Cruel Palace
Episode 25
I can't believe this...
Take your time.
Never in my life...
In China people work jobs to earn a living
and even women from noble families farm their own land.
So even a land with scarce resources such as Manchu
can teach us a few things.
That's just the barbaric lifestyle...
The Chin Jam Rye that Her Highness will be holding
includes a similar meaning.
For a nation... that is, for a country that is struggling to survive
shouldn't the wives of this nation's finest come together to help?
Just because His Highness will be passing on the throne to the Prince
is the Princess is trying to act like she's Queen already?
How dare she lectures the wives of nobility who are much older than her.
Quite a sight for sore eyes!
Looks like the Princess is giving them a hard time.
Even His Highness the King cannot put in a single word with her.
Oh my...
Looks like you are no match for her Jo Gui In.
Let us go inside.
Are these all the valuables those ladies just left?
That's quite an achievement!
These are the same women who would turn their heads the other way
if we had a food shortage in the palace
and didn't have enough food for His Highness
and yet they gave the very valuables they were wearing!
That was most likely because Queen In Hyul suddenly died
and the Queen's quarters was vacant.
Yes, you are absolutely correct.
Even Her Highness right now came to the palace at the young age of 16
so there was no way she could have set those women straight.
Prepare for me to go to the Queen's quarters.
Yes, Your Highness.
Now that the Queen has plenty of resources
Her Highness will be very excited.
Take these as well.
Where do you think you're going?
Now that I've been thoroughly scolded by my daughter-in-law I should get going.
How dare you address her that way!
I've had terrible morning sickness lately so I must excuse myself now.
This is the largest event to take place at the palace.
There will be a lot Her Highness will want to say.
Have a seat.
That's not all.
The Princess took the gold ring off her finger and placed it on the tray first
and then all the women gave up the jewelry they were wearing as well.
Oh my...
In a matter of seconds there was a mountain
of valuable jewelry piled on the tray and--
Why would she take charge like that...
There's a saying that the nation will crumble when the rooster crows.
Pardon me Your Highness
but this is nothing for you to be upset about.
The Princess collected funds required for
the Chin Jam Rye on the Queen's behalf so--
Do you think the Princess did that to those women because she doesn't have money?
Did you really collect all this in a single sitting?
This will be more than enough.
They should give up more than this.
Your Highness, you must do exactly as Queen In Hyul did.
While she was alive, all those women were within her control.
All the noble women must be at peace for there to be peace in the palace.
And there must be peace within the palace for His Highness to focus on work.
Do you think Queen In Hyul was strict with
the palace women because she was heartless?
There is most likely no other woman as caring as her.
Your Highness
I will lead planning of the chim jam rye and make it a large and grand event.
You must make it clear who the lady of the palace is Your Highness.
What does she mean make it clear who the woman of the palace is!
She's basically saying she and the Queen will team together to kill me!
You just wait and see
who will die and who will survive!
She's quite a stubborn woman.
Who are you talking about?
I'm talking about the Princess.
Why does that matter to us?
It's Jo Gui In that should be worried!
This is not something to laugh about!
Remember how much we suffered when Queen In Hyul was alive.
True. Thanks to her we never had the chance to spend any time with His Highness.
She even kept a close eye on each of us
in case any of us became pregnant.
Still, I'm happy with the fact she couldn't
say a single word in front of the Princess.
Everytime I make eye contact with the Princess
I get the chills.
She's so scary!
Your father used to comment at the late Queen's
strong and bold behavior and it does not seem
your very own daughter-in-law is any different.
What do you mean?
The Princess summoned all the councilmen's wives to the palace
and collected the funds for the Chin Jam Rye.
How much did your wife say she gave?
I'm...I'm not sure...
My wife was so surprised she even gave her family heirloom!
It is only right that they contribute.
We should not be making such a fuss over it.
I say it because the women have been going to
the Princess's quarters too frequently over it.
Did you also know about this Prince So Hyun?
Take your time.
It's too soon.
You wasted your time.
What do you mean I wasted my time?
Because the King has been letting a concubine control him
the credibility of Her Highness has hit rock bottom.
Wife!
Why do you think His Highness was about to pass the throne to you
and suddenly took a step back from moving froward with it?
His Highness has been leaving all matters to me.
That is only by title. In reality, there is nothing you can do on your own.
My father asks me every time he sees me.
To come up with a plan as to how I'll lead this country.
There is a time and place for everything.
If you are not going to do it now, when will you have the chance
to set in motion the plans you came up with in China--
There is no need to rush things.
If I one day inherit the throne--
When will you rebuild this nation?
It has been nine years since the suffering at Sam Jeon Do!
What has the King done during the last nine years?
He wallowed in self pity and did nothing with his time.
Be careful what you say!
You must not waste time in rising to the throne.
There is so much for you to do!
I will speak to my father about it...
I will tell him one by one, piece by piece
each and every little detail that I learned in China and Beijing.
I will tell him about the extraordinary growth in Western culture...
And how we can avoid what happened in the past from happening again.
I will explain everything to him. So--
Until then... please wait.
He is the same father that crushed the globe you gifted him.
Would the King who has no knowledge of a different world
understand what you tell him?
His Highness will not see it as a new opportunity but as a barbaric lifestyle.
He still refers to China, the strongest nation, as barbarians.
It is a waste of time...
Waiting for the right time.
What do you mean pass the throne to the Prince?
That is the only way for you to live.
Your Highness, if the Princess sends just a signal
the Chinese army will cross the river and come barging in here.
Think carefully about the Princess's bold actions.
What could have driven her to bring those women together
and demand they hand over their valuables?
Your Highness, I hear Prince So Hyun and China's Emperor Shunzhi
are so close they're no different than brothers.
Many people have witnessed their strong bond.
I am aware!
That is why that Chung Myung Soo felt he could say those things to me.
Your Highness
Just give the throne to the Prince!
What good is a sword fight between a father and son?
You can simply step down.
- Me? - Your Highness
How could I not understand how you're feeling?
You have been waiting to wash away the humiliation you endured in Sam Jeon Do.
It's just that it has all built up!
I can't step down right now!
Forget about all of it Your Highness.
Yes, you must forget all of it.
The new nation the Prince wishes to build
is not a nation intended to avenge what you've endured.
He's trying to build a nation identical to the one the barbarians have built.
That is why I cannot hand over the throne to him!
Your hopes are all in vain.
You don't think there are others who have died dejected?
If I die like this right now
I will forever be remembered as a worthless King!
People will point and say I deserve it
for overthrowing Gwang Hae and becoming king!
My goodness!
Why am I so itchy!
I was told Prince Bong Rim said this.
One day, Emperor Shunzhi sent horse meat to the Shimyang palace
and after seeing Prince So Hyun enjoying it said
"I will not eat a single piece of meat until the day I die."
Then what happened?
So then someone standing by asked him why and
And?
"Imagine how hungry my brother must have been to be enjoying horse meat so much.
Until I kill all these barbarians and get their horse meat
I will not be eating meat."
You're saying Bong Rim said that?
That he will kill the barbarians and eat their meat?
Yes... Your Highness...
In... how can two brothers born of the same womb think so differently?
Do you have something to say?
Say what it is.
I have never heard about Prince So Hyun eating horse meat.
Why are you coming to me about your incompetence?
If a fight breaks out between the brothers
the palace will reek of blood.
Then... what is it you will be doing?
If the King's wishes are redirected to Prince Bong Rim?
Are you saying you will go against His Highness?
If that is what His Highness wishes, I will have to support it.
If His Highness steps down and Prince So Hyun becomes King
then do you think he will fight for the humiliation his father endured?
Prince So Hyun may have thought about that already.
But the Princess does not have the slightest intention to do anything about it.
If you want to protect the King
then please keep your mouth shut and remain quiet.
You're just an advisor. Don't try to get involved in everything!
Do you understand?
When is Prince Bong Rim coming back?
Is it not past the date he should have arrived?
There was just so much he had to do...
Send a letter and tell him to hurry!
He's so slow...
Let go of that child!
Dumb boy!
You think it's okay to beat a person to death just because they stole something?
This isn't the only time!
That he's stolen from me!
I will pay you back on his behalf so let him go.
Go ahead.
Are you in a lot of pain?
We need to get him to a doctor.
What are you doing? A person is dying!
What do you mean he won't be able to fulfill a man's duties?
I'm telling you that his genitals are severely injured.
He's lucky he didn't die.
My Lord!
How are you?
You may not be able to fulfill your duties as a man
but you won't be hungry so work hard.
I will pay you back for your generosity even if it takes me until the afterlife.
What use will it be to pay me back after you've died?
In Joseon, the exclusive event for women which was lead by the Queen
was called Chin Jam Rye.
The ceremony was to encourage silk production
and was attended by women in the royal family as well as noblemen's wives.
It was an undoubtedly large and lavish event.
When the Queen entered, just as when the King enters
she carried in her seal and chair followed by a band.
The Queen's attire and seat at the highest point in the ceremony
also made clear to everyone she was the leading lady of the palace.
Once all the leaves for the silkworms had been collected
and the worms had been fed it was custom
for the women to return to the Queen and pay their respects.
At this time, the Queen typically shared words of wisdom
and expressed gratitude to the women for their hard work.
In...
What do you think about me putting everything down now?
Just as Yam Jun said...
a father and son should not draw their swords on each other.
Your Highness
If Queen In Hyul was alive...
What would she have said?
If it wasn't for her, I'd still be surrounded by my enemies
and acting as a scarecrow while they did whatever they wished.
The person that made me who I am today
was Queen In Hyul, wasn't it?
I hear the Princess has an abundance of people on her side.
This is her world.
Just as Queen In Hyul made me who I am
Princess Min Hwe is molding Prince So Hyun into a king.
Your Highness
You seem to be drinking too much tonight.
Don't you hear that noise?
The Princess pushed the Queen to hold a Chin Jam Rye
and is so excited the music can be heard all throughout the palace!
Don't trust the Princess so much.
She's acting like she's helping you but really doing it all for herself.
Wife... if it were you what would you do?
Should I pass on the throne to So Hyun
and step back from all matters?
Answer me!
Tell me what I'm supposed to do!
It's so interesting every time I look at it...
That the world we live in is round...
I still cannot believe it.
His Highness will probably feel the same way.
For a man who has never seen anything beyond our nation...
How could he possibly believe it?
Is everything going well?
Do not worry Your Highness.
They say that a horse with no legs cannot go far.
The news of your intentions to build a new nation
has even the most distant relatives rushing to our home!
This wretched world will come to an end in the near future.
The King's nation will end and a new one will open up.
Please move the opinion of the royal court.
We must not waste a day in the Prince inheriting the throne.
How does China look?
Is it true the Emperor is sending Yong Gohl Dae?
The Prince must inherit the throne without help from China.
That's true.
That all turns into debt.
Your Highness, we alone can handle this.
Do not worry.
Prince Bong Rim will be returning in the near future.
Why does that matter?
I'm saying His Highness could make him King instead.
You don't have to worry about that.
The brothers have a very strong relationship.
Couldn't possibly be stronger than father and son.
That is the ugly truth behind power.
The King is pushing on passing the throne
because he doesn't trust the Crowned Prince.
Was their relationship always like that?
It's common knowledge that Prince So Hyun will rise to the throne!
We must celebrate! The Prince only needs to rise to the throne now!
You must not take the King too lightly.
The King has no reason to push out Prince So Hyun.
I told you that is the ugly truth behind power.
You must leave this to the Prince.
He is doing the right thing.
The King is surrounded by fools such as Kim Ja Jeom--
Your Highness!
You must first rebuild the father son relationship.
If the Prince disappoints the King
you alone will not be able to change the world.
And if I just stand back and watch, you think the King will pass on the throne?
The King is a man who did not allow me to attend my father's burial!
That is exactly why you must resolve any misunderstandings he has.
What misunderstanding?
You riding a horse and farming your own land in Manchu for the King is--
The King!
Is threatened by me!
Is that not why?
Do you think I farmed because I wanted to?
I wanted to save every single person
that was sold into slavery in Shimyang...
So I sowed the seeds and dug the earth...
What do you mean I followed the barbaric customs?
It's not like I did it because I like the barbarians!
Yes... he was probably embarrassed by that.
The sight of his daughter-in-law riding in surrounded
by all the people of Joseon that she'd saved from slavery...
The loud cries of the people cheering for me
most likely embarrassed him over and over again.
Your Highness.
Nine years.
The amount of years we lived as hostages in Manchu.
Yes...
We must get back what we lost.
She wants to get back what she lost?
The Princess said exactly that?
Yes, Lady Gui In.
Mother, you heard that right?
The Princess claims she has something to get back from the King.
Are you scared of the Princess?
These days it's all everyone ever talks about...
What? That the Princess's nation is coming?
Even the old councilmen wives can't say a single word to her. What can we do?
It is survival of the fittest.
Be careful My Lady.
Word has spread that even the King tiptoes around his daughter-in-law.
So if you try to stand up to her for no reason--
Just watch and see.
The King will surprise the Princess not too far from now.
Bong Rim!
Welcome my boy! Bong Rim!
Welcome! Yes yes!
You don't need to bow. Let me see you.
You've been through so much!
There was not a single day that I forgot about you.
I'm glad you're back.
Yes...
Welcome back.
Do you know who I am?
You are grandfather.
- Yes... Make sure to remember me. - Yes grandfather.
That's right... cute little boy...
How old is Yeon this year?
He is five.
I'm sure it was hard work raising him in that cold land.
When Bong Rim left for Shimyang with Prince So Hyun
they left while she was pregnant with her second child.
They also took their two year old daughter with them.
My heart shattered to watch them leave like that.
And here they are, returning with five children.
My child, I'm sure you've resented me a great deal.
How can you say I resented you Your Highness?
That is not right.
Do you know how much I regretted sending you?
Even if I had to bow to China again
if only I'd begged not to send two of my children...
Then they may have not taken you.
What do you mean you'd bow to them again?
I'd rather die than to let you endure such humiliation again.
No no...
What does it matter if it's twice or three times?
I left the people and came out of the fortress...
And surrendered...
How can that be your fault Your Highness?
It is the fault of your children who could not protect you.
How could you have possibly protected me?
Your Highness
I will make sure to payback what you've endured!
That's enough... enough...
Enough...
Wife!
How can you say such a thing?
He said he will make sure to payback what the King endured.
That is something for you to say. Prince Bong Rim shouldn't be saying that.
Bong Rim was simply stating the duties of a son to his father.
You are the Crown Prince who will take the crown after your father!
He has not seen father in nine years.
Is that all you have to say about it?
Let's stop talking about this.
Do you really not know why your father is acting the way he is?
Everyone was crying in that room.
He ran barefoot to greet your brother.
I love my brother more than anyone else!
Do not feel threatened by my brother anymore!
I'm not talking about Prince Bong Rim!
I'm talking about your father who is putting a wedge between two brothers.
I'd like to eat dinner with Bong Rim tonight. Let him know.
Yes Your Highness.
Are you in a good mood?
Of course I am!
My son has returned.
That's not all.
His wife is so quiet and graceful...
She's completely different than Princess Min Hwe.
Yes... that's it now. It's all done now.
Bong Rim is back now so what else do I have to worry about?
- Court Lady Kim - Yes Your Highness
Find living quarters for Prince Bong Rim within the main palace.
He has five children so you'll need to find a large space.
Excuse me Your Highness
but he cannot live inside the main palace.
I've been separated from him for nine years!
I want to make up for lost time.
Yet you stand there telling me about the rules...
Pardon Your Highness.
In, you look into it.
Such matters are all Court Lady Kim's responsibility.
However when you like, you can have Prince Bong Rim sleep in your quarters.
Is that so?
Then I can do that.
It's because I have a lot to tell him.
When I heard His Highness had gotten remarried
I was curious as to what kind of person you are.
Do not worry. I will not try to act like your mother.
I did not mean it that way.
The late Queen In Hyul was so strict
she always controlled His Highness.
So seeing that you're so much more relaxed puts me at ease.
You thought of all that?
You really are a great son as your father claims you are.
It's nothing compared to the Crown Prince.
Compared to my brother's dedication, I am nothing.
Is that so?
Where would you like to go Your Highness?
Let's go to Jo Gui In's quarters.
Pardon Your Highness
but Prince Bong Rim is a very thoughtful person.
Ever since he was young, it was always hard to fully understand him.
Who did you say is coming?
Prince Bong Rim is on his way.
What for?
Probably to say hello.
Was I talking to you?
What should I do Lady Gui In?
So odd...
Why is a Prince coming to say hello to a concubine?
Lady Jo Gui In, Prince Bong Rim wishes to see you.
Lady Jo Gui In!
Wait.
Welcome, Prince Bong Rim.
What brings you here to see a person such as myself?
What do you mean a person such as yourself?
Anyone taking care of my father is no different than a mother to me.
Are you going to leave me standing out here like this?
You must allow me to pay my respects.
Oh my...look at me.
Come on in.
Have a seat. Accept my formal greeting.
That's unheard of!
How can I?
You took care of His Highness while I was gone.
It is only right I give thanks for it.
What are you doing? Help her take a seat.
I'm not sure how this goes... what the palace rules say...
Such a situation is not listed in the rules.
While we understand your intentions
if you bow to her
it will only harm Lady Gui In in the end.
Is that so?
Yes, that is correct.
Just have a seat.
Your words alone are so touching they bring tears to my eyes.
Prince Bong Rim went out of his way to say hello to Jo Gui In?
Yes! That is what I was told!
Oh my...
That is unheard of!
Looks as though I'll be a hot issue again thanks to you.
Hot issue?
I am the only concubine to have given birth to a son
so people have a lot to say about that.
Are you laughing at me?
I understand very well how you feel.
Is that so?
Your situation... and mine...
are both very similar, are they not?
Will you be returning to your quarters?
No. Let's go to the Main Palace.
Yes, Your Highness.
His situation... and mine...
Are similar?
Is that what he means?
Did you say something My Lady?
He means that he and I are on the same level.
Yes... why don't we work together since we're on the same boat.
My goodness...
Are you sleeping?
Would you like me to scratch your back for you Your Highness?
Yes. It's so itchy I can't sleep.
Come here.
Yes, yes, yes...
That feels so good.
Right there... there. Just a little bit more.
It seems your itchiness has gotten worse.
It has... it's gotten so bad it's been driving me crazy.
Lay down. I will put medicine on it for you.
Okay. Here.
Prince Bong Rim was 17 years old when he was taken away to China.
Was he?
He was so shy then...
He's become a different person now.
What will you do if opinions of the brothers collide?
What can I do?
I just have to go with what His Highness wishes.
I'm asking you what if the King's wishes lie in Prince Bong Rim's favor?
Then... will you follow Prince Bong Rim?
I should...
Did you write this all last night?
It all came rushing to me so I wrote it in one sitting.
What do you think?
It's exceptional.
If we do this we'll be able to catch up to China within 10 years.
I must show this to my father today.
You look much livelier.
Of course I am.
Both my sons have returned from China.
What else could I possibly have to worry about?
So you'll be overseeing matters yourself?
Of course.
From now on I will have the Crown Prince and Prince Bong Rim
to each side of me as I handle all matters.
Will Prince So Hyun be okay with that?
What does it matter whether he likes it or not?
He will learn from his older brother and at times
So Hyun will learn from his brother as they grow.
So then will Prince So Hyun no longer be handling all matters on your behalf?
When did I ever do such a thing?
I was exploring opportunities and simply stated so.
Let him know I'm here.
Your Highness! Prince So Hyun is here!
Welcome.
I was just thinking about getting someone to go and get you.
Is there an urgent matter?
No there is not.
Come and have a seat.
What do you think?
Isn't it nice to see the three of us sitting side by side like this?
I don't understand what he wants...
He is saying he will oversee all matters himself.
Do you think I don't understand that?
This is going to be a headache.
The Crown Prince is most likely waiting for the day he inherits the throne.
I never trusted him for one second.
Is that so?
This actually works out for the better.
His Highness must be happy while he is alive
for there to be peace within the palace.
What are you going to do Kim Ja Jeom?
I will place bets on the Crown Prince.
What about you Prime Minister?
If I must then the same as you.
And you?
I am neither.
Do you understand what we are talking about?
Everyone in the palace wall is keeping a close eye on the activity in the palace.
So I am telling you I cannot take sides.
So you came back without even showing it to him?
His Highness said he will oversee all matters himself
so what use would it have been to show it to him?
I'm thinking of giving it to him later to just read through it.
What would he do with it after reading it?
Wife...
It's all meaningless...
To His Highness...
Your Highness.
Prince So Hyun!
What do you mean it's all meaningless?
Who are you saying said such a thing?
I'm sorry but Princess Min Hwe...
She couldn't have...
What do you mean the Crown Prince is bed-ridden?
He suddenly broke into a cold sweat and fainted.
Go get Hyung Ik.
Yes My Lady.
How is he?
It's not a big deal Your Highness.
He's passed out drenched in sweat.
How is that not a big deal?
He just fainted momentarily because of a sudden rush.
If he just takes the medicine I will be bringing him
he will be much better.
He is a man that survived the harsh colds in China.
Please trust me Your Highness.
You must make no mistakes with this medicine.
I'm so nervous my legs are shaking...
You can step outside.
I said get out!
What do you mean?
If you have the chance to, do whatever you can to cure the Prince.
Well that...
That way, next time...
This is the last time.
Do you understand?
I still do not understand what you are trying to say...
Lady Gui In!
I cannot do it!
You cannot do it?
How can a person...
A person?
Then I can just take off that mask you have on!
Isn't that so Hyung Ik?
Hyung Ik
Find me a good psychic.
For what?
What are you doing? Stab the needle.
Wake up Your Highness!
The Prince fainted again?
Worthless boy...
I will not be able to live much longer.
What is this nation to do if you say such a thing?
I'm thinking of staying at my childhood home for the time being.
I cannot stand in the rain with the Princess like this.
If the Prince gets worse, we will have to keep the Queen locked up in her palace.