He's not Hoepyeong-gun's child? He's born a peasant?
Previously...
Father!
I said shut your mouth!
Queen Mother.
Please take my hand.
All the money and power,
will become yours, my Queen Mother.
This child here, is the true man sent from the skies!
He is everyone's new King!
A new world will begin...
The Princess Hwa-Ryun...
I leave Bong-Ryun to you...
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!
Father! What are you doing!
Please... Allow me to live out the rest of my life quietly in peace.
Please forgive us, Jangdong Kim-Moons,
Sam Jeon Do Jang...
When are you closing it down?
Chun-Jung Choi, you bastard...
You've been preparing all this behind my back...?
Daewongun has a dark and paranoid soul.
His paranoia will not stop until his opponent is dead.
Capture every single one of Chun-Jung Choi's followers!
You must live, for our country.
You let him get away!
Chun-Jung Choi!
The Yeonggilly(Britain)?
You left for the West?
But for me to be Queen...
If you want, you can do it.
You were born with the destiny to be the Queen.
Will you try?
That little lady Ja-Young, defeat Daewongun?
Go to Ganghwa and meet with Byung-Woon Kim.
Thank you for the past 10 years.
Goodbye.
But why aren't you asking about the princess?
She's in Daewongun's captivity.
She does not remember me...
Daewongun's greatest fear he is coming...
He is coming here.
Now, you shall experience the new destiny I've created.
You and I,
will gamble this country's life...
For one last fight!
Episode 18
This place is spooky, a ghost might show up.
Everyone! Auntie! Jin-Sang!
Goodness, Auntie!
- My goodness, Jin-Sang! - You're alive!
- How has everyone been! - You look great!
Big sister!
Big brother Jin-Sang!
Master Choi!
Master Choi! Master Choi! Master Choi!
Goodness! Master Choi! Master Choi!
Our Master Choi, I thought I would never see you again!
You haven't changed, you're still handsome as ever!
What's with all the fuss!
I'm just so happy to see everyone!
I am very happy to see everyone again.
I've spoken to Daewongun's first son, Jae-Myun Lee,
He has officially opened your residence again.
Auntie can go back working at her residence,
and the Red Monk can remain here and fortune tell.
Can we seriously move back to Hanyang?
I will need your help.
The two of you must act as our guards,
if anything happens, you must blow the whistle and let me know.
3 years ago, we suffered due to a lack of security.
Guard?
Whistle blower?
You can count on us, Master Choi!
Who in the world could guard you better than us!
Thank you.
Master!
You look better than before.
Still so handsome, We missed you so much!
You haven't changed!
You've visited court lady Lee's quarters last night?
Gojong Jae-Hwang Lee Joseon Dynasty 26th King
Yes, Queen Mother...
You mustn't forget a king's duties, but...
Jungjeon Ja-Young Min Spouse of the 26th King
But...
Just make sure your first born
Queen Jo Queen Mother Hyoyu
is from within this palace.
Do you understand, my King?
Yes.
My King, a letter from Lord Daewonwee.
He has requested for the Queen to urgently head to the East quarters.
What are you doing?
Can't you see I am speaking with the King and Queen!
My apologies...
But the Lord Daewonwee has requested me to urgently...
What?
It seems our Guktaegong has no respect for me, my King.
He has no regard for my time and just expects me to do as he says.
Father did not intend to disrespect you, Queen Mother.
As a daughter-in-law, I must do my duties.
Please allow me, Queen Mother.
You may leave.
I've heard you recommended books
Seokgang A king hosting a dining event with delicacies, readings, and discussions
for the King to read at the Seokgang.
I recommended the scriptures of Confucianism,
and asked him about my recommendations.
My King gladly accepted.
You did not recommend anything,
you have stepped out of line as a Queen,
who are you to recommend anything?
What do you mean, father?
Reading will be of great help to the King as he rules...
Do you think you are more educated than me?
Are you sitting there
trying to teach your father-in-law?
That is not what I mean, I think you have misunderstood...
Misunderstood?
You mean I don't understand the circumstances, right now?
How can this be?
How dare a lowly woman give her opinion,
barking like a dog, that in itself is unbelievable.
But now you claim I misunderstood? My Queen?
I didn't mean to...
How dare you constantly talk back to me, Queen!
My apologies, father...
Father...
Calm yourself.
Even when she was a peasant, she has always helped me with books.
I asked for her opinion first.
Words of a fool!
If you want to talk about peasant life,
I should whip you as before,
and teach you like before.
Is that what you wish, my King?
My Queen, if you ever step out of line again,
I will have to harshly educate you from scratch.
Do you understand?
Yes, father.
Take the Queen to her quarters.
The Queen is smart,
but is stubborn and opinionated.
Before you have a child, you must destroy her pride,
and train her well, my King.
My Queen!
Please do not be upset, my Queen.
Yes.
At least you haven't dealt with him for long,
I have dealt with his true nature my entire life.
He will always be that way, you must let it go.
I appreciate your concerns for my feelings, my King...
But...
What is it? Please speak freely.
Just because you have dealt with him your entire life,
It doesn't mean you have to continue to do so, my King.
What? How can you say that?
Do not worry,
I am not saying you should be a bad son.
All I am saying is that your father is not the King.
I want to remind you that you are our King.
I am aware.
I am very well aware.
Are you alright?
Have you been hurt?
Are you following me?
Sorry, I was just worried...
I've heard Mihonsan can cause loss of sight I was worried and followed you.
You're injured!
- It's alright. - It certainly is not!
Let's go, the wound can get infected in this heat.
I said I am alright.
Shush! Just follow me and don't be stubborn!
This way.
I'm sorry.
During the past 3 years,
I, myself, have never met her.
Daewongun had her hidden away in the palace.
Chi-Seong Yeon says
3 years ago she injured her head severely,
and lost her memory ever since.
In addition she has been drinking Mihonsan...
Mihonsan's made with Qing Dynasty opium,
it destroys both the mind and body
This is all my fault.
I shouldn't have left without you that fateful night.
Every night for the past 3 years, I have regretted it.
I don't know what you're talking about.
Although you don't remember me right now,
someday you will remember me.
As I can remember every single one of our memories clearly.
There is no way,
your heart can forget me,
our bond can never disappear.
I still can't remember anything.
Everything is just...
Very confusing...
I'm sorry.
Everyone must be worried, let us go.
Unhyeongung Palace
You've spent your entire life growing up with Chun-Jung Choi?
Yes, my Lord.
Then you must know his personality and thoughts
better than anyone.
Certainly. Should I find him for you?
My Lord, for you to call upon me and ask me these things,
it must mean Chun-Jung Choi is back.
You're right.
Maybe you can really apprehend Chun-Jung Choi for me.
If so, shouldn't there be at least one good reason for me,
to capture Chung-Jung Choi for you, my Lord?
You dare ask me for conpensation?
If I am to contest Chun-Jung Choi, I must risk my life.
Byung-Woon Kim's death resulted in a vacant position.
Let me become administrative Governor of Ganghwa.
You wish to succeed in life and return to your home town.
Alright, I'll allow it.
I will seize Chun-Jung Choi for you, my Lord.
What?
After Interrogator In-Gyu Chae visited Byung-Woon Kim,
no one has seen or met Byung-Woon Kim?
Yes, my Queen Mother.
Hmm...
Listen carefully,
Do not notify Daewongun yet,
if you find real evidence, come to me first.
- Do you understand? - Pardon me?
Yes, my Queen Mother.
Did In-Gyu Chae murder Byung-Woon Kim?
How do we not know how Byung-Woon Kim died?
My apologies, my Lord.
An emissary who travels incognito to investigate has just arrived.
Anhaek Eosa A royal emissary sent out to investigate crimes
Let's give him more time.
My King, Hwasa Byung-Woon Kim
Youngcho Byung-Hak Kim The first vice prime minister
has always loyal to the throne,
he spent his entire life to please the King.
Please feel pity for him and
reward him with farm land to acknowledge him and his family.
Byeolsajeon Farm land given to officials by the King
Isn't Byung-Woon Kim's family your family?
Won-Young Jung Yeongjungchu Busa
Do you want more farm land?
Does it look like I am asking for my own benefit?
He was my older brother.
An innocent man who spent his entire life serving the throne,
is dead!
Simam Du-Sun Jo Prime minister
He was far from innocent!
How can everyone be so cold!
Byung-Woon Kim and everyone here, once all worked
together and discussed the future! Is this not true?
Stop.
My King, shouldn't we console Byung-Woon Kim
and his family with farm land?
Queen Mother?
Yes.
The King has asked if we should give Byung-Woon Kim's family farm land,
your thoughts Queen Mother...
I agree, you should do so, my King.
Yes, Queen Mother.
Your request is granted.
You grace me my King!
The royal emissary must thoroughly investigate his death,
and find out the truth.
Yes, my King.
Enjoy the meal!
The soup rice is delicious.
What brings you to Hanyang?
We're here for fortune telling!
Even this year, you're blessed with good fortune!
Now you just have to worry about thieves.
Thieves?
Speaking of thieves,
Lord Jo Doo Soon's residence was robbed by Sam-Seong Jang, did you hear?
The great thief Sam-Seong Jang?
All the riches to bribe Daewongun!
Where do you think that money came from?
All that money is from squeezing our people dry with tax!
I've heard the great thief Sam-Seong Jang steals the money back,
and gives it right back to the people!
This man lives for the people, what a kind thief!
You're right! He's a kind thief!
Right! a kind thief, kind thief.
- Kind thief! He's a kind thief! - You're right!
So, there has been an uprising in Pungcheon
against Daewongun?
Thats what I heard!
The people are all very displeased!
That's not all!
What? What else is happening?
Within the palace,
the Queen Mother and Daewongun have been fighting constantly!
It's a complete, complete disaster and a huge mess!
I don't even know how many Kings we have anymore!
Goodness, what is happening to the world.
Now what's happening to my hand!
I fold!
Goodness...
Now that the Kim-Moons are gone, we have Heungseon-gun?
What a mess...
The great thief Sam-Seong Jang stands above Daewongun's head.
He is a kind thief who gives back from Daewongun's riches.
All these rumors are spreading across our entire country!
Calm down, brother,
Heungin-gun Choi-Eung Lee Lord Heungseon-Gun's older brother
there's no country without thieves.
A great thief or not, once he's caught he's nothing.
So, have you caught him?
Lord provincial governor, did you get him?
Out of all the Lords seated here,
the only house that has not been robbed is Daewonwee's residence.
This Unhyeongung is far too grand for anyone to rob.
The problem is that this thief looks like a spokesperson for the people.
These days people are all very displeased with Lord Daewonwee.
Repairs to the Gyeongbokgung,
and the harsh treatment of the Catholics, everyone is unhappy.
If we compromise with the ignorant people and their complaints,
nothing can be accomplished.
Lord prime minister, dismiss the minister of justice from office
and create a new department to retaliate Sam-Seong Jang.
Yes, my Lord.
Now, let us drink.
Jae-Myeon Lee Minister of Hongmoonkwan
It has been a long time.
I've brought the finest alcohol.
Let us drink.
3 years ago after my Lord Jwa-Keun left his ranks,
this family has been in turmoil.
I took over the Wallsong-ru to console my boredom.
I've appointed Song-Hwa as managing concubine,
Na-Hab Jwa-Keun Kim's concubine
and all I do is count money in the back.
Good choice, this work suites your personality very well.
As you requested,
I've gathered all the losers of the Kim-Moon family.
Who else in all of Hanyang could gather all the unimportant Kim-Moons?
I doubt there's anyone besides you, Lady Prime minister.
What happened in the past 3 years,
I sense a dominant male presence from you.
The princess... Are you together? Or have you quit?
We're together.
Alright then.
I don't even try if it can't be mine.
Any word on my other favor?
Once I find out where the princess' mother lives,
I will contact you.
I'd like to meet the princess the next time we meet.
Notify me with a letter.
By the way, Song-Hwa,
has fallen in love with In-Gyu Chae.
What a fool.
She's been a concubine for so long but still can't choose a man.
Anyways, keep that in mind, and stay safe.
You're very drunk.
Did you know?
There are many noble families displeased with Lord Daewonwee.
It's understandable for any Kim-Moon.
Well,
Seung-Ho Min Ja-Young Min's older brother
not everyone.
It's mainly Lord Byung-Hak Kim and this guy's father
Byung-Kyo Kim, who has the biggest problems.
Is that so.
Don't forget Lord Won-Young Jung
I wonder how our new Queen is doing.
Drink!
Bring me more drinks.
Now, now. Let us all go home now, yes?
- Sure - Let us leave.
Wake up, let's go home.
No, everyone have one more drink.
No, let's go home.
Huh? Isn't that Lord Chae?
You may have had one too many.
Yes, we had a lot to drink.
We are leaving now.
Go, go in peace.
Who is that man leaving in a hurry?
They're Kim-Moons and Jun-Ho Ha, a nobleman from the countryside.
Alright.
Now, let us leave as well.
- See you again. - Get home safe.
Be careful.
Trading hall
- Gu-Chul! - You surprised me!
Stay focused and work hard.
Of course! Have a good day.
All your merchants are happy and busy.
I'd expect nothing less from the Great Merchant Deok-Yoon Lee.
For our closed off Joseon, this trading hall is
the only window open to the world.
Deok-Yoon Lee Joseon's wealthiest merchant
You flatter me.
A letter arrived from the Queen Mother.
There's a lot of tension between the Queen Mother and Daewongun.
Their relationship has gotten so bad that something terrible might happen,
is what the letter reads.
I've expected this.
What are you planning?
From the ground, I will amplify all the people's hate for Daewongun,
and united them as one.
From above, I will use the tension between the Queen and Daewongun,
and gather the people opposing him.
You truly are the man who smart mouthed Heungseon-gun to the top.
Now with my smart mouth, I will take down the giant Heungseon-gun,
and save the country and its people.
Why? What's going on?
My Lord, Daewongun is headed this way.
Lord Heungseon-gun is coming here!
What brings Lord Daewonwee here without a letter.
You've helped greatly with the Gyeongbokgung repairs.
I have come to thank you in person.
You're too kind, my Lord.
Has Chun-Jung Choi been here?
What do you mean? Chun-Jung Choi?
Let me be clear.
Chun-Jung Choi is our greatest enemy.
If you help him...
You should beware.
You and this place,
will disappear from Joseon with no trace.
Search.
Yes, sir!
We found nothing, Lord Habha.
You've crossed the line.
Do you realize how much I have spent for your Gyeongbokgung repairs?
Have you forgotten?
No, I haven't.
Moving forward you will have to pay twice as much.
Your name means nothing in the Qing Dynasty.
But a promissory note from me? Travels to the Emperor's palace.
If you dare treat me like this...
We both will suffer, Lord Habha.
What are you doing, my Lord!
Whatever might you have in the Qing Dynasty,
is only worth something when you're alive.
Don't forget.
If you help Chun-Jung Choi, I will make sure you disappear
without anyone ever knowing.
Let's go.
Heungseon-gun, you bastard!
Just wait and see,
soon we will meet, Daewongun!
So, what you're saying is,
all my efforts in repairing the Gyeongbokgung will not be worth it?
Although the people may complain right now,
in the future that palace,
will stand for thousands of years.
It will be your greatest accomplishment,
remembered throughout history.
I'm glad to hear it.
I'm glad...
I like what you have said. I will reward you.
I will let you leave in the near future.
Why do you stare at me...
There once was a great shaman who looked at me like that.
Back then we worked together to defeat a tyrant.
And pledged to rebuild a great country.
Now, you do not have anyone?
I don't want the people to hate me.
But, the people are ignorant and thoughtless.
If they cannot be taught, I must beat them
and drag them towards the right direction.
Right.
I don't care if everyone blames me.
I will direct this country...
In the right direction.
You must tell Master Choi.
About what?
You know what I mean.
About his child.
Stop.
I've asked you to never speak of this again.
I think you should meet your mother Ban-Dal.
Isn't she raising your child with Dan-Ah at another palace?
After my incident 3 years ago,
the only person I can remember is my mother.
Then, if you speak to your mother and learn about your past,
will you tell Master Choi about his child?
Is something going on?
What can cause the two of you to be so serious?
I've asked him for a favor.
Favor? Why would you ask Chi-Seong Yeon?
You should ask me!
In the past, you always asked me for favors.
Ask me for anything, I can fix anything for you!
Someone might say that, you look a bit jealous.
Nonsense! Since birth until now,
I have never felt jealously once in my life.
I'm happy to see you smile.
Just like before.
Let me ask you for a favor.
I want you to ask me for any favor, whatsoever.
If I can repay you for the past 3 years,
I am willing to do anything.
Then...
I wish to meet my mother.
I've already been looking for her.
Just give me more time.
You will meet her soon.
Alright.
- Welcome, Princess. - Welcome.
This way.
The lady Gaekju is here.
Welcome.
Mother...
Bong-Ryun!
Mother!
Bong-Ryun!
My child!
It's been so long, mother.
Have you been safe, my Lord.
You've kept our Bong-Ryun safe...
Princess!
Goodness, gracious! You haven't changed one bit!
Who are you?
I've heard you lost your memory...
But can't you recognize me?
Let's leave her with her mother they must have a lot to talk about,
give them some privacy.
Please, go in.
How have you been?
Who are you?
You don't remember? It is I...
Master Choi's colleague.
Oh...
This is your engagement ring with Master Choi.
This is strange.
I thought that I didn't know him.
But I'm flustered when I'm near him.
And my...
Heart constantly feels for him.
If you just stay patient, your memories of him will return.
Mother.
Where's my child?
Where's my baby, mother?
Don't worry.
He is with Dan-Ah at the house
Lord Daewonwee provided.
It's a boy.
A handsome and strong boy, Bong-Ryun.
My Child.
If he hears the word 'Mother'
he walks about here and there.
Bong-Ryun,
now that you are a mother, you must be strong.
I couldn't risk bringing the child here.
But in two days at noon, all of the servant woman will be changed.
Security will be loose for about 15 minutes.
I will take the child,
and bring him to the mud hut I used to live in.
I've come to give you a small gift, my Princess.
I've hear you like birds.
I chose him myself.
Will you take care of him?
A cage without any doors...
Your taste is very cruel and peculiar.
Both you... And this bird cage...
I hate it.
Why are you not sleeping and standing out here?
If I think back to Ganghwa.
About 10 years ago, I had my fortune told,
he wasn't so wrong after all.
Pardon me?
I was told a friend will help me up.
That I should just ride on his back.
This time it won't be Chun-Jung Choi,
I will benefit from Chun-Jung Choi's son.
Master Choi has a child?
Could it be!
So, you truly are alive.
You just might be immortal.
Queen Mother I am truly grateful for you to read my letter and
Sangsin A written record of councilmen and government official's statements
invite me into your quarters.
So, why have you asked to see me?
I have come to you because
Daewongun's tyranny.
Our country and its people are crying out for help.
During such hard times,
someone must save Joseon, am I right?
Shouldn't someone help the young king walk in the right path?
Who could do such things?
The only person capable is...
You, my Queen Mother!
I am a very old woman now.
I do not have the strength to stop Daewongun and save this country.
I have never approached you, without a plan.
As I have made Heungseon-gun into the Guktaegong.
This time I will make you, Queen Mother,
into the true power and political force from behind.
Seopjeong A temporarily instated ruler when the King cannot rule
Your loyalty to your country and the King is very admirable.
Let me hear your plan.
What do you need me to do for you?
Please give me the strength.
I will exile Daewongun,
and hand back the power to you.
Grant me your strength, Queen Mother.
Greetings, my Queen.
Welcome, Master Choi.
And Lord warrior.
Have you met the Queen Mother?
Yes, I have met her and was granted a special favor.
What is it?
She has allowed Chi-Seong Yeon to become your guardian warrior.
He's Joseon's finest.
There is no one better to serve as your guard.
Also, if you need to contact me
you may just tell Chi-Seong Yeon.
I will do as you ask.
Please protect me well, my warrior.
I will protect you with my life my Queen.
Who could this be!
How long has it been?
Goodness.
You haven't changed.
Come in.
I've waited so long.
Everyone!
Now, please introduce yourselves.
This is Lord Heungin-gun.
Over here, Lord Won-Young Jung.
Our Kim-Moon's Lord Byung-Gyo Kim.
Now, let us drink!
Here, let me pour you a drink.
I'm hungry.
Hey guys! Come here, hurry! The food's ready.
How can they prepare food all day?
Auntie, you're getting old.
Hurry, come in.
Here, there isn't much but please enjoy.
Hey, she did all the preparing and cooking.
I handed out the plates.
Just shut up...
Miss, please have some.
Enjoy, please.
My Lord, please enjoy.
Right, please enjoy.
Yes, yes!
- Here. - It's delicious.
My Lord, you look happy.
I should get married, I'm so lonely.
I agree!
You're not ready, you fool.
You have to be lonely at least as long as I have,
in order to claim that you are lonely. You don't deserve it yet.
Aren't you in love with that noble woman?
He's right!
- Noble woman? - Who? Who?
- Which Noble woman? - I know about her.
Just eat, eat your food.
Let's have a drink.
What is it? What's wrong?
Nothing.
- Here, have some. - Here, here, please.
Why are we so quiet?
- Here, eat, eat. - The food is really good.
Who's the noble woman, huh?
I truly...
Loved this man, and still do.
What's wrong, my Lady?
Somebody ishere.
We have been followed.
Dan-Ah, take the child.
We have no choice Dan-Ah, we must split up.
Go straight for the mud house.
What are you saying, my Lady?
Listen to me.
My child!
We were followed.
Where's mother?
She... Gave the child to me, and ran off in a different direction.
Dan-Ah, take this child and go to the mud house.
If I do not return by night fall, go straight to the trading hall.
Miss...
I have to find my mother.
Please take care of him.
Mother!
This is the princess' child.
Back off!
Is that so?
Don't worry.
I will take better care of this child, than anyone else in this world.
Mother...
Mother! Mother!
Mother!
Mother, wake up!
Mother...
Mother!
Bong-Ryun...
My daughter...
My Bong-Ryun...
Let's hurry, you must get to a doctor.
Bong-Ryun...
The Gods...
Are calling for me...
I must go now...
No.
I can save you. I can save you, mother.
Let's go.
Mother...
Mother? Wake up.
Please...
A precious child like you...
Born to such a lowly mother...
I am really, truly sorry my daughter.
Mother, don't leave. No.
Don't leave! Don't leave me! Mother, please wait...
Don't leave, don't leave me...
Bong-Ryun...
Please...
Never give up,
and survive...
Please... Live...
My child...
Don't leave, mother.
No, mother don't leave!
Don't leave!
I'm sorry...
For leaving you here...
I love you more than my life.
I will be right back.
Promise that you'll return.
Mother!
Mother, wait... Mother, don't go...
Mother, please don't go.
Mother, it's all my fault,
Mother!
Please, please...
We have found Chun-Jung Choi's hideout.
Go and arrest Chun-Jung Choi and his accomplices!
Brother, big brother! Big brother!
Habha, you have been commanded to return to the palace.
Commanded?
Habha, you have been commanded to return to the palace.
Commanded?
Is there a command that I do not know of?
Let go! Wait! Wait!
Stop!
Chun-Jung Choi has officially been granted absolution!
What did I say! I knew that Master figure it out!
We're alive!
What are you waiting for!
Release us!
Lord Daewonwee has arrived.
What is going on!
The King has acquitted Chun-Jung Choi of all of his crimes and
commanded to restore his reputation and identity.
Why have you made such a decision without speaking with me first!
I was going to send for a letter... But I forgot.
3 years ago, this man created a cult.
He produced weapons and conspired against the throne!
How can you acquit him and restore his reputation!
there was no clear evidence to support those claims...
He is a very talented man, he deserves a second chance.
All of these men have united!
The king has listened to everyone's opinions.
And took my advice. Chun-Jung Choi has been acquitted,
and also has been tasked to take down Sam-Seong Jang.
He is now the leader of an official stand alone task force.
Chun-Jung Choi, rise and accept your command.
I, Chun-Jung Choi, accept your command.
I will capture the great thief for you, my King.
How dare you,
hide in my shadows, and plan for my destruction!
Daewongun, it is time for you to suffer.
I will be relentless.
I am your new destiny crashing down!