Original subtitles

Times of confusion? Do you see the present as time of confusion?

I could not say it is time of peace.

Young man!

How are you!

Do you think I will tolerate this insolence?

I do not fear death. But I cannot betray King by clouding his

judgment with insincere council!

Leave us.

Your Majesty...

Leave us, I said!

Yu Sung-ryong...

Such audacity!

Your Majesty, how could a newly appointed low ranking subject

display such contempt?

Contempt toward the King is contempt toward the kingdom.

You must remove him from service and let it serve as an example to all.

High ministers are preoccupied with self-preservation,

but this tenderfoot displays sincere concern for the future of the state.

Your Majesty...!

Keep a close eye on Yu Sung-ryong.

I will put him to important use someday.

13th King of Chosun Yung-jong... He took the throne at the tender

age of twelve after an unexpected death of his half-brother In-jong.

But for eight years thereafter, Queen Dowager Moon-jung administered

the state from behind the veil. Even after Myung-jong took active

control, the Queen Dowager dominated the court with royal in-laws like

Yoon Won-hyung in the forefront leaving no room for Myun-jong

to spread his wings as a King.

But upon the death of his mother and downfall of Yoon Won-hyung,

he begins o nurture great a ambition to clean up the corrupted government.

He tried desperately to bring back Neo-Confucius scholars like Twe-gae

Yi Hwang and Nam-myung Cho shik who had been silent since the death of

Cho Kwang-jo in the Literati Purging of 1519, but no one wanted to return

to the royal court.

What's more, another royal in-law named Shim Tong-won soon acquired

power to dominate the royal court, and chaos and disorder continued.

Yu Sung-ryong?

He is merely a second class ninth rank scribe.

Why do you fret?

Think about the past.

Cho Kwang-jo was but a sixth rank overseer of the Paper Manufactory.

But King Jung-jong gave him a little boost and what did he do?

He pushed the old guards out of court and filled it with bunch of radicals!

Who is to say we are not dealing with another Cho Kwang-jo?

I'm told Yu Sung-ryong is Twe-gae's most cherished pupil.

What will happen to us if he should rise to power and replaced the royal

court with his men?

What do you suggest we do?

Feed him something sweet.

Be it power or money, we have to get him hooked while he is young

and innocent and make him one of us.

What if he doesn't buy into it?

Then we'll just have to eliminate him even if it requires another

bloodbath like the purging of 1519.

That will do for now.

Fill it up.

Come have a drink, young man.

Do you know what this drink is? It's punishment.

Punishment?

I heard you haven't had an initiation party.

Don't you know that you have to throw a party for your new

colleagues when you enter service to display amity and goodwill?

You act so stiff and you haven't even had an initiation party;

it's no wonder they give you a hard time.

Everyone, consider this a Scribe Yu's party. This is his initiation ceremony,

so drink to your heart's content.

I intend to take this man under my wings and take care of him

like the rest of you... if you know what I mean.

Of course, sir.

Don't worry, sir.

How could we give him a hard time when you are behind him?

Thank you.

Why are you just standing there? Shouldn't you thank Lord him?

I do not know how to repay you for this kindness.

Oh my! This man is not so rigid after all!

Isn't that right?

Everyone knows how much His Majesty trusts and depends on Lord Shim.

You've won Lord Shim's favors, so your future is set, my man.

Is that right? I couldn't be happier!

Like the rest of these gentle men, I will be your faithful follower.

There you go! You're my kind of man!

And you're very smart!

But before I become your follower, there is one condition.

Condition?

Open up all of your vaults and silos and give away your grains and riches

to the hungry people of this state. Surrender your 90 room mansion and

display your honesty like Prime Minister Hwang-hee of the past.

Can you do it, sir?

There're guileful eunuchs running rampant in the palace clouding

His Majesty judgment to fill their own bellies.

Name them to His Majesty and remove them from the palace.

Can you do it?

How dare you!

There's more. His Majesty is faced with great difficulties as he tries

to rectify the court because honest ministers have left the royal court.

Go to each of them in His Majesty's place and convince them to return.

Are you trying to patronize me?

Patronize you? Of course not. These are faithful subject's duty.

I will regard you as my great teacher and serve you with

highest respect for the rest of my life.

Isn't that what you want, your lordship?

How dare you!

When then, I will leave you now and eagerly wait your answer.

That... that... bastard!

Ji Gwa... Stop the swords, Master?

How can I stop the sword?

Are you up already?

Good morning.

Did you do all that this morning? Wow, you did a lot of work!

Go figure. What's going on with him?

He's made more than half of this batch. And he's dam good!

He's going to be better than a professional potter any day now!

I know.

When he came back from wiping out the Japanese. I thought he'd focus on his

training and not come near the work-shop. But he isn't training, is he?

Maybe he got sick of fighting.

Maybe he's going to give it up and settle down here as a potter.

Are you going to practice?

Why are you just standing there?

Soon-shin...

I have a lot to do today. Go ahead without me.

You've been putting it off for weeks now.

Has it?

Soon-shin...

Mijin, I enjoy making pottery.

When I focus my thoughts on my fingertips and follow the clay,

I can forget about everything.

The painful things we went through here, the brutal killings,

I can forget everything.

Sometimes I think if every day is just like today

for us and for everyone in this village,

it would not be so bad.

But is that possible?

Hang in there... hang in there...

Chun-su, open your eyes. Open your eyes, Chun-su.

Merciless bastards? How could they do this to another human being?

Chun-su, can you hear me? Open your eyes, Chun-su.

Wa... water...

Oh, thank god! Chun-su, are you all right?

Water...

That's it. I'm so proud of you!

The baron?

Never mind the baron. You got yourself to worry about.

He's probably dead by now. They took him to the capital city weeks ago.

The baron is dead?

Look what they did to you and you're just the supervisor.

I'm sure baron got it worse.

Never mind the baron and worry about yourself now.

Everyone in the company split up and went their separate ways.

Why did you stay behind?

I stayed so I could watch you die! Do you have a problem with that?

Idiot.

If that makes you angry, get back on your feet.

And you can beat me up or do whatever you want!

Mujik...

Are you all right, Chun-su?

Young man,

can I ask you a question?

Me? Go ahead, sir.

I'm looking for a man by the name Yi Soon-shin.

I was told he is staying in this village.

Brother Soon-shin?

Brother?

Yes, we're like brothers. Follow me.

Madam!

Please take a break.

What are you doing outside? You're not well.

Yes, cold air is the worst thing for malady of the chest.

Please go back inside.

No, I'm much better now.

I wish there was something I could do to help...

Help? Nonsense! You just rest and we'll take care of everything.

All of us are Nalbal's fathers now.

Brother!

You have a visitor.

A visitor?!

Kyun! What brings you all the way here?

What are you doing here?

The winter is coming, so we are insulating rooftops, and getting firewood to the...

That's not my question!

Kyun...

When are you going to stop living like this?

I said nothing when you called a lowly salt merchant your friend, but

now you're living among these peasants and calling each other brothers!

Pick up your things now! We're going back to the capital!

Back already? Did you finish the work?

No, we couldn't finish.

Soon-shin's visitor from Seoul was furious with Soon-shin.

A visitor from Seoul?

I think he's a lieutenant or something.

He was all over Soon-shin about living here with us peasants and

demanding him to pack his things. Soon-shin couldn't say anything.

Eunu, Soon-shin looked like he was going to leave, didn't he?

What's he going to do here if he doesn't leave?

He's learned enough martial arts, and he can't live the rest of his

life as a potter when he's a nobleman.

What do you mean you can't go?

What are you trying to achieve here?

Making pottery and wasting your time away among peasants...

is that your idea of a worthy life?

Please don't put them down.

They are sisters, brothers and teachers to me.

What? How could those peasants be your teachers?

What could they possibly teach you?

When I first came here after being wrongly accused, I was filled with

anger and resentment.

All I wanted was to become strong so I could destroy everything and

everyone that betrayed me.

So is this how you intend to get strong?

I learned a lot going after those Japanese invaders.

Power is not just about your strength. It is your level of authority as well!

Take the military service exam and become an officer.

That is the path to gaining strength!

Kyun, before I become an officer, I want to be a true warrior.

I've been told that martial arts is about stopping the spear.

That's what I am here to learn.

Stop dreaming. The enemy's spear will go straight through you the

moment you stop your spear!

A warrior becomes stronger every time he defeats his enemy!

A sword drawn only for destruction and revenge cannot be strong.

When the cause is to protect and serve, that's when it becomes truly strong.

Soon-shin!

Please go back. I am staying here with those people.

I will share their joy and fight their fight with them.

And when I can truly embrace them with my heart, that's when I will go back.

Father, do you think so too?

Do you think it's time to let Soon-shin go?

Does it matter what I think? I did not call him here.

He will do what serves him best.

What are you doing here?

What are YOU doing here?

I'm sure you have a lot to do before you leave.

Oh, where is my head?

I should make you something hardy to eat before you leave

since you'll be traveling a long way.

Let's go. I'll fix something up for you.

All right.

Open it.

Soon-shin, these are...!

They're ceremonial dishes.

They're not the best looking, but I put my heart and soul into them.

I do understand your pain, but how about honoring your parents'

memory on the anniversaries of their death from now on?

I'm sure they are missing you as well.

I'll honor them with you next year.

Soon-shin...

And the next year, and the year after that...

So don't let your departed parents be lonely.

You've been here for over a year, but this is the first drink we are

having together.

I was just like you once... young and full of passion.

But back then I put my strength before my heart.

I was truly confident and fearless.

But enduring countless ordeals after Mijin's father was killed,

I learned a valuable lesson.

And that is the importance of self-control.

I believe meditating in hermitage away from the world is futile.

I believe mental cultivation and maturity you gain from clashing,

falling and colliding with others is the real thing.

I am very glad you learned that on your own.

Always look to yourself first before you blame others.

Put the interest of the people first before anything else.

And remember that a true warrior values life even that of his enemy.

Yes, Master.

I bid you humble greetings, Your Highness.

Welcome. Prince Ha-sung has told me much about you.

He says that he looks upon you as a teacher for your extraordinary

scholarship and character.

I am humbled by your praise, Your Highness.

I have called you here to make a request.

I am at your command.

I need you to bring Prince Ha-sung to the palace.

He may have audience with His Majesty today.

It's an ordinary affair for a prince to bid greetings to the King,

but to impress the King is not an easy task.

And it may require your help.

How do you feel, Your Majesty? Have you taken your herbal potion?

I'm doing all right.

What brings you here at this early hour?

Your Majesty, I have called Prince Ha-sung to bid his greetings to you.

Please...

We have already talked about this.

Please reconsider.

The palace feels empty and cold since Soon-hwe died.

If you call Prince Ha-sung and look upon him like your child...

Look upon him like my child?

Yes.

What is your true intention, my queen?

Your Majesty...

Do you fear that I cannot produce another successor?

No, Your Majesty, not at all.

All children of royal house are your children, so I am asking

you to end time with him and perhaps give him some guidance.

Your Majesty...

You may go. I shall give it some thought.

Meanwhile, a new movement was underway in the royal court to

fight the tyranny of Shim Tong-won and the old guards.

Their goal was to place Prince Ha-sung in the center of the government.

Prime Minister Yi Joon-kyun had once been dismissed from his post

while attempting to redress the grievances of the victims that

died in the Literati Purge of 1545, and third minister of the Board of Personal

Shim Ui-kyum was a man who protected the rural literati

despite being la relative of the Queen Dowager.

They believed Prince Ha-sung was the key in stopping the tyranny

of the conservative old guards and the royal in-laws.

How did His Majesty reply? Will he see Prince Ha-sung?

I hope the prince is not making a trip in vain.

I pleaded with him numerously.

His Majesty will not turn him away without a good reason.

My concern is will the prince succeed in winning his heart.

Is Yu Sung-ryon to be trusted?

Will he be Prince Ha-sung faithful servant?

He is a man of uncommon intellect and courage. I'm told he stood up

to Lord Shim Tong-won and spoke his mind without fear.

I do understand where the Queen is coming from.

I'm sure it does not please her to do this either.

But if I cannot father another successor, isn't it fitting that

I heed her advice?

No, Your Majesty.

You are in your prime and no such thing will happen.

You've become frail due to stressful administrative affairs, but you will

be restored to good health. And soon you will father another son.

Do you really think so?

Yes, Your Majesty. Please do not give up.

The throne must be preserved by a legitimate heir.

But it is difficult to refuse the Queen's such earnest request.

You can prove to her that only a prince borne of the queen can

inherit the throne.

Prove it?

To what do I owe this early visit today?

And you are in your official garb...

This is not a social call as a friend but an official visit

as a royal subject at the order of the Queen.

I am to escort you to the palace.

Yes, it's been a while since my last visit to the Queen.

But why didn't she just send an attendant or a messenger?

She said you would be meeting His Majesty the King.

Has His Majesty asked for me?

Yes.

Um...

Yes, Your highness?

What do you think about the palace?

The palace is a place where no amount of caution prepares you

enough for one single trip.

No amount of caution is enough...

That's right.

All right. I will bear that in mind.

Your Majesty, Prince Ha-sung Kyun bids your humble greetings.

Do you fare well?

How do I look to you?

I was very concerned when I heard that your health was deteriorating.

But I am relieved to see you well.

Your Majesty...?

Attendant Ju, come close.

Take this to Prince Ha-sung.

Your Majesty...?

Try it on.

Your Majesty why do you order such an unspeakable command?

Do not interrupt, my queen.

I just want to see the dashing prince in a royal headdress.

Your Majesty...

Go ahead and put it on.

Your Majesty, forgive me for failing to obey you.

But please withdraw your most kind request.

Withdraw the request?

How could a subject dare lay his hand on the King's crown?

It's just a royal cap. A crown is a jeweled coronet.

No, Your Majesty,

If worn by the King, even a straw hat is no different from a jeweled crown.

I believe it is a subject's duty to cherish it and keep his hands from it.

The queen has told me many times about your sagacity and the depth

of your character.

Now that I have met you, I can see that her words were true.

Your grace is immeasurable.

Your Highness, what brings you all the way here?

The palace is a place where no amount of caution is sufficient?

It appears you have saved my life.

Your Highness...

Did you know that His Majesty would try to test me?

Forgive me.

Is the ruler to test his subjects and be wary of them?

When communication is lost the kingdom is lost.

It is one of the most important teachings of the Book of Great Learning.

If the ruler tries to test his subjects, he channel of communication shut down.

How I wish the palace were a place where thoughts and ideas are freely exchanged!

Perhaps I've exceeded my bounds.

I just wanted to say good-bye before I returned home.

Well then, I better go now.

Prince Ha-sung, that is indeed the heart of a virtuous ruler.

I hope Heaven is with us.

If Heaven does not forsake Chosun I want to believe that he will give

hope to the people of this state through you.

22nd year of Myung-jong's reign (6/28/1567)

Your Majesty! Your Majesty!

What's wrong?

Attendant Ju...!

This is most urgent! Bring back Lord Shim immediately!

And the other high ministers, sir?

You may inform them but not before Lord Shim.

Is that clear?

Yes, sir.

Your Highness, His Majesty is in critical condition.

Yes, I am aware.

Then I'm sure you are aware that you cannot enter.

Step aside!

I believe the proper protocol is to seal the place gates and forbid

entry of any and all outsiders.

Outsiders? You dare call me an outsider?

With all do respect, women are not allowed near a gravely ill King.

Please return to your chambers, Your Highness.

Your Highness!

I am shocked and alarmed I was told His Majesty is in critical condition.

I'm glad you are here.

You must quickly go inside and heed his last words.

This insolent character is blocking my path.

It is the law of the palace. I beg you to respect it.

Are you thinking straight? His Majesty is yet to name

his successor, and he is nearing his death!

This is a private fair of the royal house as much as it is an official

affair of the government.

Don't you see that Her Highness must heed His Majesty's last

words on the selection of his successor?

Prime Minister...

Open the gate at once!

But...

Open the gate.

Attendant Ju! Attendant Ju!

What took you so long to get here, Lord Shim?

Your Majesty, it is I!

Your successor? Who will succeed your throne?

Royal Secretariat.

Yes, Your Highness.

Write "Prince Ha-sung, the third son of Prince Duk-heung".

Your Majesty, is this our will?

May I inform the subjects?

Your Majesty! Your Majesty!

Your Majesty!

Return to us, the soul of the King!

Return to us, the soul of the King!

May I help you?

We are from the palace. Who passed away?

The madam of the house...

Prince Ha-sung has lost his mother?

I'm very sorry for your loss.

Prince Ha-sung, there are men from the palace to see you.

Your Majesty!

Your Majesty! Your Majesty!