Original subtitles

I'm accepting the regency.

Then the world will take the seat of the Crown Prince from you.

Walk the path you have chosen for yourself, master.

I will do the same.

This country is at a crossroads right now:

Create some crude alphabet and descend into barbarian race

or stop that from happening and remain a civilized nation.

I refuse to make baseless assumptions about the King's intentions, master.

You can't be a politician without being able to discern the truth in a situation.

All I know is that the King has given me an opportunity to serve my people.

It's regretful, but this is not your time.

I cannot allow you the chance to serve the people right now.

A list of native Korean words?

If we're going to create an alphabet that is easy for commoner to use,

it'll be useful to compile a list of native Korean words they commonly use.

Shouldn't we be concerned about keeping Choi Manli quiet first?

That and everything else is for the Crown Prince to decide now.

Can he handle it?

We will just have to trust him.

Your Majesty...

I've turned over the state affairs to him.

I have to give him my trust and patience

if he's going to emerge as a true kingly material from this.

There is a chance...

There is a chance I may not be able to protect you.

You've already done more than enough.

I'm just sad we can't turn back the clock...

You're going to expose the Crown Princess's debauchery?

I'm left with no alternative.

Are we going to the Conference Hall?

I'm going to do this, I might as well do it right.

Did you wish to see me?

I'd like to seek your guidance.

I'm getting rather nervous.

How can this humble man be of service?

I want to find a way to break Choi Manli.

Stop the Crown Prince from taking over the state affairs?

Why?

Is this true?

I have the women that the Crown Princess was involved with.

How could this be?

But this is not the only reason why we need to stop this regency.

Choi Manli is not the kind of man who would resort to undignified means.

There must be a good reason if he's willing to go to this length.

First I'd like to know that reason.

Won't you trust me and help me without asking any questions?

What would I get in return?

It won't be worldly glory.

Not now and not later after I've ascended to the throne.

I'm losing interest.

How about a better future for this country?

Would it not be enough compensation if I promised you I'd make this country

a better place than it is now?

You are rather arrogant.

Are you saying that you can be a better King than your father is?

I'm prepared to work harder and give more of myself than my father.

Is that not enough?

I'm not a man who plays fair. Do you know that about me?

I would be rude to say yes and a poor judge of character to say no.

Enunciating Chinese characters

It's Mencius, book of Teng Wengong.

Did I ask you for the source?

It means the time has come to serve government office.

I didn't ask you to decipher the verse either.

I want to know what your aspirations are for entering government service.

What are you doing?

Enunciating Chinese characters

I asked you what you were doing.

I answered you, sir.

"By bending only one cubit, you make eight cubits straight."

It's okay to bend the rules a little for a greater cause.

A young scholar already bending rules instead of walking the straight path?

There is no straight and narrow path for politicians.

And I'm inclined to think you're probably no exception, sir

Then tell me. How do you think we should deal with this?

Why don't you come up with a plan with that crafty mind of yours?

Wow, great painting! Who did them?

The King must first cultivate his morals and

manage his family before he can rule the country.

What is your opinion, Ha Wiji?

The Crown Prince cannot be made a regent.

Where did this come from?

I think we should first find out if the implication is true or false.

Is this true or is this slander? Tell us?

It is...

It is all true.

Prime Minister, would you appeal to the King to have me ousted?

Your Grace...

But the Crown Prince...

I am solely to blame for this.

So please don't hold the Crown Prince accountable for what I've done.

You sent the Crown Princess to the Conference Hall?

You shouldn't have.

It might require an even more drastic measure if we can't put a lid on it now.

But...

At times, battle of the pens is more dangerous than battle of the swords.

That is why they say politics is a dangerous game.

I'm sorry, my lady.

I didn't want to make you do this...

I'm glad there was something I could do before I left.

Fare well.

It wasn't that I didn't like you.

I was taken aback by your bluntness when we first met, but I didn't dislike you.

I always wanted to tell you that.

The Crown Prince is unfit to be the Regent!

Please reconsider!

You cannot entrust the state to a man who fails to rule his own roost!

You must reevaluate the Crown Prince's competence!

- Rescind your command! - Rescind your command!

Why did you stir up the Academy?

Someone had to since you're busy with this thing.

What do you mean by that?

Oh, stop.

You know darn well about the dangerous project the King is working on.

I'm not good at guessing.

You're not good at lying either.

We've known each other far too long for this game, Jeong Inji.

Hasty assumptions are dangerous. Don't you know that?

Are you going to support the creation of a writing system?

This conversation is over. Just clear protesters.

I guess you are for it.

Councilor Choi.

That's why you're Deputy Director of the Hall of Worthies.

He put you here not because you're the best qualified or most

respected scholar but because you're unconditionally obedient.

King just wants men that won't fight him.

He just wants men who will tell him what he wants to hear.

We can't let him do this.

We can't stand by and let Joseon descend into barbarian race!

Remember, Jeong Inji.

We are not the Hall of Worthies if we don't fight this!

The protesters?

They will not relent.

Perhaps you should postpone the regency for now.

I don't want the Conference Hall buzzing about the Crown Prince's competence.

That, too, is a hurdle that the Crown Prince must overcome himself, my Queen.

Crown Prince must practice restraint in order to ease public misgivings.

This protest is just a start. The country will soon be turned upside down.

Advise the King to rescind the order of regency.

He is refusing to do that.

Then urge the Crown Prince to turn down the regency.

That's not possible either.

He must admit his error and show remorse to calm the public.

Self-sacrifice and devotion to public service may be

a better way to make up for his errors.

I smell a conspiracy here.

A conspiracy?

We're not calling for a deposal but merely for withdrawal of regency

when the country is up in arms and the Crown Prince's competence is in doubt.

Yet both the Crown Prince and the King is refusing to compromise.

Something's not right. They're hiding something.

You're a quick man.

Is it the alphabet?

Is the King trying to create

a writing system like Choi Manli the others speculate he is?

Alphabet?

Is this true?

Aren't we making a wild assumption here?

Director Yun should be able to answer that question for us.

If the King is hiding something, I'm sure you know about it.

Suspicion is snowballing because you won't say anything.

As you've guessed, there is indeed a conspiracy at the Royal Chambers.

But it is not creation of a writing system.

Enter!

Why has the Royal Physician been called?

Would you tell us why His Majesty has turned over the

state affairs to the Crown Prince?

You mean he is ill?

He's in very serious condition.

What is his suffering from?

He suffers from combination of arthritis, neuralgia, diabetes and disease of the eye.

He needs absolute rest, or we could have a tragedy in our hands.

Hiding the King's illness that's

the conspiracy that was in progress at the Royal Chambers.

Because it could compromise our diplomatic position if the King's

illness became known in this critical juncture of continuing military

conquest against the Jurchens.

An illness?

That's absurd. This is complete fabrication!

Jo Malseng is more than capable of making this up.

This fight isn't over.

Yes, it is over. And you lost.

King's illness does not justify the Crown Prince's regency!

Be quiet and listen!

If you want to stop the King, find indisputable proof.

If you malign the Crown Prince any further over this, it will only lead to his deposal.

And the country will suffer a great loss we can't afford.

I can't accept that as his current mentor and neither should you as his former teacher.

Minister Huh.

More importantly,

I can't accept that as a member of this Royal court and the Minister of Personnel.

I think institution of this regency is appropriate.

How can you be so sure?

You're the reason.

The Crown Prince is quite an impressive young man.

He's been taught never to dodge his problems and to face them head on.

My guess is you're the one who taught him that.

The Crown Prince is unfit to administer the state affairs!

Rescind your command!

Are you Ha Wiji the student body president of the Academy?

Yes, Your Highness.

Then you're the one I shall make the bet with.

What do you mean?

We will take turns drinking. The one that passes out first loses.

If you lose, you will break up this protest.

And if I lose I will not only turn down the regency but give up the seat of

the Crown Prince as well.

That confirms it.

You are unworthy with or without the Crown Princess's debauchery.

Government affairs are not child's play to be decided by a bet!

I have one thing to gain and you have two.

It's not a bad deal if you ask me.

Will you step down gracefully if you lose?

This man will be your opponent.

But wait.

He's no match anyway.

Let's just let him go down the way he wants to go down.

I understand it was the Crown Prince's request,

but how could you fabricate something like this to get through this impasse?

His Majesty's illness is no fabrication.

The severity may have been exaggerated but it's true.

But...

You should be worried about your own health, foolish man.

How bad is it?

How did you know?

Royal Physician is acquainted with your physician.

Don't worry. He won't talk.

Why did you help the Crown Prince? How much did he tell you?

Are you talking about the alphabet?

He told me nothing. But I figured it out listening to Huh Jo.

You helped knowing the truth?

I did it out of pity for a dying man who is playing into the King's delusional fantasies.

Does this mean you're going to keep this to yourself?

Unlike you or the King I am a realistic man.

It takes more than just desire to invent a whole new writing system.

Why create a stir over something that's not going to happen anyway?

Minister.

If...

If that delusional fantasy should become reality someday,

your workload will become much heavier.

Just take care of your self, you idiot!

Five nyangs on five.

I bet five nyangs that the Crown Prince passes out before he drinks the sixth shot.

Hey.

Why not? It looks like betting season for everyone.

I urge you to give up.

Maybe we should step in.

That's it. I'm stopping this.

Let him finish what he started.

But...

There's more than one way to control your subjects.

The Crown Prince is learning that right now.

Your Highness...!

Do you give up?

It slipped.

Why are you being so stubborn?

Because I can't think of any other way.

Your Highness...

Would you listen if I reasoned with you?

Words acquire strength not through eloquent speech but through action.

But I there is nothing I have done for this country yet to show for.

Still, I cannot give up, not now, not here.

Why not?

Because the place I stand now still belongs to the King.

The place where the King worked

every single day and every single night and gave his all to serve this country and

yet cried in remorse for his lack of virtue...

If I thought I could give up that place to evade persecution,

wouldn't that be arrogant of me?

His Highness is turning pale.

Give up.

Then would you give me a chance?

I'm full of flaws as you all know,

but my desire to serve the country is as fervent as yours,

so would you give me a chance?

Buddy, are you okay?

Wake up!

What just happened?

Your Highness! Your Highness!

Your Highness!

Ha Wiji...

Yes, Your Highness.

Keep your word.

Your Highness!

I love it!

Each new step you take out into the world is a new experience.

There is such a variety of beautiful sounds in our spoken language

among the people that I never noticed before.

We're collecting native words, but it's impossible to record them in Chinese.

That means we have to memorize them until we've developed our new writing.

Or we can find someone who already has bunch of native words memorized.

Is there someone you have in mind?

Please, Choonwal.

Choonwal is dead.

Come on, Choonwal.

Choonwal is dead, I tell you. She doesn't exist anymore.

What do I have to do?

I have no strength to sing.

Come on.

I've been slighted by lords and sirs all my life because

I only sing folk songs and I don't know any Chinese ballads or Tanga songs.

And you want me to sing for you so you can mock me too, pretty boy?

No thanks. Forget it.

You come on strong.

I'll pay you well for the songs.

You don't have to pay me.

Huh? Then...

Why don't you build a great wall with me tonight instead?

What?

Where are you going? Don't you want to hear some songs?

Are you going to sing for me?

Then shall we take a little trip to Jeongup of Baekje first?

Moon, rise high in the sky.

Shine down on my head.

Rhythmic exclamation

Not bad.

But Jeongup isn't the only place you can find this moon!

Of course not!

Under the bright noon of Surabul.

I return home after a night of gaiety there I find four legs in my bed!

That's it for today. It was just a teaser.

Close it!

Wait!

Your lover isn't your only lover. Anything you long for is your lover.

I just heard it and I miss it already...

Who do you miss so much?

I don't think that's any of your business.

Is it a woman?

Songs, I miss songs!

Delicious, tantalizing songs of the people that doesn't compare to these stiff poetry.

Satisfied?

You sound frustrated. Why?

Because there is no way to preserve these songs in Chinese script matter

how hard you listen to them, memorize them or compose them.

Then why don't you find a script that you can preserve them in?

What do you mean? How?

I think you're right about this man, Director Yun.

Sir!

Hey, what are you doing here?

Is that ex-gisaeng the mentor you claim to be better than the Academy professors?

Don't just stand there. Bow to the King.

Are you... the King?

Your talent will be put to valuable service.

Forgive me for my insolence, Your Majesty.

Then as punishment, let us hear the words of the people you've collected.

I can do that for you all night if you want!

Crimson Hong!

Red, reddish, rosy, ruddy, blood-red, cherry-red, scarlet!

Rain Yu!

Drizzle, sprinkle, sun-shower!

Oh, yes!

Rain that pours and suddenly stops a passing rain!

There you go!

Like falling flower pedals-flower rain

misty rain that barely settles dust-dust-settler!

Wine Ju!

For a novice drinker learning wine!

You drink, but you don't know the taste-green wine!

Once you start, you pour-a wine shower!

Listening to those native words, I can almost see the bright faces of

my people and touch the beautiful nature of this land.

How about the simple and cheerful songs that resemble the people's nature?

I really hope we can transfer these sounds into written words someday.

Your Majesty, I think we are still dreaming a wonderful dream.

You must stay with me for a long,

long time so we can make that wonderful dream a reality.

Japanese script has 50 symbols and Mongolian Paspa script has 47...

You can go home now if you're tired.

I didn't know you had eyes on your forehead.

I'm not joking. You look tired.

I'm going to be offended if you treat me like an old man.

Director Yun.

Go home and sleep in bed.

Grandfather left this for you.

By the time you get this letter, I'll be in heaven drinking my heart out.

Innkeeper! Bring me more wine?

Why are you partying when I'm the one who got the promotion?

No one will be hounding me not to drink anymore.

Should I quit drinking?

Don't deprive yourself.

I have a great friend who awaits me me there, so it's going to be a ball

guzzling down wine by the jug together.

But I'll be upset if you get jealous and try to join us too soon,

so take good care of your health.

More importantly, we don't have any wine to share with you.

That's for hitting me back there.

And this is for messing up my plan, you fool!

Your Majesty, I dreamed a wonderful dream because I met you.

You're going back with me to capital city.

My life has been a full and wonderful ride.

It's all because you allowed me to share your great dreams.

I have no regrets but I do feel sad.

How I wish I could have left this last letter to you in beautiful new script that you created!

How long did he suffer?

About a year ago...

Drinking again?

Yes, Your Majesty...

You are to have no more than three glasses of wine a day using this cup.

Did you drink again?

Your Majesty, the truth is...

I don't understand you.

Don't you know the difficulties I am going through right now?

He said he would take his altar wine in this cup as promised.

No.

Bring me a larger cup.

Your Majesty...

Bring me a larger cup.