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[This is a fictional drama based on historical events.]

[Episode 20]

[Gyungjong - Joseon's 20th king]

There is no way to express the grief for the late king.

We must protect the people of this nation and cannot leave the throne empty.

For the strength and leadership of Joseon

I declare Crown Prince Yi Yoon as the new king.

May he reign!

Long live the king!

Reign forever!

Long live the king, long live the king!

Long live the king, long live the king, long live the king!

Long live the king, long live the king!

What brings you here?

Think carefully before you speak.

Your life will depend on your answer.

You must want evidence you can use to hang a noose around Yi In Jwa.

No one is more suspicious than you.

You wouldn't join hands with him without a backup plan.

Where is it... the evidence?

Why should I?

Why would I give up my lifeline to you?

So, you do have it somewhere?

Should we make a bet?

Will I find it or not find it?

[Gyungjong - Joseon's 20th king]

Seeing you sitting there on the throne

I am so deeply moved.

You have kept your promise to me.

I will protect you, Crown Prince.

I will give you everything.

If you protect me, I will give you everything.

Even, even...

I will even give you the throne.

You said this back then.

All you would accept was my heart.

Do you still feel that way?

Your Majesty.

The promise I made to follow you has not changed whatsoever.

I can promise you that with my life on the line.

I am thankful.

You may leave now.

It's a hit!

Will you make a bet with me too?

What is it?

You can make one with Jeong Hee Ryang...

but not with me?

It's a hit!

If you win, I will buy you alcohol.

I will grant you a wish, as well.

However, if you lose...

One of the three brothers has been killed.

There are only three left now.

You must tell me everything.

Tell me your true feelings.

Where did things start to go awry?

Do you truly believe that I am interested the throne?

Then... are you not?

There are things you must do even if you do not want to.

If the people of this nation wish it...

Are you confident you could say no if that time came? To the throne?

Throne... king... tell me.

What does being king even mean?

A king is father to the nation.

He is the nation's foundation and tree with strong roots.

Also, he is a man who lives for the people...

The foundation of the nation is the people.

The people need to live and eat well in order to be strong.

Look at this rich and delicious food.

You take one step outside and there are hundreds of people starving.

Thinking of those people, I cannot eat this.

Didn't I tell you?

Working for the people is the work of a king.

So, is that why you covered up Yeonryung's death?

For the people? For the peace of the nation?

Don't speak of it so carelessly.

I thought about it a thousand times.

Every time I shot an arrow...

should I lose because I'm your subject, or because I'm your older brother?

But, I decided I had to win.

There's a wish I need you to grant me.

It's a hit!

What is that wish of yours?

Trust me.

It's not for my sake, but for your sake.

That is my wish.

Also, I will be following proper decorum as your subject from now on.

I'll be going now.

I cannot grant you that wish.

I cannot trust you.

What is it? Are you feeling frustrated?

A small spark in your heart can become a large fire.

You can hit each other in a fight, but don't walk away with suspicions.

I know.

But, I have nothing to lose, so I'm fine.

Yeoning has a lot to lose, so he must not feel the same way.

What are you planning to do now?

What else?

I have to catch him.

Now that he has become king, it is your world, my lord.

We are back, my lord.

What happened?

We looked everywhere in his mountain hideout.

However, we could not find it.

Of course, Jeong would not be so careless.

It is his lifeline so I'm sure he is holding on to it somewhere safe.

Welcome.

You put too much trust in Baek Dae Gil and got yourself in trouble.

You are not so trustworthy either.

I'd like to get you out right now, but I can't justify doing so.

Are you planning on turning your back on me?

Have you forgotten?

We have shared blood.

I will do what it takes to get you out.

Wait just a little while.

I cannot give you our blood oath contract.

If you happen to turn on me

that contract is my only way to live.

Oh, that is upsetting.

What would make you think of me in such a way?

Please spare some money.

Please spare some money. Spare some money.

Remember this.

If you need to meet with me

take this and find a beggar on the street.

Okay?

Spare some money.

Please spare some money.

Spare some money.

Hong Mae is not very bright.

Be careful of the shaman. She has true powers.

Be on the lookout for Yi In Jwa.

Even small mistakes are unacceptable.

Do you understand?

Hong Mae! Oh my...

Do we have a customer?

No, not a customer.

Mistress Hong. Have you been well?

The gambling room is very slow.

Yes, the country is in disarray, so...

You betrayed me to live well on your own.

Now, you're just sitting here doing nothing.

It's none of your business.

It's not as if you ever fed me.

Tell me why you're here and leave.

Have you already forgotten?

You promised to do three tasks for me.

Only then I said I would return this gambling room to you.

Did I make that promise willingly?

You stole my gambling room in a rigged game.

You practically forced me to do those things.

Where is it... the contract that Jeong left with you?

Hold on to this for me.

What is this?

It's a rope.

You have a lot of resentment towards Yi In Jwa, do you not?

You were the owner of a gambling room, then became like a servant girl one day.

That's an awful way to put it.

Yi In Jwa's life depends on this blood oath contract.

Will you grab on to this rope or not?

I will pay you very good money for it.

Your life depends on this contract.

Money won't work on me now.

You must be mistaken.

I'm saying that I'll let you live if you hand over that contract.

Then... I'll give you until tomorrow.

Hong Mae?

Yi In Jwa went to see Hong Mae?

I thought Hong Mae cut ties with him after Yi In Jwa went to prison.

Thank you, anyway.

Is my father doing all right?

Once you are done, come to the place written here.

You will be able to meet Man Geum.

Oh, hello. Nice to see you.

You're in the palace now.

It's nice to see you like this, Special Military Officer Baek Dae Gil.

Enjoy it while you can.

Your wings will be cut off soon.

I have a plan for the ages.

You should prepare yourself for it.

Prepare to become a king.

I see we have all gathered here in one place.

Is it time?

I will do as you ordered.

You may enter.

I should have acknowledged you for your efforts earlier.

This is a little late.

Your Majesty, I do not deserve to receive a government post.

You do not deserve it, you say?

You are too modest.

You do not need to be a lowly Special Military Officer.

You can be ambitious for a higher position.

It is because I was unable to catch the man working with the rebel Jeong.

Yes, I am speaking of Yi In Jwa.

Are you certain about that?

I am asking if you can take responsibility for those words.

How could I dare to lie in front of you?

I will find evidence of this fact.

Yi In Jwa was my teacher.

If Yi In Jwa is not a rebel...

you will have to pay with your life for disgracing the king.

I understand, Your Majesty.

I heard that you spoke with Father one-on-one before he passed.

Yes, I met with him.

Baek Dae Gil.

Your Majesty.

Please delay the rebel Jeong's punishment for a little while.

Yi In Jwa will eventually show his true colors.

Yi In Jwa.

So, what is the reason for this visit?

The reason I have come to see you today is to discuss His Highness, Yeoning.

Yeoning?

Name my brother as my successor?

You want me to proclaim Yeoning as my successor.

For what reason?

You have no heir, Your Majesty.

The Noron faction will try to get him named as the successor.

Give them what they want.

Then, you will clearly be able to determine who your enemies are.

Isn't this the right time?

The king is getting weaker in health day by day.

He has no heir.

- He should name his brother-- - Proclaim his brother as successor.

Excuse me, how dare you come in here?

You should attempt to get Yeoning named as successor.

I will help you in any way that I can.

Now that you're favoring the idea, I'm starting to feel suspicious.

The decision is all yours.

Well, then.

My lord, isn't this a good opportunity?

The king has no heir.

Things are swinging in the favor of the Noron faction.

Yi In Jwa's approval of it is making me feel uneasy.

What is holding you back? Let us go forward with this.

Name his brother as successor, you say?

There is more than enough cause to do it.

Let's try it.

Your Majesty, today...

I want to bring up an issue that will affect the future of our nation.

Do you mean the issue of naming a successor?

Yes, I am not in good health and I do not have an heir.

Your Majesty!

What do you think, Yeoning?

I...

Your Majesty, we must name the successor quickly.

You must name an heir for the throne.

That is not right, Your Majesty.

You are still so young, Your Majesty. Why would you name a successor?

This cannot happen!

Only barbarians who have no basic knowledge

do not name successors to the throne.

Joseon is a Confucian nation with deep roots.

How dare you tell the king to follow the barbarian way?

What did you just say?

We will do it.

Your Majesty!

Yeoning will be named as my successor.

Your Majesty, no!

No, you cannot! Your Majesty.

No!

Please no, Your Majesty!

Your Majesty, do not do this.

No, Your Majesty!

Take it.

But, don't go back on your word after taking this.

Hong Mae is no longer one of my people.

Kill her.

What do you think you're doing?

Sorry about this.

Oh my.

Baek Dae Gil.

Is a person's life that meaningless to you?

You scoundrels!

Why don't you stop bothering people?

I don't need this gambling room or anything!

Why don't we see this to the end?

The contract was burned and is now gone?

Yes.

Mistress Hong has a long life.

It all worked out.

Even if I managed to get a hold of it, I would have gotten rid of it.

I have one less thing to worry about.

Are you inside?

What brings you by?

Was it you who persuaded the king?

What was your reason for doing so?

No matter how much I think about it, I don't know what you gain from it.

My lord.

When a herd begins to gather, you become unreasonable like an animal.

Then you are no longer happy with the one thing you've been given.

Your instinct takes over.

You're saying that the Noron faction is the animal?

There is no end to greed.

Little by little, you begin to want more.

You don't even realize you may end up dying.

This is my command.

I have a great task at hand.

Keeping this nation in mind and to preserve this state and government

Yeoning has been named Crown Prince of this nation.

You are very benevolent, Your Majesty.

You are very benevolent.

Crown Prince, congratulations.

- Congratulations. - Congratulations.

Honestly, my heart feels heavy.

Your position has changed, but you have more responsibility now.

That is the burden that you will have to carry from now on.

Once you are done, come to the place written here.

You will be able to meet Man Geum.

- Isn't that Lord Baek Dae Gil? - It is.

It's Lord Baek Dae Gil.

My lord!

I'm glad you're here.

My lord!

- It's Baek Dae Gil! - My lord.

Baek Dae Gil!

What took you so long to visit?

- You're here? - Dad.

These are all your people.

Did you gather all these people to help them live and eat?

Why would I do a hard thing like that?

They're not people who would come just because I tell them to.

To those people, you're the one who saved their lives.

Because you're the one who saved them when this nation turned on them.

Now you understand right?

This why your life doesn't belong to you alone.

Dad, I have no intention of becoming the king, so tell them to return.

They have nowhere to go and they won't go because I say so.

Then, are you telling me to start a rebellion or something?

What can you do? That's your fate.

Who says that? Yi In Jwa?

No, your grandpa.

What?

It's just a joke.

You know you're a royal descendant, right?

So, what are you doing here?

Are you going to gather those people and commit robbery or something?

You scoundrel.

Your dad here is the leader of all the peddlers in all eight cities.

There is a man with the last name Park who lives in Honam.

I'm going after him right now.

Park from Honam?

That man is that animal Yi In Jwa's partner.

There was a person like that?

Until he makes an appearance, you have to keep it a secret.

Okay?

Dad, thanks.

Oh, my lord. Please come again.

Come again! Thank you.

Come back soon.

Things are working out far too easily. Don't you feel nervous?

Things are already swinging in our favor.

We should pull the bull's horns while we have a hold of them.

Let's go forward with the Crown Prince Regent, as well.

That's right, if we lose this chance--

Do not be rash and control yourselves.

The king is getting worse every day.

There is no need for us to step in and make the situation worse.

That is why a Crown Prince Regent is urgently needed.

That is correct.

When will a chance like this come again?

Do not forget.

Once you get through light winds, you will get hit by a fierce wind.

What do you mean Crown Prince Regent?

It was a big step for the king to name me Crown Prince.

How could they try to name me Crown Prince Regent?

There was a brief discussion.

I told them firmly that they should not do it.

Do not worry.

Being named the successor came too early, as well.

Do not say those weak things.

The king is very ill and he has no heir.

Someday, you will become a strong and sturdy king.

You must sit on that throne.

I made a promise to the late Consort Sukbin.

I told her I would always protect you.

Your subject, Kim Chang Jib, will do everything I can to keep that promise.

Minister.

Crown Prince.

Please trust me.

Someday, you will become a strong and sturdy king.

You must sit on that throne.

Congratulations, Crown Prince.

The robes suit you very well.

If you have something to say, go on with it.

You asked me if I could refuse even if the people wanted it.

Have you come to give me your answer?

I would not be able to refuse.

The hand of a citizen in need...

I do not have the courage to reject it.

However...

I have come to realize something.

To watch over the people of this nation, one does not need the throne.

What?

I will do my best to take care of the people from my position.

Is that everything that you want?

That is the greatest thing I wish for.

Your wish...

Trust me.

It's not for my sake, but for your sake.

That is my wish.

I will grant it.

I will trust you.

You have found a path to truly help the people.

Then which path should I take?

Mother, I promise you I will protect my brother.

Keep this as a secret from Kim Chang Jib.

The Crown Prince must never know either.

We must keep it to ourselves.

Crown Prince Regent?

Do you not even see me as a true king?

How much must I give in?

Exactly how much more must I give in?

Your Majesty, why do you see it as giving in?

King Myeongjong died without naming a proper successor.

Have you forgotten the trouble and discord that occurred in the government?

What?

Please make a brave decision befitting that of a great king.

Please make the decision, Your Majesty.

Leave now.

Your Majesty!

Did I not tell you all to leave?

What have you all done?

We only did our jobs as loyal subjects of the Crown Prince.

Do you really not know who is making the decisions behind the throne?

How can you not know that Yi In Jwa's evil hand will hurt him in the end?

He does not even have a government post.

He's just some teacher.

You fool, you fool.

First, you were named my successor, and now Crown Prince Regent?

Why not just tell me to give up the throne?

Your Majesty.

I had no idea about being named successor or the Crown Prince Regent.

However... I do not think their intentions were wrong.

What did you say?

Do you dare to scorn me?

I am only talking about the reality that you do not have an heir.

What are your true feelings?

Do you really want the throne?

I am asking you if you desire this seat.

Your Majesty.

Yeoning has no idea what is coming his way.

His life is hanging in the balance.

My lord, what will you do about Baek Dae Gil?

Don't worry about him.

When you're going after a group, you must focus on them one by one.

You will get betrayed if you do not.

What do you mean betray Scholar Baek Myun?

What's that all about?

Well, you know I'm a professional in betraying people.

You live in a cozy home.

How dare you come in here like this?

I told her to come.

The blood oath contract made between the rebel Jeong and Yi In Jwa.

Yi In Jwa will be finished once this is revealed.

I had to think about this quite a bit.

You say he's going to kill me?

Why? Because of that contract?

You know Yi In Jwa is someone who is more than likely to do that.

What is it that you want?

That contract.

You're just the same.

I'm different.

Even if I have a knife to my throat, I would never kill one of my people.

I have no intention of living like a good person.

But, I don't want to fall into a ditch and die either.

Good luck.

I suppose this is the way to live.

Even if you're all here eating barley rice, it's still nice.

Yi In Jwa.

You should hurry if you're going to use this to catch Yi In Jwa.

The atmosphere in the palace is very intense.

The Noron faction ministers tried to name Yeoning as Crown Prince Regent.

The king threw a fit of rage.

The king called Yeoning in directly and censured him.

That's strange.

He was just named successor, so why Crown Prince Regent?

Do you think this is Yi In Jwa's doing?

I can't say for sure that it's not.

If the situation gets any worse, it will bring trouble to Yeoning.

You need to meet the king tomorrow and tell him the truth quickly.

Why have you called us all here at this time?

I will be drawing my sword tomorrow.

Sword, you say?

I am thinking of striking down all of the Noron faction ministers at once.

Tell us your plan.

What is it? What is your move?

Come in.

Who are you?

My name is Mok Ho Ryong.

I am of the Noron faction.

The Noron faction will be struck by the sword of one of their own.

Tell us more in detail. What are you planning?

Have you heard of Sam Geub Soo?

The three different ways to kill the king.

Tomorrow, I will report to the king of a rebellion.

The Noron faction is coming up with a plan against the king.

What I need from you all is...

I need you to support Mok Ho Ryong here.

Is anyone there? Bring me some water.

Who goes there?

Is anyone there?

Did you call for me, Your Majesty?

My lady!

My lady, my lady!

Your Majesty, forgive us.

The court lady has fainted. Today's session will be canceled.

You're late.

Master.

Someone put poison in the king's food.

Poison?

It was Yi In Jwa. There's no doubt about it.

I need to meet the king now.

Your Majesty, it's a medicinal herb from the mountains.

It's not a poisonous herb like arsenic.

However, it can cause seizures when taken improperly.

You cannot see the king now.

It is very important and I need to see him right now.

Tell him Baek Dae Gil is here.

Come back in the afternoon.

Don't go to see the king?

I think it would be best not to visit his private quarters.

What are your reasons for this?

The court lady has fainted and you could have trouble coming your way.

You need to stay away from this and stay in your residence.

This is all for your sake, Crown Prince.

You say you do these things for my sake.

So, how could you have done something so thoughtless?

It has already been done. We must control the damage now.

You cannot meet the Crown Prince.

The situation has already become out of hand.

But, how did a Special Military Officer know about it to come here?

Yi In Jwa is behind it all.

I had already suspected it.

He has some power now, so he wants more to abuse.

It is dangerous. The Crown Prince could be--

Did you consider that you could be

putting the Crown Prince in a difficult spot?

You must stop this.

I will protect the Crown Prince.

The Noron faction will protect him until the very end.

May I come in?

I'm glad you are here.

The king was unable to sleep last night.

This morning, the court lady fainted from eating poison.

Like you said, the sword was the first step and poison was the second.

Then, what is the last step?

It is rumors.

Rumors?

Don't you know the rumor that is already traveling within the palace?

Rumors of the previous king's will.

The late king's will?

It says to dethrone the current king.

And name Yeoning as successor.

That is what I heard his will said.

Everyone in the palace has heard this piece of news.

The king is no exception.

Now, we are ready.

Who will step forward?

I will visit the king.

Follow me.

They used a sword, poison, and now they use gossip to get rid of me?

You are saying this is all true?

How could I dare lie in your presence?

It is all the truth.

I saw and heard it with my own eyes and ears.

Kim Chang Jib, Yi Yi Myung, Lee Gun Myung, and Jo Tae Chae.

Besides them, a hundred others took part in this rebellion?

His Highness, Yeoning is included.

Your Majesty, please make a swift decision.

Use the sword of the king to kill these traitors!

Right now, arrest all of the Noron faction ministers!

Do not leave anyone out. Do it now!

Your Majesty, what about His Highness, Yeoning?

Yeoning...

It would be best not to go.

What are you up to?

I am not up to anything. It is a royal command.

What are you doing? Arrest the Special Military Officer.

Yes.

You're not going to draw your sword in the palace, are you?

Let them arrest you.

Then nothing will happen to you.

Get up.

What is this?

Let go of me! What are you doing?

What do you think you're doing?

Step aside.

It is urgent. Find the king now.

Kim Chae Gun, you dare to disobey a royal command?

We'll wait and see if it's a royal command or a trick of yours.

This time... it will not end so easily.

Tell me.

Did you really draw the sword of a rebel?

Speak!

I asked you if you drew the sword of a rebel.

Your Majesty, what are you talking about?

Just say it.

"I desire the throne."

Tell me you want the throne.

At least that would put my heart at ease.

As an older brother...

who kills you.

You Majesty.

Please spare the Crown Prince.

Move.

I am going to strike the throat of that rebel right this instant.

Your Majesty, you will have to kill me first

if you want to kill the Crown Prince.

You will sacrifice your life? Why?

Did you take part in activities with the rebels too?

Baek Dae Gil, what are your true intentions?

You pushed Yi In Jwa away and pushed me away.

Are you planning on making him a king?

That is very unjust of you.

Or did you think because we are all of the same lineage

that I would let you two brothers live?

Did you think I didn't know?

Today... I will end this insufferable relationship.

Move aside!

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