What name do I call you?
Hong Ra-On.
Jeoha.
Hong Ra-On.
Ra-On.
"Ra-On" means "joyful"?
Yes.
My father named me, so I'd live in joy.
Your name suits you.
[ Chapter 10: Like a Fairy Tale ]
Jeoha, have you woken?
Yes. Come in.
How's the weather outside,
Ra-On?
Pardon?
It's bright sunshine.
Okay.
Did you pack books for me,
Ra-On?
Yes.
Will you keep using my name?
I'm calling Ra On, "Ra On". So?
What if someone hears?
I'll say it on our own,
Ra-On.
~ I smile all day because of you ~
I'll make up for times I couldn't call you that.
Yes, Jeoha.
~ did life always taste this sweet? ~
~ was I someone who smiled so much? ~
~ now, whatever I do, it's so obvious ~
~ melting softly, my heart is melting ~
~ my frozen heart is beating again ~
~ a part of me I never knew ~
~ is awakening now ~
~ when I see you, I am moved to tears ~
As a love expert, tell me.
Don't women dream of love with a prince?
You couldn't find her?
The old neighbour didn't remember.
Not her looks or name?
No.
Alright.
I see.
What if we find her?
We'll guard her as ours.
Why do you ask?
It's nothing.
I'll keep looking.
Stop!
Get them!
Move!
Stop! Get them!
"Hungry cries can be heard from thousands."
"The people own the nation, not the ineffectual king."
"Hong Gyeong-Nae's kin will lead the way."
"We won't fail like 10 years ago."
They say they won't fail this time
and they're inciting the people.
Jeonha.
Leave it to me. Relax.
You'll get ill.
They'd put Hong Gyeong-Nae's ghost on my throne?
Why can't the Royal Army quash the rebels?
The Army and Royal Guards are searching.
We'll find the culprits soon.
The palace is unsafe.
They'll attack my bed.
Search all the Palace.
Anyone suspicious
will be severely dealt with.
Byung-Yeon.
Yes, Jeoha.
I'd hoped Father's fears were unfounded.
The situation seems dire.
Is there news
of Hong Gyeong-Nae's child?
No, Jeoha.
Nothing yet.
Premier Kim. Hong Gyeong-Nae.
And Father.
I will sever their ties of bad fate.
Please help me.
Yea.
Do you think this is a sudden change?
What do you wish to say?
Unrest seeks the weakest places.
My weak self as Regent brought unrest?
Your aim for change is good
but the real effect is turmoil.
In difficult times,
you need the aid of experienced subjects.
Why not give up, and shelter under my tree?
I don't know.
Standing in the shade, can I ignore my feet in mud?
Open them.
Master Jang.
What's up?
It's not only eunuchs, but everybody's rooms,
including Guards and Court ladies.
What was on the street leaflet to cause chaos?
A people's coup will remove the King.
- What? - Shh.
Isn't that treason?
In the Revolt 10 years ago,
a spy was in the Palace, but no-one knew.
Be careful.
It won't matter if you're guilty or not.
They'll tie us together and drag us away.
They'll burn us with irons, and we'll die.
- Die? - Sure.
You're back.
Yes.
You'd be upset at the Palace unrest.
I am.
I couldn't see you all day.
Lie down and rest.
Here we go.
You've been sleeping badly?
Shall I tell you a story
till you fall asleep?
Go ahead.
I read this in a book of Western tales.
You said,
every woman dreams of a prince.
That's the story.
A mermaid in the sea falls for a prince.
As handsome as I?
That Western prince.
Huh?
Yes, well,
it's love at first sight.
Like you?
The lovesick mermaid sacrifices her voice for legs
and meets the prince.
However, she can't tell him
who she is.
Go on, Ra-On.
Chief Han.
Seja just became Regent
and there's turmoil.
It's inevitable.
Voices against him will disempower him
like they stymied me.
Jeonha.
Shall we defer Seja's marriage
that you spoke of?
No.
Hasten wedding formalities.
Seja's marriage is a national celebration.
To grab public sentiment,
we need to spread word of Royal strength.
Then...
do you have a family in mind?
Discreetly summon Rites Minister Jo.
Yea, Jeonha.
Jeoha.
Scholar Jung Deok-Ho topped the State Exam.
Jeoha.
I'll do my utmost
for national progress
and work to the bone...
Don't go that far.
Use your military tactics in Palace security.
Show your abilities.
Yea. I will do as you say.
Young Master J-...
"Forgive me for loving someone"
"I never should have."
Tell her that.
You know each other?
- Y-yes. Pardon? - No.
We passed each other in the city.
Yes, ah...
Fine. You may go.
S-Sam-Nom, y-you c-can't tell...
No. I won't tell.
Relax.
Okay.
But first place? Really?
It's true.
I can't believe it.
I won a non-eating contest!
- Is that funny? - It isn't.
Eunuch Hong!
Princess?
Eunuch Hong.
Wasn't someone with you?
What surprised you?
What?
Sorry. You look different.
Your nose arch is high.
Is it?
I only recently found out my nose is like this.
See you again.
Yes. Take care.
How...
did she wittle away?
You'll be here often.
What will you do?
If Princess recognises me, it'll be bad.
I can only avoid her.
She's too skinny.
A lucky wish lantern.
What's your wish?
I wish to meet the King.
Naeuri.
Why are you here?
To see the King?
I delivered vegetables with my father.
Jeo-...
Give Seja's snacks
to this child.
Jeonha.
Why'd you summon me quietly?
I'll ask you directly.
Support Seja and me.
Let your child be Sejabin. (Crown Princess).
Be Seja's people.
It's a Royal wedding!
He'll marry Seja to Minister Jo's girl.
Jeoha will wed?
Yes.
So, did he delay Yoon-Sung's marriage because...
The King aims to calm unrest.
If Regent Seja marries...
Stop them!
If Minister Jo's girl and Seja beget an heir...
The Queen carries the King's child.
We can't waste our chance.
Don't worry.
*Sejabin requires Selection. (*Crown Princess).
How can you stop the wedding?
How old is your daughter?
- Ow~ - Eunuch Hong, lift both legs.
- Whoa! No pain, and it's fun. - Let's go.
Let's go like this.
What's amusing?
Jeoha, Eunuch Hong sprained his ankle.
Yes, we're safely taking him...
Thank you.
Great going.
I fell out of a persimmon tree.
Great job.
You hug anyone,
laugh with anyone...
and get hurt. Well?!
Don't get hurt.
It's a Royal Order.
I didn't intend to.
Hold back laughing with others.
It's an Order too.
I refuse.
What? You refuse?
It's punishment
for defying my Orders.
Me?
We're in marriage talks with Premier Kim.
What shall I do?
Father.
Do as the King asks.
It's not so simple.
Jeoha faces disloyal Officials.
I wondered how to comfort him.
You care about Seja?
I want to help him.
Even if he needs our clan, not me,
it won't matter.
Are you sure?
If Premier Kim's tactics lose you the Selection,
you can never marry.
Yes.
Whatever the outcome, I won't regret it.
Stay put till I return.
Master Jang will call me.
That's why.
Walking will worsen it.
- It's not that bad. - Uhoh.
You'll disobey?
No!
Alright.
Father.
I broached your marriage with Minister Jo.
Please refrain!
I pondered on this decision.
Only Jo's clan can support us,
unswayed by Premier Kim.
It's wise.
That's more consort kin.
We must retrieve the people's hearts.
If you waver,
rebels will manipulate the public.
Apologies, Father.
I don't want a wife for political power.
- Seja. - I'll gather my people
my own way.
So retract your order.
How am I at peace
after shocking news?
Seja is marrying age.
Father.
What about my unborn son?
That's why Seja is rushing.
Time is of the essence.
What if Lady Jo becomes Sejabin?
You're a gisaeng's child
made Queen by me.
Father.
Don't worry needlessly.
Focus on a safe birth.
Understand?
I broached your marriage with Minister Jo.
Only Jo's clan can support us.
We must win people's hearts.
Stay put till I return.
Let's stop. You may go.
Yea, Jeoha.
You said to stay put.
You're this late? Huh?
How can you smile now?
- Get on. - Eh?
How can I get on?
I can't.
Be clear.
I'd carry Hoon Nam if needed.
Still, I won't.
It's an Order.
You said we're friends
but it's always, "It's an Order."
So then?
Are you disobeying?
Why are you feather-light?
You mean it?
Your arms are trembling.
What if somebody sees?
Don't worry.
In this Palace, I know paths
nobody uses.
Right, your story about the mermaid...
How did it end?
You fell asleep in the middle?
Yes.
The prince, blind to her love, marries another.
So she fades into sea-foam forever.
It's a sad story.
Jeoha.
We're close to Jahyeondang. Let me down.
No.
Let's return to Dongungjeon.
Huh?
Jeoha, let me down?
No. We'll do it all again.
Jeoha.
What if we're seen?
Eat well.
You luckily get treated well
as a pregnant Court lady.
I'm honoured.
But...
what is my fate?
Just keep quiet
and don't worry.
The baby is a boy.
If not, you're at fault.
Are you sure?
Yes, I sense a strong, intelligent aura.
After checking,
you say it isn't a son?
No, Mama.
It's a princess.
I took six years to conceive.
Would I lose this chance easily?
I'll make a new king to rule Joseon,
no matter how.
Stop. Quiet.
Look here.
Anyone with time, volunteer.
I can tell by looking. You.
Well-fed face. Selected!
What for?
You'll prepare a Royal wedding.
Who's marrying?
Who else? Prince Poop.
What?
Move.
~ Moonlight Drawn by Clouds ~
Right,
your story about the mermaid...
How did the story end?
The prince, blind to her love,
marries another,
so she fades into sea-foam forever.
It's a sad story.
Eunuch Hong.
Naeuri.
No, sit.
I want work to end.
You make it tempting.
Huh?
When I see you,
I want to play truant.
You're so busy.
Yes, I've a new task...
I heard.
A Royal celebration?
Sure.
Palace events occur often.
It's tiring.
I aimed to feign ignorance
but it's written on your face.
I've no choice.
Then, I'll go get busy.
Rest a bit longer.
Feel your sadness.
Cry your fill,
suffer hurt...
then come to me.
If I stand with you,
you'll make me an Official.
You want that?
I asked you to stay by me, not be my person.
Then,
what do you expect of me?
I want a devoted worker,
with strength to stay honest,
steadfast against temptation.
Jeoha.
A bow string pulled too taut
will break.
Yes.
Just like now,
teach me and urge me on.
That's what I hope of you.
Oh right...
You had two matters.
What's the other?
It's about a woman.
A woman?
Yes.
I can't lose her, so I need your help.
What were you doing?
Master Sung sent me with books.
What else?
I saw the egret orchid embroidery.
Mm.
You know flowers.
Few can name this flower.
My mother liked this flower.
She liked its look and meaning.
An old friend always carried a hanky
with this stitched flower.
His estranged wife sewed it.
If you're done, I'll go.
Well, sure.
They're not yours?
I didn't know of them.
They're in your cart, yet you lie?!
I didn't know.
Take this rebel to Uigeumbu!
Yes, sir.
It wasn't me!
Show me proof I'm a rebel.
We confirmed you secretly supply rebels.
You bastards!
Is feeding the hungry rebellion?
They're not rebels or rioters.
They're starving poor peasants.
So, is watching innocents die in pain and hunger
true patriotism?
Father...
So,
you were orphaned in the Revolt?
Yes.
I lost Mother then.
How old are you?
I'm 18.
10 is young.
Young enough for trickery!
Behind that child, how many rebels are hiding?
Maybe she got coins or food.
How can a small, illiterate girl know it's serious?
Staving off hunger isn't treason.
Please reconsider.
Seja, dropping your guard will breach our walls.
Punish her harshly
as an example.
I want to stay here a bit longer.
I wonder
what moved your heart
to take such a risk.
I don't permit it.
He's my person.
We must talk.
Come in.
I can ask you as a vassal
or warn you as a friend.
So...
what did you decide?
It depends on your reaction.
Let's hear it.
Your marriage preparations began.
So?
It hurts a person beside you
but...
that person pretends to be fine.
What are you saying?
That person...
is who I love.
I don't want her hurt
for your ambition.
No.
I won't let it happen.
You called me?
Hong. Ra. On.
Why didn't you tell me?
You'd sell her out to Seja?
No.
Then...Premier Kim?
She had a tough life, so..
I don't want her to know
the suffering I endured.
She knows nothing,
not about Hong Gyeong-Nae.
So...
can't she live not knowing?
When I sent you to Seja,
I told you often
to do as you're told.
Nothing's more dangerous
than a spy acting freely!
Stop!
Jeoha, Teacher Dasan sent a letter.
Jeoha, I found a solution.
Let me meet her.
Will you go with me?
Th-this is...
White Cloud Society chief?
The one who brought me here 10 years ago was...
Chief Eunuch Han?
Yes.
I was watching you.
At the White Clouds gathering,
in front of everyone,
Hong Gyeong-Nae's daughter will appear.
You're smiling gladly to see me?
Yes.
I'm happy when I see you.
I can't help it.
Why'd you pretend not to know?
I mean...
Why are you pretending to be okay?
Jeoha.
Don't try too hard.
If I can't change it,
I can't keep crying over it.
Why?
You'll gloss over hurt,
then fade into sea-foam?
I found a way
to keep you by me as a woman.
What?
I dislike the story you told.
I'll change the ending.
Those two,
together for a long time,
lived happily.
Like us.
Jeoha.
We need to see someone.
Meet me in the morning at the centre gate.
Chief Han.
Why are you here?
I've sought you for a long time.
Pardon?
Sought for me?
I've something to tell you.
Ra-On.
How'd you know that name...?
How'd you know that name?
Hong Ra-On.
~ I miss you, the one I miss and can never forget~
~ all my tears and heart are calling for you ~
~ I love you, the one I love and can't let go ~
~ behind you, I am lost, so I am crying ~