Return to us, Your Majesty.
I will...
be dying soon.
Prince Yeoning.
Let's go.
- Let me go! - Leave!
There is no questioning...
regarding Inspector Han's death.
How dare you act out in a situation like this?
With the death of our king...
the government is in great crisis.
I'm sure it's a crisis for you.
Since the Crown Prince whom the Patriarchs opposed...
has now become king.
Watch what you're saying.
Do you really want to die?
I'm going to stay alive...
until I find the culprit...
that killed Inspector Han.
You wench. How dare you?
Yeo Ji!
Are you okay?
Moon Soo.
You call this Saheonbu?
A bunch of garbage like you...
enforcing the law?
Just wait.
I'll join the Saheonbu...
and wipe out all of you.
And the ones who die...
will be you.
There's no need to linger.
Make sure they never get in the Saheonbu again.
- Yes, sir! - Yes, sir!
Let go!
- Let him go! Let go! - Get over here!
Inspection Leader!
You had to...
leave the government a mess before you leave, Your Majesty.
The Crown Prince with no power or successor.
(Successor: child to succeed the throne)
What do you think...
will happen to this country now?
- You cannot enter, sir. - I will meet Minister of Personnel.
- Prince Yeoning. - Leave him be.
Looks like you're here for me.
Prince Yeonryeong...
Lee Hweon didn't die of unknown cause.
He was murdered by Prince Milpoong.
Perhaps.
And you still covered it?
You're the one who supported Prince Yeonryeong.
I did.
But catching Prince Milpoong won't change anything.
- Minister of Personnel. - Prince Yeoning.
Whether Prince Yeonryeong died of unknown cause or got murdered,
or died due to some other reason...
will be decided based on our needs.
That's politics.
Based on needs?
Who...
- Who will decide that? - We will, Prince Yeoning.
- Like always. - With what right?
Because we protected this country!
We protected this country...
for the past hundreds of years...
by sacrificing so many lives.
You won't be killed.
Despite how you look, you're still a royal.
But if you go any further,
what will happen to...
your little playmates?
No, not them.
Don't touch them.
Inspector Han could've lived if it weren't for you.
Don't you think that?
You should've at least dreamt of becoming a king.
If you became king,
you would've gained...
at least a little bit of power.
What?
You have lowly blood,
but you're still...
of royal blood.
Jeong Seok.
Are you really okay?
Is it okay if others...
are beaten, stolen and killed?
Is that why...
you let others get hurt?
Here.
An unknown aristocrat told me to give this to you.
Isn't that...
the case for you, too?
It was easier for me to...
fight against them...
than to step back.
I'm even happy to see you teasing me.
It's nice to see you again,
my brother.
- Inscrutable are your favors. - Inscrutable are your favors.
You were the easiest one.
What? You punk.
You should've at least dreamt of becoming king.
You should've at least...
dreamt of becoming king.
The king.
What?
You're right.
The king, indeed.
If you become king,
- you'd at least... - I'd at least...
- have some power. - Some power...
Some power...
(Episode 5: Back to the Living)
(1 year later)
(Jeonokseo)
Hurry up.
How?
There's no time to ask.
Hurry up.
Let's go.
(Queen Seonui)
Oh, no.
What happened?
Why is the robe too small?
My apologies, my queen.
His Majesty's...
body has changed.
What?
Queen Seonui.
But Your Majesty...
Your morning lecture is on the Analects.
It will be held by the Minister of Education.
(Minister of Education: Head of Hongmungwan and Yemungwan)
You studied enough.
No need to be nervous, Your Majesty.
Your Majesty.
My apologies.
But I think we need to cancel your morning lecture.
His Majesty is here.
- Your Majesty. - Your Majesty.
Today...
This morning,
dozens of prisoners...
from Jeonokseo...
tore down the prison gates...
and escaped.
How dare you.
How dare you embarrass His Majesty and giggle about that?
Who do you think you are?
That's enough, Queen Seonui.
That would be enough.
Queen Inwon.
I heard about what happened this morning.
But now...
isn't the time to let screaming be heard over the palace walls.
How could you ask me to endure even this?
Now,
even the servants of the palace disrespect His Majesty.
Isn't all of this because he doesn't have an heir?
People think he's a powerless king.
Queen Seonui.
The prisoners broke through the prison gates?
How can such a thing happen?
Your Majesty, one cannot call this a normal country.
I'll take it into account.
Samnam is in drought...
and there was an earthquake in Gwanseo.
(Lee Yi Gyeom, Chief Inspector, Patriarchs)
The people think this is because...
of your incompetence.
They're saying unthinkable things about you.
If it's unthinkable, don't say it.
That wasn't me.
The people are doing this.
Don't distort the people's opinions.
That's what the Patriarchs think.
- Why bring up politics? - Stop, please.
I'll take...
it into account.
Your Majesty.
Ask us if you don't understand anything.
You should tell us your opinions sometimes too.
Why do you keep saying...
that you'll take it into account?
Of course.
I'll also...
take that into account.
My goodness.
You should replace the Chief Justice, Your Majesty.
(Min Jin Heon, Minister of Personnel, Patriarchs)
Jo Tae Koo is inexperienced with his duties.
He isn't the appropriate person to be the Chief Justice.
I think that...
- would be reasonable. - By no means.
Don't listen to them, Your Majesty.
Jo Tae Koo is...
already on his way to Hanyang.
It's impossible.
Show us discernment.
- Show us discernment. - Show us discernment.
You must dismiss...
the new Chief Justice.
Show us discernment.
- Show us discernment. - Show us discernment.
Your Majesty.
I understand.
I will do...
as the Minister of Personnel asks.
I'll take it into account.
He looked like he would pass out.
He seemed to be getting better.
But why is he like that again?
He... He must've been surprised.
You shouldn't mock...
the misfortune of even the lowest lives.
And he's the king of a nation.
Minister of Personnel.
We were just joking.
- How could you... - You're the premier of this land.
Live up to your reputation.
The Chief Justice was the only position we had.
(Cho Hyeon Myeong, Disciples)
Other positions including those in Saheonbu...
and Hongmungwan...
are all taken by Patriarchs.
The Chief Justice was...
the only position we had.
But they won't let us have that either.
It just means that...
the Patriarchs want everything.
You gave up too easily, Your Majesty.
Let's open the doors of the palace...
and greet Li Zicheng.
(Li Zicheng: A Chinese rebel leader who overthrew the Ming Dynasty)
When Li Zicheng comes,
we won't have to give them food.
Your Majesty.
What do you mean?
What is he thinking?
How could he be so calm?
My goodness.
- What is he doing here? - Look at him.
My goodness.
Pour it.
What are you doing? Pour it, I said.
Gosh, he's still a prince. How could I do that?
The sun is high in the sky already, dear prince.
My robe...
It's here, right?
Did you entrust it to someone?
It should be here. Look for it.
Are you changed?
You arrogant jerk.
How dare you pour water on a prince?
Oh, that water was used to wash my feet.
I'll pour waste water next time.
(Prince Yeoning, Lee Geum)
Jokes may bring you death.
Meat is for chewing and words are for saying.
Right. I need to go and act like a human being.
So I'll let this pass.
Okay. Right.
You were quiet for a while,
but you drank again.
Old habits die hard.
I just wanted to have fun like the old days.
This is the robe you left here last time.
It's been treated well.
Good boy.
You're not like this low life.
I used to be a low life too.
Then...
you must have a noble who committed treason among your ancestors.
Leave that here.
I heard that some prisoners...
escaped from Jeonokseo last night.
- Really? - They're mostly petty criminals.
I think half of them were brought back in.
However,
it seems like there's an interesting one among them.
An interesting one?
What does that mean?
I don't know.
Information gets cheaper the more you reveal it.
He's such a stingy person.
Are you going to Office of Royal Genealogy?
Should I come?
(Office of Royal Genealogy: agency in charge of royal affairs)
My horse should be waiting.
It's been a while since...
he got drunk like that, right?
He works at the Office and people say he changed for the better.
The day is coming, that's why.
A year ago...
that day.
You're here early, my lord.
They look like little royals.
What are they doing here?
There will be a gathering...
in a few days at the palace.
They say that the Queen's Palace...
will adopt a son to succeed the throne.
They're the candidates.
Adoption?
How about business at the Office today?
A wedding for Prince Inseong...
and Princess Jin Young.
Can't they get married on their own?
A delegate from Qing Dynasty will be coming.
Got it.
I'll take care of this.
You go out and get something for me.
What do you need?
Let's have a break.
My shoulders are about to break.
Right now.
Give it, I'll do it.
You have to be strong for this.
Are you...
really a woman?
Yes.
I'm Yeo Ji.
Like this?
About 100 times more?
(Can you sleep with that score?)
(Pass or die.)
You're turning the page too loudly...
it bothers me.
Like that.
You're breathing too loudly...
it bothers me.
It's always the dumb ones who make a fuss.
We're all preparing for the exam.
Isn't it extravagant to eat snacks every day?
I feel relative deprivation and it bothers me.
Excuse me.
What do you want me to do?
I'm not leaving because of you so don't mind.
A man should be able to bear such inconveniences.
But today is a very important day for me.
I never asked.
What? I thought he was a dumbo. He's a shrewd one.
This guy...
He might make it this time.
My goodness,
what should I do?
We're in trouble.
What is it?
Did you grind this rice cake?
You made it too thin.
Do you have any resentment against the rice cake?
Isn't that how you do it?
What's wrong with the jeon?
Who made this?
Me.
I was in charge of the pollack jeon.
What's the matter?
What's going on?
We're in deep trouble.
The rice cake for the party...
- became like soup. - And the pollack jeon is too salty.
I'm sorry.
I'll do it again.
That's okay.
We can use the rice cake for rice cake sujebi.
And the pollack jeon...
It's really good.
This is good?
There's such a thing as rice cake sujebi?
You, let's have a talk.
Oh, no.
Take this.
It's okay, sir.
- I made a mess. - No, no.
You did a good job.
Even the king's chef would be amazed at your food.
- Really? - Yes.
So go on.
You said you had to leave early.
I'll call you...
when I need help.
This much?
This is too much for a day's wage.
Yeo Ji!
Joon Jae.
Why are you outside? It's cold.
Yeo Ji, let's go.
Hurry.
Here.
Hurry up.
Let's finish before Yeo Ji comes and helps...
so we can have something edible.
She's a woman, too.
Why do two men have to do this?
Sorry, but can you be quiet?
My exam is in two days.
Come on. You're going to fail for the 11th time, anyway.
- Your dirty shoe... - I'll pass first place, you idiot.
Great learning manifests...
one's bright virtue...
Jang Dal.
Ah Bong.
Master Moon Soo?
- Yeo Ji. Hey! - Yeo Ji.
It's good to see you.
How long has it been?
- Ah Bong. - Hey there, tomboy.
It's been a while.
Master Moon Soo.
Did you have a hard time?
That person...
is here.
Jipyeong from Saheonbu.
You're here, Jipyeong Wi.
We meet often these days.
It's nice that we get to know each other better.
Come in. Let's have a drink.
I heard you became jipyeong.
Take it easy.
I have business today so I can't drink too much.
Okay. Let's go in.
What? Yeo Ji is cooking for parties?
That's...
I didn't even know myself...
but I must've...
had some talent.
They said I'm better than...
the king's chef.
What is she saying?
I don't know.
Maybe aristocrats even have weird tastes.
I couldn't eat anything...
Yeo Ji made.
That's what I'm saying.
But ever since...
we got kicked out of Saheonbu,
Yeo Ji is the only one that has a job.
She makes good money here and there.
- Master, hurry and... - Yeo Ji.
Be honest.
Do you...
play cards?
- What? - Or...
did you hit people and take their money?
Did you play jeopo?
Or pick pockets?
(Jeopo gambling: throwing dice to decide the winner)
There's something suspicious.
What do you think?
- Just go and study. - Yes, go and study.
How dare you say that to an aristocrat.
Yeo Ji,
don't be like that.
You have to be good no matter how hard life is.
Yeo Ji.
How did I know?
It's obvious.
I could tell from the list of those who escaped from prison...
who planned the thing.
My lord.
The Patriarchs did it, right?
To get rid of the Chief Justice the Disciples appointed.
Escaping prisoners.
The nation is a mess because...
of the king?
The Patriarchs probably used this as an excuse...
to pressure the king to make him get rid of the head of Disciples.
You must be drunk already.
You planned this, didn't you?
And the reason you don't look so happy is...
probably because something went wrong with your plan.
I'll set you free.
Instead, I need you to do something for me.
I'll keep the Jeonokseo gates unlocked.
Escape with the other prisoners.
Of the ones that escaped,
there was a petty criminal you arrested.
But he probably...
didn't get back to you once he got out.
What are you going to do?
If the police bureau catches him,
- you'll end up in a situation. - Prince Yeoning.
What you're saying is inappropriate.
I'll catch him for you.
- Pardon? - To celebrate your promotion.
(Promotion: Raising someone to a higher rank)
I should at least do this...
to get closer to you.
I'm sorry but...
there's something I've always wanted to ask you.
I know it's already past,
but weren't you friends with the late Inspector Han?
But why...
Was I friends with him?
I guess I was friends with him back when I knew nothing.
But realizing what happens once you offend those with power,
I grew up.
You also used to be a Namin,
but sided with the Patriarchs.
I'm sure you know what I mean.
You really are straightforward.
That's why we are good drinking buddies.
Here. Let's drink.
Joon Jae,
you should bow to dad.
Madam collapsed...
soon after he passed away.
Both Lord Jeong Seok and madam...
was killed by them.
And still, we can't do anything about it.
This can't be.
- Until when should we... - Stop it.
It's his funeral.
That's why I'm saying it.
I'm speaking for our lord who was poorly victimized.
I said stop.
There are times when you should hold out.
Even when the anger drives you crazy.
Until you have the actual power to do so.
My lord...
Calm down, my lord.
The funeral is not done yet.
Lord Moon Soo.
I'm sorry.
Joon Jae was hearing us.
I shouldn't act like this.
But...
I can't withstand this.
This rage is all over me.
It is so unfair.
When Jeong Seok died like that,
bad ones are living great life.
And,
Prince Yeoning...
I heard he lives well too.
He put behind everything and lives well.
Jeong Seok died because of him.
And he's living as if nothing happened!
So what?
The way he lives...
has nothing to do with us.
I do hear things about him.
About how Prince Yeoning...
Lee Geum lives.
He's trying to find a way...
to survive.
By...
clinging on...
a person like Wi Byeong Joo.
Are you okay?
Here.
This is what you asked.
So forget about...
Prince Yeoning,
my lord.
Yeo Ji...
The purpose of his life...
is just different from ours.
Hweon...
It's been long.
Since I lived...
like this.
Line up, everyone.
Let me ace the test for once!
Why are there so many people?
As if everyone is taking an exam.
But half of them are stand-in.
People who'll get paid to get a good spot to take an exam.
Wow, look how huge he is.
Yeah, the spot does matter.
The closer the seat to the front, faster we can read the question.
They don't even read the late submissions.
That's why I failed last time.
You have so many excuses for failing ten times.
Oh, it'll be 11 soon.
How dare you!
I'm not cheating!
I'm trying to do it fairly.
Are you giving up?
What the... hey!
What did you just do?
How dare you cutting in the line?
Are you talking about me?
It seemed like there was no one lining up here.
Is there a problem?
No.
You're right. We weren't on the line.
The doors will now open.
Ah Bong, I'll see you later.
Get out of my way!
I need to get in!
Your on my way!
Hey!
Come here!
You are...
Get up!
Get out of my way!
Here! This way!
This way! Come here!
Here, let's go there.
Get your legs strong.
Come this way! This way!
Here. Take this seat.
- Me? - You were lucky.
I got two good spots with a help of stand-in,
and you just happened to be there.
What are you doing? Have a seat.
No.
I appreciate your kindness, but no thank you.
It's illegal.
What are you saying?
Everyone does this.
Just because everyone does, it doesn't make it right.
I...
am studying to make a world where the law wins.
Good luck to you.
He, hey!
Hey!
This can't be!
My lord.
Don't call me lord.
- My apologies. - This is such a mess.
Keep your eyes open to find those who cheat.
Yes.
You got whom I asked for.
As I thought, you rule...
the back alley of Hanyang.
You found out that it's related to the Patriarchs.
You do have keen eyes. Huh?
I knew it before.
I just didn't bother back then.
Did it become useful now?
Well,
even if I did, I won't tell you.
Even if we got closer,
I still know that you're the dog of Min Jin Heon.
I see that you're spending money for something else, too.
Isn't it time...
for you to stand in front of them?
To that female inspector and Park Moon Soo.
I'm sure they misunderstood about you.
It's not a misunderstanding. It's the truth.
I did abandon them.
And they've paid their price for believing in a person like me.
Let's stop the nonsense. I'm leaving.
The situation...
will get worse.
I don't know what you have decided.
But for that,
- you might have to hurry up a bit. - What do you mean?
The situation will get worse?
The virtue of King is...
to follow a filial obedience.
A mother exists by her son, is the Confucian thought of righteousness.
(Confucian thought of righteousness: having a good reason for fidelity)
My lord.
What's happening?
Who would make this mess?
Your Majesty. I request you...
to entitle your mother...
as she should be and raise your dignity.
This...
Your Majesty. Please entitle your mother,
Concubine Jang,
who was falsely accused and killed.
Concubine Jang?
Are the Disciples...
trying to bring out that incident?
This will become...
a political war between the Disciples and the Patriarchs.
His appeal was totally heinous!
You must burn the appeal and...
sentence him to death.
Please show discernment.
- Please show discernment. - Please show discernment.
Please show discernment.
- Please show discernment. - Please show discernment.
Then,
next...
next will be...
What is His Majesty thinking?
He didn't even say, "I'll take that into account" like he always used to.
Although Patriarchs rule the world,
His Majesty owns the King's throne.
He wouldn't easily let go of it.
Then will he fight against us?
- How would he? - He would do anything.
He knows that he'll face the death when he steps down the throne.
The successor.
It's time to decide on the next successor.
What?
Successor?
I'm saying that we, Patriarchs, should choose...
the successor.
It's not only the Patriarchs.
Disciples, too, will...
try to put up their successor.
A successor? Already?
It's for the next throne.
If Patriarchs gets to decide on the successor, the nation will ruin.
If Disciples win, sovereign power will be maintained.
The Queen already started to search for the step-son.
Prince Hyunryeong, the second son of Prince Anchang.
The third son of Prince Gwangmin...
Open the gate...
and welcome Li Zicheng.
(Li Zicheng: a Chinese rebel leader who overthrew the Ming dynasty)
When he comes,
(Li Zicheng: a Chinese rebel leader who overthrew the Ming dynasty)
you won't have to submit the rice.
This is a song that spread at the end of Ming dynasty,
when there was a rebellion of Li Zicheng.
To make people hope for the rebellion.
But,
Li Zicheng did not succeed.
And the song became worthless.
Li Zicheng didn't have enough ability...
nor had enough ally.
He was just...
like me.
To achieve,
one should be competent first.
Neither myself nor Disciples...
have such power.
Your Majesty.
When I'm not good enough,
I'll have to use opponent's power...
or look for a partner. That's right.
I need an ally...
to become my team.
Is there a schedule to visit a palace today?
I wish to enter right away.
You mean, right now?
Queen's palace needs a royal member...
- to lead the event. - That's right.
The queen is getting a stepson for a successor?
But you should head to Mohwa-palace.
Mohwa-palace?
- For what? - You should greet the ambassador...
from Qing dynasty.
Why should I? Any other royal member can do.
Well,
- they specifically requested you. - Me?
Who would do so?
(Mohwa-palace)
(Prince Milpoong Lee Tan)
Brother!
Long time no see!
You...
Tan.
I heard you're working hard at the Office of Royal Genealogy.
So the rumor was true.
- That surprised me. - No way.
Are you the one requested me?
I became friends with high officials in Qing dynasty.
Money can do anything.
I wanted to meet you first.
It's true. I never...
stopped thinking about you.
Get your filthy hands off me.
It's disgusting.
Do you remember?
My fight ends...
only when I win.
I will become the king, Prince Yeoning.
That's why I'm back.
No.
You'll die on my hands before that happens.
Calm down. You might regret this.
What...
are you thinking?
I told you.
I will be the king.
I'm all ready...
to become the next king.
A woman who ate this silkworm alive gave a birth.
To a son.
You should have a son.
For you and His Majesty.
I noticed...
you were seeing young royal family members.
If I can't have a baby even if I try this hard,
I should get a stepson.
To keep...
His Majesty safe.
Welcome back, my lord.
The queen was whining...
with that little silkworm.
I had to show her that it's nothing.
So I also had to swallow it.
That's why you're just perfect to me.
I had a hard time to get around her.
You should do great.
When I sit on the King's chair,
you should be on my side.
As a new queen...
of this nation.
I told you.
I'll be the king.
I'm all ready...
to become the next king.
Next king?
Tan.
How dare you...
(Saheonbu)
You can't just barge in here, my lord.
I do have a good reason.
This is an investigation request on royal family's corruption.
Let's pretend that we talked about this.
No way. It's impossible.
Neither Min Jin Heon nor Patriarchs would allow that.
What if Prince Milpoong...
has someone on his back, strong enough to support that?
Believe it or not,
send my message to Lord Min Jin Heon.
To come look for me...
before he gets into trouble.
I'll contact you as soon as possible.
I'll wait.
How dare you.
Breaking into Saheonbu.
Yeo Ji.
What are you doing here?
You're still investigating on Inspector Han's...
It's none of your business.
Who is it? Who's in there?
- What's wrong? - I heard a weird sound from inside.
What?
Step aside.
Shh! Go hide.
Who is in there? Who is it?
You surprised me.
- What is it? - Prince Yeoning.
You shouldn't sneak up. You startled me.
My apologies.
But... what are you doing here?
- Why? Am I not allowed? - That's...
Not without permission.
Then,
I'll come back with a permission of Inspection Leader Wi.
I'll see you tomorrow.
Yeo Ji...
Go hide.
Why would Prince Yeoning...
why...
He really got paid?
You said there was a weird guy.
The one who offered you a seat.
The one who even tried to show you the answer.
Yes, that's right. So?
Don't you know who we are?
We were the inspectors of Saheonbu.
We got him.
He got paid to help you.
For what?
Why would someone do that to me?
- That's... - What's going on?
Who got paid to help him?
Prince Milpoong? He's back?
Yes. And according to Prince Yeoning...
Prince Milpoong has something which Patriarchs can't resist.
You must be a friendly guy.
You're hanging out...
with a guy like Prince Yeoning?
I've been observing Prince Yeoning.
He has good eyes in reading the situation.
You must have other things to do.
I'm talking about the prisoners who broke out.
- The one I put you in charge. - My lord.
- I will take care of... - Yes. You will...
have to take care of it well. For both you and me...
To not put the Patriarchs in trouble.
I'll keep that in mind.
I should leave for a party for the ambassadors of Qing dynasty.
Oh, yes.
Prince Milpoong.
It's really tiring.
Ambassadors in this situation?
That's...
Why is she with the queen?
Oh, you're talking about Yoonyeong?
She asked me to introduce her to the queen.
If she gets close to the queen,
- it'll be helpful to me. - What did you say?
Minister of Personnel. She's quite talented.
She easily put the queen on her side.
Prime minister!
What did you do?
You don't even know her.
What's wrong?
No way.
It can't be.
The King has arrived.
(Palace Eunuch of Qing dynasty)
Your Majesty.
It is my honor to meet you.
Welcome, Palace Eunuch.
You've come a long way.
It was fine.
I had a good company.
A good company?
Your Majesty.
I finally get to bow to you.
Prince Milpoong?
What's happening?
Why is Prince Milpoong here?
Your Majesty.
How have you been?
Please forgive me,
for paying my respect this late.
Your Majesty.
It can't be.
So this was the plan.
Prince Milpoong, you plan to...
put the queen in front of you...
and Qing dynasty behind you...
to become the King's stepson.
Oh no.
It's my first time to see your face like that.
Prince Yeoning.
You must be troubled.
You were the one who took away the throne from Prince Milpoong.
I told you to come look for me.
I did warn you.
What are you trying to say?
I'm sure you didn't just come here to brag.
Don't you need...
a prince?
A prince who will play as a chess piece...
on your board game.
What are you trying to do? Why are you here?
I'm holding a sword over their head.
I heard you're investigating on the previous corruptions.
Your Majesty.
Can you reveal the truth?
You really thing Patriarchs will collapse with that?
What are you trying to do?
- So this is it. - This bastard...
- So this is what you wanted. - What are you trying to do?
I have waited for this moment.
A cracked pottery breaks easily.
Prince Milpoong will shake the Patriarchs first for me.