in me. Not for me, but
for you. That is my wish
I will grant it.
I'll put my faith in you.
You have found a way to truly benefit the people.
Then as for me, what kind of path should I walk?
Mother, I will surely protect my younger brother.
Let's keep it a secret from the Prime Minister ( Lee Yi Myeong - First Minister of Central Council)
As for His Highness the Crown Prince, he must also certainly never know. (Lee Geon Myeong - Left Prime Minister)
Only we must know of this. (Jo Tae Chae - Second Minister of Central Council))
A regency!
Do you truly not view me as King?
How much more must I give in?
I asked just how much more do I have to give in!
Your Majesty how can you call this "giving in"?
Because the Great King Myeongjong passed without naming an heir,
have you forgotten that there were waves big and small that shook the court?
What did you say?
I urge you. Please demonstrate your decisiveness befitting a great king.
Please make a decisive measure, Your Majesty.
Take your leave, all of you.
Your Majesty
Didn't you hear me tell you all to go!
What did you three conspire?
For His Highness, we only fulfilled our duty as loyal subjects.
Do you truly not know who lies behind the Current Crown?
Yi In Jwa, that fellow's poisonous reach,
will in the end maim Prince Yeoning. How can you not be aware of that!
Not even a court position. Just the likes of a lowly teacher.
My, my.
Installation of Royal Successor followed by Regency.
Why don't you just ask me to hand you the royal throne instead?
Your Majesty, I did not participate in either the request to be installed as royal successor or the request for regency.
However, I do not judge the will of the Norons to be wrong.
What? You dare to hold me in contempt.
I am just speaking of Your Majesty's reality of being without a successor.
What is your truth?
Do you truly want the royal throne?
Do you covet this seat, I ask!
Your Majesty.
Prince Yeoning won't even dream of it,
that his life is what's at stake.
My Liege, what about Baek Dae Gil?
Don't worry about it. In slaying a group, if you don't focus on one at a time,
you will be back-stabbed.
Stab White-Faced Scholar in the back? What do you mean?
Well, I'm that expert in back-stabbing, aren't I?
You live so simply.
Where do you think you are to be waving your skirt around here.
I summoned her.
Traitor Jeong and Yi In Jwa's blood pledge.
This blood pledge is the end of Yi In Jwa.
So I agonized over it.
Kill me? Why? Because of the blood pledge?
But you already know Yi In Jwa would do that and then some.
Then what do you want?
The blood pledge.
So the same bastard.
Different.
I will never kill my person even if the blade is at my neck.,
I have no desire to live like kindly, unlike someone.
But I have even less desire to croak in the gutter.
Good luck.
Then again, this is the joy people live for.
Even if you all are crowded together eating, butt on butt, it's what's nice.
Yi In Jwa.
If you wish to catch Yi In Jwa with this blood pledge, it's best you hurry.
The atmosphere in the royal palace is amiss.
There's been an uprising by Noron ministers with the request for Prince Yeoning to assume regency.
His Majesty personally summoned Prince Yeoning to rebuke him.
That's strange. It's not been that long since he was installed as the crown prince, but regency too?
Is this Yi In Jwa's conjuring?
I can't confirm it isn't. If the matter bulges out, it will bring trouble to His Highness for sure.
First thing tomorrow, go see His Majesty and reveal the truth.
Location cooperation: Korean Cultural Village.
What are you all gathered for at this hour?
Tomorrow, we will try to pull the sword.
By sword?
Strike the entire lot of Noron ministers.
Let's hear it.
What is it? Have you some great method?
Come on in.
Who is this?
I'm Mok Ho Ryong.
A Noron.
The Norons will be struck by a Noron sword.
Give me the details. What are you thinking?
Have you heard of the Three Pressing Hands?
Three ways to kill the king.
I will report to His Majesty tomorrow...
That Noron holds a plot to kill the king.
You ministers just need to help Mok Ho Ryong from behind.
Are you out? Bring me water.
Who is that?
Is no one outside?
What's the matter, Your Majesty?
Senior Court Lady. Senior Court Lady!
Your Majesty, please kill us.
The tasting court lady has collapsed and today's general cabinet meeting has been cancelled.
What?
You're late.
Master.
Someone seems to have poisoned His Majesty's food.
Poison?
It's Yi In Jwa's doing. I'm sure of it. I must see His Majesty at once.
Your Majesty. It's mountain herbs.
Its not poisonous like monkshoods or the arsenic plant.
But if you eat it wrong, it causes seizure and...
You can't meet His Majesty at this time.
It's an important matter that requires a meeting now. Please let him know it's Baek Dae Gil.
Come back in the afternoon.
Don't seek His Majesty's audience?
For now, it's best you don't make appearance at the Hall of Convenience either.
Tell me the exact reason.
With the tasting court lady collapsed, there could be some misunderstanding.
Your Highness, please be distant from politics for the time being and remain in your manor.
This is all for you, Crown Prince.
For those who act in my personal interest,
how is it you acted so foolishly?
Since it has already happened, resolving the issue comes first.
You must not meet with His Highness.
The issue has already become a bigger problem.
How is it that you knew of the situation, special cavalry officer, to come here?
Yi In Jwa is scheming.
It is as expected. Now that he has power,
he will be desperately clamoring for more.
It's a dangerous situation. If something goes wrong, then even for His Highness the Crown Prince...
Because of your interfering, have you ever thought that it would make things even more difficult for him?
We must stop him as best as we can.
I will protect His Highness, the Crown Prince.
It means that the Noron faction will protect him to the end.
Are you inside?
You came just in time.
Last night, His Majesty was not able to go to bed.
This morning the Tasting Court Lady also fainted due to vomiting.
As you mentioned, using a sword is the highest priority method
and using a poison is the middle priority.
Then, what is the last method left?
It's an ill rumor.
Ill rumor?
Don't you know there is an ill rumor floating around in the palace?
I mean the late King's will.
The late King's will?
To dethrone the Crown Prince and make him Prince Dogyang,
and to make Prince Yeoning succeed to the throne.
I heard that's how the King left the will.
Out of those who live in the palace, there are probably none who do not know.
His Majesty is no exception.
Now that the preparations are over,
which of you will take the lead?
I will have an audience with His Majesty.
Follow me.
Using a sword, then poison. Now an ill-rumor is being used to kick me out.
Is it a truth without the slightest trace of a lie?
How can I dare report a falsehood in front of this audience.
It is a sure truth. With my own two eyes and ears
I have seen and heard clearly.
Kim Chang Jip.
Lee Yi Myeong, Lee Geon Myeong, Jo Tae Chae,
as well as a hundred other core ministers of Noron, conspired treason together?
Prince Yeoning is also no exception.
Your Majesty,
show us your decisive measure.
With a ruler's authoritative mighty blade,
behead the traitors!
This instant
arrest all the Noron ministers who were involved in the act of treason,
without leaving a single one out. Right now!
Your Majesty,
what should be done with His Highness Prince Yeoning?
Prince Yeoning.
It'll be better for you not to go.
What are you playing at?
It's not play, but the King's command.
What are you doing, not arresting the special cavalry officer?
Yes.
Do you dare in the palace,
draw your sword?
Obediently allow yourself to be tied up. Then
nothing will happen to you.
- Arrest them! - What are you doing right now?
Let go of me. What do you think you're doing, bastards! Let go!
Let go! What are you doing, you bastards!
Move aside.
The situation is of the most pressing urgency, so you must immediately seek an audience with His Majesty.
Kim Che Geon,
you dare go against the King's command?
Whether it be the King's command or your trick,
we'll wait and see.
This time it won't be so easily
resolved.
Your Majesty!
Tell me.
Have you truly drawn out your sword in treason?
Speak!
Whether you have drawn out your sword in treason, I am asking!
Your Majesty!
What are you talking about?
Rather,
why don't you say that you had your eyes on the throne?
Tell me to give you the throne.
If you do, then at least my heart will be at ease,
for killing you,
this older brother's heart.
Your Majesty!
Please save His Highness the Crown Prince.
Step aside,
because I am going to strike the neck of that traitor.
Your Majesty. If you are going to slay His Highness the Crown Prince,
strike me first!
You will give your life?
Why? Did you also partake in this treasonous act?
Baek Dae Gil, what on earth is your intention?
You cast away Yi In Jwa and cast me away.
After all that, you try to put that bastard up as King?
That's absolutely unreasonable remark.
If not, since you are royal bloodline of Three Jongs,
do you think I'd spare the lives of you two brothers?
Did you think I didn't know?
Today,
I'll break off these tiresome and disgusting ties.
Move aside!
♪ It’s alright if I’m in pain ♪
♪ I’ll regard the bad heartbreak as a guest ♪
♪ Even if I smile once every thousand cries ♪