Original subtitles

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

NAMES OF PLACES AND INCIDENTS MAY NOT BE HISTORICALLY ACCURATE.

Can't you live for me?

Ever since I entered the palace,

I had several brushes with death.

And whenever I thought, "I might die for real this time,"

I desperately hoped that I would live.

I didn't mind becoming the biggest sinner ever.

As long as I could spend another day with you,

hearing your laughter, by your side…

Just like that…

Just like that…

Together forever and always.

Together forever and always.

Please live.

For me.

Please.

Your Majesty…

Your Majesty!

Your Majesty!

Stop them!

Your Majesty, please wake up!

Minister of Defense.

Please sheathe your sword.

Let me apologize instead for his rudeness.

Please forgive the Chief Secretary.

Why should you beg for my forgiveness

on his behalf, Prince Goseong?

Don't just sit there. Beg for his forgiveness.

I cannot do that.

What did you say?

I am here as His Majesty's dutiful servant,

and not on a private occasion like Prince Goseong.

I cannot dare taint my country nor my King's name

in order to save myself.

Do you not fear death?

How are you so confident?

If my own sacrifice can continue the friendship between our two countries,

what do I have to fear?

I'm sure the Emperor himself wouldn't want

this harmony shattered either. Don't you agree?

They say the tongue is mightier than the sword.

Who knew the King of Joseon had a vassal like you.

You flatter me, Your Excellency.

He has many far worthier than I.

I will go to the palace tomorrow.

However, as my receiving officer and guide,

I would like to request for Prince Goseong here.

All right. As you wish, Your Excellency.

I'd wondered why he had done the uncustomary, arriving a day early.

I see it was your doing.

Don't blame me for His Majesty's miscalculation

and your mistake.

I simply fulfilled my responsibilities

as the loyal servant of Joseon in times of crisis.

Do those responsibilities entail

being a lapdog to the Ming envoys?

I suggest you go and send a messenger to His Majesty.

If he is still absent from the palace tomorrow,

things will truly get out of hand.

And you'd better hurry.

Are you hurt anywhere?

My heart is restless.

You haven't said a word…

Or is this a dream?

I was so afraid.

When I thought I might lose you, Your Majesty…

I felt as if darkness had swallowed me whole,

and as if I had plunged into the abyss.

So this is what "worse than death" means,

I thought.

Then will you stop trying to take your life?

Out of my guilt that I hadn't even been aware of my sin,

I thought I must repent by dying.

But now…

Even if the entire world points their fingers at me

and hurls stones cursing at me…

I will bear it.

I will live.

By your side.

Your Highness, you've just saved two lives, not just one.

Because if you hadn't given up on death,

I would've died after you.

Please lie down.

I'm worried that your wound may fester.

Close your eyes and get some rest.

I don't think I will be able to.

I'm scared you might disappear.

Rest your concerns.

I won't go anywhere. I will remain by your side.

Then, promise me.

Yes, I promise.

There was an attack?

Where is His Majesty now?

We escorted him to a physician nearby.

Did you catch his assailants?

We followed after them but couldn't find them.

Is His Majesty badly hurt?

When I left, he was still unconscious.

All right.

Go back and guard His Majesty.

Shouldn't you go and bring His Majesty here now?

The Ming envoys will come barging in tomorrow morning.

I must remain here until Ha-sun is back.

What happened, Chief Secretary?

You said your King would be here if I came today.

This is not what you promised me.

Isn't Joseon the good-mannered nation of the East?

Does the King not even know the proper way to receive an Emperor's message?

Your Excellency, I am amazed by your fluency in our language.

When did you learn the language?

This is the least that's expected from the representative of the Emperor.

You knew I was on my way,

so why did you empty the palace?

I'm sure you know better than anyone else

that disrespect for the royal envoy

is no different to mocking the Emperor himself.

I see where your misunderstanding may lie.

Bring it in!

What… Isn't this tiger leather?

I was out hunting as part of our preparations to receive you.

I made it back late catching this tiger.

This is our finest catch, so please offer it to the Emperor.

But…

The tail…

Did you notice?

I only realized after catching him that he had no tail!

Now, isn't that absurd?

A tiger without a tail!

It is most rare,

so please relay that to the Emperor.

Well…

I will.

The Emperor was surprised to hear that you had dismissed

a loyal vassal like Shin Chi-soo.

Just as there exists moral discipline between father and son,

there exists one between a lord and his vassal.

The Emperor advises you to call him back to court.

I absolutely agree.

I also heard of his efforts

to receive you in my absence.

I will appoint him to court once again.

The Emperor's and His Majesty's grace are immeasurable.

You did a fine job.

Is that where you got shot?

I almost thought you wouldn't make it back in time.

I promised you, didn't I?

That I would be back.

If Eunuch Jo hadn't tipped me off,

I surely would've lost it when the Ming envoy told me

to reappoint Shin Chi-soo to court.

You did well, holding yourself back.

The envoy's early arrival,

and his request to appoint Shin Chi-soo as his guide

are all part of his scheme to return to the palace.

Even using the Ming envoy…

It's getting harder for me to forgive Shin Chi-soo.

Did you find out who attacked Ha-sun and Her Highness?

My apologies.

We followed after them but couldn't find them.

Who would dare try to harm both His and Her Majesties?

I don’t know who the assailants are, but I have a hunch

as to who the mastermind may be.

And who may that be?

The only person who picked up on your absence.

The one who barged in here and demanded me to hand over the royal seal

and military amulet.

You don't mean… the Queen Dowager?

How could you disappoint me with even the simplest tasks?

"The King is surely with the Queen who has gone to visit her father,

so go after them and kill them!"

I even told you how and where to find them.

So, answer me.

Can I continue to trust you, Prince Jinpyeong?

Of course, Your Highness.

Who else besides me can execute your wishes in preserving

what our ancestors have set out for us?

If you were as competent as you sound,

you would be sitting on the throne already.

Your Highness, Prince Yeonghwa is here.

I will see him.

You may leave.

Welcome, Prince Yeonghwa.

When you said you would return, I thought you meant to the palace.

So why this eerie temple instead?

I will return to the palace after offering this tea,

so bear with me for three days.

Who are you offering this tea to, Your Highness?

Someone you don't know.

Your Highness.

Behind you.

Your Highness, I don't know how to repay your grace

for making a safe return.

"Grace" wouldn't be the right word.

I just ran away from my sin

and came back to bear full responsibility for it.

Now my only remaining duty is to protect him.

And to protect him,

I will do whatever I must.

I have heard similar words before.

Those were also the words said to me

by he who wears the crown.

He said he wanted power to protect those who are important to him.

I will also give you my pledge,

to protect you, His Majesty, and this country with my life.

I will never forget your grace

until the day I die, Your Excellency.

The only reason I told your King to call you back into court

is for the troop of 10,000 Joseon men that shall be offered to the Emperor.

Do not forget that.

Of course not.

Rest your concerns.

Then…

Why did you come all this way when you need more rest?

I felt guilty about being the only one enjoying a rest.

So I came here, concerned about you.

Give me your hand.

Give me your hand.

Do you remember?

"If you bite a hazelnut and make a wish,

the goblin that guards your house will appear

and grant your wish."

Whenever you have time, bite on them and make a wish.

Who knows, a guardian may just appear before you.

How long do you plan on using honorifics with me?

What?

We're back in the palace, please speak comfortably as you have.

That would make me feel more comfortable,

and it's best for your own sake as well, Your Majesty.

But how could I dare to…

Then I will do as you say, My Queen.

When do you plan on returning to the palace?

Please give me just three days.

Three days…

All right.

It's So-woon.

My name…

is Yoo So-woon.

So-woon.

Yoo So-woon.

It's a beautiful name.

Please tell me yours too.

It's Ha-sun.

Ha-sun…

There's great warmth in that name.

What do you mean, the Ming Dynasty will demand troops?

Relations between the Ming Dynasty and the Later Jin have been

deteriorating for a few years now.

The Ming will struggle against the Later Jin,

and so they will demand military assistance from us.

And if we were to refuse them?

Before going to war with the Later Jin,

they will strike us first.

But if we provide the Ming with backup forces,

the Later Jin will be aggravated.

They are already plundering our border towns to intimidate us.

That means, no matter which side we take, we will see blood!

Chaos may befall this land once again.

Why must they drag us into their fight?

Is there no way to avoid it?

Have you ever walked on a tightrope?

I'm a clown, so of course I have.

But why do you ask such a thing?

That's what I plan on doing with you from now on.

Will you try it?

Congratulations on your appointment as First Minister.

You held on through the tough times.

Thank you.

I owe it all to His Majesty's grace.

Even calling back Shin Yi-gyeom, his son…

One would think he was being reinstated as Left State Councilor.

It can't be helped.

Even His Majesty probably can't resist the Ming Emperor.

Your Majesty. The Later Jin have revoked their loyalty and waged a full-fledged war

against the Ming Dynasty.

As their dependency, we should not hesitate

to offer them 20, or even 30 thousand of our men.

Your Majesty, this decision should be reached

after thorough discussion with the court.

The Chief Secretary is right.

Although the matters of the Ming Dynasty are important, this year, we experienced

a drought and a severe winter.

So why not send a letter seeking their understanding on our situation?

Absolutely not!

Your Majesty, you mustn't forget that it was the Ming

who came to your aid and settled the last rebellion.

Showing any sign of hesitation is akin

to neglecting our filial duties.

Please take this into consideration, Your Majesty!

-Please, Your Majesty! -Please, Your Majesty!

I cannot do that.

Your Majesty.

Your Majesty, why do you insist on being an unfilial son?

If the Ming is the father of our state,

then I am the father of my people.

As their father, how could I knowingly

drive them towards their deaths?

Even if it means doing the Ming Emperor wrong,

I cannot do wrong to my people.

Your words just now speak of disloyalty,

about blatantly ignoring our filial duties.

How will you face the scholars' criticism?

How could you suggest something so preposterous?

Does it trouble you that you cannot prove your loyalty to the Ming?

Then you have my permission to take the scholars

and lead the expedition yourself.

Why are you just standing there?

I said I grant you permission!

So, will you go or not?

Your Majesty, that is a far-fetched argument. We--

Silence!

Just which country do you serve?

You know how to treasure your own kin,

but not your own people…

Shame on all of you!

Your Majesty…

-Your Majesty! -Your Majesty!

How could you refuse the Ming Dynasty's request?

You cannot do this!

How will you deal with the Emperor's wrath?

Please reconsider, Your Majesty!

-Your Majesty, please reconsider! -Your Majesty, please reconsider!

What are you doing? Get a move on!

Yes, my lord!

My greetings to you, Your Excellency.

Surely, you're not here to beg me to kill you…

What brings you here?

I am here to deliver His Majesty's message.

If this turns out to be a waste of time,

I will cut your head off and offer it to the Emperor.

Why not decide after you hear His Majesty's message?

Unlike the Ming Dynasty, Joseon does not conscript

and nurture professional soldiers.

To meet your request, we will have to draft men and train them first,

but to do that there simply isn't much time.

Moreover, due to the recent drought and harsh winter,

less tax was collected this year.

Thus, His Majesty regrets being unable to provide assistance.

If you will give us time, however, we may be able to train men

and provide military provisions.

What do you say?

How much time do you need?

We need at least two years.

One year.

We will wait one year.

All right.

I will inform His Majesty, then.

What is this?

It is a secret letter for Nurhaci.

It says we won't provide military assistance to the Ming,

and that we will not attack their rear even if they do go to war.

This letter should prevent an attack from the Later Jin

for the time being.

If you agree with me, then stamp the royal seal.

I'm not sure it is truly right for me to do that.

Who else, if not you?

This is a secret letter from the King. I'll trust you.

I'm on it, my lord.

Why did you want to see me here? What if someone sees us?

There was someone who wanted to see you discreetly,

hence I invited you here.

What is this?

This is from Prince Jinpyeong, Your Excellency.

So the rumors about your exceptional loyalty

to the Ming were true.

It cannot compare to the grace I have been in.

I felt insulted when the Chief Secretary came to me

to buy a year's time,

but after seeing you, my anger has subsided.

Please inform the Emperor that there still are respectable vassals

in Joseon who look up to the Ming.

No need to worry about that.

However, I will need to see 200,000 men in half a year.

If I can take the throne,

what couldn't I promise?

-Your Majesty. -Your Highness.

The Queen has returned, and we are here to pay our respects.

Have you been well, Your Highness?

Have you no shame, My Queen?

After leaving the palace,

the only way to uphold your honor was take your own life!

How could you return like this, like a street cat sneaking in?

Do not insult the Queen.

-I have permitted her return. -More the reason this is troublesome.

Since you fail to demonstrate authority,

the Queen dares to mock you, Your Majesty.

However, I cannot put up with her arrogance any longer.

My Queen, if you have any shame,

before the court starts demanding your dethronement and execution,

step down from your seat.

I'm afraid I cannot do that.

What did you say?

You'd rather live in shame

and bring disgrace to His Majesty and the royal family?

I had believed in your loyalty for this nation at least,

but I guess it was all your shrewd scheme

to protect your position and save your father, the traitor!

Enough!

If you continue to bully the Queen, I will not put up with this either.

What if you won't?

Will you threaten to chase me out again?

I know very well that

you don't look up to me as your mother, neglecting your filial duties.

If you wish to chase me out, then do so.

And see if it leads to my downfall or yours!

Even if the court and this entire nation learns that you ordered for the seal

and the military amulet, in my absence?

That…

I had no choice at that time, due to your absence.

That's just your excuse.

But what if they were also to learn about my being ambushed?

Who would believe you then?

Do not insult the Queen over this matter anymore.

If I hear about you doing so, I will not forgive you,

even if you are the Queen Dowager.

Then I will take that as your approval for the Queen's return.

Your Highness!

To see that the Uniform Land Tax Law will be in effect so soon…

Well done.

I appreciate your acknowledgment, Your Majesty.

Though the Chief Secretary won't quite agree with me,

I must say, I'm pretty competent.

I have a lot more to show you, so expect more from me.

I shall. You may leave, then.

What, already?

If you've more questions, you're free to ask me.

His Majesty just said to take your leave.

But I can always offer more…

Your Majesty.

Your Majesty!

Your Majesty…

Before the law is announced,

it would be nice to know what our people will think.

After all, it has failed once.

Then what about a royal procession?

Royal procession?

Go out to the marketplace and hear the people's opinions

and comfort their hearts.

It will surely be a great help to you also. Will you do it?

Yes, I will.

Where are Dal-lae and Gap-su?

I see you want to meet them.

Though I want to, of course…

I know I shouldn't any longer.

Is that what had been on your mind?

In order to bear my responsibilities as King, and for those who look up to me,

and for Dal-lae and Gap-su,

I have come to realize that it is finally time to sever the relationships

I have treasured until now.

I know that is the only way Dal-lae will be safe.

Please send Dal-lae and Gap-su to a safe place as soon as possible.

That will make it easier for me to sever ties with them.

All right, I will do that.

Please give this to Dal-lae.

All right.

I will make sure to take care of them.

Let's see…

My lord.

My lord.

-My lord! -What?

Oh.

That's right. I'm a lord now!

What is it, Officer Jang?

The Chief Secretary asked me to relay this message to you.

He will come for those who are at your place tomorrow night,

so get them ready, he said.

Tomorrow night?

What… so soon?

I thought I said I will not be having any more late-night snacks.

These dried persimmons were sent from Sancheong,

and I simply could not refuse them.

They're that delicious, are they?

Eunuch Jo.

Yes, Your Majesty?

Send all of these to the Queen.

I should share it with her.

Pardon?

Yes…

And this is for you.

Pardon?

Your Majesty!

Your Highness, His Majesty has sent these snacks for you.

Dried persimmons.

And…

here's also a letter from His Majesty.

I will head out tomorrow to observe our people.

Will you come with me?

All right.

Let's have breakfast.

Today, it's pan-fried mackerel!

So, you were packing.

But didn't you come here empty-handed?

How come you have so many things with you now?

Really? I don't think so.

What's all this?

Hey, isn't that my shirt?

-No. -What? What's this?

-You can't have that! -Come on!

Isn't this

that poster?

Well, that's…

Oh, dear.

You should've told me.

I see you're a fan of His Majesty, like I am!

-Pardon? -Just what do you mean?

This face in the poster is His Majesty?

What, you held onto it not even knowing that?

Oh, that's right.

His Majesty will be having a royal procession

to observe his people today.

I wonder where he'll be at.

His people will finally have the honor to see his face!

The world sure has changed, hasn't it?

Well, I will be back home before you set off, so wait for me.

Sure.

I will cook you one last feast before you leave.

-Take care, then, my lord. -Sure.

Gap-su…

Still, we must stay put here.

But he said the King has the same face as my brother!

We'll be leaving the city tonight,

so before we do, I must see him with my own eyes.

-What? -If you're scared, just stay home.

Hey! Dal-lae!

My lord.

So Ha-sun will not come and see Dal-lae?

No.

Please pass these on to Dal-lae for me.

Dal-lae will be disappointed.

But all right, I will do that.

Your Majesty, where should we head to?

Somewhere they wouldn't expect a King to be present.

Halt.

Make way for His Majesty the King!

Your Majesty!

Rise.

-Rise. -Your Majesty.

Rise.

-He's so handsome! -Your Majesty.

Rise.

Rise.

You may all rise.

May I have a bowl of soup and rice too?

Yes, Your Majesty.

How are things with everyone?

Everyone is doing well, thanks to your grace.

-Yes. -Yes.

Please tell me honestly.

Only then will I be able to do anything for you.

Are you afraid that a slip of tongue will have you

flogged at the district office?

Don't be afraid to say what's on your mind.

Then… I have just one.

Go on.

Well… It was just so hard to feed myself.

I could barely cultivate the wasteland.

But the aristocrats from nearby came

and took that land from me, claiming it was originally theirs.

Please allow me to keep what I reclaimed.

What? Those bastards!

All right, I give you permission.

Your grace is immeasurable, Your Majesty!

Your grace is immeasurable, Your Majesty!

However, I will soon be introducing a law

where only those who own land will pay taxes.

Do you still want to own land?

Yes.

As long as we pay according to what we have.

What's unfair is collecting taxes when you have nothing.

Yes, you're absolutely right.

Your Majesty, I borrowed some rice during the barley hump,

and my debtor wants 70% interest!

Seventy percent interest…

As for me, my master…

took my wife!

Please help my misery, Your Majesty.

Your Majesty, please listen to my story too!

Your Majesty, me too!

-Your Majesty! -Your Majesty!

-Your Majesty! -Please hear us out!

We have been wronged, Your Majesty!

Don't worry, I will listen to each and every one of you.

So, line up!

-Line up. -Move over.

Don't push!

What, is he crazy?

What's all this ruckus?

Why is His Majesty here?

Let's go.

Gap-su, that must be the place!

Even if that is the place, we can't go there!

Gosh, you just won't listen to me, will you?

What is it?

You look like you've seen a ghost.

Dal-lae.

Is that the bastard?

Excuse me.

Can she stay here for a bit?

Sure, no problem.

Stay here, I will be right back.

I'm sorry, I'll be back next time.

Where did she go?

She was just here.

Are you sure that clown's sister, Dal-lae, had this on her?

Yes, my lord.

I may just be able to prove that Haksan is a traitor.

That Dal-lae child must be in shock.

Please comfort her.

I will do so, my lord.

Has Yi-gyeom been badly hurt?

No, he was only startled, and grazed his arm.

All right, then.

I must go see the Minister of Rites now, so get ready.

Yes, my lord.

Your Majesty, my apologies for interrupting you.

What is it?

An immoral incident has occurred within the city walls.

Please give your permission for an interrogation to take place.

Interrogation?

Shouldn't His Majesty hear the details first?

During your royal procession this morning,

Shin Yi-gyeom, son of the First Minister,

was attacked in the marketplace.

Shin Yi-gyeom?

What on earth happened?

What happened was…

a clown by the name of Gap-su attacked him out of the blue!

I must go see Gap-su.

You cannot do that.

Shin Chi-soo has been looking for you,

so this must be a trap laid by him.

That is the reason I must go. Dal-lae and Gap-su might be in danger.

Cool your head. If you go, it may make things worse.

Then what should I do?

Trust me and wait.

I will find out for you.

I'm telling you, a child by the name of Dal-lae was brought here

along with a man named Gap-su!

Hey, how many times have I told you that they are not here?

I'm about to go nuts!

Haksan!

You've heard about Dal-lae and Gap-su too?

Well, great timing. Will you ask him

where Dal-lae is for me?

You were acquainted with the Chief Secretary?

-Then you should've said so. -Darn it.

I'm here to see the criminal on His Majesty's orders.

Was it only the man, Gap-su?

Was there no girl by the name Dal-lae?

No, it was only him to begin with.

This "Dal-lae" wasn't with him.

All right. Return to your post, but I may need you again.

But…

Haksan, that must be a lie! I'm sure Dal-lae is here.

How can you be so sure?

Dal-lae had a dagger with the dragon symbol on it,

which is only permitted for the King!

That's why I came running here.

I thought she was arrested for having something like that on her.

Haksan, just what is that dagger, anyway?

That is the dagger given to His Majesty by the former King,

when he was appointed Crown Prince.

What?

Then how did such a treasure end up in Dal-lae's hands?

Haksan!

I'd like an audience with His Majesty.

Your Majesty, Shin Chi-soo wishes to speak with you

regarding a clown by the name of Gap-su.

I will see him.

I don't have a good feeling about this.

Why not turn him away?

No, this is something that concerns Gap-su,

so I must hear it.

Your Majesty, I request to speak with you in private.

I have heard the news.

Your son, Shin Yi-gyeom, was attacked in the marketplace.

Was he badly hurt?

But rather than the physical harm done to my son, it is the harm to our moral law

we should be concerned about.

You have something to speak to me about.

I have something to show you, Your Majesty.

Please open it.

Do you remember what this is?

How did this end up in your hands?

The girl, Dal-lae, who was with the clown that attacked my son

had the dagger with her.

That dagger had been a present from the Ming Emperor,

so I was surprised to find it on a lowly clown such as her.

That's why I brought it here to show you, Your Majesty.

Please check if it is the dagger you always carry.

Yes, I just remembered.

I had it on me but must've dropped it at the marketplace.

Your Majesty.

Are you sure about this?

Yes, I am sure.

That dagger was given to His Majesty by the former King

when he appointed him Crown Prince and entrusted the state to him.

How dare you!

Identify yourself.

The girl, Dal-lae, is in my hands.

So speak the truth.

Who are you?

All right, then.

I am that dog who's worth two coins!

I know that this is

the weight of the crown I must bear.

Why couldn't you keep your cool?

You told me yourself, my lord.

That there are just two ways to survive in this place.

Then kneel down before me.

I will tell you how you can save your sister.

So you'll continue to deny it?

Summon the Chief Secretary as the criminal.

Then I shall call your sister to the witness stand.

Now I'm left with only one option.

Subtitle translation by: Jeong-yon Kim