Original subtitles

My Lady,

what should I call you?

My name is Hong Ra-on,

Your Highness.

Hong Ra-on.

Ra-on.

"Ra-on" means joy, doesn't it?

Yes. I heard that my father

named me so, hoping that I live a life full of joy.

It suits you well.

Your Highness, are you awake?

Yes, come in.

How is the weather outside,

Ra-on?

Pardon?

The sun is bright.

Okay.

Did you pack the books for the morning lesson,

Ra-on?

Yes, Your Highness. By the way, will you keep calling me by that name?

What is wrong with calling you by your real name?

What if someone hears you?

Then I'll call you by your name only when we are alone,

Ra-on.

I will call your name as much as I want for all the times I could not do so.

Sure, Your Highness.

You're an expert in love, so tell me.

Don't all women dream of a romance with a crown prince?

You could not find her?

The old woman next door did not remember anything.

Neither the face nor the name?

No, sir.

I see. All right.

What happens if we find her?

We will take her as our own and protect her.

Why do you ask?

Nothing, sir. I will keep searching.

Out of the way.

Catch him.

Hear the sound of millions cry of hunger

all across the land.

The ignorant King does not own this land

but the people who lived through history.

The uprising of the Hong of Hamgyong begins once again.

And it will not fail as it did ten years ago.

They say it is time.

They are stirring up the people,

saying that they must not repeat the same mistakes of the past.

Your Majesty.

Leave this to me and do not worry.

I am concerned about your health.

They would rather have

the ghost of Hong Gyeong-rae on this throne than me.

Tell me why

countless royal guards could not arrest a single rebellion.

We joined forces with the palace guards to search everywhere inside out.

We will soon find out who is behind this, Your Majesty.

This palace is not safe.

They would try to murder me in my sleep if they could.

Search every corner of this palace right now.

Should anything look suspicious, they will be brought to justice.

Byeong-yeon.

Yes, Your Highness.

I had hoped His Majesty's fears were unfounded.

But things are not looking good.

Did you hear anything more

about Hong Gyeong-rae's family?

No, Your Highness.

Nothing yet.

Premier Kim, Hong Gyeong-rae,

and Father.

I swear I will sever ties among them.

I need your help.

Understood, Your Highness.

Do you consider this as an unforeseen misfortune?

What do you want to say, Premier Kim?

Fear always seeps into the weakest places.

You mean, I,

a weak regent, brought fear?

I respect your will to bring change,

but in reality, you brought nothing but chaos.

In difficult times,

you need help from a skilled, experienced subject.

Why don't you pretend to give in

and take refuge under my shadow?

I don't know.

But I cannot pretend

not to notice the filth underneath that shadow.

Open them all.

Eunuch Jang.

What is going on, sir?

They are searching every inch of the palace

from the Office of the Eunuchs

all the way to the Court ladies’ residence.

What did they hand out in the capital city to cause this uproar?

Those propaganda leaflets claimed that the current king must be overthrown,

and the people should become the rulers of this country.

-What? -Be quiet.

But that is treason.

During the uprising ten years ago,

no one knew that an infiltrator

crept into the palace.

Anyway, be careful.

At times like this, it does not matter if you are innocent.

You can get accused of treason

along with everyone else around you, including me.

Then they sear you with a hot iron, and that stuff can kill you.

-It kills you? -For sure.

Has it been a long day, Your Highness?

Yes.

You must have been upset because of the disarray in the palace.

Yes.

I have not seen you all day.

Lay yourself down and get some rest, Your Highness.

There.

You haven’t been sleeping well, have you?

I can tell you a story

until you fall asleep.

Go on.

It’s from a western book I read

when I was in Unjongga.

You once told me

that it is every woman's dream

to fall in love with a crown prince.

The story goes just like that.

It's a story about a mermaid from the ocean...

falling in love with a prince.

Is he as handsome as I am?

I'm talking about that prince from the West.

Pardon?

I suppose so.

He must be because the mermaid fell in love with him at first sight.

Just like you did, right?

The mermaid fell in love,

and she decided to trade her voice for a pair of legs.

That way, she could stay by the prince's side.

But without her voice, she couldn’t tell him

who she really was.

Continue the story,

Ra-on.

Chief Eunuch,

as soon as the Crown Prince was appointed as a regent,

things are getting worse by the day.

I can already see it coming.

Everyone will try to attack the Crown Prince

and stop him from doing anything.

Just like they did to me.

Your Majesty.

Regarding the royal marriage you mentioned before,

shall we postpone it?

No, I would like you to rush the process

and set up the Department of Ceremony.

A royal marriage is a joyous occasion.

We need to show the people

that there is no trouble within the royal family.

Have you...

thought of any candidates?

Arrange a meeting with Minister Cho. Do it secretly.

Yes, Your Majesty.

Your Highness.

This is Jeong Deok-ho,

who passed the regular exam in first place.

Your Highness! I will do anything and everything I can

to serve you and this country!

-I will prove how devoted I am by-- -You don’t have to prove me anything.

Since you seem to be interested in combat,

I’m appointing you to be a part of the royal guard.

So show me what you can do.

Yes, I will do so, Your Highness.

Young Master...

Please tell her to forgive me

for falling in love with her

when I should not have.

Do you two know each other?

Yes... No, that is not--

Not really. We came across each other in Unjongga several times.

Right, I mean...

I see. You may be excused.

Sam... Sam-nom...

You... should never...

I, Hong Sam-nom, won’t say a word. You do not need to worry about a thing.

Thank you!

By the way, how did you...

Did you really get first place?

I know, I still can’t believe it myself.

Me? First place? More like worst face!

-Funny, right? -Not really, no.

Eunuch Hong!

Your Highness.

Eunuch Hong!

I thought I saw someone standing next to you just now.

Why do you look so surprised?

Pardon?

My apologies, Your Highness. It was hard to recognize you at first.

Have you always had a high nose bridge like you do now?

Do you really think so?

I, as well, have just recently found out that I have a high nose bridge.

I’ll see you soon, Eunuch Hong.

Yes, Your Highness.

How did she...

become so stick-thin like that?

You will be coming to the palace a lot.

How are you going to handle this?

Things will go bad if she recognizes me.

I just have to avoid her as much as I can. I have no choice.

But really, how did she become so thin?

A lantern that will make my wish come true...

If it were you, what would you wish for?

I would wish to meet the King just once.

My Lord!

What brings you here?

Are you here to meet the King?

I came with my dad who supplies ingredients to the dessert kitchen.

Your Highness--

Give the Crown Prince’s snacks

to this child.

Your Majesty.

Why have you asked me to come so secretly?

Let us get straight to the point.

I would like you to help me and the Crown Prince.

Allow me to have your daughter as the Crown Princess consort.

Please be on the Crown Prince's side.

They must be talking about the royal marriage!

His Majesty is planning to work with Minister Cho on the selection.

Does this royal marriage involve His Highness?

Yes.

Is that why Yun-seong’s marriage kept getting delayed?

His Majesty is trying to make a strong foundation

for the Crown Prince.

If he's appointed as a regent, and if the royal marriage proceeds...

Something must be done.

What if Minister Cho decides to stand by the Crown Prince,

and the new Crown Princess consort conceives a royal descendant?

The Queen will give birth to a new Prince. We have the upper ground for now.

We can never afford to lose this opportunity.

No need to worry.

His Majesty cannot make such an arbitrary decision on his own.

Do you have a plan in mind to stop the royal marriage?

Your little daughter... How old was she again?

Lift up both of your legs, Eunuch Hong.

This is so much better. It's so fun!

-Let's go! -Let’s run all the way like this!

What is so funny?

Your Highness, Eunuch Hong sprained his ankle.

Yes. We were helping him get to...

Let's go.

-Thank you. -Welcome.

Way to go.

I was climbing a tree to pick a persimmon, then I fell.

Nicely done.

You put your arm around other men.

You were smiling at them, too.

And you even hurt yourself!

Do not get hurt.

That is an order.

It is not like I wanted to.

Even if you feel like laughing in front of other men, do not.

That is an order, too.

No, Your Highness.

What? What did you just say?

That is a punishment

for going against the Crown Prince.

Me?

We were in the middle of arranging a marriage with Premier Kim's family...

What should we do?

Father.

Please follow His Majesty's command.

It is not that simple.

I heard that His Highness is in distress

because of the disloyal subjects.

I was wondering how I could console him.

I did not know you were so deeply concerned for His Highness.

I would like to help His Highness.

Even if what His Highness needs is not me but our family,

I do not mind.

Are you sure?

If Premier Kim drags you down

from the final selection with one of his tricks,

you will never be able to marry anyone and live alone forever.

Yes.

Whatever happens, I will not regret.

Stay right here until I get back.

Eunuch Jang will be looking for me.

That is exactly why.

I am afraid it will get worse if you move around working.

It is not that bad.

Are you going to disobey me again?

No, Your Highness.

I will not.

There.

Father.

Minister Cho and I have started discussing the royal marriage.

Your Majesty, you must not.

This was not an easy decision.

In Joseon where the Kim family has all the power,

his family is the only one

that will not be swayed by Premier Kim and come to your aid.

This is the best option.

They are another powerful family who could become meddlesome.

May this royal marriage bring peace to the royal palace

and to the hearts of the people in disarray.

The moment you waver,

the rebels will agitate our people once again.

Forgive me, Your Majesty.

I will not marry someone only to extend my political power.

-Crown Prince. -I will find my own way

to find those who would stand by me.

Please withdraw your command, Your Majesty.

How do you expect me to rest in bed

after hearing such shocking news?

Marriage is no surprise at His Highness' age.

Father.

Is this child in my womb of no concern to you?

That is why the Crown Prince's people are rushing this.

Don't you think that they already know that timing is the key?

If a girl from the Cho family becomes the Crown Princess consort...

I made you, who was nothing but a mere kisaeng,

the Queen of this country.

Father.

This is my advice for you

so that you can stop worrying needlessly and focus on safe delivery.

Do you understand?

Minister Cho and I have started discussing the royal marriage.

His family is the only one who will come to your aid.

Bring peace to the people in disarray.

Stay right here until I get back.

This is enough for today.

You may be excused.

Yes, Your Highness.

You ordered me to stay right here.

What took you so long?

I cannot believe you are smiling right now.

Get on my back.

Pardon?

A eunuch cannot ride on a prince's back.

I cannot do that, Your Highness.

Don't get me wrong.

I would do the same for Hun-nam.

Still, I can't, Your Highness.

This is an order.

You told me to be your friend when we are alone,

but you always tell me to obey you.

So,

are you saying that you are going to disobey me?

How come you are as light as a feather?

Do you mean that?

I think your arms are shaking a bit.

Your Highness, what if someone sees us?

Do not worry.

I was born and raised here,

and I know plenty of routes where nobody ever walks on.

Right,

about the story of a mermaid you told me before.

What happened to those two

in the end?

You fell asleep and missed the end, didn't you?

I did.

The prince never realized the mermaid's love for him

and married another lady.

So the mermaid turned to sea-foam and disappeared forever.

That is such a sad story.

Your Highness.

We are almost near Jahyeondang. You can let me down.

No.

Let us go back to the Crown Prince's palace.

Pardon?

Your Highness, you must let me down in front of the Crown Prince's palace.

No, we will come back to Jahyeondang.

Your Highness, someone might see us.

Help yourself.

What a luxury for a pregnant court lady.

You are a lucky girl.

Thank you, ma'am.

But,

what will happen to me and my baby?

Watch your mouth and you will be fine. Don't you worry.

I'm certain Her Highness will give birth to a Prince.

You will face grave consequences if you are wrong about this.

Are you certain?

Yes. I can sense strong and bright energy.

So, the results...

they’re the same as before?

Yes, Your Highness.

I’m afraid it will be a Princess.

I have waited six years for this chance.

I will not allow anything

to stand in my way.

I will do whatever it takes

to be the mother of a prince

who will rule Joseon.

Gather around. Silence!

Look at me.

If there’s anyone who thinks they have way too much free time, come forward.

I can tell just by looking at your face!

You.

Me?

You seem like you have enough energy. Come.

Come where?

The Department of Ceremony. You'll be helping them prepare the royal marriage.

Is anyone getting married?

Who do you think? Of course it's the one from your Crap Prince’s Palace!

What did you say?

Out of my way!

Right,

about the story of a mermaid you told me before.

What happened to those two

in the end?

The prince never realized the mermaid's love for him

and married another lady.

So the mermaid turned to sea-foam and disappeared forever.

That is such a sad story.

Eunuch Hong.

Sir.

No need to get up.

Right as I thought I needed a break...

You’re so hard to resist, Eunuch Hong.

What do you mean?

Every time I see you, I just want to lay down and be all lazy.

You must have a lot on your plate lately.

That’s right. The Department...

I already heard about the Department of Ceremony.

I see.

There’s always something going on in the palace.

The Ministry of Rites is always busy.

I was going to pretend that I did not notice,

but I just can't because you are not good at hiding your emotions.

Well, I will just pretend that I am busy at the moment.

Please enjoy your alone time.

Cry as much as you want.

Spend as much time as you want

to let it all out.

And then, you can come to me.

So what you’re saying is

that you will offer me a great position if I choose to be on your side?

Being on my side does not necessarily mean that you are my person.

Well,

what is it that you expect from me?

Sincerity.

I need a man with honesty, integrity

and with many experiences so he can handle any sly enemy.

Your Highness,

if you try to stretch a bowstring too far, it will break.

You're right.

I would like you to guide me to the right path just like you did now.

That is

what I expect from you.

I remember you saying that you had two things to ask me.

What is the second one?

It’s about this lady.

A lady?

Yes.

I need your help

to make her stay with me.

What are you doing in here?

Eunuch Seong asked me to bring the ledger to you, sir.

And then?

I saw this handkerchief with white egret flower embroidery.

I see you know a lot about flowers.

Not many people know the name of this one.

It was my mother’s favorite.

Not only is it pretty,

but she also liked the message it conveys.

This flower was embroidered on my old friend’s handkerchief

that he always carried around.

He said his wife gave it to him before they got separated.

If you don’t have anything else you need, I’ll excuse myself.

All right, you may go.

Are you sure this is not yours?

No, it’s not! I know nothing about it, sir.

This was found in your cart.

Are you going to keep denying it?

I know nothing about it, sir.

She must be one of the rebels.

Take her to the Royal Investigation Bureau!

-No, please! -Yes, sir!

There is no evidence that shows I took part in this treason!

We know that you’ve been secretly communicating with the rebels

and aiding them with various supplies.

How dare you!

How is providing food to the starving people considered treason?

They are no rebels nor rioters.

They are just people suffering from famine!

Are you saying that I should have just let them die out on the street?

Do you think that will do

any good for this country?

Father.

The uprising?

Did you lose your parents during the uprising

that occurred ten years ago?

Yes. I lost my mother then.

How old are you?

I am 18 years old.

She is only ten years old.

That must be the reason why they used her to deceive us!

You never know how many of them are behind her!

There must be millions of vicious rebels hiding out there!

That girl

probably cooperated with them for some money or food.

She can’t even read.

There is no way she could have known that it was about a serious matter.

All she wanted was some food. She never intended to commit treason.

Please reconsider, Your Majesty.

You need to listen to me, Crown Prince.

The very moment you let your guard down is when the enemy is going to strike.

We need to make an example of her.

Hold her accountable and punish her severely!

I...

want to stay here a little longer.

I'm curious to know

what has made you take the risk

and stay here.

I will not allow it.

He is my person.

I need to talk to you, Your Highness.

Come in.

I have been thinking

whether I should ask you a favor as your subject

or tell you how determined I am

as your friend.

So,

what is your conclusion?

It depends entirely on you, Your Highness.

Why don't I hear you out first?

The Ministry of Rites has started preparing for your marriage.

And?

Someone has to bear the pain

of seeing their love marrying someone else.

Still,

that someone will put on a smile

for you.

What are you saying?

That someone

is the one I love.

I don't want to see her get hurt

because of your greed.

Actually,

I will not let that happen.

I heard you were asking for me.

Hong Ra-on.

Why did you not tell me?

Were you planning to hand her over to the Crown Prince?

No, sir.

Then to whom?

Premier Kim?

She has been through a lot.

So I did not want her to go through

the same pain

I went through.

She knows nothing.

She cannot tell you anything about Hong Gyeong-rae.

Please, sir.

Can we not

get her involved in this?

When I sent you off to the Crown Prince,

I told you many times

not to make any judgments on your own and do as I say.

I told you that nobody is more dangerous

than an infiltrator who acts with free will.

Stop.

Your Highness, here is a letter from Master Jeong.

I found a way to grant your request.

Please arrange me a meeting with her.

Will you come with me?

Is he...

the leader of Baekwoon Group?

The man who brought me here ten years ago...

Was that you, Chief Eunuch?

Yes.

I have been watching you.

On the day of the gathering of Baekwoon Group,

in front of everyone,

we will present the daughter of Hong Gyeong-rae.

JAHYEONDANG

Are you smiling because you are happy to see me?

Yes.

Every time I look at you, it is like we are meeting for the first time.

What do I do?

Why do you act like you do not know?

No.

Why do you act like you are okay?

Your Highness.

Do not push yourself.

There is no way out.

You cannot cry over it forever.

Why?

Were you going to put on a smile in front of me

as if nothing is wrong and disappear like sea-foam?

I found a way

for you to stay with me as my lady.

Pardon?

I do not like that story you told me.

I am going to change the ending.

Those two

lived happily ever after.

Just like us.

Your Highness.

There is someone we need to meet.

Meet me at the inner gate at eight o'clock in the morning tomorrow.

Chief Eunuch.

What brings you here, sir?

I have been searching for you

for a long time.

Pardon?

For me?

I have something to tell you,

Ra-on.

How do you know my name, sir?

How did you know that his name...

is Hong Ra-on?