(Characters, places, and events associated in this series...)
(are not historical facts but fictional.)
The lowlife has only one role in this palace.
He'll either be killed or poisoned while pretending to be me.
I can have this whenever I want, so go ahead.
Is... Is anyone outside?
Gye Hwan, please wake up.
Queen, I am sorry.
- Who are you? - Dal Rae! Dal Rae!
How much is a dog worth in the market?
My sister...
is not a dog.
Did you not run away to survive? Why did you return?
I returned to learn a way.
A way to trample on someone until he stops breathing.
Teach me...
the way.
(Episode 3)
You speak nonsense.
I shall behead you right now and eliminate future trouble.
You...
cannot kill me for the sake of His Majesty.
Aren't I right?
What is it that you truly want?
Whether I'm stabbed, poisoned, or ripped into pieces,
I do not care about any of that.
I will do as you wish,
perfectly play His Majesty's double, and die for him.
I'll do it on one condition though.
With the power you'll be given, you wish to end the life of someone.
And who might that be?
Who is it that you'll risk your life to ruin?
The son of the Left State Councilor,
Shin Yi Gyum.
My younger sister Dal Rae,
in the hands of that monster,
was brutally violated.
I will make him wish that he was never born.
I will torture him to the brink of death...
and have him beg for his life.
The decision is yours.
Will you kill me right here and now,
or will you sacrifice me instead of His Majesty?
Your Majesty.
Eunuch Cho.
It is me.
Let him stay only in his chambers today.
If anyone asks to see him,
tell them the King wishes to be alone.
Understood.
My lord.
Let me talk to you about the court maid who was poisoned to death.
Did you find something?
He refuses to see me or anyone...
but Eunuch Cho.
What about the cause of the maid's death?
Her roommate...
strangled herself to death last night.
What?
It seems like someone ordered that court maid...
to poison the King's late-night snack.
So she was killed to keep her mouth shut.
Would it be the Queen Dowager?
Someone with a grudge, I guess.
Wait.
His Majesty would want you by his side more at times like this,
so why did he not let you in?
Actually,
he did not ask for the drugs for the past few days.
I knew it.
That was why he spared Lord Yoo's life.
Anyway, you must not let him focus on the court affairs.
Make him stay at ease.
That is your job. Do not forget.
Anyone there?
Open the door.
Hello, my lord.
I heard Ha Seon's sister left this place last night.
Do you know where she went?
Why are you interested in that girl?
Do you know or not?
She left in a rush last night.
How am I supposed to know where she was heading to?
You are the Chief Royal Secretary who serves the King by his side.
You better not visit this courtesan house in the broad daylight.
What if scandalous rumors about you spread?
Seeing how you change the subject, you must know where she went.
You once said I should hide what I know or not know...
if I wanted to survive.
Did I?
That is what you told me when Lord Gil Sam Bong passed away.
Why are you surprised?
Is that not how you survived too?
Your tongue is sharp like a dagger.
I would be dead already if it were real.
Why are you helping me?
You and I are in the same situation.
I cannot turn a blind eye anymore.
Chief Royal Secretary Lee will not let it slide if he finds out.
We better have Gab Soo and Dal Rae escape to somewhere else.
4am.
This is driving me crazy.
Ha Seon.
Do you really have to go?
Gab Soo... I have to go and...
Right.
I am dying to crack that noble man's head open too.
I am sure it is worse for you.
You must be boiling with rage.
But what can we do?
Will we even have the chance to confront them?
Do well and you'll live.
Not do well and you'll die.
We are clowns.
We should not be picky on where to perform.
That's what you told me.
Right, you are right.
I will return alive.
Do not worry.
Of course, you will.
People do not die so easily.
You might get caught if you don't hurry.
Get going now.
- Okay. - Goodness.
Dal Rae...
Ha Seon.
Be careful.
Make sure you take care of yourself.
Ha Seon, take care.
You should have run away without turning back.
Why did you return?
I returned to pay back what I owe.
What do you mean?
When will Chief Royal Secretary Lee come to the palace?
He told me not to let anyone in your chambers today.
Judging by it, it might take him at least half a day.
The lowly clown has a demand?
Did you accept it?
Your Majesty.
We never know who, how, where,
and when an attempt on your life will be made.
He agreed to die in your place if need be.
If only to identify those who wish you dead,
do we not need him?
My order was to have my father-in-law beheaded.
Instead, he had the man exiled.
How can you not be sure he will revolt?
Or is it you...
who is planning a revolt?
A revolt, Your Majesty?
How could you say...
Someone might hear.
If you mean the head monk, you need not worry about him.
It is not the head monk I fear.
Yul.
My brother Yul is back.
He must have faked his death and come back to haunt me.
Where is Court Lady Kim?
Go and...
Go and tell her to bring me my pipe.
Your Majesty.
I took away his pipe,
so he went to the temple to ask for drugs.
I found him around daybreak, passed out on the mountain trail.
Since then, he says he hears things.
You were a physician.
You will be able to find a way to cure him.
Can you not?
Who is he that you are so concerned for him?
After Lord Gil Sam Bong died...
and you laid half-dead in prison,
he had Lord Gil's body embalmed...
and helped you to get away.
You must do everything in your power to help him recover.
Your Highness.
I think it best that you turn away today.
He will not see me either?
I apologize.
Announce her presence once more.
Her Highness came all the way here.
Eunuch Cho.
Court Lady Park, do not bother.
Take good care of the King.
I apologize, Your Highness.
I did not take enough precautions.
It is not your fault that the King did not eat his snack.
We have a long way to go.
You must stay strong.
Do you have it ready?
You managed to hide your sister away.
It is obvious you would hold her hostage.
How could I leave her there?
Did the King give permission?
What must I start with?
We must find out who wants the King dead.
If that means identifying who killed Gye Hwan, I want that too.
Who shall I go after first?
After breakfast tomorrow, visit the Queen Dowager.
The Queen Dowager?
The late king's widow and the most senior member of the royal family.
If something were to happen to the King,
she selects the successor.
Do whatever you want.
Just cause a huge fuss.
His Majesty the King.
Your Majesty.
My Queen.
I shall enter with the King. Announce us both.
Your Highness.
The King and Queen are here.
Let them in.
You have not visited me in a long time.
It has been two years.
You seem much better than before.
I am pleased that you think so.
Serve the King and Queen tea.
I shall.
Why do you not drink?
Do you fear it may be poisoned?
I am so relieved that you brought it up first.
May I have it tasted first?
You are still shaken over the death of the court maid.
You took a joke way too seriously.
Queen. What should be done?
Then I shall drink my tea first.
That is hot.
What was that about?
It could be poisoned.
How could I let her drink tea that was not checked?
Your Majesty.
Do you really suspect me?
If you are blameless, say so.
Insulting your parents is worse than treachery.
I turned a blind eye to your shortcomings...
only because I wished to do my duty as a mother.
It cannot be helped if you do not see that,
but I cannot stand being accused of trying to poison you.
Queen, what do you say. Am I wrong?
I understand why you are upset.
It is my fault that you got on the wrong foot.
This is my flaw and shortcoming.
Punish me instead and please calm your anger.
You have a sly tongue.
You pretend to comfort me,
but you are telling me not to punish the King.
If you took it that way, I apologize.
"I am sorry, I apologize, it is my fault."
Are those the only things you can say?
You always repeat yourself.
Just talking to you makes me sick.
Tell me how you really feel.
Do you really think of me as your mother?
Stop it!
What did you say?
I said stop.
Your Majesty, no.
What if I do not? Will you have me beheaded...
We are leaving.
Your Majesty!
Kill me first if that is what you wish.
Your Majesty. Your Majesty!
Your Majesty.
Why couldn't you have been more patient?
She was deliberately finding fault with you,
and my blood boiled to the point that I had to leave.
Are you saying you acted on my behalf?
Yes.
Then listen when I tell you this.
Don't ever do that again if you truly wish to protect me.
Must I stand by and watch even if you are treated worse?
You are only...
providing your enemies a valid excuse.
If word gets out,
many will appeal for you to show the Queen Dowager respect.
I do not wish for you to be called out like that.
Send Eunuch Cho like you used to...
and stay away from her quarters.
I will serve the Queen Dowager for the both of us.
Please excuse me now then.
Why do you look like you've lost the world?
I probably drained all my energy at the Queen Dowager's quarters.
So how did she react?
It was just as you predicted.
When I showed signs of suspicions of poisoning,
she raised her voice and got angry with me.
That's when I threw the table.
Good job.
Was that really the right thing to do?
What do you mean?
The Queen worried that...
I only provided cause for His Majesty's enemies.
I will take care of those issues,
so only do as you're told. All right?
Why did you have to complicate things?
If you had done your job properly,
I wouldn't have had to take action.
His Majesty is suspicious of me now.
What other plans do you have?
Do not worry...
for I will get it done at the upcoming hunting event.
Hunting event?
He wouldn't risk being present at that.
He will in order to show us that he is in good health.
Your Majesty,
why are you only looking at it instead of eating it?
Are you worried that it might be poisoned?
No, I'm not afraid of being poisoned.
Seeing this delicious snack...
reminds me of my sister Dal Rae...
and Gye Hwan whose death was untimely.
I can't bring myself to eat it.
Would you like it instead?
How can I eat it now...
after hearing you say that?
I'll eat it first then.
It is quite tasty.
Gye Hwan...
died in His Majesty's place.
She should be taken care of.
You do not have to worry about that.
The Queen has already...
alerted her death at her hometown...
and ordered the care of her family.
The Queen?
No one in the palace is quicker to take action in these cases.
Even though His Majesty keeps his distance from her,
no one dares to take her lightly because of that very reason.
But I ended up getting on her bad side.
How typical.
What can you do though?
It's all because you look like His Majesty.
I'm regretting sharing my snack.
I should've just had it all.
This flower tea...
will help you sleep better tonight.
Thank you.
I apologize.
Aren't these...
the hazelnuts that His Majesty gave to you?
Is that so?
I don't recall.
The windows were open earlier when we dusted your covers.
A squirrel must've sneaked in and left them.
I will throw these out then.
They're mine, so hand them over.
That's more like it.
It seems like you truly care for His Majesty,
so why were you cold with him earlier today?
He stood against the Queen Dowager to defend your honor.
- It's because I'm scared. - Pardon?
I don't want to be disappointed again.
I'm barely managing as it is,
and I wish not to fall apart.
Your Majesty,
the Left State Councilor has asked for a private audience.
What will you do?
Have him enter.
What brings you by at this late hour?
I apologize, Your Majesty.
I am here to address the matters regarding the Queen's father.
Lord Yoo?
His additional position as...
supreme commissioner of Border Defense Council is vacant.
Crisis might find us at any time,
so we must fill in the spot.
You must appoint someone as soon as possible.
Is there anyone who'd be a good candidate?
It should be someone who is well aware of government affairs.
I hear you. Give me time to think...
Also, dismiss the commissioner, the assistant commissioner,
and the staff officials who were appointed by Lord Yoo.
And appoint some people new for the positions.
Are you telling me to dismiss them all...
and fill the positions with new people?
You sentenced him an exile for committing high treason.
Many of the officials think it caused the disorder...
within the court and the Royal House.
Through this reformation,
you must strengthen the court's discipline and your dignity.
To help reduce your work,
I selected one person for each vacant position...
instead of making a list of candidates.
Please appoint them accordingly.
Chief Royal Secretary Lee wishes to see you, Your Majesty.
Let him in.
Your Majesty.
Take a look at this.
You cannot reform the court as you please...
without going through any discussion.
Your Majesty, if it is hard for you to take my loyal advice,
there is one option left.
What is that?
Order to have Yoo Ho Joon beheaded.
My loyal advice is all for your sake.
Please consider it, Your Majesty.
What do you mean, we have to accept this?
I may be lowly and clueless,
but I know what this is about.
The Left State Councilor is doing what His Majesty should do.
He is not the king of this nation.
Unless he has what he wants,
he will insist on having Lord Yoo beheaded.
If you take one, you must give one in exchange.
That is politics.
What if His Majesty does not allow it?
Even a king...
cannot do things as he wants when it comes to court affairs.
But the Left State Councilor can control court affairs as he wants?
Chief Royal Secretary Lee.
First, he thrusted Lord Yoo out,
and now he is filling the Border Defense Council with his people.
He must be anxious since Lord Yoo is still alive.
Your Majesty.
That is Lord Jinpyeong.
Lord Jinpyeong, what is the matter?
May I ask if we can still proceed with the hunting...
which is scheduled a few days later?
Your condition seems to have become better.
There is no need to worry about his condition.
May I proceed with the hunting then?
You may.
At your command.
Not a chance.
His Majesty is a skilled archer.
He will get caught for certain.
He must participate in the hunt...
to prove that he's healthy.
So I just need to go hunting and not get caught.
Bull's eye.
What do you think about my archery skills?
I must say you are better than most archers.
Did you train archery without my knowing?
That is...
I went out to train only with Eunuch Cho from time to time.
That is right.
His Majesty went to train only with me in secret.
I see.
It is your turn to try now.
Your Majesty.
Since when were you so good at archery?
That is...
(You get 5 times the amount if you hit 10 targets.)
What...
That young man is pretty good.
Gosh.
What is going on?
- Goodness. - Awesome.
- My gosh. - He is good.
Darn.
Give me 10 poon, 5 times what I paid initially.
You are one unbelievable punk.
Here you go.
I was born with it.
Would it be okay to let him join the hunt?
Those who wish him dead will obviously target him.
He knows well enough that replacing the King...
comes with taking such risks.
Must you really do this?
Until now, I searched for the right time and method.
Do you know what that resulted in?
Shin Chi Soo.
He only gained more power.
This is all for the King.
Do not get any foolish ideas.
Your Majesty.
Say you feel unwell...
and miss tomorrow's hunt. That is my advice for you.
Do you fear that I might die?
What...
You knew about that?
I did not.
Your reaction just confirmed it.
Thank you...
for worrying about me.
Not at all.
My words of concern...
are of no use anyway.
Eunuch Cho.
You can be of use to me. Will you help me?
His Majesty the King.
Do not do anything foolish.
I will not.
Welcome, Your Majesty.
Your Majesty.
I should be accompanying you,
but my sore knee has flared up.
My son may be lacking, but he will take my place.
Officer Shin Yi Gyum at your service, Your Majesty.
Your Majesty. My son is still young,
so I brought some hounds instead.
- Dogs? - Yes.
But...
You gifted them to me.
It seems that they have forgotten your scent.
How dare you?
What is wrong with you all?
There, there.
You remember me.
How have you been?
Good boy.
How did you calm the dogs down?
I once spent time with the tiger hunters.
The tiger hunters?
Yes. When the time comes for them to go hunting,
even the hounds are of no use.
Once they smell a tiger,
they step back and pee with anxiety.
Then earlier on...
Some tiger skin.
When I heard of the hunt,
I brought some just in case.
Where did you get that tiger skin?
It was hanging in my bedroom.
That is strange.
It hung right here...
even this morning.
I will go this way.
Who will come with me?
I will, Your Majesty.
Your Majesty, why do you not just...
You seem very confident.
- Accompany me then. - Thank you, Your Majesty.
Then I will head this way.
Silence!
A roe deer. I see a roe deer!
You Majesty, it's that way.
Moo Yeong, chase after Lord Jinpyeong.
Yes, my lord.
You will head that way.
- Yes, my lord. - Yes, my lord.
Your Majesty, we must've lost track of the deer.
Your Majesty.
Your Majesty!
Did I alarm you? I was aiming for pheasant.
My goodness.
My gosh.
It's all right, Your Majesty. I'm fine.
I thought I made myself clear,
but here you are trying to get your revenge first.
Do you have any idea what you could've ruined?
My anger flared up as soon as he got into my line of sight.
You're a good enough archer to have killed him,
so why didn't you?
I wanted to,
but it suddenly hit me.
I realized that by killing him and calling it an accident,
I'd be covering up his dirty crime with my own hands.
It couldn't just end with his death.
I have to punish those...
who turn a blind eye to his crimes and give him power in the office.
That's what I realized.
At that moment, I no longer wanted to kill him.
Your Majesty.
Officer Jang!
Where have you been?
My apologies, Your Majesty.
Your Highness.
Is His Majesty already back?
It is not that, Your Highness.
I am here to relay his order.
His order?
And what would that be?
For the time being,
he has ordered you to stop visiting the Queen Dowager...
for your daily greetings.
Did he truly order that?
I am afraid, yes.
You all did great today. You are dismissed.
- Thank you, Your Majesty. - Thank you, Your Majesty.
Her Highness, the Queen.
My Queen.
Your Majesty!
My Queen, are you all right?
Your Majesty, but you...
I'm fine, so do not worry.
I'm all right...
Your Majesty!
Court Lady Park, summon the royal physician.
Yes, Your Highness.
How dare you hurt His Majesty!
No, don't!
Your Majesty,
a dog that bites people will always bite again.
I brought these hounds, so let me take care of them.
The hound was only alarmed.
If you kill a soul for every mistake,
no lives would be left.
But Your Majesty...
His Majesty is correct.
What he says is truly correct.
Lord Jinpyeong, you are only here...
because His Majesty gave you a second chance.
This is an order.
Sheathe your sword.
I shall oblige, Your Majesty.
Your Majesty.
If you did not have the tiger skin,
your arm would have broken.
The wound might fester.
Do not use this arm if possible for a while.
That was so very fortunate.
You may leave.
Stop.
I apologize.
Your Majesty.
The Queen and Seon Hwa Dang wish to see you.
Let them in.
Your Majesty.
I rushed over as soon as I heard.
The royal physician said...
you could have been gravely injured.
My heart sank when I heard the news.
The royal physician is a gossip.
Excuse us.
Why are you still there? He said to excuse us.
He said that to you.
Your Majesty.
Take her out of here.
Come with me.
Your Majesty. Your Majesty.
Your Majesty.
Do not mind what the physician said.
He just told me to be careful.
That is how I understood it to mean.
You must have been shocked.
Why did you come to the stables?
To ask why you told me not to visit the Queen Dowager.
Why did you give such an order?
Whether I come with you or let you go on your own,
it will only give the Queen Dowager cause to upset you.
That is why I thought you should not see her either.
I know.
I am wrong again.
No.
Instead of trying to fathom what your intentions may be,
I tried to do what is right.
I only just realized.
I only speak of what I should do,
but you take action when the time is right.
What do you mean?
What did I do?
It was not the drugs.
He had changed his mind.
I doubt that is all there is.
You got too carried away with your little play that...
you neglected to see what the King is thinking.
You gave permission for me to do it.
Do not forget what your duty is.
If you keep disappointing me,
you will lose the perks...
as well as your title of chief court lady.
Keep your wits about you.
The King is actually very quick-witted and smart.
Do not forget that.
Yes, my lord.
I will remember.
You wench, Seon Hwa Dang.
Get away from the King this minute!
Your Majesty.
I will get through this with you.
Please do not give up.
To die is my only option.
Why will you not even let me do that?
I had no idea of the reality...
and believed the rumors and made fun of them.
She must have been so lonely and exhausted.
It will not go in if you throw it like that.
Shall I throw it for you?
No.
I just gave it a go.
Did you see that? It went in.
I forgot to make a wish.
Do not worry.
I will throw it again. Make a wish this time.
My Queen.
Hurry and make a wish.
If the stars were to fall from the sky, it would be like this.
My Queen.
What wish did you make?
Is it a secret?
You may not tell me. I will ask you no more.
I should make a wish too.
Your Majesty.
What wish did you make?
My wish...
is to see you smile big and bright.
That is what I wished for.
(The Crowned Clown)
Did you already get used to the life in the palace?
Do not let your guard down.
What is this?
Act like you do not know.
Officials are raising their voices to petition.
Shut it.
He is doing all sorts of things to save his queen.
What is the use of enjoying the power in fancy clothes?
Their heads are filled with feces.
How could you do this?
They cannot think humanly even the slightest bit.
Today is the day you die.