Cruel Palace
Episode 35
Why are you hesitating?
If anything, you should have killed me when I was happiest...
Mother!
Mother...
Lady Gui In! Lady Gui In!
Did something happen?
No...
Mother...
Mother.
Go to sleep.
I'll stay right here.
You must not tell anyone that a thief entered the home tonight.
Got it?
You saved my life.
Otherwise I would have been killed by a vengeful blade.
I had a scary dream mother.
In my dream, you stood in front of me shedding blood.
So that's why you came outside.
That was quite a dream.
It's a good thing I did, isn't it mother?
Yes.
Come here.
I thought you hated me.
I pray. I pray.
He may be a barbarian but please take him to a good place.
I came here because I know who you are.
Why didn't I think of it before?
That this is the only place you can hide out?
Had I done so, I'd have killed you again and rid myself of any guilt.
Is she the child?
My daughter?
She may not know who her father is
but I couldn't kill her mother right before her eyes.
I'm sure you came knowing what you're getting yourself into.
Watching you getting attacked by the sword and floating down the river...
I've never once forgotten about it.
That way, the torture of being held by an old king
was more bearable.
Kill me.
I am carrying the King's child.
That way you'll get your revenge on the old man who took me away from you.
Kill me I say!
You saw her leaving yet you didn't stop her?
It looked like she'd be right back...
Where could she have gone in the middle of the night?
Don't worry too much.
The home is surrounded by guards. Nothing will happen to her.
Didn't you see the people throwing rocks at her?
That's not all.
There are many people who hold grudges against this family.
What do you mean?
How can your children possibly like Jo Gui In?
They probably blame her for their mother's death!
Watch what you say!
They're not like that!
My goodness! Taking their side just because they're your children!
What!
Anyways! Where could she have gone at this hour with a child in her womb?
If it wasn't for that child would you have stabbed?
I wasn't scared.
Feeling you standing next to me, as soft as the wind, actually put me at ease.
As long as you're alive I'm prepared to die in your hands.
Whenever I want to see you...
I will tie a red cloth outside.
Don't forget.
I will... tie a red cloth...
How can you just come to the palace in the
middle of the night without telling anyone?
I was so worried something might have happened to you.
I ordered the people who threw rocks at me yesterday be arrested.
Why are you being so sensitive to the acts of insignificant people?
You'll only lose public popularity by doing so.
It was father's children's doing!
What?
We need to run that family dry.
That way they'll stop going around blabbing about their mom killing herself.
Lady Gui In!
I am only going to let one of them live.
Mother, you pick one.
I want you to pick one son that is kind and tight-lipped.
Suk Chul is still keeping watch over his father's memorial every night?
Yes Your Highness.
He has incense and a drink glass set on a table and--
Let him live next to his father's grave instead.
I made a mistake.
I should have made Prince So Hyun's funeral more elaborate.
Your Highness, you should eat at least a little bit.
It's already been a few days since--
It's fine... it's fine...
Your Highness!
I don't have much of an appetite.
Whenever I'm awake, everything is a bit blurry
and my mind is foggy.
I feel so weak...
Your Highness, what do you think about getting
checked up by your previous doctor...
It's been very hot lately.
Plus, it's been humid because of the rain
so it's hard to bear even for young people.
Bring him some cold water to drink.
Times like this, rice with cold water usually helps.
Why are you just standing there?
I told you to bring us cold water.
Yes, Lady Gui In.
Your Highness, why don't you move to my quarters instead?
The rooms in the main palace are large but the air does not circulate well.
My goodness...
Not just that.
Councilmen are constantly coming to you with problems all day long
it's no wonder you've lost your appetite.
Lock the main palace doors for the time being
and prohibit the councilmen from entering.
We cannot do that when the crown prince has yet to be determined.
Isn't that what the Seung Jun Saek council is for?
You can use them to filter the messages to and from the King.
Your Highness, you've been through a lot recently.
It's only right you're so exhausted.
For the time being, you should forget about everything and get plenty of rest.
That way you can regain your health and go
back to the strong and vigilant man you were.
Open up more windows so we can get more air flowing in here.
How do you feel Your Highness?
Feels good, doesn't it?
Yes, I feel better now.
Mother, what are you doing?
Hurry and bring the King some cold fruit salad.
Yes, Lady Gui In! I'm bringing it in!
Here, give it to me.
They had all this ice piled up and gave me the excuses
they didn't give you any in fear it might cause you stomach pains.
Meanwhile all the councilmen are living off this ice!
- Am I wrong? - You are correct, Lady Gui In.
You are suffering from heat stroke.
You must take care of yourself.
Those wretched men...
- It's so refreshing! - Refreshing, isn't it?
What do you mean he moved into Jo Gui In's quarters?
Then what about the main palace?
He said he will return after the summer.
Then am I to seek Jo Gui In's permission every time I'd like to see His Highness?
Of course not.
His Highness moved so he can get some peace and rest comfortably.
So everyone go back to the main palace.
Why are you just standing there staring? I told you to go back!
Advisor Kim, you also go with them.
You cannot leave your post at the main palace even if His Highness isn't there.
You must stand guard there.
- Advisor Yang - Yes, Lady Gui In.
I trust you and only you.
Yes, Lady Gui In!
Fools! Open the doors immediately!
I am here to see His Highness!
What King denies a meeting with his council?
Let His Highness know!
That I am here to make an urgent request!
Open the doors immediately!
If you have anything to say, you can relay it through Seung Jun Saek.
That boy--
Once the King starts using an ad hoc committee
the nation will crumble!
Are you just going to stand by and watch?
I am on pi hyum, so I am restricted from all matters.
What do you mean pi hyum?
The Saheunbu committee made a formal statement
saying that the decision on the new crown prince is delayed because of me.
What a great excuse!
How dare you!
If we dethroned Gwang Hae and gave the nation a new King
then we must look after the King to our deaths.
Pi hyum was when a request for leave was submitted against a councilman
and the councilman was restricted to staying at home and not allowed to work
until all investigations against him are completed.
Kim Ryu used that as an excuse to get himself out of getting further involved
in all matters related to the crowning of the prince.
His Highness has closed the doors to the
palace and prohibits councilmen from entering.
Things seem to be moving very quickly.
Kim Ja Jeom was not able to get China's approval.
Then could it be the King is hiding that and
secretly trying to crown Prince Bong Rim?
Do not worry Your Highness.
We are prepared for the worst.
We've also gathered a large group of men.
Your Highness, Prince Bong Rim is here.
- Your Highness - Take him to the reading room.
Yes Your Highness.
You must be cautious around Prince Bong Rim.
He came to you at this time of the night
to see what you are up to and to gain your sympathy.
Did you come here because of the rumors?
About my brothers and me planning a revolt?
It makes sense since they've voiced their opinions very clearly.
Regardless of who is crowned, once the King passes
it is something that can always be corrected.
Is the person sitting in front of me
the very Prince Bong Rim who endured the
difficult times with Prince So Hyun in Shimyang?
- Princess Min Hwe - Yes, please tell me.
His Highness has moved into Jo Gui In's living quarters.
That means that Jo Gui In has complete control over His Highness.
That dirty girl...
Let's work together.
Since Prince So Hyun's death, His Highness's mentality has been getting hazy.
Jo Gui In most likely has something to do with that.
There are rumors the shot doctor who poisoned Prince So Hyun performs black magic.
There are also rumors that they are mixing drugs into the King's food.
You reap what you sow.
Princess Min Hwe, we must first save Prince Suk Chul.
The reason Jo Gui In has practically imprisoned His Highness
is most likely because she is after Prince Suk Chul.
In that case you and I must stand together.
I understand.
I will go to the palace tomorrow and bring him out of the palace.
I will use the excuse that we will go to pray for Prince So Hyun--
There is no way Jo Gui In will let you leave with him!
Recently, it was clear that His Highness
regretted everything that had happened with Prince So Hyun.
The way he treated Prince Suk Chul changed drastically.
Then His Highness will protect Prince Suk Chul.
Princess Min Hwe.
You must not be careless.
Kim Ja Jeom wants me to be crowned while
Jo Gui In is fighting to have Prince Suk Chul crowned.
Do you think that's how they really feel?
Think carefully as to why they are prolonging this.
And when you do, you'll understand why.
How dare he come here to see Princess Min Hwe!
You must trust Prince Bong Rim.
If Jo Gui In wants to make her son King
then wouldn't Prince Bong Rim be more of a threat than Suk Chul?
Prince Bong Rim is just a prince
but Prince Suk Chul is an icon of this nation's tradition.
For as long as he's alive, regardless of who inherits the throne
it will forever cause unrest.
That is exactly why I cannot trust Prince Bong Rim.
Suk Chul is just as much a threat to Prince Bong Rim.
Still, you must trust him.
If you don't join forces you won't be able to defeat Kim Ja Jeom and Jo Gui In.
Your Highness.
First, I need to get Suk Chul away from the palace.
Stop right there!
- It is Princess Min Hwe! - We have orders to not allow anyone inside.
Stand back!
Advisor Kim!
Open the palace doors.
I cannot do so without official orders.
I am here on orders to bring the Princess to His Highness!
Open.
If this becomes a problem later, you will take responsibility for it.
Open the doors!
- Bring her in. - Yes, Advisor Kim.
Thank you for your patience, Your Highness.
Thank you for your help.
Mother!
Why aren't you doing the shot with the fire today?
What do you mean?
Are you talking about the heated shot?
Today's shot is one that is typically used to increase stamina and energy.
Is that so?
You just barely turned 60
so you can't already be impotent and unable to visit the women's living quarters.
Speaking of women, Her Highness has been meeting with daughters of
noble backgrounds to find you a new young lady.
My goodness!
For what it's worth young women do not turn down much.
Looks like you'll be revitalized thanks to Her Highness.
You cannot speak with His Highness at this moment.
Do I need Jo Gui In's permission to speak with His Highness?
You must refrain until Kim Ja Jeom returns.
Will Kim Ja Jeom tell His Highness the truth when he returns?
He could lie and say that he received China's approval and--
Your Highness, the Chinese are on their way here with Kim Ja Jeom.
Is that so?
The Emperor did not trust Kim Ja Jeom
so probably sent his men with Kim Ja Jeom.
I will need you to help me.
Just say the word.
Honestly, I came today to take Prince Suk Chul away from the palace.
Your Highness!
You must not--
There is not a single person to protect Prince Suk Chul within these palace walls.
I will risk my life and--
It is not because I do not trust you.
If it is true that the King is no different than being held captive right now
then what is there that Jo Gui In cannot do?
Please help me.
I must take him with me in order to be completely at ease.
Prince Suk Chul must be the Crown Prince of Joseon.
If not I will send my men to Joseon to
find out the truth behind Prince So Hyun's death!
Make it so that His Highness cannot sit up for a few days.
Yes Lady Gui In.
Also, I will be putting drugs into Prince Suk Chul's food.
What?
You know the drug you gave me last time?
Bring me some more of that.
If Prince Suk Chul eats that, has a seizure and loses consciousness
then at that time I'll need you to give him one more shot.
So that he may follow in his father's footsteps.
Lady Gui In...
If Prince Suk Chul also dies after receiving a shot from me--
You do not need to worry about that.
Because I will let you into that room in secret.
But Lady Gui In--
This is the last time.
I will not ask you for any more difficult favors.
One other thing...
I have another favor to ask you.
What?
After becoming to lady of the Jo household,
it seems my mother has been very lonely.
I mean, how fun could it possibly be with an old man?
So please visit her from time to time
and comfort her.
Did you find it?
I cannot find where he hid it!
We must find the poison he used.
We must take that to the Prime Minister
so that wretched man can be punished!
What are you looking at?
[Opium]
You killed your son...
Yet you can't kill your grandson?
Flirting methods?
Such things you must ask Jo Gui In.
I'm telling because I'd also like you to teach them the palace rules as well.
Yes, I understand very well what you're saying.
What did you say your name is?
My name is Kyung Ran.
- You can stay with me starting today. - Yes, Lady Gui In.
Looks like you'll be coming with me.
I will work hard!
I like that you're straightforward unlike many girls from noble families.
His Highness would like you a lot.
Your Highness, it seems as though the King's dry spell may be satiated.
Absolutely!
Her Highness is selecting new concubines.
Anyways, the Princess is now in a very lonely situation.
If Prince Bong Rim is crowned
then the Princess will be--
It would have been great if she was a bit more humble.
Jo Gui In you can say it's because she is uneducated so doesn't know better.
The Princess thought she was smarter than the King himself!
Do not tell them I was here.
Yes Your Highness.
You must be well-prepared in order to take care of His Highness.
Do not worry Your Highness.
The two of them couldn't possibly do worse than Jo Gui In alone.
You've made the right decision.
How did you think of such a great idea?
When push comes to shove...
I will do whatever it takes to divert the King's attention to these girls.
Where would you like to go Your Highness?
I even danced for you Your Highness.
I thought I could truly trust you.
It's my fault.
Have some.
I was out of line and it angered her.
How can you just drink and not eat anything Your Highness?
The Princess is inside the palace?
Yes Your Highness.
Just ignore it.
It's not like she had other motives to go against your orders.
She probably just came because she was worried about her children.
What is there to worry about?
I felt bad for her son and had a wake set up for his father.
It's not like that for mothers.
It's because the Princess suspects me!
Would I even think to kill her son?
That wretched girl!
- Are you ready? - Yes.
- Tell her to hurry. - Yes, Advisor Kim.
What brings you here Lady Jo Gui In?
I heard the Princess was here so came to see her.
You should have let me know of such things first.
His Highness was very upset and I just barely put him to reset.
Who is crying out with so much sadness?
Is it Prince Suk Chul?
Prince Suk Kyung actually cries more.
Is that so?
You have a palanquin ready?
She said she'll be leaving after paying respects to Prince So Hyun.
What for? She might as well spend a night here.
His Highness most likely would not allow it.
That's true.
Your Highness, Jo Gui In is here.
Do you think she knows?
Should I bring back Prince Suk Chul later?
Would you like to go inside Lady Gui In?
He wouldn't be happy to see me.
Just let the Princess know.
To not be so saddened by all this.
That if she fights through all this, better days will come.
You should leave now Your Highness.
Your Highness!
My second child is just barely six years old.
And Suk Kyung is even younger.
If His Highness finds out that I took Suk Chul away from the palace--
Your Highness, it is not the time for reconsideration.
Let's go.
Mother!
Please take me with you.
Sit down. We are sending up our sorrows to father right now.
Mother...
Please do not worry mother.
Suk Chul is waiting.
Come here.
Mother! Take me with you, mother! I'm scared!
If you just hold tight a bit longer
I will come back to get you.
I want to go with you!
I'm scared...
I'll leave soon so give me a bit more time.
Who is your father?
Yes... It is Prince So Hyun.
He was a Crown Prince that tens of thousands of people respected.
Do you understand?
Then you must stop crying.
Aren't you embarrassed?
Your father is watching down on you.
Stop!
Mother! Take me too!
Tell Jo Gui In.
I will never forget the generosity she bestowed on me today.
Stop!
Let's go.
Stop them!
It is Princess Min Hwe!
Open the palace doors!
I said Princess Min Hwe is inside!
Your Highness, please hand over Prince Suk Chul.
If you do not open the palanquin door, I will do so.
Open the palanquin door!
You cannot!
Advisor Kim! Go get Advisor Kim!
Hurry!
What are you doing?
Hurry and get Prince Suk Chul!
Let go of me!
I am going to the temple to pray for my father!
You cannot! If you want to take him, you'll have to kill me first!
Mother! Mother!
Hold my hand!
- Mother! - Suk Chul!
Close the palanquin doors and escort her out of the palace!
Mother! Mother!
Suk Chul!
Your Highness! Are you okay Your Highness?
Your Highness! Where are you going? Your Highness!
Your Highness! Kill me and spare the life of Prince Suk Chul!
Your Highness!
Please give me back Suk Chul Your Highness!
I will not stand up to you anymore.
Your Highness!
I will not take a single step until you give my son back to me.
Do you need to see me bite my tongue and kill myself?
Your Highness!
What did you say?
The Princess hid Suk Chul in her palanquin and tried to leave the palace with him?
Yes Your Highness.
That wretched girl!
Let go of me! My mother is crying tears of blood because of me!
Let go of me I say!
Where do you think you're going?
Get out of my way! I must go speak with His Highness!
Prince Suk Chul! Prince Suk Chul!
You will never be able to see Prince Suk Chul ever again...
Until either he or you die...
Lady Gui In! How could I have possibly stood up to the King thinking I'd win?
Please spare my son's life!
Lady Gui In!
It is the life of my poor child.
He is a child that lost his father!
Lady Gui In!
Give me the knife.
Your Highness!
I will die right here and save my son!
So give me a knife! Right now!
I will make my son a king.
Are you suggesting we kill the King?
This is Prince So Hyun's clothing.
Please find out which poison was used against him.
What do you mean Jo Gui In is meeting with the men from China?
What is this blasphemy you speak of?
Make a decision. Either take my hand or--
Or are you going to kill me?
I thought I was raising an ally but I've raised an enemy.
Has something happened at the palace?
They are such innocent children.
What could those children possibly want?