[This drama is created with the background of the historical facts from the founding of Goryeo by Taejo Wang Geon until the rise of 4th King Gwangjong.]
Go to Later Jin as an ambassador.
[Episode 12] Find out how strong their forces are.
It will be very dangerous.
I will do as you command.
You will not protest?
It is your command. How could I refuse?
I will leave Songak as you have commanded.
However, Hae Soo has nowhere to go except the Damiwon.
Please have mercy and be understanding.
Are you still taking her side?
She is not someone I can throw away.
I will work hard as an ambassador to Jin.
Get rid of Hae Soo.
Pardon me?
Send her away to a place where the princes will be unable to meet her.
If he cannot throw her away himself, his father will have to do it for him.
She had the dignity of a queen.
However, she was not born under the star of a queen.
Is that good luck or bad luck?
I asked the obvious.
She left this place after meeting someone like me.
It is the worst luck.
She left without grudges or bitterness.
So, she was very lucky.
You should believe that.
You must leave the Damiwon.
You've been instructed not to say goodbye to the princes or get involved with them.
Where must I go?
Where must I go in order to never see them again?
How are you feeling?
No matter how much my heart may ache,
this world doesn't stop its course.
I suppose if I keep watching its busy course,
I may come to forget everything some day.
Forget it quickly if you can.
The more difficult things are, the better it is to work hard to forget.
You too, Your Highness.
You should forget me now.
Do not say such things.
Stay put and wait for me at the Damiwon until I return.
I will not wait.
This happened to you because you tried to help me.
I remember how happy you were because you got to live in the palace.
You don't want to leave, but you have to.
It is all my fault.
Now, please... learn to differentiate between friendship and love.
If you give all your affection to one person
it will make things harder for you.
It is you who might run into bad luck if you get involved with me.
Because it happens to everyone who does.
I still won't let you go.
Because with this face, all they can do is curse it, anyway.
Dummy.
I said I would get your permission.
I lied.
I'll borrow this for good luck.
I'll be back soon.
I will not be waiting.
Though you risked your life for me...
Though you called me your person...
I cannot do it.
I become afraid every time we meet.
I know that I had feelings for another.
So why is it that I can't let you go and ignore you?
[Hae Soo]
Wook!
Soo is gone.
She's not in the Damiwon.
You don't think she's been kicked out, do you?
S... Soo?
Soo, no...
You can't just vanish like this...
Soo!
There was a person who was a pesky creature
and she has lost her life.
Was it your doing?
I'm sure you wanted to get rid of her too, Your Majesty.
When I see you like this, you seem like a daughter I bore myself.
You and I, we will get along very well.
That will not happen.
I just remembered.
My mother was accused of causing the miscarriage
of a court lady the king loved.
My mother was exiled for it.
That was Court Lady Oh.
It is you, Your Majesty, who killed the woman that the king loves most.
I cannot become close to you
who could be caught and kicked out at any moment.
You should get it straight.
You are in the same boat.
I drank the poison by my own hands. Who would doubt me?
Anyone who knows the truth or abetted in the act are all gone now.
You are alone now, Your Majesty.
Do not make my mother get on her knees ever again.
Protect yourself well.
Yeon Hwa is different.
Do you see why I can't help but like her?
She is dangerous.
She has more ambition than any man.
Keep your distance from her.
That's what makes her fun, though.
Did you meet with your uncle, Wang Shik Ryeom?
Uncle has agreed to support me whenever I need it.
You will become a Queen Mother now.
He wouldn't help without getting anything in return.
What does he want?
To make Seokyeong the capital city. (present day Pyongyang)
[One year later (Taejo Year 26)]
Families from rural cities who don't ever come to the palace?
Is something going on?
The king has 10 instructions to give before he is to die.
It could be the second son rather than the first who takes the throne.
Many believe the king may choose me.
I don't believe it.
What have you been doing?
I heard that you have been getting rid of the pirates.
Why haven't you visited Mother?
She is hurt.
I am living just fine, so don't worry.
Mother has you, doesn't she?
Listen to the way you're talking.
Wook, he has changed since he's been hanging around you.
Now that anybody can succeed the throne,
all my brothers are after me.
His Majesty has pushed me into the tiger's mouth.
His Majesty intends to use the 10 Instructions
to see who is on your side, Crown Prince.
I'm afraid that in the process,
my loved ones will get hurt.
You got it wrong!
You got it wrong again. Wrong again.
Why would you point the knife there? You should wind it in.
You always get it wrong in the same place.
You'll embarrass yourself at the peace gathering.
- Let's try one more time. - No.
What?
There's a limit to how much you can overwork a person.
Look, look, look.
Do you see how swollen my lips are from helping you?
My lady has prepared me food and she is waiting.
I have to go.
You're married?
Why?
Does it bother you that I'm married?
Why would it bother me?
What's it to me?
Have you been married a long time?
Do you have children too?
Let me see.
It's been over 20 years and there is a great son, too.
- What? - There is a wife.
It's my father's wife.
My mother is waiting, so I must get going.
Were you playing a joke on me? Have you no fear?
You're the one who got fooled. You got fooled.
It's good to practice and all, but don't get hurt.
Okay?
- O... - Okay.
Works of Mencius?
Are you testing your husband?
I'm willing to bet my wrist that I read it all.
This wrist is mine.
Next!
Take it. Take it all!
My arm, leg, and throat. Take it all!
Next.
You can't have this.
This belongs to Hae Soo.
You're not crying, are you?
Father!
Wow, my daughter is still alive and well.
Why do you look like crap someone has chewed and spat out?
Why are you stuck on that desk?
What would you have done if His Highness had been shocked to death?
If that were enough to shock him, how would he live in this harsh world?
Were you hurt? Should I blow on it?
Once I get on the throne
I will divorce my wife and make you queen.
Your current wife's father is the Minister of the Left Park Young Gyu.
You expect me to believe the lie that you will get rid of a close associate?
Park Young Gyu is originally from Later Baekje.
I will need that support before I become king.
After, he will be a bother.
I know how to find weaknesses in people.
You can recognize darkness immediately.
Don't you see that we are a match made in heaven?
You are visiting often. I'm worried people will start to talk.
As for you and I, do not forget that we are complete opposites.
Don't worry.
It was not you I came to see. I came for Yeon Hwa.
We have cause now because of the 10 instructions the king will leave us.
How about we attack the king now instead of waiting on it?
It will be troublesome if the Crown Prince ends up on the throne.
Still, I will not do something so immoral.
How can a child kill his own parent?
A father is willing to kill his child.
Why can't a child do it?
I am only joking... joking.
Do not forget your promise to support me and not the Crown Prince.
Of course.
I do not understand you, Wook.
Why wouldn't you take the throne yourself?
Why are you acting as our third brother's shadow?
If you push the Crown Prince out now
you will be a traitor, even while on the throne.
However, a traitor who kills a traitor...
becomes a hero.
It is far better to be in Yo's shadow right now.
A very loyal shadow.
What if our third brother ends up betraying you?
You can help me.
What?
That ring...
it suits you very well, Yeon Hwa.
Are you telling me to become a hostage?
Colleague, collateral...
Use a term that makes you feel better.
We are heavily indebted to one another, are we not?
You should risk that much.
I like the 8th Prince best.
They say the 14th Prince cut the pirate's throat like he was cutting a flower.
The king made him a general and favors him.
He could become a king.
Really?
What about the 8th Prince?
I heard that the king was close to the 8th Prince.
I heard all the powerful families with daughters put in requests to marry him.
Hae Soo! You were at the Damiwon, so you must've seen the princes.
Which one is the best?
Who's the best, huh?
Hey, can't you hear me?
Can you not hear?
It's best not to talk about the princes.
It's easy to get into trouble.
So, you're saying water maids like us shouldn't even mention them?
You got kicked out of there. Don't act like you're better than us.
I'm just saying, be careful what you say.
Oh my, oh my, oh my.
She won't even let us bring up the princes.
How funny of her.
I told her to draw the 4th Prince's face and she ripped up the paper.
I suppose we should just rinse the laundry.
Goodness. Gosh!
Hey, who are you glaring at?
Who do you think you are? You little thing.
Oh my gosh.
I told you to stop.
I heard that you caused your superior to die.
I know all about how Court Lady Oh from the Damiwon died because of you.
You unlucky wench.
Everyone says that getting mixed up with you leads to bad things.
She's bad luck.
Must feel good.
That must feel good.
Wook!
- Good job. - I'm so tired.
That was hard work.
Wook.
I didn't recognize that path.
Were you trying to show her to me?
It's already been a year.
Are you really going to leave her like that?
She's a Gyobang water maid.
It the lowest place in the palace.
Why should I care?
I know everything.
You loved Soo.
There's another reason, right?
Otherwise, you wouldn't act this way.
I can't die too.
It was the king who kicked Hae Soo out.
You cannot go against the king.
You should be careful as well.
Don't forget that you can be thrown out of the palace for one mistake.
Is your leg still unwell?
I heard Jung sent you medicine.
Only when I work too long or I am by the water.
I'm all right.
Are you upset with me?
Do you... hate me?
I could not promise you anything. That is why I could not come.
Because I've become so useless...
Because I cannot do anything for you...
I cannot get you back because the king's anger
was too great over Court Lady Oh.
I cannot dare to bring up marriage.
Did you miss me?
Even once?
Did you ever miss me?
Every day.
I longed for you every moment.
That is all I need, then.
That's enough.
The situation will get better now.
So, once I get more power--
Don't overextend yourself on my behalf.
Don't put yourself in danger.
I have seen enough of that.
Please don't get hurt.
Don't make me feel more sorry than I do.
What is the situation like in Later Jin?
Gaozu has died and his nephew, Yonghe, is leading now.
It seems like they'll be going to war with Khitan
over a territorial dispute soon.
There are many conflicts over the succession of the throne.
I do not think they will succeed.
That means Khitan will be starting to dominate.
Then, I want you to visit Khitan this time.
I do not want to.
Do not want to?
You broke the promise you made to me when I left.
I cannot comply either.
You still have feelings for that girl?
A king must be able to throw anyone away
for the sake of his family or this nation!
You should thank me for throwing her out for you!
I am not the king nor will I become one.
If you want to keep even one more ally for the Crown Prince
do not tie a noose around my neck.
I, too, will live like a person now.
You...
Your Majesty.
Children all think they were raised on their own and act out of turn like that.
Do not worry about it too much.
You will get sick over it.
He should've come at me like that to begin with.
Excuse me?
Now he will not lose no matter who he fights.
He has to be at that level in order for me to close my eyes in peace.
Your Majesty, your star is still bright. Why would you say such a thing?
There are times you know yourself better than the heavens know you.
You should all prepare yourselves.
You never did listen.
I told you to stay put at the Damiwon.
Doing physical labor suited you better than being a court lady, anyway.
I missed you.
You should not be here.
Pretend you didn't see me.
Just as always...
you are beautiful.
Why?
Why have you covered it again?
Have you forgotten how to prepare the makeup?
Has your scar gotten more prominent?
You hated it so much, so why would you let it....
I didn't take it off so I wouldn't forget you.
I was determined to come back and see you.
I am not a Damiwon court lady, but a Gyobang water maid.
I'm not at a level where I can meet you, Your Highness.
You have returned safe and sound.
You know that I am doing well.
That's good enough.
- Soo. - Please go.
This isn't where you should be. Let's go.
I'll resolve this somehow.
Just leave me alone!
I am only here like this because I can neither die nor live.
Whether it's Court Lady Oh, who died because of me
or the scary life in the palace waiting around every corner
I can forget all of it if my body grows weary.
You must stop caring about me.
I will watch over you just like when you helped me.
I will help you forget it all even without living this hard life.
Please, don't abandon who you are for me.
Even if the person I want to avoid most...
is you, Your Highness?
When I meet you, I recall everything I want to forget.
Go back.
I'm living just fine. I can survive.
Your Highness...
Please live in peace.
Do not hate or hold grudges. Forget everything.
Then no one will get hurt.
Do not worry about it.
I know my condition well.
It's a new tea from the Damiwon.
Nothing appeals to me and I don't want anything.
A new court lady made a new mixture.
At least try smelling the fragrance.
Did that girl make it?
I only wanted to bring your appetite back.
I apologize, Your Majesty.
Bring her to me.
I want you to marry me.
I don't think I heard you right.
You want what with me?
I've been thinking about what kind of a person I am.
Although I was born as a princess
and received undeserved love from the king and the princes,
I was always missing something.
I was never satisfied.
When my whole household was on exile, I finally realized.
I need power.
The only thing that can fulfill my insatiable hunger is...
the throne.
I'm not that kind of person.
I'm the opposite of the kind of person you want.
Yes, I know. That's why I kept my distance.
However...
there was something I did not know.
I am a girl too.
I have loved you for a long time.
I am destined to be with you.
When I was little,
somebody said that I had the star of a king.
That same day,
I got this scar on my face.
I didn't even get treated as a prince,
much less king.
Your predestined one?
I don't believe in such a thing as fate.
Besides,
there's someone else I have in mind.
Is it... Hae Soo?
She brings bad luck.
She'll hinder your future!
Without Soo,
there would have been no future for me at all.
Now that I've said that,
it's become clear now.
I am nothing without her.
The way he looks... it reminds me of how Grandpa looked before dying.
I don't know which year Taejo passed away.
I'm sure he doesn't have much time left.
You are thinking I don't have much time left.
Where did you come from?
After what happened with Court Lady Oh, I looked into you.
Your childhood friends and hometown relatives...
I questioned all of Wook's household embers.
I could only conclude that you suddenly became a different person.
You were a completely different person.
My senses tell me that you are similar to Ji Mong.
You know the future that we do not.
Did you know that my 4th son was born with the star to become a king?
Crown Prince Moo and So are both destined to become kings.
No one knows what will happen here in this palace.
You will be observing all of it.
Even so, do not get involved.
Can't you just send me far away?
I no longer think I can handle living here.
Close your eyes to the things you cannot control.
If you cannot keep silent about what goes on here
you will be in the same situation, no matter where you go.
Do not get so hung up on the future that you lose what you have now.
Soo Yeon called you her daughter.
So you are a daughter to me and that is why I am giving you this advice.
Are you all right?
Let me see.
It's fine. It's nothing.
What do you mean? How many times is that now?
Let me see.
What happened?
I shouldn't ask, right?
How about if I hold you?
Can I do that?
When you went through a hard time, I'm sorry I wasn't there with you.
It was before I met you.
That's why I feel more sorry.
I feel more sorry about that than anything.
The fact that I didn't know you then.
I want only good things to happen for you and to make you happy now.
Trust in me.
Who are you to be able to do that?
I have never had those expectations of you.
Woo Hee.
I still have more to confess to you.
Are you upset about something?
Why do you look so down?
Did something happen with Baek Ah?
How did you say you met Baek Ah?
Oh.
It was before I entered the palace. I met him in the market.
He knew my cousin too. That's how.
He seems like a good person.
I can guarantee that he is.
If it were the old me...
I would never had met him.
Now that I was put into this position, I ended up meeting him.
I can't tell you everything.
He is only coming here because of you.
So, don't push him away too much.
No.
We won't be getting any closer.
Soon...
I'll be leaving.
Leaving? Where to?
Do you remember when we first met?
We became close because we had gone through similar hardships.
Why did we go through something like that?
We didn't ask each other.
Let's keep it that way in the future.
It's better not to know.
That way, you won't be in a difficult situation if something happens.
The peace gathering is tomorrow.
You'll make me look good, won't you?
Yes, of course.
You'll be the prettiest girl from the Gyobang.
I want them to see me once...
and never be able to forget me.
Make me look that way.
That's how I want to be remembered.
Is that girl prepared?
The peace gathering will be the ideal opportunity.
She is full of hatred for the king.
Do not worry.
It must be kept secret from my mother.
As much as she hates the king, she also has great affection for him.
You should cancel your appearance at the peace gathering.
You do not look well at all.
I agree.
You usually do not attend the peace gathering.
You are only going because of the powerful families attending.
My uncle Wang Shik Ryeom will be there.
But I can tend to him. You should rest.
I think it would best to attend.
The goal of your appearance today was to show how healthy you are, Your Majesty.
You must be there even briefly in order to stop the rumors.
You are right.
I cannot give them any openings.
Let us get going.
Soo.
Let's get married.
What?
If we get married, you can leave the Gyobang and palace.
Let's do that.
I can't do that.
If you really do not like me, we can divorce once we leave the palace.
I will do that for you, so let's leave.
You have a lot of work to do, Your Highness.
You don't need to leave because of me.
And the king...
worries and thinks about you a great deal.
He is constantly testing his children.
He is a king before he is a father.
I do not want to be by his side.
What if...
you were to become king, Your Highness?
Would you still leave?
If I were king, would you leave with me?
While it was hard to travel as an ambassador.
I often felt very free.
I thought of you every time.
I wanted you to feel freedom like that.
I want to be with you in peace, with nothing getting in our way.
If that can't happen...
being king or whatever else has no meaning to me.
Come with me.
You are my person, after all.
No.
I cannot marry you to leave the palace, Your Highness.
Soo!
A prince marrying a water maid?
Don't manipulate Soo with such lies.
If I say it is marriage, it is marriage.
She was put in danger...
all because of you.
She ended up here because she got mixed up in a fight between you and Queen Yoo.
It started with you.
Now you want to marry her?
I cannot forgive you.
I feel the same way.
I gave you everything you needed to prove Hae Soo's innocence.
In the end, you couldn't do it.
Your uselessness makes me shake in anger.
You!
You got it wrong!
Why would you point the knife there? You should wind it in.
Stop pretending to care about her
and turn your back on her like you've been doing.
You're no longer in-laws.
She has nothing to do with you.
[Scarlet Heart: Ryeo]
That girl is the only one who knows the condition of the king.
Find her! Now!
I do not know what you are truly thinking.
I am setting my priorities.
Who would be more advantageous to attack first?
I cannot make a single mistake on my path to the throne.
Why did you hide the truth from me?
You have changed.
I will become king.