Episode 59
Mr. Jo.
You want to replace the king?
If the king sheds blood in his mother's name,
you will have to make a stand.
No way.
We will never go against the king for as long as I'm in charge.
If you ever say such nonsense again, I will not forgive you.
That's exactly why...
I didn't help your father back in 1 4 5 7.
Yet you think I betrayed him.
If the king goes against the ministers,
he'll lose his own footing and end up like his mother.
That's what I'm worried about.
The king...|
will never be replaced.
If, for some reason, all hell breaks loose,
our department will go down with him.
I'll pretend I heard nothing today.
Beware of... Ja-won.
One small leak can sink a huge ship.
Get rid of him while you still can.
I will when I see fit. Stay out of it.
Stop Mr. Jo before he's in over his head.
We're no longer family, but I don't want to go against him.
Your Majesty, Queen Insoo is here.
Let her in.
You haven't recovered yet.
What brings you here?
Why are you ruining...
all that your father accomplished?
How could you beat up the court officials?
I will beat up even my closest subjects if they dare to challenge my authority.
What?
So you want to become a tyrant?
Release the officials and apologize now.
I will make sure they respect my authority.
My father wouldn't want me to let them control me all the time either.
Your Majesty. You won't do as I say?
I'm not a boy who needs a regent.
I will take care of things. You should get some rest.
Lady Hong, you heard me.
Escort Queen Insoo out.
I will not move one step until you give in to me.
Then I shall leave.
What?
Your Majesty. Your Majesty!
Oh dear. Oh dear...
Don't be so angry.
I feel as if a weight is pressing down on me.
I'm the king.
But the ministers, officials, even Queen Insoo...
just won't let me have my way.
Minister Lim prepared...
a banquet for you.
Singing and dancing will do you some good.
I guess. I feel so suffocated.
What's wrong? Your Majesty.
Your Majesty.
What's wrong?
I just can't wash the blood off.
Calm down, there is no blood.
Don't you see how red my hands are?!
We'll all be dead if we don't do something.
We must think hard.
He reinstated his mother. I'm sure the worst is over.
No, you're wrong.
He won't end it here. I know him too well.
He takes after his mother too much.
You're a great dancer.
Lord Kim has called for you.
I'm off to my department.
Ja-won.
You've served the king all your life, so I'm sure you know him well.
Comfort him when you can and counsel him well.
I will do that.
Why did you become a eunuch?
Who chooses to become a eunuch?
I was sold to the school, I had no choice.
Do you resent your parents?
If you did, don't. They gave you a life, right?
I refuse to respect the people who sold me for some silver.
I'll make sure to track them down when I become rich and successful.
And I'll show them how well off I am.
The king has summoned Captain Kim.
I should get going.
I didn't know he was so full of hatred.
Gong-shin.
You were schoolmates. Look out for him.
We chose different paths.
Even then, you're both eunuchs.
Look out for him as a fellow eunuch.
Yes, sir.
Words cause trouble.
Talk can take a life.
- Close your... - Sir.
How are you feeling?
It still hurts where I got beaten.
That's why I brought you some medicine.
You're the best.
Thank you.
Tastes great.
The king has banquets every day, and so his subject drinks also.
I heard the king beat the officials.
I don't like what's happening.
He used to be so gentle and kind.
What happened?
One's nature never changes.
He used to watch where he stepped for fear of killing a tiny ant.
Yes, he did.
He's just sad and confused.
After a storm comes a calm. I'm sure he'll learn from this.
I'll sleep with you tonight.
I'll tell them to make the bed.
You don't want me to stay?
Excuse me?
Are you afraid of me?
That's nonsense.
Why would I be?
I'm afraid of myself.
However much I drink, I can't stop smelling blood.
I won't be able to bear this forever.
Call the bodyguards who resigned when I left the capital.
Yes, sir.
Make sure no one notices.
I will expel those who waste money...
without doing any work, and those who challenge me.
But I'll hire young talents,
and treat soldiers and guards like ministers and officials.
And commoners can apply for jobs and slaves can earn money.
Hand in any recommendations.
We old men should get ready to be fired at any time.
We should try...
not to upset the king.
You're his father-in-law, so you'll be safe.
He's letting more people work for money.
Isn't that a good thing?
What good is it...
if it'll get us kicked out?
How have you been?
Aren't you Queen Insoo's court lady?
She would like to see you.
Are you that afraid of the king?
What do you mean?
He's pressuring you and the officials.
Why aren't you doing anything to stop this nonsense?
But the king is taking care of state affairs...
He's using his dead mother...
as an excuse to behead corpses and oppress the officials.
You call that taking care of state affairs?
Where do you get the audacity to call yourselves ministers?
I am so disappointed in you.
She taught us an important lesson.
I guess we were too careful.
King Sungjong treated us well. We owe him this much.
I'm in charge of the banquets?
You put me in charge of the musicians and entertainers?
I did everything you told me to and this is how you treat me?
Don't be too upset.
Political and ministerial titles are influential only when...
it's peaceful and learned men are treasured.
The king spends more time drinking now.
Your position is worth a dozen ministerial titles.
But my title doesn't look good.
You think so even after seeing the ministers fear for their lives?
Power doesn't come from the title.
It's all about who is closer to the king.
Alright. I'll accept the title.
You won't regret it.
I heard you have a beautiful slave.
I'd like to have her pour me a drink next time.
Very well.
You gave your word.
Your Majesty!
Stop holding banquets!
Wait.
Why did you ruin my banquet?
I am your loyal servant.
I have something to say to you.
Go on.
Your Majesty.
Why are you having daily banquets when your people are starving?
Why do you threaten loyal men, beat the officials, and ruin your name?
Please remember your duty and...
You know that much...
yet you didn't say a thing when my innocent mother was being killed?!
Your Majesty!
Torture and imprison him!
Yes, sir.
Don't become a tyrant!
Your Majesty!
What's wrong? Continue.
Let's have a drink.
You're strong, considering your age.
Hello.
Your mother's at the temple.
I came to get a change of clothes.
I heard the king is beating his officials to death.
Take care not to worry your mother.
It's just a rumor.
A man never forgets the smell of blood.
A child remembers his mother because he smelled her blood.
I used to be a butcher, but I remember my first castration.
Once the king spills someone's blood,
he'll kill even more people to erase the smell.
Make sure that never happens.
I'll remember that.
She's a great girl. Don't let her go.
It's not like that.
You're planning to live alone forever?
You think your mother fell for me at first sight?
People grow on each other.
I should get going.
I should ban banquets?
Just reduce the scale and frequency.
The starving people will be upset when they hear about your banquets.
Show them you care about them.
Why don't you spend YOUR money on them?
I can eat porridge and wear rags just like they do.
But what good will it do if it won't put food on their tables?
I'll just be deceiving them.
I will hold huge banquets and show them how rich I am.
I'll also regulate the law so that no one suffers for nothing.
That's the least a king can do.
We're even worse off than before.
You're right.
But the king has a point.
It's so good to visit again.
It's been 2 2 years. I'm sure you're excited.
Will Queen Insoo welcome me?
Your daughter has been reinstated. I'm sure you'll be welcomed.
This way, please.
Lady Han, why did you let her in?
How dare a criminal's mother come into the palace.
Tell her to leave.
I will.
But she's the king's grandmother.
Let her say hello.
The king reinstated her daughter, but it doesn't mean she's been forgiven.
I will never forgive Mrs. Yoon.
She seems to be upset. You should come again later.
I think so too.
Ma'am.
Queen Junghyun invited you over.
You came all the way here. I should at least serve you some tea.
Don't be too upset.
I wouldn't dare be upset.
Congratulations on your daughter's reinstatement.
You're in charge of her memorial services now.
I know you loved the king as your own son.
I'm sure my daughter thanks you too.
I did what any mother would do.
Your Highness, the queen is here.
Let her in.
I told her to come over.
Hello, ma'am.
I don't deserve to be in your presence.
I'm so honored to meet you.
The king misses his mother.
Visit him often and comfort him.
I will do that.
What was that? Queen Insoo turned my grandmother away?
Because her daughter was a criminal. She was basically thrown out.
I was so embarrassed for Mrs. Shin's sake.
My mother got reinstated.
But Queen Insoo insulted my grandmother?
The ministers want fewer banquets...
because that's what she wants.
What? Is that true?
Yes, Your Majesty.
If she insults my mother's family, then I'll return the favor.
She wants to control me, but I'll show her who's in charge.
Listen carefully.
Han Chi-hyung turned a blind eye to my mother's death.
Behead his corpse.
His family will be made slaves, his riches seized and retained!
What did you just say?
The king ordered my cousin's corpse to be beheaded?
That's what I heard.
How could he... How could he insult my relatives?
He even sold his family as slaves?
This is unacceptable.
I must go and ask what is going on.
Calm down, Your Highness.
Out of my way.
I insist on finding out why he's insulting my relatives.
You can ask him after you've calmed down.
I will not let him get away with this.
Your Highness, the king is here.
How could you do such a thing?
Why are you insulting my relatives?
I won't repeat myself.
Take your order back. Pardon my late cousin.
I can't do that.
What?
You insist on insulting me?
Your uncle just watched my mother die.
Thanks to him, I have no mother, and it has threatened my eligibility.
I cannot pardon him.
But he is my cousin.
I know that.
I also know how devastated you'll be to see his family suffer.
But...
even a future king's mother was killed.
I can't forgive a criminal just because he's your cousin.
Am I wrong?
Please try to understand.
Your Majesty.
Whatever he did wrong, beheading his corpse is too much.
Please pardon him. He was loyal to your father.
He lived a good life because my father was good to him.
Any decent man would return all his riches when he dies.
The king ordered Queen Insoo's cousin to be beheaded.
How could he do such a thing?
Even those who have retired...
fear the king will bring up what they had done.
He wants to solidify his reign.
Whatever he's trying to do...
isn't making life easier.
I wish all this...
would just end soon.
These petitions are from the scholars, Your Majesty.
I don't have to read them to know what they say.
They want me to be merciful,
treat my subjects well, and be a wise king.
Ja-won.
Bring a pot and some oil.
What for, Your Majesty?
Just get it.
You're burning the petitions?
I will not listen to men who think they're better than me.
The court officials opposed me,
so I will strip them of their titles.
All court officials are dismissed.
Their offices will be closed.
Carry out my orders.
Please take it back!
May I, Kwon Sang-pil, say a word?
If you dismiss us all,
no one will shield you from the power struggle.
Don't forget why King Taejo established Josun.
Do you think wisdom alone is enough to rule the nation?
Then why did Confucius roam around and Mencius never become king?
They can teach what is right and what is wrong.
But teaching alone won't feed the people.
I meant...
Shut it!
Guards, behead this fool!
Yes, sir.
- Take him. - Yes, sir.
Your Majesty!
Does anyone want to join him?
Mr. Kim, bring them out.
I will.
Give them one each.
This... This is...
Wear those tags...
to every court meeting.
If anyone dares to talk back to me, he or she will be beheaded.
So remember what's written there...
and watch what you say.
Using tags to silence them, like a gang leader would.
How could a king stoop so low?
If he resorts to power to do everything,
the ministers will not work and everyone will sweet-talk him.
Doesn't he see even the brightest king can't do anything on his own?
Your Highness.
Why don't we bring in some concubines?
What do you mean?
The king wouldn't mistreat his own father-in-law.
And the ministers would serve him better.
Marrying him to some ministers' daughters won't help.
I'll have nothing to do with it, so do as you please.
Then I'll get the ministers to comply.
We must put a stop to the rift between the ministers and the king.
So I decided to bring in some concubines.
I feel bad for you, because you're his wife.
But your son is crown prince, so you will not be threatened.
I will accept anything for the king's sake.
Thank you for saying so.
The king rarely comes by these days.
Bringing in concubines will make you even lonelier.
It's to bring him closer to the ministers and become a great, wise king.
What wouldn't I do for his sake?
What brings you to see me?
I need your advice.
What advice could a retired eunuch give?
Since you're here, have some tea.
I just don't understand...
why the king dismissed the officials and made wooden tags.
You've served five kings.
You should know better than anyone.
Is this to avenge his late mother?
You don't know the king at all.
What?
The gods decide who becomes king.
Would he oppress the government over some personal vengeance?
Then... ?
He'll have thought long and hard about what to do with everyone.
What on earth is he after?
He wants to solidify his reign.
But this will not be the end of it.
Your Majesty, Lord Kim is here.
Let him in.
I'm glad you're here.
I was feeling a bit lonely.
Here, let me pour you a drink.
What's wrong?
I want to know what you want.
What I want?
The king I see now is not the king I once knew.
The government, even the people fear you.
If you have no one to support you,
you'll be left with nothing to rule.
You want to know what I'm doing?
Tell me.
After King Sejo came to the throne,
he rewarded so many men, he depleted the palace repository.
He had so many loyal men,
he was left with nothing.
My father hired young scholars because he wanted to reign in peace,
but it was also because he wanted to reward less people.
Now I'm king.
I want to be powerful, like King Sejo.
But what do I have to feed the royals and the people with?
Then... ?
I had no choice but to behead all the dead ministers...
to get to their riches to feed the people.
People think I'm using my mother to get my own way.
I will never make it up to her, even in death.
Here's a list of birthdates of the concubine candidates.
It's your job, so do as you please.
But there was a problem.
What is that?
Governor Hong's granddaughter is of marriageable age.
But he didn't register her as a candidate.
What?
I don't know what to do.
He doesn't want her to marry the king.
Still, the law is the law.
Tell him to register her.
Governor Hong didn't register his granddaughter?
So I heard.
A king needs concubines to increase the number of royals.
How dare he not register her.
He's insulting me, right?
You must punish him.
- Secretary, are you there? - Yes, Your Majesty.
Listen carefully.
Governor Hong insulted me, so dismiss and kill him!
Kill him for not registering his granddaughter?
How could he?
His tyranny is ruining our nation.
He'll be left with nothing. What is the world coming to?
Is everyone here?
The rest will be here in a few days.
Good.
Why did you summon us?
Mr. Jo will be needing our help soon.
Lie low until he gives the order.
Yes, sir.
People say Mr. Doh summoned the men faithful to him.
What? Are you sure?
Yes, I am.
Keep an eye on them and report to me.
Yes, sir.
You must decide whether to take the blame or replace the king.
The call is yours alone.
That mustn't happen.
Your Highness, Wolhwa is here.
I heard you were a powerful shaman.
I know you said I'd become queen even before I was a concubine.
That was 30 years ago.
I'm old and my powers have diminished.
I want you to tell Prince Jinsung's fortune.
Bring him in.
What do you think?
He'll be rich and live a long life.
He will live a long life?
That's what I see.
Thank you.
Don't tell anyone about this visit.
I won't.
Lady Park will pay you.
Then please excuse me.
Why did you get her to tell my fortune?
I was worried because so much is going on.
You must be careful, as a royal.
Make sure you never upset the king.
Remember what I just said.
I will.
Why did Queen Junghyun call you?
She wants me to pray for her.
The royals still appreciate your work.
But something isn't right here.
Don't worry. It'll calm down in due time.
Chun-dong.
Do you remember what the old shaman said before she left?
She told me not to show the son his mother's bloodstained jacket.
I didn't understand then, but now I see what she meant.
I think the man who showed it to him will bring on a disaster.
Your plan worked out.
I'm much closer to the king now that I organize the banquets.
I'm better off than any minister.
Serve the king well.
He's very upset and tired.
I know he is.
I'll find him the greatest beauties there are.
I trust you will.
I control the government and you can control your department.
We'll have all we need. Won't we?
Who was that?!
It's the evil Kim Ja-won!
Kill him!
They thought they could get away with that?!
Arrest men, women, and children,
everyone from that village!
Why did you arrest all the villagers?
I did it to teach them to respect the king.
What? What did you say?!
I serve the king himself.
Hurting me is like hurting the king.
They deserve to be punished severely.
You fool!
You're abusing the king's favor to ruin him?
I'll strip you of your title.
What did I do wrong?
Shut it!
Return to your room.
What I feared has happened at last...
A eunuch abusing the king's power for his own good.
This will ruin our department as well as the monarchy.
The people show signs of a riot.
Sir, Lord Kim is here.
Let's hear what you have to say.
I'll take responsibility for Ja-won's actions and resign.
But I came to make you promise me something first.
I know you got Mr. Doh to gather his men.
Even after I resign,
I will keep a close eye on you.
I don't want to fight a man who used to be my father.
Please remember that.
You're right about resigning over what happened.
But why don't you see that the king is at the root of this?
Even the people live in fear of the king now.
If you wish the king well,
make sure he fears his people, and not the other way around.
Don't show the son his mother's bloodstained jacket.
If you wish the king well,
make sure he fears his people, and not the other way around.
Announce me.
Your Majesty, Lord Kim is here.
Let him in.
Go in.
Looking at this makes me want to cry as it reminds me of my mother's death.
I can feel the pain she was in.
Your Majesty.
Don't insult the great sacrifice she made for the nation.
What?
What did you just say?
Don't abuse her death.
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