Episode 31
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.
Have you been well?
Are you back for good?
The king summoned me back.
I'm so glad to see you here again.
Mother, do you know him?
He was one of the king's most loyal subjects.
Loyal subject?
You were a little baby when I left the palace.
You've grown so much.
How do you know me?
I even held you once.
I see.
Your Highness, Queen Junghee is waiting.
I have to visit Queen Junghee. Let's talk more later.
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
Mother, why did you cry?
Because I was happy to see an old friend.
Friend?
Mr. Kim was a loyal servant to the king and a good friend to me.
I'm sure he'll be a loyal friend and servant to you too.
Yoong, come sit beside me.
Yes, Your Highness.
What did you learn today?|
I learned what makes us human beings.
OK, then tell me what makes us human.
Human beings are special because we have morals.
Morals?
Morals regarding family, royals, couples, seniors, and friends.
A father must be loving, a child filial,
a king righteous, a servant loyal,
a husband kind, a wife obedient,
an elder forgiving, a subordinate respectful, and a friend virtuous.
He's so bright. He'll make a great king.
Don't you think?
I agree.
The prince is very intelligent. Teach him to be benevolent too.
I will.
I, Kim Chuh-sun, am reporting for duty.
You must be tired from exile life. Why don't you take some time off?
Now that I'm here, I'd like to get back to work.
Then let me think about...
what job to give you.
Are you well?
I am, thank you.
Time has passed.
Forget about the days of conflict and focus on doing your job.
I will, sir.
Father, I'm back.
How have you both been doing?
Don't forget to thank the king for summoning you back.
I won't.
Do you know your father resigned because of you?
I'm so sorry to cause you trouble.
You should be welcoming him home, not yelling at him the day he returns.
Am I wrong?
She is right.
I will be careful as to not cause you more worry.
You two will have a lot to talk about.
Time passes, but she never changes.
A woman is told to keep watch over four things.
They are her morals, speech, appearance, and skills.
What should a moral woman do?
She shouldn't aim to overdo anyone.
She should be proper, and faithful to her husband.
Then how must a lady speak?
Royal Lady Um?
She shouldn't...
speak for selfish means. She must not be rude.
And she must speak slowly as to not upset anyone.
You still haven't memorized it?
I apologize. I haven't been well.
Remember what you learned and put it into practice.
We will.
That's all for today.
Exactly how ill is Royal Lady Jung?
She can't even get out of bed.
Mr. Moon, your hands are even silkier than mine.
You're drunk, Your Highness.
I am not. Don't you dare lie.
Have another drink, as punishment.
Then take off your clothes and dance for me.
You mustn't do this...
Have you forgotten your duty?
You're supposed to comfort us.
I order you to do what it takes to make me happy.
Go on, take off your clothes!
You want me to help?
Your Highness, don't do this.
Please...
Your Highness, the queen is here!
What?
The queen is entering.
Your Highness.
- Welcome... - Are you alright?
What the heck are you doing?
I wasn't feeling well...
Shut it!
I won't let you get away with this!
How can a concubine drink during the day, and with a eunuch too.
You deserve to be thrown out of the palace.
Forgive me, Your Highness.
Do it.
Come here every day for 1 00 days,
and stand here for an hour with that around your neck.
I expect the rest of you to watch and learn from Lady Jung's mistake.
We will.
Queen Insoo is here.
What is going on here?
Lady Jung lied to me, got drunk,
and abused a eunuch.
She should be thrown out.
I am teaching her and the others a lesson.
You must not insult a king's concubine, whatever she did.
I think you went too far.
She regrets what she did, so do forgive her.
Why are you taking her side? She deserves to be punished.
You're in charge of ten concubines.
If you punish them each time they do something wrong,
they will not respect you.
And that will fill the palace with hostility.
I will not forgive anyone for fear they won't respect me.
What?
You promised you'd leave such matters to me. Please step aside.
So, you'll go against me?
Is that what you'll do?
Queen Insoo!
Yoong.
Your Highness, don't yell at my mother.
Please forgive her.
Yoong...
We can't let Yoong get upset over this.
Let Queen Yoon do as she wishes.
But then the concubines might gang up against her and alienate her.
I thank you for worrying about me.
But if I don't teach them a lesson, they won't think much of me.
You both have a point.
But I think Queen Yoon is right.
Give in to her, Queen Insoo.
I will.
Thank you.
Chun-dong.
How have you been?
Am I dreaming?
Are you really my son?
Mother.
Chun-dong.
You're back.
You're like lovers who've been reunited.
Stop staring, your eyes are about to pop out.
A mother can look at her son for as long as she wants.
I'm jealous, that's all.
You two haven't changed at all.
Blow your nose.
Hey, isn't that Chuh-sun?
How have you been?
I've been fine.
I'm more worried about you.
Wolhwa, you look so much happier.
Do you know who he is?
This is Mr. Kim, who got exiled for leading the reform.
He's the pride of our school.
You must all follow his example and work hard.
Understood?
Yes, sir.
I was so scared when I learned to castrate.
Thinking of those days still makes me cringe.
Do you remember throwing up the day Han-soo got castrated?
Yet you castrated yourself.
I still can't believe it.
Mister. Any news about Han-soo?
I haven't seen him since he left without a word.
I heard he's still mourning for his father.
- Welcome back. - Yes. Have a drink.
I'm glad you're back.
- Welcome back. - Thanks.
Here.
Drink up.
I spent the past three years among the commoners.
They suffer more than I ever knew.
The governors...
tax so much, most can't even afford to see a doctor.
The ministers say the people are fine.
They're trying to blind the king.
Some of the people are starving.
Most can't even afford firewood.
We have to help the king see the truth.
We have to do what we can for the people's sake.
What power do we eunuchs have?
Ja-chi is right.
All we do is sing and pour drinks for the concubines.
I'm nothing more than a court entertainer.
So-woon...
Chuh-sun's right.
We wanted to avoid poverty.
We became eunuchs so that our families could eat.
We should help the people.
I don't know what to do, but I want to help Chuh-sun.
Yeah. We should do all we can to help the people.
Right. You too, So-woon.
I'm always there for Chuh-sun.
Let's have a toast.
Alright.
Help me! Help me! Please help me.
Save me.
Please help me.
Someone is after me.
You witch!
Come over here.
Or I'll come and get you.
You had too much to drink.
How dare you get in my way!
Step aside!
This is Lord Lee, Prince Hyoryung's grandson.
He's a bit too drunk. Please escort him home.
Hey, you're all eunuchs.
What?
Eunuchs?
What a wretch.
How dare you get in my way!
I'm going to sleep with her tonight.
Let's go.
Why you!
Where are your manners?
You'll be punished for insulting a royal.
I serve the king.
I will not tolerate anything that will harm his reputation.
Please go home.
What? Why you!
If I am in the wrong, I'll accept punishment.
But you will have to pay too for insulting this girl...
despite the fact that you're drunk.
You... Wait and see...
Let's go.
Are you OK?
Thank you, sir.
What if he tries to get revenge?
I will fight anyone as long as I'm innocent.
Thank you, sir. You saved the poor girl.
Is he really a royal?
Yes, he is.
He lost his testes to an illness, yet he bothers us so much.
He's upset his wife kicked him out.
What do you mean, his wife kicked him out?
You haven't heard of Ulwoodong? Everyone knows about her.
You're still up?
Yes. The moon is so bright.
I feel bad about your resigning for me.
I did what any Head of Eunuchs would've done.
Don't feel bad.
I heard you did much to help the people.
Well done.
I did my duty as a eunuch.
Help the king's grace reach everyone like the moonlight does.
His grace isn't reaching them at all.
Don't rush it.
What you saw during that time can either help you or hinder you.
You must be careful.
I will.
Where is Mr. Doh anyway?
I sent him on an errand.
He'll be happy to see you too.
Are you Mr. Park?
Yes. Who are you?
I heard...
you know about a deserted baby.
It was... 2 3 years ago.
A shaman and her spiritual daughter found a baby in the mountains.
Are you sure?
The rich girl insisted she wouldn't become a shaman.
We all thought she'd kill herself one way or another.
But then they came back with a baby.
Do you know where they are?
It's been such a long time. They went to the capital.
Some tribes are raiding villages on China's border.
China's emperor demands we send men to annihilate them.
What do you think?
We must do as the emperor says.
If I may say a word...
There is no point in attacking them when they're not harming our people.
But if we don't do anything,
China's emperor won't be pleased.
We must do as he asks.
We might lose...
a powerful ally.
But it's a waste of resources.
Our people will complain.
Let me think about it.
We can't afford to lose an ally.
Send soldiers to annihilate the tribes.
I think I will have to.
Father. Why should we fight someone else's battle?
What? You're trying to learn about politics?
Tell him what you think.
I feel bad for the men who will have to fight.
How does it feel to be back?
It feels like I'm back home.
Good.
I'm so glad you're back too.
Don't ever leave the palace again, for the king's sake and mine.
She prayed for you...
every single day.
You owe her a lot.
Lady Oh, you shouldn't have said that.
Chuh-sun.
Be a good friend to my son, like you were to me.
I will.
Your mother must be very happy that you're back.
I feel bad I made her worry so much.
But at least she could keep in touch with you.
There are so many concubines.
Yes.
Queens Junghee and Insoo appointed seven more.
It's getting quite crowded here.
Don't worry, the king loves Queen Yoon more than ever.
He should.
Mr. Kim.
How have you been?
Why didn't you visit me?
I've been waiting for you to say hello.
Thanks for remembering me.
How could I forget my future husband?
Miss Hong, don't say such a thing.
Very few court maids sleep with the king, let alone any man.
If I can't be with a man for the rest of my life,
I at least want a trustworthy husband like you.
Don't you like me too?
Enjoy. Eat and drink to your fill.
Thank you, Your Majesty.
Will you send men to fight the tribes?
My ministers can't seem to agree.
I'd like to hear what you have to say.
We're forbidden to comment on politics.
What say would we have?
I just think you should help the Chinese.
We think so too.
But won't our people suffer?
Our ties with China matter more than the people.
But then, what do we know when all we do is drink our time away?
Yes.
Everyone's talking about Ulwoodong these days.
Ulwoodong?
She's a great musician, poet, as well as a fine beauty.
Ulwoodong... What a vulgar name.
She's Lord Lee Dong's ex-wife.
What? She was married to a royal?
Yes. What you can't have always tastes sweeter, doesn't it?
You had too much to drink. I'll prepare your bed.
Do you think I should send soldiers?
I was going to send them, but little Yoong has a point.
I vowed to do my best for the people, but I haven't asked their opinion.
It's not too late, Your Majesty.
Pay attention to the people's opinions, and you will find the answer.
Alright.
I don't want to let my son down.
Bi.
You look happy.
Why wouldn't she be? Her lover is back in the palace.
Stop teasing me.
Gosh...
I'm jealous of you. You can see him every day.
Then give up on the king and date a eunuch instead.
No way! I'll marry the king and become a concubine.
Then you will be my maids.
Jeez, thanks.
Miss Song, what's wrong?
I'm fine.
You don't look so. Is it indigestion?
A prick on the thumb is what you need.
Give me your hand.
I'm OK...
You're not.
Miss Song!
What's wrong? Miss Song!
Wake up! Wake up, Miss Song!
What's this?
A list of names and usage...
of the herbs I found and studied.
You're quite the doctor now.
But the people need honest governing...
more than any food or medicine.
The three years didn't go to waste.
Dr. Yang, save her!
What's wrong?!
She fainted from a stomachache.
- Lay her down here! - Alright.
What happened?
Chuh-sun, you examine her.
Me?
Go on.
You know more than enough.
OK then.
What illness is it?
Come on, you're scaring us.
It's indigestion. It's nothing serious.
I'll give her some pills.
I was really scared...
What? Are you sure?
Yes, I am.
Why are you spacing out?
It's nothing.
What are you doing? Step aside.
We have to talk.
- We don't. - Then...
shall I report your pregnancy?
What?
Help me. They'll kill me if they find out.
I'll do anything you want. Keep it a secret.
I will repay you.
Mr. Kim.
Please.
It's not something you can hide.
If it's not the king's, whose baby is it?
Tell me.
Are you Miss Song, Royal Lady Jung's maid?
Yes. Why... ?
- Take her away. - Yes, ma'am.
What's wrong?
It's none of your business.
Take her away.
Stop. Mr. Kim!
Mr. Kim, save me! Mr. Kim!
Well?
She is pregnant for sure.
How dare you... Take her dress off.
Yes, ma'am.
How did you get pregnant without sleeping with the king?
I'm so sorry. I did a terrible thing.
Who is the father?
I don't know. I don't know...
Beat her until she tells the truth!
Yes, ma'am.
What? She's pregnant?
I think the court ladies found out too.
Attraction isn't something you can forbid.
Giving up her life for lust...
What should we do?
The court ladies might kill her just to keep this under wraps.
We will be held responsible if the queens hear of this.
We must get rid of her.
We should.
Two lives are at stake. How can you be so cruel?
She committed an unforgivable crime.
Why should her child be killed too?
It's not her fault alone. We must find out who the father is.
Then we could be punished ourselves.
That's enough.
Whether we investigate or kill her, we must never tell our mistresses.
We will not.
What? A court maid is pregnant?
But I don't think it's the king's baby.
She's been with another man?
I think so.
Stop.
Take it off.
How dare you even think of committing murder!
You should find out who the father is, not try to cover this up.
I apologize.
I'll take it from here.
And make sure no one else hears of this.
Tell me who the father is.
Please just kill me, Your Highness.
Just because I saved you doesn't mean I forgive you.
I'll punish you after I find out who the father is.
The sooner you talk, the lighter your punishment will be.
You called for me, Your Highness?
Someone got a court maid pregnant.
Pardon? What did you just say?
It must be a soldier or a court official.
Get your men to investigate who it is.
I will, Your Highness.
Mr. Park, you question the young officials and slaves.
Sure. How could such a thing happen?
You look into the royals and ministers.
Sure.
We're in for a rough time.
Search carefully for any proof.
Yes, sir.
I can't believe she deceived me. She deserves to die.
She does.
Especially when her mistress rarely gets to see her husband.
She should be punished.
She's taking cues from you.
You drink and sing with eunuchs all day long.
What did you just say?
I'm warning you to be careful.
What's going on?
Ja-chi, here you are. We've been looking for you.
What for?
You haven't heard?
They're looking for the father of Miss Song's baby.
Really?
Who could it be? A soldier? A court official?
Chuh-sun, what do you think?
Whoever it was, committed a grave crime. He must be found soon.
You're right...
The king has summoned you.
Pardon? Sneak out of the palace?
I want to see how the people are doing.
Then I'll summon your guards.
No, I'll go with Chuh-sun. Open the secret passage.
It feels great to get away from the stifling palace grounds.
This is what life should be like.
Do you remember?
We sneaked out and I lost the ornament my grandfather gave me.
And Queen Yoon returned it.
Right. I wish we could turn back time.
Welcome. Come on in.
- Two soups and some wine, please. - Sure, have a seat.
You really don't mind?
I want to hear the public opinion. I should eat what they eat.
We're done for.
Fight another nation's war when we're starving?
Don't the officials care about us?
Uncle, people will hear you.
Am I wrong? The ministers don't have to send their sons to war.
Why should we fight...
a war that has nothing to do with us at all?
Right, young man?
Uncle, don't...
It's OK. Say what you want when the king isn't listening.
Exactly.
Sir. Now we have a code of law, and the king hired some young talent.
Won't things improve soon?
Improve? What a joke.
That's what the royals think.
How can we improve when people are still starving?
You've mourned him for three years. Come back to work now.
Why are you so good to someone who tried to kill you?
Mr. Noh annulled my adoption, but I want his legacy to continue.
And I'm sure you had time to think about the past.
I'll ask Lord Jang to give you a job.
Was this trip any better?
Yes, sir. I think I found Lady Oh's missing child.
What?
It's not a guard, royal, court official, or even a slave.
Then was it witchcraft or something?
Rumors are she's not the only one pregnant.
What?
I heard some say it was a eunuch.
But aren't all eunuchs men who can't even please a woman?
Someone is incomplete.
What?
Incomplete?
Miss Hong, be careful. Miss Song had a fling with a eunuch.
What? What kind of nonsense is that?
Who knows? Chuh-sun might have... changed.
Don't be so silly.
I guess we should all lie low.
An incomplete eunuch? What does that mean?
I heard some eunuchs do regain their manhood.
My love, please don't forget about me
Dear heavens, let my love come true
My love, please don't forget about me
Dear heavens, let my love come true