Original subtitles

Ah Bong, hey.

- How about Prince Yeoning? - He's here.

He's in the storehouse.

Let's go.

For the past 100 years,

this has been Noron's greatest strength.

Overturning the situation...

and gaining the upper hand.

If not only the Saganwon, but also the public opinion is like this,

this case might get buried.

The people could do that since they don't know the details.

But how could the Saganwon do this?

They should risk their lives and speak the truth.

It's so infuriating.

Does this make sense?

Fairness, justice.

Are these things just nonsense?

Let's say people who already have positions could be like that.

But there are hundreds of thousands of people preparing for the exam.

There's plenty of them just in Hanyang.

All kinds of people...

like the Norons, Sorons, and Namins are included.

Jang Dal, Ah Bong.

Am I the only one...

being angry and agitated about this?

We might be able to turn...

the tables they've turned.

We're not making pancakes.

How would we do that?

Not us but people who won't put up with this situation.

What?

Are you talking about what I just...

As you said, those who have positions...

would want to ignore it.

But others aren't like that.

Ordinary aristocrats who don't belong to the powerful Noron.

I'm talking the ordinary aristocrats from Noron, Soron, and Namin.

Ordinary aristocrats?

Just in Hanyang...

there would be more than 100,000 people preparing for the exam.

What if all of them came out into the streets?

The streets?

Not to mention Soron and Namin.

Since it's in their interest.

Won't they be angry and agitated...

just like Master Mun Su?

Of course. Right?

That's it.

Yeo Ji understood what I meant.

Even though I wasn't very clear. Good job.

Perhaps...

we could find a way to strike back.

Good job, everyone.

Stay out of this from now on.

What? I mean...

"Stay out"?

Does that mean...

you'll do it by yourself?

Yes.

I'll take care of it.

- Because... - You all might fall in danger...

because of me.

No need to beat around the bush.

We heard about your plans too.

What?

- Did you... - Yes.

I had a big mouth.

We're going too.

- Mun Su. - Don't you remember?

The dream we dreamt...

one year ago here in this place.

You became...

the king that was actually impossible to get.

The king.

(King)

The king can do anything.

Just give orders.

The king...

Okay.

Where should we start?

Prime Minister!

You're the Prime Minister.

Instead of being the king of a board game,

you're now trying to be the king of Joseon.

You won't be able to do it on your own.

We'll go with you until the very last.

I want a position in Hanyang too.

Don't forget me either.

- You guys. - We're coming with you.

We're risking...

our lives too.

Pack this one together with the clothes he used to wear.

Yes.

What are you doing?

Oh, right. Don't forget to get all the hats.

Do you think the Prince...

will move in with you?

Is that why you're taking his clothes?

Why do you always think like that?

What are you saying?

He may sound like a womanizer...

but he's not interested in women's clothes.

You don't know your husband too well, do you?

What?

Then who are you?

I don't want to tell.

You little...

No.

That's not it.

Aristocrats don't talk and act like that.

How many times do I have to tell you?

Don't lick your mustache after drinking alcohol.

When you smoke,

don't make your cheeks cave in.

Don't be overly sorrowful.

Expressing your emotions is considered lowly so it's prohibited.

When reading, look at the tip of your nose.

And your feet have to be gathered.

I'm trying. Is this right?

If you cross your eyes,

how can you read?

It's exhausting being an aristocrat.

I wouldn't want to be one even if you let me be one.

Try to learn these things.

Do you finally realize the difference in status?

Do you see how much trouble I went through?

Of course, sir aristocrat.

You punk.

What should we do now?

This is Banchon.

Being a village next to Sungkyunkwan,

most of them are Confucian scholars or students preparing for the exam.

So we need to stir them up, right?

Right.

- Let's go. - Let's go.

- Over here. - Hurry.

Scholars, could I have a drink too?

Hey.

Did you all hear?

The great corruption of the civil service exam.

Those who will pass were already decided.

What use are your efforts if you don't have someone behind your back?

It's been 15 years.

I've been looking forward to this exam.

It's been 20 years for me.

My goodness.

Darn it. How does that make any sense?

That's...

what the commoners say on the streets.

- I see. - My goodness.

Those low lives.

- Low lives. - Yes, they could say that.

We shouldn't say that since we're nobles,

but this doesn't mean we should just sit back and watch.

No matter how long we try,

we can't pass the exam without someone behind our backs.

Isn't this kingdom such a mess?

- She's right! - Right, this kingdom is a mess.

- We just have to hold it in. - You're right.

- Let's just drink. - Sure.

The kingdom is such a mess.

Isn't it wrong for nobles like us?

Even the students on Noron's side?

Surely,

if Noron thinks their party is more important than the kingdom,

the students will think...

their future is more important than political parties.

And this...

won't be finished by these students.

Pardon?

Listen! We've heard them,

and we shouldn't just sit back and watch this happen!

Shouldn't we unite...

and at least hold a protest?

- You're right! - Let's do it!

Let's gather at Sungkyunkwan tomorrow until 11am.

Today, we have gathered here...

to fix the fallen laws of this kingdom.

We have gathered for this grave purpose.

The students of Sungkyunkwan are protesting.

The leader of Sungkyunkwan is a child of Noron. How could they?

Well, I heard that even the leader has joined the protest.

Are you saying that the Noron students have joined them?

- My goodness. - Just a moment.

I'm not finished yet.

There isn't anything we can do with the corruption of the exams,

but leaking the exam questions is only a minor problem.

My nephew is related in this. Could you at least...

How could you say that in this situation?

You shouldn't be worried about your nephew now.

Even your position won't be safe.

What?

Wait.

Minister of Personnel!

(Saheonbu)

What is going on?

Who are they?

They're the fathers of the students.

They're all saying that their sons were treated unfairly.

Have they gone insane?

How could they put their personal interests first?

Look who's talking.

There has been a request for Saheonbu's fair investigation.

I'll take care of this by the protocols too.

Stop.

They're the fathers of the students who lost their chances...

by the corruption of the exam.

There's also many people from Noron's side.

It's a sad sight of paternal love.

The fate of their family relies on it, so it's only natural.

Is this your doing too?

You're not the only one who can create a scene.

I was mistaken.

I took you too lightly.

However,

do you think this will make you take over the throne?

Speaking like this fits you indeed.

You'll regret this.

Maybe.

Those who seek for greater power always end up regretting things.

But still,

I'll become king.

Even if I might regret it,

I'll look down on you from the throne.

Did you say that you want Prince Yeoning as your successor?

Yes.

Prince Yeoning, not Prince Yeon Ryeong.

I believe that child must become the king.

Prince Yeoning.

Prince Yeoning?

Prince Yeoning?

Who has been mentioned as the next king?

Prince Yeoning?

My lord. Listen to what I have to say.

What must I listen to?

Stop this nonsense, and leave at once!

You're making me use a fan in this weather.

Please listen to me.

If we support Prince Yeoning,

we can stab Min Jin Heon, the Minister of Personnel's back.

- What? - Think about it.

The Minister of Personnel is in control of Noron now.

But you're the leader. How does this make any sense?

But if you could succeed by making Prince Yeoning become the next king,

you'll be able to be in control.

If we strike first,

we will be making a king.

No.

That's still impossible. No.

Prince Yeoning was born from a low life.

We can stand that disgusting truth,

but how could we justify doing that?

What if it was King Sukjong's will?

- What? - What if King Sukjong...

wanted Prince Yeoning to be king?

- My father? - He's waiting, my lady.

Father, what did you want to say regarding Prince Yeoning?

Chief Inspector Yi Yi Gyeom visited me earlier.

When he came, he brought up a troublesome topic.

Why would he come here?

What is it?

What are you doing?

I took care of him because he had no use for me anymore.

Min Jin Heon and the Norons are busy with the corruption of the exam.

They have no more interest in a prisoner like him.

But killing someone in your house...

I held back enough!

Just like you said,

I held back...

and let people live even when I wanted to kill them.

I did enough.

The skills to support the king?

I did all that to prove that I can support the king!

Calm down. You're right.

You did well until now.

The throne is right before you now.

Stop your nonsense!

Prince Yeoning, that jerk, will take over everything now!

Bring my death ledger.

(Death Ledger: A document that keeps records of the dead)

I'll do things my way now.

The skills to support the king?

Don't be ridiculous.

If I end up becoming a king by any means,

that means I deserve to be a king.

Are you in?

Hello. Welcome.

Let's go in. They have been done beautifully.

What do you mean?

Here. These are it.

What are these?

They're your clothes.

You said you had to act like a noble because of your work.

You seemed uncomfortable because the Prince's clothes were too big.

I was told to make it smaller for you.

I think he was bothered about it.

I'm okay.

Prince Yeoning says he's not okay.

Quickly try it on.

I'm such a foolish woman myself.

The man I like, asked me to make clothes fit for a woman he likes.

And I was happy to do this.

A woman he likes? Who are you talking about?

You don't understand what I meant?

You're dull indeed.

I do hear that a lot, but...

Cho Hong, I...

How could you come in here without announcing yourself?

Just turn around, and get out.

Okay. I understand.

Goodness.

I'll take that.

I'm sorry.

I didn't know you were here.

It's okay. It's not like you did it on purpose.

What?

It's true that you're a notorious womanizer,

but it's not like you planned to walk in on me.

And plus, we agreed to be brothers.

Brothers?

Oh, is that why you're saying it's okay?

Yes.

I'll forgive you.

Okay. Thank you very much.

I'll be off now.

I have plans to drink with Sungkyunkwan students...

so I can get a grasp of what their planning to do.

Stop. Wait right there.

Your hat is crooked.

An aristocrat shows their status with their clothes.

Am I not wearing it properly?

Come here.

I can do it myself.

First, you should learn how to wear it properly.

A hat...

should be worn like this.

Then keep it balanced...

You should...

tie it yourself.

I thought you were going to teach me how to wear it.

I pretty much...

told you everything.

I don't think so.

You should get going.

And be careful.

Is this how you tie it?

Gosh, he said he'll teach me how. Why is he just leaving?

What's wrong with me?

I was only helping her tie her hat, not get undressed.

Plus, she's Yeo Ji.

Have I gone mad?

You must give this directly to His Majesty.

Yes, Prince Yeoning.

It's me. I'm going to go inside.

- What's going on? - Is it true?

Are you really planning on becoming the next king?

Have you really made up your mind?

Where did you hear such a thing?

Who told you that?

Please answer my question. I deserve to know.

I need to go to the palace and meet His Majesty.

I'll take you there.

No, I want you to check what the Norons are up to.

Find out why the Chief Inspector suddenly got involved...

and who's behind all this.

Yes, Prince Yeoning.

Dal Moon, Prince Yeoning just left his place.

What are you going to do? You must make up your mind.

But do you really think so?

Do you really think the aristocrats...

that become public officials by cheating on the test...

won't end up tyrannizing...

over your friends and the people of this country?

However, you should at least stand on the people's side.

At least don't betray people...

who are no different than you.

(Queen Inwon, Queen Dowager)

But that's... That's...

Please help us, Queen Dowager.

If you, the eldest of the palace, step up and help us out,

it'll give us justification to go ahead with the plan.

But Prince Yeoning is...

I thought dearly of the late Prince Yeon Ryeong.

Prince Yeoning...

is not qualified enough.

Then are you okay with Prince Mil Poong becoming the king?

The reality is that His Majesty cannot give birth to an heir.

If we don't decide right now,

Prince Mil Poong will end up taking the throne.

Did...

the late King really say that to you?

Did he really tell you that he wishes to pass the throne...

to Prince Yeoning?

I swear on my life and my family name, Your Highness.

I was having a private conversation with the late King,

and that was what he ordered me to do.

That is not possible.

You cannot visit His Majesty at this hour...

when he hasn't even asked for you.

This is a very urgent matter!

You must let us in, Chief Royal Secretary!

You can request an official visit once the sun rises.

This is against the law.

Goodness, step aside.

Let us go, my lord.

Must I call the guards to stop you?

Step aside, Chief Royal Secretary.

Queen... Queen Dowager.

Let the Prime Minister and Chief Inspector go inside.

They are here for a very important cause...

regarding the royal family's future.

The Prime Minister and Chief Inspector...

wish to see me at this hour?

Yes, Your Majesty.

You should tell them to go back.

How dare they visit the King's palace so unexpectedly?

This is against the law.

The Prime Minister and Yi Yi Gyeom?

They suddenly showed up at this hour for some reason.

I came running because I felt like you should know.

Why are they meeting the King?

For what reason?

What...

What did you just say?

You want to pick whom?

You should pick Prince Yeoning, the second son of the late King,

as your successor to the throne.

This is for the safety of the royal family,

and also for the safety and prosperity of this country.

Prince Yeoning?

You two are Norons, and you're telling me...

to recommend Prince Yeoning as my successor?

(Recommend: Recommend a person of competence)

Who are you people?

Who are you?

He must be a madman.

Run!

How dare you! You lowly punk!

Stop it!

Come on.

Die.

You...

You're...

Die.

Dal Moon.

(Haechi)

(Listen to "Sunaebo" by Jung In in Haechi OST part. 1)

The throne can't remain empty anymore.

How can Joseon's aristocrats...

bow to a peasant's son?

In the end, you'll try to kill me in this palace.

I can only think of Joseon's safety.

Will you just watch Prince Yeoning become the successor?

- Not you. - Maybe not me, but surely not you.

Either you die or I die.

Ambition? You wanted to become Noron's king from the start.

- What are you doing? - Stay away.

I won't do that.

A battle with everyone's life on stake will begin.