(Episode 31)
Get off.
Gosh, Nan Jung!
Nan Jung.
- My lady. - Are you all right?
Goodness, those jerks.
Why did you arrest me?
I'm sure you know the reason better.
I do not know anything.
We've been reported that your merchant organisation...
bought up medicinal herbs...
and plotted the plague to raise the prices of the herbs.
Who on earth said such ludicrous thing?
It must be a ruse of those who try to set me up.
Even His Majesty is well aware of this.
Stop denying your charges, and tell us the truth.
I said it has nothing to do with me.
If you keep denying,
we have no choice but to torture you.
Did you just threaten Lady Jung?
Shut your mouth and just answer our questions!
How dare you! What do you think you're doing?
You'll never be able to save your life!
Ok Nyeo.
Sir.
I heard that you were looking for me.
That's right, Sir.
Do you have anything to tell me?
I do, Sir.
Where have you been for such a long time?
Did anything happen to you?
Well, you know. I was a little busy.
I had to take care of something...
upon the order of His Majesty,
so I went to visit an office in other region.
By the way, what is it you want to tell me?
While you were away, the Capital was in chaos.
Are you talking about the plague?
Are you aware of it?
Of course, I am.
It wasn't really a plague...
but something Jung Nan Jung schemed, right?
Jung Nan Jung...
and the head merchant who bought up the medicinal herbs...
must be under interrogation by now.
How do you know all this?
Gosh.
I guess you forgot about my standing and position...
since you can meet with me whenever you want.
You may not believe this,
but I'm a secret royal inspector who meets His Majesty privately.
Right. You are.
This time,
Jung Nan Jung will not be able to weasel out.
Wait and see.
That's what I really hope for.
By the way,
I hadn't seen you for long,
and you seem to have lost weight.
Did something happen to you?
No, Sir.
You're lying.
I can read...
that something happened in your face.
Just tell me what happened.
I found out...
who my mother was...
and who killed her.
My mother...
was a court maid.
When she was about to give birth to me,
she was stabbed by someone...
and fallen in front of Jeonokseo.
And she died...
right after she gave birth to me.
Who killed your mother?
Please tell me who it is.
It's an assassin...
sent by Lord Yoon.
What?
I heard that my wife is locked up in here.
- I need to see her. Lead the way. - I apologise.
You can't meet her until the investigation is over.
What?
Stop all that nonsense, you brat.
Do you not know who I am?
I'm Yoon Won Hyung!
- You must have a death wish. - What's going on?
You're here, Officer Kim. It's me.
What brings you here?
What do you think?
- I need to meet Nan Jung. - You can't.
If you want to see her,
you need to obtain the King's approval.
You know who I am. What is this?
I don't want to be rude to you,
- so please go back. - Hey!
Do you think you can avoid me forever?
I apologise.
Kim Tae Jung!
What's gotten into you?
How dare you.
Then, I'll get going.
- Ok Nyeo. - Yes, Sir.
I understand how furious you must be...
about Lord Yoon and Jung Nan Jung,
but you should never act hastily.
They have enormous power you'd never imagine.
If you get back at them recklessly, you might end up in worse trouble.
Please be careful.
Do you understand what I'm saying?
Yes, Sir. I'll keep that in mind.
Good. I'll contact you again.
Go home safely.
Yes, Sir.
Let's go.
Yes, Your Majesty.
Ok Nyeo.
- Sir! - Why are you so late?
I'm sorry.
- Did you have dinner? - I did.
Why are you still up at this late hour?
It's too hot to sleep.
I will go splash water on myself.
Okay.
- Ok Nyeo. - Yes?
I have something to tell you.
What is it?
- Jae Seo. - Yes, Your Majesty.
I need to stop by Price Policy Division.
Isn't it too late, Your Majesty?
It won't take long. Follow me.
Please go on.
Actually,
there's one thing...
I haven't told you about.
I gave you the rings...
your mother left.
Right. You did.
Your mother left something...
other than the rings.
- Please take this. - What is it?
The dead woman had it with her.
These look pretty valuable.
Should I go sell these?
Gosh, you brat.
These are all the baby will get from her mother.
You can't sell these away.
- Go now. - Yes, Sir.
That was...
a hairpin women wear.
A blue stone I've never seen before is mounted on its centre,
and it's surrounded by various valuable gems...
such as pearls...
and amber beads.
Why haven't you...
told me about it until now?
I'm sorry I kept it secret,
but I had no choice back then.
Your mother was stabbed to death.
So I was afraid...
that the precious hairpin might put you in danger.
That's why I decided to keep it for a while...
and give them to you when you're grown up.
Goodness. Actually...
Things went wrong.
What do you mean by that?
I kept the hairpin in my office.
When you were sent to Haeju,
I also left Jeonokseo for a while.
And Yoo Geum...
happened to find it...
when she was tidying up the office,
and she gave the hairpin to Yoo Jong Hoi.
- Pardon? - And Officer Yoo...
gave it to Jung Nan Jung as a gift.
Since it looked very expensive,
he decided to give it to Jung Nan Jung...
to have her get his back.
Anyway, because of the hairpin,
Officer Yoo were taken to Palace Guards.
Palace Guards?
Yes. He was taken there and even tortured.
He was a total wreck when he came back.
So Officer Yoo...
is currently looking for the owner of the hairpin.
I can never tell him that it belongs to your mother.
Goodness.
If I do, it's obvious that we both will get in serious trouble.
So...
I'm holding my lips tight now.
You'd never know how heavy I felt...
with worries, while I was keeping it a secret from you.
I should've given it back to you earlier.
I'm sorry, Ok Nyeo.
It's okay. I understand you.
By the way,
why do you think Palace Guards...
tortured Officer Yoo because of a small hairpin?
I don't know.
That's why...
I am very disturbed and anxious.
Who is it?
Your Majesty.
What brings you here?
- Take a seat. - Yes, Your Majesty.
Are you aware...
that the uproar in the Capital subsided,
and Jung Nan Jung got locked up thanks to your effort?
Yes, Your Majesty.
Palace Guard is undertaking a thorough investigation,
so the truth will come to light soon.
You made a significant contribution to this.
I'm sorry it cannot be known.
If word got out that you told me,
Lord Yoon and the Queen Dowager...
will want to make you pay.
I didn't want anything in return, so don't concern yourself.
Is there anything else you wish to say?
Don't you...
have something you wish to ask me?
The girl called Ok Nyeo.
What is...
your relationship with her?
When she was a warden at Jeonokseo,
I was once a prisoner there.
She was just a little girl...
and I was a common scoundrel.
That's how we met and we stayed in touch.
May I ask you...
how you...
met her?
I met her when I went to Jeonokseo in a disguise.
As you know, she is smart and she knows...
how the world works.
I hid my identity to meet with her and hear about...
things that I don't get to hear in the Palace.
I plan to keep on seeing her.
Your Majesty.
May I ask you one more thing?
Yes. What is it?
Are you aware that she was sent away as a slave...
because you let her supply salt...
to the army?
Yes.
That will never happen again.
If I am to meet with Ok Nyeo to hear what is going on,
she cannot find out who I am.
You cannot tell her that I am the King.
This is an order.
Do you understand?
Yes, Your Majesty.
Good.
You don't have to see me out.
- But... - I will call for you.
Be prepared.
Yes, Your Majesty.
There was a rumour that...
Lord Yoon and Lady Jung were the ones who killed the court maids.
Eventually,
every court maid of Dongungjeon died.
Court Lady Min, the one you met,
is the only one who survived.
Your mother, Ga Bi,
was killed by Lord Yoon.
Officer Yoo is currently looking for the owner of the hairpin.
I can never tell him that it belongs to your mother.
Goodness.
If I do, it's obvious that we both will get in serious trouble.
These records show that...
your shipment came into Samgae Dock.
Your organisation bought all the herbs necessary...
to cure the illness long before the plague came to be.
This proves it.
Are you denying the charges?
I own the largest merchant organisation in Joseon.
What is wrong about stocking up on herbs...
to sell at a later date?
Why didn't you buy any of the other herbs?
Why did you only stock up on the three needed to cure the flu?
They cure common flu.
I was prepared for the change in seasons.
That is nonsense!
Why did you sell them only after the plague spread?
Your goal was to cause panic...
and increase the prices!
We are allowed to decide when to sell our wares.
That is not a good enough reason to question me.
Stop.
Did Jung Nan Jung tell you to fake a plague...
and buy up the herbs?
She never gave any order of the sort.
I don't know what you're talking about. I'm innocent!
Shut your mouth!
The only way you can live is by admitting that...
Lady Jung gave the order.
Do that and I will release you immediately.
Lord Yoon will hold you responsible.
You will be punished for framing Lady Jung!
Shut your mouth!
Tell me what you know right now.
You fool.
Torture them some more.
- Yes, Sir. - Yes, Sir.
Sir.
Stop.
What is it?
Officer Kim wishes to see you.
Let them be.
Are you all right?
I'm fine.
You must not give in. Do not speak.
We must keep our mouths shut.
I will.
We just have to be strong.
Lord Yoon...
will get us out.
Have they confessed?
I am torturing them, but they will not admit...
Jung Nan Jung's involvement.
Do you have anything?
She admits to buying up the herbs,
but says she knew nothing of the plague.
It won't be easy to make her speak.
I thought as much.
How is Nan Jung doing?
She is being questioned, but she hasn't given in yet.
The problem is that the King has a lot of evidence.
If Nan Jung confesses,
we won't be able to avert this crisis.
Do you know how the King found out?
Not yet.
Someone must have talked to him.
You must find out who that was.
Yes, Your Majesty.
Don't you think we need to get Nan Jung out?
The King won't be after her.
If we wait, he will make an offer.
But...
what if Nan Jung gives in before then?
How is the interrogation going?
Jung Nan Jung will not admit to anything.
We can prove she faked a plague and monopolised the herbs...
and she still denies it?
She admitted to buying up the herbs,
but she insists she knew nothing about the plague.
It is true that we can't connect her directly to anything.
Do whatever it takes to get a confession.
Yes, Your Majesty.
Jae Seo.
Tell Lord Lee Jeong Myeong to come into court.
Yes, Your Majesty.
Yes, yes.
Why is this missing? Excuse me!
Sir.
Is your uncle in?
He is. Go on inside.
Sir.
He's been acting strangely.
- How so? - He doesn't care about business.
He just drinks.
Okay.
It's not this one. Look on the lower shelf.
This is...
- Tae Won. - My goodness.
What are you doing here?
It's been a while.
It has been, Sir.
You must be so busy.
Why are you here?
Are you still angry?
There isn't much to get over.
- Don't be like this. - I'm not being like anything.
You two can entertain...
Chief Yoon.
I can't stand him.
I need to get out of here.
Do you know that...
Jung Nan Jung's being questioned?
What are you talking about?
What happened?
She's being charged with faking a plague...
and making a profit by monopolising the herbs.
Is she the one behind the fake plague?
She is.
I set the stage for you.
Now is the time for you to dance.
Nan Jung was arrested...
and her organisation's in disarray.
You can take over.
Are you sure you set the stage?
I knew it would all work out.
I believed in you all along.
Other people doubted you,
but I knew you hadn't changed.
- I knew it, too. - Stop it, both of you.
You should've told me so.
You made me look bad.
Blame yourself before you blame me.
I trusted you but you didn't trust me.
Stop it.
I won't say this again.
Don't hit me. It hurts.
Why did you ask to see me?
I have to tell you something about my mother.
Follow me.
- Sit. - Thank you.
Tell me what you have to say.
Ma'am.
My mother left me...
something other than two rings.
What do you mean?
My foster father said...
she had a very valuable hairpin...
in her possession.
A hairpin?
Yes.
It had a large blue stone in the centre,
and it was surrounded by...
pearls and amber beads.
Do you know anything about...
that hairpin?
Wait here for a minute.
Is this it?
Well...
I cannot tell as I've never seen it myself.
My foster father will recognise it.
Could you show this to him...
and have him check?
Yes.
It is very valuable. Treat it with care.
Return it within the day.
I will.
Ma'am.
Does this hairpin...
have a special meaning?
I will tell you that once we are sure this is it.
- Hello. - Ok Nyeo.
Is this it?
Yes. This is it.
It looked just like this.
Where did you find this?
I can't tell you that.
Ok Nyeo.
Are you up to something dangerous?
I'm not. Don't worry.
- I have to go. - Okay.
- Did you check? - Yes.
This is it.
It's identical to the one my mother had.
What's wrong?
What is this hairpin?
I will tell you that later.
You must leave.
Enjoy your meal.
Hello. What would you like?
Where's Chun Doong?
Chun Doong?
Who's that?
You can't dupe us.
I know that...
he comes here often.
- Tell me where he is! - I really don't know him.
- I don't know a Chun Doong. - Don't you?
Guys!
- Search the place! - Yes, Sir!
- Don't. - Find him!
Leave that alone!
Stop it!
How dare you!
Stop this right now!
- Be still or I'll kill you. - What?
Don't you have parents?
Who said you could be so rude?
How dare you do this to me.
Search every corner!
I wish you die in a lightning storm.
Stop it right this instant!
Hearing about Dong Chang's arrest...
was the best part of the day.
- I'm so happy I could fly. - Chun Doong.
He got arrested with Lady Jung.
- Won't he get out soon? - No.
You heard Ok Nyeo.
It was the King's order.
It's over. We have nothing to worry about.
What's all that mess?
I don't know. Come with me.
- What happened? - Aunt.
What's going on?
What are you doing here?
You both need to run away.
- What for? - Who did this?
Don't even ask.
Dong Chang's men came over.
Look what they did to the place.
They're searching the whole area for you.
You need to get out of here.
What's going on?
Wasn't Dong Chang arrested?
I don't know about that. Take Man Soo and go far away.
Go and hide.
Make sure no one finds you.
Stay away for a while.
Oh dear.
Make sure you hide well.
This is insane. What's going on?
Do you think we should leave the Capital?
- Let's go to Yeoju. - Are you crazy?
What would we do there?
Let me think. I have a plan.
Where is this fool?
- Officer Yang. - There you are.
Why did you want to see me? I'm busy, you know.
Sir.
- Take this. - What's this?
You shouldn't do this.
You look terrible. Is something wrong?
- I need a favour. - What?
Tell me anything.
Walk faster.
Chun Doong.
Hello. Hello.
You're back.
- What did you do this time? - Officer Yoo.
What?
- Those two. - Why are you here?
Okay.
- Treasurer Ji. - Yes, Sir?
Put them in Male Wing Cell Seven.
What? Cell Seven?
That's the large and airy room...
reserved for noblemen.
Are they to be put in the cell that makes prisoners...
want to come back for longer stays?
Yes. Lock them up in there.
Yes, Sir.
You, Chun Doong.
You got lucky. Come with me.
Bye.
We're going to Cell Seven.
Cell Seven. Cell Seven.
Finally. We're safe.
- Go on inside. - Thanks.
Cell Seven. Cell Seven.
This is great. There's even a mat.
Do you like it?
This will do just fine.
Hey.
What did you do that means you need to hide in here?
The less you know the better.
This cell is great.
Have you lost your mind?
Remember who you're dealing with. I'm Ji Chun Deuk.
If you want to enjoy your time here, watch your manners.
Yes, Sir.
You idiot.
- Bye, Sir. - Bye, Sir.
Treasurer Ji.
Be nice to them.
Sir.
Let's have a drink.
Sometime soon.
- Sir. - Yes?
Here's the snack you ordered.
Give it to them.
Here you go.
I'll make sure you're fed. Don't you worry.
Thank you, Sir.
- I should go. - Bye.
Make sure they're well-fed.
- Okay. - The four major food groups.
- What? - What time do you get off?
Come and sit down.
When would we ever get chicken in here?
Let's eat.
Chun Doong, should we be doing this?
Don't ruin my appetite.
Where's the safest place in the whole Capital?
It's Jeonokseo, right here.
We just have to lie low...
and when Dong Chang's boys stop looking for us,
that's when we get out.
Eat up.
We have to eat.
What's wrong?
It's so tasty.
Let's eat.
- Okay. - I'll show you a magic trick.
Do you see this?
It's gone.
- You need to drink less. - Sir.
Treasurer Ji.
What's the fuss?
Come to the gate. You need to hurry.
Go.
That's... Let's go.
Sir. Sir.
- Sir. - What is it?
You should go outside.
Jung Nan Jung's here.
Lady Jung?
Why is she here?
She's here as a prisoner.
A prisoner?
Where is she?
My goodness.
Lady Jung. What happened?
Lock them up immediately.
Pardon?
I can't lock her up here.
The King ordered for them to be locked up and watched.
It's the King's order?
Jung Nan Jung is not to be...
allowed any privileges.
If any of you disobey that order,
expect the King himself to make you pay the full price.
Yes, Sir.
Lady Jung is a prisoner?
What is going on?
There were rumours that she had...
faked the plague. Could it be about that?
This is just terrible.
First it was Lord Yoon, now it's his wife.
How am I supposed to deal with this?
Your Majesty.
Why are you doing this to me?
You are really testing me. I can't handle this.
Will you disobey the King's order?
What?
Why would I do that?
- Treasurer Ji. - Yes, Sir.
Lock them up in a cell.
Yes, Sir.
I wonder what they're in for.
Open the door.
Go on inside.
How dare you put her in a place like this.
You heard what the Palace Guard said.
- There are no privileges. - How dare you treat her like this.
That's enough.
Ma'am. You fool.
- Push her inside. - Leave me alone.
Let go of me.
You scumbags.
Nan Jung. You fool.
Call the chief.
You need help. Let's go.
Come back!
You will pay for this.
Call the chief!
I said stop it.
- Nan Jung. - You're too noisy.
Pipe down!
What? Do you know who she is?
Stop it!
Be quiet and sit down.
Yes, Ma'am.
There's no ma'am in here. We're all prisoners.
Chun Doong, can I have a peek?
Do you want a peek?
There. Did you get a peek?
You're too young to read this. Know your place.
Go away.
Going in.
You know this room is reserved.
Hello, there.
Is this where you were hiding?
What are you doing here?
- You can take the best corner. - You idiot.
- Did you think... - Dong Chang!
We would never meet again?
Please stop.
You wait by the side.
- I'll deal with him first. - You're killing me!
Do something!
Save me!
Save me.
There's the King, but above him...
is the Queen Dowager, and that means...
Lady Jung...
won't be here forever.
This could be another opportunity.
I could gain Lady Jung's trust.
I got demoted...
and suffered so much because of Jung Nan Jung.
The King made a move to try...
to keep her under control.
This could be the opportunity for me...
to get back at her.
Nan Jung, it's Officer Yoo.
I'm sorry for what you're going through.
I'm glad to see you. could you do something for me?
What is that?
I need to send a letter to my husband.
I need your help.
I can't do that.
Why not?
Haven't you heard that the King...
told us to keep an eye on you?
Officer Yoo.
Think about it.
There's not an ounce of loyalty between us...
that would make me wish to help you...
and go against the King.
What do you mean?
Don't you know what I went through...
because of you...
at the hands of the Palace Guard?
You said nothing then, and now you want my help?
You are so shameless.
- What? - Watch what you say.
Remember this.
For as long as I work here,
you won't be enjoying any privileges.
You'd better brace yourself.
Do you have a death wish?
I do. I can't wait to die.
What will you do about that?
How dare you.
What are you doing? Have you lost your mind?
How dare you talk like that to Lady Jung.
Get out of here!
Lady Jung, what he just said...
has nothing to do with me.
Take Lady Jung to a private cell right away.
Yes, Sir. I need to get the keys, then.
- Bring the keys. - What about the King's order?
Shut your mouth!
Go somewhere I can't see you.
What a fool.
Lady Jung.
It's not much, but you can stay here.
Please come in.
If there's anything you need,
please don't hesitate to let me know.
While you're staying here in Jeonokseo,
I'll do everything in my power...
to serve you well.
- Thank you. - My pleasure.
Bring me writing equipment.
Oh, sure. That's no problem.
- What are you doing? Hurry up! - Right away, Sir.
Yoo Geum, go and bring some food for Lady Jung.
- Yes, Sir. - Bring something delicious.
- Of course, Sir. - Bring a lot of food!
- Yes, Sir. - Hurry up.
I must say that this cell is...
the breeziest and quietest one out of all the cells we have.
That fool.
Why does he think that it's okay to go against the King's order?
Did I go too far?
- Go and boil it for me. - Yes, Ma'am.
- Sure. Take this one. - Oh, and bring salt.
I think it's too bland.
Jong Geum.
Jong Geum!
Yes. What is it?
What are you pondering?
Tell all the girls to gather.
- What for? - Just do as I say.
How dare you ask me what it's for?
Okay.
Girls! Stop what you're doing and gather here.
Come on! Hurry up.
What's wrong?
I don't think that's where you're supposed to stand.
Girls, listen to me carefully.
As all of you are aware,
Lady Jung is imprisoned at Jeonokseo at the moment.
We're in a state of crisis...
where the pillar of this household is being shaken up from its roots.
Hence, I shall act as the pillar for the time being...
in order to protect this household.
If you slack off...
and fail to fulfil your duties...
due to Lady Jung's absence,
you will be kicked out immediately. Understood?
Why are you all quiet?
- Yes, Ma'am. - Yes, Ma'am.
Good. Get back to work now.
- Goodness gracious. - What's the matter with her?
She's like a hare trying to be a queen in a lioness' absence.
She's seriously so ludicrous.
Jong Geum! Jong Geum!
Lord Yoon is heading over to the Palace.
What? Seriously?
- My goodness. - Yes.
Gosh, you poured all of it! What are we going to do now?
Step aside! Move over!
My lord.
Please wait, my lord!
- What is the matter? - Please drink this before you go.
What is that?
You must be utterly distressed because of Lady Jung.
I prepared this herbal tonic to help you...
feel energised again.
- Herbal tonic? - Yes, my lord.
If Lady Jung's absence...
ever makes you feel lonely at night,
please don't hesitate to summon me.
I'll be waiting, my lord.
You really don't know much about me at all, do you?
I may not love Nan Jung, but I'm a man of loyalty.
There's a right time for everything, even for being unfaithful.
How dare you try to seduce me!
No, my lord. That is not what I meant.
I don't need any herbal tonic because I'm always full of energy!
Don't you know?
I know you do.
Take it away!
Gosh! Wait, my lord.
Will I ever get to live comfortably?
Gosh, he's so awesome.
Please have a seat.
I summoned the two of you...
to discuss how Jung Nan Jung should be punished.
Jung Nan Jung spread a false rumour about the plague...
and created chaos, hence I am investigating her and her followers.
I'd like to get your opinions on how we should take care of the matter.
Your Majesty.
There is something I would like to tell you.
- Go on. - Your Majesty.
Politics...
is the art of negotiation.
Thanks to your wisdom,
we are...
currently at a great advantage.
You must use the current situation to your advantage.
- Use the situation? - Your Majesty.
You must...
make an objective decision now.
Punishing Jung Nan Jung is important,
but we should take...
this opportunity to increase our power which is currently...
inferior to that of Queen Munjeong's family...
in order to achieve political equilibrium.
If that happens,
you will be able to...
govern this kingdom in the way you wish to.
- Did you check? - Yes.
This is it.
It's identical to the one my mother had.
What's wrong?
What is this hairpin?
I will tell you that later.
You must leave.
Ma'am.
What is it?
Someone is here to see you.
Who is it?
His name is Kang Sun Ho. He said you'd know.
- Let him in. - Yes, Ma'am.
What brings you here, Sir?
You told me...
about the man named Sung Ji Heon the other day, right?
Yes, Sir.
Lord Lee Jeong Myeong...
would like to meet him.
Pardon?
What is this place?
There is someone who would like to meet you.
Who is that person?
You'll find out.
Hello, Lord Lee.
I brought Sir Sung.
It's been a long time, I'm Kang Sun Ho.
- Yes, it's been a long time. - Let's go in.
The minister of defence is waiting for you.
Pardon me? The minister of defence is...
Do you mean Lord Lee Jeong Myeong?
That's right.
Please go in, Sir.
Let's go in.
I've heard...
a lot about you.
I heard you were the administrator of the Police Bureau.
Yes, my lord.
I also heard that your unfavourable memories of Lord Yoon...
and Jung Nan Jung go far back in time.
I almost became Lord Yoon's son-in-law...
when I was working at the Police Bureau as an administrator.
Then I found out that he is a sworn enemy...
to my grandfather as well as to my parents.
I called off the wedding and got demoted to Haeju Provincial Office.
What's more?
Those two took my stepfather's life, as well.
So...
are you trying to avenge them?
I do understand how you must be feeling,
but I'm certain that fighting about doing business at the market...
isn't going to solve your problem.
Are you interested in getting back into politics by any chance?
I beg your pardon?
Please have a seat.
Your Majesty.
So what is your plan?
What do you mean?
I'm asking until when...
you're planning on keeping Nan Jung at Jeonokseo.
She is being investigated for committing a grave crime.
Is there a problem with her being locked up in Jeonokseo?
Your Majesty. The only thing she is guilty of is...
assuming that the flu is plague and taking necessary measures.
She never planned any sort of evil scheme...
you're suspecting.
Your Majesty, please be understanding.
We ask for your understanding, Your Majesty.
Minister of Government Administration?
Yes, Your Majesty.
You should appoint our man to the position.
Minister of Government Administration has...
the right to recommend officers of the three censoring agencies.
We we can hire the officers of the three censoring agencies...
through Minister of Government Administration,
it will become easier for us to keep a watch on...
the corruption of Queen Munjeong's family in the Palace.
Then,
let me make an offer.
Yes, please, Your Majesty.
I heard that Ahn Do Hyun is the minister...
of Government Administration.
Yes, Your Majesty.
Have him...
recommend the one I want to his position...
following the recommendation rules.
Your Majesty,
you can't do that.
Right, Your Majesty. The recommendation rules...
exist to make former officers...
recommend their own successor so that the King or others...
cannot influence personnel affairs.
Your Majesty, the laws must be strictly abode by.
We can't do that even if it's the royal order.
Do you think...
I don't know that the rules have a lot of loopholes?
I know very well...
that Mother and Lord Yoon have appointed...
your close associates to the position so far.
- Your Majesty. - Your Majesty, that's not true.
- How could you... - If you...
accept my offer this time,
I'll turn a blind eye...
to what Jung Nan Jung committed.
Let me appoint the minster of Government Administration.
If you do,
I will have...
Jung Nan Jung released.
It must be Lee Jeong Myeong who schemed this.
I'm sure he suggested His Majesty to make a deal with us,
in order to have personnel affairs completely under his control.
My lord, what should we do?
Don't we have to make an offer to His Majesty first?
Accept...
- His Majesty's offer. - Your Majesty, we can't do that!
If the King and Lee Jeong Myeong...
appoint their man to the minister...
of Government Administration, we'll lose our entire control...
over the personnel affairs of the three censoring agencies.
Your Majesty, it'll bring about huge repercussions for our family.
For me,
Nan Jung is as important as the minister post.
We need Nan Jung's resources...
and wealth when the situation is unfavourable.
Now,
we're on the brink of collapse.
Do as I say.
My lady, please come out.
Come out? What do you mean by that?
Where will we be transferred?
You won't be. You'll be released today.
- Is that true? - Yes, my lady.
We just got the King's letter from the Ministry of Law Enforcement.
His Majesty ordered us to release you.
Congratulations, my lady.
Nan Jung.
Please watch your step.
Please come this way.
Good.
It must've been hard for you.
I won't forget your kindness.
I am very moved to hear that.
It was my honour to serve you.
Let's get going.
I will never forget...
how you humiliated me.
Please take care, my lady!
Are you okay?
It's so red.
Let's go in!
Mother!
- Nan Jung! - My lady!
- Mother.
Mak Gae!
You must've been through a lot.
Are you okay, Mother?
Are you all well?
I'm all right.
Was everything okay?
Yes, Mother.
Nan Jung!
- My lord. - It must've been hard.
Are you well?
I'm fine.
Don't just stand there. Come take her inside.
- Yes, my lord. - Good. Take her inside now.
Let's go in.
Deliver this to the chief of Palace Guards.
Yes, Your Majesty.
I need you to contact Chief Royal Secretary...
and tell him to come over.
Yes, Your Majesty.
Jae Seo.
Yes, Your Majesty.
I'll go out of the Palace secretly today.
Go contact Ok Nyeo.
Yes, Your Majesty.
Sir.
Yes, Ma'am.
I have something to ask you.
Please go ahead.
I am sorry...
but I happened to hear His Majesty mentioning Ok Nyeo.
Is it Ok Nyeo, the clerk...
at Sogyeokseo?
How do you know her?
Why does His Majesty meet with her?
That is...
Please tell me, Sir.
Please.
You should keep this a secret.
Yes, Sir.
His Majesty meets Ok Nyeo...
whenever he travels incognito.
- Pardon? - That's why...
he ordered me to contact Ok Nyeo.
How does he know her?
His Majesty visited Jeonokseo in a disguise before.
He first met Ok Nyeo who was a warden of Jeonokseo at that time,
and he keeps in contact with her since then.
Is he going outside the Palace himself to meet her...
instead of calling her in?
That's because Ok Nyeo doesn't know who His Majesty really is.
She believes that he is a secret inspector.
Aren't these organisations...
the affiliates of Min Dong Joo's organisation?
How can they still operate the organisation...
when the head merchant is under interrogation?
That is...
Tell me what happened.
Sir, Min Dong Joo has already been released.
Tell me more.
I heard that they released him with Lady Jung Nan Jung.
Is Lady Jung released?
Are you sure about it?
Yes, I am.
You want to visit His Majesty?
Yes, Sir. I have something I should tell him.
Okay. But he'll meet you outside the Palace...
to avoid the surveillance.
Outside the Palace?
He'll go out incognito today.
I will help you meet with His Majesty then.
Ma'am. Ma'am!
What's the fuss about?
I heard that Jung Nan Jung has been released.
- She has? - Yes.
I heard she was locked up in Jeonokseo.
I think she was released this morning.
Is that so?
- Chief Yoon must be devastated. - Pardon?
- Thanks for the food. - Goodbye.
Welcome.
Is Ok Nyeo here?
Not yet,
but Chief Yoon of Price Policy Division is waiting for you.
- He is? - Yes, Your Majesty.
He has something to discuss with you.
Please go inside.
Your Majesty.
Sit.
So what is it that you have to tell me?
Your Majesty,
is it true that you released...
Lady Jung?
- That's correct. - Your Majesty,
forgive me if I've crossed the line,
but this isn't what we talked last time.
You said...
you will eradicate Lady Jung and her followers.
Between I, the Queen Dowager...
and Lord Yoon,
there is a political tie...
entangled.
I gave Jung Nan Jung,
and received something bigger in return.
So,
- you should understand. - However, Your Majesty,
Jung Nan Jung put the people's lives at stake,
and made a mockery out of you.
Even a lowborn like I...
know how serious that is of a crime.
I cannot understand...
why you wouldn't punish such felony.
It's not that I wouldn't.
I'm delaying it.
Sir.
(The Flower in Prison)
I am sure there is someone.
Someone who informs and sways the King.
You must get rid of that person at all costs.
- Ok Nyeo. - Sir.
What are you doing here?
I have something to tell you.
Tell me next time.
What are you doing?
Sir!
Sir, Sir!
Why are you doing this?
Are you on your way to meet the secret inspector?
Don't go.