I am going to go to Gwanggyo. Prepare my horse.
- Your Majesty, Gwanggyo is...! - I must see the extent of this disease for myself.
But Your Majesty, it is dangerous to have direct contact with the sick.
We'll take care of the people. You must return to the palace.
Yes, Your Majesty, you must take care of yourself!
Didn't you hear the official tell me that there are people who can't even come to the hospital?
How can I turn my backs on them?
- Your Majesty! - Prepare my horse immediately!
Yes, Your Majesty!
This is Gurigae, where the disease first spread, Your Majesty.
Those stricken already number in the dozens.
You mean our government officials are playing politics even when the situation is this dire?
The people are suffering and yet do they only care about keeping their positions?
Please forgive them, Your Majesty!
Based on their high fever and rash, it appears that it is a plague.
Do you have enough medicines to treat them?
Using certain herbs quickly can help contain the contagious disease, Your Majesty.
But the herbs are in limited supply and there are not enough officials and physicians.
- Then this is my order. - Yes, Your Majesty.
You will have permission to enlist the Royal Physicians, nurses and pharmacists.
In addition, five physicians and nurses will be sent to the capital from each of the provinces.
You will use them in treating the patients. You can also take the herbs from the Royal Pharmacy.
- Requisition additional herbs from the other provinces. - Yes, Your Majesty.
It shall be as you command.
We must contain this disease. Punish the physicians who are boycotting their work.
If there are not enough funds in the treasury, use the royal funds.
- There is no time to waste. - Yes, Your Majesty.
Secretary Hong.
Yes, Your Majesty.
I will hold a cabinet meeting at the Hour of the Ape.
Inform all the officials who have resigned that their attendance is mandatory.
- But Your Majesty...! - In emergencies like this, we need them.
If government collapses at a time like this, the people will be nervous and will panic.
We must take care of this disease first. Go and give out my orders.
Yes, Your Majesty.
- Make preparations to go to Lord Jang Tae Woo. - Yes, Your Excellency.
Have you heard, lord?
His Majesty has ordered all of us to enter the palace by the hour of the ape. (3 - 5pm)
Is that so? Will he submit to our demands?
He did not indicate that. But I think the situation has grown dire.
Excellency, what do you think of having a few officials return to handle this plague?
Our purpose was to correct His Majesty, not to enable the collapse of government.
- So... - It is the king who wants the collapse of government!
It is the king who has chased the officials out of government!
Before he rescinds his earlier decision, no one must enter the Palace.
You may leave now.
- But Your Excellency... - Were you not prepared for these consequences?
Your short-sightedness is the reason you are in this plight in the first place!
- Did you find out the information? - Yes, Excellency.
The people are in a panic because of the plague.
And because of the shortage of police and prefecture staff, the capital is in chaos.
Look at what an ill-suited King will cause!
Sell this and distribute firewood to the people.
In order to prevent the plague from spreading, they must boil the water they drink.
- But Excellency, this is a valuable....! - You cannot take wealth to next world!
We did not start this to punish the people.
We did it to correct the king's mistakes and to save the people.
Go to all the officials and ask them to contribute money.
- This will be a great contribution to our cause. - Yes, Your Excellency!
His Majesty will have no choice but to back down before the day is over.
He will come to realize that there is no other choice.
- What? Chobi? - You're saying Chobi has the plague?
She sent a message through her older brother.
How did she...? Sir, isn't the plague contagious and treatment for it difficult?
That is why we're so worried.
I heard the plague started around Gurigae, and now even Chobi has been infected!
Then what will happen to Chobi? Will she die?
- Why would she die? She's being treated! - That's right!
Don't you know what's going on in government?
The officials have all resigned from not only the government but from the public hospitals!
Everyone's saying that the sick will all die, and the plague will spread all throughout the capital!
- I'll go and see how Chobi is doing! - Nonsense! Why would you go there?
- I have to go get pigment anyway. I'll stop by. - I said no!
Don't you know that if you get infected, you'll put all of us in danger?
Don't get any ideas. Just stay here.
Song Yeon, are you really going to go visit Chobi?
I heard that as long as you're careful with boiling drinking water, you should be fine.
Really? Then I'll go with you too.
- What? - Chobi used to be in love with me.
It's my duty to go and see how she is doing.
- Are you sure it'll be alright? - Yes, don't worry.
You survived that mysterious plague last time!
Yes, and you walked here all the way from Qing! We'll both be fine, right?
Yes.
Nurse, please help me! Nurse!
Chobi!
Song Yeon!
- Chobi! - Song Yeon!
- Chobi! - Sir!
Chobi, you mustn't do this! I'm married! I have to live!
I woke up this morning like this. When I went to the physician, he told me I had the plague!
Thank you for coming to see me, Song Yeon. Thank you, Sir.
I thought I was going to die all alone.
Don't say that, Chobi! Why do you think you're going to die?
No, there's no hope. I'm going to die.
That's why the old saying is true! Beauty never lives long!
I never imagined something like this could happen to me!
Are you coughing? I heard that coughing isn't a symptom of this plague.
It's probably because I have a more serious case! What did I say?
- I'm going to die for sure! - Chobi!
Just wait a while, Chobi. I'll go get a physician for you!
Don't be too worried, Chobi. I'm sure you'll be fine!
Song Yeon, I have a favor to ask. Will you listen to me?
What is it, Chobi? Tell me!
Will you deliver this to Park Dae Su?
To Dae Su?
Now that I'm going to die, I find myself thinking of him the most.
I know he doesn't feel the same.
He probably doesn't even know my name.
But I'm so glad you're here.
Now that I can let him know how I feel, I can die in peace!
Chobi...
Chobi, you have to deliver it to him. Alright?
I want to live! I don't want to die so young!
What do I do?
- Welcome, Your Majesty. - I hear Mother was looking for me.
Yes, Your Majesty. Please go inside.
My Lady, what is going on? Why is Her Highness looking for the Queen?
Why are you so meddlesome in the business of the royal family?
I have ordered the Ministry of Rites to select an auspicious day to bring in the royal concubine.
When they have selected the day, the concubine will enter the Palace.
But a concubine at a time of pestilence and government collapse?
- This is not the right time... - I know. That is why I have ordered them to select a date.
- What do you mean by that? - The people are nervous because of the circumstances.
At a time like this, we must show the people that the government and royal family is stable.
Do you understand, My Queen?
In order to pacify and ease the worries of the people, I want to show them that we are at peace.
And the concubine has been selected according to the palace's customs and traditions.
That concubine will be Secretary Hong Gook Young's older sister.
Mother...
Forgive me, but Secretary Hong already possesses great power in government.
But to make him a royal relative as well...!
Is it not the Royal Family's custom to strip royal relatives of all power and influence?
So is that the reason why you chose that lowly Damo?
- Mother... - My father is also a royal relative.
But he was made Chief State Councilor and served the past two kings as well as His Majesty.
That is why I do not think it will be a problem to make Secretary Hong's sister the concubine.
Your Majesty, are you alright?
Your Majesty!
- Go and summon Secretary Hong to me. - What? Secretary Hong?
- Your Majesty, Secretary Hong is here. - Let him enter.
- Did you ask for me, Your Majesty? - Come in and take a seat.
- I know you're busy. I'm sorry for asking you to come here. - Not at all, Your Majesty.
I have just come from seeing the Dowager Queen.
She said that your sister was going to be made concubine. Did you know this as well?
Yes, Your Majesty.
Did you ask this of Her Highness?
Not at all, Your Majesty!
I did not think of it at all, but Her Highness was gracious to suggest it to us.
Indeed? Is that really true?
How could I lie to you, Your Majesty?
Then what did you say to Her Highness?
Did you tell her you would do as she wishes?
It was so sudden that I did not have a chance to reply to her.
In that case, ask Her Highness to take back her request.
You know what being a royal relative means.
That is not a place for a loyal minister.
And not only that, there is someone else I would like to become concubine.
I was thinking of having Song Yeon as the royal concubine.
Do you mean Song Yeon, the Bureau Damo?
Yes, since you work closely with His Majesty, you must know how he feels about her.
So tell Her Highness that you cannot accept her request.
If you request this, she will not be able to persist.
What is the time now?
It will soon be the Hour of the Ape.
- Have you sent the summons to everyone? - Yes, Excellency.
Then where is everyone?
They will not come, Your Excellency.
How can they disobey His Majesty's direct summons?
Why are you standing here? The time for the cabinet is almost here.
What is it? Has no one showed up?
- Your Majesty! - Tell me, Secretary Hong! Is that so?
Yes, Your Majesty. Only Nam In and So Ron officials have arrived at the Cabinet.
None of the No Ron members have obeyed your summons.
His Majesty the King!
All of you have done well.
This should be enough. By now, His Majesty will have realized that he cannot continue like this.
Indeed? No one appeared for the Cabinet?
Yes, that is so.
Yes, I knew this would happen.
That Jang Tae Woo is certainly capable of this.
The time has come faster than I thought.
What do you mean by that, Your Majesty?
What time?
What time do you think I mean? The time for me to leave this prison!
Your Majesty!
Your Majesty, you must have them all arrested!
They have disobeyed your orders, and are using the people are hostages to fulfill their purpose!
You must capture them and have them tried for treason!
Shall I arrest them all and have them all executed?
Is that the way we can salvage this government?
Your Majesty!
You may all rise. I am going out of the palace.
Going out? Where are you going, Your Majesty?
If they will not come to me, then I must go to them.
- But Your Majesty! - Go to them? What do you mean?
Do you mean to reverse everything according to their demands?
Your Majesty!
Your Excellency!
Your Excellency! The King is approaching!
Your Excellency!
So I find you all here, even though you couldn't be found in Cabinet.
Forgive us, Your Majesty!
What do you think His Majesty is saying to Lord Jang Tae Woo?
Whatever it is, I am sure His Majesty has thought deeply about it.
Let's be patient and wait.
As all of the ministers seem to be here, it appears we can have the cabinet here instead.
- Don't you agree, Councilor? - No, Your Majesty.
We are your loyal servants who want to right the wrongs in government.
How can we have any other intent? Please understand us, Your Majesty!
Indeed? Using the people are hostages and boycotting your duties as officials...
- This is all because of your loyalty? - Yes, Your Majesty.
If you dismiss all the Nam In and half-bloods from government, we will return to our duties.
We will do our utmost to help you be a great ruler of our country.
And you mean to teach me a lesson if I don't do as you say.
Please understand our intent, Your Majesty!
You're right, Councilor. Like you said, I was wrong.
The country is not ruled by the King, but rather the scholars.
I have realized that I can do nothing without the help of No Ron.
I was very wrong. And you have taught me a great lesson.
Your Majesty...!
Take a look. It is my response to the lesson you've taught me.
Your Majesty, this is...!
That decree will be carried out tomorrow.
I was foolish to think that you would obey me if I cornered you.
That is why I am here with more concrete details.
As I told you earlier, the civil examinations will take place in five days.
- Your Majesty! - But it will be different than last time!
The selected candidates will be given seventh and eight level promotions immediately.
And the highest scorers amongst them will be given managerial roles.
Not only that, the scholars that boycott the exams will be punished.
They will not be allowed to take any civil examinations for ten years.
Your Majesty, this is outrageous!
- Will you let government be broken like this? - Yes.
Like you said, I will break government.
I learned something while you weren't serving in government.
I realized that there are too many positions in government.
It was because the increased number starting from the deposed King Yeonsan continued until today.
Therefore, I plan to limit the number of officials serving in government.
I will strive for a small and efficient government and return it to before King Yeonsan's time.
I will investigate each position's responsibility,
and combine some positions that are redundant and increase their responsibilities.
Useless positions or titles will be removed immediately.
Even if you all return to government, there will only be half of the positions available.
This is what I have realized. If this is how the scholars run this country,
then I have learned that I must never allow you to do this again.
Did you mean to teach me a lesson? Good.
I will also show you what a true loyal subject and scholar does for his country.
I will show you what it will mean if you fail in your duty.
Your Excellency!
- Secretary Hong! - Yes, Your Majesty.
Proceed with the decree as I ordered.
Yes, Your Majesty!
Minister, do you know what they were talking about inside?
Did you mean to teach me a lesson? Good.
I will also show you what a true loyal subject and scholar does for his country.
I will show you what it will mean if you fail in your duty.
This is a list of all the positions that must be filled immediately.
I have ordered the palace guards to help the Police Bureau with security in the Capital.
And the Imperial Guards and the Ministry of War is helping out with the Prefecture's matters.
We will rearrange the responsibilities when the candidates are selected from the exams.
We have also enlisted the help of the royal relatives to handle matters of the Rites and Personnel Ministries.
They are also helping with preparations for the Civil Examinations.
Alright. Keep up the good work so that we minimize the chaos.
- Yes, Your Majesty. - Yes, Your Majesty.
Your Majesty, please hear our plea! Your Majesty!
- The Two Councils are in front of the Grand Palace? - Yes, Your Majesty.
They are entreating you to take back your decree.
What are you doing here?
Your Majesty, how can you give seventh and eighth level positions to the new candidates?
This has never before happened in government!
How can you try and change the tradition of our government? Please take back your decree!
Please take back your decree!
Your Majesty, a decision such as this must be approved by the two councils prior to being carried out.
That is the law of our country!
Why have you made this unilateral decision to plunge our country into chaos?
I have tried to keep the law of our country.
But all of you sent in your resignations and made me unable to do so.
Did you forget? All of you have resigned!
Not only that, you disobeyed my summons. What right do you have now to entreat me?
- Your Majesty! - Leave my sight!
You are no longer officials of this government nor the two councils.
If you continue to make a commotion here, I will punish you for trespassing!
Did you hear, Minister? His Majesty chased out the officials from the two councils.
He has also ordered the guards to restrict the officials who resigned entry to the palace!
What do we do now? No one can enter the palace to do anything!
We have cut off our own limbs! If new officials are chosen from the examinations,
our No Ron faction has no where to stand!
Minister!
What do you mean, Your Majesty? You want us to handle the three councils?
It is as I said. The three councils cannot rest a day.
That is why you must handle it for me.
But Your Majesty, we manage the Imperial Library. How can we handle the three councils?
Your Majesty, we are prepared to do everything you command of us.
But I do not think you should handle this matter in this way.
What do you mean by that?
The three councils have the duty of conveying the people's needs to the King.
And if we take over this role at this time of conflict between you and the other officials,
- you may be accused of not caring about the people's needs. - And it's not just that.
We have all been given our positions because you have selected us.
If we handle the three councils, you may be accused of favoritism as well.
That's it! That is how it should be!
You should be questioning my decisions, asking me if they follow the laws and customs.
You should be watching out for those things and giving me advice if I am wrong.
You have already started doing this.
I do not think you will take advantage of your positions because I selected you personally.
Don't you understand that that is the very reason why I want to entrust you with this important duty?
All of you at Kyujunggak must continue to give me words of caution and advice. Do you understand?
Yes, Your Majesty!
Why are there so many people here!
Why are all these people here? Did something happen?
- You're here? - Oh sir, you're here.
- You must have starved all day! - We barely had time to relieve ourselves!
Why are there so many people here? The capital will be bursting at the seams!
Why don't you go home? I'll take over today for you.
No, sir. I'm alright. You should go home, sir.
You haven't been home in three days! Go home, get some rest and food and come back.
Sir!
- Drink with your food! You'll get indigestion! - Alright.
So during the day you guard the palace and at night you patrol the streets of the capital?
Yes, the shortage of guards has paralyzed traffic in and out of the capital!
Well, the police headquarters was empty when I passed by earlier.
Oh, I almost forgot!
- Take it. - What is this?
I don't know, but Song Yeon asked me to give this to you.
- Song Yeon? - Yes, she said Chobi asked her to give it to you.
Really?
Take this and share it with the others.
Thank you!
Why do you have to go so quickly? Song Yeon will be home soon.
I'm late. I have to go. Bye, Auntie.
Be home soon!
- He's acting strange. - Why?
In the past, he would always stay to see Song Yeon no matter how late he was.
That's true.
Dae Su!
Are you coming from home?
Yes.
Why did you leave? I wouldn't have seen you.
You weren't even going to see me before you left?
I was thinking about bringing your clothes to the Imperial Guard tonight.
I guess I was too late.
- Song Yeon... - What do you have there?
Did Auntie Maksoon give that to you? So you don't need me anymore, is that it?
You're so mean!
Are you still troubled by what I said to you?
What?
It's alright. You don't have to act like this.
I would rather you get angry at me. Be angry and accuse me of making you troubled!
- Dae Su... - And that letter...
Is that your answer?
The letter you gave me.
Was that mean to convey that you don't return my feelings, so try it with Chobi?
- It wasn't that... - Forget it.
That's enough.
Don't worry about it.
It's not like I didn't know what you were going to say.
I'm leaving now. I have all my things with me, so don't come to find me.
I know it makes you uncomfortable anyway.
In that case, ask Her Highness to take back her request.
You know what being a royal relative means.
Wielding that much influence can affect His Majesty negatively!
This is a critical time in which power will be changing hands.
Who better to gain power than His Majesty's most loyal subject?
Welcome. I was just about to summon you to discuss this matter about your sister.
Take a seat.
So? Can I trust your loyalty and take you in as a royal relative?
Yes, Your Highness. I will accept the honor of giving my sister to His Majesty as a concubine.
Indeed? I am thankful that you have made this decision!
I was concerned because your response was taking longer than expected.
I will use this position only to give His Majesty more support than I already do.
I will not forgive anyone who will cause His Majesty to lose face,
or be a bad influence on His Majesty's reign.
The reports are that the patients are showing some improvement.
As the new patients are decreasing steadily, it appears that the peak of the disease has passed.
That is fortunate, Minister.
Now you can have the physicians handle the disease
and allow the other officials to focus on the examinations.
Yes, let it be so. The examinations are only two days away.
This examination must take place no matter what. Please ensure that it does.
But will the scholars come, Your Majesty?
If they boycott the examinations again, it will be a black mark against your reign.
- I'm here. - Why so early? We're opening at lunchtime.
The examinations are almost here. I came to help you get ready.
- But where are all the preparations? - Preparations? I won't be fooled again!
- What do you mean? - Didn't you hear that the exams will be boycotted again?
- What? Boycott? - Boycott!
This is not good. Is this examination going to be boycotted again?
That's not good!
Do not be too concerned, Excellency.
Your thoughts have been made clear to all the schools and academies. The examinations cannot proceed.
We cannot be too sure of ourselves.
These men have studied all their lives for the sake of ambition.
Once they know that His Majesty is resolute...
- Some of them are bound to be tempted. - Your Excellency!
Sir!
What are you doing here?
I heard the exams are being boycotted again, so I was walking around Hamwonjon to take a look.
But there are no scholars anywhere, let alone pedestrians!
Hamwonjon? Didn't you know that the venue for the examinations has been changed?
What?
It's because of the plague. Try going to Choondangdae.
I have to go there for the Bureau, and it's just chaos over there!
Choondangdae?
Mak Soon!
- Are you going to the Grand Palace? - Yes, I was about to go to meet His Majesty.
Why don't you come with me, Minister?
Your Majesty, the scholars are said to be gathering in all the venues for the examinations!
Is that true?
Yes, and more scholars are said to be lining up outside the capital gates!
I think this time the examinations will proceed as planned!
The examinations are about to start, so we must hurry!
Yes sir!
Make sure you take all the pigments!
His Majesty the King!
Your Majesty, we will commence the examinations.
You may do so.
- Give out the subject. - Yes, Excellency.
Excellency, what do we do now? The examinations has commenced!
This is just the beginning! His Majesty will continue his tactics until we are all out!
That's right! Must we just sit here and wait for His Majesty to defeat us all?
Or do we have another plan?
Say something, your Excellency! What do we do now?
Excellency!
Your Majesty!
Don't look so surprised. I came here to speak to you.
Will you make me stand here?
Please forgive me, but I have nothing to hear from you.
Please return to your chambers.
Lord Jang Tae Woo...
If you would allow me, I can make him return to Changnyung.
What do you think? Shall I help you and His Majesty?
These are the dates from the Ministry of Rites.
Alright. I will leave everything to you. Please handle everything with care.
Yes, Your Highness.
Your Majesty! Did you hear that the dates will be announced shortly?
Yes, I received the message from Lady Yi from Her Highness' palace.
Do you really intend to defy Her Highness and fight to make Song Yeon the concubine?
Please change your mind, Your Majesty!
If you don't, you may lose favor with Her Highness!
What's this? A prohibition of marriage?
It's because the Queen has been barren for so long! They must be bringing in a concubine!
Then what does that mean for us?
- If the country tells us we can't marry, we can't marry! - What?
- Rumors? - I heard the palace maids talking amongst themselves.
The selection of concubines is just a cover. Secretary Hong's sister has already been chosen!
- Really? - How strange...
- Strange? What's strange? - I heard a different rumor.
I heard that the Queen had a candidate, but her status is so low that the Dowager Queen objected.
Low status? But custom specifies that no low-born woman can be a royal concubine!
- How lowly is she? - I don't know!
I heard that she was a Damo in some obscure bureau.
Wait! A damo.... then...?
Wait, what did you say again?
The Queen had a Damo in mind?
Your Majesty, the Queen wishes to have an audience with you.
Let her in.
Welcome, My Queen. Please take a seat.
What brings you here?
I came here to speak with you even though I knew you would be busy.
What is it, My Queen?
Your Majesty, Mother has sent out a notice to call for a royal concubine.
What did you say?
Why are you telling me this only now?
You should have informed me of this earlier!
Your Majesty, it is because Mother did not want to bother you at a time like this,
when the government is in chaos.
Right now, there is nothing more important than securing an heir to the throne.
That is why we need to select a new concubine so that she may bring you an heir.
Please give us your permission.
Did you agree to this, My Queen?
- Or did Mother... - Not at all, Your Majesty!
It was I that suggested this. Do not worry yourself over this matter.
Alright then. If you both feel the same way, then I will leave this in your hands.
Thank you, Your Majesty.
There is one request I have of you in regards to this matter.
What is it? I will do anything you ask.
My Queen...!
Your Majesty, I have someone in mind already to be your concubine.
Indeed? And who might that be?
It is Song Yeon, Your Majesty.
- My Queen....! - I will take Song Yeon as your concubine, Your Majesty.
Song Yeon is a girl of virtue and morals.
Even though she is of lowly birth, she is worthy to be your concubine.
Please allow me to take her in as your concubine!
- But my Queen... - If someone else must be at your side,
I believe that it must be someone that can truly be a source of comfort and strength to you.
And Song Yeon is someone like that.
Am I mistaken, Your Majesty?
Please do not say no. Please do not say you will not because of me.
This is it. This is all I can do for you.
So if you care for me, please allow me to do this one thing for you.