Original subtitles

Thank you.

I hope this coarse wine doesn't offend your taste.

I don't care.

It's not what you drink but who you drink with that's important.

This is a hard life, my lord.

Life is harder for you, I'm sure.

Frankly, it isn't easy.

Abdicated King is not an easy man to serve.

I'm afraid his son the new King is even more difficult to serve.

He wants Joseon to have our own calendar science.

That's an interesting thought.

It's a dangerous thought.

Yes, it could be.

Hwang Hee is out of the question.

We have enough enemies to deal with in this Royal court without him.

Hwang Hee was behind Prince Yangnyeong to the end.

We all know that.

Then stop giving His Majesty this outrageous recommendation.

We must stop encouraging him to be an all-forgiving King.

My man.

Tell him to pick up his sword instead. Strike those who oppose him.

That's tyranny, not politics. Don't you know that?

Why don't we try looking at reality straight in the face for a change?

How do we distinguish what's politics and what's tyranny?

By determining whether it serves the people or not.

It's time for His Majesty to show his decisiveness.

We don't need anyone else to contend with Jo Malseng.

Just remove him.

Anyone who oppose for opposition's sake has to be removed.

How else are we to accomplish anything in this court?

I will have a talk with Hwang Hee.

Your Majesty!

How does Prince Yangnyeong fare lately?

I'm a humble farmer who gets up at dawn and works on the field all day.

How could I know the welfare of Royalty?

Five years of political alienation is enough to smooth out any jagged edges.

Do you want a compliant King?

I want a King who is good for the country.

Selecting a new King is the only way.

You have great stamina. You never get tired.

I must muster up every once of energy I've got.

I can't let the young King's childish pride ruin this country.

Choose a new King?

Jo Malseng dare intends to replace the King to better suit his taste?

Yes, Father.

I'm afraid this is all I have to give you, old friend.

You still haven't given me an answer.

It's not something an old farmer can help you with.

I'll see you again soon.

I may have nothing to give you next time.

My hens have not been very productive lately.

Hwang Hee... I'm wasting my time.

So many little stars...

His Eminence must have a lot on his mind as well...

Your Eminence!

Arrest Jo Malseng right now.

And I'll make you the next Minister of Military.

On what grounds?

High treason.

Get it done tonight.

What is it?

I have the former King's order to arrest you for high treason, sir.

What is the meaning of this tablet of authority, Your Eminence?

Park Sil, you bastard!

I could not find evidence of high treason from the senior minister.

Who told you to judge?

I am the one that makes decisions!

It's not to late. Take the criminal to confinement at once!

I'm afraid I cannot.

I beg you to rescind the order, Your Eminence.

- General Yi. - Yes, Your Eminence.

I'm ordering you. Arrest this man and...

I'm afraid I cannot, Your Eminence.

I'm still your faithful retainer, and I offer my last earnest council.

You held on to control of the military to guard against the King,

and it is you who ordered us to keep him in check.

Above all, it is not I but the King who is trying to put the country

in danger by challenging the Ming Emperor.

Even a crude warrior does not attack a man simply for posing a threat to

his family member without considering the circumstances.

You are the King Father.

Your sword should be aimed only against an enemy of the state.

Your Eminence, who is the enemy that threatens this state right how?

We can only aim our swords at that enemy.

Now we shall retire and await your order.

Jo Malseng has turned against the King Father?

The entire Ministry of Military has turned against him.

It's trouble, Your Majesty.

What is the meaning of this?

As you can see, we are vacating the Conference Hall.

I will not grant permission!

We do not request permission.

You're before the King! How dare you speak with such audacity!

What's the worst thing that can happen but death?

Of course he will go to his father about this first...

Minister Huh!

Guide the King well.

No one will be loyal to a King that

tries to wield his sword hiding behind his father no matter

how angry he is with the disagreeing ministers.

All of the senior statesmen have walked out?

But why?

I guess it means they don't want to discuss state affairs with the King.

It's just as well. All they ever do is oppose anyway.

They walked out on their own, so we'll just replace them

and start over fresh with new ministers. That is all.

Are you brainless?

Who is going to replace them?

Do you think this country is overflowing with talent?

Director.

His Majesty's desk will be buried with resignations from regional officials

all over the country in just a few days.

Regional officials?

Do you think those sly old snakes are just going to walk out and give up?

They will wield their political clout.

Now what?

Worst case,

complete paralysis of government and disintegration of orders.

All the while control of the military is intact in Jo Malsengs hands...

What could this imply?

You didn't know about this?

It happened so fast...

What is your opinion of Jo Malseng?

The truth is Ministry of Military his

never had a more competent leader in the last twenty years.

A competent leader...

He placed right men and right places and stabilized the

organization in a short time.

His handling of human affairs very fair,

so there are very little complaints within the organization.

But what he is most praised for is his compassion.

I'm told he empties out his own pocket to take care of families of his men

who are serving in the remote regions.

So they'll risk their lives to protect such superior...

What's the possibility that he is plotting high treason?

It is hard to say, but I do know that he has not made an attempt to stir up the soldiers.

His Majesty must be so frustrated...

Things have gotten completely out of hand.

Isn't there something we can do?

There's only one solution.

His Majesty has to give up this calendar science project.

I know you've worked very hard on this, but don't encourage the King anymore.

The royal authority might be threatened.

There he is!

It's Youngsil!

What brings you, Your Highness?

Show me Jongdaebu once more.

Jongdaebu?

Your Highness! Your Highness!

What happened?

What did His Majesty say?

He said he would have the palace searched and for you not to worry.

Did you tell him we've been searching

for the last two hours and that they may not be in the palace?

Forgive me, Your Highness...

Announce me.

He is in a meeting with the secretaries...

Please clear the room for a moment.

Now is not a good time.

I sent you word that the boys are missing

Please go back to your chambers and wait.

They're young children. They couldn't have gone far.

We will find them soon.

The palace is astir.

Ministry of Military has turned against the King Father.

Please leave now.

What if they hurt our children out of spite?

You are overreacting.

Do you blame me? This is the Royal palace.

Please go!

Find the children.

- You're their father, so find them yourself. - Must I do everything myself?

Your Majesty...

What is your job?

What else do you have to do other than taking care of the children?

Your Majesty! Your Majesty!

The Crown Prince and Prince Yu are back.

Where were you? You had me worried sick.

What happened?

They had come to the Bureau of Weaponry. So...

Bureau of Weaponry?

Don't you know that you're not allowed to leave the palace without permission?

They need to be disciplined.

This isn't fair, Father.

I told Hyang that we should ask you to show us Jongdaebu.

But Hyang said we couldn't...

Would you be quiet?

But it's the truth!

We can't talk to Father about Jongdaebu anymore.

Why can't we?

Because it's not his anymore.

I told Grandfather the secret, and got Father in big trouble.

So the stars don't belong to Father anymore.

They said he can't rule the sky even though he's the King.

And it's my fault. It's all my fault!

Hyang.

It's my fault.

But I wanted to see Jongdaebu one more time...

I wanted to show it to Yu...

I would have too.

If I found a constellation that only exists in Joseon's sky,

I would've wanted to share it with my brothers as well.

Can't I apologize to Grandfather?

Can't I get back the sky for you?

I want to find a way.

How could you get it back for me? It wasn't mine to begin with.

Then whose is it?

Does it belong to the Ming Emperor like Attendant Jeong said?

No.

Then...?

It doesn't belong to any one person.

It belongs to anyone who lives under the sky.

The skies of Ming belong to the people of Ming,

and the skies of Joseon belong to the people of Joseon.

So many owners?

Yes...

Then why do people say that it belongs to one person?

I don't know. I can't figure that out either.

The skies of Joseon belongs to the people of Joseon.

So it stands to reason that we should have our own way of deciphering it.

You are right.

But "The son of Heaven rules the skies.

It is blasphemous for a king of a small state to rule it."

You're right, too.

No, that's not my own belief...

They're both right?

What are you fellows doing here?

Well, we...

We were just passing by...

Lord Hwang.

I think to say that they are both right means they are both wrong.

What do you think?

I think that's right, too.

What brings Your Majesty to this humble cottage?

I like storybooks, so I thought I might mimic one.

I'll leave this here.

Would you take a look when you have time?

A busy farmer hardly finds time to read.

You're a pensive man, but you're quick to reject.

I am merely describing my occupation, Your Majesty.

I understand how you feel, so I will leave you now.

Oh, I almost forgot.

I like our farmers to be relaxed, not busy.

I believe having our own calendar science can make our farmers less busy.

What is your opinion?

I hope you will share your valuable insight with me next time I'm here.

Next time?

The story tells you to try at least three times.

What should I do with you? Charge you with high treason?

Your Majesty...

You had a secret meeting with my political enemy.

Thank you.

I'm sure it wasn't easy for you.

We apologize, Your Majesty.

All we knew about Hwang Hee was his reputation,

and we couldn't judge him based on his reputation alone.

That would have made us no better than the ministers who oppose for opposition's sake.

What do you think, Your Majesty?

Is Hwang Hee a valuable man worth three visits to the thatched cottage?

I still feel like Hwang Hee might be my biggest political enemy yet.

Three Visits to the Thatched Cottage...

The senior statesmen are refusing to come to work?

You must allow the new King to lead the country his own way.

What way is that?

That naive and unrealistic way where everyone is loved and forgiven including

those who conspire to commit high treason?

Would you rather he continued the violent, merciless rule where the

sword is the only thing that can maintain the regime?

Your Eminence...

The sword couldn't protect it either...

The sword was my only source of power, but I cut off my own limbs with that sword,

and now my own men have turned against me.

Is this what you call falling into your own trap?

Your Eminence...

Please don't get up. You need absolute rest.

Get me my medicine!

The Royal Dispensary is working on a potion...

Not the useless stuff, but the real thing that will extend my life.

Your Eminence...

I need to live another ten, no, another five years will do.

Perhaps I should've retired when they said I should...

Then I wouldn't have turned the entire military into my son's enemy.

Your Eminence...

I have to live. I need to live.

I can't die until Jo Malseng and his men...

those bastards who're trying to control the Royal house are destroyed.

My soul will not be able to rest in peace until then.

What are you waiting for? You heard the order!

Your Grace, but you know...

His Eminence is not ready to die. So extend his life!

Find the fountain of youth if ou have to.

Your Highness...

If you fail, you will die.

Can you give up on having our own calendar science?

What do you think my answer is?

If you will not give up, first you must distinguish yourself.

Go to the King Father.

And ask him to let it be known that you had nothing to do with his attack on Jo Malseng.

You call that earnest counsel?

We need to talk privately.

You must strike Jo Malseng at once. Charge him with high treason.

Then the ministers will insist that I strike our brother Yangnyeong first.

Then be it.

Go back.

Your Majesty...

Jo Malseng has compete control of this country's military. Don't you know that?

There's got to be a loophole. I will jump in and mobilize an army.

I cannot go to war against soldiers who protect my people.

Are you prepared to let Father die like this?

Are you sure you won't regret letting him die without retribution when his

most trusted subject has stabbed him in the back?

What do you mean let him die?

What are you doing here when you're busy chanting sutras?

Is archery boring you today?

Why? Are you going to join me?

Why don't we shoot a round?

You're no match for me.

Go see your mother if you have nothing to do.

He can't even shoot an arrow?

It's been many days now.

How is he?

Your Majesty...

I don't know about this.

How does it look?

Can we send the envoys on time?

Secretary Yun and

I can take care of the diplomatic documents,

but we haven't even begun to do the rest of the work.

How is it going over here?

We're so unfamiliar with this work...

What's going to happen if the regional government stops working?

Don't we have to find a way to put the officials back to work?

You're wasting your time.

My lord.

The King must give up this calendar science nonsense.

And the King Father must relinquish his right to military

control and retire completely.

Until these two conditions are met, we will not be going back to work.

How much longer do they intend to keep this up?

How much longer are they going to carry on with this audacious bullying

of the King and now the King Father?

Your Majesty...

Your Majesty...

I'm going to have to kill you.

And next is Jo Malseng.

I'll kill my own brother if that's what it takes to destroy Jo Malseng.

If anyone dare hurts my father and patronizes him,

I'll stop at nothing to destroy that person.

I know that the sword is the quickest solution.

So I intend to kill everyone that dare challenges my Royal authority.

"This country belongs not to the people but to the King and the Royal House.

So do not resist. Obey and agree unconditionally!"

Your Majesty...

Could you accept a King that asserts this?

It would be difficult.

But you won't do anything about it either, will you?

Because you're sick of politics.

Probably not.

That's why you are Joseon's biggest enemy.

Because inaction is worse than opposition!

I... guess I ruined everything.

This is not how Three Visits to the Thatched Cottage is done...

Three Visits to the Thatched Cottage...

How long have you...

A little while.

Please forgive me.

I made him King but didn't give him control of the military because

I didn't trust him completely, but I see now that he's got what it takes.

An eye for good men-he's got that.

I need you to help my son now.

Actually, you might work better with him than you ever did with me.

Your Eminence...

Don't interrupt. Just listen.

Don't pay attention to what he said tonight.

He didn't mean it.

He's just feeling sorry for his dying father. That is all.

Your Eminence, what do you mean?

It happens.

You will be just fine, Eminence.

Stop that.

Your Eminence...

Stop putting your hopes on the hopeless.

I'll send you a courtier's robe tomorrow.

Forgive me, but that is one command I cannot obey.

You would defy me again?

I don't deserve to return to service.

Do you regret supporting Yangnyeong?

If I did, I would heed your order to return to the royal court.

I dare say Prince Yangnyeong was like a son to me.

If a son is drowning, the father jumps in the water to save him knowing that

he is likely to go down with him.

No, I have no regrets.

Look.

But I am contrite.

Politicians are not to let feelings distort their judgment on anything

much less on selecting the next King.

I deeply thank you for thinking of me, Your Eminence.

But I am not worthy.

I guess I have no choice. You're so stubborn...

Forgive me.

But I will say this.

I know.

I know you protected Yangnyeong and backed him up,

but you were always correcting him and challenging him in his decisions.

He was young and you loved him, but Yangnyeong was not your son.

He was your master.

So he is responsible for what happened to him, not you.

I am asking you in earnest to give Doe a chance.

I know the King better than anyone. After all I am his father.

He's not like me or like Yangnyeong.

He knows how to appreciate people,

and most importantly he's wonderfully open-minded.

Don't let the King be alone for too long.

A busy farmer's life became too much for me.

Did you say you wanted to make our farmers less busy?

Then Your Majesty must rule the skies of Joseon.

You are right.

I know that the King's master is the people of the land.

That, too, is correct, Your Majesty.