01x08 - Episode 8

[bunniefuu]

You dislike me.

No, Your Majesty.

Do you like me then?

I do.

I…

like you, Mong-woo.

Do not look so startled.

I am just…

expressing how I feel.

Have you heard?

About what?

His Majesty…

What? Attracted to men?

Are you certain?

What has you so deep in thought?

Measures to win, Your Majesty.

You cannot win against me.

In my humble opinion,

the victor has not yet been decided.

Shall I take back a move?

Simply make a request,

and I will take one back.

I shall not adhere to

such an unreasonable order.

Defense alone

will not lead you to victory.

You must play on the offensive.

Like so, Your Majesty?

If I ask you to take back a move,

would you allow it?

Respectfully,

I cannot allow that.

I cannot miss the golden opportunity

that may not ever come again.

You win, Mong-woo.

To speak the truth,

this is not my victory

but your loss.

You lost focus and were caught off guard.

Your Majesty, it is me, Sang-hwa.

You may come in.

That is yours.

Pardon?

A herbal medicine for me?

I have almost recovered, Your Majesty.

The royal physician gave me an ointment--

The medicine is not for your sake

but mine.

I can only play baduk with an easy heart

when you are well.

Must I feed it to you?

How does it taste?

Is it bitter?

It tastes fine.

Since when has such a rumor

started going around?

It started spreading after the gisinje.

The gossip started among the servants

who traveled with His Majesty,

and it now seems to have spread

among the commoners as well.

His Majesty included Kang Mong-woo

in his retinue for the gisinje,

had the royal physician tend to him

when he got injured during a sword fight,

and ordered the Royal Clinic

to prepare herbal medicine

for Kang Mong-woo upon returning.

With so many episodes

seemingly confirming the rumor,

it has spread like wildfire.

Kang Mong-woo.

What a mysterious man.

He was expelled for high treason

three years ago

after forging a false attestation

in service of Kim Jong-bae.

But now, nestled at Yeongchwijeong

as the gidaeryeong,

he is hogging His Majesty's attention.

A false attestation?

Kang Mong-woo did that?

Were you not aware?

I was not.

Is there a way to stop the rumors?

The most certain way

is to expel the gidaeryeong.

That would also be the most difficult way.

I do not think His Majesty will approve.

I shall try to secure the support

of other court officials.

Do so.

I need to have a word with you.

What is going on?

Are you asking me

if the rumor is true or not?

I know that it cannot be true.

What I want to ask is…

The court will be filing a petition

to His Majesty shortly.

What is your plan?

I will not do anything.

Rumors only grow rampant

when one tries to silence them.

But it is true

that you are the King's favorite.

There is no truth to his favoritism.

He pretends to be fond of me,

intoxicated in his own joy.

It is a pretense?

I cannot forget the King's words to me

even now.

I am no longer an ordinary man.

I am the king of this nation.

A king

only has his subjects

and political enemies.

He keeps no such thing as friends.

I was not aware

that he had spoken so harshly.

Now that you know,

please do not suspect me

simply because I am his favorite.

The King

is my sworn enemy.

Nothing will change that fact.

That may be what your mind is telling you,

but does your heart follow it?

What is this?

Do you not fear the Special Firearms Unit?

I would like to

befriend the gidaeryeong.

Please arrange a meeting for us.

And why would I do that?

You two are close.

Though the rumor of Kang Mong-woo

being attracted to men is unsavory,

that matters not.

He is His Majesty's favorite, after all.

I would have done the same.

Shut your mouth

and move while I am being civil.

My lord.

Do you think the rumor is true?

It is a misunderstanding, Your Majesty.

I have never attempted

to harm the gidaeryeong.

If you lay a finger

on Kang Mong-woo again,

I will behead you myself.

Do you understand?

Yes, Your Majesty.

Whether it is true or not

is of no importance.

What matters is

whether it is beneficial to me or not.

Just say it.

What could I have to say?

The rumor is spread everywhere,

and you are aware of it.

Speaking about it

will only make each other upset.

At least you know.

The thing is,

while Jeomine was out peddling hair oil

to the First Senior Consort's family,

she heard this story about--

Do I have to know this?

No, my lady.

According to their housemaid,

when the First Senior Consort

went home last year on a retreat,

she apparently let it all out

while crying a river.

Her Royal Highness kept persecuting her

for failing to bear a child,

which ended up making her ill.

But the fact is,

how was she supposed to bear one

when she has never bedded His Majesty?

What with the raging rumor

about His Majesty being attracted to men,

the consorts' quarters

were all turned upside down.

Why so?

The First Senior Consort thought

she was the only one who was turned down,

but in truth,

all the consorts, as well as Her Majesty,

have never consummated their union

with His Majesty.

But how…

How is that possible?

To my knowledge,

that would not be so easy to pull off

what with all the prying eyes on them.

Apparently, spending the night

with His Majesty

is quite tricky in many ways.

I see.

There are more things

he disallows than he allows.

I see.

Women are not allowed to move

until His Majesty touches them.

My goodness.

They cannot fall asleep

before His Majesty does.

Gosh, that is hot.

He is unmoved

by women of incomparable beauty

as if they were

just some rocks like these.

If your tales are indeed all true,

then he truly is impressive.

How does he manage to hold it in like so?

Goodness.

This is obviously a sign

that he is attracted to men, is it not?

I just cannot be sure

whether to believe it or not.

Goodness.

The most pitiable person

is the expelled First Senior Consort

who even held secret rituals

under Her Royal Highness's orders

to bear the King a son.

Poor thing.

Do you see the implication as well?

What implication?

About Senior Court Lady Dong.

That saucy court lady,

who is said to be adored by His Majesty,

also…

has not found success

- in bedding His Majesty.

- I see.

My gosh.

- Let us head to Yeongchwijeong.

- Yes, Your Majesty.

The Principal Director has summoned you.

Have you summoned me, Lord Park?

You should have been truthful with me.

Do not tell me

you expected

your deception to hold forever.

I have not taken your life

solely because of His Majesty.

I spared your life despite the risk

as it seemed he was very fond of you.

Forgive me, Lord Park.

Please spare my life.

But why should I?

It is most beneficial for me

to take your life.

You may leave.

Your Majesty.

I have a matter

I wish to speak to you about.

What is it?

Please…

dismiss me from my current post.

What is the reason?

Everyone now knows

that I have never received your affection.

I cannot bear to see others out of shame.

- Therefore--

- I disapprove!

Your Majesty.

I am afraid I cannot aid you

properly any longer.

Please dismiss me from your quarters.

No.

Please expel me from the palace.

I entreat you, Your Majesty.

Your entreaty is nothing but coercion!

What is it that you want?

I would like to become your woman.

Please allow me to spend a night with you.

I…

will not bed you…

nor dismiss you from my quarters.

Your Majesty.

You cannot be crueler than this.

How could you ask me

to endure such indignity?

I, too, am enduring one.

You must endure as well.

That is a royal command.

Your Royal Highness.

Senior Court Lady Dong seeks an audience.

Let her in.

What did you say?

You want me to help you

spend the night with the King?

Did I hear that correctly?

Yes, that is what I have said.

You cunning wench!

You must have a death wish.

I apologize,

but if you take my life,

you will lose all means to put an end

to His Majesty's attraction to men.

Are you saying that the rumor is true?

That also means that His Majesty

never bestowed you

any affection, does it not?

There are different types of affection.

More like the recompense for your sins.

I am glad you remember.

Please fulfill the promise

that you made me back then.

Even if you end up bearing his child,

you will not be appointed a consort.

I only wish for one thing.

It is to serve His Majesty in proximity

until I take my last breath.

That is all.

What is this?

It is a petition from court officials

seeking the dismissal

of Gidaeryeong Kang Mong-woo.

For what reason?

As you are well aware,

we seek to eradicate

the ill rumors going around.

If I dismiss the gidaeryeong,

do the rumors magically disappear?

At least the misconception about you

will disappear, Your Majesty.

What misconception?

It is true that I am fond of

Gidaeryeong Kang Mong-woo.

Forgive me,

but we only filed a petition

to maintain your peaceful reign

and soothe the people's uneasy hearts.

Please grant us your approval.

- Please grant us your approval.

- Please grant us your approval.

Goodness.

The petition regarding the gidaeryeong

will not be granted.

I apologize,

but if you do not,

they will file another petition.

When that happens,

a clause will only be added

seeking his punishment

for harming you and the court.

What harm did Kang Mong-woo inflict on me?

A controversy was sparked

by your decision to bring Kang Mong-woo

and Grand Prince Munseong to the gisinje.

Some even seem to be

eyeing the Grand Prince.

As they may use the rumor

as an excuse to plot treason,

I advise you to expel

Gidaeryeong Kang Mong-woo

and let this serve as a warning.

A hint of vulnerability

becomes a reason for them to get ideas.

But then again,

you also proposed that we plot a treason

when my brother fell ill.

I have always been

and still am ready to sacrifice anything

in service of you, Your Majesty.

As long as it benefits you,

I would even gladly take on

a false charge of being a traitor.

I beg you…

not to underrate my loyalty.

Kang Mong-woo…

will not be expelled.

Search for another way.

Please take this.

What is this date for?

Upon Her Royal Highness's command,

the Royal Astronomical Observatory

chose a date for you to bed

Senior Court Lady Dong.

If she produces your heir,

all rumors will dissipate

as well as the court's uneasiness.

If you accept the set date,

I will take responsibility

and withdraw the petition

regarding the gidaeryeong.

How is Her Majesty?

Both her body and soul

seem to have weakened.

I shall quickly brew herbal medicine

to strengthen her condition.

That will take too long.

Is there no other way to break her fever?

I apologize,

but if we force her temperature down,

the chill may worsen her illness.

I see.

You may leave.

My dearest, Her Majesty…

must have been suffering torment.

Your Majesty.

Your decision has given me much joy.

Seeing you so pleased

gladdens my heart as well.

It is the queen's duty to manage

the affairs of the king's bedchamber.

See to it that everything

is prepared to perfection.

Yes, Your Royal Highness.

What are you looking at?

I was looking at the fish in the pond.

I do not see any.

I clearly saw one earlier.

You have keen eyes

to find fish in the pond from this bridge.

Your Majesty.

You must go to the hall of governance.

All right.

I shall return after the assembly,

so be prepared to tell me your wish.

Your Majesty.

I apologize,

but may I please

let you know at a later time?

So as to use it

when you are desperately in need?

All right, you may do so.

Gidaeryeong Kang.

Her Majesty summons you.

Your Majesty.

Did you summon me?

You may lift your head, Gidaeryeong.

- Your Majesty.

- What is the matter?

Did you think I would be angry at you?

I am not.

My fury is for someone else.

Senior Court Lady Dong.

As she was His Majesty's favorite,

she has carried out my duties

as the queen until now.

It is shameful,

but my only choice

was to sit back and watch.

She may carry out your duties,

but she could never match your grace.

I appreciate your words,

but they do not console me.

With the approval from Her Royal Highness,

she is officially spending the night

with His Majesty.

I cannot hold this vexation any longer.

However indecent,

I would much rather the rumor

between you and His Majesty were true.

Your Majesty.

Grand Prince Munseong

requests an audience.

What shall I do?

Let him in.

Welcome, Grand Prince.

I apologize for my belated greetings.

I have only heard the news

of your ill health today.

How do you feel, Your Majesty?

Thank you.

I feel much better seeing you.

With the approval from Her Royal Highness,

she is officially spending the night

with His Majesty.

What happens if Senior Court Lady Dong

bears his child?

If the King begets an heir,

all our plans will go into shambles.

It will not matter

even if she bears him a son.

That will only make him a tyrant

who had a son with the late king's woman.

With such evidence

of his depravity and indecency,

our case for dethronement

will only be strengthened.

I am glad.

I was concerned that the news

might bring you distress.

Why would I be distressed?

Hongjang told me

that you fell in love

with Grand Prince Jinhan.

Hongjang said that?

When?

I asked her to marry me upon my return,

but she insisted

that your marriage should come first.

That must have been her excuse

to prevent me

from paying for her ransom again

as she was a courtesan.

You should have just run away with her.

That is my greatest regret.

Do not worry.

I will not be swayed no matter what.

Do you not mind the rumors going around?

What if the people believe the rumor,

form misconceptions of you,

and end up disliking you?

It does not matter.

Facing criticism from the people

is one of the king's responsibilities.

How could a child

fathom their father's heart?

It is the father's duty

to understand his child.

A single word of valid condemnation

from the people

holds far more value to a king

than the chatters

from his treacherous subjects.

You may say so now,

but should you hear

such condemnations yourself,

you would find it unbearable.

Would you like to bet?

Even if anyone dares to

condemn me for being attracted to men

and laugh at me to my face,

I, too, will laugh aloud with them.

If you fail to laugh, I win the bet.

I accept the terms.

I understand your faith

in Captain Joo's skills,

but should you not bring more guards?

Sang-hwa.

Mong-woo is worried about me.

They are there, just not noticeable.

Look closely.

Ten steps away.

Now, 50 steps away.

Now, 100 steps away.

My men are on duty

while keeping their distance.

It appears my concern was meaningless.

How is a subject's concern

for his king meaningless?

All right then, let us go find someone

who will call me out

for being attracted to men.

Choose a table if any takes your fancy.

I shall buy you one.

I do not need one, Your Majesty.

Were you not passionate

about baduk tables?

I used to be at one point.

But I am indifferent now.

It would be wise to exploit my generosity

when you have the chance.

At the end of the day,

I am your only patron.

Then…

I would like that, Your Majesty.

That?

Move!

Here, take it.

Is it good?

We should visit other areas, Your Majesty.

You are currently losing.

Yes, the bet.

Let us see.

Where must I go

to hear people call me out

for being attracted to men?

Stop eating and take the lead.

It seems I will lose at this rate.

I will place the stone here.

This move should do it.

You are quite good.

I will place my next stone here.

My next move is here.

Then I shall…

Stop.

Not there. Try here.

Yes.

There you go.

No.

Well done.

That is your play?

Hold on.

There.

There you go.

In that case…

Grandfather.

Look here.

What are you doing right now?

My apologies.

I am sorry. I got rather carried away.

- Let me help.

- No.

Forget it.

Goodness.

I do not need it.

On your feet.

Goodness.

Good grief.

Such annoying meddlers.

Your Majesty.

It is time for you to return.

How could this be?

Pardon?

I was told the rumor was everywhere.

But I cannot seem to

find anyone gossiping about it!

How come I am to be blamed for it?

I am not the one behind it.

I will lose to him again.

It is your fault if I lose this time!

Pardon?

Stop standing around like a pole

and go fetch me a rumor!

Yes, Your Majesty.

Please wait here.

Follow me!

Was I

too harsh?

I just ordered him

to fetch me an intangible notion.

Even if you ask Captain Joo

to pluck the moon from the sky,

he will see to it.

Looking back,

Sang-hwa has never

refused to carry out an order.

I am sure he is complaining in silence.

It would be a miracle

if he was not cursing me out.

If you were a woman,

I would have certainly married you.

By the way, have you heard the rumor?

Listen.

Apparently, the King is attracted to men.

Truly?

My goodness, how indecent.

If that were indeed true,

the world must be coming to an end.

Even with so many beautiful ladies

lining up for him?

Tell me about it.

Yet he favors men? Goodness.

Let us stop here for today.

Yes, Your Majesty.

Look…

Never mind.

My apologies.

What is the matter, Your Majesty?

I knew it.

I knew I was not.

Pardon?

Do not be so alarmed.

I was just testing something.

Testing?

Testing what, Your Majesty?

It is nothing.

Do not use me

to test such a thing ever again!

Let us speak in private.

Can you lose the Special Firearms Unit?

Do not worry.

I have a plan.

Goodness. Are you okay, my lord?

Move!

When you told me

to sever my emotional ties to you,

I felt deeply resentful.

However,

I now see that it was inevitable.

What is more,

it was not as painful as I thought.

What are you trying to say?

I have severed my emotional ties.

Now,

it is your turn.

I am Jaunyeong, the head courtesan here.

Allow me to pour you a drink.

Why are you looking at me

with such sadness in your eyes?

I am sorry.

You remind me of a friend I treasured.

She must be a happy woman.

It is rare to find someone

who befriends a courtesan.

Can I ask you a question?

I am not sure if I will have the answer.

How do you…

sever your feelings for another?

At times, some have trouble letting go

and severing their feelings for another

even after their training is over

and they have become a courtesan.

I offer a line of advice

whenever I encounter one.

And what is that?

"Go where your heart takes you

until the very end of the road."

Once they reach the end of the road,

they understand…

the futility of love.

Has my answer been helpful?

Thank you.

I would like to be alone.

Captain Joo.

I have an urgent report.

- What is wrong?

- Captain Joo!

Captain Joo, there is trouble!

Yoo Hyun-bo has disappeared.

Has Kang Mong-woo disappeared as well?

Do not inform His Majesty.

I will tell him myself.

Tell me what?

Your Majesty.

What is the matter?

Spit it out now.

I beg your pardon, Your Majesty!

Gidaeryeong Kang Mong-woo has disappeared.

We lost Yoo Hyun-bo as well.

What brings you outside, Your Majesty?

Your Majesty.

Senior Court Lady Dong is here.

You must go inside.

Your Majesty.

If you were a woman,

I would have certainly married you.

Why does it hurt so much?

Did the rice cake from earlier

upset my insides?

Sleep will help me get over it.

I will let it all go.

I cannot bring myself to do this.

Your Majesty!

Your Majesty!

Comb through the capital

and find Kang Mong-woo.

- Yes, Your Majesty!

- Yes, Your Majesty!

Your Majesty.

Her Royal Highness

will be infuriated if she finds out.

I promise to find the gidaeryeong.

- Please return to your quarters.

- You speak of promise

when you have already lost him?

I apologize, Your Majesty.

- However, Your Majesty--

- Quiet!

I will find him myself.

Where did you lose him?

Lead the way.

- Yes, Your Majesty!

- Yes, Your Majesty!

Where on earth is he?

He does not seem to be here.

He must be there.

Your Majesty!

Is this not the place?

Mong-woo.

Goodness.

Your Majesty!

He will catch a cold out here.

Is there someplace he can stay nearby?

One place comes to mind.

Where is it?

Lord Kang Hang-soon's house.

Shall I find another place?

No need. Let us head there.

Go and check the place.

Please let me.

Just help me get him on my back.

Yes, Your Majesty.

He must not be eating properly.

He is light as a feather.

Here.

Lights from the parlor

might catch prying eyes,

so I lit up the candles here.

You may leave.

Yes, Your Majesty.

No one may find out

that His Majesty is here.

Guard the vicinity in secret.

- Yes, Captain.

- Yes, Captain.

You rascal.

How come you drank so much

when you cannot hold your liquor?

It must be uncomfortable

to sleep with the hat on.

There.

Lie down comfortably.

You cannot have a good sleep

on your side, you fool.

Here.

There you go.

Let me untie your robe.

Are you awake?

Do not be surprised.

No!

What do you mean by…

Your Majesty.

Do not tell me…

You cannot be.

Tell me you are not.

I warned you

that I would take your life

the moment I find any deceit.

Your Majesty.

I have a wish.

You assured me

you would not beg me to spare your life.

It is my final wish

before death.

Speak your wish!

What in the world…

CAPTIVATING THE KING

You have deceived me on all counts.

You are not to come to the palace

for the time being

and to await my orders

while confined to your lodgings.

The King has found out that I am a woman.

I hope you have not forgotten

the promise you made

to dismiss and expel the gidaeryeong.

I have not.

The King has set up a trap

that the Principal Director cannot avoid.

Immediately arrest

Gidaeryeong Kang Mong-woo

and bring him to the State Tribunal.