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!
- Official Nam. - Yes, Your Majesty?
- Go to Gyujunggak and postpone the meeting. - Yes, Your Majesty.
Return to your chambers, my Queen. I have to speak to Secretary Hong privately.
Yes, Your Majesty. I will take my leave.
Go ahead.
What? Lord Wan Poong has been sent away?
Yes, Your Majesty. The queen gave those orders.
Forgive me, Your Majesty. Please forgive my rash words.
- I merely... - Enough. I do not wish to discuss that.
Leave Wan Poong to be dealt with by the queen.
Since there is so much commotion here, it is not a bad thing for him to be away for a while.
- Do not cause a commotion over that. - Your Majesty...!
That is not why I wanted to speak to you.
These are the petitions that have been raised to the Royal Secretariat these past few days.
Strangely enough, they all say the same thing.
And that most certainly means that the Dowager Queen has involved herself again.
What are your thoughts regarding this?
I allowed the Dowager Queen to be reinstated because I trusted your commitment to restrain her.
So what is this about? Will you claim ignorance about this too?
Your Majesty, I...
I will not allow the Dowager Queen to be involved in politics.
I want you to find out what is happening. Find out if the queen is involved and why.
Do you hear me?
Why are you silent?
Yes, Your Majesty.
- My Lord. - What brings you here?
The Dowager Queen has asked me to deliver an urgent message to you.
She is deeply worried about Lord Wan Poong and...
Tell her I will handle it and to not contact me for the time being.
- Excuse me? - Tell her this is not a good time for us.
She will know what that means. Do you understand me?
Yes, My Lord.
You mean to tell me you made this yourself?
Yes, My Lady. It should smell nice as I put gardenia inside.
Gardenia? That's my favorite scent!
I know. I'm so honored that I am serving you!
Honor?
Serving me? You're serving Lady Sung!
You're my superior, so I'm just saying that I will serve you too!
Everyone else has a difficult time, but it looks like you're perfectly suited for the palace!
Actually, I feel the same way! I like my robes better than the Bureau uniform.
And the palace grounds are so familiar that I feel like I was born here.
I really can't understand it!
Actually, I feel like I've met you before too.
Really? Do you feel close to me?
What's the matter with you?
Don't get too excited.
If I had met you in a previous life, it must have been as enemies!
Wh... what?
So what if Attendant Kang was with Attendant Choi?
What's so strange about that?
They were exchanging letters, Your Majesty!
If attendants are exchanging letters secretly, it means that their superiors are corresponding.
Attendant Choi was the attendant for Secretary Hong's sister, Concubine Hong.
And Attendant Kang works for the Dowager Queen, so it's suspicious!
What shall I do, Your Majesty?
- Shall I summon Attendant Choi and question her...? - No.
- I don't think that would be wise. - But don't you think it's suspicious?
What? You want me to observe Her Majesty's palace?
That's what I said.
From today, I want you to keep an eye on the queen's palace and attendants.
Go and find anything that will of use.
But what is the reason, My Lord?
Do you have reason to do this?
Now you are questioning me too?
Do as I say! Why are you questioning me?
No one must know about this, so move quietly. Do you understand?
Yes, My Lord.
What's wrong? Did something happen inside?
Look here, Jang Bo!
It's nothing for you to worry about.
Official Nam, are you there?
Did you summon me, Your Majesty?
Summon the Advisor. I have to pass a decree for a staff appointment.
Your Majesty, that is Secretary Hong's duty. Why do you not summon him?
This decree is about Secretary Hong.
Excuse me?
They were exchanging letters, Your Majesty!
Attendant Choi was the attendant for Secretary Hong's sister, Concubine Hong.
And Attendant Kang works for the Dowager Queen, so it's suspicious!
Officer Park!
- Yes, Sir. - Go immediately to Choongdang Gate.
- What? - Lady Sung is looking for you.
My Lady.
Dae Su!
What brings you here, My Lady? Has something happened?
No, but I want you to come with me.
- Excuse me? - Someone wants to speak with you.
Your Majesty.
Good of you to come.
Your Majesty! I give you my greetings!
I've heard that you are childhood friends with Song Yeon and His Majesty.
That is why I have called you here to give you a difficult request.
I need you to find out something about Secretary Hong.
Forgive me, Your Majesty, but what do you mean by that?
There is something that has been worrying me about Secretary Hong.
I need you to help me with it.
But Your Majesty, he is my superior. How could I possibly...?
I know that. But if there is something amiss, then it is also your duty to make it right.
You must know that the palace is uneasy due to the issue with the Crown Prince.
There is a possibility that the Dowager Queen may be behind this.
Your Majesty!
I hope this is not true, but if she is in fact manipulating Secretary Hong,
then we must do everything to stop it for the sake of His Majesty.
Dae Su...
Her Majesty must have good reason for saying something like that.
But even so, I don't know if I can hold him in suspicion and trace his movements...
I don't know if I can do that, My Lady.
It's true that he has changed since he became Chief of the Imperial Guard, but...
But it's impossible that he would betray His Majesty and work with the Dowager Queen.
You know what kind of man Secretary Hong is too!
His Majesty trusts Secretary Hong more than anyone.
If His Majesty hears about this, how would he feel?
That is what troubles me the most.
His Majesty trusts Secretary Hong more than anyone.
If His Majesty hears about this, how would he feel?
That is what troubles me the most.
My Lady, My Lady! Are you alright?
I'm fine.
My Lady, are you sure you are fine? We should summon the Physician...!
No, I've been tired lately. No need to cause a fuss.
But you used to be fine even when you stayed up three nights in a row at the Bureau...
My Lady! Do you feel sleepy all the time and crave for sour foods?
I have nine siblings and am really familiar with pregnancy symptoms!
His Majesty has been coming here often so the possibility is quite good!
What do you mean by pregnancy symptoms?
- No, My Lady, my intuition tells me... - Don't speak nonsense.
- My Lady! - We must not talk about this so lightly.
I'm going to retire now. You may take your leave.
Yes, My Lady.
What did I tell you? You were so sure of yourself!
Lord Wan Poong will soon return to the palace.
He is just living outside for the moment. The issue of Crown Prince will be settled soon.
- Now look here...! - There is no one in government who will oppose me.
That is something you know as well.
Everything will be as I said, so be patient and have faith in me.
I came here to tell you that.
- Where is Officer Suh? - My Lord, you should go to the office first.
- His Majesty is waiting for you inside. - What? His Majesty?
- Your Majesty! - You're back. I heard you went to see Prince Eun Un.
Yes, Your Majesty.
I was reading the Imperial Guard reports while I was waiting for you.
Let's go outside. I have something to discuss with you.
I used to come here when I was troubled as the Crown Prince.
I always felt better here.
Looking back, that was the most challenging time of my life.
It was the time when the government officials criticized my late father.
Everyone thought my father was a criminal and I also felt that I would not go unscathed.
But in the midst of all that, you helped me. Do you remember?
Yes, Your Majesty. How could I forget?
I feel the same way. I remember the first time I met you.
You were an intelligent and ambitious young man way back then.
And because of that young man, I was able to ascend to the throne safely.
Your Majesty!
I will never forget what you have done for me, Secretary Hong.
But in order for that to happen, there is something you must not forget as well.
Something I must not forget?
Back then, you said this to me.
Power must be obtained at any means necessary,
but it must be used wisely and cautiously.
But I fear you are losing that perspective.
I don't think that is entirely your fault.
I am at fault too for covering up your mistakes.
No, perhaps this is all my fault.
Your Majesty!
These are the duties you must complete for me.
There will be a shift in appointments of government officials.
In addition, prepare for an ancestral visit in two days.
This will be the last duty you will perform as Chief Secretary.
Your Majesty, my last duty as Chief Secretary...?
Therefore, as of today,
Councilor Jang Tae Woo will be appointed as Chancellor,
Personnel Minister Choi Suk Joo will be appointed as Third State Councilor,
Right Secretary Jang Gyu Chul will be appointed as Chief Secretary.
In addition, Chief Secretary Hong shall no longer be Director of the Imperial Library.
He will be solely be Chief of the Imperial Guard.
For Secretary Hong to be stripped of his Chief Secretary status is a demotion, isn't it?
That's right. He will only be responsible for the Imperial Guard!
Isn't that obvious? His Majesty is paying him pay for the issue of Lord Wan Poong.
He has insulted the king's dignity and attempted to wield power. He should rightly be ousted.
I feel like I can breathe now!
Did you hear what His Majesty did today at the Cabinet meeting, Your Majesty?
Your Majesty!
I thought he would protect Secretary Hong to the end.
But it seems that the king does not allow anyone else to cast aspersions on the throne.
We must take care of things before they get worse.
I will meet with Secretary Hong.
How? Right now is not a good time to meet with him.
Back then, you said this to me.
Power must be obtained at any means necessary,
but it must be used wisely and cautiously.
But I fear you are losing that perspective.
I am trying to give you time, Secretary Hong.
So don't consider this a demotion, but a new opportunity.
My Lord, may I come in?
What is it?
It is an urgent message, My Lord.
Don't drink so fast, Sir!
Leave me alone! I can't stand being sober tonight!
Now look here, Jang Bo...!
I knew this would happen to him. I knew it when he gave me those crazy orders!
Crazy orders? What do you mean by that?
He ordered me to find evidence to use against the queen!
That's like digging his own grave!
Against the queen?
He even told me to make up things if there was nothing to be found!
If His Majesty hadn't demoted him, I would have resigned!
- Excellency, he is here. - Let him in.
Welcome.
Her Majesty will arrive shortly.
What am I doing?
So what is the reason you wanted to see me?
Now that I am no longer in favor, do you want to stop everything?
Do you want to stop working with me?
- That is now what I wanted. But right now... - No, Your Majesty.
If that is the true reason, I don't mind.
I wanted to see you too because I wanted to do the same thing.
What?
I had lost my logic and have done many foolish things.
I should never have joined forces with you.
I deeply regret doing all these foolish actions.
I hope we never meet for this reason again.
What are you doing at my house at this time of night?
- Dae Su...! - Where did you go, My Lord?
- What? - Didn't you hear what I said?
I asked you where you are coming from!
What's the matter with you? Why are you asking me this?
I will have your answer first.
So tell me who you were meeting and what you were meeting about!
That is none of your business.
I don't know you are here, but let's talk tomorrow when it is light out.
You ordered Officer Suh to monitor Her Majesty's movements.
Tell me, My Lord. Why did you give him such orders?
Even Officer Suh has no respect for my authority.
What is this? You are looking down on me too?
Don't say it like that!
It's not because we look down on you. Don't you understand that?
We're asking you this because we admire and respect you!
So please stop doing what you are doing.
Whatever it is, if you are lying to His Majesty and to us...
Stop before it is too late, My Lord.
Stop before it is too late...
- Stop what? It is not for you to worry about! - My Lord!
Do you understand me? From now onwards, don't interfere in my business.
I don't care if you look down on me.
I am still your superior. So do not question my authority.
Obey my orders.
Do you hear me?
This are the records.
These are journal entries made from the Secretariat from before His Majesty became king.
- Take good care of them. - Yes, My Lord.
What can I help you with?
I am Attendant Kim from Her Majesty's Palace.
Her Majesty has asked to see you.
Why are you so surprised? Have I said something that is false?
What do you mean I am corresponding with the Dowager Queen?
I heard that you met with the Dowager Queen and the Personnel Minister last night.
I'm sure it was not the first time.
You brought in your sister and Lord Wan Poong through her help as well.
Isn't that why you have the support of all the No Ron members?
Please don't say such things, Your Majesty! I was just...
I sent my men to seize the guards of that private residence you went to last night.
I advise you to not pretend otherwise.
So is this the loyalty you spoke of before?
Does your loyalty mean lying to His Majesty and working with his enemies?
I tried to forgive you when you and your sister lied to the royal family.
I tried to have faith in your loyalty to His Majesty.
But is this your response to His Majesty's faith and trust in you?
Will you still say that you did all this because of your loyalty to him?
Your Majesty!
When His Majesty returns from his ancestral visit, I will tell him everything.
I recommend that you confess to him yourself before that happens.
In addition, you will have to prepare yourself to face the consequences of your actions.
You mean the restoration of the books have not yet been completed?
Yes, it looks like we will have to go back a few more times.
- But it should have only taken you two days! - Well, that...
His Majesty has brought in three times as many books as before.
Alright, but you must hurry. We have the ancestral visit to prepare for as well.
- Yes, Sir! - Yes, Sir!
- Let's go quickly! - Alright, let's go.
- Something's strange, Sir. - What is?
I think they're working slowly so that they can see Lady Sung.
What?
Lady Sung!
Chobi! Have you been well? Can you announce us to Her Ladyship?
It's not we are a honey-coated beehive. Don't you think you're coming here too often?
You shouldn't be so free with your time!
Chobi!
Are you implying something?
It sounds like it! Both Lady Sung and Her Majesty told us to come!
But are you trying to stop us from seeing her?
I know! What is this? Are you trying to lord it over us?
What did you say? You're really going too far!
Don't just stand there! Announce us!
Forget it! We'll go in ourselves!
Halt!
How dare you be so impudent? Must I remind you that you are in the palace?
- Chobi! - How dare you call my name, Royal Artist Yi!
You may address me as Attendant Yang! And don't talk so casually to me!
Do you understand me?
Artist Yi...!
These are the appeals that you should address on your ancestral visits.
Where are the majority of the appeals from?
It was from the villages between the road from Young Woo Won (Sado) and Won Nung (Yeongjo).
In that case, I will hold a public hearing there. Inform the magistrates in the region.
Yes, Your Majesty.
Your Majesty, the queen has declared her wish to hold a feast for the elderly.
- A feast? - Yes.
It seemed as if she wanted the Women's Court to support your efforts to heed the needs of the people.
Fine. Inform the Royal Kitchens to make preparations.
- And inform the Imperial Guard to provide security. - Yes, Your Majesty.
- Official Nam. - Yes, Your Majesty.
How is the Chief of the Imperial Guard doing?
I am trying to give you time, Secretary Hong.
So don't consider this a demotion, but a new opportunity.
When His Majesty returns from his ancestral visit, I will tell him everything.
I recommend that you confess to him yourself before that happens.
In addition, you will have to prepare yourself to face the consequences of your actions.
His Majesty the King!
- Your Majesty! - You're still here at this hour?
Yes, I was making preparations for security on your ancestral visit.
You are truly tireless.
But don't work too hard. I plan on using you for a long time.
Go home before it gets too late. It's an order. Do you hear me?
Your Majesty!
There is something I need to ask you.
What is it?
If... I had been disloyal to you...
What would you do?
If I had betrayed your trust and did something wrong...
- If I had... - No, that would never happen.
Didn't I tell you before that I trusted you completely?
I feel that way even now. You have made big and small mistakes in the past.
But I would not consider that betraying my trust.
I know your heart more than anyone else. Don't worry too much.
Your Majesty...!
Your Majesty!
Please permit me to speak to you.
Leave us for a while.
Yes, Your Majesty.
What is it?
Will you not keep all of this a secret?
I cannot leave His Majesty's side as a traitor.
He has trusted me from the very start.
I cannot bear to have him find out the truth.
Please... please give me one more chance, Your Majesty!
- Secretary Hong! - I have stopped everything.
It may be hard to believe, but I have stopped working with the Dowager Queen...
I don't believe you.
Like you said, it is hard for me to believe anything you say now.
It's too late.
If you were afraid of disappointing His Majesty, you should never have done this.
If that is all, there is nothing else to hear from you.
- Your Majesty, the Imperial Guard Chief is here. - Let him enter.
During the ancestral visit, you will be guarded by the Imperial Guard.
The rest of the procession will be guarded by the Palace Guard.
Alright.
- I heard that Her Majesty will be accompanying you. - That's right.
While I offer my respects to my ancestors,
the queen and Lady Sung will be holding a feast for the people.
Make sure their security is handled by the Imperial Guard.
Yes, Your Majesty. I will make preparations for that.
- You may take your leave. - Yes, Your Majesty.
It is almost time. Don't we have to go now?
Be patient, My Lady! You are not ready yet!
This is enough. We have been doing this for an hour!
No, My Lady! The people will be crowding around to see the new concubine!
You must look your best!
- What? - And this is my duty and pride as your attendant!
Oh, how lovely you look!
We will be back soon, Mother.
That girl will be accompanying you as well?
Yes, Mother.
That... that officer over there is my nephew! Fifth rank officer!
And over there is my husband, who's eight rank!
And the royal concubine over there was like a younger sister to me!
The king is said to treat her like precious jewels!
She will most likely bear the royal heir soon!
- Is that true? - It's true! I know it for a fact!
If you're having any difficulties, I may be able to help you.
Why do I feel like eating dried persimmons today?
Oh, my husband! Come home soon!
Your Majesty, I am Magistrate of Yangju, Park In Gyu.
Why don't I see the people here? I said I would have a public hearing here.
There is no place sufficient here for you. You should just pass through.
No, I will go to the village myself. Lead me there, Magistrate.
What? Yes, Your Majesty.
Halt.
What are they doing?
It's nothing, Your Majesty.
Your Majesty, it seems that they are burning the cotton fields.
Cotton is the main product of this region.
Why would they burn their main product?
- Official Nam! - Yes, Your Majesty.
- Go and find out what is happening. - Yes, Your Majesty.
I will spend the night here. Prepare quarters for me.
Yes, Your Majesty.
- What? Half of their entire cotton crops were burned? - Yes, Your Majesty.
What is the reason? Cotton is their main source of income.
Why would they burn their own crops?
That is because the crops are unsellable.
This region was the main supplier for the Capital's cotton.
But recently, merchants stopped buying the cotton here and started importing it from Qing.
Furthermore, the magistrate himself is supporting this,
and has caused the problem to be exacerbated.
How can the magistrate be so irresponsible?
What has the government been doing?
That is because Qing's cotton is cheaper and of better quality and
thus caused no issue in the Capital.
Although this affected this region severely, for the residents of the Capital, it was an advantage.
Even so, we cannot alienate the poor villagers here who make a living from their cotton.
I will stay here for a few days and investigate the issue further.
We will have three or four more feasts before we return to the palace.
It may be tiring for you, but you will have to learn from it as it is our royal duty.
Yes, Your Majesty.
You don't look well. Are you feeling ill?
No, Your Majesty. Please do not worry about me.
This is Rheum Undulatum from Qing.
Unlike other poisons, this only has an effect half an hour after it has been ingested.
And what happens half an hour later?
There will be respiratory problems, shivering and ultimately death.
What is the reason you are seeking such a poison?
It's too late.
If you were afraid of disappointing His Majesty, you should never have done this.
No, Your Majesty. It is not too late.
I will start over again no matter what.
I heard that you are allowing the villagers here to burn their cotton,
and encouraging them to change their crops. What is the reason for this?
Your Majesty, it is because Qing's cotton is cheaper and better in quality.
We cannot stop the people from buying better goods for less.
Yes, in terms of economics, your words are true.
But I don't understand how you can say that with such indifference.
Excuse me?
These farmers have been making a living their entire lives from cotton.
But how can their magistrate allow his people to go through such suffering,
and not be apologetic or ashamed?
How can you call yourself a magistrate when you have no sympathy for the people you are responsible for?
As you said, cotton is vital to our people.
Therefore, the Palace Treasury will purchase the region's cotton for the time being.
You will focus your efforts in improving the quality of our domestic cotton.
Yes, Your Majesty.
Your mercy is of the Heavens, Your Majesty!
Listen carefully. If my plan does not work, you will have to take care of things.
No one else must be hurt.
I will take the marksmen with me, so do not worry, My Lord.
This area here and here will not be guarded by the Imperial Guard.
You will need to be here on this road.
And if the Imperial Guard is here, then you can take this path. Understand?
Dae Su!
I have something to say to you.
Yes, My Lord. Give me your orders.
I would like Lady Sung to not be present in the feast tomorrow.
Can you deliver this message to her?
- What? - If you tell her, she will listen...
Why must she not be present?
Why must Her Ladyship not be present at the feast?
I heard that the people may be planning a riot during the feast.
I am worried for her. And this is not an order. It is a request.
So don't ask me any more questions.
Can't you do this for me?
Your advice really helped me!
- Attendant Kim really likes me! - I told you!
I'm putting all my faith in you!
Attendant Choi!
Oh... oh yes.
- And who's that? - No one important.
She used to be Concubine Hong's attendant. She's got no power so all you have to do is greet her.
Oh really?
It has to be before noon. Put this in the Queen's food before the feast at noon.
The Imperial Guards will move their posts to this area here.
But My Lord, if we do that, the security will be poor for the feast.
Even so, we will have more than a dozen guards in the south gate here.
The palace army will also be present, so it will not make too much of a difference.
He's really doing some strange things now.
Why is he asking us to move the few men that we have?
- Officer Park! - Yes, Sir!
If the Queen is still present at the feast grounds at the Hour of the Ram (1-3pm), do as I ordered.
- Let's go. - Yes, Your Majesty.
My Lady, are you alright?
I said I'm fine.
My Lady!
- So how is Lady Sung? - The physician is seeing her right now.
Song Yeon!
- Your Majesty! - What is this I hear about you fainting?
It's nothing. I have just been tired. Please do not worry about me.
How can I not worry about you when you have fainted?
- Your Majesty... - I think this ancestral visit has been too tiring for her.
What time is it now?
- You just asked me that... - I said what time is it?
It should be just past the Hour of the Snake. (9-11am).
- Is that the food for the queen? - Yes, My Lady.
Give that to me. I am in charge of the Royal Kitchens. I will take it to her.
Yes, My Lady.
Go to the feast grounds immediately and find Attendant Choi!
Your Majesty, this is the food that the villagers here are offering to you.
It has been made by this region's buckwheat.
- Indeed? - Please have some, Your Majesty.
Episode 65