Episode 15
Queen Mother, I have come to apologize
for previously acting out of line...
How could this old lady who almost lost this country
to a fraud, punish you?
My apologies, Queen Mother.
I've sent people to investigate,
but let me ask you this.
Are the Kim-Moons really behind this?
Queen Jo Queen Mother Hyoyu
Yes, Hwasa Byung-Woon Kim is the mastermind responsible.
The Kim-Moons dare to toy with me.
If it were up to me I would have Byung-Woon and Jwa-Keun Kim killed but,
our country has it's strict laws.
But certain people play certain rolls.
Am I right?
Yes.
How could a superior of the royal throne get her hands dirty?
If you command, someone like me should do your bidding.
If your son truly becomes the next king,
can you really end the 60 year reign of the Kim-Moons?
I promise you.
All of these lost years and shame,
could you really avenge my honor?
Yes.
The new king will end
the 60 year reign of the Kim-Moons.
In time, all Kim-Moons will get down on their knees
infront of you, my Queen Mother.
What brings you here?
I finally am able to introduce myself to
our nation's finest politician, Lord Haok.
Sure, I've heard you've wrote something strange
Haok Jwa-Keun Kim Prime minister
for our family.
I was about to contact you myself,
maybe have you do my readings and such...
My Lord, you don't have time to waste on readings.
What?
Right now...
I am here to kill you.
Anyone outside!
- Come in! - Calm yourself.
Make a choice, my Lord.
Kill yourself,
or kill this family.
This is your ultimatum, you must choose.
I am merely here to tell you this.
An ultimatum...
Your 40 year reign and prosperity is now over.
If you continue your political ways,
your old greed will ruin yourself and this entire family.
But, you can kill yourself from the political world.
You must accept the new Heungseon-gun.
Then your family will live.
You and I, and my family are sworn enemies...
Bul Gu Dae Cheon Enemies who can not live under the same sky.
How will I know if you are
speaking false readings in order to destroy my family?
Check upon Lord Byung-Woon Kim.
He must be planning to assassinate Heungseon-gun as we speak.
You're right.
You and I are sworn enemies.
Your family murdered my father,
how could I not want you all destroyed?
But I have chosen saving Joseon,
instead of my personal revenge.
Because that is... What my father would have done.
The old fox
Hwasa Byung-Woon Kim The minister of Finance
has taken Heungseon-gun's side.
Heungseon-gun, we must kill him no matter what.
Yes, sir.
Father, what brings you here...
Are you...
Planning to kill Heungseon-gun right now?
Your arrogance
will be the death of our entire family!
How have you become so weak!
Why are you so blind!
If the young Jae-Hwang becomes the next king,
Heungseon-gun will become the most powerful man.
When that happens, what do you think he'll do to our family?
This is our last chance.
If we miss this opportunity,
no one will be able to stop Heungseon-gun!
Shush! Then what if you get caught?
Who will take responsibility when that happens, big brother!
I know you have betrayed us, making backdoor deals with Heungseon-gun.
What?
Your short sightedness and greed
may keep you alive but,
in the end it will destroy this entire family!
What? Short sightedness? Greed?
You think you're better than me?
You're just an adoptee!
- How dare you! - How dare you!
Both of you stop!
- Father! Father! - Father!
Father...
Father…
Father...
What happened? Is there an intruder?
No...
Nothing like that...
I had a dream...
My father...
Doesn't have much time left...
It pains me.
I know that exact same pain...
More than anyone.
But, no child can prevent their parent's death.
We must live on,
always remembering what they have done for us,
and live our lives to the fullest for them.
That is the only thing we can do.
A new world will begin...
But I am terrified.
I see a gigantic and horrifying wave
crashing down on Joseon shores.
I know your visions to be true but,
Hwan Hallucination
we must do whatever we can to prevent it.
We must create a better world.
We must.
The King has passed!
Year 1863, Cheoljong's death
The King has passed!
My King...
Born with royal blood...
Lived as a peasant... Rose to King...
Chodong A child tasked with gathering firewood
What a strange life...
Leave in peace, My King...
Welcome, Master.
There's... I mean...
Master, I think the King has passed away.
The King is dead.
Rumors say the palace if filled with soldiers and
many nobles wearing all white are headed there.
Master! Master!
- Master! - Master!
Father...
Princess, what is wrong?
My Father...
He has passed away...
What?
This world...
A hard life...
Thank you for everything...
Leave in peace...
Father...
My father...
Father...
The Princess Hwa-Ryun...
I leave Bong-Ryun to you...
You must give her your fullest,
and love her.
You must protect her.
This is a command from your King.
My Lord.
Lord Jae-Hwang, your father urgently requests you.
We must leave now!
My King My King...
Queen Mother, the King's royal seal.
Daebo Government tax
How did I forget that!
How did I miss it!
Queen Mother,
No matter what, you must take control of the King's seal.
Please do not forget!
Everyone listen,
As we morn our King,
Until we have a new King, and in place of our deceased king,
Sawang The King's successor
I will take the responsibility over the King's seal.
Yes, Queen Mother.
The Sangsun, Take the king's body to the Daejojeon.
Yeonghae A respectful word for a king's body
The royal guard must protect the King's seal at all costs.
Yes, Queen Mother!
We must discuss the country's future,
all councilmen and nobles, come to my quarters.
- Yes, Queen Mother. - Yes, Queen Mother.
The King's throne should never be kept empty,
I'm sure everyone is aware.
Our deceased King wasn't able to decide on a successor.
Finding a successor and filling the empty throne
has now become my great responsibility.
All of you may give me your opinions without worry.
Does she expect us to come forth and recommend somebody?
Who could possibly come forth right now?
If whomever mentioned here fails to become the king,
will become a target for the rest of his life.
My apologies, my Queen Mother.
Since crowning a new king is such a large responsibility,
wouldn't it be best if you recommend the successor,
and then we discuss and decide amongst ourselves?
What do you mean?
You wish to leave the throne empty
and let time pass by again?
That cannot happen!
My Queen Mother, as you are the greatest elder of the royal family,
Simam Du-Sun Jo The first vice premier
of the royal family,
I will follow anyone you command!
- But, my Queen Mother... - Alright!
I will consider all of your opinions!
Heungseon-gun's son, Jae-Hwang is now Ikseong-gun of the throne.
He will succeed the Great Ikjong King and become our next King!
King Ikjong Queen Jo's husband who died as Prince Hyomyeong at 21 years of age
The throne has been inherited.
Won-Young Jung will become Wonsang and guide until the King is older.
Wonsang A guardian and mentor for a newly crowned young king
It is my command that everyone realize the newly crowned King,
now everyone serve Ikseong-gun Jae-Hwang Lee as your King!
Yes, Queen Mother!
Tomorrow, I will gather the council,
and decide on the successor.
I will ask you one last time,
Is Heungseon-gun's son, Jae-Hwang Lee...
I am certain he is the next king, my Queen Mother.
Leave in peace...
Father...
Please...
Forget your overwhelming
and hard life on earth,
and find peace
in the afterlife.
My Lord, the royal councilmen are here.
Tell them to wait.
The Wonsang and Prime Minister are both...
A more respectful way of addressing the Daewon-Gun and other highest ranking officials
Tell them to wait!
Yes, my Lord.
What is this insolence?
At least take the Queen Mother's letter first.
He has commanded you all to wait.
Jae-Hwang...
As your father...
this will be my last lesson for you.
Let me ask,
what is more important to a great man, his family or his duty?
Pardon me? That is...
A great man always prioritizes his duties.
A child must fulfill his duties to his parents.
Once an adult, he must regard the King as his parent.
Thus fulfilling his duty becomes fulfilling his family.
You're right, never forget that.
Only beasts loose sight of their duties.
Yes, I will never forget.
Alright then.
Get up.
Come here, Jae-Hwang.
Let me hug you for the last time
as your father.
I, Prime Minister Jwa-Keun Kim,
obey the Queen Mother's command,
and wish to serve the new King.
I, Ikseong-gun Jae-Hwang Lee,
accept the Queen Mother's royal letter.
You grace us.
Yugyo The last commands given by a dying king
As our deceased kings ascend and serve the skies,
let them come down and protect our people,
All of my flaws aside,
I have been chosen by the Queen Mother,
and received the late Great King's letter.
I accept my duties,
and promise to protect my destiny.
For thousands of years to come!
Gojeong Jae-Hwang Lee 26th King of the Joseon Dynasty
For thousands of years to come!
What is going on, huh?
We should be used to it by now.
It's like when Master predicted the plague,
he's right about the king too.
Now, now, now!
As an appetizer,
I, the great Red Monk, will do one! Just one!
Reading for free.
Anyone interested in their eminent destiny, step forward!
Where's Master Choi?
How gracious of you!
Eminent destiny you say...
I've given up on any good fortune so,
can I just be lucky enough for a good man to show up...
Auntie!
You win!
Me?
From July to December...
The flower tree is given water.
Wait, what's this?
Why? What's wrong?
Both August and September is autumn so...
You've buried money to hide it!
But you lost all of that money?
How, how did you know that?
Sister, we lost our jars of money during the flood!
Yes...
Goodness, you claim to be broke all the time,
yet you had enough money to hide in some pots?
Wait, wait, wait, wait...
You're going to have a child!
What? That doesn't make sense!
Sister... Have you been dating without telling me?
No, no...
Besides me... Do you have another man?
Who is he!
Geez!
This is all nonsense!
I've been alone for many years now!
Get out! Get out!
- But your destiny... - Goodness, just leave!
This time he's right.
I would have read the same.
Even our Master is playing with me.
I am sorry but what can I do? This is your destiny.
How about the Red Monk,
taking over my daily readings for people?
Should I?
I mean, if Master Choi requests, I guess I can help.
Sure, I'll do it.
Listen, this man here is one of the few people I approve in Hanyang.
He is talented and will proceed with readings, in my place.
Here's the Red Monk.
What?
Red Monk?
Yes, yes, it is I, the Red Monk!
Red Monk!
Now, make a line!
Get in line! Get in line!
Move this way...
Your living father is now a Daewongun,
these are unprecedented circumstances for the council.
Won-Yong Jung Yeongjungchu Busa
We must decide on his roles and responsibilities.
Lord Daewongun will be respected as the King's father but,
Daewongun must not take part in the council and politics.
I, Jwachanseong of our council, agree.
Ha-Eung Lee Heungseon Daewongun
Daewongun is merely your father, but still a subject,
Daewongun does not deserve to hold political power.
What are you all doing?
Among the King's relatives, Heungseon Daewongun has proven himself.
Having another loyal member to guide the young King and
council, is very beneficial.
What do you think, my King?
what is more important to a great man,
his family or his duty?
A great man always prioritizes his duties.
I wish to hear from the Daewongun.
Of course, of course.
Our young King must trust the advice from
his gentle and caring, supportive father.
I believe Heungseon Daewongun must be involved in politics.
Do you not all agree?
I agree with that.
Anyone have a different opinion?
Big brother! Big brother!
Big brother! Big sister! Master! Come out!
- Big brother! - Shut up!
- There's something there! - What are you talking about!
Inside! Inside! Inside!
Inside there! Inside!
- Who is it? - What's this?
What's going on?
Greetings!
My name is Kyung-Il Jang .
Bernoulli (Kyung-Il Jang ) French Priest
Your name is Kyung-Il Jang ?
You certainly look like a foreigner.
But, do you have a Joseon name?
I'm half Joseon.
You even have a country accent.
I've learned the Joseon language in Chungcheong-do Province
He sounds like a farmer...
You want me to hide you in exchange for foreign books
and knowledge?
How did you know about me? How did you hide here?
Master Choi, you've saved many people.
You also have our Catholic God's love within.
Our Catholic God.
Catholic God?
What?
It's dangerous to even hide a Catholic but,
What? A French priest?
This is an accident waiting to happen!
Also, you look so different than us, how can we hide you?
- He's right. - Yes.
I mean there is a way...
Are you serious!
Welcome, Master.
Welcome.
Master Choi!
- A goblin! Goblin! Who is he? - You men are so skittish!
- Greetings. - Welcome, Master.
Greetings, Master.
- Welcome, Master. - Greetings, Master.
Guys!
Look at that man, look!
The patients who recovered,
are not leaving?
Yes.
Because of your rumors, more people are just showing up.
We feed them, give them a bed,
provide protection...
You brought someone yourself too...
A Catholic...
Catholic? Who?
The Goblin outside.
Oh! The goblin!
We are defenseless right now.
We must set up a security system.
Money is also a big problem.
We're providing at least a meal a day.
No matter how rich you are Master...
How long can you sustain this?
We should make everyone leave...
It is the best and only way, my Lord.
If you maintain such a large crowd,
the higher ups will not like it either.
You could be framed to be a Catholic and Donghak party!
That would be devastating!
Let's close down, Master.
My Lord...
You haven't gone to the Ministry of Justice for days...
You've also ignored the Minister of Justice summoning you...
What are you planning to do?
Leave me.
What can I do for you, Lady of the royal palace?
The Queen Mother has asked for you.
Did you say, the Queen Mother?
She has asked to see you in her quarters
Let us go together.
I've heard you were shot while threatening the princess.
My apologies.
You've always caused problems with the princess.
If you do not give up your feelings for her,
one day you might be executed.
Although I was adopted by the Kim-Moon Family,
I have never been true to that family.
I was like a kite with no strings attached.
My loyalty always stands with the royal palace.
Whatever you desire, please command me.
Is that so?
Then, could you spy on Guktaegong's every moves,
Guktaegong The country's greatest elder (Heungseon Daewongun)
and find out what he thinks?
Do you mean, Lord Daewongun?
Yes.
I've made him Daewongun,
I am responsible if he abuses his new position, and must stop him.
Yes, of course. You are the palace's greatest elder,
you deserve to observe and control everyone in this nation.
I will always be loyal to your command, Queen Mother.
So the governor of Yesan ran to Heungseon-gun,
and was promised to be a vice minister?
and all the rich families from the capital are also lining up
behind Heungseon-gun for higher official positions?
Many Jo Families have already been promised government positions,
and the Lady of the Min Family received a new official title...
Even Lord Byung-Hak Kim has a deal with Heungseon-gun...
Everything is completely crazy!
- What about Master Choi? - Huh?
I mean, didn't Master Choi play the biggest role in all of this?
Didn't Heungseon-gun promise Master Choi something extraordinary?
Unless... He's been abandoned?
How dare you!
What do you think we are, huh?
Our Master is better than those trash people bribing and asking for things!
It's really been bothering me.
Honestly, our Master Choi solely made everything for them!
- You're right! - Absolutely!
I agree, I thought we'd here from him by now,
but I can't even remember the last time he was here.
He's probably done with us here.
I didn't take Lord Heungseon-gun for such an unappreciative man...
Lord Heungseon-gun, we are upset!
I didn't think you could be so cruel!
- Anyone here? - Oh my goodness!
Lord Heungseon-gun has summoned you.
Lord Heungseon-gun is looking for Master Choi right?
Me? Are you stupid!
All of us?
Yes.
Unhyeongung Palace
Wow...
Everyone has done such a good job.
I've always wanted to treat everyone to this table,
I understand if you've been disappointed with me.
We weren't disappointed.
Noobody here was disappointed at all!
My goodness, you...
Now, now, now...
I've prepared some humble gifts...
Rolls of silk and some gold bars,
I hope you can put it to good use.
I knew I'd have good luck today...
Auntie, with that silk,
I'll make you a beautiful skirt, top to bottom.
In red, of course!
Shut your mouth!
Why would I accept that from you...
Now, now, now, please enjoy the food!
- Yes, yes! - Thank you.
Please stay seated.
You've had the hardest time...
I've always thought of you first.
Why would you consider such a lowly fortune teller.
You must focus on the future, Lord Guktaegong.
Guktae-Gong Habha!
You're embarrassing me!
Were you not the first person to announce infront of everyone,
that my son Jae-Hwang would become King?
Infront of all the patients in your new land.
Yes, yes, he did!
I found that land!
Oh, is that so!
What happened to that place?
Since the plague is over, you should send everyone off?
About that...
Actually, we've been discussing options recently.
We don't have enough money to support them,
and we've been considering many ways to let them leave.
Is that so? Good! Great!
Now, now, enjoy the food,
let me pour you a drink.
Now, now, now...
Now, let us drink.
- A drink for you too! - Yes, thank you.
Now, now, now, everyone enjoy!
Here, here, enjoy.
What? You refused an official government position?
Why?
I mean, his son is the King because our Master made him...
He should be official recognized for all of his efforts!
A warrior does not use his blade to be recognized.
That's not what I mean... What is wrong with you all!
I've defeated a deeply rooted evil, the Jangdong Kim-Moons,
and have accomplished my mission to crown a new king.
I don't need to be rewarded.
I agree with you.
Not accepting anything from Heungseon-gun,
will be better in the long run.
You must walk an independent path without Lord Heungseon-gun.
I will now prepare for the future.
Future? What this time?
First the plague, now what's coming?
Foreign power.
Foreign powers will crash down on Joseon.
The Qin dynasty has already been defeated by the English,
Yeonggilly The United Kingdom
and the Japanese have began' to accept Western culture and learnings.
Joseon is quietly getting by and living but...
We won't be able to maintain this...
Did you read our nation's destiny again?
I have read the nation's destiny. Also
heard back from Joseon spies in foreign lands,
and foreigners in our country. This is my calculated prediction.
Beginning with our people gathered here,
I will prepare for a new age.
Meaning... You will sustain everyone here. Is that your decision?
Master, that's the country's responsibility, why must you do it?
There's so much to be done!
Managing all of these people, using more money, creating security...
Don't you agree?
I will recruit among those people, train them,
and create a security system.
My Lord, I will somehow manage our money.
Goodness... No one is going to side with me?
First, how about we name this place?
Name it?
Sam Jeon Do Jang
Done! We're done!
Great.
In the past, our king had to kneel down to a foreign ruler,
on this very land.
In the future of Joseon, no matter what hits us,
never again shall that happen.
This name means, 'To prepare for foreign oppositions'.
Master, I think we will be financially stable.
Does this have to do with the rich men of Unjong-ga?
I'm pretty good at gathering rich people,
I will manage to roll our funds.
Big brother Seuk, you're from a naive farming village,
there's now way you can match the city rich people!
Do you really think Man-Seok is a naive country man?
What?
In Ganghwa he was like the reaper from hell to all the nobles
trying to hide money, or pay less taxes. He was the very best!
The reaper...
Come here!
I'm so scared! I'm terrified!
Goodness, he's terrifying!
My Lord, accomplish everything you plan and desire.
We will always do our best and stand by your side.
- Of course! - Great!
- Us too! - Me too!
Me too!
Alright, thank you everyone!
How cute you are!
Pour me a drink.
Go ahead, pour.
Seung-Ho Min Jayoung Min's older brother
My nephew Jae-Min, how good is it to see you!
Let us meet frequently, and spend time like this!
Jae-Myeon Lee Heungseon Daewongun's first-born son
My father is terrifying, it is difficult to meet people freely.
But, why?
How dare anyone deny things to you, your the King's older brother!
First borns like us, must gather like this and discuss the future,
and help our young King set forth on the right path!
Shouldn't you pass the state exam before any of that...
What does that even...
I didn't fail the state exam
because I was incompetent or anything, you know?
Back then we all had to bribe the Kim-Moons for official positions,
how could a poor man like me ever get a title?
Yes, you're right.
Let's wait and see,
I believe Lord Heungseon Daewongun, will take care of all of us, King's relatives.
Now, let us drink.
Let us drink.
I'm so happy today!
Where's Ja-Young!
My little sister!
Our Ja-Young!
Mother...
I had many drinks today.
Sorry for my son intruding.
It looks like you've bought a lot of food.
No, actually...
Jayoung Min Future Empress
They are gifts from your family.
My family?
My father personally gave that to you?
Like I've said,
Our Daewongun, will always remember me...
That's not true...
The Lady Daewongun has always known about how poor we are...
Budae Buin A word to address the king's living father Daewongun's wife
Brother, you must be respectful and speak without arrogance.
You little... How dare you speak to me like this!
Tomorrow when I am sober, I will go greet our Daewongun.
Prepare for it.
You should go inside.
Yes, I need some sleep.
I should leave now.
Leave in peace.
Now, everyone listen up! Gather here!
You'll regret it if you don't!
Now, now, come here.
Now, now, hurry over here!
You will seriously regret it!
Wow, what is all this?
Take your time and look.
What is this? What is it?
- It's amazing, right? - Very strange.
Look, look at this. What?
Amazing!
Master, look at this, Master!
Where is France?
Where's Joseon?
Joseon is...
Right here.
Here?
It's this small?
If foreign powers attack such a small land,
how could we stop it?
Teach us more.
I want to learn the English language, and also their stories.
I want to know more.
Then you must keep your word, okay?
Of course.
We will house and protect all Catholic people here.
Just a little bit more!
Brother! Big brother! Brother!
- What? - Brother, that's Lord Daewongun...
Wow! Goodness! What brings you here, without any notice?
Welcome.
I just felt like sharing a drink with Master Choi.
But, when is this place closing down?
Oh... we're...
Please, come inside first.
Go first and let Master Choi know Lord Daewongun is here.
Yes.
Welcome, my Lord.
- Have You been well? - Yes.
Sam Jun Do Jang...
Yes.
This land was once a disgraceful place
where our King bowed before foreign forces.
In the future of Joseon, no matter what hits us,
we will never let that happen again.
This name means, 'To prepare for foreign oppositions'.
...Said our Master Choi.
Come inside.
Wait out here.
Yes, sir.
Welcome, my Lord.
How have you been?
Sorry for the mess, we are still organizing.
Let me bring you some tea.
No, no, I'm alright.
Aren't these foreign books?
Yes, we coincidentally got our hands on some.
Western writings look like children's scribbles.
Do you know what is written?
I am trying to learn.
Chun-Jung Choi, you bastard...
You've been preparing all this behind my back...?
This whole time you've been looking down on
the King's palace!