Subtitles by DramaFever
Ga Hee...
I heard you were ill.
I'm fine now.
Don't... get sick.
Yes, sire. Please don't worry.
Sire.
[Episode 20]
Sire, forgive me...
I didn't know that His Highness and Court Lady Kim would be together.
Court Lady Kim was headed to the library, as if she was drawn to something...
I was worried, so I just reported to Your Majesty.
The Crown Prince and Court Lady Kim were friends from childhood.
I'm sure they think about childhood friends once in a while in this deep palace.
Wouldn't you say so?
Yes, sire.
Don't say anything about what you just saw to anyone.
I didn't see anything tonight either.
Yes, I will keep that in mind.
Just who could it be?
Who would send such letters to Ga Hee and me?
He definitely knew that I was in contact with the Jurchens.
Your Highness.
Could it be... Kim Do Chi?
Why did you want to see me?
I'm sure you already know why I wanted to see you.
Thank you for the false letter you sent me.
You two used to be very close.
It seems that you haven't seen each other for a while...
I only created a chance for you.
It must've been a secret meeting in a long time...
Did you feel sad?
Why I decided to take the path that I can't keep my beloved even in my heart...
You could never even imagine it.
You wouldn't understand even if you died and came back alive how that feels...
Regardless of how you're turning into an animal...
even then, I believed that your dream from the past should still be alive.
Although we became bitter enemies...
I didn't think you'd have abandoned the dream of realizing equal society.
Although that dream turned into a twisted ambition
still, I thought you were a human being.
Ga Hee...
You're the one who's changed.
You and I were trying to realize that equal society together.
But you became a concubine of your enemy to protect the Crown Prince.
Because the Crown Prince will realize that dream, not Kim Do Chi.
It's a sad fate of not being able to keep my beloved in my heart
but there is nothing I can't do to protect him.
Your determination will be poisonous to you and the Crown Prince after all.
If my heart becomes poisonous to the Crown Prince
I'll kill you with that poison...
I can die, too. That's all there is.
This punk, how can you not even write one letter?
You haven't even finished the basic letters!
I was busy working for you...
When would I have time to learn the letters?
This punk!
At this rate, when will you get a government post?
How did you become a nobleman? It was my money!
Then you should get a government post and be helpful to my inn!
Long time no see.
Holding a brush doesn't suit you.
This looks like a family history.
It's nothing, so please don't be concerned. Of course.
To gain a government post these days
I hear a few pennies would take care of it.
Why do you bother going through this trouble?
Isn't your master giving you money for it?
No, it's not that...
I can buy off a government post...
but he told me that I should learn the basics.
Where do you buy those government posts?
Of course from Chief Kim...
Chief Kim...
You must be talking about Kim Do Chi.
Sire.
Sire, Kim Do Chi won't be satisfied to be a ringman for Gwiin Kim.
You're talking as if you know him very well.
Kim Do Chi was a pupil of Jung Yeo Rip who died from being accused of treason in 1589.
and the leader of Daedong Society.
Kim Do Chi was the leader of Daedong Society?
So how could he be in a government position?
It's been a long time since Kim Do Chi abandoned the goal of Daedong Society.
Sire, the one he always aimed at was Your Highness.
A few years ago, he slandered you to help Prince Shinsung to be appointed as the crown prince.
How absurd!
How could he serve Father when he used to be the leader of Daedong Society?
About Kim Do Chi, Ga Hee...
I mean, please ask Court Lady Kim about him.
They used to be very close like brother and sister.
I'll take care of your request right away.
It's no big deal.
'Grab onto Kim Do Chi to gain an official position'
'and serve Kim Do Chi to enjoy power.'
That's the word in town these days.
He sees through people's minds by reading their faces...
he puts them all in his palm and controls them.
The one who has the control of the capital is not Gwiin Kim or Prime Minister.
Kim Do Chi, it's him.
Sire, what brought you all the way here?
You've surprised me many times.
I hear you were a pupil of Jung Yeo Rip?
It was a long time ago.
Daedong Society happened a long time ago...
but the idealogy that Jung Yeo Rip insisted can't be forgotten that easily.
'There is no master. Anyone can be served as the king.'
The world belongs to the people
The king can't be a lone master.
That's what Jung Yeo Rip said.
How could I forget this harsh, strong phrase?
This is how I feel...
so as a pupil of Jung Yeo Rip, this phrase must've been engraved deep in your heart.
Isn't that right?
I forgot all of them.
You forgot?
I'm truly disappointed by Jung Yeo Rip.
I've never met him
but the equal society that he wanted to realize
is also my dream that I want to realize.
But not even equal society
but someone who chases power like a moth was a pupil of Jung Yeo Rip...
What a disappointment.
Based on time in history, politics change and people change.
If the ideology changes with time, how can you call it the truth?
If you really were a pupil of Jung Yeo Rip
the right answer is that you should be plotting a coup right now.
Otherwise, it must be one of the two.
Either you're lying to me now...
or you've lived a life filled with lies to begin with.
So I'll keep an eye on you now.
I just don't know what to do for you to take interest in me.
Sire.
His Majesty is looking for you now.
Ga Hee.
Yes, sire.
Do you remember the first day you went to Hwayoogak?
How could I forget the first day I served Your Majesty?
You made a promise to me that day.
You said you'd do your best to love me although I killed your parents.
Since then, I've waited for a few years.
Sire, I...
I empathize with you.
What?
I once thought that a king has everything and had nothing to be envious of.
But now, I realized after I've served Your Majesty.
How lonely and scary the path of the King is.
So you dared to take pity on me... Is that it?
The heart of taking pity and feeling bad for another...
Wouldn't it be the beginning of love?
I hope that you won't be in pain anymore and you own't have any heartache.
I sincerely wish for it.
Fine, I won't care if it's love or empathy.
But in your heart...
if someone else is taking room instead of me
whoever it is, I will not allow it.
Sire, His Highness Crown Prince is here.
Let him in.
Father, did you look for me?
I hear you received a gift of a white horse from the Jurchens?
The Jurchens tried to kill me.
But I guess they're friendly with you.
Father, it's true that I received a white horse
but it's not certain who sent it to me.
After I thought hard about it
I realize what you told me wasn't all wrong.
The Jurchens are getting stronger everyday
so I don't need to go out of my way to become their enemy.
I should meet with the Jurchens who are in the capital in person.
Father, do you mean it?
But... they'll have to make an effort, too.
Have all the spies in the palace show themselves.
I will also open Bookpyunggwan that's been closed down for a long time
so tell all of them to go there.
Yes, Father. I will deliver the message.
I don't want to see another sight of an assassin breaking into Kangnyung Hall.
I can't die leaving behind Ga Hee.
Yes, Father.
His Majesty really said so?
Yes. He told me to invite them to Bookpyunggwan tomorrow.
I thought His Majesty was very consistent without any change.
It is really unexpected.
Then what do you plan to do?
Will you invite the Jurchens to Bookpyunggwan?
No matter how much I think about it, I can't get rid of this unsettled feeling.
Father wouldn't change his mind so easily like this.
Sire, that's what I also think.
Do you have any guess?
Sire, why would you meet with barbarians in person?
They tried to assassinate Your Majesty!
We don't know what they'll try to do to you again!
But the Crown Prince recommended it to me.
The Crown Prince tells us that the Jurchens want to be friends with us.
I also saw it myself in Uiju that the Jurchens were getting stronger.
But, sire, this will definitely raise anger with Ming.
It's also suspicious that they are contacting the Crown Prince.
Since the Crown Prince is not in good terms with Ming
they must be contacting him on purpose.
I already made up my mind.
Don't say anything about this anymore.
Sire!
Did the King of Joseon really say that he'd meet with us?
That's right.
Do you think I'm lying to you?
I believed you when you said you wanted to have a friendly relationship.
But I can't easily believe your words that the King of Joseon would like to meet with us.
I know very well what the King of Joseon thinks of us the Jurchens...
So how can I be sure that this is not a trap?
I will deliver the exact message that my Father sent to you.
Father thinks that he doesn't need to be an enemy of the Jurchens that are getting stronger.
So he said he'd invite you to Bookpyunggwan and hear your request in person.
Bookpyunggwan... has been shut down for a long time.
That's right.
Father would even reopen Bookpyunggwan that's been shut down
and showed his will to make peace with you.
Isn't that the room where His Highness is?
Yes, that's right.
He looks like he's eavesdropping.
He's a regular so I can't refuse him...
But I keep getting involved in odd happenings with His Highness somehow.
The Crown Prince will bring the Jurchens to Bookpyunggwan soon.
As soon as they arrive, arrest them and hand them over to the State Tribunal.
Yes, sire.
You'll have to carry out this duty in secret without letting the Crown Prince know.
Please don't worry.
- How did it go? - Everyone will go to Bookpyunggwan today.
Your leader must've listened to the Crown Prince without hesitation.
Don't go to Bookpyunggwan.
I'll call you in the future.
[Bookpyunggwan]
Chief Kim, you're here.
How is it that Your Highness is here alone?
What about the Jurchens who were invited?
Then... how is it that you brought soldiers here?
Why didn't Father come here when he was supposed to come?
That's right. Father would reopen Bookpyunggwan that's been shut down for a long time
and showed his will to make peace with you.
That's the message from Father.
But my thoughts are different.
Young Shin, check outside and make sure no ears are listening in.
Yes, sire.
It seems that a mouse that carries words is nearby.
So, how does Your Highness think differently?
Even if Father really means to make peace with you
it's still hard to find government officials with an open mind to make peace with the Jurchens.
Trying to bite off an unripe fruit can cause a toothache.
It's not time yet
so I think it's better that you return to Southern Manchuria for now.
Do you mean to kick us out of Joseon right now?
I don't mean to kick you out...
I want us to plan for the future.
It's a return gift for your white horse gift last time
as well as a proof that I will definitely keep my promise.
I'm giving you my sword to you.
My will of developing a friendly relationship with the Jurchens is in this sword.
Your Highness, did you dare to fool His Majesty?
I didn't fool him...
I only meant to check Father's true intentions.
Step aside.
How dare you block my path.
Sire, sending soldiers to Bookpyunggwan?
Wouldn't it put the Crown Prince in a difficult situation since he invited the Jurchens?
You were against my meeting with the Jurchens.
Yes, sire. That's true...
I'm sure the Crown Prince will understand that this is for the sake of the country.
We'll get rid of Jurchen spies in the palace.
Shouldn't we of course punish the ones who tried to assassinate me?
Yes, sire. That's only logical.
Sire, His Highness Crown Prince is here.
Let him in.
- Father. - How did it go?
Did you lock up all of the barbarians?
You don't need to look at me like that.
I was going to accept your suggestion and make peace with the Jurchens.
But the officials' opposition was so strong.
Official's objection isn't all that wrong.
Ming is kind to us which goes without saying.
So if the Jurchens are preparing a war against Ming
then they're also our enemy.
We can't betray Ming anyway.
Father, forgive me...
but we didn't catch even one Jurchen.
How come? I ordered Chief Kim to lock up all of them!
It's because not even one Jurchen showed up at Bookpyunggwan.
What?
They're so quick and fast...
They must've known something that I didn't even know.
That you didn't invite them to make peace with them.
So all of them ran away.
Along with their scary army called 'steel machine'
they even have this kind of insight.
They are truly scary, Father.
All of the Jurchens ran away?
Then I guess making peace with the Jurchens that you insisted is a lost cause.
Father, only losers, with no winners, are left from this fight.
What?
The Jurchens, me... and you, Father...
All of us lost.
Ga Hee...
I want to forget about all the worries and go on a picnic to a faraway place today.
It's still too cold.
When flowers bloom, let us go together.
That will be nice.
I'm going to give my royal command to bloom flowers fast.
Pardon?
Sire!
I, Kim Gong Ryang, came to pay my respect for the first time in a while.
Have you been well, sire?
Yes. Are you here to see Gwiin Kim?
Yes, sire.
Sire, may I introduce myself to Court Lady Kim?
I've heard the news, but I haven't met her ladyship.
Go ahead.
My lady, my name is Kim Gong Ryang.
I am Court Lady Kim.
You are truly beautiful just as I heard.
With your exceptional archery skills, you'll have to kill someone for me.
Who... do you mean?
It's Prince Gwanghae.
It's cold outside. Let's go in.
Court Lady Kim is a man?
What are you talking about?
I thought she was dead...
I thought he was too pretty somehow...
She fooled me completely by disguising as a man.
How frustrating...
How did Court Lady Kim fool you?
Please tell us step by step what you mean.
A long time ago, the archer who shot an arrow to Prince Shinsung was that Court Lady Kim!
What?
The archer that I sent to kill Prince Gwanghae... was Court Lady Kim!
What did you just say?
You must be mistaken.
Court Lady Kim is an archer?
I'm sure of it!
No one can fool my eyes.
I definitely told my men to kill her...
I have no idea how this happened...
My lady, we're in big trouble.
Court Lady Kim wouldn't tell this to His Majesty, would she?
You mean, the one shot an arrow to my son was Court Lady Kim?
Yes.
Kim Gong Ryang definitely recognized me.
Was it you, wench? Did you shoot an arrow at my child?
What on earth are you doing now?
I need to know your goal for coming into the palace.
You must have a reason for staying with His Majesty.
Except for enjoying power and wealth by serving His Majesty
what other reason would I have?
Do you think I'd believe that?
You were the Crown Prince's volunteer soldier...
so you must've been the Crown Prince's from the beginning.
Didn't you hear about Chief Kim from Lord Kim?
Kim Do Chi you consider like your own limbs...
He was once my older brother.
Siding with the Crown Prince?
Please don't assume for no reason.
Kim Do Chi...
He's been fooling me?
Mother, you should never let Chief Kim know that you know about it.
Don't worry.
I want to get him and punish him now
but I'm going to hold back.
I'll be patient over and over...
and reveal all of his dark intentions.
So, what secretive talk do you have to visit me at my house?
Prime Minister, the seat of the country's mother is empty.
How come you haven't said a word to His Majesty about it?
His Majesty is upset over it these days.
His Majesty feels that way?
I believe His Majesty has fallen deeply for Court Lady Kim
and has no interest in selecting a new queen.
You read his royal mind wrong.
Court Lady Kim hasn't even received a concubine apointment.
She's only a woman whose face complements His Majesty's face.
If we find a new queen...
Gwiin Kim wouldn't just let it happen.
Considering His Majesty's age
I'm going to suggest His Majesty to find a queen among his concubines.
Lord Lee, how can you plan to do something that completely misses His Majesty's heart?
You mean, you're telling me His Majesty's thoughts?
I thought you could read His Majesty's mind better than anyone else.
I must've been mistaken.
Did anything happened on your way here?
Someone was following me, but I chased him away.
I wanted to ask you something in person, so I contacted you despite the risk.
Yes, sire.
Does Kim Do Chi know about us, by any chance?
Yes, he does.
I heard you two were like brother and sister. Is that true?
When I was being taken as a slave for the crime of treason in 1589
Kim Do Chi freed me and let me run away.
After that, I followed him and went to Mount Myohyang
and learned to use the bow and the sword from him.
I once dreamed of the same dream with him.
Although we're taking different paths now.
Sire, he is a dangerous man.
What does he really want?
He is trying to stop you from ascending to the throne.
The one who told General Kinoshita that you were in the city was also him.
What?
It won't go the way Kim Do Chi plans it.
I'm going to stop him.
Did you come to the palace in order to protect me from Kim Do Chi?
You came to protect me from Father who's blinded and deafened by his words.
Sire...
You threw away everything for me...
but I can't do anything for you.
I'm really sorry.
How could you say there is nothing?
Please become the King of Joseon.
Please become a wise king.
That's what I wish for.
Yes, I will definitely become the King of Joseon.
I will become a wise king.
That's enough.
With that alone
I can get through any sufferings in my life.
Ga Hee.
We should never see each other for any reason from now on.
I understand.
No matter what kind of message I receive...
I won't come to see you.
If Heaven allows us...
later, much later...
let's meet then.
Yes, sire.
Then...
Select a new queen?
Yes, sire.
It's already been two years since the late queen passed away.
The queen's seat shouldn't be left often for that long.
That's right.
Sire, please greet a new queen as soon as possible
and establish the royal court.
- What you just said is really true? - Yes, sire.
If you'd greet a new queen this time
you'll see a rightful heir that you so wished for.
Can I really see a rightful heir at my age?
Sire, this is the will of Heaven.
The King's face is not just one man's face.
Heaven's will is reflected on Your Majesty's face and showing itself.
Please see a rightful heir.
Selection for a new queen?
His Majesty's age this year...
But he ordered to receive a virgin queen?
He's truly amazing.
I'm sure he means to bring in a new queen that will keep Ga Hee in check
and even see a rightful heir.
I'm sure it's Kim Do Chi's plan.
If things go as Kim Do Chi's wish...
it might be difficult to hold on to the Crown Prince's title.
I know.
Sire, partner with Gwiin Kim.
Sire!
What's that nonsense?
Do you know how many times His Highness almost died because of Gwiin Kim?
I just came back from checking their situation.
They're also in a hurry.
Are they?
Heo Gyun, your idea may be a great one.
Sire!
Think about it.
There is no other elders in the internal court.
So Gwiin Kim will be leading the selection process of a new queen.
But Gwiin Kim would also hate selecting a new queen.
Yes, if we can't stop the selection process for a new queen...
it'll be better to partner with Gwiin Kim and find someone who wouldn't harm you.
Gwiin Kim and Kim Do Chi will turn their backs against each other over this.
Please tell me again, Crown Prince.
Did I hear it wrong?
A temporary office will be set up soon for the selection process of a new queeen.
I believe that you should take charge of the process.
You're the elder of the internal court.
Of course that's the case.
But why do I need to go through that trouble?
If His Majesty wants to marry a young girl...
he should do what he wants to.
To keep peace in the royal court
wouldn't it be better to greet a new queen who you'd be comfortable with?
If Kim Do Chi selects a new queen based on reading faces
someone with different thoughts from yours can be selected.
You sound like you have a way to stop Kim Do Chi.
It's really nothing special.
I just think I should find a face reader who can stand against Kim Do Chi.
What would you do?
You'll lead the selection process of a new queen?
Yes, sire.
It's about greeting a new master in the internal court.
Please allow me to do the hard work.
Then go ahead.
I will do my best to greet a new queen who is kind and wise.
You think I do this for free? No luck in my day!
Sire, it's him.
Man, how scary.
How did Professor Go become a beggard overnight?
When I saw my face this morning, it showed that I'd meet a precious person today.
It must've been you, sire.
Since you saved my life, I turned a blind eye when you helped the Japanese.
So how did you turn out this way?
I just reaped what I sowed.
My eyes are slowly going blind, but my ears are open.
His Majesty will have a royal wedding soon?
That's why I came to see you.
You should get involved in this royal wedding.
Pardon?
You had worked hard to find a woman whose face would complement Father's face.
If you select a new queen, Father would also trust her.
Sire, are you asking me to keep Kim Do Chi in check, by any chance?
You were just whining when you said you were going blind.
That's correct.
I also have some debt I need to pay back to Kim Do Chi.
He threatened me for helping the Japanese
and took away all of my lands and my house.
Since you treated me to rice and soup...
I'll earn my keep.
Now the order of no marriage is out
Kim Do Chi should be looking for a woman who would produce a rightful heir.
Since there is a mole under the eye where the fortune of children exists
she won't be able to give birth to a son.
Next, please come in.
She is full of generosity and yang energy
so she will definitely have a son.
But the white and black parts are not clear in the eyes
and there is no spirit in the pupil
so she won't be able to carry out the duties as the leader of the internal court.
Wrong.
She's born with the face of a precious one.
Her forehead is weak, so she doesn't get much help from her parents.
But her ears have a clear shape and envelop like a lotus flower
and her lips, plump with a shade of red, are strong.
Her pupils are also full of spirits
so it's the face of the country's mother who will produce many children.
This is the one.
She will eventually grab Gwanghae's ankle.
If you make me a queen...
I won't forget your kindness.
For what reason did you participate in this selection?
We're a noble class in name only.
To raise the family that's about to collapse
I thought I should become the queen.
With this much guts, she'll be able to handle Ga Hee in the palace.
Kim Jae Nam's daughter?
Yes. He checked countless faces of the daughters of the powerful
but Kim Do Chi chose Kim Jae Nam's daughter after all.
I looked into it too...
it's a poor family with nothing to speak of.
It's a poor family, but I'm sure Kim Jae Nam's daughter must have a special face.
She must have a face that will definitely produce a rightful heir.
We need to push for the ambassador's daughter to stand against Kim Do Chi.
Isn't he Your Highness' man?
If he becomes His Majesty's father-in-law, he will be a big help to you.
You've worked hard so far.
Please do your best until the end
and please find a virtuous queen for the sake of the royal court and the country.
I will keep that in mind.
One more thing.
Since this is such an important matter
I invited one more face reader.
I hear he has nothing to gain from this and he is very skilled in reading faces.
Let him in.
Welcome, Professor Go.
It's been a long time, my lady.
It's been a long time, Chief Kim.
My lady said the face reader was very skilled, so I wondered who he was.
If it's you, I can trust your capability.
Then let's begin now.
Let them in.
She must be the one that the Crown Prince is pushing for.
She will definitely have children.
But the lower part of the philtrum is narrow
so she will have daughters rather than sons.
She shouldn't become a queen.
Since her philtrum is deep, she will have many children.
Her philtrum gets wider at the bottom, so she will have many sons.
Also, her eyes are deep and not moist.
Her nose is round with a clear shape.
So she will definitely produce a rightful heir who will threaten the Crown Prince.
Ga Hee...
you must've also heard about it.
The selection process for a new queen is in session in the palace now.
Yes, sire. I'm aware of it.
Are you disappointed?
Sire, how would I dare to have that thought?
Queen Majesty already passed away two years ago.
Of course a new master should come into the internal court.
Sire, what happened?
Of course.
A man you have no interest in is getting married.
I'm sure it doesn't bother you.
Sire, that's not what I meant.
If there is something I don't know about in your heart...
make sure to hide it well so that I don't find out about it.
Do you understand?
Sire, the selection process is complete.
Gwiin Kim, did you bring in Professor Go?
Yes, sire.
The whole country of Joseon knows about Chief Kim's ability of reading faces.
But it's about selecting the country's mother.
In case of any misfortunes
I thought we needed another skilled face reader.
How have you been, Professor Go?
I didn't see you at all even after the war
so I thought something bad happened to you during the war.
Forgive me, sire.
This man full of sin wandered around here and there
and came back to Hanyang just recently.
But Chief Kim and Professor Go have different opinions.
Yes. Chief Kim said Kim Jae Nam's daughter should be chosen.
And Professor Go said that the ambassador's daughter should be chosen.
Sire, just like Court Lady Kim who is next to Your Majesty
the ambassador's daughter has a precious face that will complement yours.
Sire, Kim Jae Nam's daughter was born with a face of a precious one.
Her philtrum is deep and her pupils are full of spirits.
She has the face of the country's mother who will produce many children.
I believe she will definitely produce a rightful heir.
What do you think, Gwiin Kim?
Of course...
I believe we should follow Professor Go's opinion.
Professor Go's ability was already proven with Sookyong Hong and Court Lady Kim.
So I believe Professor Go's opinion is correct.
You are right.
So I'm going to greet the ambassador's daughter as my new queen.
And I'm going to reward Professor Go for working on this.
Your grace is immeasurable, sire.
Luckily, His Majesty paid attention to my words
so the ambassador's daughter is chosen as a new queen.
But it's too early to feel relieved.
What do you mean by that?
Sire, how could have one person only have one fate?
A collection of dozens of small fates come together as one person's fate.
Some fates just float away...
and some other fates have to be faced.
After going through everything that needs to be faced
the person won't be dragged around by any fate.
The person becomes the owner of a fate who leads her own.
What do you mean?
A mountainous fate that you have to get through is awaiting you, sire.
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