Are you Jung Ya Gyong, the one who received the highest marks?
Yes, Your Majesty.
Indeed. I enjoyed reading your response to the exam questions.
Thank you, Your Majesty.
But how strange, why would a man in such a high position in government take the exam?
Forgive me, Your Majesty, but I don't understand...?
What do you mean you don't understand? Chancellor, why are you saying this?
Your... Your Majesty!
Once you are accustomed and acclimated to the customs and laws of the palace,
you will receive your titles and formally accepted into government.
You will be sent to government agencies based on your marks.
The scholar with the top marks will be able to select the agency of his choice.
Now, there is a feast for all of you to celebrate your entry to government.
After the feast, go to the Grand Palace.
Excuse me? To the Grand Palace?
The first place winner has the honor of meeting His Majesty personally.
- Don't be late. - Yes, Your Excellency.
Why does the palace have such high walls? Now I won't even be able to jump over them!
What do you mean you don't understand? Chancellor, why are you saying this?
Your Majesty, you mean you really don't recognize me either?
It's me! Your Chancellor!
What's the king doing here?
Are you going to pretend you're a scholar instead of the king?
You're smarter than you look!
How was I supposed to know he really was the king?
Isn't he the scholar that placed first in the High Examinations this year?
Greetings!
We are custodians of Gyujunggak, the Imperial Library.
Aren't you the scholar that placed first in the High Examinations this year?
Yes, I'm honored to meet you. My name is Jung Ya Gyong.
We know. His Majesty told us about you.
- His Majesty mentioned me? - That's right.
He told us that you said he was smarter than he looked.
What?
That's not all! He even scolded His Majesty for pretending to be king!
But you were wrong about something. His Majesty isn't smarter than he looks sometimes.
Excuse me?
He can be small-minded, so once you fall on his bad side, he'll harass you forever.
That's too bad. Your life is going to be full of suffering!
Sir, it is time for you to go to the Grand Palace!
- I have to go. We'll meet again. - You better hurry.
I think we went overboard. He looks terrified.
Did you all read his response to the exam question?
Yes. For a young man, he is remarkably clear-thinking and perceptive.
I'm excited at the prospect of working with such a fellow.
We're going to have to work harder if we're going to keep up with him.
You're right.
Let's go.
- Go on inside. - Yes, My Lord.
Here, have a drink.
I'm honored, Your Majesty.
You don't drink?
Yes, I cannot hold my liquor at all, Your Majesty.
- Then have another. - Excuse me?
I sent for this wine specially for you. So you have to drink all of it.
Do you hear me?
Your Majesty, I need to ask for your forgiveness before I accept your wine.
- Forgiveness? - Yes, Your Majesty.
I did not recognize you and spoke disrespectfully to you.
- This is an unforgivable crime! - Is that so?
- Did you know that crime is punishable by death? - Excuse me?
Your crime of mocking the king is punishable by death.
- But I did it without knowing... - Without knowing?
I told you distinctly that I was king.
Furthermore, a crime is a crime no matter what the intention.
But according to the Ming Code of Laws,
all disputes of right and wrong are judged based on the cause.
It says that the accused is also partially guilty.
Are you saying that I am also guilty?
Please forgive me, but that is the rule of right and wrong.
I have never seen this in the Ming Code of Laws.
Is that your attempt at defending yourself?
No, Your Majesty!
This new rule was included by the Ministry of Justice last year!
Is that so? What was the reason?
Was there a big case that gave reason for such an amendment?
Yes, the Ming Code of Laws is not suitable for our nation's culture and customs.
But that is why we created the National Code of Law.
Yes, but the National Code of Law follows after the laws from the Goryeo Dynasty.
Forgive me for saying this, but currently we do not have a code of law that suits Joseon.
What do you suggest then? Tell me in detail.
- Excellency! - I heard His Majesty came here.
Yes, Your Excellency.
It is well past dinner time, but His Majesty is still in discussion with that scholar.
But it already the Hour of the Dog. (7-9pm)
- You mean he's been with him for three hours? - Yes, Your Excellency.
Judging from the tempo of the conversation, it does not look like it will end soon.
So you're saying that the reason why our government officials are useless
is because they are only allowed to work for good?
That's right, Your Majesty. All humans are born with two types of greed.
Greed for position and greed for wealth. We must acknowledge this as human nature.
But did Mencius say that we should restrain ourselves from such desires?
That is not so. Mencius didn't say that.
- You're wrong about that. - Forgive me, but even a king cannot insist on what is untrue.
Fine, I will show you instead.
Excuse me?
Come with me.
I've only heard about this classic!
This book is here too!
Come and have a look here.
It says here that vices occur when human nature are unrestrained.
That is not the only way you can read that. Please give me a moment, Your Majesty.
In this book, he writes that humans do good because they are afraid of criticism if they don't.
This can also be interpreted as a greed for approval.
I wonder where His Majesty is?
- My Lady, it is Attendant Yang. - Enter.
My Lady, I wonder why His Majesty didn't come last night?
- Are you curious about that? - Yes, My Lady.
From what I heard from Official Nam,
- It seems like His Majesty has found a new interest. - What? Is that really so?
Your Majesty! You can't do this to us!
Now let's talk about astronomy.
I prefer the smaller Gwancheondae Observatory over the grand Ganuidae Observatory.
- Forgive me, Your Majesty! I agree with you... - Forget it.
- You look tired. That's enough for today. - What?
No, Your Majesty. I enjoy talking about astronomy.
- Let's continue... - Stop arguing with the king and do what he says.
Yes, Your Majesty.
I'm tired too. That's enough for today.
Send me a report on all that we discussed today. Do you hear me?
Yes, Your Majesty.
And those books you mentioned earlier...
Excuse me?
- Here. Take them and have a read. - Excuse me?
I said take them.
Your Majesty! Are you really giving me these valuable books?
That's right. And this is not all. I will give you everything you want.
If I don't have it, I will search heaven and earth for it.
I hope you will do the same for me.
I hope you will give up everything you have for the sake of this country and its people.
You!
This is the first time you're going into battle, right?
Yes, Sir.
Pay attention and follow me. Do you understand?
- Yes, Sir! - Officer Suh!
We have to hurry! The ship is arriving at Songpa earlier than expected.
- Really? - Officer Park has sent word that they have started moving.
Alright. I can't believe those bastards sell off their own people because they can't pay their debt!
Today, I will tear them apart with my bare hands!
- When are the men leaving for action? - At the Hour of the Dragon (7-9am).
How many men?
Twenty Imperial Guards and Forty Palace Guards will be divided into two teams of east and west.
The East team will be headed by Officer Park Dae Su of the Imperial Guard.
The West team will be headed by Officer Jang Dae Chul of the Palace Guard.
Good. They will have to arrest everyone involved.
- Make sure there are no mistakes. - Yes, Your Majesty.
Be quiet!
Hurry!
Innocent people may be hurt, so we have to wait until they are out of the way.
Yes, Sir.
Hurry!
What is it?
It's a raid!
Halt!
We have to leave one. Release the prisoners!
Yes, Sir!
- Why are they so late? - Do you think there's a problem?
We better leave.
- Why were you so late? - I'm sorry. The cart fell into a ditch.
Let's finish the transaction. How many do you have?
- Fifteen. - Alright, I'll pay you after I inspect them.
- Seize them! - Yes, Sir!
Go! Walk, you bastard!
Go! Hurry!
I said hurry! Walk!
You rotten bastards!
Let me go! What crime am I accused of?
- Take him away! - Take him!
Let me go, you fools!
The criminals have been taken to the police bureau and will be interrogated tomorrow.
- What about the Qing traders? - As you instructed, they have been imprisoned as well.
Fine. Since the Police Bureau is in charge of this investigation, summon the Police Chief.
Yes, Your Majesty.
What will you do with the Qing traders?
- What do you mean? - The Qing ambassador will be visiting here shortly.
If they find out about this, it may create a problem...
But if they have committed a crime in Joseon, we cannot let them go.
We must punish the loansharks who sold the debtors and their families as slaves.
But we cannot allow the Qing traders who purchased them to go unpunished.
They entered our nation to harm our people. I will judge them under our nation's laws.
- You look very busy. - Your Majesty...!
No need to bow.
- Please forgive me, Your Majesty. - What are you carrying?
Oh, I am taking books for the officials at the Office of Ministers without Portfolio.
Indeed. You may go on your way.
Yes, Your Majesty.
How strange that he is taking books to the Office of Ministers without Portfolio.
Why would he choose that office over the Royal Secretariat or the Office of Inspector-General?
Wait and see. I'm sure he has a good reason.
Send these tables to the Office of Ministers without Portfolio.
Excuse me? All of these tables?
Can I order more?
Excuse me?
Going forward, I will put the reports here for the Directors.
And here, I will put the reports for the Officials.
Please have a look here once a day.
So are you telling us to come here directly and take the reports ourselves?
Yes, My Lord. That is what I am saying.
The Palace is too large for me to go to each of you personally to deliver the reports on time.
And you will be unable to attend to matters. Please understand.
Did you read the petitions to the Royal Secretariat today?
How dare they suggest that the Personnel Ministry be restricted in selecting personnel?
How can they suggest that?
That's not all.
There is a petition asking for a reduction in the number of officials in the six ministries.
How dare a junior official send up a petition such a this?
Councilor, do you know this fellow named Jung Ya Gyong?
He is a Nam In member who placed first in this year's High Examinations.
It is said that His Majesty favors him.
So are you saying that because of this favor, he is bold enough to raise these petitions?
Even though we are working in different ministries, we have entered government together.
- We should make a group to discuss reforms. - That's a good idea!
See you later.
Chancellor!
Are you Jung Ya Gyong, the junior official at the Office of the Ministers without Portfolio?
Do you know me, Your Excellency?
How could I not know someone as famous as you?
I have read all the petitions you have raised.
How remarkable that you are doing this when you are so new to government.
Thank you, Your Excellency!
No need to thank me.
Did you volunteer to be in the Office of Ministers without Portfolio so that you can waste your time?
You wanted time to raise your petitions working in an office that doesn't have any responsibility?
You are a mere greenhorn in government. Do not be too bold here.
I'm warning you to restrain yourself from trusting your own youth.
Forgive me, Your Excellency...
I'm sorry if I have offended you by the petitions I raised up.
But I did not write those petitions because I trusted my own youth.
I wrote them because I trusted that the leaders of our country would read them.
If petitioning for new reforms is the responsibility of junior officials such as myself,
then supporting and carrying them out would be the responsibility of the senior officials.
If we work together, our government will improve.
That is why I dared to raise my petitions.
And thank you, Your Excellency! It is a great honor that you read my petitions.
And Your Excellency...
May I say one more thing?
- What is it? - May I borrow your book "Classics of Qing"?
I've read all your books except for that one.
I can return it to you quickly. Is it possible, Your Excellency?
- Jung Ya Gyong...? - Now that Hong Gook Young is gone, another is taking his place.
Let us watch him for the time being. But he is not our priority right now.
The king said something to me a while ago.
He said that the late king had given him something that would allow him to get rid of me.
The late king...?
I have to find out what that is.
We have to find out no matter what.
My Lady, the nurse is here.
- Bring her in. - Yes, My Lady.
Please come in.
How is she? She hasn't been able to eat!
Tell me what your diagnosis is.
Well, it is weak but I can feel a Chung pulse.
Chung pulse? Isn't that the pulse for pregnancy?
- What did I tell you! I told you... - Be quiet for a while.
I have read that a Chung pulse is sometimes felt when one has a cold.
- Am I right? - Yes, My Lady.
It is best that you drink tonics for five days and get another diagnosis.
Alright. I'll do that. Until then, keep quiet about this.
- I do not wish to trouble His Majesty until we're sure. - Yes, My Lady.
- Be careful that no one hears about this. - Yes, My Lady!
I really hope it's a pregnancy, My Lady!
His Majesty will be so pleased!
My Lady, isn't that Official Park?
Oh, I wonder who that is? He's dressed like he's from Qing.
This mountain is so different in scenery that it should be called a different name!
It seems that Joseon is worth a visit.
It possess beautiful scenery and talented young ladies!
- That is... - Do you know him, My Lady?
- I'll be right back. - Excuse me?
Sir! Teacher!
Why are you here, Teacher?
He has come here with the Ambassador.
I asked about you at the Bureau and heard that you were in the palace.
- Congratulations, My Lady! - Have you been well, Teacher?
When you were exiled due to the political changes there, I was worried about you.
Fortunately the turmoil has subsided and I have returned to work at the Ministry of Culture.
Does this mean that you no longer paint, My Lady?
I do it occasionally as a hobby, but I am unable to do it often.
Indeed? I was hoping to be able to see your paintings.
I had big expectations!
By the way, do you remember Lord Chang Hwan Wi?
Of course! He's the person I drew that painting for when I was in Qing!
Yes, he is chief of the ambassador's staff and is here in Joseon.
Is that so? How is he? Is he well?
Yes, My Lady.
You must be tired from your long journey. Did you have any trouble on your way here?
Your help enabled us to have a pleasant journey here, Your Majesty.
Good. I have informed everyone here so please feel free to ask them if you need anything.
Thank you, Your Majesty.
- Let us go. - Yes, Your Majesty.
What is the status of the painting for the Ambassador?
It will be ready in two days, Sir.
Alright, make sure it is completed on time.
Sir, when is the banquet for the ambassador supposed to be held?
It will be in four days. Artist Tak, you can handle that!
- Come with me. - Yes, Sir.
So you pretend you're not interested in entering the palace but you're interested in this?
- What's wrong, Sir? - Mi Su, where are the paintings?
- What? - I'll finish them all! Bring them to me!
- Oh, and Yeojin. Help me. - What is it, Sir?
- Just do as I say! - Yes, Sir.
What did you just say? Release the Qing traders from prison?
Yes, Your Majesty. I heard that some of our traders are imprisoned here.
They are Qing citizens.
Joseon has always extradited foreigners to their countries when they committed a crime.
But they have committed crimes here in Joseon.
Their guilt is clear and therefore they must be punished accordingly.
Until the investigation is over, I will not release them.
I will take them back to Qing and punish them on your behalf.
- We will punish them according to our laws. - No, I will not allow that.
I do not trust that you will give them the proper punishment for their crimes.
Since their crime is against Joseon and its people, they will be punished lightly.
Do you acknowledge this?
I repeat, I will not accept your request.
They will be punished here in Joseon. I will not discuss this any further.
Are you really rejecting my request?
- That is so. - Then we have no choice.
I understand, Your Majesty.
Your Majesty, the Ambassador will not allow this issue to slip by so easily.
- Yes, you're right. Official Nam. - Yes, Your Majesty.
- Summon Jung Ya Gyong. - Yes, Your Majesty.
This is a report on the history of foreign criminals from the time of the Ming Dynasty.
As the ambassador mentioned, Joseon sent foreign criminals back since the Ming Dynasty.
But this case is different. They committed a crime here in Joseon.
There is no precedent and thus we are unable to give them anything to support this case.
All of our treaties with Qing revolved around trade agreements.
Any legal treaties we made with earlier dynasty have no effect now.
If there is no precedent, then they have no case either.
We must find our justification first.
Go and work with the Gyujunggak custodians to find a solution to this problem.
You may have to search all the historical records to see if there is anything that will support us.
Yes, Your Majesty.
We have come to review all the international correspondence.
- Please wait a moment. - Wait.
- Why don't we look ourselves? - That's a good idea.
- Is that alright? - Yes, Sir.
Let's go.
- Thank you, Madam! - Yes, come again!
I have to go back to the palace, so give me some soup and rice.
- Overtime again? - Yes.
Why do they work you so hard?
Are you sure you're not going somewhere else?
- Somewhere else? Are you crazy? - Then what is it?
The Ambassador from Qing is here, and that's why we're busy.
- Busy? - Yes, there's a problem so we're on alert!
Alert? What's that?
There will be a banquet for the Qing Ambassador today.
- Make sure you all perform your duties well. - Yes, Sir.
Sir, are you certain the banquet will take place as scheduled?
We heard that there were some issues with the Ambassador and our government.
Yes, I heard about that too, but it looks everything is on schedule.
- Look over there. What's that? - What's what?
Over there! It looks like a large group of people are headed here.
My Lord! My Lord! Something terrible has happened!
- Is His Majesty inside? - Yes, My Lord.
- Announce me! I have an urgent message! - Yes, My Lord.
What? They sent their soldiers to the Police Bureau?
Yes, Your Majesty.
The Ambassador's personal guard is at the Police Bureau,
and threatening to take the Qing traders from the Police prison.
Close the gates so that they cannot enter!
- Do you hear me? - Yes, Sir!
We are here to take the Qing traders.
If you hand them over to us, we will give you no trouble!
I said move aside!
Send the Imperial Guards to the Police Bureau and have them prevent any violence.
- Yes, Your Majesty. - We have to prevent this from getting too major.
If there is violence between the guards...
- This can start a war with Qing. - Yes, Your Majesty.
A message has arrived from the Joseon government.
They have no other alternative.
The Joseon King knows full well what can happen if there is trouble from this.
Damn it. How are we supposed to disperse them when they're armed and ready to fight?
This is bad. If they strike with their swords, there is nothing we can do to reverse this!
The Qing soldiers know what is at stake here. They will not strike without provocation.
But how long will they stay at that impasse? One hour? Half a day?
What? Qing has sent their soldiers to the Police Bureau? Why?
Your Majesty...
How could this happen?
How has the government responded?
They have not found a solution yet.
What do we do now, Your Majesty?
If something happens, the two countries will be at war!
What is going on? They say that if they draw their swords, so will our soldiers.
If that happens, Qing will not sit idly by.
They say that when there is a war, they always kidnap the queen.
What will happen to me now?
There are all the correspondence in the Office of Diplomacy.
I can't find anything that will solve this issue.
That place might...!
How has the government responded?
They have not found a solution yet. What do we do now, Your Majesty?
If something happens, the two countries will be at war!
By the way, do you remember Lord Chang Hwan Wi?
Of course! He's the person I drew that painting for when I was in Qing!
Yes, he is chief of the ambassador's staff and is here in Joseon.
Your Highness, it is Attendant Yi.
- What is it? - Forgive me, but Lady Sung is asking to see you.
- What? Lady Sung? - Yes, Your Highness.
What did she say?
She has declined your request, My Lady.
- Please return to your... - Ask her one more time!
Please, I need to ask her something. I need to ask her permission.
Lady Sung, what are you doing here?
Have you come to give Mother your greetings?
Your Highness.
What? She told you to ask me again?
Forgive me for saying this, but she seemed to be desperate.
Perhaps you can grant her an audience.
What did she say? Did she decline again?
Please go in, My Lady.
- Sit down. - Yes, Your Highness.
So what is this you require permission for?
Please allow me to leave the palace for a short period, Your Highness.
Lady Sung, what did you just ask me?
You want to leave the palace?
It is not for personal reasons, Your Highness.
You must have heard that we are at conflict with Qing.
I wish to find a solution to that conflict.
What?
Please allow me to leave the palace to do so, Mother.
My Lady! What did she say?
My Lady...?
Your Majesty, the ministers have gathered in the Audience Chamber.
Your Majesty, we should release the Qing traders immediately!
Yes, if this escalates to violence between Qing and us, we will not be able to reverse it.
We must accept their demands before it is too late!
All throughout the years, we have always submitted to them in this way.
We have always been afraid of starting a war or falling out of favor with them.
We have never been able to stand our ground because of these reasons!
They are asking for a few of their own citizens!
Why are you risking our people's lives for these few men?
- We can resolve this situation after... - Do you really think that will solve the problem?
Your Majesty, we must not back down from this situation!
They may be a great nation, but how can they use force in our land to demand the return of criminals?
Even though this may escalate into a bigger problem for us,
it is my opinion that we must not accept their demands!
If we give in to these small demands,
they may even start to demand our land and our people!
The Chancellor is right, Your Majesty.
Our nation's destiny hangs in the balance.
If we cannot punish criminals who have committed crimes in our lands,
how can we protect our people and our government?
If this escalates to violence between Qing and us, we will not be able to reverse it.
We must accept their demands before it is too late!
It is my opinion that we must not accept their demands!
If we give in to these small demands,
they may even start to demand our land and our people!
They are asking for a few of their own citizens!
Why are you risking our people's lives for these few men?
Our nation's destiny hangs in the balance.
If we cannot punish criminals who have committed crimes in our lands,
how can we protect our people and our government?
Sorry! I'm really sorry!
- What? An Imperial letter? - Yes, Your Majesty.
I inquired with the Interpreters who were well-versed in our relations with Qing.
When something similar to this happened during the reign of King Hyun Jong,
the Qing Emperor wrote an Imperial Letter to pledge punishment for the criminals.
As a result, Joseon sent the Qing criminals back to Qing.
So are you suggesting that we demand a royal pledge and wait until the letter arrives?
Yes, that's exactly it, Your Majesty!
If we do that, we will buy enough time to figure out what we need to do.
But do you think they will accept this condition?
If they do not accept this,
you will have to show them your displeasure at their arrogance.
It is almost time for us to leave Joseon.
I will repeat this for the last time! Hand over the Qing traders!
No. Without His Majesty's approval, we will not move aside.
You were imprudent to have caused this incident to come to this state.
Forgive me, Your Majesty, but how can I be the only one to blame?
It was you that declined my request.
Now what will you do? Will you still insist on keeping the Qing traders?
- Bring me an Imperial Letter. - Excuse me?
If you bring me an Imperial Letter from the Qing Emperor, I will hand them over to you.
- Your Majesty! - The late King Hyun Jong did a similar thing.
During his reign, Joseon handed over Qing criminals because we received an Imperial Letter.
I am asking that you follow the precedent.
An Imperial Letter...?
I did not expect you to ask for such a thing.
You intend to buy time while the Imperial Letter makes its way here, don't you?
Whatever you think the reason is, that is my condition.
Fine, Your Majesty. I will give you an Imperial Letter.
And I can give you that letter right here on this spot.
- What? - I am here on behalf of the Qing Emperor.
Everything I do here is on His Imperial Majesty's behalf.
I am saying that I can write you this Imperial Letter now.
What shall I do, Your Majesty? Shall I write you one now?
Now look here, Ambassador!
Episode 69