Subtitles by DramaFever
[Episode 9] At one point...
I tried to save the people who were suffering from heavy taxes.
That's why as soon as I became the King
I established the Fair Tax Office.
It was the first reform Your Majesty tried.
But it failed because of their resistance.
But Gwanghae plans to realize my dream?
Eunuch Song, do you think it's possible?
His Highness takes after you just like so.
Eunuch Song...
I burnt the 'Secret Book of King's Face'
but I didn't burn my heart to become a sage king.
Gwanghae... hit my original intention.
- Queen Majesty sent this to me? - Yes, sire.
She asks you to hang it in the room.
Peonies that symbolize wealth and fame...
Good. Relay my gratitude.
Yes, sire.
Sire, why did the Queen Majesty give you a gift of a painting?
She wants to cheer me up. What else could it be?
Everything went well.
The maid of the Queen Majesty left the city, too.
Let go of me! Look! Do you know who I am?
I'm Kim Gong Ryang, Lady Kim's brother!
Did you do this for me after all?
Lady Ga Hee!
Your Highness, please come outside!
I was about to go grocery shopping.
I have a lot to buy, so I'll take a long time.
So please make yourself at home.
Sire! What are you doing? Please come outside now!
Well, I'll get going now.
Sire, are you inside?
This is Ga Hee.
Sire!
Sire! Sire! Sire!
Sire, sire! Sire!
Sire!
Sire... what's going on?
No, sire! I have something to ask you...
Sire, are you alright? Can you recognize me?
Ga Hee...
What's going on? Are you not feeling well?
I can't see your face very well.
It must be a dream.
I don't want to wake up.
Sire!
This is... poison. It's arsenic.
Prince Gwanghae, they are beautiful peonies embracing arsenic.
Taste the pain of death that spreads slowly through the body.
I am warning you to stop here.
Sire...
The painting contained arsenic.
It was hanging up for a while in the room...
so he must've been poisoned by it.
Who on earth tried to kill him...
The doctor drew out the poison with needles, so he will be fine soon.
Sire...
Lady Ga Hee, why would you ask that all of a sudden?
Please answer me.
Who gave my father's astronomical chart to His Majesty three years ago?
I already heard from Eunuch Song.
Please be honest with me!
Eunuch Song did?
It wasn't His Highness who gave the astronomical chart to His Majesty...
It was me.
Three years ago, His Highness tried to take on all the blame
to save everyone else.
I couldn't let him get hurt.
It's all my fault, my lady.
I... have wanted to tell you hundreds of times...
but His Highness stopped me.
He took on all the blame from you...
but he still stopped me.
My lady... please don't forgive me.
Please stop!
You've already spent half a day.
What on earth is going on?
Do Chi...
Teacher Baek Gyung of Mt. Myohyang was right.
I shouldn't have held the arrows to begin with.
Ga Hee...
I've hated him every day for three years.
I despised him over and over.
I couldn't forgive myself for taking him in my heart.
I lived that time to blame the prince!
But, Do Chi...
That astronomical chart...
Prince Gwanghae didn't do it.
I even tried to kill him...
but it wasn't his fault.
Stop blaming yourself.
You didn't live the last three years to blame him.
You had to try to hate him to survive.
It was a struggle... to survive.
Let's say I didn't hear it from you.
When did Ga Hee leave?
She left in the afternoon.
Sire, you could've been in big trouble if it wasn't for Lady Ga Hee.
How can you laugh in this situation?
Someone pretended to be Queen Majesty and tried to kill you!
We have to investigate who did this and punish...
Isn't it obvious?
I forgot that Gwiin Kim likes to paint.
Pardon?
I didn't think she'd let this slide quietly...
but she sure got me.
I'm alive, so that's good enough.
Thanks to her, Ga Hee...
Sire...
Can't you see?
Just the fact that I made it alive will cause great pain on Gwiin Kim.
Since I made it out alive, I'm sure this is not the end.
Then what happened to Prince Gwanghae now?
Unfortunately, I hear he's still well and alive.
My goodness, you were rash.
I have no intention of becoming an old hag in the backroom.
My brother is locked up in prison...
and you don't care for me...
so I have to do something!
This old hag woke up completely after a good scolding from Your Ladyship.
Since you're laughing like that... you must have a plan.
The ledger with the record of tax corruptions...
His Majesty tried to eliminate tax corruptions for a long time
but he repeatedly failed every time.
But if Prince Gwanghae takes care of something he couldn't do...
His Majesty will be very concerned.
His Majesty's jealousy towards Prince Gwanghae...
I plan to use that.
Famine is severe from a bad year of harvest
but there is no way to provide aid?
We reduced expenses and only follow existing customs
so how can the national treasury be empty?
Your Majesty...
More commoners are becoming slaves every year
because they can't pay back debt.
Half of the people have become slaves
so wouldn't it be obvious that there are fewer people to pay taxes?
Isn't it already a deep-seated problem?
Sire, I believe that releasing the slaves who used to be commoners
and reducing taxes until they get situated are the right things to do, sire.
That's a surprise.
I tried to solve the issue of fair taxes a long time ago
but you were so against it.
What happened?
Your Majesty's Fair Tax Office was difficult to implement
because of the officials' opposition
but it shouldn't be difficult to execute lowering taxes this time.
Is that what you think?
No, sire.
It's Prince Gwanghae's great idea.
Gwanghae?
Whomever the idea came from, reducing taxes is a great idea.
Since you are willing to help out, proceed with it right away.
Your grace is immeasurable!
Sire, Prime Minister kept his promise.
It's only possible because Father gave his permission.
What does it say in front?
I am a blind man who can't see.
Yes, sir. A poster from the government is up.
Commoners who became slaves from debt will be released as commoners.
So if they want, they should report to the Magistrate's Office.
Their taxes will be exempt for three years.
That's what it says.
'Only a spring dream'!
Pardon?
Why would you say that?
It's His Majesty's royal command for the people who are suffering!
You can't see what's in front of you, worse than this blind man!
Do you see it as something for the people?
It looks like 'a puppy acting up in front of a tiger...'
'without knowing how scary the tiger is.'
Sir!
I'll see you again in 10 days. You'll know if I am right or not then.
Why...
Were you looking for me?
Did you bring this... for me?
I heard eggs are good for arsenic poisoning, so I made this.
Please take it before it gets cold.
- I'll get going now. - Wait.
If you just wait for a while I'll finish it and give the bowl back to you.
I've never had such delicious food since I was born!
I'll get going now.
What's wrong? Are you not feeling well?
It must be from arsenic poisoning.
I can't move my arm.
What should I do?
My arm went stiff, so I can't even eat this delicious egg porridge.
Please let me have it.
You're not even well, so why were you outside?
Sire, what's going on?
I can't...
I can't breathe!
I'll bring the doctor!
The one who can save me is right here...
so where are you going?
Your joke went too far.
It's been a long time... to see you smile like this.
I'll go by myself from here.
Sure.
It was a good idea to exempt taxes
for the ones who returned to be commoners.
You saw through what put people in suffering.
But I am worried if they could be independent
since they were slaves for a long time.
Daedong Society will help them.
How would Daedong Society help?
It will lend money to people without charging interest.
Did you take the lead for me, Ga Hee?
It can't be.
It's just that your goal and Daedong Society's goal are the same.
Who knew that there would come a day that I praise His Majesty?
Thanks to His Majesty, I ended my life as a slave after 10 years...
This is great!
You didn't hear?
It's not the King, it's Prince Gwanghae who made all this happen!
Right, right! I heard Prince Gwanghae made tax exemption happen!
The Prince who got kicked out?
But why was he kicked out?
Who cares about tax exemption?
I don't have a piece of land to feed myself today!
I'm just staying as a slave.
True. Even if I find a piece of land
I'll be deep in debt after three years because of taxes!
I'll be back as a slave anyway!
True, true!
There is a place that lends money without charging interest?
Don't even start! I was shocked, too!
They don't even ask anything! They just lend you all the money you want!
Where is that? Let me go with you!
That place is...
Who are you? Where do you live?
Sire, they seem to be the ones that Lady Ga Hee talked about.
Yes, they are from Daedong Society.
They are worthy of praise.
The ones who became commoners will have a bit of breathing room with this.
What the heck are you doing?
- What a scene... - Having fun?
- Prince Gwanghae... - What brings you here?
I believe this is not your area.
Oh yes, I heard there are people who lend money without interests
going against ethical business practices...
so I came here to see their faces.
It wouldn't be enough if you were reflecting on your wrongdoings...
but you came here to cause a ruckus?
Leave right away!
Unless you want to be buried in dirt again.
Why are you treating me like an enemy?
Young Shin, it looks like you need to bring a shovel.
Yes, sire.
Shovel?
Sir, we should go back.
Young Shin, bring a really big shovel.
Yes, sire.
- Moo Chul. - Yes.
Let's go. I said, let's go.
I think he got scared for sure.
Sire, Prince Gwanghae is really great.
Is that what you think, too?
It's not just me.
A lot of people in the palace are complimenting Prince Gwanghae.
Is that right?
By the way, sire, why don't you call back Prince Gwanghae?
His name has already been cleared.
Why don't you reward him?
Sire, what's wrong?
Since I talked about politics even with you, I feel tired.
Sire, did I do something wrong?
Let go.
I only complimented Prince Gwanghae. Is that wrong?
I said, let go!
Stop crying.
More than anyone else, His Majesty has the loneliest heart in the world.
It is our duty to stay by his side.
I just... remembered my parents and siblings...
so I complimented Prince Gwanghae...
You must've had a tough time, Sookyong Hong.
Court Lady Oh.
Bring in a tea table for Sookyong Hong.
Yes, Your Majesty.
Your Majesty...
could you also give me wine?
My lady, why were you walking in the palace drunk?
I just had a glass because I felt disturbed today.
I can't even drink?
If you don't want to get caught for making a mistake, please be careful.
I'm His Majesty's charm, so why would I get kicked out?
You told me yourself, Professor Go.
You'd make me a charm for His Majesty and live in luxury!
Professor Go, how is my family doing?
How come I can't hear any news from them?
Please go to sleep now.
Professor Go!
I've been locked up for three years.
It's about time that you let me see my family.
I miss them so much...
that my heart is rotting.
Are they even alive?
Please, Professor Go!
How dare you!
What brought you here again?
Sire, have you been well?
It's been a long time since this Baek Gyung came to pay respects.
You really do have a long life.
You're still alive?
What bothers you so much that you're drinking alone this late?
If you know what it is, will you solve it for me?
Sire, I came here today because I have something to tell you in private.
Go ahead.
It's no time for you to hold a wine glass.
All the mystical creatures of Joseon's 8 provinces have started to move about.
Sire, there will be a big event that shakes Heaven and Earth soon.
'Shake Heaven and Earth'? What do you mean by that?
I will leave after I pour you a glass of wine.
Sire, this is Eunuch Song.
Come in.
Sire, Lady Hong...
What happened?
Sookyong... Are you saying Sookyong Hong is really dead?
There is a slight warmth in the body
so she seems to have passed away about six hours ago.
Why did she die suddenly?
Did she have a chronic illness?
She didn't have a chronic illness...
Say it.
- It's... - Say it now!
I suspect poisoning.
What? Poisoning?
Can you find out how she died by reading her face?
Yes, sire. I'll definitely find out.
Good job.
Did His Majesty have any doubt?
His Majesty ordered a physiognomy professor to investigate.
He'll soon find out that it wasn't poisoning.
You shouldn't forget that it's a secret you will carry to your grave.
Of course.
Then I'll take my leave.
You did a lot for this job.
You did very well by putting our people in Sookyong Hong's chamber.
'Words without legs will go a thousand miles'...
The rumor that Queen Majesty poisoned Sookyong Hong
will spread in the palace now.
Of course it should.
Did you hear? The one who poisoned Lady Hong...
- I heard it's Queen Majesty. - No way.
Queen Majesty invited Lady Hong to her chamber last night
and fed her poisoned sweets.
Is that true?
I'm asking if it's true!
What do you mean?
Sookyong Hong's death will be our chance?
A bizarre rumor is going around.
I hear Queen Majesty poisoned Sookyong Hong.
It's an opportunity for us.
It'll be an excuse to get the ledger back from Prince Gwanghae.
Lord Lee...
I hear Lord Jung Chul is preparing to install
Prince Gwanghae as the Crown Prince.
This could change the Crown Prince!
Before he makes a move, we need to seal the deal.
Why did you want to see me?
It looks like you haven't heard the news.
Lady Hong passed away last night.
I heard she was poisoned.
Who would poison Lady Hong?
That... could be Queen Majesty depending on your decision, sire.
Lord Lee!
Are you saying that you'll accuse Queen Majesty?
That's how the rumor is spreading already.
But if you'd cooperate...
that rumor will melt away like snow.
Are you doing this to take the ledger from me?
I'm very disappointed in you, Lord Lee.
Father would never think that way.
I'm sure he trusts Queen Majesty.
Before Lady Hong's body leaves the palace
I hope this gets resolved soon.
Having that in your hands means...
having a lot of officials' lives in your hands.
It means that you will stand at the tip of their swords.
What should I do?
Queen Majesty became a victim of it.
Why did you come all the way here in danger?
A terrible rumor is going around, so I couldn't just stay home.
Hon, I'm fine.
You should never give in because of this.
Your Majesty...
What they want now is the ledger in your hands.
No matter what happens, you shouldn't give them the ledger.
You are in danger because of it.
I... I don't know what to do.
It's not your fault.
It happened because I have no power.
You shouldn't do anything for me.
Your Majesty...
I'll ask for one favor.
Please marry the daughter of Lord Yoo Ja Shin.
If you have one person who can protect you instead of me
then it'll put me at ease.
Prince Imhae, please protect your brother.
Please don't worry.
If I just become the Crown Prince, no one will be able to touch Gwanghae.
Queen Majesty, His Majesty is heading this way.
Open the side room right now.
What brought you here at this late hour?
I came to console Her Majesty.
I need to talk to her in private, so take your leave.
Father...
The terrible rumor that's going around because of the death of Lady Hong...
must have come from Gwiin Kim.
What?
Gwiin Kim is not thinking about what Kim Gong Ryang did...
She's slandering Queen Majesty!
Please don't lose your sight and punish them!
Did you tell Imhae to report this to me?
- Pardon? - Father! This is my opinion!
- You should leave now. - Father!
I told you to leave now!
I am very disappointed in you.
How could the mother of this country be involved in this terrible rumor?
Although you couldn't produce children...
but I thought you were qualified as the mother of this country.
Maybe all of it was my delusion.
It wasn't enough that you were the focus of the rumor...
Now you brought in Imhae to accuse Gwiin Kim?
Sire... how could you not trust me at all?
I made an order to get to the bottom of this.
If it is found that you're the culprit...
I will not forgive you.
The slender face with no raised area is said to have a short life.
But that can't be the reason for a sudden death.
What do you think?
Was she poisoned?
In my eyes, it doesn't seem that way.
How come?
Eyebrows from both sides are close and even disheveled.
The root of the nose is thin and the area below her eyes are not bright.
So her heart must've been weak.
By the way, why would the doctor say he was suspicious of poisoning?
You should learn politics before you read faces.
If you move your mouth without realizing what's going on
your head won't be safe.
Sire, we can't bury the cause of Lady Hong's death like this.
Please investigate the terrible rumor that's going around in the palace
and reveal the truth as soon as possible.
Please reveal every detail of the truth soon!
It's also to resolve any doubt on Queen Majesty.
Yes, sire.
I believe it's in order to confine Queen Majesty
in Gyotae Hall (Queen's residence).
Sire!
How did it go? Did you find out?
Yes, sire. Queen Majesty is confined in Gyotae Hall.
The rumor of deposing Queen Majesty has spread in the palace!
What should we do?
Young Shin, I need to send someone to the Physiognomy Department!
It seems that we shouldn't go through with your marriage with Prince Gwanghae.
Father...
I am also very disappointed to let Prince Gwanghae go.
But even Queen Majesty is in this situation...
I can't do anything much anymore.
Father, I...
I already gave my whole heart to him.
Jung Hwa!
Father, I... believe in him.
You told me before... that I could change the world.
I heard there were some who stole people's smiles
so I plan to teach them a lesson.
I believe in his sincere heart...
and that he will change the world after all.
So I beg you with all my heart.
Please protect our Prince Gwanghae, Father.
Jung Hwa...
It's also my fault that the situation turned out this way.
The one who took His Highness to the inn
and showed him how government positions were sold through a game of Toojeon...
was me.
What?
Please help His Highness, Father.
Why did you look for me, sire?
I have a favor to ask.
I watched you from afar at the exam site before.
Not just your exceptional talent, but I was also impressed by your upright character.
It's my humble trick.
Since you're in the palace, you must've heard the rumor.
Queen Majesty has been wrongly accused.
Clear Her Majesty's name.
Since I'm in the palace, I hear all kinds of rumors.
I hear that Her Majesty is accused because of you, sire.
- That's... - I was impressed by your face, sire.
But I haven't found a reason to help you yet.
Then...
Kim Do Chi!
Go out on the street.
See the result of what you started with childish courage with your own eyes, sire.
Then you'll understand why I act this way.
The ones who became commoners had no way of making a living
so they abandoned their children.
And the city is full of children who became beggars.
They have no way to handle taxes charged by the number of family members.
Commoners want to go back to being slaves out of starvation
but no one would take them in.
It can't be worse than that.
They will do anything to get the ledger back from Prince Gwanghae.
The order is already out to confine Queen Majesty in Gyotae Hall.
Does it mean that Queen Majesty will be dethroned?
He 'tied himself with the rope he made.'
He shouldn't have used the ledger that way!
Even Queen Majesty who was the only support for Prince Gwanghae
was put in danger.
Prince Gwanghae's immature bravery failed.
Then there is no way for Prince Gwanghae to return to the palace?
Prince Gwanghae already turned the powerful Easterners into his enemies.
The only way may be...
to make Lord Yoo Ja Shin as his father-in-law.
But would he accept that kind of political marriage with his character?
That may be the only way for him to come out alive.
Sire!
A messenger brought this letter.
I will wait for you at Jungeopwon Temple.
Young Shin, get my horse ready.
Yes, sire.
Dear Buddha, I came to beg for forgiveness.
I loved a man deeply in my heart.
But I was foolish and weak so I couldn't trust him.
He let go of everything and stood at the tip of a cliff for me...
but I constantly blamed him, hated him and despised him.
What should I do about this stupidity?
I even aimed an arrow at the man that I love...
and destroyed his life in the end.
How should I beg to wash off this sin...
and what do I have to do to protect him?
Don't cry.
I am a talking Buddha.
It's fine.
Everything is fine.
Sire... it's all my fault.
What fault?
You've been alive...
So I was very happy.
Ga Hee...
I am so sorry that... I let your parents pass away like that.
Now that we're back here, I should catch a star for you.
This is...
What do you think? How is my skill of catching stars?
To be with you like this...
I feel like I'm alive now.
Did you have a lot of worries?
Foolishly enough, I thought I could change the world.
But the people are still suffering...
Even Queen Majesty who raised me as her own...
is put in danger because of me.
I am being punished for my arrogance... and stupidity right now.
The despair and defeat that you are feeling right now...
The people on this land feel them every day.
Even after having everything taken away and losing their family members...
they still go on.
They shake it off and forget it with a bowl of rice liquor and a song...
That's how they get through another day.
You've already seen those people, sire.
The fact that I can't do anything for them... is frustrating.
You need someone's strong shoulders right now.
You need a strong back that you can lean on.
Sire...
please get married soon.
What did you... just say?
I said, please get married.
The reason I came here is...
because I had to live as a man following my fate.
The reason I came here and met you... was also my fate.
I believe it's also my fate... to send you away like this.
That's enough!
It's not for you, sire.
It's for me and for the people.
How can you... say such cruel things to me?
Did you forget... that we promised here to get married? How...
How come you're trying to leave me?
I'm not leaving you.
I'm sending you to a bigger world.
The world where people learned about hope because of you...
That's where I'm sending you.
I will be there, too.