Original subtitles

ALL CHARACTERS, ORGANIZATIONS, AND EVENTS IN THIS DRAMA ARE FICTITIOUS,

AND ARE UNRELATED TO HISTORICAL FACTS

No, I didn't mean that!

Do I have to use my final method?

He's fast.

What was that?

-I should be the one asking. -The moonlight is enough

for a drinking atmosphere, so I put the light out.

I just…

I wanted to massage your throat before we drink.

Like a warm-up of sorts.

I see.

Like this?

What are you doing? Darn it.

It was to massage each other's throats.

That sly bastard, he did that on purpose…

I suppose he didn't.

Your throat is now better, so go ahead and drink, My Queen.

Come on.

It's not fun if I drink alone.

I didn't think of that.

Here.

Thanks to the warm-up,

the liquor flows smoothly down my throat.

Wait, then what have you been doing all this time?

Here. Drink up.

Here.

You enjoy your drink too, My Queen.

You drink first. Go on.

You drink first. Go on.

So he changed his strategy.

I know all about your dark intentions.

Then let's both have a cup each,

and go to bed, since it was a tiring day.

Oh, no. I'm just getting started.

Hey, don't be like that. Here.

Be a man and be lovely. Bottoms up!

I'm a light sleeper, so sleep far away from me.

Now what kind of a dirty trick is that?

WINNER BY DAY, LOSER BY NIGHT

So this was how the womanizing king truly was.

I got scared for nothing.

But I must not have my guard down.

I'm finally using the square knot I learned during military service.

If you want to untie it, you'll have to cut it.

Okay.

This King's a selfish bastard.

He's sleeping on the soft bedding all by himself.

No, My Queen.

I know how you feel,

but I only wish to sleep tonight.

No, that's not why. Since I was pampered growing up,

I can't sleep on a bare floor.

Give me one of these.

I can't sleep if only one layer of the three-layer bedding is missing.

You couldn't have been more pampered than a king.

How dare you distort history? You're just the Ganghwa Boy.

I hope you have a nightmare!

Well, since things went like this, I'm on night watch tonight.

This night reminds me of my military service.

EPISODE 2: NO ONE KNOWS

Did you sleep well, Your Majesty?

Damn it.

I was hoping I'd be back, but I'm still here.

How does it feel to start your first day as the Queen?

I feel like poop.

Oh, my.

What? My square knot.

Did you lose something again? This time, I will make sure you find it

-by searching thoroughly… -No!

I must've untied it while sleeping out of discomfort, right?

Your Majesty.

When did you come to Heejeongjeon Hall?

I should have escorted you here. My apologies.

I came out quietly, so I wouldn't disturb the Queen's sleep.

You must have had a nightmare again.

The Queen's sleep shouldn't be disturbed because of me.

It's her first day as the Queen.

We will serve you jasmine tea again

at night to help you fall asleep.

I'm sure the Queen is now greeting

the elders among the Ladies of the Royal Palace.

I heard that she just left.

I can't wait to see how she will behave from now on.

Yesterday was the royal wedding, so I get it.

But why do I have things to do from the moment I got up?

The morning greeting, in which you exchange salutations

with the Grand Queen Dowager and the Queen Dowager.

The celebratory greeting, in which you receive greetings from the officials.

-After these official greetings… -Then the royal wedding is over?

No, His Majesty must announce your appointment as the Queen.

This wedding will never end.

Wait.

The Grand Queen Dowager…

It was an order from Her Royal Highness the Grand Queen Dowager.

If I fill the lake with water, I'd be disobeying her.

What's the Grand Queen Dowager like?

The Grand Queen Dowager

is an elder of your family, the Ansong Kim family,

and the Queen Dowager is from the Pungan Jo family.

My mother-in-law and grandmother-in-law are rivals,

and I, the Queen, am on my grandmother-in-law's team.

I'd be able to tell if I see them, right?

The older one must be the Grand Queen Dowager.

And what else?

It's really important to me, so tell me everything you know, okay?

She is the older sister of Lord Kim Jwa-geun.

She has never left the palace since she came here,

-and… -Stop.

I mean, the palanquin.

Stop!

Stop!

Stop the palanquin.

Back.

Go back.

Go back.

Stop.

Something more important has come up.

Are you perhaps lost, because this palace is complicated?

We've never met.

What's your name?

Good grief.

I'm still not used to this body.

You look very elegant. That's no ordinary vibe.

Are you royalty too?

Are you a princess or something?

My apologies.

If my attitude was arrogant and made you feel unpleasant,

please forgive me.

No, what I mean is…

Your Majesty!

You walk so fast, you came all the way here…

Hello.

Do you know her?

That's Lady Hwa-jin, the daughter of Lord Jo Dae-soo,

who will be appointed as His Majesty's concubine.

She may be the Queen, but she shouldn't humiliate you like that.

She speaks so sarcastically.

There's a rumor in the palace

that she pushed you into the lake.

I'm sure that her memory loss is also a lie.

-Please be careful. -Please be careful.

I've been in deep relationships with many women,

so I know how to read faces.

I think you are…

a good person.

It looks like you and I didn't get along in the past,

but how about we start over?

I like you.

Let's be friends.

Did you decide to change your method?

Method?

Thanks to you, I clearly know what this place is like.

It has finally sunk in that I am in the palace.

No, well…

It looks like you misunderstood what I said, but…

I am sorry, but please excuse me.

Your Majesty.

-Your Majesty. -Your Majesty.

I went to the detached palace, but you weren't there, so…

I, too, went to greet you, but you weren't there, so…

Goodness, we missed each other.

Our hearts found each other.

If she's a concubine, then she's Cheoljong's second wife?

I should've gone into him, not into her.

Her Majesty's gaze of jealousy gives me chills.

Go book a room, you two.

My Queen,

I'd like for you to officially appoint her as a concubine soon.

Oh, no. I'm too busy to appoint her as a concubine.

That's a royal order.

Darn that polygamy.

Your Majesty.

The Elder Ladies of the Royal Palace are waiting…

Your Majesty!

I have something important to do. Excuse me.

How could she…

Your Majesty!

You must've been startled.

Hwa-jin.

You're finally becoming my wife.

Now I live in the palace, where you live.

We must have an official royal wedding…

but the Head Eunuch saw you in front of the lake.

They were blaming you for the incident at the lake,

so I had to hurry and appoint you as a concubine.

I was just startled because of a loud noise at the lake.

Don't worry.

Even the Ansong Kim family can't harm you, as you are innocent.

No, I'll make sure they can't do anything to you.

I will risk everything I have to protect you.

Your Majesty.

But it is true that I do not have much.

I have this throne which is a hollow shell,

one older brother who worries too much,

one friend who slacks off,

and…

one beautiful maiden.

You are rich.

I made a perfect alibi for your whereabouts that day,

so don't worry.

What the heck? Who is the Grand Queen Dowager?

Please salute them, Your Majesty.

Whatever.

Did you have a good night's sleep last night,

Your Royal Highness the Grand Queen Dowager?

You must've been so well last night, you seem like you grew younger,

so I mistook Her Royal Highness the Queen Dowager for you.

That little…

Do I look that young?

All of my efforts have been worthwhile.

Good. That went smoothly.

You went through such a horrible accident.

You must still be unwell.

Can't you tell by looking?

She has the looks of a perfect queen.

She still has keen eyes too.

Yes, that is true.

There's this subtle tension under their peaceful smiles.

Let's focus!

You only need to care about conceiving a royal baby now.

I heard that there is a royal secret to conceiving a prince

that has been passed down in the palace.

Is that so?

You see, on their night together, when the King is lying down,

you start by…

What a horrible world of in-laws.

And at that critical moment, you just do…

Mother!

I can take care of it myself.

I couldn't hold it in.

I have vast knowledge about that, so…

That's right.

She's been training to be the queen this whole time.

Surely she's been preparing for it thoroughly.

You are right.

I was meddling too much.

She hates that her daughter-in-law is Grade B,

but loves that her daughter-in-law's daughter-in-law is Grade B.

INJEONGJEON HALL

Gosh, all of this is bad enough to kill someone.

Goodness, my neck.

You look exhausted.

Well, we did overdo it last night.

We didn't drink that much.

The officials are waiting. Let's go inside.

INJEONGJEON HALL

Chief State Councilor, Kim Byung-hak.

I give my congratulations to you.

-Left State Councilor, Kim Seok-geun. -I give my congratulations to you.

-Minister of War, Kim Chang-hyup. -I give my congratulations to you.

They're all Kims.

So these people are of the infamous Ansong Kim family.

They collected taxes excessively,

with the Grand Queen Dowager and the Queen behind their backs,

tormenting the people.

The modern-day equivalent would be corruption in the military, real estate,

and tax administration.

They were remembered as the so-called Corruption of the Three Administrations,

the pinnacle of corrupt politicians that ruined Joseon.

That is the Ansong Kim family.

Right State Councilor, Jo Man-hong.

I give my congratulations to you.

Minister of Personnel, Jo Deok-mun.

I give my congratulations to you.

The Pungan Jo family.

This family, with Queen Dowager Jo leading, is famous.

When Queen Dowager's son King Heonjong was ruling,

they satisfied their greed. But when he died,

Kim So-yong of the Ansong Kim family became the Queen and they fell.

Aside from these small fry, there's someone else.

The big figure of this era.

General of Training, Kim Jwa-geun.

Congratulations, Your Majesty the King.

And Your Majesty the Queen.

The true power in the world ruled by Kims.

I have one more thing to say to you about this joyous royal wedding.

What is it?

How would you like to appoint Great Lord Kim Moon-geun,

as the Commander of the Palace Guards, for your protection?

Do you mean my father-in-law?

Yes.

It's too sudden to discuss such a grand matter.

As Her Majesty the Queen is worried about you,

we decided to proceed quickly.

Did you request this yourself, My Queen?

I don't know

but I'm always on the winner's side.

I am always worried about you even in death, Your Majesty.

I even did a night watch during bedtime for that reason.

That sly vixen.

I see. I would consider it.

Her Royal Highness the Grand Queen Dowager also complimented the Queen's idea.

But since my older brother, Prince Yeongpyeong, is in that position,

could you please give me some time to think?

No matter is more urgent than your safety,

so please consider our hearts in rushing this matter.

Your Majesty.

My Queen, your concerns for me are as infinite as ever.

Then we will carry out the process.

The one with incredible power. Kim Jwa-geun, a king above the King.

He's the true boss of this government right now.

Now this calls for popcorn.

-Your Majesty! -Your Majesty!

I'm sorry. Please continue.

It looks like the Queen is tired,

so how about we finish the greetings quickly?

A night together is a sacred occasion for a royal baby,

and it must not be for emotions and pleasure,

but I couldn't stay calm last night, so…

It is not wrong for a married couple to love each other.

Is that so?

What the heck is he saying?

Then let's finish the greeting.

-Thank you for your grace, Your Majesty! -Thank you for your grace, Your Majesty!

You're just acting tough, right?

What do you mean?

Nothing happened last night.

How sad. Even though we drank,

how can you forget our precious wedding night?

What are you on about?

I do understand.

You had memory loss not long ago, so this must be a side effect.

That's impossible.

That just cannot be.

The "Red" was confirmed.

The "Red"? What's that?

It's about confirming blood on the bedding on the wedding night.

I have another appointment, so please excuse me.

Wait, we weren't done talking…

Your Majesty, we will escort you.

Don't be intimidated, Jang Bong-hwan.

He's just bluffing.

Come on, do you think you wouldn't know even after that?

That just can't be.

It'll be a problem if they find out that the King is a "loser" at night.

Plus, he distorts history like crazy.

But does he have to be that meticulous about it?

Even by fabricating the "Red"?

Stop for a moment.

I have a question.

Is it possible for women to not know that they did "it?"

"It?"

What are you referring to?

Obviously a young girl.

A lady-in-waiting who's more austere than a monk.

I don't have anyone here to ask about that.

My goodness!

Let's go.

-Is she crying upon seeing me? -No, Your Majesty.

The wind is cold. We will close the window.

-No, I feel hot. Don't close… -It is very cold. You will catch a cold.

I feel hot.

Let us go.

What that jerk Cheoljong said is killing me with frustration.

You may eat now.

I saw her myself, and the Queen isn't in a good condition.

How should I put this?

She's too daring.

She was bold and brave before,

but she used to know that the world isn't easy.

She seemed careless at the greeting too.

I must discipline her behavior.

We don't need to give the public something to gossip about.

By the way, was Jo Hwa-jin

really with the King that night?

Yes, her whereabouts were perfectly accounted for.

She entered the palace 15 minutes after the Queen's accident happened.

Of course, that cannot be direct evidence of her not harming the Queen,

but they may use it for that purpose.

This is a mystery.

If the concubine didn’t do it, then who did it?

Could there be another force behind this?

Perhaps.

But to us,

who it has to be…

matters more than who it is.

"Who it has to be"?

Ji-rok-wi-ma.

If we point at a deer and call it a horse, then it is a horse.

In our case,

that deer may really become a horse in the future.

Please forget about politics for now

and enjoy the royal meal, Your Royal Highness.

As you, my younger brother, request additional royal meals,

I just can't help but take care of my health.

I will never let your health fail.

Go ahead.

I appoint Jo Hwa-jin,

the daughter of Assistant Royal Secretary Jo Dae-soo of the Pungan Jo family,

to First Senior Consort and a Lady of the Royal Palace.

In addition, as appreciation for her beauty and virtue,

I give her the title of "Uibin," to serve the King and the Queen…

Pungan Jo family.

Did she, a rival in both family and position,

really push Kim So-yong into the lake?

She's a dangerous woman.

That makes her more attractive.

Thank you for your grace, Your Majesty.

Let's be good friends.

I'm always on the winner's side,

but a beauty like her is like the demilitarized zone.

Let's get along.

If you get to know me, you'll find that I'm perfect,

apart from my many flaws.

Since we're family now,

can I ask you something?

I have no one to ask this.

I am not sure

if I am wise enough to give you the answer.

Don't worry. You know this well.

It's about His Majesty.

Does His Majesty lie often?

Girls chat about anything, right?

So you know how he's a winner by day, loser by night, right?

Winner by day, loser by night…

I have never heard of such an idiom.

Like a winner by day, but a loser by night.

And he lied about spending a passionate night with me.

He tends to distort the history of last night--

Your Majesty.

I am sorry, but this conversation is inappropriate.

I'm sorry if I made you feel unpleasant. I'm just bothered by it.

I came to the palace, and I have many things to do, so…

Goodness, how rude of me.

Farewell.

And His Majesty

is not someone like that.

Does "someone like that" mean

that he doesn't lie,

or that he isn't a loser at night?

It's bothering me even more.

My gosh!

What?

Thief!

There is a thief!

A thief!

Thief!

There is a thief!

That way!

Do not cry, my baby.

My baby.

My baby…

No!

Your Majesty.

That item wasn't in that secret storage either.

If it's not in there, the most secretive and strictly guarded place of all…

Is it really hidden in the tiger's den?

Your Majesty, Her Majesty the Queen is here.

I am busy with national relations, so…

We have the same issue.

I have a problem with that too.

You must be so busy you're holding it upside down.

I had some concerns, so I was deep in thought.

Then finish your thought.

I'll wait.

Why are you looking at me like that?

Well, because it seems like you're really trying hard.

It's not strange for a King to take care of national relations.

That bastard, is he mentioning "relations" on purpose?

I finished the concubine appointment as you so wished,

so sleep at the detached palace from tonight.

Fine.

Don't you have anything to say to me?

Since you're here, doesn't that mean you have something to say?

Since it's just the two of us, let's be honest.

-Last night, we… -We had a great time.

Well, if that's how you're going to behave…

Please, you are interfering with my work.

If it's not easy to say it,

how about a hand gesture that only we know?

Like this.

What is this?

"What I'm saying now is a lie."

That's what it means. Well?

It's not hard, right?

A King never tells a lie.

Please leave.

This is so annoying.

He's so serious and insists on what he says,

so it feels like something did really happen.

You must've had a long day.

That tickles!

Hey.

Hey, that tickles!

Your Majesty,

the etiquette class will start today.

Hey, no one's as polite as I am.

This is a special class about royal court etiquette.

I don’t want to.

It is an order from the Grand Queen Dowager.

Forget about the "Red" or whatever. I need to go back, right?

I must impress the Grand Queen Dowager first.

I completed the Cheonghak-dong Etiquette School when I was four.

Shall I show them the level of someone who completed the course?

A lady of the royal family

must have a poise like that of the Buddha.

When she walks, the air does not stir,

so candlelight does not flicker.

When she eats, she must never open her mouth wide

or take a big bite of food.

Embroidery is the best way to polish a lady's mind.

Embroidery is her specialty.

I'm not rude. You're all overly polite!

It's like you're telling me not to breathe!

It's worse than Cheonghak-dong!

Gosh.

It's too pretty to eat.

This is a feast for the eyes, not for the mouth.

But why do I see you feasting with your mouth?

This was your absolute favorite food.

Here, Hong-yeon. Open wide.

What's wrong, Your Majesty?

That was the memory of Kim So-yong.

My heart hurts again.

She has been poisoned! Go bring the royal physician! Now!

-Your Majesty! -Your Majesty!

-Please sit, Your Majesty! -Your Majesty!

Your Majesty!

This isn’t pain.

Does this woman

like Cheoljong?

You must love me.

But those eyes

are beyond hate. He despises her.

Please, Your Majesty!

I prefer snacks over liquor.

Good. Then all of the liquor here is yours, My Queen.

Cheoljong never wanted to have a wedding night at all.

That's why he was trying to get me drunk.

He was using the same trick as me.

You only need to care about conceiving a royal baby now.

Please wake up! Your Majesty!

Bring some water!

Cheoljong lied to trick the Kim Family,

who forced him to spend a night with me.

Hong-yeon! Nothing happened to me!

It was bothering me so much, you know.

Because I trust myself, but I don't trust that jerk.

But…

What are you all doing?

What?

Why?

What is it?

Harder. Pull harder.

Yes.

It is so tiring to maintain a position.

Looking old means you've grown weaker.

Pulling your face twice a day like this

can prevent wrinkles from becoming deeper.

I see, you're going through a lot.

By the way, what made you come here?

After taking the etiquette class,

I've learned a lot about the demeanor and duties

as the Queen.

I'm happy to hear that.

That's enough. Stop it.

Yes.

But I didn't have much energy

and I didn't have that much of a desire

during my night with the King yesterday.

I thought about why, and I found the answer.

Because there is no water in the lakes of the palace,

there isn't enough Yin energy.

If the lakes are filled with water, I may conceive a prince right away…

That cannot be done!

-Darn it. -You almost died in the lake.

By the rule, this requires everyone

who serve you to be executed.

But I showed generosity because it was not right

to shed blood before the joyous royal wedding.

If you really want to fill the lakes, we shall go by the rules.

That maid named Hong Yeon, Lady-in-waiting Choi, and who else?

I will punish everyone responsible.

How scary. She's no ordinary old woman.

Three nights.

I will spend nights with the King right away to conceive a prince.

If you can fill the lakes as a gift…

Seven days.

Five days?

You there! Punish everyone who serves and escorts the Queen…

Seven days!

That's perfect.

If you promise you'd fill the lakes after seven days,

I will conceive a prince, no matter what.

Prince or not, I just need to leave.

Lady Uibin is here.

Your gracefulness is like no other, just as I've heard.

The King really knows how to choose a great woman.

You flatter me.

This is a gift.

This is something important that is needed for your palace life.

Please take a look.

Life in the palace can be tough.

You cannot find people to depend on, and anxiety never ends.

Right, when is your time and date of birth?

What should be done for you to give birth to a prince?

Silly me, you must be a good match with the King first.

If you need a powerful talisman, please let me know.

One of the shamans I know specializes in curses.

It was effective last time, so…

Your Royal Highness, I am sorry,

but the only reason I am here is to serve His Majesty.

How careless of me.

My apologies, Your Royal Highness.

What I said was too impudent.

It is fine. Do not take it to heart.

Come to think of it, you will be spending long, lonely nights

after just being appointed.

It truly is a shame.

Pardon?

The King and the Queen are scheduled to spend seven nights together.

Their nights together

must not have thunder, fog, or wind,

but how could it be scheduled in a row?

Do not worry too much.

The King's love for you would not change during that time.

You will also lose

someone precious to you.

Lady Uibin.

I ruined it so badly that it cannot be fixed.

It is a waste, but I must throw this away.

You are better suited to be the Queen, from your attributes and all.

She's not good enough, but uses her family background

and forces His Majesty like that.

Oh-wol.

The Queen is like another King.

You must follow the hierarchy. Never say such terrible words.

But she fabricated the nights with the King

by ordering the king's lady-in-waiting.

And they are framing you for what you didn't do.

Why did that happen when you were passing by?

I'm still not used to palace life.

Me and my big mouth!

I'm sorry, Lady Uibin.

What can I do for His Majesty this time?

You told me to go to the detached palace,

but you told the Grand Queen Dowager that you want to spend nights with me.

It's difficult to understand a woman's heart.

I have a favor to ask you. Would you do it for me?

Of course, since My Queen is asking.

Let's keep a "No Touch" policy with each other.

-No. -You said you'd do it.

I've never heard of that word.

Did you say no without knowing the meaning…

I said no because I don't know what it means.

Now listen, Your Majesty.

"No touch" means to live happy and joyful lives separately.

For example, we say we're spending nights together.

But you can go and be happy at the detached palace,

and I can be happy here.

So let's do "no touch."

I see.

But I don't want to.

Why do you keep saying that?

Your attitude is somewhat unpleasant.

You lunatic King.

A lunatic knows how to deal with another lunatic.

Then I don't remember what happened yesterday,

so let's review.

Let's have a steamy night, okay?

Steamy night?

A night of passion.

Today is

our real first wedding night.

Then…

Hey, hurry up. We might get caught!

A King never runs.

Darn it.

Lady-in-waiting Choi!

You'll get yourself in big trouble, Your Majesty!

In order to become a great Queen,

I must see for myself how my subjects are struggling.

You have great intentions.

But still, this is too dangerous.

I'd even die if you tell me to…

The map.

-But this time… -The identification plate.

I don't think this is right.

The name is…

"Lee Saeng-mang."

What an unlucky name.

Saeng means to "watch." Mang means "effort."

It means you watch the country and put effort into it.

Why?

Well…

Sure, it's not even my real name.

When is the curfew?

At the Hour of the Rat, the hour bell is rung 28 times

and the gates close.

So they ring a bell, right?

Hour of the Rat is 11:00 p.m.

Darn it, that's the golden hour.

Okay.

I'll be back before then.

No, I will do everything I can to stop you

from going outside, Your Majesty.

Hong-yeon.

What kind of a person was I?

You were always…

nice, optimistic in everything,

smiled a lot, kind to people, and…

Perhaps it's better to hear it from you than from someone else.

You're right.

Okay, then…

This one time, you were reading, and…

I cannot focus on my reading!

Your breathing is so loud

that it is ringing in my ears!

You there! I order you to whip him!

I have rhinitis! Please forgive me, Your Highness!

The beat is about a quarter of a beat slow.

How dare you try to teach me when you have a terrible sense of rhythm?

You there!

I order you to whip her!

And then, my goodness!

Did you just laugh?

Life must be easy for you two.

You there! I order you to whip them!

When someone sighed, you said, "How dare you sigh!"

When perfume smells good, "How dare you be flirtatious!"

When someone walked with a sound, "You're noisy!"

When someone walked quietly, "Are you the King?"

Whenever you saw anyone, you tortured them for every single possible reason,

so your nickname was the Witch of the Detached Palace.

I'm sorry.

I was trying to tell you vividly, and I was too immersed…

There are tons of people who'd push this woman into the lake.

So that's why the court maids were…

None of them knows how you truly are.

And you do?

Of course.

As I've seen while serving you since I was young,

you are actually kind-hearted,

and you're so clever too.

You're a wonderful person who always did what you set your mind to.

You were just a bit lonely after coming into the palace.

Because His Majesty

is romantic to another woman.

This woman isn't completely lonely.

She has someone who understands her.

"This woman?"

I mean, me.

I'm not lonely, thanks to you.

You flatter me, Your Majesty.

Hong-yeon, don't worry and get good sleep.

I will never get caught for you.

I will kill you all!

Try and take my other eye, you jerks!

I will not stand seeing my wife and kids becoming slaves too!

If you cannot pay taxes, you must pay with your bodies!

That sinful bastard!

My only sin is

that I had kids

in this darn world!

Do not come any closer!

That lunatic! He is trying to be a traitor too!

If being a traitor means killing bastards like you, I will do it!

Yes, I will!

No, my dear!

Please, do not do it,

Even so…

But those bastards are telling us to die!

What are you saying?

Dahm-hyang.

Out of the way!

Move!

Father, you are back.

Yes, how was your trip?

I am sorry for missing such a joyous family occasion.

Have you made your decision? Which position do you want?

I have determined the direction of my dream,

but I have not yet decided on the size of that dream.

The size…

All right.

I will trust you and try not to rush you.

Actually, something happened while you were gone.

The Queen had an accident at the lake the night before the royal wedding.

She fell into the lake and was unconscious for one day,

so the royal wedding took place later than scheduled.

How is Her Majesty?

Is she alright?

Okay.

Wait!

I have not seen you before in the palace.

Seeing how you are glancing about in a hurry…

Well…

Is this your first time in the palace and getting lost?

I did the same thing at first too.

Yes.

But you seem familiar somehow.

Seeing how he has luxurious clothes, a confident attitude,

and isn't wary of people…

He was born with a silver spoon.

That's something for me to say.

Aren't you that famous young master?

You're known for your family, good looks, and talent in academics

and martial arts. And your name was…

Kim Hwan.

I am Hwan from the Ansong Kim family.

A relative.

Am I that well-known?

Of course, words about you have spread out of the palace too.

It's an honor to meet you.

I am also on my way out, so let us go together.

I just came from that way.

It's dark now, so I was a bit…

Thus beheaded.

He talks a lot. How come he never shuts up?

That is why the aura is dark and eerie.

That is the reason His Majesty is having nightmares every night.

Nightmares?

His Majesty has been having the same nightmare

since his days in Ganghwa, and it is about…

being beheaded for the crime of treason.

KIM HWAN

-My apologies. I did not recognize you. -Many people pass these gates. It is fine.

LEE SAENG-MANG

I want to go to a gisaeng house since I made a good friend today.

-Gisaeng. -What's the best place here?

That would be Oktajeong.

The peals of the women's laughter

sound like jade being tapped. That is why it is called Oktajeong.

Let us go together.

The bright moonlight makes tonight a perfect night to enjoy entertainment.

Here you go.

Let's go.

-You're all working so hard. -Yes.

You seem to be the same age as I am.

You have the same hobby as me.

What a wonderful connection.

Right, I have yet to hear your name.

Your name is…

It's Lee Saeng-mang.

It means "this life is ruined."

Lee Saeng-mang.

Bye.

I'm sorry.

You are a woman.

What are you saying? I'm clearly a man!

We do not take female customers.

Girls! A young master is here!

Yeah!

It is an honor to meet you.

Let me pour you…

I do not drink more than three cups per day.

I drank two cups already.

I will leave the last cup for my friend.

He is quite disciplined.

Sir Yoo's son passed the civil service examination this time.

Congratulations.

But he was not appointed to a good position in Hanyang

despite his talent.

If you can help us,

I will express my gratitude, regardless of the amount.

Are you telling me to sell positions for money?

Well, I mean,

I would be very grateful if…

But I heard that it has been a while since your son passed the exam.

So why now?

You see…

So you contacted the Pungan Jo family first.

My wife's family is distant relatives of the Pungan Jo family…

I am deeply ashamed.

I understand your desperation with worries that your talented son

may not achieve his dream due to the family's faults.

I will do my best so he can clear his dishonor and become a secretary.

A secretary?

Thank you!

Thank you so much!

You do not need to pay me.

I just need a friend.

Someone who can give his life.

The lives of everyone in my family

are yours from now on.

Please pour a cup for me,

since we are now friends.

Yes.

It will be an honor.

-Now, everyone come in! -Yes.

Now let us have fun like beasts, until we lose our minds!

Oh, please!

This is so much fun!

Gosh, you're too much!

-Look here! -And have a cup!

-Here. -Young master!

You are handsome.

Who will be the one

to untie my ribbon today?

In my 20 years of life as a gisaeng,

I have never seen anyone with such perverted tastes.

This is dreadful.

We have to drink on our own, even in a place like this?

This is no time to say that.

Even the most likely place, the secret storage, did not have the item.

Then there is only one place left. The King's father-in-law's house.

But they are trying to make him the Commander of the Palace Guards.

It will be more difficult to sneak in now.

Taking the Palace Guards means

they want control over His Majesty's life itself.

It is only a matter of time until the King's bodyguards

who are in disguise are caught.

What? Is that not extremely urgent?

If the King's bodyguards get caught and disband,

tracking down the corrupt ones at night,

and raiding storages to find illegal ledgers

would be something for me and you to do.

Guarding during the day, and being assassins at night.

The workload is going to be very stressful.

Darn it.

Did you summon me from Ganghwa to work me hard like this?

On my way to Hanyang,

I had a great dream in my heart as a man with passion.

"I will sell my friend's name and be successful."

You are the one who followed us

when I said I will save Joseon from being corrupted.

You did not say that.

You were always talking about Hanyang, so I asked,

and this is what you said.

Why are you going to Hanyang?

I will smack the rotting backside of Joseon.

That I did.

I did not know those wonderful words meant I must work to death.

How foolish I was.

Is it really different compared to before?

Are they trying to take over the palace guards

because they figured out what we were doing?

No way. If they figured it out, I am sure they sent a spy here

to eavesdrop on us.

You are right.

-So uncomfortable. -I'm getting drunk!

Where's the restroom?

Here it is.

WOMEN'S ROOM, MEN'S ROOM

You.

I envy you.

I, too, had that "thing" once.

That "thing," which isn't mine anymore.

Goodbye, my "Dragon!"

Bye-bye, my "Little Dragon."

I can't even pee standing.

Only those who have it can pee standing in this dirty world.

I'm so sad

that my pee stops, and my tears stop too.

I have no "Dragon,"

or "Dragon Balls."

It would've been better if I died instead.

This is too cruel! Why did this happen to me?

What?

Did we get caught for fabricating the "Red" with pig's blood too?

Trying to make the King's father-in-law

the Commander of the Palace Guards means they didn't figure out our moves.

If they did,

they would've already beheaded you and Captain Hong.

Then why all of a sudden?

The only changes are the Queen and Lady Uibin coming to the palace.

The Queen used her power to hold Lady Uibin in check.

Putting a sword to her husband's throat

right after the royal wedding.

What a scary woman.

Since things went like this, let's stop searching for the item for now.

We are preparing for the battle of power and justification.

The only way for us to get rid of those in power

is to prove their corruption with a surefire document.

We cannot postpone the search for the double ledger,

which is the key item.

Then what should we do?

Give them the position of the Commander of the Palace Guards.

But…

If you give them bait, they will be distracted

and unable to watch their surroundings.

If they are preoccupied with appointing the Commander,

it will help us locate the double ledger.

We can take back the position of the Commander of the Palace Guards

when they think they had it.

It is difficult to guard a position, but retrieving it is even more difficult.

The Commander of the Palace Guards is a position for a warrior.

Even if he is appointed only for show,

if his body cannot support it, he cannot endure that position.

On the first day of work,

we shall cause a small accident to drag him out of it.

If Kim Moon-geun is keener than we thought

and finds out about the bodyguards…

Then we must use the final method

to keep the Palace Guards and secure the double ledger.

If you have a good method, you must use it now.

What is that final method?

Assassination.

That is how he will end up anyway.

What is this dull room?

Darn it, the bell rang!

Was that not the Queen?

Did she dress up in men's clothes to tail us?

We cannot let her go like this.

But we do not even know how much she has heard.

And I am sure she is not alone.

So we must track her down and silence her now.

Your Majesty.

This is no time to care about petty emotions.

I will do it myself.

Ten times.

Eleven times. Okay.

Darn it, I'll be doomed if the gates are closed.

ALL CHARACTERS, ORGANIZATIONS, AND EVENTS IN THIS DRAMA ARE FICTITIOUS,

AND ARE UNRELATED TO HISTORICAL FACTS

Your Majesty, you must not trust anyone anymore.

People close to you can be more terrifying.

You know who the culprit is.

The culprit is…

If the Queen heard everything…

We will already be too late to stop the bloodbath.

Who are you? How dare a girl come into the royal kitchen!

At least while I'm here,

I'm the boss.

Is this how I hold it?

Subtitle translation by: Hae-lim Lee