24th Year of king Jeongjo's Reign 1800 A.D.
Final Episode
Official Nam!
You mean the Crown Prince sent away his food again?
Yes, he is insisting on eating the same food as the people.
- Oh no... - What will we do if his health is affected?
Your Highness, it has already been three days. You must take your meals!
I can't do that. I still have not found an answer to Father's question.
May I inquire as to His Majesty's question?
I can't tell you. He told me I had to find the answer myself.
- Are you headed to the Office of Royal Lectures? - Yes, how is the Crown Prince doing?
He has yet to find the answer and is deeply worried.
I heard that he hasn't been sleeping either. This is not good.
His Majesty is the most fearsome of all tutors!
Your Majesty, the Crown Prince is here to see you.
Let him enter.
Have a seat.
Welcome. So, did you find the answer?
Yes.
Then tell me. What is the foundation of a good king?
He should know what his people need.
Know what his people need? In that case, what do they need?
That... Wouldn't that be to live without any worry?
Alright. Then what must the king do with that knowledge?
Excuse me?
What must a king do to ensure that his people live without any worry?
- He should study hard and... - Wrong.
He should reduce taxes and eliminate corruption...
That's wrong too.
Those things you mentioned are responsibilities of a good king.
But they are not the foundation.
Go back and think about it again. Do not rush to find your answer.
Think about it carefully until you come up with the answer.
- Do you understand? - Yes, Father.
How does one become a good king?
A good king is a king who knows what his people need.
- Then what is it that the people need? - To live without hunger and poverty.
Then in order to make that happen, what must a king do?
- Reduce taxes and reduce corruption. - Wrong.
What must he do?
I...
Investigate officials who are corrupt and...
- Reduce punishment for crimes and... - Wrong!
Then...
- Reduce duties to the country and allow them... - They're all wrong!
You don't even know what a good king should do! How dare you presume to become Crown Prince!
This question may be too difficult for the Crown Prince, Your Majesty.
But I am certain he will find the answer.
Let us go. We have a busy day ahead of us.
Isn't today Market Day? Why is it so quiet?
Please forgive me, Your Majesty, but I'm not sure either.
Welcome!
I wish to purchase some rice and beans. How much do they go for these days?
Are you paying with cash or with collateral?
I will pay with cash. - In that case, it's four yang for rice and one for beans.
Four yang? Doesn't it usually cost five yang?
- Why has the price dropped so much? - Don't you know?
- That's because the Capital has run out of coins! - What?
The shortage of coins have caused prices to fall!
That's why I have to reduce my prices to sell my goods!
- Did you find out about this? - Yes, Your Majesty.
It appears the Capital is suffering from deflation due to the shortage of coins!
- What? Deflation? - Yes, Your Majesty.
What did you say? The Ministry of Finance is unable to produce more coins?
The copper used to manufacture coins are imported from overseas.
But the increase in copper prices have caused great difficulty for the Ministry.
The nobles and merchants are also hoarding their coins, which has aggravated the situation.
They are using this opportunity to increase the value of their money.
Yes, Your Majesty. Loan sharks are doing the same thing, causing the people to suffer exponentially.
We must find a solution to this quickly. The capital's economy is in dire straits!
- What about the other provinces? - Kyeonggi and the others are experiencing the same thing.
We need a solution to this deflation immediately. Do you have any ideas?
- We can release more silver currency. - Not everyone can afford silver.
We need a more practical solution.
What about bringing in coins from Qing?
Coins from Qing?
Qing recently changed their currency, and they have an abundance of old coins.
What if we purchase their old coins and use them here for the time being?
But using two currencies may bring in chaos!
It may at first, but once people are used to it, things will stabilize.
How much would we save if we use old Qing coins rather than making new ones?
We would save quite a bit, Your Majesty.
Let's do that.
The Ministry of Finance has run out of funds and cannot afford to produce new coins.
Acquire as much Qing coins as possible and devise a plan to release them into the economy.
- Do you hear me? - Yes, Your Majesty.
How dare you run away! Come here!
- Please forgive me, Mother! - Come here!
- What is it now? - This little fool cut classes again!
He did? You little rascal!
You're going to pay!
- You rascal! - Hit him again!
You shouldn't hit him so hard! The servants are watching.
But I didn't hit him that hard!
Be quiet! Go inside and study!
- Yes, Mother. - That little...!
He's going to drive me crazy! How could we have adopted such a headache?
Does he realize how cherished he is?
Don't feel so bad. Dae Su was stupid too when he was young but look at him now!
What about sending him to Dae Su?
Maybe he'll think twice about cutting class if he lived with Dae Su!
With Dae Su?
~ Recites Mencius ~
How do I read this?
- Do you really not know this character? - Forgive me, My Lord.
No, it's alright. When I see you I think about my teacher a long time ago.
Who was that?
It was Lord Hong Gook Young. If it weren't for him, I wouldn't be here.
You've given me a challenge. Let's start from the beginning.
I don't think it'll work with me. If I blink, I forget everything I just read!
No, that's not true. You can do it. I was worse than you!
What?
To be honest, when I was your age, everyone said I was stupid.
That's not possible! How could you become Grand Commander then?
That's because I had someone I wanted to serve and a woman I wanted to protect.
I had to work hard to become a man who could do both of those things.
Now let's start from the beginning!
Don't just sit there! Recite it!
Go on!
His Majesty the King!
Salute!
Grand Commander of the Dragon Guard Park Dae Su offers Your Majesty the new training manual!
I shall accept.
Comprehensive Manual of the Military Arts
Is this the completed manual?
Yes, Your Majesty! We shall stage an exhibition for your viewing.
Begin the exhibition.
- Begin the exhibition! - Yes, Sir!
Salute!
Well done, all of you.
Each military unit used to have different training methods and techniques.
Finally we have a method we can use for all of our units.
- I heard you had a large part to play in this. - You are gracious, Your Majesty.
All I did was add a bit more to the manual the late Crown Prince Sado put together.
You are just being humble. This would not have been completed so quickly if not for you.
I have ordered a banquet for all of you. Go and enjoy it.
- Thank you, Your Majesty. - Thank you, Your Majesty.
Your Majesty!
- Your Majesty! Are you alright? - I will summon the physician!
- No need for that. - But Your Majesty...!
I'm fine. It's not the first time this has happened.
Let's go.
Eat up, all of you! This is for your hard work at the exhibition!
- Yes, Sir! - You Damos have been a great help!
- Thank you, Sir! - You're the only one that acknowledges us!
- You're the best! - Are you ever coming back to the Bureau?
I will.
What are you doing?
- Official Tak! - You're here, Official Tak!
- You're late. - Yes.
Others might think you're the official here! Why are you here?
Aren't you going to greet them?
Oh Sirs! You're both here!
- It's been a long time, Artist Yi. - You're the same as ever!
Artist Tak, I had a bit to do with this project too!
I know. I think you've eaten enough, so why don't you go home? You're not even a Bureau artist.
- But you begged me to help out! - Watch your words!
- I'm the Official here! - Official my ass!
I make more money than you!
What's the use of more money? Eat this and leave!
Are these the fruits to offer at Consort Ui's Tomb?
Yes, these fruits were ordered specially from Naju.
Consort Ui loved pears. Make sure they are not left out.
Yes, My Lady.
What is this? How can this be in here?
Forgive me! Forgive me, My Lady!
I told you again and again to take special care!
Calm yourself, Attendant Yang. Make sure the offerings are unblemished.
Yes, My Lady.
You must have an affinity for the kitchen! How did you find it so quickly?
I have a keen sense of observation.
And perhaps I used to work in the Royal Kitchens in my past life.
I feel a sense of deja vu here.
You seem to be familiar with dealing with the kitchenmaids too. Perhaps you too?
Really? I feel the same way too!
- Announce me to Mother. - Yes, Your Majesty.
Are the preparations for the tomb ceremony completed?
Yes, Mother. They will depart for Hyo Chang Won in the morning.
- His Majesty will be attending personally? - Yes.
I've heard that his illness has gotten worse.
He should be taking care of his health. I worry about him.
Hyo Chang Won Tomb of Consort Ui and Crown Prince Moon Hyo
Dae Su, what did you say to Song Yeon?
You were there longer than usual. Did you have something special to say to her?
I asked Her Highness to help you take care of your health.
You don't listen to us, so I asked her to help you get some rest.
Really?
That means in tonight's dream Song Yeon will be nagging me.
When I come to visit Song Yeon, I always come to this hill.
If I stand here, I can see the Capital in the distance.
What do you think, Dae Su? Doesn't the Capital look beautiful from here?
Yes, it does, Your Majesty.
I want to be a good king for them, Dae Su.
I want to make a better life for my people
who sweat and toil in my lands. I want them to live happy lives without worry.
You are already such a king, Your Majesty.
There has never been a peaceful and prosperous reign such as yours.
No, we still have a long way to go.
There is still so much I want and have to do.
What is this commotion?
I'll go find out.
What? There was a revolt at Heukin Gate?
Yes, Your Majesty.
The merchants are revolting against the use of the Qing coins.
- Against the use of the Qing coins? - Yes, Your Majesty.
This is the Qing coins we brought in, and these are the fake coins being circulated.
- They look similar in appearance. - Yes, Your Majesty.
The Qing coins are simple in appearance and easy to reproduce.
That is why there are so many counterfeit coins in the market these days.
That is the reason for the people's revolt.
They are refusing to accept Qing coins because of these counterfeit coins.
So what is the current situation?
We brought in the Qing coins to offset deflation, but the counterfeit coins have worsened the situation.
There are currently more counterfeit coins than the genuine ones.
It is critical that we confiscate all counterfeit coins and arrest those responsible.
- The soldiers are here! - What?
- Take the molds and materials! - Yes, Sir!
The criminals are getting away! Pursue them!
Where do you think you're going?
Surrender if you value your lives!
- Arrest them! - Yes, Sir!
Your Majesty, please retire to your chambers.
You have been sleeping only a few hours for the past four days.
These reports say that the counterfeit coins have found their way to the other provinces.
I have to read these by today.
- But Your Majesty... - Don't worry.
I'm quite alright.
I think he has a fever. Summon the Royal Physician.
Yes, My Lord.
My Lord, I need to speak to His Majesty. Please announce my arrival.
- Is it urgent? - Not really, but it's a report about the counterfeiters.
Can you come another time?
His Majesty is not feeling well. I would like for him to rest tonight.
What? The merchants are still refusing to accept Qing coins?
Yes, even though we are arresting the counterfeits, they are refusing to accept the Qing coins.
The problem is trust. They have a deep-rooted distrust of the Qing coins.
But their actions will affect the Capital's economy. This may in turn affect the nation!
What do you think about putting a halt to the use of Qing coins?
What are you talking about? Halt the use of Qing coins?
That is not a good idea, Your Majesty! We have already invested in the Qing coins.
The next shipment of coins are due soon. What will we do about them?
Besides, there is no alternative to solving the deflation problem.
If we put a halt to the use of Qing coins, things may worsen!
But what about the merchants? Even with our urging, they will not change their minds!
I will have to see this for myself.
I will meet with the merchants myself and hear their concerns.
You rascal! How dare you bring in counterfeit coins! Get out!
These aren't counterfeit! These are genuine coins!
Do you take me for a fool? You gave me counterfeit coins last time too!
Then go with me to the Police Bureau!
Do you think I'll be fooled twice?
- How can you think this is counterfeit? - Get out of here, you rascal!
We have already invested in the Qing coins.
The next shipment of coins are due soon. What will we do about them?
We are worried.
What if our sweat and labor results in counterfeit coins?
We cannot sleep at night worrying about this.
- Official Nam, summon the Cabinet immediately. - Yes, Your Majesty.
Your Majesty, you mean to put a halt to the use of Qing coins?
That is so.
I know the concerns you have with my decision.
The government will suffer financial losses and we lose a method to solve the dilation issue.
But even so, I think this is the best decision.
The market is the lifeblood of the merchants. How can we ask them to use untrustworthy coins?
Please forgive me, Your Majesty. I have caused you great worry and trouble.
No, this is not your fault.
The government should have anticipated something like this.
It is my fault as well.
We must focus on the present. We have to solve the deflation issue.
Prepare yourselves. If you do not come up with a solution, I will not let you rest.
- Do you hear me? - Yes, Your Majesty.
What? You want to find a replacement for copper?
Yes, Your Majesty. The original problem was the high copper prices.
But if you eliminate copper, the coins will rust and become unusable.
Do you think you can replace copper?
I will try and find out, Your Majesty.
- What is that they're adding. - They're adding magnetic iron to increase hardness.
- Magnetic iron? - Yes.
Your Majesty, please wait a moment.
- His Majesty isn't inside? - That's right.
He left last night and has yet to return.
But his illness is getting worse!
I must insist that he doesn't exert himself in this way!
At this rate, his health may be in danger!
Please send someone to escort him back to the palace!
Alright, I will do that.
These are coins that were made with magnetic iron rather than copper, Your Majesty.
Your Majesty, you do not look well. Why don't you return to the palace...?
No, I'm alright. We should have these compared with the originals.
Yes, Your Majesty. I will bring them at once.
Officer Oh!
- What is it? - A message from the palace urging his return.
Indeed?
Your Majesty, it is I.
Your Majesty, it is time for you to return to the palace.
What is it?
What are you doing outside? Weren't you with His Majesty?
His Majesty is inside. I left to fetch the original coins.
Your Majesty! Your Majesty!
- Your Majesty! Please open your eyes! - Your Majesty!
Your Majesty!
What? His Majesty has lost consciousness?
I heard that he collapsed while outside the Palace!
- Mother! - My Queen, what is this I hear?
How could His Majesty have collapsed?
Dae Su!
- My Lord! - What's going on? What happened?
This is my fault. I am to blame for everything!
What do you mean he may never regain consciousness?
Say something!
His Majesty's body is full of tumors.
They have become infected and that is why he has a fever and has lost consciousness.
So what is your diagnosis? What can you do to cure this illness?
We are using medicine and herbs, but his fever is too high to be certain of recovery.
I do not deserve to live, Your Majesty!
Your Highness!
We will try and use Gagam Soyosan to treat His Majesty.
His Majesty originally wanted this treatment, but the physicians objected to it.
Why was that?
That was because it is normally used to treat fevers, rather than tumors.
Because of His Majesty's high fever,
we need to stop treating the tumors and focus on reducing his fever.
But if the fever is not reduced within three days, we will have no other solution, Your Majesty!
Did you know this, Your Majesty?
You only have three days!
You must open your eyes in three days!
Do not show your tears. His Majesty will recover soon.
Do not let others see you cry.
Not yet, Your Highness. It is not yet time.
His Majesty can't just go like this.
I won't let him go like this.
So please protect him, Your Highness!
Please save him, Your Highness!
Please protect him.
Please... please protect him.
Do you know what is happening to the king, Your Majesty?
How strange this is.
I have hated him and held a grudge for so long.
But now that he is ill, I am not happy.
I am not overjoyed like I expected.
Your Majesty...
How did you lose so much weight?
How did you become so weak, Your Majesty?
You will recover.
I am certain you will recover, Your Majesty.
So please gather your strength.
Song Yeon...!
Your Majesty...
Is it really you?
Are you really sitting in front of me, Song Yeon?
Yes, Your Majesty.
It is I.
I'm here.
Please be strong, Your Majesty.
You can overcome this illness.
You can overcome anything.
There is still so much you have to do.
There is still so much on this earth that you have to complete.
Song Yeon...
Your Majesty...
- Your Majesty. - Has there been any changes in his condition?
No, Your Majesty.
Your Majesty! Your Majesty!
What happened?
His Majesty is awake! He has regained consciousness!
Your Majesty!
Your Majesty, it is I. Do you recognize me?
My Queen...
Your Majesty!
Not yet? So it's not yet the right time?
Are there still things I must do here, Song Yeon?
What do you mean His Majesty is not fully recovered?
My Lord!
They say his illness is severe and he will not last long.
They say it was a miracle that he regained consciousness.
But I have faith in His Majesty, Dae Su.
He is a strong man. He will not be defeated so easily.
Your Majesty, the Grand Commander is here to see you.
Welcome.
Why are you working, Your Majesty?
I'm alright. Don't I keep saying this?
I work because I can.
Your Majesty, I beg of you!
The most important right now is your health. Please put aside all of your work.
Please focus on your recovery!
You must have heard that my illness is severe and not easily curable.
Do you know something, Dae Su?
I'm doing this because of that very reason.
I know very well that I cannot be cured.
I know that I do not have much time.
Your Majesty!
Take care of the Crown Prince, Dae Su.
He is still young. When he takes the throne after my death,
he will face many obstacles.
When the time comes when he is alone in the world,
just like you did with me,
be with him at his side.
Yes, Your Majesty. I will be with him.
I will most certainly be at his side.
You have been a good friend all my life.
Thank you for that, Dae Su.
I will never forget
what your friendship meant to me in my life.
Your Majesty...
These are the reports from the Secretariat you wanted, Your Majesty.
- Your Majesty... - Don't worry.
I won't exert myself.
Official Nam.
- You may take your leave. - Yes, Your Majesty.
Your Majesty, the Grand Commander is here to see you.
Did you summon me, Your Majesty?
King Sunjo
I heard that you were my father's friend from childhood.
- Yes, Your Majesty. That is so. - When did you first meet each other?
It was when I was eleven years old.
I met him for the first time when His Late Majesty was the Royal Heir.
That must have been when he was my age.
- That is correct, Your Majesty. - My Father spoke frequently about you.
He told me that you were his closest friend and that he trusted you completely.
But I am fearful.
I don't know anything. I don't know if I can continue my father's reign.
Your Majesty...!
Please do not worry about that. I will always be by your side.
I will guard you at your side until the day I die.
Please don't worry about anything else and reign as a great king.
Gun Reung Current Tomb site of King Jeongjo and Queen Hyo Eui
How are you doing, Your Majesty?
Have you met with Consort Ui?
What do you think, Dae Su? Doesn't the Capital look beautiful from here?
Yes, it does, Your Majesty.
I want to be a good king for them, Dae Su.
I want to make a better life for my people
who sweat and toil in my lands. I want them to live happy lives without worry.
I will make certain that their blood and sweat are not shed for naught.
I will give them a world without corruption or lies.
I will create a world that does not have hunger, discrimination, nor worry.
I want to give my people everything I can in my power.
I want them to have only what is the most precious, and the finest things in life.
Do you know something, Your Majesty?
I still remember that day and moment vividly.
It was a outlandish hope.
But your eyes shone with a brilliance that outshone the sunlight.
And that hope was the most beautiful of anything in the whole world.
Now that dream will be dreamt by us, Your Majesty.
Now your people will guard that dream, Your Majesty.
So it is not yet over. It has not stopped.
One day, that dream of yours will once again move this world.
One day, your people will live the life that you wanted for them.
Episode 77