Dae Wang Sejong (2008): Season 1, Episode 58 - Episode #1.58 - full transcript
Did you forget what the
Imperial Concubine said?
Let go of me.
Youngsil is in danger!
Go to the rendezvous point immediately.
If he's not there in 15 minutes,
he's on his own.
Don't get too close.
The stars are for the
Emperor alone to decipher.
So the astronomers act in place of the
Emperor when they observe the stars.
Therefore, only the designated
astronomers can see the stars.
The others can only watch three steps
away from the astronomical instrument.
Out of the way!
No one is allowed on the tower
when observation is in progress!
There is an intruder on the tower!
Idiots!
What are you doing?
What do you want?
I'm sorry, sir.
What did you just say?
I-I'm just...
Who are you?
After him!
Has he failed?
What now, sir?
I've been waiting for you.
Sir...!
How did it go?
It's up to the gods now.
What are you going to do?
I have to save him.
There's nothing you can do, Your Grace.
- Step aside.
- Your Grace.
I can't let him die!
Do you think this is what he wants?
Control yourself.
I can't let.
If he is captured alone,
he would have acted alone.
It will be dismissed as one
slave boy's act of ignorance.
But if you get involved, this could
escalate into a diplomatic issue.
- Don't you know that?
- But I...
I was so mean to him.
He's doing great without
me, so I got mad, and...
I missed him so much...
I'm sure he knows.
But I didn't tell him.
People who have a special
connection don't need words to
know how each other are feeling.
Like you and your sister?
Yes, you can say that.
I want to save him.
Your ardent wish will move the heavens.
I do indeed value your talent, but
never has a man been allowed to
go free after breaking
into the observatory.
I hope you're prepared.
I'm counting on you.
I will do my very best.
Who is next?
Yun Daejae of Goksung
Prefecture, Your Majesty.
Send him in.
Perhaps a short break is in order.
You look tired, Your Majesty.
There is no time.
Take Secretary Yi's advice.
You've seen over 100 regional officials
in the last few days and 20 just today.
Complaints have been coming in from all
directions since the new appointments.
Personal meetings is the only thing we
can do to improve the situation right now.
But...
Secretary Yi.
Your Majesty!
Your Majesty!
Secretary Yun, restrain yourself.
You'll break the floor running like that.
I don't think you'd mind if I broke
the roof with the news I have!
What?
I told you I can't play until
I'm done with my lessons.
We don't want to play.
We want to join the lesson.
You have your own tutor.
It's no fun with just one tutor.
Only the Crown Prince is allowed
to have Royal lessons.
Then I'll be a Crown Prince, too!
Your Highness!
Is this true?
They just arrived.
That's another addition
to our list of problems...
Fall, 1423, 5th year of Sejong's reign
Your Highness!
There is he!
There's Youngsil!
Your Highness!
How did it go?
You will keep the promise
you made me, won't you?
We're back, Your Majesty.
We're back, Your Majesty.
I've been waiting.
This is the astronomical instrument
they have at the Ming Astronomical
Bureau called Ganui (Simplified Armilla).
Sayuhwan and Gyuhyeong.
It's an instrument that measures
the north polar distance.
Jeokdohwan and Cyuhyeong.
It measures the distance between
the stars to detect sudden motion
and anticipate comets.
Lastly Iboonhwan.
Using this instrument, you can mark
the position of stars all around.
Ganui...
Have we at last paved a way to
observe the stars of Joseon
to govern time and calendar?
Good work.
I will never forget your hard work and
neither will the people of Joseon.
Thank you, Your Majesty.
But the real work hasn't begun yet.
I am prepared.
An agency?
Yes, an agency assigned to
develop astronomical instruments.
- Minister Huh.
- Yes, Your Majesty.
I want you to put together a staff of
men with knowledge in astronomy
and mathematics who will analyze
the data from Ming and assist with
designing the astronomical instruments.
The Hall of Worthies' assistance
is indispensable, Director Byun.
Of course, Your Majesty.
- Second Minister Yi.
- Yes, Your Majesty.
Transfer some of Ministry of Works'
skilled workers to the new agency.
- Councilor Hwang and Minister Jo.
- Yes, Your Majesty.
Yes...
Secrecy is vital to our success.
Councilor Hwang, use your
diplomatic skills to ensure
that the Ming envoys
do not find out about this project,
and have a plan in place
just in case they do.
Yes, Your Majesty.
Minister Jo, information can leak
through Japanese and Jurchens as well,
so strengthen border control
and entry of foreigners.
Yes, Your Majesty.
I am counting on all of
you to make this work.
They just got back from Ming
and the King is spitting out
one new policy after another.
This is a dream venture he's
been working on for a long time.
That boy is a mystery.
How did he manage to acquire this
classified information so quickly?
Yes, he's an extraordinary child.
Jang Youngsil's talent
is praiseworthy indeed.
This is not something to be happy about.
This is a wonderful thing, Prime Minister.
Observation of celestial phenomena is
a vital part of Confucian government.
Who says it belongs to Ming alone?
We are reviving the
Yao Shun era in Joseon.
Keeping a national secret
is not as easy as it sounds.
If Ming finds out about this...
Don't worry about problems
that hasn't happened.
Get to work on the details of the agency.
Minister Jo is a capable man,
so he will figure out a way to
protect this national secret.
Right, Minister Jo?
Investigate Jang Youngsil, sir?
Even Ming's own people are executed
for violation of Great Ming Code if they're
caught observing the stars and
making calendars for personal use.
They couldn't have just
handed over this information.
How did a lowly servant boy
acquire such invaluable knowledge?
Don't you find it suspicious?
Are you looking for a reason
to oppose again, sir?
I'm looking for a way to protect Joseon.
You're a capable man, sir.
It wouldn't hurt to trust and support
the King's passionate endeavors.
You're growing a big head to
dare think you can lecture me.
I'm not trying to lecture you...
I mean...
You want to lose your job?
I can have you dismissed at my whim.
You know that.
Don't get presumptuous
and just do what you're told.
That's why I put you here in the first place.
Don't do anything to
disappoint your mother.
How could you throw this
priceless book like that?
I thought you'd thank me.
Where were you?
You usually don't even go to the
bathroom when we get new books.
Why are you just standing there?
Did I offend you?
No, sir.
Thank you.
By the way, Youngsil,
I'm really impressed.
How did you get such a detailed
diagram of the Ganui?
Well, Youngsil here risked his life and...
Sir.
Huh?
I just went around talking to men
that were involved in building the
instruments during the Yuan Dynasty.
Right, sir?
Huh?
Oh, yeah, that's right.
It's late so we'll leave you
now to study the material.
Why do we have to hide anything?
It won't help anyone to know what kind
of dealings we had with the Ming Chinese.
But still.
It'll be difficult for them to understand.
Well, I suppose.
Dealings?
Jang Youngsil...
He may be more dangerous
than I thought.
Jang Youngsil as supervisor?
No one is more passionate or informed
about the astronomical instruments.
So it's only fitting that
he be the supervisor.
Don't you agree?
Well...
You will help him and give him moral
support as senior agents, won't you?
Of... course...
- Father!
- Youngsil!
What brings you children here?
We're here to see the astronomical
instruments, of course.
Where are they?
He just got back, Your Highness.
He hasn't started making them.
What did I say?
I told you not to rush.
Then give me a pinky promise.
Promise me that you'll show me the
stars before you show them to Hyang
once you make the instrument.
No, child.
I won't have you trying to beat
your older brother all the time.
That's all right, Father.
Yu is more interested in astronomy
than I am lately, so I will allow him.
You're going to have to work
hard if only for the children.
You have my confidence.
Well, let's go.
A servant boy a supervisor?
That's absurd!
With His Majesty and the Royal
Princess cheering him on,
his arrogance knows no bounds!
I heard your siblings went to the
astronomical instrument agency.
Why didn't you go with them?
They say servant boy
Youngsil knows many great
stories about the stars.
Aren't you interested?
My interest is with another servant, Mother.
Can't you wash the laundry clean?
The magistrate complains
his clothes don't feel fresh.
It won't happen again.
"It won't happen again, Ma'am"!
Don't you know that lowborns
have ranks, too?
Girls.
I want them clean, dry
and delivered right away!
How could they...
It's my fault that you're here, Mother.
It's not that bad.
Why would you come here?
Mother missed you very much.
It feels like just yesterday that
I delivered you with these hands,
but look how you've grown.
How could Father be so cold?
How could he be so good to
that servant boy Youngsil and
so cruel to you, Grandmother?
Don't ever say things like that again.
Grandmother...
What are you teaching your children?
You don't cry in front of
them because of what
happened to our father and me, do you?
Mother.
Don't call me that.
How could a palace slave
be the Queens mother?
Don't ever come here again.
You don't want your children
inheriting this cruel resentment.
Mother...
Leave now.
I won't see you off,
though I may be a lowly servant,
since you've forgotten your
dignity as the Queen today.
Grandmother is so stern...
It's dignity.
And that dignity breaks
my heart even more...
Boo!
It's past your bedtime.
[Enunciating Chinese characters]
- Zhuangzi?
- Yes.
Would you like to decipher the verse?
It means it's easy to obey
your parents out of duty
but difficult to obey them
out of sincere love.
I want to show my father
sincere love, not just duty.
So I think I can fight my
urge to sleep for a while.
You're quite well-read.
I'm a daughter of a man
nicknamed Bookworm.
Bookworm?
It's useful to mark the page
you were reading like this.
My dear Jeongso must've stayed
up many nights making this for me.
No, I made that in my
spare time during the day.
Then is this what you made
fighting your urge to sleep?
They will make you feel a little less tired.
Mm, you're a good cook as well.
I'm Mother's daughter, too.
Well now, I must give you
a reward for so much love.
Would you really?
What would you like as a reward?
Could it be anything I want?
Anything.
Would you travel in
disguise with me one day?
Travel in disguise?
There is a place I really want to visit.
Very well.
It's a date.
Thank you.
Thank you, Father
Come sit down.
Let's eat together.
It's delicious.
Would someone hold
up the ink tape for me?
I need help with the ink tape...
Do I look like his servant?
How dare he tell a senior what to do!
Hey, Ungbok, he needs help!
What are you waiting for?
Hold up the ink string for him.
The boss needs help!
Spot!
Where are you, boy?
His Majesty is coming!
I see you're hard at work.
We're merely doing our job.
Are you making progress?
We are trying.
I appreciate everyone's hard work.
Keep up the good work.
Of course, Your Majesty.
I will work my hands to
the bone, Your Majesty!
Thank you.
Well then.
We will do our very best.
Here, let's drink!
It must be unbearable for you men
being at a servant boy's beck and call.
We're grateful for your sympathy
and understanding, sir.
By the way, I heard Jang Youngsil
had some kind of dealings with Ming
in the process of getting the
astronomical instrument drawings.
Would you tell me what
you know about that?
Dealings, sir?
You mean you haven't heard about this?
How could you not know? It's no wonder
you're in this pathetic position.
Pathetic!
Just as I anticipated, they're not
the kind of mean that
would know secrets.
Then why did you meet them, sir?
To create an internal
conflict and buy time.
Time to delay the production
of astronomical instrument?
Time to stop the production
of astronomical instrument.
We don't want to provoke Ming
for something we don't have to.
What do you think you're job is now?
I will do whatever you ask, sir.
It looks like I have you back
to where you should be.
I want you to find out
Jang Youngsil's secret.
That's might be our key to preventing the
production of this astronomical instrument.
You're refusing?
Why in heaven's name won't you
go to the Astronomy Agency?
I just told you why, sir.
It's the King who ordered our men
transferred to the agency, the King!
Even so, we're not going.
Look!
I can't believe you guys are refusing
to work at the Astronomy Agency just
because the supervisor
is a government slave!
You're being unreasonable.
We need to send a couple of men
over to the Astronomy Agency as well.
Who'd like to volunteer?
I have bad eyesight.
Good eyesight is essential to work
on the astronomical instruments.
The entire staff at the Inspector
General's is working all night tonight.
I really should be getting
back to my research...
How about you, Assistant Chief Jeong?
Yes, you should go.
Astronomy is my least
favorite subject, sir.
Jang Youngsil is unfit to
be the project supervisor?
From the director to the lowest ranking
servants, everyone is complaining
about his appointment.
It's imprudent to put a government
slave in a supervisor position.
No one will obey his order.
Is that why the Ministry of Works has
yet to place one man in the agency?
Forgive me, Your Majesty.
The Hall of Worthies scholars are
avoiding the assignment as well.
Who told you to work them this late?
Well be done soon, so give
me a few more minutes.
What?
I've had enough of you!
How dare you order me around!
Sir.
Head down, boy!
Do you think you're better than us
because the King thinks you're smart?
I didn't mean to sound pretentious...
I gave you an order!
Put down those tools now!
What are you standing around for?
He's more than capable
of leading the agency,
but they're refusing to obey
just because he is a lowborn?
Summon every single civil and military
officials first thing in the morning!
I am appointing Jang Youngsil
Assistant Proctor
of the Bureau of Royal Attire.
Your Majesty...
I must oppose.
Please rescind the order.
Nothing will make me change my
mind, so do not defy my order!
We beg you to rescind, Your Majesty!
We beg you to rescind, Your Majesty!
A government official's uniform on
a servant is unheard of, Your Majesty.
Ignoring the caste system
is a path to destruction.
I believe ignoring a talent for the reason
of his low birth is a path to destruction.
The caste system is the
foundation of this regime.
No King can hastily tear it down.
Jang Youngsil is an indispensable
talent in our quest to develop our
own calendar science.
A slave is an object to be bought and sold.
To call this object a talent is
more than inappropriate.
You demean a man's talent
because of his lowly birth!
It is this narrow-minded bigotry that
renders royal orders powerless!
In our five thousand year history,
not once was there a time when
slaves did not exist.
How can you call this bigotry?
You can oppose as much as if you wish,
but Jang Youngsil will be granted
a government post nonetheless.
We, too, will risk our lives
to protect the principle that
slaves do not belong in high council.
You leave me no choice.
- Secretary Yi.
- Yes, Your Majesty.
Collect resignations from all those
who stand against me on this!
I fear this country is headed for doom.
Minister Huh.
Don't even attempt to take
the King's side on this.
Or you'll have to clear my body out
of this building with these hands first.
Father!
Father!
Father!
Are you here for morning greetings?
May we enter now?
Not today, I'm afraid.
Again?
Please understand.
There's something I must
talk to my father about.
It will only take a moment.
I'm sorry, Your Highness.
Shouldn't you be at the main palace?
You need to calm the insistent child.
I suggest you watch your words.
Dissuade the King.
What if I can't?
Are you going to stage another walk out
and paralyze the government again if
I fail to dissuade the King?
It's not us but the King
that will have to leave.
The palace is the heart of this
government before it is the King's home.
So one that doesn't help the
government should be the one to leave.
You're quite bold to say such remarks.
It's the King who started this.
Go to him and stop him from granting
a government post to a slave boy.
That is if you are a Royal
retainer, not a Royal nanny.
Your Majesty, what brings
you to this humble hut?
I wanted to give you this
official's gown personally.
But Your Majesty...
Don't refuse.
I don't deserve this honorable reward...
It's not a reward but a yoke.
I'm putting a yoke of responsibility
on you so you will build us an
astronomical instrument
however difficult the task.
It is also a weapon of authority
because without authority,
responsibility cannot be met.
As you know, we're up against
fierce opposition of the ministers.
But I intend to fight.
I'm going to fight to the end and win.
Your Majesty...
So I don't want you to give up either.
Don't give in to the prejudice
and bigotry in the world
or to the heavens that
won't be easily conquered.
Imperial Concubine said?
Let go of me.
Youngsil is in danger!
Go to the rendezvous point immediately.
If he's not there in 15 minutes,
he's on his own.
Don't get too close.
The stars are for the
Emperor alone to decipher.
So the astronomers act in place of the
Emperor when they observe the stars.
Therefore, only the designated
astronomers can see the stars.
The others can only watch three steps
away from the astronomical instrument.
Out of the way!
No one is allowed on the tower
when observation is in progress!
There is an intruder on the tower!
Idiots!
What are you doing?
What do you want?
I'm sorry, sir.
What did you just say?
I-I'm just...
Who are you?
After him!
Has he failed?
What now, sir?
I've been waiting for you.
Sir...!
How did it go?
It's up to the gods now.
What are you going to do?
I have to save him.
There's nothing you can do, Your Grace.
- Step aside.
- Your Grace.
I can't let him die!
Do you think this is what he wants?
Control yourself.
I can't let.
If he is captured alone,
he would have acted alone.
It will be dismissed as one
slave boy's act of ignorance.
But if you get involved, this could
escalate into a diplomatic issue.
- Don't you know that?
- But I...
I was so mean to him.
He's doing great without
me, so I got mad, and...
I missed him so much...
I'm sure he knows.
But I didn't tell him.
People who have a special
connection don't need words to
know how each other are feeling.
Like you and your sister?
Yes, you can say that.
I want to save him.
Your ardent wish will move the heavens.
I do indeed value your talent, but
never has a man been allowed to
go free after breaking
into the observatory.
I hope you're prepared.
I'm counting on you.
I will do my very best.
Who is next?
Yun Daejae of Goksung
Prefecture, Your Majesty.
Send him in.
Perhaps a short break is in order.
You look tired, Your Majesty.
There is no time.
Take Secretary Yi's advice.
You've seen over 100 regional officials
in the last few days and 20 just today.
Complaints have been coming in from all
directions since the new appointments.
Personal meetings is the only thing we
can do to improve the situation right now.
But...
Secretary Yi.
Your Majesty!
Your Majesty!
Secretary Yun, restrain yourself.
You'll break the floor running like that.
I don't think you'd mind if I broke
the roof with the news I have!
What?
I told you I can't play until
I'm done with my lessons.
We don't want to play.
We want to join the lesson.
You have your own tutor.
It's no fun with just one tutor.
Only the Crown Prince is allowed
to have Royal lessons.
Then I'll be a Crown Prince, too!
Your Highness!
Is this true?
They just arrived.
That's another addition
to our list of problems...
Fall, 1423, 5th year of Sejong's reign
Your Highness!
There is he!
There's Youngsil!
Your Highness!
How did it go?
You will keep the promise
you made me, won't you?
We're back, Your Majesty.
We're back, Your Majesty.
I've been waiting.
This is the astronomical instrument
they have at the Ming Astronomical
Bureau called Ganui (Simplified Armilla).
Sayuhwan and Gyuhyeong.
It's an instrument that measures
the north polar distance.
Jeokdohwan and Cyuhyeong.
It measures the distance between
the stars to detect sudden motion
and anticipate comets.
Lastly Iboonhwan.
Using this instrument, you can mark
the position of stars all around.
Ganui...
Have we at last paved a way to
observe the stars of Joseon
to govern time and calendar?
Good work.
I will never forget your hard work and
neither will the people of Joseon.
Thank you, Your Majesty.
But the real work hasn't begun yet.
I am prepared.
An agency?
Yes, an agency assigned to
develop astronomical instruments.
- Minister Huh.
- Yes, Your Majesty.
I want you to put together a staff of
men with knowledge in astronomy
and mathematics who will analyze
the data from Ming and assist with
designing the astronomical instruments.
The Hall of Worthies' assistance
is indispensable, Director Byun.
Of course, Your Majesty.
- Second Minister Yi.
- Yes, Your Majesty.
Transfer some of Ministry of Works'
skilled workers to the new agency.
- Councilor Hwang and Minister Jo.
- Yes, Your Majesty.
Yes...
Secrecy is vital to our success.
Councilor Hwang, use your
diplomatic skills to ensure
that the Ming envoys
do not find out about this project,
and have a plan in place
just in case they do.
Yes, Your Majesty.
Minister Jo, information can leak
through Japanese and Jurchens as well,
so strengthen border control
and entry of foreigners.
Yes, Your Majesty.
I am counting on all of
you to make this work.
They just got back from Ming
and the King is spitting out
one new policy after another.
This is a dream venture he's
been working on for a long time.
That boy is a mystery.
How did he manage to acquire this
classified information so quickly?
Yes, he's an extraordinary child.
Jang Youngsil's talent
is praiseworthy indeed.
This is not something to be happy about.
This is a wonderful thing, Prime Minister.
Observation of celestial phenomena is
a vital part of Confucian government.
Who says it belongs to Ming alone?
We are reviving the
Yao Shun era in Joseon.
Keeping a national secret
is not as easy as it sounds.
If Ming finds out about this...
Don't worry about problems
that hasn't happened.
Get to work on the details of the agency.
Minister Jo is a capable man,
so he will figure out a way to
protect this national secret.
Right, Minister Jo?
Investigate Jang Youngsil, sir?
Even Ming's own people are executed
for violation of Great Ming Code if they're
caught observing the stars and
making calendars for personal use.
They couldn't have just
handed over this information.
How did a lowly servant boy
acquire such invaluable knowledge?
Don't you find it suspicious?
Are you looking for a reason
to oppose again, sir?
I'm looking for a way to protect Joseon.
You're a capable man, sir.
It wouldn't hurt to trust and support
the King's passionate endeavors.
You're growing a big head to
dare think you can lecture me.
I'm not trying to lecture you...
I mean...
You want to lose your job?
I can have you dismissed at my whim.
You know that.
Don't get presumptuous
and just do what you're told.
That's why I put you here in the first place.
Don't do anything to
disappoint your mother.
How could you throw this
priceless book like that?
I thought you'd thank me.
Where were you?
You usually don't even go to the
bathroom when we get new books.
Why are you just standing there?
Did I offend you?
No, sir.
Thank you.
By the way, Youngsil,
I'm really impressed.
How did you get such a detailed
diagram of the Ganui?
Well, Youngsil here risked his life and...
Sir.
Huh?
I just went around talking to men
that were involved in building the
instruments during the Yuan Dynasty.
Right, sir?
Huh?
Oh, yeah, that's right.
It's late so we'll leave you
now to study the material.
Why do we have to hide anything?
It won't help anyone to know what kind
of dealings we had with the Ming Chinese.
But still.
It'll be difficult for them to understand.
Well, I suppose.
Dealings?
Jang Youngsil...
He may be more dangerous
than I thought.
Jang Youngsil as supervisor?
No one is more passionate or informed
about the astronomical instruments.
So it's only fitting that
he be the supervisor.
Don't you agree?
Well...
You will help him and give him moral
support as senior agents, won't you?
Of... course...
- Father!
- Youngsil!
What brings you children here?
We're here to see the astronomical
instruments, of course.
Where are they?
He just got back, Your Highness.
He hasn't started making them.
What did I say?
I told you not to rush.
Then give me a pinky promise.
Promise me that you'll show me the
stars before you show them to Hyang
once you make the instrument.
No, child.
I won't have you trying to beat
your older brother all the time.
That's all right, Father.
Yu is more interested in astronomy
than I am lately, so I will allow him.
You're going to have to work
hard if only for the children.
You have my confidence.
Well, let's go.
A servant boy a supervisor?
That's absurd!
With His Majesty and the Royal
Princess cheering him on,
his arrogance knows no bounds!
I heard your siblings went to the
astronomical instrument agency.
Why didn't you go with them?
They say servant boy
Youngsil knows many great
stories about the stars.
Aren't you interested?
My interest is with another servant, Mother.
Can't you wash the laundry clean?
The magistrate complains
his clothes don't feel fresh.
It won't happen again.
"It won't happen again, Ma'am"!
Don't you know that lowborns
have ranks, too?
Girls.
I want them clean, dry
and delivered right away!
How could they...
It's my fault that you're here, Mother.
It's not that bad.
Why would you come here?
Mother missed you very much.
It feels like just yesterday that
I delivered you with these hands,
but look how you've grown.
How could Father be so cold?
How could he be so good to
that servant boy Youngsil and
so cruel to you, Grandmother?
Don't ever say things like that again.
Grandmother...
What are you teaching your children?
You don't cry in front of
them because of what
happened to our father and me, do you?
Mother.
Don't call me that.
How could a palace slave
be the Queens mother?
Don't ever come here again.
You don't want your children
inheriting this cruel resentment.
Mother...
Leave now.
I won't see you off,
though I may be a lowly servant,
since you've forgotten your
dignity as the Queen today.
Grandmother is so stern...
It's dignity.
And that dignity breaks
my heart even more...
Boo!
It's past your bedtime.
[Enunciating Chinese characters]
- Zhuangzi?
- Yes.
Would you like to decipher the verse?
It means it's easy to obey
your parents out of duty
but difficult to obey them
out of sincere love.
I want to show my father
sincere love, not just duty.
So I think I can fight my
urge to sleep for a while.
You're quite well-read.
I'm a daughter of a man
nicknamed Bookworm.
Bookworm?
It's useful to mark the page
you were reading like this.
My dear Jeongso must've stayed
up many nights making this for me.
No, I made that in my
spare time during the day.
Then is this what you made
fighting your urge to sleep?
They will make you feel a little less tired.
Mm, you're a good cook as well.
I'm Mother's daughter, too.
Well now, I must give you
a reward for so much love.
Would you really?
What would you like as a reward?
Could it be anything I want?
Anything.
Would you travel in
disguise with me one day?
Travel in disguise?
There is a place I really want to visit.
Very well.
It's a date.
Thank you.
Thank you, Father
Come sit down.
Let's eat together.
It's delicious.
Would someone hold
up the ink tape for me?
I need help with the ink tape...
Do I look like his servant?
How dare he tell a senior what to do!
Hey, Ungbok, he needs help!
What are you waiting for?
Hold up the ink string for him.
The boss needs help!
Spot!
Where are you, boy?
His Majesty is coming!
I see you're hard at work.
We're merely doing our job.
Are you making progress?
We are trying.
I appreciate everyone's hard work.
Keep up the good work.
Of course, Your Majesty.
I will work my hands to
the bone, Your Majesty!
Thank you.
Well then.
We will do our very best.
Here, let's drink!
It must be unbearable for you men
being at a servant boy's beck and call.
We're grateful for your sympathy
and understanding, sir.
By the way, I heard Jang Youngsil
had some kind of dealings with Ming
in the process of getting the
astronomical instrument drawings.
Would you tell me what
you know about that?
Dealings, sir?
You mean you haven't heard about this?
How could you not know? It's no wonder
you're in this pathetic position.
Pathetic!
Just as I anticipated, they're not
the kind of mean that
would know secrets.
Then why did you meet them, sir?
To create an internal
conflict and buy time.
Time to delay the production
of astronomical instrument?
Time to stop the production
of astronomical instrument.
We don't want to provoke Ming
for something we don't have to.
What do you think you're job is now?
I will do whatever you ask, sir.
It looks like I have you back
to where you should be.
I want you to find out
Jang Youngsil's secret.
That's might be our key to preventing the
production of this astronomical instrument.
You're refusing?
Why in heaven's name won't you
go to the Astronomy Agency?
I just told you why, sir.
It's the King who ordered our men
transferred to the agency, the King!
Even so, we're not going.
Look!
I can't believe you guys are refusing
to work at the Astronomy Agency just
because the supervisor
is a government slave!
You're being unreasonable.
We need to send a couple of men
over to the Astronomy Agency as well.
Who'd like to volunteer?
I have bad eyesight.
Good eyesight is essential to work
on the astronomical instruments.
The entire staff at the Inspector
General's is working all night tonight.
I really should be getting
back to my research...
How about you, Assistant Chief Jeong?
Yes, you should go.
Astronomy is my least
favorite subject, sir.
Jang Youngsil is unfit to
be the project supervisor?
From the director to the lowest ranking
servants, everyone is complaining
about his appointment.
It's imprudent to put a government
slave in a supervisor position.
No one will obey his order.
Is that why the Ministry of Works has
yet to place one man in the agency?
Forgive me, Your Majesty.
The Hall of Worthies scholars are
avoiding the assignment as well.
Who told you to work them this late?
Well be done soon, so give
me a few more minutes.
What?
I've had enough of you!
How dare you order me around!
Sir.
Head down, boy!
Do you think you're better than us
because the King thinks you're smart?
I didn't mean to sound pretentious...
I gave you an order!
Put down those tools now!
What are you standing around for?
He's more than capable
of leading the agency,
but they're refusing to obey
just because he is a lowborn?
Summon every single civil and military
officials first thing in the morning!
I am appointing Jang Youngsil
Assistant Proctor
of the Bureau of Royal Attire.
Your Majesty...
I must oppose.
Please rescind the order.
Nothing will make me change my
mind, so do not defy my order!
We beg you to rescind, Your Majesty!
We beg you to rescind, Your Majesty!
A government official's uniform on
a servant is unheard of, Your Majesty.
Ignoring the caste system
is a path to destruction.
I believe ignoring a talent for the reason
of his low birth is a path to destruction.
The caste system is the
foundation of this regime.
No King can hastily tear it down.
Jang Youngsil is an indispensable
talent in our quest to develop our
own calendar science.
A slave is an object to be bought and sold.
To call this object a talent is
more than inappropriate.
You demean a man's talent
because of his lowly birth!
It is this narrow-minded bigotry that
renders royal orders powerless!
In our five thousand year history,
not once was there a time when
slaves did not exist.
How can you call this bigotry?
You can oppose as much as if you wish,
but Jang Youngsil will be granted
a government post nonetheless.
We, too, will risk our lives
to protect the principle that
slaves do not belong in high council.
You leave me no choice.
- Secretary Yi.
- Yes, Your Majesty.
Collect resignations from all those
who stand against me on this!
I fear this country is headed for doom.
Minister Huh.
Don't even attempt to take
the King's side on this.
Or you'll have to clear my body out
of this building with these hands first.
Father!
Father!
Father!
Are you here for morning greetings?
May we enter now?
Not today, I'm afraid.
Again?
Please understand.
There's something I must
talk to my father about.
It will only take a moment.
I'm sorry, Your Highness.
Shouldn't you be at the main palace?
You need to calm the insistent child.
I suggest you watch your words.
Dissuade the King.
What if I can't?
Are you going to stage another walk out
and paralyze the government again if
I fail to dissuade the King?
It's not us but the King
that will have to leave.
The palace is the heart of this
government before it is the King's home.
So one that doesn't help the
government should be the one to leave.
You're quite bold to say such remarks.
It's the King who started this.
Go to him and stop him from granting
a government post to a slave boy.
That is if you are a Royal
retainer, not a Royal nanny.
Your Majesty, what brings
you to this humble hut?
I wanted to give you this
official's gown personally.
But Your Majesty...
Don't refuse.
I don't deserve this honorable reward...
It's not a reward but a yoke.
I'm putting a yoke of responsibility
on you so you will build us an
astronomical instrument
however difficult the task.
It is also a weapon of authority
because without authority,
responsibility cannot be met.
As you know, we're up against
fierce opposition of the ministers.
But I intend to fight.
I'm going to fight to the end and win.
Your Majesty...
So I don't want you to give up either.
Don't give in to the prejudice
and bigotry in the world
or to the heavens that
won't be easily conquered.