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SUPPORTED BY MINISTRY OF SCIENCE AND ICT KOREA CREATIVE CONTENT AGENCY

[EPISODE 9]

Your Majesty, the Crown Princess is approaching.

Your Majesty.

Your Majesty, there is something I wish to say.

Later.

This is a conversation we need to have right now.

What is it?

I intend to ask His Majesty...

...to end our marriage.

What do you mean, all of a sudden?

End the marriage?

Is that even possible?

Our marriage did not begin with our own will.

However, I have been happy...

...because you are my husband.

So at the very least, this once...

...I want to end it by my own choice.

Your Majesty, I humbly ask for your permission.

What is it?

Please end my marriage...

...with the Crown Prince.

What?

I wish to resign...

...from my position...

...as Crown Princess.

How disrespectful.

How dare you say something so outrageous?

As the Crown Princess, you are to lead ancestral rites.

I’ve lost that right and have become a sinner.

Here, I confess all my sins.

Please allow me to resign as Crown Princess.

Silence!

You treat marriage so lightly— what will the kingdom think?

Even commoners can’t end their marriage so easily.

A Crown Princess must set an example for the people.

How can you even speak of ending the marriage?

I have committed seven great sins and am no longer worthy of the title.

Whether you're worthy or not is for me to decide.

There is no reason that can justify canceling a royal marriage.

Do not speak of this again.

Then...

...can I not end this marriage before I die?

I hope you don’t.

[ROOM...]

[MOONLIGHT...]

What? Chun Hwa’s Love Story is sold out?

I came all the way here for it.

Geez...

Chun Hwa’s Love Story was banned, so it’s no longer on sale.

Why is that? It was selling well until now.

Why did it suddenly become a banned book?

I don’t know.

If the state decided so, we have to follow the rules.

There are many interesting books here besides Chun Hwa’s Love Story.

Try looking at another one.

This one, this one!

This is really good too!

Did you come to see me?

You didn’t make a sound— you really startled me.

Come here.

Actually, there’s something I want to show you.

It must be even more beautiful at night.

What a shame.

You're right.

The atmosphere in the palace isn't great, so I can’t just go out whenever I want.

So you came here because...

...you missed me so much, didn’t you?

Yes.

I missed you a lot.

Next time...

I’ll show you fireworks that are even bigger and more beautiful.

Wherever you are,

I’ll shoot my heart into the sky so you never feel lonely.

Princess Hwa Ri thought,

“I’m so happy right now.”

Truly happy.

Your Majesty is curious about Lee Mong Heon’s identity.

I am only in charge of publishing and distribution.

I don’t know who Lee Mong Heon is.

[FAMOUS GENERAL ALWAYS FOCUSED ON GEOGRAPHY]

What are you looking for?

Oh...

Is Mr. Choi in?

He stepped out for a while. Is there something you need?

It’s nothing important.

I just wanted to say hello since I was passing by.

Okay.

The book shipment has arrived!

I’ve arrived too!

Why did you come here?

I wanted to get some fresh air.

[SHOP]

I’ll go first.

Be careful.

- Okay. - Take care.

Have you figured it out?

But if you want to live again,

I will give you another life.

Turn off the heat.

This.

- Has it arrived? - Already.

It’s not easy making a living.

What if we just keep selling? This is Chun Hwa’s Love Story, right?

There’s still a lot of stock. It’d be a waste.

[CHUN HWA'S LOVE STORY] Hey! Watch your mouth.

If we get caught this time, we’re done for.

I get nervous every time I step outside.

Good grief.

I’m kidding.

- No more jokes. - That’s enough.

Your Honour.

The night wind is chilly.

Come inside.

My lady.

Thank you.

Your Majesty! Your Majesty!

Your Majesty!

Your Majesty! Your Majesty!

Your Majesty!

Your Highness—the Crown Princess...

How is she?

Fortunately, she was rescued in time, so her life is not in danger.

However, her body is cold. She’ll need extended, intensive care.

Alright. You may go.

You fool.

Why did it come to this?

I was never happy in the palace.

Right now...

...I’m not happy.

I really don’t understand.

So many people long for this honorable role.

And yet she wants to give it up, voluntarily.

She’s not a child.

Is this just spoiled behavior from being too pampered?

What are you doing? You enter the palace tomorrow.

Even spoiled behavior has its limits.

Miss!

Miss!

- Miss! - Miss!

- Miss! - Miss!

- Look over there! - Okay.

- Miss! - Miss!

Miss, where are you?

Miss! Miss!

What are you doing? You enter the palace tomorrow.

Even spoiled behavior has its limits.

I don’t want to go to the palace.

His Majesty’s heart already belongs to the Empress.

Why should I become a concubine?

That kind of feeling is meaningless in the palace.

No matter how much the Crown Prince loves her—

what can an Empress do who comes from a poor family?

Just stay quiet and do as I say.

Start preparing for the wedding.

Why would he do something like that?

Will our family be okay?

Besides, it seems the King is using Lee Jae Sang to keep watch on Father.

Don’t worry, I’ll take care of that issue.

You just make sure she doesn’t do anything even worse.

If everything falls apart,

we still have Kim So Hoon.

Alright.

I understand.

What happened?

Is it true that the Crown Princess is in critical condition?

Yes. Everyone’s secretly talking about it.

But it’s true.

Alright. You may go.

Your Majesty, there is something I wish to say.

I don’t want to hear anything today.

Later.

Forgive me.

We are a couple.

But I helped the Crown Princess without telling you anything.

I truly apologize.

I’m really sorry.

I know. That’s enough.

Still, no matter what—

I don’t think it’s wrong if...

...the Crown Princess wants to end this marriage.

What?

That’s how determined she is.

She no longer wants to be tied to that title.

Why must she remain?

You ask because you don’t understand?

She is the Crown Princess.

You know how important a royal marriage is, right?

Even if it’s important—

is it more important than someone’s life?

I hope the Crown Princess can start over,

rather than wait until death to be released from this marriage.

I don’t want to ignore the heart of someone who asked me for help.

I truly want...

...the Crown Princess to live.

Have no children.

Jealous.

Gossip.

Not filial to parents.

I've already informed His Majesty

Please go on in.

Your Majesty, the lady is here.

Alright. What is it?

Your Majesty

I request an audience to present an important matter.

Such audacity!

Even commoners cannot easily end a marriage.

And yet you dare to speak of ending a royal union?

This is out of the question.

You may leave now.

Your Majesty.

His Majesty is the king of this nation.

So?

So, when governing the people,

shouldn’t we reconsider things that lack logic?

Then, ending their marriage— is that logical?

If you look at the reasons listed under the major sins,

then yes, ending the marriage is logical.

What?

First.

The Crown Princess disobeyed both Your Majesty and the Empress.

She has committed a sin against her elders—

the gravest among the seven major sins.

That doesn't matter.

Even if she disobeyed her parents’ will,

I don’t see it as a sin.

If it doesn’t bother me, why should it be considered a sin?

Second.

She is unable to bear children to continue the royal bloodline.

She has committed the sin of infertility.

There’s no woman who has ever been expelled from the palace...

...just because she couldn’t bear children.

That is also not a valid reason.

That is unacceptable.

Third.

A wife must respect her husband’s wishes.

Yet she became jealous of another woman.

That is the sin of jealousy.

Being jealous of another woman is a natural emotion.

It’s a human feeling, not a sin.

Fourth.

As a role model to the people,

she should not have been featured as the main character in Chun Hwa’s Love Story.

It sparked gossip and damaged the royal family’s honor.

That is the sin of gossip.

Chun Hwa’s Love Story is something that happens to commoners.

In fact, she is the victim— so how is that her sin?

Why do you say that, Your Majesty?

The law of the land must be fair to all its people.

But by worldly standards, she has indeed committed a sin.

She has violated four of the major sins.

She has lost her virtue and is no longer worthy of her position.

Therefore, she must step down from it.

You keep talking about the seven deadly sins.

But the judgment of what is sinful or not is mine to make—as king.

You can't decide that...

...based only on unreasonable reasons.

Your Majesty!

Many women from noble families have been expelled...

...for equally unreasonable reasons like the ones you mentioned.

Isn’t that unjust?

But the Crown Princess is not an ordinary woman.

She is the Crown Princess.

The state forbids divorce to protect the people.

We cannot set an example of divorce within the royal family.

This is pointless. Leave.

Your Honour.

Ah, yes. You've arrived.

Forgive me.

I know you're struggling...

...and I haven't been able to help at all.

No.

This is all my fault.

How could someone like me deserve to be Crown Prince?

Just because I was the firstborn.

I am not worthy of the throne.

Now I don’t know where I should go.

I don’t even know if this is the right path.

When I was little, there was a heavy snowfall in the capital.

All the roads were buried in snow.

Hwa Ing and I were having fun having snowball fights.

But back then,

you were helping the servants clear the snow and make a path.

Is that true?

Yes.

Even when the snow was piled high, you always said:

“If we clear the way ahead, the road will open.”

Then and now—nothing has changed.

If the burden feels heavy, I’ll be with you.

I will always be behind you.

If you’re uncertain, look back.

If you’re afraid, look back.

We’ll walk forward together again.

How can you trust me that much?

I can’t even trust myself.

That’s because...

...I trust you.

Are you on your way to see Her Highness, the Crown Princess?

Yes.

How is her condition?

These past few days, she hasn’t even wanted to eat.

Day by day, her condition is getting worse.

In truth, I even begged His Majesty...

...to allow her marriage to end.

But His Majesty said it was impossible.

Her Highness seems to have given up the will to live.

And Father has no intention of changing his mind.

I don’t know what I’m supposed to do now.

Is there truly no way to save her?

There is one idea that came to mind.

But I can’t do it alone.

Will you help me?

So now you want me

to sign a letter consenting to the end of her marriage?

[APPROVAL LETTER]

That’s absurd!

There is no other way to save the Crown Princess.

If Mother, as the Queen, joins us,

it will help us gather support from the other women.

Although the palace life may seem glamorous,

doesn’t Mother understand better than anyone how difficult it truly is?

Would that really change anything?

Women in the palace have long accepted their fate.

But just because they’ve accepted it, must we keep living that way?

If change is possible, we must change it.

Even if it’s not, at the very least, we must try!

No matter how hard you try, it won’t work.

Enough. Leave now.

[APPROVAL LETTER]

How long has she been out?

About three hours.

Princess Hwa Jin?

Princess Hwa Ri!

What’s this? You suddenly show up with no notice?

My husband said he had business in the capital,

so I came along.

Surprised?

Happy, right?

Of course!

Seeing how confident you are,

it seems like your married life is going well.

Of course. I am Hwa Jin, after all.

As your senior in marriage,

I have a lot to teach you.

I’m just glad you’re doing okay.

But still...

What exactly happened?

I was so happy to finally come home after so long...

But with parents like that,

and even you...

While I was away,

did something happen in the palace?

The reason I gathered you all here

is because...

...I want to ask for your help regarding the Crown Princess.

How is Her Highness’ condition?

It’s not good.

She’s refusing to eat.

If this continues,

she may lose her life.

So...

I thought it would be good for us women to come together

and help the Crown Princess end her marriage

with the Crown Prince,

and leave the palace.

It’s a sad outcome,

but what choice do we have?

So Ji Won and I have thought of a plan.

Using the method of public petition,

what if we collect signatures in support?

Signatures?

You mean a petition with names and signatures?

We’re the ones who’ll collect them?

Yes.

There are cases in history where scholars

changed the king’s mind through public petitions.

If we band together and try the same,

perhaps His Majesty

just once...

...might consider it again.

If our parents find out, they won’t sit still.

Can we even do something so reckless?

I know it’s a difficult request.

But the ones who can reach out

to someone standing at the edge of a cliff...

...are only us.

So...

please help me.

There are many books that can sell even without Chun Hwa’s Love Story.

It doesn’t affect the lives of people around here.

I’m grateful.

However...

regarding the child’s request...

He left for Yeonggyeong by boat,

and departed safely.

Come in.

I’m heading home now.

Yes.

Oh my gosh, I’m so sorry!

No, it’s alright.

Father.

This is Jang Won.

Come in.

Father.

There’s something I’d like to ask.

Yes?

What is it?

About Park Si Heon, Her Majesty the Queen’s older brother.

What kind of person is he?

Why do you ask?

I happened to run into him today.

He’s intelligent and highly curious.

He passed the state exam at a young age like you

and worked in the royal library for some time.

He came from a poor family but rose through the ranks on merit.

Then his sister became Crown Princess...

I believe he expected to gain more power.

But perhaps he was too curious.

He was dismissed and exiled due to involvement in Western Learning.

Because of that, Her Majesty the Queen must have suffered greatly.

Her brother studied Western ideologies— something banned by the state.

The consequences were significant.

And now...

Do you know what he’s up to these days?

He’s still a scholar at heart, even during exile.

After his release, he chose to live more freely.

So what is it?

Are you saying...

...that something I ordered

might be connected to Park Si Heon?

I’m not sure yet.

Since the order came directly from His Majesty,

I’m monitoring the situation.

But if,

this Chun Hwa's Love Story issue is somehow connected to Park Si Heon,

it could cause a major political stir.

Observe carefully.

Understood.

Is this really all we accomplished by coming together?

Do you think His Majesty will change his mind

just because a few women signed a petition?

Honestly, I doubt this will work either.

However...

maybe...

Father might change his mind.

This is pointless.

What nonsense they’re doing. Don’t get involved.

It’s foolish.

How can a married woman get involved in something so ridiculous?

Mother...

Besides, there’s nothing we can do anyway.

So it’s better

for you to stay quiet and do nothing.

Go back home quickly.

Why is it that Mother...

...always tells me to stay quiet?

I’m a person too.

When stepped on, I move,

I think, and I live.

What?

Did you forget, Mother? The words you once told me?

To throw away that doctrine.

To live with a man who feels nothing

is like building a prison in your heart.

Because you’ve lived like that,

you didn’t want me to live the same way.

She’s dying.

What’s the value of being Crown Princess?

Why, Mother...

...do you want to throw her into that prison?

That’s not what I wanted.

From the moment I was born into the Kim family,

and was pushed to become Crown Princess— did you ever ask what I wanted?

So please...

don’t say it’s for my own good again.

Just say it clearly—

it’s for the glory of the family.

Mother...

don’t say anything more.

All I ask is that you press your palm over mine—with conviction.

I can’t.

What if Father finds out?

So if I face hardship in my marriage and want to come home,

you’ll tell me to endure it and die there,

because a divorced woman is a disgrace to the family?

You child! Why are you saying such things?

Because it’s true!

Mother, you're too afraid of Father.

So if I go through the same thing, you’ll pretend I’m someone else.

I’m sure of it.

If I die as a "loyal" woman, you’ll all be proud of me.

Because you gave birth to such a woman— you’ll take pride in that.

Don’t speak nonsense!

How could I be proud of that?

If you die,

then I die too!

So please...

let’s save her.

Why keep forcing someone who despises palace life to stay?

There’s a saying...

“They say, even if I have to roll in the dirt, this world is still better.”

Geez...

– Mother! – Mother!

Good grief...

Wait, Mother!

Please think about it, ma’am.

How much pain have you endured

because of Grandmother and Father’s terrifying concubine?

That’s right.

The life in the royal family was the same.

Can you imagine the suffering they go through?

Why do you think the Crown Princess made that decision?

Mother!

Good grief...

That’s right.

Your Highness, Princess Hwa Ri has arrived.

Send her in.

Can you give us a moment?

[PETITION]

Some people have decided to join us.

Before it’s too late,

please make your decision, Mother.

That won’t work.

Mother...

The one who wrote Chun Hwa’s Love Story...

...is me.

Hwa Ri...

I am Lee Mong Heon.

How could that be...

Why would you do that?

Do you...

Do you know why I wrote it?

The reality where even a princess can’t change anything...

I wanted to change that, even if only in writing.

Behind the name Lee Mong Heon...

...I dreamed of another world.

But now...

...I hope it doesn’t stay a dream.

Not under the name Lee Mong Heon,

but as Hwa Ri...

I want to save the Crown Princess.

Sir!

We have a problem.

Minister Il Jae has reported

that a group of scholars is behind Chun Hwa’s Love Story

and he has named Park Si Heon as the mastermind.

Your Majesty.

Even though he is the Queen’s blood brother, he cannot be shown mercy.

He was previously exiled for studying Western Learning,

and yet he has shown no remorse.

He distributed 'Chun Hwa’s Love Story', disrupting the royal family

and gravely damaging public morals.

Do not speak recklessly without proof.

Could someone who just returned from exile

really be the mastermind behind *Chun Hwa’s Love Story*?

What a convenient excuse.

Although the true identity of Lee Mong Heon hasn’t been revealed,

the person who published the book

was Choi Hwan, owner of Cheongwoon Sangdan.

And Choi Hwan

is a hidden disciple of Park Si Heon.

There must be many ways they communicate with Park Si Heon

from where he resides in Pyeonggyeong.

Isn’t that just your speculation?

Western Learning is a dangerous ideology. It denies

the caste system on which this nation stands.

Even 'Chun Hwa’s Love Story'

denies the difference between man and woman under the guise of fiction.

Isn’t that a perverse and impure story?

Your Majesty,

Heaven and earth are distinct. Men and women cannot be equal.

There are defined social classes—

scholars, farmers, and merchants— and they cannot be equal.

We must be vigilant, so these subversive ideas

do not spread further in society.

– Please reconsider, Your Highness. – Please reconsider, Your Highness.

[SHOP]

I need to meet Choi Hwan.

Where is he?

Follow me.

He’s been expecting you.

What is it?

The situation has become urgent.

Minister Il Jae suspects Park Si Heon as the orchestrator

and is trying to tie it to Western Learning.

'Chun Hwa’s Love Story'...

has nothing to do with that.

Don’t you know?

'Chun Hwa’s Love Story' is not related to Western Learning at all.

But what about you?

What do you mean?

I saw you with Park Si Heon.

This, too, came from the very place where 'Chun Hwa’s Love Story' was created.

I merely opened the path for them.

I’m not a Christian either.

I simply help those who need help, when I can.

Don’t be ridiculous.

No matter how much you deny it,

you’re already involved— no one escapes that now.

Let me ask you again.

If there are starving people in front of us,

should we ignore them just because they follow Western Learning?

Aren’t they citizens of this country too?

Who is this country for? Who was politics made for?

Watch your tongue!

How can someone with such thoughts

be a proper match for the Princess?

Does the Princess know what kind of man you truly are?

And what kind is that?

Do you truly know me?

Even though I...

...was born into a noble family,

I lost my mother at birth.

Those who raised me with warmth and kindness

were slaves.

It wasn’t the laws of this country that raised me

but the compassion of people who pitied me.

Why is repaying kindness considered a crime?

Choi Hwan...

This isn’t about right or wrong.

You’re dealing with the Princess.

How can you

put someone you love in danger?

If this were only your burden,

I wouldn’t have come here.

If your feelings for the Princess are sincere,

leave—before things get worse.

If you want to protect her now,

that’s the only way.

[[CHUN HWA'S LOVE STORY]]

[[CHUN HWA'S LOVE STORY] 3: FORBIDDEN SUMMER]

[[CHUN HWA'S LOVE STORY] 4]

Your Majesty.

There’s a letter for you.

Bring it to me.

Your Majesty...

It’s a letter from Choi Hwan.

Though it’s late,

he insisted that it be delivered.

[THERE IS AN URGENT THING I NEED TO DISCUSS]

There’s something urgent I need to speak with you about.

I want to see you.

I truly must tell you this today.

I’ll wait for you to come.

This place...

...is where 'Chun Hwa’s Love Story' was written and turned into a book.

To help...

...those who lost their means of livelihood,

I gave them work.

Then Mr. Si Heon taught them to read, write, and copy books.

Those who still struggled, we had them grind ink,

paste paper,

and draw illustrations.

You know...

...my mother's brother?

Yes.

In other words,

they were able to survive thanks to the popularity

of 'Chun Hwa’s Love Story'—your work.

I see...

That woman—

wasn’t she the one you helped before?

Yes.

And the others...

are the ones rumored to be concubines who fill...

...ninety-nine rooms in Choi Hwan’s estate.

Ah...

I see...

Some of them...

are Christians.

Are you really...

the person behind 'Chun Hwa’s Love Story'?

No.

Then what about Western Learning?

I’ll do what you want.

I’ve already...

...saved you once.

There is no second chance.

The first time,

when I asked you to be my partner,

you asked me, “Why me?”

I was...

happy to be the person you dreamed of becoming.

If you’re with someone like that...

maybe you can see another world.

If you...

are the one who imagined the world of 'Chun Hwa’s Love Story',

then I hope...

we can share that dream together.

Please, Princess...

Minister Il Jae is accusing Park Si Heon of being the mastermind.

Those involved are now in a dangerous position.

Most of them did this just to survive.

They don’t even know what Western Learning is.

I’m sorry to ask something like this of you, Princess...

But—

the only one who can save them...

is you, Princess.

Everyone is afraid to be by my side.

Why is it that you...

...want to be my partner?

Didn’t I tell you— I’m in love with you?

So that’s it...

Did you plan to approach me from the very beginning?

Because I’m a princess?

Because I could help you

achieve your great dream?

Princess—

How foolish I’ve been this whole time.

I didn’t even realize you were thinking this way.

Writing and illustrating 'Chun Hwa’s Love Story',

dreaming of a new world with conviction...

No.

Even if it began like that...

my feelings for you are genuine.

That’s just a coward’s excuse!

You had so many chances to tell me the truth!

At the very least...

when I revealed that I was Lee Mong Heon—

When I...

decided...

...to face you without lies,

then...

you should’ve told me the truth!

You should’ve...

...answered me honestly!

I will take responsibility

for everything I’ve done.

I’ll do everything I can

to save the innocent.

But—

You and I...

We’re over now.