Episode 56
I will become a kind-hearted,
benevolent king.
I want you all...
to think of what's best for the people.
I'm warning the court officials.
Instead of criticizing and opposing my every wish,
you should report what the people really want.
We will.
Over the past few years,
the ministers and court officials seem to have drifted apart.
I'd like to appoint a crown prince. Tell me when would be a good time.
I agree to appointing a crown prince, Your Majesty.
I'll continue in the footsteps of King Sejo and strengthen my reign.
If he could see you now,|
he would be very proud.
But if you're too strong-willed, the ministers will fear you,
and everyone will resort to flattery.
You must be merciful and gentle too.
I will remember that, Your Highness.
It's been a while, Mr. Jo.
I came to give you something.
What is this?
I report on the corruptions...
of the ministers, officials, and royals.
What?
It will give you more power than the greatest sword.
Now I understand why my predecessors trusted you more than any subject.
You're always a step ahead of me.
Thank you.
What?
You spied on government officials?
I told you we're not supposed to get involved in politics.
Why did you do that?
I just couldn't disobey Mr. Jo.
I'll...
resign from my position as captain.
Your resignation alone won't be enough.
Mr. Jo is here.
Let him in.
Why did you tell Mr. Hong to spy on the government officials?
If the king uses the report to threaten them,
we might have to put up with another massacre.
I'm just going with the flow.
What do you mean?
Our duty as eunuchs stays the same, but how we do it always changes.
In King Sejo's time,
we had to fight aside soldiers to kill the traitors and help the king.
During King Sungjong's time, it was our job to stay out of politics.
But now?
The king is trying to stand his ground, against the many challenges.
I think it's our duty to help him strengthen his reign and make a stand.
But if he threatens them like this,
the subjects will fear him, not respect or serve with loyalty.
And such a reign will not last.
It's up to the king to decide how to use that report.
Stay away from the department from now on.
I'm the Head of Eunuchs.
I will do what I think is right. I want you to stay out of it.
You still blame me for Mrs. Oh's death?
This isn't about emotions.
Even though you're my senior,
if you get in my way of straightening out the department,
then I'll have to stand against you.
The palace is full of thieves.
No one is as virtuous as they say they are.
They give and accept bribes and help or destroy others whenever they want.
All they care about is their livelihood...
and they think they can serve their nation?
You must punish them severely.
Then I'll have no one left to work with.
A king needs his subjects.
So you'll go on working with corrupt officials?
I will force them to become just.
I will make them serve me loyally.
If you become crown prince,
that means you'll succeed your father in the future.
You must study...
as hard as you can.
I will, grandfather.
I'm worried the king doesn't get along with the officials.
I need you to persuade him to talk to them.
He showed them who's in charge.
There's nothing to worry about.
He's right.
He has the royals and ministers too.
But I don't like the fact that he killed many people.
It will all calm down when the prince is appointed crown prince.
You want me to throw this report away?
Government officials heard of the report and fear you'll use it to threaten them.
So they feel bad about what they've done?
A subject can't serve you if all they feel for you is fear.
Your father reigned in peace because we respected and honored him.
Please learn from your father.
I don't want to be respected by men who lie and say they're virtuous.
I want men like you, who speak their mind.
Your Majesty, I'm a mere eunuch.
I know I can't do anything without the ministers and officials.
But I won't let them control me either.
Lord Kim.
I won't throw this away. But I won't punish the men either.
I will pretend I know nothing.
Then they'll have no choice but to obey me out of fear.
You still blame me for Mrs. Oh's death?
You're not related, but Mr. Jo still is your father.
You should apologize and bury the hatchet.
I'll do as I see fit, so don't worry.
I feel bad.
It's my fault for not telling you about Mrs. Oh sooner.
It isn't your fault. I'd have done the same.
Thanks for saying so.
The lady decided to stay here?
I told her to if she has no place to return to.
She helps with the work and we chat too.
But she won't tell me about herself. I guess she doesn't want to.
Is everything alright?
You want something in return?
You can't say that to someone who saved your life!
Stay out of it, Gong-shin.
I didn't save you to get something in return.
I just want you to be comfortable.
I appoint Hwang as crown prince.
As my eldest son, he is my legitimate heir and your future king.
You must study hard and do all that is expected of you.
The people should serve my son as you serve me.
Your Majesty, hooray!
Hooray! Hooray!
Your Highness, hooray!
Hooray!
I still remember when you were young. But now you're a crown prince.
It's all thanks to you, Your Highness.
Queen Shin, you must teach him all he needs to know.
I will do that, Your Highness.
Hwang is generous as well as bright. He'll make a great king.
Of course he will.
Hwang, you must become like King Sejo.
Your Majesty.
Congratulations on your son becoming the crown prince.
Congratulations.
Thank you.
I trust all my royal relatives will serve both me and my son loyally.
We will.
My great-grandmother forbade royals from getting involved in politics,
but I trust you all will be the first to come to my aid...
when I am threatened.
You, my relatives, are the people I can really trust.
I don't like how a few old men and young officials control things.
Who did King Taejo establish Josun for?
He established it for us, his descendants and relatives.
You're right.
But some officials look down on me.
I will show them who is in control.
But I need your support to do so.
We will do your bidding.
Your Majesty!
I, your faithful servant,
will serve you with my life!
Thank you, Minister Lim. I'm glad I have your support.
Let us all enjoy ourselves today.
Now it's time...
for you to leave the palace.
Pardon?
But I want to stay with you.
No prince can stay in the palace once we appoint a crown prince.
You must lie low and stay out of trouble.
That's what a prince must do.
Why did you drink so much?
I was happy and got carried away.
- Miss Choi, bring a pillow. - I will.
Wait until I prepare the bed.
Queen Shin.
Today was an important day.
From now on, no one will doubt my authority or legitimacy.
Why are you saying that?
You won't understand.
My mother got deposed and thrown out.
I was so lonely and scared.
I tried so hard to separate myself from her.
It was suffocating.
I won't put my son through that.
I'm so glad he has you, his mother.
The king sent this as a gift.
Thank you so much.
If only So-hwa were here to hear the news herself.
Did she leave nothing when she died?
Lord Kim took everything away.
Mother.
I'm sure the king will clear her name one day.
Clear her name?
You didn't know that...
Mr. Jung framed her and got her killed?
Mr. Jung?
Gi-hyun, stop talking nonsense.
Don't you even care?
If So-hwa were still alive, I'd be a minister by now.
Who are you, old man?
What, you are me? That's nonsense.
Dr. Yang, I have a question.
Ask away. I'll tell you...
everything except what I don't know.
Around the time Mrs. Yoon was killed,
was there a eunuch named Mr. Jung?
Why do you ask?
I'm just curious.
Where is he now?
You fool!
What was that for?
I don't know why you asked, but I might as well answer.
Here. Look.
The man you see is Mr. Jung.
The fool who caused chaos and ruined his life by living for his overambition.
Life is...
but a dream
Are you bribing me, Minister Lim?
I'm just asking for a chance to serve the king even better.
If you really want to serve the king,
stop trying to bribe people.
Come up with policies that will do some good.
That's what you should do.
Take this away.
I heard you embarrassed yourself.
It's just not my time.
I'll do something great soon.
Of course you should.
Mr. Kim, what's wrong?
Nothing, sir.
You're on the king's good side.
Put in a good word for me and my son.
I will.
You have my trust.
Excuse me.
I have a question, sir.
Go on.
You've been around for a long time, so you should know about Mrs. Yoon.
Of course I do.
Was there a Mr. Jung, Captain of Investigations?
The man they tried to arrest for framing her?
Pardon?
Did you say he framed her?
So rumors said.
Find this Jung Han-soo, wherever he is.
Keep it a secret.
Yes, sir.
Well done.
I'll reward Mr. Lee and his men.
Thank you very much.
Lord Kim, what do you think makes a king a king?
I think it's his righteousness.
However righteous he is, the ministers won't support a weak king.
And a powerful but unrighteous king won't survive either.
A king needs both power and righteousness.
Lord Kim.
I want to flaunt my power. Increase the number of bodyguards.
But that means we'll need more money to pay their salary.
Do as I say. I will pay for the expenses.
Are you alright?
You have to wash them again.
It's alright.
I can manage on my own.
I don't think you've fully recovered yet. Take care.
What is it?
We found Mr. Jung.
You beast.
You should beg for food, not steal from beggars.
Cut off his hand!
Yes, sir.
- Why that... Get him! - Yes, sir!
Stop!
Leave him alone.|
It's none of your business.
I thought you'd run away. Why are you still here?
Why are you here?
You want to kill me for giving Mrs. Oh the journal?
You're as good as dead to me. Why should I want to kill you?
Sir, please hire me back.
What?
I got castrated to escape poverty.
But now I can't even afford my mother's memorial service.
My mother would be devastated.
You know...
I got into trouble trying to save our department's reputation.
Use your influence and get me a job.
You still want to be a eunuch?
It's the only legitimate job a castrated man can do.
You brought it on yourself.
If you want to live, leave the capital.
Go far north.
Or cross the ocean to Japan.
If I see you again, you're a dead man.
How can you do this to someone who risked his life for your department?
I'm doing this as a favor. Get lost.
What brings you here, sir?
Are you busy?
It's hard work, trying to hire more bodyguards, but I'm alright.
I'm worried about Ja-won.
What do you mean?
I heard he's asking people about Mr. Jung.
About Han-soo?
I'm worried his loyalty for the king will take him too far and cause trouble.
Watch him carefully.
Hey, bring me some wine.
You'll ruin my business! Get out of here right now!
Wine! I want wine right now!
What do you think you're doing?!
May I serve you some of my wine?
Mr. Noh's rich and powerful son, who was also Captain of Investigations.
What in the world happened to you?
You're mistaken. Thanks for the food.
Don't you want to work as a eunuch again?
I'm Kim Ja-won and I serve the king.
What do you want?
The truth behind Mrs. Yoon's death.
You have the wrong man. I know nothing about her.
If you leave now,
you'll be beheaded for framing her and getting her killed.
But do as I say and...
I'll get you a job in the department again.
Why are you blocking my way?
Lord Kim is looking for you.
What do you want with Mr. Jung?
I heard he framed Mrs. Yoon and got her killed.
- I wanted to find out... - Shut it!
Why do you care?!
Do you want to start another bloodbath?
I just wanted to reveal the truth.
You should work at a regional office.
Pardon?
No, the king needs me.
Disobey my order and I'll have you thrown out.
Now I see you look a lot like my mother.
Do you still remember her face?
How could I ever forget it?
She was very beautiful.
I wish I had an item of hers to keep...
What is it?
Ja-won, why are you crying?
I came to say farewell and couldn't help it.
Forgive me.
What? Say farewell?
Please don't send Ja-won away.
The paperwork is already done.
I won't force my way on you.
But I've known him since childhood and I want him around me.
You were my father's friend, so I'm sure you'll understand.
Can you let him stay?
You must never mention Mrs. Yoon ever again.
Do you promise?
I give you my word.
You're excused.
Thank you, Lord Kim.
Commoners are building houses beside the palace walls.
I want you to have them all torn down.
We can't do that.
Then the people will have nowhere to stay.
You must be kind to your people if you want their respect.
Accept our advice.
Then you build houses for them.
I'll have those houses torn down. Think of what to do for them.
The ministers say they're loyal, but they're all talk. They do nothing.
They say they care for the people.
So why don't they want to spend their riches for the people?!
If I could, I'd seize their riches and hand it out right now.
Please calm down. You can't force them to donate their money.
That's why it's so upsetting.
What good will talking about policies do to feed the starving?
They live on the people's tax money. How could they be so selfish?!
This is all happening because they don't take me seriously.
Now that I know how they really work, I just can't stand them now.
I need to drink. Alcohol is all I want for now.
How can I trust them with my people? How?
What's wrong?
I can't believe it's been 2 0 years already.
Hurry up.
What is that man doing here?
He will tell you that your mother was innocent.
What? What did you just say?
Speak to him yourself.
Who are you?
I am Jung Han-soo.
It's an honor to see you, grown up and a king.
Do you know me?
I was Captain of Investigations. I uncovered many evil schemes.
Mr. Jung, Captain of Investigations...
Aren't you the man who was on the run for harming the royal family?!
You are mistaken.
I was framed while trying to reveal your mother's innocence.
You fool!
How dare you lie thinking I was too young to remember!
Would I dare come here to see you when I'm not sure of my innocence?
I came to tell you the truth behind your innocent mother's death.
What do you mean, she was innocent?
She was framed, which got her deposed.
She was killed for trying to poison Queen Junghyun.
Who framed my mother?
Was it the ministers?
Or the concubines?
Why won't you answer?
Who framed my mother, the queen?
Tell me! Now!
The royals, ministers, concubines, and ladies and maids all took part.
What?
Why did they frame my poor, innocent mother?
Why did they get her killed?
She had no political backing.
She was an easy target.
They mistook her honesty for arrogance.
The women all turned against her.
She was lonely, so alone.
Everyone gave her a hard time...
until she was deposed for being jealous.
That's impossible.
If she was innocent, why didn't my father protect her? Why?
He never knew the full truth. He only heard bits and pieces.
Why are you telling me this? What is it you want?!
I just want you to know the truth.
People might say she's a criminal who deserved to die,
but shouldn't you at least know she was innocent?
The king will appreciate your loyalty.
If all goes well, you'll get a job here.
Thank you. I should get going.
Resist and we'll kill you.
Lord Kim wants to see you.
I'll go there myself.
Gong-shin, please excuse us.
But he might hurt you.
It's alright, leave us.
Yes, sir.
Sit down.
I, the eunuch who passed every test with flying colors is now a fugitive,
while the shaman's son is head.
Such is life.
You should still be arrested. How dare you visit the king.
What did you tell him?
I told him about his mother.
What?
Shouldn't he know the truth?
How dare you talk about her.
I paid my due for 2 0 years.
But everything I did was out of loyalty for the department and...
Shut it!
If you ever talk to and upset the king again,
then I'll kill you myself. So get going.
Sure. See you around.
Are you in?
Come in.
Sit down.
Why did you let Mr. Jung see the king?
Didn't you promise you wouldn't mention Mrs. Yoon?
Please send me away.
I wanted to cover up what I knew,
but I couldn't not tell the king.
I did it knowing I'd be punished. I fear nothing at all, sir.
How can I punish you when I myself went through this?
But...
sometimes truth can be worse than a lie. This is your last chance.
If you mention her to the king again, I won't forgive you.
Be warned.
Yes, sir.
The royals, ministers, concubines, and ladies and maids all took part.
Why are you telling me this? What is it you want?!
I just want you to know the truth.
People might say she's a criminal who deserved to die,
but shouldn't you at least know she was innocent?
No, it's impossible. It's impossible!
What do you mean, all he has is wine?
He won't even touch his food.
Oh dear...
I should go and ask him what's wrong.
I heard he's trying to persuade the ministers to help the people.
We should give him some space to think.
Why are you just drinking on an empty stomach?
I'm worried you'll become ill.
I want to be alone. Leave me.
How can I leave you when you look so distraught?
What is it? What is making you so upset?
I can't trust anyone.
Everyone deceived me. Everyone kept the truth from me.
What do you mean?
I am your wife.
What is there you can't tell me? Tell me.
The royals and ministers ganged up on my mother.
My father killed her, the love of his life.
My mother will be crying in her grave.
She was so wronged.
And you want me to eat?
I don't know what you heard, but it's probably a lie.
Someone is trying to upset you, to make you angry.
Who is it? Who told you such a thing?
Are you on their side too?
How could you... ?
Leave me alone. I want to be alone!
Han-soo did something terrible.
If the king gets too upset, we'll end up in another bloodbath.
There's only one way to calm him down.
What is that?
You go and tell him the truth.
You want me to add oil to a fire?
As Head of Eunuchs, you must protect the monarchy.
I'm sure you'll know what truth to tell the king.
Your Majesty, Lord Kim is here.
I don't want to see anyone. Leave.
I said I want to be alone. Why did you come in?
Your Majesty, please forget about your mother.
What?
Until when will you go on drinking when you have work to do?
Lord Kim, I'm confused.
Queen Insoo and Mr. Jo said she was killed for being jealous.
But Mr. Jung said...
she died because the royals and ministers framed her.
Who's telling the truth?
You've always been there for me, comforting me when I missed her.
Tell me the truth. I'll believe what you say.
All I know is that she was worried about you until the minute she died.
But you succeeded your father, like she wanted.
You even built a shrine for her. She will be at peace now.
I asked for the truth.
She won't want you to dig this up.
And she won't want you to be sad.
So don't ask about her anymore.
She gave birth to me.
How can I not look into it when she's innocent?
Could you if you were me?
I'm afraid of Queen Insoo and the ministers I trusted.
I'm afraid of finding out what the men and women I trust really did.
But...
how can I ignore the fact that she was framed and wronged?
How can I live with those who killed her?