01x07 - Episode 7

[bunniefuu]

I am the eldest daughter-in-law

of Lord Seok.

My name is Cho Yeo-hwa.

Are you taking a head-on approach?

I trust that you will not expose

my identity to anyone.

I am a superintendent of the nation.

-Why would you--

-I know that you have helped every time.

I have never helped you.

I am not talking about me.

You have helped

many powerless people in the nation.

You helped Kkon-nim,

the children who were kidnapped,

and even the finance minister's servant

and his lover.

These are all of the people

you have helped.

I only got involved by chance.

Would you like to know

why I am going this far?

I am a widow, as you know.

Being a widow

is considered a sin.

I do not even know

what my late husband looked like,

but I must only wear mourning clothes,

eat almost nothing,

and must not leave my home.

All I am allowed to do is

grieve for my husband.

I am nothing but a sinner.

There is only one way for me

to wash away this sin.

I must follow my husband

into the afterlife.

I do not want to be

someone who can do nothing

but wait for the day I die.

Just being alive condemns me as a sinner.

So, this is my way

of not giving up and surviving.

So, let me ask you.

Will you…

grant me the chance to live?

Did you say she is

the left councilor's daughter-in-law?

Yes, Your Majesty.

Six months after the man

named Cho Seong-hu went missing,

his sister got married

to the left councilor's eldest son.

How could this be?

Were they engaged since childhood?

It does not appear so.

I do not believe that was by coincidence.

Someone like the left councilor

suddenly took a daughter-in-law

from a humble family with no reputation?

If Cho Seong-hu had received

the late king's royal seal,

the left councilor could have taken

in his sister

so he could use her

to capture Cho Seong-hu.

I would not put that past him.

If that were true, it is likely

that Cho Seong-hu would stay in hiding.

It could be

that the lady knows

of her brother's whereabouts.

He is, without a doubt,

the one who received

my father's final secret order.

Find out why his sister became

the left councilor's daughter-in-law

and whether she is aware

of any pertinent information.

Yes, Your Majesty.

I will…

give you the chance.

But from now on, whatever you do,

you must do so in my presence.

What do you mean by that?

How do you expect me to keep you safe?

So,

to prevent any rash behavior,

you must not leave my sight.

I am only involved in handing out rice

and giving out medicine.

-Those are just trivial--

-Trivial?

You jumped over the wall

of a high-ranking official's home,

broke out a criminal

from the police bureau,

and pointed your sword

at a superintendent just now.

How is that "trivial"?

I will keep my eye on you.

If you sneak into the homes

of high officials again,

I can assure you

that you will

see me at the front gates.

What is Madam Oh planning to do now?

That is…

Tell her to lead a quiet life

as the widow she is.

She is the living embodiment

of Instructions for Women, is she not?

It would seem fitting for her

to live in seclusion in a mountain temple.

-But…

-Why?

Do you wish to join her as her servant?

No, my lord.

I will deliver your orders to her,

word for word.

Then, let us wrap up

the case of the finance minister.

Lord Seok!

There is one person

who has been bothering me all along.

He has been tracking

Minister Yeom's case from the start,

but I am not in the position to make

any rash movements against that man.

Who is it?

His name is Park Su-h*,

Royal Advisor Park Yun-hak's brother.

If he is the royal advisor's brother…

is he the chief scholar's son?

Yes, he is.

More than a decade ago,

he was suddenly adopted

when he was over ten years old.

Rumors suggest that he was born

out of wedlock to the chief scholar.

He is a principled man.

That cannot be true.

Find out more about Park Su-h*.

Yes, my lord.

How did it go?

It was a flop.

"Do not let me catch you step

out of line."

If he was going to threaten me,

why even bother to help?

That does not sound like a threat to me.

How would he keep an eye on me, anyway?

He cannot simply barge in.

I should have followed Lady Baek

when she left.

Just say the word.

I will form

a widows' village in Gaegyeong.

By the way.

Lady Baek told me something strange

before leaving for Hamgyeong Province.

Do you remember the ring

that Yong-deok stole from Minister Yeom?

Do you mean Lady Baek's ring?

She already knew that it was Lady Baek's.

But wait.

Are you saying

that Madam Oh gave a false testimony?

Why on earth would she do that?

Lord Seok must have

completely forgotten

about my contributions.

Indeed.

However,

I do not believe

you will actually live in the mountains.

Go to guard your husband's grave for now,

and I will try to arrange

a place for you to live secretly in Qing.

What have I done so wrong

to run away to Qing?

The entire land of Joseon is

in the hands of Lord Seok.

There is no way for us

to go against his will.

How could he do this to me?

Who do you think gave him all that power?

This will not do.

He will not get rid of me so easily.

You cannot just sit here, sir.

Rumors are spreading in the capital

that the body has gone missing.

What should we do?

The legendary altruist will be captured

at this rate.

Bi-chan.

-There is something you must do.

-Pardon?

Would that not be better

for the legendary altruist as well?

This is a love

that can never be outmatched.

What remains unfulfilled in this life

will find its way into the next!

Share this with the captain--

And it will spread

throughout the city before you know it!

I am a great storyteller.

Yes. Check on Myeongdo Inn

from time to time as well.

I will do my best

to fulfill my duties, sir!

They say,

"A fair face may hide a foul heart."

How could a widow

even consider leaving the house?

Acting all innocent like that

and pretending to be modest and composed.

Who could even dare to sneak out at night

and lead a double life?

Mother…

What a disgrace to the family.

The arrogant wife of the interior minister

has stopped eating and fallen ill.

But…

I am so glad not to have

any worries about such things.

I have always believed you far surpass

the interior minister's daughter-in-law.

It is all thanks

to your teachings, Mother.

Very well.

Given this incident,

you must be extra cautious.

I will keep that in mind.

I will constantly keep an eye

on how you carry yourself.

Yes, Mother…

Oh, how cruel fate can be!

Why must the one you love

be left behind in such a wretched manner?

So, what happened to his body?

She roamed the night,

searching endlessly for her lover's body

discarded carelessly in the wasteland.

At last, she found it!

How heartbreaking!

She desperately tried to revive him,

but the corpse had already turned cold

and lay still without an answer.

How is she to live on now?

She heaved her lover's heavy body

with her frail arms

and dragged it behind her.

Then she vanished,

leaving no trace behind.

What a beautiful story.

And how sad love can be…

Are you okay, sir?

Who said you could sell things here?

I was not told by anyone.

I just did as I pleased.

How dare you speak so freely?

Do you know whose street this is?

From what I can see,

you cannot be the owner of this street.

I know for sure

that this entire street belongs

to the Unjong family!

Is that not right?

Is it not?

That is… Ladies and gentlemen?

Is that not right? Regardless!

Put this back the way it was

-and apologize!

-Apologize?

Keep pushing it, punk.

Wait a second.

If you knew who I was,

you would not treat me so disrespectfully.

Hold on.

-Calm down.

-What is going on here?

Get up.

Thank you.

How dare you draw your swords

in public during the day?

Do you have no regard for the law?

Look who is here.

Why are you disciplining my men this time?

Why can you not just turn a blind eye

to a small dispute among merchants?

I was merely trying to stop

a bunch of outlaw look-alikes.

Could you be any more naive?

Why would you stir things up

so recklessly?

I also heard

you even went to the police

because of Minister Yeom's incident.

Guildmaster Kang,

you seem very interested in that case.

How could I not be?

Not when that wench Jang So-un

and you are so involved.

Was there not a girl who came

for seamstress work at the Capital Guard?

Oh, dear!

Seeing your surprised face,

I am getting very curious

about who she could be.

Well, then. I bid you farewell.

I appreciate your help.

My name is Joo Yo-seop.

I have been living abroad for a long time.

I am sorry.

What happened to the warm sentiments

of the Unjong Street that I once knew?

If you want to sell your merchandise,

go to Myeongdo Inn

and ask the head guildmaster.

Sorry to inconvenience you

on our first meeting.

It may not look like much,

but I personally made

these plum blossom hairpins.

Gift it to your beloved.

I do not have one. It is all right.

Come on now!

Look at you. You clearly do!

It is a token of my appreciation.

But…

How can the royal palace,

which should set an example,

prevent Madam Oh

from guarding her husband's grave?

This is unprecedented in history.

But how could I heartlessly refuse

my mother's earnest request?

She got the news early in the morning

and said she could not send away

Madam Oh like that.

It even made her cry.

This is not Your Majesty's business

in the first place.

Is there any way

you could come up with a justification

for Madam Oh

to continue staying in Hanyang?

She has repeatedly shown kindness

to those suffering from poverty,

so if the royal court can provide

a suitable excuse--

If the queen dowager intervenes

for personal reasons in this case,

she will become

a laughingstock to the nation.

So, Your Majesty must dissuade her

and fulfill your duty as a son.

You seem to have grown weary

over the past few days.

I had been preoccupied

with many tasks to take care of.

That must be why I seem to be weak.

When will you leave

for your husband's grave?

I do not know yet.

I would have left as early as tomorrow,

but the queen dowager is not allowing me

to go.

Madam Oh, there is

still a lot of work left for you to do.

It would make me sad

if you left like that.

I wish I had got

to know you better, Lady Yoo.

And the same goes

for your daughter-in-law.

It is truly regretful.

It is not too late

for us to visit each other more often.

The reason I came here today was for me

to receive teachings

from your daughter-in-law.

Pardon?

I told you not to come back

when you visited

because I was preoccupied with my leave.

Now, it looks

like I will not be going for a while.

So, I thought I could learn more

from your daughter-in-law,

who has been

a faithful widow for a long time.

I could not possibly teach you, Madam Oh.

Please reconsider your wish.

That is right.

She should be the one to learn from you.

In that case,

how about you visit me at home

and keep me company from time to time?

Would that be all right?

Royal Advisor Park!

-Are you here to see His Majesty?

-Yes.

He invited me to a game of janggi,

so I came to meet with him.

You have been working so hard

for His Majesty,

and I have not even treated you

to a drink.

Please do not say that.

I am simply fulfilling my duty.

They say to strike while the iron is hot.

Will you come to my house this evening?

I would gladly accept your invitation.

I will be waiting for you.

Oh, I almost forgot!

I heard you have a brilliant sibling.

Why not bring him with you?

Are you talking about my younger brother?

I heard he is a talented man

who excelled at the state exam.

I would love to meet him

through this opportunity.

Yes.

I look forward to it then.

Yeon-seon, I feel Madam Oh is

a bit strange--

-Oh, my goodness!

-You startled me too!

Yeon-seon told you earlier

that she was going

to the rental bookstore.

Did she say that?

So, what brings you here?

I walked in

because you were not responding.

But you were just sitting in silence.

Lady Yoo mentioned

that a guest was coming today

and asked you to come to the kitchen.

All right, then.

What are you doing?

Oh, nothing.

I needed to buy something.

Then why are you not looking at the items?

Why are you eyeing up the people instead?

Are you looking for someone?

No, that is not it.

-A criminal?

-No, that is definitely not it!

-Then, a lover?

-Oh, absolutely not!

Then who are you looking for?

How can you be so pretty

and cause so much trouble?

Did you just call me… pretty?

Wait. I think I left the fire on

in the kitchen.

Gift it to your beloved.

-I do not have one. It is all right.

-Come on now!

Look at you. You clearly do!

The lack of sleep must be getting to me.

Did you hear the story, Superintendent?

What story are you talking about?

The criminal who k*lled Lord Yeom.

They were so passionately in love…

Yes, I heard.

But if there were someone

who stole the body of a felon,

should we not catch them and execute them?

We, the Capital Guard, must catch them--

I cannot let you do that!

How can you be so heartless?

Are you really going to ignore

the heart-wrenching sadness

welling up inside you

after hearing such a tearful story?

Then what should I do?

The higher-ups have

already ordered the case to be closed.

So, do not instigate trouble

by trying to find out who stole the body.

I personally cannot allow it!

Understood, sir.

What is the matter?

A message arrived to the superintendent

from Royal Advisor Park.

From my brother?

Alewife!

Let me have a bowl of soup

and some rice wine!

Right away!

Welcome!

The left councilor has just

invited my brother and me to his house.

How does he know him?

I do not have

a good feeling about this, Your Majesty.

It cannot be a coincidence

that these things keep happening.

Your brother must be protected

before our plan gets discovered.

What have you called me for?

There is somewhere we need to go.

Where are we going?

The left councilor has invited us

to his house.

The left councilor?

Why?

Have you met the left councilor before?

No. I am yet to meet him.

Su-h*.

No matter

what the left councilor says today,

be careful not to respond hastily.

Pardon?

You will understand the reason eventually,

so be careful with every word you say.

Yes, I will.

Very well.

So,

if you let me open a stall,

I will give Myeongdo Inn

twenty percent of my profits.

You are quite skilled.

I know.

You do not come across these kinds

of Western-style products very often.

So, customers will flock

to Myeongdo Inn like clouds.

And here is a secret.

I am quite a smooth talker.

Very well.

Let us start with twenty percent

but go up to thirty percent

once your business is established.

In return, we will manage

and deliver your goods.

Then, the contract has been sealed.

You can start

your business tomorrow, Mr. Joo.

-Got it.

-One more thing.

Come in.

My name is Kkon-nim.

She will be assisting you from now on.

I will give you a tour of Myeongdo Inn.

Please follow me.

Good evening, ma'am.

His appearance and speech may be strange…

but he must be the son of a noble family.

Who could he be?

Welcome home, my lord!

I apologize

for the sudden notice about guests.

It must have kept you busy, my lady.

Do not mention it.

This is naturally my duty as a woman.

Yeo-hwa, you must be tired too.

Go on and get some rest.

Yes, Father.

Lord Seok.

The royal advisor has arrived.

There you are.

Yes, Left Councilor.

Welcome.

Thank you for visiting us

at our humble abode.

I appreciate your invitation.

You must be

the royal advisor's brother.

Allow me to introduce myself.

I am

Capital Guard Superintendent Park Su-h*.

I have heard great things about you.

I am pleased to finally meet you.

Likewise, sir.

I have been wanting to meet you as well.

Let us go in now.

-Yes, sir.

-Yes, sir.

You may be dismissed.

What are you still doing here?

Return to your quarters at once.

Yes, Mother.

I did not even climb

over any walls yesterday.

Why on earth did he come here?

Why has Yeon-seon not returned yet?

We are in a state of disconnection now…

DISCONNECTION: BEING OU

OF TOUCH FOR A LONG TIME

…but I studied

under the same teacher as your father

and even taught you when you were young.

I had been too distant

toward you for too long.

It is truly an honor

to visit your home, Left Councilor.

You are well esteemed

by all civil and military officials.

I am embarrassed

to hear that said to my face.

Let us meet up often from now on.

By the way,

I heard the chief scholar took you in

when you were about ten.

I know well

the chief scholar's character,

so I do not believe in empty rumors.

He must have seen your potential

to excel at the state exam

and adopted you as his son.

I do not know the details of that time,

but I consider myself fortunate

to have a great younger brother like him.

But you did not care for your brother

as he roamed the nation for three years.

You really are quite cold-hearted.

Were you not disappointed

with your brother?

I have never thought so, sir.

If you ever have any trouble,

you can come to me anytime.

I will help you

without telling your brother.

He should not bother you

with personal matters.

Since I value people,

if someone is talented, I will

naturally promote them to a good position.

I think that my current position is

more than enough.

You are far too humble!

I need to use the restroom for a moment.

Please go ahead.

I am going to pay more attention

to your brother than you from now on.

Please, sir. There is no need.

Since he is someone with few ambitions,

I am sure he meant it when he said

his current position is enough.

This is unusual for you.

You are a very strict older brother

to your sibling.

What are you doing?

What are you…

What are you doing here?

I saw someone eavesdropping,

so I was about to ask

what they were curious about.

I…

I have…

I have something to say.

Go ahead.

I am sorry.

So, I kindly request that you keep

your lips sealed to my father-in-law.

Do you even know why I am here?

If you keep my secret, I will

definitely repay this debt to you, sir.

I do not wish to be in such a position.

If you ever tell anyone about me,

I will become a vengeful ghost

and haunt you wherever you go.

I made it clear

that I will keep you in my sight.

It is just a friendly reminder.

This night is still young.

It is a shame to send you away like this.

We must not cause trouble

to you and your wife any longer.

It was an honor to have been invited.

Then, I will see you again soon.

Take care.

-Yes, Lady Yoo.

-Thank you.

-Let us go.

-Yes.

Please go on ahead, Brother.

Do you have something left to tell me?

Come to the rental bookstore

on Unjong Street at 4 p.m. tomorrow.

The rental bookstore?

Do not be late.

I have not seen you in days.

How have you been, sir?

What are you doing wandering around

so fearlessly at this late hour alone?

I was just over

at the left councilor's house,

-but I did not see you, so…

-Why were you there?

Lord Seok called me over for a drink.

Did the superintendent go

with you as well?

Well, he did come with me,

but why are you asking me about him?

Well…

With his towering stature

and his chiseled looks,

it is only natural

for me to be curious about him.

But I am much taller than he is.

And I am not exactly bad-looking…

Yes.

Nothing special happened today, right?

What do you mean?

Well, I don't know.

Perhaps the superintendent was looking

for someone

or saying something strange

that you could not understand.

Are you wondering

if he was looking for you?

That is not it.

Please forget I ever mentioned it.

Wait!

Let me ask you one thing too.

It is about your lady.

What about her?

I am just curious to know

what kind of a person she is.

Is it not obvious?

Her heart and appearance are

as beautiful as an angel.

I have never seen

anyone as beautiful as my lady.

No one else in the world is…

Wait.

Why are you suddenly asking about her?

Oh, you know.

You said yourself

that she was as beautiful as an angel.

Is it not natural for me

to be curious about her?

Yes, I guess so.

I suppose it is.

Take care, sir…

Wait… But…

Why on earth is she upset with me?

Surely he would not say anything

if I begged him that much?

A Good Companion.

If you want to hear about your brother,

give this book to the person

who visits you in five days.

Was there not a girl who came

for seamstress work at the Capital Guard?

Oh, dear!

I am getting very curious

about who she could be.

Lady Cho!

Lady Yoo wishes to see you!

I will be right out.

-Did you call for me?

-Yes.

The Peony Society is meeting

at Myeongdo Inn.

Madam Oh insisted that I bring you along.

Go and get ready.

Yes, Mother.

Your eyes are like the deep blue sea!

Oh, my. Do not embarrass me.

There was a woman whose eyes were

the same color as this ring.

This is the tale of a man from Joseon

who left his family and parents

because of his passion for a woman.

He left his family and parents?

Are you interested?

Let me start without further delay.

-This man--

-Is he out of his mind?

How could he leave his family and parents?

How could you say that?

It is quite possible

to be blinded by love!

In faraway England, there was a bachelor

and a bachelorette named Romeo and Juliet.

The man died first,

and the woman followed after him.

-Even in their final moments, the two--

-What is this?

Another virtuous woman?

Tell us another story.

-Yes, tell us something else.

-Come on.

Are you not curious about a couple

who loved each other to death?

Who wants to hear about a woman

who died after her husband?

By the way, have you heard?

You know the virtuous woman's gate?

The left councilor's home will get it

since Lady Baek disappeared.

-Really?

-Is that so?

A virtuous woman's gate?

To the left councilor's house? Why?

What do you mean, why?

The king is rewarding a faithful widow.

I am not saying it is easy

to be a widow for 15 years.

But is that really enough?

Everyone thinks that the honor is given

because of the left councilor's influence.

I heard this from somewhere,

but that gentle-looking Lady Yoo is

absolutely obsessed

with the virtuous woman's gate!

-Oh, my!

-After all,

her eldest son died on his wedding day,

disrupting the family line.

Wait a minute. The eldest son died?

What do you mean? I died--

They had a wedding?

I guess you missed out

since you were in Qing.

I do not envy her fate.

She was denied a wedding ceremony,

and after remaining faithful for 15 years,

she will eventually be pushed

to her own grave.

-I could never live like that!

-Neither could I!

Who died?

I did?

Did they really k*ll me off?

How are you, Head Guildmaster?

Welcome, Lady Yoo.

We are in the midst

of taking down the stands

because I did not get the notice in time.

Do not worry about it. Come on.

Let us head inside.

-Yes.

-Yes.

Come this way!

-It has been too long.

-It is good to see you.

Did you hear the news?

What news?

Recently, a decent-looking merchant

with great talking skills showed up

at Myeongdo Inn.

I heard that too.

He does not seem like a merchant

but rather dignified, like a nobleman.

He said there would be big trouble

if we knew his identity.

Could it be that he was

born out of wedlock?

I wonder whose son he could be…

Anyway, for a mere merchant,

he seems to understand

a woman's heart quite well.

Just like how

the left councilor looks after Lady Yoo.

What are you talking about?

Are you implying

that he must be from our family?

That is not what I meant.

I meant to say he was

as kind as Lord Seok.

I may have misspoken

in front of your daughter-in-law.

I feel a bit dizzy

because I am only used to the shrine.

How about I take your daughter-in-law

to the main house for a while?

Would you do that for me?

It was Madam Oh

who requested to see you today.

But go and rest for a bit.

Yes, Mother.

Slowly, carefully!

Do you have something urgent to tell me?

I received this last night.

What could be the meaning of this?

Head Guildmaster.

Can I come in?

He should be at the Capital Guard.

Why is he here again?

Should I send him away?

No, that is okay.

I should meet him

as I have something to ask.

Please come in.

Why are you here?

I am a stakeholder in Myeongdo Inn.

I heard the Peony Society is meeting

here today.

You must be getting

very comfortable with me around.

Here you go.

I am here on a valid occasion,

so you cannot fault me for anything.

If you are

following me deliberately

to try to get me in trouble--

I am a busy man.

Then why are you here?

I came to speak with the head guildmaster.

Should we speak in private?

You can speak with her here.

Did you not tell me to stay in your sight?

You two should speak first.

It is good to see everyone.

Please come in, Madam Oh.

Please have a seat.

I hope you have all been doing well.

-Yes.

-Yes.

I understand

that it is improper to come out

while in mourning,

but before going to my husband's grave,

I felt I had to address the plight

of those starving outside Sugu Gate.

So, I urgently requested this meeting.

It is quite all right.

You are the embodiment

of Instructions for Women.

-An excellent example.

-That is right.

Where is your daughter-in-law?

She was not feeling well,

so I sent her to the main house.

You can speak with her later.

Very well.

Kang Pil-jik is watching Myeongdo Inn

and the masked figure.

It has been so for quite a while.

He seems to be aware

that I am also involved

with the masked figure and the inn.

That was how it seemed.

Seven years ago,

I started working with Myeongdo Inn

after saving Lady Jang.

The person who attempted

to k*ll Lady Jang at that time

was none other than Kang Pil-jik.

I should have done everything

to have him put behind bars.

That is my job.

I should have gotten rid of him, then!

I am not saying I will do that now.

You had better watch out.

Yes, Superintendent.

I will make sure of it.

I will not be coming out for a while

for the sake of Myeongdo Inn.

Can you not

think of yourself first?

How is the investigation

into Minister Yeom's m*rder*r going?

Since the case is officially closed,

I am investigating it secretly.

Please do not worry.

Madam Oh may have already known

Yong-deok was not the real m*rder*r.

Did you already know?

Then,

does she know who the real culprit is?

Lady Cho.

Do not concern yourself with this anymore.

Do you know what I have been through

because of this?

Are you there, Head Guildmaster?

How can you just leave like that?

Hey, I know you!

Is the head guildmaster in?

How rude!

Pardon my intrusion.

Please keep enjoying yourselves.

Are you all right?

What did I say? You clearly have a lover.

What is he…

Sorry for the late greeting.

Are you feeling better?

I was so busy with the Peony Society

that I had no time to speak with you.

If you are available tomorrow,

could we possibly meet

briefly at my house?

I will send her to you early tomorrow.

Then, I will see you tomorrow.

We will be taking our leave.

Yes, please take care.

-Let us go.

-Yes, Mother.

What is it that you need to tell me?

You must not tell Lady Cho

what I am about to ask you.

Please go ahead.

I need information about Madam Oh

that is not known to the public.

My goodness!

What are you doing?

I was told to close my stall for a bit.

The head guildmaster said

everyone has left.

We can get back to work now.

Do not just sit there!

The opening week sales will not keep you

afloat for long.

You must hurry

and welcome the new customers

and convince the ones leaving

to stick around!

I have a lot to learn, Master Kkon-nim.

It is all for Myeongdo Inn's success.

Well, then.

Please wait for me, Master!

Come this way.

We finally meet.

It is His Majesty. Show your respect.

Very well.

I heard you have been busy

since joining the Capital Guard.

I was simply fulfilling my duties,

Your Majesty.

I heard you discovered

that the finance minister was poisoned

and that there is another culprit.

Who is it that you suspect?

I believe

it was the finance minister's wife, Sire.

I have not found any certain evidence yet.

-If you give me time--

-Fifteen years ago

when my father passed away suddenly,

everyone said he died of a disease,

but I could not believe it.

I tried to investigate further,

but the general of the King's Guard,

who had visited my father that night,

got massacred with his family

by unknown assailants.

Your Majesty, are you aware

of what happened to my family back then?

Do you understand

where your current pursuit will lead you?

Minister Yeom's death is

surely connected to that day's events.

The group that wants to cover it up

still controls this nation,

and I do not have the power

to fight against them yet.

Therefore,

if you wish

to continue investigating this,

your life will be in danger again.

So, it would be best to stop now.

But, Your Majesty!

If I stop my work now,

who will punish those

who are responsible for what happened?

You have the same look in your eyes

as General Im g*ng does in my memory.

Your eyes are truly upright and firm.

I must apologize to you.

However, this is also the fate

that we must face.

Yes, Sire.

How would you like to join us?

Is it true that my parents' m*rder

is linked to the events of that day?

That night,

His Majesty the late king

urgently summoned me.

Yun-hak.

Even if I cannot protect the crown prince,

will you remain by his side

and protect his safety?

Yes, Your Majesty.

I shall give you my word.

Moreover,

if something happens

to the general of the King's Guard,

can you take care

of the rest of his family?

Pardon?

Perhaps

I have committed

a transgression against his family.

We will be faced

with a great disaster tonight.

What do you mean, Sire?

If I do not succeed in my plans,

I might

never see you again.

Sir? Wake up!

Can you hear me?

Are you awake, my boy?

Hang in there. Just for a little longer.

We were unable to discover anything

after all these years,

and the events

from that day have still not ended.

Therefore, as you dig deeper

into this case,

you might not be able

to continue living as you are now.

No matter how hard I try to recall it,

the memory of that day keeps escaping me.

I am in so much pain, Brother.

That is why…

you could not truly become Park Su-h*.

I need to find out

what I really went through 15 years ago.

Only then will I be able

to truly live as Park Su-h*.

What is wrong with me?

Now that I am a widow,

it has been hard to meet up with people.

I am already feeling lonely.

It must have been

so hard for you, Lady Cho.

It was not difficult for me.

Since I have never had a husband,

I do not fully understand

the feeling of loneliness and desolation.

My parents-in-law have

also taken good care of me.

The left councilor and Lady Yoo are

truly warm-hearted people.

Is it true you have a brother

you have not heard from?

Lady Cho!

What is the matter?

You must go to the shrine right away.

I have returned, Mother…

Let me borrow your fan.

What is this?

EPILOGUE

What is he…

Goodness…

Seriously?

Calm down, Lady Cho.

-I was covering your face--

-Why are you doing this to me?

Hey, will you…

Lady Jang?

-It is not what you think.

-It is not what you think.

What are you talking about?

What is there to think about?

It is time for you all to go home.

Please follow me out.

Are you feeling hot, Lady Cho?

You are blushing all over!

No, I am not.

It is so darn cold these days.

What…

Hold on.

Why is it so warm?

It is not even summer yet.

It seems your brother was involved

in a secret affair inside the palace.

Who else knows about the incident?

My father-in-law?

While we are here,

should we buy

some sticky rice cakes to take home?

My mother also loved

the sticky rice cakes I would bring her.

-Mother?

-Wait. Is that…

What if this note was sent

by someone dangerous?

This is far more dangerous than you think.

It is better not to know.

-You are worrying about Lady Cho again.

-Sir!