THE KING'S AFFECTION
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Just a little bit more. Push.
You are doing great, Your Highness.
Your Highness, you welcomed a prince.
Your Highness?
Twins within the Royal Family are an abomination.
Who will accept a prince
that shared a womb with a girl?
But Father--
I accepted your daughter as Crown Princess
to honor the part you played in putting me on the throne,
so how will you clean up this mess?
If my status is threatened,
you and everyone who sides with me will pay the price with their lives.
I am sure you are aware of that.
Tonight, the only child born into the Royal Family
is the eldest son of the Crown Prince.
No one will know that he was born a twin,
so please let your worry subside, Your Majesty.
Please let her live, Your Royal Highness.
Being born a girl
should not be a reason for her to die.
Please do not take her life.
It is beyond my control.
But she is your daughter.
The daughter who was born on the same day and at the same hour as your son.
The King has already given his order.
And the Royal Family concurs.
No, that is not the case.
What matters more
is her father, the Crown Prince's decision.
So please tell me.
I wish to know what you want.
I am no different.
If it is not an asset to this country…
I will discard it.
Terminate those at the Royal Maternity Directorate.
Without my approval, not a single soul will live to tell the tale.
Identify yourselves!
Lord… Lord Sangheon?
You did well serving His Majesty, Chief State Councilor.
Where is the Crown Princess?
She is in her chambers along with the royal physician.
This is where the Crown Princess recuperates.
How dare you cause a scene!
Enough!
It is a boy.
The eldest grandson of the King
you have been dreaming of.
Where is the girl?
The girl…
died.
The princess stopped breathing seconds after she was born.
Burn it to ashes.
Yes, sir.
Your Highness.
Hurry. Please check on the baby.
Yes, Your Highness.
Burn all bodies and dispose of the remains.
Her pulse is weak.
Please take her to a doctor as soon as you leave the palace.
Yes, Your Highness.
EPISODE 1
Only those who pass the parrot blood test
will be eligible to serve His Majesty.
-That's it! -You can do it!
-Go! -Your Highness!
Look at him charge vigorously.
He surely is a king in the making.
Do you not agree?
Of course.
-Over here! -Stop him!
Get in there!
That is how you do it!
Nicely done!
I said we should go. I'm leaving without you.
Just a second. I almost have it.
Don't blame me when you are scolded for being late.
Hey, I-wol!
Can you give me the ball?
Thanks.
What is it?
Do I have something on my face?
No, it's not that.
How long does it take to fetch a ball?
A court maid who looks just like you?
I'm not making this up. If we had the same hair,
anyone would believe that we were twins.
Aren't I right, Bok-dong?
Sorry?
It's true.
Never speak of this again.
A twin? Why would you say such nonsense?
I was fascinated, that's all.
You'd be startled too if you saw her.
I have heard enough.
How dare a lowly court maid resemble the noble prince.
It's something no one should hear.
Don't you ever mention this again.
Do you hear me?
Yes, Mother.
You clearly told me that my daughter left the Capital.
Yes, I'm sure of it.
The Crown Prince's left guard left her at a small temple outside the Capital.
I must talk to him.
Meanwhile,
I would like you to look for the girl my son saw.
Yes, Your Highness.
His Highness takes after you in his cleverness
and boldness.
His tutors at the institute see it as an honor
to be able to serve His Highness.
There is no need to compliment him for my sake.
From what I hear though, rather than reading books,
you're more interested in playing soccer
and enjoying outdoor activities with eunuch trainees.
Is that true?
If my mentor is correct about my taking after you, it'd be false.
If I didn't take after you, it'd be true.
What?
-You can't. -Step aside!
How dare you barge in here.
Forgive my impudence, Your Royal Highness.
-Take him! -Yes, sir.
-What is the meaning of this? -Master!
Let go of him this instant!
His Majesty has ordered the arrest of the royal preceptor.
What?
The Crown Prince shall now enter.
What is the reason behind the royal preceptor's arrest?
He is the master that your grandson trusts and is fond of.
So please revoke your royal command.
He has been disrupting the Royal Court with his asinine appeals.
Someone like him should not be in charge of His Highness' education.
His concerns for this nation and people
can't surely be viewed as disrupting the peace.
He has slandered me as well as other meritorious subjects
and has desecrated His Majesty's bestowal of merits.
What could possibly be more of a crime?
Regarding his punishment,
I'm truly worried about the shock His Majesty's grandson might receive.
It is why I dare propose
that his quarters be closed until the dust settles.
So be it.
Are you okay?
It's not too late
to change back into your clothes and head back.
Master has been absent for days.
Father and those at the institute will not tell me anything about him,
so what else can I do but seek him outside the palace walls myself?
Couldn't you at least give me back my clothes?
The main gate is right outside.
This is the only way I can make it out undetected.
Boost me up higher, will you?
That's it. Just a little bit more.
A little bit more.
-Down. Let me down. -Sorry?
-Let me down. -Oh.
I hear you have been asking for me.
You're finally here.
We look exactly the same.
Don't you agree?
That's true, but…
Bring the clothes.
But what if someone sees us?
As if that would happen.
Bring the clothes this instant.
Are you still not done?
I don't have all day, so pick up the speed.
Now, hand me your clothes.
Sorry? How could you ask for the shabby rags I wear?
Speak with more of a lower and deeper tone.
-Sorry? -Are they over there?
Halt.
I don't recognize her as the King's grandson's court maid.
She's still in training and only came to run an errand.
I was just showing her the way out.
You may exit right through this gate.
Where is His Highness?
He just exited the gate.
Your Highness, the Bureau of Special Foods
-has brought over some snacks. -Hurry.
They may enter.
We have brought your favorite sikhye and maejakgwa.
Duly noted. You may leave.
Would you like to join me?
No.
I mean, no, Your Highness.
Don't be like that and join me.
No, Your Highness.
It's sweet, isn't it?
I hear the King's grandson sent you.
How has he been?
Doesn't he resent me for leaving
without saying goodbye?
I was concerned, not angry.
As if you'd do anything that would warrant resentment.
Your… Your Highness?
Your Highness, is it really you?
How are you here?
What on earth are you wearing?
Master, you're like a father to me.
His Majesty wouldn't allow me to leave the palace,
so I had to improvise in order to see you.
Your Highness,
please forgive me for not being able to serve you fully.
Master.
Gosh.
He studies this every day?
The Crown Prince shall now enter.
I hear you suffered from an acute stomach illness.
Have you recovered?
Yes, I'm better now.
According to your tutor, you completed reading Zuo Zhuan all by yourself.
Excuse me?
I mean, yes, I did, Your Majesty.
Right.
Then which sentence touched you most deep down?
Sorry?
Oh, well…
Well…
What about you, Father?
I mean,
I wish to know which sentence resonated through you.
Injabulwoo, jijabulhok, yongjabulgu.
"The benevolent shall not worry,
the wise will not be cajoled,
and the brave will not be afraid."
It's also written in the Analects of Confucius
and it is also the first lesson taught to me by the royal preceptor.
Owning what you studied
is of more importance than reading the words.
So take your time to read Zuo Zhuan once more
and ruminate on what the words mean.
Is something wrong?
No, I just think you're great.
What I meant was…
I mean, I was just admiring
the way you spoke, Father.
Your highness!
What took you so long? You have no idea how worried I was.
The attire suits you.
Sorry?
You did well.
Father.
Shall we?
-We'll head out. -Sure.
I can't believe I'm at the palace for the banquet.
It's like I'm dreaming.
In the near future, you will also be serving His Majesty within these walls.
Ji-un.
Hyun!
That is not how you address Prince Jaeun.
It's quite all right. I suggested we speak comfortably as friends.
Hyun.
You'll be at the banquet hall, right? I'll see you there.
-See you later. -Later.
Wait here for a moment.
Yes, Father.
Hold on!
What… Hey!
Just a second.
What on earth? Where could she have gone?
"Mokbaekyeoje
sibingeonryeya.
Beomgunjeukwi gyeongchulbyeongbing,
cheongsuguho yogyeolwoisu,
hosalinguk iwuisajik,
chungsin biyangjidoya.
Chungdeokjijeongya,
shindeokjigoya,
biyangdeokji…"
Gi…
It's giya.
Gosh. How did you get in here?
I'm sure the door was locked.
Do not get me wrong. I was only…
ZUO ZHUAN
Is this Zuo Zhuan?
Do court maids read this book too?
Just a second.
Oh, no. My book!
I'm sorry.
Are you insane? What are you doing?
I borrowed it from a dear acquaintance.
I must give it back.
The pages will all be soaked by now.
I'll try and get you another--
Let go of me. I must give it back.
-Going in there is preposterous. -Let go. Let go of me.
Young Master!
What do I do?
What are you doing?
Don't you train in the fighting arts?
How can you lose balance and topple over?
Do you have any idea how worried I was?
What are you doing?
I was trying to improve my balance.
Your balance?
A sword must not be used for leisure.
Its purpose is to protect those you cherish.
Then, I'd like to receive your guidance, Father.
Ji-un, my gosh!
SIGOJIJOEYA
THAT IS MY SIN
Here you go.
Wait, isn't this…
ZUO ZHUAN
I said I'd get you a copy, didn't I?
They're easily found in libraries,
so the dive was unnecessary.
Did you hang all of these yourself?
Sorry? Oh, yes.
It's not that much.
Hand it over. At your speed, it'll take all day.
-No, it's fine. Let me. -Just a second.
Is this how you do it?
It's really not necessary.
It's Dam-i.
Dam-i?
I was given the name
because I was found by the wall.
Then you've never met your parents?
Anyway, thank you for today.
What? Are you leaving already?
I-wol will be worried if I'm late.
-I-wol? -She's the friend I work with.
Just a second.
Do you have plans for the festival?
Sorry?
So tell me.
Who was it that transcribed the book while also adding footnotes?
It was transcribed?
His neat handwriting tells me
he's no average man.
This will be for my ears only.
Which family is he from?
That I do not know, Your Highness.
Romantic feelings for a court maid?
That could be quite dangerous.
Romantic feelings?
There's no need to be startled.
Don't worry. My lips are sealed.
Your Highness, I bear horrible news.
According to the King's eunuch trainee,
His Majesty ordered the beheading of the royal preceptor.
What?
There she is.
Dam-i, hurry on over.
Are you Dam-i?
Yes, I am.
Follow me.
Ever since my son mentioned you,
I've been wanting to meet you.
I hear
you lived for a long time in a mountain temple without parents.
So how did you come to be a court maid?
Well…
Due to a fire half a year ago,
the chief monk passed away.
A lady took pity on me while I wandered the streets and begged for food
and helped me get a spot.
It must have been tough.
Hasn't life been lonely for you?
You had to live deep in the woods without parents.
Don't you resent those
who brought you into this world?
I had no family to begin with,
so I do not know what being lonely is or what missing someone is like.
I guess that's why I've never resented them.
Could you…
come closer toward me?
It was the King's grandson who lent you that book?
That's right. I said I wanted to read it
and he lent it to me.
I'm amazed
that the young prince lent you his book
and that you wanted to read it.
Truth be told,
there's someone who inspired me into wanting to read it.
Who would that be?
That would be a secret.
Today, I have found myself a new goal.
I will pass the state exam with flying colors
and be by the Prince's side.
It is now my goal to serve him.
That came out of nowhere.
I find him admirable.
Wasn't it him who granted your outing tonight?
We were only able to meet
thanks to His Highness' grace,
and I'd like to repay his kindness.
That reminds me. Here you go.
Open it.
YEON-SEON
Yeon-seon?
What's this?
Dam-i is a pretty name,
but I wanted to call you by a more meaningful name.
Lotus flowers brought me to you,
so I thought the name would be fitting.
YEON-SEON
Yeon-seon.
It truly is a beautiful name.
Yeon-seon.
YEON-SEON
-Keep up the good work. -Yes, sir.
Nicely done, Your Highness!
Your Highness!
Father.
Are you now heading home?
Why are you here at this hour?
Well, that's because--
Who is that girl?
I met her in the palace when I visited for the banquet.
So she's a court maid?
Burn it to ashes.
YEON-SEON
Yeon-seon.
In three days, a banquet for the elderly will take place outside the palace.
Please meet me on the bridge where we floated off our lanterns.
There's something I wish to give you too.
WAIT, STAY
Time is of the essence.
My son and the girl must no longer be in close proximity.
Then…
Please prepare for her prompt departure.
You must hurry.
Yes, Your Highness.
Father.
Father, please.
How dare you fool me.
Until when did you think you could hide this?
Have you forgotten the King's order that twins are not allowed?
Please let her live.
She knows absolutely nothing.
She will soon be sent to Yanjing.
Just like I have been doing so far,
I'll make sure she stays a ghost.
So please…
Please let it slide just this once, Father.
I won't let that girl
make me lose what I have built.
It doesn't matter where she goes.
As long as she lives,
I will find her and kill her.
As long as she lives,
the secret can always come to light.
Where is the girl named Dam-i?
I heard that she was chosen to help out at the banquet for the elderly
that's taking place outside the palace walls.
"Perpetrator Kang Hwa-gil colluded with traitors
thus jeopardizing the royal family and the nation.
The investigation
led to statements that identified him as the mastermind.
It is why traitor Kang Hwa-gil will hereby be executed by beheading."
Stop right there!
Please, Dam-i. This will be the last time.
But we were close to getting caught by the Crown Prince that day.
He didn't realize it though.
Not even my father knew,
so we'll be fine.
But…
Actually, I have already made important plans for that day.
My master is like a parent to me.
I can't let him die like this.
Please help me so that I can at least say goodbye.
You're in grave danger. Please follow me.
Let go. I said, let go of me!
Did my father send you to find me?
Sorry?
Please let me go. I have yet to bid my master farewell.
Your Highness, is that you?
My gosh!
It's an arrow!
Did someone just shoot an arrow?
What… What was that?
You must get to safety.
Please hurry back to the palace.
Why is he trying to kill me?
No, wait. Is it me he's after? Or is it Dam-i?
If it's Dam-i, why would he want her dead?
I'll answer your questions once you're back at the palace.
Hurry!
Stop. I am…
No!
Will you wait for me?
I will. I won't leave until you come.
I'm afraid I must be at the Office of Eunuchs.
Will you be all right on your own?
What?
Yes.
WAIT
Your Highness!
Stop right there, darn it. I mean, Your Highness!
Stop!
Stop! I mean, please, stop!
Stop right there!
Your Highness, stop!
Your Highness!
Your Highness.
Your Highness!
Your Highness?
LONGING
Subtitle translation by: Hye-lim Park
THE KING'S AFFECTION
Please forgive me. I was just following the Prince's order.
As of this moment, you are the Prince.
I'll soon be going to Ming for my studies.
I will do my best there to keep this promise to you and return
as a subject you will be proud of.
Don't do anything that you aren't sure of. That’s the rule here in my quarters.
Is the Crown Prince that temperamental?
-We deserve to die! -You have no idea.
Just as you wish, you will take your last breaths today!
Calling him a dog would be fitting.
The Crown Prince seems to be hiding something.
For some reason, there's a womanly mood to him.
You… You're…