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.
I was once a noble too, before I got castrated.
But to see you use your father's title to fool around...
disgusts me so much, I'd love to beat you even more.
If you think you're that noble, I suggest you act like one.
Are you OK? - Let go!
I'll make you pay for this. I swear!
Episode 10 You beat up a minister's son.
What now?
I'll take full responsibility. You have nothing to worry about.
The Minister of Interrogations is here.
Minister Park?
What brings you here?
Park Duk-hoo's father I'm here to arrest someone!
What do you mean?
Come in!
This is my son.
Your trainees beat him to a pulp.
Lord Jo. What will you do?
Will you hand over the culprit, or must I search your dept. for him?!
There must be a misunderstanding. I think we should talk...
You're covering for your foster son?!
One of your trainees beat me up to show off he's your foster son.
You still want to feign ignorance?!
Jo Chi-gyum, Head of Eunuchs No one can barge into my department...
and arrest whom they please.
Let me look into the matter and punish the culprit.
Search the department!
Yes, sir.
Minister Park!
You insist on butting heads with me?
I have men in every dept. checking and spying on everything.
I heard your son insults and abuses women,
and uses his status to gang up on innocent commoners.
Wh... What?
And you!
You accept bribes in exchange for reduced sentences.
Do you want me to report this to the king?
Leave it to me and get going.
If someone did beat up your son, I'll punish him according to our rules.
Bring Jung Han-soo in.
Do you know what you're here for?
Jung Han-soo I swear I didn't break any rules.
Some people insulted us eunuchs, so I taught them a lesson.
Didn't you learn to be patient?
Did you learn martial arts to beat up losers?
You used your status for personal use and our dept. lost face because of it.
I'm innocent, sir.
Sir, I'm innocent.
I'm innocent, sir. Sir, I'm innocent.
Sir, I'm innocent.
I'm innocent. I'm innocent, sir. I am.
No pay for three months, and probation for one.
If you ever disgrace our dept. again,
I'll have you thrown out.
Remember that.
- Han-soo. - Han-soo.
Han-soo.
Wake up.
- Han-soo. - Are you OK?
Will he be OK, sir?
He won't die. It will just scar.
Moon So-woon Lord Jo is terrible.
How could he beat someone he'll adopt?
What brings you here?
I smelled the wine.
Pour me a drink.
Chi-gyum. Why are you so harsh to Han-soo?
Soft iron should be tempered if it's to become of any use.
You want me to believe that?
You're afraid of him.
Like us, he was a noble who got castrated.
He's just as ambitious as you once were.
If you adopt him, he'll use you, even kill you to get what he wants.
That's what you're afraid of. Am I wrong?
Thanks for the drink.
Life is...
but a dream
If Miss Yoon marries the king, she'll give him...
Queen Junghee an heir to the throne.
Your Highness, Lord Jo is here.
Let him in.
I've been resorting to talismans, but nothing seems to work at all.
Queen Gonghye is still young. Give her some more time.
Lady Choi is right. I think the king needs a concubine.
I'm thinking of summoning Miss Yoon. What do you think about that?
Why don't you invite her over first?
I remember the day I interviewed you. You've grown up to be quite a beauty.
Yoon So-hwa Thank you.
I felt bad about what happened.
You were betrothed, yet I chose Miss Han.
I'm sure you blamed me.
It's all in the past.
It must be hard taking care of your children.
Mrs. Shin, So-hwa's mother I'm just glad...
my husband's name was cleared before he died.
How old are you?
I turned 1 8 this year.
Really? What a great age.
Is she betrothed to anyone?
She's engaged to the son of the Minister of Interrogations.
They're engaged?
Then there's nothing I can do.
I can't believe she remembered you and invited you over for tea.
She actually called you over to ask if So-hwa could marry the king.
As a concubine?
But it's over, now that you're engaged.
My lady, where does the king stay?
Right over there.
Out of the way!
Make way for the king!
Stop.
Let me down.
- Your Majesty. - Your Majesty.
What is it, So-hwa?
It's nothing.
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
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
Gaedochi
How dare you come back here.
Mister...
You can't just come back after running off like that.
I'm sorry. Forgive me.
Castrators are treated like monsters because of what we do.
But what we do changes lives.
Only two or three out of ten survive a castration.
You can never pray enough.
But you ran off, leaving the boy alone.
You think you deserve to do this work?
Not with that attitude.
I'd rather you give up right now.
Get lost.
I was so scared.
Kim Chun-dong, future Chuh-sun The boy was trembling.
I just couldn't castrate him.
His life was in my hands.
I couldn't think straight.
Forgive me this once.
The trainee exam is on the 5th?
Yes, ma'am.
It'll be tough, so tell Mr. Choi to teach them well.
Sure.
Old shaman, headmistress Why don't you have a foster son yet?
You still want to adopt Chun-dong?
He'll have grown into a man by now. It's too late to make him a eunuch.
Why waste time over a future castrator?
Are you sure he has 3 virtues and 3 flaws?
No one can change their own destiny.
What's this?
Boars' genitals.
What's it for?
Practice on those...
before working on boys.
We'll start today. Get them cleaned up.
How are you, Chun-dong?
I hope you're well, Lord Jo.
You're a grown man now.
Don't waste time.
OK.
Nothing has changed.
This is where I got castrated. I feel at home here.
Sir.
Do you know a castrator can't become a eunuch?
I do. Why are you telling me that?
Because I think you want to adopt Chun-dong.
Why, do YOU want to adopt him?
I can if I want to.
You don't want a son. You want a wife. Am I wrong?
Chun-dong.
Miss.
What's that?
It's nothing. Why are you here?
I stopped by on my way to the temple to ask a favor.
What favor?
Chun-dong. Will you leave the capital with me?
What?
What do you say?
What do you mean? Leave the capital?
We shouldn't, right?
We shouldn't.
What's the matter?
I went to visit Queen Junghee and I saw the king.
I thought I was over him... But still...
I realized I'm still in love with him.
But what's the use?
He doesn't even remember me.
I don't want to marry a man when I'm in love with another.
I'd rather live an obscure life in the countryside.
Miss.
I know.
I'm being unreasonable.
But what can I do?
You're the only one who knows how I feel.
I needed to express my feelings. Don't let it get to you.
Let's go to the Dept. of Eunuchs.
Your Majesty. Why did you come in person when you could've called for me?
I wish to talk in private. Tell them to leave.
King Sungjong I need to visit the capital in secret.
Pardon?
What is this about?
Please don't ask.
You did it once for me before, remember?
That was because you were desperate. But this is so sudden and...
Lord Jo.
I feel like my heart's about to burst. Is that not reason enough?
Only you can help me out. Lord Jo.
I heard you're looking for a concubine. Is that true?
Queen Insoo A concubine? That's nonsense.
Not when Queen Gonghye is still young.
Han Myung-hwe But I heard...
Queen Junghee has some candidates in mind.
Minister Han, don't worry about that.
The rumors will die down once Queen Gonghye produces an heir.
I'm sure you won't forget what I did to put your son on the throne.
Han-soo, have your wounds healed?
Yes, sir.
Doh Geum-pyo, bodyguard You'll be given your first mission.
Follow me.
The king will leave in secret to check on the commoners.
Mr. Doh will escort you out. Mr. Jung will take it from there.
OK.
Keep your eyes on the king at all times.
What you see and hear today must be taken to your grave.
Yes, sir.
Who are you?
Han-soo... Is that you?
It's been a long time. You look great now that you're a eunuch.
I'm a subject of the king now. Not a friend from the eunuch school.
Don't talk to me like we're equals or I'll have you punished for it.
What brings you here?
The king wishes to see you.
What a nice day.
If only I could live like this forever.
The king is ill and everyone is worried.
Shouldn't you be too, as a royal?
I meant...
People will talk. Please leave.
Chun-dong.
Your Majesty, are you well?
How long has it been? It's great to see you.
Your Majesty.
I let you down, didn't I?
You got punished for helping me out.
But I didn't get in touch until now.
It's all in the past.
What are you here for?
To see So-hwa.
I saw her in the palace once. I can't get her out of my mind.
She must've waited for me to summon her.
But I let her down. I'm useless.
I came to explain what happened.
But she doesn't seem to be home.
She'll be at the temple.
- The temple? - Yes.
Mr. Jung.
Get ready to go to the temple.
We can't. We don't have time to go that far.
You promised Lord Jo you'd be back soon.
If you won't take me there, I'll go with Chun-dong.
He met Chun-dong, then went to the temple?
Yes. That's what I heard.
Sir. Why did you let Han-soo escort the king on his trip?
Why do you ask?
Are you thinking of adopting him?
I gave him a job he'd excel at. Nothing more, nothing less.
So-hwa...
I finally get to see you...
You can't.
Step aside.
I must see her now.
You can't.
Chun-dong, what's wrong with you?
You mustn't see her.
What?
Do you still love her?
Yes. I never once let her out of my mind.
Then...
please turn back.
Why should I?
She's already engaged.
If you still love her, I think you should turn back.
She's engaged? Are you sure?
Yes.
She shed so many bitter tears, waiting for you to keep your promise.
You can't just show up and then leave again.
What about her? How many more tears must she shed?
If you really love her, I think you should turn back.
I didn't marry her as I promised.
Showing up with nothing to offer...
will just make her suffer even more.
Yes.
You're right.
Mr. Jung.
Let's return.
I didn't get to make her my queen, but I swear she was my only love.
Chun-dong.
Look after her. Will you promise me that?
Yes, Your Majesty.
OK. I'll take your word for that.
Let's go.
Merciful Buddha. What should I do?
However hard I try, I just can't stop loving the king.
Must I marry a stranger when I can't get over my king?
The king returned to the palace in time.
You did well today, Han-soo.
Thank you. How does the king know a commoner like Chun-dong?
Their friendship is beyond social boundaries.
Pardon?
You're excused.
The king went to the temple to see Yoon So-hwa?
Yes, sir. I'm sure of it.
He's still not over her?
I didn't get to make her my queen, but I swear she was my only love.
Chun-dong.
Look after her. Will you promise me that?
Yes.
I'll keep that promise, even if it means giving up my life.
What brings you here at this time of night?
I came to ask for a favor.
A favor? What is it?
You can tell me.
Please break up Miss Yoon's engagement.
What? Break up her engagement?
Yes, sir.
I'm just a eunuch. How can I interfere in such things?
I heard you have what it takes to make anything work in your favor.
Please do this for me.
What is this about?
The king and Miss Yoon are still in love.
Once Miss Yoon gets married,
they'll never get to meet again.
I can't just sit by and watch them suffer like this.
So I came to ask for your help.
You want her to become a concubine?
If you do as I ask, I'll repay you with my life.
1, 2,
3, 4,
Queen Gonghye 5, 6, 7...
4 7, 48, 4 9, 50, 5 1.
Please stop, Your Highness.
Start counting again.
You've been at this for two hours. Please go inside. You might become ill.
If doing this under the moon will give me a son, I'll do it.
I wish the king could see you now. He'd realize what you're going through.
Don't say that.
It's entirely my fault.
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6,
7, 8...
The king has no heir.
I'm sure you know we're all worried.
It's threatening us.
The sooner Queen Gonghye has a son, the better it is for the monarchy.
If one of the court maids has a son before Queen Gonghye does,
the queen's authority will be in trouble.
The king is closer to you than me, his own mother.
Court Lady Oh Don't say that.
This is when they should sleep together.
It's of no use because the king doesn't even visit her.
Talk to the king and help them get closer.
She shed so many bitter tears, waiting for you to keep your promise.
You can't just show up and then leave again.
What about her? How many more tears must she shed?
Your Majesty, you don't look happy.
Do you want me to arrange a feast?
No. I'm sick of everything.
Your Majesty.
- Here you are. - Nurse.
Do you remember? You had a dog when you were seven.
You stayed up with it all night when you heard it was pregnant.
I remember. I caught a cold and my mother yelled at you.
You're that kind, even to animals.
But why are you so cold to your queen?
You're her husband.
Your mother and grandmother are worried. And your wife the queen is very lonely.
You have to take good care of her.
Only then will she gain the respect she deserves.
I'm a terrible husband. I should've known better.
Comfort her whenever you can. I'm sure she'll appreciate it.
Are you Court Maid Choi?
Beodeul Yes. But why... ?
Why would they kidnap Beodeul?
It's t... t... true.
What's going on?
Queen Gonghye's maids kidnapped Beodeul.
What?
I'm sure you know why you're here.
I honestly have no clue.
You took your clothes off to lure the king.
How dare you feign ignorance.
I think you deserve a beating.
This is...
You witch!
How dare a king's servant keep such a thing.
That's not mine. I've never seen it before.
How dare you not confess when we have proof.
Queen Gonghye is suffering as it is. How dare a maid make things worse!
Whip her!
Ma'am...
How could a court maid keep such disgraceful objects?
You're a disgrace to all court maids.
Beat her up as much as you want.
Let her serve as an example to others.
Yes, ma'am.
Stop!
What are you doing to her?
This has nothing to do with you eunuchs.
You're all in the same boat. You should be comforting each other.
What a mess.
Step aside.
Mr. Gang. Let's go see Queen Gonghye.
To his queen's chambers.
Yes, sir.
Miss Choi.
What happened?
Miss Choi.
Save me.
Let me down.
- Save me... Save me... - Are you OK?
What happened?
Your Majesty...
I did nothing wrong. Please help me clear my name.
Your Majesty.
You let jealousy blind you enough to get a maid beaten and dragged around?
Is this all you can do as queen?
Your Majesty... What do you mean?
You put on an elegant show, then take your anger out on others.
Which is the real you?
You got it all wrong.
Give me a chance to get to the bottom of it.
I just saw what you did to the maid. How dare you feign ignorance!
Your Majesty...
I see you differently now.
Your Majesty. Your Majesty!
Your Highness, are you OK?
Yes.
I'm fine.
Your Highness.
I deserve to die. It's all my doing.
It's such a great honor to have you come to see me.
How are your wounds?
Now that you're here, I feel better already.
Ja-chi.
My physician prescribed that. Make sure to take it.
Thank you so much, Your Majesty.
Nurse. Take good care of her.
Your Majesty.
Don't come by here again.
How can I ignore someone who got beaten because of me?
But Queen Gonghye...
Don't you dare talk about her anymore.
You're...
The king himself gave me this medicine.
I'm sure he loves me.
You still haven't come to your senses?
I don't mind getting beaten many more times if it's to win the king over.
What should I do with you?
Court Maid Choi, follow me.
What is it, ma'am?
Queen Insoo wants me to bring her in.
How dare a maid disgrace herself and come between the king and queen.
You deserve to be killed.
Your Highness... Don't kill me.
Lady Oh, have you forgotten your duty?
Why did you let a rotten apple spoil the barrel?
I apologize, Your Highness.
Lady Hong. Suspend Lady Oh for a month.
And kick out Court Maid Choi.
Your Highness.
It's my fault for not nipping the bud. Please don't kick her out.
Do you want to get kicked out too?
Your Highness. She's young and foolish.
If you throw her out, she'll have to become a Buddhist nun.
Please take pity on her and let her stay.
If something like this happens again, I'll hold you responsible.
And I'll expect you to give up your life.
I will, Your Highness.
Come.
What did you want to see me about?
I want you to break off your son's engagement.
What?
I know you have all the power a man could ever wish for.
But you can't interfere in another's business.
I won't do that.
Minister.
Do you know what this is?
A list of your past corruption.
A minister accepts bribes, releases criminals,
and seizes commoners' land and goods...
I wonder what the king would think of all this.
Lord Jo...
I bet he'd strip you of your title and throw you out of the capital.
But that's...
Don't do this to me.
Break off your son's engagement and this book will disappear.
But a marriage is...
What will you do?
Lose all you have, or break off the engagement?
Ma'am, ma'am. Wake up, ma'am.
I've been hearing a baby's cry.
And I remember strange things.
What do you remember?
Not much.
They're just fragments. They don't really make sense.
I'm so scared.
Why didn't you tell me?
I didn't want to make you worry.
Can memories return after over 2 0 years?
I don't know. But then, it could all come back tomorrow.
You look like you're in love with Lady Oh.
Don't be silly.
Then why are you so pale?
The cold-hearted Head of Eunuchs in love...
The king and queen have drifted so far apart.
You can't force love on someone.
He needs a concubine. Get your men to pick some candidates.
How about Miss Yoon So-hwa?
She's engaged to Minister Park's son.
The engagement was broken off.
Really?
It won't look good if we accept her right after such an incident.
She's just a concubine. It won't matter much.
If that's what you think...
Mother. What's the matter?
I can't believe what has happened.
Minister Park just...
broke off your engagement. What should we do?
I'll go ask Duk-hoo what's going on.
What brings you here, ma'am?
Queen Junghee has summoned your daughter to be a concubine.