Cruel Palace
Episode 10
Kim Sook Won secretly slept in the King's palace and slipped out?
Yes, My Lady.
That wretched bitch!
She is getting desperate because His Highness will not go to her!
So were you successful?
He barely slept until the early morning.
Oh my!
His Highness is head over heels for her!
Of course he is.
Given recent events that took place in the palace
His Highness probably was unable to win over Her Highness last night.
And the last two days, your body temperature was at this month's highest
so His Highness most likely--
went crazy!
Such vulgar words!
How can you say His Highness went crazy?
Anyways, did you lay to the left or right of His Highness?
On the left as you told me to.
Excellent job!
You will definitely give birth to a son.
I have done everything you told me to
so if anything goes wrong it is all your fault.
Why you--
You can just behead me!
Your Highness! This is not to be overlooked!
Even the Queen is not allowed to sleep in the King's palace
but if Kim Sook Won crept in there in the middle of the night then--
His Highness most likely summoned for Kim Sook Won.
There's no way!
If His Highness wished to see her
he would have gone to see her.
Now that you mention it, you might be correct.
Your Highness.
Kim Sook Won has seriously violated the rules of the palace.
You must punish Kim Sook Won
so such a shameful thing does not happen again.
Let's just look past it this once.
What do you mean look past it?
If we make a big deal out of Kim Sook Won's actions
it will be most humiliating for His Highness than anyone else.
Yes... let's agree to look past it this once.
Kim Sook Won wouldn't make the same mistake twice!
What did Her Highness say?
We have a saint among us in the palace!
That's why she has yet to spend a single night with His Highness!
Pardon Your Highness
but Park Sook Eui was not wrong.
I am aware.
You must hold it in Your Highness.
What do you mean hold it in?
They're wilting our daughter with each passing day when she should be blooming!
How can you tell her to hold it in?
If you are unable to bear a child
you will be unable to act as a wife.
You just barely turned 15 years old.
At the very least, you must wait 4-5 years to be able to have a child.
Until then, Your Highness...
Please live silently as if you do not exist.
I am sorry Your Highness
but you cannot cover up for Kim Sook Won's shameful actions.
Kim Sook Won and Court Lady Lee are already in a battle
for the affection of His Highness so--
That is enough.
I am going to wait.
Until His Highness asks for me.
I slept in for the first time in a long time.
I feel completely refreshed!
Was it your idea?
It must have been you.
I do not know what you speak of.
Is that so?
I suppose Kim Ja Jeom was getting anxious.
Since I haven't visited his daughter in a long time.
Your Highness! Her Highness has arrived!
Your Highness!
Please go on in.
Have you been well?
Have a seat.
It's actually been quite some time since I last saw you.
Yes, Your Highness.
How have you been?
I have not yet been able to learn all the rules of the palace
so I've been asking a lot of questions and learning so much.
Is that so?
Is there something that you needed to tell me?
I came because I'd like to make a request.
Tell me what it is.
It has been a while since Court Lady Lee has served you
yet she has not been made a royal concubine.
It's a bit embarrassing to stand by and watch...
I apologize, Your Highness
but the reason she is not a royal concubine
is because her background does not meet the requirements...
How can you say a woman who has
gained His Highness's attention is unworthy?
Your Highness, if you do not make her an official royal concubine
they will say it is because the Queen is unfit for the throne.
After listening to you--
Please consider my reputation and make her a Sook Won
and since Kim Sook Won gave birth to your daughter
officially raise her status to So Won.
You must often--
Let's do that!
Will that be okay?
You have taken a load off my hands, My Queen!
Your Highness...
You should not have done that.
Your Highness...
Who will protect me within the walls of this large palace?
Was that an insult or compliment?
Make Court Lady Lee a Sook Won
and raise Kim Sook Won's rank?
The young Queen is trying to tell this old man what to do!
How dare--
Your Highness!
The Crown Princess has returned!
Really?
Wife!
What took you so long?
It was over a month ago that I was told you'd left Joseon.
She came back in the palanquin so it took some time.
She took a palanquin back here from Joseon?
I was foolish.
It is not your father's fault.
But...
he could have sat me down and talked it through with me.
Forget about it.
I'm sure there were other things going on there.
Someone probably conspired against us.
Otherwise it was not something for His Highness to have been so upset over.
It worries me that I left our son there...
Wife...
Just when exactly do you think we will be able to go back?
Five years? Or ten years?
We might not be able to ever go back.
Then His Highness may pass on the throne to Suk Chul instead of you.
You are overreacting!
His Highness has a new Queen!
If Her Highness has a son
do you think she will just stand by and watch?
She may try to do whatever she can to prevent our son from--
Stop this instant!
You are being held hostage here in Shimyang
so who's to say what can and cannot happen within the palace?
Just the thought alone frightens me.
I wanted to get back quickly so I rode in on a horse
yet His Highness locked the gates and did not let me enter the palace.
I am scared, yet angry with His Highness for what he did.
We will be able to go back.
There is no way father will turn his back on us.
Until then, no matter what happens...
we just need to survive.
[Prince Bong Rim] [Cho Bang Byuk (Eunuch)]
Pass that on to him.
You must not let anyone else see it.
Okay.
Enjoy.
There's much to be celebrated in the palace.
Thanks to Your Majesty's kindness and generosity
Court Lady Lee's wish has come true.
Does His Highness still often visit Lee Sook Won?
Yes, Your Highness.
Now that you are a So Won, Kim Sook Won
you will no longer need to sneak into the King's palace at night anymore.
It seems to please His Highness so what could I possibly do?
Such words!
If you are so curious as to why he asks for me late at night
you should ask him yourself, that's all I am trying to say.
Filthy!
Your Highness, women tend to get carried away when talking.
Please understand.
I am enjoying myself as I listen to all this.
It must be because life in the palace can get quite dull.
That is true.
Please let me know whenever you all get together.
Let's enjoy the tea.
What's wrong?
Ever since a few days ago--
Are you by chance having morning sickness?
That is what I was thinking.
The way I get nauseous whenever I taste anything sour--
Lee Sook Won must be pregnant!
Contact the doctor--
I have already met with a doctor.
And what did he say?
He did say it seems as though I am pregnant...
Congratulations!
Pregnant right after you became a Sook Won!
And what is wrong with you, my dear?
It must be those rice cakes I had yesterday--
Oh no... you must have had too much to eat...
It's not that--
Are you saying you are also pregnant?
My pattern has been irregular since last month so--
Oh my! I cannot hold it in any longer!
She isn't pregnant! It's probably because she is jealous!
She couldn't be lying...
She's doing that because she is jealous of you.
A doctor will be able to tell us she's lying immediately!
It is not good for you to throw up so much!
If your organs are affected by it--
It is because my stomach hurts!
That Court Lady Lee bitch is pregnant!
So how can I not be sick?
That sly bitch!
How dare she rain on my parade!
You should have a doctor check on her immediately!
That's the only way to truly humiliate her!
Of course we will!
How is it? Do you feel anything?
Is it just indigestion?
I'm not sure...
She definitely has indigestion but--
Come here and feel my stomach!
That will be more accurate!
It is not like I am a young child
to not be able to differentiate between indigestion and pregnancy!
What are you all looking at? Leave immediately!
The doctor kept shaking his head from side to side
and just let out a sigh.
So it wasn't morning sickness.
Do not worry. That girl is digging her own grave.
She was blabbing that she was pregnant.
I wonder how she will clean up this mess.
Don't you agree?
Take good care of yourself.
Yes Lady Gui In.
You must have a son and shut her up for good!
- Got it? - Yes, Lady Sook Eui.
What were you thinking telling such a lie?
The truth was bound to come out sooner or later!
Just how will we clean up this mess?
What is there to worry about?
I can just say I had a miscarriage.
If Her Highness finds out about this--
Is anyone outside?
Yes, Ma'am.
Go bring us medicine for indigestion!
Lady Sook Won is very ill!
Yes!
How much did you eat?
Mother...
this is not indigestion.
I've been so nauseous since last night
that I have not even been able to keep down water.
Lady Sook Won! Are you--
Are you really pregnant?
Please call for a doctor again mother.
I cannot breathe...
You stubborn man!
A rich family with no children is looking for a son!
Let's do this.
If you have a son I'll give you 100 yang
and if it's a daughter I will give you 50 yang!
Just agree to it!
It's not like having another child will make a huge difference.
That's right!
Alright!
That's tastes so good!
Two... three...
Five... six...
Seven...
Eight... nine...
That is 11 total!
This should be enough.
There's bound to be a son among these.
Look here!
There is only one pair of shoes left out of the 10 I took off with.
Where is Lord Kim?
He went to the palace to see Kim So Won.
Kim So Won?
So Kim Sook Won has gone up a step!
Why did he go to see her?
It seems Lady So Won is pregnant.
Alright!
That is excellent news!
She is pregnant just in time!
Wow I feel good!
Why are you sighing when you should be celebrating?
What if I have a daughter again?
You and I have already talked about that.
Then... will you do as we'd agreed?
Don't worry.
This time, even if the sky comes crashing down on us
you are bound to have a son.
Now what?
I just... think it'd be best to leave it to fate.
It'd be great to have a son
but if not, just let it be.
Then... do as you wish.
If things go wrong
I'm afraid you will deny having any part in all of this.
Do you think I will be safe if something happens to you?
Then... you are also risking your life for this, father.
I've already told you that I died long ago
when I was left alone on that deserted island.
The rest is just a bonus life for me.
I have one additional request, father.
Court Lady Lee... please kill her.
If not... kill the child she is carrying.
Okay.
How are you going to kill it?
I'm not joking around!
If that is what you want I will kill hundreds of thousands for you.
However, what can I do about what takes place within the palace?
Father!
Now, I must leave.
Fearless girl...
Why has she not been struck by lightning yet?
She should be struck right in the head...
There is an eunuch by the name of Cho Bang Byuk in Shimyang
and he has sent a message with what the Princess has said.
I'm sure she has a lot to say.
After being treated by His Highness like that.
Nonetheless
her words are so harsh...
What exactly did he write?
The Princess has been visiting the Chinese palace
and said that for the nation to grow, there must be a change in the palace...
What do you mean?
What do you think it means?
That we must find a new King...
So the Crown Princess is plotting against His Highness.
So have you relayed the message to His Highness verbatim?
What else could I do?
His Highness should know about all of it.
He must be very upset.
Your Highness!
I, Kim Ja Jeom, is here to pay respects.
You seem very troubled...
It's because I didn't get much sleep last night.
From what I hear you have been enjoying yourself
at night quite a bit as of late.
I am in no mood to joke around with you right now.
Is there something upsetting you?
Anyways...
I haven't seen much of you around lately.
Your Highness has sent me to work far away.
Really? Did I?
It was nostalgic being in Gang Hwa Do.
We were on our way to Gang Hwa Do but the roads were blocked
when you went up to the northern mountains that one time.
And why are you talking about that now?
I was just reminiscing Your Highness.
We are working on strengthening the roads there.
If there is ever another invasion
we are making sure you will survive 20 years without a problem.
Why thank you...
What's the point in fixing Gang Hwa Do?
It's all in the past...
Your Highness, in an effort to take out China
what will you do if they ask for your life?
Then you must let me go...
And what if they lose?
Is that even possible?
We've done all we can to provide assistance to Myung.
They are a leading nation.
They wouldn't fall so easily.
So what do you want me to do?
Are you suggesting we become allies with Myung?
Is that what you want?
To side with them and get those barbarians
so we can pay them back for the humiliation I endured?
However
if we do that then China will not let
the Crown Prince and Prince Bong Rim live.
My opinion is that there is no way China can defeat Myung.
To try to take over a land not worth the time
is something that should not even be considered.
So if the two do go to battle, you, Your Highness,
will have to definitely side with Myung.
Okay okay!
This is why I cannot kick you out!
When that old man said those spiteful things to my face I just--
If that is how you feel
then you must embrace yourself for what is to come.
The Crown Prince and Prince Bong Rim
should be considered dead.
Lord Kim. Your words are a bit too harsh.
His Highness kneeled before the barbarians
and bowed before them as he hit his head to the ground!
How could that possibly compare to the pain of losing your child?
Your Highness!
Please let me lead the army again.
Even if it means putting my life on the line
I will pay back those barbarians for what they have put you through!
Okay...
You are loyal to me...
If there was even one more person as loyal as you...
Would I have had to endure such humiliation?
Lord Kim!
Your words were a bit harsh today.
Talking about His Highness bashing his head to the ground was...
His Highness is blaming others for him surrendering to the barbarians.
Has he ever taken responsibility for his mistakes?
Then in the midst of all of it, he found a great excuse.
The Crown Princess...
mark my words.
His Highness will eventually put all the blame on the Crown Prince.
Could the Crown Prince possibly turn his back on the nation?
We have to make His Highness believe he would.
I know even the deepest parts of His Highness.
Do you think anyone else understands him as well as I do?
Advisor Kim
if I can just get my old post back
I'm going to sweep every single person out!
Including the prime minister, Choi Myung Kil, and Kim Sang Hun.
All of them! One clean sweep!
My my!
I took pity on her and even gave
her a palanquin to ride back to Manchu in!
Crown Princess!
Hooray! Hooray!
Is anyone outside?
Bring me Prince In Pyung!
How much did you find?
I've written down the exact numbers and character descriptions in there.
Good work.
You said that a single shot can cost a person's life, correct?
Excuse me?
We need at least a seizure
to influence a life, don't we?
Why yes, My Lord.
What is the easiest?
Is it easier to kill... or easier to live?
Well of course kill--
Killing...
You should go see Kim So Won in the near future.
It seems she needs you.
Yes.
Your Highness.
Pardon Your Highness
but Prince In Pyung has been standing here for quite some time.
What would you do if I handed you a poisoned drink?
Would you drink it?
Why can't you answer me?
Father...
I...
Is that the only answer you can think of?
If your father tells you to die is it not your duty as my son to die?
Why you--
Father!
Please save me father!
Is the baby in your stomach growing without any problems?
Thanks to you.
Thank you for putting it that way.
One of us will not be able to give birth.
Whether it's me...
or it's you...
It's nice seeing you two walk in here together.
Have you been waiting long?
We have not yet been asked to come in so we are waiting.
You do not look well Lee Sook Won.
I just experienced something I shouldn't have
and now I'm not feeling well.
Just what did you experience?
It's obvious.
It is typical to become sensitive when you are pregnant with your first child.
Just ignore the things you see and hear.
She asks that you come in.
Oh my! Oh my!
Oh my! Oh dear!
You must watch your step! What if you fall and lose the baby?
Oh my... how clumsy you are...
[Injo]
[Queen Jo]
Your Highness, in a family where there aren't enough sons
both Kim So Won and Lee Sook Won are pregnant.
What more could you possibly wish for?
I will give a large prize to whoever has a son first.
But first, Her Highness should give birth to a Prince.
Whoever gives birth to a son, they all belong to His Highness.
And in turn they are also my child.
I apologize Your Highness
but seeing you two together accepting our greeting
brings tears of joy and happiness to my eyes.
Okay okay.
I must have misjudged her.
Misjudge who?
She acted so compassionate and kind!
And now she's acting like she is the woman of the palace.
Woman of the palace so...
That young girl sitting in the Queen's quarters where I should be!
I was wondering what you were talking about...
Had my first child been a son and not a daughter, I would be where she is!
Just consider it fate and forget about it.
What use is there in continuing to think about it?
Did I kill a person just for this?
My Lady! Please watch what you say!
As soon as he made eye contact with me
he helplessly dropped the sword in his hand...
I still remember his face so clearly...
If you liked him so much
then you should have done anything whether it's to become a concubine or servant...
You just watch mother.
I will make sure to have a son this time.
Yes, Lady So Won.
If you do not want to end up like me
you must give birth to a son.
Princess! Young Princess!
Please come this way!
Yes, Your Highness!
Look at this!
You are doing a great job!
Oh my!
Are you okay Your Highness?
Let's try one more time.
Do you like that?
Yes, come this way!
You are doing a great job walking!
Yes?
Should I get the nanny's attention?
If you try holding her once...
You are doing a great job!
Be my wife.
Let's die together... or run away.
Should I go get the Princess?
This way. Now should we try going that way?
Yes.
[Lee Hyung Ik - acupuncturist]
What are you doing? Tell her what you know.
This is a poisonous medicine called bi-sang.
This is the exact poison that is used in the death penalty.
When did Lady So Won ask you to kill someone?
She asked you to get rid of the baby in the womb!
If you put small doses in food without killing a person
the poison will build up and first kill the fetus
so that eventually the mother will miscarry.
The one problem is that
you must not do it all in just a couple days.
You must give small doses for many days
without the other person noticing
but that may be difficult...
Will that be possible is my concern.
If you rush things and increase the dosage
the mother will die before the child
and traces of the poison will be left in the corpse...
Forget it! It's so complicated!
That is the only thing I can recommend you.
Okay.
Yes...
Lady So Won... just how will you--
How will you ever feed that to her in small doses?
Hyung Ik.
Yes?
Lady So Won.
Did you find Hyuk's old mother?
The thing is...
I told you to find out whether she is dead or alive!
She probably died.
If she was alive, things wouldn't be so quiet like this!
She would have caused chaos looking for her son!
Lady So Won, you should spend the night here!
Don't worry too much My Lady.
Just how will she be fortunate enough to have a son?
She will probably have a daughter.
You jerk!
You call yourself a doctor and can't even take care of that one thing?
I never said I'm a medicinal doctor!
I said I'm an acupuncturist!
My goodness!
Let go of me!
I missed you so much I thought I was going to die, my dear!
Oh my! Will you let go of me?
Just how long has it been?
You didn't come by for over a month!
Turn off the lights!
Stop.
My Lady...
Wait right here.
We are all born good people so it is our
responsibility to live as good people.
This thing called 'Do'
is a quality you cannot foresake for even a moment.
The nobleman is careful of what he can't see.
He fears what he cannot hear.
There are more things that are hidden than are exposed
Therefore the gentleman alone restrains himself from these things.
[Nam Hyuk]
Are you here for the lady that used to live here?
No one ever came to visit when she lived here...
If you are so curious then you should look among the homeless in the forest.
Someone said they saw her there
but I'm not sure if it really was her.
Was there anyone else looking for her?
They said there is someone who comes here crying at night.
I don't know. It's just what I heard.
Lady Sook Won is here to visit.
Welcome Lee Sook Won!
Come on in.
Have a seat.
Yes... Lady So Won...
So how are you feeling?
Your belly seems to have grown quite a bit.
Not yet.
Is that so?
My lower stomach is already sticking out a bit.
Anyways, what did you want to see me for?
Lee Sook Won...
I... thought about it
and there's really nothing for us to argue about.
Just as Her Highness said
whether I have a son or you have a son
they are all our King and Queen's children.
Isn't that so?
That is true...
What's it to us if we have a son...
and what difference does it make if we have a daughter?
The only wife to His Highness is the Queen
so our fates are obviously written for us.
You get all the King's love and affection when you're young and beautiful
and then when you get old you get pushed to the back
like Park Sook Eui or Jang Gui In.
Then if another young concubine comes in...
We will not be able to avoid being ignored...
Let's try to get along.
If we learn to rely on each other
we won't be as lonely.
That is true...
Let's do this.
Since you are older than me
let's forget about our rankings
and I will treat you like my older sister.
How can we? We come from very different social classes.
What social class?
You are Lord Kim Ja Jeom's daughter
while I am the child of a commoner...
Forget about all that I tell you!
Don't be foolish!
Uhn Yuhn what are you doing? Bring us tea.
Yes, My Lady.
After telling you how I've truly been feeling
it feels as though we really are sisters.
That's right! I completely forgot!
My father sent me this some time ago
and said that it was something noble women eat often.
He said people in other countries enjoy these cookies all the time.
Cookies?
He said only the wealthy can eat this in other countries!
Come closer and take a look.
What do you think?
They are too pretty to eat.
That's exactly what I said!
It just melts in your mouth!
Try one as well.
Just try it I tell you.
Then...
It's so good!
I will just try one.
How is it?
It's quite an interesting taste.
Sweet yet sour...
That's probably why it's such a cherished snack abroad!
Oh no.
What is that, My Lady?
She said it's a cookie that are enjoyed in other countries.
You ate that?
She ate it too so there's no reason for me to not eat it.
Be careful Lady Sook Won.
Do you think Kim So Won gave that to you because she truly likes you?
Don't worry. I'm going to throw it all away.
Why did you give her such a nice gift?
It's so nice... I had to share.
There's no way.
My stomach is still the same so there's no way she is showing.
That's right. I too...
will eat enough to not die.
Subtitles by DramaFever
Why do you keep eating those poisonous cookies?
What do you mean Lee Sook Won had a miscarriage?
She seems to have been poisoned...
Are you saying someone poisoned her?
Please take one step at a time.
You and I entered this palace together!
Who's side are you on?
If we say that the young Queen tried to poison--
What did she do so wrong--
Should I strip her of her title?
Do not be so upset.
That is my place anyways.
Her Majesty.