Original subtitles

THIS SERIES IS A WORK OF FICTION. CHARACTERS, ORGANIZATIONS,

NAMES OF PLACES AND INCIDENTS MAY NOT BE HISTORICALLY ACCURATE.

I promised I would let you know beforehand.

Today is the day of your funeral.

My lord…

My lord! No!

Ha-sun the clown is dead.

You are now the King of this country.

What… What on earth happened?

I need a clean cloth and new robes for His Majesty.

Yes, I'll bring those right away.

I can't feel a pulse.

Has this happened before?

He's been suffering from severe insomnia,

but not to this level of self-harm.

Don't worry about his ears.

He was fortunate he missed, and the wounds aren't too deep.

I haven't seen that look on your face in a while.

Not since Lord Gil's death.

Do you remember when I said I wanted to go into politics?

You strongly opposed, asking me what I planned to do

in waters that were already pooled and rotten.

It took us a long while, but now's the time.

I'm thinking of rebuilding the world

that Lord Gil and we once dreamed of.

But why now?

Because it is now or never.

Because it cannot be delayed any longer.

And because this may just be my one and final chance.

Am I dead or alive?

Don't fret.

Your wounds aren't even deep.

Fret?

You almost killed me!

Seeing as how you have energy to talk, you're fine.

What did you mean by that?

When you said that I'm the King now.

Where is His Majesty?

He is somewhere far.

Far?

Then when…

As for when he'll be back, that is confidential.

I do not know either.

He may return in a flash like the lightning,

or stealthily like the morning sun.

Until then, you must guard the throne.

Do not flee, and do not die.

You're telling me not to run away nor die,

so why did you stab me?

His Majesty bears a scar on that very spot from the past upheaval.

You need to truly become His Majesty for both you and I to live.

Keep that in mind.

His Majesty will not see a physician,

so have a decoction brewed for his recovery instead.

Why are you turning away the royal physician,

when His Majesty is not in full health?

I am not the one turning him away, this is his royal command.

What?

Don't cause a scene.

If anyone saw you, they'd think something is up.

Is His Majesty well?

Even if he wasn't, we can't have you act so rashly.

My apologies.

I was simply worried…

There has been much controversy

surrounding the Internal Court.

His Majesty is simply pausing before he strikes,

so do not get any wrong ideas.

Yes, my lord.

He does not need my service?

Was that truly his royal command?

Yes, it was.

I will call for you if he seeks your service,

so you may leave.

I must see His Majesty.

Announce my arrival.

My apologies, my lord.

His Majesty will not be seeing anyone today.

But I heard he even turned away the royal physician

because it was only a cold…

Is he really coughing?

Are you sure it's just a cold?

Well… Well, that's…

Step aside.

I will ask him directly.

But… my lord.

Make way for Her Majesty the Queen!

Your Highness.

I happened to overhear you as I was walking in.

I am sure you are also very much aware of his fatigue

catering to the affairs of the state.

Yes, Your Highness.

I was simply…

Yes,

I understand your concerns for His Majesty.

I will relay your loyal concerns to His Majesty for you,

so you may be dismissed.

Then I will come back at another time.

Let's go.

Don't worry,

it's only a cold.

This is to help you rejuvenate your health.

It should help with the chills.

Don't smile like that.

Don't smile like that, please.

Your Majesty, what is the matter?

Is something troubling you?

It's nothing.

Your Majesty,

the Queen Dowager is here to see you.

Will you be all right?

Do not worry about me, Your Majesty.

Your Majesty.

Don't get up, stay where you are.

Your profuse sweating tells me

this is not to be taken lightly.

Don't worry about me.

I may be running a fever,

but it really is just a cold.

How is it just a cold, when your fever is so high?

Your well-being is the well-being of this state!

My Queen,

why have you been negligent of His Majesty's body?

My apologies.

My incompetency is to blame.

At least you know.

Which is why, from now on, I am determined

to serve His Majesty with all of my heart and might.

Should anyone dare harm His Majesty,

I will not overlook it,

nor will I sit in silence if anyone tries to use me

to cloud His Majesty's mind.

So please rest your concerns, Your Highness.

My condolences for your loss, Your Highness.

Please feel free to call me,

should you ever need me.

Your temperature seems to have gone up.

Your face is much redder…

Well…

This is not from the fever.

I couldn't help my anger when the Queen Dowager

pointed her finger at you, instead of herself…

But I was relieved to hear you put her back into her place.

I was holding myself back,

not wanting to trouble you any further…

But with you telling me so, my frustration has gone now.

Is that so?

Now, I'm relieved.

You had a dark expression,

so I was worried you didn't want to see me.

No, never.

I'm simply unwell.

Now that you mention it, you've been up for too long.

Please lie down.

I should get some sleep.

Let me stay here until you fall asleep.

Is there something you need, Your Majesty?

No. I'm tired,

but I don't think I can fall asleep soon.

Then let me read you a book.

No, My Queen. It's all right.

Your Majesty,

why are the translations in commoner letters?

Well, that's…

I was thinking of learning them.

I heard they are widely used among our people…

Here I was, failing to recognize your intentions,

advising you to be more considerate of our people.

I am truly ashamed of myself.

Don't feel that way,

your words have helped greatly.

Then where should I start from?

From the page you just opened to.

"The dense growth of arrowroot…"

"It is as if three months have gone past by, when…"

Prince Jinpyeong.

I am here to see His Majesty.

Is someone here?

Her Majesty the Queen is currently with him.

How is His Majesty?

Thanks to your concerns, he should be well soon.

As soon as he regains his full health,

I must invite him to the hunting grounds again.

We'll need to catch the deer we lost last time, shouldn't we?

This time, he may wish to hunt a wild beast instead.

For example, a jackal who only has his eyes on the tiger's hunt.

I'll look forward to that.

Use Her Majesty's presence as an excuse to refuse all visitors.

Yes, my lord.

I really hope it's not what I think it is…

"The crickets chirp loudly in unison,

while the grasshoppers hop to their tune."

"But without my love, my heart has lost its way."

"If he was here with me,

would my heart finally be at peace?"

You're reciting a sad verse in a cheery tone.

My apologies.

I was suddenly reminded me of the past days…

Past days?

Did you forget?

When I had just entered the palace, you caught crickets for me

because I had trouble sleeping.

Did I?

You said their chirping should help me sleep…

Only much later,

I came to learn that your only fear in this world

were insects.

That really surprised me, but I was happy at the same time.

Your Majesty, what is the matter?

I'm sorry.

I don't think I'll fall asleep with someone else here.

My apologies.

I will leave you to rest, then.

I must've been stabbed in my heart.

How else will I explain the pain in my heart…

Your Highness, should we head back?

No, I shall go to the Royal Infirmary.

Lead the way.

Yes, Your Highness.

His Majesty is refusing to see anyone but the Queen.

His Majesty also did see the Queen Dowager, albeit briefly.

I'm sure she only managed to see him

by abusing her position and power.

What will you do now?

It seems he will keep the Queen close to him now.

Were those His Majesty's words?

Not quite.

But I just thought…

Who said I wanted to know your thoughts?

My apologies.

His Majesty's heart is as fickle as the wind.

You concentrate on winning back his favor.

Otherwise, I won't be able to make up my mind about

whether to end our alliance or not.

Am I not right?

Your Highness, let us do it.

No, it's all right.

From this day on, I will see to all the decoctions for the King.

Pardon?

Yes, Your Highness.

Here.

So, have you given some thought to my words?

You mean, your suggestion of working together like before?

Haksan.

In order to serve His Majesty to our fullest,

we must shake hands here and there.

So there is no reason for us to bicker now, is there?

No, not at all.

I will give it some thought, on one condition.

Really? What is your condition, then?

Resign from your position, Left State Councilor.

Then, I will take your hand,

and see that His Majesty becomes the finest King in history

with you as the most loyal subject.

Is that so funny to you?

There hasn't been a single day

I wasn’t drenched in blood before His Majesty took the throne.

"The treacherous subject at the center of the blood storm."

"A beast in human form."

"A hunting dog who would gladly do dirty work."

But despite the humiliation, I held my head up high.

As long as it was for His Majesty,

I was ready to brace it all.

Because that is my way of proving my loyalty.

But what about you?

When I was standing in the eye of the blood storm,

there you were, hiding behind the Grand Prince, so proudly.

And when the Grand Prince tried to have me beheaded,

you did nothing.

When you are too cowardly to make any sacrifices,

you are talking about how you will make me the most loyal subject in history.

So how can I not laugh?

Then is that the reason

you are satiating your own greed behind His Majesty's back,

at the sacrifice of our people?

Is that what a loyal subject would do,

with all the sacrifices he made and the ridicule he faced?

I guess your definition of loyalty

is eating away at his master like a maggot.

They say the more dust and greed piles up,

the more it reeks of filth.

Even if you dress in silk

and furnish your room with extravagance…

there is no way of hiding that odor.

If you have the slightest loyalty remaining for His Majesty,

do not undermine his reputation with your filthy greed,

and step down from your position.

As an old friend who once shared your vision,

I am giving you one last chance.

My lord, is something wrong?

There is. And not just one, but many.

Whatever they are, you don't look well.

Does it look that way to you?

Then you've got me wrong.

Because now my steps finally feel light.

I should have done this earlier…

Any answers from the members?

Why do you ask?

Because I've only just now realized that I, too, have regrets.

Then…

Send them word.

That now is finally the time.

It has been seven days,

seeing your face glowing again.

Don't go through the trouble of making decoctions for me.

I've never considered it as trouble.

I will do so for another ten days, so please do not refuse them.

Your Majesty, why don't you get some more days of rest before going to court?

It's all right, I won't strain myself.

Your Majesty, I do have one request.

Request?

The late anniversary of your birth mother is approaching,

but we are low on rice to ration on her memorial day.

Therefore, I plead you to find a way to source it.

All right.

This is for the people. Of course, I must see to it.

Your Majesty, I am afraid it will be difficult

to carry out your commands regarding the rice rations.

Difficult? How so?

The rice rationed out on memorial services

has never been financed by the Royal Treasury.

It had been financed by our taxpayers' money,

but with plans for a new temple this year,

which will require much funding, that too, will be difficult.

Then why not postpone the plans and cater to the people first?

Surely the heavens are aware of your grace, Your Majesty.

However, I believe re-establishing your authority and dignity

undermined by the previous upheaval is just as important.

It cannot be delayed any more than this.

Then are you saying there is just no way?

As your loyal subject, my duty to serve you

is equally important as my duty to the people.

It is just that I must consider my priorities,

and now, my priority lies in serving you, Your Majesty.

If you must distribute rice, the only way will be

to increase taxes.

All right.

I will think about this, so you may retire for now.

Damn it.

Our people are starving, yet their priority is the temple?

Do you think that makes any sense?

The Royal Treasury, as well as the taxes collected,

are under the Left State Councilor's jurisdiction.

And now with the excuse of a new temple,

he will not retreat.

Then what do we do?

Call Lee Han-jong, Minister of Taxation.

The Left State Councilor advised me to increase taxes to fund rice rations.

What are your thoughts?

Your Majesty, that is not the right approach.

If you collect more taxes with the excuse that it's for the people,

you will only be contradicting yourself.

I agree with you!

I have no intention to collect more taxes.

To be honest, rice is already being sent by each district office

from all over the country.

But the local officials have excuses to hold them back,

so their purpose hasn't yet come to light.

Then, is there truly no way to source the rice?

There is one.

And what may this be?

To investigate the state of the tribute tax system.

Tribute tax system?

Gye-hwan, how did you come into the palace?

Well, pardon me, Your Majesty.

My father could not pay his taxes properly, so…

I have heard accounts of parents

selling their children after failing to afford to pay their tributes.

Back when I put on acts at the…

From what I heard at the markets,

there are many cases where people have had

their tributes rejected,

and are forced to buy another at a much higher price.

That is because the offices have been bribed by the merchants

to reject incoming tributes for their benefit.

Then why can't we receive rice in the first place?

Your Majesty,

are you suggesting we reinstate the Uniform Land Tax Law?

Yes.

Your words have lifted a burden from my shoulders, Your Majesty.

Of course, there are many barriers to be overcome

to reestablish the Uniform Land Tax Law.

Because only landowners will be taxed under this system,

you should expect strong backlash from the officials.

They will probably use

the excuse of rice price inflation to oppose the re-establishment of the law.

Therefore, in order to accept taxes in the form of rice,

you must take into account the circumstances

and market prices in each region.

It is embarrassing to admit, but there's no one in our office competent enough

to make those calculations.

Then you're saying there is no way?

I know a man who is a genius at calculations,

though he is not associated with us.

And who is this man?

His name is Ju Ho-geol.

I didn't expect you to still remember that name.

Ever since I met him through Lord Ju,

I never forgot the name, not once.

How could I ever forget his lightning-quick calculations?

If we had him, we would be able to root out those who embezzle

our taxpayers' tributes for their own greed.

And we may be able to cut off Lord Shin's slush fund sources, too.

If he finds out, he'll try to stop us with all his might.

Can you find Ju Ho-geol before he does?

I have sent word around, so we should find him soon.

Then I will return to the office and review the documents to see

if there are any suspicious accounts.

I'll leave you to it, then.

I'm all in.

Two nines. Too bad!

Looks like this round is all mine.

But it can't be.

What do you mean? You still can't believe it

even after seeing my hand for yourself?

But I've been counting.

All right. You have three and six.

Four and eight.

And you don't have two nines,

but nine and seven.

Let's see, then…

If these are two nines, I'll cut your hand off.

If it's nine and seven, I'll cut your head off.

Don't make me laugh.

How can you keep track of all forty sticks?

You can try eighty if you want,

because I only need one look to learn them all.

See? Nine and seven.

Look! Whereas I have two eights.

Goodness!

Oops,

I won too much.

Let me at least pay for the drinks.

Get him!

Wait… Why are you doing this?

I'm sorry, please spare me!

So you're a coward who's all bluff?

Let me go! I'm dying!

So you haven't changed. You still take them head-on,

when you've got no guts to win the fight.

Same for you, too. Your bad habit of crushing people with no mercy!

You have so many grudges against me,

how come you never came to visit me?

I was planning to, once!

I heard you were somewhere high up in court,

so I thought about stealing from you.

But I gave up as soon as I heard you'd accumulated nothing,

nor waiting to inherit anything.

So you became a thief instead?

As a lowborn on the streets, I need to survive somehow.

If there was a way for you to find your place,

and if there was a way to build the world we Daedonggye

once dreamed of together with Lord Gil,

would you join us?

Do you really believe there's such a way in Joseon?

Don't make me laugh.

Even just dreaming about it will have you beheaded for treason.

Just like Lord Gil Sam-bong and his followers.

Ho-geol…

Don't follow me.

I don't want to see blood.

I certainly don't want to rot in the countryside forever.

This is a little something from me.

How could I not recognize your loyalty to His Majesty?

You will be promoted to governor this time.

Thank you, my lord.

My lord!

I have received a reply.

But it may be best I meet them alone.

There's no need.

Where did you promise to meet them?

I wonder if meeting in broad daylight is okay.

What if someone sees all the members in one place,

and frames us for treason?

Our vision is to bring light into this world,

so we have no reason to hide in darkness.

However…

Don't worry. I will never

let the same thing happen again.

Woon-sim, why is Lord Haksan here?

It was I who called you.

Woon-sim, I truly am disappointed with you.

How could you side with the traitor and deceive us?

Let's go.

Wait.

I am here to confess my sins for not stepping forward

when Lord Gil and the others were dying in interrogation.

Please.

Please forgive me.

Then bring back Lord Gil and all those who have fallen.

We'll forgive you then.

Do not write to us, ever again.

My lord…

I don't expect to be forgiven so easily.

It only shows how much they miss the old days.

Don't worry.

I will never give up.

I must've taken the King's duties too lightly.

I thought memorizing a few books was all there was to it.

Who knew there were all these reports from the governors

and secret royal envoys?

When will I read all these?

Exactly, Your Majesty.

When will I ever translate all these into the commoner's letters?

What I meant was…

I'm sorry for troubling you.

Go get some rest.

No, Your Majesty.

Without me, you won't get through all these.

Memorizing The Book of Odes, I've become familiar with some of the characters.

I will do my best to decipher them,

so go get about four hours' rest.

This is a royal command.

Then gladly, Your Majesty

Your Highness, it seems Eunuch Jo is taking his leave.

Should I report your arrival to His Majesty instead?

That's all right.

I will only be there for his decoction,

so you just wait here.

Why did you return so soon?

Come and take a look at…

I'm sorry.

I thought you were Eunuch Jo.

Did I scare you?

Yes, a little…

What brings you here to the library?

It was time for your decoction,

and I was told you were here.

I hope I didn't interrupt you.

No.

I was about to head to bed once Eunuch Jo returned.

What do we do?

It has gotten cold already.

I will go prepare another one, so please wait.

No.

I'm sure it will still be as effective.

Thank you.

This is my first time inside the library.

There are more books here than I imagined.

I didn't know you liked books so much.

You have my approval for access at any time.

Your grace is immeasurable.

What is your favorite book, My Queen?

My favorites are the poems by Tao Yan-ming.

Like birds in the sky and fish in the deep sea,

I like poetry about nature.

If that is the case,

you may find the palace to be a little suffocating.

My apologies, Your Majesty,

I won't deny there were times I felt that way before.

And to be honest,

I have even dreamed of a life outside the palace.

But not now.

I cannot imagine a life

outside the palace anymore.

Your Majesty.

My lord!

What?

Aren't you one of the Queen's serving ladies?

What brings you here?

Is Her Highness here, by any chance?

I was looking for you, my lord.

His Majesty asked for some tea,

but how would I possibly know what tea he usually drinks?

So, please…

I will take care of that.

My lord!

Your Majesty. I am back.

Welcome back!

Why did you return so soon, when I told you to rest?

How could I do so,

when you are still here, alone?

Your Highness.

Your Majesty.

I will take my leave, then.

All right.

Your Highness!

You are blushing red like peonies.

Were you thinking about His Majesty?

Is it that obvious?

It would've been perfect if it hadn't been for Eunuch Jo.

I don't know how he moves so fast

when usually, he's so slow.

I couldn't have put it any better.

I'm not sure whether to reward him for his service,

or to punish him.

How dare you come here

when I never even called for you?

Then why did you let me in, without turning me away?

I have heard much about you.

False rumors, probably.

But who did you hear them from?

From the former King.

He said he had never seen a court lady in court

who solved problems as well as you.

Imagine his disappointment when he had to let you go!

When he hears you turned your back to him

to side with the current King,

he will be gritting his teeth in the afterlife.

Your Highness.

Don't worry.

I only meant that's how much I value your talents.

Then…

Go on and do what you're good at.

I will decide once I see how good you are

at solving my problems.

Ouch, that hurts. That stings.

That hurt.

Dal-lae!

I told you to gather chestnuts, not hazelnuts.

Hazelnuts are too small.

Do what you want.

Because I'm having these all to myself.

I mean, gather the chestnuts! The ones that are plump and nice.

What are you doing here?

Did I not tell you to stick right next to me?

You never listen, do you? You’re just like your brother!

I should've known from how stubborn you are with the hazelnuts.

Here.

All right…

That's 86 for me.

Well, it's 83 for me.

Wait.

…two, three…

No, that's 93.

Looks like I won.

How is a lowborn like you

so good at us aristocrats' games?

My father was a pro at this.

And he taught me before I could walk.

You're just a lowlife!

Don't lie to me, you bastard.

Hey, I mean it!

The truth that sounds like a lie.

Stop yapping and deal, already.

Then show me your money.

Here.

What is this?

Are you Ju Ho-geol?

Yes, I am.

We received a report that you cut off a man's hand

for his gambling debts.

-Take him away! -Yes, sir!

No, no! Let go of me.

Let go!

Let go of me!

So this was your doing?

Are you really allowed to abuse your power like this?

You can't just lock up an innocent citizen.

Right back at you.

I abuse my power,

and you waste your talent by gambling.

So that’s what this is about?

So, what will you do?

Will you join me?

Then get me out of here first.

And reimburse me for what I ought to have won.

How much is it that you want?

Name your price.

Don't get cocky when you've got nothing in your storage.

It isn't me who will be reimbursing you.

If not you,

then who?

Show your respects to His Majesty.

My name is Ju Ho-geol.

You insolent brat!

Eunuch Jo, that's all right.

I hear you are capable of solving equations that

even ten men put together cannot solve.

They're just false rumors, Your Majesty.

As far as I remember, I never made such bets,

be it with ten or twenty men.

How about using your talents for our country?

There was a time when I considered that.

But not anymore. I'm sick and tired of it.

I heard you're quite a gambler.

How about a round with me?

The loser will grant the winner's wish.

How does that sound?

Don't regret the offer, Your Majesty.

For I have never lost a bet.

Two sevens.

I believe I won.

Two nines.

Nine?

Two threes.

Two fours.

How did four end up…

-A four. -Your win.

And a three. No?

Come on, come on!

There you are. Two nines!

Two jokers.

But… That cannot be.

Now, will you join me?

How could I not, when it is your royal command?

Though I need your talents, I've no intention of forcing you.

Once you're ready, come see me then.

You are dismissed.

That insolent brat!

Where are his manners for us aristocrats?

Wait a second. Where have I seen him before?

That's…

Straight wins!

What was your trick?

What did I tell you?

I never lose.

What if he never returns?

Don't worry, he's already half-bought.

You couldn't, even if you tried.

I'm just born with it.

You mean you saw the bastard son of Lord Ju Se-woong?

Yes.

I thought I had seen him before,

and remembered that he is the son of Ju Se-woong,

who brought shame upon his family

by involving himself with that Daedonggye scandal.

Daedonggye…

Are you sure?

We are.

I also remembered him

after hearing the Minister of Personnel's words.

Lord Ju once praised his genius in calculations,

despite his low birth.

The Minister of Taxation starts to review the governor records,

and now, he has been called to the palace…

It seems His Majesty is planning to use him to see

who has been embezzling tax money.

Now is the time for you to step forward.

What are you doing?

Why are you doing this?

Gather all the records, and do not leave a single one behind!

Yes, sir!

Minister of Personnel, explain yourself.

Your Majesty, we are flooded with complaints that

our people have been very troubled due to the delayed governor appointments.

That's because the Minister of Taxation has been

refusing to hand over relevant records and picking fault for no reason.

I was only trying to right a wrong, Your Majesty.

Please hear our plea!

Your Majesty, reviewing the appointments of governors

is one of our responsibilities.

The Office of Personnel is impeding on our jurisdiction.

No matter how I think about it, I cannot help but think this is

a dirty maneuver to cover up the embezzlers.

Dirty maneuver? Impeding on your jurisdiction?

If you had been competent enough,

we would not have had to rush in to seize the records.

Go on and explain yourself, then.

What did you discover in the records, to stall the process?

-Well… -So is there a problem or not?

Your Majesty. Please leave this matter to the Office of Inspector General

to determine where the fault lies.

What will happen if we start an investigation?

If the Office of Investigation concludes there is

no problem with the governor appointments,

then protests will flood in, demanding that

the Minister of Taxation is punished for delaying the process.

And if Minister Lee is removed from office,

it'll be difficult for us to reestablish the Uniform Land Tax Law.

Is there truly no way to stop it?

Only by presenting evidence of embezzlement from the records.

I will meet with Ho-geol tonight and hear his answer.

He asked to see me first, and he's late?

Damn it!

I was planning to leave if you were going to make me wait any longer.

Ho-geol!

I have already used up a fortnight's worth of herbs.

And I am always gazing at where you are,

as if I'm gazing at the moon and the stars.

The garden and the library, too…

I don't know how many trips I've made in a single day.

It seems…

I've needed an excuse, all this time.

But I can't hide it anymore.

The reason my heart is fluttering.

I've finally fallen in love with you, Your Majesty.

Only now,

and finally.

Mistaken?

It must be…

His Majesty, not me.

Did you say, "a lowborn slave"?

Why did you…

Can we expect a child from her to succeed the throne?

Now that I see her,

I miss her even more.

Why the hesitation?

If this is a dream… If this is truly a dream…

then my actions will be excused.

How dare you!

Subtitle translation by: Jeong-yon Kim