- We must protest to His Majesty. - Yes, we cannot let this pass!
Don't you agree, Minister?
What are you doing here? All six ministries should be in meetings at this hour.
So why are you all here?
Why can't you answer me?
Forgive me, but how can we attend meetings when we have given up our duties?
What? Given up your duties?
- What do you mean by that? - We have all given our resignation, Your Majesty.
What did you just say?
- Minister! - We cannot watch government fall into chaos.
If you do not cancel the High Examinations, we will all resign from government.
Minister, you should have sent up a petition rather than a resignation!
- How can you disregard proper procedures? - It is not I but His Majesty who disregards procedures.
Ordering us to accept lowly men as colleagues is the same as telling us to resign!
Yes, you are right about that.
I did tell you that if you will not follow me, then leave government.
So if that is how you really feel, then I will not stop you.
But I will give you a final chance to reconsider before the day of the High Examinations.
So if you want to stay in government, you must come and see me.
The deadline is the Hour of the Dragon on the day of the examinations ten days away.
When that time passes, proceed with the handling of all resignations tendered.
Yes, Your Majesty.
Minister, did you see His Majesty's attitude towards us just now?
He has made up his mind!
He is not just trying to scare us. He is determined to kick us all out!
- That's right! - Calm yourselves.
Do you think we will leave government because he is acting this way? Not likely!
This nation may be able to exist without a king, but it cannot exist without a government!
Tell everyone in the six ministries and the three councils to support us.
The High Examinations are ten days away.
We must make His Majesty come to us before we go to him to take back our resignations!
- Do you all understand me? - Yes...
You mean all the ministers have handed in resignations in objection to His Majesty?
Yes, Your Majesty. But it's not just them.
Even the lesser officials have joined them in support and are handing in their resignations too.
Mother...!
The ministers are trying to corner His Majesty!
They are trying to shake him up!
Go and bring my Father here. We must stop them!
Yes, Your Highness.
- These are all the officials of Nam In and So Ron factions? - Yes, Your Majesty.
If we call back those who were sent away in exile, we can stop the government from collapse.
Call them back immediately so that government matters will not suffer.
Yes, Your Majesty.
How many resignations have been handed in?
There are over a hundred, Your Majesty.
Even the regional officials and city prefecture has joined in. The effect will be devastating.
I worry it may affect the people.
It is not enough to call back retired or exiled officials. You must think of another way!
What is that, Your Majesty?
It is a record of all areas of government that directly affect my people's livelihoods.
Use this as a guide to handle all urgent cases first.
It is a temporary measure, but it will prevent major trouble before the High Examinations.
They won't stand against me for long. Right now, they act like they will leave government.
The reason the scholars exist is because of government and its duties.
When they realize that is in danger, they will turn around.
This is a royal summons.
- Deliver this and escort them back immediately. - Yes, My Lord.
Please let us pass.
As you can see, we are in discussion. Go around the back if you need to enter.
Go around? This gentleman here is the Second Counselor!
- Let us go around them. - But Teacher...!
I said let's go around them.
Do you think you can disguise your dirty blood by wearing official's robes?
- That wretched...! - Don't do anything!
- But Teacher...! - The Counselor is right.
If we create a commotion, we will make His Majesty look bad.
Is this the first time you have been mocked? I know it's infuriating, but you must bear with it.
His Majesty is doing the same for us and for the government.
Let's go.
I got that off my chest!
We have all given our resignations, Your Majesty.
If you do not cancel the High Examinations, we will all resign from government.
- Let's turn back. - You're not even going to see His Majesty?
I did not come here to see His Majesty. There is somewhere else I want to go.
Song Yeon, something happened. Come out quickly.
What? What's wrong?
Her Majesty the Queen is outside!
The queen is at the Bureau? Is that really true?
Yes! She's outside with the officials!
Go outside, Song Yeon! The Lady Attendant said that she wanted to meet you!
- Why is she here to see Song Yeon? - I don't know!
- You're here. - Your Majesty!
Your Majesty...!
The time has come! Song Yeon is being made a concubine!
- A concubine? - Why else would the queen come here?
She is here to meet the future concubine in person!
Finally things turned into this way.
I doubted it but Song Yeon is really
- No, it may be not - No? What are you talking about?
She could have summoned Song Yeon to her! Why would she come here herself?
She's here to grab her by the hair!
- What? - Ridiculous! Do you know how elegant the queen is!
The queen is a woman too! She can't stand to have her man taken away!
And what about Song Yeon's status? How can a Bureau Damo become a royal concubine?
It's just so ridiculous!
Then are you saying that right now Song Yeon may be having her hair pulled out?
- That's going to hurt! - I'm sure you're wrong, Sir!
- She won't do that... - By her hair!
Like this...
Don't do that, Your Majesty!
This is where I work, Your Majesty.
This is where the artists and damos work together to produce paintings of events at the palace.
Indeed? So this is what the Bureau does.
I hope I haven't interrupted you at a busy time?
Not at all, Your Majesty!
That's good then.
Actually I wanted to come here a long time ago. I wanted to see how you worked.
I was curious to see how you got along with others.
That's why I came.
I could have sent someone else, but I wanted to see it for myself.
I wanted to see what kind of place the Bureau was for you.
I wanted to see if you could leave this place.
Your Majesty...
Forgive me, Your Majesty, but what do you mean by that?
What do you mean by if I could leave this place?
A royal concubine will be chosen shortly. And I will be selecting you as the royal concubine.
What?
A royal concubine...?
Come to the palace, Song Yeon. You must take care of the prince.
Your Majesty...!
His Majesty will always be walking a lonely and difficult road.
He will never rest and will keep moving forward.
And he will always be lonely.
I know that you can comfort him in times like that.
I know that you can fill His Majesty's heart where I could not.
Your Majesty...
Of course I won't force you against your will.
It will be a difficult decision for you as it will mean giving up your dream of being an artist.
But it would be nice if you will do what I ask.
It would be wonderful if you could be at His Majesty's side to comfort him.
- Let us go back. - Yes, Your Majesty.
Let me know when you've made a decision. But do not take too long.
I am Lady Yi from the Dowager Queen's palace. She has asked to see you.
- She wants to see me? - Yes, My Lord.
- Your Highness, Secretary Hong is here. - Let him in.
Welcome.
What did you just say, Your Highness? You want my sister to become a Royal Concubine?
Yes, that is what I would like. Please follow my wishes.
But Your Highness, I am a government official working closely with His Majesty.
- But if I become a royal relative... - Don't you understand?
I am giving you this proposal because you are His Majesty's most loyal subject.
I wanted to hold off for a while,
but I changed my mind when I saw the state of government at present.
This is a critical time in which power will be changing hands.
Who better to gain power than His Majesty's most loyal subject?
And that's not all. It is critical now for His Majesty to produce heirs.
An heir will make His Majesty's power and position on the throne more stable.
Of course if we do this, many others will object to you.
But I have faith that you will use your power and authority for His Majesty's sake.
So what of it? Can I put my faith in your loyalty and proceed with this?
Your Highness...
- Has anyone taken back their resignations? - No, not yet, Your Majesty.
The No Ron officials are more stubborn than expected. They will not change their minds easily.
Yes, just as I will not back down, they will not back down either.
How good it would be if there was a way to resolve this without such conflict?
I heard that the previous Personnel Minister Han Sung Gyu
and 2nd Industry Minister Park Hyun Woo have returned from their exile as Nam In members.
I would like to meet with them. Please arrange it.
Yes, Your Majesty!
The High Examinations is almost before us! What will we do if our resignations are processed?
What are you doing in this conference hall?
All of you here handed in your resignations to me three days ago!
So why are you here?
Have you taken back your resignations without my knowledge?
Leave this place immediately!
- Your Majesty...! - Didn't you hear me?
The conference room should only be used by officials who are employed by government!
What right do you have to be here when you have forfeited your duties?
What will you do? Must I have you seized?
And that's not all! Nam In and So Ron members have been returning to the Capital!
We must do something, Minister! If new officials are selected from the High Examinations,
- we may all be kicked out of government! - Don't be ridiculous!
Government is not a children's game.
How can government be run by exiles?
His Majesty knows full well that the nation cannot be run like that!
But the positions can be filled easily!
So what are you saying? You want us to kneel down in submission?
He may be a greenhorn, but we are still fighting against the king.
- I am just talking about the worst case... - Enough!
Are you suggesting we jump into the fire to escape the smoke?
If we submit now, the future of No Ron is no more!
How can you say such stupid things?
I did tell you that if you will not follow me, then leave government.
So if that is how you really feel, then I will not stop you.
I told you to not come here again.
Are you telling me that you don't even respect my wishes anymore?
How can you even suggest such an outrageous thing, Your Majesty?
But I thought it would be good for you to know something before we went through with it.
- That is why I have come. - Know something? What is that?
You must have heard that His Majesty is pushing us into a corner.
We are trying to gather as much support as possible.
But if this continues, we do not know how we can go on.
We cannot allow No Ron's hundred year old heritage to disintegrate before the king!
I am thinking of finding a solution in Changnyung.
What do you mean? Find a solution in Changnyung...?
Wait. If you mean Changnyung...
If we want to gather support for No Ron and combine our strengths,
we need someone who can do such a thing.
- Minister, you can't mean...? - Yes, Your Majesty.
I will invite ex-Left Councilor Jang Tae Woo back to the Capital.
Your Excellency, Governor Yoon Dae Chul is here.
- Your Excellency, please forgive me! - Forgive you? For what?
Your Excellency!
It is our country's ancient tradition and custom to never tax schools that educate scholars.
- Am I right? - Yes, Your Excellency!
But I had no choice but to levy taxes because of His Majesty's orders!
- So you did it because of His Majesty? - Please forgive me! I will turn things around!
None of the scholars, officials or even junior staff in my council
will do anything I say! I have become a useless scarecrow!
They are not listening to you because you are not worthy.
Your Excellency.
It is our duty as scholars to correct the king if he goes down the wrong path.
But if you blindly follow orders because you do not want to jeopardize your position,
you do not have the right to be an official of our government!
Please forgive me, Your Excellency!
It has been a while, Excellency. How have you been?
I am sure you are not here just to ask about my health.
Why have you come here?
I am sure you already know, Your Excellency.
I am sure you know the state our government is in.
What did I tell you? I told you this would happen!
I know she's an elder of the Royal Family, but how can you support her fight for power?
Please return to the Capital. Save the government from ruin!
You are the only one that can save No Ron.
You pushed me aside for a woman.
But now you're here again for my help because you have ruined things!
Your Excellency, you were and still are the head of the No Ron faction.
Will you allow No Ron to collapse at the hands of the king?
Just six yang! I'm giving you a good price!
I've put the radishes here. Now what should I do?
- You've done enough. Just rest. - Rest? The scholars will be here soon!
I'll go and clean the inner rooms.
- You want me to do something else? - No. I'm just happy, that's all.
We'll just live like this.
What man will care for me like you?
Mak Soon...!
There is nothing else I can do for you other than this.
Don't say that.
When I was widowed at a young age and became an innkeeper,
no one was as nice to you as you are to me.
All you have to do is hold me tight when we sleep at night.
I think I'll be happy with that.
Uncle!
You're here?
Dal Ho...!
Now that you've getting married, all we have is Dae Su, I mean Sir Dae Su left!
I told you to not be formal with me!
- But you're still a fifth level official now... - Don't be like that!
Don't you know his personality? I'll be uncomfortable if you are!
So you mean I can be casual with you like before?
Of course! Just call me "Dae Su!" like before.
In that case, I'll do it for you. Dae Su!
Yes, Sir!
So you should be getting married now.
Married, me?
Think about it! Dal Ho is getting married and Song Yeon is becoming a royal concubine.
Are you going to live here by yourself?
What? What did you just say? Song Yeon is going to be a concubine?
Don't you know? Everyone at the Bureau knows.
Dae Su, what did he just say?
Don't say things like that, Sir.
How can Song Yeon be a concubine? Don't say things like that again!
- That's what we thought to, but... - I said stop saying that!
You can say it as a joke, but this can really hurt her feelings!
So don't trouble her with nonsense, alright?
Yes... Sir.
Yes, Sir.
How are preparations going for the High Examinations tomorrow?
We have prepared six halls for Civil and four halls for Military Service.
There are numerous vacancies in the Personnel and War Ministries.
You must allow for plenty of room during those exams.
Yes, it will not be easy to select over two thousand officials from the candidates.
We must ensure their background and education levels are sufficient.
We will do our utmost, Your Majesty.
You can head over to the Reading Room first. I will follow shortly.
Yes, Your Majesty.
- Song Yeon! - Your Majesty.
This is where I read my scrolls.
You are working late today.
I went to the Ministry of Rites today because of the examinations, but the officials were late.
You are suffering because of me too.
The Bureau must be busy because of the High Examinations.
How can you call that suffering? Our government is paying us for our work.
Take a seat, Song Yeon.
Oh, Your Majesty, how could I?
It's alright. Go ahead and sit.
But Your Majesty, your face is clouded.
- Really? - And you look like you've lost weight.
- Are you unwell? - No, but I have skipped many meals.
What? You've been skipping meals?
I keep missing meals because I am often busy with state affairs.
But you shouldn't do that! You must make your health a priority!
What if you ruin your health? Please don't skip any more meals!
Your Majesty!
How funny. When my attendants say those things, I often get annoyed.
But when you nag at me, I enjoy it.
Your Majesty...
But don't worry. I will have my dinner tonight.
Are you happy now?
- You promise, right? - Yes, I promise.
- Dae Su! - Oh, you're finally here.
It's cold! Why are you waiting outside?
Why else? I was waiting for you.
I know my way back. Let's go inside.
But are you just back from seeing His Majesty at the palace?
Yes, but his face was clouded and he looked burdened with worry.
Why wouldn't he be? The palace is a mess.
You know, I met Sir Yi Chun yesterday and he said something strange.
- What? - He said some nonsense about you becoming concubine!
He said the Bureau is talking about it. It bothers you, doesn't it?
No. They're just saying that.
I don't know why they do such things.
- Dae Su... - Yes?
Do you think I can really do that?
- What? - If... If it is allowed...
Do you think I can be with His Majesty?
You know, Dae Su?
If I can... If I am allowed to...
I want to be with him.
I want to see him everyday.
I want to check that he has eaten that day.
I want to know about his day, and if he had any trouble.
I want to ask him those things and hear his answer.
I want to give him comfort.
But I can't do that, right?
I shouldn't even dream about such things.
Song Yeon...
I'm sorry. I've been talking nonsense.
Let's go in. I'm cold.
Song Yeon!
Can't you just stop there?
What?
You know it's not possible.
So won't you stop looking at His Majesty's back?
- Dae Su! - I don't want you to get hurt.
I feel like my heart's going to burst when I watch you!
- Silly, I'm fine. So... - You're not fine!
I know everything! I know how you feel, you stupid girl!
What about me, Song Yeon?
I'm not suitable for you?
Dae Su...!
I know how you feel.
I know that your feelings for His Majesty will never change.
I know you're not capable for forgetting him.
But...
Can't I just stay by your side?
Your Majesty, it is I.
Your Majesty, it is time for your dinner.
- What shall I do? - Tell the kitchen I am busy and...
You promise, right?
Alright. Tell them to send it to my chambers.
Yes, Your Majesty.
How strange. By now, the scholars should be swarming into the inn!
What's going on?
- What did you find? - It's the same everywhere!
- We're not the only ones without customers! - Really?
- Even the inn at Hwachun? - That's right!
That's really strange! The exams are tomorrow, so where are the scholars?
That is strange. I wonder if they'll come only when the palace gates are open.
That doesn't make any sense!
As you have heard, the examinations today will be in ten different halls.
It will be a busy day like no other!
- It will be hard, but do your best! - Yes, Sir.
I will call your names out now. Listen carefully.
Artists Yi Chun, Tak Ji Su, Song Yeon...
Damo Chobi, Juhyun, Jae Eun. Hamwonjun Hall.
Artists Yi Joo Hwan, Gam Gyung In,
Damo Mi Su, Shibi. Uhchago Hall.
Something looks strange, don't you think?
What is?
It's almost time for the examinations, so why are they the only scholars here?
Come to think of it, you're right!
Don't you know anything? It's going to get busy later!
But this feels different somehow.
What's this?
Why is the hall so empty?
- I think we have a problem. - Problem?
- It's not just here. The other halls are empty too! - What?
Your Majesty!
- Your Majesty! - What is it?
I think we have a problem with the High Examinations!
What do you mean a problem?
Your Majesty!
What do you mean there is a problem?
I think it is best if you do not go to the examinations today.
What?
What is it? Tell me!
- Your Majesty... - Look here, Secretary Hong!
The time for the exam has already passed! Where are all the scholars?
What about the other halls? Go and find out if...
There is no need for that, Your Majesty!
There is no need for you to send anyone. The other halls will all be like this.
I, Jang Tae Woo, greet you, Your Majesty!
Have you been well, Your Majesty?
The ex-Left Councilor Jang Tae Woo?
Yes, you may not have heard of him, but he used to be the head of the No Ron faction.
There was no one in this country who did not know his name.
He is so highly-educated that all scholars have the deepest respect for him.
So are you saying that he is the reason why the High Examinations are ruined?
That's right. I heard that Lord Jang sent out a missive to all scholars to boycott the examinations.
That's nonsense! How is that possible?
This is a national matter! This is the national High Examinations!
If that man told the scholars to play dead, they would have!
But Lord Jang retired from office many years ago and is now living in Changnyung.
- Why would he return...? - Why else?
Now that the Grand Dowager Queen has lost her power, he wants to come back.
This looks very complicated.
Now that Lord Jang is back,
No Ron will oppose His Majesty along with the nation's scholars!
Are you saying that you prevented the scholars from coming here?
Yes. Please forgive me, but that is true.
The High Examinations this year go against the customs of our country.
It is not right for our scholars to allow this to happen.
Go against the custom of our country?
Me? Then what about you?
How do you explain how you have excluded all other parties from government?
Does that follow the customs of our country?
Yes, you are correct, Your Majesty.
Just like white is accompanied by black and yin is accompanied by yang,
right is always followed with wrong. But what does this mean?
Wrong must be discarded, Your Majesty!
No Ron is the only party that has the right ideology to lead our country.
The late king realized this over time and accepted it.
He did it for the sake of our country.
Are you trying to go against the wishes of the late king?
If the wishes of the late king are wrong, then I can and will go against it.
I believe the best way to run a government is by harmony.
Just like notes must be in harmony to make music, the young must be harmonized with the old,
and male harmonized with female. That is what politics should be.
It is not about excluding things that do not harmonize with me.
It is about coming into harmony with the things that do not agree with me.
That was also the will of the late king.
So listen to me carefully. No matter what you do, I will not back down.
The High Examinations will reopen in six days.
My commitment to elect other factions and half-noblemen will not change!
In that case, the High Examinations will be boycotted again.
What did you say?
What can we do if the king of our country insists on being stubborn?
It is the duty of his subjects to turn him around.
We will have to risk our lives to do so. Don't you agree, Your Majesty?
- Councilor! - You are the ruler of this country.
But this country does not belong to you.
The nation of Joseon was guarded by its scholars and will continue to be so in the future.
So if you are trying to change that,
we will have to show you what a true scholar is capable of.
A moment please...
I have never met you before, Your Lordship.
I am Min Joo Shik, the ex-Third Personnel Minister. I serve Lord Jang in Changnyung.
I am Secretary Hong Gook Young.
You are a man that can make a flying bird fall.
We in Changnyung know you very well.
Indeed? But since I have never heard of you,
you must not have much talent to make yourself as famous.
What?
Yes, you're right. I am just an average man.
But I wanted to greet you because I think we will be crossing paths regularly.
Please show me your favor, Chief Secretary Hong.
Your Majesty, the resignations are pouring in.
Even the junior officials have joined in!
And that's not all.
They have all stopped handling matters, and now all government offices have been paralyzed!
I have heard that the Ministries of Personnel and Finance are the most critical.
What is the status on the Nam In members from the Ministry of Finance?
They should have arrived by now. Why are they so delayed?
I have sent the Imperial Guards to find out, Your Majesty.
I will find out if any of the officials have passed by the post station.
I'll go to the taverns and inns.
Wait a moment, Sir!
That man is Yang Dae Chun. I gave him His Majesty's missive personally.
What? Then why is he being arrested?
What? The provinces are preventing the officials from entering the Capital?
Yes, they claim they are investigating a murder and are arrested them for no reason.
That is just an excuse. They are just delaying them from coming here.
That is just the tip of the problem.
Even if they come, they can only handle matters of Personnel and Finance.
They cannot help the other ministries or the councils.
I must confirm the state of the palace and the capital for myself. Make preparations!
The only victims of a collapse of government are the innocent people.
But what can we do?
This has all arisen from the stubbornness and inexperience of our young King!
His Majesty will soon find out what his blunder will cost this country!
But I've been robbed!
It's not just me! Three other houses have also been robbed!
How many times do I have to tell you? There are no officials to handle your case!
What do you mean no officials? How is that possible?
Robbers are out in daylight! How can the police do nothing!
My goodness!
Please help me!
The situation is dire in this county hospital as well.
Officials have resigned, and some of the physicians have done so as well.
Your Majesty!
You are doing a lot.
Why are you here, Your Majesty? Please return to the palace!
It is dangerous for you to be here!
- Dangerous? What do you mean? - We have a plague in the Capital!
The people here all those who are suffering from this plague.
A plague in the Capital? Why are you telling me this now?
We informed the Ministry three days ago.
But it appears the news was not delivered.
The disease is spreading rapidly in Gwanggyo and Gurigae.
But we are lacking physicians and administrators and have no way to control the disease.
Please return to the palace, Your Majesty!
Timer and Editor: MrsKorea
Coordinator: mily2
Special thanks to: saturn, Suz07
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