The Exiled Prince
The Exiled Prince
"In-hyuk!" Ji-ho exclaims in frustration.
"The world will change. Equality between the rich and the poor will be acknowledged," declares Jiho, the younger brother, sporting round eyes, long eyelashes, a high nose, and bright skin in a simple hanbok, revealing his humble origins.
In Hyuk, the elder brother, possessing sharp, bow-shaped eyes, black long hair, and a front lock over his eyebrows, attired in regal garments, confidently counters, "No, never. You're mistaken," a hint of sneer gracing his face.
"People like him," he points his blood stained sword at the fallen royal eunuch, blood seeping from his neck, "who mistreat the impoverished should be eradicated from this world."
He inhales deeply to solidify his decision, "Every time such injustice occurs, when they oppress the poor, I will avenge those silenced voices."
It all began In the Silla era, When In-hyuk's uncle, Kim Jung Woong, orchestrated a rebellion, aiming to seize the throne. Hyuk, at 20, and his 18-year-old brother Jiho found themselves caught in the turmoil.
Kim Jung Woong, a skilled army commander and the younger brother of King Kim Jung Hoon, skillfully led the troops, supported by the Queen dowager.
Renowned for his martial arts prowess, Kim Jung Woong's formidable presence was emphasized by his neatly tied brown hair.
In the midst of chaos, distant yells and clashing swords permeated the air, servants falling victim to the prevailing disorder. The cries of the dying echoed in the distance.
Kim Jung Min, a loyal soldier serving under Kim Jong Woong, commanded ruthlessness: "Don't let anyone live. Kill them all."
Despite his handsome looks, Kim Jung Min exuded a fearsome aura.
Middle-aged King Kim Jung Hoon urgently addresses his family concealed in his quarters. "They seek my demise to halt this bloodshed. Listen and escape with your brother," he instructs Crown Prince In Hyuk.
As Ji-ho gasps, Queen swiftly places valuables in a cloth, handing it to Jiho.
"Follow your brother, no matter what. Hurry and flee through a secret path," urges the Queen, prompting her sons to escape. In Hyuk, the Crown Prince, hesitates to leave.
In Hyuk, gasping in fear, declares, "I won't leave Mother and father here." Ji-ho grabs and pulls him away, but In-hyuk cries out in fear for his parents' safety.
In Hyuk continues yelling for his parents as Jiho and Kim Hae In, HYUK's bodyguard, forcefully drag him away.
In Hyuk "Father! Father! Mother!"
The Queen remains steadfast by her husband's side, determined to stay with him even at the cost of her life.
"King Kim Jung Hoon, in restlessness, exclaimed, 'You should have run away with them.'"
She embraced the king, tears streaming from her eyes.
The door is forcefully broken down, and Jung Min enters. Upon entering, he swiftly struck the Queen with his sword. Warm blood poured from her back as she collapsed like a log. Blood also emerged from her mouth. Her head, adorned with large hair braids and ornaments, was slightly elevated from the floor.
Without allowing the king time to mourn, Jung-min swiftly raised his sword and slashed the king's chest, causing him to collapse instantly. He then impaled his sword through the king's heart, ensuring his demise. The king writhed in torment, clutching the sword in pain, his eyes bulging in extreme suffering. Finally, his hands released, and his head fell to the side—a poignant sign of his tragic death.
After that Jung Min stands up and look around in the quarter in the search of two prince. Jung Min orders his soldiers to search for the two princes. "Find them at all costs"
The secret path was behind King's painting. Unable to notice it, they began searching other areas of the palace.
Amidst the chaos, Jung Min strides through the quarter, his long hair fluttering, and blood on his face, taking fast steps in the search for the Crown Prince.
In Hyuk is initially dragged away, but then starts running voluntarily, hand in hand with his brother, trembling with overwhelming fear as they navigate pathways to avoid soldiers.
In Hyuk was wearing the clothes of a crown prince. Dressed like that, it was easy to target him.
Kim Hae In stop and suggest "Royal Highness, we should change our clothing. I will disguise myself as a Crown Prince and buy us some time. You should head towards the mountains."
In Hyuk " No we should run away together. It's dangerous for you to go alone"
Hae In insisting "Your Highness it's my duty . Don't worry about that You know about my Martial art skills. I will be alright"
In Hyuk, wearing the Crown Prince's clothes, agrees. They exchange clothes, and Hae In heads towards the sea shore.
In Hyuk and Jiho make their way towards the mountains, hoping to find refuge there. They wanted to hide beyond the mountains.
The basket and stand topple over. People scream in fear, crouching on the ground, seeking cover and hiding under anything they can find.
Jung Min shouts, threatening everyone, "I will not show mercy to anyone who tries to hide the crown prince."
Soldiers search the royal houses, suspecting they are hiding the crown prince. In this m******e, anyone trying to stop them is killed without a second chance.
In Hyuk and Jiho run non-stop for hours through the forests, falling and getting back up, gasping for air but unable to stop.
Meanwhile, soldiers search for them outside the market and on the beach, thinking the two princes are escaping by boat.
They find Hae In attempting to escape by boat. Jung Min becomes ecstatic, thinking they've found the crown prince. They shoot Hae In with arrows; numerous arrows pierce through his body, and he falls into the seawater.
Soldiers quickly retrieve the dead body, intending to show the crown prince's body to the newly assigned king. To Jung Min's surprise, it's the crown prince's bodyguard.
Jung Min's face turns red in anger, and he shouts, "It's not the crown prince. Search for the crown prince, or I will take your heads down."
As the next morning sprouts, the sun slowly shines. The two princes have already crossed the mountain and entered another land, King Park Dae Jung's realm.
They grow tired of running and walk through the forest with speedy steps, shivering with fear. Warm sweat follows down their faces.
Hyuk notices Ji-ho's clothes and tries to remove them. "Take them off. If anyone sees us in prince's clothes, we will die."
Jiho hesitates but eventually complies. Hyuk follows suit, and they discard their royal garments. Now in their undergarments, they continue walking through the forest. The silk in their undergarments indicates a royal origin, still posing a danger.
"First, we have to find new clothes," Ji-ho says worriedly.
They come across a hut in the middle of the forest. After observing for a while, they see no one entering or exiting.
"Stay here, I'll take a look," In Hyuk whispers, and Jiho nods in agreement.
Hyuk enters the hut and finds dried medicinal herbs, suspecting it to be a doctor's place. Without much thought, he picks up clothes hanging nearby and quickly exits.
They run to a secluded spot with many plants to change into their new clothes. It's the first time they wear such dirty attire.
Disguised, they enter a bustling foreign market. Jiho is exhausted, leaning on Hyuk for support. He can barely walk and grabs Hyuk's arm. Starving, they navigate the market.
Guards, searching for escaped servants, They were looking for servants who had run away from a garment factory. They notice the disguised princes.
They suspect they are servants who escaped from the factory.
Hyuk gazed at the road, contemplating his parents.
"I should've perished alongside them," he mused.
A glance at Jiho sparked a change of heart. "I must endure for Jiho, honoring my parents' wishes," he resolved, casting his eyes back to the road.
Jiho, bewildered about their uncertain future, scanned the surroundings. Suddenly, security guards emerged.
"Look, those beggars might be the runaway servants from the clothes factory," remarked a Guard
Jiho, lost in thought, became alert as the guards approached.
"Run, In Hyuk!" Jiho exclaimed. Both sprinted, but their weakened condition impeded their escape.
The guards swiftly catch them, compelling the duo to kneel.
Guard's voice is sharp, "How dare you run away? I'll teach you a lesson you'll never forget."
In Hyuk signals Jiho to keep silent, guarding their true identities.
The guards inspect Jiho's bundle, discovering valuables.
Accusingly, A Guard declares, "You stole these as well!"
Ruthlessly beaten, they're trampled by the guards and then dragged to the clothes factory's storehouse.
Another Guard commands, "Don't release them, and don't give them anything to eat."