Original subtitles

It was around here somewhere.

-Yeong-ji. -Yeong-ji.

You have until the end of today.

If you fail, I can't promise

your shop or that girl will be safe.

I was only…

I didn't see a thing.

I was only digging for herbs.

I honestly didn't see a thing,

so please carry on with whatever you were doing.

It's dangerous to be out here though.

Hear that sound?

His Majesty is out on a royal hunt.

Out here you may be mistaken for a beast and be shot at.

Come with me. I'll escort you out of these woods.

Leave. I don't need your help.

Come on. Don't be like that

and put your clothes back on.

If you don't want to,

I guess you may choose not to.

Are you…

on the run?

Are you a court maid…

or--

That was more than I expected from a woman.

However,

this blade is quite sharp.

Damn, I know he went this way.

Darn it.

My bow is rather accurate today.

Could he have seen my face?

Whatever.

Wait. Isn't that…

Follow me.

It'll be the end if we get caught.

For you and also for me.

What is this?

What on earth is going on?

That way.

Identify yourselves!

-Get them! -Yes, sir!

Giddyap.

Over there!

What now?

-Jump. -What?

EPISODE 3

MERCHANT

What is it that you've been cherishing?

One might think it's your beloved.

It's nothing.

Come on, my lord.

What's of value should be shared, Lord Jaeun.

But this is an ordinary brush.

It's too big for a fine writing brush and too small for a middle-sized one.

Give it here. It's for someone I treasure.

The brush-maker must not have done a good job.

It's not of an adequate size for a man to use.

We must be here.

The Crown Prince has vanished?

He ran to the woods near the valley

and then disappeared.

-Goodness. -My gosh. What on earth?

Until I deliver the news to His Majesty, man your posts.

Yes, sir.

Could His Royal Highness have taken advantage of the situation and ran off?

Do you not know who you serve?

He would never go anywhere without telling us first.

Something must have happened to him.

Either that, or he must be in a predicament.

-Goodness. -You.

-Follow me. -Yes, sir.

-Hold on. -Yes?

What on earth is happening?

Take it just in case.

We must find the Crown Prince before anyone else does.

Please do not worry.

What's with the ruckus?

Lord Jaeun!

I heard you went to Mokcheon on business for the Ministry of Rites.

It ended faster than expected.

Anyway, is something the matter?

Where's His Royal Highness?

Well…

I'll fill you in later. Later!

I'll fill you in later!

What happened?

Could…

Could she be dead?

Father!

On the day I was born,

what did my father say?

My sweet boy.

Did he also agree

with those who wanted to terminate my life?

That a girl was of no need and should be killed?

Is that what he said?

The order came from the King.

His Majesty couldn't have gone against his father, the preceding King.

Are you all right, Your Highness?

Hyun?

Your Royal Highness.

He will soon be caught now that Commander Yoon went after him.

-But-- -Are you sure you're all right?

Were you harmed?

Hold on. How on earth are you here, Hyun?

We must head out of the woods since it's not safe here.

Soldiers must be informed of what happened.

But…

I'll need a minute, Hyun.

I didn't notice before, but what happened to your attire?

Your Royal Highness!

Your Royal Highness!

Are you all right?

You should change into these first.

An assassin?

An assassin attacked the Crown Prince?

Yes, Commander Yoon went after him,

so we'll soon know of his identity.

Why are you still standing here? Go after the assassin!

-Yes, sir! -Yes, sir!

Are you sure you were unharmed?

That was a close call.

Your Majesty, we should return to the palace.

It seems as though danger lurks in these woods.

I will command the royal carriage to be ready--

No one should leave the royal hunting site.

Explain yourself, Left State Councilor.

Soldiers stand guard here at the royal hunting site.

Without help from an insider,

how could an assassin have made it to our vicinity?

Are you accusing us of sneaking in an assassin?

Those who'd benefit from His Royal Highness' falling

are undoubtedly all gathered here.

What?

-Your Majesty. -Choose your words carefully.

It's why we must get to the bottom of this.

Even if we have to burn down the whole forest,

we must figure out

the identity of the assassin.

A body most likely to be the assassin's was found near Samil Peak.

Move the body.

-Yes, sir. -Yes, sir.

Isn't he a soldier from one of the Five Central Armies?

Are you certain that this is the assassin who came after the Crown Prince?

From what I hear, he had been disgruntled with the Left State Councilor.

According to multiple sources,

he ran his mouth off while drunk, openly suggesting the idea of murdering

not only the Left State Councilor but also his grandson, His Royal Highness.

Now that the threat is no longer,

you should return to the palace, Your Majesty.

See to it that he wasn't working for anyone.

Why that…

This was clearly a conspiracy.

The Queen's people could have arranged this for all we know.

The Queen has the King wrapped around her fingers even tighter now,

which could lead to Prince Jehyeon threatening His Royal Highness' status!

Minister No!

I only meant that it should never happen.

Yeong-ji!

Yeong-ji!

Yeong-ji…

Is the Samgaebang physician still not back?

He's not.

I only have myself to blame

for trusting a hack who has rumors for credentials.

He will come back.

Physician Jung always keeps his word.

And the rumors only reflect his medical talent.

Your faith in him is admirable.

I didn't realize until now how pretty you were.

Rather than killing you, how about I brand you instead?

Get your hands…

off her.

-Ji-un. -Ji-un!

Delivered as promised.

Your herbs.

I thought you would have run away.

Running away isn't in my books especially if there's someone to protect.

Not so fast.

How can I trust that these herbs are the remedy?

You wouldn't have waited for me if you didn't have hope.

Aren't I right?

Are you okay? Do you have a fever?

I'm sorry for putting you through this. Let's go home.

I hope there wasn't any trouble on your trip.

You're worried about me when you're tied up?

Worry about yourself first.

I couldn't help it, you know.

I couldn't sleep after hearing about what happened at the royal hunting.

It gives me great relief to see you in one piece.

We were blessed.

Prince Jehyeon was deeply concerned for his brother's safety.

I'm truly glad the assassin was caught, brother.

I apologize for alarming you.

From what I hear,

the Queen was also present at the royal hunting.

Yes, per His Majesty's request, I--

A hen shouldn't cry before the rooster does.

You should have known when and when not to be present.

I will keep that in mind, Your Majesty.

Your Royal Highness will someday lead this nation and the people.

Please know that you must be careful at all times.

I hope you understand what I mean.

I do, Grandmother.

It never ceases to amaze me

how disciplined those of the Crown Prince's quarters are.

They're always exactly five steps away.

Sometimes, it even fascinates me.

The future leader of this nation

shouldn't let small details go by undetected.

And that same rule applies to business at the Crown Prince's quarters.

Once again, I am enlightened, brother.

How can he be this cold to his one and only younger brother?

One may say he brought the assassin on himself.

Mother, please.

I'm just saying.

Being born first doesn't make him superior.

Good going, Your Royal Highness. I felt the kick from even where I was standing--

Nothing good will come out of being at odds with the Queen.

That has never been my intention.

It is the Queen who sees me as an eye-sore.

Could the attack really have been ordered by the Queen?

You know how one should watch what they say within palace walls.

Your mouth not only lets in a lot but also lets out a lot as well.

That was uncalled for.

That's what you get for always crossing the line.

I must ask.

Why did you spare the man

who saw you at the royal hunting?

He could have been conspiring with the assassin that came after you.

He was there to dig up herbs

which suggests that he's a herb digger or physician.

If not, he was probably there to hunt.

I doubt he will ever step foot into the palace,

which is why I chose not to complicate matters.

I see.

Come on.

A court maid at the royal hunting?

She had fair skin, a delicate face, and dark brown hair.

And her eyes… They were the size of this jade.

Her sharp gaze seemed cold in some way,

but also quite determined judging by how you look at it.

Could it be Hong-sim who works at His Majesty's chamber?

Hong-sim?

It can't be her. He just said she's determined.

-Maybe Eun-yeong at the royal kitchen. -Could it be her?

It has to be Yeon-ok who serves at the Crown Prince's quarters.

-Hong-sim, Yeon-ok-- -As if.

-Don't be ridiculous. -It can't be her.

-What do you mean? -He said she's determined.

Were all of those court maids at the royal hunting?

Not just them. Dozens more were probably there.

Is there a court maid who never made it back?

Someone who could have drowned.

Don't be ridiculous.

Anyway, why do you ask?

Well…

No reason.

No…

Grandfather?

You aren't the eldest son of the Crown Prince.

The one who should have died was you.

You should have died instead!

Your Royal Highness, I thought you were in your chambers.

What are you doing out here?

Disturbance keeps finding me in my sleep.

Don't mind me

and turn in.

Was it the same nightmare?

It hasn't haunted you for a while now.

I'll have the royal pharmacy bring you calming medication.

You should head back to your chambers.

Shush.

What is this about?

-It's him. -Him? What do you mean?

How is he within the palace walls?

What do you plan on doing?

Wait here for me.

Pardon? Your Royal Highness!

Crouch down!

You scared the life out of me!

"You scared the life out of me!"

Anyway, did you ask around?

About that court maid you saw at the royal hunting site.

You wanted to know if she was alive.

I don't know. There's a high chance she wasn't a court maid after all.

I wonder who could have made you want to visit the palace you try to avoid?

Just take this.

That hurts!

You didn't have to.

I've been dying to ask,

but rumor has it that you donate your earnings to the poor. Is that true?

Says who?

Enough with the nonsense and lead the way.

Sure. We should go before the gatekeepers change shifts.

Over there!

Where are you going?

Goodness, I see you're working late even at night.

Chief Gu, is that you? What brings you out at this hour?

What brings me out? Nothing much.

So tell me. I hope all is well at home.

Yes, all is well.

Anyway, it's been a while…

Please spare me.

I do not know anything.

Please spare me this one time.

End it with one strike.

It's painless that way.

I…

I cannot do it. I can't.

If you don't,

we're all as good as dead.

This is what you must do. Today and from here on out,

it is what you must do.

But I…

I will forever play dumb.

I will never tell anyone.

I will never say that Your Highness is a woman--

What are you doing here?

What's this?

Is that blood?

The shot came from over there.

This is bad. We must leave this instant.

Come on. Hurry.

The only ones who know of that door are me and that boy.

So how could he…

-Ji-un. -Ji-un!

Why haven't you turned in?

Well, that is…

We'll give you some space.

Right.

How did you know to find me here?

I heard you stopped by the house.

When did you return to the Capital?

I only went there to see Mother.

You should leave now.

I sent you to Ming because you wanted to pursue knowledge,

but you return with a bag full of pointless tricks.

They are not pointless.

They are skills that could save…

a person's life.

Skills that could have saved the lives…

of those you chose…

to harm.

How long will you let that day waste your life and ruin your future?

How long…

will you continue to disappoint me and your mother?

How long, you ask?

I will live with that memory until the day I die.

The image of you slaying that innocent girl…

will forever…

haunt me.

It's all in the past.

Move on.

Move on?

There was a time when I admired you.

I wished to be like you. But that ended…

when I found out that your honor was built on injustice.

Injustice?

Your grandfather who valued integrity over everything

gave me a life of injustice.

If justice means to be upright and moral

at the expense of one's own family,

then it's wiser to forever reach an agreement

with injustice itself.

That…

That won't be me.

I won't live like you…

or Grandfather.

So do not interfere with my life again.

Don't come back to this place either.

No!

-Samgaebang? -Yes.

Chief Gu who escorted him out of the palace

has been introducing the court maids to his services from time to time.

Must you do this personally though?

I could have sought him out alone.

I will see him with my own two eyes.

What if he really is Jung Seok-jo's son?

I will kill him.

Do you mean it? He's the one you once had feelings for.

How is that any of importance now?

If it really was Jung Seok-jo's son who saw me,

I must kill him…

since he's my biggest threat.

That's true.

It kills me to tell you that our physician stepped out to tend to urgent business.

I'm afraid you'll have to head home.

Please be back, all right?

I'm sorry about this. Please watch your step.

If you come back, I'll let him know that you deserve his extra care.

-Put in a good word for us. -Don't you worry and have a nice day!

Are you the scholar from the mountains who booked an appointment the other day?

Well…

Yes, that's me.

Goodness gracious. The wait was long, wasn't it?

I'm afraid our physician had urgent business and didn't come in today.

I feel terrible since you must have traveled far.

Please follow me. You'll be able to see him at Hongwolru.

Hongwolru? The courtesan house?

Quiet! I see you're looking for a tavern.

I know a good one, so let me lead the way.

-Maybe next time-- -Come on.

-Let's get a move on it. -But--

It's quite all right. Come on.

Let's go! This way.

Come on. There you go.

-Girls! -Hello, sir!

Goodness. Let me introduce you to today's guest.

He's a hotshot scholar from the mountainous district.

My dear, do you have any idea how much I've missed you?

My Lord!

Anyway, let's hurry inside.

-Come on. -Goodness.

-My Lord! -You adorable bunny.

Come on.

Oh, dear.

Jeez. Come on now.

All right. Where to?

It seems to me that our delicate Crown Prince

has a weakness no one should know about.

A weakness, you say?

So, the Crown Prince seems to be hiding something,

but I can't quite put my finger on it.

As the Royal Preceptor, you must have inside information.

Gosh, what would I know?

Come on.

So hear this.

During the royal hunting, I saw the Crown Prince with his hair down.

And what I saw was a woman like this kind over here.

Do you have any idea how taken aback I was?

Haven't you seen anything like that?

You said that, for some reason, there's a womanly mood to him.

Isn't that what you told me last time?

That's… Well, I was only referring to his style of writing.

His elegant penmanship and delicate lines were worthy of such compliment--

Are you seriously going to keep playing dumb with me?

I think that's enough, Lord Changun.

It's the last thing you want anyone to hear.

You seemed to have had a little too much to drink.

What? I had too much to drink?

Get over here.

Of course.

Do I seem like a drunk moron babbling nonsense to you?

Of course not. That's not what I meant.

Not what you meant?

I guess that I could have mistaken your words.

You must think nothing of me when I'm a member of the royal family.

A member of the royal family!

Do I seem like a joke to you?

Am I a joke to you? Am I?

Yes, I guess I could have mistaken your words.

Damn it.

Get up. It's all right, so get up.

Okay, let me see.

Let me take a look. You…

How dare you!

Say it again.

I dare you to say it again!

What is going on?

What on earth?

What? What is it?

Would you like to play as well?

What's there to spectate?

-Please. -Gosh, no.

-Please don't. -Let go of me.

Let go of me!

Damn it!

Quiet.

You… You're…

How dare you.

Haven't we met?

I mean, at the royal hunting site.

The royal hunting site?

But from what I recall, you were definitely a woman.

No, wait.

You can't go out there yet.

Don't let my saving you go to waste.

Who saved whom, you say?

Haven't you heard the rumors?

He's known as the madman.

It's always best to walk around the turd.

Hey, hang on!

We should keep having our fun.

All right, let's go.

Let's party.

So here's where we meet, Uncle.

Look who it is.

What brings His Royal Highness here?

Your Royal Highness!

I see you're here too, Royal Preceptor.

A royal preceptor

having drinks in the day with a member of the royal family?

How commendable.

Well, this isn't what it seems.

You and that temper of yours.

From what I recall, His Majesty warned you not to assault others

by abusing your power and status.

Pardon?

But it wasn't some random assault.

This man insulted the royal family

and all I did was discipline him.

You disciplined him?

I'll keep this affair out of His Majesty's ears.

He's been waiting to scold you.

The same goes for the Queen Dowager too.

That being said, what brings you here of all places?

There are more than enough women at the palace.

I'm not of your kind, Uncle.

I'm only here to meet a friend.

A friend?

I'm not in the mood for drinks anymore, so we should leave.

That reminds me.

I saw improvement…

in your archery skills.

Pardon?

If you wish to be beheaded

as the man behind the assassination attempt,

keep being cheeky.

Let's go.

-Physician Jung! -Physician Jung, it's been so long.

-It worked like a charm. -We've been waiting.

It's been too long.

Are you free today? I'd like this side done too.

-Please? -Hold on a second.

Now's not the time.

Later.

So, what was it that you were about to say?

-Pardon? -The royal hunting site?

I doubt anyone who isn't a soldier

or part of the royal family could have been there.

Yes… Yes, of course. I wasn't there.

Only someone with a death wish would have landed himself there.

What is your name?

My name is Jung Ji-un.

When did you return from Ming?

Do you remember me?

Yes.

Bits and pieces are coming together.

Many years ago, you came to me to introduce yourself.

I'm honored, Your Royal Highness.

Never did I think you were His Royal Highness though.

Please forgive my impudence.

Fine. Consider yourself forgiven.

Thank you, Your Royal Highness.

Just as you were all those years ago,

you are still as kind and generous.

However,

if I ever see you again,

I will withdraw…

my forgiveness.

Keep what I said in mind.

Of course.

Of course, Your Royal Highness.

Your… Your Royal Highness! Jeez.

Your Royal Highness!

Is it him? Is it?

Follow me.

Quiet.

Court Lady Kim ordered me to help you to bed.

I'm fine, so turn in already.

Yes, Your Royal Highness.

Can you afford to let him live?

Being Jung Seok-jo's son

makes him dangerous as you stated.

He's also someone who knows you before you claimed this identity.

If he figures it out--

That won't happen…

for he will not

show himself to me again.

Besides, you saw for yourself.

He grew up to be a pathetic excuse for a man.

However, he's the son of the man who slew the young prince.

It's exactly why… I can't complicate things.

Even if we do run into each other again,

he won't have any more doubts.

How so?

Anyone who knows Dam-i…

would never think that the Crown Prince

could ever be a girl.

-You called for me, Lord? -Have a seat.

Is the man named Jung Ji-un your son?

Rumor has it that he's a skilled acupuncturist.

I heard he saved the Vice Minister of Rites of Ming.

It's true that he studied in Ming,

but I'm not aware of his actions there.

The envoy from Ming will soon visit.

I hear the Vice Minister of Rites will also be among them.

It would be of great assistance

if your son could serve the Crown Prince during the visit.

Forgive my actions from the other day.

It was uncalled for.

You shouldn't apologize to me

but to the girl who you threatened to have branded.

Is she important to you?

I only thought she was a mere helper.

So?

Is that why you thought she could be mistreated?

Mistreated in the form of

branding the face of an innocent?

Fine. I'll apologize to her as well.

Since you're here, if it's all right with you,

I'd like to suggest you stay for tea.

What on earth?

Now I checked your face is well recovered,

so I'll trust that you keep your word.

Wait!

What now? Is there more you wish to say?

I'm So-eun.

Shin So-eun.

Remember the name.

What on earth are you doing?

Why are you doing this?

No, please don't!

-Don't do this! -Look here!

-Please-- -Move!

-Jil-geum! -Yeong-ji…

Jil-geum!

What is the meaning of this?

Ji-un!

-There must be a misunderstanding. Let-- -Seize them!

What… What are you saying?

What is this?

-Ji-un. -Take them!

Jil-geum! Yeong-ji!

Arrest them all.

-Ji-un! -I demand a reason!

Why are you doing this?

-What-- -Ji-un!

-Come on. -Don't struggle!

My name is Jung Ji-un.

There's no need to be alarmed.

Go ahead. I'm sure it'll fit your grip perfectly.

Is that so?

It's as I said.

It's me, not you, who knows what's best for you.

Your Royal Highness.

It is time for your lecture.

Oh, is it time already?

I'm afraid

I must get going.

A new lecturer starts today.

I hear one of your preceptors resigned.

I'm worried as to the frequent swap in tutors.

Tell me about it.

There's no talent within the royal court.

Well, anyway…

thank you for the gift.

So tell me about my new lecturer.

All I heard is that he's a young talent who caught

Lord Sangheon's attention from early on.

We'll see how long this one lasts.

The Crown Prince shall now enter.

I hear you come with glorious recommendations.

I look forward to…

I will be your tutor starting from today. I am Royal Tutor Jung Ji-un.

But you…

Wouldn't this be a problem?

If, by any chance, he finds out about you--

That will never happen.

Nothing can be easier than making a lecturer resign.

May I ask why? Why do you want to kick me out?

Samgaebang?

They mean everything to me. I will do anything to save them.

A bet?

Get the highest mark on the upcoming exam given by all lecturers including myself.

Why must I agree to that?

I might change my mind if you offered up your life.

I will bet my life on it.

Subtitle translation by: Hye-lim Park