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 found out someone had a secret meeting with Secretary Jung.
- 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?
Dae Su has confirmed that it was indeed Her Majesty coming out of Secretary Jung's residence.
Impossible! How could that be?
It was dark outside. Perhaps Dae Su mistook another woman.
That is not so, Your Highness.
Dae Su followed the woman back to Her Majesty's palace.
So are you suggesting that Her Majesty is involved in all of this?
Your Highness...
So what if Her Majesty met with Secretary Jung?
Lord Kim Gui Joo is her flesh and blood, and he is missing.
She could have met him to understand the situation.
If that were the case, she could have summoned him to her palace in the daytime.
- Why else would she have skulked out the palace at night? - Pay caution to your words!
- She is the mother of our nation! - Forgive me, Your Highness.
I understand how this may be difficult for you to accept.
But we cannot deny what has happened.
What do you mean by that? Choose your words carefully!
Don't you know what kind of person Her Majesty is?
She is praised by everyone in the palace. She has always supported me in difficult times.
But you are jumping to conclusions so quickly.
Your Highness...!
We should focus on Secretary Jung and Princess Hwa Wan.
If we find evidence that will incriminate them and cause them to confess, this will all be over.
Until that happens, do not ever suggest to me that Her Majesty is behind this!
The person who went to meet Secretary Jung in secret was...
... was none other than Her Majesty the queen.
If that were the case, she could have summoned him to her palace in the daytime.
Why else would she have skulked out the palace at night?
I am so glad you are unharmed. I was so worried that you were injured.
You are the foundation of this nation. Please take care of yourself.
It can't be... It can't be!
Sir, what happened? Did you tell His Highness?
Yes, but he is having a difficult time accepting it.
I don't blame him. I'm shocked as well.
But it really was Her Majesty! It was definitely Her Majesty!
I know. I will look into it separately, so don't worry about that.
Remember to not speak about this to anyone else!
- Yes, Sir. - Did you take the letter to Secretary Jung?
Yes, I threw it near the front door so that it would be easily noticed.
Good. We must focus on Secretary Jung first.
And if Her Majesty really is involved in all of this, it will come to light.
So, until I tell you otherwise, keep all of this to yourself.
Yes, I understand.
- Go and find out where the Capital Army is. - Yes, Sir.
Sir, this was in the front yard.
- What is this? - I don't know, but I found it while sweeping.
So you are telling me that the prince and Hong Gook Young
have kidnapped my brother and is attempting to trap all of us?
So then, what is your plan?
You must have thought of something.
You were so busy planning something that you were too busy to come and see me.
Forgive me, Your Majesty, but...
But? But?
Do you think I came all the way here to hear you say that?
Listen to me carefully.
I will no longer be patient.
So bring me a solution to this problem.
If you don't do this, I will make you pay for this before the prince does.
You should know what I mean by making you pay.
Yes, Your Majesty. I will heed your words.
My Lord, I have something urgent to tell you.
Enter.
What is it?
Have a look at this!
- This...! - This is a letter from the Arsenal Chief!
He is asking us for help.
Your martial arts skill has become outstanding.
You honor me, Your Highness.
Have you told the Minister?
I have yet to do so.
You sent a letter to Secretary Jung posing as the Arsenal Chief?
Have you found him?
Yes, in a way.
What do you mean by that?
We found him, but he was already dead.
It seems that he was overcome with fear and he committed suicide.
- But you sent the letter in his name? - Yes.
- That is what His Highness asked me to do. - His Highness?
Minister!
You heard about the letter Zhu Ge Liang sent posthumously?
You mean the letter sent after his death in order to cause San Sama to move?
That's right. We're trying to use the dead to make the living move.
They do not know that the Arsenal Chief is dead.
I instructed them to send a letter requesting help to escape the clutches of the Royal Guards.
The letter states that he will be waiting for them at midnight in a forest hut.
We will lie in wait and when Secretary Jung makes his move, we will strike him.
That may seem like a good plan, but Secretary Jung is a clever man.
Do you think he will move simply because of a letter?
I am certain he will.
They know they are cornered.
They are filled with anxiety and nervousness.
If Secretary Jung is truly behind this whole thing, he will not ignore this last chance to save himself.
It seems like the prince's men have not been able to find the Arsenal Chief either.
My Lord, I will take our men and bring the Arsenal Chief back here.
Take as many soldiers as you can.
If he is caught by the prince's men, then everything will truly be over.
You must make sure that he returns here with you. Do you understand?
Yes, My Lord!
Keep your promise! If I win, you will forsake the Royal Portrait!
You make sure you keep your own!
And in case you forgot, my uncle works in the Ministry of Rites.
The Ministry of Rites!
He's not even a high-ranking official!
How dare you!
Will you wait until sundown to start painting?
- Alright then, let us begin. - Alright!
My colors are dancing on the paper! They are truly remarkable today!
How lovely Chobi is!
Are you the Bureau Chief?
Yes, I am.
I am Assistant Chief Oh Sung Man of the Ministry of Rites.
I came to deliver an order for the Royal Portrait.
I see.
Now all of you must judge the paintings objectively.
All you have to do is choose which painting is better.
- Do you understand? - Yes, Sir!
How can that be! There's fifteen of you, so why are we short?
I haven't made my decision yet, Sir.
This painting has portrayed my twinkling eyes quite well.
And that one has portrayed my luscious red lips perfectly!
So which painting is better?
Stop making us anxious and make your decision!
Oh, I don't know!
It's mine! I won, Song Yeon!
Impossible! How can you say Artist Yi is better?
- Oh no, sir! - I can't accept defeat!
And besides, it doesn't make sense for the Damos to judge us!
What are you trying to do? Are you trying to cheat?
I won't accept defeat like this!
- Let go! I said let go! - Excuse me, Sirs!
- Official Park would like you to gather outside. - Yes, we must go outside!
Official Park?
Hey, Artist Tak!
- That's good, isn't it? - Aren't my lips luscious?
- Stop that! - I'm so perfect!
Stop that!
- Is everyone here? - Yes, Sir!
Someone for the Ministry of Rites just came by. I had nominated three artists previously.
And they have made their selection.
Who did they select, sir?
The artist who will be doing the Royal Portrait will be Artist Tak.
- He must be so happy! - Artist Tak, come forward.
Yes, Sir!
You are now the Bureau's representative.
- Make us proud. - I will do my utmost!
I will also give you the authority to choose your Assistant Damo.
Thank you, Sir!
- Artist Yi, keep your chin up! - Are you adding oil to the fire!
- Thank you! - Good food!
Why are you drinking here and not at the Gisaeng House?
- I don't feel like going there right now. - Why? Did something happen?
I'm not doing the Royal Portrait. Artist Tak was selected instead of me!
- What about all the work you've done so far? - I'm so humiliated!
You spent all your money entertaining those officials!
It's cold outside! Why don't you drink in the room?
I'll be cold whether I'm indoors or outdoors.
Let him be.
- Song Yeon! - Sir!
Oh, it's you, Song Yeon!
Don't be so discouraged! There's always next time!
I shouldn't have been so hopeful anyway.
- I should be worried about you. - What about me?
It should be you attending him, but because you selected me, that small-minded fellow won't!
I'm not even expecting him to! But anyway, your portraits are truly outstanding!
- Really? - Of course!
At your words, my lonely heart has completely melted!
That Artist Tak has a relative in the Ministry, and I'm sure that's how he got selected.
- Don't you agree, Song Yeon? - Of course! I thought the same thing!
If it was truly by talent, then you should have been selected!
Song Yeon, you are such a great girl!
- You're so full of it! - Have a sip of this!
- No, you drink it. - Don't you know how to drink?
- What did they say? - They say that it is impossible to meet the king.
Where are you headed, My Prince?
I was going to visit the Royal Guard Training Grounds.
- Is that so? - Yes, Your Majesty.
You don't look well, Your Majesty.
- Are you ill? - No, I'm fine.
Then I am glad.
Wait. When you are done, please come and visit me.
I have saved a precious tea for you. I would like to have a chat with you over tea.
Yes, Your Majesty.
It seems I have taken up too much of your time. Please go ahead.
No, you didn't take up my time.
Then...
He definitely knows something.
What do you mean by that? You want me to watch the queen?
Yes, will you please keep an eye on the movements of the queen today and tomorrow?
Are you telling me to watch the queen herself?
Yes, Your Highness.
Tell me the reason why.
Forgive me for my impertinence, but I suspect Her Majesty is involved in this.
Her Majesty is involved in this? That cannot be!
Her Majesty tried to intervene when my late husband was in trouble with His Majesty!
Even though Kim Gui Joo is her brother, she has always distanced herself from No Ron.
The reason why Kim Gui Joo was away from the Capital was because of this very reason!
I understand, but we have a lot of evidence that seems to point in her direction.
But we have nothing concrete. This is to confirm our suspicions.
So you must help us, Your Highness!
Alright. If that is what you think, then I will do my best.
Thank you, Your Highness!
- Have you made preparations? - Yes, Your Highness!
Then let us be on our way.
Princess!
- Mother! - Are you going somewhere?
I was on my way to the queen's palace to give her some tonic.
- The queen's palace? - Yes, Her Majesty must be troubled about many things.
I received some rare herbs from my family, and I was going to offer her the tonic.
Is that so?
I think it would be best if you postponed that to another time.
- What? - Until I say otherwise, do not visit the queen.
I will tell you the reason later.
We can't visit the queen? Why has she prohibited us to do so?
I know. I don't understand either.
It's really strange! There's such tension in the palace nowadays!
His Majesty is not seeing anyone, and now the princess has told us not to visit the queen.
I don't know what is going to happen, but there are ill omens in the air!
Send someone to the Eastern Palace and find out what the prince is doing.
What?
As you said, something is definitely going on.
I must find out if something is happening to the prince.
Yes, Your Highness.
- Have you finished your preparations? - Yes, Your Highness!
Be careful. They will be prepared.
Yes, Your Highness. We are ready for them.
We will be on our way.
- What is going on? - Our men will have arrived by now.
You must take care of that Arsenal Chief. He knows about you.
Make sure you eliminate him so that even if something happens, you will remain unscathed.
Heaven seems to be on my side, so do not worry too much, Mother.
- What is happening? - We have surrounded the forest hut.
All we have to do is wait for their arrival.
You men will come with me. The rest of you, wait for us on the outskirts.
Yes, Sir!
That is Secretary Jung's men.
Now we are clear in his involvement. Those men will be our witnesses to his crimes!
- Seize all of them! - Yes, Sir!
Anybody inside?
It's an ambush! It's a trap!
Come back, you bastard!
- Go! Get out of here! - Yes, Sir!
You bastards!
Attack!
Get out of here! Retreat!
Bastard!
Dae Su!
You should take this road, Sir. We'll take another way back.
Be careful! Don't let them get you!
- Yes, Sir. - I can't let you get away!
We came all the way here for you. Where are you going?
Please leave this place!
Dae Su!
- Are you alright? - Your Highness... why are you here?
I was worried and concerned for you.
- I am glad I came in time. - Your Highness!
You're not allowed to do that! You have to be alive to be our witness!
Your Highness, are you alright?
- I'm alright. What is the status? - We have arrested all those alive.
Good. No need to delay any further. Be aggressive as we've planned.
Yes, Your Highness!
My Lord, please come outside for a moment.
Have we received any news from the men who went to the forest hut?
No, My Lord.... But outside right now...
What is it? Why won't you tell me!
- Search the house! - Yes, Sir!
- Confiscate all of his possessions! - Yes, Sir!
How dare you! This is Princess Hwa Wan's private residence!
Who ordered you to search her residence?
It is an imperial order, My Lord!
As you well know, His Majesty has given me full authority.
So you dare to abuse that power to cause this chaos in the princess' residence?
How dare you do this? What crime are we accused of?
Chaos? Not at all.
We are here to investigate some claims that the princess is involved in some illegal dealings with the merchants.
Confiscate all account books and make sure all secret books and letters are accounted for!
Yes, Sir!
I know you were expecting someone else. I hope you aren't too disappointed that I showed up.
Oh, and the men you sent to greet your guest...
If you want to find them, you should go not to the forest, but to the tribunal.
Since you sent them out and gave me a good reason to search your place, I will do a good job.
To tell you the truth, I always wanted to see what was in your house.
I'm sure that if we beat hard enough, we'll find some dust somewhere.
Please bear with us a little longer.
If we find the dust we are looking for, we will be here again to escort you and the princess.
- Search the place carefully! - Yes, Sir!
What did you say? The tribunal searched my residence?
Yes, that is what the men Secretary Jung sent said.
How could this happen! How could this happen!
Have you all heard the news?
Hong Gook Young has taken the tribunal guards and searched the princess' private residence!
Then what is happening to us?
Will the princess allow this to happen to us?
How foolish you all are! We're finished if they find any evidence!
The princess was our source of income.
Isn't it obvious that she will have kept some sort of record regarding these payments to us?
It's all over! I knew this was going to happen!
So where is Secretary Jung now?
I think he is planning his next approach with the princess.
- Alright, you may leave. - Yes, Your Excellency.
I am now able to give you a report on what has happened, Your Majesty.
You told me to distance myself from not only my Ministers, but the royal family.
That implied that you suspected someone from the royal family was involved.
So have you found any evidence that supports this impertinent suspicion of yours?
Yes, I have, Your Majesty.
Please forgive me for saying this, Your Majesty.
Everything was planned by someone on intimate terms with you.
When will you be able to reveal everything?
I just need three more days.
Alright. You may leave now.
Yes, Your Majesty.
You have lost weight in the past few days.
No, Your Majesty. I am well. Please do not worry about me.
These are the secret account books found in Secretary Jung's residence.
- Can any of them be used as evidence? - They are incriminating, but not concrete evidence.
- Chief Hong. - Yes, Your Highness!
Lord Kim Gui Joo would have needed a big sum of money to go through with his plan.
If we can find the source of that money, won't that be a clear indication of the culprit?
Money?
The bribes given to princess Hwa Wan by the merchants are distributed amongst the No Ron ministers.
Investigate the money most recently distributed by the princess.
In that case, please give me a moment. I think I saw something...
Your Highness, it says here that 10,000 yang was distributed.
That amount would have been sufficient to finance Lord Kim's plan.
This is a message for you, Chief Hong.
Welcome, My Lord.
- Is Secretary Jung here? - Yes, My Lord.
He is waiting inside.
- My Lord, the Chief Inspector is here. - Let him in.
- Why have you asked to meet me here? - Why else would ask you to join me at a Gisaeng House?
I wanted to have a drink with you! Here, let me pour a shot for you.
This is to toast your victory over us.
You offered before to let me borrow your carrier to transport excrement.
How about it? Have you changed your mind yet?
Why? Do you want it?
Not of my own will, but it looks like that is my fate.
Since you are gracious to let me borrow it, let me give you some advice in gratitude.
- But I have a condition. - A condition?
In exchange for the piece of advice, release my man.
That will be difficult. He is an important witness in this case.
That may be what you think, but you will not hear anything from him.
Are you so certain about that?
I guarantee it. In fact, he will choose death over confession.
But don't you want to hear my advice?
What advice is that?
You most likely think that you have me and my mother because of Kim Gui Joo.
You are over-confident in your victory, even though you have the wrong people.
Wrong people? What do you mean?
You're a clever man. I'm telling you that you've caught the wrong prey.
Wrong prey?
The person you are looking for is not me, or the princess.
I'm saying that we are just the limbs of the body.
I'm disappointed in you, My Lord. Are you trying to back out of this with that excuse?
Really? Is that how you really feel?
I can guarantee that you have received no confession from Kim Gui Joo.
Am I wrong?
That is the reason why you have focused on me and my mother.
So think about what I said carefully.
Would all of this have been possible with merely the princess and my power?
If we were merely the pawns in the game, then who was the head?
What do you think? I think I've told you too much already.
What you say makes sense. But in the account books we found in your house,
we found something interesting.
We found an expenditure of 10,000 yang.
If we can confirm how that money was spent, then we will know who was behind this.
The bribes from the merchants went to the princess, and then to Lord Kim Gui Joo.
Then it was spent to assassinate the prince.
What do you think?
You have lessened my burden by yourself.
I was debating how to discuss this matter with you, but since you brought up money, it makes it easier.
I can tell you right now how that 10,000 yang was spent.
I can prove to you that it had nothing to do with the Year-End Festivities.
Again, you have done an outstanding job, Dae Su.
At this rate, you will be promoted above me!
Sir! How could I dare!
- Oh, is Sir Woosema being promoted? - That's right! You have to treat him very well.
- He may become the next Chief of the Royal Guards! - Really?
- Is that true? - Sir! Why do you tease me like that!
Here's more wine, Sirs!
- Are you comfortable? - Of course! We're sitting in a field of flowers!
- Why are you sitting separately today? - Separately? What do you mean?
I'm talking about Chief Inspector Hong. He's meeting with Secretary Jung in the other room.
What? What did you just say?
Chief Inspector Hong is doing what with Secretary Jung?
Would all of this have been possible with merely the princess and my power?
If we were merely the pawns in the game, then who was the head?
I can tell you right now how that 10,000 yang was spent.
I can prove to you that it had nothing to do with the Year-End Festivities.
Sir!
- Why brings you here? - We should be asking you!
We heard that you met with Secretary Jung here. What is going on?
Why are you meeting Secretary Jung at a place like this?
Why are you nagging me again? Were you worried that he was going to beat me up?
Sir! You know that's not what I meant!
I'm glad you are here. I was just about to call for you.
- Us? - That's right.
I know you were here to relax, but there is something you must do.
- Secretary Jung really said that to you? - Yes, Your Highness.
If what he said is true, then who else could wield influence over the princess?
It can only be the queen, Your Highness!
If I think back, there are many things that now appear suspicious.
When His Majesty was ill, she went out of her way to prevent you from seeing him.
It was the queen.
When His Majesty gave his decree to have you reign, it was the same thing.
The queen took that decree and hid it away.
She said that it was to protect you, but what if it wasn't?
They could be blaming the queen to get themselves out of the corner.
Secretary Jung would not make groundless claims just because he was in a corner.
You know that, Your Highness.
Your Highness, please leave it to me. I will solve this problem for you.
How will you do that?
We have Kim Gui Joo in our grasp. He will confirm everything for us.
Will he acknowledge such a thing?
I will use the evidence you have found and create a plan.
Kim Gui Joo will not open his mouth just because his life is in danger.
I will take advantage of his hot temper and reckless personality.
Sir!
- What brings you here? - Oh, well, that...
I had to tell you something.
I... I want you to be my Attendant Damo for the Royal Portrait.
Sir! But you don't really...
Well yes, if emotions mattered, then I would not select you.
But the Royal Portrait is not about emotions.
Even though I don't want to accept it, your talent is above any Damo.
I think that if you attend to me, it will be of great help.
That's all.
So? Will you do it?
If that is what you want, then I will try my best.
Good. Then I'll be on my way.
Who was that fellow?
Is he bothering you? I'll take care of him!
It's nothing like that. Can you sleep at home now?
No, I have to go out again once I change my clothes.
- But you haven't been home in five days! - Yes, but I have to take care of something.
We'll know who the culprit is behind the prince's assassination attempt by tonight.
Really?
How is he doing?
He is barely conscious.
You... you bastard!
It's been a long time, My Lord. Have you been well?
What?
Have I been well?
You bastard! I will not forgive you for this!
So what of it? You've expended most of your energy by now.
- Why don't we have a chat now? - Alright!
I wanted to bite my tongue and end it all, but I wanted to see your face before I died!
Why don't you torture me? Do you really think I will tell you anything?
You have been wasting your time on silly things, haven't you?
I have no desire to torture you, My Lord.
- And there is nothing I want to hear from you. - What?
How pitiful you are! Why do you think I have left you unharmed?
That's because I already know everything.
What do you mean you already know everything?
You fool! I asked you what you know!
What else would I want to know?
Wouldn't that be the mastermind behind your plot?
Don't use your tricks on me! There is no such thing!
And even if there was, how could you find out such a thing?
I'm referring to your sister, the queen.
To be honest, I was startled by it. And many more people would be shocked.
What?
You fool! What are you talking about?
The queen? How dare you suggest it is the queen!
Are you trying to place the blame on Her Majesty?
Don't delude yourself! No one would believe you!
Don't worry about that. Secretary Jung and Princess Hwa Wan will testify to it.
It will not be difficult to confirm what I just said.
What?
Secretary Jung told me that Her Majesty ordered you to assassinate the prince, and you obeyed.
And he also said that she was the one behind all the previous plots against the prince.
What? Those...!
We have solid evidence too.
We have also confirmed that Secretary Jung gave you 10,000 yang for your plot.
What? Secretary Jung gave me 10,000 yang?
Of course. Does Her Majesty know about the money too?
Did he really say that he gave me the money?
He told me that he used a significant portion of it to help you buy the firepowder.
That son of a bitch! He has gone insane!
That money took me ages to collect! And he dares to claim credit for it!
My Lord, His Majesty knows everything.
He even knows about the 10,000 yang.
If you confess that it was the queen who ordered you to do so, you will not be executed.
You may also be able to prevent Her Majesty from being stripped of her status and nobility.
What? What did you just say?
- Stripped of her status and nobility? - Yes, and only if you confess to everything.
If you keep denying your crime, you will not be able to avoid death by poison.
Shut up! That is not the truth!
Those fools are trying to save themselves by blaming it on Her Majesty.
I don't know what they said, but the queen knew nothing about this.
She is not involved in this at all!
Come in.
- Yes, Sir? - Bring him.
No! Let me go!
I won't go! Let me go!
Get him on his knees.
Your Majesty!
No, Your Majesty!
I don't know what you were told, but they are all lies, Your Majesty!
- Please listen to... - Silence!
- Your Majesty! - I said be quiet!
We have already found evidence.
So do not give me excuses, but only answer with the truth.
- Why did you do it? - Your Majesty!
How dare you bring shame to the government and try to assassinate the prince!
I asked you why you did this!
I did it out of fear, Your Majesty!
What?
The prince and his mother suspected that I was behind the death of the Crown Prince Sado.
They think it was because of my report to Your Majesty about Crown Prince Sado's behavior.
- I thought he would kill me if he became king... - Silence!
How dare you use that as an excuse!
Do you think I will spare you, even though you are the queen's brother?
Do you think the queen will be spared? I will punish her for her crimes tomorrow!
No, Your Majesty! It is not her fault!
Please listen to me! All this was planned by me!
Her Majesty had nothing to do with this! Please believe me!
I swear to you that she had nothing to do with this!
It was all my doing! Her Majesty tried to stop me!
She told me that I shouldn't do this and tried to stop me!
She tried to stop me from using the explosives to kill the prince!
Please believe me, Your Majesty! It is the truth.
What did you just say?
What do you mean she tried to stop you?
Are you telling me that she knew about this beforehand?