Original subtitles

One night,

I searched for an answer

as to why our souls had to be switched.

Perhaps I knew it then.

Ever since our souls were switched, perhaps I knew that…

fighting against your ordeals,

protecting your people,

and taking the world with you was the fate laid out before me.

Perhaps I also knew

that one day,

I would die for you as well.

And if that's my fate,

I will gladly accept it.

No!

It's gone.

It can't be…

What should we do with the Grand Prince's body?

Let the river bury it.

The fish won't waste it.

You made a promise to us.

Please keep your word.

Make the preparations!

I'm heading to the palace.

The current isn't strong enough to carry him downstream.

If he had fallen from the cliff, he should be around here.

Did he make it out of the water?

A path.

He would've headed toward a path to get help from people.

Are you here?

If you hear me, please answer me!

It's still beating.

Hang in there.

Please hang in there just a little longer.

What happened?

He was losing so much blood, I couldn't take him to the capital.

Tell us what to do.

Warm water and a cotton cloth.

I'll go get them.

I need you to get some medicinal herbs.

We need purslane and red sandalwood.

Go find them now.

- This way. - Let's go.

Oh, dear!

Don't be alarmed. Physician Hong sent me.

Did something happen to Eun-jo?

Here.

She wants you to find the medicinal herbs written here.

Who's hurt?

He will wake up, right? He's invincible.

Yes.

For sure, he will.

Let's go.

How is he? Does it look like he'll wake up soon?

I think we did everything we could.

Let's wait.

Let me ask Physician Hong.

Leave her alone.

I'm sure she wants him to recover more than anyone else.

What took you so long?

I was carrying out His Highness's orders.

Have you been waiting for me?

We must go to Eun-jo now.

Do you know what was going through my mind

when I was running to find you?

"Oh,

he must have run like this too,

until his lung gave out."

"He must have run to me,

praying with all his heart

that I was alive."

It only just occurred to me.

Do you remember

the day my entire family was upset

when they found out about my wedding?

Come and take a look at our ornaments.

Come on. Just have a look.

You said

you were following me so you could pat my shoulder if I cried.

To tell you the truth,

I was watching you all along.

I was actually

holding back my laughter.

And I think

I was actually

waiting for you.

Then I realized it.

"I'm actually

holding up pretty well now."

"Now I understand what they mean

when they say even a cold winter is bearable

if you have someone by your side."

Sorry, I rambled on.

Long story short,

please wake up soon.

Don't sleep for too long.

I forgot how to get through the winter

on my own.

I knew you would wake up.

How's the pain?

Are you feeling dizzy?

Does your head feel foggy?

Do you know where you are right now?

Do you remember who you are?

That's such a relief.

That's all that matters.

Lie down. I'll go get some more herbs.

It's good to see you again,

Hong Eun-jo.

I should've protected you.

You did.

You saved my life.

Thank you

for coming back.

See, this is exactly

what makes me too brave.

I should stop acting like a prince from a folk tale.

I'm a real prince.

How can you joke right now?

Of course, I can.

It makes you smile.

Your Highness!

You woke up.

It seems I should have come an hour later.

No, not at all.

You came at the right time.

How did she end up at the cliff alone? What were you doing?

I apologize.

I was looking for this courtesan, No-eul…

Wait, you two…

Officer Seo, could you slow down…

Eun-jo!

You woke up from the deep sleep.

The royal physician will reach here soon.

How did you end up being attacked by an assassin?

Well, it's…

Your Highness, what on earth happened?

Well…

Lady Hae-rim.

I'm Eun-jo.

It's been a while,

at least in this body.

Oh, dear.

Are you two switched back now?

Yes.

As you can see.

I apologize.

I got used to mixing you two up.

I understand.

I'm so glad that you're safe.

I'm so glad you're back.

I'm sorry, but the heartfelt reunion can wait.

Right now, there's something more important to talk about.

Who is this fearless wretch that dared strike at Your Highness?

Dae-chu.

Make sure the royal physician who'll be here soon keeps quiet.

And tell those at my quarters I'll be out tonight.

Wait.

You must recover first.

Could you two wait here for a bit?

What are you doing?

I don't want to run away anymore.

Because I happened to see Joseon

through a woman's eyes.

The long-exploited tenant farmers,

the patients at the Hyeminseo,

the dying children on the street,

and the courtesans, scorned and mocked even for their pain.

These are the people of Joseon I saw

through that woman's eyes.

Now, I understand

how that woman must have felt

when she had to be a thief.

Does that mean…

I want to walk that path with you,

wherever it leads.

You want those at your quarters to believe you're out tonight

for a reason, right?

I need the person who tried to kill me

to believe that I'm dead.

Did you see the assassin when you returned to your body?

Yes.

Who is it? Do you remember the face?

Calm down.

I'm the one who was attacked. If anyone should be angry, it's me.

I was attacked too,

when I was in your body.

You're right.

You are entitled to some of my anger.

Is it

the Chief Secretary's family?

This is your son, Seung-jae.

I will finish up myself.

Yes, my lord.

How are things at the Grand Prince's residence?

They think it's just one of his usual nights away.

And the Queen Dowager is keeping it under wraps.

No wonder. It has only been three days.

Once the Queen Dowager senses something is amiss,

she will begin to look for him.

Make sure there are no mistakes this time.

I will, Father.

Is your new court robe not ready yet?

Since I am to succeed Father as Chief Royal Secretary,

I would like to begin in Father's court robes.

Would you place this on me?

Is it because this hat doesn't have the paper flowers

like the one Jae-i got for ranking first?

Father,

do I look like you?

It seems a little big on you.

Right.

Jae-i hasn't come home for several days now.

I sent him away on an errand.

He will not be home for a while.

Tell Seung-jae that

I am

coming back soon.

After all this, have you not learned anything?

Kill the wench so there will be no trouble later.

I will not forget your mercy.

I ordered you to kill her!

The State Tribunal's soldiers will be here soon. Please go.

Did you defy me?

You must go now!

What are you doing? Go.

Lord Left State Councilor, His Majesty has ordered your return.

There's a courtesan running down the mountain.

Kill her.

And this man defied my command.

Confine him to the State Tribunal.

Let him see no light of day

until I command otherwise.

Arrest him.

What's the matter?

Tell Kim Seung-baek that I'm here.

I've been ordered to never tell anyone who's confined--

No one will know

as long as you keep your mouth shut.

Im Sa-hyeong, that rat was poison,

and you fed me that poison.

Kill me.

As you wish.

Why don't you

just kill me?

I want you to live a long life.

You promised we would grow old together, right?

From now on, you will live a life that makes you wish

you were dead every day.

When will the incense be replenished?

I heard that

an issue had arisen while importing it from the Ming.

I asked the Left State Councilor to see to it at once.

You see,

I grew up sheltered, so I hate sweating.

So stop resisting

and let me arrest you.

I grew up the hard way, so I love fighting.

So stop running away

and take my blade.

I said I didn't want to run.

I told him not to run away.

Welcome, Your Majesty.

What brings you all the way to…

It's good to see you again,

Lady Sukeui.

Your Highness.

What brings you here?

I hear the air here is fresh.

I may need to take some time to rest soon,

and I'm hoping you could help me.

How may I help you?

First,

I would like to go on a hunt.

A hunt?

Stay back.

Don't try anything, or the kid dies.

Calm down.

Let me take one step back.

I'll take two.

What animal are you hunting?

A young viper.

Very well. Thank you, everyone.

Congratulations on your return.

Congratulations.

Lord Chief State Councilor,

as an apology for my past impertinence,

allow me to pour you a drink.

Oh, dear.

I must be drunk.

I'm here to raise a toast.

A toast is meant to be bitter.

I'm sure it is, to you.

Grand Prince Dowol arrives!

Your Highness.

What's wrong?

Dae-chu, watch closely.

That's the look of a man

who's just seen a dead man.

And a man who won't live much longer.

Black Sword!

Someone's calling you.

I apologize.

Didn't I tell you?

I'm here to raise a toast.

This criminal attempted to assassinate His Highness. Seize him!

Yes, sir!

Your Highness, I beg for your mercy.

Beg your father.

And beg him harder.

Did you hear that?

Lord Im Sa-hyeong's eldest son

tried to kill the Grand Prince!

What?

I know, right?

You see,

It's like one of us slaves

trying to kill the lord's brother!

Exactly!

If that's true,

his entire family will be beheaded, all three generations.

It's an exemplary punishment, as the scholars say.

Wait, you…

You're pretty and smart?

- This isn't the time. - Right.

Anyway, even ignorant folks like us know that.

Those nobles would certainly know.

Absolutely!

- Ma'am. - Eun-jo.

- Eun-jo. - Eun-jo.

Eun-jo, we did as you said.

We went to every tavern in the capital and spread the word.

Thank you.

But do you really think

our gossip could get Lord Im's eldest son into trouble?

It'll pressure him.

They won't be able to deny something everyone knows.

Oh, dear.

My heart is still pounding.

I had no idea the aide who helped me was the Grand Prince.

What are you talking about?

Are you saying your heart is pounding for another man?

What? That's not what I meant.

I told you.

I told you he didn't look like some nobody off the street.

Nobody?

You wretched bastard…

- Wretched? - Wretched.

- Bastard? - Bastard.

Enough! Quiet!

- Quiet. - Quiet.

So?

- What's happening from now on? - Right.

Soon, they will come together like we did.

The Royal Confucian Academy's students.

Please, Your Majesty!

Your Majesty!

To threaten the Grand Prince's life is a grave insult to the realm!

Father would have done this.

This must be punished severely!

We beseech Your Majesty!

We beseech Your Majesty!

Your Majesty!

Please investigate Im Seung-jae's family!

Im Sa-hyeong is behind this crime!

We beseech Your Majesty!

We beseech Your Majesty!

Lord Im Sa-hyeong's eldest son,

Im Seung-jae, is the criminal.

Here are the Grand Prince's palace maid and guard bought off by him.

This man claimed that

he killed them on Im Seung-jae's orders.

Get to the point.

There is no way Im Seung-jae could have plotted something so vile by himself.

We must investigate whether the Left State Councilor was behind this.

Is that true, Left State Councilor?

Your Majesty, this was done by the criminal alone.

What do you think should be done?

To threaten the royal family is to shake the foundations of the realm.

No precedent of mercy must be set.

Father.

I submit that he deserves beheading, Your Majesty.

Beheading, Father?

I don't want to die!

No criminal bears our family's name.

As the Left State Councilor has advised,

punish the criminal.

Yes, Your Majesty!

Father!

Father!

Father!

There's an old saying

that children are nothing but trouble.

Father!

Let His Highness know.

Your Highness, the Left State Councilor is here.

Let him in.

Your Highness.

Have a seat.

My child has committed such a grave offense

that I dare not even ask after your health, Your Highness.

I could not attend the royal interrogation today.

As you know, I cannot move freely because of the injuries.

My son will be sent into exile

and then be beheaded.

So that's how it ended.

They say you may clean up your own act,

but you can't clean up your children's.

This is entirely

my failing.

"You may bear children, but not their hearts."

That's what they say as well.

I will trust that the blade that harmed me

did not carry

your intent.

Just as you and the Grand Prince expected.

Lord Im is the kind of man who would even sacrifice his own child

if he could save himself.

Just like what he did to my lord when he was the Chief Secretary.

We caught the young viper. The hunt was a success.

All this was made possible because you rallied the scholars.

The Grand Prince learned about me and came to me.

He said, once Im Sa-hyeong's family is rooted out,

we would discuss the rest in due time.

I'm aware of it.

I accepted his offer, but I'm worried.

If he makes a move before he recovers, things could be worse.

We might not even be able to begin then.

I'm aware of that as well.

Are the two of you

deeply in love?

I need to know

if your love will help us

or get in our way.

Until we change the world,

I'm just Gil-dong.

Please protect him by his side as Gil-dong.

Right now, you are the only one

who can look after him.

Yes, I'm already doing so.

Officer Seo…

It's me.

So this is it.

The herbs you made Dae-chu brew every day.

Why are you out again?

The royal physician allowed me to go out.

The interrogation ended today. You should at least stay in for today.

You barely got any rest. I can't believe you crawled out already.

I walked out.

You look gaunt.

I hear you haven't been eating because you're busy.

Dae-chu has been ratting on me?

I should go back. Your nagging is more bitter than my medicine.

It's because you took it on an empty stomach.

Since you're already out, follow me.

Where?

This can't be better than the broody hens your family raises.

Stop trying to eat all my family's chickens

and eat up.

You need to eat well for the medicine to work.

Are you that concerned about my body?

Well, I was in that body until just a few days ago.

It feels closer to me.

In that case,

since I've become closer to your chicken…

Finish this, and have another one.

I promised I would take good care of your body.

Who did you promise? Take it back.

I can't. It's already decided.

Come on. Eat up.

Switched souls…

It's something that would only happen in folk tales.

Wait…

Who was I in love with then?

His Highness?

Lady Hae-rim of the Shin family?

Eun-jo?

I brought some warm water.

Kkot-sim,

is it possible to hold two people dear

at the same time?

There you go again, talking nonsense.

I'll get some cold water.

I finished the whole chicken, as you said,

and you don't seem that happy.

Because I didn't eat two?

No.

Let's go. I'll eat three chickens.

No.

That's really not it.

I'm just worried we might switch bodies again.

Even when I'm fine,

that worry creeps in sometimes.

Don't worry.

We won't switch again.

Because I will never let us

be in mortal danger again.

How do you know?

I just feel like

my soul really has settled into my body this time.

That's it?

If you're so worried,

I can tag along with you forever.

You know being apart only makes things hard for both of us.

So I have no choice

but to tag along with you everywhere.

Just accept it.

It's our harsh fate.

Wait.

Who's there?

It's me.

You scared me.

Why are you hiding like some thief?

You told me to follow you

discreetly and swiftly, like a thief, Your Highness.

Stop saying "thief."

You're embarrassing a real thief here.

Right.

Officer Seo, you came just in time.

Have you noticed anything strange

while observing the Im family?

What do you mean?

My young master said

that he hadn't seen Jae-i lately.

I asked Seok-sam to look into it,

and he said everyone was keeping quiet about it.

Something doesn't feel right.

And why now?

Actually, I've been looking for him too.

I thought I should meet him

before bringing down his family.

What took you so long…

What are you doing here?

The Grand Prince has a message for you.

He could've come himself.

I wanted to come for him.

I had to.

So say it already and go.

You don't want my father to find out.

He doesn't know what happened to his brother.

The Grand Prince said

he would accept any blame.

He really meant it.

"Blame?"

Something happened outside, didn't it?

You'll find out soon.

I hope it won't hurt you too much.

And I mean it.

Yes, Your Highness.

First, an arrow. Now, a sword?

What's next?

Whatever it is, I can't let this happen again.

You already broke my heart too many times.

Now that sounds personal.

How is he?

He's recovering fast.

His Highness is truly blessed.

You heard him.

This is partly due to the excellent initial treatment.

Oh, that's part of my blessing.

I met a great physician.

You may all leave now.

What on earth are you doing outside?

Why is the Im family trying to harm you?

Mother.

A mother senses her child's danger before anyone else.

Tell me what happened.

One day,

I will tell you everything.

Can I trust you?

Please don't worry.

I know

what I'm doing.

I know that look on his face.

It's like the Gyeongo Year.

He had that same look then.

What's the matter, Your Majesty?

Send for Lady Sukeui as soon as the sun rises.

Father.

On your way into exile tomorrow,

you'll be attacked by bandits.

Pretend you're captured by them and follow them. You'll save your life.

I'll come for you when the time is right.

I thought

you'd abandoned me, Father.

I would never.

You have a long way to go.

Eat this before you leave tomorrow.

Father.

Im Sa-hyeong spoke with Im Seung-jae

for about a quarter of an hour at the jail.

Do you think he will really get Im Seung-jae out?

Most likely.

No father would betray his blood ties.

If that happens,

we can charge Im Sa-hyeong with supporting a traitor.

The young viper was bait for the old one.

That was your plan.

Are you always this slow?

What about the thing I asked for?

Right. I have it prepared.

But who are the military uniforms for?

A special squad.

We need in soldiers in disguise.

If Aide Kang openly assembles soldiers,

Lord Im Sa-Hyeong will find out.

If this must be handled discreetly, you've come to the right person.

I used to beat some sense into the nobles.

You and your bluff again.

I'm serious. I was famous for it.

Are you coming too?

Yes, I'll be on standby nearby, just in case.

This is the only path leading to the place of exile.

Im Seung-jae will show up in a couple of hours.

I know it's tough, but let's be patient.

Did you send for me?

Release Jae-i.

He needs to see his brother.

Your Highness!

Did they get him?

- It didn't go as planned. - What?

He ordered us to release you.

Go straight home. Don't stray.

Why?

Your brother

has passed.

It wasn't suicide.

So he was murdered?

He had eaten poisoned food before he left.

And the person who brought him the meal the day before

was Im Sa-hyeong.

I can't believe he killed his own son.

Even animals don't do that.

His Highness and I misjudged Lord Im Sa-hyeong.

Did you say

you do not wish to hold a funeral for him?

A criminal's death

is not to be mourned.

Make sure

no one outside the house hears any crying.

This is the robe

your brother treasured.

Burn it.

The body was buried secretly, facing the family burial grounds.

If I had saved him with bandits in disguise,

they would have accused me of the same crime.

This family would've been wiped out.

He was dressed only in fine clothes

and fed only fine food.

Even if he had gone with the bandits and lived in hiding,

he wouldn't have even lasted two weeks.

He couldn't have tolerated their filth and baseness.

And that would've been

a dog's death.

He knew it was a disgrace

to be beheaded,

yet he lacked the resolve to take his own life.

So

I needed to find a way to at least keep his body.

Is that what you believe?

You're wrong.

You could not bear the thought of your son

returning from the bandits in just two weeks,

begging for his life.

You sacrificed him because you don't need him anymore.

You really are like me, inside and out,

unlike Seung-jae.

It must be devastating for you

that I'm the only one left.

If you defy me,

you will have to renounce the name I gave you.

I will have everything.

If I renounce the name now,

everything I've struggled for will be for nothing.

This is my order.

Be my blade

and slay Grand Prince Dowol.

How did you…

I climbed over the wall

and opened the door.

Have you been

drinking?

A lot.

To the point that

I won't even remember this tomorrow.

Wait here.

I'll bring some water.

If I become his blade and strike the Grand Prince,

it must hurt you.

But I hope it won't hurt you too much.

I hope it won't hurt you too much.

And I mean it.

I…

mean it too.

Is he gone?

I'm sorry about

what happened to your brother.

If you're here to declare a war, do it properly.

So I don't have any regrets.

Your Highness and I are no longer protecting the same thing.

If you have decided to fight for your father and your family,

give it your all.

I'll do everything I can to destroy your family as well,

for what I have always protected.

Once you leave this place,

you and I will be enemies.

Agreed?

Agreed.

Find the assassin!

Summon the State Tribunal at once!

It's a royal order!

Find anything that could serve as evidence!

Yes, sir!

As if there is anything.

Tell me again, what exactly happened that night?

So, His Majesty was chasing the courtesans.

Then an arrow almost struck him.

It was from the assassin on the cliff over there.

Some of the soldiers saw him,

and said he seemed just under nine cheok.

That's almost as tall as you.

Why is this here?

Why? Because that's the assassin's arrow.

I found it.

Found what?

The name of the assassin.

It's Gil-dong.

This is the list of the merchants Im Sa-hyeong dealt with as a historian.

We might find something here to have him dismissed.

Your Highness,

please look at this.

What is it?

The sketch of Gil-dong's face.

Gil-dong is the assassin who shot His Majesty?

This is posted everywhere

in and around the capital.

"It's a royal order."

"Anyone who sees Gil-dong

is to kill him

on the spot."

"Gil-dong is a man skilled in archery,

nine cheok tall…

"Nine cheok tall"?

It's the Grand Prince.

This is aimed at the Grand Prince.

Do you know what you have done?

Gil-dong

is the very name I'm fighting with my life to protect.

You're of royal blood.

Turn yourself in. The worst you'll face is exile.

What are you doing here?

Arrest me.

I am

Gil-dong.

I didn't trust you.

I trusted Im Jae-i.

Stop the investigation.

You already found the evidence.

Gil-dong.

I will go.

Are you leaving right away?

If anything happens while I'm away, stay low.

Search every corner!

The king's madness is worse than in the Gyeongo Year.

You wouldn't even cry.

Bring all the troops into the capital.

I shall hunt Gil-dong!

There you are.

You're the real Gil-dong.

Subtitle translation by: Sunyoung Baek