Captivating the King (2024) s01e09 Episode Script

1
CAPTIVATING THE KING
EPISODE 9
How come I never realized
that you are a woman?
I only had eyes for you
and wanted you from the outset.
Goodness.
Why are you running away
when you are here to see me?
Here.
Oh, that is cold!
I finally understand…
why my heart was torn into pieces
after sending you to your death.
Return this stone…
to its original spot.
Convey these words to Mongwoo.
"There is absolutely no meaning…
behind saving you."
"Our bond
has been severed
and my regrets have faded away.
I wish you a peaceful life."
Go this instant.
What do you mean Mongwoo disappeared?
After Courtesan Hongjang died,
he ran away in shock,
only to end up falling off a cliff.
However, his whereabouts are unclear.
According to the patrolmen,
a tiger probably took him.
Shut your mouth.
That cannot be.
Order the men
to find Mongwoo this instant.
Respectfully,
I have already searched
the cliff he fell from
and even every corner of the area.
Yet, I still could not
find a trace of him.
It is for certain
that Mongwoo has died.
No…
Your Majesty.
Your Majesty.
Do not touch me.
I truly do not understand, Your Majesty.
What could he have meant to you
for you to suffer so?
He…
was my left-hand man.
My left hand that I had to cut off
to ascend to the throne.
You should be careful too.
You never know
when I might cut off my remaining hand.
Back then,
the royal physician
who claimed to have treated the wound
on your back was lying.
I would have gotten caught
if I were treated.
And as getting caught
would only lead to death,
I desperately pleaded with him.
If you are intending to punish him,
please punish me instead.
You have deceived me on all counts.
Was there any truth
to your words to me so far?
If you order me to answer,
I shall do so, Your Majesty.
I will not…
ask any questions of you.
I will not ask what your real name is,
why you are disguising yourself as a man,
or what you have done
and where you have been…
for the past three years
to finally return before my eyes
to drive me into madness.
Since long ago,
without my conscious knowledge,
I have fallen in love with you,
and you have felt the same way.
For now, this is enough.
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.
My lord.
A letter arrived from the palace.
His Majesty did not bed
Senior Court Lady Dong
and left the palace instead.
I thought he would at least
pretend to bed her.
His Majesty's affection
for the gidaeryeong
must run deeper than we expected.
This consummation
was clearly set out to fail.
As the court forced this on him,
it was only natural
for His Majesty to run away.
The court did insist,
but it was Her Royal Highness's wish.
So what?
Would you take your life
should she insist?
Great Lord!
Please do mind your tone
to the Chief State Councilor!
I am holding back.
Do you really want to see the worst?
Great Lord.
The Border Defense Council
has gathered here
to discuss important state matters
on His Majesty's behalf.
If you cannot keep your temper
under control, go home and rest.
I apologize, Lord Park.
I was over the line.
It has been over a month
since we have received word
that the Qing's envoy
has reached Paju.
They are inspecting various areas
under the pretense of sightseeing.
A recent report requested
an immediate dispatch of an envoy escort,
citing financial burden
as the envoy's party spends at least
1,000 nyang in silver for each feast.
An envoy escort?
If we send a nobody,
they may feign dissatisfaction
and threaten to return to the Qing.
Podan, the chief envoy,
is not the type
to cause trouble without reason.
However,
Jung Je-pyo, the vice envoy, is different.
Then who do you suggest
to send as an envoy escort?
Why are you all looking at me?
The title may sound grand,
but the post only exists
to serve Jung Je-pyo.
Now that he has been
promoted to vice envoy,
he will expect more compensation.
I am sick and tired of pouring money
into a bottomless pit.
I will have you know
that my fortune is not unlimited.
If you refuse, we will not force you.
There are many others
who are willing to supply funds.
Is that so?
The Royal Treasury's funds cannot be used
without His Majesty's permission.
Who in their right mind
would bear such a huge expense
other than me?
Let him in.
Podan carries a letter declaring
the Emperor's ascent to the throne.
The envoy escort
should at least be a full minister!
The Third Minister of Rites is too lowly!
Vice Envoy Jung Je-pyo and I
are old acquaintances who get along well.
I am confident that I can escort them
to the capital in a few days.
Please entrust me with this task.
Those of you who are against sending him,
raise your hands.
Except for one vote,
we are all in agreement
to send Yoo Hyun-bo as the envoy escort.
His Majesty will not approve of this.
I shall secure his approval,
so you need not worry.
I will not forget
the generosity and the trust
you have shown me today.
Is anyone outside?
Have you woken up, Your Majesty?
I will return to the palace.
Get ready.
Yes, Your Majesty.
Sang-hwa, you will remain here
and convey my command
when the gidaeryeong awakes.
Please speak.
"As you evaded my men
and intoxicated yourself last night,
thereby abandoning your duties,
your crime is grave."
"You are not to come to the palace
for the time being
and to await my orders
while confined to your lodgings."
Yes, Your Majesty.
I will convey your command.
That cannot be
for your father's court robe.
Why are you embroidering it?
This is for Hongjang.
She has taken good care of me,
but I have never returned her kindness.
My lady.
Your father is home.
Father.
Hee-soo.
Is it that you dislike marriage
or Kim Myung-ha?
I will get married.
When I find the right man, that is.
You mean someone
who can beat you at baduk?
What if he is a white-haired sage?
If that is my fate,
I must accept it.
Well, that is troublesome.
I am traveling under a royal command.
As a criminal.
I will return safely
like I always have.
Father…
My dear.
You must also
stay safe and sound.
Do you understand?
You look as if you have seen a ghost.
When one encounters the fearsome captain
of the Special Firearms Unit,
anyone would be surprised.
I have a royal command for you.
Please speak.
You are not to come to the palace
and stay confined to your lodgings.
If I am to stay confined,
that means he has given me a punishment.
May I ask the reason?
The crime of neglecting your duties
due to intoxication.
An incident like last night
cannot reoccur.
While serving your penalty,
you are not to leave the premises.
Do you understand me?
I shall do as you say.
My lady!
My lady!
Goodness.
Gosh, you startled me.
My heart almost skipped a beat.
Is Lady Hee-soo not here?
She did not stay with you last night?
What are you saying?
Lady Hee-soo stayed out last night?
What if she was taken
by the patrol troops overnight?
If that were the case,
she would have sent word in the morning.
I guess she would have.
This is the first time she has disappeared
since three years ago.
Wait, where is Master Chu?
He left upon paru to see Master Choam.
PARU: THE CURFEW LIFT BELL
I will go wait outside the palace
just in case.
- What in the world…
- My goodness.
My la…
- My lord!
- Gosh, my lord!
Goodness, my lord.
We were worried sick about you.
Where have you been all night?
I apologize for worrying you.
Things happened.
You should come in and rest.
I will prepare breakfast.
- Go ahead.
- All right.
My goodness.
I will leave you to rest, my lord.
Goodness.
Are you so bent on being the death of me?
Seriously, are you doing this
to drive me crazy?
It does not seem like
you spent the night outside.
Tell me, where did you spend the night?
My lady, this is…
I went to my house.
For what reason, all of a sudden?
You told me
not to even look in that direction
in case we run into someone we know.
You must be deeply distressed.
You should have told me
if you wanted to go visit.
Stay here and rest.
I will bring your breakfast soon.
We should hurry before you are late.
I cannot go to the palace
for the time being.
I have been ordered to stay confined.
What?
Confinement?
Is that not a punishment?
What could they possibly punish you for?
What happened?
Tell me the reason.
Goodness.
Did the King become enraged
over the rumors of his attraction to men
that delighted Jeomine so much?
What do we do?
The Qing's envoy will arrive soon.
Let us not worry too much, my lady.
They say you can always
find a way out of a tiger's den
if only you pull yourself together.
I am sure some other means will come up.
It is not that.
Then what is the reason?
Why? What is it?
The King has found out…
that I am a woman.
Senior Court Lady Dong is missing.
Actually, due to the incident yesterday,
she has fallen ill and feverish.
I ordered her
not to come to serve you today.
I must see Court Lady Dong.
Go summon her.
Why are you standing around?
I ordered you to summon her.
I beg for your pardon.
Your Majesty!
Please take my life!
Did the Queen Dowager command it?
Where is Court Lady Dong?
Drag her out.
If you value your lives,
step back.
You wench!
How dare you disobey
Her Royal Highness's order?
As I serve His Majesty,
I will only take orders from him.
His Majesty's orders?
No one will fall for that now.
Your lies were uncovered
due to yesterday's event.
How dare you act high and mighty?
What are you waiting for?
Drag her out this moment!
If any one of you
dares to lay a finger on me,
I shall make a request to His Majesty
to have every limb of your body severed,
starting with those fingers.
Why are you having so much trouble
dragging out a mere court lady?
My apologies.
She put up a fight
with such a vicious attitude.
It was impossible to lay a finger on her.
Order the adjunct overseers
to expel her from the palace.
Yes, Your Royal Highness.
Your Royal Highness, His Majesty is here.
Let him in.
I hope you had
a comfortable night, Mother.
I did indeed, Your Majesty.
Mother.
I am thinking of bestowing
the former First Senior Consort's abode
on Senior Court Lady Dong.
What do you think?
Your Majesty.
For what reason are you allowing her
to have her own place?
From what I heard,
you and she did not even
consummate your union.
Such an event is a mere formality.
She has served me for long
and will continue to do so in the future.
It is only right for her
to have her own place.
If Court Lady Dong wishes for it,
I will appoint her as a concubine as well.
That is ridiculous.
You should not allow her
a personal residence either.
Why do you disapprove of it?
Did you not want her to bear my son?
I am only trying to honor
you and the court's wishes.
Are you trying to mock me?
As the feeble Queen
could not bear you an heir,
I approved of the consummation
in tears and heartbreak
only to secure an heir to your bloodline.
Forgive me,
but the feeble one is not the Queen
but me.
We should not be so greedy.
How could a bud sprout
when no seed has been sown in the field?
Do you not agree, My Queen?
Mind your words, Your Majesty!
Look at her.
How pathetic.
I apologize, Your Royal Highness.
No man can understand heaven's will
as no child can ever fathom
their mother's heart.
I do not want to see any of you.
Everyone, leave this moment!
Your Royal Highness,
I am to blame for this.
Please do not be upset and forgive us.
- Please forgive us, Your Royal Highness.
- Please forgive us, Your Royal Highness.
Mother.
I shall excuse myself
as I have matters of state to tend to.
Your Majesty.
Your Majesty.
You have my approval
to skip today's greetings
and return to your quarters.
Pardon?
For what reason…
Forgive me for saying this,
but I have learned
that a greeting is not to be skipped
as it goes against the etiquette
and is deemed a failure of filial duty.
Has the Queen Dowager taught you that
whenever I skipped my greetings?
Yes.
The Queen Dowager is deeply upset,
even more so than ever.
Do you think you can handle it?
Living in the palace,
at times, I must carry out duties
that I do not desire.
Also, such are things
I cannot entirely avoid.
Her fury finds itself back to me
in the end.
I have learned a lesson from you,
Grand Prince Munseong.
Make sure you greet her properly
and return to your duties.
Lord Park!
Do you not know
what His Majesty thinks of Yoo Hyun-bo?
He will not approve of
this recommendation.
His Majesty will approve of
the Border Defense Council's decision.
If he wishes to keep Gidaeryeong Kang
at Yeongchwijeong, that is.
What do you mean by that?
I have brought
what you have asked for, Lord Park.
These are the petitions seeking
an immediate removal of the gidaeryeong.
Gidaeryeong Kang Mong-woo…
is indeed useful in many ways.
Do you not agree?
All right.
Let us go speak to His Majesty.
Lord Park.
I have an urgent matter to report.
Save it for later.
I am on my way
to make a request to His Majesty.
It concerns that very matter.
Last night,
His Majesty ordered the gidaeryeong
to be confined as a punishment.
He seemed to be so fond of him.
His Majesty would not expel
Kang Mong-woo like this, would he?
Who knows?
He may just give out a royal command
to behead Kang Mong-woo tomorrow.
My goodness.
Do not say such an awful thing
even as a joke.
His Majesty
is more than capable of such things.
Do not tell me
you have already forgotten
how my father lost his life.
What shall we do about this?
Your Majesty.
May I truly take up my abode
in the concubines' quarters?
If you wish,
I will appoint you a concubine as well.
As Her Royal Highness
would never allow the appointment,
I will only accept the house.
As you wish.
I am grateful, Your Majesty.
Your Majesty.
The Principal Director
requests an audience.
What shall I do?
Let him in.
You must have heard about
what happened to the gidaeryeong.
What took you so long to seek an audience?
I merely seek
to report what was discussed
by the Border Defense Council
and to ask for your opinion on the matter.
However,
I shall speak of the gidaeryeong's matter
as you have mentioned it.
If I may be candid,
a part of me was hopeful.
As you have broken our promise,
I hoped that you would
adhere to my wishes this time.
However,
you punished the gidaeryeong
by ordering him to stay confined.
I did not expect you
to jump ahead and punish him
before I could speak with you.
I could not sit back and watch
when your next move was so obvious.
I warned you
when Prince Deokseong died, did I not?
That I would not hold back
should it happen again.
Have you forgotten already?
As the envoy escort
who will receive the Qing's envoy,
we seek to send
Yoo Hyun-bo, the Third Minister of Rites.
Please give us your approval.
He is not an appropriate candidate
as the envoy escort.
You are well aware of
the kind of man Jung Je-pyo is.
There is no one better than Yoo Hyun-bo
to handle a man like him.
Since when was Yoo Hyun-bo
such a capable man?
The Qing's envoy is visiting many areas
under the pretense of sightseeing,
looking for any opportunity to fault us.
It would be best to have them
at the capital as soon as possible
to receive the Emperor's letter
and send them back.
Your argument
has merit.
You have three days.
You may appoint Yoo Hyun-bo
as the envoy escort.
However, if the Qing's envoy
does not reach the capital in three days,
both Yoo Hyun-bo
and you, who recommended him,
shall be held responsible.
I also have a condition.
If the Qing's envoy
arrives in the said period,
please dismiss Gidaeryeong Kang Mong-woo
and exile him from the capital.
Would you accept the terms?
I will pour my heart and soul
not to betray your trust in me, my lord.
You must confirm one matter
when you meet Jung Je-pyo.
Please speak.
See if there are other letters
other than the Emperor's letter.
By "other letters,"
whose letter might you be referring to?
Prince Rui's.
Confirm if Jung Je-pyo
has brought Prince Rui's letter first
before compensating him with the riches.
Do you understand?
Yes, my lord.
Move aside!
The Principal Director
must have lost all sense of propriety.
How dare he demand
such an absurd condition to His Majesty?
Yoo Hyun-bo would never be able to
escort the envoy here in three days.
I hope His Majesty
takes this chance to reform
the corrupt Border Defense Council.
Park Jong-hwan is His Majesty's uncle
and the Queen Dowager's
only family member.
I feel heavy at heart
that I seem to have gotten you
on his bad side needlessly.
I only deferred to him until now
for your sake, Your Majesty.
And how did he treat the both of us?
The Principal Director
must come to understand
that even he cannot
have his way in all matters.
Your Majesty.
Grand Prince Munseong
is here to greet you.
Let him in.
Welcome, Grand Prince.
It has been a while, Great Lord.
Your Highness.
It has indeed been a while
since the gisinje.
Had I known the Great Lord was here,
I would have visited you later.
There is no need.
The Great Lord was on his way out.
Is that not right?
Pardon?
Yes.
Please excuse me, Your Majesty.
Bring in the refreshments.
Your Majesty.
Would you like to take a walk
in the Royal Garden afterward?
The sky today
is exceptionally clear and blue.
Is that so?
Then we must go.
Please invite Princess Jangryeong as well.
Yes, Your Majesty.
Sixth Royal Secretary.
Yes, Your Majesty.
Have you made any progress
with the peach tree?
I acquired a compost
known to enhance soil fertility.
I am currently observing the tree
after scattering some.
Your Majesty.
What is the difference between
an act with knowledge and one without it?
Even done with knowledge,
an act is meaningless without virtue.
Even done in ignorance,
an act will see fruition
if it holds virtuous intent.
Have we not heard back from Kim Je-nam?
He seems to be uninterested
in a government post.
Dispatch a messenger
and have my wish conveyed clearly.
You may leave.
I will head to Yeongchwijeong.
Summon the…
Shall I summon the gidaeryeong?
I have misspoken.
There is no need.
Has there been any progress
on finding what was lost?
We have combed through the capital,
but we have not found anyone
who knows of or holds the item.
They will be sending word again soon.
I shall discuss it with them then
and find another way.
You must find it at all costs.
- Do you understand?
- Yes, Your Majesty.
It has been a while, my lord.
Do you recognize me?
Has the gidaeryeong sent you?
Yes, my lord.
You have been called to an urgent meeting.
Lead the way.
I will follow you.
Have you decided to live as Kang Hee-soo?
I only dressed like this as a disguise.
I would be asking for trouble
to meet you while receiving my punishment
as Gidaeryeong Kang Mong-woo.
The King's refusal to consummate
and his order for your punishment
has the entire court in turmoil.
As they cannot fathom
the reason behind his actions,
they must be confused and frightened.
And you are not?
I, too, was afraid at first.
However,
the King's bet over you
with Principal Director Park Jong-hwan
changed my mind.
The King
seems to have placed you in confinement
to protect you.
What I do not understand
is the fact that he proposed
the three-day period first.
Yoo Hyun-bo will do his best
to make that happen.
Why did the King propose
a condition unfavorable to himself?
The King has set up a trap
that the Principal Director cannot avoid.
A trap?
What could he have up his sleeve
to set up one?
That much
is unknown to me.
I suggest we pretend
that our conversations did not take place.
My priority is the well-being
of Their Highnesses.
I came by to tell you that.
I understand your wishes, Lord Kim.
However,
I do not think we can pretend
they did not take place…
with the Qing's envoy on their way.
What do you mean?
What does the Qing's envoy
have to do with us?
If my assumption is correct,
a difficult ordeal
will be upon Their Highnesses.
I have returned, my lady.
I have heard about the confinement.
I should have waited
around the courtesan house
and brought you home, my lady.
It is in the past.
Tell me.
How is Master Choam doing?
He is doing well.
A court official was dispatched again
to convince him to take up a post.
He said he did not give them an answer.
Did you tell him not to refuse,
but to accept the offer next time?
He promised that he would.
However,
if Yoo Hyun-bo returns in three days
and the King does not summon you again,
what will you do?
Even with Kim Myung-ha's support
and Master Choam's return to the court,
what could possibly change?
What are you trying to say?
If your plan goes to shambles,
I will take the initiative
just as you promised me before.
Nothing is set in stone.
Even if I am dismissed,
I will not give up.
I truly wish that things turn out
the way you have planned.
Your Majesty,
the Chief Royal Secretary is here.
Your Majesty.
The Qing's chief envoy, Podan,
has arrived at Mohwa Guesthouse.
Your Majesty.
Please prepare to head out
to receive the Emperor's letter.
I do not think I will be able to go
as I am suddenly feeling ill.
Please go and receive the Emperor's letter
on my behalf, Uncle.
To my eye, you seem very hearty.
I am afraid that the envoy
might be enraged if I go in your stead.
If we hold a welcoming feast tonight
and relieve the exhaustion of the envoys,
there will not be a problem.
Your Majesty.
The three days we have promised
have not yet passed.
I hope you have not forgotten
the promise you made…
to dismiss and expel the gidaeryeong.
I have not.
Then I shall abide by your royal command.
We shall go to the Mohwa Guesthouse
to receive the envoy.
Get ready.
- Yes, Lord Park.
- Yes, Lord Park.
My lord, have you summoned me?
Immediately arrest
Gidaeryeong Kang Mong-woo
and bring him to the State Tribunal.
Yes, my lord.
Lord Park.
He is the Fourth Investigator
of the State Tribunal.
It is not like Kang Mong-woo
committed high treason.
The crime of disturbing the king's heart,
defiling the order of the court,
and weakening the people's hearts.
Tell me.
What are these crimes, if not treason?
The Principal Director is determined
to kill the gidaeryeong.
There is trouble, Myung-ha.
The Principal Director gave the order
to arrest Kang Mong-woo for high treason.
I must meet His Majesty immediately.
Please request an audience.
I have already told you that you cannot.
Please return.
Eunuch Kim.
How dare a royal secretary
behave so crudely
before His Majesty's quarters?
I apologize, but there is
an urgent matter I must inform him.
It is an important matter
that His Majesty must know about.
Is that matter
more important than the Qing's envoy?
Your important duty
is to prepare to receive the envoy.
Return to your post and get back to work.
Immediately!
Where are you going, my lady?
After being stuck here
for the last few days,
I feel suffocated.
I will go get some air.
Getting air, my foot.
You should be running away.
The Qing's envoy has arrived.
And where do you say we run to?
Are you sure we will not be caught?
Well…
It is better than waiting for the noose.
I will be back shortly.
My lady.
My lady.
Gidaeryeong Kang Mong-woo?
That is me.
Arrest his man immediately.
- Yes, my lord!
- Yes, my lord!
My lord!
- Back off!
- Goodness.
Jageunnyeon.
These officers
are harming innocent people!
I shall follow you obediently.
Please refrain from needless violence.
Why are you standing about?
Arrest the criminal this instant.
- Yes, my lord!
- Yes, my lord!
I commend you for your efforts
in making such a long journey.
I was concerned
as I heard that you had fallen ill.
It is of much relief that you seem
to be feeling much better now.
It appears my concern for your ill health
was unnecessary.
As I felt bad for not being able
to receive the Emperor's letter myself,
I tried my best
to attend this feast at the least.
He has brought himself
to receive the letter.
I do speak Joseon's language.
Do not try to deceive me
and interpret properly.
I apologize. Please forgive me.
I hope the feast is to your liking.
I am rather disappointed.
I expected to see something better.
Something better?
Please tell me what you mean by it.
I shall have it brought here.
I heard of the gidaeryeong on my way here.
Word has it
that he is quite
an excellent baduk player.
Is that so?
Did you perchance forget
that I like baduk?
How shall I forget?
Our close friendship was formed
thanks to baduk games
all those years ago in Shenyang.
Right. That is true.
Where is the gidaeryeong?
Who is it…
among them?
The recent development
must not have reached you, Chief Envoy.
As the gidaeryeong was dismissed
and expelled from the capital,
he is not present here.
I beg for your understanding.
His Majesty can simply summon
the gidaeryeong back, can he not?
Am I wrong, Your Majesty?
You are not wrong.
I shall summon him should you wish.
Your Majesty, that cannot happen.
You would be breaking the promise
you have made to me.
Is your petty promise so important
when we have our treasured guest to serve?
Are you attempting to humiliate me
before the Qing Emperor's envoy?
What I do not understand
is the fact that he proposed
the three-day period first.
The King has set up a trap
that the Principal Director cannot avoid.
A trap?
What could he have up his sleeve
to set up one?
That much
is unknown to me.
He had set up a trap
with the envoy up his sleeve.
Principal Director.
My apologies, Your Majesty.
Please forgive me for my discourtesy.
Hear my command.
Bring the gidaeryeong here.
He is young.
I thought he would be around my age.
Did you not mention
that you were a famed baduk prodigy
from a young age as well?
I played baduk before I walked.
I would like to play baduk
with the gidaeryeong this instant.
Would that be possible?
Your Majesty.
Would you allow me
to speak on this matter?
You may speak.
With all due respect to the envoy,
that man is a criminal
who was dismissed and expelled.
Your authority will be weakened
if you allow a criminal
to play baduk with the envoy
in front of everyone.
Your Majesty.
Might I propose another idea?
The gidaeryeong…
No, the criminal and I
will play a baduk with a bet.
If I win,
I shall decide his fate however I see fit.
If I lose,
the Principal Director
shall decide his fate.
How does that sound?
As you insist on playing with him,
I will not go against you
on this matter any further.
Your Majesty.
Mong-woo.
What do you say?
I would not refuse such a great honor
to play against the Emperor's subject.
All right.
Shall we begin?
Bring a baduk table and the stones.
CAPTIVATING THE KING
You are my gidaeryeong.
You must come running
whenever I summon you.
I have missed you.
How can you get revenge when you love him?
The King is my one and only family
before he is my lord.
We are bound by the heavens.
I implore you, Your Majesty.
Please do not command me
to marry Prince Rui.
I desired power.
I thought it was the only way
to protect those that I wished to protect.
Through this marriage,
I seek to plant a spy
in Prince Rui's inner circle.
Are you suggesting a substitution?
Subtitle translation by: Jea-heon Chung
Ripped and synced by
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