Episode 45
What brings you here?
I have a favor to ask of you.
A favor? Tell me what it is.
Please save Ulwoodong's life.
What?
What did you just say?
I'm asking you and His Majesty to let Ulwoodong live.
Queen Yoon.
Ulwoodong committed adultery, which goes against all moral rules.
Why are you defending her?
I am not defending her.
I'm saying you must punish her according to our law.
She must be beaten, not beheaded.
I don't know what you're thinking.
Thanks to Ulwoodong, the king's authority has diminished.
Even you hurt the king during a fight,
and had Ulwoodong kidnapped, which caused much chaos.
So why are you defending her now?
What is it you want?
Ulwoodong loved the king with all her heart.
What?
If the king beheads her for it, the guilt will haunt him forever.
That will impede his future judgments.
The ministers will pressure him, and try to manipulate him.
Queen Yoon.
How dare you say that when we all know Ulwoodong never met the king.
Your Majesty, please consider my advice.
Queen Yoon.
Despite your bouts of jealousy, I thought you cared about our nation.
I guess I was mistaken.
I'm pleading for the sake of our nation.
I don't want to talk to you anymore. Return to your chambers.
Don't let the ministers pressure you into killing her.
How can you deceive me like this?
What do you mean?
I'm just trying to help you make the right judgment.
You've always given Ulwoodong a hard time because you didn't like her.
Why do you want to help her now?
Your Majesty.
Your jealousy turned to sympathy overnight.
I really don't know which is the real you.
Please talk the king into beheading Ulwoodong.
She did commit a crime,
but beheading her is too much.
Years ago, another noble woman...
committed adultery with many men.
But she was merely sent away as a slave.
Shouldn't we treat Ulwoodong the same way?
But Ulwoodong committed adultery with ministers and royals.
If we don't get rid of her, rumors will haunt the king forever.
That's why...
we want her beheaded.
Accept our advice.
If that's what you wish, then do so.
Why do you want the king to kill Ulwoodong?
It's for the sake of the royals, as well as the king.
Didn't you give me your word that you'd clear him and let her live?
The king's name has been cleared.
So why do you want her dead?
You know better than anyone that her death will end it for good.
So many ministers and officials are involved in this case.
If one death will bring peace, what is there to think about?
But the king will suffer too much.
I thought you were cold-hearted. Was I wrong?
Tell the king to behead Ulwoodong.
And save your department.
The king has summoned you.
The ministers want me to kill Ulwoodong.
Is there no way to save her life?
Your wisdom has proven invaluable whenever I was in a dilemma.
I need your help again.
If I tell you what to do, will you actually do it?
Tell me.
Please behead Ulwoodong.
What? What did you just say?
The only way to quiet down the ministers...
is to behead Ulwoodong.
How dare you say that.
She turned herself in and was tortured.
I'm sure she knows she will die.
Keep your emotions in check.
Do what Ulwoodong wants you to do.
I thought you cared for me.
How can you side with the ministers?
Your Majesty.
I've had enough. You may leave.
She turned herself in for the king,
and didn't confess to sleeping with him.
Letting her live is the least he can do.
The king will not kill her.
Yes, he knows his reputation is important, but he won't kill her for it.
I'm sure he'll let her live.
I trust the king.
So the ministers want me dead.
I overheard the guards talk.
He won't want to do that, even if it will threaten his reign.
Poor man.
Going through all that for me.
It hurts me more than the torture.
Only you can persuade him.
I don't expect you to do it for the nation.
Will you do it for your love?
I will escort you tonight.
What?
Please come with me.
Where are you taking me?
To meet a loyal subject willing to die for you.
I will escort the king. You wait here.
We will.
Follow me.
Make sure no one comes in.
Yes, sir.
Forgive me for not being able to stand up due to the pain from the torture.
It's alright.
Who cares as long as I can see you?
How are you?
I feel so much better already.
Chuh-sun.
Mr. Jo led the king away.
Where did he take him?
To a secret place.
I hope nothing bad happens.
Don't worry.
Mr. Jo...
wants to persuade the king.
There's nothing to worry about.
What do you mean?
The king is somewhere secret and the criminal isn't in her cell.
Understand what I'm saying now?
Your skin was so soft. Just look at you now...
Forgive me for not being able to protect you.
You made me proud to be a woman.
How could I resent you?
Let me pour you a drink.
This is to say farewell.
Don't say that. I won't let you die.
Please let me go.
I can't do that.
I won't sacrifice you for my sake.
It's for my sake, not yours.
The torture has crippled me.
Even if I live, I can never walk again.
I don't want to live like this forever.
I want you to remember me like I used to be.
I get to die for my love. I have nothing to fear.
Promise me one thing.
If we meet in our next life, I want us to be a normal couple.
However much time it takes, I will find you.
If I do, will you marry me then?
I promise.
Then I'm happy.
I trust you'll keep your word.
I'm sorry.
Mr. Jo took him to a secret location.
I'm sure he's with Ulwoodong.
If the king is with her...
then it means he's made up his mind.
The king has returned,
and Ulwoodong is back in her cell.
Had she been born a man, she'd have made a very loyal official.
Why are you here so late?
Why are you making deals with the ministers?
What? Why do you say that?
I know the king met Ulwoodong in secret.
You couldn't have gotten her out without the ministers knowing.
Am I wrong about the deal?
Father.
Why do you want to kill a poor woman?
Why are you making the king kill his love with his own hands?
It's the only way to protect the king and our department, so stop it.
I can't believe you're striking deals to stay alive.
How can I tell the trainees to be loyal, upright, and proud?
How can I tell them they must die...
if it will help the king and nation?
You're right.
But we're useless without our department.
One day...
you'll tell your own son the same thing.
I get to die for my love. I have nothing to fear.
She slept with all the men in the capital.
Good-for-nothing...
- She ruined so many families. - You witch.
Stop what you're doing!
The king has sentenced her. Step aside!
Let's go.
Despite being a royal's wife, Ulwoodong committed adultery...
and caused chaos in the capital.
She will be hanged.
What are your last words?
I was born a noble. I'd have lived in luxury if I wanted to.
But I felt suffocated by all the rules.
So I did whatever I wanted, and I have no regrets whatsoever.
Do it.
Yes, sir.
Ma'am...
Your Majesty, just look at the clear sky.
That is how I feel about you.
I wish I could've played a tune for you one last time.
A divorced woman has nothing to live on, here in the Josun kingdom.
She must either kill herself or wait for anyone to take her in.
I refused to live like that, so I did as I pleased.
I have no regrets.
Did you bury her?
Yes, on a nice hill.
I think I was too harsh on her.
You did all you could.
I'm sure she knows that too.
The king will be very sad.
But I don't know how to comfort him.
The king has a strong will. He will get over this soon.
You are my last love
You have blinded me
I miss you so much, and tears flow
I am drowning in sorrow
You are my last love
You have blinded me
I miss you so much, and tears flow
I am drowning in sorrow
I wonder if we will meet again
I wonder if the pain will go away
We store grains after harvest...
to feed the people during a famine.
But some still starve to death.
I don't understand why.
Think of a way to prevent this before a famine gets too severe.
Yes, Your Majesty.
I'll see what to do with the eunuchs after seeing their plan to reform.
I suggest that you do the same before petitioning for their abolishment.
That's it for today.
The king has changed.
He hasn't had a single drink ever since Ulwoodong was hanged.
I hope he doesn't ban alcohol.
He's doing well as a king now.
I think we should be happy.
He used to work hard and enjoy life too,
but now all he does is work.
It won't be easy on him.
What's with the Dept. of Eunuchs?
Will the king abolish them?
It's not up to the king. It's up to Mr. Jo.
Lord Jang.
Have you finished the report?
It will be ready in a few days.
The king is working very hard.
We must live up to his expectations.
Remember your duties and serve him.
We will.
Mr. Jung.
You're looking into Royal Lady Jung's miscarriage.
Have you found any leads?
I'm still investigating, but I'll be done soon.
The person behind committed treason.
You must find out who it is.
I will.
Why won't you keep your word?
Pardon?
You said you'd replace the queen.
But months have passed already.
What's the hurry?
She's the prince's mother.
Wait a bit longer and you'll get what you want.
I'll die of old age before your plan works.
Take this.
What is it?
They think you need to kill the queen.
What?
This is...
Did Mr. Kim ask you about Royal Lady Jung?
No.|
That's strange. I was sure he would ask you.
I'll tell you if he does.
This wouldn't have happened if you'd killed him back then.
I'm sorry.
Take this.
I'll kill you if you don't do it this time either.
Remember that.
I'm glad to see you're recovering.
I will survive.
I'll make sure the queen pays for all she did to me.
I think I can help you get back at her.
What do you mean?
Do as I say and you can get back at her.
I'll do anything to avenge my child who died.
Tell me.
Father.
You're back from your lectures?
Yes. Are you studying hard too?
I'm doing the best I can.
You'll be made crown prince soon, and one day you'll succeed me.
Don't neglect your studies.
I won't.
Queen Yoon.
It's time for him to become more independent.
I don't want him to be weak. Treat him like an adult from now on.
Teach him to be a strong person.
I will.
You look tired. When is your due date?
In three months' time.
Look after yourself and the baby.
I will do my best.
Yoong, you should remember what he said.
Why won't you answer?
He used to smile when giving me a hug.
He doesn't smile anymore.
That must've upset you.
He's just tired, that's all. Don't be upset.
Alright.
What are you doing here?
Nothing. I just wanted some fresh air.
You've been acting strangely.
Why are you trying to distance yourself from Chun-dong?
I overheard you telling him about his birth a few years ago.
What?
He'll always be your son.
You raised him like any mother would.
I don't know why you're distancing yourself,
but he... will never leave you.
I don't deserve to be his mother.
It wasn't your fault.
His birth mother will thank you for everything.
It's cold, let's go inside.
How are you, mother?
Father left work. He isn't home yet?
He has left home.
He moved in with his concubine a month ago.
What?
How could he do this to his wife of over 2 0 years?
I bet you want to move in with her too since she's your ''mother'' now.
I'll bring him home. Don't worry.
You've stayed here for too long. You must go home.
You don't like my being here?
Mrs. Jung will be upset.
I'll stay here until after the king decides what to do with my department.
Father, it's Chuh-sun.
This is the draft that Lord Jang sent.
Thank you.
You might as well stay for dinner.
Father, please come home.
My mother is worried.
Let me escort you.
Don't do this in front of Mrs. Oh.
You already have a wife.
She's served you at your side for over 2 0 years.
Leaving your wife for another woman...
isn't something a man should do.
Chuh-sun.
I know you love Mrs. Oh, but please show my mother some respect.
I hope I got my point across. Excuse me.
I heard the king hasn't been with any of the concubines these days.
He doesn't drink, he attends all the lectures,
and reads all the reports he receives.
I don't mind his not visiting me, so don't worry.
But I feel so uneasy.
The king has changed ever since Ulwoodong was hanged.
He'll get over it...
once you give birth, so don't worry.
How is Royal Lady Jung?
She has recovered, which is good news.
I feel bad for slapping her.
Comfort her as much as you can.
I will.
Gabi, what's that? Go and check.
I will.
What's wrong?
I think they're human bones.
What?
Burn them in secret.
And don't tell anyone about this.
We won't.
Chuh-sun.
What's going on? Did something happen?
Someone buried human bones...
to curse Royal Lady Yoon.
What? Human bones?
They say you die if you step on human bones.
We'll have to stare at the ground while we walk.
Royal Lady Jung miscarried,
and now Royal Lady Yoon...
I wonder who could be behind all these terrible doings.
What did you just say?
Someone buried human bones to curse Royal Lady Yoon?
Why wasn't I told sooner?
She told her maids to keep quiet.
So why are you telling me this?
I lost my baby, which was devastating.
I don't want anything to happen to her.
Your Highness.
The king favors both royal ladies.
I'm sure that's why they were targeted.
We all live in fear now.
Only you can protect us.
Lady Hong, bring Royal Lady Yoon.
I heard someone tried to curse you.
Why didn't you tell me?
Enough has happened already. I didn't want to cause more trouble.
Are you trying to protect someone?
Of course not. I have no idea who did it.
Covering up such incidents won't do any good.
If anything happens again, tell me right away.
We will.
You'll have heard what happened last night.
Yes, Your Highness.
What is wrong with you?!
You should be in control of the maids. Why is all this happening?
I'm sorry.
I'm sure an insider did it.
I'll teach everyone a lesson.
And you will be held responsible.
Why are you...
blaming it on me?
What?
People are being cursed and Royal Lady Jung miscarried.
As head court lady, you're responsible.
I will give you ten days.
Find out who's behind this, or I will throw you out of the palace.
I'll do as you say.
How could she do this to you?
I feel so bad.
She said she'd teach us all a lesson.
She'll be the death of all of us women.
If she tries to take control,
then all our lives will become a living hell here.
We should teach HER a lesson. Will you help me?
I'll do as you wish.
Then just do as I tell you to.
If the queen reforms our dept. too, we'll all end up as mere slaves.
We must...
stop that from happening.
I agree.
Tell me what to do.
We must show her her rightful place.
Take this.
What is this?
Hide it...
somewhere in the queen's chambers.
She mustn't notice.
I will.
Royal Lady Um is up to something.
She'll do anything to become queen.
Overambition is a very frightful thing.
I can't believe a royal lady is doing...
what a eunuch's daughter is telling her to do.
The queen bore the prince.
Framing her for everything won't be enough to replace her.
If Queen Insoo, the ministers, eunuchs, and maids all help,
she won't be able to stay even if she bore the prince.
What were you doing?
Checking the cabinet. Is the queen still outside?
Do you want me to clean the place later?
No, do it now.
What... ?
Mr. Jung.
Why haven't you brought any news on Royal Lady Jung's miscarriage?
I questioned everyone, but I haven't found any proof.
Jeez. And you call yourself Captain of Investigations?
I'll hold you responsible if you don't bring any proof.
I haven't questioned the queen yet.
What?
I might find something if I can search her chambers.
I need your permission.
I want to ask you something.
I'm listening.
You know Mr. Jung is investigating Royal Lady Jung's miscarriage.
Let him search your chambers.
You suspect me, and now you even want to search my chambers?
You'll insult me by letting men go through all my belongings?
I won't permit that.
Queen Insoo doesn't suspect you.
She's worried about you and your baby.
How dare you interrupt our conversation.
I'm sorry.
Permit this search.
If nothing is found, your name will be cleared.
And what will you do if my name is cleared?
Will you let me do as I see fit to all the ladies and maids?
What?
Will you let me?
Alright.
I'll apologize for everything and let you do as you please.
Mr. Jung. What will you do if you find nothing in my chambers?
I'll apologize too, and resign from my post.
Then I will let you search my chambers.
But I suspect Mr. Jung is involved in the miscarriage.
I don't trust him with the search.
What are you saying?
I'll let him search my chambers as long as Mr. Kim is with him.
Alright. I'll accept that.
Mr. Jung. Let Mr. Kim accompany you at all times.
Make sure nothing goes unnoticed.
You must get to the bottom of this.
I will.
If you don't find any proof, you must confess to all you did.
Dr. Yang.
What is this white powder?
It is arsenic.
Are you... sure of that?
Yes, I am.
You may leave us.
Excuse me.
Queen Yoon.
What are you keeping this for?
You cursed me and a concubine and caused a miscarriage.
What is this arsenic for?
I swear I know nothing about it.
What?
Then what's this thread for?
The doll used to curse me was made of this.
Do you still insist that you know nothing?
Please believe me.
We found proof in your chambers.
You should be begging for mercy, not insisting you're innocent.
I could have you deposed for this.
Someone is trying to frame me.
Mr. Kim, tell me.
Where did you find these?
Mr. Kim.
Why won't you answer? She asked you a question!
We found them in your cabinet.
Even your trusted Mr. Kim says so.
Do you still have any excuse to make?
I'll discuss this with...
the king and Queen Insoo.
Return to your chambers in silence.
Stay in your room...
until I tell you otherwise.
Your Highness. What's going on?!
Your Highness.
Mr. Kim.
Are you alright?
The baby...
- What should we do? - Your Highness...
You'll be alright...
You are my last love
You have blinded me
I miss you so much, and tears flow
I am drowning in sorrow
You are my last love
You have blinded me
I miss you so much, and tears flow
I am drowning in sorrow