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Episode 27

Princess...

Ma'am...

Sir! Councilor Hong! Are you all right?

Sir!

Lord Kang Joo Seon's eldest son Kang In Woo...

Marry him.

What... did you just say, Lady Kim?

'Marry him'?

That's all it takes.

Then His Majesty can get through the difficult times.

Lady Kim...

You know very well what I mean. Why this is the only hope for His Majesty!

There is no power that will protect him right now.

Even pressures from Ming and Later Jin are severe right now.

If rebellion happens, no one will step up for His Majesty.

So, we'll bring together Kang Joo Seon and his power through my marriage?

Are you really...

It's only if you'd really like to help His Majesty.

Not just Kang Joo Seon, the Western faction will turn around.

That's the power you can give to His Majesty.

Lady Kim...

Did you hear about what happened at the palatial feast today?

I heard the princess humiliated Prince Neungyang.

Why does Princess keep taking Gwanghae's side?

What could she be getting out of it?

What's important is that this situation is not good for us either.

If Princess keeps acting that way...

Father, I'd like to speak to you.

What is it at this late hour?

I have something to tell you regarding the princess.

About the princess?

That's enough, Lady Kim!

How can you say such nonsense?

A solution you came up with is about using me again after all?

If it's not about killing me, it's about manipulating me?

What other solutions would we have?

You know that as well.

Even so, I can't get married like that.

It must be tough.

Since your heart is with someone else.

But... we don't even know if Councilor Hong is dead or alive.

Lady Kim!

Councilor Hong would think the same way.

Councilor Hong would also want you to protect His Majesty!

Stop! That's enough!

How can you dare to bring up his name?

I shouldn't have come to you.

I was foolish...

to forget who you are!

Getting married?

No... no, I can't do that.

I...

Yes, you will go through with it after all.

There are people like that in the world.

Just like yourself

foolish people who give themselves up for someone or something.

Did you just say, 'marriage'? With Princess?

Yes, Father.

But that can't be done now.

Princess is on Gwanghae's side now. So how...

That's why you should gain her and control the king.

What's that?

What you want, whether it's the king or Prince Neungyang...

a king you can put a chain on, isn't it?

To the king, Princess is 'the most painful finger.'

You know that the king protects her at any given moment.

So I should become Princess's father-in-law, and move Gwanghae?

And abandon Prince Neungyang?

She'd never stand on Prince Neungyang's side.

Then Prince Neungyang will lose his justification...

and we can't bring in the Western faction.

Rebellion is a risky adventure...

but this marriage can be a safe fence for us, Father.

You will gain what you want and give me what I want after all?

Isn't that what a trade is all about?

My lord, if it's possible...

doesn't it make sense?

'Gain Princess and move Gwanghae'...

You've grown quite a bit.

I'm glad to hear that it pleases you, Mother.

Prince Neungyang was bothering me anyway.

So don't worry. I'll convince your father.

You'll gain Princess.

Trade?

This is a trade?

Yes, Kang In Woo.

But this is the path you chose.

The promised answer must arrive by that day.

If you'd like to have Joseon people back alive as you wish.

If it doesn't happen, do you mean to send them back after killing them?

Our Khan is very adamant about his decision.

But I wonder if the officials of Joseon will accept it.

That's for me to take care of.

What you need to do is to prepare to send back the Joseon captives.

And Councilor Hong's name must be on the list.

Who is it?

Is Councilor Hong really conscious again?

Yes. It was only for a minute, but he definitely was.

I believe he's over a critical phase.

Hang in there just a little longer!

You can get through this!

You have to survive and return to Joseon!

- Good work. - Go ahead.

You have to stay alive, Councilor Hong.

Even if just for Hwa Yi.

No, sir. You've never let go of that promise.

So, sir...

Just like now from the same place, just like now by my side...

please protect me.

I will.

I will definitely return to you.

Sir...

Ma'am.

How did you leave the palace?

I said I was going to get tea from Hwagae that His Majesty enjoys.

That's smart. Good job.

Deliver it to Head Servant.

It's about the princess.

Yes, ma'am.

Excuse me. Are you all right, lady?

I am fine.

I should have been paying attention.

How much is it?

Oh, wait.

'True Treasures of Ancient Literature'?

A woman reads such a book?

What is this about?

I've read quite a bit, but I haven't dared

to read 'True Treasures of Ancient Literature' yet.

But you are truly great.

I'll buy this book for you.

To find someone who recognizes this precious book!

This makes me happy.

Pardon me, what do you mean...

How much is it? Give me your price.

Stop... please.

Yes.

Who are you?

If you'd like to pay me back, I'll decline.

I'm just glad to meet a rare person...

You know who I am. Am I wrong?

I've never seen you before, so you're not in the government.

Who did you take the order from?

You're not ordinary, as I expected.

I thought your aura was different when I first saw you.

Since you mention the government, you must know many high-ranking people.

But I'm just a hooligan who's never held a government post.

So I'm not even good enough to take an order from anyone.

It was only my kindness towards someone precious.

I apologize if I made you feel uncomfortable.

If you really feel uncomfortable, you can throw out that book.

You were glad since she recognized a precious book?

Do you even know what 'True Treasures of Ancient Literature' is?

Why is it important that I know?

What's important is that I pretend to know.

What if you run into big trouble by approaching Kim Gae Shi that way?

Still, I need to check what kind of a girl she is with my own eyes.

Whether she becomes my comrade or my enemy.

What do you think? In my eyes, she's just an old, cunning fox.

That's why you're still immature.

She's not old yet.

And she's not a cunning fox either.

Then what?

She's just a woman.

What? You mean Kim Gae Shi?

She's more woman than anyone.

That's how she was able to come this far.

Summon a meeting. Right now.

Yes, sire.

To protect only one person.

And she's even smart.

She's perfect for me. How disappointing.

She's a different breed from slackers like you.

Maybe you don't want to see this? I'll just burn it.

Is this Kim Gae Shi's letter? Take it out.

I don't know what it is, but she told me to deliver it to Head Servant.

She said it's about the princess.

Princess?

What do we have here?

Kim Gae Shi... What a precocious girl.

Why? What is it about?

She's trying to shake up the game using the princess.

Pardon?

Parading the princess?

- Is this true? - Yes.

According to the report, the king summoned a meeting because of it.

Is Father at the secret house?

Lord Kang Joo Seon is not here?

Didn't he received the message that I'd be coming by?

- Forgive me, but I did deliver it to him. - And?

He left even knowing that?

How do you do, Prince Neungyang.

This is Young Master In Woo, the eldest son of Lord Kang.

- So, it's you. - You must've come for my father...

but he's out right now.

Please come back another time.

'Come back another time'?

Would he even see me then?

Excuse me, did you say you're In Woo?

For me... I've been ignored so many times...

so I'm very observant with things like that.

But even when I turn around with a smile every time it happens

in my heart, I don't ever forget that moment.

Forgive me, but I'm not sure what you mean...

I'm sure you know what it means.

Why is Lord Kang Joo Seon avoiding me at this point?

Young Master, please come outside.

Her Highness is outside...

Ma'am.

I came to tell you something.

I get to see you here, Your Highness.

Prince Neungyang...

Kang Joo Seon's eldest son is meeting with the princess separately?

Why?

For what?

Prince Neungyang was making visits to this house as well.

I'm actually glad that you saw it.

Yes, ma'am. This is reality.

- Young Master... - We can make a choice.

Whether it's Prince Neungyang or the king.

Also, as you might have heard

it depends on your decision as well.

You weren't like this before.

- Young Master, you were... - I might have been.

Yes, but now...

This is who I am.

I also wanted to earn your heart in a different shape, in a different way.

If only I could.

But if it can't be done after all...

it doesn't matter what I become.

Young Master! This marriage is impossible.

It will be unfortunate for both you and me.

No! It will never happen that way!

I can give you everything you want.

Safety of the king, stability of this country...

And the possible return of Joo Won if he's alive.

What do you mean by that?

The return of Councilor Hong?

Young Master!

Sire! Please reconsider!

No official of this country will accept this.

You'll be isolated further, sire.

Step aside.

- Sire! - What are you doing?

- Take him away! - Yes, sire.

Sire!

Sire!

What's going on?

A letter arrived from Later Jin?

You came, Minister!

It hasn't been confirmed yet

but its content seems to be too rude to even bring it up.

What's written on it?

- He's already in the meeting hall? - Yes, Your Highness.

By any chance, do you know what will be discussed in the meeting today?

Forgive me, but I have no way of knowing.

Your Highness.

Who are you?

May I tell you what you're curious about?

What?

I am Yeo Jung, a maid of the Main Hall.

I think I know what will happen at the meeting today.

Sire, what do you mean?

- Sire, that means... - Sire, that can't be!

To be friends with Later Jin, the barbarians?

To call their Khan the emperor?

Sire, do you really not know what it will mean?

What did you say? Later Jin sent what kind of letter?

They're asking him to call their Khan the emperor.

Then they'll release the Joseon captives, ma'am.

To call the Khan of Later Jin the emperor?

They dared to ask His Majesty?

Yes, but His Majesty seems like he'll accept it.

So isn't this a really big deal?

This is impossible, sire!

Even if this land gets squashed by the feet of Later Jin

we can never accept this, sire!

What did you just say?

Even if this land gets squashed?

Can you take responsibility for your words?

Sire!

If we send a reply to the letter from Khan of Later Jin

they will release our people right away.

I'll be glad to send a reply to Khan, and bring them back.

Sire, we don't mean that their lives are not precious.

But they are only in the thousands.

For those thousands of people

do all of us have to lower our heads to Later Jin and humiliate this land?

It's better to lower our heads than get on our knees.

It's just humiliating to lower our heads today

but from the war that will come to this land some day, we'll feel despair.

When we think of that day, not right now...

we have to bring back those soldiers.

No, sire!

You're wrong, sire!

For the king, lowering his head to barbarians

is the same as handing over his life.

Right this moment is despair and death for us and our people.

- That's right, sire! - Please take my life!

- Sire! - Sire!

Sire...

I knew you'd react this way...

The department of foreign affairs is already composing a reply to Later Jin.

- Sire! - Sire!

Even if this becomes the last meeting between you and me

I will never retract my decision.

Now, let's go.

Let's all block the gate of the department of foreign affairs with our lives.

The letter should never get outside the palace gate!

You're right! His Majesty will have to kill all of the officials!

Let's go!

- Hurry! - We have to stop it!

Sir, what should we do?

Let's go. This isn't something we can negotiate at all.

Sire!

In this case, I cannot... protect you either, sire.

Then you should... go your way, Minister Lee.

Sire!

Sire.

I have no choice but to repeat what the others said.

People will have difficulty accepting you lowering your head to the barbarians.

People see the present, rather than the distant future.

That's why people will blame you for the humiliation right now.

But the body of your son that Princess longs for has not been found.

Councilor Hong could be included in the captives who return because of this.

Sire.

But... please look away, sire.

How could my son's life be bigger than this country?

No, that's not the case.

To me, Councilor Hong's life is the same as this country.

To me, lives of each and every person of this country...

are the same as this country.

Sire...

Sire.

- And? - It's as we expected.

Not just the Western faction

but all of the officials from different factions are strongly against it.

Gwanghae is being stubborn and stirring things up after all.

He'll be more isolated, so he'll have no choice but to hold your hand.

But Gwanghae?

You also know that Ming's collapse is inevitable.

It's unfortunate...

but the king's judgment is correct, Father.

Later Jin will become the ruler of the continent.

So we should hold hands with Gwanghae and switch over now?

Whether it's the Han people or the barbarians...

we can hold hands as long as it benefits us.

Sir!

- What's going on? - I received an urgent message...

and the mood in the city is serious, sir.

What?

Everything that got swept up by Ming soldiers

seems to have been replaced now. Don't you think?

Yes, it's finally getting settled now.

Now if Councilor Hong would come back, it would be perfect.

He'll come. His will is beyond ordinary.

Sir! Sir!

Manager Lee! Manager Jang! We're in big trouble.

Why? What's going on?

People of the city are heading to our weaponry bureau now!

What?

Why would people do that?

While I was gone to the battlefield, the vegetable garden was messed up.

We tried our best.

You tried your best?

That's the wrong mindset to have!

What's happening there?

Happening there? I'm talking about you right now...

Goodness, aren't those people going to the bureau?

- You're right. - The bureau?

Only the bureau is that way.

Why are they going that way?

Why are you doing this?

Step back, everyone!

This is the weaponry bureau! Why are you doing this?

Don't you know?

This weaponry bureau is the start of all our troubles!

Isn't this the breeding ground of the king's vicious tyranny?

What are we?

He said, 'vicious'! He said we're vicious!

- How can you... - Look!

These are the ones who betrayed and ran away from Ming and saved themselves!

The ones who became spies of the king

and insist on lowering our heads to the barbarians

are these people of the weaponry bureau!

That's right! That's right!

Let's get them out!

Let's take these people who want to give away the country to the barbarians!

Let's go! Let's go!

Sir, please!

Not the soldiers.

Then the anger will spread like fire.

But we can't hold out with only technicians and guards.

What do we do? What do we do?

What do we do...

- Ok Joo, what's going on? - Your Highness.

- Ma'am. - Ma'am!

You shouldn't come this way.

Ma'am! Ma'am!

Sir.

- What about the protesters? - They headed to the bureau.

I heard the Ilshim Group is doing a good job of instigating.

No...

Let go of me! Let go!

Stop! Stop right now!

- Manager Lee! - Ma'am!

Ma'am!

- Ma'am! - Your Highness!

Your Highness!

Ma'am!

Ma'am! Ma'am, are you all right?

All of you! What the hell are you doing?

Do you know who she is?

She's the princess!

How dare you!

Is she really the princess?

Yes, that's right.

I am the princess.

I'm the proper bloodline of the late king

and the only princess of the royal court of this country.

Also, I'm a technician of this weaponry bureau.

I am Princess Jungmyung.

What's this? Why is it so quiet?

Right?

Sounds of screaming should be everywhere already.

So why would you be here?

You lost Grand Prince to His Majesty, and even got kicked out of the palace!

He's right.

Someone like you, why would you try to protect this bureau?

Because he is the king of this country.

Do you understand?

Although His Majesty took away my younger brother

he is the truthful king who would protect your lives as if they are his own.

Princess?

That wench again...

Do you understand?

That's how His Majesty is...

so that's why he is trying to rescue the Joseon captives caught by Later Jin.

By saving their lives...

he plans to protect the lives of his people, all of you!

How long will you keep your eyes closed in front of the truth?

How long will you repeat like parrots the words of the officials

who care more about justification and personal greed than people's safety?

Why don't you try to see the truth of a much bigger danger shadowing Joseon?

How can you be so easily incited?

Ming won't protect the future of Joseon.

A bigger war may be coming to Joseon.

I saw it clearly at the battlefield with the people of the bureau.

So I sincerely wish... you'd listen to me.

Technicians are at the weaponry bureau

who put their lives on the line to protect yours.

Right now, Joseon soldiers taken by Later Jin

are also trying to protect all of you!

Will you really throw stones at them even then?

After you lose the king who truly cares about you, will you regret it then?

Will you really be fooled by the unjust and leave your lives to them?

Will you shed painful tears in the future?

Ma'am...

They're still surrounding the gate of the department of foreign affairs?

They show no intention of stepping back, sire.

Bring the soldiers of the royal guards.

Sire! Please reconsider!

This situation shouldn't become more serious, sire!

Please reconsider!

The deadline for the letter arrival is set.

If we miss the date...

we have no way of saving the lives of the captives!

Sire!

Deliver it to Head Servant.

Don't deliver this letter from Kim Gae Shi yet.

Until I say it's good to go.

What am I supposed to do?

How long am I supposed to wait?

It's time to pick my stone now.

Ma'am.

Please stop Princess's destructive behavior.

She can't even tell the difference between the sky and the land now.

Sir, it may be out of line for me to say, but your words are too harsh!

You're right, you are out of line.

Prince Neungyang...

If it's really not possible...

please promise me that at least you'll be on my side.

Then I'll be able to bring the officials together.

But how can you tell me to stand against Princess?

I can't do that.

Then you would miss this god-given opportunity after all?

People's hearts have already turned.

Right now, while Gwanghae is isolated...

If not now, we'll be struck next time!

'We'? Prince Neungyang!

How can you drag her in too?

Ma'am, think carefully.

After this crisis is over and the king is about to cut off my head...

would I just leave quietly?

Prince Neungyang!

Do you dare to threaten me?

It's not a threat.

I'm only telling you the truth.

It's the reality that will come to us very soon.

Just because you stare at Gyeongun Palace, would something work out?

What is it? Who are you?

Going somewhere and having a drink fits a situation like this.

Let's go. I'll buy you a drink.

What?

Lord Kang!

You're here.

We have to get back to the palace and guard the foreign affairs department.

What is it that you wanted to tell us in private?

Now now, please calm down.

I'd like to take a detailed look at the situation.

The situation? What situation?

I'm wondering if it's really a wise choice to pressure the king right now.

Lord Kang, what are you saying all of a sudden?

Are you telling us to step back?

No, not yet.

Hang in there for now.

But if I tell you to go easy on the king again

then please follow that direction.

Everyone should.

It's done now.

You may be able to heal without a scar, ma'am.

It's really a relief.

What if you got a scar on this beautiful face?

What's the big deal about scars?

How could you say such a thing?

Ma'am, for a woman, her face is everything.

Yes, she's right.

So... I'd like to tell you...

Please stop working at the bureau

and stay comfortably at Gyeongun Palace now.

Ok Joo!

That's the right way!

Why would you see this rough scene for nothing?

She's right.

If we and the technicians continue to hang in there...

good days will come some day.

That's how we'll live.

But you don't need to do that, ma'am.

Eun Seol...

I know that you're doing this because you're worried about us.

Still, please pretend not to know about this.

Good days will come some day

so we'll be patient...

Why do you have to do that, Eun Seol?

Pardon?

Why do you have to keep being patient?

Why can't the good days start today? Why does it have to be 'some day'?

- Ma'am... - Ma'am...

Isn't it because we're patient today?

We have people of Joseon who are about to die in a foreign land today.

Injustice is winning in this land today.

I step back because I'm the princess.

You step back because you are women.

Is that why, by any chance?

Because we felt like we couldn't do anything...

What kind of moments will come...

We don't know anymore, ma'am.

We'll do everything to win, to protect...

but His Majesty and I may not be able to do it in the end.

But even if the time comes, you shouldn't be stirred up.

Please don't forget that you have a duty for this country!

To me, Councilor Hong's life is the same as this country.

To me, the life of each and every one of them is the same as this country.

What did you babble about just now?

Whose weakness do you have in your grab?

Gwanghae's?

My name is Kim Ja Jeom, sir.

Not 'you'!

So please accept a drink from me...

and give me a drink, too.

What is it?

You have no patience.

You should slowly practice the dignity of the king now.

How dare you!

How can you make fun of me when I haven't seen you or heard about you?

If you have that much power

what reason do you have to finally show up now?

Why haven't I heard from you before?

Please ask me one by one slowly. We have a lot of time.

Look!

You and I are both hooligans who have never been seen or heard before.

The reason I finally showed up is because I finally chose you!

What's the reason, you ask?

I don't want to have Kang Joo Seon or others above me.

What?

I gave you the answer...

Were you able to understand?

You were rejected by Kang Joo Seon and Princess, but I will revive you.

I'll give you the throne!

Take out the officials at the department of foreign affairs.

- Sire. - You're the chief of the royal guards!

Do you mean to refuse the royal command now?

Sire, it's not that.

Only that impact from this royal command...

Do you know the impact if you refuse this royal command?

If the letter doesn't depart

all of the Joseon captives detained in the foreign land will die.

Do I really have to fire you?

Sire!

Her Highness has arrived.

The only remaining part is the cell over there.

If he's not there...

We need to take out the Joseon people!

Sir! Are you able to move?

How long have I been like this?

What about the situation in Joseon? What's going on?

Sir, please stop talking!

You've only just opened your eyes.

Take them out right now!

Let go of me! Where are you taking me?

What's going on?

I don't know! All of a sudden they're taking out the captives!

What's going on? Why the captives, all of a sudden?

We'll execute them as an example.

What? Why?

It's a warning we're sending to Joseon.

If they don't send us a proper letter...

this will happen to everyone.

Councilor Hong!

But they'll get rid of them?

Today?

You don't look good.

And what is that wound on your forehead?

Why would you be concerned over something like this?

Princess!

Sire, I came here today to ask for a favor.

Favor?

What is it? Tell me.

- Hurry up! - Move!

What is that?

It's... to kill us.

Us... the soldiers now.

Just what do you want to tell me...

to be so hesitant like this?

It is... about my marriage, sire.

What?

I'll marry the eldest son of Lord Kang Joo Seon, sire.

Please allow me.

Jungmyung!

Subtitles by DramaFever

[Hwajung]

Who's getting married? Princess?

With the eldest son of Lord Kang Joo Seon!

Let's go. If we can gain Princess, the Western faction will move too.

Let go! Let go of me now!

Sir! What will happen to us?

That's more than enough justification for rebellion.

If it really is the case.

There is nothing left for the king now.

Victory is ours.

What will you do now?

Will you follow me and re-establish this government that's fallen apart?

Did that girl, by any chance?

Unless we kill the princess...

By any chance, are you...