Original subtitles

PRINCE YEONSAN

Story by Park Jong-hwa

Scenario: Lim Hee-jae

Photography: Bae Sung-hak Lighting: Lee Gye-chan

Production designer: Jeong Woo-taek Music: Jeong Yun-ju

Starring:

Shin Young-gyun

Shin Sung-il, Kim Dong-won

Joo Jeung-nyu, Han Eun-jin

Huh Jang-gang, Kim Jin-kyu

It's been 40 years since King Dan-jong was killed,

but he had no descendants to succeed his throne.

how could the ordinary people, busy with their lives,

could they recall the King's death?

Director: Shin Sang-ok The Great Buk-ak mountain,

near the palace, remains silent.

By the tombs

of the six murdered officials loyal to the King,

the Han River flows quietly.

King Se-jo killed his nephew, King Dan-jong

to replace him and get on the throne.

But after thirteen years,

King Se-jo also passed away.

His eldest son, Duk-jong died before his death,

and King Se-jo's second son, Ye-jong

died after his first year as a King.

So Queen Jung-lim ordered Prince Ja-san,

King Duk-jong's second son, to accede the throne.

His name is King Sung-jong.

He was honored for his wit and intelligence

but he also lusted after women.

He had three queens

and many concubines

who bore twenty-eight princes and princesses.

King Sung-jong's wives grew jealous of one another,

and Queen Yoon, Prince Yeon-san's mother,

was executed with poison.

It was a horrible event.

Come here, Concubine Jung.

Who's next?

The son of Concubine Uhm.

No.

It's Prince Jin-sung.

Prince Jin-sung.

Where is he?

He's here.

Brother, let's go.

This is unfair.

Mother, you should join us.

So that I can get my face printed?

The King has arrived.

Majesty.

What a pleasant sight this is.

Father!

My brood!

Your Majesty, take time off,

and play with your children.

But where is Prince Yeon-san?

I heard he has worries lately,

he doesn't study, and always goes hunting.

Is this true?

No, Majesty. Prince Yeon-san

is absorbed in his studies day and night.

There it is!

My lord.

My lord!

Listen to my wishes.

Go away,

old woman!

Sir.

Please, let me see the Prince.

I need to speak to him.

Please, sir.

Show me some mercy, sir.

No!

You heartless man.

You don't notice your grandmother,

and you're clueless of your mother's unjust death.

You hopeless boy.

Your Majesty,

I heard the prince killed a man while hunting today.

Are you aware of this?

Yes. I know, mother.

Even a common man wouldn't be this cruel.

How can our future King kill a man like this?

I learned that

when he saw a soldier kill a calf looking for its mother,

he became furious and killed the soldier.

Is this true?

Yes. His murder is unacceptable,

but even if the calf is just an animal looking for its mother,

the soldier was wrong to kill it.

A calf looking for its mother?

Yes.

His behavior is suspicious these days.

Could he know that the queen is not his natural mother?

I'm not sure.

Don't worry, mother.

I will look into it, and keep him under control.

When we deposed his mother,

we should've deposed him, too.

We would be free of trouble.

Here is the kayagum, Prince.

Uncle,

play a tune.

No.

Not today.

Good players choose their listeners,

but please play for your nephew.

I feel bad lately, and I miss your music.

I can't.

Why can't you?

Today is May 16.

It's the queen's memorial.

Here.

Let's just have a drink.

What do you mean by the queen's memorial?

My mother is alive.

You mean Queen Yoon who was deposed and poisoned?

Why do you feel sorry for a criminal?

She was my sister-in-law,

and she adored me.

Uncle.

Uncle.

Why was she executed?

I don't know.

- Please, tell me. - I don't know.

- Please, tell me. - I really don't know.

When she was queen, didn't she have a child?

Blood will tell.

Blood will tell?

Never mind.

Never mind.

Blood will tell?

You've gotten better.

How is it, mother?

What is the prize

you promised me?

Dried persimmons.

That's all, mother?

Then a bottle of liquor.

Mother.

Here.

What?

Stand back.

Prince,

why are you here?

- Need to speak to me? - It's nothing.

Then please come and play with Jin-sung.

Brother, please come.

Prince!

Blood will tell.

Mother!

Mother.

Mother.

Mother,

how can I live without someone to rely on?

Oh, Mother.

My son.

The night is so cold.

Turn off the lamp.

Turn it off.

- Ja-Won. - My lord?

If you don't tell me the truth, I'll cut off your head.

I will.

Ever seen the deposed queen?

Why are you silent?

Then I'll put my sword to your neck?

Prince.

Prince.

Go on.

Yes, I've seen her.

What did her face look like? Was it round or long?

Her skin was white and slender.

What else?

She looked kind.

And her body was slim and refined.

Did she have a child?

My lord, I'm sorry, but I can't say.

Answer me now.

Yes, I will lord.

Hurry.

My lord, you're her only son.

So I'm the son of a sinner.

My lord,

my life is in your hands now.

Why was she deposed? Why did they poison her?

My lord, I can't answer.

The King ordered anyone who reveals the queen's past

to be hacked into pieces.

Don't worry, I'll take care of you.

Alright.

Tell me.

She was deposed because she scarred the King's face

The King's face?

Yes.

My lord, please be careful.

If people discover that you know of your mother's death,

your position will be in danger.

- In danger? - Yes,

they might take your crown away.

They're watching every move you make.

Really?

You should become closer with the queen and Prince Jin-sung.

You should act

like you don't know this secret.

How could I, if I know the truth?

How can I even keep a smile on my face?

My lord, your voice is too loud.

My lord, wait until you accede to the throne.

All the people of this country

are relying on your future.

So please consider it.

It's for your future.

My lord,

it's late, we should go back.

Leave me alone.

Leave me alone.

Oh, there's Yeon-san!

Yeon-san.

The King is coming. Please, get up.

Son.

Raising this dear early was worth it.

Listen carefully. The reason I raised this deer

is to follow the example

of King Moon in China

whose hobby was to breed a deer, as a sign of nobility.

As I expected, my prince is sentient.

It's so meek and obedient to a human.

No other animal is smarter than a deer.

What are you doing?

It's an obedient animal that does you no harm,

and you kick it for no reason?

How can you be so cruel?

Is that crueler than a saint

poisoning his obedient disciple?

Go to the royal school

and read Mencius

to think over what you just did.

Read, my lord.

You'll never finish by midnight at this pace.

Please read it from the beginning.

He creates the law and order,

and rules his country with them.

All the people followed his way

at a younger age than me

They respected him as a father.

Please, continue.

All of this is nonsense.

What?

I don't want to read.

If you refuse to study, I will tell it to the King.

My lord,

if you feel tired take a short break first.

I think he despises me

since I'm a sinner's son.

We'll see about that.

How dare he throw this book at me?

Mother,

what sin forced you to get buried here.

I resent you for passing on your sin to me.

With this disgrace on me,

I'm forever a sinner's son.

Even though I become King,

how can I rule with honor?

Mother.

Mother.

King Sung-jong ruled for 25 years.

On December 25, 1494

he died, at the young age of 38.

After Prince Yeon-san led the funeral, he became King.

Speak, Your Majesty.

My mother committed a sin to the last King,

and died as a deposed queen.

My father's order was passed before his death.

So she should be forgiven.

I'm King of this country now.

But if my mother's tomb remains disgraced,

neither I nor my mother's ghost can be at ease.

So then?

So please forgive her crime,

and have her buried beside my father's royal tomb.

Please allow it.

I can't.

What?

She's a criminal that was exiled by the last King.

It's impossible.

Your father would never allow it.

Please consider this as a son's duty.

I told you it's impossible.

Think about your dignity as a King.

Consider every matter carefully.

In that case,

if moving her tomb is dishonorable as a King,

I want an ordinary shrine

built for her at least.

Discuss it with the court.

Why are you silent?

What's your answer Minister Yoon?

I agree with Your Majesty.

What about you?

Your Majesty is right.

I'm glad to hear you all agree.

I will name it the "shrine of filial piety",

and call the tomb "Hui".

I will speak, Your Majesty.

Forgive my words.

What is it?

Queen Yoon was dignified,

so it's right to change her tomb into an honorable one.

But the last King deposed her,

so it is disrespectful to do this.

What?

No matter how much pity you feel for the queen,

Your Majesty can't treat this as a personal matter.

Even if a shrine or tomb aren't built,

you can still hold a memorial for your mother.

And if you hold it at her present tomb,

you will fulfill your filial duty.

Please don't do things unfit for royal custom,

find another way to fulfill your filial obligation.

What?

Listen: What makes you so sure?

Who made our custom?

Isn't it made by human beings?

If a custom doesn't serve justice or loyalty

then it's not a good custom.

As a human being, I'll make my own.

Your Majesty,

a custom is not made by an individual.

It becomes a custom

if everyone agrees on it.

I speak for all the officials, Your Majesty.

Forgive me for saying this,

but I cannot obey Your Majesty's wish,

to change her tomb into a honorable one.

What?

According to the last King's command,

even after 100 years

we must not change his ways and always obey them.

Why are you disobeying your father's last command?

If building a shrine is against the last King's will,

we cannot permit Your Majesty's wish.

Don't you all have mothers, too?

Imbeciles.

The King has arrived.

What's wrong, Your Majesty?

How could they do this to me, my darling?

They rejected to enshrine my mother.

What's my right as a King?

Is a King born from the sky instead of a mother's womb?

They have no compassion.

My darling,

I was raised without my real mother.

I had to hide my true feelings.

Know how sad and lonely I spent my life?

My darling,

let's give everything up,

and live a normal life.

I can fulfill my duty as a son

for my poor mother's soul.

Let's go together, alright?

My darling.

Your Majesty, let's think it over.

It'll be better if we wait a bit longer.

You crazy old hag!

Please ask your lord.

- He'll know who I am. - Go away!

Give me some food at least.

I told you he isn't in, old hag!

He'll know me, but you kick me out like this.

What's all this noise out here?

Just a crazy old woman.

She says she's the King's grandmother.

The King's grandmother?

Yes.

She must be lying, my lord.

I can't believe she's still alive.

Let me see. Sure she called herself that?

Yes.

If it's true, then I'm lucky.

Go find her.

- Why? - Just find her quickly!

Yes, my lord.

How can I find her?

Even if you have to search everywhere, you have to find her.

Yes, my lord.

One more thing.

Someone else may be looking for her.

So find her quickly.

Yes, my lord.

Listen!

Do you have to dishonor the King's mother?

Think it over.

Your Majesty is right.

What's right?

Is it right to do it or not?

It's right to enshrine your mother, Your Majesty.

Listen to me, ministers.

You may oppose me

but I'll never change my mind.

Enshrining my mother's tomb,

is my custom and duty.

Your Majesty is right.

Minister of finance,

don't worry about the cost.

Build her shrine behind Jong-bu temple, with the best materials.

Minister of affairs.

First, I'll go to my mother's tomb and perform a memorial.

So prepare all the materials that I need.

If someone resists me

I will punish him severely.

Queen Mother, what should we do?

The royal judges and inspectors came to contest the King.

The royal scholars also came to defy him.

They won't leave the palace

until the King cancels his order.

They're protesting this very moment.

Your Majesty,

their words are right.

The deposed queen is your natural mother,

but Your Majesty should never admit her into the royal family.

Forgive me Your Majesty, but please cancel your order.

More protest letters, Your Majesty.

From Cholla province.

Don't they have parents, too?

Ignore the ones good at following laws and custom.

I'm the King of this land. I'll do as I please.

Just burn the letters.

- Your words reign supreme. - Queen Mother has arrived.

Your Majesty.

This dynasty is not yours, but your ancestors.

This country is not yours but your ancestors.

It's for the people living here.

Know what dignity and royalty stands for?

Perform a memorial?

How can a King perform a memorial at a sinner's tomb?

I'm doing it not as a King,

but as a dutiful son.

So is it wrong to perform a memorial for my mother?

Your throne is not your own.

So you can't act as you please.

Consider the royal family's honor,

and your ancestors.

Consider all the people who respect you as a father.

Why did you put a sinner's son on the throne,

and forbid my filial duty as a son.

Even as a human being?

How could you speak rudely to me?

I'm sick of it,

I'm sick of this throne, this wealth and honor.

If I'm denied my filial duty

because of an unjust law and custom,

I'd rather be a criminal,

and be like a real son,

to serve with my hands

a warm bowl of rice at my poor mother's tomb.

Please answer to my wishes.

Please,

Grandmother.

I beg you.

Never!

Until I die,

until the day I die,

you'll never perform a memorial for her.

Stay strong, Your Majesty.

No one can actually forbid the King's wishes.

Stay strong.

Ja-won.

Yes?

Tell the head courtesan to prepare a party.

Call every courtesan there is.

Drinking, dancing, and playing with women

isn't against our custom, right?

Got it?

I'll do as you wish.

Can't you excite me more?

- Of course, Your Majesty. - How?

Majesty.

It's past midnight, so please rest.

Alright.

Let's go to my chambers,

and I'll teach you my own custom.

Your Majesty, that's too vulgar!

Why is it vulgar?

Forgive us, Your Majesty.

Forgive what?

Cowards,

I should fix your mouths with a hammer.

So you'll never repeat dumb words like "forgive me".

Listen carefully.

All of you were born from vulgar things.

If you think it's vulgar, vulgar also is your life!

Now, let's go in.

This moment we'll enjoy.

Queen mother is very upset now.

She ordered Your Majesty to stop playing and rest.

It's been a month since you've been drinking

without any rest.

The last King's deer looks to be worried, too.

It comes out, and looks up at Your Majesty.

What's that sound?

Your Majesty!

Come and sit, Your Majesty.

What brings His Majesty here?

Very nice.

You're stingy, uncle.

How could you enjoy this party alone?

This party is for a fool like me.

Your Majesty mustn't attend,

if so, who will rule?

Have a drink.

Fill His Majesty's glass.

What's your name?

Jang Nok-soo.

So you're Jang Nok-soo!

Yes, Your Majesty.

Uncle, give her to me.

If you adore her, she's yours.

But Your Majesty,

you should adore her like me, and do it forever.

If you let me, I'll adore her till I die.

Here.

Nok-soo.

Your Majesty.

Don't ever leave me, and love me forever.

Of course.

Nok-soo.

You're not like usual.

How could you protect the King like this?

You brats!

Come here.

You bastards!

You brats.

You brats! Give it back!

There she is.

My husband.

Your daughter came out of the palace.

- Come here. - Father.

What's wrong?

I quit my service and came out.

Sister, is this true ?

Yes.

The King is so furious these days

because of the deposed Queen Yoon.

A few days ago, the King killed

his father's beloved deer,

and took in his uncle's concubine.

How could he do that?

I'm glad you left.

This country is in danger.

- What is this? - Could it be important?

Give it to me.

Oh, my goodness.

Aren't you Madam Shin?

Aren't you the King's grandmother?

Yes, I am,

but I don't recognize you.

Minister Park Se-won.

- Minister Park? - Yes.

I'm sorry I didn't recognize you. What happened to you?

I've grown old to wander shamefully like this.

Hurry and escort her inside.

Please, come inside.

Thank you so much.

I'm so grateful.

- Did it go well? - Yes, my lord.

Give it to me.

All right.

I will give you money.

So find four or five reliable men who are strong

and good swordsmen.

Yes, my lord.

If my plan goes well

and the King rewards me,

this crime is worthwhile.

Let's go outside.

- Is that true? - Yes, sir.

If it's true, we should take her out of there tonight.

We can do it.

But...

What is it?

It would cost more money.

Don't worry about money. Just do your best.

Yes, sir.

One more thing...

Are you asleep, Madam Shin?

Who is it?

You're in danger.

- Leave quickly. - Why?

Minister Park is trying to kill you.

Please come quickly.

He's trying to kill me?

If you meet the King, Minister Park will be punished.

That's why he's holding you.

Please come quickly.

That way.

Over here.

Thank you.

Please get on.

Let's go.

Don't move!

Who the hell are you?

Lift her up.

My lord!

What happened to you?

Tell me.

I'm sorry, my lord.

They took her away from us.

What? Who took her away?

They hid their faces

so I couldn't recognize them.

This is serious.

What should I do?

Meanwhile, Nok-soo stole the King's heart,

and became a concubine.

Her home was flooded with wealth.

The King gave her many jewelry and gold,

All the governors gave her property as bribery

and it was worth more than their taxes.

Come here.

Who sent this?

My goodness, it's beautiful.

It's from Poong-chun palace.

What?

- Poong-chun palace? - Yes, Madam.

From Lady Hyun-sook?

Yes, Madam.

From Lord Lim Sa-hong's wife.

I see.

Isn't Lady Hyun-sook, the King's aunt.

Yes, Madam.

Another governor probably

used her to give it to me.

I've seen a similar jewel

on the Queen's skirt.

But it's nothing compared to this.

Be quiet. You're too noisy.

But who's Madam Shin?

I'm not sure, Madam.

Maybe Lord Lim's concubine?

Maybe.

Tomorrow is Lady Hyun-sook's birthday.

Really?

They invited me.

Welcome. Thank you for coming.

My pleasure.

Please, come inside.

It's not much, but please help yourself.

It's so much.

- Please. - Thank you.

My dear friend,

I appreciate you sending me such a precious gift,

I don't know how to thank you.

It was sent from Madam Shin,

your grandmother-in-law.

What?

My grandmother-in-law?

Yes, the King's grandmother.

Her life story

is longer than a novel.

Let's eat first,

and talk about it later.

Lady Hyun-sook

Tell me about Madam Shin first.

Is she still alive?

Yes, she's still alive.

I think I saw her when I was a young kisaeng.

I think you've heard of the deposed Queen.

After her deposal, Madam Shin had nobody to rely on.

Her home was taken away, so she wandered as a beggar.

She finally came to me in desperation

and asked me to take her in as a maid.

But how could I?

How could the King's grandmother be my maid?

So I asked my father

and he was shocked by this news.

He said he was jobless

but he added

he couldn't leave her out. to die of starvation.

So he gave her food and shelter to help her.

Poor woman.

If the King knew this,

he would be miserable.

He thinks day and night about his mother.

Considering her difficult life,

why did she give me such a precious jewel?

It bears an astonishing story.

When Queen Yoon was in the palace,

King Sung-jong gave it to her.

She always told her mother, Madam Shin

that she must pass the jewel

on to her daughter-in-law,

sighing for this day to come.

Madam Shin couldn't meet the present Queen,

so when she heard you became a concubine,

she thought you were worthy of it, too.

That's why she sent it to you.

I see.

By any chance is Madam Shin here today?

Yes, she is.

Really?

Then I'd like to meet her.

Concubine Jang is here.

Please, greet her.

It's an honor.

No, it's my honor.

How are the King and Queen?

Fine.

I've waited so long.

I've always dreamed of this day to meet you.

I'm honored to receive your precious gift.

I don't know how to thank you.

Please, don't.

It's not me who gave it to you.

It's from my daughter, the deposed Queen.

Now, I have no other wishes,

except for one.

My grandson, who I saw as a child,

is now a great King.

To see him wear his crown...

To see him just once,

is my last wish before I die.

My daughter was unjustly killed.

My poor daughter.

My lady,

please help me release this grief.

What's wrong, uncle? Are you missing Nok-soo?

What are you doing?

Fill his glass!

Worthless.

Shameful.

A day doesn't pass without a party

and he even gets drunk with whores from the street.

Who will manage of the affairs of this state?

Furthermore,

the King indulges with so many women lately

this palace is becoming a harem.

If you don't stop the King's misconduct,

this country will collapse.

I will carry out your wish.

You're very charming. What's your name?

Sung Lim-chun, Majesty.

Come live in the palace.

A lowly person like me?

Not so.

Stay with us.

I like common people like you, who doesn't care for custom.

Right, uncle?

I'm the world's most pathetic King.

I have no rights.

My elders give me no rights,

and the ministers deprive me of power.

All those dumb ministers

don't care about ruling over the people

but bother me with custom.

Those corrupt scholars who complain about me,

criticize my clothes, my shoes, what I eat and how I sleep.

Only when an obedient and foolish man takes the throne

will they praise him as a great King.

So how can a proud man like me rule as King?

Don't you agree?

Am I wrong?

Don't worry about them.

Just laugh it away.

Then the world may look different.

So let's laugh!

Your Majesty.

What's wrong?

Did I make some mistake?

Nok-soo.

Come here.

Know how lonely uncle was because you were gone?

Go fill his cup.

Majesty.

She's yours not mine.

Majesty.

This isn't the time to be free of worries.

But it's fun.

Majesty.

I have something urgent to say.

Please be done with this party.

Did someone insult me again?

Fine.

If somebody insulted me, I will tear his mouth apart!

Who is it?

I will speak, Your Majesty.

The country is in despair recently.

Your Majesty has spent so much

the treasury is almost empty.

This has never happened before.

so please reconsider for this country and the people.

And?

I will speak, Your Majesty.

Please reduce the banquets, and consider a humble life.

This is the way for a King to rule his people.

And you?

I will speak, Your Majesty.

This is the list of expenses for all your banquets,

after inspecting the treasury.

- 3170 bags of rice and other crops.

- 19 gallons of honey.

- 24 gallons of oil.

- 6263 rolls of cotton.

- 562 white candles.

- 370 yellow candles.

In addition to this, blue silk, light blue silk, dark blue silk,

tiger silk, duck silk, lamb silk.

As well as red silk,

white silk, yellow silk.

Go away!

I'm flattered.

Go tell this to Queen Mother I'm still sober enough

to rule this country!

Why are you all still there?

Ja-won.

Prepare a banquet in Sang-lim garden,

and tell the royal cooks to prepare a big feast.

Go to the kisaengs.

No!

Go to the streets, and bring every whore there is!

Yes, my lord.

I'm the loneliest man there is.

I'm glad you came.

I was about to call you to hear about my aunt's birthday.

What's that?

Majesty,

please look at this.

It's a very valuable item.

What is it?

Wait.

You should dress formally

and undo the package with your own hands.

What on earth is it?

Forgive me for this

but Your Majesty shouldn't spend your time too freely.

It contains the last Queen's poor and miserable spirit.

What?

The last Queen?

- So it's my mother's? - Yes.

What is this?

What is this dirty thing?

Are you mocking me?

No, Your Majesty.

How dare I mock you?

It's her blood and tears,

at the time of her death,

when she was poisoned.

She wiped her blood and tears

with this cloth and said:

"Mother, I'm leaving now.

When my son grows up,

please give him this cloth,

and tell him about my unjust death."

Then she passed away.

Majesty,

now is not the time to drink.

Gather yourself,

and free her spirits from this misery.

This...

This is really my mother's blood?

Yes.

Where did you get this?

I met your grandmother

at Lady Hyun-sook's birthday banquet.

So she's still alive?

Yes.

She's waiting for you in the Ok-hwa room.

- The Ok-hwa room? - Yes.

Let's go.

Is she my grandmother?

Yes, she is.

Grandmother.

Majesty.

You're the old woman I met

on my way back from hunting?

Yes, Your Majesty.

This can't be!

I treated my grandmother like a dog.

Grandmother.

Grandmother.

Majesty.

Please stop crying, and bring her into the palace.

Please, stand up.

Grandmother, please go inside.

I want to hear about my mother.

Please.

Please, tell me.

Is this really my mother's blood?

Yes.

It's her blood.

Please, tell me.

Tell me everything about her death.

Ever since your mother was a concubine,

the last King loved her so much.

Three years after his first wife died,

your mother gave birth to you.

That year,

your father made your mother Queen,

and declared you

to be his successor.

Please, go on.

It's beautiful!

I can wear a cloth made by your lovely hands.

How can I thank you?

If people knew about this

they would weave harder to be like you.

It's my duty as a woman, Majesty.

Let me measure your size.

All right.

You're so tall, Your Majesty.

So how much cloth is needed?

Over half a role just for your back.

I should've been shorter.

It would be less work for you.

- Majesty. - My darling.

Please, don't do this. The court lady is watching.

Why are you so shy, my bride?

Majesty.

But there were people

jealous of their happiness.

Feeling neglected by the King

they were concubines Jung and Uhm.

And the other was the King's mother, Queen In-su.

She was a widow

so she adored the King very much

and hated your mother for taking him away.

In autumn, your mother

held a silkworm festival

and ordered all the palace women to come.

But concubines Jung and Um didn't appear.

You didn't go because you were with Queen Mother?

You disgraceful fools. Aren't you scared of death?

But how dare we object Queen Mother's calling?

Didn't she know about the festival?

Nonsense.

Beat those disgraceful women.

Queen Mother has arrived.

Queen Mother.

Queen Mother.

How in the world could you do this?

They couldn't go because I called them

to care for the pain in my legs.

I'm to blame so let them free.

Forgive me,

but it's to teach royal etiquette.

There are no other intentions.

If that is your command,

I will send them back tomorrow.

So please don't worry.

After this incident,

concubines Jung and Uhm

went to a fortune teller's home

in Nam Mountain every day.

They even sold their property,

to find some way to get rid of you

and your mother.

Take this, please.

We hope it'll do.

It's so much.

So is it going well?

It's not an easy matter.

If people learn about this,

they would cut my neck, and yours.

So never let this out.

Please don't worry.

A few days later,

you suddenly got very sick.

The palace was in turmoil.

Mother,

what should I do?

Medicine may be helpful

but his illness seems too severe.

So we should pray to the gods in a great temple or mountains

or find a famous fortune teller

to heal the little prince?

I think his illness is caused by an evil spirit.

You're right. Do you know of any fortune tellers?

There's one who lives in Nam Mountain.

He's very good at curing illnesses.

Then let's hurry. We have no time.

How could this be.

It's a terrible misfortune.

What is it?

I can't do this.

Why can't you. Tell me what's wrong.

If money is short...

Here's more.

I shouldn't be doing this.

You must guarantee my life.

Don't worry. If your magic works,

I will ask the Queen to reward you handsomely.

Alright, then.

The prince seems to be very sick.

Am I right?

You are. Please, go on.

How could an evil spirit enter the palace?

It's strange.

Strange?

His illness didn't come by natural means,

but from someone's evil magic.

Someone's evil magic? Whose?

My life could be in danger

but I already started, so I can't stop.

Can you really guarantee my life?

I told you not to worry.

Women whose family name

is a four-legged animal

controls his illness with a spell.

If you let this go on,

the prince could die.

So what should we do?

Go to the palace quickly

and walk three steps westward from the prince's chimney.

If you dig there, you'll find an object.

My goodness!

Then take him out of the palace somehow,

and put him in a safe place.

This could've been worse.

If you give me 50 bags of rice and some fabric

I'll pray for 100 days and get rid of the evil spell.

2, 3...

It's here.

It's here.

My goodness!

My goodness!

My daughter,

how could this be possible?

That fortune teller was right, Madam.

Alright.

If her family name is a four-legged animal,

who do you think she is?

I'm not sure.

I'm positive one of the concubines did this.

Madam,

in a proverb, Jung means a donkey.

You're right. Concubine Jung did this.

Concubine Jung?

Yes.

Queen Mother trusts her,

and the King adores her.

Since she has a baby,

she's acting like a Queen.

Because of that festival,

she's bearing a grudge,

so she must've planned this.

That wench is trying to kill my son.

I'm so angry I can't speak.

Calm down for now.

If you act rash, it could ruin your honor.

We should wait for a chance to spoil her later.

The prince's illness is more urgent.

So let's move him

into a safe place after we get the King's permission.

Madam Shin made a good suggestion.

Alright.

So we moved you safely

into Minister Kang's home.

My lady, I have two plans.

What are they?

The first plan is to poison Concubine Jung.

What?

- Poison her? - Yes.

The second is to split up Concubine Jung and the King

and ask the fortune teller to cast a spell on her.

Just like they did to us,

we should try to kill her, too.

I think the second is better.

I thought so, my lady.

But if you split up the King

and Concubine Jung yourself,

it will disgrace your dignity and honor.

So I think it's better to find another way.

Concubines Jung and Uhm plotted to kill the prince?

My goodness.

How could this be possible?

Within the royal palace.

Since the Queen is too,

arrogant, rude, and jealous,

I predicted this to happen.

I don't think the Queen sent this.

- I found it outside my door. - It's definitely her.

I'm not sure what you think,

but I think this letter means the opposite.

Concubines Jung and Uhm

are not trying to kill the prince,

but the Queen is trying to kill them, instead.

I'm sure of it.

Concubines Jung and Uhm

would never do such a thing.

It's my fault for letting this happen.

Forgive me.

Lately, you are too generous to the Queen.

I can't stand her arrogance.

How will you deal with this?

I'll take care of it.

If you read this spell book for 100 days

he said Concubine Jung and her son will never survive.

This is poison.

If they eat a little, they'll die.

The King has arrived.

Oh, goodness!

Put it away!

Hurry.

Coming from Queen Mother's quarters?

I see your mother is here.

Yes, she is.

Why are you standing there?

Come here and sit down.

Yes.

What's wrong? I told you to come here.

I need to talk to you.

No, my foot is asleep.

My goodness!

What's that?

It's nothing. Nothing but women's stuff.

Give it to me.

This?

It's poison, isn't it?

Say something.

You must've sent this letter.

I never thought you'd do this.

You vicious woman.

Tell me the truth.

Majesty.

How dare I lie to you in the name of the gods?

The poison was mine,

and I thought the spell book

could help heal the prince.

So I gave it to the Queen.

But why did you own poison,

and then hand it to the Queen?

I've suffered a fever every year

so I had to keep it.

The Queen was worried about my illness,

and she wanted a little, so I gave it to her.

Keep beating her, until she tells the truth.

Queen Mother has arrived.

She's a wicked girl!

The Queen must've conspired with her mother and her maid.

But we don't have any clear evidence.

What are you talking about?

Kill that wicked maid tomorrow,

and forbid Madam Shin to visit her daughter.

And the Queen...

After conferring with the ministers,

depose the Queen.

Lord Lim, you know the King won't rule forever.

Once the King passes away,

my grandson will take his place.

So please ask the King

not to depose the Queen.

Then I will never forget your kindness.

I understand, Madam.

I trust you with this.

Today, I want to discuss the Queen deposal.

It's a serious matter.

I want to hear your opinions, and expect honest answers.

Majesty,

I, Prime Minister Yoon,

think that deposing the Queen is just.

Since all of you are silent you must all agree.

Then it's done. Leave the court.

I, Lord Lim, will speak.

The Queen is the mother of this state.

If you depose her due to her maid's trivial sin,

please forgive me,

but it is unjust as a King to punish a guiltless person.

Her maid confessed that it is not the Queen's fault,

so it is wise not to depose the Queen.

She is not only the mother of your son,

but of all the officials and people of this country.

So she is my mother, too.

This may be disloyal to Your Majesty,

but I cannot betray my guiltless mother.

Your Majesty must handle this justly.

So please cancel your order

to depose the Queen.

Maid Sam-weol carried poisons

and disturbed the palace.

So for breaking the law, she should be hanged.

The head maid didn't fulfill her duty

and allegedly delivered the letter.

So exile her after she's beaten.

Madam Shin brought a spell book into the palace.

So she's forbidden to enter.

Afterwards, your mother lived

in solitude in her room,

and always slept weary nights in her formal clothes.

She spent her days in tears and sighs.

The King has arrived.

My dear.

The moon is so bright.

Did you sleep with your formal dress on?

My dear.

Please say something.

It's too late to worry about me.

Sleep with my dress on?

My dear, please don't do this.

It's all my fault.

The moon is bright and you seek a woman.

Why didn't you go to Concubine Uhm or Jung,

and come back to a viscous woman like me?

Don't bring up the past.

Just go to sleep.

Why shouldn't I?

You smile with glee by just hearing her name.

So why should I stop?

That wench.

I'll get her back for this.

My dear,

you are the mother of this land, where are your manners?

Mother of this land?

You adore the concubines who disgraced the Queen.

You think I'm a liar, and I have no manners now?

Get out.

Go to Concubine Jung and have your fun.

My dear.

You hate me that much?

Go away. I despise you.

Think about it, Majesty,

you let Sam-weol get hanged,

and forbade my mother to even visit me.

How could you be so cruel?

That night I weaved for you,

you came to me and I measured you.

Do you remember what you told me?

I've never imagined you'd do this to me.

Never.

My dear.

Didn't I say that it was all my fault?

- My dear. - Go away.

Stop it.

My dear.

- Let go of me. - My dear.

Please, stop it.

After three years had passed,

the King went to her that night

and spent it with her.

But the King and Queen's night together

was discovered

by Queen Mother the next morning

when she heard about

a red scar on his face.

The King has arrived.

How did you get that scar on your face?

What?

How did this happen?

Who dare do this to the King's face?

Tell me who did it.

It's nothing, nothing to worry about.

It's nothing?

Your body is from your royal ancestors

and you call that scar nothing?

- Where's the King's escort? - Yes, Madam.

Who served the King last night?

Answer me!

The Queen.

What?

The Queen?

Why didn't you stay away from that disgraceful Queen?

I knew this would happen.

Our country is at risk.

Mother, your voice is too loud. Please, calm down.

Call the ministers, and depose her now.

If you had listened to me earlier this wouldn't have happened.

If you oppose me this time

I will leave this palace.

The palace was in turmoil over the Queen again.

Your mother was accused of scratching the King's face

and she was kicked out of the palace.

Thank you.

You served me well for so long.

I'm exiled as a criminal

but I ask you one last favor.

What is it, my Queen?

My prince.

I'm never to return,

so I would like to meet him one last time.

Please ask the King to permit it.

Yes,

I will ask His Majesty.

I have a message, Your Majesty.

Before the Queen leaves the palace forever,

she asks to meet the prince,

just for one last time.

I hope Your Majesty will show her mercy.

Meet the prince?

Yes, Your Majesty.

Queen Mother has arrived.

What are you doing here? Did the Queen leave?

Very soon, Queen Mother.

So why are you here?

The Queen wants to meet her son for one last time.

What?

Meet the prince?

What will you do?

In my opinion,

it could leave a bad impression on him.

So you'd better not permit it.

Go and tell her she can't.

Yes, Your Majesty.

What a shameless woman.

Majesty,

I wanted to drink today.

So I prepared a small feast in the palace garden.

Please wait for me.

I will be there soon.

Then please hurry.

Listen.

Take the prince and let him meet his mother.

Yes, Majesty.

Avoid Queen Mother. Understand?

Yes, Your Majesty is so kind.

My Queen!

My Queen!

- My Prince. - My Queen.

My Prince.

My Prince.

Don't forget my face, my prince.

Grow up

to be a great King.

My Prince.

Mother!

Mother!

- Mother! - My Queen!

After your mother was deposed

and exiled from the palace

her beautiful black hair became piled with dirt,

and the grief in her heart made her ill.

Mother,

look at this.

Blood came out.

My daughter,

try to get some rest.

Mother,

I want to live for a long time

and see my son

becomes King.

You will.

But at that time,

any existence of your mother was made forbidden,

and they deceived you

by replacing her.

Understand?

Now, everyone leave.

Why aren't you asleep and playing the pipe?

Let me try it once.

Go to bed now.

And don't study too much.

Go out often, and exercise your mind and body.

Observe the people to learn

how to become a wise King.

Yes.

I have returned, father.

Did you see something interesting today?

There was nothing to see.

But I went out of the south gate,

and I saw a calf chasing its mother.

Chasing its mother, the calf answered,

and when the calf called, its mother answered.

Although they were animals, their affection was moving.

- Now, go inside. - Yes, your Majesty.

Listen here.

Yes, Your Majesty.

Call my secretary.

I have arrived, Your Majesty.

Visit the deposed Queen, and check how she is recently.

Yes, Majesty.

Find out whether she repents her sin

or not.

I will do as Your Majesty wishes.

When you return,

tell the King she hasn't repented yet

and that she does everything to defy him.

And tell the King

that she viciously insults him.

If you don't obey me,

and tell the King otherwise,

you will die.

I will obey.

Then go.

Oh, goodness.

What brings you to our lowly home?

Hello, Madam.

The King's secretary is here.

Open the door and greet him.

How have you been?

How do you do?

It's been hard for you, hasn't it?

How is the King?

How is my Prince?

- They're fine. - Thank goodness.

Please, help us.

I beg you to tell the King

and the prince of her love.

Mother,

please don't.

I'm a deposed criminal who is very ill now.

If they learn this, it will only worry them.

Please, don't mention me.

Just tell them I'm repenting my sin

and that I'm doing well.

Yes.

How could I betray such a kind woman?

I'm a brave man, too.

Even if my life is threatened,

I will tell the truth.

Come closer.

So how is she?

Please forgive me.

What is there to forgive?

Please forgive me.

Tell me now.

Then just tell us what you saw.

Has she not repented yet?

And defy the King?

Yes.

She hasn't repented yet

and defies Your Majesty.

Also...

What else?

Tell me.

She said that as long as she lives,

she will seek justice.

What?

Majesty,

please calm down.

Repeat what you just said.

She said if she lives longer,

she wants to seek justice.

That's enough.

You can go.

Majesty, she's dangerous.

She will spoil the prince if she lives.

I'm very worried for this country.

Punish her. With poison.

It's the only way.

Human life is precious.

I need more time to think.

Why do you need more time?

Order it right away.

Mother, please, open the window,

I want to see the moon.

There's a beautiful full moon tonight.

It doesn't matter if it's full or not.

The King's secretary,

isn't he such a kind man?

If he's human, he'll pity you.

I pray to the gods that they'll pity you.

And if the King makes you a Queen again,

I can die peacefully now, without any grief.

Mother,

you mustn't die.

You must live longer,

until I return for you,

so I can make the rest of your life happy.

Will that day really come?

I have a feeling

that good news will come soon.

I hope so, too.

Moon, moon,

Bright moon

The moon where Poet Li-po drinks

There, there in that moon

The great laurel tree

in the moon

Cutting it

with a jade axe

Trimming it

with a golden axe

Building

a small house

Living

with my parents

Are they coming for us?

The King commands you.

The King?

- My daughter. - Accept the King's command.

My daughter.

The King asks to see you.

The King?

You were right last night.

Your premonition was right.

You may become Queen again.

It must be good news.

Hurry and get ready. Go accept his command.

Heed the King's command.

Yes, Sir.

Even if you can't dress like a Queen,

you should put on a Queen's veil.

Here.

My hands shake so much I can't put it on.

My poor daughter.

I feel faint.

Bow and accept the King's command.

Your character is vile

and unmannered.

As a Queen, your behavior was unacceptable.

You insulted the royal throne.

Also, you said you'll seek justice forever.

If you return as Queen, bearing this evil mind,

though the prince is wise he won't be able to rule.

King Mu of China killed

his innocent wife for his country.

So if I forgive my evil wife again, it will be immoral.

So I order Queen Yoon to be poisoned.

No. How could this be?

Let me see for myself. There must be a mistake.

Mother?

Why should I be killed?

Why should I die?

I'm innocent, mother.

Why did I go to the palace?

Do I have to die like this, mother?

Mother?

This can't be.

My poor daughter.

She waited for 10 years in tears,

hoping one day that the King will have pity on her.

My daughter, why does she have to die?

My Lord,

you can't kill her. Kill me first!

You can't kill her. My poor daughter.

Mother.

Listen to me. Hear my words.

Although I'm a deposed criminal to be executed now,

I was a Queen

and mother of the prince once.

Don't think I'm being impolite for these words.

Bring me the bowl.

Yes, Madam.

My Daughter...

My Daughter!

After I die from this poison,

tell the King these last words:

I don't know what misfortune

caused me to be killed now,

but tell the King that I wish

he lives happily with the prince forever.

Also,

after I die,

bury me near the palace,

so even as a poor spirit,

I could somehow see

the King's face once more.

My daughter!

Let go of me!

My daughter!

Mother.

I'm leaving now.

When the prince becomes King,

give him this cloth full of my blood and tears.

My daughter!

Mother.

Mother!

Mother...

Is anybody outside?

Is anyone there?

- Is anyone there? - Yes, my lord.

Arrest concubines Jung and Um right away.

Call the penal officer and prepare the torture chairs.

Evil witches!

The penal officer is here.

Good.

The torture chairs and soldiers are ready, Your Majesty.

Good.

Concubines Jung and Um have been detained.

Tie them on the chairs.

Tie them on the chairs!

You evil witches!

Are you aware of your crimes?

Why did you plot against my mother!

You're the ones who made my mother a criminal.

Answer me!

You evil witches, answer me!

Queen Mother has arrived!

Majesty.

What's the meaning of this?

They are your father's concubines.

How could a son torture

his father's loved ones?

This is outrageous!

What did you say?

You not only dishonored your father,

but how dare you beat them with a King's hand?

You worry for the concubines, but what about my real mother?

If my torturing them is unjust,

what to say about you poisoning my mother?

What did you say?

My mother.

You drove my mother to death, didn't you?

I did. But that was different.

What's the difference?

She wasn't poisoned as a Queen,

but as a deposed sinner who was exiled.

What? A sinner?

- Queen mother. - Queen mother.

This is outrageous!

Heed my words.

Carry out these commands.

Arrest all the officials who permitted my mother's death,

and the ones who wrongfully accused her,

and the treacherous bastards who went to execute her.

Arrest all of them this instant!

Arrest all who tried

to split up my father and mother.

I knew this disaster would happen.

I'm not sure if I will live today.

If we got rid of Madam Shin as I said,

this wouldn't have happened.

Watch your mouth.

What will happen to this country?

If I'm late, don't wait too long.

Let's go.

Stop.

Stop the beating.

Listen to me, ministers.

Officers Lee Se-ja and Lee Saeng-geun

carried out my mother's execution,

so kill them with poison, too.

And cut off Secretary Kim's head who served my father.

And the officials who decided to permit my mother's death

and all the historians of my father's era,

flog them all and exile them,

and have them wait for my next order.

Exile Concubine Jung's sons

as well as her daughters to the corners of this country.

And cut off the heads of her parents, too.

Ministers Jung, Han, and Shin

didn't oppose my mother's execution.

But even though they're already dead,

dig them out of the national tombs,

and smash their skeletons.

Jung In-jee was a praised high minister,

but he didn't stop my mother's death.

So hold his memorial as an ordinary man.

As you wish, Majesty.

A loyal official who serves the King

should always be consistent with his words

I thought Minister Yoon was a faithful man,

but you agreed to depose my mother.

You pretended to be innocent and agreed with all my orders.

You're a very cunning old man.

Confiscate his property!

And hang him and his son!

Why are you hesitating? Tie up this old hag now! Do it now!

I will speak, Majesty.

It is natural for Your Majesty to mourn for the old Queen's death

but revenging the past...

Damn you!

You worthless scholars pretend to be well-spoken!

How dare you criticize me?

All right.

Then I will cut off your well-spoken tongues!

Listen here!

Throw them into prison until I give my next order.

The country was in turmoil day by day

and the people's wrath reached high into the sky.

A plot to depose King Yeon-san

and to save the country was secretly made

by patriotic officials.

A revolution was being organized,

and the turbulent life of King Yeon-san

was coming to the climax.

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