Original subtitles

Subtitles by DramaFever

[Episode 48]

His Majesty would like me to tell you this, ma'am.

That His Majesty won't miss this last chance.

Although he couldn't do it himself...

the Crown Prince and the Princess will be able to do it.

This is the only wise governing...

that His Majesty could do.

You mean all of this was intended by His Majesty from the beginning?

For the Crown Prince...

in order to push out the evil remnants in the government?

Ma'am...

Your Majesty.

Have the officials entered the meeting hall?

Yes, sire.

As you expected

they plan to discuss establishing Prince Seungseon to the throne.

Let's go.

Until I die...

shouldn't I do my job as the King?

This is...

What is it? What's going on?

Sir!

What on earth...

What on earth happened here?

It's blank, sir.

There is nothing written on this decree!

What is this?

What kind of absurdity is this!

Why is there nothing written on His Majesty's last decree?

It's because I'm going to tell you the content of it now, Prime Minister.

- Your Majesty. - Your Majesty!

Your Majesty!

You must have thought I had already closed my eyes.

That's why, as you have always done...

you thought you'd be able to monopolize the government!

By taking down the Crown Prince...

and establishing the one you want as the King!

Sire!

But that cannot happen.

I cannot give away this country to the ones gathered here!

Listen, Chief of Staff.

Yes, sire.

On that blank paper...

this is the content of the decree that should be announced.

Yes...

It is to punish those who are against the new King, who will open a new era...

It is to punish everyone who led this, everyone gathered here!

That is my last royal command as the King of this country!

Sire...

Hurry up! It's the royal command!

Arrest all the officials involved in this!

Hurry!

Issue the decree according to the royal command now.

Yes, sir.

- Shi Baek. - Jicheon.

Yes, this was it, Jicheon.

His Majesty prepared this for the Crown Prince from the beginning.

My dear...

You mean, for the Crown Prince...

to get rid of Kang Joo Seon, Soyong Jo, and their followers...

he started this on purpose?

That's right.

That was His Majesty's last decision.

Father!

Father...

Don't... become a king who has regrets, Crown Prince.

And, Crown Prince...

The ones who killed your brother Sohyun...

You must... You must...

Father! Father, what's going on?

Sire!

Don't just stand there! Bring the physician to the bedchamber now!

Yes, sire!

- Father! - Sire! Sire!

Hurry up! Are you trying to kill me?

- Ma'am. - I'm leaving the palace right now.

Bring the Prince and the Princess right now.

You can't, ma'am. If you leave, you won't be able to keep your life.

Where would you go when you leave the palace?

Shut your mouth, you wench! Who is going to die?

Soldiers of Qing will come soon, they will save me and Prince Seungseon.

Sir!

Kang Joo Seon escaped his office.

He couldn't have gone far. You must catch him!

Yes, sir!

We have to get out, sir.

If we get caught here, it's over for us!

Sir!

We must catch him! Hurry up! Now!

Sir, it looks like soldiers are already on the move.

No, I can't get caught here like this.

If I can get in touch with the Qing army...

there is still a way.

Close all the palace gates, and all soldiers should be on alert!

We must catch Lord Kang Joo Seon alive!

Blow the horn right now, and stop the criminal from escaping!

Yes, sir!

- Sir. - In Woo.

Vice Minister of Defense Lee Gyung Rok is on the move with soldiers.

They are armed, ma'am.

But we must catch him alive.

We can't let Kang Joo Seon get in touch with the army of Qing.

Ma'am, there is no time to waste.

To turn me into a fugitive...

I will never... ever forgive you!

Ma'am!

What about Prince Nakseon and Princess Hyomyung?

Someone went to them. They will be arriving soon.

This won't do. Prince Seungseon and I will leave first.

Follow me with the Prince and the Princess.

Prince Seungseon has to be safe for later...

Ma'am!

Ma'am, soldiers are coming!

- Soldiers are already... - What?

No...

No!

Sir, this is it. We'll open a path here.

Catch him! The criminal is about to run from this gate!

Yes, sir!

Sir?

If I can't get out of here... it's over for me anyway.

- Attack them! - Yes, sir!

Father.

Father!

Sir, we opened the gate!

Go!

- You must catch them alive! - Yes, sir!

What about Kang Joo Seon? What happened to him?

Ma'am.

What about Kang Joo Seon? Where is he now?

Sir!

Block every corner of the street and the docks in the city.

- We must catch them! - Yes, sir!

Your path of enjoying power by staying close to the powerful may be over now.

Look, Commissioner Hong.

I didn't do it for my own good.

I did it for my country, in my own way...

That's enough, Lord Kim!

It won't be enough to repent now. And you're making such excuses?

Chungeum... Still, I made contributions for this government.

Be considerate and generous...

Make your plea at the interrogation, sir.

Although it will be useless.

Let's go.

Let me see...

They'll come pick me up before the day is over.

By the way, what's this smell?

I'll take a bath first when I get home.

This is the smell of a pig! How can this be of a human being?

Sir! Sir!

- What? What, what, what? - Sir!

- Right now, outside... - Outside?

What? Did my father come to pick me up?

Already?

Father! I had such a hard time...

I had a hard time...

But it's not my father.

- Gyung Jing... - Yes, Shi Baek.

So... what is that?

Hey, Shi Bang... What happened?

You said my father became the Deputy Official!

You said I could make it out alive!

Sir, Prime Minister was fired and arrested.

What? My father?

Am I... supposed to drink that now?

No, I don't want to!

I don't want to die! I don't want to die!

I don't want to die!

- Get the criminal ready. - Yes, sir!

No! Go away! Go away!

Go away! Go away! Father!

No! Father! Father, save me!

Father! I don't want to die!

Let go of me! I can't die like this!

Do you know who I am?

I am Kim Gyung Jing!

Let go! Let go of me!

I am the mother who produced the Prince!

Let go of me!

What a sight to see, Lord Kim!

Thanks to someone!

Accept it... we have lost.

What did you say? Accept it?

This?

No, I can't accept this.

I came here to be the master of this palace.

I didn't come here to become a ghost!

Since Kang Joo Seon escaped...

it's not over yet, Vice Premier.

I'm not sure about you...

But for me! And for Prince Seungseon!

- What are you doing? Take her away! - Yes, sir!

Let go! Let go of me!

Let go! Let go of me right now!

Let go of me right now!

You missed Kang Joo Seon, ma'am?

But just like you, he won't be able to hold out for long.

It's no different from hanging himself off the edge of a cliff.

But at the bottom of the cliff, there is Qing.

So your fight is not over yet.

My lord!

What about Qing? What's going on with their army?

They are crossing the river.

Of course, you will never fall apart like this!

Father! Please gather your strength a little more!

You can't leave like this!

Your Highness...

Crown Prince...

I have a favor to ask.

Father, what is it? Please tell me!

His Majesty asked for me?

Yes, ma'am. please hurry.

We don't have much time left.

Ma'am...

Crown Prince.

Help me get up.

Sire.

Leave us.

I'd like to be alone with the Princess.

Yes, sire.

Sire!

No.

There is no need.

We didn't have a cozy relationship.

I hated you, Princess.

I didn't just hate you...

Enough to want to kill you...

I hated you that much.

And it's... not that different now.

I'm still not... comfortable with you.

But...

Now...

as I look at the grim reaper by the door that's here to take me...

I'm realizing certain things now.

The reason I hated you was...

not because of you.

It was because I hated myself.

Sire.

Yes...

That's what it was.

Not because you did anything wrong...

I did the wrong...

But since I couldn't hate myself...

I wanted to blame you instead.

No, sire.

I was the one who was lacking and weak.

The seat you are holding...

I couldn't even dare to fathom the weight of the throne...

but I always pushed for you to give more consideration.

I always blamed you...

and I always judged your wrongdoings...

Please forgive my foolish stupidity, sire.

It wasn't your fault.

It was... also my lack of virtue.

You're asking for forgiveness?

You are asking me?

Even at this last moment...

I wasn't going to tell you things like this.

But rather...

You're asking for forgiveness from me?

I'm not sure... if I can handle the weight of the throne either.

I'm afraid.

What I actually will be able to do...

to protect each and every one of my people.

As long as you don't forget that fear, it will be fine, sire.

For some, that seat means authority and glory...

And power that can be enjoyed without limits.

But for the one who knows its responsibility...

it should be fear without limits.

Just like yourself now.

The fear towards each and every one of your people

who will trust you and look at you now.

Lord Hong.

Please keep the fear of today for a long time to come, sire.

Please become the King who fears the people the most.

Yes, Crown Prince.

You must be different.

You must be different from me, a pathetic king.

Please return! Please return! Please return!

Father! Father!

- Your Majesty! - Your Majesty!

Your Majesty!

Father!

- Your Majesty! - Your Majesty!

He left like this in the end.

I feel so bad.

Why would you feel bad?

We've gone through so many hardships over the years under that pathetic king!

That's right!

Think about the war with Qing!

For such a long time, he messed up the country and tormented the Princess!

Who did that?

Still, whether we hated him or not, he was our king.

On his way out, he also stood by the Crown Prince and the Princess.

That's right...

She may be the one feeling the deepest sorrow right now.

She would be sad now? She wouldn't feel relieved?

Live a little longer. Then you'll find out.

Hate is such a pointless thing...

We were all human beings after all.

That's what you'll realize.

That's right.

They haven't lived long enough to figure that out yet.

Have a safe, comfortable trip, Your Majesty.

I won't forget your last wish.

Please unload all of the painful weight now, Your Majesty.

His Majesty has arrived!

Your Majesty!

[Hyojong, the 17th King of Joseon]

I'm about to say the most terrible words as the first sitting on this throne.

Soldiers of Qing are headed...

towards the border of this land, this country again!

All soldiers, be on alert!

- Soldiers, arm yourselves for battle! - Yes, sir!

So this was it.

This was Kang Joo Seon's last scheme.

Bring the soldiers of Qing to this country

and take back his position of power!

Inspector General, you came for me.

I feel like Joseon and I

gained 'a thousand soldiers and ten thousand horses.'

'Advance to the North'... It's because of 'Advance to the North'?

That's their justification?

When His Majesty was in Shenyang in the past

he stood against the royal court of Qing. They haven't forgotten that.

Now Kang Joo Seon leaked words that His Majesty is planning to go north...

and they have sent their soldiers to our border.

Yes, so how could I not let the Great Qing know about this fact?

I swore my allegiance to His Majesty the Emperor.

What is their demand?

What is Kang Joo Seon trying to get by using the soldiers of Qing?

It is...

for the His Majesty, newly ascended to the throne, to abdicate.

What did you say?

The deadline they've specified is 10 o'clock tomorrow morning.

If His Majesty doesn't resign by then...

they will cross the border, and march to the capital.

Hurry up!

Take all the gunpowder out from the storage now.

Gather all the technicians from the sulfur team and the niter team!

Yes, I understand. Look, come over here!

This way! This way!

How is everything going at the Special Armory?

What about gunpowder to be transferred to the border?

We're having the whole amount transferred to the border.

But I don't believe it will be enough.

More than anything, I can't guarantee it will arrive at the border by tomorrow.

Sire!

How did it go? How did things go with Lord Hong?

Sir, he's here.

- Administrator. - Lord Hong.

You mean Qing made up its mind?

That's right, Lord Hong.

Kang Joo Seon supported Dorgon.

He is influential in the royal court of Qing

and has maintained a tough position towards Joseon.

And he heard the message that the new king of Joseon is trying to stand against Qing.

That's why he led an army and arrived at the border.

I see.

Then there is no more to think about.

Send the final warning!

Yes, sire.

But this is Kang Joo Seon's scheme.

Qing must know this too!

Even then, Dorgon has no reason to refuse this fight.

If Kang Joo Seon takes down the King of Joseon through this

Dorgon can also strengthen his position in the royal court of Qing.

If you can't provide us with evidence that it is Kang Joo Seon's scheme...

our Emperor will approve this attack.

Evidence?

You need evidence that Kang Joo Seon plotted this?

His Majesty commanded we transfer the criminals from prison again

and let them stay at the State Tribunal.

Don't try to pull any tricks. Just stay put.

Back to the State Tribunal...

There must be a lack of soldiers to guard the prison.

Sure, that must be it.

Since you don't know when the soldiers of Qing will attack Hanyang...

soldiers of the palace must have more than enough to do with guarding the palace.

Look! Don't try to pull a useless trick!

Run an errand for me on your way out.

What? What did you say?

Just do what I tell you to do!

I'm sure there isn't much time left.

Then there is no room for negotiation?

Unless I step down, as Kang Joo Seon requested?

First, I requested a secret meeting with Dorgon through the Administrator.

But at this point, we can't guarantee it will be accepted, sire.

Sire...

No... Dorgon wouldn't meet with us that easily.

To get rid of the remnants of Ming

300,000 innocent people were killed in 10 days in a massacre in Yangzhou.

It was him.

But, sire...

even then, please don't be stirred up.

We will stop this since it's our job to protect Your Majesty's throne...

So please, stay strong.

Ma'am...

You didn't find a trace of Kang Joo Seon at Yanghwa Dock, either?

I'm sorry, sir.

We're using soldiers from the Training Center

as well as the royal guards, to search everywhere.

But it's difficult to figure out his whereabouts.

Besides, when security is heightened in the city now

soldiers won't be able to chase him.

Sir, we might lose him like this.

No, that can't happen!

Even to avoid a clash with Qing's troops at the border

we must catch Lord Kang Joo Seon alive!

More than anything, we have to find a clue to his whereabouts now.

I see. I will check on it

so when Commander Kang comes out

tell other guards not to follow us.

Yes, sir.

Sir, don't look back. Turn right and follow me at the fork.

- What? - I need to check something.

If they are really following you...

Look, what are you talking about...

Sir, right now! Hurry!

He's running away! Chase him! We can't lose him!

What is this about?

What's your reason for doing this? And who are those men?

They have been following you for a few days, sir.

What?

Sir, I don't know who they are

but assassins are definitely aiming for your life.

What? What did you just say?

In Woo's life is in danger?

I couldn't tell you because I wasn't sure.

But now I'm certain.

I wondered if they were targeting Her Highness at first.

But that wasn't the case.

They've been looking for a chance for a long time.

When Commander Kang and I moved alone today

they finally showed themselves.

But why?

Who would do that to In Woo?

Could it be... from Kang Joo Seon?

I don't want to believe it either...

Someone who can gather such secretive assassins in the city...

But, how? How can this happen?

Sir, I don't know who they are

but assassins are definitely aiming for your life.

Get out of here right now!

You're no longer a member of this family!

Then, please be well, ma'am.

And you!

You will definitely end up paying the price for this!

You dared to betray me and this family.

You'll be punished for this sin!

Yes, it could be.

The one who tried to kill me...

Wait. Then...

If Mother instigated them...

Check on In Woo's surroundings.

First, find out who they are...

Joo Won!

What about Her Highness? Where is she?

In Woo.

I may have a way to find where my father is, Joo Won.

What?

Yes, if my mother instigated the assassins...

they must be connected to him.

Sir!

How late is it now?

It's just past one in the morning.

One o'clock... Then...

Then it's today.

We only have 10 hours left until 11 o'clock...

But I'm sure we'll find a way, ma'am.

You have always managed to find a way.

Lady Jung...

Ma'am, this is Eun Seol. I'll be coming in for a minute.

What's going on, Eun Seol?

Actually, an officer from the State Tribunal

came to see you, ma'am.

What? An officer of the State Tribunal came to see me?

Yes. What should I do?

What's going on?

Excuse me, ma'am.

In this situation, when things must be troubling...

But Vice Premier, I mean the criminal, insists that he has to see you, ma'am.

Have a seat, ma'am.

We have already lost too much time.

You wanted to see me? What is it about?

Are you trying to come up with a scheme?

Ma'am...

I already knew about Kang Joo Seon's scheme.

'His Majesty is planning to advance to the north'?

It's because I told Kang Joo Seon that he could move Qing that way.

What?

Did you just say that it was your idea?

If I would come to this situation where I am without a solution

I thought that would be my ticket out of here.

My safety rope was taken away by Kang Joo Seon.

Then what is the reason you're telling me this now?

Why would you bring up the past?

It's... It's because...

Now I've found out who will be the winner.

Yes... that's why I decided to help you, ma'am.

You found evidence that it was Kang Joo Seon's scheme?

- Is it true? - Yes, that's right, sire.

Commander Kang will make a move now.

You should never be exposed to them.

So you have to keep your distance.

- Keep in mind. - But then...

you could be in danger.

Lord Hong asked me to keep you safe.

No. Even if something happens to me

you should not make a move.

Until I figure out who the head of the group is.

Sir!

We must catch him alive.

If we go through him

we can find my father's whereabouts before it's too late.

Eight hours...

There isn't even a day left.

Yes, my lord.

When that time comes

we'll be able to get back everything we lost.

No... not just the things we've lost.

More than that...

We should earn much more than that now.

Did you say that you'd help me?

You should catch Kang Joo Seon and finish this off.

Isn't that your ultimate wish?

But why?

Why are you telling me this now?

Do you think you'll save yourself if you do that?

To beg for my life from you at this point...

Yes, that may be the case.

I like living better than dying.

Vice Premier!

But that's not the case.

I'm not doing this to live.

You're not trying to live?

That's right.

I'm not doing this so that I won't die.

Even if I have to die...

It's because I want to win until the last moment.

Sure, come at me.

But you won't be able to end my life until I get what I want.

Subtitles by DramaFever

[Hwajung]

For some, the seat may be authority and glory

and power that can be enjoyed without limits.

But for the one who knows its responsibility

it should be fear without limits.

Just like you now, sire.

Fear towards each and every one of the people

who will now trust you and look up to you.

Please... remember this flutter at this moment today for a long time to come.

Please become the King who fears the people the most, sire.