Episode 24
Take this to Dr. Yang.
Pardon?
Jo Chi-gyum He'll be drinking, away from the chaos.
Take this to him.
Jung Han-soo Is the queen's soup ready?
It's ready.
Don't make any mistakes.
I won't.
Dr. Yang.
You're this drunk already?
Come on.
Yang Sung-yoon How can I not drink on such a great day?
Kim Chuh-sun
This is from my father.
Chi-gyum has finally grown up.
Thanks. Let's see how drunk I can get.
Life is but a dream
Chuh-sun.
What are you doing here?
Hurry to the queen's side.
Someone might have poisoned her food.
What do you mean?
Hurry along. She might be in danger.
Chuh-sun.
Something's wrong.
What's wrong?
I think Han-soo has poisoned the food.
What?
King Sungjong Today, your mother becomes queen.
Court Lady Oh They made you some special soup.
Try some before it gets cold.
Thank you.
Yoon So-hwa
Your Highness, no!
Are you alright?
I just dropped my spoon.
Are you sure you're OK?
Yes, I'm fine.
What's wrong?
It's nothing.
It's quite cold. The prince should be taken inside.
Good idea.
Take the prince.
Sure.
- Take the baby. - I will.
This party is for you. Enjoy.
I will.
Queens Insoo & Junghee
Hurry up!
Chuh-sun. What was that about?
I heard the soup had been poisoned.
What? Poisoned?
I think Han-soo was mistaken.
You must be tired. Please rest.
Lady Oh.
Give me a pill that Dr. Yang made last time.
Pardon?
Hurry...
What's wrong, Your Highness?
I'm fine...
Your Highness! Wake up! Your Highness!
How is she?
She has the same symptoms from when she had pine nut porridge.
All she needs is some rest.
She doesn't want anyone to hear of this.
Even the walls have ears. Word will get out one day.
Tell the queen not to breastfeed for some time.
The same poison that was in the pine nut porridge?
It's not fatal, but it leaves no trace.
To think she was in pain for so long.
She's an incredible person.
It must've been Mr. Jung. You must arrest him right now.
Calm down. We can't cause trouble with no proof.
Right.
All hell will break loose if people hear what happened on the queen's first day.
Perhaps that's what they were after.
So you'll just watch her suffer?
She had a stomachache?
I heard it wasn't that bad.
Why do such terrible things keep happening to her?
Please don't be ill.
I wish I could be ill instead.
I'm sorry for making you worry.
You gave me the courage to fight the ministers.
I'll be the king you want me to be.
So be healthy and help me govern in peace and prosperity.
I will.
Let's go have some fun tonight. The drinks are on me.
- Good idea. - Let's go to Wolhyang's bar.
Mr. Jung. What did you do to the queen's soup?
You should be thanking me, not condemning me.
Confess what you did and beg for Lord Jo's forgiveness.
Then bring me proof first.
Hong Bi
Why did you get into a fight with your uncle?
He's not a good man. Stay away from him.
I'm alright now.
Thanks.
Why are you here?
I came to ask a favor.
Did you just say ''favor''?
Stop Han-soo from causing any more trouble.
I can't let anyone harm the royal family.
What?
I don't want to go against you. Please help me.
Mr. Noh You go against me, now you threaten me?
A queen has been appointed.
We can replace her in no time at all.
We can't let the ministers control our nation any longer.
The king will establish laws and govern in peace.
We must help him do so.
Forget it.
Please do as I say.
Alright.
I will, if you step down.
Only then will I stop Han-soo.
Until Han-soo is ready to take over,
Mr. Jang will be Head of Eunuchs.
So, will you do as I say?
I will not.
What? So you won't give in to me?
I killed my best friend...
to preserve my department.
I replaced a king for our livelihood.
I can't let you ruin my department,
just so you can live in luxury.
What the heck?!
You don't mind if I disown you?!
I replaced a king.
I can start a new family.
If you disown me, I too...
will disown you.
What?
What did you just say?
You started this.
As Head of Eunuchs,
I won't let anyone challenge me.
Remember that, father.
How... How dare he... !
Alright.
We'll see if he can get away with stabbing me in the back.
Sulyoung You really don't care what he'll do?
He brought this upon himself.
If you dare cause trouble, I'll make you pay tenfold.
I'll keep that in mind.
Doh Geum-pyo
- Let's go. - Stand up.
A eunuch killed my mother, but I won't let a eunuch kill me.
What happened?
They have parted ways for sure. You'll replace Lord Jo soon.
As of today...
I will reign in person.
Han Myung-hwe We pledge our honor.
I will try to learn from the wise kings before me.
And I will rule according to our laws.
Complete our code of laws, so that the people know what to do.
I need your help.
The fact that you're no longer my regent is slowly sinking in.
This is your nation.
You must be wise and strong, for your people.
Your Majesty.
Be merciful to those loyal to you,
and punish those who challenge your authority.
Then respect and dignity will follow.
I will try hard not to let you down.
The king has taken full reign.
Be prudent, and don't cause any trouble.
Serve the king with all your heart and let the people learn from you.
We will.
I trust you will. You are excused.
Thank you.
Royal Lady Yoon, may I have a word with you?
Royal Lady Yoon
I owe you so much. I'm sorry I'm queen and not you.
Don't say that. You have my respect.
I know how loyal you are.
I need to ask for your help.
Tell me.
The pine nut porridge you brought...
was poisoned.
What? That can't be.
That's impossible.
Why would I want to harm you?
I don't suspect you.
I trust you more than anyone.
Someone tried to harm the prince.
I'm saying this...
as a mother and queen of a nation.
Someone must've sneaked in to poison it.
Look into it in secret.
Did she yell at you? Why do you look so upset?
What did she say?
She told me to watch my manners.
Let's go.
What if she was behind the poisoning?
Queen Insoo entrusted her with my son.
I trust her.
A list of the court officials...
under Minister Han's control.
He's more powerful than I am.
That is a list of riches the ministers received as bribes.
Yet they claim to be honest and clean.
No wonder the people suffer.
I will strip Minister Han of his title and riches as soon as possible.
Now is not the time.
Why not?
If you punish him now, the ministers will rise against you.
You will have to fight for power, and that will paralyze state affairs.
Then what should I do?
You must not rush to reform.
Appoint officials who will support you.
They will gain power and influence,
and help throw Minister Han out.
I will do as you advise.
But until then, you must protect me.
Father.
It's obvious Han-soo wants to harm the prince.
Why won't you do anything about it?
Killing Han-soo won't end it.
We have to take out those who support him too.
That will tear our department apart.
So you'll let him do what he wants?
I won't take action until the king has settled in.
Take your friends and visit the eunuch school.
Eunuch school?
Yes. The headmistress will tell you something.
Wolhwa. You're sure you don't want to be headmistress?
Wolhwa
I'm sorry.
I just don't think I can do it.
Old shaman Mr. Choi. You're in charge...
until she's ready to take over.
Pardon?
Tanshil & Mr. Choi
How can a mere teacher run a school?
I can't...
We'll do that.
I'll help my husband as best I can.
I'm sure you will.
Trust us.
Go on, say yes.
If that's what you wish, ma'am.
Gaedochi, you're the best castrator in our nation.
Keep up the good work.
I'll pray the gods forgive you for what you do.
Gaedochi Just pray for those who don't survive.
I will.
Ma'am!
It's you fellows.
It seems like I met you all just yesterday.
I'm so proud of you, all grown up and serving the king.
Choi Ja-chi It's all thanks to you.
Ja-chi. The king will favor you greatly.
But you can lose everything if you can't control your carnal desire.
I'll remember that.
So-woon. The royals prize your looks and talent.
Beware of jealousy and you shall live long.
Moon So-woon I'll remember that.
Gwi-nam. Your stubbornness might put you in danger.
But if you live by the principles, you will be greatly respected.
Hong Gwi-nam I will never forget the principles.
Responsibility and diligence count more than knowledge.
Gae-nam, you will be well-off in the future.
You always loved eating. I heard you still do even now.
Song Gae-nam
I just want to g... get married.
Chuh-sun.
I'm listening.
Don't show the son his mother's bloodstained jacket.
What do you mean?
Whatever happens,
don't show the son his mother's bloodstained jacket.
Can you promise me that?
I promise.
Good. Then everyone will live in peace.
Don't forget your duty requires you to be able to die for the king.
We won't forget.
Hello, Han-soo.
I came to say goodbye before you leave.
This place hasn't changed at all.
You're still bent on hatred and revenge.
You chose to be castrated yourself.
Get rid of your overambition and will to get revenge,
and you'll become a respected Head of Eunuchs.
But if you fail to do that,
your life will be full of pain and suffering.
I got castrated to escape such a life.
I have nothing to fear.
Han-soo...
Spend this to cover your expenses.
I should get going.
What brings you here?
You want to make me confess?
I heard you visited the old shaman.
Is there something wrong with that?
I believe you visited her because you are still loyal to the king.
Han-soo.
It's not too late.
Confess your crime and start afresh.
Lord Jo will forgive you.
Why did you castrate yourself?
So you could escape ridicule,
and become Lord Jo's son? Or...
so you could stay with...
the lady you love?
I don't know why you became a eunuch.
But if that's your reason, you shouldn't be a eunuch.
I got castrated for power.
Do you even know of the fear and pain of castration?
I have never regretted it.
I never will, even if I don't get what I want.
Mother.
Why did you call me over so late?
I'll leave the capital in a short while.
So suddenly?
We'll meet again if we're destined to.
Promise me something before I leave.
What's that?
Give this letter to Chuh-sun in August six years from now.
Pardon?
The gods gave him 3 virtues and 3 flaws...
because he has something to do for our nation.
You must give him this letter.
I will.
Now I can leave in peace.
Goodness...
What are you all doing here?
It's a son's duty to see his mother off.
I'm no mother, I'm just a headmistress.
You took us in when we had no future. You fed us, and now we serve our king.
You are our mother.
Jang Soon-moo Our lives would be hell...
if we hadn't met you.
We'd have starved to death...
Park Geun-soo or been sold as servants.
You gave us a new life.
We'll never forget what you did for us.
Thanks for saying so.
You're not related, but you're all brothers.
Look out for each other with care.
But you must always put the king first and foremost.
We will.
Take care.
Get in the carriage. Geum-pyo will escort you.
Get in, mother.
Goodbye, mother.
Queen.
I heard you're throwing out your milk. Why aren't you breastfeeding the prince?
I haven't been feeling well.
I'll feed him after I recover.
You should see the physician.
I'm sure the prince misses your milk.
I will.
His nurse has more than enough milk.
It's not just about the milk.
A mother and child must bond.
The prince might end up loving his nurse more than his mother.
I want to breastfeed him too.
I'm just afraid my milk might poison him again.
Why don't you tell them why you can't breastfeed him?
No. The king just started his reign.
I can't cause him any trouble now.
- Court Maid Hong? - Yes.
She came by a few times when she was a confectioner.
I don't know you. What are you doing here?
I'm a confectioner. I brought you some snacks.
Royal Lady Um
I thought Minister Han had my back.
Yet I lose out to that witch.
It's just my luck.
Your Highness!
What are you squealing about?!
Royal Lady Yoon is after me.
What?
What do you want with my maid?
I just want to ask her a few questions.
You can ask me. Why are you trying to insult my court maid?
I'd rather you leave right now.
Congratulations on becoming queen.
I got out of jail thanks to you.
Gi-hyun.
You just got out. Haven't you come to your senses yet?
It was unfair.
Yoon Gi-hyun I just had a few drinks. They framed me.
You must be careful. Think before you talk and act.
Don't ever accept anything just because I'm queen.
If you get in trouble again, I'll punish you myself.
Remember that.
I will.
Mrs. Shin He regrets what he did.
It won't happen again.
Let it go.
I will then.
Your Highness.
Get the king to give me a title.
Gi-hyun!
I'll protect you and your son.
I'm afraid my brother is so immature.
I'm sure he knows what to do.
Your Highness, it's Beodeul.
- Let her in. - Come in.
They found who poisoned the porridge.
What? Are you sure?
Yes. They saw Maid Hong sneak around Royal Lady Yoon's kitchen.
And I saw her days before Queen Insoo ordered a search of your chambers.
Bring her over immediately.
How dare she want to question my maid.
Yes.
Royal Lady Jung You have much more political backing...
even though you came here later.
I'm so disappointed I couldn't become queen.
Your Highness. The queen's maids are searching your chambers.
What?
What do you think you're doing?
I'm following the queen's orders.
What?
My lady, that's Hong Bi.
Take her with us.
Yes, ma'am.
Your Highness... !
What do you think you're doing? Stop it right now!
The queen just wants to ask her a few questions.
- You are Hong Bi? - Yes, Your Highness.
I won't punish you if you're innocent. Just answer truthfully.
I will.
Did you visit Royal Lady Yoon when you were a confectioner?
Yes. To take her some snacks.
Then what were you doing around my chambers?
I...
I got... lost.
You've worked here since you were little.
How could you get lost?
Why did you...
poison the porridge to harm the prince?
Who paid you to do so?
I did nothing wrong.
Royal Lady Yoon lost a ring after your visit.
And voodoo dolls were found behind my chambers.
How dare you lie to me.
You deserve a whipping!
What do you mean, you want to leave?
I'd rather become a nun than be so insulted.
If you can't help me,
I'd rather leave the palace.
I demand an explanation.
I'm innocent.
Then why did you get transferred to Royal Lady Um's chambers?
I just heard she put in a request.
How dare you deceive me!
I'd rather you kill me.
Your Highness, Queen Insoo is here.
Let her in.
Why are you whipping a maid?
Please pretend you didn't notice.
I can't pretend when a concubine just asked to be sent away.
Tell me.
Is it about what happened to the prince?
Yes, it is.
I heard she was involved, so I decided to question her.
You're excused.
Thank you.
Your Highness...
Queen.
I won't let this incident go unnoticed.
I know you're not breastfeeding because you were poisoned.
But now is not the time.
A maid couldn't have done it alone.
Investigating it now will cause much unrest.
It will hinder the king from settling down with work.
But the prince's life is in danger.
I know very well how you feel.
I'll make sure no one harms him.
Once the king has settled down,
I will look into this matter myself.
Until then, pretend nothing happened.
It's the best for the king.
She only just became queen.
I'll make sure she isn't queen for long.
I called you to discuss appointing new court officials.
Until now, I chose men from your list of referrals.
But this time I'd like to make some referrals.
This isn't how we do things.
My court is full of people loyal to you.
I need your help.
Yoon Ho This is absurd.
What control do we have over your subjects?
You fill posts with people who paid you.
What power do I have over them?
Your Majesty.
Someone has been feeding you false information.
You must believe us.
I'm not condemning you.
Here's a list of referrals.
I trust you'll appoint them to appropriate offices.
I wonder how he got such ideas.
Mr. Yoon.
Who do you think he's been talking to?
Lord Jo is up to something.
What could he be up to?
He's trying to alienate us from the king for his own good.
I heard he receives more bribes than any of us do.
If the eunuchs take over our jobs,
the world will come to an end.
We must work together to get rid of Lord Jo.
- Have some tea. - Thank you.
How long have you been a eunuch?
King Sejong was on the throne. A bit over 30 years, sir.
You should be Head of Eunuchs.
What do you say?
Pardon?
Head of Eunuchs?
How can I when Lord Jo... ?
He will be leaving soon.
And you will replace him.
Do you mean that?
It's my decision, so get ready.
But before that,
you must do something for me.
What's that?
Has he left?
He's simple and full of greed. He'll do our bidding.
All we need to do is get rid of Lord Jo.
Won't this harm Mr. Noh's reputation too?
Not when there's no proof.
What?
Is that true?
Yes. Mr. Noh gave his word.
Will Lord Jo give in that easily?
The senior eunuchs decide who heads the dept.
What do you have to do in return?
I have to co-operate with Mr. Jung's secret investigation.
Secret investigation?
You can't investigate King Yejong's death.
I heard you looked into it when you were Captain of Investigations.
I just want to get to the bottom of it.
Um Kyung-hwan
I don't want to talk about that.
Because Lord Jo was involved?
What?
I won't tell a soul.
If the late king was poisoned, we must find out who did it.
I heard some strange rumors.
Strange rumors?
There's another ghost?
They're going to look into the late king's death.
What? Investigate something that happened years ago?
It's a cold case. What are they trying to do?
Han-soo wants to use this to get rid of Lord Jo.
What business do you have with me?
Is your son still in exile?
Mr. Kim, Go Dong-sun's foster father You and your son...
sent him away. Don't pretend you forgot.
I did that?
I'm thinking of bringing him back to the court.
You mean that?
But you must do something for me.
I'll do anything.
Anything to get my son back in court.
I traced the check the queen's brother received.
It was from Mr. Noh.
Just as I thought.
So you'll really go against your father?
What do you want me to do?
I'm on your side whatever you do.
It'll sting, but wounds must be treated.
Life is but a dream
Who's standing in my way?
It's Chuh-sun, sir.
Oh, Chi-gyum's foster son.
So, why are you ruining my mood?
Is it true that the late king was poisoned?
What?
I heard you're the only one who knows the truth.
I also heard my father was involved. Is that true?
You fool.
So what, if he was involved?
Will you get him beheaded?
I just want to know the truth.
What use will the truth do when you don't trust your father?
I suggest you ask the late king what happened.
You can't handle your drink anymore?
I'm sick of life.
Where a subject kills his king...
and father and son...
distrust and go against each other.
Chuh-sun asked me about the late king's death.
If you were involved.
About the truth.
It's all your doing.
You reap what you sow.
If you don't want to, drink your life away like me.
What are you doing here?
Mrs. Jung We were supposed to meet at my place.
What are you all doing here without even telling me?
Jang Soon-moo's wife It's a gathering for eunuchs' wives.
So we didn't call you.
What?
Um Kyung-hwan's wife I'm sorry to say,
but I heard Lord Jo has been disowned.
So you don't deserve to join our gathering.
You think I'll let you get away with this?
You will all pay one day. I warned you.
You're about to lose your post. Aren't you even worried?
What do you mean?
Why did you go against Mr. Noh?
You didn't get where you are because you deserve it.
If it weren't for your father,
you'd be a drunk like Dr. Yang, or a mere doorkeeper.
Shut your mouth!
You still have time. Beg for your father's forgiveness.
I won't let you lose all we have.
This must not happen.
I haven't decided what to do yet.
Leave me.
I refuse to give up what I have.
Disown Chuh-sun and beg for forgiveness.
I told you to leave me!
Sir, you're in trouble.
You must return to work.
What are you all doing here?
What's going on?
Mr. Jung. What are they doing here?
Mr. Um, Mr. Park, why are you so quiet?
As Head of Eunuchs, I demand an explanation.
You have...
no right to one.
What?
Chi-gyum.
Today's your last day in office.
We swore we 'd be together for life
Though we first met so long ago
I still can't let go of you, my love
I can still hear you call me
I can't forget your touch, your breath
I yearn for you, but I'm helpless
My love, please don't forget about me