(Characters, places, and events associated in this series...)
(are not historical facts but fictional.)
(Episode 11)
Your Majesty.
What is my name?
Your Majesty.
Tell me what my name is.
Who are you?
How dare you!
Your Highness.
Did the Queen find out?
I'd never seen that look before.
I only wanted to make her smile.
But I ended up hurting her.
I shouldn't have gotten close to her.
I shouldn't have dared to love her.
Your Majesty.
The look she gave me...
was bitter than ginger.
It breaks my heart.
Still, it must be nothing compared to what she's going through.
I started...
a fire pit in her heart.
It isn't something...
you should bear alone.
I'll go...
send a message to Chief Royal Secretary Lee.
Your Highness, are you feeling ill?
Should I call a royal physician in?
No.
You may leave now.
Yes, Your Highness.
Where have you been all along?
What's going on?
The Queen...
found out about His Majesty's identity.
What should we do?
The sun will rise soon.
I'll go talk to her in person.
Your Highness.
It's right that I greet you with courtesy,
but since I'm here to confess my sin,
please excuse my manners.
Before I confess anything, do ask me questions.
I'll answer them.
Who is the man in the King's palace?
A clown who looks exactly like the King.
I discovered him, reported His Majesty about it,
and brought him in the palace.
Where is His Majesty?
You must be aware...
that he became weak both mentally and physically...
since he took the throne.
He became dependent on drugs and in the end,
he couldn't hold up even for a second without them.
Once we found his substitute,
he tried to recover his condition...
outside the palace.
But it was too late.
He began to hallucinate and hurt himself.
And...
something horrible happened to him.
What do you mean?
If I remember correctly,
he returned to the palace once.
Right.
That night, he collapsed...
and passed away.
Your Highness.
I'm to blame...
for failing to serve His Majesty properly.
If you want me to get rid of him from the palace, I'll do so.
If you wish to punish me,
I'll accept the punishment.
But in that case,
people will find out about His Majesty's death.
It's obvious...
the palace will become a bloodbath because of the throne.
Chief Royal Secretary Lee.
Yes, Your Highness.
The King passed away while I was unaware of it.
Don't try to threaten and sway me...
with what might happen in the future.
I'm not threatening you.
I'm begging you.
I'm well aware...
nothing can be an excuse for this.
I'll follow whatever decision you make,
but please do not focus only on my sin.
Please think and look further...
before making any decision.
What did...
the Queen say?
I confessed my sin,
so she will decide on how to settle this.
This won't do.
I'll go see her myself...
and confess my sin to her.
Calm down.
But...
Whatever decision she makes,
it's mine to bear.
Ha Seon,
you just focus on how you will keep the throne. Understood?
Your Highness, the wind is cold.
I'm worried you might catch a cold.
Why don't you go back inside?
Please.
Just a little more.
Let me stay just a little more.
However, Your Highness...
Just in case...
this cold wind...
could freeze my heart.
Pardon?
What do you mean?
Your Majesty,
it's said the envoys from Ming arrived in Gaegyeong.
They'll reach the Yeongeun Gate in four days.
The envoys are coming to deliver...
the New Year's message of the Emperor.
We should prepare for a grand welcome feast...
to avoid possible complaints.
Your Majesty.
We've already finished preparing for the feast...
as well as the high-quality gifts...
for the Emperor in a proper degree.
Please do not worry.
Your Majesty, a proper degree isn't enough.
Ming Dynasty is like a father to our nation.
No child serves their father to just a proper degree.
Isn't that why we offered tributes...
worth 35,000 yang...
and 12 other high-quality gifts...
to the royal house of Ming last year?
Your Majesty.
Look at this.
White and translucent.
They remind me of stars.
My lord, did something happen during the assembly?
The Queen knows who Ha Seon is.
What? How come?
Was his sister taken safely over?
Yes. I was told she would be taken good care of.
Help me with this.
Oh, dear. Put it down here.
Sit down.
To welcome you to my place, I ordered a decent feast.
What is all this?
- Don't refuse. - Meat?
Eat up. Go on.
Thank you then.
Let's eat. Come on.
Eat.
From what I observed,
you live on your own.
Who prepared all this?
Come on. Who do you think did?
You cooked this yourself?
My mother was a cook.
I learned how to cook...
by watching her in secret.
It shouldn't taste too bad.
Gosh. Eat up then.
What is it?
Is it not good?
It's awesomely good.
Is it really?
So, my lord.
The man with the sword who escorted us...
and you too, you all seem to...
work for the government.
Is that right?
Yes.
But why do you ask?
Is it because you can't believe it?
Gosh, no, it's not that.
I can't stop thinking that Ha Seon sent you,
but you say you don't know him.
I just don't know what's going on...
and it's all so strange.
Ha Seon.
I don't know the exact details,
but Haksan sent word that you should be looked after.
That means that Ha Seon is well too.
My friend can be a show-off,
but he's a decent guy.
If that's what you say, I should believe you.
Yes, you should.
Now don't worry and eat up.
The soup I cooked is getting cold.
- Eat up. - I won't refuse then.
Go on. Try this.
I got the recipe from Master Paik, a great cook.
It's stewed beef.
- Gosh. - Try some yourself.
I can't believe I'm tasting this.
It's like a king's feast.
I searched all around the temple,
but they disappeared without a trace.
No one has seen them in the capital.
I don't think they perform as a troupe anymore.
Then the chief royal secretary hid the clown.
Keep an eye on the people around him.
Yes, my lord.
The King neglecting to entertain the Ming envoys...
is an opportunity for us.
Send messages...
and tell our people to prepare to turn this into an issue.
I will start by contacting the scholars...
who came to Yonghyeon Temple and pledged to support you.
The King cried during the morning assembly.
Did you find out why?
I'm sorry to say that I don't know yet.
But I will find out soon.
Very well.
You may leave.
I bid you good night.
Something is going on.
Your Highness. What is the matter?
I will wear that today.
Your Majesty. Your Majesty.
How dare you? What are you doing?
Your Majesty.
I rushed over to tell you something urgent.
Did something happen to the Queen?
Please stop her.
She is preparing to leave the palace.
Go outside and send everyone away.
No one is to remain nearby.
Yes, Your Highness.
What are you doing?
Forgive me.
I had to come.
How dare you? Step aside.
Do not leave the palace.
I came only to say that.
Tell me to disappear.
I will leave.
When did it start?
When my father's life was spared...
Was it you?
Was it you who got bitten by the dog...
instead of me?
At the marketplace...
That was you too.
Just kill me.
I've committed a mortal sin.
- It's all my fault... - That's none of my concern.
I knew my husband was in pain,
but I couldn't be of help to him.
I wasn't even by his side when he passed away,
so my sins are just as severe.
What are you talking about?
Are you saying that His Majesty is dead?
Didn't you know?
Forget it.
You're dismissed.
- But Your Highness... - Due to the sins I've committed,
I am not worthy of this palace.
That is why I'm leaving,
so don't stand in my way.
I hope...
to never see your face again.
You will no longer look for me either.
Officer Jang.
Yes, Your Majesty.
Go to Chief Royal Secretary Lee right away...
and inform him of the Queen's decision to leave.
He must come up with a way to stop her.
Yes, Your Majesty.
Your Highness.
Why are you leaving the palace?
You told me to make a decision.
This is what I decide to do.
Your Highness.
If you leave like this,
you will not be able to keep your position.
Your life may be at risk.
I'm aware of that.
Please, think this over.
I can't guarantee...
how I'll act if I stay at the palace.
Is that what you want?
So Woon.
You can't do this.
When I suggested that you should be Queen,
your father opposed of the idea.
Since you are as straight as an arrow,
your father didn't think you'd be able to manage the drama.
That's why it had to be you.
I knew you were the one...
who could stand her ground as the Queen.
Please.
Please don't leave.
Your Majesty, it's Eunuch Cho.
Is it about the Queen?
Actually, no.
The Queen Dowager is urgently calling you.
How can the Queen be this irresponsible?
I couldn't just watch this happen, so I asked to see you.
I allowed it.
How can you allow her to leave the palace?
Even if you did allow it,
the Queen must be held responsible...
by the customs of the court.
Order the Queen to be deposed...
and order her to drink poison.
I can't issue such orders.
A lady must take her own life...
if she even dares to go for a walk without her husband.
Why on earth are you defending her?
She may be the head of the Internal Court,
but she's first and foremost my person.
I will manage my people how I see fit,
so don't ever comment on this again.
What is this?
It's the order to depose the Queen.
Pick up the royal seal.
Sorry?
What are you...
What are you talking about?
The Queen Dowager suggested this too.
Is she the one who ordered this?
It's not because of her.
If we don't get in front of this,
many will appeal for her to drink poison as well.
In order to save at least her life,
we must depose her.
No, we can't. We can't do that.
- Ha Seon. - We can't!
If this is about the fact that she left the palace,
I will hurry on out and bring her back.
Do not act with levity.
Please move aside.
I strictly told you about this.
Becoming a king means letting go of everything,
even your heart.
If you know that so well, why didn't you take the throne?
Why make me do it?
A king...
is not a position you can obtain because you want it.
You must not desire it nor wish it for yourself.
Do you really not know...
why I made you the king?
You probably wanted a puppet.
It's why you hid the death of His Majesty.
I vowed to make you king...
and swore to protect you.
I thought that you'd stay strong, not waver,
and hold your ground on the throne.
I thought you'd be able to make a nation...
where its people live in harmony.
Was I wrong about you?
And the Queen...
must be there in that nation.
Lord Lee.
I will make sure to come back with her.
Please let me go.
The Ming envoys...
will arrive in four days.
Until then,
I'll keep your absence from the others.
You must...
come back before then.
Can you promise me?
Yes, I promise.
Your Majesty.
Can you think of anywhere...
the Queen might go?
She must've gone to where her father is.
Have the guards accompany you,
but be discreet not to let others find out.
Yes, my lord.
Hurry on.
We'll tell the others His Majesty has gone violent again...
because of the Queen.
Forbid everyone including officials...
and court people from entering the King's palace.
I understand.
But how do we make them believe...
that his violent behavior is back?
How about this?
How do I look?
Will the King find me beautiful?
You look stunning. Please don't worry.
Now that the Queen left the palace,
this is my chance to win some brownie points.
Your Majesty.
- What is going on? - Please.
- Your Majesty. - His Majesty seems...
to have gone violent again.
Your Majesty.
I told you to drink as much as you'd like, so why won't you?
- Your... - Drink.
More.
Should I inform him of your visit?
No.
- Please, Your Majesty. - Let's hurry back.
Your Majesty.
Please calm down, Your Majesty.
Your Majesty.
Until when must I continue this?
Rest a little if you're tired.
But if people find out about the King's absence,
it'll be your fault.
Never mind.
I'll continue.
You can do it.
Your Majesty.
Please, Your Majesty.
Your Majesty.
What's the matter?
Is something wrong?
It's a report...
that the Jurchen soldiers are attacking the border.
What should we do without His Majesty?
My lord.
The merchant sent a message that he's here.
Should I tell him to come here like always?
No. Lord Shin must have his eyes on you.
This place...
isn't suitable for secret meetings anymore.
Then what will you do?
I'll give you an address.
Tell him to be there.
Yes, my lord.
You agreed you wouldn't attack the border again.
So why did you break the promise?
General Nurhachi thinks Joseon broke the promise first.
It must not be because of the Ming envoys.
Did he decide...
to fight a war against Ming Dynasty?
Send my message to him.
Even if you go into a war against Ming,
Joseon will not join forces with Ming.
We'll remain neutral without taking any sides.
So you should stop attacking our country.
How can we believe that?
You may hold hands with Ming...
after putting us at ease.
- What? - You...
made an alliance with Ming.
But you aren't even trying to be on good terms with us.
It's natural we can't trust you.
Making an alliance...
is a huge diplomatic issue which must be done...
according to situations and manners.
If you try to force us into an alliance by violent means,
it'll make it difficult for me...
to advise the King to seek peace with your country.
There's no use in trying to persuade me.
Joseon is my mother's homeland. I was born here too.
Of course, I don't want to see this country turn into a bloodbath.
What must we do to gain your trust?
The King's words.
They say the King is losing his mind again.
It looks like the heavens is determined to...
help you, Lord Jinpyeong.
I agree.
Do you have any plan?
This may be a good chance...
for us to make the King...
make a blunder in front of the Ming envoys.
But before we take any action,
we must confirm...
whether he's in his chambers...
and is truly in the unstable status.
Do not worry about it.
I have someone who can confirm it for us.
The Queen Dowager is here to see you, Your Majesty.
Your Highness.
What are you doing?
Your Highness.
What brings you here at this hour?
I heard the King's sick and came to see him.
Where is he?
He... He is...
Well, the thing is...
Tell the truth!
I got the message about something urgent.
What is it?
Well, you see...
Send the chief royal secretary in.
Welcome.
Your Highness.
Bring me the King's seal and identification plaque.
May I ask what for?
You do not know?
I hate what I'm hearing.
Both the King and Queen have left the palace.
Shouldn't I take over running the nation?
I just want to be prepared for any misfortunes.
Bring what I asked for.
I apologize.
I cannot do that.
What?
You will ignore my command?
It is for your sake, Your Highness.
If the King were to return...
and hear you tried to take his seal and plaque,
what would happen then?
Just the thought of it...
makes me feel like wetting my garments.
How could I obey you...
knowing so well what would happen?
You have no idea...
how tortured I felt each time...
a disloyal subject manipulated the King...
and distracted him from his duties.
Who would understand how a mother feels?
Now that Shin Chi Soo is gone,
I fear that someone else is blocking the King's eyes and ears...
and confusing his mind.
I cannot sleep at night.
I had no idea that you cared...
and worried so deeply about the King.
Everyone thinks I resent the King over Prince Gyeongin's death.
But that is a rumor...
spread by those who want to tear us apart.
I apologize.
You are the most loyal subject in all the land.
I was unaware of that.
Your words are sweet like honey,
but I see a sharp blade hidden within.
Do you doubt what I say?
How would I dare...
doubt your loyalty?
For your sake, however,
I would dare to give a word of advice.
What is that?
Just because the King is not here,
do not enter his office...
and make the mistake of demanding...
his seal and plaque.
Even if it comes out of loyalty,
such rude and inappropriate actions...
is not something that...
I will stand by as the King's loyal subject.
How dare a secretary...
threaten the Queen Dowager?
It is no threat.
It's just some heartfelt advice from me to you, Your Highness.
Where is the Queen Dowager's court lady?
Escort her to her chambers.
Your Highness.
Chief Royal Secretary.
I will never forget this conversation.
I am honored, Your Highness.
Lord Jinpyeong bid me tell you this.
"Not there."
"Not there"?
Okay. Tell him I will take action.
Yes, my lord.
Is anyone outside?
Did you call, my lord?
I am going out. Be prepared.
Where will you go?
To Gaegyeong to see...
the Ming envoys.
Yes, my lord.
He was not there?
Father.
I must be hallucinating now.
Father. It is I, So Woon.
So Woon.
It is you.
You...
How are you here?
Guards. Even if it's for a short while,
could you let her come in and sit down for a while?
No.
The village head will have a fit if he hears.
Let them inside.
I am the King's bodyguard sent by his order.
Do as he asks.
And leave for a day.
Pardon?
Do not alert the village head.
Very well.
Why did you come all the way here?
I came to see you.
Did the King let you visit?
I see he even sent Officer Jang with you.
He is concerned for your safety.
The King's grace is never-ending.
It's cold out.
Let's go inside.
Did the Queen get safely inside?
Yes.
I will go and get her after one hour.
No. She hasn't seen her father in a while.
Let them spend the night together.
I understand.
Why are you out here when it's cold?
Okay, Father. I'll come inside.
Were you crying?
There must be something wrong.
Of course not. Nothing's wrong.
So Woon,
you were a terrible liar even as a child.
So Woon,
with me ruled as a criminal and in exile,
you must be lonely and exhausted all alone at the palace.
I'm well aware of that.
Father, that's not it.
Then what's wrong?
Seeing you just brought the tears.
Should I...
live here too and look after you?
Then you'll be in deep trouble.
I'm more than grateful for His Majesty allowing you here.
Don't worry about me...
and head back to the palace when day breaks.
It's cold. We should head inside.
Yes, Father.
I could not let you watch it.
I thought I should take you somewhere quiet.
I am sorry.
Your Majesty, I am not wavered.
It rather feels like a happy dream...
that I am with you like this.
If this was a dream...
If this really was a dream,
I would not be blamed for anything I do.
Do you not think so?
I will not avoid any longer.
I will not run away either.
I will just...
look only at you and think only about you.
I am in love with you.
My heart feels like it'll explode,
and that I wouldn't even mind.
That's how much I love you.
Your Majesty, the air is cold.
I will find a place for you to rest, so please follow me.
You should go alone.
I'm staying here.
I'll go alone from here.
You must not.
Let at least me to keep you safe.
Please.
I just need some time alone with the Queen.
Yes, Your Majesty.
Your Highness!
Your Highness, where are you?
So Woon! So Woon!
- Your Highness! - So Woon!
The Queen?
- Your Highness! - So Woon!
Have you still not heard back from Officer Jang?
I don't know why I'm feeling so anxious.
I have no doubt that Ha Seon will keep his promise,
so have faith in him.
Chief Royal Secretary Lee, we're in trouble.
What might be the issue?
The Ming envoy arrived a day early at the Hall of Great Peace...
and has sent word requesting for the King...
to accept the Emperor's message.
They are showing lack of respect by arriving a day early.
Don't you agree?
That may be true,
but an envoy delivering the Emperor's message is...
as good as the Emperor himself.
Eunuch Cho, inform His Majesty immediately.
Well, that's...
He is not at the palace at the moment.
- What? - If His Majesty isn't there,
the Emperor will be furious.
What are we supposed to do?
I'll meet the envoy myself.
Who are you?
How dare you come in here without permission?
Chief Royal Secretary Lee Kyu.
I'm here to see the Vice Minister of War.
A mere Chief Royal Secretary dare wish to see him?
Go back.
I'm here with His Majesty's message.
I won't go back...
unless I deliver the message to him.
How dare you?
What are you waiting for? Drag him out of here.
Enough.
I don't wish to see blood here.
Although this place is for the Ming envoys,
it's built upon the Joseon land.
Step aside.
I made myself clear that the King of Joseon...
must come receive the Emperor's message himself.
So who are you?
I'm Chief Royal Secretary Lee Kyu.
I'm here to deliver my king's message.
The envoys were scheduled to arrive tomorrow, not today.
Thus, he will come for the Emperor's message tomorrow as scheduled.
How dare he humiliate the Ming envoys...
by sending this mere Chief Royal Secretary?
I'm going to kill you...
and teach the King of Joseon...
how serious of a sin he's committed.
How did you come here?
Are you okay?
Are you not hurt?
Let go of me.
I told you I'd never see you again.
Why are you here and humiliate me again?
Were you really going to kill yourself?
Stay out of it.
How can I?
Punish me instead.
I'll accept whatever punishment it is.
Enough. That's enough.
The more I talk with you,
the greater my sin will become.
No, you did nothing wrong.
I'm to blame.
And I'll pay the price,
so please stop blaming yourself.
How can I?
It is my sin.
I'm to blame.
I asked myself...
thousands of times.
About whom I have in my heart.
Whether it's you or him.
I wanted to deny and ignore,
but...
it was my heart's doing.
I may be able to fool the world,
but not myself.
This is the only choice I have.
Can't you live for me?
Since I entered the palace,
I went through many crises.
Every fatal moment,
I desperately wanted to live.
I was fine even if I was to be the worst criminal.
Even if it was just for a day,
I wanted to be with you.
By your side,
I wanted to hear you smile...
and live together with you...
for a very long time.
I love and respect you...
from the deepest of my heart.
Thus,
I'd like to live my life with you now.
By your side,
I'd like to give birth to your baby,
hear you smile,
and live together with you for a very long time.
Please...
live...
for me.
Your Majesty.
(The Crowned Clown)
Dal Rae, that clown's sister,
kept this with her?
What will I not give...
to sit on the throne?
You said the King would see me today.
This isn't what we promised.
There might be another rebellion in this nation.
I've realized...
that one day, I will have to cut off my connections...
in order to bear the throne.