Episode 48
Appoint a new queen?
Then the deposed queen can never return.
She must never return.
We need a new queen as soon as possible before anyone gets such an idea.
We must give her another chance, for the princes' sake.
The deposed queen refused to accept the charges...
because she bore the king's heir.
We need a new queen...
to help Prince Yoong forget all about her.
But he's very bright.
Will he forget about her?
He's bright, but he's very young.
If the new queen treats him well, I'm sure he'll forget about her.
Then whom should we appoint?
One of the concubines, of course.
Do you have someone in mind?
This banquet is to thank you for helping me depose the queen. Enjoy.
We just did as we thought fit.
What?
They'll need to appoint a new queen.
Queen Insoo favors Royal Lady Yoon.
She can't be queen.
We risked our lives to petition for the deposal.
Shouldn't they pick one of us?
Yes. Royal Lady Yoon...
must never become queen.
I can't stop thinking that the deposed queen was framed.
I'm worried about Prince Yoong too.
Is there no way to bring the queen back?
Queen Insoo's against it,
and so are the ministers, so probably not.
Beodeul! Beodeul...
Poor thing.
Just look at you.
You said you'd become a concubine.
But just look at you now.
Poor thing, you went through so much.
I put you through hell to become a court maid.
I'm so sorry about this.
I'm actually happy. I used to worry about you.
Now I can see you every day.
I'll take good care of you along with your mother.
- Father. - Beodeul.
Father...
Have you forgotten she's hurt?
Take her inside.
Wait, it hurts.
- Poor girl... - Ow...
I don't understand why the king is keeping his sons away from their mother.
Why don't you stay for dinner?
No, we have to get back.
How is Chuh-sun?
He's been gloomy since the deposal.
I'm not surprised...
He's strong, he'll get over it.
Don't worry.
Sir.
Get your job back before it's too late.
I should.
But Chuh-sun and Mrs. Oh have lost faith in me.
How are you?
I feel fine, thank you.
You will be able to return when Queen Insoo realizes you're innocent.
I don't want to be queen.
But I do miss Yoong and my newborn baby.
They'll be fine.
Don't worry.
Mr. Jo and Chuh-sun promised they'd protect my sons.
Mr. Jo promised?
Didn't he take part in getting you deposed?
You got it all wrong. I requested to be deposed.
When will you get back to work?
I'm angry at myself for not being able to protect the queen.
I've lost all respect for my father.
I never knew one could feel so empty.
It's good to live, wherever you are.
Everyone who lives, lives for a reason.
The queen only got deposed. She can return as long as she's alive.
You think so?
Yes, I do. So pull yourself back together.
The baby prince is very ill!
What?
How is he?
He has a fever and spots on his body, but I don't know why.
I think the worst is over,
but we must wait and see till morning.
Dr. Yang, do all you can to save him.
I will.
Darling, no.
No, darling. Darling... Darling!
What's wrong? Did you have a bad dream?
I'm fine.
What's wrong?
It's over.
What do you mean?
The prince has died.
No.
It can't be.
Wake up, Your Highness.
You mustn't die.
Your Highness.
Your Highness...
Please wake up.
Your Highness...
Your Highness.
Take this.
A reward for finding my ornament.
Please don't insult me.
Go to a bar and try your luck there.
I will become a sage king, one that cares for the people.
Take this.
I want you to be my queen.
How are you, Your Highness?
I'm fine. It's good to be at home.
Is the king well?
Yes, he is.
How is Yoong?
Does he cry for me?
He's doing well. He doesn't even cry.
It's good to hear that.
How is the baby prince?
Does he feed well?
What's wrong?
Did something happen to him?
He passed away three days ago.
What?
What did you just say?
He had a fever for several days.
Dr. Yang and I did everything we could...
but it wasn't enough.
It's my fault for not taking better care of him.
Darling.
My poor baby.
Forgive me... I didn't even get to cuddle you.
What do you mean?
Appoint a new queen?
It's already been discussed.
Then I can't reinstate Queen Yoon.
There can be no reinstatement.
A deposed queen can not and must not be reinstated.
Appointing a new queen will end all the talk and trouble.
But Yoong still misses his mother.
I tore him away from her.
Appointing a new queen now will hurt him.
I'm sure the new queen will comfort him.
I'll discuss which of the concubines should become queen.
Give me some time to think.
Of course.
I'm sure you will make the right decision.
Yoong, where are you going?
I'm off to study.
Do you still hate me?
No. I believe...
you will bring mother back.
I will study hard and make her happy.
You do that. Do your best to please her.
I will.
You mustn't be late. Go.
Congratulations on your reinstatement.
Congratulations.
Very rarely has a queen been deposed, and this has caused much trouble.
We must focus on doing our duty...
to protect the king and the royal family.
Yes, sir.
I have shuffled the ranks and hired young talents.
Make sure everything is reorganized.
The king reinstated me, and today is my first day at work.
Your men organized his outings and served the queen in secret.
You caused much trouble and made us doubt your loyalty.
You deserve to be abolished,
but I'll forgive you this time because you helped depose the queen.
- Thank you. - But...
I'll keep an eye on you.
I will punish your son if he...
petitions for the queen's return or goes against our orders.
I warned you, Mr. Jo.
I will do all I can to make sure you'll never want to abolish us.
And I will see if you live up to your word.
Why are you drinking again?
I stopped drinking to punish myself for not being able to cure the prince.
But his memorial service is over.
It's time I forgave myself.
Do you want a sip?
I'll never be able to forgive myself. You're too forgiving.
You can't forgive others if you can't forgive yourself.
Forget about it.
Mr. Kim, Lord Jo has summoned you.
Are you still angry at me for not helping the queen?
I think I have a reason to be angry.
What?
You returned as Head of Eunuchs right after she got deposed.
Come on.
When will you stop being so angry?
Stay out of it, Geum-pyo.
I have summoned you as your superior.
We're shuffling the staff. What job do you want?
I want to serve the prince.
Why is that?
With his mother gone, he has no one to lean on.
The ministers might try to harm him.
I want to protect the prince at least.
Do you think you're qualified to do so?
You nearly destroyed our department just so you could help the queen.
Yet you still don't admit that?
Go back to the basics until you do.
Why are you demoting me?
If you call this a demotion, you have no reason to be here.
You may quit if you want.
You're excused.
Cleaning is something lower-ranking eunuchs do.
Too many people are watching him. He has to stay out of danger.
Steel needs to be tempered.
If he learns and grows through this, then I'll be a happy father.
Chuh-sun.
Why are you so happy?
We got promoted.
- Really? - Yes.
Ja-chi is now Level 5,
So-woon and Gae-nam are Level 7,
and I'm Level 6.
Congratulations.
What about you? What level are you?
I bet he got a much higher level than we did. Right?
I was demoted to cleaning.
What? Cleaning?
You should be Level 3 or 4.
Why did your father demote you?
I guess that's how he thinks of me.
Why did Lord Jo do that?
I'm sure he had a reason.
Still, cleaning is for trainees.
It's alright. What good is a promotion when the queen has left?
Appointing a new queen is the only way to clear such trouble.
But I'm worried because the king still wants to reinstate Mrs. Yoon.
We must never let that happen.
I will get the ministers to petition him to appoint a new queen.
Thank you for your support.
So...
who do you have in mind?
What do you think about choosing one of the concubines?
Are you that upset because your father demoted you to a cleaner?
No. I'm just worried about Prince Yoong.
Stop thinking you are all he has. He'll be fine without you.
I couldn't protect the baby prince.
If Prince Yoong is harmed too, I'll lose the will to live.
If you really care about him,
clear the ground as best you can.
Then he won't be hurt if he were to trip and fall.
The best a eunuch can do is do his job well.
I should get some sleep.
Choose a new queen?
But it's only been a short while since I deposed my queen.
We need a queen to raise Prince Yoong.
Appoint a queen and put everything in order.
If you don't do so soon, some will want Mrs. Yoon to return.
That will cause even more trouble.
You want me to replace the wife I loved.
You are all so cruel.
You're not just anyone, you're a king.
Appointing a queen isn't just about love.
It's about law, order, and peace in the nation.
Please accept our advice.
Please accept.
Queen Junghee and I want you to become queen.
But I don't have what it takes to become queen.
Please choose someone else.
But we think you'll make a great queen.
Don't object.
You have a good temperament,
so you'll assist the king well.
And your father is a minister,
which will help also.
But you must promise me something.
I'm listening.
The prince is very young, so he will miss his mother very much.
I want you to care for him like your own son.
Of course, you didn't give birth to him,
so I know it won't be easy, I do.
But Prince Yoong will succeed to the throne one day.
Raising him will be another way of serving your nation.
That's all I ask for. Will you do that?
If that is my fate, then I'll accept it.
Thank you. I will support you as best I can.
Queen Insoo wants her to become queen?
All our hard work for nothing?
We risk our life to depose the queen and she takes what's rightfully ours.
I won't take this sitting down.
Are you upset because I didn't choose you as queen?
We're not here because we're upset. We're here to ask the reason.
We petitioned for Queen Yoon's deposal,
but Royal Lady Yoon defended her.
So why do you want her to become queen?
You really don't know why?
You went with the flow and petitioned for the deposal.
But Royal Lady Yoon did her best to defend her superior.
Of course, in doing so, she stood up against us.
But being a queen requires the ability to think for herself.
What Royal Lady Yoon did was wrong at the time.
But it proved she has what it takes to be queen.
That's why I chose her.
Anything else?
No.
Royal Lady Um, Royal Lady Jung.
Submit to the new queen.
Don't you dare treat her like you treated Queen Yoon.
I warned you.
Hello, Mrs. Oh.
Hi, Miss Choi.
Have you been well?
We brought you some rice.
Thank you. We ran out of rice today.
Go in and see Mrs. Yoon.
How are you, Beodeul?
I'm fine.
I'm so sorry that I got you deposed.
It wasn't your fault.
Mr. Jung told me to do it.
He said my lying would help you, so...
What's the point of complaining now?
You'll be reinstated in time, I'm sure.
I've let everything go.
I don't mind even if I don't get reinstated.
Queen Insoo chose Royal Lady Yoon as queen?
Yes, and the ministers want a new queen too.
What if Mrs. Yoon doesn't get reinstated?
I think Royal Lady Yoon will become queen.
No one will be able to oppose that decision.
And the king will have to accept.
But things will turn bad when it's time to appoint the crown prince.
That's what I'm worried about.
Aren't you Mrs. Oh's servant?
She sent me to call for you.
I thought you resented me for what I did.
I think I misunderstood you.
I was told Queen Yoon asked to be deposed.
I apologize if I upset you due to my hasty judgment.
You have nothing to apologize for.
I was a senior eunuch, yet I couldn't clear the queen's name.
I even got her deposed, so I deserve to be scorned.
There was nothing you could've done.
I'm glad you understand me now.
I heard Mr. Jung was involved in the deposal.
If you investigate it, it will help the queen's reinstatement.
I'll try.
Is Chuh-sun still upset at you?
We're still father and son.
It won't last forever.
Royal Lady Yoon will become queen?
That's what everyone wishes.
But the king is against appointing a new queen.
That won't do.
Tell the king to accept her appointment.
Then you won't be able to return.
Don't you see that I never stood any chance of returning?
Your Highness.
I can entrust her with my Yoong.
Your Majesty, Mr. Kim is here.
Let him in.
Come closer.
I thought you resented me for deposing the queen.
What brings you here?
I believed you would protect her no matter what.
Yes.
If I were Mr. Lee,
then she'd still be my wife and Ulwoodong would still be alive.
But they left me because I am king.
As a man...
I'm a son who fears his mother and needs a woman's comfort.
You don't know how it feels to give up because of how I'll be remembered.
You're still a man and a husband.
How could you give up on Mrs. Yoon because of your title?
What?
As of the day she was deposed,
Queen Yoon will be remembered as a jealous witch who lied to everyone.
If you don't clear her name,
that is how she'll go down in history.
That's enough.
How can you comfort your people when you can't even comfort your wife?
Please think about it.
I know how you feel.
But being a king restrains me more than I can handle.
I'm sorry.
That is a letter from Mrs. Yoon.
I'm writing this out of love for you.
The day I left, I knew I'd never return.
I don't blame you.
I don't want you to be sad because of me.
Appoint a new queen and bring peace once again.
I pray that Yoong grows up to succeed you.
That's all I wish.
Protect Prince Yoong.
Now I will serve you as a commoner, not your wife.
Be a great king.
Why are you making me feel miserable?
I'm sorry I couldn't protect you.
I am so sorry.
You have become queen at a troubled time.
Comfort the prince when he misses his mother.
Serve the king from your heart,
and treat the women strictly, but with mercy and respect.
I will do my duty as queen.
You are a very kind and gentle person.
You know better than anyone about the chaos we've been through.
Do your best to bring peace back.
I trust you won't let us down.
I will try not to.
Congratulations.
I'm not qualified to be queen. I will need all of your help.
Let's put the troubling past behind us,
and serve the king and our nation.
We will do our best to support you.
Thank you. Please keep your word.
Congratulations, Minister Yoon.
Congratulations.
I don't think my daughter is cut out for this.
I hope she has your support.
She's a gentle person.
She's just the queen we need.
Yes. All she has to do now is bear the king an heir.
No way.
What about Queen Yoon's son?
Don't commit high treason.
What?
We're here to celebrate, not yell at each other.
He meant to say the queen should have a child,
as a symbol of the nation's prosperity.
Let's not get upset. Let's drink.
- Alright. - Come on, drink up.
How can he appoint a new queen...
when his previous queen is still alive?
This is nonsense.
Royal Lady Yoon will take good care of Yoong.
I'm so upset, I'm about to burst. You sound like you don't even care.
Aren't you angry?
It's all in the past now. We must go with the flow.
I'll go demand an explanation.
Gi-hyun, calm down.
If you cause any trouble, I won't forgive you.
I'm upset. I bet you feel even worse.
I'm alright.
I can bear it, if it's for my son.
I'm pleased to see you all together, like a family.
I wish you live a long and happy life together.
We will.
Yoong, respect the new queen as you would respect your mother.
Why won't you answer?
My mother is in the capital.
Why do you speak as if she's dead?
What did you just say?
Apologize to Queen Insoo.
I didn't do anything wrong.
What?
You learned about manners.
How dare you talk back like that.
Apologize immediately.
You're disobeying your father too now?
Grandmother, why do you want me to betray my mother?
I'm disappointed in you.
I'm afraid he'll take after his mother.
He's bright, but he's just a little boy.
I'm sure he misses his mother very much.
I'll talk to him. Don't be angry at him.
The prince refused to call her ''mother''?
Yes, and Queen Insoo got angry.
Your Highness, it's Chuh-sun.
Why did you do that?
My mother is alive. I can't call someone else ''mother. ''
I miss my mother.
Take me to see her.
She'd be upset to see you like this.
You will be our future king. What are you crying about?
Respecting the new queen isn't like betraying your mother.
Your mother would scold you for this.
You'll meet again...
after you grow up.
Until then, you must get along with everyone else.
Will you promise me that?
Thank you for telling me that.
Chuh-sun.
Will you take me to ask for forgiveness?
I will.
Your Highness, Prince Yoong is here.
Yoong? Let him in.
What is that in your arms?
I'm here to apologize for being rude.
Please scold me.
I wouldn't dare hit you with a switch.
I know how much you miss her.
I will respect you as a mother now.
I didn't give birth to you,
but I'll look after you.
I'll protect you, at all costs.
He called her ''mother''?
The new queen will take good care of him, so don't worry.
I'm sure she will.
It's cold. You must go inside.
The warmth won't make me feel any better.
I know it was for his sake, but I left my son.
I'd rather stay out in the cold. I deserve to suffer.
Mrs. Oh called for you.
What did you want to see me for?
I want to help clear up the misunderstanding you have about Mr. Jo.
Open your heart up to him.
He loves and trusts you very much.
Don't upset him anymore.
It's none of your business.
Are you that upset because I'm seeing him?
I won't be involved in your relationship with him.
So don't expect me to treat you like a mother.
Why are you so narrow-minded?!
Even the prince pays respect to the new queen to put his mother at ease.
Why are you alienating yourself because of a misunderstanding?!
Nothing you say will...
change my mind about my father's indifference to the deposed queen.
Do you know why you're still Captain of Investigations?
You want me to serve with all my heart.
Yes. So, do you regret siding with Minister Han to frame the deposed queen?
I did it for our department.
From now on, whatever the reason, you must never endanger us.
If you do, I will never forgive you.
I will remember that.
The palace is the king's home.
Making sure it is clean is like making sure he's comfortable.
Clean, sweep, and wipe everything you see.
We will.
Mr. Kim.
I wonder why Lord Jo made you, his son, a cleaner.
I should go and ask him to promote you.
I'm thankful I get to remind myself of a eunuch's true duties.
What nonsense. Is that what you think?
Worry about yourself. Secrets and lies don't last for long.
Scheming and planning won't get you far either.
I just did my best to do as I was told.
I don't know what you're talking about.
If I ever did lie and scheme,
would your father have let me keep my title?
Don't get carried away.
What he thinks isn't important.
You can deceive everyone else, but you can't deceive yourself.
That, coming from someone who disguises his love as loyalty.
How amusing.
I'm deceiving everyone else, but you're deceiving yourself.
Dear gods, please protect Yoong from the evil schemers.
Watch over him as he grows and succeeds his father.
I would give up my life if that would guarantee his safety.