Rookie Historian Goo Hae-Ryung (신입사관 구해령)

Stop!

How far has it spread?

To the north of Hwanghae Province.

How many have died so far?

Over 200 people in Pyongan Province alone, Your Royal Highness.

The persistent and recurrent outbreaks of smallpox are a problem indeed.

Your Majesty, please do not concern yourself too much.

According to reports, the plague has not spread that much yet.

Even so, we do not know

when or how the situation could change.

If the epidemic spreads beyond Hwanghae Province

and moves south, the capital will also be at risk.

Tell the Palace Medical Bureau and the Public Dispensary

to send all the medicine available

and get the physicians ready.

Treating the patients is our number one priority.

With all due respect,

I believe our number one priority

is calming the public, Your Royal Highness.

- I beg your pardon? - I am speaking

from my experience over the years.

The smallpox outbreak will subside naturally over time,

whereas the public's anger will only worsen with time.

If we do not calm them down quickly,

they will eventually rise up in rebellion.

You need not worry, Your Royal Highness.

If we hold a ritual to ward off the plague

and send them a royal edict written by His Majesty,

the people will be moved.

Thousands are fleeing,

and theft and arson are happening all over the nation.

Are you trying to silence them

with a mere letter from the palace?

Your Majesty, you wish to look after the people with your magnanimous heart.

However, they do not understand the depth of your concern for them.

Second State Councillor, then what do you suggest we do?

Please send someone from the royal court as a wimusa.

( WIMUSA : A PACIFICATION OFFICIAL SENT BY THE KING TO DISASTER AREAS)

Second State Councillor, that is utter nonsense.

Send someone from the royal court?

Are you trying to send His Royal Highness to the site of the epidemic?

We must show the people that the royal family

is there for them in times of crisis.

That is the only way to restore His Majesty's dignity

and calm the people down.

No, Your Majesty.

The Crown Prince is the foundation of this nation.

His duty is to take care of his health so that he can

carry on the national legacy.

He must not be swayed

by a preposterous idea and risk such danger.

"A preposterous idea"? How dare you!

I am merely concerned that an uprising may threaten our national security.

How could you call it "preposterous"?

Those of you who are trying

to put our Crown Prince in danger using such an excuse

are true threats to national security.

Watch what you say.

How dare you make such rude a remark in front of His Majesty?

Be quiet, all of you!

Father.

Please dispatch me to the region as a wimusa .

Please, Your Royal Highness.

I wish to fulfill my duty as a filial son as well as the Crown Prince.

I will bring the epidemic under control

and calm the people in Pyongyang,

so please stay here and look after the people, Father.

Your Highness.

Your Highness!

Your Highness.

His... His Majesty is...

Father.

What brings you to my chamber?

Would you like some tea?

Do you think I came here for tea?

Sit down.

I need you to go to Pyongyang.

Pyongyang?

Do you mean Pyongyang in Pyongan Province?

Is there another Pyongyang in this country?

The city where the provincial office is.

Smallpox is spreading in that region and the people are concerned.

I'd like you to go there to console the people

and save the royal family's face.

Your Majesty.

Prince Dowon never had smallpox.

- If he goes to Pyongyang... - How dare you interrupt me!

You needn't be overwhelmed.

The situation is not too bad. We expect the outbreak to subside soon.

I am only sending you to calm the public's concern about the epidemic,

so just go there and read some books.

I simply need you to be seen by the people.

Certainly.

I will do as you say,

- Father. - I like that you are not complaining.

Your Highness.

Weren't you going out for drinks? Why are you back?

Drinks, my foot. A royal command has been issued.

We had to run back after having a sip. Just one sip!

Is this an unlucky year for the Office of Royal Decrees?

Hardly a day goes by without trouble.

Maybe we've been cursed.

I mean, with all these women in the sacred royal court...

Stop talking nonsense and just answer my question.

Who wants to go to Pyongyang?

No one? Seriously?

All of you are such cowards.

Don't you want

to record history with your own hands as historians?

How could you refuse just because of smallpox?

My goodness.

Then why don't you go yourself, sir?

Go there and record history with your own hands

or come back inside a coffin.

Hey, I'm...

I have a wife and children to support, you know.

What will happen to my kids if I die?

My babies...

How will they sustain themselves?

He's right.

Everyone, let's be realistic

and exclude those who have kids.

Exactly.

I even have a grandchild.

Are you saying my wife can spend the rest of her life alone as a widow?

Without a husband or child?

It will be so unfair if you make me go.

If I die, I'll turn into a vengeful ghost

and follow you everywhere, Officer Yang.

Why don't we just do a random draw?

No, we can't.

I'm a third-generation only son.

Well...

I've once suffered from smallpox.

Your Majesty.

Tell the King I am here.

Mother, has everything been well with you?

Yes.

Managing the state affairs must be exhausting.

How could I have such a mindset when it is my duty?

Please have a seat.

I heard some strange rumors.

Apparently, Prince Dowon is being dispatched

to the smallpox-ridden Pyongyang to console the people.

An absurd idea, don't you think?

How could a prince of this country be sent to such a dangerous region?

Am I wrong?

Your Majesty.

Please tell me that it is not true.

Only then

will I find peace of mind.

It is true, Mother.

In fact, I just returned from his chamber after personally giving him my order

to go to Pyongyang.

Then withdraw your order immediately.

Prince Dowon is your legitimate son

and the Crown Prince's younger brother.

How could you send such a precious child

to that dangerous area?

I may be his father, but I'm also the King.

How could I put my own child

before the welfare of the people?

You're doing this because you're not his father!

Please lower your voice.

There are many ears in this palace.

Mark my words.

Nothing must happen to Prince Dowon.

He must return to the palace

completely unscathed without a single scratch on his body.

Do you understand?

Do not concern yourself too much, Your Majesty.

I'm sure His Highness will return safely.

He is a strong person, you know.

Send a message to Mo-hwa immediately.

She's the only one who can protect Prince Dowon.

What were you girls doing?

Why let her in when we weren't here?

- We apologize, ma'am. - We apologize, ma'am.

Tell her to leave at once.

That book will be too hard for you.

Instead of that book,

I'd like to recommend Elementary Learning , which I used to read as a boy.

Did you pack warm clothes?

It gets quite chilly at night in Pyongan Province.

Yes, I did.

Have you picked a horse?

There is a well-behaved horse at the Royal Stable Offices.

- Take that horse... - Jin.

I am delighted,

for it is the first mission that Father has given me.

I wish to do my very best with a grateful heart.

Aren't you afraid?

His Majesty is my father, after all.

He wouldn't send me there if it's actually such a dangerous place.

You're being dispatched to console the people in my place.

Act honorably and be confident no matter who you meet.

And...

be sure to return safely.

Yes, Your Royal Highness.

Lord Min, you made such a reckless remark earlier.