Cruel Palace
Episode 22
Just which country do you belong to?
How dare you take on the face of a barbarian
and stand there threatening me!
Please refrain, Your Highness!
That man is standing there and looking straight at me!
I have relayed Emperor Ye Chin's message so I will be leaving now.
You tell Emperor Ye Chin!
Until I am free of the humiliation I endured
I will not be stepping down from the throne!
My... my...
Why is all this happening to me?
Even if a man claiming to represent China shows up and threatens me to give up the throne
is all I can do just stand here and stare?
How... How can I still be considered a King?
Why are the heavens ignoring me?
Good job!
His Highness was probably startled.
If the Prince rises to the throne, just what do you have to gain?
If the Prince becomes King, then this nation belongs to the Princess.
There is no way the righteous Princess would like someone like you.
Of course there's no way she'd like me.
Then why you are taking the Prince's side... does not make sense to a person like me.
If you hold on to a setting sun, you will be confronted by the night.
It is time for His Highness to step down.
It's a relief to hear Lee Sook Won is still alive.
So... what did she say?
She won't open her mouth.
Really?
She seemed to still fear Kim So Yong a great deal.
I'm sure she does.
Please give me a bit more time, Your Highness.
I will coax Lee Sook Won and get all of Kim So Yong's secrets out of her.
If she finds out you're visiting Lee Sook Won, Kim So Yong will try to kill her.
So you shouldn't go there for the time being.
Another innocent life may be lost...
Do not worry, Your Highness.
I told Lee Sook Won that if she changes her mind, to hang an object outside her home.
Good job.
If the rumors are true and Kim So Yong's son is not her real son
then Kim So Yong's daughter is alive somewhere out there.
Kim So Yong must have wanted to survive desperately.
Now what does that mean?
There are also rumors that Princess Hyo Myung is not the King's child.
Stop with all the outrageous rumors!
You must reveal every single thing...
unless the Prince successfully inherits the throne...
But if for some reason the King decides not to pass on the throne to him
then it will be difficult for you to also avoid being affected by it.
It's so unbelievable I'm not sure His Highness will believe me.
Lee Sook Won probably knows the exact details.
Which is why Kim So Yong tried so hard to have her killed.
I cannot believe it.
Please leave it to me, Your Highness.
I will do whatever it takes to make Lee Sook Won talk.
Yes! Court Lady Jung left the palace to go see Lee Sook Won!
And? Did the girl open her mouth?
It seems that Lee Sook Won has yet to open her mouth.
Go right away and bring my mother here.
In the middle of the night?
I told you to bring her! I did not ask for your opinion!
If you get caught coming here in the middle of the night
even my excuses will not be enough to help you.
Don't be so uptight.
I'm only doing it as a favor to you.
Why are you looking at me up and down?
Because you're so pretty.
Uhn Yuhn--
Those damned hands of yours...
Hurry and open the doors!
Hurry and go! Hurry!
My goodness! Oh my!
How can you open the door without saying anything?
I called for you many times without a response.
So you just yank open the door?
Lady So Yong asked me to bring you to the palace.
What could it be at this time of the night?
It's probably because she's feeling down.
Her luck has been wearing thin lately.
Anyways, Hyung Ik.
I hear Nam Hyuk is still alive!
There's no way!
The boy that works for Lord Kim
boasted numerous times that he killed Hyuk himself and threw him into the river.
Well I don't know where it came from
but out of nowhere Yam Jun said to find out whether or not Hyuk is alive.
If Yam Jun said such a thing, she is insane.
I was told Yam Jun was there when Hyuk died!
I don't know!
I thought my life would change for the better thanks to my daughter
but instead she calls me every other day and tells me to do all these things!
It's not like I'm her servant...
How many times must I tell you!
The Queen is digging around about me!
Find where that child went.
What do you mean? I'm sure the child was buried somewhere.
Then find out where that child was buried!
So she wants to join hands with the Princess and bring me down first?
Fine! Let's see who wins, Your Highness!
Come on in.
My...
Welcome.
The men did not recognize the brother-in-law of His Highness and kept you waiting.
It's okay.
Please have a seat.
It's been a long time since I was last here
and friends said they couldn't let me go back empty-handed and I couldn't refuse.
Is there something you have to say to me?
It's a letter for Prince Bong Rim in Shimyang from Princess Min Hwe.
I will get it to him.
I'm sure you'll find out later
but the 1,000 units of rice that belongs to the palace
can be distributed to Yong Gohl Dae and General Mabu.
And you can have the remaining 300 units.
I haven't done much to deserve such...
Anyways I will accept graciously.
Well then, I'll be going now.
We must bring the man in and make him apologize!
His Highness was mistreated by a barbarian!
Are you going to just sit here and watch?
They say the cries of His Highness were heard all the way outside the palace!
Say something!
That's enough.
His Highness hasn't said anything so what else can we do?
Most likely because he's embarrassed.
How can you say such a thing?
And if you're so outraged by it you can go get him yourself!
I've been counting the days for the Prince to return.
Yet...
And what do you mean by that?
Watching His Highness tiptoe around the Prince
is just so frustrating and humiliating.
What do you mean tiptoeing around him?
Prince So Hyun was sitting outside the King's quarters and even lost consciousness.
I feel the same way.
I am greatly disappointed.
The Prince cannot do such a thing...
Why are you crying?
The Prince who should be on the forefront avenging the humiliation the King endured
returned to Joseon practically a barbarian himself.
Such a shame...
What do you mean marketplace?
What I'm saying is the way he sat there as goods flowed into Hong Jae Won
looked as though Chung Myung Soo was starting a marketplace there.
This is exactly what we didn't want to continue to happen!
I keep thinking of what uncle said.
He was worried you may be trying to move things too quickly...
There are thousands of people starving in our nation.
Moreover, our people in China that were servants
do not show any intentions of returning even after they're freed.
Rather than coming back and starving to death
at least as a servant they can have one meal a day.
You watch and see
I will change the world.
Why did you tell such a lie, Your Highness?
Your cries went beyond the palace walls
and were heard all the way in my quarters.
What?
You do not need to be embarrassed.
Your inability to hide your emotions
is like that of an innocent child--
Am I wrong?
Isn't that why everyone likes His Highness so much?
When news that the man named Chung Myung Soo
came all the way here and caused a ruckus
there is not a single person that was not upset by it.
So much that the stone-faced Councilman Kim cried.
In, is it true that Kim Sang Hun cried?
Yes, Your Highness.
However I cannot say the same for the Queen's palace.
And just what do you mean by that?
That she's too occupied being cautious of the Princess.
Have you told His Highness that men are lined up
at Hong Jae Won with goods to give to Chung Myung Soo
to take back to China with him?
Oh my! Do you think this will be resolved by only telling His Highness good news?
Your Highness...
Let's do this.
What do you want me to do?
Leave all duties to the Prince for the time being
and take a step back from the throne.
Are you telling me to pass on the throne?
You're still so young so why would you do such a thing?
That is absolute nonsense!
How can you say that?
Then are you telling me to have him step in temporarily?
Yes, Your Highness.
China is pressuring you to pass on the throne to the Prince
but if you continue to scold the Prince and Princess--
That's exactly why he must not do such a thing.
Then is there any other way to avoid this?
You might as well tell His Highness to go running into a burning structure.
If the Prince steps in temporarily
then he can never ask for that position again.
If not? Do we have to stand by and watch China parade through our land again?
What do you know to be sticking your nose into politics?
Why does that matter when all I'm trying to do is save the King?
Your Highness...
first say that you're sick and lay down.
Then call in the council members and the Prince.
- After that-- - After that?
What are you saying I should do?
'While I'm sick, I will leave all matters to the Prince,' is all you have to say.
Isn't that the same thing?
It's different!
How so?
If you say that you'll temporarily leave all matters to the Prince
the quick-minded councilmen will assume
that you are thinking of passing on the throne to Prince So Hyun.
And if that happens...
it will be hard to regain control later on.
But if you just say you'll leave things to him while you're sick
it holds the meaning that you will take back control whenever you're feeling better.
What do you think of my idea, Your Highness?
You're right! I can just do that!
In, isn't that just a fantastic idea?
No man will ever compare to your brains!
His Highness is bed-ridden?
Yes, Your Highness.
Did they say if it's serious?
A Court Lady in his quarters said that he was not feeling well and so is getting rest.
Prepare to make a trip.
I must go and see him.
What are you doing? Hurry and let him know.
Your Highness!
Her Highness the Queen is here!
Why is this medicine so bitter?
Have you never been told that the best medicines are bitter?
Finish it before it gets cold.
- Here you go. - Why! Oh my...
Just a bit more... yes...
You did well!
Welcome.
I'm laying down for a bit.
Are you terribly uncomfortable?
It seems he's having trouble digesting.
What did he eat?
He had some rice cakes last night because he was a bit hungry
and that seems to be what's causing him pain.
Was His Highness with you last night?
I called Kim So Yong here.
I was feeling down about a few different things
so I wanted to talk to someone about it all.
I will be going now.
Where do you think you're going?
Now that Her Highness is here, I should be going.
I am most comfortable with you by my side.
Your Highness...
You should let Her Highness take care of you.
Help me up. I've been laying here all day and now my back hurts.
Now... come on...
Is that better?
Massage my back a bit.
That feels good.
- Does that feel good? - That feels so good!
His Highness has been ill for four days now.
Is that so?
They did say it was because he had bad food
but he seems to be having trouble sitting up.
It is about time he falls ill...
He was tossing and turning all night
and barely fell asleep early in the morning.
Would you like me to wake him up?
No... it's okay.
He's aged quite a bit...
His Highness...
You've been living away for quite some time
so you may not know too well
but he's been through quite a bit emotionally.
You can't even cure indigestion?
I apologize, Prime Minister.
Not just that.
If His Highness is ill then you should let me know first!
What are you thinking letting him lay ill for four days?
There was an order to not enter the King's palace...
You frustrating man!
I didn't want you to see me ill
so I put down the order. You should have just ignored me.
It's a relief it's just indigestion.
And who cares if it was a serious illness?
There's always Prince So Hyun.
Things aren't the way they used to be anymore.
My body aches all over.
Maybe it's because of that but I've been thinking a lot.
I was also thinking maybe rather than being at odds with China
I should just pass the throne on to Prince So Hyun.
That's nonsense, Your Highness.
What do you mean step down?
I think it may be time...
Do you know why he ran his hand through his mustache?
Because he got excited when I said I'd pass on the throne.
He was trying to hide his laughter.
Cruel man...
You're saying Kim So Yong is taking care of the sick King?
Why does it matter who does it?
What if something happens to His Highness?
Think about it!
Kim So Yong may be the only one to hear the King's last words!
Wife!
If Kim So Yong insists that His Highness left all his possessions to her--
Stop that now!
Father has simple indigestion.
Go back to the King's quarters immediately.
You must take care of His Highness in place of Kim So Yong.
I'm telling you it's okay.
Okay.
If you cannot go
I will go instead.
Wife!
I feel like I'm suffocating laying here like this all day.
Just a little bit more, Your Highness.
It's been four days!
Who would believe you if you were perfectly fine one day and sick the next
that you'd want to temporarily pass on duties to the Prince?
You have to do this for about 3-4 months
so people will understand.
If I tell him to take over a few of my duties
he'll be jumping with joy.
What is there to worry about?
Then do this for just one more day, Your Highness.
Okay?
My goodness...
Princess Min Hwe is on her way here.
Really?
Princess Min Hwe!
Alert His Highness.
If His Highness is ill then you should let me know the same day.
Alert him.
Ask her to come in.
Yes, yes. Right there. Right there.
Right here?
I think you need acupuncture.
No medicine will make the itchiness go away.
Have a seat.
We're all done now.
Is someone here?
Yes, Princess Min Hwe is.
Did you just say the Princess was here?
My goodness...
It seems my daughter-in-law saw things she shouldn't have!
Hold it in.
We cannot just yell at Kim So Yong.
I had the same thing happen to me...
but what can I do?
Kim So Yong is doing it to have His Highness all to herself.
We could get into big trouble if we brush her off as a pathetic girl.
Kim So Yong has been taking over the King's Palace?
Yes, Lord Kim.
She is controlling the King.
He will believe anything Kim So Yong says.
He'll be leaving all matters to the Prince...
If that happens then it becomes the Princess's nation.
The Princess will most likely soar.
Yes... Keep kissing up to the King.
How long could the impatient man possibly last?
Hurry!
The King demanded that we rush to his quarters!
Why is he asking for us so urgently?
Has His Highness said anything about stepping down from the throne?
No way...
I'm sure he would have said something to you.
How would I know something you don't know?
I say that because it is the only way for you and I to survive!
There are rumors that the King will be passing on the throne to the Prince.
Is that so?
You must be sad.
You'll be having to give up your Queen title.
I feel much better about it.
I was very nervous you might get pregnant.
Were you?
There are three princes in perfect shape and in perfect health
so if you also gave birth to a newborn prince--
Just the thought alone is dreadful!
Whether it be a son or daughter, I wanted to give birth to at least one child.
What would be the point of living without a child when I get older?
Looks as though my words hurt your feelings.
It seems as though, I'm still a 15-year-old girl in my father's eyes.
Did you say temporary King?
Yes... for the time being, I will leave all matters to the Prince
and would like to get some rest.
Honestly we all thought you'd announce that you're passing on the throne
and were very surprised you called us together.
Even if I do step down it wouldn't be a surprise.
The Prince has grown more than enough to be able to manage the throne.
Your Highness, I--
You don't need to turn it down.
He's not saying he's stepping down from the throne.
Build your experience.
You cannot gain all traits of a King overnight.
Your father also struggled a great deal because of that.
Gwang Hae was suddenly kicked out...
So he didn't have a chance to properly learn...
Isn't that so, Your Highness?
Yes, that's right.
Now that I somewhat understand what being King is about
I've grown old like this.
Your Highness...
You are still so young and healthy so how could I possibly
oversee all matters on your behalf?
Do not worry.
No one will call you a bad son.
What do you mean, Prime Minister?
By him temporarily giving all responsibilities to the Prince
he is saying it is not his true intentions.
What are you saying?
If the case, then he should have taken formal steps to make it official.
Now that you say it, you're right.
I know his tricks better than anyone else.
Then why did you go along with it in there?
When His Highness tries to figure out your true feelings
feigning ignorance is the best way to go.
You know that very well.
What does all that mean?
It means that if things go wrong many people's heads are on the line.
You know that very well.
Congratulations!
The Prince's future is set!
Yes! You can also stop worrying about it!
Thank you.
Kim So Yong, say something too.
Your silence makes you seem as though you're upset.
I'm just a little troubled.
What do you mean?
She may be a high-ranking daughter-in-law
but I'm not sure if I should speak to her comfortably or formally...
How can you say such a thing?
There may be such ranks in any other situation
but that does not hold true for the Queen or Queen Mother!
Oh is that so?
I don't know much so I thought everyone was a citizen of the King's nation.
Your Highness, please forgive my ignorance.
Anyone looking after His Highness is no different than my mother-in-law.
You are far too kind.
We're not sure what to say.
The relationship between a Princess and concubine is quite awkward.
I've heard about a Queen scolding a concubine
but never about a Princess scolding a concubine.
What do we do...
But since the Princess is sitting there what you said is correct Lady Sook Eui.
If you didn't know then you should admit it and apologize!
Why twist your words around like so!
I was just saying!
What do you mean you were just saying?
Please stop.
It's uncomfortable to listen to.
Your Highness, Her Highness the Queen is here.
Bring her inside.
Welcome, Your Highness.
Congratulations.
Please have a seat over there.
You can sit there.
Your Highness!
Starting today, you are Queen.
I am not worthy.
Please have a seat there.
Then I will sit there just for today.
Have a seat.
From now on the Princess will be taking over my role.
I rushed over because I wanted to make that clear.
I contemplated letting you move into the Queen's quarters
but decided to stay a bit longer since the King is still in his quarters.
Even if Dong Gong Palace is a bit farther and smaller, bear with it for now.
Kim So Yong, you've been working hard taking care of His Highness.
No need...
The palace court ladies will be taking care of him starting today
so you can get some rest.
While I would like to rest desperately
I cannot do that.
Who is holding you back?
It is because His Highness is uncomfortable otherwise.
Think about it, Your Highness.
Who will change out his sweaty underwear
and apply medicine to the scars from his scratching all over his body?
That is the job of his court ladies!
His Highness does not like to show his wrinkly skin!
Please watch what you say!
So, Your Highness...
he can't possibly leave such a job to a young and vibrant woman such as yourself.
Nor can he leave it to his daughter-in-law.
Wouldn't he be most comfortable with me, who has been closest to him the past 8 years?
You're not the only one that spent time with His Highness!
Oh my! So did he also come to you without me knowing?
Why you!
Your Highness...
Why must you only abide by the palace rules
without consideration to making sure His Highness is at ease?
Yes... I will stop if you tell me to.
What's in it for me to bring on such hard work?
I can just look after my children to make sure they are in good health
and if that's not enough--
Go ahead and do so.
If His Highness is comfortable, who will stop you from taking care of His Highness?
You understand me so well.
I knew you'd understand.
That is why I urged His Highness to get some rest
and temporarily pass on the reigns to the Prince.
I'm scared I'll get struck by lightning in broad daylight!
That's what I was thinking!
Do not worry.
I will tell the King exactly what you said.
I meant for you to get struck by lightning!
Who would His Highness believe?
If I tell His Highness that Park Sook Eui and Jang Gui In
were wondering why he hasn't been struck by lightning yet...
Look here Kim So Yong, what good would it do for you to tell such a lie?
If you wait and see you'll find out.
- Let's talk about this! - There's no point!
Do you think His Highness will believe her just because she tells him that?
Of course he will!
Don't do this Kim So Yong!
Lady Gui In!
There is no other way.
We must find a way to get Kim So Yong away from His Highness.
Your Highness...
Such matters within the King's quarters is the Queen's responsibility.
Keeping a concubine in line and also punishing a concubine
all depend on the Queen.
If the Queen decides to pick up a whip
it is the rule that even the King cannot say anything about it.
How could I not know that?
If we dig around about Kim So Yong we will be able to find an appropriate weapon.
That's not easy.
Just the rumors I've heard alone...
You can work with the Prince in re-building this nation.
I will take care of Kim So Yong.
Leave it to me.
You must hurry, Your Highness.
You cannot let Kim So Yong take care of the King herself.
Do you understand what I'm saying?
I understand very well what you are worried about.
Go to Court Lady Lee's home twice a day starting today.
- See if anything is hanging outside... - Yes, Your Highness.
Make sure Kim So Yong does not find out. Understand?
Yes, Your Highness.
So whom would you like us to submit requests to?
You can submit them to His Highness as you've been doing.
Since His Highness has left all matters to you
you should be the one accepting all those.
Once His Highness has read through everything and come to a decision
then I will move forward accordingly.
That's so much work...
Pardon me, Your Highness--
Please be at ease to tell me what it is.
I am not fit to accept such apologies and praise.
Since you have taken on temporary control
it is only right that we are formal with you.
Tell him.
His Highness took care of most work at the King's quarters.
This is not right.
If you take care of business here the councilmen will begin to talk too much
and is also something past King's have tried very hard to avoid from happening.
So you should keep an open communication with everyone and actively reach out
and work with everyone in the most formal and comfortable manner.
There is nothing for you to be shy about.
When His Highness left all work to you
he means that he will be stepping down in the near future.
You can see it like that.
I will do it like this for now.
You're so sensitive...
How will you rule a nation like that?
I am very well aware that China has been pressuring His Highness
to step down from the throne!
The reason I agreed to this
is not because I want to change my father's nation.
China's misconception that they can tell us what to do and rule us
is what I am looking to change!
Your Highness!
The reason why I learned and adopted the barbarian customs
was because I wanted to learn their strengths and defeat them.
That way I can repay them for the humiliation my father endured!
I have not forgotten.
What Hong Taiji made my father do.
As he slammed his head into the cold hard ground
and bled from the forehead...
There is not a single moment I've forgotten that.
How could I possibly forget such a thing?
Whether I am awake or asleep
that image of my father is engraved deep in my heart
and has been with me all these years.
Just for 100 days
I will oversee all work as my father has requested of me.
And during that time China will also back down a bit.
It is only until then.
Please do not speak of me rising to the throne or not, ever again!
Even if I die today, there is nothing more that I could ask for.
The Prince's words were all...
So he's only going to act?
Are you upset?
I also nearly cried at the Prince's words displaying his dedication to the King.
Temporary or not.
It is no different than giving him the King title.
Whether it be for 100 days, a month, or a year.
Are you saying he needs to lose power to understand what he has?
That is why I am asking you!
Which side will you stand on?
I'm sorry.
- I cannot-- - You must overcome your father.
You must overcome your father... in order for you to rise to the throne.
If there is something hanging outside Court Lady Lee's home
- Let us know immediately. - Yes, My Lady.
And if there is anyone lurking around or visiting her...
- Take a good look at them. - Yes, My Lady.
- Hurry back. - Yes, My Lady.
She's going to hang something outside her home if she changes her mind?
Yes, My Lady.
What do we do?
If that girl opens her mouth--
- I got it so you can leave now. - Yes, Lady So Yong.
If there is anything hanging
you must come and tell me first.
Yes, Lady So Yong.
Let's see... I can't just sit here like this.
I must go and see Lord Kim--
Do not rush things, mother.
If that girls opens her mouth--
It is an unavoidable war between the Queen and me.
Yes... the one who runs from it is destined to die in this war.
The Prince said that?
Yes, Your Highness.
I always knew that he was a very loyal man...
It is only right that a son is dedicated to his father.
While that is true...
He's never once forgotten the humiliation I endured?
Yes, Your Highness.
So you came here at this hour just to tell me that?
I was so touched by it I could not keep it to myself.
I understand very well.
Your Highness.
Please do not continue to suspect Prince So Hyun.
What do you mean don't suspect him?
Your Highness...
Her Highness the Queen is here!
Welcome, Your Highness.
We were just listening to praises about Prince So Hyun.
Have a seat, Your Highness.
Your Highness, Her Highness has--
You go outside.
Would I spread anything I hear here?
Did I not just tell you to leave the room?
This is the royal palace, Your Highness.
It is not right for a concubine to sit here as if she owns this place.
Are you trying to say she's trying to spread her roots here?
I am saying this to you because Kim So Yong is more poisonous than a snake.
Kim So Yong gave birth to two of my children!
How can you compare such a woman to a dreaded snake?
I plan on correcting her rude ways with the rules of the palace.
I just want you to know that, Your Highness.
Sit back down.
- Eunuch Kim. - Yes, Your Highness.
I will take Kim So Yong with me. Just know that.
Why... that woman!
What are you all doing?
Drag Kim So Yong out of here!
Let go! Let go of me!
How dare you touch me!
Let go! Let go of me! Let go!
Fools! How dare you! Do you know who I am?
Let go! Let go of me!
Let go of me you fools!
Fine! Alright! I will remember your faces and one day punish you for this!
Oh no!
Your Highness!
Are you going to sit there and watch?
Let go of me!
Your Highness!
Subtitles by DramaFever
I am the King and yet I can't do what I want with my concubine?
You will be the joke of the town if you get involved!
Let go!
The closest I'll ever get is visiting the royal palace...
Only time will tell...
We must leave traces of Yam Jun everywhere--
Why didn't he stab me?
Your Highness, you should have waited a bit longer.
We are here for the same man.
Would I dare kill you, Your Highness?