How can you think that I would be able to let you go?
Song Yeon...!
Song Yeon, what's wrong?
Why are you...?
Forgive me, Your Majesty!
Song Yeon! Song Yeon!
- Your Majesty! - What's wrong? Why were you crying?
- Please let me go, Your Majesty. - Song Yeon!
It's nothing. I was just tired from my work.
- Please do not worry about me. - Do you expect me to believe that?
- Your Majesty... - What is it?
Is it because of me?
There is something I wanted to ask you.
Did you remain at the Bureau because that is what you wanted?
I want to know how you really feel.
Is that what you really wanted?
Your Majesty...!
What time is it? (Concubine Hong)
It is past the Hour of the Ox. (1 -3am)
Send the palace maids away and turn off the lights half an hour later.
What?
Let it be known that His Majesty came to my chambers after they left.
Tell that to the palace maids. Do you understand?
- But why do you want to... - Don't you understand what I mean?
If the King does not seek out a concubine for the conjugal night,
what shame will that bring on me?
They will mock and laugh at me behind my back.
Yes, Your Highness. I will do as you ordered.
Yes, Your Majesty.
Does that mean that all of this was what you really wanted?
Song Yeon!
Yes, Your Majesty. It was my will to remain at the Bureau.
I barely just achieved my dream of becoming a Bureau artist.
I could not give up everything now.
That is why I did it.
So please do not ask me this again.
We are being watched, Your Majesty.
Please let me go.
Alright...
So that was how it was.
To be honest, I...
I thought that you...
I thought you felt the same way I did.
Even though I knew that becoming an artist was important to you,
foolishly, I...
I thought that perhaps...
you felt the same way as me.
I'm sorry. I seem to have asked you a needless question.
To be honest, I...
I thought that you... I thought you felt the same way I did.
Make way! Make way for Secretary Hong!
Goodness! Look at how that excrement carrier has gotten ahead in life!
Excrement carrier? He's now the Chief Secretary, the Chief of the Imperial Guard and now a royal relative!
- His very voice causes tremors in government! - Really?
What are you doing? Secretary Hong is passing through!
Wait just a minute!
Halt the palanquin.
- Look here. - Yes, My Lord?
I know that man. Move away from him.
Long time no see, Dal Ho!
I heard you were getting married. I'm sorry I couldn't go!
That's alright! How could you possibly attend my wedding?
No need for that. I was going to summon you anyway. I'm glad you're here!
- What? Me? - Yes.
Now that you're married, you should hold a proper job.
That's why I was thinking of offering you a position in the palace.
In the palace!
Do you think I am so useless that I can't even find you a position?
I will let you know through Dae Su.
Thank you! Thank you, My Lord!
Alright then. Let us continue!
Are you very close with the Chief Secretary?
Weren't you here just now? He's going to summon my husband to the palace!
So of course we're close!
I'm really sorry about just now.
Do your job properly! Don't make me angry!
I give you my greetings. I am the custodian for Gyujunggak.
My name is Councilor Ki Chun Yik. I have been waiting for the new Vice Councilor.
I am glad to meet you. I am Min Joo Shik.
Let's go in.
Please arise, My Lord!
- What did you just say? - That is the Councilor's seat.
The Vice Councilor's seat is over here. Please move.
You...! What are you rambling about?
How dare you suggest to the Vice Councilor to sit below a half-breed!
- What kind of nonsense is that! - You are crossing the line!
He is still the Councilor. It is appropriate that the seat be given to him.
And he should be spoken to with respect. That is the law and custom of our country!
Law and custom? Does a half-breed dare to lecture me?
- My Lord! - That's right. This man is giving you a lecture.
- What? - You do not seem to know law and customs.
Thus you deserve a subordinate's lecture.
- Look here! - Lower your voice!
I may be a bastard, but I am still Councilor and you are my subordinate.
Must I remind you that this is His Majesty's orders?
Move aside. I must speak to His Majesty!
You must be searched before you enter the Grand Palace. Please go to the Imperial Guards.
First the Gyujunggak and now the Imperial Guard.
When did this country start being run by men whose origins are questionable?
The Imperial Guards are no concern to me. Move aside!
My Lord, you mustn't do this.
I will go in. Let's see if you harm a hair on my body!
Halt!
- What is this commotion? - Forgive me, My Lord.
The Vice Councilor came to the Grand Palace without having been searched first.
What kind of job are you doing?
I ordered you to seize and arrest anyone that refuses to be searched!
Please forgive me, My Lord.
His Majesty's enemies are within the palace.
What will you do if they are concealing a weapon in their clothes to assassinate the king?
You step out of bounds, Secretary Hong! Who are you accusing as an assassin?
Are you suggesting that we are plotting to murder the king?
I didn't intend to accuse you, but how strange that you took it personally.
- Perhaps you are really concealing something? - Secretary Hong!
- If you are not, then please be searched. - I will not!
I have nothing to hide! So why must I play this game of yours?
You call this a game! This is His Majesty's orders!
Fine, if this is your stance, then in order to teach you His Majesty's authority,
I will not let this incident pass.
- Take them away! - What?
- I said drag them to the Imperial Guard! - Yes sir!
You may go.
What is this?
It's a penknife. Don't you know noblemen carry penknives around?
How do we know that's not a weapon?
- What? - We will investigate this before we return it.
You may go. Next!
What do you mean by that? Secretary Hong is abusing his power?
That's right, Your Majesty.
Not only does he seize everyone who does not willingly submit to the body search.
He is also using his authority to give out positions in government.
The bribes he is receiving for those positions are filling up his storehouses.
Were you truly unaware of all of this?
Secretary Hong is abusing his position as Chief Secretary and royal relative.
That is too much, Councilor! Even though Secretary Hong is a bit extreme,
he is not a man who would abuse his power.
He is more encouraged because of how you view him.
- Councilor! - Many officials are unhappy with his unfair treatment.
Is this why you have allowed No Ron to return to government?
Is this the democratic government you mentioned to me?
Did you summon me, Your Majesty?
Have you heard anything about Secretary Hong?
Is he really accepting bribes and giving out positions in government?
He has brought in a few trusted friends into the Three Councils and Ministry of Personnel.
But I am sure that he did not receive bribes.
- How can Secretary Hong do such a thing? - Then?
Are you suggesting that the High Councilor lied?
I suspect that because of the high number of visitors to Secretary Hong, rumors have surfaced.
Your Majesty!
- Go and summon Advisor Chae to me. - Yes, Your Majesty.
Excellency, I heard you went to meet with His Majesty.
I see now that you did not just play with hens in the palace, but you raised a young tiger as well!
What have you been doing all this time!
The first one we have to eliminate is that Hong Gook Young!
Do you hear me?
Actually, the others are waiting for you so that we can discuss Secretary Hong.
- Please come with me. - No, I have to go somewhere else.
The highest elder in the palace, the Grand Dowager Queen has summoned me.
So, are you saying you're going to see Queen Dowager?
What choice do I have?
- That is enough. You may leave. - Yes, Your Majesty.
- Please have some tea, Councilor. - Yes, Your Majesty.
So how do you feel? You must be glad to be back in the palace.
Speak your mind, Councilor.
In the beginning, I thought the palace was a different place than before.
What do you mean?
It took me a while to find your palace.
How could I have known that your residence would be moved to such a remote area?
I heard that you gave up the No Ron officials and Princess Hwa Wan for your own well-being.
Is this all you received in return?
It appears you have aged, Councilor.
If you are not losing your memory, you must know what I hold in my hand.
Yes, I know it well.
But I also know that it may not be of any use.
Really? Do you think so?
Isn't that why you have summoned me?
I will take back what I said. But seasons change and so do people's minds.
Do not be too confident, Councilor.
Didn't you fall at my hands before you were too confident before me?
I heard that you came everyday to my residence to give me your greetings.
I told you to stay away until I bid you return. Why did you do such a foolish thing?
Please forgive me, Mother.
No matter how you feel, the new concubine is here to serve His Majesty.
So please open your mind and take care of her.
I called you here so that I can tell you this.
Yes, Mother. I will do as you ask.
The new concubine will be here soon. We should have tea and talk.
Make sure you give her some words of advice.
Yes, Mother.
It is fortunate that Her Highness has finally accepted the Queen's greetings.
Yes. Now I can finally put my mind at rest.
But I'm worried that little wench Song Yeon is going to cause another scandal!
Another scandal? Isn't this matter with her resolved?
Resolved? Didn't you hear the rumors?
- Rumors? - That's right!
His Majesty didn't even visit the concubine on their conjugal night!
And it was because of that Song Yeon!
That night, His Majesty went to the Bureau to look for her!
What? Oh my goodness...!
- Your Highness! - I am here to see Mother. Announce me.
Yes, Your Highness.
- Your Highness, Concubine Hong is here. - Let her in.
Please go in.
You mean that at your private farm, you use rainwater to estimate the harvest?
Yes Mother. We bury a vessel in the ground and measure the amount of rainwater.
I have already buried a vessel in my back garden and it appears that we will have a big harvest this year.
Indeed? How wonderful to hear.
I am so glad that I hear of the people's welfare through you, Concubine Hong.
I feel the same way, Mother.
You are most gracious, Your Highness.
I am pleased to see the two of you together.
Since Concubine Hong is new to everything,
share advice with her and get close to each other.
I will serve Her Majesty with all of my being.
Thank you for saying that. But our priority is gaining an heir to the throne.
You must serve His Majesty first and foremost.
Concubine Hong, why do you not respond?
I also want to serve His Majesty.
But... I fear I am inadequate to serve His Majesty.
What do you mean?
I want to have a talk with you.
Why did you tell Mother that His Majesty did not visit you that night?
Don't you realize that that can cause trouble?
Forgive me, Your Majesty, but I did not want to lie to Her Highness.
When you join the royal family, the first thing you must learn is to choose your words wisely.
How can you be a royal concubine and say everything in your mind?
Forgive me, Your Majesty.
I will let this pass because you are new to the customs and etiquette of the palace.
But you must pay caution that this never happens again.
I will heed your words, Your Majesty.
No!
This isn't it!
What's wrong with you?
This is garbage! It's garbage!
Garbage!
Song Yeon, what is wrong with Royal Artist Yi?
I think he is in shock about not being chosen for the royal portrait.
That is what happens when you are overly ambitious beyond your station.
Sir... Please forgive me.
Forgive you for what?
You lost the opportunity to do the Royal Portrait because of me.
No, that's not it, Song Yeon.
I've lived a useless life! All my paintings have been garbage!
I don't know what I have to live for anymore.
Song Yeon...
Sir...
Song Yeon!
- Song Yeon! - Sir...
What's this?
- Please take me as your disciple! - Disciple?
Who am I to take a disciple?
I have nothing to teach. Go home.
Master! I will not leave this place until you accept me as your disciple!
Well, do what you want.
- Master! Master! - Let go. My pants are falling down.
- Master! - I said let go!
Master! Master!
I can't sleep because of your coughing.
What is it that you want to learn from me?
I have seen freedom in your paintings.
Please help me awaken my soul.
Get up.
If you want to be my disciple, you must cast away many things. Can you handle it?
Anything. I will cast away everything you tell me to.
Follow me.
- Where are we going? - We must first cleanse you of your worldly ambition.
Ambition? Worldly ambition?
I said follow me.
Yes, Master!
- Are you going to see His Majesty? - Yes, sir.
Secretary Hong, wait a moment.
You should go back today.
What do you mean? Go back?
To be honest, His Majesty has ordered you to be barred from the Cabinet meeting.
What?
Barred me? Why would he do such a thing?
Forgive me, Your Majesty, but Secretary Hong has not arrived yet.
Secretary Hong will not attend the Cabinet meeting today.
Today, we will discuss the many troubles in the capital. Finance Minister, you will speak first.
Yes, Your Majesty. The living costs in the capital are...
My Lord! Didn't you say you were going to the Cabinet meeting?
Why are you back so soon?
- My Lord! - What's wrong with him? Did something happen?
His Majesty has ordered you to stay away until he summons you back.
What do you mean you can't contact Royal Artist Yi?
He hasn't come home either.
- Do you think something has happened to him? - I don't think so.
Let's wait for him.
In that case, Royal Artist Tak will take care of the inventory check that he was supposed to do.
Take some damos with you and finish them quickly.
- Yes, sir. - Let's go, sir.
Where did that man go?
Take a look at yesterday's shipment of pigment.
That parchment is used for His Majesty's events. Put that on the top.
- I can't reach it! - Why are you so short?
The parchment!
- Are you alright? - Why are you laughing?
Is there a damo named Sung Song Yeon here?
That's me, my lady.
- Are you Sung Song Yeon? - Yes, My lady.
So now it's the concubine?
She's not the village dog! Why does everyone keep calling for her?
Song Yeon is finally going to get her hair pulled out!
What?
Everyone knows that His Majesty and Song Yeon like each other, so why wouldn't Concubine Hong?
I'm certain that Song Yeon's going to get all of her hair pulled out!
I won't be envious of Song Yeon anymore! She's always getting in trouble with everyone!
I know. Her life is always full of turmoil.
I hope she's alright.
Your Highness, it is Attendant Choi.
Come in.
- You may leave. - Yes, Your Highness.
- You may sit. - Yes, Your Highness.
You are as pretty as others say you are.
You may be seeing me for the first time, but I have heard much about you.
I also heard that the Queen wanted you to be the Royal Concubine. Is that true?
- Your Highness, that... - Have I asked you a difficult question?
- Your Highness... - Also...
And I heard that His Majesty went to see you on the night I entered the palace. Is that true?
I did not enter the palace to become a mockery amongst others.
But because of you, I have become a laughingstock.
My ears are still ringing from the whispers that go on behind my back.
I called you here to hear the truth.
So if you do not intend to insult me, you must tell me the truth.
- What is the meaning of this? - Your Majesty!
- Song Yeon, you may leave us.
- Your Majesty... - I said you may leave!
Yes, Your Majesty!
Why was she in your chambers?
- Your Majesty... - I asked you what she was doing here!
Please forgive me, but I do not understand why you are so angry.
- What? - You know the rumors about her and His Majesty.
I just wanted to know the truth about the rumors.
- If I am to serve His Majesty, I have to know... - I don't want to hear it!
Is that your excuse?
- Your Majesty! - Your action is none other than jealousy!
Jealousy, Your Majesty? How can you say that?
I even made you a tonic, not knowing this was the kind of woman you were!
I have no choice but to discipline you!
Your Majesty!
Tomorrow morning, you will bring the "Instructions for Women" manual to my chamber.
Since you seem not to know your duties as a wife, I will teach you again.
Do you understand?
Your Majesty...
When you disobeyed me and sent your sister, I assumed you had good reason.
But it appears I have misjudged you.
- Your Highness... - I don't know what I did wrong.
All I wanted was to confirm if the rumors were true.
Was that so wrong?
She wants me to bring the manual and receive teaching from her?
How could she order such a thing?
Is summoning a damo such a crime that she would humiliate me before my servants?
- Your Highness... - It is not I that is jealous, but the Queen!
I am certain she is acting like this because she doesn't want me as the concubine!
- Why are you outside, Minister? - I have something to tell you, Your Majesty.
- What is it? - Secretary Hong is waiting for you.
Secretary Hong?
Did you not give him my order to not enter the Audience Chamber without my summons?
No, Your Majesty. I have told him about your orders.
His Majesty the King!
- These are the petitions to be discussed today. - Secretary Hong!
Leave us.
- But Your Majesty... - Do as I say.
I was told you were given my orders. So do not attend the Cabinet in the meantime.
Yes, Your Majesty.
- Did you hear the news? - What news?
- The King ordered Secretary Hong to leave the Cabinet! - What?
Why would he do that?
He must be angry at him for seizing the other officials.
But even so, isn't it too harsh for him to order his departure from the Cabinet?
When autumn comes, the fruit falls from the trees.
But unfortunately for you, you have fallen before summer has even started!
I must see His Majesty. Please announce me!
He is in a meeting with Advisor Chae. Come again next time.
- It is Secretary Hong, Your Majesty! - Look here!
I need to speak with you! Please allow me to enter, Your Majesty!
Your Majesty! I need to speak with you!
Your Majesty!
You may go in.
Sit down.
So, what do you have to say to me?
Why have you removed me from the Cabinet, Your Majesty?
Why did you order me to leave?
Don't you know why?
No, Your Majesty. I do not know why.
I did not remove you from Cabinet to punish you, but to protect you.
- Didn't you know that? - Your Majesty!
You know of the problem you caused by forcing the officials to be searched.
I know that some may think you were overbearing.
But other than that incident, there was nothing else that you have done wrong.
But if you continued to attend the Cabinet, the others would try to bring you trouble.
I removed you from the Cabinet because I did not want you to become their target.
Now do you realize why I had you removed from the Cabinet meetings?
Forgive me, Your Majesty!
I did not realize your intentions and have caused this commotion!
I have been foolish! Please forgive me, Your Majesty!
No, I should have let you know my intent before you were hurt.
I assumed you would know it even without me saying it to you.
It's my fault. You may get up now.
- Your Majesty! - Go on.
And since we're talking, I'll say one more thing.
You are my cherished subject.
I wish you would know that even if I don't tell you all the time.
That is the reason why I don't you to become the topic of gossip and rumors.
Rather, I want you to receive praise and acknowledgement from others.
- Your Majesty! - Everyone is watching you closely.
Because of that, you must pay caution to your own actions more carefully.
Yes, Your Majesty. I will not forget your words!
Thank you.
I wanted to give you some time off, but since you're here, we might as well make you work.
When I see you, I want to use you!
Here, take a look at this.
- What is this, Your Majesty? - It is a decree to be announced at next month's Cabinet.
Your Majesty, this decree is about abolishing slavery!
That's right. Once government is stabilized, I will reform our laws on slavery.
I have heard that many slaves are running away because of their owners' exploitation and abuse.
But the law hunts them down and makes their family and neighbors to report them.
Therefore, I will abolish slavery as a whole and prohibit the cruel treatment of slaves.
Thus I will raise their status and prevent cruel abuse and exploitation of them.
Furthermore, livelihoods will be stabilized as well.
But slaves are assets to the noblemen. They will not accept this easily.
Was there anything we did that was easy?
If we were afraid of objection, I would not have been able to start anything.
Slaves have been abused all throughout history, but they are also my people.
I have heard about the many troubles that were caused by the half-bloods in government!
First they meddled in everything from inspections to how reports were written.
But the way they are so full of confidence is ridiculous!
But that is just the beginning. You have already seen what can happen.
It will not stop with the half-bloods. His Majesty will stop at nothing to strangle our power!
- Then what can we do? - We must show them what happens to overconfident men.
It took No Ron a hundred years to create this government.
We must pull those weeds out by the roots before they are firmly grounded!
You have already finished the base painting, so all we have to do is transfer it to silk!
- Yes, please help me, Chobi. - You know I'm the best attendant damo!
- Oh no! - What's wrong?
We don't have any gold pigment. I must have left it back at the Bureau.
The Palace Bureau will have it. I'll go and get some.
No, you're the artist! I'll go and get it quickly.
His Majesty the King!
You are ready to do the colors already?
Yes, today is the last day you will be sitting for the painting.
The Royal Portrait will be ready by next month.
Indeed? I hope you are not rushing it for my sake.
I'm asking because the portrait is being completed faster than I expected.
Are you uncomfortable coming to my study?
Not at all, Your Majesty!
If... if what I said earlier makes you uncomfortable,
don't let it bother you, Song Yeon.
Now that I know how you feel, I will treat you like I did before.
I hope you will do the same.
You may begin.
Yes, Your Majesty.
- Your Highness! - I heard His Majesty is in his study. Announce me.
Yes, Your Majesty.
Why are you doing this?
How could you not have visited Concubine Hong? Don't you know why we brought her in?
But it appears there is something else more outrageous!
- That conjugal night, you went to... - Mother.
I know very well what you want to say to me.
I will no longer make you worry, so please do not be burdened by this.
I will go to Concubine Hong tonight.
I know that it is my duty as King.
So please do not say anything else, Mother.
- Please have a safe trip home, my Lord. - Please be safe, Teacher.
I'll see you tomorrow.
What a creepy night it is. It's perfect for being robbed!
But that robber should know fully well that we are penniless half-bloods!
You're right. In fact, he may give us a few coins instead. I'll be watching for him!
- We're headed in this direction. - Have a safe trip home.
What are you doing?
Who are you? Who sent you to do this?
Who goes there? Is someone here?
Are you alright?
I'm alright. Go and see if Teacher is alright.
They are sure to have gone to him as well.
He's in danger.
Fire! Fire!
- Are you alright? - Wake up!
My Lord! My Lord! Wake up!
Wake up, my Lord! Call for a physician!
Open your eyes, my Lord!
The Councilor and the custodians have been hurt?
I regret to tell you that they were attacked last night.
Not only that, they set fire to the Councilor's house.
They attacked all the Gyujunggak custodians at the same time.
This must be the doing of those who are unhappy with your selection of them.
- Where are they? - They are at the area hospitals.
Bring them to the Royal Hospital and call the Royal Physicians. I will see them myself!
- Your Majesty! - You...
Where is the Councilor?
His Majesty the King!
- Your Majesty! - Councilor!
- What happened? Is he still unconscious? - Yes, Your Majesty.
Can he be treated?
Physician!
Forgive me, but His Lordship has breathed in too much toxic smoke.
It will be difficult for him to recover fully.
Episode 52