Episode 27
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?
Pay the price for all your corruption!
Resign! Resign!
- How dare they... - Shut up!
You know mutiny is a serious crime.
Stop this!
I will punish those who disobey!
This is no mutiny.
We're making a stand for our department.
Right.
We're doing our duty as eunuchs.
We're doing what's best for the royals.
We demand all captains resign!
We demand you resign!
Captain Jung, you must stop them.
Do something.
- Disperse them. - Yes, sir.
Stand strong! Protect the trainees!
We demand all captains resign!
Resign!
Resign! Resign!
Resign... Resign... Resign...
Resign! Resign! Resign!
You can't stop us by force.
We demand all captains resign!
Resign! Resign! Resign! Resign!
Resign! Resign!
Resign! Resign! Resign!
Chi-gyum.
How could you let Chuh-sun go against all his superiors?
You said you'd forfeit all rights and give no orders whatsoever.
What's going on?
I kept my word.
Chuh-sun is doing what he thinks is right.
What he thinks is right?
He's using this reform as an excuse for mutiny.
If trying to right our wrongs is a mutiny,
then I support my son with all my heart.
- Chi-gyum! - Think!
You'll take my place when I leave.
If you want to be Head of Eunuchs,
think about what to do to improve the department.
Must you really do this?
An untreated wound will only get worse.
If we turn a blind eye to corruption, we might not get to turn things around.
But youth alone is not enough.
We'd appreciate it if someone as honest as you would lead us.
Yes. Please, sir.
Yeah, we'll do anything you say.
I should've resigned a long time ago too.
Stop talking such nonsense and just try not to get hurt again.
Chuh-sun, the captains want to see you.
Mr. Kim.
How dare you use the trainees to go against your superiors!
We're not going against you. We just want to clean up our department.
Shut up!
And with what right will you do that?
Who gave you such authority?
The day my training ended,
I was told to be proud of what I do and work hard.
I'm not heading a reform because I was told to.
It's my duty as the king's subject.
I have written records...
of all the riches you have accumulated illegally.
I suggest you all resign before I release the records.
Chuh-sun.
Will you give up the reform if I guarantee Lord Jo's title?
If Lord Jo killed the late king and abused his power and authority,
then I myself will petition he be punished.
What do you know about the eunuchs' revolt?
I gave Lord Jo until the end of this month.
Pretend you know nothing until then.
But what if this isn't resolved by then?
Then Lord Jo will pay with his life.
You called for me, father?
Do you know what sword this is?
It's the sword the king gave you.
You're right.
If I can't clear my name in time, I will kill myself with this sword.
The seniors won't help at all. But I won't run away.
I will reform our department,
clear your name, and bring the culprits to justice.
Han-soo and the captains are nothing but pawns.
My father and the seniors are the ones in control.
Are you prepared to fight them?
I'm scared of Mr. Noh.
And I don't yet know how to fight the senior eunuchs.
But I believe this reform requires loyalty more than courage.
If this reform fails,
our dept. will fall into the hands of those who'll do anything for greed.
Though I am afraid, I'll do all I can to protect the royals.
Take it.
My life is in your hands.
I heard Chuh-sun's getting the trainees to demand the captains resign.
Don't worry. Lord Jo's just grasping at straws.
Problems tend to get bigger with time.
Put an end to it when you can.
I will.
Do you have proof to make Chi-gyum resign?
I have proof he told Mr. Doh...
to kill witnesses and accept unqualified eunuch school graduates.
I even have Mr. Doh in jail. Lord Jo will resign at the next meeting.
What'll you do about Mr. Doh?
He'll only hinder us. I'll kill him when Lord Jo resigns.
Geum-pyo.
I can't bear to see you like this. I want to get you out right now.
I want to take revenge...
and clear your name.
But you know too that force without a cause is just violence.
If I do as I wish, I'll be just like my father.
I don't blame you.
Do as you see fit.
Thank you.
I might die soon.
But I promise you this.
Even in my afterlife, I'll never forget what you went through for me.
Your Majesty.
The eunuchs have gone too far.
Dismiss Lord Jo and put an end to all this.
I'll take care of that. You can focus on politics.
What is the biggest problem the people are facing?
You must feed the starving people.
If you can do that,
they will praise you.
I agree with you.
But if I'm to feed everyone, I'll have to seize your riches too.
You know I can't do that.
If you don't receive bribes and the governors don't overtax,
then even if the people are poor, at least they won't blame me.
Our people are kind-hearted.
I hope you all do your best as not to upset our kind-hearted people.
We will.
Your Majesty, Lord Jo is here.
Let him in.
I told you to regain control of the rumors regarding the late king.
Why are things getting worse?
The senior eunuchs will hold a meeting in three days.
I can't guarantee nothing will happen.
But things will die down as long as you ignore that incident.
Alright.
I won't get involved as long as no one attacks the palace.
Aren't you tired?
Not at all. I'm just amazed...
even I can make a change.
Gil-dong.
We're not standing up against our seniors.
We're doing this to eliminate all corrupt customs.
You must remember that.
I will, sir.
- Please help. - Thanks.
Tell your superiors all about our cause.
If we can reform,
so can you. Then your lives will be easier too.
- Thank you. - Don't forget.
- Let's go. - Cold, huh?
Good work.
This is nothing.
Writing all these must be much harder.
But Chuh-sun.
Can we manage by just spreading word?
We need all the support we can get.
We need all the help we can get to disrupt the seniors' meeting.
What? Disrupt the meeting?
Yes.
We need to tell as many people as we can until then.
I copied some quotes...
that I thought would apply to women.
Use them to gain order among the ladies.
Thank you for your kindness.
Remember, all the great kings had a wise wife to support them.
I'll remember that.
Have you heard of the eunuchs' revolt?
I'm just worried for the king's sake.
I heard Lord Jo's son is organizing it.
Did you know that?
I know nothing about the details.
Make sure the royal ladies don't get upset over this.
And don't go and ask the king...
for favors, like you did last time.
I won't.
Lady Oh.
Before entering the palace, I thought I could give anything to see the king.
I've achieved that and even more by becoming queen.
But I wonder why I feel so empty...
Is it about Chuh-sun?
Mr. Kim. You've lost weight.
No, I'm doing fine.
Don't lie to me. I know you're going through a tough time.
Chuh-sun.
You comforted me when I was down and saved my life.
Yet there's nothing I can do for you despite being queen.
I'm sorry if I made you worry.
You have my support. Do what you think is right.
I pray you clear your name,
and reform your department.
Look after yourself.
Doh Geum-pyo...
has been jailed on suspicion of killing witnesses to destroy evidence.
You work for us until a new leader is selected.
You can never disobey a superior.
Step forward if you refuse to obey me.
You will be sent away from the palace.
The best you can do then is perform on the streets for pennies.
But those who remain will get promoted.
Decide whether to leave or stay.
Those who'll leave must sign a resignation letter.
Aren't you worried that more people are supporting the reform?
They're just eunuchs of lower rank.
But there are many.
I can't believe our next Head of Eunuchs is so timid.
Don't worry. We have the seniors, the captains, and the bodyguards.
What is there to fear?
True, but...
A castrator is causing a ruckus at our gate.
Fools! Even animals guard their homes!
How dare you raid the school that gave you a new lease on life!
Have you ceased to be human?!
Speak up, if you can make an excuse!
Stop that!
How dare a castrator disrupt our work!
Arrest him immediately!
Yes, sir!
Fine. I castrated you all. Let me teach you a lesson too.
That's it?!
The king's bodyguards can't even beat a castrator.
What losers.
So, who was it?!
Who gave the order to raid the eunuch school?!
Gaedochi.
It was me. I gave the order.
Han-soo?
How on earth could you give such an order?
I was investigating Lord Jo's corruption.
What?!
I really don't want to hurt you.
Get going.
Why you... !
Don't kill him.
To the Dept. of Eunuchs?
Yes.
He took everything.
He looked angry.
But...
What now?
I can't go, but yet I have to...
Stay here.
All we have to do is wait and watch.
I can't do that. Let go of me.
Gaedochi!
- Hey. - Wake up!
- Wake up. - Wake up!
Gaedochi.
- Gaedochi! - Wake up.
Come on, wake up.
You wretches!
How could you do this to a castrator?!
You're so evil!
How do you feel?
Why did you go and get beaten up?
What good did it do?
Were you worried I might die?
What?
I finally got your attention.
It was worth the beating.
That's not funny.
I was so worried.
You're such a troublemaker.
I'm sorry.
But I won't die and leave you.
You're still in those clothes...
What now... ?
Why aren't you preparing dinner?
How can I when we have no rice?
They took all our grain, even our clothes.
Take these.
It was from Queen Junghee, so it'll be worth a lot.
Buy some food and firewood.
- But... - Sure. Thank you.
What? Han-soo beat Gaedochi?
They beat him up for asking why they raided the school.
Even a dog doesn't bite its master.
How could he beat the person who castrated him?
He'll pay for this.
He will one day.
Gae-nam, did you tell the cooks about tonight's meeting?
Yes. They'll show up.
Mr. Kim.
I brought you some snacks to encourage your cause.
Thank you.
Good luck. I'm rooting for you.
Thank you.
I just can't trust her for some reason.
Don't be so mean. She brought us some snacks.
Let's eat.
Why are you blocking my way? Move.
You bribed a eunuch so the king...
could sleep with your mistress?
What?
Spreading rumors because the king loves my mistress more than yours?
A good beating will do you good.
Girls.
Stop it. Let go! Let go!
You deserve this.
- Get up. - Why... ?
Get up. You deserve a beating.
Ow!
- Let go! - How dare...
What do you think you're doing?!
You are Royal Ladies Yoon and Um's maids.
Yes.
How dare you.
The royals are distressed enough as it is.
How dare you cause even more trouble.
Lady Oh, call Royal Ladies Yoon and Um.
They shouldn't let their maids get out of control.
Please punish me instead. Royal Lady Yoon knows nothing.
Royal Lady Um slept with the king instead of her, so...
It was all my doing.
What? What did you say?
Is that true?!
How could she... !
How dare they give and accept such bribes.
Lady Oh.
Yes, Your Highness.
Summon the king's eunuch.
How dare you accept a bribe over whom the king sleeps with.
I don't know what you're talking about.
I have records of whom the king should have and actually slept with.
Don't you dare lie.
Why did he sleep with Royal Lady Um and not Royal Lady Yoon?
He...
Tell me the truth!
Don't you dare attempt to deceive me too.
Please forgive me.
I couldn't ignore her persistent requests.
No wonder the eunuchs are demanding a reform.
This is none of my business, so I'll forgive you this once.
But if I ever hear of this again,
you will pay with your life.
Remember that.
Thank you so much, Your Highness.
Royal Lady Um.
How could you bribe someone to sleep with the king?
I told you not to cause any trouble.
How dare you go against my orders.
You're wrong.
I did no such thing.
This is what you gave him.
He confessed, so you should do the same.
Royal Lady Um.
You slept with the king when it wasn't your turn,
and you lied, so I should throw you out.
Please forgive me.
But the king loves you, so I'll let you stay.
Thank you so much.
But you can't sleep with the king for 1 00 days, and...
you are grounded until further notice.
Your Highness...
I will punish anyone who dares to do such a disgraceful thing.
Royal Lady Yoon.
You pretend to be prudent and honest, but you're such a backstabber.
You only just begged for forgiveness.
Watch what you say.
What?
Shut up.
Royal Lady Um.
I'm warning you.
If you dare ruin my reputation again, I'll whip you myself...
in the queen's place.
You too, Royal Lady Jung.
Captain Jung took over?
It's because Mr. Doh is in jail.
Give us the order.
We'll save Mr. Doh and arrest everyone who plotted this.
We mustn't be rash.
Hello. I was waiting for you.
I'm grateful for your letting me adopt your son.
He's your son now.
He's yours too.
What is going on in your department?
Why is the school being searched and a castrator getting beaten up?
Our department is in trouble. Chuh-sun is trying to mend things.
What?
Why him?
I think that's the fate the old shaman mentioned.
Pray for Chuh-sun, as a mother should. I came to say that.
Only now do I know what it feels like to want to pray for my child.
Your Highness.
Why are you drinking in broad daylight?
The queen has grounded me.
What else can I do but drink?
This will help you bear a son.
Stone powder from the nose of a powerful Buddha and a talisman.
Swallow the powder and put the talisman in your pillow.
Then you will have a son.
What use is all this?!
I can't sleep with the king or leave my chambers.
Our future queen is upset just because you're grounded?
I'll help you out of this mess.
Royal Lady Um is begging for forgiveness.
What?
So you insist on causing yet more trouble?
Believe my innocence and forgive me, Your Highness.
What?
I heard the queen doesn't get along with Royal Lady Um.
I'd like you to resolve the situation.
I'll do all I can to help the queen.
Your Highness, Royal Lady Jung is here.
Let her in.
What is it?
Please save Royal Lady Um. Only you can help her.
What do you mean?
Return to your chambers.
I cannot leave before you forgive me and clear my name.
How dare you disobey me, the queen.
I didn't bribe the eunuch.
Miss Hong did it for my sake.
You must believe that I knew nothing about it.
You're blaming it on someone else instead of showing regret?
I could beat you for this!
Queen Insoo is entering.
Hello, Queen Insoo.
Please clear my name.
Royal Lady Um, return to your chambers.
Your Highness.
She lied and deceived me.
She mustn't be forgiven.
- Do as I say. - Your Highness.
Forgiving her will make it seem like I don't care about rules.
So you'll beat her then?
Please, let me take care of this.
Queen Yoon.
Let it go. A 1 00-day confinement is enough.
Your Highness.
I can't ignore Royal Lady Um's atrocities any longer.
If I don't punish her severely now, everyone'll pay to sleep with the king.
I will lose control over all the women in the palace.
Queen Yoon.
The palace is in disarray already. This problem will only make it worse.
So you insist on going against me?
How dare you argue in my presence.
I apologize.
Queen Insoo is right, this will cause even more trouble.
But I also think Queen Yoon has a point.
Let's compromise.
Queen Yoon is in charge of all such problems.
As long as you let Royal Lady Um off this time.
Is that alright with you?
I'm fine with that.
I too, accept that.
Thank you for being so understanding.
A wounded tiger, locked in a cage...
Quite the opposite from before.
How dare you come here.
A decent person would die to repay someone's kindness.
But Lord Jo is struggling to live, regardless of what happens to you.
Shut up!
I want you to live.
If you don't want to side with Captain Jung, help me.
Promise me that and I'll save you.
What do you say?
Once I'm out of here, I'll kill everyone who went against him.
Even you, if you are involved.
Your spirit is still strong.
Think about my offer.
Chuh-sun.
Why are you causing such chaos within the palace?
It's a reform, not chaos, Your Majesty.
A reform to save Lord Jo's life?
He is my father, so that is one reason I'm heading a reform.
But my main concern is your welfare.
We eunuchs are in charge of food, clothes, and housing.
The welfare of the royals is in our hands.
That's why all dealings must be clean.
But most eunuchs conspire with ministers to gain profit.
The low-ranking eunuchs want to end such corruption.
Chuh-sun.
I ordered this by putting you and your father's life in danger.
Once you succeed with your reform, I'll start my own.
You must not let me down.
Why are you out here in the cold? Let's go inside.
How long have we been married?
I was 1 6 when I married you.
It's been 2 2 years.
But why do you ask?
I put you through a lot. Thank you for bearing with me.
You're acting a bit strange today.
I guess I've grown up.
Let's go inside.
How are you, grandfather?
Why are you here?
I'm here to reconcile with you.
Did Chi-gyum send you?
I came here of my own accord.
What for?
Please cancel the meeting.
What?
That's how you try to reconcile with me?
How could you demand such a thing?
You should get on your knees and beg for your and Chi-gyum's lives.
This reform is to aid the king...
by eliminating corruption and evil practices.
Why are you manipulating the seniors for your own good?
You ungrateful wretch.
We took you in, remember.
I see you're still a commoner.
If you force my father to resign,
we eunuchs won't stand for it.
What chance do you people have against us senior eunuchs?
A small ax can cut down a tree and drops of water can gradually break a stone.
We have little power, but we'll win as long as we remember our cause.
Don't make me fight you.
Do what you want. But remember this.
You and your father will die after that meeting.
We may die, but as long as our cause lives,
you cannot gain control of the department.
I see you're adamant, so I'll leave.
OK. Let's see what happens.
Dear gods.
Please help Chuh-sun survive this trial.
What is it?
Where the heck is Chuh-sun?
He went into town. I hope nothing happened.
He'll be fine. He can protect himself.
Yeah, let's wait a bit more.
Excuse me, come outside.
Stay here until the seniors' meeting is over.
We'll bury your urn with you later.
There!
Stop! Stop!
Are you alright?
I'm fine.
I'm glad we were on time.
- Where are the wretches? - We lost them in the dark.
Never mind. We know who they are.
Thanks, everyone.
Thank Miss Hong.
She told us they got you.
Mr. Kim.
Are you OK?
Why did you do such a thing?!
I thought they'd give up if we got Chuh-sun...
Don't ever do that again. He'll die when the meeting's over anyway.
The demented are here.
The meeting will begin soon.
Did you call everyone?
Yes, they're waiting for you.
OK. Let's go.
Chi-gyum.
Today is the day either you or Mr. Noh dies.
What do you think will happen?
You want a sip?
If this reform is to happen, you both have to die.
Mr. Noh's been around too long and you want to be around too long.
We have gathered today to impeach Lord Jo and select a replacement.
Han-soo, you may begin.
Lord Jo was involved in the late king's poisoning.
Since then he has conspired with merchants...
to gain profit by hoarding and selling the king's riches.
This is a record of his atrocities,
and how he got Mr. Doh to destroy evidence.
I approve Lord Jo's impeachment.
So do I.
Me too.
- So do I. - So do I.
Me too.
It's a unanimous decision.
Mr. Jang. Inform the king of our decision.
I will, sir.
You cannot do that.
We oppose the council's decision.
In the name of our dept. , we impeach the council.