Episode 7
[Kim Jongseo]
"I hereby..."
"appoint Kim Jongseo as Left State Councilor,"
"who, together with the state council he presides over,"
"shall watch over the crown prince."
As long as providence blesses me with clarity,
no royal shall ever interfere with our state affairs again.
Any and all defiance shall be paid for in blood.
Kim... Jongseo.
If demise is what you wish for,
I shall make your wish come true.
I told you not to ever appear before me again.
Why don't you vanish from my mind?
After all you did, why subject me to this?
You took no notice of me with such nonchalant disregard, and now...
I can no longer continue to ignore my feelings.
And neither can I pretend they do not exist.
From here on in, I shall only listen to what my heart is telling me.
And that is to abandon all hesitation and come here,
so nothing you say will change my mind.
What is your name?
Is there a reason why you can't tell me?
It's Yeori.
Yeori.
Yeori...
Doesn't staying here alone daunt you?
So can I leave you here and rest assured?
Yes.
Many are the questions I wish to ask, but the night is ripe so I shall leave.
I will soon visit you again.
Master...
We can meet again, can't we?
I would come even if you didn't want me to.
My Lady...
Who is that man?
What?! Kim Seungyu?
Your clan is having betrothal talks with Counselor Shin, and you meet him?!
Should your parents find out...
Keep this up and you'll be facing great distress.
Don't even think about seeing that man again!
- Yeori. - Yes...
He told me he refuses to ignore his feelings.
What?!
And so do I.
My Lady...
Sire... Left State Councilor Kim Jongseo and Royal Chronicler Kim Seungyu seek your audience.
Let them in.
With Your Excellency's son by my side, I can only feel bolstered.
For all he has done hitherto are lectures, he surely will be ill-equipped.
May you bless him with your guidance and understanding.
You and Chronicler Kim have long been acquainted, I hear?
Yes.
In spite of our long friendship, I can attest to how praiseworthy he is.
And if of anything I can be sure, it is the fact he will serve you with great wisdom.
Your Highness is flattering me.
Had my father been still among us, he would have rejoiced to witness this.
Sire.
The former king vowed to protect you from the netherworld.
Let no fear delay your glorious reign,
for this humble servant shall devote his every last breath to bulwark your path.
I'm overwhelmed with gratitude, Councilor.
What brings you here, Uncle?
I came to pay Your Majesty my respects.
Are you heading to the council hall?
I suggest Your Highness refrain from visiting this palace.
I wish royals didn't force me to admonish them for their reticence.
For it can only delude them that regency is still an option.
So an uncle cannot even show earnest concern for his beloved nephew?
The state council shall offer me guidance in administrating state matters.
So you needn't be concerned, Uncle.
Let us go.
Kim Jongseo's world has come, indeed.
Your Highness should "refrain from visiting the palace"?!
How dare he subject you to such aberrant tyranny?
One foot in the grave, and yet still mincing about with utter disregard... Ehh Ehh!
Troublesome it is, indeed.
What are you trying to say?
Councilor Kim will be trying to rid His Majesty of all obstacles before his time comes.
And what would that imply?
That anyone posing a threat to the throne will bear the consequences.
Your Highness. We cannot remain silent whilst this infamy goes on.
Methinks our long-awaited regale should be expedited.
And for a proper feast, we will need some manpower.
So at last we will put them to good use.
May we alert the counselor on this matter?
He's already on board, why hide our destination?!
Are you on your way back to the Hall of Worthies?
Yes.
Your adulation paved the way for a post in the Royal Secretariat,
but I see the string you pulled revealed a loose end?!
And all it amounted to was becoming retainer of a royal coveting the throne...
If that is not willfully bringing disgrace upon one's name...
Let your scholarly repute satisfy your every whim.
Your Excellency needn't concern himself with my future.
Stay away from Prince Suyang.
Let that be my last word of warning, out of concern for your survival.
What brings you here?
I haven't seen you all reunited in quite a long while.
Forgive us for all the anguish we subjected you to.
What anguish?!
I knew that one day your wayward antics would reach the court.
Ehh... Look at him, trying to hide his concern once again.
I'm afraid I'll have to ask Your Highness to bless us with some quiet.
And I also hope you will not miss your lectures.
If there is anything I regret about becoming Royal son-in-law...
is the fact I have to attend those lectures.
And what's with all the imposing silence over there?
Has he not always been this way?
It's nice to see that you haven't forsaken your friendship.
No matter where your paths might lead to, always revel in your loyalty.
I have other plans, so you'll have to excuse me.
I can guess what they are. I can feel it.
Feel what?
What only those who marry can feel, my friend.
He's going to meet a woman.
You never acted like this before, so I guess that explains all the smiles...
Now you even gaze at a mirror...
Next thing you know, the sun will set in the east.
What are you trying to accomplish?!
You even lied to your mother, saying you'd spend a few days praying at the temple...
And now that man thinks of you as a mere court attendant?
I will tell him the truth next time we meet.
But Yeori is my name! Stop using it in that manner.
I thought you wouldn't come.
I came late on purpose.
Add a little anxiety and every meeting will feel like a blessing.
I couldn't have come sooner even if I wished,
for I had matters to tend to at the palace.
The anxiety was mine.
But what brought you here to this temple?
It's a place I always used to frequent.
Have you lost your parents?
- Actually... - Forgive my asking.
Isn't it bothersome to live here?
The garments you don make you resemble a noble maiden,
so I never imagined you were facing any quandaries.
Forgive me.
Such courteous bearing does not suit you.
Where has the daring and dauntless young damsel I knew gone?
Where did you learn that prose?
Judging by our lectures, you looked quite accomplished.
I just picked it up by watching...
All the more remarkable, then.
Your Highness.
What?!
Lecturer Kim Seungyu shall now commence his lecture.
*From Poet Gu Xiong's "Pleading for an Earnest Advice"
Hwanashim Winishim, Shiji Sangeokshim*.
"When our hearts become one, I bask in the depth of our yearning."
[*From Sanqu Poet Yuan Haowen's "Swan Geese Tomb"]
Munsegan, Jeongsihamul, Jikgyosaengsa Sangheo*.
"What is love, to the world I ask."
"But here is my answer."
"It means you and I becoming one, with nary a hesitation,"
"Until death do us part."
Those garments suit you.
Ridding myself of those cumbersome official robes can only bring me peace.
Was it not around here?
Just as you suggest.
Halt!
His Highness Prince Suyang is here!
Pay your respects!
They are finely trained specimen.
Men who will suit your purpose.
All they're waiting for is an order from Your Highness.
Why are you suddenly looking so disheartened?
Are you that mortified to see me leave?
Stop making fun of me.
On Her Highness' birthday, I will escort His Majesty to her residence.
Once that is dealt with, I will come back right away.
Yes.
Will you stop and just go?
You'll fall.
Look where you're going.
- Hit List -
It's the list of esteemed guests we are to invite to our regale.
[Kim Jongseo]
[Prince Anpyeong]
[Min Shin]
We must rid ourselves of everyone connected to Kim Jongseo.
Will a hundred odd men hiding in ambush suffice to deal with them all?
They could easily muster the help of royal palace guard and board of military affairs.
Acting in haste could actually put us in dire quandaries.
Should we not dispose of them at the very same time,
all our efforts will be in vain.
For even a lone survivor would be enough to alert His Majesty,
and incriminate us all for treason.
How about Your Highness invite them all at once?
A mere invite would not guarantee their participation.
If dealing with them all is unfeasible, let us at least rid ourselves of Kim Jongseo.
The rest are a throng of retainers who will aimlessly wander without their beacon.
Kim Jongseo?! And you believe it would be that easy?
Tigers or lions as they might be, leaders never parade about alone.
I'll have to personally seek audience with him, then.
Who would ever believe Your Highness would be so daring...
as to bring demise upon him at his own residence?!
Why do you keep staring at that man's fan, grinning every step of the way?
Are you making your return from the temple?
Yes, Father.
If seeing your future in-law parade about at this belated hour...
makes you reconsider our betrothal, I shall bear no ill will.
Surely you jest.
What are you doing?
Is this paltry fan what really matters now?
You just faced your future father-in-law, and this is all you do?
Give it back.
I thought you were going to tell him today?!
To him you're still Yeori, the court attendant. When will you confess the truth?
I was going to, but in his presence it's as if I lose the will to speak.
I don't really know how to deal with it myself.
So don't meet that Kim Seungyu again.
What if your mother finds this fan?
Stop acting like this and just give it back!
Kim Seungyu?!
Are you reneging on the promise you made with your father?
Forgive me.
Did you reveal the fact that you're my daughter to him?
I did not.
He thinks of me as a court attendant ousted from the palace.
Are you in love with him?
And does he share your feelings?
He might...
Seryeong.
You will soon have to marry.
Can't that betrothal be broken?
Are you really going to defy your father?
- That wasn't my intention. - Ohh Ohh!
That betrothal is definitive, end of story.
Keep showing such heedless defiance, and I will repudiate our every tie.
That betrothal is definitive, end of story.
What? I said you can't go anywhere, what is it again?
Is it because you can't attend Her Highness' birthday celebrations?
You've always been the one to participate, but this time Lady Sejeong is going.
On Her Highness' birthday, I will escort His Majesty to her residence.
Yeori. I'll head to Her Highness' residence a moment.
I'll just meet that man and tell him not to wait for me.
No way. I told you that you can't go anywhere!
What is all this clamor?
What else did you do, forcing me to do things on your behalf?
If it's just her birthday, why do I have to bring this along?
Sejeong...
You want to go together?
Yes... Staying home for these last few days was so suffocating for her...
I'll make sure she doesn't go anywhere else and remain beside her.
I've always been the one who dealt with Her Highness' birthdays...
Don't you realize the gravity of your misdeeds?
What your father told me was appalling.
My apologies.
What is it?
What did she do, Mother?
Never mind.
But you will only pay your respects and return immediately.
- Is that clear? - Yes.
Must you really go through all this just to see Her Highness?
Let us meet here again in a few hours.
All right.
Your Highness... They are gifts coming from all the eight provinces.
What could gifts possibly amount to?!
Remember to prepare a befitting reception for His Majesty.
Yes, Your Highness.
So this is how a woman's quarters look like.
How dare you violate my quarters?
It is your first birthday since we joined in conjugal ties,
so I wanted to give you something in celebration.
By sneaking into my quarters like this?
Despite the end of our clan's fortunes,
my mother long held onto these so that I could give them to my spouse.
My only intent was to make you a surprise, but I ended up importuning you.
Were you afraid we wouldn't have enough victuals?
They were lovingly prepared by my mother.
I suppose...
they're not all that bad.
When will we be acting?
On a day like today, when His Majesty visits Her Highness' residence.
When His Majesty leaves the palace unattended?!
That's right... As Kim Jongseo already gained control of the palace,
serving His Majesty has become quite the cumbersome ordeal.
If after ridding ourselves of Kim Jongseo we surround Princess Gyeonghye's residence,
His Majesty will be swiftly convinced of our intents.
He would then endorse His Highness' hit list through an edict,
and summon all our esteemed guests with no turmoil.
Solicited by this mysterious royal summoning to convene there,
they will pay their inadvertence in blood.
Is it not a remarkable stratagem?
But it does not end there.
After seizing control of Princess Gyeonghye's residence,
we would need a military presence able to escort His Majesty here.
Wouldn't a prefect of the capital bureau befit that task?
What brings our esteemed prefect to these quarters?
We were ordered to coordinate security before His Majesty's arrival.
How have you been faring, Sire?
I am overjoyed to see you outside our palace walls.
Let that be my last word of warning, out of concern for your survival.
Let us go in, Sire.
- She's inside. - Who?
The lady this fool likes, Prince Suyang's eldest.
Good for you.
Look at him, he's lost it already!
Sire, how have you been? Please, come in.
Are you aware of the fact Kim Seungyu will escort His Majesty?
It's better for the both of you if you don't meet here.
What would be the point of revealing your true identity now?
She's inside.
The lady this fool likes, Prince Suyang's eldest.
Where are you rushing to?
If you're here, say it openly.
Were you going to leave without even seeing me?
Did you come to visit Her Highness?
Yes.
Hey... Kim Seungyu!
Kim Seungyu, where are you?
Have a safe return. I shall soon visit you at the temple.
Master.
I will not be at Seungbeop Temple for the time being.
What are you trying to say?
I have some matters to tend to.
And where?
I'll tell you about it once I'm back.
Are you going to vanish out of the blue again?
It won't take long.
I will soon be back and come visit you.
You mean it?
Hey! Chronicler Kim! Where did you go?
Take good care of yourself.
I will.
Leave at once!
She's the one who brought it up! Why take it out on me?
After promising you'd stay beside her and coming back separately, you still claim that?
Must I beat some sense into you?
Sit.
So... Did you meet that Kim Seungyu?
Was it enjoyable enough to defy your parents over it?
Forgive me.
There is nothing to forgive.
Since you and that man will never meet again.
For if there is anyone who can never end up with you, it's Kim Seungyu.
Mother...
Sharing feelings with the son of your father's greatest enemy...
Are you out of your mind?
What are you trying to say?
His father Kim Jongseo is attempting to cause the downfall of our clan.
If witnessing your family succumb in a crimson tide is not enough to stop you,
go ahead and fulfill your wishes.
A court attendant?!
So that lady who pretended to be Her Highness was a court attendant?
See? Told you he got himself a woman, didn't I?
Right...
So now what, are you going to marry that court attendant?
She might have been ousted from the palace, but will it be all right?
I'll have to make sure it is.
Fine... Let's suppose you'd be fine with that.
But would someone as covetous and controlling as your father...
let his son join a mere court attendant in conjugal ties?
Hey... You fool.
What are you implying?
I wonder who else could promote someone deprived of his title to chronicler,
if not your father.
With our esteemed left state councilor pampering your every step,
I can see why you'd be filled with such resolve.
- You little... - Shin Myeon.
Watch your mouth.
- Naeuri. - What's the matter?
His Highness Prince Suyang is looking for you.
How about you, then? Playing Suyang's retainer now?
Why, can't I?
You two!
What's wrong with you?
His father Kim Jongseo is attempting to cause the downfall of our clan.
Don't you even dare dream about it!
For your father and his have become sworn enemies.
I saw you earlier today.
Since when...
Since when have you started meeting Seungyu again?
Are you telling me you were at Her Highness' residence?
Don't you realize that you two...
can no longer meet each other?
And who can decide whom I may or may not meet?
Can anyone judge that, or is it up to fate?
But you and I shall soon join in conjugal ties.
I was already informed of our betrothal.
So you knew...
If that's the case, why still meet...
I merely thought that a friend of the master could also be a friend of mine,
but I never considered you as a prospective spouse.
So you already knew?
Losing your mind over this will not change a thing.
I'm sure it's hard to bear.
Contending over the same woman with a dear friend can't be easy.
It's not that. She's merely a friend's woman.
She is not.
She is your woman, the one you shall soon marry.
Am I wrong?
Kim Jongseo will soon meet his demise.
We will act on the day His Majesty leaves the palace to visit Princess Gyeonghye.
What are you...
Unless we first rid ourselves of Kim Jongseo,
your clan and mine will soon be slaughtered.
But Seungyu is my friend!
You have three good reasons to do so.
To save your father, protect your woman,
and, last but not least, be the one who grants your friend a peaceful demise.
Would he be able to go on without his father?
Only if his last moment comes at the hands of a friend of his will he find peace.
Can you draw this blade against Kim Seungyu?
Stay away from Prince Suyang.
Let that be my last word of warning, out of concern for your survival.
Your clan's very survival is at stake,
and yet you still let hesitation becloud your judgment?
Why would you involve yourself in something like this?
For I am confident I can administer this country better than anyone else.
And for I, Shin Sukju, will make Prince Suyang a great ruler.
But would someone as covetous and controlling as your father...
let his son join a mere court attendant in conjugal ties?
Father, I am back.
Come inside.
Father just told you he will find you a suitable bride, why look so surprised?
You will pardon me, but I am not yet ready to...
I shall find a reputable candidate and soon arrange your betrothal.
But I already have fondness for another woman.
You little...
What clan would she come from?
She is not a noble damsel.
What?! Say what?
Is she a gisaeng?
No.
Then?!
Father... Don't take heed of his palaver spoken in vain.
Come out.
- Father, I... - I said come out!
Even when your gasconades with Her Highness forced Father to resign,
I did not feel this disappointed in you.
Stop begriming our family's name with such trifling escapades.
Cause us any more quandaries, and I shall disown you for good.
What we need to rid ourselves of Kim Jongseo is a suitable bait.
A good reason for Your Highness to visit Kim Jongseo's quarters.
Without a legitimate cause, he would not even let us cross his gates.
What we need is a suitable bait.
He thinks of me as a court attendant ousted from the palace.
Are you in love with him?
And does he share your feelings?
He might...
I've heard from your mother.
So you met Kim Seungyu again.
Forgive me.
Despite what goes on between our clans, your feelings are unchanged?
What Mother told me still heavily weighs on my mind.
Is there really no way to restore amity between you and Councilor Kim?
It is already too late for that.
Seryeong.
I fear all this might hurt you.
I cannot erase that man from my heart.
If only you could mend fences even after a few years,
I would patiently wait.
I wonder if Kim Seungyu would think the same, upon finding that you're my daughter.
I believe in him.
Is he not the same man who risked his own life to save me?
He is.
Your relationship was this deep.
Your father admits defeat.
I'll have to once again suggest a betrothal to His Excellency.
Father!
Instead, you must not reveal your identity to Kim Seungyu,
at least until Councilor Kim is convinced.
Is that clear?
I will bear that in mind.
So Kim Seungyu still thinks of you as a court attendant?
Yes.
And how does he address you?
He... calls me Yeori.
Yeori?!
You used your own varlet's name?
Go to sleep.
Father.
You can't imagine how glad I am to have you as my father.
I thought I could pay Your Majesty a visit, on my way to the Royal Institute.
I'm glad you came.
So, how is my sister faring?
I wonder if her birthday celebrations fatigued her...
Is she indisposed?
I wouldn't say that.
- Just lacking a little... - Out there!
Is anyone out there?
- Were you looking for me, Sire? - I shall go see my sister.
You can't imagine how glad I am to have you as my father.
Your Highness, it's Un.
Come in.
We just got word from the palace.
His Majesty will soon head out.
On a day like today, when His Majesty visits Her Highness' residence.
Now you even start embroidering? So you can give it to him?
See? I told you to focus when you do that...
I vividly recall telling you that thinking about men can be harmful to your thumbs.
I wanted to make this for the master, but this won't do.
I'll have to ask my mother for more cloth.
Are you heading to Cheongpung Mansion?
I shall head to Kim Jongseo's residence by the eventide.
Should anything happen to you tonight,
what will happen to me and the children...
I will not go there to die.
So take good care of the children in my absence.
I will.
Thank you.
How do you plan to deal with Kim Seungyu?
I cannot possibly spare his sons. Can Kim Jongseo be the only one to pay?
I wonder how Seryeong will react...
All the more reason why I should slay him.
How could she love someone who's dead?
For my daughter's sake, Kim Seungyu must be dealt with.
THE PRINCESS' MAN - Episode 7 -