Original subtitles

I can feel it, the Princess' energy.

Sire!

No way that...

Seo Ri!

Seo Ri!

We meet again.

Was all the information in the Book of Demon Banishment regarding Miss?

That is why Seo Ri needs you, Scholar.

I don't know how you have the ghost-warding pattern.

As you saw already, it blocks Seo Ri's curse.

- Episode 9 -

Let's see now...

Talismanic Shield. He is a talismanic shield, but a human talismanic shield...

Ghost warding...

Ghost warding.

So messy.

Uh... Excuse... Uh yes, here.

It's completely broken, and it's broken here, too.

Is it here or there?

If you keep that up, it looks like you'll untie my coat strings.

It's not like that. It's just...

It's a precious thing, so you must take good care of it.

Yeah, something like that...

But why were you trapped in prison?

Miss' older brother...

Oh, but! Don't her family members know Miss is here?

It's nothing good to know, so about that...

But why are you avoiding my questions?

Did you by chance commit a serious felony?

Aren't the police officers going to follow you here right now or something?

I was framed.

Red Robes or Blue Robes or whatever. I feel so wronged about being cornered as a murderer.

What did you say just now?

Did you just say Red Robes?

What. What's it to you?

Do you perhaps know that fellow?

No, did you see him?

If I had known, I would've caught him. Why are you being like this?

The people that guy killed,

were all those who had wished upon Seo Ri.

Because of that guy, Red Robes, Seo Ri isn't able to undo the curse.

What?

It's not something Seo Ri knows,

so you must never tell her.

You're up?

Why is scholar

here?

Oh that...

I'm asking you,

why he is here.

That...

Seo Ri! One moment! Seo Ri!

Seo Ri.

Does that make sense?

I'm not too fond of this situation either.

Look at how fine we are even after the talismanic shield broke. So...

- Scholar Heo will be a human talismanic shield to protect us— - How can that be?

Isn't everything fine?

When you went out, the talisman shields were broken, but

they were restored when Scholar Heo came back. Even now,

he's serving as a talismanic shield.

Last night,

was it you, Scholar, who saved me?

Well... According to what the taoist said,

I did that.

Everything.

Did you see it all?

Ah...

I don't need him. Send him off.

Seo Ri! Seo Ri!

You must not go anywhere. Don't budge an inch and stay right here.

Seo Ri!

Was it because you're embarrassed to be seen like that?

It's actually better it happened.

That scholar knows the entire content of the Book of Demon Banishment.

Please bring me the wishing tags.

Seo Ri.

- That's not important right now— - I have to light the candles as soon as possible.

Father said that the curse needs to be lifted

for everyone to live.

I don't even know how my brother's doing.

That's why we need that scholar to stay until you light up the remaining candles.

There's no other way for us now other than that scholar.

Seo Ri.

Why are you up? Lie down a bit more.

I'm fine now. It seems it was because I overworked myself, Mother.

After a good sleep, I feel refreshed.

Take it easy.

Here.

It seems that your body is weak so I made medicine for you.

Okay.

What is the matter?

It's nothing.

Perhaps... Have you found Yeon Hee?

I haven't found her yet.

Why are you asking?

No, it's just because recently I keep thinking of her often.

Sir, are you alright?

Sir!

The symptoms are similar to the day when Yeon Hee disappeared.

I am very worried that something has happened to her.

What in the world are you talking about?

What do you mean the criminal disappeared?

While I was in the lavatory, really for a very little time, he disappeared as if he'd never been there at all!

Somebody opened the door for him.

It means somebody was secretly in league with him.

It is not m-m-me!

If he'd been secretly in league with someone here, he could have passed the checkpoint, too.

Don't you think he already escaped the Capital?

Who are you? What connection do you have with Red Robes?

Me? I'm the one who is dying to capture that damned Red Robes!

No. He is still here.

I have to go to the hundred-year-tree.

I don't know well about what a talismanic shield is.

What he said was that nothing will happen as long as I am beside you, correct?

I don't believe those words, so don't pay any mind and please leave.

Back then you had to be in the house in the Black Forest and now it seems you are not allowed to be out of here, either.

Don't you feel frustrated?

It's none of your business.

I'm saying that if there is somewhere you want to go, I will go with you.

All I need to do is to be beside you.

If there are persimmons hanging from the tree outside, you can pick them up with your own hands.

Are you going to continue ignoring me?

Didn't you see that I am not who I used to be?

Not knowing about each other is good for you, Sir.

Then you should've given me the real forgetfulness potion, why didn't you?

If someone puts in an order, it seems you make medicine according to the contents of the Book of Demon Banishment.

If you do that, you seem to reap some benefits, too.

I said it's not your business!

I've already come to know and remember it all.

I...

want to help you.

Your Majesty, among the people there are horrible rumors circulating that Red Robes is still alive.

Oh, what do you mean?

In the case of Red Robes, didn't we even confirm the dead body?

But there are many more than one or two witnesses who saw Red Robes...

So you're saying I arrested a false criminal.

Is that it?

I didn't mean that.

Then what do you mean! What!

Find the source of the false rumor,

and bring it in front of me. In front of all, I will

pull its tongue out, tear it apart and make an example of it.

Your Majesty, Her Majesty the Queen Dowager is here.

Tell her to go back.

Will it be good for you to discuss state affairs in such a heightened emotional state?

Your Majesty, you have to consider the people's restless minds.

Yes, but...

This place is where we discuss state affairs.

It is not the playground of the Inner Royal Court!

It seems that your judgment has gotten hazier.

Will it do for you to look after national affairs in such a state?

So what?

If you waver, the whole country will also be shaken.

If Your Majesty has difficulty in dealing with state affairs, due to both physical and mental illness,

then at least I have to step up in this situation.

Ah... Now

are you asking me to give you the throne?

If it is necessary, I'm saying I will oversee state affairs instead.

Your Majesty the Queen Dowager, His Majesty is so healthy and strong like this.

There is no way that a regency by the Queen Mother is possible.

What if he is not healthy and strong?

Head Eunuch!

It looks like Her Majesty the Queen Dowager's eyesight is poor.

Escort her back to the Queen Dowager's quarters.

Eunuch Park. Bring him in.

You are not even a royal physician, yet I heard you treat His Majesty's disease every night.

Is that true?

Y-Y-Yes. It is true.

How is His Majesty's condition right now?

Due to a skin disease of unknown origin, there is bleeding and it does not subside.

He is in very critical condition.

You bastard!

What do you mean by that?

What do you mean by His Majesty's illness?

Because the people and the court officials might worry,

I very well understand your wise decision to conceal your sickness.

Isn't the health of your body, Your Majesty, the state of the nation as well?

It won't do to just hide it.

It's a lie. The Queen Dowager is defaming me!

Your Majesty...

Oh my. Your illness is this bad.

Your Majesty, you need to look after your body.

Don't worry and leave the state affairs to me.

You said you'd make me well.

Please don't be impatient.

It needs time.

I will make you comfortable soon.

I...

am a king barely hanging on to a house built on sand.

I, who am not of direct royal lineage,

was left with no alternative but to ascend the throne.

Do you not see me being scorned?

Everyone's just trying to kill me, so

hurry and treat it. Hurry!

Contain yourself.

After treating Your Majesty's royal body, we can solve everything one by one.

I will get rid of everything that stands in your way.

You're going to do that for me?

I gave you the Palace Shaman Council because that's what you wanted.

Isn't that everything that you wanted?

Of course, it isn't.

I came back to the palace to eliminate the source of calamity in the country.

I have to make that happen.

I asked you what your real motives are.

Along with breaking the strength of Her Majesty the Queen Dowager who chased me out,

a mere shamaness like me,

hopes to be your loyal subject, Your Majesty.

If it's raw yam, dwarf hedge, and dysosma then it's the ghost-seeing potion.

Why are you making medicine for seeing ghosts?

Please move out of the way.

Are there people who want to see ghosts?

There's nothing you can help me with, Scholar.

I have to quickly finish this work for the Taoist to send you off,

so if you really want to help me, just don't interfere.

It doesn't seem like there's an order so why are you so anxious?

Why would you— (a letter symbol: Ghost)

Why would you drink that?

Ghost

What are you doing right now?

Where are you going after drinking that?

Since I drank the ghost-seeing medicine, I have to go meet dead people now.

- Pardon? - Right now, there's someone I need to catch.

If I ask a dead person who that person is

or where he is, I think I will find out.

So you'll have to come with me.

You look pretty.

He said we have to stick together.

Please let go of me.

You're telling me to go by myself and leave you here?

I'm okay, so go.

Really?

The Taoist talked as if something extremely scary will happen if I go out.

Is it because you're anxious that my body might not be a talismanic shield?

All the more reason to go out.

Once we get out, we will find out whether it's true or not, if I'm your talismanic shield.

Go die! These double-wretched bastards!

Where was that bastard to whom you gave the palanquin?

- We don't know that fellow. - You don't?

So you gave the palanquin, which I'm riding, to a person you don't know?

If you put the Captain of the Royal Guard in danger, then who will protect the royal family?

This is a crime of treason!

I will ask you for the last time. Where is that bastard?

We really don't know him. We just

did it because he said he'd give us money.

You don't know? How come you people don't get it when I use nice words?

A part of your body needs hang loose for you to understand, right?

Which part should I cut? Pick.

- Hold him. - We really don't know! Soon Deuk!

It was ordered by Soon Deuk.

- Soon Deuk? - Yes. She's a girl who sometimes appears at the gambling den.

That wench ordered us to do it.

There

What's this?

Hey, Ma Soon Deuk.

Let go!

Let go!

Let go!

Let go!

Hey!

What are you doing to a woman, huh?

Respectfully. Soon Deuk,

where could that bastard, Heo Jun, be?

- I don't know. - I think you know.

I have to catch that bastard, Heo Jun.

I'll catch him and kill him.

If you don't tell me, I'll kill you, too.

Spill to me where he is. Where is he? Spill it.

I have to know first to spill.

He went on his way.

I haven't seen him since that day.

Let go!

These people are going to screw me until the end.

Look.

So you're saying that Heo Jun threatened me and went into hiding, right?

If he's hiding,

I can just make him come out.

- Hey, this one's pretty. Look at that. - We have a lot of pretty things.

Have a look please.

Lift your head and look in front as you walk.

It's because you're covering your face like that people are looking at you more,

wondering how ugly you could be.

It's just because there are too many people.

What are you doing?

See. You're okay.

There's not even one person who is looking at you with suspicion.

To those people, you are

just one person among the many who are walking on this road.

Someone who's no different from themselves,

a very ordinary person.

You're quite pretty so they might look,

but it's your fault for being pretty. So just deal with it.

Don't worry about me. You be sure to go around safely.

Why so shy?

Isn't that the Red Robes?

Don't come closer! Don't approach me!

Who's whose shielding talisman?

Go together with me.

Who is the dead person you have to meet?

A friend. She was killed because of me.

Killing-People Tree

It will be hard to find clues.

Thoroughly search around here

and look for suspicious items and traces.

Sir.

Is the person we're going to catch, Red Robes or that fellow, Heo Jun?

Both. If we chase after that fellow Heo Jun, we might be able to get a lead on Red Robes.

If we chase after Red Robes, Heo Jun will appear in that place.

What kind of place is this?

It's a courtesan house.

Courtesan house? Is the person whom you said was a friend a gisaeng (Korean courtesan)?

Yes.

What's the matter?

It's nothing.

But why is it so quiet?

Courtesan houses are usually quiet during the day because they're all sleeping.

How do you know so well?

Because it's like my own house.

W-Why are you doing this?

Just stay here for a bit.

Let's go.

Follow me.

Why are you standing there...? Really (of all places).

I never expected it to be hanging from there...

There's nothing. Let's go.

Can you find clues like this?

By any chance, do you know Man Wol—?

Have you seen Man Wol?

Ah, okay. I understand.

As much as possible may you pass and go into eternity peacefully and easily!

What did she say?

Let's go.

Hey, let's— I'm scared!

I'm tired of this.

Just come here!

- Let's go. - To where?

To where Man Wol died.

She might be in the place where she died instead of where she lived.

Is she here?

No.

She must have gone somewhere nice. Fortunately.

Man Wol.

Just who did this to you?

Let's go.

Sol Gae, let's go down.

Already? Shouldn't we at least do a stakeout?

How will we know when they'll appear?

Since it is the closed case, we can't even mobilize the soldiers.

It's really not easy to catch Red Robes.

You said the killed people who hung wishing tags on this tree? (Killing-People Tree)

Yes.

What happened to your friend, Scholar?

While waiting for me at that watermill earlier, she fell victim to her death

by that crazy murderer.

Why aren't you asking

what kind of person I am or what I am going to do? You must be curious about a lot of things.

Didn't you also pretend that you didn't know?

Weren't you scared of how I looked?

I was a bit surprised

and my heart ached.

By the way, where does this road lead?

I don't think it's the way to Cheongbin Temple.

I have a place I want to see before going back.

So this is the hundred-year-old tree.

I wish to see the person I miss again.

Killing-People Tree

Let's go back. Taoist must be really worried.

This... Killing-People Tree

What are all these?

Why is it called Killing-People Tree?

Where have you been? How did you plan on dealing with the negative consequences of leaving?!

I told you to stay with her. Did I tell you to go out together?

"Her life is on the line so please help us."

Did you take those words to be nonsense?

The hundred-year-old tree,

how did it become like that?

It said it is a killing-people tree.

The people who hung their wishing tags,

did they die?

Candles went out twelve times.

Those people,

did they all die?

Was it that shamaness's doing?

It seems like she found out about the candles.

That person

has sent an assassin to those people who hung wishing tags on the hundred-year-old tree.

Then, those people

also died because of me.

Because of my curse.

It's not like that, Seo Ri.

Why in the world, to me?!

For what is she doing this?

I was told not to come out of that house in the Black Forest, so I obeyed.

I lit candles because the curse needed to be lifted!

Because I received a curse,

I was thinking that shamaness was trying to kill me.

So I thought lifting the curse is the only thing I had to do,

but people are dying because I'm trying to lift the curse!

No matter how hard I struggle,

will I be unable to escape the curse?

Calm down.

I roughly understand what you're saying, but it's not your fault.

Even your friend, Scholar,

did she die because of me?

Why would that be because of you?

I already told you. It was done by Red Robes.

Please let me go.

Let me go.

Please.

Her Majesty the Queen Dowager is looking for you.

How is His Majesty?

What are you worried about?

Are you worried that His Majesty will wake up right away or are you worried that he'll pass away?

Of course, I'd have to be worried. It's the body my Crown Prince is going to receive.

After the body is made to be strong and healthy and it will be given to the Crown Prince. So rest assured.

I heard that Your Majesty is looking after state affairs.

The throne that is to be inherited by my crown prince, should be solid, shouldn't it.

You go and hold a ritual for the health of His Majesty's body

His Majesty's illness must already be known to the people.

Shouldn't we wish for his recovery with all our hearts?

I will do as you said.

Participate in morning royal audience tomorrow morning and discuss the matter.

I wish to see the person I miss again.

I too. Because of me,

my mother passed away.

Because of me,

my friend died.

Because I only thought that it's my fault,

I couldn't do anything.

But...

Was it really my fault?

I just wanted to live my life as a human being should and tried to be a filial son.

I only had as much greed as the others did.

That was wrong so they told me not to do anything,

but I didn't want to live like that.

They said my living was wrong,

but I wanted to fight to the death to live.

If I do that, won't I also be someone who could give help to others,

and don't you think that I will also find a reason to live?

I wish to see the person I miss again.

Ganghwa Gate (main and largest gate to Gyeongbok Palace)

Today in the morning royal audience, the reason why the Lead Shamaness from Palace Shaman Council participates is

to discuss the wishing ceremony for recovering the bodily health of His Majesty.

Also,

since His Majesty's illness is severe, for the prayers, along with the Palace Shaman Council,

I propose holding the ritual at the Taoist temple, as well.

Are you thinking of making the palace into a shaman house?

In a situation where the Palace Shaman Council, which has revived despite the opposition of Confucian scholars,

there is no reason why we shouldn't rebuild th Taoist Temple, which is responsible for the prayers of the Palace.

Isn't the restoration of the Taoist Temple also something Your Majesty wanted?

Yes.

I will do as I see fit.

Whether it's the Taoist temple or the Palace Shaman Council, so that it won't disrupt the palace,

I will do well as I see fit!

Since I already decided on the most fitting person to be Head,

Your Majesty, please just

stay put.

Please hold off the right person for a while.

For the Head position for Taoist temple, the person who has done duty faithfully for a long time,

who has the strongest loyalty out of anyone,

I will put His Excellency Choi Hyun Seo in charge.

What is the meaning of this?

Your loyal subject, Choi Hyun Seo, will receive Her Majesty the Queen Dowager's orders

and do all of my due diligence as the Head of the Taoist temple.

Where did His Excellency go?

He went into the the Queen Dowager's palace.

Just as you requested, since I've reinstated you

now tell me.

What do you mean by Hong Joo's real motive in her use of black magic to impregnate me?

Setting up a king according to her own will, she plans to cut off the royal bloodline.

Making it impossible for the royal bloodline to succeed, and ruining this country of Joseon,

is Hong Joo's scheme.

Trying to ruin the country?

Hong Joo said she would get rid of a curse.

Hong Joo cannot get rid of the curse.

As black magic called the curse, the curse has also bound Hong Joo, herself.

Then, what shall we do? Is there no option?

There is someone who can undo the curse.

Who is that?

It is Crown Prince Soon Hoi's twin, the Princess.

It is Her Highness, the Princess.

A princess?

The Queen Dowager didn't give birth to just the Crown Prince Soon Hoi.

She gave birth to twins, including the Princess, through the the rite of calling the black spirits.

What?

Because of the black spirits, the Princess was born with a curse.

She was thrown away without a name.

Did you say a curse?

Continuing the occurrence of the distress and troubles in the nation,

and your being sick like this is all because of that curse.

That is why the Great Royal Dowager Queen ordered to that the Princess be killed,

but His Excellency Choi Hyun Seo saved the Princess.

Why would he?

He was moved by human empathy and disregarded the order.

Did you say that person is back at the Taoist temple?

He's on Her Majesty the Queen Dowager's side.

Queen Dowager put this country into extreme distress with her own mistake.

To cover that up, she plotted this scheme.

That princess?

Where is she?

That child was alive?

The His Majesty the previous king asked me to protect her.

The previous king?

Did he know?

Up to what did he know?

How the Crown Prince and Princess were born...?

And the about the curse, did he also know?

Yes.

It's all because I was lacking virtue.

To have made His Majesty and the Crown Prince that way.

It is my fault.

Her Highness the Princess will stop Hong Joo.

That child will...

I was afraid all this time, so I hid Her Highness the Princess.

I hid her from Hong Joo's sight and told her to lift the curse.

Even when the path was blocked and her life was put in danger,

I made her only stay inside without knowing any reason.

Her Highness the Princess probably knows by now

that she cannot hide anymore.

She's a strong person.

She finds out what she has to do.

She will face her opponent.

Scholar, I have a request.

Seo Ri.

I'll go. Since I'm the one being targeted,

Wouldn't I have to go to make sure that the person who hangs the wishing tag is safe?

Even I can't help but be trodden upon by Red Robes.

What are you going to do if you're caught by him?

I also know how dangerous and reckless this is.

I am worried that you or Taoist will get hurt.

However because they trusted me and made a wish,

when they have become a target for such a dangerous person,

I can't just watch and do nothing.

So what are you saying you will do?

The thing that I can do

is to make sure the person who hung the wishing tag isn't harmed by the Red Robes,

I wish to see the person I miss again.

I'll tell him to deal with me if he has anything to do with me.

What?

Fine. Frontal attack is the answer.

What's with you too, Scholar?

If you run, those cowardly people will take advantage of you and be even more cruel.

We have to show that our side is not scared.

Since it's true, right?

Are you in tortured pain?

Then why did you not stay still?

Why are you recklessly trying to fight me?

To kill Yeon Hee,

you probably saved me.

But...

I won't move according to your will.

Is that what you think?

Then give up the Princess and be at ease.

Your Excellency is barely alive thanks to the strength of the black magic.

You should know.

If you want to live, hold my hands.

You will regret reviving me.

I will make sure that this curse that started through you

will embrace and kill you.

Your Excellency will? To me?

Your Excellency was always one to show your back to me.

With a useless hope,

I will no longer show my back towards you.

Then, give it a try.

But how Your Excellency is able to stay alive right now,

don't forget.

If it hurts too much, don't endure it and just come to me.

What kind of medicine did you make?

It's a fantasy drink that can give you happy dreams.

He said he wants to meet a person he misses,

so I'm going to let them meet even if it's in his dreams.

It seems to be the place.

Let's go.

Anybody here?

I will have a look on that side.

Okay.

Let's go.

At the hundred-year-old tree,

did you hang a wishing tag?

Yeon Hee.

Brother.

Mirror of the Witch

I won't hide and run away anymore.

Secretly look for that princess and bring her to me.

Thank you for being alive.

I wouldn't have ended up with this bad a misfortune.

The only way to stop you from messing with me

is this.

Let His Highness the Crown Prince's soul wonder around the netherworld.

- Give it a try. - Please don't waver!

I'm sorry for being a bad son.

I'm sorry I couldn't treat you properly as your son.

So this was it, the thing you were trying to do, Hong Joo.

I need to have you see the Princess as soon as possible.

There is someone willing to risk his life for Her Highness the Princess.

Go down with me.

No one ever told me about it, and

I also don't know why I was born with this curse.

Yeon Hee!

That person will lift Her Highness the Princess' curse.