(Characters, places, and events associated in this series...)
(are not historical facts but fictional.)
♫ A flower blossomed deep in the night ♫
♫ Like a secret love ♫
I cannot hide it any longer.
I won't avoid it anymore.
I have fallen in love with 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.
♫ I have something to tell you ♫
♫ All of your footsteps, all of your hesitations ♫
♫ They were all a dream to me ♫
♫ Just remember this moment ♫
♫ Forget everything else ♫
(Even if I die missing you, I am happy to have known you.)
(Episode 10)
♫ They were all a dream to me ♫
Hasn't it been tough to manage due to the reduction...
of money spent on food?
Not at all.
If there's anything I can do to help you,
I'd do it gladly.
Tell me what you want most then.
I'll give it to you.
You gave me your most precious possession.
(Even if I die missing you, I am happy to have known you.)
Your heart, I mean.
Is there anything else you would like?
Since you ask,
something comes to my mind.
What is it?
Actually,
I am bothered about...
what the Queen Dowager mentioned the other day.
That is...
Well...
It is her remark about how it would have been nice...
if Your Majesty had a son...
at times of crisis like the poster incident.
I would like...
to give birth to your son.
(Ha Seon)
(Thank you, Eunuch Cho.)
Chief Royal Secretary Lee.
I thought you left work.
I am here to remind Ha Seon...
what to say at tomorrow's court assembly.
Where is he?
Well, that is...
Where is he?
Chief Royal Secretary Lee.
Your Majesty, I am here to tell you something urgently.
Must I hear it right now?
Immediately.
Lives depend on this matter.
I did not know...
you still had work left to do.
Please excuse me.
You may stay.
No, I better leave you alone...
so you can talk.
Your Highness.
Let me escort you.
Since when...
did you become this close with the Queen?
You said you wanted power to protect someone precious to you.
You wanted to become king.
Was it all because of her?
It was not solely because of her.
But...
That is right.
You are out of your mind.
You are deceiving her.
What she sees is not you. It's someone else's shadow.
You may be the real king,
but you will always be fake to Her Highness.
Then I will...
rather confess her the truth.
Then what?
Do you think she will accept you?
You have no idea.
She is more upright than anyone else.
The moment you reveal your identity,
both you and she will fall to the bottom of the pit.
Think about how you came back...
after running away from the palace.
It was because of your sister.
You wanted to punish those who harassed her...
and change the world.
Was that not your reason to become king?
There are mountains ahead of us.
While you're hesitating to give up on your emotions,
the Queen...
as well as the country and its people will be put in danger.
Give up.
That is the only choice you have.
I tried to stop him at first.
But their hearts were drawn to each other.
How was I supposed to stop it?
If you really cared for him,
you should have stopped him by any means.
It is not too late.
We must pull him together.
That is the best...
for Ha Seon, the Queen, and us all.
Understood?
Okay.
I would like...
to give birth to your son.
While you're hesitating to give up on your emotions,
the Queen...
as well as the country and its people will be put in danger.
Give up.
That is the only choice you have.
This will not do.
Let us just go.
I am afraid we might run into that monk.
Woon Shim is the only person who knows where Ha Seon is.
Let us go.
Gosh, it is cold at night.
Wait, I know you.
You guys asked about the dragon decoration, right?
Where have you been all along?
What, you know them?
Where did you hide my brother?
What do you mean?
I hid your brother?
Do not try to play innocent.
- I saw him locked up. - Hold up.
He can't even kill a fly.
What do you mean he locked someone?
Come on.
I can guarantee you. You are mistaken.
I believe what I saw.
Of course, why would she lie about it?
Dal Rae.
What took you so long?
I was so worried about you.
It is all because of that monk.
He had my brother locked up.
You mean, Jeong Saeng?
I think there is a misunderstanding.
Then...
where is my brother?
Let us go inside first.
Let's go.
Are you back from the palace?
Is that girl in the room, Ha Seon's sister?
Yes.
The poster startled her,
and so she went around looking for Ha Seon.
She ended up coming to me.
My lord.
I think we should let Dal Rae and Ha Seon meet each other.
Do you not know where he is?
I cannot tell you.
No one will believe me even if I tell you.
And even if you find out, it will only put Dal Rae in danger.
My lord.
Do not ask me anymore if you trust me.
Some of the servants will remember Ha Seon.
It is dangerous to let those two stay here.
Send them back to Beopcheon Temple.
You can take them.
I won't go back to that temple.
Dal Rae.
If you stay here,
someone will think the poster is about Ha Seon...
and will try to hurt you and Gab Soo.
If that were to happen, wouldn't your brother be upset?
Do you know where my brother is?
I heard that he's well.
Your brother is safe, so don't worry.
Then why won't he come here?
I'm not saying that...
I don't believe you, Woon Shim.
Gosh, this is insane.
Go to Beopcheon Temple.
Ha Seon will contact you there.
Trust me and go.
My lord, I got word from the courtesan house.
The clown's sister...
went to Beopcheon Temple where Jeong Saeng's the head monk.
Beopcheon Temple?
I haven't heard of it.
Where is it?
It must be a small temple with only one monk.
I will find it soon.
You must hurry.
I brought ginger tea for the King.
I see, Your Highness.
You are deceiving the Queen.
What she sees is not you.
It's someone else's shadow.
You can be the real king,
but you will always be fake to Her Highness.
Your Majesty.
Drink before it gets cold.
Your Majesty. What is the matter?
The truth is...
I do not like ginger.
Pardon?
What do you mean?
Did you suddenly grow to dislike ginger?
Or is it the tea that I made...
that isn't to your taste?
No.
My taste must have changed because I'm tired.
Don't mind it.
Your work is important,
but you must watch your health too.
Make sure the King does not spend...
too much time at work.
Do not worry, Your Highness.
Your Majesty.
Did you decide to not take your feelings further?
I don't know.
What should I do then?
I really don't know.
The chief royal secretary is right.
I should do as he says.
I've never felt this way in my life.
I only just learned how to love.
I don't know how to stop loving someone.
I wish someone would tell me.
Your Majesty, Chief Royal Secretary Lee is here.
Here's what to say at the court assembly.
The rice payment law will be enforced in Gyeonggi Province first.
Before that, the land must be surveyed.
Promote Ho Geol to Senior Fifth Rank,
Section Chief in the Ministry of Taxation.
Many county magistrates were fired...
for embezzlement and not yet replaced.
Announce that you'll bring forward the temporary state exam.
I get the rice payment law will mess with Shin Chi Soo's income.
I don't get what the temporary state exam...
will change.
This temporary state exam will be special.
Not only nobles and scholars,
but even sons of concubines will be able to take it.
Should I even be telling you all this?
If you haven't gained composure,
don't attend the assembly tomorrow.
No. I'll do it.
- You cannot, Your Majesty. - You cannot, Your Majesty.
You are selecting people who will serve you closely.
How can you let the lowly people take the exam?
You will shock heavens and earth.
You even wish to promote a Junior Ninth Rank...
who was a slave to Senior Fifth Rank?
This is against the law.
Please rescind your monstrous command.
Are you saying you refuse to carry out my command?
It is not right.
I am requesting you take it back.
I can't do that.
There are many talented men in the Ministry of Taxation.
Why do you think Joo Ho Geol is the one for the job?
Minister of Taxation.
Is there anyone smarter than Joo Ho Geol?
The land survey...
will take over two years at least.
If you need someone who will get the job done swiftly,
there is no one more suitable for the job than him.
I'll appoint him as Section Chief of the Ministry of Taxation.
Take the appropriate measures.
Yes, Your Majesty.
It's getting worse and worse.
The King is losing his mind.
He's going to tax the royals and his relatives.
Now he's going to break the laws...
governing the high and the low.
It bet it's all Chief Royal Secretary Lee's idea.
Taxing those who own land.
Hiring those with talent.
It looks good on the outside.
He wants to stop my income and get rid of my people...
and replace them with his allies.
What will you do now?
Let's wait and see.
Can the King and Lee Kyu...
still have their way when the nobles and scholars object?
(I miss you. No matter how much I see your face, I miss you.)
I miss you.
No matter how much I see your face, I miss you.
It is flower tea from the Royal Infirmary.
Drink while it's warm.
I'm concerned that...
the King seems to spend too much time at work.
I would like to do something for him.
Something that could bring him comfort.
He wrote you a love letter,
so why not write one back?
A reply?
Would he like that?
If you write one with your neat handwriting,
he'd of course love it.
This is by His Majesty...
Anyway, this is the copy of...
"Essentials of the Learning of the Sage"...
that he transcribed.
It'll be of huge help...
if you study it as a textbook.
He had a great handwriting.
No matter how hard I try,
I'll never be at his level.
Still, I'll have to try.
Where on earth did you pick up that tacky style?
I heard you resigned,
so why are you back?
I was going to,
but I didn't like how things were shaping up.
Why on earth are you suddenly addressing me formally?
The palace always has eyes and ears everywhere.
Addressing you formally will ensure my safety...
as well as yours.
I get it now.
You've fallen for me too.
You'll want to say otherwise,
so I'll look the other way.
How could you call my swordsmanship tacky?
Are you kidding me?
I learned my craft from...
the most skilled clown.
Your footwork and stance...
are pathetic to say the least.
Then teach me a thing or two.
Fencing can't be learned in a day.
You must learn how to hold a sword properly first...
You sure are chatty.
Let's do it again.
What is all this?
I made it to congratulate you...
on your promotion.
Thank you.
Let me try it on.
Fine wings make the man.
Oh, please. Wings are only for fairies.
Besides, one's style...
mostly depends on one's looks.
I'll head to court first,
so make sure you're there on time.
Would I be late on such a day?
Don't you worry.
Looks, you say?
Seriously?
What is this?
What...
do you want?
- Your Majesty. - Your Majesty.
- Please reconsider. - Please reconsider.
- Your Majesty. - What's this noise?
- Please reconsider. - Please reconsider.
Your Majesty.
Scholars of Sungkyunkwan are blocking Joo Ho Geol's way...
in front of Injeong Gate.
What?
- Your Majesty. - Your Majesty.
- Please reconsider. - Please reconsider.
- Your Majesty. - Your Majesty.
- Please reconsider. - Please reconsider.
Your Majesty,
rules are clear regarding one's social class.
You can't allow those of lowly class to take the state exam.
This can't be.
Please rescind your order...
and upright the discipline and law of this country.
Please reconsider.
- Please reconsider. - Please reconsider.
Your Majesty.
I heard the news and ran over here.
Is it that wrong to have talented people...
join the court?
It is an important position in which they serve you.
Someone so lowly like him does not deserve it.
It will put the court in disorder...
which will eventually cause a chaos in the country.
We, loyal officials, are only attempting...
to maintain the dignity of this court.
Please do not turn us down.
Please accept the opinions...
of this country's officials.
- Please accept our opinions. - Please accept our opinions.
People of humble birth cannot be in charge of important roles?
Have you ever given them a chance?
Whether they can handle it or not,
have you ever let them try?
It is a job to assist Your Majesty in governing the country.
What we want is to set a righteous government...
based on the heavens' intentions.
If we give them chances for their sake,
it will end up causing a breakdown...
of this country's dignity and order.
A righteous government?
The heavens' intentions?
Stop spewing such nonsense!
If the heavens truly disregards those of a lowly status,
I will refuse to follow its wishes.
I will fight against it.
Step aside.
Please, Your Majesty.
I said, I will not accept.
If you insist to go,
walk on our backs.
Your Majesty.
Your Highness.
I must have been mistaken about His Majesty all along.
I never imagined he would do that much...
for a lowly slave.
You should go first.
I see you are rambling about...
like a dog at a funeral house.
What is your point?
You got kicked out of the palace,
so it is only right you reflect on yourself.
Instead, you are pulling all the schemes against His Majesty.
I am not sure...
until when I will keep silent about your wrongdoings.
Who is keeping silent about whose wrongdoings?
That clown.
Is His Majesty aware of him?
The clown, who looks exactly like His Majesty,
disappeared while working at the courtesan house which you frequent.
Anyone will have the same suspicion...
if they hear about this story.
"Is Chief Royal Secretary Lee plotting a conspiracy?"
Like so.
Let me ask you this then.
Where is Court Lady Kim?
Why are you asking me about her?
She is the King's court lady.
Abetting her for your scheme was not enough.
You murdered her for your own purpose.
If it is revealed, you will be charged for high treason.
And His Majesty...
will never take it lightly.
It didn't happen, and I know nothing of it.
Yet your assumption is very detailed.
Death keeps no calendar.
If you want to save yourself,
you better refrain from going outside your house.
Let me tell you the same thing.
You better be careful not to lose your head.
Should your life not be much longer than mine?
I am sorry for doing something...
which you told me not to again.
You did well.
That is what a king should do.
Doing things which others cannot and taking responsibility for it.
Holding hands with people, and bearing their burden.
That is the path a king must walk on.
What if scholars and officials...
turn their backs on me?
Instead, all people will support you.
Let us go.
What is the notice saying?
It is about a state exam.
It says anyone who wishes to take the exam...
may apply for it regardless of their status.
How could they let anyone apply for it?
What is happening to this country?
Darn it.
Is this true? Anyone can get a chance to become a nobleman?
I never thought this day would come in my life.
Let us go buy exam papers first.
Her Highness is over there, Your Majesty.
Your Majesty, we should go.
Just for a second.
Let us stay just for a second.
- That are the results. - Wait, wait.
Wait, let me see.
- Here, my name! - It's there.
Get out of the way if you're done.
There it is. Woo Jeong Rim.
I don't believe this happened in my lifetime.
- Your name's there too. - Where, where?
Seo Jae Gu.
Jae Gu.
(Woo Jeong Rim)
(1 of the 22 who passed the temporary state exam)
The powerful nation you want, that you dreamed of.
This is the only way to make the day come soon.
Do you think that is possible without me?
Do not worry.
I will put my life on the line...
and make it happen no matter what.
They passed the exam...
and were appointed as interns.
Senior Ninth Rank.
Ministry of Rites, Woo Jeong Rim.
Junior Ninth Rank.
Office of Diplomatic Correspondence, Seo Jae Gu.
Do your best and quash the ministers...
who disapproved of the idea.
- Thank you, Your Majesty. - Thank you, Your Majesty.
You can stand.
You're about to drool.
I'm envious.
You're always with the King.
Isn't he such a great man?
Your Majesty.
I have something to confess to you.
Your Highness.
Shall I hide it for you?
It's okay.
I will leave it myself.
You wait here.
I will.
Your Majesty.
My Queen.
What are you doing here?
I came, hoping to see you here.
I see.
Your Majesty.
Is something worrying you?
You seem full of worry.
Do I?
You're wrong.
I don't know well,
but I feel it.
However small it may be,
if something's worrying you, please tell me.
If there's something I can do to help, I will do so.
Your Majesty.
It's Eunuch Cho.
Your Highness.
Your Majesty. It's soon time for the court discussion.
Head to the Hall of Convenience.
I must go.
Cheers.
Don't be silly. Your cup's empty.
Slow down.
Why take the exam when you don't know Chinese?
My goodness.
You did well.
Let's drink up.
You too.
You should drink on a day like this.
Now for the guests of honor.
Jae Gu, well done.
Jeong Rim, you too.
- Not at all. - Well done.
You're doing well too.
You too.
Come on, drink.
- Let's all drink. - Me too.
Take this.
I packed some food.
Gab Soo and Dal Rae will be pleased.
I should go.
Welcome back.
I brought some food.
Share with Dal Rae.
Thank you.
Dal Rae. Dal Rae.
Come out here.
Dal Rae.
Doesn't it look good? Let's eat.
My lord. I found Beopcheon Temple...
where the clown's sister's at.
Shall I get her?
No.
I will go and see for myself.
What is this?
Go ahead.
Search the premises and don't let even a rat escape.
- Yes, sir. - Yes, sir.
What do you think you're doing on sacred ground?
Let go. Let go of me!
Let go!
Over here.
Open it.
It's all right. Just relax.
Is everything comfortable enough?
Officer Jang,
why must they stay at my house and not at the temple?
Chief Royal Secretary Lee said he was setting a rattrap there,
so he sent them over here.
A rattrap?
I doubt a temple has a severe rat problem.
He wanted someone he could trust to look after them,
so that's why I brought them here.
Please keep them safe though uncomfortable.
- I'll get going then. - Officer Jang.
- Stay the night. - Sorry?
Just look at their eyes.
I think we got off the wrong foot,
so they might come at me at night if you leave.
Please let go.
Please. Don't leave me.
Is there anything else you need?
No.
I had no idea I'd be seeing you here.
Are you here to ask for mercy?
Mercy? Where would that get me?
I'm here for a girl named Dal Rae.
Have you seen her?
Dal Rae?
Isn't she the one you inquired about to Woon Shim?
She's that clown's sister.
Are you saying that you're looking for her?
I can't believe you're frantically...
looking for His Majesty's lookalike.
Some might think...
that it's because you're plotting a conspiracy.
Aren't you here to find that clown as well?
No, I'm here to pray.
Seeing that you're here and hearing you say that...
proves to me that my suspicions are correct.
They say that a fox only eyes chickens in its dream.
All you desire is to go against the King,
and that's why...
you think others are that way as well.
You and I are of the same kind.
You may fool others, but you can't fool me.
Even good words sound revolting when constantly repeated.
Before I inform...
His Majesty on your detailed actions,
you should end things here.
By the way, who does this ancestral tablet belong to?
A friend of mine who came and went like the cloud and wind.
Say your prayers then.
Let's go.
What is all this?
"A thousand years apart from you..."
"will not change my love for you."
Your Highness, did you manage to hide the letter this time?
Your Highness, did something happen at the library?
Your Highness?
(If you would like to read the second volume of this book,)
(come to the library at night.)
(Even if I die missing you, I am happy to have known you.)
The truth is...
I do not like ginger.
What do you mean?
Did you suddenly grow to dislike ginger?
Or is it the tea that I made...
that isn't to your taste?
No.
My taste must have changed because I'm tired.
Don't mind it.
With all your heart?
Happy?
I have not...
given you anything yet.
The happiness or joy that I have not given.
You should forget it all.
I will make it clear...
whose woman you are.
You seem like a different person compared to last night.
That's why I'm glad.
Come to think of it, you have such a handsome face.
Is it not fascinating...
that there's another face like yours?
I'll go alone.
Your Highness...
Your Majesty.
I have something to confess.
I...
actually didn't wish to be queen.
I...
was never fond of this place.
But...
you suddenly changed one day.
You made me smile.
If you were to live here,
which house would you like?
You made me dream.
That house would be nice.
In such a small house,
we'd be much closer together.
Besides, it is at the end of the alleyway.
We'll have to take...
the longest walk to reach it.
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.
However small it may be,
if something's worrying you,
please tell me.
If there's something I can do to help, I will do so.
I'm here to see the Queen. Let her know that I'm here.
I apologize, but Her Highness isn't here at the moment.
Where is she?
Your Majesty.
She's at Your Majesty's chambers.
No need.
You are dismissed.
My Queen.
Without knowing you're here,
I went to your chambers.
I read your letter.
I have something to confess too.
I couldn't dare to start off,
- but I'll tell you today. - Before that,
there's something I'd like to ask first.
Your Majesty.
Do you remember the day we first met?
Or do you not?
Well...
It's too sudden that I can't remember.
That's understandable.
I forget about a lot of things too.
One more thing.
Your Majesty.
What is my name?
Your Majesty.
Tell me what my name is.
Who are you?
(The Crowned Clown)
All this is my shortcoming.
I'd never seen that look before.
I shouldn't have gotten close to her.
I care not for your crimes.
I hope never to see you again.
It looks like the heavens is determined to...
help Lord Jinpyeong.
Depose the Queen and order poison as the death penalty.
I won't do this!
You fool.
I vowed to make you king...
and swore to protect you.
Pick up the royal seal.