Raise the flag!
I, Lieutenant Commander Park Dae Su of the Dragon Guard, salute His Majesty!
- Honor the flags! - Yes, Your Majesty!
All Dragon Guard soldiers must obey their superiors,
protect and defend their nation with all of their strength.
- Begin the military exhibition! - Yes, Your Majesty!
Well done, all of you!
His Majesty will look at the paintings personally, so make sure all is in order.
Yes, Sir.
- Let us go, Sir. - Yes.
His Majesty wants to see the paintings of today's exhibition personally.
He must really be interested in the Dragon Guard!
Of course he is. The Dragon Guard is His Majesty's personal army.
Soon, it will be a commanding unit of the five armies!
I heard that only the best candidates were chosen for the Dragon Guard.
But they really were amazing today at the exhibition!
Now that His Majesty has military strength, all that is left is for Her Highness to give birth to an heir!
Has anyone heard from Chobi?
I saw her the other day, and she told Her Highness was well.
That's great!
Your Highness! Where are you going?
I felt confined, so I was going to take a walk.
No, Your Highness! You shouldn't move around.
You must be extra careful in your last month of pregnancy!
Alright, I will be extra careful.
Are you satisfied?
Your Highness!
- Your Majesty! - Why are you outside?
I wanted some fresh air. What about you, Your Majesty?
- Give it to her. - Yes, Your Majesty.
It is chrysanthemum tea to help soothe you in your last month before delivery.
Thank you, Your Majesty.
- Since you are here, let us have some together. - Yes, Your Majesty.
This is the list of physicians and nurses planned for the delivery.
Good. You must take extra care since this is her last month before delivery.
This baby is very important to the royal family.
There must be no problems arising from the delivery. Do you hear me?
Yes, Your Highness. I will make my utmost effort.
- You may take your leave. - Yes, Your Highness.
Your Highness, the midwife has arrived from your family's estate.
Indeed? Then I will go to her now. Make preparations.
Yes, Your Highness.
- Is she inside? - No, Your Highness. She has gone for a walk.
What? How can she go for a walk in her state?
- Mother! - My daughter!
Mother...
Where have you been, my daughter? I have been so worried!
Forgive me, Mother. I wanted some fresh air.
Let us go inside. I have something to tell you.
Yes, Mother.
What did you say? The tonic isn't ready?
We ran out of white peony for her tonic.
It will most likely take another three days before it arrives.
Her Highness has been taking that tonic since she was pregnant.
How can you run out of an ingredient for it?
That is because white peony is precious,
and we had received orders for Concubine Yoon to have priority.
What? Concubine Yoon?
This is ridiculous! How can there be an order giving Concubine Yoon priority over you?
That's because her delivery office has been established already.
That's strange too! You were pregnant first!
How can her delivery office by established first?
It's upsetting enough Her Highness became distracted when Concubine Yoon became pregnant.
But now even the government is paying more attention to her!
Why are you so upset?
She is of higher rank and therefore should have priority.
And Mother has been nothing but kind to me. I am satisfied with that.
You must have a son so that you can establish your position in the palace.
Everyone says that it is certain Concubine Yoon will have a son.
Really? How do they know that?
So what do you think? Will it be a prince or a princess?
Tell me! I summoned you because you are known for your accuracy in predicting gender.
I am certain it will be a prince.
- Really? Are you sure? - Yes, Your Highness.
Yes, it is known that male babies cause the belly to be low and round.
In addition, her firm belly button and her craving for meat is a strong indication that it is a boy.
- Are you certain? - Yes, Your Highness. You can trust me.
Did you hear that?
All the physicians and the midwives are saying that you will have a boy!
Mother...!
These are the clothes I made for you by hand.
I thought of you while I made them.
So please be healthy and safe.
That is all I wish for.
His Majesty the King.
No, don't get up.
I'm fine, Your Majesty.
Here.
What is it, Your Majesty?
It is a book I started writing when I found out you were pregnant.
When he is born, I will use it to teach him.
That's not all. I want him to be good in military arts as well.
I've already made a bow and staff for him.
- Your Majesty... - My father did the same for me.
I will teach my son myself when he is born.
But Your Majesty, everyone tells me that I will most likely have a princess.
I am afraid I will disappoint you.
What do you mean you'll disappoint me?
Think about it. What is better than a little princess who takes after you?
Actually, you might be the one who is disappointed instead.
I may cherish the princess more than you.
Your Majesty...
According to our spies in the Dragon Guard,
His Majesty plans on sending the Dragon Guard out to the frontier defenses as well.
What did you say?
Today's exhibition was just the beginning.
His Majesty plans to create an army to replace the Five Armies.
Are you saying that the Five Armies will be disbanded?
His Majesty is highly suspicious of the Five Armies because it is controlled by No Ron.
That is most likely his goal.
There is something else.
His Majesty's favored official named Jung Ya Gyong
has been at the Office of Waterways for the past few months working on something.
It is clear that His Majesty is up to something.
- Are these all the petitions for today? - Yes, Your Majesty.
Alright. Tell them I will read them before the Hour of the Dragon tomorrow. (7-9am)
By the way, how is Inspector Jung doing?
- Is he still at the Office of Waterways? - Yes, Your Majesty.
He is said to be sleeping there as well. He is causing quite a headache for the officials there.
What exactly is he doing there, Your Majesty?
- He is doing something very important. - Excuse me?
Something very important?
Excuse me, Inspector. Your dinner is ready.
You've skipped your lunch. You'll get sick at this rate.
Inspector! Your dinner is ready!
Did you see that? He's been doing that for two months!
He acts like he's doing something important, but he's been making toy boats all day!
What are we supposed to do if he skips all his meals like this?
That's what I'm saying! He should at least respond to us!
How can he ignore us like that?
Length is five meters and width is a meter and a half...
That's it.
Why don't these people give me my dinner? Are they planning on starving me?
- Has His Majesty retired already? - Yes, about half an hour ago.
- But I have an urgent message for him. - What?
- Please forgive me, Your Majesty. - What is it, Official Nam?
- Has something happened in the palace? - No, Your Majesty.
Inspector Jung has requested to see you urgently.
Inspector Jung?
What is it, Inspector Jung? What is this urgent need to speak to me?
I've accomplished the task you gave me, Your Majesty!
I've found a solution to enable thousands to cross the Han River at one time.
I requested your audience so that I could show it to you.
You said it was urgent!
- Excuse me? - It is past midnight!
You could have shown it to him tomorrow!
How could you wake His Majesty up for this?
Forgive me, Your Majesty. I had no idea it was this late.
No, I told you I wanted to see you when you accomplished your task.
- Your Majesty! - So what is this solution? Show me.
- Then please follow me to the Office of Waterways. - Good. Let's go!
Your... Your Majesty!
What...?
- Is this it? - Yes, Your Majesty.
- Then why is it covered up? - I didn't want to shock you.
What?
I should be more modest, but you will be surprised at how quickly and safely
thousands of people can cross the river.
Indeed? Now I'm really curious.
- Go ahead and uncover it. - Yes, Your Majesty.
Official Nam, please help me.
This is it, Your Majesty.
What is this? Are you suggesting we use boats to cross the river?
That's right, Your Majesty.
In that case, your solution is not that great.
Using boats to cross the river is what we've always done.
Oh! Wait...
Please forgive me. I forgot about putting these on.
This is my solution.
We use boats not to ride them across, but to build a bridge on top of them.
When we align the boats like this together, and put a path on top of them,
thousands of people can cross the river safely and quickly.
Yes... A bridge of boats in mentioned in the Book of Classic Poetry too.
But are you sure you can cross the river on this boat bridge?
What if it cannot take the weight and sinks?
That's impossible, Your Majesty. Please wait a moment.
Noryangjin is where the Han River's currents are the weakest.
So, you align thirty six boats there,
and cover it with a thousand eight hundred planks of wood.
And we can use buoyancy to support the weight.
You can support the weight of thirty six people with one boat, Your Majesty.
By buoyancy, you mean the law in which the weight asserted is supported by water?
That's right, Your Majesty.
As long as we prevent excessive weight imbalance, the boat bridge will never sink.
- How long will it take to build this boat bridge? - Twenty five days should be sufficient.
I will give you twenty days.
Yes, that should not be a problem. I will make it happen.
You are never surprised with my demands.
I enjoy making the impossible possible.
So Your Majesty, now you can tell me.
What is your purpose for this boat bridge?
Be patient a little while longer. Everyone will find out tomorrow.
- Let's go. - Yes, Your Majesty!
Young Woo Won Crown Prince Sado's tomb
Father, the time has finally come.
Soon, everything will be renewed.
According to your will and grandfather's will,
I will reform our government.
Please watch over me.
Please watch over me as I accomplish my goals.
What? His Majesty went to Young Woo Won?
Yes, Your Excellency. He cancelled all his appointments to go there.
What is the meaning of this, Chancellor?
- Did you just say Young Woo Won? - Yes, Your Majesty.
He left for Young Woo Won at the Hour of the Hare (5-7am).
Why the sudden visit? He does not go there except for the annual Ancestral Visit.
Why the sudden visit there?
Something is up. He is sensitive about his father's death.
After he became king, he has not mentioned it or talked about it publicly.
Your Majesty, it is Attendant Kang.
I have news that His Majesty has returned to the palace.
Your Majesty.
Summon all the Ministers at once. I have something to announce.
Yes, Your Majesty.
Your Majesty, you want to move Young Woo Won to another site?
That's right.
There has been previous reports from the Ministry of Rites regarding the bad location of Young Woo Won.
After some investigation, I have come to agree that it should be relocated.
The new location will be Mt. Hwa in Suwon.
We will begin construction after we build a boat bridge.
When it is completed, it will be renamed Hyun Ryoong Won.
But Your Majesty, this is too sudden.
- Changing the location of a royal tomb is... - Councilor.
I have given this much thought.
Unless you have specific objections to the relocation of my father's tomb,
I would like you to support this.
This decision was not made suddenly.
This was something I wanted to do since I became king.
Do you understand?
Crown Prince Sado? Why all of a sudden?
Why not? He must think it is the right time.
What do you mean by that, Chancellor?
Didn't you hear what he said? He's been planning this since he became king.
What does that mean? It means he has been waiting for this moment.
He has been planning for this from the moment he ascended to the throne!
His Majesty did not punish anyone related to his father's death even after he became king.
That means he has been biding his time.
He waited until he had enough supporters in government.
He has been preparing for this moment.
Then are you implying that with the start of relocating his father's tomb,
he plans on punishing all those related to his death?
Crown Prince Sado? Why would he bring him up now?
Don't ever involve yourself again.
Do you hear me?
This is your last warning.
I still hold the late king's will.
Don't make me use it, Your Majesty.
What is it, my King? What do you have over me?
Did you summon me, Sir?
- Are you in charge of guarding the Grand Palace tonight? - Yes, Sir.
- Increase security on the East Gate. - Yes, Sir.
There will be a private meeting there tonight.
When His Majesty schedules a meeting there, it is usually a highly confidential meeting.
Make sure that there are no trespassers. Do you understand?
Yes, Sir!
- Carry on. - Yes, Sir!
Let's go.
I have left this for you in case you need in after my death.
But if you think this is the right time, and you feel the need to use it now...
Do not hesitate to use it.
Now you must prepare to ascend to the throne.
You must now cut off your enemies and punish the criminals.
Do not show them any mercy or sympathy.
- What is it? - Lieutenant Suh has ordered us to change guard.
- Is that so? - Yes, Sir.
He has ordered you to guard Jinsan Gate, and for us to stand guard here.
- Alright. Be on your guard. - Yes, Sir.
Let's go.
- I am here to see His Majesty. - Yes, Your Excellency.
- Have a seat, Advisor. - Yes, Your Majesty.
Your Majesty, isn't that the late king's Secret Box?
That's right, Advisor.
I summoned you here to because it is now the right time to show you what's in the box.
- Aren't you supposed to be guarding the Grand Palace? - Yes, Sir.
Then what are you doing here? Don't you know you cannot leave your duty?
We're here because we were ordered to change duties, Sir.
What? Change duties?
Your Majesty, is this really the late king's last decree?
That's right.
The late king gave me permission to punish all those involved in father's death,
including the Dowager queen.
This letter holds the names of all those related to my father's death.
Your Majesty!
I not only have evidence, but also the late king's permission to punish them.
I have justifiable cause to punish them anytime I want.
But what I want is not mere revenge for my father's death.
I want to reform our government.
I want to stop No Ron's use of power and authority to control government.
Your Majesty!
Relocating my father's tomb is only the beginning.
That is just the beginning of my plans to reform this nation.
If No Ron tries to stop me, I will use this to destroy them.
Documents in the secret box...
So that was what he possessed...
The late king gave His Majesty a decree permitting him to have me executed.
Your Majesty...
I asked you a long time ago to purchase a private estate outside the palace.
- Do you remember? - Yes, Your Majesty.
We must hold a meeting. Tell everyone to gather there.
- Your Majesty! - Councilor.
But you are being monitored by His Majesty.
- If you are reckless, you will... - Either way I die. Do you understand?
The king will never forgive us for what we've done.
If that is what he is planning, then I will no longer sit by and wait.
I will not give him my head on a platter!
Here's five yang.
- I hope the baby likes it. - Thank you!
When did you prepare all of this?
- You got it for Concubine Sung's baby? - Yes, Aunt.
My goodness! You're still a bachelor and look how considerate you are!
Hey boy! You're a man! Your thing might fall off!
- So what? - You're such a chauvinist!
You should learn from him! You've never bought me a ribbon!
Miser!
By the way, isn't she past her due date already?
I heard it was supposed to be on the fifteenth, but she hasn't gone into labor yet.
I know. I've been counting down the days too.
You're such worry warts!
The first child usually comes a bit later.
Just be patient. The baby will come out when it's ready.
How cute!
- Your Highness, the physician is here. - Let him in.
Have a seat.
It is now ten days past Concubine Song's due date.
Why is there no news?
We have sent a royal physician to her chambers for that very reason, Your Highness.
A royal physician? Has something happened?
Your Highness...
Speak, Physician!
What is it? Why has she not yet gone into labor?
Have you examined her uterus and her amniotic fluid?
Yes, she is leaking amniotic fluid.
What is the matter? Is there a problem with the baby?
Forgive me, Your Highness...
Are you certain you do not feel any labor pains at all?
That is so.
We have to do something. Go and fetch the herbs.
Yes, My Lord.
Tell me in detail what is happening!
Forgive me, Your Majesty, but in my opinion...
There seems to be a grave problem with the baby.
What?
What do you mean by problem?
A problem with the baby? What do you mean?
My Queen!
Your Majesty...!
What? Concubine Song may suffer from amniotic fluid deficiency?
Yes, usually in labor, amniotic fluid is released and labor pains begin.
That is how the baby is born safely.
For Concubine Song, the amniotic fluid is being released,
but she is not having labor pains. This can cause a big problem.
A big problem? Are you saying she can lose the baby?
Yes, Your Majesty. We are trying to induce labor pains with herbs.
But if she does not go into labor in three days, not only will the baby be in danger,
Concubine Song may not survive either.
Your Highness, what can we do?
How can Heaven be so cruel? How can this happen to you?
Don't cry.
Your Highness...!
Nothing bad will happen. Nothing bad will happen to my baby.
His Majesty the King.
Song Yeon!
Are you alright?
Your Majesty...!
Don't worry, nothing will happen. I will protect you and the baby.
Have faith in me. Do you hear me?
Forgive me, Your Majesty. I have caused you to worry.
Don't be foolish!
Why are you saying such things?
Your Majesty...!
Don't cry.
Chief Physician, you will attend only to Concubine Song.
You will save her and the baby no matter what it takes.
If your numbers are inadequate, then get physicians from over the nation to come here.
- Do you hear me? - Yes, Your Majesty!
So let me get this straight. If she does not go into labor,
it won't only be the baby, but Her Highness' life will be in danger?
That's right! Stop repeating it!
That's how my sister-in-law died!
They said three days! If she doesn't go into labor by then,
they say she's going to be in danger!
That's impossible! That can't happen to Her Highness!
- Did you hear the news? - Yes.
I don't know how something like this could have happened.
Lieutenant Commander Park must be worried sick.
- How is he doing? - I don't know. I haven't seen him.
Let's go.
Your Highness...!
Your Majesty, it is Official Nam.
What's the news?
There is no change.
It's been two days since the herbal treatment.
How can there be no change?
Forgive me, Your Majesty.
Summon the physician!
- Your Majesty! - I said summon the physician!
Yes, Your Majesty.
How is Concubine Sung? Has her amniotic fluid stopped leaking?
Yes, Your Highness.
Your Highness!
You must save Concubine Song even at the cost of the baby's life.
You must heed my words. Do you understand?
Yes, Your Highness.
Everything will be fine.
So don't worry about anything.
I will protect you.
I will do everything to protect you.
- Your Majesty, it is Attendant Kim. - Enter!
- Any news from Concubine Song's palace? - No, Your Majesty.
Today's the third day! What do we do now?
But Your Majesty, I just received news from Concubine Yoon's palace.
It seems that she has gone into labor.
What? Concubine Yoon?
- Your Highness! - How is she doing?
Your Highness!
What? Concubine Yoon has gone into labor?
That's what I said.
How could this happen? How can this be?
It should be Concubine Sung who is going into labor!
- Attendant Yang... - This can't be happening!
How can Heaven and Earth be so cruel to Her Highness?
What happened? Did the worst happen?
No, My Lady. She has gone into labor!
What? Are you certain?
Yes, My Lady!
Your Highness!
- She has gone into labor? - Yes, that is the message from the Physician.
Your Majesty!
Song Yeon...!
Mother!
- So she has gone into labor as well? - Yes, Mother.
That is wonderful news. Please continue to look after her.
It will not be an easy delivery as it is post-mature.
Stay with her and support her.
Yes, Mother. I will do my best.
Your Highness, can you bear it?
Just a bit more. Just a bit more, Concubine Sung.
What's going on, Uncle? How is Concubine Sung doing?
She's still in labor.
Don't worry too much. At least she is in labor.
Humans can be so strange.
When she wasn't in labor, I wished only for her safety.
Now that she is in labor, I find myself becoming greedy.
- Greedy? - You buffoon! What else would that be?
He's wishing for Concubine Sung to give birth to a prince!
- Am I right? - You're right, Sir!
She'll give birth to a prince! Yes, she will!
That's what we wish for too, but they say she's having a girl.
That's why all the midwives said.
- They all said she's having a girl. - Don't be silly.
How can they say that when the baby hasn't even been born yet?
It's going to be a prince! I'll bet Yeojin on it!
Sir! You're betting Yeojin?
- Your Majesty... - No news yet?
There is no news yet from the Delivery Office.
So this is what it feels like to become a father.
I feel like all my blood is drying out.
Your Majesty...
Your Highness, you're almost there! Just push a little harder!
Push, Your Highness!
That's right! Push! You're doing well, Your Highness!
You're doing well!
Your Highness!
Why is it taking so long? Is something wrong?
I can't stand here. I want to go inside!
Your Highness!
Your Highness, it appears she has given birth!
Your Highness! It is finally over!
The baby is finally born!
Is... my baby alright?
Yes, Your Highness!
Is it a prince or a princess?
So, how is she?
Congratulations, Your Highness. She has given birth to a princess.
- Wh... what? A princess? - Yes, Your Highness.
Can you see? Your Highness, it is a prince!
- Congratulations, Your Highness! - Congratulations!
Concubine Sung...
Your Majesty...
Well done! You have accomplished a great thing!
- Your Majesty... - Thank you for giving birth to the heir.
You have helped me shed a great burden.
Your Majesty...
Thank you. Thank you so much!
Are you certain? Concubine Sung gave birth to a prince?
Yes, reports just came in. Concubine Yoon had a princess,
and Concubine Sung had a healthy boy!
This is a momentous occasion for the royal family! Congratulations, Your Majesty!
Congratulations, Your Majesty!
So this child is going to be the heir.
This is the heir I've been waiting for all my life!
Mother...
Well done, Concubine Sung.
You have accomplished a great task for the throne and the nation.
You are gracious, Mother.
His Majesty the King!
- Your Majesty! - Don't get up.
Well done. I came here to tell you that.
Forgive me, Your Majesty. I was not able to give you a son.
Don't say such things!
They are my precious children, whether they are a son or a daughter.
I will love my daughter more than anyone else.
Do not worry about anything else and concentrate on regaining your health.
- Do you hear me? - You are truly gracious, Your Majesty.
How strange. I'm sure he must have received the news by now.
I don't understand, Your Highness. How can His Majesty not have come here?
He must be occupied.
Occupied?
But you have given him a son! What is more important than this?
I thought he would be the first to visit you!
His Majesty the King.
So this is him.
This child is my long-awaited...
He is... my son.
I don't know what to say.
My heart is beating so fast. I don't know what to say to you.
Your Majesty...
Remember my words, Song Yeon.
This child will be the Crown Prince.
Do you hear me? I will raise this child as the Crown Prince.
I will raise him to inherit my throne and make him king of this nation.
Your Majesty...!
Episode 71