Father. I know who killed the late king.
What?
His name...
is inside this envelope.
Everyone knows it was only a rumor.
Why are you bringing it up again?
The trainee who brewed the king's medicine...
wrote that to Dr. Yang before he was killed.
Why didn't you read the letter?
I thought you should handle it.
You think I'll be mentioned in this letter?
I trust you.
And I don't want that trust to break.
Take it.
Father. Why... ?
It's not about trust. You're afraid that trainee named me.
If I handle this case,
you'll doubt me for the rest of your life.
I'd rather be a traitor than a father doubted by his own son.
If you think this letter holds the truth,
don't be afraid to read it.
I will accept whatever you decide to do.
Here.
What is this?
Don't ask. You mustn't know.
There are rumors he was poisoned.
I'm... I'm scared.
You are innocent. You won't get in trouble.
Stay away until all this dies down.
Episode 30
So Chuh-sun went to see you.
Why did you give it to him after all these years?
I was jealous of your bond, so I tried to tear you apart.
Do you think I killed the late king too?
I guess I'm getting old. I can't remember...
how he passed away.
Then why... ?
I don't care what happens as long as I can drink.
But then a young boy died.
Chi-gyum.
Do you know who killed him?
The senior eunuchs? Han-soo's men?
It wasn't them. It was me, I killed him.
If I had...
revealed the truth back then, this wouldn't have happened.
My silence cost that boy his life.
I gave Chuh-sun that letter...
to prevent it from happening again.
If you think this letter holds the truth,
don't be afraid to read it.
I will accept whatever you decide to do.
What? You'll reveal who killed the late king?
Yes. His name is written in that letter.
Are you sure?
I trust you will get to the bottom of this.
Did you read the letter?
I gave it to the king.
What?
He is the only person able to get to the bottom of this.
Alright, I said I'd accept whatever you do.
Were you afraid of the truth?
I wasn't afraid of the truth.
But I was afraid I'd cover it up if I found out it really had been you.
Lord Jo.
The king has summoned you.
I know why my predecessor died so suddenly.
Lord Jo.
Did you poison him?
The answer will be in that letter.
I have opened it, but haven't read it yet.
Your Majesty, why... ?
King Yejong went against his officials.
He tried to right what was wrong,
and paid the ultimate price.
No one knows whether he was ill,
or whether he really was poisoned.
But he died because his reform failed.
If my reform fails, like his did,
I won't be king for a long time.
I trust you more than a dead man's letter.
This case will be closed forever.
I trust you will help me...
reform this government,
and bring peace to our nation.
I will do all I can, Your Majesty.
Do you really think he didn't read the letter?
The king has a thousand faces.
We must serve him to our death, whether he read it or not.
I'm too poor to study. So I want to become a eunuch.
You'll have no descendants. You mustn't betray your ancestors.
Forget the conflict and hatred we once harbored.
We shall start anew.
Bribes regarding promotions and exams are forbidden.
Anyone who conspires with merchants to gain profit will be punished.
Yes, sir.
Goodness, you're still alive?
Gosh.
You kept switching sides. It did you some good, didn't it?
Making fun of us again?
It's not a joke.
Just wait. You WILL become Head of Eunuchs.
Do look out for me then.
Life is but a dream
You still haven't found Han-soo?
We looked everywhere, but he's still at large.
He'll be around, so keep looking.
What about your father?
He won't give up so easily.
All that land belongs to me.
So much land...
What will you live on if you give me everything?
I can buy more when I want.
What wouldn't I give you if you will get rid of Chi-gyum for me?
OK. I'll see what I can do.
You have my trust.
Why won't you punish the eunuchs?
They burned their records and seized their captains' property.
Everything is under control, so don't mention it again.
They brought in a hearse.
They also threatened the queen's family.
Dismiss Lord Jo,
and punish Kim Chuh-sun for what he did.
I decide whether to punish them or not.
So you won't mind if people steal from us in the name of reform?
Please accept our advice.
Please accept our advice!
Don't worry.
I will protect the honor and riches you have accumulated.
Sir, Lord Jo is here.
I thought I told you I never wanted to see you again.
Father, please give up.
Nothing good will come of our going against each other.
Shut it!
Don't call me ''father. ''
Father.
Sulyoung, bring it over.
Do you know what this is?
It's the string you kept, symbolizing my umbilical cord.
Right.
We're no longer family.
Your adoption is void.
Get out of my house.
Get up.
Where have you been?
Running away from the guards.
You fool...
I'm so sorry, father.
Bring me Chi-gyum's head.
Then you can replace him.
Don't show up again unless you have his head.
Will you do as he says?
I gave up all I had to become a eunuch.
I'm nothing unless I become Head of Eunuchs.
Gil-dong.
Sorry. You may go.
Chuh-sun.
Life won't be easy. The ministers hate you for what you did.
But the king knows you're loyal.
He'll protect you.
I'm sorry for causing such trouble.
Don't say that.
The king will use your accomplishments...
to reform the government.
Trust the king as much as he trusts you.
I trust the king more than anyone.
Good.
It'll take forever to finish 1 00 copies.
We're doing our best.
How dare you come here.
You said you'd help. Now look what happened.
Don't get too agitated.
There's still time.
Poison Mr. Kim with that tonight.
But it's all over. Why... ?
How dare you talk back to me!
I'm sorry, miss.
It's tonight. Don't forget.
Did my father send you or did you come yourself?
You still haven't gotten rid of your overambition?
Don't come near me.
If it will make you Head of Eunuchs, kill me.
Kill me!
I can't forgive you, Mr. Jung.
Mr. Kim, I'm coming in.
Why are you here?
I brought some snacks.
Leave the sewing to me.
People will see you. Stop coming by.
Alright.
Eat up.
Thanks.
Chuh-sun.
Now you're visiting him too?
It's not what you think.
Rice cakes? I'm hungry.
Can I have one?
Of course.
What's wrong?
Gae-nam.
Gae-nam!
They're amazing. You're the best confectioner.
Slow down or you'll choke again.
The meeting has been canceled?
Who canceled the meeting I ordered?!
All the ministers called in sick.
They cannot attend the meeting.
What?
How dare Minister Han go against me.
We, his loyal subjects, gave him a chance to do as he wishes.
Now he'll realize he's powerless without our support.
He's nothing as long as we stick together.
When will you get back to work?
The king can't force a sick man to work.
We won't enter the palace until the king punishes the eunuchs.
What's there to worry about when we get paid?
Yes.
The ministers didn't attend the meeting?
How dare they not attend.
I heard Minister Han and Mr. Yoon are at the core.
They should be assisting the king,
instead of trying to make him do as they see fit.
This is high treason.
You're wrong, Your Highness.
What?
What did you just say?
The ministers didn't attend...
because they want the king to see the eunuchs are blinding him.
The eunuchs are his loyal servants.
How can you doubt them?
And why do you trust them only?
The ministers are loyal to the king too.
The ministers didn't attend the meeting?
They're feigning illness to pressure the king.
Give in to them this once. We can't afford more trouble.
They're challenging my authority.
If I give in to them now, they will cripple my authority forever.
Your Majesty.
You need them to help you reform.
I won't let them get away with this.
If we let this go on, the king's authority will be harmed,
and state affairs will be paralyzed.
Yes, Your Highness.
Lord Jo, only you can help the king.
Resolve this situation.
When will you stop going against the king?
Can't you hear the people condemning your fake loyalty?
Give in to the king.
What?
How dare a eunuch interfere!
You think you can control us because you resumed your duty?
Think of the days we worked together to preserve the monarchy.
We'll return to work if your son is punished for leading the revolt.
What do you say?
You called for me?
Do you know what's going on?
I have an idea.
The king has been alienated.
We can help him only by turning ourselves in.
So there's no chance of him reforming the government?
It's not yet time for him to do so.
But don't be dismayed.
If he doesn't give up on it, he will get another chance.
If that's so, I will do as you say.
Good. Thank you.
I'm proud of you.
Why does everyone want the eunuchs to be punished?
Your Majesty, Lord Jo is here.
Why are you here at this time of night?
Please punish Kim Chuh-sun for leading a revolt against you.
What?
If you don't give in to the ministers, your authority will be threatened.
You must accept my advice.
I won't dismiss a loyal subject just to preserve my authority.
What father would want to see his son get punished?
But the fate of our nation hangs in the balance.
If you don't make a decision, the people will suffer for it.
Please do the right thing.
I can't punish him.
Chuh-sun trusts in you.
He won't blame you.
He would even die for you.
You must not let your emotions take over.
This is the best way you can acknowledge our loyalty.
Go and see the king.
Have a drink.
I wouldn't dare, Your Majesty.
I'm saying farewell as a friend, not a king.
Chuh-sun.
You're the only friend who understands me,
and the only subject willing to die for me.
You gave up everything for me,
yet I have to punish you.
Forgive this useless king.
Don't say that.
I'm nothing compared to you.
You're the king and I am just your shadow.
A master must not stoop to save his shadow.
I promise you.
I will reform the government no matter what.
Your loyalty will not be in vain.
You have my trust.
Listen carefully.
I will exile Kim Chuh-sun for leading a revolt within his dept.
Yes, Your Majesty.
Chuh-sun will be exiled?
The king gave his order.
That can't be.
He can't do that.
I must talk to him.
Your Highness...
How could you, Your Majesty?
You heard... about Chuh-sun too.
You know that he did nothing wrong.
How could you...
exile your most loyal subject?
Queen Yoon...
It breaks my heart to send him away too.
But... I have no choice.
I'm sorry.
I'm so sorry.
Your Majesty...
Are you ready to leave?
Yes, father.
I told the soldiers to let you say farewell to your mother first.
Thank you.
Here.
A book I wrote on medicine.
Let's see if you become a drunk like me,
or a man destined to save many lives.
Thank you.
Get going.
Please look after yourself.
You're so cold to everyone, but you're very warm to him.
I just don't get it.
Chuh-sun!
Why is the king sending you away?
Take me with you.
So-woon.
Don't make it even harder for him.
The king will call you back soon.
Cheer up.
I will. Serve him well while I'm away.
We'll do our best. You take care of yourself.
Thank you, all.
I'll wait for your return. Don't forget about me.
Chuh-sun.
The queen summoned you.
Chuh-sun.
I'm sorry I couldn't help you.
I chose to leave.
I wonder how I'll manage without you.
Your just being around...
was so comforting.
Don't cry, Your Highness. I will return one day.
Alright. I told myself I wouldn't cry in front of you.
Chuh-sun...
Mother. Look after yourself.
What did you do to deserve this?
Loyal servants always get exiled.
Watch your mouth.
I'm sorry about this.
Look after my mother, mister.
I will.
Stop crying. You'll make him feel even worse.
It'll get much colder. Do look after yourself.
Have a safe journey.
Chun-dong...
See? Chuh-sun's gone and soon Chi-gyum will be gone too.
How dare you come here.
Please forgive us, ma'am.
If you do, we'll honor you forever.
It's not much.
- Please accept it. - Please accept it.
I know how fickle you are.
But I can't believe you're here,
trying to buy my affection with jewels!
Please forgive us.
- Forgive us. - Forgive us.
Get out of here immediately!
She has quite a temper.
Why are you here?
I'm here to return the list you lost.
How is Mr. Jung?
Hand Mr. Jung over to me.
What will you give in exchange?
I'll help you get what you want without killing all these people.
What?
What do you say? Do we have a deal?
You look terrible. But I'll get you out soon.
How will you do that?
I struck a deal with Lord Jo.
A deal? What kind of deal?
Some wine to wish you good health.
Thanks.
I feel a bit dizzy.
Let's go inside. Your bed is ready.
OK. Thanks.
I feel a little thirsty.
The poison must be taking effect.
What? What did you just say?
I poisoned the wine you just drank.
What?
How... How could you... ?
I'm avenging my parents whom you killed.
Don't blame me.
You lived to enjoy luxuries fit for a king.
Why you!
How dare you... !
You said I look like my mother.
And that's why you adopted me.
But that was a bad decision.
Your time is up.
Lord Jo has beaten you this time.
And now you bribe others for help.
Such is life...
Now it's time you pay for what you did.
Mr. Jung will continue your family name.
Rest in peace.
You're his only son. Honor your ancestors.
Yes, I will regain all we once had.
Have you heard about Sulyoung?
She became missing the day my father died.
What do you mean, you want to resign?
My resignation will end the discord with the ministers.
No. I will not accept your resignation.
I sent Chuh-sun away. Who will protect me if you leave?
The eunuchs will, with or without me.
Accept my resignation for your own sake.
Do you think I'll be able to return?
You will come back for sure.
I killed too many people for the dept. 's sake.
Can't you hear their spirits cry out?
The acupuncture will improve your circulation.
You're a godsend.
We can't afford to see a doctor.
We can't thank you enough for treating us for free.
It's nothing. I'm glad what little I know is any help.
I shouldn't say this, but I wish the king never calls you back.
Don't you?
Sir!
The king's messenger is here.
I forgive Kim Chuh-sun,
and summon him back. Return to the palace...
and serve me.
I'm so glad to see you again.
How are you, Your Majesty?
I've been so lonely without you.
I'm glad to have you back.
Get back to work and serve me well.
I will, Your Majesty.
Are you alright?
I'm fine. Who are you?
I'm Kim Chuh-sun.
Kim Chuh-sun?
Yoong. Where are you?
Mother!
What if you fall down and hurt yourself?
Chuh-sun helped me up.
If my love is getting in your way
What can I do to stop it all?
Do you know?
The day I die and the wind takes me
Perhaps then we 'll be together
Dear God, let us start again
Please stay with me
My love is still alive within me
What can I do?
Make me blind, tie me up
But I still can't stop
I fear we 'll drift apart