[The following program recreated historical events by adding fictional characters and situations]
I trust you will observe the utmost prudence.
You needn't worry about that.
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.
Find refuge.
What brings you here?
I escorted the master here, and came to pay Her Highness a visit.
Have you been entrusted with Her Highness' lectures?
That's right.
I have something to tell you, Jong.
Can't you just say it, then?
Was I not clear about not meeting with Jong?
It is only natural a mentor would meet one of his pupils.
Why would you need to deprive us of that right as well?
But if mentor and pupil were fomenting treacherous intent,
I suppose it would be a whole different story.
Myeon!
Take your leave.
I won't ask you to accept my sincerity any longer.
However, I suggest you refrain from attracting any attention for the time being.
At least if you're intent on surviving.
It is the very last warning I can give you.
Now I even have to second-guess the warnings of whom I once called a friend...
Ever experienced anything so befuddling?
Being trapped in here is suffocating.
What on earth are you scheming?
I suggest you don't even bother asking.
You have nothing to gain from that.
Does it have anything to do with my father?
How could you engage in such perilous acts?
I only wished for you to forget it all and leave with Agang and her mother.
Even if I tried to forget,
would I be able to?
I shall leave once we complete our task,
so stop trying to get involved.
- Where is Her Highness? - In my quarters.
She had a migraine, so I told her to rest.
Would slaying my father truly make any difference?
Are you that Daeho?
The same thought kept haunting me at night.
Whether beheading those people really brought you any peace.
Whether you felt vindicated in the slightest.
What brought you to this point, and what kind of suffering you were being subjected to.
Believing you truly know me is nothing but a delusion.
For when their ringleader will have been dealt with, I shall finally find peace.
Master...
Your Highness. Are you inside?
Let us go back now.
Your Highness... Are you sleeping?
Remain here.
He won't leave unless I go out.
Your Highness... What's capturing your thoughts?
You'll worry the prefect.
Her Highness?
She likely heard everything Seungyu said.
And if she heard this must come into fruition, would she not inform Suyang?
There is no way.
She did not reveal that I abducted her to anyone.
She is not aware of any concrete plans so it is nothing of great concern.
Unlike her father, she is trustworthy.
If this were an ordinary situation, I certainly would concur,
but doesn't this deal with her father's impending death, after all?
I don't believe that to be something anyone could so easily take a stand about.
Are you back?
Your father lost one of his life's greatest joys.
The same child who refused to leave my side doesn't even glance at me now.
Father.
Of all days, hearing that now pierces my heart even deeper.
Is there anything you want to tell me?
No... It is nothing.
Go and get some rest, then.
Seryeong.
I cherish you so much, no one will ever be virtuous enough to take you.
I've survived for the sake of killing Suyang.
And I am more than prepared to stake my life to fulfill our goals.
Would slaying my father truly make any difference?
Uncle!
Agang...
Agang.
What happened to your face?
So Agang wrote these?
Yes.
I thought she should at least grow accustomed to Chinese characters.
Forgive me for forcing you to lodge in such dwellings with a child.
Don't say that. In spite of their appearance, they are all quite gentle.
I shall fulfill my father's wishes, and help His Majesty back to the throne.
Indeed you shall.
Don't let us concern you, and walk along the righteous path without hesitation.
Young Master... Is anything the matter?
No matter how ruthless one's father might be,
no one would ever forgive the man responsible for his death, right?
So... Did you learn anything of note?
My apologies.
They are always so discreet and careful...
They went as far as whispering so I could not hear them clearly,
*Part of Changdeok Palace, where foreign delegations were entertained
but I did overhear "Gwangyeon Pavilion*" for sure.
Gwangyeon Pavilion...
The moment the regale commences, so will our mission.
If you behead Prince Suyang right as the festivities begin,
I shall infiltrate the palace with the rest of the troops and eliminate Suyang's followers.
Once we restore His Majesty to the throne in the Ming delegation's presence,
all our quandaries will come to an end.
But other than Suyang and his treacherous followers,
there must be no unnecessary bloodshed.
So how did you get to meet Her Highness?
You looked quite close.
Are you perchance in love with each other?
We're not.
I've heard she claimed that she will never join anyone in conjugal ties.
What is with that reaction?
Are you the reason behind such claim?
I see you lied to me.
Because if you truly are in love, then quite the cruelty will take place in the morrow.
How would you deal with the repercussions of killing Suyang, then?
She no longer has anything to do with me.
But have you ever thought how much your relationship with her father will make her suffer?
You should stay out of this while you still can.
What on earth can I do...
Your Highness.
We received a message from Princess Gyeonghye's residence.
I wonder if she's indisposed, because she's urgently looking for you.
- Your Majesty, the princess... - Mother. It's Seryeong.
Let her in.
I will pay a visit to Princess Gyeonghye, if I may.
At this hour?!
That is out of the question.
Can you just leave this palace at will?
She seems gravely indisposed.
I know it might help our repute, but you're visiting her far too frequently.
Is life in the palace that suffocating?
All right, so make it brief.
Yes, Mother.
You've come.
I frantically ran the moment I was told you were feeling indisposed.
Are you all right?
Did you tell anything to your father?
Is that why you called me here?
I'm not the one who called for you.
Then, who did?
Just as I will never forget my father's death,
experiencing the same thing will ravage your heart with great grief.
For I know the kind of suffering losing one's beloved can subject you to,
what you are about to face greatly worries me.
However, that does not change the fact that I will slay your father.
Even if history will one day herald him as a just ruler,
how can a royal path drenched in blood be truly righteous?
So erase me from your memories.
Did you call me here just to say that?
I recall you asking me whether I could still love such a heinous father.
I wished I didn't have a father who sacrificed innocent lives on his way to the throne.
But thinking that I'm about to forever lose my father...
My father will die if you are to survive,
and my father's survival can only mean demise for you.
What do you expect me to do?
Your father might have caused me great suffering,
but you played a part in healing those painful throes.
And I'll forever be grateful for that.
Forget it... Forget it all and leave with me.
Let us go to a place where they will never find us, and together live the rest of our days.
Wherever we would go, it would still be Suyang's world.
Orabeoni, you don't seem too familiar?!
How cute...
You couldn't have chosen a better place.
Bingok Mansion is the best in the neighborhood.
Be it ours or Suyang's, someone's head is going to roll tomorrow.
Will you manage?
What?
With that woman.
If that's what you came here for, leave.
Seungyu. Just in case...
I'm telling you just in case.
But if I die and you manage to survive,
you will have to protect Her Highness in my stead.
Don't even say that.
Despite how she might act, she's feebler than you'd think.
Think of how much she could be suffering,
after all the harrowing distress she's been subjected to.
Seeing her in that state...
breaks my heart.
You're back?
I thought you'd be sleeping.
Are you worried about the morrow?
I'll protect His Majesty at all cost, so fret not.
Aren't you afraid of what you're about to embark on?
I'd love to claim I'm not daunted like a real man's man,
but I have to admit I am indeed a little afraid.
So am I.
Afraid that the man who's always been by my side will not return.
And by the thought I might never get to see again a man who knows me inside out.
It daunts me, terribly so.
Your Highness.
Without that man by my side, I won't be able to go on living.
So come back to me whatever it takes.
Dear.
You do it for me. Dear.
You must come back safely.
Take that woman and run away.
Go far away from here, forget it all, and live quietly with that woman in the mountains.
Forget it... Forget it all and leave with me.
Let us go to a place where they will never find us, and together live the rest of our days.
Father.
Help me.
Wow... Look at Agang's prodigious strokes.
What strokes? Is she feeling ill or something?
He means she can paint well, you ignorant fool.
Can you treat Soaeng...
Listen, the smarter women are, the harder to deal with.
Just... Here, uh?
As long as you're well endowed where it counts, that does it.
Although I guess you play on a whole different field.
You little...
You're hurting me!
Serves you right.
All you ever do is eat, drink and chase skirts.
Ohh Ohh! Will you be quiet?
She's getting to the important part.
Hyungnim, look at your face!
Orabeoni!
Stop acting like this.
How can he do this to me?!
I told you he was just fooling around with you.
Does he look like someone who will show anyone any warmth?
It's all right.
Uncle.
Come back soon. You can't leave me behind.
I'll be right back.
You seem quite determined.
Don't bother telling me to look after your kindred.
You've got people to protect, so you must come back.
All right. Hyungnim.
A century long legacy depends upon our own actions.
So let us restore the dignity the throne has long lost once and for all.
Today will mark the end of Suyang's tyranny.
- Go escort His Majesty. - Yes.
Seungyu?
He's already awaiting outside the palace.
Once you hear the ceremony commence, take to the left and jump the wall,
after which we will infiltrate the palace.
Today, His Majesty will entertain our guests from the Ming delegation with a regale.
It is paramount that the ceremony goes on without any disturbance,
so be mindful of not engaging in any imprudent behavior.
Yes.
Especially you, Seryeong, refrain from visiting Princess Gyeonghye's residence.
And know that His Majesty is trying to be generous despite your refusal to adapt.
Why aren't you answering me?
I will fulfill your wishes.
Today, His Majesty will entertain our guests from the Ming delegation with a regale.
And I am more than prepared to stake my life to fulfill our goals.
What is the matter, Your Highness?
I need to ask Princess Gyeonghye something.
What are you trying to say? Her Majesty just told you not to leave.
Not to mention that capital bureau troops on patrol have increased twofold.
Once this obstacle is dealt with,
you will receive the Ming's blessings and become a full-fledged ruler.
My congratulations, Sire.
I shall remain by your side at all times.
So don't you worry.
Have you had a pleasant night of sleep?
Yes, Uncle.
We will have to show the Ming delegation how united Joseon's royal family is.
I suppose we will have to.
What is the matter?
I am Yeori, one of Her Highness the Princess' attendants.
Where are you headed?
We were ordered to head to the princess' residence.
Did you call me?
Mobilize your men.
His Majesty the King deigns you with his presence!
What is the matter, Secretary Han?
We are not going to need your help for this regale.
What do you mean?
His Majesty decided to openly face the Ming delegation to foster mutual confidence.
It's an order from His Majesty!
Escort Commander Yoo out.
I will escort Your Excellency.
Seems that Han Myeonghwe might be suspecting something.
We can't do it today.
- How could they possibly learn of this? - Don't be imprudent!
You'll attract suspicion.
Providence was not on our side today, so we will have to find another day.
Leave the palace and inform our men that we will postpone our mission.
- Hasten! - Y...es.
The regale is about to start.
Ohh... All right.
Where are you going in such haste?
Why, where am I going?
But seeing you act so surprised is quite suspicious indeed.
I suppose some rather pressing matters are awaiting you outside the palace?!
What are you talking about?
Speak! I'm giving you the last chance to survive!
Where on earth is the princess?
I asked you a question!
Go back.
Tell me.
What are you going to do today at the regale?
It's too late already.
It must have started by now.
You plotted all this to take my father's life...
Don't you know, then?
Where... Where is that man?
If he reveals himself, he won't make it out of there alive.
He will lead the troops and infiltrate the palace.
Don't go.
Your father and Kim Seungyu cannot live under the same sky, anyhow.
I must witness it firsthand.
For I cannot sit here and let anything happen to him.
I told the Ming delegation that the regale will be slightly postponed.
- Apprehend them. - Yes!
Let go, you knaves!
What are you doing?
Let go, you knaves!
You traitor!
You treacherous knave!
Where are you going, Your Highness?
Your Highness... Your Highness!
There's no way they would have mobilized so many troops.
I only know that he is a man ravaged by resentment.
How can you keep defending him?
Who hides behind that guise?
You can't be...
I shall find out who you are once and for all.
Charge!
They attempted on my life right in front of the Ming delegation.
Shouldn't they be slaughtered for this ignominious effrontery?
And I shall expose who instigated them as well.
Refrain from any heedless remarks in the envoys' presence.
May the ceremony commence.
Daeho... Reveal your face!
We're going to lose all our men if this keeps up. We must withdraw.
Withdraw!
Catch them!
- Split up and gather at our checkpoint. - Yes!
- Have you seen Daeho? - Daeho?!
We didn't see anyone coming this way.
I'm sure he'll come see them.
Who are you referring to?
What are you doing here?
Did you come here to witness your own mentor being taken away?
Don't delude yourself. I've only come to ask some questions.
Who is Daeho?
Daeho?!
And why are you asking me that?
He joined you in this complot today, so how could you not know?
Who is he?
Is it Kim Seungyu?
Seungyu?!
Seungyu is dead.
Are you going to disgrace the name of a late friend now?
We'll soon find out whether he's really dead or not.
Because if he's Kim Seungyu, he'll surely come to see you.
I just told you it's not him, why keep suggesting otherwise?
Imprison these criminals!
Yes.
Why is there no news from the palace?
Your Highness.
The Royal Son-in-law...
He's been apprehended.
Then, the Erstwhile King?
This won't do.
I need to go there.
Master. What if Seungyu appears? What if he gets caught?
It can't happen. We can't allow it.
- My apologies. - It's all right.
What happened?
Something must be wrong.
I've heard the Royal Son-in-law was arrested.
You mean that?
Free the way!
You can't be exposed. Remain here for now.
- Dear. - Back off!
You insolent knave! It's Her Highness the Princess!
Myeon is here.
Tell Seungyu to leave this place at once.
Don't look back!
Tell Seungyu not to undertake any needless risks and worry about the future.
Go home.
- Find him. - Yes.
Kim Seungyu!
I know that you're Kim Seungyu.
How much longer will you keep hiding in your father's shadows?
Stop running away like a coward,
and reveal yourself.