Episode 26
Our duty is to protect the royals,
and run the palace.
But right now...
everyone has lost all sense of duty and loyalty.
We've resorted to plotting and scheming.
As Head of Eunuchs, I have decided to put a stop to it.
As of today, there will be a reform.
I will get rid of all corrupt traditions and customs.
I demand every single one of you take part in this reform.
He's heading a reform when he should be afraid for his life.
I don't know what he's up to.
He's trying to claw his way back in.
But don't worry.
Getting rid of him is all the reform we need.
He's just digging his own grave.
Will he give up that easily?
Even the king distrusts him now.
We can get rid of him if we all work together.
But he controls all the bodyguards.
I will take care of Mr. Doh.
Geum-pyo, do you know why they fear me?
It's because you and your men support me.
If it weren't for you, the seniors would've killed me a long time ago.
I swear that will never happen.
You have my trust.
My life is in your hands, so you must be careful.
Yes, sir.
Chuh-sun.
I've been told to clear this up or risk killing myself.
But all the captains have turned against me.
It won't be an easy fight.
I have one month.
If I don't clean this up by then, we will have to pay with our lives.
What can I do to help clear your name?
I'll do anything I can.
Our only way out is to reform our department.
You take the lead.
That will clear my name,
as well as protect the king.
If Lord Jo loses his standing, our department will fall into disarray.
This will threaten the royals, as well as the king.
I know that, but what can we do?
King Yejong died before we even became eunuchs.
We can't prove Lord Jo's innocence.
Still,
we can't just sit and watch.
Chuh-sun might die too.
Mr. Doh...
won't let anyone harm him.
Yeah. Who'd dare fight Mr. Doh?
Brute force won't work without a cause.
To protect our dept. , we must head the reform.
If they fight us with rumors,
we'll fight them with principles to prove our cause.
We'll win, as long as we stay loyal to the king.
A few words from you, and Lord Jo got in big trouble.
You have more influence than a minister.
Don't say that.
But what difference will it make?
I'll still be a poor concubine.
It'll be to our advantage.
One less supporter for Queen Yoon, and you can be queen.
You think so?
Trust me.
I don't understand why such rumors are spreading.
I'm afraid this might harm your reputation.
I shouldn't have let this happen.
Your Majesty.
You can end it all by dismissing Lord Jo.
I can't dismiss him over a rumor.
But if the people hear of this investigation,
they might doubt your legitimacy.
I'm not afraid of what they might think.
If King Yejong really was poisoned,
I'll punish everyone who was involved.
I'm so proud to see you...
take everything in your stride.
I will support whatever decision you make.
He has a month to clear his name...
or kill himself?
Yes.
And Chuh-sun too, for defending him.
Someone seems to be plotting against him.
If Lord Jo is guilty, Chuh-sun will die with him.
How could the king be so cruel?
Why don't you ask him to take it back?
I can't.
That will just upset him.
Then you'll just watch them suffer?
I asked for suggestions. Why are you so quiet?
We don't see why we need to reform.
It's to correct the wrong and start afresh.
I will value all of your suggestions.
You're Head of Eunuchs.
If anything is wrong, isn't it all your fault?
I'll take responsibility for my wrongdoings.
So feel free to say what's on your mind.
You shouldn't go against the seniors.
We took a vow to respect them as well as the royals.
Sounds like you want me to step down.
Disrespecting our elders is a crime that must be punished.
I will think carefully about what to do.
Captain Jung, what is this investigation about?
How dare you question the king's legitimacy.
No, Your Highness.
We're only investigating the late king's death...
to cause a ruckus and get Lord Jo dismissed.
Get him dismissed?
He's been getting involved in politics,
and is alienating the ministers.
A eunuch is forbidden to take part in politics.
It goes against our principles, so the seniors impeached him.
But why hasn't he resigned yet?
He's refusing to accept the impeachment.
What?
I'm also investigating some other charges against him.
But this is just to get him dismissed.
You swear to that?
I swear no news of this will reach the people.
Trust me.
Sir, please come with me.
Where to?
Do you know a eunuch can get beaten for drinking on duty?
So what, you'll beat me?
Who would dare beat up Lord Jo's closest friend?
That's true. You're quite right.
What I want to know is why you covered for him in 1 469.
From what I've found out,
everything indicates that Lord Jo poisoned the late king.
I also know...
one of your subordinates got killed.
Do you really want to know the truth?
Tell me. Then I'll reward you greatly.
Fine, I'll tell you the truth.
Lean over.
Come closer.
You fool!
Wake up. I covered it up for the sake of our department.
And to see you use it to turn it upside-down.
The late king will punish you for this.
Lord Jo.
So you're heading a reform?
You're drunk.
Go and sleep it off.
You must be very worried.
The late king is threatening your very existence.
I guess this is why they say you reap what you sow.
We have no reason to live if we can't protect the royals.
I need you all to join us in reforming our department.
What kind of reform?
We'll get rid of bad customs and start a new tradition.
We'll stop beating trainees and refuse bribes during exams.
I like the idea, but what power do we have to do this?
Our superiors are too comfortable to care.
So it's all up to us.
I'll be there with you. What do we have to lose?
We all became eunuchs for a reason.
Some wanted to escape ridicule, some wanted to achieve something.
Correcting our wrongdoings will do us good as well as the king.
If you all agree to help, our future will be brighter.
OK, I'm in.
So am I.
Thank you. Together, we can achieve anything.
- Thanks. - Thanks.
Thank you.
- Thanks for joining. - Thanks a lot.
- Thank you. - Thanks.
So-woon.
You know many maids, so tell them about this.
Then they in turn will tell their mistresses.
Sure, I'll do anything for you.
So-woon.
Do it for our department, not for me.
Alright.
You have something to say?
I am Lee Gil-dong.
All the trainees would like to join in the reform.
What? You trainees are powerless.
You can't do anything.
We won't be trainees forever. We'll do anything to help.
Thanks, Gil-dong. We could do with your help.
Thank you, sir.
I heard you're causing quite a bit of trouble.
I apologize for any worry I've caused.
If you really care for the king,
shouldn't you take full responsibility and calm things by resigning?
I understand your concern, but it's not the right time.
What? So you won't resign?
My resignation will mean I admit to poisoning the late king.
That can't be good for the king.
I will prove my innocence and regain control within the month.
Please bear with me until then.
How are you, Minister Han?
I heard you're in a tight spot.
The seniors want you to resign?
It's all thanks to you.
To make matters worse, even the king doesn't trust me now.
You brought it upon yourself. Why are you blaming me?
Exactly. Only a fool would bite off more than he can chew.
But I'm not done for yet.
Who knows, maybe the king might even see the memo you wrote.
That would put me as well as the king in danger.
You wouldn't do something that foolish.
Visit me after you resign. I'll make you my footman.
What brings you here?
I heard what happened last night. Is everything alright?
What could go wrong when you care so much about me?
You must pull through, for my sake.
I will, so don't worry.
Why are you up already?
Queen Junghee called for me.
You can't even rest.
What a life.
My fever has gone down. I'm fine now.
You're too stubborn.
I'll make you some ox bone soup.
Thanks.
You're a good man.
I finally get a compliment from you.
Don't get sick again.
Just hearing you cough makes me jump.
One tael of silver.
Choi Dol-suk, one tael.
One tael?
Yes, one tael.
Just one tael? I heard the old shaman gave at least five.
He needs to be castrated, fed, clothed, and taught, you see.
Take it or leave it.
Leave the boy and go.
Why don't I get any silver?
YOU should be paying ME...
for getting him into the palace and making him rich.
If you don't like the idea, take him away.
No, just make him a eunuch.
Saw that? That's how you become rich.
Still, we shouldn't crave what we just can't handle...
What can't we handle?
This school made the old shaman rich.
Trust me.
Search the school thoroughly.
Yes, sir.
How dare you search the school!
We're carrying out an investigation. Move!
Honey!
- Are you OK? - Oh, my back...
Don't you know whose backing we have?
Lord Jo won't let you get away with this!
Shut up!
We can beat you for getting in our way!
My back...
Take all their goods!
They're taking everything we have...
What's going on?
It's the end of the world.
They've raided the school they once lived in.
They took all we had.
I have no reason to live now...
What do you think?
He is very bright, and will be very outgoing.
He will become a great king and reign in peace.
I'm sure he will. Please pray for him.
I will, Your Highness.
I heard your spiritual mother left.
You must be feeling down. You look tired.
I've been having strange dreams the past few nights.
What dreams?
The dream you once told me about.
You give birth, then get chased off a cliff.
I've been having that dream.
What?
How could that be?
Come by my place one day.
We might be able to figure out your past.
He's born to be a great king.
I was told not to fall for superstitions,
but her comments made me proud.
Mr. Kim once said the same.
Chuh-sun?
The prince needs someone like Chuh-sun.
How could you punish him for defending his father?
Don't you know how loyal he is?
You're right.
I trust him more than anyone.
But if Lord Jo can't prove his innocence, Chuh-sun must pay too.
But why?
No one will respect a king who can't control his closest subjects.
I know how you feel.
But I have no choice.
I just pray the two of them find a way out of this.
What? They searched the school and seized the records?
Yes. They say it's to investigate Lord Jo's ties with the school.
I think Han-soo has lost his mind.
Well done. This is proof that Lord Jo accepted unqualified students.
I promise I'll make you all captains when I become Head of Eunuchs.
We pledge our loyalty to you.
Yes. You have our trust.
It's OK, let him in.
You have something to report?
How could you do this?
You started afresh at that school.
How could you raid the place we once loved?
I did what any Captain of Investigations would do.
Lord Jo betrayed his own father.
What I did is nothing compared to that.
If that's all, get going.
I will no longer think of you as a friend.
Our friendship is over.
I will not let you take control of our department.
Shouldn't we stop him?
Leave him alone. He'll get kicked out soon anyway.
Everything is in my favor. What is there to fear?
Mr. Kim.
Is something wrong?
What happened?
You're scaring me. What's going on?
What do the court maids think of the rumor?
I heard Lord Jo killed the late king. And that he'll resign soon.
It's a lie. Someone is trying to frame him.
Lord Jo will not resign. So don't get ideas.
- OK. - Chun-dong.
Mother.
I came to see the prince and decided to visit you.
Hello. I'm Hong Bi, Royal Lady Um's maid.
Hello.
Mr. Kim looks just like you.
Don't worry about him, he's fine.
Excuse me.
You look very distressed.
I'm fine, don't worry.
Go with the flow, whatever happens.
You'll be fine as long as you're not at the head or the tail.
Lord Jo called for you.
I have to go. Take care, I'll visit you soon.
OK, see you.
Take these.
What are they?
Records of how every eunuch has gained personal riches...
over the past ten years.
You'll be able to see what kind of deals they've been making.
There's even a list of my father's hidden assets.
Why are you giving them to me?
Use them to negotiate or blackmail, whatever you wish.
I don't care what you do.
But if you can't end their revolt, I will have to use brute force.
I'm giving them to you because I don't want to do that.
You saw the prince?
Yes. He's destined to become a very powerful monarch.
I pray he grows up strong and healthy.
He will.
Is something worrying you?
I'm worried my son will cause trouble for the queen and her son.
Congratulations on becoming an official. Here.
Oh no, I'll pour you one.
Here.
The queen's brother with a powerless title. The king is too mean.
I'm just happy to have a uniform.
What title do you want? You could take your father's position.
What do you say?
I'm flattered you think so highly of me.
I don't think much of him.
Siblings aren't always alike.
You think he can be a minister?
Look ahead.
We could give him any title if it's to get rid of his sister.
When spending the night with the king, please don't talk about politics.
Politics is a man's job, isn't it? You have nothing to worry about.
I know you mentioned the eunuchs to the king.
Don't feign innocence when you know what damage you did.
Your Highness, I never said anything.
Royal Lady Um.
Can I believe that?
Would I dare lie to your face?
Royal Lady Um.
You should apologize, not lie.
What?
That sounds like you actually heard me talk to the king.
She's jealous...
because the king hasn't been with her.
Watch what you say.
Don't blame her for the king's losing interest in you.
Jealousy is a serious crime.
Let's go.
What are you going to do?
Please, go and beg for forgiveness.
I'm sure he'll forgive you. He's been family for 30 years.
That's your only way out.
If you can't do it, I'll go and beg for you.
Everything will be over soon. Do what you want then.
What good will begging be when you're ruined?
Sir, it's Geum-pyo.
Come in.
I'd like to talk to Geum-pyo. Please excuse us.
I don't know what you're thinking. I really don't.
I don't think my father will give in.
I gave Chuh-sun help, but this is just too much for him.
Then... ?
I didn't want to fight my father, but I have no choice.
Kill those people.
If Chuh-sun can't end it, you must.
I have to go somewhere. Don't let anyone inside.
Yes, sir.
You are a man of your word.
I'm here to see Mr. Noh.
Have a drink while you wait for him to call you.
Warm wine can work wonders.
Why, you think I drugged it?
Then...
I'll have a sip first.
You really are brave.
Mr. Jung could really do with a faithful man like you.
What do you say?
Why don't you side with Mr. Jung?
Stop talking nonsense and let me see Mr. Noh.
If you won't side with us, he won't see you either.
What?
I'm off.
I drugged the wine. You'll feel a bit dizzy.
You're under arrest for killing innocent people and destroying evidence.
Step aside if you don't want to get hurt.
- Arrest him. - Yes, sir.
- Take him away. - Yes, sir.
Lord Jo is powerless. The department is yours now.
Here are the signatures of the eunuchs who will side with us.
Even the trainees signed.
We're not doing this for Lord Jo.
We must do something before our corruption ruins our nation.
Will you do as I say?
Everyone who signed is behind you.
We'll even jump into a fire for you. Just tell us what to do.
What do you mean, Geum-pyo didn't return?
We can't find him anywhere.
What is it?
Captain Jung has sent for you.
Hello, Chi-gyum.
How dare you sit in my seat.
It'll be mine when you leave. What difference does a few days make?
What?
I called you in to reunite you with Mr. Doh.
Geum-pyo.
Sir.
What happened to you?
Forgive me. I fell into their trap.
Why did you put him in prison?
He killed those involved in poisoning the late king.
Recently, he killed and relocated witnesses to the queen's love affair.
What?
He's amazingly loyal.
No amount of torture would make him confess.
I'll let you two talk. Excuse me.
I'm so sorry to put you through this.
Don't say that. I know how loyal you are.
Sir. Please kill me.
Geum-pyo. Don't say that.
Han-soo may use me to demand your resignation.
I don't want that to happen.
I'd rather you kill me yourself.
I won't do that.
I will protect you, even if it means resigning.
You took me in when my parents abandoned me.
When I lay dying from an epidemic,
you sucked the pus out of my wounds.
You castrated me yourself,
and made me a eunuch.
My life is yours.
Please kill me, so I can at least save you the trouble.
Geum-pyo...
Please do as I wish.
What is your choice?
Will you resign or have Mr. Doh killed?
I asked what your choice is.
What do you want me to do?
Resign. Then I'll cover up all your past atrocities.
That will save your reputation.
The king gave me a month.
I'll make my decision before then.
Fine.
But until then, forfeit all rights as Head of Eunuchs.
Is that clear?
Yes, very clear.
But don't harm Geum-pyo.
I won't.
Chi-gyum has surrendered.
You did well. I'm proud you're my son.
It's all thanks to your guidance.
This is what happens to those who go against me.
I don't think you should give him that much time.
Don't worry.
Chi-gyum may be good, but he's lost...
the king's trust and Geum-pyo too.
Who will you appoint as his successor?
Don't rush it. We'll appoint Mr. Jang first.
You can take over shortly after.
I like that idea.
I'm so sorry you'll get punished over something I did in the past.
You should be strong.
It's not over yet. I will redeem your name.
Trust me.
Begin.
Who the heck posted such outrageous notices?!
Open the door! Open the door!
Who are you?
I'm here to see Mr. Noh.
What brings you here, Sung-yoon?
I heard you were ill, so I made you some medicine.
I used precious ingredients. Give him some twice a day.
I'm ill? I'm sure you're very mistaken.
But I'm sure I heard you had dementia.
What?
Are you mocking me?
Only a severely demented person can cause such chaos.
You disowned your son of 30 years. Now you want to kill him?
What the... ?!
I'm sure even you had sleepless nights, worrying about the king's welfare.
So what the heck is this?
Leave before I have you kicked out!
Family means nothing to a eunuch.
Why cause such unrest over something you can't keep forever?
Stop it, if you don't want people to think you've gone insane.
You've gone insane. Is anyone out there?!
I'll leave, as you wish.
But Chi-gyum will put up a fight.
Don't kill any more eunuchs for the sake of your own greed.
How dare he...
Dr. Yang. Can we talk?
You have something to say?
I'm sure you know Lord Jo poisoned the late king.
So why are you covering for him?
And why is Mr. Noh bringing it up after all this time?
No matter how bright you were,
old people become senile.
Stop saying that all he says is right.
Help him do the right thing, even if you have to whip him.
You need a dose or two of the medicine I brought too.
I'll tell you... it will be bitter.
Life is...
but a dream
There are notices everywhere demanding our resignations.
We must do something before it gets out of hand.
Right.
We must arrest and torture the person in charge.
I will punish him severely, so don't worry.
You'd better do that.
We're in trouble. The eunuchs are on strike.
What?
We demand all captains resign right now!
We demand you resign.
We demand you resign!
Mr. Kim.
What are you doing?
We demand all the captains resign, so we can reform the department.
What?
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
I wish it could all end right now