Original subtitles

SCARLET HEART

THIS SHOW IS A WORK OF FICTION BASED ON HISTORIC EVENTS

I am about to marry the Emperor.

I will be his wife.

I... will be Empress.

I need to hear it directly from him before I believe you.

There are things he can't say.

All the nobles of Goryeo are trying to take him down from the throne.

He halted transferring the capitol, the locals are displeased.

Chungju Yus are afraid that the mistreated 4th Prince became Emperor.

And the Songak nobles...

See?

Has the Emperor ever talked to you about these things?

I'm sure you're content with this small room, waiting for him.

Making a woman with small ambitions the Empress

puts this country in jeopardy.

It will drag him down from the throne.

And you...

You are different?

Also...

the Emperor's wife can't have a scar on her body.

I proposed a way to coexist.

If you choose to be unhappy, that's on you.

I come from Hwangju Hwangbo family.

I am the daughter of our founding father.

I am the only one

who can protect the Emperor.

She...

can never be Empress.

If I say so...

she can.

Did you forget?

Haesu, in order to avoid marrying our founding father...

she slit her wrist.

A woman with a scar...

cannot marry the Emperor.

There is only one way to marry her.

Take off the throne.

Which one will you let go?

The throne?

Or Haesu?

I won't let go of either.

Maybe others had to let go.

But I became Emperor to have everything.

And...

do you think I'll let go of Haesu because of a scar?

Look at me.

I became Emperor with a scar on my face.

I had my reasons to come here.

Yu family wants independence.

Your lieges want control over budget and arms.

After transferring the capitol was canceled,

it's only the locals filing complaints.

Chungju Yu and Hwangju Hwangbo,

those two families are against you.

It won't be easy to deal with them.

Skip the intro.

Get right to the point.

If that is the case, here is my proposal.

Marry the Hwangbo family.

If you marry Princess Yeonhwa, most of the problems will be solved.

It is our collective opinion.

My marriage is my business.

As the rumor goes...

You aren't going to marry that Damiwon court lady, are you?

Do you not want to keep the throne?

Watch your manners!

Chungju Yu family or any strong noble family

will tear this country apart.

Do you want to be the last Emperor of Goryeo?

Your worry is excessive.

Remember our founding father.

He gave up many things in order to protect this country.

Yes, because I am worried...

I'm letting go of my son.

And giving my daughter to you.

Haesu wrote this.

She writes in a foreign language.

And the work she did in Damiwon. She's different.

She has no background. Only many weaknesses.

I don't care.

The throne isn't that important.

The only way to get rid of it is by death.

Chaeryeong.

Welcome.

Were you scolded?

I have good news. Smile.

What do you mean, good news?

The Emperor approved your stay.

Really?

But...

I heard the princess Yeonhwa was going to be Empress.

Shouldn't it be you? Why Princess Yeonhwa?

Princess told us to prepare for a royal wedding.

It's a mistake, isn't it?

Lady Hae.

There was time when it was crowded.

10th Prince loved these wings.

Wow! Look at this! What is this?

3rd and 8th Prince loved to read those books.

And the constellation drawing.

14th Prince had fun with it.

- That's my star. - What about mine?

- You don't have one. Only darkness. - Yes, thank you.

9th Prince wanted me to teach him alchemy.

And Baeka was always drawing.

It all passed by too quick.

I know you really love the princes.

Yes, very much.

That's why I'm saying this.

Give up on the marriage.

I know he'll be stubborn.

That's why you have to let go.

I refuse.

I...

I endured a lot, waited a long time.

I could because I had hope for us being happy.

I wouldn't have come this far,

if I wanted to give up.

If he wants to be with me, I will comply.

I'll see it through.

The princes who crowded this place...

Where are they now?

If the Emperor isn't strong, there will be more bloodshed.

He might even get hurt.

If someone else dies because of your stubbornness,

how could you live with that?

We watched many go down.

To prevent further tragedy, we need to strengthen the throne.

You can comfort him, but you can't strengthen him.

You aren't fit as his wife.

Who said you can barge in here?

People found out that you love me dearly.

Because of you, they might think I'm soft.

Before that happens, want to go out on a date?

Did you forget?

Tonight is Narye.

It's not New Year's Eve yet. We can't celebrate already.

Not in the palace. I mean Namdae Street.

- Let's go out to Namdae Street. - Leave the palace?

It's a bit sudden.

To get the guards ready and you know...

No one will know.

If you change clothes no one will know you're the Emperor.

I was talking to Chaeryeong when you ran by.

Don't you remember?

What was I dreaming?

Did I want it? Did you know?

Maybe not.

I wished for you.

I confess I awaited...

I'll shout out I love you every day.

I'll call out your name every day.

The moment you stand before me.

I think and think about it.

I love you. I love you. I love you.

Huh? This is...

Not as good as the original, but still looks pretty nice.

Looks like it'll grant our wishes.

Did you build this to make me propose?

Yes, I did.

You asked for a rock pile so the desperate one made it.

I should have just ran away when I first met you.

I did run away. But you captured me.

I don't remember what attracted me.

But now I have too many reasons.

I want to live with you.

Let's be together.

Will you...

marry me?

I can't.

I...

I can only comfort you.

I'm not worthy enough.

Who talked to you?

I won't give up because of your scar.

No one can come between us.

I won't give up either.

I'll always be beside you.

If I do become an Empress...

The rules of the palace will forbid me from seeing you whenever I want.

And I don't like formalities.

You know I'm not that kind of person.

Don't you?

I'll be fine.

I...

I really will be fine.

Even if I can't marry you...

Still...

You can't leave me.

I won't let you go.

You are mine.

You can't leave.

I won't let you.

My only Empress...

is you.

To proclaim the Hwangju family's Hwangbo Yeonhwa as Empress,

we show all lieges, the royal seal for the ceremony.

Congratulations, Empress.

Long live the Empress!

Long live the Empress!

Even if we are in tears, for the rest of our lives.

Like the winds scattering away.

Like the roads that we will never find.

When the day we meet again comes

My only Empress...

is you.

I wasn't invited either.

Although Yeonhwa told me to come.

Do you still want to stay after being treated like this?

Don't worry.

I'm not unhappy.

Founding father told me...

Don't look too far into the future. Cherish the present.

Just like he said.

Why don't you come with me? I'll treat you well.

I'm tired of this place.

Let's go far away. Like a bird.

Let's see places, be free. Like a butterfly.

You'll take me to battlefields. Show off your skills.

Just let me know.

I will take you.

If I say, "I want it," will you do it for me?

Yes, I will.

Just say, "I want it."

Remember.

I want it.

Are you listening to my voice?

I'm saying I love you.

Are you listening to me?

Can you hear my heart?

Like the rain on the window.

You are soaking up my mind.

People will keep using Haesu to get to you.

- You should get rid of... - You.

Just play your role, Empress.

Don't cross the line, ever again.

Are you listening to my voice?

I'm saying I love you.

Are you listening to me?

Can you hear my heart?

Like the rain on the window.

Miss.

Are you okay?

If your heart aches...

your body will hurt, too.

Thank you.

I remember Madam Hae's rock piles back at 8th Prince's house.

Yeah.

She made many.

I miss her.

What's your wish?

It's not a wish.

Just thought of my late mother.

I'm doing well.

My brothers are well, too.

Are you fully cured now?

I wanted to help.

But still...

I sometimes think that I'm glad...

your pain is over.

I'm doing well.

I'm...

doing well.

Doing well...

I am extremely happy to see you all here.

In order to celebrate my ascension,

I want to name my era.

He wants to name it Gwangdeok.

GWANGDEOK NAME OF GWANGJONG ERA

A nice name, isn't it?

We all agree, your highness.

And as you ordered,

we are planning to provide rice to labor-participating commoners.

One thing.

Let us take care of financing the supply.

Approved.

With all you reliable lieges

I would like to enjoy some hunting and reading.

Astrologer suggested I read Jeonggwanjeongyo.

The best book to increase wisdom.

Oh, and 14th Prince Wang Jeong.

For his crime equivalent to treason, I sentence him to exile.

Your highness!

EXILE DEPRIVE RANK, BAN TO HOMELAND

You need a strong reason in order to gain support.

By questioning former Emperor's will, he suspected my succession.

And organized a resistance.

Considering he's my blood brother,

I'm only taking away his rank instead of executing him.

He will be sent home to Chungju.

If he sets foot in Songak ever again,

he will be executed.

Exile?

My Jeong is...

exiled?

Empress Dowager! Call the doctor!

Exile?

Banned to his homeland.

Next big punishment to execution.

He lost his general rank and authority over his troops.

He will never be allowed back into Songak.

He is confined to his Chungju home.

He led 300 thousand troops.

He used to get itchy and jumped the palace walls.

We won't survive confinement.

We need to talk to the Emperor.

- Jeong won't survive. - You have to hold back.

You don't have authority.

If you interfere, you might get into trouble.

Now...

- It's more than a family feud. - Uhui is right.

Let's wait till his anger subsides, then we can talk.

How's her condition?

The doctor says the Emperor and Empress should not leave her side.

Jeong.

Call Jeong.

I'll bring the Emperor.

Jeong.

Bring Jeong.

Jeong...

Your Highness.

I will take care of her from now on.

No one will enter this room without my permission.

You need to get well.

Mother.

I need to see my mother. Move away.

Move away!

I won't move till I see my mother.

Stand back.

Please let Jeong in.

If Empress Dowager does pass away, he'll have a grudge for life.

Did you tell Jeong?

My orders were to have no communication.

Only you could have ignored that.

Yes.

I told him.

He had no contact with his mother. He should be there when she passes.

Do you want Jeong to die?

What?

Violating curfew can lead to execution.

Your highness!

Let him in? He should be happy he's still alive.

You will be punished if you let Jeong in. No exceptions.

For over five days, you haven't even drank the water I gave you.

Do you want to die like this?

Jeong.

Jeong.

Jeong...

Look.

Which son is by your side right now?

Your perfect Yo...

He's no longer here.

Your beloved Jeong...

He can't even be here.

I'm the only one left.

I became Emperor to be by your side.

You will remember today.

You threw me away.

But I will not leave.

From now on...

I will make you look at me.

I will build a temple for you.

The largest temple in Goryeo. The most glamorous, just like you.

And...

I will spread made-up stories about us.

About how much you loved me.

About how much I loved you back.

About how much we missed each other.

I will let the whole world know.

So I can...

So I can be your one and only son.

This...

is my revenge...

for being abandoned by you.

Blown away by the seasons

Fallen flower petal.

Alone by itself.

Sad.

The stars have left.

The sky in sorrow.

Like the raindrops falling.

I can only shed tears.

Like the flowers bloom and wilt.

My mind does, too.

Send it with...

the wind.

Go back home.

I'll take care of mother.

You will be penalized later for breaking curfew.

My heart wrenches

Do you know?

I will come back.

Why did you take Jeong's side?

- You should have been on my side. - I'm not taking any side.

Your ego blocked Jeong from being by his mother's side.

He doesn't need sympathy.

I'm the one who was always abandoned.

Your Highness.

Only with her last breath did she touch my face.

I've never had mother to myself for over 25 years.

Is it that bad I saw her off?

You...

should have tried to understand me.

The one who poisoned our big brother with mercury was...

Uk.

Right?

I don't know.

Back at Uk's residence, Haesu's servant Chaeryeong.

Didn't she work for you before?

The one who put her in Damiwon was...

also Uk and you.

Poisoning our big brother...

Fabricating Wang Gyu's revolt...

It was all Uk's plan.

If Uk denies his part,

I will personally make you responsible.

It really wasn't me.

I don't have the capacity for that.

If you keep refuting,

Emperor will include that with you profiteering off the silver clocks

and sentence Paenghyeong.

PAENGHYEONG DEATH BY BOILING

I just moved around a bit per orders.

It was all...

brother Uk.

Along with former Emperor.

Okay.

One last question.

- Uhui. - Hey.

Is something wrong?

Where is Chaeryeong?

What's going on? Why is everyone gathered?

The Emperor ordered us to watch.

The Emperor?

He told us not to run our mouths or else...

What's going on? What's with the Emperor?

This is horrifying.

A Damiwon court lady committed a crime and was sentenced Nanjanghyeong.

NANJANGHYEONG INDISCRIMINATE BEATING

A Damiwon court lady?

Who?

Who is it?

It's Chaeryeong.

Su.

Su... Su.

My name is Haesu.

And you're my handmaid Miss Chaeryeong, right?

Honey! All right!

What's this?

Why didn't you tell me about her condition?

I apologize.

You can go.

Chaeryeong...

Chaeryeong.

Not yet.

- Su... - Go away!

- Su. - How could you?

How could you do that?

How could you do that to her?

You beat her to death.

Chaeryeong.

She was spying on you.

- What? - She reported to 9th Prince.

I still need your help here.

That led to the Empress.

Haesu wrote it.

She stole your notebook.

And made it look like you could be a foreign spy.

- Are those letters? - Yes, they are.

You should learn to read and write.

I'm too old to learn.

She was also responsible for stopping our marriage.

The one who poured mercury in the water...

was Chaeryeong.

We were the only ones to have access to the water.

But mercury?

I didn't do it.

Believe me.

Remember when you first got here?

The passageway from Damiwon to the bath house.

I bet Chaeryeong told you about it.

Miss! We need to go. Hurry up!

Come on!

She learned of the path from 9th Prince.

The reason Eun couldn't escape was...

because Uk and 9th Prince knew and sent guards to block him off.

Su.

- Why did I forget about this place? - Chaeryeong told me.

I told her, I had a hard time seeing you.

The reason Uk knew was...

It was...

She stuck around you.

She split us apart.

She looked for the chance to hurt you.

I had no want or need to forgive her.

She...

Her...

Her only fault was that she was born a slave.

She was my little sister.

Rest.

Rest some more.

And forget it all.

It was Uk.

He was the mastermind.

He was the start of all this.

Dare manipulate me by using the throne as leverage?

Your Highness.

Let's investigate more before...

Who else do I have left?

I only had you and Haesu.

Because of Uk...

I became a monster to Su.

I will make him pay.

Dear Miss Haesu,

I got this as a gift.

I don't know how to read.

I can barely read my name.

How far do your lies go?

Miss.

Please take care of my family.

I know the end is near.

I wanted to confess.

But I might not have a chance.

I'm just...

a foolish girl...

who couldn't let go of her love.

Please help me.

- Please help. - Go away.

Help, please. I'll do anything you want.

Please help me, just once.

I like how feisty you are.

Thank you! Thank you, sir!

I know you'll understand me.

I have no regrets.

I don't blame anyone.

The value of my actions...

Only I can know.

Su.

Are you not mad now?

I told you not to get greedy.

You're the one who was swayed by a petty mask.

Leave.

You told me to only focus on being an Empress.

You need to offer the right deal.

You and I are partners for the Goryeo Dynasty.

You can have your throne. And I...

I want a son.

I want our son to be the next Emperor.

Okay.

Will you be willing to abandon Uk and your family?

If you abandon your brother and family,

devote yourself as my Empress...

then...

I will appoint our child as the next Jeongyun.

You are the Empress.

And soon Empress Dowager.

Your room was empty. I assumed you were here.

What should I do?

My lover...

He killed my sister.

He knew what she was doing for a long while.

That's why he tried to separate her from you.

But she clung on to you.

Only if she didn't play you to remain in the palace...

- He wouldn't have done that. - Even so...

How could he order such a horrible punishment?

I don't know how to get away from all this pain.

Chaeryeong's only fault...

was that she loved someone.

Don't.

Even I am scared and worried to see you like this.

It would be harder for my brother.

He worries about you.

He truly does.

I have favor to ask.

Give this to Jeong.

And my message.

Please deliver it for me.

Message?

"I want it."

If I do...

Will you stop suffering?

Yes.

"I want it"?

Haesu...

desperately...

wants it.

SCARLET HEART

I have something to confess.

Did you really try to marry Uk?

Yes, I did.

I will never see you again.

Goryeo must become my son's.

Let's get married. You're my companion for life.

It's a dead hawk.

He put a curse on you!

- I guess it's treason. - It's a mistake!

I'm being framed!

The punishment for treason is death.