- So the Queen really came looking for Song Yeon? - Yes, that's what I said!
You got so angry last time that I couldn't tell you, but the Queen came here looking for her.
His Majesty feels strongly for her, and now that Queen came looking for her,
we all assumed that it was a formality before Song Yeon was made a concubine!
But still, how could the Queen...
We can't read the Queen's mind, but why else would she have come here?
She must have come here because she already made up her mind.
Yes...
- Song Yeon! - Uncle!
Why are you still at home?
I have to go to the Ministry of Rites today, so I don't have to leave so early.
Oh, I see. By the way, did you see the notice about the royal concubine?
Yes.
Now that His Majesty has ascended the throne, he has to have an heir.
But what will you do now, Song Yeon?
- Do what, Uncle? - Mak Soon and I will be getting married soon.
I think it would be best if you and Dae Su tied the knot as well.
As you know, Dae Su has feelings for you.
- Uncle... - I don't know about anyone else, but I know.
He's a bit gruff and uncouth, but he has been in love with you for a long time.
Why can't you just give in to him?
- He's been promoted now, so you two can... - What are you talking about, Uncle?
Dae Su!
What did you just say to Song Yeon? Us two can what?
- What else? Get married and...! - Uncle! Why did you have to say such things?
Who's getting married to whom?
Ignore him. Just pretend he didn't say anything.
Don't concern yourself about this. Alright?
Why did you have to say that? Now everything's awkward!
Awkward, you wretched boy? I was just trying to help you!
- Uncle! - Did I say something wrong?
Have you even looked at another girl other than Song Yeon?
- I said stop it! - You stupid boy, having feelings can't just end there.
You have to say something! You have to tell her so that she knows!
You're a man now! Don't be childish and hide your feelings!
Stop it, Uncle!
Stop what? If you like her, tell her! Get it off your chest!
- I said stop it! - How many years has it been? How many?
- You don't know anything! - What don't I know? What?
The report from the Tribunal states that the country is reclaiming its safety.
- Is that so? - Yes, Your Majesty.
Now that the plague has subsided, it looks like you can ease your worries now.
And furthermore, the Gyujunggak officials are being viewed favorably.
They are not only handling the three councils, but also helping with the backlog of the six ministries.
Even those who objected to them have been asking for their assistance.
Yes, their presence and work ethic will stimulate the others as well.
It appears so, Your Majesty.
Your Majesty, what are you going to do with the No Ron officials who have resigned?
Will you accept their resignations?
The majority of them have changed their minds, and perhaps you should be merciful...
I have my plans about them.
Your Majesty, what do you mean by plans?
The ground will become dry only after the monsoon season.
Now that the monsoon has passed, only the righteous and virtuous of officials can remain.
Your Excellency, did you hear the rumors that Secretary Hong's sister is to become Royal Concubine?
I have heard the news. It appears Her Highness was behind it.
I don't think His Majesty is aware of it.
Yes, I don't think he would have allowed the notice to be posted if he did.
So what should we do? Should we let this continue?
Let's just wait. It may only be a rumor. We may worry His Majesty unnecessarily.
Please have favor on us, My Lord.
- I will take your requests into consideration. - Thank you!
- Please have favor on us.
- You may leave now. - Yes, My Lord.
- You're late today. - I have had visitors since early this morning.
You must be busy with your duties, so why are you giving attention to them as well?
- What? - You are young and full of ambition.
But you can lose everything in an instant.
You are His Majesty's most trusted and loyal subject.
You must pay more caution to yourself and others because of this.
Yes, Your Excellency. I will heed your words.
However...
Don't be too concerned.
I know you are worried that I may cause harm to His Majesty,
but if I could be felled by ambition and power, I would not have served him to begin with.
- Secretary Hong! - Keep an eye on me, Your Excellency.
I will show you my loyalty to His Majesty for a very long time.
You will come to realize that every step that I take is to serve His Majesty.
I will take my leave.
I inquired as to whether we could take back our resignations, but it was useless.
We have bitten off more than we can chew, Minister!
Since our resignations have all been processed, we can no longer return to the palace!
What do we do now, Minister? Is this the end for us?
Of course not. We must reverse everything at all costs.
Do you have a plan, Minister?
- Minister! - You are all so frustrating.
What plan can we possibly have now?
Then what are you suggesting? Unless we go to the King and beg on our knees..?
If that is the only alternative, then that is what we must do.
If that is the only path left for us, then we must go and beg before the King.
Your Majesty, the No Ron officials are all here at the front gate.
Please forgive us for our disloyalty and our foolishness, Your Majesty!
But all of this was caused by our desire to straighten our government.
It was not meant to go against your will.
Please hear our plea, Your Majesty.
If you wanted me to hear your plea, you should not have disobeyed my summons.
I feel that it is too late. Don't you agree?
That's not all. If you are truly repentant and seek my forgiveness,
your leader should have been out there together with all of you.
But I did not see Lord Jang Tae Woo out there.
- But Your Majesty, we... - I extended my hand to you for the sake of the government.
I even left the palace to meet with Lord Jang Tae Woo.
Are you telling me that he won't even make the journey that his King made for him?
What did you just say?
You want Lord Jang to go to the king and beg for forgiveness?
- This is only way to resolve this situation. - Minister!
If His Majesty decides to take advantage, we will lose our position in government.
But if you go and submit to him, he will not be able to do so.
Is that what the king wanted you to tell me?
- He wants me to beg for forgiveness? - Your Excellency!
Your Excellency, you cannot do this! You must not do such a thing!
That is enough, My Queen!
I told you to never speak of Song Yeon to me again!
- Mother... - Her lowly status prevents her from being a candidate.
Not only that, the law prohibits orphans from being considered as concubines.
Is that not enough? Do you need more reasons?
I think His Majesty's feelings matter more than laws and customs.
You know how His Majesty feels about her too.
I thought you would understand the king's position through this concubine selection process.
But it appears that I have misjudged you.
- But Mother... - Until the selection is over, you will not come here.
I will not accept your visits anymore. You may leave.
- Mother! - Attendant Yi!
- Did you summon me, Your Highness? - The Queen is leaving. Escort her out.
- Mother! - I said escort her out!
- I'm sorry, Your Majesty. - No, it's my fault. Do not be concerned.
I will come again for my evening visit.
Your Majesty, please reconsider this.
- Don't interfere. - Your Majesty!
I have never seen Her Highness so angry before.
- What has happened between the two of them? - That's what I'm saying, my lady!
This is all because of that manipulative damo wench!
Sir, is it true that the Ministry of Rites has ordered a royal portrait?
There is a new king, so it is no wonder that a new royal portrait be commissioned.
Official Park is selecting the artist.
Heaven has finally given me my opportunity!
- What do you mean? - Who better than I to draw the royal portrait?
I've now been promoted, so I'm certain I'll be selected!
- Don't be too optimistic! - What?
You may be good at portraits, but how can you compare with Song Yeon?
Besides, she has experience being the Attendant Damo for the previous portrait.
She is sure to be selected!
But sir, I heard that a concubine selection is in progress. Shouldn't she be involved with that?
That's right! Does that mean she'll be leaving the Bureau?
Leave the Bureau? How can you say such a thing?
With her status, she won't even be on the candidate list.
But the Queen came to speak with her!
That's right. The Queen has Song Yeon in mind.
If Song Yeon is chosen as concubine, that leaves me as the only candidate!
That means the royal portrait will be given to me!
What are you all doing here?
- Did something good happen? - Song Yeon, I'm blessed because of you!
Song Yeon, Official Park is looking for you.
- Me? - Yes.
- Did you call for me, sir? - Oh yes.
Did you know that the Ministry has commissioned a royal portrait?
- What? - I suppose you haven't heard yet.
In five days, a royal portrait will be drawn of His Majesty.
And I would like for you to do it.
Sir!
The reforms that His Majesty is supporting is meant to change the customs of this country.
If you do a good job on the royal portrait, this will support his stance.
Thank you, Sir.
But before I confirm this to the Ministry, I must ask you something.
There are rumors that you will be involved in the concubine selection. Is that true?
I don't know the details of what is happening,
but that is the case, you cannot do the royal portrait.
I must hear your opinion. What do you want to do?
I want Song Yeon as your concubine, Your Majesty.
If someone else must be by your side,
I believe that it must be someone that can truly be a source of comfort to you.
Song Yeon is such a person to you.
- Official Nam! - Yes, Your Majesty!
- Yes, Your Majesty? - You must go outside the palace for me.
What?
- Song Yeon! - Sir!
I almost missed you. Are you leaving?
Yes. Were you looking for me?
Your Majesty, I have brought Song Yeon.
Are you leaving the palace now, My Lord?
What brings you here at this hour?
What else? I am here because of His Majesty's orders.
- Orders? - Yes, I am here with Lord Jang Tae Woo.
Your face is clouded. Are you not feeling well?
No, Your Majesty. I haven't been sleeping well lately.
I'm not ill, so please do not worry.
I see.
Actually, the queen brought you up earlier.
Did you know?
Yes, Your Majesty.
The queen came to the Bureau a while ago...
and told me what was on her mind.
I see.
The Queen said this to me.
If someone else had to be by my side,
then it had to be someone who could a comfort to me.
She said that she knew that was you.
Song Yeon...
I want to know how you feel.
- If... If that happened, I... - Your Majesty!
- What is it?
Lord Jang Tae Woo is waiting for you in the Grand Palace, Your Majesty.
- Lord Jang Tae Woo? - Yes, Your Majesty.
Alright. I will be there shortly.
Song Yeon, wait for me in my study. The palace maids will take you there.
Wait a while for me.
Yes, Your Majesty.
So you're here.
- His Majesty wanted her to wait in his study? - Yes, my lady.
Alright. You may enter.
Yes, My Lady.
You came sooner than I expected.
I thought I would have to wait a longer time.
Let's hear what you have to say.
I am very curious to hear what you will say.
Yes, Your Majesty. In that case, I will speak.
But unfortunately, what I have to say will be different than what you expected.
I regret to tell you that I am not here to beg for your forgiveness.
Your judgment was wrong.
I have not changed my opinion that you acted unilaterally and without wisdom.
That is why I do not regret crying out in protest against your actions.
How can a scholar overlook a grave error because he fears for his own position?
This is what I have come here to say.
- I see. - Please punish me as you see fit.
Punish?
Yes, that's what I should do.
Here, take a look. This is what I was going to give you.
As you can see, this decree reinstates your position as High State Councilor.
I know that you gave away your wealth for the sake of the people.
I also heard that you influenced others to do so as well and was a great help to the people.
Even though we have disagreed on some points,
I know that as a respected politician, you do the right thing for the sake of the people.
I also know that you are a man who takes great responsibility in his work.
Therefore, obey my decree and return to government.
If so, I will be merciful in my judgment of the No Ron faction.
What of it? Have I met your expectations of what your punishment would be?
Are you trying to bribe me, Your Majesty?
Really? Is that what it looks like?
Fine! Then let's say that I am.
I will not change my mind even if you do this.
Even if I return to government, I will continue to object to arbitrary decisions.
But that is what I want you to do.
I told you that the kind of government I want is not an exclusionary one.
I said I wanted to come into harmony with different views and come to an agreement.
Just as you act according to your convictions, I will reign this country with mine.
So serve me and continue to raise your disagreements to me.
If you are right, I will heed your advice.
And if I am right, I will fight back against it.
I will prove to you that a democratic system is the only way we can run this country.
What did you say? His Majesty reinstated Lord Jang Tae Woo?
- He will have given his decree by now. - Decree? That cannot happen!
How can he reinstate the man who opposed him on every turn? He should be punishing him!
Minister!
Are you here because of the reinstatement of Lord Jang Tae Woo?
Yes. May I ask the reason why you have reinstated him?
That was my intention from the beginning.
There is no one more suitable than he to run government.
But Your Majesty, that is not the right decision!
You have justification to eliminate the No Ron faction.
Why do you want to throw that away?
When did I ever tell you I wanted to eliminate the No Ron faction?
Your Majesty...!
If that is what you thought, then you have misunderstood my intentions.
I never had any intention to do so.
I didn't do this to eliminate No Ron.
I did it to set them on the right path.
I know. They will continue to be obstacles if I allow them back into government.
But if I fill government with people who always approve of my decisions, it would not be fair.
I did not become king so that everything would go my way.
Your Majesty!
I will lead them to the right path and use them for the sake of the people.
It will be difficult and troublesome, but that is the path I have chosen.
You know my will better than anyone.
So I hope you will accept my decision.
- Your Highness! - I am here to see His Majesty. Announce me.
Forgive me, but His Majesty is in the Grand Palace.
- The Grand Palace? - Yes, Your Highness.
Alright then.
Then why is His Majesty's study lit?
What?
His Majesty is in the Grand Palace, so why have you not put out the lights?
That...
You wench!
What are you doing?
Your Highness!
This is His Majesty's study! And that is his chair!
I asked what you were doing there!
Your Highness! Please forgive me! I didn't know!
Be quiet! Take her away!
- Your Highness! - I said take her away!
- Yes, Your Highness! - Please forgive me, Your Highness!
Please forgive me, Your Highness!
You impudent wench! How dare you insult the dignity of the royal throne?
How could a lowly thing like you...!
Did you manipulate the King and Queen so that you can join the royal family?
Is that why the queen is standing against me because of you?
She has never disagreed with me before, but she is fighting me to make you concubine!
I don't know what ploy you used to earn the queen's trust.
But I will never accept you into the royal family. So heed my words carefully!
- Is Mother inside? - Yes, she is waiting for you.
Welcome.
If you are looking for her, I sent her back.
A damo in the king's study at night can lead to rumors.
So if you have something else to discuss with her, send a palace maid instead.
Take a seat. I have come to discuss something with you.
Yes, Mother.
You should be aware that we have sent out a notice for concubine selection.
Yes.
The scholars are sending in their candidates, but I already have someone in mind.
I plan on bringing Secretary Hong's sister in as a concubine.
Secretary Hong's sister? Mother, that is...!
I know what you are going to say.
But I do not think Secretary Hong will take advantage of that position.
But Mother, Secretary Hong is my closest and more trusted advisor.
- Making him a royal relative is not appropriate! - No, that is not so.
Secretary Hong has earned many merits.
I doubt you will deny that.
Although this incident passed without much trouble, the people were nervous.
I believe that to calm the people's fears, you must show them the stability of the royal family.
So if you care about the future of the royal family and the government,
you must allow me to have my way.
What happened just now must remain a secret to His Majesty. Do you understand?
- Yes, Your Highness. - Let us leave.
If you are looking for her, I sent her back.
So if you care about the future of the royal family and the government,
you must allow me to have my way.
So they are back again in government.
How do you feel? I'm troubled that I have to see them again.
I feel the same way. His Majesty is right in democratizing the government.
But I do not know if those men will acquiesce to his intentions.
Search it carefully.
Please forgive me, but before you enter the audience chamber, you must be searched.
Please cooperate even though it is inconvenient for you.
Secretary Hong! How can you ask this of the High State Councilor!
- Move aside! - It is His Majesty's orders!
It is not just the High State Councilor, but you as well, Vice Personnel Minister.
Do not step in.
Are you Hong Gook Young, the leader of the Imperial Guard?
A old dog is known to mimic his owner. Looks like you're that old dog.
Excellency!
When the concubine selection is over, you will want to enter the Royal Chamber too.
Soon you will be acting like a tyrant too!
If you wish, I can make him return to Changnyung.
What do you mean by that? Do you know his weakness?
Ten years ago, I was the one who made him leave government.
You should know that.
Lord Jang Tae Woo should not be taken lightly.
That is the reason why I had him sent to Changnyung.
So if you care about His Majesty, you should send him back as soon as possible.
You must still be angry at me. So why are you helping me?
I am sure you know the answer to that. But I hope you will not misunderstand me.
I am sincere in my desire to be of help to His Majesty.
Please forgive me, Your Majesty, but I will have to say no.
If Jang Tae Woo is going to be an obstacle to His Majesty, I will destroy him myself.
I will not use your help, so please do not come to me anymore.
- Indeed? - Yes, Your Majesty.
Alright then.
If that is the way you feel, then there is nothing I can do.
But if you change your mind, come and see me anytime.
I will be waiting.
So what are you saying? Removing ten positions is too much?
Yes, Your Majesty.
Although inspectors are in charge of investigating wrongdoings in the provinces,
currently, they are so corrupted that they are contributing to the problems.
How can that be?
Although they are inspectors, their ranks are often lower than those they investigate.
It is said that it often causes conflict.
Alright. I will inform them to continue looking into this matter.
Thank you, Your Majesty.
Your Majesty, it is Official Nam.
It is time for your Royal Portrait, and I have come to bring you.
Yes, I had forgotten about that.
By the way, after you leave the palace, can you go to Song Yeon and...
Your Majesty, the Bureau artist is here for your royal portrait.
- Let him in. - Yes, Your Majesty.
Song Yeon!
Your Majesty, I give you my greetings. I am Sung Song Yeon from the Bureau of Painting.
Here you go.
I lost out on the royal portrait again. I don't think the Bureau is for me.
Cheer up, sir. You're the genius that has given all the youths in the capital nosebleeds!
Yes, I used to be called a genius.
But since I have stopped, I can't even draw those anymore.
It's hopeless. I'm hopeless!
I'm useless! As useless as a rat!
- Look here! Please look at me! - I already saw you on your way in.
Why are you burning erotica? Are you crazy?
How did that get out there?
What are you doing? Do you know how valuable this is?
This erotica was painted by the great maestro himself!
Do you know these paintings?
How?
So it was you that drew these pictures.
You look exactly like I imagined.
Your erotica is slightly inadequate. But you show a little talent.
You're as slow as I thought you would be.
Your pictures are repressed.
It's as if a large rock or a heavy lid is on top of it.
- A large rock? - It's crushed by the weight of it.
And even though it's almost about to burst, it doesn't.
That is why even though you have this talent, you can't even perform yourself.
This...!
I have to go home because I have something to attend to.
Alright then.
- Something's strange. - What is?
Dae Su! His shoulders are drooped. He's different.
- Actually I thought so too. - That's because he's not expending his yang energy.
- What? - It's because he doesn't have a woman!
- What a funny fellow you are! - He should be getting married to Song Yeon.
Why is he just sitting there?
Sir Park Dae Su!
I mean no. I'm still dizzy and have no energy.
I'm quite fragile, you know.
Were you on your way home? Even though you're still unwell?
Go home? I still need more treatment.
So, did you read the letter I sent you?
Yes.
You mean you have been put in charge of the royal portrait?
Yes, Your Majesty.
But to be selected as a concubine...
Please forgive me, Your Majesty, but this is my answer to your request.
If I become a concubine, I will have to leave the Bureau.
You asked me if I could do such a thing.
I have thought about your words carefully.
And I realized that the Bureau is where I must stay.
I want to be an artist for the rest of my life.
No. I do not believe you.
I know how you feel.
Your Majesty...
What is it? What made you think that? Tell me.
Nothing, Your Majesty. I came to this conclusion by myself.
Song Yeon...!
You told me that if I wanted to stay at the Bureau,
then I could do so.
So please accept the decision I have made.
What happened? You're drawing the royal portrait?
Why? Why are you doing that?
- Dae Su...! - Don't you know you can't be in the selection then?
If you do the royal portrait, His Majesty will assume that you will remain at the Bureau.
- But that's it, Dae Su. - What?
I'm not entering the Palace. I'm going to stay at the Bureau.
- Song Yeon! - That's what I'm going to do.
I already told them.
Why?
Why did you do that?
You've always been in love with His Majesty.
You said that if you could be with him, nothing else mattered.
Why did you join the Bureau in the first place?
You joined them because of the opportunity that you might have to see him.
So what are you doing?
His Majesty wants it and the Queen is willing to help you! So what's wrong with you?
I couldn't do that. Don't you understand?
I couldn't.
How could I possibly be with him?
I'm just a lowly damo. How can I enter the palace?
Because of me, the Dowager Queen and the Queen are both in conflict.
If that continues, then His Majesty will suffer too.
Song Yeon...!
Then what about you?
Forget about the others, but will you be alright, you foolish girl!
You're already crying, and you're already full of regret.
Do you really think that you can watch His Majesty from afar for the rest of your life?
Your Majesty, please forgive me for asking this.
But may I ask you a question?
I heard that the Queen wanted to take Song Yeon in as concubine.
May I ask if that is true?
It was.
But it is impossible now.
Impossible now? What do you mean?
You saw Song Yeon just now too.
That was her answer.
That was her way of telling me that she will not enter the palace as concubine.
Do you know something?
I often wonder how it would have been
if I was just an average man.
With the honest sweat of my brow, I would farm my land.
In a small house, I would live with the woman that I love and my children.
We would live happily ever after.
There would be no life more perfect for a man.
That's what I wonder sometimes.
Do you know what a king is?
It is to live...
as a worthless man.
Your Majesty!
Your Highness!
She looks so pretty!
It is evening! Why has His Majesty not entered the concubine's chambers?
The Dowager Queen has ordered His Majesty to enter the concubine's chambers!
Alright. Give me a moment. I will tell His Majesty.
Your Majesty, it is I.
Your Majesty...
It is late.
It is time for you to go to the concubine's palace.
- Your Majesty... - Alright.
- Get ready. - Yes, Your Majesty.
Song Yeon! Song Yeon!
Your Highness! I'm over here!
Even though you may be able to leave me,
how can you think that I would be able to let you go?
Song Yeon...!
Episode 51