Original subtitles

I'm late. Darn it.

Your Royal Highness.

Where has your mind wandered off to?

You couldn't hear me despite my attempts to grab your attention.

I'll be late.

If we're done, I should go.

Did you enjoy your drinks last night?

How could you have let him accompany you instead of me?

I must say I felt left out.

There's no need to feel that way. I'll include you next time.

Thank you.

-Who's conducting today's morning lecture? -I heard that it's Royal Tutor Jung.

Is something wrong?

No.

Five steps, remember?

EPISODE 9

Why did I do such a thing?

I blame the alcohol.

Why did I have to drink so much?

Why aren't you heading inside?

Oh, well…

I was enjoying the fine weather

and the beautiful flowers.

Your Royal Highness, Royal Tutor Jung is here!

NONEO

THE MASTER SAID…

Last night--

I deserve to die, Your Royal Highness.

Alcohol got the best of me

which led to an unforgivable act on my part.

I seek your forgiveness.

Oh…

Of course. I understand.

Pardon?

That's how it is with alcohol, don't you agree?

Everyone makes a drunken mistake at least once in their lives.

So don't be too concerned about it.

We can just laugh it off.

Of course.

You sure are a generous man who understands the effects of alcohol.

I'm not one to make such mistakes,

so I don't know what came over me.

You seemed so stunning under the moonlight and I…

Oh, no… My goodness.

That isn't what I meant.

By the way,

I have something for you, Royal Tutor Jung.

They are candies.

I hope it's the right amount of sweetness for you.

Why would you give me this?

You went through a great deal regarding the envoys.

I seem to only be receiving your help, which is why I prepared a gift.

I hope that it suits your palate.

I see you're back, Royal Tutor Jung.

Did you receive yours?

Receive what?

What…

Oh, good. You received one as well.

This is what His Royal Highness said as he handed it to me.

"You went through a great deal regarding the envoys.

I seem to only be receiving your help which is why I prepared a gift."

How benevolent is that?

His eyes were warm when he told me

that he hoped I would enjoy the candies.

He was also concerned that they may be too sweet for me.

So considerate.

It's the first in 20 years.

It's the first time in 20 years that my hard work was acknowledged.

I can finally understand

why you broke out into a speech to give him high praise.

The sweetness is perfect.

Mine's bitter. Could it be bellflower?

I dismissed everyone at home, so do not be concerned.

I'm curious as to what brings you by, Your Majesty.

Great Lord Changcheon.

Yes, Your Majesty.

Using the Ming envoy as leverage,

Lord Sangheon obtained the development rights in Yeoyeon.

What purpose do you think it will serve?

I don't quite follow.

Yeoyeon is constantly invaded by barbarians.

Under the pretense of tightening security at the northern border,

he will try and grow his army.

-Then… -Build a private army of your own.

One that can stand against his.

You…

have my support.

Your Majesty!

Yeong-ji, eat up.

Why have you been so out of it?

Aren't you going to have any? We'll finish them then.

Sure. Help yourselves.

Don't be like that and eat with us.

They are from His Royal Highness. We feel bad eating them alone.

She's right. Have some.

Guys.

Forget it.

What on earth is this about?

Don't just keep it to yourself and tell us already!

Well…

So it's like this.

Someone I know got drunk

and kissed the cheek of the person next to him.

The one that was kissed didn't seem fazed by it at all.

But the one who did the kissing is upset by that person's reaction.

Because that person nonchalantly brushed it off.

Also, it turned out he wasn't the only one

that the person showed kindness and generosity toward.

That upset him too.

Why do you think that is?

Seriously?

Hold on. Who are you talking about?

You or someone you know?

Someone I know, of course.

Does he…

like that person?

-What? -Isn't that what provokes jealousy?

You want that person to only have eyes for you

and you get upset when they aren't aware of your feelings.

With expectation comes disappointment.

No way.

I doubt it.

From what I hear,

His Majesty left the palace last night

and wasn't back even at the end of curfew.

Eunuch Cho, as his most trusted servant,

you would know why.

I have no clue as to what you're saying.

His Majesty retired to his chambers early

and didn't step foot outside last night.

Again, you choose to play dumb?

Why do you keep doing this to me?

Don't you know I'm one of His Majesty's most loyal servants?

Ten years ago,

you came to me in tears

begging me to save your dying wife.

Have you already forgotten that?

I believe I already paid back my debt in full.

Yes, quite handsomely might I add.

If you hadn't

hidden the letter at the royal preceptor's house back then,

I wouldn't have been able to eliminate those loyal to His Majesty.

If he ever finds out about it,

I'm sure he'll be most touched by the loyalty you displayed.

Why not just tell me to pay with my life?

That I could do hundreds and thousands of times over.

Your life?

You should hold onto that for the sake of His Majesty.

Royal Tutor Jung.

What's wrong? Are you not feeling well?

No.

No, it's nothing.

I hardly think that's the case. You're flushed.

Just tell me. How do you feel?

Describe your symptoms.

Well, you see…

It feels like…

something is squeezing my chest.

Multiple times a day, my heart pounds erratically.

And I'm spacing out all day and I can't think straight.

Wait. They sound like the symptoms I came across in a book.

Is that so? Then do tell us what he's suffering from.

Your face flushes involuntarily

and your mood goes from excited

to suddenly depressed.

Sometimes, you see and hear things,

while a certain someone keeps appearing in your dreams.

Exactly!

-Yes, I knew it. -What does he have?

You're lovesick!

Pardon?

Who is the young lady that is driving you crazy?

What?

There's no young lady.

That's not the case.

Come on. There's no need to be embarrassed.

-Just give us a name-- -Hold on!

I forgot that I needed something from the library.

-I had better get going. -Royal Tutor…

-Royal Tutor Jung. -Royal Tutor Jung!

Royal Tutor Jung!

I'm definitely right.

Who could it be?

Any ideas?

Hey.

You look awful. Is something wrong?

It's nothing.

Nothing's going on. Absolutely nothing.

As if. Unbelievable.

Take a look over there.

They're the dancers for the upcoming banquet

and they've had all the men within the palace gawking at them.

No!

That can't be.

That's not possible. It just isn't.

What do you mean?

What is he on about?

No way.

Find inner peace. Let's read some books.

Okay, let's see.

Why do I keep seeing…

What on earth?

Why do you keep appearing?

Leave.

Go away!

Go!

Have you lost your mind?

Is it really you, Your Royal Highness?

What brings you here?

I'm looking for a book, of course.

Oh, right.

I see.

That reminds me.

Did you enjoy

the candies I gave you?

Yes, of course.

They were delicious.

I'm glad.

I…

Forgive me, Your Royal Highness.

I'm not feeling well and must excuse myself.

Go ahead.

Right.

What's with Royal Tutor Jung?

Anyway, here are your books.

Where could my daughter be going

after dolling herself up this beautifully?

-Do I look pretty? -I couldn't recognize you at first.

I thought an angel had come to our house.

Unbelievable. Dad, please.

Now that you mention it, I do see a resemblance.

My lady,

Lady So-eun is here.

Already?

Not so fast.

So-eun!

Goodness, are you all right?

Not a second goes by without me worrying about you.

You got here early.

-Are you ready to go? -Yes.

Where exactly are you going that has her this excited?

I'm headed to the palace to run an errand for my father

-and Ha-gyeong wanted to join me. -The palace?

I'll get going, Dad.

Don't wander off to places

and follow So-eun around. Do you hear me?

Gosh, this is amazing.

I wonder what it'd be like to live here.

GEUNJEONGJEON

Can you wait for me here?

I'll take this to my father and come right back out.

Sure. Don't worry about me and go.

Who are those two young ladies?

They don't seem familiar.

One is the daughter of the Minister of Personnel

while the other is the daughter of the Minister of War.

You seem to be from a noble family.

Why are you here in the palace alone?

Oh, I just followed the scent of flowers.

There is nothing to see here,

so head another way.

Your Royal Highness.

The Queen Dowager requests your presence.

-The Queen Dowager? -Yes, Your Royal Highness.

Your Royal Highness?

He's the Crown Prince?

No way.

The selection of a princess?

I thought we were done speaking of this.

I still stand with what I said last time.

The Crown Prince is still unwell, so we'll revisit the idea some other time.

Until when will you let others question the weight of his crown?

We must hold a royal marriage, so he can produce an heir.

This can't be postponed any longer.

Commander Yoon accompanied him on a trip to see his father-in-law.

That is all I know.

Crown Prince, what is your take on this?

Is marriage what you desire?

The envoy reception only just ended.

Another big event such as a royal wedding

will burden our people.

Please be more considerate of them

and postpone the royal wedding just a little bit.

Regarding the selection of a princess,

I hope that you will be patient until I readdress this matter.

Is it because…

you are set on passing the crown to Prince Jehyeon?

If that is not the case,

why are you in constant opposition to His Royal Highness' marriage?

Lord Sangheon, I suggest you watch your words.

You were already married and were a father to His Royal Highness

when you were his age.

If it's the people Your Majesty wishes to do right by,

then a royal marriage and the birth of an heir must be a priority.

The people and members of the royal court

eagerly await His Royal Highness' wedding.

That is enough.

The selection of a princess

has always been conducted by the ladies of the royal palace.

I will take matters into my own hands.

JAGYEONGJEON

I wish to return to my quarters.

Is something wrong, Your Majesty?

It's nothing.

What should we do, Your Royal Highness?

The Queen Dowager is clearly adamant on the matter

which means it'll no longer be possible to postpone your marriage.

Fret not, Your Royal Highness.

You've been preparing for what you know is inevitable.

You know what to do.

You will take the hand of your betrothed like so.

Then say, "My heart now belongs to you."

I'd rather be alone.

Please leave.

Yes, Your Royal Highness.

This would definitely work.

The Crown Prince?

That's what I said.

You should have seen the way

he took me by the waist to stop me from falling.

Could this be what is known as destiny?

I have a new goal.

I'm going to be the Crown Princess.

For sure.

Jan-i, over here.

I'll get going then.

Don't be distracted on your way home

and please get home safely, Crown Princess-to-be.

Crown Princess-to-be? Stop that.

I'll get going then.

Lady So-eun!

-Stop. -Catch me!

-Give it back. -It's mine!

That's mine!

My gosh!

Goodness. Oh, no…

What…

Forgive me, my lord. Are you all right?

Are you kidding me?

I'm truly sorry. Please let me wipe it clean.

Stop that, you dirty wench.

How dare you lay your hands on me.

-My goodness! -Oh, dear!

Jan-i, are you all right?

My lady.

What do you think you're doing?

What do I think I'm doing?

Really?

Talk about having a lousy day.

I'm glad.

Let me apologize for the trouble my maid caused.

I hope my apology can appease your anger.

Compensation will be made for your ruined clothes.

Unbelievable. Do I look like I need monetary compensation?

Let's see.

How exactly will you pay me back?

With that sweet little face of yours?

Please stop this!

Do you have any idea who you're talking to, you crazy wench?

And who might you be?

Lord Jung?

What…

Let go of my hand. Drop it.

We have spectators, Lord Changun.

Please be careful.

Do you have no idea who you're speaking to?

Wait.

Oh, I see.

You're the Crown Prince's royal tutor, aren't you?

Did being in his good graces lead you to believe

that you had some sort of authority?

Who are you to order me to be careful?

You must have a death wish today.

Let me make it come true.

All right.

Hasn't your house arrest only been lifted recently?

Causing a commotion will only put you in a bad position.

What? You brazen rat.

I guess it's admirable.

I dare you to push your luck again.

Do it.

That's enough.

You are out of line.

How dare you stand in the way of the royal family.

This is quite the party we're having, don't you think?

Unbelievable.

Uncle, you should also show dignity as a member of the royal family.

I'm glad you mentioned that.

It is why I mean to teach these lowlifes

the custom and order of our class system.

So stay out of my way today.

Come here.

Didn't I specifically tell you that you have done enough?

Damn it!

What are you looking at, you bastards?

You may take her home.

My nephew, you have made a huge mistake today.

Rather than teaching those lowlifes a lesson,

you stood in my way when eyes were on us.

It was you who almost made a mistake.

She is the daughter of the Minister of Personnel.

It won't be wise to create problems.

What?

Darn it.

Why are they all chummy anyway?

Has marriage been suggested between them?

It could've been dangerous for you. Why did you intervene?

It being a dangerous situation is exactly why I took action.

I see a different side to you every time we meet, Lord Jung.

And I'm curious to see what more you have to offer.

Expressing my gratitude with words is not enough.

Jan-i is like a sister to me, you see.

It must have startled you, so please get some rest.

Jan-i, don't feel too bad about it and get some rest.

I hear you had an audience with the Queen Dowager today.

Being a Crown Prince

can feel futile at times.

One must accept a loveless marriage

just because it's a state affair.

Maybe…

you could perhaps put in a word for me?

Petition that the wedding be postponed for your dear younger cousin's sake.

I wouldn't mind taking advantage of your influence for once.

Your Royal Highness…

I was just joking.

There's no need to take it so seriously.

It's impossible to joke around with you.

May I…

ask you something?

Have you ever loved someone, Your Royal Highness?

Pardon?

Gosh. Hyun, how silly of you.

Here you are teasing a groom-to-be.

It's why I'm asking.

Have you ever harbored romantic feelings for anyone?

You've never mentioned it before.

Of course, I had someone.

It was back when I was young.

A scuffle one day at the palace

led to us falling into a pond.

Only I knew how to swim,

so I saved the child.

"Yeon-seon"?

Dam-i is a pretty name,

but I wanted to call you by a more meaningful name.

Although it was a brief encounter,

it still is a memory…

I haven't been able to forget.

I guess…

you could say it was my first love.

Royal Tutor Jung?

What brings you by the palace this early in the morning?

I have a favor to ask, Your Royal Highness.

Please…

give me a hug.

What are you saying?

Royal Tutor Jung, are you ill?

Yes, I'm unwell.

I'm a mess, you see.

So please…

Indulge me this once.

You're obviously not thinking clearly. How could you ask that of him?

Let me embrace you instead.

I hope you find your strength,

Royal Tutor Jung.

Are you better now?

Let's head out.

Why on earth did you do that, Your Royal Highness?

How could you have given in to that ridiculous request?

The people passing by saw you two.

He said he's a mess and that he's under a lot of stress.

Exactly! How could one ask a favor for such reasons

and how could one indulge him?

Why you two acted that way is beyond me!

Because I like him, that's why.

Liking him is one thing but…

My goodness.

Pardon?

I'll soon be married…

so I should be allowed to at least do that.

Right?

Your Royal Highness!

Don't you worry…

for I'll soon get rid of these feelings.

Did you hear about the upcoming princess selection?

A princess selection, my goodness.

Is our Crown Prince finally entering adulthood?

You'll soon be busy once the princess selection begins.

-Of course. -What did you just say?

A princess selection?

The Crown Prince is getting married?

Why are you surprised by this?

His Royal Highness is at an age where he should get married.

Yes, of course.

This will excite maidens across the country.

His Royal Highness may be aloof, but he is quite handsome.

You're darn right he's handsome. Just like me.

Royal Scholar Yang, you have the face of a jester.

A gallant, you say?

A gallant…

Are you still feeling unwell?

If that's the case, the lecture--

I hear a wedding is imminent.

Oh…

That's right.

It should have happened a while ago

but it took longer than expected.

Congratulations, Your Royal Highness.

It's great news.

I appreciate it, Royal Tutor Jung.

Please let me know

if I can help in any way.

I doubt you'll find anyone with more knowledge regarding women.

I'll consider it.

Once the process begins,

I will look forward to your help.

That's right.

It's not like anything could have happened anyway.

What could come out

of having feelings for a man…

who is the Crown Prince with a wedding underway?

Get a grip on yourself, Ji-un.

Get a grip.

What's with the serious look on your face?

You're here.

How are the preparations for the wedding coming along?

That one-sided love you once mentioned.

Why did you never confess your feelings?

Because I thought the feelings would never be reciprocated.

I was also worried that telling her would only put a distance between us.

You should have told her though.

Who knows how people will react?

Maybe I should have.

Actually, no.

It's not common

for someone else to share the same feelings.

So I'd rather keep them to myself.

I will not burden her…

or have any regrets.

That's how it'll be.

How corny, Lord Jaeun.

What? That's what you say when I opened up to you?

How dare you.

You…

You did that on purpose knowing I'm afraid of water.

Okay, fine. We'll stop this.

Gosh.

Didn't you say

you fell into a pond at the palace when you were young?

I told you multiple times already.

On the day of the banquet when I first met Dam-i.

She saved my life.

A scuffle one day at the palace

led to us falling into a pond.

Only I knew how to swim,

so I saved the child.

When did you say the girl disappeared?

Why do you suddenly ask?

She was an orphan taken in by monks who came to stay at the palace.

-I should get going. -What?

Hyun!

Where did they go?

Oh, right.

NOKUNGAK

WAIT

LONGING, WAIT

REST, STAY

It wasn't…

a dream.

That was…

I…

The alcohol got the best of me and I…

Forgive me, Your Royal Highness.

Please forgive me.

It's all right.

It seems as though I've become quite approachable to you.

Well, that's not what it is.

Those.

-Sorry? -Could I take a look at them?

Oh…

She told me to give these to you if I ever met you.

She told me

they would help you stay strong when things get hard…

just like…

they had been helpful for her.

For a long time, I wondered…

of the man you came to be.

LONGING, WAIT

NOT

WAIT

I thought it was a dream.

I believed that my impure feelings for you

came to haunt me.

However…

it wasn't…

STAY, LONGING

…a dream.

I will believe you

if you say the feelings were momentary.

But it wasn't for me.

It wasn't admiration from a subject.

I thought it was my loyalty to you.

But it was affection.

I have a deep affection for you, Your Royal Highness.

Although you're a man and the Crown Prince of this nation,

I…

love you.

What do you mean His Royal Highness isn't at the palace?

He must know that

the Queen Dowager is expecting to see him this afternoon.

So His Majesty finally gave his blessing for the royal marriage?

You are So-eun, the daughter of the Minister of Personnel?

I will endure it.

Whatever people say, I will endure it all.

Perhaps, it might have been better if we had never met again.

Are you ordering me to leave?

Subtitle translation by: Hye-lim Park