(This drama is fictional and all characters, organizations,)
(and events are unrelated to historical events.)
No, I didn't mean that!
I can't help but take the last step.
He's fast.
- What is it? - I should ask you the same thing.
I thought the moonlight was enough to set the mood while having drinks,
so I blew out the candle.
I was going to clear my throat before we started drinking for real.
You can consider it a warm-up.
Like this.
What are you doing? Darn it.
Did you not want to warm-up each other's vocal cords?
What a cunning jerk. Did he do that on purpose?
No, there's no way.
Now that we've warmed up our throats,
you should start drinking in earnest, My Queen.
Gosh.
It's no fun to drink alone.
I did not think about that.
Here.
Thanks to the warm-up exercises,
the drink goes down very smoothly.
What? What was I doing until now?
Here. Drink up.
You should also drink too, My Queen.
The king must drink first.
The queen must drink first.
He has changed his strategy.
I know what's inside that dark soul of yours.
Then how about we each have a drink...
and go to bed since it has been a long day?
What are you saying? We're just getting started.
Don't be like that.
Here we go. Be manly and lovely and drink it all in one shot.
One shot.
I am a light sleeper,
so keep your distance while we sleep.
What kind of game is he playing at with that nonsense?
(Win During the Day and Fade At Night)
The truth behind the king, known for his love of alcohol and women...
The Annals of the Joseon Dynasty are nothing but tabloids.
I was scared for no reason.
However, I shouldn't put my guard down.
I'm finally putting to use...
the granny knot I learned in the Army.
If he wants to take it off, he will have to cut it off.
Okay.
That selfish king.
He's sleeping alone on the soft bedding.
Goodness, My Queen.
I know how you feel,
but I would just like to sleep tonight.
It's not like that. I was raised with care,
so I can't sleep on the bare floor.
Give me one of these.
I cannot sleep...
if I have less than three layers of bedding.
I am sure you were not raised with more care than a king.
He's trying to distort history.
He's nothing but the Woodcutter Prince of Ganghwa Island.
Gosh.
I hope he gets sleep paralysis.
Since things turned out this way, I'll be on night watch.
I'm reminded of the Army in more aspects than one tonight.
(Episode 2: Nobody Knows)
Are you awake, Your Highness?
Darn it.
I was hoping I wasn't, but I guess I'm still here.
What does it feel like to greet the first day as Queen?
It feels like poop.
Oh, my.
My granny knot.
Did you lose something again?
- I will search high and low... - No!
I'm sure I untied it in my sleep because I felt uncomfortable. Right?
Your Majesty.
When did you arrive at Huijeongjeon Hall?
I apologize for not escorting you.
I did not want to wake the Queen, so I left the room quietly.
Did you have a nightmare again?
The Queen must not lose sleep because of me.
It is her first day as queen.
I will serve you Arabian jasmine tea tonight so that you can sleep well.
The Queen must be greeting the ladies of the court right now.
I heard they just left.
I am curious to see how the Queen appears from now on.
I get that yesterday was the wedding,
but why am I busy as soon as I woke up today?
You have the johyeonrye where you must go and greet...
the Grand Queen Dowager and the Queen Dowager,
and the celebration ceremony where the royal court officials greet you.
After you complete the official wedding ceremonies...
Is that when the royal marriage ends?
No. His Majesty must proclaim the message to announce...
your investiture as the queen.
It's a never-ending wedding.
Hold on. The Grand Queen Dowager is...
Grand Queen Dowager ordered it.
If I fill the lake with water, it means I will be crossing her.
What kind of person is the Grand Queen Dowager?
The Grand Queen Dowager...
is an elder who is also from the Andong Kim clan, just like you,
and the Queen Dowager is from the Pungyang Jo clan.
So my mother-in-law and grandmother-in-law are rivals.
And I, the queen, is in the same line as my grandmother-in-law.
I'm sure I'll be able to tell when I see them, right?
The person who looks older will be the Grand Queen Dowager.
What else?
This is really important to me, so tell me everything you know. Okay?
She is Lord Kim Jwa Geun sister,
and she has never set foot outside of the palace once she entered it.
- Also... - Stop.
No, the palanquin. Stop!
- Stop! - Stop.
Go back.
Go in reverse.
That is enough.
Something more important just came up.
Did you lose your way because the palace is complicated?
It's nice to meet you. What's your name?
Goodness.
I'm not used to this body yet.
Your luxurious aura is uncommon.
Are you a part of the royal family too?
Are you a princess or something?
I apologize.
If my behaviour was arrogant and bothered you,
please forgive me, Your Highness.
No. What I'm trying to say is...
Your Highness.
You walk so fast. How did you get here already?
Hello.
Do you know her?
She is Lady Hwa Jin of the Jo clan...
who is becoming the king's royal concubine.
I understand that she is the Queen,
but is she not insulting you too much?
She keeps twisting her words.
There are rumours within the palace that she is the one...
who pushed you into the lake.
I am certain that the rumours that the Queen lost her memory are false.
- You must be careful. - You must be careful.
I have spent a lot of time with many women,
so I am able to tell a lot by seeing their physiognomy.
You are... How should I put it?
You're a good person.
I guess you and her don't have a good history with each other,
but shall we start again?
I like you.
Let's be friends.
Did you decide to change your strategy?
My strategy?
I found out what kind of place this is thanks to you.
The reality that I have entered the palace has finally sunk in.
No. It seems you have misunderstood what I am saying.
- I... - I am sorry, but I must go.
Your Majesty.
- Your Majesty. - Your Majesty.
I went to the royal villa, but you were not there.
I also went to greet you, but you were not there.
Oh, my. We must have crossed paths.
We were thinking the same thing.
If she's the royal concubine, then she's Cheoljong's second wife?
I shouldn't have gone into this body.
I should've gone into that one.
I am trembling in fear over the jealousy in Her Highness' eyes.
Why don't you get a room?
My Queen.
I would like you to rush the investiture of the Royal Concubine.
That's too bad.
I'm too busy to take care of the investiture of the Royal Concubine.
It is a royal command.
I hope polygamy gets ruined.
Your Highness.
The ladies of the court are waiting for you...
Your Majesty.
I have an important meeting. Bye.
What on earth...
Your Highness.
That must have scared you.
Hwa Jin.
I will finally be able to call you my wife.
Now, I will be living in the palace with you.
You deserve a proper wedding.
But actually, a eunuch saw you in front of the lake.
They are trying to frame you for what happened at the lake.
So I had to rush the selection process.
I only went there as I was surprised to hear...
a loud noise at the lake.
Do not worry.
She will not be able to harm you...
even if she is from the Andong Kim clan.
No. I will make sure that she does nothing about this.
I will protect you with everything I have.
Your Majesty.
By the way, it seems to me I do not have much to offer.
I am only a puppet on the throne.
And I have an older brother who is a worry wart...
and a friend who likes to have fun.
And I have...
a beautiful woman.
You are a rich man.
I vouched for your whereabouts of that night.
Do not worry.
What? Which one is the Grand Queen Dowager?
Offer your greetings, Your Highness.
Darn it. Whatever.
I hope your night was peaceful, Grand Queen Dowager.
You have gotten so young over the night.
It seemed you have regained your youth.
It almost fooled me that you were the Queen Dowager.
That wench.
Is that so?
All my hard work paid off.
Great. That was smooth.
You were in such a tragic accident.
My gosh. It seems to me that you have not made a full recovery.
Can you not tell?
That is how the perfect queen ought to look.
She is sharp like before.
I see.
Gosh, yes. You are right.
They're getting on each other's nerves while smiling at each other.
I should stay on my toes.
Now, all that remains is your effort to produce an heir.
I have learned about this secret tip on getting blessed with a prince...
which has been passed down over generations at the palace.
Is that so?
This is what you do when you are spending the night with the king,
When he is lying down on his back,
you can...
She's by far the worst in-law ever.
And at this very critical moment, you can...
Mother, I will take care of that myself.
I couldn't hold it in anymore.
Well, I am well-knowledgeable in that area.
Right.
You took a lot of bridal lessons to be a good wife to him.
I am sure you are well-prepared for it.
I see.
I must have overstepped.
You don't like it when your daughter-in-law is unsophisticated.
But it's nice to see when your granddaughter-in-law is.
My gosh.
These are so long. What a creative way to kill someone.
My neck hurts.
You seem very tired.
Right.
We did drink a bit too much last night.
That was nothing.
The court officials must be waiting for us.
Let us go in.
(Injeongjeon Hall)
Chief State Councillor Kim Byung Hak.
Congratulations.
Left State Councillor Kim Seok Geun.
Congratulations.
Minister of War Kim Chang Hyuk.
Congratulations.
They are all Kims.
So these are the famous trio of the Andong Kim clan.
With the help of the Grand Queen Dowager and the Queen,
they collected taxes under all kinds of excuses...
which caused the people to have a hard time.
In today's world, it's equivalent to military corruption,
real estate corruption, and tax evasion corruption.
They were corrupt in every way possible.
In other words, they were the corrupt trio,
the symbol of corrupt politicians that ruined the Joseon Dynasty.
The Andong Kim clan.
Right State Councillor Jo Man Hong.
Congratulations.
Minister of Personnel Jo Deok Moon.
Congratulations.
I see. The Pungyang Jo clan.
This clan that centered around the Queen Dowager is famous too.
When the son of the Queen Dowager, Heonjong, was the king,
they reaped the benefits. And when Heonjong passed away,
Kim So Yong of the Andong Kim clan became the queen,
they lost all of their power.
There are more than just these minnows.
The big names in this era.
Training Commander Kim Jwa Geun.
Congratulations, Your Majesty...
and Your Highness.
The real power behind the Kim clan.
I would like to report one thing as we celebrate...
the royal wedding.
What is it?
The Royal Guard Commander looks after your safety.
I would like to recommend your father-in-law, Kim Mun Geun.
My father-in-law?
Yes.
It is an important appointment.
It was out of Her Highness' concerns about your safety.
I apologize for not bringing this up sooner.
Is that your request?
I have no idea. But...
I want to be on the winner's side.
All I care about, alive or dead, is your safety.
To ensure your safety, I even stayed up all night.
Oh, no. What a sly woman.
I see. I will consider it.
The Grand Queen Dowager...
was very satisfied with Her Highness' request.
Currently, my older brother, Prince Yeongpyeong,
holds the position.
Give me some time to consider it.
Your safety is the most important matter at hand.
Please understand that we would like to expedite the appointment.
Your Majesty.
Your love for me is endless.
Then, I will proceed with it with your approval.
Kim Jwa Geun,
who is powerful beyond the king.
He's the real boss of the court.
I totally need some popcorn for this.
- Your Highness. - Your Highness.
Sorry about that. Please continue.
My Queen seems tired. How about we wrap up the ceremony here?
Spending the night together is a divine act to conceive an heir.
It should never be for your own pleasure.
However, I lost my prudence last night.
A loving, happy marriage is nothing to be frowned upon.
Is that so?
What's this guy talking about?
Then we shall end the ceremony here.
- Thank you, Your Majesty. - Thank you, Your Majesty.
You were just bluffing, right?
What do you mean?
Nothing happened last night.
This makes me sad. I understand you drank,
but how could you forget what happened on our wedding night?
What are you saying?
However, I do understand.
You recently suffered from amnesia, so that could be why.
Impossible. There's no way that happened.
You passed the test.
"Test"? What test?
The virginity test to make sure you bleed on your marital bed.
Anyhow, I have other matters to tend to.
Hey, wait. Can we finish this conversation?
Your Highness, let us take you back to your chamber.
Don't worry, Jang Bong Hwan. He's obviously lying.
Hey, think about it. You'd know if it actually happened.
There's no way that happened.
Of course, he doesn't want people to know that he lacks stamina.
And it seems that he has a habit of distorting history.
Still, must he be so calculating?
And what's with that test thing? He even made that up?
Stop for a second.
Can I ask you something?
Is it possible for women to not know after doing it?
"It"?
What exactly are you referring to, Your Highness?
She's obviously too young.
And this court lady must be even more celibate than monks are.
I don't think anyone here can answer my question.
Oh, my goodness!
- Is that kid crying because of me? - Of course not, Your Highness.
The wind is cold. Let me close the window for you.
- What? I'm sweating right now. - It is very cold.
- It's hot in here! - You will catch a cold.
I feel hot right now!
Let us go.
What that punk, Cheoljong said keeps bothering me.
It is safe for you to eat, Your Highness.
Now that I have seen the Queen,
I am certain that something is wrong with her.
How should I put this?
Shall I say she is too brazen?
She did have a bold side to her,
but she was never that blindly brazen and fearless.
She lost her poise even during the ceremony.
I must teach her to behave herself.
There is no need for us to give the others something to prey on.
About Jo Hwa Jin...
Are you sure she was with His Majesty that night?
Yes, I verified everything.
She entered the palace about 15 minutes...
after the accident took place.
It cannot serve as proof that she did not try to harm Her Majesty,
but they will try to use it as evidence.
It is a mystery.
If it was not her, who did such a thing?
Do you think that someone else is involved?
Perhaps.
However, it does not matter who did it.
Who do we need it to be? That is more important.
Who do we need it to be?
If we point to a deer...
and say that it is a horse, then it shall be a horse.
And in our case, that deer may truly become a horse down the road.
All right. Forget about such political affairs for a moment...
and have some food, Your Highness.
Since you are making sure that I always eat well,
I have no choice but to take excellent care of my health.
I will never let anyone or anything harm your health.
Have some food.
"I hereby give the senior first-rank in the Internal Court..."
"to Jo Hwa Jin, the daughter..."
"of Royal Secretariat Jo Dae Su from the Pungyang Jo clan."
"She is also given the title of Royal Noble Consort Eui..."
"because of her beauty and righteousness..."
The Pungyang Jo clan.
Their families are rivals, and so are they.
Did she really push Kim So Yong into the lake?
She's dangerous,
so I find her intriguing.
I am much obliged, Your Highness.
Let's get along.
I should take the winner's side,
but I can't keep my guard up in front of such beauty.
Let's get along.
You'll find out soon, but I'm perfect, except for the fact...
that I have many flaws.
Well, since we're family now,
can I ask you something?
I have no one else to ask.
Since I am not wise enough, I am not sure if I can answer your question.
Oh, it's about something you know very well. The King.
Does he tend to bluff a lot?
I heard girls talk about all sorts of stuff.
And that being said, the King...
tends to fade at night.
"Tends to fade at night"?
I have never heard such an expression before.
He wins during the day but fades at night.
But he talked as if we had a steamy night together.
- He has a tendency to distort... - Your Highness.
With all due respect, I find this highly inappropriate.
Oh, I'm sorry if I offended you. It just keeps bothering me.
I still have a lot to do since I arrived only yesterday.
Sorry I took up your time. Get going.
I will be leaving then.
One thing though. His Majesty is not like that.
He's not like that? Are you saying he doesn't bluff?
Or he doesn't fade at night? Which one is it?
This is bothering me even more now! Gosh!
My gosh.
Thieves!
There are thieves!
Thieves! There are thieves!
Thieves!
Thieves! Over there!
Thieves!
[VIU Ver] tvN E02 'Mr. Queen' "Nobody Knows" -♥ Ruo Xi ♥- Synced with Subcake Android
Stop crying. Oh, no.
Stop crying. Okay?
My baby. My baby!
No!
Your Majesty.
It was not in the secret storehouse I raided last night either.
Seeing how it was not...
at the most secretive place with the highest level of surveillance,
is it possible that it is really hidden in the tiger's den?
Your Majesty, the Queen is here to see you.
I am very busy with state affairs.
We're on the same page.
That's what I wanted to talk about.
You must be so busy that you're holding this upside down.
I had my reasons. I was busy with my thoughts.
Finish your thoughts. I'll wait.
Why are you staring at me?
You know,
I was just thinking that you sure are trying so hard.
Of course. As the king, I ought to look after state affairs.
Is that jerk talking about "affairs" on purpose?
I selected the Royal Concubine which you desperately wanted.
You can start sleeping in your quarters.
I shall.
And you have nothing to tell me?
You came here to see me.
So you must have something to tell me.
Let's be honest since it's just us here.
Last night, we...
We had a great time.
Well, if that's how you're going to play it...
My gosh.
You are distracting me.
If you don't want to talk about it,
why don't we come up with our own hand signals?
Like this one.
What is that?
This means whatever I'm saying is a lie.
What do you think? It's not that hard.
A king never lies.
You can go now.
My gosh. That's so annoying.
He keeps insisting that something happened with such a straight face.
Now, I'm starting to wonder if something really did happen.
Your Highness, it was a tough day, was it not?
My gosh. It tickles.
Hey. My gosh.
Gosh. It tickles.
Your Highness.
Starting today, we will begin your etiquette lessons.
I'm quite well-mannered.
It is a crash course on palace etiquette.
I don't want to.
It is an order from the Grand Queen Dowager.
Whatever the King meant by passing "the test"...
can't be more important than going back.
Winning the Grand Queen Dowager over comes first.
You might not have guessed it, but I took etiquette lessons...
in Cheonghak-dong at the age of four.
Do you want to see how well-mannered a graduate can be?
A woman of the royal family has the composure of Buddha.
When she walks, she does not stir up the wind.
The candle lights do not flicker.
When she has her meal, she must not open her mouth wide...
or take big bites of the food.
Embroidery is the best way for a woman...
to sort out her thoughts.
Embroidery. That is her specialty.
I'm not the one who's bad-mannered. You're overly well-mannered.
You don't even want me to breathe, do you?
This is worse than staying in Cheonghak-dong.
Darn it.
Gosh, how can I eat such a pretty meal?
I should enjoy the meal with my eyes first.
Is it just me? It sure looks like...
you are enjoying it with your mouth.
You used to love that.
Hong Yeon, have one. Open wide.
What is wrong, Your Highness?
Was that Kim So Yong's memory?
My heart...
She has been poisoned.
Call the royal physician now!
- Your Highness. - Your Highness.
- Please spit that out! - Your Highness.
- Your Highness. - This isn't physical pain.
Does this woman like Cheoljong?
You should love me.
His eyes.
That's more than hatred. He despises her.
Please, Your Highness.
I enjoy the accompaniment more than the liquor.
That is great.
All the liquor here is yours.
He had no intention to go through with our first night together.
That's why he tried to make me drink.
We were thinking the same thing.
Now, all that remains is your effort to produce an heir.
Please come to your senses, Your Highness.
Bring her some water!
In order to fool the Kim clan who was trying to...
persuade him to sleep with her,
Cheoljong lied.
Hong Yeon. Nothing happened to me!
It was bothering me like crazy.
I trusted myself, but I can't trust that jerk.
But...
What are you all doing?
More. Pull it up higher.
This is how exhausting it is to maintain one's position.
Appearing decrepit means that you have become weak.
If you do this twice a day,
you can prevent your wrinkles from getting deeper.
I see. You work so hard.
But what brings you here?
After receiving the etiquette class you have ordered,
I have had a deep realization regarding how I should act...
as the queen.
That makes me happy.
- That is enough. You can stop. - Yes, Your Highness.
But last night, as I was in bed with His Majesty,
I felt my energy waver,
and I was unenthusiastic.
I thought about why that could be, and I found the answer.
Since all the water in every lake has been removed,
the yin energy is weak here.
I feel like if the lakes are filled with water again,
I could bear a prince right away.
That is unacceptable.
- Darn it. - You almost died in the lake.
If we were to do things properly,
it would not be enough to punish all those who assist you with death.
However, with such a joyous event like your wedding coming up,
we thought there should not be any bloodshed, so we were gracious.
If you wish to fill them up with water, let us do what we must.
Hong Yeon, Court Lady Choi, and who else is there?
Everyone who has responsibility will receive a severe punishment.
She's savage. She's not your average grandmother.
I will sleep with the King for three nights.
I will sleep with the King...
to conceive an heir as soon as possible.
Could you fill the lakes with water as a gift for doing so?
Seven days.
Five days.
Listen here. Give all those who assist the queen with a severe...
Seven days.
That is perfect.
If you promise to fill the lakes with water after seven days,
I will make sure to conceive a prince.
Prince or not, all I need to do is leave.
Royal Noble Consort Eui has come to see you.
Goodness. You are as graceful as I have been told.
His Majesty has a good eye for women.
You are too kind.
This is a gift.
It is something that you need while living in the palace.
It is very important.
Please take it out.
This is how life in the palace is like.
There is no place you can lean on,
and once you feel nervous, you cannot stop feeling so.
Oh, that is right. What is your exact time and date of birth?
What must you do to create a prince?
Oh, my. Where is my head at?
Your marital compatibility must come first.
Tell me if you need a strong talisman.
There is a fortune-teller I know who is an expert at curses.
I received good results last time.
Your Highness, I apologize,
but I entered the palace in order to assist His Majesty.
I am so silly.
I apologize, Your Highness.
My speech and behaviour were too resolute.
It is okay. Do not worry.
Speaking of which, your investiture just happened,
but you will be spending a long time alone.
Goodness. That is too bad. What will you do?
Pardon?
The King and Queen will be sleeping together...
for seven days.
There must be no thunder,
and there must be no fog or wind during their time together.
Yet their time together has been arranged consecutively.
Do not worry too much.
I am sure that His Majesty's feelings for you...
will not change in that time.
You will end up...
losing someone precious to you too.
Your Highness.
I ruined it so badly that I cannot fix this mess.
It is a waste, but I should throw it out.
Your character and everything else is perfect to become the queen.
She has nothing to offer but the power of her family,
but she is pushing His Majesty so much.
Look here.
The queen can be considered another king.
There is a duty that comes with your position,
so you must hold your tongue.
However, it is obvious she had the royal palace court lady...
to manipulate the period that they get to spend together.
Furthermore, she blamed you for something you did not do.
Why did that have to happen when you were passing by?
I have not adjusted to life in the palace.
This mouth of mine...
I apologize, Your Highness.
What can I do this time for His Majesty?
You told me to sleep in the royal villa,
but you had the Grand Queen Dowager arrange for us to sleep together.
It is very hard to understand a woman's heart.
I have a favour to ask. Will you do it for me?
Of course. It is a request from you, My Queen.
Let's install a no-touching rule.
- I do not want to. - You said you would.
I have never heard that word before.
You didn't even know what I said, but you refused?
I refused because I do not know what you are saying.
Listen carefully, Your Majesty.
No touching means that we will live happily separately.
It's a good thing.
For example, we'll say we're sleeping together,
but you'll be happy at the royal villa, and I will be happy here.
So let's have a no-touching rule.
However, I do not want to.
Why do you keep refusing?
For some reason, your behaviour upsets me.
This crazy king.
Only a lunatic knows how to deal with another lunatic.
I don't remember what happened last night,
so what if we reviewed it?
HN. Okay?
HN?
A hot night.
Tonight...
is our real first night together.
If that is the case...
Hey. Hurry! They'll see you.
A king never runs.
Darn you.
Oh, Court Lady Choi!
This could get you in deep trouble, Your Highness.
I must see what the commoners are enduring...
to become a sage queen.
Your intentions are highly admirable,
but it is just too dangerous.
I would even die if you tell me to, but this is...
The map.
- But this time... - The identification tag.
I cannot let you do this.
The name is...
"Lee Saeng Mang".
What an ominous name.
"Saeng" means "to observe", and "Mang" means "effort".
An observer who makes efforts for our nation. It is a great name.
Well, sure. It's not my name anyway.
- What time does the curfew start? - At 11pm,
they will ring the evening bell 28 times...
and close the gate.
Oh, they'll ring some kind of bell?
At 11pm, right?
Too bad. That's like prime time.
Okay.
I promise I'll be back before that.
No.
I will do everything in my power...
to make sure Your Highness cannot leave.
Hong Yeon.
What kind of person was I?
You were always...
kind and optimistic.
You always smiled a lot,
and you were friendly to others.
You know, I'd rather hear the truth from you...
than from others.
That is true.
Then...
Once, when you were reading a book...
I cannot focus on the book.
Your noisy breathing...
is ringing in my ears.
Get in here! Drag him out and flog him!
I suffer from chronic rhinitis.
Forgive me, Your Highness!
Come on.
You are offbeat by a quarter note.
You have such an awful sense of rhythm.
How dare you call yourself a teacher?
Anybody there?
This witch ought to be flogged!
Really? My gosh!
How dare you laugh?
I suppose life is easy for you.
Take these two and give them a good flogging!
When someone sighed before you,
you said, "How dare you sigh?"
When someone smelled good...
"How dare you try to seduce the King?"
You complained about others' loud steps...
as well as gentle steps for being arrogant.
Gosh, you nitpicked about everything.
You went bonkers when anything got on your nerves.
So everyone called you a witch.
I apologize.
I wanted to give you a detailed description...
but got carried away.
Sounds like many people must've wanted to push her into the lake.
Is that why the court ladies...
It is because they do not know what you are really like.
But you do?
Of course.
I have been serving you since I was little,
so I know that you have a warm, kind heart,
and you are incredibly smart.
Once you set your mind to something, you make sure you achieve it.
You are one inspiring lady.
You have just been a little lonely since coming to the palace...
because His Majesty is openly affectionate toward another woman.
This woman wasn't always lonely after all.
She has someone who understands her.
"This woman"?
I was just saying, I'm not lonely thanks to you.
You flatter me, Your Highness.
Don't worry, Hong Yeon. Just get a good night's sleep.
I'll make sure I won't get caught for your sake.
- Gosh! - I will kill you all!
Take my other eye too, you scoundrels!
I will not let you take my wife and child as slaves!
If you cannot pay your taxes,
you have no choice but to let us take them!
That punk has committed many sins!
My only sin...
is bringing my child into this horrible world!
Stay away! Do not come near me.
That crazy rat is even guilty of treason now!
If killing scoundrels like you is considered treason, I will do it.
Yes! I will gladly do it!
My dear!
Do not do it.
I understand you are upset, but do not do this.
Those scoundrels want us dead.
Why are you telling me to stop?
Dam Hyang.
Move! Out of the way! Move!
My goodness.
Gosh, what do we do?
Father, you are back.
Yes, how was your trip?
I apologize for missing...
such a joyous event.
Have you made up your mind?
Which position are you leaning toward?
I have decided on the direction of my dream.
But as for its scope, I am not sure yet.
Its scope?
All right.
Since I trust you, I will not rush you.
But something happened while you were away.
The Queen fell into the lake...
the night before her wedding.
She was unconscious for a full day,
so we had to postpone the wedding.
How is Her Highness now?
Is she okay?
You, stop there!
I have not seen you before in the palace.
Seeing how you are looking around, in a rush...
- Well... - Your first time in the palace?
I suppose you are lost.
I got lost too when I first came here.
That's right.
You look familiar for some reason.
Luxurious clothes...
and that unguarded, confident attitude.
He must be from a rich family.
I was about to say the same thing.
You're that famous son of the prestigious family.
That handsome son of the highly respected family.
You are smart and are also skilled in martial arts.
I have heard so much about you. Your name was...
Kim Hwan.
Kim Hwan from the Andong Kim clan.
Gosh, that means he's her relative.
Am I that famous?
Yes, you really are.
Even all the commoners outside the palace know about you.
It is an honour to meet you.
I was on my way out too.
Let us go together.
Oh, I came from that way.
I was confused as it is too dark now.
Slain like this.
Gosh, he's so chatty.
He won't stop talking even for a second.
That is why it is a little spooky here.
And that is the reason His Majesty has a nightmare every night.
Nightmare?
His Majesty has been having the same nightmare...
every night since his Ganghwa days.
It is about...
being accused of treason...
and getting beheaded.
I apologize I did not recognize you.
Do not worry. Countless people walk in and out of this gate daily.
(Lee Saeng Mang)
Since I made such a good friend today,
I would like to visit a kisaeng parlour.
Which one is the best?
Oktajeong. It is the best one.
The ladies' laughter sounds like what you hear...
when you beat a jade tablet. Hence the name, Oktajeong.
Please join me.
Look at the bright moon.
It's the perfect night to have some fun.
Here you go.
Let's go.
- Take it easy. - Thank you.
We seem to be around the same age,
and we even share the same hobby. I am very glad that we met.
Oh, right. You have not told me your name yet.
What is your name?
I'm Lee Saeng Mang.
Lee Saeng Mang, as in "A failure in this lifetime".
Take it easy.
What is your name?
Yes, that's it.
Oh, my apologies.
You are a woman.
What are you talking about? I'm obviously a man.
We do not let women in here as customers.
Girls, come and greet this young master!
Yes!
It is an honour to meet you.
Please allow me to pour you one...
I never have more than three drinks a day.
I have already had two,
and I wish to have the last one with a friend of mine.
He is a man of principle.
His son recently passed the civil service examination.
Congratulations.
Even though he is very competent,
he was not able to get a good position in Hanyang.
If you can guide him, I will be happy to pay you...
no matter how much you ask for.
Are you asking me to sell you...
a government position for money?
Well, what I meant was...
I would just like to express my deep gratitude.
From what I know, your son passed the exam a while ago.
- Why come to me now? - That is...
You must have reached out to the Pungyang Jo clan first.
My wife is their distant relative.
Please forgive me.
I understand you are deeply worried...
that your smart, competent son might not be able...
to achieve his goals due to the family's past mistakes.
I will help him clear his name and become a royal secretary.
A royal secretary?
Thank you. Thank you very much!
And you do not need to pay me.
I just need a friend.
Someone who would gladly risk his life for me.
As of this moment, everyone in my family...
will gladly do that for you, my lord.
Pour me one,
since we are friends now.
Yes! I am much obliged.
- All right, come on in! - Okay.
We shall drink until we drop.
We will let it all go and have some serious fun!
My gosh.
Take me too.
- Gosh! - Look here!
Here, drink this.
- There we go. - Nice.
Young Master!
You're so handsome.
Which one of you will have the pleasure of...
undressing me tonight?
I have been a kisaeng for 20 years,
yet I have never seen such a pervert before.
- Here, have a drink. - Come on. Do not be like that.
This is awful.
I cannot believe we are drinking alone at a place like this.
It is not the time to complain about such a thing.
We thought it would be at the secret storehouse, but it was not there.
That leaves us with one option.
The Queen's father's residence.
But they want to appoint him as the royal guard commander,
which means it will be even harder to sneak in now.
They want control over the Royal Guard Division...
because they want the King's life in the palms of their hands.
It is only a matter of time before the guards' disguise is caught.
What? Then this is a dangerous situation.
If they get caught and have to disband,
going after the corrupt officials at night...
and raiding storehouses to find illegal ledgers...
will be our job.
So I will be a public official during the day...
and an assassin at night?
I will be overworked.
Gosh.
Did you make me leave Ganghwa to work me like a dog?
On my way to Hanyang,
my heart was filled with ambition and big dreams.
"I shall use my friend and become successful."
I told you that I wished to save our rotting, corrupt country,
and you decided to follow along.
You did not word it like that.
You always talked about Hanyang, so I asked you about it.
And this is exactly what you said.
Why go to Hanyang?
Joseon is rotting. I want to teach those scoundrels a lesson!
Right, I did.
It sounded so cool,
but I had no idea that meant I had to work this hard.
I was such an idiot back then.
Do you think you have changed a lot?
Are they trying to obtain control over the Royal Guard Division...
because they have figured out what we are up to?
No way.
Had that been the case, they would have sent someone here...
to eavesdrop on our conversation.
Wait, that is true.
What is your name?
Gosh, this is so uncomfortable.
Gosh, I am drunk.
Where is the washroom?
There it is.
(Women's Room, Men's Room)
What?
Hey.
I'm jealous.
I used to have that too.
But it's no longer mine.
Bye, my dragon.
Goodbye, my dragon.
I can't even relieve myself standing up.
In this unfair world, it's a privilege granted...
only to those who have it.
I'm so sad that I no longer want to pee.
Even my tears have dried up.
I no longer have my dragon.
Even my dragon balls are gone.
It would've been better to just die.
This is so cruel. Why must you do this to me? Why?
- Pour me one. - Here.
My, this is nice.
What are we going to do about this?
What?
Do you think they have also figured out...
that the blood on the marital bed was actually pig's blood?
The fact that they want to give that position to the Queen's father...
means they have no idea what we are up to.
Otherwise,
you and Officer Hong would have been beheaded already.
Then why, all of a sudden...
The only change is that the Queen...
and Royal Noble Consort Eui are now in the palace.
The Queen must want to keep Royal Noble Consort Eui in check.
She is pointing the sword...
at her husband's neck as soon as the wedding is over?
That woman scares me.
Considering what happened,
we should stop looking for it for the time being.
We are preparing for...
a justified war against those in power.
The only way we can punish them is...
if we manage to find documents to prove their corrupt acts.
The double bookkeeping is at the core of it, so we cannot...
delay getting our hands on their ledgers.
Then what do we do?
We will just let them take the royal guard commander position.
- However... - If we throw bait,
they will be all over it...
and fail to see what is really going on around them.
He will be preoccupied with his new position,
and it will help us figure out where the ledgers are.
As for the position, we can take it away from him...
when he thinks that it is fully his.
Protecting the position from them is hard,
but getting it back will be even harder.
Only a true warrior deserves to lead the Royal Guard Division.
I understand that he will be a mere puppet,
but he will not be able to last...
if he is physically unfit for the job.
We will plan a little accident...
on his first day at the new job.
But what if Kim Mun Geun is more quick-witted than we think...
and figure out who the guards really are?
Then we will make sure to protect the Royal Guard Division...
and get our hands on the ledgers.
It will be our last resort.
If you already know of a way, why not just do it now?
What is that "last resort"?
Assassination.
It is bound to happen anyway.
What is this drab room?
Darn it.
The bell is ringing!
That was the Queen, right?
Did she follow us here disguised as a man?
We must not let her leave.
We do not even know how much of our conversation she heard.
And I am sure someone is here with her.
Which means, we must run after her and silence her.
Your Majesty.
Do not let your personal feelings get in the way.
I will do it myself.
10.
11.
Gosh, I'll be in trouble if I don't make it back on time.
Darn it.
(Mr. Queen)
Your Highness, do not trust anybody.
Be especially careful of those who are close to you.
You know who did it.
The culprit is...
If the Queen heard everything,
bloodshed is bound to occur.
Who are you?
How dare a woman set foot in here?
When I'm here,
I'm the boss.
Is this how you hold it?