Dae Wang Sejong (2008): Season 1, Episode 2 - Episode #1.2 - full transcript
Kill them, or you will end up dead.
I'm a Prince, and
you are my Royal subject.
It's the Prince that protects
his subjects and his people.
Your Highness!
Your Highness!
Yi Bangwon... It's a shame I can't
see the terrified look on his face.
I am Baron Ok Hwan.
Your effort is deserving of great reward.
I have done nothing.
It is this man who recognized the stolen
articles as articles of the Royal house.
You appear to be a benevolent man.
You care about your subordinates.
Thank you for the undeserved praise.
My soldiers will escort you back to the
Royal villa as soon as you are prepared.
No.
That is unnecessary.
Your Highness...
You have not met the Prince.
Are events of last night
not to be disclosed?
You are a man of fine character,
so I trust you will not attempt to
improve your position by telling
the world you saved the Prince.
Your silence will preserve the
honor of the Royal house.
In return, you will have the Prince's trust.
What makes you think Prince
Choongnyeong is not a King material?
He does not have what it takes.
Even if he had been the eldest,
he would not be a suitable successor.
Let us hear why.
Why you are putting
down your own pupil?
How could you call an arrogant
smart-mouth a King material?
Exposition of the Great Learning:
Book of leadership complied by Confucian
scholar Zhen Dexiu of the Song period.
What is the meaning of this?
What are you doing?
It's as you can see.
Your Highness!
Let go.
Let go!
You are not a scholar.
Scholars do not burn books!
It's better than turning
you into a thief repeating
the words of others like a parrot.
So I said every scholar has the
responsibility to pursue politics.
What's wrong with that?
Those are words of Mencius, not yours.
I took it to heart and now it is mine.
Do you know what politics is?
It's working for the safety
and welfare of the people.
Do you know who the people
are and what they are like?
"The people are good in nature
and appreciate good virtue"
Book of Odes, Greater Odes
of the Kingdom, Zheng Min.
This is why I call you a thief.
Do I speak words that are untrue?
They are babbling of a parrot in a cage.
But then, who can blame you?
The only world you know
is inside this little villa.
Then I will learn about the world.
How?
The walls of this Royal
Villa are too high for that.
And there are too many guards
and people protecting you.
If I knew more about the world, would
you share your knowledge with me?
If you knew more about the world,
you wouldn't want me
to share my knowledge.
I am not going back until
I can prove Master Yi Su wrong!
You must go back now, Your Highness.
Bring me my clothes.
Pease think about what
almost happened last night.
That's all the more reason
why I can't go back yet.
Your Highness?
Hide it.
We don't want to become a target again.
But the knaves that
tried to hurt me last night...
Yes, Your Highness?
Are they Father's subjects as well?
What do you mean?
Those who are not good in
nature are not our people.
Now we must find the real Royal subjects.
Why are you sending
the Prince back like this?
I don't understand.
I will turn him into cold meat
and hang him on the crossbeam
of the palace as well.
Let us not be so disrespectful
to our future King.
If you believe he is the future King,
isn't that all the more
reason to kill him off?
He's just a child who knows
nothing about the world.
Then...?
We're going to groom him
to be the King starting now.
The seed of fire that will destroy
his brothers, break his father's heart
and turn the Royal court into
bloody circus of political wars...
I deserve death, Your Majesty...
You may go.
I will find another way.
I will turn over security of the envoys
to the Three Armies Command and
personally search every inch of the city.
No.
But...
One hundred twenty four...
That's how many security drills you
have performed in the past five years.
The last one was last night.
You know what happened next.
Forgive me, Your Majesty...
There are orders in which
things must be done.
Go back to your post and
be faithful to your duty.
We can't stop looking for the Prince.
If anything should happen to him...
Leave.
Gang Sangin that cad, I want to kill him!
He didn't even bother to
check my son's safety when
the entire palace was
turned upside down last night!
Well, the secret message
said "a King to be"...
If Hyoryeong and Choongnyeong are
Kings to be, my son is a King to be as well!
Your Grace, please lower your voice.
Someone might be listening.
I don't care!
Your Grace...
I am His Majesty's beloved no
matter what anyone says.
That's...
If the mother is loved,
the child is loved as well.
There is no reason why my
son cannot be our future King.
Please give my son your support, General.
Imagine if he became the next King.
Your command and authority
will be higher than any Royalty.
The kidnappers were found dead?
Are you sure they were
connected to the Min clan?
It's highly likely since they had ties to
the men that Lord Min Mugu used to
have in his militia.
Then what are we waiting for?
Let's get the Min clan!
We're dealing with the Queen's family.
We can't go after them
without a definitive proof.
Then interrogate Yi Su and
force a confession out of him.
That's not a good idea either.
Release Yi Su.
Then what about Prince Choongnyeong?
We don't have any time to waste.
If something should
happen to the Prince...
If they are after his life,
we are already too late.
Lord Hwang...
Think about this rationally.
The best course of action is
to investigate them quietly and
observe their movements.
They'll cover their tracks and hide
if they find out we're on to them.
Where is Prince Choongnyeong?
Why would you ask me that question?
I gave you information that he would
be going to Soongshin-bang.
So?
But Prince Choongnyeong
was not found there.
It's obvious what happened next.
You wench!
What do you take me for?
I may have known where
Choongnyeong was going,
but I have nothing to
do with his kidnapping!
I believe you completely.
But I doubt the world will.
Is that a threat?
Of course not.
Keep your mouth sealed.
It's for your own good.
But if I talk, I might save the
Prince's life and become a hero.
What do you want?
I think I should be paid separate
fees for keeping silence.
It is the Princes life,
so it would have to be a large sum.
Eunuch's sleeping quarters
What's wrong?
Granny, how did it go?
Keep your mouth sealed tight.
Your tong is your life now.
What are you standing around for?
Hurry up and get to work!
Are you all right?
Huh?
Ilji, I think I might have
to pluck out my tongue.
Has this reckless child done
what I think he's done?
Bring the Exposition of the Great
Learning to me three days from now.
You saw me burning them off.
Then you will have to
rewrite it from memory.
You said you would share your knowledge
with me once I know more about the world.
Don't forget your promise.
Don't bring harm on
yourself with hasty actions.
No matter how you struggle,
is forbidden for a prince
other than the Heir Apparent,
to aspire to govern the state.
I'm thirteen years old, Master, thirteen.
And you want me to do nothing?
You want me to have no
dreams and no aspirations?
Then this villa might as well be my grave.
You're telling me to live
my whole life in a grave.
It is your fate for being born a Prince.
Accept it.
That is the King's wish.
I'm going to make my
father withdraw that wish.
I will find a way to persuade him.
But first I must break my stubborn mentor.
This kind of food may
not suit your palate...
You said this is what
the people normally eat.
It's not bad.
Don't worry about me.
You go ahead and eat.
I wouldn't think of it, Your Highness.
I'm a lowly servant. I couldn't possibly
eat with you on the same table.
Jangwon, how long ago did
you say you left your parents?
Why do you ask out of
the blue, Your Highness?
How long ago?
It's been ten years and
97 days, Your Highness.
You keep a count?
I'm just so small-minded...
You're not small-minded.
You just miss them very much.
Your Highness...
Your heart must be torn...
I'm all right.
But my father was suffering
from consumption when I left,
and I worry if he is okay.
I wonder what's worse...
Being far away from the ones you love...
or being close but ignored...
I... I'm probably not
enough to comfort you.
Sometimes I really miss my family
and sometimes I feel sorry for myself,
but I have you,
and you are very good to me...
so it gives me great comfort.
Jangwon...
Don't worry.
His Majesty is a very busy man,
so he just doesn't have the time
to give you attention.
But I'm sure he loves you
very much deep inside.
Hall of Great Peace: Ming envoy's guest hall
I'm just going to stand here, that's all!
If we leave, someone
else will get this spot!
I'm not going anywhere!
Those who resist will be arrested!
It is the law of this land to suspend
traffic for the national guest convoy!
Violators will be punished
by twenty lashes!
What are you waiting for?
Arrest those who refuse
to step back ten paces!
Aye!
Step back!
Step back!
Don't touch me!
This is my spot!
Why are they fighting like that?
I don't know, Your Highness.
They are street venders
who do business here.
They have to get resituated
after the convoy passes through,
so I think they're fighting
for a good space.
You're...
I've been ordered by the Baron to
attend to you if only from a distance.
That's not necessary.
He's also ordered not to
disrupt your travel in any way,
so please do not refuse
my master's courtesy.
What's that?
Stop him!
We will honor the faithful retainers
who sacrificed their lives
for the Royal house of Goryeo.
- Take the envoy back inside!
- Yes, sir!
- Archers!
- Archers forward!
Kill them!
The King that exploits his people...
The Ming Chinese that makes the
people of Joseon cry in misery...
Kill them all!
Isn't that Park who sells
firewood on a roadside stand?
It's him all right.
You mean he's a street
vender like all of you people?
Yes!
Why would an ordinary street
vender do something like this?
Rage and despair must've
driven him to this.
Rage? Did the Ming envoy do
anything to cause him harm?
Harm?
Actually, it's the King that did that.
He's ordered all of the street stalls
and kiosks on this entire district
be pulled down because he doesn't want
to look bad in front of the Ming envoys!
This is our livelihood for heaven sakes!
If he's going to make a statement,
why the Hall of Great Peace?
He should've set the
palace on fire instead.
You know it.
We must never forget the tragedy of 1394.
Hear ye!
His Majesty the King will establish
colonies for the Royal kinfolk of
Goryeo in Ganghwa, Koje and other
regions and provide means of living.
At noon on the second day
of the fourth month in 1394,
those with surname of Wang are called
to gather at the Mapo ferry dock and...
Remember...
The false generosity and false hopes...
The cunning and deceitful ploy to
lure the Royal kinfolk of Goryeo...
Remember the day of massacre!
According Nam Hyo-on's Chugan naenghwa,
the Royal descendants of Goryeo were lured to Ganghwa,
Koje, Samchuk and other regions and buried at sea.
Move to the right!
Remember the blood stained sword
of the slayer who stole the throne!
Remember the eyes of our sisters
and our children
that were slaughtered and
slaughtered again!
Remember our fathers and
mothers that were buried at sea...
Remember our cowardice hearts
that left them in the frozen waters
out of fear of our own death...
Do not forget the indignation.
We must also never forget the
shame of having been forced to
abandon our surname of Wang for
survival and live under assumed names.
Remember.
Joseon is a slayer's regime built
on our family's blood.
The fate or our people
cannot be left in their hands.
That is why we will not stop fighting
until Joseon has fallen
and Goryeo is resurrected.
Who is the perpetrator?
He was killed at the scene of the crime...
Then how will you find
the man behind him?
I do not know what to say, Your Majesty...
How could you let this happen?
The Hall of Great Peace?
What are they doing?
Well...
We're leaving!
Start packing!
Right now!
What is our response?
The Ministry of Rites is still
considering the options.
When will you come to a decision?
After the envoy has crossed the Yalu?
Perhaps the Crown Prince
could pay them a visit.
It may be even more effective
if he delivers a letter of apology.
Don't just stand there.
Do it.
Yes, Your Majesty.
I will not go to the Hall of Great Peace.
Don't argue.
You must do your duty
as the Crown Prince.
The palace is astir and
my younger brother is still missing.
Those are personal feelings.
Cast it aside for now.
Just make sure you're not
careless in diplomatic protocol.
The Crown Prince's action
is reflection of this state.
The fact that I am the Crown Prince is
the reason why I will not go to the envoy.
Ming wants to make me a
son-in-law of their Emperor.
Isn't that the greatest dishonor
a Crown Prince can suffer?
I will not endure such dishonor.
Only common men follow his own will.
A King has greater duty to abide by.
Becoming the son-in-law of the Emperor
of another state is that the greater duty?
Assuaging the envoy with proper
etiquette of diplomacy so to avoid
becoming the son-in-law of the
Emperor is the greater duty.
Father.
A good leader is not rigid
to preserve his pride.
He will bend, endure shame and kneel
before the contemptible if necessary.
But...
A Prince is a King's
subject before his son.
How would you deal with a
subject who refuses to obey
your order before thinking it through?
We must brief you on the protocol
and quickly get you ready to leave.
Noboon, lay down a straw mat
in front of the audience hall.
Your Highness?
I am going to protest this order.
Your Highness...!
You're being completely unreasonable.
What are you doing?
Get yourself ready and go
to the Hall of Great Peace.
I am going to seek punishment
from the King instead.
If I were you, I would volunteer to become
the son-in-law of the
Ming Emperor instead.
Uncle...
Get ready.
Now!
Don't you realize that
this country will become
a Ming's subject state if I, the future
King, becomes the Emperor's son-in-law?
You are unlike the
despicable Kings of Goryeo.
You will not be controlled by your
wife even if she is a Ming Princess.
Am I wrong?
- But...
- You need power and authority
since you need to succeed
to the throne right away.
What... do you mean by that?
Your father's time has come and gone.
Uncle!
A dead body was found hanging
in the sacred audience hall
and the Hall of Great Peace
was attacked in broad daylight.
This is incontrovertible
sign that the current
King has lost his power and authority.
The King cannot be a subject
of slander and ridicule.
I am not trying to undercut
the King's hard efforts to
strengthen the foundation of this state.
But he has put too much blood
his hands in the process.
And there were few among them that
he should never have laid his hands on.
From talented senior statesmen
to brothers of same blood...
Shouldn't you and the other uncles bear
the responsibility for that as well?
Yes.
That is why we need to start a new era.
A new era of a new King who can
cleanse the Royal court of its bloody
stains and seek peace and prosperity...
Your era, Your Highness.
To do that, you need power.
What could be more powerful and
than the backing of the Ming Emperor?
Begin a new era with a new King?
Then all this to set up
justifiable basis for abdication?
Abdication?
The message asked if we can
protect the King in the making
then kidnapped Prince Choongnyeong
of the Heir Apparent.
What do you think this means?
A movement to bring Choongnyeong to
the throne instead of the Crown Prince?
This will leave His Majesty
with two choices:
abdicate the throne or kill a son.
It's been almost a year since the Min
clan has been alienated from power.
There is only one way for them
to restore their power?
Give the throne to the Crown Prince
and become his benefactor.
Crown Prince, rise left!
Royal envoy,
rise right!
Are you taught to ignore the
hospitality of the host in Ming China?
I have a long travel ahead that
leaves me with no time for tea.
You will regret this.
Refusing this despicable
display of hospitality?
Insulting the Crown Prince
of a sovereign state.
You should control the public before
you admonish a diplomatic envoy
the aweless people that set
the Hall of Great Peace ablaze
and ruined the important state affair.
The Crown Prince of a state that cannot
even control its own people do not deserve
a chance to preserve his honor.
Am I wrong?
Your Highness!
Your Highness!
No reaction to the Crown Prince's visit?
Perhaps His Majesty could pay them
a visit and appease them personally.
I suppose I could.
It is not a good idea, Your Majesty.
Instead perhaps we should fuel the
fire that's already been started.
I think I agree.
This is the King's sword?
He has had it since prior
to his rise to the throne,
so it is the sword that built Joseon.
The sword that built Joseon wants blood?
Did you like my gift?
Would you like me to kneel
and stick my neck out?
The sword of the King of a tribute state is
not enough to threaten a mighty empire.
Watch your words!
A tribute state?
Is it my head you want?
Oh dear...
It looks like my ministers did not
explain whose blood is on that sword.
I killed the man that disrespected
you personally with my own sword.
Some might say that
the King has behaved recklessly.
I would do worse to
protect our friendship.
Friendship?
Would you leave us?
It's difficult to openly share friendship
with so many eyes looking on.
Your Majesty, in this circumstance...
Who can you trust if
you can't trust a friend?
Right?
Please try.
Don't you like the aroma?
Tea is meant to be enjoyed with friends
to truly appreciate its depth, that is.
I must turn down your offer to be friends.
I'm sorry to hear that.
No threats or appeasement will be effective.
The only way to resolve this situation is
by sending the Crown Prince to be
the son-in-law of the Emperor.
Let us drink our tea.
How is Taijian Zheng He?
Is it true that he is on an expedition
to suppress the Mongol remnants?
The Emperor gnashes his teeth at eunuchs,
but he's a eunuch general
in charge of a conquest.
I guess the rumor is true.
Taijian Zheng He is the Emperor's
number one man. Isn't he?
Why are you bringing up
Taijian Zheng He out of the blue?
To make you, Huan Yan,
the Emperor's number one man.
I am the Emperor's servant.
I have no ambition for power.
You mean you couldn't
have ambition for power.
If I surrender my sword to you
and you take it back to Ming,
you will be a man more
capable than Zheng He.
Zheng He leads his army acquiring
vows of loyalty from inferior states
but you would have acquired a vow of
loyalty from the King of Joseon
with your tongue.
Vow of loyalty?
I have known the Emperor
since he was the Prince of Yan.
I know that he fears Joseon might join
hands with the jurchens, the Japanese or
the Mongols and put pressure on Ming,
and that is why he wants to take my son.
I am ready to present to you the
sword that built this country today.
This is a solemn promise that
Joseon will not wage a war
against Ming under any circumstances.
How should I trust that?
You refuse my friendship
and you want trust?
Trust isn't important.
What is important is the
results you take back home.
I don't think you would be sitting
here holding back your rage
if you were not worried about
going back home empty handed.
If all goes well, the Emperor
will have Joseon's vow of loyalty
and you will have wealth and honor.
Wealth and honor?
Money is a very powerful thing.
It is indispensable if what
you wants is political authority.
And what would you gain from this?
Comfort of knowing that I don't
have to send my son millions
of miles away from home, I suppose.
If this were a business deal,
my profit would be the smallest.
Don't you think?
This is His Majesty's note promising
ten thousand silver pieces.
He hopes it will be put to good use.
These are for the Empress.
Desire not to send off a child to a
distant foreign land will be greater
for the mother than the father.
Win the Empress's heart,
and the road to becoming
the Emperor's number
one man will be easier.
Are you angry?
I don't blame you.
Refrain from such unruly
conduct from now on.
If you cant hold back your
rage, vent it on yourself.
Pound your chest and break yourself down.
Father...
Pain nurses vengeance
and makes you stronger.
Keep your rage in your heart.
Don't let the rage you
felt today be forgotten.
And later when your time comes,
use it to build a regime stronger
and more powerful than mine.
You've turned our King into
a reckless imposter!
Are you satisfied?
I stopped the Crown Prince from
becoming the Emperor's son-in-law.
Next time it will be
twenty thousand silver pieces.
Don't you know that?
Consider it a price for
preserving Joseon's pride.
Pride?
I had no idea national pride
was so important to you.
Empty pride is meaningless to me.
I am only interested in pride that is
necessary to soundly govern this state.
Soundly govern this state?
His Majesty has gained a
tremendous loyal servant!
My loyalty doesn't compare to
the loyalty of the man who allowed
slaughter in the Royal house
to bring him to the throne.
Hey!
Clear this off.
What are you doing?
We were here first!
That's baloney.
I don't see your name anywhere.
What?
You want a fight?
You should've been out here
sooner if you wanted the space.
- Stay out of it, you whore!
- Stop!
What are they doing?
I think they're fighting for
the dead man Park's spot.
Didn't you say the dead man
used to do business with them?
- Yes.
- What terrible people!
What's this?
You should be grieving
your neighbor's death.
What is this beastly behavior?
Beastly?
You are in trouble, you little punk.
I'll teach you a lesson for
talking to an elder that way!
How dare you!
Do you know who you're talking to?
We have a couple of lunatics!
Come here.
You're a dead man.
You bastard!
What the heck!
Hey!
Jangwon.
I can't believe we started a fight...
Me neither...
We have to close up shop
in less than ten days anyway...
The Royal court recently made a
decision to clean up all roadside
stands and kiosks within the four
gates and build permanent structures.
Without any auxiliary action?
I'm sure there was.
I believe they were given
monetary compensation.
What are you talking about?
Who gave monetary
compensation to whom?
We sure didn't get any.
Oh dear, what happened?
Who embezzled the money
that's rightfully yours?
Don't act so naive.
You know exactly who took it.
The bastards in high places.
And their lackeys that take
all the money in the middle.
Those thieves snatched all of our money.
There are little thieves
under a big thief.
What do you expect when this
country is being run by the biggest
thief of all who stole the throne?
And what makes you
better than those thieves?
What?
What did you say?
You're just sitting around complaining
instead of trying to resolve the problem.
Is there anything more pathetic?
That little runt!
- Do you want to die?
- Let go him!
If you don't want to be
executed, let go of him now!
Stay down, you fool.
What if I resolve this problem?
How would you do that?
Would you acknowledge that
you are wrong about the King and
voluntarily seek punishment for contempt?
Sure, I'll do it.
Let's see what you've got.
I'll take a little punishment.
Hell, I can take anything if I could
just feed my family. You know that?
Out!
All of you!
Move it!
If we find you making trouble again,
you're done for. You got that?
- Thank you!
- You women ought to know better!
Your Highness,
we really should go back now.
They're shameless cowards.
They don't even know what
good nature and beautiful virtue is.
They don't deserve to be Royal subjects.
But those despicable people said my father
the King was unworthy of the throne.
Your Highness...
My father will rectify all this.
He will change them into gentle
people, the real Royal subjects.
And I am going to pave the way.
Did you just say it is Choongnyeong
who sounds the Petitioner's Drum?
Why in heaven's name is a Royal
Prince sounding the Petitioner's Drum?
He is rebelling against the King.
Choongnyeong is only thirteen years old.
Why would a child rebel against the King?
Thirteen is old enough for
those seeking to bring him to the
throne for their own advancement.
Bring him to the throne?
Are you suggesting that he is fighting his
own brother over the rights of succession?
Not him. Those seeking to
bring him to the throne.
Why is all this happening?
I want to rejoice my son's safe return,
but things keep getting worse...
The Petitioner's Drum is
used to criticize misrule.
Will the King allow a Prince who
criticizes his misrule to live?
Is this a bloodbath?
This could lead to a mass
slaughter in the palace...
I'm a Prince, and
you are my Royal subject.
It's the Prince that protects
his subjects and his people.
Your Highness!
Your Highness!
Yi Bangwon... It's a shame I can't
see the terrified look on his face.
I am Baron Ok Hwan.
Your effort is deserving of great reward.
I have done nothing.
It is this man who recognized the stolen
articles as articles of the Royal house.
You appear to be a benevolent man.
You care about your subordinates.
Thank you for the undeserved praise.
My soldiers will escort you back to the
Royal villa as soon as you are prepared.
No.
That is unnecessary.
Your Highness...
You have not met the Prince.
Are events of last night
not to be disclosed?
You are a man of fine character,
so I trust you will not attempt to
improve your position by telling
the world you saved the Prince.
Your silence will preserve the
honor of the Royal house.
In return, you will have the Prince's trust.
What makes you think Prince
Choongnyeong is not a King material?
He does not have what it takes.
Even if he had been the eldest,
he would not be a suitable successor.
Let us hear why.
Why you are putting
down your own pupil?
How could you call an arrogant
smart-mouth a King material?
Exposition of the Great Learning:
Book of leadership complied by Confucian
scholar Zhen Dexiu of the Song period.
What is the meaning of this?
What are you doing?
It's as you can see.
Your Highness!
Let go.
Let go!
You are not a scholar.
Scholars do not burn books!
It's better than turning
you into a thief repeating
the words of others like a parrot.
So I said every scholar has the
responsibility to pursue politics.
What's wrong with that?
Those are words of Mencius, not yours.
I took it to heart and now it is mine.
Do you know what politics is?
It's working for the safety
and welfare of the people.
Do you know who the people
are and what they are like?
"The people are good in nature
and appreciate good virtue"
Book of Odes, Greater Odes
of the Kingdom, Zheng Min.
This is why I call you a thief.
Do I speak words that are untrue?
They are babbling of a parrot in a cage.
But then, who can blame you?
The only world you know
is inside this little villa.
Then I will learn about the world.
How?
The walls of this Royal
Villa are too high for that.
And there are too many guards
and people protecting you.
If I knew more about the world, would
you share your knowledge with me?
If you knew more about the world,
you wouldn't want me
to share my knowledge.
I am not going back until
I can prove Master Yi Su wrong!
You must go back now, Your Highness.
Bring me my clothes.
Pease think about what
almost happened last night.
That's all the more reason
why I can't go back yet.
Your Highness?
Hide it.
We don't want to become a target again.
But the knaves that
tried to hurt me last night...
Yes, Your Highness?
Are they Father's subjects as well?
What do you mean?
Those who are not good in
nature are not our people.
Now we must find the real Royal subjects.
Why are you sending
the Prince back like this?
I don't understand.
I will turn him into cold meat
and hang him on the crossbeam
of the palace as well.
Let us not be so disrespectful
to our future King.
If you believe he is the future King,
isn't that all the more
reason to kill him off?
He's just a child who knows
nothing about the world.
Then...?
We're going to groom him
to be the King starting now.
The seed of fire that will destroy
his brothers, break his father's heart
and turn the Royal court into
bloody circus of political wars...
I deserve death, Your Majesty...
You may go.
I will find another way.
I will turn over security of the envoys
to the Three Armies Command and
personally search every inch of the city.
No.
But...
One hundred twenty four...
That's how many security drills you
have performed in the past five years.
The last one was last night.
You know what happened next.
Forgive me, Your Majesty...
There are orders in which
things must be done.
Go back to your post and
be faithful to your duty.
We can't stop looking for the Prince.
If anything should happen to him...
Leave.
Gang Sangin that cad, I want to kill him!
He didn't even bother to
check my son's safety when
the entire palace was
turned upside down last night!
Well, the secret message
said "a King to be"...
If Hyoryeong and Choongnyeong are
Kings to be, my son is a King to be as well!
Your Grace, please lower your voice.
Someone might be listening.
I don't care!
Your Grace...
I am His Majesty's beloved no
matter what anyone says.
That's...
If the mother is loved,
the child is loved as well.
There is no reason why my
son cannot be our future King.
Please give my son your support, General.
Imagine if he became the next King.
Your command and authority
will be higher than any Royalty.
The kidnappers were found dead?
Are you sure they were
connected to the Min clan?
It's highly likely since they had ties to
the men that Lord Min Mugu used to
have in his militia.
Then what are we waiting for?
Let's get the Min clan!
We're dealing with the Queen's family.
We can't go after them
without a definitive proof.
Then interrogate Yi Su and
force a confession out of him.
That's not a good idea either.
Release Yi Su.
Then what about Prince Choongnyeong?
We don't have any time to waste.
If something should
happen to the Prince...
If they are after his life,
we are already too late.
Lord Hwang...
Think about this rationally.
The best course of action is
to investigate them quietly and
observe their movements.
They'll cover their tracks and hide
if they find out we're on to them.
Where is Prince Choongnyeong?
Why would you ask me that question?
I gave you information that he would
be going to Soongshin-bang.
So?
But Prince Choongnyeong
was not found there.
It's obvious what happened next.
You wench!
What do you take me for?
I may have known where
Choongnyeong was going,
but I have nothing to
do with his kidnapping!
I believe you completely.
But I doubt the world will.
Is that a threat?
Of course not.
Keep your mouth sealed.
It's for your own good.
But if I talk, I might save the
Prince's life and become a hero.
What do you want?
I think I should be paid separate
fees for keeping silence.
It is the Princes life,
so it would have to be a large sum.
Eunuch's sleeping quarters
What's wrong?
Granny, how did it go?
Keep your mouth sealed tight.
Your tong is your life now.
What are you standing around for?
Hurry up and get to work!
Are you all right?
Huh?
Ilji, I think I might have
to pluck out my tongue.
Has this reckless child done
what I think he's done?
Bring the Exposition of the Great
Learning to me three days from now.
You saw me burning them off.
Then you will have to
rewrite it from memory.
You said you would share your knowledge
with me once I know more about the world.
Don't forget your promise.
Don't bring harm on
yourself with hasty actions.
No matter how you struggle,
is forbidden for a prince
other than the Heir Apparent,
to aspire to govern the state.
I'm thirteen years old, Master, thirteen.
And you want me to do nothing?
You want me to have no
dreams and no aspirations?
Then this villa might as well be my grave.
You're telling me to live
my whole life in a grave.
It is your fate for being born a Prince.
Accept it.
That is the King's wish.
I'm going to make my
father withdraw that wish.
I will find a way to persuade him.
But first I must break my stubborn mentor.
This kind of food may
not suit your palate...
You said this is what
the people normally eat.
It's not bad.
Don't worry about me.
You go ahead and eat.
I wouldn't think of it, Your Highness.
I'm a lowly servant. I couldn't possibly
eat with you on the same table.
Jangwon, how long ago did
you say you left your parents?
Why do you ask out of
the blue, Your Highness?
How long ago?
It's been ten years and
97 days, Your Highness.
You keep a count?
I'm just so small-minded...
You're not small-minded.
You just miss them very much.
Your Highness...
Your heart must be torn...
I'm all right.
But my father was suffering
from consumption when I left,
and I worry if he is okay.
I wonder what's worse...
Being far away from the ones you love...
or being close but ignored...
I... I'm probably not
enough to comfort you.
Sometimes I really miss my family
and sometimes I feel sorry for myself,
but I have you,
and you are very good to me...
so it gives me great comfort.
Jangwon...
Don't worry.
His Majesty is a very busy man,
so he just doesn't have the time
to give you attention.
But I'm sure he loves you
very much deep inside.
Hall of Great Peace: Ming envoy's guest hall
I'm just going to stand here, that's all!
If we leave, someone
else will get this spot!
I'm not going anywhere!
Those who resist will be arrested!
It is the law of this land to suspend
traffic for the national guest convoy!
Violators will be punished
by twenty lashes!
What are you waiting for?
Arrest those who refuse
to step back ten paces!
Aye!
Step back!
Step back!
Don't touch me!
This is my spot!
Why are they fighting like that?
I don't know, Your Highness.
They are street venders
who do business here.
They have to get resituated
after the convoy passes through,
so I think they're fighting
for a good space.
You're...
I've been ordered by the Baron to
attend to you if only from a distance.
That's not necessary.
He's also ordered not to
disrupt your travel in any way,
so please do not refuse
my master's courtesy.
What's that?
Stop him!
We will honor the faithful retainers
who sacrificed their lives
for the Royal house of Goryeo.
- Take the envoy back inside!
- Yes, sir!
- Archers!
- Archers forward!
Kill them!
The King that exploits his people...
The Ming Chinese that makes the
people of Joseon cry in misery...
Kill them all!
Isn't that Park who sells
firewood on a roadside stand?
It's him all right.
You mean he's a street
vender like all of you people?
Yes!
Why would an ordinary street
vender do something like this?
Rage and despair must've
driven him to this.
Rage? Did the Ming envoy do
anything to cause him harm?
Harm?
Actually, it's the King that did that.
He's ordered all of the street stalls
and kiosks on this entire district
be pulled down because he doesn't want
to look bad in front of the Ming envoys!
This is our livelihood for heaven sakes!
If he's going to make a statement,
why the Hall of Great Peace?
He should've set the
palace on fire instead.
You know it.
We must never forget the tragedy of 1394.
Hear ye!
His Majesty the King will establish
colonies for the Royal kinfolk of
Goryeo in Ganghwa, Koje and other
regions and provide means of living.
At noon on the second day
of the fourth month in 1394,
those with surname of Wang are called
to gather at the Mapo ferry dock and...
Remember...
The false generosity and false hopes...
The cunning and deceitful ploy to
lure the Royal kinfolk of Goryeo...
Remember the day of massacre!
According Nam Hyo-on's Chugan naenghwa,
the Royal descendants of Goryeo were lured to Ganghwa,
Koje, Samchuk and other regions and buried at sea.
Move to the right!
Remember the blood stained sword
of the slayer who stole the throne!
Remember the eyes of our sisters
and our children
that were slaughtered and
slaughtered again!
Remember our fathers and
mothers that were buried at sea...
Remember our cowardice hearts
that left them in the frozen waters
out of fear of our own death...
Do not forget the indignation.
We must also never forget the
shame of having been forced to
abandon our surname of Wang for
survival and live under assumed names.
Remember.
Joseon is a slayer's regime built
on our family's blood.
The fate or our people
cannot be left in their hands.
That is why we will not stop fighting
until Joseon has fallen
and Goryeo is resurrected.
Who is the perpetrator?
He was killed at the scene of the crime...
Then how will you find
the man behind him?
I do not know what to say, Your Majesty...
How could you let this happen?
The Hall of Great Peace?
What are they doing?
Well...
We're leaving!
Start packing!
Right now!
What is our response?
The Ministry of Rites is still
considering the options.
When will you come to a decision?
After the envoy has crossed the Yalu?
Perhaps the Crown Prince
could pay them a visit.
It may be even more effective
if he delivers a letter of apology.
Don't just stand there.
Do it.
Yes, Your Majesty.
I will not go to the Hall of Great Peace.
Don't argue.
You must do your duty
as the Crown Prince.
The palace is astir and
my younger brother is still missing.
Those are personal feelings.
Cast it aside for now.
Just make sure you're not
careless in diplomatic protocol.
The Crown Prince's action
is reflection of this state.
The fact that I am the Crown Prince is
the reason why I will not go to the envoy.
Ming wants to make me a
son-in-law of their Emperor.
Isn't that the greatest dishonor
a Crown Prince can suffer?
I will not endure such dishonor.
Only common men follow his own will.
A King has greater duty to abide by.
Becoming the son-in-law of the Emperor
of another state is that the greater duty?
Assuaging the envoy with proper
etiquette of diplomacy so to avoid
becoming the son-in-law of the
Emperor is the greater duty.
Father.
A good leader is not rigid
to preserve his pride.
He will bend, endure shame and kneel
before the contemptible if necessary.
But...
A Prince is a King's
subject before his son.
How would you deal with a
subject who refuses to obey
your order before thinking it through?
We must brief you on the protocol
and quickly get you ready to leave.
Noboon, lay down a straw mat
in front of the audience hall.
Your Highness?
I am going to protest this order.
Your Highness...!
You're being completely unreasonable.
What are you doing?
Get yourself ready and go
to the Hall of Great Peace.
I am going to seek punishment
from the King instead.
If I were you, I would volunteer to become
the son-in-law of the
Ming Emperor instead.
Uncle...
Get ready.
Now!
Don't you realize that
this country will become
a Ming's subject state if I, the future
King, becomes the Emperor's son-in-law?
You are unlike the
despicable Kings of Goryeo.
You will not be controlled by your
wife even if she is a Ming Princess.
Am I wrong?
- But...
- You need power and authority
since you need to succeed
to the throne right away.
What... do you mean by that?
Your father's time has come and gone.
Uncle!
A dead body was found hanging
in the sacred audience hall
and the Hall of Great Peace
was attacked in broad daylight.
This is incontrovertible
sign that the current
King has lost his power and authority.
The King cannot be a subject
of slander and ridicule.
I am not trying to undercut
the King's hard efforts to
strengthen the foundation of this state.
But he has put too much blood
his hands in the process.
And there were few among them that
he should never have laid his hands on.
From talented senior statesmen
to brothers of same blood...
Shouldn't you and the other uncles bear
the responsibility for that as well?
Yes.
That is why we need to start a new era.
A new era of a new King who can
cleanse the Royal court of its bloody
stains and seek peace and prosperity...
Your era, Your Highness.
To do that, you need power.
What could be more powerful and
than the backing of the Ming Emperor?
Begin a new era with a new King?
Then all this to set up
justifiable basis for abdication?
Abdication?
The message asked if we can
protect the King in the making
then kidnapped Prince Choongnyeong
of the Heir Apparent.
What do you think this means?
A movement to bring Choongnyeong to
the throne instead of the Crown Prince?
This will leave His Majesty
with two choices:
abdicate the throne or kill a son.
It's been almost a year since the Min
clan has been alienated from power.
There is only one way for them
to restore their power?
Give the throne to the Crown Prince
and become his benefactor.
Crown Prince, rise left!
Royal envoy,
rise right!
Are you taught to ignore the
hospitality of the host in Ming China?
I have a long travel ahead that
leaves me with no time for tea.
You will regret this.
Refusing this despicable
display of hospitality?
Insulting the Crown Prince
of a sovereign state.
You should control the public before
you admonish a diplomatic envoy
the aweless people that set
the Hall of Great Peace ablaze
and ruined the important state affair.
The Crown Prince of a state that cannot
even control its own people do not deserve
a chance to preserve his honor.
Am I wrong?
Your Highness!
Your Highness!
No reaction to the Crown Prince's visit?
Perhaps His Majesty could pay them
a visit and appease them personally.
I suppose I could.
It is not a good idea, Your Majesty.
Instead perhaps we should fuel the
fire that's already been started.
I think I agree.
This is the King's sword?
He has had it since prior
to his rise to the throne,
so it is the sword that built Joseon.
The sword that built Joseon wants blood?
Did you like my gift?
Would you like me to kneel
and stick my neck out?
The sword of the King of a tribute state is
not enough to threaten a mighty empire.
Watch your words!
A tribute state?
Is it my head you want?
Oh dear...
It looks like my ministers did not
explain whose blood is on that sword.
I killed the man that disrespected
you personally with my own sword.
Some might say that
the King has behaved recklessly.
I would do worse to
protect our friendship.
Friendship?
Would you leave us?
It's difficult to openly share friendship
with so many eyes looking on.
Your Majesty, in this circumstance...
Who can you trust if
you can't trust a friend?
Right?
Please try.
Don't you like the aroma?
Tea is meant to be enjoyed with friends
to truly appreciate its depth, that is.
I must turn down your offer to be friends.
I'm sorry to hear that.
No threats or appeasement will be effective.
The only way to resolve this situation is
by sending the Crown Prince to be
the son-in-law of the Emperor.
Let us drink our tea.
How is Taijian Zheng He?
Is it true that he is on an expedition
to suppress the Mongol remnants?
The Emperor gnashes his teeth at eunuchs,
but he's a eunuch general
in charge of a conquest.
I guess the rumor is true.
Taijian Zheng He is the Emperor's
number one man. Isn't he?
Why are you bringing up
Taijian Zheng He out of the blue?
To make you, Huan Yan,
the Emperor's number one man.
I am the Emperor's servant.
I have no ambition for power.
You mean you couldn't
have ambition for power.
If I surrender my sword to you
and you take it back to Ming,
you will be a man more
capable than Zheng He.
Zheng He leads his army acquiring
vows of loyalty from inferior states
but you would have acquired a vow of
loyalty from the King of Joseon
with your tongue.
Vow of loyalty?
I have known the Emperor
since he was the Prince of Yan.
I know that he fears Joseon might join
hands with the jurchens, the Japanese or
the Mongols and put pressure on Ming,
and that is why he wants to take my son.
I am ready to present to you the
sword that built this country today.
This is a solemn promise that
Joseon will not wage a war
against Ming under any circumstances.
How should I trust that?
You refuse my friendship
and you want trust?
Trust isn't important.
What is important is the
results you take back home.
I don't think you would be sitting
here holding back your rage
if you were not worried about
going back home empty handed.
If all goes well, the Emperor
will have Joseon's vow of loyalty
and you will have wealth and honor.
Wealth and honor?
Money is a very powerful thing.
It is indispensable if what
you wants is political authority.
And what would you gain from this?
Comfort of knowing that I don't
have to send my son millions
of miles away from home, I suppose.
If this were a business deal,
my profit would be the smallest.
Don't you think?
This is His Majesty's note promising
ten thousand silver pieces.
He hopes it will be put to good use.
These are for the Empress.
Desire not to send off a child to a
distant foreign land will be greater
for the mother than the father.
Win the Empress's heart,
and the road to becoming
the Emperor's number
one man will be easier.
Are you angry?
I don't blame you.
Refrain from such unruly
conduct from now on.
If you cant hold back your
rage, vent it on yourself.
Pound your chest and break yourself down.
Father...
Pain nurses vengeance
and makes you stronger.
Keep your rage in your heart.
Don't let the rage you
felt today be forgotten.
And later when your time comes,
use it to build a regime stronger
and more powerful than mine.
You've turned our King into
a reckless imposter!
Are you satisfied?
I stopped the Crown Prince from
becoming the Emperor's son-in-law.
Next time it will be
twenty thousand silver pieces.
Don't you know that?
Consider it a price for
preserving Joseon's pride.
Pride?
I had no idea national pride
was so important to you.
Empty pride is meaningless to me.
I am only interested in pride that is
necessary to soundly govern this state.
Soundly govern this state?
His Majesty has gained a
tremendous loyal servant!
My loyalty doesn't compare to
the loyalty of the man who allowed
slaughter in the Royal house
to bring him to the throne.
Hey!
Clear this off.
What are you doing?
We were here first!
That's baloney.
I don't see your name anywhere.
What?
You want a fight?
You should've been out here
sooner if you wanted the space.
- Stay out of it, you whore!
- Stop!
What are they doing?
I think they're fighting for
the dead man Park's spot.
Didn't you say the dead man
used to do business with them?
- Yes.
- What terrible people!
What's this?
You should be grieving
your neighbor's death.
What is this beastly behavior?
Beastly?
You are in trouble, you little punk.
I'll teach you a lesson for
talking to an elder that way!
How dare you!
Do you know who you're talking to?
We have a couple of lunatics!
Come here.
You're a dead man.
You bastard!
What the heck!
Hey!
Jangwon.
I can't believe we started a fight...
Me neither...
We have to close up shop
in less than ten days anyway...
The Royal court recently made a
decision to clean up all roadside
stands and kiosks within the four
gates and build permanent structures.
Without any auxiliary action?
I'm sure there was.
I believe they were given
monetary compensation.
What are you talking about?
Who gave monetary
compensation to whom?
We sure didn't get any.
Oh dear, what happened?
Who embezzled the money
that's rightfully yours?
Don't act so naive.
You know exactly who took it.
The bastards in high places.
And their lackeys that take
all the money in the middle.
Those thieves snatched all of our money.
There are little thieves
under a big thief.
What do you expect when this
country is being run by the biggest
thief of all who stole the throne?
And what makes you
better than those thieves?
What?
What did you say?
You're just sitting around complaining
instead of trying to resolve the problem.
Is there anything more pathetic?
That little runt!
- Do you want to die?
- Let go him!
If you don't want to be
executed, let go of him now!
Stay down, you fool.
What if I resolve this problem?
How would you do that?
Would you acknowledge that
you are wrong about the King and
voluntarily seek punishment for contempt?
Sure, I'll do it.
Let's see what you've got.
I'll take a little punishment.
Hell, I can take anything if I could
just feed my family. You know that?
Out!
All of you!
Move it!
If we find you making trouble again,
you're done for. You got that?
- Thank you!
- You women ought to know better!
Your Highness,
we really should go back now.
They're shameless cowards.
They don't even know what
good nature and beautiful virtue is.
They don't deserve to be Royal subjects.
But those despicable people said my father
the King was unworthy of the throne.
Your Highness...
My father will rectify all this.
He will change them into gentle
people, the real Royal subjects.
And I am going to pave the way.
Did you just say it is Choongnyeong
who sounds the Petitioner's Drum?
Why in heaven's name is a Royal
Prince sounding the Petitioner's Drum?
He is rebelling against the King.
Choongnyeong is only thirteen years old.
Why would a child rebel against the King?
Thirteen is old enough for
those seeking to bring him to the
throne for their own advancement.
Bring him to the throne?
Are you suggesting that he is fighting his
own brother over the rights of succession?
Not him. Those seeking to
bring him to the throne.
Why is all this happening?
I want to rejoice my son's safe return,
but things keep getting worse...
The Petitioner's Drum is
used to criticize misrule.
Will the King allow a Prince who
criticizes his misrule to live?
Is this a bloodbath?
This could lead to a mass
slaughter in the palace...