Episode 46
Your Highness.
Be strong. We're nearly at the birthing room.
Your Highness...
The queen is in labor?
But the baby isn't due for at least two months.
She's in the birthing chamber and the ladies are with her.
I hope...
both mother and her child will be alright.
I heard she collapsed...
after seeing you.
Did you say something to her?
This isn't a good time.
I'll tell you and Queen Junghee in detail after the queen gives birth.
Alright.
Right now we must pray for her and the baby.
Lady Jang, notify the palace temple that I'll be there soon.
I will.
Push.
Your Highness.
- A bit more. - Push.
- You're nearly there.
Harder...
- Be strong. - Push, Your Highness.
Push...
No!
Water! Get some water!
Wake up, Your Highness.
Wake up! Your Highness!
Beodeul. How is she doing?
The baby is breeched.
It doesn't look good.
Chuh-sun!
What brings you here?
I'm worried about my mother.
What if she doesn't make it?
Your mother is very strong. She'll be fine, and so will the baby.
Do you really think so?
Believe me.
Your Highness.
You shouldn't cry. You'll be king one day.
Kings aren't allowed to cry?
A king should only shed tears for his people.
Alright. I won't cry.
You must protect your mother.
What? The birth isn't going well?
The baby is breeched.
But I'm more worried...
about the thread and arsenic we found.
What?
You found...
arsenic in her room?
Yes. Chuh-sun was with me.
No excuse will appease Queen Insoo now.
You think she would curse Queen Insoo? You think she caused a miscarriage?
The circumstances and proof all point to her.
Chuh-sun said so in Queen Insoo's presence.
I cursed Royal Lady Yoon...
and hid arsenic in the queen's room.
But what use will it be if the queen has another son?
Even if she does,
she won't be able to wriggle out of this mess easily.
Are you sure?
You'll replace her soon enough.
You should send Hong Bi away, just in case.
Alright, I will.
Hong Bi, leave the palace for a while.
- Push. - Yes.
- Nearly there. - Towel.
- A bit more. - Push some more.
- You're nearly there. - One more push.
- A bit more. - Push.
Your Highness...
- Your Highness. - Your Highness.
Merciful Buddha.
Please watch over the queen and her baby.
The queen gave birth to a boy.
What? A boy?
Buddha has blessed us once again.
Don't you think?
How are the mother and her child?
Well, they're...
Why won't you answer?
The queen lost much blood, so she is very weak.
But I'm sure she'll recover soon if she takes good care of herself.
That's good news.
But the prince was born early.
He will need much care and attention.
Find a healthy wet nurse for him and take him to the villa.
Dr. Yang, do all you can to help the queen recover.
I will.
I'm so glad the mother and her son are alright.
Your Majesty, congratulations on having yet another son.
Thank you.
It's a cause for celebration, so let's pardon some prisoners.
Don't you think the people should hear the good news?
I'll discuss with the ministers.
I think it's too early for that.
Too early? Why is that?
The baby prince was born prematurely.
Let's wait for three weeks before announcing his birth.
I agree with my mother.
Very well, if you both think so.
You called for me?
Did you really find arsenic in the queen's chambers?
I did, but I'm sure something is wrong.
I heard Mr. Jung was there with you. Why do you think something's wrong?
The queen wouldn't do such a thing.
I'm positive that someone is framing her.
Who would dare frame the queen?
I don't know yet.
But I think Sulyoung and Mr. Jung are involved.
Queen Insoo ordered the search.
How dare you say that without any proof.
Please give me some time.
I will find out who is trying to frame the queen.
Alright, but if you can't find out, stop trying to defend the queen.
I don't want you to get punished over her.
I promise I will find out.
Well done.
I'm sorry if I caused any worry.
The baby is with his wet nurse.
So just focus on getting well soon.
I will.
I'll leave you to get some rest.
Why have you changed so much?
Why won't you even hold my hand?
You really don't love me anymore?
Congratulations, Your Majesty.
Congratulations.
Thank you. I'm grateful for all of your support.
Why don't you postpone today's meeting and celebrate your son's birth?
I appreciate the offer, but many people are still starving.
The heavens gave me another son to tell me to think of my people.
I told you to think of ways to feed the starving.
I'd like to hear what you've come up with.
So let's hear it.
Where is the king?
He's meeting with the ministers.
Tell him to come over when he's done.
Mr. Jo.
You're not happy with my report?
People are being cursed, someone miscarried, arsenic was found.
What do you know about this?
We know nothing about the arsenic.
What good will a reform do if you don't know what's going on?
The reform won't work if you can't do your job!
- We're sorry. - From now on...
You must be aware of all that goes on.
And be careful to inspect and report to me everything you find out.
This was found in the queen's chamber.
What is that?
It's arsenic.
What? That was in the queen's chamber?
And this too.
What's that?
String used on the doll to curse me.
This was found along with the arsenic.
The queen is suspected of...
causing Royal Lady Jung's miscarriage.
No way.
She wouldn't do that.
Your Majesty.
A woman who is jealous of someone...
can and will do anything.
She drew blood from your face,
and got Mr. Kim to spy on you, remember?
I will demand the queen to explain herself.
Why defend her when we found solid proof against her?
She must be deposed.
Mother, how could you say that?
Arsenic is poison.
It threatens lives more than any curse ever can.
But why won't you do something?
Make up your mind.
Beodeul.
Has anyone come in here recently?
You know the queen doesn't allow any visitors.
Then where did the arsenic come from?
How do I know? I want to find that out myself.
What were you doing?
Checking the cabinet. Is the queen still outside?
No, Lady Na wouldn't do that.
Lady Na?
You did it for a greater good.
Take the secret to your grave.
I will.
If word gets out,
you'll be killed for what you did.
I have a question.
A question? What is it?
Do you really not know where the arsenic came from?
Are you suspecting me of something?
You're in charge of everything there.
I just can't understand how it got there without you knowing.
What?
I think an insider planted evidence.
I won't just let you frame me so that you can save your queen.
Step aside.
Chuh-sun.
Have you heard?
Heard what?
Miss Hong got sick and left the palace.
Here.
You did well so far.
Thank you.
Let's go on a trip until all this blows over.
We'll have a new queen when winter changes to spring.
If Royal Lady Um becomes queen,
she'll make you a court lady, maybe even a concubine.
Then your family will be rich for the rest of their lives too.
But I still haven't killed Mr. Kim.
Watching the queen get deposed will hurt him more than 1 00 deaths.
If we don't find out who did it, she'll be framed for the curses,
even the miscarriage. She'll never survive such allegations.
But she bore the king another son.
Yeah, who would dare frame her?
Queen Insoo is positive it was her.
Who do you think did it?
Mr. Jung, Sulyoung, Royal Lady Um, and Lady Na.
Why would they frame the queen?
I don't know.
But the queen will be in big trouble if we don't do something fast.
What can we do?
Spy on Mr. Jung and Lady Na, and find out where Hong Bi is.
We have to do it for the queen.
Sure.
Alright.
Ministers and high-ranking officials hire young eunuchs as slaves.
Your subjects are doing odd jobs they shouldn't be doing.
We'll start by tackling this problem.
Then we'll need less eunuchs which means less salary to pay them.
Your Majesty, is something worrying you?
Queen Insoo wants to depose the queen.
We haven't been getting along recently, but you know how much I loved her.
Is it because of the arsenic?
Queen Insoo thinks the queen wanted to harm someone out of jealousy.
But even if she did, how could I depose her?
Mr. Jo.
Is there nothing I can do?
I called you in to discuss the queen's deposal.
I'm sure you know about the atrocities that have been happening.
Are you sure the queen's behind them all?
We found proof of it.
But the queen bore the king two sons.
We can't depose her.
That's why I need the ministers' help.
It's a crime to possess poison,
but Queen Junghee will want to cover it up for the sake of peace.
And the king will want to protect his love.
But with your help,
we can persuade them. We must, at all costs.
Why do you want to do this when you know they will object?
I can't allow the queen's jealousy to ruin our nation.
Minister Han, do I have your support?
The ministers alone can't persuade the king.
Then who else's help do we need?
You'll get your way if you force Mr. Jo to reform his department.
How did it go with Queen Insoo?
I wished for it, but didn't dare ask.
Queen Insoo must've read my mind.
Here's some medicine for Gaedochi.
Mother.
Tell this person's fortune.
For whom?
It's the birthdate of the queen's second son.
He was born prematurely. Pray for the queen and her baby.
I will.
Thanks, mother.
Mr. Jo.
Reducing the number of eunuchs is the best that you can do?
Being true to our duty is the beginning of all reforms.
What about the promise you made about returning your riches and titles?
I thought you meant what you said.
Did you only say that to get out of trouble?
The king gave his permission.
I don't care what he did. I insist that you reform.
If Mr. Kim is found to have assisted the queen, I'll throw him out.
Then even you...
and all your captains will have to pay the price.
Queen Insoo is really bent on abolishing us.
What will you do?
Mr. Jung.
Don't you know that you and Sulyoung are putting our department at risk?
You misunderstood me. I'm doing all I can for the department.
I just did as Queen Insoo told me to.
Han-soo.
How far do you think you can go alone?
I can assume why you're alienating the queen,
but if this puts our dept. at risk, then you'll have to pay with your life.
Sir...
The Han-soo I know...
wouldn't let a silly girl control him.
Am I wrong about you?
Undo what you did. Clean up the mess you made.
Then I won't punish you.
Why won't you punish him when you know he's behind everything?
Think of the yin and yang.
For light to shine, there must be darkness.
Mr. Jung's dark side will help us shine.
You want to depose Queen Yoon?
She cursed me and Royal Lady Yoon,
and caused a miscarriage.
She also cursed the late Queen Gonghye,
and poisoned her own son so that we wouldn't suspect her.
Are you positive about this?
I found that thread and arsenic in her chambers.
Goodness...
How could this be?
Why would she do such a thing?
She's jealous.
She went out to meet Ulwoodong.
She even had Ulwoodong kidnapped.
And she hurt the king.
All because she was jealous.
I don't believe this.
Your Highness.
We must teach her a real lesson.
But she bore the king two princes.
That's why we can't wait any longer.
What?
If Yoong is ordained Crown Prince,
Queen Yoon will become even prouder and use it to harm others.
Please understand that she poses a threat to everyone.
This poison is clear evidence.
Think what would've happened...
if we hadn't found this in time.
But a queen has never been deposed before.
Why don't we demote her as punishment,
and reinstate her after some time?
I don't think the queen will ever show any remorse.
She might even want to take revenge on us.
So you must think carefully and make the right decision.
She told Queen Junghee that she wants to depose Queen Yoon?
Yes. What should we do?
We must clear the queen's name soon.
Chuh-sun.
What brings you here?
Why won't you reveal the queen's innocence?
What?
Please tell Queens Junghee and Insoo that she's innocent.
You know better than anyone that she wouldn't harm anyone.
I heard you were there when they found the arsenic.
I'm sure someone is framing her.
Only you can clear her name.
If someone is framing her, it's because she was careless.
If she doesn't realize that, there's nothing I can do for her.
But you can't leave her to suffer.
What brings you here?
I wanted to congratulate you, so I asked Mrs. Shin to let me join her.
Good. I missed you.
How are you?
I'm fine.
The baby was premature.
It must've been hard.
Don't worry. We're both doing just fine.
Why do you want to get rid of us eunuchs?
You have only one way out.
Help me replace Queen Yoon.
Why do you want her deposed?
You have no more daughters to marry to the king.
Politics is all about planning the future.
I won't live for much longer,
but I want to look out for my descendants.
So you're really after Prince Yoong, and not Queen Yoon?
Maybe later, but now we must depose the queen.
Queen Insoo supports me.
You ought to co-operate, or your dept. will be ruined.
Are you threatening me right now?
I'm giving you a chance.
Take your pick.
Either help depose the queen or see your son resign in the reform.
There's no alternative.
Sit down.
Ma'am, I need to talk to my father. Can you please excuse us?
Sure.
Excuse me.
What is it you want to say?
Arrest Mr. Jung and Sulyoung for framing Queen Yoon.
What?
Queen Junghee is contemplating Queen Yoon's deposal.
Help me settle the matter before it goes too far.
I can't do that.
Queen Yoon's life is in danger.
Arresting Mr. Jung would be like admitting we were behind everything.
Then our dept. will be shut down.
You care more about the dept. than the queen?
Let's see the proof you said you'd bring.
I WILL bring you proof.
Then you'll have no choice but to help me.
Great timing. I've been meaning to say goodbye.
Why do you want to say goodbye?
I'll leave the capital until the queen is replaced.
When Royal Lady Um becomes queen, she'll reward us for all we did.
I'll get to control the highest-ranking woman in Josun.
But Mr. Jo will try to stop us.
It's too late.
Queen Insoo and the ministers will use the reform to ruin him.
And you will become Lord Jung.
You really are thorough.
So,
let's have a drink to our bright future.
What's wrong?
I won't let a scheming woman control me any longer.
What?
You should be able to feel the poison working now.
What did you do to me?
Did you poison the wine?!
Why you... !
Don't blame her for your own downfall.
I saved your life. Why are you doing this to me?
Didn't you save me...
to use me to realize your ambitions?
I too just used you to realize mine.
You killed my father, Mr. Noh to take revenge.
I'm just avenging his death.
Mr. Jung.
Save me.
The antidote's in the cabinet.
Get it for me.
I can't let you live. I'm sorry, but it's for my sake.
No, I can't die like this.
My dream is about to come true...
Don't let me die, Mr. Jung.
I can't die like this...
Go into hiding for a while. I'll call you when it's over.
Alright.
Mr. Kim!
Why did you sneak in?
Where is Sulyoung?
She went to a temple to become a Buddhist nun.
You won't ever see her again.
There's nothing you can do to save Queen Yoon now.
What?
If you leave now, I won't arrest you for trespassing.
I haven't seen Prince Yoong for a while.
Lady Na, bring him over.
But Your Highness...
What is it?
I'm sorry, but Queen Insoo has forbidden him from seeing you.
What?
Your Highness, it's Lady Hong.
Come in.
Queen Yoon is kneeling outside your chambers.
Queen Yoon.
Didn't I tell you to stay in your chambers until further notice?
Why won't you let Prince Yoong see me?
Why are you trying to keep us apart?
It's to protect Prince Yoong.
You're protecting a son from his own mother?
Are you saying I will harm him?
We found arsenic in your chambers.
And you're suspected of poisoning Yoong so that you could become queen.
It's to be sure...
you don't use him to get your own way.
You should be looking for the people who are trying to frame me.
Why are you saying it's my doing?
Why are you alienating me from everyone?
Why would someone frame you?
At first, I thought someone really was framing you.
But you keep talking back rudely insisting you are innocent.
And you upset your subordinates and turn them against you.
Remember how you even hurt the king's face?
Why do you blame me for this when it was all your own doing?
You never showed me any kindness.
What?
You wanted to send me away because the king loved me so much.
And now you pressure me because the king loves me no more.
Yet I respected and obeyed you because I believed you were just.
I tried not to hold a grudge out of hope that you'd understand me someday.
But... I will give up on you now.
Are you challenging my authority?
I'm queen and the mother of two princes.
The thread and poison aren't enough to depose me.
I promise you,
I will find out who is framing me.
And when I do,
even you will have to apologize for mistreating me.
I thought the premature birth would've taught you a lesson.
But I see it made you even more bitter.
Now I'm positive the prince should stay away from you.
Blame yourself, not others.
Your Highness.
Do as you please. I'll take you on any day.
Your Highness, are you alright?
What monster would harm a child she carried for nine months?
This is too harsh.
I miss Yoong...
Be strong. I'm sure your name will be cleared someday.
Isn't it too harsh to prohibit Yoong from seeing his mother?
He's the heir to the throne.
But the arsenic doesn't prove Queen Yoon did what you say she did.
You should be more careful.
But Queen Yoon dared to challenge me directly. She even rebuked me.
I will not forgive her for that.
Mr. Jung has summoned you.
You must be feeling terrible because of the queen.
I feel so bad for her.
If she is deposed, you'll have to leave with her.
Then you'll never get to see the king again.
Is there no way to help her?
I think... there is a way.
There is? What's that? Tell me.
Will you do as I say?
I'll do anything for the queen.
Your Highness, Miss Choi is here to see you.
You want to talk about the arsenic?
Answer her question.
I hid... the arsenic in her cabinet.
What?
It was to kill the rats.
Please forgive Queen Yoon.
Queens Junghee and Insoo...
might depose you.
But I'll protect you, whatever they say.
Tell me the truth.
Why did you curse and harm them?
Was it out of jealousy?
You don't trust me either, do you?
Why won't you admit it when they found proof?
If you tell me the truth, I can find a way to save you.
If you believe I'm guilty, I have nothing to tell you.
You're my love and mother to my sons. I was willing to forgive you.
Why are you being so stubborn?
I believed you when you said I was the love of your life.
Those words helped me through many hardships.
When I became a concubine, when you slept with others,
when your mother rebuked me, even when you said you loved Ulwoodong.
I believed you and your word.
But...
what use is my title as queen when you love me no more?
I'd rather you depose me and send me away.
How dare you say that to my face.
You don't love me anymore. How dare you try to deceive me.
Queen Yoon.
If you loved me, you should've stood by me.
But you don't even believe me now.
A token of love means nothing when you don't love me anymore.