Episode 33
His Highness has left the palace?
Yes, Your Highness. He was in a meeting with his advisers.
But he left all of a sudden.
- Is that so? - Yes.
When you have recovered, let's take Dae Su and go somewhere for a change of scenery.
What do you think?
Yes, Your Highness. I will speak to Dae Su and have him find out a good place.
Alright. I will wait for you so once you have decided, send me a message.
I hope we can go soon.
Yes, Your Highness.
She is joining the Ministry of Culture in Ching and will not be back for a long time.
She said it may be longer than ten years.
- The prince is waiting for me? - Yes, he is in your office.
Joining the Ministry of Culture of Ching is a great opportunity for Song Yeon.
Even though I was worried about how she would adjust to foreign life,
if she can bear it, it will be of tremendous help to her knowledge and talent.
Yes, indeed.
But there is something odd.
According to her friend, she found out she was going just yesterday.
What is the reason for that? How could the news be delivered so late?
Please forgive me, but don't you know the situation, Your Highness?
Don't know what?
The person who enabled Song Yeon to enter the Ministry of Culture was Lord Hong Bong Han.
- What? Lord Hong Bong Han? - Yes.
I thought it was because Princess Hun Kyung thought highly of Song Yeon's talent.
I assumed that you were aware of this as well...
Shouldn't we try and stop him?
He's been at it for two hours. He'll die of exhaustion if he goes on.
Just let him be. He must be feeling terrible at Song Yeon's sudden departure.
It is better that he vents his emotions out there.
Wretched boy. He should have just broken her legs so she couldn't go.
Let's go. It's better we leave him alone.
Wretched boy.
Song Yeon...
I thought it was because Princess Hun Kyung thought highly of Song Yeon's talent.
Anyone outside?
Yes, Your Highness.
I want to go to my mother's chambers. Make preparations.
- Yes, Your Highness. - No need for that.
- Mother! - Please sit.
I came to speak with you, but I should have waited for you to come to me.
An outing to the hot springs?
Yes, the physician said that there is nothing better for the ailing princess than the hot springs.
Come to think of it, it has been a while since I have been outside the palace.
I was hoping to tag along with the two of you. What do you think?
- But we would have to leave the palace for an extended... - Don't worry about that.
I have already received permission from His Majesty.
Please forget about politics for a short time and spend some time with the princess.
You have neglected her in recent times.
There is nothing more important than creating a successor to the throne.
His Majesty gave his permission for this outing because he also feels the same way.
So please go along with us, for my sake.
Alright, Mother. I will do as you say.
Thank you. I will be on my way now.
Mother!
Actually, there is something I wanted to ask you about.
What is it, my son? Please tell me.
Do you know a Damo at the Bureau of Paintings by the name of Sung Song Yeon?
Yes I do. She drew a fertility talisman for the princess a while ago.
Why do you ask?
I heard that she was given the opportunity to join Ching's Ministry of Culture.
I also heard that her sponsor was Grandfather.
Were you aware of this?
Of course. It was I that asked him to sponsor her.
- It was you? - Yes.
When I saw her work on the fertility talisman, I was amazed at her talent.
Then I found out that she had a special relationship with you. Is that true?
She possesses great talent, and was said to be of great strength and comfort to you.
I wanted to repay her in some way, and thought I could enable her to become an artist.
I thought you would be pleased to hear this.
Was I mistaken?
Prince...
It's not that...
Please forgive me for asking you this.
Did Song Yeon agree to do this as well?
- Was she bewildered at the sudden...? - Not at all.
How could that be?
She was extremely pleased at having such an opportunity.
Is that so?
As far as I know, she left for Ching very optimistic and pleased at her new opportunity.
- Let's go. - Yes, Your Highness.
She was extremely pleased at having such an opportunity.
How heartless you are...
How could you leave without a word?
How could you leave so easily...?
I'm freezing. Are we still far from Euiju?
I feel like I'm going to die.
We just passed Sunchuh, so we have three to four more hours to go.
What if we freeze to death before we get to Ching?
Keep walking, Chobi. They said we would stop when we get to Euiju for the night.
Why is the wind blowing so hard? I'm cold, hungry and my feet hurt!
I hate this!
Chobi.
- What about you? - I'm fine.
I'm not cold or tired yet.
- Are you so happy to be going to Ching? - What?
Even the men are tired, but you're still so vibrant. You're remarkable.
I miss home already. Mother! I shouldn't have come.
Your Highness...
Have you looked into what I asked?
As you said, Finance Minister Min Tae Shik, 2nd Industry Minister Park Won Myung,
and Magistrate Baek Dong-Chul, they all have been connected with the No Ron faction.
Specifically Lord Kim Seung Joon was gathering power by buying positions for others.
Buying positions?
Yes, he has most of the noble families under his influence and wields considerable power.
How dare a government official use his influence for his own profit?
How unworthy they all are!
Find out how far their branches have grown.
I will not let this opportunity pass us by.
We have to get rid of all of them.
Have you heard about His Highness' trip to Oh Nyang in three days?
Yes, I heard that His Majesty has given his permission.
I understand that her concern for His Highness' health,
but why is she asking him to leave the palace at a time like this?
This is the time for the prince to move forward while the enemy is hiding their movements.
It may not be that.
His Highness has come thus far and has had no rest.
It may be good for him to leave the palace and renew his body and mind.
Not only that, His Highness has been put in charge of all government affairs by His Majesty.
Leaving the palace would mean dividing the government.
Dividing the government?
If representatives of all the six ministries and offices join His Highness on his outing,
the prince's power can be manifested.
If what you say happens, then this can be a good thing.
Yes, but there is one thing that concerns me.
- What is it? - Secretary Jung.
If he wanted to escape scrutiny, he could have volunteered to go to the outlying provinces.
I don't know why he specifically requested to head this special envoy to Ching.
You mean he has an ulterior motive?
He is not one to leave the action without any reason. He must have other intentions.
Have you rested, My Lord?
Deliver this message to Lord Wi in Young Kyung.
Lord Wi...?
He is the highest ranking scholar in Ching as well as the Empress' older brother.
He was my teacher when I was studying in Ching.
When he receives the message, he will create a way for us to meet the Empress.
- Yes, My Lord. - One more thing.
Before you leave, go to the Bureau's tent and find out if Sung Song Yeon is there.
Yes, My Lord.
- Dal Ho! - Uncle!
- Your face...! - Dal Ho, what happened to your face?
I was so cold when I slept and now...!
I asked for a physician but they don't even care about me!
- I just wanted to make money! - Uncle!
It's not too serious. Wait a while. I know a way to fix it.
It's so hot! Are you insane? How could you throw hot water on someone...?
Do you feel better?
Sir!
This is the quickest way to fix it!
I did this when I slept outside after a fight with my wife!
How amazing!
Why are you carrying your goods everywhere with you? Isn't it heavy?
What if it gets stolen?
They are going to do an inspection soon. What are you going to do?
I put it in my pants.
- Is it going to be a detailed inspection? - They will observe you first and then single you out.
But since ginseng can only be exported by authorized merchants, if you caught, you're...!
So be careful. Be careful!
Who is the Damo Sung Song Yeon?
He's looking for you. Here! She's here.
- Are you Sung Song Yeon? - Yes.
Come with me.
- You may leave. - Yes, My Lord.
It's been a while.
Take a seat.
- What is this about? - Sit. I wanted to eat with you.
Why are you just standing there?
No, it's alright. I have already had my breakfast.
Indeed. But you can always sit with me while I have my breakfast, can't you?
Well?
Yes, My Lord.
I heard an interesting story before we left.
Is it true that you are joining Ching's Ministry of Culture?
Yes, My Lord.
Did the prince send you?
No, His Highness knows nothing about it.
- Is that so? - Yes.
I also studied in Ching, but it will not be easy for you by yourself in a foreign country.
If you run into any problems, do not hesitate and come to me for help.
Princess Hwa Wan has taken a liking to you.
She asked me to take care of you, so come to me if you need any help.
I am honored, My Lord.
I am sure I will see you again soon, so you may leave.
Yes, My Lord.
- Your Majesty, the prince is here. - Let him enter.
Have you finished all your preparations for your outing?
Yes, Your Majesty.
You can take a few months if you wish, so get all the rest you can while you're there.
No, Your Majesty.
I am ashamed to leave the palace when your health is so weak.
Don't be too worried. I won't die so quickly.
Your Majesty!
I will not give you a creaking throne.
I will live until we set up a just and righteous government.
- Your Majesty... - You will not be completely at rest while you're gone.
You will have to return here with a plan on how to deal with the officials that oppose you.
I don't mind if you intend to kick all of them out.
I will follow along with whatever you decide to do.
So make sure that you return with a plan.
I will heed your words, Your Majesty.
I have one request, Your Majesty.
What is it?
Please permit the senior ministers and officials, including the Personnel Minister, to accompany me on this trip.
All the senior ministers?
- Yes, Your Majesty. - You must have a good reason for this request.
There are no urgent government matters. You may do as you ask.
Thank you, Your Majesty.
You are all here!
Did you hear that the prince has ordered all of us to accompany him to On Nyang?
- Yes, we have heard. - What is the reason for including us in this trip?
There is something suspicious about this. What does he want to do with us?
I am anxious and frustrated, Your Excellency!
Wait... wait...!
This is the list of all the ministers and officials accompanying you on this trip.
Most of them are members of the No Ron faction.
They will all be anxious and worried at your intentions in taking them along.
Do you mean they fear me?
Of course. You are holding a sword to their throats.
They probably think that this trip may be their last.
Their last...?
Yes, indeed.
I don't know if I included everything.
I could have done it myself.
We're family! Song Yeon would have done a better job.
- I'll be on my way now. - Eat this on the way there.
- Thank you. - Don't thank me!
Look at his slumped shoulders!
But if I feel so empty and lonely, no wonder he feels terrible!
- Please get on the palanquin, Mother. - Yes.
What a fuss he is making.
Why did the prince have to take all our people with him on this trip?
What is he up to?
Has Secretary Jung sent word yet?
Not yet, Your Highness.
What is the prince up to? We shouldn't have allowed her to go to Ching.
What's this? The Chinese must sleep on it!
If our quarters are this nice, I wonder how much nicer the Artists' quarters are!
I'm so curious!
Aren't you going to unpack? I think we are busy starting tomorrow.
We're in Ching! Who cares about our belongings?
Forget that. Let's go out!
Let's go out and take a look!
Let's go out! You want to go, right? Right? Right?
Let's go!
This is the Ministry of Culture's study.
This is where Ching art is developed, and we have over 150 Royal Artists.
Not only that, there are sculptors and craftsman here. It will be a good place for you to learn.
Yes, Sir.
I am Ko Ju Shi.
- Who is the student you are sending to us? - It is this girl.
- You're sending us this girl? - Yes, that's right.
Is something wrong, Sir?
- I think we have a problem. - A problem?
- Sir! - I'll let you know later. Go back.
What do you mean they won't take her in?
He said that it was a rare occurrence even in Ching for a woman to be an artist.
So he refused to take her in?
Yes, Your Excellency. He said he would meet me again, but I think it will be difficult.
I'm afraid we may have to send her back to Joseon.
We can't do that!
Even if she doesn't enter the Ministry of Culture, she cannot return to Joseon.
She has to stay in Ching.
- Then what will she...? - That is not for you to worry about!
I'll take care of this, so keep your mouth shut. Do you understand me?
Yes, Your Excellency.
Your Majesty, it is I.
Your Majesty!
Are you alright, Your Majesty!
Yes, yes. I must have dozed off.
Your Majesty, are you feeling unwell? I shall summon the physician immediately!
- No need. - But Your Majesty...!
Don't make such a fuss! Get me some water.
Yes, Your Majesty.
Are you alright, Your Majesty?
Shall I send for some refreshments?
Yes, that sounds good. What was that?
The tea that the queen gave me.
- The tea that the queen gave you? - Yes, I want that tea.
Why are you just standing there?
Please forgive me, Your Majesty! I do not know what that tea is.
Is that so?
Your Majesty, the air is cold. Please go back inside.
Your Majesty!
Your Majesty! Your Majesty!
- Your Majesty! Something has happened! - What is it?
His Majesty is.... His Majesty is...!
Your Majesty...!
Your Majesty, what brings you all the way here?
I thought to have a chat with you.
Your Majesty, your presence here has overwhelmed me.
I thought that you never wanted to see me again.
What do you mean I never want to see you again?
Your Majesty...
- Did you say this was Chrysanthemum tea? - Yes, Your Majesty.
I feel like my eyes have gotten better since I drank this tea with you a few days ago.
I often wonder how I would live without you.
You are gracious, Your Majesty!
Oh yes, Right Secretary Lord Kim Gui Joo...
Yes, Your Majesty.
I haven't seen him in a while. Has he gone on a journey?
- Your Majesty! - Tell him I have something to confer with him.
What do you mean I never want to see you again?
Your Majesty...!
Oh yes, Right Secretary Lord Kim Gui Joo...
- Yes, Your Majesty. - I haven't seen him in a while. Has he gone on a journey?
- Your Majesty! - Tell him I have something to confer with him.
He took us with him on his outing, and now he wants to hear reports at this hour?
The prince intends to strangle all of us! Even His Majesty has never done this before!
Yes, that's right!
Let's go in.
This is a people's petition regarding bribery attempts by the magistrates of Gwangju.
Continue.
The magistrates of not only Gwangju but all other provinces
have been sending bribes to the senior officials in government.
But these bribes were extorted from none other than the peasants of their provinces.
That has caused low quality of life for the people of these provinces.
These men were sent to protect and lead the people, but instead they steal from them.
What do you all think about this problem?
Why are you silent?
Do you not have any opinions regarding such an outrage?
Please forgive me, Your Highness, but isn't the purpose of this trip to rest?
- We can always discuss this back at the... - I think you are all mistaken about something.
I did not leave the palace for a change of scenery.
And I did not bring you with me for a holiday.
To be honest, all of you have enough of a holiday in the Capital.
His Majesty said this some time ago.
He told me that in order to sit on the throne, I must be able to read your minds.
Now, shall I give it a try?
What is the prince's purpose in bringing us here?
What does he intend to do with us?
Am I right? Am I worthy to sit on the throne now?
We are unworthy, Your Highness!
No need to say that. But it is now your chance.
Just as I had to prove myself to you, now you must prove yourselves to me.
Since this is our first day and you must all be tired, I will move this meeting to tomorrow.
But tomorrow, you will have to prove to me that you deserve to receive pay for your jobs.
I will not feed and clothe just anybody with the blood and sweat of the people.
Prove ourselves to him? What does he mean by this?
Didn't you hear what he said? It is just the beginning.
He intends to chase all of us out of government!
Your Highness...
Your Highness, you seemed burdened.
- Is that so? - Yes.
It must be because I am worried about His Majesty's health back in the palace.
Is that really it, Your Highness?
What do you mean by that, Princess?
Princess!
I'm talking about Song Yeon, Your Highness.
I find myself thinking of her and how she is doing in Ching.
She is your childhood friend, so I assumed you would think of her too.
If I said no, I would be lying. I am worried about her as well.
I hope that she will be alright.
Since it was her choice to go, I hope everything turns out alright.
At first I was angry at her sudden departure, but she has become an encouragement to me.
She is out there by herself in a foreign land.
I am motivated to become a better person so that I am not ashamed when I see her again.
Even though she is not physically present, she is able to be a source of strength to you.
I am very envious of her.
Even though I am beside you, I am of no help.
Don't say that, Princess!
Actually, I am grateful to you. About Song Yeon.
You could easily have felt differently about her, but you have cherished her because of me.
I am forever grateful to you for it.
I am certain Song Yeon feels the same way.
- Thank you for the food! - Come again!
Madam! More wine!
I won't tell you to stop drinking, but you shouldn't drink so fast!
Alright.
Thieves! Why do we have so many tax thieves in this country?
They're everywhere! Those damned thieves!
- Madam, give us some food and wine. - On the way!
Thief? Did you call me a thief?
Thief? Do you know me? How can accuse me of such a thing?
You're obviously a Royal Guard of the Office of the Crown Prince.
You must have come here with the prince. Am I wrong?
So?
But you're sitting out here getting drunk when you should be guarding the prince.
If his staff are all like you, it will be difficult for the prince to survive.
What? Are you done talking?
I can tolerate people criticizing me, but I won't tolerate anyone criticizing His Highness!
Come here, you bastard!
My wine! You bastard!
Blood!
You dare hit me?
Dae Su!
What happened to your face?
Come with me.
He hit you in all the right places.
- Look at you now! - Are you mocking me?
Mocking you? I'm so upset!
- Let's go. Let's go avenge Dae Su! - Yes, let's go.
- How dare they insult the Royal Guards? - Sir... Sir!
- Madam, thanks for the food. - Come again!
What is this? Those two made you like that?
The one of the left made me angry, but the one on the right was the one who beat me up.
- That small and weak-looking fellow? - Don't underestimate him!
Really?
No need for you two. I'll take care of him.
Was it you that made my friend like that?
No need to talk. Let's just get you beaten up.
You little...!
Is that it?
You have all worked hard following me here.
Did you all rest well last night?
What happened to your faces?
Did something happen last night?
They were in a fight last night, but they were defeated before either of them got a hit in.
Not even one hit?
That was because... I was really drunk.
If Dae Su couldn't get a hit in even though he was drunk, the opponent must be very skilled.
Those three are the best in the Royal Guard.
I am curious about the man who was able to defeat them so easily. What about you?
- I am curious too. - Then shall we set up a friendly competition?
What? The queen is at His Majesty's chambers?
Yes, Your Highness.
- Are you sure it was the queen? - Yes, Your Highness.
Announce me.
What did you say? The queen is what?
She is waiting outside, Your Majesty.
Your Majesty, please wait.
Please forgive me, but His Majesty does not wish to see you.
- He has ordered you to return to... - Move aside.
- But Your Majesty... - I said move aside!
Your Majesty, it is I.
What is this outrage?
I ordered you to return to your palace! I forbade you from leaving your palace!
How dare you disobey me!
- But yesterday, you came to my chambers and... - Your chambers?
What nonsense are you talking about?
- Your Majesty! - Silence!
I will not speak with you any longer! Leave my chambers immediately!
If you disobey me ever again,
you will be sent away not only from my chambers, but from the palace altogether!
Your Majesty, are you alright?
How could this be? How could this be?
Your Majesty, what is happening? Yesterday His Majesty...
- Silence! - But Your Majesty...
I said silence!
Do not speak of this to anyone. Not one word, do you understand me?
I don't think I can paint. We should get an artist or something.
Let me take a look.
We are here on orders of Chief Inspector Hong. Come with us.
I am Chief Inspector Hong Gook Young. Are you the ones who beat up the Royal Guards?
They deserved it. Look at how they squealed like little girls.
What?
If I was called a tax thief, I would be angry too.
These men are hard-working Royal Guards. Is it wrong for them to drink after work?
If their heads were on straight, they would not rest for one second.
But then again, the prince is on holiday even though he should be busy in the palace.
What more can be said about his staff?
You have a sharp tongue, but your friend must not have one. Can he speak?
It appears he is the fist while you are the mouth.
His fist is quite strong, but even so, he is only a country peasant.
But it appears he is better at your Royal Guards.
- Sir! - Dae Su!
I can't stand it any longer. Please allow me to fight him again!
Then do so.
I am Yi Mu Duk.
You must be a high-ranking nobleman accompanying the prince on his holiday.
That's right. I like to enjoy myself and won't miss an opportunity to do so.
Shall we gamble on something?
I will bet on my man here, so you can bet on yours.
- How much would you like to wager? - What about fifty yang?
- Why? Is it too little? - I don't want to.
I'm not a con man, so I will not gamble on something that is so obvious.
Then let's do this. If my friend here loses, then I will bow to you.
But if my man wins, then you must bow to me.
Fine. It's a deal.
Then let us begin.
I have never seen this technique before.
- What? - His technique does not belong to any martial art.
Main Translator: MrsKorea
Timer and Editor: MrsKorea
Coordinator: mily2
Special thanks to: saturn, Suz07
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