Episode 28
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.
I won't be angry if you did it, so tell me the truth.
Lord Kim is a relative of the royal family. If he is harmed, there will be trouble.
I am acting with the greatest of caution.
Please have faith in me, Your Highness.
Alright then. I will trust you that you are being cautious.
But remember this, you must not be noticed by them until this matter is resolved.
Don't forget that it is not only your honor on the line here, but the nation's as well.
Yes, Your Highness.
What do you mean, Sir? You want us to lie to the prince?
I have already lied to him, so I'm asking you to follow my lead.
Sir!
- Do you think I wanted to lie? - Can you explain to us again?
Tell us why we have to lie about this to the prince?
- Is there a specific reason why we must do so? - Yes.
The fact that Lord Kim is missing has caused a great commotion in the palace.
And if the prince finds out we did this, he will want to be involved in this.
But we are treading on dangerous ground, and the prince must not be involved.
If something goes wrong, we have to take all the responsibility ourselves.
We must not add to the prince's burden with this.
Do you understand?
The enemy will respond to this situation soon. We must prioritize finding the culprit!
Well then. Let us begin.
What is Hong Gook Young up to these days?
He has met with the prince twice recently, but other than that, there is not much action.
- Hong Gook Young met with the prince? - Yes, My Lord.
Have him followed and find out what he is up to. Do you understand?
Yes, My Lord.
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.
- Your Majesty, the queen is here. - Let her enter.
What brings you here?
Your Majesty, I have come here with a request.
What is it?
I received a message from my private residence. They say that my brother is missing.
I fear something has happened to him.
I am certain he has been kidnapped by those in the palace who wish me harm.
Please investigate this matter and rescue my brother!
Those who wish you harm? What do you mean?
Have you made enemies in the palace? Who are you saying wishes to harm you?
There must be a good reason why you think that. What is it?
A carefree man like your brother would see no fault in leaving on a journey without notifying anyone.
Why do you assume that he has been kidnapped? What is going on?
You're right. There is no reason for him to be kidnapped.
I was just startled at the news that he had disappeared so suddenly.
- Is that so? - Yes, Your Majesty.
Since you're troubled over this, I will inform the Prefecture to look for your brother.
But I doubt any harm has come to him. Do not worry too much.
Yes, Your Majesty.
- Summon the Personnel Minister. - Yes, Your Majesty.
What have you found?
We've been looking everywhere, but we have no news so far.
What about the prince?
There is no movement there either.
Then who is it?
Two days have passed already! Don't you realize it is getting more dangerous for us?
Please forgive me, Your Majesty.
But if we do not plan our next movement carefully, we will be in bigger danger.
We are doing all we can at the moment. Please give us a little more time.
We can't continue like this.
I just met His Majesty, and I sense something is not right.
What do you mean something is not right?
I told him my brother was missing, but he was so calm when he heard.
It was as if he already knew.
He.... couldn't have done that.
Probably not. But something isn't right.
We cannot be idle. We must find my brother!
Did you find out anything?
Nothing. We haven't found anything.
- This can't be happening now. - Are you returning from meeting with Her Majesty?
- That's right. - How is she?
She seems very anxious.
Of course she's anxious.
She may be the queen, but how could she not feel nervous in this situation?
This is making me anxious as well!
How did Lord Kim come to hold all of our fates in his hand?
If he decides to open his mouth, it is finished for all of us!
Lord Kim Gui Joo may be foolish and reckless,
but his stubbornness and simple-mindedness may cause him to remain silent.
What I can't figure out is the prince.
It has already been two days.
If the prince has him, then why aren't they doing anything?
What are their intentions for doing such a thing?
I cannot figure out their plan.
This is driving me insane! What is their plan?
Are you telling me that we have to wait until something happens?
- Sir, we're being followed. - I know.
What should we do?
They cannot know where Lord Kim is. We must lose them.
I will take care of it.
You bastards! You bastards!
Why have you locked me up here? What do you want with me?
Did Hong Gook Young order this? Does he think I'll talk so easily?
Don't make me laugh! Do you think I'll submit to you?
I'm Kim Gui Joo! The famous Kim Gui Joo!
You bastards! How dare you...!
What do you want from me? Tell me!
Tell Hong Gook Young to come here! Tell that son of a bitch to come and face me!
Should we just leave him like that?
Isn't it better to torture him and force him to talk?
No need for that. I have a plan.
And don't worry. This won't be for long.
Men like him become more agitated the more they are pressed down.
He will lose his resolve quicker if we let him tire himself out with his own frustration.
But we should still prepare a way to make him open his mouth.
There's no guarantee that he will talk simply because he has tired himself out.
Your time in the Royal Guard has made you a thinking man.
What?
Dae Su is right. While he is tiring himself out, we must find irrefutable evidence.
We must use that information to cause him to reveal who it is that is behind him.
I will search the Arsenal and the Ministry of Rites for evidence.
You should continue your search for the vanished Arsenal Chief.
One more thing. The reason I kidnapped him was to cause them to act.
When they hear of his disappearance, they will act in fear and reveal their weakness.
The two of you will continue to monitor the movements of the Personnel Minister and Secretary Jung.
- Do you understand? - Yes, Sir.
Your Highness, all records within the Arsenal and the Weaponry have been taken for investigation.
- I suspect that it is Chief Inspector Hong. - And that is not all, Your Highness.
Kang Suk Ki, Suh Jang Bo, and Park Dae Su have simultaneously asked for leave.
They must be moving according to Chief Inspector Hong's orders.
Your Highness, may I speak?
- You may. - We have no idea what Chief Hong is up to.
What if we summon him and ask him directly?
No, Minister. I know Chief Hong very well.
I think it would be best if we placed our trust in him to work things out.
Oh, you drink so well!
You have worked so hard. Tonight you must drink to your heart's content!
Thank you!
No, thank you! You deserve more than this!
How talented you are!
That's why they call him the Maestro!
I know! Even the most famous of artists would be ashamed!
I have also heard that you are a genius!
How you girls tease me!
Oh Sir! I heard that the king's portrait is being commissioned.
Would that be you drawing the royal portrait?
- The king's portrait? - Don't you know about it?
I work at the Bureau and haven't heard this! How could you know this?
This the Gisaeng House, Sir!
If His Majesty passes wind, the smell wafts here first!
Pour him some wine!
The king's portrait?
Big news! The Bureau is being ordered to do His Majesty's portrait!
We know about that already!
How did you...? I came here from the Gisaeng House as soon as I heard!
What a fool you are! You're a Bureau artist and yet you cavort at the Gisaeng House!
Well, it wasn't like that exactly...
My uncle works at the Ministry of Rites. I was the one who delivered the news.
The Ministry of Rites?
Sir! Official Park wants all of you to gather.
Is that so?
- What a fool...! - Let's go.
We have been ordered to draw His Majesty's portrait. It is the greatest honor for the Bureau.
Next month, we will create a book of paintings on His Majesty's portraits.
One artist and one assistant will be selected to enter the palace for this honor.
Sir, who have you selected as the artist?
Will you be going yourself?
No, I have already participated in the previous royal portrait drawing.
It will be someone else this time.
Then do you mean that the artist has not yet been decided?
That's right. Therefore all of you should work hard,
and prepare yourselves for the responsibility of painting His Majesty's portrait.
Yes, Sir.
- Wait, that brush is mine! - Hey, give me that!
- Hey, stop that! - Give it back!
What are the Artists doing there? That's the brush storage.
They're fighting for the brushes.
For the brushes? Why?
The king's having his portrait drawn. They're getting ready in case they're chosen.
Artist Hwang, stop taking all the good ones!
- Give me that! - What are you doing?
Do you think you'll be able to draw His Majesty's portrait because of this brush?
I know I'm not that great with maps, but I'm the best when it comes to portraits!
- The portrait will be done by me! - Give that back to me!
Give that back! Stop dreaming!
You heard the news at the Gisaeng House!
What? The Gisaeng House!
You still have a long ways to go!
- Artist Yi, use this one. - You can have it!
Why are they being like that? After last time, I'm afraid of going to the palace!
- It was so scary! - Let's go!
They're being so silly!
Protect His Highness!
- My Son! - Your Highness!
Your Highness...!
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 is why I need your help in finding out who was behind this incident.
I am unable to enter Princess Hwa Wan's chambers.
I need you to go there and take a look around for me.
Your Highness, it is I, Attendant Kwak.
What is it? If it is not urgent, don't bother me.
- I do not wish to be bothered today... - Princess!
I must have come at the wrong time.
What brings you all the way here to my chambers?
It is my duty to come here to see if you are recovering from your injury at the festivities.
Is that so? You came here because you were concerned?
I am your superior. I have to do my duty.
Whatever the reason, I am grateful for your attention and concern, Your Highness.
How is your health, Princess?
As you can see, I am well.
His Majesty was gracious to send his own physicians to help me recover quickly.
Is that so? In that case, I can let down my worries.
I was worried that you might be sent to the torture grounds while you were unwell.
Your Highness, what do you mean by that! Why would I go to the torturing grounds?
I do not understand why you are so shocked.
I think you must have misunderstood me.
Since you were injured as a result of the culprit's plot,
I meant you would go to the torture grounds to give punishment to the criminal.
Is that what you meant? Please forgive me, Your Highness.
Yes, of course I would go. How can we be merciful to such a criminal?
How dare you mock me!
I met Princess Hwa Wan as you requested.
And something was definitely strange.
- Strange? - The princess is impatient and can be indiscreet.
Her emotions are easily displayed on her face.
Even though she tried valiantly to smile, she looked nervous and anxious.
I am certain that she is involved in this incident.
I think we need to watch her carefully.
Sir! Why have you come back so late!
What is it? Has something happened?
A message has arrived from the magistrate. Something has happened!
What is this? Who is that man?
He is the War Ministry official we were looking for, Sir.
We were looking for him at his hometown, but he never appeared.
- We suspected something like this, but... - And it's not only that.
The Arsenal Chief we are looking for is still missing.
It looks like they got to them first.
- I have underestimated them again. - Sir!
The Arsenal Chief is still missing and now the War Ministry official is dead.
Then what do we do? We have lost our plan to make Lord Kim open his mouth.
Dae Su and I have been following Secretary Jung and the Personnel Minister, but nothing strange there.
We must find another way, Sir.
Don't worry. I have another plan.
But time is running out.
The deadline I promised His Majesty is only a few days away.
- You're back. - What brings you here, Official Nam?
His Highness is looking for you. Come with me.
Three days have passed and I haven't heard from you.
How have you fared so far on your task?
It was not as easy as I expected. I have nothing to report to you as of yet.
I see. I know you would have come to me first if you had found something.
Please forgive me, Your Highness.
Is your task more difficult than you expected?
Is Lord Kim Gui Joo more stubborn than you expected?
What?
Your Highness... how did you...?
I have spent too much time with you. I seem to be able to read your mind now.
Please forgive me, Your Highness! Please forgive me for lying to you!
Don't worry. I am not blaming you for lying to me.
I know you did this because of your loyalty and your desire to protect me.
Your Highness...!
I fully intended to leave everything in your hands.
But I called you here as I think you have forgotten something.
I have forgotten something?
What is the reason you have imprisoned Lord Kim?
Was it not because you wanted them to act and reveal their identities?
In that case, you should have tightened your hold on them.
You should have forced them to feel so suffocated that they would die if they didn't come out of hiding.
You received His Majesty's authority to fully investigate this incident.
Do you know what that means? That means you can do anything you want.
Do you know what I am trying to tell you?
In that case, you should have tightened your hold on them.
You should have forced them to feel so suffocated that they would die if they didn't come out of hiding.
You received His Majesty's authority to fully investigate this incident.
Do you know what that means? That means you can do anything you want.
I am Chief Hong of the Office of the Inspector-General.
Under His Majesty's imperial authority, I order the Capital Army to obey me.
Yes, Sir.
What did you say? The Capital Army is blocking the house?
Your Excellency!
What? The Capital Army is watching you?
It's not just me. They are watching all of the Ministers.
What do you mean? Why would the Capital Army do such a thing?
Who gave such an order?
Who else could it be, Mother!
- The Capital Army is subject only to His Majesty's orders. - You mean Father gave these orders?
Why would he do such a thing?
I don't feel good about this.
First Lord Kim goes missing, and now the Capital Army is watching all of us.
What... what are you thinking?
Are you saying that Lord Kim was really taken by the prince?
Are you saying that he opened his mouth and now Father knows everything about us?
I sent for him ages ago! Why is the Personnel Minister not here!
Please forgive me, Your Majesty.
Any news from the Prefecture about my brother?
- Has there been nothing from them? - Yes, Your Majesty.
What is the meaning of this! Do they intend to see me die of frustration!
Make preparations. I will see His Majesty again.
Yes, Your Majesty!
Announce me to His Majesty.
Please forgive me, but His Majesty has given orders to not let anyone in.
Why is that?
Is he feeling unwell?
- That is not so... - Then why does he not want anyone to enter?
Tell him I am here. I am certain he will not turn me away.
Please forgive me, but His Majesty specifically ordered me to not let any of the royal family enter his chambers.
What?
I have done as you said.
How much longer must this continue?
It is for ten days, Your Majesty.
- Ten days? - Yes, Your Majesty.
For ten days, please do not listen to anyone or let anyone to speak with you.
Alright. I have given you my full authority.
If this will help you find out the truth, then I will do as you say.
Thank you, Your Majesty.
The reason why I have accepted such a ridiculous request from you,
is because I have come to a conclusion that this incident is of utmost priority.
You must bring the culprit to light and bring him before me!
Yes, Your Majesty. I will do so.
- So we meet here. - Yes, My Lord. Have you been well?
I heard that you have been to the Eastern Palace again.
- Are you here to see the prince? - No, I have other business today.
- Is that so? - Yes.
Do you like the men I sent to you? I hope they are not too much of a bother.
- The men you sent? - Oh, perhaps you have not seen them yet.
I sent some men to your house.
You... you were the one who sent the Capital Army to the houses of all the Ministers?
Yes, that's right, My Lord!
How on earth could you!
Perhaps this was due to the fact that I transported excrement?
So if you are exiled, My Lord, you should try transporting excrement like me!
Did I ever tell you that I enjoyed hunting?
A few days ago, I caught a rabbit in the mountains.
But surprisingly, that little rabbit knew many things about the other animals in the mountains.
Because of that rabbit, all we have to do now is round up all the animals.
Look here! Look here, Industry Minister!
- What is this I hear about the Capital Army? - Why are you talking to me! People are watching!
Everyone is nervous and laying low. You should pretend you don't know me.
What? His Majesty appointed Hong Gook Young as Chief Inspector?
Yes. He has entrusted this incident to him completely.
He has ordered him to reveal the true culprits behind the assassination attempt during the festivities.
Are you saying that the Capital Army is involved with this?
Yes, I am certain that Chief Hong has gotten closer to the true identities of the culprit.
Now it is the time for the prince to strangle them.
This time, we will not back away.
His Majesty is really refusing to meet anyone?
Yes, Your Highness! All the attendants are stating different reasons for it.
I don't know what to tell you.
If something has truly happened, then the prince must be full of worry.
What is His Highness doing?
Your Highness...!
- You're here, Minister. - Your Highness, the night air is cold.
Why are you staying outside for so long?
I'm not sure. I must be anxious. I read books without seeing the words.
The palace is abuzz with Chief Hong's actions.
Have you heard about this?
Yes, I have.
How could I not know?
Are you curious as to why I am staying uninvolved?
Do you remember, Minister?
The time when I found out about my aunt.
I said this to you then.
I asked why I had to be born as the prince and to go through things like this.
Your Highness...!
To be honest, I am fearful, Minister.
I am afraid what else I could find out this time.
I know it is unavoidable.
I know I have to face the truth.
But what else will I find out...
Perhaps I fear finding out something new. Maybe that is why I am standing in the back like this.
Your Highness...!
I'm alright. Please don't worry about me.
Whatever it is that we find, I will accept it.
I realize that that is my fate as prince.
What? You want to meet with the Officials at the Ministry of Rites here?
They will be selecting an artist to paint His Majesty's portrait.
You may not know this, but whoever is selected to paint His Majesty's portrait...
That is the greatest honor for an artist. I will make sure that I get this honor!
In that case, I have to make sure that I have a reception for the officials at the Ministry of Rites
- Don't worry about that! - Sir, are you crazy?
This is a chance of a lifetime, but you want to hold the reception here?
They'll be so insulted that they will take back their selection!
What? What's wrong with my inn?
- The food is delicious and the owner is beautiful! - Shut up!
- Go outside! - How can you say that about my inn?
- Don't you know the basics of having a reception? - Do you?
It's about extravagance and discretion!
Stop talking nonsense and go to the Gisaeng House.
If you entertain them there, Geum Mong will take good care of all of you.
How could I sell women in order to advance my own career?
I thought you said this was a chance in a lifetime.
That's right, but using women to advance my own career is...
And besides, Geum Mong is my woman.
This is the place I was talking about. Please go inside!
I can't believe I'm doing this!
Sir, I have already informed Geum Mong.
So you want us to work our magic on these officials and twist them around our fingers, right?
It sounds easy, but can you do it, Geum Mong?
Oh Sir, the things you worry about! Leave it all to Geum Mong.
Geum Mong, please don't take off your top for them.
What? Oh, you're embarrassing me!
Geum Mong!
I have never seen Sir Yi be so agitated.
The Royal Portrait must be a great honor!
That's right! Painting a royal portrait is a lifetime dream for all artists.
There are many senior artists in the Bureau who have never been given the opportunity.
Does that mean that you could someday draw His Majesty's portrait too?
What? Me? Don't say that, Uncle!
How could I paint a Royal Portrait?
Why not? You're now an Artist!
Think about it! When the prince becomes king,
you can draw his portrait!
What a great honor that would be!
If that day really comes...
I'll be on my way now.
- Are you going to Dae Su? - Yes, I'll be back once I drop off these clothes for him.
- Alright. Be careful on your way back. - Yes, Uncle.
She cares for him as his wife would.
Mak Soon...!
Song Yeon!
Dae Su!
- Why are you here at the palace? - I was worried you would be cold!
- What? - Here you go.
You braved the cold to bring me this?
You're grateful to me, aren't you?
You should be thankful for a friend like me!
You're right. But I could have gotten this myself.
- I stopped by on my way to the Bureau. - Oh, alright then.
But you look a bit wan. Haven't you been sleeping well?
I have no time to eat, let alone to sleep.
By the way, something huge may be happening in the palace soon.
Something huge? What is that?
- I'll tell you more later. - What is it? Tell me now!
Dae Su!
- Chief Hong is looking for you. Hurry. - Yes, Sir.
- Song Yeon, I have to go now. - Yes, hurry along.
- Be careful on your way back. - Dae Su!
What?
Be careful! And don't get beaten up too much, alright?
Who am I? I am Woosema Park Dae Su! Who would dare to beat me up?
Take care!
You must take this letter secretly into Secretary Jung's house.
- Yes, My Lord. - Do not make any mistakes.
Don't worry, Sir.
Your Majesty, it is I, Attendant Kam.
Enter.
Why are you here by yourself? Where is the princess?
The princess said she is unwell and unable to join you.
What?
It has been three days! Three days!
How dare they ignore me! How dare they disobey my summons!
Your Majesty, forgive me for saying this, but now...
The Capital Army is watching all the Ministers and they are all laying low...
I know that! How dare you think you know more than I!
Please forgive me, Your Majesty!
They should have obeyed my summons even if they were being watched!
They should have run to obey me even if they were on their way to be executed!
How dare they...! How dare they do this to me!
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.
Your Excellency, Secretary Jung is here.
Why are you here?
I heard that the Capital Army is watching your residence as well.
There are many eyes watching us! How could you be so reckless as to come here?
We are caught in a all or nothing situation.
We are already considered to be part of one team. Who cares if we are seen together?
Fine. How is Her Majesty doing?
I do not know either. The person we have to avoid right now is the queen.
How can you say that?
It is certain that Lord Kim is in the hands of Hong Gook Young.
And it looks like he has already opened his mouth.
What?
I don't know to what extent he has talked, but we are in a serious predicament.
Your Excellency, the king has not given anyone an audience for three days.
That includes not only the Ministers, but also the queen.
Today, the princess went to see His Majesty but was turned away.
Things do not look good. It seems as if His Majesty knows something.
And I think Lord Kim's disappearance is related to all of this.
So why have you come here?
Why else would I come here? I want to discuss how we can save ourselves!
Save ourselves? How?
This whole thing was started with the festivities, something neither of us were involved in.
Why should we suffer because of that?
But if Kim Gui Joo tells them everything, we will not be unscathed.
How can that be? The perpetrators of this incident was Lord Kim and Her Majesty.
They are the ones responsible for this. Why should we be blamed for it as well?
What do you mean by that?
Why do you think the prince is waiting even though he already has Lord Kim in his hands?
He wants to find out who was behind him! Don't you understand?
What I am saying is that there is no reason why we should be in the same net as them!
You're... you're not suggesting we....?
Wait. That's the way to...
Anybody there? Anybody there?
Your Majesty! What brings you all the way here?
It appears my presence here has startled you.
Startled? Not at all, Your Majesty!
Is that so? How strange.
Then what is that expression on your face? If it's not surprise then is it displeasure?
Your Majesty, why do you say such things? How could I dare to...
That's right. You cannot dare to do such a thing.
And you must not do such a thing either.
It must have been a misunderstanding. I must have misread your expression.
But you must pay caution to never let me misread you again.
Next time, I will not let this slide by.
Yes, Your Majesty. I will pay heed to your words.
Now I must hear what you have to say. You told me you would take care of everything.
How have you fared on your task so far?
Tell me everything you have found out in detail.
Yes, Your Majesty!
My brother would not have opened his mouth so easily.
Until everything is more clear, tell the others to not make any reckless moves.
- Do you understand? - Yes, Your Majesty!
Do not worry yourself. Everything will be back to normal soon.
Yes. It most certainly will.
That's the palace!
It is cold. Go and bring some tea for Her Majesty.
Yes, My Lady.
Are... are you serious? You saw Her Majesty coming out Secretary Jung's house?
Yes, I'm absolutely certain! It was definitely Her Majesty!
Your Highness, Chief Hong is here to see you.
Let him enter.
Welcome.
What brings you here at this hour?
Your Highness, I have something to tell you.
What is it? Tell me.
Chief Hong...
Tonight, we saw someone secretly enter Secretary Jung's residence and have a meeting.
- Secretary Jung's residence? - Yes, Your Highness.
So who was it?
The person who went to meet Secretary Jung in secret was...
... was none other than Her Majesty the queen.
What did you just say?
Why would Her Majesty meet Secretary Jung in secret?