[The following program recreated historical events by adding fictional characters and situations]
Episode 17
Take the back door and go find him.
Find him at all cost, and stop him from coming here.
That way!
There... Over there.
Catch him!
Catch him. Catch him!
You must catch him!
What if they caught you?
What were you doing here?
I had something to tell you.
Go back.
Weren't you ever curious...
whether I was alive or not?
Aigoo... Hyungnim.
Where are you going?
Seokju Hyungnim told me to stop you at all cost.
Aren't you the one who took the arrow in his stead...
Aigoo! So you were alive.
He might not admit it, but he's been worried about you.
Wait for us at Bingok Mansion.
I have to follow him.
It's right over there.
Help him out and make sure no harm is brought to him.
Of course.
Ohh... This is one of Hyungnim's guests, so take her in.
What is all that commotion outside?
Eonni... Looks like Seokju Orabeoni was taken away.
What?
But our boys followed him, so there is nothing to worry.
Just wait.
Who's that?
- One of your beloved's guests. - What?!
How many times do I have to repeat myself?
This is nothing but a subterfuge by that Gong Chilgu.
See if you find anyone who doesn't know Jo Seokju at Mapo Port.
And you're telling me bureau officers don't even know that?
If Cheongpung Mansion belongs to Han Myeonghwe,
Bingok Mansion in Mapo Port is Jo Seokju's territory.
So you've never been on that ship headed for Ganghwa?
Ehh Ehh... Really!
I have.
I have, and then barely managed to escape with my life.
Why, is there anything wrong with that?
That ship was filled with convicts sentenced for treason!
Who are you trying to fool?
All I saw were bandits forced on that ship for no particular reason.
So what you're saying is that they hadn't committed any crime?
You could ask Gong Chilgu.
Go verify.
This is trouble.
I've heard that coming out of there alive is almost impossible.
How do you want to proceed?
We're going in once it gets dark.
Are you out of your mind?
If you really want to, do it by yourself.
Leave me out of it.
Most of the people supposed to be on that ship...
had already perished after being questioned.
Seems like a state tribunal officer received bribes from Gong Chilgu,
and filled that ship with other people of his choice.
The son of Left State Councilor Kim Jongseo was on that ship.
Do you remember seeing him?
And how am I supposed to know what Kim Jongseo's son looks like?
Ahh... Anyway. I was the lone survivor.
Do you really mean that?
Why would I need to deceive you?
How shall we deal with him?
Jo Seokju...
This time forget Ganghwa, I'll send you to a much more remote place.
Here... One, two... One, two... Straighten up those shoulders!
With confidence.
I wouldn't play with fire, if I were you.
Do not squander our time over those petty grudges of yours.
Hyungnim!
I was just about to come in and save you all by myself, if necessary.
It's too dangerous for you, out here.
Let's move.
- Where are you going now? - Can we just sit here and wait?
Who knows what might have happened to him?
Just stay here, I'll go.
Ehh... Anyhow, you've had it hard.
Orabeoni.
Where have you been?
You know I was worried about you.
Like she's not happy to see you, deep down...
Follow her.
- That's energy for you. - Orabeoni...
Orabeoni, where are you going?
- Who on earth is that tramp? - A princess.
Or at least she's about to become one.
So don't even think of competing with her.
What?
Don't you want to meet your family?
Didn't I tell you that Agang and her mother are still alive?
So go see for yourself.
Come with me.
It's a little far from here.
It is of great relief.
Despite this unfortunate accident, is it not a relief that you weren't injured?
My apologies.
Couldn't you see who the man who assaulted you was?
He was donning a guise in the dark, so I could not ascertain his identity.
Were it not for Prefect Shin, we could have faced a great tragedy.
There is no more doubt that this Daeho is now targeting courtiers.
A Ming delegation shall soon arrive to confirm your investiture.
And with the Ming Emperor acknowledging the legitimacy of this abdication,
no Hall of Worthies scholar will be able to question your rule any longer.
You will pardon my bringing this up,
but should the Ming insist that you only appropriated the throne away from your nephew,
wouldn't this pose great quandaries for us all?
And should such an accident reoccur during the delegation's stay,
it is impossible to predict how the envoys will react.
Prefect Shin, spare no efforts in tightening surveillance within the capital.
I will be particularly mindful.
Sire.
Isn't this a result of treacherous varmints with delusions of restoring...
the Erstwhile King, for he is still alive?
So I suggest that after you gain the Ming's approval and the envoys return home,
you deprive the Erstwhile King of his title and rid ourselves of any future complication.
Sire.
Her Majesty the Queen has just entered the palace.
I bid you welcome, my dear.
But I don't see Seryeong?
Methinks we will have to grant her some time to reflect.
And where would a princess parade about?
I am the only one to blame for her misgivings.
Find Seryeong at once and bring her to the palace.
Yes.
Wait... Just a moment.
It's that place.
I will let you verify firsthand.
Are they really alive?
Prefect Shin procured this place, so it would be wise to move them elsewhere.
Uncle?!
Uncle!
Are you really my uncle?
Mother... It's Uncle.
It's really him.
You were alive?
Her Ladyship brought Agang to a physician when she was in dire conditions,
and even helped us escape from that beast we were sent to.
Come with me.
It might not be the most hospitable of places, but it will still be better than this.
We'll have to. Aren't we family, after all?
Pretty, aren't they?
Eonni bought them for me.
She also told me to forget all our past suffering.
To go live far away from here and be happy together.
I couldn't even thank her for bringing us together.
Thank you.
But I hope...
this will be the last time we have to meet.
Were you and Her Ladyship in love with each other?
- I wonder whose clan... - We are not.
There is no reason for us to ever meet again.
She's disappeared?!
Are you telling me she left to avoid the investiture?
So she really didn't come here?
Why would she possibly come here?
Would she do it to flaunt about her newfound title?
Or maybe to ask for my congratulations?
- If she does come here... - We get it, so take your leave.
She avoided the investiture?!
It doesn't suit her, does it?
Where are you going?
Are you here to pay me one last visit?
Even when Prefect Shin showed up at my gates looking for you,
never did I imagine you would be foolish enough to actually come here.
But your heedless imprudence defies every expectation.
I knew I should have never come,
but there was nowhere I could go, and nobody I could talk to.
Nowhere you could go?
Isn't the palace your new home?
Why... Did my words hurt your feelings?
My immaturity must have been so hard to endure...
My parading about completely oblivious to my father's schemes must have been so unbearable.
So at last you're starting to awaken.
Be that as it may, can you so easily avoid such an investiture?
I shall no longer try to escape from it.
I shall instead enter the palace, and reflect on the very question you asked me.
What question are you referring to?
Whether I can really contend with my father. Remember?
I will observe my father's every move, and find an answer to that question.
And should the man who calls himself our ruler betray his calling,
I shall do everything in my power to stop him.
Seryeong...
For the only princess this country has is Your Highness.
It is to convey that to you that I came.
Who else are these people?!
What is this?
You were married?
Then, how about that other lady?
Ohh... You can't help but respect his prowess.
They're my niece and sister-in-law.
They will stay in my quarters for a while, if you don't mind.
I don't have too much esteem for moochers.
Unless you plan to earn your keep, I suggest you take your leave.
Is there anything you can do?
- I'll work in their stead, so... - Don't, Young Master.
I don't want to become a burden, either.
I can cook a respectable meal, and can clean, if needed.
Fine.
Give them some quarters, will you?
It's not like you'll run out of them anytime soon?!
Fine with me.
Let's see...
- Aigoo... - Let me help you with this.
If you can endure your stay here for a while, I'll soon find you better dwellings.
It's all right.
Compared to all those who perished, I could not ask for better lodgings.
And behind your coming back to us alive might be your father and brother's help.
- I'll take my leave now. - Yes.
Was the woman they mentioned Her Ladyship?
Is there really nothing going on between you two?
She is someone I never should nor wish to meet again.
Uncle!
Uncle!!
Their Majesties are eagerly awaiting you...
Your Highness.
Let us go.
I knew Prefect Shin would find you.
You cannot deny destiny was behind it.
Sire.
We should hasten and proclaim him as the new Royal Son-in-law.
Indeed we shall.
I have something to tell you.
I shall never join anyone in conjugal ties.
You what?
What are you trying to say?
That becoming a princess is the very last thing I will ever do against my wishes.
I shall now fulfill my own wishes.
Your impudence has surpassed every limit.
We shall have that ceremony right away, so do as you're told and take your leave.
The days when you could order me around are long over.
No need to let this sway you.
You are already my Royal Son-in-law.
What do we owe this sudden appearance to?
You're already aware of the fact I will never change my mind, are you not?
What matters to me is not a meager title, but gaining your heart.
Are you telling me I cannot even compare with a dead man?
He still survives deep inside my heart.
What?!
I am greatly sorry to you,
but understand that when one's heart is captured by someone,
it will inevitably make other people suffer as a result.
My Lady.
No... Your Highness. Where have you been?
You don't know how worried I was.
Those court garments really suit you.
Hasten inside. All the court attendants are awaiting to pay you their respects.
These were Princess Gyeonghye's quarters.
It feels strange to live here, doesn't it?
Why do you collect silken shoes you will never bother wearing, then?
Because I want to.
The same goes for me, then.
Because I want to.
Your Highness.
You must wear these garments.
How can you be here all the time?!
Are you Kim Jongseo's son?
This capital bureau officer is frantically trying to find out whether you're still alive.
Why didn't you just talk and get it over with?
Listen to that...
Ahh... So I hear that woman came here today?
I don't want to hear any of that.
She even put her life at stake!
It looked quite sincere to me.
Why... Is it getting to you?
You're having second thoughts about it, aren't you?
Whomever her father might be, you just want to bask in her embrace, don't you?
He's stubborn, all right.
You like them?
Need to mention it, Hyungnim?
No need to let that satisfy you quite yet.
Think your career in the court will stop at that?
I can't even tell whether I'm dreaming or not.
- Thank you, Hyungnim! - Thank you so much!
Don't mention it... Never mind! Take your leave now.
I'll have to go as well.
And go where, at this belated hour?
Haven't you heard about Kim Jongseo donning a guise and slaying meritorious courtiers?
For the time being, I will have to sleep elsewhere.
We are starting to reap the fruits of slaying Kim Jongseo, at last.
Don't you remember when that old cur perished?
Even demise shan't do this and that...
Acting haughty even when all that became of him was a parting feast for vultures.
Who are you?
You...
Are you back?
I see that the nightly shadows have become a frequent companion of yours.
What brings you...
I've heard from Jong.
It looks hospitable enough.
What are you doing here?
The stench of blood paving your every step is growing stronger.
Who else did you slay?
Take your leave now.
No matter how many people's lives it might end,
will that blade of yours ever approach Suyang's throat?
Stake your life on a greater goal.
What are you trying to suggest?
Other compeers of mine have joined my cause.
We shall oust Suyang and restore the Erstwhile King.
Will you give us your support?
How could scholars like you possibly contend with Suyang?
He is a man of unparalleled resolve and cruelty.
And would we not need strength to face off with that?
If we join forces, there is no foe we cannot subjugate.
You really believe their intents to be sincere?
I myself was betrayed by the dearest of friends.
So trust is something I can and will no longer believe in.
Even for what concerns Jong and I?
Don't underestimate Suyang.
The Ming delegation will take this road, so I want surveillance to be tight.
Yes.
What is the matter?
We found two corpses.
What?
- Daeho -
How many has it been already?!
Daeho?! Then what, is a dead man responsible for all this?
Who knows?
It could be his spirit, back to avenge what happened to him.
Are you inside?
Agang wanted them, so I made some.
Last night I saw you alone with that sword of yours.
Are you that Daeho people talk about?
You needn't let that concern you.
How could I not comprehend your wish to slaughter them all?!
But I'd like you to just consider whether the way you're dealing with it...
might be much too venturesome.
I wonder how Father would have dealt with this...
Act with the utmost prudence, and make sure no infamy is brought upon that moniker.
And sit in my quarters on my behalf? Does that even make any sense?
Actually, I might be betrothed to Lecturer Kim Seungyu.
So I wanted to have a look at him firsthand.
Why... Does it bring the past back to mind?
Your Highness.
I am royal lecturer Kim Seungyu.
I have been entrusted with Your Highness' lectures from here on in,
my name is Lee Gae.
I will be counting on your guidance.
We shall begin with the Xiaojing.
Back in the day, someone lectured me on the Xiaojing...
And the lecturer they assigned to me had rouge marks on his neck.
There was such a case amongst my pupils as well.
What kind of man was he?
He had such a winsome visage,
and yet you wouldn't imagine what a wastrel he could be at times.
However, behind that frivolous veneer was a man of principle,
someone for whom friendship meant as much as his own life.
You must have been quite fond of him.
It's on days like these that I truly miss him.
And what was the capital bureau doing whilst all this went on?
I am mortified.
And this has spread concern amongst the people.
There is even talebearing suggesting Kim Jongseo might not be dead after all.
And I wonder who is next on the list...
I will eradicate this infamy at the very root!
Ferret out anyone fomenting such treacherous intents,
and make them pay with their lives.
Sire...
The Ming delegation is about to arrive.
You must prepare to face them.
Daeho, you said?
Yes, Your Majesty.
Who would that be?
This man using the late Left State Councilor's moniker.
Daeho is none other than his own son, Kim Seungyu.
Kim Seungyu?!
Are you telling me he's still alive?
He escaped from the claws of demise,
and has come back to contend with Suyang, the man responsible for his father's death.
You still have such loyal retainers by your side, so do not lose your resolve.
I feel ashamed to even face my late father.
Your Majesty.
Prince Suyang's fortunes are about to come to an end.
A few of your most loyal subjects alongside myself plan to eliminate him...
at the regale organized for the Ming delegation in the morrow.
I shall always remain by your side, so don't you worry.
Jong...
Your Majesty.
His Majesty the King seeks your audience.
Let him in.
Were they here to pay their respects?
Yes, Sire.
The Ming delegation shall soon arrive.
So I've been told.
I think you should participate in the regale we organized for them.
I am well aware of royal customs.
I was just concerned you could be influenced by ominous varmints...
into misleading the Ming delegation on the true state of things.
You needn't worry about that.
I can only wish that the princess and royal son-in-law will...
continue to bless you with their most earnest support.
No matter how many people's lives it might end,
will that blade of yours ever approach Suyang's throat?
Stake your life on a greater goal.
I wonder how Father would have dealt with this...
Act with the utmost prudence, and make sure no infamy is brought upon that moniker.
- Did you tell His Majesty? - I did.
- Park Paengnyeon -
Now everything is ready.
- Seong Sammun -
Once Suyang gains the Ming's acknowledgment, His Majesty will be his next target.
The regale will be our last chance.
We must alert the Ming envoys on Suyang's vile usurpation.
- Yoo Eungbu -
Getting the chance to slay Suyang with my own hands is a great privilege.
We must make sure His Majesty regains the throne.
There is a man who is volunteering to help us.
Come in.
You've come.
And who on earth is that fellow?
He is the late Kim Jongseo's son,
Kim Seungyu.
As meager as my contributions can be, I am here to give you my support.
You really were alive?
He overcame great vicissitudes and still managed to survive.
Then, are you the "Daeho" that is so wildly agitating the populace?
What convinced you to join our cause?
My intent was to slaughter every single man responsible for my father's demise.
However, I realized that doing so would not truly avenge my father,
but merely satisfy my vengeful whims.
And that is why I would like to aid you in restoring His Majesty to the throne.
I shall spare no effort no matter what you entrust upon me,
so do not hesitate to ask for my help.
Someone from a privileged clan such as yourself facing such quandaries...
It must have been a torment to bear.
That is truly commendable.
Your late father will be proud of you as well.
And forgive us for allowing the lamentable demise brought upon your father.
They certainly wouldn't take this lying down.
Hall of Worthies scholars Lee Gae, Park Paengnyeon and Seong Sammun...
have been spotted gathering with the Royal Son-in-law quite frequently as of late.
Even the Royal Son-in-law?
If a complot is behind these meetings,
then the presence of those Ming envoys would certainly be paramount.
But all those savants ever did was idle away in empty lectures,
so they will surely act in haste.
Look for any flaw.
Yes.
What became of that man using Daeho as his moniker?
Was he captured?
I've heard they still haven't been able to.
Who could possibly stop him?
What?
The Royal Son-in-law might be able to convince him.
What?!
I will have to see my mother.
What do I owe this visit to?
I'd like to see Princess Gyeonghye.
What?
You've just entered the palace, and you already ask that?
I will have to see how she's faring, and bring her some herbs.
Go, then.
If you and Princess Gyeonghye remain on good terms,
wouldn't that foster our image in the populace's eyes?
It will only add prestige to His Majesty's reign.
I wouldn't want any fanfare about this, so I will only take Yeori with me.
So, how is the new princess?
Is she beyond hope as I've been told?
Supposedly she even refused to marry and claimed she'll forever live alone?!
How could all those princesses be so impertinent...
Watch your language.
Seems like it's your pupil, again.
Have you been meeting with Jong as of late?
I guess you've come to find out something from me.
Any frequent meetings with him are only going to arouse suspicion.
You should refrain for your own sake.
So a mentor meeting his pupils would arouse suspicion?
Have such fundamental human ties been outlawed, at last?
Didn't Jong once conspire with Prince Geumseong?
If you want to avoid attracting any needless suspicion and infuriating His Majesty,
I suggest you don't meet him for the time being.
I will tell Jong the same.
"His Majesty"...
His Majesty.
It sure sounds peculiar to me.
I shall take my leave now.
If you only joined us, what a blessing it could be...
- Are we still far? - We're almost there.
Did you miss Her Highness that much?
I want to walk.
Endure it for little longer, Your Highness.
I cannot believe my eyes.
Seeing you come back alive...
How could something like this happen...
My apologies.
Keep staring at him that way, and you'll make me jealous.
After all, did he not become a candidate for Royal Son-in-law at my expense?
If fate had run its course...
Enough with those jests.
How can I compensate your earnest efforts for His Majesty's sake...
Compensate?! Don't you even mention that, Your Highness.
Providence is always on the righteous man's side, is it not?
Don't you worry, Your Highness.
Let us enter.
General Yoo will be one of the two lone armed royal guards at the regale.
It is a honor providence bestowed upon me.
You will be entrusted the crucial task of beheading Suyang,
and as for protecting His Majesty, it will be up to me and the Royal Son-in-law.
We also need someone to command Kim Mungi's troops...
Seungyu.
How about we entrust that upon you?
After all, you're well versed in battle tactics and swordsmanship.
I will spare no effort.
After Suyang is dealt with, lead the troops to the regale,
and eliminate Han Myeonghwe, Kwon Ram and Shin Sukju.
I've already looked around Changdeok Palace for weak spots.
We can just disguise ourselves amongst the troops and wait.
We might have done everything humanly possible,
but will providence truly be on our side?
We will not get another chance like this.
We must succeed at all cost.
Suyang's tyranny is at last going to end.
Myeon came by today.
Myeon?
Seems like they might have suspicions about us already.
It would be wise to be even more careful from here on in.
Let us gather at my quarters from now on.
Where, a tavern filled with gisaeng?
Sounds good! Perfect.
Fine ladies to satisfy your sight, and resolve to pacify your soul.
Isn't that killing two birds with a stone?
What did you just say?
A jest. Nothing but a jest.
Seungyu. Say something...
You don't know how happy I am to see that smile again.
Now you finally feel like your old self.
How does it feel to be so close to our day of reckoning?
I've survived for the sake of killing Suyang.
And I am more than prepared to stake my life to fulfill our goals.
Your Highness... Prefect Shin is here.