Meaning that in the end, one of us would have to shed blood.
Kim Jongseo does not fear demise.
Suyang! Even demise shan't quell my vengeful wrath!
Father!!
Is he not proposing a betrothal between Seungyu and his daughter?!
I am eagerly looking forward to your retort on that missive, Your Excellency.
Don't you want to take a saunter outside the palace gates?
Outside?! And how about the lectures...
I could take your place.
I wanted to have a look at him firsthand.
Actually, I might be betrothed to Lecturer Kim Seungyu.
If a man holds a woman's trinket...
What would that suggest?
I'll have to verify firsthand.
I shall appoint Kim Seungyu as Royal son-in-law.
Was it you choosing His Majesty over me?
He chose to forsake me to join forces with my brother.
It must be prevented.
It is no one but Kim Jongseo.
~ Episode 3 ~
Master!
It feels as if the entire world was flashing by!
Feel the breeze.
- Does it feel good? - My heart is beating just as fast!
- Can't we do it a little more? - It is late, so I suggest we head back.
Ohh Ohh... Will you let go of them?
You've had your fair share of horse riding, so consider it your last.
- Teach me more. - What?!
Learning how to ride made all my fears and misgivings vanish.
So I want to learn more.
Let us meet again on the full moon, before that gibang's gates.
Don't forget.
Kim Seungyu...
shall not live to see the morrow.
Your Highness!
Are you all right?
Master.
Master!
Are you all right?
Stay here no matter what happens.
There he is!
Don't tell me... You will join him in demise?
Your Highness!
Will you get out of the way?
Did I not tell you I must see my father?
His Majesty is enjoying some respite, so...
Respite?!
Has he ever slept during the day?
Why, don't tell me he ordered you not to let me in?
- It's certainly not that... - The princess may come in.
What did so fervently bring you before me, I wonder?
It's because of my lectures.
Your lectures?
Kim Seungyu's lectures?
May you suppress them.
And what is the reason?
Is your disapproval of our future Royal son-in-law that deep?
I shall not repudiate our betrothal, so may you accede.
How can you be so heedless of your father's...
Fine. Take your leave now.
I said leave!
Father!!
- Father! - Physician! Hasten!
Why was he hiding in there? What were you trying to conceal?!
Suyang must never learn of this.
He cannot see me in this...
I'm haunted by dread, my dear.
By that ceaseless fear of what might befall you and the crown prince.
Father...
Forgive me for failing you at such a crucial juncture.
Sire...
Speaking will only worsen your conditions.
I am truly... truly sorry.
Is it all because of Uncle Suyang?
Did he conceal his ailments because he was daunted by Uncle Suyang?
I... I am mortified.
How long will he be able to endure it?
I dare not say the words...
Your Highness.
Only Councilor Kim can protect you and His Highness the Crown Prince.
May you consent to the conjugal ties with Lecturer Kim Seungyu.
- Is your wound all right? - Have you searched their bodies?
We found nothing of note?
That place is swarming with rogues.
It's a relief I was already on their trail, or think of what could have happened.
Rogues?! I'm sure they purposely attempted on my life.
Is there anything on your mind?
She is quite something.
Putting her life at stake to protect a man.
So who is she?
Why can't you answer me?
Is it something even I can't learn?
She's one of my pupils.
Pupils...
You mean Her Highness?
Are you all right, Master?
Who ever told you to attempt something so dangerous?
How can you hold your own life in such heedless contempt?
I did in the frenzy of the moment, so forgive me.
If I had gained survival through your sacrifice, would I have ever found peace?
When will you stop being so brazen?
I prepared a carriage.
Let us escort you to the palace, Your Highness.
You can rest assured. He's a friend of mine.
Ohh Ohh...
Are we that impatient?
The palace is not far from here, so have some patience.
If you pardon my curiosity...
How do you actually manage to leave the palace with such ease?
Who is it?
I'm Prince Suyang's eldest daughter.
Where are you headed, Your Highness?
I was summoned by Her Highness the Princess.
Using another royal's name to gain entrance?!
Quite something, isn't she?
Now that's a first.
A princess so nonchalantly leaving the palace,
not to mention one undaunted by rogues?!
Maybe I should have added myself to that list of candidates.
Ohh Ohh! Let's give it a rest, shall we?
That gracious young lady is about to join yours truly in conjugal ties.
Join you?
The Royal son-in-law has already been decided.
And that would be you?
Jealous?
Just... Surprised.
Those rogues looked suspicious, so look into it.
All right.
Thank you.
Her Highness has left her quarters.
Where have you been?
What brings you here?
I had so much to tell you... I thought I'd have to leave without even seeing you.
Look at what you cut, Your Highness. You should be more careful.
You met by chance and rode together?!
Yes.
Feeling the breeze was so reinvigorating.
Leaning onto a man riding horses together...
It does sound intimate, after all.
Here she goes again... Intimate?!
He merely taught me the right posture.
So what you're telling me is that there are no feelings involved?
Feelings?!
How do you really feel?
I wouldn't call them feelings.
Ehh... It's nothing of that sort.
That is a relief.
Or else it would have provoked quite the cumbersome predicament for us both.
What are you trying to say?
- Your Highness. - Don't you ever meet that man again.
What?
The betrothal suggested by your father has already been turned down.
Kim Seungyu is set to become Royal son-in-law.
A wench?!
Kim Seungyu was in the company of a wench?!
Yes.
They were riding a horse together.
How did she look?
Yes... She... Well, looked like a noble damsel,
and the two looked quite intimate.
She had no qualms about putting her life at stake to protect him.
But if you give us another chance, we will get rid of him without fail.
Well done.
- Let us serve them a few drinks. - Yes.
Aigoo... Where are you going?
Would you not prefer silken quilts?
That is fine with me!
Aigoo...
We dealt with them promptly, so I envision no other trouble.
So the future Royal son-in-law already had another lover?!
We are trailing Kim Seungyu, so we shall soon find out who it is.
The night is ripe, what brings you here?
I had something to ask you.
Go ahead.
Was my betrothal really quashed?
By betrothal, you must be talking about Councilor Kim.
Has your mother told you?
Please answer me.
His son was already added to the list of candidates for selection.
Did you suddenly find yourself unwilling to lose such a virtuous specimen?
I shall find an even better spouse for you, so fret you not.
Seryeong.
I cherish you so much, no one will ever be virtuous enough to take you.
Oh my!
Agang!
- Mother! - Agang!
Young Master! Look at all this blood...
You were attacked by rogues at Inwang Valley?!
Yes.
Was there anything suspicious about their attack?
They might have looked like ordinary rogues,
but valuables seemed to be the least of their concerns.
Are you telling me it was an attempt on your life?
Do you know why His Majesty has singled you out as the ideal Royal son-in-law?
Because you would not only become Her Highness' consort,
but also provide invaluable support to the crown prince.
It's a testament of His Majesty's desire to entrust His Highness upon us.
And a post of paramount importance you will have to stake your life for.
So be mindful of those who wouldn't wish you to be appointed.
Who would that be?
Prince Suyang.
I recall you saying that one of us would eventually have to shed blood?!
If I must shed blood for the sake of our nation, I shall gleefully oblige.
But should your viperous daggers point at my son and the crown prince,
I shall answer such treachery with great vengeance until demise befalls me.
Should I feel threatened, perchance?
Let us call it a warning.
For as long as I can breathe, Your Highness shall never ascend the throne.
Take them with you.
Hyungnim... If anyone wanted to kill me, would a few men daunt them?
We shan't let people think that Kim Jongseo and his son feel intimidated.
I shall be particularly mindful.
No need to follow me.
Still nothing on that woman we found with Kim Seungyu?
Would a mere wench following a man around be cause for concern?
There is no need to quibble over such frivolous details.
How do you plan to proceed?
Seeing how Councilor Kim reacted, I wonder if we stirred a hornet's nest...
If they had any true evidence,
would it have stopped at a mere warning from His Excellency?
But if we don't do something, Kim Seungyu's appointment will be inevitable.
And once he actually joins Her Highness in conjugal ties...
The only thing they will "join in" is the concerted effort by...
His Majesty and Councilor Kim to calumniate and censure His Highness!
Your Excellency!
- Your Highness. - Come in.
Park Sucheon of the Office of Astronomy said he cannot take a single step outside.
- Office of Astronomy?! - As I predicted. Take your leave.
Why did you summon him?
Methinks it is time for you two to enter the fray.
Ohh Ohh... You knaves!
Do you even realize whom you're facing?
We received strict orders not to allow anyone in.
Strict orders?!
And from whom?
By the commissioner of the ceremonial committee, Shin Sukju.
Don't you know His Highness Prince Suyang is in charge of all proceedings?!
- We're mortified. - Ohh Ohh... Keep it up, you knaves!
I thought I was put in charge of the ceremony,
but such privileges seem to be of little benefit when it comes to meeting you.
It is only because the task of confronting royal dates...
forbids me from meeting or disclosing anything to anyone.
Have you completed your research on the princess and Kim Seungyu?
I suppose you shall find out in due time.
Is that so... My, what an ill-advised question.
My apologies.
But there was one question I had long wanted to ask you.
Can one defy the path destiny has laid out for him?
Is that what you wish for?
Meseems I'm needlessly squandering your precious time.
You may take your leave!
Cease Her Highness' lectures?!
But we yet have to finish the Xiaojing.
Direct orders from His Majesty.
Is she suffering from any ailments?
Are you already that distraught over your future spouse?
What kind of indiscreet remarks are those?
Lecturer Kim Seungyu will be appointed Royal son-in-law.
I thought everyone knew already?!
Why so needlessly observe discretion over it?
Meseems what you imparted upon her was not filial piety, but devotion.
Ohh Ohh...
Here... I suppose I should go now.
Let us verify attendance.
Prince Ikseong's daughter.
Have you called me?
- Prince Gangnyeong's youngest daughter. - Have you called?
Prince Suyang's eldest daughter.
Prince Suyang's eldest daughter!
Yes... I'm here.
- Prince Suyang's youngest daughter. - Here I am.
What are you doing back here?
Did Her Highness grow tired already?
Betrothal talks are never written in stone.
So what if he's a man of great virtue, when you're not fated to wed?
What are you doing here, again? Let us go back in.
What is that dejected look on your face?
Is it because you can't ride horses?
Is it?!
Despite all that punishment?! I can't really figure you out.
There will be a full moon tonight, so let us play on the swing.
- The full moon is tonight? - Yes, can't you tell what day it is?
Let us meet again on the full moon, before that gibang's gates.
Don't forget.
I said let's go back in.
Your Highness.
You're as wondrous as a fairy descending upon us.
Let alone Lecturer Kim, what man wouldn't fall for your graces?
I... wasn't implying anything...
Just that the lectures have been terminated just as you wished,
and all you need to wait for is your wedding, so I am happy for you.
Kim Seungyu doesn't know who I am.
But the moment he sees you, he will forget Lady Seryeong ever existed.
How could she dare compare with you?!
You may rest assured.
But, Your Highness.
Lady Seryeong will go back to the Royal institute, what if the two meet?
Would she renege on her promise?
We already set your table, why are you not coming in?
Are you awaiting someone?
And who would that be?
A woman, I bet?
Someone who will not and should not come.
And why would you wait for someone who isn't even coming?!
So they meet at last!
Did you not risk your life because of those rogues?
And despite facing such peril, how can you continue to leave the palace?
- You said you'd teach me how to ride... - When did I ever make any such promise?
You alone proposed to meet today before this gibang's gates, and I said nothing.
Were you not waiting for me, then?
Wait for you?! I merely wanted to ascertain whether you'd once again venture out.
I was just worried you would be endlessly awaiting my arrival.
I will take my leave, then.
So the only reason you left the palace...
was out of concern for me.
Is that what you're implying?
Since we cannot ride, let us at least take a saunter around the market.
Every full moon, these streets are filled with merchants.
It is a rare sight life in the palace cannot allow you, so behold at will.
Yes.
- She has won again. - She sure is good at it, that wench.
She's born for it, all right.
Can't anyone get her off that damned swing?
Ahh... Here. How about her?
- Ohh Ohh... - Looks like a noble damsel to me?!
Nobles ride even better, don't you know?!
Seeing that graceful posture, you look perfect for it!
- Please don't. - Come on, push her!
Ohh Ohh!
I asked you not to behave like this.
I'll give it a try.
If you end up injuring yourself, we will both be in trouble.
Would it differ that much from riding a horse?
I'll be careful, particularly careful.
If you feel afraid, don't hesitate to scream.
- I will hold you back immediately. - Yes, Master.
- Give them wings! - Give them wings!
Doesn't look like she'll beat her...
Now that's interesting!?
- Are you really a princess? - W...hat?
How can you ride horses and swings so well, living in the palace?
And how do you know there are no swings in the palace?
There live people there, too.
What woman would be completely indifferent to trinkets?!
Having all those trifles hanging about is bothersome.
You need to get acquainted with the mirror, if your beauty is to shine.
Pardon me.
What is wrong with...
Are you telling me your father sent a varlet on your trail?
It's his way of curbing my fondness for gibang, I suppose.
You could have curbed that on your own.
I thought rogues were attempting on our lives again.
Here we are.
Go back now.
I'll await my attendant, so you can go.
My mother grievously perished in solitude.
[*current Hamgyeong Prov., North Korea]
My father was in Hamgil Province* at the time, and he still blames himself for it.
Should anything happen to Your Highness while I'm away,
grief would haunt me for the rest of my days.
Once we join in conjugal ties we will ride whenever you wish,
so may you promise me you will not bring any unnecessary danger upon yourself.
I... promise.
That does it, then. Go back now.
Master...
I really... really enjoyed myself today.
My Lady! Where have you been?!
Did you really ride the swing?
You even managed to catch the flower?
Park Sucheon of the Office of Astronomy?
W.... W... Who are you?
You harebrained fusspot.
You don't even know when your demise will come, and yet obsess over birth dates?!
Who sent you varmints?
Don't tell me the stars you know so well did not presage my arrival?!
Whatever deviltry you might subject me to, I shan't reveal a single thing!
Bury him.
So you will stake your life over someone else's meager birth date?!
I shall not let treacherous ruffians like you decide my fate.
Your resolve is as poignant as it is misguided.
For not one, but three lives depend on these hands of mine.
You knaves, have you no shame?
Keep shoveling.
Stop... Stop!!
What is it that you want?
These are the real results of your research.
I would take good care of it if I were you.
Since you'll have to read that before His Majesty and the court at the final selection.
His kinfolks are in our hands, so what could he possibly do?!
But will Shin Sukju accept those results without reserve?
Would he?
He's still our biggest stumbling block in more than one way.
Let us turn him into a steppingstone, then.
Jeong Jong?!
Who, the son of former privy council inspector Jeong Chunggyeong?!
That's right.
You endorse someone who lost his father and his clan's fortunes along with him?!
He is of most distinguished descent.
Not to mention that his father was amongst His Majesty's most beloved and loyal subjects.
Ehh Ehh... Why, did I endorse a throng of treacherous villains?
Did we not agree this would be nothing but a formality?
It is all smoke and mirrors anyway. If I didn't know better, I'd be suspicious of you...
Why do you keep obsessing over Jo Gyeongtaek?
Ohh Ohh! Watch your mouth!
Let us follow his advice.
Won't the other two candidates be there as a matter of protocol, anyhow?
So let us select right state councilor Kim Jongseo's third son, Seungyu,
Pyeongyang magistrate Hwang Mindal's eldest, Gijeong,
and former privy council inspector Jeong Chunggyeong's son, Jong.
Here you go.
Have a safe return.
One more reason to be grateful.
When I become Royal son-in-law, I'll make it up for everything you're doing.
- Again with that... - Why? You think I won't?
Look down on my clan because of our falling fortunes, and you'll dearly regret it...
All right, let's just remember all those promises later.
You...
fell for someone, all right.
You did!
Your Excellency.
His Highness Prince Suyang has invited everyone involved in the ceremony tonight.
To his residence?
After deliberating upon the ceremony,
he will reward everyone involved for their strenuous efforts.
He could have easily dealt with that in court...
He was adamant about soliciting your presence,
knowing how well-versed you are in all matters of etiquette.
Your Highness, this is serious.
What is the matter?
Lecturer Kim Seungyu seeks audience with Your Highness.
Say what?
He's waiting by the lecture room...
We wouldn't have time to summon Lady Seryeong, what now?
Lecturer.
And Her Highness?
She's indisposed with a mild fever, so she couldn't participate.
Is it serious?
It is only a slight cold, so she said not to worry.
Give me a moment.
- Along with that? - Yes...
"Your Highness."
"I truly enjoyed myself as well."
"Even what happened in the forest will become memories we will one day cherish."
"This is only a small symbol of our pledge, so may you accept it."
It is a true honor to welcome you here.
The honor is mine, Your Highness.
Here is my wife.
I bid you welcome.
My son.
My name is Sung.
Aren't you two paying your respects?
After you.
I thought everyone involved in the ceremony was invited?!
Meseems they are all trying to avoid me.
It took so much effort to invite you, will you leave me lamenting in shame?
Have a seat.
I have a request for you.
Would you grant it?
Go ahead and tell me.
Will you drink the night away in my company?
Were you awaiting other guests?
You shall soon find out.
I was summoned by His Highness.
My Lady!
Your mother is looking for you.
Take your leave.
My Lady...
I said go!
What is Your Highness doing here?
And why did she just address you as "My Lady"?
Are you really the princess?
You are far too valuable to the court for a meager post in the Hall of Worthies.
You are flattering me.
I often envision how you'd fare,
when given the chance to administer this country.
I would prefer if you refrained from such utterances.
Those are nothing but vagaries for a mere scholar such as myself.
It is certainly true that scholars of the hall are forbidden from entering politics,
but would that suggest that it is something they don't even covet?
If it was only because of such vicissitudes, then you shan't take all the blame.
However...
You should hasten and tell Seungyu the truth.
I cannot find the courage to do so.
Seungyu not only considers you the princess, but his future consort.
Daunting as it may seem,
it would be nothing compared to the suffering you'd subject him to.
What is the true purpose of your invitation?
Naeuri, your guest is here.
Let him in.
Father...
What are you doing here?
I invited him.
So how does it sound?
Becoming in-laws.
Yeori.
Yes.
- I better head to the palace. - Already?
Did Her Highness summon you so early in the morn?
I reneged on my promise to never meet him again.
I already know that.
I shall gleefully accept any punishment for having deceived you.
And what would be the point of that?
He is the first man I ever felt I could join in conjugal ties.
What are you trying to say?
If you would be so benevolent as to allow me the chance...
to explain everything to him and repent for my misdeeds, I would forever be grateful.
Repent?!
It will be the last time. Allow me to meet him once more.
When it comes to coveting what does not belong to you,
you and your father are no different.
Why are you saying that?
Move to the adjacent room for a moment.
I see you won't bother paying respects to your lecturer now?!
After all this, you still let a curtain separate us?
It is not out of aversion, is it?!
Why are you not answering me?
Is anything the matter?
Your Highness.
And who are you?
Whom you are facing...
is the princess.
THE PRINCESS' MAN - Episode 3 -
- Written By - Jo Jeongju and Kim Wook
- Produced By - Kim Jeongmin, Park Hyeonseok
- Starring - Park Shihoo (Seungyu) Moon Chaewon (Seryeong)
Hong Suhyeon (Princess Gyeonghye) Song Jungho (Shin Myeon)
- And - Kim Youngcheol (Prince Suyang)
Jung Donghwan (King Munjong)
Lee Hyojeong (Shin Sukju) Lee Heedo (Han Myeonghwe)