Subtitles brought to you by The On Fire Penguins Team @ Viki.com
The Crowned Clown
The characters, organizations, locations, and events in this drama are fictional and have no relation to historical facts.
Episode 7
Orabeoni.
Orabeoni!
Orabeoni.
Look behind that closet.
Orabeoni.
Water.
Give me some water.
Orabeoni.
Dal Rae!
I'll go to the brothel first and ask for help, so you find Dal Rae.
Okay.
Dal Rae!
Ahjae. (Ahjussi)
Oh my! Dal Rae!
Where have you been?!
Do you want to see me die from worry?
Ahjae, listen to me.
Ha Seon is gone and now you, too...
How could you make me worry about you so much?!
But...
You can speak now?
Oh my, my...
Ahjae, my orabeoni is here.
We have to find my orabeoni!
What are you saying... I don't know.
I came with the monk, so let's quickly go to Woon Sim.
Hold on. Do you know who was keeping him?
It was that Buddhist bastard.
How could that bastard do that to my brother?
What the heck are you talking about?
I'm telling you the truth. I saw him!
Are you sure?
Come stop by.
What are you doing? Make way!
Sorry!
Are you okay?
Yes.
Delicious!
Enjoy the food.
Your Majesty.
Are you hungry?
Enjoy your food.
Thank you.
What is this?
It's a pig's heart.
Then what is this?
That's intestine.
I am sorry. You probably can't eat things like this.
Let's just go.
It's so chewy.
Excuse me?
This is the first time I've ever tasted something so delicious.
I am glad you think so.
Have you eaten this before, Your Majesty?
A few times when I come out in disguise like this.
It's hard to act like something tastes good when it's not to my liking.
Being alone with you like this,
it feels like I've become an ordinary wife who lives in this alley.
If you were to live here, which house would you like?
I'd like that house.
It looks like the smallest house on this street.
So why that house?
That's why I picked that house.
In a house that small, we'll see each other just by turning our heads.
Furthermore, since it's at the end of the street,
it'll be the longest distance I walk with my husband.
"When chrysanthemums are in full bloom, wear them on you fully before making your return home." [An excerpt from "Qi Mountain Climbing on the Double Ninth Day" poem by Tang poet, Du Mu.]
I really liked looking around the marketplace when I was young.
A precious lady from a noble family?
I liked it because I could smell various living things.
I liked that energy, so I used to take a deep breath to take it in.
The smell of fish from the ocean. The smell of malt to make alcohol.
The smell of the people's sweat.
Do you smell the sweat on me too?
No.
You smell very warm, Your Majesty.
Subtitles brought to you by The On Fire Penguins Team @ Viki.com
Your Majesty, look over there.
Welcome!
- May we look around? - Yes.
If you are looking for a compass to navigate the stars
or to find a good site for your home or burial, you've come to the right place.
Are these all you have?
Shall I show you the expensive ones? Hold on a minute.
What is this for?
I want to give you a present.
A p-present... what for?
You don't have to. I didn't do anything.
You've done a lot.
You understood my heart and did much to make me happy.
And I keep thinking about it, and it feels like you'll need this.
The last time at the palace—
I mean...
at the house, too. You got lost, didn't you?
Your Majesty, I was on my way to see you anyway.
Were you coming to see me?
I was actually on my way to the side palace.
I seem to have been in deep thought and lost my way.
If you even get lost at home,
you must have the worst sense of direction in all eight provinces of Joseon.
Take a look.
I'll give you a good price so take one.
The one you are holding has the best pattern. Do you want that one?
How much is it?
Give me three nyang.
Hold on!
What do you take us for? Two nyang!
What? Do you know how much labor went into making this?
- Two nyang and seven jeon. - Two nyang and five jeon!
- Two nyang six jeon. - Two nyang four jeon.
Forget it then!
Hold on a minute.
Two nyang four jeon. Okay.
Hurry and give it.
Ssajeon (Grain Store)
I didn't know you were that good at bargaining.
I was trying to imitate it, but I didn't know it would work.
It appeared as though you'd done it hundreds of times.
Of course not.
Thank you. I'll keep this with me at all times.
I am giving it to you so you won't get lost again.
It really was a mistake then.
I have a pretty good sense of direction.
I am talking about the path towards me.
Even if you struggle sometimes
or slowly come in a roundabout way,
come to me, please.
I'll always be waiting at the end of your path.
Your Majesty.
I am relieved you are okay.
Right, I'm very relieved.
Your Highness, just where have you been?
I've been looking all over for you.
I am sorry.
Your Majesty, I think it's best to return to the palace.
Will you be alright?
The reason I'm sending this letter to you all is
not to ask for your forgiveness.
It's to convey my deepest request
not to lose the opportunity to spread the meaning of Dae Dong.
Sir, are you inside?
You came at the right time.
I was about to write a letter to send to the members.
He disappeared.
He...
Do you think he went to meet the king?
When did you find out?
I had my suspicions from the beginning.
If I made it obvious that I knew, I thought I wouldn't be able to help save him.
So I pretended not to know.
If I don't come back by daybreak,
take Woon Sim and Ho Geol and leave this place.
Don't enter the palace. The king won't leave you be.
Are you telling me to run away again?
Back then, didn't you do it because of the dying wishes
of Elder Gil Sam Bong to save the rest of the members?
There's a person who believed me and has his life on the line.
If I don't go, he will die by the hands of His Majesty.
I can't let that happen.
Why do you look like that?
Are you mad because I'm very late?
I'm sorry.
The Diaries of the Royal Secretariat: a diary that records documents and events handled by the Royal Secretariat
Have you been well, you lowly clown?
Have you forgotten your manners in that short while?
Your Majesty.
Lift up your head.
Your Majesty! Your Majesty!
Your Majesty!
Back off!
Y-Yes.
Y-Your Majesty!
Your Majesty, what is going on?
Your Majesty!
During that time, did this lowly clown become Your Majesty?
Clown?
Your Majesty, Officer Jang does not know anything!
Your Majesty!
Can you still not guess who the real king is?
Fine. I'll kill you so that you know who the real king is!
Your Majesty!
Your Majesty! Officer Jang did nothing wrong.
If there was a crime committed, it's by me who tricked Officer Jang,
so please spare his life.
Your Majesty, I deserve to die for not recognizing you.
Please kill me.
Go and get the chief royal secretary.
Yes, Your Majesty.
Looking at the diaries of the royal secretariat, it appears the queen left the palace to recuperate.
Is that something you did as well?
Y-Yes. The royal physician said that would be good.
If she's recovered, it's correct for her to inform the king's palace.
However, because a lowly clown is sitting on the throne,
even that upright queen has become slack.
Send notice to the queen's palace!
Yes, yes, yes, Your Majesty.
Yes.
Your Highness, this is Ae Yeong.
I see. Come in.
Your Highness, a message came from the king's palace asking you to come for a visit.
It seems that His Majesty wishes to see you again already.
Prepare for it.
Escort the chief royal secretary.
What are you doing?
It's His Majesty's command.
I'm talking about the real king.
Hurry and escort him.
Your Majesty. I'm here to inform you that I have safely returned to the palace.
How are you feeling?
Don't worry.
Through Your Majesty's grace, my illness has been cured like a miracle.
Have you been well all this time, Your Majesty?
I have been well.
Your Majesty, you were exposed to many cold winds in the streets earlier.
You haven't caught a cold, have you?
Your Majesty?
I'm perfectly fine.
Rather, you are the one who was returning to the palace.
Are you alright?
Instead of feeling tired,
both my mind and my heart feel lighter.
Spending time with Your Majesty
was a tonic more effective to me than my time away from the palace.
What did I do that made you so happy?
Merely walking with you,
speaking comfortably with you,
and simply spending time together made me happy.
Since first coming to the palace,
I've never felt so at ease.
Your Majesty, is something the matter?
I guess...
I am a bit tired after all.
Would you like me to call the royal physician just in case?
No. You may leave.
Then I shall take my leave.
Subtitles brought to you by The On Fire Penguins Team @ Viki.com
Is something troubling you, Your Highness?
It's nothing.
But should something happen to His Majesty, please inform my palace immediately.
Yes, Your Highness.
Chief Royal Secretary.
The queen has changed quite a bit since I've been gone.
What tricks did you use?
It's not like that, Your Majesty.
What do you think I'm asking about, for you to say that?
What exactly did you do?
I swear nothing happened.
Please believe me.
She said she walked the streets with you.
She said being with you was better than any tonic.
She said she liked everything.
The queen left to recuperate first.
Then you went out in disguise and promised to meet her?
Is that not so?
No, Your Majesty. That's not what happened—
Should I go and ask the queen
if you are telling me the truth or not?
How should I punish your crimes, you who are no better than an insect?
It's not enough to kill you.
Right.
Your family will be killed for sure,
but everyone who knows of your identity as well
as payment for your crimes.
Your Majesty, the chief royal secretary has entered.
Enter.
You look like you've seen a ghost.
Did you not know that I would return?
You've returned, Your Majesty.
I read your records well.
You kept me confined at the temple like a criminal.
And what fun you had with this lowly clown!
Why would I regard Your Majesty as a criminal?
Your Majesty was in a semiconscious state,
I was afraid you would harm yourself so I used the last resort.
You did it for my sake?
Then was the Dae Dong Policy for my sake as well?
The Dae Dong policy was something Your Majesty
had your heart set on to try again one day.
Your Majesty and this country,
and for the sake of the people,
I did so because I believed it to be the right time to review it again.
How eloquent you are.
Of all times, why is it that you are restarting a deed that's for my sake while I'm gone?
This important matter.
While I'm gone, of all times.
You carry it out while using this fake one.
Wouldn't anyone who saw this situation think that you are committing a treasonous act?
Try making your excuses that you didn't have treasonous intentions.
Your Majesty is already holding suspicions against me.
What use will a hundred or a thousand words have?
If you can no longer trust me,
just kill me.
Just say anything.
Just yak away!
Try to convince me.
Are you saying it truly isn't?
It isn't.
Right.
Of course, you wouldn't.
You are someone who would die for me. You wouldn't betray me.
This bastard is the cause of all the trouble.
This bastard put on the king's robe and sat on the royal throne.
And he thought he became the real king and held treasonous intentions.
Am I right?
Kill him.
Kill him! Then I will believe your loyalty.
This bastard is only a puppet Your Majesty used.
Those who are trying to kill Your Majesty are still out there.
If we kill him, we will never catch them.
So then, why haven't you caught even one of them after putting this bastard up instead of me?
I've had firm convictions but no evidence yet
Keeping him alive at least until we capture them,
Your Majesty will benefit from it.
Funny. When I was about to kill you, you didn't make a single excuse.
But now that I'm telling you to kill him, why do you have so much to say?
What's that look in your eyes?
Now that you are holding a sword, do you wish to stab me?
In the palace full of Your Majesty's guards,
how could I dare hold those intentions?
Kill him.
My Lord.
If you won't, I will!
Stop.
You can stop now.
We can't have a low scum's blood taint the grand palace.
Are you outside, Officer Jang?
Yes, Your Majesty.
Drag that clown out of here.
Where to?
We cannot reduce his suffering by killing him with a single sword stroke.
Leave him on the mountains as food for the tigers.
Until the moment he dies, make sure he trembles from the cold and fear so that he reflects on his crimes.
Yes, Your Majesty.
Then, shall we have a proper conversation now?
Summon the Left State Minister, Sin Chi Soo.
Summon: King's command to bring to court.
Dragon
Where do you think this place is? Who are you?
I came to deliver a royal command.
Father.
Seungjungwon: Office in charge of King's commands
Father, His Majesty sent a nameplate.
Put it away.
Are you not going to go to the palace?
How can a vassal who has caused inconvenience
answer summons right away?
Excuse me?
But, Father...
Your Majesty, I apologize, but I've fallen ill.
I dare not answer Your Majesty's command.
I'll come and visit as soon as the illness goes away.
Please forgive my faults.
He dares to weigh his odds against me?
This probably isn't because of a few whippings to his son,
but ultimately it's because of the Dae Dong policy?
Should we summon him again?
Just let him be.
I'm tired. Let Court Lady Kim in.
Your Majesty, this—
How impertinent.
My apologies.
When is the date the royal observers have chosen for my night with the queen?
I believe early next month, in nine days, is the earliest.
Tell them to change it to tomorrow.
Yes, Your Majesty.
He's been dragged to the mountains in this cold weather.
His Majesty most certainly will not survive tonight.
His Majesty?
The real His Majesty has returned.
Is Ha Seon still His Majesty?
Be careful.
One slip of a tongue in front of His Majesty
could put even you in danger.
I understand.
I'll be careful.
Subtitles brought to you by The On Fire Penguins Team @ Viki.com
Officer Jang.
I'm sorry.
I didn't mean to deceive you.
Because I entered the palace by royal command,
I couldn't reveal my identity.
It doesn't matter.
Because I, too, am only carrying out a royal command.
Where is Ha Seon right now?
Ha Seon? Is it the name of that clown bastard?
- Moo Yeong. - Call me Officer Jang.
I understand how you must feel.
The reason why I didn't tell you was because of His Majesty's command.
Ha Seon was simply carrying out His Majesty's command as his substitute.
His only crime, if there is one, is that he carried out a royal command.
Is that so? Does His Majesty also know your thoughts about this?
Eunuch Jo said
that your life was spared thanks to Ha Seon.
Please speak correctly.
I almost lost my life because of that bastard.
You must want to think that way.
But you and I both know
what kind of person Ha Seon is and
how he behaved while substituting for His Majesty.
Do you really think he committed a crime deserving of death?
Where is he?
Why are you trying to look for him?
Do you have treasonous intentions against His Majesty?
Moo Yeong.
It's too late.
What do you mean too late?
Has he died? Are you sure?
Yes, I'm sure.
Find the way.
The way to crush them all and protect me.
Hurry.
Before I really become insane.
It looks like His Majesty's madness has returned.
There seem to be people hiding everywhere who want my neck.
I feel like I might stain my hands with blood again.
Yool, that kid, keeps on whispering in my ear.
What that lowlife will have to do is already decided.
He'll either get stabbed or collapse from poison in my stead.
He just did it because he was surprised.
If he loses his head from one mistake, who would survive?
Isn't the left state minister doing the work His Majesty should be doing?
Is that man the king of this country?
There are times when ten or even a hundred must be given for the one.
What is the purpose of wearing silk or yielding power
when the head is filled with thoughts worse than beasts,
when the mind has no thoughts worth being a human!
I came back determined to die, but I never said I'd die in vain.
What? Dal Rae disappeared? How did that happen?
It's not clear what happened.
I'm supposed to see Gap Soo here when he finds her,
but he's not back, so he must not have found her yet.
Making me go back and forth...
Hyung Jeong Saeng,
what did you want to see me for?
What do you mean we have to leave if Chief Royal Secretary isn't back?
No way... did someone falsely accuse the Dae Dong society again?
Chamso: Framing someone to make him/her responsible for a crime and reporting him/her to a high-ordered person.
Is that right? Then, we should leave right now.
There is no reason to wait for the daytime.
We can go first and wait for him.
If that's the case, I won't leave.
Aigoo, Woon Sim!
You can go first.
When Chief Royal Secretary gets here, I'll leave with him.
The clown Ha Seon is dead.
You are now this nation's king.
I was on duty last night and was ordered to bring the royal secretariat records, so I delivered them to the palace.
I see.
How is His Majesty?
The thing is, he was quite strange.
How so?
Although he did not look to be in a bad mood,
he asked and checked things he already knew a few times.
Was there anything else?
I also saw the chief royal secretary being dragged to the royal palace.
The chief royal secretary entered the palace?
- Are you certain? - Yes.
I saw it clearly with my own two eyes.
Good work. You may go now.
Call me anytime, My Lord.
Shouldn't we go to the palace right away?
Right now, we shouldn't answer His Majesty's summons.
It's best to remain still.
Subtitles brought to you by The On Fire Penguins Team @ Viki.com
Even if you struggle...
even if you come in a roundabout way, come to me, please.
I will always be waiting at the end of your path.
Queen.
It seems I've lost my way again.
You, I have returned.
What did Court Lady Kim of His Majesty's palace want?
This...
It is a notice to spend the night together.
Spend the night together?
I'm sorry but the date is for tonight.
Tonight?
So quick?
Who is behind those assassins and the poison sent to kill me in the night?
As I mentioned last night,
I have convictions that Queen Dowager and Prince Jin Pyeong are behind it, but
I don't have solid evidence yet.
A conviction is good enough for me.
Your Majesty.
Welcome, Your Majesty.
Receiving attention from the king and the royal family all together like this,
it seems this country's royal family has a bright future. It makes me happy.
As someone who wishes for the prosperity of this palace and the country,
how could you have planned such a thing?
What do you mean by such a thing?
If you want to get respect from the royal family and live the natural span of your life,
you must be more careful.
If you keep planning something behind my back,
I will chase you out to annex without any regard for bloodlines or proper procedure.
Are you threatening your mother right now?
What makes you my mother?
My biological mother passed a long time ago.
We've already had more than ten memorial ceremonies.
Your Majesty!
Why is it that you pretend you don't understand?
I meant—
So what I meant!
That talk of being filial and disloyal
is not going to work on me anymore.
Do you understand?
Your Majesty.
How can you be so ill-mannered towards the queen dowager?
I already know why you've been going in and out of the queen dowager's palace, Prince Jin Pyeong.
I'm not sure what kind of misunderstanding you may have,
but I am only trying to do my best for you and for the love of my country.
That's why. That's why I'm warning you.
Do you want to commit treason just like your father and your brother,
and get executed?
Seeing His Majesty raging fearsomely like that,
I think he has heard something.
Did you not know that a tiger eats raw meat?
The fact that he's been focusing on running the country recently,
it was his plan to make us lower our guards.
What are you planning to do now?
It seems as though His Majesty's mind is not easy.
I guess I should visit a temple for worship.
Your Majesty, without any alternate plans,
if you pressure Prince Jin Pyeong and the queen dowager, it could backfire.
That's even better.
Then I will dethrone the queen dowager and execute everyone
including Prince Jin Pyeong and their families. That's it.
Left State Minister Sin Chi Soo still hasn't entered the palace?
No, Your Majesty. I believe
that even if we call him in again, he'll use his illness as an excuse and won't respond.
Really? Even if I call, he won't come?
I guess it can't be helped.
Your Majesty!
Your Majesty! What brings you to my humble abode?
I had no choice but to come personally since you wouldn't come to me.
Why haven't you been responding to my summons?
The reason why I used illness as an excuse to not respond to your call was
that I had no face to confront you, Your Majesty.
But you coming all the way to my home to see me...
I don't know how to repay your grace, Your Majesty.
If you truly think that you have been given my grace,
then come back to the royal court.
Your Majesty, does that mean
you still trust me and will entrust me with tasks in the royal court again?
That's right.
If I attend the royal court again, I'll be moving forward with the reorganization of
magistrates and the government offices that was opposed by the Ministry of Finance.
May I do so?
Your Majesty, he can't do that.
It's something decided by the royal court. It's only right to go through discussion in the court again.
Do as you please, Left State Minister.
Then the Dae Dong policy being reviewed by the Ministry of Finance,
may I order them to stop?
That's all?
I will leave everything you'd been in charge of in your hands alone.
- Your Majesty, you can't— - Shut up!
Don't ever say I cannot in front of me ever again.
If you go against my will one more time,
even if you are my chief royal secretary, I will not let you live.
Keep that in mind. My will comes before the royal court's discussion.
I've never lost trust in you, Left State Minister.
Come back to the royal court and stay by my side!
Your Majesty.
Your Majesty's grace is boundless!
Your Majesty.
These are matters that should go through proper court procedures.
You can't just change things like this.
It'll end up giving a cause to those who disagree with the court's decisions.
Don't worry.
I'm bringing the left state minister back to take those who disagree out.
Then, even though you bring the left state minister back,
please take back the order
of reappointing the government officials who have been determined guilty.
If you allow those who have embezzled government funds for personal gain
to take their posts without looking into their crimes,
Your Majesty and the court will lose the trust of people,
and their resentment will grow.
Yes, you're right.
All those decisions are also right.
But that's not my will.
It's that puppet clown's will.
How can I leave them alone just because they're right?
If that's what you're going to do,
there's nothing for me to do.
I ask for my resignation, so please allow it.
I won't allow it.
Do whatever you want.
You'll be back anyway.
Let go! What's going on?
What's the reason for arresting us?
It's for violating the king's order.
The king's order?
There's no way we violated an order!
Let go! Woon Sim!
Does Chief Royal Secretary know about this?
Arresting innocent people like this. You should be ashamed!
Proceed with the king's order.
Drag them!
Chief Royal Secretary!
My Lord, a notice arrived from the authorities.
Jo Ho Geol from the Bureau of Royal Treasury (naesusa) and ginyeo Woon Sim from the Cheongwolgak brothel are sentenced to death by execution for their treasonous crimes.
My Lord.
Hyungnim, do something, huh?
They said they will execute us tomorrow for violating the king's order.
Is this really what His Majesty has ordered?
Are we really going to die?
My Lord, don't worry about us.
I will not let you be locked up here for long. Hang in there.
Hyungnim, Hyungnim!
Hyungnim!
Your Majesty, Chief Royal Secretary has requested to see you.
Let him in.
Don't you ever turn your back away from me.
If you do, the people you cherish and adore
as much as your own life, I will kill every single one of them.
Everything that you wish to accomplish with your life on the line,
I will let them go in vain.
Do you understand?
I will keep that in mind, Your Majesty.
Proceed.
Officer Jang.
There's something you need to do.
Please give me your order, Your Majesty.
Go confirm that the clown is dead,
and bring his head as evidence.
His Majesty is entering!
Your Majesty.
Let me pour you a drink.
Your Majesty, did something happen this afternoon at the side palace?
That's what I want to ask you.
What do you mean?
Where did the queen that was like ice go,
that such a warm woman is sitting next to me?
If I should be happy or sad about it,
I really don't know.
I haven't fulfilled my duties towards you until now,
and I know that now.
But now I will gladly fulfill my duties as queen.
If you'd accept my heart,
I couldn't be any happier.
What are you so glad and happy about?
Your Majesty.
I haven't...
given you anything yet.
So any positive feelings I might have given you,
get rid of them.
But Your Majesty—
I will make you realize clearly,
exactly whose woman you are.
The Crowned Clown
Subtitles brought to you by The On Fire Penguins Team @ Viki.com
Preview
Proceed quietly, without any fuss.
I'm so relieved.
I don't know why I am like this.
One of the clowns looked exactly like His Majesty.
What are you planning to do now?
Are you laughing at me? Did I say to kill me?
I want to become the real king.
If you want my apology, I will apologize.
If you ask me to let you go, I will let you go.
Just say the word.