Original subtitles

[Episode 48]

What do we do now?

I know, it's all so sad.

Sir, Jabong.

Find Kang Songha.

I need you to tell him something.

What?

Stand aside.

Well? I said stand aside.

Your Highness, we cannot.

Your Highness.

It's too cruel. There's justice and there's mercy.

How can you take her away?

Your Highness, please.

Lady Kwak. The palace can't know she was here.

My lady...

I'm ready now.

Jinyong.

Jinyong.

Wait.

One moment.

How's that again?

A moral justification?

Just so, Sire.

If there is justification to free her...

...will you rescind your order?

Doctor Baek.

My foster father, her father, the slave Baek Sukgu.

What if you could free him, Sire?

If you could free him posthumously...

...it would free Nurse Kang as well.

If her father is freed?

How do you mean?

I mean Nurse Kang's father, my foster father.

He was an unknown, a nobody.

Unless his sacrifice can see the light of day.

What?

Sire, clinic Nurse Jang Inju is outside.

May I bring her in?

His Majesty is rescinding his order?

We can't be certain.

But Doctor Baek is pleading with him now.

Don't give up hope, Jinyong.

But how..?

What can Doctor Baek do?

These..?

Yes, Sire.

The police record and Doctor Yi Hyongik's medical notes.

Including details of the day Prince Sohyon died 24 years ago.

I remember that day well, Sire.

As horrible as it is, as unspeakable...

...the facts are irrefutable.

That is why Lord Yi killed Yi Hyongik.

And ultimately caused the death of Baek Sokgu.

This is what forced my foster father to be separated from his daughter.

And what cost him his life.

So the truths he knew wouldn't come out.

Sire, I am not suggesting that these facts be made known.

I'm well aware that they are better left hidden.

But take pity on poor Baek Sokgu.

He sacrificed his life.

Surely that earns his daughter a pardon.

Sire.

- Sire. - Sire.

Sire.

I had guessed as much.

Not only me.

No one dared say it, but we all thought...

...my grandfather, King Injo...

...was involved.

Sire.

But it is a royal affair.

It can't be made known.

People can't be allowed to find out.

Sire. Surely you know I understand what you're going through.

I agree, it must be kept hidden.

But Doctor Baek is right.

Baek Sokgu's daughter deserves better.

If you keep this secret,

how can the court and the royal house expect any loyalty?

High Minister.

When will we hear something?

This is killing me.

And me, Your Highness.

Maybe there's nothing to hear?

It's been an hour already.

What? No. Don't say that.

Listen, we can delay no longer.

We have our orders.

My lord, please.

Just a little more.

We can't.

If you try to stop us, we'll have you arrested.

My lord. Please.

Privy Counsel.

Your Highness.

- My lord. - Doctor Baek.

Anything?

Nothing from the royal secretariat yet.

Then he may not rescind the order?

Doctor Baek.

Sire, I am not suggesting that these facts be made known.

But take pity on poor Baek Sokgu.

He sacrificed his life.

Surely that earns his daughter a pardon.

But how can I?

On what grounds?

Sire, if I may.

What shall I tell the Office of Records?

It's late...

I'm tired. Another time.

Sire.

Wait. Records...?

The Office of Records?

Yes.

Perhaps the annals...

Get me the chief archivist immediately. Move.

Hurry.

We have orders from the King himself.

Sir.

Sire, what are you suggesting?

Rescinding a royal decree?

Just this.

Sending the daughter of the slave Baek Sokgu into service...

...was a mistake.

One I mean to remedy.

Sire, it's unheard of.

On what grounds do you rescind your decree?

He's right. The child of a slave is a slave.

It's the law.

If you rescind your decree without justification...

...it threatens our nation's very foundation.

Hear us, Sire.

Grounds? Justification?

Fine. And if I have them?

Sire, what do you..?

Bring in the chief archivist.

I understand there is a precedent for freeing a thief or a murderer.

Is this correct?

Just so, Sire.

We found it in the Annals of King Sejo.

Read it for the court.

Let it be known that if any man commits murder in the name of the royal house...

...his victims shall be raised 3 ranks.

Any slaves shall be freed.

When was this written?

In 1457, Sire.

And who issued it?

King Sejo issued the decree himself.

As you know, Yi Myonghwan murdered Yi Hyongik.

And cause death of Baek Sokgu.

According to precedent, we have grounds and justification...

...to free the victim Baek Sokgu posthumously.

Do we not?

But Sire, those grounds...

Oh? Do you suggest King Sejo acted without justification?

That he threatened the foundations of our nation?

No, Sire. I would never...

I thought not.

Therefore, following precedent...

...we absolve the shamefully persecuted Baek Sokgu.

And free him.

It is proper that his daughter is also free.

Minister.

Yes, Sire.

See that the edict is issued immediately.

Yes, Sire, as you command.

What? Jinyong is free?

Yes, Your Majesty.

The edict was just issued.

Wait up, c'mon.

Then hurry it up, slowpoke.

Pretty spry for an old guy.

Better than any pick-me-up.

Enjoy.

You're sure?

Jinyong won't have to go into service?

Yes, I'm sure.

All's well that ends well.

She can live in the capital now.

Ahem. Hand...

I can't... Oh, our Jinyong...

Ma'am!

You all right?

Quick-quick, water for the lady.

Right. Keep it up.

Pull yourself together.

Is that any way to act on a day like today?

So where is Jinyong now?

Songha.

The royal edict.

You're free.

Jinyong.

Jinyong.

Kwanghyon.

It's fine now. It's all right.

Your Highness.

I'm so happy I can't stop blubbering.

Let's go.

This will be a party to remember.

Yes, Your Highness. Just as you say.

Enjoy.

Here you go.

Dig in. It's good.

- A drink. - Thanks.

A great day. Enjoy.

Dig in.

Thank you. Come back soon.

- Mother! - Pardon me.

- This way. - Right, right.

Welcome, my lord. Thank you for coming.

I wouldn't miss it, not today.

Well said.

Take him inside.

- My lord. - If you please.

Yes, let's.

Anything I can do?

I feel so great, there's nothing I can't do.

That's my boy.

Anything? All right, help with the drinks.

Remember the Minister of War? That's the ticket.

Right you are.

You're so adorable.

Here.

Here, enjoy.

Chef Oh's specialty, Oh's Beef-a-rama.

Sounds great.

Master, this is mine, hands off.

If she studied like she ate, she'd be better than you.

Master.

Enjoy.

This way, please.

Oh, dear, look at all this.

What are those?

From Her Majesty the Queen.

And the Queen Mother.

And over there, the Royal Princess.

All of it?

Oh, my.

Wait... The finest beef...

And tilefish?

I guess Jinyong's life wasn't in vain, huh?

Nope. She did all right in the end.

And I've been so worried.

What a relief. When I think...

Crying again, wah-wah-wah.

All day, blubbering.

Blame her if the food's too salty.

Let her cry.

She's happy, that's all.

What do you say to kebabs with the beef?

Hm? Whatever you want, sure.

Wait-wait-wait, if we got it, you get it, am I right?

Need you ask? All we've got and more.

I'll get it.

Mother, Mother, I'll do it.

That's my mom.

Enjoy.

I know this has been hard on you.

Sire.

You've been like a sister to me.

Yet I couldn't help when you needed me most.

Not at all. How could you say that?

I'll never forget what you've done for me, Sire.

No, I didn't do anything.

This is all Doctor Baek and your late father's doing.

Doctor Baek told me what your father did.

I am unable to tell the world and for that I'm sorry.

But his sacrifice won't be forgotten.

Neither will his daughter.

History may not remember...

...but the meaning of his actions will live on.

Sire.

Of course.

Re-interred?

Yes. His Majesty has ordered the remains be moved with a full procession.

This may finally help him to rest in peace.

Where will he rest now?

A fine place.

A perfect place.

Hurry. Jabong and I are ready.

Coming.

Kwanghyon, about this gravesite.

Your real father was a noble, after all.

The world may not approve.

They won't think it's fitting.

But he was a father to both of us.

You're my boy's friend?

Yes, sir.

Let's look at you.

You're hurt. That will scar if you're not careful.

I'm all right.

Almost done. Just a bit more.

Little one, you're not a boy...

You're a girl, right?

Tell me. You ran off from the Yangju office?

I knew it.

You... you're...

Little one... little baby...

Father, what's that?

Some prescriptions from the pharmacy.

I'm making a book for you.

For me? You didn't eat for that?

We can't afford medical texts.

Kwanghyon, after you master the 1,000 characters, start studying medicine.

Then I'll buy you medical texts.

You little..!

How could you do this to me?

Father.

How could you, with the world as it is? To the capital, no less.

Dad.

I thought I lost you. You know how I felt?

I thought I'd die if I didn't find you.

Fathers. You who gave me life, you who reared me.

Do you see?

Jinyong and I will never forget you.

Rest in peace side-by-side.

Together we will make all your dreams come true.

Listen, listen.

Listen, are all the new nurses here?

Yes, they're meeting now.

They'll be lower than us?

About time.

How so?

For gophers. She's been waiting.

And you haven't?

Hush, you.

We've got a bright crowd this time.

Come along.

Ma'am, what about us?

We're bright, too.

Is this all of you?

Ma'am.

Right. Line up for your assignments.

Look. Lookit..!

EEP.

What? What-what-what?

Hush, Aejong.

Ma'am.

What's got into you.

No. Ma'am.

Ma'am?

She's...

Oh-oh-oh.

My goodness.

Hee-hee!

You're starting again as an apprentice?

Needs must, as they say.

I have no choice.

Please, Nurse Jang.

I've changed. I'm a new woman.

Forget the past, please.

I'll do anything you ask.

Sixth Rank Lordliness, where do these go?

Why? Tired?

Me? Never.

Then why you breathing hard?

I can't read for your panting.

You are such a turd...

- A what? - What-what?

We all have to go through it.

Ninth rank, eighth, seventh. And if you're lucky, sixth rank like me.

Yes, of course, whatever you say. So where..?

Take those to the office.

And all these to the pharmacy.

Ev... everything?

It's too much for the girls. This is man's work.

What? Don't want to?

No. It's a pleasure.

Get to it, Ninth-Rank-boy.

I swear... whack!

Did you just throw that?

Us Ninth-rankers are weak.

But not you, Nine-boy. Heh-heh.

Old lady.

Hag.

Oh, Little Miss Mouth.

Why did you call me an old lady?

Why not? You're not an old guy.

You and your mouth...

Uh-huh. Infirmary stuff. Chop-chop.

What about you?

Patients.

That's what we do. And you're under us.

That's how it is around here.

Good luck.

This is too much...

Just my luck.

Just my luck. Just my luck.

My lord.

- Jobi. - My lord.

Tsk-tsk-tsk.

You too, huh?

We're both miserable.

That's what we get.

Jobi, did you like being head nurse?

Of course. Did you like running the clinic?

Need you ask?

Now we're back at the bottom again.

Things will get better.

When exactly...?

Everything is finally in its place.

The evil are punished, the good rewarded.

Lord Dojun can finally rest in peace.

Yes, at last.

Listen, Inju.

I'm not sure this is what's best for Kwanghyon.

Pardon? How do you mean?

You're leaving the capital?

I need time, too.

Somewhere away from all this.

What's this?

The house and all Kang Dojun's assets.

It's yours now.

No, it always has been.

It's time you had what's yours.

My father would want that.

Jinyong.

Where will you go?

To the Qing, at first. To study.

You leaving now?

No. Not just yet.

I have people to see.

You and Doctor Baek are getting married.

I have to give my sister away.

Songha.

Sire, pardon me?

You're consider Doctor Baek's resignation?

Doctor Baek... No, he's Doctor Kang now.

Doctor Kang is from the capital's finest family.

We can't leave it as though we didn't know that fact.

Sire.

Sire, Viceroy Hong Yunsik.

Send him in.

Sire.

Sire, at your service.

Welcome, viceroy.

I heard your Jeonju term of office was up.

I'm glad you're back.

And I've come back to even greater responsibilities.

I hope I can count on you.

You're too modest.

Who better to deal with the current situation?

Now about what His Majesty mentioned...

Ah, I've been meaning to ask you about that.

I understand you're close to the Kang heir?

Pardon?

What's going on?

Pus in the sore patient.

What?

Ouch, ouch, ouch, ouch.

More cheesecloth.

Yes, sir.

I can't believe this...

What do I do?

Help me.

Allow me.

No, allow me, please.

Coagulant and disinfectant.

Yes, doctor.

Oh, my lord, what are you doing?

Are you insane?

This is for you to do, not his lordship.

I said I would.

Enough. Anyone can do it.

Anyone? You're not just anyone.

You're too good for this kind of thing.

Huh?

Please, allow me.

You have to leave the clinic and run your clan.

You can't be bothered with nothings like us.

What are you saying?

Leave the clinic?

My lord Doctor Baek, someone to see you.

Viceroy.

So you're Dojun's boy?

Sir.

Yes.

Our families have always been close.

My master was your great-grandfather.

He was?

I was sad to hear that the last Kang was a girl.

But now you can continue the line.

I was so pleased to hear it.

In the future, anything you need, come to me.

I'll do whatever I can to help.

Thank you.

Now, a drink.

Fate has brought us together.

Your family and our influence?

There's nothing we can't do.

Don't you agree, Viceroy?

Oh, I understand you're unmarried?

That's good.

We can't have you making an unsuitable match.

Wait, your only daughter is of age, isn't she?

It's early days, but later...

My lord, pardon the interruption.

But I have given my heart to another.

We're to be married.

Oh?

Look here.

All that's left is the wedding.

It's a shame.

If I had known, I'd have married him myself.

Your Highness.

Surely not. What about Lady Jinyong?

Kidding, kidding.

Lady Kwak, where's his sense of humor?

We never know with you.

You've given us quite a few scares.

But not this time.

Let's go. We've put this off far too long.

Your Highness. Princess.

Your Highness.

Lady Nam, what is it?

Her Royal Majesty.

The Queen Mother?

Pardon? Doctor Baek's wedding?

But why? How does that involve you?

She feels bad for her treatment of him in the past.

So she wants to help.

But Your Majesty...

He has been restored to his proper place.

He needs a suitable bride.

This is a list of the best families.

Which do you feel is best?

I don't.

What?

Princess.

No. I won't have it, I won't.

Sukhwi.

Your Highness, her ladyship...

What? Both of them?

Yes. I opposed it, but they're adamant.

I didn't realize. Things are different now.

Doctor Baek's a man from a great house.

Quite right. He'll need a bride from a respectable family.

What should we do, Eunso?

Class follows the maternal line.

If he marries Jinyong, their children won't be nobles.

It would be the end of the Kang line.

Don't be absurd.

Free or not, she can't marry him. A concubine maybe...

Hush. Remember what the Princess said?

Watch yourself.

Yeah, well, I'm not wrong.

That's a fact.

Whatever he feels, her ladyship...

I mean, Jinyong just won't do.

She would just get in his way.

Nurse.

Why aren't you going in?

Ah, no reason.

You mind taking this in?

I have something to do.

What's that again?

Pssh, clinic nurse.

Are they blind?

It's time I gave them what for...

Why should you?

So should you. Don't take that.

But they're not wrong.

I had the same thought.

What?

If we get married, our children won't be nobles.

I wouldn't do that.

Then what will you do?

You going to vacillate? Give up?

Look at you. What a martyr.

"This is for him," is that it?

Is that your idea of love?

You're not doing it for him.

Swallow your pride. Do whatever it takes.

That's love.

Did you hear? Didja?

What?

I got it from the palace.

They're... they're finding Doctor Baek...

Calm down and spit it out.

What are they doing with Doctor Baek?

They're... they're...

The Kang clan has always been known for their learning and virtue.

It is only right that the heir be given a position fitting his status.

Sire, the High Minister is right.

He has given the royal house great service.

The Code of Law allows for those of the Third Rank to enter public service.

Doctor Baek is of the Sixth Rank as a physician.

Surely this is a proper office for him.

The same thing had occurred to me.

High Minister?

- That went well. - It did.

My lord.

Hello. So you've heard?

Let's go inside.

A royal appointment to civil service?

But why? Why?

I'm a doctor.

That's all I've ever wanted.

I never thought of entering public service.

Try to stop it.

Do what?

Please, my lord.

This is the viceroy. How dare you dictate...

Never mind.

He's young after all.

Blood will tell.

He's Kang Dojun's boy all right.

My lord.

You father was the same.

I ignored his obligations and insisted on being a doctor.

To the detriment of his duty.

And you know what happened to him?

Killed at a young age, his clan disbanded.

Do you see?

Each stone has its place.

The one that sticks out gets hammered down.

Remember this.

If you don't want to end up like your father...

...remember your duty.

Let's go.

Yes, Viceroy.

Kids today...

A public official?

I see.

That's not all I heard.

Viceroy Hong wants to arrange a marriage...

What?

Here.

Your Majesty.

This isn't easy for me to say.

But when I heard you plan to marry him, I had to say something.

Jinyong, you know as well as I... it would be the end of his line.

In light of that, shouldn't you stop this?

She's in the palace?

Yes. I can tell you didn't know.

Things are happening around you.

What will you do?

Tell me you don't have some wild idea.

Jinyong.

If by a wild idea you mean leaving you...

Don't worry. That won't happen.

I was worried myself.

Shouldn't I? I mean, for you?

Jinyong.

But Inok brought me to my senses.

It wasn't for you, it was for me.

So relax.

I'll always be with you.

We'll be together, sharing our burdens.

Good.

People say our children won't be nobles.

They'll be born with nothing.

But we'll give them more than rank or position.

They'll have us.

What?

You nuts?

You can't. Am I hearing wrong?

Jabong, I'm sorry.

But if I don't, my status will forever get in the way.

Don't, Kwanghyon. Think about this.

Don't look a gift horse... Sure, it's your stuff, but still...

Yes. You're right.

Sir.

Jabong, hush up.

You're absolutely right.

You never made the wrong decision.

Whatever you choose, wherever you go, I'm with you.

Sir.

I swear, always something...

You're killing me here.

What's that?

I'm telling you what.

Kang Dojun's entire house is being remodeled.

No.

Into a clinic, you say?

Has he lost his mind?

He's crazier than his father was.

That's not the only problem.

He's asking His Majesty to rescind his public service appointment.

No... no..!

My lord, my lord.

Are you sure about this?

Sire.

If you don't want the appointment, fair enough.

But marrying Jinyong?

Your children won't be nobles.

Yes, quite so, Sire.

That means...

I know, Sire. They will lose their rank.

The Kang clan will lose its status.

But, Sire, I know this is what my late father would have wanted.

More than rank or title,

I must follow his vision.

Sire.

That little...

You.

How dare you do this to me?

And what? Marrying some freed slave?

It can't be allowed.

It's unheard of.

Until now, that is.

What?

My assets our gone, my clan's glory forfeit.

You can no longer use me for your own ends.

It's not just me.

If you do this, you'll make enemies of every noble in the country.

Just like your father.

Quite right.

I'm walking the path my father trod.

But I won't be so easy to destroy.

I'll take your bet if you like.

See what it gets you.

You, you, you...!

He's turning his back on His Majesty's favor.

Little...!

Just you wait.

We'll see how long you last.

Viceroy, viceroy, always the viceroy.

Old viceroy, new viceroy, what is it with them?

It's the nature of power.

It changes hands, but never changes.

When you were nobody, he walked all over you.

Now that you're somebody,

he wants to use you.

If you don't let him, he'll ruin you.

Rotten..! Why is it always something?

Can't they leave it alone?

Doctor Baek.

I won't live by their rules.

I understand.

And that's what worries me.

It cost Prince Sohyon and Dojun their lives.

They went their own way.

Dreamed their own dreams.

It worries me.

You may end up like them.

You there. Are you there?

You...!

Sire! Sire!

Sire.

Sire!

You there! Call a doctor.

Sire! Sire!

It cost Prince Sohyon and Dojun their lives.

They went their own way.

Dreamed their own dreams.

Doctor Baek!

Doctor Baek...

Head Eunuch.

Sire. Sire!

Wake up, Sire.

Sire.

- Sire! - Sire.

Sire, Sire.

- Sire! - Sire!

Translated by D. Bannon Subtitles provided by MBC

So Kwanghyon is going to cut open his stomach?

Yes. It’s nuts.

He's lost his mind.

But if we don't, what chance does His Majesty have?

If cutting him open will save him...

...a doctor has to try.

What? I warned you.

You're a loose cannon, just like your father.

This same disease killed my great grandfather within 2 days.

The surgery changes things. They'll kill him.

You think I can stop him?

Jinyong.

We're in it with you.

I'm with you this time.

We can only die once. A doctor's life is nothing.

What? It can't be stopped?

The disease out of control.

Try to be patient.

Surely something must be wrong?

I thought all you did was eat.

You were a doctor all along.