Have they all been imprisoned?
Yes, Sir.
Guard them well. I will interrogate them myself.
Interrogate?
Your Highness!
What crime are they being accused of?
Your Highness...!
- I heard you arrested some of my men. Is that true? - Your Highness... that...
What is it? Is it true that my Royal Guards have been arrested and brought here?
Yes, Your Highness. It's true.
Return my men to me!
- Your Highness! - Didn't you hear what I said?
I said return my men!
Your Highness, please forgive us but that is impossible.
- Impossible? - That's right.
Royal Guard Park Dae Su shot a gun during the Year-End Festival towards the participants.
His crime is so obvious! How can you order us to release him?
The reason he shot that gun was to rescue me.
He was trying to tell me that there was an assassination plot against me!
- Can you still call him a criminal? - Did you just say assassination plot, Your Highness?
You didn't hear about this?
Can you testify to that, Your Highness?
Testify?
Although you claim that there was an assassination attempt that night,
I do not agree, Your Highness.
That night, His Majesty was sitting behind you.
What if the criminal's aim was to shoot His Majesty?
- What if he had been trying to murder His Majesty? - Silence!
Do you think that makes any sense?
Please forgive me, Your Highness, but I must add one more point.
We arrested those men because His Majesty ordered us to find the truth behind this incident.
Thus, if you want those men released,
you must provide evidence of their innocence and his Majesty's approval.
If you cannot do this, we cannot release those men!
Did you just tell me to bring you evidence and His Majesty's approval?
Fine. If that is how you wish to oppose me,
then I will bring you the evidence and His Majesty's approval.
But hear this. You will not hurt even the hair on their heads!
If any harm comes to them, I will make sure that you will be made responsible.
Do you understand me?
- Your Highness! - Your Highness!
Release the prisoners. I will take these two men with me.
- But Your Highness...! - Have these men shot guns as well?
Hurry!
Your Highness!
- Open the gate! - Open it.
- Your Highness! - Are you alright?
- Yes, Your Highness. - We are fine, Your Highness.
But Dae Su has been taken to Namgwan Prison where they imprison the traitors and insurgents!
I just heard that our Royal Guards have been arrested. What has happened?
- Suk Ki, Jang Bo and Dae Su have been taken away. - What was the reason?
They are trying to frame Dae Su for attempting to commit treason.
What?
He saved the prince! How could they do such a thing?
They are truly wicked. His Highness is furious about this.
I have never seen him so angry before.
- Dae Su! - Your Highness!
Are you alright? Have you been hurt?
I'm fine, Your Highness.
Are you alright, Your Highness?
Please forgive me, Your Highness. I have caused you much worry again.
Don't say such things!
Your Highness...!
Do you know what they are accusing you of?
Yes, Your Highness. I heard them talking when they arrested me.
I think they are trying to accuse me of trying to assassinate His Majesty.
Yes, that is their plan.
But I will never permit such a thing happen. I will have you released soon.
Don't worry. Do you hear me?
But if you try to protect me, they will include you in their accusations, Your Highness.
They will say that you ordered me to assassinate him!
So please don't do anything to involve yourself. I'm fine!
- So please... - How can you say that?
Why do you tell me to do nothing when you have been imprisoned?
Your Highness...
I will save you. If I can't find the evidence or His Majesty's approval,
I will break this prison down and save you.
So trust me and wait here. Do you hear me, Dae Su?
Your Highness...!
- Has the prince left? - Yes.
What is your plan, My Lord?
Listen carefully to what I am going to say.
We must have him confess with his own mouth that he tried to assassinate the king.
- But My Lord... - Do you understand? He must say it himself!
- But the prince has ordered us to not torture him. - Who cares about what the prince wants!
If he doesn't confess, we will be killed!
Listen carefully. If he doesn't confess to trying to murder the king,
we must kill him. Do you understand?
- Have you been waiting here all this time? - Where is Dae Su, Sir?
Well... I doubt he will be released any time soon.
What? Why? Did he do something really bad?
No, he didn't do anything. He has been framed.
But don't worry too much. His Highness is looking for a solution.
We're looking for a solution too, so I am certain he will be released soon.
Protect the prince!
- My Son! - Your Majesty!
Protect His Majesty!
This is all because I am lacking and unworthy, Father.
If I have caused that much hatred in someone, then that is also my fault.
So please don't ask me any further, and grant me my request.
What is this all about? Tell me!
- Father...! - Tell me. Who do you think hates you?
How is this because you are in the palace?
- Announce me. - Yes, My Lord.
Your Majesty, the Second Royal Secretary is here.
Let him enter.
Why are you here? Didn't I tell you to not come here for a while?
I wanted to tell you what the status is on the Royal Guards, Your Majesty.
- What Royal Guards? - We have arrested the Royal Guard that fired the shot.
We will use him to accuse the prince of treason.
- So please do not worry too much. - How can you be so naive?
- Do you really think that will solve this? - Naive?
How can you say that to me? You said you would take care of everything!
- But what have you done so far? - Lower your voice, My Lord.
Who was it that made this problem in the first place?
You should lower your voice as well. Although he made a mess of this, he is still my brother.
Forgive me, Your Majesty.
- You may leave us. - Yes, Your Majesty.
- So he wants to use this chance to back off, does he? - What?
What do you mean by that, Your Majesty?
I'm talking about Princess Hwa Wan and Secretary Jung.
Don't you realize why Secretary Jung isn't doing anything?
They are trying to leave themselves a way out if things get bad for us.
We cannot let that happen. We must fix this problem no matter what.
Dal Ho, you're here!
This paper is fantastic!
It is smooth and light. So light it may fly into the sky!
Give us one sheaf of Choju paper and four sheaves of the Joju paper.
What about the Doryun Paper?
What is it, Artist Tak? Is there an issue with the Doryun Paper?
Can't you tell just by looking at it? The weave of this paper is coarse!
Leave the ordered goods in the warehouse.
Please have mercy! I'm trying to make a living here.
If you keep returning the orders, what will happen to me?
Don't worry about me. Money is always good.
- Why are you doing this? - I have a close relationship with the Bureau.
I'm almost the father of the Damo Song Yeon who was approved to be instructed as an artist!
What did you just say? Sung Song Yeon's what?
Now even her relatives are trying to gain entry into the Bureau!
I don't want this, so go away!
Sir! Sir!
Dal Ho, why did you bring up Song Yeon?
Did she do something wrong?
Song Yeon is a thorn in that fellow's side.
- Do you know what his nickname is? - What is it?
- Rice insect. - Rice... rice insect?
How can a man be so narrow-minded? What did Song Yeon do to him anyway?
Oh Sir! You're Park Dae Su's uncle, aren't you?
- And who are you? - Oh, you must not remember me!
I met you very briefly a long time ago.
- Well, I don't really... - I'll help you with those!
- Why are you doing that? Give that to me. - Oh, it's my duty!
Song Yeon!
- Uncle! - Are you just returning from the palace now?
Yes.
I heard that the prince was unharmed. My Dae Su is alright too, isn't he?
Well, Dae Su is...
He's been arrested and taken to the tribunal.
What did you just say? The tribunal?
Why has he been arrested?
I think he is being framed.
- Uncle! - The tribunal? How could that be?
- Then what is going to happen to Dae Su! - Uncle...
Song Yeon must be so worried.
Uncle will be going crazy too.
- Take him out! - Yes, Sir!
What is this? What are you going to do?
Let me go! Let me go!
If you confess now, you will not be tortured.
- Confess? I have nothing to confess! - Silence!
You tried to shoot His Majesty with a gun! And you were ordered by the prince to do so!
What? You're trying to frame me and the prince with this ridiculous accusation!
But don't think you'll get anything! I won't confess no matter what!
Wretched fellow! Let us see if you say that after you go through this.
It won't take long. Within an hour, you will be kneeling at my feet!
You may begin!
- Begin! - Yes, Sir!
No... no...!
Halt!
Give me some red pigment.
Where is your focus?
- Forgive me, Sir! - Is something wrong?
- You don't look well. - I... well... I...
- If you are unwell, you may rest. - Thank you, Sir.
Forgive me.
What's wrong with her?
What happened? Any news?
No, nothing yet.
I'm going to go crazy!
Did you find out anything?
Mak Soon knows someone so we gave him some money.
- He said there was a way. - Thank you!
We're family! Don't thank me, I'll get upset!
- Let's go! - Oh, Song Yeon!
- Can I go too? - Why?
I... really need to see him.
This is a matter of life and death! There's no time for romance!
I'm sorry, Chobi. I'll see you later.
It's cold! I'm so cold!
They didn't even take me!
Oh, here here!
- Sorry, but it's not possible. - What? Why?
You can't meet him right now.
- Wait! - Why not? Has something happened to Dae Su?
We came all the way here. Let us just see him for a while.
It's not much.
To tell you the truth, Park Dae Su is not at the tribunal.
Not here? Then where is he?
- I don't know! - Wait... wait!
That bastard! He just took our money!
Song Yeon! Where are you going?
- What? - Forgive me, I couldn't do anything.
Be quiet! I told you to guard him with your life!
Don't you realize that is the only way you and I will survive this?
Isn't that Song Yeon?
Why are you here?
I asked you a question!
I just...
Are you here to see His Highness?
I thought if I stood here I could meet him.
What a strange girl! Why in the world would you want to meet the prince?
I was on my way to meet him. You may come with me.
Your Highness!
Your Highness, the princess is here.
Let her in.
What brings you here?
I brought her as she wanted to see you.
Sit down.
What is it?
Tell him.
Your Highness...
Song Yeon, what is it? Tell me!
Dae Su's whereabouts are unknown, Your Highness.
What do you mean his whereabouts are unknown?
Don't you know that he is at the tribunal prison?
But don't worry too much. I will have him released soon.
Your Highness...!
Dae Su wasn't at the tribunal.
What?
Where... where am I? Why have I been brought here?
Be quiet!
Kneel! Quickly!
- You may leave us. - Yes, Your Majesty.
You may raise your head.
You may stand.
What is your name?
I am Royal Guard of the 9th Order, Park Dae Su, Your Majesty.
- You are Park Dae Su? - Yes, Your Majesty.
You must answer my questions with not ounce of falsehood.
Yes, Your Majesty!
Did you shoot a gun towards the direction of the Year-End Festival?
- Yes... - What was the reason?
Were you aiming for me?
Not... not at all, Your Majesty! I shot the gun to protect the prince!
You shot the gun to protect the prince?
Be more specific!
During the Year-End Festival,
I found out that there was a plot to assassinate the prince during the fireworks display.
But I did not have the appropriate seal to enter the festival.
So I used the gun to warn the prince to leave the area.
How did you find out there was a plot to assassinate the prince?
- Did you find out anything? - Yes, Your Highness.
- Where is Dae Su? - Dae Su is...
He was taken by His Majesty.
- His Majesty? - Yes, Your Highness.
Our plans to use him to fix this problem has failed, Your Majesty!
What do we do now?
- Go to His Majesty and... - Go to him and say what?
Tell me what I should say to get ourselves out of this horrendous mess!
Please forgive me!
- Anyone there? - Yes, Your Majesty.
I will go to see His Majesty. Make preparations.
When Your Majesty made the Ancestral Visit to Yangju,
there was an assassination attempt on the prince.
- Are you telling me the truth? - Yes, Your Majesty!
How could I dare to lie to you, Your Majesty?
I was injured during a fight with the assassins.
Was it you that found out about this attempt on the prince?
No. I only shot the gun that night.
Someone else found out about the attempt.
Who was it?
- It... it was... - I asked you who it was.
It was the former Inspector Hong Gook Young.
- Hong Gook Young? - Yes, Your Majesty!
- Is His Majesty inside? - Yes, but the prince is meeting with him now.
- The prince? - Yes, Your Majesty.
What is it that you wanted to speak to me about?
I have a request of you, Your Majesty.
I heard that you took the Royal Guard Park Dae Su from the tribunal prison.
Your Majesty, the reason he shot that gun was to warn me.
He is guilty of no crime.
If it is true that he shot the gun to warn you,
then who is it that tried to kill you?
That...
I am not certain.
Park Dae Su also told me that there had been previous attempts on your life. Is that true?
- Yes, Your Majesty. - Why didn't you tell me about this before?
You were unwell then. It was not an appropriate time to tell you.
Your Majesty, there have been several attempts on my life already.
But when I talked about them, it was said that I was insane.
It was futile for me to tell you about them without having caught the culprits first.
I do not think that this was an accident either.
If what you say is true and someone is trying to assassinate you,
who could find out the truth?
Leave it to me. I will find the culprits, Your Majesty.
You are the target.
How will you catch the culprits if you are the target?
You must be suspicious of everyone in the palace.
I have no one I can trust with this.
Your Majesty, there is someone.
- Who is it? - Entrust it to Hong Gook Young.
He will reveal the truth.
He abused the little authority he had to cause such a great commotion. How can I trust him?
Your Majesty, that incident was a setup to cause his downfall and exile.
Even though he is my subordinate, he will be fair and just. Please have faith in him.
- Prince... - You're come to see His Majesty?
I've been meaning to pay you a visit. I am glad I was able to see you here.
Were you hurt at all during the festival?
I was unharmed, Your Majesty.
How fortunate. What would we have done if you had been hurt?
You are the foundation of our country. Please protect yourself from any harm.
Yes, Your Majesty.
- Your Majesty, the queen is here. - Let her enter.
What brings you here?
I thought you might be distressed over what happened at the festival.
I was right. Your face is clouded. You must be so worried.
I had hoped that the incident at the festival was an accident.
But it appears that there was something going on that night.
Are you saying that someone purposefully put explosives in the fireworks?
If that is the case, why don't you entrust the investigation to the prince?
If we can prevent the misunderstanding that is bound to arise regarding the prince,
I believe that you must entrust not only the investigation but more important matters as well.
Misunderstanding? What do you mean?
Forgive me for saying this, Your Majesty.
But outside the palace, many people are talking about how Princess Hwa Wan was injured.
The princess was exiled because the prince caused you to be angry with her.
Not only that, I heard that it was a Royal Guard that shot the gun during the festival.
Because of that, there is word that the prince planned the incident in order to harm the princess.
Although I do not believe what they are saying,
when the prince was removed from rule, he was subject to misunderstandings.
- Forgive me, Your Majesty. - There is nothing for you to apologize about.
The prince's Royal Guard shot a gun in the direction of the festival.
The princess, who had a bad relationship with the prince, was injured.
It is no wonder that people will think such things.
People talk about things that deserve to be talked about.
- Dae Su! - Your Highness!
Are you alright? Were you hurt at all?
Yes, I am fine, Your Highness.
I don't know what you told His Majesty, but it looks as if he believed you.
Everything turned out fine because of you.
All I did was speak the truth.
- It is not always easy to speak the truth. - That's right. And that's why we have problems.
In any case, well done. Go and get some rest.
No, Your Highness, this has not been completely resolved yet. How could I rest?
I will be in the Guards' Quarters. If you need me, please summon me anytime.
Song Yeon and your uncle are worried sick about you. Go home and assure them you are alright.
Yes, Your Highness.
Good.
- It's cold. You should go home. - But Dae Su's not home yet! How can I leave?
Don't worry about me!
What's the prince doing anyway?
He says he's Dae Su's friend, but all he does is get him in trouble!
What do you mean?
Dae... Dae Su!
- Dae Su! - Oh, it's my nephew!
Were you beaten anywhere?
Silly girl! Why are you crying? I'm fine, so don't worry!
You really came to the tribunal to see me?
That's right! Mak Soon spent a good sum trying to get a guard to let us see you!
- It wasn't that much. - Where did you go?
Me? If I told you, you would faint.
Who was it?
You know who I met? No, I shouldn't tell you.
You damned boy! I was so worried about you! You're not going to tell me?
- I can't say! - Why not?
No! Not now. I'll tell you later. Much later!
- Wretched boy! You're lying, aren't you? - I'll tell you a hundred, thousand years later!
- I can't tell you! - Tell me now!
- He... he... No, I can't tell you! - You...!
Come with me.
Go in.
- This is... - Yes, His Majesty is looking for you.
His Majesty is looking for me?
I, Hong Gook Young, have come according to your summons.
I thought you would look like a brute because you ordered the peasants to be beaten at Honganmun.
But you are a lily-white boy.
Please forgive me, Your Majesty!
The prince told me that you are looking for the truth behind the incident at the festival.
Is that true?
Yes, I am conducting an investigation.
Who do you think is behind this assassination attempt?
I have a suspect, but until I have proper evidence, I cannot tell you, Your Majesty.
Is it not better to inform the tribunal so that they may carry out the investigation?
Please forgive me for saying this, but I do not trust the tribunal.
You don't trust the tribunal? Why not?
Because everyone in the palace is the prince's enemy.
Wretched boy! Do you know what you are saying?
Please forgive me, Your Majesty! I have committed a grave error!
Please forgive my foolish words!
Fine. You may stand.
I will bestow upon you the title of Chief Inspector.
You can do anything you want.
From this moment on, you have my full approval. Go and find out the truth for me.
But remember this.
If you cannot submit evidence to support what you just dared to say in front of me.
It will not only be you, but the prince who nominated you for this role, who will pay the consequences.
Do you understand what I just said?
Yes, Your Majesty!
But remember this.
If you cannot submit evidence to support what you just dared to say in front of me,
it will not only be you, but the prince who nominated you for this role, who will pay the consequences.
Do you understand what I just said?
What did His Majesty say?
He made me Chief Inspector and asked me to investigate.
Good. I have faith that you will accomplish your task.
There is a few things I want to ask of you.
What is it, Your Highness?
First, do not go overboard.
I'm telling you to think carefully about why His Majesty entrusted this to you.
The moment you make your presence known to them, you will no longer be able to reveal the truth.
Do you understand?
Yes, Your Highness.
Second, I am more interested in the identity of the person behind the mastermind of this plot.
You and I both know who the mastermind is.
It is not difficult to have him arrested.
The problem is we have to find out who is behind him.
I agree with you. I will find out who is behind all of this.
Sir, you are quite a chameleon! Yesterday you were transporting excrement.
But now you are visiting Gisaeng Houses!
What is a Bureau Artist doing at a Gisaeng House in the middle of the day?
Well, I... I had some business to take care of.
Since I helped you last time, please don't tell anyone you saw me here, Sir Excrement!
Alright.
Come on in!
Sir! Why have you called us here to the Gisaeng House?
You bought me wine last time, so now it is my turn.
Did you find gold in the excrement? You have no money!
- Don't worry about that. Look... - Yes, Sir?
- Do something. These men are getting bored! - Alright, My Lord.
- Girls, come in and bring the wine! - Here we are!
Good. This is good.
Sir!
Look at how shy he is! You're so adorable!
- Why are you touching me! - Look at me, Sir, look at Geum Mong!
Dae Su, go on and look at her!
- Look at me! - Tonight, our Dae Su will find love!
- Sir! - You're so cute!
Sir, please tell me now.
- What? - The reason why you called us here!
This fellow...! Here, let me pour you some wine.
Here!
Now, I will tell you why I am buying you wine today.
With this cup of wine, I have bought all of you.
What? Is that all we're worth to you? Only one cup of wine?
Although I would like to pay more for it, even this wine is expensive for me.
What do you want with us?
It is a very big thing. So big you will risk your life for it.
Are you saying that we may die while we're doing it?
Yes, you could die.
And even if you die, no one will know.
That is how secret this is.
What? You still have not eliminated the Arsenal Chief?
Yes, My Lord. We cannot find him.
You cannot find him? Is that your excuse?
- I told you to kill him right away! - Forgive me, My Lord.
- But it appears he knew we were coming for him. - No, that cannot be.
If the prince finds him first, everything is over.
No matter what, you must take care of him. Do you hear me?
Yes, My Lord.
Do you remember the Arsenal Chief at the festival?
Yes, Sir.
We must find him to prove that Kim Gui Joo is the mastermind behind this plot.
If you saw the Royal Guards, then the Chief must be in the prince's possession.
Forgive me, My Lord. I will confirm his whereabouts and send the men now...
No, no need for that.
- We need to back off now. - What?
Do you really think you can find the Chief now?
Since we have come to this, it is better to back away.
What do you mean you want to back away?
It looks as if one of key participants of the plot have been found by the prince.
I think it would be better if we back away now before the situation gets worse.
Who is this key participant?
He is the man who received the explosives from Lord Kim Gui Joo.
- What? - But do not worry too much.
But no matter what happens, neither of us will be accused of anything.
- What do you mean? - Don't you understand?
This is the reason why I didn't take a more aggressive approach to this.
Lord Kim Gui Joo will be unable to escape this situation.
If that happens, then the queen will also be accused.
Are you saying that we should allow the queen to be unmasked?
There is no way of protecting the queen.
There are fires everywhere. We should stay out of the area
until the area burns down completely, and look at what to build over the land.
Not the queen, but you and I, Mother!
Your Highness, Hong Gook Young requests an audience.
- Did you say Hong Gook Young? - Yes, Your Highness.
- Tell him to enter! - Yes, Your Highness.
Isn't that the Inspector who caused that commotion last time?
- Yes. - I heard that he is related to us.
Why does he want to see you...?
Have a seat.
What brings you here?
Father, please give us a moment.
Alright then.
I heard that you are assisting the prince, but I hope you know what you are doing.
- Don't cause any more trouble for the prince! - Yes, Your Excellency.
I have come here with a request.
What is it?
I have found out who was the mastermind of the assassination attempt was.
- Is that so? - Yes.
- I have also found evidence. - Then why haven't you told His Majesty?
I do not think it is the appropriate time.
I am more interested in the identity of the person behind the mastermind of the plot.
Do you have any suspects?
Yes.
It is most likely Princess Hwa Wan and Secretary Jung.
But I do not understand how people as intelligent as they would do such a foolish thing.
That's right. The princess and Secretary Jung are no fools.
That is why I need you help in finding out who was behind this incident.
Tell me what you need me to do. I will do everything to help you.
- Who are you? - I advise you to be quiet if you want to live.
How dare you! Do you know who I am?
Untie him.
You...!
It's been a while, My Lord.
- You are.... - Chief Inspector Hong Gook Young.
I will now begin the investigation of the assassination attempt on the prince, according to His Majesty's orders.
What? Investigation?
- That's right. - Don't be foolish!
His Majesty's orders?
Is His Majesty so desperate for people that he would ask you to do the investigation?
If you don't release me this instant, I will have your life!
Release me now!
Release me, you son of a bitch!
How dare you...? You... all of you!
Shut your mouth and speak only to answer my questions.
I will tell you this. Whether or not you leave this place will depend solely on you.
Depending on your actions, you can leave here completely unharmed,
or you can leave here with your body shattered.
Do you understand me?
- Your Majesty, it is Attendant Kam. - Enter.
A message has arrived from your brother's residence.
- Has something happened to my brother? - Well....
Please do not be shocked.
- What is it? - Your brother is missing.
Missing?
My brother has been missing since last night.
I am certain he has been kidnapped.
Kidnapped? Who would dare to kidnap him?
If I knew that, would I have called this meeting?
- Personnel Minister. - Yes, Your Majesty.
You must know what will happen,
should my brother's kidnappers hear from him something that they shouldn't know about.
You should know.
Right now, it is most likely that the Eastern Palace is involved in this.
Whoever it is, we must find him immediately.
If we don't find him, myself and everyone here in this room,
will lose our lives.
I knew this would happen! I knew he would cause something like this!
This is...! What do we do now, Minister?
What if Her Majesty is right and we all die because that Kim Gui Joo tells them everything!
I'll go and find out what the Eastern Palace is doing.
Wait... Minister!
I'm going to go crazy!
Who do you think did this? Do you really think the prince is involved in this?
There is no one more foolish than Lord Kim Gui Joo.
I don't think the prince would be so foolish as to kidnap him and cause this big fiasco.
Then who is it?
Although you and I weren't involved in this plot, if No Ron collapses because of this, we're both doomed.
Hurry and find a way to fix this!
Why don't you answer me?
We must not do anything.
I fear we will be hurt if we don't do anything!
Right now, I feel as if we should go to His Majesty and confess everything!
There is no activity in the Eastern Palace. Is there anyone you're thinking of?
How should I know?
Do you really intend to back out of this completely?
Do you think you and the princess will be unaffected by this if you back out now?
I'm not sure, but I think it'll be better than taking action and getting caught.
You should think this through carefully as well, Minister.
How is it going?
- I have nothing to report to you right now. - This is a priority! I have no time to waste!
Your Majesty, I can bring the mastermind of this plot to you this instant.
But I am not interested in the branches. I am interested in the tree trunk and the roots.
You're looking for the tree trunk and its roots?
Yes, Your Majesty.
Alright then. You do what you must.
His Highness is looking for you.
Did you ask for me, Your Highness?
Have you heard that Lord Kim Gui Joo is missing?
Yes, Your Highness.
Was it you?
Did you do it?
No. It wasn't me.