Original subtitles

(This program is a work of imagination...)

(based on historical figures.)

(It may include fictitious details and psychological description.)

I'll pour the hot water now.

I'll do it.

The water is hot.

Did you get hurt?

No.

How about you?

I am fine.

Your Highness, this is Court Lady Seo.

As Court Lady Kwon is not here, I will wash your hair today.

Hey.

Gosh.

Give me a moment, Lady Seo.

What are you doing?

There must be clothes for court maids somewhere here.

And?

If I go out like this, people will misunderstand.

I should get changed quickly.

You are going to get changed?

Here?

There is no other way, I guess.

Because of the situation.

I will have to allow it.

Yes, thank you for your generosity.

She went inside alone?

Yes.

Why did you let her go in alone?

Goodness.

Wait, I just made eye contact with His Highness.

Are you not done yet?

I apologize. I'm almost done.

(Episode 7)

Nothing happened, right?

Yes.

I'm leaving now.

The rest is on your own.

You little brats.

"I try to go down the river,"

"but she's dimly in the middle of the river."

"She's dimly in the middle of the river."

"She's dimly in the middle of the river."

"I try to go down the river."

"She's dimly..."

"She's dimly..."

"in the middle of the river."

I'm sure he's thinking hard about interpreting this poem.

I heard he recently re-read "Classic of Poetry" all night long.

I knew it.

- Let's wait for now. - Sure.

(Bright)

(Bright)

They're golden brown.

Where did you get these chestnuts?

It's been a long time since we gathered like this.

Should we roast some sweet potatoes too?

I smell roasted chestnuts from somewhere.

Will you fan more properly?

- The smoke is coming to me. - Unbelievable.

Do they think this place is some ordinary kitchen?

- They're roasted so well. - I know.

They all burst open.

This one looks like Kyung Hee's mad face.

- Unbelievable. - Just bring them quickly.

How dare they disturb His Highness?

I'll immediately summon the inspector court lady.

- Bring them already. - Wait.

- Okay. - It's so good.

Really?

Try this one.

- Never mind. - Pardon?

It's another virtue of a master...

to show mercy on his servants' mistakes.

However, they're roasting chestnuts.

It's okay.

- Sure. - Oh, I saw Master Hong on my way.

He looked so charming.

- Do you like him that much? - Of course.

Or are you saying...

he's not charming?

He is.

But I find officers more charming than scholars.

That maid knows something.

Of course, officers like me are much more reliable...

and stronger than nerdy scholars like Master Hong...

We can do a good job in waving a fan for you like this.

- I apologize, Your Highness. - Kyung Hee.

Are officers more charming to you too?

Of course.

A guy has got to be strong enough...

to carry at least two sacks of rice.

It shows how skilled he would be at night.

Hey, Master Hong is amazing at night!

Don't make me laugh. How do you even know?

And how do you know?

I know enough unlike you.

How dare those court maids...

enjoy having dirty talks?

Unbelievable.

How dare they talk about lovemaking while His Highness is watching?

I'll immediately summon the inspector court lady.

Others might hear us.

Never mind.

Yes, Your Highness.

What about you, Duk Im?

Who do you find more charming?

What's with this pause? Hurry up and answer.

I'm not sure.

The man I love is...

neither an officer nor a scholar.

What?

You love someone?

Yes, I do.

Who is it? Do we know him?

Neither an officer nor a scholar?

- It can't be. - A eunuch?

- It can't be a eunuch. - Oh, my.

This is top secret.

But I'll make you an exception.

The man I love is...

the Crown Prince.

Really?

You love the Crown Prince?

Yes.

I have a crush on the Crown Prince.

I had no idea.

Duk Im likes the Crown Prince?

The Crown Prince's personal maid has a crush on him.

Gosh, this is so romantic.

You're not lying, are you?

Are you really in love with him?

Your Highness, did you hear that?

She just said she's in love with...

Wait, where did he go?

Your Highness?

How nice.

You have done well.

You may return to East Palace now.

Mercy you have shown me...

You may stay here if you want.

How about working for me?

My apologies, Your Highness.

I am sorry.

When you first arrived here,

I thought about how to use you.

But I do not plan to do that anymore.

I told you to stay for your own good.

I may be a weak queen,

but it is not easy to harm people who work for me.

The Crown Prince...

has a lot of enemies.

It is a talent to win a favor.

And you have that talent.

But as long as you stay in East Palace,

will that benefit you?

It will only harm you.

My lady. I am back now.

Are you back to East Palace for good?

Yes.

Here.

Follow me.

My lady. East Palace is that way.

What is happening?

I am kicked out even before I get to set foot in East Palace.

Am I demoted?

Righteous.

Dog.

The house of a righteous dog?

- I wonder who wrote this. - My father.

Your Highness.

My late father wrote this himself.

He built his dog a house...

and even put up a signboard.

Because I begged him.

Despite how the world remembers him,

he was once a kind man.

Why do you look surprised?

It is your first time talking about the late Crown Prince.

I wanted to tell you.

There is something to show you.

Recently,

the flowers bloomed for the first time.

It is the first time

since my father passed away.

Does it...

mean something?

Did you bring me here because...

I wanted to show you...

these flowers.

Your Majesty.

It has been an hour already.

We should wake him up.

Will you do it?

Royal Secretary Jung. You should wake him up.

You are his grandson.

That is...

I am a man of humble birth.

I cannot dare to touch the King's body.

My goodness.

Then...

since we are not in rush for anything, we should wait.

Yes.

What is he...

Your Majesty.

- You should wake up. - Who are you?

My goodness.

- What time is it? - It is 2pm.

There is so much to do.

Why did you not wake me up?

I guess you probably did not receive the royal meal.

My goodness.

Let me see.

It is very refreshing.

I should give the medical institution some ice.

I should send some to the prison organization too.

(The organization that deals with criminals in prison)

How much ice is there in the ice storage?

Your Majesty.

You have already given an order...

to bring ice from the ice storage ten days ago.

What?

Ten...

Ice has already been sent

to the medical institution and the prison organization...

as you have ordered.

Is that so?

I see.

I remember now.

I have. Yes.

I am still not fully awake.

Enjoy your meals.

I will read appeals.

You must recruit a senior fourth rank officer...

from the Royal Infirmary.

(A senior 4th rank in charge of royal infirmary)

I do not plan to involve a doctor.

The duty to look after...

Please change your mind.

I beg you.

Why do you keep bringing it up...

when His Highness has already disapproved it?

Please recruit one.

I said I disapprove.

When the lecturer begs,

he must have a reason.

Something happened in the Royal Office.

Regardless of the reason,

I disapprove of recruiting a doctor.

Do not bring it up again.

Get some taffy.

We got pumpkin taffy.

I waited for three months to have a day-off on a market day.

And how do you always get day-offs whenever you want?

I have good connections.

Actually, I am a niece of the Head Court Lady.

- What? - You should keep it a secret.

Why do you keep it secret from everyone?

They will do anything for you.

It does not make me that happy.

Everyone will find out someday anyway.

I will buy that for you. Let us eat that.

Get some taffy.

This is pumpkin taffy.

Hello.

- Hello. - Hello.

- Hello. - How much is it?

- It is two bun. - Pick one.

- Here. - Thank you.

Do you know that guy has been watching us since earlier?

I think it is because you are so pretty.

- Enjoy. - It smells good.

Here.

Take your time and choose one.

- Excuse me. - Yes?

Duk Im, return to the palace first.

- Why? - I have somewhere to go.

See you at the palace.

How can she leave me like this?

Who are you?

You act like you did not do anything after poisoning my brother.

Was he the guard...

of the Crown Prince?

You do not act like you do not know anything though.

I will find out the person who abetted you.

Get her.

Forgive me.

You are one of them as well, right?

You were with that wench earlier.

Who are you?

Everyone died. I saw it!

Let us go to the Police Bureau.

Let go of me!

Do you know this person?

What should I do with him?

Please save me.

I will act like I did not see anything.

Please. Please save my life.

I will go far away.

I think he has gone crazy.

Let him go.

By any chance...

You can take away my life.

Just save my sister's life.

I am so glad...

that we went to Queen Hong...

that day.

I am too late.

I am sorry.

Brother.

Your Highness, this is Court Lady Seo.

Come in.

It must be Court Maid Sung who is supposed to be on duty tonight.

Why did you come?

Duk Im left the palace today as it is her day-off.

She did not come back yet?

The curfew bell will ring soon.

Actually... She has returned.

She said she cannot do her duty because she is sick.

Please forgive me, Your Highness.

Young court maids go around so many places on their day-offs.

But it is not just Duk Im.

- Lady Seo. - Yes, Your Highness.

Is Lady Sung...

very sick?

Pardon?

No.

She is just sick. She is totally fine.

You are a free spirit.

You should look at the wide world as much as you want.

I cannot believe you have to live at the palace forever.

Do not say that.

I like being a court maid.

You cannot even get married for the rest of your life.

Do you think getting married to a mediocrity...

and living a mediocre life is happy?

I got many things.

I have Court Lady Seo who is like my mother.

I have friends who are like my family.

And do you know how good I am at my job?

I must be the most competent one among personal maids.

I am happy enough.

You mind your own business.

You must take the military examination and pass it.

Do not worry about money.

Your competent sister will take care of it.

Father died just because he was the Crown Prince's guard.

On the day the late Crown Prince died,

he suddenly became a traitor.

That is what it means to receive a salary from the country.

Do you still want me...

to become a military officer?

Then are you going to hide...

for the rest of your life without any dream...

and die without any achievement?

You said this before.

That you want to become the best military officer in Joseon.

I want you to reach your dream.

You came, Your Highness.

- Did something good happen? - Pardon?

You seem to be in a good mood.

No.

It's just that...

the weather is amazing.

I heard you were sick yesterday.

- Pardon? - Lady Seo told me...

that she came on your behalf because you were too sick.

I apologize. I caught a cold.

It will be horrible if I give you my cold,

so I should be away from you.

You don't have a fever.

- Sung Duk Im. - Yes, my lady.

The head court lady wants to see you for a moment.

- Pardon? - Follow me.

I heard you turned down...

the transcription request from the noble lady.

Yes, my lady.

I recommended you for the job though.

I apologize.

I was too busy with my job as a court maid.

Is that all?

Yes.

I thought otherwise.

That you were keeping your distance from me on purpose.

I hear the Crown Prince adores you very much.

That is not true.

What do you think about him?

He is not easy to serve,

but I think he will make a good king.

And as a man?

I'm curious about how you feel.

No one bothers to know about how a court maid feels.

That's what non-maids think.

They don't know that we court maids have feelings,

intentions, and goals to achieve...

even by risking our lives.

May I ask what your goal is?

To protect the 700 court ladies under my responsibility.

I'm always worried and concerned...

my power might be too weak or humble...

to protect them.

I want to make you the Crown Prince's concubine.

Not for you, but for all the court ladies.

How reassuring will it be...

if one of us becomes his woman and comes forward for us?

I remember when I first saw you.

I've taken a liking to you since then.

Was it not a coincidence...

that I was assigned to the Crown Prince's library...

as a young maid trainee?

I assigned you there on purpose.

By any chance,

did you make me learn...

about the books that he learned...

with the transcription as an excuse?

A royal concubine needs to be refined with proper courtesy...

in order to keep her king company.

My lady.

I do not want to be a concubine.

I wish to keep living as a court maid.

You didn't do anything wrong.

If that's what you want, I won't force you.

But people are bound to change their minds.

That ornament seems too pricey for a court maid.

But it'll suit just right

if you're a concubine.

If something's about to bud,

let it go before it sprouts.

Nip it off before it settles down.

Before your humble life is put to a mess.

Your Highness.

it's a valuable mandarin hardly harvested in the royal greenhouse.

It was served to His Majesty,

but he had it served to you.

Send him my gratitude through a eunuch.

Yes, Your Highness.

Are you not going to eat it?

I would if it was from Jeju Island.

But the royal greenhouse barely managed to harvest one.

I don't want to get a taste for it.

Then, what would you like to do with it?

The court ladies may share it together.

Your Highness.

That will cause a fight.

Do you know how much they love mandarin?

The younger they are, the crazier they are about it.

They would fight so much over the valuable fruit.

I ate it.

You said offering it to anyone would cause a fight.

I understand how valuable it is,

but did you eat its skin too?

It was delicious.

- Oh, really? - Yes.

You could fall sick from studying too much.

Please take a break.

This is unlike you,

worrying about me.

Because I am supposed to.

It is my duty.

Be honest.

It is okay to be honest...

and say you are worried about me.

Yes. I am worried about you.

You should do something you like instead of studying...

even for a short while.

You should think about yourself, Your Highness.

I am doing what I like.

Yes.

In my favorite place...

with the person I like.

Take this.

It is a precious mandarine.

Did you bring it on purpose for me?

I had one leftover.

The moment I cannot deny anymore has come.

The moment I wanted to delay.

The man in front of me likes me.

The man who will become the King of this country.

This precious fruit is only for the royal table.

I do not dare to receive it. Please understand.

No matter how precious it is,

it is only a fruit. Why can you not receive it?

I am sorry.

Just take it and be happy.

That is all you need to do.

It is precious.

I do not deserve it.

That is why I am refusing it.

I did not want it in the first place.

Does a mere court lady have no right to refuse?

Please...

allow me to refuse it.

Are we...

talking about the mandarine?

- Left Wing Guard. - Yes, Your Highness.

I have something to ask.

You may ask.

I accidentally eavesdropped...

on the court ladies' conversation.

Do you remember?

Yes, Your Highness.

You see,

what Maid Sung said bugs me.

Maid Sung said...

Is it about Maid Sung having an affection for you?

You heard it too.

Yes, Your Highness.

I was not mistaken.

I was worried...

you might have misunderstood it.

Misunderstand?

After you left...

You are not lying, are you?

Do you really like him?

Yes. And...

this is a secret.

It is not just me who likes him.

- What? - What?

- She likes him too. - What?

No, I do not like him.

- Really? - Duk Im. What is wrong with you?

When did I say I liked him?

All Crown Prince's maids must like the Crown Prince as he owns us.

You are his maid.

Then why do you not like him?

Seriously?

Once the Crown Prince takes the throne,

then we all must like him...

as all subjects must like their King.

Duk Im.

- Is it fun to fool us? - That hurts.

I thought you really liked him.

So, Maid Sung...

liked you...

as a loyal subject. It was nothing personal.

She meant she liked you who will take the throne.

You cannot watch court ladies pretending to like you...

to become a concubine.

However, Maid Sung...

would never do that.

I was touched by her loyalty.

Only if I could, I want to recruit her as your guard.

Her loyalty is just impressive.

Your Highness. You must be happy.

Where are you going, Your Highness?

Your Highness.

Your Highness.

It feels cold.

I am getting goosebumps all over my body.

Why is that?

Bull's-eye!

Bull's... My, bull's-eye again!

Your Highness! It went through!

You are suspicious, but you are not certain.

The King is over 80 years old.

He cannot always be the same.

However, it feels strange.

Then...

do you suspect dementia?

(Dementia)

But he is too fine to say that is the case.

I am not sure.

Your Majesty. I brought novels...

for you to read before going to bed.

It is getting bitter.

Come in.

Why are you here?

Court Lady Kim caught a cold, so she is unable to read.

You could just call a court maid.

The book...

is an excuse.

I wanted to see you.

Sit down.

I am sorry.

I have not seen you for a while.

I should have called you more often and taken care of you.

You are actually...

my long-time friend even now when I grew old.

That is an extremely generous remark, Your Majesty.

Where should I start reading?

How about...

I mean...

Can you not recall it?

Come on. Of course, I remember.

Do you know how mad I was because of that book yesterday?

Why did you get so mad?

You do not have to know.

Whenever I recall it, I get angry.

I met my friend after a long time.

I cannot get mad.

Then what should I do with this book?

I do not want to see that again. You can do as you like.

Yes, Your Majesty.

My lady.

They are useless books. Gather them all and burn them.

(Tale of Kwak and Jang)

(Tale of Kwak and Jang)

Please.

- What is the matter? - Duk Im.

The King ordered to burn them all.

- The King ordered it? - Do not make me repeat.

Duk Im.

Young Hee. We cannot do anything if it is the King's order.

No. Not these books.

They are so precious to me.

A mere girl like me transcribed the books for the King...

with two princesses.

Duk Im.

Please understand what these books mean to me.

Young Hee, even so, there is no other way for us.

A way comes to those who are looking for one.

Master Hong.

(Tale of Kwak and Jang)

It is a nice book.

It would be a waste to burn it.

Do you not agree, Lady Jung?

Pardon?

Yes, I agree.

If the books are going to be burned anyway,

it would be nice if those who want them can keep them.

Can you do that for me, Lady Jung?

Please give these books to her.

Yes, I will do so if it is for you.

Thank you.

You better hide them.

Yes. Thank you so much.

Thank you, Master Hong.

Take care.

Bye.

Why are you looking at me like that?

I helped your friend. Are you not happy?

Those books are the property of the royal family.

And you decided to give them to a court maid.

Do you not think it will become an issue?

You should have stopped me earlier then.

You are a coward.

Do not think too much.

Those books were going to be burned anyway.

It would be better if they can bring joy to someone.

You do not have to thank me.

Seeing you happy...

- is enough. - There is no way it is enough.

You made me owe you.

If you think that way, let us say you owe me.

Do you want to pay back?

Oh, no. Did we already become close enough...

to exchange a keepsake?

You did my precious friend a favor.

So I am doing the same thing.

This perfume pouch is for your sister.

Please tell her that it is a memento of the palace she visited.

I still vividly remember how happy she was that day.

I do not owe you anything now.

It will become chilly after the sun goes down.

Let us go inside.

Just wait a little.

I have something to say.

You can do it at your palace.

There are too many people who can hear us.

Throw it further.

It is good now.

San.

I am very old now.

Things are not the same anymore.

I made a promise to someone in the past.

Before I die,

I have to tell you.

Then I will choose not to hear it forever.

I just want you to stay healthy.

You can now lie as well.

I did not lie.

I see.

Let me talk about something else today.

The one who will take the throne...

needs at least one person he can open his heart to.

Is that why you sent Hong Duk Ro to me?

No.

He is...

to be your retainer.

A retainer...

may go against his king...

for his belief or political party.

So it has to be a woman,

not a retainer.

A woman who will keep your side at all times.

A king is also just a man.

He needs to cherish and love...

at least one person sincerely in life.

Otherwise,

he won't be able to hold out.

Later when you take the throne,

find yourself a decent woman.

Like how I found Royal Noble Consort Yeong,

find someone nice.

Your Highness, it's almost time for the evening lecture.

Go on ahead.

Yes, Your Majesty.

What is affection to a king?

Killing the son of the woman he adored the most...

and making her live...

like a living corpse?

Grandpa, I'm not like you.

I will make sure to protect the woman I love.

I will never let my love...

end up like yours.

It doesn't matter even if you don't like me yet.

You're a court maid.

And we will always be together anyway.

Did you come for me?

Your Highness, what are you doing here?

Your eunuch and court maids are looking for you...

I asked you a question.

No, I'm just here on an errand.

I didn't know you were here.

What's keeping you lost in thought?

I'm thinking about you.

I thought I knew you.

However,

for the first time, I came to wonder...

that I might...

know nothing about you.

Tell me.

Are you my person?

Of course.

I swore to myself that I'd dedicate my life to protect you.

Then does your everything belong to me?

Your thoughts,

your intentions,

even your feelings. Are they all mine?

Answer me.

No.

A court maid has her own intentions and feelings.

Those who aren't maids may not want to know,

but I dare to tell you that you don't own my everything...

although I am your person.

This is not even funny.

(The Red Sleeve)

Do not ever trust the King.

We only have ourselves to trust.

The royal physicians have been giving poison to His Majesty.

That's how he became ill.

What is going on?

This book is "Moral Education for Women."

It belonged to the late Royal Noble Consort Yeong.

His Majesty granted me that book.

He is my witness.

What happens if His Majesty doesn't remember it?

Anyone who stole a royal item is subject to execution.