Original subtitles

[Episode 31]

Let go!

Oh! Madam!

- Madam! - Are you hurt anywhere?

These bastards.

Why did you arrest me?

You should know that better than we do.

I know nothing.

We have received a report that the trade company you run rounded up all the medicinal herbs, then fabricated a plague

and raised the price of these herbs.

Who spoke such nonsense?

It is merely a ruse created by those who wish to harm me!

His Majesty has already secured all the details.

Don't try to deny it any further and speak only the truth.

I'm telling you, I know nothing about this.

If you continue on like this... we have no choice but to interrogate you with torture.

Are you threatening the madam?

Shut your mouth and speak only when a question is asked to you.

How dare you!

Do you think you will get away with all this?

Ok Nyeo!

Sir!

I heard you were looking for me.

Yes, sir.

Do you have something to say to me?

Yes, sir.

Sir... Why was it so hard for me to reach you? Have you been busy with something?

Well... this and that.

There were many things His Majesty commanded me to take care of, so I was out in the rural districts.

What is it you wanted to tell me?

While you were gone, a catastrophe swept through the capital.

You mean the plague?

You already know about that?

Of course I do.

I also know that it isn't a plague, but a plot by Jung Nan Jung.

As we speak, Jung Nan Jung and the Head Merchant that took care of the medicinal herbs

are held and being interrogated at the Royal Investigation Bureau.

How did you know all that?

Look here. You are getting so comfortable with me that you forget what my status and position is.

Although I look like your everyday fellow, I'm a secret inspector whoanswers directly to His Majesty.

Yes, you're right.

Jung Nan Jung won't get out of this one easily, so you just wait and see.

I sincerely hope that is so.

By the way... You've grown significantly paler since I last saw you. Is something troubling you?

No, it's nothing.

What do you mean nothing? I can sense that something is up with you.

Tell me.

I figured out

who my mother was

and who killed her.

My mother was a palace maid

and when she was very close to her due date, she was stabbed and laid unconscious in front of Jeonokseo,

and she died while giving birth to me.

Who is the one that killed your mother?

Hurry and tell me.

It was a mercenary sent by Daegam Yoon Won Hyung.

What did you say?

My wife is being held here. I must see her, so escort me to her.

Apologies, sir. You may not meet her until the investigation is over.

What?

Why you punk. What are you babbling about?

Hey! Do you now recognize me? I'm Yoon Won Hyung. THE Yoon Won Hyung!

You punk, you want to end your life?

Daegam!

Aigoo, Deputy Head... it's me.

What brings you here?

What do you mean, "What brings me here?"

I'm here to meet Nan Jung.

You may not.

If you really want to, you need permission from His Majesty.

And here I thought you knew how this all works...

Please help me continue to be civil towards you.

You! Are you willing to turn your back on me for the rest of your life?

My apologies, Daegam.

Hey, Kim Tae Jong! Are you really going to be like this?

Why these little...

I'll be off then.

Ok Nyeo!

Yes, sir.

Your grudge towards Daegam Yoon Won Hyung and Jung Nan Jung

must be very deep indeed, but don't do anything too rash.

Those two have power and authority beyond your reach.

If you attack them without a tried and true plan, it may backfire on you.

Do you understand?

Yes, Sir. I'll heed your advice.

Good. I'll be in touch soon. Go on home.

Yes, Sir.

Let's go.

Yes, Your Majesty.

- Ok Nyeo! - Ahjussi!

Why are you out so late?

I'm sorry.

Did you have dinner?

Yes, I did already. Why are you still up?

It's so hot that I can't fall asleep. I think I'll have a cold wash up.

Alright.

By the way, Ok Nyeo!

Yes?

Well... I have something I need to tell you.

Oh, what is it?

- Jae Seo. - Yes, Your Majesty.

I need to drop by the Ministry of Marketplace Order.

It's too late, Your Majesty.

It'll only be for a moment. Follow me.

What is it?

To be honest with you, there is something I haven't been able to tell you yet.

I gave you the twin jade rings as your mother's keepsake, right?

Yes, you did.

I actually had another keepsake from your mother.

- Take this. - What is it?

It was something the dead lady had on her.

It looks quite valuable. Should I get rid of it?

You punk! To the kid, it's the only tie she has from her dead mother.

What do you mean, "Get rid of it?"

Be off!

It was a headpiece that ladies use to adorn their hair,

and in the middle there was a blue gem that I had never seen before,

and around it there were pearls and precious amber.

Anyway... It was a hair adornment that was decorated with all sorts of precious gems.

Why did you keep this from me all this time?

I'm sorry for keeping it hidden from you, Ok Nyeo.

But I had no other choice.

Your mother was stabbed,

and so I thought that perhaps that precious item

would bring bad fortune to you if it was found in your possession.

So I kept it somewhere safe to give you once you were an adult.

But then... well... things went awry from there.

What do you mean?

I had hidden it in the clerk's office at Jeonokseo

but when you left as a government slave and I left Jeonokseo,

unfortunately, Yoo Geum discovered it while she was cleaning my office out.

Then she gave it to Yoo Jong Hui, of all people.

But Constable Yoo that punk gifted it to Jung Nan Jung!

It looked so precious

that he used it to curry favor with Jung Nan Jung.

But because of that, Yoo Jong Hui was taken into the Royal Investigation Bureau.

The Bureau?

Yes! He was even tortured at the Royal Investigation Bureau

and returned a real wreck.

So Yoo Jong Hui is investigating who the hair piece belongs to.

Imagine if I were to tell him that it is your mother's!

It is clear that you and I would be in deep trouble.

So I'm keeping my mouth closed shut for now.

Do you know how this troubled me when I wasn't even able to tell you about it?

I should have returned it to you a long time ago. I'm sorry, Ok Nyeo.

No, sir. I understand why you would've done that.

But what was the adornment that the Bureau even tortured him?

That I don't know. It makes me so confused and worried!

Who is it?

Your Majesty!

What brings you to the Ministry?

Have a seat.

Yes, Your Majesty.

Thanks to you, the capital is now at peace from the tumult caused by the plague,

and did you know that we arrested the criminal, Jung Nan Jung, too?

Yes, Your Majesty.

We are interrogating her at the Royal Investigation Bureau, so don't worry.

The role you played is very significant... It's sad that I am not able to honor you publicly for it.

If you were exposed as the informant,

Queen Dowager and Daegam Yoon Won Hyung wouldn't let you off the hook.

It's not something I did in exchange for a reward, so there is no need to trouble yourself with that.

Is there anything else you have to say?

What about you? Don't you have something you want to ask me?

The girl Ok Nyeo...

What is the relationship between you and her?

While Ok Nyeo was a damo at Jeonokseo,

I was a criminal held at Jeonokseo.

Ok Nyeo was a young girl back then and I was a hopeless thug.

We first back then and have been in touch ever since.

May I ask...

how you met Ok Nyeo?

I went undercover to inspect Jeonokseo and met her by chance.

As you already know, she is extremely clever

and sees right through the world.

In order to learn the goings-on of the country outside the palace walls,

I hid my identity and stayed in touch with her.

And I hope to continue meeting her.

Your Majesty, may I ask you one more thing?

Sure. What is it?

Do you know that Ok Nyeo suffered becoming a government slave

because you advised her to distribute salt to the military camps?

Yes, I do. Such things won't happen again.

If I am to continue to learn about things outside the palace walls through Ok Nyeo,

Ok Nyeo must not know of my true identity.

So please keep it an absolute secret from her that I am the king.

This is a royal decree.

Do you understand?

Yes, Your Majesty.

Good.

Just stay inside.

I will call for you soon, so be on the lookout.

Yes, Your Majesty.

Rumors said the the palace maids were all killed by Jung Nan Jung and Yoon Won Hyung!

In the end... all the court ladies and palace maids from the Crown Prince's quarters were all killed

and the Court Lady Min, who you saw, was the sole survivor.

Your mother, Gap Ee, was murdered by Daegam Yoon Won Hyung.

Constable Yoo Jong Hyu is on the lookout for the owner of the hairpiece.

Imagine if we told him that it is your mother's keepsake.

Both you and I would be in deep trouble!

Here are the records detailing the shipment of the herbs through Samgye ports.

Since before the first incident of the plague, your trade company

imported vast quantities of medicinal herbs,

and it is all written right here. And yet you still deny all allegations?

We are the biggest trade company in Joseon.

What is so wrong about preparing large quantities of herbs for sale?

If so, then why did you ignore the other herbs

and only prepare large quantities of arrowroot, white atractylis, and yellow rosemellow?

Those herbs are very effective for flu and fever!

I just wanted to prepare for future incidents.

Look here! None of this makes sense!

Then! Why did you only sell the medicine after a long time after the first incident of the plague?

This was to wait until the people's agitation was at its peak

to sell them at a high price!

What items to sell and when to sell them is at the sole discretion of the trade company!

You have no reason to hold me here and interrogate me on such grounds.

Halt!

Did Jung Nan Jung order you to fabricate the plague and monopolize the medicinal herbs?

The Madam never ordered such a thing!

We know nothing, sir! Please spare us!

Shut your mouth!

The only way for you to live is to confess that Jung Nan Jung was the mastermind behind this all.

If you do so, I will let you go immediately.

Daegam Yoon Won Hyung won't let you live through this.

He will question you later for falsely accusing his madam!

Shut your mouth!

Tell me now. Immediately!

You fool! What are you waiting for! Twist their legs!

Yes, sir!

Halt!

- What is it? - The Deputy Head of the Bureau is looking for you, sir.

Halt the torture for a while.

Head Merchant, are you alright?

I'm alright. Don't be swayed.

We must endure it all.

Yes, Head Merchant.

Just a little longer... and the Daegam will find a way for us.

Were you able to attain a confession?

We are torturing them, but even so

they are not admitting that Jung Nan Jung was involved in this.

How are things going for you, Younggam?

She is admitting that the trade company did indeed buy in all those herbs, but without foreknowledge of the plague.

As expected... getting Jung Nan Jung to talk is indeed difficult.

How is Nan Jung faring?

She is being interrogated, but she is holding up well.

The problem is that His Majesty holds a lot of evidence against her.

If Nan Jung were to confess to anything, we won't be able to survive this storm.

Did you find out how the king found out about all this?

Not yet.

There must be an informant to the king.

We must find who that is.

Yes, Your Highness. But shouldn't we save Nan Jung as quickly as possible?

I don't think the king's target is Nan Jung.

If we wait, the king will try to strike a deal with her.

But what if Nan Jung gives in while we wait?

How are the interrogations going?

Jung Nan Jung is not admitting to anything yet.

But we have clear evidence that she fabricated the plague and bought in all those herbs!

She is still adamant?

She admitted to gaining monopoly over the herbs,

but is denying all connections to the plague.

It is true that we lack decisive evidence tying her to the fabrication of the plague, sir.

We must obtain her confession no matter what the cost.

Yes, Your Majesty.

Jae Seo, tell Daegam Lee Jung Myeong to enter the palace at once.

Yes, Your Majesty.

That looks right, this looks right...

Huh? Why isn't this matching up?

Sir!

Is Chief Merchant inside?

Yes, sir. Go on in.

- Sir! Uncle is quite odd these days. - How so?

These days he's turned his back on the company and drinks his days away.

Got it.

This isn't right, either. Not that one! The one on the bottom!

Tae Won!

What brings you here with no notice?

Long time no see, sir.

Sure, sir. You must have your hands full with work and personal matters...

What brings you all this way?

You're still angry at me?

Ho ho? What should I have to be mad about?

Hyungnim, why are you being like this?

What!

Serve this respectable officer well, you two.

I can't stand being here. I'm off.

Did you know Jung Nan Jung is being interrogated at the Royal Investigation Bureau?

What do you mean? Why?

For seizing all the medicinal herbs, fabricating a plague, and gleaning a ridiculous amount of profit.

The one who fabricated the plague was Jung Nan Jung?

Most definitely.

I laid down the groundwork. Not it's your turn to take the stage, Hyungnim.

Since Jung Nan Jung was arrested, her trade company is in chaos right now.

You go and seize it as you please.

You really did all this?

I knew it!

I trusted you from the very beginning! I knew you would never change.

I don't know about the others, but I of all people, trusted you!

I did too, punk!

You punks. Then you should've said something! Why would you make an idiot out of me?

Blame yourself for that before you point a finger at me.

I trusted you, but you didn't trust me!

You punk.

I won't do such a thing every again.

Don't hit me! It hurts you idiot.

What brought you here?

I have something to discuss with you regarding my mother.

Follow me.

Have a seat.

Go on and tell me. What is it you have to say?

Your ladyship, I hear my mother left something in addition to the twin jade rings.

What do you mean?

My adoptive father tells me that from among my mother's keepsakes, there is also a precious hair adornment.

Hair... adornment?

Yes.

There is a big blue gemstone in the middle,

with amber and pearls around the gem.

Do you perhaps... know about the hairpiece?

Wait one moment.

Is it this?

Well...

I haven't seen it myself, so I can't confirm.

But, my adoptive father will be able to check for sure.

Then can you show this to your adoptive father and have him confirm?

Yes, Your Ladyship.

It is extremely precious, so guard it well. You must bring it back before the end of the day.

Yes, Your Ladyship.

Your Ladyship, does this hairpiece bear a special meaning?

I will tell you that after you confirm.

Jeonokseo

- Ahjussi! - Ok Nyeo!

It's this...

It's this one! It looks exactly like this one!

Where did you get this from?

That... I can't tell you.

Ok Nyeo. You aren't meddling in dangerous business again, are you?

I'm not. Don't worry.

I'll be off then.

- Were you able to confirm? - Yes, this is the one.

It is exactly like the one my mother had.

What is wrong, Your Ladyship? What is this hairpiece?

I'll tell you that later. You may leave for today.

Eat up!

Welcome! What should I prepare?

Where is Chun Doong?

Chun Doong?

Who is that?

Who are you trying to fool, woman?

We came fully aware that Chun Doong comes here as if it's his own house. Tell us the truth!

- No, I really don't know him. - Oh, really?

Come on, lads! Search!

Yes!

No.

Why you punks! Stop this instant!

If you don't want to die, stay put!

What? Do you not have parents? You rotten punk!

You bastard!

Search carefully!

You treacherous thugs!

Stop it this instant!

It makes me so happy to hear that Dong Chang was arrested.

I feel as if I'm flying!

Hyungnim, but if he's been arrested with Jung Nan Jung, won't he be released fairly soon?

Ok Nyeo told us!

This is something the king himself has taken into his own hands. It's the end for them.

No need to worry.

Hyungnim! What happened there?

You tell me. Let's go!

- Yeoju Daek! - Aunt!

What happened?

Why are you here?

Go run away! Go!

Aunt! What is it?

Who did this to you?

Dong Chang's cronies ganged up here and stormed through this place.

They are combing through the marketplace trying to catch you, Chun Doong. Run away quickly!

Why? Wasn't Dong Chang taken to the Royal Investigation Bureau?

I don't know that. Take Man Su and hide well!

Go hide! Hurry! Hide well!

Aigoo... Hide well! Go!

What is even going on?

Shouldn't we leave Hanyang altogether?

Let's go to Yeoju.

Are you out of your mind? What can we do in Yeoju?

Wait a moment. I have a plan, too.

Where is this punk?

Supervisor Yang!

I'm busy! Why do you need to call me out?

Take this first.

You shouldn't have done this.

You look like something is troubling you. What is it?

I have a favor to ask of you.

What is it? Tell me anything.

Hey, hey. Move quickly.

Chun Doong!

Hello! Hello!

What brings you here? What happened this time?

Constable Yoo.

What?

Those two, keep them here for now. You got that?

Got it.

Clerk Ji.

Take them to the Men's 7th cell.

What? The 7th cell?

The 7th cell? The one where they have a nice breeze blowing through and is usually reserved for nobility?

That 7th cell where inmates who enter, never want to leave?

Yes. That 7th cell.

Wow, sure sure.

You punk. You're getting some special treatment. Let's go.

Thanks.

Wow, the 7th cell!

Wow!

Head in.

Go in.

7th cell!

Wow, it even has a nice mat!

Yes, how is this?

This works great!

What did you do to hide in Jeonokseo?

Clerk Ji, it's best you don't know.

Wow, the 7th cell is indeed...

You crazy punk.

Look here, I'm Ji Chun Deuk.

If you want to enjoy your stay at the Jeonokseo, treat me well. You got that?

Thank you, sir.

Clerk Ji, go easy on them.

Sir, want to go for a drink?

Sure, don't worry.

Sir! Here is the food you asked for.

Send it in for them.

Here's food!

I'll make sure you have lots of outside food, so don't worry about anything and just enjoy your time.

Yes, thank you, Supervisor Yang!

Of course, of course. I'm off then.

Please take care of their nutritional intake.

- You know the big four nutrient groups, right? - What?

When are you off today?

Come on over.

When would we ever get chicken for prison food?

Let's see...

Hyungnim, but can we really do this?

Aish, you're making me lose my appetite!

Hey, this is the safest place in Hanyang, Jeonokseo!

All we need to do is rest well,

and head out when Dong Chang's cronies are done looking for us.

Eat up, eat up. We have to eat.

Hyungnim! What's wrong?

It's good!

Let's eat, let's eat.

Should I show you some magic?

Here's meat... Now there isn't!

Hey, Man Seok, stop drinking alcohol.

Clerk Ji.

Why the fuss?

Hurry and go to the prison entrance. Hurry.

Hurry.

What?

Sir.

What's the matter?

Hurry and look outside. Jung Nan Jung is here.

What? Madame Jung Nan Jung? For what?

Well, she's here as a prisoner.

Prisoner? Where?

Sir. Madam. What is happening?

Jail the criminals at once.

What?

But how can I jail the madam at the prison?

Lock up the criminal and keep a tight watch. It's a royal order.

Royal order?

Especially the criminal Jung Nan Jung.

Give her no special privileges is the order.

If the order is violated, the prison wardens will be punished.

Follow the royal order.

Yes.

What? Madame Jung Nan Jung is a criminal? What's happening?

The rumor out in town is that Madam Jung Nan Jung fabricated the plague. Is this related to that?

Why, I'm going to go crazy. First Lord Yoon Won Hyung now, Madam Jung Nan Jung, too.

How am I supposed to handle this? Man, Your Majesty.

Why do you test me like this?

I really will go crazy, Your Majesty.

So are you going to defy the royal order?

Defy? Why should I defy the royal order and for whose benefit?

- Clerk Ji. - Yes, sir.

Go out and jail the criminal first.

Yes. Alright.

What is this?

Open door.

Go in.

How dare you escort the madame to such a place.

You didn't hear what the palace guard chief said? There are no special privileges.

How dare you do this before her.

Stop it.

Madame. You scum!

Let go, wench!

Sungnim, get the prison director here at once.

Let's go.

You scum! You're not afraid?

Get the jail director here at once!

Stop it now.

- Sungnim. - So noisy. Shut up.

What did you say? You don't know who she is?

Enough! Stop the ruckus. Sit for now.

Yes, Sungnim.

We are all locked up the same. What, madam?

- Hyungnim, let me see it, too. - You want to see?

See it. See it. Can you see it?

You're such a baby you should know if you should be involved. Move.

A new arrival.

We don't take new arrivals here.

Look who's here. You were hiding here?

Hyungnim, how did you... I got a nice place prepared for you.

Hyungnim.

You thought you'd never see me again?

Hyungnim, please stop.

You bastard, you just wait.

You did what?

Save me.

Stop hitting me!

The Queen Dowager is above the King.

That means Madam Jung Nan Jung will not be locked inside the Jeonokseo for too long.

Perhaps this is another heaven-sent opportunity for me

to be in Madam Jung Nan Jung's favor.

I got demoted to be an assistant again and suffered that shame

all because of Jung Nan Jung.

Right now, His Majesty is personally at odds with Jung Nan Jung,

and so it is my last opportunity to seek revenge on Jung Nan Jung.

Sungnim, Yoo Chambong is here.

Madam, you are suffering a lot in there.

You are here at the right time. Can you do me a favor?

What favor?

I want to write a letter to Daegam. Please help me.

That... will be difficult.

Why is it difficult?

His Majesty has given strict orders not to give you preferential treatment. Don't tell me you haven't heard?

Hey! Yoo Chambong!

Think carefully. Between madam and I,

is there any reason for me to be loyal and help you while disobeying the orders of His Majesty?

What do you mean by that?

Thanks to you, Madam, I was captured by the palace guards,

and suffered a lot of hardship. Didn't you know?

At that time, what did you do for me that you are now asking me to help you?

You really are shameless.

- What? - Hey! Stop talking!

As long as I am in Jeonokseo, don't expect to get any preferential treatment,

do you get it? It's better for you to be mentally prepared.

Are you purposely looking for death?

Yes. I am purposely looking for death. So, so, what do you want to do?

- You jerk! - Yoo Chambong!

What are you doing now? Have you gone crazy?

How dare you try to be so smirky and smug in front of the madame.

Madam, whatever he has said has nothing to do with me.

Why are you standing there? Quickly bring Madam to a private cell!

Yes. Yes. Key, bring me the key!

Hey! Aren't you going against the orders from His Majesty?

Shut up! Get lost now! Right now!

You jerk! Madam...

Madam, though it is plain, please go inside first.

Yes.

If you need anything, please let me know any time.

In Jeonokseo and within my capability,

I will help Madam as best as I can.

- Thank you. - Yes.

Please bring some paper, pen, and ink.

Yes, paper, pen, and ink. Yes, alright.

Why stand there? Hurry up and bring them here!

- Yes. Yes. Yes. - Hurry!

You get some food for Madame to eat.

- Yes. - Delicious stuff.

- Yes. - A lot!

- Yes. - Hurry up and go.

This room is the most airy and quiet room in the prison.

Where did that jerk get the courage to disobey orders from His Majesty?

Was I over-reacting?

Sungnim. Sungnim!

Yes. Why?

What are you thinking that you are so engrossed?

- Gather all the staff. - Why?

What about why? I asked you to do something, just do it. Who asked you to question?

Yes.

Everyone. Leave everything you are doing and gather here. Hurry! Gather!

Why?

You are not supposed to be standing there.

Everyone, listen carefully.

As you know, Madame is currently locked up in prison.

We are in a crisis with our pillar shaken.

Hence, I will fill the role of the pillar to block this household from coming to ruin.

Those of you who slouch because Madam isn't here

will be kicked out at once. Do you understand?

Why isn't there any response?

- Yes. - Alright.

Alright. If you've all understood, go on with your work.

What's up with her?

It's when there's no tiger on the mountain, even the monkey can be king.

She's the most annoying anyone can be.

Sungnim, Sungnim. His Lordship is going into the palace.

What? Really?

Aigo, move. Move.

Daegam!

My Lord.

What is it?

Please have some of this before you go to the palace.

What is it?

You must have been so upset because of Madam.

I prepared this restorative so you can get your stamina back.

Restorative?

If your nights feel long without madam, please look for me any time.

I'll be waiting.

You really don't know me.

I have no love for Nan Jung but I am loyal to her.

There are times you do this stuff. How dare you try to seduce me.

It's not that.

I'm overfilled with stamina without having to eat some restorative.

You don't know that?

You do know. Take it away.

When is it finally my turn?

So cool!

Have a seat.

I've called for the two of you to discuss and deal with the situation with Jung Jan Jung.

For fabrication of the plague and causing the people undue anxiety, I am currently investigating Jung Nan Jung and her underlings.

I'd like to discuss with you what we should do with them later.

Your Majesty.

I have something to say to you.

Please speak.

Your Majesty, politics is a so-called skill of negotiation.

The wise and decisive action of Your Majesty,

has brought us to a good phase now.

You should now take advantage of this good phase.

Take advantage?

Your Majesty, now you have to make your decision calmly.

Though it is important to punish Jung Nan Jung,

now is the time to deal a blow to the Lesser Yoon faction in order to strengthen our political power.

Moreover, this is a perfect opportunity to plot our political bearing.

If this is done,

Your Majesty will be able to showcase your aspirations in politics.

Have you clarified yet?

Yes. This is it.

I was told this is exactly like the bequest my late mother has left for me.

Why is your reaction like this, Madam? What exactly is this?

I will tell you the origin of this later.

Hurry up and leave.

Miss.

What is it?

Outside, there is a sir looking for you.

Who?

He says he is Sir Kang Sang Ho and that you know him.

- Hurry up and invite him in. - Yes.

What has brought Sir here?

Previously, you've mentioned Sung Ji Hun to me, didn't you?

Yes, Sir.

Daegam Lee Jeong Myeong wants to meet him.

What?

What is this place here?

There is a Sir here who wants to meet you.

Who is this person?

Go inside and you'll know.

Sir.

I've brought him here.

Long time no see, Captain. I'm Kang Sun Ho.

It's been a long time.

Please go inside. The Minister of Military is waiting for you.

What? If it's the Minister of Military, that means Daegam Lee Jung Myeong wants to meet me?

That's right.

Sir, please go inside.

Let's go inside.

I've heard all about what you've undergone.

You were the captain at the Police Bureau?

Yes, Daegam.

Also, with Daegam Yoon Won Hyung

and Madam Jung Nan Jung, you are absolutely irreconcilible?

When I worked as the Police Bureau captain, I almost became Lord Yoon Won Hyung's son-in-law.

Later, I learned that Daegam Yoon Won Hyung is my grandfather's

and biological parents' enemy.

I backed out of my engagement but was immediately transferred to Haeju Provincial Office.

Those two people still weren't satisfied,

and forced the death of my adoptive father.

So, you want to seek revenge on the two of them?

I can clearly understand your feelings.

There will be a limit to what you can do in terms of fighting in business out in the streets.

Have you thought about getting into politics again?

What?

Please take a seat.

Your Majesty.

From here on, what are you thinking of doing?

Which matter are you talking about?

About Nan Jung, I'm asking you for how long will you imprison her inside Jeonokseo?

To mete out punishment and continue investigations on a criminal, being imprisoned in Jeokokseo,

what problem is there?

Your Highness, Nan Jung's only crime is mistaking a diseases as the plague, that's all.

She's never plotted such devious acts as you think.

- Your Majesty, please investigate earnestly. - Please investigate earnestly, Your Majesty!

Ijo Jeong Lang? (3rd rank, Ministry of Personnel, with carte blanche palace access and is an advisor to the king.)

Yes.

Ijo Jeong Lang has to be held by our own people.

Your Highness, Ijo Jeong Lang

also has power of jurisdiction over Three Offices of Joseon, Office of Inspector General, Office of Censorship and Office of Special Advisors.

If we can have authority over Office of Inspector General, Censorship and Special Advisers through the personnel chief,

our power to monitor and expose the misdeeds of the Soyoon Faction within the palace

would greatly increase.

Then,

I will make an offer.

Yes, Your Majesty. Please give me your order.

I heard Ahn Do Hyun is the current chief of personnel.

Yes, Your Majesty.

Tell him I will utilize the inner-appointment system,

and place the next appointment of my choosing personally.

Your Majesty, you can't.

Yes, Your Majesty.

In order to keep personnel rights independent from the Ministers and the King,

the predecessor recommends his successor personally

is how the inner-appointment system works.

Your Majesty, we have a national law on it.

Even if it's your royal command, we cannot follow it.

The inner-appointment system

is just a pretend law. You think I don't know that?

The position of the personnel chief

has thus far been appointed by the choosing of Uncle and Mother.

I already know that.

- King! - Your Majesty, it's a misunderstanding.

How can you say that?

If you will agree with me on this matter,

the matter of Jung Nan Jung, I will overlook it.

Give me the position of the personnel chief.

Then, I will release Jung Nan Jung.

It has to be that Lee Jung Myeong behind it.

He wants control over personnel moves.

He told the king to make a deal with us.

My Lord, what do we do now?

We should make another offer to the king first.

Let's accept the king's offer.

Your Highness, what do you mean?

If the personnel chief position is taken away by the king and Lee Jung Myeong,

then the Office of Inspector General, Censorship and Special Advisers,

it's as if we lose all those.

Our party would lose too much, Your Highness.

To me, Nan Jung is that important.

The more difficult the politics become, the more we need Nan Jung's intelligence and finances.

For now, we must take a step back.

Do as I say.

Madame, please come out.

Come out? What do you mean? Go where?

No, it's that you're being released, Madame.

Is that true?

Yes, Madame. The punishment office went to get the King's decree.

His Majesty's decree is to release you.

Congratulations, Madame.

Sungnim.

Please be careful.

This way, please.

Yes.

You've suffered here.

I will not forget your care.

I am speechless to hear you say that.

It's been an honor to serve you.

Let's go, Sungnim.

What!

I shall never forget how you shamed me.

Go cautiously, Madame.

Are you alright?

Wow, it's red.

Let's go in.

Mother!

Nan Jung!

Madam!

Honey.

Dear, how you have suffered.

Are you alright, Mother?

You weren't hurt anywhere?

I'm fine. Anything happened at home?

Nothing, Mother.

Nan Jung!

Nan Jung!

My Lord.

You went through a lot. Are you injured anywhere?

I'm fine.

What are you waiting for? Hurry and escort Madam in.

Yes, Madam.

Hurry.

Send this to the chief of palace guards.

Yes, Your Majesty.

And Lady Han, you tell Do Sung Ji I want to meet him.

Yes, Your Majesty.

Jae Soo.

Yes?

I will make a secret trip outside today, so let Ok Nyeo know.

Yes, Your Majesty.

Sir.

Yes, Ma'am?

I have something to ask you.

Go ahead.

I'm sorry, but I heard His Majesty say

he's looking for the girl named Ok Nyeo.

Does he mean the Ok Nyeo girl who works at Divinity Office?

How do you know Ok Nyeo?

Why does His Majesty want to meet Ok Nyeo?

That's for...

Sir, please tell me.

Sir.

This is only for you to know.

Yes, Sir.

Whenever His Majesty goes out of the palace undercover, he meets Ok Nyeo to hear about the happenings outside the palace.

What?

So he ordered me to let Ok Nyeo know.

How does His Majesty know Ok Nyeo?

His Majesty once went out undercover to the capital prison.

He first met Ok Nyeo who was a worker there at the time.

Afterwards, they've continued their acquaintance.

Then, he doesn't summon Ok Nyeo into the palace, but he goes out to meet her in person?

That's because Ok Nyeo doesn't know His Majesty's identity.

That girl believes His Majesty to be a secret royal inspector.

These are merchants who work under Min Dong Ju.

The Chief Merchant is being investigated. How are they continuing with their business?

That's because...

What is it?

Sir, Chief Min Dong Ju is already released.

What do you mean?

He was released at the same time Madame Jung Nan Jung was released.

Madame Jung Nan Jung was released?

Are you certain?

Yes, we are certain, Sir.

You wish to meet His Majesty?

Yes, Sir. I must meet him to tell him something.

I got it, but there are eyes watching inside the palace.

Let's have you meet His Majesty outside.

Outside?

Today, His Majesty will make an undercover trip outside.

I will arrange it so you can meet His Majesty then.

Sungnim. Sungnim.

What's with the ruckus?

Sungnim, Jung Nan Jung who was arrested by the punishment office got released.

Jung Nan Jung?

I heard she was jailed at the capital prison though.

But she was released this morning, I heard.

Really?

His lordship must be frustrated.

What?

- It was good. - Bye now.

Welcome.

Is Ok Nyeo here already?

Ok Nyeo isn't here yet. Director Yoon Tae Won of Ministry of Marketplace Order

is waiting for you.

Yoon Tae Won is?

Yes, he said he had to tell you something in person.

Please go inside.

Your Majesty.

Have a seat.

So why did you want to meet me?

Your Majesty, is Madame Jung Nan Jung truly released?

Yes.

Your Majesty. I'm sorry to say this,

but this is different from what you told me before.

Your Majesty said you'd definitely punish Jung Nan Jung and her accomplices.

Queen Dowager and I, as well as the state councilor,

have a complicated political relationship.

I gave up Jung Nan Jung and gained something bigger.

So please be understanding.

But Your Majesty, Jung Nan Jung threatened the lives of the people,

and she slighted you.

Even someone lowly like me knows the gravity of her crime.

But how are you unable to punish such a criminal?

It's not that I'm unable.

I'm postponing it.

Sir.

♪ Someone in your heart ♪

♪ That I am there ♪

♪ Somewhere where you are ♪

♪ That I can stay there ♪

♪ This love ♪

Preview

Someone must be at His Majesty's side.

Someone who says words to His Majesty and stirs His Majesty.

We must find out who that is and get rid of this person.

Ok Nyeo.

What brings you here?

I have something I must tell you.

Tell me next time.

What are you doing?

My Lord!

My Lord. My Lord, why are you doing this?

Are you going to meet the secret royal inspector? Don't go.

♪ That I could be there ♪

♪ Where you are ♪