Original subtitles

I order the Crown Prince

to be my regent.

Your Majesty, that is--

I will leave everything to him

-except military power-- -Your Majesty.

I am truly touched

by His Highness’s kind heart

and his desire to share your burden.

Thank you.

You don’t know how happy I am to hear you say that.

However,

choosing an interim king is an important decision

as the nation's reputation is on the line.

In the past, when Joseon broke the pact with Qing Dynasty,

we had to face two wars.

After that,

an alliance was no more,

and we became their subject.

Appointing the Crown Prince as regent

is a great change, involving diplomatic matters.

We need to ask The Qing Dynasty

for approval first.

Please, revoke your orders.

Please understand, Your Majesty.

-Please understand, Your Majesty. -Please understand, Your Majesty.

Indeed...

Premier Kim is brilliant.

I wish

to lighten your burden this very moment.

But as Premier Kim said

we should be extremely cautious

as it involves diplomatic matters.

I heard that the Qing Dynasty's envoys will visit

for your 40th birthday banquet.

Please understand the concerns of your subjects,

who care for the nation, and postpone your decision

so that I may become the interim king with Qing's blessing, Your Majesty.

Please delay your orders, Your Majesty!

-Please understand! Your Majesty! -Please understand! Your Majesty!

THE CROWN PRINCE’S LIBRARY

Silver Spoon!

What are you doing here?

What about you?

I'm running errands.

Have you seen His Highness?

I heard he is in here.

What?

No, I haven't.

Thank goodness.

I was so nervous.

What are you doing there?

This library is for His Highness only.

Get out at once if you are done.

Yes, sir.

Silver Spoon!

Did you hear that? Let's go.

This place is off limit except for His Highness.

What are you doing?

We have to leave.

Let's go before we run into His Highness.

Why do you hide it from him, Your Highness?

He will find out soon anyway.

I'm telling you this as your friend, so keep that in mind.

My friend?

Since when were we friends?

If not friends, what are we?

Then what is your name, Silver Spoon?

Hey...

You asked me what my name is.

Lee Yeong.

That is my name.

Wait, Silver Spoon.

This attire...

Looks too much like a dragon robe.

It is.

Goodness...

Why are you wearing this?

What if the Crown Prince sees...

Silver...

Silver...

Silver...

Your Highness! Just kill me, please!

Please...

Really?

What? No...

Spare me!

Kill or spare...

Do you think I only have two options to choose from?

After all...

We’re friends.

Friends?

It was you, who said it.

"If not friends,

what are we?"

You were threatened?

I’m telling you.

"It was you, who said it.

If not friends, what are we?"

Why wouldn't it be a threat?

His Highness must be furious.

The Crown Prince possesses

the blood of a human and a beast.

And he's a like a crazy dog that doesn't know

when to bark or when not to bark...

Stop doing that. You’ll break the pillar.

I’m worthless than this pillar.

Why did I say that in front of His Highness?

Are you really the Chief?

Or are you hiding something, too?

I'm not.

It seems like you are.

"Are you awake, Your Highness?"

His Highness often stays up late, so there might be no response.

You’ll have to ask many times.

Follow my lead.

Ask many, many times...

And You may go inside as soon as he clears his throat.

Yes, but Eunuch Jang.

Yes?

I promise I am not picky when it comes to my assignments.

Good, you are the talented individual this palace has been searching for.

But due to my current circumstances,

I'm willing to do anything, anywhere else.

Is it possible for me to work at another place?

You don't like me, do you?

Do you dislike me that much?

-Pardon? -Well?

Oh, it's not because of you--

-Well, that's what it sounds like. -Then

is it because of me?

Tell me.

Why do you want to work anywhere but here?

That's not true.

How could I dare to be picky about where I work?

Then is it okay to point fingers at me, bite my finger,

and exhibit your drunken habits?

Of course not.

I deserve to be punished for the arrogant acts I committed

because I failed to recognize you.

Do you regret the time we spent together?

Yes.

I regret it.

You resent me, don't you?

If you had told me the truth earlier,

I...

wouldn't have dared to suggest that

we be friends.

That's why I didn't tell you.

I knew you'd react like that

if you knew I was the Crown Prince.

Pardon?

I'm sorry I didn't tell you earlier.

Did you order everyone else to leave the room,

so you could tell me that?

Not to punish me?

You may treat me as your friend

whenever it's just the two of us.

No, I command you to do so.

Do you understand?

Do you know anything about the minister

who will be visiting as an envoy?

Yes.

He may be known as a loyal subject to the emperor,

but he has a bad reputation amongst the subjects.

Is it true that he demanded a coffer

filled with silver when he comes?

Even though he said it as a joke over a few drinks,

given what I already know about him,

I don't think it was just a joke.

Seeing how he's demanding so much with confidence,

we're in for quite a challenge.

Arrange a meal with the envoy when he gets here.

I don't think any good will come of staying close to him.

If it's for our country, we should be willing to endure hardships.

But I understand your concern for me.

Yes, Grandfather.

I should head back so I can prepare for the banquet.

Sure, go ahead.

Let's just give him everything he wants.

If you get on his good side by doing so,

you can ask him to oppose appointing the Crown Prince as regent.

Didn't I tell you

that politics is similar to winning over the heart of a woman?

If you just give them everything they ask for,

you'll get nothing more than one night of fun.

Then, how do you plan on bringing him down?

How would our high-spirited Crown Prince act

if he met an envoy like him?

Goodness, with a temper like his,

let's hope he doesn't grab him by his throat.

Are you suggesting that we get them

to fight each other?

A power tripping envoy and a Crown Prince with a temper.

If we're lucky, we'll get what we want without getting our hands dirty.

You sure are wise, Premier Kim.

Don't you miss the outside?

I'd be lying if I said I don't.

What is it that you miss so much?

The busy streets,

rice cakes with steam coming out of them

and the exciting games. I miss all of that.

The palace is only filled with things we mustn't do.

That's true.

You must feel suffocated after living so freely.

Yes, it's not easy for trainees to go outside.

Oh dear...

Get ready to go outside.

I'll help you take a trip outside this palace.

Do you mean that?

How is it that...

everything eunuch Jang said about you is true?

You can't do that. He warned me that if I follow you out

or happen to lose you out there,

I'll be severely punished.

Fine. Forget it.

Oh, my stomach.

You're not pretending to have a stomachache, are you, Your Highness?

No, there's no way.

The Crown Prince wouldn't...

I need to go to the library. Bring those books with you.

Your Highness, I searched everywhere, but I can't find that book you mentioned.

Don't you remember the title?

There are way too many books to search through

for a book with a smudged title.

Please answer me...

"You may treat me as your friend whenever it's just the two of us.

No, I command you to do so."

What are you doing?

I don't know either. His Highness told me to say that.

I'm speechless.

What? You're speechless?

Eunuch Hong I command you to find your speech!

Is this the time for jokes?

No, wait! His Highness told me to do this!

The job of setting up Jagyeong Palace...

will be Eunuch Ha's job.

Yes, Eunuch Seong.

-I want you two to follow me. -Yes, sir.

Wait, the kitchen just asked for two more helpers.

Tell them to manage with the staff they have!

Look at this! There's so much to do!

But we only have...

Oh my, My Lord.

You should have sent someone.

What brings you all the way here?

I want to send folding screens that need repair to the Painting Bureau.

You all seem to be very busy.

It is fine. I'll just manage with the staff...

No, we aren't busy at all.

You see those over there who are hanging around?

Sam-nom, come here.

Are you sure he is here?

Yes, I heard that he has been staying here

after his exile was over a month ago.

Hello, welcome.

Are you looking for Mr. Jeong?

Go that way. He is fighting with a dog.

He really is fighting with a dog.

I had better meet him alone today.

Yes, Your Highness.

Can you do it in three days?

Do not worry.

Pay special attention to it.

It is to be used in the palace. I will make the best one.

Hong Ra-on.

Take that off right now.

No.

Can I wear this just for today?

Mom...

You are not a girl.

You are a boy.

Don't you get it?

You look as fine and pretty as a porcelain vase,

yet you are so picky when choosing items.

Let us go, Eunuch Hong.

Yes, sir.

By the way...

What now?

This one.

He has come after all. Mr. Jeong is here.

Are you here for me?

Sir, let me carry that baggage for you.

It is not heavy.

There is not much inside.

Are you all right?

Yes.

You can use this.

What?

How can a man wear a woman's clothes?

The eaves are short.

Just use it to take shelter from the rain.

No.

You said you would give it as a gift to someone noble.

That is true.

However, I think now is not the time for that.

I think I have to wait until she receives this

with a pleasant heart.

So take this without worry.

I am fine.

I will go buy an umbrella.

Please wait a minute here.

Yeong, you've never gotten rained on, have you?

Have you, Mother?

I have, like this green grass

in the rain.

Why? Do you not like it?

It's not that I don't like it,

but I do not have clogs or umbrella

as it is raining so suddenly.

So this is a very good opportunity.

Mother!

You are the Queen

and I am the Crown Prince.

How can we get in the rain without anything to cover?

Why do we have to do that?

Pardon?

Why do the Queen and the Crown Prince

need so many things all the time?

Is it against the law if we get rained on barefoot?

Does anyone say that?

It will stop soon.

You can wait.

Pardon?

It is fun to play in the rain,

but the cold lasts long.

Don't you think so?

I agree.

Your Highness?

Are you traveling in disguise?

Are you not aware?

The moment I get recognized, I'm not traveling in disguise anymore.

I'm sorry.

I couldn’t just ignore you since I’m with company.

She's with you?

Are you from the palace?

Show your face.

She is

my beloved, Your Highness.

She is a bit startled since she met Your Highness unexpectedly.

I get it. One wouldn’t want to meet a Royal Family

outside the palace.

Whoever that is, tell her I'm leaving.

And that I am no ghost.

There is no need to be scared.

The Qing Dynasty’s permission is needed

for Your Highness’s appoint as regent.

That’s right. They’re probably going to make me look bad,

so it will be denied.

Just be obedient.

The Qing Dynasty would have no reason to refuse then.

I do not wish things to be that way.

I want Joseon to become even with them.

But in reality...

there are enemies even on the inside that needs to be dealt with first.

Like Premier Kim.

The best option...

would be to kill him off.

So the last one standing

wins the war?

If I knew you were going to give me that kind of advice

I should’ve just hired an assassin instead of meeting you.

It was wrong of me to come here.

I'll get going.

I’m sorry to have wasted your time. Your Highness.

Farewell.

Although...

When I said, “killing” I didn’t mean it literally.

There are many ways to lure the enemy

to their own destruction.

OFFICE OF MUSIC, INSTRUMENT STORAGE

What brings you here this late at night, Your Highness?

There are many ways to lure the enemy

to their own destruction.

Indeed.

There is no need to draw out a sword.

I will lure them

with songs and dances.

I cannot believe my eyes!

Why are all these kisaeng roaming around the palace?

The Crown Prince

gathered them from all over the country.

His Highness is acting rather reckless

since he took responsibility for the 40th birthday banquet preparation.

The situation is only going to get worse.

It cannot be overlooked.

For the solo dance in the end...

I will leave it to Ae-sim.

Pass around the choreography papers.

Hong Sam-nom.

From now on,

you must never leave my side

and record everything regarding the preparation.

Do you understand?

Yes, Your Highness.

What?

That's not it.

Wrong! Again!

Again.

Get up.

Get...

I'm sure you know the importance of the last performance

that you will partake in.

Of course, Your Highness.

That’s enough for today.

You may be excused.

Yes, Your Highness.

Your Highness...

Comfort her!

What a delightful sight.

If the Crown Prince holds more power

the palace will be full of kisaeng.

Go tell my father that there is no need to worry.

Just tell him to enjoy the show

when the Qing Dynasty’s envoys are here.

Your Highness.

So we are supposed to slowly count up to 50

after Ae-sim’s solo dance, right?

That’s right.

It will be silent without any music.

Is there a specific reason for doing that?

You'll find out.

The real show will start then.

What are you doing there, anyway?

Me?

I was ordered to draw the choreography, Your Highness.

So.

What are you drawing now?

You’re supposed to copy this book.

I don’t need to see that. At least not yet.

You’re saying you memorized everything?

That's right. I may not be very good at studying

But when it comes to dancing, I’m a genius.

You’re bluffing. Give me that!

This is...

You really memorized all this at one glance?

Are you awake, Your Highness?

Your Highness?

What was that? Is that the new signal?

Your Highness!

Are you awake?

Your...

I'm coming in, Your Highness.

No. No!

Your...

I will sleep for a little longer.

Come back in an hour.

Yes, Your Highness!

You get scared easily for a boy.

Oh, Chief Kim. Did you sleep well last night?

If you're wondering why I didn't come back last night...

Geez, don't remind me.

That Silver Spoon

made me do so much work last night.

It's true!

I worked all night long.

I didn't ask.

Pardon?

You didn't, did you?

Do your best to help him.

The Royal Banquet is important to His Highness.

He's probably having a hard time because so many are trying to bring him down.

But, this is His Majesty's birthday banquet.

Who are those people?

There are some people

who are ready to pounce

as soon as one little thing goes wrong.

Are the preparations for the envoys going smoothly?

I studied to become a Eunuch at the training institute

in the Qing Dynasty.

I made sure to prepare everything from the bedding

to food ingredients

according to the envoys' preferences.

Your confidence makes me even more worried.

He's here.

Welcome Envoy Mok.

Thank you for coming all this way.

You haven't changed at all since the last time we met.

The Emperor ordered me to come here as an envoy.

Shouldn't Joseon language be a basic knowledge for a diplomat?

Why, yes.

It's been a long time, hasn't it?

Welcome.

Thank you for coming all this way. Please follow me.

Right this way.

You are incredible.

Right before your performance is supposed to begin,

I'll have a palanquin waiting for you at the back door.

Sneak out of Jagyeong Palace without anyone noticing

and get in the palanquin.

Pardon?

If I ruin the banquet, I won't get out of this alive.

I heard you became a kisaeng because you're the breadwinner of your household.

Do you

want me to get rid of your family

who is only a burden to you?

The performance will begin soon. Are you ready?

-Yes. -Yes.

What?

How did that happen?

I'll go look for her.

What's the matter?

Well...

The solo dance is supposed to start soon

but the dancer is nowhere to be found.

What did you say?

I can't believe this is happening at such a serious event.

I might lose my head for this.

That won't happen. I'll look for her, too.

Yes, My Lord. I'll...

Oh my, Eunuch Hong!

You're slyer than you look.

He barged in here without a sound.

I wonder what he was so curious about.

You've misunderstood. I'm looking for the dancer.

The solo dancer for the last performance.

-Ae-sim? -That's right.

She was here just a moment ago.

Where...

Isn't this Ae-sim's outfit for the performance?

-Yes. -Yes.

It is, isn't it?

Get up.

I'm sure you know the importance of the last performance

that you will partake in.

Do your best to help him.

This is very important to him.

He's probably having a hard time because there are many

who are trying to bring him down.

But, this is His Majesty's birthday banquet.

Who are those people?

There are some people

who are ready to pounce

as soon as one little thing goes wrong.

The Crown Prince has prepared the banquet for several days,

but there seems to be a problem in organizing it.

There is music, but no dancers.

That is what I am saying.

It is because he is not experienced. Please generously forgive him.

It is interesting.

I wonder if the Crown Prince of Joseon is a man of great caliber.

I will watch it to the end.

You are the Queen and I am the Crown Prince.

Why do we have to do that?

Is it against the law if we get rained on barefoot?

This is for His Majesty.

The Crown Prince will read the congratulatory message.

It is such a joyous day today.

For today, I prepared the rite and musicians.

I am truly happy that I could present this for you, Your Majesty.

So, with all the people's loyal hearts,

Thus, I shall give someone the honor to give the speech.

Chief State Councilor, Kim Heon.

Come forth and accept this honor.

It will be silent without any music.

Is there a specific reason for doing that?

You'll find out.

The real show will start then.

Who is going to perform it?

There is someone.

A clown who cannot even imagine he is going to perform it.

CONGRATULATORY MESSAGE

"It has been 30 years since the King started his rule.

It is his 40th birthday today.

I wish him to live long until Mongmyeoksan wears out and disappears.

The subjects notice that the royal face looks pleasant.

We cannot look up to the royal throne as it is so high.

We are grateful for the King's grace and exclaim this.

As the sole light of the East,

may he be well like today

forever and ever."

This banquet is not for drinking and having fun.

What are we going to do now?

It is an official ceremony with an envoy from Qing Dynasty.

Everyone is pledging his loyalty to the King.

He cannot justify himself if he denies doing so.

The Crown Prince got him.

He got him just right.

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!

-Long live the King! -Long live the King!

Who are you?