[The following program recreated historical events by adding fictional characters and situations]
Episode 16
At last... Finally!
Aigoo... Sire!
Don't tell me Your Majesty was benevolent enough to see me off?
Sire?! Indeed! That's what we should call him.
Have a safe return. After all, bigger and better things await us.
Need you even mention it?
All the world's fame and riches are just waiting to become yours!
The world's fame and riches?
It's the due reward for all your efforts.
Efforts... What efforts?!
Sire! Enjoy a soothing respite, and let us see you again in the morn.
Who's that?
I am here to take your life.
And who... who on earth are you?
Ki... Kim Seungyu!
That man is no longer of this world!
It is for days like these that we live.
Nobody will be able to contend with your might now.
- Daeho - (Kim Jongseo's moniker)
My Lord. My congratulations.
So His Majesty announced his intention to abdicate the throne?
But I have yet to accept, so do not let the news lead to impudence on your part.
Father.
Stop tormenting us and just accept.
What if His Majesty renounces his wish to abdicate?
Sejeong!
Sung.
Yes, Father.
I did not want you to be plagued by the sorrow of a royal.
I know.
I am grateful to hear that.
But... your sister?
She was a little indisposed, so I told her to get some rest.
Here... Let us go inside.
My Lady... You've heard that His Lordship might soon become king, right?
It's such propitious news, so why do you look so distressed?
Alas, I have no time to squander on petty devotion,
for I ought to protect myself and the crown prince from your father's covetous whims.
Covetous whims?! What are you trying to imply?
That my father would bring harm to his own nephew to usurp the throne?
You and I were the only ones who didn't know,
but such vicious subterfuges would not surprise anyone.
I see you still fail to see your father's true colors.
This exile you speak of was only a vile excuse to eliminate every man who opposed him.
Are you back?
Stop leaving without ever saying a word.
Unless you want to leave for good.
All right.
Open the gates!
I have an urgent message for His Highness!
Open the gates at once!
Open the gates!
I come with urgent news for His Highness!
Open the gates!
Open the gates. I come with urgent news for His Highness!
My Lord.
I come with an urgent message for His Highness.
Open the gates now!
What brings you here?
I come on Prefect Shin's behalf.
He told me to inform you of a most unfortunate occurrence.
An unfortunate occurrence?
Prince Onnyeong was ambushed by a mysterious individual and lost his life.
Wh... What?!
And pray tell, who would commit such atrocity?
We are still investigating.
- However... - However?
However what?
Something was written in blood on Prince Onnyeong's garments.
What was it?
It was "Daeho."
Daeho?
Did he really say that?
Yes... Looks like it was written in blood on the late Prince Onnyeong's garment...
How terrible!
But, my Lady. What does Daeho stand for?
Even His Lordship looked quite surprised to hear that.
If I can only slay you and avenge my family,
I am more than prepared to perish for it.
- It's him! - What?
Have you heard about what was written in blood on his garments?
- It's the late Kim Jongseo's moniker. - Kim Jongseo?
So, what, are you suggesting he came back from the dead?
He's back to avenge his unfair demise.
He's still the same Kim Jongseo even after his death.
Your Highness.
- Daeho -
Daeho?!
As if Prince Onnyeong's death wasn't disconcerting enough...
Daeho?!
It's only a subterfuge using the late Kim Jongseo's repute to agitate the masses,
and ultimately intimidate Your Highness.
Or it might be but a warning.
Was there no clue of note?
Other than the fact he was killed by quite the dexterous blade...
I'm afraid not.
Methinks the same people who abducted Lady Seryeong are behind this.
If that is the case, then who is going to be next on their list?
I am surely their final target.
Myeon, for the time being you should guard His Highness.
Yes, Father.
Not just me, but actively ensure the protection of everyone gathered here.
I shall assign bureau troops to your protection.
The most pressing issue is accepting His Majesty's abdication and ascending the throne.
This is certainly a complot by a nefarious throng intent on disgracing your investiture.
And the longer you hesitate, the fiercer their resolve will be.
But should you ascend the throne and become our monarch,
who would dare object against your rule?
I could not have said it better.
So quell your hesitations and accept the royal seal.
This is inadmissible, Sire!
Sire! Abdicating the throne?! May you retract such mortifying words!
Renounce your intent to abdicate, Sire!
Renounce your intent, Sire!
Whose subjects are you?
After falsely accusing innocent people and threatening His Majesty,
you still expect providence to ignore your abject misdeeds?
Watch your language!
Beomong, let us hear it from you.
Remember when you entrusted your son Myeon to me?
Did you not tell me to teach him how fealty always comes before knowledge?
Will you have the gall to face our just rulers Sejong and Munjong in the netherworld?
Your humble servant is at last beginning to comprehend your profound vision.
It would be most appropriate to sentence Geumseong and Jeong Jong for their misdeeds,
but I shall fulfill Your Majesty's wishes.
Therefore, I suggest we send Geumseong away on a three year exile,
and exculpate Jeong Jong, so that he'll return to live with Princess Gyeonghye.
Promise you will not bring harm to Uncle Geumseong even after he is exiled.
If Geumseong endeavors to behave in a conscionable manner, I will.
Bring the royal seal.
Sire...
At once!
Sire...
Uncle.
You must uphold this seal's legacy.
You cannot do so, Sire!
At last, your father is about to ascend the throne.
Really? You really mean that?
Don't behave so imprudently.
You are about to become our crown prince and princesses.
You will be bestowed your new titles on the day of your father's investiture,
so behave with the utmost composure of body and mind.
Yes.
Seryeong, why do I hear no answer from you?
Seryeong!
Sister.
Why do you look so perturbed?
Did your wound open again?
Sung... Do you look forward to becoming crown prince?
I am not blessed with your courage.
I am merely following our father's wishes.
However...
Even if given the chance, I shall not murder in vain like our father.
Sung.
You are about to become our crown prince and princesses.
Orabeoni, don't resort to violence.
How dare you raise your hands against a patron? Let go of him!
What did you just say?
How dare you address me that way?
I just asked you a question!
That we have a new ruler... Prince Suyang has ascended the throne.
Are you out of your mind? First you treat patrons that way, and now what?
Where are we headed?
I asked you where you're going.
Step aside!
And if I refused?
Anyone getting in my way is going to die.
You really think I'd let a little moppet like you kill me?
But I do like that fire in your eyes.
Can't languish in a pool of your own blood and waste it all, can you?
He had no qualms about killing his brother and ousting his nephew to gain that throne.
Could wielding this blade in reckless abandon suffice to deal with all that cruelty?
I'm not letting you go today.
So listen to your elders for once.
Let's go.
So you would be daring enough to slay a king?
I rescued quite the scary individual.
Is revenge all that your life amounts to?
If such was the case, how could anyone bear with it...
All that endless darkness, no light to smile or rejoice about...
How could anyone endure it?
If that's what you came back for, why not die on that ship?
For I cannot die until Suyang is dealt with.
So you survive for the sake of dying?
Just...
Take that woman and run away.
If he's the king, wouldn't his daughter become a princess?
A princess...
It's a much too tall tree to bark up.
Tall enough that minions like us daren't even look at it.
So take her and run away before it's too late, just like you did last time.
Go far away from here, forget it all, and live quietly with that woman in the mountains.
Once you encounter the quandaries of a father having to provide for his children,
then something as unearthly as your vengeful whims will cease to matter.
Let's just take it as it comes, shall we?
Forget it all?
It only feels like the talk of dreams.
If he's the king, wouldn't his daughter become a princess?
Your Highness. I am royal lecturer Kim Seungyu.
It is a true privilege to lecture someone of your repute.
You stubborn fool.
Dear...
It is joy... Tears of joy, my Lord.
Is it not the fateful day of your investiture, after all?
Thinking that you will finally take off these garments and proudly wear the crown...
Sire.
May you become a just ruler upholding our great legacy.
And you, my dear, a magnanimous mother of state.
I told you His Lordship is leaving...
My Lady, please...
Keep this up, and Her Ladyship will...
That's more like it. Love or hate him, he's still your father.
Having my son-in-law escort me to the palace...
What greater blessing could there be.
It is the last time he'll ever have to enter the palace, so be particularly mindful.
I shall protect him with my life.
All I have done to this day was for your sake.
You shall soon be bestowed your titles,
so prepare for your entrance as well.
- Yes, Father. - Yes.
You are now our crown prince,
so you must prove to the entire populace how worthy of your title you are.
I shall concentrate on my studies with even greater fervor.
Indeed.
Are you satisfied now?
After wresting the throne away from your nephew's hands,
are you finally satisfied?
Seryeong!
Her Highness was right about your covetous whims.
For it was your desire to gain the throne which pushed you to forsake or kill your brethren,
and in the end even oust your own nephew.
Stop so guilefully pretending it was all for your children's sake,
and acknowledge that you only sacrificed those innocent lives at the altar of vile greed.
Sister...
What can I do if you keep refusing to see my sincere intents...
Time shall enlighten you on the one true purpose and concern of mine.
I have heard that Daeho has recently reappeared.
If the late Kim Jongseo were still amongst the living,
would you have so daringly usurped that throne?
Will you... end all this?
Stop provoking your father and quietly prepare for your summoning.
I shall accept no such frivolous investitures.
Are you truly out of your mind?
I will not let you condemn me to such harrowing fate!
Let go.
I said let go!
The only princess this country has is Her Highness Princess Gyeonghye.
The one and only!
I thought I told you not to ever lay a finger on me?
So let go.
Enough with this stubborn defiance.
You really think that refusing that investiture will make any difference?
The very moment His Highness sits on that throne,
you shall be addressed and treated like a princess wherever you are.
So bring an end to this childish display, and enter that palace.
You can try to escape your fate all you want,
but you shall become princess, and I will be the Royal Son-in-law.
On whose authority would you claim that title?
Are you still fruitlessly deluding yourself I'll ever marry you?
If it's a lifeless corpse you want to spend the rest of your days with,
then by all means, go ahead.
His Majesty the King!
Are you here to escort the Erstwhile King?
That is indeed so.
That of Changdeok Palace will be a forlorn stay for him,
so I hope you will grant him company.
My congratulations.
And I trust you'll be eager to cleanse the crimson tide which paved the way...
for your ascent with an equally zealous and benevolent reign.
How grateful I am.
I shall bear it in mind without fail.
You must remain strong.
Bless His Majesty with a ray of hope painted on your visage when he comes out.
- Sire... - Sire!
Sire!
Sire...
Ho... Hongwi...
I'm here, Father!
Let no fear delay your glorious reign,
for this humble servant shall devote his every last breath to bulwark your path.
It is all ready, Sire.
Sire!
For I am a man of meager virtues, a reinvigorated court was paramount...
in order to live up to the exacting tasks bestowed upon me by the Erstwhile King.
It is with their support and assistance that I plan to enact benevolent...
new laws to quell the populace's distress, and bring forth a new era of prosperity.
Without your support, could this fateful day have even been possible?
I would most wholeheartedly concur,
but without a great leader, how could great strategies come into fruition?
It is all thanks to Your Highn... No... Your Majesty's leadership.
But we cannot afford to abandon ourselves in heedless celebrations.
Is not the palace still filled with many a courtier fomenting ill will against Your Majesty?
You are always the light guiding me through the darkness, Beomong.
This is only the beginning.
You must now convince the populace that you are fit for the throne.
Not to mention proving capable of bringing back the prosperity of King Sejong's rule.
All right. But give me this one day to breathe.
Shall we not bask in these fine nectars in such good company at least for this one day?
Pardon my impatience.
If Prince Onnyeong had been with us, he would be rejoicing.
The path leading to this throne was laden with many a sacrificed life.
And so I kept asking myself a hundred, a thousand times.
Why do you covet that throne so much?
How can its mere mention make your blood boil?
Did you find an answer to such questions?
Incautious people...
Why hope for an answer which does not exist...
Here... Here!
Let us put a veil on our daily quandaries, and partake in these fine drinks.
Don't you ever sleep at night?
At night? Our night is your day.
Come to the market with me in the morrow.
Why?
I wanted to buy you a hairpin.
Really?
I'm surely not going to refuse.
We can take a look around, buy you a new hairpin,
and maybe celebrate in each other's embrace.
Don't look down on me because of my vocation.
Ahh... Just my luck... Nice timing!
What are you waiting for?
Hurry up and...
Hyungnim!
Hyungnim. Hyungnim, this is serious.
That Gong Chilgu or whatever he's called, he's here!
Orabeoni, hurry and come out.
Even the mightiest needn't underestimate strength in numbers.
Hyungnim. Please forgive us.
We can't take Gong Chilgu anymore.
Allow us to come back with you.
Hyungnim!
What?!
They've gone back to Jo Seokju?
They bit me.
I let my own mutts bite me, dammit!
Bite me straight in the ass.
Sorry ass mutts.
Ehh... Rabid sons of bitches.
Hey.
Didn't that fool who came to visit last time say he was a prefect, or something?
Wh... What?
He said he was looking for people opposing Prince Suyang.
Ha!
Seems like a certain Gong Chilgu is about to bless him with a little information.
He was looking for Kim Jongseo's surviving kindred at Prince Onnyeong's residence.
Did they describe him to you?
They said he looked like someone who lost his mind.
Take your leave.
- Daeho -
Who are you?
How dare you stand in my path?
What are you waiting for?
Slay him at once!
Who are you?
Escort him out of here.
Let us find refuge.
Are you the man responsible for abducting Her Ladyship?
Who is the man behind that guise?
You can't be...
That way!
Light up!
Catch him!
Are you all right, Naeuri?
What... Myeon?
If it happened while he tried to defend Beomong,
it must be the same man who slew Prince Onnyeong.
And what's more, the word "Daeho" was written in blood on Prince Onnyeong's garments.
Are you sure you weren't behind that?
It was not me.
That is a relief.
I was worried.
Worried what I'd do if I lost even you.
Master...
All the better, though.
All those who think you dead will be frantically trying to find out who you are.
What can be more daunting than a foe you cannot see?
Daeho... And who could it be?
With Prince Geumseong exiled, who would dare contend with Prince Suyang?
I think I might know who it is.
Say what?
Who is it?
Just a moment, Master.
Jong.
Where were you injured?
It's nothing.
Have you had a look at yourself?
Were you behind what happened to Prince Onnyeong and Myeon?
Seungyu.
I shouldn't have said that, even in the frenzy of the moment.
Forget all these vengeful whims.
I don't want you to incur any more danger.
Think of how many times you escaped from the claws of death.
Seungyu?!
Seeing this flesh and blood...
you must indeed be alive.
Seungyu... You were alive...
Master...
Don't cry...
Don't cry, Seungyu...
Or you'll tear my heart into pieces.
Don't cry...
You fool...
How could that bright visage of yours be haunted by such gloom...
How could you resort to murder?
Stop it right now.
I cannot do so.
I don't want to see you ruined.
And I'm sure your late father would feel the same.
I feel responsible for what happened to you.
If people like me had only stopped Suyang,
would all of you have had to face such distress?
Late as it might be I shall take a stand, so stop all these perilous acts.
I will kill him.
Seungyu.
You take your own path.
And I will take mine.
Seungyu!
Seungyu...
- This time Beomong was the target? - That's right.
He's not to be underestimated.
Couldn't you find anything about him?
We could not find any clue quite yet.
This won't do.
I will have to swiftly summon all my family to the palace.
I will send word.
You must find out who this man impersonating Daeho is.
Yes.
Have your wounds treated and enjoy some repose.
Who... Who on earth would dare...
Are you going to keep defying your mother?
Did I not tell you the investiture is set for the morrow?
I told you to start sorting out your belongings, how can you be so stubborn?
Leave these quarters at once!
Or else how will your varlets be able to work?
I said I will not take part in any investiture.
If you keep insisting, we will have to take you against your will.
We cannot bring infamy upon His Majesty just because of your puerile whims.
"His Majesty"?! Did I just hear you call him "His Majesty"?
He is this country's one and only ruler, so I see no other way to address him.
Whatever you say will not convince me to enter that palace.
You will whether you like it or not!
Why?
Will you point a blade at your throat just like when you begged for Kim Seungyu's life?
Go ahead and try.
You will see your mother do the very same thing.
Mother.
Your Father-in-law risked death at the hands of the man who killed Prince Onnyeong.
Even Prefect Shin was injured whilst trying to protect his father,
so should you meet him, offer him some warmth.
He spent days ransacking Mapo Port to find the man who abducted you.
But now he injured himself fighting with that assassin.
Say what?
She's nowhere to be found.
She left this in her quarters.
"There is somewhere I must go".
Naeuri. It's me, Jabeon.
Enter.
What's the matter?
Gong Chilgu is here to see you.
Gong Chilgu?
So, like... Didn't you tell me to inform you if I saw anyone suspicious around Mapo?
I asked around,
and looks like a survivor of the ship which sank on its way to Ganghwa...
appeared at a gibang called Bingok Mansion.
Let me ask you something.
Where is Mapo Port?
Yes... Right past that.
Go straight and you'll get there.
What is it, at this hour...
Where the hell did he go, again?
Hyungnim, what now?
Take the back door and go find him.
Find him at all cost, and stop him from coming here.
I'll handle things here one way or another, so go!
All right.
Hey! Hyungnim!
Ahh... No. Keeper!
Your favorite mutt is here to bite you!
Hurry up and come out!
I'll give you a nice bite right away.
Gong Chilgu, that son of a...
This way!
Let's go!
There... Over there.
Catch him.
Catch him!
Catch him. Catch him!
You must catch him!