I missed you.
I missed you too.
I tried to get over you, but I just can't stop thinking about you.
I'm glad I got to see you before leaving the capital.
What do you mean, you're leaving?
That's all I can do.
Forget all about me.
No, I can't do that.
I can't put you in danger for my sake.
I'll protect you. Trust me.
See you at the pavilion at 4 PM three days later.
Say you'll be there.
I'll wait there until you come.
I'll be there.
Thank you.
You've taken too long. You must leave.
Don't forget our promise.
I won't.
Your Highness.
How could he do this to me?
How could he?
Return to your chambers. I'll escort you.
Episode 39
Lady Na, why are you here?
The queen went to the garden to see you.
You didn't see her?
What? Queen Yoon?
I think she missed you.
Why didn't you stay with her?
Find her immediately.
I will.
I wish this were all a dream.
I can't believe he betrayed me.
I feel like the whole world...
is just caving in on me.
Your Highness, what's wrong?
Your Highness.
Your Highness, are you alright?
Please wake up.
Your Highness.
She returned to her chambers?
Mr. Kim escorted her.
I see.
But she discharged some blood.
What?
The baby is safe.
The queen bled because she is too weak.
Buddha protected them both.
Merciful Buddha...
The baby is healthy?
The queen must be at peace, for the baby's sake.
She's been very upset for some time.
She needs to calm down.
I'm worried because she's so unyielding.
The king is here.
How is the queen?
Both the queen and the baby are well.
Lady Na, how could you let the queen take a walk by herself?
I'm sorry.
Lower your voice. I'll question Lady Na later.
Did you meet the king?
They say you don't care about status, but I'm sure it was different this time.
Who ARE you?
Why did you help me meet the king?
Ask yourself who you think I am.
We have a lot in common.
We both regret the fact that we were born as women.
You used men to take your anger out on the world.
I do that in my own way.
I know how you feel,
so I just wanted to help.
How about we become friends?
There's too much truth in your words to make me want to befriend you.
You'll find out whether I'll be a useful friend or not.
I should get going.
The ministers are after you. I suggest you move away.
Unless you want to meet the king in prison.
Mr. Doh.
Have you been spying on me?
Mr. Jo wishes to see you.
OK. I'm at his beck and call.
Do you know why I called you back?
To take care of Ulwoodong, before she causes the king any harm.
So why did you...
let her meet him?
Once she leaves, she'll never be able to return.
I just wanted to help her see her lover one last time.
What?
A cold-hearted girl like you felt sorry for her?
I've grown up among eunuchs, so I know nothing about love or lust.
But I too am a person. I can tell when two people are in love.
I'll believe you this time.
But if you dare betray me, you'll pay with your life.
A dog never bites the hand that feeds it. Trust me.
Where have you been so late at night?
I had a chat with Mr. Jo.
I've been meaning to ask you.
About Mr. Noh's death?
I heard rumors that you were involved.
I don't believe them, but I want to know what actually happened.
Do you want to know the truth?
Yes, I do.
He drank some poisoned wine and died peacefully in my arms.
What?
I avenged my parents.
You poisoned my father?!
Why get upset when he's not even your real father?
I made a deal with Mr. Jo...
to save your life.
Take out the blade in your heart...
before you kill me with this one.
What are you talking about?
You became a eunuch to realize your ambition.
Why hide that ambition?
You'll never be able to quell that ambition...
until you die.
Something terrible will happen soon.
It will be a chance to get rid of Mr. Jo...
and take over your department.
That will assure Mr. Noh's death wasn't in vain.
I refuse to let you control me again.
Your ambition is controlling you, not me.
I killed Mr. Noh...
to save you because of that ambition.
What is it you want?
We can control the eunuchs and the court maids.
That means we can control the nation.
I think you're capable of that.
Don't tell me I'm wrong.
How are you feeling, Queen Yoon?
Sorry for causing you worry.
Do you know how worried I was?
I went to see you...
but I lost my way in the dark.
What made you want to walk out in the dark by yourself?
Don't ever do that again.
It's late. You should go to bed.
Yes. Look after yourself.
Lady Na, care for the queen as best you can.
I will.
I'm glad you were there with her.
Something could've happened to her or the baby.
Are you really over Ulwoodong?
You yourself returned what she wrote me.
Do you mean that?
Why won't you believe me?
I do. I will leave you, then.
Merciful Buddha.
Give me strength to keep my faith in the king.
What have you decided?
All the ministers and officials will gather money to feed the poor.
We'll hand out rice and cloth first,
and then ask for the governors' assistance.
What a wise decision.
All the people will praise you greatly.
Thank you.
You are a merciful and benevolent king.
I'm sure you will reign in peace.
Thank you.
I won't forget what you did to help.
We thank you greatly.
Minister Han, why did you give in?
You don't mind because you're so rich.
- But we do mind. - Minister Yoo.
He just wants to help the king do his job. Don't blame him.
I'm afraid the ministers will hate us.
Why do you...
care more about them than the king?
You care for the king because he's your son-in-law.
But the ministers aren't happy now.
What?
That's enough.
Let's not argue over a decision that's already been made.
All we have to do is take back much more.
Do you have a plan?
You go ahead. I'm off to meet Queen Junghee.
You persuaded the ministers into helping out the poor.
You truly are the king's most loyal subject.
Thank you. But I'm only doing my duty.
Was there any opposition to your gathering funds?
Who would dare oppose the king?
I heard some officials can't even afford three meals a day.
You must not take money from them.
We have made plans, so don't worry.
I just don't understand.
You can't understand what?
How can a minister gather such fortunes just from his salary?
All illegal profits must be returned.
Right, Minister Han?
You misunderstood him.
We reward loyal subjects with land and slaves too.
He's too young to understand, so don't let it get to you.
Yoong, you mustn't be rude to ministers.
I won't.
Are you keeping an eye on Ulwoodong?
Uh...
She isn't at home.
What?
I think she ran away.
Some say she left the capital.
She's the king's weak spot. You must find her.
Ma'am.
Strange men are guarding the house.
I'm sure the ministers sent them.
I wouldn't have to be humiliated if I just left the capital.
I can't believe you're being so weak.
You called yourself Ulwoodong and slept with men of all statuses.
You can't care about ridicule or punishment.
I guess you want something from me.
Why are you talking me into this?
I'm not talking you into anything.
It's up to you to decide whether to continue...
seeing the king when you'll never become a concubine.
But I know you won't give up easily.
Dear gods. Help me regain my memory and meet the child...
I lost all those years ago.
That's all I ask for.
Ma'am.
You have visitors.
What brings you here?
You left the palace.
You should've killed yourself or become a Buddhist nun.
Instead you're living like a noble.
I guess some fool really cares for you.
Watch your tongue.
What?
You're insulting your husband.
You ungrateful witch. I helped you,
even sent you in as the king's nurse.
Now you're stealing my husband?
I'd love to kill you off, but I won't, for my husband's sake.
So leave the capital now.
I can't do that.
What?
There's a reason I must stay here.
Nothing happened between me and Mr. Jo, believe me.
Don't lie!
You're really asking for a beating, aren't you?!
Please leave.
Ladies!
Show her how we treat witches who dare come after our husbands!
Yes, ma'am.
Don't do this. Please stop!
What's going on here? Stop that!
Are you alright?
Lady Oh insulted me. Please let this slide.
She served both the king and the queen.
I don't know what she did to you,
but if you hurt her, I'll report to the queen.
Then all of you will be punished.
Go home!
Are you alright?
We must take her inside.
How could they do such a thing?
You saved my life. Thank you.
I'm sorry you had to see that.
Try to get some rest.
Like you said,
the ministers decided to collect money to feed the poor.
I'm amazed at your insight.
Minister Han would never do something his colleagues aren't happy about.
I'm sure he's plotting to even it out.
We're doing this for the people. What could he hold against me?
What will you do about Ulwoodong?
Ulwoodong?
I heard you had her brought into the palace.
You knew that?
Yes, and I don't even work here. Rumors will spread like wildfire.
Then the ministers will use it against you.
You must have her sent away.
Only that will keep your integrity intact.
What harm can a woman do to my integrity?
Our nation is a nation of ethics.
If people find out you were involved with her,
the ministers will use her to put pressure on you.
Will you run that risk just for a woman?
Please accept my advice.
I get your point.
Give me some time to think.
I trust you'll make the right decision.
I'm glad you gathered funds to help feed the poor.
Lord Jang, I'm glad to see you're doing a good job.
Thank you.
So, have you heard of any secret guests inside the palace?
What? That's nonsense.
That's impossible.
It must be one of those rumors about the king's outings.
We are the king's shield, his protection.
We must make sure he does not slip up.
But even if he does make a mistake,
it's our duty to make sure he never gets into any trouble.
Yes, sir.
Hello, father.
I heard you've been feeling very down lately.
I'd like to give you some advice, as a father and an experienced eunuch.
I'm listening.
Our king has what it takes to govern in peace and prosperity.
And as eunuchs, we must assist him at all times.
But before being king, he is also a human being.
And he might make mistakes due to his sexual desires.
It is also our duty to cover up such mistakes.
What if that mistake compromises his reign?
We must do all it takes to make sure it doesn't.
Isn't that the reason we walk and work in his shadow?
Chuh-sun.
That is the destiny of all eunuchs.
What brings you here?
I'm here to relieve you of your concern.
What?
I heard you persuaded the ministers into raising funds for the people.
The king will expect even more from you in the future.
I'm sure you're praying for an excuse to stand against him.
Am I wrong?
How dare you say such a thing.
I grew up listening to plots, schemes, and lies, sir.
No wonder Mr. Noh kept you close.
So, what can you do for me?
Get rid of the person urging the king to raise funds.
And who is that?
You know very well that Mr. Jo is the king's confidante.
How will you get rid of him?
One step at a time, sir.
First, I'll let you have Ulwoodong.
Do you know where she is?
We promised to die together.
Will you join me?
Why are you here, Minister Han?
I have some urgent news.
I'm listening.
I'm sure you've heard the king's been visiting a woman.
Those are groundless rumors. Why are you mentioning them again?
They're not just rumors.
What would you do if that woman's married to a royal?
What? What did you just say?
Lord Lee Dong's wife has been visiting the palace to see the king.
Your Highness, I know how you must be feeling.
But we'll bring her in and punish her, so don't worry.
What are you talking about?
The ministers are demanding...
that she be punished. I'm sure that'll make you feel better.
No.
Why are you defending her?
If they bring her in, the king will get into trouble.
I can't let his reputation be tainted by a scandal.
Your Highness, Queen Insoo summoned you.
Your Majesty, how could you?!
Mother, why are you so angry?
I found out all about Ulwoodong, so don't make any excuses.
A king can never do wrong.
I don't care if you bring in more concubines or sleep with maids.
But how could you fall for a woman married to a royal?
You paid her visits, pretending to check on your people.
What would your son think?
I am very disappointed.
You're an adult, not a child. How could you cause such chaos?
I'm very sorry about what I did.
The ministers are demanding that she be punished for being immoral.
What will you do if people find out that you were involved with her?
What will you do about those who are trying to use this against you?
If your actions lead to any challenges on our authority,
I myself will hold you responsible for it all!
I'll deal with the ministers, so please don't worry.
Queen Yoon, I'm sure you feel very hurt.
But however many women the king has, there can only be one queen.
You shouldn't have visited her, however jealous you may be.
I'm sorry.
I'm warning you, don't let this happen again.
Were you glad to see her yell at me?
I asked you to keep it a secret.
How could you go behind my back and tell my mother?
Last time you got Lady Oh thrown out. Now you're trying to control me too?
You're going too far.
How could I possibly tell Queen Insoo something so inconceivable?
What?
The news of your affair was so embarrassing,
I couldn't tell a single soul.
So why are you blaming me?
Fine. I'm a terrible husband and you are so very upright.
You brought it upon yourself. So deal with it yourself.
Don't blame me. Find your own way out.
Please excuse me.
Are you sure Ulwoodong came in to see the king?
I showed her the way that night.
Did the king say anything?
He promised to meet her somewhere at 4 PM today.
The king and queen yelled at each other in front of everyone.
I guess everyone drifts apart with time.
This can't be good.
Why is that?
The king doesn't love the queen anymore. What chance do WE stand with him?
Excuse me.
Let's go.
I wouldn't care about anything as long as I can become queen.
Miss Hong, answer me truthfully.
What's going on?
I know you let Ulwoodong in the palace.
Who's Ulwoodong? I don't know what you're talking about.
I saw you with her. Don't you dare lie to me.
Who told you to let her in?
Who planned it?
I only did as I was told.
Why would Royal Lady Um do such a thing?
She will get in big trouble for this.
Royal Lady Um doesn't know anything.
Then who are you working for?
I work for Sulyoung.
What?
A nation of moral virtues is about to fall because of a woman.
Gaedochi.
We attended a service and got some rice cakes.
It's still warm, chewy and so good.
Here, have some.
No thanks.
You're upset...
we left you out?
Come on, have some.
I said no thanks!
What's his problem?
What are you yelling at us for?!
Goodness. What a terrible temper.
It's just absolutely horrible.
You're pathetic!
If you don't feel well, visit a doctor.
I'm fine.
I'm strong enough to kill an ox.
Even the strongest man needs a rest.
I'm sorry you have to see me like this.
You have too much work. No wonder you're tired.
But I'm not old enough to be cast aside yet.
I'm worried about you. Please do as I say.
I feel much better now since you say that.
I'm just tired. I'll be fine after some rest.
You collected funds to help feed the people.
Thank you for your loyalty and generosity.
We're here to serve you.
I believe you will do your best.
We will, Your Majesty.
I would like to see what good our efforts are doing.
Your outings... are worrying everyone. Why don't you stay within the palace?
Isn't it my duty as a king to see how my people are doing?
Get things ready.
Then I'll call for Mr. Kim.
No. I'd rather Captain Jung escort me.
Yes, Your Majesty.
Come and sit down.
I heard the king will go out again.
I'm sure he's going to see Ulwoodong.
I heard the ministers are looking for her.
Why doesn't the king care about that?
He must not meet her.
Chuh-sun. Bring her to me.
Pardon?
But why... ?
What if the king or any of the queens find out about it?
Their anger will subside with time.
But if Ulwoodong admits to being with the king, it will ruin us.
I don't care what the king thinks of me.
If he becomes a king greatly praised,
that's enough for me.
Ma'am.
Men are still guarding the house.
I don't think you should meet Mr. Lee.
What's there to fear when I knew it would be like this?
All the tension is making it even more thrilling.
We're all here. What is it you have to say?
What I'm about to do is for the king and queen.
But it goes against our rules, so you may leave if you want to.
What's going on?
Do you all trust me?
We always did.
So start talking.
Yeah, we'll do anything for...
the king and queen. I'd even jump into a fire.
Yes, go on.
Arrest Ulwoodong and bring her in.
You mean Lord Lee Dong's wife?
She's been missing for two days.
She must have left the capital.
How can he arrest her?
She hasn't left the capital.
She's hiding somewhere waiting for everything to calm down.
I'll tell you where to go, so don't make any mistakes.
Yes, sir.
I'm going to meet someone.
I'm sure you know who that is.
I'll meet her one last time, then send her on her way.
I trust you won't tell anyone about this meeting.
I won't.
Why are you here?
I have a message from my master.
Is he in trouble?
He's waiting somewhere else. Follow me.
I'll take it from here.
What?
I'll be fine. You can go.
Where is the king?
He won't come here.
I had no choice but to lie to you.
What?
Out of my way!
I'm doing this for the king.
Take her away.
Let go of me!
She'll be asleep for some time.
Good job.
We're here to arrest someone. Go away so we can guard the place.
Step aside.
This is the king.
Who are you here to arrest?
An immoral witch named Ulwoodong, Your Majesty.
What?
What?!
The king was there when they came to arrest her?!
The king was lucky she wasn't there.
Geum-pyo, you can't find Ulwoodong?
I don't know where she disappeared to.
We must find her before the ministers get to her.
Yes, sir.
What?
Mr. Lee's servant took her away?
Yes. Did something happen to her?
I wonder why Mr. Kim took her away.
He followed the queen's orders.
What?
She'll be in the palace.
You must find her, Mr. Jung.
Where have you gone?
Did you leave without saying goodbye?
Did you?
How did it go?
She's in the palace.
Good. Well done.
How will you sneak out?
- Lady Na, come in. - Yes, Your Highness.
You asked for me?
Take this letter to Royal Lady Yoon.
Letter?
And wait for her reply.
I will.
Keep Lady Na with you for an hour. I'll explain things later.
Queen Yoon is expecting a reply.
Alright.
Gabi, set things up.
I will.
What do you mean, the queen is missing?
She sent me on an errand and wasn't there when I got back.
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
I'd rather be anyone else but myself