DO KYUNG-SOO
NAM JI-HYUN
CHO SEONG-HA, CHO HAN-CHEUL
KIM SEON-HO, HAN SO-HEE, KIM JAE-YOUNG
We have just been informed that war has broken out.
Countless commoners have been taken as prisoners.
Your Highness ought to save our country
as well as our people.
A war?
This is clearly a trap you have set up to sabotage me.
You do not think I'd know that?
You will have no choice...
but to fall into the trap.
There is nothing
Your Highness can do.
Yoon...
I-seo.
That wench's life...
is in my hands.
Who is Yoon I-seo?
I don't know that name.
I thought you had regained your memory.
I must've been wrong.
Then it can't be helped.
Can you prove...
that you're holding her hostage?
Don't try to fool me...
with dirty tricks anymore.
Should I cut off her hand and bring it to you?
Would you...
recognize her then?
First Vice-Premier!
His Majesty
has called a cabinet meeting,
so I must hurry.
Where is she?
If you don't tell me that now,
I'll give orders to have you beheaded...
immediately.
If something happens to me...
my men will kill her
and dump her body in the mountains in obedience to my orders.
If that happens,
wild animals will tear her body...
and you won't even...
be able to find it.
If you want to save that wench,
you'll forever
have to keep your diary hidden...
and bury...
the truth you found out.
GEUNJEONG HALL
FINAL EPISODE
After the Ming's attack,
the Jurchens moved
to the south of the Amnok River and killed our people ruthlessly.
They're also holding hundreds of our people prisoner
and are demanding ransom.
According to Min Byeong-do, the governor of Pyeongan,
the Jurchen commander
wants the King of Joseon to come and pay the ransom himself.
If Your Majesty fails to do so,
he is threatening to behead one hostage every four hours.
It was the Ming that attacked the Jurchens.
Why on earth are they threatening us?
They're claiming that the Ming's arrows are from Joseon.
They must be under the impression
that Joseon incited the Ming to start a war with them.
Then we must clear up the misunderstanding.
Who will go to the battlefield and meet the Jurchens?
I think...
the only man right for this job is the First Vice-Premier.
It would not be difficult for me to go to the battlefield,
but will they listen to my words?
I'm not worthy of representing the honor of the royal family.
If things go wrong...
the people will blame you.
Are you suggesting that His Majesty must go to the battlefield himself?
The situation is serious.
I heard some Jurchens beheaded some of our people
and hung their heads in the middle of a street.
The whole nation is distressed and frightened.
Come on!
Still, His Majesty can't leave the capital city
to go to the battlefield.
Then...
send the Crown Prince to settle the matter.
He's the only one
who can represent you.
I can't allow that.
What are the duties of a crown prince?
It's his duty to break the impasse on behalf of the King.
I'll assist him in any way I can,
so please
consider it, Your Majesty.
Please consider it, Your Majesty.
She left the house at dawn and left behind that letter,
expressing her gratitude.
The county clerk, Gu-dol, and Kkeut-nyeo are searching for her everywhere,
but they haven't found her yet.
Your Highness, please find
Hong-sim.
Don't worry.
I'll find her no matter what.
Your Highness. You need to return to the palace now.
The result of the cabinet meeting is serious.
I'll search for Yeon Hong-sim.
You'd better hurry back to the palace.
What?
I'll go to the battlefield.
I can't allow that.
Lord Kim and many others have set off to meet the Jurchens.
They'll resolve the matter somehow.
I suspect that it was Lord Kim who instigated this war.
He's making an enormous profit
by supplying weapons to the Ming,
so I'm sure he doesn't want this war to end soon.
He has no interest in saving our people's lives,
so I must rush off.
Then I'm more convinced I mustn't let you.
The battlefield is dangerous because Lord Kim is there.
I told you to punish him.
Are you going to fall into his trap instead?
I still don't understand...
why Lord Kim tried to kill you
and why you're just standing by and watching him.
Please confide everything to me.
I can't tell you why.
Do you still not trust me...
because I rose to the throne with his help?
If I let out these secrets,
many people will end up getting hurt.
This is a matter...
Lord Kim and I should settle.
Just like last time, Lord Kim will be waiting for you
after setting up a trap.
Just like he did on Mount Cheonu, he may try to kill you again.
Do you still want to go?
I intend...
to do as Lord Kim wishes.
I'll be waiting for you
on the battlefield
with that wench you're in love with.
Bring my robe.
Your Highness, I cannot let you go to the battlefield.
Step aside.
Only death
awaits you there.
I shall...
ride to my death.
There's no time to lose.
If I bring my soldiers with me,
they may think that I'm here to join the war,
so I must go alone.
Stay behind and wait for further instructions.
Didn't I clearly tell you to wait until I gave you further instructions?
You looked at me with affection when you said that,
so I thought you wanted me to follow you.
I never looked at you that way.
What are you doing? We should fight.
We've postponed the negotiations for three days
but informed our side it'll take place tomorrow.
Our soldiers will wait in ambush at the fortress at dawn.
Once the Crown Prince arrives,
we'll get rid of him.
We're prepared to fabricate the evidence and frame the Jurchens for the murder.
Minister of Defense.
Go to the Ming camp.
Will you not need me to protect you by your side?
The grave mission given to you now is
to keep faith with the Ming.
The thing with the Crown Prince
is my personal matter.
I'm the one who started the relationship,
so I ought to end it.
I'll personally...
see him off...
this time.
We didn't expect you to come here.
Please come in.
Look at this.
The Jurchens were not mistaken.
This arrow is...
surely from Joseon.
It seems that Lord Kim produced
and supplied weapons to the Ming.
Are you suggesting that he instigated this war?
Where is he?
He went to the Ming camp to get 300,000 yang in silver
that the Jurchens demanded as ransom.
I'm sure it's not to get the ransom money.
How many of our people are being held hostage?
I'm sure it's as many as 300.
Lord Kim delivered this.
It's a letter from the Jurchens.
They want us to be at Wieon Fortress by noon tomorrow
if we want to negotiate.
-But the problem is-- -I suppose they want me to come alone.
Yes.
Is it the people or a woman that's making you worry?
What do you like better? Snow or falling petals?
What do you mean?
I tried to hint that it was
a stupid question.
How can you joke at a time like this?
The letter delivered by Lord Kim must be fake.
There's no evidence that the people are in the fortress
and that he's holding Yeon Hong-sim hostage.
It would be foolhardy
to go into the fortress alone.
What would you do?
Would you not go
if there was no evidence?
I would still go.
But I'm not the Crown Prince.
I have an uneasy feeling about this. Please don't go.
Your Highness. Please hurry up and go inside.
No.
This is an anonymous letter.
I need to go to the fortress.
What does the letter say?
It says...
Lord Kim is waiting for me there.
We'll be waiting outside.
Please come back safely.
It's too bad.
The girl you're looking for is not here.
Where is she?
You won't be able to see her.
Why not?
Because you will die
before you can see her.
You called
this many assassins just to kill me?
It looks like I don't stand a chance of surviving.
But too bad.
I'm not going to fall into the same trap twice.
Drop your swords.
If you don't obey my orders...
the arrows will pierce your throats.
Tie up First Vice-Premier Kim Cha-eon
and take him to the Royal Investigation Bureau now.
You're guilty of trying to assassinate me...
and of starting a war and making our people suffer.
You will be...
severely punished for that.
Don't shoot.
That's enough.
You'll no longer be able...
to take up your sword with that arm.
Tie him up.
Shoot him!
I have no intention...
of staying alive...
as you wish...
only to live in shame.
It's all over now.
Why did you...
just stand by...
and watch him die like this?
Why?
Why are you here now?
Why?
Why? Why?
I didn't...
follow him,
so I didn't know what he was doing.
He just asked me...
to protect you on his behalf.
Seok-ha.
No.
There's a house he prepared for you.
I'll escort you there.
No.
I'll go to where Kim Cha-eon is.
I'll end this...
once and for all.
Yeon Hong-sim must be somewhere around here.
Go find her.
Did Lord Kim really take her hostage and bring her here?
No.
She's been helping me at a close distance.
The anonymous letter last night...
was from her.
My father was dragged away,
and my mother is dead.
You don't have to hold it in.
Cry if you want to do so.
If you hold it in, it'll only make the pain last longer.
Yes.
Cry.
It's okay to cry
as much as you want.
Your father will return safely.
His Highness the Crown Prince is very brave...
and smart,
and he's here.
So let's wait a little bit.
Staying here alone is dangerous, so you'd better go to the county office.
Go there and bravely wait for your father. Okay?
Okay. Thank you.
I was very worried...
that Lord Kim might have harmed you.
Why did you come...
to this dangerous place?
It was not because of you...
Your Highness.
I heard the news about your brother.
I'm sorry.
Why are you saying sorry?
You didn't do anything wrong.
I wanted to save him.
I wanted him...
to run away and live his life.
Why?
Because...
he's my brother?
You don't have to live as Yeon Hong-sim anymore.
The letter you sent me was helpful.
Since I owe you my life,
I'll give you credit for that...
and let you get back your title.
Live as Yoon I-seo from now on.
And you may...
turn the clock back to a time before our marriage.
Because he is not the father of the child
the Crown Princess is carrying.
Although he probably
doesn't know because he's lost all his memories.
Then why did you come back to Hanyang?
No... No way.
To kill His Highness?
In case he regains his memory?
That's not the reason.
Then...
what is it?
It's to protect someone I love and our child.
Is...
the woman you're talking about...
She isn't the Crown Princess to me.
She's just a woman named So-hye.
I'm sorry,
I-seo.
I think I have no choice but to go on living as Mu-yeon...
because...
I have to protect them.
Do not forgive me.
Do not do
anything for me.
I'm also a sinner...
to you.
Do you dare to disobey my orders?
The ones who have brought you misery...
may be...
my brother and me.
The insurrection...
took my mother...
and the girl I liked from me.
You also lost your father because of me.
Since that day, my mind has never been at ease.
It's all in the past.
Forget about me and the past.
Forget all of it.
I hope...
you return to the palace safely.
Is that all you have to say to me?
Can't you just say...
that you love me...
and that you want to stay by my side...
regardless of all that?
That's all I want to hear...
from you.
I can't...
give you the answer you want.
An express messenger has arrived from Pyeongan Province.
Lord Kim is dead and--
What about the Crown Prince?
He is all right.
Thank goodness he's safe.
This is a letter His Highness asked us to deliver.
I have finally decided what to do with the blank scroll...
stamped with your royal seal.
I'm afraid...
I must take...
what I most desire.
The crimes committed by First Vice-Premier Kim Cha-eon
will be paid for with his life.
His children...
will not be
punished for them.
"This is a royal order."
Lord Kim.
Are you trying to stop me even after your death?
Do you think I'll keep my word when you're dead?
Don't even think of refusing all food and drink.
Why are you...
keeping me alive?
Yoon I-seo.
The woman I've loved all my life...
is the younger sister of Yoon Seok-ha, the man you loved.
It's not you.
It's just that I can't kill the child in your womb.
I'll decide what to do with you after I return from the battlefield.
So keep on living.
Stay alive.
Your Highness.
I'm very sorry to tell you this. I've received news...
that the First Vice-Premier has died.
He tried to murder the Crown Prince, so he was punished for treason.
Then I won't be...
spared either.
Please get up. This isn't the time for you to be here.
What are you all doing?
Mother urgently asked for us,
so we were on our way to visit her.
Crown Princess.
Yes, Your Majesty?
I know all the sins you've committed.
How dare you try to run away after doing such terrible things?
Do you wish to survive even after committing such heinous sins?
I'll tell you what happened to the Crown Prince.
He charged toward the enemy camp alone
and beheaded thousands of barbarians.
Swoosh! Swoosh!
"Please spare my life."
But His Highness said, "I won't spare anyone!"
And he cut off all of their heads.
Goodness.
His Highness was the best swordsman in Joseon after all.
He's exaggerating again.
Think about it.
Not even 17 to one, but thousands to one? You think it's possible?
Does that even make sense?
I'm telling you this because it makes sense.
Don't cut me off. The real story begins now.
His Highness-- Don't cut me off.
His Highness saved
all of our people who were being held hostage
and returned to the palace.
-But the Crown Princess was... -What about her?
She...
was dead.
The cause of death was...
suicide.
Oh, my goodness.
How could she do that when she was carrying a child?
The child she was carrying wasn't His Highness's.
What?
She cheated on a nice man like Won-deuk?
She shouldn't have expected to survive!
I wouldn't have forgiven her either.
Am I the only one feeling uneasy?
Don't speak ill of Her Highness the Crown Princess again.
You don't talk to me like that again.
You're nothing but a traitor.
How dare you criticize your warden?
Do you want to starve tonight?
As if you feed me generously. You give me a measly amount of food.
What? A measly amount?
How dare you run your mouth like that?
Do you call this a measly amount? Do you?
Goodness. Just don't talk back.
Why did you volunteer to be a warden?
I did it because they offered to pay me.
How could I have known that he'd be exiled to our place?
You're in a delicate condition. Don't mind him.
Now leave, guys.
I'm in a delicate condition, so everything is annoying.
I was about to leave anyway.
As the head of a merchant association,
I'm very busy.
Oh, right.
I'm going to Ming soon.
If you need anything, tell me.
I'll get it for you.
Just because you're wearing silk clothes doesn't mean you're a nobleman, Ma-chil.
Stop talking in a haughty tone.
Hey.
When you go to Ming, please meet Chief Eunuch No and tell him about me.
And please ask him to save me.
You're officially dead. How can he?
You're on the line.
Well,
just one more question.
What happened to that woman?
The one the Crown Prince is in love with.
They didn't get married, did they?
Married, my foot!
Did I keep you waiting for a long time?
No, it's okay.
Waiting for a beautiful woman
always makes me excited.
I read the letter you sent me,
but I didn't quite understand what you meant.
To put it simply...
since we're growing old together,
I want to have some fun with you.
How dare you try to mess with me?
Don't move!
What are you doing? Come quickly!
-Hey, wait! -I told you to wait until I came.
-Why did you start first again? -It hurts.
What if you had gotten hurt?
-I didn't get hurt. -It hurts.
-Who are you guys? -Hurry.
-Who are you? -Arrest him!
-Yes, sir! -Yes, sir!
-Do you know who I am? -Come here!
Do you know who I am?
My family is the wealthiest in this village!
Let go of me!
Hey!
Thanks to you, we were able to catch that serial rapist. I'm glad.
It's been ages since you became a county governor,
but you still talk like a clerk.
Look who's talking.
You got back your title and name.
What kind of a noble maiden would...
You're too old to be called a maiden, and there are things I've seen.
Anyway, I can't believe you fought with such a brutal man.
You don't have to do such work anymore.
Do you think money grows on trees for noble people?
Give me ten yang.
What? Ten yang? Unbelievable.
-Arrest her. -Come on.
Dirty, dangerous, and difficult work always costs a lot.
You owe me if you get promoted for catching that rapist.
Will you not pay me?
I will.
Wait a minute. Hold on. I think I have money here.
-A tiger! -What?
Gosh, he never changes.
Your Excellency!
WE SOLVE YOUR PROBLEMS
A bowl of cool pear juice would be nice.
Wherever we end up...
we'll build another beautiful wall with vines.
I'll always stay by your side, so don't worry.
I won't go anywhere without you...
because I'm your husband.
Shall I sign a pledge?
What did you do today? You look dumbfounded.
What else would I do?
I did some work to get paid.
You got your title back.
You're a noblewoman now, so you can live a noble life.
Why do you ask for trouble?
Should I leave you behind, then?
Living alone as a noblewoman isn't appealing at all.
I'm just going to live here happily with you.
That's not the reason you can't leave this house.
Fine.
I can't leave because of Won-deuk.
Are you happy now?
Your Excellency. Please release me.
Let go of me, you jerks!
Your Excellency.
Hurry up and put him in jail.
I have to send a report in to His Highness.
-Go. -Yes, sir!
Your Excellency! Please release me!
-Your Excellency! -Seon-do.
Hurry up and bring me ink, paper, and a brush.
Is there cotton in your ears? Go get ink, paper, and a brush!
Yes, sir!
I'll get my title back at all costs and get even with you someday.
"I'll get my title back at all costs."
Should I slap you in the face?
You underestimated His Highness the Crown Prince. Go!
Yes, sir!
This is a report from Heo Man-sik, the royal inspector.
He arrested all the bandits
in Hamgyeong Province.
The bandits must've caused a lot of damage.
Reduce the people's taxes by half.
And Heo Man-sik
has made a lot of contributions as a royal inspector,
so I want to promote him and keep him by my side.
I'll tell him to return to the palace immediately.
Your Highness.
It's been half a year since you started to manage state affairs
on behalf of His Majesty.
Taking care of the people and state affairs is important,
but you're still unmarried.
It could set the wrong example for the people.
Besides, it hasn't rained
for the past three months--
Don't start with that again.
I had all the bachelors and spinsters get married last year,
but it still didn't rain.
But, Your Highness.
Because you keep refusing to get married,
a scandalous rumor...
is spreading in the palace.
-A rumor? -Well...
It's an unmentionable rumor, so--
Then don't mention it.
Let's wrap up today's meeting.
Oh, right.
If you're that worried about the drought...
figure out a solution...
by this time tomorrow.
The Chief Censor has a point.
You've been single for quite a while. Aren't you lonely?
I'm lonely, but it's bearable...
because you're always by my side.
I'm always lonely even when you're by my side.
They say a busy honeybee has no time to be sad.
I'll give you more work, then.
I'll refuse that offer...
because I'm not a honeybee.
Oops, I'm sorry.
I tripped over a rock.
I'm sorry to say this,
but your visit to Sungkyunkwan has been canceled.
What is the reason?
We need to make you a new royal robe.
I don't need it.
What I have is enough.
Hearing that makes me very uneasy.
You can't do this to me when I was almost killed because of you.
All right.
I'll do as you wish.
Are you happy now?
Yes, Your Highness. I'll escort you.
This way, please.
Your voice is just fine.
Hey, your voice is just fine.
You have very beautiful hands.
Did Father send you?
No.
The Royal Attire Office sent me.
I smell the finest musk.
Did the Royal Attire Office give it to you and tell you to seduce me?
Don't lay a finger on me. You're no longer allowed to touch me.
Your Highness.
You send me not only noblewomen but also court ladies?
What's wrong? Is she not your type?
I chose her after careful thought.
Father.
I've shown you dozens of girls.
I'm too embarrassed to listen to the complaints of the noble families
who sent in their daughters' profiles in hopes that you'd choose them.
Do you intend to end the royal family line?
I told you there's a woman I'm holding in my heart.
You're perfectly healthy!
Why are you just holding her in your heart?
Don't tell me...
that you...
got rejected.
Did you really get rejected?
Who is she? How dare she reject my son?
Well, to put it simply, it's true...
that I got rejected...
but I'm not the only reason for that.
So please
give me a little more time.
I'm waiting...
for her, too.
My goodness.
-Your Majesty. -How many times have I told you
to look after the Crown Prince?
Working hard all day doesn't mean you're fulfilling all your duties.
My apologies.
But...
I have...
a plan.
I am...
thinking of abdicating in favor of the Crown Prince.
TO HAND OVER THE THRONE
Why are you saying such a thing?
You're still in good health.
How could I dare to take your place?
Please retract your words.
They say my illness is
more serious than they thought.
Your Majesty.
I'm planning to go to Mount Myohyang and convalesce for a few months.
But before that...
I want to see you get married, Crown Prince.
-Father! -Listen, everyone.
All bachelors and spinsters must get married
by the end of next month.
Those who disobey my orders will be flogged a hundred times
even if they're the children of noblemen or the Crown Prince.
There...
must be no exceptions.
What?
He should be able to bear the pain.
How could he let the mild illness overpower him?
He's such a weak person.
Does he think it'll make the Crown Prince get married?
From what I heard, he's always with Jung Je-yun.
No matter how I look at it...
I think it's true that he has a preference for men.
That's the biggest reason he can't be the Crown Prince.
Prince Seowon...
still has a chance, then.
Who knew your half brother would be useful to us?
Go tell him to seduce the Crown Prince and leave decisive evidence.
Your Majesty.
Though I hate my half brother as well,
he does not like men.
His * orientation doesn't matter.
"Politics is all about tricks."
That's what you said.
His Majesty is here.
How long will you keep a watch on the Crown Prince?
That's enough.
Your Majesty. It's nothing like that.
I was also worried about him getting married.
Not again.
From now on...
focus your attention on me.
I'll step down...
to spend more time with you.
Your Majesty.
Are you slow-witted, Chief Censor?
You should leave the two of us alone.
My apologies, Your Majesty.
Queen.
Your Majesty.
What's the name of the disease you have?
Is it so serious that even physicians can do nothing about it?
After spending...
so many years sitting on the King's throne...
I got a rash...
on my *ocks...
and they show no sign of healing.
Are you joking with me?
How can you force me to take your place and get married for such a trivial reason?
Yul.
I've always been...
burdened by the weight of the crown.
I wanted to be as solid as a rock,
but I always swayed like reeds.
And I despised myself for being like that.
Though he may have been evil,
I envied Lord Kim at times...
because he was endowed with an indomitable will.
You're the same.
Because I owed so much to the founding contributors,
it was hard for me to accomplish my goals.
But you're different.
You're not afraid of anything.
You're not reluctant to give up your position either.
That's why you never lose your authority and dignity.
Father.
I've had to walk on eggshells all my life.
Around my older brother when I was little
and around the ministers after I sat on the throne.
And...
I was always worried about how
I would be remembered in history after my death.
"What kind of a king will I be remembered as?"
That was the only thing I cared about.
Yul.
I hope...
you live a life that is worthy of being remembered.
What you truly want matters more
than what other people
think of you.
What did you think about all night long?
Why isn't Lecturer Jung here yet?
Oh...
He asked me to deliver this letter to you
and just left.
I haven't had a single day off since you started
to manage state affairs.
I'd like to have three days off.
It's to abide by His Majesty's orders to get married,
so don't be upset.
I'm going to Songju...
to get married.
They say the early bird catches the worm.
I didn't know you were such a sluggish person.
You loved the woman all your life,
but you might lose her to another man.
It may not be so bad, though,
to be recorded in history as the only king who dies unmarried.
But if you remain single all your life,
you'll be no different from me. Don't you agree?
How dare you?
But I'm not wrong, am I?
Bring me a change of clothes now.
Long ago, there was a time when it rained a ton.
The whole world had flooded,
so even dandelions were about to be submerged.
A little dandelion prayed to the sky.
"Please save me."
Then, suddenly, the wind started blowing.
The dandelion spores flew with the wind
and landed on a sunny hill.
A few days later, it began sprouting.
And, eventually, a new dandelion bloomed.
If we ride the wind,
it will take us
to a place where we can bloom again.
I named this child Seok-ha.
I know it goes against the custom...
but I want to remember for a long time...
that name that no one will remember.
I made this outfit myself. How do you like it?
It's so pretty.
Thank you. You also dreamed about a peach as a good omen on our behalf.
I'm glad it's a girl.
Imagine a boy who looks like me. He'd be in trouble.
Every woman would hit on him.
That would never happen.
Just like his father, he'd be an old bachelor.
By the way, what's this?
Oh, right.
I heard carp is good for pregnant women, so I caught one.
Oh...
Ta-da!
Oh, no.
You still have morning sickness?
Being pregnant at this age must be physically demanding.
She's having a hard time eating.
Why did you have to bring something fishy?
Here. Lean on me.
Goodness.
I worked really hard to catch this.
Fine. If you don't want it, I'll have it.
Hey, hey.
Leave it there.
I'll have it. All right?
Just a second, Kkeut-nyeo.
Where's my club?
Huh?
It's been a while.
What brings you all the way here?
I'm here to deliver the royal order
that all unmarried people must get married.
Again?
Why do they force us to get married against our will?
I don't think it's a bad idea.
Thanks to that,
I've made up my mind to get married.
Now put an end to your single life.
Let's get married.
Your Excellency.
Oh!
What perfect timing.
Come to the office, both of you.
Huh?
MAGISTRATE'S OFFICE
We took care of all the unmarried people last year.
How can there be more this year? Goodness.
These four here turned 20 this year, so it's understandable.
What about these two?
Let me see.
Twenty-nine and thirty-one?
Unbelievable.
You two must be the oldest bachelor and spinster in Joseon.
Why is the introduction so long?
Please hurry and pair us up.
Okay. The numbers are equal this year.
That's a relief.
What do you mean it's a relief?
It's not like it hasn't rained this year.
Why are they forcing us to get married this time?
Am I the one who's forcing you? Am I?
This is because of His Highness the Crown Prince.
A crown prince who remains single is unheard of in the history of this country.
His Majesty the King is desperately looking for a suitable match for him.
I heard he's looking everywhere like this.
That's the example you should follow.
Hurry up and pair up.
Am I the only one feeling uneasy?
Who's barking?
This ridiculous matchmaking makes me...
feel very uneasy.
What brings you here,
Your Highness?
I was worried innocent people would unwillingly get married
because of the royal order,
so I'm here to inspect.
Are you saying they don't need to get married?
Of course not.
They mustn't dare disobey the royal order.
Then what are they supposed to do?
I'm also a bachelor,
so...
I'll participate...
as well.
Well, there are three women and four men,
so it can't be helped.
Men. You should close your eyes.
And women. You should stand before the men you like.
All right, men. Close your eyes.
Can we really pick one?
The Crown Prince is the most handsome one.
Shush. Be quiet.
All right, then.
Go!
Now...
open your eyes!
I see.
I understand that no one could dare to stand before me.
I'm sure no one had the courage.
I'll give you another chance, so...
I'll give you another chance.
So...
I knew you had a good eye for men.
I'll do my best
so you'll never regret choosing me over His Highness.
Your Excellency.
Can you
please listen to my story first?
It was a spring night.
I felt very depressed that day.
I was sad about being born as a concubine's son,
so I blamed my deceased mother.
And I hated myself for blaming her.
Right then, I met someone.
I never believed
in love at first sight.
But through that experience, I learned...
that it was possible.
I want
to tell that woman...
that I love her.
But you won't be able...
to win her heart.
Love is not about winning.
It's only about giving.
Stay still.
You should stay still.
Continue to stay still.
I think I have a bad fever.
Why is it so hot?
My neck is hot, too.
That's enough.
Have you chosen love over loyalty?
You know how much I love that woman.
I did it because I knew.
-What? -If you let her go again,
I'll propose to her
for sure.
I'm also here to make a wish.
I wish that the woman I love...
would stay by my side forever.
If I stay by your side...
it'll only make you unhappy.
My past and my existence
will hold you back for a long time.
But without you...
I'll be unhappier.
If we can't smile...
at each other when we're together...
that's not true love.
My brother and I...
have hurt you.
How can we forget that?
I don't care.
One day...
someone will find out about it.
And they'll use it against you.
If I have to give up on someone I love to keep the position,
I don't need it.
I don't want that to happen.
Choose being a good and wise king
over being a husband.
Then I have no choice.
I'll return to the palace as you wish.
But before that,
I want you to find something for me.
While I was rushing off to meet you,
I lost a package of books.
I heard that you're still running that business.
The books are wrapped in red silk,
so it won't be hard to find.
I'll reward you handsomely,
so find them quickly.
SILENCE
Goodness.
By the way, where is Yang-chun at this crucial moment?
Well,
she kept saying she was in a delicate condition for two weeks,
so I thought she had some body aches.
But she was actually pregnant.
She had a craving for rice soup, so I told her to go to the market.
Your daughter is growing old as a spinster.
How could you do that as her father?
That's why this plan has to succeed.
You're right.
Hey, Seon-do!
Is it ready?
Yes!
It's ready!
Let me see.
Here you go.
Okay. Let's see.
For goodness' sake!
How many times have I told you
that the petals should have grooves in the middle?
Do it again!
Yes, sir.
Goodness.
It's like talking to a brick wall.
Anyway, where were we?
I'll get my title back at all costs
and get even with you someday.
I can hear you, dude.
Yes, sir!
July 4th, Year of the Horse.
I see you everywhere I go.
I know it's an illusion.
It makes me depressed.
July 5th, Year of the Horse.
I deeply regret letting you go that night.
It was so heartbreaking that I couldn't sleep.
December 17th, Year of the Horse.
It snowed today.
The falling snow reminded me of you.
You asked me once
if I liked snow or falling petals.
No matter how many times you ask,
I'll always say, "You."
Do you remember?
Today is the day we got married.
Come on!
I told you not to lay a finger on me!
They say there are two paths in life.
One is to live believing that there are no miracles...
and the other is to live believing that everything is a miracle.
Looking back,
while I was living as your husband for those hundred days...
every moment was...
a miracle.
SILENCE
Where are you going?
Is His Highness at the office now?
No, he left.
Something urgent came up in the palace.
Hong-sim.
I heard that you had already left,
Your Highness.
The Crown Prince may have left,
but Won-deuk is still here.
No matter how hard I look,
you don't look like Won-deuk.
Don't look hard.
Look closely at me.
Now!
Huh?
It's not spring. Where are these petals coming from?
I see you found the books.
No one is allowed to read them.
Did you, by any chance?
Yes.
I did.
I hope...
that you'll stop writing...
such heartbreaking diaries.
Don't worry.
I've already thought about what I'll write today.
It'll probably go like this.
"I proposed to the woman I had missed all my life.
She smiled and nodded.
Now...
I'll spend the rest of my days with her,
come what may."
Let's go to the palace.
Did you...
just propose to me?
No.
I'll do it properly now.