Oh, are you finished? Come again soon!
Madam! We're hungry!
- We're closed for the day. - Closed? Why?
The criminals being held for high treason are going to be beheaded today!
Everybody's going to watch, so I was going to close and go too!
Really? Was that today?
Didn't you know? They're all going to be beheaded today!
Then give us two bowls of soup and rice! We'll eat quickly and go watch it too!
Then you have to eat quickly, alright?
- Alright! Oh, how exciting! - I know!
Excuse me, excuse me! Please move aside!
I lost all the good seats because I was late!
I can hardly see anything!
- Mak Soon! - Oh goodness!
- Mak Soon, come with me! - Why? I want to see this!
Move aside! Just let us through! I reserved a spot a while ago!
Hey! You know me, right? I asked you to reserve this place for me!
- Come here, Mak Soon. - They're here!
They're coming!
You wretched men! You evil men!
You wretched fools! You should be skinned alive!
Curses won't do anything! You should throw rocks at them!
- You wretches! - That won't do anything! You should throw this!
Mak Soon, you can't throw a boulder at them!
May you all be damned to hell!
You evil wretches! You deserve to die!
- You're finally back. - Yes, Sir.
It's not easy to draw executions. Well done.
- Did the head really fly off? - It was terrifying!
- Oh no, I'm supposed to do the next shift! - There are more beheadings?
Of course! There are so many people in prison! There is going to be so much bloodshed!
I can't do it! I can't see someone's head being cut off!
Of course you can! Don't be such a sissy!
Song Yeon, are you alright? It was your first time at an execution, wasn't it?
- Yes, I was a little scared. - Have you heard anything regarding the others?
How would I know that, Sir?
You have a relationship with those above, so you should have heard something!
Why are you asking the obvious? His Majesty is looking to execute the Dowager Queen too!
What? The Dowager Queen?
Haven't you heard the rumors? She tried to kill herself because of that!
- What? Is that true? - I can't believe it!
- So how is she? - Is she alright?
The criminals Hong Sang Bum and his men were beheaded at the Hour of the Ram today.
The others were exiled to the outlying provinces.
Alright.
And tomorrow after the interrogations,
your judgments of Princess Hwa Wan, Secretary Jung, Minister Hong In Han and the Dowager Queen will be declared.
How is the Dowager Queen?
The physician told me that she is in stable condition.
The Dowager Queen has taken poison, Your Majesty!
The more I think, the more I feel amazed. Luckily, we missed the incident but...
But if the news of her suicide attempt spread, this would look bad for His Majesty!
That is what worries me.
The physicians and his attendants have been told to keep silent,
but how will we prevent the news being spread?
This news will most certainly spread outside of the palace.
Yes, you're right.
I worry that this may not only work to the Dowager Queen's advantage, but the others in prison.
What do you mean it will work to their advantage?
Excellency!
Older Brother!
- You poor man... - Older Brother!
- My presence here must be kept secret. - Yes, Your Excellency!
- Come with me. - Yes, Sir!
What? What do you mean I may have a chance?
Yes, there may be a chance that we can save you and a few others.
So don't lose hope and be patient.
- Thank you, Brother, thank you! - Why did you do such a foolish thing?
I will put my hopes in you, Brother! Please save my life!
I don't care if I live the rest of my life in exile! Just don't let me be executed!
- You...! - Older Brother!
As you well know, I was on the side of His Majesty.
- Do you really think I will help you in this? - Yes I do.
The reason you sided with His Majesty was because you wanted to reduce the damage to No Ron.
But because of this assassination attempt, No Ron looks to be destroyed forever.
You have to do something.
If we use the Dowager Queen as an excuse, there may be a way.
If we use her suicide attempt to sway the public's opinion,
the people may turn against His Majesty.
I must protect my brother and my family's reputation.
I will not have the dishonor of an executed traitor in the family.
I will help you, so you must help me.
I will try to influence the scholars of the Confucian Academy.
The scholars?
They are a good source of support regarding the Dowager Queen.
If they rally against the Dowager Queen's execution, the king will have no choice but to back down.
I will try to influence them.
All you have to do is influence His Majesty when the opportunity comes.
The Dowager Queen tried to take her own life.
Did you know that, Your Majesty?
She must have been greatly upset.
Rather than be stripped of her royalty and titles, she must have wanted to die first.
But even so, I believe that I must not back down.
I believe that this is my duty as king.
But am I right, Your Majesty?
- Really? - Yes, Your Majesty.
He skipped his evening meal and has been there all night.
His Majesty must be troubled about the Dowager Queen.
It's no wonder since the highest ranking member of the Royal Family tried to commit suicide.
- How do you know that? - Everyone in the palace knows!
This is terrible. It will mar His Majesty's standing.
Wait here a moment.
- Your Majesty! - It has been a while.
What are you doing in the palace at this hour?
So you are being questioned about the assassin who pretended to be a worker?
Yes, Your Majesty. Chief Inspector Hong wanted to confirm a few things with me.
Has the Bureau been put in a bad spot because of this?
No, we have been told that the Bureau will not be held responsible.
But still, the situation will call for some sort of retribution.
Come to me if you need any help.
Thank you, Your Majesty. Thank you!
You are always full of energy when you are at work!
What?
You had that same excited expression when you were explaining the folding screen to me.
You were so vibrant and excited then too.
But what will you do if you are no longer allowed to paint?
The rules of the palace are strict.
When you enter the palace, you will not be given as much freedom to paint.
What do you mean by that, Your Majesty?
It's nothing. I was just imagining how you would be if you couldn't paint. Don't pay me any attention.
The rules of the palace are strict.
When you enter the palace, you will not be given as much freedom to paint.
Your Majesty? Do you really intend to make her a concubine?
His Majesty has ascended to the throne. Getting an heir to the throne is an important matter.
Then search elsewhere for concubines!
- There are other eligible girls! Why must that lowly...! - Beware of your words!
Song Yeon is a refined and upright girl!
And she is beloved by His Majesty as well! How can she be compared to any other girl?
I have already made up my mind, and have a plan.
When the palace is at peace again, I will speak to His Majesty regarding this.
Your Majesty!
- You may leave us now. - Yes, Your Highness.
You look like you have suffered, Princess.
What is it? Have you come to look at me in my pitiful state?
Did you think you would find satisfaction?
Do you feel better now?
- Princess... - Go back. You have seen enough.
You're right. I came here to see what state you were in.
As you said, I felt like I would be satisfied if I saw the state you were in.
But I was wrong.
It does not feel as satisfying as I thought it would be.
I had waited for this moment for years, but now that I have seen you...
I only feel sorry for you and remorseful at the years I hated you.
Even though you will be stripped of your royalty and titles, your life will be maintained.
You must live the rest of your life in remorse. That is the only you will find peace.
Remorse? For what?
I have no remorse!
Is that what you came here to tell me? Be remorseful and repent for my sins?
No. I will walk out of here as if nothing had happened. And I will not be the only one.
- All of us here in prison will do the same! - Princess!
Didn't you know that your own father Hong Bong Han was coming to our rescue?
What did you say?
Do you see? There is no one that is on His Majesty's side.
This is present state of His Majesty. This is!
This is his reality! Did you think we would disappear so easily?
Before our blood dries, His Majesty will shed his own blood and collapse!
Your Highness, are you alright?
Summon my father to me at once.
- At this hour, Your Highness? - I said summon him at once!
Yes, Your Highness.
- Tell me! What are you trying to do? - Your Highness...
Did you think I wouldn't know anything?
So that is why you are doing this?
- I was just trying to save my brother's life... - Father!
How can you do this, Father? How will you face His Majesty?
Tell me! What is this you are planning!
Violent and disrespectful management of state affairs...
Your Majesty!
Everyone is saying the same thing.
They are all saying that I am wielding my authority recklessly now that I am king,
and bringing ruin upon the government.
Your Majesty!
Nephew! What are you doing here at this hour?
I heard you were worried about me, so I came here on purpose!
We came to give you some business!
But what do we do? There's no space for you today!
What?
What are these?
Didn't you know? The Confucian scholars are everywhere today!
- Is His Majesty inside? - He has gone to the library.
What is the matter?
- It does not look good. - What do you mean?
What? The Confucian scholars from Jinchun and Wonsan are gathered in front of Heunging Gate?
That is not all. The scholars from Choonchun are also arriving in the Capital in droves.
News of the Dowager Queen's suicide attempt has made it to their ears.
Because they do not know the situation,
they are protesting against the harshness of her punishment.
They are trying to use the Dowager Queen to change your judgment on the criminals.
Your Majesty, it is Attendant Kang.
Your Majesty, did you hear?
The members of the No Ron faction and Confucian scholars have all risen up to rescue you.
They are asking His Majesty to reverse his harsh judgment on you.
Your Majesty, you are saved!
Are you listening to me, Your Majesty?
Do something, Sir! Send soldiers to arrest those scholars!
- At least send us! - He's right! We shouldn't allow this!
They will sway the people's opinion!
Why are you doing this? This is not that easy!
- Sir! - News has already spread throughout the Capital.
The ignorant scholars believe that His Majesty tortured the Dowager Queen and forced her to kill herself.
What good is the use of force in a time like this?
His Majesty will only be accused of being a power-hungry and vengeful despot!
Do you understand?
The people's opinion will change in an instant, and they will use that to their advantage.
They can remove His Majesty from the throne just like they did to Prince Kwanghae.
I was too naive. I should expected something like this.
Do you hear that?
We're going to be saved!
Don't get too excited. Nothing will change.
What do you mean nothing will change?
His Majesty is not going to back down.
He will have expected something like this when he decided to punish the Dowager Queen.
You were going to assassinate the king, so you're finished, but we're different!
- The Dowager Queen and the rest of us will live! - That's right!
The members of the No Ron faction and Confucian scholars have all risen up to rescue you.
Your Majesty, you are saved!
Have you received the summons, Minister? His Majesty is calling a Cabinet meeting today.
- Yes, I received the summons. - How is the Rites Minister?
He will join our cause. We must be united in our stance.
- You're right, Minister. We must win! - That's right.
His Majesty the King!
All of you look like there is much on your mind.
What is it you want to say to me?
Let me hear what you have to say.
Your Majesty! What are you doing?
Your Majesty!
So what is it? Do you all agree that I am being too severe?
Forgive me, Your Majesty, but nine criminals have already been executed.
More than thirty officials have been stripped of their titles and positions.
And yet there are still dozens still in the prisons. How you not say you are being severe?
They are all criminals guilty of attempting to murder the king.
How can any punishment be too severe for criminals guilty of high treason?
Are you suggesting that they are not guilty of high treason, Industry Minister?
- That is not what I meant... - Your Majesty!
Then how do you explain what happened to the Dowager Queen?
There are terrible rumors of how the Dowager Queen tried to kill herself after she had been tortured.
Are these rumors true?
The Dowager Queen insulted the late king and tried to harm me, the Crown Prince.
These are all truths that you and I are aware of!
But that is no excuse for torturing her and causing her to attempt suicide!
Our nation is founded on principles developed by Confucius and Mencius.
But if you, the father of our nation, punish her in this manner,
how will you teach the people filial piety and loyalty?
Silence, Minister!
The Dowager Queen did this on her own volition. It is not related to any of this!
Therefore, you will not bring up this matter again.
The scholars who are demonstrating outside with this cause will be punished accordingly!
- But Your Majesty...! - My judgments are all according to the law.
The criminals accused of invading the palace cannot be forgiven.
They will be punished accordingly.
Therefore, you will not bring up this matter any further. Do you hear me?
- But Your Majesty... - Your Majesty!
The Dowager Queen is here.
- This is fine. Leave us. - Yes, Your Majesty.
- Dowager Queen! - Your Majesty.
I apologize for entering the Audience Chamber.
But I heard that I was the reason for commotion in the palace.
Personnel Minister.
I heard some strange rumors regarding myself.
Where did you hear the lies that I was tortured and tried to take my own life?
- Your Majesty! - I don't know where you heard that.
But that is not true.
The reason I was unconscious for a few days was because I took some bad medicine sent from home.
How could you say that I attempted suicide when the nation is in mourning?
And there was no interrogation.
In fact, His Majesty has only been merciful and gracious to me who deserves punishment.
How can you spread such rumors when His Majesty has been nothing but kind to me?
I will tell you all again.
The rumors are all lies being told by anarchists intent on ruining our government.
Do not allow these lies to affect our government.
Do you understand me?
Minister! What happened?
Why is the Dowager Queen defending His Majesty?
I almost committed treason to save my brother, but it's over now!
- Why did you say that today...? - Be quiet.
I do not wish to say anything.
Your Majesty!
I will take care of this. Chief Inspector Hong, declare my judgment.
Yes, Your Majesty.
- Let us begin. - Yes, Your Excellency.
The criminal Yi Tae Suk will be exiled in Gogeum and sentenced to death by poison.
The criminal Oh Yin Chul will be exiled in Ganghwa and sentenced to death by poison.
The criminal Hong In Han will be exiled in Yeosan and sentenced to death by poison.
The criminal Jung Hu Gyum will be exiled in Kyungwon...
and sentenced to death by poison.
The criminal Kim Gui Joo will be exiled in Heuksan Island.
Your Majesty! Your Majesty!
The criminal Princess Hwa Wan will be degraded to illegitimate status,
and will be exiled and secluded.
Your Highness...
What is it?
Do you want to know why I entered the Audience Chamber to say those things?
You have become quite dense since I saw you last, Minister.
Why are you asking me the obvious?
- Your Majesty! - I did it to live.
I have no ulterior motive.
I did it because I wanted to show that I am a faithful subject of His Majesty.
Your Majesty!
I understand now that I have died once.
There is nothing more important than living.
I will protect my position and live until the end.
If I have to be a faithful subject of His Majesty in order to do that,
then yes, that is what I will do.
One can do anything to survive.
So please do not come to me anymore.
I do not wish to be misunderstood by His Majesty.
I will tell you all again.
The rumors are all lies being told by anarchists intent on ruining our government.
Do not allow these lies to affect our government. Do you understand me?
Your Majesty, Chief Inspector Hong is here.
Your Majesty.
What do you mean we have to postpone the judgment of the Dowager Queen?
It is not the right time for you to give your judgment of the Dowager Queen.
- So please postpone it to later. - Look here, Chief Inspector Hong!
I know exactly what you're going to say.
And I am filled with frustration at having to say this to you.
But you have been king for less than a month.
If you punish the late king's Queen so early in your reign, it will only look badly on you.
That is enough. If I feared that, I would not have started this.
The reason I did not accept the late king's decree was because I wanted to do this myself.
I know that, Your Majesty.
But the Dowager Queen is playing politics. Therefore, you must do the same.
Politics makes friends of yesterday's enemies.
Politics forces one to do everything to survive when yesterday he was prepared to die.
How can you say that you don't know that?
The Dowager Queen has nothing left.
She will no longer wield her authority like a weapon.
Therefore, you must allow her to remain.
I believe that that is the way to becoming a great ruler, Your Majesty.
You're back, My Lord.
This is pine pollen wine brewed from my home.
It has a nice bouquet.
- I heard you went fishing. - Yes, that's right.
I have been fishing regularly since I came here.
Do you know that I am calmed by this place?
I realized that I could be happy living as a fisherman as my real father did.
Look at me and my nonsense.
This must be so boring to you now that you have power in government.
That is not so.
A fisherman and a powerful politician both only have one life to live.
A life spans the same time for a fisherman as a king.
They are not much different in that way.
Even so, you still like having power, don't you?
Yes, even though our lifetime is the same, I want to have fun.
We should stop drinking. I'm sure wine isn't the only thing you brought.
My Lord...
But thank you for coming here personally.
Since you're here, I will try my best to die a dignified death.
The criminal Yi Tae Suk will accept His Majesty's orders!
- Let me go! Let me go! - Make him kneel!
Please let me live! Please save me!
Accept His Majesty's orders!
- Take care of the body. - Yes, My Lord.
I will take revenge!
I will cause the death of those who killed my son!
You look better these days.
Thank you, Your Majesty. It is all due to your grace.
Chief Inspector Hong said this to me.
He told me to play politics by allowing you to live since you were playing politics too.
Politics? That is not so.
I am merely repenting of my past sins and showing remorse.
- Please believe me. I will kneel if you... - No.
No need for that.
I don't believe you. I don't believe your words or your actions.
But I do know the reality of your situation.
I understand your desperation to survive.
That is why you do not dare to have ulterior motives at the moment.
This is how it will end. I will remain on the throne.
And while I am alive, you will not be able to do anything.
So if you truly wish to remain alive,
you must never forget my words today.
Do you understand me?
We have just received messages that the criminals have been executed.
Alright. Well done. You may retire for the night.
Your Majesty, it is late. Please return to your chambers.
You have not slept more than two hours since you ascended to the throne.
You should get used to this, Minister. It will like this everyday going forward.
Your Majesty!
Do you know this, Minister? Today's judgments is another beginning.
Others will point their swords at me and I will have blood on my hands again.
- Your Majesty! - But I will not fear.
I will not suffer or be in pain.
I will only focus on my responsibilities.
And be a king that focuses on providing for his people.
Young Woo Won (Grave of Crown Prince Sado)
Watch over me, Father.
Please watch over me.
Dae Su! It's finally the day!
- What day? - The day you're being promoted!
Dae Su! Our family finally has the honor of having a sixth rank military officer!
What? Sixth rank? I'm only ninth rank right now!
How could I be promoted three levels?
Why not? You've accomplished so much!
Don't expect too much, alright?
It's not just me! I know you're expecting that too.
When did I do that?
Boy! I know you slept poorly last night thinking about today!
Did Dae Su really do that?
No! It was because the bedding was uncomfortable!
Don't be ridiculous! You never complained before!
You were expecting something too!
Stop it, Uncle! You don't know anything!
- I'll be on my way too, Uncle. - Alright. You come home early today, alright?
Let's have a feast to celebrate Dae Su's promotion!
Alright, Uncle.
Older Brother, are you happy?
Hey, why are you laughing?
You didn't sleep all night, did you?
Hey! I said it wasn't like that!
So what if you didn't? It's only natural!
- What? - Uncle's right. You've done a lot so far.
So don't be embarrassed. You deserve to be promoted!
And His Majesty is well aware of it!
But does that mean I have to call you "Sir"?
Hey! Don't call me that!
But it's the law. Shall I try it?
Sir Park Dae Su!
Hey, don't call me that! It's strange!
How was it? Did it sound respectful?
- Hey! - Sir Park Dae Su!
- Stop it! - Sir!
But Your Majesty, you cannot decide on the Royal Guards' promotion this way...!
I know what you want to say. But do as I ordered as I have my own purpose.
Forgive me, Your Majesty, but can you explain?
Your Majesty, an official from the Construction Bureau is here.
I was waiting for him to come.
I have something to tend to. Go and do as I ordered.
Yes, Your Majesty.
- Is the construction progress going well? - Yes, Your Majesty.
Have you just met with His Majesty?
- Yes, Your Excellency. - What is it? You look troubled.
It is because I do not understand His Majesty's intentions.
What do you mean you don't understand?
- Do you know His Majesty is building the Kyujanggak? - Yes, I do.
I heard that it is to store imperial writings.
What is so strange about that?
His Majesty is focused only on that at the moment.
That is what I do not understand.
He should be focusing on stabilising his rule.
But building an imperial library? He could have entrusted that to the Ministry of Rites.
And not only that. The promotion of the Royal Guards...
He has made a strange decision.
What is so strange about that?
Go away!
- Sir! - You're here.
- So you are. - Yes, Sir.
- Congratulations. You've been promoted one rank. - What?
- Thank you, Sir. - Congratulations? For a mere one rank?
- Damn it! - Sir!
He's a bit upset about his promotion.
Upset? Didn't he get promoted?
No, we were promoted one rank like you.
How strange. The three of you have accomplished so much and yet it was only one rank.
You must be upset.
What is this? Noh Jong Tae and Yi Man Su were promoted two ranks.
How can this happen to us?
Stop it! Is that the only reason why you served His Majesty?
Isn't it only normal that I would expect my superior to acknowledge my efforts?
- Is that so wrong? - Sir, you're drunk. Please stop this.
Dae Su, say something. You feel robbed too, don't you?
You risked your life several times to save His Majesty, right?
Sir...!
Seeing how you've missed the bullseye, you must be troubled about something.
Your Majesty!
I didn't know you'd still be at the archery field.
I had assumed you'd be at a gisaeng house drunk and angry like the others.
What?
The promotion today. You three should be angry about it.
- Am I wrong? - Your Majesty...!
It's only normal you would be angry. If it were me, I would quit!
Then in that case, may I ask the reason why?
The others were promoted two or three ranks, but why were we only promoted one rank?
I'm not sure if I understand either.
- You're not angry? - What?
You saved my life more than once, so you should be the most angry.
If it were me, I would have swung my fist at the king.
No, Your Majesty! That's not true! Don't you know how I feel?
I didn't serve you just to be promoted!
Your Majesty!
Let's go, Dae Su. I have something to show you.
What?
- Do you see it? - What?
This is it. This is where new beginnings will be.
It is not yet time. That is the reason why I can't tell you.
But will you trust me and be patient?
Your Majesty!
It won't be long. That day will soon come.
And when that day comes, you and Chief Inspector Hong will be the first to know.
You will know my dreams, and my ambitions for the future.