Episode 17
Jo Chi-gyum We make the palace work.
If we fall into disarray, the king, the monarchy, even the people suffer.
Every one of you...
is serving your nation in your own way.
Take pride in yourself and serve the royal family well.
Respect your superiors, teach your subordinates,
and obey orders faithfully.
No one...
must tarnish our reputation...
Jung Han-soo or go against our dept.
If you do, you'll be punished severely.
Yes, sir.
Why don't the goods collected correspond with the list?
Some of the monks haven't repaid us yet.
- Give them a warning. - Yes, sir.
Has Minister Lee paid us for the servants we sent him?
Um Kyung-hwan No. Construction is still ongoing.
Tell him to pay us the extra wages.
Mr. Park.
Make sure the royal ladies have all they need.
Park Geun-soo Yes, sir.
The quality of the governors' gifts to the king is falling.
Send officers to check what's going on.
As you all know, we're in charge of the king's personal assets.
None of us must accept bribes. Don't forget that.
Yes, sir.
Here.
You're going into town in my place.
Pardon?
Don't tell a soul what you did, saw, or heard.
Not even the king.
Can you promise me?
Yes, sir.
Hello? Is anyone in?
Yes.
What is it?
Kim Chuh-sun
Lord Jo sent me.
Just a moment.
He practices usury with the king's personal belongings,
and sells tributes made to the king.
Your Highness, Mr. Jung is here.
Let him in.
Me, investigate Lord Jo's dealings?
Queen Insoo Yes. I have circumstantial evidence.
But we can't punish him unless we have solid evidence.
I need you to get me that proof.
I will.
Don't ruin it like you did last time.
Trust me.
We don't admit stragglers. Go away.
I'd like to see Master Park.
I apologize. He's waiting for you. Please go in.
A list of the goods I purchased.
Lord Jo told me to check.
Follow me.
I purchased the goods he told me to.
We'll gain ten times more profit if we sell it when there's a shortage.
Han Myung-hwe Do you remember our deal?
Yes, sir.
Did Lord Jo send you to kill me?!
I'm here to give you my life.
Give me your life?
I heard Lord Jo nearly adopted you.
Why are you turning against him now?
He's gaining control over the royals.
Your ministers will be next.
If you'll let me, I'll take him down.
You want to take his place?
He made an ally turn against him.
I'm doing this out of loyalty to the king.
Loyalty?
Fine. But how can I trust you?
What do I have to do?
I signed a memo...
the year the king came to power.
Bring me the memo and I'll believe you.
Here you are.
Did you check?
Are you sure?
Han Chi-geun Yes.
Mister.
Gaedochi
I didn't recognize you in that robe.
How is my mother?
She felt bad, of course.
She refused to eat at first, but she's doing much better now.
Don't worry.
I'll look after her.
I trust you will.
How is life in the palace?
Not bad. How is the headmistress?
The school is full of boys.
The rich are hoarding everything they can afford to buy.
The poor are starving,
so they're selling their sons to us.
I'm so glad to see you three get along well.
Queen. Be kind to the royal ladies. I'm sure they'll respect you too.
I hope so.
Neither of you royal ladies must ever try to take her place.
We won't, Your Highness.
Queen Junghee Have some tea.
Queen Gonghye, you're so pale. Are you feeling ill?
Queen Gonghye No. It's just indigestion.
Are you alright?
I'm fine.
I'm done.
Dr. Yang. What illness does she have?
Yang Sung-yoon Congratulations. She's pregnant.
Are you sure?
I am. I can feel a second heartbeat.
The gods have granted you a child.
It's the happiest day since the king came to the throne.
Queen Gonghye is pregnant?
Minister Han will be unbearable now.
Everyone's celebrating the queen's pregnancy.
Why do you look so down?
We'll see whether her pregnancy does us good or bad.
What do you mean?
I wonder if the weak queen can carry the baby to term.
I doubt it.
The queen got pregnant after you came here.
Queen Insoo will favor you now for sure.
I hope she gives birth to a son.
She will. Don't worry.
So what, if she does?
Then the king and queens won't care for you in the least.
Beodeul, be quiet.
Sorry, ma'am. I'll shut my mouth.
Yoon So-hwa, future Lady Yoon I'll pray she has a son.
Get things ready.
Court Lady Oh I will.
Good job.
Father. What are you doing with them?
You'll find out soon, when it's time.
It's for the royal family.
I adopted you because I admired your honesty.
Thank you.
What will you do if I went against the royals?
Pardon?
Will you be loyal to the king or to me?
You'd never go against the king.
You will always be loyal to the king.
Chun-dong.
I heard you went on an errand. Why are you so gloomy?
It's nothing.
Why are you here?
What's this?
Just tell us. Who are you dating?
A cook? A confectioner?
Choi Ja-chi You, a trainee, already have a girl.
Good work.
A girl?
Hong Gwi-nam Someone left this for you.
Who?
You don't know?
See, I said he wouldn't.
So you have a secret admirer.
Gosh... I'm so jealous of you.
Moon So-woon Chun-dong wouldn't date just anyone.
Right?
I'm jealous t... too. All those snacks...
You eat all you want.
Song Gae-nam Can I? Th... thanks. What a treat.
What are you, eunuchs?
Or court maids?
Gathering around, giggling and stuffing your faces.
How pathetic.
They're not like us.
Han Chi-geun
An illiterate pig.
A brown-nosing squealer.
A body-selling street performer.
A know-it-all.
And a shaman's son.
You can't ignore one's past.
How dare you, Mr. Han. Apologize!
Park Man-soo For what, for telling the truth?
You...
We're all colleagues. Lord Jo told us to help each other.
Trying to lecture us now, are you?
- What? You... - Ja-chi.
Don't.
Leave them alone. They're not worth talking to.
Let's go.
Well done.
Remember Mr. Choi taught us to endure all that is thrown at us.
Yes. Let's go somewhere and eat this. Come on, let's go.
It looks so good.
Congratulations on your daughter's pregnancy.
Congratulations.
Thank you. All I wish is for her to give birth to a son.
Shin Sook-joo I'm sure she'll produce an heir.
She should. Of course.
I hope so.
A concubine's child is a mere royal.
But the queen's child can become king.
Aren't I right?
Yoon Ho Drink up.
Watch what you do and think. Focus on the baby's health.
Read about what other great mothers did for their children.
Don't see, hear, or say evil words.
Stay away from unclean foods, as well as evil places.
I will, Your Highness.
You have made everyone so happy.
I will work much harder so I can be a proud father.
King Sungjong
Don't cry.
I heard you have severe morning sickness.
Tell me if there's anything you want. I'll search the whole country for it.
Thank you so much.
What a rascal.
Giving your mother such a hard time.
Wait till I see you.
I'll scold you.
What, pregnant?
You're pregnant?
Tanshil I was embarrassed to death.
But I couldn't kill myself or my child.
I stayed away from men after my husband of two years died.
But he sweet-talked me into sleeping with him.
And now he won't have anything to do with me.
Oh dear... My poor baby...
Old shaman Mr. Choi.
Are you the father?
Mr. Choi It was just one mistake...
You fool!
Be a man and take responsibility.
I'm over 40, old enough to be a grandfather.
I can't support a family with my meager earnings as a teacher.
Don't worry, I'll buy you a house.
You will, ma'am?
Every man for his own trade. Becoming a father in your 40s.
Congratulations.
Thank you. I guess I'm talented.
Thank you so much. You saved two lives today.
He'll inherit the school after the old woman dies.
I'll be rich.
Darling, you just made me rich.
What are you laughing about?
It's nothing.
Did badmouthing me make you feel better?
It takes two to tango.
Yes, but... You didn't mind...
I want watermelon.
Watermelon? It's not that time of year.
If I don't eat what I want, the baby will only have one eye.
What, one eye? That won't do.
I'll search the whole village. Wait for me here.
Why are you carrying this alone?
Ma'am.
Don't you mind living here?
Not when I have food and a place to stay.
Some eunuchs even get to be really rich, so I don't mind.
Wolhwa Don't you miss your mother?
No. She left me here.
Forgive her.
I'm sure she felt very bad.
I don't mind begging as long as I'm with her.
Mother...
I miss her.
Mother...
Congratulations on the pregnancy. I'm so happy for you.
Our ancestors haven't forsaken us.
Once the baby is born, I'll let the king govern.
So I need you to...
visit all the governors and make sure everything is in order by then.
I will, Your Highness.
Dear gods, please bless the queen and help her bear a healthy son.
Queen Insoo called for you.
Queen Insoo?
Hurry.
I hear you're accepting bribes already.
What do you mean, Your Highness?
Lord Jo's wife visited you.
And I know she didn't come empty-handed.
Mrs. Jung did visit, but I didn't accept her gift.
I didn't do anything to embarrass the royal family.
You didn't?
Right, Your Highness. Believe me.
Lady Oh. Is she telling the truth?
She is, Your Highness.
How close are you that she visits so soon after you become a royal lady?
Did you and Lord Jo make a deal?
I wouldn't dare, Your Highness.
I know Lord Jo brought you in here.
His wife wouldn't visit you...
unless she had a reason to.
Why won't you answer?!
I used to be very poor.
Mrs. Jung hired me to make some clothes.
That's how we got to know each other.
And I don't know why...
Lord Jo made me a concubine.
If there were a deal...
then I wouldn't have rejected the king.
Don't misinterpret the circumstances.
''Gwa jun bool ab ri, e ha bu jung gwan. ''
You know what that means?
You can be misunderstood.
Don't tie your shoe in a field,
or touch your hat under a fruit tree.
Right.
Nothing good comes from a concubine siding with a eunuch.
Don't do anything that could be misinterpreted.
Watch what you do.
I will.
How did she find out about Mrs. Jung's visit?
Beodeul, did you tell her?
No way, ma'am.
I just told one of her maids. She must've told her.
I told you to hold your tongue. How dare you talk about your mistress.
You deserve a beating.
Quiet. It's not her fault.
Queen Insoo will really disapprove of you now.
It's my fault.
Things will get better if I watch how I act and talk.
What's wrong? Did you have a bad dream?
I'm OK.
It's still dark outside. Go back to sleep.
You should too.
This is it.
You're sure?
This is the house Chuh-sun has been visiting.
Who's there?
- Get him. - Yes, sir.
Let's go.
Wretches!
Open the gate!
This is marten fur.
Lord Jo stole it from the king.
Are you sure?
I saw with my own eyes.
Lord Jo stole and sold articles from the repository.
He's getting Master Park to hoard various goods...
to earn ten times more profit.
Swear to me that you're sure.
We must bring Master Park in before he hides the proof.
On our first night together, king said...
he has a faithful queen and that you're his only love.
Now I see...
Yoon Sook-hyun there's no room for me in his heart.
The king is very kind-hearted.
I'm sure he loves you too. Don't worry at all.
Thank you for comforting me.
I heard your father's a court official.
My father passed away, so I can't be of much help.
I'm glad he has you to assist him.
I thought you were proud when I saw you beg to be punished.
I guess I misunderstood you.
I will stop governing in your place once the queen gives birth.
You can take over.
Until then, focus on learning all there is to know about politics.
I won't let you down, grandmother.
I'm sure you won't.
Your Highness, Queen Insoo is here.
Let her in.
I'm glad you're here.
I told the king about my giving up regency.
Your Highness.
Before you do that, we must...
get rid of some dangerous people.
Who are you talking about?
Lord Jo deceived us to gain profit.
Lord Jo is my loyal subject.
He wouldn't do that.
He's right.
Lord Jo wouldn't do that.
I think you're mistaken.
He abused your trust for him...
to satisfy his own greed.
The people will blame the royals...
and the government for this.
Queen Insoo, do you have evidence?
Give me the authority to investigate.
I'll reveal his villainous deeds.
I feel bad about what happened. Clear the place out as soon as possible.
Yes, sir.
- Stop them. - Yes, sir.
Minister of Interrogations I want them all alive!
Yes, sir.
Don't kill me.
Make sure everything is in order by the time the king takes over.
Above all, don't overtax the people.
Yes, sir.
Here's a small gift from me. I've prepared a feast for you too.
I was sent here to check on the people.
How dare you try to bribe me.
That gift and expenses for the feast are the people's sweat and toil.
I apologize for my shortcomings.
Work to gain the people's respect. That's the best you can do.
Yes, sir.
Sir, something's up at the palace.
What are you doing?
Are you Kim Chuh-sun?
I am. What is it about?
- Take him. - Yes, sir.
What's this about?
- Let's go. - What's this about?
Who told you to steal from the king?
I don't know what you are talking about.
Bring him in.
Who gave you the goods?
I met that man, but I don't know who sent him.
We have proof you smuggled the goods. How dare you try to deceive us.
A trainee couldn't have done this on his own.
Who gave the order? Was it Lord Jo?
I'll ask you again.
Did your father give you the order?
What will you do if I went against the royals?
You will always be loyal to the king.
Answer me immediately.
I did meet up with Master Park.
But I can't say who sent me.
You can't say? How dare you refuse to tell me.
I'd rather you kill me.
Torture him until he speaks!
Did they confess it was Lord Jo?
Not yet.
But you have no proof. Aren't you getting too carried away?
Kim Chuh-sun is Lord Jo's foster son.
I'm sure Lord Jo put him up to it.
Your Highness, Lord Jo is here.
Let him in.
Shouldn't you be traveling around the country?
I heard you were investigating my dept.
I am Head of Eunuchs.
I had to return.
Lord Jo.
Did you get your foster son to steal from the king to gain profit?
Why won't you answer me?
Answer her.
Queen Junghee, give me three days.
I will investigate the case and report to you in person.
You want to hide the proof like when you investigated the rumors?
I have nothing to hide.
Shut up!
I know of all your corrupt dealings. You can't talk your way out of this.
I asked Queen Junghee, not you.
What?
Queen Insoo, stop.
But, Your Highness...
Lord Jo, you have three days.
If you can't explain what happened, I will hold you responsible.
Thank you, Your Highness.
Please excuse me.
Why did you grant him three days?
No one wants to serve a master who punishes without proof.
We'll see what happens in three days.
Where is Chuh-sun?
He was tortured and sent to jail.
The king is entering.
What's going on, Lord Jo?
Chun-dong was tortured because of your corrupt dealings?
Please don't worry. I'm your loyal subject.
OK. I believe you.
Thank you.
Queen Insoo will get rid of him for us. We don't have to get our hands dirty.
Won't he fight back?
We don't have proof that he's behind it.
Not even a god...
can get out of this mess.
How can you be so sure?
Because his own ally will turn against him.
Hello, mother.
Mrs. Jung Hello.
Lord Jo is in big trouble, but you don't seem to care.
What do you mean?
He made some illegal dealings? How on earth could he... ?
What should I do?
This all happened because we adopted that fool.
I know of a way to get him off the hook.
What's that?
But I need your help.
Tell me. I'll do anything.
What?
Minister Han is Lord Jo's only chance.
But how...
So you'll just sit and watch Lord Jo's career go down the drain?
No, I can't do that...
You're siding with Queen Insoo to get at me?
Fine. Let's see what you make of this.
Doh Geum-pyo Your father called for you.
Chi-gyum.
Mr. Noh You sold the king's belongings?
I never did such a thing.
Idiot!
I'm old, but I'm not stupid. Everyone in town has heard.
You can't fool me.
You believe the rumors and not your own son?
All this happened because...
you ignored my advice and went against Minister Han.
What will you do now?
I'll confront him.
If we give in without a fight, he will gain control over us.
I'll trust you this once.
But if you fail to get out of this mess, I'll disown you and I mean that.
Where would he put that?
Didn't you say you'd be visiting the governors?
I had to come back.
What are you doing in my room?
I came to change your duvet cover, but I guess it can wait.
I'll get you some snacks.
I found this in a drawer.
He nearly caught me.
What's wrong? That's not the one?
Yes, it is.
Then go and give it to Minister Han.
Trust me.
Why is Chun-dong in jail?
They say he stole from the repository.
My superior will kill me.
Come on, just this once.
Will this do?
Don't be long.
Thanks.
Go inside.
Let's go.
Chun-dong.
Your Highness.
How are you?
I'm sorry you have to see me like this.
What happened? Did you really do it?
I'm sure you didn't.
Go on, tell me.
You shouldn't be here.
Lady Oh, escort the royal lady out.
Now.
Your Highness, we must go.
Chun-dong.
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
Lady Oh.
Chun-dong wouldn't do anything wrong. I'm sure he was framed.
I think so too.
But I doubt Queen Insoo will let him off lightly.
I will clear Chun-dong's name.
What will you do?
Your Highness.
Your Majesty, Royal Lady Yoon is here.
Let her in.
What brings you here so late at night?
Is it about Chun-dong?
Please clear his name.
I want to as well.
But there is proof and he admitted to it.
I'm sure there's a misunderstanding. He wouldn't steal.
But it's all up to my mother.
Your Majesty. Is there no way to clear his name?
I believe he's innocent too.
But all I can do now is trust my mother.
Your Majesty.
I'm sorry. Blame my lack of power.
Announce me.
Your Majesty, Queen Insoo is here.
How dare a concubine come in here and confuse the king.
Do you want to get kicked out?