Original subtitles

Royal Ancestral Shine

I don't see the Crown Prince.

But then again I suppose he doesn't need to be here.

Send for the Crown Prince at once.

Tell him to get here now if he doesn't want his mother dead!

Do you want to be the Crown Prince?

I'm asking you if you're prepared to handle being the Heir Apparent.

Does silence mean yes?

A private army?

Assemble a private army and safeguard Prince Choongnyeong's Royal Villa now.

How many times must I repeat myself?

Choongnyeong has no selfish ambitions.

That's no longer an issue.

Lord Jo!

His Majesty has already made his decision.

If a new Heir Apparent is to be selected,

Prince Choongnyeong is irrefutably the leading candidate.

The fight will begin whether the prince wants it or not.

Crown Prince's supporters will not quietly abide.

What do you think their next move will be?

Are you saying they are going to instigate a rebellion?

Does this mean we should

be glad that General Min has partial command of the military?

Please watch your tongue.

Words that cannot be recalled can cause you great evil.

The question is whether or not we can handle Yi Sookbun with

the Right Army alone.

What do you mean?

I thought Minister of Defense Yi Sookbun supports the Crown Prince.

Yi Sookbun has been having frequent contact with Consort Hyobin.

If Yi can shift sides relying on His Majesty's adoration for Hyobin,

it's a matter of time before he fawns over the new Heir Apparent.

Which side do I support?

Let us see what happens at the Royal Shrine first.

I can't figure out what His Majesty is thinking.

He was so adamant about preventing sibling rivalry before.

Why is he making things so complicated?

Perhaps we should proceed with the memorial service.

I'd like to have the newly invested Heir Apparent conduct the service.

Yes, of course.

What would you do if you were in my shoes?

I would abide by the law.

The law?

In the Royal house, there is an order in the line of succession.

You're late.

Forgive me, Father.

Do you know the purpose of this memorial rite?

Yes.

Then you should know what is expected of you.

Confess my transgressions at the altar of the royal ancestors?

- I can't do that. - Royal Attendant...

You want me to read this off like a parrot?

You will lose your position otherwise.

I cannot lie to the royal ancestors to save my position.

I am giving you a final opportunity.

Compose a Royal decree, Your Majesty?

Have two different ones ready.

What happens if he doesn't chose the Crown Prince?

The country will plunge into uncontrollable chaos.

You leave me no choice but to forsake you...

I said...

I would not be a parrot.

His Majesty says he will soon announce the decree, sir.

Which one will it be?

I, Great-grandson the Crown Prince Yi Jae, declare to my royal ancestors.

I have forgotten humility and caused great confusion in state

by violating the laws and traditions.

What's more, I have hurt my father by repeatedly defying him,

and brought shame upon my ancestors by doing so.

How could I ever undo the wrongs I have done?

I will work my hands to the bone until the day that I die

in service of this country to pay for my transgression.

A king less kingly than a king that misrules

is a king who cannot reflect on his own mistakes.

Crown Prince Yi Jae has confessed his mistakes before the Royal ancestors

and displayed courage to face punishment,

thereby proving himself worthy of the future throne.

At last today, Joseon has reclaimed its Crown Prince!

Does this mean we can relax?

For now...

The battle is just beginning.

Prime Minister...?

By reinstalling the Crown Prince that is already installed, His Majesty

publicly revealed his qualms about the Crown Prince's suitability.

We need to break the wings of those sought to undermine the Crown Prince.

Only then we would have won the fight.

Let us leave now, Your Highness.

What can I pay back for this humiliation?

Your Highness...

How can I win? How can I break the King?

You just confessed your errors moments ago. You mustn't say such...

Shut up! I wasn't talking to you.

You said you wanted to serve me.

You wanted to be my servant, not my brother.

Then serve your master.

If I want to assemble an army and strike back at my enemy,

you're supposed to stand at the frontline and take an arrow for me.

Isn't that what servants do?

Your Highness...

Why? You can't do it?

Answer me. What are you after?

What kind of answer do you want?

A truthful one.

Are you sure you're interested in the truth?

How dare you try to lecture me!

I just don't like your kind.

The kind that's always looks so calm and innocent...

with a face that says "I have no greed and no selfish ambitions."

"I did what I did with noble intentions for this stupid country Joseon"!

You really don't have any ambitions?

You honestly never thought about becoming the King

if I got bumped out of the way?

You have to find that answer within yourself.

Cut the word games!

Don't even think about making me a part of your problems!

And don't even dream about getting even with the Father.

Because there is no way you can ever defeat the King.

What?

You say that you don't like Father's ways.

You say that you're so angry that you want to break him,

but you're doing exactly what he does.

You make threats and you test people.

For as long as you behave this way, you will never defeat the King.

And if you're trying to test me, I refuse to answer your question.

I'm not a thirteen year-old child anymore.

You don't look very content. Is there something worrying you?

To look content would be a greater embarrassment.

After all we're getting paid to worry about the state.

Oh dear, you put me to shame.

I am the Prime Minister and

I can't even ease my subordinate's worries.

I better find a way to relieve your worries quickly.

Or you and the others might become absolutely miserable.

The Prime Minister is trying to get his hands on the Office of Slavery Reparations as well.

It could happen if His Majesty wants to destroy Prince Choongnyeong.

Pardon?

Oh dear...

I guess it's true that music can't be

acquired without time, devotion and practice.

Perhaps this geomungo should be in your keeping instead.

Give it time, devotion and practice.

And when you become good at it, play a tune for me.

What's a bookworm doing out here with a sword?

Would it hurt you to be different?

Couldn't you become a king who isn't so much like Father?

Not someone who is always

so cold and stern, but a king who is more like a brother, a friend, a father.

So...

So I could call you Brother...

... and really mean it.

Make way! Make way for the Royal Prince!

Get Prince Choongnyeong banished?

Yes, and get him out of the way for good this time.

His Majesty will send

you away first if you try to pull something like that.

We must get our hands on the Office of Slavery Reparations first.

Then the power and means to eliminate Choongnyeong will come with it.

No, no, don't get up.

What brings you here, Prime Minister?

There is a personnel matter I'd like to discuss with you.

Director Shim On of the Office of Royal Decrees is unsuitable as the

head of the Office of Slavery Reparations?

He certainly is qualified, but he is

indispensable in the Ministry of Rites.

Is that your sentiment as well, Minister Hwang?

Yes, Your Majesty.

Then let us consider a different candidate.

What now?

If Minister of Rites is backing them up as well, it's a matter of time

before they get control of the Office of Slavery Reparations.

Perhaps we should calm down and observe the developments.

For how long?

Until Prince Choongnyeong is completely destroyed?

Have a drink.

Was I being overambitious?

I've had the most peaceful political career in the last twenty years.

Not once have I been struck down.

Maybe it was because I only did what I was told and passed time

without taking any kind of risks.

Why would I be struck down when I don't do anything?

Minister...

Just a little bit of change...

I wanted to make this world just a little bit better and enable my young

son-in-law to pursue his grand dream...

But I might have driven him to his doom...

It's a beautiful instrument, Master...

What could my father be telling me by giving it to me?

Your Highness...

Enjoy art and music and live a life la hedonist.

That can't be what he meant.

Geomungo is a meditation tool for learned men.

So go forward, work hard, and become a worthy scholar

that will do great service for this world.

I'm sure that's what he meant.

I hope that's what he meant...

Is it hard to endure being misunderstood?

I don't know how much longer I can last, Master...

What is it?

"What is it?"

Have you been drinking?

Yes, I've been drinking.

You're busy, right?

So you can't care less about succession planning, right?

You're drink. Go home.

I'm not drunk.

What is the meaning of this?

Don't pretend like you're working.

Don't act like a noble patriot when you're the first one in line

to get in good with the Crown Prince the moment he is reinvested.

You make me sick!

Get this man out of here!

Let go!

You can't do this.

I can understand the others being fickle in this chaos,

but you are better than this!

This is not why you got alive from Dumundong!

This is wrong. This is not politics.

This is a dogfight!

You're all dogs fighting over a bone!

I said get him out of here!

Hopeless! This is completely hopeless!

This is not politics! This is a dogfight!

Your Highness!

Your Highness!

Councilor Yun...!

What brings you here at this late hour?

Just depend on me.

I'll protect you no matter who comes at you.

I know you better than anyone.

I know that you don't have an ounce of selfish ambition.

So don't be afraid.

I'll protect you even if I have to give up my own life.

I swear you will be safe,

so don't change that beautiful heart of yours, and do everything you want!

Councilor Yun...

Why did you have to be born a prince?

If you were born of an ordinary family,

you wouldn't have to deal with all this ugliness...

You would've had such a good life...

Maybe not as much as Councilor Yun, but I'm surprised

that you acted in support of them as well.

Who are "them"?

Are you trying to divide the court into two factions as well?

Sir...

Personnel selection is choosing the best man for a job,

not a tool to be used in a faction fight.

You want me to lead the Office of Slavery Reparations?

I'm giving you an opportunity.

An opportunity to protect you and gain the secure backing of the Crown Prince?

Let's get this straight. I'm giving your a chance to protect yourself.

You've got a pile of dirt yourself if someone decides to dig it up.

My lord.

Are you the one who wanted to see me, Prince Kyoungnyeong?

Please sit down.

I have company.

It wouldn't hurt you to sit down for a few minutes.

Who have you selected to oversee the Office of the Salvery Reparations?

How do you feel about Minister of Defense Yi Sookbun?

Minister of Defense?

That's not a bad idea.

But Your Majesty...

We must quickly launch the shipbuilding project

and install an artillery army in order to suppress the Japanese pirates.

To replace the Minister of Defense at a critical time like this would be unwise.

I agree with that as well.

Removing Shim On from the Ministry of Rites is imprudent as well.

Lord Kim can take over the Office of Royal Decrees.

You have years of experience in the Ministry of Rites.

Yes, but...

Let Lord Shim On handle the Office of Slavery Reparations.

But Your Majesty...

Any objections?

Of course not.

I am a soldier and my duty is to defend the country, Your Majesty.

I am giving you the sword.

But that sword must only be used to strengthen my authority.

If you attempt to use the sword for your personal gain,

be very clear that the sword will strike you first.

How did you know that the King's target was the merit subjects and

not Prince Choongnyeong?

His Majesty is not as cold as people think.

He won't be quick to hurt his children.

More importantly, he seriously doubts the Crown Prince's capability.

He wouldn't forsake a son that could possibly surpass the Crown Prince.

All you have to do now is to differentiate yourself from

Ha Ryun and the other merit subjects.

I owe you a huge favor for this, Prince Kyoungnyeong.

You can pay him back gradually with your teachings.

Shim On and not Yi Sookbun...

I guess he's going to pit the two brothers against each other again...

He's going to cut off the Crown Prince's arms and legs

and put them in a fight under water...

Then Your Highness, perhaps you can find a detour.

A detour...

Where were you about to go dressed in that manner?

I was told you wished to see me, Your Highness.

The queen must think a hundred times before taking one action.

You are better dressed than women who live in the palace.

Forgive me, Mother.

We did not know we would be weaving linen...

Even so, you are wearing too many ornaments.

You are seen by public as you enter and leave the palace every morning and night.

What would they think of the Royal house when they see you dressed like this?

They will criticize that

we are wasting taxpayer's precious money to live in a lap of luxury.

But then...

I suppose it would be unreasonable if I expected you to think that far.

This is why they say that not everyone is fit to be the mother of the state.

You have able hands.

Thank you, Mother.

I'm sure you're smart as well.

Mother...

It would help us all if you'd use your able hands to restrain your husband.

"If he engages in the service of the king, he will not claim success for himself".

A servant is to take pleasure from work and return the glory to his king.

It is one of the guiding principles the Prince has etched in his heart.

So please don't be overly concerned.

You cannot treat me this way.

I risked my life for this country.

I believe you were compensated for that.

Are you talking about that tiny house I got?

I didn't risk my life for peanuts.

We are working. Please leave us.

No.

I'm not leaving until you treat me like I deserve to be treated!

Then shall I have you dragged out?

Minister!

Must I show you how we punish those who interfere with official business?

When are you going to get yourself up from that mat?

Clean her up and make her look presentable.

Marriage brokers will be coming by starting tomorrow.

I guess things aren't going too well for you.

Is the royal court treating you like chopped liver

when you betrayed and sold out your own people for them?

Is that why now you're trying to sell me off to pull yourself up to a position of power?

Yes, let's see what you can do for me.

Who knows? Maybe you can make me a senior minister.

Stop dreaming, Father. I'd sooner die than...

Continue to defy me, and this woman will get hurt!

Do whatever you want if you want to hurt your dearly beloved

Youngsil's mother as well!

Obey him, my lady.

I'm not trying to protect myself.

I don't care what happens to me now that my son is gone...

You're alive...

Youngsil... you're alive!

A Buddhist mass?

That will bring you some comfort.

You lost a golden opportunity.

And you got lucky.

Lucky?

If I had become the new Crown Prince,

your days would be much lonelier than they are now.

Kid...

At your service, Your Majesty.

I called you to tell you who your first target is.

What is the meaning of this?

We're arresting those who delude the world and deceive the people.

Delude the world and deceive the people?

It is the state's policy to promote Confucianism and repress Buddhism.

But these monks have violated these policies and enticed a Royal Prince

and the Abdicated King with their guileful tongue to ignore them as well.

So in other words, the King has ordered you to repress me?

He ordered me to protect the elder of the Royal House from guileful monks.

How dare he...

If your intent is not to undermine the authority of the King,

I respectfully ask for more prudent conduct, Your Highness.

The old man must be fuming mad...

He may not be ready to strike the sword, but perhaps you can let him vent his rage.

Vent his rage?

They finally settled the successor issue and got it out of the way.

I don't think it would hurt us to shake it up again.

What brings you?

I heard you were not well.

It's a malady caused by rage, I'm told...

You certain are well-informed.

A palace attendant had mentioned it to one of my deliverymen.

You should leave.

I'd like to help you get better.

Isn't retribution only way to relieve such malady?

How is he?

You should have stopped him from going to the temple.

But it takes unfortunate incidents like this to get you out here now.

Why would I stop him?

Stop.

May I please speak to you alone?

I'm not in the mood.

I don't want to make problems for you by making a scene.

What did you want to tell me?

Aren't you going to ask me how I am first?

You haven't answered any of my letters.

Don't.

It's no fun when a wench gets clingy.

Just your heart...

It's okay if you don't come to see me, but just tell me that I am in your heart.

Please...

What is the meaning of this?