Mother.
Please...
forgive me.
Chun-dong, Chun-dong!
What happened? Chun-dong!
My... testicles...
Chun-dong.
Chun-dong...
Chun-dong.
Chun-dong!
Dear heavens.
You control life and death.
Please allow Chun-dong to be my son and lift our family name up high.
Miss.
Did you do this for me, Chun-dong?
You lost your manhood for me.
So I'll live my life for you.
Miss.
You're awake at last.
Why... am I here?
Don't you remember? You came here after castrating yourself.
I called your mother and the old shaman. Don't worry.
I'm very glad you pulled through.
You'll need help to move around.
Your bladder is full.
Geum-pyo. Take the straw out and help him urinate.
Yes, sir.
I can manage.
Episode 13
Did you really castrate yourself?
I had... no choice.
You've been to death's door.
Chun-dong.
Kim Chun-dong Mother.
Chun-dong.
Mother...
Who did this? Who did this to you? Who?
No one did.
I did it because I wanted to.
Jung Han-soo
Let me adopt Chun-dong. I'll take good care of him.
Old shaman It's Chun-dong's fate.
It's out of our hands now.
Do as he says.
I'll look after him like my own son. Please...
Chun-dong.
Do you really wish to become his foster son?
I already promised to become his foster son.
Wolhwa, Chun-dong's foster mother
If that's what you say...
There's nothing I can do.
Mother.
Let her be.
Jo Chi-gyum, Head of Eunuchs
Chun-dong. Why are you out in the cold?
I'm worried about my mother.
You love her, yet you castrated yourself?
Pardon?
Didn't I tell you I'd make sure Miss Yoon doesn't get thrown out?
So why did you castrate yourself and cause your mother such grief?
Do you love Miss Yoon?
No way. A commoner like me can't...
Love goes beyond social boundaries.
I won't ask why you did it.
But give up on her immediately. She is the king's woman now.
A eunuch who loves the king's woman can't and shouldn't live.
Remember that.
Chun-dong.
My trying to be the king's wife...
was never meant to be.
It's OK.
I got to see him from afar.
I'm happy.
Chun-dong.
I miss your warm back.
I know you'll comfort me when we meet again.
I said I wouldn't cry over the king again.
Hang in there, Miss Yoon. I'll be at your side soon.
King Sungjong
Your Majesty, it's late. You should go to bed.
Mr. Gang.
I'll go to my queen's chambers.
Get ready.
Your Highness, the king is here.
The king?
Let him in.
Are you surprised I came without warning?
I'm honored by your presence.
I came to have a drink with you.
Queen Gonghye
I have neglected you.
Will you forgive me for misunderstanding you?
I apologize for not being able to fulfill my duty.
It's all my fault.
Have a drink with me. I'll pour you one.
Your Majesty...
I didn't realize you're a victim of this marriage just as much as I am.
I'm sorry for ignoring you when you deserve better.
Thank you for understanding.
I couldn't wish for anything more.
Don't cry.
I'm sorry. I truly am sorry.
Your Majesty...
Queen Insoo The king is with his queen?
Yes.
He poured her a drink and comforted her.
Beodeul
What's all this?
Help us with our washing.
Fill all the vats with clean water and weed the garden.
Yoon So-hwa, future Lady Yoon You can't do this to me.
Why should I do all your jobs for you?
You have to earn your keep.
Isn't it only natural that you work for a living?
You're going to leave soon anyway.
Finish it by 1 PM if you want to eat.
Miss.
How are you?
Who... ?
Moon So-woon I'm Chun-dong's friend, So-woon.
Moon So-woon.
I didn't recognize you, grown up and in uniform.
I recognized you.
You did?
I came to give you this.
What's this?
It's nothing special. There were some snacks and I thought of you.
You're always so kind.
How come you're washing clothes?
Where is Miss Choi?
I volunteered. Don't tell anyone about it.
Wait right here.
We all met at the eunuch school. Go on, say hello.
- I'm Choi Ja-chi. - I'm Hong Gwi-nam.
I'm Song Gae-nam.
Why are you all here?
You sit and rest. We'll do the washing and cleaning.
No, I can't let you do that. Thanks, but no thank you.
Song Gae-nam I'll help clean up.
I'm really good at sw... sweeping.
We're used to this.
Choi Ja-chi Don't worry.
Hong Gwi-nam Yeah. We're Chun-dong's friends.
Thank you all. I owe you so much.
What the... ?
How did you manage all this?
The vats are full and the garden is clean.
Did you have fun?
Don't be silly.
My eyes and back hurt from all the sewing.
Chun-dong.
What should I do after I leave?
Queen Gonghye is entering.
Are you So-hwa?
Have some tea.
Thank you.
Do you remember me?
We met once when Queen Junghee called us in for an interview.
Yes.
I remember hearing you answer so perfectly.
You were beautiful and bright too.
I thought you would become queen.
I'm just here because of my father.
Please don't say that.
On our wedding night, the king left, telling me he loved someone else.
It hurt me so much back then.
I cried for days and nights.
But now I understand why he spent all those nights drinking.
Now I know how it feels to miss someone you love so much.
You'd have felt the same.
You must have missed the king so much.
Your Highness, please...
I saw his jade ornament last night.
I know you're the one he loves.
Had I known earlier, then I'd have called you in as a concubine.
I'm so sorry.
Bring it over.
Take it. I made you a coat.
It's to show I accept you as the king's concubine.
I'll see to it that you're officially appointed.
Bear with me. I'll make sure you don't get thrown out.
Your Highness...
I'm glad we get to serve the same husband.
Comfort him well...
and put us all at ease by producing an heir to the throne.
I will never forget how good you were to me.
What are you thinking about?
Hello there.
Yoon Sook-hyun, future Queen Junghyun You look worried. Are you OK?
Yoon Ho, court official You mean so much to me.
I wished you'd marry a noble and live peacefully.
But the palace is a mess because the king has no heir.
Minister Han is threatening the king's authority.
Sook-hyun.
Become the king's concubine and support him from within.
I will, if that's what you wish.
The palace is full of men and women vying for power and the king's love.
I'm sorry I have to send you in there.
Sons and daughters must all be filial.
We must all do what we can to best serve our king.
I might be a weak woman,
but I will help the king if I can.
Good. Thank you. Thank you.
Why is Miss Yoon still in the villa?
You said you'd throw her out.
Now is not a good time. Queen Junghee likes her.
And the king visits his queen more often now.
Let's see how things go.
Han Myung-hwe Lord Jo brought her in.
He'll use her to take over if she gives birth to a son first.
We might not be able to stop him then.
Queen Gonghye is here.
Let her in.
Welcome.
- Hello, father. - Hello, Your Highness.
What brings you here?
I have a favor to ask.
What is that?
Appoint So-hwa as the king's concubine.
We can't.
We'll decide what to do with her. You stay out of this matter.
This is an important matter.
And I have a say in it too.
I know and understand why you feel sorry for Miss Yoon.
But like your father said, I think you should stay out of it.
Your Highness.
Do as she says.
You're the queen of our nation.
Your firstborn must become king.
You will be threatened if a concubine gives birth to a son before you do.
And it will cause much turmoil too.
There must be no concubines until you produce an heir.
I know and thank you for trying to protect me.
But we need a concubine to cover up my faults.
You and Queen Junghee did all you could...
to care for me and help me get pregnant.
But I've been married and childless for five years now.
Please don't make me suffer even more.
But...
Your Highness, I had a talk with So-hwa.
She is beautiful, gentle, and bright.
If she becomes a concubine, it would do me good too.
Your Highness.
The heavens decide whom to bless with a child.
If So-hwa were to have a son, I would raise him as my own.
You'll adopt Chun-dong?
He castrated himself to keep the promise he made with me.
I've never heard of a eunuch who had the courage to do that.
I'm sure he'll make our family go down in history.
Mr. Noh, Jo's foster father It's up to you. I won't complain.
Perhaps he really is meant to...
Sulyoung be a eunuch.
But if he does anything to taint our fame, I shall step in.
Trust me.
But what about Han-soo?
He'll be very disappointed.
He's a strong man.
He'll be able to get over it.
Why are you so upset, Mr. Jung?
I'll please you tonight, so slow down.
Jung Han-soo
You want to please a castrated man?
Let go.
Mother.
I wanted to become Lord Jo's son and gain all the power in the world.
I guess it was just a daydream.
Why are you still out when it's past 3 AM?
He's lost his mind! Arrest him and take him away!
Come here.
You fool!
Why you...
I'm Jung Han-soo, a eunuch.
I'm so sorry.
Let him go!
Policemen bowing to a castrated fool. What is the world coming to?
Han-soo?
Yes... I'm Jung Han-soo.
Why are you here at this time, and drunk too?
I came to ask you something.
I heard you were of noble blood too.
I thought you of all people...
would understand how I felt...
when I chose to become a eunuch.
But...
Why did you choose a shaman's son over me?
What makes him so special?
Whatever your background, you become a eunuch the day you're castrated.
All a eunuch needs is loyalty towards the king.
If that's what you say, I can be more loyal than anyone.
It has to come from your heart.
Loyalty faked to gain power can never last.
It'll be your downfall.
If you don't control your ambition, it will burn up.
It will take you to the extreme and later it will be too late.
Remember that.
Mother. Today is the day of my adoption.
You're not even my real son.
Go.
I know you love me more than you would your real son.
I might get adopted, but you're still my mother.
I'll come by often.
Mister. Take good care of my mother.
I will. Bye.
Chun-dong...
Fostered love causes more anguish than natural love.
Cry your heart out.
Ancestors.
Here are the testes of your new descendant.
Please look down upon us and help us live in prosperity.
This drink symbolizes your blood ties. Drink it.
You have different surnames, but you are now father and son.
Teach and lead your son well. Respect and obey your father.
I will.
It's time for you to name your son.
Chuh-sun
As your father, I have the right to name you.
Chuh-sun
Only the king and his father can call a court official by his name.
Meaning ''remaining upright, ''
your name is Chuh-sun.
Kim Chuh-sun.
As a eunuch, you will have accomplishments.
But you will also be threatened.
Still, I want you to remain upright, just like your name suggests.
Kim... Chuh-sun.
Now we have a son. Take good care of him.
My lord.
Han-soo was the best of them all.
Why should I put up with a shaman's son?
Watch your manners.
You'll need him more than you think.
I'd rather have no son than live with a lowlife commoner.
Don't let it get to you. She's like that.
It won't last long, so give her time.
Yes, father.
You shall start work at the palace tomorrow.
Pardon?
You have to learn how things work.
But remember, I won't help you just because you're my son.
What? Are you sure Lord Jo adopted Chun-dong?
Yes. Mr. Jang to... told me so.
Why would Chun-dong... ?
What happened to Han-soo?
Han Chi-geun, Shim Gi-soo Did Lord Jo...
really adopt someone else?
What nonsense is this?
How could he do that?
Mr. Yoon wants...
Queen Junghee his daughter to marry the king.
You mean Yoon Ho?
The king favors him greatly. If he becomes our in-law,
it will do us good.
I'd like to meet his daughter. I'd like to hear what you think.
You can do as you wish.
What's the matter?
I feel awkward in these clothes.
You might keep forgetting you got castrated.
You'll get used to it.
And to the silk clothes and good food.
Soon you will demand clean clothes and good food all the time.
A king's maid or eunuch must never have had intercourse before.
If the parrot's blood flows,
you can't enter.
Be strict when teaching my son.
If he's your son... why not make him a bodyguard?
He knows nothing. I can't give him such an important duty.
- Relax, I won't mind your being strict. - Yes, sir.
I should've known I'd see you again.
Jang Soon-moo, Um Kyung-hwan Aren't you the boy who...
got punished for pretending to be the king?
I am. I'm sorry about that.
Nice strong build. No wonder Lord Jo adopted you.
But you must work.
If you misuse your father's status, you'll get punished for it.
Yes, sir.
What is her destiny?
Year of the rabbit, June 2 6th, 8 PM.
She's destined to be a wise mother of the nation.
Mother of the nation? You mean queen?
Yes, Your Highness.
Lady Choi, how dare you.
You once said the same about Queen Gonghye and So-hwa.
How can you say the same about her too?
I'm just saying what I see in their fate.
Even I can't explain what it means.
Will she have children?
She will have a son and a daughter.
And her son will come to the throne.
What's going on? Three queens and two future kings?
Three queens in the same palace.
Things will get very bad soon.
I told them what I saw, and it made me uneasy too.
We can't tell what the gods have in store for us.
Chun-dong will be here somewhere.
You miss him?
We might as well pay him a visit.
If you want to pass, go between my legs.
Stop that and let me pass.
How dare a thief walk around in broad daylight.
I didn't steal anything.
You won't admit you stole the right to become Lord Jo's son?
We should beat him until he confesses.
He has to deal with it alone. No one can or is allowed to help.
It hurts, but it's out of our hands.
Take some firewood to Queen Insoo's chambers.
Yes, sir.
How do I know where she lives?
Chuh-sun.
Sir.
It's OK to call me ''father'' when we're alone.
OK, father.
We eunuchs protect the king.
So our rules are even stricter.
If you flaunt your status as my son, people will turn against you.
Lie low and endure it.
I will.
Good. I believe you will, son.
Chun-dong.
So-woon.
- Chun-dong. - Chun-dong!
- Chun-dong!
- Hello.
Chun-dong...
- Gae-nam. - Chun-dong.
So it's true you became Lord Jo's foster son.
It's better to be Lord Jo's son than a monstrous castrator.
Right?
We all thought Lord Jo would adopt Han-soo. Poor Han-soo.
He was so arrogant and rude to us all.
He really lost out.
How d... did you do it? Grown men can't g... get castrated.
Did a d... dog bite it off like it did mine?
He's not a three-year-old. He knows he should stay away from crazy dogs.
Rumors say you cut it yourself. Did you really do it yourself?
Yeah.
My parents tied mine off. So-woon and Ja-chi were born like that.
We don't know how much it hurts.
But I'm amazed you did it yourself.
I'm clueless about this place. I'm going to need your help.
We've known you for years. We'll see what we can do.
Yeah.
But we're still your seniors.
Please look after me well.
OK.
I came to thank you for all you did for me.
OK.
Chi-gyum didn't adopt you, but I still think you have potential.
Come and ask for my help whenever you need it.
I will never forget all you did for me.
You said there's a way to succeed Lord Jo without becoming his son.
What's that?
You wanted to become his son...
because you crave the power he has, right?
Get adopted by someone even more powerful than Lord Jo.
Who could be more powerful?
There's one person Lord Jo fears more than the king himself.
You mean Mr. Noh?
That will make you Lord Jo's brother.
Even if it does, I can't do anything with Lord Jo around.
Lie low and build up your base.
I'll help you replace Lord Jo when you're ready.
What's in it for you?
If I help you reach your goal,
I trust you'll help me reach mine.
You want a drink?
Why did you castrate yourself?
I don't know what's going on, but I'm glad we can work together.
Yes. So am I.
Do you know Miss Yoon's here?
She became ill and nearly got thrown out of the palace.
She's better now, but Queen Insoo doesn't like her.
I wish it were over,
and she were made concubine.
Court Lady Oh It's late. Why are you here?
I've been having bad dreams since I came here.
I used to have a good friend.
I dream of him saving me, then drowning in the river himself.
It's all so vivid, I keep thinking something could be wrong.
Pray to the gods.
If you pray hard enough, they'll listen.
Dear gods, please protect Chun-dong.
I just can't stop crying
If my love is getting in your way
What can I do to stop it all?
Do you know?
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