Episode 22
This is Chilpae, Your Highness. It is known to be the busiest peddler market.
How can this be?
Let's go.
You men, go now and find out what is happening here.
You must find out why the products are coming in and who is blocking them. Do you understand?
Yes, Sir.
- What should I do, My Lord? - You must do something covertly for me.
- Yes, Sir. Give me your orders. - Listen to me carefully.
- How is everything going? - It is all going smoothly as planned.
And the prince? How is he responding to all of this?
He will be in distress as to how to get himself out of this situation.
Well done. This should be enough to show the prince's incompetence to Father.
Not only will he take back his order for the prince to rule,
but the prince's right to the throne will also be questioned.
It is not over yet.
That's right. We must take it to the end.
Let me know if there is anything you need. If you need money, you can ask Oh Yoon Suk.
And if you need the government to be involved, I will help you.
- Begin the next phase. - Yes, My Lord.
You must move in absolute silence. Everything depends on how discreet you are.
Don't allow them to suspect anything.
Yes, My Lord. I will heed your words.
Go and monitor the movements of Secretary Jung's men.
If my intuition is right, everything is being controlled by Secretary Jung.
Go and find out who he meets and what he is planning.
Chilpae is not as bad as Mapo, Songpa and Sogang. The peddlers there have been ruined!
How could ships not be delivering goods!
I have lived a long time and have never seen such a thing!
- Has something happened somewhere? - No.
Nothing has happened anywhere.
Everything will be fine, so do not worry.
The ships will be in tomorrow, I'm sure.
- What did you find? - In Hamgyung and Kangwon provinces,
the merchant clans have purchased all the goods.
The same has happened in Songpa.
Since four days ago, they have been paying twice the usual price and have taken all the goods.
What did you say? Four days ago?
Yes, Sir.
The people who were blocking the entry to the Capital were the merchant clans.
It is the same case for both Euimoongak and Gurogae.
They have been buying all the goods at twice the usual price since four days ago.
- Four days ago? - Yes.
When they were burning their goods, they must have purchased these then.
What does that mean?
They burnt their own goods but paid twice for new ones?
They are committed to preventing this reform from happening.
They possess incredible amounts of money. We should expected something like this.
That is not what is important here.
A shortage of salt and firewood will cause serious problems for the people.
Apart from the high prices, the people will not be able to eat or live.
They are risking the people's lives for their own sakes!
Minister, go through the War Ministry to release the grain in the warehouse to prevent a famine.
Also have them release the reserve timber to provide firewood for the people.
Yes, Your Highness.
As for the rest, talk to the traveling peddlers and Gaesong merchants
- and find a way to solve the problem. - Yes.
Your Highness, traveling peddlers and Gaesong merchants?
What do you mean by that?
The merchants from Gaesong and the traveling peddlers have no connections to the capital.
They travel freely across the country and trade goods in complete freedom.
And based on what some of the peddlers told me, they trade in the capital as well.
The merchant clans will not have been able to influence them as of yet.
If they can enter the Capital freely, they will help the people of Hanyang.
Do you think that the Gaesong merchants and the traveling peddlers will be of any help?
They travel alone and trade in small amounts.
Even if they agree to help, it will not change things drastically.
But I think that it is worth a try.
Even though they are scattered all across the country, they number over a thousand.
And they are known for their swift communication systems.
If we can enlist them, there will be a solution.
You have come all the way here to tell me that the folding screen will not be ready on time?
I know that there is a shortage of paper and pigment at the Bureau at the moment.
Please forgive us, Your Highness.
And there is something else I have to inform you.
May we continue to allow this girl to finish the folding screen?
Of course.
I wish to see her talent for myself. Please go ahead.
- You are truly gracious, Your Highness! - You are truly gracious, Your Highness.
I have something to discuss with the girl. Will you leave us first, Official Park?
Yes, Your Highness. I will take my leave first.
- Prepare some refreshments. - Yes, Your Highness.
I heard that you won the right to become a Royal Artist at the competition.
- You have made a great accomplishment. - It was only because His Highness helped me.
Yes. Only the prince could have done so.
If it weren't for the prince, who would have ever thought a Damo could become an artist?
Do not disappoint the prince's expectations of you.
I will heed your words, Your Highness.
I hope that this child's painting will take effect so that you may become pregnant, Your Highness!
You say such things...
If you have a child, it will bring great strength to the prince!
- Don't you agree? - Yes, I feel the same way.
I will pray for you to conceive a child.
Thank you.
You! Consider yourself fortunate!
What?
The princess has a gentle and kind disposition. If it were anyone else, you'd be dead!
What do you mean by that...?
Are you naive or just pretending to be?
Don't you know what I'm talking about?
Leave us!
You! Listen to me carefully!
There was such a commotion to make you, a mere Damo, into an artist.
And how much opposition did that cause the prince!
Have you ever thought of how the princess felt?
You must think the prince is your friend because he thinks of you as such.
You know how foolish that is, right?
How could I dare to consider the prince my friend?
I most certainly do not.
In any case, I'm watching you, so be careful!
You may leave now!
This is really serious!
It's fine if we don't have the other products, but we need paper and pigment!
I agree with you! But nothing is coming in to the Capital at the moment!
This is all because of the prince's so-called reforms.
That's right.
But if it works out, then it'll be good for everyone!
Good?
The poor peasants will be able to live well and it is also good for us low-level artists!
Don't you agree, Sir?
How can you be so simple? Good for what?
What does the prince know about the Bureau?
We've been made to suffer because of him!
Good afternoon.
Go and continue your work!
You're a Damo that paints now.
Should you be lowering yourself to do things like this?
- What? - Make the others do it, and focus on painting!
Those fellows are so small-minded. You should just be patient, Song Yeon.
I expected this anyway. I'm alright.
You're so sturdy. Oh, what is Park Dal Ho up to nowadays?
I have something to discuss with him.
He is a bit preoccupied because of the peddlers.
Is that so? That's not good.
- What is the matter? - I wanted to discuss an opportunity with him.
Sir.
How do you draw this?
Since Song Yeon has talent, do you think you have some too?
I just...
Song Yeon is a better artist than me, so learn from Song Yeon.
- That's right. You should teach us. - Me? How could I?
But you'll be better than us anyway. We want to learn, but no one will teach us.
- If you don't want to, then it's fine. - It's not that.
Will you wait a moment?
You want to teach the Damos?
Yes, Sir. Some of them want to learn how to paint.
But no one will teach them. I know you are worried about my poor talent.
- But I can teach them... - I am not worried about your talent.
The Bureau artists are already watching you closely.
If you start to teach the Damos how to paint,
there will be more opposition.
Sir, if I feared their opposition, I would never have started this.
If that's how you feel, then I am glad.
Alright then. Give it a try.
Thank you, Sir!
There are a lot of complaints about the prince's reforms in the Bureau.
If you do well here, it will help our Bureau.
Don't treat this as your own problem, and do your utmost.
Yes, Sir.
Not even a mouse in sight!
Oh my! What is all this?
What do you mean what is this? It's firewood!
But there are no firewood in the market! Where did you get it?
I went to Mt. Samgak to get it! Let me rest a while before I go back again.
People are waging war there for firewood!
- So you got all this just for me? - You don't have wood to light a fire, do you?
Mak Soon, why are you crying?
I'm crying because I'm happy!
It's so sturdy having a man with you!
Mak Soon!
- Lady! Give us two soup and rice! - Welcome!
- Give us two bowls! - Yes, Sir!
Don't go anywhere. Have a hot bowl of soup before you go!
I told you I have to go up there again. That won't last very long.
So what? If we don't have firewood,
all we have to do is hug each other close at night!
What does it say?
It's saying that the prince's reforms have caused this mess!
It's true! He tried to punish the merchants, but ended up making the people suffer!
Did you hear the news yesterday?
The rice merchant refused to sell rice for four times the price!
- What? - Excuse me! Where did you hear this news?
That...! What crazy fools are spreading this vicious gossip!
What are you looking at? Go! Go away!
Those crazy fools!
- Make sure you put them in all parts of the city! - Yes, My Lord!
Gather the people to Honganmun by the Hour of the Snake (9-11am).
Give them each a few penny and you'll be able to gather hundreds of people easily.
Yes, My Lord.
His Highness, the Prince!
Secretary Jung, why are there no petitions for me to review today?
Forgive me, Your Highness, but there are no petitions today.
What do you mean?
There were only one type of petitions that came in today.
They were all about the paralyzed economy of the Capital.
Presently in the Capital, it is not only grain and firewood,
but even the prices of medicine have increased dramatically.
Because of this, the people's lives are miserable and their complaints have increased!
Do not use the people to make your argument, Secretary Jung.
Is this all not because the merchants have been blocking the entry of goods into the Capital?
Your Highness, how could you suggest that?
Government is supported by the confidence of the people.
The reason why the suppliers have stopped coming to the Capital,
is because they are trading with merchants in Songdo, Naju, Kyungju and Jeonju.
If this continues on, the economy of the Capital will be paralyzed forever.
And the government will be blamed for it.
So you must reverse the legalization of the peddlers and persuade the Woonjongga merchants to reopen.
Are you suggesting that the legalization of the peddlers is the reason for this problem, Minister?
Your Highness, everything is now completely obvious.
Although you legalized the peddlers for the sake of the people,
how can you not see the miserable state of the people now?
Is that how you all feel?
Is the current problem not because for the past few hundred years,
the merchant clans have abused their
trade rights to monopolize the economy in the Capital?
The merchants have all boycotted the economy,
and yet there are no laws to prosecute them.
Because of their refusal to cooperate,
the shipment of goods into the Capital have been blocked.
How could a few merchant clans shake the nation's economy to this state?
How could this travesty happen?
I will not allow the merchant clans to continue this outrage.
Fine. If you Ministers will not do anything,
then I will find a way to bring in the goods to the Capital.
Do you hear me?
- Your Highness, the economy has been paralyzed! - You must persuade the prince to change his mind!
- If it continues, the economy may collapse! - You must correct the prince's thinking!
I disagree with you, Father.
Think about the situation the prince was in.
He did not have His Majesty's favor and had no power to do anything.
Not only that, his enemies came into the palace and tried to assassinate him in his own chamber.
I believe that even if the prince is making a mistake,
he must show them his resolve.
He must show them that he is not weak.
Your color has returned and your vitality has increased, Father!
Yes, I think so too.
Have you heard about what is happening in the Capital?
The people's murmuring is growing louder.
Will you continue holding your silence?
What is your opinion?
I think the prince is right, but he is going about it the wrong way.
Father, reform cannot happen in a day.
If you ask me to be honest, I am uneasy.
Why is that so?
The prince has begun great changes from the moment he started his rule.
Is that not a challenge to the way you have ruled the country?
If he truly respects you, he should not be doing this.
Secretary Jung is doing a fine job.
There will soon be an end to this, Your Majesty.
- Minister. - Yes, Your Majesty.
I trust that you and Secretary Jung will handle this matter.
The important thing is what happens afterwards.
Now that all the government officials see what the prince intends to do,
they should now truly understand why he has to be decrowned.
It is now time to think about who will enter the Eastern Palace after he has been decrowned.
Go and bring my brother in Pyongyang.
What? They're gathering the people to Honganmun tomorrow?
Yes, that's what I heard. They are going to give money to the people to gather them.
So that's how they plan on controlling the people.
I almost died of fury while following them! I wanted to go up there and strangle them!
- Did you say the Hour of the Snake? - Yes.
Alright. Well done.
- What will you do? - We must stop them.
People are easily manipulated.
If they cause an uproar, it will affect the prince.
We must stop them before the hundreds become thousands.
Give this to the Chief of the Prefecture.
Tell him that the situation must not be aggravate, and that he must do as it is written.
Yes, Sir.
- Alright. Tell him I will do so. - Yes, Sir.
What does it say?
It is as you said. There will be a gathering of people tomorrow
so it is instructions to be prepared.
Disperse the crowd quietly. Do not let anyone be harmed.
Ignore this letter.
But My Lord...!
I told you I would guarantee your future.
Must I remind you yet again?
You must aggravate the situation.
You must create violence.
Do you understand?
The destiny of our embattled government rests on you.
This is all for the betterment of our nation. Do not forget that.
Well done. Hong Gook Young has not figured it out.
I'm glad. I was worried that he would find out this was a trap.
When you have a hammer in your hand, all your problems become nails.
He will not be able to find a way out of this.
It will all be over tomorrow. The prince will be ruined by his own advisor.
And in addition, Hong Gook Young will be removed from the picture completely.
- Where were you? - I had something to take care of.
- Where is the reserve grain? - The ship will arrive tomorrow.
We will distribute them to the people for five yang for a sack,
first to the peddlers in Yiyun, Chilpae, and Mapo.
Five yang is too much. Sell it for four yang and use my personal money for the rest.
Your Highness, the princess is here.
The princess?
- Your Highness. - What brings you here at this late hour?
Actually, we requested the princess to come here.
- You did? - Yes, Your Highness.
You have not slept in your chambers for three days.
You must go and get some rest tonight, Your Highness.
- Look here, Official Nam... - He is right, Your Highness.
It is also your duty to protect your own health.
But how could you use the princess?
You are not one to listen to us.
I thought you would be forced to rest if the princess requested it.
We will take care of the rest, so please go and get some rest.
You are our leader, Your Highness.
Please think of us and our faith in you, and guard your own health, Your Highness.
I must have done an unnecessary thing.
I was concerned for your health too, and when they approached me,
I did as they requested.
Please forgive my indiscretion, Your Highness.
Please don't say that. How could I not understand your concern for me?
- Your Highness... - I knew I had to return to my chambers,
but I was afraid I would not be able to sleep.
Your Highness...
A long time ago, His Majesty told me that being a ruler was a fearsome thing.
He told me that a king can save or kill thousands of people with his mouth or his hands.
I started all of this to save the people,
but I am fearful that my inability will cause them to suffer.
Please don't say that, Your Highness!
- Princess... - I have also heard the cries of the people.
But how can anyone say that you are adding to their suffering?
You are doing this to ease their suffering.
It hurts when you apply medicine to a wound.
Sometimes it hurts so much you cry out.
But a mother will not stop applying the medicine because of those cries.
Because she knows that it will heal her child.
I am certain that the people will soon understand
your intention as you apply the medicine to their wounds.
Princess...
Aren't you leaving?
Please go ahead. I don't think I can sleep even I go back.
Why? Is something wrong?
Something big is happening at Honganmun tomorrow.
Something big?
If that's true, then shouldn't we go and arrest the organizers?
It's better if the Prefecture handles it.
Oh, is that so?
- You're using your head now! - If it were me, I would have fought them!
It's not my idea, but Inspector Hong.
Of course it was... I knew it wouldn't be you!
What is this? What's going on?
- What are they going to do? - Strike them!
Why... why are they doing that?
Please don't kill me!
Those crazy fools! They can't do that!
What did you say? People were killed and injured?
- A strike? - The peasants had gathered at Honganmun.
The Prefecture received orders to strike back at them.
Hundreds of men were injured and a few were killed.
How could the Prefecture do such a thing?
I never received such reports! Who ordered them to strike the people?
Minister!
It was Inspector Hong, Your Highness.
What did you just say?
It is said that he used his authority as Inspector to order the Prefecture soldiers to strike the people.
- What? - That's right.
That cannot be! I specifically ordered them to disperse them quietly!
What do we do now, Sir?
The Capital is completely in chaos because of it!
Everyone is saying that the prince ordered the soldiers to kill all the people...!
- I've been tricked! - Sir!
- I fell for their trap! - Was it really you?
Speak! Was it really you that ordered the soldiers to strike back at the people?
- Your Highness...! - I asked you a question!
Please forgive me, Your Highness!
You're mad! You've gone mad!
- Your Highness...! - Do you know what you have done?
It was a fabricated riot. Secretary Jung paid men to gather them!
- I found out, and ordered them to... - Silence!
How could you have ordered them to swing their clubs at the innocent peasants?
Your Highness, that...
Your Highness! Your Highness!
The Grand Palace has summoned you, Your Highness.
Do you realize what you have done? The prince will have to take full responsibility!
What were you thinking?
I thought it could be settled quietly. This is all my fault.
It was foolish. It was foolish and stupid!
Even sincerity would have been difficult to solve this problem.
So how could you let something like this happen?
I heard that Inspector Hong of the Office of the Inspector General gave these orders.
Why was that so?
Why did you allow him to give those orders?
I asked you a question!
This is all my fault, Your Majesty.
Hong Gook Young is under my orders.
I gave him the position of Inspector, and gave him the authority to handle all investigations.
You mean to say you allowed him to do this?
Foolish boy!
What is the use of doing a hundred things right?
What is the use of a thousand good intentions?
A man has no right to be king if he does not care about the welfare of his people!
- I won't be able to come home for a while. - I really don't know what is going on.
The whole country is going crazy!
How is the prince? Is he doing alright?
How could he be alright?
All the Ministers have raised petitions to remove him from his rule.
I feel so helpless and wronged. He did this for poor people like us!
But I'm worried that his good intentions have landed him in big trouble.
He worked so hard up to now!
We risk our lives to entreat you, Your Majesty.
We can no longer sit back and allow the prince to ruin our country!
Please take back the right to rule and save the people from ruin!
We entreat you, Your Majesty! We entreat you, Your Majesty!
Why are you still outside at this hour, Your Highness?
But since the palace is so noisy, I am sure you cannot sleep.
I came out myself because of the noise.
- Let us go. - Yes, Your Highness.
You must be so worried.
The late Crown Prince had a similar reaction when he ruled in His Majesty's stead for a while.
How ironic that the prince seems to be stepping in the same path as the late Crown Prince?
Princess, how dare you say such things?
Oh, did I offend you?
I am merely concerned about the prince and your welfare.
Do not worry yourself, Princess. I will not allow this to happen twice.
- Well done. - Please forgive us, Your Majesty.
But it is not yet over, Your Majesty.
Unless there is an order to take back the prince's right to rule, we cannot let our guard down.
That's correct. Therefore, all of you here must now act.
The six ministries and all the offices will do their utmost to change His Majesty's mind.
We must reverse all the decisions that the prince made while he was in rule.
You must show His Majesty that the government and the people
have turned their backs on the prince.
- Do you hear me? - Yes, Your Majesty.
So what is going to happen to our lessons? Will we not be able to learn?
- They want to chase Song Yeon out! - I used all my money to buy brushes!
- You're all here! - Song Yeon! You're in trouble!
The Bureau Artists and the novices have all stood up against you.
They said that if the Bureau continues to include you in the lessons, they will all resign!
What?
Please remove Song Yeon from the lessons!
It is not only the Artists that teach the lessons, but even the novices feel that way.
How can you who create art be so stubborn and backwards?
Will you throw away your duty as an artist just to chase away a Damo?
Don't you know what is happening, Sir?
Everything that the prince has done in the past few months are being reviewed.
But why is the Bureau the only place that is accepting the prince's reform?
Making a girl an artist...!
That was never appropriate with the Bureau's customs.
So we will reverse that decision as well!
I will not do so, Sir.
Forgive me, but I cannot accept your decision.
What did you just say, you wench! How dare you interrupt us!
It was the prince who initiated this,
but it was all of you that gave me the condition of placing in the competition to become an artist.
So if you're going to take back on your word, then give me a good reason.
What? A good reason?
You're a female and a low-born Damo.
What other reason do you need?
No, I need more reasons than that.
You promised to recognize my talent even though I was female and a Damo.
But how can you state those reasons again to take that right away?
Fine, if you want to be an Artist so badly, then do this too.
- Sir! - You can't just like that.
A Bureau artist should be at the Bureau!
What is the use of being at a Bureau that mocks its own Artists?
Even if I'm not here, this wench will do it all, so why should I worry!
Hey, Artist Tak! Artist Tak!
You should be understanding.
He was upset when he lost to you at the competition.
He may be a bit small-minded, but he's not a bad fellow.
No, I'm alright, Sir.
With time, Artist Tak will come to accept things, so just be patient.
But how can he just leave like that! We have to finish the maps by tomorrow!
And I've got so much work too!
- The prince is looking for me? - Yes, go to the Eastern Palace right now.
Yes, Sir.
Your Highness, Royal Guard of the 9th Order, Park Dae Su is here to see you.
- Let him enter. - Yes, Your Highness.
Welcome, Dae Su. Come and sit.
Your Highness, you don't look well.
- Are you eating well? - Yes, don't worry about me.
Your Highness...
I asked for you because I have a request of you.
- A request? - Yes.
What is it, Your Highness? Give me your orders.
Red and white pigment? Why do you ask?
Artist Tak was working on a map for tomorrow,
but he just left.
I thought I would finish it for him.
- You know how to draw maps too? - Oh, just a little.
Leave it! They're all out to get you!
Why do you want to help them?
They left without finishing their work, so they should bear full responsibility!
But it all happened because of me. The Bureau must not be criticized because of me.
It's no use anyway. We're out of white and red pigment.
- Really? - All of our suppliers have closed up shop.
I doubt we have any left in our inventory.
- Can we use this? - Hey! That's mine!
This is blush! Can't we use this instead of red pigment?
Yes, that's right. And that's powder too, right?
We can use that for white pigment!
Really? Hey, give it over.
- Give it here! - No, Chobi! This is expensive!
You're too young for make up!
Song Yeon has to succeed for the rest of us to have a chance at anything!
What? Us? I thought you weren't interested!
Oh, did I say us? I meant you!
What's wrong with me today?
We'll do the preparations for you, Song Yeon.
Thank you, all of you.
When you're done, can you teach us how to draw lines?
Alright.
- Uncle! - I'm here.
Your Highness!
- Is everyone here? - Yes.
You have suffered much.
Forgive me. This is all because of my unworthiness.
Please don't say that, Your Highness!
Please don't concern yourself with us low-born folks.
No. The reason why I asked to see you, was because I wanted to apologize to all of you.
You rallied and gave me your support. But because of my incompetence...
Things may become difficult.
I will try my utmost, but things may go back to how they used to be.
You must all be angry with me.
Forgive me.
Your Highness, please don't say such things. How could we be angry with you?
Although it was only for a few days, we were able to trade in freedom!
It was something we had only dreamt about!
So how could you say these things to us, Your Highness?
Now look...
Even if things go back, we will not blame you.
Although it was only for a few days, you made our lives worthwhile!
How could we ever forget that, Your Highness?
No, don't say that.
But I promise you this. I will fulfill that dream for you one day.
Next time, I will not allow it to be a dream that is over in a few days.
Your Highness!
Don't lay it flat like that. Glide it over the paper, like this.
- Am I doing it right? - Yes, well done!
Did you hear that?
How could this happen? I'm not only pretty, but talented!
Look here, Inspector Hong!
- Oh, you...! - Long time no see.
All of the prince's changes are being reversed one by one.
But there are many scholars like us who are saddened by this.
Is that so?
I used to criticize your presence at the Eastern Palace,
but now I've changed my mind.
I find myself wanting to serve a fine man like the prince.
- Are you sincere about this? - It's not just me. There are others.
Thank you. I will inform His Highness before my departure.
What? Your departure?
It's unfortunate, but it seems that I cannot fulfill our dreams together with you.
What? His Majesty has summoned the Ministers for an announcement?
Yes, that's what the Grand Internal Officer told me.
Your Majesty, the Right Secretary is here.
Let him enter.
Your Majesty! Have you been well?
Welcome.
His Majesty, the King!
You may sit.
Not too long ago, I sat here and ordered the prince to rule in my stead.
I announced that he will act as king and be responsible for all the matters of the state.
But the prince has shaken the nation with his inexperience.
And you Ministers did not help him, making the people suffer and be in distress.
I have come to realize that I cannot sit back and merely watch while this is happening.
Therefore, I will reverse my order to allow the prince to rule in my stead,
and take back all authority and power give to him as sovereign.
All the Ministers out there are alike! (Kim Gui Joo - Older Brother of Queen Jung Soon)
They know nothing about how to govern a nation.
How anxious you must have been, Your Majesty!
Do you know why I have summoned you, Older Brother?
Yes, you want me to assist in de-crowning the prince and to prepare a new heir to the throne.
Your Majesty, I will take control from now on. Please let down your worries!
I will put my faith in you, Older Brother.
How lonely you must have been!
I will serve you from now on, Your Highness! Leave everything to me!