Original subtitles

(Characters, places, and events associated in this series...)

(are not historical facts but fictional.)

I said I would tell you beforehand.

Today...

is the day you die.

No, wait. My lord.

My lord. My lord.

Ha Seon the clown is dead.

Now you are...

the King...

of this nation.

(Episode 5)

My lord, what on earth happened?

Bring me clean cloths and a clean nightshirt.

Sure, I'll bring them right away.

I don't feel a strong pulse.

Has this ever happened before?

He's been haunted and has suffered from insomnia,

but he has never tried to hurt himself.

Don't worry about his ear.

He didn't poke anywhere vital, so the injury isn't that bad.

I haven't seen you hold an expression like this...

since Lord Gil's funeral.

Do you remember when I told you...

I'd become a government official?

You tried to talk me out of it...

by angrily asking me what I wished to achieve by joining...

the rotten government.

It took me a while, but now it's finally time.

The world that Lord Gil and our people wished for.

I wish to try and build it again.

Why now though?

Because it has to be now.

Because it can't be put off any longer.

Because this might be my one and only last chance.

Am I alive or am I dead?

Don't make a big fuss over it. It barely broke the flesh.

A fuss? You nearly killed me!

The way you speak shows me you're very much alive.

Tell me what that was.

You said that I was now...

the King.

Where is the actual King?

He's somewhere far away.

Far away?

Then when...

When he'll return is a secret.

I do not know either.

He might come back suddenly like thunder...

or slowly in time like sunrise.

You must keep his place until then.

Do not run away.

Do not die either.

You told me neither to run away nor to die,

so why did you stab me?

His Majesty has a scar on the spot from the uprising.

You have to become real king...

for both you and me to live.

Keep that in mind.

His Majesty does not wish to see any physician,

so just serve him with herbal tonics that will help regain his health.

His Majesty is unwell,

so why would you stop the physician from seeing him?

It wasn't me but His Majesty who stopped them from entering.

His Majesty?

Do not make a fuss.

Others might think something bad happened to His Majesty.

Is His Majesty all right?

And even if something actually happened,

you should not show.

I apologize. I am just worried.

Rumors were rampant about the Internal Court recently.

He intends to take a rest before getting things right.

There is no need to worry.

Yes, my lord.

Are you sure...

His Majesty ordered not to let me in his chambers?

That is right.

I will call you in if His Majesty asks for you.

Go back.

I need to see His Majesty.

Tell him I am here.

I am sorry, but I cannot do that.

His Majesty said he would not see anyone today.

He sent the physician back...

because it was a minor cold, so why...

Is he still in his bed?

Are you sure it is a minor cold?

Well, that is...

Move aside. I will ask His Majesty myself.

Well, Lord Shin...

The Queen is here.

Your Highness.

I overheard you on my way here.

You must be well-aware that His Majesty is exhausted...

both mentally and physically due to court affairs.

Yes, I am.

I just...

Right, you are worried about His Majesty's safety.

I shall deliver your loyalty to His Majesty on your behalves.

So leave for today.

Then I will come back again later.

Let us go.

Do not worry.

It is only a minor cold.

This herbal medicine will help regain your strength.

Drink it to ease your cold.

Do not smile like that.

Please do not smile.

Your Majesty.

Is something wrong?

Are you feeling uncomfortable?

It is nothing.

Your Majesty.

The Queen Dowager is here to see you.

Will you be okay?

Do not worry about me.

Your Majesty.

Do not stand up.

Your illness must be worse than expected,

seeing how you are drenched in sweat.

Do not worry.

I am sweating only because of the fever.

It is a minor cold.

Your fever is too high to be considered a minor cold.

Your safety means the safety of this nation.

Queen Yoo.

Why did you not take care of His Majesty's condition?

My apologies.

I am sorry for not fulfilling my duty. It is my fault.

At least, you know.

Thus, I plan to serve His Majesty...

with all my might from now on.

I shall not neglect anything...

that could harm His Majesty.

I shall not stand idly against those people...

who attempt to distract His Majesty from me.

Your Highness, please do not be concerned.

You must be distressed after what happened to Court Lady Jang.

If you please,

have me as your company whenever you'd like.

Your fever seems to be getting worse.

Your face is blushing too.

It is not because of my fever.

The Queen Dowager accused you of your fault...

without considering her own misdeeds,

and it got me mad.

But I was relieved...

because you said what you had to say even without my help.

I refrained myself from going for more...

because you were watching.

Your remark...

lifted all my leftover grudges just now.

- Really? - I am relieved.

You looked down,

so I was worried you were not glad to see me.

That is not true.

You know, I am not feeling well.

Speaking of which, you stayed seated for too long.

Go ahead and lie down now.

I need to get some sleep.

I will keep your side until you fall asleep.

Is there anything you want me to do?

No, I feel tired,

but I do not think I can fall asleep easily.

Then let me read a book for you.

No, my Queen. I am all right.

Your Majesty.

Why is there a Korean translation in "The Book of Odes"?

That is because...

I would like to learn Korean.

I heard it is widespread among the commoners.

I had no knowledge of this...

and suggested that...

you should think of and be closer to your people.

I am so ashamed.

Do not say that. Your advice was a great help.

Which chapter should I read for you?

Start at the page you opened at.

"The kudzu has overgrown."

"I do not look for just one day and it feels like three months."

Lord Jinpyeong.

I came to see the King. Is he with someone?

The Queen is inside.

How is the King?

Seeing how concerned you are, he will recover very soon.

As soon as he feels better,

I will take him hunting again.

He must catch the roe deer he missed last time.

He might wish to catch a wild beast at the next hunt.

Like a wolf that drools after the prey...

the tiger caught.

Let us see what happens.

Use the Queen as an excuse to keep other visitors away.

I will.

This is not right.

"The insects buzz loudly."

"The grasshopper hops about."

"The heart of mine that misses my husband..."

"feels so confused."

"To see my husband and spend time with him..."

"would make me feel better."

You read a sad poem so brightly.

I apologize.

I suddenly remembered the days of my past...

and smiled.

Your past?

Have you forgotten?

I had just married you and could not sleep at night.

You caught me a grasshopper.

Did I do that?

You said its chirps would help me sleep.

I found out much later that...

the one thing you feared were insects.

I was very surprised...

and very pleased.

Your Majesty. What is the matter?

I am sorry.

I think I need to be alone to fall asleep.

I apologize.

I will leave you. Sleep in peace.

He stabbed my heart.

My chest hurts and I feel so suffocated.

Your Highness, shall we return to the King's chambers?

No. I shall go to the Royal Infirmary.

Lead the way.

Yes, Your Highness.

He only saw the Queen and no one else?

The Queen Dowager did see him for a while.

I bet she forced her way in to see how the King felt.

What will you do now?

It seems that the King will not depose the Queen.

Did he say so?

No. That is just what I think.

Did I say I care about what you think?

I apologize.

The King changes his mind a dozen times a day.

You should try to get your chief court lady status back.

Only then can I decide...

whether to go on working with you or not.

I need to think.

Okay? Get to it.

Your Highness, we will do it.

No. I will brew the King's medicine from now on.

That is final.

Pardon?

Very well.

Here.

So,

did you think about what I said last time?

The offer to go back to when we once shared a goal?

Listen, Haksan.

To serve the King well,

you must side with all sorts of people.

We have no reason to argue.

You are not wrong.

I will think about it if you concede to one thing.

Really?

What is that?

Resign as Left State Councilor.

Then I will shake your hand,

make the King the greatest in history,

and make you...

the most loyal of all loyal subjects.

Is that such a funny story?

My hands were always bloody...

until the King took to the throne.

Treacherous subjects who caused bloodshed.

Traitors who are worse than beasts dressed as humans.

Hounds who will do any dirty deed.

The more titles I gained,

the more honest I became.

For the King,

I was prepared to withstand...

any disgrace and any pain.

That is how loyal I am.

But what did you do?

While I was battling others,

you acted so lofty and got no blood on your hands.

You hid behind the Queen's father.

When he petitioned the King that I be beheaded,

you did nothing.

You are a coward...

who cannot withstand humiliation or sacrifice.

How dare you say you will make me most loyal of all loyal subjects?

How can I not laugh at that?

Is that why you took from the people...

to satisfy your own selfish needs under the King's nose...

and have been constantly desiring power?

Is that something...

a loyal servant who is willing to sacrifice would do?

The word "loyalty" doesn't mean loyalty to you.

It describes your life as a blood-sucking insect.

Dust and greed looks dirty and stinks the more it piles up.

Not even one's silk robes...

or the extravagant riches one has in his room...

can't stop...

the stench from seeping through.

If you have any loyalty left for His Majesty,

don't stain his regime with your disgusting greed...

and remove yourself from court.

I'm giving you one last chance...

as a fellow who once shared your ideals.

My lord, is something troubling you?

Yes, many things to be exact.

None seem particularly delightful.

Is that how I seem?

Then you saw wrong.

My eyes are finally open and there's a bounce to my steps.

I'm ecstatic.

This is how I should've been.

Are there any messages from the members?

Why do you ask?

I realized that, just like you, I have been living in regret.

- Then... - Send out a message.

Tell them it's time to finally gather again.

For the first time in seven days, there is color to your face.

You can stop brewing my medicine for me now.

I never thought of it as a dreadful task.

I will keep brewing them for 10 days more,

so please don't refuse my offer.

You should rest a few more days...

before attending the Hall of Convenience.

Do not worry. I will take it easy.

Your Majesty,

I actually have a request.

A request?

The anniversary of your mother's death is coming up.

We are low on the rice...

we offer the people on that day.

If it's not too much to ask,

please consider a way to stock up on some rice.

I will.

It's the rice we offer the people,

so of course I'll find a way.

Your Majesty, please forgive me,

but I cannot accept your order in finding rice for the people.

What do you mean you can't?

Rice offered during the memorial service...

has never been supplied by the Palace Supply Bureau before.

We asked local officials for help every year,

but we'll be needing all that and then some to complete...

the palace construction.

We can postpone the construction...

and offer the rice up first.

I fully understand your wishes...

to help the people and honor your mother.

However, it's also paramount that we show your authority...

since many lost faith during the recent upheaval.

It cannot be postponed.

So you're saying that there's no other way.

There is no difference of importance regarding...

my loyalty for you or our people.

A clear order exists though,

and I find that serving you must come first this time.

If you wish to secure rice for the people,

the only way is for you to order local officials to gather more tax.

All right.

I will think about it. You're dismissed.

The people are starving but he wants to build a palace!

How does that make any sense?

The Palace Supply Bureau...

and most of what goes in the palace's vault...

is managed by Left State Councilor Shin.

Now that he has a good excuse which is the palace construction,

he will refuse to back down.

Then what do we do?

Ask to see the Minister of Taxation.

Left State Councilor Shin...

told me to gather more rice in the form of tax.

What are your thoughts on this?

Your Majesty, I advise against it.

You can't burden the people with more tax...

when the rice your gathering is to help the people.

It is nothing but foolish, Your Majesty.

My thoughts exactly.

I don't intend on doing such a thing.

Actually, rice for the poor is being sent up...

by villages from across the entire nation.

However, county officials are pocketing them...

which is why they never reach our vault.

Are you saying that there's no way to gather more rice?

- There is a way. - Tell me what it is.

You should investigate the tribute payment.

The tribute payment?

How did you come to work here?

I am sorry to say...

it was because my father could not pay his taxes.

I heard of a father...

who had to sell his child since he couldn't pay his taxes.

During my days at the marketplace...

I heard at the marketplace...

that there are many occasions where one's tribute isn't enough...

and that they have to buy new ones to offer as a tribute.

Officials take bribes and reject them on purpose.

Vendors and those behind them then profit off the products.

Why not just receive rice for all tributes then?

Are you suggesting that we bring back the rice payment law?

- Yes. - Hearing your words...

have lifted a great burden off my chest, Your Majesty.

However, there are many obstacles to face...

regarding the rice payment law.

Since the law can only be enforced on those with land,

we will be met with great objections from ministers and officials.

They will argue and object to the idea...

saying that it will only increase the price of the rice...

and thus burden the people.

So in order to receive tributes in the form of rice,

we must calculate the prices...

while considering the status of each district.

Unfortunately,

there is no one in my department who can calculate such things.

Then you're saying there's no way.

Though not an official,

I do know of someone who is good at these calculations.

Who may that be?

He is a man named Joo Ho Geol.

I had no idea you'd still remember that name.

Ever since Lord Joo asked me to meet his son,

I have never forgotten the name.

How can one forget his extraordinary calculation skills?

With his help,

we might be able to catch those people...

who fill their own pockets with people's taxes.

We might also be able to cut off the Left State Councilor's connections.

If he finds out, he will try to stop it at all costs.

Can we find the whereabouts of Joo Ho Geol before then?

I asked some people for help,

so we will be hearing some good news soon.

I will go through take-over documents of governors...

and look for the possible issues.

All right.

I will bet my everything.

I have double nine. This round is mine.

I doubt that.

What do you mean?

I showed you my cards. You still don't believe it?

I was counting all the cards.

All right. You have 3 and 6.

You have 4 and 8.

And you...

are supposed to have 9 and 7 instead of double 9.

Let me see.

I will cut off your wrist if this really is double nine.

If it is 9 and 7,

I will cut off your head.

Do not make me laugh.

How can you memorize all 40 cards?

Make it 80 cards,

and I can still memorize them all at one glance.

See? It is 9 and 7.

And I have double eight.

Goodness.

Oh, my. I won too much money.

Here, I will pay for the drinks.

Get him.

What is wrong with you?

I am sorry. Spare me.

So you are a total coward.

What?

Let me go.

You have not changed.

You pick a fight when you are terrible at fighting.

And you are still the same too.

You squash me without giving me a break.

You resent me this much,

so why did you not come see me even once?

I was going to.

I heard you became an official and thought of ripping you off.

But I gave up...

because you had no savings or inheritance.

You became a burglar?

I am a lowly man without any home, so what can I not do?

What if there is a way for you to settle down?

If there is a way for us to make the world...

which Lord Gil Sam Bong and our members dreamed of,

will you join me?

You think there is such a way in Joseon?

Nonsense.

Just dreaming about it will get you killed for high treason.

Like Lord Gil and his people.

- Ho Geol. - Do not follow me.

I do not want to hurt you.

Please support me so that I do not stay in the periphery...

as a county magistrate forever.

I will not turn a blind eye on your loyalty to the King.

You will be appointed as a governor this time.

Thank you so much, my lord.

My lord.

The members sent us a message.

I think it is better that I go meet them alone.

There is no need. Where will they meet us?

Will it be okay to see them in this broad daylight?

What if someone sees us together...

and try to frame us for high treason?

We are gathering only to live together in the light.

We have no reason to hide in the dark.

- But... - Do not worry.

I will never let that happen again.

Woon Shim, why is Lord Haksan here?

I am the one who asked to see you.

Woon Shim, I am disappointed in you.

How could you fool us with this traitor?

Let us leave.

Wait.

When Lord Gil Sam Bong and his followers...

got tortured and killed for high treason,

I could not step forward.

I am here to confess that sin of mine.

Please...

forgive me.

Bring the dead back alive.

Then we will forgive you.

Do not contact us ever again.

My lord.

I did not think I would be forgiven easily.

It means they are longing for the Daedong Group that much.

Do not worry.

I will not give up.

I guess I underestimated king's duties.

Memorizing books was not good enough.

Why are there so many documents...

to appoint county magistrates and royal inspectors?

It might take forever to finish reading all these.

Tell me about it.

It might take forever to translate all these in Korean.

What I mean is...

Thank you for your hard work.

You may go take some rest.

It is fine.

You need my help to read these papers.

I notice some characters as I memorized "The Book of Odes".

I will try to go over the papers alone,

so go take a rest for two hours.

It is my royal command.

I shall obey your command then.

Your Highness, Eunuch Cho is heading somewhere.

Should I inform His Majesty that you are here?

No, wait here.

I will hand him the herbal tonics and come right back out.

Why are you back so soon?

Will you read...

I apologize.

I thought you were Eunuch Cho.

Did I scare you?

Yes, a bit.

Why are you in the library?

I brought your medicine to your chambers...

and was told you were here.

Did I disturb you?

No.

I was going to go to bed when Eunuch Cho returned.

I am so sorry.

The medicine got cold.

I will make a fresh brew. Wait...

No.

It will have the same properties even if it is cold.

Thank you.

This is...

my first time in here.

There are more books than I expected.

I did not know you liked to read so much.

You have my permission to come here when you like.

Thank you.

What is your favorite book?

I like Tao Yuan Ming's poems.

Like birds that fly high and fish that swim deep,

I like what is natural and easy to read.

If you like what is natural and easy,

life in the palace must be frustrating.

If I must say,

I did think so at one time.

To be even more honest,

I dreamed of living somewhere other than the palace.

But not anymore.

I cannot imagine...

living anywhere else.

Your Majesty.

Eunuch Cho.

You are the Queen's court maid.

Why are you...

Is...

the Queen here?

I was just looking for you.

The King asked for tea...

and I do not know what he likes.

Come with me.

I will sort it out.

Eunuch Cho.

Your Majesty.

I am back.

Welcome.

Why did you return so soon?

How could I rest for long...

knowing you are alone?

Your Highness.

Your Majesty.

I will leave you now.

You may.

Your Highness.

You are blushing like a red flower.

Were you thinking of the King?

Does it show?

If only it had not been for Eunuch Cho.

He is usually so slow,

but he moves quickly when the King is involved.

He does.

I do not know if I should reward him or punish him.

How dare you come here when I did not summon you?

Then why did you...

let me in instead of sending me away?

I heard about you.

80 percent of it would be false.

Who told you about me?

The late king did.

He said he never met a court lady who solved problems as well as you.

He was so sad that he had to send you to care for his son.

If he were to know you sided with...

his son as soon as he died...

I bet he will turn in his grave.

Your Highness.

Do not worry.

I said that to mean I value your abilities.

- Then... - Do what you do best.

I will decide once I see how good you are at...

solving my problems.

Gosh, that stings!

It aches.

Goodness me. That stings too.

Dal Rae.

I told you to pick up chestnuts, not hazelnuts.

Hazelnuts are too small.

Whatever. Just know that I'm not sharing.

Just walk around and pick up these plump chestnuts.

Dal Rae!

What are you doing here?

Didn't I tell you to stay close to me?

Why don't you ever listen?

You're just like your brother.

It's the same as when I told you to pick up chestnuts.

Here we go.

Let me see.

I have 86.

I have 83.

Hold it.

2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 20, 40...

You have 93 which means I win.

How does a peasant know of a noble's game so well?

My father was a player,

and I used to always cling by his side.

You're a worthless peasant.

Don't you dare say such lies.

I'm telling you the truth.

The truth that sounds like a lie.

Enough with the gibberish. Play the cards.

Bet your money first.

There.

Let's do this.

- What? - What is this?

My gosh!

- Who are you? - Goodness!

Are you Joo Ho Geol?

That is me.

We received a report that...

you sliced off one's hand in exchange for his gambling debt.

- Drag him out of here. - Yes, sir.

Wait. Hold on. Let go of me!

Let go of me right now!

Darn it.

Was this your doing?

Isn't this an abuse of power?

How can you capture...

an innocent person with false accusations?

We're practically the same.

This is how I use my powers,

while you choose to use yours on gambling.

Is that what this is about?

So what do you say?

Will you join me?

First, let me out of here...

and compensate for the money I was about to win.

How much do you want? Name your price.

You talk as if you have any to offer.

I'm not the one who will be compensating you.

If not you,

then who?

Show your respects to His Majesty.

I am Joo Ho Geol, Your Majesty.

Such insolence. How dare you.

Eunuch Cho, it's all right. Leave him be.

I heard you can solve equations...

that even 10 people can't do collectively.

That's a false rumor you heard.

From what I remember, I've never gone up against...

10 or 20 people regarding any equation.

How would you feel about using your talents for your nation?

There was a time when I thought of it.

However, now...

I'm too sick and tired of the government.

I heard you liked to place bets.

Why not gamble with me?

The loser will grant the winner's request.

What do you say?

I hope you won't regret it.

Just so you know, I've never lost a bet in my life.

I have double seven.

Then I guess I won.

I have double nine.

What?

I have double three.

- Well, I have double four. - What on earth...

- I have four. - You won.

I have three. That won't do, will it?

Please. Appear just this once.

I got it. I have double nine.

Well, I have double 10.

This isn't possible.

Will you accept my request then?

It's His Majesty's order, so I must.

I desire your talents, but I will not force you.

Come and find me when you make up your mind.

You're dismissed.

How dare he.

That slave didn't even show us any respect.

Hold on. Why does he look so familiar?

Wait, isn't he...

You never lost once.

What did you do?

Come on.

Did I not tell you I never lose?

What if he never comes back?

Do not worry.

We have already won him over.

You will never get it.

I was born with it.

You saw the son ex-Minister Joo Se Woong got from a slave?

Yes.

I thought I had seen him before.

I realized...

he was the son of Joo Se Woong who ruined his family...

in the Daedong conspiracy.

The Daedong Group?

- Are you sure? - I am positive.

What he said jogged my memory.

He was born from a slave,

but he is a genius with numbers and calculations.

Lord Joo bragged about him once.

The Minister of Taxation checks the take-over documents...

and he was seen in the palace?

They might want to use him to find evidence of embezzlement.

Minister of Personnel, it is time to take action.

What are you doing?

Hey.

Collect every single take-over document from the governors.

- Yes, my lord. - Yes, my lord.

What happened, Minister of Personnel?

Your Majesty. We are receiving petitions that the people suffer...

because of delayed appointments of county magistrates.

That is because the Ministry of Taxation did not...

hand over the papers to my department in time.

I only tried to correct that.

Please show mercy.

- Please show mercy. - Please show mercy.

Your Majesty.

The Ministry of Taxation oversees the handover of magistrates.

The Minister of Personnel overstepped his boundaries.

I only see this as...

an attempt to cover up crimes that the magistrates committed.

Boundaries? A cover-up?

If you had done your job,

my department would need not rush.

Speak before the King.

Did you find any issues in the paperwork?

Well...

Did you find any problems or not?

Your Majesty. You should instruct the Inspector General...

to investigate and determine who is truly responsible.

What will happen if I order an investigation?

If the Inspector General concludes...

there were no issues with the handover between magistrates,

officials will petition that the Minister of Taxation...

be penalized for neglecting his duties.

If Lord Lee is dismissed,

the rice payment law cannot be implemented.

Is there no way to prevent that?

We must find proof of embezzlement in the take-over documents.

I will meet Ho Geol tonight for a final chat.

He asked to see me and he is late.

Why you...

I was going to leave if you arrived a little later.

Ho Geol!

I brewed...

20 servings of medicine already.

I look towards your chambers as if I look at the moon or stars.

The garden and library.

I visit so many times a day.

I think...

I needed an excuse.

I cannot hide it any longer.

The reason my heart flutters.

I have fallen in love with you.

Only now...

has that happened.

(The Crowned Clown)

An illusion.

It is not me.

It is the King.

A slave, you say?

Why did you do this?

Can the Queen give the King an heir?

I see you...

and I miss you.

Why are you hesitating?

If this is a dream, if it is truly a dream,

then nothing I do will be a crime.

You fool!

♫ I will wait for your heart ♫