The Queen's Umbrella (2022): Season 1, Episode 1 - Episode #1.1 - full transcript
UNDER THE QUEEN'S UMBRELLA
EPISODE 1
-Where is that brat?
-Well…
What are you waiting for?
Who are you to be
acting with such insolence?
Me?
Someone who can carry out
whatever lunacy and get away with it.
What I am saying is
that I could kill you here and now
without any consequences if I wish to.
-I did not even get to say goodbye.
-I did that for you.
Cho-wol is not just a mere courtesan.
She is a dear friend.
A friend you share a bed with?
Forget her.
How could I?
Father has more than ten wives.
Why do I not even get to have one?
Then you should be a king.
Your Royal Highness.
The Crown Prince and Princess are here.
They are?
Send them in.
Did you have a good night?
Great-Grandmother.
Did you have a good night?
May you live long and prosper.
Come here.
Oh, my.
Now I have everything
that I have ever wished for.
I would have no regrets
if I were to die right now.
Grandmother.
May you live a long and healthy life.
Pillars cannot stand straight
without a foundation.
His Majesty needs your support
to remain strong.
I will remember that, Crown Prince.
Do you intend to let those people
starve to death?
Your Majesty.
It is to stop the plague.
We have sealed off the hut village
in Seochon to do that, have we not?
But people have even set fire to them
out of hatred for the villagers.
If we stop providing them relief,
they will surely suffer from starvation.
That is where the plague started.
It would be unnecessary to provide relief
at the risk of infection, Your Majesty.
Even if all deaths from the disease
cannot be prevented,
I cannot let my people starve to death.
Please, remember that there are even
more of your people outside that village.
It is a sacrifice for the greater good.
He is right, Your Majesty.
If access to the village
is granted to provide relief,
we might end up
endangering the entire capital.
It is said that the symptoms
improve within two weeks.
We can provide relief
as long as we isolate the officials
who have visited Seochon.
Anyone who enters the village
shall never be let outside again.
The plague started in Seochon,
so it must also end there.
That is what I intend to do as well.
Your Majesty.
Some state affairs
are to be approached with determination.
If determination is what is asked of me,
I shall display it.
Here is what I will do.
Establish a temporary relief station
in an area near the huts in Seochon.
But we will only deliver food
to the villagers,
and we will not make any close contact.
Also, reinforce the security in the area
and keep the quarantined under control.
-Yes, Your Majesty.
-Yes, Your Majesty.
How did it go?
Has everyone left for Jonghak?
Grand Prince Ilyeong is still fast asleep.
Grand Prince Seongnam is also missing.
It was your job to watch over them
as I could not be everywhere.
Was that too much to ask?
I have my hands full.
Not a day goes by without trouble!
-Forgive us, Your Majesty.
-Forgive us, Your Majesty.
Move along.
Where is Grand Prince Seongnam?
Where is he?
JONGHAK: EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION
FOR THE PRINCES AND THOSE OF ROYAL DESCENT
Goodness…
Eunuch Kim.
How early must we get here
to be at the front of the line?
I lost sleep so that I could be here
as early as possible and still…
I was here all night,
but I am still at the back of the line.
My goodness.
GUUNMONG
Oh, my.
Grand Prince Gyeseong.
Why did you not have one of your men
stand in line for you?
That would have only caused
further inconvenience. Do not mind me.
You should ready yourself to run.
Watch out!
Go in!
Move!
That is my seat.
That was close.
PRINCE UISEONG
FIRST JUNIOR CONSORT HWANG
(DISTINGUISHED CONCUBINE)
How did you find the tutors?
The arithmetic tutor was rather lacking.
Then I shall replace that one.
PRINCE SIMSO
FIRST JUNIOR CONSORT KO
PRINCE YEONGMIN
SECOND SENIOR CONSORT KIM
It is perfect weather for studying.
PRINCE NAMHYEON
FOURTH SENIOR CONSORT MOON
Prince Bogeom.
His Majesty and the Queen Dowager
will be visiting Jonghak today.
Are you not nervous?
I will just act as I always have.
PRINCE HODONG
FOURTH JUNIOR CONSORT OK
Your Majesty.
I searched everywhere,
but I could not find him.
Why today of all days?
Why?
Your Majesty, you shall hurry.
All the princes must gather
at Jonghak within half an hour.
Wake up.
-Wake up right now.
-Let me sleep a little more.
Wake up!
You are awake, right?
-Wake up and get ready to run.
-Why?
Why else? You must be there before
His Majesty and the Queen Dowager.
-And if I am not?
-Then you and I are both doomed.
Well done.
Is this the best you could do?
Forgive me.
-Prince Hodong.
-Hello, Grand Prince Muan.
The mothers are at it again.
Prince Bogeom.
You should walk once in a while.
Here are your snacks.
You must eat to keep yourself healthy.
Come here.
Prince Simso.
This pill provides nutrients to the brain.
Chew and swallow it.
Get a good look at what Prince Uiseong
is reading if you can see that far.
Sorry? Why?
I think his book…
looks a little different.
JUJASEOJEOLYO
I knew it.
That must be Jujaseojeolyo.
What is that?
It is a collection of Confucian texts
compiled by Master Toegye.
One cannot understand Jujaseojeolyo
without reading Daehak and Noneo.
Then he must have read them both.
My goodness.
They were not covered at Jonghak.
When did he finish them?
Is this not His Majesty's first visit here
since he ascended the throne?
That is right.
I wonder why he has never visited before.
He would not have had the time for us
since the Crown Prince
is studying at Sigangwon.
His Majesty has arrived.
Grand Prince Seongnam…
Gosh. He is not here yet.
SIGANGWON: EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION
EXCLUSIVE TO CROWN PRINCE
Will you explain
the meaning of that passage?
It means that the outcome of your actions
is independent of your abilities.
The number of competent subjects
a King has in his court does not matter
if he ends up squandering his wealth by
letting a dishonest subject deceive him.
It is said that a wise man
who knows right from wrong
is careful even when he drinks from
a stream that belongs to no one.
So today,
we are going to learn about
the duties of a wise man.
What do you think
a wise man's duty should be?
If one entrusts an unworthy subject
to lead the country,
the nation will face great catastrophes.
TONG, OUTSTANDING
Now I would like to pose
one whimsical question to you princes.
Bing, the word for "ice…"
becomes su, meaning "water."
Could you explain what has happened?
HWA, FIRE
It reminded me of the word hwan,
meaning "to return."
As ice was originally water,
it could be said to be returning
to its original state.
My answer is chun, meaning "spring."
By the course of nature, ice melts,
and plants and trees absorb water.
When plants survive the cold
and blossom in spring,
ice becomes water.
My answer…
is yi, meaning "to transfer."
What makes you say that?
When the ice is removed
from the Han River,
we are able to access the water below.
And when that ice is transferred
into the ice storage house,
it can be useful in the summer.
Prince Bogeom has provided
a rather practical answer.
I would like you princes to break free
from the confines of your studies
and think relentlessly
so that you may develop the ability
to come up with new ideas.
Well done, everyone.
GRAND PRINCE SEONGNAM
(SECOND SON OF THE QUEEN)
Is that not Grand Prince Seongnam
who always comes in last at Jonghak?
He also came last
in arriving at the lesson today.
Lower your voice.
Consort Hwang.
If you have time, shall we have some tea?
With pleasure, Your Royal Highness.
Then I will be waiting outside.
Well, I shall be going now.
Should you not do something
about those troublemakers?
By "troublemakers,"
do you perhaps mean the Grand Princes?
Yes.
They are your grandsons.
Even so,
I detest them for bringing worry
to my child's heart.
You saw what happened back there,
did you not?
They should be setting
an example as Grand Princes,
but one of them barely arrived in time.
They were distracted and daydreaming
during the lesson.
In addition, one of them even arrived
in the middle of the lesson.
Grand Prince Gyeseong
seems to be interested in learning,
but he is no match
for Prince Bogeom or Prince Uiseong.
What use is it to excel in Jonghak?
This is merely a place
where the princes acquire
the most basic knowledge.
And this is also
where His Majesty studied.
Usually, Sigangwon is where
future kings are born.
The Crown Prince is being
properly educated to become the King.
I assure you that you have
nothing to worry about.
I now see that your confidence
stems from the Crown Prince.
However…
how much longer do you think
the Crown Prince can make up for
the mischief of his brothers?
Your Royal Highness.
The ladies of the royal palace
and the princes
are my responsibility.
If not for the Crown Prince,
I would have doubted
that you were fulfilling your duties.
As you probably know,
the Queen is busier than she seems.
Well then,
if you will excuse me…
As I have never been the Queen myself,
I did not know how busy you were.
I have an appointment
with the tutor of the Crown Prince.
Do you have anything else to say?
Why did you do that?
You ran around all morning
to please Her Royal Highness
only to upset her with your words.
She started it.
She referred to my sons as troublemakers.
Maybe this is for the better.
Now that I have lost favor with her,
I should stop nagging my sons.
They will leave the palace
when they get married anyway.
Where are you going, Your Majesty?
What about the banquet preparations?
That can wait until tomorrow.
But you never postpone anything.
Now that I stood up to Her Royal Highness,
I fear nothing in the world.
Who cares if there is a little delay?
I shall stop by Sigangwon.
His Royal Highness earned an "outstanding"
in every subject on the test today.
He has never gotten a grade
below "outstanding" in any test so far.
It is truly incredible.
Is that right?
This news brings much joy.
I wish I could let everyone know.
I feel the happiest
when I see you smile in that way.
Is that so?
Then I shall smile bigger.
If you ever say such a thing again,
you will end up dead.
Are you upset that I insulted your mother?
-You little…
-What is going on?
It is true.
While the other princes
boast of their knowledge,
all the Grand Princes
do not seem to pay it any mind.
Did that upset you?
Not at all. It is no big deal.
They cannot hold government posts anyway.
What good would studying do?
All they need is to stay healthy.
But do you know
what people say about the Grand Princes?
That they are a stain
on the reputation of His Majesty.
Those brats.
Even if they cannot set a good example,
they should not become a nuisance.
Mother.
They are more thoughtful than you think.
You do not have to worry.
They may be mischievous,
but they would never harm anyone.
All right.
I am greatly relieved to hear that.
Crown Prince!
-Surround him!
-Crown Prince!
Wake up.
Crown Prince.
Call the physician immediately.
-Crown Prince.
-Your Royal Highness.
Wake up, Crown Prince.
Crown Prince.
Do you all intend
to keep your mouths shut?
Tell me, Prince Uiseong.
Why did you let the Grand Princes
assault you without resistance?
What on earth happened?
Grandmother, we did not attack--
Is no one going to tell me?
Consort Hwang,
take Prince Uiseong with you.
This has never happened before.
My son has never done anything like this.
Who do you take after to be so impudent?
Do you all think you are special
because you are the sons of the Queen?
How dare you join hands
to assault your half-brother?
Kneel.
Now!
Remain on your knees
until the twenty-third hour.
The rain will pour down soon.
Will they be all right?
Bring the Queen
to my quarters immediately.
Report my arrival.
You will have to come back later.
-Her Majesty asked to be left alone--
-Just do as I say.
What brings you here?
I have a message for Her Majesty. Move.
You may say it to me.
Very well.
The Queen Dowager has asked
for her audience urgently.
She should go to her quarters immediately.
I will relay the message.
Step down.
Shame on you.
You should not have said such a thing
if you could not say it to her face.
Moreover, she is the Queen.
Does it not anger you?
You should have been the Queen
-and I should have been the Crown Prince.
-Watch your mouth!
One's criticisms only ring hollow
unless one earns their right.
Be it your studies or character,
are you better than
the Crown Prince in any way?
I will always be Father's firstborn,
not that darned Crown Prince.
Once you manage to surpass him,
you are free to criticize him,
complain about him,
or take over his position.
But prove yourself before any of that.
What on earth is the diagnosis?
Even though I cannot be completely sure,
it seems to be hyeolheogwol.
HYEOLHEOGWOL: A DISEASE CAUSED
BY BLOOD DEFICIENCY AND FATIGUE
Hyeolheogwol?
Yes.
It causes one to collapse
due to the lack of blood in one's body.
When did the symptoms begin?
It was about a year ago.
Then why did I not know
about this until now?
It was because the symptoms
were manageable.
But recently, he began to collapse
more and more often
and remained unconscious
for longer periods.
Why did you not tell me sooner?
His Royal Highness insisted on keeping it
from you so that you would not worry.
You still should have told me.
How could you let the situation
get so serious?
Now tell me.
Will he survive?
I am afraid to tell you this,
but the late Crown Prince Taein is said
to have passed away from the same disease.
How dare you commit
such sacrilege before Her Majesty?
With all due respect,
the disease is curable in most cases.
However, in this case,
it seems hereditary.
I was hoping that this information
could help with his treatment.
Did you say it could help
with his treatment?
Explain clearly.
One of the royal physicians
who treated the late Crown Prince Taein
was Cho Guk-yeong.
He may still remember
the remedy and the circumstances.
Cho Guk-yeong?
I shall look into it.
Meanwhile, I forbid you to mention
the condition of the Crown Prince
to anyone until it becomes official.
Yes, Your Majesty.
I am sorry to say this,
but His Royal Highness cannot be
away from his quarters for too long.
What shall we do?
He shall stay here tonight.
Yes, Your Majesty.
Do you plan to inform His Majesty
of his condition?
I do.
It concerns the Crown Prince.
However, if you inform him,
it will remind him of the incident.
It will
since he must be aware of what caused
the death of Crown Prince Taein.
But I need his permission
to get in touch with Cho Guk-yeong.
I advise you to tread carefully.
Skin disease alone should be enough
to have him grant you his permission.
I cannot say for sure.
I shall decide once I meet His Majesty.
Your Majesty.
I need to speak to His Majesty urgently.
I am afraid that His Majesty
has retired for the night.
I shall come back tomorrow.
I desperately waited for you
in my quarters,
but you never appeared.
So I decided to visit you myself.
If you do not mind,
may we speak here?
Are you so busy
that you cannot spare even a moment?
Even so, should you not have kept
a closer eye on the princes,
which you said were your responsibility?
What do you mean by that?
The Grand Princes
are being punished as we speak
for joining hands
to attack Prince Uiseong.
Go see whether the Crown Prince
is in his quarters immediately.
Find out where my sons are.
I am sorry.
Had you not hit him, I would have.
Why did you stop me
from telling Grandmother?
She should know.
He may have provoked us,
but we were the ones
who resorted to violence.
I agree.
We should be punished.
But at this rate…
we may freeze to death.
Stand up before you freeze to death!
Go back to your quarters.
Grandmother ordered us to remain
on our knees until the twenty-third hour.
Do as I say.
Stand up.
Why is everyone running today
instead of riding their palanquins?
I have no idea.
Look how fast they are running.
My legs are still numb after having
kneeled for so long yesterday.
Stop it.
Prince Simso!
Why is everyone running? What is going on?
There will be tutelage of relations
at Jonghak today.
Tutelage of relations?
Tutelage of relations?
All of you, hurry!
-We need to get good seats!
-What is that?
Something that we must learn
no matter what!
Tutelage of relations
is an important subject
where one learns about
how to maintain human nature
while conducting oneself appropriately.
Namely, it teaches one
how to approach sexual intercourse
wisely and with discipline.
In the royal family,
the production of offspring
is more than just a way
to carry on the family line.
It is an act that ensures
the royal bloodline is perpetuated.
Therefore, I ask you
to take this lesson in earnest.
Our first topic is
the appropriate frequency
with regard to sexual intercourse.
According to Pobakja,
it should be once every three
to four days for a person in his twenties.
Once every ten days
for a person in his thirties.
Moderation is key
when it comes to sexual intercourse.
Master.
Then would someone in their teens
partake in intercourse more often
than every three or four days?
As I am nineteen years of age,
should I have intercourse every two days?
You shall be in your twenties
once you are wed.
Therefore, I advise you to follow
the corresponding guidelines then.
All right.
Please, turn to page three
of your textbook.
The most basic position
is two people facing each other
and becoming one.
I have never seen Muan
pay this much attention in class before.
When it comes to tutelage of relations,
he would be top of the class.
Greetings.
Did you have a good night?
Your Majesty.
I heard that you are sending
Kim Ja-hong to China
along with his first son.
That is right.
It is so that he may become an envoy
who is well-versed in current affairs.
But is not his first son
the cohort of the Crown Prince
at Sigangwon?
Yes, he is.
Does that mean…
his position will be vacant for some time?
What?
A new cohort will be chosen from Jonghak?
But it was to be left vacant.
I do not know why,
but it has been announced
that one of the princes will be selected.
How is the Crown Prince?
He has been safely escorted
back to his quarters,
but he has yet to regain consciousness.
Consort Hwang,
you look especially beautiful today.
By the way, may I ask
what you put in your scented sachet?
The fragrance is absolutely lovely.
-I do not carry a scented sachet.
-Oh, my.
Then is it your skin
that smells this lovely?
And who is she supposed to be?
When did His Majesty
find someone so young?
The newly favored lady of the court,
what is your surname?
It is Park.
A favored concubine enters the ranks
as Fourth Junior Consort
only after bearing a son.
The title that will be bestowed
on you today is Special Court Lady.
From now on, be sure
to behave properly at all times.
Yes, Your Majesty.
Where did you use to work?
I was in the bedchamber
of the Queen Dowager.
I see His Majesty's taste
in women remains consistent.
I mean,
he found one of us
in the quarters of Her Majesty,
another in the quarters of his son,
and now one in the quarters of his mother.
I should cover all the faces of my
court ladies when he comes to visit me.
If one of them were to appear here,
it would make the both of us
ever-so uncomfortable.
His Majesty saw me on the street.
I see.
By the way,
you should sit
on the other side next time.
Pardon?
Only the distinguished concubines
who passed the official selection process
sit on this side.
I agree. You do not look like
you belong on that side.
Your beauty stands out too much
among the distinguished concubines.
Next time, do sit with us
so that you can blend in better.
His Majesty and his taste in women.
How is it that
all of you favored concubines
are a mirror image of one another?
Were you all cast in the same mold?
It makes no difference
which side you sit on.
I have a special announcement to make.
His Majesty would like to give the princes
a chance to become
the cohort of the Crown Prince
at Sigangwon
through evaluations at Jonghak.
Cohort?
All of a sudden?
This has never happened before.
-This is unexpected.
-My goodness.
I hope this selection
will not cause excessive competition.
I especially ask the concubines
to remain calm.
Only those who apply
for the selection shall be evaluated.
If any of you wish to apply,
submit your nameplate to Jonghak by
the fifteenth hour the day after tomorrow.
Master, we do not have to
complicate things.
Why not choose Prince Bogeom,
who is top of the class?
Is not the cohort usually selected
among the children of the royals
and the court officials?
Yes.
That has been the case until now.
This is certainly unprecedented.
I wonder why they are selecting
one of the princes this time.
Whatever the reason may be,
I will tell my son to apply
since this is a chance to learn
from the tutor of the Crown Prince.
This is such a rare opportunity.
You are indeed right.
Calm down.
Did you already forget
what Her Majesty said?
When a cow drinks water, it becomes milk.
When a snake drinks water,
it becomes poison.
It is too early to tell
whether this is an opportunity
or a trap.
You are right.
Even if they are chosen, the cohort
will only be compared to the Crown Prince.
The cohort is nothing more
than the shadow of the Crown Prince.
Just the thought of my son
becoming a cohort is giving me headaches.
How did the Queen Dowager
make her son the King
when she was a mere concubine?
It does not end there.
She even removed all his--
I hear that the competition
was even fiercer then.
Perhaps she had a secret method.
Secret method?
I have somewhere to be.
If you will excuse me.
That reminds me.
My father is paying me a visit today.
I will get going too then.
Your Majesty.
What is it that you want to know now?
Why are they selecting a cohort
all of a sudden?
What could His Majesty be thinking?
How would I know?
I only follow his decision.
I thought you would.
It is just to find the Crown Prince
someone to study with.
I doubt that many will even apply.
I am sure most of them will apply.
My goodness. You just do not
understand how we concubines think.
Sigangwon has the best scholars in Joseon.
It would be a great honor
for anyone to learn from them.
By the way, are you not interested
in the cohort selection?
Why would I be?
Are you sure?
In that case, would it be okay
if Prince Bogeom applies?
Well…
he is bright indeed.
He would also get along
well with the Crown Prince.
I would be most delighted
if he becomes the new cohort.
Then I will tell him to apply.
Sure.
I give you my blessing.
Your Majesty, please slow down.
I have trouble keeping up with you.
Do you intend to follow me
to the banquet? Leave already.
You are so cold.
I beg you to treat me
with the respect you show others.
I stopped being your maid years ago.
It is time you stopped
treating me like one.
I thought your father
was paying you a visit today.
You said you had somewhere to be,
Consort Ko.
Well…
You must all be here
because of what I said.
You want to know if the Queen Dowager
had any secret methods
in making her son the King.
Would it not be stranger
if we did not want to know?
There is no point in fighting.
We all got here too late.
I realized once again
that it is better to be quick
on your feet than to be quick-witted.
I, of course, did have my secret methods.
But my methods are outdated.
And it would be unfair
to the other concubines.
But if you ask me such a thing,
you might be suspected
of having an ulterior motive.
Not at all, Your Royal Highness.
It is just to make my son
a cohort at Sigangwon.
I do not have any ulterior motives.
I believe this is
the opportunity of a lifetime.
Please understand that
I am making this decision as a mother
who wants to provide her son
with a high-quality education.
Like water that has been boiled
one hundred times…
there are some methods
employed by the Crown Prince
that the concubines follow in secret.
But surely you must not have thought
that was all there was to it.
There is more.
While the road to bringing up a king
is long and winding,
every step of it is worthwhile.
Prenatal education aside,
the road to becoming the King
includes everything from the establishment
of the Office of Tutelage at birth
to learning how to behave
once one is enthroned.
Every little thing one must know…
is included in this book.
Are you…
Are you bestowing this book unto me?
That is what I intend to do.
But what can you give me in return,
Consort Tae?
Your Majesty.
Please allow Royal Physician
Cho Guk-yeong to treat the Crown Prince.
Royal Physician Cho?
He is away at the moment.
What do you mean?
As my uncle has been suffering
from smallpox,
I sent him to Hamgil-do this afternoon
at Mother's request.
HAMGIL-DO: MODERN-DAY HAMGYONG PROVINCE
I see.
Has the Crown Prince's
skin disease become worse?
In that case, I shall summon
Royal Physician Cho immediately.
No, Your Majesty.
I was hoping that Royal Physician Cho
could improve the Crown Prince's
chronic itching.
Since he is receiving treatment,
you do not have to worry.
Your Majesty,
why do you wish to select a cohort
among the princes this time?
It was suggested by Mother,
and I thought it would be a nice change.
Her Royal Highness suggested it?
Royal Physician Cho is not in the palace.
Something does not feel right.
It was the Queen Dowager
who sent him away.
She is also the one who suggested
selecting a cohort among the princes.
Now that I think of it,
Consort Tae did tell me something strange.
She said she received a secret book
from the Queen Dowager.
And that book contains…
secrets behind bringing up a king.
Your Majesty!
Hyeolheogwol?
I am familiar with the disease,
and I also know how it ends.
He is being treated.
I remember the late Crown Prince Taein
receiving treatment as well.
But in the end,
he died an untimely death.
That is the nature of diseases.
They take one's life out of the blue,
leaving those left behind in panic.
Could that be why?
This thought came to me seeing
the Crown Prince lying unconscious.
What if the Crown Prince dies
and his position as the heir
to the throne becomes vacant?
None of your other sons
are worthy enough to take on his place.
Something along those lines.
It is your grandson…
who is in poor health.
It is not some stranger on the street.
I worry more about the future
of my son's nation and my palace
than I worry about him.
You are more concerned with keeping
the royal court in order
than the well-being of your grandson?
It is by preventing confusion
in the royal court
that one ensures
the safety of everyone, Your Majesty.
If so, why did you suggest
selecting a cohort among the princes?
What are you planning to do?
Your Majesty.
How much longer do you believe
one can last with rotting roots?
The Crown Prince will recover.
Will he?
But what if…
he does not?
In that case, one of those
troublemakers will ascend the throne
and end up leaving a stain
on the history of the kingdom
just because they are of legitimate birth.
Let me tell you something.
Your only worth in the royal family
is the Crown Prince.
I have been easy on you
since you are the mother of that child.
Therefore…
you should protect
my grandson at all costs.
I am scared.
I fear the Queen Dowager
for the first time
since I entered the palace.
Senior Court Lady Shin.
Yes, Your Majesty.
How long have you been serving me?
I have served you
since you became the Crown Princess,
so it has been
a little more than 20 years.
Can you tell me what happened?
The late Crown Prince Taein
was sickly and died suddenly.
His mother, Queen Yoon, was deposed.
That is everything
that I and the people
of this kingdom know of
regarding that incident.
Did they go on to choose
a new cohort afterward
just like they are doing now?
No, Your Majesty.
His Majesty was never a cohort.
But he was the son of a concubine.
How was he able to
end up succeeding the throne?
How did Queen Yoon end up
in such a predicament?
You must know since you
served the Queen Dowager then.
Tell me what happened.
That remains…
a secret that the two of them
share to this day.
Do you mean…
the Queen Dowager and Queen Yoon?
Her Royal Highness is someone
who would do anything for His Majesty.
This is all I can tell you for now.
Have you heard anything
from Consort Hwang?
No, Your Royal Highness.
How could she not be interested?
Did you give the book
to Consort Tae after all?
I did.
But I intend to give one to
all the mothers of promising princes.
Pardon?
All the concubines who stood in wait
each deserve a gift.
Deliver these books to their quarters.
Make it seem as if they were
the only ones who received the book
so that they may never share
what is written here with anyone else.
And…
so that they will swear
their loyalty to me and obey me.
How rude of you.
I may be living in hiding,
but that does not give you
the right to appear in my yard
in the middle of the night
without prior notice.
I apologize, Your Highness.
"Your Highness"?
Watch your words.
I have come at such an ungodly hour
as there is something
that I urgently need to ask you.
Please leave.
Being seen with me alone is enough
to have you charged with treason.
You will put not only yourself
but both of us in danger.
-Your Highness.
-My life…
is the only thing
that I managed to protect in the end.
Do not make me risk losing even that.
Leave immediately.
I, too, am here
because I may not be
able to protect my life.
I am scared.
I mustered the courage to stand my ground,
but I do not know
how to protect the things I have.
You know very well what it is like…
to not be able to protect
the Crown Prince and the Grand Princes.
I am…
nothing more than a failure.
If you could turn back time,
what would you do?
I am in the same situation you were in.
From one desperate mother to another,
do you not have any
words of advice for me?
What is it that you want to know?
Everything that happened
between the two of you
that no one else
has ever heard or read about.
I want to know…
everything that happened then.
UNDER THE QUEEN'S UMBRELLA
What did you just say?
I would do anything necessary
to protect my children.
Will you keep me company
by my side as my cohort?
It has become so fragile now that
even a gentle breeze could make it fall.
I will return to you
what is rightfully yours.
Grand Prince Gyeseong
has been secretly going somewhere.
Things will become interesting
starting tomorrow.
What should I do?
Subtitle translation by: Min-jin Kim
EPISODE 1
-Where is that brat?
-Well…
What are you waiting for?
Who are you to be
acting with such insolence?
Me?
Someone who can carry out
whatever lunacy and get away with it.
What I am saying is
that I could kill you here and now
without any consequences if I wish to.
-I did not even get to say goodbye.
-I did that for you.
Cho-wol is not just a mere courtesan.
She is a dear friend.
A friend you share a bed with?
Forget her.
How could I?
Father has more than ten wives.
Why do I not even get to have one?
Then you should be a king.
Your Royal Highness.
The Crown Prince and Princess are here.
They are?
Send them in.
Did you have a good night?
Great-Grandmother.
Did you have a good night?
May you live long and prosper.
Come here.
Oh, my.
Now I have everything
that I have ever wished for.
I would have no regrets
if I were to die right now.
Grandmother.
May you live a long and healthy life.
Pillars cannot stand straight
without a foundation.
His Majesty needs your support
to remain strong.
I will remember that, Crown Prince.
Do you intend to let those people
starve to death?
Your Majesty.
It is to stop the plague.
We have sealed off the hut village
in Seochon to do that, have we not?
But people have even set fire to them
out of hatred for the villagers.
If we stop providing them relief,
they will surely suffer from starvation.
That is where the plague started.
It would be unnecessary to provide relief
at the risk of infection, Your Majesty.
Even if all deaths from the disease
cannot be prevented,
I cannot let my people starve to death.
Please, remember that there are even
more of your people outside that village.
It is a sacrifice for the greater good.
He is right, Your Majesty.
If access to the village
is granted to provide relief,
we might end up
endangering the entire capital.
It is said that the symptoms
improve within two weeks.
We can provide relief
as long as we isolate the officials
who have visited Seochon.
Anyone who enters the village
shall never be let outside again.
The plague started in Seochon,
so it must also end there.
That is what I intend to do as well.
Your Majesty.
Some state affairs
are to be approached with determination.
If determination is what is asked of me,
I shall display it.
Here is what I will do.
Establish a temporary relief station
in an area near the huts in Seochon.
But we will only deliver food
to the villagers,
and we will not make any close contact.
Also, reinforce the security in the area
and keep the quarantined under control.
-Yes, Your Majesty.
-Yes, Your Majesty.
How did it go?
Has everyone left for Jonghak?
Grand Prince Ilyeong is still fast asleep.
Grand Prince Seongnam is also missing.
It was your job to watch over them
as I could not be everywhere.
Was that too much to ask?
I have my hands full.
Not a day goes by without trouble!
-Forgive us, Your Majesty.
-Forgive us, Your Majesty.
Move along.
Where is Grand Prince Seongnam?
Where is he?
JONGHAK: EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION
FOR THE PRINCES AND THOSE OF ROYAL DESCENT
Goodness…
Eunuch Kim.
How early must we get here
to be at the front of the line?
I lost sleep so that I could be here
as early as possible and still…
I was here all night,
but I am still at the back of the line.
My goodness.
GUUNMONG
Oh, my.
Grand Prince Gyeseong.
Why did you not have one of your men
stand in line for you?
That would have only caused
further inconvenience. Do not mind me.
You should ready yourself to run.
Watch out!
Go in!
Move!
That is my seat.
That was close.
PRINCE UISEONG
FIRST JUNIOR CONSORT HWANG
(DISTINGUISHED CONCUBINE)
How did you find the tutors?
The arithmetic tutor was rather lacking.
Then I shall replace that one.
PRINCE SIMSO
FIRST JUNIOR CONSORT KO
PRINCE YEONGMIN
SECOND SENIOR CONSORT KIM
It is perfect weather for studying.
PRINCE NAMHYEON
FOURTH SENIOR CONSORT MOON
Prince Bogeom.
His Majesty and the Queen Dowager
will be visiting Jonghak today.
Are you not nervous?
I will just act as I always have.
PRINCE HODONG
FOURTH JUNIOR CONSORT OK
Your Majesty.
I searched everywhere,
but I could not find him.
Why today of all days?
Why?
Your Majesty, you shall hurry.
All the princes must gather
at Jonghak within half an hour.
Wake up.
-Wake up right now.
-Let me sleep a little more.
Wake up!
You are awake, right?
-Wake up and get ready to run.
-Why?
Why else? You must be there before
His Majesty and the Queen Dowager.
-And if I am not?
-Then you and I are both doomed.
Well done.
Is this the best you could do?
Forgive me.
-Prince Hodong.
-Hello, Grand Prince Muan.
The mothers are at it again.
Prince Bogeom.
You should walk once in a while.
Here are your snacks.
You must eat to keep yourself healthy.
Come here.
Prince Simso.
This pill provides nutrients to the brain.
Chew and swallow it.
Get a good look at what Prince Uiseong
is reading if you can see that far.
Sorry? Why?
I think his book…
looks a little different.
JUJASEOJEOLYO
I knew it.
That must be Jujaseojeolyo.
What is that?
It is a collection of Confucian texts
compiled by Master Toegye.
One cannot understand Jujaseojeolyo
without reading Daehak and Noneo.
Then he must have read them both.
My goodness.
They were not covered at Jonghak.
When did he finish them?
Is this not His Majesty's first visit here
since he ascended the throne?
That is right.
I wonder why he has never visited before.
He would not have had the time for us
since the Crown Prince
is studying at Sigangwon.
His Majesty has arrived.
Grand Prince Seongnam…
Gosh. He is not here yet.
SIGANGWON: EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION
EXCLUSIVE TO CROWN PRINCE
Will you explain
the meaning of that passage?
It means that the outcome of your actions
is independent of your abilities.
The number of competent subjects
a King has in his court does not matter
if he ends up squandering his wealth by
letting a dishonest subject deceive him.
It is said that a wise man
who knows right from wrong
is careful even when he drinks from
a stream that belongs to no one.
So today,
we are going to learn about
the duties of a wise man.
What do you think
a wise man's duty should be?
If one entrusts an unworthy subject
to lead the country,
the nation will face great catastrophes.
TONG, OUTSTANDING
Now I would like to pose
one whimsical question to you princes.
Bing, the word for "ice…"
becomes su, meaning "water."
Could you explain what has happened?
HWA, FIRE
It reminded me of the word hwan,
meaning "to return."
As ice was originally water,
it could be said to be returning
to its original state.
My answer is chun, meaning "spring."
By the course of nature, ice melts,
and plants and trees absorb water.
When plants survive the cold
and blossom in spring,
ice becomes water.
My answer…
is yi, meaning "to transfer."
What makes you say that?
When the ice is removed
from the Han River,
we are able to access the water below.
And when that ice is transferred
into the ice storage house,
it can be useful in the summer.
Prince Bogeom has provided
a rather practical answer.
I would like you princes to break free
from the confines of your studies
and think relentlessly
so that you may develop the ability
to come up with new ideas.
Well done, everyone.
GRAND PRINCE SEONGNAM
(SECOND SON OF THE QUEEN)
Is that not Grand Prince Seongnam
who always comes in last at Jonghak?
He also came last
in arriving at the lesson today.
Lower your voice.
Consort Hwang.
If you have time, shall we have some tea?
With pleasure, Your Royal Highness.
Then I will be waiting outside.
Well, I shall be going now.
Should you not do something
about those troublemakers?
By "troublemakers,"
do you perhaps mean the Grand Princes?
Yes.
They are your grandsons.
Even so,
I detest them for bringing worry
to my child's heart.
You saw what happened back there,
did you not?
They should be setting
an example as Grand Princes,
but one of them barely arrived in time.
They were distracted and daydreaming
during the lesson.
In addition, one of them even arrived
in the middle of the lesson.
Grand Prince Gyeseong
seems to be interested in learning,
but he is no match
for Prince Bogeom or Prince Uiseong.
What use is it to excel in Jonghak?
This is merely a place
where the princes acquire
the most basic knowledge.
And this is also
where His Majesty studied.
Usually, Sigangwon is where
future kings are born.
The Crown Prince is being
properly educated to become the King.
I assure you that you have
nothing to worry about.
I now see that your confidence
stems from the Crown Prince.
However…
how much longer do you think
the Crown Prince can make up for
the mischief of his brothers?
Your Royal Highness.
The ladies of the royal palace
and the princes
are my responsibility.
If not for the Crown Prince,
I would have doubted
that you were fulfilling your duties.
As you probably know,
the Queen is busier than she seems.
Well then,
if you will excuse me…
As I have never been the Queen myself,
I did not know how busy you were.
I have an appointment
with the tutor of the Crown Prince.
Do you have anything else to say?
Why did you do that?
You ran around all morning
to please Her Royal Highness
only to upset her with your words.
She started it.
She referred to my sons as troublemakers.
Maybe this is for the better.
Now that I have lost favor with her,
I should stop nagging my sons.
They will leave the palace
when they get married anyway.
Where are you going, Your Majesty?
What about the banquet preparations?
That can wait until tomorrow.
But you never postpone anything.
Now that I stood up to Her Royal Highness,
I fear nothing in the world.
Who cares if there is a little delay?
I shall stop by Sigangwon.
His Royal Highness earned an "outstanding"
in every subject on the test today.
He has never gotten a grade
below "outstanding" in any test so far.
It is truly incredible.
Is that right?
This news brings much joy.
I wish I could let everyone know.
I feel the happiest
when I see you smile in that way.
Is that so?
Then I shall smile bigger.
If you ever say such a thing again,
you will end up dead.
Are you upset that I insulted your mother?
-You little…
-What is going on?
It is true.
While the other princes
boast of their knowledge,
all the Grand Princes
do not seem to pay it any mind.
Did that upset you?
Not at all. It is no big deal.
They cannot hold government posts anyway.
What good would studying do?
All they need is to stay healthy.
But do you know
what people say about the Grand Princes?
That they are a stain
on the reputation of His Majesty.
Those brats.
Even if they cannot set a good example,
they should not become a nuisance.
Mother.
They are more thoughtful than you think.
You do not have to worry.
They may be mischievous,
but they would never harm anyone.
All right.
I am greatly relieved to hear that.
Crown Prince!
-Surround him!
-Crown Prince!
Wake up.
Crown Prince.
Call the physician immediately.
-Crown Prince.
-Your Royal Highness.
Wake up, Crown Prince.
Crown Prince.
Do you all intend
to keep your mouths shut?
Tell me, Prince Uiseong.
Why did you let the Grand Princes
assault you without resistance?
What on earth happened?
Grandmother, we did not attack--
Is no one going to tell me?
Consort Hwang,
take Prince Uiseong with you.
This has never happened before.
My son has never done anything like this.
Who do you take after to be so impudent?
Do you all think you are special
because you are the sons of the Queen?
How dare you join hands
to assault your half-brother?
Kneel.
Now!
Remain on your knees
until the twenty-third hour.
The rain will pour down soon.
Will they be all right?
Bring the Queen
to my quarters immediately.
Report my arrival.
You will have to come back later.
-Her Majesty asked to be left alone--
-Just do as I say.
What brings you here?
I have a message for Her Majesty. Move.
You may say it to me.
Very well.
The Queen Dowager has asked
for her audience urgently.
She should go to her quarters immediately.
I will relay the message.
Step down.
Shame on you.
You should not have said such a thing
if you could not say it to her face.
Moreover, she is the Queen.
Does it not anger you?
You should have been the Queen
-and I should have been the Crown Prince.
-Watch your mouth!
One's criticisms only ring hollow
unless one earns their right.
Be it your studies or character,
are you better than
the Crown Prince in any way?
I will always be Father's firstborn,
not that darned Crown Prince.
Once you manage to surpass him,
you are free to criticize him,
complain about him,
or take over his position.
But prove yourself before any of that.
What on earth is the diagnosis?
Even though I cannot be completely sure,
it seems to be hyeolheogwol.
HYEOLHEOGWOL: A DISEASE CAUSED
BY BLOOD DEFICIENCY AND FATIGUE
Hyeolheogwol?
Yes.
It causes one to collapse
due to the lack of blood in one's body.
When did the symptoms begin?
It was about a year ago.
Then why did I not know
about this until now?
It was because the symptoms
were manageable.
But recently, he began to collapse
more and more often
and remained unconscious
for longer periods.
Why did you not tell me sooner?
His Royal Highness insisted on keeping it
from you so that you would not worry.
You still should have told me.
How could you let the situation
get so serious?
Now tell me.
Will he survive?
I am afraid to tell you this,
but the late Crown Prince Taein is said
to have passed away from the same disease.
How dare you commit
such sacrilege before Her Majesty?
With all due respect,
the disease is curable in most cases.
However, in this case,
it seems hereditary.
I was hoping that this information
could help with his treatment.
Did you say it could help
with his treatment?
Explain clearly.
One of the royal physicians
who treated the late Crown Prince Taein
was Cho Guk-yeong.
He may still remember
the remedy and the circumstances.
Cho Guk-yeong?
I shall look into it.
Meanwhile, I forbid you to mention
the condition of the Crown Prince
to anyone until it becomes official.
Yes, Your Majesty.
I am sorry to say this,
but His Royal Highness cannot be
away from his quarters for too long.
What shall we do?
He shall stay here tonight.
Yes, Your Majesty.
Do you plan to inform His Majesty
of his condition?
I do.
It concerns the Crown Prince.
However, if you inform him,
it will remind him of the incident.
It will
since he must be aware of what caused
the death of Crown Prince Taein.
But I need his permission
to get in touch with Cho Guk-yeong.
I advise you to tread carefully.
Skin disease alone should be enough
to have him grant you his permission.
I cannot say for sure.
I shall decide once I meet His Majesty.
Your Majesty.
I need to speak to His Majesty urgently.
I am afraid that His Majesty
has retired for the night.
I shall come back tomorrow.
I desperately waited for you
in my quarters,
but you never appeared.
So I decided to visit you myself.
If you do not mind,
may we speak here?
Are you so busy
that you cannot spare even a moment?
Even so, should you not have kept
a closer eye on the princes,
which you said were your responsibility?
What do you mean by that?
The Grand Princes
are being punished as we speak
for joining hands
to attack Prince Uiseong.
Go see whether the Crown Prince
is in his quarters immediately.
Find out where my sons are.
I am sorry.
Had you not hit him, I would have.
Why did you stop me
from telling Grandmother?
She should know.
He may have provoked us,
but we were the ones
who resorted to violence.
I agree.
We should be punished.
But at this rate…
we may freeze to death.
Stand up before you freeze to death!
Go back to your quarters.
Grandmother ordered us to remain
on our knees until the twenty-third hour.
Do as I say.
Stand up.
Why is everyone running today
instead of riding their palanquins?
I have no idea.
Look how fast they are running.
My legs are still numb after having
kneeled for so long yesterday.
Stop it.
Prince Simso!
Why is everyone running? What is going on?
There will be tutelage of relations
at Jonghak today.
Tutelage of relations?
Tutelage of relations?
All of you, hurry!
-We need to get good seats!
-What is that?
Something that we must learn
no matter what!
Tutelage of relations
is an important subject
where one learns about
how to maintain human nature
while conducting oneself appropriately.
Namely, it teaches one
how to approach sexual intercourse
wisely and with discipline.
In the royal family,
the production of offspring
is more than just a way
to carry on the family line.
It is an act that ensures
the royal bloodline is perpetuated.
Therefore, I ask you
to take this lesson in earnest.
Our first topic is
the appropriate frequency
with regard to sexual intercourse.
According to Pobakja,
it should be once every three
to four days for a person in his twenties.
Once every ten days
for a person in his thirties.
Moderation is key
when it comes to sexual intercourse.
Master.
Then would someone in their teens
partake in intercourse more often
than every three or four days?
As I am nineteen years of age,
should I have intercourse every two days?
You shall be in your twenties
once you are wed.
Therefore, I advise you to follow
the corresponding guidelines then.
All right.
Please, turn to page three
of your textbook.
The most basic position
is two people facing each other
and becoming one.
I have never seen Muan
pay this much attention in class before.
When it comes to tutelage of relations,
he would be top of the class.
Greetings.
Did you have a good night?
Your Majesty.
I heard that you are sending
Kim Ja-hong to China
along with his first son.
That is right.
It is so that he may become an envoy
who is well-versed in current affairs.
But is not his first son
the cohort of the Crown Prince
at Sigangwon?
Yes, he is.
Does that mean…
his position will be vacant for some time?
What?
A new cohort will be chosen from Jonghak?
But it was to be left vacant.
I do not know why,
but it has been announced
that one of the princes will be selected.
How is the Crown Prince?
He has been safely escorted
back to his quarters,
but he has yet to regain consciousness.
Consort Hwang,
you look especially beautiful today.
By the way, may I ask
what you put in your scented sachet?
The fragrance is absolutely lovely.
-I do not carry a scented sachet.
-Oh, my.
Then is it your skin
that smells this lovely?
And who is she supposed to be?
When did His Majesty
find someone so young?
The newly favored lady of the court,
what is your surname?
It is Park.
A favored concubine enters the ranks
as Fourth Junior Consort
only after bearing a son.
The title that will be bestowed
on you today is Special Court Lady.
From now on, be sure
to behave properly at all times.
Yes, Your Majesty.
Where did you use to work?
I was in the bedchamber
of the Queen Dowager.
I see His Majesty's taste
in women remains consistent.
I mean,
he found one of us
in the quarters of Her Majesty,
another in the quarters of his son,
and now one in the quarters of his mother.
I should cover all the faces of my
court ladies when he comes to visit me.
If one of them were to appear here,
it would make the both of us
ever-so uncomfortable.
His Majesty saw me on the street.
I see.
By the way,
you should sit
on the other side next time.
Pardon?
Only the distinguished concubines
who passed the official selection process
sit on this side.
I agree. You do not look like
you belong on that side.
Your beauty stands out too much
among the distinguished concubines.
Next time, do sit with us
so that you can blend in better.
His Majesty and his taste in women.
How is it that
all of you favored concubines
are a mirror image of one another?
Were you all cast in the same mold?
It makes no difference
which side you sit on.
I have a special announcement to make.
His Majesty would like to give the princes
a chance to become
the cohort of the Crown Prince
at Sigangwon
through evaluations at Jonghak.
Cohort?
All of a sudden?
This has never happened before.
-This is unexpected.
-My goodness.
I hope this selection
will not cause excessive competition.
I especially ask the concubines
to remain calm.
Only those who apply
for the selection shall be evaluated.
If any of you wish to apply,
submit your nameplate to Jonghak by
the fifteenth hour the day after tomorrow.
Master, we do not have to
complicate things.
Why not choose Prince Bogeom,
who is top of the class?
Is not the cohort usually selected
among the children of the royals
and the court officials?
Yes.
That has been the case until now.
This is certainly unprecedented.
I wonder why they are selecting
one of the princes this time.
Whatever the reason may be,
I will tell my son to apply
since this is a chance to learn
from the tutor of the Crown Prince.
This is such a rare opportunity.
You are indeed right.
Calm down.
Did you already forget
what Her Majesty said?
When a cow drinks water, it becomes milk.
When a snake drinks water,
it becomes poison.
It is too early to tell
whether this is an opportunity
or a trap.
You are right.
Even if they are chosen, the cohort
will only be compared to the Crown Prince.
The cohort is nothing more
than the shadow of the Crown Prince.
Just the thought of my son
becoming a cohort is giving me headaches.
How did the Queen Dowager
make her son the King
when she was a mere concubine?
It does not end there.
She even removed all his--
I hear that the competition
was even fiercer then.
Perhaps she had a secret method.
Secret method?
I have somewhere to be.
If you will excuse me.
That reminds me.
My father is paying me a visit today.
I will get going too then.
Your Majesty.
What is it that you want to know now?
Why are they selecting a cohort
all of a sudden?
What could His Majesty be thinking?
How would I know?
I only follow his decision.
I thought you would.
It is just to find the Crown Prince
someone to study with.
I doubt that many will even apply.
I am sure most of them will apply.
My goodness. You just do not
understand how we concubines think.
Sigangwon has the best scholars in Joseon.
It would be a great honor
for anyone to learn from them.
By the way, are you not interested
in the cohort selection?
Why would I be?
Are you sure?
In that case, would it be okay
if Prince Bogeom applies?
Well…
he is bright indeed.
He would also get along
well with the Crown Prince.
I would be most delighted
if he becomes the new cohort.
Then I will tell him to apply.
Sure.
I give you my blessing.
Your Majesty, please slow down.
I have trouble keeping up with you.
Do you intend to follow me
to the banquet? Leave already.
You are so cold.
I beg you to treat me
with the respect you show others.
I stopped being your maid years ago.
It is time you stopped
treating me like one.
I thought your father
was paying you a visit today.
You said you had somewhere to be,
Consort Ko.
Well…
You must all be here
because of what I said.
You want to know if the Queen Dowager
had any secret methods
in making her son the King.
Would it not be stranger
if we did not want to know?
There is no point in fighting.
We all got here too late.
I realized once again
that it is better to be quick
on your feet than to be quick-witted.
I, of course, did have my secret methods.
But my methods are outdated.
And it would be unfair
to the other concubines.
But if you ask me such a thing,
you might be suspected
of having an ulterior motive.
Not at all, Your Royal Highness.
It is just to make my son
a cohort at Sigangwon.
I do not have any ulterior motives.
I believe this is
the opportunity of a lifetime.
Please understand that
I am making this decision as a mother
who wants to provide her son
with a high-quality education.
Like water that has been boiled
one hundred times…
there are some methods
employed by the Crown Prince
that the concubines follow in secret.
But surely you must not have thought
that was all there was to it.
There is more.
While the road to bringing up a king
is long and winding,
every step of it is worthwhile.
Prenatal education aside,
the road to becoming the King
includes everything from the establishment
of the Office of Tutelage at birth
to learning how to behave
once one is enthroned.
Every little thing one must know…
is included in this book.
Are you…
Are you bestowing this book unto me?
That is what I intend to do.
But what can you give me in return,
Consort Tae?
Your Majesty.
Please allow Royal Physician
Cho Guk-yeong to treat the Crown Prince.
Royal Physician Cho?
He is away at the moment.
What do you mean?
As my uncle has been suffering
from smallpox,
I sent him to Hamgil-do this afternoon
at Mother's request.
HAMGIL-DO: MODERN-DAY HAMGYONG PROVINCE
I see.
Has the Crown Prince's
skin disease become worse?
In that case, I shall summon
Royal Physician Cho immediately.
No, Your Majesty.
I was hoping that Royal Physician Cho
could improve the Crown Prince's
chronic itching.
Since he is receiving treatment,
you do not have to worry.
Your Majesty,
why do you wish to select a cohort
among the princes this time?
It was suggested by Mother,
and I thought it would be a nice change.
Her Royal Highness suggested it?
Royal Physician Cho is not in the palace.
Something does not feel right.
It was the Queen Dowager
who sent him away.
She is also the one who suggested
selecting a cohort among the princes.
Now that I think of it,
Consort Tae did tell me something strange.
She said she received a secret book
from the Queen Dowager.
And that book contains…
secrets behind bringing up a king.
Your Majesty!
Hyeolheogwol?
I am familiar with the disease,
and I also know how it ends.
He is being treated.
I remember the late Crown Prince Taein
receiving treatment as well.
But in the end,
he died an untimely death.
That is the nature of diseases.
They take one's life out of the blue,
leaving those left behind in panic.
Could that be why?
This thought came to me seeing
the Crown Prince lying unconscious.
What if the Crown Prince dies
and his position as the heir
to the throne becomes vacant?
None of your other sons
are worthy enough to take on his place.
Something along those lines.
It is your grandson…
who is in poor health.
It is not some stranger on the street.
I worry more about the future
of my son's nation and my palace
than I worry about him.
You are more concerned with keeping
the royal court in order
than the well-being of your grandson?
It is by preventing confusion
in the royal court
that one ensures
the safety of everyone, Your Majesty.
If so, why did you suggest
selecting a cohort among the princes?
What are you planning to do?
Your Majesty.
How much longer do you believe
one can last with rotting roots?
The Crown Prince will recover.
Will he?
But what if…
he does not?
In that case, one of those
troublemakers will ascend the throne
and end up leaving a stain
on the history of the kingdom
just because they are of legitimate birth.
Let me tell you something.
Your only worth in the royal family
is the Crown Prince.
I have been easy on you
since you are the mother of that child.
Therefore…
you should protect
my grandson at all costs.
I am scared.
I fear the Queen Dowager
for the first time
since I entered the palace.
Senior Court Lady Shin.
Yes, Your Majesty.
How long have you been serving me?
I have served you
since you became the Crown Princess,
so it has been
a little more than 20 years.
Can you tell me what happened?
The late Crown Prince Taein
was sickly and died suddenly.
His mother, Queen Yoon, was deposed.
That is everything
that I and the people
of this kingdom know of
regarding that incident.
Did they go on to choose
a new cohort afterward
just like they are doing now?
No, Your Majesty.
His Majesty was never a cohort.
But he was the son of a concubine.
How was he able to
end up succeeding the throne?
How did Queen Yoon end up
in such a predicament?
You must know since you
served the Queen Dowager then.
Tell me what happened.
That remains…
a secret that the two of them
share to this day.
Do you mean…
the Queen Dowager and Queen Yoon?
Her Royal Highness is someone
who would do anything for His Majesty.
This is all I can tell you for now.
Have you heard anything
from Consort Hwang?
No, Your Royal Highness.
How could she not be interested?
Did you give the book
to Consort Tae after all?
I did.
But I intend to give one to
all the mothers of promising princes.
Pardon?
All the concubines who stood in wait
each deserve a gift.
Deliver these books to their quarters.
Make it seem as if they were
the only ones who received the book
so that they may never share
what is written here with anyone else.
And…
so that they will swear
their loyalty to me and obey me.
How rude of you.
I may be living in hiding,
but that does not give you
the right to appear in my yard
in the middle of the night
without prior notice.
I apologize, Your Highness.
"Your Highness"?
Watch your words.
I have come at such an ungodly hour
as there is something
that I urgently need to ask you.
Please leave.
Being seen with me alone is enough
to have you charged with treason.
You will put not only yourself
but both of us in danger.
-Your Highness.
-My life…
is the only thing
that I managed to protect in the end.
Do not make me risk losing even that.
Leave immediately.
I, too, am here
because I may not be
able to protect my life.
I am scared.
I mustered the courage to stand my ground,
but I do not know
how to protect the things I have.
You know very well what it is like…
to not be able to protect
the Crown Prince and the Grand Princes.
I am…
nothing more than a failure.
If you could turn back time,
what would you do?
I am in the same situation you were in.
From one desperate mother to another,
do you not have any
words of advice for me?
What is it that you want to know?
Everything that happened
between the two of you
that no one else
has ever heard or read about.
I want to know…
everything that happened then.
UNDER THE QUEEN'S UMBRELLA
What did you just say?
I would do anything necessary
to protect my children.
Will you keep me company
by my side as my cohort?
It has become so fragile now that
even a gentle breeze could make it fall.
I will return to you
what is rightfully yours.
Grand Prince Gyeseong
has been secretly going somewhere.
Things will become interesting
starting tomorrow.
What should I do?
Subtitle translation by: Min-jin Kim