Do you know who I am?
I'm assuming you're the queen.
I sincerely hoped we'd never meet again.
Leave us, Mr. Kim, Miss Choi.
Will you be alright?
Did you come into the palace to see the king three nights ago?
Yes.
You said it was over yourself.
How dare you come here and stir things up.
I could kill you for this!
My family disowned me, my husband divorced me...
And I've been morally corrupt. Do you think I would fear death?
But missing my love was even more painful than death.
What?
I know you're the king's only love.
But I believe he loves me too.
Are you saying you won't give up on him?
I'm sure you know what it's like to miss your love.
How cruel...
Why do you cause me so much grief? Don't make me do something terrible.
I fell in love with Mr. Lee, not the king.
I didn't know this would happen.
Your Highness, what are you doing?
I'm begging you.
Leave the capital, for the king's sake.
Your Highness.
I know what it's like to love someone also.
I know I must kill you to make you give up. But...
I don't want to harm... the woman my husband loves.
Promise me you'll leave.
Your Highness.
I trust you love the king.
But your leaving will help both the king and our nation.
I hope you make the right choice.
If we ever meet again, one of us will have to die.
Remember that.
The queen herself? Are you sure?
I saw her with my own eyes.
Where have you been at this time of night?
Episode 40 I went out...
for a breath of fresh air.
Queen Yoon!
How dare you lie to me too.
You sent Lady Na away to sneak out.
What are you up to?
There's a misunderstanding.
Really?
So you won't tell me the truth?
Lady Na, go bring Royal Lady Yoon.
What did her letter say?
Why won't you answer?
You're following her lead to deceive me too?!
She only did as she was told.
She did nothing wrong.
Then you tell me. Where have you been?
I know you're worried about me.
I had something to do. Please let this incident slide.
I can't do that.
I forgave your last outing because you were pregnant.
But instead of taking precautions, you went even further.
I must know where you went and what you did.
Your Highness, I am the queen of this nation.
Why must I report my every move to you?
What?
What did you just say?
If you don't trust me,
nothing I say will appease you.
How dare you!
I'm sorry, but I don't feel very well.
Please leave and return to your chambers.
You're going way too far.
Fine.
I'll leave you tonight, for your baby's sake.
But don't you forget what just happened.
Because I won't.
Neither will I.
Why did you stand up against Queen Insoo?
I had nothing else to say.
Are you alright?
I'm fine.
I'm sorry you got in trouble too.
Why didn't you leave like you said you would?
Do you want the king to get in trouble?
What would a eunuch know about love?
Of course I don't want the king to get into trouble either.
But love isn't something that can be stopped at will.
So you'll disobey the queen and continue to see the king?
I don't know.
I won't tolerate that. Mark my words.
I warned you.
How dare you let an outsider in.
Take her away.
You can't.
Step aside.
Or the person who gave the order will be punished too.
Who told you to bring Ulwoodong here?
Was it the queen?
Why won't you answer?
It has nothing to do with her.
You expect me to believe that?
Please, pretend you didn't see us.
I'm losing my mind.
I can't believe you of all people just said that.
How strange.
I did it out of loyalty, to help the king...
Shut it!
What would happen if everyone bended rules in the name of loyalty?
I'll discuss with my superiors, so wait for our verdict.
Chuh-sun.
Did Mr. Jung really arrest her?
Yes.
How did they find out...
she's here?
Or rather, what'll happen to the queen?
Nothing can happen to her. We did this without her knowing.
Remember that.
We're all on her side.
Don't worry.
Yes, we did this for her. They can't punish us for that.
Thanks, everyone.
Don't worry too much.
What did you say?
Chuh-sun kidnapped her and brought her in?
I think the queen told him to do so.
Let me take care of this.
Yes, sir.
Where is Ulwoodong?
She's safe, at a secret place.
The ministers will make a fuss if they find out she was here.
We must send her away or silence her before dawn.
I disagree, sir.
What?
She is all the king can think about now.
If we get rid of her now, it will cause him too much distress.
Then what do you want to do?
Even the worst storms pass in due time.
The king will get over his love for her.
I think we should let him meet her until then.
You do have a point.
But is that possible when the ministers are looking for her?
I'll take care of it. Leave it to me.
Alright, I'll leave it to you. But no one can hear about this.
If someone does, I'll take care of it.
You tell the queen to stop interfering.
Sure, I'll do that.
You found Ulwoodong?
I took her to a safe place.
I was very worried.
What a relief.
You did well.
I want to see if she is safe now.
Your Majesty, all the ministers are looking for her now.
I'll take you to see her when things calm down.
Alright, keep your word.
I will.
But why didn't she show up where we were supposed to meet?
Where did you find her?
I'll explain everything in due time. Don't ask any more questions for now.
Josun's most powerful eunuch used to live in this house.
No one will dare come in here.
Make yourself at home.
I'll leave as soon as day breaks.
There are men looking for you everywhere.
The minute you leave,
they'll take you in, torture you, and kill you for being immoral.
You don't mind that?
Why are you helping me?
I said I wanted to be your friend.
Trust me.
I'll help you meet the king, your love, once again.
You did well by bringing her here.
Did you tell Minister Han about the meeting at the pavilion?
The queen's intervention actually worked to our advantage.
Now both the king and Ulwoodong are under our control.
Things would've gotten out of hand if the ministers had found her first.
Why did you tip Minister Han off?
The more trouble there is within the palace,
the easier it is to get what we want. Don't be upset.
What is this?
It's a report on Ulwoodong's crimes.
Why did you try to arrest her before reporting to me?
She committed unacceptable crimes.
She threatened our values.
We tried to arrest her before she could escape.
You're sending officials to arrest a woman?
Your Majesty.
She's married to a royal.
Our nation's reputation is at stake.
He's right.
A royal's wife acting like she did...
must never be tolerated.
I'm sorry to say there are rumors that you were involved with her too.
If we don't get to the bottom of this, your authority will diminish.
What?
There are rumors about me and her?
We know...
none of them are true.
But some officials are disappointed.
The people might turn against you.
Remember that.
I'm sure it was a rude awakening.
I was surprised to hear Minister Yoon speak so strongly.
I'm sure he was upset about his son-in-law's infidelity.
Where do you think Ulwoodong is?
We have nothing to go against the king with unless we find her.
She must be somewhere in the capital.
It's been a while, Minister Han. Have you been well?
You look well, now that you've retired.
I'm sure you will too if you gave up politics.
I would, if I could take control without having to come in to work.
I've given up on everything a long time ago.
That's nonsense.
Everyone knows you control the king through your subordinates.
Minister Park, I heard you've been...
busy seeing Ulwoodong.
Be careful, don't let her fool you.
What?
What brings you here anyway?
Queen Insoo summoned me.
I'll see you around.
Mr. Jo.
Yes?
Eunuchs should serve the king. Why are you serving the queen?
What do you mean?
Your son has been helping her with all kinds of strange things.
What has happened to your department?
I'm sorry.
I summoned you in to warn you because I'm sure it's not just Mr. Kim's doing.
I heard your department has been acting quite strangely.
If you cover up the king's shortcomings instead of correcting him,
what's the point of having a king in the first place?
Mr. Jo.
Reinforce your rules and make sure your men are in line.
If something disgraceful happens again, I myself...
will lead another reform. I'm warning you, Mr. Jo.
Now that Queen Insoo is involved, they won't let this issue slide easily.
What? Mr. Jung took her away?
I should have been more careful.
What should we do?
I will say I brought her in myself. Pretend you knew nothing.
I can't let you take the blame for something I told you to do.
I'm a eunuch no one cares for, but you are our queen.
I don't mind taking the blame.
Your Highness, Mr. Jo is here.
What brings you here?
I heard that you had Mr. Kim bring Ulwoodong into the palace.
I did it myself, out of loyalty.
How dare you interrupt our conversation.
How can I lie when you know everything already?
I got him to bring her in.
I know very well you did it for the king.
But I heard it's causing a rift between you and the others.
Let me take care of this matter.
Thank you for caring about me.
But as the king's queen,
I cannot let him do something that will harm his reputation.
But if people think you're jealous, your reputation will be harmed too.
Me, jealous? That's nonsense.
I won't choose not to do my duty for fear of slander.
I'll take care of this matter.
How dare you kidnap her and bring her into the palace.
I'm sorry.
I did it because I thought that's what I had to do.
Are you sure it's not because you still love the queen?
Father, how could you... ?
If it was really out of loyalty,
then you should've killed Ulwoodong, or kidnapped her without telling anyone.
But you chose to help the queen.
Your love for her made you do the wrong thing.
I swear to the gods. I have no feelings for her.
Your mind may say so, but your heart might disagree.
One spark can burn a forest down.
If you can't control your feelings, you might put everyone in danger.
Keep that in mind if you don't want that to happen.
Miss, you have a visitor.
It's been a long time. What brings you here?
I came to ask you something.
It's cold. Come inside.
Have some tea.
Why did you let Ulwoodong see the king?
I felt sorry for the two lovebirds.
What?
Even doves cry out for their mates. Wouldn't the same go for humans?
I'm sure you know what it's like to miss someone you love.
Be quiet!
If you ever do something to cause any more trouble or strife,
I won't tolerate it.
Then what will you do?
I will kill whoever goes against me.
It's not like you to threaten me like this.
I can do anything if it's to do my duty.
I've known you for years. You're not capable of killing anyone.
You're mistaken. I castrated myself.
I fear nothing because I don't fear death.
Do you believe in your fate?
Fate, destiny, it's all nonsense.
You choose your destiny, it doesn't choose you.
You didn't castrate yourself because it was your destiny.
Wasn't it because of your love for someone?
It's not like that!
The king and Ulwoodong just happened to fall in love.
Don't worry about her.
She'll disappear when she's of no worth.
She's staying here. You can see her if you wish.
Hello again.
After the divorce, I fooled around with many men.
I thought I was beyond all morals, laws, and relationships.
But one small mistake and I have no place to stay.
What will make you get over him? Or can you leave for his sake?
Will you leave if I get on my knees and beg?
Someone high and noble already begged on her knees.
What could shake me even more?
You mean the queen... ?
I've been thinking.
Would I be able to swallow my pride and beg...
for someone I love?
I would have to say no.
That's what the queen is like.
She'd do anything for someone she loves.
I think you would too.
Alright. I'll make up my mind.
I don't want to cause the king any trouble.
Thank you.
It's otter fur.
It will keep you warm in the coldest weather.
I can't accept it.
It's just a small gift from a friend.
I'd rather you don't come by again.
What do you mean?
You have a wife.
And I used to be married too.
I don't want to feel guilty anymore.
Of course I understand how you feel.
I can give everything up for you.
But I was married to your best friend.
I'm not taking care of you because you were his wife.
Our friendship became deeper because he married you, please believe me.
If you don't wish to see me again, so be it.
But that won't change how I feel.
Sir.
Why did you let her stay there?
If she regains her memory, she won't forgive you.
I betrayed my closest friend and separated my love from her child.
I'll have to pay for that.
You shouldn't work when you're ill.
The boys need firewood for their rooms.
Don't overdo it. You're old now.
Even iron rusts in due time.
I just felt a bit dizzy. Don't treat me like a dying man.
Move aside.
Why are you so stubborn? You're not a child.
I've castrated hundreds of boys throughout the years.
Many of them...
are now serving in the palace.
But... But sometimes...
Some of the kids that died appear in my dreams.
So I worked even harder to forget about them.
I guess I'm being punished.
It's not your fault. Forget about them.
In my next life, I won't get blood on my hands.
Ever.
You're a good person, whatever they say.
Aren't you being too harsh on the queen?
What do you mean?
I heard you questioned her on her whereabouts.
No queen should trick her assistant and go around with a eunuch in tow.
Why did you cause anguish when she's pregnant?
I know mothers and daughters-in-law always argue, regardless of status.
But the queen is having a hard time now.
Are you saying I'm a terrible mother-in-law?
Don't get me wrong here.
But you've never been queen, so you may not know how tough it can be.
The queen...
has to watch what she says and does at all times.
She has to keep the ladies, maids, and officials' wives in line...
so that politics and life can go on smoothly.
The queen has to control basically all the women in the nation.
It's much more stressful than you may think.
So please try to be a bit more understanding.
I heard the queen sent you a letter, and Lady Na was sent away.
What did the letter say?
If you're that curious, I'll tell her to write to you too.
No thanks.
Any new rumors?
The queen brought in Ulwoodong...
and tortured her to death's door.
What? Is that true?
She didn't even treat the wounds. Ulwoodong will never walk again.
You're spreading nonsense again.
So you're the one spreading rumors.
Of course not. I wouldn't dare...
The queen wrote to tell me to find out who's spreading the rumors.
Do you want me to report you?
Oh, no... I guess what I heard was wrong.
Even if it was the queen's order, I can't forgive you for obeying it.
I told you that we did it. Don't implicate the queen.
Yes, we did it.
The queen gave no such order.
All you have to do is punish us.
Mr. Jung, don't make a fuss out of it.
I won't punish you.
How can I when we used to be classmates?
Of course, you deserve to be demoted, sent away,
or made to work for a minister, but I can't do that to you.
I just want you to remember what your duties are.
If this ever happens again, then I will punish you.
You're dismissed.
He's changed.
Yeah, he's so different.
Let's be careful. He might get back at us one day.
Stop going around in groups and clean up if you have free time.
Can't you smell the stench?
I can't smell anything.
You ignorant fools.
You mean you can't smell the rumors about the king and queen?
Something terrible is about to happen.
You had too much to drink. Let's go inside.
Life is but a dream
Why did you drink so much?
Because I feel sad about being a eunuch.
Do you know why eunuchs are castrated?
To stop us from fooling around with the ladies and maids?
You're wrong.
Then why not castrate all the guards, ministers, officials, and servants?
Way back then,
the king was from heaven. The king's wish was heaven's wish.
We eunuchs relayed those messages.
In essence, we...
connect the heaven with its people.
We're neither divine nor human, man nor woman.
That's why we had to be castrated. Got that?
So why are you sad?
But how are things nowadays?
Our job used to be sacred.
Now people become eunuchs for power or riches.
Isn't that sad?
Guess what's the worst that could happen.
Some eunuchs try to gain power, but die trying.
But what's even more pathetic...
are those who live in pain because they can't overcome their lust.
In that case, the best you can do is drink your life away like me.
So be very careful.
Your Majesty, Mr. Jung is here.
Mr. Jung.
I must see Ulwoodong.
Are you sure you should?
I thought long and hard about it.
I must keep my promise, as king.
I will say farewell, like I said.
I heard you helped a loose woman meet the king.
Why did you do that?
To make you queen.
The only way to make you queen is by turning the palace upside-down.
Trust me.
You did well by reporting to Mr. Jung.
Keep up the good work.
I will.
You've given up on Mr. Kim then, huh?
You should.
He won't be around for a long time anyway.
What do you mean?
You'll see.
Here.
Do this job well and your family will become rich.
What? He went on another outing?
With Mr. Jung, I heard.
He went out again... No, this must stop.
She's at your home?
She's in the main room. No one will disturb you tonight.
Alright.
The king went out with Mr. Jung?
I got some men to tail them. We'll find out where they are.
Ulwoodong will be there. We must arrest her tonight!
Will it be alright with the king there?
Now he'll find out how dangerous outings really are.
It'll teach him a lesson.
''Han from Cheongju''?
Someone must be trying to curse me.
I think it's the same doll we saw the year Queen Gonghye passed away.
What? The same person is cursing me?
I think so.
I'm at a loss for words.
Then say nothing.
What's going on?
We're here to arrest a criminal.
This is the home of the Captain of Investigations.
Go away!
I'm the Minister of Law.
I demand you get out of my way!
The palace guards are here.
What?
You must leave. Come with me.
No.
I can't leave her here.
Someone else will escort her.
You'll get to see him again. We must go.
How did they found out about her whereabouts?
Answer me.
I think they've been following you.
What?
Then how did Ulwoodong get away last time?
Answer me.
Queen Yoon had her brought into the palace...
What? The queen what?
I'm sure you know the king went out to see Ulwoodong.
I guess my love for him means nothing to him.
I'm sure he went to say his last goodbye.
Your Highness, the king is here.
Let him in.
You really are something.
I knew what you were like, but how could you deceive me?
What are you talking about?
You got Chuh-sun to kidnap Ulwoodong.
What did you say to her?
Did you tell her to leave?!
Your Majesty...
How could you be so cruel to the poor woman?
How?!
How could you ignore my hurt and sympathize with Ulwoodong?
What?
Yes. I told her to leave the capital or risk losing her life.
I told her I'd kill her if she ever saw you again.
You really scare me.
I don't want to see you again.
- Your Majesty... - She didn't give the order.
You sided with her to deceive me?!
- Your Majesty... - That's enough!
You mustn't see her.
I don't care if you don't see me again.
But I can't let you ruin your reputation.
Move!
Your Highness.
Are you alright?
How could you do this to her?!
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