[The following program recreated historical events by adding fictional characters and situations]
Episode 21
Where is Kim Seungyu?
I cannot answer that.
Speak the truth at once. Where is Kim Seungyu?
I just told you I will not answer.
Must I behead those who hid him under your watch to get a confession?
Are you going to sacrifice more innocent people to satisfy your whims?
How much longer will this vile bloodshed go on?
Must your children suffer the consequences to truly wake you up?
You...
Are you conspiring with Kim Seungyu to murder your father?
If you wish to cut your ties with me, fine. I shall oblige.
Prefect Shin, enter!
There no longer will be any marriage between you and the princess.
For you no longer are one.
You shall become Prefect Shin's slave.
Your Grace...
Sire! Slave?!
How can you do that to your daughter?
Would you still call someone who conspired with your enemy's son to kill you a daughter?
She claimed she wants to cut her ties with me, so I'll fulfill her wishes.
Chief Eunuch, hasten and summon the Royal Secretary.
- Sire... Do not let this agitate you. - Sire!
It's an order! Call him at once!
Yes, Sire.
What are you doing?
Get on your knees and beg for forgiveness!
Your Highness.
I told you to apologize right now!
Don't mind her.
I have already come to a decision.
Sire... Sire!
How could you just stand there and do nothing?
You should convince him to change his mind.
After I'm back today, we shall soon be able to leave.
I will be waiting for your return.
Hyungnim... Hyungnim!
Won't he get in trouble, if he keeps this up?
Let's go.
Sire, please abate your ire.
Father, calm down, please.
What are you doing here, in your state?
Go back inside.
This is only going to make you suffer in the long run.
May you take back that order.
What are you waiting for? Drag her out of here.
How can you come out dressed like that?
Get on your knees before your father!
- Eonni... Hurry up and beg! - Sister.
Why aren't you answering?
Are you going to defy him to the very end?
Are you so blinded by devotion to forsake your own family?
Impudent little... And I cherished you so fervently.
I have already cut my ties with you.
I shall now abandon the name Lee Seryeong,
and go on living as a nameless slave.
Your Highness.
Seryeong!
Royal Secretary!
Yes, Sire.
I hereby deprive the princess of her title, and bestow her upon Prefect Shin as a slave.
Apprehend her so that she will not run away, and escort her to his residence!
Hey...
You stubborn fool.
I ran here thinking you were going to infiltrate the palace again.
Look at what I could have risked following you!
- Shut it. - Who said anything...
I shouldn't have let her go alone.
She's a princess, what could possibly happen to her?
She promised she'd be back.
She's more than capable of that,
so let's go back and think of how to act next.
Stop.
Let's go.
Aigoo... It's cold.
Hey.
Don't kill me. Please, spare me!
Who are you?
I came looking for Daeho.
Who sent you?
The Royal Son-in-law.
Listen to you...
How are we supposed to believe that?
Hyungnim, I don't like the way this fool looks,
he's probably some spy from the capital bureau.
Let him go.
It's Jong's handwriting.
The Royal Son-in-law and Prince Geumseong are gathering troops.
With the garrison by our side, we can certainly plan an attack.
So, what are you trying to accomplish?
I'll head to Gwangju to meet Jong.
There is no time to waste, so we must hasten.
All this urgency is not because of some great cause,
it's just to rescue that princess of yours, isn't it?
You can't hide a thing from me.
This all happened because of me, and I have no excuses.
Don't start with that nonsense.
The bureau might send troops here again,
so take everyone else and find refuge.
Says who?
Aigoo!
I struggled and suffered for years to run this place.
I'm not leaving it no matter what, so whomever wants to leave, go ahead.
- Chohee... - I'm not going, either.
- I'll remain by her side at all cost. - Me, too.
I'm not going to move to some country tavern...
What if troops come here again and start destroying this place?
I'll repair it again.
Break in a hundred times, see if I'll ever give up.
We're fine, so take his family and find refuge.
If I see anything suspicious, I'll let you know right away.
Thank you.
Don't mention it.
Your Highness...
What brings you here?
Escort her to the outer quarters.
She's an esteemed guest of ours, so I want you to treat her with the utmost care.
No.
I didn't come here as a princess, so that won't be necessary.
Escort her in.
Come inside a moment.
I cannot fathom how he could react this way.
Did he not fervently cherish her?
It is all because Kim Seungyu is still alive.
The only reason why His Majesty is in this state is because of him.
If we capture him, all our quandaries can be brought to an end.
What if the princess ends up being confined to slavery for the rest of her life?
She has now entered my clan, so she belongs to me.
I prepared some garments for you to wear.
His Majesty will summon you again once he calms down.
If you're willing to repent he will not hesitate to forgive you,
so just spend the next few days here until then.
I don't believe I did anything I should repent for,
so there is no turning back for my father and I.
Then, will you go on living as a slave?
I'm sure you will not feel at ease having me here as your slave,
so hand me to the government instead.
Is the prospect of living by my side that lamentable to you?
You accepted your deposition without any hesitation just so you could...
return to Kim Seungyu?
I don't want to hear you call his name.
Listen well.
I shall no longer allow you to meet him.
For you are no longer a princess.
You now belong to me.
Do not allow anyone in.
Make sure no one sees her.
I know that ousting Seryeong was not your real intention.
You saw wrong. It is.
Time will help her reflect on her behavior.
Have you forgotten how much she's always relied upon your guidance?
This will have been a sufficient warning, so summon her back in a few days.
Why incur such needless suffering?
How could children fully comprehend what their parents go through?
Was it enough to deserve this?
What are you... referring to?
Was what I did terrible enough to warrant losing the child I so fervidly cherished?
Sire...
What? Kim Seungyu?!
So Her Highness was deposed because of Kim Seungyu?
Then... Does that mean the two were infatuated with each other?
Seems that all eunuchs and attendants witnessed His Majesty's enraged frenzy.
Ohh Ohh... How could something like this happen...
His Majesty must truly feel distressed.
I am sure.
Ha! And of all people, Kim Jongseo's son?!
Just hearing his name gives you the chills.
We must behead Kim Seungyu whatever it takes.
Only then will our quandaries finally end.
It must happen at all costs.
Are you leaving again?
You could have taught me how to read first.
I will, if we meet later on.
Take this, and become a pretty lady like me.
Thank you.
She's just a kid...
Agang. Shall we go?
I will be escorting you today.
And Chohee?
Hyungnim...
Think she'd see them off just because of a child?
He'll be escorting you.
I will come later, so wait for me.
But don't cry because I'm not around.
People who will soon meet again needn't cry.
Take good care of my uncle.
Sure, don't you worry about him.
I'll bring him right back to you.
Yes.
Are you going to see the Royal Son-in-law?
Yes.
Be careful until I come back for you.
Don't worry about us, and have a safe journey.
We'll get going, then.
First take back what belongs to you.
Were you so eager to leave that you forgot this?
No need to show gratitude. I'm only giving you what you earned.
And you... See you again.
I'm really grateful for the hospitality you've given us.
Wow... She knew how to smile?!
- Is she still refusing to eat? - I think so.
Master... What are you doing?
You could end up risking...
I don't care, whatever the risk.
Follow me.
If only I had someone by my side, I could finally sleep in peace...
After I'm back today, we shall soon be able to leave.
I will be waiting for you.
See you again.
What?
Still worried about that princess?
Let's go in.
Will you join our efforts?
Young Master.
I haven't had a single moment of peace all these years,
so I'd rather die with honor and face the general in the afterworld.
Thank you.
These were the men who used to serve General Kim.
They will gleefully join our cause.
Our troops in Jeolla and Gyeongsang Province are getting ready.
I will visit the two provinces and decide on a suitable day.
We will need your help once the capital bureau troops will have been dealt with.
The garrison will use artillery and pave the way to Gyeongbok Palace.
We'll find all we can while you're away.
There is not a single moment to waste, so you must hasten.
Look for this man in Mapo Port, once you're ready.
My name is Jo Seokju.
This place will be in tumult when you're back.
Have a safe journey.
So the princess became a slave overnight?
How could he force slavery upon his own daughter?!
- His Majesty is really something. - Listen.
What are you talking about? The princess became a slave?!
The rumors are all over the place, haven't you heard?
Right after the princess came back to the palace,
His Majesty turned her into his son-in-law's slave.
Shin Myeon.
- Did you escort them? - Yes.
But that's that. I hear the princess has become a slave?
Does this make any sense?
What do you plan to do?
I cannot let him have her.
So, what, are you going to infiltrate a bureau officer's residence?
Hyungnim. That's out of the question.
It would be crazy to do that without a plan.
We must find a way to get her out of there safely.
Are you going to starve yourself to death?
I've been brought here as a slave, so have me work as I should.
You really want to be treated like one?
Do as I say. A slave should listen to her keeper.
Must I ask someone to feed you, then?
I feel as if my father was before me.
Even though you became mine the moment you set foot here,
I feel as if I wasn't even beside you.
Who's there? It's an assassin!
It's Daeho! Daeho is here!
So he came here to rescue his beloved?
I will slay him under your watch without fail.
- Where is he? - He's headed towards the inner quarters.
It's where His Lordship is.
You guard these quarters. He cannot be allowed in!
Yes.
Kim Seungyu.
Did you come here to meet your demise?
- Daeho?! - What are you talking about?
- There's another Daeho there! - Who's the real one?
Why... Why come all the way here?
I couldn't endure the fact you were here.
Don't let him escape!
Here he is! He's running away!
How many of them are here?
Stop there!
Stop!
Say what?
It's Kim Seungyu for sure.
Seryeong followed Kim Seungyu, then?
Yes.
Seryeong... How could you...
But they can't have gone far, so they shall soon be captured.
I ought to... Catch them and bring them before me.
Fail to find them again, and this time you'll be suffering the consequences.
Hyungnim, will you be fine without me?
Thank you.
Have a safe journey.
Your Highness as well.
Why do you keep risking your life to help me?
No reason.
Aren't you even asking where we're going?
No matter where it is, I don't care.
Why did you stop? I can endure it.
If you're hurting or tired, just be honest with me.
My back is killing me, and riding horses is no better.
Shall we take a little break, then?
Yes.
We'll have to set up a fire first.
What is it?
Is there something on my face?
It's all right.
Only distress and hardships await you if you follow me.
I would even follow you to the pearly gates.
We're going to Princess Gyeonghye's exile site.
There I will meet the Royal Son-in-law, and plan our attack.
Have something to eat, then. You can't fulfill those plans on an empty stomach.
There will no longer be any secrets between us.
But being with me might put you at great risk.
Should that impede your plans' fruition, forsake me without hesitation.
Don't say that.
We're riding on a horse without a set destination.
Wherever it might ultimately lead to, let us ride together.
This one?
This won't do.
I'll have to go check Bingok Mansion.
I know how worried about Chohee Nunim you are,
but what are you trying to accomplish?
Leaving all those women alone there just doesn't feel right.
Remain here and watch over Agang and her mother.
Be careful, Hyungnim.
- See you again. - Yes.
Go!
I said go!
I'm sure you're here for me, so let her go.
Why did you come?
How could you come back here?
I told you not to...
I was clear that you shouldn't have come.
Where is Kim Seungyu?
If you wish to survive, speak.
If you tell us Kim Seungyu's whereabouts, I will release you.
I'm afraid you don't know whom you're dealing with.
Just kill me.
I'd rather die than face the embarrassment of betraying my brethren.
Does what vandals like you call loyalty really exist?
But if you're willing to stake your life on it, be my guest.
You can't come here!
- Stop her. - Let go... Let go of me!
- She had something to say. - I know where he's gone.
Chohee!
But first promise you'll release him.
Then I will tell you without a moment's hesitation.
I've already promised.
- Are you out of your mind? - That's right! I am!
I can't bear with thinking you dead for a second time.
I'm going to save you whatever it takes. At all costs!
Chohee.
Hurry up and confess.
Kim Seungyu...
went to Gwangju.
To Jong. He went there to meet him.
Hasten and prepare to leave!
Yes.
She saved your life.
How pathetic.
You needn't forgive me.
As long as you're alive, that's enough for me.
He's gone to meet the Royal Son-in-law, hasten!
Yes!
Wait a moment.
Seungyu!
Don't. He's a friend of mine.
Her Highness will be happy to see you.
Let us go in.
Someone came with me.
With you? Who?
Slave?! What do you mean?
Your father must have finally gone insane.
Forcing slavery upon his own daughter...
So what do you plan to do from now on?
She will join our cause.
I was so worried about you, but seeing you in good spirits is a great relief.
If that's how I look, I can only be glad.
Let us leave Their Highnesses alone and get up, shall we?
We must go somewhere. I'll explain on our way.
I'll be right back.
Yes.
So Kim Seungyu accepted you?
Yes.
But your father... What about your father?
I would be lying if I said it wasn't weighing on my mind,
but I will cope with the suffering all on my own.
So you needn't worry about me.
You've matured and become much stronger.
Is devotion what helped you change so much?
Whatever the case, it's nice to see you together.
I don't want to hear you call his name.
They saw a couple matching our description pass by in the morn.
Let's go.
You can stop worrying.
Suyang's influence hasn't reached these domains quite yet.
The local magistrate was appointed here as a demotion for falling out of favor with Suyang's men,
so rather than surveillance, those troops provide protection.
Once he hears of your plans, the magistrate will appreciate.
This was sent by Prince Geumseong to several magistrates in Jeolla Province.
Gyeongsang Province has already completed all preparatives.
And most of my fellow Jeolla Province magistrates agree with me.
Wouldn't this make it a fight worth fighting?
We will also have the garrison's help in the capital.
The garrison?! That can only bolster our resolve.
I'd like to hear your plan.
It is paramount to deploy troops from Jeolla and Gyeongsang Province at the same time.
Suyang will struggle over where to send his troops.
While this happens, I will head to Gangwon Province to escort His Majesty.
After we all reunite and attack the capital bureau, the garrison will handle the palace.
As brilliant a plan as Kim Jongseo's son could have concocted.
It is perfect.
When would you like to act?
I will decide on a date after meeting with Prince Geumseong.
Just burn it, why keep that?
I'll show it to Her Highness.
Think of how happy and hopeful this will make her.
Pour me one, now.
Tastes just like when we used to drink together, back in the day.
- One more. - I don't think so.
It's just that thinking of how many people have left us makes me sad.
Just one more, please.
Can someone who's about to become a father act so weakly?
Seungyu...
What did I just hear?
Did you drink so much that your ears don't work anymore?
She just said you're about to become a father.
Wait...
What are you talking about?
I'm about to become a father?!
Looks like Her Highness is pregnant.
Really?
You mean that?
It must be a bundle of good luck for us.
Bringing us such happiness right before our momentous day.
I'm becoming a father?!
I suddenly feel like bowing down before every father in the world.
You don't know how much I wanted to embrace you.
I wish every day could be this pleasant and carefree.
But in the morn, quandaries will once again begin haunting us.
But as you are by my side, I will be able to endure them.
Why are you looking at me that way?
I was just thinking that I was blessed by providence.
A Royal Son-in-law is forced to lodge in such dwellings, and you consider yourself lucky?
When a man ends up marrying the woman he loves and even has children,
what else would you call that, if not being blessed by providence?
Would you prefer a boy or a girl?
Boy or girl, I just wish that my child could take after you.
Ahh... That little...
I'm talking with my wife, he should just come in quietly.
I'll be right back.
You fool.
If you're here, just come in. Why make all this noi...
What brings you here?
- Search the premises. - Yes.
Will you keep quiet?
Her Highness is with child.
There is no doubt that Kim Seungyu came here.
What was the purpose of his visit?
He had no reason to come here.
If you wish to go on lying, at least eliminate any evidence.
Who did you have a drink with, over there?
I'm sure it wasn't Her Highness, what with her being pregnant and all?
I can understand your obsession with catching Seungyu,
but that was a local acquaintance who came to pay me a visit, and not Seungyu.
I'm sure you'll even have prepared a suitable answer, should I ask you who that was?
But forget it... You're not to be trusted, anyhow.
Do you even know the meaning of trust, before mentioning it so nonchalantly?
Whatever you might say, I will find Kim Seungyu and slay him.
Go ahead and let us see if you fulfill your wishes.
Kim Seungyu and Seryeong can't be far.
Take the rear gates and tell them to leave this place at once.
You must tell them at all costs.
Where are you going in such haste?
Were you going to alert Kim Seungyu of our presence?
Silence is not going to get you out of this.
Don't you know what your keeper will risk if you don't talk?
I wasn't.
Speak.
Where is Kim Seungyu?
Didn't I just say that I don't know?
And even if I did, you really think I would tell you?
Naeuri.
The servant has confessed.
Kim Seungyu is still nearby.
Ransack the premises.
Yes.
You two are really something.
You heartless bastard.
Wait here a moment.
- What is the matter? - Shin Myeon is here.
I'll soon be back.
So please... Please, stay here.
What is going on?
Did they find out about our plans?
They're capital bureau troops here to capture me.
They're going to question the Royal Son-in-law, what do you want us to do?
Don't worry, he won't speak no matter what.
But we should keep his quarters in check.
Let's do that.
Is it you?
Kim Seungyu!
We know that you are here.
You wouldn't leave your lover and friend behind to run away, would you?