Original subtitles

All these tragedies

began with Your Majesty.

Say that again.

It's Your Majesty's fault.

Say that again.

Your Majesty!

It's your fault.

Hong Eun-jo!

That's the person you see?

Does this mean Hong Eun-jo is now…

Young Master.

This is the last time I'm asking.

Say that again.

No.

If you go to the palace, you'll put everyone in danger.

Don't you understand?

It should've been me.

I should be me!

Answer me.

I said, answer me!

Your Majesty!

Please stop.

Step aside.

Will you destroy everything yourself?

Was Hong Min-jik not enough for you?

Lady Jang.

Please return to your bedchamber.

All of you, withdraw at once.

The Grand Prince will follow me to the main hall.

Halt the interrogation.

Yes, sir!

Yesterday, my son died.

Today, your father died.

Tomorrow, it could be your mother

and brother.

And then,

you could be the next.

When you're in the main hall,

please do not provoke His Majesty.

Please spare your life, Your Highness.

Don't worry.

Your Highness, is the interrogation already over?

Hong-si must be headed to the palace now.

Tell her this when you see her.

There will be…

He said there would be no more mistakes?

He said you would know what it means.

So the State Tribunal was dismissed, and he's alone with His Majesty?

Who is it?

I'm afraid I do not understand, Your Majesty.

Who is this person standing in my way, hiding behind you?

Stop!

Who is this person speaking through you to blame me?

All these tragedies

began with Your Majesty.

I'm asking who this person is.

Was it you?

Were you behind everything?

Your Majesty, Secretary Im Jae-i of the State Tribunal

urgently seeks an audience with Your Majesty.

Let him in.

What is it?

We found evidence that Hong Dae-il couldn't have been the assassin.

Bring her in.

Who are you?

My father's name is…

Hong Min-jik.

My young master took the military examination every year,

but his archery scores were

never high enough to even pass the first round.

He lacks the skill to threaten Your Majesty.

Is this confirmed?

Her claim about his military exams has been confirmed to be true.

Could that have been the intent?

If Hong had planned it because of a personal grudge,

that would mean he deliberately failed the exam for ten years,

like he knew the future.

And I believe that could not have been the case.

I still haven't heard your answer.

Your Majesty has asked on whose behalf

I'm defending Hong Min-jik's eldest son.

It's probably myself.

I probably did it for myself.

Just like when I took the arrow

here that was meant for Your Majesty,

risking my own life.

The arrow meant to kill me has saved your life.

This should repay what I owe you.

Send Hong Min-jik's son back home.

Yes, Your Majesty.

How was your father's final journey?

I just hope it was peaceful.

Is there anything you wish for as condolence?

If my father offered advice that was hard to hear,

it would have been meant for nothing else

but Your Majesty's own good.

Please remember the sincerity with which he came before Your Majesty,

risking his own life.

That's the only thing I wish for.

Today,

you have seen nothing.

Yes, sir.

I took it to the main hall.

As I said,

I didn't want to make another mistake.

I learned that death doesn't solve anything.

I took the dagger

to protect this body,

in case His Majesty hurt you.

I'm sorry you had to go through this.

Don't take this the wrong way.

I just want to see if my body is all right.

Damn it.

Why now?

Why does everything have to be so cruel to us?

Are you all right?

Yes, it's nothing.

I was told of your help, Your Highness.

Your mother must be worried. You should hurry home.

Yes, Your Highness.

I'm sorry you went through that.

Let's go home.

Please go ahead. We have something to talk about.

His Majesty has awakened?

Jae-i urgently sent a letter saying so.

Jae-i, not Lady Jang?

My head feels heavy.

Lady Jang woke up His Majesty.

Here's the decoction.

It disgusts me!

We'll have it prepared again.

Where's Geum-nok?

Lady Jang has caught a cold.

We isolated her so she would not infect His Majesty.

Come in.

They should help ease your weary mind, Your Majesty.

The Grand Prince stopped the interrogation of Dae-il?

Yes, my lord.

You suspected someone who can't even hit a target.

What?

Regarding Dae-il,

you were wrong.

From here on, let Jae-i handle it.

Does Grand Prince Dowol know Dae-il?

- That's-- - It's all because of that lowly girl.

I'm sure of it.

At the annex the other day…

Anyway,

the Grand Prince fancies that concubine's daughter.

Why her?

He even stopped the interrogation. Are his feelings that strong?

It means she's his soft spot.

She's just some girl.

What will you accuse the Grand Prince of?

- Well-- - He's from the royal family.

Even killing ten lowborns wouldn't be a crime for him.

If it's a silly reason like romantic feelings, I'm rather relieved.

Father, the Grand Prince must be removed for me to return to my post.

Wait for now.

Once the bedchamber matter settles, we can remove the Grand Prince anytime.

What's the bedchamber matter?

You're asking me a question.

You may go now, both of you.

I've been thinking about it, but I just don't get it.

Why were we switched again?

The first time might've been a twist of fate,

but now that it's happened twice,

I'm starting to think it might just be our destiny.

Destiny?

Then destiny better have an answer

for why now, of all times.

That's what I thought the first time our bodies were switched.

"Why does it have to be now? So you'd find out about Gil-dong?"

But this time, I'm glad it happened when it happened.

If our bodies haven't been switched,

you wouldn't have stopped.

Say that again.

You would have continued to confront him.

If that's the reason, why would we…

What's wrong?

You're right.

I would've confronted him.

You saved my life.

That's why we should live.

We should be alive

to find out the answer to why it's us.

You might be right.

We've already been switched once, so it should be easier this time.

Still, things could change at any moment,

so let's share our daily schedules.

Let's meet at the bookshop in the market around 4:00 every day.

I'll say goodbye here.

Go inside.

Don't worry about your family.

What's wrong?

I'm supposed to return to the Hyeminseo tomorrow.

I have to make ends meet, after all.

Right. I'm sure you do.

Well, I guess there's no choice.

Just tell them you can't work for a while.

The Hyeminseo has already been generous with you.

Not having you means losing a helping hand.

I don't want to trouble them.

So you're going to the Hyeminseo?

Yes, I can give it a try.

Until things go back to normal, we have to keep living the lives we're in.

It'll be hard.

Come on. What are you worried about?

I even survived your awful in-laws.

The Hyeminseo should be easy.

HYEMINSEO

Please, somebody help me!

Someone's dying here!

Please hurry!

Maybe she should quit the Hyeminseo.

I can open a big pharmacy for her.

Now, wipe it.

Yes, sir.

Not yourself, the patient.

Oh, the patient.

Fire.

Fire!

What are you doing?

Well, obviously, I'm starting a fire.

Come on. Don't try my patience.

Coming through! Move!

Oh, that was close.

Goodness.

Eun-jo is definitely not herself right now.

What was that about Eun-jo?

My lady,

when your heart hurts,

it messes with your head.

What?

How's that?

It keeps slipping down when I run,

and it's really annoying.

It's much better now.

That's a smart trick.

Most women know this.

Right.

I keep forgetting things these days.

My lady.

Why don't we drop the formalities when we're in private?

Like actual friends.

Friends?

Have they gotten closer?

Sure.

Lady Hae-rim?

Yes, when did you two get so close?

Ever since the prince showed up

to save the heroine when she was in danger.

That is indeed my specialty.

How was the Hyeminseo?

It's hard, isn't it?

Not at all.

I had everything well in hand.

Oh, really?

That sounds very convincing.

- You don't believe me. - I should.

I have to.

Anyway,

I gave it some thought,

and if we told our families about this,

they'd just think we'd lost our minds and worry about us.

Why don't we tell Dae-chu about this so we can communicate more freely?

Will he believe us?

So, in other words,

Hong-si is His Highness,

and His Highness is Hong-si. Is that what you're saying?

Wait here. Don't go anywhere.

Where are you going?

Not far. I'll be right back.

Stop right there.

Are you running away?

Look, Dae-chu,

I know it's hard to accept this reality.

No more shaking your head.

Your Highness.

Your Highness, Hong-si is acting like you.

Officer Seo.

Stay away.

Good.

I know you've been through a lot.

Anyone would've lost their mind.

I understand.

Let's get you treated.

After Hong Eun-jo's wedding,

you thought I was being strange at some point, right?

Why do you think

"I did that?"

and "Oh, I did that" were

the only things I was saying at some point?

That's exactly what I said to His Highness.

Stop that! You almost fooled me.

Officer Seo, your lord

is not the kind of person

who would fold his own bedding or clean for the court ladies.

Well done! Very meticulous.

You've been planning this just to fool me…

But why?

I wish I knew.

If we had known, we wouldn't be looking at you like this.

Dae-chu,

I'll see you again tomorrow.

Bye.

Let's hurry back to the palace.

My whole body is aching from dancing all day.

Don't you think His Majesty is a bit odd?

The king is no different from any other man.

Be quiet.

Please come inside.

I hear the courtesans here frequent the palace.

How does His Majesty party?

You must refrain from heavy drinking

and loose talk if you wish to live long.

I'm talking about both of us.

And why aren't you saying anything?

I'm considering

whether to speak

or hold my tongue.

I heard you wanted to see me.

I have something to say to you.

Once the bedchamber matter settles, we can remove the Grand Prince anytime.

Please

be careful.

What do you mean?

I mean what I said.

Watch your back, day and night.

Just be careful in every way.

Wait,

if you're worried about me 'cause I stopped the interrogation--

I should get going.

Has he been drinking?

Are you all right?

Why do you look worried?

I must be really drunk.

Stay here. I'll get someone to take you home.

Now, you're worrying about me too?

I'm already overwhelmed

by her worries.

Your Highness knows who I'm talking about.

Hong Eun-jo.

Wait,

the Grand Prince knew?

When did he…

Mother,

I'm really sorry.

For what?

I promised I would never let myself lift a finger,

but it ended in tears.

Eun-jo,

I'm just grateful

that the young master is safe,

and that you're here by my side.

Let's not think about anything else,

and just live like this.

The physician said you shouldn't move around yet.

Go back inside.

I know my own body.

I'm all better now.

What?

Did you take the medicine?

Enough with the nagging.

By the way,

I was out cold from the medicine, so I couldn't ask.

Are you close with the Grand Prince?

He sometimes comes by the Hyeminseo,

so we've spoken a few times. Why?

Because it's strange.

He was acting like he knew me well.

He was almost treating me like we're family.

Wait, could it be…

That's right.

His Highness and I--

Is he thinking of me

as his future ally?

What?

Well, I do look like a loyal Jindo dog.

Young Master,

you really can't read people, can you?

I mean, isn't it strange that he suddenly stepped up to help me?

I can't go to that side.

Don't worry.

I came to this side.

What are you saying?

Then why?

He said there was no special reason

for helping you.

He said it was simply the right thing to do

in honor of the late lord.

He also said he wanted to offer his deepest apologies

on behalf of the royal family,

though what's been done cannot be forgiven.

Next time you see him,

pass along my thanks.

I was so overwhelmed earlier, I forgot to say that.

He didn't do it to receive thanks,

and he's already received them.

Well…

That's what he said.

What a truly kind man.

Your Highness,

Her Majesty and Chief State Councilor Han Seung-rok

are waiting at Her Majesty's residence.

I never learned about the Chief State Councilor.

What's his relationship with the Grand Prince, sir?

Please don't use honorifics with me while wearing that face.

It feels too weird.

I won't.

I don't really believe it.

I'll just consider this

a strange little game the two of you are playing.

That way, I'll feel less crazy.

If you want.

The Chief State Councilor is on good terms with everyone.

He's an easygoing man.

Is that so?

Thank you for stepping up for Min-jik's eldest son.

I know my late friend would be deeply grateful.

He was the lord's friend.

It's nothing.

I'm sorry, Your Majesty. I have only caused you concern.

Imagine if that family had lost their only son as well.

I would've been too ashamed before the late Lord Hong.

You've been showing a new side lately, Your Highness.

If His Late Majesty had seen this,

he would have been greatly pleased.

Thank you.

His Late Majesty had seen

Your Highness' brilliance early on.

He didn't see his future as an idler though.

Was it busy again today?

Yes.

What are you doing later? Do you want to go see the moon?

That sounds nice.

But let's go another time.

I'm meeting someone.

You looked excited when you said that.

Is it someone you hold dear?

Oh, my. Really?

I didn't say anything.

Oh, dear.

Tell me. What's that person like?

I don't know.

Come on, tell me.

Someone who drifts farther away

when I get close.

I see.

I suppose that's how it is when you like someone.

Do you have someone like that?

Yes.

He has someone he will never forget for the rest of his life.

He has a serious problem.

I think I have a problem too.

Even the kindness he shows

by keeping his distance

touches my heart.

I'm running away,

somewhere

far behind her.

That story…

He's quite a charming man, isn't he?

I think you should let go of that man.

What?

So you can let someone else

into your kind heart.

Is anyone here?

Everyone went home. Who could that be?

What's wrong?

The kids are sick.

It's been over an hour already. Why hasn't she shown up?

Maybe it's still busy at the Hyeminseo.

This is the barn.

We sold all the cows and horses. There's only one cow left.

You're burning up.

What?

When did these street urchins crawl in here?

Did you find them?

- Move the children to the carriage. - Yes, my lady.

HYEMINSEO

What's going on?

These kids are sick.

The Gwangtong Bridge kids.

Let's take them to the dispensary.

I need fermented soybeans, apricot kernels, perilla seeds, cork bark.

Soybeans, apricot kernels, perilla seeds, cork bark. Got it.

Just one more spoonful,

and the fever goblin in your head will run away.

There you go.

Her fever has gone down.

She should be better by tomorrow.

I'm impressed by how smoothly you picked out the medicine.

You almost seem like a different person when you're with the children.

Well…

I just remembered something I came across in a medical book.

Do you come by the Hyeminseo often?

Right.

I once donated some medicinal herbs here.

I just want to make sure they're not being wasted.

I see.

That's how the two of you know each other.

Do you need more warm water?

Eun-jo.

Sorry.

Are you sure you can stay here by yourself all night?

Like I said, don't worry.

What about tomorrow?

Do you think you can handle it?

You have to trust me. There's no other way.

Attention.

Quiet. Stay in line.

We have one goal.

It's to scrub the grime off our bodies.

Understand?

Yes, ma'am!

Now, into the water!

Into the water!

Kids, you're not here to play.

Scrub hard, all right?

I knew it.

What are you doing here?

Are you here to watch me?

You said you once fell into the water.

I came to make sure you weren't drowning.

I learned how to swim after that.

Now, I can swim like a fish.

Do you want to see?

No, thanks. Will you sit down?

I need help.

Blow.

Good job.

Do I have to use these hands for that?

Blow.

You should do it too.

Now, blow.

Well done. What a talented kiddo.

Hey, what was that?

You started it, all right?

You little rascal.

They made me so worried yesterday,

and now they're playing like they were never sick.

They must've really startled you.

Those sick kids are so much calmer than me,

as if a stomach bug from spoiled food

were not a big deal.

You said you found them in a barn?

That place was so stinky, I could barely breathe in there.

I don't know why they were there.

They had fevers, their bodies were cold,

and they had no home to go to.

I'm sure they sneaked in there to get some rest.

How did they lose their parents?

Wars, exploitation, neglect.

It's a typical story.

It should not be typical.

Especially for children.

There's been a plague recently,

so it must be even worse outside the capital.

And Lord Hong must have seen that

and run to the hunting ground.

Because His Majesty

does not care about the people at all.

If the one who sits on the throne changes,

will the world change?

At the very least, we will be able to change tomorrow

and the days that follow.

Do you really think it will change?

What do you mean?

The future of these children.

Could you pass the rest over?

Your Majesty,

how is your health?

I am well now, thanks to your concern.

Your Majesty,

I wish to know the reason for Hong Min-jik's execution.

Why?

To record his crime, Your Majesty.

May I record that the offense was

provoking Your Majesty's anger and troubling Your Majesty's mind?

Yes, you may.

From this moment on, let Hong Min-jik's name

never be spoken again.

Whoever speaks his name again shall be put to death.

I shall bear it in mind, Your Majesty.

I shall bear it in mind, Your Majesty.

They are afraid as well,

knowing, in this kingdom, even nobles can be killed for no reason,

like beggars in the streets.

Chief Secretary Im.

Yes, Your Majesty.

I definitely saw it.

I saw the tiger roaming in Mount Dogo.

Your Majesty,

please forget what happened that day.

I really must be

losing my mind.

That is untrue, Your Majesty.

Your Majesty is the late king's legitimate heir.

The ruler of Joseon, ordained by fate.

If Your Majesty commands it,

I will burn down the mountains to catch the tiger.

And if that still is not enough,

I will pray to drag Hong Min-jik's soul back to this world.

However,

please do not reveal Your Majesty's shortcomings to anyone.

Let no one doubt

the authority of the throne.

It shall be done.

I am deeply grateful, Your Majesty.

What's the matter?

Nothing. I just felt something strange behind me.

Sweetie, look.

From now on, they'll be your brothers and sisters.

You can call me

Father from now on.

You're their father? How?

You'll be their mother, right?

All their living expenses will be covered, until they're grown,

by this gentleman here.

I know it's a lot to ask. Thank you.

It's nothing.

It would've been too lonely with just me and my baby anyway.

What are you doing? Come, take a look around your new home.

Wow, I've never been in a house with a roof.

I've never been in a house with walls.

I've never been in a house with blankets.

Everything is new to them.

Now I want to give them more.

Let's eat.

Yes!

They emptied the whole pot.

Where are you going?

I should go get more bowls and pillows for the kids.

Do you even have to ask?

You're a bachelor. You've never even raised a kid.

I should go with him. Please take care of the kids.

Sure. Go ahead.

I'm so tired.

Are the kids asleep?

It was like a battlefield before.

Now it's finally quiet.

On the street, every day must've been like a battle for them.

Now, all they need to do is grow up safe and well here.

We should come by from time to time until they're all grown.

I guess we should.

It will take at least ten years, right?

Until the youngest one grows up, yes. That sounds about right.

Should we send them to school?

It'd be better to have them taught at home.

Let's raise them as scholars, not soldiers.

Come on, blades over books.

You need real skills.

There's a quicker path to success. They should be scholars.

When it comes to making a living, I know better.

I can't compromise on this.

You'll have to back down on this one.

This is why they say you never know until you live together.

What did you just say?

Speak up.

I said…

I want to live like this

for a long, long time.

It didn't sound like that.

You're right.

I was saying we'd be together

for ten years at least.

And that's more than enough.

That's what I said.

By the way,

I heard you were planning to leave.

Were you going somewhere far away?

I just wanted to wander.

Because I made a promise.

Please leave Joseon

for Eun-jo's sake.

TONGJEONG DAEBU DAESAGAN

THE TOMB OF THE RESPECTED GENTLEMAN OF THE NAMYANG HONG CLAN

I was going to leave to protect her,

but right now, I cannot protect her if I leave.

Please let me keep my promise

this way.

I guess you can't keep that promise

now that our bodies are switched.

I'll try to keep it

while watching you, by your side.

The sky is so clear.

It's as if everything is all right.

Is this a tonic for restoring strength?

Yes, my lady.

I should give it to the Gwangtong Bridge kids.

Again?

You've been getting between those two a lot lately.

What do you mean?

It's obvious that the Grand Prince and Physician Hong have a thing going on.

Sorry.

I hear you've been visiting Lord Hong's grave a lot lately.

I'm running away,

somewhere

far behind her.

Is that woman then…

Kkot-sim,

could you deliver a letter to the Grand Prince's residence?

You said you'd come visit, so I was waiting for you.

I have something to ask, Your Highness.

What is it?

Do you…

and Eun-jo…

I can't hear you.

I mean…

Hide!

What's wrong?

If she sees you with me, it'll cause unnecessary misunderstanding.

Do you know her?

Yes, a little.

It looks like it could rain at any moment.

Just like the day I met Your Highness for the first time.

It was at the royal wedding ceremony, back when I was young.

Right.

I remember now.

Oh, I forgot.

Your Highness couldn't attend the ceremony at the time.

You fell ill during the epidemic, and were staying at the royal villa.

Right. I was young, so my memories are vague.

I caught the disease, yes.

Now I remember.

You remember things you never did?

Your Highness did attend the ceremony that year.

I made up the epidemic story,

and that lady was

Her Majesty the Queen Consort.

Who are you?

Well…

She should've denied it to the end. So what happened?

She says he's not in his senses so he should pray harder.

She's reacting pretty much the same way I did.

I'm sure you already heard about it.

Well, I guess that's how things are now.

Lady Hae-rim, are you okay?

You're taking this joke too far.

I wish this was a joke more than anyone.

Wait, that tone, that attitude…

I didn't mean to fool you.

Are you really Eun-jo?

Since when?

When were you the Grand Prince

and when were you Eun-jo?

I was the one who helped you when you were with the other ladies.

Then who helped me when I was with my brother?

That was me.

I know it's confusing.

There have been two phases. We were switched again after the funeral.

I can't believe this.

Officer Seo,

do you believe this?

At times like this, I'd rather play along.

If what they're saying is true,

the two of them are…

Are they really bound by fate?

Wait.

There have been two phases. We were switched again after the funeral.

After? That means…

Then two days ago…

Even the kindness he shows

touches my heart.

That was His Highness?

My lady!

What happened?

I made a confession.

Did you tell the lord about the jewelry you sold

to help the Gwangtong Bridge kids?

No.

It was a confession of love.

HYEMINSEO

Be careful.

Have a safe trip home.

Thank you.

Her Majesty has sent word.

Again?

Today, she's with Lady Sukeui.

Lady Sukeui?

Is she an ally?

An enemy?

She's an ally. Don't worry.

Did you send for me?

Have a seat.

Lady Sukeui came by. It's been quite a while.

It's nice to meet you…

Gil-dong.

Lady Sukeui was His Late Majesty's concubine.

In the Gyeongo Year,

Lady Sukeui's son, Prince Yeonghu, was killed by His Majesty.

Now, who wishes to follow my father

into death?

I would like to send him my regards.

After that, she turned to Buddhism.

It's good to see you, Grand Prince.

May I ask

why you wanted to see me?

I was looking forward to seeing you.

HYEMINSEO

You act like you don't even know me.

Come with me.

There's something I want to show you,

Gil-dong.

Can I ask something?

Sure, go ahead.

For the past few days,

you've been reading nothing but books about treason.

I don't know if you're His Highness or Hong-si,

but why are you studying that?

I can't tell you right now.

But I can promise you this.

Whatever choice I make,

it will protect your lord.

All right.

EXPLANATIONS ON THE COMPREHENSIVE MIRROR FOR AID IN GOVERNMENT

The desire to change the world has always existed.

MENCIUS

Rebellion, uprising,

revolt, upheaval.

Whatever it's called, there's only one thing they seek.

Hong Min-jik's death has shaken the ministers.

Hong Min-jik was His Majesty's teacher. Now that even he has been killed,

they will think that no one's life is safe anymore.

The time is drawing near.

Now, we must decide which prince to place on the throne.

We must establish a new ruler

so that we can persuade and rally the other scholar-officials.

It seems like the decision has been made.

It was also the late king's wish.

Are we all agreed?

Yes, Your Highness.

The prince we will place on the throne is

Yi Yeol,

Grand Prince Dowol.

They're plotting against the king.

A new ruler.

This is why Lady Sukeui came to see the Grand Prince.

It's past curfew.

What's the matter?

The time is drawing near.

Is everything all right?

The prince we will place on the throne is

Yi Yeol,

Grand Prince Dowol.

Let's go.

You'll be in danger if you stay here.

What's going on?

They're trying to put Gil-dong at the forefront of treason.

Let's run away.

Somewhere far from the palace,

somewhere far from Joseon,

somewhere no one knows us.

I…

can't go.

You already

knew.

You already made up your mind.

You were already

with them.

Once you're caught as a traitor, you'll be torn limb from limb.

If we go back to our own bodies,

I'll join them as Gil-dong.

How can you

speak of death so lightly in front of me?

Play the music louder!

My ears are ringing!

In a world like this,

I have no choice but to live as a thief.

Now, you know

the very things I wished you didn't know about my life.

Are you ready?

I will make a world where I don't need to live

as a thief.

Subtitle translation by: Sunyoung Baek