Episode 23 What do you mean by that?
I want Lady So-hwa to be queen.
Please accept my petition, grandmother.
I know what you want, but I can't accept it.
You can't? Why not?
She's been cleared of all suspicions.
Queen Insoo It's not that simple.
It's an important decision.
You can't make her queen just because you love her.
Queen Junghee Your mother is right. You need to...
consider what the ministers think.
King Sungjong This isn't just about my love for her.
The ministers don't respect me because of my line of descent.
What kind of nonsense is that?
Only a legitimate king can gain full control of the government.
My son must become king.
That's only possible if his mother is queen.
I thought about it long and hard.
Please accept my petition.
Chuh-sun.
Yoon So-hwa What do you mean, I'll become queen?
Kim Chuh-sun It's the king's wish.
He'll have told Queen Junghee by now.
I don't deserve to be queen.
That must not happen.
Why not?
Chuh-sun.
I know you want the best for me.
But my becoming queen will only harm the king.
All I could ever want...
is to live with the king and my son.
We can't let her become queen.
I agree with you, but the king is so adamant.
Don't worry. I'll persuade him to change his mind.
I wonder what Royal Lady Yoon did to make the king go against them.
It's because she produced an heir.
How naive of you.
Royal Lady Jung She poisoned her son to frame us all.
Yoon Sook-hyun Hush. Queen Insoo cleared her name.
Royal Lady Um If she's innocent,
then one of us will have to pay the price.
Right.
If she becomes queen, our lives will be in danger.
We should do all we can to stop her from becoming queen.
Right, we should.
Your Highnesses, Queen Insoo called you all in.
As you know, everyone is wondering who will become queen.
Queen Junghee has the final say.
The king made his point, but he might not get his way.
I don't want any of you to upset or worry the king.
And don't cause a fuss over any rumors or commotions.
Remember that.
We will, Your Highness.
Congratulations on becoming queen.
Have you already forgotten what Queen Insoo said?
I don't care what she said.
You bore the king a son, so you have a higher chance than us.
It's all up to the heavens and Queen Junghee.
I'm from a lowly family and I don't deserve to be queen.
So please don't embarrass me any further.
Rumors say that you pretend to be modest.
But at night, you whisper to the king to get what you want.
I hope it's a rumor.
Please stop it.
Court Lady Oh Why are you both so spiteful?
How dare you interrupt our conversation!
Are you forgetting your place because your mistress will be queen?
How dare you, Lady Oh. Step back.
I'm sorry.
Let me apologize for her. Don't take it to heart.
How rude. Just like her mistress.
Out of my way, I'm busy.
You can't cut in. Wait for your turn!
She's right. Go to the end of the line.
Beodeul Don't you know who I am?
Hong Bi You're Royal Lady Yoon's maid.
How dare you talk back to me.
I'm your superior, so I can cut in.
You can't. We serve concubines like you do.
What, concubines?
My mistress will become queen.
So don't get on my bad side.
Let go. Now!
- How dare you! - Let go!
- Let go! Let go! - Let go!
- Let go! Let go! - Let go! Let go!
You... ! Come here!
Why you... !
Darn!
Let go of me!
You first! Why you... !
Ow!
Stop it!
What do you think you're doing?!
Beodeul.
Your bad behavior will ruin Lady So-hwa's reputation.
Be careful.
What did I do wrong?
Hong Bi started it.
What?
Stop it. We'll have to put up with each other forever.
Put this on the scratch.
You do it for me.
See? Just look at her.
Moon So-woon You can do it yourself.
Hurt your hands too, have you?
Whatever.
See you again, Mr. Kim.
Smiling like that at a eunuch. She means trouble.
I like her. I wish someone would smile at me like that.
We have enough trouble already, with people plotting against others.
The king said he wants Lady So-hwa to become queen.
Han Myung-hwe We don't stand a chance...
if Lady So-hwa becomes queen.
Mr. Noh That must not happen.
Why won't Lord Jo do anything?
I heard he still supports Yoon Ho's daughter.
Mr. Noh.
You can't control your own son?!
I'm so sorry.
Jung Han-soo Don't blame him.
I'll help you achieve what you want.
I'll give you one more chance. Don't let me down.
If Miss Yoon becomes queen, everyone in the palace...
Jo Chi-gyum including your department...
will end up killing each other.
How are you, ma'am?
You must be busy. Shouldn't you be in the palace?
You said everyone would kill each other if Lady Yoon becomes queen.
Is there really no way out?
Old shaman We can never know the gods' will.
If there's no way out, go with the flow.
Sincerity moves the heavens.
If we try hard enough, I'm sure we can do something.
You still believe so?
I have something to say before I leave the capital.
You're leaving the capital?
A powerless shaman will only crave riches and fortune.
I'll leave before that happens.
Wolhwa and Mr. Choi will run the school.
You won't have to worry.
Don't go against your father.
Pardon?
He took you in and cared for you for over 30 years.
You may have different views, but don't go against him.
Go against him now, and it'll continue on for generations.
I'm warning you.
Gaedochi
It's you.
You missed me?
Wolhwa Don't be silly.
Here.
What's this?
A talisman to atone for castrating all those boys.
Thanks.
Got any of those?
You know.
A talisman to melt a woman's frozen heart.
What?
That was a joke.
I'll keep this on me at all times.
Those shoes look good on you.
Tanshil & Mr. Choi
Hello.
How do I look?
Great.
The prettiest woman alive.
Buy me one of these.
OK then.
Thanks.
How about this jade hairpin?
We can't afford that.
You'll soon be headmaster. Buy me one.
OK then.
Oh dear...
Watch where you're going!
Are you OK?
Gosh, I'm fine.
I nearly died. Oh yeah.
How is our baby?
He's fine.
Why you... !
Your belly is...
My dear baby...
Darling, where've you gone?
Darling.
Darling...
How could such a thing happen to me?
She fooled me. She said she was pregnant.
I let my daughter insult me so I could be with her.
It was great, being a man again.
But all my wives are...
Why you... !
Don't follow me. Go your own way.
I won't.
My first husband died. I can't lose you too.
What? You're so shameless.
You deceived me and expect me to forgive you?
I threw up one day and thought I was pregnant.
I couldn't tell you I actually wasn't pregnant in case you kicked me out.
What are you crying about?
Get up.
I can't live without you. I'd rather kill myself than be divorced.
Don't do this.
You don't care what happens to me.
I can't live without you.
Goodness...
Stop this.
So you'll forgive me?
What the... Come on, get up.
Thanks. I'll make it up to you. I promise.
Let me breathe first.
Your Majesty.
Why insist on appointing me queen and upset all the ministers?
I want you to be queen.
I know how much you care for me.
But my becoming queen will hinder you.
I'm happy I can live in the palace and just be close to you.
Please consider one of your other concubines.
I know how you feel.
But I'm not just doing this out of my love for you.
So please follow my lead.
Congratulations on becoming an uncle.
Congratulations.
Thanks, everyone.
Tonight's drinks are on me. Drink all you want.
Thanks.
Don't forget about us once you become a minister.
Yoon Gi-hyun Once my sister becomes queen,
I'll make sure you all become officials too.
- Have another drink. - Thanks.
Here you all are.
- Sit over here. - Sure.
What brings you here?
Park Duk-hoo I was away studying at a temple.
Congratulations on becoming an uncle.
Whatever.
You're not a friend of mine anymore.
Come on.
You should actually thank me for helping your sister come this far.
What did you say?!
She only got to marry the king because I broke off our engagement.
Watch what you say.
It's all in the past now.
Here.
Take this.
What is it?
A gift from a friend, to say I'm sorry.
Buy some new brushes.
Thanks.
You're my best friend.
- Have another drink. - Sure.
What an idiot.
He used to beg us for drinks. Look at him act like he's famous.
Did he accept the money?
He used to be poor.
He'll accept anything.
He's a useless fool.
Gi-hyun, let's have another drink.
Why not?
Let's go.
Come... this way.
How dare you walk around after the curfew!
You fools!
This gentleman's sister will become queen soon!
Let him through!
What?! Let's see your ID!
ID?
You must have a death wish.
- Stop it, Duk-hoo. - Let go of me.
- Arrest them! - Yes, sir!
What are you doing?!
Let's go.
Let go of me right now!
I am Royal Lady Yoon's brother!
Cutie pie...
He's so quiet today.
He must feel comfortable.
Let me hold him for a little while.
Please do.
Your Highness. Captain of Investigations is here to see you.
Mr. Jung?
Do you want me to leave?
It's OK.
Let him in.
What brings you here?
I have some urgent news.
You may speak.
Royal Lady Yoon's brother is in jail.
What?
On what charges?
He claimed to be the queen's brother,
beat up some policemen, and accepted a bribe.
He claimed to be the queen's brother?
Her brother accepted a bribe?
What fool would bribe him of all people?
Jang Soon-moo The list mentioned no names.
And Mr. Yoon is denying all charges.
Lady So-hwa's brother accepted all this.
We can't let word of this get out.
You mustn't make Lady So-hwa queen.
Your grandmother is right.
Her family is causing problems already.
Things will get much worse the minute Lady So-hwa becomes queen.
I'm glad Mr. Jung told me of this first.
It would've gotten out of hand if the ministers found out.
There's only one way out now.
We must appoint one of the other concubines queen.
This isn't an easy decision. Please give me time to think.
Of course. I'm sure you'll make a wise decision.
Well done, Mr. Jung.
Minister Park's son made it possible.
Park Jin-sung I did it for you, Minister Han.
Mr. Park has already left the capital,
and Mr. Yoon's friends won't say a word.
There's no way Mr. Yoon can get out of this mess.
You did very well.
I guess now it's time to ruin Lady Sook-hyun's life.
Don't worry about that.
What did I say?
You just can't hide one's upbringing.
Watch what you say. I'm sure Lady So-hwa knew nothing of it.
Anyway it's obvious one of you will become queen.
Right.
That would be the best for the king and our nation.
I won't hold anything against you if you're to become queen.
How could Gi-hyun use me to make people bribe him?
I feel so ashamed.
We had to make clothes and sleep in a shabby house, but I was never ashamed.
My father was a mere official, but I was proud of him.
Gi-hyun just ruined everything.
Mrs. Shin It's all my fault.
No. It's MY fault.
I should've warned him in advance.
Your Highness...
Your brother insists he's innocent.
Wait until the investigation is over.
No.
The fact that he even said I'd become queen is beyond forgiveness.
I won't blame the king even if he threw me out for it.
Have you found any fault with Han-soo's report on Mr. Yoon?
Doh Geum-pyo It seems he did accept a bribe.
But I just can't seem to find the men who attacked the police.
You must find them.
I will.
Chi-gyum, it's Han-soo.
Come in.
Chi-gyum.
Were you checking my report?
Watch your manners. I'm the Head of Eunuchs.
I'm here as your brother, not as your subordinate.
So?
It's obvious that either Lady Sook-hyun or Royal Lady Um will be queen.
If Royal Lady Um makes it,
our family will receive her favor as well as Minister Han's.
With you as Head of Eunuchs, we can control the world.
But why do you...
insist on supporting Yoon Ho?
It's your last chance.
Change your mind. Support Royal Lady Um, and our father will forgive you.
If that's all, you may leave.
You insist on going against us?
For as long as I live, our dept. will protect the monarchy, not our family.
Tell our father that.
Sure. I'll tell him.
You must have heard about what Lady So-hwa's brother did.
I'm ashamed for her, as a friend.
She produced an heir, but now she can't become queen.
The ministers favor Royal Lady Um, but she lacks grace.
That's why I favor you.
But that doesn't mean you'll become queen.
Queen Junghee makes the decision.
I'm just honored you think so highly of me.
I'm telling you this...
in order to ask you to look after Lady So-hwa's son like your own.
I made her a promise.
She might not become queen,
but I said I'd make her son king.
I don't like Lady So-hwa,
but I want to keep the promise.
Will you help me do that?
Even if I don't become queen,
I'll care for her son as I would mine.
I give you my word.
Thank you. I will trust you.
Do you want me to announce you?
No. I'll just bow and leave.
I'll never forget how much you care for me and my son.
Her brother chose a terrible time to accept a bribe.
Gosh.
Your Majesty, Lord Jo is here.
Let him in.
Come and sit closer.
Thank you.
What brings you here so late at night?
I'm here to make you change your mind.
Change my mind? What do you mean?
Please give up on insisting that Lady So-hwa should be queen.
Lord Jo. What did you just say?
I know just how much you love her.
You left the palace only twice since you became king.
And both times you went to see her.
So why do you want me to change my mind?
You are not just any man.
You can't choose a queen just because you love her.
You must choose someone who can help you.
If you make her queen, the ministers will turn against you.
And your own people will suffer for it.
If you want to change things, make Lady Sook-hyun your queen.
Yoon Ho will recommend many young and talented people.
They will assist you and solidify your reign.
Please accept my advice.
I will not pick a queen just so I can be safe.
I know how loyal you are.
And I am so thankful that I have you to assist me.
I will announce my decision tomorrow.
I'm sure you'll accept whatever decision I make.
I trust you'll think about what I said.
What?
Lord Jo said he's against Lady So-hwa becoming queen?
Yes.
And the king commended his loyalty.
Who did Lord Jo say should be queen?
Lady Sook-hyun, Yoon Ho's daughter.
No one in the world understands.
Ja-chi.
Do you think I'm doing this out of love?
I... have no idea.
What a fool.
How can you serve me when you don't understand me?
I'm sorry.
Chuh-sun. What do you think?
At first, I thought it was out of your love for Lady So-hwa.
But you insist on it, despite the opposition.
So now I think you're doing it to personally mark...
your first official decision in governing the nation.
What?
You're being careful because the first step dictates the direction.
Whatever you do, please don't forget your people.
Of all the people I know, you're the only one who understands me.
Father, it's me.
Come on in.
You wish to talk?
Why did you try to persuade the king?
What?
You said a eunuch is the king's shadow.
And that a shadow should always follow its master.
Why are you trying to lead the way?
Yes, you are right.
However a eunuch must also help his master avoid traps.
Are you saying Lady So-hwa's becoming queen is a trap?
Yes. A king without allies is a king in danger.
Prince Jeahn, King Yejong's son,
and the king's elder brother are still alive.
Someone might insist they should be king in his place.
The king is not a child. He is our monarch.
I believe our duty is to lay ourselves down...
so that he can defeat them. We shouldn't help him avoid traps.
I know nothing about politics. But we can't dissuade him.
Although we don't always agree, you will become Head of Eunuchs.
Then you can do what you want.
But for now, do as I say. As your superior says.
Father...
I will accept the king's decision, whatever it may be.
I will appoint my new queen today.
But I have a few questions to ask first.
Please ask.
Minister Han.
Will you dethrone me if I don't choose Royal Lady Um?
That is nonsense, Your Majesty.
Mr. Yoon.
Are you after the power the king's father-in-law can have?
Yoon Ho I never thought of that, Your Majesty.
Then why?!
Why are you trying to decide who becomes queen?
Lady So-hwa's father was a traitor, and her engagement fell through...
Yoon Gi-gyun was innocent, as was Lady So-hwa.
Why complain about that now?
But what about what her brother did?
Yoon Gi-hyun received a bribe.
That is unforgivable.
If your daughter becomes queen, you'll receive much more than that.
You have no right to complain.
I am Josun's king.
And this is my wish.
Royal Lady Yoon So-hwa will be my queen.
You shall respect her as you respect me.
It's cold. Let's go inside.
I've disgraced the king and his family.
It's not your fault. Don't get too upset.
Your Highness.
The king announced he'd make you queen.
What? What do you mean?
You will become our queen.
Is that true?
The king will summon you shortly.
Congratulations, Your Highness.
Where are you going?
What's wrong, Your Highness?
This is wrong. I'll ask the king to take it back.
But...
I promised Queen Gonghye. I can't go back on my word.
I don't deserve to become queen, not after what my brother did.
Please calm down, Your Highness.
Let me go. I must go and see the king.
Your Highness.
It's the first decision the king made on his own.
If you really love him,
then support him. Follow his lead, for your son's sake.
I'm sorry for going against you.
Not at all.
I'm very proud of you.
I was reminded of King Sejo when you yelled at the ministers.
So... you'll let me do as I wish?
It is up to you.
But your mother won't be happy.
I'm fine as long as you persuade her.
I will.
He went against my will and appointed Lady So-hwa.
Your Highness, the king is here.
I'm not feeling well.
I don't want to see anyone.
Mother, it's me. I have something important to ask.
I don't feel well. Return to your chambers.
Mother.
She's very upset. You should come by another time.
How upset is she?
Even worse than before.
OK. I'll come by again.
Lady So-hwa will not be able to become queen.
I will never let her.
Your Highness.
You'll be queen soon. Why are you so gloomy?
I'm afraid Queen Insoo might not forgive the king.
We overcame all the political turmoil.
How could we let a young king defeat us?!
He was so strong-willed. I was at a loss for words.
Just because he chose his own queen doesn't mean he can do what he wants.
Too bad we let Minister Han down.
It's his fault for not being able to dissuade the king.
He can't hold you responsible.
Sulyoung It's obvious we can't do anything...
unless we get rid of Lord Jo.
What?
You must take him out. For the sake of our family.
You called for me?
Nurse.
My mother is still angry with me for appointing Lady So-hwa queen.
I don't know what to do.
Your Majesty...
I'm afraid of her.
When I learned to walk and read...
I was always afraid of her switch.
She can't whip me now.
But I'm still afraid of her.
No relationship is closer than that between a mother and her child.
She gave birth to you, and looked after you.
All mothers give in to their child.
Your Majesty.
Tell her how you feel. I'm sure she'll understand.
Your Highness, the king is here.
Send him away.
Mother, it's me.
Your Majesty.
I don't want to see you for a while.
I have something to say.
Have you forgotten your manners?
I will appoint Lady So-hwa as my queen.
I need your approval.
You went against my wish.
What approval can I give now?
Mother.
I am king, but I'm your son too.
You were always very strict with me.
Now that I'm king, you're distant.
I've always missed your warm hugs.
I wanted to play with you like other kids do with their mothers.
But... you never hugged me once.
I'm asking you... as a son.
I want her to be queen.
Give me your approval.
Your Majesty.
Mother.
Your Majesty.
Mother.
Your Majesty.
I hereby appoint Yoon So-hwa...
as queen, according to our laws.
A wise queen's advice has always been greatly prized.
I announce to the heavens and earth that...
we will rule true and wise.
So respect and serve your new queen.
Your Highness, may the heavens bless you.
You are now a queen.
Become one praised for your wisdom and mercy.
I will, Your Highness.
Support and love the king.
And remember your duty is to manage the palace.
I will, Your Highness.
I guess I can't have anything at all
I bet all I had, yet I'm still alone
Perhaps I have to wait even longer
Or perhaps we just weren't meant to be
I fear life even more than death
I can't run away, I can't even hide
I pray at night, alone under the moon