Original subtitles

Subtitles by MBC

Your Majesty,

Your Servant Haeung Yi has come to humbly seek your honorable presence.

Roll up the screen.

May the King have enjoyed good health and good grace

in his mind and body for all time!

Do I look in 'good health' to you?

Maybe your eyes have become dim.

Your Majesty, the new face here is a newly-appointed royal physician.

My name is Hyuk Jin.

He has excellent medical skills.

He will take care of your health by your side.

Please let him examine you first.

Prince Heung Seon.

Yes, Your Majesty.

Do you know any attractive girls?

I beg your pardon?

I have enough doctors in the palace.

That is absurd.

To manage the affairs of state, you--

Stop that boring conversation.

Since you came here, how about we call in the courtesans

and enjoy yourself, Prince Heung Seon?

That is good idea!

Please leave complicated state affairs to your servants

and rest your mind in the open air.

I think that would be good for your health.

Do you know why the Chinese character 'king' is shaped like that?

Pardon?

The three horizontal strokes represent the heaven, the people and the earth.

And the King, the one vertical stroke, rules over each.

When a king stands upright, so does the world.

The one you saw in there...

is not a king but a figurehead,

a scarecrow that the Councilor put up in his field called Joseon.

Examine the King closely and please let me know what condition is.

Your advice can change the future of this country.

Sir.

King Cheol Jong, aka 'the rural boy from Gangwha Island,'

is from the farm in Gangwha Island.

Since the Andong Kim clan set him up as a king and manipulated him,

he's remained as an incompetent monarch indulging in wine and women.

According to history, King Cheol Jong will soon die from an illness.

Then, what should I do in the midst of history?

Doctor Jin!

You are the benefactor of my life.

The royal court clinic?

Me, working at the royal court clinic?

It's only a temporary job. And we should do our job here at the same time.

That's all right.

Never did I imagine I could assist the king in my life.

What an honor to my family!

Our work here is also important.

The fact that we make penicillin and take care of the common people.

Absolutely. Don't worry.

Oh. Did you hear?

I didn't see your brother there.

And you didn't see anything...

or know anything, either.

Do you understand?

As his friend, and for old times' sake,

this is the last favor I can do for you.

How is Lady Young Rae?

None of your business.

I'm sorry.

I know how it feels to lose someone precious.

Don't be presumptuous.

Even if he hadn't shot Young Hwi,

I would've slain the leader of the rebellion with my sword.

I heard about the riot. Why didn't you come with him?

Young Hwi looked determined this time.

He firmly refused to come until his success, so what could I do?

Is he really doing fine?

He is.

He is doing fine, so please have no worries!

Then I'm relieved.

Miss.

Well...

So you wiped out the rebels and put the leader to the sword?

Yes, that is right.

You've done some great deeds during this disciplinary period.

I hardly deserve your praise.

I will submit to punishment for jeopardizing the family.

Of course.

You think we'll let it pass?

Father, how about sending him away to the border area?

Difficult tasks suit him better than easy ones.

Go work at the Royal Guard staring tomorrow.

Father!

The Royal Guard?

That's a far too important position for him.

Guarding the royal family is not important.

Your mission is to protect our family from our enemies in the palace.

Do you understand what I mean?

I will do my best to perform my duties, My Lord.

Take me.

And save Young Rae's life instead.

With this sword...

you eventually killed me.

My friend...

Your Highness, have you been well?

Yes. Did you say your name is Myeong Bok?

Yes, Your Highness.

You look as smart as the last time I saw you.

Come closer.

Yes.

So, did you say you read The Great Learning the other day?

That is right.

What does the book say about the essence of human life?

It says, virtue is the most essential and money is the least.

Why do you think it mentions money if it's the least essential?

An old saying has it that daily meals are important to the people.

Since they work hard to satisfy their stomachs,

I believe that money is an indispensable part of their lives.

Exactly! You are quite right!

I am quite embarrassed at you complimenting his learning.

What book do you read these days?

I am read Comprehensive Mirror to Aid in Government.

Do you know what that book is about?

It is about the ways a king should follow.

Then, what do you think is the way of kings?

Due to my insufficient knowledge, I'm unable to find answers yet.

That is why I brought him here to seek your guidance.

Go stay outside.

Yes.

Royal court clinic...

Is it a dream or reality? I never dreamed of this..

It's here.

Why did you come this late?

Chief Royal Physician, I lend my services to you.

It's been a while since His Majesty woke up.

This is not some pubic infirmary for the rabble.

If you think you can do a sloppy job, you'll pay dearly for it.

What are we supposed to do?

Your Majesty, this is an herbal medicine good for pneumonia.

I said I will not eat it.

Leave me alone.

You must eat.

This medicine will sooth coughs and phlegm.

Just be gone!

Will you get out after getting hit?

Your Majesty, you must eat this so you can grow strong in health

and have an heir...

Heir! Heir!

If you bring it up once more, I will tear your mouth!

Save that matter, since you have poor health,

your body's immune system must be weakened.

How dare you.

In that case, you'll be susceptible to other diseases.

You must eat this for your health.

Let me bring in another bowl of medicine.

I am the King! The King!

I said I won't eat. How dare you force me!

Are you ignoring me too?

Your Majesty.

Your Majesty.

Your Majesty, are you alright?

Your Majesty, Your Majesty.

Your Majesty, please relax and try to breathe, slowly.

Exhale, inhale.

Is he like this often?

Occasionally, he breathes hard when he gets angry,

But it's never been this serious.

I think it's hyperventilation.

Hyperventilation?

The state of breathing faster and deeper due to panic attacks, or anxiety.

Do you mean hyperpnea?

A decoction of pinelia and machila is good for it. I'll go prepare it...

Wait. We don't have time for that.

First aid for hyperventilation... Yes, paper bag.

Paper. Do you have paper?

Are you crazy? How dare you touch His Majesty's belongings!

Do you have glue? Or something like that. Hurry!

Bring us grains of steamed rice.

Your Majesty, please breathe into this.

We inhale oxygen and exhale carbon dioxide when we breathe.

Hyperventilation occurs if the body expels too much carbon dioxide.

In this case, a person can recover normal breathing

if he breathes in the carbon dioxide he exhaled.

It worked.

He has recovered normal breathing. Yes.

Are you alright?

Now you're safe. You are safe.

I had a good time, thanks to your son.

I feel honored to hear you say that.

By the way, I don't think you brought him here to keep me company.

What is it that you want from me?

Since you ask me directly, I will get to the point.

Your Highness, I'd like to ask you to adopt Myeong Bok as your son.

I had an audience with His Majesty a few days ago. He looked in poor health.

Shouldn't you prepare his successor in confidence?

Are you telling me to plot treason?

How dare you!

Is no one out there?

Are you going to let the Councilor and his men control the throne again?

How long will you just feel bitter against them and the world in this room?

Am I wrong with my assumption?

Please recall the time when the late king died.

Even before King Heon Jong left his final injunctions,

they hid the Royal seal and discussed his successor by themselves.

Did you forget that humiliation?

Even if the power of decision resides in you,

they dare to take advantage of the irresolute King

and decide an heir to the throne.

Do you really want to see another nominal king?

Your Highness, did you look for me?

Leave us.

Your Highness, as the eldest person of this nation,

please show us your power.

I'm sure Myeong Bok will become your stepping stone to power.

What did she say?

She said we can discuss the process of adoption on my next visit.

Is that true? That's good!

If she said so, it is as good as confirmed.

I wish!

Huh?

Glad to see you, Commander!

I see the savior of my life here.

I heard you took the trouble to clear me of the false charges.

Had it not been for you,

I would've joined the dead a long time ago.

I appreciate it.

I didn't do it for you.

No matter. It was mutually beneficial.

From the Police Bureau to the Royal Guard...

It seems the Councilor cherishes you despite your illegitimacy.

I see you frequent the palace although you're a royal kinsman.

It seems the Queen Dowager is very lonesome.

What do you mean?

Perhaps you two get along pretty well with each other.

I thought the Councilor failed to raise his children well,

but it seems he didn't completely failed.

Walls have ears in this palace.

You better be cautious.

Seems it'll go on raining.

Well. See you again.

Father, I have a question.

Is it good to become a king?

Wrong question. You should become a good king.

Why do you look gloomy?

I am afraid.

They call a king the Father of the Nation.

I'm not sure if I'll become a good king.

Don't worry. You have me.

Look around.

All the people will kneel before you soon.

I'll surely make that happen.

What? Adopt a son?

Yes. I got information that the Queen Dowager

might adopt Prince Heung Seon's second son.

Adopt a son at her age?

Maybe she has gone senile.

Or maybe Prince Heung Seon can't count on that fickle old woman.

I guess he wants to take up a public post, using his son.

Royal kinsmen cannot enter government service.

He probably wants something bigger than that.

Have no worry, Father.

What's there to worry when the King is in our hands?

I don't worry about the immediate present.

The problem is when the King passes away.

Pardon?

You don't still get it?

Prince Heung Seon incites the Queen Dowager

to prepare for an heir to the throne.

Heir to the throne?

No way.

His Majesty is in the bedroom.

Let's go.

I was so scared.

Had His Majesty's fate gone awry at that moment...

It's frightening even to think of it.

I almost experienced hell on the first day at the job.

It seems being a king is not always good by the way he speaks of it.

Isn't she Lady Young Rae?

I know no words can comfort you.

I'm sorry.

Do you mean you regret what you did?

Do you regret having saved the one who deserved to die?

No. If I'm put into the same situation again,

my choice will be the same.

I knew it.

I knew you'd say that's the duty of a doctor.

Miss.

I know you're not to blame.

But still, I'm not comfortable seeing you as if nothing happened.

You can blame me. But please,

come to see patients. You said it's your dream.

Don't give up on your dream because of me.

So you're saying, become a doctor and save those who deserve to die?

A doctor is a human being.

We can't decide the life and death of other people,

Who do you think you are to judge that?

Are you God? You're a doctor.

Because we are not God.

I will wait for you at the infirmary.

What brought you to this old woman's abode?

Queen Mother, I heard you're going to adopt Myeong Bok Yi.

I don't know who told you what, but even so,

should I get your approval for that?

You are right but,

if you adopt a son while I am this healthy,

you could invite misunderstanding.

That is right, Your Highness.

All sorts of rumors are already in the air, that are offending His Majesty.

What are you talking about?

When His Majesty is in good health, if you prepare for his successor,

it'll be as good as treason.

Treason? How dare you!

His Majesty and these servants are concerned about Your Highness' safety.

Why should you create unnecessary trouble?

Your Highness, Prince Heung Seon seeks your audience.

Your Majesty! This servant didn't know your presence was here.

Well, I didn't know I was here, either.

Prince Heung Seon, you've come at just the right time.

Yes, Your Highness.

Have I ever said I'd adopt your second son?

I only said I'd like to see that smart boy often.

Didn't I?

Your Highness, that is...

Councilor, is your misunderstanding cleared up?

As long as the King is alive, that will never happen.

Know that and leave me alone!

We already knew they weren't an easy mark.

Drink up and let it go.

Since they noticed your intention to set up a successor,

they won't just sit back.

So what can we do?

We are between a rock and a hard place.

That's right!

Sorry?

Gold chest.

Gold chest?

There is the gold chest Scholar Hong left us.

The gold chest he stole from the Councilor's house.

What are you going to do with it?

I'm going to return it.

What?

Return? You know how hard it was to get it.

Do you have an idea?

A rock is not a big deal.

It's only a pile of dust when stepped on.

Choon Hong.

Didn't I tell you not to intrude during our talk?

But there's someone who's looking for you.

What a surprise that you came for me.

You must tell me today.

Tell you what?

Everything you know.

Why am I here?

I've cured the sick and met lots of people here.

The people I shouldn't meet or shouldn't have met,

the people in another world.

Why? What's the reason?

You have all the answers, don't you?

So it's because of Lady Young Rae?

Yes. I need to know that too.

Why did I come to meet someone resembling Mi Na of all people?

Forget Lady Young Rae.

Didn't I tell you?

You are not meant for her.

You shouldn't have feelings for her.

Then please answer!

How did you know everything, things like I came from the future?

Are you that curious?

Yes.

This is...

How do you have this?

Now can you remember?

You're still up at this hour?

Nurses might spank you if you wander around at bedtime.

Where's your mom?

What number is your room?

You can't really be her...

Yes. I am that child.

How...

I was 10 years old at that time.

While I was running way from the courtesan house,

I fell off a cliff.

The next thing I knew, I was in a strange world I'd never been.

And you were the first person I met there.

Coincidentally,

it was also you who saved me from drowning in this world.

I thought my trip to the other world was a dream.

No, I had to believe in order to live.

But as soon as you saved me again,

all my memories became clear.

I've been waiting for you for so long.

And I've come to know lots of things I should not know.

Things beyond my understanding,

things I can hardly believe.

Then, how did you come back?

Since you came back to this world, I'm sure you know the way, right?

That I do not know.

I have patrons. Excuse me.

Wait.

Please don't lie to me and tell me.

You know everything.

All I know is that...

when everything is put back the way it was,

you will find out the answers yourself.

So please have no lingering feelings for Lady Young Rae.

Did you look for me?

So, you cut down the leader of the rebellion?

That is right.

Did you discover his identity?

He is asking. Answer quickly.

It was Young Hwi Hong.

You mean the son of the former Deputy Minister Hong?

Yes.

Then why didn't you report it to me?

Because...

Isn't it obvious?

He intended to defend that girl.

When I interrogated her, she cursed our family without batting an eye.

To say nothing of her father, dirty blood runs in her family.

There must be evil destiny between that family and me.

I'd better break off such a ill-fated relationship.

Deprive his family of their noble status right now,

and make them government slaves.

But we once pushed ahead with nuptials with that family.

If it is gossiped about in the capital city,

it'll bring disgrace on you and the family.

How dare you talk disgrace before us?

I cut down her brother myself,

although he was my long-time friend.

Since I feared that it could smear the reputation of our family,

I kept it a secret.

You think I'm afraid of gossip?

I'm not saying that. But if we can prevent gossip about us,

it'd be better for the family. That's my point.

Ha.

Then, what do you think we should do?

This servant has one last earnest request.

Disgusting jerk.

There is eye-opening news for you.

If things go well,

I think you can retrieve the gold chest you lost.

Gold chest!

Gold chest?

Nuptials? Did you just say nuptials?

Yes.

But I clearly told you I can't proceed with it.

You should.

My brother had such a death and...

I have no feelings for you. How could I...

Still you should.

Please tell me the reason.

My Lord the Councilor was informed of who Young Hwi was.

If you don't want to let your family become slaves,

you should marry me.

I'd rather become a slave.

How could you say that?

You don't care even if your aged mother becomes a slave?

But...

I don't want to beg for your love.

But Young Hwi...

There's the last favor he asked of me.

He asked me to protect you no matter what.

Please help me keep my last promise.

How are you?

How are you, sir?

Huh? I heard you are a merchant from Qing.

My mother is from Joseon,

so I've frequented Qing and Joseon since I was little.

That's not of my concern.

Where is the gold chest?

Oh.

How are you?

Yes! This is my gold chest!

Keep your hands off my gold, please.

This is mine from the beginning!

Don't think you can go back to your country with stolen goods.

The State Councilor is my father and I'm the eldest son of the Andong Kim clan!

You really don't want to do business again in Joseon?

Please calm down.

But if you hand this over to me,

I will let you dominate the market in this country.

I promise.

I read you loud and clear.

But if we go back empty-handed, our lives could be in danger.

If you give us any tangible evidence that this gold chest is yours,

maybe we can evade our responsibility.

Tangible evidence?

You have the certificate of transaction with the Westerner.

Just give them that piece of paper.

Then you'll have your gold back, right?

Yes. Yes.

Hey, wait. Wait!

I did as you told me to do. So please give it back to me.

What?

Oh. Your signature showing your personal use of the Treasury?

You promised me that you'd give it back to me.

What an impetuous aristocrat you are.

Look. There's nothing in my hands.

Again, if he brings me the certificate of transaction,

I will give it back to you.

So, use any means you can so that he will bring me the certificate. Okay?

I need you to do something for me.

I am at your command.

When everything is put back where it was,

you will find out the answer yourself.

What are you thinking about so much?

What were you gazing at?

I just feel strange in the palace.

Feel strange?

Yes. I feel as if I were in a different world.

A different world?

I feel the same way.

I've lived here for over 10 years, but it always feels unfamiliar.

I feel strange and scared in this extensive palace.

I want to go back...

to the island I used to live in,

to the days I lived as a naive farmer,

and to the woman I left behind there.

Was there someone you loved?

Do you also have someone in your heart?

Do you want to go back like I do?

I don't know what I want.

We are so dull that we only realize what we really want

when it's taken away from us.

Maybe you already know what you want,

though I have no idea what obstructs your mind.

Lady Young Rae?

What brings you here at this place?

Are you going to the infirmary?

How about you?

Health is an asset to courtesans like me.

I came to get some medicine.

Aren't you going in?

No. I was just passing by.

Would you like a drink with me?

How bright the moon is.

A perfect night for a drink.

You went there to see Doctor Jin, didn't you?

You don't have to hide it.

I can see how you feel for him by the way you look at him.

I heard of marriage talks between you and Commander Kim.

Is that why you feel restless?

Are your feelings for Doctor Jin that serious?

It's only one-sided feelings.

One-sided feelings that are mine.

Maybe not.

Don't say you've never felt his feelings for you.

He burned with anxiety when you endured hardships.

And he accompanied you even to the fortress in Jinju.

No?

If you've ever felt his feelings, you must be right.

However,

even so, you shouldn't allow those feelings to exist.

You have to marry Commander Kim.

What do you mean?

That is your fate.

If you don't submit to that fate,

Doctor Jin will never be able to return to the world he came from.

How did you...

I am a mere courtesan soothsayer,

but you should heed my words,

Look.

If you care for Doctor Jin...

He must go back and is destined to go back.

You surely know that, don't you?

Is the person you said I resembled...

your lover you left behind in that world?

She is.

That's why you wanted to go back?

Yes.

Sir.

How did it go? Did he believe you?

He did. We completely got him.

I dressed myself in Chinese style,

put a fake mole on my nose like this,

and spoke Chinese, and then he completely fell for it.

Tell me in detail.

Yes.

Did you get the certificate?

Yes.

Here you are.

He lost his head as soon as he saw the gold chest.

I bet he would've even sold his wife for it.

Good.

I see the name "Dae Gyun Kim" he appended himself here.

If I show the Councilor this certificate, how will his face look?

I'm really curious to see it.

Request an audience.

Prince Heung Seon seeks your audience.

Your Majesty, Your Servant Haeung Yi...

has a word for My King in the presence of royal court members.

What is it?

I'm sure Your Majesty knows that the national law

...prohibits trade with Westerners.

Nevertheless, illegal trade of gold from the West was carried on in the capital.

Gold from the West?

Prince Heung Seon, do you mean this?

In fact, I caught the culprit.

Bring him in.

Your Majesty.

Isn't he your first son, Councilor?

He is.

Since I found my son illegally traded with Westerners,

I caught him myself and brought him here.

He brought dishonor on my family and violated the solemn national law.

He deserves death as a warning to others!

Please punish him by beheading!

Father.

Your Majesty, this is not an issue to be resolved by punishing him alone.

He is absolutely right.

This Servant has committed a grave sin by failing to raise my son upright.

Please punish me severely as well!

No, Your Majesty! The Councilor is innocent.

Although the culprit is his own flesh and blood, he asked for punishment himself.

We should think highly of his loyalty!

Yes, Your Majesty.

No.

Your Majesty, please put my son and me to death!

No, Your Majesty!

No, Your Majesty! No, Your Majesty!

Then send the Councilor's son into exile.

Your Majesty...

Stop. My head is aching.

If that is the will of Your Majesty, I will obey.

Sir?

What's wrong? Something happened?

Doctor Jin.

Yes.

I've been bestowed poison and gone to the threshold of death.

Also, I've seen the people rise up against tyranny.

I was determined to do whatever I could do for the sake of this country.

But somehow, I feel afraid all of a sudden.

You said you're my friend.

Right?

Yes, that's right.

Thank you.

You, of all people should trust me no matter what.

You must trust me, Doctor Jin.

Sir.

Father, please forgive me.

The saying, 'A crow is never white by washing herself,' goes for you.

Our family was almost destroyed because of you!

But you can't kick me out like this.

Father!

Anyone who does harm to my family shall be cast away, even if it's my son!

- Take him! - Yes!

Father, Father! Father!

Kyung Tak, you bastard! Father!

Father! Father!

Be careful.

How dare you stop me?

You...

Bring it here.

How dare you!

Open.

Yes.

This is mine. And you know that.

Take him!

Yes!

Are you in your right mind? How dare you....

Fine, I will tell Father on you. I'll never leave you alone.

Would you like to rest?

Should I tell them to make your bed?

It's all right.

How did you know the merchants Dae Gyun met

were the men of Prince Heung Seon?

I had my subordinates locate them

and found out that they were not from Qing. So...

Then how did you know Dae Gyun's movements?

Did you shadow him?

Forgive me, My Lord.

I only wanted to assist him well since you told me to do so the other day.

Again, you did a great job.

My Lord.

Lady Young Rae Hong is here.

Your Excellency, I'd like to humbly accept nuptials.

So please, spare my family.

For the sake of the dignity of my family,

I told him I'd think about his suggestion but,

how can I trust you?

Especially due to your recent activities...

Since she gave her hand to the infirmary...

I didn't ask you that question.

Now that he mentions it, what are you doing to do with your infirmary work?

Doing medicine is absurd for a lady of noble birth,

and it is unacceptable to the family of Andong Kim.

When Doctor Jin saved my brother's life,

I was very amazed at his medicine. So,

I wished to be of help, even if it's small, to those in need.

But I didn't realize it could bring trouble to Your Excellency and the commander.

Please forgive my shortcomings.

Keep going.

Now, as the wife of the commander,

I will live as a member of the Kims of Andong.

Seems like you don't make excuses.

Being honest doesn't always bring about good results.

But, you gave me the answer I wanted to hear.

Prepare for your nuptials with due manners.

Yes, My Lord.

My lord, I'm sorry.

Please forgive me for getting married with this heart...

Please stop saying that.

Maybe this is our destiny.

But surely, I will protect you and your family.

What are you talking about? Nuptials?

Yes. She said she'd get married to Commander Kim after all.

She's been here to retrieve her belongings

and bid her farewell.

It feels so empty without her.

Excuse me.

Do you also have someone in your heart?

Regrettably, we only realize what we really want

...when it's taken away from us.

Maybe you already know what you want...

Miss.

I heard about your nuptials. Congratulations.

I have one question though...

Are you giving up on your dream of becoming a doctor?

It is just as you said.

You said there was no female doctor in this era.

If history says so, what's the big deal about my giving up on my dream?

But miss...

I will go with the flow.

That'd be best for both the Commander and me.

And for you as well, since you have to leave some day.

I've been looking for you.

The palace is in a panic looking for you.

His Majesty became...

What?

I need to know where it hurts.

He complained of indigestion a few days ago.

We prescribed medicine and applied acupuncture.

He seemed to be getting well but, all of a sudden, he became like that.

He also vomits.

Just how did you take care of His Majesty to make him like this?

Let me see.

Your Majesty, please lie on your back.

Pain in the lower right abdomen?

He feels more pain when I release pressure. Then...

it could be the appendix.

It's quite probable that he has acute appendicitis.

Then would he...

What did you say? How is His Majesty?

He collapsed grabbing his stomach and yelled at the top of his bent...

Anyways, they say it's a mess.

Then what is Doctor Jin doing?

I heard he's going to do surgery.

Sir, though I am illiterate, I know how the world works.

It goes, good things fall apart so better things can fall together.

If one in million, the King demises...

and the Queen Dowager adopts Young Master Myeong Bok,

maybe he can succeed to the throne, right?

Doctor Hur, we need anesthetics for surgery.

Could you bring it from the infirmary?

Okay.

Doctor Jin!

-Yes. -So His Majesty needs to get surgery?

Yes.

Is he in danger of his life?

Not really, but if I delay surgery and his appendix bursts,

his life could be in danger. Excuse me.

Then don't do surgery.

What?

For the sake of this country,

the present King should die.

Subtitles by MBC

Doctor Jin! Please listen to me.

Since he has a chance if I do surgery, I will do it and save his life.

Didn't you say you'd help me to achieve my goal?

I am disappointed in you.

I think a state funeral is not too distant.

That shouldn't happen.

The King should stay alive until we find his successor.

Please leave it to me.

Mother, it must've been hard for her to care for Aunt.

Wasn't it breast cancer?

She didn't last a year after she was diagnosed.

Right...

I got an auspicious day for my nuptials.

I hope you come to my nuptials with your fellow doctors.

I will pass your message on.

You don't want to see her become my spouse?

How much?

My lord.

Now I begin to realize that you'll become my wife.

Try to stay in peace of mind till the day of our nuptials.