Episode 20
It is already past the Hour of the Dragon (7-9am). Where is the prince?
Grand Internal Officer, find the prince and bring him here. Search the whole palace!
Yes, Your Majesty.
I am already here, Your Majesty!
- Take a seat. - Yes, Your Majesty.
If there is anything you want to report, report it to the prince.
I will let the prince handle it.
- You may begin. - Yes, Your Majesty.
We will now begin the Assembly.
Your Highness, it is I, Attendant Yi.
What has happened?
The prince has arrived at the throne room, and has started the Assembly.
- Alright, you may leave us. - Yes, Your Majesty.
The prince is not a complacent man. He will draw his hidden sword!
Yes, you're right. But I wonder how and where...
The next report is regarding black market items and trade ordinances surrounding them.
There are currently many items being traded on the black market.
This is creating a problem in the economy.
Therefore, the Ministry of Taxation recommends that we give the rights to regulate the trade ordinances
to the merchants who have paid their taxes and possess the trade rights...
Wait. Wait a moment.
- Yes, Your Highness. - What do you mean by trade rights?
Trade rights are rights given by the government to citizens who pay for the right to sell the items.
I see. Then what are trade ordinances?
It means the right to arrest and punish those guilty of illegal trading.
Is that what that means?
If that is the case, then what you are saying doesn't make sense.
What do you mean, Your Highness?
From what I know, trade rights and ordinances are generally governed by city prefectures.
And these rights and ordinances were created to prevent the merchants from controlling the market.
Although the black market is illegal, they are usually created by and for the poor peasants.
Trade rights and ordinances were created to protect these people from greedy merchants.
It was created to prevent the merchants from fixing prices and creating monopolies.
But you are asking for the merchants to have the right to regulate and uphold the ordinances.
Are you saying that the merchants are breaking the law and regulating the market now?
And you are asking for these ordinances to be tightened so that the punishment is greater?
How strange...
Why is the Minister of Taxation suggesting that we give this tremendous authority to the merchants?
Perhaps there are merchants that he wants to protect?
How... how could you say that, Your Highness?
Although you are correct in that these regulations ought to be controlled by the prefectures,
changes in government regulations take time to take effect.
- Market regulations have always been controlled by... - Minister.
I am saying that those regulations are wrong.
But Your Highness, these regulations have been approved by His Majesty from long ago.
It is now the prince that will oversee the matters of the state.
Do not use my previous decisions as excuses!
The prince shall continue.
Our political system is full of outdated laws and regulations.
But you Ministers refuse to reform these laws because of tradition.
Your stubbornness is something that is truly difficult to change.
Are you saying that you have absolutely no desire to reform our laws and regulations?
I will not tolerate any unjust and outdated laws.
And I will not only hear your opinion to make my decisions.
Thus, I will order the officials of all levels to raise up suggestions for reform.
I will also go and speak with them myself.
Thus the Royal Secretary will make preparations.
Did you see? The prince is truly my grandson!
His ability to turn the Ministers' words on themselves were much better than me!
You are too gracious, Your Majesty.
You have done well on your first Assembly.
You are too gracious, Your Majesty.
What did you think of my decisions today, Your Majesty?
- Was there anything I was lacking or...? - What did I tell you?
I told you not to do politics for your own self.
If you want someone's good opinion, do it for the people's good opinion.
If you need an indication from someone, get the people's indication.
Therefore, judgments on your decisions should be asked of the people.
- Do you understand? - Yes, Your Majesty. I will heed your words.
- Alright, you may leave now. - Yes, Your Majesty.
What is the matter? Is there something you want to say?
May I say something, Your Majesty?
- You may. - Why do you not say anything to the prince?
I think that you are holding back on saying something important to the prince.
It is not yet time.
You cannot eat everything in one spoonful.
It is not yet the time.
Suggestions by all the officials? We are the Ministers of the nation!
What do these low-level officials know? Why does the prince want to involve them in government?
And not only that, he said that he was going to prevent our sons from receiving government positions.
He means to dry up our No Ron faction!
Please forgive me, but you must calm down.
Why do you raise your voice at such a small matter?
Small matter?
What matter is greater than this?
There are matters greater than this, Minister.
Have you forgotten the prince's words about opening up our coffers?
This is just the beginning.
I am going to make you an Inspector in the Office of the Inspector-General.
Your Highness...!
Can you guess why I am giving you that position?
I heard that you objected to the recommendation to give trade ordinance rights to the merchants.
The merchants have always given bribes to the No Ron Ministers.
Everyone knows that the ministers have always pushed regulations that support these merchants.
You want me to find evidence against these ministers and the merchants.
This is not just to strike at them.
The ministers now are using our government to fill their own pockets.
The ones who suffer because of that are the poor citizens of our country.
I will not turn a blind eye on them.
But it will be a difficult battle, Your Highness.
Dogs that have their food taken away sometimes bite their owners.
I know. But don't be too worried.
I'm more nimble than I look.
The prince's words at the Assembly trouble me, Your Excellency.
The prince has declared war against the No Ron faction.
He will try and block the money that is coming in from the merchants.
Yes, I'm sure he will.
I will speak to Minister Hong and Official Yang.
There are few men in government who do not support us. I will speak to them.
You must hurry. The prince must learn that government is not controlled by the king alone.
That man called Hong Gook Young...
I hear that he is related to the Justice Minister, Hong In Han.
Yes. He is a very distant relative.
If he is the prince's tactician, then he will be responsible for important tasks.
We must have someone watch him.
Watch him?
What do you mean, Minister?
You want me to become closer to Hong Gook Young?
All of our plans are being disrupted because of him.
- You must do something about him. - Me...?
I... that Hong Gook Young is an impertinent fellow!
Every time I think of him, I get furious...
There are many rumors about your shaking resolve.
What? Shaking resolve? What are you talking about?
If that is not true, then you must help us.
My request is only a minor one.
If you can't even help on such a minor request, how will you shake off these rumors?
Yes... yes, I must... But that... that fellow...!
I have to... that fellow!
Let's go to the Police Bureau.
Please forgive me for asking you to come all the way, Inspector General.
Not at all. I was waiting for your invitation.
- Let us go inside, Your Excellency. - Yes, let us.
But, Secretary Jung, what is going on nowadays?
We were ordered to investigate nepotism at the Office of the Inspector General.
Leave it to Official Kim Jung Woo and Hong Jung Pyo.
They will take care of everything.
Alright. But what will you do in the future?
Will you do nothing to block the prince?
We have the full support of the Offices of Special Counselors and Censor-General.
You have the full support of the Inspector General.
We cannot have our government unstabilised.
Let us go inside. We will speak more in private.
Alright.
- What? Minister Hong In Han? - Yes, Sir.
- Alright. Bring him in. - Yes, Sir.
Welcome, Your Excellency.
It's been a while. Have you been well?
Yes, thank you.
Here.
Did you bring this to give to me?
Yes of course.
- Why? You don't like it? - No, not at all.
I was just wondering if the sun was going to rise from the north, south, east and west!
You are not someone to give away even your cold for free.
But you are giving me such a priceless fur pelt.
Well...!
Look here, young man. I'm here to resolve our differences.
I heard that you are a great asset to the prince.
But I have been unable to give you any support even though I am the Justice Minister.
I'm doing this because I'm grateful!
I'm sure you know that I am the prince's grand-uncle.
Since you are helping my grand-nephew, of course I am grateful to you.
And since I fully support the prince, come to me if you need any help.
Do you understand?
Yes. If you support the prince, I am sure you will be of great help.
That's right! You're absolutely right!
My Lord, Official Kang from the Bureau of Paintings is here.
A Damo named Song Yeon has been allowed to paint?
It is as I mentioned.
Official Park has allowed that girl to paint the folding screen for the princess.
But for a Damo to paint... Isn't that unacceptable?
It is outrageous! Official Park has always protected that girl.
There is something suspicious there.
There is something you must do.
I will obey any order, My Lord.
I want you to stir up a controversy.
What?
It will not be difficult since this goes against tradition.
What do you think? Can you do it?
- Song Yeon! - Sir!
- What are you doing here? - I... I was just passing through.
You... Which one is it?
What?
The novice artist that has captured your attention!
Just wait a moment, and I will fetch him for you.
Is it that fellow?
Or that fellow at the end?
- He looks strong! - It's not that, Sir.
- Then what is it? - Sir, have you ever drawn a tangerine?
A tangerine? It looks like this.
Yes.
Well, I have drawn it before,
but since it's so rare, I can't really remember.
I don't really know.
- Oh, I see. - Why do you ask?
It's nothing.
If I knew how to draw that, I wouldn't be living like this.
- Did you really draw this? - Yes, Sir.
What do you think?
Well.... for a Damo's work, it has been done quite well.
Is that how you really think?
Yes, Sir.
You're wrong. This painting is awful!
We cannot use this.
Not only did you copy the original design, you were ostentatious in your style.
You used too much energy in the strokes, and have lost the subtlety of the motif.
If this is truly your work, then I must have overestimated your ability.
- Forgive me, Sir! - Take this away.
I will give you one more day. Draw it again.
Sir, you must go outside! Something terrible has happened!
- Something terrible? - Please go outside!
What is this about?
We heard an outrageous rumor and gathered here to find out if it's true.
- Outrageous rumor? - Show us what you are holding!
What?
So you drew this, did you?
Do all of you see this?
This is the folding screen that this wench has painted!
Official Kang! What is the meaning of this?
I want to ask you the same question.
How could a lowly Damo draw a painting for the palace?
Have you forgotten all the traditions and laws of the Bureau?
Are you presuming to teach me the traditions of the Bureau?
Even though she is only a Damo, she has the talent of an artist!
As long as the painting is good, who cares if it was drawn by a Damo or an artist?
Who cares?
Are you trying to go against the values of our country?
She is of low status and not only that, she is female.
How could she involve herself in these matters?
Do not use status and gender as an excuse!
She is better than someone like you who adds no value to the Bureau!
- Sir! - Wh.. what?
If you objected, you should have filed an official complaint rather than doing it in this manner.
Now move aside, all of you!
What are you doing? I said move aside!
Artist Yi!
We have written a letter to the Ministry of Rites. Put your name on it.
Do we have to do this? Song Yeon is sometimes more talented than me...
We have lost our honor and dignity!
Are you saying that you do not joining us?
No, I will.
- Oh, my stomach! - What.. what is the matter with you?
My stomach is bursting...!
My arse is on fire!
It's coming out... out of my arse!
This is crazy! I can't sign and I can't not sign.
I must have used too much energy. It feels like it really came out.
How uncomfortable...
Please forgive me, Sir. This is because of me...
Don't be foolish. This is about the Bureau and this country's customs.
But the artists are objecting so much.
You shouldn't trouble yourself. I should stop painting the folding screen...
That will not solve this problem.
This was something we should have addressed a long time ago.
I have something in mind, so do not worry yourself about this.
Sir...
The prince enters!
- Take a seat. - Yes, Your Highness.
They are officials of the ninth to the sixth rank, Your Highness.
I requested refreshments as I thought we may spend all night in discussion.
I am excited to be here! I request that all of you be honest and frank.
You are gracious, Your Highness.
It is already past the Hour of the Pig (9 - 11pm).
You're telling me that the prince left at noon and has not yet returned to his chambers?
Yes, we just received a message that he will not return until the Hour of the Rat (11pm - 1am).
Your Highness, will you retire now to your chambers?
No, I will go to the Office of the Crown Prince.
Forgive me, I am very late.
Let's sit. There is much we have to do.
These are the petitions from the Offices of the Inspector-General and Special Counselors.
They are all saying the same thing.
The prince does not understand politics.
The prince is causing trouble even though he doesn't understand anything.
It appears as if all the officials of the two offices have joined together in opposition.
Not only that, the scholars and advisors are planning a boycott.
Isn't this what we expected?
We cannot stop because of a few objections.
It is not so simple as that.
This is not only about opposing reform.
Hasty reforms can have an adverse effect.
That is not so, Minister. Don't you understand?
They are opposing me because I have asked them to open up their coffers.
They seek only to fill their own pockets by manipulating politics and the government.
- Your Highness... - As Inspector Hong said, we anticipated this.
We would not have started this if we were going to back away so easily.
What are some of the offices that were suggested for reform?
Yes, the Ministry of Taxation, the Office of Charity,
and the Bureau of Paintings.
Give them to me.
I told you that you don't have to do this.
Your store is my store and my wine house is your wine house.
Don't you want to stop by the wine house tonight?
Tonight? It's past midnight.
What do you want to do so late at night?
I've already warmed up the floor in the room.
I... I... Mak Soon!
I... I'm a...
It's alright. If you don't want to, it's fine.
But... Am I really that unattractive?
Not at all?
Mak Soon! How could I not be attracted to you?
It's not because of you. It's because I...
I... have a problem.
Problem? What problem?
- I... I mean... - You mean...
Because I...
Because you what?
Because I'm... a eu...
- Eu... - You?
- Nuch! - Knock?
You knock?
You knock what?
Why do you stop in the middle of the word? What is it that you're knocking?
No, not you knock!
Is Song Yeon not sleeping yet?
This painting is awful! We cannot use this.
Are you trying to go against the values of our country?
She is of low status and not only that, she is female.
How could she involve herself in these matters?
Song Yeon, are you sleeping?
No.
What are you doing? Were you painting this whole time?
You haven't even finished half of it?
You said you had to finish it by tomorrow.
- I don't know, Dae Su... - What?
I don't know what to draw, or how to draw.
I don't know anything.
I can't even draw a dot.
Song Yeon...!
So, how is the Fertility Talisman coming along?
Yes, we are still working on it. It will be completed by the date you wanted.
Are you certain? I have heard it would be difficult.
What... what do you mean, Your Highness?
I was curious as to the status so I asked.
I was told there was a problem at the Bureau. Am I wrong?
Your Highness, that...
I heard you asked a Damo to draw part of it.
Why have you done such an outrageous thing?
How could you have give her responsibility over such an important painting?
Is this your way of insulting me and the princess?
Please forgive me, Your Highness, but I have never intended to insult you!
Although she may be a mere Damo, her talent surpasses some of the artists.
I will most certainly give you a folding screen that you will be pleased with.
Please trust me and bestow your patience, Your Highness!
How could I trust you in these circumstances?
I do not want to talk about this anymore. Entrust it to an artist.
Song Yeon!
- Hurry! Come with me! - What?
Did you look for me?
- Are you the Damo Sung Song Yeon? - Yes, My Lord.
- Take her away as well! - Yes, My Lord!
My Lord, this child was only doing what I told her to do.
- I will take full responsibility. - Your full responsibility is not contested.
But this child cannot be forgiven either.
Even though she was ordered to do so, how dare she interfere in government?
How can we ignore such impertinence!
Take these two to the Ministry of Rites!
We will investigate this case and give out the appropriate punishment.
My Lord, I told him I would do it. It wasn't Official Park's fault!
Silence! Take her away this instant!
- Yes, My Lord. - Take her away!
Halt!
- Your Highness! - Your Highness...
What is this commotion in a place where art is being created?
- Forgive me, Your Highness! - Aren't you the Third Minister of Rites?
What are you doing here at the Bureau?
The Bureau artists raised a complaint to the Ministry of Rites because of an outrageous crime!
We therefore came investigate and to arrest the culprits!
Outrageous crime? Are you referring to the Damo being allowed to paint?
Your Highness! How did you know about that?
I will speak to the Minister of Rites and the officials of the Bureau.
You will wait inside for me with Official Park and the leader of the people who complained.
You know that I have requested for suggestions on reform from all areas of government.
Yesterday, I received a suggestion regarding the Bureau to permit those who are not artists
but have the talent and skill to be permitted to be made Royal Artists.
Preventing those who have talent but not the status or position to be artists is a ridiculous thing.
They were suggesting to reform that tradition.
For example, a talented Damo like that child could be taught proper skills
so that she can become a Royal Artist.
I think that is a reasonable suggestion. What do you think?
Forgive me, Your Highness, but that is unreasonable!
Why do you say so?
To be frank, a Damo is of lowly status.
Furthermore, how can a female understand art and customs?
This is because you don't understand how the Ministry of Rites and the Bureau is...
You're saying I don't understand?
What if it is not I that is wrong, but all of you?
What about it? If that Damo has the talent of a Royal Artist,
will you change your old-fashioned thinking?
What? I'm going to be in a competition with the Royal Artists?
Yes, it was decided at the Artists' meeting.
You know that we gather together for an art competition every year around this time.
I'm saying that you're going to be in the competition with us as well!
If you place within the top five, everyone will stop complaining about you.
What? Within the top five?
There are more than twenty Royal Artists! How could Song Yeon beat them?
That's why they approved it! They think that she can't do it.
They can't oppose it directly because of the prince, so this is their underhanded way!
Sir! How could I be in a competition? That is impossible!
- I can't do it, Sir! - You can't do it.
- Is that your conclusion? - Sir...!
How did you feel this whole time?
They looked down on you because you are of low status and female.
Doesn't it anger you that you aren't even allowed to hold a paintbrush?
Don't you feel wronged?
But now you have been given an opportunity to show off your talent.
But you can't. You won't!
Is that how you really feel?
Sir...
No. I want to.
If only I was allowed to, I want to learn how to paint.
I want to become a Royal Artist and make paintings.
- But? - But I... I don't know.
I can't paint.
From the moment you told me to draw the tangerines,
I don't know what color to use, how to draw...
I can't remember anything.
- So that Damo is Song Yeon? - Yes! And not only that...!
When the commotion grew loud, the prince appeared in person and ordered her to paint!
- He did? - Yes, Your Highness!
The palace is all abuzz because of it!
The prince was already under much scrutiny because of his reforms!
But now this Damo business has made everyone talk amongst themselves!
I'm sure His Highness has feelings for that girl!
What did I say, Your Highness!
I told you there was something strange about that girl!
Really? The prince is involved with a Damo from the Bureau?
Yes. Considering how big this situation has become, he definitely has feelings for this girl.
A Bureau Damo!
In any case, this has given us an advantage.
The government is full of discontent because of the prince and his so-called reforms.
If he is disgraced because of this situation at the Bureau,
he will lose his standing on the things he has talked about.
What do you mean Song Yeon might not be able to show her talent?
This is the painting she drew for the folding screen.
The strokes are not confident and the colors are dull.
The talent she showed at the Ambassador's visit is not evident in this painting, Your Highness.
The artists' competition is an important event in which positions are determined.
Therefore, all artists will be showing off their greatest talents,
and the judges will be the finest of the retired Royal Artists.
A painting like this would only incite mockery, Your Highness.
Here it is.
Oh, here is the Wonju paper! Wonju truly makes the best paper!
- It's so smooth and shiny... - I'll give it to you for five coins.
If I bought this at the market, they would have charged me ten coins!
I'm so glad I came here!
- Give me twenty papers! - Twenty? Yes, Sir!
Are you new around here?
Me?
I opened a shop about a month ago!
Although we're both black market, you have your own shop! Lucky you!
It's no big deal!
But you know, without a shop, it was so difficult to store items!
And when the authorities came around, you have to pack up and run away!
All I have to do now is lock the doors and run!
Here you go.
Work hard! You can have your own shop some day!
Thank you!
Oh, I'm so jealous!
What are you doing at my shop?
I am Kim Bong Du from the merchant association. I'm here to regulate the trade ordinances.
All of your paper, brushes and pigments are only allowed to be sold by merchants.
Don't you know that it is illegal to sell these if you do not have the trade rights?
But... how can you just...? How will I...?
Take it all away!
You can't do this! You can't!
Sir! Please turn a blind eye just this once!
Please! I will never sell these items again!
Let's go!
You bastards! Give me back my goods!
Oh, I am ruined!
My goods are gone! I am ruined!
Give me back my goods, you bastards!
- So you're here! - Where's my uncle, Sir?
He's in the room.
- My goods! My goods! - Don't worry, Uncle!
I'll go and beat them all up and bring back your goods!
It's no use, you foolish boy! Do you know who those men are?
Don't you trust me? I can do it, you know!
There's no need for you to go.
There is another way we can take back your uncle's goods.
Another way? What do you mean?
What do you mean, Sir?
Don't you want the right to be able to sell goods without fear?
Without any fear of the merchants or having to run away?
Are you mocking me?
How can a black marketeer sell things without fear?
I will help you to make it happen. How about it?
Can you gather all the black marketeers for me?
First of all, we need to find evidence of the merchants selling the confiscated goods
from the Black Market and using that money as bribes to the Ministers.
We can use that as a means to put an end to the money stream.
What about the black marketeers?
If they are willing to pay taxes to the government,
then they will be able to trade goods legally alongside the merchant clans.
In that case, it will be beneficial for both the citizens and the government.
I am looking into that as well.
But please don't worry.
It is the dream of all the people in the black market to be able to trade legally.
They will risk their lives for it.
Alright. Find a solution within three days.
Yes, Your Highness.
I heard that there was a small commotion at the Bureau yesterday, Your Highness.
Did you?
Forgive me for saying this, but you may have created a big controversy.
Why is that?
They are looking for ways to malign you.
If that Damo does well, it will be alright.
But if she doesn't, it will affect your reputation.
I am more worried about Song Yeon.
What?
I know Song Yeon very well.
She is a childhood friend along with Dae Su.
But I did not do this only for Song Yeon.
I wanted to show her talent so that we can change the Bureau's outdated ways.
Then others can benefit from it as well.
But I am troubled that my goals and ambitions have become a great burden for her.
She is most likely feeling the burden.
Hey Dae Su! What about some wine tonight?
I know of this great wine house...
I have to go back early tonight, Sir.
Why?
I have to take care of something.
I'll take my leave first.
Hey! Hey! Dae Su!
That fellow! You'll drink with me, right?
No, I'm going to practice my archery a bit more.
What?
That... that straight arrow!
- Official Nam! - Oh, Dae Su!
Why are you at my house at this hour?
- I'm here with the prince! - What? The prince is here?
Your Highness...!
I heard about the artists' competition tomorrow.
I heard you will be participating.
Yes, Your Highness. But I am not sure if I can do it.
I feel like I will bring disgrace to you and Official Park.
You are being foolish.
Don't put too much pressure on yourself.
If you can't, then there's always next time. Just think of it that way.
Your Highness...
If your desire to do well is too great, and you want to look good in front of others,
your heart will be heavy.
Then your painting will be the same way.
Think of happy times and good memories when you paint.
Wasn't that what painting was for you?
- Your Highness.. - Oh!
At tomorrow's competition, use the brush I gave you.
I put a charm on it, so it will bring you good fortune.
Your Highness...
Are those the pigments for tomorrow?
- Yes, Sir. - You may leave if you're finished.
- I will check if it's been done well. - Yes, Sir.
I have done what you asked to the pigment.
She will be humiliated. Please don't worry!
Alright. Well done.
Do you think Song Yeon can be in the top five?
How silly of you to ask! Of course not!
- But I still wish she will do well. - Why?
Isn't it obvious? If she does well, we may have the opportunity too!
If we were able to learn how to paint and become Royal Artists, it would be good...
Hey! Don't dream too big! You'll have nightmares!
Good morning, Sirs.
Song Yeon! Good luck!
Yes, Sir.
We will now begin the competition.
Show them the theme!
Autumn colors? The foliage of autumn...
You may now begin.
- Sir! - What is it?
There is something strange about my pigments. It looks like there was something mixed with it.
Really? Let's take a look.
There's nothing wrong with it. What's the matter with you?
What? But...
What is it? Are you so unconfident that you want to blame the pigments?
No, Sir.
Think of happy times and good memories when you paint.
Wasn't that what painting was for you?
At tomorrow's competition, use the brush I gave you.
I put a charm on it, so it will bring you good fortune.
Song Yeon! What happened! Why didn't you paint any colors?
I couldn't use any of the pigments.
What? Why?
- So a Damo was in this competition? - Yes, Sir.
Why has the Bureau come to this? How could this outrageous thing happen?
So, is this child really talented?
Then let us look at her painting first.
Here it is here. This is the Damo's painting.
What is this? She only used black ink.
She didn't even use any colors? How could she do this?
We will now announce the results of today's competition.
- In first place, Artist Yi Hoon Suk. - Yes, Sir!
- In second place, Artist Jin Jung Hyun! - Yes, Sir!
- In third place, Artist Kim Dae Sung! - Yes, Sir!
- In fourth place, Artist Park Kwang Hoon! - Yes, Sir!
And finally...
in fifth place...
Damo Sung Song Yeon.
Song Yeon, did you hear that? You're fifth place!
Sir...
Song Yeon...