What do you mean you cannot allow the position of Crown Prince to be undesignated?
Are you listening, Personnel Minister? I am asking you a question!
It is as I said, Your Majesty.
You have been on the throne for a few years already, and yet the position of Crown Prince is still empty.
Without an heir, the royal family is on shaking ground and so is your reign.
I petition you to select an heir as soon as possible, Your Majesty.
I am utterly confused, Minister.
Right now, I have no heir. And yet...
There is Lord Wan Poong, Your Majesty.
Lord Wan Poong is the adopted son of Concubine Hong, Your Majesty.
- Did you say Wan Poong? - Yes, Your Majesty.
Lord Wan Poong has been made a royal heir according to the Royal Ancestry Book.
That is enough to make him suitable to be Crown Prince.
Minister, what are you talking about? The Crown Prince should be a legitimate heir!
Not only that, His Majesty is still healthy and has many years left to live!
How can you suggest such a thing?
If there was a proper heir, that would be the best situation. However...
Don't you realize that if the position of Crown Prince is unfilled for too long, it can put the government at peril?
- Minister! - Your Majesty!
You must designate a Crown Prince and stabilize your rule and government.
Please hear our plea, Your Majesty.
- Please hear our plea! - Please hear our plea!
His Majesty's heir? Who has said this to you?
- Lord Wan Poong! - Your Majesty...
I am not angry with you. So answer my question.
It is what my uncle said, Your Majesty.
By uncle, do you mean Secretary Hong?
Yes, Your Majesty. He said that since I am to succeed His Majesty,
he told me to never lose my focus.
- Your Majesty, it is Attendant Kim. - Enter.
- Your Majesty, I have terrible news! - What is it?
I heard that the Personnel Minister has petitioned His Majesty to make Lord Wan Poong the Crown Prince!
What?
I knew it!
I knew that the moment Song Yeon entered the palace, they would bring up the issue of the royal heir!
Your Highness...
The position of Crown Prince is unfilled, and now the king has brought in a peasant girl.
How can that not be good reason for them?
The king has brought this upon himself! He only has himself to blame for this!
Did you know that the Personnel Minister was going to bring the subject up today?
How could that be, Your Majesty? I knew nothing about this.
That's strange. I wonder why the Minister did this.
What are your thoughts? Do you think Wan Poong should be made Crown Prince?
Although the Minister is correct in that your reign is not stable due to the unfilled position,
I feel that he was hasty in his petition as you are still healthy and young.
Alright. You may leave me.
Yes, Your Majesty.
Seeing how No Ron is unified in their opinion, the Dowager Queen must have been involved.
Is this why you recommended that she be reinstated to her position?
Is this why you requested the adoption as well?
Please forgive me, but I have nothing to say to you.
No matter what I say, you won't believe me anyway.
- Secretary Hong, how can you say that? - Neither of you have trusted me completely.
That is the reason why you are suspicious of my motives even now.
I have things to tend to, and will not be able to continue this conversation.
I will take my leave.
That... that...!
Why that...!
Everyone will begin sending in petitions.
With the exception of the few that follow Lord Jang Tae Woo,
everyone is behind you on this. Sooner or later, His Majesty will have to submit.
Why do you look so troubled?
I wonder if we have been too hasty.
This issue was brought up right after Lord Wan Poong was adopted.
I am worried that His Majesty will misunderstand my intentions.
But what else could we have done? This was the best opportunity for us.
Furthermore, you are doing this for the sake of His Majesty's reign.
I am sure His Majesty will understand your intentions, so do not worry too much.
You must never acquiesce to their demands, Your Majesty!
Making Lord Wan Poong Crown Prince is not an appropriate action!
- The Three Councils will not agree to this either! - No, I don't think so.
Excuse me?
The Three Councils will remain silent on this.
That is because most of the officials there were given their positions by Secretary Hong.
I allowed him to have that power a while ago.
I hoped he would use his power wisely.
But I think he needs some time.
- How is it going? - Everyone is waiting for you as you instructed.
No one in the Three Councils will interfere in the decision-making of the Crown Prince, My Lord.
We are all in agreement with you that the best way to stabilize His Majesty's reign is to have an heir.
However, you must not reveal your true thoughts.
This decision is purely His Majesty's alone.
Do not go overboard.
- Do you understand? - Yes, My Lord!
- Did you hear the news about Lord Wan Poong? - Yes, Sir.
- Everyone's talking about Secretary Hong. - Why?
What do you think? Who will gain the most from Lord Wan Poong becoming Crown Prince?
Since he's his uncle, it would be like giving wings to a galloping stallion!
I'm sure this would never happen, but what if he decides to stand against His Majesty?
Why are you worried about that? That would never happen!
But if it does, I will not let Secretary Hong get away with it!
What power do you have to not let Secretary Hong get away with it?
I don't have any power, but I have my loyalty to His Majesty! That's my power!
- So you went to Mother's palace again today. - Yes, Your Majesty.
Did she see you?
I am sure she will open her heart to you someday. Don't worry too much.
I am ashamed that my lowly birth is causing so much trouble to the royal family.
Don't say such things.
No matter what others say, you are His Majesty's royal concubine.
Do not let yourself be troubled by malicious rumors.
- Attendant Kim, bring the girl in. - Yes, Your Majesty.
I wanted you to come here so that I can introduce you to someone.
Come on in.
Chobi! Forgive me, Your Majesty!
No, it's alright. Have a seat.
I am the new grooming attendant for Lady Hong. I am Yang Chobi, Your Majesty.
I heard you were close with her. So I asked her to be your Attendant.
It will take some time before things are made official, but she will soon report to your chambers.
- Your Majesty! - I will try my best to serve you, My Lady.
Life in the palace is difficult and lonely when you are by yourself.
But if you have someone to share with, it will soon become easier.
Your Majesty, how will I ever repay your kindness?
Repay me? Not at all!
The only thing I want from you is for you to give His Majesty an heir.
So please serve him with all of your strength.
Thank you, Your Majesty.
How did this all happen? How did this come to be?
Attendant Kim came by the Bureau and selected me, My Lady.
She was crying in front of the palace in worry for you!
You must have been very close to her, My Lady.
Thank you for worrying about me.
Not at all, My Lady.
- You should have said "You honor me, My Lady"! - What?
- Alright... - Do you know someone in the palace?
The place you were at is only accessible by palace people. How did you get there?
What do you mean?
You were right there at the right time.
I went there because I was worried about Her Ladyship. It must just have been a coincidence.
Weren't we supposed to go to my next lesson at the Hour of the Ram (1-3pm)? I think we're late!
Oh no! Give Her Ladyship your greetings and hurry after me!
Yes... My Lady, I will take my leave.
Alright.
Eun Geum!
- Eun Geum! - Chobi!
- When did you enter the palace? - Yesterday.
- Should you be wandering around? - I got permission, so don't worry.
- I have a question for you. - What is it?
Come with me.
You should be most careful with Attendant Yi, Her Highness' Attendant.
- Why? - She's got a terrible temper!
What about Attendant Kim from Her Majesty's palace?
She's a bit picky, but she's soft-hearted and nice to the palacemaids.
Oh, really? That's what I thought.
Why are you asking these things?
Do you really think I entered the palace so that I can groom hair all day? Wait and see!
I'll have this palace in my hands in no time!
You have to help me, alright?
- So this is the agenda for the public hearing? - Yes, Your Majesty.
As you instructed, it will be held in five days at Woonjongga.
Are all the thirty merchant clan chiefs attending?
Yes, that is what Chief Kim Seung Ah said.
In that case, make sure officials from the Finance and Trade Ministries are present.
Yes, Your Majesty.
But what's this? Why is Councilor Jang Tae Woo absent from this list?
The Chief Councilor is always present at public hearings.
But Lord Jang Tae Woo is not on this list.
What is the reason for this?
Your Majesty, Lord Jang Tae Woo has been imprisoned in the State Tribunal.
We thought you were aware of this...
What did you just say? Lord Jang Tae Woo is in the State Tribunal?
Yes, Your Majesty.
Go and summon the Commander of the Palace Army.
Yes, Your Majesty.
What is the meaning of this! We have already been searched by the Imperial Guard!
We are aware of that, My Lord. But we have missed a few things. Please come with us.
Move aside! We must meet with His Majesty to petition for the Councilor's release!
- I said move aside! - Forgive me, but I can't do that.
- What... what? - Take them all to the Imperial Guard Headquarters!
Yes, Sir!
You...! You will not get away with this!
What are you doing? They have already been searched!
- Why are you...? - It was Secretary Hong's orders.
- What? - He gave orders to stop anyone from seeing His Majesty.
Don't blame me.
Tell you the reason? The reason for what?
Forgive me for saying this, but there are many complaints about the Imperial Guards.
Even those who have been searched are being prevented from seeing His Majesty.
- I am worried this will cause a problem. - Yes, the guards are worried as well.
- At least tell us the reason... - So what is this?
Are you saying that you cannot obey my orders?
That is not it, My Lord, but we feel that perhaps you've gone overboard...
Overboard?
You must be mistaken about something.
My Lord...!
You are my subordinates who take my orders. You have no right to question me.
I cherish our relationship,
but if you question my authority again, I will not forgive you.
I will not let personal relationships affect the loyalty I deserve from my subordinates.
Do you understand?
The merchant clans hold the pursestrings of this country's economy.
What do you think that means? There is nothing they won't do to protect it.
If they feel the need, they will try to change the king.
Change the king? You mean...
I heard you were investigating Kim Choong Shik for the assassination attempt.
But you have been focusing on his relationship with No Ron. Am I right?
What do you mean by that?
Are you saying that the assassination was planned by the merchant clans?
Nothing is certain. But I know that they were up to something.
My Lord!
Come in.
- Did you find out? - Yes.
This is information regarding the merchant Kim Tae Suk.
- Kim Tae Suk? - Yes, My Lord.
- Come and have some soup before you go! - I said I don't need it!
Come and have some!
What's this? Did you all arrange to meet here?
You mean you knew?
I've known you for over a decade, my friend.
You were promoted all of a sudden and were acting different than your normal self.
How could I not think something was wrong?
- You too? - Yes, Sir.
What are you going to do now? You're so torn up about this. You should do something.
Do something? How can I disobey Secretary Hong?
But I feel terrible when I follow his orders too.
- Will you be alright? - Don't worry, I'll get him home safely.
- Damn it...! - You shouldn't have had so much to drink!
He's changed... He's changed!
I cherish our relationship, but if you question my authority again, I will not forgive you.
I will not let personal relationships affect the loyalty I deserve from my subordinates.
What are you so deep in thought about?
Your Majesty!
Do you have something you're worried about?
No, Your Majesty.
That's good.
Shall we have a duel?
- Excuse me? - I haven't duelled since I became king.
But Your Majesty, what if you get hurt...?
Don't worry, I'm not that decrepit yet.
You're really unbeatable! I've lost.
No, Your Majesty, how could I dare?
- Dae Su. - Yes, Your Majesty.
Tell me. I can tell you're worried about something.
We're friends, aren't we?
Your Majesty!
So what is it that is troubling you?
Dae Su!
It's Secretary Hong.
If I hadn't met Secretary Hong, I may be living as a thug now.
It was through his help and guidance that I became a decent person.
That is why I try to understand and accept everything he tells me.
But lately it has been difficult.
I know what you are trying to say.
I feel the same way.
There are many times these days when I don't understand him either.
But just like you have faith in him, I have faith in him as well.
That is why I'm going to give him some time. Do you understand what I'm saying?
Yes, Your Majesty.
What did you say? Lord Jang Tae Woo was released?
We were given orders to release him.
- Who? Who gave you those orders? - It was...
It was His Majesty.
What?
Is this what you meant by showing me your power?
You used it to imprison me and cover the eyes and ears of the king.
Your intentions are obvious to me. You are trying to put the throne in your hands!
Watch your words, Your Excellency! How dare you suggest such a thing?
- What did you say? - I don't know why His Majesty released you.
But it is too early for you to rest your mind. I will catch your tail sooner or later.
Do as you wish.
All you will be doing is digging your own grave.
No matter how hard you try to hide them, your sins will be revealed sooner or later.
Lord Jang Tae Woo was being investigated for aiding Min Joo Shik, Your Majesty.
We found correspondence between him and Min Joo Shik and his guilt is obvious, so why...?
- That is insufficient evidence. - Your Majesty!
I saw the letters too, but it is insufficient evidence to accuse him of aiding the escape.
- But Your Majesty...! - Anyone could have forged those letters to frame him.
I don't understand why an intelligent man like yourself would imprison Lord Jang Tae Woo
without proper investigation.
You went overboard when you searched his house and imprisoned him in the Tribunal prisons.
So obey my orders.
Take the Imperial Guard and go arrest merchant chiefs Kim Tae Suk, Jang Hak Su
Shin Do Myung, Kwon Min Chul, Im Hyul Chul and Kang Kyung Su.
There are reports that these men are plotting something for the public hearings.
Search their houses and businesses thoroughly and find any evidence.
Why are you just standing there? I gave you orders!
Forgive me for asking, but must we really arrest all of those men?
What do you mean?
We heard that His Majesty was furious for us having arrested Lord Jang Tae Woo.
Wouldn't arresting all those men be repeating that mistake all over again?
That's right, My Lord.
- His Majesty may considering this a rebellion... - Silence!
I warned you what would happen if you questioned my authority again.
How dare you speak to me in this way?
These men are most certainly plotting something for the public hearing.
As Chief of the Imperial Guard, I am only trying to ensure the safety of His Majesty.
Go and arrest them immediately! Do you hear me?
Yes, My Lord.
Why are you doing this?
- Arrest them and search their houses! - Yes, Sir!
What is the meaning of this? Why are you doing this to us?
Sir!
You gathered the support of all the merchant clans and requested a public hearing.
Why did you do this?
- What do you mean? - Did you think I would not know of your plot?
You planned this public hearing to lure His Majesty out of the Capital so you could harm him!
If you do not wish to be tortured, I advise you to confess!
Now!
I heard Her Majesty was looking for me. Announce my arrival.
Yes, Your Excellency.
Your Majesty, the Minister is here.
You want me to see Secretary Hong and restrain him?
What do you mean by that?
I have heard that he has arrested the merchant chiefs and is interrogating them at present.
He seems to be overreacting because of this business with Lord Wan Poong.
He is desperate to be in favor with the king.
But this may have the adverse reaction instead.
It is best that you meet and speak with him.
This public hearing has already been approved by His Majesty.
But what will he think if he finds out what you are doing?
Don't bring unnecessary attention to yourself. Stop what you are doing.
Her Majesty is worried that this may affect the issue of the Crown Prince.
- No, Minister. I can't do that. - Secretary Hong!
I am certain they are out to harm His Majesty.
It is my duty to stop them from doing so.
If I succeed, Lord Wan Poong's designation as Crown Prince may become easier.
Please inform Her Majesty of this.
This is an account book found in your house.
You spent a total of 1,200 yang on a secret account.
What was that money spent for?
It was used to build an inn for our merchants.
Indeed?
That's your story even though we found these promissory notes written to smugglers?
- That's... - We also found...
one of your men had been arrested because he was found smuggling sulphur.
So what was it? Did you bring in explosives to hurt His Majesty?
- I don't know anything about that! - It's true! We're innocent!
Then who was it that ordered you to do this?
If you tell me who ordered you to do this, I will spare your lives.
Speak!
Go and arrest Yang Gae Chul and continue the interrogation.
Yes, My Lord.
He's already arrested more than twenty men. Who else is he arresting now?
I heard the interrogation was severe. Will they be alright?
I doubt it. There are rumors that the prisoners will not survive before anything is revealed.
It's no use speaking to him and we can't just stand by either.
This is driving me crazy!
- Is everyone here? - Yes, Sir.
Today, there is a restoration of the books in the Imperial Library at Gyujunggak.
The lines in the books must be redrawn, so Artists Yi and Tak will enter the palace with the Damos.
- Yes, Sir. - Yes, Sir.
My Lady! My Lady!
- Uncle! - Have you been well, My Lady?
Uncle!
You can't call me that, My Lady!
I wanted to see you sooner. Please forgive me, My Lady.
Not at all! How have you been? Have you been well?
Of course, My Lady!
Are you on your way somewhere, My Lady?
No, I am just walking around because I felt cloistered.
In that case, why don't you head towards the Imperial Library?
They are restoring books today so the Bureau staff will be there.
Really?
- What are you doing there? - I will take my leave, My Lady.
Go ahead.
Let us go to the Imperial Library.
But the Court Education Mistresses are arriving any moment now.
I would like to see the Bureau staff.
Chobi! What are you doing here?
- Did you know we would be here? - We haven't heard from you since you entered the palace!
Excuse me, don't you see my robes? I am now a sixth level Court Lady...
How is Lady Sung? Is she doing well?
I've been worried sick about her since Her Highness' birthday feast!
- Hey Chobi! - Chobi, tell us how you're doing?
Chobi, tell us! Tell us about palace life!
- Chobi, say something! - Chobi, we're so curious!
My Lady, I have brought them.
You're all here!
Song... Song...
We greet you, My Lady! Have you been well?
We are so glad that you wanted to see us, My Lady!
- I mean we are so honored... - Don't be like that.
Let us go inside. There are many things I want to ask you.
- Refreshments? - Yes, for seven people. Bring lots of food.
- Are there visitors in the villa? - That's none of your business.
Bring the finest delicacies from the Royal Kitchen.
- Sir? Why are you still calling me that...? - I told you I would still treat you the same.
But if others hear you, there will be trouble. Please speak down to us.
That's right, My Lady! If others hear you, it will not be easy on us either!
We are satisfied that we can see you face to face.
Alright then. So how is everybody? How is the Bureau?
I am curious about everything. Is Official Park well?
Yes, My Lady. As long as Artist Yi doesn't get in trouble, the Bureau is fine.
Everyone is doing well, so please don't worry about us.
- What trouble do I get into? - You stole my paintings because you didn't finish yours!
We all thought the Bureau had been robbed!
Stop it! How can you make me look bad in front of Her Ladyship?
Her Majesty the Queen!
Your Majesty!
I came here because you were supposed to be having court education today.
Forgive me, Your Majesty. My friends from the Bureau were in the palace today.
I invited them to visit me here.
- We will take our leave, Your Majesty. - No need for that.
I was wondering why there was laughter in your chambers, but I see the Bureau staff were here.
I will inform the Mistresses to come tomorrow. Have a good time.
- Your Majesty! - Come and visit her anytime you are in the palace.
Thank you, Your Majesty!
At the public hearing, the merchants will most certainly ask for a reduction in taxes.
Indeed. But we have already reduced their tax rates twice in the past few years.
The Finance Ministry will have to relook at their tax rates.
Shouldn't we focus on how we can settle their anger regarding the dismantling of their trade rights?
They will most likely demand that the peddlers share in the taxes paid to the government.
Let us see what proportion they demand tomorrow and go from there.
- Yes, Your Majesty. - Your Majesty, it is I.
Did you find out the information?
Yes, as you ordered, we will depart tomorrow at the Hour of the Ram (1-3pm).
Well done.
His Majesty will be setting out for the public hearing at the Hour of the Ram tomorrow.
The Imperial Guard must not be amiss in any aspect
from the starting point of Gyujunggak to the ending point of Woonjongga.
- Do you understand? - Yes, My Lord!
- Carry out your duties! - Yes, My Lord!
Officer Suh and Officer Kang, make sure everything is prepared for tomorrow.
- Yes, My Lord! - Yes, My Lord!
- Officer Park! - Yes, My Lord.
Take a few men with you and scope out the journey from here to Woonjongga.
Yes, My Lord.
- Spread out! - Yes, Sir!
Advisor! What has happened here?
Where are the citizens and merchants that are supposed to be here for the public hearing?
I do not know the reason either, Your Majesty.
- Secretary Hong! - Yes, Your Majesty.
- Find out what happened. - Yes, Your Majesty.
Did you find out what happened?
Secretary Hong has dispatched the Imperial Guard to investigate, so it will take some time.
Your Majesty, this public hearing was requested by the merchants themselves.
Their absence today signifies an insult to you.
You must punish them severely for this insult.
There must be a reason for this. We can settle that after we find out what happened.
Your Majesty, the Chief Councilor is here to see you.
- Your Majesty. - What brings you here?
I have something to tell you.
I found out something surprising during my investigation of today's events.
- What is it? - Today's events happened because of Secretary Hong!
His Majesty the King!
Secretary Hong!
- Yes, Your Majesty. - Was it you?
- Excuse me? - Did you arrest the merchants and have them interrogated?
Secretary Hong!
- Yes, Your Majesty. But that was... - Where are they?
Where are the merchants you arrested?
Your Majesty!
What happened?
For what reason did you do such a thing?
The merchants were behind the previous assassination attempt, Your Majesty.
- I wanted to reveal the truth... - Even so, this was too much, Secretary Hong!
- You abused your power! - Your Majesty!
They wanted to air their complaints to me via a public hearing.
But because of your actions, all that has become impossible.
How will you fix this problem?
Your Majesty, I will take care of everything. So...
No! No need for that.
- Excuse me? - You will no longer be involved in this.
- Advisor. - Yes, Your Majesty.
- Please take care of this matter. - Yes, Your Majesty.
Your Majesty...!
Please don't worry about that. Have faith in me.
How was your meeting with the merchants?
Their anger was more than expected. It was not easy to change their minds.
But I was able to get their cooperation with one compromise.
- What was that compromise? - Even if you abolish trade rights,
you will have to grant them sole rights to trading the six main items.
silk, cotton cloth, thread, paper goods, ramie cloth, fish.
Alright. We will do that.
Did you hear how Advisor Chae has put right what you have made wrong?
Now what will you do? You have fallen out of favor with His Majesty.
It's obvious what your future holds.
Why are you so silent?
Well, I suppose it must be embarrassing for you to tell me to wait and see.
What did I tell you? I warned you that you were taking things too far.
If you had taken Her Majesty's advice, this would not have happened.
Alright then. What is it that you wanted from me?
We must hasten Lord Wan Poong's designation as Crown Prince.
Didn't you say that we were rushing it before?
That was bad judgment on my part. If we want to mend this rift with His Majesty,
we must make this a priority!
Fine. I will make an effort.
Did you see the desperation on his face?
He used to be an intelligent man, but he is losing his reason.
That is not a bad thing for us.
He will either destroy himself, or end up helping us.
- Your Majesty! - What is it?
The issue of designating Lord Wan Poong as Crown Prince has come up again!
The officials headed by the Personnel Minister are continuing to petition His Majesty.
I will go and see Lord Wan Poong. Make preparations.
- My Lord! - Uncle.
What is it, My Lord? Are you going somewhere?
I have received orders to live outside the palace for a while.
Live outside the palace? Who ordered such a thing?
- That... - It was I.
If all preparations have been completed, escort Lord Wan Poong out the palace.
- Yes, Your Majesty. - Your Majesty!
Lord Wan Poong is too young to deal with the intricacies of palace life.
Do not interfere with my decision, Secretary Hong.
You may leave, Lord Wan Poong.
I will take my leave then. Please be well, Your Majesty.
Whatever your intentions are, Wan Poong will never become Crown Prince.
I will stop that from happening no matter what.
So you should stop whatever you're plotting.
Are you doing this because of the petitions?
In that case, you should blame me. Why are you being so cruel to the young boy?
It is not I that is being cruel, but you!
You are using that young boy as a pawn for your ambitions!
How can you accuse me for doing this for my ambition?
I am doing this to stabilize His Majesty's reign!
If this is not for your ambition, then what is it? We now have Lady Sung.
Now that His Majesty has another consort, isn't it your duty to wait for her to conceive?
Do you really think that any child that Lady Sung bears will be able to become Crown Prince?
- Secretary Hong! - Lady Sung has not received her royal title yet.
How can you not know that any child Lady Sung bears will cause more problems?
Watch your words! How dare you speak in such a way about her?
- How dare you be so impudent? - Your Majesty!
Your Majesty!
Episode 64