In my opinion, you are talented.
But why do you ignore your talent
and limit yourself because you are a Damo?
It is backwards to think that you cannot draw because you are a woman and a Damo.
I will change tradition and laws that support this backward thinking.
Use your talent and be a Royal Artist at the Bureau.
Your Highness...
Song Yeon, don't hesitate because it seems difficult. Try and make it happen.
Your Highness!
Princess!
What brings you to the library?
I brought medicine to your chambers, but I heard you were here.
Medicine? The Royal Physician made no mention of this.
I requested my family for some Liriope Platyphylla to make medicine.
It is said to be good for coughs.
You should not have gone to such trouble.
Trouble? How can you say that, Your Highness?
But who...?
Oh, this child is Sung Song Yeon.
She is a damo at the Bureau and was of great help to me. I summoned her here to award her.
A damo at the Bureau?
Oh... you...?
I thought you looked familiar! You were that damo!
- Do you remember me? - Yes, Your Highness.
What is this? Do you know each other?
Yes, Your Highness.
I met her when I was recuperating at my family's residence.
Do you remember when I gave you Maejak Biscuits and told you of a damo girl who helped me?
Yes, I remember. Then that girl was...?
Yes, Your Highness, it was her.
Forgive me, Your Highness, but I did not recognize you then.
No, don't blame yourself. It was not your fault.
You honor me, Your Highness.
- If you go straight, you will reach the gate. - Yes, My Lady. Thank you.
- Did you say you were a damo at the Bureau? - Yes.
- Alright then, you may go. - Yes, My Lady.
You are quite skillful with your hands.
They are the same biscuits, but your colors are nicer and look more appetizing.
Your talents are wasted being as a servant.
I shall speak with my mother to use you as an attendant.
No, My Lady. I am an Attendant Damo here with the Royal Artist from the Bureau.
Is that so? Forgive me. I thought you were the new servant.
Your Highness! Your Highness!
I have to be on my way now. Thank you for your help.
When I first met her, I thought her quite lovely and talented.
But I never expected to see her again.
And now she has been of great help to you... Destiny must have brought us together.
I can't believe Song Yeon and you have met before.
We really must have brought together by destiny.
Song Yeon is a childhood friend of mine, my princess.
What?
And it's not just her. I also have a friend named Dae Su.
The two of them kept me company when I was young and lonely.
Forgive me, Your Highness, but what do you mean? (Princess Hyo Eui - Jeong Jo's Consort)
How can you be friends with your subjects?
It is a long story.
This is the training ground for the Royal Guards.
Take a look around. I must go to the office to settle the night duty guards.
Yes, Sir.
You!
What are you doing here?
Who are you?
How dare you trespass on Royal Guards' training ground?
What? Me?
I just stopped for a look after my visit to the palace.
What? A look? He seems suspicious.
Seize him and hand him over to the Palace Guards.
No... no! Why are you doing this?
I'm not suspicious at all! I came here because the prince summoned me!
- Let me go! - He's not a suspicious fellow. Let him go.
Sir!
- Do you know him? - Yes, we know this fellow.
This fellow helped us and the prince.
- Outstanding! - What an impressive fellow!
You should all get to know him!
This fellow will be joining the Royal Guard once he passes the Military Examinations!
Sir!
You were able to land a punch on me last time.
I am certain you will win first place in the examinations!
What? What do you mean by first place?
How could I dare to...?
For the verse section, all you have to do is memorize a few books.
As for combat, you were able to strike me down, so it'll be no problem!
Did you ask His Highness in detail?
In detail? About what?
You know... about that girl at the library with him alone?
Oh... He said she was of great help to him.
I heard that too.
But don't you think it's strange? He has never shown interest in any females before.
But this time he summoned her specifically and was alone with her at the library!
Don't say such nonsense. I am sure he had good reason.
So what was that reason, Your Highness?
That girl was lovely... She makes me uneasy!
I will send someone to the Bureau and find out about her.
- I said not to speak nonsense! - Your Highness...!
The prince has said that he has known her since they were young.
If she has helped the prince, then she has also helped me.
How can your words and thoughts be so indiscreet?
- Your Highness... - Enough.
I do not wish to hear any further.
Your Highness, the palanquin is here.
- Have you prepared what I requested? - Yes.
Let us go.
Your Highness! Your Highness!
What is this commotion about?
Outside... The Crown Princess is outside!
What? The Crown Princess?
Your Highness, what brings you here?
Why are you standing there like that?
Do you think I'll do something strange to the medicine?
No, not at all. How could you say that?
- If not, then leave us. - Yes, My Lady.
Hurry.
- Well done. You may leave us. - Yes, Your Highness.
Please drink it.
I asked the Royal Bureau of Medicine to prescribe this when I heard you were ill.
I am already taking medicine from my own physician.
Can it better than the medicine from the Royal Bureau?
Please drink it before it gets cold.
Was it drinkable?
Yes. I am beside myself with gratitude.
I am glad you feel that way.
I am sure you will feel its effects soon.
This is the same medicine that was prescribed to the late Crown Prince.
The Crown Prince was falsely accused by those who manipulated His Majesty.
They led His Majesty to misunderstand him.
Without a way to prove his innocence, the Crown Prince lived with great distress and sorrow.
This medicine is the same one he took during that time.
Now that you face His Majesty's wrath, I am certain you have distress and sorrow as well.
What do you think, Princess?
Do you understand how the prince felt when he died a wrongful death?
Your Highness, I do not understand what you mean?
I will not lose my son so helplessly as I lost my husband, Princess.
You said that the deceased War Minister came to you and confessed everything to you?
So, the next time someone who is trying to entrap the prince comes to you,
deliver these words for me.
There is nothing I will not do for the prince.
Today I merely speak words, but no one knows what I may do next.
Your Highness...
- Let us leave. - Yes, Your Highness.
Your Highness!
Crown Princess, you dare to threaten me?
You have lost a lot of weight since I saw you last.
You must have a lot of worries.
No, Your Majesty.
You asked to see me for the first time. I was surprised.
So what is it that brings you here?
I have come to make a fervent request of you, Your Majesty.
What did you say? The Crown Princess met directly with His Majesty?
Yes, she asked him to exert his authority to support the prince.
So that nothing like the previous incident can happen again.
So what did His Majesty say?
He told her to not worry and comforted the Crown Princess.
He told her that he already has a plan to make the country support the prince.
- Summon the Minister of Personnel. - Yes, Your Majesty.
Your Highness, it was not like you to see His Majesty.
The ministers will not be pleased that a woman is interfering in politics.
No, Uncle. I will no longer sit quietly because I fear their anger.
- Your Highness! - What have we gained from doing that?
We let them kill the Crown Prince and allowed them to threaten the prince.
I was foolish to think that not doing anything was protecting the prince.
It is our fault for not being to protect the prince, Your Highness.
Hong Bong Han - Yi San's maternal grandfather
I am certain the princess is just a pawn in this.
There will be others that we don't suspect who is trying to kill the prince.
I will no longer leave the matter in just your hands.
I will guard my son myself.
Have you heard that the Crown Princess asked to meet with His Majesty?
Yes, Your Majesty.
When a silent one speaks, people will listen carefully.
And to add to that, His Majesty feels that he owes her a great debt.
If the Crown Princess decides she will involve herself, His Majesty may be influenced by her.
Tell Minister Hong In Han to take care of the Crown Princess.
- Do you hear me? - Yes, Your Majesty.
- What has happened to the army? - They will not be remobilized, Your Majesty.
Not remobilized?
The surviving army soldiers and the new recruits...
have been enlisted in the Royal Army.
An army will always be noticed.
But if we disguise them and use them in the Royal Army,
they can be hidden easily and also have more access to the prince.
- I did not realize you had such a good plan. - I am honored, Your Majesty.
I will leave everything in your hands.
- Do not disappoint me. - Do not worry, Your Majesty.
Now that the princess is under suspicion,
you will also be under scrutiny.
It will be better for you if you stay away for a while.
- Is it her will? - No.
It is mine.
The prince attacked you with a mere dagger,
but you gave up the hunt and relinquished to him the prey.
You have failed here. It will take a great success for you to make up for it.
That is the only way you and the princess will be able to save face.
Does that mean that when the opportunity comes, you will give it to me?
Of course.
The No Ron faction needs you.
I will help whoever I need.
They say you see the clearest sky only after torrential rains.
Although it brought you much suffering,
it was revealed that there are those who are trying to harm you.
What will you do now?
I think that we should bury it for now.
Why do you think so?
Even I come forth now, we will not be able to reveal everyone.
And even if we take a few and punish them,
there will always be those who oppose your will.
That's right. That is politics.
It is not something a king can do by himself.
There must always be those who oppose the king.
And there must always be those who protect and support the king.
Now you must find men who support you.
Do not forget.
Keep your enemies around you.
But make sure to plant those who can show you the path next to them.
- Do you understand? - Yes, Your Majesty, I understand.
This is a list of Royal Guards that must be dismissed.
All of these men were sent here by Royal Secretary Jung.
You must replace them for your safety and future.
And there is something else.
What is it?
There is a fellow named Park Dae Su who helped reveal the location of the army.
Do you know of him?
How do you know him?
I met him when I was teaching students studying for the Military Exam.
His loyalty to you was second to none.
We need a guard who will protect you with his life.
What do you think of using him as a Royal Guard?
I met him as well, and he told me he would be taking the examination.
His combat skills are good, but his verse is poor.
I doubt he will be able to pass.
- Is that so? - Yes.
I know what you saying,
but I cannot break the rules regarding the examination.
- But... - Look here.
If you feel so strongly, why don't you think of something?
What?
What do you think? How can you get him to pass?
If you ask me, I will tell him to cheat.
Cheat?
Yes, there are men who will take the exam in your place.
Some students give them great sums of money to take the exam in their stead.
So, it's by any means necessary...?
Forgive me, Your Highness.
It's unfortunate, but I will not tolerate special favors nor cheating.
So think of another way.
If you wish to become my advisor, you must think of another way that suits me.
While you make that boy into a Royal Guard,
I will make those men out there into my army, and restore the prince's fallen honor.
I will not disappoint you, so will you give it a try?
You're still here?
Sir!
Take your books and come with me.
- What? - Why do you have so many books?
Sir! Sir!
What is all this?
These are the treatises on military tactics and strategy.
You told me I had to master all of these to pass.
Dumb fellow. What does it mean to master something?
It means to understand the essentials.
You have to understand the summary of them, not to memorize these books!
There are six configurations to Earth's geography.
You can memorize them like so.
~ Recites verse ~
You're amazing! How can you memorize it so easily?
Why don't you give it a try?
~ Tries to recite verse ~
You really are dumb.
Helping you pass will be more difficult than being promoted!
Forgive me, Sir.
No, this has become a challenge.
We'll start from the beginning, so open your book.
Yes, Sir.
His Highness, the prince is approaching.
You men are half-hearted as usual.
Let's go. Let us practice archery again.
No need to look so worried. Today we will only shoot 20 rounds.
We were so abused last time that we don't even bat an eye at 20 rounds.
We can do 20 rounds with our eyes closed now.
Now now, let us all go!
We have been practicing hard so let us surprise the prince! Let's go!
You have hit the target ten arrows more than before.
- Well done. - Thank you, Your Highness!
- My Lord! - What? A Bureau damo?
Yes. When you asked me last time to look into the reason why the prince dispatched the police,
I knew it was because he was looking for a girl but did not know the reason why.
So you're saying that girl is a damo at the Bureau of Painting?
Yes, it looks that way.
The prince summoned a damo to the Palace recently,
and that damo was found to be living in the same house as that fellow who found the army.
That fellow... He looked like he knew the prince.
Yes, they both seem to have met the prince previously.
The prince and a Bureau damo...?
How interesting...
The orders are coming in, but there is only one genius of erotica.
I really should try and get an assistant.
What are you doing?
What else would I be doing? I was organizing the waste paper.
The novice artists are supposed to be learning how to draw portraits and you're the teacher!
Why are you just sitting here?
- That's right! The lesson! - Leave the paper and go teach!
This is driving me crazy! I'm going to have to draw these again!
Gather over here.
The most important thing in portraits is lines.
Light and thin lines are drawn with fragile wrist. Now watch me draw.
Now, thick and bold lines must have pressure.
Now give it a try.
You have a talent for portraits.
Thank you, Sir!
And his eyes tells me that he likes things potent.
What?
- Do you want to work with me? - What?
Potent...!
Oh... that's not it.
- How dare you? - No, nothing! Please forgive me.
Light and thin strokes with fragile wrist...
Thick and bold strokes must have pressure...
In China, women can be artists and draw.
In my opinion, you have talent.
But why do you ignore your talent
and limit yourself because you are a Damo?
A female artist's drawings?
Yes, do you have any more books on paintings done by Chinese female artists?
I'm not sure. I have never heard of female artists.
- Let me look in the storage house. - Alright, thank you.
If you wish to find what you are searching for, you may want to try another bookshop.
Are you speaking to me, My Lord?
Do I look like I'm talking to myself?
Who else is here other than you?
Forgive me, My Lord!
Your book of paintings is by Yuh Sook Jin.
This book is difficult to obtain even for noblemen. How did you come across it?
I... I...
- Go to Gwangtonggyo. - What?
At the bookshop there, you will find a book of paintings by Jin Ga Jung, a female artist from China.
Thank you! Thank you, My Lord!
Alright. Thank your brother for me.
- Yes, My Lady. - Here, take this.
Thank you!
You investigated her? Why did you do such a thing?
How can you disrespect my orders?
Your Highness, please listen to what I have to say first.
If you still feel that I am wrong, then I will accept punishment!
According to Attendant Han, that girl Song Yeon...
She met Secretary Jung!
What?
Think about it, Your Highness!
It's strange that a mere damo would know the prince.
But now it's Secretary Jung Hu Gyum!
And who is Secretary Jung?
He is the adopted son of the princess who tried to frame His Highness!
There is something suspicious about her. She may be used by the prince's enemies!
That is not possible.
She is not someone who would do such a thing.
How can you read a person's mind?
We must find out and pull her out by the roots!
If we allow her to be near the prince, something terrible may happen!
Did you hear?
The prince is said to be with his Royal Guards like that everyday.
He should be spending time learning about politics and government affairs.
But he spends his time with his guards! How will the nation cope when he rules?
Let us go.
Please change sides next time, Your Highness.
You're always on the Red Team, so we always lose!
I'm sorry about that. I will use less force next time.
In any case, a bet is a bet, so as the losing team, you're all on night duty.
His Majesty, the prince approaches.
Welcome.
I summoned you for your opinion on something.
Show it to the prince.
What is this, Your Majesty?
You know that tomorrow the postponed Civil Examinations will commence.
That is the question for the verse portion.
What do you think of the question? Do you think it is suitable?
But why do you ask me such things, Your Majesty?
The judges will help the king to select the officials.
Since the men that are selected will be with you longer than myself,
should you not be consulted?
So, tell me.
My opinion is...
This question regarding the 'Devotion to parents in Yo & Soon period' is not suitable.
Then what question would you suggest?
If it were me, I would ask how to replace the corrupt officials of the six ministries.
Presently, the Ministry of Personnel picks officials based on personal requests.
The Ministry of Taxation is responsible for the economy and yet they charge exorbitant taxes
without regard to the people and causes their misery.
Hungry bellies increase day by day,
and those that are wrongly imprisoned have no way to prove their innocence.
Ruling the country with honor and virtue is now considered laughable.
With a question like this, there will arise sharp and biting criticisms of the government.
As politics depend on the men who run it, let us give this question to the young scholars
and see if they have any alternative solutions to our backward traditions and corrupt ways.
What do the ministers think?
I agree with the prince's suggestion.
A king must always know what his people need.
Well done.
Uncle!
What is Dae Su doing?
He said he had to study and hasn't come out since this morning.
I have never seen him take something so seriously!
I think he'll really pass this time!
What's this?
They say lotus root is good for the brain. I'm going to feed it to him on the day of the exam.
It won't stay in my brain! It just won't!
What should I do?
They say to be stupid is to be a pig. I think they were thinking of you.
Sir!
These are five subjects the question might be on. You should memorize them.
Why are there three questions on battle strategies?
They said that this is rarely on the exam.
The new Ministry of War is a man who likes battle strategies.
That's why.
Do you think there really will be a question on this?
What if there isn't?
For a man, you worry a lot.
- Sir, why don't you tell me about this hole...? - No.
Not this time.
You told me last time to cheat! Why not now?
This is not only your test, but also mine.
But there is a no cheating rule.
What?
So, how is Dae Su doing?
According to Dal Ho, he is cooped up in his room trying to memorize his books.
I hope he does well on the military exams.
If you're so worried, do you want to go see him?
No. If I go, he'll feel more pressure.
~ Recites Sun Tzu's The Art of War ~
Are you sure this talisman is going to work?
Do you think everyone's a swindler?
This is from a noble lady's house whose three sons passed with top marks with this!
Thank you! I'll repay this favor!
You're just going to leave?
Then what?
- Nothing. Go! - What's wrong with you?
Well! He's leaving after just holding my hand?
Is he really a man or what?
I have to pass!
The three of you will go with Artist Yi to the military examinations.
The rest of you will go with me to the civil examinations.
- Now, let us hurry. Let's go. - Yes, Sir.
The prince approaches!
Your Highness...
Winner!
What's that? How does he know Song Yeon?
He's a friend who lives in the same house with her.
Is that so?
May I confirm the question for the Military Examinations?
Here it is.
Thank you.
I was right. The question is on battle strategy.
Where is that Dae Su?
Dae Su! Dae Su!
What's wrong with you?
Did you not get the question that your tutor said you would?
No, it came out...
Then why do you look like that?
What? So you couldn't finish it?
Yes, I didn't have enough time. I memorized everything but that one!
And it was that one that came out!
I knew it! How could you think you could be a military officer?
I wrote something. I'm just not sure if it's correct.
You worked hard to teach me. Please forgive me, Sir.
- What do you need forgiveness for? - I... I may not pass.
No need to be forgiven for that. You will most definitely pass.
I will do whatever I can to make it happen.
What?
- I must get something and confirm it. - What? Confirm what?
It's not for you to know. I have to take care of it.
Although it's about you, it's also about me.
I found that he lacked just five marks.
He didn't make the list just by a few names.
Are you alright, Your Highness?
I know that you wanted Dae Su to join the Royal Guard.
Yes I did, but Dae Su will be more disappointed than I.
He probably worked harder than everyone else.
That is the bowtip I have been using.
I used it to exhibit my skills to hundreds of my Royal Guards. It will be of help to you.
I wanted to pass so that I could become a Royal Guard...
What do you mean? There was cheating on the exam?
It is as you heard.
A group of men collectively cheated on the exam.
- What? - Look at this.
This is this year's exam question, and these are documents found on some of these men.
The prince has specifically insisted on this.
He told me to tolerance neither cheating nor favors.
Who are you saying cheated on this exam?
Tell me the specifics of your accusation!
Official Im Hyung Bok's son, Im Do Hyun.
Associate Commander Park Byung Suk's son, Park Jung Suk.
Official Ha Sung Woo's grandson, Ha Young Suk.
Official Hwang Pil Soon's son-in-law, Yang Hyuk Jin.
Official Hwang Pil Soon distributed these documents to the four men five days ago.
No, I cannot disqualify these men just based on your word.
I have already sent the list of candidates to the Minister of Personnel.
Do you have specific evidence of this cheating?
Of course I do. Look at this letter from Official Hwang Pil Soon.
As a Royal Tutor of the Office of the Crown Prince, I have received the prince's order
to monitor cheating on this examination.
As this is express order of the prince,
as an officer of the Ministry of Personnel, you must confirm the details of this.
Or are you saying that you will not obey His Highness' orders?
What?
What is your relationship with that young man you live with?
Is he your betrothed?
Who...? Are you talking about Dae Su?
- His name is Dae Su? - Yes.
He's not my betrothed.
Dae Su and I are childhood friends.
Really? So you're not like that with him, right?
Of course! But why do you ask?
Oh, nothing. Anyway, you don't need to hurry.
What?
- So did he pass? - What?
That Dae Su.... I think the list is out.
Did he pass?
Really? The list is out already?
Your Highness, Royal Tutor Hong Gook Young is here.
Welcome.
They say the list is already out. Don't you want to go see?
Why should I go and confirm that he failed?
But you never know...
Never know what? It was not to be from the start.
Does a chicken become a pheasant if it jumps?
Does a worm become a dragon if it squirms?
- Where is Dae Su now? - I don't know.
He's probably drinking somewhere.
Excuse me! Please excuse me!
Oh my!
Which fool just walked by without apology after he knocked into me?
What? Fool?
That's right, fool! What else would you be, a genius?
This bastard wants to die today! Are you done talking?
Yes, I'm done talking. So what?
You little...!
Dae Su!
- Song Yeon! - You dummy! What are you doing here?
What if they kick you out for getting drunk and fighting!
Kick me out?
Dae Su, your name was on the list! You passed!
What?
What do you mean? Dae Su passed the exam?
That is not possible. I saw the list of candidates last night.
On that list, Park Dae Su wasn't included.
That was because it was the interim list that you saw.
But this morning, the list was changed.
How could that have happened?
I told you before that there were often groups of men who collectively cheated.
Do you remember, Your Highness?
Yes, I remember. But I told you specifically not to use such methods.
How could I disobey you?
All I did was reveal the ones who broke the law by cheating on the exam.
After the four men were disqualified, Dae Su was next in the list and thus passed.
But in order to disqualify these men,
I had to use your name. Please forgive me.
But all I did was to reiterate your opinion regarding just and fair selection of candidates.
There was nothing else added to it.
Are you telling me that Dae Su passed the exam in all fairness?
Yes, Your Highness.
I can tell you now in honesty
that asking me to help Dae Su pass was asking me to pluck stars from the sky.
- Was it? - Yes.
In any case, I have accomplished my task and punished those who have broken the law.
I am quite satisfied. What do you think, Your Highness?
Look, Dae Su! That's your name!
Oh, it's true! It's really true!
That's Dae Su's name!
Park... Dae... Su!
Uncle, do you see this? It's my name.
Song Yeon, do you see this? I passed!
I'm now a military officer!
I see your name, Dae Su! I see it!
I did it, Song Yeon! I passed the Military Examinations!
Now I can become a Royal Guard and guard the prince!
Dae Su...!
But why do I keep crying like a fool?
I should be laughing!
I keep crying...!
He's my nephew! He's my nephew, Park Dae Su!
Come out to the training ground.
They will be handing out certificates for the Royal Guard candidates.
Dae Su! Dae Su!
His Highness the prince approaches!
Your Highness...
The certificate is typically given out by myself, the Advisor of the Office of the Crown Prince.
But today, the prince has come to hand them out directly to you himself.
- Let us begin. - Yes, Your Highness.
Come up when your names are called.
3rd Lieutenant Kim Dong Shik's son, Kim Chang Moo.
Royal Guard, Right Division.
Royal Guard, Right Division, Kim Chang Moo.
- I am entrusting you with my safety. - I am honored, Your Highness!
9th Division Lieutenant Yim Kyung Rak's son, Yim Jung Ju.
Royal Guard, Left Division.
Royal Guard, Left Division, Yim Jung Ju.
- I am entrusting you with my safety. - I am honored, Your Highness!
Next, Officer of the 9th order, Park Dae Su!
Royal Guard, Woosema.
Royal Guard, Woosema, Park Dae Su.
I am entrusting you with my safety.
Use your utmost effort and help me.
Yes, Your Highness.
I will guard you with my life until the day I die.