Dae Wang Sejong (2008): Season 1, Episode 7 - Episode #1.7 - full transcript
If I want to be a strong King, I have
to make battlefields my playground.
Uncle!
Your Majesty, there is one more thing...
Crown Prince playing soldier?
How is this reckless man
fit to be the future King?
Should there be reward or
should there be punishment?
Praise is due for routing
the foreign invaders,
but pretending to be a
soldier is unacceptable.
Grant reward, Your Majesty.
The heir to the royal throne feels no
shame for masquerading as a soldier?
Not to me, but to the commanding
general of the Right Army and his men.
And I will accept any
punishment you fit to give.
What are you going to do now?
You're going to die for this.
You should've stopped the
Crown Prince somehow.
If I tried to stop him,
I would've died yesterday.
I extended my life for
mere one lousy day...
I guess we wasted our
time worrying for nothing.
Let's get out of here.
Did everything turn out all right?
You sound like you're disappointed.
Of course not.
There's going to be a victory celebration.
I better see you there.
What punishment would
it this misconduct?
You asked for punishment,
so tell me what would be appropriate.
Yes, Father.
Make me a laborer at
the Bureau of Weaponry.
A laborer, Your Highness?
That's unthinkable!
I will become a laborer and produce
our cannons with my own hands.
If we had cannons placed on the beach,
the enemy wouldn't have gotten away.
It is a disgrace that we failed to obliterate
the enemy that violated our soil.
And I don't intend to tolerate such
disgrace as the Crown Prince of Joseon.
Why the long face?
I was worried.
I worried His Highness
would be in trouble...
... and someone might
die as a result of it.
Like you and that attendant of
you that you used to like so much?
Don't be stupid.
That's the difference between us ordinary
princes and the heir to the royal throne.
Do you envy him?
Do you envy him for his authority,
his command,
and all the public recognition he enjoys?
Yes...
Not for his authority or recognition,
but for the opportunity and freedom he
has to live out what's in his heart...
Be careful.
The entire palace is celebrating.
I heard you were the one who
recommended Min Muhyul for the job.
Yes.
Now Min Muhyul will be
elevated to Central Army Chief.
And Min Muhwe will be assigned
to the Office of Crown Prince
as a magistrate.
Yes.
One has control of the military and the
other is the Crown Prince's right hand...
Why did you do this?
I didn't make you Administer of
Memorials so you could put wings
on the Min clan.
I'm merely following what you taught me.
Didn't you tell me that
solidifying the foundation of Joseon
is more important than politics?
You said you'd even overlook
the Queens thirst for revenge.
Those with vengeful spirit
should not be put in high places.
If they are talented, we must find
a way to quell their vengeful spirit
and put them to valuable use.
Listen.
Isn't that the principle that the head
of personnel should firmly abide by?
Turn down the promotion?
Don't you know how hard Muhyul
has worked in the last few years?
That's exactly why I'm saying this.
What would the world say if you
take the first bone they throw at you?
They will say all of your hard work
has not been for this country
but for the Min clan alone.
And the King will once
again turn wary of you.
First we must make the world
forget the Min clan's rage.
Only then we can take the next step.
What do you know about
Minister of Revenue Rank Shin?
I don't know much except
he was once accused of accepting bribes
when he was the inspector-general.
Accepting bribes?
What do you want to know?
I had Gangryeongpo magistrate work
with him to cover up a small mishap.
We don't want to discredit
the Crown Prince on his first battle.
If this man can be bought,
there shouldn't be a problem.
The Right Army Headquarters
Drink up.
Yes, Your Highness!
His Highness is becoming
more sagacious everyday.
He's preparing
himself to inherit the Royal throne.
Let us get together sometime soon.
You've rendered a huge
service to the state.
As the Prime Minister, I must
give you special recognition.
I was merely doing my duty as a soldier.
I don't deserve any special recognition.
Your such loyalty is to be
praised as well, General.
Minister Jo, let me pour you one.
I slept well last night thanks to you.
You're taking care of the duties
of the Ministry of Military for me,
so I have nothing to do.
It was an urgent situation...
Please forgive me if it upset you.
There's nothing to forgive.
I should be thanking you.
But...
It's not going to be fun if
you step in again like that.
I don't like owing debt to anyone.
Now, let's give my proud
boys a round of drinks!
Do you still think you can resolve
every problem sticking to principles?
Minister...
Blind optimism doesn't help
government administration.
Watch it, fellow!
I'm stating the facts here, the facts!
You're stinking drunk!
Are you still an alcoholic?
Are you still a workaholic?
How dare you speak in
such tone of disrespect!
This is the Crown Prince's victory
celebration. Watch your conduct.
Victory my heinie...
My man!
You get paid all that money and you
still can't see through the smoke?
You've changed, Minister.
How could you be celebrating
at a time like this?
That's all right, that's all right.
Oh, it's you again!
Are you here for free drinks, too?
You remember me?
I lost my livelihood when I lost my job,
but do you how I survive?
My memory.
My amazing memory is
what keeps me alive.
Live it up!
They lost the steed but the stable door is
fixed, so I guess that's not so bad.
What kind of an oddball are you anyway?
This kind.
Why?
It looks like you got plenty
of free drinks here.
Why are you trying to put down
the victory they're celebrating?
Victory my butt!
You said they lost the steed
and fixed the stable door.
Are you trying to say that there
was a way to prevent the invasion?
Don't ask me.
Go to the scene!
The answer is always at
the scene of the crime.
All these years
in the palace and
I never knew such
a place existed, Your Majesty.
This is the place
where I hide and cry sometimes.
Your Majesty...
These things take me ten,
no, twenty years back.
I remember this armor, Your Majesty.
Pick one you like.
They're not as nice as the ones that
your half brothers got from the ex-King,
but you'll find a nice
one if you look hard.
You're an exceptional marksman,
but your bow is substandard.
Father...
Back when these things were mine that's
way back when I was not a King yet?
I was an exceptional marksman as well.
Rage was always at
the heart of the target.
How about you?
What's at the heart of your target that
you're so determined to pierce through it?
I've been so focused on the skill
itself that I neglected to put
anything at the heart of the target.
Tell me, Father. I will put what
you want at the heart of my target.
You're quite smart like your mother.
The material may not be superior,
but this used to be my favorite.
Put the heart of a Prince
at the heart of the target.
You are my son and a Prince of
Joseon no matter who your mother is.
Put the heart of Joseon's
Royal Prince at the target
and you will always know
what is best for this country.
Lighten up.
It's a good day.
Don't you see, Mother?
His Majesty was testing me.
And you passed wisely, so relax.
It wasn't wise, it was cowardly.
Kyoungryeong.
Father is right.
Rage is at the heart of my target as well.
The Crown Prince who mocks me
for being a son of a concubine,
the other princes that
look upon me with pity...
I practiced with rage
for them in my heart.
But despite the fact
that I am full of rage, I lied like
a coward because I want to survive.
What brings you here at this
late hour, Your Highness?
I have something to
ask you, Father-in-law.
Go on.
Do you know a former state
councilor of the Office
of Royal Decrees named Yun Hwe?
How do you know that drunk?
I don't know him well.
What kind of a man is he?
What kind of a man?
How should I describe him?
Well, he is a very talented man.
I heard he was an exceptional diplomat.
If diplomat Seo Hee of Goryo who
saved the Six Garrison Settlement
East of the River came back
alive, they might be rivals.
But his behavior is that
of a drunken reprobate.
Minister of Rites Hwang Hee
dismissed him personally.
And Minister Hwang is
a man who values talent.
He may have talent, but he doesn't
have what it takes to hold a title.
I knew I'd find you in the office.
What are you doing here at this hour?
I didn't see you leaving
the palace after the celebration, so...
There's nothing in the reports
that sounds an alarm...
Do I have to send out a field
agent to Gangryeongpo?
So I see.
You put more credence to a
reprobate's drunken babble
than on flawless reports prepared
by hardworking officials.
If you thought Yun Hwe was just a
drunk, you wouldn't be here either.
You thieves!
You're supposed to protect
us and you steal from us?
Give us back what's ours!
You thieves!
How could you do this to us?
You rotten bastards!
You'll rot in hell for this!
No!
No, Your Highness!
Step back!
Please don't do this.
Many more will die if you step in.
Master Yi is always telling
you to stay out of trouble.
Ogeun, you better go
back to the city quick.
His fist is tight and
he's clenching his teeth.
It's a bad sign.
He's going to do something big.
Don't you think so?
What are you waiting for?
Go back to the city and tell
Master Yi what's happening!
You must be pretty darn bored.
So bored that you're
worried about the country.
Let's go.
Follow me.
You've come to the scene of the
crime so now you have to investigate.
Isn't that why you're here?
Did you order a Ministry of Rites
agent to do a field investigation?
How did you find out?
What's more important?
How I found out or stopping a man
who is trying to abuse his authority?
Abuse his authority?
Ministry of Defense and Ministry of Revenue
is handling the aftermath of
the Gangryeongpo invasion.
I'm just trying to make sure
that nothing goes unnoticed.
What's your real motive?
Why can't you leave well enough alone?
Minister Yi...!
Do you have something
against the Crown Prince?
Or are you looking for a reason
to put the Ministry of Defense
and Ministry of Revenue in trouble?
If you have the time to be
concerned with other bureaus,
why don't you do your own job better?
This invasion could've been avoided...
... if Ministry of Rites had forged
better relations with Japan.
Did you wish to see me?
Was it you?
Did you tell the Prime Minister about...
Is there a problem with that?
Are you satisfied now?
It's a subordinate officer's duty to
help a superior who has lost his way.
You're an officer of this government before
you're anyone's peer or subordinate.
Are you criticizing me?
I'm done talking.
Figure that out for yourself.
I'm telling you, they're the thieves!
The local magistrate burglarized
the merchant warehouses and
filled up the government granaries
that the Japanese emptied out.
Do you have proof?
Are you here to aggravate me?
You should've put markings
on your grain sacks.
Markings? Do you really think that
would've done any good when the
guards who are supposed to protect
our property turned into thieves?
That's not all.
I saw the Japanese spy signaling toward
the ocean calling the fleet for landing.
What do you have lips for?
You should've run straight to
the authorities and told them.
I did.
They ignored my report and
booted me out the door,
and now they're denying
that I ever made the report!
It's just as I thought...
I thought it was suspicious when I
started seeing a lot of Japanese
around the Hall of Great Peace, and
this the information they were after
the time the grains of the three southern
states are brought to Gangryeongpo.
But why did the officials steal
from the merchants and fill up
the government granaries?
Why would they do such a thing?
Don't you get it, fool?
This is all because of the Crown Prince.
The fact that the Crown Prince
fought in this battle is the trouble.
Let's say a report got out that the
government granaries were completely
emptied out in an invasion that the
Crown Prince supposedly fought off.
How would that make
the Crown Prince look?
No one is stupid enough to bring
shame on the Crown Prince
that is unless they
have three or four lives.
You don't smell like a government worker,
so you must be a scholar
at the Confusion Academy.
I tell you,
it's a crying shame, but there's nothing
neither you nor I can do about this.
All we can do is bemoan this dirty world
and comfort ourselves by
drowning our rage with wine.
Here.
Drink.
Why did the Prince go to Gangryeongpo?
I'm afraid he might do
something he will regret.
I think you should go over there now.
Are you going to Gangryeongpo this time?
Choongnyeong, that kid,
is making you work too hard.
Give him a good scolding this time.
Don't let him behave like this again.
Why?
Master?
When a young man in full vigor
opens his heart to the world,
isn't rage for injustice
supposed to grow?
But his rage is causing
unnecessary trouble.
It's better than being a spectator.
You don't think of a man's life as an
ornament like that orchid, do you?
Stop!
Stop this at once!
How dare you talk about the world
and argue about state affairs when
you can't even take a man's life?
Your uncles will die because of you.
Don't do anything.
Keep no interest in state affairs and
don't try to learn about the world.
These are things you
are not allowed to do.
It's all because of the Crown Prince.
The people are being sacrificed to
protect the Crown Prince's reputation.
What's the maximum range of projectile?
As you can see it's far beyond one
hundred paces, Your Highness.
It's too short to hit enemy
warships from the beach.
The Japanese don't even
know what cannons are.
When the here the loud boom,
they'll be scared to death, and...
Do you think I'm out here for fun?
You're Choi Musun's son?
Yes...
Do you harbor animosity
against this state?
Has this regime been treating you
poorly compared to the previous regime?
No, Your Highness...
Then why is there no progress when
it's been decades since your father
developed gunpowder?
We mustn't doubt this man's loyalty
Your Highness.
It's thanks to him that our explosive
weapons are maintaining its life.
What's the use when these
weapons are ineffective?
What happened?
Why are you here alone?
Did the Prince already enter the palace?
Did he?
Well, um... Master.
What is the meaning of this?
Haven't you seen a man drinking before?
Get up from there.
Now!
Why are you raising your voice at me?
You should be praising me instead.
Your Highness.
I'm such an obedient student.
You say stay out of it, I say "Yes, sir."
You say do nothing,
I say, "Sure thing, sir."
Would you leave us alone?
Who's going serve my teacher if you leave?
Would you like a drink?
I heard you were in Gangryeongpo.
I was bored.
I went there because I was bored,
but it was a stupid thing to do.
The world is only for the
Crown Prince to fondle with,
and all the other princes have to
do is fondle women...
So you're going to toss about in
a gisaeng house from now on?
Yes, I thought I might try.
I'm sure my father and
the world will be glad.
What about the people?
The people you care so much about.
There's nothing I can do, darn it.
Did you speak out in your youth
because you were more able then?
You know what the result
was when I did speak out.
As long as you have the right idea, you
can always find a way by trial and error.
But now, the man you are now
won't be able to find a way.
How could you when
you're blinded by jealousy?
You're jealous of the Crown Prince who
gets all the attention and recognition.
Master!
Am I wrong?
You're too preoccupied by
jealousy care about the people.
I haven't forgotten about the people.
Yes, you have.
You've forgotten all about them.
There's only one person you
feel pity for the poor boy
who has lost all chances of getting
recognized to his older brother?
That is you, yourself.
Is it wrong to want
recognition and acceptance?
You have to let that go,
or you will never find a way.
I'm fine.
I can walk.
Be careful, Your Highness.
Wife, there you are.
Where did he drink like this?
Well, um...
At a gisaeng house.
I went to a gisaeng house.
Your Highness...
Aren't you angry?
I was at a gisaeng house.
You're drunk.
You should rest now.
Wife...
You're very foolish.
Your Highness...
You worry about me and take care
of me everyday and every night...
That makes you a bigger fool than I am...
Don't say things like that.
The baby will hear it.
Did you say... baby?
Yes...
The child will be very smart just like you.
A baby...
A baby...?
A child like me...
A child with fate as wretched as mine is
going to be born into this cold world?
Your Highness...
Donglae Government Office
You beastly slave, what have you done?
Father!
How dare you lay a hand
on a nobleman's daughter!
Take this animal and
throw him into the ocean!
Step back.
Daion!
Youngsil didn't do anything wrong.
I persuaded him to come
with me to the capital.
I heard that I could buy rare
medicine from Ming there,
so I asked him to come with me.
What?
You don't care about Mother.
She s been bedridden for three
years now, and you don't even
think about finding her a good
physician or good medicine.
All you ever do is go in and out
of your concubines' rooms.
Go inside and see for yourself
if she needs that medicine!
Would you brew these herbs for me?
My lady...
They're supposed to work
wonders. Prepare them for me.
Lady Daion...
Please do as I ask.
Her hands are so cold...
What if she catches a cold?
She'll get even sicker then.
So please...
So please go and brew the herbs now.
Hurry up!
I'm sorry...
I'm sorry, Mother...
Where is the Buddhist priest?
What do you mean?
Mother loved the sutra chanting.
Just come here and take your seat.
You weren't even here to witness
her passing. What are you doing?
I'm not sending Mother off like this.
This is not the way she wanted to go!
"If I die...
If that day comes...
let there be peaceful chanting
of the sutra at my wake.
So that I might find my way to Heaven."
That's what she said all the time!
I can't blatantly do
what the government has forbidden.
You want me to lose what
little authority I have left?
Authority?
Did you say authority?
Why is that so important?
This is her last wish and
you can't grant her that?
The surviving must survive!
Without authority, I'm a dead man too!
Are you testing the cannons again today?
What's a bookworm doing here?
I want to find a way to set things right.
Set things right?
to make battlefields my playground.
Uncle!
Your Majesty, there is one more thing...
Crown Prince playing soldier?
How is this reckless man
fit to be the future King?
Should there be reward or
should there be punishment?
Praise is due for routing
the foreign invaders,
but pretending to be a
soldier is unacceptable.
Grant reward, Your Majesty.
The heir to the royal throne feels no
shame for masquerading as a soldier?
Not to me, but to the commanding
general of the Right Army and his men.
And I will accept any
punishment you fit to give.
What are you going to do now?
You're going to die for this.
You should've stopped the
Crown Prince somehow.
If I tried to stop him,
I would've died yesterday.
I extended my life for
mere one lousy day...
I guess we wasted our
time worrying for nothing.
Let's get out of here.
Did everything turn out all right?
You sound like you're disappointed.
Of course not.
There's going to be a victory celebration.
I better see you there.
What punishment would
it this misconduct?
You asked for punishment,
so tell me what would be appropriate.
Yes, Father.
Make me a laborer at
the Bureau of Weaponry.
A laborer, Your Highness?
That's unthinkable!
I will become a laborer and produce
our cannons with my own hands.
If we had cannons placed on the beach,
the enemy wouldn't have gotten away.
It is a disgrace that we failed to obliterate
the enemy that violated our soil.
And I don't intend to tolerate such
disgrace as the Crown Prince of Joseon.
Why the long face?
I was worried.
I worried His Highness
would be in trouble...
... and someone might
die as a result of it.
Like you and that attendant of
you that you used to like so much?
Don't be stupid.
That's the difference between us ordinary
princes and the heir to the royal throne.
Do you envy him?
Do you envy him for his authority,
his command,
and all the public recognition he enjoys?
Yes...
Not for his authority or recognition,
but for the opportunity and freedom he
has to live out what's in his heart...
Be careful.
The entire palace is celebrating.
I heard you were the one who
recommended Min Muhyul for the job.
Yes.
Now Min Muhyul will be
elevated to Central Army Chief.
And Min Muhwe will be assigned
to the Office of Crown Prince
as a magistrate.
Yes.
One has control of the military and the
other is the Crown Prince's right hand...
Why did you do this?
I didn't make you Administer of
Memorials so you could put wings
on the Min clan.
I'm merely following what you taught me.
Didn't you tell me that
solidifying the foundation of Joseon
is more important than politics?
You said you'd even overlook
the Queens thirst for revenge.
Those with vengeful spirit
should not be put in high places.
If they are talented, we must find
a way to quell their vengeful spirit
and put them to valuable use.
Listen.
Isn't that the principle that the head
of personnel should firmly abide by?
Turn down the promotion?
Don't you know how hard Muhyul
has worked in the last few years?
That's exactly why I'm saying this.
What would the world say if you
take the first bone they throw at you?
They will say all of your hard work
has not been for this country
but for the Min clan alone.
And the King will once
again turn wary of you.
First we must make the world
forget the Min clan's rage.
Only then we can take the next step.
What do you know about
Minister of Revenue Rank Shin?
I don't know much except
he was once accused of accepting bribes
when he was the inspector-general.
Accepting bribes?
What do you want to know?
I had Gangryeongpo magistrate work
with him to cover up a small mishap.
We don't want to discredit
the Crown Prince on his first battle.
If this man can be bought,
there shouldn't be a problem.
The Right Army Headquarters
Drink up.
Yes, Your Highness!
His Highness is becoming
more sagacious everyday.
He's preparing
himself to inherit the Royal throne.
Let us get together sometime soon.
You've rendered a huge
service to the state.
As the Prime Minister, I must
give you special recognition.
I was merely doing my duty as a soldier.
I don't deserve any special recognition.
Your such loyalty is to be
praised as well, General.
Minister Jo, let me pour you one.
I slept well last night thanks to you.
You're taking care of the duties
of the Ministry of Military for me,
so I have nothing to do.
It was an urgent situation...
Please forgive me if it upset you.
There's nothing to forgive.
I should be thanking you.
But...
It's not going to be fun if
you step in again like that.
I don't like owing debt to anyone.
Now, let's give my proud
boys a round of drinks!
Do you still think you can resolve
every problem sticking to principles?
Minister...
Blind optimism doesn't help
government administration.
Watch it, fellow!
I'm stating the facts here, the facts!
You're stinking drunk!
Are you still an alcoholic?
Are you still a workaholic?
How dare you speak in
such tone of disrespect!
This is the Crown Prince's victory
celebration. Watch your conduct.
Victory my heinie...
My man!
You get paid all that money and you
still can't see through the smoke?
You've changed, Minister.
How could you be celebrating
at a time like this?
That's all right, that's all right.
Oh, it's you again!
Are you here for free drinks, too?
You remember me?
I lost my livelihood when I lost my job,
but do you how I survive?
My memory.
My amazing memory is
what keeps me alive.
Live it up!
They lost the steed but the stable door is
fixed, so I guess that's not so bad.
What kind of an oddball are you anyway?
This kind.
Why?
It looks like you got plenty
of free drinks here.
Why are you trying to put down
the victory they're celebrating?
Victory my butt!
You said they lost the steed
and fixed the stable door.
Are you trying to say that there
was a way to prevent the invasion?
Don't ask me.
Go to the scene!
The answer is always at
the scene of the crime.
All these years
in the palace and
I never knew such
a place existed, Your Majesty.
This is the place
where I hide and cry sometimes.
Your Majesty...
These things take me ten,
no, twenty years back.
I remember this armor, Your Majesty.
Pick one you like.
They're not as nice as the ones that
your half brothers got from the ex-King,
but you'll find a nice
one if you look hard.
You're an exceptional marksman,
but your bow is substandard.
Father...
Back when these things were mine that's
way back when I was not a King yet?
I was an exceptional marksman as well.
Rage was always at
the heart of the target.
How about you?
What's at the heart of your target that
you're so determined to pierce through it?
I've been so focused on the skill
itself that I neglected to put
anything at the heart of the target.
Tell me, Father. I will put what
you want at the heart of my target.
You're quite smart like your mother.
The material may not be superior,
but this used to be my favorite.
Put the heart of a Prince
at the heart of the target.
You are my son and a Prince of
Joseon no matter who your mother is.
Put the heart of Joseon's
Royal Prince at the target
and you will always know
what is best for this country.
Lighten up.
It's a good day.
Don't you see, Mother?
His Majesty was testing me.
And you passed wisely, so relax.
It wasn't wise, it was cowardly.
Kyoungryeong.
Father is right.
Rage is at the heart of my target as well.
The Crown Prince who mocks me
for being a son of a concubine,
the other princes that
look upon me with pity...
I practiced with rage
for them in my heart.
But despite the fact
that I am full of rage, I lied like
a coward because I want to survive.
What brings you here at this
late hour, Your Highness?
I have something to
ask you, Father-in-law.
Go on.
Do you know a former state
councilor of the Office
of Royal Decrees named Yun Hwe?
How do you know that drunk?
I don't know him well.
What kind of a man is he?
What kind of a man?
How should I describe him?
Well, he is a very talented man.
I heard he was an exceptional diplomat.
If diplomat Seo Hee of Goryo who
saved the Six Garrison Settlement
East of the River came back
alive, they might be rivals.
But his behavior is that
of a drunken reprobate.
Minister of Rites Hwang Hee
dismissed him personally.
And Minister Hwang is
a man who values talent.
He may have talent, but he doesn't
have what it takes to hold a title.
I knew I'd find you in the office.
What are you doing here at this hour?
I didn't see you leaving
the palace after the celebration, so...
There's nothing in the reports
that sounds an alarm...
Do I have to send out a field
agent to Gangryeongpo?
So I see.
You put more credence to a
reprobate's drunken babble
than on flawless reports prepared
by hardworking officials.
If you thought Yun Hwe was just a
drunk, you wouldn't be here either.
You thieves!
You're supposed to protect
us and you steal from us?
Give us back what's ours!
You thieves!
How could you do this to us?
You rotten bastards!
You'll rot in hell for this!
No!
No, Your Highness!
Step back!
Please don't do this.
Many more will die if you step in.
Master Yi is always telling
you to stay out of trouble.
Ogeun, you better go
back to the city quick.
His fist is tight and
he's clenching his teeth.
It's a bad sign.
He's going to do something big.
Don't you think so?
What are you waiting for?
Go back to the city and tell
Master Yi what's happening!
You must be pretty darn bored.
So bored that you're
worried about the country.
Let's go.
Follow me.
You've come to the scene of the
crime so now you have to investigate.
Isn't that why you're here?
Did you order a Ministry of Rites
agent to do a field investigation?
How did you find out?
What's more important?
How I found out or stopping a man
who is trying to abuse his authority?
Abuse his authority?
Ministry of Defense and Ministry of Revenue
is handling the aftermath of
the Gangryeongpo invasion.
I'm just trying to make sure
that nothing goes unnoticed.
What's your real motive?
Why can't you leave well enough alone?
Minister Yi...!
Do you have something
against the Crown Prince?
Or are you looking for a reason
to put the Ministry of Defense
and Ministry of Revenue in trouble?
If you have the time to be
concerned with other bureaus,
why don't you do your own job better?
This invasion could've been avoided...
... if Ministry of Rites had forged
better relations with Japan.
Did you wish to see me?
Was it you?
Did you tell the Prime Minister about...
Is there a problem with that?
Are you satisfied now?
It's a subordinate officer's duty to
help a superior who has lost his way.
You're an officer of this government before
you're anyone's peer or subordinate.
Are you criticizing me?
I'm done talking.
Figure that out for yourself.
I'm telling you, they're the thieves!
The local magistrate burglarized
the merchant warehouses and
filled up the government granaries
that the Japanese emptied out.
Do you have proof?
Are you here to aggravate me?
You should've put markings
on your grain sacks.
Markings? Do you really think that
would've done any good when the
guards who are supposed to protect
our property turned into thieves?
That's not all.
I saw the Japanese spy signaling toward
the ocean calling the fleet for landing.
What do you have lips for?
You should've run straight to
the authorities and told them.
I did.
They ignored my report and
booted me out the door,
and now they're denying
that I ever made the report!
It's just as I thought...
I thought it was suspicious when I
started seeing a lot of Japanese
around the Hall of Great Peace, and
this the information they were after
the time the grains of the three southern
states are brought to Gangryeongpo.
But why did the officials steal
from the merchants and fill up
the government granaries?
Why would they do such a thing?
Don't you get it, fool?
This is all because of the Crown Prince.
The fact that the Crown Prince
fought in this battle is the trouble.
Let's say a report got out that the
government granaries were completely
emptied out in an invasion that the
Crown Prince supposedly fought off.
How would that make
the Crown Prince look?
No one is stupid enough to bring
shame on the Crown Prince
that is unless they
have three or four lives.
You don't smell like a government worker,
so you must be a scholar
at the Confusion Academy.
I tell you,
it's a crying shame, but there's nothing
neither you nor I can do about this.
All we can do is bemoan this dirty world
and comfort ourselves by
drowning our rage with wine.
Here.
Drink.
Why did the Prince go to Gangryeongpo?
I'm afraid he might do
something he will regret.
I think you should go over there now.
Are you going to Gangryeongpo this time?
Choongnyeong, that kid,
is making you work too hard.
Give him a good scolding this time.
Don't let him behave like this again.
Why?
Master?
When a young man in full vigor
opens his heart to the world,
isn't rage for injustice
supposed to grow?
But his rage is causing
unnecessary trouble.
It's better than being a spectator.
You don't think of a man's life as an
ornament like that orchid, do you?
Stop!
Stop this at once!
How dare you talk about the world
and argue about state affairs when
you can't even take a man's life?
Your uncles will die because of you.
Don't do anything.
Keep no interest in state affairs and
don't try to learn about the world.
These are things you
are not allowed to do.
It's all because of the Crown Prince.
The people are being sacrificed to
protect the Crown Prince's reputation.
What's the maximum range of projectile?
As you can see it's far beyond one
hundred paces, Your Highness.
It's too short to hit enemy
warships from the beach.
The Japanese don't even
know what cannons are.
When the here the loud boom,
they'll be scared to death, and...
Do you think I'm out here for fun?
You're Choi Musun's son?
Yes...
Do you harbor animosity
against this state?
Has this regime been treating you
poorly compared to the previous regime?
No, Your Highness...
Then why is there no progress when
it's been decades since your father
developed gunpowder?
We mustn't doubt this man's loyalty
Your Highness.
It's thanks to him that our explosive
weapons are maintaining its life.
What's the use when these
weapons are ineffective?
What happened?
Why are you here alone?
Did the Prince already enter the palace?
Did he?
Well, um... Master.
What is the meaning of this?
Haven't you seen a man drinking before?
Get up from there.
Now!
Why are you raising your voice at me?
You should be praising me instead.
Your Highness.
I'm such an obedient student.
You say stay out of it, I say "Yes, sir."
You say do nothing,
I say, "Sure thing, sir."
Would you leave us alone?
Who's going serve my teacher if you leave?
Would you like a drink?
I heard you were in Gangryeongpo.
I was bored.
I went there because I was bored,
but it was a stupid thing to do.
The world is only for the
Crown Prince to fondle with,
and all the other princes have to
do is fondle women...
So you're going to toss about in
a gisaeng house from now on?
Yes, I thought I might try.
I'm sure my father and
the world will be glad.
What about the people?
The people you care so much about.
There's nothing I can do, darn it.
Did you speak out in your youth
because you were more able then?
You know what the result
was when I did speak out.
As long as you have the right idea, you
can always find a way by trial and error.
But now, the man you are now
won't be able to find a way.
How could you when
you're blinded by jealousy?
You're jealous of the Crown Prince who
gets all the attention and recognition.
Master!
Am I wrong?
You're too preoccupied by
jealousy care about the people.
I haven't forgotten about the people.
Yes, you have.
You've forgotten all about them.
There's only one person you
feel pity for the poor boy
who has lost all chances of getting
recognized to his older brother?
That is you, yourself.
Is it wrong to want
recognition and acceptance?
You have to let that go,
or you will never find a way.
I'm fine.
I can walk.
Be careful, Your Highness.
Wife, there you are.
Where did he drink like this?
Well, um...
At a gisaeng house.
I went to a gisaeng house.
Your Highness...
Aren't you angry?
I was at a gisaeng house.
You're drunk.
You should rest now.
Wife...
You're very foolish.
Your Highness...
You worry about me and take care
of me everyday and every night...
That makes you a bigger fool than I am...
Don't say things like that.
The baby will hear it.
Did you say... baby?
Yes...
The child will be very smart just like you.
A baby...
A baby...?
A child like me...
A child with fate as wretched as mine is
going to be born into this cold world?
Your Highness...
Donglae Government Office
You beastly slave, what have you done?
Father!
How dare you lay a hand
on a nobleman's daughter!
Take this animal and
throw him into the ocean!
Step back.
Daion!
Youngsil didn't do anything wrong.
I persuaded him to come
with me to the capital.
I heard that I could buy rare
medicine from Ming there,
so I asked him to come with me.
What?
You don't care about Mother.
She s been bedridden for three
years now, and you don't even
think about finding her a good
physician or good medicine.
All you ever do is go in and out
of your concubines' rooms.
Go inside and see for yourself
if she needs that medicine!
Would you brew these herbs for me?
My lady...
They're supposed to work
wonders. Prepare them for me.
Lady Daion...
Please do as I ask.
Her hands are so cold...
What if she catches a cold?
She'll get even sicker then.
So please...
So please go and brew the herbs now.
Hurry up!
I'm sorry...
I'm sorry, Mother...
Where is the Buddhist priest?
What do you mean?
Mother loved the sutra chanting.
Just come here and take your seat.
You weren't even here to witness
her passing. What are you doing?
I'm not sending Mother off like this.
This is not the way she wanted to go!
"If I die...
If that day comes...
let there be peaceful chanting
of the sutra at my wake.
So that I might find my way to Heaven."
That's what she said all the time!
I can't blatantly do
what the government has forbidden.
You want me to lose what
little authority I have left?
Authority?
Did you say authority?
Why is that so important?
This is her last wish and
you can't grant her that?
The surviving must survive!
Without authority, I'm a dead man too!
Are you testing the cannons again today?
What's a bookworm doing here?
I want to find a way to set things right.
Set things right?