I want your organisations to be in charge of...
procuring and supplying the paper.
You will not be supplying the government.
Those taking the exam will buy the paper from you.
In that case, what you're saying is that...
we can take over the paper market.
Yes.
I will let you decide the price as well.
What is the catch?
I want both of your organisations to pay a tax. 30 percent of the profit.
I think Tae Won is plotting something...
with the state exam.
Plotting?
He ordered Gong Jae Myung and Jung Nan Jung's...
organisations to buy up the supply of paper goods.
For the exam, an enormous amount of paper will be needed.
He's trying to buy up the paper and raise the price.
We should prepare for a counter-attack using his intention.
Can you think of a way?
Yes, Sir.
It has been chaotic and unstable...
inside and outside the Palace these days.
I plan to rebuild...
and expand Bongeunsa as a favour to Buddha.
What do you think?
Anything you want is what I want, Your Majesty.
Such a project will require...
a large sum of money.
Could you see...
if you can come up with the funds we need?
I am under your order, Your Majesty.
I ordered the chief of Price Policy Division...
to secure the funding.
Do you mean Yoon Tae Won?
That's right.
Lord Yoon's son.
Your Majesty. I'd like to help you secure finances as well.
Would you?
Is there a way?
Yes, Your Majesty.
If you could steer the commissioner of Sogyeokseo,
I will offer you a large sum of money as a privy purse.
The commissioner...
of Sogyeokseo?
These are the documents you asked for.
Okay. Thank you.
Sir. Lady Jung Nan Jung wants to see you.
Did you say Jung Nan Jung?
Yes, Sir.
Did she say what this is regarding?
She said she wants you to tell the fortune of someone in her family.
- Tell someone's fortune? - Yes, Sir.
Fortune telling.
That's your speciality, Ok Nyeo.
You should come with me.
It'll be good for you to get acquainted with Lady Jung.
(Episode 27)
My lady. The commissioner of Sogyeokseo is here.
- Invite him in. - I will.
Welcome.
My lady. It's been a long time.
You are...
Why are you here?
I asked why you are here!
Is there a problem? Do you know this girl?
What is she doing with you?
She is Ok Nyeo and I recently made her a clerk.
A clerk?
Yes, my lady. She knows the Book of Changes well,
and she is the best fortune teller out of all my clerks.
I brought her along hoping she would help.
I don't need a reading.
Wait outside.
Yes, my lady.
Did you not call us to ask for a fortune to be told?
That was just an excuse to bring you here.
Pardon?
Sit down.
Thank you.
I have something to discuss with you.
What I am about to say was sanctioned by the Queen Dowager.
Keep that in mind.
Yes, my lady. I am listening.
Hey, aren't you Ok Nyeo? The Jeonokseo's warden.
Do you know me?
We do. Why are you...
back in Hanyang?
Weren't you sent to Haeju as a slave?
What did you just say?
Were you a slave in Haeju?
Yes.
Do you know who I am?
I do, my lady.
Why were you sent to Haeju's Provincial Office as a slave?
You were Jeonokseo's warden.
My lady.
Your mother had her sent to Haeju.
- My mother? - Yes.
I'm no longer a slave. I'm now a clerk at Sogyeokseo.
While you were in Haeju, did you meet...
Officer Sung?
Yes. I met him at the Provincial Office...
where he was an administrator.
Can you tell me how he is doing?
I believe his father passed on recently.
I heard about that.
Do you know anything other than that?
I believe he resigned from his post in Haeju...
and is now unemployed.
What? Is that true?
Yes.
My lady, I told you that I met him here in Hanyang.
I wondered why he was here and not in Haeju.
That explains everything.
Do you know where he is staying?
No.
It is good to see you again.
It is. What brings you here?
I came by to see your mother.
Goodbye.
- Let's go. - Yes, Sir.
Find out where Officer Sung is staying.
Pardon? How could I find that out?
Just do as you're told.
Do whatever it takes to find him, okay?
She drives me crazy. How can I find that out?
This is terrible.
Is something wrong?
They're now trying to control us, too.
I don't know what to do.
What do you mean, Sir? Who is trying to control us?
The Queen Dowager and Lady Jung...
want to use us to control the public sentiment.
Pardon?
If I were to refuse,
they would threaten my life.
I don't know what to do.
Nan Jung.
Did you ask for me?
Ok Nyeo is now a clerk at Sogyeokseo.
What?
The second I saw her,
chills went up my spine.
Do you know what happened?
No.
She never goes away.
I only just made her a slave,
but now she's back.
She's only a Sogyeokseo clerk.
She's in no position to threaten you.
Don't worry.
No.
I shouldn't take her lightly.
Have someone tail her...
and keep a close eye on her.
I will.
Hello.
Ok Nyeo...
is a clerk at Sogyeokseo.
Pardon?
Find out exactly what happened.
Have one of your men follow her.
Yes, Ma'am.
Hello, Lord Yoon.
What brings you here, Your Majesty?
I came to discuss something...
with my mother.
Your Majesty. This is...
my son.
He is your son?
Thank you. I will see you again.
Yes, Sir.
I'm here. I heard you asked for me.
- Yes. Have a seat. - Sure.
Did Ok Nyeo...
ever say that...
she had an audience with the King?
What? Did she meet with the King?
Did she ever tell you she did?
No, she didn't.
If she did, she would've told me.
Did you meet with her?
I think she had the wrong idea about you.
Did you talk that out?
Why did you become the chief...
using Lord Yoon's power?
Why are you...
cooperating with Lady Jung?
Ok Nyeo. It's not what you think.
It's not important...
why you decided...
to be on their side. The important thing is...
a lot of people got hurt...
by your decision.
- Ok Nyeo. Listen to me. - No.
No matter what you say,
I can't forgive you.
Sir Yoon.
You can go, Chun Doong.
I will.
- Bye. - You can sit.
Thank you.
Is Lord Yoon here?
No, not yet.
The room is ready, though.
What do you think?
Do you think I have changed?
Yes. You have changed.
I believe, though, that you should change even more.
You still think too much.
Now that you've decided to gain power,
you must be more ruthless.
If you're too nice and too accommodating...
and fail to make important decisions,
you might as well never have begun.
When I first started working at a kisaeng parlour,
the senior kisaeng said something to me.
"If you're going to fight someone, crush them completely"...
"so that they never dream of provoking you again."
"If you stop at irritating them,"
"they will come back at you with something even worse."
You decided to fight. You might as well fight hard.
To gain more power,
you must be hard-headed.
Sir.
Lord Yoon is here.
Come in. Meet the minister of the Department of Culture.
I can see you're related.
You look just like your father.
Does he?
Help him as best you can.
Of course I will.
Every member of the government agency...
cannot wait to meet you.
I'm the first to gain the honour.
I'm a lucky man.
I heard you asked to see me.
I did, my lord.
How can I help you?
There's something I'd like to ask you.
What is that?
I heard there will be a state exam.
Is it confirmed?
How do you know that?
Only a few ministers...
are aware of that plan.
Did you tell him?
I did not.
- I never told him anything. - I...
found out myself.
Like father, like son, my lord.
Someone in his position should know such things.
We are awaiting the King's approval,
but the Queen Dowager gave hers,
so it is almost certain.
Why are you asking me about that?
I have...
- a favour to ask of you. - What's that?
For this exam,
instruct the candidates to purchase the paper...
before they attend the exam.
Is there a reason for that?
As you know,
the long drought has drained our coffers.
Spending too much on a state exam...
would put a strain on the Queen Dowager and Lord Yoon.
That is true. I think this is a great idea.
I will discuss it with the officers and make it official.
You have a very smart son.
Let's drink.
Ok Nyeo.
Sir.
Is everything ready?
Yes.
- It's this house. - I see.
What do you think?
This will do.
You did well.
Come inside. They're waiting for you.
I'm right.
You're wrong.
You can sit.
First,
I thank you for joining me.
Thank you for coming on board...
knowing that we'll be up against...
Lord Yoon and Lady Jung.
We'll do anything as long as we're paid for our services.
We'd do anything to help Ok Nyeo.
- There's no need to thank us. - He's right.
I didn't have to think too much.
I'm here to earn more than I did as a secretary.
I don't plan to quit my job at the Police Bureau,
but I will help you out now and then, if I can.
Very well.
Before we start trading,
there's something you must heed.
Our merchant organisation...
must remain a secret.
Do not do anything...
that can blow our cover.
Everything we will do...
must be done in secret.
Trading is all about meeting people...
and talking and exchanging information.
Is it possible to keep it a secret?
It won't be easy, but it must be done...
until we are established.
Once we are exposed, we will be shunned...
and even attacked.
I understand.
Now tell us...
what we have to do.
Our first task...
is to purchase paper mulberry trees.
Paper mulberry trees?
The tree used to make paper with?
Yes. The price is of no issue.
Buy all you can as soon as you can.
Why?
Sir Gong and Lady Jung's organisations...
will try to take over the paper market.
Before they do that,
we must purchase the trees and inflate the paper price...
as much as possible.
Your Majesty, Lady Jung is here.
- Let her in. - I will.
It's good to see you.
- You may sit down. - Yes, Your Majesty.
Did you meet with the commissioner of Sogyeokseo?
Yes, Your Majesty.
He promised to help us.
If this doesn't go as planned, we'll have to face a severe backlash.
You must take care of it with extra prudence.
Yes, Your Majesty. Please set your worries aside.
I'm fully counting on you, Nan Jung.
Your Majesty, I brought something for you.
Someone gave me this as a gift.
It is too valuable to own myself,
so here I present it to you.
Where did you...
get this from?
Your Majesty, is there a problem?
I'm asking where you got this from.
Please take this.
500 yang? This is much less than you promised.
I'll pay the rest. Please wait a little longer.
I've asked as many people as I could for money.
I'll pay you as soon as I get it, Sir.
There's no need to pay me any more.
What are you talking about all of a sudden?
I'll do everything I can to make money. Please don't say that.
I'm saying 500 yang is good enough.
It is?
Do you...
Do you really mean it?
You seem to regret what you did, so I won't ask you for more.
This is enough.
Thank you.
Thank you, Sir.
Thank you so much, Sir.
I will never forget this for the rest of my life.
I checked this last time.
Sir, did something good happen?
I haven't seen you so happy before.
Something good? Of course, it happened.
Let's go to the tavern after work today.
I'll treat you nicely.
Please tell us what happened.
That's none of your business.
He must be really happy.
- Sure, I am happy. - Sir, we're in serious trouble.
What is it?
That is... That's...
Come on. Go ahead.
I'm Palace Guard Officer Ki Choon Soo.
Who is Senior Officer Yoo Jong Hoi?
Well... That's me. What brings you here?
Did you give a hair accessory to Lady Jung as a gift?
That... That is right. Is there a problem?
Tie him up now!
- Yes, Sir! - Yes, Sir!
What's going on?
It hurts. It hurts.
Why are you tying me up?
Please be gentle. It hurts.
- What... What did I do wrong? - Take him!
- Yes, Sir! - What? Wait.
What's all this all of a sudden?
- Move! - It hurts!
My goodness.
- What's going on? - Don't push me.
Sir, why are you doing this to me?
What's going on? I did nothing wrong.
Please tell me what this is.
Sir.
Where did you get the accessory you gave to Lady Jung?
Well, I got that by some chance.
Stop beating around the bush and tell me exactly where you got it.
Jeonokseo...
I got it from Jeonokseo, Sir.
Where in Jeonokseo? Tell me exactly.
I want to tell you exactly,
but I can't because I know nothing.
I really have no idea at all, Sir.
Why are you doing this to me?
Dear me. Get off.
What is it?
Treasurer Ji,
did you have a hair accessory?
What hair accessory?
It's shaped like this,
and a blue gem is mounted on its centre.
Don't you know what it is?
How do you know that?
I knew it. What should I do?
- I think we're in trouble. - Why?
While I was tidying up your office,
I found a hair accessory.
I didn't know whose it was.
I gave it to Senior Officer Yoo,
but I think it is...
what caused this big fuss.
What?
Dear me.
An epidemic swept over Hanyang long ago.
Dead crows were scattered near the Palace,
and wells were filled with blood instead of water.
We, at Sogyeokseo, held a ritual in order to settle...
the agitated people.
However,
it failed to relieve the people's concerns,
and only brought bigger chaos.
Later on, we found out...
that not only the epidemic but also the dead crows...
and blood-filled wells...
all had been manipulated.
Was Lady Jung behind it?
That's right.
She was using the people for her political benefit.
Is she going to use Sogyeokseo to plot another conspiracy?
I think so.
What would she do that for?
I haven't found that out yet.
If you need to see me,
ask for my bodyguard Jae Seo.
He'll tell you what you should do to meet with me.
- Yes, Sir. - Good.
The reason why I want to meet you is to find out...
what's going on in the nation as I told you earlier.
I'll deliver what you say to me to His Majesty.
So please tell me about everything.
Ma'am.
What is it?
The commissioner said you may go home.
I need to go out of the Palace for a while.
If the chief looks for me,
tell him that I'll be back soon.
Yes, Ma'am.
That is Ok Nyeo.
Follow her and find out who she meets outside the Palace.
Yes, Sir.
I'd like to meet Sir Han Jae Seo.
He'll know if you tell him I'm Ok Nyeo.
You'll have to wait very long.
Is it okay?
I'm a clerk at Sogyeokseo.
Please tell him I'll be at Sogyeokseo.
Okay.
Ok Nyeo.
Sir.
It's been long.
Yes, Sir.
I need you to come with me.
Do you have a moment?
Court Lady Han is waiting for you inside.
There's someone you must see.
How do you two...
know each other?
I'll explain it later. Go in now.
Follow me.
Yes, Ma'am.
She is Ok Nyeo.
Be polite to her.
She serves the King.
Really?
- Sit down. - Yes, Ma'am.
I have...
something to ask you.
Tell me about your mother.
I apologise, but may I ask...
why you're asking about my mother?
Do you remember the name Ga Bi?
Yes, Ma'am.
You told me that there was a court maid named Ga Bi...
who suddenly disappeared...
when you worked as a court maid of Dongungjeon.
Ga Bi was...
my close friend when I was a court maid.
I called you...
because I wanted to know...
if you are really her daughter.
I heard that...
my mother was found wounded with a sword...
in front of Jeonokseo.
My foster father helped her...
to deliver me in Jeonokseo,
and she died after the delivery.
Is there anything else you know about her?
Right.
My mother...
left these rings to me.
I'm sure she received the rings...
in Dongungjeon.
Is Ga Bi...
really my mother?
Are you doing fine...
as a clerk at Sogyeokseo?
How do you know that?
Did you forget...
that I used to be a spy?
No, I didn't.
If you get in trouble,
come visit me.
I'll help you as much as I can.
Sir Park Tae Soo was killed suddenly.
Thinking about what I did to you...
still breaks my heart.
Back then,
I had no choice but to follow Lord Yoon's orders,
but things have changed now.
I will make sure...
to pay you what I owe you.
Let's get going.
What do you think?
I could see Ga Bi...
overlying on her face.
I saw the same thing.
Should I tell her...
why Ga Bi died?
Lord Yoon...
and Lady Jung are keeping their eyes on her.
It may be too soon to tell her.
I understand, Ma'am.
By the way,
do you have any idea...
who her father could be?
I'm not certain,
but one person comes to my mind.
Who is it?
When Ga Bi worked in the Palace,
she adored...
a palace guard officer.
She might be...
his daughter.
It's here.
That wench went into this house.
Whose house is this?
I do not know, Sir.
Excuse me.
Do you know who lives in that house?
Lord Lee Jeong Myeong lives here.
Thank you.
Lee Jeong Myeong?
Did you just say Lee Jeong Myeong?
I am sure it's his house...
that Ok Nyeo has been visiting.
You must find out...
who she's been meeting with in his house.
Yes, Ma'am.
Nan Jung.
We spotted Ok Nyeo's behaving suspiciously.
What do you mean?
She has been visiting Lord Lee Jeong Myeong's house.
Are you talking about...
- the minister of Defence? - Yes, my lady.
Goodness.
What a mysterious girl she is.
Why would she be visiting him?
We don't know that yet.
Soon,
Lord Yoon will expel Lord Lee.
I'd be a perfect chance to tangle her up with him.
Tell the men to keep a close eye on her.
Yes, my lady.
My lady!
My lady, I found it out.
I found out where Officer Sung lives.
Where is he?
His house in Hanyang.
I heard all of his father's assets were confiscated,
but I guess his house wasn't.
- Where is it? - It's in Gahoe-dong.
Sir.
What are you doing here?
I came to see you.
- I have no reason to see you. - Sir.
I am sorry.
Please let me apologise on behalf of my parents.
Sir.
We are already over.
Please go back.
Sir. Sir.
Sir!
Sir... Sir.
I can't stand watching her suffer.
Me either.
Sir.
The Queen Dowager wants you to come over now.
What is it about?
I have no idea.
Please hurry yourself to the chamber.
Okay.
- Did you look into it? - Yes, Your Majesty.
Where did he get it from?
He said he found it while tidying up Jeonokseo,
and doesn't know whose it is.
Are you sure he's not lying?
In my judgement, he isn't.
You must find out to whom it belongs.
Yes, Your Majesty.
- You may leave, then. - Yes, Your Majesty.
Your Majesty.
Chief Yoon of Price Policy Division is here.
- Let him in. - I will.
It's good to see you. Come sit down.
Have you figured out how to make money?
Yes, Your Majesty.
Elaborate on your plan.
Are you aware that the state exam will be held shortly?
I do.
My subjects reported me about it.
For the state exam this year,
we'll ask the scholars to buy the paper themselves...
and bring it to the exam site.
And?
Before that,
I'll make some organisations buy up the paper goods,
and sell it at a higher price.
Those organisations will pay...
30 percent of the profit as tax.
I see.
That's a brilliant move.
It's a great idea.
- You flatter me, Your Majesty. - No.
I'm surprised at your wisdom.
I'll fully support you on this matter. You must succeed.
Yes, Your Majesty.
Ma'am.
Hi, Ok Nyeo.
Where is Chun Doong?
He's been waiting for you. He's inside.
Okay.
Ok Nyeo.
Can I talk to you for a second?
I'm sorry?
I heard you're excellent at reading fortunes and faces.
Can you read my face?
When will I get a new husband?
I see a lot of men around you.
Among that many men, do you see...
the chief of the Police Bureau?
Are you talking about Chief Yang?
No. I'm not talking about him in particular.
Do you like Chief Yang?
Ok Nyeo.
You know what lovesick is, right?
To be honest, because of Chief Yang,
I stay up all night unable to sleep.
Can't you see I'm growing thinner every day?
Okay. I'll try to arrange something when I get a chance.
Gosh. Thank you, Ok Nyeo.
- I'll go inside now. - Okay.
Thank you, Ok Nyeo. I'll be waiting.
- You're here. - Yes.
I heard you met Tae Won.
- Yes. - Ok Nyeo.
I think you misunderstood something about Tae Won.
The way I see it, Tae Won cares a great deal about you.
When he heard you were taken by the bandits,
he went to Mount Chilsung himself to save you.
Do you think that's easy to do? He risked his life for you.
Let's not talk about it.
I wanted to see you because I need to ask you a favour.
What is it?
There are things I want Man Ok and Man Soo to do for me.
What?
It's nothing. We just have to go and beg for forgiveness, okay?
Gosh, you're such a coward. Hey.
What are you doing? We don't have much time.
Hold on, Sir.
What if we get killed?
Stop talking nonsense.
We won't get killed. Don't worry.
- I'm a bit worried. - Stop it.
There he is. Let's go.
Sir.
You little punk!
Goodness.
What are you up to now?
Do you wish to die? Is that why you're here?
Sir. We're so sorry. Please forgive us.
You punk. Don't do things you're going to be sorry for later.
It's too late to ask for forgiveness!
Sir. I'll do anything you tell me to.
Please forgive me once.
Why? Are you going to stab me in the back again?
Of course not. I'm not insane.
I'll work for you now. Please accept me.
- Sir. - Do you mean that?
Yes. He and I will do anything you tell us to.
We'll show you our royalty. What are you doing?
We'll do anything.
We have women's jewellery.
Let me see.
My gosh.
Watch where you're going.
I'm sorry, Ma'am.
This is so pretty.
Gosh. What a beautiful colour.
Where is this from?
It's from Ming.
Ming. I see.
It has a beautiful colour.
You punk. How dare you.
What is it?
She tried to pick your pocket.
Gosh. I didn't. Let go of me.
Shut your mouth. I saw you. Don't deny it.
I'm going to take you to the Police Bureau.
Get your hand off of me!
- We're going to the Police Bureau. - Let me go.
Let her go.
Pardon?
You. Will you follow me?
Excuse me?
Gyo Ha.
Where have you been?
Good. You're here.
Take her and dress her up.
Who is she?
She's a pickpocket.
Pardon?
Stand up.
So Jung, who is she?
Where is she from?
I don't know where she's from, but she looks cheap.
Hey. You'd better not mess with me.
What?
How dare you talk to me like that?
Be quiet.
Can you sing or dance?
No.
Have you written a poem or drawn a painting?
I don't know what you mean.
Gyo Ha.
Yes. Sit down.
I wasn't wrong about you.
What are you going to do?
Can't you see?
She's pretty enough to be a kisaeng.
All right. What's your name?
It's Man Ok.
You'll be called Myung Seon from now on.
Would you want to become a kisaeng?
Excuse me?
With your pretty face, you'll get a lot of tips, much more than...
what you get from picking pockets.
Gyo Ha. She doesn't have any talent.
We can teach her.
Kisaengs at Sosoru are not...
entertainers who attend on a man at night.
All of us are artists who serve honoured guests.
If you're willing to learn,
I will help you...
become the best artist in the best kisaeng parlour in Hanyang.
How did it go?
It went well. She told me to become a kisaeng.
Good job.
Becoming a kisaeng won't be easy.
You have to stay low and endure it.
Okay.
I'll tell you what you have to do at Sosoru later.
For now, try to adjust yourself to Sosoru.
I will.
- Where are we? - Goodness.
Gosh, I'm tired.
Are we there yet?
We're almost there. Look.
- Excuse me. - Hello.
Are you the owner?
Yes, Sir.
How many paper mulberry trees do you have?
There are some in the storage, here at the front...
and we also can get a lot more from the mountain.
I'll buy all paper mulberry trees in this mountain,
and the ones you have.
Excuse me? Do you want to buy them all?
- Sell them all to me. - Here you go.
I'll pay you enough money for them.
Here you go.
We're going to buy...
every sheet of paper you produce from now on.
Okay, Sir.
Ma'am.
Are you buying enough paper?
I'm afraid we have a problem.
- A problem? - The price of paper doubled.
Why?
Does someone else know we're going to buy up the paper?
I don't think so.
For some reason, the price of paper mulberry tree doubled,
and the price of paper went up as well.
What?
The price of paper mulberry doubled? How did that happen?
I don't know that.
Merchants who sell paper say...
this has never happened before.
What do we do now?
We don't have a choice. We have to buy it anyway.
It's Chief Yoon's order.
Sir. I'll go and see Tae Won.
I'll let him know the situation.
He will tell us what to do.
I don't care if you do or not.
Do whatever you want.
Goodness. What's the matter with him?
I think...
he's still mad at Tae Won.
He can't stay mad forever.
Why are you getting angry at me?
Why are you yelling at me? Gosh.
Eun Soo. You should...
go and try to...
make him feel better.
He never listens to what I say.
- That won't work. - Hey.
- He never listens to us, either. - My gosh.
What are you talking about?
Did you find out the reason for the elevated price of the tree?
It looks like someone is buying up the paper mulberry tree.
Someone is buying up the tree?
Yes. If the price doesn't go down,
we'll have to buy the paper at a price three times higher.
Gosh. We're going to suffer a loss...
before we start selling it.
What should we do, Sir?
What's the problem?
We buy it at a higher price,
we sell it at a higher price.
The scholars...
must buy the paper to take the state exam.
No matter how expensive it is, they will buy it.
Don't worry.
My goodness, Sir.
- Sir. - What happened?
- Yoo Geum. - Yes, Sir.
The one that you gave me.
The accessory with a gem on it.
Where did you say you got it from?
What? Well...
I found it when I was cleaning Treasurer Ji's office.
- I see. Treasurer Ji. - Yes, Sir.
You know what I'm talking about, don't you?
Of course not.
I don't know what you're talking about at all.
Did you say accessory with a gem on it?
I don't know what it is.
- You really don't know? - No.
We bought up the paper for both organisations.
Because we bought all the paper mulberry trees,
they must've bought the paper at a price three times higher.
I guess they were desperate. Even at such a high price,
they bought it without hesitation.
Why would they buy it even at a higher price?
I'm sure they think they can...
sell it at a higher price as well.
The scholars...
must buy the paper to take the state exam.
We're going to cancel the exam.
- What? - What do you mean?
What do you mean you'll cancel the exam?
How are we going to do that?
By all means,
we're going to cancel the exam.
That way, both organisations will suffer a loss.
Like Chief Yang said, if the state exam takes place,
they can just sell the paper at a higher price.
I get what you're saying,
but how are we going to stop the exam that the government holds?
I don't understand.
Did you want to see us, Sir?
There is someone buying up the paper mulberry trees.
Find out who it is.
- Yes, Sir. - Yes, Sir.
Yes. What is it?
Your Majesty. Ok Nyeo asked me to tell you that...
she wants to see you.
I see.
We'll go out in disguise tonight. Get ready.
Yes, Your Majesty.
- Enjoy. - Thank you.
- Sir. - Hi.
Have you waited long?
Not at all. I just got here.
Let's go inside.
Yes, Sir.
- Where should we go? - Follow me.
Why did you want to see me?
I'm not sure whether I should tell you this or not.
Of course you can. Tell me.
Sir.
Do you know that there will be a state exam soon?
I heard that...
His Majesty...
hasn't approved it yet.
Why do you ask?
Do you know the reason why they're having the exam in a hurry?
Isn't it...
because they need to hire officials?
That's not what I heard.
What? What is it then?
The Queen Dowager wants to rebuild and expand Bongeunsa.
The scholars are strongly opposed to that.
They're having the state exam...
to calm them down.
What?
How do you know that?
I can't tell you how I exactly know,
but an officer I know told me.
I see.
The problem is that the scholars...
must buy the paper to take the exam.
Organisations already have taken over the paper market.
If the exam takes place, the price of paper...
will soar up.
It's already hard enough for the people to earn a living.
Isn't it unfair to place such a burden on them?
Of course it is.
I thought...
you should know about this.
That's why I wanted to see you.
I see. Thank you for telling me.
I'll look into that matter.
Is that all you want to tell me?
Well...
A few days ago, Lady Jung Nan Jung...
sent someone to Sogyeokseo.
- Jung Nan Jung? - Yes.
The commissioner of Sogyeokseo met with Lady Jung...
and he said he thinks she is...
trying to use Sogyeokseo to control the public sentiment.
Is that true? Why?
I couldn't find out why.
Goodness. If what you're saying is true,
it is no light matter.
- Are you sure about this? - Yes, Sir.
According to the commissioner,
this has happened before.
I see.
Thank you.
Sure. Come again.
I didn't realise it got so late.
What I heard from you today tells me...
you're a suspicious girl indeed.
Sir! That's not true.
I'm just kidding.
I will tell His Majesty...
what you told me today.
I'll do everything in my power...
to prevent it from happening.
- Thank you, Sir. - Sure.
- Let's go. - Okay.
I hope I didn't take up so much of your time.
- Of course not. - Okay.
Who are you?
Why are you following them?
If you want to live,
tell me who ordered you to follow them.
Yes, Your Majesty.
Lady Jung told him to spy on Ok Nyeo.
Very well. You may leave.
Yes, Your Majesty.
The commissioner of Sogyeokseo met with Lady Jung...
and he said he thinks she is...
trying to use Sogyeokseo to control the public sentiment.
Your Majesty, Lord Yoon and...
the minister of Culture are here.
- Let them in. - Yes, Your Majesty.
Please sit.
Yes, Your Majesty.
Why are you here?
To ask for your permission to hold a state exam.
My department came up with the dates and topics...
for each of the exams.
Your Majesty.
There will be...
no state exam.
What do you mean? Why will there be no exam?
- It is like I just said. - Your Majesty.
Your mother's plans to expand Bongeunsa...
is causing unrest among the scholars.
Add to that a cancelled state exam,
no one knows how they will react.
Yes, Your Majesty. Please rescind your order.
Then...
cancel the plans to expand Bongeunsa as well.
Your Majesty.
A state exam's purpose is to hire officials.
It is not to calm the public.
Your Majesty. The Queen Dowager...
approved of the idea to hold an exam.
Yes, Your Majesty.
If she were to hear of this, she would be very displeased.
That is none of your concern.
There will be no exam. That is final.
What?
Is that true?
Yes, Your Majesty.
Lord Jeong and I tried to persuade him,
but he kept on saying there would be no exam.
I shall meet with the King.
Court Lady Kim, are you there?
Did you ask for me?
I shall meet the King. Ready my entourage.
Yes, Your Majesty.
Announce my presence.
Yes, Your Majesty.
Your Majesty, the Queen Dowager is here.
I shall not see her.
Your Majesty. I am your mother.
I shall come in.
Do not let anyone enter.
Your Majesty.
I am coming in.
Your Majesty.
Step aside!
I dare suggest you leave today.
I said step aside.
Your Majesty.
Your Majesty. Why are you avoiding me?
I know very well what you are here to say.
However, nothing you say...
will make me change my mind.
Your Majesty.
Sir!
I have terrible news.
What is it?
There will be no state exam.
What do you mean?
Why not?
The King gave his order to cancel it completely.
The Palace is in uproar.
The King?
Yes.
Ok Nyeo.
Sir.
What happened?
We got our way.
Then...
There will be...
no state exam.
(The Flower in Prison)
Does this have...
something to do with Lady Jung and the Queen Dowager?
Do not mention that to anyone else.
If you do, your life will be in danger.
What are you planning?
The Queen Dowager...
asked me herself to replenish the coffers.
Is Lord Yoon and Lady Jung behind this?
We cannot take them lightly.
Let me try.
Now is not the time for you to take the lead.
Did you think about it?
Can you help me?
Don't you worry. I'll do it.