Original subtitles

Jeong Dojeon

Jo Jaehyeon

Yu Donggeun

Seo Inseok

Park Yeonggyu

Lim Ho

Kim Myeongsu Seon Donghyeok Lee Ilhwa Lee Gwanggi

Lee Deokhui Jeong Hogeun Kim Jintae Lee Ahyeon

Park Jiit Kim Minsang Kim Seunguk Jeong Huitae

Kim Cheotgi Jeon Ikryeong Gwon Taewon Kim Minju

Jeong Dojeon

Stand down right now!.

Don't stand down. Kill him!

Kill him now!

Ryun, you!

The palace has been taken by traitors.

Are you sure?

Yes, sir.

Traitors?

What are you talking about?

Jajewi started a rebellion.

We have to get out of the capital before daybreak. Hurry!

Yes, sir!

Attack!

What did you do to His Majesty?

Darn.

Tell me. What did you do to His Majesty?

I killed him.

Arrest the traitor.

Yes, sir.

Let go! Let go of me!

Let go! Let go of me!

Your Majesty! Your Majesty!

Let go! Let go! Your Majesty!

Your Majesty!

Episode 3

I'm being generous for the sake of all of your efforts.

If you don't want to drink poison at the marketplace, step down quietly.

Your Majesty...

Your Majesty!

It was the king's face. It was His Majesty.

Your Highness.

What's the commotion about?

The vice-chancellor sent a message.

His Majesty was assassinated.

What? Assassinated?

You wanted to get rid of me and

hold hands with the gentry?

I might have been greedy for power,

but I was your loyal dog.

Wasn't this too extreme?

Why did you do that?

Why!

The queen dowager is headed this way.

I'm going to make the king of

this country my dog.

Watch carefully, Your Majesty.

Let me see His Majesty.

You could be executed as a traitor.

Stop demonstrating bravado and leave.

Sir!

His Majesty was convinced by your slander.

I'm sure you had vain expectations.

Remember this from now on.

The world doesn't change that easily.

Your Majesty. Your Majesty!

Your Majesty.

Your Majesty!

Your Majesty!

Open your eyes. Your mother is here.

Open your eyes. What's wrong with you?

- Open your eyes! - Father!

Father!

Your Majesty!

Father!

Did you find out who sent the letter to me telling me His Majesty ordered me

to be killed?

It has been decided that you made that up

to avoid execution.

I was just a puppet who moved according to that person's plan.

He is the real traitor.

Carry out the execution.

Yes, sir.

Come back, your Majesty. Come back, your Majesty.

Come back, your Majesty.

- Your Majesty! - Your Majesty!

- Your Majesty! - Your Majesty!

Tamna (today's Jeju Istand)

General!

General.

What is it?

The officer who took the enemy leaders' heads to the mainland returned.

He said there was a disaster in Gaegyeong.

A disaster?

His Majesty gave this ax to me as a symbol of commandership.

I told him I wasn't going to Tamna to offer horses to Ming.

I said it was the first step in conquering

the south to restore the glory of Goguryeo.

I just started.

What were his servants doing?

General.

I shouldn't have come.

I should stayed by his side.

What should we do with the soldiers?

Who knows what the evil forces are planning?

Have all the soldiers withdraw.

Yes, sir!

If you didn't suppress the rebellion so soon,

the royal family could have been in greater danger.

I might have achieved a small accomplishment,

but I was not able to prevent the assassination and that puts me at fault.

I am designating you as Lord of Gwangpyeong and rewarding you with land and servants.

This order will be carried out.

Yes, Your Highness.

Thank you, Your Highness.

Thank you, Your Highness.

You can go now.

Your Highness,

you should decide on the successor to the throne.

When people find out His Majesty passed away,

public sentiments will waver and foreign enemies will stir.

The throne must not be left empty.

There isn't a crown prince to take the throne.

How do you expect to fill the seat?

We have Gangnyeonggun.

Not all princes are crown princes.

His Majesty wanted to make him the crown prince!

That was an undecided matter.

His Majesty passed away.

The queen dowager should decide on the successor to the throne.

Quiet, quiet!

Gangnyeonggun is His Majesty's only son,

but he lacks in many ways to succeed the throne.

I will discuss it with the royal relatives and

decide on a successor after

the national funeral.

But, Your Highness...

His Majesty had a strong will.

What are you talking about?

He came to my place a few days before

he passed away.

He said he was going to install Gangnyeonggun as the crown prince and

he asked for my support.

What?

You expect us to believe that without any proof?

The day of the banquet,

His Majesty said he had an important announcement the next day.

Do you remember that?

Yes, but...

Do you also remember he said

he gave me a huge burden?

It must be because I gave you a huge burden.

Burden?

You'll find out soon.

That isn't proof of anything.

I wasn't able to protect His Majesty's life,

but I am going to protect his will

to put Gangnyeonggun on the throne.

Let's go for a cup of tea.

That sounds good.

If you're inviting us...

Just look at them.

Servants should have more loyalty.

Do you think it's true about

His Majesty's will?

I don't want to believe it, but it all makes sense.

What is going to happen to this country?

That hope you talked about.

I'll be deceived by it one more time.

I will trust you, Jeong Dojeon.

Would it have been better to live as a courageous man?

That doesn't sound like something a Sungkyunkwan official should say.

I can't face the Confucian scholars.

How am I to explain a world where the king is assassinated and

someone like Lee Inim gains power?

You can explain by killing Lee Inim and

setting the world straight.

His spirit is soaring high.

It will change when we get a new king.

We will have an opportunity.

Lee Inim is trying to get Gangnyeonggun on the throne.

What authority does he have to do that?

The royal family decides the successor.

He said His Majesty had a will to do that.

His Majesty?

It's suspicious, but it was pretty convincing.

The queen dowager couldn't respond.

What is it?

Sambong.

I have to see the queen dowager.

The queen dowager?

I have something to give her.

This is "Muildo" painted by His Majesty?

Yes, sir. He gave it to me and said

he would return to the beginning and reform national politics.

Reform national politics?

He accepted my appeal.

He said he would discontinue construction

of the shrine and seek reform.

His Majesty couldn't have closed his eyes

in comfort.

And Lee Inim's claim is a lie.

What did you just say?

Lee Inim's claim is false?

His Majesty told me he wasn't going to

pass on the throne to Gangnyeonggun.

Sambong.

He said the fate of a prince who can't take

the throne is like a candle in the wind.

He asked me to protect Gangnyeonggun

when we gained political power.

That was His Majesty's true will.

He really said that?

Can you swear to the absolute truth of that?

Of course, sir.

You only said you would give her "Muildo'".

You never said anything about His Majesty's will.

Why are you so mad?

Do you think the queen dowager and

Lee Inim are merely fighting over the successor to the throne?

The fight between the royal family and the ministers with power has begun.

If there isn't a compromise, there will be a bloody battle.

Why are you volunteering to take blame?

Am I to keep silent when I know the truth?

Do you have plans?

I didn't think about it.

Why are you demonstrating such bravado?

Bravado?

Listen.

When I was taken to the State Tribunal, Lee Inim said

I was demonstrating bravado because I only had low positions and I felt inferior.

He must be right.

Sambong.

If what Jeong Dojeon is saying is true,

Lee Inim is a traitor.

How dare he make up His Majesty's will?

What can we do?

Jeong Dojeon can't present any clear proof either.

There might be a way.

I'm sorry for suddenly calling you.

I'm at your service. What can I...

I thought we could be frank here.

There are too many people listening elsewhere.

You have no intention of giving up

on Gangnyeonggun?

Please understand that I must abide by

His Majesty's will.

There is someone claiming the opposite of what you say.

That His Majesty had no intention of passing on the throne to Gangnyeonggun.

Who said that?

Jeong Dojeon.

You trust a low official more than me?

He had "Muildo" painted by His Majesty.

Do you have any proof?

There will be a breakfast meeting tomorrow with all the servants of the capital.

I'm sure Jeong Dojeon will also attend.

You want a confrontation?

It will be difficult to decide who is telling the truth,

but there will be suspicions

regarding your claim.

Can you guarantee what will happen after that?

Leave this matter to me.

What will you give me in return?

What am I supposed to give you?

That's how politics work.

I don't know about politics.

I will turn down your suggestion.

I will see you at breakfast tomorrow.

Who are you?

I asked you who you are.

There's no need for such surprise.

Chancellor.

The queen dowager sent them for your protection.

There is going to be a breakfast meeting at the palace tomorrow.

Testify as to what His Majesty told you.

Is that understood?

Yes, sir.

Escort him to the palace tomorrow.

Yes, sir.

What is it now?

It's nothing you need to be concerned with.

Am I a ghost or a servant of this house?

I'm your wife.

If anything happens to you, it upsets me very much.

Knowing won't change anything.

Honey!

Why does it have to be you?

There are Poeun, Park Sangchun,

Gwon Geun and Lee Sungin.

Why does it have to be you?

Hurry!

General, it's too much to go any further.

Let the soldiers get rest.

We will rest when we arrive in Gaegyeong.

The soldiers need rest.

The safety of our country is more important.

General!

Who knew Choi Yeong could return so soon?

This is a quandary.

Where are the heads of the enemies that Choi Yeong sent in secret?

They are at the Military Rosters Office.

Don't worry too much, Your Highness.

I am sure Jeong Dojeon should

be able to beat Lee Inim.

I hope so. I really hope so.

Your Highness, the vice-chancellor is here to see you.

He must have come to compromise.

Tell him to come in.

Show him in.

Did you change your mind?

It's not that.

I had an urgent matter to discuss with you.

Choi Yeong's army is passing Namgyeong.

Did you say Namgyeong?

They should arrive in Gaegyeong tomorrow.

What's so urgent about that?

We don't have enough soldiers in the capital.

It's a good thing.

It's urgent because we don't have enough soldiers.

Are you saying he is planning treason?

That's absurd.

Choi Yeong is a loyal servant.

A loyal servant only exists when there is a king to serve.

There isn't a king who can order him to surrender military power.

You must decide on a king before

Choi Yeong arrives.

That's what you want.

Leave.

The country is without an owner since His Majesty passed away.

80% of Goryeo's army is commanded by an aggressive general.

I told you to leave.

If Choi Yeong doesn't give up military power,

Goryeo will be in his hands.

He will decide on the new king.

I will wait for your decision in the main hall.

I will leave Choi Yeong's gift outside.

What is this?

Open it.

It is the heads of the leaders of Tamna.

Did you get some sleep?

You have to take the throne soon.

Take care of yourself.

I do not want to become the king.

Why not?

I'm afraid I'll end up like father.

Please abide by grandmother's wishes.

You will die if you don't become the king.

There is no king who would let the former king's only blood live.

I will protect you.

Trust me.

What Lee Inim said was true.

Choi Yeong's army is passing Haengju now.

Why is he in such a hurry?

He is sleeping on his horse and leaving the soldiers who fall behind.

He should arrive around sunrise.

Is he up to something?

Do you have any measures?

How about calling Lee Seonggye?

Lee Seonggye?

He is the only general who can confront Choi Yeong.

It will take him a few days,

but the fact he is coming should prevent

Choi Yeong from trying anything.

We can't do that.

He is the descendant of Yuan collaborationists.

He can't be trusted.

His family was loyal to Goryeo since

his father, Lee Jachun.

That's only because Yuan became weak.

A family who betrayed once can betray again.

I agree with Her Highness.

He is much more dangerous than Choi Yeong.

Choi Yeong would never commit treason.

We're being played by the vice-chancellor.

How about sending someone to find out his intentions?

Stop.

General.

Oh, hello. It's been a while.

Why are you in such a hurry?

What is the situation in Gaegyeong?

Everything is fine.

There's no need to hurry.

What?

Have the soldiers rest and wait for

the queen dowager's order.

The capital isn't far away.

What is the intention of telling us to rest here?

Well...

Tie him up!

Yes, sir!

General.

General!

What is wrong with Choi Yeong?

Maybe you should put Gangnyeonggun on the throne.

That's out of the question.

He might not be His Majesty's son.

That's just a rumor.

There could be another military uprising.

Jeong Jungbu, Gyeong Daeseung, Choi Chungwon...

Did you forget the generals who showed contempt for the royal family of Goryeo?

He cried for a long time and just fell asleep.

I'll get going now.

You will return safely, won't you?

Let's go.

What are you doing?

There was a strict order to keep you here until the breakfast meeting was over.

What?

Chancellor.

Why is there a breakfast meeting all of a sudden?

Does it have to do with what Sambong said yesterday?

If you want to live, keep that buried forever.

I believe Jeong Dojeon is telling the truth.

You said you have to give something

to gain something in politics.

Yes, Your Highness.

If I put Gangnyeonggun on the throne,

what will you give me?

I will agree to you helping him

carry out national affairs.

Let's go.

With an installed crown prince, the successor

to the throne should be decided after discussion by the royal family.

But the throne can't be left empty for the stability of this country.

So...

Please forgive me for not being able to protect His Majesty.

You were carrying out your duties.

General Choi, you are in royal presence.

Disarm and have your soldiers stand back.

Hong Ryun's group might have been executed,

but there are still people who were behind it.

I am going to eradicate them.

Please don't be afraid.

There is no need.

The Supreme Council already settled the matter.

The servants of the council weren't able to prevent His Majesty's assassination.

They are disloyal and incapable.

I will not accept their decision.

It's done with.

I'm not done yet.

That is a disloyal comment.

Stop being reckless and

show your respect to His Majesty.

His Majesty passed away without a successor to the throne.

Who is the king of Goryeo?

Gangnyeonggun took over the throne.

Do you think I'm a fool?

The royal family would never decide that!

It is true.

Show respect to the new king.

General!

Did you threaten Her Highness?

Show respect to His Majesty and

return the ax along with military power.

You are the king of Goryeo?

Go ahead and give me an order.

Give an order like a king!

Order me to hand over this ax!

Now!

P... Please...

Please spare me.

General Choi, what is wrong with you?

You are a loyal servant.

Are you planning on committing treason?

I am Choi Yeong, the commander of

Gyeongsang, Jeolla and Yanggwang.

I give you this ax of victory.

Hurray for His Majesty!

Hurray! Hurray! Hurray!

Hurray for His Majesty!

Hurray! Hurray! Hurray!

Hurray for His Majesty!

Hurray! Hurray! Hurray!

Do you know what the people are saying?

They said you asked for it.

They said it's good that you died.

Here, have a drink.

This is all I have to offer you.

That's how I am.

I'm just a good-for-nothing.

Goodbye.

Don't have hope because of someone like me

in the next world.

Goodbye!

Your Majesty!

Your Majesty!

Your Majesty!

Your Majesty!

Hi.

I can't accept your resignation.

I'll send word when I settle.

Come and visit.

The children of the village school would like that.

Not anyone can be a teacher.

It is said you shouldn't talk to someone who gives up on himself and

you shouldn't associate with someone who abandons himself.

Do you think you qualify to teach others?

Mencius said a person in despair abandons himself and neglects to take care of himself.

I think I qualify.

Sambong.

Whatever the reason, I tried to prevent His Majesty from taking the throne.

What could I possibly do?

Let me go.

Listen to me first.

The queen dowager appointed you as the supervisor of rites.

What did you say?

It is an important position that

manages the rites of the royal family.

Against Lee Inim and his faction's

strong oppositions, Her Highness

appointed you to that position.

What do you think her intention was?

The fight isn't over yet.