Original subtitles

So what are you saying?

That if we hadn't covered up this filthy crimes and made a deal,

Youngsil would never have been given his post and

the astronomy project would be dead right now

because Jo Malseng would've snitched on us?

Don't...

And now he's taking the central army to the northern states

when the northern states might as well be his home turf.

Secretary Yi is going with him.

This man is thinking about bringing the King down from the throne.

You think a helpless desk jockey can stop him?

Darn it!

Stop it.

Stop it!

I said stop it!

Stop what?

How?

Get a grip on yourself.

Who knows what insane truth will come up next?

Hey, did any of you bastards betray the country?

Bastard!

Was it fun?

Did you enjoy watching me groveling to that bastard Jo Malseng?

Was it fun for you when I said things like

"He's a decent guy", "I'm impressed" and "He has a candid side."?

Was it fun to watch, you bastard?

There's not one single normal man in this freaking place!

Ogen?

What is it?

... Sir!

Your Grace.

Would you go on a trip with me?

Boo!

Later... Let's do it later...

We will talk later, we will take that trip later,

and perhaps I can grant you your wish later, too.

We'll do everything... later...

Our good daughter Jeongso

always says "okay" to everything.

She's always been such a tolerant and patient little girl.

Why did she let go of Mommy's hand so quickly today?

She's never defied me before.

She always waited and hung in there like a trooper until I said it's okay to let go.

This is an unfamiliar picture.

She hungered for her father's affection.

She yearned to be in your arms, and she's finally getting her wish.

I always thought there would be a tomorrow...

Let's do it.

You're right.

Let's restore Lord Shim On's name and prosecute those accountable for his death.

Jo Malseng is the one who forced the King to authorize the unjust sentence.

Charge him with bribery, too.

He had Lord Shim Killed to protect his power so he could protect his wealth.

Prosecuting judge was Yu Jeonghyun, and Huh Jo and Byun Gaeryang made the arrest.

Huh?

Do we have to involve Director Byun?

I'm one of them, too.

So call for dismissal of Huh Jo and Byun Gaeryang as well.

But...

Do it.

We can't win without sacrifice.

But this is...

Don't look at me. He's right.

I'll get the Inspector General moving, so you guys take the Censors Office.

We need investigation orginizations and censorate officials involved

to immobilize them simultaneously.

I'm...

... against it.

Don't be swayed by emotions. We don't like this anymore than...

I'm against dredging up Lord Shim's restoration on the table.

But why?

His Majesty held back. His daughter was dying.

It was her last wish, but he still held back.

He didn't want the fight.

Are you sure it's not because he needed these men?

Whether or not they are responsible for his father-in-law's death, he needs them.

Why does he need them? For what?

To make sorted deals in secret rooms and undermine the government?

They're more capable than we are. You know that.

Then they should at least show sincere remorse!

Lord Shim was a victim of closed-door politics.

They put him in a mask of a traitor behind closed door and killed him.

And now we're forced to make deals behind close doors and

over up corruption just to keep the government running

because we're neglecting to settle this disgusting past.

The King has lost his daughter. It's hard enough for him as it is.

We can't let her death be in vain so he will gather strength.

Your Majesty.

A mortician is here from the state funeral office.

Your Majesty...

I will tell them to come back later.

No.

That won't be necessary.

Let the child go now.

I want to release her.

I don't want her trapped in this palace anymore.

We can't rectify this government without purging corruption.

If this closed-door politics continue, any one of us could be the next victim.

If a man becomes a political scapegoat, his family becomes a victim as well.

Please remember the dying wish of a young princess whose righteous and

pure-hearted dream of restoring her innocent grandmother's freedom was

shot down and rejected.

History will remember your patriotism for a long, long time.

Inspector General's Office

What are you men doing?

Rectifying history.

Are you out of your minds?

A morning meeting?

You mean His Majesty is at the audience hall?

Yes, sir.

Oh, dear...

I had urged him to put the meetings

on hold for a few days for the princess's funeral...

His Majesty knows that we can't afford to do that right now.

He remembered in his state of mind that

we need his final authorization to send out the central army?

I'm afraid the central army isn't going anywhere with

or without the King's final authorization.

Whatever do you mean?

They're rectifying history.

They want to restore the good name of Shim On, the King's father-in-law.

What?

This is kill list, so take a look.

The Inspector General and the Censorate Office is churning out petitions,

so no one on this list will be going anywhere until this matter is resolved.

Is this your work?

Were in the middle of a research, sir.

What is this?

Would you read back the part that you feel is false in that statement?

Don't you know the state this county is in right now?

In rectifying history, there is no better time than the present.

What are you after? What do you want?

Political cleansing of course.

Those who turned a blind eye to the truth,

those who aided in perversion,

whose who cowardly stayed in silence,

they all have to be eliminated...

... including myself.

Director Byun.

Can you see this through to the end?

Director.

If you're going to do this, do it right.

My father's restoration?

The Hall of Worthies, Inspector General

and the Censorate Office are working on this together,

so there is hope.

Is this His Majesty's decision?

Of course not. He wouldn't be able to make such decision.

Your Highness...

After all, he was the one that authorized my father's arrest.

Jeongso loved you so very much.

I'm sure she wants you more than anyone else to send her off...

But I can't even ask you to come in out of fear of public eyes.

I finally feel at ease.

You will be a good mother to the people.

My child.

Don't blame yourself. This is not your fault.

Mother...

It's not your fault.

I-I killed her, Mother.

I sat there with my phony smile and a blackened heart

loathing the gods, hating, cursing and resenting my own husband,

even my sick dying father-in law.

I'm getting punished, Mother.

Heaven struck my poor child to punish my evil heart.

It's my fault. I killed her.

I killed my own baby.

No, it's not your fault!

Oh, my poor child...

Why are the gods so cruel to you?

Oh, my poor child...

How will you endure such a painful loss? My poor child...

You must deny the petition.

Deny the petition?

Only a tyrant denies the censorate's petition.

Do I have to explain our current state of affairs?

Are the censors wrong?

Your Majesty...

I'd like to hear what you think.

Was Lord Buwon Shim On a criminal of high treason?

No, he was not.

Then you shouldn't be urging me to deny the petition.

We cannot tie down Huh Jo, Byun Gaeryang and Jo Malseng who are

scheduled to be dispatched to Ming and to the border states over this.

Secretary Yun.

Yes, Your Majesty.

I cannot find just cause to deny this petition,

so have them choose alternate men to be dispatched for the assignment.

Your Majesty...

Do you think anyone else can do this job?

We'll find someone that can.

We don't have a lot of time.

I know, sir.

These jobs are for Jo Malseng and Huh Jo. There is no one else.

Don't be like this, sir. You're being unreasonable.

His Majesty started this.

His Majesty has no grounds to deny the petition on.

You mean he has no desire to deny the petition.

He wants political revenge. That's the bottom line.

Don't use that word revenge in haste. Lord Shim On was not guilty.

If he was not guilty,

everyone who accused him of high treason and put him to death is.

If this is not revenge what is?

Deliver my message to the King.

We will accept this fight. We got his message loud and clear.

Now are you going back into the secret room again?

Should I call the inspector general and the censors to the saloon for you?

They are powerful men, so it'll cost you a pretty penny to buy them off.

Thanks for your concern.

Minister Yu, we shared a same dream back in Gyeongsung.

Do you remember?

Why are they trying to dredge up the past?

Is this most likely to be the King's work?

He's been patient considering that he waited six years.

And the Princess's death...

A dead child is very powerful.

Well, now that we know who we're fighting all we have to do is win.

Are you here to dissuade me?

I know you feel like you have no other choice, but...

Denying the censors' petition is the most radical use of absolute power.

You are the one who said the King must not wield absolute power.

And you are the one who said you wouldn't discard talent

even if they committed a shameful crime.

You said power is a sword.

Are you intent on destroying them?

My father-in-law was not a traitor.

So, my mother-in-law has no reason to suffer.

I've been turnings blind eye to this simple truth that even a little

girl can see for much too long.

Do you know why?

You need these men despite what they've done.

That's not the only reason.

I was afraid.

Your Majesty...

What if the experienced veteran politicians rallied against me?

Would I be able to fight them back?

That's what I was nervous and afraid of.

That's why I hesitated when my daughter wanted this so badly

and now she's gone before I could do anything for her.

I am done ignoring the truth.

I will order former Prime Minister Shim On's honor to be restored.

Leave the capital city?

Two weeks should be enough, Mother.

Enough? What do you mean?

Restoration of Shim On's honor.

It should be decided one way or another by that time.

Which side do you think will prevail?

Yu Jeonghyun, Jo Malseng and Huh Jo are no ordinary men.

You think they will prevail?

The Hall of Worthies will request my help.

After all, I'm a witness who confirmed Shim On's loyalty on the diplomatic mission.

Lie low and bide time...

I don't want to make enemies of competent and powerful retainers.

The Emperor's military activities for the past five years, files on

the Imperial grandchildren including the Imperial Prince Zhu Gaochi.

I've collected just about all of the information we need on Ming,

so you shouldn't have a hard time figuring out their political situation.

Why are you turning these files over to me?

You will have to go to Ming instead of me.

I recommend Secretary Yun Hwe as your assistant.

I am turning over the right of command of the entire army to General Choi Yundeok.

I believe General Choi should lead the central army to the

northern states tomorrow.

With war clouds hanging heavy over the border,

deployment of the troops cannot be delayed.

Now let us vote on the issue.

It is the most appropriate action.

General.

We will serve your command.

Councilor Hwang Hee, Royal Secretary Yun Hwe and Choi Yundeok?

They are our best alternative if not Huh Jo, Byun Gaeryang and Jo Malseng.

Your list is very interesting.

It's a list His Majesty cannot reject.

I'm looking forward to your performance, Lord Hwang.

Good luck.

And what do you men intend to do while we are away fighting?

Well, I think we have our work cut out for us right here.

What's your real motive?

You're getting rid of us so you could gobble up the Hall of Worthies,

the Inspector General and the Censorate Office!

Did you really think we'd sit helplessly and let a bunch of juvenile minions crush us?

- Lord Huh! - Be quiet and listen.

We're not enjoying this either.

We don't have the time or the desire for this war of attrition.

Don't forget. We didn't start this fight.

We intent to demolish them.

After all, we can't put the country in the hands of children who can't

even prioritize what is important for the state.

Councilor Hwang, Secretary Yun and General Choi Yundeok as well?

We have a national security crisis. Someone has to attend to it.

So they're going to send our top men away to deal with

the national crisis then gang up on the rest of us while they're gone.

It's a double check!

I'm really impressed!

There's a reason why

these men have survived the Royal court as long as they have!

How can you praise them right now?

This is going to be a difficult fight. Are you up to it?

We will die fighting, but we won't give up, sir.

So, then, who's going to be sent to Ming now?

They might hold off the mission

indefinitely since neither side can afford to send anyone away right now.

Why do they make things so complicated?

Does it really matter who goes?

Youngsil and I have to go back there soon.

Why are you so anxious to go to Ming again?

What's the reason?

Oh... it's just that there're some books I am anxious to get...

Not just astronomy books, but a few delicious adult books as well.

My man!

Worried about the girl you left behind in Ming?

Don't worry too much.

I'm sure it's nothing.

Your Highness, I've come to make a very difficult request.

Why do you look so troubled when you've resolved to restore Lord Shim's honor?

Yu Jeonghyun, Huh Jo, Jo Malseng...

I will have to renounce quite a few men.

If majority of them are your opposition.

It is not easy to convince myself that I'm doing the right thing for the country.

Six years ago, I buried my father in cold soil.

And today I buried my young child in my heart.

My good husband must've felt my sorrow

because he says he will give me retribution.

Isn't this most kind of him?

What is my father to you, Lord Yu?

Just another criminal of high treason?

Is that why you oppose my father's restoration against the King's wish?

The King has fired his arrow and I don't intend to intervene.

Answer my question carefully.

I might have a hand in your future depending on your answer.

Answer my question.

Is my father still a criminal of high treason to you?

That's what he said about you.

My father always said you were a cautious man.

Perhaps that's why he still wants you to answer that question

differently than his daughter would.

Your Highness...

This is the official position of the Queen's office which reflects my father's wishes.

Copies have been sent to the Inspector General,

the Censorate Office and the Hall of Worthies.

I will expect nothing but respect and obedience.

I declare to thee, as the Queen of Joseon, that it is not my desire

to restore the name and honor of my father the late Prime Minister Shim On.

It is also my belief that prosecution of those responsible for his demise

is uncalled for and ask that the disputes be stopped immediately.

Abide by the request of the Queen with due respect and consideration!

I don't know about politics.

I came to this decision not for you but for your families.

If the head of the household becomes a villain, his family members suffer.

I know because I've suffered.

I will protect you and your family.

So think about what you need to do to serve and protect the "wise one"

you hand picked to be the King of this country.

We respect the Queen's earnest plea, but the Hall of Worthies will not back out.

The Inspector General is firm on our position.

How about the censorate?

Don't tell me you've changed your mind.

I had nothing to do with it. I guess someone else got to them first.

You look like you're in a great mood, Prime Minister.

Do you think this fight is over just because the Queen issued a statement?

Of course not. I'm just here to spy on the opposition.

I must ask you to leave.

If you don't like me spying on you, how about we make a deal?

We decline, sir.

I'm talking about a deal for my resignation.

I am the principle offender who

accused Shim On of high treason and had him killed.

I'd like to settle this matter by assuming full responsibility and leaving the court.

We are seeking your punishment, not your resignation.

You and everyone else involved.

What do you hope to gain from this?

Do you want to get rid of talented men who can serve this government

in the name of rectifying history?

That will make you no different from us.

Do you think this is what Shim On would've wanted?

Lady Ahn cannot be freed unless Lord Shim's honor is restored.

And we would be giving up this fight without granting

the princess her dying wish.

I will personally recommend restoration of for Lady Ahn's honor.

His Majesty will not make such decisions based on personal feelings.

I will not be asking him to base it on personal feelings.

I will argue that Lord Shim's family does not

deserve to be punished for Lord Shim's crime.

I don't believe Shim On was guilty either

or at the very least that he had no treacherous intent.

But I still think we should stop the scuffle and put an end to this now.

What I am offering is not the most righteous resolution,

but it is the best resolution given the current state of affairs.

And as for rectifying history.

No, I mean not repeating the mistakes my generation has made

can't we leave that as your future assignment for now?

Show us that this is not just the King's inner circle but that this is the true

Hall of Worthies where wisest men of Joseon are gathered.

I'm sorry.

I hope you'll forgive me for leaving you with such a huge assignment.

This couldn't have been an easy decision for you.

It was my father's decision not mine.

He is the one that said King does not look back.

If you ever need to cry...

You can come to me now.

Don't turn to your children to wipe your tears away.

That's why your daughter calls you a crybaby.

Wife...

You've been made to suffer alone for too long.

Perhaps it is because I've been neglecting the citizen that the

Queen is supposed to feel greatest compassion for.

You don't have to be alone anymore.

Sharing your hardship and pain.

I will accept that as my duty and my life.