Original subtitles

ALL CHARACTERS AND EVENTS ARE FICTITIOUS

FILMING FOR CHILD ACTORS DONE UNDER BROADCASTING GUIDELINES

Cheon Jun-hwa.

Lee Eun-ho.

Ko Su-ra.

Hong Deok-su.

Yes, my lord.

Move aside!

- Make way! - Move aside!

Make way!

- Make way! - Move!

Make way!

Make way!

Who is Hong Deok-su?

That would be me.

Hong Deok-su, you are under arrest

for the murder of Kim Man-dol in Seochon.

Pardon?

What did you just say about me?

- Apprehend him. - Yes, sir.

No. I am not a murderer.

- Come with us. - No, wait!

- He says he is not. - Step back now.

There must be some sort of mistake.

What is going on?

You dare cause a commotion here?

You have heedlessly barged into Yongcheonru's clerk appointment ceremony.

The matter at hand must be of grave importance.

Correct?

We received a report that a murder suspect was hiding here.

A report?

Take him away.

It is not true.

Hong Deok-su.

Keep your head on straight. Nothing will happen to you.

I did not do it.

I did not do it!

And all I get is a measly Red Certificate thief?

Once you catch the Red Certificate thief,

someone will come running and jump right in.

A flashy bait is bound to catch a big fish.

You want me to catch the "big fish" that chases after the bait?

Are you sure this will aid in

Prince Seonyang's appointment?

I am sure you will not be disappointed.

They dare come barging in here?

The police bureau must have

a lead in the Red Certificate forgery and murder cases.

Police bureau? The Minister of War must be behind it.

The appointment ceremony was completely ruined, thanks to Hong Deok-su.

What a damn mess.

Goodness me, Myeong-ho. A murderer! Can you believe it?

How could he do something so heinous, looking so perfectly normal?

Did I not tell you there was something off about him from the start?

I mean, how did such a heinous bastard

even manage to enter Yongcheonru?

What about Eun-ho?

Hey, Du-sik.

Do you know how many lashes one can endure before they die?

Come on now.

It is not a sword. A few smacks with the rod can not kill anyone.

Foolish boy.

You just need to drench the buttocks

and apply exactly 30 smacks…

to make the skin rip apart into shreds

and lead you straight to death. That is what flogging is.

You did not know?

My goodness. Since Hong Deok-su is of small build,

I am sure just after ten smacks,

he will croak like some dried-up frog.

What was that?

I was just curious.

I wanted to know how many times a person must fall from a chair

before they died.

What?

What?

That was one.

Eun-ho!

Eun-ho, are you going too?

Go where?

Could it be the police bureau?

We need to see how Deok-su is doing.

Su-ra, you too?

I am a member of Elementary too. I should be there as well.

Mother!

Mother!

Something terrible happened!

What could be so terrible?

Deok-su was arrested and dragged to the police bureau!

What did you just say?

Deok-su is at where?

My goodness. Deok-su!

Can I have…

- Mother! - Where are you going?

- Make way! - Move aside!

POLICE BUREAU

He has such a small frame.

Are they sure it is him?

What is going on?

Deok-su!

Mother!

- Deok-su! - Mother.

- Deok-su! My dear Deok-su! - Mother.

What is going on here?

Step back!

Sir! He would not hurt a fly!

I did not kill him. It was not me!

- Deok-su, what happened? - Stay away!

Mother!

Mother!

Step away from the criminal. Go on!

Sir, this is a misunderstanding. You must be mistaken!

Do not just stand there. Drag her away!

- Yes, sir! - Deok-su!

Deok-su!

Mother! Are you all right?

Drag away the criminal now!

Once you catch the Red Certificate thief,

someone will come running and jump right in.

A flashy bait is bound to catch a big fish.

This is unbelievable!

People really love spectacle.

How crude.

Do not just stand there. Kick them all out!

- Yes, sir. - What is going on?

Let them be.

The interrogation must be loud and showy

if we want word to spread and the people to be wary.

Are they just going to interrogate him there?

He will not be able to ignore protocol like that.

Something feels off.

Go and fetch me the evidence collected at the murder scene.

Yes, my lord.

I feel wronged, my lord.

I am not Kim Man-dol's killer.

Shut it!

You stole this Red Certificate, did you not?

There is a witness statement that claims

you and Kim Man-dol were arguing in Seochon.

The Red Certificate…

I ripped it in half because you appreciate "honest and just."

What do you think?

Share it. No need to fight.

I hope you both make it into Yongcheonru.

What have you done?

It becomes void if it is ripped!

I am done for.

That must have been Kim Man-dol…

You killed him with this sword, did you not?

I do not know what happened.

That is not my sword.

You better tell the truth.

The minister asked if I have been working on my swordsmanship.

He looked for the dragon-engraved sword bestowed to princes,

so I showed him mine.

The minister is after you.

Once he finds out that you are not in Onyang,

he will put a noose around your neck.

How dare he…

If this is not your sword,

then who does it belong to?

How would I know that?

Is that so?

Let us see if you stick by that statement

even after the flogging.

Look here!

Yes, my lord.

His official interrogation will commence tomorrow.

Keep him locked up until then.

I shall carry out the harshest line of questioning

until he confesses.

Yes, my lord.

I really did not do it!

I did not do it!

Wait…

I did not do it.

It really was not me!

When is that big fish going to bite?

I did not do it.

I never killed anyone.

Please listen to me. Hey!

I did not kill him!

Hey!

Hold on.

Let us figure out our next step first.

Do you think

Deok-su really stole it?

We need to save our friend first.

He is not the culprit.

Go back without me. I need to stop by somewhere.

Eun-ho!

Su-ra, I also need to stop by somewhere.

You too? Where are you going?

Gyohwa Hall does not know we left.

Do not worry about me.

Hurry up and throw them.

Gae.

You scoundrels! Who said you could slack off like this?

This is all because of that punk, Hong Deok-su.

- Indeed! - Quiet.

By the way, where did all the Elementary rascals go?

Are you unaware? They are on an unauthorized outing.

They should be fired immediately.

- Indeed! - Indeed!

Shush. You rascals!

You all go and clean the bathhouse!

- Seriously? - Seriously?

Just shut those traps already.

Deok-su is being held at the police bureau?

Yes.

The Minister of War was questioning him himself.

How did your search of the Lord Cheon's residence go?

This is the half I found there.

You found it.

Let me see the scroll.

TWO MAKES ONE

Is something wrong?

No.

We just need to match it with its other half.

What is the matter?

By chance,

are you worried about Hong Deok-su?

Of course, I am. He is the holder of the brass key.

I worked so hard to find it.

He is just so reckless, always getting into all sorts of trouble.

I can not even look away for a second.

He will be freed soon if he is innocent.

There is no way he is the culprit.

Things simply do not add up.

Let us go to the palace.

I need to check something.

They fell for it.

My friend, I am here!

Hello there.

Goodness. Is that a new safe chest?

Do you want to take a look?

This is the brass key.

My word. Are there two keys?

You can only open the chest if you have both halves.

I see. It is indeed an interesting piece…

I plan to give one to Jae-on

when she grows up.

That chest will not fit much.

I am plenty satisfied with this size.

"Satisfied"?

That is not enough for me.

Listen, Min-sik.

There you go with that nonsense again.

It is our opportunity to seat a king with our money.

We can acquire real power.

Power is no different from a blade.

The closer you are to it, the more likely you are to be cut by it.

We have a way to soar higher, to reach unimaginable heights.

Why do you insist on standing idly by on the ground?

Listen, my friend.

Think about Jun-hwa and Jae-on.

We just need to make sure we leave behind a world

where they can live respectably.

Go ahead and search all you want.

Nothing gets past me in my house.

Please save Hong Deok-su.

There is no way he is the culprit.

We must act before they torture him tomorrow.

You were already at the bureau?

He is a member of Yongcheonru now.

You even presented him the official appointment certificate.

You have never shown any interest in Yongcheonru,

yet here you are worrying about one of its members. How amusing.

Yes, I have decided to start taking an interest now.

So please lend me some funds.

I will visit the Minister of War

and explain or bribe to persuade him.

The Minister of War…

Did you think he desired money?

Did you think

he locked up a small-fry clerk of Yongcheonru

because he wanted money?

Is there anything better than money when it comes to appeasing someone?

Fine. Do as you wish.

However,

why must I lend you such money?

Because…

If Hong Deok-su is that precious to you,

then take care of this on your own.

My apologies.

The Grand Proprietor has given a strict order.

It must be his way of trying to tame me.

How far are you…

willing to go for Hong Deok-su?

Whatever is necessary to free him.

I will get him released, even if I have to sell off all my assets.

Could you lend your support to my cause?

As of now, I remain under the Grand Proprietor.

I can not defy him.

I understand. I shall look for another way.

Private loans will not be available.

He has forbidden

the issuance of all loans that could be made with your ID tablet.

That sword was indeed mine.

Then, are you saying the evidence in that murder case is…

Who would dare break into the palace and steal a royal sword?

- Let me fetch the guard and gatekeeper. - No need.

My sword was intentionally placed at the murder scene by the culprit.

I am the target.

Who would do such a thing?

The Minister of War…

visited Prince Eunseong to check on his sword.

These swords were only bestowed upon princes.

Prince Eunseong, Prince Seonyang…

and me.

He has clearly set up this trap

to ensnare me.

Why are you so startled?

These are not stolen goods, right?

Take a good look at me.

I would be a victim of theft if anything.

I have never stolen anything in my life.

Do not bother.

No one here will give you a loan today.

I assure you these are not stolen goods.

Do not worry.

I can not believe I even have to say this.

I am Yongcheonru's...

It is not that. I have no clue, either,

but Yongcheonru gave the strictest orders to stop the issuance of all loans

to every private loan provider and pawnshop in the vicinity.

It really is

a shame, but…

Take it back.

So, you are going to turn me down?

I mean, it will be quite difficult to come across such goods again.

This is quite expensive, you know.

I mean, what can I do? I can not force you.

Maybe there is a fearless black market dealer nearby…

Goodness me.

Is that it?

Even if you do not know what they are truly worth, this is ridiculous.

Just a nugget of silver for all these?

Listen.

I am being quite generous.

Who would dare to go behind Yongcheonru's back and offer you a loan?

No one but me.

I can not believe this.

Hey, if you do not like it, then, you can take it back.

I am just as afraid as the rest.

Unbelievable.

Hold on.

Ko Su-ra.

Did you return alone?

- My apologies, sir. - Goodness…

Three from Elementary are missing.

How is this fair?

Just leave it. I will do the work of four people.

I mean, your so-called "friends" leave you to take care of all the cleaning.

How could you call that friendship?

Right, Myeong-ho?

Hey, you rascals.

Do you clean by blabbing the day away?

Goodness me. Quickly finish up and leave.

This is not good.

You better not splash any water.

Hey, Su-ra.

By chance, are you the outcast?

- Damn it. - Move it. I need to clean.

One punk got dragged to the police bureau for murder

and the other two abandoned you, leaving you to pick up their slack.

Who says Deok-su killed someone?

The rumors have spread like wildfire throughout Yongcheonru.

You did not know?

I do not believe in rumors that others spew.

I believe in my friends.

"I believe in my friends."

Ko Su-ra!

Your Namhae Guild failed because you are this naive.

Wake up already!

- Find Hong Min-sik's daughter! - Yes, sir!

Plague patients!

You can not enter. They are infected.

Mother!

What sort of terrible nightmare were you having?

Gu-sil.

Let us go.

We need to go and make sure Deok-su is okay.

- Come on. - Wait. Mother…

You should not go anywhere in such a state.

Who are you?

Where is everyone?

You say…

you are the Grand Proprietor's son?

My name is Cheon Jun-hwa, my lord.

You look nothing like your father.

I see he had such a nice son.

I have recently returned from Qing.

I wanted to pay my respects to your esteemed grace.

Tell me. Does my reputation

precede me in Qing as well?

It is certainly understandable.

I am His Majesty's father-in-law

and the maternal grandfather to Prince Seonyang,

the future Crown Prince.

It would be impolite for me to pay you a visit empty-handed.

What a respectable young man.

This is my entire fortune.

Your entire fortune?

Yes, of course.

The size of the chest does not make the treasure inside any more precious.

Good things come in small packages.

So, what really brought you here today?

My friend is being wrongfully held at the police bureau.

"Wrongfully held"?

As long as I am the Minister of War,

I will not let such injustice slide.

As expected, your benevolence knows no bounds.

It is hard to find someone so righteous like you nowadays.

Silver?

Not gold but silver?

Is this chest a treasure from the Qing?

What I have now may be meager,

but if there is something you desire at Yongcheonru, I shall gladly offer it.

"Meager"?

The one being held is a mere innocent clerk.

Are you trying to imply

the bureau persecuted an innocent civilian?

Go back.

I shall pretend as if this meeting never happened.

I could also put you behind bars for soliciting a bribe,

but because of my long friendship with your father,

I shall overlook this.

My lord.

Foolish boy.

Come back after you learn and grow up some more.

Who brings his entire fortune to a negotiation?

You still have a long way to go.

Here.

You must not waste it.

How many times are you going to repeat that?

I hear you.

I told you I would buy you a new one.

This ointment is truly hard to come by.

This is a cure-all.

What sort of injury requires the whole jar?

Let me apply it for you.

Gosh…

- He is here. - Deok-su? Deok-su!

Mother.

- You should not be here. - Deok-su.

I brought her here because she insisted that you needed

warm soup and rice.

Are you okay?

Mother, are you all right?

- Are you okay? Have you eaten? - Dear sir.

Something for your trouble.

You do not have long.

- Hurry. - Thank you, sir.

My dear Deok-su.

My dear child…

Let me feed you. Open up.

Eat this and find the strength to hang in there.

Go on.

I am sorry, Mother.

Deok-su, have you done something that needs apologizing?

Tell me.

I…

Played dice-rolling with Kim Man-dol.

That is how I won the Red Certificate.

My goodness.

I can not believe you. Have I taught you nothing?

That was my only way into Yongcheonru.

Who cares about that damn Yongcheonru?

So?

Did he really die because of you?

No, that is not true.

I did not kill him.

My goodness… What are we going to do about this sin?

I will fix this, Mother.

I promise I can.

Someone from Yongcheonru came by today

with some consolation money for your sake.

What?

Who gave you money?

Are you Hong Deok-su's mother?

Yes.

Consider it consolation money for Hong Deok-su.

And that person…

also left this.

I played dumb,

but I had a terrible nightmare,

and I just can not help but feel anxious.

What did that person look like? Do you remember?

She was dressed like a noblewoman.

"A noblewoman"?

It was…

a woman?

Why? Is it someone you know?

I have stopped the flow

of all lines of credit in the capital as you commanded,

but it seems he still paid the Minister of War a visit.

Have you ever seen Jun-hwa act like this before?

He would not even bat an eyelash if he heard I was dying.

I will tell him it is now time for self-restraint.

No, just let him be.

This is just the beginning.

He will run wild as he likes and eventually return

to surrender once he tires himself out.

Anyway,

I am more intrigued

by this Hong Deok-su fellow.

The rascal who is making Jun-hwa behave this way.

There is definitely something about him.

If we use him well,

he could end up awakening in Jun-hwa the wings he needs to soar.

Seol Mae-hwa…

Was that your way of paying for my life?

Rest up today.

Tomorrow will be a busy day for you.

I will be sure to pay you back what is owed.

My belly!

What is with you?

Sir, please help me.

The soup and rice I had earlier…

Let go of me, you scoundrel!

Please help me, sir. I am about to die.

Sir. Please…

Let go of me. Let go, you scoundrel!

Damn it. You rotten bastard.

The prisoner has escaped!

Over there!

- Catch him! - Catch him!

- Catch him! - Catch him!

Do not lose him!

Catch him!

- Catch him! - Catch him!

Hong Deok-su has escaped.

I suspected he would be a handful, but…

How shall we proceed?

I shall go myself.

Stop right there!

You scoundrel! Kneel now if you do not wish to die.

Let go!

Take him away now!

No. Let go of me! Let go!

Let me go!

Damn it.

Foolish boy.

Come back after you learn and grow up some more.

Who brings his entire fortune to a negotiation?

You still have a long way to go.

You still had assets to sell off?

I am yours to buy, Grand Proprietor Cheon.

You just sold off everything for nothing

without knowing their true value.

Do you not think you will be filled with regret if you even sell

yourself off like this?

Surely, I must be worth as much as Yongcheonru.

Are you doing all this only to save that child, Hong Deok-su?

He is my friend, Father.

"Friend"?

Friend, you say…

I also had a friend who I considered the most precious in the world.

Since you now kneel before me,

ready to fulfill my wishes and follow in my footsteps,

I shall teach you this.

You must not waste resources on the weak and useless.

That is the first lesson you must learn if you wish to follow in my footsteps.

Second.

In a negotiation,

knowing what the other party desires

is more important than what you have to offer.

However, you did not even know what the minister desired.

You were destined for failure.

Do you understand?

I shall bear those words in mind.

However,

Hong Deok-su will become for me what Seol Mae-hwa is to you.

He is someone I need if I wish to follow in your footsteps.

The innkeeper is not your friend

but a mere vassal you must order around.

Yes.

Then, please save my vassal.

Fine.

Since you have offered yourself up to say that you need him,

I shall grant you that much.

Deok-su.

Hong Deok-su.

All of a sudden, you wish to torture the criminal.

Why would you even bother?

That audacious scoundrel got caught trying to escape prison last night.

I should go and have him flogged myself.

You should just order an officer to do it.

Why put yourself through such hardships?

This is just a part of the tactical battle.

You do not need to worry.

Just hurry Prince Seonyang's appointment ceremony preparation.

Why defile your hands

with the blood of a criminal when we have that important celebration ahead of us?

Last night, the only son of the Grand Proprietor of Yongcheonru…

bit the bait.

Pardon? The Grand Proprietor's son did?

Yes.

If we have leverage against Lord Cheon,

it should come in handy for Prince Seonyang's appointment.

Even so!

Just a single nugget of silver in that chest! How absurd!

How infuriating.

My goodness. Perhaps, you should just take today off.

No.

I must make the bait dance more vigorously

if I wish to ensure a big catch.

My lord.

A gift from Yongcheonru has arrived.

Is that so?

Bring it in at once.

Goodness gracious.

I have never seen such a small gift before.

What is this?

It is the same chest that his son brought.

Lord Cheon clearly knows a thing or two.

This is "a bookend structure."

He is making up for his son's mistake by utilizing the same medium.

I shall gladly accept it.

It seems Lord Cheon has decided

to submit and finally grovel at your feet.

My goodness. That is quite heavy.

It feels different. Definitely different.

- What? - Why would you shake it like that?

What if it is breakable?

What?

Hold on. What is this?

CHEON

What in the world is this?

My lord, someone is looking for you at the police bureau.

It is from a peach tree.

It scares away ghosts and prevents nightmares.

Lee Eun-ho…

Who in the world is looking for me?

It has been a while, Minister.

What? Prince Muyeong.

I hear you have been looking for me.

I rushed over because I had an urgent matter

to discuss with you.

Your Highness, I was told you were recuperating in Onyang.

Has your health been restored?

My goodness… It feels like I have been waiting for you for eternity.

Release the innocent prisoner you have captured

because of me.

I am the one you are after, am I not?

Even if it is an order from Your Highness,

how could I step in and intervene

in the official matters of the bureau?

Prince Seonyang's tenth birthday is fast approaching, is it not?

We should not spill innocent civilian blood

before the momentous Crown Prince Appointment Ceremony.

Well, yes…

That is true.

Then,

will we be able to carry out

his appointment ceremony soon without issue?

I shall provide aid.

Whoever ascends the throne,

he should rule with a sense of virtue and justice.

I see no reason for me not to support it

if my brother is to become a sage king.

That is magnificent.

If Your Highness vouches for him,

I will gladly free the clerk from Yongcheonru.

However,

I shall see the murder investigation through

to catch the culprit.

The victim who was stabbed to death was

also a loyal subject of Joseon, after all.

Prisoner Hong Deok-su!

Yes?

- Come on out. - What?

Get out of here.

What is going on?

Why are you suddenly letting me go?

How would I know? Get lost.

Let me be clear. I was against it.

Hong Deok-su is innocent.

He was just ensnared in the trap the minister set for me.

You knew it was a trap but still jumped in.

That was why I was against it.

Would you have done the same if it was me?

You should be punished if you commit a crime.

Also, he and you are different.

How are we different?

Goodness…

I am hurt.

You were worried about him all night.

I was? About him?

You were.

You even demanded my ointment.

How could you not pity him?

Where is your sense of compassion for your fellow man?

I never knew you were so cold.

I am?

Since the olden days,

gentlemen had compassion for the injured.

You always get so weird at the mention of Hong Deok-su.

The brass key!

He is my brass key!

I have not forgotten my objective.

Since we have found the other half,

we will be done if it is a match.

You did not offer a single piece of praise when I found that other half.

Let us move with haste.

This is simply unfair.

How could you be so cold to me?

- Your Highness. - Jeez.

Gosh…

Lord Cheon, have you gone insane?

You send this measly thing

and ask me to free a murderer?

Are you and your son taking turns mocking me?

CHEON

My word…

Hold on. Was this not enough?

And what is that exactly?

If you do not know, it would be in your best interest to keep it that way.

Since you have rejected it, I shall take it back with me.

I mean…

you should have included an explanation of the gift.

Will you release the Yongcheonru clerk?

Well, the thing is…

- He is gone. - Pardon?

You are too late.

Someone already swooped in before you

and freed Hong Deok-su.

Who might that be?

I shall tell you if you return this gift to me.

That is quite all right.

If it is something that I must know,

I am sure I will find out eventually.

Please excuse me now.

He was released without warning.

Find him.

Yes, my lady.

YONGCHEONRU

Step aside.

CLERK APPOINTMENT ELEMENTARY ROOM

CHEON JUN-HWA, LEE EUN-HO, KO SU-RA, HONG DEOK-SU

What brings you by at this late hour, Lady Seol?

Gyohwa Hall experienced quite a tumultuous year.

Yes, it did.

It has been a while since we have had such a rowdy bunch.

Thank you for your hard work.

But now, we need to clean the house.

Terminate Hong Deok-su's employment.

Pardon?

Lady Seol, you have...

Come back tomorrow.

You can give me your report then.

Where have you been all day?

I have been waiting a long time.

What brings you by, my lord?

Hong Deok-su.

How could you show up here after that mess at the police bureau?

My apologies for the distress.

I brought him here because he was so desperate to see you.

And what sort of business could I have with this child?

I offer my greetings upon my return.

His employment has already been terminated.

He was arrested on a charge of murder.

Even if he is innocent of murder,

he lost his right to be here when he forged the Red Certificate.

I came to ask you

for a chance to prove that I deserve the right to be here.

Put the dismissal on hold.

My lord, what will the other clerks think…

It will set an example.

It will show how much Yongcheonru cares for its members.

As you have suggested, you shall prove yourself on your own.

Yes, I shall, my lord.

You shall officially be reinstated after you achieve

what was promised.

That should be good enough.

You should have never returned to Yongcheonru.

Why not?

I worked very hard to get here.

You seem to have a lot to say about me.

No matter what anyone says,

I made it here on my own merits.

Nothing is out of reach for me now.

I even made it back safely from prison.

Hong Deok-su. You are...

I know who tipped off the police bureau

to frame me for murder.

I will never…

run away like a coward.

Deok-su.

Hong Deok-su.

Please do not leave me…

Please do not leave…

Please…

Grand Proprietor Cheon will soon know that the brass key is missing.

You must make your move first.

Hong Deok-su only just returned.

This is my last chance.

Do you believe that you will be able to catch me?

This gambling den must be a success.

Find another way.

I will not ask for your assistance.

This is my problem to solve.

If I were in that situation, would you turn your back on me?

Are we not friends, Deok-su?

What…

- You like Deok-su, do you not? - What?

Jun-hwa prepared all this for you.

Jun-hwa.

Why do you remain at Yongcheonru?

I may be out of line, but...

I am also well aware

of why I chose to come here

under an alias.

You seem highly interested for someone who was against the gambling den.

By the way, Eun-ho, where are you from?

About the Elementary kids that you call "friends…"

You are the one who backed me into this corner.

How much do you know about them?

I know my friends well.

You know nothing.

Whatever it is, you can tell me.

Subtitle translation by: Justin S. Kim