Original subtitles

QUEEN FOR SEVEN DAYS

THE FOLLOWING FICTIONAL DRAMA IS BASED ON HISTORICAL FACTS

This is a copy of a note I secretly secured from the library.

I was told that the will of the late King was left in a secret note.

We found him, Your Majesty.

The officer who used to live and work at the palace before your father died.

Are you scared or it the smell?

Go answer the call of the nature.

He hid his identity and is currently living in...

Dongjeokjeon outside of the East Gate.

The Jasun Daebi people are acting suspiciously.

Yesterday, she took Prince Jin Seong with her...

on an outing outside the palace.

The more I look at her the more interesting she is.

What if they already know about the secret note?

What if they're planning to secure the note?

That's why you have to find it now.

We have to destroy the note as soon as possible.

That's...

I've been thinking.

I think I should marry you.

Instead of marrying a stranger.

It would be better to marry you since I know who you are and we're friends.

I think it would be good for you too. Don't you think?

Milady. Prince.

We're here.

Won't you answer me?

Am I... crazy?

Become Doseungji's son-in-law.

Then...

I won't kill you.

Whatever. I don't like him either.

If he was a jerk, he could say no to me without making me expect anything else.

Or he could be so handsome that I'd think he's out of my league.

He's just a mediocre-looking guy who thinks he's more than that.

QUEEN FOR SEVEN DAYS

EPISODE 3

Dear gods of Heaven and Earth, the dragon gods...

please hear the prayers of the Joseon people.

The continued drought this year has killed off the crops.

Saving my people has been difficult lately.

The rivers and fields are littered with dead bodies.

I am not worthy,

since I am the one with sins and faults.

No king has ever led a rain calling ceremony himself.

He shows he cares about his people by leading the ceremonies.

There are twelve steps in rain calling ceremonies.

held in mountains, rivers, the Jongmyo Shrine,

and for the dragon gods.

In principle, the king is supposed to dispatch his officers.

Are you trying to say he's violating the rules by doing your job?

I mean, not everything can be done by himself.

It's not about him doing this alone.

He's desperate. So he wants to do it himself.

It's his obsession.

Whatever it is, he wants to control everything,

including the weather.

Please give us an abundance of rain.

It would be great if it works.

-Your Majesty. -Your Majesty.

Please take care of yourself.

Please take care of yourself.

Father, I don't care about gods of earth or sea, whatever.

I don't know them at all...

and I never depended on them.

So, Father,

are you watching over me?

My prayers and wishes are sincere.

I'm desperately wishing for rain to fall.

People think the salamander is a dragon that controls rain. So--

Wait.

Where did you put my salamander pot?

You said it was for the king.

Then it's a good thing. You saved money, but it's his now.

Wow, I'm so grateful.

Why did you buy a salamander pot?

-Salamanders live in-- -Salamanders live in--

So we call them dragons.

The dragon is the symbol of the king. That's why it suits our king well.

Dragons living in ditches?

That's so childish.

-What is childish? -What is childish?

Anyway, you put the salamander in this pot,

cover it with a leaf and wet a willow tree branch.

Tap on this pot, and chant like this.

Salamander

Bring about clouds, gather mist, and let the rain fall.

If you do, I'll set you free.

How do you know this? It's only done in the palace.

Seo Noh.

Seo Noh, what are you doing?

They are my friends.

Grandma.

Are you all right?

You're not supposed to be here. Go back home.

Seo Noh's father seems very strict.

Keep your eyes on the officer living in Dongjeokjeon.

If anyone from the palace tries to approach him,

kill them regardless of their rank or reason.

Kill them no matter what.

Never ever... see those two again.

They saved my life today.

They wanted to become friends.

Friends?

Why don't you like me?

Why?

Hey!

-Find them! -Yes, sir.

What are we running away from?

Someone is following us.

Why?

What have we done?

Even though we didn't do anything wrong, we can be killed at any time.

Excuse me?

Because I'm the prince.

That's what I've been taught.

If I sense danger, I must run.

Why? What?

I didn't know how much you cared about people.

But why do you pretend you don't?

Are you bullied by your mother-in-law?

-What? -I mean...

Look. You pretend you didn't hear or see anything.

You keep your mouth shut.

I heard girls do that when they get married.

What you're doing right now is the same thing.

You're right. That's what I do to survive.

I'm afraid you might run away and leave me all alone.

They must be nearby.

Let's go!

Please, God. Don't let them find us. Please.

They're coming.

They're coming.

You'll be all right. Don't be afraid.

It's raining.

It's raining!

-It's raining! -It's raining!

It's raining!

-It's raining! -Cheers for the king!

It's actually raining.

Congratulations, Your Majesty.

Your Majesty. Hooray!

Hooray!

Cheers for the king!

Congratulations.

Father, do you see this? Am I still not worthy of being king?

I will not doubt myself anymore.

I am the King of Joseon.

Prince.

-Can you see the pavilion? -Yes.

Let's run to it.

Your Majesty, it's finally raining.

Congratulations.

His Majesty's wish has finally reached the sky.

Queen Mother.

Queen Mother.

I'm here to discuss Prince Jinseong's marriage with you.

It seems like the rain is a good omen. Don't you think?

I visited Doseungji and we discussed their marriage.

I didn't get any response yet. So...

I brought this marriage proposal note.

I think it's time for you to make a move.

If the prince marries the daughter of the officer the King trusts the most,

the relationship between them would be better, don't you think?

Up until a few years ago, they got along really well.

I wish... they could go back to those times.

That's all I want.

So, please help me.

I prefer wearing casual clothes over formal clothes.

Formal clothes are too heavy...

and make it hard to move around.

Tell Sanguiwon to make my clothes lighter

and the sleeves narrower.

Yes, Your Majesty.

What do you think?

Yes, Your Majesty.

If the sleeves are narrower, it'll make it easier for you to--

No.

I was talking about Prince Jinseong.

Prince Jinseong?

Not done yet?

His Majesty is talking to Doseungji.

He gave orders not to let anyone disturb him.

Am I just anyone?

My little brother thinks I blurted it out in anger.

He said he won't marry into your family, ever.

I was rude to him and spoke harshly of him.

However, my decision wasn't made out of anger.

As you may know, Yeok is not just my little brother,

but a rightful heir to the throne and my biggest political rival.

Your Majesty, but--

It's not because I care about him...

I want to give him to you because I have to be more cautious.

I can't trust anyone... except you.

Your Majesty, there's an emergency.

I was right about the Dongjeokjeon village.

Come in.

Why is he there?

Why would he be there?

It's just what we expected.

Queen Mother must also know about this.

Because she is your late father's wife.

Bring him here. We'll find out if we question him.

Yes, Your Majesty.

Are you trying to betray me?

If you know anything about this, I will never forgive you.

Today...

I came to say that I won't marry you.

You're not just an ordinary person.

If I marry a daughter of the officer closest to my brother...

it would look like I am afraid of him and don't trust him.

It hurt my pride. I didn't like it.

If we get married, you and our king

as well as our families, will become closer. No?

We'll become a family.

How naive.

I was praying while we were being chased by those people.

I thought we're meant to be together if we get out of this unharmed.

It means God helped us and we should not be afraid.

Girls are girls.

-That stupid spell... -Whether it's a spell or not...

I had the courage.

So let's not be terrified of the world that adults have created.

You did nothing wrong.

The whole world is wrong.

You...

like me?

What?

The rain stopped already?

Now, even dropping a small stone...

will create large ripples...

since he is sensitive.

He has been...

living with a broken heart for years.

I don't want to see him suffer the same pain...

ever again.

Prince, are you having fun?

Yes.

Your Majesty,

the finance minister Shin Soo-geun wants to see you.

I appreciate it.

Your Majesty...

you hired me to be your dog.

I have no choice but to be a dog.

With my canine fangs, I will cut the throat of your precious...

Prince Jinseong.

After he dies, your son and I can take over Joseon.

Hop on my back.

How can you walk with injured feet?

I won't.

Why?

Are you trying to keep your distance?

They teach you not to sit next to boys at age seven?

There are tons of reasons.

Tons?

It means a lot, Prince.

Will you get on my back if I ask you to marry me?

I'm growing on you, no?

I'll be going now, bird poop.

What did you do?

What did you do?

Prince.

See? You're going to get on my back anyway.

Come on.

I am trying to be polite. I can't keep refusing it.

It's not what I want.

-You should know that. -I got it.

-Why are you so heavy? -So embarrassing. Let go of me.

Now, please.

Were you teasing me again?

If we get married...

I want to live happily like this as friends do.

-Done? -I'm not going to be fooled again.

What now?

I was being serious this time.

You can marry me.

But not an arranged marriage.

Because I like you.

-Why do you look so tired? -Because you're heavy.

I'm not that heavy.

When will you stop doing that?

I've never thought you were wrong.

Except today.

Why did you do that?

If you become friends with someone out of your league...

you'll pay the price someday.

People should settle for what they are allowed to have.

Dad.

We're here.

Do you have something to say, or do you need a restroom?

When a vow is made, there should be a ceremony.

When you make a promise, you should leave a token.

Isn't that true?

Here it is.

Stick your finger out.

That one.

Perfect.

My token is...

Prince!

Prince!

-What happened? What's wrong? -Please save my dad, please.

He might be killed.

They took him instead of me for stealing the rice.

How can that be?

-We sorted that out. -It's not about that, I'm sure.

The Uigeumbu people took him for that?

I should've been taken, not my dad. Whatever the punishment is, I am to blame.

Prince.

Listen.

I'll go to Uigeumbu in the morning and find out what's going on.

No, I will tell them he's innocent and to release him.

So go home. Nothing...

will happen to your dad.

What about me?

You should learn the Hanyang language.

What?

Prince.

Seo Noh and his grandma... they need your help.

Don't make any rash moves. We will be in bigger trouble.

Prince.

If this is because of the rice,

I will take the blame. So don't forget to tell me.

It's not your fault, ever.

Please spare me.

What's your name?

I'm Mak Gae.

I want your real name.

What do you mean?

What is your occupation?

Did I ever have an occupation?

I'm a peasant and live with the--

Shut up!

If you lie again, I won't question you with words.

Your name.

Mak Gae. I'm Mak Gae.

Were you the late king's scribe?

I don't know what you're talking about.

How do you know the prince?

Prince Jinseong...

Why was he at your place? Why was he there with your son?

That's a misunderstanding. The prince doesn't know anything--

About what?

What do you think he doesn't know?

That's a misunderstanding.

The prince doesn't know anything--

Family should live together...

and die together.

You're wrong.

We can't live like that.

Throw it out!

Your Majesty, aren't you supposed to discuss the marriage?

It's not a good time.

-Dad, it's me. Chae-kyung. -Come on in.

Your Majesty.

Chae-kyung. You used to be small, but you're all grown up.

What brings you here?

Did you see the note inside?

No, I swear I didn't.

Okay. It should be fine. I already heard about it from your nanny.

Go back to your room and get some sleep. We have to talk to the queen.

Your Majesty, did you...

hear anything that happened in Uigeumbu?

Nothing.

Seo Noh and his grandma need your help.

Don't make any rash moves, or we will be in bigger trouble.

If Chae-kyung marries into the royal family,

there will be turmoil in the dynasty. Don't forget...

my prophecy.

Monk!

Don't believe...

the late king.

If Chae-kyung marries into the royal family,

there will be turmoil in the dynasty.

Soo-geun.

This should not be happening.

Please help us stop the marriage.

Your Majesty, she is not meant to be with Prince Jinseong.

-Prince. -Let me go. Yesterday--

-Prince. -Prince.

What brings you here?

I think Doh Ryu knows.

What's the reason?

Dongjeokjeon...

is the village governed by the dynasty.

Crops from the village are supposed to belong to the dynasty.

He stole the rice and used it for his personal benefit.

That can't be true.

I already brought back the rice.

That added another charge, deceiving the king.

He not only stole the rice for the dynasty,

but also did not report...

what happened to his superiors.

You should know very well...

what happens when you deceive the king.

The charge is treated more severely than treason.

Our king has no mercy on those who deceive him and the dynasty.

No matter what.

It was just a handful of rice.

They cultivated the crops the entire spring and summer.

It was a handful of rice. They deserve part of it.

It doesn't matter if it is a handful or a grain!

It belongs to the king.

So you want to punish him?

He who deceives the king shall face a life sentence.

Prince.

Your Majesty. Please, I'll explain.

Please forgive him. He did nothing wrong.

Step away.

Your Majesty.

-Brother! -All rise for the king!

We welcome our king.

Your Majesty. I will wait here until the assembly is done.

As soon as he sees this,

he will want to save the person in prison by fooling others

saying it's the king's command. But it'll only put him at risk.

Your Majesty.

I told you to leave.

Are you disobeying my order?

But a life sentence? How can it be that serious?

He is innocent.

He deceived his king!

What is more serious than that?

You must be right about that. But there's something more important.

It's life.

Are you trying to say...

that I'm questioning an innocent person and trying to frame him?

-That's not it. -Then?

Are you going to disobey my order and interfere in politics?

-I'm not. -Then what?

I'm saying there might be some misunderstanding.

And he might get punished worse than he should.

Whether it be an assembly in front of officers, or trials at Uigeumbu,

I'm asking you to give him a chance to be judged fairly.

You haven't changed.

You always believe your judgement is better than mine.

Listen, my little brother.

What you need right now is not a trial.

You need my forgiveness, understanding and mercy.

After you learn to obey my orders...

come back to me.

-Brother. -How dare you.

-Your Majesty. -Your Majesty.

Your Majesty.

Your Majesty.

-Bring the doctor. -Yes.

Your Majesty... let's go.

Seo Noh!

Seo Noh.

Seo Noh.

Seo Noh.

I...

ruined everything.

It's all because of me.

It's all my fault. I shouldn't have gotten involved.

Help me.

Father. Mother.

Prince.

Your Majesty...

I knew you were childlike,

but what on earth were you thinking?

What do the officers think?

It was refreshing though.

You said the assemblies and the trials are fine.

I haven't heard such a thing in a while.

Some said that only you can oppose the king's decision.

Do you think they're interested?

Not me, but what happened in the Dongjeokjeon village case.

This person's life is at stake.

Who would dare go against the king for such a trivial reason?

He questioned my judgement, however...

I will forgive him.

In front of my officers, you wanted to fight me...

but I will forgive you.

I will forgive your arrogance that he might be an innocent person.

However...

if you are trying to protect the prisoner because of the secret note...

or if you are waiting to become an adult, to deceive and fool me!

Your Majesty, be careful.

I will never... forgive you.

I will kill him myself.

The gate was closed just before the prince arrived.

-Open the door. -Yes, sir.

Even this stone isn't helping.

Why are you here?

-What happened? -Stay out of it.

How can I? Seo Noh's grandma died.

How can they have a funeral without Seo Noh's father?

When? Why?

Seo Noh's grandma tried to find her son and collapsed along the way.

She was already ill. Add to that the shock.

Tell me the truth.

The king ordered that he be killed.

I will get him out.

What if you end up being framed?

-Let's go ask my dad to-- -How can I trust him?

Your dad does everything for the king.

Don't give me that look.

You're not the only one hurting.

I'm about to go crazy.

How come no one is stopping this?

I will speak to my dad, mom and uncle.

Also the queen.

If that doesn't work, I will talk to the king.

So you have connections?

Since you're the only daughter

of the most powerful family,

you think people will help?

Prince.

What if Seo Noh's father dies while you show off your connections?

-Are you going to take responsibility? -You don't have to do this to me.

You talked me into getting involved, saying you wanted to save someone.

Do you think I don't know that? I regret doing that!

Then stay out of this!

You said you have regrets.

So please, you coward...

stay out of this.

If you stop me again,

I won't see you again.

Please save me.

Hey, you! Wake up!

Please!

The king said he's going to forgive you considering the drought was so severe.

Now!

Please don't, Prince.

Don't get involved.

Just pretend you don't know.

Release him, now!

Please.

Leave me.

I'm doing this because I want to. I can't let you die.

I'm just an excuse.

-You. -Prince.

Father.

Did you think I'd do nothing but whistle?

So, you released the prisoner?

-The prince came-- -Go after him!

-Yes, sir. -Stop.

There! Run!

Father.

You should go alone from here.

What?

I have to finish this.

I also need to buy you some time.

How?

-My own way. -But...

Please.

Can you please listen to me?

Get going, now!

Seo Noh.

They could not have gone far. Find them!

-Yes. -Yes.

Seo Noh.

Can we rest for a bit?

Father, please wake up.

Seo Noh. Hurry.

One of my relatives is going to be dispatched to a southern city today.

Hurry.

One, two, three.

Hurry up.

-We should go before the sun comes up. -I got it.

-Here. -Wait.

Come on.

Hurry.

Here you go.

He's in a critical condition.

The doctor says staying in a warm climate can cure him.

That's why. So, please take care of him. All right?

I will. My master asked me to.

I just do what I am ordered to.

He's my friend, so take care of him.

Don't worry so much.

I think he can earn his keep.

Hurry.

Eat this on the way.

What about the prince... and you?

Did you forget who we are? They won't kill us.

I will repay...

this favor.

We are friends, don't call it a favor.

Thank you.

Stop!

Father.

Did you have another nightmare?

What time is it?

Just after 1:00 a.m.

Your Majesty.

Did you do all this?

Yes.

Why?

Why did you do this?

Why?

The throne...

that's why.

What?

Are you...

saying it's because of the throne?

QUEEN FOR SEVEN DAYS

Are all these petitions asking to pardon Yeok?

Tell him it's all her fault.

That way you can survive.

Prince Jinseong said it was all your fault.

-Your Majesty... -I said don't ever show up again!

Prince, please don't do this to me!

I will survive and become the king.

Don't you think it's best if you pretend not to know him...

even if you happen to see the prince?

It's you. Why did you lie? I know it's you.