Episode 15
I'm asking you who you love even more than me.
I'll have him beheaded.
Tell me.
Tell me right now!
How could you be so cruel?
I never forgot about you.
I was willing to give up my throne to be with you.
How cruel.
You're so heartless.
It's over between us.
An impure concubine candidate? How could this be possible?
Don't worry, it's not true.
Queen Insoo Do you bet your life on that?
I asked if you bet your life on that.
Jo Chi-gyum, Chuh-sun's foster father I don't know what you heard,
but I'm sure it's a rumor spread to tarnish the king's name.
Lady Hong, let him in.
I will.
Tell us what you know about the rumor.
I heard Miss Yoon met up with a man in secret outside the capital.
Jung Han-soo So the engagement was broken off.
Your Highness.
She deserves to be severely punished.
If the rumor is true, you must make her a servant,
and banish her whole family.
Queen Junghee
We can't do that over a rumor.
We can wait until we have absolute proof.
Lord Jo, make sure you get to the bottom of this.
I will, Your Highness.
How dare you report such groundless rumors.
I did so to preserve the honor of the royal family.
What?
It's not a rumor.
I have witnesses who saw Miss Yoon with a man.
Bring me proof.
Or I'll cut your tongue out and kick you out of the palace.
What if the rumor is true?
Will you adopt me in Chun-dong's place?
Sure. You have three days.
I heard a concubine candidate made love with another man.
Really?
She tried to elope with him too.
I heard she miscarried his baby.
The palace is no place for such nonsense!
Kim Chuh-sun
Chun-dong.
Ma'am.
I heard Lord Jo adopted you.
Sorry I didn't say hello last night.
Ma'am.
What will happen to Miss Yoon? Will she get thrown out?
Court Lady Oh Her family might be exiled.
Rumors are spreading over why you rejected the king.
And he is very upset.
Tell him the truth.
Yoon So-hwa, future Lady Yoon What's the use of it now?
I broke his heart in two, just like this ornament.
But you must do something before it's too late.
You're right. I should tell the king.
Rumors are circulating that the concubine Lord Jo recommended...
Sulyoung had been with another man.
Mr. Noh, Jo's foster father Chi-gyum dug his own trap.
I hope Minister Han doesn't hate us for it.
Lord Jo used to be so levelheaded.
He'll manage to clear it all up.
I trust him.
Do you bet your life on that?
What if the rumor is true?
Will you adopt me in Chun-dong's place?
Miss.
Where are you going?
What are you doing?
I'm begging to be punished.
I want the king to throw me out.
The king is still on her side.
It's because he's too kind.
We should set a date for him to sleep with Yoon Ho's daughter.
Your Highness, this is Lady Jang.
Come in.
Miss Yoon is petitioning to be punished.
What?
Why are you doing this?
I refused to lie with the king.
I insulted him as well as the rest of the royal family.
Your Highness.
I beg you punish me by throwing me out of the palace.
You want to leave?
How dare you do this.
We are investigating your past liaisons.
Wait for the report. We'll punish you when we're sure of your crime.
I did nothing wrong before entering the palace.
But I request to be punished for rejecting the king.
I will not move until you officially send me out.
How dare you.
King Sungjong So-hwa's begging to be punished?
Yes.
Queens Insoo and Junghee couldn't talk her out of it.
She requests to be punished without explaining her actions...
I don't know what she's thinking.
That fool is ruining our authority and reputation.
We must do something.
Drag her in here and question her in person.
We can't.
It's customary to wait until she gives up or becomes ill.
She's the lady who came into the palace before I did?
Yes. She requests to be punished for refusing to lie with the king.
Yoon Sook-hyun, future Queen Junghyun
Chun-dong! So... something bad has happened.
What? Take your time.
Song Gae-nam Miss Yoon's petitioning to be punished.
What?
Chun-dong!
How dare you lie to the king and cause such trouble.
Minister Park What do you mean, I lied?
You broke off the engagement to stop me from reporting you.
Why did you tell the king it was because Miss Yoon had a lover?
Minister Park.
You think you can get away with this?
Clear up the mess you caused by telling the king the rumor is false.
What if I say I won't?
You don't mind my reporting you?
Do as you wish.
I have friends too. I won't go out alone.
Let's go.
Old shaman A mere candidate causing such trouble...
What will the world come to when she becomes queen?
Mr. Choi. Why are you so down today?
Mr. Choi I'm bored of life.
How would you know how all those long, lonely nights make me feel?
I'm just over 40.
All I have to show are wrinkles and a heart that beats for no one.
No one cares how lonely I feel.
If only I had a wife to share my life with...
Poor me...
You want to get remarried, right?
I do, but... how embarrassing.
Have you met a pretty widow?
I need help with that.
If you could find one for me, I'll be good to her forever.
I'll see what I can do.
You don't have to go far. If you set me up with Wolhwa, I'll...
You're no match for her.
- Forget it. - OK.
What a daydreamer...
Let me carry that.
No thanks.
Hand it over.
Wolhwa, Chuh-sun's foster mother
Gaedochi Hurry up.
Are you afraid people would say you're dating me?
This is too heavy for you. You need a spiritual daughter.
I wouldn't wish this on anyone.
Then let me help you.
I can take Chun-dong's place.
I'm a shaman.
If you touch me, the gods will punish you for it.
Your Majesty, Queen Gonghye is here.
Let her in.
What brings you here in this weather?
Queen Gonghye Please forgive Miss Yoon.
She hasn't fully recovered yet.
The harsh weather will take its toll on her.
Please have mercy upon her.
She betrayed and deceived me.
But you want me to forgive her?
Miss Yoon is innocent.
How do you know that?
It takes a woman to know one.
Miss Yoon really loves you.
Please forgive her and stop her before it's too late.
My grandmother governs as my regent.
I don't have a say.
Your Majesty.
I want to be alone. Withdraw to your chambers.
Is she still out there?
Yes, Your Highness.
She's quite stubborn.
If she marries the king,
she'll use what authority she has to take control of the government.
I won't forgive her.
Father, it's Chuh-sun.
Come in.
Why are you... ?
Father. Please stop Miss Yoon.
What? What did you say?
She might become very ill.
You brought her into the palace at my request.
I believe you can make the royals forgive her too.
Please do as I ask.
I can't.
Father.
She is fighting against herself, not the royals.
I can help her get over this obstacle,
but if I do, she won't survive life in the palace.
She runs the risk of dying, but you must let her be.
That's the best for her.
I brought some porridge. You must eat to regain energy.
I'm... OK...
You might die. Stop doing this.
I'll stay here... until they send me...
Miss. Miss.
Wake up, miss.
- Take her away. - OK.
Beodeul
Stay here while I go get her medicine.
OK, ma'am. Don't worry.
Beodeul.
So-woon.
What brings you here?
Moon So-woon We're going to play backgammon.
You want to join?
Backgammon? What are you playing for?
You'll see.
Come and make some new friends.
OK, let's go.
I'll stay outside a... and stand guard.
Thanks.
Go.
Miss.
I came here to serve you.
You can't leave the palace.
Chun-dong.
Miss.
Am I dreaming?
Why are you here?
I got adopted by Lord Jo to work here.
Chun-dong.
Was it you who took me to the king last night?
Yes.
It was me.
Right.
It was. It was you.
I can never forget your warm back.
You've only ever loved the king.
Why are you doing this? Why?
I'm doing it because I love him.
It's for his sake.
I'm glad, Chun-dong.
I'm glad you're here with me.
80 years have passed since King Taejo founded Josun.
Your grandfather, King Sejo, was a great king.
Han Myung-hwe You must take his lead.
Respect our traditions, honor our past,
and be strict when enforcing the law.
Beware of bribery and sweet talk, and accept loyal criticism.
Keep talented people at your side, and your reign shall be peaceful.
Minister Han.
Yes, Your Majesty.
I'm tired.
Let's end the lecture.
Yes, Your Majesty.
Your Majesty. It's me, Chun-dong.
Step aside.
Yes, sir.
Let me down.
What are you doing here?
I became a eunuch to keep my promise.
Promise?
What promise?
Have you forgotten about telling me to look after Miss Yoon?
I came here to serve you both. So why are you...
trying to get her thrown out?
She... deceived me.
That's nonsense.
She's innocent.
Ever since you became king, all she did was pray and wait for you.
I don't want to hear about her anymore.
If you don't believe her...
it means I failed you.
I deserve to die.
Stop.
Stop, Chun-dong. Why are you doing this?
You are the one and only man Miss Yoon loves.
Please don't abandon her.
You fool.
You're not a fighting bull, you know.
I'm done.
Thank you.
Yang Sung-yoon I can't believe a trainee blocked...
the king's path and caused a commotion.
I wondered why Chi-gyum adopted you.
I think I understand now.
You are the one and only man Miss Yoon loves.
I'm so relieved you're OK.
I won't forget how you took care of me.
Don't say that.
Ma'am, we're in big trouble.
Why are you so flustered?
The king is coming.
The king is entering.
Nurse, I'd like a word with So-hwa.
Please excuse us.
Yes, Your Majesty.
Sit.
Chun-dong hurt his head to prove your innocence.
Pardon?
If I had such a friend... it would mean my life was worthwhile.
He was willing to die for you.
I trust his belief in you.
So... I believe your innocence.
Your Majesty...
I love you.
I don't care...
if you have a lover.
I know...
how much you love me.
I know very well.
Then why did you reject me?
You promised to become a sage king.
One that comforts the suffering people.
I thought your deep love for me...
would deter you from studying hard.
I was afraid you'd forget about your people.
You have a great queen.
I was afraid you'd forget about her.
I was afraid you'd go against your superiors.
If I can help you become a sage king,
I...
I don't mind becoming a Buddhist nun.
I wouldn't care a bit.
Is that what you meant?
You did it for me?
Yes...
And I thought...
I was so foolish...
What? He's in bed with her?
Yes, Your Highness. The light just went out.
How about having a drink with me?
It feels so good to drink with my son.
I fell in love when I was your age.
But I was a eunuch in training.
So she married a good friend of mine.
Their first night as man and wife...
was the night I thought I'd rather be a dead man.
But I have no regrets.
If you pick a flower to keep it, it will wither in a day.
But a flower kept in your heart will live forever.
I had misunderstood her intentions. I'm no longer angry with her.
Please forgive her.
If you say so. Let's forget about what happened.
Shall we appoint her as concubine then?
Your Highness.
I think we should wait until Lord Jo reports back about the rumor.
What do you say?
I believe So-hwa is innocent.
I don't mind waiting.
Your Majesty, Kim Chuh-sun is here.
How is your wound?
It's healing, so please don't worry.
That's a relief.
You helped clear up my misunderstanding.
You stopped me from abandoning the one woman I was meant to be with.
Thank you. Thank you so much.
I'm glad I got to help you consummate your marriage.
Thanks. I'm glad to have such a great friend.
Take good care of her.
I'll do my best.
Han Chi-geun A mere trainee gets to see the king?
You make Lord Jo adopt you,
Shim Gi-soo and now you brown-nose the king?
Stop this.
Stop, what are you doing?
Mr. Jung. What are you up to?
Are you Miss Yoon's lover?
No way.
I have witnesses who saw you with her.
Some even saw you giving her piggyback rides.
I looked after her, as the king told me to.
Stop lying to me.
You think you can use him to hide the fact that you slept with her?
You serve the king.
How dare you covet his woman.
Mr. Jung.
You can do what you want to me, but...
don't insult Miss Yoon.
Bring him in.
Look at him carefully.
Park Duk-hoo It's him. I'm sure he loves her.
He assaulted and threatened me when I was her fiance.
Why are you lying?
Take him away.
Why don't you move out and live in the capital?
Pardon? Why should I move out?
The king is too old for a nurse. He even has a concubine now.
Needlework is too hard for you.
You should rest now. I'll tell Queen Junghee.
Do as I say.
I'm not much of a man, but I can still support you.
Will you let me?
I'd lost my memory, but you gave me a reason to live.
I know you mean well and that you care for me.
But I'm waiting for my husband.
What if he returns to find me living as if I'd forgotten about him?
You're still not over him yet?
I'm sure he's alive, as well as my son.
I believe so.
Thank you, but no thank you.
You still refuse to confess that you're her lover?
Just... kill me.
Stop!
Han-soo. What are you doing?
Geum-pyo.
Step aside.
Queen Insoo told me to investigate who Miss Yoon's lover is.
What?
Minister Park's son testified Chun-dong is her lover.
And I have witnesses who saw them together.
What more proof do you need?
Is this about your not being able to become my foster son?
You're letting your emotions cloud your judgement.
If you try to cover this up, I'll report you to Queen Junghee.
You won't get away with it.
Are you threatening me?
Are you OK, Chuh-sun?
Yes...
You're letting a mere concubine tear the dept. apart?
Chi-gyum's the head, and Han-soo, you have a great future.
Why can't you two just get along?
I'm sorry if I upset you.
You should both yield. Let it go.
If you want me to, I will.
What about you, Chi-gyum?
I'll do as you say.
Doh Geum-pyo, bodyguard What will you do with Han-soo?
He stood up against you.
He's one of the countless thorns.
We need to get to the root of it.
If we don't cut it at the root now,
the thorns will grow large enough to ruin us and the monarchy.
What brings you here?
Why did you get Minister Park to lie about Miss Yoon?
Have you forgotten that our deal was to help strengthen the monarchy?
You stole my line.
I got you your job back. You're more powerful than anyone now.
How dare you insult my daughter by bringing in a concubine.
It was so the king could produce an heir, that's all.
You think I don't know...
you want to manipulate him so you can gain control over us?
Nations controlled by eunuchs fall!
I won't just sit and watch that happen.
I will stop it.
If you want me dead, I have no choice.
But have you forgotten the memo you wrote and signed yourself?
The ink has barely dried.
Are you threatening me?
We can help each other survive.
Do as you wish. But I'll take you down with me!
You seem to be in a good mood today.
I used to think Lord Jo was invincible.
I thought I'd never be able to beat him.
Just facing him used to make me tremble and sweat.
But he's just a man who loves his son too much.
I'm confident I can take over one day.
Don't be too rash.
He's a force to be reckoned with.
But I'm sure we can take him out if we join forces.
Chun-dong, I heard Han-soo tortured you.
It was nothing, I'm fine.
Look at all this sweat. Are you OK?
Yes...
Chun-dong!
Chun-dong! Chun-dong!
Chun-dong!
Wake up! Chun-dong!
It's festering.
It's quite serious. Poor fool.
Give me the herbal water.
What's wrong with you? You've never seen a wound before?
I have, sir.
Queen Junghee sent it to aid your recovery.
She'll appoint you as concubine soon.
But why do you look so gloomy?
The king told me Chun-dong hurt himself.
I hope he's alright.
You know Chun-dong?
He saved my life when I was bitten by a viper a long time ago.
I heard he's at death's door.
Give Chun-dong a job serving me.
We can't give a trainee such an important duty.
Then I have no choice but to wait.
Ja-chi, call him for me.
Choi Ja-chi He's very ill, Your Majesty.
What?
You shouldn't be here, miss.
I just came to see Chun-dong.
Don't take long or people will talk about you.
I'll leave you then.
You mustn't give in. You must fight.
Get well, for my sake.
I'll pray for your recovery.
Chun-dong, are you in there?