[The following program recreated historical events by adding fictional characters and situations]
Episode 12
Don't.
Father...
Let's go.
Stop!
Out of the forest.
You might have a death wish, but I won't join you.
I shall strangle you and that treacherous father of yours!
What is capturing your thoughts?
Are you losing sleep over your impending marriage?
Nothing must intrude with your marriage with Prefect Shin.
I shall join him in conjugal ties as you wish.
Thank you.
I can finally breathe a sign of relief.
Hyungnim!
Hyungnim...
Kim S...
Kim Seungyu!!
I'm Jo Seokju.
I sense nobility in you.
Thank you for what you did.
Just paying you back for what you did on the boat.
You still seem hell bent on vengeance.
Sure... Use that angst to survive.
For only if you live I can survive.
- Let's go behead him at once! - Don't!
And why?
Too daunting for you?
He's not to be overlooked.
And to capture someone like him, we need a bait.
At least inside this forest, we are at an advantage.
So we shall hide by day, and attack them at night.
Sounds good.
And when will we ever leave this island?
We'll starve before long.
Hey...
You!
What's the matter?
You little...
What did you do for a living?
Ohh Ohh! What insolence!
How dare you...
But what about you?
Can't you speak?
How annoying...
Then, I'll introduce myself. Listen well.
My name is Wang Nogeol.
Wang Nogeol?
In other words, a descendant of the lamentably usurped Goryeo royal family.
Credulous minions ineptly wielding their swords like you have nothing on me,
so watch your language!
But I thought I heard you say you were an experienced man of arms?!
So here you are...
Convey my gratitude to your mother.
Yes.
Methinks Seryeong might still be preparing for the ceremony.
- Go call her. - No...
Allow me.
Seems like Her Ladyship is a little indisposed.
Is it serious?
No...
The prefect just left.
They even sent the dowry, so what is the point of acting like this?
You will join in conjugal ties in a matter of days, so try to grow a liking to him.
On their nuptials?!
On the day of Seryeong's nuptials, we shall stage an uprising.
Uprising?!
To rid ourselves of Brother Suyang once and for all.
Even Brother Anpyeong has left us, so who could possibly be next?
They surely will set their sights on His Majesty.
But should acting in haste bring harm to His Majesty...
I shall mobilize the royal garrison under my command.
They're finely trained men, so you needn't worry.
Must you really go through their same path?
Should we lose this opportunity, we might cross a river of no return.
Hey.
I sure won't miss this.
Now, live or die, do as you please.
Looking for this?
You came a lot earlier than I thought.
Seeing how you tremble in despair, methinks death might be a daunting prospect.
But a little effort and you might even be spared...
Wang Nogeol must have been attacked.
I haven't seen him in a long while.
General Wang! We thought you'd died.
Does royal blood give you lives to spare?
Aigoo...
Where were you?
Took a walk.
You sure are braver than you looked.
But should they find your traces, it'll spell the end for us all!
Don't you worry about that.
Let this be a warning.
Don't move solo.
Fine.
Listen.
How much longer will we stay here?
If this keeps up, we won't even have the strength to fight.
Tell me about it.
At this rate, we might even starve...
But I can save you.
Here he goes again... What is it, this time?
I just met with their leader, and struck a deal.
What?
What are you talking about?
We're not who they're after.
It's just one man.
He gave me his word,
promising we will all be freed if we hand him over.
Do you mean that?
Don't be so imprudent!
Why would that be imprudent?
How can you just believe what he told you?!
Why wouldn't I?
Will you stop?
- Slay them all! - Wait!
You told me I'd be spared.
You foolish twat.
After them!
Seems like they'll follow us to the gates of hell.
We're not who they're after. It's just one man.
Only your death can bring an end to this.
I came to seek audience with His Majesty.
Get out of my face.
We cannot allow your entrance.
Ohh Ohh! What do you think you're doing?
Prince Suyang forbade the two of you from meeting His Majesty for the time being.
Say what?
How dare you minions block my way?
Step aside at once!
How dare... How dare you...
You wield a sword in Her Highness' presence?!
You really think you'll get away with it?
The only ruler you must serve...
is not Prince Suyang, but His Majesty!
Let us go for today, Your Highness.
Sire.
I commend His Excellency Shin Sukju as the perfect candidate for Left Royal Secretary.
As Assistant Secretary, Kwon Ram would be most suitable.
Also, entrusting the royal committee to Prince Onnyeong would be advisable.
Proceed as you wish.
It is only natural they should be awarded for their meritorious service,
so I suggest we distribute the land confiscated from all sentenced traitors,
and assign them their surviving kinfolk as slaves.
By surviving kinfolk... you mean women and children?
That is indeed the case, Sire.
Would it not be much more meaningful if they served us meritorious courtiers,
and did not become mere government slaves?
But Prince Geumseong's uncharacteristically passive behavior is a cause for concern.
Vigilant eyes are already upon him.
Really? That was wise of you.
As of late, he's been discreetly establishing contact with the royal garrison.
But if he manages to deploy the royal garrison, wouldn't it pose a significant threat?
Let us wait and see.
All we need to do is await his first move, and then catch him red-handed.
And with Prince Geumseong out of the way,
all the obstacles your path to the throne was laden with will vanish for good.
Throne?!
- Chase them! - Chase them!
Stop there!
Stop!
It sure is hard to get rid of you.
But I'm afraid we have reached the end of the rope.
Stop!
Me?!
You think I'd let you slay me without a fight?
There is no need for unnecessary bloodshed, is there?
After all, who you want is him.
What are you talking about?
I'll finish him off in your stead.
I am sure that should fulfill your purpose.
Here... What will you do now?
If you're not satisfied, come get some.
Do it!
Let him pass.
Let's go back!
Here.
Only your death can bring an end to this.
Or would you prefer dying right here?
I cannot die quite yet.
So will you continue fleeing from them until they slay you,
or will you listen to me instead?
Hey... Are you all right?
I'm sorry. I deserve to die!
Kill me!
Let's go.
Thankfully, they left a boat behind.
Are you all right?
I barely grazed him.
Splendid work.
With Kim Seungyu out of the way, every last surviving trace of Kim Jongseo is gone.
- Farewell... Kim Seungyu. - Shin Myeon! Shin Myeon!!
I wish I could wear it at least once...
May I?
Sejeong, go wear it in your quarters.
Why do I feel like I'm being thrown out?!
Again with that Kim Seungyu, isn't it?
Why dwell so much on it... Like he's the only man out there.
You're everyone's envy for being Prince Suyang's daughter,
so why always try to bring infamy to our clan's name?
I'm not like you.
My greatest hope is that Father will ascend the throne.
Only then I'll become a princess.
And I will soon hear people call me "Your Highness."
- Did you find out? - Yes.
Seems like all the women kept at the capital bureau prisons...
were bestowed to courtiers as personal slaves.
To the courtiers?!
So they'll be serving the people responsible for their kinfolks' demise?
And it looks like Kim Jongseo's daughter-in-law is now serving Prince Onnyeong.
- Where is my father? - He'll be home by the evening.
My Lady, she said Prince Onnyeong lives right there.
Let us go.
How are you going to work with that kid on your shoulders?
I know you used to be an esteemed yangban,
but things can change in a whim.
You should adapt to it, what else can you do?!
What did you venture all the way here for?
She lost her family because of what you and my father did.
Not to mention having to serve those responsible for her father-in-law's death...
Could there be a greater cruelty?
They were bestowed to meritorious courtiers under Royal command.
What could you possibly do to change that?!
I want to at least spare them from a life of slavery.
How can you be so imprudent?
- Should you be exposed... - If I must be punished for it,
I will oblige only after they are sent elsewhere.
And if you plan to refer this to my father,
give me some time.
Is there anyone here who can read? I can't figure out what's written in here...
Ask this lady, she'll be able to help you.
That's good to hear.
If you don't mind.
"We met outside the capital bureau."
"I'd like to escort you to a safe place."
"I'll await you where we met earlier, so do what you can to come."
What does it say?
They are greetings from her parents.
She doesn't even know who you are, why would she trust you?
I'm grateful for your offer, but this might endanger you as well.
You needn't worry about me.
I know it's shameful of me, but I will accept your help for my child's sake.
Get in, please.
We will first take you to a physician, and then find safe lodgings for you.
I am grateful for your help.
Hasten out of here before it's too late.
Yes.
Hey.
I thought you barely grazed him? So what's wrong with him?
- We'll have to take him to a physician. - It's here.
Wow... This is heaven on earth, all right.
I can call you "Hyungnim" now, right?
...Sir.
But what's your connection to those ladies?
If you have anything to sell, do it right.
Are you looking down on this profession?
They throw themselves at you even if you don't do a thing, why bother?!
Only those who can't attract any men need that.
What?
Orabeoni... Come play with me.
Life is too short... Why not embrace a gisaeng?!
Our girls here can be quite sultry.
- Can I play with you? - But of course!
Let's go.
Don't let yourself be fooled.
Got a pair down there.
What?!
If you don't want to play, get lost.
The hell are you looking at?
Eonni!
Why? You keep stealing patrons from me, serves you right...
But tell me, can I have some fun as well?
Sure. That is nat...
Orabeoni!
Wow... All the beauties in Joseon are gathered here.
Of all things that could happen, I see you managed to survive.
Are you that disappointed to see me return unscathed?
Listen to you...
- How about Gong Chilgu? - He comes by from time to time.
Prancing around all the taverns and gibang you ran as if he owned the place.
And you can't imagine what he subjects all our girls to...
She almost went through the same.
Enjoy some respite while you're here.
I'd like you to save someone for me, actually.
Is he someone we can trust?
Just a peculiar one.
Lodge here for the time being.
We will find you another place to stay.
What do I owe all your kindness to...
It's only to bring me peace of mind, so don't you worry.
When I heard news of the young master, I thought that providence had forsaken me...
But it looks like there is still mercy in this world.
News of the young master? What are you referring to?
Have you not heard that the ship carrying him to Ganghwa Island sank?
Sank?!
I've heard there were no survivors.
Is it true that the master passed away?
Why didn't you tell me?
Where are you hiding, now?
Water...
Our sincerest congratulations for your children's marriage.
Seryeong shall soon become princess,
whilst Prefect Shin will be our new Royal son-in-law, I suppose?!
I cannot wait for that day to come.
We still have a long way ahead of us.
But I experienced a peculiar occurrence at home.
The granddaughter and daughter-in-law of Kim Jongseo I was bestowed...
completely vanished out of the blue?!
Kim Jongseo's surviving kindred?
Ohh Ohh! Listen to that.
You should find them and make them pay for this.
Paltry varlets, how dare they...
I actually am looking all over.
And who might they be...
Councilor Kim Jongseo's granddaughter and daughter-in-law.
Have you not heard that the ship carrying him to Ganghwa Island sank?
I've heard there were no survivors.
I've heard something peculiar from Prince Onnyeong.
Looks like Kim Jongseo's kindred disappeared.
Is Seryeong behind this?
No.
I am responsible.
I can only laud a son-in-law willing to shield my daughter from blame,
but we cannot allow Seryeong to behave in this manner.
I suggest...
we leave her alone now.
Looks like she just learned of the ship's sinking.
And that is why we should let her have it her way this time.
Because if she learned anything happened to Kim Seungyu's surviving kinfolks...
Did she not threaten to slit her own throat for Kim Seungyu's sake?
Convey my words to Prince Onnyeong in the morn.
Tell him to stop looking for Kim Seungyu's kindred,
and spread rumors suggesting they took their own lives.
Yes.
The ship sank?!
And Seungyu? What happened to all the people on board?
They said everyone on that ship to Ganghwa Island sank along with it.
How could a perfectly sound ship...
Seungyu...
You have a guest.
Jong.
I was passing by, and thought I should pay you a visit.
So Seungyu is dead.
He is.
Why, you already knew?
How dare you disgrace this place with your presence?
After being responsible for all that bloodshed,
you have the courage to show yourself around here?
Don't you ever set foot here again.
Take your leave.
I shall soon get married.
Just I like I did for yours,
I came here to ask you if you'd like to be my best man.
You're the only friend I have left now.
On the day of Seryeong's nuptials, we shall stage an uprising.
Find someone else.
I'll wait for you!
Eungeum, are you there?
Didn't His Majesty send word?
He did not, so go back to sleep.
Who's there?
He wouldn't send word so deep in the night, and I would tell you if he did,
so enjoy some repose.
Why are you out there?
I told the varlets outside to rest as well.
I shall be here to protect you, so fret you not and rest assured.
You have trouble sleeping because of what happened to Lecturer Kim?
The more I try not to think about him...
The more he comes to mind.
He opened his eyes!
All thanks to you, isn't it...
It's a relief we don't have to bury you.
He's quite a looker, all right.
Are you feeling better, Young Master?
Enough with the sightseeing and come with me.
Aigoo... Hyungnim! You got up?
I can call you that, right? Hyungnim.
- This is... - An inn near Mapo Port.
It's a safe place, so don't you worry.
That wound is deeper than I thought.
You'll have to lie down for the time being.
And besides, we're no longer of this world, after all.
But what is behind all that resentment of yours?
I'd like to postpone our nuptial ceremony a few days, if I may.
If only for your father's sake, I cannot allow that.
I will tell him.
Allow me to, at least this once.
My Lady. When did you come out?
Are you all right?
You don't look well.
I apologize.
Prefect Shin spared no effort.
He even insisted with your father to give you some time until you recover,
persuading Secretary Shin to postpone the ceremony.
Stop dwelling on the past.
Doesn't everyone know you and Prefect Shin will soon join in conjugal ties?
There is somewhere I must go.
In your condition?!
As you wish.
Have you ever listened to your mother?
What?
That ugly little kid suddenly vanished along with her mother.
Leaving without a word... They always disappoint me.
And where... Where did they go?
Beats me!
Who cares?! All the better.
We were just getting close...
My Lady!
My Lady, where are you going now?
Where did you take them?
Who did you bestow those two poor people to, this time?
Why can't you tell me?
Did you perchance take them to your residence?
Is that all you think of me?
What else could I think of someone who mercilessly slaughtered an old friend and his father?
Let go.
- Will you let go? - Keep quiet and follow me.
My horse!
- What is this? - My Lady.
Let go! I said let go!
What's wrong with you?
[No Trespassing]
Seungyu.
Young Master. Are you all right?
Uncle... Where have you been?
Agang!
Who are you?
Let's go... Go.
Don't you ever lay your fingers on me again.
My Lady.
When did you get here?
I was really worried when I heard of your ailments.
How did you learn that?
A friend of the young master I couldn't even meet.
He was the one who found this place for us.
I asked to meet him, but he would always send someone on his behalf.
He brought us food, garments, and relieved all our worries.
Do you know that man?
Yes.
It would be only fair to extend my gratitude in person,
but as he seems occupied, please do it on my behalf when you meet.
Tell him my late father-in-law and the young master would have appreciated.
Yes, I will.
She told me to extend you her gratitude.
But if she knew it was me, she would have spit in my face lamenting how despicable I am.
I apologize for misunderstanding you.
- However, if you only told me... - Would you have believed me?
You would have thought it was a ruse to kill them and nothing more.
After all, isn't that what you think of me?
A cold-hearted beast,
although you'd never even listen the reason why I was forced to do so.
A heinous recreant who did not think twice about killing a dear friend.
Isn't that the case?
I shall take my leave.
How much longer?
How much longer must I keep waiting until you'll accept me?
Do you even realize how much I hate having to stare at you...
whilst you leave me?
Go back.