We have a new king. I wish you all...
Queen Junghee serve him the best you can.
We pledge our loyalty, Your Majesty.
King Sungjong I am young and lack experience.
Please be patient with me and teach me all you know.
We will do so.
Han Myung-hwe
Prince Goosung
Episode 5
You fool!
Where is Dr. Yang?
What on earth are you talking about?
Do you have a death wish?!
Death wish? What do you mean?
How dare you feign innocence!
Minister of War. What's going on?
The day King Yejong died,
a eunuch was killed. Dr. Yang, who was investigating, was missing.
I bet they killed him too to cover everything up.
Don't blame it on us without any proof!
Why do I need proof when it's so obvious?
Minister, calm down.
This isn't a good time. Let's go.
I'll prove that you're behind the late king's death!
- Prince Goosung! - I will!
Prince Goosung is spreading rumors that the late king was poisoned.
Why would he do such a thing?
He's plotting treason.
Treason?
If Prince Goosung gathers the army and Minister Yoon upsets the public,
King Sungjong will suffer.
Prince Goosung is of royal blood and Minister Yoon is very loyal.
They wouldn't do that.
Have you forgotten how King Sejo...
came to power?
If you let them get their way, King Sungjong's life will be in danger.
You must do something.
He spread rumors...
to upset the people, so Prince Goosung must be banished.
Minister Yoon sided with him too.
So he'll be exiled.
Grandmother. Do you mean Yoon Gi-gyun?
Yes.
It will show them you won't be pushed aside.
Tell your secretary to carry out my order.
Royal Secretary. Do as she says.
Yoon So-hwa, future Lady Yoon
What's wrong, mother?
Mrs. Shin, So-hwa's mother How could this be?
We've been ruined. What should we do?
What?
Gi-hyun, what happened?
Yoon Gi-hyun, So-hwa's brother Our father... has been exiled.
He just became king.
Gaedochi & Chun-dong, future Chuh-sun He's sending everyone away.
Yoon Gi-gyun
- Stop! - Father!
Father!
Father. What happened?
So-hwa.
I'm being punished for being loyal. I'm fine.
Take good care of your mother.
Father...
- Father! - Move.
Father...
- Miss. - Father...
Father!
Father...
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
What did my father do wrong?
How could... the king do this?
The day I die and the wind takes me
Perhaps then we 'll be together
Dear God, let us start again
Please stay with me
Dept. of Eunuchs Today...
we decide whether we should reinstate Jo Chi-gyum as Head of Eunuchs.
The vote must be unanimous.
Please make up your mind.
Mr. Kim You first, Mr. Hong.
Mr. Hong Chi-gyum...
is your son, Mr. Noh?
Mr. Noh, Jo's foster father Yes, sir.
Then what's there to think about?
I approve.
So do I.
Jo Chi-gyum "A moon in red clouds. "
Do you know what that means?
The redder the clouds, the brighter the moon.
Exactly.
I had no choice but to kill. It will make us eunuchs shine.
I'm against his reinstatement.
Mr. Park I too...
disapprove.
I also am against...
his return.
Yes No
Your reinstatement was voted down.
Pardon?
What do you mean?
That fool Kim ruined it for us!
Why are they against my reinstatement?
Because of the rumor that you killed the late king.
But that's an excuse.
Why should they care about a dead and buried king?
They're upset you got them to help you replenish the repository.
Sorry for putting you through this.
I was going to stay out of politics, but I must do something about this.
He's challenging our authority.
Let me reap what I sowed.
Protect the king!
What is it?
Look over there.
Bring it to me. I must read it.
Your Majesty.
Such anonymous letters must be ignored.
Hand it over.
What? Poisoned?
- Take him to the palace! - Yes, sir.
Go Dong-sun
I'll ask you again.
He got an anonymous letter...
saying the late king was poisoned?
Yes.
That's what I heard.
The whole department's a total mess.
I should act...
or they'll take over.
Focus on writing up a list of laws to govern the nation with.
We will, Your Highness.
That will be all for today.
Grandmother, I have something to say.
Go on, Your Majesty.
I heard the late king was poisoned.
I want you to investigate and report to me.
Shin Sook-joo
Why did you mention such nonsense at an important meeting?
Queen Insoo Who told you such a thing?
This was tied to an arrow that flew in last night.
What?
Minister Han and Lord Jo killed the late king? That's nonsense.
You can't let such rumors get in the way of governing a nation.
Your Majesty.
If you mention rumors, some will use that to make people...
think you don't deserve to be king.
Listen to your grandmother.
But if I don't do anything, others will think I shouldn't be king.
It's customary to ignore such letters.
I'll let this slide this once. Be more careful from now on.
Everyone's uneasy since he mentioned the poisoning.
Did Queen Junghee say anything?
She just wants it to go away.
But Prince Goosung's followers want this to be investigated.
We're dead men if it gets into the open.
What will you do about it?
See who's spreading the rumors and silence him.
There's no way Kim did this alone.
He'll have an accomplice.
Geum-pyo. Keep an eye on Kim.
Yes, sir.
Stop.
What brings you here?
Mrs. Oh, Chuh-sun's birth mother I came to say goodbye.
You left before the prince's coronation?
I upset his mother.
What will you do now?
He became king. There's nothing more I wish for.
I'll leave the capital and become a Buddhist monk.
You can't do that.
Pardon?
Your husband might come for you.
I don't even know if he's alive.
Even if he is, I might not recognize him.
If only I knew if my son were alive...
then I'd be so happy.
Mrs. Jung, Lord Jo's wife
Why is this happening to us?
We've been forsaken.
Father will be home soon. He's innocent.
You must hang in there.
I really don't want to eat.
But you must.
If father hears you're ill, he'll be worried.
OK.
I know it's hard, but hang in there.
The king will find out your father is innocent.
I trust him.
Eunuchs are responsible for cleaning the palace.
Beodeul Work, or I'll spank you.
Han-soo.
Go fill the water jars.
Humph.
Now.
Why that little...
Chi-gyum's involved in the poisoning... ?
Old shaman, headmistress I should've taught him better.
It's my fault.
Mr. Choi, teacher Will we have to close...
if he doesn't get reinstated?
Do you know what his nickname was?
Huh?
I heard it was Monster Serpent.
We called him Serpent Jo.
He has his blemishes, but he always gets his way.
He won't go out without a fight.
That's what worries me.
Ma'am.
Speak of the devil.
Were you talking about me?
Why are you here when you'll have so much on your mind?
I need to ask you a favor.
A favor?
Say hello. She's the headmistress.
Nice to meet you.
How come the king's nurse has nowhere to go?
I was hoping she could stay here.
Of course she can. But you'll have to do some work.
I don't mind, as long as I can stay.
- Mr. Choi. - Yes?
Take her to the servant's quarters.
Follow me.
How do you know her?
She's my friend's wife. I have to look after her.
She's not just a friend's wife. It seems you're in love with her.
Forget it.
You and her are like fire and water.
However much you care for her, she will never become yours.
I know that, but...
I'm happy because I know I won't have to see her with another man.
It's damp. It's been vacant for a while.
I'll light a fire.
Thank you.
Aren't you Chun-dong?
Hello. What are you doing here?
She'll be staying with us.
You know her?
We met a few times.
I heard this is a eunuch school. Why are you here?
You want to become a eunuch too?
No. I'm going to become a castrator.
A castrator?
Come on, hurry up.
See you later.
Eat this and have a rest. I'll call you when they're done.
Jung Han-soo You lied to me?
No need to thank me.
Take it before someone sees us.
If you ever lie again to call me out, I'll get your father to scold you.
Whatever.
I did it for his sake.
Um Kyung-hwan Yoon visited Jo before he was killed.
And Dr. Yang was missing after he visited Jo's house?
Yes, sir.
Did you check on Yoon's family?
They've been receiving riches from an untraceable source.
Let's check Yoon's room.
Can you tell what it is?
No, I can't tell.
People here always get their clothes dirty.
Sir.
What is it?
This is a poison, made in private.
What?
Poison?
Yes. But you can't tell from taste or smell.
It only works on the subject, so it'll be hard to prove your case.
How do you know about this?
I've worked here for over 50 years.
I heard about it.
Who made this poison?
There he is.
Minister of War.
The king mentioned the rumor at a meeting?
Lee Chan If we prove the eunuchs did it...
then you'll be reinstated.
Even if we prove King Yejong was poisoned,
Han Myung-hwe and Jo Chi-gyum won't back down.
They'll cover it up.
Then... ?
We must get rid of them both.
Who's there?
Who sent you?
Prince Goosung or Mr. Kim the eunuch?
Are you OK?
Minister Han is in danger. Hurry.
Yes, sir.
Assassins!
Fools!
Come back here!
Go away!
I am the great Han Myung-hwe!
Are you hurt?
I owe you my life.
Don't say that.
No. I'd be dead if it weren't for you.
Who sent them? Prince Goosung?
It's all circumstantial.
Find proof!
I'll kill them all myself!
Prince Goosung was that desperate, was he?
What will you do now?
Find proof and hold Prince Goosung and Mr. Kim responsible.
I'm worried this might split the eunuchs in two factions.
Any obstacles should be removed early.
Sulyoung
Thank you.
What? They failed?
Elite soldiers couldn't take on a few eunuchs?
They're all dead, so we're safe.
We ended up making things worse. They'll come after us now.
I can't just sit and do nothing.
You mean you will gather your men?
Here's the list of people who swore they'd side with me.
Tell them of our plan.
I will.
Meet Mr. Kim and ask if he'll join us.
Yes, sir.
You're... !
How is Prince Goosung?
You think you can get away with this? Let me go right now!
You can't take that! No!!
Treason?
Prince Goosung is plotting treason?
This is a list of the people who swore they'd side with him.
He's of royal blood, and King Sejo favored him.
Why would he plot treason?
He spread rumors to frame me and Lord Jo.
And now he's after the king.
But that's why we sent him away.
Why won't you believe me when I have proof?
You must call them in and torture them!
Question them myself?
I'm scared.
Your Majesty. You must be strong.
Show them who's king.
Your Majesty. Preparations are complete.
You must head to the torture chamber now.
He's been taken to the capital?
They're going to torture those who sided with Prince Goosung.
Mother. Mother.
What happened?
No one confessed yet.
The king's questioning them.
Your father's weak. He won't survive...
Dear Buddha...
Trust the king.
He'll release father soon.
Stop the torture!
- Stop the torture! - Yes, sir.
Uncle. Were you really plotting treason?
Your Majesty.
The late king was poisoned.
You must get to the bottom of it.
Or you'll fall prey to Minister Han.
Your Majesty.
I'm your loyal servant.
Your Majesty.
They all signed an agreement.
Do not fall for his sweet talk. We have proof of treason.
I will make sure they confess.
Minister Han. I'm in charge here.
Uncle.
What is this about?
Your Majesty.
I don't want to be king.
Those who signed...
only wanted to protect you from Minister Han's schemes.
Your Majesty.
They killed King Yejong.
If it will do them any good, they will come after you too.
How dare you say that!
Your Majesty. You must kill him!
I decide their fate.
Minister Yoon.
Did you take part too?
I was in exile miles away.
I couldn't have taken part.
I don't want to punish my own uncle.
I feel the same way.
He's of royal blood, and he was loyal.
But we can't let emotions dictate our actions.
Grandmother.
Shouldn't we wait until we know the truth...
before passing judgment?
We can't, not when we have proof.
But Minister Yoon had nothing to do with it.
As king, I should protect the innocent.
Or no one will want to follow me.
Do what you wish with Minister Yoon.
Thank you.
Prince Goosung will be exiled for his crime.
Those who plotted with him will also be exiled.
From now on, no royals will be appointed ministers.
Those who have been proven innocent will be released.
But they will not be reinstated.
Carry out her orders.
Father.
Father...
Sir.
We'll take you home. Get on the cart.
Aren't you...
the shaman's son?
I am.
He borrowed a cart for us.
Thank you.
Are you that happy?
Father is home. That's all I could wish for.
Yes.
But I'm afraid he won't be reinstated.
I believe the king will call him back.
He should. He'll be reinstated.
Thank you.
You didn't let me down.
I'll never forget what you did.
So-hwa.
I don't have the authority to reinstate your father, but I will.
I promise I'll make you my queen soon.
They plotted treason, but no one was executed?
The young king made a wise choice.
But it's not over until they stop investigating the poisoning.
You must take care of it while you can.
What should I do with...
the man who made the poison?
If you're done hunting, kill the dogs.
You found the man who made it?
Yes.
He lives near the old gate.
I heard an old man lives here. Do you know where?
Over there. But he went to the mountains to get some herbs.
Let's go!
His things are here, so he'll be back.
- See which mountain he went to. - Yes, sir.
Over there. But he went to the mountains to get some herbs.
I guess it's time I leave again.
Old Noh really made me pay.
You came for my life?
I don't stand a chance against you.
Kill me if you want.
But tell your master this.
He can deceive anyone he wants, but he can't deceive himself.
Fire!
Are you hurt?
I'm fine.
You're not. Let me see.
It's deep. It has to be treated.
Even I feel bad.
Your mother would feel worse.
Be more careful, for her sake.
I will.
What brings you here?
My mother came to request an exorcism.
I see. Is your father well?
Yes.
What happened to your finger?
Wolhwa I'm so glad your husband is back alive.
The heavens helped this time.
But the torture has made him weak.
So, I'm here to ask for a favor.
What is it?
I want to request an exorcism, but I just can't afford it.
I promise to make it up to you. Can you do it for us?
It's the devotion that counts, not the money.
I'll pray for his reinstatement. Don't worry about a thing.
Thank you. Thank you so much.
I owe you my father's safe return.
I didn't do much.
I blamed the king, but you told me to trust him.
I waited trusting him as you said, and the king helped us out.
Now all I wish for is my father's reinstatement.
The king will arrange that.
Yes. I know he will.
I apologize if the repository issue upset you.
I brought you some ginseng as a gift.
They're over 1 00 years old. You'll live at least 30 more years.
Oh, you shouldn't have.
What will you do? Take the gift and reinstate my son?
Or stick this knife in your own back?
Are you threatening me?
I'm telling you what I want.
It has to be unanimous.
Threaten me all you want, Chi-gyum won't be reinstated.
I don't think he'll budge.
- I'll take care of it. - No.
A cornered mouse will bite a cat. I don't think we can force him.
Do we have another choice?
You know yourself.
That's the only way to prove your innocence and get reinstated.
Yang Sung-yoon
Our department is divided into factions.
We might end up fighting and killing each other.
Only you can stop it.
You won't get away with this!
You killed the king and a servant to gain power.
Why should I clean up your mess?
We've been friends since we met at the eunuch school.
You even let me become Mr. Noh's foster son.
Back then, I'd have died for you.
But...
You've changed.
Can't you help me out just this once?
Just kill me.
Only then can you silence me.
If you don't trust me, get out and tell what you think is true.
Chi-gyum.
I'll ask again, as a friend.
Did you kill the late king?
Answer me.
I swear there was no poisoning.
It's my fault for expecting you to come clean.
You just wait until I tell everyone what you did.
Mr. Um. What did you find out?
We have testimonies of the eunuchs who buried the king.
Yoon was killed, as was the man who we think made the poison.
Something's not right, especially now that Dr. Yang is missing.
Do you have proof?
We couldn't... find any proof.
You want us to go without a leader because of some rumor?!
We can't.
If you have no proof, we have to reinstate Chi-gyum.
But we can't reinstate him until Dr. Yang testifies Jo is innocent.
Did you miss me?
Everything's been a mess since you were missing.
Where were you?
I'm here to reveal the truth.
The actress playing "old shaman" has been replaced by Kim Soo Mi.