[The following program recreated historical events by adding fictional characters and situations]
Episode 13
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 to 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.
Let go!
You might be my future spouse, but how dare you behave in this manner?
Don't delude yourself into thinking that a mere ceremony will make me yours.
But you and I...
will spend the rest of our days together.
And I will slowly gain your heart.
I finally found out who that lady is. Prince Suyang's eldest daughter.
Isn't that right?
Our clans were merely discussing a betrothal.
Farewell... Kim Seungyu.
But you and I...
will spend the rest of our days together.
Where have you been? His Lordship has been waiting for you.
Were you the one who brought Kim Jongseo's kindred to safety?
And despite knowing it was against our laws, you were so heedless to do it?!
Is forcing a woman to serve those responsible for her own downfall...
what our laws stand for?
Then I see no reason why we should abide by such tyrannical codes.
What are you, discussing political matters with your father?
It is nothing political, but only basic human dignity.
The day when you realize that all my choices have been taken...
for the sake of our clan shall soon come.
When that day comes, you'll reflect upon what you just told me.
How can time rectify what is unquestionably wrong?
Your words pierce your father's heart like a frozen dagger.
How can a man call himself a father, when he can't even convince his children?
[Kim Jongseo]
Father...
- Let me ask you something. - What?
Do you know what happened to the pates which were gibbeted here?
They were sentenced for treason, so who would possibly care for them?!
I think I might have heard that they threw them outside, and beasts feasted on them?!
Uncle!
Agang!
What took you so long?
Didn't you even miss me?
I told you he's gone for good.
Ahh... He sure was ungrateful.
After all you did for him, he vanishes without a word?!
Naeuri. Just come in.
I told you our girls have no peers here.
They'll do everything you ask them, and go beyond your every expectation.
Forget it!
What is it?!
Is the makeup to blame?
How have you been, Sunshine Boy?
Wow... Now he even gets scared like a real woman!
So I hear Jo Seokju is alive and well?
Where is he? Is he hiding under your skirt?
Stay away from me!
Catch him.
What are you doing?
Why add water to it?
Once you're drunk, it'll taste the same, anyway.
You can say whatever you want.
Have you thought about how much money I've been giving to Gong Chilgu?
Eonni... Gong Chilgu's men are looking for him.
What?!
Don't you step foot outside of here.
I won't let them turn this place upside down again.
What do you think you're doing?
Nunim... I hear Jo Seokju and his men are hiding in here?!
Chilgu Hyungnim is furious.
What kind of preposterous nonsense is that?
Why would you look for Jo Seokju here?
Stop getting in the way and get out of my face!
I'm afraid good manners won't work here...
Jo Seokju!
Stop hiding like a ninny and let's see your dirty mug!
Who's that?
Doesn't look familiar?!
Who are you, that man who showed up with Jo Seokju?
Where is Jo Seokju?
Who the hell is this deranged fool?!
You thought that slaying them all would rid you of all your resentment?
Who are you, seriously?
Name... Don't you have one?
I don't. None.
Why did you come back?
I have nowhere to go.
At least he's honest.
I'll let you lodge here.
Instead, don't even dream of doing it for free.
You seem quite dexterous with that sword...
So if you want to earn your keep, protect our girls starting in the morrow.
Are you out of your mind?
Want him to wield his sword again?
Or else, you can leave.
I have other things to do during the day.
Your day is our night, so we would be sleeping.
Whatever might happen, you can't draw that sword inside.
Your role is protecting our girls and this place.
Hyungnim.
I have nowhere to go, either.
Convince her to take me in as well.
Aww... She looks so nasty.
You saved me. So from here on in, you're mine.
Hyungnim!
Aigoo... Always so cold.
Please... Please, don't... Hyungnim!
So you went there in droves, and couldn't deal with a single man?
He wasn't alone. Seokju Hyungnim took...
What?
Who? Seokju Hyungnim?
"Hyungnim"?! How dare you call him that?
It wasn't Seokju who did this, that other man did it.
What? That other man who?
He's this deranged fool, he looks possessed!
He might have brought him along to get back at you!
Ahh... That idiot...
Must be fun. I bet it will be.
Must be fun, from now on!
My name is Lee Seryeong.
May you survive and live to see the day when you'll slay me.
I shall await the day when you bring demise upon me.
The day when you realize that all my choices have been taken...
for the sake of our clan shall soon come.
I shall strangle you and that treacherous father of yours!
Have you not heard that the ship carrying him to Ganghwa Island sank?
I've heard there were no survivors.
We once again set a date for your nuptials.
Your father said he can no longer postpone it.
Seryeong.
All I want is for you to serve that man as his bride, like any other woman would.
So meet Princess Gyeonghye, and convey the news to her.
Yes.
They have set a new date for their nuptials, it seems.
And we also adapted our strategy accordingly.
Must we really do it on the same day?
It's already difficult to gain entrance into the palace as it is,
so we cannot lose such a golden opportunity.
We need your help, if this uprising is to succeed.
My help?!
I hear you and that Shin Myeon have long been friends?
It certainly used to be the case, but...
Did he not ask you to be his best man?
Yes.
However, I turned him down.
You must agree to it!
What are you trying to say?
Is anyone out there? Open the door.
All you will have to do on the day of Seryeong's nuptials...
is bring them along while you join the ceremony as best man.
And they would be...
They're elite royal garrison troops who will be disguised as my porters.
My Lady.
- Are you here to see Her Highness? - Yes.
Your nuptials shall soon be upon us.
I am sure Brother Suyang is rejoicing at the mere thought.
I shall see you on the day of the ceremony.
Yes, Uncle.
I will be meeting Royal Garrison Commander Park Hongsu.
Discreetly surveil every movement around Brother Suyang's residence.
And you keep an eye on Cheongpung Mansion, where they usually gather.
On the day of Seryeong's nuptials, we shall stage an uprising.
The date of my nuptials has been decided.
I know.
Our paths are increasingly resembling each other.
All the way to having to wed someone against our wishes.
I have something to give you.
They're rings I received from Lecturer Kim.
But I suppose they were intended for you, and not me.
I can no longer keep them.
Consider it my very last gift to you.
I'm sure it will not be an easy decision to make.
Are you not a close friend of Lady Seryeong as well?
I've already erased every cherished memory I had of her.
But I...
But I cannot do that.
After losing Seungyu that way, should the same happen to Myeon...
If it can only help protect His Majesty, I'm prepared to sacrifice my own life.
You must make a decision.
Naeuri, it's Jabeon.
What's the matter?
The Royal son-in-law sent word.
Jong?!
Let her in.
What brings you here?
His Highness told me to convey his words to you.
He said he'll be happy to be your best man on the day of your nuptials.
Did Jong really say that?
That's right.
So... Did Prince Geumseong inform you of any specific plan for the uprising?
He did.
Where, when and with whom will it happen?
Maehyang.
The uprising will take place on the day of the nuptials for Prince Suyang's daughter.
- On the day of Seryeong's nuptials?! - That's indeed the case.
And the retinue for Prefect Shin's best man will attack Your Highness.
Sounds exactly like something Geumseong would devise.
Impudent fool...
Even Princess Gyeonghye and the Royal son-in-law are conspiring with him.
It is therefore a golden opportunity to rid yourself of all the obstacles your path is laden with.
What will you do?
We still lack the evidence to incriminate Jeong Jong and the princess.
The time is not ripe yet. Leave them out of this.
I'm just concerned that Lady Seryeong's ceremony could be tainted by a crimson tide.
You can just prevent uninvited guests from ruining such a propitious day, can't you?
Your Excellency. Royal Secretary Shin Sukju seeks your audience.
- It would be wise not to tell him. - But of course.
Let's make this clear. Those swords must not leave their scabbard.
You must not draw them no matter what.
So, what, if they go at us we're just supposed to let them kill us, or something?
Thought this was something anyone could do?
The moment you draw that sword, it will compromise an entire night of business.
So listen well.
Whatever they might throw at you, don't react unless I tell you to.
Is that clear?
I said is that clear?
You're wasting your time.
You just wait. He looks perfect to me?!
But he's filled with enough resentment to make mine look like nothing.
What do you plan to do?
Gong Chilgu will not sit waiting for long.
Why not find refuge, for the time being?
I'm waiting for him myself.
Nobody would go around looking for a lost mutt.
Hey!
Over there!
- Orabeoni, what's the matter? - You just stay put.
Come here and pour me a drink.
What's with him?
He's a new recruit from the provinces, so try to be understanding.
Really? Then I'll have to pour one to him instead.
Here. Take it.
Aigoo... Must be so refreshing.
Look at him...
Fine... Let's see if you don't move now.
Orabeoni!
Look at this fool.
Makes me lose all my thirst?!
See if you can avoid this!
Blood...
You... Know who I am?
You're going to pay for this!
Seen who you're dealing with? Hey, folks! Don't leave without paying!
Go ahead, don't mind them. It's nothing.
We have once again set a date for your nuptials.
Do you still have qualms about joining Prince Suyang's daughter in conjugal ties?
I don't.
But why are you so adamant about this union?
What do you think of Prince Suyang?
He is a man of unyielding resolve, who will become a great ruler for us all.
But should anyone impede his ascent to the throne,
he will not hesitate to eliminate them, no matter how close a confidant they might be.
So you must hasten, and prove your fealty to him.
- Let me ask you something. - What?
What happened to the kindred of all those men beheaded for treason?
Why are you asking that?
I knew one of them.
They were all bestowed to meritorious courtiers as slaves.
Courtiers?
Get out of the way. The prefect is coming.
I've heard he'll be marrying in two days, so that explains his radiant look.
Of course... He's marrying Prince Suyang's daughter, after all.
So, what, is he becoming Royal son-in-law?
Is that what will happen?
Let me ask you something.
Were any kindred of criminals sentenced for treason brought here?
Why are you asking that?
By any chance...
I am one of them.
I've been forced to serve the man who mercilessly slaughtered my spouse,
unable to do anything about it.
Do you know where Kim Jongseo's kinfolk were brought?
He's looking for Lord Kim Jongseo's kinfolk.
Wait a moment.
- If you'll excuse me... - Thank you.
- You're looking for Kim Jongseo's kinfolk? - That's right.
And what's the point? Both the mother and child drowned themselves.
The child fell ill and she was so desperate... She killed herself along with her.
Try to remember. Was that really Kim Jongseo's daughter-in-law?
I just told you it was her! Why would I make things up?
I ought to... First you ask, and then...
There is no way! She would never do that!
Just go, all right?
What's with you?
Get him out of here!
What's the matter?
It's some deranged fool.
What happened between Seokju Hyungnim and that Gong Chilgu?
Gong Chilgu used to be Seokju Orabeoni's right-hand-man.
And why did things escalate to this point?
Happens when a dog bites its keeper, I guess?!
Aigoo... I see...
But Seokju Hyungnim is no pushover?!
Gong Chilgu held Chohee Eonni hostage to lure Seokju Orabeoni.
Aww... How mean.
He lets a lady he cherishes get in between their diatribe?
Orabeoni!
What happened to you?
- Hyungnim! - Who was it?
Gong Chilgu's men?
Both the mother and child drowned themselves.
The child fell ill and she was so desperate... She killed herself along with her.
I don't regret the path I took in the slightest.
He lets a lady he cherishes get in between their diatribe?
My name is Lee Seryeong.
May you survive and live to see the day when you'll slay me.
Orabeoni, time for your luncheon.
My Lady... It is time you let go of him.
So you'll finally get married in the morrow.
I feared you would turn me down to the very end.
That's what I intended to do.
Because of someone I buried deep down my heart.
She was his woman. Don't you see anything wrong with that?
I shall repent for my sins by cherishing her for the rest of my days.
After all, am I not a sinner to you all?
Are you letting him weaken your resolve?
This friendship of ours is painful.
To him, that man, and even myself.
I wonder how it could get to this point.
However, I shall stake my all to protect you and His Majesty.
You needn't worry any longer.
- She went to the temple. - When will she be back?
She just left, so you must have missed each other.
Shall I convey it to Her Ladyship?
Where is that temple?
My Lady.
What brings you here...
It is nothing but a token of my sincerity.
Open it.
I will go pray a moment.
I will think of this as your resting place.
May peace bless your soul.
You've fallen for someone.
I can no longer continue to ignore my feelings.
From here on in, I shall only listen to what my heart is telling me.
I don't know who you are,
but if you have my rings, please give them back.
They're something I really cherish.
They're the last remaining traces of a man I loved.
They mean more than my own life to me,
so please give them back.
A few days on the job, and you're already late?
If this is the way you work, you can get out of here now!
What have you done all day?
- Our eldest is finally getting married. - Yes.
I knew and hoped this day would come,
but I never expected this day to feel so complicated.
But allay all my worries by living in happiness.
Yes.
Sister. I wish you happiness.
Farewell.
Be careful, please.
Don't tell me our mighty princess is worried about me?!
It's His Majesty I'm worried about, so don't delude yourself.
I will see you later.
You can't imagine how many times I dreamed of this.
But I won't tell you that I won't ask for more now.
For I shall return, and once again bask in your embrace.
The moment the bride arrives and captures people's attention,
we will approach Brother Suyang.
- Is that clear? - Yes.
We must rid ourselves of his closest guards if this is to succeed.
There must be no blemish.
They must all be dealt with at once.
I have something to tell you.
Should this succeed, you must spare Myeon.
Have you already forgotten what he's done?
If you refuse to do so, I'm afraid I won't be able to aid your cause.
All right. Let us do that.
Thank you.
Wow...
Fine garments can indeed make a man.
Having a prefect like you as my best man can only fill me with resolve.
Jong.
Thank you for coming.
Let us depart.
If their complot is exposed before all those people, they will have no excuse.
But just in case, you'll have some of my men disguised as porters by your side,
so you needn't worry.
- But my kinfolk must not be harmed. - Need you mention that?!
Must we really do this?
You've resented me all this time, haven't you?
Seryeong.
Yes.
Erase that man from your memories.
Only have eyes for Prefect Shin, follow him as his spouse,
and walk in his shadow.
Is that clear?
In other words, they show how women can only live in a man's shadow.
Shadow?!
I wanted to walk in his shadow, and for him to walk in mine.
My Lady...
The groom is coming!
My congratulations, Brother.
Is it not a propitious day?
Seeing you here overwhelms me with gratitude.
Watch over this ceremony so that it can conclude successfully.
It will be my pleasure.
"What is love, to the world I ask."
"But here is my answer."
"It means you and I becoming one, with nary a hesitation,"
"Until death do us part."