Original subtitles

DO KYUNG-SOO

NAM JI-HYUN

CHO SEONG-HA, CHO HAN-CHEUL

KIM SEON-HO, HAN SO-HEE, KIM JAE-YOUNG

No...

Gosh, what on earth happened?

My goodness...

I did treat a man who seemed

to have collapsed due to an arrow wound.

Who is that man?

Does he live here?

He's the son-in-law of Yeon,

who works at the smoke signal station.

I heard he's originally from the village up the river.

Gosh, where have you been?

I searched everywhere for you!

What on earth happened?

What happened to my house?

The house isn't your biggest problem now.

We must go save Hong-sim.

-What? -Some scary-looking roughnecks

dragged her away!

What? Why did they take Hong-sim?

That's...

How would I know?

I couldn't do anything because I was outnumbered.

Mr. Yeon.

You don't have time to just sit here like this.

We must go save Hong-sim first, right?

Hong-sim? What?

-Come on. Get up. -What?

Hong-sim.

-Let's go. -Hong-sim.

-Hong-sim. -Hong-sim.

Hong-sim!

Gomdallae Road.

The house with a cherry tree out front.

Could Hong-sim be...

EPISODE 7

Look who's here.

Oh, my.

Won-deuk, you came.

I almost didn't recognize you.

Won-deuk! Run. Go!

You wench... Shut your mouth!

Won-deuk, you've got to run.

You're no match for these scoundrels.

I said run!

You heard that, right?

She told you to run.

-Run away. -Go on.

Why did you kidnap that woman?

She has a fine face,

so we want to have some fun with her.

This is a spindle branch.

It's used to make spanking canes.

Gosh, that idiot...

Just run. Why won't you listen?

An ash branch would've been better...

but to teach badly behaved kids a lesson,

this wouldn't be so bad.

Why?

Because...

being caned with this

is very painful.

-What a joke. -We like pain.

Boys, get your weapons.

Won-deuk!

-Hong-sim! -Hong-sim!

-Hong-sim! -Hong-sim!

Hong-sim!

Hong-sim!

-Hong-sim! -Where are you?

-My goodness. -Where did they take her?

-Hong-sim! -Hong-sim!

Don't you think it's about time you ran away?

Now that this sword is in my hands,

I could slay you.

Are you all right?

I should be asking you that question.

It's probably not safe to go home,

so you should go to the tavern at the market.

They won't be able to strike again with all those people there.

And even if they do,

it'll be easier to get help.

Can you make it down on your own?

What do you mean?

You're coming with me.

No, I must chase those scoundrels.

It'll get dark soon,

so be careful.

Wait.

Your arm.

Let me bandage it up.

You're bleeding.

You only own a few skirts. If you rip this one,

what will you wear?

Who cares about my skirt?

I'll see you at the tavern.

Damn it.

Chief Censor Jung Sa-yeop's brother

and the Queen's court maid?

Why did you sneak into Gyoyeon Palace when no one was around?

I got lost.

I started frequenting the palace only recently,

so I still do not know my way around.

Such insolence.

Let us see how much longer you can play dumb.

I went there...

to simply return the ornament I had borrowed from my friend.

No, you went there to retrieve the talisman.

The wicked talisman for bringing harm to the Crown Prince and Crown Princess!

No, that is not true!

What talisman?

I know nothing about it.

Nothing whatsoever!

We have heard enough.

Begin the torture.

Now!

Yes, sir!

No! I don't know anything about it.

I know nothing!

Why did you sneak into Gyoyeon Palace?

Did Chief Censor Jung Sa-yeop put you up to it?

No.

I do not know the reasons behind this investigation...

but it had nothing

to do with the talisman.

Torture him until he confesses the truth!

Yes, sir!

Halt!

Stop the torture.

This investigation is being carried out by order of His Majesty.

Are you not aware of that?

Head Court Lady.

Inform the First Vice-Premier at once.

We thoroughly searched Gyoyeon Palace,

but no talisman was found.

A talisman that doesn't even exist?

And using torture to force them to admit to it?

They are clearly being framed for the crime.

Do you think we are oblivious to your sly intentions?

I will inform His Majesty of this matter,

so you'd better take your hands off the special investigation.

You are not qualified for this position!

Minister of Defense.

Bring in

four more chairs.

This works out perfectly.

I was going to summon you in a few days.

You are already here,

so why don't I interrogate you now?

First Vice-Premier!

You are out of line!

Perhaps...

you are afraid that those two will mention some ministers' names.

Isn't that why you are here?

The doors at Gyoyeon Palace...

were locked.

Even eunuchs are not permitted to enter Gyoyeon Palace.

So how would you explain...

the Chief Censor's brother sneaking in?

A love affair.

That punk has always been ill-behaved and promiscuous.

The family disowned him a long time ago.

He must've sneaked into the empty palace to make a move on the court maid.

Nonsense. This is slander.

That rat

sneaked into a place where he is not allowed to enter,

so punish him according to the code of conduct.

However, you cannot torture that court maid

without the Queen's permission.

Unless it can be justified

with legitimate reasons and evidence, that is.

If the talisman can be the reason or evidence...

I will find it for you.

That is utter nonsense.

How will you find a talisman that doesn't exist?

We'll see about that.

Will you...

give me a chance?

Hong-sim!

-Hong-sim! -Hong-sim!

Hong-sim!

-Hong-sim! -Where are you?

-Look! -Hong-sim!

Hong-sim!

Hong-sim!

Hong-sim!

-Hong-sim! -My goodness.

-Hong-sim. -Gosh.

My gosh, what happened?

Are you all right?

Why are you all standing there?

We must catch those scoundrels. Let's go!

Come on!

-Move it! -Let's go.

-We should hurry. -Let's go!

Are you okay? You're not hurt?

What is this?

My goodness!

It's okay. I'm all right.

I must teach those bastards a lesson!

Both your father and I

were so worried about you.

I'm sorry.

I won't let those bastards get away with this.

Hey, I'll carry you home.

-Gosh. -Here, get on my back.

-Come on. -No, it's okay.

-Get on my back. -Gosh.

-Hop on. -No, I'm really okay.

I'm fine. I just hurt my wrist a little.

-Yes, I'm fine. -Okay, good.

Oh, hold on.

Where's Won-deuk?

He dashed off, so I thought he went to save you.

He didn't come here? That little...

He did.

He came, but...

Don't tell me...

Did he run away without you?

-Jeez. -Father.

I want to get out of here quickly.

-Yes, of course. -Right, you must be exhausted.

-All right. -Okay, let's go.

-Be careful. Walk slowly. -Watch your step.

Walk slowly. Gosh, those scoundrels...

-Be careful. -Watch out for the jagged stones.

I'm certain

the court maid came to Gyoyeon Palace to retrieve the talisman.

But...

if the court ladies couldn't find it

even when they searched the entire place...

Why are you standing there?

Go find the talisman.

-Please bring me a mal of seoldang. -Seoldang?

SEOLDANG: POWDERED CANDY

Why do you need it? You are here to find the talisman.

Bring it to him.

Yes, Your Excellency.

He is wasting seoldang like that?

What on earth is he trying to do?

We have nothing to lose even if he fails to find it.

He is digging his own grave.

How could you allow them to enter Gyoyeon Palace?

Would the First Vice-Premier

have quietly obeyed my order had I told him otherwise?

He would have caused a ruckus, insisting that I am hiding something.

But what if

they find the talisman?

They won't.

The Head Court Lady

and even the court maid who placed the talisman there could not find it.

Talismans are written with cinnabar.

It is also used for the paintwork on the palace buildings.

That is because...

cinnabar repels insects.

I am impressed.

Take him back to the Investigations Office.

However,

I found the talisman for Your Excellency.

It proves that I am not under the Queen's orders

and that I was not sent here by Chief Censor Jung Sa-yeop.

So why take me back to the Investigations Office?

You must have been able to find it for you were involved

in hiding it.

You will have to confess who ordered you to do this

and any other details regarding this matter.

-It was His Highness! -Halt.

His Highness the Crown Prince

led me here.

Would you...

care to elaborate?

A few days ago, I was...

given an order from His Highness.

But His Highness

passed away.

What do you mean you were given an order from him a few days ago?

I'd like a private meeting.

Or...

shall I just say it here?

Four strong men

couldn't knock down that idiot?

He is a highly skilled fighter.

I've never seen anyone with such incredible martial arts skills.

He's on another level compared to the roughnecks who say

they're good fighters.

You fool, do you think you're making sense now?

How could he have such skills when he comes from nothing?

I would never dare to lie to you, my lord.

Had I not run...

he would have beheaded me.

You fool.

I paid you jerks a huge sum of money for this!

Go back and bring him to me at once!

Please find someone else.

I do not wish to die.

Why, that-- You bastard!

-You... -Please.

Please calm down.

I'm sure there is another way.

I mean, who am I?

I am the governor of this county.

There is something very odd

about that fool, Won-deuk.

What? Are you serious?

I was outnumbered, and they beat me.

Hong-sim saw it too. My goodness.

Gosh, why would they do such a thing?

Who are those jerks? Why would they kidnap her in broad daylight?

Shouldn't we report it instead of sitting around like this?

We must find out who those scoundrels are

-and make sure they get punished. -Yes, you're right.

Shouldn't we find Won-deuk first?

You thought he went to save Hong-sim.

Where is he?

He probably got scared on the way and ran away.

That prick.

Here.

Have some rice wine.

There's nothing like wine to soothe

a frightened heart.

Is this on you?

Gosh, what do you take me for?

I'm not that stingy.

Okay, let's drink.

Pour me some.

Let me pour you one.

Yes, here.

LIQUOR

Waiting for me?

Where have you been?

I suppose you were very worried.

Of course.

Anyone would've been worried.

Why wouldn't I be?

But why worry?

You saw everything earlier.

My stellar martial arts skills.

You can no longer

make fun of me for being terrible at physical labor.

Take those clothes off.

My clothes?

Here? Why?

You're a commoner.

What would people say if you showed up

in this expensive overcoat and hat?

Oh, I see.

Stay still.

Why are you pressing down on my arm?

You acted all tough in the mountains earlier.

-Don't be such a crybaby. -It really hurt.

Look at all this blood.

What?

All right.

I'll be careful.

Gosh, I'm sorry. Hold on.

You are a whiny crybaby.

How is it possible that you received an order

from the late Crown Prince?

A secret letter.

-A secret letter? -Correct.

I was investigating His Highness's letter

and ended up in Gyoyeon Palace.

I ran into the court maid

purely by chance.

What did he write in the letter?

I cannot tell you.

After all, it is a secret letter.

I must read that letter.

I cannot show it to you.

Had His Highness wanted you to read it,

then...

he would've left it for you, not me.

A secret letter that you cannot show anyone?

Are you trying

to fool me with this "secret letter"

-that does not even exist? -Your Excellency, I--

Why would the Crown Prince write a letter to a low-ranking officer like you?

Did you truly think I'd believe such a lie?

If the Crown Prince's letter

actually exists, as you are insisting...

you will have to prove it to me.

I wish we had minium or mulberry bark,

but this will help ease the pain.

But it won't help ease my anger.

Those scoundrels did this to you.

I must teach them a lesson.

It's okay.

Revenge is only for those with power.

People like us should be thankful to be alive.

"People like us"?

What do you mean by that?

Those of us who are

treated as less than human.

In this country, everyone is treated as such except for noblemen.

When you see men fight, you must stay out of it.

I do not want you to get hurt.

Yes, my lord. I will do as you say.

By the way, where did you learn those martial arts skills?

Not sure.

You still...

don't remember anything?

What?

Did you

remember something?

Yes, I sure did.

I was a skilled martial artist.

I am the epitome of the perfect man.

I was impressed that I could read. But on top of that...

I'm highly skilled in martial arts.

Your arrogance is about to go through the roof.

You seem totally fine now, so I should just go to bed.

Get some sleep.

Stay here tonight.

This is an order.

Keep it safe for me.

I am delighted that you came all the way here to ask me a favor.

Someone will come for it.

Things may get dangerous.

With my wretched fate, I wouldn't even be surprised if I died tomorrow.

Just promise me that you'll go

see the flowers with me before spring is over.

That won't be difficult...

but there is someone I fancy.

Proximity makes the heart grow fonder.

So just come with me, okay?

Please...

be safe.

If you gaze at me like that...

I won't be able to turn back.

Then...

I'll get going first.

Bye.

All right.

If you scream, I will slit your throat.

If there is something you want, say it.

I may be a lowly kisaeng,

but it's rude to lay your hands on me like this.

What are you doing?

My wound is throbbing,

so I'd like to rest my arm here.

Stay still.

What is it?

You can't fall asleep?

It's not that.

I'm really sleepy.

Stop staring.

Go to sleep already.

Did you find him?

What happened?

A troupe that stopped by the village dropped it.

Beom is trying to track them down at the moment

to find out where they saw him.

We should be able to find out his whereabouts before dawn.

THE MAN IS A RAPIST AND MURDERER

How dare he...

try to trick me?

What is the matter, my lord?

This isn't the Crown Prince's letter.

Bring him to me at once and have him kneel before me.

Yes, my lord.

Your Highness.

What is it that you left behind?

Who's there?

My gosh.

I'm sorry I woke you up.

-I thought Father was sleeping here. -"Father"?

Oh, your father.

Yes, he's here.

Actually, he's not here.

He must've gone to the privy.

My gosh, you totally scared me.

May I ask a favor of you?

Close that door for me.

Oh, sure.

Go back to sleep.

Yes, you too.

It's late.

Where did Father go in the middle of the night?

Seok-ha.

They couldn't have gotten far.

Search thoroughly!

Go!

We'll be okay, I-seo.

Seok-ha.

Yes, I'm right here.

I'm not going anywhere.

No, I-seo.

Open your eyes. Stay with me.

Comb through the entire forest!

-Yes, sir! -Let's go.

Seok-ha.

I'm scared.

I'll go out and lure them.

Run when the dogs' barks start sounding distant.

You can do it, right?

I don't want to.

I'll just die like this.

If I die...

I can see Father.

What are you saying?

Didn't you hear what he said?

"Live. This is an order from your father."

Will you disobey Father now that he's passed away?

Still, don't go.

What will I do...

without you?

If we get separated, let's meet

at Mojeon Bridge under the full moon.

Stay focused and alert.

You must run when the dogs' barks start sounding distant.

There he is! Get him!

-Get him! -Go!

-Stop right there! -Get him!

Catch him!

Halt.

Tell your men to back off.

My sister is dead.

So stop looking for her.

We should find her corpse

and hold a funeral for her.

Tell your soldiers to leave at once,

or you will see your daughter breathing her last before your eyes.

To achieve big things,

one must bear sacrifices.

If you think you can do it,

go ahead and kill her.

If you take after your father,

you probably have a magnanimous

yet...

feeble heart.

Go ahead and behead me.

However...

I beseech you to spare my sister.

The world is already in your hands,

so why would you need to take that puny girl's life?

You should get some sleep at least.

My heart is troubled.

I wish to finish this soon.

This is such a cruel task.

Why did you take this on?

How could we...

dare to harm the Crown Prince?

I made a deal.

Once we complete this task,

my job as an assassin will end,

and so will yours.

I cannot go on killing people until the day I die,

especially knowing that...

someone is waiting for me.

Did you find his whereabouts?

Yes.

He's in Songju.

LIQUOR

My gosh.

Lord Park.

What brings you all the way here so early?

I thought about it all night,

and we ought to do something about it.

We should bring in that punk, Won-deuk, and flog him or something

for my peace of mind.

Of course, consider it done.

Let me get dressed first.

Gosh.

What is this?

THE JUMPY RAT IN THE OUTHOUSE

Who'd do something so bizarre?

No, this is actually perfect.

Pardon?

Who cares who sent it?

Go catch Won-deuk this instant.

I have a plan.

Sure.

It's him! Get him!

-Get him! -Get him!

-Catch him! -Go!

-Stop! -Get him!

-Stop right there! -Catch that punk!

-Get him! -Catch him!

-Go! -Get him!

-Stop! -Catch him!

Meok-gu.

Run to the tavern and find a poor scholar with a pointy nose and kind eyes.

I'm busy now.

I have to run an errand for my master.

-I'll pay you two bun. -What do I do after I find the scholar?

Tell him to go to the office.

It's urgent.

Don't forget to pay me two bun!

-Stop! -Stop right there!

-Stop! -Get him!

-Hey! -Stop right there!

-Stop! -Won-deuk!

A poor scholar with a pointy nose and kind eyes. Go to the office.

What are you talking about?

Won-deuk told me to pass it along. He'll pay me two bun.

Did he explain why?

No, he didn't have a chance.

The patrol guards were chasing him,

so he had to sprint.

"Putting a curse on someone wishing for his or her death

is nothing but witchcraft.

The perpetrator should be prosecuted for premeditated murder.

Instead of setting a good example for the people,

the Queen turned to superstitions

and wished harm on the Crown Prince and the Crown Princess.

It is an utter disgrace to even our future generations.

Moreover,

its relevance to the recent tragedy that befell the Crown Prince

cannot be completely ruled out.

Your Majesty.

Depose the Queen and Prince Seowon

to restore order in this nation."

Please answer our pleas, Your Majesty.

-Please answer our pleas. -Please answer our pleas.

Please answer our pleas, Your Majesty.

-Please answer our pleas. -Please answer our pleas.

Your Majesty ought to depose the Queen and Prince Seowon.

-Your Majesty! -Your Majesty!

Please answer our...

Tell the officials to gather at once.

Please answer our pleas.

Your Majesty ought to depose the Queen and Prince Seowon!

MAGISTRATE'S OFFICE

I must know why you apprehended me.

I received this anonymous letter this morning.

You dared to deride me, the county governor,

with this disturbing letter.

Deriding me, a public official who works under orders of His Majesty,

is the same as deriding His Majesty himself.

Ergo,

this is considered an act of treason.

Do you have evidence

that I sent the letter?

Here.

This poem right here.

Remember the poem you recited at Lord Park's birthday banquet?

This is that poem.

It can't be considered evidence.

Everyone who was at the banquet heard the poem.

Your manner of speech

has been getting on my nerves.

You seem to think that you are a nobleman or something.

You obviously do not know your place...

so I shall teach you a serious lesson today.

What are you waiting for?

Tie him up.

-Now! -Yes, Your Honor!

-No! -Your Honor!

Your Honor!

What on earth is this about?

The county governor is simply carrying out his duties at the moment.

Don't you dare interfere!

Tie him up at once!

Yes, sir!

No, wait!

Gosh, you already know

that my husband is a complete fool.

As you've heard, the entire village knows that he's a worthless good-for-nothing.

What could such a fool have done to deserve to be flogged?

Did you think I'd fall for your lies again?

I saw him recite a poem with my own two eyes,

and I even heard about his outstanding martial arts skills!

Were you the one who sent

those scoundrels?

-They beat me up. -Lord Park sent them?

-Those ruffians. -My gosh.

-Gosh. -Why did he do that?

What are you waiting for?

Tie him up now!

Yes, sir!

Gosh, don't. No!

-My gosh. -Goodness!

-Oh, no. -Gosh, Hong-sim!

Gosh, I truly pity myself.

I finally managed to get married at the age of 28,

but my house got destroyed, and my husband is getting flogged now.

What if he becomes crippled? How will I go on with my life?

Gosh, poor me...

What are you doing?

Untie him.

DEPOSE THE QUEEN AND PRINCE SEOWON

They are all the same.

Every one of them is imploring me to depose the Queen and Prince Seowon.

What am I to do?

Prince Seowon is here seeking an audience with Your Majesty.

He may enter.

I apologize for causing you concern.

I do not have time for a lengthy conversation with you.

Father.

I am here to ask you a question.

Who is

the ruler of this country at the moment?

What are you trying to say?

It hasn't even been a day since the investigation began

and the talisman was mentioned.

Your Majesty ordered the investigation to be conducted discreetly,

so how did we already receive hundreds of petitions?

There is more.

The scholars at Sungkyunkwan are protesting,

and disgraceful posters are everywhere.

I cannot help

but suspect that someone deliberately planned all of this.

By "someone"...

are you referring to the First Vice-Premier?

Correct.

He wishes to sit above your throne...

and control your kingdom.

Enough!

What do you even know to spew such nonsense?

The late Lady Shin!

The mother of the Crown Prince, whom you failed to protect.

Seowon.

Seowon, how did you know...

Will you be fooled...

by the First Vice-Premier again and lose Mother and me?

Shoot the arrow.

If you know how to shoot an arrow,

then you must be the person...

who sent the letter.

This is preposterous. I do not understand your reasoning.

I practiced archery for many years.

It is impossible

to hit the target over that wall

when shooting at such a close range.

In fact, it'd only be possible if you were shooting

from that hill over there.

It has been six years since I returned to Songju, my hometown.

And I have never seen

anyone with such archery skills in this village,

which means

you are the only suspect in this case.

I do not know...

how to shoot arrows.

He doesn't even know how to use a sickle or an ax,

let alone how to wear an A-frame carrier.

Archery? Please.

Shut your mouth!

Do you not know about my amnesia?

I do not recall ever shooting an arrow,

so I do not know how it is done.

Still, you must do it.

If you refuse...

I will slay this wench.

-My gosh. -What is he saying?

If you hit the bull's-eye,

that means you are the one who shot the arrow with the letter,

so you will be beheaded.

But if you fail to hit the bull's-eye,

that means you're deliberately trying to hide your archery skills.

And to punish you...

for concealing your crime...

I will behead this wench.

-No! -My gosh!

This is insane!

-Gosh. -What do we do?

-My gosh. -What is happening?

Have you been terrorizing the commoners...

with such preposterous tyranny?

Pick up the bow at once!

Since I am an impatient man,

I do not like to wait.

No. Won-deuk, don't.

Just try to buy some time!

-Gosh. -Oh, no!

-No, don't! -What's he going to do?

Oh, dear.

Oh, boy.

Go on and shoot!

This wench's life...

is in your hands.

-What's he doing? -Gosh.

-Did it hit him? -No.

Lads, what are you waiting for?

Get that punk.

I shall behead him myself.

Hand that over.

Why isn't he here yet?

How dare you!

The Secret Royal Inspector is here!

-What is going on? -My goodness.

I am Royal Inspector Heo Man-sik, who is here per His Majesty's orders.

Criminal Cho Bu-yeong.

Kneel before me.

But why?

I did not commit any crimes.

Is that so?

Here.

This lists every wrong deed you've committed in the past three years.

Take a look.

Your Excellency!

Please forgive me just this once.

Anyone who partook in this

should be tied up!

Yes, sir!

-Are you okay? -How could I be okay?

I almost had a heart attack because of you.

It was a mistake.

I was trying to hit that sword

at your neck.

You said you didn't even know how to shoot an arrow.

Why try something so reckless?

When I picked up the bow,

I felt that I might be able to do it.

Without your injury,

you could've hit his sword with the arrow.

That is not why I lost my grip.

A random memory surged up.

-What kind of memory? -It may have been an illusion.

I shouldn't have told you.

Your arm...

It doesn't look good.

Let's go see a physician.

No.

There is someone I must meet before that.

THE QUEEN USED WITCHCRAFT TO CAUSE MAYHEM

This poster is all over the streets.

The Capital Bureau is removing them as soon as they go up.

This is why

I did not want a chief magistrate who is overly diligent.

Right, I understand.

I will speak to him.

Your Excellency.

It seems like the meeting was postponed due to the Chief Censor's ruse.

He urged Prince Seowon to seek an audience with His Majesty.

Did that man stir up His Majesty's fragile heart once again?

What about the briefing?

I do not think it can take place today.

The Chief Scholar lost his eldest son in an unfortunate accident.

Why now, of all times? Today is such an important day.

Head over to the Royal Assembly Hall without me.

I must

stop by Gyoyeon Palace on the way.

Yes, Your Excellency.

I heard some sad news.

The Chief Scholar

lost his son.

There was a fire at the guesthouse.

I stepped out of the palace in secret because you had ordered me

to vacate Gyoyeon Palace

and ended up witnessing the fire with my own two eyes.

Well done.

Nothing can stop you now.

I am on my way to pay my respects to the Queen.

Please make sure the meeting goes well.

Of course.

Where are you taking me?

Help!

-Help me! -That serves you right.

-Please. -Come on!

-Gosh. -I knew this would happen.

Get lost!

Good riddance.

-Goodness. -So,

all the sable skins and other things that he collected weren't for the King?

It was all a lie?

He used them to bribe his way up so that he could get richer!

-Gosh. -Unbelievable.

We had no idea and just worked like dogs for years.

Gosh, that darned bastard.

I wish they'd take Lord Park too.

-I know. -Darn it.

But Lord Park can't do anything without the county governor.

Anyway, good riddance!

Totally.

We should celebrate finally getting rid of the county governor.

How about a party?

A party?

-Let's do it. -That is a great idea.

-Nice! -Let's throw a party.

-Yes! -We'll have fun.

By the way, why didn't they take that darned county clerk?

Right?

What do you mean?

What are you talking about?

Are you implying that I'm no different than him?

Do you know how much I suffered stuck in the middle?

Had it not been for me, all of you would've been flogged a dozen more times.

Who made sure it wouldn't happen?

Me! Okay?

Gosh, do you think I had it easy?

He even treated me like his servant!

You folks have no idea.

Gosh, that's not what we meant.

But you did many things that made us think that. Am I wrong?

-I'm-- -Enough! Goodness.

Stop crying.

Come with us. Let's celebrate.

-Yes. -Yes, let's go.

Let's celebrate together.

You know what? I stole some fine wine from the county governor.

My gosh, it's amazing.

-Is it? -It's incredible.

When is the best time to drink? Midday.

And what are we? We're one.

-Come on. Let's go. -We're one!

-Come on, quick. -All right, let's go.

-Let's go! -Hurry!

-Come on! -Let's go!

Did you...

send that threatening letter?

Yes, it was me.

And you call yourself a royal inspector?

What?

My wife and I nearly lost our lives because of that letter.

Oh, right.

I did not expect things would turn out like that.

I'm sorry.

By the way, did you know that I was a secret royal inspector?

You made it so obvious.

-How could I not have known? -What? I did?

I made it obvious?

A few days ago,

I stopped by the tavern.

Do you know

if my wife stopped by?

How would I know who your wife is?

You probably saw her at the recent banquet.

Had you not moved your feet like that, nothing would have happened.

And we wouldn't have had to endure such an ordeal.

Well, she did stop by.

But she left hurriedly.

I have no idea where she went.

Let me ask you something too.

I heard you recite a poem at the banquet.

Where did you learn that poem?

I do not know where or how I learned it.

The poem

just flew out of my mouth.

But that is the poem I submitted for the civil service examination.

My poem has spread to every corner of the country?

That is how you deduced that I must be a secret royal inspector?

That is why I wanted to pass the ledger on to you,

but you disappeared, so I was irritated.

How did the ledger end up in your hands?

Your wife gave it to me this morning.

Your Majesty.

No one has ever dared to harm the Crown Prince

and the Crown Princess of this kingdom.

It goes against neo-Confucian ideals and has wreaked havoc on the royal court...

so please depose the Queen

and Prince Seowon

to set a deterrent example and restore Your Majesty's dignity.

It's unreasonable to discuss ousting the two just because of a mere talisman.

Word on the street is that the Queen

had the Crown Prince murdered.

A virtuous politician should not be swayed by propaganda,

which will only blind him from the truth.

"Propaganda"?

I am certain that the talisman was not the only method

the Queen had employed to harm His Highness.

Attempting to harm the Crown Prince is a grave sin indeed.

However, it cannot serve as direct evidence

to prove that the Queen had him murdered. Therefore...

I will send the Chief Censor and Prince Seowon to Mount Cheonu...

to find conclusive evidence.

Your Majesty.

Entrusting Prince Seowon and the Chief Censor with the task

is akin to entrusting the sheep to the wolves.

How dare you speak to His Majesty in that manner?

Your Majesty.

Leave this matter to the special investigation committee.

Please reconsider.

How dare you!

Are you telling me that you wish to disobey my orders?

I apologize for not visiting you often.

Today, you had the sudden urge

to check in and see

how I have been doing?

I have suffered from countless nightmares since the beginning of the year.

Looking back...

I think that little gift from you must have been the culprit.

I prepared a small gift for you

to repay your kindness.

What is the matter?

Are you afraid that it might be a cursed talisman?

I thought you might find it useful should you ever leave the palace.

Do you like it?

Crown Princess.

I seem to have upset you.

I will be leaving, then.

My apologies.

I am pregnant.

Though I found out a while ago,

I could not inform you due to recent events.

I suppose the cursed talisman you placed in my chamber...

was not effective after all.

The horrendous murder of the Crown Prince

must be reinvestigated.

I will not make any decisions until we find out

who is behind these acts of treason.

Your Majesty.

Losing the support of the people is akin to losing your kingdom.

If you turn a deaf ear to the people's pleas,

you will lose their support.

The people

follow the light.

Hence, we will shed light on the truth

and move public sentiment.

The Chief Censor is right.

Your Majesty.

I decided to head the special investigation committee

to severely punish everyone who is responsible for the Crown Prince's death.

I conducted the investigation with utmost impartiality,

and we just

obtained solid evidence.

So why is it

that I seem to have lost Your Majesty's trust?

It is not that I do not trust you.

As a king, I ought to think about who will succeed the throne.

If Prince Seowon, now my only son, is deposed,

what will happen to this kingdom?

Is that Your Majesty's

only concern?

First Vice-Premier, are you not concerned about the future of this country?

If that is your concern,

you need not worry.

With all due respect, Your Majesty...

I must inform you that

you already have another heir.

First Vice-Premier.

What on earth do you mean by that?

Her Highness the Crown Princess...

is pregnant.

She is bearing the child...

of the late Crown Prince.

Your Majesty.

Congratulations.

Please accept my sincere congratulations.

-Congratulations. -Congratulations.

Congratulations.

-Congratulations. -Congratulations.

How did Hong-sim

figure out that he is a secret royal inspector?

Jeez, why did I even get married, then?

What? I'm taking this off to go to sleep.

Don't get the wrong idea.

Don't fall ill or injure yourself from now on.

Your body is no longer yours.

It's mine now.

Don't pick flowers again.

Wherever they are,

they're most beautiful when they stay there.

Living off the poor is not what a man should do.

Come to think of it,

she often speaks the Hanyang dialect without her local accent. Also...

Then don't read it.

"Yeon's face was glowing beautifully

under the moonlight."

She can read,

yet she doesn't try to earn money using that skill.

But why?

There are just a little over 500 households in Songju.

I will search the market.

You two search the private residences.

Do not show the portrait to anyone.

Some of the retired officials

may recognize His Highness.

Get moving.

What would you have done if the royal inspector hadn't shown up?

I really thought

the two of you would breathe your last.

I have a question.

You are full of questions.

Fine, what's your question? Fire away.

Do you know how Hong-sim

got separated from her brother?

Hong-sim?

She doesn't have a brother. She is an only child.

No, I heard...

she got separated from her brother.

He's probably just a friend.

She calls me her brother.

Don't you know the saying "A handsome man is everyone's brother"?

-Maybe she had a brother. -Jeez, you scared me.

What? What do you mean?

Her real family.

Wait, are you saying

Hong-sim is not Mr. Yeon's biological daughter?

He adopted her after his daughter died.

My gosh! I can't believe you kept this from me all this time!

You never asked.

That's why?

Can you...

tell Hong-sim to come to the barley field if you see her?

The barley field?

What will you do?

Gosh, don't mind someone else's business.

"Someone else"? He isn't just someone else!

He's-- Where is he going?

Hong-sim is so lucky.

Why so surprised?

I'm not surprised at all.

I just have the hiccups. That's all.

You're not on duty today.

Where have you been since last night?

And what's with that hand?

Oh, I was at the smoke signal station.

I had left something there.

The smoke signal station?

Our house is a mess now.

Your daughter was kidnapped,

and Won-deuk is injured.

In the midst of this chaos,

you went there to fetch something you had left behind?

Well, you know what my job is like.

You never know what could happen.

Do you know

how I could return safe and sound

when I was kidnapped by those ruffians?

That's obviously because you're a pretty good fighter.

Wrong. I owe it all to Won-deuk.

-What? -He came to rescue me.

With a tree branch alone, he single-handedly

took down four ruffians with swords.

His skills were incredible.

I guess he trained hard while serving in the military.

And we were dragged to the county office while you were gone.

There, he picked up a bow.

Had he never used one before,

he couldn't have handled it the way he did.

Who is he, really? Who is Won-deuk?

Gosh, what are you talking about?

He is Won-deuk. What kind of question is that?

Hold on.

Is that so?

Where did you say he was from?

Well...

On the way to the Zelkova Village,

turn toward the Chestnut Village and...

Lead the way. We'll go together.

Gosh, what is this about?

Won-deuk is Won-deuk.

Would I bring someone who is not Won-deuk and call him Won-deuk?

Tell me the truth.

Won-deuk...

Who is he, really?

Father!

Hong-sim.

I'm sorry.

I'm...

sorry.

Are you looking for something specific?

I'd like a pair of shoes

in blue and red silk with cherry blossoms.

Shoes embroidered with cherry blossoms?

Oh, right.

I just have this one.

Those are plum blossoms, not cherry blossoms.

Come on. They're almost identical. They both have five petals.

Plum blossom petals are round, whereas

each cherry blossom petal has a split at the end.

Really?

I had no idea.

I have no choice,

so I will take those.

Oh, sure. Just a moment.

Here you go.

Thank you.

SPECIAL THANKS TO AHN SE-HA

If I were really Hong-sim

and if you were really Won-deuk,

what would it be like?

Come here!

Come into my arms.

Come on!

Whoever he is,

it doesn't change the fact that you like him.

You two still haven't consummated yet?

Drink up and show her tonight that you are a real man.

I heard the delectable scent from this

drives men crazy.

A married couple

should sleep together.

Tonight, I will not let you go.

Subtitle translation by Liya Choi