EPISODE 5
- My lord! - Hello!
Let's go drink til we drop.
Now who's this?
Are you new here, girl?
Just making deliveries, sir.
My lord, do stay a tad longer.
Oh, just a tad bit, then?
Do come inside.
Gyeomsaseo, my lord.
Where is His Highness the Crown Prince?
Who are these people?
You don't know anything but came all the way here?
Pardon?
Whether or not you do,
you leave me with no choice.
Kill her.
Yes, sir.
Stand down!
Were you...
without my say so...
about to take the life of a lady of my court?
Is she truly a court lady of the Crown Prince?
Forgive me, Your Highness.
I would have given no such order without my lord's...
permission had I known.
Recognize me you did, did you not, sir?
- Clearly the order was given, though... - Be silent!
You must have crossed paths in court. Have you truly no recollection?
I failed to see outside the usual court attire.
Come with me.
I came all the way here under
Princess Hyebin's command.
Have you...
gathered what sort of place this is,
what I am doing here,
and why?
All I know is that you're attending to work of importance.
I failed you, Your Highness.
I shall not make the same mistake twice.
Since when have you relied on my mother's patronage?
I believed you were under mine.
When Princess Hwawan was going to do away with you,
I stood in her way.
Were you
even then,
serving my mother?
It was a mistake for you to come here today.
Your death
would surely silence you.
Why are you not afraid?
I can cut short your life this very minute.
Yes, you hold my life in your hands.
I should be scared and afraid, but...
I do not know why I am not fearful.
You're no longer a court lady of the Crown Prince's Palace.
Your Highness!
Leave the grounds tomorrow.
Truly, my lord? Please forgive me.
It was only on my firm belief that you would save me from my fate.
I believed in my heart that my lord does not wish to see me die, but
that I would were I to forsake the wishes of Princess Hyebin.
I did not want to die.
Why did you not inform me of this?
You followed my mother's commands while turning your back on me.
I falsely believed that my lord was about to enter the pleasure quarters.
I believed a pretty courtesan might have stolen my lord's heart.
I too shared the concerns of Princess Hyebin.
I went as far as telling myself that it is for my lord,
in upholding the good name of the royal family.
Did I ever strike you
as a prodigal son who would seek the pleasure of courtesans?
Of course not, but my lord too is a man, and
not many men follow the principles of fidelity in their lives.
Who do you think I am?
I will become king of this nation one day.
What sort of example would I be setting then
were I to recklessly carry on for all to see?
For I
have forsworn any deed that may be deemed shameful before the eyes of my subjects.
Amongst young men,
how many would there be with such honor as my lord?
When fidelity and chastity are principles not for women alone,
when they are virtues that apply equally to men…
You are glorious, Your Highness.
That should go without saying.
That I may serve such a man as my master
is an honor that knows no end.
My lord will be a wise and benevolent king.
The thought of the long peace that awaits my lord's reign
already has my heart racing.
- You. - Yes?
You're sucking up to me, aren't you?
No, Your Highness.
I speak in all sincerity.
Your Highness. Are you less upset with me?
Henceforth, hold your tongue.
Hold still even if you are frightened.
Kill her.
This here is a lady of my court.
I called on her myself out of the need for a personal retainer.
A misunderstanding caused a disturbance.
Yes, Your Highness.
Did my lord call on the court lady himself?
My lord would surely have said so.
But I cannot seem to remember.
Head guardsman, your memory is dull as usual.
Forgive me, Your Highness. My memory has failed me once again.
Just don't let it happen again.
Thank you, Your Highness.
Are you not Princess Cheong Seon's favorite?
The one who transcribed the books.
I introduce myself to both buma*. (King's Son-in-Law).
'Dong' meaning same, 'Deok' meaning virtue.
This is...
The Dongdeok Order.
I'm glad to welcome a new member of the Dongdeok Order.
She will only be running my errands. It is excessive to call her a member.
Her presence here and now would certainly constitute membership.
May I... pose a few questions about her identity?
Would His Highness invite here a lady whose identity was uncertain?
There is no harm in erring on the side caution.
Family name: Sung, given name: Deok Im.
Her father was Sung Yun Woo, a servant of the Hong family.
Her mentor is Court Lady Seo of the Prince's Palace.
Three close acquaintances, Kim Bok Yeon, Son Young Hui, and Bae Gyeong Hui.
None of whom raising cause for suspicion.
Is that sufficient?
Certainly.
Now, I shall inform you of our findings on the palace guardsman.
Come to think of it...
there was something I wished you to have.
Dongguk Munheon Bigo*. It's a good book. (Compilation of Materials on Korea)
Let's see...
My goodness, so this book was here all along.
Have you read this book?
No, Your Highness.
I was greatly moved by it.
Have a go at it.
Read one book every month,
make note of difficult passages
and I will explain them to you.
Your answer?
Yes, Your Highness.
You... don't look very happy.
Yes, I am very.
- Truly? - Truly, my lord.
My shortcomings today were great,
but received a light rather than heavy punishment.
I am moved by your kindness.
What punishment?
I present you with these priceless texts
and offer to explain difficult passages.
How is that punishment?
What is it if it isn't punishment, a reward?
It is a reward, no punishment at all.
It was a wrong choice of words.
It is awkward to receive a reward after having done wrong.
- If you would rescind the reward... - Would you prefer punishment?
Reward is much better.
A great honor to be in your graces.
- A great honor... - Enough with that.
It pains me to see you waste your time on senseless stories
so this is my special gift to you.
I once escaped the claws of a tiger by reading a book.
The circumstances were dire
and you had to gather the court ladies.
Something as little as a drop of honey
will help gather in the bees or ants, wouldn't you say?
Are ladies of the court a colony of ants?
Gyeomsaseo, that's a bit offensive...
Your Highness.
I misspoke, my lord.
Forgive me.
A few moments ago,
even when I said I could have you killed
you were not fearful.
Now I know why.
To you, I am still the gyeomsaseo from the past.
I still wonder why I pretended to be a gyeomsaseo.
At first, I saw no need to correct you.
But as time passed,
I lost the will to tell you.
That's because...
the moments we shared in the library
were special to me.
The moments we were together there,
I thought you were captivated by me.
But I'm not sure anymore.
Did I captivate you?
Were you...
really captivated by me?
Or was it....
that I
was captivated by you?
Carrying heavy books is your punishment for having stalked me today.
I must attend to some matters. Return yourself to the palace.
That's because...
the moments we shared in the library
were special to me.
Good. It suits you well.
This headpiece, did you make it yourself, Gyeong Hui?
No one can make something this elaborate but me.
Court Lady Bae is the best!
You will wrinkle the dress.
- You're here, Deok Im? - Uh-huh.
And your ceremonial dress?
- Didn't you bring it? - Huh?
The ceremony is just around the corner.
Did you forget we were to try them on together?
Oh, that's right.
Deok Im, why do you have sunken eyes?
Were you up all night?
If I...
said something weird, promise not to laugh?
Someone, might have taken…
a liking to me...
Oh, it's probably nothing.
Oh my, Bok Yeon! You look so pretty!
Turn around.
Did Gyeong Hui make this headpiece?
She's so gifted.
See? Now try it.
Slowly, with more grace.
Alright.
Mind your head and shoulders.
Good, just like that.
Look! Look!
So debonair.
Bok Yeon.
Court Lady Sung, may I speak with you for a moment?
I'd like to express my regrets in having frightened you yesterday evening.
You must be very disappointed in me.
You ordered men to kill me without a chance to speak,
other than that, I understand.
You may be on your way.
The fault is mine and mine alone,
but I regret to see the look in your eyes.
Sir, do you believe me to be stupid?
Are you under the illusion that I don't know what kind of person you really are?
What kind of person do you think I am?
A scary person.
Many times scarier than the ladies of the court know.
You seem to be overly wary of me.
Notwithstanding last night, I was hoping we could build a friendship.
On what possible grounds would I do that?
On the common ground that we stake our lives for the good of our master.
Like it or not, we are now mates on the same ship.
I have a question along these lines.
Will you give me an answer?
What is it?
The Crown Prince, how does he view my lady?
The lengths that His Highness went to
on behalf of my lady last night
can produce only one possible answer.
Why do you ask me what is in His Highness's heart?
Direct your question to His Highness himself.
Such questions cannot be posed to the one who will be the future King.
The answer to such questions must be deduced.
If you have no desire to provide me with an answer,
I will be on my way.
Do you not wish to know what is in my heart?
What I think of him?
Of what significance is that?
What lies inside a court lady's heart,
nobody cares to know.
Draw closer if pulled
and move away if pushed.
Neither thoughts nor convictions are necessary.
That is the essence of court ladies.
Deok Im.
Why do you suppose the gyeomsaseo
came all the way here just to talk to you?
Why?
What was it that was so important that you had to speak alone?
Books!
The Crown Prince inquired about the whereabouts of a book.
The gyeomsaseo may be admonished if the book isn't found.
As His Highness's handmaid,
Gyeomsaseo asked if I could look for it in the Crown Prince's Palace.
What the heck. That's it?
Oh! The gyeomsaseo can't be reprimanded!
Deok Im, you'd better hurry off to find the book!
Right, I'd better go look for it!
- Alright, I'm off. - Hurry.
- Thanks, Deok Im. - Alright...
Here is the list of guardsmen that I recommended.
I made no list,
since there can be no traitor among those I recommended.
You see, they are all of the Jung clan.
There can be no traitors on account of them being from the Jung clan,
isn't that a little naive?
The Jungs are a better bunch than the Hong clan.
I am the only one from the Hong clan.
Would that make me the traitor?
Is that how you'd like me to report to the Crown Prince?
I will expect the list by tomorrow.
There is a witness who saw you leave the Second State Councilor's residence.
You will have to explain yourself.
Lord Heungeun, do you suppose I need to do that explaining to you?
Explain yourself. If not, I shall call on His Highness.
I shall, and to your satisfaction.
If you provide me with that list.
Is it not an important matter?
And I will give you my explanation.
Why has His Highness given that kind of man his confidence?
The period that the gyeomsaseo has served His Highness is a long one.
Though he springs from the Hong clan,
you'd do well not to question his loyalty.
Hyungnim, he is a dangerous character.
Wait and see.
Time will show the world that my suspicions are well founded.
We must not fight amongst ourselves.
For now, we must ensure that His Highness takes the throne.
Look at how easily this complex problem was solved.
Never does the Crown Prince disappoint this grandfather of his.
Seldom if ever,
has the Crown Prince ever made this king look bad.
He has a special gift, wouldn't you say?
The Crown Prince takes a lot after this old king,
wouldn't you all agree?
Most certainly.
All the wisdom of the Crown Prince comes from His Majesty.
This is, indeed, a great blessing to the state.
Many have passed through the great halls of Sungkyunkwan*, (Top academy in Joseon)
but none to surpass the merit and talent of the Crown Prince.
Is that so?
The Crown Prince has a truly outstanding mind, doesn't he?
Yes, Your Majesty.
Yes.
Wake up!
Let's see…
Now…
is it about time for the Crown Prince
to stand in for king?
What say you?
Shall I take it that you all agree?
I am so proud of the Crown Prince.
A regent?
Yes.
Did Father really utter such words?
There is no other way to look at it, Mother.
An official proclamation appears imminent.
That boy will act as regent? This can't be.
The Crown Prince as regent...
So it has finally come to this.
Maybe we are interpreting the King's words the erroneously?
How else can they be interpreted?
I would like to be optimistic, but…
The King's words could be interpreted differently.
Look here…
How about abdication?
Abdication?
Enough of this nonsense!
This King is not one to surrender the throne!
All that talk in the past of stepping down proved false!
You should know that.
The wind is blowing.
It could be a breeze or a typhoon.
If there is no way of knowing...
it safer to assume that it's a typhoon.
One that rips out from the ground, trees with even the deepest of roots.
Because all past rumors of abdication were false,
will it be so again this time?
Your Excellency, His Majesty will soon be turning eighty.
Will it really be like it was twenty years ago?
Even the hot-tempered Princess is careful when it comes to the Crown Prince.
And Your Excellency's indifference on the Crown Prince
is contrary to Your Excellency's usual thorough self.
Why do you place the blame on me?
Do you think that I have been sitting on my hands until now?
Your Excellency cast aside the hand it took so long to build,
without making any use of it.
You've lost a hidden card you worked hard to conceal.
The incident with the royal guardsman…
I was rash. Consider that my mistake.
You can be displeased as you had to clean up the mess.
But we must put the past to rest.
We must get on with the work of setting the future.
What frightens you so much, Your Excellency?
The end will be the same, whether regency or abdication.
It makes no difference as to what must be done.
Depose the Crown Prince,
and see to it that another royal descendent becomes king.
The Crown Prince, the little boy
has become a young man.
I tremble with fear whenever I see him.
How could he resemble his dead father so much?
The brow, the eyes, and the lips all give off the smell of blood.
How long will it be before he too goes crazy like his father?
The memory is still fresh.
Gone mad, the Crown Prince took the lives of more than a hundred court ladies.
After beheading the eunuch, he held his head and roamed
the court as if showing off.
Court ladies, their bones and skin broken from the Crown Prince's repeated blows,
took their own lives, unable to bear the pain.
Not a day goes by that this survivor mops the blood-drenched floors in tears.
Early morning everyday, I stand in the main hall
looking over the crossbeam
just to make sure...
that no court maid has hanged herself.
What had taken place after the Crown Prince lost his mind,
no passage of time can undo.
The current Crown Prince... he cannot be king.
The son of a murderer cannot become king.
My lord, I urge you to rest today.
You have not slept in three days.
Is the regency weighing on your mind?
No, it is not.
Wasn't the fallen guardsman a father to a toddler?
Set aside the fees for the funeral,
and take them to the closest next of kin.
Will you bestow favors upon a traitor's child?
The child will become my subject. That now makes me it's mother and father.
Do as you have been told.
I shall.
Will you be returning to the palace?
I shall go to the Office of Documents and Reports.
My Lord…
His Majesty may proclaim my regency at any time.
I must look into precedents.
It's been a busy day,
but thoughts of you keep intruding my mind.
Thoughts of the peace that awaits my lord's reign already has my heart racing.
What might you be doing now?
Could you have read the books that I gave to you?
While reading the books...
could you have thought of me?
Why? Why did you tie your hair up like a married woman?
Did you by any chance...
come into the favor of His Majesty?
My lord.
Turn your gaze in that direction.
The Court Ladies' Coming-of-Age Ceremony is due shortly.
I am aware that they are conducting a dress rehearsal.
I feel a personal affinity towards His Highness today.
He just made a clown of himself.
He could hear you!
My lady! My lady!
Ouch, ouch.
Are you alright?
How can you sleep in on the day of your Coming-of-Age Ceremony?
I was wide awake until falling asleep at dawn.
I thought my lady would wake me.
I thought you'd be like the others and be up and busy early.
I'm fine, it's not even my ceremony.
Run.
What could be keeping her?
Not very late, am I?
No.
Now that all appears present,
we shall commence with the ceremony.
My lady!
Is she not the Yeong Hui's mentor?
Yeah, Court Lady Park.
It's been a long time.
I wasn't expecting to see you here today.
It is the Ceremony for the one pupil I have under my tutelage.
It is only right for me to attend as her mentor.
I commend you for going to such great lengths to be here.
Will you be able to stay on your feet till the end?
Though I may crumble and fall,
I shall get back up when the time comes.
Make room for her.
The ceremony will now commence.
Your Highness, rather than the usual meal
the ceremonial food of the court ladies has been prepared.
Okay.
Just a moment!
Will the new ladies of the court be paying us a visit?
That has been planned, Your Highness.
I see.
Court Lady Park of the Royal Kitchen, prepare.
How did it go? Did His Highness enjoy the food?
Yes, meal was a humble one,
but His Highness commended us for the flavors.
His Highness left no morsel behind.
Who is to come in next?
Court Lady Park of the Royal Kitchen, Your Highness.
Your Highness, Princess Hyebin calls.
Mother?
His Highness is ready to receive you, Princess.
Court Lady Gweon,
Yes, Your Highness.
I have an order to give.
You have returned to court early.
There are many rumors. I was concerned about you.
Do sit.
Your Highness, shall the next table be shown their way in?
Have them wait a little on account of my mother's visit.
No need! It would make me happy to see the ceremonial table.
Have the table brought in, and ask the court lady to come as well.
Yes, my princess.
If you were curious about the regency,
no formal decrees have been made.
Try not to concern yourself about it too much, Mother.
How can I not be?
A regency is an opportunity you should not miss.
But if you make a mistake...
you could lose the King's confidence
and be driven into a corner.
Are you aware of how important and dangerous this period is?
It surprises me that the ceremony is being held during this time.
What does the ceremony have anything to do with me?
New court ladies will appear in your presence.
Young and new women…
His Majesty is worried that you might neglect your studies
and succumb to temptations.
If you keep a concubine without receiving royal permission,
you will put yourself in great trouble.
You know, don't you?
Don't you know, Mother?
I've never even once known a lady of the court.
That may not be the case in the future.
You are mistaken, Mother.
As for me...
I have no intention of keeping a woman of humble status beside me.
Only a daughter of a dignified family would qualify to be by my side.
Only such a woman can produce a rightful heir,
and producing such an heir is my only intention.
I have known nothing but the comforts of life as the Crown Prince.
But as I ate rare foods
and wore expensive clothes of silk,
I grew a sense of responsibility.
That I shall dedicate my life to the good of the Joseon Dynasty.
And put its interests above those of my private life.
Wasn't this what you wanted to hear, Mother?
Am I right?
That's right.
If that's it, I'll receive the table now.
Raise the curtain.
Lady Park of the Royal Kitchen, lift your head and show your face.
Recognition as a lady of the court
upon completion of today's formalities...
It is custom for the royal handmaid's table to be served last.
Sung Deok Im,
it seems your table was served ahead of the Royal Kitchen's.
My deepest apologies, my lord.
Your Highness, the fault lies not with the Court Lady Sung,
but me, for failing to notify you of the change in order.
There is no need to explain yourself.
I have a good idea
of how the lapse occurred.
Sung Deok Im,
you have formally become a lady of the court, after many years of training.
In recognition of your efforts, I shall receive your table.
It is my greatest honor, Your Highness.
It is very good.
As such worthy food has been so sincerely prepared,
I too, shall become a worthy master.
I bid your assistance and advice as an upright lady of court.
I shall become a good and wise king
and repay you for your sincerity.
Who do they think they are, sitting me there like that?
Did I volunteer to become a concubine?
It's not like I seduced him on purpose!
What horrible people to make me feel so worthless!
Today is my Coming-of-Age Ceremony.
The one day that has been dedicated to me!
No one has the right to ruin this day!
No one!
The day you did my bidding and trailed the Crown Prince,
he came to me in protest.
Don't call on the girl again.
Sung Deok Im!
I am her master, not you, Mother.
It was unexpected.
Despite knowing that you were doing my bidding,
he still protected you.
Take care of the Crown Prince.
Until he becomes king,
he must be free from all troubles.
I shall follow and obey His Highness as a servant of his palace.
I hope that you will.
Be on your way.
Yes, Princess.
Princess, Court Lady Bae calls.
Show her in.
Princess.
What's the matter?
Princess Hwawan and her son, Lord Jung,
conspired against the Crown Prince who has been summoned by His Majesty.
What?
Lord Jung has informed me
that the Crown Prince prowls outside the palace come night.
Is this true?
Father, the Crown Prince is known to frequent houses of ill repute.
He is rumored to be bosom buddies with your grandsons-in-law,
and indulge in decadence.
Is that how it is?
It is not, Your Majesty.
Grandfather, I am being falsely accused.
False accusation? My son saw you enter and leave a courtesan house.
Trust me, Father.
Princess...
Isn't your Father talking?
Excuse me, Father.
One or the other is lying.
How should I find the liar?
Should both of them be beaten?
What say you, Your Highness, the Queen?
Your Majesty, my I speak?
Go on.
The Crown Prince may well have frequented courtesan houses.
Otherwise, Lord Jung may be lying to Your Majesty
and conspiring against the Crown Prince.
Either way, the punishment must be as severe as the crime.
But, Your Majesty,
paramount above all else is Your Majesty's safety.
You Majesty does not look well.
I beg Your Majesty to retire for the night.
Adjudicating a dispute
is not an urgent matter.
You are right.
I am tired today.
San.
Yes, Your Majesty.
I will issue a confinement order.
Do not take one step outside your residential quarters.
Books will also be prohibited.
Reflect on your speech and behavior
to see if you have made any mistakes.
Did you hear me?
Yes.
Leave me then.
Your resourcefulness has grown noticeably.
You made an excellent choice adopting your son.
Try not to worry so, Mother.
This battle
belongs to us.
They're all books the Crown Prince holds dear.
- Wol Hye! - You're here.
You're now officially a court lady.
What is happening?
Why are these books being removed?
You haven't heard? There was an incident last night.
The Crown Prince has been ordered confined within the premises.
Other than in transporting the basin and chamber pot early morning,
and the morning and evening meal tables,
no one is allowed entry.
We'll need a roster...
Who will take the post tonight?
You idiot!
Father!
What is this?
Father!
Are you alright?
I am fine, Mother, do not worry.
Things are going well.
Your Majesty
I'm fine, hurry.
Yes, Your Majesty.
[BOOK OF ODES]
The north wind is chilly, the falling snow is thick,
If you are affectionate and love me, I will hold your hand and go with you.
You are so modest, you are so slow, but oh, there is urgency!
The north wind is chilly, the falling snow is thick,
If you are affectionate and love me, I will hold your hand and go with you.
You are so modest, you are so slow, but oh, there is urgency!
Why do you stop?
Keep reading. I am bored.
I am reading my favorite passages from the Book of Odes.
Do you know what they mean?
Never satisfied.
I see you.
Keep reading.
I long for a voice.
Are foxes only red and ravens only black?
If you are affectionate and love me, I'll hold your hand and part with you.
You are so modest, you are so slow, but oh, there is urgency!
I thought you were angry with me from the day of the ceremony.
How could I ever be angry with you, my lord?
The one day set aside for you, I had ruined it for you.
I know you were unhappy.
No, my lord.
It has been for the better,
for I now know where my lord's true heart lies.
You do not know where my true heart lies.
While neither do I know where your true heart lies.
Are foxes only red and ravens only black?
Do you really know what it means?
Of course I do, my lord, would like to see?
The north wind is cold, the falling snow is voluminous.
If you love me…
and are affectionate
With the one I love and who likes me,
I'll hold your hand and part with you.
Why do you hesitate so?
Oh, there is urgency!
The north wind is chilly, the falling snow is thick.
If you are affectionate and love me,
I'll hold your hand and go back with you.
Are foxes only red and ravens only black?
If you are affectionate and love me,
I will hold your hand and go in your carriage.
His Royal Highness calls.
Let no one come any further!
Yes, Your Majesty.
Open it.
Move.
Your Majesty.
You pathetic child!
Foolish boy!
Your Majesty!
- What have I done? - Stupid fool.
Lord Jung has put forward evidence!
The royal guards of the Crown Prince's Palace
left to go outside on the first and seventh day
of each month!
No doubt while escorting you!
Where did you go?
Like the rumors have it, have you been behaving badly?
I failed you, Your Majesty! Forgive me!
No, you foolish boy! You cannot!
You cannot become like your father!
Chasing skirts and neglecting study,
getting mad for being reproached,
cursing and wishing death upon this old king!
You cannot become like your father!
San, my boy, you can make changes.
You can do it. Change your ways!
You can't be like your father.
You can change, right?
I know you can!
You can change!
Don't you know how I feel?
San, my boy.
Let no one enter.
My lord, are you alright?
Are you alright?
I am fine.
Is there anything you'd like me to do?
If there is something I can do…
Just stay with me.
That is enough.
I see that this was not the first time.
Less often more recently.
When I was younger...
Just continue reading.
May I ask a question, my lord?
You may.
Do you bear it because you have no other choice?
I hold back to attain my aims,
and I bear it to get what I want.
I know what pain is.
And I know how many others are also suffering.
I am the Crown Prince of this land.
One day I will have the strength.
With that strength...
there are so many who I can help.
I have so many plans in store for the future.
Do you know?
As for you... just stay by my side.
That'll be enough.
What are you doing?
Do you know what'll happen to you if you're caught?
Leave at once!
Go on!
There is something I must tell you, my lord.
It is what is in my heart of hearts.
Until the succession day to the throne,
My lord may rest assured
that I will be a loyal assistant and protector.
I believe my lord will achieve his ends.
You're merely a lady of the court, how will you protect me?
I am merely a court lady, but I am your servant.
I will remain by your side until the very end
as your loyal servant.
Until the day life leaves me
for you, my lord, I shall assist and protect you.
THE RED SLEEVE