Dae Wang Sejong (2008): Season 1, Episode 62 - Episode #1.62 - full transcript
So what are you saying?
That if we hadn't covered up this
filthy crimes and made a deal,
Youngsil would never have
been given his post and
the astronomy project
would be dead right now
because Jo Malseng would've
snitched on us?
Don't...
And now he's taking the central
army to the northern states
when the northern states
might as well be his home turf.
Secretary Yi is going with him.
This man is thinking about bringing
the King down from the throne.
You think a helpless
desk jockey can stop him?
Darn it!
Stop it.
Stop it!
I said stop it!
Stop what?
How?
Get a grip on yourself.
Who knows what insane
truth will come up next?
Hey, did any of you bastards
betray the country?
Bastard!
Was it fun?
Did you enjoy watching me groveling
to that bastard Jo Malseng?
Was it fun for you when I said things like
"He's a decent guy", "I'm impressed"
and "He has a candid side."?
Was it fun to watch, you bastard?
There's not one
single normal man in this freaking place!
Ogen?
What is it?
... Sir!
Your Grace.
Would you go on a trip with me?
Boo!
Later... Let's do it later...
We will talk later,
we will take that trip later,
and perhaps I can grant
you your wish later, too.
We'll do everything... later...
Our good daughter Jeongso
always says "okay" to everything.
She's always been such a tolerant
and patient little girl.
Why did she let go of Mommy's
hand so quickly today?
She's never defied me before.
She always waited and hung in there like
a trooper until I said it's okay to let go.
This is an unfamiliar picture.
She hungered for her father's affection.
She yearned to be in your arms,
and she's finally getting her wish.
I always thought there
would be a tomorrow...
Let's do it.
You're right.
Let's restore Lord Shim On's name and
prosecute those accountable for his death.
Jo Malseng is the one who forced the
King to authorize the unjust sentence.
Charge him with bribery, too.
He had Lord Shim Killed to protect
his power so he could protect his wealth.
Prosecuting judge was Yu Jeonghyun, and
Huh Jo and Byun Gaeryang made the arrest.
Huh?
Do we have to involve Director Byun?
I'm one of them, too.
So call for dismissal of Huh Jo
and Byun Gaeryang as well.
But...
Do it.
We can't win without sacrifice.
But this is...
Don't look at me. He's right.
I'll get the Inspector General moving,
so you guys take the Censors Office.
We need investigation orginizations and
censorate officials involved
to immobilize them simultaneously.
I'm...
... against it.
Don't be swayed by emotions.
We don't like this anymore than...
I'm against dredging up Lord
Shim's restoration on the table.
But why?
His Majesty held back.
His daughter was dying.
It was her last wish,
but he still held back.
He didn't want the fight.
Are you sure it's not because
he needed these men?
Whether or not they are responsible for
his father-in-law's death, he needs them.
Why does he need them?
For what?
To make sorted deals in secret rooms
and undermine the government?
They're more capable than we are.
You know that.
Then they should at least
show sincere remorse!
Lord Shim was a victim
of closed-door politics.
They put him in a mask of a traitor
behind closed door and killed him.
And now we're forced to make
deals behind close doors and
over up corruption just to
keep the government running
because we're neglecting to
settle this disgusting past.
The King has lost his daughter.
It's hard enough for him as it is.
We can't let her death be in vain
so he will gather strength.
Your Majesty.
A mortician is here
from the state funeral office.
Your Majesty...
I will tell them
to come back later.
No.
That won't be necessary.
Let the child go now.
I want to release her.
I don't want her trapped
in this palace anymore.
We can't rectify this
government without purging corruption.
If this closed-door politics continue,
any one of us could be the next victim.
If a man becomes a political scapegoat,
his family becomes a victim as well.
Please remember the dying wish of a
young princess whose righteous and
pure-hearted dream of restoring her
innocent grandmother's freedom was
shot down and rejected.
History will remember your
patriotism for a long, long time.
Inspector General's Office
What are you men doing?
Rectifying history.
Are you out of your minds?
A morning meeting?
You mean His Majesty is
at the audience hall?
Yes, sir.
Oh, dear...
I had urged him to put the meetings
on hold for a few days for
the princess's funeral...
His Majesty knows that
we can't afford to do that right now.
He remembered in his state of mind that
we need his final authorization
to send out the central army?
I'm afraid the central army
isn't going anywhere with
or without the King's final authorization.
Whatever do you mean?
They're rectifying history.
They want to restore the good name
of Shim On, the King's father-in-law.
What?
This is kill list, so take a look.
The Inspector General and the Censorate
Office is churning out petitions,
so no one on this list will be going
anywhere until this matter is resolved.
Is this your work?
Were in the middle of a research, sir.
What is this?
Would you read back the part that
you feel is false in that statement?
Don't you know the state
this county is in right now?
In rectifying history, there is
no better time than the present.
What are you after?
What do you want?
Political cleansing of course.
Those who turned a blind eye to the truth,
those who aided in perversion,
whose who cowardly stayed in silence,
they all have to be eliminated...
... including myself.
Director Byun.
Can you see this through to the end?
Director.
If you're going to do this, do it right.
My father's restoration?
The Hall of Worthies, Inspector General
and the Censorate Office
are working on this together,
so there is hope.
Is this His Majesty's decision?
Of course not.
He wouldn't be able to make such decision.
Your Highness...
After all, he was the one that
authorized my father's arrest.
Jeongso loved you so very much.
I'm sure she wants you more
than anyone else to send her off...
But I can't even ask you to come in
out of fear of public eyes.
I finally feel at ease.
You will be a good mother to the people.
My child.
Don't blame yourself.
This is not your fault.
Mother...
It's not your fault.
I-I killed her, Mother.
I sat there with my phony
smile and a blackened heart
loathing the gods, hating, cursing
and resenting my own husband,
even my sick dying father-in law.
I'm getting punished, Mother.
Heaven struck my poor child
to punish my evil heart.
It's my fault.
I killed her.
I killed my own baby.
No, it's not your fault!
Oh, my poor child...
Why are the gods so cruel to you?
Oh, my poor child...
How will you endure such a painful loss?
My poor child...
You must deny the petition.
Deny the petition?
Only a tyrant denies
the censorate's petition.
Do I have to explain our
current state of affairs?
Are the censors wrong?
Your Majesty...
I'd like to hear what you think.
Was Lord Buwon Shim On
a criminal of high treason?
No, he was not.
Then you shouldn't be urging
me to deny the petition.
We cannot tie down Huh Jo, Byun
Gaeryang and Jo Malseng who are
scheduled to be dispatched to Ming
and to the border states over this.
Secretary Yun.
Yes, Your Majesty.
I cannot find just cause
to deny this petition,
so have them choose alternate men
to be dispatched for the assignment.
Your Majesty...
Do you think anyone else can do this job?
We'll find someone that can.
We don't have a lot of time.
I know, sir.
These jobs are for Jo Malseng and Huh Jo.
There is no one else.
Don't be like this, sir.
You're being unreasonable.
His Majesty started this.
His Majesty has no grounds
to deny the petition on.
You mean he has no
desire to deny the petition.
He wants political revenge.
That's the bottom line.
Don't use that word revenge in haste.
Lord Shim On was not guilty.
If he was not guilty,
everyone who accused him of high
treason and put him to death is.
If this is not revenge what is?
Deliver my message to the King.
We will accept this fight.
We got his message loud and clear.
Now are you going back
into the secret room again?
Should I call the inspector general
and the censors to the saloon for you?
They are powerful men, so it'll cost
you a pretty penny to buy them off.
Thanks for your concern.
Minister Yu, we shared a same
dream back in Gyeongsung.
Do you remember?
Why are they trying to dredge up the past?
Is this most likely to be the King's work?
He's been patient considering
that he waited six years.
And the Princess's death...
A dead child is very powerful.
Well, now that we know who we're
fighting all we have to do is win.
Are you here to dissuade me?
I know you feel like you
have no other choice, but...
Denying the censors' petition is the
most radical use of absolute power.
You are the one who said the King
must not wield absolute power.
And you are the one who said
you wouldn't discard talent
even if they committed a shameful crime.
You said power is a sword.
Are you intent on destroying them?
My father-in-law was not a traitor.
So, my mother-in-law
has no reason to suffer.
I've been turnings blind eye to
this simple truth that even a little
girl can see for much too long.
Do you know why?
You need these men
despite what they've done.
That's not the only reason.
I was afraid.
Your Majesty...
What if the experienced veteran
politicians rallied against me?
Would I be able to fight them back?
That's what I was nervous and afraid of.
That's why I hesitated when my
daughter wanted this so badly
and now she's gone before
I could do anything for her.
I am done ignoring the truth.
I will order former Prime Minister
Shim On's honor to be restored.
Leave the capital city?
Two weeks should be enough, Mother.
Enough? What do you mean?
Restoration of Shim On's honor.
It should be decided one
way or another by that time.
Which side do you think will prevail?
Yu Jeonghyun, Jo Malseng and
Huh Jo are no ordinary men.
You think they will prevail?
The Hall of Worthies will request my help.
After all, I'm a witness who confirmed Shim
On's loyalty on the diplomatic mission.
Lie low and bide time...
I don't want to make enemies of
competent and powerful retainers.
The Emperor's military activities
for the past five years, files on
the Imperial grandchildren including
the Imperial Prince Zhu Gaochi.
I've collected just about all of
the information we need on Ming,
so you shouldn't have a hard time
figuring out their political situation.
Why are you turning
these files over to me?
You will have to go to Ming instead of me.
I recommend Secretary
Yun Hwe as your assistant.
I am turning over the right of command of
the entire army to General Choi Yundeok.
I believe General Choi should
lead the central army to the
northern states tomorrow.
With war clouds hanging
heavy over the border,
deployment of the troops
cannot be delayed.
Now let us vote on the issue.
It is the most appropriate action.
General.
We will serve your command.
Councilor Hwang Hee, Royal Secretary
Yun Hwe and Choi Yundeok?
They are our best alternative if not
Huh Jo, Byun Gaeryang and Jo Malseng.
Your list is very interesting.
It's a list His Majesty cannot reject.
I'm looking forward to your
performance, Lord Hwang.
Good luck.
And what do you men intend to
do while we are away fighting?
Well, I think we have our
work cut out for us right here.
What's your real motive?
You're getting rid of us so you could
gobble up the Hall of Worthies,
the Inspector General and
the Censorate Office!
Did you really think we'd sit helplessly and
let a bunch of juvenile minions crush us?
- Lord Huh!
- Be quiet and listen.
We're not enjoying this either.
We don't have the time or the
desire for this war of attrition.
Don't forget.
We didn't start this fight.
We intent to demolish them.
After all, we can't put the country
in the hands of children who can't
even prioritize what is
important for the state.
Councilor Hwang, Secretary Yun
and General Choi Yundeok as well?
We have a national security crisis.
Someone has to attend to it.
So they're going to send our
top men away to deal with
the national crisis then gang up on
the rest of us while they're gone.
It's a double check!
I'm really impressed!
There's a reason why
these men have survived the
Royal court as long as they have!
How can you praise them right now?
This is going to be a difficult fight.
Are you up to it?
We will die fighting,
but we won't give up, sir.
So, then, who's going to
be sent to Ming now?
They might hold off the mission
indefinitely since neither side can
afford to send anyone away right now.
Why do they make things so complicated?
Does it really matter who goes?
Youngsil and I have to go back there soon.
Why are you so anxious to
go to Ming again?
What's the reason?
Oh... it's just that there're some
books I am anxious to get...
Not just astronomy books, but a
few delicious adult books as well.
My man!
Worried about the girl
you left behind in Ming?
Don't worry too much.
I'm sure it's nothing.
Your Highness, I've come to
make a very difficult request.
Why do you look so troubled when you've
resolved to restore Lord Shim's honor?
Yu Jeonghyun, Huh Jo, Jo Malseng...
I will have to renounce quite a few men.
If majority of them are your opposition.
It is not easy to convince myself that
I'm doing the right thing for the country.
Six years ago,
I buried my father in cold soil.
And today I buried my
young child in my heart.
My good husband must've felt my sorrow
because he says he will
give me retribution.
Isn't this most kind of him?
What is my father to you, Lord Yu?
Just another criminal of high treason?
Is that why you oppose my father's
restoration against the King's wish?
The King has fired his arrow
and I don't intend to intervene.
Answer my question carefully.
I might have a hand in your
future depending on your answer.
Answer my question.
Is my father still a criminal
of high treason to you?
That's what he said about you.
My father always said
you were a cautious man.
Perhaps that's why he still wants
you to answer that question
differently than his daughter would.
Your Highness...
This is the official position of the Queen's
office which reflects my father's wishes.
Copies have been sent to
the Inspector General,
the Censorate Office and
the Hall of Worthies.
I will expect nothing but respect
and obedience.
I declare to thee, as the Queen
of Joseon, that it is not my desire
to restore the name and honor of my
father the late Prime Minister Shim On.
It is also my belief that prosecution
of those responsible for his demise
is uncalled for and ask that the
disputes be stopped immediately.
Abide by the request of the Queen
with due respect and consideration!
I don't know about politics.
I came to this decision not
for you but for your families.
If the head of the household becomes
a villain, his family members suffer.
I know because I've suffered.
I will protect you and your family.
So think about what you need to do
to serve and protect the "wise one"
you hand picked to be
the King of this country.
We respect the Queen's earnest plea, but
the Hall of Worthies will not back out.
The Inspector General is
firm on our position.
How about the censorate?
Don't tell me you've changed your mind.
I had nothing to do with it.
I guess someone else got to them first.
You look like you're in a great mood,
Prime Minister.
Do you think this fight is over just
because the Queen issued a statement?
Of course not.
I'm just here to spy on the opposition.
I must ask you to leave.
If you don't like me spying on you,
how about we make a deal?
We decline, sir.
I'm talking about a deal
for my resignation.
I am the principle offender who
accused Shim On of high treason
and had him killed.
I'd like to settle this matter by assuming
full responsibility and leaving the court.
We are seeking your punishment,
not your resignation.
You and everyone else involved.
What do you hope to gain from this?
Do you want to get rid of talented
men who can serve this government
in the name of rectifying history?
That will make you no different from us.
Do you think this is what
Shim On would've wanted?
Lady Ahn cannot be freed unless
Lord Shim's honor is restored.
And we would be giving up
this fight without granting
the princess her dying wish.
I will personally recommend
restoration of for Lady Ahn's honor.
His Majesty will not make such
decisions based on personal feelings.
I will not be asking him to
base it on personal feelings.
I will argue that Lord
Shim's family does not
deserve to be punished
for Lord Shim's crime.
I don't believe Shim On was guilty either
or at the very least that he
had no treacherous intent.
But I still think we should stop the
scuffle and put an end to this now.
What I am offering is not
the most righteous resolution,
but it is the best resolution given
the current state of affairs.
And as for rectifying history.
No, I mean not repeating the
mistakes my generation has made
can't we leave that as your
future assignment for now?
Show us that this is not just the King's
inner circle but that this is the true
Hall of Worthies where wisest
men of Joseon are gathered.
I'm sorry.
I hope you'll forgive me for leaving
you with such a huge assignment.
This couldn't have been
an easy decision for you.
It was my father's decision not mine.
He is the one that said
King does not look back.
If you ever need to cry...
You can come to me now.
Don't turn to your children
to wipe your tears away.
That's why your daughter
calls you a crybaby.
Wife...
You've been made to
suffer alone for too long.
Perhaps it is because I've been
neglecting the citizen that the
Queen is supposed to feel
greatest compassion for.
You don't have to be alone anymore.
Sharing your hardship and pain.
I will accept that as my duty and my life.
Lady Ahn, the widow of Queen Soheon's
father Sim On,
was reinstated two years after
Princess Jeongso passed away,
in the 8th year of King Sejong's reign,
AD 1426.
Sim On was restored in the first year
of King Munjong,
the year after King Sejong's death.
That if we hadn't covered up this
filthy crimes and made a deal,
Youngsil would never have
been given his post and
the astronomy project
would be dead right now
because Jo Malseng would've
snitched on us?
Don't...
And now he's taking the central
army to the northern states
when the northern states
might as well be his home turf.
Secretary Yi is going with him.
This man is thinking about bringing
the King down from the throne.
You think a helpless
desk jockey can stop him?
Darn it!
Stop it.
Stop it!
I said stop it!
Stop what?
How?
Get a grip on yourself.
Who knows what insane
truth will come up next?
Hey, did any of you bastards
betray the country?
Bastard!
Was it fun?
Did you enjoy watching me groveling
to that bastard Jo Malseng?
Was it fun for you when I said things like
"He's a decent guy", "I'm impressed"
and "He has a candid side."?
Was it fun to watch, you bastard?
There's not one
single normal man in this freaking place!
Ogen?
What is it?
... Sir!
Your Grace.
Would you go on a trip with me?
Boo!
Later... Let's do it later...
We will talk later,
we will take that trip later,
and perhaps I can grant
you your wish later, too.
We'll do everything... later...
Our good daughter Jeongso
always says "okay" to everything.
She's always been such a tolerant
and patient little girl.
Why did she let go of Mommy's
hand so quickly today?
She's never defied me before.
She always waited and hung in there like
a trooper until I said it's okay to let go.
This is an unfamiliar picture.
She hungered for her father's affection.
She yearned to be in your arms,
and she's finally getting her wish.
I always thought there
would be a tomorrow...
Let's do it.
You're right.
Let's restore Lord Shim On's name and
prosecute those accountable for his death.
Jo Malseng is the one who forced the
King to authorize the unjust sentence.
Charge him with bribery, too.
He had Lord Shim Killed to protect
his power so he could protect his wealth.
Prosecuting judge was Yu Jeonghyun, and
Huh Jo and Byun Gaeryang made the arrest.
Huh?
Do we have to involve Director Byun?
I'm one of them, too.
So call for dismissal of Huh Jo
and Byun Gaeryang as well.
But...
Do it.
We can't win without sacrifice.
But this is...
Don't look at me. He's right.
I'll get the Inspector General moving,
so you guys take the Censors Office.
We need investigation orginizations and
censorate officials involved
to immobilize them simultaneously.
I'm...
... against it.
Don't be swayed by emotions.
We don't like this anymore than...
I'm against dredging up Lord
Shim's restoration on the table.
But why?
His Majesty held back.
His daughter was dying.
It was her last wish,
but he still held back.
He didn't want the fight.
Are you sure it's not because
he needed these men?
Whether or not they are responsible for
his father-in-law's death, he needs them.
Why does he need them?
For what?
To make sorted deals in secret rooms
and undermine the government?
They're more capable than we are.
You know that.
Then they should at least
show sincere remorse!
Lord Shim was a victim
of closed-door politics.
They put him in a mask of a traitor
behind closed door and killed him.
And now we're forced to make
deals behind close doors and
over up corruption just to
keep the government running
because we're neglecting to
settle this disgusting past.
The King has lost his daughter.
It's hard enough for him as it is.
We can't let her death be in vain
so he will gather strength.
Your Majesty.
A mortician is here
from the state funeral office.
Your Majesty...
I will tell them
to come back later.
No.
That won't be necessary.
Let the child go now.
I want to release her.
I don't want her trapped
in this palace anymore.
We can't rectify this
government without purging corruption.
If this closed-door politics continue,
any one of us could be the next victim.
If a man becomes a political scapegoat,
his family becomes a victim as well.
Please remember the dying wish of a
young princess whose righteous and
pure-hearted dream of restoring her
innocent grandmother's freedom was
shot down and rejected.
History will remember your
patriotism for a long, long time.
Inspector General's Office
What are you men doing?
Rectifying history.
Are you out of your minds?
A morning meeting?
You mean His Majesty is
at the audience hall?
Yes, sir.
Oh, dear...
I had urged him to put the meetings
on hold for a few days for
the princess's funeral...
His Majesty knows that
we can't afford to do that right now.
He remembered in his state of mind that
we need his final authorization
to send out the central army?
I'm afraid the central army
isn't going anywhere with
or without the King's final authorization.
Whatever do you mean?
They're rectifying history.
They want to restore the good name
of Shim On, the King's father-in-law.
What?
This is kill list, so take a look.
The Inspector General and the Censorate
Office is churning out petitions,
so no one on this list will be going
anywhere until this matter is resolved.
Is this your work?
Were in the middle of a research, sir.
What is this?
Would you read back the part that
you feel is false in that statement?
Don't you know the state
this county is in right now?
In rectifying history, there is
no better time than the present.
What are you after?
What do you want?
Political cleansing of course.
Those who turned a blind eye to the truth,
those who aided in perversion,
whose who cowardly stayed in silence,
they all have to be eliminated...
... including myself.
Director Byun.
Can you see this through to the end?
Director.
If you're going to do this, do it right.
My father's restoration?
The Hall of Worthies, Inspector General
and the Censorate Office
are working on this together,
so there is hope.
Is this His Majesty's decision?
Of course not.
He wouldn't be able to make such decision.
Your Highness...
After all, he was the one that
authorized my father's arrest.
Jeongso loved you so very much.
I'm sure she wants you more
than anyone else to send her off...
But I can't even ask you to come in
out of fear of public eyes.
I finally feel at ease.
You will be a good mother to the people.
My child.
Don't blame yourself.
This is not your fault.
Mother...
It's not your fault.
I-I killed her, Mother.
I sat there with my phony
smile and a blackened heart
loathing the gods, hating, cursing
and resenting my own husband,
even my sick dying father-in law.
I'm getting punished, Mother.
Heaven struck my poor child
to punish my evil heart.
It's my fault.
I killed her.
I killed my own baby.
No, it's not your fault!
Oh, my poor child...
Why are the gods so cruel to you?
Oh, my poor child...
How will you endure such a painful loss?
My poor child...
You must deny the petition.
Deny the petition?
Only a tyrant denies
the censorate's petition.
Do I have to explain our
current state of affairs?
Are the censors wrong?
Your Majesty...
I'd like to hear what you think.
Was Lord Buwon Shim On
a criminal of high treason?
No, he was not.
Then you shouldn't be urging
me to deny the petition.
We cannot tie down Huh Jo, Byun
Gaeryang and Jo Malseng who are
scheduled to be dispatched to Ming
and to the border states over this.
Secretary Yun.
Yes, Your Majesty.
I cannot find just cause
to deny this petition,
so have them choose alternate men
to be dispatched for the assignment.
Your Majesty...
Do you think anyone else can do this job?
We'll find someone that can.
We don't have a lot of time.
I know, sir.
These jobs are for Jo Malseng and Huh Jo.
There is no one else.
Don't be like this, sir.
You're being unreasonable.
His Majesty started this.
His Majesty has no grounds
to deny the petition on.
You mean he has no
desire to deny the petition.
He wants political revenge.
That's the bottom line.
Don't use that word revenge in haste.
Lord Shim On was not guilty.
If he was not guilty,
everyone who accused him of high
treason and put him to death is.
If this is not revenge what is?
Deliver my message to the King.
We will accept this fight.
We got his message loud and clear.
Now are you going back
into the secret room again?
Should I call the inspector general
and the censors to the saloon for you?
They are powerful men, so it'll cost
you a pretty penny to buy them off.
Thanks for your concern.
Minister Yu, we shared a same
dream back in Gyeongsung.
Do you remember?
Why are they trying to dredge up the past?
Is this most likely to be the King's work?
He's been patient considering
that he waited six years.
And the Princess's death...
A dead child is very powerful.
Well, now that we know who we're
fighting all we have to do is win.
Are you here to dissuade me?
I know you feel like you
have no other choice, but...
Denying the censors' petition is the
most radical use of absolute power.
You are the one who said the King
must not wield absolute power.
And you are the one who said
you wouldn't discard talent
even if they committed a shameful crime.
You said power is a sword.
Are you intent on destroying them?
My father-in-law was not a traitor.
So, my mother-in-law
has no reason to suffer.
I've been turnings blind eye to
this simple truth that even a little
girl can see for much too long.
Do you know why?
You need these men
despite what they've done.
That's not the only reason.
I was afraid.
Your Majesty...
What if the experienced veteran
politicians rallied against me?
Would I be able to fight them back?
That's what I was nervous and afraid of.
That's why I hesitated when my
daughter wanted this so badly
and now she's gone before
I could do anything for her.
I am done ignoring the truth.
I will order former Prime Minister
Shim On's honor to be restored.
Leave the capital city?
Two weeks should be enough, Mother.
Enough? What do you mean?
Restoration of Shim On's honor.
It should be decided one
way or another by that time.
Which side do you think will prevail?
Yu Jeonghyun, Jo Malseng and
Huh Jo are no ordinary men.
You think they will prevail?
The Hall of Worthies will request my help.
After all, I'm a witness who confirmed Shim
On's loyalty on the diplomatic mission.
Lie low and bide time...
I don't want to make enemies of
competent and powerful retainers.
The Emperor's military activities
for the past five years, files on
the Imperial grandchildren including
the Imperial Prince Zhu Gaochi.
I've collected just about all of
the information we need on Ming,
so you shouldn't have a hard time
figuring out their political situation.
Why are you turning
these files over to me?
You will have to go to Ming instead of me.
I recommend Secretary
Yun Hwe as your assistant.
I am turning over the right of command of
the entire army to General Choi Yundeok.
I believe General Choi should
lead the central army to the
northern states tomorrow.
With war clouds hanging
heavy over the border,
deployment of the troops
cannot be delayed.
Now let us vote on the issue.
It is the most appropriate action.
General.
We will serve your command.
Councilor Hwang Hee, Royal Secretary
Yun Hwe and Choi Yundeok?
They are our best alternative if not
Huh Jo, Byun Gaeryang and Jo Malseng.
Your list is very interesting.
It's a list His Majesty cannot reject.
I'm looking forward to your
performance, Lord Hwang.
Good luck.
And what do you men intend to
do while we are away fighting?
Well, I think we have our
work cut out for us right here.
What's your real motive?
You're getting rid of us so you could
gobble up the Hall of Worthies,
the Inspector General and
the Censorate Office!
Did you really think we'd sit helplessly and
let a bunch of juvenile minions crush us?
- Lord Huh!
- Be quiet and listen.
We're not enjoying this either.
We don't have the time or the
desire for this war of attrition.
Don't forget.
We didn't start this fight.
We intent to demolish them.
After all, we can't put the country
in the hands of children who can't
even prioritize what is
important for the state.
Councilor Hwang, Secretary Yun
and General Choi Yundeok as well?
We have a national security crisis.
Someone has to attend to it.
So they're going to send our
top men away to deal with
the national crisis then gang up on
the rest of us while they're gone.
It's a double check!
I'm really impressed!
There's a reason why
these men have survived the
Royal court as long as they have!
How can you praise them right now?
This is going to be a difficult fight.
Are you up to it?
We will die fighting,
but we won't give up, sir.
So, then, who's going to
be sent to Ming now?
They might hold off the mission
indefinitely since neither side can
afford to send anyone away right now.
Why do they make things so complicated?
Does it really matter who goes?
Youngsil and I have to go back there soon.
Why are you so anxious to
go to Ming again?
What's the reason?
Oh... it's just that there're some
books I am anxious to get...
Not just astronomy books, but a
few delicious adult books as well.
My man!
Worried about the girl
you left behind in Ming?
Don't worry too much.
I'm sure it's nothing.
Your Highness, I've come to
make a very difficult request.
Why do you look so troubled when you've
resolved to restore Lord Shim's honor?
Yu Jeonghyun, Huh Jo, Jo Malseng...
I will have to renounce quite a few men.
If majority of them are your opposition.
It is not easy to convince myself that
I'm doing the right thing for the country.
Six years ago,
I buried my father in cold soil.
And today I buried my
young child in my heart.
My good husband must've felt my sorrow
because he says he will
give me retribution.
Isn't this most kind of him?
What is my father to you, Lord Yu?
Just another criminal of high treason?
Is that why you oppose my father's
restoration against the King's wish?
The King has fired his arrow
and I don't intend to intervene.
Answer my question carefully.
I might have a hand in your
future depending on your answer.
Answer my question.
Is my father still a criminal
of high treason to you?
That's what he said about you.
My father always said
you were a cautious man.
Perhaps that's why he still wants
you to answer that question
differently than his daughter would.
Your Highness...
This is the official position of the Queen's
office which reflects my father's wishes.
Copies have been sent to
the Inspector General,
the Censorate Office and
the Hall of Worthies.
I will expect nothing but respect
and obedience.
I declare to thee, as the Queen
of Joseon, that it is not my desire
to restore the name and honor of my
father the late Prime Minister Shim On.
It is also my belief that prosecution
of those responsible for his demise
is uncalled for and ask that the
disputes be stopped immediately.
Abide by the request of the Queen
with due respect and consideration!
I don't know about politics.
I came to this decision not
for you but for your families.
If the head of the household becomes
a villain, his family members suffer.
I know because I've suffered.
I will protect you and your family.
So think about what you need to do
to serve and protect the "wise one"
you hand picked to be
the King of this country.
We respect the Queen's earnest plea, but
the Hall of Worthies will not back out.
The Inspector General is
firm on our position.
How about the censorate?
Don't tell me you've changed your mind.
I had nothing to do with it.
I guess someone else got to them first.
You look like you're in a great mood,
Prime Minister.
Do you think this fight is over just
because the Queen issued a statement?
Of course not.
I'm just here to spy on the opposition.
I must ask you to leave.
If you don't like me spying on you,
how about we make a deal?
We decline, sir.
I'm talking about a deal
for my resignation.
I am the principle offender who
accused Shim On of high treason
and had him killed.
I'd like to settle this matter by assuming
full responsibility and leaving the court.
We are seeking your punishment,
not your resignation.
You and everyone else involved.
What do you hope to gain from this?
Do you want to get rid of talented
men who can serve this government
in the name of rectifying history?
That will make you no different from us.
Do you think this is what
Shim On would've wanted?
Lady Ahn cannot be freed unless
Lord Shim's honor is restored.
And we would be giving up
this fight without granting
the princess her dying wish.
I will personally recommend
restoration of for Lady Ahn's honor.
His Majesty will not make such
decisions based on personal feelings.
I will not be asking him to
base it on personal feelings.
I will argue that Lord
Shim's family does not
deserve to be punished
for Lord Shim's crime.
I don't believe Shim On was guilty either
or at the very least that he
had no treacherous intent.
But I still think we should stop the
scuffle and put an end to this now.
What I am offering is not
the most righteous resolution,
but it is the best resolution given
the current state of affairs.
And as for rectifying history.
No, I mean not repeating the
mistakes my generation has made
can't we leave that as your
future assignment for now?
Show us that this is not just the King's
inner circle but that this is the true
Hall of Worthies where wisest
men of Joseon are gathered.
I'm sorry.
I hope you'll forgive me for leaving
you with such a huge assignment.
This couldn't have been
an easy decision for you.
It was my father's decision not mine.
He is the one that said
King does not look back.
If you ever need to cry...
You can come to me now.
Don't turn to your children
to wipe your tears away.
That's why your daughter
calls you a crybaby.
Wife...
You've been made to
suffer alone for too long.
Perhaps it is because I've been
neglecting the citizen that the
Queen is supposed to feel
greatest compassion for.
You don't have to be alone anymore.
Sharing your hardship and pain.
I will accept that as my duty and my life.
Lady Ahn, the widow of Queen Soheon's
father Sim On,
was reinstated two years after
Princess Jeongso passed away,
in the 8th year of King Sejong's reign,
AD 1426.
Sim On was restored in the first year
of King Munjong,
the year after King Sejong's death.