Original subtitles

Timing & Subtitles provided to you by The 💞Love Finds A Way 🛣 Team @viki.com

What I am saying is that

I want you to become my concubine.

Captain.

Yes, Your Majesty.

How well

do you know the hearts of women?

Your Majesty?

It's nothing.

Your Majesty!

If it is a woman's heart you're curious about,

I am indeed an expert.

What would you like to ask me, Your Majesty?

Well…

I wonder how…

you can win a woman's affection…

Or…

How you can…

Never mind.

Your Majesty,

as you know, I was married not too long ago.

I had chased her for some time and asked for her hand in marriage,

but she would not give me an answer.

The frustration was made worse because she had me wait without an answer.

Of course. So?

At first, I thought I would seduce her with my manly charms

so I made a show of my sword skills…

Apologies, Your Majesty.

I showed her my agility with bow and arrow with bulls-eye after bulls-eye.

But, she distanced herself from me saying that I scared her.

Why would… So?

One day, as I was training the new recruits,

- I hurt my hand. - I remember that.

I didn't want to show my weakness

so I did my best to avoid the object of my affections.

But... suddenly, she began to show interest in me.

Once, she approached me and asked,

"Have you eaten?"

When I replied, "I could not eat because of my injured hand,"

she fed me a bowl of rice stew.

Once she asked,

"Did you wash your face?"

When I said, "I could not because of my injured hand,"

she said, "Oh, you filthy man,"

and washed my face for me.

Do you understand, Your Majesty?

Understand what?

Your Majesty.

To win her affections,

you must pretend to be weak and pathetic

so that she may take pity on you.

That's the way to a woman's heart.

Pretend to be weak

and pathetic?

Yes, Your Majesty.

Is this true?

I would wager my life on it.

Pretend to be weak... and pathetic?

Captain!

It must be assassins!

Bring them to me alive.

Yes, Your Majesty.

Attack!

An incident has occurred in the palace.

The palace was infiltrated by assassins, who made an attempt on the King's life.

Is His Majesty unharmed?

Fortunately, he managed to come out of it unscathed.

He has commanded a search.

The assassins must still be hiding in the palace.

Pair up and search the palace grounds.

Yes, my lady.

- Hurry. - Let's go together.

Let's go.

You don't have anything

to do with today's incident, do you?

Shouldn't that be obvious?

I can't believe you're suspecting me.

Did you hear that?

What?

I didn't hear anything.

Something moved over there.

Let's go.

But we should investigate.

Stop!

What if it really is an assassin? There's only the two of us.

- But we were commanded to search for-- - Hey!

We are not even soldiers. There's nothing we can do.

You don't want to get hurt, do you?

See?

There is nothing here.

Let's go.

Captain.

Yes, Lord Hong?

Arrest the traitor.

Yes, my lord.

Arrest her!

Yes, my lord!

How dare a court lady

attempt to murder His Majesty?

- Take her away. - Yes, my lord.

Take her away.

But…

will you be all right?

What do you mean?

You've falsified your identity.

You're listed as a daughter of Princess Hyebin's servant.

But your father was a soldier.

My father passed away in Imonyeon*. Year of the Horse)

Was he

a royal guardsman

who served Crown Prince Sado?

On the day that Prince Sado was killed,

all of his guardsmen were also killed.

They were branded as traitors

for allowing their master to go down a sinful path.

Mother could not bear it

and decided to follow Father to the grave.

Should you be telling me this?

vIf I were to tell our superiors,

you could lose your life.

You would never tell.

I know you, Wol Hye.

You sure you know me?

Absolutely.

You're Wol Hye, and we used to fly kites together when we were young.

Those were such carefree days.

I miss them.

Don't you wish we could go back to those days?

Okay.

I made up my mind.

About what?

We will never be able to go back to those good old days,

but you are my friend from those times

so I will protect you.

Wait right here.

Deok Im… Deok Im…

Are you here to be interrogated?

But you have no bruises.

You are truly His Majesty's favorite.

Wol Hye…

Would you brush away my hair?

I can't see very well.

That's better.

Their methods of torture were so severe.

You committed a crime,

so you deserve the punishment.

There were assassins

hiding in that brush, weren't there?

Why

did you let me live?

I just wanted to.

I deserve to

have things my way once in a while, too.

What's so wrong with saving the life

of a childhood friend?

You

are but an ordinary girl.

But strangely, I never hated you in any way.

Some people are like that.

Everyone is fond of them

and wants to keep them around.

Such a talent is beneficial

outside the palace walls.

But inside the palace,

such a talent

can be a liability.

If too many people become fond of you,

it may not end well.

Goodbye.

What about the Food Inspector Court Lady?

I heard that she is being interrogated by Lord Hong.

It should suffice that I am unharmed.

There is no reason for you to be gloomy because of traitors.

You look like a dog in mourning.

That is such a horrid thing to say.

I am greatly disappointed, Your Majesty.

Good. Be angry.

It is better than to see you gloomy and listless.

Why don't we make a wager?

Your Majesty?

The loser

must grant one wish to the winner.

So, you will grant

anything I wish for?

Will you do it?

Yes, Your Majesty.

You must have a wish that you so desire to come true.

A friend of mine was a court lady in the King's Palace.

But she was ejected from the palace after the Late King's passing.

If I were to win the wager,

I would like that friend to be reinstated to the palace.

Would you allow it?

I will.

Why are you so happy?

There is no guarantee that you will win the wager.

Your Majesty, what would be your wish if you were to win?

I wish to hear the answer to the question

that I asked a while ago.

As for the wager,

we may wager on whatever game that you wish.

Will you do it?

Stone skipping is a simple game that the common folk play.

I know.

Have you ever played it?

Only a few times

when I was young.

I have chosen your stone for you, Your Majesty.

Court Lady Sung,

that rock is too large.

For skipping stones,

stones that are wide and thin are better.

Your Majesty,

I will give you a demonstration.

Look, Your Majesty.

Did you see it?

- Now stand back. - Yes, Your Majesty.

I will let you have a practice throw,

so go ahead.

Best out of three throws

wins the wager.

Yes, Your Majesty.

- Captain, go find my some stones. - Yes, Your Majesty.

Don't just stand there.

Find yours.

This is for His Majesty.

I've brought you the best stones.

You may begin.

You go first.

I won!

I won this time.

Is the court lady you wish to reinstate

Kim Bok Yeon?

How did you know, Your Majesty?

I saw you with her from time to time.

You were always smiling

and I always felt

that someone was taking something that belonged to me.

Do you cherish your friends

more than you cherish me?

As you have won,

I will keep my promise.

Your Majesty…

- Bok Yeon! - Bok Yeon!

You guys!

How have you been?

There's no need to cry.

I'm wearing this!

That was our present to you!

- That looks nice. - I'm wearing all of them.

Bok Yeon.

I missed you!

Your Majesty,

I have been reunited with my friend thanks to your boundless grace.

I am profoundly grateful.

You must be quite happy.

Yes, Your Majesty.

Now, you can grind the inkstone.

Your Majesty,

have you learned of the people behind the assassination attempt?

I'm glad.

Please root out all who are against you.

But then,

I'd have to kill them all.

Do you think I should kill them?

Those who threaten your safety should not be--

Your Majesty.

Lord Hong wishes to have an audience with you.

Send him in.

Yes, Your Majesty.

I told you that I would make the decision tomorrow.

This matter cannot wait.

If you do not allow it,

I shall remain here begging for your decision.

Your Majesty knows

that the decision is inevitable.

Please execute Prince Eunjeon.

Leave us two alone.

Yes, Your Majesty.

What's the matter, Deok Im?

Aren't you happy that Bok Yeon is back?

I am,

but I'm also a little frightened.

I think

I made a big mistake today.

Mistake.

I was a little excited because of Bok Yeon's return,

so I thanked His Majesty

and tried to show him

how concerned I was for his well-being.

And I asked him to root out all traitors.

What's wrong with that?

Well, there's nothing wrong with that.

But Prince Eunjeon was among the traitors.

Now, His Majesty has to kill his younger brother.

In effect, I asked His Majesty to kill his younger brother.

Deok Im…

You didn't know his brother was a traitor.

You have to watch your mouth

in front of His Majesty.

I feel as if I can't even breathe.

Traitor Hong Jeongyeo, come out to hear His Majesty's command!

These days,

I've been hearing lots about you.

They say you have His Majesty's favor

so all in this kingdom would bow down to your commands.

Things have changed quite a bit.

And what about you?

Do you regret the past?

Of course,

I regret it.

I should have killed the King

when he was still Crown Prince.

I should have attacked him

at my fullest strength and the fierceness of a beast

and brought an end to his life.

Instead, I relied on cunning schemes

and elaborate plots only to see an end like this.

What?

You never thought

that you'll end up like me?

Do you think

you will wield such power forever?

I am well-aware

that I only wield power thanks to the favor of His Majesty.

Maybe someday I might lose that favor.

But you need not worry.

I am making preparations

for such eventualities in the future.

I see.

I will observe from beyond the grave

whether your plans come to fruition.

But I have a sneaking suspicion

that we'll meet

sooner than you think.

Hey, Lord Hong.

I mean,

Deokro.

The King

is a much crueler person than you think.

I think I know

His Majesty a little better than you.

There are things that can only be seen from a distance.

I think it's time to say our final goodbyes.

I only came here to pay my last respects

to an elder of the Hong clan.

I shall take my leave.

Aunt, your son

has passed away in exile.

I called you here as I feel that it is my duty

to inform you personally.

Did you have him killed,

Your Majesty?

Yes.

I had him killed.

I killed your son

instead of you, Aunt.

Take care of yourself as your son exchanged his life for yours.

You may leave.

The former princess

must pay her respects to His Majesty before she leaves.

As my life was spared in exchange for my son's,

I will not recklessly throw it away.

Watch your step, Your Majesty!

- Your Majesty! - His Majesty is very drunk.

This way.

- I'm not drunk. - No, you aren't.

- I will go fetch the doctor. - Yes.

Your Majesty.

Is that you, Deok Im?

Thank you for helping me at this late hour.

You too, Court Lady Seo. Thank you.

Thank you.

- Captain. - Yes, Your Majesty.

I appreciate your help, as well.

I am honored, Your Majesty.

Today,

I will

bestow gifts upon the three of you.

- I am honored, Your Majesty. - I am honored, Your Majesty.

Now, let's see.

Go fetch some honey tea.

- Court Lady Seo. - Yes?

Today, I…

Deok Im.

Where are you going?

I was just about to bestow you with a gift.

Draw near.

I will present you with a personal gift

which you may hand down in your families.

- Do you understand? - We are honored, Your Majesty.

Thin

and long.

- Court Lady Seo. - Yes, Your Majesty.

How do you like my orchid?

That is a beautiful painting.

Other artists will be green with envy.

True masterpiece as this is not to be rivaled by any.

- Really? - Yes, Your Majesty.

Then, this will be yours, Court Lady Seo.

Thank you, Your Majesty.

- Captain. - Yes, Your Majesty.

Would you also like a painting?

Yes, I would like one too.

Then, I will paint an orchid that looks

exactly like you.

I am honored, Your Majesty.

Here. This is for you!

What is this, Your Majesty?

What do you think? Isn't it the splitting image of you?

Oh my.

It looks exactly like me!

You

are very silent today.

Now,

I will paint a picture for you too, Deok Im.

Let's see…

How do you like my painting?

I must be frank with you, Your Majesty.

There is a painter named Kim Hongdo*, (Joseon's most famous painter)

but your artistic prowess far outshines his.

Really?

- Is that so? - Yes, Your Majesty.

Really? Then, I will give this painting to you, Deok Im.

I am jealous, Your Majesty.

Please paint me another picture.

You mustn't only show favor to Deok Im.

If that's what you think,

I will paint

one more picture for you each.

Yes, Your Majesty.

I will go fetch some honey tea.

OK. Let me paint a picture that looks exactly like the two of you.

Thank you, Your Majesty.

This is for

the Captain of the Palace Guard.

That's incredible!

Take this to the head eunuch.

Yes, Your Majesty.

So, His Majesty

executed Prince Eunjeon?

During the interrogation,

the traitors accused him of treason.

That's why His Majesty

had to consent to the execution.

For days, he turned down all petitions

to execute his brother.

He must be wracked with guilt.

Your Majesty,

the others--

I wished to be alone, so I sent them away.

I thought you had left, as well.

Have some tea.

You must be heartbroken.

You're one to talk.

You've broken my heart more than anyone else.

Why do you avoid me?

You never come to the garden.

I've just been preoccupied with work…

You have been avoiding being left alone with me.

Are you scared that I will pry you for an answer?

These days,

you treat me as the others do.

I don't understand, Your Majesty.

You are frightened of me just as all the others are.

Is it because I killed my own brother?

You don't feel comfortable with the man who killed

his own flesh and blood?

How can you say such a thing, Your Majesty?

Then, why do you look at me with such eyes?

I see the depth of your pain and suffering.

Ever since you ascended the throne,

you have been suffering, Your Majesty.

Never have you seemed at peace since then.

I want to help you.

But there is nothing I can do.

So I feel

more and more helpless every day.

I wish I were a brave warrior.

Then, at least I could protect you with my sword.

Nonsense.

I have enough warriors to protect me.

You should know fully well

what it is that I truly want from you.

You're out of luck today.

You and I

are all alone.

You are inebriated, Your Majesty.

Whatever you tell me today,

you will no longer remember tomorrow.

As you said,

I will forget everything tomorrow.

If I will forget everything that happened today,

it means that I can do whatever I want.

While you may forget, Your Majesty, I will not.

You're right.

You'll remember.

That will be my punishment to you.

Punishment?

What did I do wrong?

You

tried to push me away.

Your Majesty?

You will designate a concubine for me?

You do not have an heir.

If this continue,

I will feel guilty towards your late grandfather.

It is my duty to designate a concubine

to ensure that the royal lineage continues.

I will decide

who my concubine will be.

Then hurry and designate your concubine.

You can have

any woman you want in the land of Joseon.

Is there a woman

who would dare decline your proposal?

Please let me

handle

my own business.

This is not just your business.

As the Queen Dowager,

it is also my business.

I will designate a concubine for you.

And your duty

is to acquiesce.

So,

you will decide my concubine without consulting me?

Did you consult me

when you exiled my brother?

I gave you my assistance

when you were still Crown Prince.

However, you forgot about your debt to me

as soon as you ascended the throne.

Although you are the ruler of this land,

I hold full discretion in affairs of the royal household.

So, do not dare

disobey me.

I will choose

a woman who is appropriate for Your Majesty.

- Head Eunuch. - Yes, Your Majesty.

Where is Mother right now?

Why have you allied yourself with the Queen Dowager?

When you

tried to kill my brother and nephews,

I wished for the Queen Dowager to help me.

That is why I did not object to her choosing your concubine.

I had no reason to.

In any case, it is merely a formality.

The woman

who will be your concubine has already been chosen.

Who is it?

Is it Hong Deokro's sister?

Lord Hong is a loyal subject,

so his sister will be--

Would a loyal subject

meet you without my consent?

So, you introduced

Lord Hong to the Queen Dowager?

You must be overjoyed

as Hong Deokro is part of

the Hong clan as are you.

- Your Majesty. - Yes?

Everything

worked out as you intended, Mother.

My Queen will be a lady from the highest aristocracy.

The new concubine will also be a member of the aristocracy

and also a member of the Hong clan as yourself.

Are you satisfied?

Your Majesty.

I understand the reason for your anger.

You hold another woman

dear in your heart

Do you know whom I called

when Lord Hong visited me?

I called

Sung Deok Im.

I asked her

to be your concubine

and always support you.

My apologies, Your Highness.

I do not wish to be his concubine.

Did she

truly say

those words?

Your Majesty,

I can force the girl

to become your concubine if you wish.

While I am fond of the girl,

you are my son and more precious to me than my own life.

What would you have me do?

Your Majesty,

is this the book you are looking for?

The book was merely an excuse

to call you here.

There is something I must ask you.

Did you see Mother?

Did she

request that you be

my concubine?

Yes, Your Majesty.

And you turned her down?

That is true, Your Majesty.

Why must I hear

such a thing from my mother?

Whether you accept or decline,

I should have been informed directly!

What are you so scared of?

No matter how angry I am,

I would never harm you.

Why do you not wish to become my concubine?

It is because I will lose everything.

I do not understand you.

Make yourself clearer.

If I become your concubine,

I must give you my everything

and nothing of my own will remain.

It is human nature

to want everything from the man

that you give your everything to.

However, Your Majesty, you cannot give

your entire self to me.

I will

merely be

just one of the countless women in your life.

But my entire life will change

and there will be no going back.

I'm afraid

that I'll lose everything.

Are you afraid

you'll lose my affection?

No, Your Majesty.

I am afraid I will lose myself.

I will postpone my proposal for a while.

I will postpone it,

but I will not forget.

Hello, Bugyori*. (Officer in charge of scholarship)

Chief State Councilor,

have you seen the notice?

The Queen Dowager

has issued an edict.

I know.

So, they will choose a concubine?

Do you know who the strongest candidate is?

Isn't it obvious?

Hello, Lord Hong. Welcome.

You look especially handsome today.

Chief State Councilor.

Hello.

As the selection of the concubine is the business of the Queen Dowager,

I forbid

any discussion of it in the royal court.

The fate of the entire nation

hinges on the production of a royal heir.

We cannot ignore such an important issue.

Only the Queen Dowager has the power

to select the woman who will be my concubine.

There is nothing I can do

except accept the choice that has been made.

A truly loyal servant

would not involve himself in this affair.

Your Majesty,

I, Shim Hwiwon,

wits to ask you

one question.

You may talk, Bugyori.

I still

fail to understand

Your Majesty's

grand scheme.

Your Majesty always

stays at the royal library

and insists on consorting with lowly officials.

I would be remiss if I didn't ask

what use you have

for such people.

What is your

grand scheme moving forward?

Hmmm…

I wish to get rid of some abuses among government officials.

Also, there are three things that I wish to accomplish.

Maybe that is wishful thinking?

Three may be too many.

Two should be enough.

Actually, come to think of it.

Even two is too many.

If I can accomplish just one,

that will be satisfactory.

Irrigation.

Irrigation?

Are you talking about fixing the waterworks?

I mean building dams and irrigation channels to prevent famine.

Your Majesty, there is

a government institution for that purpose.

But

I think

that nothing is more important than waterworks

and nothing is more urgent.

So,

let us discuss this matter.

Bugyori, I would like to hear your thoughts on this matter.

My apologies, Your Highness.

I do not have any thoughts on this.

Does anyone have an opinion on this matter?

Your Majesty, I was worried that you would not come.

As we are choosing your companion,

it is only befitting that you attend.

Oh,

it's you.

Your Highness.

I'm glad to see you.

I've been feeling bored as of late.

Why don't you drop by and read me some books?

If you wish,

I will select some court ladies who read well

and send them to your palace, Grandmother.

I like her.

Do as Grandmother wishes.

Yes, Your Majesty.

Your Majesty.

I am feeling a bit dizzy.

Would you

assist me as I walk?

As Grandmother,

let me give you a piece of advice.

There is nothing wrong in desiring something.

Now that you are king,

you may desire anything.

If you wish it to be so,

you may command it to be so.

I don't understand what you are trying to say, Grandmother.

I can always help you if you need something.

I just want you to know that.

The only thing

I wish is to be a good king.

I try by best to ignore trivial matters.

You must try harder then.

You have not accomplished anything in my opinion.

You've killed your granduncle

and the adopted son of your aunt

and even your own brother.

I know that you had to struggle

to survive.

But I see

nothing

that you have accomplished so far.

As you know, Princess Wonbin has been selected as His Majesty's concubine.

She must first learn the protocols and etiquette of the palace.

Court Lady Kwon has left for the Princess's Palace.

There must be no problems during her absence.

Do you understand?

Yes, my lady.

Lord Hong is quite impressive.

He received promotion after promotion

and now, his sister has been designated His Majesty's concubine.

You were always so infatuated with him.

Do you see who he really is now?

He is an ambitious powermonger.

Don't you dare

bad mouth the gyeomsaseo.

He's no longer a gyeomsaseo.

He is a lord who wields tyrannical power.

You know, he tortured dozens of court ladies for treason.

I hear even innocent ones were tortured.

Gyeong Hui…

Court Lady Sung?

Princess Wonbin!

It is you!

I really wanted to see you again.

Look.

I still have the fragrance pouch that you gave me.

Brother would talk about you from time to time.

He said that you were a good person,

that you were trustworthy.

Princess Wonbin!

Princess Wonbin!

Where are you, Princess Wonbin?

His Majesty will be going to the Princess's Palace tonight.

Yes, my lady.

He is not going to come back tonight

so there's no use standing there.

Here. I'll give you a present.

What is it?

It has cotton in it. It's very soft and nice to hold onto.

Why don't you lean on the wall and get some shuteye?

Thank you, my lady.

To wait for His Majesty all night long

is the duty of his handmaid.

So,

clear your mind of useless thoughts.

You have to get used to waiting.

You're just

a court lady who serves the King.