Original subtitles

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

NAMES OF PLACES AND INCIDENTS MAY NOT BE HISTORICALLY ACCURATE.

What… What is that?

My lord, what do we do?

It seems war has broken out.

What? I will go and see what's going on, so you…

-Open the gate! -Yes, my lord!

Is everything okay?

Nothing out of the ordinary.

Who's there?

Halt!

My lord.

Who are you?

My lord…

Say the password.

My lord! The four gates are under siege.

The rebellion forces are…

Hey you. Wake up!

Wake up!

Close the gates.

Close all the gates!

To the west wing!

"Zhao Yun rode through Cao Cao's forces,

in order to rescue Liu Bei's wife and son…"

Wait, this is…

Your Majesty, do you know this tale?

I heard it from a storyteller at the markets.

Isn't it that famous tale where Liu Bei was first pleased to see his son alive,

but then threw him to the ground, saying he almost lost

a loyal vassal because of him?

Yes.

If you were Liu Bei, would you choose your son

or your loyal vassal?

If I were Liu Bei…

Your Majesty!

It's a revolt!

The rebellion forces are surging in!

Your Majesty!

Eunuch Jo, calm down.

What do you mean, a revolt?

Forgive me for bearing this news.

But… Prince Jinpyeong has led insurgent troops

into the city walls!

Prince Jinpyeong?

Your Majesty.

How is it outside the palace?

From where the torches are moving,

it seems the rebel forces are headed for the west wing.

The west wing?

You mean, where the Queen Dowager is?

It seems like she will become their motive for this rebellion.

Where is the Chief Secretary?

It doesn't seem like he's in the palace.

However, he sent an urgent message to you.

Please forgive me, Your Majesty.

Due to my carelessness, the letter to Nurhaci has vanished.

I will retrieve that letter no matter what,

but just to be safe, it may be best to pretend

you know nothing about it.

Burn this letter as soon as you read it.

Your Majesty, what's the matter?

It's nothing.

Officer Jang, is there a general we can trust?

General Kang In-bok in North Hamgyeong Province has been

discussing border matters with the Chief Secretary.

Once he learns of the revolt, he will come to your aid.

Your Majesty, send a messenger to General Kim Ki-jun at Hwanghae Province

for help as well.

He was my father's good friend, so surely he'll stand with you.

Send a messenger with the royal insignia.

If he departs now, when will the support troops reach the palace?

It will take time, even if they come at full force…

At least four days, I presume.

Four days…

Do we have enough men and weapons to hold out until then?

Though insufficient,

we will do our best, so rest your concerns.

The Office of Eunuchs and the palace servants will also aid

in defending the palace.

I will direct the Internal Court to prepare enough food for everyone.

Thank you, all of you.

I hope the Chief Secretary returns soon.

Shall we go rescue the Queen Dowager, who must be quaking in fear?

Have the King's dogs come for me?

Your Highness…

Your Highness.

Prince Jinpyeong! What took you so long?

My apologies, Your Highness.

My comrade who is here to rescue you is standing outside.

Go on and let him in!

Your Highness, it gives me great relief to see you doing well.

What is the meaning of this?

Don't berate Prince Jinpyeong.

I came here of my own will to see you, Your Highness.

How dare you show your face?

So the rumor that you'd finally lost it was true.

I have something for you, so why not take a look first?

Serves you right, huh?

Just when I thought the heavens had forsaken me,

they allow me to avenge my son's death.

Your Highness.

What do you mean, avenge Prince Gyeongin's death?

This is the man who really murdered my son!

Though I ought to have my revenge on you for my father's sake,

since you helped me avenge my son's death,

I will spare your life.

Your grace is immeasurable, Your Highness.

However, I had no choice but to harm the Prince of Neungchang

under His Majesty's orders.

I will become the spearhead in driving out the tyrant

and restore your honor.

So please give me the chance to right my past wrongs.

All right.

He stole the crown by murdering his innocent brother

and has now dethroned his own mother, fooled by Lee Gyu, the disloyal subject.

Go depose the corrupt King, Yi Heon.

Why are you laughing?

Even if you try to overthrow His Majesty by labeling me

a treacherous subject,

he still has the faith and respect of all our people.

Drive him out and it will only be a rebellion without a cause,

which will only make you a conniver.

You say you'll have your revenge,

but you're on a path to self-destruction. So how can I not find this amusing?

Your Highness, this is not a rebellion without a cause.

We have evidence of the King betraying the Ming

by secretly joining hands with the Later Jin.

What is this evidence?

Lord Shin, show Her Highness the letter.

What's the holdup? Show it to her.

I cannot do that.

I don't have the letter on me.

What?

Then where is it?

That…

I cannot tell you.

How dare you!

Prince Jinpyeong…

Trying to take the throne by joining hands

with Shin Chi-soo, who killed your brother and father?

Are you foolish or naive?

Why didn't you come to me instead?

I would've at least taken pity on you,

and let you have a sit on the throne,

at least once.

One more word and I will pull your tongue out!

A mere worm dares to dream of becoming a dragon?

Isn't it amusing?

-Prince Jinpyeong… -Die!

Stop that, Prince Jinpyeong!

Your Highness, why are you stopping me from avenging

Prince Gyeongin's death?

Do you still not get it?

He's trying to provoke you into killing him.

But you must not do so.

For if you kill him, the King will never yield to us.

Don't worry about that.

Just give me an order, and I'll barge into the palace.

I'll slay the King and bring you the royal seal.

I cannot give you such an order.

As he said, I can't return to the palace as a traitor.

It needs to be a restoration, not simply a rebellion,

so first, go and make the King surrender.

How dare you deceive me…

Where is the King's letter?

Once we are in the palace to have the King surrender to us,

then I will tell you.

You dare test me?

Four days… We have just four days.

What do you mean?

By now, the King will have sent out messengers for help,

most likely to those who are close with the Chief Secretary.

That means in four days' time, additional troops will arrive.

Then we must succeed within four days.

Yes!

Which means we have no time to dawdle like this.

Four days!

Four days.

You have four days to bring me the royal seal, then.

Of course.

I've run out of options too.

My lord.

The Queen Dowager wants you.

I heard it was you who put up those posters to ridicule the King.

Is that true?

It is true that I who put up the posters,

but most certainly not the part about ridiculing the King.

How is calling a clown a clown ridiculing him?

So Court Lady Kim's words were true.

Then where is the real King?

I do not know myself.

But if he was alive, he certainly wouldn't put up

with that lowly clown parading about.

You mean the King is already dead…

If we had put the real and the fake in front of everyone,

that alone would've been enough reason

to depose him for trying to manipulate the court. It's too bad, really.

Don't worry, Your Highness.

I will see to it myself that the fake surrenders.

How will you manage that, without the letter?

That letter is as good as in my hands.

So please trust me and give me full authority.

Full authority?

Make your conditions clear.

Shouldn't the next King be someone who will show his full respect

and assume his filial duties to you, Your Highness?

You mean it's not Prince Jinpyeong?

To exert influence over the court, it'd be in my interest

to name someone who is still young.

All right.

When the time comes for me to make a nomination,

I'll take it into consideration.

In return, bring me that fake's head along with the royal seal.

If you can bring me the Queen's too, even better.

Can you do it?

Your grace is immeasurable, Your Highness.

Arrest Ju Ho-geol.

Yes, my lord.

I really don't know what to do.

I know I ought to follow my uncle's orders,

but at the same time, I think I should go to His Majesty.

What would you do, if you were me?

Your uncle comes first, of course.

Right.

His Majesty couldn't care less about me.

But Uncle also poisoned me…

Who do I trust, then?

Your Majesty.

Does it bother you that the Chief Secretary hasn't shown up yet?

He should have been here by now,

and I'm starting to get worried.

Please don't worry.

I'm sure he's just running late, trying to find a solution.

Your Majesty. It is I, Eunuch Jo.

Is the Chief Secretary back?

My apologies, Your Majesty.

Instead of the Chief Secretary, Ju Ho-geol is here.

Ju Ho-geol?

But how, when we're under siege?

How did you get here, through this chaos?

Your Majesty.

Go on and inform His Majesty of the Chief Secretary's situation.

The Chief Secretary?

Has something happened to him?

Your Majesty…

Prince Jinpyeong and Shin Chi-soo are holding him hostage.

But how? Isn't Shin Chi-soo locked up?

Shin Chi-soo told me to relay this to you.

This is the Chief Secretary's.

It says if I open up the gates and order for the traitor,

the Chief Secretary, to be beheaded…

they will back down.

No…

Your Majesty, please save Haksan.

He doesn't deserve to die like a dog, not like this!

Just when I thought the world he always dreamed of was approaching…

Your Majesty, please… Please save Haksan.

Please stop.

All of us here wish to save the Chief Secretary, just as you do.

Your Majesty, just four more days and help will arrive.

Until then, please remain strong

and plan the next steps.

Give me some time to think.

Yes.

Yes, Your Majesty.

My Queen.

I've heard about the Chief Secretary.

Are you all right?

I'm not sure.

The Chief Secretary who guided me whenever I was lost is no longer here,

so I'm not sure what the right thing to do is.

Your Majesty, do you remember my question from before?

What question?

You mean Zhao Yun and Liu Bei?

Yes.

I asked if you were Liu Bei and forced to choose between

your son and a loyal vassal, who you would choose.

Please give me your answer.

If I were Liu Bei…

I wouldn't give up on either.

I can't allow my innocent subject nor my people to get hurt.

No, of course not.

Because you're someone

who always finds an answer when all seems lost,

and someone who says yes when everyone else says no.

I'm sure you'll find an answer this time as well.

I believe in you.

Thank you.

Sun Hwa-dang.

There is something I must ask you, Your Majesty.

May I see you in private?

Tell me what this is about.

Your Majesty, I'm ashamed that my uncle has not only committed the gravest sin,

but has now joined hands with the rebellious forces.

The guilt has led me to question whether I deserve

to remain in this palace at all.

If you order me to leave, I will leave,

and if you order me to stay, I will remain here.

Please give me your verdict.

What do you wish to do?

I wish to remain in the palace.

Then do so.

It's not your sin, so you may remain in the palace.

I'd been so worried you might throw me out…

Now I can gladly get to my next point.

My uncle had asked me to hold onto a letter

before being imprisoned,

and I saw that this letter bore your seal.

Where is this letter?

I kept it well hidden in my quarters.

Go bring it now.

Yes, Your Majesty.

I've always wanted to make you happy at least once.

I'm truly glad.

This is a letter with my command on it.

Go to Shin Chi-soo and Prince Jinpyeong,

and tell them to be present at the assembly tomorrow.

Your Majesty, you mean you'll open the gates to them?

Yes.

But even if you do hold an assembly,

they won't attend, not when there's a risk.

No, they definitely will.

I also set a condition that they must bring the Chief Secretary,

so bring me back a positive reply.

Yes, Your Majesty.

What is it?

Take a look at it yourself.

"I will leave it to the officials to discuss

whether the Chief Secretary is at fault or not,

so be at the assembly tomorrow."

I predicted that this would be his move.

He's trying to buy time with bureaucracy.

Still, we must enter the palace.

What?

But how and why should we without our troops,

when the palace is heavily guarded by his men?

The evidence that the King joined hands with the Later Jin.

That letter is inside the palace.

If we can manage to get our hands on that letter,

we can entrap him.

Yet you wish to stop now?

Go report to His Majesty

that Prince Jinpyeong and I will be present tomorrow.

However, on one condition. We will bring the same number

of soldiers as the number of guards in the palace.

If he says he wishes to come armed,

set the condition that all officials must attend,

and the number of men is to be kept at a minimum.

Are you listening to me?

His Majesty said since all officials will be present,

bring no more than ten soldiers with you.

What is your answer?

Tell His Majesty the assembly must be held in front of the hall yard,

with no more than ten royal guards.

If His Majesty accepts those conditions, we will accept his.

Go inform him.

Your Majesty.

I have his reply.

So, did he say he will accept my conditions?

Yes, it's as you predicted.

But how did you know?

They have a desperate reason to enter the palace.

Because the evidence they need to bring me and the Secretary down

lies within the palace walls.

Then, isn't it that you should not allow them inside?

The evidence they want is in my hands,

so they will not get what they want.

What is this evidence?

Sun Hwa-dang said she'd bring it,

but she's late.

Your Majesty, you must go to Lady Sun Hwa-dang's quarters!

Officer Jang!

Search the palace and arrest Lady Sun Hwa-dang's murderer!

Start by interrogating the court ladies who attended to her.

Yes, Your Majesty.

Let's go!

Search Sun Hwa-dang's quarters and find a letter for me.

What is this letter that you're after?

It's a letter bearing the royal seal.

What happened?

We searched not only Sun Hwa-dang's quarters,

but the quarters of the ladies who served her,

but we found nothing.

Did you find her murderer?

We questioned the court ladies who served her closest,

and our prime suspect is Court Lady Jo, who entered the place with her.

Force out a confession and find the letter.

You must find it before the assembly tomorrow.

Yes, Your Majesty.

I told you to bring me his surrender, not attend some assembly!

You said you would have that clown kneel before me!

Forgive me, Your Highness, but I had my reasons for doing so.

Please believe me.

I don't want to hear it!

I must see that clown myself.

Send a messenger and summon him right now!

Your Majesty, you must not go.

This is probably a scheme to harm you.

But I can't let the Chief Secretary die.

However…

I will escort him.

I will take the royal guards. You stay behind and guard the palace.

Your safety is our utmost priority.

The Chief Royal Guard will defend the palace,

so rest your concerns.

All right, then. Let's go.

Your Majesty,

must you go?

Don't worry, I will return safely.

You lowly clown! Mind your manners!

I have no reason to, since you've been dethroned

and are now a commoner.

I didn't think there would ever be another madman like the King…

But Haksan has found someone worse.

Then again, as someone of low birth, I guess the taste of power

was too tempting…

Is the Chief Secretary safe?

You're scared your master may die?

Don't worry. Before I punish him

for ridiculing the royal family and the court,

and avenge the King's death, I don't intend on finishing him off.

If I didn't know the full story, I would've thought

you actually cared about your stepson.

It's true that for a long time, I prayed for his death.

But even if he was my stepson, he was still the rightful heir

to the throne!

So how could I forgive Haksan for ridiculing this nation

by crowning a lowly clown!

So you lead a rebellion in order to punish the Chief Secretary.

Who would believe that?

Why not just say it was all to avenge your son's death?

Even though it won't be enough to hide

your despicable lust for power.

Even if you try to act like a King,

that lowly, filthy blood still runs in you.

Once Haksan is no more,

your own demise is just a matter of time.

But your only sin was following Haksan's orders, wasn't it?

If you testify against him, I will forgive you.

So surrender, and hand over the royal seal!

Just what right do you have to judge,

or forgive me?

When the one who should confess and be punished

is standing right before me!

How dare you!

I would declare to our people that you're a fake, lowly clown

pretending to be King!

Do as you wish!

But how will you prove that? With what evidence?

Do you think the people will believe the words of a traitor?

Even if they learn that the Queen took a clown for a husband

while deceiving the whole world?

Even if they turn out to be rumors, she will forever be remembered

as an evil, unfaithful Queen.

Can you say she won't lose her sanity, with such shame?

Why don't you try, then?

Because for every teardrop the Queen sheds,

I will make you cry blood.

And for every sigh that escapes her lips,

I will make you scream.

How dare you.

You rude, insolent brat.

You're just a lowly clown, know your place!

Do you not fear the heavens?

How could you disgrace the sacred royal family with your lowly filthy blood?

Enough of your nonsense!

It's the heavens that decide who is noble or lowly, not the people.

It's not about a class you were born into, but about your heart and your behavior!

You know nothing, yet you go on about the royal line and whatnot…

Aren't you even ashamed?

Shut up!

But then again, blood is the only thing you have to be proud of.

Gosh.

Go expose that Haksan's sin at the assembly tomorrow.

Are you sure you can make that clown surrender?

I will prepare for all different outcomes,

so rest your concerns.

I'm here to offer you an apology.

I always thought you were just an upright adviser, hiding in the shadow

of His Majesty and Lord Yoo.

But it turns out you were far better than me in many ways.

What is it that you want to say?

I will ask the Queen Dowager to spare your life.

In return, you need to say this to that clown.

To give up the throne and surrender.

I'm sure he'll listen to you, if not others.

You're completely mistaken.

His Majesty acts on his own independent will,

and is not so easily swayed by my words.

Do you still not get it, even after all this time?

Do you truly intend on giving up your life

for that lowly, fake King?

How is he lowly, and how is he fake?

Everything he has done is for his country and his people,

so you cannot call him lowly, and most definitely not fake.

Now, this is total crap just like that clown's words.

Crap? You may be right.

But for people like you and Prince Jinpyeong,

who only see their own feet and not the sky,

you will never understand.

I can't listen to your nonsense any longer.

By the way,

that clown suggested I bring you to the assembly tomorrow.

His Majesty will be holding an assembly?

In other words, he fears nothing.

I wonder if he even knows what an assembly is.

His Majesty is someone who only grows stronger

in the face of a threat.

He's probably decided to face the rebellion head-on.

All right, then let's see if it's the clown,

or the royal blood that comes out victorious.

How dare you! Stand back!

What's the ruckus?

Prince Jinpyeong, I'm here to pay my respects to the Queen Dowager,

so why stop me?

If you do not wish to die, I suggest you turn back.

Why did you bar Prince Yeonghwa's entry?

Because I couldn't stand the sight of him.

What?

Do you think I'm clueless as to why you called him in?

Watch it.

The only reason I'm here

is to take the crown after I drive out the King.

Of course.

I never considered anyone else as the next King,

other than you, Prince Jinpyeong.

You better keep your word.

Why are you out here? The night is cold.

Then why are you out here, Your Majesty?

How could I deceive you…

I couldn't sleep because of the assembly tomorrow.

Is it the same for you?

I know I should say something to encourage you,

but the truth is…

I, too, am uneasy.

When I think about how you must face them alone at the assembly,

I'm worried that something may befall you.

Everything will be fine.

My apologies.

I should be standing strong for you, but…

It's all right.

Just as how the two locust trees intertwined and grew stronger,

I have you to lean on, and you have me to depend on.

The assembly today is not your typical assembly.

You must not leave His Majesty's side, no matter what!

-Yes, my lord. -Yes, my lord.

Tell the other officials what I said just now.

Do not worry, my lord.

Did you find the letter?

My apologies.

Court Lady Jo didn't confess.

Your Majesty, shouldn't you postpone the assembly?

No.

After today, there are no more chances to save the Chief Secretary.

Your Majesty.

You're here.

When will the soldiers arrive?

I rode off as soon as I saw General Kang In-bok lead his army,

so they should arrive tomorrow at the latest.

All right. Good work.

My lord.

What's the matter?

I've been thinking over your proposal.

What proposal?

I suggested he meet with the King and convince him to surrender.

Let me speak to His Majesty in private.

I cannot let you do that.

If you use this chance to prepare a script,

I've no reason to risk attending the assembly.

I don't mind if you accompany me. Just let me see His Majesty.

How have you been,

Your Majesty?

Aren't you blessed with a long life?

First, you broke out of prison, and you joined hands with the rebels.

By rebels, are you perhaps referring to me?

I think you've got something mistaken.

If I had truly meant to lead a rebellion,

I would've seized the palace by force.

Why did you want to see me before the assembly?

He says he has something to tell you.

Your Majesty, do you remember how I said

there are just two ways to survive in the palace?

There are only two ways to survive in court.

Either stomp down on your enemies or ignore them,

with all your might.

I do, yes.

Today, you need to opt for only the second method.

Do you have anything else to say?

Your priorities must be this country, your people,

and nothing else.

As for everything else, you must be prepared to abandon

whatever, whenever.

And that includes me.

I cannot agree with that. Abandon you?

That's telling Liu Bei to give up on Zhao Yun!

I am moved to tears that you compare me

to the loyal and honorable general, Zhao Yun.

Your Majesty, you've come to develop a talent

for making your subjects laugh, as if you're a clown.

No.

I was born with it.

Yes, you were born with it, Your Majesty.

I'd forgotten about it.

Your Majesty,

I have been blessed with the honor of meeting and serving you.

I have no regrets.

Have no regrets? Don't say such a thing!

There are still many days ahead of us.

Yes, exactly.

Those were the words I was trying to say.

For this country and your people,

you must guard the throne with all your might.

Chief Secretary…

Your Majesty, we cannot waste time on this meaningless talk.

Let's start the assembly.

All right, then.

Your Majesty, though we ought to bow four times by custom,

we will only do so once, since it is most abominable

and inappropriate in the presence of traitors.

Your Majesty, we wish you a long, healthy life!

Untie the Chief Secretary.

Your Majesty, the Chief Secretary is here before you as a traitor.

Untying him is out of the question!

Shin Chi-soo and Prince Jinpyeong, too,

are also traitors in my eyes.

The Chief Secretary has yet to be proven guilty, so he's not a criminal.

Untie him right now!

Your grace is immeasurable, Your Majesty.

Your Majesty, I will now report his crime.

Bring the evidence!

This is the letter the Chief Secretary sent.

"The King and the Court of Joseon have no intention of going to war

with the Later Jin."

"We will not support the Ming with troops,

and even if the Ming does declare war on the Later Jin,

we will not attack the Later Jin."

"Joseon's position remains neutral,

so I hereby ask General Nurhaci to believe our words."

Chief Secretary, step forward and confess your crime of betraying the Ming

and liaising with the Later Jin.

Confess my crime?

I have no shame about what I have done.

It is you who ought to be ashamed!

How long must we serve the Ming and remain bound

by this parent-child relationship?

If we must serve the Ming,

then why can't we make peace with the Later Jin?

When our priority is to protect the people on this land!

How touching.

However…

Your Majesty, this secret letter bears your seal.

Were you truly not aware of its existence?

If you weren't, it means the Chief Secretary forged

a royal command,

but if you were, it means you were secretly liaising with the Later Jin.

What is the truth?

That's…

Your Majesty, I took your seal and forged this letter,

so clearly this is my crime.

Chief Secretary…

-Don't say such a thing. -Your Majesty!

Please bear in mind what I said about the days ahead.

Stop!

Let go of me. Let me go!

Protect His Majesty!

Haksan!

Subtitle translation by: Jeong-yon Kim