Dae Wang Sejong (2008): Season 1, Episode 53 - Episode #1.53 - full transcript
Spring of 1422, 4th year of Sejong's reign
Sugang Palace
You must first focus.
Straighten your shoulders.
Feet shoulders distance apart.
Aim slowly and slightly higher.
Think not about the target but the sky.
An archer can hit the bulls-eye when
he aims a little higher than the target,
and the King can win public favor when
he can decipher the will of Heaven.
Why are you stopping?
I will order someone else
to shoot the arrow, Grandfather.
You have no confidence?
No, I've deciphered the will of Heaven.
Deciphered the will of Heaven?
I was taught that a King borrows
his retainer's strength
and puts them to service.
Oh my, oh my, I think my grandson
just taught me Royal lesson!
Hasn't he?
Then this old man must give
our future King a hand.
Will he be all right being out like this?
You said he has developed variety of
problems from diabetes to dermatitis.
Spending pleasant time like this
will actually help him to relax.
Bulls-eye!
Bulls-eye!
Are you happy?
You've hit the bulls-eye.
Why aren't you happy?
It doesn't feel that good
for some reason.
That is because it is not
your own achievement.
And I'm sure you're feeling somewhat
toyed by someone stronger than you.
Grandfather, it's not...
It's only natural for you not to be happy.
Hyang.
Yes, Grandfather.
You are going to be
the fifth King of Joseon.
If you let others control you and delight
in the achievement that is not truly yours,
you would not be worthy of the throne.
You must strengthen yourself first.
Only then you will have the power
to choose and use your men,
and remove those who dare
attempt to weaken you.
Remember.
The King must be
the strongest man in Joseon.
Your dinner is ready at the
cast chamber, Your Eminence.
Why don't you join him?
Yes, that is a good idea.
I'm sorry, Grandfather,
but I must go to the main hall now.
Father said we would look at
the skies of Joseon today.
The skies of Joseon?
Joseon's sky not identical to Ming's sky.
Jongdaebu is a constellation
you can find only on Joseon's
star map Chonsangdo.
Chongdaebu...
Where?
Which one is Chongdaebu?
Now follow my fingers, Your Highness.
Okay.
Do you see that field of stars about two
hand's width north of Jongdonghyang?
Yes.
That's Chunshiwon.
Chunshiwon?
It means a market in the sky.
Oh.
Do you see that long wall
wrapping around the market?
That's called Chunshidongwon.
Now connect the six stars
at the end of that wall.
It looks like two squares
connected at the corners.
That's called Shiru, which is an agency
that opens and closes Chunshiwon.
Then you can say it's the
door to Chunshiwon.
The arrow right above
Shiru is called Jongin,
and the four bright starts right
above that is called Jongdaebu.
I see it! I found it!
Father, I found it!
I see Jonqdaebu!
Jongdaebu means head of
the Royal House like you.
Jongdaebu...
This is irrefutable proof that the skies
are different in Joseon and Ming.
Yes, Your Majesty.
Then we need own method of computing
movement of celestial bodies
calendar science based on
our astronomical observations.
That's Chunshiwon...
That's Shiru...
That's Jongin.
- And that's Jongdaebu. Right?
- Yes, that's right.
Joseon's calendar science?
Did you just say our
own calendar science?
Yes, sir.
Has the King lost his mind?
He's going to destroy this country!
We must keep this a top secret.
Or the ministers' opposition won't
even let us get this project started.
- Secretary Yi.
- Yes, Your Majesty.
Go directly to the Hall of Worthies
and send all of the scholars home
except Jeong Inji and Choi Manli.
Yes, Your Majesty.
It's late.
It's time for you to go to bed.
Can't I stay up a little longer and
learn about stars from Youngsil?
Everything in moderation.
The future King must learn virtue
of moderation and self-restraint.
He's coming!
What is going on here?
I asked you a question.
Where did she learn
this naughty behavior?
Why?
You're supposed to love and
protect your younger siblings.
Why did you do this?
I can't tell you, Mother...
Then you will be whipped
until you are ready to talk.
What's this?
I'm the one who should be whipped.
Step aside.
I'm the one who planned this.
But why?
Because I hate Hyang!
Because everything is his!
Grandfather, Father, the servants...
everyone loves him!
No, Mother.
It's my fault. I...
Don't defend me!
Don't hide behind
your skirt like a coward!
Tell her the truth.
Tell her you're taking the fall for me.
Punish me, Mother.
I wish he'd give his affection
evenly between the children...
Your Highness...
Prepare my carriage.
I think I should go to the
Royal chambers tonight.
I'm afraid His Majesty is not
retiring to the Royall chambers.
Is he spending the night at
the Hall of Worthies again?
What I want is astronomical instruments
to study the stars of Joseon.
We need them to accurately
observe the stars in order to
develop our own method
of astrological calculations.
The two of you will be in charge of this
research. It is a top secret project.
Our own method of
astrological calculations...
I'm sure I don't have to
tell you what that implies.
This is a direct challenge to Ming China!
Sinocentrism "China is
the center of the world,
so it is the son of Heaven
that rules the sky."
The King is challenging...
What is your personal perspective, sir?
Do you believe only the Emperor
of Ming has the right to rule the sky?
Why?
Does that seem cowardly?
Do I look pathetic and prideless
for submitting to a superior state
while the King is trying to
build the country's pride?
Politics is reality.
And diplomacy is a frightening
war where one wrong word can
change the fate of the nation.
In this case, what I think or what
the King thinks is unimportant.
What's important is
what Ming China thinks.
If the King insists on having our own
method of astrological calculations,
the Ming emperor will see it as
direct challenge on his authority.
Do you think this country will be
safe with Ming as our enemy?
I will go to Ming China.
Won't you send me to Ming?
I'll learn the skills to make astrological
instruments and observation methods...
Wait!
You look like you've seen a ghost.
Oh, no, I...
... Have you been here long?
You're acting very strange.
I should be the one asking you
that question. Don't you think?
I'm the Director of the Hall of Worthies.
Well, I...
Who is inside?
His Majesty is here.
He has some important documents to
review and asked that he be left alone.
I see.
I thought he said His Majesty was alone...
Who do you think it is?
If the King wants our own calendar
science, he must observe the stars.
He will need astronomical instruments.
And since we don't have any
astronomical instruments in Joseon,
he will attempt acquire the
knowledge from Ming to make them.
Who might be capable of
delivering such a gift to the King?
I'd say Yi Chun of Board of Works or
Choi Haesan of Bureau of Weaponry.
Isn't Choi Haesan is a gunpowder expert?
Yes, but there's a multi-talented
whiz kid among the government
slaves that works for him.
Who?
Youngsil is out of the question.
Is it because he is a lowborn?
Does it have to be said?
Listen!
Do you want to ruin the project?
Ruin it?
If anyone goes to Ming,
it has to be you, sir.
What?
A government slave cannot
cross the border alone.
It's impossible without a special
directive from the King.
And just the fact that a slave has received
a special order is enough to create a buzz.
And it will be impossible to
keep this a top secret, sir.
But it won't raise any suspicion for
any suspicion for you to be included
in the retinue of a diplomatic envoy.
And of course the retinue will include
porters who are government slaves.
Astronomical instruments?
The King would not take such huge
unnecessary risk in his right mind.
Are you sure about this information?
It's from a reliable source.
This will raise quite a stir in the court...
The King won't go about this openly.
He isn't foolish enough to think
we will quietly submit to this.
Then there's nothing we can do.
We can't confront the King based on one
unsubstantiated report from an informant.
If he goes about this in
an underhanded way,
we will have to fight him
in an underhanded way.
An underhanded way?
I heard Ministry of Rites is soon to
submit a list of names chosen to be
dispatched on the routine
diplomatic mission to Ming.
Yes.
I suspect the King will include
Choi Haesan on that list.
All we have to do is to get him off the list.
Is there a way?
A soldier sworn to protect the
country can't leave the country.
The lower states?
The Minister of Military wants you
to leave tomorrow for personal
inspection of warships
and all installed artillery.
Do you have a problem with that?
... No, sir.
Then leave for the lower
states promptly tomorrow.
A leak in the information?
Minister of Military Jo Malseng must
have acquired information somehow.
Why else would he send Choi
Haesan away all of a sudden?
But how did he find out?
Let us drink.
I don't enjoy drinking very much.
Then I should've requested
a few pretty ladies.
Oh, that's right.
You don't much enjoy women either.
I heard about your wife.
What are you trying to say?
Do you know that Prime
Minister Yu Jeonghyun
has taken your wife as his woman?
Are you threatening me?
I'm concerned about you.
Perhaps the folks at the Hall
of Worthies knows about this.
Why else would they snub you?
I beg your pardon?
Well, I don't have any definitive proof
either, but something's not right.
Can you say with absolute certainly
that you know everything that's going
on in the Hall of Worthies?
Who is inside?
Keep a close eye on the scholars.
If the Hall of Worthies
makes another risky move,
everyone could get hurt including you.
And that would be a great loss
to the Royal court of Joseon.
Well then.
Director Byun is the culprit.
Why did you meet with Byun
Gaeryang when you already
have the information you need?
You should be careful, too.
Byun Gaeryang is a very meticulous man.
He will be watching every member
of the Hall of Worthies from now on.
If you're not extremely careful,
hell find out that you're my spy.
Then, why?
It's worth a shot as long
as you don't get caught.
Byun will get to the bottom of this if
only out of spite for being left out.
And he's a prude who always
does everything by the book,
so he will never tolerate
what the King is trying to do.
The Hall of Worthies opposing
the King before anyone else...
Wouldn't that be interesting?
What is it?
May we speak to you somewhere quiet?
I had no idea you like to
eavesdrop, Director.
How much did you tell him?
Scholar Jeong!
About Choi Haesan? Or did you tell
him about Jang Youngsil as well?
So it was you men.
Minister Jo told me I should be wary of
a secret plot in the Hall of Worthies,
and I guess it was the two of you.
I feel sorry for the King.
He has to trust childish men
like you to do important work.
You mean... you didn't know anything?
Then why did you meet with Minister Jo?
Why don't you go ask Minister
Jo that question yourself?
He'll be quite pleased if you tell
him what you told me just now.
Sir... then... what are you going to do?
You gave me a very powerful piece of
information, so I'll have to think about
how I'm going to use it.
Can't you do anything
about that mouth of yours?
Why would you reveal your cards
before your opponent does?
You act so smart all the time, and
then at the most crucial moment...
What do we do now?
What's done is done, so we'll just
have to deal with the consequences.
Are you upset with me?
I'm not good at making
assumptions, Your Majesty.
All I know is that you wish to include
Choi Haesan and Jang Youngsil
in the diplomatic mission.
Choi Haesan and his
subordinate Jang Youngsil
why do you wish to include
them in the entourage?
Surely you have justifiable cause.
Justifiable cause?
You'll reveal that cause at the audience
hall tomorrow, so I will hear it first
then decide for or against it
depending on how reasonable it is.
Wouldn't that be proper?
I think we got our reason to send
Choi Haesan to Ming 3 years ago.
Three years ago?
What do you think?
Send Choi Haesan to Ming?
That's right.
What is the purpose?
To acquire new technology.
Then I guess his subordinate Jang
Youngsil must be sent with him as well.
How did you know?
I don't think I ever told
the ministers about this.
What is the technology you
wish to acquire, Your Majesty?
New gunpowder production technology.
Gunpowder production?
Secretary Yun.
According to our sources,
Ming has developed an advanced
gunpowder technology.
If it is to learn new
gunpowder technology,
it should be simple enough for
Choi Haesan alone.
Not so.
Weapons technology
is classified information.
They will not be quick
to share it with us.
What difference would it
make sending Jang Youngsil?
A huge difference.
This is a letter from Hanlin scholar Yehjin.
In it he implores Jang
Youngsil to visit him in Ming
so he may have a chance to thank
the man who saved his life.
What's more, Yehjin has
become a man of exalted
position in the Imperial court of Ming.
A new weapons development...
Ministry of Military should be
very happy about this.
Right, Your Majesty?
I agree, Director Byun.
Minister Jo.
Yes, Your Majesty.
What do you think about this?
I think it's wonderful.
Um, sir...
What is it now?
Do you have more classified information
to divulge in front of everyone?
We just wanted to thank you.
Pathetic fellows!
Are you sure your information is accurate?
I'm just concerned about
how we're going to stop them...
Perhaps you should speak to
the former King about this.
I know you're a military man, but
what do you do with your brain?
General Park!
What is he going to tell the former King?
That he should grill the
King based on our hunch?
But he is the only one who can
confront the King about this.
Malign the King without proof, and
you could be charged with treason.
I have no choice.
Sir.
If we let this happen,
the King could ruin the country.
I guess it's time to finish
this game once and for all.
No, don't get up.
I think I like sitting like this.
Why didn't you come inside?
Is there something wrong?
Who did this?
Who is making my precious prince cry?
No one, Grandfather...
I'm just sad because I won't
be able to see you anymore.
Hyang, did someone tell you about me?
Did you have a fight with someone, too?
Huh?
I made my brother angry.
You made your brother angry?
From now on, please call my brother
Yu to your chambers instead of me.
Your brother must be jealous.
I should've told you long ago,
but I wasn't thinking, Grandfather.
It appears that way.
So I will have to abide by your wish.
Thank you, Grandfather...
From now on, I will call all
of you children together.
Would that be better?
You will?
Yes.
Now that you're in a better mood,
let's hear about your thoughts after
observing the skies of Joseon.
Oh, that?
What did Heaven say to my Crown Prince?
Grandfather, there's something I've
been meaning to ask you about.
Is it bad for Joseon to have
our own calendar science?
What did you just say?
Our own calendar science?
Why does it have to be top secret?
What is this child saying?
Joseon's own calendar science?
I think this might be easier
if you asked the King directly.
This is the list of envoys being
sent to Ming, Your Majesty.
Your signature on this list will
get us over the first major hurtle.
Leave us.
Your Eminence...
You heard me.
Leave us.
Call it off, my King.
Father...
Joseon's own calendar science?
And you're dispatching secret
envoys to Ming for this cause?
Don't try to deceive me.
I want the truth.
Is it wrong for the King of Joseon
to govern the skies of Joseon?
Are you completely forgetting
about diplomatic relations?
Using our own calendar science signifies
cessation of diplomatic relations with Ming.
I know.
Then why would you do this?
Do you want to go to
war with Ming over this?
I don't intend to let Ming know that we
have an independent calendar science.
If we make astronomical instruments,
we will operate them without
the Ming envoy's knowledge.
The King of state swindling the Emperor?
I can do worse for national interests.
My King!
Skies of Joseon belong
to the people of Joseon.
Serving it, observing it and overcoming it
these are our jobs, not the Ming Emperor's.
I want to give the skies of
Joseon back to my people.
Are you saying you will not relent?
Not even if you strike me.
This is what they call playing
both ends against the middle...
Your Eminence...
To the very end...
The King is intent on
defying me to the end!
Your Eminence!
Your Eminence!
Your Eminence!
Your Eminence!
- Go to the King at once.
- Mother...
Tell him to obey his father if
he doesn't want him to die!
Jo Malseng and high ministers will
no doubt launch a powerful attack.
What is the government's job anyway?
Isn't it to better the people's lives?
How much longer do we have
to fight among ourselves?
We can't win with the scholars and the
young officials alone, Your Majesty.
We need a powerful rival to
contend with Jo Malseng.
What I want first is to fight Jo Malseng.
Kyoungnyeong.
Yes, Father.
You are a prince of Joseon.
So you must protect the
state before you protect me.
Bring me justifiable cause
to destroy Jo Malseng.
That's what you can do to serve
me and to serve the country.
A rival to contend with Jo Malseng?
Who would that be?
The former Minister of Public Works
Hwang Hee, Your Majesty.
Hwang Hee...
It's been a long time, my lord.
I knew you'd come to find me someday.
The time has come, my lord.
It's time for us to join hands and
straighten up this country together.
What even if you live under a shadow,
you must hold on to what you believe in.
And that's what men of
virtue and decency must do...
You can't protect me.
Who do you think you are?
Your Highness...
It's the prince who protects his people.
Your Highness!
I didn't know who they are
or that they even lived here.
Your Highness...
Our son has grown...
The rough road you have ahead...
Long Live the King!
Kings do not look back.
Go forward and never look back.
Sugang Palace
You must first focus.
Straighten your shoulders.
Feet shoulders distance apart.
Aim slowly and slightly higher.
Think not about the target but the sky.
An archer can hit the bulls-eye when
he aims a little higher than the target,
and the King can win public favor when
he can decipher the will of Heaven.
Why are you stopping?
I will order someone else
to shoot the arrow, Grandfather.
You have no confidence?
No, I've deciphered the will of Heaven.
Deciphered the will of Heaven?
I was taught that a King borrows
his retainer's strength
and puts them to service.
Oh my, oh my, I think my grandson
just taught me Royal lesson!
Hasn't he?
Then this old man must give
our future King a hand.
Will he be all right being out like this?
You said he has developed variety of
problems from diabetes to dermatitis.
Spending pleasant time like this
will actually help him to relax.
Bulls-eye!
Bulls-eye!
Are you happy?
You've hit the bulls-eye.
Why aren't you happy?
It doesn't feel that good
for some reason.
That is because it is not
your own achievement.
And I'm sure you're feeling somewhat
toyed by someone stronger than you.
Grandfather, it's not...
It's only natural for you not to be happy.
Hyang.
Yes, Grandfather.
You are going to be
the fifth King of Joseon.
If you let others control you and delight
in the achievement that is not truly yours,
you would not be worthy of the throne.
You must strengthen yourself first.
Only then you will have the power
to choose and use your men,
and remove those who dare
attempt to weaken you.
Remember.
The King must be
the strongest man in Joseon.
Your dinner is ready at the
cast chamber, Your Eminence.
Why don't you join him?
Yes, that is a good idea.
I'm sorry, Grandfather,
but I must go to the main hall now.
Father said we would look at
the skies of Joseon today.
The skies of Joseon?
Joseon's sky not identical to Ming's sky.
Jongdaebu is a constellation
you can find only on Joseon's
star map Chonsangdo.
Chongdaebu...
Where?
Which one is Chongdaebu?
Now follow my fingers, Your Highness.
Okay.
Do you see that field of stars about two
hand's width north of Jongdonghyang?
Yes.
That's Chunshiwon.
Chunshiwon?
It means a market in the sky.
Oh.
Do you see that long wall
wrapping around the market?
That's called Chunshidongwon.
Now connect the six stars
at the end of that wall.
It looks like two squares
connected at the corners.
That's called Shiru, which is an agency
that opens and closes Chunshiwon.
Then you can say it's the
door to Chunshiwon.
The arrow right above
Shiru is called Jongin,
and the four bright starts right
above that is called Jongdaebu.
I see it! I found it!
Father, I found it!
I see Jonqdaebu!
Jongdaebu means head of
the Royal House like you.
Jongdaebu...
This is irrefutable proof that the skies
are different in Joseon and Ming.
Yes, Your Majesty.
Then we need own method of computing
movement of celestial bodies
calendar science based on
our astronomical observations.
That's Chunshiwon...
That's Shiru...
That's Jongin.
- And that's Jongdaebu. Right?
- Yes, that's right.
Joseon's calendar science?
Did you just say our
own calendar science?
Yes, sir.
Has the King lost his mind?
He's going to destroy this country!
We must keep this a top secret.
Or the ministers' opposition won't
even let us get this project started.
- Secretary Yi.
- Yes, Your Majesty.
Go directly to the Hall of Worthies
and send all of the scholars home
except Jeong Inji and Choi Manli.
Yes, Your Majesty.
It's late.
It's time for you to go to bed.
Can't I stay up a little longer and
learn about stars from Youngsil?
Everything in moderation.
The future King must learn virtue
of moderation and self-restraint.
He's coming!
What is going on here?
I asked you a question.
Where did she learn
this naughty behavior?
Why?
You're supposed to love and
protect your younger siblings.
Why did you do this?
I can't tell you, Mother...
Then you will be whipped
until you are ready to talk.
What's this?
I'm the one who should be whipped.
Step aside.
I'm the one who planned this.
But why?
Because I hate Hyang!
Because everything is his!
Grandfather, Father, the servants...
everyone loves him!
No, Mother.
It's my fault. I...
Don't defend me!
Don't hide behind
your skirt like a coward!
Tell her the truth.
Tell her you're taking the fall for me.
Punish me, Mother.
I wish he'd give his affection
evenly between the children...
Your Highness...
Prepare my carriage.
I think I should go to the
Royal chambers tonight.
I'm afraid His Majesty is not
retiring to the Royall chambers.
Is he spending the night at
the Hall of Worthies again?
What I want is astronomical instruments
to study the stars of Joseon.
We need them to accurately
observe the stars in order to
develop our own method
of astrological calculations.
The two of you will be in charge of this
research. It is a top secret project.
Our own method of
astrological calculations...
I'm sure I don't have to
tell you what that implies.
This is a direct challenge to Ming China!
Sinocentrism "China is
the center of the world,
so it is the son of Heaven
that rules the sky."
The King is challenging...
What is your personal perspective, sir?
Do you believe only the Emperor
of Ming has the right to rule the sky?
Why?
Does that seem cowardly?
Do I look pathetic and prideless
for submitting to a superior state
while the King is trying to
build the country's pride?
Politics is reality.
And diplomacy is a frightening
war where one wrong word can
change the fate of the nation.
In this case, what I think or what
the King thinks is unimportant.
What's important is
what Ming China thinks.
If the King insists on having our own
method of astrological calculations,
the Ming emperor will see it as
direct challenge on his authority.
Do you think this country will be
safe with Ming as our enemy?
I will go to Ming China.
Won't you send me to Ming?
I'll learn the skills to make astrological
instruments and observation methods...
Wait!
You look like you've seen a ghost.
Oh, no, I...
... Have you been here long?
You're acting very strange.
I should be the one asking you
that question. Don't you think?
I'm the Director of the Hall of Worthies.
Well, I...
Who is inside?
His Majesty is here.
He has some important documents to
review and asked that he be left alone.
I see.
I thought he said His Majesty was alone...
Who do you think it is?
If the King wants our own calendar
science, he must observe the stars.
He will need astronomical instruments.
And since we don't have any
astronomical instruments in Joseon,
he will attempt acquire the
knowledge from Ming to make them.
Who might be capable of
delivering such a gift to the King?
I'd say Yi Chun of Board of Works or
Choi Haesan of Bureau of Weaponry.
Isn't Choi Haesan is a gunpowder expert?
Yes, but there's a multi-talented
whiz kid among the government
slaves that works for him.
Who?
Youngsil is out of the question.
Is it because he is a lowborn?
Does it have to be said?
Listen!
Do you want to ruin the project?
Ruin it?
If anyone goes to Ming,
it has to be you, sir.
What?
A government slave cannot
cross the border alone.
It's impossible without a special
directive from the King.
And just the fact that a slave has received
a special order is enough to create a buzz.
And it will be impossible to
keep this a top secret, sir.
But it won't raise any suspicion for
any suspicion for you to be included
in the retinue of a diplomatic envoy.
And of course the retinue will include
porters who are government slaves.
Astronomical instruments?
The King would not take such huge
unnecessary risk in his right mind.
Are you sure about this information?
It's from a reliable source.
This will raise quite a stir in the court...
The King won't go about this openly.
He isn't foolish enough to think
we will quietly submit to this.
Then there's nothing we can do.
We can't confront the King based on one
unsubstantiated report from an informant.
If he goes about this in
an underhanded way,
we will have to fight him
in an underhanded way.
An underhanded way?
I heard Ministry of Rites is soon to
submit a list of names chosen to be
dispatched on the routine
diplomatic mission to Ming.
Yes.
I suspect the King will include
Choi Haesan on that list.
All we have to do is to get him off the list.
Is there a way?
A soldier sworn to protect the
country can't leave the country.
The lower states?
The Minister of Military wants you
to leave tomorrow for personal
inspection of warships
and all installed artillery.
Do you have a problem with that?
... No, sir.
Then leave for the lower
states promptly tomorrow.
A leak in the information?
Minister of Military Jo Malseng must
have acquired information somehow.
Why else would he send Choi
Haesan away all of a sudden?
But how did he find out?
Let us drink.
I don't enjoy drinking very much.
Then I should've requested
a few pretty ladies.
Oh, that's right.
You don't much enjoy women either.
I heard about your wife.
What are you trying to say?
Do you know that Prime
Minister Yu Jeonghyun
has taken your wife as his woman?
Are you threatening me?
I'm concerned about you.
Perhaps the folks at the Hall
of Worthies knows about this.
Why else would they snub you?
I beg your pardon?
Well, I don't have any definitive proof
either, but something's not right.
Can you say with absolute certainly
that you know everything that's going
on in the Hall of Worthies?
Who is inside?
Keep a close eye on the scholars.
If the Hall of Worthies
makes another risky move,
everyone could get hurt including you.
And that would be a great loss
to the Royal court of Joseon.
Well then.
Director Byun is the culprit.
Why did you meet with Byun
Gaeryang when you already
have the information you need?
You should be careful, too.
Byun Gaeryang is a very meticulous man.
He will be watching every member
of the Hall of Worthies from now on.
If you're not extremely careful,
hell find out that you're my spy.
Then, why?
It's worth a shot as long
as you don't get caught.
Byun will get to the bottom of this if
only out of spite for being left out.
And he's a prude who always
does everything by the book,
so he will never tolerate
what the King is trying to do.
The Hall of Worthies opposing
the King before anyone else...
Wouldn't that be interesting?
What is it?
May we speak to you somewhere quiet?
I had no idea you like to
eavesdrop, Director.
How much did you tell him?
Scholar Jeong!
About Choi Haesan? Or did you tell
him about Jang Youngsil as well?
So it was you men.
Minister Jo told me I should be wary of
a secret plot in the Hall of Worthies,
and I guess it was the two of you.
I feel sorry for the King.
He has to trust childish men
like you to do important work.
You mean... you didn't know anything?
Then why did you meet with Minister Jo?
Why don't you go ask Minister
Jo that question yourself?
He'll be quite pleased if you tell
him what you told me just now.
Sir... then... what are you going to do?
You gave me a very powerful piece of
information, so I'll have to think about
how I'm going to use it.
Can't you do anything
about that mouth of yours?
Why would you reveal your cards
before your opponent does?
You act so smart all the time, and
then at the most crucial moment...
What do we do now?
What's done is done, so we'll just
have to deal with the consequences.
Are you upset with me?
I'm not good at making
assumptions, Your Majesty.
All I know is that you wish to include
Choi Haesan and Jang Youngsil
in the diplomatic mission.
Choi Haesan and his
subordinate Jang Youngsil
why do you wish to include
them in the entourage?
Surely you have justifiable cause.
Justifiable cause?
You'll reveal that cause at the audience
hall tomorrow, so I will hear it first
then decide for or against it
depending on how reasonable it is.
Wouldn't that be proper?
I think we got our reason to send
Choi Haesan to Ming 3 years ago.
Three years ago?
What do you think?
Send Choi Haesan to Ming?
That's right.
What is the purpose?
To acquire new technology.
Then I guess his subordinate Jang
Youngsil must be sent with him as well.
How did you know?
I don't think I ever told
the ministers about this.
What is the technology you
wish to acquire, Your Majesty?
New gunpowder production technology.
Gunpowder production?
Secretary Yun.
According to our sources,
Ming has developed an advanced
gunpowder technology.
If it is to learn new
gunpowder technology,
it should be simple enough for
Choi Haesan alone.
Not so.
Weapons technology
is classified information.
They will not be quick
to share it with us.
What difference would it
make sending Jang Youngsil?
A huge difference.
This is a letter from Hanlin scholar Yehjin.
In it he implores Jang
Youngsil to visit him in Ming
so he may have a chance to thank
the man who saved his life.
What's more, Yehjin has
become a man of exalted
position in the Imperial court of Ming.
A new weapons development...
Ministry of Military should be
very happy about this.
Right, Your Majesty?
I agree, Director Byun.
Minister Jo.
Yes, Your Majesty.
What do you think about this?
I think it's wonderful.
Um, sir...
What is it now?
Do you have more classified information
to divulge in front of everyone?
We just wanted to thank you.
Pathetic fellows!
Are you sure your information is accurate?
I'm just concerned about
how we're going to stop them...
Perhaps you should speak to
the former King about this.
I know you're a military man, but
what do you do with your brain?
General Park!
What is he going to tell the former King?
That he should grill the
King based on our hunch?
But he is the only one who can
confront the King about this.
Malign the King without proof, and
you could be charged with treason.
I have no choice.
Sir.
If we let this happen,
the King could ruin the country.
I guess it's time to finish
this game once and for all.
No, don't get up.
I think I like sitting like this.
Why didn't you come inside?
Is there something wrong?
Who did this?
Who is making my precious prince cry?
No one, Grandfather...
I'm just sad because I won't
be able to see you anymore.
Hyang, did someone tell you about me?
Did you have a fight with someone, too?
Huh?
I made my brother angry.
You made your brother angry?
From now on, please call my brother
Yu to your chambers instead of me.
Your brother must be jealous.
I should've told you long ago,
but I wasn't thinking, Grandfather.
It appears that way.
So I will have to abide by your wish.
Thank you, Grandfather...
From now on, I will call all
of you children together.
Would that be better?
You will?
Yes.
Now that you're in a better mood,
let's hear about your thoughts after
observing the skies of Joseon.
Oh, that?
What did Heaven say to my Crown Prince?
Grandfather, there's something I've
been meaning to ask you about.
Is it bad for Joseon to have
our own calendar science?
What did you just say?
Our own calendar science?
Why does it have to be top secret?
What is this child saying?
Joseon's own calendar science?
I think this might be easier
if you asked the King directly.
This is the list of envoys being
sent to Ming, Your Majesty.
Your signature on this list will
get us over the first major hurtle.
Leave us.
Your Eminence...
You heard me.
Leave us.
Call it off, my King.
Father...
Joseon's own calendar science?
And you're dispatching secret
envoys to Ming for this cause?
Don't try to deceive me.
I want the truth.
Is it wrong for the King of Joseon
to govern the skies of Joseon?
Are you completely forgetting
about diplomatic relations?
Using our own calendar science signifies
cessation of diplomatic relations with Ming.
I know.
Then why would you do this?
Do you want to go to
war with Ming over this?
I don't intend to let Ming know that we
have an independent calendar science.
If we make astronomical instruments,
we will operate them without
the Ming envoy's knowledge.
The King of state swindling the Emperor?
I can do worse for national interests.
My King!
Skies of Joseon belong
to the people of Joseon.
Serving it, observing it and overcoming it
these are our jobs, not the Ming Emperor's.
I want to give the skies of
Joseon back to my people.
Are you saying you will not relent?
Not even if you strike me.
This is what they call playing
both ends against the middle...
Your Eminence...
To the very end...
The King is intent on
defying me to the end!
Your Eminence!
Your Eminence!
Your Eminence!
Your Eminence!
- Go to the King at once.
- Mother...
Tell him to obey his father if
he doesn't want him to die!
Jo Malseng and high ministers will
no doubt launch a powerful attack.
What is the government's job anyway?
Isn't it to better the people's lives?
How much longer do we have
to fight among ourselves?
We can't win with the scholars and the
young officials alone, Your Majesty.
We need a powerful rival to
contend with Jo Malseng.
What I want first is to fight Jo Malseng.
Kyoungnyeong.
Yes, Father.
You are a prince of Joseon.
So you must protect the
state before you protect me.
Bring me justifiable cause
to destroy Jo Malseng.
That's what you can do to serve
me and to serve the country.
A rival to contend with Jo Malseng?
Who would that be?
The former Minister of Public Works
Hwang Hee, Your Majesty.
Hwang Hee...
It's been a long time, my lord.
I knew you'd come to find me someday.
The time has come, my lord.
It's time for us to join hands and
straighten up this country together.
What even if you live under a shadow,
you must hold on to what you believe in.
And that's what men of
virtue and decency must do...
You can't protect me.
Who do you think you are?
Your Highness...
It's the prince who protects his people.
Your Highness!
I didn't know who they are
or that they even lived here.
Your Highness...
Our son has grown...
The rough road you have ahead...
Long Live the King!
Kings do not look back.
Go forward and never look back.