Original subtitles

(This program is a work of imagination...)

(based on historical figures.)

(It may include fictitious details and psychological description.)

Magistrate.

Who is it?

Magistrate.

Are you the revengeful ghost...

that kills the magistrates appointed...

in the town every time?

Show yourself right now.

Magistrate.

Magistrate.

Magistrate.

Magistrate.

- Bok Yeon. - Bok Yeon.

- Bok Yeon. - Are you okay?

Guys.

This is it for today.

- What's this? - What?

- Read more. - I want to hear more.

- Quickly. - Read the rest of it.

- Read it. - I want to hear it.

- Please. - Read for us.

(Episode 1)

I enjoyed the story.

I liked the story.

Here.

I embroidered it myself.

This is a lot for my storytelling.

Thank you for your generosity, Maid Bae.

Do you think people will buy something like this as well?

It's really bad, isn't it?

Since I sell everything at once, they will pay for this too.

Come out quickly, Mi Geum.

I said I want to hear the rest of the story.

Next time. We all should return to our duty.

I am off duty.

You can tell me first.

Why do you want to listen by yourself?

We agreed to hear Duk Im's story together at the agreed time.

I will pay.

Next time when they can listen together.

I said I will pay you a lot.

- What is wrong with her? - You crossed the line.

We are colleagues. What are you doing?

Are you all right, Duk Im?

I'm sorry. I didn't mean to throw it at you.

I will read three books for you next time.

I will take this as a deposit.

What? Okay.

You have no pride.

Do you still want to take her money?

Who cares? I am fine as long as I can earn money.

I am 95 yang short of 100 yang now.

Why do you even need 100 yang?

Why do you need such a large sum of money?

I have a story.

What kind of big story is it?

It is a secret.

I'm curious. Tell us about it.

Then how about this?

When I make 100 yang, I will tell my secret...

to the person who paid the last one yang.

If you want to know quickly, pay a lot of money for my stories.

Never mind. I am not curious.

Let us go.

The court ladies are here! Hurry and come!

The court ladies are here!

Hurry up and come.

Oh, no. Hurry up.

Wait.

How did you discipline the children?

My apologies.

I think we can go out now.

- No. - Be quiet.

They must have gone by now.

("Tale of Janghwa and Hongryeon")

One from the Sewing Department for the Crown Princess.

One from the Washing and Bathing Department for the King.

One from the Laundry Department for the Crown Prince.

And one who waits closely on the Crown Prince.

Was this the first time you read books for money today?

- Yes, my lady. - Yes, my lady.

Who started this?

- Bring it. - Yes, my lady.

This is a rare item imported by interpreters from the West.

There is an animal...

that bites off liar's hand inside.

If you did not tell lies,

put your hand in to touch the animal.

Open your hands.

I lied about the animal inside.

There is ink inside.

Liars would have not dared to touch it.

So their hands must be clean.

The honest ones would not have to worry.

So their hands must be dirty from the ink.

Except for that girl, cane the others 20 times.

Yes, my lady.

My lady.

The one who started the story time session...

is me.

I was the storyteller who read books for everyone.

So you lied to me?

- Yes. - Why did you touch the ink then?

Were you not afraid of the animal?

Please forgive me for overstepping my bounds,

but I...

thought you lied to us.

Why?

If animals that bite off liar's hand really existed,

there is no way my hands would still be intact.

I like your answer.

I pick you.

What is your name?

I am Sung Duk Im.

Sung Duk Im.

It is a pass.

It is a pass.

In such a short time,

you have mastered both "Eojesanghun" and "Eojejohun".

I am just impressed.

It is all thanks to you, master.

Your Highness.

I cannot approve your last answer.

Pardon?

(Fail)

I have made a mistake.

A mistake?

I cannot believe it.

Still, that is very amazing.

No, master.

I made a mistake because I did not concentrate.

I ask you to scold me.

I will not leave this place tonight...

and read all night long.

Royal Noble Consort Yeong has passed away.

Royal Noble Consort Yeong has passed away.

Royal Noble Consort Yeong has passed away.

Your Highness.

Royal Noble Consort Yeong has passed away.

Grandmother...

Grandmother.

Are you sure you can do it?

It is better than all of us getting whipped.

Hey. How can you go there alone at this hour?

How can Head Lady Cho order such an errand?

Visit the late Consort Yeong's funeral?

That does not make any sense!

Girls. Do not worry. I can do it.

- Bye. - You will not be able to do it.

Do you know how to get to the secret garden?

I know it so well.

I am lost.

Help me.

Anyone?

I am lost.

Is anyone there?

Young Hee.

Young Hee.

Bok Yeon.

Lady Seo.

Is he still reading?

The King has banned people from mourning.

What else can he do?

I cannot believe the King's decision.

Consort Yeong is still...

the Crown Prince's biological grandmother.

You want to meet Consort Yeong?

I heard she is gravely ill.

San.

I like that you are kind-hearted.

But...

you cannot meet her for personal matters.

I beg you, Grandfather.

Still, she is my grandmother...

Stop it!

If she is your grandmother,

is the prince who died in 1762 your father?

Crown Prince Sado who died as a criminal.

If he is your father,

you must live your whole life as the son of a criminal.

No. No, Grandfather.

I will never beg you again...

to allow me to meet Consort Yeong.

Please forgive me this once.

Who is it?

I am telling you.

I am not afraid of ghosts.

I mean... I mean it.

I am not afraid of...

I am not...

I am not afraid.

Hey.

Hey. Do you know how to get to Consort Yeong's house?

No?

Hey!

You scared me.

- Be careful. - I will.

- Light the way. - What?

Okay.

Be careful. We are here.

A maid out of nowhere?

What if she is a fox in disguise?

He is a friend of the son of the Crown Prince,

and he is running an errand for the prince?

In the middle of the night?

Is he really a friend of the prince?

What is your name?

Why should I tell my name...

to a lowly court maid?

Hey.

Do you think you have the world because you are the prince's friend?

I can be senior fifth rank court lady in the future.

Is that so?

Senior fifth rank court lady, my foot.

Hey.

Even if I don't do anything,

I will be a senior rank court lady one day.

Even if you are the prince's friend,

you do not even have a chance without taking the state exam.

State exam?

I do not need to take it.

Is that so?

Then you are lower than I am.

Hurry up.

What are those lights for?

If you follow those lights,

you can reach Consort Yeong's house.

What are you doing?

We have to ask them to open the door.

- No. - Why not?

Actually...

I am here without permission.

You are crazy.

You are not allowed to come here without permission.

They said men who sneak into a consort's palace...

will be executed.

Do you think they will forgive you because you are young?

Then what do you want me to do?

Consort Yeong has left.

She is gone for good.

If I took action more quickly,

I would have been able to see her one last time.

I...

am a coward.

Hurry and come down.

You should bring your shoes.

Why is there no one?

Consort Yeong.

It is me.

San is here.

I wanted to say this in person.

That I did not mean...

what I said at that time.

I was going to say this.

Did you...

tell Grandfather...

to kill Father?

Is that true?

Yes, Your Highness.

You are Father's mother.

What kind of mother kills her own child?

Father died because of you.

How could you do it as his mother?

Are you all right, Your Highness?

Do not act like you are worrying about me.

You said you were worried about Father as well.

If I become like Father,

will you abandon me as well?

I...

killed your father.

But I did not apologize...

even for once.

Everything...

is my fault.

My poor Crown Prince.

Do not forgive me.

Crying too much is not good for your body.

Her Highness would not want that to happen.

You are wrong.

She must hate me.

Because of all those cruel words I said to her.

She must hate me so much.

Her Highness would understand all your feelings.

How can a dead person know that?

She knows because she is dead, you fool.

The dead know everything.

Even the feelings you were hiding without telling them.

There is proof as well. Do you want to hear?

What is it?

Did you see the light on the way here earlier?

It was windy but it was not blown out.

It was Her Highness welcoming you.

"Welcome. I missed you."

"It is dark. Look at the light and watch your step."

Do you not know that was what she was saying?

Do you think she really said so?

I said she did.

I got to know about Her Highness thanks to you.

She was a good person.

I was scared to see her lying down like that earlier.

I am not scared anymore.

It is all thanks to you.

Thank you, San.

How do you know my name?

You said it yourself earlier.

- What is your name then? - My name is...

All rise for the King.

Hurry up.

Move over.

Open the door.

You cannot go in, Your Majesty.

Consort Yeong gave me...

as many as six children.

And I am not allowed to watch the coffin carried out of here?

It does not make sense.

It is the rule.

Leave.

It is always the rule.

Who are you?

Your Majesty.

I am a young maid from East Palace.

I came to send off her spirit.

Raise your head.

You look like Princess Hwapyung when she was little.

Come here.

She...

did something great...

for me and the country.

But I...

am not even allowed to watch her coffin carried out of here.

Because no king...

did that for his consort.

It is heartless, is it not?

What do you think?

What you said is right, Your Majesty.

Is it?

You are right, Your Majesty.

Even this young maid...

knows about loyalty.

Since you said you came to pay your respects,

watch her...

with me.

When she was young,

she was a beautiful woman.

She was a court lady like you.

Her sleeves were very red.

But it broke my heart to see them.

Why do you ask?

Court ladies...

keep their sleeves red...

to symbolize...

that they belong to their king.

At that time,

I was just a mere prince from a concubine.

I couldn't dare dream of becoming a king.

However,

time passed,

and I became a king as the heavens wanted.

Along with the throne,

this woman became mine.

Then I was mistaken...

that everything would be under my control.

Why was that a misunderstanding?

You are a king, so you get to do everything you want.

There are so many things...

that a king cannot do.

If you find out,

you'll be flabbergasted.

This ice may be cold,

but not as much as my heart.

I really...

did lose her.

Now,

I might never come here again.

Now that we met like this tonight,

I shall give you a gift.

Let me think.

By the way,

what...

kind of court lady do you wish to be?

I...

want to be a court lady with beautiful handwriting.

So you want to be good at handwriting.

Here, take this.

("Moral Education for Women")

Consort Yeong wrote this book herself.

Isn't it too precious for me to keep it?

The heavens must've guided us to meet here tonight.

You're the Crown Prince's maid, right?

Yes, Your Majesty.

Who knows? Your fate...

might turn out similarly to this book's owner.

("Moral Education for Women")

I wonder if San went back safely.

Did I really meet the King?

("Moral Education for Women")

My lady.

You managed to run my errand.

It must've been frightening.

- Good job. - My lady.

Why did you make a young maid like me...

to pay a visit...

to the funeral of such a noble consort?

I wanted you to see...

the last of the senior first-rank consort.

A court lady cannot die in the palace.

Only the royal family can die in the palace.

Court ladies must leave the palace once they become old and sick.

No matter what kind of authority they have in life,

their last is bound to be...

so meaningless and miserable.

But there's one way...

to die in the palace.

A king's grace.

If a king makes you a noble consort,

you gain the right to die here in this palace.

Look.

You can have that honour only if you become a consort.

Every court lady dreams of this last.

Do you also want to be like her?

I...

do not understand...

what you mean.

You have a beautiful face.

I bet you'll become more beautiful as you grow up.

Watch this closely.

And start dreaming.

This sure can be your future too.

His Highness wants to have...

a ginseng stew for today's late-night snack.

I'll let the Dessert Department know.

Yes, my lord.

You cannot risk yourself like this.

Thank you for helping me not to get caught.

But stay out of it.

I'm being fussy...

not just because you left your place.

I found this book at your library.

You hid it behind other books,

but anyone could find this if they put their mind to it.

Put it back to its place right now.

No, burn it immediately.

His Majesty has forbidden this book.

You cannot read something this dangerous.

What if I read it on purpose?

Because my grandfather ordered to forbid this book,

I read it on purpose.

I know...

you think of me as my grandfather's puppet.

Your Highness.

I do not think of you as his puppet.

You rather amaze me.

Your existence has me in awe.

No one in this world is like you.

I'm blessed to be able to serve you as my master.

One day, you will take the throne...

and make a new world.

I, Hong Duk Ro,

want to witness that new world.

I hope...

to be with you at all times.

You'll always be with me.

Because my grandfather sent you to me.

Your job is to watch every move I make...

and report it to him.

Put the book back to its place.

Yes, Your Highness.

In line!

This kind of chance doesn't come by so often.

Sung Duk Im is here to read a book for you.

Now, get in line.

I'll give you this. Read my book in return.

- Stop. - Gosh.

Get in line.

You can't cut in line.

Whoever pays me the most,

I'll read the one she wants.

"Tale of Hong Gye Wol" for today.

- My lady. - My lady.

- Ouch. - Where are you going?

- Duk Im. - Duk Im.

- Duk Im. - Duk Im?

You brat.

You got scolded for this only a few days ago.

But...

it pays me the most to read books for them.

Stop with that talk about money.

But you told me that my wish would be granted...

if I could save 100 yang.

Fine.

Let aside your money saving,

you shouldn't neglect studying.

You're the Crown Prince's maid.

You need to be educated to be able to serve him properly.

Honestly, I don't want to serve him.

- What? - I won't get paid...

for serving him with hard effort.

I just want to work at a remote place.

You brat.

You shouldn't say such a thing.

The Crown Prince's maid...

must put the biggest importance on His Highness.

What if something bad happens to him?

You'll be in serious trouble.

(Leaving the palace)

"Leaving the palace."

- "Leaving the palace." - "Leaving the palace."

Louder. "Leaving the palace."

- "Leaving the palace." - "Leaving the palace."

If a royal passes away,

all their court ladies...

must leave...

the palace immediately.

If you don't want to leave,

take good care of your highness.

Understand?

- Yes, my lady. - Yes, my lady.

Let's take a short break.

Oh, gosh.

Here. You didn't get to read it for me.

Make sure you do it next time.

The Crown Prince...

What?

Long live the Crown Prince!

I'll teach you something very important from now on.

Close the doors.

- Yes, my lady. - Yes, my lady.

What I'm about to tell you...

is the taboo in the palace.

There's a forbidden book in the palace.

If you get caught reading it, you'll be punished gravely.

Once, a eunuch from the Grand Palace got caught reading it.

His throat was slashed right at the spot.

This is the book...

the eunuch read.

("Records of")

("Records of the Grand Historian")

His Majesty's birth mother was from a humble family.

A female servant who became a court lady.

A lowly servant.

But there had to be this phrase...

in the book.

(Your mother is a servant.)

Duk Im, translate this.

"Your..."

"mother is..."

"a servant."

"Your mother is a servant."

Because of this phrase,

the King despises the book.

Keep in mind.

Never read or keep this book.

Do you understand?

- Yes, my lady. - Yes, my lady.

My lady, are you asleep?

What?

What is the Crown Prince like?

Is he healthy?

You couldn't care less about him until yesterday.

I have nowhere else to go...

other than this palace.

He is healthy.

He will live a very long life.

That's a relief.

Duk Im.

Yes?

You work for the Crown Prince.

And the Crown Prince is your master.

You must be proud...

of serving and protecting him itself.

If your job feels meaningless,

your life will be meaningless just the same.

Don't let that happen.

Yes, my lady.

Let me go to the toilet.

I'll go alone.

Are you sure about the promise?

My princesses will marry the minister's sons?

Yes, as long as you pull it off.

Name anything.

He got a chance to dethrone the Crown Prince.

The Crown Prince read the forbidden book.

My goodness.

The King hates that book to death.

The book is in his library.

Let His Majesty know of this.

Soon,

the King will have breakfast in your place.

Okay.

He got a chance to dethrone the Crown Prince.

So, I should tell Court Lady Seo first.

And...

You work for the Crown Prince.

And the Crown Prince is your master.

I work for the Crown Prince.

The Crown Prince is...

my master.

The book is in his library.

Grandfather.

It is my fault.

I will never disobey you again...

or let you down.

Please forgive me.

My goodness.

I was very nice to the prince.

I cherished him so much!

Queen Hong. You answer me.

What have I not done for him?

You have...

always looked after him with...

Shut your mouth!

Then why did he disdain me?

Right.

He despised me because I am the son...

of a lowly servant.

Yes. That must be it!

He is just like his father.

He is just like his father!

Get out of my way.

Listen!

What on earth are you doing?

Bring the book the prince read.

Before I dethrone him,

I am going to check with my own eyes.

- Now! - Yes, Your Highness.

What is the matter?

I heard the class was cancelled.

So I decided to read some books.

Leave the palace.

I said, leave the palace.

I am the Crown Prince's friend.

I will follow his order.

He has not told me to leave the palace.

Everyone. Search thoroughly.

- Yes, sir. - Yes, sir.

Sir. It is not seen anywhere.

Search thoroughly again.

Under the desk and behind the folding screen.

Do not miss anything.

- Yes, sir. - Search thoroughly.

- Yes, sir. - Yes, sir.

I have found it.

This is not the one.

Have you still not learned the letters yet?

I am sorry, sir.

- Search again. - Yes, sir.

(Your mother is a servant.)

("Records of the Grand Historian")

("Records of the Grand Historian")

Everyone. Stop.

The book is found. Let's return to the King's palace.

- Yes, sir. - Yes, sir.

The whole world...

calls me the King and bows at me.

But behind my back,

they say I am the son of a lowly servant and laugh at me.

Did you...

also deceive me like them?

I did not deceive you.

What?

I broke the taboo and read the forbidden book.

Since I dared to disobeyed your royal command,

I shall be punished.

If you dethrone me, I will obey it.

However, Grandfather,

I have never deceived you once.

I could have lied that I did not read the forbidden book.

But I did not.

Not lying to you.

I believe that is the only way...

I could show you my sincere heart.

That day in 1762,

you could have taken my life away too.

Yet, you saved me,

protected me,

proclaimed me as the Crown Prince...

and chose me as your successor.

I am sorry I could not return your favour.

How arrogant.

Without knowing how to lie,

you wanted to succeed my position?

Your Majesty.

We have found the book in the East Palace library.

You did? Let me see.

It is ripped.

San.

Did you rip this book?

I ordered not to read this book.

To keep my command,

you ripped this book on purpose.

Yes, Grandfather.

I have ripped the book.

I was afraid I would read the part you ordered not to read.

So I'd ripped that page in advance.

Yes! You should!

That is my grandson!

I did not know...

how much you care about me.

Just because I heard you had read the forbidden book,

I got angry.

What should I do?

Oh, no.

Your hands are cold.

What are you doing? The Crown Prince is shivering.

Bring my robe.

Now!

Give it to me.

Here.

It is all good.

Your Highness, your friend Hong Duk Ro is here.

I heard you were looking for me.

I called you to ask some questions.

The book was ripped.

The part His Majesty...

had banned to read.

Did you rip it?

Was it you?

Your Highness.

Actually...

Yes, it was me.

I was scared His Majesty would get angry at you.

Thank you, Duk Ro.

You saved me today.

I will never forget what you did for me today.

It was nothing. I should thank you for your generosity.

Always stay with me.

When I take the throne,

I will pay back your loyalty.

Your generosity is immeasurable.

I thought Duk Im was supposed to take a class with us today.

We were supposed to do it, but I have no idea where she is.

We were planning to sneak into the Royal Kitchen tonight.

She will not ditch us, will she?

Why is it just the three of you? Where is Duk Im?

We have not seen her all day either.

- That is true. - She is right.

- We will get going. - We will get going.

- We will get going. - Hurry up.

Why is Duk Im, that little kid, not coming?

What kind of prank is she up to?

Where did you go after skipping the class?

My lady.

Duk Im!

Your cold will get worse. Please go back to the palace now.

I am fine now, Mother.

What were you doing?

I was just...

watching.

The place I will live in for the rest of my life.

About the favour you asked of me last time.

Did you find her?

I heard the young maid you were looking for...

had left the palace already.

She left? How?

She said she was a maid at East Palace.

I, the owner of the palace, is alive. She cannot leave.

Let us assume she left.

Leaving is better than dying.

What do you think will happen...

if His Majesty finds out about your visit to Consort Yeong?

Not only you, but also the young maid...

will receive a heavy punishment.

Do not be so disappointed.

As time goes by, he will forget about Consort Yeong.

I will find her for you then.

No. You do not need to.

What you said is right.

It is no good for me to meet the young maid again.

I am the Crown Prince.

And she is a mere young maid.

We cannot be friends,

nor sit together and see each other's face like we're equal.

As you said she had left the palace,

I will believe so.

I will not search for her anymore.

Your Highness, are you looking for someone?

No, I am not.

- Your Highness. - Your Highness.

- Your Highness. - Your Highness.

- Your Highness. - Your Highness.

Your Highness.

Your Highness.

My lady.

If I ever see you again,

I just wanted to thank you.

For staying with me...

on the day I was hurt the most.

Crying too much is not good for your body.

But it is better for you to stay away from me.

Those who are with me will be in danger.

Whatever danger I may face,

I will stay with you.

I know.

Thank you.

("Moral Education for Women")

("Moral Education for Women")

(Your mother is a servant.)

I'm sure I saved the Crown Prince at that time.

If I told him this,

would he make me a consort?

I should be grateful that I'm still alive.

I was so fearless back then.

Sure, I was.

Let's go.

Lady Sung, aren't you on duty today?

I changed it to tomorrow. Today's my day off.

Hey, Sung Duk Im!

You put a frog in our sock, didn't you?

No, not this time. I swear.

Stop right there.

I apologize, my lady.

Sung Duk Im.

Yes, my lady.

I hear your handwriting is pretty nice.

Will you write a letter on my behalf later?

Sure.

Duk Im.

Your friends have been waiting for you.

I know. I'm on my way.

It's not that way.

I'm taking the shortcut. I'm late.

("Tale of Kwak and Jang")

(Special thanks to Nam Kee Ae and Ha Seok Jin for their appearance)

(The Red Sleeve)

Your Highness, I've committed a mortal sin.

Gosh, you met my brother?

I can't dare look at his face.

Are you the librarian maid?

What is your name?

- Hong Duk Ro. - Master Hong?

A tiger came in Hansung and killed 12 people already.

The soldiers...

must not be mobilized to kill the tiger.

If you make a move now, His Majesty will hear it.

I know it's dangerous. But you're the only one.

No one else can do this.