Chun-dong, are you in there?
You're worried about Chun-dong too?
Yes, Your Majesty.
Chun-dong, what's wrong?
Wake up.
Your Majesty.
Dr. Yang. What's wrong with him?
I'm sorry to say his genital area is festering.
What?
Dr. Yang.
Chun-dong is a very precious friend.
Take care of him as you would me. You must save him.
I will do so.
Episode 16
He'll get better. Don't worry too much.
I'm sure he'll know you care for him.
Yes.
King Sungjong He brought us together again.
If it weren't for him, I'd still be angry with you.
Yoon So-hwa, future Lady Yoon
Queen Gonghye
The castration was incomplete. It's starting to rot.
Jo Chi-gyum Medicine won't help.
The infected area has to be cut out.
Yang Sung-yoon I doubt he'll survive.
Do you want me to do it?
You're the only friend I trust.
My son's life is in your hands.
What is it?
I'm here to ask whether you'll keep your promise.
What promise?
Jung Han-soo You said you'd adopt me...
if I could bring you proof Miss Yoon has a lover.
I did. And I keep my promises.
I'm positive Chun-dong is her lover.
Villagers saw him give her piggyback rides.
Park Duk-hoo testified against him too.
But...
I'll let it go, like Mr. Noh told me to.
I trust you'll keep your side of the bargain.
You fool.
A eunuch's loyalty to his king comes before his own life.
How dare you use this information for personal gain.
Sir...
If you can prove they are lovers,
you should go report this, and make sure they are punished now.
I won't...
adopt a wretch who puts personal gain before his duty.
Doh Geum-pyo, bodyguard
Sir, the preparations are complete.
Take everything inside.
Yes, sir.
We have to neutralize the male energy. Chew this.
Don't swallow it.
Dear gods.
Please save Chun-dong. I won't be able to live without him.
Dear gods. Please, please save him.
Dear ancestors. Chuh-sun is destined to glorify our family.
Please help him survive and recover,
and prove that eunuchs too can be respected by others.
If I could give my life to save his, please take me this instant.
How did it go?
It went well.
Now it's up to his will to live.
Court Lady Oh
Leave the capital.
Don't you dare come back. And...
don't ever talk about Miss Yoon again.
I'll kill you if you even think of trying.
That should be enough to help you settle somewhere.
You can't do this just because you're rich.
I'll go and report you to the police.
Jeez...
What do you say?
Will you die here or leave?
- We'll leave... - We'll go...
You wretch!
Park Duk-hoo My father is Minister of Interrogations.
Step aside before I have you punished.
Why you...
Who the... ?
You insulted the royal family and the king's concubine.
You deserve to die.
Wait, I'm innocent.
I told him what I saw.
Can you repeat that to the king?
Don't kill me. I did what Mr. Jung told me to.
Don't you dare lie again.
You'll lose more than your topknot then.
Watch out.
Chun-dong.
Miss.
You're crossing the river without me?
I came to look for you.
Let's go back.
Yes, miss.
Chun-dong.
I feel so comfortable.
I'd like to be with you forever.
I wish we didn't have to worry about social status.
Chuh-sun. Can you hear me?
Father...
Yes, it's me.
Chuh-sun. Chuh-sun.
Why did he lose consciousness?
It's OK, he just fell asleep.
The worst is over, so don't worry.
He truly is something. He cheated death twice...
Thank you. I owe you so much.
How can I ever repay you?
Miss.
Chun-dong woke up.
He did?
He'll be fine. Don't worry.
Sir, it's me, Geum-pyo.
Come in.
Was anyone hurt?
I made sure they wouldn't talk about it.
The villagers have all disappeared?
What do you mean?
We don't know where they are. They just disappeared last night.
Shim Gi-soo, Han Chi-geun We searched everywhere in vain.
Mr. Park, where are you going?
I'm off to a temple to study.
I need you to testify Chun-dong is Miss Yoon's lover.
Do that and I'll make you a court official.
Forget about it. I don't want to be involved.
What's your problem?
I don't want to lose my life over an ex-fiancee.
Understood?
Let's go.
Lord Jo, did you investigate the rumor?
We found out that Miss Yoon was very kind and proper.
She even made clothes to earn some extra money.
The engagement was broken off because she was poor.
It had nothing to do with any moral issues.
Queen Junghee What a relief.
Don't you agree?
Queen Insoo
Mr. Jung, is what Lord Jo said true?
Why won't you answer? I asked if it's true.
What Lord Jo said is true.
The rumors surrounding Miss Yoon were groundless.
Are you sure, Mr. Jung?
Believe me.
It was all a misunderstanding. Let it go, Queen Insoo.
Why back down when you said you had proof?
You caught me off-guard this time. But you won't be so lucky next time.
We'll see about that.
You're excused.
He won't take this lying down, sir. He'll try to get back at you.
I like his tenacity.
Minister Park My son lost his topknot to a eunuch.
How dare he threaten a minister.
Han Myung-hwe Your son's lucky to be alive.
Pardon?
He'd cut off the king's topknot...
if it's to keep his power intact.
Will you just let him get away with it?
We can't.
I'll make sure he loses all he has.
Lord Jo.
Thank you for clearing So-hwa's name. I won't forget what you did.
Thank you.
I want to reward you. Tell me what you want.
I have just one request.
Tell me.
I request you become a powerful monarch.
If the monarchy is weak, the ministers will manipulate you.
If the monarchy is weak, you can't protect your loved ones.
If the monarchy is weak, you can't protect the people's interest.
I beg you, Your Majesty. You must be strong and dignified.
Protect the people and the monarchy, and build a nation to last centuries.
I'll give my life to assist you.
Lord Jo.
You truly are my loyal subject.
But my grandmother is still regent. What can I do to gain strength?
Tell me what to do.
You're at the pinnacle of power. Be certain of nothing.
Surround yourself with young, talented, trustworthy people.
Then they...
will protect you from Minister Han's advances.
They will advise and assist you.
I shall be there with you.
I can speak for my son, Chuh-sun too.
I will trust you.
Mr. Jung.
You said So-hwa's engagement was broken off because she had a lover.
What's going on here?
Did you lie to me? Or did Lord Jo put pressure on you?
Why won't you answer?
Your Highness, I've never lied.
Then why... ?
All the witnesses disappeared last night.
Was Lord Jo behind it?
If that's true, I can't let him get away with it.
I think you should let it slide.
What?
Lord Jo is very meticulous.
Attacking him now might ruin your authority.
Let me look into what happened first.
Give me some time.
Are you feeling better?
Has Miss Yoon's name been cleared?
Yes. Queen Junghee will make her a concubine soon.
Chuh-sun.
Say goodbye to the king and leave the palace.
What do you mean?
An ill eunuch can't stay here. Stay at home until you recover.
Yoon So-hwa is appointed Royal Lady.
Accept the title and do your duty.
Queen Junghee gives you these clothes and wig.
Put them on and pay her a visit.
Now you are a royal lady. You are part of the royal family.
Act accordingly and serve the king well.
I will.
Queen Insoo, your turn.
Rumors of your engagement have tarnished our reputation.
Such rumors spread fast, and now people will watch you closely.
Be careful how you speak and act.
Don't do or say anything to harm the king's authority.
I won't, Your Highness.
Miss Yoon received her title. I feel so bad for you.
I had a talk with her. She's very kind and proper.
Don't worry.
You can't be sure.
She might want to take your place.
I will not let that happen.
Wolhwa, don't you mind living alone?
I don't.
Old shaman Why don't you move in?
What do you mean?
I'm too old to run the school alone.
I'll leave it to you anyway.
Wolhwa Learn the trade.
I could do with some help.
My son became a eunuch after I raised him for 2 0 years.
I just couldn't... run a eunuch school.
I should get going.
Are you OK?
I'm fine. Are you OK?
Yes, I am. Be a bit more careful.
What's your name?
I'm Dong-nam.
Who are you staring at?
His smile reminds me of Chun-dong.
Gaedochi His mom was a beggar.
He'll be castrated soon.
It's good to see you smile.
Guess what my wish is.
I wish you'd smile like you used to.
That's all I want.
Your daughter received the title of Royal Lady.
These gifts are from Queen Junghee.
We're so grateful. Buddha has been watching over us.
Yoon Gi-hyun Life is finally getting better.
Mrs. Shin How is she doing?
She's fine. She'll invite you over soon.
I can't wait to see her.
Miss Yoon is now a royal lady?
Yes. I visited her mother to give her the gifts.
Is it really inevitable... ?
Pardon?
Oh, it's nothing.
You still look worried.
Actually I'd like to ask you something.
Ma'am.
I was separated from my husband and baby 1 9 years ago.
I'd like to know if they're still alive.
Your husband's whereabouts are unknown...
and the child is alive.
Really?
Are you sure?
You'll meet your child again.
Or rather, perhaps you already have.
I'm happy then. As long as my child is alive.
Father, I'm here.
Beodeul Is he out?
Oh gosh...
Goodness.
Father, what are you doing?
Mr. Choi
Why are you... ? What a surprise.
Hello, miss.
Beodeul!
Beodeul.
Don't be angry.
Beodeul.
I'm a teacher here, not a eunuch.
Even I get confused and wonder if I was castrated or not.
It can be very upsetting, you know.
You became a court maid when you were young.
All the men you know are eunuchs, incomplete men.
What would you know?
A man needs to have a woman...
to make him feel whole.
Please understand. Thank you.
I'm disappointed in you.
What?
Kick that woman out right now or I won't ever visit you again.
Why that ungrateful...
She betrayed my love for her by becoming a court maid!
Now she scolds me for wanting to be a man!
No wonder they say an evil wife is better than ten great kids.
Hello, mother.
''Mother''?
Mrs. Jung Don't call me that.
Look at you, getting sent out when you're still training.
You have a son now.
Congratulations.
Um Kyung-hwan's wife Why didn't you tell us earlier?
You should've held a feast.
Don't make me feel worse.
I had to give in to my husband.
But I'll never accept a shaman's son.
Ma'am.
Jang Soon-moo's wife Miss Yoon is now a royal lady.
I hope she doesn't take revenge because of what we did years ago.
It's been bothering me too.
Why don't you pay her a visit?
I should.
Doesn't everyone like jewels?
They might pretend they don't care for it,
but they can never refuse a gift.
I'll visit Royal Lady Yoon. You come up with the jewels.
What's wrong? Is it something I said?
No, ma'am.
I took the gifts to your mother.
And I told her you'd invite her soon.
Thanks.
Beodeul, she's your mistress now. Serve her well.
I've always served her as best as I know how.
I'm sure she knows that.
Of course, I know.
Your Highness, Lord Jo's wife wishes to see you.
Let her in.
Congratulations on becoming a royal lady.
Thank you.
This is for you.
You'll need money to keep up appearances.
No thanks.
Take it back. Thank you for coming though.
Forgive me for how I treated you years ago.
I'll make it up to you from now on.
I forgot about it already. There's no need to apologize.
I feel so much better to hear you say that.
I heard you adopted Chun-dong.
Take good care of him.
I will, Your Highness.
I care for him as if he were my own son.
Thank you. I'm sure you do.
The impudent witch.
She used to sew for my money. How dare she talk down to me.
She can't tell me to look after my son. What does she care about him?
Looks like you're loving it here.
Happy you get to see my husband every day?
You're wrong.
Am I?
You can't hide from me.
If I hear about you flirting with him, I'll make you pay. Watch out.
Park Geun-soo, Jang Soon-moo What brings you here?
I came to see the royal lady.
We heard you'd be visiting.
Is Lord Jo in?
I might as well visit him too.
We'll escort you. This way.
Yang Sung-yoon, Um Kyung-hwan What a parade.
Why don't you join them?
Escorting Lord Jo's wife? It's embarrassing.
It's the title they want.
Your wife spends all that money hoping to take her place.
What are you doing here?
What's wrong with you?!
How dare you let a woman in here!
You should be commending me, not yelling at me.
I bowed to the royal lady and took in all her insults for your sake.
Why don't you appreciate my efforts?
How heartless!
Mother.
It's me, Chun-dong.
I'm not your mother.
You're Lord Jo's son now.
Our ties were broken the day you castrated yourself.
Mother.
Go home.
Whatever you may say, you ARE my only mother.
Living in the villa must be uncomfortable.
Your chambers are being renovated. Bear with me for a while.
I don't mind where I live as long as I can be with you.
I'm as happy as I can ever be.
I will lie with my other concubine soon.
Yoon Ho let me marry her to pledge his loyalty.
I might be with her, but remember I'll always love you.
I believe in you. Don't worry about me.
Thank you.
- Would you like a drink? - Let me pour you one.
I have a faithful wife, my queen. And Royal Lady Yoon is my only love.
Yoon Sook-hyun
I know...
why your father sent you in to marry me.
But there's nothing I can do for you.
I'm sorry. But...
I'll make it up to your father.
I know you already have two wives.
But you are my one and only husband.
I will wait till the day you fall in love with me.
Why are you so gloomy? You should be happy for your daughter.
Yoon Ho I feel so empty and worried.
I wished her to live a normal life.
She's the one suffering for the sake of my loyalty.
I'll make sure she settles in well.
Minister Han will try to manipulate the king when he can.
You must prevent that from happening.
I'll serve the king with all my heart.
I'm sure he will appreciate your loyalty.
It's an honor to have you visit me.
We eunuchs and ministers have always got along well with each other.
Mr. Noh We have. It's all thanks to you.
So why is your son trying to change all that?
What do you mean?
He sided with Yoon Ho to insult me and my daughter.
Now he's trying to take over. You won't get away with this.
Mr. Noh.
You eunuchs can try to take over,
but I'm still in control here.
Stop your son before he goes too far.
Or I'll stop him for you.
I'm warning you.
You called for me?
Lord Jo let you off lightly.
But I can't forgive you.
If you lose, leave the palace.
If I win, you leave Lord Jo's side.
That won't happen.
That's all you can do?
How dare you challenge Lord Jo.
If you stand up against Lord Jo again,
that sword will pierce you through.
Sulyoung You can't always win. Get over it.
I wanted to kill Lord Jo.
Now I owe Mr. Doh my life.
My career's over now.
You thought Lord Jo would fall that easily?
There's still a way out. Don't worry.
What can I do?
Give Minister Han's head to Lord Jo,
or give Lord Jo's head to Minister Han.
Take your pick.
What's this?
Proof of Lord Jo's corrupt dealings.
Lord Jo's corrupt dealings?
Yes.
I have been looking into his assets.
He practices usury with the king's personal belongings,
and sells tributes made to the king.
This issue should be dealt with by the royal family, not me.
My, my...
And he pretended to be above us all.
Lord Jo.
I'll reveal the real you for all to see.
Go and apologize to Minister Han.
Why should I do that?
You mustn't go against him.
I don't want to lose everything when we don't have to.
But if we give in to him now, he'll gain control over us too.
Don't talk back to me!
You've been acting strange.
Going against me regarding Han-soo, and now this issue too.
I know what I'm doing.
Shut up!
You didn't get where you are alone!
Our ancestors made you what you are!
Do as I say.
Who sent you?
Did Lord Jo send you to kill me?!
I'm here to give you my life.
Why are you out here in the cold?
I needed some fresh air.
Chuh-sun. You must become Josun's greatest eunuch.
Only then can we both survive.
But I don't know what to do.
We become eunuchs for different reasons.
Some are sold out of poverty.
Some want power.
And some can't forget their love...
and choose the hard way.
To become the greatest eunuch, you must let go of your love.
Bury it in the urn alongside your testes.
Realize that love in the afterlife.
The person you must love is not a woman.
It must be the king.
If I find out you haven't given up on her...
I shall kill you myself.