Dae Wang Sejong (2008): Season 1, Episode 54 - Episode #1.54 - full transcript
Thank you.
I hope this coarse wine
doesn't offend your taste.
I don't care.
It's not what you drink but who
you drink with that's important.
This is a hard life, my lord.
Life is harder for you, I'm sure.
Frankly, it isn't easy.
Abdicated King is not
an easy man to serve.
I'm afraid his son the new King
is even more difficult to serve.
He wants Joseon to have
our own calendar science.
That's an interesting thought.
It's a dangerous thought.
Yes, it could be.
Hwang Hee is out of the question.
We have enough enemies to deal
with in this Royal court without him.
Hwang Hee was behind Prince
Yangnyeong to the end.
We all know that.
Then stop giving His Majesty this
outrageous recommendation.
We must stop encouraging him
to be an all-forgiving King.
My man.
Tell him to pick up his sword instead.
Strike those who oppose him.
That's tyranny, not politics.
Don't you know that?
Why don't we try looking at reality
straight in the face for a change?
How do we distinguish
what's politics and what's tyranny?
By determining whether
it serves the people or not.
It's time for His Majesty to
show his decisiveness.
We don't need anyone else
to contend with Jo Malseng.
Just remove him.
Anyone who oppose for opposition's
sake has to be removed.
How else are we to accomplish
anything in this court?
I will have a talk with Hwang Hee.
Your Majesty!
How does Prince Yangnyeong fare lately?
I'm a humble farmer who gets up at
dawn and works on the field all day.
How could I know the welfare of Royalty?
Five years of political alienation is
enough to smooth out any jagged edges.
Do you want a compliant King?
I want a King who is good for the country.
Selecting a new King is the only way.
You have great stamina.
You never get tired.
I must muster up every
once of energy I've got.
I can't let the young King's
childish pride ruin this country.
Choose a new King?
Jo Malseng dare intends to replace
the King to better suit his taste?
Yes, Father.
I'm afraid this is all I have
to give you, old friend.
You still haven't given me an answer.
It's not something an old
farmer can help you with.
I'll see you again soon.
I may have nothing to give you next time.
My hens have not been
very productive lately.
Hwang Hee...
I'm wasting my time.
So many little stars...
His Eminence must have
a lot on his mind as well...
Your Eminence!
Arrest Jo Malseng right now.
And I'll make you the next
Minister of Military.
On what grounds?
High treason.
Get it done tonight.
What is it?
I have the former King's order to
arrest you for high treason, sir.
What is the meaning of this tablet
of authority, Your Eminence?
Park Sil, you bastard!
I could not find evidence of high
treason from the senior minister.
Who told you to judge?
I am the one that makes decisions!
It's not to late.
Take the criminal to confinement at once!
I'm afraid I cannot.
I beg you to rescind the order,
Your Eminence.
- General Yi.
- Yes, Your Eminence.
I'm ordering you.
Arrest this man and...
I'm afraid I cannot, Your Eminence.
I'm still your faithful retainer,
and I offer my last earnest council.
You held on to control of the
military to guard against the King,
and it is you who ordered
us to keep him in check.
Above all, it is not I but the King
who is trying to put the country
in danger by challenging
the Ming Emperor.
Even a crude warrior does not attack
a man simply for posing a threat to
his family member without
considering the circumstances.
You are the King Father.
Your sword should be aimed only
against an enemy of the state.
Your Eminence, who is the enemy
that threatens this state right how?
We can only aim our swords at that enemy.
Now we shall retire and await your order.
Jo Malseng has turned
against the King Father?
The entire Ministry of Military
has turned against him.
It's trouble, Your Majesty.
What is the meaning of this?
As you can see,
we are vacating the Conference Hall.
I will not grant permission!
We do not request permission.
You're before the King!
How dare you speak with such audacity!
What's the worst thing
that can happen but death?
Of course he will go to
his father about this first...
Minister Huh!
Guide the King well.
No one will be loyal to a King that
tries to wield his sword hiding
behind his father no matter
how angry he is with
the disagreeing ministers.
All of the senior statesmen
have walked out?
But why?
I guess it means they don't want to
discuss state affairs with the King.
It's just as well.
All they ever do is oppose anyway.
They walked out on their own,
so we'll just replace them
and start over fresh with
new ministers. That is all.
Are you brainless?
Who is going to replace them?
Do you think this country
is overflowing with talent?
Director.
His Majesty's desk will be buried with
resignations from regional officials
all over the country in just a few days.
Regional officials?
Do you think those sly old snakes are
just going to walk out and give up?
They will wield their political clout.
Now what?
Worst case,
complete paralysis of government
and disintegration of orders.
All the while control of the military
is intact in Jo Malsengs hands...
What could this imply?
You didn't know about this?
It happened so fast...
What is your opinion of Jo Malseng?
The truth is Ministry of Military his
never had a more competent leader
in the last twenty years.
A competent leader...
He placed right men and right
places and stabilized the
organization in a short time.
His handling of human affairs very fair,
so there are very little complaints
within the organization.
But what he is most praised
for is his compassion.
I'm told he empties out his own pocket
to take care of families of his men
who are serving in the remote regions.
So they'll risk their lives
to protect such superior...
What's the possibility that
he is plotting high treason?
It is hard to say, but I do know that he has
not made an attempt to stir up the soldiers.
His Majesty must be so frustrated...
Things have gotten completely out of hand.
Isn't there something we can do?
There's only one solution.
His Majesty has to give up
this calendar science project.
I know you've worked very hard on this,
but don't encourage the King anymore.
The royal authority might be threatened.
There he is!
It's Youngsil!
What brings you, Your Highness?
Show me Jongdaebu once more.
Jongdaebu?
Your Highness!
Your Highness!
What happened?
What did His Majesty say?
He said he would have the palace
searched and for you not to worry.
Did you tell him we've been searching
for the last two hours and that
they may not be in the palace?
Forgive me, Your Highness...
Announce me.
He is in a meeting with the secretaries...
Please clear the room for a moment.
Now is not a good time.
I sent you word that the boys are missing
Please go back to your chambers and wait.
They're young children.
They couldn't have gone far.
We will find them soon.
The palace is astir.
Ministry of Military has turned
against the King Father.
Please leave now.
What if they hurt our children out of spite?
You are overreacting.
Do you blame me?
This is the Royal palace.
Please go!
Find the children.
- You're their father, so find them yourself.
- Must I do everything myself?
Your Majesty...
What is your job?
What else do you have to do other
than taking care of the children?
Your Majesty!
Your Majesty!
The Crown Prince and Prince Yu are back.
Where were you?
You had me worried sick.
What happened?
They had come to the
Bureau of Weaponry. So...
Bureau of Weaponry?
Don't you know that you're not allowed
to leave the palace without permission?
They need to be disciplined.
This isn't fair, Father.
I told Hyang that
we should ask you to show us Jongdaebu.
But Hyang said we couldn't...
Would you be quiet?
But it's the truth!
We can't talk to Father
about Jongdaebu anymore.
Why can't we?
Because it's not his anymore.
I told Grandfather the secret,
and got Father in big trouble.
So the stars don't belong
to Father anymore.
They said he can't rule the sky
even though he's the King.
And it's my fault.
It's all my fault!
Hyang.
It's my fault.
But I wanted to see Jongdaebu
one more time...
I wanted to show it to Yu...
I would have too.
If I found a constellation that
only exists in Joseon's sky,
I would've wanted to share
it with my brothers as well.
Can't I apologize to Grandfather?
Can't I get back the sky for you?
I want to find a way.
How could you get it back for me?
It wasn't mine to begin with.
Then whose is it?
Does it belong to the Ming Emperor
like Attendant Jeong said?
No.
Then...?
It doesn't belong to any one person.
It belongs to anyone
who lives under the sky.
The skies of Ming belong
to the people of Ming,
and the skies of Joseon belong
to the people of Joseon.
So many owners?
Yes...
Then why do people say
that it belongs to one person?
I don't know.
I can't figure that out either.
The skies of Joseon belongs
to the people of Joseon.
So it stands to reason that we should
have our own way of deciphering it.
You are right.
But "The son of Heaven rules the skies.
It is blasphemous for a king
of a small state to rule it."
You're right, too.
No, that's not my own belief...
They're both right?
What are you fellows doing here?
Well, we...
We were just passing by...
Lord Hwang.
I think to say that they are both
right means they are both wrong.
What do you think?
I think that's right, too.
What brings Your Majesty
to this humble cottage?
I like storybooks,
so I thought I might mimic one.
I'll leave this here.
Would you take a look
when you have time?
A busy farmer hardly finds time to read.
You're a pensive man,
but you're quick to reject.
I am merely describing my
occupation, Your Majesty.
I understand how you feel,
so I will leave you now.
Oh, I almost forgot.
I like our farmers to be relaxed, not busy.
I believe having our own calendar
science can make our farmers less busy.
What is your opinion?
I hope you will share your valuable
insight with me next time I'm here.
Next time?
The story tells you to
try at least three times.
What should I do with you?
Charge you with high treason?
Your Majesty...
You had a secret meeting
with my political enemy.
Thank you.
I'm sure it wasn't easy for you.
We apologize, Your Majesty.
All we knew about Hwang
Hee was his reputation,
and we couldn't judge him
based on his reputation alone.
That would have made us no better than the
ministers who oppose for opposition's sake.
What do you think, Your Majesty?
Is Hwang Hee a valuable man worth
three visits to the thatched cottage?
I still feel like Hwang Hee might be
my biggest political enemy yet.
Three Visits to the Thatched Cottage...
The senior statesmen are
refusing to come to work?
You must allow the new King
to lead the country his own way.
What way is that?
That naive and unrealistic way where
everyone is loved and forgiven including
those who conspire to
commit high treason?
Would you rather he continued the
violent, merciless rule where the
sword is the only thing that
can maintain the regime?
Your Eminence...
The sword couldn't protect it either...
The sword was my only source of power,
but I cut off my own limbs with that sword,
and now my own men
have turned against me.
Is this what you call falling
into your own trap?
Your Eminence...
Please don't get up.
You need absolute rest.
Get me my medicine!
The Royal Dispensary is
working on a potion...
Not the useless stuff, but the real
thing that will extend my life.
Your Eminence...
I need to live another ten,
no, another five years will do.
Perhaps I should've retired
when they said I should...
Then I wouldn't have turned the
entire military into my son's enemy.
Your Eminence...
I have to live.
I need to live.
I can't die until Jo Malseng and his men...
those bastards who're trying to control
the Royal house are destroyed.
My soul will not be able
to rest in peace until then.
What are you waiting for?
You heard the order!
Your Grace, but you know...
His Eminence is not ready to die.
So extend his life!
Find the fountain of youth if ou have to.
Your Highness...
If you fail, you will die.
Can you give up on having
our own calendar science?
What do you think my answer is?
If you will not give up, first
you must distinguish yourself.
Go to the King Father.
And ask him to let it be known that you had
nothing to do with his attack on Jo Malseng.
You call that earnest counsel?
We need to talk privately.
You must strike Jo Malseng at once.
Charge him with high treason.
Then the ministers will insist that
I strike our brother Yangnyeong first.
Then be it.
Go back.
Your Majesty...
Jo Malseng has compete control of this
country's military. Don't you know that?
There's got to be a loophole.
I will jump in and mobilize an army.
I cannot go to war against
soldiers who protect my people.
Are you prepared to let
Father die like this?
Are you sure you won't regret letting
him die without retribution when his
most trusted subject has
stabbed him in the back?
What do you mean let him die?
What are you doing here when
you're busy chanting sutras?
Is archery boring you today?
Why?
Are you going to join me?
Why don't we shoot a round?
You're no match for me.
Go see your mother if
you have nothing to do.
He can't even shoot an arrow?
It's been many days now.
How is he?
Your Majesty...
I don't know about this.
How does it look?
Can we send the envoys on time?
Secretary Yun and
I can take care of the
diplomatic documents,
but we haven't even begun
to do the rest of the work.
How is it going over here?
We're so unfamiliar with this work...
What's going to happen if the
regional government stops working?
Don't we have to find a way to
put the officials back to work?
You're wasting your time.
My lord.
The King must give up this
calendar science nonsense.
And the King Father must
relinquish his right to military
control and retire completely.
Until these two conditions are met,
we will not be going back to work.
How much longer do
they intend to keep this up?
How much longer are they going to
carry on with this audacious bullying
of the King and now the King Father?
Your Majesty...
Your Majesty...
I'm going to have to kill you.
And next is Jo Malseng.
I'll kill my own brother if that's
what it takes to destroy Jo Malseng.
If anyone dare hurts my
father and patronizes him,
I'll stop at nothing to destroy that person.
I know that the sword is
the quickest solution.
So I intend to kill everyone that
dare challenges my Royal authority.
"This country belongs not to the people
but to the King and the Royal House.
So do not resist.
Obey and agree unconditionally!"
Your Majesty...
Could you accept a King that asserts this?
It would be difficult.
But you won't do anything
about it either, will you?
Because you're sick of politics.
Probably not.
That's why you are Joseon's biggest enemy.
Because inaction is worse than opposition!
I... guess I ruined everything.
This is not how Three Visits to
the Thatched Cottage is done...
Three Visits to the Thatched Cottage...
How long have you...
A little while.
Please forgive me.
I made him King but didn't give
him control of the military because
I didn't trust him completely, but I
see now that he's got what it takes.
An eye for good men-he's got that.
I need you to help my son now.
Actually, you might work better
with him than you ever did with me.
Your Eminence...
Don't interrupt.
Just listen.
Don't pay attention to
what he said tonight.
He didn't mean it.
He's just feeling sorry for
his dying father. That is all.
Your Eminence, what do you mean?
It happens.
You will be just fine, Eminence.
Stop that.
Your Eminence...
Stop putting your hopes on the hopeless.
I'll send you a courtier's robe tomorrow.
Forgive me, but that is one
command I cannot obey.
You would defy me again?
I don't deserve to return to service.
Do you regret supporting Yangnyeong?
If I did, I would heed your order
to return to the royal court.
I dare say Prince Yangnyeong
was like a son to me.
If a son is drowning, the father jumps
in the water to save him knowing that
he is likely to go down with him.
No, I have no regrets.
Look.
But I am contrite.
Politicians are not to let feelings
distort their judgment on anything
much less on selecting the next King.
I deeply thank you for thinking of me,
Your Eminence.
But I am not worthy.
I guess I have no choice.
You're so stubborn...
Forgive me.
But I will say this.
I know.
I know you protected Yangnyeong
and backed him up,
but you were always correcting him
and challenging him in his decisions.
He was young and you loved him,
but Yangnyeong was not your son.
He was your master.
So he is responsible for what
happened to him, not you.
I am asking you in earnest
to give Doe a chance.
I know the King better than anyone.
After all I am his father.
He's not like me or like Yangnyeong.
He knows how to appreciate people,
and most importantly he's
wonderfully open-minded.
Don't let the King be alone for too long.
A busy farmer's life
became too much for me.
Did you say you wanted to
make our farmers less busy?
Then Your Majesty must
rule the skies of Joseon.
You are right.
I know that the King's
master is the people of the land.
That, too, is correct, Your Majesty.
I hope this coarse wine
doesn't offend your taste.
I don't care.
It's not what you drink but who
you drink with that's important.
This is a hard life, my lord.
Life is harder for you, I'm sure.
Frankly, it isn't easy.
Abdicated King is not
an easy man to serve.
I'm afraid his son the new King
is even more difficult to serve.
He wants Joseon to have
our own calendar science.
That's an interesting thought.
It's a dangerous thought.
Yes, it could be.
Hwang Hee is out of the question.
We have enough enemies to deal
with in this Royal court without him.
Hwang Hee was behind Prince
Yangnyeong to the end.
We all know that.
Then stop giving His Majesty this
outrageous recommendation.
We must stop encouraging him
to be an all-forgiving King.
My man.
Tell him to pick up his sword instead.
Strike those who oppose him.
That's tyranny, not politics.
Don't you know that?
Why don't we try looking at reality
straight in the face for a change?
How do we distinguish
what's politics and what's tyranny?
By determining whether
it serves the people or not.
It's time for His Majesty to
show his decisiveness.
We don't need anyone else
to contend with Jo Malseng.
Just remove him.
Anyone who oppose for opposition's
sake has to be removed.
How else are we to accomplish
anything in this court?
I will have a talk with Hwang Hee.
Your Majesty!
How does Prince Yangnyeong fare lately?
I'm a humble farmer who gets up at
dawn and works on the field all day.
How could I know the welfare of Royalty?
Five years of political alienation is
enough to smooth out any jagged edges.
Do you want a compliant King?
I want a King who is good for the country.
Selecting a new King is the only way.
You have great stamina.
You never get tired.
I must muster up every
once of energy I've got.
I can't let the young King's
childish pride ruin this country.
Choose a new King?
Jo Malseng dare intends to replace
the King to better suit his taste?
Yes, Father.
I'm afraid this is all I have
to give you, old friend.
You still haven't given me an answer.
It's not something an old
farmer can help you with.
I'll see you again soon.
I may have nothing to give you next time.
My hens have not been
very productive lately.
Hwang Hee...
I'm wasting my time.
So many little stars...
His Eminence must have
a lot on his mind as well...
Your Eminence!
Arrest Jo Malseng right now.
And I'll make you the next
Minister of Military.
On what grounds?
High treason.
Get it done tonight.
What is it?
I have the former King's order to
arrest you for high treason, sir.
What is the meaning of this tablet
of authority, Your Eminence?
Park Sil, you bastard!
I could not find evidence of high
treason from the senior minister.
Who told you to judge?
I am the one that makes decisions!
It's not to late.
Take the criminal to confinement at once!
I'm afraid I cannot.
I beg you to rescind the order,
Your Eminence.
- General Yi.
- Yes, Your Eminence.
I'm ordering you.
Arrest this man and...
I'm afraid I cannot, Your Eminence.
I'm still your faithful retainer,
and I offer my last earnest council.
You held on to control of the
military to guard against the King,
and it is you who ordered
us to keep him in check.
Above all, it is not I but the King
who is trying to put the country
in danger by challenging
the Ming Emperor.
Even a crude warrior does not attack
a man simply for posing a threat to
his family member without
considering the circumstances.
You are the King Father.
Your sword should be aimed only
against an enemy of the state.
Your Eminence, who is the enemy
that threatens this state right how?
We can only aim our swords at that enemy.
Now we shall retire and await your order.
Jo Malseng has turned
against the King Father?
The entire Ministry of Military
has turned against him.
It's trouble, Your Majesty.
What is the meaning of this?
As you can see,
we are vacating the Conference Hall.
I will not grant permission!
We do not request permission.
You're before the King!
How dare you speak with such audacity!
What's the worst thing
that can happen but death?
Of course he will go to
his father about this first...
Minister Huh!
Guide the King well.
No one will be loyal to a King that
tries to wield his sword hiding
behind his father no matter
how angry he is with
the disagreeing ministers.
All of the senior statesmen
have walked out?
But why?
I guess it means they don't want to
discuss state affairs with the King.
It's just as well.
All they ever do is oppose anyway.
They walked out on their own,
so we'll just replace them
and start over fresh with
new ministers. That is all.
Are you brainless?
Who is going to replace them?
Do you think this country
is overflowing with talent?
Director.
His Majesty's desk will be buried with
resignations from regional officials
all over the country in just a few days.
Regional officials?
Do you think those sly old snakes are
just going to walk out and give up?
They will wield their political clout.
Now what?
Worst case,
complete paralysis of government
and disintegration of orders.
All the while control of the military
is intact in Jo Malsengs hands...
What could this imply?
You didn't know about this?
It happened so fast...
What is your opinion of Jo Malseng?
The truth is Ministry of Military his
never had a more competent leader
in the last twenty years.
A competent leader...
He placed right men and right
places and stabilized the
organization in a short time.
His handling of human affairs very fair,
so there are very little complaints
within the organization.
But what he is most praised
for is his compassion.
I'm told he empties out his own pocket
to take care of families of his men
who are serving in the remote regions.
So they'll risk their lives
to protect such superior...
What's the possibility that
he is plotting high treason?
It is hard to say, but I do know that he has
not made an attempt to stir up the soldiers.
His Majesty must be so frustrated...
Things have gotten completely out of hand.
Isn't there something we can do?
There's only one solution.
His Majesty has to give up
this calendar science project.
I know you've worked very hard on this,
but don't encourage the King anymore.
The royal authority might be threatened.
There he is!
It's Youngsil!
What brings you, Your Highness?
Show me Jongdaebu once more.
Jongdaebu?
Your Highness!
Your Highness!
What happened?
What did His Majesty say?
He said he would have the palace
searched and for you not to worry.
Did you tell him we've been searching
for the last two hours and that
they may not be in the palace?
Forgive me, Your Highness...
Announce me.
He is in a meeting with the secretaries...
Please clear the room for a moment.
Now is not a good time.
I sent you word that the boys are missing
Please go back to your chambers and wait.
They're young children.
They couldn't have gone far.
We will find them soon.
The palace is astir.
Ministry of Military has turned
against the King Father.
Please leave now.
What if they hurt our children out of spite?
You are overreacting.
Do you blame me?
This is the Royal palace.
Please go!
Find the children.
- You're their father, so find them yourself.
- Must I do everything myself?
Your Majesty...
What is your job?
What else do you have to do other
than taking care of the children?
Your Majesty!
Your Majesty!
The Crown Prince and Prince Yu are back.
Where were you?
You had me worried sick.
What happened?
They had come to the
Bureau of Weaponry. So...
Bureau of Weaponry?
Don't you know that you're not allowed
to leave the palace without permission?
They need to be disciplined.
This isn't fair, Father.
I told Hyang that
we should ask you to show us Jongdaebu.
But Hyang said we couldn't...
Would you be quiet?
But it's the truth!
We can't talk to Father
about Jongdaebu anymore.
Why can't we?
Because it's not his anymore.
I told Grandfather the secret,
and got Father in big trouble.
So the stars don't belong
to Father anymore.
They said he can't rule the sky
even though he's the King.
And it's my fault.
It's all my fault!
Hyang.
It's my fault.
But I wanted to see Jongdaebu
one more time...
I wanted to show it to Yu...
I would have too.
If I found a constellation that
only exists in Joseon's sky,
I would've wanted to share
it with my brothers as well.
Can't I apologize to Grandfather?
Can't I get back the sky for you?
I want to find a way.
How could you get it back for me?
It wasn't mine to begin with.
Then whose is it?
Does it belong to the Ming Emperor
like Attendant Jeong said?
No.
Then...?
It doesn't belong to any one person.
It belongs to anyone
who lives under the sky.
The skies of Ming belong
to the people of Ming,
and the skies of Joseon belong
to the people of Joseon.
So many owners?
Yes...
Then why do people say
that it belongs to one person?
I don't know.
I can't figure that out either.
The skies of Joseon belongs
to the people of Joseon.
So it stands to reason that we should
have our own way of deciphering it.
You are right.
But "The son of Heaven rules the skies.
It is blasphemous for a king
of a small state to rule it."
You're right, too.
No, that's not my own belief...
They're both right?
What are you fellows doing here?
Well, we...
We were just passing by...
Lord Hwang.
I think to say that they are both
right means they are both wrong.
What do you think?
I think that's right, too.
What brings Your Majesty
to this humble cottage?
I like storybooks,
so I thought I might mimic one.
I'll leave this here.
Would you take a look
when you have time?
A busy farmer hardly finds time to read.
You're a pensive man,
but you're quick to reject.
I am merely describing my
occupation, Your Majesty.
I understand how you feel,
so I will leave you now.
Oh, I almost forgot.
I like our farmers to be relaxed, not busy.
I believe having our own calendar
science can make our farmers less busy.
What is your opinion?
I hope you will share your valuable
insight with me next time I'm here.
Next time?
The story tells you to
try at least three times.
What should I do with you?
Charge you with high treason?
Your Majesty...
You had a secret meeting
with my political enemy.
Thank you.
I'm sure it wasn't easy for you.
We apologize, Your Majesty.
All we knew about Hwang
Hee was his reputation,
and we couldn't judge him
based on his reputation alone.
That would have made us no better than the
ministers who oppose for opposition's sake.
What do you think, Your Majesty?
Is Hwang Hee a valuable man worth
three visits to the thatched cottage?
I still feel like Hwang Hee might be
my biggest political enemy yet.
Three Visits to the Thatched Cottage...
The senior statesmen are
refusing to come to work?
You must allow the new King
to lead the country his own way.
What way is that?
That naive and unrealistic way where
everyone is loved and forgiven including
those who conspire to
commit high treason?
Would you rather he continued the
violent, merciless rule where the
sword is the only thing that
can maintain the regime?
Your Eminence...
The sword couldn't protect it either...
The sword was my only source of power,
but I cut off my own limbs with that sword,
and now my own men
have turned against me.
Is this what you call falling
into your own trap?
Your Eminence...
Please don't get up.
You need absolute rest.
Get me my medicine!
The Royal Dispensary is
working on a potion...
Not the useless stuff, but the real
thing that will extend my life.
Your Eminence...
I need to live another ten,
no, another five years will do.
Perhaps I should've retired
when they said I should...
Then I wouldn't have turned the
entire military into my son's enemy.
Your Eminence...
I have to live.
I need to live.
I can't die until Jo Malseng and his men...
those bastards who're trying to control
the Royal house are destroyed.
My soul will not be able
to rest in peace until then.
What are you waiting for?
You heard the order!
Your Grace, but you know...
His Eminence is not ready to die.
So extend his life!
Find the fountain of youth if ou have to.
Your Highness...
If you fail, you will die.
Can you give up on having
our own calendar science?
What do you think my answer is?
If you will not give up, first
you must distinguish yourself.
Go to the King Father.
And ask him to let it be known that you had
nothing to do with his attack on Jo Malseng.
You call that earnest counsel?
We need to talk privately.
You must strike Jo Malseng at once.
Charge him with high treason.
Then the ministers will insist that
I strike our brother Yangnyeong first.
Then be it.
Go back.
Your Majesty...
Jo Malseng has compete control of this
country's military. Don't you know that?
There's got to be a loophole.
I will jump in and mobilize an army.
I cannot go to war against
soldiers who protect my people.
Are you prepared to let
Father die like this?
Are you sure you won't regret letting
him die without retribution when his
most trusted subject has
stabbed him in the back?
What do you mean let him die?
What are you doing here when
you're busy chanting sutras?
Is archery boring you today?
Why?
Are you going to join me?
Why don't we shoot a round?
You're no match for me.
Go see your mother if
you have nothing to do.
He can't even shoot an arrow?
It's been many days now.
How is he?
Your Majesty...
I don't know about this.
How does it look?
Can we send the envoys on time?
Secretary Yun and
I can take care of the
diplomatic documents,
but we haven't even begun
to do the rest of the work.
How is it going over here?
We're so unfamiliar with this work...
What's going to happen if the
regional government stops working?
Don't we have to find a way to
put the officials back to work?
You're wasting your time.
My lord.
The King must give up this
calendar science nonsense.
And the King Father must
relinquish his right to military
control and retire completely.
Until these two conditions are met,
we will not be going back to work.
How much longer do
they intend to keep this up?
How much longer are they going to
carry on with this audacious bullying
of the King and now the King Father?
Your Majesty...
Your Majesty...
I'm going to have to kill you.
And next is Jo Malseng.
I'll kill my own brother if that's
what it takes to destroy Jo Malseng.
If anyone dare hurts my
father and patronizes him,
I'll stop at nothing to destroy that person.
I know that the sword is
the quickest solution.
So I intend to kill everyone that
dare challenges my Royal authority.
"This country belongs not to the people
but to the King and the Royal House.
So do not resist.
Obey and agree unconditionally!"
Your Majesty...
Could you accept a King that asserts this?
It would be difficult.
But you won't do anything
about it either, will you?
Because you're sick of politics.
Probably not.
That's why you are Joseon's biggest enemy.
Because inaction is worse than opposition!
I... guess I ruined everything.
This is not how Three Visits to
the Thatched Cottage is done...
Three Visits to the Thatched Cottage...
How long have you...
A little while.
Please forgive me.
I made him King but didn't give
him control of the military because
I didn't trust him completely, but I
see now that he's got what it takes.
An eye for good men-he's got that.
I need you to help my son now.
Actually, you might work better
with him than you ever did with me.
Your Eminence...
Don't interrupt.
Just listen.
Don't pay attention to
what he said tonight.
He didn't mean it.
He's just feeling sorry for
his dying father. That is all.
Your Eminence, what do you mean?
It happens.
You will be just fine, Eminence.
Stop that.
Your Eminence...
Stop putting your hopes on the hopeless.
I'll send you a courtier's robe tomorrow.
Forgive me, but that is one
command I cannot obey.
You would defy me again?
I don't deserve to return to service.
Do you regret supporting Yangnyeong?
If I did, I would heed your order
to return to the royal court.
I dare say Prince Yangnyeong
was like a son to me.
If a son is drowning, the father jumps
in the water to save him knowing that
he is likely to go down with him.
No, I have no regrets.
Look.
But I am contrite.
Politicians are not to let feelings
distort their judgment on anything
much less on selecting the next King.
I deeply thank you for thinking of me,
Your Eminence.
But I am not worthy.
I guess I have no choice.
You're so stubborn...
Forgive me.
But I will say this.
I know.
I know you protected Yangnyeong
and backed him up,
but you were always correcting him
and challenging him in his decisions.
He was young and you loved him,
but Yangnyeong was not your son.
He was your master.
So he is responsible for what
happened to him, not you.
I am asking you in earnest
to give Doe a chance.
I know the King better than anyone.
After all I am his father.
He's not like me or like Yangnyeong.
He knows how to appreciate people,
and most importantly he's
wonderfully open-minded.
Don't let the King be alone for too long.
A busy farmer's life
became too much for me.
Did you say you wanted to
make our farmers less busy?
Then Your Majesty must
rule the skies of Joseon.
You are right.
I know that the King's
master is the people of the land.
That, too, is correct, Your Majesty.