(Episode 13)
(Lee Yung, King)
(Shin Su Geun)
Young lady.
These people did another great job.
I thought they only gave rice for the starving,
but they told us about corrupt royal subjects.
The King should be doing this work.
I must be crazy.
Could this be...
(Win over Shin Su Geun with a marriage.)
His determination would be...
a traitorous mind.
Everything he does...
would be a scheme of treason.
Could he be...
Prince.
(Pawnshop)
What is this? What happened?
- What happened? - Go inside.
See if anything is missing or if anyone broke in.
What is going on?
The front door's lock was broken.
The secret room was opened too.
What is it?
Nothing.
- Who is there? - What is it?
Get them.
(Pawnshop)
(Win over Shin Su Geun with a marriage.)
Your Majesty. Did you ask me...
to be a spy knowing all this?
Why?
To make me kill the Prince with my own hands?
Is that why you allowed this marriage?
Who in the world was it?
Yeok.
I think...
it was a petty thief.
If it was the Chief Royal Secretary's men,
the royal forces would be here already.
Take care of it, so there is no trouble.
Why does he look so pale?
He looks like he saw a ghost.
Seo Noh's father died.
The secret room has been exposed.
Of course he looks terrible.
You're right. I cannot believe what is happening.
Even a petty thief is disturbing us.
I will go see the Queen Dowager.
- Seo Noh. - Seo Noh.
Why are you so surprised?
We must get to work. Customers will come.
You should take some rest.
I will move my father's grave next to...
my grandmother's in Dongjeokjeon.
To do that,
we need to oust the King.
We do not have time to idle.
Goodness. You scared me.
Where is Chae Gyung?
I thought she was with you.
Where did she go then?
Your Majesty. Please understand us.
We are under a false accusation.
You started a petition to impeach Yoo Ja Gwang...
after reading the snail wives' bills.
Are you still under a false accusation?
Yes, Your Majesty.
You are supposed to be my loyal subjects,
but you made an anonymous criticism about me.
And you are saying you are under a false accusation?
I had no choice but to do that...
for Your Majesty and for this country's...
Royal Ancestral Shrine...
You are not showing the slightest bit of remorse.
Are you under a false accusation too?
No, Your Majesty.
Good.
You must pay for your sins.
Take them away.
After realizing the betrayal of my lover,
I finally face...
the real world...
that I have not known.
- Let's go! - Please, sir.
The King I have been supporting...
have become...
a despotic king.
I have been...
an ignorant, stupid girl.
Chae Gyung.
Chae Gyung!
Did Chae Gyung...
break into the pawnshop?
Yes. She broke the lock...
by smashing it.
It finally started.
Suspicion, rift, and surveillance.
Chae Gyung will report to me soon.
I will make my move then.
Keep a close watch on the pawnshop until then.
Yes, Your Majesty.
(The late King's secret letter is...)
(written on the body of a woman.)
Did this really...
come from the scribe?
Yes. I went through Seo Noh's father's...
belongings during the funeral.
It was sewn into the sleeve...
and I found it.
On a woman's body.
The secret letter...
is tattooed on a woman's body.
I will have people examine...
the late King's court ladies and concubines.
It would be someone who would help Yeok...
since it is about abdicating the throne.
It cannot be the concubines.
They all want to make their sons to be king.
Why would they help Prince Jin Seong to be king?
It is tattooed on a woman's body.
The Queen Dowager is...
talking about the woman with the secret letter.
Did she find out who the woman is?
I do not believe so.
What will you do...
if she finds the woman?
As soon as they are onto something,
we have to make the move first.
Whoever she is,
she will not be friendly.
It does not matter...
whether she is or is not friendly.
We simply need to see her body...
and the tattoo on it.
When they bring her dead body,
you will...
check it.
Yes. I will do that.
Give it to me. I will do it.
She needs to drink it all.
Even after all that,
I cannot see you...
die again.
I cannot...
kill you with my own hands.
Before anyone finds out about...
your treason,
I will make you change your mind.
I was selfish.
I knew I would hurt you,
but I still wanted you.
As soon as you find out, come to the library...
of the palace.
Lift Minister of Defense Yoo Ja Gwang's exile,
and I will promote him to the deputy minister.
- Your Majesty. - I beg your kindness.
Why will you not punish the criminals?
How can you give them a promotion?
Your Majesty, the people already know about this.
But if you cover up their crimes like this...
Then they will believe the rumors are false...
and my decision is what is right.
That is, if the people...
would believe my words...
over those scums named snail wives or something.
If anyone believes the snail wives...
and says anything to oppose my decision,
that will be a treason and a betrayal.
Do you not think so?
Deputy Commander.
Yes, Your Majesty.
It looks like you are unsatisfied with me.
No, Your Majesty.
No?
That is bad news.
I am very unsatisfied with you.
When you were supposed...
to be spending time on your night duty,
you were sitting at a pawnshop...
enjoying your leisurely time.
Do you not want to work?
My apologies, Your Majesty. It is not...
I punish Deputy Commander Park into confinement.
You do not have to come...
to the Royal Court for about a month.
Your Majesty.
If I see you anywhere in the palace,
I will think that you have broken my order,
and punish you for high treason.
I will take your order.
Goodness, the weather is so great.
(Pawnshop)
Those idiots are still watching us.
Why will they not leave?
Goodness, welcome.
It has been a while. This way, please.
- Can I really get rice? - Of course. Come.
People who petitioned for...
the minister of defense were beheaded.
Did they die because they wrote a petition?
My uncle was suddenly punished with confinement.
Lord Yoo was reinstated and was even promoted.
The King has finally gone crazy.
How can he try to deceive everyone?
He probably felt Prince Jin Seong...
is the one who has the real political power.
The problem is that if this goes on,
those posters will be completely ineffective.
People will not even dare to read...
those posters.
But still,
we cannot stop what we have been doing.
We cannot stay silent just because...
we are scared of the King's tyranny.
There are too many rotten people for that.
We must cut them out as soon as we can...
to let this nation function wholly.
Where is the Prince?
Lady Shin is ill,
so he said he has to stay with her.
If anything happens,
I was told to bury a bamboo pole...
under the reception room's terrace stone.
(Lord Yoo was let go and promoted, )
(and people were beheaded for writing petitions.)
Become the king as soon as possible.
When you do,
you can at least protect the people that are left.
Lady Shin, you are out.
My lady, are you feeling better?
They are all here to watch me.
Young lady.
Do you feel better?
It has been a few days. I should get up by now.
That was immediate.
The Prince went through...
some trouble to drop your fever.
I was even worried he would be ill like you.
But sadly,
he was fine.
I can laugh thanks to you, Nanny.
I am glad that I made you laugh.
The man of our conversation is here.
Why are you outside?
I am sure you are not completely well.
Greetings, Prince and Lady Shin.
I cannot let them find out.
I heard you were troubled for days because of me.
No, it was not troublesome.
Let us go inside.
Why?
We only have the court ladies around here.
I cannot trust anyone except for my nanny.
So what?
I was conscious about how they will report us.
I am...
just making sure they do not make up...
any false reports to tell the King.
That is not like you.
This does not suit you, Chae Gyung.
You do not yield your way when it comes...
to the things you believe are just.
You are charming...
in that your actions are the same as your thoughts.
Me?
I cannot do that any longer.
We got married.
If I stay naive,
how could I protect my family?
Are you saying...
you will protect me?
When I promised myself into this marriage,
that is exactly the promise I have made.
Prince, I know...
No, my husband,
I know you will...
You will protect us.
You do not have fever anymore.
We want to be alone.
Leave.
Your Highness.
Sleep in the servants' quarters.
Tonight,
we will sleep together.
Sleep together?
Leave us!
- Goodness. - I got you.
What is that? Give it to me.
I am going to rip you apart.
- Give it. - No.
Why that... You...
Think about it.
Newlyweds sleeping in separate rooms...
is the most nonsensical thing.
It happens all the time in the palace.
We are not in the palace.
We are ordinary people.
Looking at each other's eyes and giggling.
Sleeping under one blanket...
and not wanting to come out of bed.
Well...
Is it not what newlyweds are all about?
When I think of newlyweds...
When the wife wakes up,
the husband gets water for her.
Massage each other's tight shoulders.
The husband carries heavy bags...
when you go grocery shopping together.
You hug each other until...
you fall asleep.
I will hold you in my arms until you fall asleep.
Stay with me tonight.
Your Majesty. It is after 1am already.
You should go to bed.
She is not here again.
Why...
are you two here together?
I was on my way to submit an appeal.
I crossed the Queen Dowager's path,
so I stopped to say hello.
I was on my way to see the Queen.
Your Majesty.
Have you been drinking all night?
You two...
have become a real family.
Since Chae Gyung and Yeok married,
you have become a family now.
Everyone in Joseon knows that...
the Second State Councilor loves his family dearly.
I do not even have to mention...
your love for your son.
Your Majesty.
Did you already know?
Will you stand on...
the Prince's side in the end?
Do you bear a treacherous mind...
to drag me down from the throne?
Your Majesty.
Your Majesty. A treacherous mind?
If not,
how can Chae Gyung stay so quiet?
Did you say family?
She said she would...
share the punishment, so I would not be hurt.
But...
But she...
is blind now.
Your Majesty.
Are you okay?
My Queen.
Please keep...
the Second State Councilor and Chae Gyung strong.
Your Majesty.
You, the Crown Prince,
Second State Councilor, and Chae Gyung...
are my family. You are my people.
You are all my people.
Yes.
All are your people, Your Majesty.
Please stand up.
Now that our children...
are married, we can get together...
and have tea.
By the way, I am worried...
because the King is growing suspicious.
They say suspicion...
is one of the King's virtues.
If the Prince is truthful,
it will end as a suspicion.
Are you suspicious of Prince Jin Seong as well?
The way he has been...
Are you investigating him...
because you cannot trust him?
It is not that...
What do you mean I am investigating him?
The only thing I am investigating...
is the snail wife.
Why are you concerned about that?
Is there a connection between...
Prince Jin Seong and what I am investigating?
How could I know what you are investigating?
I was just saying it in passing.
Queen Dowager.
I ask you earnestly.
Please only think about our children's happiness.
Are you saying...
I am making them miserable?
Did you not say that Chae Gyung...
and Prince Jin Seong were meant to be?
Thinking back on it now,
the late King wanted them to be married too.
It seems like their fate...
began a long time ago.
They say it is destiny because...
the events that will necessarily happen...
will happen.
How about we simply watch them...
live their lives?
It would be someone who would help Yeok...
since it is about abdicating the throne.
The late King wanted them to be married too.
Why...
did I forget about that?
If we ever meet again,
I will grant one wish you have.
Please call Eunuch Song.
Yes, Lady Shin.
You are back.
Lady Shin just went out.
Went out?
Where did she go while she is still ill?
That is what I said. Goodness.
She said she is going to the palace.
The palace?
She said she is meeting His Majesty.
That man, Eunuch Song went with her.
Decoct this and give it to Lady Shin.
I will let His Majesty know you are here.
Your Majesty.
You have two hours until the court meeting.
Chief Eunuch.
I am not in the mood...
to sit and listen to those old men nagging.
What do you think about...
attending the meeting in my place?
You can even use the royal seal...
and sit on the throne as well.
Your Majesty, please do not say that.
I ask for your mercy.
Your Majesty, this is Eunuch Song.
Chae Gyung...
must be here.
Are you under a false accusation too?
No, Your Majesty.
Then you must pay for your sins.
Your Majesty.
Are you all right?
You finally came.
Have you been waiting for me?
If you had to see me,
you should have sent me a letter.
- Since when have you... - Since when?
Are you asking about this meeting right now?
Or are you asking about the time I waited for you?
A long time.
It has been a very long time.
Your Majesty.
You asked me...
to find more information about the pawnshop.
Yes.
What did you see in there?
I did not see anything in particular.
But before I took your royal command,
I realized I forgot something very important.
I realized I had to ask you...
more questions and hear the answers.
What do you want to know?
Since when...
have you been suspicious of the Prince?
Since the moment...
he returned.
Why?
Because he returned...
to get his revenge on me and to take my throne.
He believes...
that I tried to kill him.
Prince.
Where is my brother?
Did you...
really order someone to kill the Prince?
Yes.
I killed him.
I did not do it myself, but every single night,
I stabbed him in the chest in my dreams.
I hoped that anyone...
would step up...
and kill him for me.
But still,
you did not kill him.
No.
If I had an excuse and an opportunity,
I would kill him myself.
Is there a way...
you two can resolve the misunderstanding...
and reconcile with one another?
It may be the last chance to turn everything back.
In that case,
you will do that too.
If we resolve our past and reconcile,
you will forgive him,
and get along with him just fine.
Your Majesty.
You finally started...
to be suspicious of him.
Your relationship finally began to be damaged.
I do not want to see...
you two living happily ever again.
Your Majesty, what are you...
Do you not get it?
What is important now is not for us to reconcile.
It is more important for you and Yeok to hate,
despise each other, and to break up.
That way...
Your Majesty.
You once promised me that you will grant...
one wish that I have.
Do you remember?
(If we ever meet again, I will grant you a wish.)
When I tried to use this before,
you said I must use it for myself...
and stopped me from using it.
This time,
my wish is completely for me.
Prince.
Please give the Prince and I...
the permission...
to retire and live in the countryside.
To retire?
I know very well it is against the law for...
a prince to live outside of the capital city.
That is why I ask you for a permission.
We will...
live an ordinary life...
in a countryside far away from this city.
I believe...
this is the only way...
you can stop doubting him,
and for all of us to live in peace.
Did you and Yeok discuss this?
Yes.
No way. He will not retire to the countryside.
Not at all.
He was after the secret letter...
even on the day of his wedding.
The secret letter?
The secret letter...
which has the will of my father telling me...
to give Yeok the throne when he is of age.
Where on earth is...
this secret letter?
The late King...
apparently tattooed it...
on a woman's body.
Now, it is your turn to answer me.
What did you see in the pawnshop?
Did you find evidence of his treason?
I have no idea...
what you are talking about.
If not, why did you...
walk out of the pawnshop looking so absentminded?
Have you been...
watching me?
Tell me.
I will tell you.
You fool.
Do not come near.
How dare you!
She is my wife!
Both of you, please stop.
Chae Gyung.
Do not come to see him alone.
It is dangerous.
Is the bigger threat to me...
not you?
What if you trip up and fall?
Then hold on tight.
Whatever happens,
do not let go of me.
Do not come closer.
How dare you!
She is my wife!
Your Majesty.
What is it?
I gathered some women in the entertainment hall.
Would you have a look?
You take your pick.
I shall.
No.
There is a girl I wish to see.
She visits the Queen Dowager often.
She knows Yeok.
The deputy commander's niece?
They are my father's in-laws.
She is, in a way,
one of the late King's women.
She is.
I shall tell her to come.
My lady.
Oh no. My goodness.
What happened?
My gosh.
What were you doing?
Nanny.
I am just upset.
I apologize.
Come on inside with me.
How did this happen?
I am so upset.
I do not know...
what you two are doing instead of...
what newlyweds are supposed to do.
You will be the death of me.
I am done.
Get some rest.
Where is that secret letter?
You cannot tell my husband.
(Madam Yoon)
The King requested my presence.
I am Deputy Commander Park's niece...
Lady Yoon.
Your Majesty.
Deputy Commander Park's niece Lady Yoon is here.
Let her in.
Leave.
Greetings, Your Majesty.
Do you know...
what happened today because of you?
Because of Yeok...
Chae Gyung was hurt.
Now...
you must pay for saving his life.
Answer my questions one by one.
If you do not,
I shall cut off the clothes on you...
one at a time.
When the clothes are gone, your skin will go.
And then...
it will be your life.
Your Majesty.
Who leads the snail wives?
What snail wives?
I asked who leads the snail wives.
Is it Prince Jin Seong?
I do not know.
I did not care for your naked body.
If you keep this up,
I might have no choice.
We might become very close tonight.
Do you not think?
Do you know why...
I have not killed Yeok yet?
Because it is fun.
He trembles, not knowing when he will die,
yet in order to survive,
he wears a mask and puts on a show.
I find it hilarious.
Where would I see a spectacle like this?
You entertained me.
I shall treat you with respect when you die.
You will be tortured,
burned with iron rods,
your limbs will be torn from your body,
and you will be hung...
outside the palace walls like prey for the wild.
Do you know why...
I have not killed Yeok yet?
Because it is fun.
In order to survive,
he wears a mask and puts on a show.
I find it hilarious.
Where would I see a spectacle like this?
It would be someone who would help Yeok...
since it is about abdicating the throne.
Is that the sacred tree people speak of?
Yes.
It chases away evil...
and grants wishes.
It is over 200 years old.
The previous king even erected a memorial stone.
Why did you give me such a grave task?
How can you ask me to choose...
who should be king?
I am...
just a woman who...
wishes to live an average life.
- Announce me. - I will.
Her Highness the Queen Dowager.
Greetings, Your Highness.
Bring her.
Do you not care about security?
This girl was glancing over the wall...
and no one stopped her.
I am innocent. I got lost...
looking for a relative's house.
I was not up to no good.
The life of...
a lowlife like me with no one to rely on...
has an obvious ending.
I find her suspicious.
Take her away and flog her.
Wait.
I know this girl.
Do you?
Yes.
She worked for me when I lived in Geochang.
I called her.
Then...
I got the wrong idea.
So much...
has been happening recently.
You cannot be too careful.
My lady.
You had a hard time finding my house.
Nanny.
Your Highness,
what brings you here this morning?
We must discuss the consummation.
What?
Come in.
Sit down.
You met my lady when she was imprisoned?
Yes.
I am so glad that she remembers me.
Her memory fails her when she needs it...
and serves her well at the worst of times.
It is so great.
Do you allow...
people to work for food and lodgings?
I need...
a place to stay as well.
How can we accept someone...
who used to frequent prison?
I am trying to start over.
Can you please help?
I cannot believe you targeted our dear lady...
knowing just how charitable she is.
I was talking to myself.
I heard that you have since recovered.
Now we can prepare for the consummation.
Pardon?
I had a date selected.
The secret letter...
which has the will of my father telling me...
to give Yeok the throne when he is of age.
The Queen Dowager...
will be looking for that letter.
Do you...
know about it?
Is Yeok out?
Yes.
He left early this morning saying he had business.
I see.
He likes his friends a little too much...
and is often away from home.
I heard that upsets you.
Once you have a child,
he will want to spend more time at home.
Do what you can.
I would like a grandson that looks like Yeok.
Of course,
Your Highness.
Come on now.
We are family.
You cannot keep calling me that.
Yes,
Mother.
She came to ask for work.
Will you really let her work for you?
How come you...
My lady.
Please let me work here.
I wish to serve you.
To get the secret letter from me,
everyone...
has begun to deceive me.
Chae Gyung.
Greetings, Your Highness.
(Queen for Seven Days)
Chae Gyung.
What am I doing to you?
Why do you wish to be king?
Must you become king?
Even if it is as a ghost,
I will be with Chae Gyung.
She ordered the consummation.
She wishes to confirm something in the process.
What have you done this time?
If someone forcefully...
tries to see a tattoo on a woman's body...
Destroying the letter...
will secure my reign.
You fool.
Let us...
leave, Chae Gyung.