Original subtitles

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

NAMES OF PLACES AND INCIDENTS MAY NOT BE HISTORICALLY ACCURATE.

There is no way to hide it any longer.

I won't deny it any longer.

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

I love you, My Queen.

As if my heart is about to burst.

And I don't even care if it does.

I love you.

EVEN IF I END UP MISSING YOU FOR AN ETERNITY,

I AM STILL HAPPY I GOT TO KNOW YOU

Isn't it difficult, simplifying your meal?

Not at all.

If there's anything I can do to help you, I will gladly do it.

Tell me what you want, My Queen.

I will give you all that I can.

You have already given me something very valuable.

Your heart, Your Majesty.

Anything other than that?

Since you ask, there is something else.

And what could that be?

To tell you the truth… There is something the Queen Dowager said last time

that's been on my mind.

And…

Well…

It's about how she said

if only we had an heir to succeed you,

he would've been a great support in times of chaos like this.

I want to bear your child, Your Majesty.

HA-SUN

THANKS, EUNUCH JO

My lord, I thought you'd left already.

I am here to tell him the orders he must give tomorrow.

So where is Ha-sun?

Well, the thing is…

Where is he right now?

Chief Secretary.

Your Majesty, there is something I must urgently report to you.

Need I hear it now?

It must be right now.

Lives are at stake.

I did not know you still had matters to attend to.

I will take my leave, then.

Why not stay and listen?

No.

It doesn't sound like the place for me,

so I will leave you two.

Your Highness, I will escort you back.

Since when?

When did you get so close to Her Highness?

You said you wanted power to protect those dear to you.

Was Her Highness the reason you wanted to be King?

It's not only because of Her Highness.

However…

Yes, it is.

You've lost your mind!

You're deceiving her right now.

The man she is looking at isn't you, but someone else's shadow.

Even if you do become the real King,

to Her Highness, you will always be fake.

Then let me confess the truth to Her Highness.

Do you think she will accept you if you tell her the truth?

She is not someone like that.

She is most upright and virtuous.

The moment you reveal your true identity to her,

both of you will fall to hell.

Think about why you came back to the palace, after running away.

Was it not for your sister?

Was it not to punish those who violated your sister,

and to change the world, as King?

We still have much to overcome before us.

The second your will starts to waver,

Her Majesty, as well as this nation and our people,

will fall into peril.

Distance yourself.

That is the only choice before you.

I also tried to stop it, at first.

But how could I stop two hearts

from feeling what they feel?

If you truly cared for Ha-sun,

you should've stopped him no matter what!

It's not too late yet.

We must put a firm hold on Ha-sun.

That is the best for all of us, including Ha-sun and Her Highness.

Do you understand me?

Yes, I understand.

I want to bear your child, Your Majesty.

The second your will starts to waver,

Her Majesty, as well as this nation and our people,

will fall into peril.

Distance yourself. That is the only choice before you.

I can't do this.

Let's just go.

I'm scared we might bump into that monk again.

Woon-sim is the only one who knows where Ha-sun is.

Let's go.

The night air is chilly.

What? Hey! Come here.

You're the lot with that dragon symbol, right?

Where have you been all this time?

What? You know each other?

Where are you keeping my brother?

What do you mean?

Keeping your brother?

Don't pretend you don't know what I mean. I saw everything!

Hold on, hold on.

Jungsaeng, who can't even kill a fly, locked up a man?

Come on, I can vouch for him. Clearly, you saw it wrong.

I only believe what I see with my own two eyes!

That's right! Why would she lie to you?

Dal-lae!

Where were you all this time?

I'd been worried about you.

It's all because of that monk right there!

He locked up my brother, this whole time!

What, the venerable Jungsaeng?

There must be a misunderstanding.

Then where is my brother?

Let's go inside first.

Let's go.

You're finally back, my lord.

Is the girl in that room Ha-sun's sister?

Yes.

It seems she saw the poster and had been searching for Ha-sun,

before finally coming to me.

My lord, I think we should let Dal-lae see Ha-sun.

You know where Ha-sun is.

I can't tell you that.

And even if I did, you wouldn't even believe me.

And besides, knowing the truth will only put that child in danger.

But, my lord…

If you truly trust me, then don't ask anymore.

Some of the workers here may remember Ha-sun,

so it will be dangerous to have those two stay here.

I think it's best they go back to Beopcheonsa Temple again.

Why don't you go with them?

I'm not going back to that temple!

Dal-lae, if you stay here, someone may harm you and Master Gap-su,

thinking that the man from the poster is Ha-sun.

Imagine how hurt Ha-sun would be if that were to happen.

You know where my brother is, then?

I was told he is doing fine.

Your brother is safe, so don't worry.

Then why hasn't he come for us?

I'm not saying I don't believe your words, Woon-sim.

But… geez, this is driving me crazy.

Go to Beopcheonsa, and Ha-sun will contact you there.

Trust me and go.

My lord, you have a message from the gisaeng house.

That clown's sister has left for Beopcheonsa Temple.

She's being led by the monk, Jungsaeng.

Beopcheonsa?

I've never heard of it.

Where is that?

It is a small temple with just the head monk.

I will locate the temple for you soon.

Make haste.

I brought ginger tea for His Majesty.

Yes, Your Highness.

You're deceiving her right now.

The man she is looking at isn't you, but someone else's shadow.

Even if you do become the real King,

to Her Highness, you will always be a fake.

Your Majesty,

drink it before it gets cold.

Your Majesty, what is the matter?

My Queen, to tell you the truth…

I'm not so fond of ginger.

Pardon?

What do you mean?

Did you come to dislike it all of a sudden?

Or is the tea I brewed for you not to your taste?

No, my preference has changed recently due to my fatigue.

Don't worry.

State affairs are important too,

but please look after yourself as well.

Please take care of His Majesty so he does not exhaust himself.

Do not worry, Your Highness.

Your Majesty, have you decided to distance yourself, then?

I don't know.

I honestly don't know what to do.

The Chief Secretary is right, I know.

I should do as he said, but…

I've never had this feeling before in my entire life.

I've only just come to learn what love is,

so I don't know how to unlearn it.

I wish someone would teach me.

Your Majesty, the Chief Secretary is here to see you.

I am here to tell you what you must say before the court.

Starting with Gyeonggi province,

the Uniform Land Tax Law will be established in steps.

But before that, land surveys must be conducted,

so promote Ho-geol to senior fifth rank.

And with many governor positions currently vacant

due to the recent embezzlement scandal,

announce that an ad hoc state examination will be conducted.

The Uniform Land Tax Law is to cut off the source of Shin Chi-soo's wealth,

but I don't understand what the ad hoc exams are for.

This examination will be a special one.

Not only aristocrats, but their illegitimate sons

will be eligible to sit for the exams…

Are you even ready for this?

If you're still not ready, then don't go to the assembly tomorrow.

No, I will do it.

Your Majesty, you cannot allow this!

The purpose of the exams is to appoint officials

who will closely support you.

Yet you wish to open those doors to the lowborn?

The heavens will be furious!

And you would raise a junior ninth grade official

of humble birth to senior fifth grade?

This also counteracts our national laws.

Please reconsider your decision, it is most abominable!

Are you saying you refuse to obey me?

We are simply requesting

you reconsider what's clearly not right.

I cannot do that.

Your Majesty, the Office of Taxation has many talents.

Why do you consider Ju Ho-geol the only qualified candidate?

Minister of Taxation, you answer it.

Is there a man more competent than Ju Ho-geol?

The land survey project will take at least two years.

And there is no man as capable as Ju Ho-geol to complete the project

within the deadline you have in mind.

I will appoint him to senior fifth rank.

So proceed as directed.

Yes, Your Majesty.

What a sight.

The King has truly lost it.

First, he collects taxes from the royals,

and now he is challenging our social hierarchy and system.

I bet this is all from the Chief Secretary's head.

"Collect taxes only from those who own land."

"Make use of talents, regardless of his status."

The excuses he puts forth seem righteous on the outside,

but really, it is to reduce my influence and wealth

and to replace my men in court with his.

What will you do, then?

Let's wait and see.

On whether the King and the Chief Secretary

will still have their way, despite the scholars' opposition.

I miss you.

Even when I'm looking at you, I still miss you.

This is the white tea sent from the Office of Medicine.

Drink it while it's still hot.

I'm worried His Majesty is overly engrossed in state affairs.

I wish there was something I could do for him.

Something that will cheer him up, at least.

How about you reply to his love letter?

A reply?

Would he like that?

I'm sure he will be delighted to receive a reply,

in your beautiful handwriting.

This is what His…

What he transcribed from The Essentials of the Studies of the Sages.

Use it as a guide to help you.

What fine handwriting.

I don't think I will ever be able to write like this.

Still, I should try, right?

Where did you pick up such unruly swordsmanship?

I thought you'd quit already, so why did you return?

I had, but I was uneasy about the way things were unfolding.

Why the honorifics, all of a sudden?

The palace walls have eyes and ears.

So I must use honorifics for my own safety…

As well as yours, Your Majesty.

I get it.

So, you've fallen for me too!

You want to deny it, of course.

I'll pretend I didn't notice.

But what do you mean, my swordsmanship is unruly?

I was taught by the best clown in all of Joseon!

Your stance, form, and everything else are all too pathetic.

Then why not teach me?

The way of the sword is not an easy one.

First, you must learn to hold your sword…

You just talk too much!

One more time.

My goodness. What is all this?

I made it to congratulate you on your promotion, my lord.

Thank you.

I'll try it on, then.

Clothes maketh the man!

Don't say that. I've always looked decent.

Besides, fashion's all about the face.

I will go ahead first, so take your time. But don't be late.

Why would I be late on a day like this?

Don't worry.

Face, you say?

Oh, please.

What is it?

Who…

Who are you all?

Your Majesty, please reconsider your decision!

-What is this noise? -Please reconsider!

Your Majesty, the Sungkyunkwan scholars are blocking Ju Ho-geol

from entering the palace.

What?

Your Majesty, please reconsider your decision!

Your Majesty, please reconsider your decision!

Your Majesty,

when the heavens determine our birth,

how could you permit the lowborn to sit for the state examinations?

You must not, Your Majesty.

Withdraw your command, so that discipline is

once again restored!

Please reconsider your decision, Your Majesty.

Please reconsider your decision, Your Majesty!

Your Majesty.

I came running after hearing the news.

Is it so wrong to bring in new talent to the court?

A role with such heavy responsibilities

is not suited for a man of low birth like him.

It will bring disorder to the court

and will plunge our nation into chaos.

Please do not ignore the advice of your loyal subjects,

who are trying to right the wrong and preserve

the laws and the customs of the state.

Please hear the pleas from the future pillars of our nation!

Hear our pleas, Your Majesty!

Your Majesty, please reconsider your decision!

A man of low birth cannot be entrusted with important tasks?

Have you ever given him a chance?

Did you ever give him a chance to see if he's capable of undertaking such tasks?

Your Majesty, this is about supporting your duties to rule our nation.

We wish to lead the nation correctly

by the laws of the heavens.

If you are not selective about who to grant opportunities to,

you will shake up the foundation of this nation.

Lead the nation?

Laws of the heavens?

Don't give me this bullshit!

If the laws of the heavens deny opportunities for the lowborn,

then I will not abide by those laws.

I will challenge them!

Make way!

Your Majesty, you must reconsider.

So you will oppose my wishes?

If you must go, then step on our backs!

Your Majesty…

Your Highness.

I must have misunderstood His Majesty this whole time.

I didn't think he would go to that extent

for his lowly subject!

Go on ahead.

You're wandering around everywhere like a dog, aren't you?

What is it that you want to say?

If you were driven out of court, you ought to be staying low,

reflecting on your actions.

But instead, here you are,

instigating others to oppose His Majesty's will.

I don't know how much longer I can overlook

your misconduct.

I don't know who is overlooking whose misconduct here.

About that clown.

Has His Majesty heard the news?

A clown, who looks just like him

and used to entertain at the gisaeng house you frequent, disappeared overnight.

Anyone who hears that will hold the same doubts as I do.

As in, "Has Chief Secretary turned against His Majesty?"

Then let me ask you something.

Where is Court Lady Kim?

Why are you asking me about Court Lady Kim?

Court Lady Kim is a person of the court and His Majesty's subject.

Forcing someone to be a pawn in your conspiracy,

then harming her,

is no different from treason itself.

Once His Majesty learns of your crime, he will never have mercy this time.

You sound very certain about something I don't know of

and something that hasn't even happened.

They say hell lies right outside your gates.

If you wish to hold onto your head,

I suggest you remain indoors more often.

I advise you to hold onto that head of yours.

I mean, you have many more years left in you than I do.

I've done something

you told me not to do once again.

Well done.

That is precisely what a king does.

Doing something that others cannot, then bearing that responsibility.

Taking your subject's hand, and his burden.

That is a king's path.

What if all the scholars and everyone in court turn against me?

But you will have the support of all your people.

Let's go.

What does it say?

It says a state examination will take place,

and all those who wish to take it may, regardless of his birth.

Permitting anyone to sit for the state exams?

What is the world coming to?

Is this for real?

Then anyone can become an aristocrat now?

I never imagined I would ever come to see this day.

Let's go and buy some paper.

Your Majesty, it's Her Majesty the Queen.

Your Majesty.

We should get going.

Just a little longer.

Let's stay just a little longer.

Hold on.

Come on, look!

There it is, my name!

If you're done, make way!

There it is! Woo Jeong-rim!

Who knew such a day would come?

It also has your name.

Where?

Seo Jae-gu!

Jae-gu.

This is the only way to open the doors

to the new world you envisioned, Your Majesty.

Do you think it will be possible without me?

Rest your concerns.

I will risk my life to make sure it is.

They successfully passed the state exams and will begin their training.

Censor, Office of Royal Decree, Woo Jeong-rim.

Proofreader, Office of Diplomatic Correspondence,

Seo Jae-gu.

Prove the officials who were opposed to your appointments wrong.

Your grace is immeasurable, Your Majesty.

Now rise.

Stop drooling.

I envy you.

You get to see His Majesty up close every day.

What a fine, respectable man he is!

Your Majesty, there is something I must confess.

Your Highness.

Should I go hide it for you?

It's all right. I will go and place it inside,

so you just wait here.

Yes, Your Highness.

Your Majesty.

My Queen.

What brings you to the library at this hour?

Well…

I was hoping you would be here, Your Majesty.

I see.

Your Majesty.

Is something troubling you?

You look very much troubled.

Do I? I'm not.

I'm not quite sure what it is,

but I can sense it.

Even if it is trivial, if something is troubling you,

please share it with me.

If it is something I can help you with, I will gladly do so.

Your Majesty, this is Eunuch Jo.

Your Highness.

Your Majesty, everyone will be waiting for you at court.

I should get going.

Don't be so dejected, there's always a next time.

Slow down.

Why did you sit for the exams, when you don't even know the Chinese characters?

Good work, all.

-Here, have a drink! -Let's drink.

You too, Jungsaeng.

We should all drink on a day like this!

No? Come on!

And our protagonists!

Jae-gu, good work.

Same for you, Jeong-rim.

Thank you.

You did well.

Same for you, Jeong-rim.

My goodness!

Just one glass.

-Wait, one for me too! -Sure.

This is for you to take.

I packed some food.

Gap-su and Dal-lae will like it.

I'll get going, then.

Venerable, welcome back!

I brought you some food. Share it with Dal-lae.

I will.

Dal-lae.

Dal-lae!

What are you doing? Hurry up and come here.

Dal-lae.

Looks delicious, right? Let's go inside and eat!

My lord, I found that Beopcheonsa Temple

where that clown's sister is hiding.

-Should I go and bring her here? -No.

I will go there myself.

What brings you here?

Over to you.

Search every nook and corner so no one can sneak out!

-Yes, sir! -Yes, sir!

This is a Buddhist temple. Where is your respect?

Let go of me. I said, let go!

Let go of me!

Are you there?

Open the door.

It's all right. Sit.

Is everything good?

Officer Jang.

Why are they here at my place, instead of the temple?

Chief Secretary said a trap will be laid at the temple, and ordered me

to bring them here.

Trap?

How would that tiny temple be festered with mice?

He said he needed to entrust them to someone he can trust.

Hence, they are here, so please take care of them for the time being.

Then…

Officer Jang!

-Why not stay the night? -Pardon?

Look at the expressions on their faces.

They don't seem so friendly,

and so what if they attack me overnight while you're gone?

-Let go of me. -Please?

So… anything else you need?

No.

I see.

I didn't expect to find you here.

Are you here to pray for Lord Buddha's mercy?

Mercy? What could I do with that?

I'm here for a girl by the name of Dal-lae.

Have you seen her, by any chance?

Dal-lae?

Isn't she the sister of that clown you had been

interrogating Woon-sim about?

Don't tell me, are you still after that clown from the poster?

I didn't know you were so eager to find this clown

who looks just like His Majesty.

Some may start to suspect you are the traitor.

You mean, you're here to find that clown.

I'm simply here to pay my respects.

From how you are here and what you just told me,

I'm beginning to think that my suspicions are true.

They say a fox has its eyes on the chicken, even in its dreams.

With your heart full of treacherous thoughts,

you must think everyone else is like you, my lord.

You are one of us.

You can't fool me, even if you can fool others.

Too much praise can be an ear sore.

Before I report to His Majesty about your actions,

I advise you to stop here.

So who is this memorial tablet for?

For a friend, who remained briefly,

like the wind and the clouds.

I'll leave you to pay your respects, then.

Let's go.

What is this?

"Even if we were to be separated for a thousand years,

my love for you would never change."

Your Highness, did you hide your letter properly this time?

Your Highness, did something happen at the library?

Your Highness?

My Queen, to tell you the truth…

I'm not so fond of ginger.

What do you mean?

Did you come to dislike it all of a sudden?

Or is the tea I brewed for you not to your taste?

No.

No, my preference has changed recently due to my fatigue.

Don't worry.

Just what are you so glad and happy about?

I haven't given anything to you yet, My Queen.

So forget all about the happiness

that I've never given you.

I will now teach you

just whose woman you truly are.

You seem like a different person from last night.

And that makes me glad.

I've only just now realized what fine features you have.

Isn't it odd that there is another face with the same fine features as you?

I wish to be left alone.

Your Highness.

Your Majesty.

There is something I must confess to you.

To be honest with you, I never wanted to be Queen.

I had never rested my heart here.

But one day, you changed.

You made me laugh.

If you lived here, which house would you like to live in?

You made me dream.

I would like that house over there.

In a house that small, we'll only need

to turn our heads to see each other.

And because it is at the end of the alley,

the walk home with you would last longer.

I love and respect you from the bottom of my heart.

From now on, I wish to spend my days with you.

By your side,

giving birth to your children, hearing them laugh…

Just like that,

together forever and always.

Even if it is trivial, if something is troubling you,

please share it with me.

If it is something I can help you with, I will gladly do so.

I am here to see the Queen. Inform her.

My apologies, but Her Highness is not in at the moment.

Then where is she?

Your Majesty, Her Highness went to see you.

It's all right.

All of you may leave.

My Queen.

I went to your quarters, not knowing you were here.

I saw your letter.

I also have something to confess to you.

Up until now, I could not bear myself to say it…

but I must say it today.

Before that,

there is something I would like to ask you first.

Your Majesty,

do you remember the day we first met?

You don't remember?

Well…

This is all so sudden, and I can't quite recall.

I understand.

I often forget a lot of things too.

Then let me ask you one more thing.

Your Majesty…

What is my name?

Your Majesty,

please say my name.

Who are you?

Just who are you?

My incompetency is to blame for all this.

I have never seen her eyes like that.

I shouldn't have approached her.

I don't wish to know about your sin.

I wish to never see you again.

It seems the heavens are determined to stand with you, Prince Jinpyeong.

Therefore, she must be dethroned and punished to death.

I can't let this happen!

I swore to make you King, and I swore to protect you.

Stamp the royal seal.

Subtitle translation by: Jeong-yon Kim