Original subtitles

The last ten days have been wonderful for me.

That's great to hear.

Your letters asking after me brought me joy,

hearing that you missed me gave me comfort,

and your goodnight wishes warmed my heart.

I should say those things more.

Tonight,

I will take your longing with me,

so you can sleep peacefully.

And I hope

I will miss you dearly,

deeply,

and for a long time.

I can't stop you, right?

No.

- I should go, because I'm offended. - What?

She's taking my longing without asking me.

Why don't you at least wait until dawn?

I want it to be tonight.

What are you going to do?

My old resolution.

No. If I'm in danger, it will happen again.

Why is my bracelet…

Could it be…

Please leave, or I'll call the guards.

- I just want to check one thing! - What's going on?

Move.

Is Hong Eun-jo in the palace?

Why? What's going on?

Who told you that?

Something bothered me, so I went to check.

The prisoner has escaped!

He left this for Your Majesty.

Hong Eun-jo is in danger.

I'm still me.

Try anything foolish, I'll stab you and kill your mother too.

Why are you doing this?

You ruined everything…

Gil-dong.

I hear everyone's precious.

That was what your dead father used to say.

That foolish delusion

must have made you forget your place.

- Hurry up! - What is happening?

Don't panic, and do as I say.

We must save Physician Hong.

When I heard the Grand Prince was fooling around with a physician,

I just laughed at it.

It turned out that…

I underestimated you.

It never even crossed my mind that a lowborn was worth considering.

He must have received my letter by now.

What did you write?

"If you want to save Gil-dong's life,

come alone."

It's Im Sa-hyeong's trap!

Let me go.

It has to be me.

I'm the one Im Sa-hyeong is after.

"Die a miserable death

at your woman's hand."

It's not too late.

Please go back.

Please, for the sake of your family.

Everything I had was taken from me.

Now, there is only one thing I have left.

I have no choice

but to do all I can.

The only thing you have left

could have been deep reflection…

instead of this petty revenge.

Did you say…

petty revenge?

Hear me loud and clear.

Your father

was not killed by the king.

They are your people, Your Majesty.

Please take pity on them.

I will accept the Chief Censor position.

Why the sudden change of heart?

I cannot turn away

from the people's suffering.

I will go and let His Majesty know my decision.

It's a tiger.

I used the king's hallucination.

Remember this.

Your father

was killed by me.

Do you feel like taking petty revenge now?

What trick

did you pull?

Songryeon is

a face oil used by courtesans to mix with cosmetic powder.

When exposed to fire, its nature changes

and reveals its true form.

A deadly poison that can paralyze the entire body.

You asked me if I feel like taking petty revenge.

I feel devastated.

With my mortal enemy before me,

I will soon be

too weak even to hold a sword

and

breathe my last.

How dare you…

How dare you lowborn…

Hong Eun-jo.

Hong Eun-jo.

Hong Eun-jo!

My brother? At this hour?

A court lady came to the Hyeminseo.

The king has summoned all the physicians in the capital.

His Majesty?

Is someone dying?

Hong Eun-jo.

That was close.

What a relief.

You will live.

I will make you live, no matter what.

Not me.

Well, of course I'm…

I'm fine…

The physician will be here shortly.

Please hang in there.

- I… - You're ill.

Stop talking.

But if

I hold this back again,

I think I will regret it.

Later.

Later.

I was

so fortunate.

"Fortunate"?

Don't say that so easily.

It sounds like I might be one of the few fortunate things

among all that misfortune you have.

Ever since I met you,

every step you took toward me,

despite all the doubt and hesitation…

you must have felt

after my countless rejections,

has been

my blessing.

And it will stay that way.

I will always be

by your side, as your blessing.

So…

Hong Eun-jo.

Hong Eun-jo.

Lady Sukeui, you knew all along.

I'm sorry I'm only answering your letter now,

Your Majesty.

Does that mean,

on the night the king abdicated,

you also knew which woman Yeol was with…

Your Majesty!

What is it?

In His Majesty's

bedchamber…

Madam.

I'm sorry.

So what's happening to our Eun-jo?

She's received all the necessary treatment.

Now, whether she wakes or not

depends on her will.

Eun-jo.

Your Majesty, Hong Eun-jo's family is here.

Bring them in at once.

Eun-jo.

Mom is here.

My baby.

You'll sleep for a bit and then wake up, right?

I'm sorry.

As her mother, I can feel

my child is struggling to live.

I've felt that since I was carrying her.

Eun-jo is

trying her best now.

She will definitely wake up.

I'm not worried.

Eun-jo is

the most caring person I know.

There's no way she would leave without even saying goodbye.

Oh, for sure she wouldn't.

You know Eun-jo!

She's strong.

And a great physician.

That's not all.

Gil-dong…

Let's all

wish for a miracle.

Hong Eun-jo,

I've never wished for anything in my life.

I've always thought it was shameless for a prince

to be born with everything

and then ask for more.

But now, I wish for something

way more desperately

than you did.

I already have more than I could ask for.

So I was just going to leave it at that.

I'm not even sure if I should wish for this.

Find Hong Eun-jo's sky lantern.

Out of all of them?

How am I supposed to find it?

It'll be easy to tell. Her name's on it.

Hong-si sent that wish to the sky.

Let the heavens take care of it.

They're too busy up there.

I have a feeling

that I can grant this wish.

There.

In my next life, I wish I could be with the Grand Prince.

I don't like that wish you made.

I don't want it to be in your next life.

I want it to be now.

So please wake up.

Wake up and be with me.

Hong Eun-jo.

Is the royal physician out there?

I will bring him in.

What do you need?

Do you want me to help you up?

You look thinner.

It must've been hard for you.

Not at all.

It wasn't hard at all.

Eun-jo!

Well done.

Well done, Eun-jo.

You did a great job, my baby.

Eun-jo.

Eun-jo.

You must have heard that Eun-jo woke up.

Yes.

You must be Eun-jo's brother.

Yes. Eun-jo is still in the palace. She isn't well enough to walk yet.

Only her mother is home now.

I've been staying away so she can focus on recovering.

I'll come back another time then.

Again?

Don't hurt your ankle.

Are you all right?

Yes, thank you.

It's you.

The scholar from that night.

No.

I'm sure it's you.

Did you know Eun-jo was Gil-dong--

I'm supposed to know nothing.

Why?

Because that's my role in this family.

The more I know,

the more I will worry Eun-jo and her mother.

I cooled it down.

I can eat it myself.

Didn't you hear what the physician said?

You're not supposed to do anything.

I just feel bad.

The king's hands are not meant for this.

And that king's hands are getting tired.

Open up.

You keep saying you feel bad. I even moved you to my old residence.

I wanted to keep you in my bedchamber.

Open up.

Good girl.

Let's get some air after you finish this.

I don't think I can walk yet.

I'm not asking you to walk.

I'm doing the walking for you. Isn't this nice?

Physically, yes.

Is it uncomfortable? Is it my back?

No.

Your back is broad and steady.

Let's go inside.

I'll take you inside once you fall asleep.

Sleep? Here?

Yes, right there.

On my broad and steady back.

It's like a miracle she's smiling like that right now.

Maybe it's the power of love.

Do you believe in such a thing?

I'm starting to.

Watching these two has made me want to believe it.

Is there something on my face?

It's strange.

The men I know seem like different people these days.

Pardon?

I'm just saying.

I should get going.

Aren't you going to meet them?

What's wrong?

They weren't switched again, were they?

Something's strange.

I wonder why we weren't switched.

Right.

What happened to your bracelet?

Right. Where did it go?

I didn't even realize I lost it.

That night,

something felt off, and I tore my bracelet off.

It was glowing faintly.

No way.

I bet there are thousands of people wearing bracelets like that.

That's why I never suspected it either.

Maybe I was mistaken.

Maybe the rule broke.

It's a good thing.

It means we probably won't be switching anymore.

I don't like it.

Then, even if you're in danger,

I can't step in for you anymore.

He's awake!

You heard that now? Physician Hong woke up a long time ago.

No, not Physician Hong.

Im Sa-hyeong?

Take Im Sa-hyeong to the Interrogation Hall at once.

Your Majesty.

The criminal had a message for Physician Hong.

- How dare he? - And the message goes…

"The revenge

isn't over yet."

I can't let you do that.

I won't let you.

And if what Im Sa-hyeong said was true,

you shouldn't,

for your father's sake.

That's exactly why

I should do this.

Finally, I got a reply.

Am I getting poison?

Physicians don't make poison.

Their job is to save people.

As you already know, you're not a nobleman.

It's been a while since you were brought down to my station.

SLAVE

Now, let me ask you a question.

Are you now a lowly, worthless man?

Have you thrown away your own worth?

I think not.

You must not.

The world doesn't decide your worth.

You do.

"Everyone is precious."

For the sake of the man who held that belief,

I will lay aside my anger.

I can only hope that giving up revenge

lives up to what my father taught me.

You win.

Min-jik…

perhaps you were right.

We're having trouble finding Im Sa-hyeong's body in the sea.

He was a coward until the end.

Have his belongings

sent to Im Jae-i.

The name of the dead person is missing.

He spent his whole life

trying to make a name for himself.

I will send him off quietly.

Someone's here to see you.

How is Hong Eun-jo?

How is she doing?

She's doing much better now.

So, you're leaving.

Yes.

My mother was a courtesan.

All my life, I kept my low birth hidden.

And I never let myself

get attached to anyone in the house.

What's that on your face?

Then I saw Hong Eun-jo.

I did not try to act like his sister.

I simply

followed my heart.

Unlike me, who concealed my true standing,

she was fighting back bravely.

I think it began with me feeling inferior.

Perhaps I needed my misery to mean something,

and that's why I was so mean to Hong Eun-jo.

I don't know.

Hong Eun-jo said she owed you a lot.

She also said she hasn't paid it back yet.

She has.

More than I deserve.

I will take my leave without saying farewell.

Wherever you go, don't push yourself too hard.

I'm saying this,

ranks and titles aside.

You'd better keep her smiling.

Make her cry, and I'll return at once.

Young Master, where are we going?

I haven't decided.

We'll see how it goes.

Are you sure you won't regret just leaving like this?

Yes.

I left everything behind.

Everything.

Mother,

where's my robe?

Daughter of Hong Min-jik. this is the command of the Inner Court.

I was informed that

Joseon has become barren under corrupt officials.

Order the provincial offices to cut their staff

and remove all officials who extort the people,

and find ways to grant tax exemptions

on uncultivated fields.

Yes, Your Majesty.

Your Majesty,

I have a request.

I'm listening.

I humbly advise that the royal marriage be expedited.

There will be no royal marriage.

I am

not marrying any woman.

Hong-si.

Finally, I get to meet you.

I apologize.

You've been through a lot.

I have much to say,

but today I will speak only what must be said.

Yes, Your Majesty.

Soon, the king will choose his consort.

As you probably know,

your name cannot be put on the selection list.

However,

we can take you into the Inner Court as a royal concubine.

Does it upset you that he must take a consort first?

It would be delightful

to live as a royal concubine in the palace.

However…

However?

I have things to do outside the palace.

Is this because of Min-jik's daughter who was staying in the palace?

Right now, I'm here as a king, not a man.

Is it for the Crown Prince?

It was called an abdication, but it was closer to a deposition.

In a single night,

he became the son of a disgraced man.

His heart must be deeply unsettled.

I will not let the boy grow up in confusion.

We have all seen how a child growing up like that

can turn him into a tyrant.

We've all experienced it.

Your Majesty.

- But-- - The marriage will produce an heir,

who will depose the Crown Prince.

Is that what you want?

Your Majesty, Her Majesty the Queen Dowager has arrived.

Mother.

Where are you going, leaving me behind?

I will come back another time.

You must've heard about it.

- The marriage-- - I know.

I was prepared for this too

when I decided to change the future.

Same here.

I was prepared for this too

ever since I decided to be the king.

Right now, I'm the king of Joseon,

and a king's duty is to protect his people.

As one of them, I feel reassured to hear that.

Then, now,

listen to me as a woman, not one of the people.

I'm speaking as a man,

not a king.

Please wait for me

until the only thing I must protect

is my woman,

and until I can finally dream

of being with you.

I'll wear them then.

Wear what?

My silk shoes.

Your silk shoes?

The silk shoes that

I never got to wear.

When you come to me as an ordinary man,

I'll run to you in them.

I want you to just stand still then.

Because I'll run to you as fast as I can.

Im Sa-hyeong attempted to assassinate His Majesty,

but Hong Min-jik's daughter

threw herself in the way to stop him.

They saved each other's lives.

Their love is incredible.

I wonder,

what if you and I

were like

Yeol and Min-jik's daughter?

Would things have been different?

Do you regret it?

I will come back some other time.

You should stop coming here.

No, I will come back.

I will make sure you see me,

beautiful and dazzling, for the rest of your life.

And you will live with regret

until the day you die.

This is your punishment

from your loyal wife.

I will.

I'll spend the rest of my life…

drowning in regret.

How could you side with the flatterer?

I hope you pay for this!

What are you doing? Go away.

It's my duty to deliver the criminal alive to exile.

For the sins you've committed in this world,

you shall pay dearly in this world.

That way,

you will suffer less in the next world.

I will

gladly pay for what I did.

All right!

Look here.

No-eul brought the best liquor in the courtesan's house.

- Let's drink together. - To Eun-jo's return!

I've always wondered,

how did you two know she was Gil-dong?

- Right. - It was that night.

The night you fell from the roof.

We found you and put you back where you were.

Oh, then!

That wasn't me, but anyway…

So, what's happening with His Majesty?

Mind your own business!

Stay out of her personal life.

Wait.

What about your personal life?

You should make up your mind now.

Is it me or this wretch?

Make up your mind.

We are not meant

to share one woman.

My lady!

Where should I put this?

Why does he sound friendly?

Deok-jung, you brought it.

You can just leave it there.

Did you just change the way you speak?

- Since when? - Since when?

Deok-jung, have you eaten yet?

Seeing you is enough for me.

What did you say?

What are you guys doing?

HWALBIN

Now go. Stop bargaining.

Have a good day.

Mister.

Are there any herbs to deliver today?

Why do you always come here to work after your shift?

The people at the leper camp are always out gathering herbs.

I want to help.

I'll watch the shop.

So now,

go deliver the herbs. Come on.

All right, fine.

- I'll be right back. - All right.

How may I help you?

Is there a man you hold dear?

Why do you ask, if I may know?

Are you satisfied with him?

Do you have any complaints?

I'm just

checking in, so to speak.

That woman already has someone.

Someone?

Who's that?

If you knew who I was, you'd be quite surprised.

Because I am

of pretty high standing.

Well, I come from a pretty high place myself.

You look familiar somehow.

Have we met before?

I'll come back.

What's he saying?

Hong Eun-jo, don't let that man come here again.

Are you out on secret inspection?

I'm inspecting the six ministries,

and having a secret date while I'm out.

- A secret date? - Yes.

Get ready.

You're joining me.

So this is where kings have secret dates.

There's no one here,

and no one can come here.

The royal villa where my father stayed

to recover in his later years is near here.

I always loved coming here as a kid.

Outside the palace, we could just be a family.

That must be why you look so natural

when rowing the boat.

That's because

I came here often even after I grew up.

You can't row like this without experience, you know.

Oh, I see.

So, were you here with a woman then?

No, it's my first time.

It is your first time, with me.

It's really my first time

with a woman.

That's too bad.

It's not my first time being here.

What? Who were you with?

A man?

What's that wretch's name?

Which family?

He's not a wretch.

He's a kid.

It was when I was little.

He woke up.

Eun-jo.

Eun-jo!

Even back then,

I was always scolded for being nosy.

Eun-jo.

You can go home on your own, right?

I've got to go.

So I saved him and left him.

It looked like he fell into the water while playing with a leaf boat.

I wonder if he's doing all right.

Well, what do you think?

What do you mean?

I'm doing all right.

It was me.

I woke up at the Royal Villa.

Apparently, someone saved me and carried me to the shore.

So what you said earlier…

I followed my lord there.

I was waiting for him on the shore while he was working.

He was probably there to visit my father in the royal villa.

What a funny coincidence.

I guess it was always our destiny.

Destiny?

And of course, my wish played a role too.

First, destiny, and now your wish?

What did you wish for?

Well, obviously,

I don't care about the next life.

I wished that…

I could be with you in this life.

Why are you even talking about the next life?

The next life?

The next life?

Wait, that sounds

oddly familiar.

The sky lantern!

My… What?

You read my wish, didn't you?

Since things turned out this way,

I wish to be someone who can enjoy music and dance in my next life.

Come on. Make your own wish. You're spoiling mine.

Take that back.

I can't just take it back.

Ask the god.

Which god?

God who?

Some god must be hearing this.

You have an impressive memory, kiddo.

What are you looking for?

Anything that would help me find who saved my life.

Why? So you can pay them back?

Yes.

How will you pay them back?

By saving their life, like they saved mine.

Will you really do that?

I'm a man.

A strong man.

I see. We'll see if it's just a bluff.

I wasn't going to ask, but what's your name?

I don't have a name.

I'm just an old man.

An old man from the moon.

I guess I do have a pretty memorable look.

This is my problem.

This is why I always have to change how I look.

I know he's my own child,

but he's really something.

He carries out all his duties perfectly, yet still makes time

to see the woman he loves.

I know that better than anyone.

Thanks to that, I'm working day and night.

Your Majesty!

You little rascal.

I told you to call me Uncle.

If I do that,

my mother will scold me.

You can do that in front of me.

Yes, Uncle.

Ban,

let the world know how bright you are.

Look at the world with all your heart

and shine your brightest.

You're allowed to do that.

Yes, Uncle.

One more thing.

Eat a lot.

Grow big and strong so I can pass the throne to you.

What will you do then?

I will have

someone to greet.

And…

And…

I will stand before you just as a man.

I will welcome you with all my heart when you come running to me.

And then,

I will greet you warmly.

"Hello."

"My dream,

my savior

and my lover."

- My beloved thief. - My beloved thief.

THE EPILOGUE WILL BEGIN SHORTLY

This artifact was found in a royal tomb.

It is thought to have belonged to the Grand Prince's wife.

At the time of excavation, it was found wrapped in high-quality silk,

suggesting a deep affection between them.

We'll move on to the next exhibit.

Subtitle translation by Sunyoung Baek