Episode 49
Grandmother, great-grandmother.
I wish you all the best.
Thank you.
I can't believe you have grown so much.
I heard...
you stay up too late studying.
It's good to learn, but try not to neglect your health.
Don't worry.
Please excuse me.
I'm glad to see Prince Yoong is doing so well.
You're a great mother, Queen Junghyun.
The prince always does as I say.
He's a good boy.
He's doing well because of your love and effort.
You're doing great.
Thank you.
I think we should make him crown prince this year.
Announcing him as heir will solidify your reign.
I'll ask the ministers what they think.
Alright. Get it over and done with as soon as possible.
The prince...
mustn't be made crown prince.
Yes. He still remembers the deposal.
If he succeeds to the throne, he'll kill us for deposing his mother.
But he's the heir.
How can we stop his appointment?
Whatever the cost, we must delay it until the queen has a son.
Lord Jo, happy new year.
Let's all work together and make this a good one.
We will.
Why are you so gloomy?
My husband...
moved in with his mistress.
I never thought this would ever happen to me.
I'll help you get rid of her.
- What? Really? - Trust me.
But keep it a secret from Lord Jo.
Of course. I'd give you anything if you'd do that for me.
Happy new year.
Thanks.
I wish you the best.
Good luck with the exams.
Go on.
Alright.
You get a penny each. You can go buy candy.
Thank you.
Here.
Another year with my precious only daughter.
I miss the games that we played...
Forget about that.
Yes, you got thrown out.
What's the point?
What?!
Am I wrong?!
- Not again. - You heard her.
Let's play a game then.
- Mother. - Ma'am.
We came to say happy new year.
Welcome. Come on inside.
I wish you the best. Good luck with everything.
Sorry, but I have no money to give you.
Tell their fortunes for this year.
- Good idea. - Yes, please.
Alright.
Here.
Ja-chi, you suffered last year. This year will be easier.
Thank you.
Gwi-nam, you'll get promoted.
Your superiors will think highly of you.
Thank you.
So-woon, be careful with women.
What problem could a eunuch have?
The maids can't get enough of you.
Yeah...
I don't care about women.
- I'm next. - Let's see...
You'll meet someone this year.
I will?
You'll get married.
I'm getting married.
- Congrats. - Thanks.
Chun-dong, you're last.
You'll have to part with someone.
What do you mean?
Partings are accompanied by new acquaintances.
This is just for fun. Don't take it too seriously.
Don't you mind staying indoors all day?
You've prayed enough for Sulyoung.
I killed someone who helped me.
I could never pray or repent enough for what I did.
What now? Will you return to the palace or stay at my house?
I don't know yet.
Think carefully about it.
I don't know if you will spill the beans,
but I don't want to have to kill you.
Think carefully and let me know.
The ministers will discuss the crown prince appointment.
Then what will happen to Mrs. Yoon?
Will she be reinstated?
Or will she not be?
I'm not worried about her. I'm worried about what will happen.
What?
The ministers will try to delay the appointment.
No one knows what will happen to Mrs. Yoon or her son.
I want to appoint Yoong as crown prince. When would be a good time?
What's wrong?|
I don't think this is a good time.
What do you mean by that?
The prince's mother was deposed.
You can appoint her son as crown prince,
but what will you do about his deposed mother?
He's right.
Mrs. Yoon is a commoner.
Her son can't be crown prince. It will mess up all our laws.
You're using her as an excuse to disobey me?
Would we dare oppose something that must be done one day?
We just want you to...
think about this very carefully.
The ministers want to delay appointing the crown prince?
How is this possible?
This is a very important issue. We can't ignore Mrs. Yoon's status.
Mrs. Yoon will always pose a problem.
What should we do about her?
We must either exile her or reinstate her.
Reinstate her? Then what about Queen Junghyun?
If that's not possible...
then we must find another way.
What should we do now? The king raised the issue himself.
We put it off for now, but for how long?
We must end this for good,
or hope Mrs. Yoon passes away soon.
We can't just sit and wait.
Then... ?
None of us are safe for as long as they are alive.
Who dies first is a matter of time.
Neither of them should live.
Have you discussed appointing the crown prince?
The ministers are against it because of Mrs. Yoon.
She should be reinstated and Yoong made crown prince.
But then your position will be threatened.
I made up my mind the day I became queen.
I've always been prepared to step down if she returns.
I regret ever making you the king's concubine.
All this trouble and stress is just too much for you.
Don't say that.
I've never resented you.
It's my fate to...
What's wrong, Your Highness?
Your Highness.
Are you alright? Your Highness.
Your Highness.
Gabi, call for the doctor.
Your Highness.
Dr. Yang, are you sure she's pregnant?
Yes. She has been for three months.
Congratulations.
Thank you.
But how come she showed no symptoms up until now?
She's good-natured. I guess the baby is too.
This is such good news.
This room must be kept clean at all times, alright?
Yes, sir.
I heard you checked on the queen. Is she alright?
Queen Junghyun is pregnant.
What?
It's good news,
but I feel so uneasy.
What'll happen to Mrs. Yoon if the queen has a son?
Or rather, how will the prince survive with no one to trust?
I'm really worried.
The queen is pregnant.
So now...
Why are you here so late?
I need to ask you a favor.
I'm listening.
Please protect Prince Yoong.
What?
The queen is pregnant.
If she has a son, Prince Yoong's life will hang in the balance.
You must rush his appointment as crown prince.
I'm a mere eunuch. What right do I have to do so?
You know the king better than anyone.
If you persuade him, the ministers won't be able to object.
I told Queen Insoo that I'd stay out of politics.
But you sided with her to depose the prince's mother.
Can you say this has nothing to do with our department?
What?
Are you doubting me?
I know the duties of a eunuch very well.
But you and I, every single eunuch... We're all human beings.
I hope...
you don't become too inhumane.
If that's all, you may leave.
What brings you here?
I'm here to resolve your worries.
My worries?
Any cause for future trouble must be nipped in the bud.
Meaning... ?
I'm talking about Mrs. Yoon.
Is this your idea or Mr. Jo's?
Mr. Jo hasn't made up his mind yet.
If you get rid of my worries for me, I'll reward you for it.
Who's there?
Who sent you? The ministers or the royal family?
I was deposed, but I used to be queen.
Leave immediately.
How dare you attack the prince's mother.
Go away!
Why are you doing this?
What's going on?
Are you alright?
I'm fine, don't worry.
What happened?
An assassin attacked me.
You got deposed, and now assassins?
How could this happen to you?
Let's go inside.
You saved my life once again.
I'm glad you're alright.
But why are you here at this time of night?
Queen Junghee is pregnant. I came to tell you that.
I guess I should congratulate her.
I'll report to the authorities and arrange for some bodyguards right away.
It won't help. The ministers are involved.
What do you mean?
Take this.
Whose ID tag is this?
It belongs to the assassin we met.
How did you get hurt?
I would've told you if it were something you should've known about.
I'm sorry.
Don't tell a soul about this, alright?
Yes, sir.
What were you looking at?
It's nothing.
Did you find it somewhere?
A foolish eunuch dropped his ID tag.
I guess you're not the only idiot here.
Return it to the owner tomorrow.
What? An assassin attacked her last night?
Her life is in danger.
She was deposed a long time ago. Who on earth would want her dead?
I think it's those who are against her son becoming crown prince.
Oh dear... Oh dear...
Although she was deposed, she's the prince's birth mother.
Harming her is like harming the prince.
And that is a threat to the royal family.
Please send your soldiers to guard her house.
Alright, I'll give the order.
Did you see who he was?
I didn't, but I'm sure he's a eunuch.
Why is that?
He dropped this ID tag last night.
I'm here as a subordinate, not your son.
What?
I hope you'll find out who tried to harm Mrs. Yoon...
and do your duty as Head of Eunuchs.
Guard all the paths.
Yes, sir.
The king sent the men to protect you before the crown prince's appointment.
Doesn't this prove that the king still loves you?
Don't cause any trouble, for the prince's sake.
You must be careful.
Don't worry, I'm not a child.
I'll watch my tongue.
You'll be reinstated as soon as your son becomes crown prince.
Congratulations, mother. Give birth to a healthy son.
Thank you.
I wish you have a son. It will bring glory to us all.
It will.
Prince Yoong, can you excuse us now?
I will. Enjoy your conversation.
What is it?
When I think of Mrs. Yoon, I feel bad about being pregnant.
I know that you're worried too.
Even if I do have a son,
I won't expect you to make him crown prince.
Your saying that took a weight off my shoulders.
Thank you for being understanding.
Did you check?
No one entered the palace without their ID today.
Then check who's not on duty.
Mr. Jung didn't come in.
What? Is that true?
Yes. I heard he called in sick for some reason.
Why did you send soldiers to guard Mrs. Yoon's home?
I heard an assassin attacked her. It's for her own protection.
An assassin? What nonsense.
Who would attack a deposed queen?
- Mr. Kim witnessed it. - Mr. Kim?
He was loyal to Mrs. Yoon even before she entered the palace.
He arranged her outings,
alienated her from you, and caused chaos.
You sent soldiers just because he told you to?
But he has no reason to lie to me.
He wants you to feel sorry for her and her son.
Mrs. Yoon must be safe, for her son's sake.
I think she staged the attack herself.
Your Majesty.
Recall the men. The ministers might misunderstand your intention.
If someone tried to harm Mrs. Yoon, I'm sure it was Mr. Jung.
I think so too.
So why won't you...
question him?
Why can't you control your own son?!
What do you mean?
You helped depose Mrs. Yoon, so I forgave Mr. Kim and left you alone.
So why is he visiting Mrs. Yoon...
and telling the king about assassins?
No wonder there were rumors that he was Mrs. Yoon's lover.
My son never was and never will be her lover.
Saying such a thing is like slandering your own name.
I'm warning you to make sure such rumors never circulate.
Do you want me to beat Mr. Kim until he accepts?
It's all my fault.
I'll talk to him and make sure he never does that again.
If I ever hear about him seeing Mrs. Yoon again, I won't forgive you.
Mr. Jung called in sick today. Why isn't he at home?
I don't know.
Miss Hong, why are you here?
Mr. Jung looked after my family until now.
I'm well enough to return to the palace.
Where is Sulyoung?
I heard she's at some temple.
Perhaps you could tell me where Mr. Jung was last night.
He caught a severe cold. He stayed home all night.
Really?
I nursed him all night, so it's true.
What is the urgent news?
I tried to, but failed to kill Mrs. Yoon.
What?
Why are you telling me this?
You're afraid you'll get caught?
I did it for our department.
You're saying that killing the prince's mother will do us good?
The ministers don't want to appoint a crown prince.
If Mrs. Yoon lives, her son might never become crown prince.
And that will threaten the royal family's legitimacy.
Shut it!
How dare you try to talk your way out of this!
I thought you of all people would understand.
Was I wrong?
It's wrong to kill the prince's mother!
Have you forgotten what you did in 1 4 5 7?
What?
You said you supported the revolt to reinstate King Danjong.
But you changed sides...
and attacked the revolters the very next day.
Are you insulting me right now?
King Danjong's supporters called you a traitor,
but I believe you did the right thing for the royals and our department.
What I tried to do is just the same.
How did you find out?
I hazarded a guess from our dept. 's records.
I could've easily killed Mrs. Yoon and Chuh-sun.
But I didn't want to get on your bad side.
If you had hurt him, I would've killed you.
I know that.
But as long as Chuh-sun defends Mrs. Yoon,
our dept. will never get along with the royals.
You must kill Mrs. Yoon, for our sake.
It's up to you.
I told you what I think. I'll leave you now.
Han-soo.
Is this yours?
Shouldn't you be sweeping the grounds?
Mr. Jung.
Did you visit Mrs. Yoon last night?
Are you trying to frame me again?
If you're innocent, let me see your ID.
My ID?
If you don't have it, I'll report you for attacking Mrs. Yoon.
Sure. I'm fed up with playing along with you.
I'll show it to you.
Does that clear my name then?
Don't you ever blame me for anything again.
Father, it's me.
Do you know who the ID belongs to?
Don't mention the ID again.
- What are you... ? - And...
Stop defending Mrs. Yoon from now on.
It's an order from your superior.
I cannot obey that.
What?
Did you return the ID to Mr. Jung?
- Did you really? - I told you...
not to mention it!
I won't do that, even if you disown me.
If that's an order from my superior, then I'd rather resign than obey.
Chuh-sun...
You cover up the truth for the sake of the department.
I won't answer to you.
Why won't the ministers appoint the crown prince?
We refuse to discuss the issue until...
the king decides what to do with Mrs. Yoon.
What do you mean, decide what to do with her?
We fear what might happen...
if he succeeds his father and asks us about his mother.
Everyone is scared.
No one wants to bell the cat.
Recall the men you sent to guard Mrs. Yoon's house.
You don't believe Chuh-sun either about the assassin's attack?
I do, as a father and his superior.
But protecting her ahead of appointing the crown prince can be misunderstood.
How so?
They'll think you want her reinstated. They won't want her son to be heir.
I'll send my men to guard her, so recall your soldiers.
Sir, I'll guard Mrs. Yoon's house.
No, I'll leave it to Mr. Jung.
That is like letting the fox guard the henhouse.
Even a robber guards his own house well.
He's the right person to protect Mrs. Yoon.
Give this letter to Chuh-sun in August six years from now.
Stop sighing so much.
I'm afraid something bad will happen to Chun-dong.
He's old enough to look out for himself.
His father got reinstated, so he'll take care of him.
Life is but a dream.
Even the moon waxes and wanes.
- Father. - Riches won't last forever...
- Mr. Kim. - Even the moon waxes and wanes.
- Riches won't last forever. - Chuh-sun.
Beodeul, why is he so drunk?
I don't know. I found him lying in front of the gate.
Chuh-sun.
Why did you drink so much?
The fortune you told last time was correct.
A parting... You're a great shaman.
What do you mean?
I'm going to resign.
Lord Jo will disown me too.
Let's go inside.
Help him, Gaedochi.
What are you staring at? Get back inside and study.
Yes, sir.
What's wrong with him? I thought he had a good life.
It's so good, he got bored. I'm sure that's why he drank.
He's still upset over Mrs. Yoon's deposal.
Look at him, he's lost so much weight.
He'll be fine after a good night's sleep, so don't worry.
Is something the matter?
I couldn't prevent Mrs. Yoon's deposal,
and now Chuh-sun resents me and I feel bad about it.
I'm sure they'll come to understand you one day.
Why do you believe in me?
What if I deceived you too?
You wouldn't betray anyone for your own good.
I believe in you.
How did I get here?
Drink this to aid your digestion.
You drank so much, you don't remember anything. Is something wrong?
Not at all.
Then why do you want to resign?
I guess I just wanted your attention.
I should get back to work.
Chuh-sun, I was on my way to see you.
You want me to do something?
Come closer.
I didn't get to wish my mother a happy new year.
Will you take my letter to her?
But that could get you into trouble.
Shh. We can keep it between us.
Will you do that?
Hello, Mr. Kim.
Where did all the soldiers go?
The king called them back.
Prince Yoong wrote to you.
How are you doing in the cold weather?
I'm so worried about you.
I can't stop thinking about you.
I miss you, but I can manage.
I won't cry, even if I want to.
Don't worry about me. I'm studying hard.
Be well until the day I can visit you.
Why didn't you send a reply?
He's only just getting over my deposal. He misses me, but he's studying hard.
I shouldn't do anything to upset him.
And if...
people find out I'm still in touch with him,
they might use it against him.
I have so much I want to say, but I'll wait for my time.
I'll wait until he comes to the throne,
and comes to visit me in person.
Your Highness...
Did you give her the letter?
Yes.
But why didn't she send a reply?
Your mother cares about you very much.
But she doesn't want to give you any trouble.
So she's keeping everything inside.
And she prays for you every single day.
For your health and safety.
Remember her love for you...
and study hard to become the great king she wants you to be.
That's the best you can do for her.
Alright. I won't let my mother down.
I'll study hard and become a wise king.
Why do you refuse to discuss when to appoint the crown prince?
We will not discuss that issue...
until you decide what to do with Mrs. Yoon.
Are you all insisting on going against me?
Minister Han.
Why are you using Mrs. Yoon to delay the discussion?
We need to appoint a crown prince to stabilize the government.
We all know how important it is...
to appoint a crown prince in time.
But if you don't take care of Mrs. Yoon first,
the crown prince will lose all respect in the future.
Please accept our advice.
Have you recovered?
I have, thanks to you.
I'm glad you're back.
I could do with some company.
I'll serve you as best I can.
We can't delay this any longer.
I'm sorry I can't control my own ministers.
It's all Mrs. Yoon's fault.
Don't blame yourself.
Your mother is right.
I've thought of a way to appease the ministers.
Tell me.
Queen Junghyun is pregnant, so she can't be replaced.
So let's give Mrs. Yoon a title and salary, as the prince's mother.
Then Prince Yoong...
won't be too upset about the deposal.
And the ministers won't be able to delay this any longer.
I will accept your suggestion.
What do you think?
We should check on Mrs. Yoon and see how she is doing first.
Yes, we should.
I heard you're guarding Mrs. Yoon's house.
Yes, I am.
Check on how she spends her time.
I will.
- How are things? - No one comes or goes.
I'm sorry to put you through this.
Have some warm water to bear the cold.
Thank you.
I'm so grateful that your men are guarding us day and night.
How is she doing?
She's been doing better ever since she got a letter from the prince.