Original subtitles

(This drama was remade based on historical facts.)

An innocent citizen died by the sword of the powerful.

And he is currently trying to become the king of this country.

Are you suggesting that we should bring a prince to the Saheonbu?

I am the witness for all of the crimes Prince Mil Poong committed.

Arrest the criminal.

I want you to withdraw your testimony.

I cannot do that. That is out of the question.

Then are you ready to say goodbye to Prince Yeon Ryeong?

Why must you go that far?

Why are you doing this?

Because that is...

That is how we win, Prince Yeoning.

I was a bit taken aback at first.

I couldn't understand why you were suddenly helping Prince Yeon Ryeong.

After all, you were living just fine as a nobody.

But I suddenly remembered something.

I remembered how intelligent you used to be when you were young.

So I tried to think of the situation in your shoes.

I figured you might've suddenly felt sorry for yourself.

Maybe you wanted to get a vicarious satisfaction...

by helping Prince Yeon Ryeong.

I don't care what you say.

Do not harm Inspector Han. He's innocent.

I'm not the one who made him fall into a trap.

It was you.

What did you think you could do?

You are a powerless man who can't even protect an inspector.

What did you think you'd be able to do?

A conscience with no power...

is very weak and feeble.

You should've known that before you took action, Prince Yeoning.

What's the matter, Prince Yeoning?

What's wrong?

He is right.

A man like me...

is incapable of doing anything.

Inscrutable are the King's favors.

But I do not understand what you mean.

Why do you want Prince Yeoning to become the next king?

He is also my son.

He is a prince who is of royal blood.

The person I have acknowledged as the next king...

is Prince Yeoning.

The problem is that no political party stands on his side...

including the Norons, Sorons, and the Namin Party.

May I ask you why you are telling me this, Your Majesty?

I am also a Noron,

a member of one of those parties.

Do you think I am not aware of your schemes?

I am sure your position...

among the Norons have become unstable...

because you failed to protect Prince Mil Poong.

Your Majesty.

So what do you say, Chief Inspector?

How about you stand on Prince Yeoning's side?

Pardon?

I am telling you to make him become the king with your own two hands.

Seat him on the royal throne,

and with that power, you can become the head of the Norons.

Your Majesty, this is...

Quietly get rid of it.

No one can find out...

about my condition yet.

(Episode 4: The Night of Fate)

This?

Yes, this came for me.

Do you know what it is, Master?

Yes.

It was sent by Jang Il Su, a silk trader who works downtown.

It's for the relief fund that the inspectors created.

Are you talking about the fund that's being maintained...

by collecting money from the inspectors' paychecks?

(Relief Fund: A fund created to help the poor)

You also know what it is.

You've once helped out giving food to the poor.

Yes, I remember now.

Jang Il Su has been making donations ever since a couple years ago.

He always sent it to the Saheonbu.

But this time, he sent it to my house for some reason.

It's nothing out of the ordinary, is it, Master?

- By any chance... - What...

are you talking about?

What do you mean...

you're incapable of doing anything, Prince Yeoning?

You can badmouth me all you want.

But you must...

protect Inspector Han.

I wonder what he meant by that.

What is it that I need to do?

If I do that, are the Norons really going to protect Prince Yeon Ryeong?

You just need to say everything you said as a source was a lie.

Just say Inspector Han Jeong Seok schemed everything.

How could you choose the hard path intentionally?

Isn't that the case for you, too?

It was easier for me to fight against them...

than to step back.

Then are you ready to say goodbye to Prince Yeon Ryeong?

You did what? You formed brotherly ties with him?

Yes, me and Prince Yeoning.

We agreed to let you join...

as the youngest sibling.

Didn't I do a good job? Aren't you happy?

I'm the only person who cares this much about you.

No, I'm not interested.

Why would I want to become siblings with someone I'm not related to?

Then what about Jeong Seok's family? You're not related to them.

I think of them as my own family.

That's my point. You're not related to them by blood.

If you share the same goal and route in life, you're brothers.

Whether you're related by blood or not isn't important.

Did he even agree to it?

Did he actually say he'll be your older brother?

He acted like he was against it.

But I'm sure he didn't mean it.

He's always like that.

Hey, that's our brother. Brother!

I was just about to visit your house.

It's funny I ran into you here.

You haven't eaten yet, have you?

The rice soup here tastes amazing.

You should join us if you have time.

No.

I don't want to.

- Let's go. - Yes, sir.

- Brother. - Prince Yeoning, wait.

There's something I'd like to ask regarding about yesterday.

Why did you say that about Inspector Han?

And why did you tell me to badmouth you?

Okay, fine. We won't ever be seeing each other again,

so I guess I can tell you one more thing.

You should go to the Saheonbu.

You do not have time to talk to a shameless fellow like me.

Hey, wait. Brother!

What's with him?

And what happened yesterday?

Bring all the alcohol you have.

And invite anyone who wishes to come inside.

I will go wild...

with everyone in Hanyang today.

Prince Yeoning as the king.

Prince Yeoning as the king?

This is absurd.

How can that disgrace become the king?

I am telling you to make him become the king with your own two hands.

Seat him on the royal throne,

and with that power, you can become the head of the Norons.

However, His Majesty is right.

If I actually succeed,

I will be able to make Min Jin Heon succumb to me.

Chief Inspector, we have a situation.

You should take a look.

What did you just say, Minister of Personnel?

We, the Norons,

will show our loyalty and support Prince Yeon Ryeong.

And we shall do our best to tighten...

the discipline of our country.

Your Majesty, the Chief Royal Secretary is here.

He wishes to talk to you with urgent matters regarding the Saheonbu.

You should let him in.

It sounds like an urgent message.

What's wrong?

I asked why you're doing this.

Prince Yeoning went to visit Inspector Han yesterday night.

He said strange things just like he said earlier.

What do you mean?

Please go to Inspector Han's house. I'll go to Saheonbu.

Hurry.

What are you doing now?

Why are you investigating Inspector Han?

Hey, don't touch that.

They're investigation files.

- Stop doing this. - Investigate thoroughly.

We'll have to search even the insides of their brush cases.

So what did you find?

Stand back.

Answer me. What are you looking for?

Why? Will you bring me that?

- Sir. - This is a letter that claims...

that your boss, Inspector Han, instigated a false testimony.

Do you want to know who wrote this?

This was written by Prince Yeoning.

A letter by Prince Yeoning?

Are you saying that he canceled his testimony?

Yes.

He said that he was fooled by your boss' tricks...

and that he was not himself...

because of Prince Mil Poong.

Do you really believe this nonsense?

Doesn't everyone know how Inspector Han is?

Just like you,

they must've trusted Inspector Han too...

since he acted as if he was the most noble person in the world.

However, Inspector Han was just a corrupted official.

Instigating a false testimony wasn't enough for him.

He even took bribery from behind.

Bribery?

What are you talking about?

Do you have anything to say?

Prince Yeoning canceled his testimony?

That's why I had to become a more corrupt official.

The situation would be changed easier this way,

and I'll become an example for others.

Father. Father.

I want to trust you, but I have no choice.

The witness and evidence is too clear.

Father.

Arrest me.

- Honey. - Father.

- Father. - My husband is innocent.

Inspector Han!

Who are you people?

Get out. Can't you hear me?

Stop this ridiculous act.

Step back, Mun Su.

You should not stop Saheonbu's actions.

Jeong Seok.

Why shouldn't I?

They're the people who broke the law.

They broke the law and framed others!

Why shouldn't I stop them?

So what?

Do you want to be like them?

Do you want to belittle the law...

and stand on top of it?

I'm sure that one day,

you'll become a proud official of Saheonbu.

When that day comes, you must become someone...

who wins by the law, not with power.

Show those who do whatever they want with their power...

that true justice...

always prevails. You must do that.

Jeong Seok.

Take him away.

- Honey, no. - Father.

- Honey. - Father.

Honey!

Father.

- Father. - Honey.

Why does it have to be this cruel?

I thought we won.

I thought we have won.

Saheonbu is a mess.

Really?

There must've been another way.

Arresting Prince Yeoning would've been enough.

He was framed for instigating a false testimony and bribery.

You even dishonored Saheonbu.

Be careful.

Someone might mistake us for doing that on purpose.

We had no choice but to abandon Prince Mil Poong...

and choose Prince Yeon Ryeong.

Arresting Prince Yeoning alone...

wouldn't be right.

His crimes won't mean anything.

Cut down this tree.

The root is so rotten it will kill the other plants.

Yes, my lord.

Inspector Han's case will become a good example.

Other officials who were with him...

will realize something now.

They'll get cut down too if they stand with a rotten tree.

But still, I should've known this as the leader of Saheonbu.

- You should've told me in advance. - Why?

There were no problems even if you didn't know.

Knowing that in advance...

wouldn't have made any difference either.

What did the Minister of Personnel say?

Did he know about this?

Is he someone who would admit it if he knew about it?

Why would you ask such an obvious question?

But my lord,

if he didn't tell you anything,

doesn't that mean he put us in a difficult spot on purpose?

I think this is a warning to us.

He wants to let us know what will happen if we don't listen to him.

You're geniuses indeed. You're so smart.

Why did you refuse his orders when you all were that smart?

You all are the ones who arrested Prince Mil Poong!

Forget it. I'm feeling frustrated. I want you to leave.

Won't you leave?

Are you refusing to follow orders like this too now?

Your Majesty.

There's an answer to this difficult situation...

in there.

Is it a report from the Department of Justice?

(Department of Justice: The king's intelligence department)

But Saheonbu...

can't take any actions from the king's own intelligence department.

- If we do... - No.

I want you to give that to Prince Yeoning.

He'll be able to get through this. Just give it to him.

Bring in Prince Yeoning...

at the break of dawn.

Yes, Your Majesty.

Yi Geum.

Please.

- This is great. - It's great indeed.

- We should have another drink. - This is great.

Prince Yeoning.

Don't keep drinking like that.

Prince Yeoning, you should stop drinking like that.

Where are you going?

- Prince Yeoning, are you okay? - No!

The person I need now isn't you.

I'm not getting drunk just because of that.

Prince Yeoning.

- Turn the music on. - Oh, careful!

- Pour some more. - Goodness.

Let's party on.

Here, let me pour you a drink too.

Drink like your life depends on it.

Get drunk as much as you want.

- That's great! - This is great!

Really? Prince Yeoning did that?

Yes, he opened a courtesan house for free,

so everyone in the city ran over there.

What about our people? Did any of us go?

Gosh, no.

I forbade them from going there in case there would be trouble.

I see. Good job.

But don't you think Prince Yeoning is a ridiculous person?

Ridiculous? What do you mean?

Don't you think so? He testified and canceled what he said later.

He made a fool out of an innocent inspector.

What happened to that inspector?

It seems like the silk trader, Jang Il Soo,

bribed him as he was told from the higher ups.

What could a powerless trader do?

Instigating a false testimony and bribery.

It will be difficult for him to get off from this one.

He was naive.

How could he trust a royal and hold hands with him?

Where can he be?

My lord.

Goodness.

Are you okay, my lord?

You're here.

Prince Yeoning.

It was you.

You're so pitiful to have...

a master like me.

Prince Yeoning, you're bleeding.

The doctor...

What for?

I'm useless.

What for?

My lord.

Just for a moment. Allow us to meet him.

I'm not lying. He's really not here.

He didn't come in.

Does that make sense?

It's past 2am.

He's always like that.

He's a professional ladies' man.

Didn't you know?

Then deliver this message to him.

At the Saheonbu tomorrow, there will be a confrontation...

between our master and Prince Yeoning.

Tell him he must say the truth once more.

Actually,

we still trust you, Prince Yeoning.

You won't do this needlessly.

We believe you did that because of some reason.

Okay, I'll make sure to tell him.

Please, make sure.

Let's go.

Excuse us for coming late at night.

Spray some salt.

That's their own business.

Why complain here?

All she cares about is herself.

Life must be really convenient for you, my lady.

It's okay. You can go tell on me.

No, I won't.

I have something to give you.

But that's the truth, my prince.

The difficult things in life, it's fine as long as it's not me.

Don't look at anything nor listen anything.

If that's the only way for you to live.

I wish you wouldn't have to know about anything.

I was able to get out safely.

(Prince Mil Poong, Yi Tan, Noron)

It's all thanks to you.

I'd like to share my gratitude.

It's not proper for you to do this.

How could a royal say thank you to his subject?

Prince Mil Poong's face isn't looking good.

Should I get him some nutritious food?

In my house? What for?

We just had breakfast.

(Kim Chang Joong, Prime Minister, Noron)

My lord must be busy, too. Tell him to get going.

Minister of Personnel.

You're out, Prince Mil Poong.

It's good to see you here.

Minister of Personnel.

Yes.

I heard you stopped by at my house too.

I went there first.

It's only natural.

It would've been much better...

if you at least made such gestures earlier.

Sorry?

If you knew you weren't all that,

you shouldn't have made such a fuss.

Minister of Personnel, what are you...

You probably heard from the Prime Minister's concubine...

who the next king is.

No. No.

That can't be.

The Norons can't get rid of me.

This kingdom belongs to Prince So Hyeon, my grandfather.

Not the old fox that's in the throne right now.

It belongs to my grandfather and my father!

I told you already.

It's the Norons that run this kingdom.

If you still wanted to become king,

you should've taken care of the people around you.

We can't do everything for you.

Minister of Personnel.

An envoy will be on their way to the Qing Dynasty tomorrow.

Go with them.

If you ask the future king for mercy,

you'll be able to save your life.

No, no. You can't do that.

Don't give up on me.

Please, I'll do anything you tell me to do. Please.

Seeing people like you,

one may learn that...

status is only an image.

And that most human beings are just animals...

that can talk.

But the world has to go on.

That's why we...

let someone like you live.

Get up. That doesn't befit you.

Don't you hear me? You shouldn't sit on the ground like this.

Yoon Young,

it's all over.

It's all over, Yoon Young.

That's not true! It's not over yet.

Who says it's over?

Look at me. You said you'll make me queen.

That's why I chose you.

That's why I even became a concubine for that old man.

Yoon Young.

This kingdom belongs to you.

Will you let them take it?

Show them what you got.

Show them who you are and what happens...

if someone tries to take what is yours.

Prince Yeoning.

All of this...

is his fault.

He ruined me.

Nothing can ruin you.

You can still...

regain...

the throne.

Put this in his room, please.

What is this?

Who put this in my room?

My lord.

I put it there last night.

Sam Wol said she received it.

Your Majesty,

I heard you wanted to see me.

My lord, it's...

It's secret information about Prince Mil Poong.

His private life, deeds,

and the death ledger he has that records the people he killed.

(Death Ledger: A document that keeps record of the dead)

It might've belonged to the Department of Justice.

How did this get to you?

Who could it be?

Someone who's thinking the same thing as me.

Someone who wants to reverse the current situation...

and protect the innocent before it's too late.

Your Majesty,

does that mean...

It'll be a hard decision.

But I thought you'd be able to accept it.

Does Prince Yeoning...

also know about this?

I haven't told him.

I need you to decide first.

You should decide who to crown next.

Why would you ask for my opinion?

Because you're my son too.

Just like the Crown Prince and Prince Yeoning,

you're my son too.