Original subtitles

Year 1719. Latter end of King Sukjong's reign.

Ill-talk that the crown prince could not beget an heir was spreading widely among the land.

With that, the Seoin Faction (western faction) that had clenched the royal court

was divided into Noron (old learning) and Soron (new learning) factions.

Each were trying to enthrone a different prince to the royal seat.

And on the crown prince's side, only the powerless, minority-numbered Namin Faction (southern faction) remained.

Amid this chaos that engulfed the entire nation,

Joseon had an institution called the Saheonbu (Office of Inspector General)

which had the highest authority of the judiciary branch.

When practicing the Prajnaparamita deeply,

one perceives that all five skandhas are empty

and is saved from all suffering and distress.

Form is emptiness. Emptiness is form.

You... you're...

We are all living lives hanging off the edge of a cliff.

A slight push and we will plummet instantly.

Do you know what one realizes when that instance comes?

To lose power is akin to imminent death.

Timing and subtitles brought to you by The Guardians of Justice Team @ Viki

His Majesty arrives.

It's certain.

The crown prince will never beget an heir, Your Highness.

[Prince Milpoong, Lee Tan (Noron Faction)]

Your Highness, it means the crown prince could be replaced.

[Prince Yeonryeong, Lee Hwon (Soron Faction)]

However, it's not just at that time, of course.

[Min Jin Heon (Minister of the Interior, Noron faction)]

It's possible someone's life is plummeting right at this moment too.

In life, what goes around comes around.

I will hear you first.

Why have you summoned me, an inspector of the great Saheonbu, Your Excellency?

You are a dragon from a stream. (Means a big shot with meager origins)

Even though you placed first on the exam to your current ranking,

since you are from the Namin Faction, you already know you cannot go high in your officialdom.

The reason you are not taking that cup is due to another engagement?

For example... a yadasi?(Yadasi: when inspectors mobilize together to charge a high-ranking official of a crime)

How did you know?

A few low-grade inspectors like yourself plan to stir up trouble tonight,

without understanding which way the world is turning.

The world sometimes calls Saheonbu officers, haechi.

Haechi, the legendary animal that judges good and evil.

[Saheonbu]

But do you know why that animal only exists in legends?

It's because, in reality, it's impossible to judge good and evil.

Byeong Joo!

You came!

I knew you'd show up.

That's because,

in reality, only winner and loser, survivor and dead exist.

Today, the reason why we, Saheonbu inspectors, gathered,

is not for politics or current trend.

Instead, it's to keep law and justice.

Even if it's the weakest arm, if that arm wields the sword of justice, that power is strong.

But in this world, there are fools who believe otherwise.

[Episode 1: Low-born Prince]

We're here. They say it's Hanyang (capital city).

The liquor-peddling country bumpkin has succeeded in life,

to have come to this grand Hanyang.

The city is still full of bigger losers than you.

It's time to leave and you just won't tell me until the end?

What do you do?

A wealthy merchant? The son of a minister?

The most useless man in the royal court too.

I told you already.

But still, you are the first person who ever treated a wench like me as a person.

Since I came out anyway, I'll check out the capital and go back.

When you get off the ferry, get the porters and go there.

Go first.

I might be late.

Where is it?

Can't be... is it your home?

Are you in your right mind?

I'm not even a gisaeng. I'm a liquor-selling wench off the streets.

If you go around with a thing like me, fingers will point at you.

Don't worry if it's that.

In this land of Hanyang,

that's the role I play anyway.

This way, here.

This horse was originally picked out by Deputy Minister's madam to gift to their son-in-law,

but that son-in-law suddenly passed the civil service exam.

You know how the nobles can't get promoted easily if they ride an expensive horse

because of that "upright official" policy.

So what if one's a noble? They can't show off their wealth.

That's right. It's better to wear the middle-tier hat.

Those with the royal winged cap are shaky in their position right now.

Hey, find him suitable stirrups.

Yes. This way.

The punk doesn't know much about horses anyway, so just wrap it up.

I'll start the price at 300 and end at 200.

Hey, did you finish trying it?

Your butt feels titillated, right?

What's the occasion for you to show me a genuine one?

Well, we adjust the game for the player.

Who'd mess with a man who cons the frauds?

This is hard to get even when you pay a thousand.

Take this punk and please save me once.

How did you bite that one?

I didn't bite it. I got bitten!

He told me to find a suitable one, out of nowhere.

Which bookworm would dare to take on such a big task?

But since my life's over already, it's no matter to me?

Such heartbreaking words from you. It's not that, but your skills...

Give me a brush and an inkstone. You said the exam is at the hour of snake (9-11 AM), right?

You're going to let me live then?

It's late so I'll ride this punk there.

Avoid Gyedong as you go.

Last night there was that chaos, so the roads are a mess.

Chaos? Why?

Yadasi. Overnight, the prime minister was served yadasi.

What? The prime minister?

Move back. Move back!

Gosh, the Saheonbu inspectors served yadasi to the prime minister.

Then what is this? It means he did commit a crime.

I told you to take this out immediately, so why aren't you?!

Yadasi? [Kim Chang Joong (Prime Minister, Noron Faction)]

How dare you rascals from the Saheonbu! Do you know who I am?

Are you curious about what yadasi is?

Pardon?

It's when the Saheonbu inspectors reveal the secret crimes

- of high-ranking people like him to the world. - I won't leave them alone.

That's why a rampage is happening like this.

- Isn't it fun?- You deserve to be bitten by dogs.

Hey you bastard, go ahead and say it again.

Even a tiger

gets bitten by a dog sometimes.

Even so, how can your scream be heard over your fence?

Minister of the Interior, why are you showing up there suddenly?

The inspector general is coming! [Saheonbu]

Inspector General.

Do you not realize the political timing?! The rumor that the crown prince might change is all over the place.

Why mess with the prime minister who is the head of the Noron Faction?

Have you heard? I heard the next crown prince will be decided

between Prince Milpoong and Prince Yeonryeong.

Of course, Prince Milpoong has the advantage.

Because of that, there are Namin Faction gatherings supporting the crown prince.

That's why! Why at a time like this, did we, the Saheonbu, specifically pick

the prime minister who is the head of the Noron Faction?!

Do you not know that the Noron Faction is supporting Prince Milpoong?

I am not taking sides here, but I am saying if this is correct politically.

Just how have you been managing the lowly officials?!

What do inspectors mean in Saheonbu?

Some say we are swords keeping the laws, but we are not.

We are just 24 underlings.

Do you understand?

Underlings like us are just following orders and

catching petty thugs corrupting public morals!

But last night,

some undisciplined bugs, who don't know their place, caused trouble—

It wasn't trouble but yadasi.

And we inspectors can report high-ranking officials' corruption!

So you guys planned it without your leader's knowledge

and made me into a fool in the eyes of my superiors!

You are going too far.

Inspector Han did tell you, but you ignored him.

Why are you there?

Weren't you the one who was trying to climb the ladder quickly?

Because you're Namin,

you want to hurt the Norons since the crown prince you're supporting is swaying back and forth in power?

Is this the kind of justice you were talking about? It's fraud!

Don't distort this as a faction specific issue.

The only Namin here is Inspector Wi, and we weren't trying to practice politics

but were doing our jobs as Saheonbu inspectors.

So you will continue to poke at the prime minister?

The prime minister put pressure on the police bureau

to hide the murder investigation that I was holding.

What do you think the reason is?

It's certain that it's because Prince Milpoong, whom the Noron are supporting, is involved—

He said to drop it because there is no evidence!

If he hadn't interfered like that,

we wouldn't have gone through with a yadasi.

- Hey, Han Jeong Seok! You bastard! - Stop, sir.

Then I will leave now to do my job.

Hey! Stop right there.

Job? That's not your job.

Stop meddling in that and go on rounds.

What good timing. There's a test for government officials being held at Sungkyunkwan.

- Why don't you inspect the testing grounds? - Lead Inspector.

Yes! Lead Inspector, that's who I am!

The one who hands out job assignments!

I'm warning you. Insubordination is not allowed in Saheonbu.

If you want to act on your own will,

resign and leave.

Aigoo, am I late? [Manhwalu Pavilion]

Look at the quality of this brush.

If the rain hadn't stopped, we would have been in big trouble. Right?

Your face looks pretty dry.

You couldn't sleep either, worrying about if the tests would be postponed?

I slept well and there is no way that my face looks dry.

No, you're wrong. Your face is darkened all around.

Or maybe you have a chronic illness.

Wait!

What is this?

What are you doing?

Alcohol? You gave up early and drank all night?

Why did you do that? It's not over until the end, so why did you do that?

Not your business. There are lives that have already ended the moment they start.

You've failed the test quite a lot.

That's why your face looks rotten.

Let's just say that's why.

Well actually, my fail count is in the tens.

All the people here are like that.

It's not just you.

Right! There is a saying that goes "You must fail a thousand times to become top."

So let's...

until the end, okay? Persevere until the end.

Okay. But I didn't ask and I'm not curious, so...

Here. This is a brush made of yellow-throated marten fur.

A new brush.

You came riding on a nice horse.

But why does your brush look like this?

No, I don't need—

I am Park Moon Soo.

And you?

What is your name?

You've been inspecting for so many years, so how dare he put you on rounds!

That Joo Yeong Han! Can he do whatever he wants because he's the lead inspector?

Are you really going to stop investigating that case like a coward because the target is the prime minister?

Ah Bong, how many years has it been that you've worked under me as an assistant investigator?

- Five years. Why do you ask? - You fool!

He's saying stop your nonsense.

Do you think our sir will tuck his tail between his legs?

[Student Park Moon Soo, 32 years old]

52 years old, Noh Tae Pyeong?

Hey mister, isn't it a bit awkward?

You, what is it again this time?

You told me that you were a Jang, but you wrote "52 years old, Noh Tae Pyeong."

You must have lived a very eventful life. ("Tae Pyeong" means uneventful, peaceful)

Even if you look rotten, you're saying your face is one of a 50-year-old's?

- You're taking the exam for someone else, right? - Taking exam for someone else?

Not knowing that, I even lent you a brush.

Inspector! Here, there is someone who is taking an exam for another person!

What are you doing?

I used it well, but this is not a brush made with yellow-throated marten fur but hog fur.

I thought you should know.

A hog?

Pig fur? Hey!

You! This, this is mine.

Hey! You stop there!

I'll come for you soon.

You, stop! Stop right there!

Hey you!

Stop right there!

- Hey you! - Get him!

I'm telling you to stop!

Get him! Hey!

Isn't that Hyung-nim Moon Soo?

What's going on? What's the problem?

Huh?

Where do you think you're going?

Wow, pretty good.

Punk!

I'm tired.

Let's go now.

Already? But I'm fine.

You take money to be a substitute test-taker?

Some people wager their lives there, you punk!

I give you a warning. You shouldn't wager your life on it.

I saw it fleetingly and in this life, you're a no-go.

What?

Why this pimp-looking thing!

Hey, you just stand there. Stand there!

Stand? I am standing already.

You!

Fifty-two-year-old Noh Tae Pyeong!

That crazy...

Step aside.

This is Prince Yeonryeong's entourage.

Move aside.

This is Prince Yeonryeong's entourage.

Hey! Are you nuts?

It's the prince's entourage. He is a prince.

- Moon Soo. - Huh?

Hyung-nim Jeong Seok.

What are you doing? Why are you here?

You came just in time.

Some punk was taking the state test for someone else at the test grounds,

and I was chasing after him but the prince...

Wait a minute. The test grounds?

Why did you go there?

It can't be that you took the state test?

Again?

Well, so I think I might have.

Just ignore me, I said. Just pass by me like everyone else.

Why do you insist on acknowledging me?

So you are still boisterous,

Older Brother, Prince Yeoning.

[Prince Yeoning, Yi Geum]

That was magnificent.

Indeed.

That was wonderful.

I wonder if it was a worthy sight for you all.

What a treat to the eyes.

I've never seen a dance like that!

Indeed, you are Prince Milpoong who possess all the six virtues of a gentleman.

Since everyone has such high expectations of me, I gave it a try at sword dance.

But as it turns out, when I give it a try, it works!

I made up each and every move!

But isn't a sword dance a bit too much?

The guests are having to suffer outside in this weather because of you, Prince Milpoong.

By the way, I don't see the crown prince.

That's...

Did something happen overnight, Crown Princess Consort?

Not at all.[Crown Princess Consort (Crown Prince Yoon's wife)]

He has a stomachache so he's resting.

Oh no.

I wonder if he's lying down too often.

Since the seat of the national foundation ("national foundation" means crown prince) shouldn't be left vacant even for a moment.

I thank you for your concern, but His Majesty and the current royal family will

look after the national foundation well, right?

By "current" royal family, you mean?

I mean, it's not a concern to you, Prince Milpoong, as side family.

I apologize that I'm late, Your Highness.

Prince Yeonryeong!

I was waiting for you for so long. What took you so long?

I met someone welcoming so I came with him.

Since it's Your Highness's birthday, the whole royal family should come.

By royal family, I think everyone's here already.

Of whom do you speak?

Can't be. Prince Yeoning?

When in Hanyang?

Where does he think this place is, to come?

He thinks he's royalty too?

I bid you my greetings, Your Highness the Queen.

Have you been well?

Well, yes.

What an occasion for me to see you too.

Summon the chief royal secretary right this moment.[King Sukjong]

Do you know what I hate the most?

Someone selfish. Someone exactly like you who gives others trouble for your own benefit.

And I'm a prince no less!

And one who is about to become the king too!

You think I can't slash you because this is the palace, right?

I did wrong. Please, Your Highness.

You're wrong, bastard!

This is all going to be mine!

So your habit of doing things personally remains the same.

You'll end up in trouble doing that one of these days.

Inner palace guards are at Jinseon Gate.

You'll get caught doing this.

Remove him and go take a look.

Just ignore it.

Prince Yeoning. Hyung-nim.

This is why you're amusing to me.

Your attitude changes so fast. You called me Hyung-nim?

You're not an easy feat. To come to a place like this too.

I guess you do your sniffing around.

Are you going to cling to Prince Yeonryeong's side?

Stop your concern about me who has no interest in the happenings of the royal palace. It's tiring.

What interest? More like you don't qualify since your mother is a low-born.

That's why everyone finds you uncomfortable, Hyung-nim.

A royal prince with low-born blood flowing in him.

It's embarrassing no matter what, no?

Why do you cling to Prince Yeonryeong?

You're both sons of the king but one's king material and the other's a lost cause.

Doesn't it make your stomach knot?

Since you're singing about blood, let's skip the "Hyung-nim" calling, Tan.

You're not even a son of the king.

So in other words, the collateral family line?

I am the direct descendant of Crown Prince Sohyeon!

The royal throne was supposed to be my father's and mine!

Stop your whining.

What law is that? Whoever swallows it gets to keep it.

I hear Prime Minster Kim Chang Joong was served yadasi.

That was because of you, right? It's obvious.

You caused some trouble and the Noron who are supporting you had to stop it.

And so that's how that disturbance came about.

What? Did you, by chance, get yourself caught killing someone?

Shut up, punk!

A thing like you as a king?

The next reign will be Prince Yeonryeong's so stop your vain efforts.

Since he's a kind punk, he'll spare you, so don't cower too much either.

Shove that aside.

Or you'll get hurt too.

Prince Milpoong.

You need to come quickly.

His Majesty is sending a royal edict to you right now.

What?

Me?