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Subtitles by DramaFever

Episode 15

You're pretty good at lying to me...

but you're still clumsy.

You've never been to Dongnae, and you're not a child of a fisherman.

Sire...

Those eyes...

Yes, I'm definitely familiar with them.

Since I saw you for the first time.

And you also said it yourself

that I should know you from a long time ago.

Sire... that's because... I wasn't thinking...

No!

Besides, you knew that you should wrap the tea cookies in tea paper...

and even the royal custom

of lightly bowing to the one who pours tea

regardless of his class!

That's why when I, the king, lowered my head

you weren't surprised at all.

So, tell me...

What purpose did you have to work for the weaponry bureau?

I'm asking who you are!

What are you hesitating about?

What? Are you looking for some other excuses?

No, I am not.

I am definitely a child of a fisherman from Dongnae.

If you'd like, you can find a family registry of my father.

What?

Also, the reason I wrapped the cookie in the paper

was because I was embarrassed of my dirty hands.

I was working with sulfur at the bureau.

Also, I was too nervous to notice your bow.

How would a lowly one like me know any royal customs?

I was only scared and nervous to see you like this, sire.

But if you still have doubts about me...

slay me, sire.

I put my life out there to protect the weaponry bureau...

but if you still can't trust me, please do so.

'I didn't tell a lie. So check if you want'?

'Besides, I protected the bureau'?

Also, I am a technician who knows the smelting technique that the bureau needs.

Don't you need that skill?

'So slay me if you want'?

You dare to play your hand at me, the king?

Especially in front of this blade.

Fine. I like that courage right now...

so I'll let you fool me.

More than anything, just like you said...

you're an important technician who knows the smelting technique.

So I can't punish you with my own hands...

regardless of the remaining doubt.

So, I will look for the family registry record just like you told me to.

Fifteen days will be more than enough.

Sure, we can talk about the rest after that.

Isn't that right?

Why? How is this in Gyungwoon Palace? Just how?

- Ma'am. - Yes, what about the soldiers?

Did the ones who found this come back?

They haven't arrived yet.

You said the changing of guards would be in 15 minutes!

Please calm down, ma'am. Please keep calm first.

Princess received this eye of Mercy Goddess before she parted with me.

I put it on Princess' wrist with my own hands.

But she already passed away.

Yes... she's dead.

From that horrible explosion at the dock that day...

But then... why did this appear again?

It should've disappeared with Princess!

Ma'am, that means...

No... I'm saying something so absurd right now...

There is no way she's still alive.

Ma'am, the soldiers have arrived!

Are you leaving now?

- Help her leave the palace. - Yes, ma'am.

I also find him suspicious, sire.

Why is that?

He didn't ask me who I was.

What do you mean by that?

Are you the one named Hwa Yi?

I asked you. Why aren't you answering me?

Yes, I am.

So, what is it about?

He must've seen me for the first time.

He only asked what it was about

he didn't ask me who I was.

It means she's seen me before.

Send a messenger to Dongnae right now

and have him check the family registry record.

I'll get it done in 10 days.

The king is suspicious of me.

At this rate, I could get caught.

- You mean, you didn't bring it? - Right.

I only picked it up by the gate.

Then it means someone brought it in or dropped it.

But who?

Look, was it... a young woman, by any chance?

Pardon?

- What I mean is... - It can't be a woman...

but a soil collector from the weaponry bureau stopped by before.

Did you just say, a soil collector?

Now that I think about it, I found it the day after.

So what is the reason, ma'am?

Is it something familiar to you?

No, it's nothing.

Why is she making a fuss over prayer beads in the middle of the night?

And what about a woman?

I agree.

Isn't it odd?

Is that right? You want to work at the weaponry bureau, too?

Yes, sire.

I'd like to also add my support from an important place.

Commissioner Hong Young is not on your side

so I can keep him in check, too.

Let me think about it.

Is another commissioner role available?

One commissioner role is not filled yet.

Then let me think about it.

Your grace is immeasurable, sire!

Forgive me for saying this, sire...

Are the stir-fried vegetables I prepared not to your liking?

Stir-fried vegetables?

- You mean this? - Yes.

Since Your Majesty mentioned it was good

with fresh vegetables I grew myself...

- I'm tired of it. - Pardon?

Did you say you're tired of my stir-fried vegetables?

You used fresh vegetables...

but you cooked them too much, so the texture is not up to par.

And the meat and vegetables are not seasoned properly

so its savory flavor is lacking.

In my opinion, maybe you should try a different cooking method.

Sire! How did you know...

Forgive me, sire!

I will try harder, sire!

You should do it right.

Sir! Congratulations, sir!

I didn't know he'd give you permission so easily.

Did you see that?

Of course... it's me over Lee Yi Cheom to His Majesty.

I'm the uncle of the crown prince!

By the way, please take me with you when you go to the weaponry bureau.

- You too, Lord Lee Choong? - Yes.

I have an important reason to go to the weaponry bureau.

Did you just say, 'prayer beads'?

I had never seen it before...

but it looked like this, something very unique.

And the queen dowager pressed you about how you found this?

Besides that, she asked you if a woman came by?

Yes, she went completely pale.

I've seen at that post for a few years, but I'd never seen her like that before.

Is there something going on?

I got it. Tell me right away if you see anything suspicious.

Yes, ma'am.

He's a guard at Gyungwoon Palace.

The queen dowager is behaving suspiciously.

Queen Dowager?

Just follow what's written here. Take care of it!

Yes, sir.

Goodness, Lord Lee. You were here!

Your office is very nice.

I've been assigned here starting today.

Are you? You've made it!

Even then, I'm only an assistant secretary.

Compared to you, I'm only a blood stain on a bird's foot.

It's like a horseshoe on a dog's foot, compared to the past.

When was it... It was 1613, right?

I mean, when seven illegitimate sons robbed silver merchants

and Kim Je Nam got involved in the treason case.

You looked ridiculous!

The way you looked when you came crawling and begged me...

I have nothing to do with them!

Please spare me!

But all those illegitimate sons said they followed your lead.

Yapping together about creating a new world or something.

That's unfair!

I liked women and wine, so I only followed them and got free drinks!

Please trust me, sir!

To be honest, that's why I was suspicious of you for a while.

'He only came crawling to save himself.'

'But he'll show his true self some day.'

Although I don't know what that true-self really is.

Usually, the ones who crawl between someone else's legs

have a dagger hidden at their side.

Goodness... me?

Someone like this useless hooligan?

You're mistaken. For me, it's enough to just enjoy life.

You already know, don't you?

But you're standing next to His Majesty.

Just what kind of a gamble are you playing?

Be careful.

I don't know what kind of exorcism you're planning

but watch out for me and His Majesty.

Now that Lee Yi Cheom found out about Gyosan, he'll be resentful.

Yes, sire.

That may be why Yoo Hee Boon's request was accepted.

To isolate Lee Yi Cheom more.

But... I have a different reason for cornering Lee Yi Cheom.

What do you mean by that, sire?

When Lee Yi Cheom is dropped on the ground, full of venom...

he can be more useful.

I have another use for him.

You already know...

that I... don't trust anyone.

I have an urgent report from Uiju!

I have to submit this to His Majesty right away!

Open the palace gate!

Without notice, they sent envoys?

And they sent this notice as they passed Uiju?

This is to show their protest against our refusal to send troops last time.

They mean to push for their plan somehow, sire.

Besides, they'll also inspect military facilities in Joseon this time?

Sire, we should come up with a plan.

We're dealing with the powerful country Ming.

We'll only invite an adverse effect if we react too strongly.

At this point, they're challenging us.

[Uiju]

So you knew already...

that the envoys had left.

I usually find out most of what goes on in this country before the king.

Ming will force Joseon to send troops somehow.

And you'll have to take the lead to make that happen.

Since you're a spy for Ming.

Anyway, it's good. We'll be able to proceed faster than I thought.

How do you mean?

In order to eat persimmons, you should shake the persimmon tree.

But only flies are flying around since you're shaking the wrong tree.

The weaponry bureau is not the king's weakness.

Do you understand?

The weaponry bureau will be taken care of if the king is taken out.

You've wasted your energy this whole time.

And? What's the weakness of the king that you're trying to get at?

It's an old, original sin.

All the Joseon people who value their duty as human beings will sympathize.

Original sin?

By any chance, are you...

Yes...

The queen dowager at Gyungwoon Palace.

She's the symbol of the original sin that the king committed to take the throne.

But how will you use the queen dowager to take Gwanghae down from the throne now?

What does it have to do with envoys?

Please calm down.

I said I'd take care of everything.

Since you stepped down as mayor over Yoon Do Ha's matter

you should rest for a while...

and watch my back.

My lord, can you trust Heo Gyoon?

He's infamous for being sly.

But it's time for me to be careful about my safety.

Since Gwanghae already noticed me.

What's the music he wants to dance to

and if it's worth dancing along with him...

I should find out first.

And if I don't like his dance moves...

Yes, you can cut off his limbs.

Now now, clean up quickly...

and let's do our best to produce gunpowder again!

Yes!

Seriously! Let me have it.

You're not even fully recovered!

The sulfur office is under my management! Go take care of the niter office!

You're all better now!

I don't see Hwa Yi around. He hasn't come yet?

Right? I thought he'd be the first one to run over here.

By the way, will you accept him quietly like this?

After causing such big trouble in the bureau?

We shouldn't do that, should we?

Of course not! That's nonsense!

This weaponry bureau full of manly men is not that kind of place!

Manly men? You're as big as a bean! Talking about manly men...

- Manly man? - Now now now!

He thinks he's really cool.

- Here you go! - Where are you going?

What are they going to plot now?

Let me be in on it!

Yes, I need to hide for a while.

What?

What's wrong?

My goodness.

How did you appear like a ghost?

I just showed up as usual.

Like a runaway...

you're the one who came out in a furtive manner.

Runaway? Who?

By the way, what's with the official robe?

Are you going to the bureau by any chance?

I can't stay in bed forever.

Sir, please come to your senses!

You shouldn't move around yet.

By the way, what's with the luggage?

What, this?

Are you...

Actually, for a while...

Great idea! You're planning to stay in the bureau dorm!

What?

Thank you!

I was uncomfortable that you were staying here

but I couldn't tell you to leave.

I couldn't find a solution.

Were you that uncomfortable with me?

Isn't it obvious? Men and women should be separate!

Let's go. I'll check and make sure you get to use a single room.

Look, sir! It's not that... Excuse me!

Damn... I'm going nuts.

Sir!

Where did everyone go?

Are you sure it should be open today?

Yes.

Sir! Over there... What's that over there?

Sir!

Manager Lee!

Sir, what's wrong? What happened?

- Steam again... - What did you say?

What about others? Where are soldiers?

Look! Is there anyone out there?

Please tell me what happened.

Why on earth is steam...

It's your fault.

Because of you, our bureau...

came back to life.

Pardon?

Great, Newbie!

Great job!

This is how we say thanks!

Everyone, what is all of this?

Forgive us, sir. We took a tiny amount of gunpowder!

- You'll look the other way, right? - What's that?

- What about that steam? - I did it.

With toasted rice in the pot. I scraped it with this.

Didn't it smell nutty?

What about my acting? Wasn't it good enough to 'slap a theatrical troupe'?

You slapped both cheeks!

Like this, like this, like this!

- Manager Lee! - Like this?

Your prank went too far.

Do you know how shocked I was?

You went too far!

I thought something had happened again!

I thought I did something wrong again.

You didn't do anything wrong. We did.

Thank you.

The reason our bureau made it through...

- is all thanks to you! - That's right!

Yes, thanks to you, our bureau survived.

No, not just our bureau, but our Joseon survived!

That's right!

This weaponry bureau is the power that protects Joseon!

Now... let's gather our strength from here and do our best!

The niter and sulfur teams will protect joseon together!

What are you saying? It's the sulfur and niter teams!

The niter team!

The sulfur team!

- Niter team! - Sulfur team!

You shouldn't come here so often, sir.

I'm here to say my greetings to Her Majesty!

I can't even do that?

If you keep doing this, we have no choice but to report it to the palace.

Do as you please.

Sir...

Will you make a path now?

Ma'am, do you mean that Her Highness may still be alive?

I know... how absurd this may sound.

But this eye of Mercy Goddess is definitely Nam Sa Go's...

I gave this to Princess.

If she's dead from the accident, shouldn't this disappear as well?

But we shouldn't hold a useless hope just over that.

That's why I'm asking for help from both of you.

I'd like to know the truth.

Who brought this here...

If he knows the meaning of the prediction...

Whether he knows... if the princess is dead or alive.

If that's the case, we should meet with Hong Young at the weaponry bureau.

Since soil collectors came by, he can look into it.

No, there was one more thing.

According to Court Lady Jung

she also saw the sulfur technician who was implicated in the last accident.

A sulfur technician?

But even if we look into it, I wonder if it'll mean anything.

I do understand how the queen dowager feels

but it may be a useless hope.

That's true. She already passed away.

If she's alive somewhere, why wouldn't she have shown up yet?

'The owner of the land who rules fire'?

So if that prediction is true...

and if the princess was alive, I wonder what would've happened.

Sir, what do you mean by that?

I heard before Haneum died

about Nam Sa Go's prediction that turned the palace upside down at the time.

That the owner of the prediction was not Prince Yeongchang.

It was the princess.

What?

But, sir, isn't it odd?

How could a princess become the owner in this land?

Is the owner of the land a man?

If not, is it the authority who owns power?

Who do you think it is?

Sir...

When I heard it from Haneum, I thought about it.

'What could the prediction mean?'

'Why did Nam Sa Go say the subject of the prediction was the princess?'

It's useless at this point...

but it reminds me of the thought again.

So if she was alive...

what would have changed?

Where did he go?

You're working hard.

- What's going on? - How is it?

Thank you.

The reason our bureau is safe is...

It's all thanks to you!

Yes, thanks to you, our bureau survived.

No, not just our bureau, but our Joseon survived!

- That's right! - That's right!

This weaponry bureau is the power that protects our Joseon!

No, the reason I came here is...

What are you thinking about?

Pardon?

You must be feeling lazy. This is not good.

This is chilled tea with ice.

I got it from the east ice storage.

You must've worked hard all day in front of the hot kiln as a woman.

Take a break for a bit.

It's much worse at the sulfur mine.

This won't affect me at all.

Yes, I'm sure you're fine.

But be considerate of my effort and try some.

I brought it for you.

- I'm curious about something. - What is it?

What does it mean that the weaponry bureau can protect Joseon?

Everyone seems to work here with that sense of duty.

It's because the situation surrounding Joseon is getting more dangerous.

Between Ming and the newly rising Later Jin

we don't know when a war like the Imjin War will break out.

Did you say, a war?

That's why I'm also following His Majesty.

Regardless of who he is...

at least he has the right goal of protecting this country.

I finished this, so I should get going.

I have to check on the kiln.

Oh, sir...

did you see my prayer beads?

Prayer beads?

It's a precious thing that my mother gave me, but I lost it.

Really?

Prayer beads?

No, I don't know where she dropped it either.

There was so much going on.

Right. Just in case you knew, I stopped by on my way to the palace.

Anyway, tell me if you remember.

It looks like...

It's fine, it's fine.

I know what it looks like.

You do?

You know that I held her hand before.

Suddenly.

That's right. That time?

Not just that time. I've held that hand from time to time.

What? You kept holding her hand?

Look at how shocked you get!

It's me, Kang In Woo. Isn't it obvious?

Be careful.

Even in her disguise as a man, Hwa Yi is still a woman.

- Are you keeping me in check? - What are you saying?

Forget it! Anyway, I delivered the message, so I'm leaving.

I'm suspicious of you.

Something that was on her wrist...

It's an important thing for her.

Sire, Councilor Hong is here.

I heard you were looking for me.

- Leave us alone. - Yes, sire.

What is it about...

that you'd ask me to come to the palace without wearing the official robe?

The official robe doesn't seem to suit you that well.

Pardon?

How about it? If you can get by, come along.

You should come with me.

What? You'll get a military post?

My father's power... is nice for things like this.

I got a position at the weaponry bureau.

It's not just that!

You're exceptional when it comes to martial arts.

Why did you come up with such an idea all of a sudden?

Well... let's say that I found someone I want to protect close-up.

Not just one, but two.

What?

Between two women... are you two-timing?

Nope.

Both of them...

I should say both are men, for now.

You punk.

Hey... not me. You shouldn't like me.

By the way...

do you know about prayer beads?

You're knowledgeable in little things.

Prayer beads?

Someone I know lost it...

so I want to get the same thing

but it's so unique, I can't find it.

How unique can it be for prayer beads?

It's...

From what I remember...

it looked like this.

Among wooden beads...

is a stone in the shape of an eye.

This...

Is there something going on?

Brother?

It's nothing.

This is called 'Eye of Mercy Goddess.'

Eye of Mercy Goddess?

It's from faraway Arabia

so it won't be easy to get in Joseon.

I see.

What can I do...

By the way... who lost this?

I'll check and see if I can get it.

Are you leaving now, Lady?

What's with you?

Also...

'Lady'? If someone hears you...

My legs were hurting so much.

I've waited for a long time. Let's go.

For me? Why?

Where are we going? Excuse me, Young Master!

Young Master!

Seriously, excuse me! Why don't you let my hand go?

You told me not to look at you as a woman.

It's more odd when a guy walks with another guy holding hands.

Just where are we going?

Over there.

Pick anything you want.

Pardon?

Even in this disguise, you're a woman. Your wrist feels empty, so it bothers me.

I wanted to get you the same prayer beads

but it will take time, so wear something else in the meantime.

Why... would you?

This is nice!

I'm fine. You don't need to do this.

Young Master, that's not for a guy.

Doesn't he look a little like a girl?

I think it'll suit him well.

I see.

Let's go now.

Perfect!

Let's have this tied to this wrist from now on.

Until... I change it with another one next time.

How much is it?

Where are we, sire?

It's my secret house. It's time that you should know about it.

Did you say, a secret house? Then...

You know that you can't just use standard tactics in politics.

Besides, I'm an expert in dirty tricks behind one's back.

Isn't that right?

Sire!

They've arrived.

Sire, who are they?

They're the ones I shouldn't see as the king of this country.

Let's go.

Sire.

Answer them.

Braids?

Yes, they are secret envoys from Later Jin.

Sire, I came with a secret order from Khan of Later Jin.

We introduce ourselves to King of Joseon.

Thank you for traveling far.

I received a secret letter from Nurhaci through Jeju Officer Moon.

Forgive me, but is he...

Don't worry about him. He's my most trusted retainer.

He will take charge of keeping in contact with you from now on.

Our Khan hopes that Your Majesty will take pity on our Later Jin.

To take pity on you...

That's not enough.

If you want something

shouldn't you show me more of your cards?

According to my intel

I heard Nurhaci is preparing an all-out war against Ming.

Not just plundering the border...

He must be aiming to take over the continent.

That's right.

A war will break out soon.

Our Khan has completed preparing for everything.

And he doesn't want to turn Joseon into an enemy.

He's very well aware of the powerful gunpowder and the military of Joseon.

Sire, please be well.

Sire, are you prepared?

Communication with Later Jin like this will be a big damage to Your Majesty.

That's why I'm pulling this trick not to get caught.

Sire!

Joseon will soon be caught in the conflict between Ming and Later Jin.

Like the Imjin War in the past...

we might go through someone else's war on this land.

In my land... with blood shed by my people.

I'm sure you know...

every time the condition surrounding the peninsula changed

this land has always been attacked.

That they shamelessly held their fight on our land.

In order to stop that from happening...

we also have to establish a close relationship with Later Jin now.

But you have to be on alert.

Later Jin is lowering its head right now

but once it becomes the leading power of the continent

another tyranny will start.

How would I not know that?

That's why we have to grow our power at the same time.

Ming sent its envoys to pressure us to send troops

and Later Jin is threatening us, disguised as begging, not to get involved.

I'll make sure to win this fight.

No matter what price I have to pay.

And you'll have to take charge of this diplomatic fight from now on.

Sir, I thought you left for the day.

Bring the list of soil collectors in the bureau, and their work log.

Pardon?

Bring Hwa Yi in the sulfur office too.

Stop with that and go to Manager Bang.

- Me? - Yes, he's looking for you.

He says it's urgent.

Soil collectors and the sulfur technician who went to Gyungwoon Palace?

Yes, I need to check something with them.

What's the reason?

I will tell you about that eventually.

It's not certain yet.

But soil collectors and the technician went to Gyungwoon Palace?

For what reason?

Yes, we went to Gyungwoon Palace last time.

What's going on?

How would I know? Commissioner Hong is looking for you.

What? He is?

Why?

You did something wrong at Gyungwoon Palace that day, right?

No, we didn't!

I don't know what it's about, but we're innocent!

Then what could be wrong? He didn't look happy at all.

- He's also looking for Hwa Yi... - Hwa Yi?

- Why is that? - I don't know either!

He just told me to bring you guys and Hwa Yi.

Go ask him! Come!

- How could we ask that... - Hurry up and follow me!

Why is he looking for me?

Does he know that I went to Gyungwoon Palace?

Sir, I brought all of them.

Why is it only them? What about the sulfur technician?

It's because... I couldn't find him.

What?

The sulfur office says that he left for here...

but I can't find him in the dorm or anywhere else.

- How much is this? - It's 3 poon.

- Let's make it 5 poon with this. - Sure, let's do that.

Excuse me...

How much are these?

It's for a lady.

Something like this is 5 poon, and these are 10 poon.

Have a look!

Isn't this pretty? If it's for your beloved...

What are you saying?

It's not! Absolutely not!

It's not? Then if it's for your mother...

this should be good.

Mature ladies prefer things like this.

Not that one. I'll take the other one from earlier.

Did I do something foolish?

No, it's possible that we could exchange favors in gratitude.

Of course.

Sir!

What? What's going on?

Hwa Yi. Have you seen him?

Hwa Yi?

Who are you?

Has anyone heard from Hwa Yi overnight?

- No. - I haven't.

- Search everywhere! - Yes, sir!

Sir!

Sir.

- How did it go? - No one has seen Hwa Yi.

When I saw him in the bureau, that was the last time.

Did he sink into the ground or shoot into the sky?

What kind of absurdity is this?

Hwa Yi! Hwa Yi!

Young Master!

- What brought you here? - Did Hwa Yi come here?

I should go to Mohwa Hall to greet the envoys myself?

The vice minister of the envoy group is an imperial prince.

I believe it's proper to greet them formally.

Besides, they're coming to discuss the matter of sending troops.

So we should appease them first...

Fine, let's do that.

If it's what's required for them to leave quietly...

I'd even lower my head.

Is he?

My goodness! You must've been startled.

Who are you?

Goodness! That's what I'm curious about.

About you.

[Mohwa Hall]

You were suspicious from the beginning.

I don't know where you've been or what you've done before...

First, you fell into the weaponry bureau and saved the king who was cornered.

And now you're hanging around Gyungwoon Palace?

What?

Eye of Mercy Goddess.

It's you who brought the bizarre prayer beads to Gyungwoon Palace

and tried to stir up the queen dowager, right?

Although I don't know why the queen dowager stepped up.

What do you mean by that?

- Are you... - Goodness...

It's too late to deny it.

It's with Mother?

No! No!

- No! - Stop! Stop him!

Let go!

Then, that's when...

So, look...

Imagine how curious I must be...

about who you are and what your goal is.

My goal?

Are you an informant for the king?

I'm asking if Gwanghae is behind you.

This is very embarrassing...

They're making us wait for over 15 minutes!

Do they not know that His Majesty came all the way here?

They do! I heard a message was sent ahead.

Sire, please return to the palace now.

Their behavior is not acceptable!

They're envoys from Ming!

If that happens, what would they think of us?

Then should we wait here until we turn to rocks?

They planned to trick us!

That's the duty of the retainer in the relationship.

What choice do we have?

More than anything, it's the fault of Joseon...

Excuse me, sir!

Sire!

What happened? What about the envoys?

The envoys... are not coming this way...

What do you mean?

Then where did they go?

Can't you hear me?

Queen Majesty.

Following the command from the emperor of Ming

we came to say our greetings to the most senior elder of Joseon first.

Ma'am.

His Majesty has arrived!

Subtitles by DramaFever

[Hwajung]

I also want to take down the king!

You want to take down the king? You do?

The king of Joseon is refusing to send troops? How dare he!

I won't regret this. I will walk this path. Absolutely.

I'll make sure to see Gwanghae shed tears of blood.

What's the truth of the prayer beads that the queen dowager is chasing?

What should we do?

Where did you go, Hwa Yi?

The queen dowager went out to see you.

What did you just say? She went out to see me?