Episode 38
She's married to a royal.
How can you say you love her so easily?
I don't believe you.
You think I don't know how you feel?
But I just can't stop myself.
Your Majesty.
I beg of you as a subject. Please control yourself.
You said you'd learn from wise kings and reign in peace.
How could you go against that by dating a married woman?
If you let yourself down,
none of the ministers or people will respect you ever again.
Then you'll go down in history as a foolish king, not a great one.
I beg of you as a friend too.
Please don't turn against Queen Yoon.
Don't come by again unless you can leave her for me.
But I can't stop thinking about that woman.
I think I'm in love with her.
So why are you hurting her for another woman?
I castrated myself and became a eunuch to keep my word and protect the queen.
Minister Han.
Have the ministers decided how to feed the people?
We're still discussing it. We'll reach a conclusion soon.
Discussions are good...
but the longer you take, the longer they'll starve.
Try to get the ministers to co-operate.
I will.
Stand in line!
That way. Go over there.
Stand in line!
The repository will be empty soon.
WE'LL end up starving...
instead of them.
I know the king means well.
But demanding that we do the same is a bit too much.
What other choice do we have?
Chip in, if you don't want to be punished.
Your Majesty. Try to get along with Queen Yoon.
You affect everyone's happiness.
Your happiness means a lot to the people.
I'm sorry for causing you worry.
What's wrong?
Lady Oh was my wet nurse.
How could you throw her out without even telling me?
I know very well you love her more than me, your own mother.
I sent her out to stop people from talking about the queen's outing.
So please don't mention it again.
But...
It was the right thing to do.
And from now on, rely on the ministers more than the people.
Queen Yoon, you just focus on your health.
The rumors will die down in due time.
I will do as you say.
I regret going into the capital.
I will be more careful from now on.
Good. I hope you two keep your word.
I was too harsh last time.
Please forgive me.
I'm trying to, so please forget about it.
Father!
You came to see Queen Junghee?
Yes, father.
Didn't I tell you not to run?
Why are you so impatient?
I'm just happy to see you together.
I see.
Try not to make your mother worry.
Yes, father.
He's grown so much.
Are you studying hard?
Yes. I'll become a great king like you.
Good.
Then you'll have to study hard.
I will.
Good.
I'm sure you've all heard the rumors regarding the king's frequent outings.
If I see any one of you gossip or spread rumors,
I'll severely punish the one who started it.
We'll remember that.
Royal Lady Um, I wouldn't have found out had it not been for you.
Thank you.
I just did my duty.
Is it your duty to tell on your superiors?
You should've gone to the queen first,
and made her decide to come clean herself.
How dare you spread word about the queen's shortcomings.
If you insult her again, I will not forgive you.
I apologize, Your Highness.
Listen up, everyone.
None of you shall be in contempt of the queen.
We won't.
How dare she humiliate me in front of the other concubines.
It's always my fault, whatever I do!
Now I know what it feels like to be pushed aside.
It will blow over soon.
Try not to step on any toes.
Bi, bring me some wine.
I can't. What if the queen finds out?
Now you too, is it?
Bring some wine!
I will.
Watch and see me make them pay for this.
You look worried. Is it about the king?
The rumors about the king's outings are getting too extreme.
What do the ministers say about it?
They say the king can do nothing wrong.
Even if he does have a lover in town,
no one will find fault in that.
But...
The king's pity for his people...
has turned him against us.
Why is it wrong for a king to take pity on his people?
The ministers aren't happy because he demanded that we feed the people.
They might use this scandal against him.
Talk to the ministers and make sure that doesn't happen.
I will.
I think you should give in this time.
The king will leave her in due time.
You're his wife too. How can you be so indifferent?
A man's affection isn't something you can control.
I think you should wait until he comes around.
I also believe he will one day.
But love isn't something that can be covered up.
As long as their love is alive, they might look for each other.
That's what I fear.
You drank so much, you still have a headache.
How are you? Have some honey tea.
I'm sorry about what happened before. Don't be upset.
It hurts me to see you suffer like that.
Can you promise it won't happen again?
Yes.|
It won't happen again.
Alright, good. Drink up.
The king called for Mr. Kim.
I'm sending you on an errand.
Give Ulwoodong a message.
I will not do it, even if you punish me for it.
I will end it with her.
Return this to her. Tell her it's over between us.
Do you mean that, Your Majesty?
I will not visit her ever again.
Didn't I say I never wanted to see you again?
Please don't leave me.
Ma'am.|
I have enough money. We can go live somewhere else.
I have nothing more to say. Leave me.
Is it because of him?
What?
You're leaving me for that rich man?
What are you talking about?
If I can't have you...
then I'd rather kill you and myself.
What a loser.
Is this how you show your love?
What brings you here?
I have a message for your mistress.
Are you alone?
Ma'am.
Run away with me. I will love you forever.
Why are all men just the same?
They think one night means I'll give up my life for them.
Ma'am.
Don't you see I love you?
I said leave me.
Ma'am.
Don't.
Let him go.
Let him run away.
- Stop! - Get him!
We got you this time.
- Take him away. - Yes, sir.
You saved my life.
He attacked my master.
He's not an evil man.
Who is he?
He's a talented silversmith.
We go back many years.
What brought you here?
I came to return this.
My master told me to tell you it's over.
All he had to do was not come by.
He's so cruel, returning this...
I guess this is how relationships are.
Tell him I said thank you.
Ma'am.
Please leave the capital.
What are you talking about?
My master won't be able to get over you if you're here.
So please leave.
What kind of nonsense is this?
I'm being earnest.
I will not leave my home. I suggest that you move with your master.
You know very well that my master can't leave the capital.
I'm sure you know who he actually is.
He'll get into trouble if word of your relationship gets out.
If you really cared for him, move away.
Can't you do that much in the name of love?
I'm sure you'll accept my request.
You're so cold-hearted...
Why did you attack the king?
I just wanted to protect my love... That's all.
You didn't know he was the king?!
No, I didn't. I realized much later.
How dare a commoner love a royal's wife.
Love goes beyond status.
I love that woman.
What?
Ulwoodong slept with royals,
ministers, even court officials.
But I'm the only one...
she really loves.
Look at my lower arm.
Did he confess?|
He confessed to the attack, but for reasons we never thought of.
What if what Jigubi said is true?
I can't believe she slept with all those nobles.
There are just too many to ignore.
If word gets out about Ulwoodong, the whole nation will...
fall into disarray.
Han-soo, get your men to stop the rumors about her and the king.
And bring me a list of the men that Jigubi says Ulwoodong slept with.
Yes, sir.
What should I do with Jigubi?
He knows what the king looks like.
I'll get rid of him.
Let's have a word.
Do you remember this?
It's the poison you gave me.
How dare you come back here.
I did give you the poison.
But where you use it is up to you.
What?
Why do you still have it anyway?
Do you not trust your husband?
I'll keep an eye on you.
One small slip and I'll make you pay.
I'll remember that.
If you're done, please excuse me.
I heard one of the court ladies recently got thrown out.
She was the king's wet nurse.
I heard Mr. Jo found her a house.
What?
I just thought you should know.
Is it true that you bought a house for Lady Oh?
I won't cheat on you. Just pretend you don't know that.
I heard the king has a lover. You want to copy everything he does?
Watch it.
Wait and see. I won't let her stay.
I lived here before losing my memory.
Mr. Jo says living here might help.
He really does...
care about you.
I wouldn't be alive now if it weren't for him.
I just can't repay him enough.
But I'm actually afraid of regaining my memory.
I'm afraid of finding out what kind of person I was.
Personalities never change.
I'm sure you were the same as you are now.
Ma'am.
How did you know I was here?
Mr. Doh told me you live here.
How is the queen doing?
Queen Insoo covered it up, and the king is over it too.
I feel sorry for the queen, all alone in the palace.
I'll try to make up for your absence.
Alright.
I'm so glad you're there with her.
Do help her out.
You've lost so much weight. Is it hard work?
I sometimes feel my work is all in vain.
Sorry for causing you worry.
Don't say that, we're family.
I'm glad I have a mother to talk to.
Gaedochi, what's wrong?
It's nothing.
I just feel a bit dizzy.
It's too much work for you.
Why don't you find a trainee?
No way! No one deserves to live the life of a castrator!
Him and his temper...
I thought he was tough. I guess he's not after all.
You finally realize that? It's not all in the looks, you see?
I still have it in me.
My back...
I think I broke it...
You can't even swing an ax?
Tanshil...
Were you waiting for me?
You were late and I got worried.
I had a chat with Chun-dong.
You met your son. Why do you look so upset?
I should've stopped him from becoming a eunuch.
It wasn't your fault.
I should've stopped him, no matter what.
Where have you been? The queen's looking for you.
Lady Na, I'd like to talk to Mr. Kim in private.
Yes, Your Highness.
I have a question to ask, as a friend.
Go on.
Why did you castrate yourself?
Why are you asking me about that?
Did you become a eunuch for me?
What do you mean?
Am I the reason you became a eunuch?
I became a eunuch to keep a promise I made to Mr. Jo.
Is that the truth?
I swear it is.
Alright then. You may leave.
Where are you going?
I have some urgent business.
We can talk later.
Gi-hyun. Gi-hyun!
I came to tell you something about the king.
Tell me.
It's such shocking news...
Don't waste my time.
Lean this way, sir.
What? Ulwoodong?
Do you bet your life on that?
I saw him with my own eyes.
What will you do to me?
I'll punish you for trying to harm the king.
I'm not afraid of death.
But please... let me see her just one more time.
What?
Then I'll be able to die in peace.
Please.
He left me for his wife.
The king isn't like other men.
Who are you?
I'm here to see your mistress.
Who sent you?
I'm here to talk, not fight, so don't worry.
Come in.
Who are you?
I'm Sulyoung.
I too have been condemned by the world.
I lived in a temple for three years,
yet I heard of you even there.
You really are as beautiful as they say.
Why are you here?
I heard you and Mr. Lee are close.
I'm sure you know who he actually is.
What do you want from me?
The ministers...
really want to tarnish his reputation.
And they'll use you to get at him.
Don't worry about that.
I'll leave the capital.
Just like that?
I was born a noble,
married a royal and received a title.
My husband kicked me out,
but I slept with everyone...
from commoner to king.
What more could I want?
Once you leave, you can never come back.
Don't you want to say goodbye to the king?
The king even returned my gift.
So what, if he still loves me?
How could I get into the palace?
Write me a letter and I'll let you in.
What did you say? Arrest and torture Ulwoodong?
She married a royal and received a title.
There are rumors that she's been unfaithful to her husband.
We can't let her continue this.
Please give us your permission.
She has committed adultery.
The law says she must be beaten 90 times.
I don't know what she did wrong, so hand in a report.
Then I'll think about it.
Yes, Your Majesty.
Did you see the look on his face? I guess the rumors are true after all.
If we arrest her and she confesses, it will humiliate all the royals.
It can't be good.
I'm going to show the king...
what happens when he trusts eunuchs more than us.
Get the ministers to hand in the report.
Yes, sir.
Have you been well?
How dare you barge in here after disappearing three years ago.
Something came up.
You look terrible, Your Highness.
The queen hates me and several concubines are pregnant.
I barely even get to see the king.
I can solve that problem.
How will you do that?
I'll make you queen.
What?
How dare you say that when we already have a queen!
I'm done with your sweet talk.
Josun values moral virtues very highly.
I heard the queen got jealous...
and visited the king's lover.
A woman's jealousy is a big crime...
punishable by divorce.
What?
Do as I say and you'll become queen.
How have you been?
I'm glad you're back.
Why do you look upset?
You're not glad to see me?
I am.
You remember you owe me something?
Forgive me. I couldn't harm Mr. Kim.
No one can kill a man she loves.
But he used to be the queen's lover.
However hard you try, you can't make him love you.
I need you to help me.
Spy on the queen's every move.
Yes, miss.
If you disobey me again, I'll make you pay.
Miss Hong will give the king a letter. But I need your help.
Of course.
Royal Lady Um made you some porridge.
It has been checked, so please have some.
Alright.
Thank you for loving me as a woman and not a subject.
To me, you were Mr. Lee, not the king.
That's how I will always remember you.
I'm going to leave the capital.
But I'd like to see you one last time.
I'd like to see you tonight in the palace, away from many watchful eyes.
If you accept my request, send a reply through the messenger.
You're Royal Lady Um's maid?
Yes, I'm Hong Bi.
Hong Bi?
Who gave you this letter?
Someone gave it to Royal Lady Um.
I was told to bring a reply.
Sure. Tell her I accept.
What business did you have here?
I'm running an errand.
Sorry, but I'm in a hurry.
You fools.
What are you doing? Go to bed if you're done working.
The captains...
are talking about gathering money to feed the poor.
We're discussing what to do.
If we all chip in,
the people in the capital won't starve this year.
You think? Discuss all you want.
Lord Jang donated 1 00 taels of silver and Mr. Um 50 sacks of rice.
How much will you donate?
Me? I have nothing to donate.
You've worked for over 40 years and you have no family.
What did you do with your salary?
I spent it all on buying wine.
I bet I drank enough to fill a big stream.
You looked so miserable a few days ago. Look at you now.
You're happy because the king hasn't been going out lately?
Yes, sir.
When you're very drunk, you swear you'll never drink again.
But the minute you become sober, you start to miss alcohol again.
Don't think it's over yet.
Life is but a dream
Did the king respond?
This pass will get you in the palace.
You can see him tonight.
It's clear, ma'am.
Are you comfortable?
It's been vacant for years, but there's nothing to fix.
I had everything fixed, hoping you'd move in one day.
I owe you so much.
I'm just happy to have you nearby.
Time flies when I talk to you. I can't believe I must leave already.
Your wife will be waiting for you.
Yes. I should get going.
Sir, it's me, Geum-pyo.
Sulyoung took Ulwoodong into the palace?
You didn't know about it?
I know how it feels to share your husband with others.
I too, am a woman.
And then there was the rumor.
I'm sure you were very upset.
But not all women get to be a queen.
Such a title requires that much patience and endurance.
I know, Your Highness.
Don't forget that your duty is to bring peace and prosperity.
I will remember that, Your Highness.
Be compassionate and accept the king's shortcomings.
If you do, I'm sure he'll come around one day.
Here.
Roll those beads whenever you're troubled.
I'm sure you will pull through all this.
Step back. I want to be alone.
We can't. Lord Jang told us to stay at your side.
There's no need to worry. I won't leave without telling you.
But...
How dare you talk back to me!
Wait here while I take a walk in the garden.
Will the king really see me?
This is as far as I go. You must wait here alone.
Mr. Gang, where is the king?
He told us to stay here.
What?
You left him alone after what happened last time?
Where is he?
He's in the garden.
Lady Na, you wait here too.
Sure.
I missed you.
I missed you too.
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
My love sways and wanders