We are running out of time and cannot wait any longer!
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!
Your Majesty! It is Official Nam!
- Your Majesty! - What is it?
Your Majesty, we have received news that the Qing soldiers at the Police Bureau
have finally attacked our men!
What did you say?
We have settled the situation,
but our Imperial Guards have been wounded and are being treated at the Royal Hospital.
His Majesty the King!
- Your Majesty! - Your Majesty!
Forgive us, Your Majesty!
We should have tried harder to diffuse the situation without fighting them.
No, this situation was unavoidable from the very beginning.
What are the damages on the Qing side?
There were no severe wounds. We tried to avoid using our swords in the fight.
That is the reason why more of our men were wounded.
But this problem will not go away because their men were not severely wounded.
Now that both sides have drawn swords against each other, this may cause war!
Yes, that may be so.
Did you hear the news, Chancellor?
I cannot believe they resorted to violence at the Police Bureau!
How could they do this?
They may have intended for this from the very beginning.
Intended for this? You mean they are doing this on purpose?
I agree, Your Majesty.
At that moment, you were in discussion with the Ambassador.
So how could they fight our men without waiting for the conclusion of your meeting?
They must have planned for this from the beginning!
But there is something strange about this.
The Ambassador looked surprised too when he heard the news about the fight.
If he had planned for this, then why would he have looked so surprised?
I suspect there is another reason behind this.
They are risking too much just to save a few of their traders from our prisons.
I want you to find out why they are doing this.
I will give you until the Hour of the Swine (9-11pm). Can you do it?
No, we don't have that much time. I will return at the Hour of the Dog (7-9pm).
You must realize the catastrophe this will bring upon us.
Did you say catastrophe?
That's right, Your Majesty.
That is all I have to say.
You should return the traders to us before the problem becomes bigger.
What is the reason they are doing this?
My Lady!
What happened? I asked you to summon the Minister of Culture!
What? You didn't see him?
Yes, My Lady. I went to the Ambassador's villa but the guards there refused me entry!
I wanted to know the Ambassador's intentions through the Minister!
- Are you sure you asked the right people? - I told them where I was from and they still rejected me!
The atmosphere in the Ambassador's villa was quite tense!
I'm afraid something disastrous is going to happen!
- My Lady! I am palacemaid Kam! - Enter!
- What is it? - My Lady, Her Highness wishes to see you.
Your Highness, Lady Sung is here to see you.
Let her in.
Have a seat.
You must have heard that the Imperial Guards and the Qing soldiers have gotten into a fight.
Yes, Your Highness.
Do you really have a solution to this?
I'm asking you if you really have a way of solving this problem.
I cannot guarantee that I will find a solution, but I will try my best, Your Highness.
Alright. I will give you permission to leave the palace.
If there is anything you can do to help His Majesty,
you must do it. Do you understand?
Yes, Your Highness. I will do my best.
My Lady, are you really going to leave the palace?
Yes, that is so.
But you can't even see the Minister, let alone the Ambassador!
We have to try. Let us hurry. We have no time to waste.
Yes, My Lady.
- Go and send this without delay. - Yes, My Lord.
Now all we have to do is use Joseon as hostage to accomplish our goals.
We have to find out the destination of that ship.
Since it's a Qing ship, isn't it most likely headed towards their capital?
That may not be the case.
- It is not possible! - She is a Royal Consort of this nation! Move aside!
- What is it? - Your Excellency, I think you should come outside.
Forgive me, My Lady, but I don't think you can go inside.
I am here to see the Ambassador. Please give him my request.
That is impossible. We have orders to restrict anyone from Joseon from entering the villa.
Please turn back.
- Escort Her Ladyship back! - Wait.
Did the person who gave you those orders know of the improper way you are behaving?
This is against the law to treat me in this manner.
A royal consort of Joseon has made a proper request. How can you refuse her in this manner?
Wait a moment.
Everyone, move aside.
- Forgive me, Your Ladyship. Please come in. - But Your Excellency...!
It was I that requested Her Ladyship to come here!
I have known her for a long time. She is here on a personal matter.
So move aside. Do you hear me?
Please come with me.
- Find out what they are talking about. - Yes, Sir.
- Have you been well, My Lady? - Yes.
I wanted to pay you a visit but circumstances prevented me from doing so.
Please forgive my lack of manners.
Not at all, Ambassador. Please do not worry about that.
The reason I came here was to ask you a question.
You are a man who values customs and discipline even in the simplest of paintings.
You are not a man who is capable of causing such issues here.
I believe that there is a reason why all of this is happening.
So please tell me. What is the reason you are doing this?
You remember what kind of standards I judge a painting by, My Lady?
I like paintings in the Ming style, and that must have carried over.
So do you still paint, My Lady?
- That is not what I'm asking... - I do not wish to speak about anything else.
This table is only for us to exchange pleasantries.
If you have come here for another purpose, you have wasted your energy.
My Lady, any good news?
- It didn't work out? - Let us return to the palace.
Prepare the palanquin.
Yes, My Lady.
My Lady!
- Teacher... - Please forgive me for today.
I understand the position you were in. Please do not worry.
Thank you, My Lady.
- Then I will be on my way. - My Lady!
This...
- What is this? - The Ambassador asked me to give it to you.
- The Ambassador? - It is a gift to congratulate you on becoming concubine.
He said it held a tributary poem for you.
- A tributary poem? - Yes, My Lady.
What? They're sending soldiers to Joseon?
That's right, Your Majesty.
Sending soldiers here? Are you saying they're declaring war on us?
That is so.
Tell me why you think this?
As you are aware, when the new Emperor took over the Qing throne,
Qing has suffered internal political upheaval.
Tens of thousands have lost their lives and the Qing Emperor has used up his treasury.
He is trying to create an international war to distract the people from the internal troubles.
That is a logical scenario.
But we cannot confirm that they will dispatch their soldiers for that cause.
That is not true. The Ambassador's villa sent a messenger to Qing today.
Instead of heading towards the capital, they were heading towards Gwangjin.
That is towards the South China Sea.
- That is towards Dalian, where the reserve soldiers are! - That's right.
I think this was their intent all along, Your Majesty.
When the Qing people started to turn against the government for the internal struggles,
they are trying to use a war with us to distract them.
Your Majesty, it is Official Nam!
I have an urgent message for you.
Your Majesty...
This is the painting that the Ambassador gave you?
Yes, Your Majesty. Please have a look at the poem in the painting.
~Recites poem~
The cold wind shakes the forest,
lonely thoughts freeze here, unable to be delivered.
- Is this a poem about the autumn? - Yes, Your Majesty.
The Ambassador referred to this poem as a tributary poem for me.
But don't you think that this poem is inappropriate to be used as such?
I have a feeling that he is trying to deliver a message to you.
One that he cannot do publicly...
That is why I have requested you to come here.
I think that this poem reflects the Ambassador's true message to us.
What?
The Ambassador that I know is not someone who is capable of this kind of outrage.
Perhaps like this poem, his true feelings are different.
But he cannot come forward with them because of his surroundings.
Your Majesty, you must find a way to find out his true feelings.
If you do this, you may be able to find a solution to this problem.
This may have been their intent all along, Your Majesty.
When the Qing people started to turn against the government for the internal struggles,
they are trying to use a war with us to distract them.
Perhaps like this poem, his true feelings are different.
But he cannot come forward with them because of his surroundings.
Your Majesty, you must find a way to find out his true feelings.
- Official Nam, are you there? - Yes, Your Majesty.
Summon the Advisor, and the Gyujunggak custodians.
Yes, Your Majesty.
Artist Tak! Artist Tak!
Everyone, gather here! I think something has happened!
What? What happened?
- You scared me! - Wait!
- Aren't you Dal Ho's wife? - That's right!
What is this I hear about soldiers? Did something happen again at the Police Bureau?
I have no idea!
Your husband is an internal officer! How can you not know?
So what if he is? I have to see him to talk to him, don't I?
Where are all the soldiers headed? That's not the way to the Police Bureau!
Wait! That road takes you to the Ambassador's villa!
Does this mean we're going to war with Qing?
What? Joseon soldiers are heading here?
Yes, Your Excellency.
Your Excellency, how can they charge in here and threaten the Qing Envoy?
How dare Joseon do this? They have insulted the Qing Emperor!
Wasn't a war with Joseon what you wanted?
Your Excellency! What do you mean by that?
Now that you have caused Joseon to act, all you have to do is wait for Qing soldiers to arrive.
Your Excellency, we cannot sit idly as Joseon's hostages.
We must find a way out of this before this becomes bigger!
Please request an audience with His Majesty. We wish to meet with him personally.
We will hold negotiations with him. So send back your men.
That will not be possible, Ambassador.
His Majesty has stated that he will no longer show any courtesy to the Qing Envoy.
Despite his numerous attempts at conciliation, you have escalated this to this state.
He does not wish to hold discussions with you any further.
But as a sign of his respect to the Qing Emperor,
he has indicated that he is willing to hold a one-on-one meeting with the Ambassador.
If you wish to speak to His Majesty, only the Ambassador may enter the palace.
Your Majesty, the Qing Ambassador is here.
- Send him in. - Yes, Your Majesty.
Welcome, Ambassador.
Please have a seat.
Yes, Your Majesty.
As you must be aware, it was not easy to get you here.
Did you receive my message through Lady Sung, Your Majesty?
That's right.
Lady Sung gave me your painting and told me that you wanted to see me one on one.
If that is the case, will you speak to me now?
The Ambassador is meeting with His Majesty now? Is that really true?
Yes! The Grand Palace Attendant sent me the message just now!
The Qing Emperor is looking for ways to gather the people's favor in the midst of internal strife.
But the Qing treasury is low on funds.
The Qing court is on the verge of mutiny.
That is why Qing wants a war with Joseon to distract everyone.
But this is not a good solution to the problem.
How can they not know that the sacrifice both Qing and Joseon will make can be larger?
I agree with you, Your Majesty.
It is not right to solve one's own economic problems by waging war against another nation.
But I do not have enough power to stand against those who want this war.
- No, Ambassador. That is not true. - Your Majesty!
If you join forces with us, you will not be powerless.
There is something I wanted to do, and this is a good time to do it.
- This may even solve both of our problems. - Your Majesty!
What do you mean by that?
If I support you, will you do the same for me?
What are you proposing, Your Majesty?
How are preparations going?
We are focusing on increasing the quantity in the capital's storehouses.
We are bringing in more from the provinces, so we will not have any issues.
These are the proposals for the Qing Ambassador.
- Take them and process them immediately. - Yes, Your Majesty.
- What about the Cabinet meeting? - All the ministers will have gathered by now, Your Majesty.
So now it's time to persuade the Ministers.
What? Legalize the trading of ginseng?
That's right. Joseon has proposed trading ginseng with us legally.
Ginseng has always been expensive because it was smuggled in.
It has caused huge losses for the Qing government and merchants.
Not only that, the amount that was brought in was always insufficient for our needs.
But if the ginseng trade between the two nations was legalized,
Qing will profit from the increased quantity as well as the lower prices.
This will also be an advantage for Joseon.
If the ginseng trade is legalized, Joseon will have three advantages.
First, our farmers will profit because of the higher quantity required.
Second, our merchants who trade the ginseng will profit.
And lastly, as we will receive tax on this trade, our government will also benefit.
I had been thinking of ways to legalize the ginseng trade between Qing and Joseon.
Although it is a bit too early due to a few unresolved issues,
we can solve those issues slowly after we legalize the ginseng trade.
But will they accept this proposal?
The reason they want this war is because they want the people's favor.
If we do this, Qing will receive what they need.
And Joseon will profit as well.
I have full confidence that they will accept this proposal.
What do you think? Will you still insist on your way?
If you refuse, then fine.
I will return to Qing and report everything in detail to the Emperor.
So think about it carefully. Does the Emperor really want a war with Joseon?
Or does he want economic benefit?
The Qing envoy will be leaving tomorrow. Do we have the required quantity?
- We are still short two hundred. - A hundred and fifty are coming from Suwon and Kwangju.
The remaining fifty is coming from Yangju by dawn tomorrow, so please do not worry.
Alright.
The Qing traders in the Prison Bureau will be punished here in Joseon.
- But their sentence will be negotiated with Qing beforehand. - Yes Your Majesty.
All we ask is that you show them mercy, Your Majesty.
Their sentence will neither be harsh nor lax. Please have faith in me.
Yes, I have no doubt of that.
Perhaps I am impudent for saying this, but you have impressed me, Your Majesty.
I know that Joseon's future is bright for they have a worthy king such as yourself.
How you flatter me. All I did was find a solution that benefited both of us.
But that is what is so remarkable.
I am ashamed that all we could think of was using force.
If Heaven gives strength to any man,
it is not to oppress the powerless, but to help them.
I believe that is the role of the great nation of Qing.
It should help the smaller nations surrounding it,
and never forget that everyone benefits when living in harmony and cooperation.
Yes, Your Majesty. I will remember your words.
I will always support ideas that support our two nations working together.
Thank you, Ambassador.
The Qing envoy has left the capital, Your Highness.
Indeed? I am so glad that everything was resolved.
- How fortunate we all are! - Lady Sung has played a big role, Your Highness.
I heard that she was a mediator between His Majesty and the Ambassador.
I heard that you played a big role. Well done, Lady Sung.
You have a done a great thing for our nation and His Majesty.
Not at all, Your Majesty. All I did was deliver messages.
- I did nothing to deserve such praise. - No, that alone is a great deed.
If you did not think to do something, this would not have been resolved so easily.
You are gracious, Your Majesty.
Your Highness...
- Were you visiting with the queen? - Yes, Your Highness.
Alright. You may go on your way.
- Yes, Your Highness. - Let's go.
She really is too much! How could she not say anything?
Would Heaven fall out of the sky if she said "well done" to you...?
- Enough! How dare you be so impudent! - Forgive me.
But aren't you upset at all? You played such a big role in this!
Isn't it about time that she acknowledges you?
- Is this today's report? - Yes, My Lord.
- Did you read today's report? - Why? Is something the matter?
No, but it looks like Inspector Jung has received top place! Look at this!
We know about that. We were just talking about it.
He's truly remarkable! First place in the exams and first place again!
I agree. I worked really hard this year but looks like he was better.
Where is he, by the way? Has he gone to collect his award?
- He should be getting his punishment. - Punishment?
I have never seen anyone worse than you.
How can you still not hit the target after all these days?
Come over here.
That's amazing!
Let's stop wasting time. Just give up.
Give up! Never! His Majesty has ordered me to learn archery!
I don't think you'll ever learn archery.
- Then what...? - I suspect your arms are too weak to pull the bowstring.
Before we practice archery, I think we better increase your arm muscles.
Raise it higher!
Stretch out your arms!
Your arms need to become stronger! Raise your arms!
Isn't that Inspector Jung Ya Gyong?
Dae Su must be making him suffer under the guise of training him.
That rascal! Why does he like harassing the Gyujunggak custodians so much?
Do you think he has an inferiority complex with smart people?
Perhaps.
Your Majesty...
Raise them!
What is going on?
Officer Park is training Inspector Jung, Your Majesty.
He is doing a good job.
Your Majesty!
Put your arms down.
How is it going? Can you hit the target now?
He can't even hit the poster let alone the target.
- In that case, you must train him harder. - Yes, Your Majesty.
Your Majesty! Please save me! I can't do this any more!
I'll do anything you ask! Please don't make me learn archery!
No. You may be a civil servant,
but how can you protect this country if you don't know how to fight?
- Take your bow and stand. - Your Majesty!
What are you doing there?
Since you did not keep your promise, I will have to punish you.
I will send Inspector Jung to exile. Seize him.
What? Send him to exile, Your Majesty?
That's right. Exile.
Get on the boat.
Your Majesty!
That island will be your place of exile.
Stay there until you figure out how to strengthen your own weak body.
Yes, Your Majesty.
While you are in exile, I want you to think about something.
Find out how thousands of people can cross a river at the same time.
Thousands of people at the same time?
That's right.
Why would thousands of people need to cross a river at the same time?
I'll tell you that after you've come up with a solution.
Now go on your way!
Thousands of people crossing the river?
Thousands of people?
I have so many books to read! When will this exile end?
Did you say two thousand people?
That's right. This year's military exam will select two thousand people.
Everyone, quiet! You must realize the scale of this examination.
I'm sure all of you realize how prepared all of us must be for this year's examinations.
Listen to Artist Tak and Artist Yi and make sure all preparations are ready.
- Yes, Sir. - Yes, Sir.
Why are they selecting two thousand men this year?
You're so ignorant.
Ignorant? Do you know something?
Remember how the Qing soldiers came and caused a commotion?
That's because our military power is weak.
That's why they're selecting more military officers.
How do you know so much?
I am going to be promoted soon to Official. So it's only normal that I am aware of things.
What? Promoted to official?
- Official Tak? - Artist Yi.
Did you say a promotion?
When two thousand officers are selected, the military order will be reorganized.
Dae Su is going to be promoted to take over a high position in the military service.
Don't say anything until it's announced officially. Understand?
Yes, My Lord!
Selecting two thousand new military officers is certainly a sign of upcoming reorganization.
His Majesty has been planning on strengthening defenses when he formed the Imperial Guard.
This is most certainly another sign of him flexing his royal authority.
Now that he has been king for a few years, it is only fair that he does so.
His Majesty is growing more powerful day by day.
But I am losing power even as we speak.
But even so...
I still have not found out what it is that he is using to oppress me.
Please be a little bit more patient, Your Majesty.
I am investigating this, so you will have your answer shortly.
Wife!
You're home?
Did something good happen?
- No. - It's all over your face!
I can tell what people are thinking when I look at their faces.
You want to see?
That man over there is a country bumpkin who is in the capital for the first time.
It's great here!
And that man over there...
- Oh, that's strange. - What's strange?
He looks nervous. Like he has committed a crime.
Committed a crime?
- Did you hear about the upcoming military exams? - Yes, My Lord.
We have make sure everyone passes and enters military service.
- Train everyone properly. - Yes, My Lord.
What is it?
What? Is that true?
Be quiet!
You have to keep this to yourself until it's announced officially, alright?
- Or we'll be in trouble! - Alright.
What about Officer Kang and Officer Suh?
Am I the only one being promoted?
Official Nam didn't say anything, so you must be the only one.
Dae Su! You're the king's confidante and Concubine Sung's friend!
Who else in the entire palace has better supporters than you?
If I'm the only one being promoted, I'll feel bad.
You'll be fine.
Dae Su!
Have you heard anything?
Did you hear anything about what will happen to us when the military gets reorganized?
- N..no. - Ask Official Nam or your uncle.
I'm sure they'll know before us.
How can I ask them something like that?
This is a good opportunity for our careers.
- Congratulations, Sir! - Congratulations for what?
Didn't you hear? Everyone knows that the three of you will be promoted soon.
The news has spread everywhere!
All three of us? Are you sure they said all three of us?
Yes, that's what I heard!
Officer Suh! Dae Su!
I will do my examinations now.
What did you find?
She is definitely pregnant, Your Majesty!
- Are you certain? - Yes, Your Majesty!
Your Majesty!
Well done! You have accomplished a great task!
- Congratulations! - Congratulations, My Lady!
From now on, you will have to take special precautions.
You must be especially careful so that the baby will be born safely.
Yes, Your Majesty.
I must go and tell His Majesty the good news. He will so pleased to hear it!
- I will go to the Grand Palace. - Yes, Your Majesty.
What did you just say?
Lady Sung has become pregnant. Congratulations, Your Majesty!
- Are you sure? - Yes, Your Majesty.
It has been confirmed by the royal physician.
His Majesty the King!
- Song Yeon! - Your Majesty.
You have given me the greatest gift.
Thank you, Song Yeon!
Your Majesty...
Let's sit down.
- Do you feel well? - Yes, Your Majesty.
Come closer.
Don't pretend to be fine if you're not. Complain if you don't feel well.
I'll listen to everything you say.
You are most gracious, Your Majesty.
These herbs are from the queen and those are from the Grand Palace.
- So take good care of them! - Yes, My Lady.
Be careful!
Be careful with those.
Those too.
There's so much to handle! Be careful with those!
Thank you for coming here to visit me, Your Highness.
Not at all. It is my duty to congratulate you for this joyous occasion.
So, what has Mother said to you?
I'm sure she is overjoyed as this is a long-awaited pregnancy for the royal family.
I have not seen Her Highness yet.
What? You haven't seen Mother yet?
She must have heard the news. Are you saying she hasn't come here yet?
You're saying that Mother has yet to send a message to Lady Sung's chambers?
Yes, Your Majesty.
Your Majesty.
I am here to see Mother. Announce me.
Yes, Your Majesty.
So what is it you wish to say to me?
Have you come to tell me to give her the royal designation now that she is expecting?
Mother, that is not what I have come here to say.
Lady Sung has been living in the palace for over a year now.
You must know what kind of person she is by now.
Mother.
Your Highness, Lady Sung is here to see you.
Let her enter.
Your Majesty...
Have a seat.
I summoned Lady Sung here to speak to her.
But you should stay as it concerns you as well.
Take a look. It is a royal designation from the Ladies Court.
Your Highness.
Lady Sung will receive a royal designation as Royal Concubine of the third rank.
Please be aware of that.
Mother...
Now that you have been given a royal designation,
I will now acknowledge you as part of the royal family.
So from now onwards, you will no longer address me as Your Highness, but Mother.
Do you hear me?
Yes...
Episode 70