Dae Wang Sejong (2008): Season 1, Episode 76 - Episode #1.76 - full transcript
Type Foundry, Gyeongbok Palace, Fall 1435
Gabin type looks cleaner
than Gyeongja type, sir.
This kid Youngsil here had pretty big
hand in developing the Gabin type.
No? Are you trying to take
full credit for it alone?
He's a deputy commander.
When will you stop calling him "kid"?
That's exactly what I said.
Be quiet, and take the
books and hand them out, kid.
I'm not a kid.
What did you say, kid?
I'm leaving.
Here I go!
The books you had ordered printed.
Phonetic systems...
It's an unfamiliar field so
reviewing it will take some work.
Are you going to review all
of these books personally?
I might have to review
ten times as many hooks.
Why aren't you putting the
Hall of Worthies to work?
I sent them copies of the
phonetic books for now,
so I'll wait and see how they respond.
Say nothing of my plan to anyone yet.
Did you sent them to the
East palace as well?
His Majesty has sent books.
Take it to the East Palace.
I know you have a lot on your mind, but...
Your Highness...
I don't know what he's going to do.
All he ever does he attend
his lectures and this.
He doesn't eat, he doesn't sleep...
What's the reason this time?
It's not something I can say unless
the Crown Prince tells you first.
Ogeun.
There's no way I can tell you.
What did Ogeun tell you?
He's a faithful servant.
He won't divulge his master's secrets.
That's a relief.
Why are you making a sword?
Maybe I want to go fight in a war.
Your Highness.
That'll please the King.
The Crown Prince that adamantly
opposed the military campaigns
leads the battle himself...
Please go back to the East Palace.
How long do you suppose this sword
can protect me on a battlefield?
Two hours, perhaps?
Read the books here if you don't
want to go back to the East Palace.
What for?
His Majesty has distributed these books
to all of his men from the scholars of
the Hall of Worthies to the
officials at the Conference Hall.
There has to be a reason for it.
I don't want to know what that is.
When will you stop this
childish grumbling?
I'm not grumbling.
Your Highness.
I am unworthy.
I don't deserve to know
what's on the King's mind.
Because...
Because I'm... unworthy
of the future throne.
Quietly!
Walk softly and quietly.
He's like a nagging mother-in-law.
Yi Sunji!
I got new books!
Brand spanking new
books hot off the press!
New books?
I knew you'd be happy.
I'm checking for misprints, so I can
kick you out if you've made a mistake.
It's great having a type
foundry in the palace.
We get new books as quickly as they come.
But these books are all
on the same subject.
"Four Tones of Chinese Phonetics",
"Medieval Chinese Rhymes",
"Phonetic Rhymes in Central China",
"Hongwu Rhymes".
Why are we looking at books on phonetics?
Yes, you're right.
I wonder why His Majesty has suddenly
printed these books on phonetics.
Phonetics?
Not on cannons, not on doctrines,
but on phonetics?
Perhaps he wants us to teach
them at the Royal lessons.
Phonetics in Royal lessons?
That's ridiculous.
What could His Majesty
be up to this time?
Perhaps there is a hidden code in these
books about the new weapons technology.
He distributed phonetics books to everyone
after his incognito travel in the city?
What could this mean?
Where is Director Yun Hwe?
He is yet to enter the palace?
Why?
I send for him at his home, but was told
he did not come home last night.
Sir!
Director Yun!
Sir!
Oh, he reeks of alcohol!
Sir!
Director Yun.
Director Yun!
Yes, Your Majesty.
Were you here drinking all night?
I was just going to have
one little drink, but...
Royal Attendant.
Yes, Your Majesty.
Clear the room.
Clear the attendants outside as well.
Yes, Your Majesty.
Your Majesty...
Don't you know how anxious I am?
We're talking about creating a whole
new writing system only for Joseon.
Does this look like a child's play to you?
Of course not.
It's a daunting task that may
not be achievable in both of
our lifetimes combined.
Then how can you be negligent like this?
I will not tolerate this.
You will be punished.
What is this?
Haven't you ever seen a wine cup before?
I know it's a wine cup, but...
Take it.
But we don't even have any wine.
You are to have no more than three
glasses of wine a day using this cup.
Oh, Your Majesty, you are
so humorous sometimes.
This is not a joke.
I am Yun Hwe, Your Majesty.
Three cups of wine in
that dinky little thing won't
even wet my throat let alone my liver.
Do you need a more severe punishment?
A more severe punishment?
I can order you to stop
drinking all together.
All together?
I'll issue a prohibition order across
the state if that's what it will take
to stop you from drinking.
You wouldn't.
I will write the decree night
now if you don't believe me.
You can issue it yourself.
All right.
I'll obey your command.
Three glasses.
I'll drink three glasses a day only.
What are you doing here?
Fighting a fight to stretch my
rights as far as I can within my
limit as set by the King.
A fight?
A desperate struggle to acquire
even one more drop of wine doesn't
it bring tears to your eyes?
You sure are a man of great diversity.
What is this made of?
I can't get it to stretch out.
Perhaps it needs heat.
You're here early.
It's the Queen's birthday.
What do you expect?
Why are you in those clothes?
I didn't know we had to
do the cooking ourselves.
You can't attend the dinner to give her
good wishes since you're a concubine.
The least you can do is to contribute
in the preparation of the dinner.
Forgive me.
A birthday dinner?
See if you can cancel it.
Your Highness...
Do you think I deserve it?
I can't even solve a problem for my son.
How can I enjoy a birthday dinner?
Canceling it will
only cause rumors and speculations.
I am going to ignore it.
Pardon me, Your Highness?
Forget about the plan you
and Royal Attendant had.
Sosang and Danji,
don't hurt the two girls.
But...
There is no reason that justifies
hasty handling precious lives.
I will figures out another way.
Did you hear me?
Yes, Your Highness.
Forget about it?
It's only fitting that the Queen
should issue such order.
Then...
But it is one order I cannot obey.
I will assume responsibility
for everything.
Escort Han.
You have to be rational about this.
Fate of the Royal House is on the line.
That's exactly what we
are here to preserve.
Is everything set?
Send them to Royal Chef Kim's house.
Everything will work itself out.
An errand?
Go to Royal Chef Kim's house and
bring back the dried goods he has ready.
No.
Little wench!
How dare you defy your superior's order!
If I shouted out why right here, more than
a few people will become
very embarrassed.
We know that Royal Chef
Kim's house is our deathtrap.
What are you talking about?
What in heaven's name...!
If you do as much as touch
a hair on our head,
these drawings will be circulated
all over the city.
How dare you!
Remember, Madam.
You're the one that started this.
Twenty years have passed since
we entered this palace together.
You've been so patient with
this awful husband
who never remembers your birthday.
Oh, Your Majesty...
I would've forgotten again if it
weren't for the Crown Princess.
I owe you for remembering the
Queen's birthday and cluing me in.
You are most kind, Father.
It's a daughter-in-law's duty to
remember her mother-in-law's birthday.
Why are you so quiet?
Is there something wrong?
No, Father.
We're just embarrassed
we didn't remember first.
Mother, I wish you happy birthday.
Be healthy and well for
many years to come.
I wish you happy birthday, Mother.
If you really want to make
her happy, ease her worries.
Give her a Royal grandson.
You will be filling her lonely days with
joy and removing a national concern.
You must remember as well, Crown Princess.
Won't you help us, Father?
His Highness is always busy with state
affairs and rarely has time for family.
Oh dear, she doesn't miss a beat.
I guess this is not a day of
celebration for the Queen's birthday
but a day of reprimand for the King.
Crown Princess.
What is this audacious behavior?
Oh dear, such short temper.
There is no need to get upset.
Crown Princess is right.
I'm sorry, Father
But I don't know what to say.
I must push the Crown
Prince to work even harder.
He is the future King.
He will have many things to attend to.
And at time you will feel neglected.
But know that his heart is with you and
give him your support and understanding.
Would you do that for me?
Yes, Father.
Public distribution of the codes of laws?
But first they must be translated.
Translated?
I'd like the Hall of Worthies to translate the
laws including the Great Ming Code into
Idu under the Crown Prince's supervision
since Idu will be much easier for the
common people to learn than Chinese.
Then perhaps you can develop
an easier writing system.
Idu is for clerks and petty officials.
We can't use it at the Hall of Worthies.
Then perhaps you can develop
an easier writing system.
What do you mean?
Idu may be easier than Chinese,
but it's just as daunting to learn
from the commoner's perspective.
I don't think we should be
exchanging jokes right now.
What makes you think I am joking?
How does it look?
I don't think any of them have ever
conceived of developing
a new writing system.
It'll be a giant step just to get them
to agree to translate the laws.
I must oppose translating
the laws, Your Majesty.
I oppose as well.
It's dangerous to give the people
power to toy with the law.
Is it bad to try and reduce the number of
people who are getting victimized and
abused because they don't know the laws?
Yes, it is.
Did you forget what His Majesty
experience in his incognito travel?
If he had not been there, an innocent
man would've been executed.
That is no reason for the
people to know the laws.
The problem was with a
misguided magistrate.
It should be solved with tightened discipline
and more careful selection of local officials.
What's more,
if you arm the loud-mouthed and ignorant
people with knowledge of the law,
they will become even
more difficult to govern.
People are whom I serve as my god.
Why are you so condescending?
There's a problem with
overestimating them as well.
"The people's voice is the voice of God."
It's a nice quote, but it's a dream
that doesn't reflect the truth.
Isn't it our job to turn
that dream into reality?
Your Highness.
I will translate the laws.
If we teach the laws to the people,
the country will run rampant with
those trying to circumvent
and abuse the laws.
People are good in nature.
That's the first thought you have to
throw out the door to be a politician.
Those are Mencius's words.
Doctrine of innate goodness?
I don't believe in that.
The market square?
It's a place where selfishness and
greed smolders like a volcano.
Controlling that is what
politics is all about.
Don't you think I know that?
Then it's only fitting that
this order is withdrawn.
That is all the more reason why
we must teach them the laws.
What I want ultimately is for each and
every citizen of this country to become
political subjects who can control
that greed and ambition on their own.
And the first step is to give them the
power to protect their own rights.
25 years since the day I stood here
sounding the Petitioner's Drum.
A lot has changed since then.
But like you said, the city
had not changed much at all.
Translating the code of laws may I take
that as an answer to my request?
Does this mean you're
going to slacken the reins
on military campaigns and
focus on domestic affairs?
Kings have no luxury to
make hasty decisions.
Domestic affairs, economy,
defense, foreign affairs,
there is not one thing I can neglect.
But you can prioritize.
Autonomy within alliance or
autonomy based on self-sufficiency,
that, too, can't be decided in haste.
It's an issue to take time
and fiercely argue about.
Aren't you angry with me?
Why should I be?
I've opposed your policies again and again.
Continue to oppose until you understand
why I'm enforcing those policies.
That is the art of politics.
By the way, Grandfather.
What do I do if Father and I disagree
on something like you and he did?
You have to assert yourself.
But if I do...
Your father will love you just the same.
The scholars won't even support
translating the code of laws.
The high ministers oppose as well.
If you announce your intent to develop
a whole new writing system now,
the entire Royal court
will be up in arms.
More importantly, we must secure
the Six Forts in the frontier before
Ming government is restructured and
stabilized around the new Emperor.
Oondu Mountain Fort Hweryeong,
Hamgil Province
This report is in regard to
reclaiming the frontier.
We have successfully suppressed the
Odoli Tribe and took back Hweryeong.
Hweryeong Protectorate expands 35
miles southeast and 8.15 miles west.
I will give my life to the cause of building
a secure border along Tuman River.
What is it?
A secret messenger is here from Mongolia.
A Mongolian messenger?
They want to make a deal with Joseon.
It looks like we might be able to
catch two birds with one stone.
Two birds?
Contact Beijing and tell them
to let the information slip.
AD 1435, Beijing
Mongolia and Joseon in secret contact?
According to my sources, they've
been in contact with Japan as well.
Mongolia... and Japan as well?
This could be an alliance of
barbarians against Great Ming.
Which do you want to suppress first
between Joseon and Wang Zhen?
Aren't you a member of Dongchang?
I would rather be called the
Emperor's faithful servant.
Hall of Eastern Peace, Hanyang
A guesthouse for Japanese envoys
Shogun will be very pleased.
If you take me to Japan,
I can give him gifts far better than this.
You want to come to Japan?
Yes!
But you're the son of Hall of
Worthies Scholar Shin Jang.
Let's not talk about that.
Getting into Hall of Worthies is a
greatest honor for a Joseonese scholar.
Why don't you follow
your father's footsteps?
Boy, they sure ask a lot of questions.
Are you going to take me or not?
I'm asking because this is strange.
I think it's strange, too.
What brings you here, Grandfather-in-law?
I hope it isn't to say goodbye to a grandson
-in-law who's running away to Japan.
Grandson, let's go somewhere for a drink.
Come on.
Let's go!
Stop thief!
Stop him!
Stop thief!
Sir!
- My lord!
- My lord!
Grandfather!
Grandfather, wake up!
Help!
Grandfather!
You're not supposed to run around!
The physician said liver cancer is...
How was my performance?
Good enough to join the theater, right?
How could you scare me like that!
You had me scared half to death.
But I caught you, didn't I?
Now, are you going to come
quietly, or do I have to drag you?
Hall of Worthies?
You want me in the Hall of Worthies?
Who taught you Chinese and Japanese?
You.
I taught you those languages for a reason.
Then I won't use Chinese
and Japanese anymore.
I can make a living with my Mongolian,
Arabic and Vietnamese skills alone.
If I may remind you, I mastered
these languages on my own.
That's why His Majesty needs you.
Someone with extraordinary linguistic
talent in both written and spoken language.
That's what we need for this work.
Grandfather, I'm not going to
do it no matter what you say.
I'm not going into government service,
and I'm certainly not going
into the Hall of Worthies.
Why not?
Because I am angry with the King.
I'm angry with the King for working
my father and you day and night.
What do you get for it?
What did you get in return except an illness
that's more painful than death to endure?
Sit back down for a minute.
I'll pay for the drinks.
But this is the last time since
alcohol is poison for your liver.
Wait!
Grandson!
Prime Minister.
Books on phonetics, code of laws
translations, and now you're trying to
recruit a man with exceptional
talent in foreign languages.
The King is pursuing another revolution.
Isn't he?
I guess someone is finally
answering the King's call.
Create a new writing system?
I want to give my people a
weapon to defend themselves.
That weapon will only end up
threatening the government.
Do you want the government and
the people to become enemies?
I want the government and
the people to grow together.
The officials will say you want
direct communication with the
people to suppress their power.
Political power is useless
unless it is used for the people.
The high ministers will not want to use the
writing system that the common people use.
Do you know why?
Because literacy is their
power and their vested right.
Thus no one will concur with your idea,
and no one will support your cause.
Then I will pursue the creation
of a new writing system alone.
I cannot back down
even if it means my life.
Your Majesty...
My father desperately wanted to
abdicate his throne because he
wanted to solidify the foundation
of this government in his lifetime.
I will consider creation of our own
writing system to be my life's mission
because I want the people to
become the political subject
not just for now but for
thousands of years to come.
Now I want to hear your answer.
Prime Minister, what is politics to you?
Why did you get out of Dumundong alive
and why did you answer my call to
service after years of hermitage?
No!
This can't be happening!
No!
You must leave Dumundong now, sir.
A scholar is nothing without his purpose.
You'd abandon the people
to preserve your purpose?
Where would the people look to for hope?
Prime Minister, what is politics to you?
Why did you get out of Dumundong alive?
Did you wish to see me?
Forgive me for my audacity, Your Majesty.
Does this mean you are ready
to give me your answer?
I thought this might be
an appropriate place.
If the city square was your inspiration point
for entering politics Dumundong was mine.
Politics is not for the
strong and the wealthy.
Politics is for the minority and the weak.
Creating a new alphabet for the
common people may be the first step.
It'll be a rough road.
And it will be a lonely road
since you will be on your own
with no support from anywhere.
It might even be an impossible
dream unachievable in your lifetime.
But I do want to give it a shot.
Permit this unworthy man to
dream your great dream with you.
Grandson!
What happened?
What brought me to you?
Passionate desire, Your Majesty.
You won't be able attend to all
state affairs working on the
creation of the new writing system.
Regency?
He is turning over prerogative
power on all government affairs
excluding military and personnel
affairs to the Crown Prince,
so we must quickly restructure
ourselves around the Crown Prince.
Why this sudden decision?
It's time for the Crown Prince get
some real lessons in being a King.
Regency?
Phonetics books, laws translations,
and now regency...
Something is going on.
What could the King be up to?
Type Foundry
After you.
The delivery room where a
new writing system will be born!
Is it because of the regency?
Your face is full of fear.
It's deciding the fate of the people.
Fear is normal.
That fear will guide you
into the right direction.
You will do just fine.
Please take a break.
I want us to start over.
Nothing will change anything.
I want to try.
If you tell me to be patient, I will,
no matter how long it takes.
Then could you share your
heart with me someday?
May I harbor hope that you might?
I'm asking for your mercy.
What do you mean?
If it's at all possible,
I want to live as the Crown Princess,
as a man's wife and as
the mother of this country.
It's too late for that.
Sosang.
You used us like toys and
now you want us to get lost?
I'm begging you.
We'll leave if that's
what you really want.
But both you and your high and
mighty husband will suffer dearly.
What do you mean by that?
Ugly rumors about you will be
spread all over the country.
We've already crossed
the point of no return.
It's better to give up false hope.
There is something I must tell you, Father.
At this late hour?
Is everything all right
with the Crown Prince?
Depose me from the seat
of the Crown Princess.
Depose you?
I have had an illicit affair
with a palace maid.
Gabin type looks cleaner
than Gyeongja type, sir.
This kid Youngsil here had pretty big
hand in developing the Gabin type.
No? Are you trying to take
full credit for it alone?
He's a deputy commander.
When will you stop calling him "kid"?
That's exactly what I said.
Be quiet, and take the
books and hand them out, kid.
I'm not a kid.
What did you say, kid?
I'm leaving.
Here I go!
The books you had ordered printed.
Phonetic systems...
It's an unfamiliar field so
reviewing it will take some work.
Are you going to review all
of these books personally?
I might have to review
ten times as many hooks.
Why aren't you putting the
Hall of Worthies to work?
I sent them copies of the
phonetic books for now,
so I'll wait and see how they respond.
Say nothing of my plan to anyone yet.
Did you sent them to the
East palace as well?
His Majesty has sent books.
Take it to the East Palace.
I know you have a lot on your mind, but...
Your Highness...
I don't know what he's going to do.
All he ever does he attend
his lectures and this.
He doesn't eat, he doesn't sleep...
What's the reason this time?
It's not something I can say unless
the Crown Prince tells you first.
Ogeun.
There's no way I can tell you.
What did Ogeun tell you?
He's a faithful servant.
He won't divulge his master's secrets.
That's a relief.
Why are you making a sword?
Maybe I want to go fight in a war.
Your Highness.
That'll please the King.
The Crown Prince that adamantly
opposed the military campaigns
leads the battle himself...
Please go back to the East Palace.
How long do you suppose this sword
can protect me on a battlefield?
Two hours, perhaps?
Read the books here if you don't
want to go back to the East Palace.
What for?
His Majesty has distributed these books
to all of his men from the scholars of
the Hall of Worthies to the
officials at the Conference Hall.
There has to be a reason for it.
I don't want to know what that is.
When will you stop this
childish grumbling?
I'm not grumbling.
Your Highness.
I am unworthy.
I don't deserve to know
what's on the King's mind.
Because...
Because I'm... unworthy
of the future throne.
Quietly!
Walk softly and quietly.
He's like a nagging mother-in-law.
Yi Sunji!
I got new books!
Brand spanking new
books hot off the press!
New books?
I knew you'd be happy.
I'm checking for misprints, so I can
kick you out if you've made a mistake.
It's great having a type
foundry in the palace.
We get new books as quickly as they come.
But these books are all
on the same subject.
"Four Tones of Chinese Phonetics",
"Medieval Chinese Rhymes",
"Phonetic Rhymes in Central China",
"Hongwu Rhymes".
Why are we looking at books on phonetics?
Yes, you're right.
I wonder why His Majesty has suddenly
printed these books on phonetics.
Phonetics?
Not on cannons, not on doctrines,
but on phonetics?
Perhaps he wants us to teach
them at the Royal lessons.
Phonetics in Royal lessons?
That's ridiculous.
What could His Majesty
be up to this time?
Perhaps there is a hidden code in these
books about the new weapons technology.
He distributed phonetics books to everyone
after his incognito travel in the city?
What could this mean?
Where is Director Yun Hwe?
He is yet to enter the palace?
Why?
I send for him at his home, but was told
he did not come home last night.
Sir!
Director Yun!
Sir!
Oh, he reeks of alcohol!
Sir!
Director Yun.
Director Yun!
Yes, Your Majesty.
Were you here drinking all night?
I was just going to have
one little drink, but...
Royal Attendant.
Yes, Your Majesty.
Clear the room.
Clear the attendants outside as well.
Yes, Your Majesty.
Your Majesty...
Don't you know how anxious I am?
We're talking about creating a whole
new writing system only for Joseon.
Does this look like a child's play to you?
Of course not.
It's a daunting task that may
not be achievable in both of
our lifetimes combined.
Then how can you be negligent like this?
I will not tolerate this.
You will be punished.
What is this?
Haven't you ever seen a wine cup before?
I know it's a wine cup, but...
Take it.
But we don't even have any wine.
You are to have no more than three
glasses of wine a day using this cup.
Oh, Your Majesty, you are
so humorous sometimes.
This is not a joke.
I am Yun Hwe, Your Majesty.
Three cups of wine in
that dinky little thing won't
even wet my throat let alone my liver.
Do you need a more severe punishment?
A more severe punishment?
I can order you to stop
drinking all together.
All together?
I'll issue a prohibition order across
the state if that's what it will take
to stop you from drinking.
You wouldn't.
I will write the decree night
now if you don't believe me.
You can issue it yourself.
All right.
I'll obey your command.
Three glasses.
I'll drink three glasses a day only.
What are you doing here?
Fighting a fight to stretch my
rights as far as I can within my
limit as set by the King.
A fight?
A desperate struggle to acquire
even one more drop of wine doesn't
it bring tears to your eyes?
You sure are a man of great diversity.
What is this made of?
I can't get it to stretch out.
Perhaps it needs heat.
You're here early.
It's the Queen's birthday.
What do you expect?
Why are you in those clothes?
I didn't know we had to
do the cooking ourselves.
You can't attend the dinner to give her
good wishes since you're a concubine.
The least you can do is to contribute
in the preparation of the dinner.
Forgive me.
A birthday dinner?
See if you can cancel it.
Your Highness...
Do you think I deserve it?
I can't even solve a problem for my son.
How can I enjoy a birthday dinner?
Canceling it will
only cause rumors and speculations.
I am going to ignore it.
Pardon me, Your Highness?
Forget about the plan you
and Royal Attendant had.
Sosang and Danji,
don't hurt the two girls.
But...
There is no reason that justifies
hasty handling precious lives.
I will figures out another way.
Did you hear me?
Yes, Your Highness.
Forget about it?
It's only fitting that the Queen
should issue such order.
Then...
But it is one order I cannot obey.
I will assume responsibility
for everything.
Escort Han.
You have to be rational about this.
Fate of the Royal House is on the line.
That's exactly what we
are here to preserve.
Is everything set?
Send them to Royal Chef Kim's house.
Everything will work itself out.
An errand?
Go to Royal Chef Kim's house and
bring back the dried goods he has ready.
No.
Little wench!
How dare you defy your superior's order!
If I shouted out why right here, more than
a few people will become
very embarrassed.
We know that Royal Chef
Kim's house is our deathtrap.
What are you talking about?
What in heaven's name...!
If you do as much as touch
a hair on our head,
these drawings will be circulated
all over the city.
How dare you!
Remember, Madam.
You're the one that started this.
Twenty years have passed since
we entered this palace together.
You've been so patient with
this awful husband
who never remembers your birthday.
Oh, Your Majesty...
I would've forgotten again if it
weren't for the Crown Princess.
I owe you for remembering the
Queen's birthday and cluing me in.
You are most kind, Father.
It's a daughter-in-law's duty to
remember her mother-in-law's birthday.
Why are you so quiet?
Is there something wrong?
No, Father.
We're just embarrassed
we didn't remember first.
Mother, I wish you happy birthday.
Be healthy and well for
many years to come.
I wish you happy birthday, Mother.
If you really want to make
her happy, ease her worries.
Give her a Royal grandson.
You will be filling her lonely days with
joy and removing a national concern.
You must remember as well, Crown Princess.
Won't you help us, Father?
His Highness is always busy with state
affairs and rarely has time for family.
Oh dear, she doesn't miss a beat.
I guess this is not a day of
celebration for the Queen's birthday
but a day of reprimand for the King.
Crown Princess.
What is this audacious behavior?
Oh dear, such short temper.
There is no need to get upset.
Crown Princess is right.
I'm sorry, Father
But I don't know what to say.
I must push the Crown
Prince to work even harder.
He is the future King.
He will have many things to attend to.
And at time you will feel neglected.
But know that his heart is with you and
give him your support and understanding.
Would you do that for me?
Yes, Father.
Public distribution of the codes of laws?
But first they must be translated.
Translated?
I'd like the Hall of Worthies to translate the
laws including the Great Ming Code into
Idu under the Crown Prince's supervision
since Idu will be much easier for the
common people to learn than Chinese.
Then perhaps you can develop
an easier writing system.
Idu is for clerks and petty officials.
We can't use it at the Hall of Worthies.
Then perhaps you can develop
an easier writing system.
What do you mean?
Idu may be easier than Chinese,
but it's just as daunting to learn
from the commoner's perspective.
I don't think we should be
exchanging jokes right now.
What makes you think I am joking?
How does it look?
I don't think any of them have ever
conceived of developing
a new writing system.
It'll be a giant step just to get them
to agree to translate the laws.
I must oppose translating
the laws, Your Majesty.
I oppose as well.
It's dangerous to give the people
power to toy with the law.
Is it bad to try and reduce the number of
people who are getting victimized and
abused because they don't know the laws?
Yes, it is.
Did you forget what His Majesty
experience in his incognito travel?
If he had not been there, an innocent
man would've been executed.
That is no reason for the
people to know the laws.
The problem was with a
misguided magistrate.
It should be solved with tightened discipline
and more careful selection of local officials.
What's more,
if you arm the loud-mouthed and ignorant
people with knowledge of the law,
they will become even
more difficult to govern.
People are whom I serve as my god.
Why are you so condescending?
There's a problem with
overestimating them as well.
"The people's voice is the voice of God."
It's a nice quote, but it's a dream
that doesn't reflect the truth.
Isn't it our job to turn
that dream into reality?
Your Highness.
I will translate the laws.
If we teach the laws to the people,
the country will run rampant with
those trying to circumvent
and abuse the laws.
People are good in nature.
That's the first thought you have to
throw out the door to be a politician.
Those are Mencius's words.
Doctrine of innate goodness?
I don't believe in that.
The market square?
It's a place where selfishness and
greed smolders like a volcano.
Controlling that is what
politics is all about.
Don't you think I know that?
Then it's only fitting that
this order is withdrawn.
That is all the more reason why
we must teach them the laws.
What I want ultimately is for each and
every citizen of this country to become
political subjects who can control
that greed and ambition on their own.
And the first step is to give them the
power to protect their own rights.
25 years since the day I stood here
sounding the Petitioner's Drum.
A lot has changed since then.
But like you said, the city
had not changed much at all.
Translating the code of laws may I take
that as an answer to my request?
Does this mean you're
going to slacken the reins
on military campaigns and
focus on domestic affairs?
Kings have no luxury to
make hasty decisions.
Domestic affairs, economy,
defense, foreign affairs,
there is not one thing I can neglect.
But you can prioritize.
Autonomy within alliance or
autonomy based on self-sufficiency,
that, too, can't be decided in haste.
It's an issue to take time
and fiercely argue about.
Aren't you angry with me?
Why should I be?
I've opposed your policies again and again.
Continue to oppose until you understand
why I'm enforcing those policies.
That is the art of politics.
By the way, Grandfather.
What do I do if Father and I disagree
on something like you and he did?
You have to assert yourself.
But if I do...
Your father will love you just the same.
The scholars won't even support
translating the code of laws.
The high ministers oppose as well.
If you announce your intent to develop
a whole new writing system now,
the entire Royal court
will be up in arms.
More importantly, we must secure
the Six Forts in the frontier before
Ming government is restructured and
stabilized around the new Emperor.
Oondu Mountain Fort Hweryeong,
Hamgil Province
This report is in regard to
reclaiming the frontier.
We have successfully suppressed the
Odoli Tribe and took back Hweryeong.
Hweryeong Protectorate expands 35
miles southeast and 8.15 miles west.
I will give my life to the cause of building
a secure border along Tuman River.
What is it?
A secret messenger is here from Mongolia.
A Mongolian messenger?
They want to make a deal with Joseon.
It looks like we might be able to
catch two birds with one stone.
Two birds?
Contact Beijing and tell them
to let the information slip.
AD 1435, Beijing
Mongolia and Joseon in secret contact?
According to my sources, they've
been in contact with Japan as well.
Mongolia... and Japan as well?
This could be an alliance of
barbarians against Great Ming.
Which do you want to suppress first
between Joseon and Wang Zhen?
Aren't you a member of Dongchang?
I would rather be called the
Emperor's faithful servant.
Hall of Eastern Peace, Hanyang
A guesthouse for Japanese envoys
Shogun will be very pleased.
If you take me to Japan,
I can give him gifts far better than this.
You want to come to Japan?
Yes!
But you're the son of Hall of
Worthies Scholar Shin Jang.
Let's not talk about that.
Getting into Hall of Worthies is a
greatest honor for a Joseonese scholar.
Why don't you follow
your father's footsteps?
Boy, they sure ask a lot of questions.
Are you going to take me or not?
I'm asking because this is strange.
I think it's strange, too.
What brings you here, Grandfather-in-law?
I hope it isn't to say goodbye to a grandson
-in-law who's running away to Japan.
Grandson, let's go somewhere for a drink.
Come on.
Let's go!
Stop thief!
Stop him!
Stop thief!
Sir!
- My lord!
- My lord!
Grandfather!
Grandfather, wake up!
Help!
Grandfather!
You're not supposed to run around!
The physician said liver cancer is...
How was my performance?
Good enough to join the theater, right?
How could you scare me like that!
You had me scared half to death.
But I caught you, didn't I?
Now, are you going to come
quietly, or do I have to drag you?
Hall of Worthies?
You want me in the Hall of Worthies?
Who taught you Chinese and Japanese?
You.
I taught you those languages for a reason.
Then I won't use Chinese
and Japanese anymore.
I can make a living with my Mongolian,
Arabic and Vietnamese skills alone.
If I may remind you, I mastered
these languages on my own.
That's why His Majesty needs you.
Someone with extraordinary linguistic
talent in both written and spoken language.
That's what we need for this work.
Grandfather, I'm not going to
do it no matter what you say.
I'm not going into government service,
and I'm certainly not going
into the Hall of Worthies.
Why not?
Because I am angry with the King.
I'm angry with the King for working
my father and you day and night.
What do you get for it?
What did you get in return except an illness
that's more painful than death to endure?
Sit back down for a minute.
I'll pay for the drinks.
But this is the last time since
alcohol is poison for your liver.
Wait!
Grandson!
Prime Minister.
Books on phonetics, code of laws
translations, and now you're trying to
recruit a man with exceptional
talent in foreign languages.
The King is pursuing another revolution.
Isn't he?
I guess someone is finally
answering the King's call.
Create a new writing system?
I want to give my people a
weapon to defend themselves.
That weapon will only end up
threatening the government.
Do you want the government and
the people to become enemies?
I want the government and
the people to grow together.
The officials will say you want
direct communication with the
people to suppress their power.
Political power is useless
unless it is used for the people.
The high ministers will not want to use the
writing system that the common people use.
Do you know why?
Because literacy is their
power and their vested right.
Thus no one will concur with your idea,
and no one will support your cause.
Then I will pursue the creation
of a new writing system alone.
I cannot back down
even if it means my life.
Your Majesty...
My father desperately wanted to
abdicate his throne because he
wanted to solidify the foundation
of this government in his lifetime.
I will consider creation of our own
writing system to be my life's mission
because I want the people to
become the political subject
not just for now but for
thousands of years to come.
Now I want to hear your answer.
Prime Minister, what is politics to you?
Why did you get out of Dumundong alive
and why did you answer my call to
service after years of hermitage?
No!
This can't be happening!
No!
You must leave Dumundong now, sir.
A scholar is nothing without his purpose.
You'd abandon the people
to preserve your purpose?
Where would the people look to for hope?
Prime Minister, what is politics to you?
Why did you get out of Dumundong alive?
Did you wish to see me?
Forgive me for my audacity, Your Majesty.
Does this mean you are ready
to give me your answer?
I thought this might be
an appropriate place.
If the city square was your inspiration point
for entering politics Dumundong was mine.
Politics is not for the
strong and the wealthy.
Politics is for the minority and the weak.
Creating a new alphabet for the
common people may be the first step.
It'll be a rough road.
And it will be a lonely road
since you will be on your own
with no support from anywhere.
It might even be an impossible
dream unachievable in your lifetime.
But I do want to give it a shot.
Permit this unworthy man to
dream your great dream with you.
Grandson!
What happened?
What brought me to you?
Passionate desire, Your Majesty.
You won't be able attend to all
state affairs working on the
creation of the new writing system.
Regency?
He is turning over prerogative
power on all government affairs
excluding military and personnel
affairs to the Crown Prince,
so we must quickly restructure
ourselves around the Crown Prince.
Why this sudden decision?
It's time for the Crown Prince get
some real lessons in being a King.
Regency?
Phonetics books, laws translations,
and now regency...
Something is going on.
What could the King be up to?
Type Foundry
After you.
The delivery room where a
new writing system will be born!
Is it because of the regency?
Your face is full of fear.
It's deciding the fate of the people.
Fear is normal.
That fear will guide you
into the right direction.
You will do just fine.
Please take a break.
I want us to start over.
Nothing will change anything.
I want to try.
If you tell me to be patient, I will,
no matter how long it takes.
Then could you share your
heart with me someday?
May I harbor hope that you might?
I'm asking for your mercy.
What do you mean?
If it's at all possible,
I want to live as the Crown Princess,
as a man's wife and as
the mother of this country.
It's too late for that.
Sosang.
You used us like toys and
now you want us to get lost?
I'm begging you.
We'll leave if that's
what you really want.
But both you and your high and
mighty husband will suffer dearly.
What do you mean by that?
Ugly rumors about you will be
spread all over the country.
We've already crossed
the point of no return.
It's better to give up false hope.
There is something I must tell you, Father.
At this late hour?
Is everything all right
with the Crown Prince?
Depose me from the seat
of the Crown Princess.
Depose you?
I have had an illicit affair
with a palace maid.