Episode 3
I'm going to cross. Hold on tight.
Miss, wake up.
Miss. Miss.
Wake up, miss.
Kim Chun-dong: Chuh-sun
Mother...
Yoon So-hwa, future Lady Yoon I'm cold...
I can see you, even with my eyes closed
Wherever you may be
Hundreds of years may pass us by
But my love will never end
I just can't stop crying
If my love is getting in your way
What can I do to stop it all?
The day I die and the wind takes me
Perhaps then we 'll be together
Forgive me. I'm doing this to save you.
Please stay with me
Are you feeling better?
What happened?
You don't remember? We fell into the stream.
Did you... save me?
The gods helped us.
- Let me see the wound. - What's that?
A herb to counteract the poison and reduce the swelling.
Did you... take off my dress?
You were shivering. I had to...
But I kept my eyes closed.
Did you get hurt?
I must've bumped against the rocks.
I can't walk.
Hop on my back.
We must get back before dusk.
Maybe a tiger hurt her. Or she could've drowned.
What if something bad has happened?
Yoon Gi-hyun, So-hwa's brother I'll get some men to search the temple.
Mrs. Shin, So-hwa's mother It's all my fault.
If I hadn't gone to the temple...
Mother.
So-hwa.
What happened?
I'll tell you later. Call for the doctor first.
A doctor? Are you hurt?
You wretch. What have you done to her?
Gi-hyun, calm down. He saved my life.
He what?
How could a lowlife have saved you?
What's going on here?
Yoon Gi-gyun, So-hwa's father
Someone took appropriate measures before the poison spread.
She'll be fine after some rest.
Buddha saved your life.
Thank you, Buddha.
You're the son of Anam Village's shaman?
Yes. My name is Chun-dong.
Thank you for saving my daughter's life.
- You're welcome. - Still.
She is of noble birth and you're not. You stepped over the line.
You should be punished.
Should one not cross the line even when a life is at risk?
Pardon?
A person's life is worth more than anything.
I only wanted to save Miss Yoon's life.
I would do the same again, even if it means I will get punished.
You wretch.
How dare you talk back.
We're on different levels and...
Let him go.
If word were to get out, we'll be laughed at.
I'll beat him up to make sure he doesn't talk.
Why won't you do as I say?!
I'll forgive you this once. Stick to what society expects of you.
Leave us.
Replace what went missing since the late king's reign?!
My goodness!
Mr. Kim Why didn't you object?!
Jo Chi-gyum, Head of Eunuchs I don't mind your insulting me.
But I'd greatly appreciate your help.
Mr. Choi The king announced he won't pay us!
He can't expect us to replace his private riches!
He's right!
Mr. Park I won't sell my house for your sake!
Don't expect anything from me!
Exactly!
Mr. Kim, you were in charge of finances.
You stole thousands of sacks of salt.
I wonder what you used all that for.
Wh... What?!
Mr. Choi, you sneaked out...
and sold food meant for the king.
Mr. Park.
You became a loan shark,
and bought quite a few houses.
How... How could you... ?
Sulyoung You own dozens of homes,
and the best paddyfields in the country.
You have all you need.
Have you forgotten how you got so rich?
Are you threatening us?!
I'm just requesting your co-operation.
I'm sure you'll do your best to serve your king.
Here's what I expect from you.
We should give way to the younger generation.
Let's see.
How much must I pay?
Lord Noh, you have one terrific son!
Thank you.
Let's go.
That's been taken care of.
I wonder what the king is planning.
He must want to straighten things out.
Mr. Noh, Jo's foster father Do you think he planned this alone?
What do you mean?
He's young.
How could he know so much about us?
Someone else is assisting him.
If we don't find out who that is, it'll be the end of us all.
Sir.
Mr. Jung from Namsan Village is here.
Jung Han-soo
What brings you here?
I'm here with the money I owe you.
Money?
1 5 taels of silver including interest.
Don't you dare send your men and harass my mother again!
He's a tough one.
Guts and integrity. That's what I like to see in a man.
Chi-gyum. You need to adopt a boy like him.
What brings you here?
I came by to discuss something with you.
Wolhwa, Chun-dong's foster mother What... ?
Let me adopt Chun-dong.
I'll compensate you greatly.
No mother would sell her child for riches.
Think about his future.
If you keep him, he'll become your assistant.
But if I adopt him, he'll get all he ever needs.
True.
He might wear silk clothes and eat the best of everything.
But I want him to be a man. Even if it means he'll be poor.
Him, be a man?
So what, if he can't carry on the family name?
Shamans and eunuchs, we're all regarded as lowlifes.
Shouldn't he at least get to live life to the full?
It's a no, whatever you say.
Chun-dong isn't even your real son.
I don't know what you've heard, but Chun-dong is my real son.
Mother, I'm home.
Do you know me?
Yes. You're Lord Jo, Head of Eunuchs.
Right.
You took good care of Prince Jaeul.
I'm proud of you.
I'm sure you have business to attend to.
See you.
Let's go.
Repository
Be careful, they're very precious.
Hurry up.
I said careful!
- Yes, sir. - Careful, careful.
Most of the items on the list are here.
Jang Soon-moo The rest, we compensated with silver.
Good job.
From now on, keep a record on every single item.
We will, sir.
He really is amazing.
Where'd he find all the items that disappeared over the years?
That's something we could never do.
Um Kyung-hwan He killed dozens to get where he is.
I'm sure it was a piece of cake.
Watch what you say.
Get moving! Hurry up!
King Yejong How impressive.
You filled the repository in such a short time.
Thank you.
This was just a stopgap.
We must make sure they don't raid the repository again.
The Minister of War is right.
I will protect your property with my life.
Trust me.
I trust you.
However, no one can predict the future.
I told officials to think of a way to prevent you from raiding my riches.
Call Minister Yoon.
Minister Yoon. Let's hear what you have.
The eunuchs are so corrupt because...
they have big families to support.
Forbid the eunuchs from getting married. It will stop them from hoarding riches.
I agree with you.
It's a measure to root out corruption.
I forbid eunuchs from getting married.
Your Majesty, that's impossible.
It's impossible?
Lord Jo. How dare you go against me.
Despite being castrated, we get married,
and adopt sons to continue the family name.
If you prohibit us from getting married, we'll lose all will to serve you.
I'm doing this to eliminate corruption in your department.
Follow my orders.
Is everything alright?
Minister Yoon.
Why are you trying to destroy us?
I told the king what I believe is right. China's Emperor prohibited the same.
Our situation is very different.
A eunuch with no family will engage in even more corruption.
Lord Jo.
Why complain about the king's order?
Minister Yoon, let's not waste time. Let's go.
Forbid what?
Lord Jo's office What's this about?
He froze our salaries and now he won't let us get married?
He can't do this.
Sir, try to talk the king out of it.
Do you have a plan?
It's not official yet, so don't panic.
I'll think of something.
So don't let word get out.
Something's not right...
Han Myung-hwe Prohibit eunuch marriages?
Why would he order such a thing?
Could you help us eunuchs out?
I do feel for you, but what can I do to help?
Can't you see what the king is after?
What do you mean?
Wouldn't he attack you?
Us?
He's going to go after you,
and those who were loyal to his father.
He's attacking us first to see where you all stand.
When he's ready, he'll come after you.
What?
Am I wrong?
I'm so glad you're a eunuch.
If you'd been a minister, you'd have killed me or sent me away.
Don't say that. I'm just a eunuch.
You're right.
Once the king is done with you, he'll come after us ministers.
That mustn't happen. Never.
Very well.
I'll see what I can do to help.
I'll count on you.
Lord Jo never gives up on something he wants.
You should just give in.
Chun-dong IS my life.
If it weren't for him, I'd be long dead.
Old shaman Becoming Lord Jo's son...
might be the best for him.
How do you think his mother felt when she left him there?
She did that just to preserve the family's name.
Chun-dong will not become a eunuch.
If you insist... there's only one way to change Chun-dong's destiny.
What's that?
I'll do anything to change his destiny.
If not a eunuch, he must be a castrator.
I didn't get to thank you last time.
You don't have to. I did what I should.
Don't let what my father and brother said get to you.
I forgot all about it.
Take this.
What is it?
A book that teaches you how to read. It's my way of saying thank you.
What use is a book to a lowlife like me?
Anyone should be able to learn.
I can teach you how to read and write.
Really, miss?
How is your wound?
It's fine.
Oh.
I should've returned it earlier.
It's yours now. Keep it.
I should go before it gets dark.
Will you really teach me how to read and write?
Prince Jaeul, future King Sungjong
Why are you daydreaming?
What's wrong with me?
Whatever I do, I can't stop thinking about So-hwa.
Mrs. Oh, Chun-dong's birth mother You're suffering from lovesickness.
Lovesickness?
Don't worry. It'll go away when you get married.
You think I can really marry So-hwa?
Your mother seems to have made up her mind.
Mother, you're home.
Yes. Did you have dinner?
Yes. And I cut up all the firewood.
Well done.
What book is that?
I'm going to learn how to read.
Chun-dong.
You should learn a new trade.
A new trade?
Yes.
Gaedochi will teach you his work.
Will I be able to study and get married?
Of course. You'll find a sweet wife.
OK, I'll become a castrator.
You want me to take it back?
I thought long and hard about it.
Why are you siding with them?
There are procedures for such orders.
You should have consulted us first.
Minister!
Are you trying to lecture me?
That is out of the question. I wouldn't dare...
Your Majesty.
Queen Junghee You're being unfair.
Queen Junghee Minister Han served your father.
He's one of your supporters.
Not all supporters stay loyal, mother.
I will get rid of the old and make way for the new. So...
Minister Han, I'd appreciate it if you'd do your job and look after...
the suffering people.
How did it go?
I got myself into trouble trying to help you.
Eunuchs are forbidden to get married.
Those who are married should divorce. Refuse, and they will be dismissed.
Is Chi-gyum at the shrine?
Doh Geum-pyo, bodyguard He's in dire straits.
He needs your help.
No one can help him now.
If he can't get himself out of this, he can't remain Head of Eunuchs.
Let's go.
We too laugh when happy and cry when sad.
We get hurt and angry just the same.
We feel all the emotions he does.
Yet the king... doesn't think we're human?
Fine.
He demands we give up all human rights.
I'll do just that.
What can't be untied can be cut out.
Eunuch testes storage
Jo Chi-gyum
Dept. of Eunuchs
Sir, what are you going to do?
None of us are related in any way.
But we're tighter than any family.
This law can't be passed.
Or we'll become...
mere monsters to all people.
I'd rather die a eunuch,
than live as a monster.
Once the eunuchs are under control, I'll move on to the corrupt ministers.
I need both your support.
We'll help you get rid of Han Myung-hwe and Shin Sook-joo.
Your Majesty. Lord Jo is on strike.
What?
What are you doing?
Please take back your order.
How dare you oppose me.
We eunuchs gave up all we had to serve you.
Getting married to adopt a son is the least we can do...
to show the world we're human.
The lack of that pride will affect your authority too.
Forgive us.
I've made up my mind.
I will not take my order back.
You can't ban all marriages just because officials are corrupt.
Your Majesty. We are human too.
I said stand down!
If you won't take it back...
I'd rather die here.
What?
Your Majesty.
This urn contains my testes.
Smash this pot yourself.
Lord Jo! How dare you!
Your Majesty, take your order back!
Take it back.
Your Majesty, take your order back!
Take it back.
Lord Jo.
Your Majesty, take your order back!
How dare you stand up against me.
We're your loyal servants. We're not against you.
We wish you see the light.
Your Majesty!
Take your order back!
Your Majesty!
Take your order back!
Your Majesty!
Take your order back!
Your Majesty, take your order back!
Take it back. Please, Your Majesty!
Get the guards to throw Lord Jo in prison.
He was loyal to your father and he will be to you too.
You can't dismiss Lord Jo.
But he made the eunuchs go against me.
You forbid their getting married. After all, they're human too.
They're challenging my authority.
Secretary. Throw Lord Jo in prison and send the eunuchs away.
Have you forgotten I'm the regent?
Take your order back.
I won't do that.
Your Majesty, take your order back!
Han Myung-hwe, Shin Sook-joo He's a fighter.
They're more of a man than we are.
Most officials are lying low as not to get hurt.
But they're risking their lives.
Don't you think?
Chi-gyum went on strike?
I do have an impressive son.
It's time the king realizes who really runs things around here.
Sulyoung
Castration house
Gaedochi
Sharpen the blade.
What's this for?
You'll see tonight.
Your Majesty, take your order back!
Don't be discouraged! We'll stay here until the king...
gives in and decides to take back his order!
A storm is coming.
Are they still at it?
Yes, Your Majesty. They're still there.
I'll wait and see... how long they last.
You will be born again today.
Pray to the gods for a great future.
Mother.
Jung Han-soo Forgive me for doing this.
I'll become Josun's greatest eunuch,
and let you live comfortably.
- Is everything ready? - Yes, ma'am.
Sit down.
You'll be neither man nor woman.
Tell me now if you have second thoughts.
You will have no regrets?
I will have none.
You will never learn the pleasures of lying with a woman.
You will have no regrets?
I will have none.
Your family tree will end with you.
You will have no regrets?
Will you really have no regrets?
I will have none.
Do it.
Take off his pants.
Hold his legs down.
It'll be over soon. Close your eyes.
Give me a feather.
A feather.
If you don't stick a feather in, his urethra will plug up.
Hurry up. You have to bandage the wound.
How is he?
It went well.
Take him inside so he doesn't catch a cold.
Yes, ma'am.
Here.
Pardon?
What is it?
His treasure.
Cover them in salt and put them in an urn.
Cry all you want.
You'll feel much better afterwards.
Prince Jeahn, age 4
Why won't his eye infection heal?
Is he taking the medicine the physician prescribed?
He is, but everything's in disarray because of the eunuchs' strike.
The stench of garbage and ash isn't helping at all.
You have a point.
Queen Inhye Even the maids are restless.
I hope the demonstration ends soon.
It's been a while already. Where is my secretary?
I apologize. Usually a eunuch calls for him.
None of the court maids know where to find him.
What?
My authority's falling to the ground because of some demonstration?
Your Majesty. Take your order back.
I can't do that.
No one's tolling the bell, so the people don't know the time.
It's even affecting all political procedures.
If the people hear of this, it will damage your reputation further.
Your Majesty.
They are your closest servants. Don't fight them.
Be merciful and earn their trust and respect.
They are challenging my authority.
I will not forgive them.
Even if it means certain death, we will not give up.
Your Majesty, take your order back!
Your Majesty, take your order back.
Your Majesty, take your order back!
Your Majesty, take your order back.
Phlomis umbrosa.
Yang Sung-yoon It has an amazing calming effect.
Suk-hwan. Why aren't you focusing?
Yoon Suk-hwan Why won't you take part in the strike?
Impotent men asking permission to get married?
It's nonsense.
Lord Jo is risking his life for us.
Idiot.
Forget about that and focus on memorizing the herbs' properties.
I'm going to take part.
Suk-hwan... Why that little...
Take your order back.
Your Majesty, take your order back.
Take your order back.
Lady Han, future Queen Insoo The eunuchs are on strike.
Visit your grandmother then come straight home.
I will.
Nurse. Do you know where Wolhwa lives?
Anam Village, I think. Why do you ask?
Mr. Cha. Let's pop by Anam Village.
How are you, Chun-dong?
What are you doing here?
I came by on my way to visit my grandmother.
Hello, Prince Jaeul.
I hope you're well.
I am.
I have to go somewhere with Chun-dong. Wait for me here.
Your mother will find out.
I just need an hour.
Chun-dong, follow me.
Don't be long.
OK.
Where are we going?
I'll show you my fiancee. Follow me.
Fiancee?
What's this? It looks valuable.
It means a lot to me.
I apologize for slapping Chun-dong.
Prince Jaeul isn't my own son,
but he's just like my own, so I was worried for him.
I understand how you feel.
I lost a child myself.
I don't know what happened to us,
but if he's alive he'd be Chun-dong's age.
I should stop babbling on.
Your fiancee lives here?
Yes.
Minister Yoon's daughter, So-hwa is my fiancee.
- This way. - How dare he.
What nonsense. It's unforgivable.
Forbid what?
- How dare he. - No way.
- Give him a piece of our mind. - We must.
What brings you here?
We're the eunuchs' wives.
Why are you here?
Mrs. Jung, Lord Jo's wife I heard your husband suggested...
eunuchs should not be able to marry.
We're here to ask why he wants to ruin families,
as well as tradition.
Women shouldn't meddle in state affairs.
It might mean nothing to you, but our livelihoods are at stake.
My husband isn't home. Please leave.
Don't insult me. My husband is Head of Eunuchs.
He ranks higher than your husband.
I demand an explanation on why your husband wants to ruin us.
Let's not just stand here. Let's wait inside.
- Let's. - OK.
You can't do this.
- Let's go inside. - Yes, let's.
Act with dignity.
Yoon So-hwa, future Lady Yoon You should petition the king.
Why barge into my house?
Now I see why the king wants to forbid eunuchs from getting married.
What?
Your silk clothes and jewelry are way above your status. It means...
that you have been using and abusing your status.
You mention your status wherever you go,
but you act like a mere commoner. No wonder eunuchs aren't respected.
If you don't leave right now, I'll report you to the guards.
What will you do?
Leave in peace or get arrested?
Get your husband to take back what he said.
I won't forget how you insulted me today.
Let's go.
My heart is pounding like crazy.
Let's go inside. They won't bother us again.
OK.
What do you think? She's my fiancee.
She can really speak her mind.
Wouldn't she make a great wife?
What's the matter?
It's nothing.
Chun-dong.
You took me to see the circus, so I'll show you the palace.
Your Majesty.
Take it back and stop the strike.
I am the king.
I don't care what you say.
I will not take it back.
You lack the experience a king needs.
I shall make all decisions for you from now on.
- Mother... - What is your choice?
Will you do as I say, or let me rule in your place?
Your Majesty. Your Majesty!
Lord Jo.
Return to your post and get back to work.
Not until you take back your order, Your Majesty.
You insist on standing up against me?
We're doing this to prove our loyalty towards you.
Please understand our true intentions.
Oh dear. Oh dear! Oh dear!!
This is your last chance. End the strike or I'll behead you.
Even if...
it means certain death, I cannot do that.
Lord Jo. How dare you challenge my authority!