Subtitles by DramaFever
[This program is provided by the MCST and the media contents of the KCCA.]
[This drama is loosely based off of historical figures and events.]
Today, Mae Chang dressed as a boy and took the test at the Dohwaseo.
Why must I give up on my dream just because I'm a girl?
I came to apply to paint the king's portrait.
That painting got the most votes.
That is nonsense!
Your Highness!
I will authorize it.
If you make even one error on one wrinkle or hair on my face
you could be punished for it.
I will do my best.
[Saimdang: Light's Diary]
Will you give me some time?
What is all of this?
[Episode 23] I heard that you hadn't eaten today.
You need to eat something.
The food will get cold.
I am ordering you, as the head of the Dohwaseo.
You must eat to gain strength and paint the portrait.
Must I be ordered to eat meals too?
Yes, you must.
Well, I would like it if you ate on your own without orders.
But you would feel burdened by that.
You are just starting out, so you cannot be skipping meals.
You will wear yourself out.
Have a little, at least.
Why is the prime minister missing?
He had health issues, so he could not attend today.
Then where is the Minister of the Left?
The Minister of the Left had someone in his home come down with an illness.
He sent a message saying he could not attend today.
What about the Minister of the Right?
We cannot halt government work because we're missing a few ministers.
I will continue on and discuss matters with you all.
Yes, Crown Prince.
Crown Prince!
There is big trouble.
They are holding an appeal outside where people have put their lives on the line.
An appeal?
Crown Prince, Joseon was built on the doctrines of Confucianism.
If you ignore the large issues and uphold the small ones
our nation will be in danger.
Our nation must be able to distinguish between man and woman, as it is law.
How could you allow a woman to paint the king's portrait?
If a woman paints the king's portrait, she will want a government post soon.
The lowly people will want to move up the ranks as well.
Our system will fall apart.
A loyal subject puts his life on the line when he takes on his job.
If what we are doing today is wrong in any way...
then chop off our heads.
Chop off our heads!
Crown Prince. Please reconsider what you're doing!
Please reconsider!
Your Majesty!
How can a woman paint the king's portrait?
That cannot happen, Your Majesty!
"Yang Geum Taek Mok."
"A wise bird finds good trees in which to lay eggs."
Because of you, there has been an uprise in protests.
People are making many appeals.
I have not paid much attention, so I am not aware of what is going on.
Sitting in peace within a storm.
My apologies.
Are you not afraid?
They say the winds of a cyclone cannot blow all morning.
A thunderstorm will not last all day.
You are a woman who has read the Ethics and Virtue of Life.
I can see why Gyeom fell in love with you.
I merely consider all of this fate.
Fate?
Now that I've accepted it...
there is nothing I fear or cannot do.
I will do whatever it takes to paint your portrait, Your Majesty.
Where is that arrogance coming from?
It is not arrogance.
It is the heart of a mother.
What do you mean by that?
Raise your head and speak up.
My daughter dreamed of being a Dohwaseo artist.
I wanted to give her hope.
Then...
tell me your thoughts as a mother.
Being a king means I must care for the people like they are my children.
Wouldn't our hearts be the same?
Lee Gyeom is here, Your Majesty.
Send him in.
You asked for me, Your Majesty?
Come on in.
I was asking Saimdang for her opinion.
Saimdang.
What do you think needs to be fixed in Joseon right now?
Your Majesty, how could you ask that question to an artist?
She became the painter of the king's portrait, even as a woman.
Aside from being an artist
I hear she leads Yangryu Paper Production and its community.
As the king...
I should open my ears to the people.
So I will ask Saimdang once again.
Right now, in the nation...
what do you think needs fixing the most?
Go on and speak.
I am asking you. Speak up.
I would like a nation where people can have dreams.
A nation where people can have dreams?
Dreams of having a better life in the future.
Though things are not good now
a dream that hard work will improve things.
Though the nights are dark, we are not afraid.
Because we know that the sun will rise if we just wait.
Because one is a woman, an illegitimate child, or lower class...
they must live without dreams.
It is like walking a night road with a cloth over your head your entire life.
Your Majesty.
Please create a nation where people can have dreams.
A nation...
where people can have dreams.
A nation like that.
Is anyone out there?
Guard?
It's the king!
Get him!
What have you done for us?
You haven't done anything!
What kind of king are you?
Somebody...
Is anyone out there?
Is anyone out there!
Your Majesty.
Are you all right, Your Majesty?
In the sky...
how many suns are there?
In the sky...
there can only be one sun.
How dare she...
Get the doctor now.
No.
I need to leave the palace in secret.
You are still not well. You should rest.
Be quiet.
Get ready.
The plans for the turtle ship?
Because of the king's portrait
all of the focus in the palace is on the Dohwaseo.
I do not need excuses.
If I make a wrong move, not only will I lose my life...
but you will all lose your lives too.
Therefore... I need more time.
You must not need what I offer.
I made a promise.
I will get you the plans for the turtle ship.
Withdraw your swords.
If I am to get those plans...
I need to take care of Lee Gyeom first.
Lee Gyeom is the one who shot at us at Dangjin port.
What are you conflicted about?
You can get rid of him.
Should I get you an assassin?
We've discussed the matter of the status of concubines in noble families before.
We should go into further detail.
Yes, Crown Prince.
His Majesty, the king, is entering.
Your Majesty.
Are you healthy, Your Majesty?
Your Majesty.
I am very grateful to see you looking healthy.
Listen up, Ministers.
As for temporarily appointing a Crown Prince Regent...
I will end that starting today.
That is good news, Your Majesty.
Crown Prince.
Due to dishonest people around you...
I heard that your ears could not hear and your eyes could not see.
Stay in Donggun Palace until I command you otherwise.
You must not step one foot outside.
- Your Majesty. - I told you to leave.
The king has become helpless.
Look at the state of this country.
The high officials are being oppressed.
She should have been turned out two years ago during the goryeoji incident.
The time has come.
Do not expect the Crown Prince to help or change.
We must just fight back.
He has Lee Gyeom supporting him.
Yes, he is the hope of Joseon.
Lee Gyeom.
Yes, Your Majesty.
You should join Shin Saimdang.
Paint my portrait with her.
Your Majesty...
What is it?
Why are you surprised?
Both in and out of the palace
the artist I have acknowledged as the best...
is you, Lee Gyeom.
What is the problem?
I was only in charge of this project.
The painter of the king's portrait is one person, Lady Shin.
Then I will appoint you as a painter of the king's portrait, as well.
Your Majesty.
It is usually taken on by one artist.
I am commanding you!
Lee Gyeom...
will work together with Shin Saimdang.
I order them to paint the king's portrait together.
The two of you even promised to marry one another at one point.
Therefore, you will work very well with one another.
You should work together.
Take your time and paint a masterpiece.
The two of you...
must have painted like this in your youth.
I'm sure you did.
You fell in love with a girl.
You even wrote a request for marriage on your own.
You were a girl who wanted to appeal to the king to go to Mount Geumgang.
The two of you suited each other very well.
Your Majesty, what is it that you want to say?
The two are you, who are so alike, are painting here together.
How does it feel?
Are you enjoying it?
It is not like that, Your Majesty.
Your Majesty.
They are just past memories that we laugh about.
There is no selfish motive in working on this portrait.
Whether you have a selfish motive or not
you are painting my face now.
This could possibly be...
the last time you two see one another.
Do you not agree?
Shin Saimdang.
People at Yangryu paper market are full of praise for you.
Honestly, think about the past.
We're doing well and we're full of food. Everything is so great now.
This is all thanks to Lady Shin.
What's there to worry about while living in Yangryu Community Village?
I don't know about others.
But I would trust Lady Shin if she said she could make soybeans with red beans.
She even helped the poor. The king couldn't do that.
So, of course!
- She's even painting the king. - That's true.
- Honestly, she's better than the king. - Watch your mouth.
You protect the drifters, of course.
You also distribute the profits fairly depending on how much they've worked?
I have only been trying my best, Your Majesty.
Then...
I suppose you might as well be the king of that place.
That is impossible, Your Majesty.
It is not like that at all.
Your Majesty, why would you jump to such a wild conclusion?
Wild conclusion?
Did you just say "wild conclusion" to me?
I apologize. Please forgive me.
Please forgive us, Your Majesty.
I am tired.
That's enough for today.
What do you know about the plans for the turtle ship?
The complete plans are being held at the Dohwaseo.
They are being guarded very well.
Also, all eyes are on the Dohwaseo because of the king's portrait.
You should buy people, bribe them, or do something!
Since Lee Gyeom arrived, the Dohwaseo has been hard to enter.
Bribes will not work.
Do you think I am doing nothing?
Lee Gyeom. Lee Gyeom...
Then I will kill him.
So that no one even knows.
My lord.
Why can't I do it?
I should've killed him earlier.
My lord... you cannot do this.
Why?
Do you still have feelings left for Lee Gyeom?
No...
Is it that you're of low birth, so even this house seems great to you?
I am different.
Do you know how I got to that position?
I have to get back there.
I have to.
I will kill Lee Gyeom.
Things are starting to go awry.
Things could end up being very bad.
I will have to prepare for it.
Whether it's painted well or not...
there will be a judgment made on your portrait.
I do not know where this path will lead.
I will do my very best so I do not feel ashamed as an artist.
I thought if we met again and painted together...
it would be someplace more beautiful than this.
I am happy here too.
I am grateful to be here with you.
I am sorry too.
- Keep up the good work. - Goodbye.
This area is restricted at this time.
I know that.
I left a very precious accessory behind.
You should come look for it during the day.
It was given to me by the princess.
Do you not know what her temper is like?
Ah, you're her private tutor.
Don't worry and go.
Look around.
Ah, I must have eaten something bad earlier.
My stomach...
Find it and leave.
I'll be back.
The turtle ship plans.
You're still here?
Leave if you've found it.
Wow! She's quite something.
How can she just paint without eating or sleeping?
She isn't Joseon's best artist for no reason.
Gosh, when will I ever paint a king's portrait?
You think you will?
By the way, a man and woman are sitting side by side.
And they are painting together.
That seems a little suspicious.
- Come on, now. - What?
- Let's get going. - Come on.
Goodbye, now.
Those two look so beautiful.
What have I been doing all my life?
We will be handing out rice today at noon at Gwanghwamun.
The king's portrait will be revealed.
All of Joseon's citizens should attend.
Reveal the portrait at Gwanghwamun?
Why would you give away food on the street?
For what reason?
I do not think that's right, Your Majesty.
The portrait is already painted.
I might as well use it... as bait.
What do you mean by that?
"Lee Hyun Ryung..."
"Bi Hyung Ryung."
"If it hangs on your ear, it is an earring."
"If it hangs on your nose, it is a nose ring."
You see, a painting...
depending on who looks at it
it could be a masterpiece.
It could also be a piece of trash.
As for Lee Gyeom...
and Saimdang's supporters...
they will show up like clouds.
In front of everyone...
both of them
will be killed at once.
They won't be able to make a move again.
I will make sure of it.
We will have the Confucian scholars in the crowd.
They will speak up about being unsatisfied with the portrait.
Then it will be possible.
We will follow your orders.
Get the rice ready for the people.
Make sure there is a large crowd.
It was a hard path to get here.
I can't guarantee that this was the right path.
We've done our best, so we will leave it to the heavens.
What is it?
You will both need to wait elsewhere until the reveal is complete.
It is a royal command.
Follow me.
What are you doing?
Goodness! Would you all move out of the way!
Get back!
Move! Get out of the way.
Your Majesty, you must not allow this.
We can finally see the painting that Mother did.
Of course.
No, Your Majesty!
Why are those people doing that?
Oh, well they are...
It's because our mother is a woman.
Because Mother is a woman?
There's just something like that.
Please reconsider!
Reconsider the matter!
Your Majesty.
We scholars cannot accept this portrait by Saimdang.
I wonder where Mother is.
She should be coming out soon.
I wonder if it's all right to publicly reveal the king's portrait like this.
It must be and that's why they're doing it.
- Yes. - You're right.
Reveal the portrait.
Your Majesty!
No, this cannot be!
No, Your Majesty.
- It's coming. - They're bringing it.
Your Majesty!
How can a woman paint the king's portrait?
It's coming.
- Let's go. - Come on.
Your Majesty!
This cannot happen, Your Majesty!
It is a foul portrait!
Just look at that angry look in his eyes.
We must arrest the person who painted the portrait.
I'm certain the scholars will make a move.
They will find any issue with the portrait to cause trouble.
Isn't that a big problem?
But we have the people.
But...
how can the people help?
A single person is weak.
If you gather the strength of many, you can cut through strong metal.
The people will feel the same and unite over good art and books.
Let's try trusting them.
All right.
Let's turn it into a festive party in front of Gwanghwamun tomorrow.
- Yes. - Let's do that.
[Gwanghwamun]
Let me see.
Oh my, oh my, oh my!
Oh my, oh my.
The painting... it's alive!
The painting is shining!
Oh my! Oh dear.
It's alive!
Your Majesty.
- Your Majesty. - Your Majesty.
It's alive!
What a happy day! A happy day.
A joyous day.
The people are praising your virtues.
It seems they are taking part in some merriment.
A happy day, a happy day, a happy day.
A happy day, a happy day.
What a happy day!
Congratulations.
All the people are united in their joy.
Your Majesty!
Thank for your generosity!
The image of you looking strong in your portrait
must be a light from the heavens.
Lee Gyeom and Shin Saimdang.
You may now leave.
I am relieved.
Well, it will take some time to secure things here.
I will take care of the rest. Why don't you leave first?
Your children must be waiting.
You did very well.
You did, as well.
Move out of the way everyone.
The painter of the king's portrait is here!
I'm proud of you, Mother.
Me too.
Are you all right?
I heard you worked for days while hunched over.
I am fine.
I knew you would be able to do it.
I am going to paint a king's portrait just like you, Mother.
Yes, you must have big dreams like that.
Dreams, dreams!
You're here too, Ji Kyun.
Congratulations.
Yes, thank you.
Thank you so much, everyone.
Plans for the turtle ship.
What should I do with this?
My lady.
Come in.
Someone from the school came by.
For what reason?
It's about Young Master Ji Kyun.
He hasn't been attending school lately.
What do you mean?
He hasn't been attending school?
Then where is Ji Kyun right now?
Eat up, everyone.
All right, eat up.
Here you go.
That rascal...
Are you in your right mind?
You even skipped school. What do you think you're doing here?
I was congratulating them.
Why would you?
What is so bad about congratulating friends for good things?
Friends?
Yes, friends.
Mother, do you know what I want?
What do you mean by that?
Tell me.
Of course, it's first place on the civil exams.
You don't know anything!
I've suffered this long because of you.
I never asked you to live that way.
What?
Our household where we have never had a cozy meal together...
Are we really a family?
My dream is for our family to have a cozy meal together.
You rascal.
Look here.
Ji Kyun and Hyun Ryong...
seeing all the children playing together
it is a great sight to behold.
What is it that you want to say?
The adults could not live up to the children.
We should let go of everything.
Let us think only of the children.
Aren't you and I both mothers?
Please create a nation where people can have dreams.
She even helped the poor. The king couldn't do that.
Honestly, she's better than the king.
Watch your mouth.
I'm not wrong.
I consider the person who feeds me to be my king.
Your Majesty.
Please... please give me one more chance.
- What are you doing? - Your Majesty.
Your Majesty, just once.
Please give me just one more chance, Your Majesty.
When you need to drag a snake out of a snake's den...
they said you should use the hand of another.
Bring me Min Chi Hyung.
Your Majesty.
Your Majesty!
I will not forget your grace in calling me even in death.
I am truly loyal to you, Your Majesty.
If only I could give you my passionate heart
I would do so right here on this spot.
I would take out my heart--
I do not need your heart.
I need the heart of another.
Just give me your orders.
I will put my life on the line and follow through.
Saimdang.
And after that...
Lee Gyeom.
Who are you?
Get that to the Legendary Bird.
It is bait to lure Lee Gyeom.
Don't you know what kind of person the king is?
Once he is finished with this hunt, he will kill off his hunting dog.
Min Chi Hyung is different!
Once this is over...
the king will know who his loyal subject is.
You do not even have the men. How will you kill Lee Gyeom?
I have the foreigners.
You cannot use them.
If things go wrong
you will be charged with treason and your family will be killed.
Wait.
My lord.
The plans for the turtle ship.
You have kept them hidden?
All because you were afraid of our family being punished by death?
As for your sin of lying to me...
I will punish you once I return.
There is a worn down storage house on the first road to Johan mountain.
Saimdang has been kidnapped and is there now.
If you want to save Saimdang, you need to come alone.
What do you think you're doing?
Something I should have done earlier.
I am just getting to it now.
Do you think you can survive after doing this?
After your throat is cut...
I wonder if you'll still be saying those words.
I am not afraid at all.
Oh!
Who would do something like this?
Min Chi Hyung.
Crown Prince!
Move now! It is urgent!
What is it?
Lady Shin is not at Johan Mountain.
What do you mean?
Lady Shin has been moved and...
he was ordered to kill her.
What?
Tonight...
may possibly be the end of our family.
We must save Ji Kyun and Ji Sung, at the very least.
The bait was good.
I caught you with one try.
Where is Saimdang?
I was going to kill her first.
But then I came up with a good idea.
I will kill that wench and you with one sword.
Then display your heads in front of the Gwanghwamun.
The artists who painted the king's portrait were in an illicit relationship.
You have gone truly insane.
If you touch one hair on Saimdang's head
I will follow you to hell and rip you to shreds.
Attack him.
Subtitles by DramaFever
The king wanted you dead.
Where is Saimdang? Tell me.
Where is Saimdang!
How could you want to kill a helpless woman?
I was only trying to protect the monarchy.
There is a royal command to shut down the home of the criminal Lee Gyeom.
Your mother is sorry.
Hurry up and go to Mount Geumgang, Mother.
That promise we made to paint together at Mount Geumgang...
can we make good on that promise now?