Chun-dong will castrate him?
I'm sure he can manage.
Let him do it.
He won't be able to.
What do you mean?
He said he'd do it.
Let him try.
If he goes through with it...
then I'll make him a castrator.
Yes, ma'am.
Mr. Choi, teacher Ma'am.
Why don't you think he can do it?
Old shaman, headmistress A castrator can't become a eunuch.
He's meant to be a eunuch. No doubt about it.
Kim Chun-dong, future Chuh-sun
Once you're castrated, you'll be neither man nor woman.
If you're afraid, tell me now.
Are you sure about this?
Yes... I'm... sure.
Mother!
What's wrong?
I can't castrate a boy who has doubts.
Chun-dong. Chun-dong! Come back!
Gaedochi
Yoon So-hwa, future Lady Yoon
Miss.
How did you know I'd be here?
Today's your father's memorial day.
You remembered.
Get on my back. I'll take you across.
Thank you.
You can put me down now.
You bowed 3,000 times. I'll take you to the village.
Aren't I heavy?
You're not. I can carry you for miles.
Chun-dong. I guess this will be the last piggyback ride you give me.
What do you mean?
I'm getting married.
What?
I'm tired. Let's go.
This tree used to be so tall.
It seems so much smaller now.
Miss. Is it true you're getting married?
It was my mother's call.
I don't think we'll be able to hang out like this anymore.
You can't do this.
Have you forgotten about the king?
How can you let him down like this?
He's the one who didn't keep his promise.
No.
He won't have forgotten you.
I believe in him.
So what, if he hasn't? He's already a married man.
But...
It's over between us.
It's all in the past.
I forgot about the king the day I gave you the ornament.
It's over.
Doh Geum-pyo, bodyguard Are you trying to kill your opponent?
Jung Han-soo I was waiting for him to surrender.
Han-soo. You're too violent. You must learn how to control yourself.
Han-soo's become a nice young man.
Mr. Noh, Jo's foster father He'll make a great heir.
Jo Chi-gyum, Head of Eunuchs He's not good enough to replace me.
How come you don't like him? Do you still want to adopt Chun-dong?
He's too old to become a eunuch. Adopt Han-soo. For our family.
I've never been here before. Where are we headed?
Moon So-woon To the needlewomen's quarters.
King Sungjong The needlewomen?
I've never seen a pretty girl with skills.
Choi Ja-chi Trust Mr. Moon.
- OK, let's go. - Sure.
Court Lady Oh
Where is Miss Choi?
I haven't seen her since dinner.
Where could she be?
Oh gosh.
Why are you here so late at night?
Beodeul I apologize.
It was hot, so...
Let's see your face.
What's your name?
I'm Beodeul.
Beodeul...
I'm thirsty. Can I have a drink?
Come to my room.
OK. Let's go.
Your Majesty.
What are you doing here?
Nurse.
I came out for a walk and lost my way.
This is the maids' quarters. You shouldn't be here.
Mr. Choi, where are all the king's bodyguards?
Escort the king to his chambers.
Yes, ma'am.
Your Majesty, let's go back.
Yes, let's.
Ma'am, I didn't mean to...
Ma'am...
You trained to be a court maid.
How dare you do such a thing!
I'm innocent. I was hot, so...
You can't fool me!
You think I don't know what you're trying to do?
I serve the king, ma'am.
Is it wrong to try to make my master happy?
What... ? What did you say?
I didn't become a court maid to die as a lonely spinster.
I'll marry the king and have a son.
How dare you say that...
when the king has a wife?
Are you insane?
The king hasn't been with her for months.
I just wanted to please the king.
I should've taught you better.
Wolhwa, Chun-dong's foster mother
You're late.
What's wrong? Did you have a drink?
Yes.
I did because I couldn't bear the pain.
But the drink isn't helping at all.
Did something go wrong at work?
Not really. I'll be fine after a good night's sleep.
Chun-dong. I guess this will be the last piggyback ride you give me.
I don't think we'll be able to hang out like this anymore.
Mother?
Chun-dong. Why are you... ?
So-hwa.
What's wrong?
So-hwa. So-hwa?
Mrs. Shin, So-hwa's mother
I thought I heard something. Are you OK?
Yes, mother. I'm fine.
It's cold. Come inside.
Let me finish cleaning up first.
OK.
You can come out now.
What are you doing here this late at night?
Do you have something urgent to say?
Chun-dong.
I came to give you this.
That's...
It's the ornament the king gave you.
You still have that?
If you really have forgotten about him, throw it away yourself.
I hope you haven't given up on him yet.
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
Goodness. The palace is full of flowers.
But what's the use?
They spent their whole lives serving the king.
And now they're shriveled.
Everyone craves physical pleasure. What should all these lonely people do?
Widows and eunuchs' wives form clubs...
and hire men to pleasure them. But what can our poor court ladies do?
Right. You can form a club and kidnap someone.
How dare he...
Who is there to kidnap here?
Come on, the Dept. of Eunuchs is full of handsome men.
You call eunuchs men?
Please, don't be so mean.
When you're desperate, you make a way.
If you don't have teeth,
there are times you use your gums.
So-woon, you're just as good as you used to be.
Here, have a drink and enjoy.
I think he parties too much.
He's wiser than any of the kings I've served.
I'm sure he has a plan. Don't worry.
Your Majesty.
Break up this party.
Hello, Mr. Yoon.
Yoon Ho, court official Stop this and come to court.
The clear sky and pretty ladies are making me thirsty.
Why don't you join me?
A king who doesn't care for politics will ruin his country's future.
How can you keep all this up when the people are suffering?
Stop this at once and come to court.
Are you saying I'm a useless king who doesn't care?
I'm trying to help you out.
How dare you insult me in the name of loyalty.
Leave before I throw you in jail.
Your Majesty!
I said leave!
Your Majesty.
Your Majesty!
I think the king holds banquets more often than he meets with the officials.
I can't be regent forever.
Queen Insoo
Things will get better once Queen Gonghye bears him a son.
Don't worry.
Queen Junghee We can't blame her alone.
She's just too kind-hearted.
I should have listened to Lady Choi.
Didn't she say Queen Gonghye wouldn't have any children?
It's all in the past. Don't worry about it.
Perhaps we should find the king a concubine.
What do you think?
Let's give them some time. The king isn't even 2 0 yet.
I'll talk to the king and his queen.
Your utmost duty is to produce a son to become heir to the throne.
The king is wasting his time enjoying life and sleeping with court maids...
because he feels lost and alone.
Queen Gonghye I'm sorry.
I didn't call you to reproach you.
You're queen, but you're also the king's wife.
Whether King Sungjong goes down in history...
depends on how well you serve him as a wife.
Take it.
What is this?
That book is handed down to each queen.
It lists what foods you must eat to have a son,
and what to do when in bed with the king.
Do all that is written in there.
The king will be able to focus on his work once you bear him an heir.
I will try, Your Highness.
How are you, Minister Han?
Han Myung-hwe How can you do this to me?
What do you mean?
You always decide when the king should visit Queen Gonghye.
Why hasn't he slept with her for three months?
That's because...
Quit making excuses!
Have you forgotten that I got you reinstated?
If Queen Gonghye doesn't get pregnant within the year, it will be your fault.
Take my word for it.
He's forgotten about our deal.
You called me, Your Highness?
Take this to Lady Choi in Wooyi Village.
What's this?
I'm asking her if she can help Queen Gonghye conceive a son.
Take it to her.
I will do so.
- ''Il chon gwang eum, bool ga gyung. '' - ''Il chon gwang eum, bool ga gyung. ''
''Il chon gwang eum, bool ga gyung. ''
An illiterate can't become a eunuch, so study hard.
Why do we have to learn to read?
You fool.
Eunuchs are responsible for relaying messages.
If you can't read, you'll make terrible mistakes.
What will happen if your messages get into the wrong hands?
The palace will become a terrible mess and everyone will be...
Anyway, a eunuch must be able to read, understand?
Yes.
Let's see.
I'm in such a mess.
Where were we?
Father.
Beodeul. Beodeul!
Beodeul!
You're here, my baby.
Am I dreaming? My Beodeul.
I can't believe it. My precious baby.
It's been so long.
Stop it, father. We met last month.
We did?
I know, you cold-hearted thing.
How would you know how much I miss you?
Anyway I'm glad you're here.
How are you, Mr. Choi?
Hello, ma'am.
I hope Beodeul doesn't cause too much trouble for you.
What brings you here?
This is from Queen Junghee.
I told her the king and queen wouldn't get along well.
The royals are very worried.
They need your help.
Tell Queen Junghee I'll bring her the things she asked for.
I'll do that.
What's eating you anyway? Is something bothering you?
No.
I brought some of the king's wine.
Really? Wow.
How sweet of you. You're such a great daughter.
Father. Do you have what I asked for?
Of course.
- Wow... - Here you go.
Is this really a vixen's... thing?
Yes.
I begged a ginseng digger to get one for me.
Thank you.
What is that for anyway?
If I keep this on me, men will flock to me like moths to a fire.
What?
Who told you that?
All the court maids know.
You wait until I bear the king a son.
I'll make sure you live in luxury.
I'd rather live with you in poverty.
I'm so afraid you'll get into trouble.
Beodeul.
When will I see you again?
I'll come again soon. Don't worry.
Ma'am.
Please take good care of her.
She's always causing trouble.
Don't worry.
I'll come again soon.
Bye.
Are you OK?
I'm fine.
Let's go.
OK.
The minister is rushing the wedding.
He sent us all this so we can save face.
Mother.
Must I get married?
What do you mean?
- I want to live with you forever. - That's nonsense!
Gi-hyun.
Don't ever say that again.
He's right.
He's too good for you as it is.
Becoming in-laws with a minister will help your brother's career.
I believed you would keep your promise.
Have you forgotten me?
Have you?
Hello, So-hwa. How are you?
I heard you'd gone away to study. What are you doing here?
I came to see your brother and stopped by to see you.
My brother will be at home.
Park Duk-hoo We're engaged. You can look at me.
I'm afraid people might gossip. Get back to your books.
How can I when all I can think about is your lovely face?
Shouldn't you do something?
Move aside.
Let's stay and talk.
- Let me go. Stop this! - Miss Yoon.
Let go.
You should've done as I said.
Move aside.
Let's talk.
- What are you doing? - Miss.
Let go!
Let her go.
What?
What did you say?
I told you to let her go.
How dare a lowlife order me around.
Get lost. This is none of your business.
You wretch.
Get lost.
How dare you!
You wretch!
How dare you insult the son of the Minister of Interrogations.
If you're a noble, act like one.
How dare you insult a lady in public.
I was talking to my fiancee.
How dare you butt in.
I'll see to it that you learn your lesson!
You wretch!
Wretch...
You...
Stop it. Stop.
Please stop. Please...
I'll let you go for So-hwa's sake.
But if I ever see you again, I'll kill you.
Are you OK, Chun-dong?
The bleeding has stopped.
Why did you interfere and hurt yourself?
Miss.
Will you really marry him?
It's my mother's wish.
I'm asking how you feel.
Can you spend the rest of your life with such a loser?
Watch what you say.
What about the king?
Chun-dong.
You let me down, miss.
You really did.
Something's wrong. I hear a baby cry and I see things too.
But I just don't know what it's all about.
Your memory must be returning.
I thought so too at first.
But it can't be.
What could I have to do with something that's yours?
I don't know what's going on.
Take this.
What is it?
Some prayer beads.
They will help calm your anxiety.
You'll regain your memory if you wait patiently.
Chun-dong!
How are you, ma'am?
Did you get into a fight? Your face is a total mess.
I'm sorry.
Your mother will be worried. Wash your face before she sees you.
Is the king well?
Yes.
If only you were with him.
He needs a friend.
See you later.
Goodbye.
See you again, Chun-dong.
Bull's-eye!
Your Majesty, Yoon Ho is here.
Mr. Yoon. Are you still in pain?
My heart hurts even more.
I know how loyal you are to me.
I also want to become a sage king who always puts my people first.
But my grandmother is still regent.
And Ministers Han and Shin are in control of everything.
If I try to make changes now, I might end up like King Yejong.
I'm sure you know too well...
how and why he died so suddenly.
People will ridicule me...
for being a good-for-nothing playboy.
But I will survive all this.
I will reform this corrupt government and relieve the suffering people.
But until then, I will drink all I want.
I will strike out when they least expect it.
May I trust your loyalty?
Trust me, Your Majesty. I'll die for you if you ask me to.
That's the date they should sleep together.
What are these?
Some talismans to help Queen Gonghye get pregnant.
The underwear of a mother of 1 2 sons, her scissors and thread...
and the straw she gave birth on.
Place those on a pedestal facing north.
Pray every 1 st and 1 5th day of the month before they spend the night together.
- Lady Jang. - Yes?
Keep these safe.
We royals shouldn't resort to such things.
But what wouldn't I do to help Queen Gonghye produce an heir?
Your Highness, this is just a talisman.
You can't change someone's fate.
Even if Queen Gonghye does get pregnant...
it won't change the future.
I think you should find the king a concubine.
Those are the trainees' final grades.
Jung Han-soo took first place.
He's outstanding.
Um Kyung-hwan We can trust him with anything.
Let's wait a bit more and see.
Jang Soon-moo Uh... Sir.
When will you adopt a son?
We won't dare take our pick until you decide who you will adopt.
I don't want to adopt anyone yet. You adopt whoever you want.
Mr. Park Then can we adopt Han-soo?
It's up to you.
You heard what he said. Do you mind if I adopt Han-soo?
Forget it. Everyone knows Mr. Noh wants him as his grandson.
Watch what you wish for. He might make you pay for it.
You're right. Then who should I adopt?
It's your last day as a trainee.
Congratulations on enduring the long years of training.
But you still have years of hard work ahead of you.
We graded you on your studies and loyalty toward the king.
You'll soon be allocated to an office.
But today, you get to leave the palace.
What will you guys do today?
I have to wa... wash my clothes and sew my so... socks.
Choi Ja-chi Gae-nam.
It's been five years and you still do it yourself?
Song Gae-nam, Moon So-woon Let the beginners do it for you.
Let's all go and drink with some ladies.
Ladies?
Will they... let us in?
We're not trainees now. Why wouldn't they let us in?
Eunuchs drinking with girls. What a laugh.
We're still men.
Han-soo, why don't you join us?
Jung Han-soo I have to be somewhere. Bye.
Let's get going.
How are you, sir?
Training's over?
Yes.
A man's career depends on the kind of people you mix with.
Would you like to become a worm or a dragon?
I'll start off as a dragon and grow even bigger from there.
I like how you think.
You're confident you'll become Head of Eunuchs?
I wouldn't have become a eunuch if I weren't.
OK, OK...
Mrs. Jung, Lord Jo's wife We should adopt him soon.
We can't let someone else adopt him first.
Persuade Chi-gyum to adopt him as soon as possible.
Don't worry. He's nearly 40. He'll want to adopt someone soon.
Sulyoung
Goodbye, Mrs. Jung.
Han-soo. Call me ''mother. ''
Pardon?
We'll be a family soon.
OK, mother. I'll do as you say.
I'm so glad to have a son like you.
Why do you want to be Lord Jo's son?
Is it because you crave the power and authority?
Of course it is.
Why else would a noble volunteer to become a eunuch?
But you can't become Lord Jo's son.
I have Mr. Noh and Mrs. Jung's backing.
Lord Jo already has someone else in mind.
I will make sure he adopts me.
There's another way to become Head of Eunuchs.
Why are you telling me this?
I highly regard your courage and ambition.
Tell me if you change your mind.
I'll tell you what you have to do.
Mother.
Hang in there.
I'll become the greatest eunuch ever and let you live in luxury.
Let's have a drink.
We met as kids at the eunuch school.
I can't believe we're real eunuchs now.
Can you, So-woon?
Me neither.
How else would a tightrope walker get to see the king in person?
I used to hate my parents for tying off my testicles.
But now I'm actually grateful.
Yeah. Everyone dreams of serving the king.
I'm just glad I h... have a place to sleep a... and food to eat.
All I want now is t... to turn 3 5 as soon as possible.
I hate having ex... exams every three months.
Drink up.
Everyone's hoping to be adopted by a high-ranking eunuch.
We should hurry before the good ones make up their mind.
We all know who Lord Jo will adopt.
It's not been made official, so I'm not sure.
Han-soo.
If he adopts you, please look out for us all.
Gwi-nam.
Does Miss Kim keep flirting with you?
It's just a rumor.
You're bl... blushing. It must be true.
We're all lonely people. We should look out for each other.
They say Miss Kim's a good cook, and she's pretty too.
Be nice to her.
Gwi-nam, learn to have some fun.
You can't drink without some female company.
Girls. Say hello and make sure these gentlemen have a good time.
Yes, ma'am.
We're still eunuchs in training. We can't afford such luxury.
I'm good at judging people.
It's all on me, as a token of thanks for serving our great king.
Please remember what I did when you become high-ranking officials.
Thank you. I appreciate it.
Pour us a drink.
You're so cute.
Where's the person in charge?!
Where are all the girls?
What are they all doing over there?
Tell them to serve us now.
Those gentlemen came here first. Let me call some more girls for...
Wait.
Are they eunuchs?
What an interesting spectacle.
Boys that can't perform having a drink with girls?
You have a reputation to keep.
Shouldn't a eunuch act like one?
Pretending to be a man won't make you one.
Watch what you say. We're the king's closest subjects.
You think all subjects are the same?
You're mere servants.
How dare you try to be our equal.
You wretches!
You should go back and clean the palace.
We're the king's subjects.
Don't you know insulting us is the same as insulting the king?
He's lost his mind.
How dare you try to intimidate us.
We should all teach him a lesson.
Men. Let's strip him naked.
You wretch.