Dae Wang Sejong (2008): Season 1, Episode 39 - Episode #1.39 - full transcript
Is he ever going to improve?
He's so uncoordinated.
Don't be so harsh, Councilor Yun.
You're hurting His Highness's feelings.
Yes, I'm heart broken.
Truth is supposed to be painful.
You must take his lack of
practice time into consideration.
Candor may be good, but it will upset
the King if you speak bluntly without
considering the circumstances.
I will consider the circumstances of course,
but the public won't.
They only see the result, not the process.
I better cut my sleep time
and get some practice.
It'll be easier once we
level out the ground.
I heard about your advancement, General.
I'm not sure if I am competent
for such an important job.
Why don't you start by sending us some
men to work on the gyeokbang field?
This guy here will figure the slope rating.
I've got no men to waste on making
a playground for the Crown Prince!
You said you wanted to enjoy it.
Years ago I said there would be many
treacherous hills to conquer if you set
out to change the world, and you
said you wanted to enjoy the journey.
I hope you never lose that spirit.
Like those skilled men who offered
to smooth out the ground for you,
all of us will work very hard to remove
any obstacles that may get in your way.
Remember, Your Highness.
A happy King makes a happy kingdom.
I will, Father-in-law.
Crown Prince's investiture cannot wait.
When would be the opportune time
to send a Royal emissary to Ming?
His Majesty must prepared to
have audience with the Emperor,
so it would have to be
August at the earliest.
Pay special attention to
the royal correspondence.
I don't want Ming making a problem
out of Jae's sudden deposal.
Yes, Your Majesty.
The answer is no.
Why can't the royal lessons include
learning to speak Chinese?
The Royal Lesson Hall is
not an interpreter school.
We do not have a teacher for that.
How about if we ask one
of the royal interpreters?
A royal interpreter cannot be
made a Crown Prince's teacher.
Anyone can be a teacher
who has knowledge to share.
The answer is no.
I will soon be going to Ming to
have audience with the Emperor.
And?
Do you wish to greet the Emperor
with your broken Chinese?
It is unbecoming of a Crown Prince.
No, when I tour the city or
the countryside in Ming...
Your schedule is strictly
limited to the imperial palace.
Is it bad to broaden your knowledge?
Please just follow the official schedule.
An Heir Apparent cannot
behave like a common tourist.
What are you doing in the Royal Kitchen?
I was preparing some snacks for
the children and the Crown Prince.
Who had you do such work?
It's something I always do, so...
This Royal House did not acquire
a new chef but a new Crown Princess.
Forgive me, Mother.
These are same furniture that
the former Crown Princess used.
It would be best to have
all of them replaced.
I will see to it that...
No.
Yi Sun will handle it.
She will be serving you
closely from now on.
The palace is unlike the Royal Villa.
You must watch your every action
so not to damage the prestige and
reputation of the Royal House.
Mother, are we going to live
with Yi Sun from now on?
Having you will make living
in the palace so much easier.
Yes...
I... suppose so.
I want you to report every trivial detail
of the Crown Princess's actions to me.
Am I being sent to watch her?
It's unavoidable if I'm going
to mold her into a Queen.
Let's go play now.
Yes, let's go.
Shall we?
Excuse me.
I am trying to find a book.
"Which way is the market place?"
Where was that?
Stop struggling, and call
an interpreter to help you.
No.
The royal mentor was
very adamant that I don't,
and I can't defy his wishes when
we are just starting our relationship.
He's so inflexible.
I know.
There's not a resourceful bone in his body.
If only Ilji were here right now...
Oh, me and my big mouth!
I should know better than to bring up a
dead man and remind him of the pain...
Why don't you just stick
a knife in his heart?
Why can't I ever control what
comes out of my mouth?
How much is this?
One hundred yangs.
What does that mean?
It means he lent me one hundred yangs
to pay for my mother's medicine.
You're...
You don't recognize me?
It's been a long time.
I've seen you many times
since you've been back.
but you didn't even recognize me.
I was angry because you still
haven't paid me back for the loan,
so I ignored you on purpose.
I trust it's the entire
loan amount plus interest?
I can only pay you half the interest.
Why?
Because I spent all of my money
learning Chinese from Eunuch Gim.
Lessons are so expensive.
Why did you learn Chinese?
I thought it might help Prince
Choongnyeong someday.
Oops, what's wrong with me?
I mean I thought it might help
the Crown Prince someday.
You don't have anyone around
you that can give you lessons...
I'm not as smart as Ilji,
but I think I can help you.
Welcome back and congratulations
on becoming the Crown Prince!
Kid...
By the way, Yi Sun.
Huh?
Why did you come to the library
at this time of the night?
I completely forgot!
I came to tell the Prince that he has
to go to the Princess's quarters tonight
because the astrologers say today
is an auspicious day for conception!
At least there's one good
thing living in the palace.
They set aside a schedule
for me to see you,
so I'll see you more often and you won't
get mad at me for neglecting you.
This is the first night we are together
since moving into the palace, isn't it?
It's all right with me, Your Highness.
But the children...
Would you see the children more often?
I'm sorry, as always...
Oh, Your Highness...
The south cost is suffering
from Japanese pirate attacks?
What is the reason for this increase
in Japanese aggression?
Tsushima will no longer submit to Joseon.
We will not stop the aggression until
they acknowledge Tsushima as their equal.
Is that clear?
Yes, sir!
For failing to respond quickly
to Japanese pirate attacks,
we would like to implement
a massive staff overhaul
in the Ministry of Defense
and Department of War.
Newly appointed Minister
of Defense Park Seup.
Second Minister Gang Sangin?
Yes, it is about time you
got out of my shadow.
You have my confidence.
Wipe out those Japanese pirates.
Where is His Highness?
Well, I...
How could he miss his royal lessons
only days after his investiture?
I guess he wants to get deposed even
before he receives his
imperial investiture decree.
When will this horrible drought end?
When all of us are dead?
It's Heaven's rage.
They say it's because of
the new Crown Prince.
Of course it is.
If the eldest son is the pillar of the family,
the King should have his
eldest son inherit the crown.
Why did he throw out a perfectly good
eldest and give the crown to his third?
Don't listen to them.
They don't know what
they're talking about.
This is not your fault.
It doesn't matter whose fault it is.
What's important is
that they are suffering...
This drought and famine, increasing
rampancy of the Japanese pirates...
The word in the royal court is that
all of this is because Heaven is
enraged by the replacement
of the Crown Prince.
Then Heaven must be angry with
you, not with the Crown Prince.
Pardon?
You're the one who went around with
the loudest voice calling for the deposal.
Minister Meng!
Stop making everyone anxious with this
nonsense and concentrate on making
sure that the Crown Prince
receives his imperial investiture.
And leave those out of the gift box.
They're as ugly as your heart.
Hush!
Keep your voice down.
Your Highness...
I ordered you to replace the furniture
in the Crown Princess's chambers.
But...
What are you waiting for?
Whip the offender that
defied the Queen's order!
Wait!
What is the meaning of this?
I beg you to stop the whipping, Mother.
Do not intervene when
I am disciplining a servant.
I am the one who refused to
have the furniture replaced.
She did nothing wrong.
I see there is a reason for this
girl's contemptuous behavior.
I did not mean to upset you.
I simply didn't want to waste funds of
the Royal Treasury when the whole
country is suffering from drought.
So I issued such an order because
I am wasteful and indifferent to
suffering of the people?
Mother...
You are to follow my orders,
Crown Princess.
There will be no ifs or buts.
This is my fault...
Are you all right?
Don't worry Your Grace.
I'm fine.
I only got a few whippings.
Child...
I'm moved by your love, Your Highness.
I thought you would be cold to her
since you were so firmly against
the deposal of the eldest, but I see
you love your daughter-in-law dearly.
Are we speaking the same language?
Didn't you order the furniture
replaced out of fear of bad luck?
The former Crown Princess departed
the palace in unpleasant circumstances,
so you were afraid something
unpleasant might happen
to the couple if you let the new Crown
Princess use old things she left behind.
I just didn't want to be called
a cold mother-in-law. That is all.
Judging by the recent public
panic it looks as though
your concerns were not
completely unfounded.
Listen.
I mean no disrespect, Your Highness.
I'm just concerned.
This calls for a drastic
measure, Your Majesty.
A drastic measure?
You must appease the public
before the Crown Prince
leaves for Ming for imperial investiture.
Yes, Your Majesty.
They will question the sudden
deposal of the eldest as it is.
If the Emperor learns about
the public sentiment,
there could be problems
acquiring his approval.
What did you have in mind?
Perhaps a Royal decree
of amnesty can be issued.
Freeing a few prisoners
won't solve this problem.
The Crown Prince has tied the
knot and he must untie it himself.
Untie the knot himself?
Have the Crown Prince to go to the
Divinity Hall and pray until it rains.
A rain ritual?
Have you forgotten?
He has an important trip to prepare for?
We must appease the public with amnesty,
and His Highness must
go before the Ming Emperor.
He must hold a rain ritual
even if he has to cancel his trip.
What good is imperial investiture if
the public turns completely against him?
What are you after?
Why are you so eager bring
the Crown Prince down?
I don't have to do anything.
He will bring himself down.
What do you mean by that?
The Crown Prince hasn't been
to his royal lessons in days.
That can't be.
That can't be true.
If you don't believe me,
go see for yourself.
Your Majesty, learning has always
been Crown Prince's passion.
If he has been absent,
there has to be a good reason.
There could only be two reasons.
Either he doesn't believe
he needs to continue learning since
he already has the power he seeks,
or he doesn't think he has anything to
learn from the Royal lecturers.
You must order him to
hold a prayer service.
Carelessness and arrogance these are
qualities unbecoming of Crown Prince.
Now we must turn to Heaven for approval.
A rain ritual?
How about a strong rope to
take us all up into heaven?
Maybe the Crown Prince can pray
for that, too, while he's at it.
What do you think His
Majesty is going to do?
I don't know since he hasn't said
anything, but the public sentiment
will support Park Eun's demand.
Why can't His Highness
just perform the rain ritual?
I don't think sharing
public pain is a bad idea.
How can you say that?
The people are in a panic right now.
They're looking for someone
blame all of this on.
What if he performs the
ritual and it doesn't rain?
Do you want to see the Crown
Prince get stoned by the people?
We must make the amnesty happen and
shut them up about this rain ritual.
That's the only way to get
His Majesty out of this mess.
Where were you?
Father...
You must've been traveling
incognito judging by your clothes.
What is your purpose?
Are you feeling for the
wretched plight of the people?
Or do you want to hear them
condemning you with your own cars?
Why is a Crown Prince wandering
the city neglecting his royal lessons?
Fool...
How would you handle this situation?
An amnesty decree will
quiet the public for a while.
But I would be spoiling my son,
the future King of this state.
More importantly, I would be
giving strength to Shim On...
... when he cares more about his
son-in-law he does about the King...
Then will you do as Park Eun
implores and order a rain ritual?
Which one of the two
retainers is more dangerous?
One that seeks to be
Crown Prince's closest aide
or the one that wields his own power
and seeks to suppress the Crown Prince?
I had no idea you'd bring me
to a fancy place like this.
I wouldn't take the Crown Prince's
closest man to a run-down watering hole
when he insists on buying me a drink.
You are so thoughtful.
I hate to do this, but could I ask the
lovely ladies to leave us for a while?
I will be calling you right back in.
I will be calling you right back in.
Let me pour you a drink, Minister Park.
You're pushing to Crown Prince
too hard when he's just starting out.
Why are you being so harsh?
I spoke bluntly in the best
interest of the Crown Prince.
If ou were doing your duty as a
teacher, you would've gone to the
Crown Prince first instead of going
straight to the King.
Don't you think?
His Majesty wants the Crown Prince
to become a strong leader.
It might be wise to control those who
instinctively jump to defend him.
I guess you're referring
to Minister Shim On.
He is not one to take advantage of the
Crown Prince and abuse his power.
Power can change all of us, Prime Minister.
And what he's got is not
just your ordinary power.
It is strength and authority of
the future King's father-in-law.
Regrettably, the fourth King
of Joseon will be starting
his reign with merit subjects behind
him as well the merit subjects
that gave the crown to the
third son instead of the eldest.
I believe you are one of them.
Look.
I'm sure I don't have to tell you how
His Majesty handles his merit subjects.
Having said that, you might want
to start looking out for number one.
Setting yourself apart from Shim On
might be a good place to start.
What is this about a prayer ritual?
Are you trying to show off your muscle?
To show the Crown Prince that
you're still a powerful man?
What makes you think
I would answer that question?
Do you think you can
defeat the Crown Prince?
It doesn't look like he has a way out.
The truth is you are the one
who doesn't have a way out.
Even a helpless rat will turn and bite
the cat when it's driven to a corner.
And the man we're talking
about is the Crown Prince.
You should consider yourself
lucky that he is a forgiving man.
Now, I can open up an
escape route for you.
Would you take it?
Make a deal?
If we accept the deal, he will
support the amnesty proposal
and try his best to silence
the rain ritual idea.
What does he want?
His Highness's word.
A promise to give him
a high post in the Supreme Council
once you rise to the throne.
Government posts are
not a negotiation tool.
Appointment should be
based on qualifications, not...
This is no time talk ideals!
We must not advise him to sell off a
government post to resolve a problem.
But there may be no other way.
We cant put His Highness at the altar.
The risk is much too high.
So you'd have him resort to
bribery from the very beginning?
That's politics!
Then how are we different from them?
If we compromise our principles
to protect our power...
I will do worse things than this!
I didn't bring the prince back
from Gyeongsung so I could put
him in danger from the get go.
I'll do it alone.
I'll do the dirty work all by myself,
so just play it cool and be
the gentleman of virtue.
Councilor Yun!
Your Highness...
If I can move Heavens...
If I can win Heaven's favor,
would I solve this problem?
That would stop my men from arguing,
resorting to desperate measures,
and eventually turning against
one another. Wouldn't it?
But I can't find anything in the books.
There are countless books here,
but not one of them tells you how
you can move Heavens, Master.
Gyoha, Gyeonggi Province
I thought banishment meant
you were sent far away,
but this is just outside the city.
If you take off your uniform and
give up your interest of state affairs,
the royal court is a million miles
away no matter where you are.
My incompetence is my reason,
but what's your reason for this less
than-dignified political subterfuge?
Why did you do it?
Why did you bring dismissal
upon yourself after
defending the unworthy
Crown Prince for so long?
Leave me alone.
Did you feel sorry for him?
You couldn't watch the Crown
Prince sink into a swamp alone?
Is that why you left the court before
the Prince was deposed? Out of loyalty?
Is that a problem?
Then would you sink into a swamp
with my pupil this time?
He is in trouble, but I don't
know how to help him.
I cant even figure out what
I have to do to sink with him.
Be the Crown Prince's political mentor.
I don't have what it takes
to guide a future King.
Share your knowledge and wisdom
with him, he will give you back hope.
Leave.
Don't you remember your hope?
You got out of Dumundong leaving your
peers behind because you had hope
hope of creating a better country.
I think it was avarice, not hope.
What would happen if we fired every
cannon we have toward the sky?
Your Highness...
Is there any weapon that
will make the sky rain?
I'm afraid no, Your Highness.
Go back and hold a prayer ritual.
We'd have a better luck taking
water from the river to the fields.
How?
Move the water one bucket at a time?
It would take a thousand
years to water all the fields.
You'd rather just stand
here and do nothing?
Be quiet and stay out of this.
But this is wrong.
His Highness has done nothing wrong,
but the whole country thinks
this is his fault.
This is wrong and unfair.
This is why you can't
help but be a lowborn.
What would a lowborn know
about taking responsibility?
Is that why you're disheartened?
Because you think this is unfair?
You did nothing, but the world is
attacking you, so you feel victimized?
Even so, you must take responsibility.
If soldiers are in danger, their
commander is responsible
for their lives whether he erred or not.
You are the man who will soon
lead this court and rule our people.
So whether you are afraid or angry,
you must hold a prayer service
that is the only way
to assume responsibility.
It'll be morning soon, Your Highness.
Your Highness...
Announce me.
He didn't retire to his
chambers last night.
How many days has it been?
I'm sorry, Your Grace...
We must send the Crown Prince
to the altar without delay!
No, an amnesty decree
will appease the public.
You haven't eaten in days.
Stop being so stubborn and
make a deal with Park Eun.
You can get through this
crisis if you appease him.
I'm against it.
Pray to Heavens instead.
There has to be another solution.
And I'm going to find it.
- Your Highness!
- Your Highness!
Fool...
Perhaps a visit to the
East Palace would be good...
I hear you've given up eating and you're
spending all of your time buried in books.
I guess you really are the wise one.
Are you feeling the public's pain?
Were you searching for a
way to ease their distress?
No, Father.
I was simply... simply...
hiding behind the books.
Praying for rain is about the only
thing I can do, but I was afraid.
I was afraid to stand before the
public that claim in one voice that
I am not the one meant for the throne.
And I don't think I can win
Heaven's favor either.
Doe...
That's why I hid myself behind books.
I was afraid the world
would mock me even more
if I don't act like I am doing something.
I'm sorry, Father.
I'm unworthy of the throne.
Then you will work and
make yourself worthy.
Royal Attendant.
Pick up that spoon and finish your
bowl to the last grain of rice.
I can't, Father.
Fool...
When are you going to stop
running from your problems?
Why did you say you'd be the wise one,
and why did you accept the crown at the
cost of your relationship with your
brother if you were going do this?
I'm...
Don't say that you're sorry.
Apologies can't take anything back.
But Father...
A King is not someone who
always gets to do what he wants.
Even when he knows that
his people are starving,
when he just killed his own brother,
expelled his most faithful servant
and crushed his Queen's heart,
he still has to come back to his room,
put his guilt and shame aside and put food
in his mouth and get his rest. That is a King.
Now pick up that spoon.
And whether it is undrying tears or
unceasing rage, you must rise above it.
You must not lose your strength
or sacrifice your health under any
circumstances because the
King is the Kingdom himself.
I am giving you the Royal Seal.
Doe, now you are the
fourth King of Joseon.
He's so uncoordinated.
Don't be so harsh, Councilor Yun.
You're hurting His Highness's feelings.
Yes, I'm heart broken.
Truth is supposed to be painful.
You must take his lack of
practice time into consideration.
Candor may be good, but it will upset
the King if you speak bluntly without
considering the circumstances.
I will consider the circumstances of course,
but the public won't.
They only see the result, not the process.
I better cut my sleep time
and get some practice.
It'll be easier once we
level out the ground.
I heard about your advancement, General.
I'm not sure if I am competent
for such an important job.
Why don't you start by sending us some
men to work on the gyeokbang field?
This guy here will figure the slope rating.
I've got no men to waste on making
a playground for the Crown Prince!
You said you wanted to enjoy it.
Years ago I said there would be many
treacherous hills to conquer if you set
out to change the world, and you
said you wanted to enjoy the journey.
I hope you never lose that spirit.
Like those skilled men who offered
to smooth out the ground for you,
all of us will work very hard to remove
any obstacles that may get in your way.
Remember, Your Highness.
A happy King makes a happy kingdom.
I will, Father-in-law.
Crown Prince's investiture cannot wait.
When would be the opportune time
to send a Royal emissary to Ming?
His Majesty must prepared to
have audience with the Emperor,
so it would have to be
August at the earliest.
Pay special attention to
the royal correspondence.
I don't want Ming making a problem
out of Jae's sudden deposal.
Yes, Your Majesty.
The answer is no.
Why can't the royal lessons include
learning to speak Chinese?
The Royal Lesson Hall is
not an interpreter school.
We do not have a teacher for that.
How about if we ask one
of the royal interpreters?
A royal interpreter cannot be
made a Crown Prince's teacher.
Anyone can be a teacher
who has knowledge to share.
The answer is no.
I will soon be going to Ming to
have audience with the Emperor.
And?
Do you wish to greet the Emperor
with your broken Chinese?
It is unbecoming of a Crown Prince.
No, when I tour the city or
the countryside in Ming...
Your schedule is strictly
limited to the imperial palace.
Is it bad to broaden your knowledge?
Please just follow the official schedule.
An Heir Apparent cannot
behave like a common tourist.
What are you doing in the Royal Kitchen?
I was preparing some snacks for
the children and the Crown Prince.
Who had you do such work?
It's something I always do, so...
This Royal House did not acquire
a new chef but a new Crown Princess.
Forgive me, Mother.
These are same furniture that
the former Crown Princess used.
It would be best to have
all of them replaced.
I will see to it that...
No.
Yi Sun will handle it.
She will be serving you
closely from now on.
The palace is unlike the Royal Villa.
You must watch your every action
so not to damage the prestige and
reputation of the Royal House.
Mother, are we going to live
with Yi Sun from now on?
Having you will make living
in the palace so much easier.
Yes...
I... suppose so.
I want you to report every trivial detail
of the Crown Princess's actions to me.
Am I being sent to watch her?
It's unavoidable if I'm going
to mold her into a Queen.
Let's go play now.
Yes, let's go.
Shall we?
Excuse me.
I am trying to find a book.
"Which way is the market place?"
Where was that?
Stop struggling, and call
an interpreter to help you.
No.
The royal mentor was
very adamant that I don't,
and I can't defy his wishes when
we are just starting our relationship.
He's so inflexible.
I know.
There's not a resourceful bone in his body.
If only Ilji were here right now...
Oh, me and my big mouth!
I should know better than to bring up a
dead man and remind him of the pain...
Why don't you just stick
a knife in his heart?
Why can't I ever control what
comes out of my mouth?
How much is this?
One hundred yangs.
What does that mean?
It means he lent me one hundred yangs
to pay for my mother's medicine.
You're...
You don't recognize me?
It's been a long time.
I've seen you many times
since you've been back.
but you didn't even recognize me.
I was angry because you still
haven't paid me back for the loan,
so I ignored you on purpose.
I trust it's the entire
loan amount plus interest?
I can only pay you half the interest.
Why?
Because I spent all of my money
learning Chinese from Eunuch Gim.
Lessons are so expensive.
Why did you learn Chinese?
I thought it might help Prince
Choongnyeong someday.
Oops, what's wrong with me?
I mean I thought it might help
the Crown Prince someday.
You don't have anyone around
you that can give you lessons...
I'm not as smart as Ilji,
but I think I can help you.
Welcome back and congratulations
on becoming the Crown Prince!
Kid...
By the way, Yi Sun.
Huh?
Why did you come to the library
at this time of the night?
I completely forgot!
I came to tell the Prince that he has
to go to the Princess's quarters tonight
because the astrologers say today
is an auspicious day for conception!
At least there's one good
thing living in the palace.
They set aside a schedule
for me to see you,
so I'll see you more often and you won't
get mad at me for neglecting you.
This is the first night we are together
since moving into the palace, isn't it?
It's all right with me, Your Highness.
But the children...
Would you see the children more often?
I'm sorry, as always...
Oh, Your Highness...
The south cost is suffering
from Japanese pirate attacks?
What is the reason for this increase
in Japanese aggression?
Tsushima will no longer submit to Joseon.
We will not stop the aggression until
they acknowledge Tsushima as their equal.
Is that clear?
Yes, sir!
For failing to respond quickly
to Japanese pirate attacks,
we would like to implement
a massive staff overhaul
in the Ministry of Defense
and Department of War.
Newly appointed Minister
of Defense Park Seup.
Second Minister Gang Sangin?
Yes, it is about time you
got out of my shadow.
You have my confidence.
Wipe out those Japanese pirates.
Where is His Highness?
Well, I...
How could he miss his royal lessons
only days after his investiture?
I guess he wants to get deposed even
before he receives his
imperial investiture decree.
When will this horrible drought end?
When all of us are dead?
It's Heaven's rage.
They say it's because of
the new Crown Prince.
Of course it is.
If the eldest son is the pillar of the family,
the King should have his
eldest son inherit the crown.
Why did he throw out a perfectly good
eldest and give the crown to his third?
Don't listen to them.
They don't know what
they're talking about.
This is not your fault.
It doesn't matter whose fault it is.
What's important is
that they are suffering...
This drought and famine, increasing
rampancy of the Japanese pirates...
The word in the royal court is that
all of this is because Heaven is
enraged by the replacement
of the Crown Prince.
Then Heaven must be angry with
you, not with the Crown Prince.
Pardon?
You're the one who went around with
the loudest voice calling for the deposal.
Minister Meng!
Stop making everyone anxious with this
nonsense and concentrate on making
sure that the Crown Prince
receives his imperial investiture.
And leave those out of the gift box.
They're as ugly as your heart.
Hush!
Keep your voice down.
Your Highness...
I ordered you to replace the furniture
in the Crown Princess's chambers.
But...
What are you waiting for?
Whip the offender that
defied the Queen's order!
Wait!
What is the meaning of this?
I beg you to stop the whipping, Mother.
Do not intervene when
I am disciplining a servant.
I am the one who refused to
have the furniture replaced.
She did nothing wrong.
I see there is a reason for this
girl's contemptuous behavior.
I did not mean to upset you.
I simply didn't want to waste funds of
the Royal Treasury when the whole
country is suffering from drought.
So I issued such an order because
I am wasteful and indifferent to
suffering of the people?
Mother...
You are to follow my orders,
Crown Princess.
There will be no ifs or buts.
This is my fault...
Are you all right?
Don't worry Your Grace.
I'm fine.
I only got a few whippings.
Child...
I'm moved by your love, Your Highness.
I thought you would be cold to her
since you were so firmly against
the deposal of the eldest, but I see
you love your daughter-in-law dearly.
Are we speaking the same language?
Didn't you order the furniture
replaced out of fear of bad luck?
The former Crown Princess departed
the palace in unpleasant circumstances,
so you were afraid something
unpleasant might happen
to the couple if you let the new Crown
Princess use old things she left behind.
I just didn't want to be called
a cold mother-in-law. That is all.
Judging by the recent public
panic it looks as though
your concerns were not
completely unfounded.
Listen.
I mean no disrespect, Your Highness.
I'm just concerned.
This calls for a drastic
measure, Your Majesty.
A drastic measure?
You must appease the public
before the Crown Prince
leaves for Ming for imperial investiture.
Yes, Your Majesty.
They will question the sudden
deposal of the eldest as it is.
If the Emperor learns about
the public sentiment,
there could be problems
acquiring his approval.
What did you have in mind?
Perhaps a Royal decree
of amnesty can be issued.
Freeing a few prisoners
won't solve this problem.
The Crown Prince has tied the
knot and he must untie it himself.
Untie the knot himself?
Have the Crown Prince to go to the
Divinity Hall and pray until it rains.
A rain ritual?
Have you forgotten?
He has an important trip to prepare for?
We must appease the public with amnesty,
and His Highness must
go before the Ming Emperor.
He must hold a rain ritual
even if he has to cancel his trip.
What good is imperial investiture if
the public turns completely against him?
What are you after?
Why are you so eager bring
the Crown Prince down?
I don't have to do anything.
He will bring himself down.
What do you mean by that?
The Crown Prince hasn't been
to his royal lessons in days.
That can't be.
That can't be true.
If you don't believe me,
go see for yourself.
Your Majesty, learning has always
been Crown Prince's passion.
If he has been absent,
there has to be a good reason.
There could only be two reasons.
Either he doesn't believe
he needs to continue learning since
he already has the power he seeks,
or he doesn't think he has anything to
learn from the Royal lecturers.
You must order him to
hold a prayer service.
Carelessness and arrogance these are
qualities unbecoming of Crown Prince.
Now we must turn to Heaven for approval.
A rain ritual?
How about a strong rope to
take us all up into heaven?
Maybe the Crown Prince can pray
for that, too, while he's at it.
What do you think His
Majesty is going to do?
I don't know since he hasn't said
anything, but the public sentiment
will support Park Eun's demand.
Why can't His Highness
just perform the rain ritual?
I don't think sharing
public pain is a bad idea.
How can you say that?
The people are in a panic right now.
They're looking for someone
blame all of this on.
What if he performs the
ritual and it doesn't rain?
Do you want to see the Crown
Prince get stoned by the people?
We must make the amnesty happen and
shut them up about this rain ritual.
That's the only way to get
His Majesty out of this mess.
Where were you?
Father...
You must've been traveling
incognito judging by your clothes.
What is your purpose?
Are you feeling for the
wretched plight of the people?
Or do you want to hear them
condemning you with your own cars?
Why is a Crown Prince wandering
the city neglecting his royal lessons?
Fool...
How would you handle this situation?
An amnesty decree will
quiet the public for a while.
But I would be spoiling my son,
the future King of this state.
More importantly, I would be
giving strength to Shim On...
... when he cares more about his
son-in-law he does about the King...
Then will you do as Park Eun
implores and order a rain ritual?
Which one of the two
retainers is more dangerous?
One that seeks to be
Crown Prince's closest aide
or the one that wields his own power
and seeks to suppress the Crown Prince?
I had no idea you'd bring me
to a fancy place like this.
I wouldn't take the Crown Prince's
closest man to a run-down watering hole
when he insists on buying me a drink.
You are so thoughtful.
I hate to do this, but could I ask the
lovely ladies to leave us for a while?
I will be calling you right back in.
I will be calling you right back in.
Let me pour you a drink, Minister Park.
You're pushing to Crown Prince
too hard when he's just starting out.
Why are you being so harsh?
I spoke bluntly in the best
interest of the Crown Prince.
If ou were doing your duty as a
teacher, you would've gone to the
Crown Prince first instead of going
straight to the King.
Don't you think?
His Majesty wants the Crown Prince
to become a strong leader.
It might be wise to control those who
instinctively jump to defend him.
I guess you're referring
to Minister Shim On.
He is not one to take advantage of the
Crown Prince and abuse his power.
Power can change all of us, Prime Minister.
And what he's got is not
just your ordinary power.
It is strength and authority of
the future King's father-in-law.
Regrettably, the fourth King
of Joseon will be starting
his reign with merit subjects behind
him as well the merit subjects
that gave the crown to the
third son instead of the eldest.
I believe you are one of them.
Look.
I'm sure I don't have to tell you how
His Majesty handles his merit subjects.
Having said that, you might want
to start looking out for number one.
Setting yourself apart from Shim On
might be a good place to start.
What is this about a prayer ritual?
Are you trying to show off your muscle?
To show the Crown Prince that
you're still a powerful man?
What makes you think
I would answer that question?
Do you think you can
defeat the Crown Prince?
It doesn't look like he has a way out.
The truth is you are the one
who doesn't have a way out.
Even a helpless rat will turn and bite
the cat when it's driven to a corner.
And the man we're talking
about is the Crown Prince.
You should consider yourself
lucky that he is a forgiving man.
Now, I can open up an
escape route for you.
Would you take it?
Make a deal?
If we accept the deal, he will
support the amnesty proposal
and try his best to silence
the rain ritual idea.
What does he want?
His Highness's word.
A promise to give him
a high post in the Supreme Council
once you rise to the throne.
Government posts are
not a negotiation tool.
Appointment should be
based on qualifications, not...
This is no time talk ideals!
We must not advise him to sell off a
government post to resolve a problem.
But there may be no other way.
We cant put His Highness at the altar.
The risk is much too high.
So you'd have him resort to
bribery from the very beginning?
That's politics!
Then how are we different from them?
If we compromise our principles
to protect our power...
I will do worse things than this!
I didn't bring the prince back
from Gyeongsung so I could put
him in danger from the get go.
I'll do it alone.
I'll do the dirty work all by myself,
so just play it cool and be
the gentleman of virtue.
Councilor Yun!
Your Highness...
If I can move Heavens...
If I can win Heaven's favor,
would I solve this problem?
That would stop my men from arguing,
resorting to desperate measures,
and eventually turning against
one another. Wouldn't it?
But I can't find anything in the books.
There are countless books here,
but not one of them tells you how
you can move Heavens, Master.
Gyoha, Gyeonggi Province
I thought banishment meant
you were sent far away,
but this is just outside the city.
If you take off your uniform and
give up your interest of state affairs,
the royal court is a million miles
away no matter where you are.
My incompetence is my reason,
but what's your reason for this less
than-dignified political subterfuge?
Why did you do it?
Why did you bring dismissal
upon yourself after
defending the unworthy
Crown Prince for so long?
Leave me alone.
Did you feel sorry for him?
You couldn't watch the Crown
Prince sink into a swamp alone?
Is that why you left the court before
the Prince was deposed? Out of loyalty?
Is that a problem?
Then would you sink into a swamp
with my pupil this time?
He is in trouble, but I don't
know how to help him.
I cant even figure out what
I have to do to sink with him.
Be the Crown Prince's political mentor.
I don't have what it takes
to guide a future King.
Share your knowledge and wisdom
with him, he will give you back hope.
Leave.
Don't you remember your hope?
You got out of Dumundong leaving your
peers behind because you had hope
hope of creating a better country.
I think it was avarice, not hope.
What would happen if we fired every
cannon we have toward the sky?
Your Highness...
Is there any weapon that
will make the sky rain?
I'm afraid no, Your Highness.
Go back and hold a prayer ritual.
We'd have a better luck taking
water from the river to the fields.
How?
Move the water one bucket at a time?
It would take a thousand
years to water all the fields.
You'd rather just stand
here and do nothing?
Be quiet and stay out of this.
But this is wrong.
His Highness has done nothing wrong,
but the whole country thinks
this is his fault.
This is wrong and unfair.
This is why you can't
help but be a lowborn.
What would a lowborn know
about taking responsibility?
Is that why you're disheartened?
Because you think this is unfair?
You did nothing, but the world is
attacking you, so you feel victimized?
Even so, you must take responsibility.
If soldiers are in danger, their
commander is responsible
for their lives whether he erred or not.
You are the man who will soon
lead this court and rule our people.
So whether you are afraid or angry,
you must hold a prayer service
that is the only way
to assume responsibility.
It'll be morning soon, Your Highness.
Your Highness...
Announce me.
He didn't retire to his
chambers last night.
How many days has it been?
I'm sorry, Your Grace...
We must send the Crown Prince
to the altar without delay!
No, an amnesty decree
will appease the public.
You haven't eaten in days.
Stop being so stubborn and
make a deal with Park Eun.
You can get through this
crisis if you appease him.
I'm against it.
Pray to Heavens instead.
There has to be another solution.
And I'm going to find it.
- Your Highness!
- Your Highness!
Fool...
Perhaps a visit to the
East Palace would be good...
I hear you've given up eating and you're
spending all of your time buried in books.
I guess you really are the wise one.
Are you feeling the public's pain?
Were you searching for a
way to ease their distress?
No, Father.
I was simply... simply...
hiding behind the books.
Praying for rain is about the only
thing I can do, but I was afraid.
I was afraid to stand before the
public that claim in one voice that
I am not the one meant for the throne.
And I don't think I can win
Heaven's favor either.
Doe...
That's why I hid myself behind books.
I was afraid the world
would mock me even more
if I don't act like I am doing something.
I'm sorry, Father.
I'm unworthy of the throne.
Then you will work and
make yourself worthy.
Royal Attendant.
Pick up that spoon and finish your
bowl to the last grain of rice.
I can't, Father.
Fool...
When are you going to stop
running from your problems?
Why did you say you'd be the wise one,
and why did you accept the crown at the
cost of your relationship with your
brother if you were going do this?
I'm...
Don't say that you're sorry.
Apologies can't take anything back.
But Father...
A King is not someone who
always gets to do what he wants.
Even when he knows that
his people are starving,
when he just killed his own brother,
expelled his most faithful servant
and crushed his Queen's heart,
he still has to come back to his room,
put his guilt and shame aside and put food
in his mouth and get his rest. That is a King.
Now pick up that spoon.
And whether it is undrying tears or
unceasing rage, you must rise above it.
You must not lose your strength
or sacrifice your health under any
circumstances because the
King is the Kingdom himself.
I am giving you the Royal Seal.
Doe, now you are the
fourth King of Joseon.