Cruel Palace
Episode 19
This is so frustrating!
Isn't it enough that bad luck charms were found?
What other evidence is needed?
Am I wrong?
They must find the person who brought the charm into the palace
in order to put the blame on the Queen.
That is something you should ask the Queen about!
I feel so bad for you Your Highness.
Your Highness
It looks as though the Prince will return now that Myung has been defeated.
What do you think will happen if that actually happens?
Your Highness
The Queen and Princess have teamed up together.
Do you think the letter you found is the only one
that was exchanged between the two?
Think about it.
They were able to share their thoughts despite the distance.
How do you think it will be once the Prince and Princess are back in the palace?
They will ask you to hand over the throne to the Prince.
Look at these.
Letters opposing the Queen's dethronement
has piled up!
Your Highness...
It's not like people won't clean out the kitchen because they're scared of mold.
Why fear a bunch of letters?
If you cannot find the person who brought the charm into the palace--
Do you think just because you torture the Queen's court ladies
those girls will open their mouths?
There's no way any of those girls will say anything.
When the Queen is abdicated they're as good as dead.
Would you say anything if you were them?
Your words are too harsh.
What do you mean abdicated?
China stands behind the Prince.
I heard there is not a single person in China who does not know that
Prince So Hyun and Emperor Shunzhi are very close friends.
That is enough!
Your Highness
Do you think that I'm doing this because I want to become Queen?
The Queen took away my son and daughter from me.
Do you think she did that because she liked them?
It's because she doesn't like me.
I told you I'm not doing this because I don't know that.
If you step down from the throne
Her Highness will become the Queen Mother and try to kill me first.
After that she will kill my children.
There is no way she will forget the humiliation and heartbreak she endured
when she came to the palace at such a young age and married an old King.
What do you mean old king?
There is no way a young girl could like an older man.
How dare you!
It was the same for me as well.
I hated you coming close to me and holding me more than anything else.
What did you say?
But after giving birth to your children
I feel differently.
It's like that for all women.
After giving birth to their husband's child
a woman cannot love her husband any more.
Age is not an issue.
Why would age matter when you've been
connected through a child sharing your blood?
However...the Queen is different.
There is no way she considers you her lover
when she has yet to give birth to your child.
Yes...
There is no way...
Bring in Court Lady Jung and get a confession from her!
Yes, Your Highness!
I will reveal the Queen's true identity.
Tell me the meaning.
My father gave me life
and my mother raised me.
It means that your life should be based on taking care of your parents
who brought you into this world and raised you.
- Do you understand? - Yes, mother.
Read the next page.
Despite everything you've embraced me--
Get out of the way!
Preposterous! How dare you enter without seeking permission!
You fools! I am the head court lady taking care of Her Highness!
No one can lay a finger on me without Her permission!
It is the King's direct order.
No! Just what do you think you're doing?
Your Highness! Please be careful Your Highness!
Which girl is crying out?
From the day we started serving Her Highness
we were as good as dead.
Any girl wishing to live even a single moment
should bite her tongue and die this instant!
They took in Court Lady Jung?
Yes Lady Sook Eui!
This is a problem. It was quiet for a while...
There's no way Kim So Yong would just get over it.
How dare they arrest the head Court Lady serving Her Highness!
You fools...
If you want to find the person that brought the bad luck charm into the palace
you should ask Kim So Yong.
Would the wise and gentle Queen have done such a dirty deed?
Let go of me! I will leave on my own!
Your Highness! You must not back down!
You have married into the royal family!
So you must not leave the palace until you've fulfilled all your duties!
Your Highness!
Do you not fear the heavens?
You all know better than anyone else Her Highness has not done anything wrong!
Who is it? Who put the bad luck charm in here?
You should get in your palanquin now, My Lady.
I hear that a few women were unable to endure the torture and died.
Tell Court Lady Jung to tell whatever she knows.
That I told her to do it.
Do not get involved Your Highness.
It is right that the people serving you will die for you.
Do you think that makes sense?
You are a cruel person.
Do you know the exact meaning of where you are sitting?
You are the Queen, the best of the best.
It would be best for you to stay out of this in order for you to keep your seat.
Just because people have died for you
you should not say such weak things.
You are the mother of tens of thousands of people.
- Il Jan... - Yes, sir.
Did you say you caught a girl wandering around the palace at night?
Yes.
Bring her.
Do you still have no intention of talking?
I... got lost...
and was just trying to find my way around the palace.
Save me please! I'll tell you everything!
What do you mean they took in Ae Yang?
What do you mean?
They're interrogating people to find out who is responsible for the bad luck charm!
Lady So Yong! The bad luck charm is not the problem right now!
If that girl talks about---
Oh no what do we do now?
What brings you here Lady So Yong?
You bitch! You doomed bitch!
Who ordered you to bring such a thing into the palace and hide it?
Tell me the truth!
- Please save me Lady So Yong! - Okay.
If you just speak the truth, would they dare kill you?
I'm sure someone told you to do it so I will not hold you to it.
Look into my eyes.
Look into my eyes I say!
Who gave you the order?
If you want to save your cousin
say it was Lee Sook Won.
If you say otherwise
I will kill him first.
You stubborn girl!
Do you think your master will save you if you keep your mouth shut?
Continue!
I will sit here and watch if this girl speaks the truth or lies!
What are you doing?
Continue what you were doing until she tells the truth!
Please save me Lady So Yong!
Lee Sook Won told me to do it!
Yes... now you're ready to talk.
Do you mean Lee Sook Won told you to bring the bad luck charm into the palace?
Yes... sir...
Then are you also the one that put it inside Lady So Yong's room?
I asked you if you put it inside Lady So Yong's room!
- That... - That?
I received Lady Sook Won's orders to listen to what Lady So Yong was doing...
But Kim So Yong's mother--
You are a girl destined for death!
How dare you try to frame Her Highness!
Her Highness was almost falsely accused and kicked out
of the palace because of you!
No!
I am sure that Kim So Yong's mother--
You bitch! You wretched bitch!
Let go of me!
I will kill this evil girl!
Die!
Die! You bitch! How dare you!
Die! You deserve to die!
Are you laughing? You're laughing?
Are you laughing? Are you laughing? How dare you!
Stop!
Hurry and take her outside the palace!
Hurry!
Not quite what you planned but you still got something out of it.
Aren't you happy you got what you want and the Queen is safe now?
Let go of me! I said let go of me!
Whatever Ae Yang did has nothing to do with me!
Court Lady Kim! Let me speak with His Highness.
I will tell him every single thing that Kim So Yong has done!
- Take them away immediately! - Court Lady Kim!
Court Lady Kim! Court Lady Kim! Court Lady Kim!
Court Lady Kim! Court Lady Kim!
Turns out you can't trust anyone in this world!
I just don't understand what Court Lady Lee
had against you and me to try to kill us.
Please forgive me for the way I behaved.
I only believed what Court Lady Lee told me
and thought it was all your doing.
I'm glad your misunderstanding has been resolved.
Of course it is!
Had Advisor Kim not been able to find out it was Court Lady Lee
you would have been dethroned and kicked out of the palace!
Kim So Yong beat one of Lee Sook Won's girls to death?
My goodness!
There must be a lot Kim So Yong wanted to hide.
Do you know everything?
There's no other reason for her to beat the girl to death.
Your Highness, the Queen and Princess have teamed up together.
Do you think the letter you found is the only one exchanged between the two?
Now that Myung has been conquered
Prince So Hyun will return.
No matter how much I think about it
there is no reason to get rid of the Queen.
You will not be able to defeat me Your Highness.
Do you know why?
They say the thirsty dig a well.
No matter how much I drink
my thirst will not go away.
So there is no way you can defeat me.
I am aware.
That is why the Princess said you have dirty traits flowing through you.
And is that why you danced for an old King?
I almost made a huge mistake.
I almost threw out an innocent Queen.
Forgive me.
I must be losing my sanity!
We're relieved all misunderstandings have been resolved.
I am so humiliated it's hard for me to face you gentlemen.
Anyways
when the Prince returns
I am thinking of passing on the throne to the Prince...
What do you men think?
Your Highness! That is a great idea!
Is that so?
What do you think?
What do you mean Your Highness?
Absolutely not Your Highness!
The Princess was taken away to China on my behalf
and suffered a great deal.
I feel so bad I think I should step down now.
Your Highness, there is a wealth of knowledge the Prince
has most likely gained while living in China.
What could he have possibly gained from barbarians?
You must know your enemy to defeat them.
No one will know as much about China as Prince So Hyun.
That is what I mean.
Yes! Yes!
That is exactly what I mean!
You must watch what you say.
Did I say something I shouldn't have?
It's about time for His Highness to step down!
In...
Did you see Choi Myung Kil's face?
He said absolutely not this time
but he seemed to secretly like the idea.
That was exactly how the Prime Minister looked as well.
They seemed to welcome the idea.
This is why I cannot let go of Kim Ja Jeom!
What are you doing?
Hurry and tell him.
I am the Head of the Officers' Training Corps, Koo In Hu.
So?
Hurry and tell him I tell you!
If not people will be mislead into thinking it's you.
It's just that...
There was a plan to start a revolt and
raise a new king to the throne...
Was it Shim Ki Won?
I had nothing to do with it.
It's just that individuals were pushing me to participate and...
so I decided to come see you.
Who is Shim Ki Won trying to make King?
He recommended Hwae Won...
You must have misheard.
I'm sure it was Prince So Hyun and not Hwae Won.
No. I definitely heard him.
He said Hwae Won--
How can we continue if you're so obtuse?
Was it Hwae Won or Prince So Hyun?
I heard Hwae Won.
What are you thinking just sending him off like that?
You must run over to th palace and tell them about this!
You want me to tell the King about a revolt
just to bring in Shim Ki Won?
We must wipe them all out at once.
Aside from Shim Ki Won, Choi Myung Kil and Kim Sang Won...
and even the Prime Minister. All of them.
What do you mean you'd like to move your living quarters?
What do you mean?
Suhl Woon Dohl is the Queen's room.
Why does that matter?
Even the farm animals will laugh if they hear
a concubine is living in Suhl Woon Dohl.
Just stay by my side.
I have much more peace of mind when you're near.
Your Highness
More than that, I do have one wish.
Tell me what it is.
Please give Lee Sook Won to me.
What do you mean give Lee Sook Won to you?
Do you think you'll get an answer from her
when you interrogate her at this point?
She will most likely not be able to endure it and die.
Are you saying you want to save Lee Sook Won?
If Lee Sook Won has done anything wrong
it's nothing more than having loved you Your Highness.
In her attempt to have you to herself, she set up the Queen
and then tried to kill me.
In.
What do you think?
You must find out the truth about what Lee Sook Won did.
That way Her Highness may be able to be free of all suspicion.
You are quite a cruel man.
What will you do with all the information when you find out the truth?
Do you not know it will hurt His Highness more than anything else?
Your Highness
Please let me take care of Lee Sook Won.
I will decide whether to kill or release Lee Sook Won.
Do you think I do not know what you're up to?
After you run me out of the palace
you'll probably try to kill me without anyone finding out.
If you just keep your mouth shut
why would I have to kill you?
Call the Chief Guard!
I will tell you just what this woman has done!
Who will believe you...
If you intend to run your mouth
the first thing I will do is to cut off your tongue.
How can you let her live?
You have to make sure to get rid of her!
Do you think she will go quietly?
If she knows she's going to die, she will say every and anything, true or untrue.
So then do you think she'll live quietly?
That's the problem.
That's it! Why don't we tell Hyung Ik--
How will he be able to keep an eye on her every day?
Or at least talk to Lord Kim about it!
There is not a single person I can trust...
Times like this... if only I still had Hyuk...
Hyuk...
Lady So Yong!
Have you not completely gotten over Lord Nam's son yet?
How can I forget him?
His blood is flowing through Princess Hyo Myung.
Do you think you can just take that you fool?
You have to pay for storage before you take that away.
Do you know how disgusting the smell of the rotting corpse has been?
We had maggots and flies everywhere!
[Nam Hyuk]
Where have you been all day instead of studying as I told you?
Doesn't it make you angry?
Your father was wrongfully blamed a traitor--
How can I possibly undo the wrongs done to my father?
What has my child done? What power does have to possibly--
Hyuk! Hyuk!
Die for me...
For your and my son...
23 years into Injo's rule
China had conquered Beijing
and granted permission for Prince So Hyun and Princess Min Hwe to return.
That ended their nine years of life as a prisoner.
As of yesterday, there is about 4,700 units of rice left in storage.
Aside from that, if we also sell the cotton, leather, ginseng, and herbs
it will be similar to the amount we will get from selling the rice.
Please be sure to bring it with you next time you go to the marketplace.
Yes, Your Highness.
And the land that China gave us is as good as ours
so please find a suitable person to buy the land.
Yes, Your Highness.
Let's see...what else can we sell...
All that you've mentioned so far is a large amount as it is.
What are you going to do with all that money?
There are so many uses for the money.
There is still an astounding amount of people struggling in Joseon.
It is because of the Manchu War.
Just the resources the nation has dedicated to China each year alone--
That is just an excuse.
The people are not starving because of China.
It is because of incompetent leadership.
The reason China has been prosperous is that they don't discriminate against jobs
and in that system even the poor can become wealthy as long as they have skills.
Prince Bong Rim, you know very well what kind of country China is.
Yes, Your Highness.
Please spread the knowledge you've seen, heard, and learned here
when we return to our nation.
That way we can change our world.
Have a safe trip, Princess Min Hwe.
I will see you back in Joseon.
The Crown Princess is now departing!
The person who changed the tragedy of Prince So Hyun being taken prisoner,
into a fortunate event was Princess Min Hwe.
Nearly 200 men and women came with the royal couple
to take care and look after them
but feeding them all was a large task in and of itself.
The Princess followed the Chinese traditions
in farming the land herself
and jumping into the trade business.
The Princess realized that if she brought
Joseon's best resources to the biggest wallets in China
it would be very profitable for Joseon.
Through the efforts, Prince So Hyun was able to widen his
network to some of China's most prominent figures.
More than anything, Prince So Hyun's close relationship
with Emperor Ye Chin (Doh Reu Gohn) was the most valuable of all.
If you must make Joseon's Prince the new King
then you can just bring Joseon's current King to Beijing.
There is no reason to turn Joseon into a blood bath with our new ruler.
I am saying this because there is no way the intelligent
Crown Princess will do everything as we say!
[Doh Reu Gohn/Emperor Ye Chin]
Your Highness, I am Na Uhb.
Come on in.
What did they say happened?
The Prince left for Doh Suhng four days ago.
It seems he left to go back first when we fell behind schedule.
We will make preparations to leave early in the morning.
Let's take our time.
His Highness and the Prince will have much to talk about when they' re reunited.
Yes...
They will have a lot to talk about.
Your Highness!
The Crown Prince has returned Your Highness!
[Injo]
What is he saying?
It seems Prince So Hyun has arrived.
Is that so?
Your Highness!
So Prince So Hyun has returned?
Your Highness. You should greet him while seated.
He said the Crown Prince is back!
He was released and is coming back to his father's arms!
It's fine.
So Hyun!
- My boy! - Your Highness!
So Hyun! So Hyun!
You've suffered a great deal.
You've been through a lot because of me.
Your Highness.
It's hard for me to look at you.
You've been through so much...
- Father... - Yes I know. It's over now. It's over.
[Chung Myung Soo]
We have a problem! We have a problem!
I think we're about to have another crisis on our hands!
The barbarians are inside the palace right now!
It's not a problem. It's because the Crown Prince has returned.
The Crown Prince?
But why did the barbarians follow the Prince?
How would I know?
Ignorant fool!
It's not that the barbarians followed the Prince here
but the Prince brought the barbarians here.
What do you mean the Prince brought the barbarians?
So what, are you saying China is supporting the Prince or something?
How dare you!
Why are you here talking nonsense instead of inspecting the urns?
There are barbarians lined up in front of the palace gates!
What use are the urns?
Medic Yang
Have this man look over the Prince's urn as well starting tomorrow.
Yes, sir.
Why is that man always looking to torture me--
What is this object used for?
That is called a globe.
In!
I'm sorry Your Highness... but what did you just say?
A globe. It is used in Western science.
A globe is a tool created based on the lay of the land in the world we live.
What do you mean world we live, Your Highness?
If our world is so round
Then we would not be able to stand up straight like this.
Even if we wanted to, our bodies would go like this...
There is something called gravity so even if we are on a curve
we are able to remain standing straight.
But still!
I can understand the sides and up but...
that would mean the people living at the bottom would be hanging on.
This is why Joseon will never compare to China.
That rude imbe--
Please watch what you say.
So... what do you call this?
It is called a globe.
A globe?
Yes, Your Highness.
Why did you bring this to me?
It is a gift for you.
I went to Beijing with Emperor Ye Chin
and met a Western Priest named Adam Schall.
You met a Western Bride?
So you got re-married?
It's not that...
In the West, they believe in a God called Jesus.
And the people that represent this God are called priests Your Highness.
So he doesn't mean he got re-married.
I'm sure it was a long journey.
So go get some rest for today.
Your Highness
Give this to him.
It is a letter from Emperor Ye Chin to His Highness.
Don't be too upset a dumb advisor is telling you what to do.
I am here on behalf of Emperor Ye Chin to protect the Prince.
My words are no different than Emperor Ye Chin's words.
Do you understand?
Emperor Ye Chin or whatever his name is.
Bring it over to me.
Your Highness
Emperor Ye Chin is a true ruling figure of China.
He has a close friendship with Prince So Hyun--
What does all this say?
I recognize some of these characters but I do not understand the meaning!
I will read it to you.
[To Joseon's ruler]
[We climbed the Great Wall, conquered Myung and are now the rulers of China.]
[Due to a trust built with the Prince, we will let him return to Joseon]
[under the following conditions.]
[First you will hand over all matters to the Prince]
In!
What the heck is he saying right now?
Hand it over to me.
Give it to me I say!
Prince So Hyun
Please step out of the room.
I said get out.
[Remember, mistreating me is the same as mistreating Emperor Ye Chin!]
Tell me what it is.
Go ahead.
I'm sure you also saw on your way in.
I am asking why the Chinese army followed him back to our nation.
What this means is
that it is a reminder that China still has control over us.
It's impossible!
It is not I tell you!
I think so as well.
I'm sure it was just in case anything happened to the Prince
on his journey back they sent an army with him.
You are so naive!
Do you still not understand those barbarians?
I do think one thing is for certain.
China is looking to provide support to Prince So Hyun.
Our dear Yam Jun looks exhausted.
What? Did you think you'd get it instantly?
That it's so easy to become Queen?
I almost had it.
Suspicion leads to suspicion
and that suspicion leads to more suspicion.
Do you remember?
As you sent me to Shimyang
it is exactly what you had said.
I'm sure you remember.
Are you saying... that we still have a chance?
Father...
Remember.
Suspicion leads to suspicion
and that suspicion leads to more suspicion.
Do you understand Yam Jun?
Is Jah Geum Suhng truly that large of a palace?
There are over 400 small and large quarters
so even if you sleep in a different place every night
you wouldn't be able to sleep everywhere in a year.
Mother
the problem was not in the size of the quarters.
The countless Western ideas I saw there
were so breathtaking, I found myself awake thinking about it some nights.
Mother
have you heard of Catholicism by chance?
Catholicism?
It is a Western religion that worships a God they call Jesus.
It's similar to how in Buddhism, people believe in Buddha.
Is it a good thing?
I am still unsure whether the God Jesus is good or not
but the thoughts of those that believed in Jesus were astounding.
They say that all Western existence was created by him.
You must have been deeply impressed...
By the man they call Jesus.
Yes mother.
Because of the man Jesus, I've opened my eyes to a new world.
Was it here?
What do you mean?
I'm asking you where they said Joseon is!
Yes...
Right here Your Highness.
Here?
They said this big one right here is China
and this long one down here is a foreign country.
In...
Why are we so small?
Your Highness
preparations for the feast are complete.
Why don't you get up now.
There must be a reason the Prince brought this!
For him to bring such a ridiculous object when coming back here after 9 years...
I just don't understand what he's thinking!
He wouldn't have brought this as just a gift...
There has to be a reason.
Don't you think so In?
I do think so Your Highness.
Do you know why?
Answer me!
Do you think I am capable of such deep thoughts?
Didn't you hear that China's army is camped out outside the palace?
Not just that!
That man named Chung came inside the palace and looked me right in the eyes!
The Prince quickly grabbed the letter from Emperor Ye Chin
and couldn't look me in the eyes after that!
So what exactly is the meaning of this?
Why didn't he come with the Princess?
There must be a reason why they didn't come together.
Pardon Your Highness--
That's it!
Of course!
Yes! That is why they didn't come together!
The Prince is trying to rattle the palace with the army behind him
so if she also comes--
My head! My head!
Your Highness! Please stop speaking!
In... I can't...breathe... oh my...
Oh my!
Yes... there must be a meaning to this.
Globe... globe...
Globe! Globe! Globe!
Globe! Globe!
In... do you have any idea?
Globe! Globe!
Exactly what was written in Emperor Ye Chin's letter?
So Hyun was surprised and grabbed the letter.
Then kicked him out of the room. Was that because...
he didn't understand what was written in that letter?
Or was it because he understood and he couldn't
tell me to my face?
Globe! Globe! Globe! Globe!
In! I'm so frustrated!
I'm so frustrated In!
In... why am I getting itchy again?
I'm so itchy!
I will now deliver a message from Emperor Ye Chin.
Until China conquered Beijing there were unspoken
suspicions between our countries.
However, now that the ruler has been established
we should believe in each other and rely on each other.
Additionally!
As the Crown Prince is the Prince of Joseon
he cannot remain in China for long
and so now he will return to his home country forever!
Your Highness!
The letter from Emperor Ye Chin also!
Had a similar message.
Actually, upon Prince So Hyun's return, I've had every intention
of handing over the throne to him.
Your Highness!
It is time!
Yes! The time for me to step down has come!
Let's all have a drink!
Subtitles by DramaFever
What do you mean a revolt?
There are people who want that.
Who were you trying to make King?
Say the Prince's name! Then I will let you die a peaceful death!
Please release Prince So Hyun!
He cannot take anymore Your Highness!
Do you think I do not know what you're thinking?
Remember, a good world will one day return.
Until I get that seat I will live in a twisted world.