Original subtitles

Subtitles by DramaFever

Episode 17 Sire, please hurry back to the palace.

There is trouble. A treason plot has been reported!

What?

Your Majesty!

It was a trap... by Gyosan!

This is a blade chasing Gwanghae.

Now, Gwanghae will accuse the queen dowager for the treason plot and dethrone her.

With this fabricated treason plot.

Are you saying that you'll accuse Gwanghae for this?

The sword pointed at the queen dowager was Gwanghae's plot.

What would happen if this got out in public?

Why did Hwa Yi meet with you? What did the two of you do?

Hwa Yi?

I found out...

that he wants to get Gwanghae, too.

What?

The prayer beads... I heard they belong to dead Princess Jungmyung.

Say that again.

- What did you just say? - Let go of this now...

What Hwa Yi has belonged to the princess? What do you mean by that?

I have to meet with Councilor Hong. I have to somehow...

Hwa Yi!

Young Master.

I'm glad to see you. Do you know where Councilor...

Hwa Yi!

- Is that really your name? - Pardon?

Answer me!

I'm asking if it's really your name.

Young Master... just why...

Princess Jungmyung...

Are you the princess, by any chance?

What do you mean?

Princess? Who...

Eye of Mercy Goddess!

The prayer beads you had!

It was a keepsake of Her Highness.

Also, Her Highness was...

Hwa Yi!

Young Master, please! I'll explain everything.

What happened? Didn't you say that you were leaving?

I'm glad to see you again!

- I wanted to... - You're leaving?

Is that what you said?

Because of that, by any chance?

Young Master! Please!

Kang In Woo! What are you doing?

Hold on. Let me borrow her first.

Let's go. Our conversation is not over yet.

Young Master, please! Please don't do this!

Goodness, that flower young master is back!

Eun Seol!

What's that absurd, uncomfortable, mysterious picture?

Why is that young master taking that young man over there?

I agree...

Just why, for what? What is making him...

Let's go.

Young Master, please!

Now, this should be enough.

No one's around.

So, let's continue the conversation.

You said you'd explain.

So let me hear that explanation.

You came from Japan. So how can you have the princess's keepsake?

Why did you tell Joo Won that your mother gave it to you?

Why would you?

Sir! Sir, sir! Sir!

I heard there is big trouble in the palace right now.

So Commissioner Hong hurried to the palace, and left this task to you...

- Wait. Let's talk again later. - Excuse me?

When? Sir?

This is a tough one...

So, Councilor Hong's friend dragged Hwa Yi away?

That's what I said. To that storage, as if he'll cause some big trouble.

Where did you say Hwa Yi went?

- Pardon? - Tell me!

Where did In Woo take him?

I'm not sure what you're talking about.

- You don't know? - No.

It's true that I lost the prayer beads...

but they belonged to the princess?

- I don't even know who she is... - She was...

She was the only princess of the proper bloodline from the previous king.

She lost her innocent younger brother in the hands of the current king...

and lost her life while she was running away from the palace.

Yes, and? What does it have to do with me?

You said she's dead!

Princess or not, you said she's dead! So why are you asking me...

Her body was never found!

Joo Won and I knew about it...

that Her Highness' trace wasn't found from that accident that day.

We thought... maybe she would be alive.

And you...

You showed up with the princess's keepsake.

You're a woman, not a man.

Just as Joo Won and I know.

So please tell me.

Is it you?

Were you... the princess?

If you are, please tell me the truth.

Please, the truth!

No! I'm not her!

Why it's the princess's... Why you're doing this to me...

I have no idea.

I'm not her!

I am Hwa Yi!

I'm not some dead princess.

Hwa Yi!

Hwa Yi!

What's going on? What happened?

Hwa Yi! Hwa Yi!

Please spare... my younger brother.

Your Highness!

I'm not her!

I am Hwa Yi!

I'm not some dead princess.

How... is it possible?

Even when she was right in front of my eyes...

Kang In Woo!

What's going on here?

I'd like you to explain it to me.

Tell me!

Why is Hwa Yi acting that way?

Let's talk later.

I don't think... now is the right time.

No. I have to hear it now, Kang In Woo.

I have to know why she's crying.

'An illegitimate son went outside his place and climbed to the throne.'

'He slaughtered his own bloodline and locked up his mother.'

'How could we call someone like this our king?'

Look! This is a clear treason plot!

The queen dowager communicated secretly with a group of traitors!

Your Majesty!

You have to... know the reason?

- But would you be able to handle it? - What?

You... as the king's retainer...

Can you handle the truth?

What are you saying?

What do you really know about Hwa Yi?

Kang In Woo!

Do you remember? What you told me before...

Even if the princess was still alive... you'd still stand on the king's side.

Because that's who you are, Hong Joo Won.

You, right now.

What does that mean?

What does that have to do with this?

What would you do if Hwa Yi is an enemy of the king?

What?

Yes, just like the princess in the past...

if she lives, the king will die.

If the king lives, does she die?

I have to hear that answer.

What will you do? Whose side can you take?

Let go of me!

- Let go of me! - Let go!

No! Mother!

No! Mother! Mother!

You can't! If you go now, the queen dowager and you will both be in danger!

Please let go! Who are you? What do you know?

What will you do when you get there?

Will you say that you're the princess?

There is a conspiracy in this, and you're the witness of it?

Who would believe that?

Do you think the king would believe it when he tried to kill you before?

It will only put the queen dowager in danger.

Then... what am I supposed to do?

What am I supposed to do now...

I will do it.

Whatever it is...

I will do it for you.

Do you understand?

I felt that I didn't have the right a long time ago.

But not anymore.

Now I will... protect you since you've returned, Your Highness.

What would you do if Hwa Yi is an enemy of the king?

What would you do?

Whose side can you take?

What... do you mean by that?

Why Hwa Yi? For what?

Look at you...

You can't answer, just as I expected.

That's why I'm telling you not to get involved.

Because you have no right to take a stand anymore.

'An illegitimate son climbed to the throne...'

'and slaughtered his bloodline'?

Did the queen dowager really write this letter and gather traitors?

All of the evidence is clear.

The queen dowager is denying it

but everyone confessed that they received the queen dowager's letter, sire!

Sire, then shouldn't we discuss how we'll settle this soon?

Even the queen dowager can't avoid punishment for the crime of treason.

She should be handled with the strictest justice.

But there has never been a precedent of a son punishing his mother, sire.

Are you saying that we should release the traitors?

The queen dowager's loyal retainers won't sit back either.

That's not right, sir. Didn't you see the mood in the meeting hall?

No one from the westerners was able to open his mouth.

This is a chance.

Goodness! Like lightning in a clear sky!

The queen dowager plotting treason?

All of it must've been fabricated.

- As it has always been. - That's a possibility.

But as it has always been

would we be able to reveal the truth of it?

At this point when the related people have already confessed, how?

Is that why you kept your mouth shut in the meeting hall?

Then why were you staying quiet?

If you were that frustrated, you should've jumped in yourself!

You are the leader of the westerners!

Yes, you're right! That's why I stayed quiet!

Even the remaining few of the westerners could be butchered!

So you'll just hand over the queen dowager like this?

Will everyone just sit back and watch?

Of course punishing the queen dowager isn't easy.

But it'll become a good chance to subdue the westerners.

If we leave the queen dowager

wouldn't they gather around her someday?

But, sire...

we shouldn't use this matter politically just to subdue a political enemy.

'Use this matter'? Is this some fabrication?

We're just trying to serve justice for a treason plot!

No, you shouldn't hesitate, King!

You should grab this chance as you would!

What happened? You were plotting treason?

That's not true! We only robbed the silver merchants' luggage.

We didn't do anything!

Are you saying that it was accused as a treason plot

to establish Grand Prince Yeongchang?

- The king did? - Gyosan...

Please don't get involved.

All of us will deny that we've known you.

What?

We won't be able to avoid this death since we're powerless illegitimate sons.

But you're different!

We can't get you involved!

Shut up, punk!

Are you saying...

that I should pretend that I don't know you when you're like my family?

Just so that I can survive alone?

Everyone, soldiers are here!

Please leave! Please make it out alive and seek our vengeance!

- Take them away! - Yes, sir!

That's also how you protected the throne in 1613.

To kill Grand Prince Yeongchang...

you used the illegitimate sons who were treated with contempt.

I have nothing to do with them!

Please... spare me!

But all of those illegitimate sons said they followed you.

Yapping together about creating a new world or something.

That's unfair!

This hooligan likes drinks and women, so I hung with them and got free drinks!

Please trust me, sir!

Did you think I didn't know that Lee Yi Cheom did it, Gwanghae?

So you'll make the same choice again this time.

You wouldn't miss this chance when you can get rid of the queen dowager.

Whether it's true or not...

it's probably not important to you.

Sire, we need to investigate further on this matter!

The queen dowager was still the late king's...

That's enough, Naeam.

Even without interrogation, we already have confessions.

So what more truth do we have to get to?

- Sire! - Listen, Minister of Defense.

Yes, sire.

I will hear the opinions of the royal relatives tomorrow

and discuss the queen dowager's matter.

Sire, did you say discussion with royal relatives?

I did. This is a treason plot with the queen dowager's involvement.

We'll discuss the punishment with all the royal relatives and officials together.

And I will follow the decision.

What do you think, Naeam? Will this satisfy you?

Wouldn't I be able to avoid being called an immoral son with this?

Leave me. I want to be alone.

Yes, this is a chance for me.

As you said before

this is a chance to get rid of the queen dowager

who'll strangle me someday!

So even if I become an immoral son like no other

I wouldn't say no to it.

Is there anything I can't do for the throne?

Sire, it's not your fault.

The queen dowager was making a suspicious move. I knew about it!

With an unidentified keepsake

she communicated secretly with people outside of Gyungwoon Palace!

It's clearly the queen dowager's treacherous plot

so how could you possibly blame yourself for it, sire?

Blame myself? Is this blaming myself?

I slaughtered my family as the letter said.

I killed my innocent brother, my half-brother, and my half-sister!

On top of that, even my father!

I did it! With Lee Yi Cheom!

I closed his eyes!

So it's something I did.

I wanted to become the king even if that was the price for it!

But I definitely didn't want to come this far.

I didn't want to punish... the mother whose children I took away.

What did I tell you? I told you he'd take a bite without thinking!

Now, what's next?

Dethronement of the queen dowager? Dethronement of his queen mother?

No!

Now it's time for you to spend money.

Money...

Move the royal relatives and officials of the court.

So that they will tell him to kill the queen dowager.

Kill her?

You're planning on taking it that far?

It doesn't matter to me if the queen dowager dies or not.

This is... a gift for you.

I should get rid of the queen dowager now...

so that it'll be easier for me to establish the next king?

Is that what you mean?

Once Gwanghae is dropped

the queen dowager will step up as the elder of the court.

Starting with the selection of the king.

So let Gwanghae step up and kill the queen dowager first

then reveal that this treason plot was fabricated and get rid of Gwanghae.

Killing two birds with one stone.

Then... it'll become your world.

I realized today... that I like you quite a bit.

Just put me on the throne.

Is there a law that says only the Lee family can have it all?

My lord, it's risky to be out in front like this.

What if it goes wrong?

The horse has started running already.

If I get off now, I'll get hurt.

What if Heo Gyoon is a crazy horse?

Once in a while, it's necessary to get on a crazy, jumpy horse like him.

Getting rid of the queen dowager and Gwanghae together...

Only the crazy ones can think that way.

Hurry up!

All of it should be delivered in secret.

Yes, sir!

As I expected... you really didn't seem to know, either.

His Majesty as well.

What do you mean, out of nowhere?

Look, Court Lady Kim...

The smell of fabrication... can't you smell it?

Shouldn't the people who've done it before know better about this?

Fabrication?

Are you referring to the treason plot?

What else would I be talking about?

- That's impossible! I believe this is... - Yes, that's what's strange about it.

In my opinion, this was definitely fabricated.

But His Majesty and you don't know that.

If this was fabricated, it has to be the palace.

That's why I'm dying of curiosity.

If it's not His Majesty, then who would get the queen dowager? Why?

What is he aiming for?

Lord Lee, do you know about something? Is that it?

Lord Lee!

Did you say, relatives of the royal court?

The goods were headed in that direction?

Yes, those are the murmurs I've heard.

But Young Master, why are you watching your house in secret?

You know I'm the worst hooligan in the world...

who can even betray his father.

Pardon?

I came here because I trust you.

You have to stay quiet about what happened today and the one I came with.

Of course.

Us lowly ones are the ones with loyalty.

Ma'am.

How did it go? How is the situation?

A discussion with royal relatives and high officials will be held tomorrow.

It seems that punishment will be determined there.

Punishment?

Will it be charged as a treason plot in the end?

Since there is no way to prove the queen dowager's innocence at this point...

I was foolish.

I trusted too easily when Gyosan said he'd fight against the king.

I was used by him, and I did...

No, it's true that Gyosan is aiming for the king.

It's not your mistake.

I know someone who's plotting with Gyosan.

His goal is the king...

so I'm sure of it.

How do you know such a thing?

What's important now is to find out the endgame in this.

Their goal is the king, so why are they using the queen dowager?

And how far are they taking this matter?

I will find out more about what's behind the story.

- So you should... - Young Master.

What about Councilor Hong?

He wouldn't be able to help me, would he?

So, if I tell him about this and the truth...

Did you already forget?

Joo Won is the king's man to his bones now.

Even if he learns that you are alive...

he'd never stand on your side.

Because it means... he'd have to stand against the king after all.

Hong Joo Won!

You want me to find someone?

I'm sorry to come to you suddenly, but please help me.

Hwa Yi...

If someone with that name is in the records

or if there is a record of a missing person or death?

- That's right. - By the way...

I thought you'd be busy with the treason plot case in the palace.

How can you be doing this?

I don't know either... why I'm doing this.

What?

Right, it's not the time for this.

Why am I...

What did you say? This case may have been fabricated?

That's what Lee Yi Cheom said.

He didn't say, but he definitely knew something.

Gyosan?

Then it must be Gyosan.

Pardon?

If Lee Yi Cheom tracked someone without letting me know

then who would it be?

Wouldn't it be Gyosan who insulted him?

But what about Gyosan?

Why would he hide from Your Majesty and me...

I have to see the queen dowager.

Queen Dowager, sire?

What do you plan to find at this point?

The truth.

I need to know the truth.

King...

I found it!

Where is it?

Here is someone named Hwa Yi.

And he's about the same age you mentioned.

- But he is... - Not dead or missing.

He's on the military service.

What about other areas? You didn't find the name anywhere else?

If we don't have it here, it doesn't exist.

Just who is he?

Did you come to look at the sight of me, King?

I did not.

I hoped... not like this, not in a place like this, ma'am.

Is that so?

I thought either one of the two.

Either I'd be in this shape or you'd beg me for your life at my feet.

But you won.

I lost again from your evil trickery.

Whether you believe it or not, it's your choice.

But there was no trickery in this.

I... came here to learn the truth.

The truth?

Why did you leave Gyungwoon Palace and meet with the officials?

Just what happened?

Why are you asking me that question?

You plotted it, so you should know better than me!

Please don't do this, ma'am. I came here to help you.

For you and me, all of us.

For all of us?

For all of us?

I remember hearing that before.

On the day you sat on the throne, you said exactly the same thing!

And for Yeongchang...

I'll protect him with my own hands so that no one can ever hurt him.

I mean, both Yeongchang and Jungmyung.

I was foolish enough to fall for your words

and lost my children!

And you dare to ask me to tell you the truth?

How dare you, Gwanghae!

And you still call yourself a human being?

What on earth is that seat? What is the seat about for you to do this?

- How dare you... - Sire!

What are you doing? Remove her from His Majesty!

Stop!

Mind your manners with her.

The discussion to determine your punishment will be held tomorrow.

I will wait for your answer until then.

I know the promises I made as a human being cannot be upheld as a king.

But still, I'm going to wait.

Even if I end up betraying again...

at least for right now.

No!

No, just kill me.

That's better than trusting you again!

You're so despicable to use even a keepsake of the dead child.

You lured me with a keepsake of the princess that you killed!

And you'll still hear my words? Why?

Were you afraid of fingers that will be pointed at you as an immoral son?

Is that why you're doing this?

What... did you just say?

A keepsake of the dead princess?

Please tell me. What on earth do you mean?

Increase the security in and outside of the palace, especially tomorrow...

- Who did Gyosan meet with? - Sire...

I'm asking. Who did Gyosan meet with when you tracked him down?

Was it the former mayor Kang Joo Seon?

Minister of Defense! Tell me.

No, sire.

The one Gyosan met with was...

a sulfur technician, sire.

What?

The technician named Hwa Yi at the weaponry bureau.

Why is it him again? How...

How despicable to use a keepsake of the dead child?

You lured me out with the keepsake of the princess that you killed!

Those eyes... Yes, I'm definitely familiar with them.

From the first time I saw you.

Besides, you even know the royal customs!

But... the princess is dead.

Besides, he is a man.

Then who on earth are you?

You can't! Young Master said you couldn't go outside!

Don't worry. I’ll be right back.

In Woo! How did you get here...

I went to your house, but I heard you'd be here.

Shut it down. I made good use of this place.

Now wrap it up...

and leave the city for a while.

You won't have any business to see the technician again?

I've used him enough, so why would I?

But if he discloses this...

Who would believe him when we don't even know who he is?

The queen dowager's death will be determined tomorrow...

After that, we'll hit Gwanghae.

Then... my friends who faced unjustified death... can close their eyes.

Death, sir?

Somehow, the officials' opinion is heading that way.

Someone must be pulling their hands.

I'll gather the scholars who are against it

but I'm not sure how many will come out.

- We must find him! - Yes, sir!

Why is it Hwa Yi again? How come it's him all the time?

Wait, is it because of his name?

Is that why he causes troubles like fire?

Are you having fun? Are you making a joke right now?

- I just... - Councilor!

What are you doing right now? Without a royal command, the weaponry bureau...

It is a royal command... to catch and bring in Hwa Yi.

What?

Has anyone seen him?

Who was the last one to see him?

Hwa Yi is trying to harm Your Majesty?

I told you from the beginning that I was suspicious of him.

He definitely has some other agenda.

He aimed at me from the beginning.

I'm sure he knows me.

Tell me...

Did you hide anything about him from me?

I'm asking if there is something else I should know!

I have to find her. I have to find Hwa Yi first.

What did we do?

Sir! Sir!

Go easy on her.

They take care of the vegetable garden for my stir-fried vegetable dish...

Shut up.

Can't you see what's going on here to bring up your stir-fried vegetables?

So you're the last ones to see him.

Sir, please spare us!

We just saw him, that's all.

Yes, I'll spare you. So tell me.

Where did he go?

Who did he disappear with?

Is this what you were trying to do, Father?

To have the queen dowager killed?

Just why are you getting involved in this matter?

- I have a good reason to get involved. - In Woo!

Why is it the queen dowager?

- The king should be enough! Why her? - Enough!

I have no time to fight with you.

What are you doing here?

- Minister of Defense. - I'm sorry about this so late at night.

I have business with your son.

The sulfur technician Hwa Yi.

Where is he?

Give him to me right now.

Take him inside.

The one In Woo brought here! In Woo must've brought him here!

I told you he didn't!

It's a matter of urgency! He's in danger right now!

Councilor Hong.

Hwa Yi!

- Why are you... - I have no time to explain right now.

First, you have to hide.

This way!

- Search thoroughly! - Yes, sir!

This place should be safe. No one will come.

By the way, what is this place?

This is where I was taken...

by the man named Gyosan.

What did you say?

Gyosan is...

What were you doing here?

I heard something odd from In Woo today.

And the same words from His Majesty, too.

Hwa Yi... you're His Majesty's enemy...

Is that why you came to look for me?

Did the king send you?

How much did you find out?

All of it?

- Did the king... - Was it... true?

Like what In Woo said... like what His Majesty said...

were you trying to harm His Majesty?

But, why?

Why would you?

I...

Yes, I know I shouldn't do this, but I wanted to hear from you first.

What the truth was that I can't handle, as In Woo said.

Why he said you're His Majesty's enemy...

Yes, that's the reason I came to look for you.

I don't know what the reason is...

but why can't I help you...

Why don't I have the right to do so...

Sir...

I wanted to protect you, Hwa Yi.

Sire, it's time to return to the palace.

Officials will be reporting soon.

What about Hwa Yi? I have to see him first.

No, sir.

You wouldn't be able to do it.

As it was a long time ago, you still can't do it.

You'll learn why soon.

What do you mean by that?

I wasn't able to do it before?

Now that I think about it...

you said the same thing before.

I have a favor to ask.

Could you get me some clothes?

Whatever it is, something for a woman.

His Majesty is still not ready?

Sir!

Let's go. Whatever the reason is, the queen dowager's treason plot

is a serious crime that can't be forgiven.

- What time is it? - It's past nine o'clock.

Sire, we can't delay any longer.

Sire, someone is asking for you outside.

It's the sulfur technician from the weaponry bureau.

What?

That's...

You...

Are you really... a woman?

Hwa Yi!

My name is not Hwa Yi.

I want to be called that name by you forever

but it won't be possible anymore.

What are you trying to say?

Hwa Yi! Just what...

It was a lie.

That you were a fisherman's child and that you lived in Dongnae.

That's right.

The lost keepsake of the princess... Then...

Were you the one... who had it?

Yes, it's me.

'I am Hong Joo Won.'

'Please remember my name, Your Highness.'

Do you remember?

What you said at the dock as we parted a long time ago.

Please be safe, Your Highness.

Young Master...

Please remember me and my name.

I'll make sure to find you.

I will protect the grand prince and I will... protect you.

By any chance... are you...

That's right.

It's me, sire.

I used to be your younger sister at one point.

I used to call you my brother at one point.

I lost my only younger brother to your hands and had to run away...

I am Jungmyung.

Subtitles by DramaFever

[Hwajung]

What? His Majesty is meeting with him?

You aimed at me, from the beginning?

I survived like an animal!

I wanted to return the debt to you since you took my younger brother away!

Please punish the queen dowager by death, sire!

Get rid of the traitors and strengthen the royal power!

There was a suspicious move in the palace last night.

It's still my job to protect you, Your Highness.

Queen Dowager, the leader of the traitors!

They will end up pointing their swords at one another.