The King's Affection (연모)

It was around here somewhere.

-Yeong-ji. -Yeong-ji.

You have until the end of today.

If you fail, I can't promise

your shop or that girl will be safe.

I was only…

I didn't see a thing.

I was only digging for herbs.

I honestly didn't see a thing,

so please carry on with whatever you were doing.

It's dangerous to be out here though.

Hear that sound?

His Majesty is out on a royal hunt.

Out here you may be mistaken for a beast and be shot at.

Come with me. I'll escort you out of these woods.

Leave. I don't need your help.

Come on. Don't be like that

and put your clothes back on.

If you don't want to,

I guess you may choose not to.

Are you…

on the run?

Are you a court maid…

or--

That was more than I expected from a woman.

However,

this blade is quite sharp.

Damn, I know he went this way.

Darn it.

My bow is rather accurate today.

Could he have seen my face?

Whatever.

Wait. Isn't that…

Follow me.

It'll be the end if we get caught.

For you and also for me.

What is this?

What on earth is going on?

That way.

Identify yourselves!

-Get them! -Yes, sir!

Giddyap.

Over there!

What now?

-Jump. -What?

EPISODE 3

MERCHANT

What is it that you've been cherishing?

One might think it's your beloved.

It's nothing.

Come on, my lord.

What's of value should be shared, Lord Jaeun.

But this is an ordinary brush.

It's too big for a fine writing brush and too small for a middle-sized one.

Give it here. It's for someone I treasure.

The brush-maker must not have done a good job.

It's not of an adequate size for a man to use.

We must be here.

The Crown Prince has vanished?

He ran to the woods near the valley

and then disappeared.

-Goodness. -My gosh. What on earth?

Until I deliver the news to His Majesty, man your posts.

Yes, sir.

Could His Royal Highness have taken advantage of the situation and ran off?

Do you not know who you serve?

He would never go anywhere without telling us first.

Something must have happened to him.

Either that, or he must be in a predicament.

-Goodness. -You.

-Follow me. -Yes, sir.

-Hold on. -Yes?

What on earth is happening?

Take it just in case.

We must find the Crown Prince before anyone else does.

Please do not worry.

What's with the ruckus?

Lord Jaeun!

I heard you went to Mokcheon on business for the Ministry of Rites.

It ended faster than expected.

Anyway, is something the matter?

Where's His Royal Highness?

Well…

I'll fill you in later. Later!

I'll fill you in later!

What happened?

Could…

Could she be dead?

Father!

On the day I was born,

what did my father say?

My sweet boy.

Did he also agree

with those who wanted to terminate my life?

That a girl was of no need and should be killed?

Is that what he said?

The order came from the King.

His Majesty couldn't have gone against his father, the preceding King.

Are you all right, Your Highness?

Hyun?

Your Royal Highness.

He will soon be caught now that Commander Yoon went after him.

-But-- -Are you sure you're all right?

Were you harmed?

Hold on. How on earth are you here, Hyun?

We must head out of the woods since it's not safe here.

Soldiers must be informed of what happened.

But…

I'll need a minute, Hyun.

I didn't notice before, but what happened to your attire?

Your Royal Highness!

Your Royal Highness!

Are you all right?

You should change into these first.

An assassin?

An assassin attacked the Crown Prince?

Yes, Commander Yoon went after him,

so we'll soon know of his identity.

Why are you still standing here? Go after the assassin!

-Yes, sir! -Yes, sir!

Are you sure you were unharmed?

That was a close call.

Your Majesty, we should return to the palace.

It seems as though danger lurks in these woods.

I will command the royal carriage to be ready--

No one should leave the royal hunting site.

Explain yourself, Left State Councilor.

Soldiers stand guard here at the royal hunting site.

Without help from an insider,

how could an assassin have made it to our vicinity?

Are you accusing us of sneaking in an assassin?

Those who'd benefit from His Royal Highness' falling

are undoubtedly all gathered here.

What?

-Your Majesty. -Choose your words carefully.

It's why we must get to the bottom of this.

Even if we have to burn down the whole forest,

we must figure out

the identity of the assassin.

A body most likely to be the assassin's was found near Samil Peak.

Move the body.

-Yes, sir. -Yes, sir.

Isn't he a soldier from one of the Five Central Armies?

Are you certain that this is the assassin who came after the Crown Prince?

From what I hear, he had been disgruntled with the Left State Councilor.

According to multiple sources,

he ran his mouth off while drunk, openly suggesting the idea of murdering

not only the Left State Councilor but also his grandson, His Royal Highness.

Now that the threat is no longer,

you should return to the palace, Your Majesty.

See to it that he wasn't working for anyone.

Why that…

This was clearly a conspiracy.

The Queen's people could have arranged this for all we know.

The Queen has the King wrapped around her fingers even tighter now,

which could lead to Prince Jehyeon threatening His Royal Highness' status!

Minister No!

I only meant that it should never happen.

Yeong-ji!

Yeong-ji!

Yeong-ji…

Is the Samgaebang physician still not back?

He's not.

I only have myself to blame

for trusting a hack who has rumors for credentials.

He will come back.

Physician Jung always keeps his word.

And the rumors only reflect his medical talent.

Your faith in him is admirable.

I didn't realize until now how pretty you were.

Rather than killing you, how about I brand you instead?

Get your hands…

off her.

-Ji-un. -Ji-un!

Delivered as promised.

Your herbs.

I thought you would have run away.

Running away isn't in my books especially if there's someone to protect.

Not so fast.

How can I trust that these herbs are the remedy?

You wouldn't have waited for me if you didn't have hope.

Aren't I right?

Are you okay? Do you have a fever?

I'm sorry for putting you through this. Let's go home.

I hope there wasn't any trouble on your trip.

You're worried about me when you're tied up?

Worry about yourself first.

I couldn't help it, you know.

I couldn't sleep after hearing about what happened at the royal hunting.

It gives me great relief to see you in one piece.

We were blessed.

Prince Jehyeon was deeply concerned for his brother's safety.

I'm truly glad the assassin was caught, brother.

I apologize for alarming you.

From what I hear,

the Queen was also present at the royal hunting.

Yes, per His Majesty's request, I--

A hen shouldn't cry before the rooster does.

You should have known when and when not to be present.

I will keep that in mind, Your Majesty.