Subtitles by DramaFever
[Episode 22]
Did you really think I offered my loyalty to you?
Wake up, King!
The war broke out all because of you.
It's because someone who shouldn't be the king is sitting on the throne!
So I planned to become the King!
How dare you!
As soon as the day breaks...
execute him by beheading him.
Yes, sire.
Teacher.
Sire.
Please forgive me for my disloyalty of not being able to serve you anymore.
How can you say such a thing?
No... No you can't, Teacher!
I've served His Majesty all my life.
His Majesty is truly an unlucky man.
The only one who can protect His Majesty is you.
Sire...
The shape of the heart changes the shape of the face.
Sire...
Please become a wise king...
Teacher.
Teacher...
Teacher... Teacher...
Sir...
Sire.
Eunuch Song has passed away just now.
Please hide yourself quickly. Queen Majesty found a hideout for you.
Sire.
Sire!
A prisoner disappeared!
What?
Father, we've looked through everywhere
in the city to find Kim Do Chi for the last few days
but we couldn't find a trace of him anywhere in the city.
No...
I should've killed him right there and then.
This is really regrettable.
I'll go to the end of the world and catch him.
If you need soldiers, I will give them to you.
Make sure to catch him.
Yes, Father.
I have something to deliver to you, so I have been waiting.
Before Eunuch Song passed away
he left this with me.
He told me to give this to Your Highness.
What is this?
This is 'Secret Book of King's Face.'
'Secret Book of King's Face'?
'Secret Book of King's Face' didn't disappear.
Sire, now you've gained the book that teaches how to read people's minds
so please create a world that you want with that book now.
That's what Eunuch Song would have wanted.
Yes... this will help me not to forget my initial determination.
I have no more excuses to come see you now.
So please shake off the sadness and get up now.
I'll do that.
I promise you.
[Six years later 1608, 41st year of Seonjo's reign]
Are you alright?
Yes, Brother.
[Yi Eui Grand Prince Youngchang later]
Forgive me, Your Highness.
Were you taking him to Father?
Yes, sire.
- I'll take him there. - Yes, sire.
You may take your leave now.
Now I've been staying in bed for a long time with an illness
I feel embarrassed to see you.
You're still young.
Isn't this tough on you to just stay with a patient?
Yes, it is tough on me.
So please get up soon.
You promised me to take you to the next trip to a hot spring.
Yes, that's what I promised you.
How could I refuse the promise I made to you?
I'll get better soon.
Sire, His Highness Crown Prince and Grand Prince are here.
Let them in.
Father!
My filial son Eui is here.
Weren't you cold on your way here?
I didn't feel cold at all. I'm fine.
Yes, you are a man.
Grow up soon and become a healthy man.
Crown Prince...
it's hard to take care of myself these days.
So it's more challenging to play the role of the king on top of that.
When I thought about it, a grown-up Crown Prince was next to me.
So I don't need to keep this seat for myself.
So I will unload all the heavy baggage...
and pass the throne to you.
Father, I am still foolish
so how could I possibly ascend to the throne instead of you?
Please take back your words that embarrass me.
Ga Hee, what should I do?
Crown Prince is refusing to take my load
It's too much work for this geezer.
Sire, are you alright?
Father.
Sire, forgive me but please leave now.
His Majesty needs absolute rest.
I understand. I'll do that.
Crown Prince came here because he was worried about me.
Why did you have to be so cold to him?
Forgive me for going out of my place.
Your full recovery is important to me
so I was out of my place.
- Lord Heo! - Prime Minister.
Are you on your way to Donggung Hall again?
The whole Joseon knows that I'm His Highness Crown Prince's man.
[Heo Gyun Assistant Secretary, Ministry of Justice]
[Yoo Seung Prime Minister, Leader of Sobook Faction]
You must be on your way to Junggung Hall.
I hear you're touching a few pennies with Queen Majesty's people these days.
I hear you're having a lot of fun.
If you have any good info, please share it with me, too.
You! What are you talking about?
That, that scoundrel...
Secretary Heo, what do you mean by that?
You know all about how Prime Minister and the Queen have partnered together
and they are determined to push the Grand Prince for Crown Prince.
When the Queen Majesty was selected, we already expected this.
Also when Grand Prince was born.
So I should consider my three-year-old brother as my political enemy
and attack him first?
Since Eunuch Song passed away
His Majesty has changed.
Are you afraid that someone close to him will be harmed again?
What?
Sire... if you're afraid of losing someone
the fact is that you can't save anyone.
I will excuse myself now.
Secretary Heo.
I know that you often gather people and have meetings with them.
You have to be careful.
Please don't worry.
Sire...
did he say something useless again?
How did it go with the thing you went to check for?
Yes, sire. It was true.
Kim Do Chi appeared in the city recently.
We must catch him.
Yes, sire.
For him to walk around in the city without fear...
There must be people who take care of him.
Finally, we found evidence to depose the Crown Prince.
Now it's only a matter of time before my son becomes the Crown Prince.
I will definitely have Prince Gwanghae deposed from the Crown Prince title
and will put Grand Prince in the seat of the Crown Prince.
Your Majesty, Prime Minister is here.
Let him in.
- Your Majesty. - Welcome, Prime Minister.
Thank you.
A crucial proof to depose the Crown Prince will appear soon.
What kind of proof is it?
I don't know yet.
Make sure to keep everything in check around you.
Yes.
As soon as the proof comes out
everyone has to push to depose the Crown Prince.
Of course.
It already started a long time ago to depose Prince Gwanghae
from the Crown Prince position
and establish Grand Prince, the rightful heir to the throne, as the Crown Prince.
Lady Kim, moves in the Junggung Hall are suspicious these days.
[Lee San Hae Chief Scholar, Leader of Daebook Faction]
Why wouldn't that be the case?
I'm very well aware that the fox is trying to
depose the Crown Prince with lights on her eyes.
[Inbin Kim]
But that's not possible at all.
Who is the Crown Prince?
We did everything to take him down
but he is a strong enemy who didn't even budge.
But, Mother...
I don't think we should take her lightly just because she's a young queen.
Within a short time, not just Prime Minister
but numerous officials and even the merchants in the city...
she got a firm grip on all of them.
I feel as if I'm seeing Kim Do Chi.
Kim Do Chi...
Don't even bring up his name.
Right now, we have to help the Crown Prince as much as we can.
The Crown Prince is our shield.
The one who survives to the end is the winner.
Do you understand?
Yes. I will keep that in mind, Mother.
- Who is it? - I came from Hamgol.
The reason I called you here tonight is
because I can't watch the horror of the Queen's plan
to establish Grand Prince as the Crown Prince anymore.
Before their wicked behavior crosses the line
we should make a request or submit our petition to His Majesty
to rush his passing of the throne.
You're right.
His Majesty has been ill for a long time
so he should pass the throne now.
But if we bring that up, we may be accused of treason.
The Sobook Faction that supports Grand Prince Youngchang
will accuse us as traitors anyway.
We should do something before that.
That's how we can protect the Crown Prince and save ourselves, too.
So everyone from the Daebook Faction
who supports the Crown Prince is gathered at Heo Gyun's house?
Yes, sire.
Since Your Majesty has been ill
it sounded like they would request your passing of the throne
using this as a chance.
Pass the throne?
I've just watched the ones who support the Crown Prince so far.
But their behavior is becoming more like a sight to see.
- Chief of Security. - Yes, sire.
I ignored the fact that you belonged to Daedong Society.
And I even gave you the position of Chief of Security.
You must know the reason.
Of course, sire.
The reason I was able to keep my life and climb to this post
even though I used to be a Daedong member
is all thanks to Your Majesty.
I'm going to offer my life to Your Majesty.
Although I let you live...
weren't you a man of the Crown Prince at one point?
The one who saved my life is Your Majesty.
Then go catch them right now.
- Do you mean, right now? - Yes, right now.
Of course we should do that. We'll put our faith in you.
Thank you.
Everyone, run away now! Hurry!
This way!
Stop!
Catch them!
I thought you served His Highness with most sincere loyalty.
But you betrayed His Highness when you wore the badge of Chief of Security.
And now you're betraying me?
It's His Majesty's royal command.
Sire!
What happened? Crime of treason?
It's a setup.
They were checking on our moves.
That's why I told you to be careful!
I tried to help you, but I'm about to be a burden on you.
Forgive me, sire.
King Majesty has arrived.
- Father. - Why do you look so surprised?
No, Father. I can't contain my happiness to see you in full recovery.
Since a plot of treason happened
I should gather my strength even if I'm sick.
A plot of treason? It's not, Father.
[Hong Gil Dong Story]
It's a story book written by Heo Gyun who is very close to you.
Every detail of the author's rebellious thoughts is shown in that book.
What are you doing? Start the interrogation now!
Secretary Heo...
He behaved that fit his character...
I knew he'd cause trouble like this someday!
Please step in, Lord Lee.
Father pulled out his sword for the first time in a while.
It won't just end with Heo Gyun.
Of course I'm sure this is to slay me.
Lord Lee.
Doing nothing is not the best way to save yourself.
Yes, I know.
I know that my Daebook Faction and I can die, too.
As soon as the day breaks tomorrow
I will request a private meeting with His Majesty.
But before that, please promise me one thing.
Please protect the Crown Prince title no matter what happens.
It's been sixteen years since I became the Crown Prince at the age of eighteen.
How did I get through all those years?
I will never give it to anyone.
Are you saying that Heo Gyun and his people
who got caught for the crime of treason are not guilty?
That's right, sire.
Saving Heo Gyun means protecting the Crown Prince.
Since when did you become the Crown Prince's man?
How could you say such a thing, sire?
I only serve Your Majesty.
It's just when I think about the future of Joseon
for the past 16 years with all kinds of events
His Highness accomplished a lot as the Crown Prince.
I believe it's only natural that His Highness is protecting him.
Sire, please release the ones who were framed with the crime of treason!
Please release them!
Sire, please release Heo Gyun and other young scholars!
They are innocent!
Sire, 'Hong Gil Dong Story' can't be sure proof that goes against Your Majesty!
Please reconsider, sire!
It can't be proof?
The book is filled with foul intentions and ideas.
Sire, I also read that book
but I could not read any intention of treason to go against Your Majesty.
It's just a story book, sire.
Sire, please reconsider!
So do I need to just bring you a proof of treason?
Will you shut your mouth then?
Scholars are pleading that it's not a plot of treason at Kangnyung Hall.
It seems that Chief Scholar stepped in.
Sire, the Jurchen leader sent a message that he will arrive in the city soon.
Now I think about it, the Jurchens predicted
that something like this would happen.
As soon as the rightful heir was born in Joseon
they offered to help me.
Sire, what do you plan to do?
Would you accept their offer?
I haven't lost my mind enough to bring in
another country's troops just to strengthen my power.
But I should deliver my intention to Nurhaci
for our friendly relationship in the future.
You're back.
Yes. You've gone through a lot by yourself in Joseon.
I prepared a room for you to stay.
Please this way.
It's very odd.
It's been six years...
but why is it filled only with an intention to kill?
How dare you... to betray me.
We brought him here.
I've been looking forward to your return to Joseon.
I hear Nurhaci sent a secret message a long time ago?
'Kill the King and establish the Bright Ocean'?
And the secret message is in the hands of Gwanghae?
Thanks to you barbarians...
I'm about to realize my big goal.
Ga Hee... have you also read 'Hong Gil Dong Story'?
I haven't read the book, but I heard it's a foul one.
Sire, this is Chief of Security.
Come in.
Sire, please come outside.
What's going on?
Is this a Jurchen who was left in front of the palace gate?
Yes, sire.
This is the letter he had with him.
Your Majesty, I am only an ordinary man living in the city.
I found something I can't just ignore, so I'd like to report to you in private.
I'm offering this Jurchen man to Your Majesty
as evidence of what I'm about to report to you.
You were in the same gang with the Crown Prince?
Take him to the State Tribunal right away.
My lady, His Highness left the palace just now.
Out of the palace?
Are you sure we're supposed to meet him today?
Yes, sire.
He definitely said he'd be back in the city yesterday.
I'll go check outside.
No.
He's probably just late.
Let's wait a little longer.
Court Lady Kim!
Secretary Heo, are you alright?
Did you come here because you were worried about me?
I had an urgent question to ask, so I came.
Is His Highness still in contact with the Jurchens?
Why would you ask me that question?
A Jurchen man who was tied up
was abandoned in front of the palace earlier this morning.
Someone did it on purpose.
There was also a letter.
I don't know about the content of the letter.
But His Majesty asked him if he was in the same gang with the Crown Prince.
I knew something like this would happen...
so I told him to hide it somewhere more secretive.
What is 'it'?
Listen carefully to what I'm about to tell you.
King Majesty has arrived!
The evidence that the Jurchens tried to kill Your Majesty
and that they tried to establish the Crown Prince as the King.
I heard that His Highness Crown Prince has the secret message from Nurhaci.
Is it true that you tried to kill me and establish the Crown Prince as the King?
Did the Crown Prince partner with you and plot treason?
Chief of Security, go to Donggung Hall right now
and find the secret message that the Crown Prince has.
Yes, sire.
There is a secret message from the Jurchens I brought six years ago.
'Kill the King of Joseon and establish 'the Bright Ocean.'
The Jurchens offered it as their promise that it will happen someday.
So His Highness has kept it.
If it's handed to His Majesty, it's over!
Here.
Is this the secret message that you mentioned?
Yes, it's definitely the letters of Manchuria.
I will keep this.
What if His Majesty finds you with this?
Since we can't just get rid of it either
so it will be safer for me to keep it.
Soldiers are on their way here now.
What brought you here, Jungwon?
Did you come here to see me?
I came just in case you were here...
I'm glad that I didn't come here for nothing.
I didn't know you were checking on me.
Sire, are you waiting for a Jurchen man by any chance?
What do you mean?
A Jurchen man, out of nowhere?
A Jurchen man is getting interrogated at the State Tribunal right now.
The palace has been turned upside down.
What?
I thought maybe you would be waiting for that man, so I came here.
There is no time to waste.
Father, I heard a Jurchen man is being interrogated at the State Tribunal now.
You have a big misunderstanding, Father.
For a long time, I've often heard
that you've had bad thoughts about your ill father.
I don't have such thoughts.
I believe that you conspired with the Jurchens and plotted treason against me.
Father, that could never happen!
The Jurchen man that you were going to meet is at the State Tribunal now.
He already confessed everything.
The secret message from Nurhaci that you have will also be in my hands soon.
Sire!
Sire...
Why are you empty-handed? Did you not bring the secret message?
We looked everywhere in Donggung Hall, but couldn't find it.
What? You couldn't find it?
- But... - Tell me.
When we just arrived at Donggung Hall
I saw Court Lady Kim of Hwayoogak running out of Donggung Hall just then.
Is it true?
Yes, sire.
Sire!
Why did you go to Donggung Hall?
Donggung Hall?
I didn't go there.
Do you know why I made Seo Yong the Chief of Security?
It's because he was a volunteer soldier with you under the Crown Prince.
So Chief of Security couldn't have been mistaking someone else for you.
I don't know what actually happened.
I made it clear to you.
If you get caught again that the Crown Prince is in your heart
the Crown Prince would be punished for coveting his father's woman.
Sire, that's not true.
I've never kept the Crown Prince in my heart.
At first, that's what I thought, too.
So even when I saw you and the Crown Prince meet in secret...
I pretended that I didn't know about it.
But I saw it clearly after that
who was in your heart.
I believe I gave you a clear warning then.
'You should never let that happen again!'
I won't forgive the Crown Prince who coveted his father's woman anymore.
Sire!
I said the feelings were only on my part.
His Highness doesn't know about it.
It's been a long time that I've abandoned those feelings.
I forgot them all.
It was only a passing breeze for a moment.
I am Your Majesty's woman.
That's what I've believed so far.
But you're hiding the secret message for the Crown Prince now!
If you really mean what you say
give me the secret message that you took for the Crown Prince.
If you give me the secret message
I won't ask about the Crown Prince's crime anymore.
But if you don't...
the Crown Prince will have to pay
for his crime of coveting his father's woman.
- Sire. - I won't wait for too long.
So you gave the secret message to Court Lady Kim?
There was no other way.
Father knows about everything already.
Please don't go.
Even if she has a sword on her neck, Court Lady Kim won't give the message.
That's why... I'm asking you not to go.
Crown Princess... she could even die.
It was a setup to depose Your Highness to begin with.
So please think of a way to get through this first.
Please think of yourself first before Court Lady Kim.
Please consider the many people who follow your lead, sire.
Is Court Lady Kim still on the ground?
Yes, sire.
Can I really trust you?
You've never kept the Crown Prince in your heart
and you didn't hide the secret message either?
Can I trust you?
Please trust me.
Then even if I killed the Crown Prince who plotted treason right now
would you not say anything?
How could someone who plotted treason be forgiven?
Sure, even without your help
there are many ways to get that secret message out in the world.
What are you doing? Escort her to her chamber and call the doctor.
Yes, sire.
Sire, Lady Ga Hee went back to her chamber now.
The secret message wasn't found either.
It looks like it'll get wrapped up.
Father is already determined to depose me.
It's only the beginning.
As of today
I'm going to depose Gwanghae, criminal of high treason
from the title of the Crown Prince
since he tried to kill his father with the Japanese and steal away the throne.
My lady.
Court Lady Kim...
the royal command is out that His Highness is deposed as the Crown Prince.
Pardon?
Please.... save His Highness.
His Majesty grants every request you make.
Please.
Please spare His Highness.
It's finally the time you've been waiting for.
His Majesty ordered to depose the Crown Prince.
What's going on in Junggung Hall these days?
She wouldn't sit quietly after you betrayed her.
Still, she's only a young girl who just became 20 years old.
If I let go of her hand...
she's only a paper tiger.
Please don't worry.
Then... when would be good for our big day?
That's of course the day of the Crown Prince's deposition...
It's tomorrow.
Please reconsider, sire!
Please reconsider!
Sire, please retract the royal command to depose the Crown Prince!
Please reconsider! Please reconsider, sire!
Please reconsider!
Sire, please retract the royal command to depose the Crown Prince!
I already said it's not possible.
Why are they so stubborn?
Ga Hee, what do you think?
I believe that whoever covets the throne should be punished by execution.
Of course, that's how it should be.
- Take them out! - Yes, sir!
Father! Father!
How dare you touch me!
- My lady! - How dare you!
How dare you!
- Take them away! - Yes, sir!
You'll be punished by Heaven! You won't be forgiven!
Where is Gwanghae, the criminal of high treason?
Please reconsider!
I already said that it's impossible, so why are you making such a noise?
Are you trying to defeat the King?
I request with the determination of death.
How could you depose the Crown Prince without any evidence of plot of treason?
That shouldn't be, sire!
You're determined to die?
Then I'll make your wish come true.
Who else is determined to die?
Sire, please run away now and plan for the future!
King Sejong had a wide forehead, a straight nose and a strong jaw.
Three parts of the face are well balanced
and his eyes look like those of a dragon.
That is the true king's face that will achieve peace and prosperity.
Sire!
Would you really stay here and face an untimely death?
Do I... really not have the face that can become a king?
Subtitles by DramaFever