Yi San (2007–2008): Season 1, Episode 24 - Episode #1.24 - full transcript
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These are all writings criticizing
the throne and the government.
Episode 24
If you're not an insurgent, then what are you?
I don't know who you are, but
death has been your friend all your life.
You have no time to waste on words of an old man.
Since you say you wanted your fortune told,
I will tell you one thing.
Be careful.
That old friend may take you to the netherworld this time.
What... what are you talking about?
What netherworld?
Why?
Are you afraid of the netherworld?
- Wh... what?
- Get a talisman from a shaman if you feel bad.
What a strange old man!
I don't think that old man is right in the head.
Don't concern yourself with him.
Let's return to the palace.
No. I don't want to return just yet.
Your Highness...
If this is about what I said, you should go back.
I was just speaking nonsense.
I told you I wasn't a fortune teller!
That's not what I came here to talk about.
What is all this?
They look like farming implements,
but I've never seen them before.
The designs are all different.
I have never seen these on any farm.
What are they?
Did you make them yourself?
You talk a lot, young man.
That's right. This is a hoe for the rice paddy,
and this is a hoe for the dry field.
There are different types of soil,
so you most certainly need different instruments.
Because the people use one instrument only,
only one plant comes out where it should be two,
and half a plant comes out where there should be one.
The prince tried to control the merchant clans.
But that is not the only thing that is important in Chosun.
Whether it's food or clothing,
our nation lacks in production.
We have to increase production so that
the people do not starve.
If it's alright with you, may I borrow
some of the books you have written?
Why? Do you want to turn me over
to the authorities for insurgency?
No. I'm sure there are many things
in it that I can learn from.
Do what you want.
I'll just use it for fire kindling anyway.
You can take it and use it when you go to the outhouse.
So Lord Kim Gui Joo was with the Minister of Personnel?
Yes, Your Highness.
Everything was as I reported.
- Leave us.
- Yes, my Lord.
How could they hide this from me
when they have involved the Minister?
Did they think I would stand by and watch?
The queen has severely underestimated me.
So what will you do?
If we make a fuss about this, then they
will know that we followed Lord Kim Gui Joo.
This is not something to be excited about.
We must be calm about this.
Then what are you suggesting?
Give me some time.
I will make this into an advantage for you.
Just stay quiet and don't let
them know that we know anything.
You must be extra cautious in front of Her Majesty.
Do you understand what I am saying?
Mother...
- Son!
- The night air is cold. Why are you outside?
I couldn't sleep so I went for a walk.
Why are you here?
I heard you hadn't returned to your chambers,
so I was worried.
You have other things to worry about.
Please forgive me, my son.
I have caused you to worry about me.
Mother, how can you say that to me?
I am the unfilial son that is causing you constant worry.
Unfilial son?
Not at all!
I have lived until today because of you.
It is I that is inadequate.
Even though I know the suffering you are going through,
I am unable to give you any help or support.
Mother...
But, my prince...
I still hope that you will hold on
and bear with all of this until the end.
I know how difficult and tormenting this all is for you.
But all I can say to you is that you must win...!
Yes, Mother.
I will do so.
I will never show you this weak side of myself.
I know full well how much suffering there was in your life.
I will not let you suffer twice.
My son...
- Hey, can I talk to you?
- Right now?
- What is it?
- Oh, it's nothing.
Can you look at this for me?
- What do you think? Is it good?
- What?
Tell me!
Does it look a little like him?
Oh, yes it does.
Really? Oh, I'm so happy!
I was worried it didn't look anything like him!
- Then can you deliver this to him?
- What? Me?
- Why? You don't want to?
- No, it's not that, but it's a bit strange.
- You should give it to him yourself...
- Why won't you help me?
Tell me the truth!
Do you like him too?
- What?
- Let's tell the truth right now!
I like him!
I'm going to make him my man.
If it's the same with you, then
let's have it out right now!
Chobi...
Of course not!
How could I?
You're telling the truth, right?
Of course!
Alright.
So please deliver it to him.
And tell to meet me at the last day of this month
at the Hour of the Fowl (5-7pm) at Gwangtong Bridge.
- What?
- Thanks! I'll be going now!
Song Yeon! What are you doing here?
I looked for you everywhere!
What is this?
It's a portrait!
Who is it?
Is it Sir Yi Chun?
- That's right! That's who it is!
- Yes, it looks exactly like him!
So Chobi drew this?
Why did she draw Sir Yi Chun?
- Have a good journey!
- Thanks for the food!
Hey, hey Dal Ho!
- Dal Ho, I'm here.
- So you are.
- So what is the update?
- I've found out what you asked for.
Just wait a moment.
- Look here, Mak Soon!
- Yes!
- I'm going out for a while.
- What? Where?
I told you I was going out!
Why do you ask me so many questions!
Alright. Come back quickly.
Let us go.
You are a true man.
How did you have her under your thumb like that?
Isn't this her house?
You're acting like you're the owner!
- Where are we going?
- You'll know when we get there.
- We're here.
- This is a Gisaeng House.
(Gisaeng = Female entertainer/hostess)
I don't have the money to come here.
Why are you so worried?
You don't have to pay here.
Let's go in.
Where is Mae Hyang?
Tell her Park Dal Ho is here.
Alright.
This is a famous Gisaeng House in the Capital.
Look at those gisaengs!
They look like they would steal a man's soul.
Yes they do.
You said you had no money!
Come with me.
It smells nice!
Hey, Dal Ho.
Who is Mae Hyang?
- She's the Dokyi.
- The Dokyi?
What's that?
You've never been to a Gisaeng House, have you?
She is the Mistress of the Gisaengs.
She's their leader.
That's a Dokyi?
- Oh, who's this? You've come!
- Have you been well?
Of course!
Come, take a seat.
This is the gentleman I mentioned before.
He is the finest Artist in the Royal Bureau, Sir Yi Chun!
He is said to be a genius!
Yes, I have heard much about you.
I am Mae Hyang.
Why don't you ask him yourself?
Please paint the portraits of all the gisaengs in our house.
My girls will be so pleased that a Royal Artist
from the Bureau will be painting them!
Geum Mong!
Come in with the girls.
Give your greetings. This gentlemen is a Royal Artist
from the Bureau who will be painting all of you.
Who wants to go first?
- Me!
- No, I want to go first!
Not you.
Geum Mong, you may go first.
This girl is Geum Mong.
She is our most popular Gisaeng.
May I ask you a question, sir?
Of... of course!
Do you paint nudes?
Nu...nude?
You mean... naked...?
I want a nude painting.
I would love to see a painting of my body.
Wretched girl!
You've embarrassed him!
Did you say your name was Geum Mong?
Go in, go in!
- What do you think, Sir?
- Dal Ho, I can't thank you enough!
Thank you so much!
This is something I have always dreamt about!
Everytime I was abused by my brute of a wife,
I would draw my erotica and become restless!
My erotica was always from my imagination.
But this is the real thing!
I can't believe it!
Thank you, Dal Ho, thank you!
In any case, I am envious of your talent.
This wouldn't be possible if you weren't talented.
You should paint a little bit and then....!
Because of you, I'm going to be getting some exercise!
Let's go.
That... that is...!
Is it someone you know?
Yes, he used to be a high level Inspector!
But now he's carrying around excrement!
How could that happen?
What, Lord Hong Gook Young was carrying excrement?
- That's right!
- You must be mistaken!
That's why I couldn't believe my eyes.
But it really was him.
He was amongst the servants and carrying away
excrement from the Gisaeng House.
My goodness.
I know he resigned from his government post,
but didn't he have anything better to do?
What is he thinking?
He sold his house and disappeared!
And now he's doing this?
- Where were you? We looked everywhere!
- What?
You're in trouble!
Princess Hwa Wan is looking for you!
- Are you the Bureau Damo Sung Song Yeon?
- Yes, my lady.
The Princess has asked for you.
Follow me.
Isn't that Song Yeon?
Yes, it looks like it is.
But isn't that the attendant for Princess Hwa Wan?
- Leave us for a while.
- Yes, Your Highness.
So you are the one that caused
all that turmoil at the Bureau?
- What?
- I asked you a question.
Yes, Your Highness.
No need to be so nervous.
Sit down.
- She entered the princess' chambers?
- Yes, my lady.
- Alright, you may leave.
- Yes, my lady.
I can't believe it!
You've become quite famous.
Everyone's talking about how you
turned the Bureau upside down.
You must have quite a talent if you placed in
the artists' competition.
You are most gracious, your Highness.
I like you. It is the old-fashioned thinking of men
that prohibits women from becoming artists.
So I was thinking of helping you out.
I will inform the Bureau.
I want you to paint here in my palace.
Even though you have been allowed to take
lessons, it will not be easy for you to become an artist.
And it will be impossible for you to attain
Senior Artist status.
But if you align yourself with me, you may
have more opportunities than the present.
But Your Highness, I am uneducated and without talent.
I may become a burden to you.
Leave that to me.
You will come here starting next month.
- Do you understand?
- Yes, Your Highness.
You may leave.
- Your Highness, Secretary Jung is here.
- Let him enter.
What is this, Mother?
I told you I was going to find out the
true relationship between that girl and the Prince.
- So what is your plan?
- Leave it to me.
More importantly, what is happening with your plan?
The Second Royal Secretary had been working
his influence at the Royal Arsenal.
The Royal Arsenal?
It is where the fireworks
for the year-end festival is being prepared.
I am certain his plan is to assassinate the prince
in front of everyone at the festival.
If Her Majesty succeeds in her plan with the
Second Royal Secretary and the Personnel Minister,
we will lose everything.
- She wants to exclude us!
- Don't worry, I will not let that happen.
This book is so rare even noblemen cannot find it.
How did you come across it?
Are you certain that she went
into Princess Hwa Wan's chambers?
Yes, Your Highness.
She is a conniving and manipulative wench!
When you asked her about Secretary Jung,
she swore that she didn't know who he was!
But now look, she is intimate with the princess!
That girl lied to you, Your Highness!
- Why would she do that?
- I told you, Your Highness!
I told you she was suspicious!
I told you she may be working for the enemy!
She's not the prince's friend, but
a spy planted by the princess!
Your Highness, you must cut her off at the root.
She must not be allowed near you!
If you don't do anything, she will become dangerous!
- What did you think, Minister?
- As you said, he has a keen political sense.
The writings were crude and unrefined,
but I was amazed at his sharp observations.
I am glad you agree with me.
- I feel like I have met a kindred spirit.
- But you must be cautious, your Highness.
Is it not dangerous to allow this man to go free
with this kind of thinking and opinions?
I agree with you.
But you cannot punish someone for his opinion.
We must allow men to think freely.
I believe that if an idealogy is true,
then it will gain the people's support naturally.
But if that idealogy is false and mistaken,
then it will fade away naturally.
So it is foolish to regulate people's thinking and opinions.
I had something to ask you.
Yes, Your Highness.
Do you know how Inspector Hong is doing?
Yes, he sent me a promissory note.
I found out that he had sold his house and
returned the money back to us.
Sold his house?
Then where is he staying now?
Well.... he disappeared suddenly, and no
one seems to know his whereabouts.
- Something really stinks!
- Stop making a fuss.
He says that he is at the government agencies,
so he doesn't know when he'll be back.
- Is that so?
- But I found out where he is living. Let's go there.
Let's hurry!
I can't stay here anymore.
It's this house.
Are you sure Inspector Hong lives here?
He used to be an Inspector!
How could he live in a place like this?
You said he cleared excrement for a living,
but he lives in a sty too!
- Sir!
- Why are you here?
What do you think?
We came to catch you!
Come on out, sir!
Inspector Hong is back!
- Sir! Sir!
- You too? What is going on?
- How did you find me?
- Did you plan on hiding from us forever?
How could you hide from me?
Did you plan to never see us again?
- Enough of that. I'm sure he didn't mean it.
- Then what is all this?
People will think that I'm your wife
who ran away with another man!
Sir! I'm really upset!
How can you joke at a time like this?
Sir!
Are you sure you can afford this?
Don't worry, sir. They charge high prices for the
noble scholars, but we soldiers get it for cheap!
I heard that some tribunal soldiers and Palace guards
become husbands for gisaengs.
Is that the case for you?
Do you think it's that easy to become husband to
a gisaeng? We're not that lucky!
Dae Su, you may have a chance!
What of it? Shall I introduce you to someone?
Stop joking around, sir!
In any case, thank you.
I am spared from sleeping in a sty tonight.
Until when will you continue living this way?
What's wrong with living this way?
Sir!
I am learning many things by doing the most
undesirable work there is.
Since I'm clearing excrement, I've come to
realize that power is like excrement too.
What?
Power is like excrement?
It's filthy, unsanitary and stinky!
So what will you do the rest of your life?
Since you hate power,
will you clear excrement forever?
Are you crazy?
How can I survive without power?
Excrement, if used wisely, has many uses.
It can be used for fertilizer,
and can be used for firepowder too!
Even though it's filthy and stinky,
I still like power.
But just like you can die if you fall into excrement,
one must be cautious when handling power.
What do you think of my Excrement Philosophy?
What?
Oh sir...!
Aren't you going to ask how the prince is doing?
Do I have the right to ask?
His Highness has regained his sincerity.
Yesterday, he asked us to accompany him out to the capital.
Really? I'm glad.
I knew he would.
I knew he would brush himself off and get up again.
Yes, but there is one concern.
I heard a bad omen yesterday.
I suppose I could just forget about it.
But because of the several attempts on the
prince's life, I can't help but be uneasy.
What do you mean?
What did you hear?
What do you think?
Even if it weren't for that old man's words,
you must be cautious always.
They will not want to loosen the noose around his neck.
So if the prince is not de-crowned as they want,
they will not ignore assassination as an option.
But I have no idea how they will go about it.
He is the Minister of Culture.
He is an important man, so treat him well.
- Make sure you treat him well!
- Of course I will, Mistress!
What a minx you are!
- Do you know him, Sir?
- Yes.
- He's the mad dog that bit me.
- What? Mad dog?
Have you been well, your Lordship?
Don't you recognize me?
- You...!
- That's right. I'm Hong Gook Young.
What a fortunate coincidence.
I had something to tell you anyway.
You have something to tell me?
Yes, My Lord.
I have been waiting for the right moment
to return the honor that you bestowed to me.
So if ever happen to fall into a pit of excrement,
please know that it was a present from me.
What?
That... that impudent fool!
What did he say to me?
Sir...!
Wait and see. One day, I will catch that mad dog
and eat it with bean paste.
What?
- Is Her Majesty inside?
- Yes, Your Highness.
- Tell her I am here.
- Yes, Your Highness.
It looks like I have come at a right time today.
You were always in meetings with other people,
so I had to turn back so many times.
Forgive me, princess. My older brother is here
and I have spent a lot of time talking with him.
Not at all, Your Majesty.
There must be lots of things to talk about between siblings.
But why has the Second Royal Secretary
returned to the Capital?
No specific reason. I asked him to come visit
as I was feeling a bit lonely.
Is that so?
I am here to tell you something, Your Majesty.
Yes, what is it?
Now that the prince has been removed from rule,
should we not prepare for the next step?
It looks to me as if there is no better time
to remove the Prince completely.
So with your approval,
I will ensure that the prince is de-crowned,
- and that control of the government is returned to us.
- No.
His Majesty is still undecided,
and our preparations are not yet ready.
If we make any hasty movements,
it may set us back further.
We should take a bit more time
to think through our plans first.
Really?
Is that how you really feel?
I know what you are saying,
but since we have the year-end festivities coming up,
we can discuss it afterwards.
So please do as I request.
Yes, I will do so.
How could I not follow your wishes?
Let's go.
Your Highness...
It seems that you are extremely busy lately.
Yes, there are some urgent matters at the
Ministry of Personnel.
Is that so?
What is this smell?
Something smells a little fishy.
I can't smell anything, Your Highness.
Can't you smell it, Minister?
- I don't think so...
- Really?
How strange.
There is a fishy smell, but I can't see the fish.
You must be here to see Her Majesty.
Why don't I let you go.
Is that so?
The princess goaded you about your visit here?
I think she is suspicious that there is no activity.
I hope you did not reveal anything.
The princess must be excluded from this.
Why do you want to exclude the princess
and Secretary Jung from this plan?
The princess is merely a wily fox.
Because I have allowed her fangs and claws to grow
under me, she thinks she is a tiger.
She thinks that we are the same level.
And soon she will consider herself superior to me.
When that happens, she will try to attain
power by changing the dynasty of the throne.
What?
Changing the dynasty?
What do you mean by that?
Minister, don't you know the real reason why
she adopted Secretary Jung?
Your Majesty, that means...
I have kept them with me because I need them.
But we must slowly restrain her influence.
Do you understand me?
Do you understand me?
You must make sure it happens!
- What are you talking about so secretly?
- It's nothing.
- I'll see you later then.
- Look here, Second Royal Secretary!
Why are you doing this to me?
Why are you excluding me?
How foolish you are. If you don't know,
then think about it carefully!
That... that...!
Brother.
- Why do you look like that?
- It's nothing.
- If you are free, let's go to the Eastern Palace.
- Why?
The prince must be in deep distress.
We should go and comfort him.
I'm alright. You can go alone.
Wait...!
That fellow...!
Your Highness, this is the Royal Farm.
(Royal Farm - The King's personal farm)
What do you think?
Will it be possible?
I'm not quite certain.
We have only sowed seeds here.
We have never made troughs here before.
- Troughs were only made to discard water.
- So you're saying it's impossible?
And we've never planted barley here before,
so I'm not quite sure...
Take this book and read it.
It says here that sowing seeds in troughs blocks
out the cold and the wind and allows early sowing.
- Why don't you give it a try?
- Yes, your Highness. I will do as you ordered.
The governor of Hamkyung and magistrate of Bukwon
has been submitted.
I will accept their resignations.
Yes, your Majesty.
How is the Prince?
I hear that he is leaving the palace frequently.
After you withdrew his right to rule,
he has reexamined himself.
In order to find out more about the people's lives,
he is going out to see them.
Foolish boy.
He is repairing the barn after he has lost the farm.
Well, if he continues doing that,
he may be able to handle his next farm better.
- What a damnable fellow!
- He called His Highness a damnable fellow?
Forgive me. I was just trying to figure out
how this would draw water out of the ground.
Then you should have just asked me.
Why did you touch it?
- Have I broken it?
- If it is, will you fix it?
- Then let me try.
- Forget it! It's not too bad.
That's why I told you to leave!
Why won't you go?
Have you ever tried this out?
If not, can I take it and try it out myself?
- Do you even have land of your own?
- Well, I have a bit of land my ancestors passed down to me.
I could tell you were a rich man's son with nothing to do!
So what about it?
Will you lend this to a rich man's son?
Chobi, are you going somewhere today?
Yes, you've been looking at the mirror all day!
Is something happening today?
- Nothing for you to know.
- But that powder is mine...
Official Park has asked all of us to gather at his office!
- Why?
- I think it's about the year-end festivities!
The Bureau has to enter the palace to record the event!
That's right!
The year-end festival!
You're so lucky that you get to see it!
I heard it's amazing.
A great feast and fireworks display!
What are you doing, Chobi?
I told you we had to go!
What a bother!
What's the big deal about the festivities!
That hurt.
I am sure you are all aware, but in five days
the Palace will hold its year-end festivities.
We will have to record the event.
- So Official Kang, Artist Tak and Artist Yi will be going.
- Yes, Sir.
- You can choose the Damo Attendants, Chobi.
- Yes, Sir.
- So when do we enter the palace?
- Today at the Hour of the Dog (7-9pm).
- What? Today?
- What's wrong?
- It's nothing.
- Let us hurry and make preparations.
Yes sir!
- What is it?
- Did you deliver the portrait?
- What?
- Did you deliver the portrait and my rendezvous message?
- Oh, that...
- What? You didn't?
- Why are you so mean to me?
- Forgive me, I'll do it today.
You have to deliver it for me.
Tell him I have to enter the palace at 7pm,
so he can't be late! Alright?
- Alright.
- What are you doing? Go!
She's so slow!
I'm going to the old man's house again.
I'll be right behind you, so don't worry about me.
- Alright. But hurry.
- Yes sir.
What?
You don't want me to swear at your master anymore?
Yes sir.
My master isn't someone you can speak like that too.
What a useless fellow you are!
So that's why you came back here?
No, that's not it.
I have another question to ask.
When you first met His High... I mean Lordship,
you told him his life was in danger.
His Highness... I mean His Lordship told me
to not worry about it too much,
but I can't sleep at night because of it.
Can you really tell fortunes?
If you were just pretending,
then just tell me.
I won't get angry.
Wretched boy!
Who are you calling a liar?
If you're so worried about your master,
then you always keep an eye out for him,
day and night.
When I first laid eyes on your master,
I heard screaming in the middle of an explosion
before many people.
And that time is not far away.
It is very near.
Wh... what?
What should I do? Should I believe what
that fortune teller told me?
I don't believe in shamans or fortune tellers,
but it doesn't hurt to heed his words.
Did he say it would be at a place
where many people were watching?
Yes, and he also mentioned an explosion.
I really can't figure it out.
That means the palace would be on fire.
What kind of crazy fool would do that in the palace?
Wait.
Yes, only a crazy fool would do such a thing.
What?
He is the Minister of Culture.
He is an important man, so treat him well.
Dae Su, return to the palace, and find out
what the Minister of Culture is working on now.
- The Minister of Culture?
- Yes, he will have been put in charge of something.
Find out what that is and let me know.
And tell Jang Bo and Suk Ki to watch Secretary Jung
and Second Royal Secretary Kim Gui Joo.
- Do you understand?
- Yes, Sir. I'll do as you ask.
What should I do?
Isn't the moonlight lovely?
Yes, it is as lovely as your sparkling eyes.
Oh my, you mean I'm not more lovely than the moonlight?
I'm sorry, Chobi.
I'm a bit late.
Oh, you're here...!
Sir!
Why are you here?
Aren't you getting ready to enter the palace?
What do you mean why?
I came because you asked me to.
I did?
Chobi, you poor thing...
Why have you fallen in love with me?
What?
Chobi, I can't do this.
We can't do this.
I'm thankful for your love.
But if you don't stop loving me, you'll die.
And I'll die! We'll both be beaten to death
by my wife's huge fists!
What are you talking about?
You're young and inexperienced.
Right now you may think that you
can die for love, but it is all nonsense!
Why... Why are you being like this?
How your heart must have been broken
when you painted my portrait?
But I can't receive your love.
It's not because I don't like you.
It's because I want you to live!
What?
Did Song Yeon give this to Sir Yi Chun?
Does she think I'm crazy?
Does she think I'm blind?
This isn't Sir Yi Chun!
It's Park Dae Su!
Oh no! My top has come undone!
Our paintings will not only be pasted on
all the walls within the palace,
they will also be given as gifts to the royal
and noble families to ward off evil.
We must complete 200 of these paintings
within four days.
Two hundred?
We did a hundred last year!
- How are we supposed to do that?
- Yes, it is too much work for the Artists.
It is what they have ordered from us.
I will look for a solution, so work quickly.
Song Yeon, looks like you're getting work.
- You're like an ant.
- Sir!
What is this?
It is Yuji. It is thin and transparent so
that you can see the painting underneath.
If you draw on it, it will copy it on the paper below.
How should we use it?
It looks like Damos need to help out
with the paintings.
What?
When the Artists draw the original,
the Damos can place the Yuji on top.
They can copy the lines that is drawn.
But these are to be used in the year-end festivities.
If the Ministry of Culture finds out,
the Bureau may get in trouble!
I will handle that, so don't worry.
And this is a good opportunity for you Damos.
I have seen the paintings that they have done.
I could tell that you have taught them well.
Sir...!
If the Damos do a good job,
they will have more opportunities in the future.
So do a good job.
Will you be going out of the palace again?
I'm thinking of leaving in the early evening.
I want to go see how the new instruments are doing.
You look so lively nowadays, your Highness.
Me?
Is that so?
- Yes, your Highness.
- It's probably because I'm not ruling.
Now that I've been removed from that role,
the vipers that were after me are quiet.
I think they have lost interest in me.
They think that I will be de-crowned soon.
Why do you say such things, your Highness?
Don't worry.
I'm just saying I'm relieved at their inattention.
I can go around and no one says anything.
I will use this opportunity to listen and see more around me.
I was foolish to presume to know the people's needs
from the comfort of the Palace.
Your Highness...!
The palace is full of excitement because
of the year-end festivities, your Highness.
- You may return first. I will follow shortly.
- Yes, Your Highness.
- So you've come for the year-end festivities.
- Yes, Your Highness.
I'm happy that we have these opportunities
to see each other.
What is that you're carrying?
It is Yuji. We are going to use it to make
copies of the paintings to be used at the festivities.
- Is that so?
- Yes, Your Highness.
That is fortunate.
I saw the paintings you sent with Dae Su.
Did you know that because of you,
I came to my senses?
What?
You said that even the lowly Damos were
working so hard, but what were you doing?
Why are you shut up inside your library?
Wasn't that what you meant?
No, Your Highness, of course not!
I just wanted to thank you...
You're so innocent.
You never get my jokes.
What?
Your Highness...!
That's why being prince is bad.
You can't even joke with a friend.
You're my most cherished friend, Song Yeon.
I hope you are as comfortable with me.
I want you to be able to make jokes with me.
Your Highness...
I'm so glad I have you and Dae Su.
When I see you in this stuffy palace,
I find myself being able to breathe.
Sir!
- Did you find out?
- Yes, the Minister of Culture is in charge of the festivities.
- The year-end festivities?
- Yes.
The whole palace is busy with preparations.
Even we Royal Guards are busy preparing.
The year-end festivities...
This is my first time, but I heard there were fireworks?
- How are they different?
- This is for fireworks and this is for explosions.
This has less gunpowder mixed in,
so it is only used for firework displays.
Then...
- This one is used for weapons?
- Yes, my Lord.
Because of the high ratio of gunpowder,
a small amount of this will set off a big explosion.
Alright. Give them to me.
You may leave.
Yes, My Lord.
Second Royal Secretary!
What are you doing here by yourself?
Your Highness!
What is that?
This...
Main Translator: MrsKorea
Timer and Editor: MrsKorea
Coordinator: mily2
Special thanks to: upikepik
These are all writings criticizing
the throne and the government.
Episode 24
If you're not an insurgent, then what are you?
I don't know who you are, but
death has been your friend all your life.
You have no time to waste on words of an old man.
Since you say you wanted your fortune told,
I will tell you one thing.
Be careful.
That old friend may take you to the netherworld this time.
What... what are you talking about?
What netherworld?
Why?
Are you afraid of the netherworld?
- Wh... what?
- Get a talisman from a shaman if you feel bad.
What a strange old man!
I don't think that old man is right in the head.
Don't concern yourself with him.
Let's return to the palace.
No. I don't want to return just yet.
Your Highness...
If this is about what I said, you should go back.
I was just speaking nonsense.
I told you I wasn't a fortune teller!
That's not what I came here to talk about.
What is all this?
They look like farming implements,
but I've never seen them before.
The designs are all different.
I have never seen these on any farm.
What are they?
Did you make them yourself?
You talk a lot, young man.
That's right. This is a hoe for the rice paddy,
and this is a hoe for the dry field.
There are different types of soil,
so you most certainly need different instruments.
Because the people use one instrument only,
only one plant comes out where it should be two,
and half a plant comes out where there should be one.
The prince tried to control the merchant clans.
But that is not the only thing that is important in Chosun.
Whether it's food or clothing,
our nation lacks in production.
We have to increase production so that
the people do not starve.
If it's alright with you, may I borrow
some of the books you have written?
Why? Do you want to turn me over
to the authorities for insurgency?
No. I'm sure there are many things
in it that I can learn from.
Do what you want.
I'll just use it for fire kindling anyway.
You can take it and use it when you go to the outhouse.
So Lord Kim Gui Joo was with the Minister of Personnel?
Yes, Your Highness.
Everything was as I reported.
- Leave us.
- Yes, my Lord.
How could they hide this from me
when they have involved the Minister?
Did they think I would stand by and watch?
The queen has severely underestimated me.
So what will you do?
If we make a fuss about this, then they
will know that we followed Lord Kim Gui Joo.
This is not something to be excited about.
We must be calm about this.
Then what are you suggesting?
Give me some time.
I will make this into an advantage for you.
Just stay quiet and don't let
them know that we know anything.
You must be extra cautious in front of Her Majesty.
Do you understand what I am saying?
Mother...
- Son!
- The night air is cold. Why are you outside?
I couldn't sleep so I went for a walk.
Why are you here?
I heard you hadn't returned to your chambers,
so I was worried.
You have other things to worry about.
Please forgive me, my son.
I have caused you to worry about me.
Mother, how can you say that to me?
I am the unfilial son that is causing you constant worry.
Unfilial son?
Not at all!
I have lived until today because of you.
It is I that is inadequate.
Even though I know the suffering you are going through,
I am unable to give you any help or support.
Mother...
But, my prince...
I still hope that you will hold on
and bear with all of this until the end.
I know how difficult and tormenting this all is for you.
But all I can say to you is that you must win...!
Yes, Mother.
I will do so.
I will never show you this weak side of myself.
I know full well how much suffering there was in your life.
I will not let you suffer twice.
My son...
- Hey, can I talk to you?
- Right now?
- What is it?
- Oh, it's nothing.
Can you look at this for me?
- What do you think? Is it good?
- What?
Tell me!
Does it look a little like him?
Oh, yes it does.
Really? Oh, I'm so happy!
I was worried it didn't look anything like him!
- Then can you deliver this to him?
- What? Me?
- Why? You don't want to?
- No, it's not that, but it's a bit strange.
- You should give it to him yourself...
- Why won't you help me?
Tell me the truth!
Do you like him too?
- What?
- Let's tell the truth right now!
I like him!
I'm going to make him my man.
If it's the same with you, then
let's have it out right now!
Chobi...
Of course not!
How could I?
You're telling the truth, right?
Of course!
Alright.
So please deliver it to him.
And tell to meet me at the last day of this month
at the Hour of the Fowl (5-7pm) at Gwangtong Bridge.
- What?
- Thanks! I'll be going now!
Song Yeon! What are you doing here?
I looked for you everywhere!
What is this?
It's a portrait!
Who is it?
Is it Sir Yi Chun?
- That's right! That's who it is!
- Yes, it looks exactly like him!
So Chobi drew this?
Why did she draw Sir Yi Chun?
- Have a good journey!
- Thanks for the food!
Hey, hey Dal Ho!
- Dal Ho, I'm here.
- So you are.
- So what is the update?
- I've found out what you asked for.
Just wait a moment.
- Look here, Mak Soon!
- Yes!
- I'm going out for a while.
- What? Where?
I told you I was going out!
Why do you ask me so many questions!
Alright. Come back quickly.
Let us go.
You are a true man.
How did you have her under your thumb like that?
Isn't this her house?
You're acting like you're the owner!
- Where are we going?
- You'll know when we get there.
- We're here.
- This is a Gisaeng House.
(Gisaeng = Female entertainer/hostess)
I don't have the money to come here.
Why are you so worried?
You don't have to pay here.
Let's go in.
Where is Mae Hyang?
Tell her Park Dal Ho is here.
Alright.
This is a famous Gisaeng House in the Capital.
Look at those gisaengs!
They look like they would steal a man's soul.
Yes they do.
You said you had no money!
Come with me.
It smells nice!
Hey, Dal Ho.
Who is Mae Hyang?
- She's the Dokyi.
- The Dokyi?
What's that?
You've never been to a Gisaeng House, have you?
She is the Mistress of the Gisaengs.
She's their leader.
That's a Dokyi?
- Oh, who's this? You've come!
- Have you been well?
Of course!
Come, take a seat.
This is the gentleman I mentioned before.
He is the finest Artist in the Royal Bureau, Sir Yi Chun!
He is said to be a genius!
Yes, I have heard much about you.
I am Mae Hyang.
Why don't you ask him yourself?
Please paint the portraits of all the gisaengs in our house.
My girls will be so pleased that a Royal Artist
from the Bureau will be painting them!
Geum Mong!
Come in with the girls.
Give your greetings. This gentlemen is a Royal Artist
from the Bureau who will be painting all of you.
Who wants to go first?
- Me!
- No, I want to go first!
Not you.
Geum Mong, you may go first.
This girl is Geum Mong.
She is our most popular Gisaeng.
May I ask you a question, sir?
Of... of course!
Do you paint nudes?
Nu...nude?
You mean... naked...?
I want a nude painting.
I would love to see a painting of my body.
Wretched girl!
You've embarrassed him!
Did you say your name was Geum Mong?
Go in, go in!
- What do you think, Sir?
- Dal Ho, I can't thank you enough!
Thank you so much!
This is something I have always dreamt about!
Everytime I was abused by my brute of a wife,
I would draw my erotica and become restless!
My erotica was always from my imagination.
But this is the real thing!
I can't believe it!
Thank you, Dal Ho, thank you!
In any case, I am envious of your talent.
This wouldn't be possible if you weren't talented.
You should paint a little bit and then....!
Because of you, I'm going to be getting some exercise!
Let's go.
That... that is...!
Is it someone you know?
Yes, he used to be a high level Inspector!
But now he's carrying around excrement!
How could that happen?
What, Lord Hong Gook Young was carrying excrement?
- That's right!
- You must be mistaken!
That's why I couldn't believe my eyes.
But it really was him.
He was amongst the servants and carrying away
excrement from the Gisaeng House.
My goodness.
I know he resigned from his government post,
but didn't he have anything better to do?
What is he thinking?
He sold his house and disappeared!
And now he's doing this?
- Where were you? We looked everywhere!
- What?
You're in trouble!
Princess Hwa Wan is looking for you!
- Are you the Bureau Damo Sung Song Yeon?
- Yes, my lady.
The Princess has asked for you.
Follow me.
Isn't that Song Yeon?
Yes, it looks like it is.
But isn't that the attendant for Princess Hwa Wan?
- Leave us for a while.
- Yes, Your Highness.
So you are the one that caused
all that turmoil at the Bureau?
- What?
- I asked you a question.
Yes, Your Highness.
No need to be so nervous.
Sit down.
- She entered the princess' chambers?
- Yes, my lady.
- Alright, you may leave.
- Yes, my lady.
I can't believe it!
You've become quite famous.
Everyone's talking about how you
turned the Bureau upside down.
You must have quite a talent if you placed in
the artists' competition.
You are most gracious, your Highness.
I like you. It is the old-fashioned thinking of men
that prohibits women from becoming artists.
So I was thinking of helping you out.
I will inform the Bureau.
I want you to paint here in my palace.
Even though you have been allowed to take
lessons, it will not be easy for you to become an artist.
And it will be impossible for you to attain
Senior Artist status.
But if you align yourself with me, you may
have more opportunities than the present.
But Your Highness, I am uneducated and without talent.
I may become a burden to you.
Leave that to me.
You will come here starting next month.
- Do you understand?
- Yes, Your Highness.
You may leave.
- Your Highness, Secretary Jung is here.
- Let him enter.
What is this, Mother?
I told you I was going to find out the
true relationship between that girl and the Prince.
- So what is your plan?
- Leave it to me.
More importantly, what is happening with your plan?
The Second Royal Secretary had been working
his influence at the Royal Arsenal.
The Royal Arsenal?
It is where the fireworks
for the year-end festival is being prepared.
I am certain his plan is to assassinate the prince
in front of everyone at the festival.
If Her Majesty succeeds in her plan with the
Second Royal Secretary and the Personnel Minister,
we will lose everything.
- She wants to exclude us!
- Don't worry, I will not let that happen.
This book is so rare even noblemen cannot find it.
How did you come across it?
Are you certain that she went
into Princess Hwa Wan's chambers?
Yes, Your Highness.
She is a conniving and manipulative wench!
When you asked her about Secretary Jung,
she swore that she didn't know who he was!
But now look, she is intimate with the princess!
That girl lied to you, Your Highness!
- Why would she do that?
- I told you, Your Highness!
I told you she was suspicious!
I told you she may be working for the enemy!
She's not the prince's friend, but
a spy planted by the princess!
Your Highness, you must cut her off at the root.
She must not be allowed near you!
If you don't do anything, she will become dangerous!
- What did you think, Minister?
- As you said, he has a keen political sense.
The writings were crude and unrefined,
but I was amazed at his sharp observations.
I am glad you agree with me.
- I feel like I have met a kindred spirit.
- But you must be cautious, your Highness.
Is it not dangerous to allow this man to go free
with this kind of thinking and opinions?
I agree with you.
But you cannot punish someone for his opinion.
We must allow men to think freely.
I believe that if an idealogy is true,
then it will gain the people's support naturally.
But if that idealogy is false and mistaken,
then it will fade away naturally.
So it is foolish to regulate people's thinking and opinions.
I had something to ask you.
Yes, Your Highness.
Do you know how Inspector Hong is doing?
Yes, he sent me a promissory note.
I found out that he had sold his house and
returned the money back to us.
Sold his house?
Then where is he staying now?
Well.... he disappeared suddenly, and no
one seems to know his whereabouts.
- Something really stinks!
- Stop making a fuss.
He says that he is at the government agencies,
so he doesn't know when he'll be back.
- Is that so?
- But I found out where he is living. Let's go there.
Let's hurry!
I can't stay here anymore.
It's this house.
Are you sure Inspector Hong lives here?
He used to be an Inspector!
How could he live in a place like this?
You said he cleared excrement for a living,
but he lives in a sty too!
- Sir!
- Why are you here?
What do you think?
We came to catch you!
Come on out, sir!
Inspector Hong is back!
- Sir! Sir!
- You too? What is going on?
- How did you find me?
- Did you plan on hiding from us forever?
How could you hide from me?
Did you plan to never see us again?
- Enough of that. I'm sure he didn't mean it.
- Then what is all this?
People will think that I'm your wife
who ran away with another man!
Sir! I'm really upset!
How can you joke at a time like this?
Sir!
Are you sure you can afford this?
Don't worry, sir. They charge high prices for the
noble scholars, but we soldiers get it for cheap!
I heard that some tribunal soldiers and Palace guards
become husbands for gisaengs.
Is that the case for you?
Do you think it's that easy to become husband to
a gisaeng? We're not that lucky!
Dae Su, you may have a chance!
What of it? Shall I introduce you to someone?
Stop joking around, sir!
In any case, thank you.
I am spared from sleeping in a sty tonight.
Until when will you continue living this way?
What's wrong with living this way?
Sir!
I am learning many things by doing the most
undesirable work there is.
Since I'm clearing excrement, I've come to
realize that power is like excrement too.
What?
Power is like excrement?
It's filthy, unsanitary and stinky!
So what will you do the rest of your life?
Since you hate power,
will you clear excrement forever?
Are you crazy?
How can I survive without power?
Excrement, if used wisely, has many uses.
It can be used for fertilizer,
and can be used for firepowder too!
Even though it's filthy and stinky,
I still like power.
But just like you can die if you fall into excrement,
one must be cautious when handling power.
What do you think of my Excrement Philosophy?
What?
Oh sir...!
Aren't you going to ask how the prince is doing?
Do I have the right to ask?
His Highness has regained his sincerity.
Yesterday, he asked us to accompany him out to the capital.
Really? I'm glad.
I knew he would.
I knew he would brush himself off and get up again.
Yes, but there is one concern.
I heard a bad omen yesterday.
I suppose I could just forget about it.
But because of the several attempts on the
prince's life, I can't help but be uneasy.
What do you mean?
What did you hear?
What do you think?
Even if it weren't for that old man's words,
you must be cautious always.
They will not want to loosen the noose around his neck.
So if the prince is not de-crowned as they want,
they will not ignore assassination as an option.
But I have no idea how they will go about it.
He is the Minister of Culture.
He is an important man, so treat him well.
- Make sure you treat him well!
- Of course I will, Mistress!
What a minx you are!
- Do you know him, Sir?
- Yes.
- He's the mad dog that bit me.
- What? Mad dog?
Have you been well, your Lordship?
Don't you recognize me?
- You...!
- That's right. I'm Hong Gook Young.
What a fortunate coincidence.
I had something to tell you anyway.
You have something to tell me?
Yes, My Lord.
I have been waiting for the right moment
to return the honor that you bestowed to me.
So if ever happen to fall into a pit of excrement,
please know that it was a present from me.
What?
That... that impudent fool!
What did he say to me?
Sir...!
Wait and see. One day, I will catch that mad dog
and eat it with bean paste.
What?
- Is Her Majesty inside?
- Yes, Your Highness.
- Tell her I am here.
- Yes, Your Highness.
It looks like I have come at a right time today.
You were always in meetings with other people,
so I had to turn back so many times.
Forgive me, princess. My older brother is here
and I have spent a lot of time talking with him.
Not at all, Your Majesty.
There must be lots of things to talk about between siblings.
But why has the Second Royal Secretary
returned to the Capital?
No specific reason. I asked him to come visit
as I was feeling a bit lonely.
Is that so?
I am here to tell you something, Your Majesty.
Yes, what is it?
Now that the prince has been removed from rule,
should we not prepare for the next step?
It looks to me as if there is no better time
to remove the Prince completely.
So with your approval,
I will ensure that the prince is de-crowned,
- and that control of the government is returned to us.
- No.
His Majesty is still undecided,
and our preparations are not yet ready.
If we make any hasty movements,
it may set us back further.
We should take a bit more time
to think through our plans first.
Really?
Is that how you really feel?
I know what you are saying,
but since we have the year-end festivities coming up,
we can discuss it afterwards.
So please do as I request.
Yes, I will do so.
How could I not follow your wishes?
Let's go.
Your Highness...
It seems that you are extremely busy lately.
Yes, there are some urgent matters at the
Ministry of Personnel.
Is that so?
What is this smell?
Something smells a little fishy.
I can't smell anything, Your Highness.
Can't you smell it, Minister?
- I don't think so...
- Really?
How strange.
There is a fishy smell, but I can't see the fish.
You must be here to see Her Majesty.
Why don't I let you go.
Is that so?
The princess goaded you about your visit here?
I think she is suspicious that there is no activity.
I hope you did not reveal anything.
The princess must be excluded from this.
Why do you want to exclude the princess
and Secretary Jung from this plan?
The princess is merely a wily fox.
Because I have allowed her fangs and claws to grow
under me, she thinks she is a tiger.
She thinks that we are the same level.
And soon she will consider herself superior to me.
When that happens, she will try to attain
power by changing the dynasty of the throne.
What?
Changing the dynasty?
What do you mean by that?
Minister, don't you know the real reason why
she adopted Secretary Jung?
Your Majesty, that means...
I have kept them with me because I need them.
But we must slowly restrain her influence.
Do you understand me?
Do you understand me?
You must make sure it happens!
- What are you talking about so secretly?
- It's nothing.
- I'll see you later then.
- Look here, Second Royal Secretary!
Why are you doing this to me?
Why are you excluding me?
How foolish you are. If you don't know,
then think about it carefully!
That... that...!
Brother.
- Why do you look like that?
- It's nothing.
- If you are free, let's go to the Eastern Palace.
- Why?
The prince must be in deep distress.
We should go and comfort him.
I'm alright. You can go alone.
Wait...!
That fellow...!
Your Highness, this is the Royal Farm.
(Royal Farm - The King's personal farm)
What do you think?
Will it be possible?
I'm not quite certain.
We have only sowed seeds here.
We have never made troughs here before.
- Troughs were only made to discard water.
- So you're saying it's impossible?
And we've never planted barley here before,
so I'm not quite sure...
Take this book and read it.
It says here that sowing seeds in troughs blocks
out the cold and the wind and allows early sowing.
- Why don't you give it a try?
- Yes, your Highness. I will do as you ordered.
The governor of Hamkyung and magistrate of Bukwon
has been submitted.
I will accept their resignations.
Yes, your Majesty.
How is the Prince?
I hear that he is leaving the palace frequently.
After you withdrew his right to rule,
he has reexamined himself.
In order to find out more about the people's lives,
he is going out to see them.
Foolish boy.
He is repairing the barn after he has lost the farm.
Well, if he continues doing that,
he may be able to handle his next farm better.
- What a damnable fellow!
- He called His Highness a damnable fellow?
Forgive me. I was just trying to figure out
how this would draw water out of the ground.
Then you should have just asked me.
Why did you touch it?
- Have I broken it?
- If it is, will you fix it?
- Then let me try.
- Forget it! It's not too bad.
That's why I told you to leave!
Why won't you go?
Have you ever tried this out?
If not, can I take it and try it out myself?
- Do you even have land of your own?
- Well, I have a bit of land my ancestors passed down to me.
I could tell you were a rich man's son with nothing to do!
So what about it?
Will you lend this to a rich man's son?
Chobi, are you going somewhere today?
Yes, you've been looking at the mirror all day!
Is something happening today?
- Nothing for you to know.
- But that powder is mine...
Official Park has asked all of us to gather at his office!
- Why?
- I think it's about the year-end festivities!
The Bureau has to enter the palace to record the event!
That's right!
The year-end festival!
You're so lucky that you get to see it!
I heard it's amazing.
A great feast and fireworks display!
What are you doing, Chobi?
I told you we had to go!
What a bother!
What's the big deal about the festivities!
That hurt.
I am sure you are all aware, but in five days
the Palace will hold its year-end festivities.
We will have to record the event.
- So Official Kang, Artist Tak and Artist Yi will be going.
- Yes, Sir.
- You can choose the Damo Attendants, Chobi.
- Yes, Sir.
- So when do we enter the palace?
- Today at the Hour of the Dog (7-9pm).
- What? Today?
- What's wrong?
- It's nothing.
- Let us hurry and make preparations.
Yes sir!
- What is it?
- Did you deliver the portrait?
- What?
- Did you deliver the portrait and my rendezvous message?
- Oh, that...
- What? You didn't?
- Why are you so mean to me?
- Forgive me, I'll do it today.
You have to deliver it for me.
Tell him I have to enter the palace at 7pm,
so he can't be late! Alright?
- Alright.
- What are you doing? Go!
She's so slow!
I'm going to the old man's house again.
I'll be right behind you, so don't worry about me.
- Alright. But hurry.
- Yes sir.
What?
You don't want me to swear at your master anymore?
Yes sir.
My master isn't someone you can speak like that too.
What a useless fellow you are!
So that's why you came back here?
No, that's not it.
I have another question to ask.
When you first met His High... I mean Lordship,
you told him his life was in danger.
His Highness... I mean His Lordship told me
to not worry about it too much,
but I can't sleep at night because of it.
Can you really tell fortunes?
If you were just pretending,
then just tell me.
I won't get angry.
Wretched boy!
Who are you calling a liar?
If you're so worried about your master,
then you always keep an eye out for him,
day and night.
When I first laid eyes on your master,
I heard screaming in the middle of an explosion
before many people.
And that time is not far away.
It is very near.
Wh... what?
What should I do? Should I believe what
that fortune teller told me?
I don't believe in shamans or fortune tellers,
but it doesn't hurt to heed his words.
Did he say it would be at a place
where many people were watching?
Yes, and he also mentioned an explosion.
I really can't figure it out.
That means the palace would be on fire.
What kind of crazy fool would do that in the palace?
Wait.
Yes, only a crazy fool would do such a thing.
What?
He is the Minister of Culture.
He is an important man, so treat him well.
Dae Su, return to the palace, and find out
what the Minister of Culture is working on now.
- The Minister of Culture?
- Yes, he will have been put in charge of something.
Find out what that is and let me know.
And tell Jang Bo and Suk Ki to watch Secretary Jung
and Second Royal Secretary Kim Gui Joo.
- Do you understand?
- Yes, Sir. I'll do as you ask.
What should I do?
Isn't the moonlight lovely?
Yes, it is as lovely as your sparkling eyes.
Oh my, you mean I'm not more lovely than the moonlight?
I'm sorry, Chobi.
I'm a bit late.
Oh, you're here...!
Sir!
Why are you here?
Aren't you getting ready to enter the palace?
What do you mean why?
I came because you asked me to.
I did?
Chobi, you poor thing...
Why have you fallen in love with me?
What?
Chobi, I can't do this.
We can't do this.
I'm thankful for your love.
But if you don't stop loving me, you'll die.
And I'll die! We'll both be beaten to death
by my wife's huge fists!
What are you talking about?
You're young and inexperienced.
Right now you may think that you
can die for love, but it is all nonsense!
Why... Why are you being like this?
How your heart must have been broken
when you painted my portrait?
But I can't receive your love.
It's not because I don't like you.
It's because I want you to live!
What?
Did Song Yeon give this to Sir Yi Chun?
Does she think I'm crazy?
Does she think I'm blind?
This isn't Sir Yi Chun!
It's Park Dae Su!
Oh no! My top has come undone!
Our paintings will not only be pasted on
all the walls within the palace,
they will also be given as gifts to the royal
and noble families to ward off evil.
We must complete 200 of these paintings
within four days.
Two hundred?
We did a hundred last year!
- How are we supposed to do that?
- Yes, it is too much work for the Artists.
It is what they have ordered from us.
I will look for a solution, so work quickly.
Song Yeon, looks like you're getting work.
- You're like an ant.
- Sir!
What is this?
It is Yuji. It is thin and transparent so
that you can see the painting underneath.
If you draw on it, it will copy it on the paper below.
How should we use it?
It looks like Damos need to help out
with the paintings.
What?
When the Artists draw the original,
the Damos can place the Yuji on top.
They can copy the lines that is drawn.
But these are to be used in the year-end festivities.
If the Ministry of Culture finds out,
the Bureau may get in trouble!
I will handle that, so don't worry.
And this is a good opportunity for you Damos.
I have seen the paintings that they have done.
I could tell that you have taught them well.
Sir...!
If the Damos do a good job,
they will have more opportunities in the future.
So do a good job.
Will you be going out of the palace again?
I'm thinking of leaving in the early evening.
I want to go see how the new instruments are doing.
You look so lively nowadays, your Highness.
Me?
Is that so?
- Yes, your Highness.
- It's probably because I'm not ruling.
Now that I've been removed from that role,
the vipers that were after me are quiet.
I think they have lost interest in me.
They think that I will be de-crowned soon.
Why do you say such things, your Highness?
Don't worry.
I'm just saying I'm relieved at their inattention.
I can go around and no one says anything.
I will use this opportunity to listen and see more around me.
I was foolish to presume to know the people's needs
from the comfort of the Palace.
Your Highness...!
The palace is full of excitement because
of the year-end festivities, your Highness.
- You may return first. I will follow shortly.
- Yes, Your Highness.
- So you've come for the year-end festivities.
- Yes, Your Highness.
I'm happy that we have these opportunities
to see each other.
What is that you're carrying?
It is Yuji. We are going to use it to make
copies of the paintings to be used at the festivities.
- Is that so?
- Yes, Your Highness.
That is fortunate.
I saw the paintings you sent with Dae Su.
Did you know that because of you,
I came to my senses?
What?
You said that even the lowly Damos were
working so hard, but what were you doing?
Why are you shut up inside your library?
Wasn't that what you meant?
No, Your Highness, of course not!
I just wanted to thank you...
You're so innocent.
You never get my jokes.
What?
Your Highness...!
That's why being prince is bad.
You can't even joke with a friend.
You're my most cherished friend, Song Yeon.
I hope you are as comfortable with me.
I want you to be able to make jokes with me.
Your Highness...
I'm so glad I have you and Dae Su.
When I see you in this stuffy palace,
I find myself being able to breathe.
Sir!
- Did you find out?
- Yes, the Minister of Culture is in charge of the festivities.
- The year-end festivities?
- Yes.
The whole palace is busy with preparations.
Even we Royal Guards are busy preparing.
The year-end festivities...
This is my first time, but I heard there were fireworks?
- How are they different?
- This is for fireworks and this is for explosions.
This has less gunpowder mixed in,
so it is only used for firework displays.
Then...
- This one is used for weapons?
- Yes, my Lord.
Because of the high ratio of gunpowder,
a small amount of this will set off a big explosion.
Alright. Give them to me.
You may leave.
Yes, My Lord.
Second Royal Secretary!
What are you doing here by yourself?
Your Highness!
What is that?
This...
Main Translator: MrsKorea
Timer and Editor: MrsKorea
Coordinator: mily2
Special thanks to: upikepik