Dr. Yang.
Was the late king really poisoned?
That rumor was...
groundless, based on no facts at all.
Um Kyung-hwan But my investigations prove...
that he was poi...
You fool!
Yang Sung-yoon Trust facts instead of rumors!
All poisons can be detected or tasted!
I checked the corpse and it's clean.
Mr. Kim Then where were you until now?
The king had died and my favorite assistant had been killed.
It was too much for me, so I went on a drinking spree.
Jo Chi-gyum Then I heard of the rumor...
and returned to prove it wrong.
I guess this is the end of that then.
Yes, you're right.
Please excuse me.
Life is...
but a dream
< Episode 6 >
How does it feel to be reinstated after all that?
There's still a lot to do to reunite the split factions.
You bet. Start off with Mr. Kim and his son.
I'll do it in secret.
But I wonder why Sung-yoon did that.
He let you become my foster son...
and he risked his life to save yours.
Mr. Noh & Sulyoung Life will be torture for him.
He'll live in a drunken stupor.
Father. Why did you choose me over him?
If I'd wanted an honest son, I'd have chosen him.
But I wanted one with ambitions, one who would make us rich.
So I chose you.
You should adopt a son who will do the same.
I'll do that.
Your Majesty. Lord Jo, Head of Eunuchs is here.
I'm here to pledge my allegiance to you.
King Sungjong
Pledge your allegiance?
Yes.
I will not accept the pledge of a treacherous person.
I will not accept your reinstatement. Leave us now.
Your Majesty. Why are you doing this?
He was stripped of his title for going against the late king.
The Head of Eunuchs has many important duties.
I can't let a man like him resume duty.
You were mentioned in rumors of the late king's death.
How dare you even think of returning.
It was proven that Prince Goosung spread the rumors to plot treason.
And the strike I led was to bring the king back to his senses.
Some ministers were leading him down the wrong path.
Your Majesty.
Queen Junghee Lord Jo is loyal.
You got him wrong.
Lord Jo.
Can you swear your loyalty on your life?
Yes, I can.
Let me think about your reinstatement.
Wait until I call you back.
Yes, Your Majesty.
Your Majesty.
Lord Jo saved King Sejo's life. He's the ideal man for the job.
Your Majesty. Your grandmother is right.
When someone tried to kidnap you as a baby, Lord Jo saved your life.
Queen Insoo He did so again when you...
got into trouble at the marketplace.
But acknowledging his reinstatement means I admit my uncle plotted treason.
I know how bad you feel.
I didn't want to exile Prince Goosung either.
But preserving your authority is what's most important.
Do as your grandmother says.
Your Majesty.
I'll do as you say.
Sulyoung
The young king threatened the great Chi-gyum.
So, did he scare you at all?
I think he'll become a great king.
But it'll be hard work.
It's harder to pacify a young child.
You should keep some candy on you at all times.
Mrs. Oh, Chuh-sun's birth mother
You're too frail.
Mr. Choi, teacher And this is heavy.
You'll hurt your back.
Leave it to a strong man like me.
I can manage empty ones. But thank you.
Misery loves company. I know how lonely you must be.
Pardon?
I'm the teacher here.
My wife died three years ago.
All I have now is my sweet little daughter.
I'm lonely too.
I see...
- I'm very... - Mrs. Oh.
Hello.
Can we talk now?
Sure.
How strange.
Leaving me for him...
Father.
- What are you doing here? - Beodeul...
The kids are waiting.
- OK, let's go. - Let's.
Isn't it too noisy here? Do you want to move to another place?
No thanks.
I like caring for the boys here. And the headmistress is good to me.
How is the king?
I heard he's been having a hard time.
He managed to stop a group from plotting treason.
He did a good job questioning them himself.
Please look after him.
I trust you will.
I will, so don't worry.
''Duk up sang gwon, gwa shil sang gyoo. ''
''Ye sok sang gyo, hwan nan sang hyool. ''
''Duk up sang gwon, gwa shil sang gyoo. Ye sok sang gyo, hwan nan sang hyool. ''
Kim Chun-dong, future Chuh-sun ''Ye sok sang gyo... ''
Let's see who can tell me...
what this means.
OK.
Gae-nam, let's see if you know.
Song Gae-nam
All I kn... know is that pa... paper is white and ink is bl... black.
You feed your belly with food. Why can't you feed your brain too?
Han-soo, you try.
Jung Han-soo ''Duk up sang gwon, gwa shil sang gyoo. ''
Encourage good deeds and correct each other's faults.
''Ye sok sang gyo, hwan nan sang hyool. ''
Remember your manners,
and help each other when in need.
Right. Well done.
You need to be able to read.
The exam is approaching. Learn the basic characters at least.
A eunuch must be patient.
You must endure hunger, itches, the will to talk,
anger, laughter, even thoughts of women.
Endure the need to endure.
Endure all that is thrown at you, and you'll become Head of Eunuchs.
OK?
Yes, sir.
Today...
you'll try to endure torture.
Who wants to go first?
You're all cowards?
I'll go first.
He really is a noble.
Gaedochi. You may begin.
Gaedochi Gaedochi?
Protecting the king requires such endurance.
Isn't that too much? How could you... ?
Old shaman, headmistress They chose to become eunuchs.
But they're young.
The king's life is in those kids' hands.
Beodeul
I thought anyone could be a eunuch.
It's harder than I thought.
We have to serve the king, that's why.
As long as I get to eat...
I'm happy.
That's where I sleep.
We sleep where we can. Go lie down somewhere else.
How dare you!
I'm not a commoner like you.
Stand up against me...
and I'll punish you for it.
Remember that.
Choi Ja-chi Nobles go to regular schools.
Why are you here?!
What? How dare you!
Stop it.
It's hard on everyone.
It's none of your business. Let go.
You're all friends.
You can't hit someone just because you're a noble.
How dare a shaman's son talk back.
I'll teach you a lesson!
You fools!
Stop fighting!
A eunuch is neither a noble nor a commoner.
You all became comrades...
the minute you entered this school. People despise eunuchs.
All you have is each other. You mustn't fight!
If you dare to again, I'll kick you out.
OK?
Yes.
Louder. OK?!
Yes!
Chun-dong.
What happened to your face? Did you get into a fight?
It's nothing.
Let me see.
What did you do?
I didn't start it.
Chun-dong.
Don't fight with the kids here, even if they pick a fight.
What?
You should feel sorry for them. They left their families behind.
No one should ever have to go through that.
You have a mother who cares for you.
Try to let it go.
I will.
Mother.
What are you doing out here?
I was waiting for you. That looks heavy. I'll take it.
I can manage.
I'm sure you were up on your feet all day.
I made dinner, so go and eat.
Wolhwa, Chun-dong's foster mother
Mrs. Shin, So-hwa's mother
Mother, what's wrong?
We have no rice.
I don't mind starving, but your father must eat.
Don't worry.
We'll manage if I make clothes for small pay.
Yoon So-hwa, future Lady Yoon But your father's medication, gosh...
Miss.
Let's talk for a minute.
Chun-dong.
What is it?
Here, some rice cakes.
Leftovers from today's exorcism.
You've been leaving us firewood too, right?
Your father isn't well. He has to keep warm.
I should go now.
Why are you outside?
It's stuffy inside.
Are you OK?
Yoon Gi-gyun Don't tell your mother.
But the blood...
I'm fine.
I'm sorry for putting you through this.
Father...
Moon So-woon
The rain re... reminds me of m... my mom's rice cakes.
I wo... wonder how she's doing.
The rain makes m... my dad's back ache.
Don't you hate them for selling you?
Don't say that.
They did it s... so I wouldn't starve.
Yeah.
Hong Gwi-nam I bet...
my mom was sad too.
Mother...
Don't cry.
A man shouldn't cry.
We're not men. We're impotent.
We're still human.
Why can't we cry?
Eunuchs... aren't men.
That monster.
Mother...
- I miss you. - Father...
Mother...
- Mother... - Father, I miss you...
- Mother... - Father.
Mom...
- You called for me? - Yes.
Do you know where Lord Jo lives?
Yes.
Give this to him.
What is this?
A list of the boys taking the exam. Give it to him in person.
I'll get going.
I wonder if I should be asking this favor.
You should.
Half of them won't pass if you don't.
They're done for if they can't become eunuchs.
Asking for a favor to make some boys mere eunuchs...
You always laugh when I do.
Have a drink, have a drink
Let me pour you one
This is not just a drink
Mrs. Jung, Lord Jo's wife It's the elixir of life
Jang Soon-moo's wife Congratulations on his reinstatement.
Thanks. Have a drink.
Thank you.
Here's a small gift. Please accept it.
How dare you come here.
The whole world knows your husband falsely accused Lord Jo.
Um Kyung-hwan's wife He was told to do so.
How could he disobey his superiors?
He regrets doing what he did. Please don't be angry.
Please accept it.
What's inside?
It's nothing much.
Mrs. Jung. Please forgive my husband.
Let's not bring up the past.
I'll talk to my husband.
Thank you, thank you.
A lot has happened in the palace. Now it's over. Let's have a good time.
Yes, ma'am.
Ma'am.
Miss Yoon is here with the clothes.
What?
Where are your manners?
She's the young lady who kicked us out of her house.
Show your respects.
How are you, miss?
The great Mr. Yoon is ill and so they have nothing to eat.
You people should pay Mrs. Shin to make your clothes.
Yes, we aren't educated and we are like mere commoners.
A noble should make our clothes.
Absolutely.
But the stitches are so uneven.
I was told your mother was good at making clothes.
She's worse than my own servant.
I just wasted my precious Chinese silk.
Still, we're not strangers.
I should pay you.
If you don't like the work done, you don't have to pay.
You'd rather starve than take my money?
Your father was a hypocrite who plotted treason against the king.
His name was cleared. How dare you say that!
Apologize right now or I'll report you to the guards!
I was trying to help your family out.
How dare a penniless noble yell at me!
Apologize right now or you'll get a good beating!
Ladies. Make her kneel before me.
OK.
Let me go.
- Let go of me. - Witch.
You ignorant witch.
Stop that!
How dare you barge in here. Who are you?
I called him over.
What the heck is this?
It's none of your business.
I'm in control of everything here. You should go inside.
I apologize for what she did.
How could you... ?
Geum-pyo. Escort her home and pay her well.
Yes, sir.
I'm fine.
Chun-dong, you come with me.
I can walk home alone.
I'll escort you back.
I don't need your help.
Doh Geum-pyo, bodyguard
Take this.
I was told to give you this.
Thank you.
I should get going then.
Chun-dong.
Don't you want to be a eunuch?
Pardon?
Never mind. Come to me whenever you need help.
Go.
Thank you.
I'm fine, Chun-dong.
The king told me to look after you until he called for you.
How can you exercise your power over a girl? Aren't you ashamed of yourself?
I'd do the same to a toddler if I felt abused.
What?
I run the household.
You should just focus on work and try not to get dismissed again.
Miss.
What are you doing here?
There's someone I want you to meet.
Hello. I'm Moon So-woon.
Hello, everyone.
Guess who I am.
I'm a eunuch's wife.
My husband is rich, but he lacks two important jewels.
Why is my belly so big?
An affair? No way, don't say that.
My husband truly believes this is his baby.
I used a straw.
I put my husband's seed inside me, and I started to grow big.
''Is it for real?'' You are just as stupid as my husband.
He can't do a thing, but he still has five mistresses.
Thank you so much, Chun-dong, So-woon.
Cheer up, miss.
See you again soon.
I won't forget what you two did for me.
See you.
Chun-dong.
Do you love her?
N... No way.
How can a commoner love a noble?
You're right. Still, she's really nice.
Thanks for everything.
What are friends for?
Let's be friends forever.
I pray to the gods of heaven and earth.
Please let all the children of our school pass the exam.
Don't let all their hard work go to waste.
It's the day of your big exam.
You have to pass it to get into the palace.
Do your best so that your hard work doesn't go to waste.
Yes, ma'am.
None of our graduates has ever failed.
I hope you won't either.
We won't.
Jang Soon-moo I'm Mr. Jang, and I'm in charge.
This exam is to decide whether you're fit to serve the king.
There are three stages.
First, the physical test.
Those who pass that must take a test to see how well-read you are.
Finally, we'll test if you have the right temperament.
You must pass all three stages.
Pass.
- Fail. - Fail.
Fail.
Mother...
Pass.
Song Man-deuk
What's wrong?
His testicles are small, but they're still intact.
You're right.
- Summon the entertainer. - Yes, sir.
- It's dead skin. - Are you sure?
I wouldn't dare lie to you.
I'm sure it won't make him a man.
Pass.
Written exam
''Shin che bal boo, soo ji boo mo. Bul gam hwe sang, hyo ji shi ya. ''
What does it mean?
Our body is from our parents, so we must not do anything to harm it.
Then what is the greatest filial piety?
''Ib shin heng do, yang myung hoo se. Ee hyun boo mo, hyo ji jong ya. ''
Eunuch Park Translate.
It means... It means...
Fail
Um Kyung-hwan Translate.
It means one should uplift his parents by succeeding in life and gaining fame.
Pass
If not harming your body is where filial piety begins,
why be castrated to become a eunuch?
If I could serve the king by giving up serving my parents,
then I'd castrate myself in a heartbeat.
My lord. Am I wrong?
You know very little.
Shouldn't the results be out by now?
Those meant to pass will pass. Don't fret too much.
They'll all pass. Don't you worry.
How can you be so sure?
No one from our school can fail.
How can they when we have Lord Jo's backing.
Right, Gaedochi?
Gae-nam. Why are you so gloomy?
My mo... mom will be praying for me.
But I let her do... down.
And our he... headmistress.
The results aren't out yet. Cheer up.
I ruined our school's reputation.
You'll get another chance.
- Don't cry. - Stop crying.
- You'll make it. - You're making me want to cry too.
Choi Ja-chi, Hong Gwi-nam
My name, it's there.
Jung Han-soo
- There, there. - It's up there.
- Gae-nam. - Gae-nam. You passed too.
- Wh... what? Are y... you sure? - Yeah, you passed too.
But I... couldn't answer a... anything.
What happened?
Go see for yourself. You can read your own name.
Song Gae-nam
Mr. Gang.
Why is the palace so quiet today?
Everyone's helping with the eunuch exam.
Exam?
A eunuch must protect the king with his life.
This exam will test your loyalty and endurance.
Whether you pass or fail all depends on this exam.
You're each holding a king.
Cross the muddy pool with him and hide him somewhere safe.
Then hold your breath underwater while we count to 1 00.
You fail if you drop the king, ruin him,
or give away the hiding place.
Fail.
- Run. - Run.
2, 3...
You fail if you come up before we count to 1 00.
9, 1 0, 1 1, 1 2...
- 1 3... - Fail.
Fail.
Lord Jo, what nonsense is this?
Run them through mud and keep them underwater?
Don't worry. It's just a part of the exam.
Even then, it's too cruel.
Tell them to stop.
Your Majesty. They'll be your servants.
They need to be able to endure that,
or they can't protect you.
A eunuch who's not ready to die for his king has no reason to be here.
Pass.
Tell me where it is. Then I'll let you live.
No way.
They are your servants.
Men who are willing to die just so you can live.
Your eunuchs.
Well done.
You passed the exam, so you will enter the palace,
and receive training.
The person who came in first is Jung Han-soo.
Come and receive your uniform.
Serve the king with your life, as you pledged to.
I will, sir.
A noble came in first in the exam?
Yes. It was the boy who came to repay his debt.
Really?
I think he'll do quite well in the future.
He did look special.
Chi-gyum, why don't you adopt him?
Pardon?
Adopt a boy, for your wife's sake.
She could do with someone to care for.
I have another boy in mind.
You're still into the boy with 3 virtues and 3 flaws?
I can't have a son of my own anyway, so I want someone with potential.
You mean, like why I chose you?
Yes, you need potential. You do.
Congratulations on passing the exam.
Now it's time for you to leave.
Eunuchs have a very important role.
A loyal eunuch can make a sage king,
and an evil eunuch can make a tyrant.
I hope you all become loyal servants.
We will.
They won't let you out of the palace often.
Eat and drink all you want. Enjoy what time you have left here.
Ma'am.
I won't forget everything you did for us.
I'll remember all you taught me.
Ma'am.
Return the favor by becoming great eunuchs.
I wish you all serve the king with all your heart.
That's all I ask for.
Ma'am.
Mr. Choi. Mr. Choi...
Ma'am...
Now that everything has settled,
the king should get married.
Forbid all weddings and choose some respectable ladies.
I'll do that.
The king is here.
Let him in.
Have a seat. We were talking about marrying you off.
Pardon?
You must get married. Only then will things get back to normal.
We'll find you a respectable young lady fit to be your queen.
Grandmother.
There's a lady I already promised to marry.
What do you mean? You're betrothed?
I promised to marry Yoon Gi-gyun's daughter.
Is this true?
I did send a matchmaker over,
but we promised nothing.
I gave her my word.
Lady Jang, come in.
You called for me?
Get ready to go to Wooyi Village.
When did you enter the palace?
I was about your age. How old are you?
I'm ten.
That's a great age.
Did you ever sleep with the king?
Wh... what?
You rude thing. You want to become his concubine?
It would be much more ideal if...
I could give him a son too.
Am I wrong?
You should come with me.
What?
I wouldn't dare step into the palace.
A shaman favored by the royals can earn more riches than a noble.
Come with me.
It's been a while, Lady Choi.
How have you been, Your Highness?
How long has it been since you left?
I left in 1 444. It's been nearly 30 years.
Time really does fly.
I committed a great crime by leaving to become a shaman.
Thank you for calling me back.
Who is she?
She's my spiritual daughter.
She might become of great help to you.
My name is Wolhwa.
Hello.
If you vouch for her, I'm sure she'll serve us well.
I called you here to ask if any of these ladies are fit to become queen.
Those are the birth dates of the king and two ladies.
Tell us what you think.
What is the fate of the king?
Year of the bull, July 30th, 4 PM.
He was born to be the greatest king in the history of our nation.
I'm glad to hear that.
How strange.
It's exactly the same as Chun-dong.
Which lady is more compatible?
Both ladies are destined to become women worthy of becoming queen.
But...
This one will have no children,
while this one will have two sons.
What?
Are you sure?
You think I would dare lie to you?
Miss.
Do you wish to see the king?
He released my father. But I never got to thank him.
We live in the same city, but it's like he's in another country.
I shouldn't have said that. Open your book.
Write him a letter. I'll give it to him.
What? How?
I may have a way.
Will you really do that for me?
Sir.
Chun-dong is here.
What?
What brings you here?
You said I could come to you whenever I needed help.
You want to ask a favor?
I must meet the king. Please help me.
What?
Sir.
Let me see the king. Please, sir.
Sir.
What will you do for me in return?
I'll do anything I can.
Chun-dong.
Will you be my son?
What?