Chapter 124: Chapter 124

I Will Live as an Actor Episode 124

“Your Majesty, how could your Majesty, who was destined to become a saint and lead the country to prosperity, commit such a heinous act? It makes me wonder if he is truly the one I knew.”

This is Kim Cheoseon, a eunuch who assisted four kings from King Sejo to King Yeonsan. To put it bluntly, Yeonsangun Lee Yong was unique from the beginning. Although Kim Cheo-seon had seen many royal families, she had no doubt that Lee Yung would become a truly benevolent king. Because he was such a smart crown prince.

Even in the early days of his reign when he was given royal authority, didn’t he carry out a politics of all people for the people? Such a king changed overnight. As if the person had changed. At that time, Yeonsangun twists his lips and makes a fortune.

“The eunuch’s three-inch tongue touches the sky, and my ears are tickled.”

It sounds like a thunderbolt. The ministers are watching the scene with bated breath. But eunuch Kim Cheo-seon does not back down. Even though my body is already old and decrepit, I do not hold back on speaking frankly for the last time.

“Even though I was only a eunuch, I have served four kings. As much as the previous kings, I am as intelligent as can be said. Even when I ascended the throne in place of the previous kings, I was not like this. What on earth made you change so much?” “Please do not be wrapped in the skirt of a rare seductress named Noksu Jang, but open your eyes and look around you. Can’t you see the people crying in fear and starving to death in poverty?”

“Why do you call me such a rare seductress? Noksu is also nothing more than a carnival for me to play with. Do you think that I am now like this, surrounded by the width of a mere woman’s skirt?”

“I must tell you, even if it means cutting off Kim Cheo-seon’s tongue. I ask that His Majesty, the father of all people, open his eyes and correct the world. I hope that he will regain his former self and be reborn as a saint.”

The ministers are trembling with fear. I know that eunuch Kim Cheo-seon’s direct words are not wrong, but no one can add to Kim Cheo-seon’s direct words. You know that if you are careful, even your neck will not be safe. To humiliate him in front of the king, wouldn’t it be enough to see his family wiped out? It was then.

“Ha ha ha ha ha.”

Yeonsangun’s lips twitch slightly. And my cheeks twitch.

“There is indeed a loyalist like you among the subjects. Look at those officials who are trembling right now. Has anyone stepped forward like you? Even if women from all eight provinces of Joseon were brought in and an organization called Heungcheong was created, it would be scary in a world full of traitors. There wasn’t a single thing. Even if I committed an immoral act to the extent of destroying the foundation built by the previous king and thrusting cutlery at those who were tied up in the name of blood and kin, would there be anyone who would stop me? If I were an ordinary king, I would have been moved by your direct words as a loyal subject. . But, Cheoseon, your straightforward statement was wrong from the beginning.”

Yeonsangun takes out a sword from the sheath of his military uniform and thrusts it at Kim Cheo-seon’s neck. The ministers close their eyes tightly at that sight. They were afraid that the tip of that sword might be pointed at their own throats. Even at the moment when everyone is trembling with fear, Kim Cheo-seon faces Yeonsan without losing her bright eyes. At that moment, Yeonsan places his mouth next to Kim Cheosun’s ear.

“I asked you to please return to your former self. But what can you do? I know you.”

Kim Cheo-seon opens her eyes wide at the small voice that follows.

“Not the king.”

Only then does the image of Yeonsan come into his sight. The appearance is clearly the same, but the location of the spots on the face is slightly different. Why did I only find out about that now? But it was already too late. Because the tip of Yeonsan’s sword cut off Kim Cheo-seon’s tongue.

The tyranny of Yeonsan is getting worse day by day. Not only did you cause the Gapjasahwa(甲子士禍) incident, but you also had your half-brothers kill Eom and Jeong, who were the late king’s concubines, in the backyard of Changdeokgung Palace for the crime of participating in the expulsion of the deposed queen Yoon. Moreover, even his half-brothers who followed Eomyeong studied under the name of Paeryun.

“Kim Cheo-seon’s name will no longer be used in the eight provinces of Joseon, and all those whose names contain the letter ‘Cheo’ will be changed.”

Not only will you mistreat Kim Cheo-seon, who gave you advice, but even his name will be erased from Joseon. Despite the death of the merchant who assisted many kings, the ministers are unable to utter a single word. He was shaking his body in case an arrow was aimed at him.

“What good is a contest? Let’s invite revelers here and show off their dance moves. Today, I guess I’ll have to drink a glass and get my nose crooked.”

An untimely banquet is held at Gyeongyeonpyeonjeon, where previous kings studied Confucian scriptures with Hongmungwan officials. Women captured from the eight provinces of Joseon wear extravagant clothes and perform dance moves and musical instruments under the name of Heungcheong. It was truly an act that shook the foundation of the country called Joseon.

‘Huh, he’s the guy who usually treats women like cows and chickens.’

He grabs Heungcheong’s waist while he is dancing and flutters the hem of his dragon robe. The tyrant’s performance that I saw at the script reading could be described as the tip of the iceberg. The British acting that took place at the actual filming site was keeping not only the famous producer but also all the staff silent. Because it was madness itself.

* * *

43.9%

As the drama entered its second half, viewership ratings were also soaring day by day. After overcoming the 40% barrier, which was thought to be impossible to break easily, the filming site ahead of the final filming is full of tension.

“England, are you going to attend the closing party?”

A famous producer subtly asks. Since there has been so much media attention these days, I was worried that it might not be on schedule.

“Of course, there is no case where the main character does not attend the finale party.”

“I was worried because you’ve been so absent-minded these days. Are you really going to go to France?”

“Because it’s an invitation film, I probably won’t go that far. Inviting a film that was already released last year is so unusual that it’s against the rules, so they say it’s probably just a screening and no awards. But the media is so busy flying that even I’m confused. .”

Anyway, isn’t it unusual to invite a work that has already been released for almost a year? It was too much to hope for an award. There is a rumor that there was a filmmaker who strongly said that ‘Confessions of a Priest’ should be screened at the Cannes Film Festival, but I don’t know who it was.

“If we maintain good viewership ratings until the last episode, the director will somehow give us a push during the year-end awards ceremony.”

“It’s not even summer yet. What kind of year-end awards ceremony is this?”

“There was a lot of talk about you not receiving a proper award at the SBC Drama Awards. So, just keep this in mind. Are you going to go on a reward vacation together?”

“Reward leave?”

“We’re going to Phuket. They say they’ll prepare everything, including a business flight and a five-star hotel.”

Didn’t they send me on a reward vacation to Phuket after filming the SBC drama Youth? However, because our schedules overlapped and we did not feel any reason to go to Phuket, we did not participate in the reward vacation in the UK. But now I was worried.

“Are everyone else going too?”

“Since the director has run out of money, all the main and supporting actors will be able to attend. All the staff members will attend as much as possible, except for those whose schedules overlap. By the way, Actor Kwak said he probably won’t be able to attend.”

Just then, AD Kim Young-min approaches.

“Producer Yu, could you come here for a moment? We are discussing how to compose the shot, but the cinematographer and lighting director are arguing so hard that they can’t see clearly.”

“Okay, let’s go now. England, let’s talk later.”

After sending off the famous producer, the person who came into England’s sights was none other than actor Kwak Jeong-woo. England stood up and walked towards him.

“Hyung, please take care of your last filming!”

In a way, England bows its head and expresses gratitude to actor Kwak Jeong-woo, who worked together for the longest time during the filming of the drama. Although he was a new actor, he took on the role of Kwak San, a double-duty official, and played the role better than anyone else.

“I’ll ask you to be better. To be honest, I’m a little nervous right now. I’m afraid I might make a mistake during the last shoot and the picture won’t come out properly.”

“Oh, don’t worry. If you’re the older brother I’ve seen so far, you’ll handle it better than anyone else. By the way, are you really not going on your brother’s reward vacation?”

“Oh, I’m probably not going to be able to do it because I have an audition scheduled for an action movie. Actually, I’m thinking about it. It’s not like I can just audition… It’s better to audition later, so I guess I should at least get acquainted with the people in charge of the broadcasting station.”

“No! You have to audition!”

In fact, I am familiar with Kwak Jeong-woo from my past life. He may be a rookie actor now, but he will make a name for himself as an action actor in the future. I don’t know, but if he said he was auditioning for an action movie, there was a strong possibility that he would do it. Kwak Jeong-woo scratches his head in confusion at Britain’s strong dissuasion.

“I understand. If you’re an actor, it’s right to audition rather than go out to play. But, England, does your head hurt this much when you put on your topknot?”

“why?”

“No, these days, when I go home after filming and take a shower, a handful of hair falls out.”

Huh.

England was worried about whether to tell this or not. In fact, Kwak Jeong-woo later became a famous action actor, so much so that he was called Korea’s Jason Statham. But behind that nickname was his bald head. Seeing Kwak Jeong-woo looking worried about his hair loss, England silently pats his shoulder.

* * *

In the place of exile where the wildflowers bloom, only vast vegetation is visible. A strong salt-laden sea breeze blows, and a lone thatched hut on a remote island stands tall, enduring the harsh sea breeze. It doesn’t feel like anyone is visiting, and only the tangerine tree thorns surround it like a fence, adding to the eerie feeling.

-It would be strange if I were following the path of cancer and no revolt occurred. I must have been waiting.

Lee Gyeol knew about the revolt of the government officials, but did so without knowing it. There was no need to mobilize the Geumgunsamcheong to stop them. Anyway, I was feeling tired of the life of a king. Even if he was just a tyrant, didn’t he spare his life simply because he was the king of Joseon? It’s not even funny.

“It’s cold. Come in.”

Lee Gyeol speaks without even looking at the shadow visible beyond the window paper. Eventually, a person steps across the threshold of the crumbling thatched hut. It’s none other than Gwak San, the maid who has been assisting him all along. I can’t see his face because he’s pressing the shade deeply, but when I see his fingertips trembling slightly, I feel somewhat sorry.

“majesty.”

“Why should you treat me as a king between us anymore? Feel free to call me Lee Gyeol. Serve as a private attire.”

“On the day of Gwaksan Gyeolsangol, the late king bestowed the throne to his younger brother. Therefore, your majesty will be my lord until the end of this body’s life.”

“You seem like an inflexible nobleman. What kind of bravery is important when you’re dethroned after a coup anyway? You’re just a human being being crushed to pieces. Instead of standing around like that, let’s go fishing with me. I don’t know if guests will come today, so I’ll give it a try.” “I wasn’t ready.”

As usual, Lee Gyeol leaves the thatched hut carrying a fishing rod. Kwak San, who was wearing private clothes, followed behind, showing complex emotions in his eyes.

“There’s not even a bite today.”

I tilt the fishing rod, but the fish doesn’t seem to want to be caught. Lee Gyeol, who was lost in thought for a moment, smiled faintly and took back the fishing line.

“Sir, do you know why I acted like such a fool?”

“…….”

“Maybe he just wanted to destroy the government. It was out of anger that he would have had to grow up experiencing such harsh hardships if our brothers had been born in the womb of a common people. The foundation of the country called Joseon. It was simply my brother’s revenge that shook my brother and me. It was none other than the country called Joseon that drove me and my brother to our deaths. If my brother in the basement had seen that scene, he would have cried out loud.”

Lee Gyeol’s eyes were filled with a mixture of regret and sighing. But wasn’t the water already spilled? Lee Gyeol raised his head and looked away from his official uniform. We face each other. He is wearing a hat in his official attire, so his expression is not yet revealed.

“Now that a new king has ascended to the throne, you will also have to walk a difficult path. As of today, if the point of the court’s sword does not reach you, I will be able to at least save my brother’s face. As a final favor, I can ask you one last favor.”

“Please tell me.” ”

After I die, cut a lock of my hair and bury it next to my brother.”

Lee Gyeol finished saying this and threw the fishing line toward the beach again. Quiet. Only the sea breeze hovers over the place of exile. It is unlikely that he came to the place of exile for no reason. Wasn’t he also a member of the anti-government forces’ killing squad?

In order for him to survive, he had to pay a high price to the anti-government forces. Lee Gyeol also knows that fact, so he stays quiet. He closes his eyes. At that moment, the tip of the sword in his military uniform is aimed at Lee Gyeol’s chest.

Perhaps because the sunlight is unusually bright, even the sea water has little rippling. As Lee Gyeol’s body, sitting on his buttocks on the low cliff, collapses, Kwak San kneels and catches him. The dying king’s eyes seem to say,

‘I’m sorry.’

According to the Annals, it is said that Yeonsangun died suddenly two months after his exile. No one knew anymore that his hair was buried with his brother’s tomb. Gwak San, who had thrown off his hat, burst into tears and held the cold king’s hands with trembling fingertips. They hug the body. As if nothing had happened, only the fluttering lily flowers seem to be watching them.