Original subtitles

Episode 21

What happened here? How did this happen?

She was not even breathing upon my arrival.

Possibly, she could've already been suffering from a chronic illness.

Her features do not show she suffered from a chronic illness.

You're here, Chief Eunuch.

Yes, Assistant Commissioner.

I ran over as soon as I received the news.

What kind of misfortune has come upon the future Queen?

Are these two ... in opposition to each other?

Could it be?

Misfortune upon the future Queen?

Just the night before she was the picture of perfect health.

How could she have suddenly passed away overnight?

Your Highness, I think the daughter of Kim Je Nam

will become the next Queen instead.

There is another mountainous fate waiting to face you, Your Highness

How great is your ambition, that you would push a sick daughter into the seat of the Queen?

Your Majesty, I deserve to die!

The sight of you disgusts me! Leave my presence!

It was my fault for trusting Professor Go's judgment.

How is it possible that he could not discern a face of one who would die overnight?

It was not her fate to be the owner of Gyotae Hall (the Queen's quarters).

Professor Go must not have foreseen this.

Your Majesty, before this news spreads out of control,

there is an excellent method to settle this.

Before the day is over, we must select a new woman.

She will be the mistress of the queen's quarters.

The one you spoke of, Kim Je Nam's daughter; if she were to become the mistress of Gyotae Hall,

could she do it with dignity?

Surely that is not all you expect she will bring? Not only will she bring peace to your kingdom,

but she will produce a direct heir for the throne, Your Majesty.

Call the Chief Royal Secretary. We will welcome Kim Je Nam's daughter as my new queen.

I give the order to rush a royal wedding.

Assistant Commissioner, the Chief Eunuch was asking about what time you left work last night.

He didn't ask about anything else?

Yes, he left after asking that.

Find out where the Chief Eunuch is at this moment.

I didn't think she was suffering from an illness. Suddenly, a chronic illness that came out of the blue?

Crown Prince, you are right.

From what I observed, to die suddenly from a chronic illness - it does not add up.

Teacher, you know something, don't you?

The daughter of the Chief Censor...

was murdered, I think.

Murder?!

Who would dare attempt such a thing?

I do not have concrete evidence yet.

However, I have my suspicions.

There is something suspicious about Kim Do Chi.

Suspicious of him ... then that means Kim Do Chi,

in order to make Kim Jae Nam's daughter the chosen future Queen,

he is even capable of murder?

It is only a gut feeling, I have no evidence.

According to the comparative physiognomy, when the two person's faces were read,

Kim Do Chi had the facial features of a snake's face,

while the dead woman's features were that of a mouse's face; natural enemies.

Also, of all the faces that resemble the snake and mouse, the pair of those two are extremely incompatible.

If ever they were to meet, without a doubt one would die.

It is the worst scenario of extreme opposites.

If this is true, then this

is not something we can just stand back and watch happen.

Right now, there's no way for us to prove his crime.

I will go now and make a more thorough investigation. If we let Kim Do Chi be,

greater trouble will come upon us in the future.

I have always thought distrustfully.

When we were together in Uiju, I wondered why

you studied my face so often.

What do you mean?

Even though your fate made you a eunuch, a half man,

you are smart and insightful.

I am already aware that you are no ordinary man.

Even so, I never would've imagined you could read faces on top of that!

An old man who read a few books, why is that a big deal?

Palace eunuchs have all sorts of odd hobbies.

But I hope those odd hobbies, and useless curiosity

will not lead to trouble and misfortune.

Now that Kim Do Chi will be supported by the Royal Queen, it's like he grew wings.

I will break those wings of his, so he won't be able to fly.

But so many high ranked officials obey him already.

It will not be easy. I may crumble before I shatter Kim Do Chi.

Thus, the choice is yours.

Pardon me?

Yeong Sin.

The help you have given me thus far,

as payment for sparing your life,

has all been paid off. Since you are no longer indebted to me, you have no reason to continue on with me.

Yes, what you are saying is true.

I am the Crown Prince, but I am not recognized by the Ming,

nor do I have a large backing of followers. Every day feels like I am on a slippery slope.

I don't have powers to protect my underling,

or money to fill you with good meals.

Make your choice now.

If you want to continue following me,

you must drink from my cup as well.

If not, then get out of here now.

What is it going to be?

I will drink.

One shot!

Subtitles brought to you by The Face Readers @ Viki

I am already feeling tipsy.

Then, is it okay for Sir Heo Hyun to move out of my place?

Are you still staying in Eunuch Im's quarters?

Yes, after living together, I found it more comfortable than my own house.

I do not have to rise early to get to the palace.

Palace food, mmmm, also amazing!!

If it's fine with our Eunuch Im, I would like

to stay for a very, very, very, long time.

The sky's the limit. Do what you wish to your heart's content.

Your Highness!!

His Majesty must be going through their first night by now.

Could it be...at the age of 51...

He won't see another child, right?

After His Majesty's first night,

he will fall deeply for the new queen.

Once Her Majesty produces a rightful heir,

then our world will open.

Your Majesty, I am young and immature,

but I will do my best as the country's mother.

Queen So Seong (Lady Kim) Seon Jo's second wife, Great Queen In Mok

Please be generous with me.

Not only the Crown Prince, but the concubines are also older than you.

Please take good care of the other concubines' children

without causing too much trouble.

I will keep that in mind.

Oh dear, oh dear, oh dear...

Oh dear, oh dear, oh dear...

What are you doing right now?

This nation is falling to ruin

right in front of my eyes.

How could I not cry from mourning?

Oh dear, oh dear, oh dear...

Father, why did you get married again?

The whole country is already in a frenzy

fighting over the Crown Prince's seat.

If a legitimate heir is actually born,

what happens then?

What are you doing? Drag him out of here now!

Yes!

Try and stop me! I'll kill you all!

From today Im Hae, you knave,

you are neither my son nor a prince of this county!

You will never set foot in the palace again!

Oh dear, oh dear, oh dear...

You were boasting about reconciling with the Jurchens,

I knew this would happen.

Ming has in the end refused to acknowledge you as the Crown Prince again!

This is all what you've brought on yourself.

We sent letters to Ming to acknowledge you as the Crown Prince several times.

I've done everything I can.

You'll have to solve this issue on your own.

Your Majesty!

How can the Crown Prince solve this on his own?

Please reconsider, Your Majesty!

As father has said,

I will find a way to solve this on my own.

Subtitles brought to you by The Face Readers @ Viki

Crown Prince, can you accept someone nine years younger than you

as your mother?

Of course I should. Why ask the obvious, Mother?

Thank you, Crown Prince.

By the way, I've heard that Ming hasn't

acknowledged you as the Crown Prince yet.

Is this true?

The Crown Prince needs to be acknowledged so the country may stand strong.

I'm quite worried.

We can't change the Crown Prince at this point either.

No, we can't change the Crown Prince now.

There is a lot for you to worry about as you get used to living in the palace.

Please don't concern yourself with this matter.

I may be your child, but I am a Crown Prince who is old enough

so I can handle my own business, Mother.

Your Highness, Lady Kim and Prince Jeong Won are here.

Let them in.

Your Highness, we should take our leave now.

Let's do that, Crown Princess.

My Royal Queen. Congratulations on becoming the new mistress of the Queen's Quarters.

Congratulations!

My Royal Queen, I will serve you with all my heart and soul.

Did you say you are Royal Consort Kim?

Yes, My Royal Queen.

As for me, my face shows everything.

I get very fascinated when I see a person like you.

You, in the Queen selection process, instead of me

you were rooting for the other deceased candidate, the daughter of the Chief Censor. Right?

Pardon?

However, how can you put on a smile like that

and say that you are going to serve me and be loyal. How?!

You are truly brazen!

I don't have anything else to say to you. So, leave!

As a favor from the Crown Prince,

I especially put in a request to His Majesty.

Fortunately, His Majesty has granted your wish on behalf of your belated father.

But this time, with your every behavior and action,

you must be very careful, and extra cautious.

Therefore, you won't be terminated from your position again.

Yes, My lord. Please don't worry.

I'm ... thinking of your late father, former Leader of the East Faction, when I plead with you.

To never talk back or act arrogant in front of elders. Those are strictly prohibited!

And don't drink all night then not show up for the daily meeting in the palace. Never!

Also, never ever be impulsive or hasty. That's prohibited! Do you understand?

Yes, My lord. I will remember and be very cautious.

One more thing, with the Crown Prince,

don't be too close to him.

Perhaps, you can get harmed as well.

-My lord, I'm very sorry but I will not abide by that statement. -Oh my!

I've told you just now, many times, not to talk back every time!

This royal court is too boring,

and my stomach churns when I have to meet the high society folks' needs.

I have declined the in-house position,

to follow another government official, to travel and scour all around Ming.

It's really weird but with the Crown Prince,

I get the feeling that I'll be able to do some interesting and fun things.

I have this really good feeling and this time I'm going to firmly believe it.

By the way...

sir, would you please sign this.

What is this?

It's the list of all the merotorious deeds which the Crown Prince committed.

Because he hasn't received the Ming approval,

if all of the Joseon ministers send a signed statement of support for the Crown Prince

wouldn't his case become strong? Chief Minister,

please be the first to give yours.

Have you forgotten what I just said?

Have you now become a Jeongrang in the Ministry of Justice?

So it seems. A fifth rank Jeongrang in the Ministry of Justice.

Chief Minister was putting on airs about my job,

so I thought I was going to get a higher rank.

Aigoo what is this. The power is so low for 5th rank.

By the way, I heard that you're meeting the officials for some reason.

But, have you already heard something?

Yes.

I'm going to send this to Ming through the Commissioner for the approval of Joseon's Crown Prince.

This document lists so many of your meritorious deeds.

I'm going to send these deeds along with other civil servants' notarized stamps.

Are you honestly doing this because of that?

Aren't you trying to find out who is on my side?

How did you know that?

Since the new queen has made her entrance. aren't your trying to determine

who are my loyal supporters and who are Kim Do Chi's? -Yes.

You're right.

Then, what is the result?

That is ... that there are many that would like to follow you in their hearts,

but, only a small number could sign it.

You said that you'd like to break Kim Do Chi's wings, right?

Then, there is only one answer as of now.

Consort Lady Kim.

A little more discreetly.

Yes?

Move your hands!

That wench comes from a poor household, where she couldn't even beg for a bowl of barley porridge to feed herself!

Just because she got lucky in becoming the new queen, you saw how she was acting as though she owns the world now!

Even when the first former queen was alive, I always kept my face up and high.

That little young wench is still wet behind the ears. How dare she talk to me like that?!

She does come from a shabby family, but she now has Kim Do Chi behind her.

Therefore, that is the reason why she is so confident.

What if she ends up producing a legitimate son?

Then, those two (Queen and Kim Do Chi) will become even more confident.

Kim Do Chi. I must capture that bastard to beat him.

That's the only way for me to sleep well at night with my legs sprawled out.

Mother, there is only one person who can stand up to him.

It is the Crown Prince.

You would like me to join hands with the Crown Prince again?

You did it once. So why not twice?

Just pretend that you're on the Crown Prince's side and let him fight with the Queen.

As for us, we'll just wait for one side to forfeit.

Then, you're saying, "Just wait and see. And enjoy the ride." Right?

One thing that I worry about is that ... what if the Queen gives birth to a son?

Then, what are we going to do?

I will do whatever it takes to stop that!

This is the perfect day for you to be with the King.

This date is when you're able to bear a son.

Please make sure to spend the night with His Majesty.

I will do that.

I have arranged the court ladies for the Queen's quarters very carefully, but

you just never know. Therefore, please be extra careful.

Who are you talking about?

I'm talking about the Royal Consort Kim.

Not to mention the Crown Prince, Royal Consort Kim will also

be terribly worried about Your Highness becoming impregnated.

I understand. Don't worry.

Ga Hee, how does my face look to you?

What are you talking about, Your Majesty?

Did my face change?

Yes, it did change.

Your face looks more peaceful than before.

Are you serious?

Your Majesty, are you scared of your face?

What?

I apologize, Your Majesty.

Never mind. Yes...

I'm afraid of my face as well.

Your Majesty, why be scared of your face?

Your Majesty's face is looked upon and admired by many subjects.

All of this

it's a physiognomy book called The Manual of the King's Face.

The Manual of the King's Face?

Yes, because of that sacred manuscript that has been handed down from generations within the royal palace.

I have developed fears.

I'm still fearful.

That is why I need you, Ga Hee.

I almost forgot about The Manual of the King's Face.

It's the evidence to prove

that the King has a face that shouldn't be a king!

Right now, the Heavens are helping me!

The Manual of the King's Faceis a book about faces which are suited to being the king.

If I can get that book, I can justify the reason of my restoration.

Where can it be? Who has it?

Does the King have it?

Subtitles brought to you by The Face Readers @ Viki

Just as you've ordered, for the last few days, I've been tracking Kim Do Chi very closely,

but he seemed a bit weird.

What do you mean by weird?

He was going through not only the Royal Library in the palace garden, but all of the other libraries in the palace as well.

He is secretly looking for something.

What is he looking for?

I don't know about that, but he is only searching around the libraries.

Isn't it obvious that he's looking for a manuscript (book)?

A manuscript?

Kim Do Chi who was a leading member of the Daedong Society is looking for a manuscript in secrecy?

Who are you, bastards? What is it that you're searching for here?

I'm here to get the 'The Manual of the King's Face'

Did you just say now 'The Manual of the King's Face'?

Yes, that manuscript will prove that you don't have the face to be a king.

That physiognomy book! That is what I came to get!

Yes! The Manual of the King's Face!

Kim Do Chi is now looking for the 'The Manual of the King's Face'!

Crown Prince, what brings you by here, again?

Last time, if only I didn't listen to you. That wench...

Look at our result.

Kim Do Chi is the whole reason why our plan didn't go as planned.

I don't have solid evidence, but

the Queen candidate that we chose was murdered by someone!

Crown Prince, who would do such disgusting thing?

By chance, would it have been the Assistant Commissioner?

As of now, I don't have any solid evidence.

That bastard, he is fully capable of such an atrocious thing.

Lady Kim, as the elder of the royal palace,

do you plan on just leaving Kim Do Chi alone like this?

Of course, we shouldn't just leave him alone. But didn't you say that you don't have any substantial evidence against him?

It may be hard to find the proof that he killed the Chief Censor's daughter, but

there is a witness who will testify to his evil acts.

Who is that?

It is none other than you, Your Highness.

Pardon?

What are you saying?

In the past, how Kim Do Chi has committed evil things to put Prince Sin Seong on the throne..

And how he accused me of treason...

Also, how he tried to have me killed by the Japanese General Kinoshita, by disclosing my whereabouts.

Lady Kim, you are a witness to all these incidents.

I'm really not understanding what you mean by it.

Your Highness, only you can seize Kim Do Chi.

Of course, by any means, you'll have to get yourself out of this.

That, I will help you with.

Then, please reconsider my proposal.

Subtitles brought to you by The Face Readers @ Viki

Is it that enjoyable for you? That the Crown Prince pulled a fast one on me.

Of course not, Mother.

However, the Crown Prince surely is amazing!

Surely, I would like to be just like him.

What?

Kim Do Chi is after 'The Manual of the King's Face'?

How does he know about 'The Manual of the King's Face'?

Kim Do Chi is the disciple of Jeong Yeo Rip who was killed for committing treason, in the Year of the Ox.

Jeong Yeo Rip?

I know him too.

He is one of the few who knew of 'The Manual of the King's Face'.

Jeong Yeo Rip was one of them.

Teacher,

long ago, didn't the Daedong Society trespass into the royal palace in attempts to steal the 'The Manual of the King's Face' ?

Right now, Kim Do Chi is looking for that book.

If he is after the 'The Manual of the King's Face',

that is . . .

Yes.

What he wants to do is a treason.

Teacher, you have told me that

'The Manual of the King's Face' is a measurement to distinguish a King's face.

Teacher, by using the book as a bait,

I think I can reveal that he is conspiring to commit treason.

Where is the book right now?

Long ago, His Majesty

ordered me to burn it.

Pardon?

Then, the book is gone and doesn't exist?

The day when the thief broke into the royal library to steal 'The Manual of the King's Face',

I anticipated that His Majesty wouldn't leave 'The Manual of the King's Face' alone.

As I suspected all along, in the end, His Majesty personally burnt 'The Manual of the King's Face'.

Then, that sacred book does not exist in this world?

Do you feel that it is a shame?

Yes. Wasn't it a royal treasure?

To tell you the truth, I hoped to read the book once in my life as a physiognomist.

Yes, that book was the best physiognomy book of Joseon.

Now, how are you going to counter Kim Do Chi?

Perhaps, the Royal Consort Kim will be a witness for his wrongdoings.

Your Highness!

It was you, Yeong Sin.

Pardon?

Did the Crown Prince clearly mention The Manual of the King's Face?

Yes.

But they said it was burnt by the King a long time ago.

I have more to report.

Royal Consort Kim will tell the King about all of your wrongdoings.

What's the matter?

I heard that you wanted to see me.

How come you didn't come to greet me until I called you?

Don't you know that all the concubines have to greet the Queen?

I'm not a concubine.

What did you say?

I haven't received the hair ornament for being a royal consort.

I thought it would be ill-mannered to greet Your Highness as I'm just a court lady.

I think I was wrong.

I'm very sorry.

Stand up and be prepared to get whipped on the calf.

Pardon me?

Bring a whip!

Royal Queen!

Royal Queen!

Your Highness, what is going on?

How dare you meddle with your superior?

That's right.

You're my superior.Therefore I, the Crown Princess, can't say anything.

However, I should report this to the King who is far superior to you.

Wait!

Why were you being beaten? You haven't done anything wrong.

I caused trouble. I'm sorry.

Everyone is saying now,

even after the new Queen entered the palace, His Majesty only comes here to the Hwayoogak and looks for you.

Why should I be concerned about you

when everyone envies you the most?

However, if you're suffering from this kind of hardship

won't the Crown Prince worry about you?

I am just concerned about that.

Your Highness.

Be more careful next time.

Prince Jeong Won.

What do you think about the Crown Prince's suggestion?

No matter how much I think about it, I can't think of a solution.

Mother, Kim Do Chi has already allied with the new queen.

We don't have any other options.

I'm sure the Crown Prince won't tell Father what you've done.

Can we trust the Crown Prince?

If it were me, I'd trust him.

But there's someone we need to take care of first.

I'm talking about Court Lady Park.

She knows too much.

Have her run an errand outside of the palace.

I'll do the rest.

Subtitles brought to you by The Face Readers @ Viki

Lady Kim will surely have you killed.

When the time comes, find me.

Father, I have something to report to you privately.

What is it?

I'm reporting Kim Do Chi as a traitor.

What? A traitor?

The Assistant Commissioner is a traitor?

That's correct.

What proof do you have?

It's rare to find such a loyal retainer. How can you accuse an innocent man?

He's deceiving you right now.

Kim Do Chi was Daedong Society's leader.

What? Daedong Society?

Yes, Father.

The very Daedong Society who broke into the royal library long ago to steal 'The Manual of the King's Face.'

Father, he was Jung Yeo Rip's disciple.

Your Majesty, the Assistant Commissioner is here.

Let him in.

Your Majesty, I thought you'd be looking for me about this time, so I came to see you.

Were you Jung Yeo Rip's disciple?

Were you with the thieves who broke into the royal library?

I have no idea what you're talking about.

Who is Jung Yeo Rip? I have no idea what this is about.

Who am I supposed to believe?

Father, I expected he would react this way even in your presence.

Since Jung Yeo Rip has died, I have no proof if he denies it like this.

However, we have someone who can bear witness

to all the crimes he's been plotting.

Escort her in.

The witness the Crown Prince was referring to was you?

Your Majesty, may I also call in a witness who can attest to my innocence?

Go ahead.

Isn't that Lady Kim's lady-in-waiting?

Yes, Your Majesty. She will clear any wrongful accusations against me.

Lady Kim, you speak first.

Lady Kim, please tell everything you know

about what the Assistant Commissioner has done.

Lady Kim. Is Gwanghae telling the truth?

Of course...

not, Your Majesty.

I'm not certain what the Crown Prince is trying to say.

What?

Lady Kim.

Crown Prince, tell me what is going on here.

Father, it's...

Your Majesty, it seems the Crown Prince has misunderstood me for a while now.

I am truly sorry.

I am ... All of you get out!

How dare you try and embarrass me!

You were going to align with Kim Do Chi and mock me?!

My lady, didn't you abandon me first?

Did you think I don't know you tried to have me killed?

What?

This wench, you still think you're right?

I was pretty sure,

but I guess I still underestimated him.

Your Highness...

it has ended up this way because he is too twisted.

Now that I've shown all my cards,

he'll be even more difficult to handle.

[Manual of the King's Face]

Your Majesty, please forgive this old wretch.

As a face reader, I could not follow your order.

Subtitles brought to you by The Face Readers @ Viki

Please watch over this book for a little while.

I heard about this book a long time ago.

Is this the physiognomy book that's handed down in the royal family?

Please hold on to this and when the time comes, please give it to the Crown Prince.

Why would you give me such a precious book?

Just in case.

I have one more favor to ask.

Please take a walk with His Majesty

outside of the palace tonight.

Your Highness, it was a losing gamble in the first place!

Kim Do Chi holds everyone from the high-ranking officials to the servants and maids

in the palm of his hand. How could you get rid of him so easily?

Oh, I'm so annoyed.

Have some sense. How can you say that right now?

Your Highness, I'll go kill Kim Do Chi myself right now.

Anyone can see he's much stronger than you.

Do I have to go clean up after a dead body?

- My lord... - What?

Your Majesty.

I have something I'd like to ask.

Ga Hee, is there a favor I can do for you?

It's been a while, so I'd like to go outside the palace.

Okay, where would you like to go?

Thank you for coming.

I contemplated for a while whether I should come or not.

The Manual of the King's Face.

You want to give me the book,

but I have no idea what you're planning.

You've always kept a distance from me.

But you still came,

you must really want the manual.

Didn't you say that it has been burnt?

As expected, you also found out about that.

However, it was a lie.

As a face reader myself,

I couldn't bring myself to burn it

even under His Majesty's orders.

[Manual of the King's Face]

First...

you need to promise me first

like I requested in my letter.

In return for receiving this Manual of the King's Face,

you will immediately stop plotting against the Crown Prince.

Since I want this book, I'll accept your conditions.

Why do you want the manual so much?

My teacher, Jeong Yeo Rip, once told me

that the Manual of the King's Face will prove that the King doesn't have the face of a ruler.

So I really wanted to see this book.

You pretended to not know anything in front of His Majesty, but you're telling me everything.

In front of a King who's blind and deaf, what wouldn't I be able to say?

Now, I'll be taking the book...

You have no right to read this book!

What?

Are you trying to fool me?

Those eyes as sharp as blades,

I was always afraid of where those eyes were pointing at.

Now those eyes are pointing at me.

What a shame. The resentment in your soul must be so big and lay so deep,

your eyes have turned into the eyes of an evil monster!

No matter how many crimes you commit,

no matter how many things you may possess,

do you think your emptiness will be filled?

Your Majesty!

Chief Eunuch!

Tie him up and take the Chief Eunuch to the royal physician right now!

Yes!

You were really Jeong Yeo Rip's disciple?

That's right. It was also me

who sent my men to take The Manual of the King's Face from the royal library.

But you swore your loyalty to me

and reaped all those rewards and power?!

While I was a complete yes man to you, did you really think I offered you my loyalty?

Wake up, Your Majesty.

It's all your fault the war broke out.

It happened because someone who wasn't fit to be king was sitting on the throne!

That's why I was going to become King!

As soon as the day breaks, take off his head.

Yes, Your Majesty!