Original subtitles

Arrest me.

I am

Gil-dong.

Do you expect me to believe that?

Of course you shouldn't.

You'd better believe me.

- The witnesses are-- - What are you doing?

I'm making a confession.

Write this down.

Stop. Let's go outside.

I'm here to stop this.

I want this to stop now.

Officer Seo.

Your Highness, please come with me.

What are you going to do?

I will confess until he believes it

because he says he can't believe me.

You trust me, right?

I apologize.

She wanted to make sure you're protected.

The ones who received the grains and herbs Gil-dong stole

were patients at the Hyeminseo.

Stop messing with me.

You're the one messing with us.

You know the Grand Prince isn't Gil-dong, yet you still pinned it on him.

Listen.

I was the one who leaked the ledger,

I was the one who threatened your brother,

and I was the one who shot the arrow

at the king the night the courtesans fled.

It was all me.

And through it all,

the Grand Prince stayed by my side.

From now on, stay within my expectations.

Just stay within what I can handle.

He embraced Gil-dong's theft.

And with the ledger from Gil-dong…

By the law of the realm, I sentence you to exile.

…he punished a corrupt official.

He also stepped in for Gil-dong…

FILL YOUR GRANARY

…and helped those at the leper camp.

That's the kind of man he is.

A man who would

readily jump into the fire.

That's him.

All that, just to protect one thing.

Just to protect one thing.

Do you think Im Jae-i will really arrest Hong-si?

No, he can't.

I don't care who the real Gil-dong is.

I know which Gil-dong I will arrest.

So you believe me.

Gil-dong must be someone dear to you.

Gil-dong

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

Tie me up.

You can't, can you?

Because of what's in your heart.

Yes, that's holding me back now.

That I…

I'm not talking about your feelings for me.

I'm talking about what's truly in your heart.

What?

You don't want to arrest Gil-dong,

whether it's me or not.

The people who needed Gil-dong's help…

I will not forget your mercy.

Deep down,

you also have compassion for them.

Just like the Grand Prince does.

I wish you would just use me.

I wish you were cruel enough to use my feelings against me!

You…

I thought you were here as the Grand Prince's shield.

But you're a sword.

And it cuts deep.

Thanks, Lady Hae-rim. You're always so kind to us.

I told you. I'm coming here because I want to.

Any news on No-eul yet?

I hear Dae-chu, the guard, has been looking hard for her.

Forget what I said.

Come on, have some.

You're here.

Where's Physician Hong?

Eun-jo couldn't come.

Has she been arrested?

What?

Gil-dong?

Is that the sketch of Gil-dong?

Well…

I remember

hearing a rumor that Gil-dong brought rice to the leper camp.

Is that true?

ROYAL ORDER

Why did you ask if Eun-jo was arrested?

It was just…

a slip of the tongue.

I don't think so.

I think we're thinking the same thing.

And if I'm right,

you're trying to protect Eun-jo, just like I am.

Come on.

Well…

The thing is…

I saw something.

The night the courtesans fled,

I saw the nine-cheok-tall man shoot the arrow at the king.

It was the Grand Prince.

If it was that night, it must be Eun-jo.

Pardon?

Then it is Gil-dong.

Since when?

Nobody in this capital cares about the leper camp.

Physician Hong is the only one who knows about us,

and Gil-dong is the only one who's always there for us.

I have to pretend that I don't know.

I don't have time to be in shock.

I'll go see Eun-jo.

Your Highness, the sketches of Gil-dong are being taken down.

It seems the investigation has been called off.

Is there a reason why Im Jae-i changed his mind?

Yes, there is.

It's behind you.

Behind me?

Oh, dear!

When did you get here?

Just now.

You must be here because of Gil-dong.

Don't worry.

It's all taken care of.

That's fortunate.

Or unfortunate.

His Highness and Physician Hong must have had a fight.

That's how it seems, right?

That's how it seems to you?

I didn't trust you.

I trusted Im Jae-i.

No man would drive the woman he cares for toward death.

Promise me.

If something like this happens again, don't step forward.

Why aren't you saying anything?

I'm here.

Right here.

I'm smiling here.

Let's not worry about what hasn't happened yet.

We'll take a breather today

so we can start again tomorrow.

Can we do that? Just for today.

It's been a long night.

Eun-jo!

Lady Hae-rim.

Is everything all right?

Yes.

Did anyone follow you?

- Who? - Well…

I hear there's a madman roaming around at night these days.

Really? I haven't seen anyone like that.

Of course you haven't.

- What? - What?

I mean,

you shouldn't see them.

Did you come here alone at this hour, without Kkot-sim?

I slipped out for a walk and thought I'd stop by.

I just wanted to see your face. Go in.

It's late. Let me walk you home.

No, don't.

I know you're busy. Go get some rest.

But that wouldn't be proper.

You have greater things to do. Don't worry about such trifles.

Greater things?

I mean, it's tough to work at the Hyeminseo.

Come on.

Please return home safely.

I will, Eun-jo.

His Highness is waiting inside.

Don't do something like this ever again.

If this happens again, I swear,

you'll have to face my blade.

It looks like a lot of you wish to serve as the Grand Prince's sword.

He's got two already.

Two?

What do you mean? I'm the only guard he has.

Who's the other sword?

It must be nice, drinking at a time like this.

Someone told me that

I should take a breather tonight.

Besides, you took a step back.

I didn't ask you to sit with me.

I'm not drinking with you.

Agreed.

How could a woman…

Exactly.

If I were you,

I would've stopped her at all costs, even if I had to break her legs.

As if she'd listen.

So stubborn.

- So headstrong. - So arrogant.

So bullheaded.

I have a question.

I won't answer your question.

The archer who shot at His Majesty the night the courtesans fled…

Given the distance and the accuracy, it has to be Hong Eun-jo.

But all the soldiers said the archer was nine cheok tall.

So maybe it was me, like you said.

I know your archery isn't at that level.

You do? And you set me up as Gil-dong?

Sometimes, the wind works in your favor and you hit the mark by accident.

"By accident?"

You wouldn't believe me anyway.

I even believe that Gil-dong is woman.

There's nothing I can't believe now.

Our souls were switched.

I told you.

I'll report that suspecting Gil-dong as the assassin was my mistake.

I will be too drunk to remember everything that happened tonight.

You should forget it too.

Especially…

what the lady did.

I will.

- Burn them all. - Yes, sir!

That idiot Jae-i is being fickle again.

What a selfish brat.

What is it?

It's…

EUIJU, PYEONGAN PROVINCE

"I heard of Lord Im Sa-hyeong's eldest son's passing."

"Please convey my condolences."

I will.

Where are the goods?

"Who hurt that pretty face of yours?"

is what he said.

That's none of his business.

Tell him to bring the goods already.

The decoction doesn't work at all.

A tiger.

What you're seeing is because of withdrawal.

Please don't let it fool you.

Do you really not hear that roar?

Fight all the things you see.

Until Geum-nok brings the incense,

no one must know of this.

Is everything loaded? Let's go.

Your Highness, Gaizhou has been overrun by bandits.

We must take a detour.

Any delay would drive him mad.

How long will it take?

I'm sure Lady Jang went to Euiju for a reason.

Her decision to travel alone was rather sudden, indeed.

Something unexpected must have forced her to.

Something unexpected…

Is that Im Seung-jae's death?

According to our findings,

Im Seung-jae was

regularly meeting with Ming merchants in Euiju.

So Lady Jang

went to trade on Im Seung-jae's behalf.

So

I will discreetly send someone to watch her.

I will go.

If they're really trading secrets,

it won't be easy to get the Ming merchants to talk.

Because their client is the Left State Councilor of Joseon.

The only person who can press them for answers

is me, the one of royal blood.

Are you leaving right now?

Yes.

Dae-chu will be out shortly with the bags.

You'll be gone for a while.

Won't Lord Im Sa-hyeong find it suspicious?

He thinks I'm going to my villa in Hamgyeong to recover.

I made a bit of a fuss about the stab wound on my back.

This excuse should keep Im Sa-hyeong from suspecting anything.

Your Highness.

Let's go. The boat is leaving soon.

Give me one moment.

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

Don't be reckless again.

I'll play the coward.

Be as cowardly as you can.

Your Highness, we must hurry.

I'll go.

Your Highness,

you take care as well.

Young Master, what are you doing?

Leave it. I'll do it.

Don't touch it.

I'm training right now.

Training?

Doing laundry is great training for concentration.

It washes away all the frustration from my studies.

Be gentle.

Why are you looking all crumpled, like damp laundry?

What's the matter?

Do you remember

when you lived in Euiju as a child?

When Father was the Chief Magistrate there?

Right. You wouldn't remember. You were just a baby.

Yes, I only heard about it.

Don't even get me started.

Even in summer, Euiju got really cold at night.

Really?

My ears were freezing, and my nose was freezing.

You see,

I was born in summer, in the Year of the Monkey.

I hate winter…

What? Where did she go?

Your Highness, let's go inside.

Isn't that Hong-si?

Hong Eun-jo!

Excuse me.

Could I borrow this for a moment?

What do you think she's doing with the arrow?

Arrows are meant to be shot, nothing else.

Right?

Where do you think she'll shoot it?

I wonder.

How strange.

Why does it look like she's aiming at you?

How strange.

It looks like that to you too?

Take a step back!

Hit!

You took two steps back?

I guess I took two steps back.

What is it?

Are they earmuffs?

I hear nights in Euiju are cold!

Have a safe trip!

I didn't get to say a proper goodbye.

I'll be back soon!

You look like you're leaving for good.

It's just two weeks.

- Ten days. - What?

Two weeks will feel like forever.

Let's make it ten days.

Come on. You'll make yourself sick if you rush.

I must make myself sick.

So I can go straight to the Hyeminseo.

Unbelievable! I don't want to go to Euiju as a third wheel.

She prepared yours too.

I knew from the start Hong-si had a kind heart.

"Heart?"

- Give it. It's mind. - Your Highness!

- Give it! - Don't be like this.

- Come again. - I wish you all the best.

Thanks.

Oh, dear! You scared me.

Are you here to eat?

Could I have some rice that's gone bad?

I haven't eaten for three days.

What happened, young lady?

Is your name No-eul, by any chance?

Why do you ask?

This man called Dae-chu or whatever

asked me to let him know if I see a woman with a Hamgyeong accent.

Dae-chu?

Who on earth is that?

Where's the runaway Seolokgwan courtesan?

We've closed all the gates to search the capital.

Lord Left State Councilor, I have something to report.

Who is at your residence again?

She refuses my brother, or any other physicians.

She says it has to be you.

She said no one must know, so I hid her here.

She is frail and weak.

But her condition is stabilizing.

I'm glad she made it back safely.

It's already light outside.

Don't worry about us, you go ahead.

You need to go to the Hyeminseo.

When No-eul wakes up, I'll take her to the leper camp.

Could you do that for me?

- Search every corner! - Yes, sir!

What are you doing?

What is it? What's all this about?

What is it this time?

They're looking for Gil-dong.

- Gil-dong? - Yes.

Please stop the investigation.

It's been put on hold because there wasn't enough evidence.

The Grand Prince

once made a deal with me to cover up Gil-dong's case.

That means

he's protecting Gil-dong.

As far as I know, that deal works against you as well.

Once I find more evidence--

You already found the evidence.

Gil-dong.

We just need to catch Gil-dong,

get him to say Grand Prince Dowol's name.

We found a perfect remedy

for His Majesty's troubled mind.

Well done.

Seok-sam!

Eun-jo.

Could you give us a moment? I know him.

He's a traitor. Make it quick.

Traitor?

For dong what?

He harbored Gil-dong, the assassin.

They're restarting the investigation into Gil-dong.

Don't worry about me, and go find Lady Dong-ju.

All right.

Please wait for me.

Eun-jo.

If something bad happens to us,

you have nothing to do with it.

Thanks for everything.

Now go!

Go!

Seok-sam.

Kids!

Are you all right?

Where's Lady Dong-ju?

"When you wake up in the morning,

get the kids to wash their faces first."

"Go to Cho-rong's and get something to eat."

"Ask Gae-ddong's mom to nurse the baby."

"And Eun-jo,

I'm fine."

She said this before she got arrested.

Lady Dong-ju.

Lady Dong-ju…

How curious.

You wouldn't even cry.

I'm worried that,

if my cries carry beyond the palace walls,

it will hurt Gil-dong's heart.

What a kind heart you have.

Listen.

If this wench doesn't cry,

I will kill you two, the ones who twisted her legs.

- Your Majesty! - Your Majesty!

Please let me enter the palace.

When His Highness is back--

It'll be too late then.

- I must go. - Calm down.

- Even if you step up-- - It's me!

Aide Kang.

It's me.

What do you mean?

Did you just say Gil-dong?

Yes.

This is a grave matter.

Why Gil-dong, of all people…

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

He's rounding up everyone who has spoken of Gil-dong.

Sir, I didn't do anything. I'm innocent!

My baby!

Sir!

Getting help from Gil-dong is a crime?

They wouldn't have done this if he had helped animals!

To the king, we're nothing but bugs.

I feel much lighter.

Allow me to escort you to your bedchamber.

Your Majesty.

I've been handling the investigation, so I know the truth.

They don't know who Gil-dong is.

Know your place.

I know.

Then why…

I'm sure Gil-dong knows them.

When curfew falls,

hang the wench's head above the palace gate.

We will hang one person each day.

Ten days or a hundred… I don't care how long it takes.

We will continue until Gil-dong appears.

Right.

We probably don't have enough heads to last 100 days.

Once all the Chief Censor's slaves are hanged,

then…

hang those at the leper camp next.

Eun-jo.

I packed the bag as you said.

Good. You should head out now.

Why are you telling us to go to our cousin's in Gyeongsang?

Did you get into trouble?

Please don't ask me anything, just go.

You idiot. If you're in trouble, you should run.

Come on. Pack your bags too.

I'll follow you soon.

What is it?

Is it that serious?

Compared to all the trouble you've caused, it's nothing.

You're coming, right?

You have to come, all right?

I'll take care of madam.

You heard him.

Don't worry about me.

I won't.

Let's go, Young Master.

I'm not sure about this.

Do you really think His Majesty's order will draw Gil-dong out?

It will.

Gil-dong cherishes their lives as his own.

Hey, where are you going?

Hong Eun-jo!

It's not your fault.

I'll get going.

I have an idea

that could save everyone.

There was a letter next to the report.

Everything my father values is in here.

Is it like some ledger?

Go in and see for yourself.

So what is your idea? Where is it?

What are you doing?

Meeting my end like a man.

I'm the one who brought that name up.

So I will end this with the same name.

No.

No, don't do it.

This…

This isn't helping me at all.

There must be another way. Let's find it together.

Come on. Open the door.

Open the door.

Don't forgive me.

On the day you joined this family,

I stomped all over your palanquin.

I got myself drunk…

and lingered around your room.

And I…

Don't forgive any of it.

I won't.

If you leave like this, I'll never forgive you.

My lord,

my death as Gil-dong will be this family's only honor,

so please be proud of it.

I cared for a woman,

and through those feelings, I came to know the joy of existence.

So please don't pity my life too much.

I was ashamed that you were a flatterer,

and that was my failing as your son.

So please blame me.

I will wait for you on the other side.

JAE-I

You have a long journey ahead. Please travel safely.

When can I let her go?

Let her out when this family holds a funeral.

Is someone dying again?

Thank you

for everything.

What should we do?

Carry out the sentence.

Curfew has begun! Hang the criminal!

Will Gil-dong show up?

You…

You really had to…

Grab Jae-i over there and silence him.

My lord,

over there.

Is that…

Gil-dong?

Gil-dong is here! Capture him!

Yes, sir!

Gil-dong?

- He really showed up. - Is it really Gil-dong?

He went east!

He went west!

What?

What a stubborn fool.

- Gil-dong is here! - This way!

No, he's going south. Let's split up.

Yes, sir!

Over there!

Is he a ghost or what?

The rumors were true. He's a monster.

No.

That's wrong.

Gil-dong is…

more than one person.

- Split up and find the rest! - Yes, sir!

Report this to His Majesty and put the criminal back in jail.

Put the criminal back in jail!

Why did you come here?

It's me.

No, I can't do this!

Stop it. I can't go.

Physician Hong sent me. Follow me.

Sure.

Your Majesty.

It's down.

Your Majesty, Gil-dong showed up…

Stay right there.

It's Gil-dong!

Gil-dong is here!

This place is…

Did you bring me to Chief Censor's residence on purpose?

There you are.

You're the real Gil-dong.

How did you know…

I know you're out there.

Please answer me.

My lady, you'll strain your voice!

I'll open the doors soon, so don't wear yourself out.

Young Master Jae-i is going to die!

- What? - So open the door.

Or everyone will die!

Please!

Eun-jo, you can't go.

Lady Hae-rim.

Don't let those protecting you…

die in vain.

Lady Hae-rim.

Come with me.

There's something you must know.

Together with Lord Im Sa-hyeong?

I almost died out there in the mountains.

Do you remember what the king ordered before you were dragged off?

"Find those who brought the incense into my bedchamber

and kill them all."

Incense?

If the incense isn't lit on time, His Majesty's madness grows worse.

Can you tell me the name of that herb from the Ming?

It is the seed of a flower called Gokdu,

a medicinal herb found only in the Ming.

I think I know what the incense is.

Who are you?

He led His Majesty into addiction

and dishonored the throne and the realm.

- Arrest him! - Yes, sir!

Aide!

Do you really believe that lowly thief?

How dare you?

Arrest him…

What are you doing?

Arrest him at once!

A flatterer's words are hard to believe.

Who on earth are you?

The people.

The name you should fear.

You're a woman.

- Your Majesty. - Your Majesty.

The ruler of this nation was fooled by a flatterer and lost his mind?

That cannot be true.

It shouldn't be true.

It's just a message posted in the market.

He may have a temper, but he cannot be so foolish.

I hope it's not true either.

Is the king

really addicted?

What are the Crown Prince and I to do now?

Please don't cry.

I will protect you. I promise.

Bring all the troops into the capital.

I shall hunt Gil-dong!

Yes, Your Majesty!

The scholars and students of the Royal Confucian Academy on our side

will rally soon.

I'll head to the leper camp.

Master Mibul?

Gil-dong went that way!

Have you seen Gil-dong?

He went that way.

Why are you lying to us? Gil-dong went that way.

You wench.

You know Gil-dong!

Stop there!

Stop!

The next alley!

Chase her!

This way!

Let's go that way!

Your Highness.

What happened?

There are Gil-dong impostors all over the capital in Baekjeong masks.

So I had not other option.

I don't know what's going on, but I should play along.

Who are all those Gil-dong impostors?

Aide Kang, the people from the leper camp,

and the people sent by Lady Sukeui.

So I know all those Gil-dongs.

I had no idea, and I was so awkward around them.

Why are you laughing?

Even at a time like this, I'm happy to hear your joke,

and even at a time like this, your joke makes me laugh.

Don't laugh. I'm serious.

When you go out, you should say hi to the Gil-dongs.

No.

There's only one Gil-dong I've ever known.

And I can barely handle that one.

You look serious now.

That was a joke.

It's funny.

That Gil-dong you've ever known

needs to say something hard to handle again.

And it'll be even harder for you.

I know.

The actual name of the seed is Yeonsukhwa.

Gokdu must be a name Im Sa-hyeong made up.

How did you…

Wait, so the goods he traded with the Ming merchants was…

Dae-chu will arrive soon with Lady Jang.

I left as soon as I learned about the incense,

hoping that his addiction wouldn't be so severe.

I'm sure she went this way.

What's the matter?

This voice…

I think the person who covered for Gil-dong is in here,

Your Majesty.

Open it.

Yes, Your Majesty.

Wait here. I'll go.

If you go out,

they'll accuse you of protecting Gil-dong.

If they investigate you,

they'll find out you've been harboring Gil-dong.

Then it's treason.

I will never let you die because of me.

About for that,

I made up my mind long ago

that I would gladly accept it.

Right now,

everyone is gathering,

around the leper camp and our hideout.

Everyone who?

The people trying to get through today.

And

people trying to fight for tomorrow.

And that is why

you cannot stop here.

You must be part of their tomorrow.

What about me?

What can I do if you're not there tomorrow?

Dream.

We've come this far, sharing the same dream.

I…

will be in that dream.

Hong Eun-jo, I…

I know.

I…

I know.

No.

You don't know.

You don't know anything.

Hong Eun-jo.

I hate that we have the same dream.

The today we must get through

and those people's tomorrow…

Right now, I'd rather hate all that.

I should go.

I will…

see you again.

I'm not that ambitious a man.

Even if that disappoints you, that's just how I am.

I must confess now.

My dream…

has always…

been you.

The old me would have listened to it.

But now,

those words carry no weight with me.

I will not run away anymore.

Chase the tiger!

He's hallucinating.

If we let His Majesty roam the streets like this,

he will hunt the people.

"The king was deceived by a flatterer and took poison."

"He ended up a madman."

Traitor!

Must I raise my sword against my brother?

You must go.

It will be fine.

Because we're not alone.

Subtitle translation by: Sunyoung Baek