Original subtitles

[This film is inspired by actual historical events and figures.]

Suyang, the eternally cursed traitor, now sits on the throne!

[In 1452, Lee Hong Gui ascended the throne at the age of 12.]

[A year later, his uncle, Grand Prince Suyang, overthrew him and became king.]

For dishonoring His Majesty and corrupting the kingdom,

you shall face heaven's wrath.

Han Myeong Hoe, you traitor!

You and the other traitors who have stolen the throne,

shall be punished by heaven!

Your Majesty.

Please eat, sir.

Take...

the table away.

Your Majesty.

Please eat, sir.

Take it away.

You must eat, sir.

Take it away at once!

Your Majesty.

Minister Han Myeong Hoe is here, sir.

Your Majesty, the King Emeritus. It is Han Myeong Hoe.

You may...

enter.

I heard it's been two days, sir.

Why command that your meals be taken away?

At last...

you've come for me?

What do you mean, sir?

Is it my turn...

to scream in pain like them?

They're criminals who plotted treason without your knowledge.

They should be screaming in pain.

Since you've done no wrong,

why would you scream in pain, sir?

You didn't know about the treason they planned.

Even if you did,

you wouldn't have condoned it.

Isn't that so, sir?

By all means,

isn't that so, sir?

Now...

where will I go?

Now!

Damn!

It'll run away!

Damn it!

- Not in my ear! -The deer has escaped!

- Chase it! - Might as well throw it by hand!

- Where'd it go? - Can you two stop fighting?

Damn it.

- Scatter out! - Run!

Damn it!

I told him to be quiet. He never listens!

I get no respect as the village chief!

Chief! Where are you?

Chief!

Damn! What's wrong with him?

It's the king...

Help!

Hey!

Why are you lying down there?

Taking a nap?

Damn it.

We're scrambling to catch the deer,

but look at him taking a nap!

Why you!

It's all right.

It's his habit. Let's go.

T... Tiger... Tiger...

- Rest, Dad. - Why nap now! Damn it!

Help...

Damn...

Help me...

Sir?

Sir!

Where am I?

Is that real?

Whoa... Cooked rice?

I must be dead.

This must be paradise.

It's real?

You're awake!

Good.

I found you down in the valley. Glad you're okay.

Thank you, sir.

I don't recognize your face.

Where are you from?

I'm from Gwangchungol.

Gwangchungol? Gwangchungol...

- What is this village called? - It's Norugol.

Norugol?

How did you come this far?

I was out deer hunting.

- Then I went... - Deer?

- Hunting? - Yes.

Why hunt deer?

To eat it, of course.

- You catch and eat deer? - Yes.

Deer meat smells, but you catch that and eat it?

We don't eat it now.

We'd do anything for deer meat.

Is there a big celebration here? What's with the big party?

Today? It's my son's birthday.

You're hosting a party for your son's birthday?

It's nothing fancy.

Since when do brats get to have such huge parties?

It's a special day. Join us for a drink.

- Have some meat, too. - Really?

- I'm not sure if I should. - Please.

It's not deer meat.

Thank you.

He's eating with his hands.

Excuse me. I'm starving.

People in other villages

are starving to death with nothing to eat.

How can you have so much to eat here?

Since you seem completely clueless, I'll let you in on a secret.

One day, an elderly man with a long beard came here.

He was the Minister of Justice.

Welcome, sir.

He was a powerful man in the capital.

But something must've happened

and he was exiled here.

We had to prepare a house for him.

Bring me meals every day and have someone serve me!

Though we were starving, we had to serve him meals.

Catch that and serve it to me! At once!

The old man thought he was still high and mighty

and treated the villagers like his slaves.

But then one day,

- Serve me meat for every meal! - something came.

- What? - Donkeys.

- Donkeys? - Yes.

Donkeys?

Donkeys bearing massive cargo made a steady stream into Norugol.

Deer antlers from Dongnae.

Meat, rice, dried persimmons and silk sheets.

The nobles in the capital are smart.

They knew that the Minister of Justice

- will soon be reinstated in court. - You must learn.

But the old man was so bored, he started teaching the kids.

The village kids who initially couldn't read learned the Thousand-Character Classic

and the teachings of Mencius and Confucius.

Just as the noble men thought,

the elderly man soon returned to the capital.

He took some of the smarter boys and taught them.

One of them even won top scholar in the state examination!

It's like the village struck a goldmine!

Hooray!

Goldmine?

Yes!

The goldmine can land right here in Gwangchungol too!

How?

Recently, there was major chaos in the capital.

The king was overthrown and a new king came into power.

Then many officials will be exiled, right?

A high-ranking noble is coming to Yeongwol as an exile.

- Keep it a secret. - Who is it?

It must be a high-ranked official with big, broad shoulders,

a big hat, and a long beard.

He'll probably go to Norugol like everyone else.

No!

No matter what,

we must make him come to our village.

If we serve him well,

then the nobles will come like croakers in rows.

Croakers!

- Yummy. - Right.

No way!

Damn.

You think exiled nobles will repent and be good here?

They'll just get drunk and harass women.

If they get mad, they'll report us to the town office.

- Then we'll be punished. - That's right!

We gotta prepare a house and serve the exiled noble.

We also have to watch them so they don't run away!

If they get hurt or die,

our whole village will be burned to ashes!

- Forget it! Damn it! - But...

Listen to me for a change.

What do you eat on Mak Dong's birthdays?

Since there's nothing to eat,

you just pat her, feed her water, then put her to bed.

- Hey. - But at Norugol, for a kid's birthday,

everyone gathered to eat meat and rice.

They were stuffed full!

They had chicken, pork and everything!

Just for a kid's birthday!

From the white rice...

Shit.

Wisps of steam rose like dancing spirits.

Shit.

It was so rich and creamy!

I thought I was in paradise.

Think about it.

When's the last time you had rice?

Do you even remember?

I think it was on my wedding day. Just once.

It'll be hard at first with a stranger here and all.

But soon after,

donkeys with meat and rice will come nonstop.

We can eat rice and meat soup every day!

Damn it! We'll be stuffed full every day!

Me, too!

White rice...

I want to try it, too.

Just once.

Me, too.

Just once?

Oh, dear.

Mak Dong.

I'll make sure you get rice.

Hey, Gwangchungol!

What brings you here?

I... heard... something is here...

- What? - Something from...

What brings you here?

I came here to take on another exiled noble.

A noble? Really?

- Is he with you? - Me?

That bastard!

Thief! Get him!

Magistrate!

- Sir! - Wait!

- Sir! - Sir!

I have something to say, sir!

- Let me talk first, sir! - Okay!

- Be quiet. - Yes, sir.

I'll speak softly. Please listen to me.

I got here two paces ahead, sir. I'll speak first.

Okay, okay!

You go first. But!

- Speak softly. - Yes, sir.

Ever heard of Cheongnyeongpo deep within Gwangchungol, sir?

- Never. What are they? - See, sir?

It's so remote that you don't even know, sir!

It's deep within Yeongwol.

Gwangchungol is in the mountain valley

and deep, deep within there is Cheongnyeongpo, sir.

So?

So, I'm saying Cheongnyeongpo is the best place for an exile, sir.

- Move, you bastard! - Hey!

- He's talking nonsense. - Sir!

The place of exile in Yeongwol has always been Norugol, sir!

The exiled folks have all been satisfied.

Some even said they didn't want to leave. Why change it?

It makes no sense, sir!

Please reconsider, sir!

Fine.

The place of exile...

- Just keep it as Norugol! - Sir!

No!

Quiet.

- But! - Sir!

Please let me explain, sir!

I've heard enough! Just go!

Guards! Drag him out of here!

Let me tell you more, sir!

What is all that racket?

We were chasing out a madman causing a scene, sir.

No, sir! I'm not crazy, sir!

Sir, I am a former clerk and current village chief, Eom Heung Do, sir.

Guards! Drag him out of here!

Stop.

Eom Heung Do.

- Yes, sir! - Well, then.

Why do you want your village to be chosen?

It's so remote even badgers get lost and raccoons lose their minds.

An island within the land, Cheongnyeongpo!

It's very hot and humid in the summer.

It's filled with black mountain mosquitoes.

In the winter, cold air rises from the river

and seeps down from the frigid cliffs.

It's a place where people are dying to die, sir.

There's no better place for repentance, sir.

I've been living there for years. From the moment I wake up...

This shall be the place of exile.

Oh! Thank you, sir!

Thank you!

Are you sure you can manage? No matter who arrives?

Yes, sir! Of course, sir!

We can manage no matter who comes, sir.

I'll return to you

with a sword in one hand and a reward in the other.

Which one you will get

shall depend on what you do.

Of course, sir.

I'll do everything perfectly with my life, sir!

Sinner Lord Nosan!

Obey His Majesty's decree.

It has been proven that the King Emeritus knew of the treason...

Also, rebels such as Seong Sam Mun and Park Paeng Nyon

were quartered for high treason.

Grand Prince Geumseong, who also took part, was banished.

Yet, whispers of betrayal persist, both great and small.

Recently, it has been proven that the King Emeritus

knew of his father-in-law, Song Hyun Soo's treason.

Thus the King Emeritus will be demoted to Lord Nosan.

He shall be exiled to restore stability across the land.

Will you just sit there all day?

They can't work up there! Hurry up and give 'em the roof tiles!

- Shut up! - Why you!

A great noble is coming from the capital!

Everything must be perfect!

Stop it and pass me that water bowl!

What? This?

- Yes. - Gosh.

You heard her! Hand it to her!

How can you not even lift a finger? Hurry up!

How frustrating!

There's no time to drink water!

There's less than a month left till the noble man arrives.

Every hand needs to work! There's no time to drink water!

What?

- Grandpa? - Yes.

What was this place before?

It used to be...

a shaman's house.

- Shaman? - Scared?

Be careful.

Don't come here, ever!

- Okay? - Yes.

All talk. No haste.

No, hey! Be careful!

- I told you to be careful. - Oh, no.

Damn it!

Those roof tiles are expensive!

- And... - Get down!

- Don't become an adult like him. - Come down!

Okay.

Come down!

The house is almost ready. We just need the man to come.

Why, sir! Welcome, sir! This way, please.

This way, sir. Right this way, sir.

What's that sound?

Oh, you came with donkeys? How nice!

Come this way, please.

Donkeys! You stay there. Leave the boxes and wait.

Sir! This way, please.

You scared me.

Why you...

Can't you go study? Stop fiddling with the damn bow.

Tae San.

Remember?

You finished the Thousand-Character Classic at 5 and Prime Learning at 8.

Then studied law at 10.

Why waste your smart brain on that!

It's not too late.

Start preparing for the state examination.

Dad.

Do you know the state examination?

What?

You think I'm not studying because I don't want to?

Deep here in the mountains,

there are no books nor teachers to learn from.

You'll have a teacher.

Soon, a noble will come from Hanyang.

A high-ranked official.

You can learn from him and take the state examination.

Who knows? Maybe he'll like you and take you to Hanyang with him.

A noble will help us?

Ever seen a noble do that?

So, what...

After all that work, it looks good.

Well done, everyone.

- Who do you think will come? - Not sure.

The chief worked hard to get him here.

- I'm sure he'll be nice. - Right.

Still, I have a bad feeling.

He'll come up empty again!

Don't ruin things off the bat!

Listen carefully, folks.

The village depends on this.

So, don't act rashly!

Even if he acts up, just smile and bow to him, you know?

- Yes. - Horses!

- Look! Someone's coming! - He's here.

- Chief! Hurry! - They're here.

The goldmine is here.

Smile.

Smile!

Is the raft the only means to cross the river?

Yes, sir.

Only the palanquin, the woman, and I go on the raft.

The rest will swim across.

Yes, sir.

What are you doing?

Damn.

- Steer the raft. - Yes, sir.

- Lift the palanquin. - Yes, sir.

- No beard? - Chief!

We're ready!

Good!

- Pull! - Let's pull!

- Heave! - Ho!

- Heave! - Ho!

- Heave! - Ho!

- Heave! - Ho!

- Heave! - Ho!

Hey! The raft is drifting downwards!

Pull harder!

- Heave! - Ho!

Why isn't it moving?

- What is happening? - What's wrong?

It's stuck.

Hey! It's stuck! Pull harder!

- Hurry! Join them and pull! - Damn, what's down there?

- That's it! - Pull!

Harder!

Pull harder!

Pull!

Pull harder!

Sir!

Your Majesty!

Sir!

Hurry! What are you doing?

Are you unharmed?

- Sir! - Sir!

Wait! Hold on!

Hurry up!

- Tae San. Put it in here. - Here?

By the way,

instead of a long beard official, a grubby, little kid came.

What happened?

What grievous offense has he committed?

The poor kid...

Chief.

Do you know the young noble's name?

I heard it's Nosan.

Nosan?

He won't last a month.

What do you mean?

You mean Nosan will commit suicide?

The young lad...

without his father, servants,

nor the palace... It'll be hard for him to last.

You are right, sir.

But don't forget.

Nosan's uncle and the king's brother, Grand Prince Geumseong,

is staying close by.

[Sunheung Grand Prince Geumseong's place of exile]

Your Highness.

We pledge to follow you, sir!

I'll follow you with my life!

I'll follow you with my life!

Thank you all.

Are you awake? Breakfast is ready, sir.

I'm the warden, Eom Heung Do, sir.

What a terrible thing to happen on your first day here, sir.

The damn raft got caught on a big rock.

If I didn't hold it with the pole,

you could've drifted down the river, sir.

You must have breakfast to regain your energy, sir.

The village people prepared it with great care.

- Before it cools, please... - Take it away.

Sir?

Take it and leave.

Leave?

He is not in the mood.

Please leave.

But I'm the warden here.

My job is to see him every morning and evening, then report to the office.

- I must meet him to... - He said to leave!

You fool!

You heard me!

Take the table and leave!

Go. Hurry!

That's some temper...

Gosh.

"You heard me! Take it and leave!"

"You fool?"

Damn kid thinks because he's a noble he can be rude?

I'm way older!

Right.

No matter how bratty he is, just smile and bow.

Damn it.

Why won't he eat this delicious food?

Oh, my!

Your cheeks are about to explode.

Please don't get me wrong.

I'm not eating because I want to.

There was a big bug in the rice.

Don't get me wrong!

- Magistrate! - What?

Sir!

Why are the soldiers leaving?

Didn't you know?

No, sir.

It's the warden's job to guard the place of exile, not the soldiers.

So, on the first and fifteenth of every month, don't forget to report.

Every minor detail.

Yes, of course, sir.

Have you heard?

The King Emeritus has come to Yeongwol in exile.

Yes, I've heard.

Didn't he go to Cheongnyeongpo?

Cheongnyeongpo?

- I'm back. - Hey.

- How'd it go? - What did?

Did he like the food?

- He didn't even touch it. - Really?

- He didn't eat? - No.

But we made it for him when we can't even eat. Damn it.

Maybe he's not feeling well.

He must've lost his appetite.

How can he not have an appetite?

This precious food is...

- What the heck? - What?

It's obviously been touched!

- Someone ate half of it! - Right.

Since he didn't eat, the maid ate it instead.

I caught her eating it.

But she said she didn't touch it

when her cheeks looked like they were about to explode.

Then Mak Dong can eat this, right?

Sure.

We don't waste leftovers.

Mak Dong!

Damn.

He ate it! His teeth marks are all over it!

Just forget it.

Hey, Gwangchungol!

What brings you here?

What?

Let's talk this through. I know how you must feel,

but fighting won't change...

- I didn't come here to fight. - What?

This hen was fed on only good grains.

- Take it. - What?

The bellflower roots, too.

They're rare and precious.

Why give me all this?

You've taken the woe instead.

I should give you more.

- Wait! - I've taken what?

These are the prized mushrooms from our village.

Why are you giving me all this?

I'm so very grateful.

That crazy jerk thanked me and gave me all this.

- Dad. - What?

Do you know who was exiled here?

Yes. Nosan.

Do you know who Nosan is?

His name is Nosan. What do you mean?

He's real name is Lee Hong Gui.

Until recently,

he was the king.

Are you out of your mind?

The king?

Yes, king!

- King? - King!

Are you sure you can manage?

No matter who arrives?

Your Majesty!

King?

That young kid was the king?

- That's right. - Hold on.

A king is a king.

Why would he be exiled here?

Are former kings all exiled?

Listen. Nosan became the king after his late father.

But Grand Prince Suyang raised a coup and became king.

All the servants under Nosan were killed,

and he was dethroned and banished here.

Still,

the king is usually killed, not exiled.

Though the hearts of the people bleed for him, his fate is sealed;

the royal poison awaits.

Poison?

If you drink that, you'll die!

Then what happens to us?

- If something happens to Nosan, we'll... - Wait.

If something happens to him...

Oh, no...

We'll be doomed here.

All those who followed Nosan

were tortured and ripped apart alive.

Their assets were taken,

and their wives and kids were all sold off as slaves!

My damn luck!

- What do we do? - I told you, didn't I?

We're as good as dead now.

This is all the village chief's fault!

We're not as good as dead.

Stop yapping if you don't know anything!

Listen!

I heard clearly from Sir Han Myeong Hoe

that he'll reinstate Nosan to the capital soon!

Heung Do. Is that the truth?

You know me, sir.

I come from a noble family!

Even with a knife on my neck, I would never lie!

Of course not.

It must be just a rumor!

Your Majesty...

Your Majesty...

Your Majesty...

Your Majesty...

Your Majesty!

It is I, Seong Sam Mun, sir.

-I, Park Paeng Nyon... - I, Ha Wi Ji... - I, Lee Kae...

-I, Yu Sang Won... - I, Yu Ung Bu...

Why have you forsaken us?

Your Majesty!

Do not be so forlorn...

I too, shall soon...

join all of you.

I didn't ask for much!

I just wanted to have some rice.

I wanted my son to learn to have a chance to live well.

But out of all the nobles,

why did I have to bring someone like you!

To think I begged like hell for someone like you?

I had big dreams,

but a walking disaster like you...

Walking disaster...

Where did it go?

Oh, sir...

Please... I can explain, sir...

I had no idea you were the king, sir.

What brings you here at this late hour?

It's dangerous, sir.

It's a cliff, sir!

What are you doing, sir?

Please step back, sir.

No!

Why are you doing this, sir?

Let go.

Please.

Let go of my hand.

No, sir.

If you die, everyone in our village

will die too.

I have to...

What?

Yes, sir.

What did you say?

He tried to commit suicide, sir.

- Who? - Lord Nosan.

Last night, I went up the mountain to check on the house.

Lord Nosan was about to jump off the cliff.

- The cliff? - Yes, sir.

- What happened? - I rushed over and saved him just in time.

If it wasn't for me, he could've died, sir.

Don't tell anyone what happened last night.

- Understood? - Yes.

You must keep tight watch on Lord Nosan's every move.

Yes, sir. I will.

Here.

What's this?

Croakers!

Rich, white rice!

Where did you get these precious things?

The town office sent them for Lord Nosan.

- Tae San. - Must be nice.

- Can you go and serve this to him? - Me?

Chief had to go to the town office and told you to do it.

Who are you?

I'm Tae San, son of the village chief and warden, Eom Heung Do, sir.

Why are you standing there?

I will wait until you finish eating, sir.

I heard you haven't been eating, sir.

Nobles who only eat delicious food

must look down on the food we eat to survive.

How dare you! Be quiet!

If I return with the food you haven't touched,

those who don't have much to eat could resent you.

But instead, they'd first wonder if you're unwell

or if the food doesn't suit your tastes

and worry, sir.

If that is the case,

you may eat it.

Did you call me, sir?

Deliver a message.

What is it, sir?

That I ate well.

Yes, sir.

Try it again.

I'm back.

What happened? Did he eat it?

He ate it all!

- Really? - Yes!

- He ate everything? - Yes!

What a surprise.

He also said to tell everyone that it was delicious and enjoyed it.

I'm so thankful.

- He's nice, isn't he? - Yes.

Oh, my.

I'll go next time. Alright?

What is this?

It's a letter from Grand Prince Geumseong, sir.

Why aren't you opening it, sir?

Sir?

I fear...

The contents of this letter

and he saw to it that it reached me.

I'm scared.

Why that little...

Warden!

What brings you here?

Have you seen Lord Nosan?

No.

Isn't he at home?

No.

When I returned from the town office, he was gone.

I've looked everywhere.

But I couldn't find him anywhere.

Then...

Let go.

Let go of my hand.

Damn it!

I just saved him! Not again!

It's a letter from Grand Prince Geumseong, sir.

Damn!

Why, sir!

Do you want to die that much?

What do you mean?

Everyone in the village is worried and looking all over for you.

But you only think about dying, sir?

How can you be so childish?

What?

- How dare you! - How dare I, what?

- Have you lost your mind! - Damn right, sir. I'm crazy!

I just wanted to bring food for the village people

and let my son study,

so I worked hard to bring you here!

But all you think about is dying!

Of course that makes me crazy!

Don't you think?

How dare you!

There he is!

- What are you doing! - Be careful.

Are you all right, sir?

Yes.

- What happened? - I don't know.

I'm exhausted...

It's the king...

Yes, we found the king.

Not that king, but that king!

Stand still everyone.

- Do something. - Be... be quiet.

Help! What should we do?

Tigers...

If they kill and eat one, they won't touch the others.

Sir! No!

I've lived long enough.

Be healthy and live well.

I'm going.

Going where? Come back!

Tae San!

Tae San! No!

You wretch!

Your fight...

is with me.

- Oh, my! - Sir!

- A tiger attacked Nosan? - Yes!

It was a close call, sir!

My hands are still shaking.

What do you mean?

Did you save Nosan again?

No, sir.

This time, Lord Nosan saved me and the village people, sir.

What kind of nonsense is that? Don't lie!

It's not a lie, sir! It's true!

I swear it's nothing but the truth!

Lord Nosan...

He went like this...

- He stretched? - No, no, no!

The bow!

He pulled an arrow back and...

- Roar! - Nosan roared?

No!

Why would he roar? The tiger did, of course!

Then, Nosan said,

"Your fight is with me. Come to me."

Then the tiger, I think it understood him.

Suddenly, it charged.

Roar!

Then, Nosan shot an arrow!

- It struck! - Right on the tiger's head!

Then the tiger fell off the cliff,

and Nosan was like...

Amazing.

After the scare yesterday, I can't even lift a spoon.

I hope Lord Nosan is all right.

That's right.

He hasn't eaten much since he came here

and fainted yesterday.

Right!

How can someone so frail be so brave?

He risked his life to take on the tiger.

Without compassion for the people, that's hard to do.

He was a king, all right.

Excuse me.

Wait.

Is he awake? Is he all right?

There's no need to know.

- Leave the table and go. - But...

I'd like to see if he's all right.

- Just leave it and go! - Wait.

Why are you so cold and stern with me?

Because of yesterday!

What?

Did you forget what you did?

What?

Oh, my.

Unlearned as you are,

you ought to know your place.

How dare you yell and grab him by the collar!

How dare you!

What?

I didn't grab him by the collar!

- I just touched him like this. - Stop it!

And how do you know whether I learned much or not!

It's so obvious!

It's not true, but even I didn't learn much,

how can you say that to me?

I'm done talking, just...

Sir.

Are you all right?

I am... hungry.

Will you stay until I'm finished?

I'll go, sir.

But if it wasn't for you, sir,

my son and the villagers could've been killed.

How can I ever repay you?

I worried about you all night, sir.

So, I hoped to see you eat before I go.

If you'd like, should I wait outside, sir?

You sound so different from yesterday.

You're the first person to yell at me in anger.

Sir...

Please, sir.

Not only that,

you grabbed me by the collar.

When did I...

Oh, shit.

What? Why?

What did you just say?

What did I say, sir?

You said, "Shit!"

When did I say, "Shit?"

Sir! I said, "Start."

A new start to serving you, sir! How could I say, "Shit?"

That big tiger was a huge start, sir.

What do you mean you volunteered for this to be the place of exile?

- Sir? - Didn't you say that yesterday?

I can't tell you that, sir.

But I arrived here instead?

When you thought it'd be the Minister of Justice?

When I have no one to send me donkeys

or any power to get you a public post?

Is that funny, sir?

Imagining how you must've felt when you found out who I am...

You went through so much trouble.

I had no idea.

However,

instead of making the villagers full,

I've been getting their food.

It's fine, sir.

We simply ask that you enjoy the food, sir.

There he comes!

Chief!

How is Lord Nosan?

Why? Is something wrong?

The rice...

He finished it all!

- Why you! - I got her!

I'm glad he liked it.

I told you.

He's the best!

Surprised?

By the way, he asked about you.

Gosh.

Me?

Who made this soup?

It was made from the marsh snails I caught at dawn, sir.

Did you make the soup?

No, but I caught the marsh snails myself, sir.

No, I mean who made the soup.

It tastes better than what the royal chef made.

Well, it's Mak Dong's mom. She can cook well.

But sometimes we get hair in the food.

- She's Mak Dong's mother? - Yes, sir.

Mak Dong is young, but she is sweet and clever.

See this, sir?

It's fish porridge.

It's made from the fish caught with the trap she made.

And this was seasoned with ash berry

that the eldest man picked off the mountain cliff.

And this minced meat.

It's rabbit meat that Yong Yi caught, sir.

And the wild ginseng on top was given by Mak Dong's dad.

It's dear to him, but he wanted you to have it.

And the wild berries are from Mrs. Song,

a widow who picked them from an area full of snakes, sir.

I see.

But all of this was done under my strict

and thorough leadership, sir.

And I caught the marsh snails.

Very well.

You only asked about who made it, sir.

But I caught them at the crack of dawn, sir.

Okay. I'll remember.

Oh, my!

The king mentioned me.

His Majesty may be young,

but he knows what women like.

Why you!

Don't call him His Majesty or king.

Just call him Lord Nosan.

We can call him His Majesty or king just between us.

- Right? - Stop.

Seeing him face the tiger yesterday,

he's a king, all right.

Stop with that.

If someone hears you, you'll be in trouble.

Look, chief.

Someone is coming.

Excuse me.

Where might Cheongnyeongpo be?

It's this way.

But who are you sirs?

We came from Haeju, Hwanghae-do to meet His Majes...

No, I mean, to meet Lord Nosan.

- From Hwanghae-do? - It's unbelievably far away...

Why meet Lord Nosan?

Your Majesty!

Even heaven must lament!

We failed to serve you!

We're wretched servants.

Please forgive us, sire!

Stop. You can't call him Your Majesty!

If the town office hears, you'll be in trouble!

Your Majesty!

Stop it!

Your Majesty!

Stop them!

Don't say, Your Majesty!

Your Majesty!

You can't say that!

You're allowed to cry,

but don't say, Your Majesty!

Crying is okay.

- Your Majesty! Please take it! -Don't throw them!

- Your Majesty! - Stop!

For heaven's sake!

Please live long and healthy, sire!

Lift your head.

Did you deliver the letter?

I gave it to the court maid as you ordered, sir.

Return to Yeongwol now.

When you do, hang a white garment upon a tree

directly across from His Majesty's residence.

Then His Majesty shall shoot an arrow in response.

Yes, Your Highness.

- They're all floating down here! - Be careful!

- Chief! - What?

- How did you think of this clever idea? - It's nothing.

You're amazing, sir!

That's it! Now take all the boxes.

Let's see what's inside them!

It's ginseng!

Croakers! Look!

Bigger than my hand!

Beef jerky!

What's this?

I told you!

They may not be donkeys, but from now on,

you won't go hungry like I promised, huh?

You're right!

Not anyone can be the chief, right?

I believed in our chief all along!

Why you!

Liar!

Well, well...

Gosh.

You scared me.

Why are you here so late at night?

Sir?

Sir?

Lord Nosan is here! Come on!

- Sir? - Oh, my!

Sir...

Why are you so startled as if you've seen a ghost?

Who is that handsome boy?

- Mak Dong, you can't say that. - Quiet, Mak Dong.

Hello. My name is Lee Hong Gui.

You must be the one who caught fishes with your trap.

That's right.

You must be Mak Dong's...

- This is Mrs. Song, sir. - Who?

The wild berries.

Wild berries from a place full of snakes.

You're the one who picked the wild berries?

Yes, sir.

Mak Dong's mom.

- You're the one who cooked for me? - Yes, sir.

I enjoyed the wild ginseng you picked, Mak Dong's Dad.

Yes, sir. I'm Mak Dong's dad.

Then the one who caught the rabbit...

Yes, I'm Yong Yi, sir.

- I heard you're quite the runner. - Yes, sir.

He's the fastest runner in all of Yeongwol, sir.

The ash berry you picked tasted spicy and good.

Thank you, sir. It's tricky to dry them.

Wait. What's all this?

These, sir?

They're food that people brought and left for you, sir.

Before we bring them to you,

we were checking if they weren't spoiled or not, sir.

I swear, we didn't eat any.

It's okay.

These things came to Gwangchungol.

They belong to you.

They're precious food for you, how could we humbly...

What a kind heart...

I hope to learn from you, sir.

Please be my teacher.

I heard you didn't want to study.

What changed your mind?

Mountain villagers like me

have no way of getting books even if we want to read.

We have no teachers to learn from.

And even if I learned,

I thought I'd never pass the state examination.

However,

if I am taught by someone like you,

I thought I could pull it off, even with those low odds.

I want to serve in court and make changes

that country folk with no ties, commoners, even slaves

can live in a world of equal opportunities.

A world of equal opportunities...

Very well.

Let's give it a try.

The virtuous are never alone...

The virtuous are never alone,

for they are sure to find company.

Over there!

Leave it here.

Oh, my!

Here.

Your royal benevolence...

The head of the fish is the best.

Please try it, sir.

You may have the good stuff.

How could I, sir?

Though I'm ignorant, I can't do that, sir. It's precious.

Let's share, sir.

Let's try writing the characters.

A house and the heavens.

A house and the heavens.

Vast and rough.

Vast and rough.

It rained so much, sir.

We were stuck and couldn't do a thing.

They sent so much, sir.

I tied it with a string then hit it!

This bow string

is made of silk from silkworms that grew from eating mulberry leaves.

It's much tougher than other strings, sir.

The rain gauge was developed by a slave.

My father and grandfather were not ashamed to learn from him.

There's no hierarchy...

Hey!

Leave!

Why?

Just go!

Where?

Whatever.

Before going to find wild ginseng, we can't sleep together, sir.

- Because... - Stop it!

Day and month!

The sun and moon set and rise.

The sun and moon set and rise.

The big boar charged over and tried to eat me!

Mak Dong, which one should I have? This?

Mak Dong is writing, too!

It's good, right?

Yes! You did well, Mak Dong.

Dad! I put it up!

- Good job, Mak Dong! - It looks great.

Maybe a bit this way.

That's good.

- Really? - Yes.

Mak Dong has a name plate too!

I heard Nosan fought off a tiger.

I thought he was a coward.

It's nothing but an absurd rumor from people who like to gossip.

Who'd believe such a thing?

They let their guard down like that and we came to power.

If you let a sprout grow, it'll become a big tree.

Keep close watch on Grand Prince Geumseong.

I'll go to Yeongwol.

His Majesty will be overjoyed by your allegiance.

Your Majesty.

The time has finally come to set history right.

I, Geumseong,

along with Lee Bo Heum,

Yu Gwi San,

Cho Yoo Rae and others are preparing an uprising.

Many district leaders have agreed to join us.

However,

we will not take action without Your Majesty's permission.

Therefore,

I earnestly beseech Your Majesty to grant your reply.

The one who wrote the letter to Nosan

is Grand Prince Geumseong, correct?

Well, then.

What did the letter say?

You fabricated history with your lying tongue

and became a high official.

What good is knowing the truth?

The families of rebels

are usually sent into exile

or become slaves.

But I will see to it myself

that your family be ripped to shreds.

Han Myeong Hoe, you wretch!

Your sin of defiling the kingdom

is the worst sin there is!

Anyone on Nosan's side must be killed.

- He went missing? - Yes, sir.

It's been several days since he went to Yeongwol, sir.

We haven't heard from him at all.

Go to Yeongwol at once.

Check on the signal.

Yes, Your Highness.

From today, a royal order has been issued to keep close watch on Nosan.

You four up front.

Take turns day and night to guard the gates of the residence.

The four at the back, patrol around the house.

From now on,

- we'll keep a tight watch on Nosan. - Yes, sir.

Where are you headed?

Lord Nosan has nightmares. I heard yams can help.

I'm going to find some.

You take care of him better than your son.

Give me some leftovers.

Why? Do you have nightmares too?

I have nightmares.

Terrible nightmares about you.

What's wrong with me appearing in your dream?

It's not a nightmare, but a lucky dream!

What's that?

They're the kids' writings in the new alphabet.

Lord Nosan asked to see them, so I got them from the kids.

Go and show them to him.

I'm sure he'll be pleased.

Well done, son.

- Safe travel, Dad. - I will.

Let me see...

Found you!

What do you hope to catch by shooting like that, sir?

As I was weak and foolish,

I couldn't protect my people.

I shot it at myself.

Weak? You, sir?

How can someone weak catch a tiger?

And a giant one at that!

How can someone foolish teach illiterates to read and write?

They're all good now.

Thus!

You are not weak nor foolish, sir.

Well, I suppose you are right.

- I see. - Of course, sir.

Wait, I came to see the chief. Just a minute, please!

- Chief! - What is it, Yong Yi?

It's Tae San! He's been taken captive to the town office!

- What? - Let me in!

Chief!

Stop right there!

Look here. I came to meet the magistrate.

- Let me in, please. - No! Just go!

Let me in!

Out of my way!

Eleven!

Twelve!

- Thirteen! - Oh, no! Tae San!

- Sir. - Dad.

Why is he here like this?

I gave orders to catch anyone sneaking in and out of the residence.

He is my son, sir.

He didn't sneak in. I sent him on an errand.

I said no one could go there except the warden!

He will be flogged 100 times.

Sir! Please!

I sent him there. Let me take the hits.

Please let my son go, sir!

What are doing? Drag this fool out of here at once!

- Yes, sir! - Sir! Please let him go!

Sir! Please!

Every time I come here,

you create a disturbance.

Sir!

I acted out of ignorance.

Please forgive me, sir!

I came upon hearing some odd and disturbing rumors.

I see that you've been doing your job strangely.

Yes, sir. I was wrong, sir.

It's all my fault!

So, please punish me and let my son go.

Violating the solemn state laws is not a small offence.

Yes, sir. Of course, sir!

But if he gets hit 100 times,

he'll die or become disabled, sir.

- Keep hitting. - Sir!

Go on! Keep hitting him!

Sir!

- Fourteen! - Tae San!

Stop!

Let this man go at once.

He went to your residence without permission, sir.

There's no telling,

if he stole or tried to harm you, sir!

I called him.

I felt lonely and called him to talk to him.

So, let him go.

What should we do, sir?

Keep hitting him.

Sir!

Please, sir!

Hit him until he dies.

Sir! No!

Beat him to death!

Han Myeong Hoe, you wretch! You dare insult the royal family!

Nosan, the fool, must think he's still the king!

Han Myeong Hoe, you wretch!

Beat him.

Beat him... to death.

I said stop!

If you don't return to the residence at once,

he'll get 200 or 300 hits.

He shall be beaten to death today.

Sir! Please stop.

If you don't, we'll be in bigger trouble.

Please go back, sir.

He said he'd kill Tae San!

Please go back, sir.

Please?

Guards! Escort Lord Nosan back to his place of exile.

This lowly servant acted beyond what I was ordered to do, sir.

I had forgotten whom I should follow,

whose orders I must follow,

and who is the current king, sir.

There is no time to delay.

Nosan's eyes have changed.

They used to be weak and frail.

But they've changed to the eyes of a tiger here.

Sinner Lord Nosan!

Nosan, the fool, must think he's still the king!

Beat him.

Beat him to death.

Your Majesty.

I earnestly await your permission and reply, sir.

Geumseong has raised an army

to dethrone His Majesty and restore Nosan to the throne.

Let us gather more district magistrates and officials to join our cause.

As discreetly as possible.

What happened today will solidify Nosan's resolve.

Surely...

He will join the revolt.

Nosan must die for your son to live

and for your village as well.

You must secure evidence of treason.

All the troops are ready to march toward Hanyang.

We can't delay it any further.

Even without His Majesty's permission, we must proceed.

What happened?

Uncle,

I shall no longer be a feeble exile,

but as a witness to history,

I shall stand with you.

Should a successful rebellion remain in history,

Joseon shall be plagued by bloody power struggles with swords

for decades and centuries to come.

Even if our plans should fail,

the fact that we sought to rectify a wrongful act

and fought with our lives, shall be passed down to generations.

Please stay in Sunheung, Uncle.

I shall come to you.

I'll go to Mt. Madaesan shrine as you mentioned.

To rectify the wrongs in history...

For the sake of the kingdom and the good of the people of Joseon...

Nosan and Geumseong are secretly colluding.

We've noted unusual activity in Sunheung, sir.

A bloody storm is brewing.

Prepare to set out.

Yes, sir!

Everything is ready.

Go to Mt. Madaesan.

Escort His Majesty here.

I, Cho Yoo Rae, shall obey your command.

- Let's go! - Yes, sir.

At last, the time has come to end the history gone wrong.

Now!

We'll put an end to the rebels

and open a new world for the people of Joseon!

I shall remain here

and join you as soon as His Majesty arrives.

All troops, led by the mounted squad,

charge!

Advance!

Please stop, sir.

What do you mean?

Prince Geumseong incited you to start a rebellion.

Sir Han Myeong Hoe told me.

He also told me to report your every action, sir.

Any signs of suspicious acts must be reported to the town office.

So?

Have you noticed anything suspicious?

Yes!

I saw a man taking the letter from the arrow you shot, sir.

Please stop, sir.

If I don't stop?

If you don't,

I will...

I'll go to the town office, sir.

Do you know what it's like to live not once by my own will?

I became the crown prince as my father wished.

Then I became king.

Then I was chased out by Uncle Suyang and banished.

But now I know

why the heavens kept me alive.

Why I must live on...

I only came to realize that because of you, Tae San,

and the villagers.

I will not stop.

Now, head to the town office.

If you do,

you and the villagers will be spared from harm.

Sir!

Sir!

Must you really go, sir?

I no longer wish to lose

the people I cherish and love because of me.

Give my regards to everyone.

Me too, sir?

Am I included too?

You said you don't want to lose another cherished person.

Am I one of them, sir?

Don't you feel the same?

Of course I do, sir!

What is the status of our troops?

By now, our troops will have passed Danyang and reached Jecheon, sir.

There are soldiers waiting to join with our troops, sir.

All forces!

Advance!

With those reinforcements, we will be stronger than ever!

With the combined forces, we will pass through Yeoju

and gather at Mt. Maebongsan.

We shall await the commands of His Majesty and you, sir.

When His Majesty arrives at Mt. Maebongsan,

we can arrive at Sungnyemun Gate in Hanyang before dawn.

We should reach the palace from there within the hour.

The palace gatekeeper has agreed to join us.

There are 200 soldiers inside the palace.

We have 1,800 soldiers, sir!

Victory is only a matter of time!

They must've met by now.

I hope His Majesty safely meets the Director of Military Affairs.

Are you all right, sir?

I'm fine.

I remember when I first met you at Cheongnyeongpo, sir.

What did you think of me then?

What do you think, sir?

Well... What a handsome lad?

I look better, do I not?

Let's go, sir.

We are here.

This is the shrine.

Please wait here.

No one is here. This is the right place.

Who is it?

Your Majesty!

I'm Cho Yoo Rae, Director of Military Affairs, sir.

Well done for coming this far.

Everything is prepared, sir.

Come with us, Your Majesty.

Let's go.

Why are you in such a hurry?

Han Myeong Hoe...

Do you know why I banished

Geumseong and Nosan close by each other?

To catch the treacherous leaders banding together like this now!

They're vile traitors!

Kill them!

Escort His Majesty to safety!

I'll fight them off here.

Yes, sir!

He should've been here by now.

What's taking so long?

We can't delay any further, sir.

The longer it takes to move our large forces,

the more they'll notice!

He's right, sir.

We can't just sit here and wait, Your Highness!

Stop them at all costs!

After them!

Mt. Madaesan.

I'll meet His Majesty there,

then march to Hanyang.

Secure His Majesty!

Sir!

The more you resist,

the more those who follow you will shed blood.

Han Myeong Hoe.

How dare you!

Do you wish to be condemned by history?

I said I'll return to you

with a sword in one hand and a reward in the other.

But you, fool,

dare bring about my sword?

You, your son,

and every living thing in your village

will be annihilated.

Please...

Sir, kill me...

You wretch!

You secretly saw my letter and led me here?

You set a trap, didn't you!

You swore loyalty to Han Myeong Hoe?

What did he promise you?

Was it fame and prestige for your son?

You damned wretch!

Sir...

Do not say a word.

It doesn't matter.

Seize the traitor!

Yes, sir!

Sir... No...

Sir!

Sir...

Traitor of high treason, Geumseong, Yi Yu.

Drink the poison!

Your Majesty.

It is I, Geumseong.

I have failed my duty

to safeguard Your Majesty.

Please

live long and healthy, sir.

Sir...

Why did you do that?

Why shoulder it all alone?

Come in.

This way.

How have you been, sir?

I've been craving Mak Dong's mom's radish soup terribly.

Did Mak Dong finish learning the Thousand-Character Classic?

Has Tae San healed from being flogged?

I have been sick with worry.

They're all well, sir.

Most of all,

I've missed your face, warden.

My handsome face, sir?

Seeing it again,

it's still fine indeed.

Listen.

I have a request.

Yes. Anything, sir.

Traitor of high treason, Lee Hong Gui!

Drink the poison!

Traitor Lee Hong Gui.

Despite His Majesty's vast show of grace,

you conspired with Geumseong and his cohorts

and plotted the unforgivable act of high treason!

Thus, you shall die by poison.

By His Majesty's command,

come and receive your punishment!

This can't be!

Drag the criminal out.

Yes, sir!

How dare you!

How dare you damage a royal's residence!

Damn it! Move!

Can't you handle one traitor? What is this?

If you give me some time,

I will drag that traitor out, sir.

What?

Your Majesty.

It's me, the warden Eom Heung Do.

It's now...

Time to cross the river.

When it is time...

with that bow...

Please... kill me yourself.

I don't want to die by their hands.

To die by the poison they bring...

would kill me even more.

I ask of you.

By your hands,

help me cross the river to the next world.

Your Majesty...

Yes, sir.

I'll help you cross the river.

Let's go, sir.

Yes, sir...

Let's go, sir.

Your Majesty! Here we go!

We're going!

We're going!

We're going...

Please wait a bit longer, sir.

You're almost there.

You've arrived, Your Majesty!

You've reached the river, sir!

Let's go, sir!

Your Majesty...

Your Majesty!

Whoever collects Nosan's corpse

or hold a funeral for him,

shall have their entire family and relatives annihilated.

From the moment I took my first steps, you've been by my side.

You've been my friend, my sister, and my mother.

I'll leave those grateful days behind and go on my way.

Should we be reborn in the distant future,

I hope you'd be my friend then, too.

I too shall gladly be your friend.

Sir...

You must be cold...

Let me take you away.

To somewhere warm...

Let us go now...

Let's go, sir...

[A servant, who always served Nosan, volunteered for the task.]

[Tying a long bowstring, he pulled it from a door.]

[Lee Hong Gui was 17 years old. -From Yeollyeosilgisul: Danjong Period Anecdotes]

[No one saw to Nosan when he died, but Eom Heung Do, a local official,]

[immediately went to mourn him, prepared a coffin and buried him.]

[The present-day tomb of Nosan is that very grave. -From the Annals of King Hyeonjong's Reign, 1668]

[Despite pleas to dissuade him, Eom Heung Do declared:]

["To do what is right and suffer misfortune is something I welcome gladly, not fear."]

[241 Years later, Lee Hong Gui was restored as King Danjong]

[and Eom Heung Do was honored as a Loyal and Righteous Lord.]

[Eom Heung Do] [Lee Hong Gui]

[The tombs of Lee Hong Gui and Eom Heung Do lie together in Yeongwol to this day.]