Episode 25
We have...
decided to replace you.
Chi-gyum, we demand your resignation.
Lord Jo!
Accept our decision!
I will not.
How dare you go against us!
Only the king can dismiss the Head of Eunuchs.
You have been impeached.
I will not accept this unless you have absolute reason.
What?!
Why do you stoop so low as to let my father control you, gentlemen?
Mr. Kim. Why are you impeaching me?
Did my father say he'd reinstate your son?
Why exactly are you impeaching me, gentlemen?
If you have reason, I will resign.
You fool!
How dare you insult us!
YOU are the one insulting yourself!
Why are you using the system for the sake of your own livelihood?
What?
Watch what you say.
Shut it!
Head of Eunuchs is a tough job.
It's no place for a disloyal fool like you.
Who is it?
Who sided with the seniors to cause such unrest?
Mr. Jang.
Do you crave my power?
Mr. Um, you want to be Head of Eunuchs?
Was it you, Mr. Park?
Whoever wants to replace me will have to kill me first.
This meeting is invalid. Please leave.
As Head of Eunuchs, I order you to disperse them.
Yes, sir.
You insist on dragging this on?
You asked for it, father.
Mr. Noh, let's call it a day.|
I agree.
What's wrong with our department... ?
Good night.
Chi-gyum. Don't forget you dug your grave tonight.
What's going on? How could there be a meeting I didn't know about?
Have you lost all sense of order?
I'm sorry for not informing you.
But the seniors told us not to.
Shut it!
I won't tolerate this ever again.
Yes, sir.
We might get caught in between Lord Jo and the seniors.
This might tear our department apart.
Which side are you on?
What do you mean?
I don't think this will end here.
We'll have to pick a side if we're to survive.
Watch what you say.
It's spilt milk already.
What should we do?
Captain Jung called for you.
What?
Lord Jo had no right to dissolve the meeting.
We stand no chance if the seniors turn against us.
We know that, but who can defeat Lord Jo?
Only his resignation will dissolve the seniors' anger and unrest.
But will he resign just like that?
If he won't...
we'll have to make him.
Who would even dare do such a thing?
I'll set things in motion.
You all do as I tell you for now.
Han-soo called them all in?
Yes.
Something's not right.
But the king favors Lord Jo.
He'll be fine.
Not unless the seniors let him off.
Chuh-sun, I'm scared.
What if something terrible happens?
Don't worry, So-woon. All we have to do is wait and work.
Gae-nam is right. Let's give it some time.
Your father seems to be using Han-soo.
Give the order.
I'll put a stop to this.
Mr. Noh adopted me over 30 years ago.
I can't turn against him like that just because of one disagreement.
Then what'll you do?
He might ruin you.
He threatened me in public.
He insulted me and ruined our reputation.
Please calm down.
I'll avenge you and restore our reputation.
You do that for me.
I will not let Chi-gyum get away with this.
The other captains will do my bidding. Lord Jo is alone.
He stands no chance against us.
Eunuchs change their minds often. They can be bought easily.
Lord Jo has the king's backing.
We have to turn the king against him.
You called for me?
Come and join me.
It's a great night to enjoy a drink.
I saw you take a stand against the seniors.
I must have upset my father a bit too much.
What will you do now?
I guess I have two choices.
I can resign, or go against my father.
What do you want me to do?
Your father will kill and slander if he thinks it'll save his legacy.
The royal family needs you more than ever.
Why did you ask Dr. Yang if I took part in killing the late king?
Do you doubt me too?
I just wanted to know the truth to stop others from spreading rumors.
Thank you for trusting me.
I will stand beside you.
Don't give in.
Alright. I'll decide whether to resign or fight.
I'm sure you'll support my decision.
We recruited the following men,
just like you asked.
Thank you for doing as I said.
Have some tea.
Also...
our code of laws will be ready soon.
It's one of the major projects that all our former kings worked on.
Our people need that more than anything,
so please finish it soon.
We will.
I heard the eunuchs have a few problems.
Pardon?
The Dept. of Eunuchs is too powerful.
I suggest you make sure they know their place.
History shows that dynasties fall when eunuchs take part in politics.
Goryeo fell for that reason too. You must be wary of them.
I'll remember that.
Chuh-sun, is something going on?
I have no idea.
You don't either, Ja-chi?
Low-ranked eunuchs like us don't know much.
OK. I'll ask Lord Jo then.
I think you should ignore what you hear.
Your looking into everything won't look too good.
OK then, I won't.
I shouldn't have whipped Hong Bi.
Your Highness.
I'm glad my name has been cleared.
Who framed Royal Lady Um?
Shouldn't you find out and punish that person?
Frame who? What nonsense.
I'd like to know too.
Why should I be in trouble because of Lady Sook-hyun's porridge?
Please look into it.
What?
Am I wrong?
That's enough.
Queen Insoo told me to...
let this slide for the time being.
I'll keep an eye on you. Make sure you don't do anything to cause upset.
We won't.
Royal Lady Yoon.
Be careful.
I might poison someone's food and say your maid did it.
That's not something a royal lady should say.
Royal Lady Um just said it, but you actually put it into action.
What?
Let's stop arguing and go have some tea and cake.
I came for a chat, but I think I disturbed you.
Not at all.
I was bored.
So I'm copying...
phrases women should keep in mind.
I knew you were well-educated, and your writing is beautiful too.
You're flattering me, Your Highness.
What does this mean?
''Courtesy is what makes us human. ''
''Courtesy begins with manners, ''
''a polite smile, ''
''and gentle words. ''
Our code of laws will be announced soon.
It would help very much if you wrote a book for women to read.
One of them tried to harm the prince.
You must be wary. I suggest you investigate.
I know I should.
Then why... ?
I should obey Queen Insoo for now.
I can reopen the case when the king has settled down.
I heard you got into trouble over some pine nut porridge.
I shouldn't have made you a concubine.
Don't blame yourself. The queen doesn't suspect me.
I'm sure I'll get along with the other concubines too one day.
I remember you telling me to assist the king.
I just wish I knew what to do.
What's going on?
We want to see the records.
Don't you know you have no right to see them?
No one can see them without Lord Jo's permission! Go!
Step aside. The seniors gave their permission.
Look for records from 1 469!
Yes, sir!
A eunuch named Yoon Suk-hwan died in suspicious circumstances.
Visit his family and look into his death.
Ever since 1 469, a beautiful lady visits once a year.
She's the reason I have food to eat.
Do you know who she is?
No. But I'd like to thank her.
Well?
Merchant Park has been looking after Yoon Suk-hwan's mother.
Merchant Park?
The man who helped Lord Jo hoard the king's supplies?
That's him. He's been sending someone every year.
Hello, sir.
Why are you ignoring me?
I'm disappointed in you.
Because I didn't make your daughter queen?
I have no complaint about the king's decision.
Then why?
I'm disappointed you tried to make my daughter queen.
Pardon?
You tried to use me and Sook-hyun...
to get your way.
I won't let a mere eunuch gain control over us.
Remember that.
Mr. Jung inspected our records.
What?
No one can read our records without my permission.
Why did you go through them?
I'm trying to investigate the late king's poisoning.
What poisoning?
The case has been closed. Why are you causing such trouble?
Stop it right now.
- I can't do that. - How dare you...
go against my orders.
I have received orders to eliminate any possible reason for debate.
Here is my letter of authorization.
You follow my orders, not the seniors'.
I can strip you of your title.
If you disobey the seniors,
I will have to disobey you.
What?
Do you really want our department's law and order to fall?
I suggest you let Captain Jung investigate.
Or no one will obey their superiors.
Then we will lose control of everything.
What do you say?
Do you still refuse to give in?
You can investigate all you want.
But if you can't reach a conclusion...
you must pay with your life.
When I'm done, I'll demand more than just your resignation.
I'm afraid we might end up on Lord Jo's bad side.
You don't become Head of Eunuchs for nothing.
What?
What kind of nonsense is that? Goodness.
What are you people talking about?
Sir, I'm higher in rank than you are.
Have you forgotten your manners?
What?
Oh dear, I'm terribly sorry, sir.
Idiot.
Why do you care about ranks?
Our titles are just a polite way of saying we're mere servants.
- Sir! - What?!
Will you report me for this?
Wake up and get a grip.
Craving power will shorten your life.
Don't forget that.
Life is but a dream
My father's determined to take me down.
Everyone has turned against you. You must do something.
If I respond now, I'll fall into my father's trap.
Let's wait and see.
Your Highness, Sulyoung is here.
How are you, Your Highness?
You witch! You went back on your word.
Please don't get upset.
I trusted you'd make me queen, but you let me down.
What's the use of crying over spilt milk?
What?
You still have a chance.
I do?
How can I have a chance when the present queen has a son?
If we gain control of the eunuchs, we can replace her whenever we want.
What do you mean?
Just do as I say. Then you will become queen.
How are things with Mr. Kim?
He hasn't fallen for me yet.
Have you fallen for him?
Of course not.
Something will happen soon.
You must seduce him before then.
I will.
We have pledged our loyalty to Lord Jo.
Remember that oath, whatever happens in the future.
Yes, sir.
Do your duty and don't be swayed.
- You must focus. - Yes, sir.
You're dismissed.
I never thought they would...
turn against each other so easily.
You'll stay loyal to Lord Jo whatever happens, right?
I will not go against my word. You can't make me do anything.
Excuse me.
Mr. Doh.
You can help Lord Jo and Mr. Noh reconcile.
Come and see me tomorrow after work.
Mr. Noh would like to see you.
I'm sure you won't refuse for fear of a trap.
Would you mind if I gave your brother a title?
Yes, I would.
But I'm doing it for you.
Why do you refuse?
My brother committed a grave crime by receiving a bribe.
I thank you for your generosity, but you mustn't do that.
I've made up my mind. So please say yes.
Your Highness.
My name is Tanshil.
I'm glad you're satisfied with our students.
I was born to teach eunuchs.
I can't accept a gift.
You're wearing her clothes?!
You look like a member of the royal family.
You just wait. Queen Junghee will just love me.
How dare you wear those clothes!
Goodness. My heart nearly stopped.
Couldn't you say hello first?
What are you doing? How dare you touch my mother's clothes.
I just...
Take that off right now.
OK, I will...
What did I say? I told you!
I said no.
She's scary.
I'd like some of that.
Even I feel lost. I bet you feel even worse.
She bowed 3,000 times for 1 00 days to save my life.
But I went on a hunger strike, insisting I wouldn't become a shaman.
She never left my side for fear I'd kill myself.
Not even my birth mother could've done the same.
Yet I did nothing for her in return.
She'll know how you feel.
Don't get too upset.
Thanks for the drink.
What's wrong?
I'm OK.
Hey, wake up.
Wolhwa. Wolhwa.
Are you feeling better now?
What happened?
You had a fever.
The doctor said you're tired.
Eat this.
Come on.
You can go. I'll eat it myself.
You see other people's futures and forget to look after yourself?
I won't leave until you finish this.
I feel uncomfortable.
Get going before people start talking about us.
They can talk all they want. I care more about your life.
OK, I'll go!
Promise you'll finish this.
I will.
I heard the king gave your brother a title.
I told him not to, but he wouldn't listen to me.
He did the right thing.
His job is to check on the king.
It's appropriate for him.
He won't have any influence,
but people will still try to bribe him for favors.
If he causes trouble for us again by doing anything improper,
I will personally make him pay for it.
I'll warn him.
What do you think? Do I look OK?
Your father would've been so proud of you.
Watch how you talk and act.
Don't cause any trouble for your sister.
I won't. This is just the beginning.
Soon I'll be a great minister.
Didn't I just warn you? Have you forgotten what happened?
It's all in the past. I'll take care of you from now on.
Why did you call me?
Bring the king to Royal Lady Um's chambers tonight.
Tell her I will.
What a coincidence. I was just thinking about you.
What's wrong?
What did you give Mr. Gang?
What are you talking about?
I saw with my own eyes. What was it for?
It's so the king will sleep with Royal Lady Um.
I just did as I was told.
What choice do I have?
Why did the queen whip you last time?
It was all a misunderstanding.
You weren't involved at all?
Why won't you trust me? I adore Queen Yoon.
I swear to the gods that I never tried to harm her son.
I'm sorry. Please don't cry.
Don't do this.
It's unfair.
What brings you here?
I've been missing you.
Welcome.
Please talk to your brother and father.
I'm here as Captain of Investigations.
Pardon?
Come in.
- Search the place. - Yes, sir.
What are you doing?!
Step aside. I've been told to search this house.
What, reopen the investigation of the late king's poisoning?
That's the only way to get rid of Lord Jo.
But Mr. Noh and I were involved too.
Don't worry.
There's no proof about you or Mr. Noh.
I'm worried about the memo I wrote him.
I searched Lord Jo's house today, but there was no memo.
I think he got rid of it.
He could have.
But he's meticulous. You must be careful.
My lord.
This is unheard of. I can't stand this.
Han-soo turned our house upside-down.
Tell my father I'm here.
He doesn't want to see you ever again.
Please turn back.
What?
Aren't you the one who said you'd disown him?
What are you doing here?
Then tell him this for me.
Investigating the late king's death will take him out too.
I'll tell him that. But I don't think he'll give in.
Has he turned back?
Yes.
Sulyoung.
Do you really think Chi-gyum will resign?
If the poisoning becomes public, Minister Han and I'll be in trouble too.
You would do anything for your legacy.
But Lord Jo puts his reputation first, right?
He'd rather resign than confess and betray the royals' trust.
You're right.
But we have to break that trust first.
We must.
It's late, Your Majesty. You must go to bed.
OK. Who should I sleep with tonight?
Royal Lady Um. Tonight's a good night to be with her.
OK. Let's go.
Isn't he supposed to sleep with Royal Lady Yoon tonight?
The king went to Royal Lady Um's chambers.
What?
Please come back inside.
What bribe?
I know the king favors you, but watch your manners.
You accepted a bribe and took the king to sleep with Royal Lady Um.
Wh... What?
That's treason.
We have rules and customs to decide whom he sleeps with.
Be warned. I will not let this happen again.
Do you like it?
The food tastes different.
I heard you lost your appetite, so I brought some food from home.
Thank you so much.
I'll do anything to help you become a wise king.
I'll try not to let you down.
But I'm worried about the strange rumors.
What rumors?
I heard the eunuchs are looking into the late king's death again.
They say Lord Jo was behind it.
What?
What did you just say?
What do you mean, poisoning?
They say they're investigating...
Lord Jo regarding the late king's death.
Are you sure of that?
The Dept. of Eunuchs is a total mess.
This will harm the king way too much.
People will doubt his legitimacy.
What should we do?
We punished many people, even Prince Goosung over it.
Why are such rumors circulating again?
Any groundless rumor can harm the king gravely.
We must deal with it by dismissing Lord Jo.
I guess we should...
You won't be Head of Eunuchs for long.
I will disown you if you go against me.
Sir, the king has called for you.
You called for me?
I heard you're a skilled swordsman.
I'd like you to teach me a few moves.
I once asked you about the late king's death.
You said you were not involved.
I did not lie, Your Majesty.
Then why... has the case been reopened?
Why didn't you defend yourself?
A subject who has lost your trust has no right to live.
Your Majesty.
Please behead me right now.
I'd rather you kill me.
No, Your Majesty.
Lord Jo is innocent.
Stay out of it!
How dare you interrupt when a subject is pleading to be killed!
If you don't trust me, please kill me.
I refuse to kill a loyal man over a rumor.
But I also refuse to be sweet-talked by a traitor guised as a loyal man.
Lord Jo, you have one month.
Get to the bottom of this and clear your name.
If you fail,
kill yourself with this sword.
Chuh-sun.
You spoke up for him, so the same goes for you.
Father.
I will do as he says.
The king gave Lord Jo a month?
He must prove his innocence or die.
There's no way he can prove his innocence.
I'll take him down within that month.
We must tell the king that your father got Han-soo to poison the prince.
I will tell him.
Don't you dare.
Then he'll distrust our whole department.
Then what will you do?
I'll jump into a flaming fire if it will help clear your name.
Everyone is against me.
Even the king won't believe me now.
But don't worry.
I will not let a bunch of disloyal fools take me down.
I have a son who believes in me and a bodyguard who'll die for me.
I fear nothing.
I will get rid of those behind this once and for all.