Original subtitles

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

NAMES OF PLACES AND INCIDENTS MAY NOT BE HISTORICALLY ACCURATE.

All right, then.

I am that dog who's worth two coins!

I’d been looking everywhere for you,

but all along, you were hiding in the palace!

If you ever lay a finger on my sister, Dal-lae,

I won't let you live!

What a fine act you've been putting on for us.

Even just now, you had me fooled for a second.

So,

does anyone other than Haksan know your true identity?

But then again, it is a secret that cannot be shared so easily.

Where is His Majesty, then?

When did he say he will be back?

Where is His Majesty?

He is somewhere far.

Far? Then when…

I do not know either.

He may return in a flash like the lightning,

or stealthily like the morning sun.

He may return in a flash like the lightning,

or stealthily like the morning sun.

Nobody can know.

It doesn't matter even if he were to return right now.

As long as I expose that Haksan had been controlling the state

using you, a fake, as his puppet,

even the real King will find his position precarious for allowing it.

However, I must make haste.

I will tell you how you can save your sister.

Issue a command right now

that you will personally interrogate the criminal.

Then tonight, I will have Haksan punished

for monopolizing the state by crowning a lowly clown

and depose the King for being played by a traitor.

Before I do,

I must see that my sister, Dal-lae, is safe.

All right. I'm sure you want to save your sister.

Then kneel down before me.

Do you not wish to save her?

When the interrogation starts,

summon the Chief Secretary as the criminal.

Then I shall call your sister to the witness stand.

All right.

I will do that.

Your Highness.

What do we do?

What's the matter?

His Majesty has ordered an official interrogation.

Interrogation?

If this is about the incident earlier,

the councils have jurisdiction over it.

Are you sure he will oversee it?

Yes, they are even bringing over a rack!

My lord.

I was just looking for you.

After Shin Chi-soo's audience,

His Majesty ordered for an official interrogation.

Interrogation?

A rack is even being set up in the hall yard.

The judges have already arrived.

Make way for His Majesty the King!

Your Majesty, we are ready to escort the criminal,

so please, say his name.

Chief Secretary.

Chief Secretary, you are to come forward.

Call the witness to the stand.

Chief Secretary, hear my royal command.

Escort the First Minister, Shin Chi-soo.

Drag the criminal out!

How dare you…

Let go of me! Let go!

I'm not the criminal.

It's the Chief Secretary,

and his puppet, right there!

I warned you, didn't I?

That if you laid a finger on Dal-lae, I wouldn't spare you.

Now I'm really going to play you.

How dare you…

You lowly clown, just who do you think you're dealing with?

Even the devil would condemn you, you dog!

Even the devil would condemn you,

you dog!

You lowly bastard!

You lowly bastard!

How dare you try to humiliate me, the King of this state?

You're begging for death, aren't you?

Do not fall for this clown's cheap acts!

This man right here is but a lowly clown, who happens to look

just like His Majesty.

That treacherous Chief Secretary who's standing there

has put him here to replace His Majesty!

Therefore, we must bring back our true King as soon as possible

to expose these their heinous crime!

Who would believe you?

There is a compelling witness.

This girl here is the sister of that clown,

so ask her!

If you don't wish to die, you better tell the truth.

This man is your brother, is he not?

My brother is…

Well…

My brother is…

no longer in this world.

He is long dead.

It's a lie.

The girl is lying!

It's a lie!

You wench!

Do you not fear heaven's wrath?

How dare you lie in what is a sacred trial?

I'm telling the truth.

I wouldn't dare lie in the face of the King!

Your Majesty, it isn't right to treat this poor girl as a criminal.

Eunuch Jo, take her away.

Yes, Your Majesty.

No…

No, you cannot!

Get ahold of yourselves!

We mustn't send that girl away like that!

Prince Jinpyeong, what are you doing?

Prince Jinpyeong, is that also what you think?

How could you ask such a question, Your Majesty?

How could we agree with such a traitor?

You will regret this.

Once the real King is back,

he won't forgive you, or any one of you who's--

Shut up!

I cannot put up with your nonsense any longer!

What are you doing?

Tie him to the rack!

Yes, Your Majesty!

I am not the criminal.

I am not the criminal!

The man you want is Haksan,

and that lowly clown sitting on the throne!

How dare you!

Shut him up, right now!

-Yes. -That bastard is a clown!

His name is Ha-sun!

How dare you…

Start the interrogation of the traitor, Shin Chi-soo!

Your Majesty, there is a witness who can expose

all of Shin Chi-soo's secret deeds.

Bring them in right now!

As you are aware, Your Majesty, Court Lady Kim tried

to check the scars on your royal body.

In order to track down who had given her such orders,

I sent her to Lord Shin's residence, but she never returned.

How could that…

You dared to check His Majesty's body?

You dared to hold doubts?

Fortunately, Officer Jang discovered her alive.

Call Lord Shin.

I demand to know how long he intends to keep me here.

Begin the interrogation.

Is it true that Shin Chi-soo used you

to try and harm His Majesty?

Yes. He ordered me to check His Majesty's scars,

to see whether he was a fake or not.

It was also Shin Chi-soo, who murdered Song Ji-sang,

the royal painter, and put up those posters all around the city.

-What? -How could this…

Not only that, but Shin Chi-soo also ordered me

to burn incense that causes hallucinations in His Majesty's quarters.

He also bribed the royal physician and the court ladies

to give false testimony that Court Lady Park, who served the Queen,

had put a curse on Sun Hwa-dang.

You mean, Sun Hwa-dang was also involved in this?

Sun Hwa-dang isn't aware of this.

Shin Chi-soo, who was worried that things may fall out,

ordered me to use real poison.

What an evil, treacherous man!

I will discuss your punishment with the judges.

Until then, keep her under custody.

Yes, Your Majesty.

Torture the criminal, Shin Chi-soo, until he confesses to his sins!

How dare you…

What are you doing?

How dare…

Now, will you confess to your sins?

I have no sins to confess.

Shin Chi-soo says he is innocent.

What are your thoughts?

Your Majesty, we have clear witnesses and evidence

to testify for Shin Chi-soo's sin,

which is too grave and despicable to even mention.

The abominable posters he put up to ridicule you and manipulate our people,

especially, are most unforgivable!

The Minister of Justice is right.

Under the Grand Ming Code,

he ought to be beheaded, Your Majesty!

How dare you…

I sentence the criminal, Shin Chi-soo…

to death!

Uncle!

You cannot come in here.

I'm here to see my uncle. Please give me some time with him.

Uncle.

It must be a lie, right?

Please tell me it wasn't intentional.

It must be a lie, right?

I can trust you, right?

Come… closer.

There is a ceramic piece I cherish in the guestroom.

Take the contents in it and treasure it.

What is it… What do you mean?

A ceramic piece?

If you wish to live…

hurry.

Do you understand me?

It is time.

What are you doing?

Escort the criminal!

Yes, sir!

Thank you for your work.

I'll take it from here.

You must've been startled I called for you so suddenly.

So why haven't you asked any questions?

How could I, when I already know I won't hear any answers?

Dal-lae!

Woon-sim!

I'll explain everything later.

Please take good care of Dal-lae.

What happened?

Why are you in the palace?

Please don't ask me anything.

Otherwise, my brother will only end up in greater danger.

I won't ask, so please stop crying.

I have something to give you.

Ha-sun gathered these for you.

Ha-sun…

How is Dal-lae doing?

I asked Woon-sim to take care of her, so she should be fine.

Now I can rest my concerns.

Why do you look at me so?

It was my mistake, leaving you alone last night.

Even so, to expose yourself to Shin Chi-soo like that…

That was too rash.

Everything may have come to naught!

I couldn't consider other options with Dal-lae's life at stake.

Exactly!

Why didn't you wait for me?

For someone like Shin Chi-soo,

it's best to take him head-on,

instead of calculating things out like you.

Things would've come to naught if I had been indecisive.

What will happen to Gap-su?

Make way for His Majesty the King!

Tell me your reason for attacking Shin Yi-gyeom.

Well… I had a good reason for doing so, Your Majesty.

How dare you lie!

You clearly attacked me for nothing!

Are Shin Yi-gyeom's words true?

No, sir!

I'd been long determined to crack this bastard's skull

and go to hell with him, if I ever saw him!

Do you hold some sort of a grudge against him?

There is a young girl who's just like a daughter to me,

and he tricked her, and…

That poor, innocent thing, and…

Me, being a lowly clown, I couldn't even report it to the district office

and had to keep it to myself.

But the moment I saw him, I…

I have no regrets now, sirs.

I will gladly accept my punishment.

Your Majesty, according to the Grand Ming Code,

a man of lowborn status who attacks an aristocrat

is to be flogged 80 times.

Instead of flogging him,

send him to the penal unit near the south border.

As you say, Your Majesty.

What is the appropriate punishment for those who have tricked and violated

a young innocent girl?

Death, Your Majesty.

But only if the victim is not of the lowest class.

Yes, Your Majesty. She is but a slave girl,

so I have done nothing wrong.

Then, are you saying your sin is not a crime?

Well…

The Great Ming Code explicitly states it is not a crime.

I reviewed the precedents of the former King

and saw that he issued a decree

when one of his innocent subjects was wronged, in order to avenge them.

Therefore, I wish to do the same.

Your Majesty, what do you mean, you will issue a new decree?

You don't mean to punish me for my father's deed, do you?

I will not be punishing you for your father's sin,

because you already deserve to be punished for your own crime.

Your Majesty, you cannot do this!

You simply cannot do this!

The reason I am King is for my people.

What is wrong with issuing a decree

to protect those who are weak and powerless?

I order Shin Yi-gyeom to be branded of his crime,

so that he may never forget what he has done!

-But Your Majesty, that… -Do it right now!

Yes, Your Majesty!

Your Majesty… Please, spare me!

I admit I was wrong. Your Majesty, please!

Your Majesty, please spare me!

Who is that bastard?

He is someone untouchable.

Stop saying nonsense and just tell me!

Shin Yi-gyeom.

He is the son of the new Left State Councilor, Shin Chi-soo.

My goodness… Your Majesty!

Gap-su, it's me.

Are you really Ha-sun?

Why would I lie to you? What for?

Goodness me… Of course! Yes!

From the very start, I kept telling myself,

that's got to be Ha-sun, all right!

It really is you!

But… What happened?

Does the King know you're acting in his place?

Did you get his permission?

Don't worry.

How would I dare do such a thing without his permission?

Of course, of course!

His grace sure is immeasurable.

You must tell him how grateful I am to him, all right?

Gosh, Ha-sun… Ha-sun…

You will be sent to Muan in Naju.

What?

Muan? Isn't that where you and Dal-lae

used to live when you were still little?

That'll be the best place for you and Dal-lae.

All right.

You go ahead first.

All right.

I understand perfectly what you mean.

Don't you worry about Dal-lae.

I'll take good care of her,

so you just think about yourself.

You can't fall out of the King's favor… All right?

Goodness, Ha-sun. I'm so proud of you!

Am I dreaming, or is this real?

How do you feel?

It's only been a day, but it seems like a year,

or an eon has passed.

I also feel like I've finally put down a burden

that had been on my shoulders for a long time.

At the same time, my heart is heavy.

I'm relieved to hear that you did, at least.

What do you mean?

It's nothing.

I'm not a guest here.

So, there's no need for you to tend to me.

Did something happen at the palace?

Something? There's always something going on there.

I see Ha-sun isn't doing a proper job as King?

Did Dal-lae tell you?

She didn't even open her mouth

in case she put her brother in danger.

Then who…

I've kept by your side for years now, my lord. Do you think

all those years were for nothing?

I'm sorry.

It's nothing.

I never expected you to share everything with me, anyway.

You are someone too great for that.

Just don't push me away.

The only thing I wish for is to remain by your side,

during both good and bad times.

Will you give me a drink?

Yi-gyeom.

Where are you taking him?

He will be exiled to the northern border, under royal command.

Look here.

I will give you this jade button. Will you do me a favor?

My lord, the prison guard has a message from Shin Chi-soo

that he wishes to see you.

How dare he? He must have lost his mind!

My apologies.

Actually, no.

He may betray me.

I must see him. Let's go to the Office of the Inspector General.

Yes, my lord.

I knew you would come.

Why did you wish to see me?

Don't tell me you plan on blackmailing me, do you?

That'll depend on your next steps.

Don't try your cheap tricks with me.

Everyone in Joseon knows we're the worst of enemies,

so who would believe you?

Wouldn't His Majesty?

Are you truly threatening me?

I'm saying, we are in the same boat.

In the same boat?

You still harbor empty hopes?

They're not empty hopes.

I have what may be a valid justification

to overthrow the King.

Go on and eat. I know you're hungry.

You don't like the chicken? Do you want something else?

I'm too damn nervous to even swallow water,

so how do you expect me to eat this?

Gap-su is waiting. Why don't we just get going…

My hazelnuts.

What are you doing? I said, let's go.

Dal-lae…

I can't go.

I still have things to do here.

Things to do?

Like what?

Are they more important than me?

What could be more important than you?

Then why can't you leave?

Aren't you scared of this place?

Dal-lae, you saw. You saw what I'm doing here.

Since I started it, I should see to the end of it, shouldn't I?

But you can't be the King forever!

Do you think you can?

I can't leave you behind, Ha-sun.

I'm scared you might die!

Go with Gap-su. I'll join you later.

Liar!

You said that last time, but you never came.

Dal-lae,

don't you trust me?

I do. I do trust you, but…

I'm sorry.

You need to come quick, okay?

All right.

All right.

Let's go.

Come on.

Hurry up.

Let's go.

Your Majesty.

My Queen.

Thank you for coming.

Did you see your sister off?

I don't know if I am doing the right thing.

Don't say I'm being weak.

I know that this is the weight of the crown I must bear.

Even my sister bid me farewell with a smile, but…

Even after sending her like that,

I don't know why I am so afraid, and my heart feels so heavy.

I understand.

It's natural you feel that way, not because you're weak,

but because you're human.

I also know how it feels

to be separated from your family.

And that the hearts of both sides feel

as if they're being ripped apart.

When everything finally settles down,

go see your sister and Gap-su, on a fine spring day.

I'd like to meet them too.

I will not forget,

and I'll ask you first, Your Majesty.

How did you come all this way?

The Queen Dowager has sent me.

Did she think such a cheap trick would work with me?

Did she get scared that I might reveal everything?

Wait.

I should at least thank her for not forgetting about me.

Though small, I wish to give Her Highness a little gift.

She asked you to call for her if her gift pleases you.

Are you telling me to believe this?

My apologies,

but those were her exact words.

That insolent wench!

What a big final gift she's given me!

It's terrible to think that it was Shin Chi-soo

who tried to ridicule and plot treason against His Majesty.

This won't do! In order to solidify His Majesty's position,

you need to produce a son for His Majesty, Your Highness.

A child?

Yes, an heir to continue the royal line.

There is a physician I am quite close with.

How about you call her in?

I will tell her to come in tomorrow, then.

How am I?

Your Highness' pulse is too weak and fast.

Your health is quite fragile, so it is best you take caution.

I will concoct a decoction for Your Highness in a few days.

Thank you.

I see it is white tea.

May I take a look?

You may.

Pardon me, Your Highness. Could you provide me with the tea leaves?

Why do you ask?

I'd like to see whether you are consuming food that's right for you.

I don't think there's a need for that with this tea.

The Office of Medicine sent this specially for Her Majesty.

Is that so?

Still, I'd like to take a look myself.

Take them.

Your Majesty, Shin Chi-soo's execution date has been scheduled

for the end of this month.

Please grant your permission.

All right.

What is Court Lady Kim's punishment?

Though she deserves to be hanged for attempting to harm not only you,

but also Her Highness the Queen, she did expose

Shin Chi-soo's crime. She ought to be sentenced

to penal labor and 40 floggings.

Do as you've said.

Your Majesty, there is something I must address

regarding Lord Yoo Ho-jun.

Go on.

The report that Lord Yoo Ho-jun had plotted treason against you

is a lie, Your Majesty.

Do you have any evidence or witnesses to support your claim?

Yes, Your Majesty. Though Gu Tae-mo, who reported

Lord Yoo's treason, is dead and no longer with us,

we still have the interrogation records.

Therefore, please give your permission to discuss

exonerating Lord Yoo of treason in this court.

Your Majesty, pardon me for interrupting,

but his request is not acceptable.

Exonerate Yoo Ho-jun of his sin, when there is compelling evidence?

You mustn't allow it, Your Majesty.

Then I will leave it to the court to discuss

which one of you is right.

No man could win against the Chief Secretary with words.

In the end, His Majesty will take the Chief Secretary's side.

Your Highness!

Your Highness, I bear wonderful news.

His Majesty has ordered the court to discuss clearing Lord Yoo's name.

I must go see His Majesty right away.

Your Highness, the physician wishes to see you.

I will see her.

Your Highness.

Is it bad news?

What's with your hesitation?

My apologies, Your Highness.

However, the tea you have been consuming

causes infertility.

But why would the Office of Medicine

send me such a thing?

I don't know about that myself,

but I checked if the concubines were also consuming it,

but it was only being served to you, Your Highness.

May I ask how long you have been taking this tea?

Ae-young.

It's been at least three months.

What is it?

My deepest apologies,

but even with just a month of intake

the conception vessels are damaged…

causing infertility.

Your Highness!

I will call the royal physician.

No.

If he comes, His Majesty will know.

But…

Your Highness, why do you not wish to inform His Majesty?

Things are finally about to settle down in the palace,

so there mustn't be another commotion.

Therefore, you must not tell this to anyone.

Do you understand me?

-Yes, Your Highness. -Yes, Your Highness.

We ransacked Shin Chi-soo's residence,

but could not find what you were looking for, my lord.

All right. You may go.

A valid justification? And what may this be?

I have evidence that the King has secretly been

in contact with Nurhaci.

Secretly contacting Nurhaci?

Yes. I intercepted a secret letter

from His Majesty to Nurhaci from the Chief Secretary.

There is no way the King would do such a thing.

What if it wasn't by his wishes, but the Chief Secretary's?

Due to the Chief Secretary's influence,

the King has been in secret contact with the Later Jin?

If I were to expose this,

not only the court, but all the scholars of this nation

will rise against the King.

How will you manage that, when you are imprisoned?

It would be possible if you were to help me.

Make up your mind if you truly want the crown.

There is no way he has the King's secret letter.

No.

If it were a lie, he wouldn't be so confident.

What should I do?

Search him.

The Left State Councilor will be pleased.

Just you wait, you lowly clown.

Because I certainly won't be going to hell alone!

Your Majesty.

Too bad, I wanted to surprise you.

I was very much surprised.

What brings you here to the library at this hour?

I come bearing good news.

Don't tell me…

That's right.

Lord Yoo's name has been cleared.

Thank you, Your Majesty.

For clearing my father's name.

Though I want to take all the credit,

the Chief Secretary worked harder than anybody else.

Please relay my thanks to him.

My Queen.

Is something wrong?

Pardon?

Why do you ask?

For some reason, to me, you look very sad.

I guess I was too surprised by the good news, Your Majesty.

Please rest your concerns.

By the way,

I picked out some books to read together with you.

I forgot I needed to see the Chief Secretary.

I will be right back.

Yes, Your Majesty.

I want to speak with you briefly.

Pardon?

Yes, Your Majesty.

Tell me honestly.

Why does the Queen look so sad?

Your Majesty, I deserve to be punished to death!

Why do you say such a thing?

The truth is…

What is it?

Your Majesty…

I heard about the tea.

Were you planning to keep it from me?

I'm sorry.

It's you who must be having the most difficult time…

I will find out who is behind this and will see them punished!

That is why I couldn't tell you.

What do you mean?

Do you have a hunch as to who it was?

Your Majesty!

Where is the royal physician?

Show your face, immediately!

Your Majesty…

Your Majesty!

Tell me honestly.

Who was it?

Who ordered you to send that tea to the Queen?

I'm not sure what you mean, Your Majesty.

You still deny it?

Your Majesty, what I did was unforgivable!

But please, have mercy!

Who ordered it?

It's…

It was the Queen Dowager.

Even when her health was so fragile,

you told the Queen a simple rest was all she needed

and continued to serve her that tea even after her rest.

Was it under the Queen Dowager's orders?

Yes.

I simply could not disobey the Queen Dowager's orders.

Where is that tea in question?

I will escort His Majesty, so go and call the Chief Secretary.

All right.

Your Majesty, has it become a habit of yours

to forget your manners?

Now you dare make a scene?

This is the tea

the royal physician prescribed for the Queen under your orders.

And?

Some deeds are unforgivable in this world.

Deeds that are inhumane.

My words, exactly.

If you truly had any sense in you,

you should not forgive the Queen

for leaving the palace on a whim like that.

Why do you hate the Queen so much?

Hate her? You got me wrong.

It is her misdemeanor I hate, not her as a person.

At least pretend to show remorse for your sin.

Would you, if you were in my shoes?

Would you do that in front of my family, my father…

and your brother, Prince Gyeongin?

So you'll continue to deny it?

What if I will?

Then I have no choice.

I order…

I order the Queen Dowager…

Your Majesty!

Please, calm down.

You don't know the story.

I already heard, Your Majesty. So please…

Please calm down, and…

If you know, how can you tell me to simply calm down?

Chief Secretary, His Majesty is absolutely right.

Your Majesty, please continue.

What were you about to say to me?

Your Majesty, you must not!

And why is that?

Your Majesty!

Now, isn't this fun?

I wonder if there's a clown who'd entertain me better.

Your Majesty,

since the Queen is now unable to produce an heir,

don't you think it is time to dethrone her?

If I must dethrone anyone, it will start with you.

Then try, if you can.

Why couldn't you keep your cool?

Don't you know that dethronement was the word

the Queen Dowager was waiting to hear from you?

I know. But I had no choice.

I'm sure you're aware that I, too, tried to dethrone her,

a long time ago.

All for His Majesty's peace of mind.

And if I had made the request then,

His Majesty would've easily given his permission.

However, the scholars would've used it as a chance

to rise up against His Majesty and the court.

The move that was meant to protect the King

would have come back to harm him.

Why are you bringing this up?

Because it was you who stopped me from making that mistake.

Back then, I wasn't fully aware of the circumstances in the palace.

But now I know.

You told me yourself, my lord.

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

Stomp on your enemies and silence them or ignore them completely.

Now I'm left with only one option.

You need compelling evidence and witnesses to dethrone the Queen Dowager.

But even before that, it must be addressed in court.

Once Lord Yoo returns to court,

I will make preparations for it.

Once the time is right, the court will bring it up first,

so wait until then.

Then please hurry.

I will go to Lord Yoo once day breaks.

My lord…

My lord!

My lord!

Subtitle translation by: Jeong-yon Kim