Episode 53
Now that we have a crown prince, I'll do as I said I would.
I'll resign and leave you all.
But...
I'll tell the king who will replace me.
That's all I have to do. Do you have any questions?
I'm against your appointing the next Head of Eunuchs.
And why is that?
Even if you resign,
you'll influence your successor.
We want you to leave us and leave us for good.
Don't worry about that. I'm going to leave the capital anyway.
I want to appoint my successor out of loyalty for the royal family.
You're drinking all day again?
I'm upset because an old friend of mine is leaving.
Who is leaving?
Your father resigned.
He's leaving us.
Is that true?
Yes. I don't understand him either.
If it's out of guilt, he should've quit 2 0 years ago.
If it's because he's older, 2 0 years later would be even better.
I just don't understand him.
Please give it some more thought.
I've made up my mind already.
But then, Mr. Jung will take over.
I know what you're worried about.
But our department has been around for decades.
It won't collapse because of one person.
Then I'll leave too.
There's no need to.
You must stay and protect the king and crown prince.
Father, it's me.
Come in.
Father, you mustn't leave.
You two are making it harder to leave than it should be.
Now is not the time for you to leave.
If you leave now, the ministers will harm the crown prince.
He'll have no one to turn to when that happens.
It's your job to protect him, not mine.
I've made up my mind, so let me leave.
Is it because of Mrs. Oh?
You wanted to elope with Mrs. Yoon. I'm sure you'll understand.
I have a favor to ask of you.
Tell me what it is.
My father wants to resign.
But if he does, the ministers will try to harm the crown prince.
He'll be in danger with no one to help him.
What do you want me to do?
Only you can persuade him to stay.
You owe that much to Mrs. Yoon.
Alright, I'll talk to your father.
Thank you.
I should get going then.
- Father. - Hello.
My goodness.
Boys.
Rolling around in the snow...
and jumping into icy water is nothing.
Stop grumbling.
Go wash up and read your textbook.
Yes, I heated up some water.
Go and wash up.
- Alright. - Follow me.
Ma'am.
Hello, ma'am.
The boys look terrible.
The exam is just around the corner.
No one from our school has failed. We have a reputation to keep.
I came to see the dagger and note written in blood from long ago.
I didn't realize back then, but I think they have something to do with me.
May I see them again?
I gave them to Chun-dong.
You mean Mr. Kim Chuh-sun?
I'll tell him to bring them to your place.
Thank you.
What do you mean, you'll resign?
I'm going to leave the capital too.
You can have the house and riches.
Are you insane?
You're going to give up your title and wife for your mistress?
Thank you for putting up with me all this time.
I won't tolerate this.
I will not let her steal you away from me.
I have appointed a legitimate heir.
Do your best in dealing with state affairs.
We will.
That's all for today.
Minister Han, can we have a word?
You helped my grandfather take over and stabilize our nation.
I just did what I had to do.
Two of your daughters were queens,
and you even helped me succeed my uncle as king.
Thank you for acknowledging my humble actions.
I believe you've done your duty in serving us and our nation.
So, I'd like to let you retire and live somewhere peaceful.
Then... ?
Resign from your post. That's the most I can offer you.
Your Majesty.
Why did you demand that he resign?
Minister Han made the ministers gang up on me whenever they could.
I suggested that he resign to honor all he did for us.
He's a very powerful man. He won't resign that easily.
If he refuses, I'll have him dismissed.
Then the ministers will retaliate.
I have an heir. I have nothing to fear.
I want young and well-read people to take over.
I put him on the throne and now he wants to get rid of me.
Time sure flies.
And all because he appointed a crown prince.
I won't go out without a fight.
You must poison one more person.
What? I won't do that.
Refuse, and I'll reveal everything you've done. Then...
your family will have to pay the price too.
Do as I say and you'll be rich for the rest of your life.
This isn't a request, it's an order. Don't make any mistakes.
Who do you think Lord Jo will choose as his successor?
You've been there once.
Either I... or Mr. Um should be next.
He won't pick someone...
who demanded that he resign.
You're right.
Mr. Doh wants to see all of you.
What is this about?
I want you to persuade Lord Jo to stay.
What?
He made himself clear. Why do you want us to stop him?
You petitioned for his resignation.
I want you to petition for the opposite.
How dare you oppose our decision!
I know you're loyal to Lord Jo, but this is too much.
I'll pretend this never happened. See you later.
What are you doing?!
No one can leave until they sign a petition requesting that Lord Jo stay.
What?
Mr. Doh threatened them into signing another petition?
That's what I heard.
Why did you threaten the captains?
I did it to save my master.
Hand the book over to me now.
I'd have killed you long ago had Lord Jo not stopped me each time.
How can you do this to him?
How dare you disobey the Captain of Investigations.
Arrest them.
Yes, sir.
What the heck is going on?!
Hand over the book.
- But sir... - Geum-pyo!
Since when did you start to disobey me?!
Mr. Jung.
Take it.
Thank you.
I'm still your superior. I demand you let this go.
I will.
Sir. Why are you letting him take over?
I know you're loyal to me. You'll understand one day.
Is it true that Lord Jo will resign?
He hasn't told the king yet, but his mind is made up.
My father will be sad...
to see a loyal man leave.
Try to persuade Lord Jo to stay.
I will.
You really want to leave?
I made up my mind the day Mrs. Yoon died.
I know how he must've felt, killing his love to stay in power.
I killed a friend and many men for my department's sake.
How could I not know?
But why now? You could've resigned many years ago.
I was too ambitious then.
But now I'll do anything to protect my love.
I want you to take charge of my department for me.
What?
I'm an alcoholic. Are you trying to torture me?
You're the only man for the job.
I've been a eunuch for decades, but I know nothing about politics.
Don't be silly.
You must not get involved in politics.
We're mere servants.
Only you will honor our tradition.
Please accept your friend's last wish.
What do you mean, you resign?
For whatever reason, I insulted you by taking Mrs. Oh in.
I was wrong and I must take responsibility.
You can't resign.
What chance do I have against the ministers without you?
A eunuch must never get involved in politics.
I only helped you because the ministers had too much influence.
But now you have the upper hand and you have a legitimate heir.
It's time I resigned.
Please accept my request.
Is this what you really wish?
Dr. Yang will take over from me.
He will serve you with all his heart.
I can't make up my mind now.
Let me think this over first.
I'm sure you'll make the right decision.
Why did you tell the king you'd resign?
I think it's time for me to leave.
Is it because of Mrs. Oh?
Even if you resign, you cannot move in with her.
Do you understand?
Why won't you answer?
I'm a eunuch with no testes.
I'm not caring for Mrs. Oh because I love her,
but because she was my good friend's wife.
Please understand that.
Still, she was the king's wet nurse.
You may have no manhood, but love is a psychological thing.
I won't tolerate it.
You really won't let my husband go?
You think you can get away with this?
The gods will make you pay.
I know I can't apologize enough.
All I can do is beg.
If you really want my forgiveness...
then drink this.
What is this?
It's poison.
Will you really drink it?
How could you... ?
It's the only way to earn my forgiveness.
Kill yourself or kill me.
Is it true that my father wants you to replace him?
Yes.
It was too great a chance to pass by.
So, my father's really resigning?
I always thought he was a cold-blooded animal.
But he's giving everything up for love.
If you really care for him, let him be.
I won't let an alcoholic take what's mine.
I will not yield.
What brings you here?
I told the king I would resign.
You did so voluntarily?
Yes.
Why don't you resign with me?
What?
You helped King Sejo come to power, and then you replaced King Yejong.
You enjoyed everything a man could wish for.
I think it's time you let the king take over and reign in peace.
Are you mocking me?
I'm saying this for your sake.
You can side with Mr. Jung to threaten the crown prince,
but that won't get you anywhere.
I've heard enough. Get lost.
I'm sure you got my point. See you later.
Geum-pyo.
It feels so good to let everything go. Why didn't I do this earlier?
I still don't understand you.
No one cares about us eunuchs anyway.
But now I want to do what is right.
I handed in my resignation. I'm waiting for the king's permission.
You're leaving it all for me?
You mean more to me than anything.
But this doesn't feel right.
Trust me and follow me.
I can't come by for now because I have things to take care of.
Get ready to leave the capital.
I will.
Chuh-sun, I'm thirsty.
You've been reading for a long time. You should take a break.
I'll tell them to bring your snack.
Alright.
What's taking you so long?
I found this...
beside the table.
Are you sure it's poison?
It's the poison that can't be detected.
The crown prince would be dead if his drink had been poisoned.
I wonder why the person didn't poison it, but just left the bottle.
Poison the crown prince?
Find the culprit immediately.
Everyone involved will be punished severely.
The king's men are after someone who tried to poison the crown prince?
Yes.
Miss Hong is missing, so they're looking for her.
How can you not know where your maid is?
I really don't. Believe me.
There was proof of the attempted poisoning,
and Miss Hong is missing, so she must be the culprit.
Lady Hong, get the ladies to search her room.
I will.
You return to your chambers.
You're grounded until this is over.
I understand.
Mrs. Yoon is long dead. Why is this happening again... ?
If you arrest the culprit,
won't that help clear Mrs. Yoon's name?
We haven't found them yet, so let's not get too excited.
Lady Hong.
Where are you running off to?
I wasn't running off...
Why did you leave the poison instead of using it?
It was my mistake.
Someone came in, so I...
You didn't do it on purpose?
Why would I leave evidence?
Then why were you on the run?!
I was afraid I'd get caught.
That's why.
Alright, I believe you. Leave the capital at daybreak.
Thank you.
But I don't think I can trust you anymore.
Pardon?
I won't let you ruin my future.
Please... Don't...
What's your relationship with Miss Hong?
What do you mean?
A letter addressed to you was found in her room.
Read it.
By the time you read this, I'll have escaped or been killed.
I cursed Queens Insoo and Junghyun, caused Royal Lady Jung's miscarriage...
and framed Mrs. Yoon.
But I had no choice because Mr. Jung forced me.
I regret doing all of that.
I didn't want to harm the crown prince, so I decided to run away.
I'm leaving this as a way of asking for forgiveness.
I want you to know I really loved you.
Were you in a relationship with her?
We were just the king's loyal subjects.
You must arrest Mr. Jung and question him about this.
I sent men after him already.
I'll ask him about this letter and see if you're involved too.
Until then, stay in the palace, away from the crown prince.
You must get out of here.
What's going on?
Soldiers are looking for you regarding the attempted poisoning.
What?
You didn't know?
You didn't know what Mr. Jung has been up to?
The truth will be revealed when you arrest Miss Hong and Mr. Jung.
If Mr. Jung was behind all this, I'll hold your dept. responsible.
Then you won't be able to resign. You'll be fired and punished.
I thought I could leave in peace, but Mr. Jung ruined it all.
He'll still be in the capital. They'll arrest him soon.
Then our department will be in trouble.
Then... ?
We must find Mr. Jung and silence him.
Minister, please save me.
The king demanded that I resign. What power do I have to save you?
You wanted the crown prince dead too.
Shut it!
How dare you try to blame this on me.
I know nothing about your plots.
You're abandoning me because I'm of no use now?
I can't ruin what I have in order to save you.
I won't report you, so get lost immediately!
I'm sure you were very scared. Don't worry, everything will be alright.
Will this help clear my mother's name?
Will it?
That's up to your father and grandmother.
I see.
Even if they find out Mr. Jung framed Mrs. Yoon and got her killed,
I don't think her name will be cleared.
Why is that?
It should be if she's proven innocent.
Then the king will have to take responsibility for killing her.
They won't do such a thing for a dead woman.
So, she goes down in history as a witch?
That's politics, alright?
That's why everyone wants power.
You're still in the capital?
What can a eunuch do away from the palace?
Why are you here?
Sir.
Please save me.
You know I did it all for the department.
Save me this once, and I'll never challenge you again.
Your ambition and lust for power is what is ruining you.
Don't you see that?
You turned yourself in, so I won't kill you.
You have two choices.
Leave the capital or kill yourself for a greater good.
I'll leave it up to you.
Sir.
Lord Jo, I will not die alone.
Did you arrest Mr. Jung?
I think he left the capital.
Send his profile to the governors and tell them to look for him.
Please overlook this incident.
Overlook an attempt on the crown prince's life?
If Mr. Jung is tortured, Mrs. Yoon's innocence might be revealed.
That will harm your and Queen Insoo's authority.
You mean, I can't clear So-hwa's name, for my sake?
It's for the greater good, Your Majesty.
What brings you here, ma'am?
I'm here to apologize for not being able to persuade Lord Jo.
It's not your fault.
He had made up his mind already.
Mr. Kim.
Can I see the dagger that your mother left you?
Why do you want to see that?
Please don't ask me that. Just let me see it.
Ma'am, are you alright?
I'm fine.
Thanks.
I should get going.
Mr. Kim.
Yes? I'm listening.
It's nothing.
Bye. No need to walk me out.
Are you sure Chuh-sun is my son?
Say something.
Are you sure I gave birth to him?
Yes.
How could this be? How... ?
I'm so sorry I didn't tell you.
I didn't want to lose him.
I was afraid the shock would be too much for him.
It's not your fault.
It's mine for not being able to raise him.
Ma'am.
He's a eunuch. I ended your family line.
I am so sorry.
No.
He's a good man.
You raised him well.
Don't tell Chuh-sun.
I'm glad I got to see him.
I'll leave the capital in secret.
Ma'am...
Dr. Yang will be your head now. Obey his order and don't challenge him.
We won't.
Goodness.
I never once thought I'd become Head of Eunuchs.
I'm going to need all the help I can get.
I'll start with banning alcohol at work.
Don't you ever dare think of drinking during work hours from now on.
Yes, sir.
It's good to know you'll be in charge.
I'm not sure I'll be any good, but I'll do my best.
I killed too many people during my time as head.
You're a doctor, so cure the wounds I caused.
Why are you here? Soldiers are looking for you.
Don't worry, I'm not here to harm you.
Take this.
What is this?
Our records for the year 1 4 5 7.
I'm sure it'll help you regain your memory.
Why are you giving it to me?
I think you should know Lord Jo's true colors.
Goodbye, then.
Why are you in the dark?
- I'll light a candle. - Don't.
I can't bear to see your face.
What do you mean?
Did you betray and kill my husband during the revolt in 1 4 5 7?
I told you all about that. Why... ?
So your records are not true?
I trusted you.
How could you deceive me...
for over 2 0 years?
You killed my husband...
and tore my family apart.
How could you?! How?!
How can I face my husband when I meet him after I die?
How could you do this to me?!
You're cruel. You're so cruel!
I was afraid you'd leave me.
I wanted to be with you.
Please forgive me.
I don't ever want to see you again.
Please leave.
Your Highness, step over my back.
Thank you.
What is your name?
I am Kim Ja-won.
I saw you when you visited my school.
Kim Ja-won...
I'll remember your name.
Your Highness.
What is it?
Queen Junghyun is in labor.
A bit more.
- Your Highness. A bit more. - Push harder.
- Be strong. - You're nearly there.
- Your Highness, push. - Again, push.
You're nearly there.
- More. - A bit more...
Your Highness.
Why are you here?
I'm worried.
Why?
If she gives birth to a son...
I'm afraid for the crown prince.
You're too young to know what you're talking about.
I'm sorry.
Everything we say can be misunderstood. Be careful.
Yes, sir.
Your Highness.
You have a beautiful princess.
You did a great job.
Thank you.
You're still young. You'll have a son next time.
Don't be disappointed.
Mother.
I want a brother next time.
I'll pray that happens.
Thank you.
Why are you so upset?
All the boys left to work in the palace.
I feel so empty and lonely.
I should be used to it by now. I guess I'm getting old.
How are they doing anyway?
You taught them well. They're all doing a great job.
Ja-won is very bright.
He has great potential.
Teach him well and he'll make a fine eunuch.
I will.
Mother.
Why did you call for me?
I think it's time... I told you about your mother.
My mother? What do you mean?
Chun-dong.
Your birth mother is Mrs. Oh.
What... did you just say?
I wanted to tell you sooner, but I just couldn't.
I'm telling you now because I think you should know.
Mrs. Oh is your mother.
No...
That's impossible. It's impossible.
I only have... one mother...
Chun-dong.
Chun-dong...
Your birth mother is Mrs. Oh.
Mrs. Oh is your mother.
Ma'am, it's me, Chuh-sun.
Come in.
I must ask you something.
Are you really my birth mother?
I have no right to act like your mother now.
Why...
Why did you leave me?
Please tell me.
Why did you abandon me?
Who is my father?
Your father was Kim Ja-myung, Head of Palace Guards.
He died a traitor for trying to reinstate King Danjong.
Ma'am.
What's wrong?
I wound up betraying your father...
and didn't even recognize my own son.
I don't deserve to live.
Don't die, ma'am.
Ma'am.
But I'm happy I got to see my son...
before I die.
Hang in there. I'll call a doctor.
It's too late.
Chuh-sun.
Will you...
forgive me...
for not... recognizing you?
Mother...
I'm sorry.
So sorry.
No.
Mother...
No.
Why are you... leaving me again?
Mother.
Open your eyes.
Mother...
Mother!
Mother...
My love, please don't forget about me
Dear heavens, let my love come true
We swore we 'd be together for life
Though we first met so long ago
I still can't let go of you, my love
I can still hear you call me
I can't forget your touch, your breath
I yearn for you...