Captivating the King (2024) s01e07 Episode Script
Episode 7
CAPTIVATING THE KING
EPISODE 7
What are you two doing?
Your Majesty.
I asked what you two were doing.
I apologize, Your Majesty.
I was so filled with joy
that I treated the gidaeryeong
with great discourtesy.
What is this joyous occasion you speak of?
While delivering the baduk table,
I ran into Grand Prince Munseong
and Princess Jangryeong
and gave them my belated greetings
without your approval.
Not informing you
is a great crime in itself,
but I was so elated by the meeting
that I committed a great discourtesy
to the gidaeryeong.
Furthermore,
I displayed such misconduct
before your very eyes.
I am to blame for all this.
I will suffer whatever punishment,
Your Majesty.
The story in itself is trivial,
but it is rather strange.
How can one confess to their crime
with such confidence and boldness?
As you have reported
the matter regarding the Grand Prince,
I will not punish you on that end.
I am truly grateful, Your Majesty.
The punishment for your misconduct
to Mong-woo is not mine to decide.
It is up to him.
What will you do?
As the Sixth Royal Secretary
has acknowledged his misbehavior,
if you do not find it punishable,
I will turn a blind eye as well.
How understanding of you.
In the end,
you are asking me to turn a blind eye.
Is that not right?
Do not stir up trouble again
with such rash behavior.
Yes, Your Majesty.
I will keep that in mind.
I will head to Yeongchwijeong.
Follow me, Mong-woo.
Have you and Kim Myung-ha
decided to repair your bond?
Excuse my bluntness,
but the Sixth Royal Secretary and I
do not share a bond worth repairing.
Then what bond do you share?
Do you not want to tell me?
Our ties as acquaintances
were severed long ago.
We truly have no bond to speak of.
That is a lie.
Kim Myung-ha was afraid
that I might fault you
and confessed to a crime
before I even inquired.
You also used me as an excuse
and asked me to turn a blind eye.
No pair would act thusly
without a bond between them.
Respectfully,
I must assure you
that I only let the matter go
so as not to disturb you further.
I did not intend to protect him
in the slightest.
It may be so for you,
but Kim Myung-ha
seemed to want a strong bond with you.
He even told you
the shortcut to Yeongchwijeong.
I apologize,
but I have no way of knowing
what he may be feeling.
It would be better
to question him yourself.
You no longer demand to be killed
rather than to be treated with suspicion.
I cannot risk my life
every time I sit at a baduk table.
We shall end it here today.
Is Grand Prince Munseong…
a worthy student?
Yes, Your Majesty.
Does he have talent?
Yes.
His attitude and motivation
are both excellent.
You may ask for anything you need.
It would be helpful to have
baduk game records he can refer to.
There should be some at the library
for the Grand Prince to look over.
I will let them know.
I shall leave now, Your Majesty.
Your Majesty.
Do you believe in Kim Myung-ha
and Kang Mong-woo's excuses?
Is there a reason not to?
They were implicated
in the false attestation three years ago,
where they tried to
accuse you of being a spy.
It is only natural to suspect them.
I am aware of that incident,
and they both know of my knowledge.
What could they possibly do?
However, Your Majesty--
I have already killed Mong-woo once.
As he has returned to me alive,
I intend to protect him this time
no matter what happens.
If he is plotting treason against you,
what will you do?
That is all the more reason
to protect him.
To me, a treacherous thought is loyalty.
Your Majesty.
I know what you are concerned about.
I shall keep that in mind and be alert.
Do not bring up today's incident further.
Yes, Your Majesty.
He seems so familiar.
Excuse me.
Greetings, my lord.
My name is Man-bok.
There is someone
who dearly wishes to meet you.
Please come with me.
The lord you serve
is Third Minister of Rites Yoo Hyun-bo,
- is that not right?
- Excuse me?
Yes, you are right.
I have in fact been waiting for this.
How fortunate.
A new wind will blow in the court.
The gidaeryeong
declined Her Royal Highness's offer
and sided with Her Majesty.
Everything will only get better
from here on out.
My lord.
Have you met the gidaeryeong yet?
He is not someone one can meet easily.
I have not even gotten a glimpse of him.
Come to think of it,
you promised to have the gidaeryeong
on his knees before me.
What is taking so long?
I hope you are not trying to deny
saying those words.
I was afraid you would think so
and went ahead
and arranged this meeting today.
You mean
the guest who will be arriving soon is…
My lord.
It is me, Man-bok.
Why are you alone?
Where is the gidaeryeong?
What happened?
My apologies, my lord.
The gidaeryeong refused to come
and asked me to convey his message.
What message?
The only person
who can order me to come and go
is His Majesty alone.
If he wishes to see me,
he should come to me.
Are those really the words of that brat?
Well…
Yes, my lord.
He made me repeat it several times,
saying that I must convey
the message word for word.
My lord.
Where exactly is the humor in this?
He is a lowly bastard, not even worthy
of the lowest possible post.
How dare he disobey
a minister-level official's summons?
Since when did the discipline
within the court become so lax?
That lowly bastard
just may become His Majesty's confidant.
Someone who has the guts to decline
Her Royal Highness's offer
would have no reason to be afraid of you.
I must leave.
Please wait, my lord.
I will immediately go
and bring him by his hair.
Let it go.
Do not stir up needless trouble
and focus on getting that
gambling den of yours disbanded.
Where does that brat live?
I hear he is staying in Banchon Village.
I think
you may be able to recognize him, my lord.
You think I would recognize him?
Who is he?
The baduk gambler
who should have died three years ago.
Hongjang's patron.
That is utter nonsense.
How dare you lie to me?
I am only
telling you what I have seen, my lord!
You must have seen a ghost
in your scatterbrained state.
You may enter.
You brat.
So it is true.
You survived.
How did you…
Does His Majesty know about this?
Of course not.
Had he known…
he would not have allowed
a government post to a traitor.
You hold office though you took off
upon hearing the news of war,
persecuted your sister, and had her killed
despite her acts of protecting her family
and staying by her mother's deathbed.
So why can I not hold one?
How dare you condemn me, you bastard?
Here comes His Majesty!
What brings you here, Hyun-bo?
Well…
Your Majesty.
I have important news
I must share with you.
It is about this man, the gidaeryeong--
What about him?
Your Majesty.
Do you truly not recognize him?
He is the baduk gambler
who gave a false attestation
to frame you as a spy three years ago.
Do you think I have lost my sanity?
No, Your Majesty.
I would not dare to think that.
It is not as if Kang Mong-woo
is wearing a mask to hide his face.
Unless I have lost my sanity,
why would I not recognize him?
Do you have anything more to say?
I do not.
You are dismissed.
Yes, Your Majesty.
I brought the game records
for the Grand Prince.
I will go see him,
so follow me.
Yes, Your Majesty.
What is going on?
Does everyone know who he is
except for me?
That cannot be.
If everyone had known,
the Great Lord would have known as well.
However, he did not seem to be aware.
That means His Majesty is the only one
who knows of this fact.
Why would he keep him by his side?
You always seem to find trouble
whenever you leave my sight.
My apologies, Your Majesty.
You are not to blame.
I am to blame for not foreseeing this.
I will command the Special Firearms Unit
to keep an eye on you at all times.
That is that.
Yes, Your Majesty.
Why are you keeping quiet, Grand Prince?
You should express your gratitude
to His Majesty.
Your Majesty,
may I truly accept this?
Why do you ask me such a question?
This book contains
the record of baduk games
between my late father and you.
It is far too valuable for me to read.
You may accept it.
I brought it here to give to you.
Your Majesty.
After I have learned much
from the gidaeryeong
and become a proficient player,
may I request a game of baduk with you?
As my late father passed away
when I was too young,
I do not have much memory of him.
I would like to hear your stories of him
over a game of baduk.
Grand Prince,
you are being impertinent
with an abrupt request.
Be quiet, Princess.
My apologies, Your Majesty.
If you wish to play baduk with me,
being proficient is not enough.
You must be as good as the gidaeryeong.
What do you think?
Do you see his potential?
If one pours their heart and soul into it,
there is no obstacle one cannot overcome.
If His Highness gives it his best,
he will one day become
an even better baduk player than me.
All right.
I will promise you a game,
as Mong-woo has vouched for you.
Your Majesty, I have one more request.
Grand Prince.
What is it?
I…
would like to accompany you
on your upcoming journey.
This is the first gisinje
after the mourning period.
As the late king's son,
I would like to honor him.
I implore you to grant my request.
You cannot enter.
He ordered to keep people away!
My lord.
What insolence is this?
I have an urgent matter
to report to the Principal Director.
You may leave.
Make sure
to report this list
to His Majesty yourself.
I will, Lord Park.
You will regret it
if you do not hear this news.
It is about the identity
of the gidaeryeong.
The identity of the gidaeryeong?
You were not aware, just as I thought.
However, His Majesty was aware of it.
You may leave us.
My lord.
I have a request to make
before I share this news.
There is an old saying
that a well-fed dog
bites the hand that fed it.
While witnessing Kim Jong-bae's demise,
I made a vow to myself
that regardless of your flattery,
I would not feed you
under any circumstances.
So…
what of the gidaeryeong's identity?
Your Majesty.
That is the list of officials
who will baejong you on your journey.
BAEJONG: ACCOMPANYING THE KING
So many officials are unnecessary
when we are trying to reduce the cost.
Reduce the number by more than half…
and add Grand Prince Munseong to the list.
Your Majesty.
I advise you not to take
Grand Prince Munseong with you.
The journey will be arduous,
and this one in particular will not allow
his servants to accompany him.
It will be too taxing
for the young Grand Prince.
The Grand Prince
is old enough to handle the difficulties
of traveling for filial duty.
Do not worry about his caretaker.
Gidaeryeong Kang Mong-woo will serve him.
He has never had
the Grand Prince accompany him.
Why is His Majesty taking him this time?
You are wrong.
The Grand Prince is a pretext
to take the gidaeryeong.
That is ridiculous.
We shall see if I am right or not.
Gidaeryeong Kang Mong-woo
is the baduk gambler
who tried to harm His Majesty
with a false attestation three years ago.
He is also the man His Majesty kept close
before ascending to the throne.
Myung-ha! Hold on!
You know who Kang Mong-woo really is,
do you not?
What do you mean by that?
You warned me not to get too close
to Kang Mong-woo.
You must have said that for a reason.
Why? Did someone say something?
Yoo Hyun-bo was eagerly claiming
that he had news regarding him
for the Principal Director.
What is going on?
Myung-ha!
Greetings, Sixth Royal Secretary.
I am alone.
I came out of concern.
I hear Yoo Hyun-bo has been telling others
about your identity.
Are you all right?
Do not worry.
Yoo Hyun-bo only started talking
at the perfect time as I had intended.
What do you mean by the perfect time?
Did you also intend
the Grand Prince's matter?
Could you ask
if I can accompany His Majesty
on his journey this year?
Why do you not ask him yourself,
Your Highness?
Are you afraid?
It requires bravery
to be resolute despite being afraid.
Be brave.
That way, you will not have any regrets
even if you fail.
It is too dangerous.
It is fortunate that the King
assented without becoming furious,
but the Queen Dowager
and Park Jong-hwan will not sit back.
One cannot plot against the throne
without taking any risks.
Moreover, the true dangers
have already taken place.
The King ascended to the throne
after murdering your father,
Hongjang died,
and all contact with my father was lost
after he was taken
to Shenyang as a prisoner.
Do you not agree?
I am sure
your father is still alive.
If he were,
he would have returned at all costs.
- My lady.
- Do not call me that.
Kang Hee-soo died three years ago.
I am now…
Gidaeryeong Kang Mong-woo.
Sever all your emotional ties
to Kang Hee-soo.
If you do not do so,
my plans and means will lose power,
and we will fall in danger.
If you are referring to the last time,
do not worry.
I promise not to make another mistake.
The King said
he would not make an issue out of it.
He is already suspicious of us.
He may be laying down traps
just as he did three years ago.
I will not be deceived
by his trickery again.
Make your decision.
You cannot take
Grand Prince Munseong with you.
It will disturb the peace of the court
and bring about disaster.
If the peace of the court
is disturbed by a child like him,
then it is not true peace.
Your Majesty.
Do you truly not understand
what I am concerned about?
Ill rumors are still going around
among the people as is.
There is no reason to start another one.
By ill rumors,
do you mean the one about
how I murdered my own brother?
That is all the more reason
for me to take the Grand Prince with me.
The people should see with their own eyes
that I am close to him
for the rumors to dissipate.
Do not worry.
Letting one child accompany me
will not cause any trouble.
There is one question
that I cannot seem to solve.
How is it that Grand Prince Munseong
is still alive?
To dispose of him,
we must tread carefully while gauging
the scholars' and the people's sentiments.
Otherwise,
the moment we move against him,
His Majesty and the royal family
will fall under suspicion.
Continue speaking.
When the time is right,
I shall have the Grand Prince
leave the palace
and carry out the duty.
This chaos arose after Gidaeryeong Kang
was named his baduk tutor.
I sought to get rid of trouble
but ended up causing more.
Why can you not win the King's heart
when even that lowly man could so easily?
His Majesty
is suspecting me
of murdering the late king.
My brother was poisoned to death.
Tell me, who did it?
Are you saying
that is the reason why the King
is wary of his one and only uncle?
Even if that were to be true,
the King ascended to the throne
thanks to you.
I am sure there is another reason.
I apologize,
but there cannot be any other reason.
What will you do about Kang Mong-woo?
Let us keep an eye on him
for the time being.
He might be more useful than I expected.
I would like to accompany you
on your upcoming journey.
This is the first gisinje
after the mourning period.
As the late king's son,
I would like to honor him.
Your Majesty.
Captain Joo Sang-hwa
of the Special Firearms Unit is here.
Let him in.
Your Majesty, did you summon me?
Are your men still tailing Kang Mong-woo?
No, Your Majesty.
I withdrew the order
after confirming where he was staying.
Shall I command them to keep tailing him?
Tail one more person.
Have them follow Yoo Hyun-bo as well.
Not Kim Myung-ha, but Yoo Hyun-bo?
Yes.
Third Minister of Rites Yoo Hyun-bo.
As you wish, Your Majesty.
I will double the amount if you succeed.
Who shall I take care of?
Gidaeryeong Kang Mong-woo.
Make sure he cannot play baduk ever again.
My lady.
The guest you have been
waiting for is here.
Let them in.
- My lady.
- Bun-yeong.
We finally meet
despite working in a close vicinity.
They say the inner palace
is the most secluded place for a reason.
Thank you for last time.
You really helped me out.
Since you praise me so much,
I am utterly at a loss for words.
Have Master Chu and Se-dong returned?
Not yet.
It looks like they will take longer.
My lady.
Then may we bring food out
for Bun-yeong first?
Yes, you may.
What is all this?
What do you think?
I cooked with all my heart
for my dear daughter.
Here.
Eat up.
It finally feels like I am eating.
What?
Do they still eat meals without you?
That is not it, Mother.
My stomach feels empty
no matter how much I eat in the palace.
Such is the life of any on the payroll.
By the way,
your stipend from last month
was much lower than usual.
I am sorry, Mother.
I was trying to spend less, but…
Her using what small wage she could
to win people's hearts
is what allowed her
to help Lady Hee-soo out.
Fine, I get it.
My goodness.
You have grown a lot, Jageunnyeon.
I used to outrank you by far
on having a glib tongue.
You should change your name
to Keunnyeon, as in mature woman.
I will treat you with due deference
to an older sister.
Your acknowledgment is enough,
little sister.
Goodness me.
Eat up.
You were right.
However,
allow me some time
as it will not be an easy task.
Time to let go of my feelings, that is.
Feelings for whom?
Why?
- What is the matter?
- You startled me!
Gosh, my apologies.
I will tread with sound
and cough next time.
What is with him?
Why is he acting so strangely?
Do not tell me
he still has feelings
for Lord Kang Hang-soon's daughter.
It appears so.
I thought he had moved on
as he did not ask after her,
but he still must not have done so.
What brings you here, my lord?
- Are you here for the baduk table?
- Yes.
No, that is not it.
I came to advise you on something.
As you will be accompanying
the Grand Prince on the journey,
it would be good to know this in advance.
Around the time of the gisinje each year,
His Majesty's behavior becomes erratic.
-It is so extreme
-Please forgive me!
that some even wonder
if it is not some seasonal insanity.
He becomes furious
over the smallest blunders.
Even Senior Court Lady Dong,
His Majesty's favorite,
treads lightly during this time.
Is His Majesty well?
He refuses to eat and drink
and stays in Yeongchwijeong day and night.
Court officials implored him
to come out several times.
Then he would suddenly
take the Special Firearms Unit
and leave the palace without a word,
turning the palace upside down.
Are you saying he suddenly behaves so
without showing any signs earlier?
There had been a sign.
In fact, it is…
Actually, I visited the
Royal Astronomical Observatory earlier,
and they said he would be fine this year.
But we should still be careful
as another outburst may hit us whenever.
I came to escort His Highness.
Come on out, Grand Prince.
Master.
Your Highness.
Did you just call me your master?
Yes.
Baduk is a long journey of learning,
which makes you my master.
Shall we?
Your Highness.
Principal Director.
Gidaeryeong.
This is Lord Park Jong-hwan.
Show your respect.
Greetings to you, Principal Director.
I am Gidaeryeong Kang Mong-woo.
Please look after His Highness.
The Principal Director
came to see you, Master.
I am aware, Your Highness.
Lady Hee-soo sure is something.
She is accompanying His Majesty
on a journey only a select few can join.
She is indeed a lady of her word.
Do you not agree?
By the way, where did Master Chu
leave so early in the morning?
How am I supposed to know?
I did not even notice him leaving.
It is her memorial day in a few days.
My goodness.
It is Hongjang's memorial day.
Without a grave
to perform a memorial service to,
I keep forgetting the date every year.
What do you mean there is no grave?
Master Chu's heart
is her grave and shrine.
You are right.
Chief Royal Secretary, what is going on?
Where is His Majesty?
I cannot tell you his whereabouts.
How dare you?
You still call yourself
the Chief Royal Secretary?
Great Lord, please calm down.
You back off!
Seeing how composed
the Chief Royal Secretary looks,
His Majesty is well.
I am sure he will return before midnight.
Do not attack.
I bring a letter for His Majesty.
The man before you is His Majesty.
It is a great honor
for a lowly man like me to meet you!
You may stand.
You have a letter for me?
I do, Your Majesty.
Thank you for the letter.
As I shall find what is lost at all costs,
make sure you tell them not to worry.
Yes, Your Majesty.
I shall make my way back, Your Majesty.
I want to play the game as well.
Forgive me, Your Highness.
They are not playing but training.
His Majesty commanded them
to train like in a real match.
As such, he only discouraged you
from playing out of concern.
Please do not be disappointed.
I shall tour the grounds with my master.
Your Highness.
Your Highness.
I asked with the full knowledge
that I could not play.
This is my first time
away from the palace,
and I wished to do something memorable.
All right! Any more challengers?
- Challenge him!
- Challenge him!
- Challenge him!
- Challenge him!
We have a challenger!
The Grand Prince and the gidaeryeong
are there, Your Majesty.
I have no intention of challenging you.
If you give up,
we shall count it toward your loss.
Let us go easy.
Easy.
When holding a sword,
you must be on your guard at all times.
You are exceptional, Master!
- Challenge him!
- Challenge him!
- Challenge him!
- Challenge him!
- Challenge him!
- Challenge him!
One game is enough for me.
I will stop here.
You acted all high and mighty.
Do not act weak now.
Let us finish this.
Your Majesty!
- Your Majesty!
- Your Majesty!
Your Majesty.
Master, are you all right?
Your Majesty.
I did command you to train
as if you were fighting our enemies,
but I did not expect you
to obey my command so well.
The gidaeryeong's frame
is much smaller than yours.
As such, I shall face you.
Pardon?
How could I dare
to wield a sword against you?
That cannot happen.
I will allow it.
Wield your sword as you please.
Your Majesty.
No, this is too dangerous.
Step back.
You may attack me first.
Put your heart into it.
This is why I tried to hold him back.
Are you injured?
This is a great honor, Your Majesty.
I am not injured at all.
You train…
to protect yourself
as well as your comrades.
You must care for your comrades
as much as yourself
to survive on the battlefield
and become the victor.
No matter how exceptional you are,
should you look down on
and injure your comrade senselessly,
your action will be
considered insubordination
and punished harshly.
Do you understand?
- Yes, Your Majesty.
- Yes, Your Majesty.
What were you doing here?
Your Majesty.
I asked him if he could show me around.
It is time for gisinje soon.
You will be held accountable
after we have returned to the palace, so…
What is the matter?
You are bleeding.
I am fine, Your Majesty.
That is ridiculous.
Bring the royal physician immediately.
Yes, Your Majesty.
Are you all right, Your Highness?
I rushed here upon hearing the news
of a royal physician being summoned.
My master was injured, and not me.
Are you saying Kang Mong-woo was injured?
Captain Joo, where is the gidaeryeong?
He is being treated
by the royal physician in there.
Wait, is that not…
His Majesty's residence?
Are you saying he allowed
the gidaeryeong to enter his residence?
Yes.
What do you mean
you do not want to be treated?
This injury was inflicted
by a patrolman's sword three years ago.
As you are aware,
even a physician cannot do much
for such a wound.
And that is why you refuse?
As it is but an old wound acting up,
I should get better with some rest.
Your Majesty.
Sixth Royal Secretary Kim Myung-ha
seeks your audience.
Let him in.
Your Majesty, you must leave now.
It is almost midnight.
This is a royal command.
Tend to Gidaeryeong's wound.
Yes, Your Majesty.
You heard His Majesty.
Please show me your wound.
Please take this back.
I will reward you
three times the agreed amount.
I cannot do it
even if you offer a fortune.
I will pretend none of it ever happened,
so do not seek me again.
You are bleeding.
I am fine, Your Majesty.
That is ridiculous.
Bring the royal physician immediately.
Yes, Your Majesty.
How was the treatment for Kang Mong-woo?
Did he…
show his wound willingly?
Yes, Your Majesty.
I have treated him well.
I see.
That is a relief.
Please, Royal Physician Ji.
Please tell His Majesty
that you have finished treating me.
I did promise Master Choam to aid you,
but this is a royal command.
I cannot go against his command.
I will take responsibility.
There will not be any issues.
Let me at least apply some ointment.
If you give it to me,
I shall do so after resting.
As you wish.
Brother.
I shall liberate myself
from the pain of the past
and prepare for what is yet to come.
No amount of fear and disgrace
will be able to stop me.
Please do watch over me
until the very end.
Goodness!
This is troubling!
What is the matter?
Drizzle.
This is the sign
that drives His Majesty into insanity.
I must inform the officials.
This drizzle
is the sign that leads to his insanity?
It cannot be.
From now on,
you are Mongwoo.
My manghyeongjiu,
Mongwoo.
Why are you outside?
The rain…
It is drizzling.
Indeed.
It has been a while
since we had a mongwoo.
We will catch a cold. Let us go in.
I beg your pardon, Your Majesty.
You dislike me.
No, Your Majesty.
Do you like me then?
I do.
I…
like you, Mong-woo.
CAPTIVATING THE KING
Do you not mind the rumors going around?
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.
Is there a way to stop the rumors?
The most certain way
is to expel the gidaeryeong.
What harm did Kang Mong-woo inflict on me?
Senior Court Lady Dong is officially
spending the night with His Majesty.
I have severed my emotional ties.
Now, it is your turn.
Comb through the capital
and find Kang Mong-woo.
I only had eyes for you
and wanted you from the outset.
Subtitle translation by: Jea-heon Chung
Ripped and synced by
TTEOKBOKKIsubs
EPISODE 7
What are you two doing?
Your Majesty.
I asked what you two were doing.
I apologize, Your Majesty.
I was so filled with joy
that I treated the gidaeryeong
with great discourtesy.
What is this joyous occasion you speak of?
While delivering the baduk table,
I ran into Grand Prince Munseong
and Princess Jangryeong
and gave them my belated greetings
without your approval.
Not informing you
is a great crime in itself,
but I was so elated by the meeting
that I committed a great discourtesy
to the gidaeryeong.
Furthermore,
I displayed such misconduct
before your very eyes.
I am to blame for all this.
I will suffer whatever punishment,
Your Majesty.
The story in itself is trivial,
but it is rather strange.
How can one confess to their crime
with such confidence and boldness?
As you have reported
the matter regarding the Grand Prince,
I will not punish you on that end.
I am truly grateful, Your Majesty.
The punishment for your misconduct
to Mong-woo is not mine to decide.
It is up to him.
What will you do?
As the Sixth Royal Secretary
has acknowledged his misbehavior,
if you do not find it punishable,
I will turn a blind eye as well.
How understanding of you.
In the end,
you are asking me to turn a blind eye.
Is that not right?
Do not stir up trouble again
with such rash behavior.
Yes, Your Majesty.
I will keep that in mind.
I will head to Yeongchwijeong.
Follow me, Mong-woo.
Have you and Kim Myung-ha
decided to repair your bond?
Excuse my bluntness,
but the Sixth Royal Secretary and I
do not share a bond worth repairing.
Then what bond do you share?
Do you not want to tell me?
Our ties as acquaintances
were severed long ago.
We truly have no bond to speak of.
That is a lie.
Kim Myung-ha was afraid
that I might fault you
and confessed to a crime
before I even inquired.
You also used me as an excuse
and asked me to turn a blind eye.
No pair would act thusly
without a bond between them.
Respectfully,
I must assure you
that I only let the matter go
so as not to disturb you further.
I did not intend to protect him
in the slightest.
It may be so for you,
but Kim Myung-ha
seemed to want a strong bond with you.
He even told you
the shortcut to Yeongchwijeong.
I apologize,
but I have no way of knowing
what he may be feeling.
It would be better
to question him yourself.
You no longer demand to be killed
rather than to be treated with suspicion.
I cannot risk my life
every time I sit at a baduk table.
We shall end it here today.
Is Grand Prince Munseong…
a worthy student?
Yes, Your Majesty.
Does he have talent?
Yes.
His attitude and motivation
are both excellent.
You may ask for anything you need.
It would be helpful to have
baduk game records he can refer to.
There should be some at the library
for the Grand Prince to look over.
I will let them know.
I shall leave now, Your Majesty.
Your Majesty.
Do you believe in Kim Myung-ha
and Kang Mong-woo's excuses?
Is there a reason not to?
They were implicated
in the false attestation three years ago,
where they tried to
accuse you of being a spy.
It is only natural to suspect them.
I am aware of that incident,
and they both know of my knowledge.
What could they possibly do?
However, Your Majesty--
I have already killed Mong-woo once.
As he has returned to me alive,
I intend to protect him this time
no matter what happens.
If he is plotting treason against you,
what will you do?
That is all the more reason
to protect him.
To me, a treacherous thought is loyalty.
Your Majesty.
I know what you are concerned about.
I shall keep that in mind and be alert.
Do not bring up today's incident further.
Yes, Your Majesty.
He seems so familiar.
Excuse me.
Greetings, my lord.
My name is Man-bok.
There is someone
who dearly wishes to meet you.
Please come with me.
The lord you serve
is Third Minister of Rites Yoo Hyun-bo,
- is that not right?
- Excuse me?
Yes, you are right.
I have in fact been waiting for this.
How fortunate.
A new wind will blow in the court.
The gidaeryeong
declined Her Royal Highness's offer
and sided with Her Majesty.
Everything will only get better
from here on out.
My lord.
Have you met the gidaeryeong yet?
He is not someone one can meet easily.
I have not even gotten a glimpse of him.
Come to think of it,
you promised to have the gidaeryeong
on his knees before me.
What is taking so long?
I hope you are not trying to deny
saying those words.
I was afraid you would think so
and went ahead
and arranged this meeting today.
You mean
the guest who will be arriving soon is…
My lord.
It is me, Man-bok.
Why are you alone?
Where is the gidaeryeong?
What happened?
My apologies, my lord.
The gidaeryeong refused to come
and asked me to convey his message.
What message?
The only person
who can order me to come and go
is His Majesty alone.
If he wishes to see me,
he should come to me.
Are those really the words of that brat?
Well…
Yes, my lord.
He made me repeat it several times,
saying that I must convey
the message word for word.
My lord.
Where exactly is the humor in this?
He is a lowly bastard, not even worthy
of the lowest possible post.
How dare he disobey
a minister-level official's summons?
Since when did the discipline
within the court become so lax?
That lowly bastard
just may become His Majesty's confidant.
Someone who has the guts to decline
Her Royal Highness's offer
would have no reason to be afraid of you.
I must leave.
Please wait, my lord.
I will immediately go
and bring him by his hair.
Let it go.
Do not stir up needless trouble
and focus on getting that
gambling den of yours disbanded.
Where does that brat live?
I hear he is staying in Banchon Village.
I think
you may be able to recognize him, my lord.
You think I would recognize him?
Who is he?
The baduk gambler
who should have died three years ago.
Hongjang's patron.
That is utter nonsense.
How dare you lie to me?
I am only
telling you what I have seen, my lord!
You must have seen a ghost
in your scatterbrained state.
You may enter.
You brat.
So it is true.
You survived.
How did you…
Does His Majesty know about this?
Of course not.
Had he known…
he would not have allowed
a government post to a traitor.
You hold office though you took off
upon hearing the news of war,
persecuted your sister, and had her killed
despite her acts of protecting her family
and staying by her mother's deathbed.
So why can I not hold one?
How dare you condemn me, you bastard?
Here comes His Majesty!
What brings you here, Hyun-bo?
Well…
Your Majesty.
I have important news
I must share with you.
It is about this man, the gidaeryeong--
What about him?
Your Majesty.
Do you truly not recognize him?
He is the baduk gambler
who gave a false attestation
to frame you as a spy three years ago.
Do you think I have lost my sanity?
No, Your Majesty.
I would not dare to think that.
It is not as if Kang Mong-woo
is wearing a mask to hide his face.
Unless I have lost my sanity,
why would I not recognize him?
Do you have anything more to say?
I do not.
You are dismissed.
Yes, Your Majesty.
I brought the game records
for the Grand Prince.
I will go see him,
so follow me.
Yes, Your Majesty.
What is going on?
Does everyone know who he is
except for me?
That cannot be.
If everyone had known,
the Great Lord would have known as well.
However, he did not seem to be aware.
That means His Majesty is the only one
who knows of this fact.
Why would he keep him by his side?
You always seem to find trouble
whenever you leave my sight.
My apologies, Your Majesty.
You are not to blame.
I am to blame for not foreseeing this.
I will command the Special Firearms Unit
to keep an eye on you at all times.
That is that.
Yes, Your Majesty.
Why are you keeping quiet, Grand Prince?
You should express your gratitude
to His Majesty.
Your Majesty,
may I truly accept this?
Why do you ask me such a question?
This book contains
the record of baduk games
between my late father and you.
It is far too valuable for me to read.
You may accept it.
I brought it here to give to you.
Your Majesty.
After I have learned much
from the gidaeryeong
and become a proficient player,
may I request a game of baduk with you?
As my late father passed away
when I was too young,
I do not have much memory of him.
I would like to hear your stories of him
over a game of baduk.
Grand Prince,
you are being impertinent
with an abrupt request.
Be quiet, Princess.
My apologies, Your Majesty.
If you wish to play baduk with me,
being proficient is not enough.
You must be as good as the gidaeryeong.
What do you think?
Do you see his potential?
If one pours their heart and soul into it,
there is no obstacle one cannot overcome.
If His Highness gives it his best,
he will one day become
an even better baduk player than me.
All right.
I will promise you a game,
as Mong-woo has vouched for you.
Your Majesty, I have one more request.
Grand Prince.
What is it?
I…
would like to accompany you
on your upcoming journey.
This is the first gisinje
after the mourning period.
As the late king's son,
I would like to honor him.
I implore you to grant my request.
You cannot enter.
He ordered to keep people away!
My lord.
What insolence is this?
I have an urgent matter
to report to the Principal Director.
You may leave.
Make sure
to report this list
to His Majesty yourself.
I will, Lord Park.
You will regret it
if you do not hear this news.
It is about the identity
of the gidaeryeong.
The identity of the gidaeryeong?
You were not aware, just as I thought.
However, His Majesty was aware of it.
You may leave us.
My lord.
I have a request to make
before I share this news.
There is an old saying
that a well-fed dog
bites the hand that fed it.
While witnessing Kim Jong-bae's demise,
I made a vow to myself
that regardless of your flattery,
I would not feed you
under any circumstances.
So…
what of the gidaeryeong's identity?
Your Majesty.
That is the list of officials
who will baejong you on your journey.
BAEJONG: ACCOMPANYING THE KING
So many officials are unnecessary
when we are trying to reduce the cost.
Reduce the number by more than half…
and add Grand Prince Munseong to the list.
Your Majesty.
I advise you not to take
Grand Prince Munseong with you.
The journey will be arduous,
and this one in particular will not allow
his servants to accompany him.
It will be too taxing
for the young Grand Prince.
The Grand Prince
is old enough to handle the difficulties
of traveling for filial duty.
Do not worry about his caretaker.
Gidaeryeong Kang Mong-woo will serve him.
He has never had
the Grand Prince accompany him.
Why is His Majesty taking him this time?
You are wrong.
The Grand Prince is a pretext
to take the gidaeryeong.
That is ridiculous.
We shall see if I am right or not.
Gidaeryeong Kang Mong-woo
is the baduk gambler
who tried to harm His Majesty
with a false attestation three years ago.
He is also the man His Majesty kept close
before ascending to the throne.
Myung-ha! Hold on!
You know who Kang Mong-woo really is,
do you not?
What do you mean by that?
You warned me not to get too close
to Kang Mong-woo.
You must have said that for a reason.
Why? Did someone say something?
Yoo Hyun-bo was eagerly claiming
that he had news regarding him
for the Principal Director.
What is going on?
Myung-ha!
Greetings, Sixth Royal Secretary.
I am alone.
I came out of concern.
I hear Yoo Hyun-bo has been telling others
about your identity.
Are you all right?
Do not worry.
Yoo Hyun-bo only started talking
at the perfect time as I had intended.
What do you mean by the perfect time?
Did you also intend
the Grand Prince's matter?
Could you ask
if I can accompany His Majesty
on his journey this year?
Why do you not ask him yourself,
Your Highness?
Are you afraid?
It requires bravery
to be resolute despite being afraid.
Be brave.
That way, you will not have any regrets
even if you fail.
It is too dangerous.
It is fortunate that the King
assented without becoming furious,
but the Queen Dowager
and Park Jong-hwan will not sit back.
One cannot plot against the throne
without taking any risks.
Moreover, the true dangers
have already taken place.
The King ascended to the throne
after murdering your father,
Hongjang died,
and all contact with my father was lost
after he was taken
to Shenyang as a prisoner.
Do you not agree?
I am sure
your father is still alive.
If he were,
he would have returned at all costs.
- My lady.
- Do not call me that.
Kang Hee-soo died three years ago.
I am now…
Gidaeryeong Kang Mong-woo.
Sever all your emotional ties
to Kang Hee-soo.
If you do not do so,
my plans and means will lose power,
and we will fall in danger.
If you are referring to the last time,
do not worry.
I promise not to make another mistake.
The King said
he would not make an issue out of it.
He is already suspicious of us.
He may be laying down traps
just as he did three years ago.
I will not be deceived
by his trickery again.
Make your decision.
You cannot take
Grand Prince Munseong with you.
It will disturb the peace of the court
and bring about disaster.
If the peace of the court
is disturbed by a child like him,
then it is not true peace.
Your Majesty.
Do you truly not understand
what I am concerned about?
Ill rumors are still going around
among the people as is.
There is no reason to start another one.
By ill rumors,
do you mean the one about
how I murdered my own brother?
That is all the more reason
for me to take the Grand Prince with me.
The people should see with their own eyes
that I am close to him
for the rumors to dissipate.
Do not worry.
Letting one child accompany me
will not cause any trouble.
There is one question
that I cannot seem to solve.
How is it that Grand Prince Munseong
is still alive?
To dispose of him,
we must tread carefully while gauging
the scholars' and the people's sentiments.
Otherwise,
the moment we move against him,
His Majesty and the royal family
will fall under suspicion.
Continue speaking.
When the time is right,
I shall have the Grand Prince
leave the palace
and carry out the duty.
This chaos arose after Gidaeryeong Kang
was named his baduk tutor.
I sought to get rid of trouble
but ended up causing more.
Why can you not win the King's heart
when even that lowly man could so easily?
His Majesty
is suspecting me
of murdering the late king.
My brother was poisoned to death.
Tell me, who did it?
Are you saying
that is the reason why the King
is wary of his one and only uncle?
Even if that were to be true,
the King ascended to the throne
thanks to you.
I am sure there is another reason.
I apologize,
but there cannot be any other reason.
What will you do about Kang Mong-woo?
Let us keep an eye on him
for the time being.
He might be more useful than I expected.
I would like to accompany you
on your upcoming journey.
This is the first gisinje
after the mourning period.
As the late king's son,
I would like to honor him.
Your Majesty.
Captain Joo Sang-hwa
of the Special Firearms Unit is here.
Let him in.
Your Majesty, did you summon me?
Are your men still tailing Kang Mong-woo?
No, Your Majesty.
I withdrew the order
after confirming where he was staying.
Shall I command them to keep tailing him?
Tail one more person.
Have them follow Yoo Hyun-bo as well.
Not Kim Myung-ha, but Yoo Hyun-bo?
Yes.
Third Minister of Rites Yoo Hyun-bo.
As you wish, Your Majesty.
I will double the amount if you succeed.
Who shall I take care of?
Gidaeryeong Kang Mong-woo.
Make sure he cannot play baduk ever again.
My lady.
The guest you have been
waiting for is here.
Let them in.
- My lady.
- Bun-yeong.
We finally meet
despite working in a close vicinity.
They say the inner palace
is the most secluded place for a reason.
Thank you for last time.
You really helped me out.
Since you praise me so much,
I am utterly at a loss for words.
Have Master Chu and Se-dong returned?
Not yet.
It looks like they will take longer.
My lady.
Then may we bring food out
for Bun-yeong first?
Yes, you may.
What is all this?
What do you think?
I cooked with all my heart
for my dear daughter.
Here.
Eat up.
It finally feels like I am eating.
What?
Do they still eat meals without you?
That is not it, Mother.
My stomach feels empty
no matter how much I eat in the palace.
Such is the life of any on the payroll.
By the way,
your stipend from last month
was much lower than usual.
I am sorry, Mother.
I was trying to spend less, but…
Her using what small wage she could
to win people's hearts
is what allowed her
to help Lady Hee-soo out.
Fine, I get it.
My goodness.
You have grown a lot, Jageunnyeon.
I used to outrank you by far
on having a glib tongue.
You should change your name
to Keunnyeon, as in mature woman.
I will treat you with due deference
to an older sister.
Your acknowledgment is enough,
little sister.
Goodness me.
Eat up.
You were right.
However,
allow me some time
as it will not be an easy task.
Time to let go of my feelings, that is.
Feelings for whom?
Why?
- What is the matter?
- You startled me!
Gosh, my apologies.
I will tread with sound
and cough next time.
What is with him?
Why is he acting so strangely?
Do not tell me
he still has feelings
for Lord Kang Hang-soon's daughter.
It appears so.
I thought he had moved on
as he did not ask after her,
but he still must not have done so.
What brings you here, my lord?
- Are you here for the baduk table?
- Yes.
No, that is not it.
I came to advise you on something.
As you will be accompanying
the Grand Prince on the journey,
it would be good to know this in advance.
Around the time of the gisinje each year,
His Majesty's behavior becomes erratic.
-It is so extreme
-Please forgive me!
that some even wonder
if it is not some seasonal insanity.
He becomes furious
over the smallest blunders.
Even Senior Court Lady Dong,
His Majesty's favorite,
treads lightly during this time.
Is His Majesty well?
He refuses to eat and drink
and stays in Yeongchwijeong day and night.
Court officials implored him
to come out several times.
Then he would suddenly
take the Special Firearms Unit
and leave the palace without a word,
turning the palace upside down.
Are you saying he suddenly behaves so
without showing any signs earlier?
There had been a sign.
In fact, it is…
Actually, I visited the
Royal Astronomical Observatory earlier,
and they said he would be fine this year.
But we should still be careful
as another outburst may hit us whenever.
I came to escort His Highness.
Come on out, Grand Prince.
Master.
Your Highness.
Did you just call me your master?
Yes.
Baduk is a long journey of learning,
which makes you my master.
Shall we?
Your Highness.
Principal Director.
Gidaeryeong.
This is Lord Park Jong-hwan.
Show your respect.
Greetings to you, Principal Director.
I am Gidaeryeong Kang Mong-woo.
Please look after His Highness.
The Principal Director
came to see you, Master.
I am aware, Your Highness.
Lady Hee-soo sure is something.
She is accompanying His Majesty
on a journey only a select few can join.
She is indeed a lady of her word.
Do you not agree?
By the way, where did Master Chu
leave so early in the morning?
How am I supposed to know?
I did not even notice him leaving.
It is her memorial day in a few days.
My goodness.
It is Hongjang's memorial day.
Without a grave
to perform a memorial service to,
I keep forgetting the date every year.
What do you mean there is no grave?
Master Chu's heart
is her grave and shrine.
You are right.
Chief Royal Secretary, what is going on?
Where is His Majesty?
I cannot tell you his whereabouts.
How dare you?
You still call yourself
the Chief Royal Secretary?
Great Lord, please calm down.
You back off!
Seeing how composed
the Chief Royal Secretary looks,
His Majesty is well.
I am sure he will return before midnight.
Do not attack.
I bring a letter for His Majesty.
The man before you is His Majesty.
It is a great honor
for a lowly man like me to meet you!
You may stand.
You have a letter for me?
I do, Your Majesty.
Thank you for the letter.
As I shall find what is lost at all costs,
make sure you tell them not to worry.
Yes, Your Majesty.
I shall make my way back, Your Majesty.
I want to play the game as well.
Forgive me, Your Highness.
They are not playing but training.
His Majesty commanded them
to train like in a real match.
As such, he only discouraged you
from playing out of concern.
Please do not be disappointed.
I shall tour the grounds with my master.
Your Highness.
Your Highness.
I asked with the full knowledge
that I could not play.
This is my first time
away from the palace,
and I wished to do something memorable.
All right! Any more challengers?
- Challenge him!
- Challenge him!
- Challenge him!
- Challenge him!
We have a challenger!
The Grand Prince and the gidaeryeong
are there, Your Majesty.
I have no intention of challenging you.
If you give up,
we shall count it toward your loss.
Let us go easy.
Easy.
When holding a sword,
you must be on your guard at all times.
You are exceptional, Master!
- Challenge him!
- Challenge him!
- Challenge him!
- Challenge him!
- Challenge him!
- Challenge him!
One game is enough for me.
I will stop here.
You acted all high and mighty.
Do not act weak now.
Let us finish this.
Your Majesty!
- Your Majesty!
- Your Majesty!
Your Majesty.
Master, are you all right?
Your Majesty.
I did command you to train
as if you were fighting our enemies,
but I did not expect you
to obey my command so well.
The gidaeryeong's frame
is much smaller than yours.
As such, I shall face you.
Pardon?
How could I dare
to wield a sword against you?
That cannot happen.
I will allow it.
Wield your sword as you please.
Your Majesty.
No, this is too dangerous.
Step back.
You may attack me first.
Put your heart into it.
This is why I tried to hold him back.
Are you injured?
This is a great honor, Your Majesty.
I am not injured at all.
You train…
to protect yourself
as well as your comrades.
You must care for your comrades
as much as yourself
to survive on the battlefield
and become the victor.
No matter how exceptional you are,
should you look down on
and injure your comrade senselessly,
your action will be
considered insubordination
and punished harshly.
Do you understand?
- Yes, Your Majesty.
- Yes, Your Majesty.
What were you doing here?
Your Majesty.
I asked him if he could show me around.
It is time for gisinje soon.
You will be held accountable
after we have returned to the palace, so…
What is the matter?
You are bleeding.
I am fine, Your Majesty.
That is ridiculous.
Bring the royal physician immediately.
Yes, Your Majesty.
Are you all right, Your Highness?
I rushed here upon hearing the news
of a royal physician being summoned.
My master was injured, and not me.
Are you saying Kang Mong-woo was injured?
Captain Joo, where is the gidaeryeong?
He is being treated
by the royal physician in there.
Wait, is that not…
His Majesty's residence?
Are you saying he allowed
the gidaeryeong to enter his residence?
Yes.
What do you mean
you do not want to be treated?
This injury was inflicted
by a patrolman's sword three years ago.
As you are aware,
even a physician cannot do much
for such a wound.
And that is why you refuse?
As it is but an old wound acting up,
I should get better with some rest.
Your Majesty.
Sixth Royal Secretary Kim Myung-ha
seeks your audience.
Let him in.
Your Majesty, you must leave now.
It is almost midnight.
This is a royal command.
Tend to Gidaeryeong's wound.
Yes, Your Majesty.
You heard His Majesty.
Please show me your wound.
Please take this back.
I will reward you
three times the agreed amount.
I cannot do it
even if you offer a fortune.
I will pretend none of it ever happened,
so do not seek me again.
You are bleeding.
I am fine, Your Majesty.
That is ridiculous.
Bring the royal physician immediately.
Yes, Your Majesty.
How was the treatment for Kang Mong-woo?
Did he…
show his wound willingly?
Yes, Your Majesty.
I have treated him well.
I see.
That is a relief.
Please, Royal Physician Ji.
Please tell His Majesty
that you have finished treating me.
I did promise Master Choam to aid you,
but this is a royal command.
I cannot go against his command.
I will take responsibility.
There will not be any issues.
Let me at least apply some ointment.
If you give it to me,
I shall do so after resting.
As you wish.
Brother.
I shall liberate myself
from the pain of the past
and prepare for what is yet to come.
No amount of fear and disgrace
will be able to stop me.
Please do watch over me
until the very end.
Goodness!
This is troubling!
What is the matter?
Drizzle.
This is the sign
that drives His Majesty into insanity.
I must inform the officials.
This drizzle
is the sign that leads to his insanity?
It cannot be.
From now on,
you are Mongwoo.
My manghyeongjiu,
Mongwoo.
Why are you outside?
The rain…
It is drizzling.
Indeed.
It has been a while
since we had a mongwoo.
We will catch a cold. Let us go in.
I beg your pardon, Your Majesty.
You dislike me.
No, Your Majesty.
Do you like me then?
I do.
I…
like you, Mong-woo.
CAPTIVATING THE KING
Do you not mind the rumors going around?
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.
Is there a way to stop the rumors?
The most certain way
is to expel the gidaeryeong.
What harm did Kang Mong-woo inflict on me?
Senior Court Lady Dong is officially
spending the night with His Majesty.
I have severed my emotional ties.
Now, it is your turn.
Comb through the capital
and find Kang Mong-woo.
I only had eyes for you
and wanted you from the outset.
Subtitle translation by: Jea-heon Chung
Ripped and synced by
TTEOKBOKKIsubs