BLOODY HEART
THE PEOPLE, GROUPS, PLACES, AND INCIDENTS IN THIS DRAMA ARE PURELY FICTIONAL
You asked who my real enemy was.
Did you find your answer?
Yes.
And I am here to give you the answer.
Once I hear it,
I would like to give you an answer as well.
I choose…
not to breathe vengeance on anyone.
The cost of it will be unnecessary bloodshed.
I refuse to walk the same path as you.
Then what is it that you will do?
The path my father couldn't take.
The path my mentor avoided.
By His Majesty's side,
I will have him be a benevolent leader.
As my father once said,
he is the one served by the skies.
Do you believe he has the makings of a benevolent king?
Power vested in one who does not
will only…
rain tyranny upon us all.
Who are you to assess one's makings?
It has been the meritorious subjects who thwarted him from blooming.
The path you are describing
is that of the Queen.
Then, the Queen…
I shall be.
As your niece.
A niece who is in fact my mortal enemy and the one who will eventually
weaken my position.
It is now your turn to answer.
BLOODY HEART EPISODE 10
Was it you who sent Songbaek?
Yes.
What did Lady Park say?
That she would see you
as Yoo Haksoo's daughter.
Why…
did you hide this from me?
This is karma at its worst.
Yoo Haksoo once said this about his own daughter.
That she would have easily become a minister had she been born a boy.
However,
he was glad that she was not born as one.
I have finally realized why.
If she had been born a man, the royal family and the court
as well as the public would have led her down the path of a traitor.
Lady Park.
I will have her crowned as my Queen.
And I will comply
for your sake and our family's. However,
although she is your niece on paper, she is still Yoo Haksoo's daughter.
Aren't you afraid of the repercussions?
I am.
But to eliminate her
would be a waste.
My lord!
I was never gifted a worthy king,
so I choose to at least serve…
a fitting queen.
Jeong,
I am not sending you to the palace for personal gain.
A king's actions can bring peace to the people
or trouble.
That is why
a king is said to reign over…
even the skies.
Today,
I spent the entire day with farmers.
Never have I…
been in such close proximity to them.
Every day,
I spend my hours with court officials and meritorious subjects.
From here on out, I will learn about my people…
and their lives.
And I wish to protect them.
A king who hides the truth
cannot be a true king to the people.
Time…
is what I need.
Once I have regained authority over the officials,
I will be sure to clear your father's name.
May one ask…
for you to wait?
I will wait.
It is my King who makes the promise.
So I will wait.
The poster
accusing me of murdering late Queen Inyoung
will not be spoken of.
-My lord! -Banchon is where the poster was put up.
Who am I to punish young scholars of the Confucian Academy
for speaking their minds?
Besides, we have a more pressing matter at hand.
Once the majority of the court agrees,
His Majesty or the Queen Dowager
will not oppose our proposal.
Regarding the lady who is to be Queen?
I will crown Lady Park as Queen.
You seek approval of Lady Park as the next Queen?
Yes, Your Majesty.
And the Queen Dowager?
Even the Queen Dowager
approves of Lady Park.
Then I will honor my mother as well as the officials before me
and announce Lady Park as the future Queen.
-We are much obliged, Your Majesty. -We are much obliged, Your Majesty.
Lady Park will be promoted to Royal Concubine
and will be served as Queen-to-be.
She will be granted the title Consort
and have authority over the Internal Court.
Her crowning will take place
once the three-year mourning period passes.
Both I
and the royal family concur.
As requested by Your Highness,
I will free all those from Bamboo Grove Village.
This is my answer to your decision.
Honey!
Kids!
My gosh.
Oh, dear.
Dear!
Master, welcome back.
How can His Majesty treat our family so poorly?
Make sure Lady Cho does not act recklessly.
Our time will come, so do not seem fazed until then.
It is not only her who must be reminded to stay calm.
Get your act together.
His Majesty and Councilor Park cannot collude forever.
They cannot walk side to side.
Consort Park may have brought them to an agreement,
but the union will not last.
Your Majesty.
I, Ham Changik, Chief Army Commander of Hamgyong Province
bow before you as summoned.
I understand it was a long trip.
I appreciate your generosity,
but how can one ever be exhausted to be summoned by His Majesty?
However, upon entering the palace,
I noticed sycophants and subjects who wield power
persecute His Majesty.
Brimming tears blind me
for I am mortified by what I have seen.
Did you just say that my uncle is to be sent to Jeolla Province?
You choose to send one of my few relatives
so far away.
His Majesty has already appointed him as governor of Jeolla Province.
From what I hear,
His Majesty brought my uncle in to place him nearby.
So have him sent to Gyeonggi Province.
Your Highness.
The position cannot be filled lightly.
He may be your uncle,
but you know how often
he has spoken ill of the meritorious subjects.
Can the two of you
please excuse us?
Your Highness, the Chief of Capital Bureau answers to Minister Cho
and other members of his family
are in high ranks of the Palace Guard and Central Army Division.
Considering that--
I do not care for state affairs!
Will my family be in close proximity
or will he be chased away?
Just answer me that.
Please know…
that I earnestly request that he stays close.
Your Highness,
Governor of Gyeongi Province…
is a key position we cannot afford to lose.
The one who chases away your family member…
will use his own flesh and blood to reap power and authority.
Do as you may.
After all,
when have you ever been wrong?
Tell her that I am only free
to greet the Queen Dowager.
We are both concubines, but yet she summons me.
She is the Royal Concubine soon to be crowned as Queen.
Then,
say that I will greet her once she is crowned.
I will excuse myself, then.
Is this not a simple task?
I apologize--
Get out. Out!
I truly apologize, Lady Cho.
Do not say anything.
Letting her live is as stressful enough.
She used the Queen Dowager as an excuse?
Yes, I doubt she plans to greet you any time soon.
If Lady Cho is not at ease,
her court maids will feel her wrath.
It did seem like Ttonggeum was taking the worst of it.
I only mention her since you seem to care.
Was it that obvious to you?
I will be more careful.
She is one of Lady Cho's court maids.
Taking her in will cause quite the commotion.
That I know too well.
The King's Treasury is empty.
I did hear that rats were eating away at it.
Now is not the time to intervene.
Does it involve those of rank?
The Queen Dowager does not take interest in frivolous affairs.
It was probably eaten away by those who thrive on her having authority.
Your Highness, I hear you summoned me.
For what reason did she seek you out?
To ask me something, Your Majesty.
I rarely get to see her,
but you see her quite often.
What did she want?
That I should seek a place for a discreet memorial service.
A memorial service?
Yes, Your Majesty.
It was around this time…
that her family was annihilated.
Madame Yoon, you now only come by when requested.
I apologize, Your Highness.
Of course.
How can you not be busy when your niece is soon to be Queen?
Serve her well until she is crowned.
Yes, Your Highness.
I will serve her
just as I have served you.
His Majesty cares for her dearly.
If she is to give birth to a son before the crowning,
I will have him be the Crown Prince. Councilor Park will make sure of it.
And I will aid him in any way that I can.
As a Queen renowned for her virtues,
we will have her be praised by all the people.
In no way will she grow old and die
as a wife who is not loved by her husband
and as a lady of the palace with no connections or children!
That is why I humbly request
that you tend to Her Highness' needs
and care dearly…
for her.
What is that I am seeing?
What abomination has replaced the flower garden?
I hear that the land is being cultivated.
By whose orders?
It was upon Consort Park's request.
What… is that foul smell?
It is the smell of fertilizer.
What is a fertilizer?
Manure made from
decayed feces and urine ash, Your Highness.
Night soil…
is being scattered all over my garden?
How dare she!
When I, the Queen Dowager, walk through the garden every day?
Do not just stand there. I want this foul smell to be removed!
Yes, Your Highness.
Bring me new clothes to change into.
My clothes reek of the odor.
-Burn this. -Yes, Your Highness.
How dare a consort think this lowly of the Queen Dowager?
Bring me flowers.
Fill the room with flowers!
Go on. Bring flowers.
The odor is all around me.
My garden…
My room…
Even my room reeks of the odor.
Why has His Majesty gifted me with plain clothes?
He must wish to travel incognito with you.
I wish to settle on a date
for our private outing.
By that, you mean…
I thought
you would be feeling confined.
I hear you headed back without seeing me the other day.
I apologize.
You probably gave me space to let me vent my frustration.
Your kindness is worth noticing.
Your Highness,
I wish to ask you something.
I will allow it.
Consort Park is one of your own,
but you seem unsatisfied with her.
Am I right to assume that?
You are.
She has much to hide,
which does not earn my trust.
You see,
I am aware of one of her secrets.
A secret of hers?
What would that be?
It is in regard to her origin.
If you are willing to wait, my suspicions will be proven.
How?
There is a girl who secretly informs Consort Park.
Lady Yeonhee's temper isn't like usual.
There must be something I don't know of.
I remember them dying…
around this time of year.
I managed
to have their bodies retrieved.
They rest at the Kwangheemun grave site.
You should visit them today.
Are you saying that my parents
rest in a grave?
For years, I have reproached myself
for not being able to give them one.
Thank you, Your Majesty.
Consort Park and I will rest before we head back.
Do not disturb us.
Yes, Your Majesty.
Head through the back door to where Eunuch Jung awaits you.
The grave site is right past the marketplace,
but please be careful.
HAN
YOO
The statement proving Consort Park's false identity
is written in this letter.
Yes, Lady Cho. What do you wish to do with it?
Consort Park and His Majesty
traveled incognito past Kwangheemun.
I will inform him as soon as he returns
and have her arrested submitting this as proof.
I took too long at the outhouse, didn't I?
Thank you for taking my place.
Hardly. I am just happy to know that you feel lighter.
What does this even say?
Consort?
That refers to Miss.
Did someone actually testify to her identity?
Miss… My goodness.
Miss!
You wait this long to tell me?
Lady Cho said she would tell you herself.
So you told her about His Majesty's outing?
Why not sweep it under the rug? Even if she knows…
Father!
How is Ttonggeum taking the letter
be evidence?
It is not just any letter.
The paper was soaked in musk water, you see.
Your hands will reek just by touching it.
So?
Please arrest her once she arrives at the gate.
If Ttonggeum delivered the letter,
Consort Park's hand and clothes will smell of musk as well.
What if she claims that it is the perfume she uses?
She has always used the scent of orchids.
So ignore anything she says
and take her to the Queen Dowager.
The Queen Dowager?
Once I have proof,
the Queen Dowager agreed to take over.
Have you forgotten who she sides with?
She is not fond of Consort Park.
As if I would be that tactless.
Having her in our corner makes for…
the perfect opportunity.
She has lived half her life in the palace.
She is no stranger to politics.
To punish Councilor Park's niece
on a matter even His Majesty has turned a blind eye to
all by herself?
If not,
-then what else? -Whatever her reason is,
it is not for your sake.
Are they on their way?
Yes, Your Highness.
Can they be trusted?
Please, do not fret.
I have rounded up those who will do anything for money.
Without knowing or caring as to why, how, or who,
they will do as told.
You've done well.
I am much obliged.
Have one of our people keep watch on the Queen Dowager's movements.
-The Queen Dowager? -This is not to be taken lightly.
We must ascertain her intentions.
Your Highness,
do you believe he is trustworthy?
The only person I trust right now is Lady Cho.
I am up against a first senior rank royal concubine who will soon be Queen.
That is why…
one must be held accountable.
Once Councilor Park finds out…
He will be grateful to have a reason to eliminate Minister Cho.
Lady Cho, blinded by her jealousy,
sent her court maid and nanny
to kill Consort Park.
Did her court maid leave with the letter?
Yes.
Lady Cho said her court maid would take it to Consort Park.
Then,
the hunt has begun.
They have been instructed to kill
whom the court maid meets.
This will do.
You filthy rat!
You dare try to run away after bumping into me?
I apologize, my lady. I was in such a hurry that--
You are not to leave.
I will have you arrested by the Police Bureau.
I am truly sorry.
You are not to leave.
Please show mercy and look past her misconduct.
Look where you are going.
Miss!
Your Majesty, could you come outside?
Silence.
I will return to the palace after sundown.
Your Majesty,
it is Left State Councilor Park.
What brings you?
I saw cavalry guards while passing by
and requested an audience.
You say this is a coincidence?
Is Consort Park inside?
She is taking a brief nap.
Should I wake her up for you?
Who am I to wake her up from her nap?
I will…
excuse myself.
Bring me my horse.
I must find Consort Park.
Is Her Highness not inside?
His Majesty left through the back door on his horse.
-And my servants? -They await nearby.
Scour every inch of the marketplace and paths nearby.
Consort Park must be found.
You came all this way to deliver this letter?
Yes. Take a look at it yourself.
Read what is on it and rip it to pieces.
CONSORT PARK DECEIVES THE WORLD LIVING UNDER A STOLEN IDENTITY
Our target is the one who receives the letter from the court maid.
It must be her.
What is wrong, Miss?
The letter was a trap to lure you out here.
We must return to His Majesty.
It is not safe for us out here.
Have all soldiers nearby gather at Kwangheemun!
Yes, Your Majesty.
How could you have passed away so suddenly?
We only hope you find an easy passage to eternity.
Miss.
Miss!
Miss! Please save her!
Miss!
Please save her life!
I am glad…
you are unscathed.
Your Majesty.
Councilor Park,
how did you know to come here?
And who are these men?
They are street thugs who target women for their money.
Thankfully, they caught my eye as I was passing by.
You expect me to believe that?
It is true, Your Majesty.
This girl.
Does she not serve Lady Cho?
Yes, she tried to assist me today.
-Consort Park-- -This must be cleaned up
before the people see us.
-Arrest them. -Yes, Your Majesty.
Chief of Capital Bureau is here. By Minister Cho's orders, I presume.
Lady Cho could not have orchestrated this herself.
I was neglectful, Your Majesty.
I am aware that she was the one to leave your side.
However,
how did Councilor Park know she was in danger?
And why was Lady Cho's court maid there?
Moreover,
commanders were already present even before I gave the order.
Did Councilor Park deploy the officers at the Capital Bureau?
No.
He was searching for Consort Park along with his servants.
Chief of Capital Bureau…
must be one of Minister Cho's.
Your Majesty.
Those arrested by the Capital Bureau
are being interrogated.
Do you…
know anything about them?
They are street thugs who targeted me for money.
Are you hiding something from me?
All I know is what I have told you.
Should I interrogate Lady Cho's court maid instead?
Please don't.
She is like a sister to me.
So to protect her,
you have chosen to lie to me.
You…
You almost lost your life.
What would I have done should you have closed your eyes forever?
That is all I could think of…
while watching you sleep.
What will become of me…
should you never wake up?
You said the order came from a lady.
A composite sketch has been drawn based on your description.
Is this her?
It has to be.
Your Highness,
it seems as though something went sideways.
The letter…
was not delivered as planned.
You knew about the attack early enough to inform me.
All I had were suspicions. Nothing was concrete.
So where will you go from here?
You had the Chief of Capital Bureau arrest the men.
Will it be cleaned up on your end?
Court Lady Han.
The Queen Dowager tried to assassinate Consort Park.
That is the whole story.
Songbaek.
Also present at the scene
were Lady Cho's court maid and nanny.
Who would the world consider the true culprit behind this attack to be?
Now that we have both been dealt our cards,
a deal is to be made.
Lady Cho is oblivious of the event that took place.
Furthermore,
His Majesty must remain in the dark.
Consort Park's life was in danger today.
Someone must be held responsible.
It should be the one who put it in motion.
The Queen Dowager.
You dare place all the responsibility
on the Queen Dowager?
It was she who sent assassins after our future Queen.
Consort Park's or the Queen Dowager's.
It is high time you chose a side.
Your Highness,
Councilor Park is at the door.
Have him enter.
Your Highness,
these walls…
must be suffocating.
You have always wished to be free from the boudoir,
but you were stuck in the palace for half your life.
It must have been stifling.
Your Highness,
may I suggest you visit Onyang Palace?
Head out first and I will follow suit
along with more necessities.
Are you…
ousting me?
I am pleading with you
to leave the Capital before His Majesty uncovers the truth.
Have it covered up before then.
Kill someone,
make a deal,
anything.
You have the means to do so.
Even if I do,
I will not be able to wipe the slate clean.
It was indisputably reckless
and…
foolish of you.
For the sake of his daughter and his family,
Minister Cho will take ruthless measures.
Who are you choosing to protect?
Me?
Or your niece?
Or are you…
trying to protect Consort Park from me?
She is the Queen
who is…
needed in this country.
I…
I do not care about the fate of this country.
Are you choosing to abandon me?
Just like before?
Of course not.
I am not abandoning you.
I am…
trying to protect you.
Your Highness!
A litter awaits you outside.
I…
will not take a step out of my palace.
Once His Majesty uncovers the truth,
he might respond with utmost cruelty.
By then, it will be too late…
for me to protect you.
Have you not received your orders?
Escort…
Her Highness.
Whatever you wish will become a reality!
Come to me when you are ready!
You wicked monk. I admit defeat.
So tell me.
Where do you think I will go from here?
BLOODY HEART
Please have mercy.
The one who deceived Lady Cho and sent the assassins
was the Queen Dowager.
Are you absolutely sure you can give me what I want?
Ttonggeum was summoned by the King?
Minister Cho is someone I need on my side.
It is why I will cherish you.
I plan on retiring to the countryside.
Once you leave, how badly will His Majesty treat me?
My young wicked monk.
Have my son…
take his last breath.
Translated by Hye-lim Park