Episode 8
She had a daughter...
Yes, Your Highness.
Oh no...
Kim Sook Won is greatly devastated.
I'm sure Kim Ja Jeom is much more devastated than Kim Sook Won.
It would have been very nice if she'd had a son...
Let me take a look at her.
My, you're pretty!
My Lady, you should try holding her.
She looks just like you when you were a child.
Just hold her once--
I told you to throw it away.
I don't want to see it.
That temper of hers...
What did the child do wrong?
Oh my! My grand-daughter must be hungry!
Look at how you're moving your mouth!
If Kim Sook Won had given birth to a son
what would my daughter-in-law's reaction have been like?
My daughter-in-law is a strong-willed woman.
The Crown Prince has a passive personality
so I chose an aggressive girl for him.
If anyone is planning a rebellion
it is not the Crown Prince but his wife...
What do you think?
If the barbarians use the Crown Prince to push me out of the throne
You must find a new Queen as soon as possible
and give birth to a new prince...
Are you saying to use a new Queen to build a new government?
My head hurts enough as it is right now, you fool!
Is it not easy to catch a bird eating from the trap you set up?
I must somehow wipe them all out in a single sweep...
Kim Ryu... Kim Sang Hun and Choi Myung Kil as well.
Your Highness...
There should be no problem in bringing back Kim Ja Jeom at this point.
Would it be okay?
A loyal dog does not bite its owner.
Even after everything I put him through?
Even after several beatings
a loyal dog is that much more faithful to its owner.
I still can't trust him just yet.
The look in Kim Ja Jeom's eyes when he looks at me...
Die! Die you fool! Die!
Keep a close watch on Kim Ja Jeom.
Until he reveals his motives
we cannot give him even the smallest bit of power.
Bring in a new Queen...
Have a drink as well.
What can we do.
It's nothing we can control.
I think it'd be best if you let the girl go now.
Why?
It seems His Highness is preparing to bring a new Queen to the throne.
Jo Chang Won's daughter.
You already knew?
A man by the name of Shim Ki Won has him on his back
and is going around talking nonsense.
What about coming up with a different plan...
- Court Lady Kim. - Yes, My Lord?
Even if Jo Chang Won's daughter is selected to become the next Queen
she is just a 15-year-old girl.
She has a long way to go until she can bear a child.
So if Kim Sook Won has a son before then
everything will go according to my plan.
Will that be that easy?
His Highness has already stopped visiting Kim Sook Won's quarters.
Is that so?
He's been going to see Court Lady Lee
at least once every two days.
Making His Highness go back to Kim Sook Won
is your job.
Making Kim Sook Won give birth to a son
is my job.
Did you not say that is something you cannot control?
We have to make it possible.
You... underestimated Kim Sook Won.
She is not a girl to just step down like this.
You've made the right decision, Your Highness.
It is only right you bring a new Queen to the throne.
If you know any suitable women
please give your recommendation.
What do you mean give recommendations?
Of course you will release an official order
and find appropriate candidates--
How can we take traditional steps given the current situation?
Exactly what kind of situation is the current situation
for us to glaze over His Highness's wedding process?
I'm not saying to glaze over it--
That is exactly what you're saying!
If there is an appropriate solution he may have a point--
What do you mean?
I agree as well.
Is there someone you have in mind?
Please be clear with me.
When you nagged me about it for days
does that not mean you've had someone in mind?
Since you ask...
What do you think about Jo Chang Won's daughter?
Who is Jo Chang Won?
The family comes from Yangju
and he is the son of Minister Jo Jun Sung
and is currently working with his father at the Incheon post.
You seem to know a lot of details.
Jo Jun Sung was the lead prison guard
and fought against Shimyang which means you don't have to worry--
Then let's do that.
Let's do that, I said.
It's for the better.
Imagine if we took all the proper steps like Kim Sang Hun said.
The court would have so much to say
it would take a very long time to select a Queen.
How old is Jo Chang Won's daughter now?
I was told she is 15 years old.
She will turn 16 in the new year.
Did you say 15?
Yes.
Is she not too young?
His Highness is now...
What difference does age make?
To take care of His Highness who is getting older
a younger Queen would be better suited.
The Queen's quarters will be brightly lit once again.
You must take care of yourself after giving birth.
You don't look so well...
It is because I don't see a way to survive.
Will you give me one more chance?
A new Queen will be selected before the end of the year.
It works out since you're in no condition to comfort His Highness right now.
Slowly restore your health
and we will wait for the next opportunity.
I have a good idea.
Say what it is.
I just need to have a son.
That's right.
Even if I am fortunate enough to be pregnant again with His Highness's child
is it not useless if I have another daughter?
That's right.
Then... if I do whatever it takes...
and just have a son... isn't that all that matters?
Father, how about we do this?
Please listen to me--
I do not know if you and I are thinking the same thing
but in the least, you are thinking what I am thinking.
Restore your health first.
His Highness will grow tired of Court Lady Lee very quickly.
When you are ready to lay with His Highness once again
then we will see if you and I are thinking the same thing.
Do you understand?
Yes... Father...
When selecting a Queen
it was customary for the Queen Mother to summon the candidate she liked.
However, since the Queen Mother had died and there was no other female figure in the palace
they sent a Court Lady in her place
to look over Jo Chang Won's daughter.
If they were to have followed tradition
an official order should have been released to gather candidates.
In a palace where the King had surrendered the nation
there was no choice but to carry out the selection process in secret.
I will take a seat.
You are shedding tears!
Did something upsetting happen to you?
Please tell me.
The thought of leaving my parents
just brought tears to my eyes without me realizing it.
Is that so?
I'm sorry.
You must not be ready to get married yet.
It just happened so quickly...
Do you know who the groom is?
I was told it is His Highness.
Are you not excited?
It is something I never thought of
so I am more afraid than excited.
Are you done already?
Yes.
You should at least have some tea.
I will come back another day.
I think she's been eliminated.
Did you do as I told you?
I also added on my own answers.
What did she ask you?
Didn't I say you must make her not like you?
That you must be eliminated?
Father, I would like to become Queen.
Did you not hear me when I told you the perils of becoming Queen?
It is a title that also comes with becoming the mother of our nation.
When selecting a Queen
you must not be elaborate
and try to be as conservative as possible.
Yes, Your Highness.
I will make an announcement that Jo Chang Won's
daughter is to become my Queen.
Yes, Your Highness.
Two announcements were made that day.
One was that Jo Chang Won's daughter would become Queen.
The other was that Kim Ryu would be stepping down as Prime Minister
and that Choi Myung Kil would be promoted to Prime Minister.
What do you mean Choi Myung Kil will be Prime Minister again?
He's probably taking one away since he gave us one.
Do not be too upset.
The Queen will be in our hands. What's there to worry about?
His Highness will probably bring back Kim Ja Jeom
and give him a position in the government
What talents would that man have?
You say that because you do not know Kim Ja Jeom!
I have a plan.
You don't have to worry about Kim Ja Jeom, My Lord!
My time has come!
Let's go to Jo Chang Won's home!
Yes sir!
What did you pray for?
I prayed that our family's name will be restored.
Once we prove Uncle's innocence--
My child!
Yes Father
It will be like sitting on a bed of needles.
It's a place that's more than what you think you can handle.
I am aware.
Once you enter the palace, live quietly as if you don't exist.
Just be relieved if your life is not threatened.
I will engrave your words deep inside my heart.
[Queen Jo - later Queen Jang Ryul]
You missed quite a sight!
Her Majesty was so gentle and beautiful
my eyes hurt!
I'm upset enough as it is and you just add on to it!
No use in being upset!
We must know what the new Queen is like
so we can find a way for Kim Sook Won to survive.
What do you mean survive?
There's a young Queen so she's absolutely useless now!
Her Majesty is quite mature!
Don't you think?
She looks healthy, which puts me at ease.
She will most likely not be familiar with the rules of the palace
so you will have to take good care of her.
Of course.
Are you not feeling well, Kim Sook Won?
You do not look well.
My stomach hurts. Are you satisfied?
So rude...
Bow down!
Bear offerings.
A thousand years!
- A thousand years! - A thousand years!
Here! Pour me a drink!
Will the drink an old woman pours for you be exciting at all?
Even if my mother-in-law pours it.
They say that alcohol tastes best when poured by a woman.
If that's the case...
The new Queen...
will not be able to avoid sleeping alone.
I have never seen a man who does not like young girls.
That man is different.
Are you saying His Highness is flawed in some way?
Flaw, you say?
I suppose you can say shyness is a flaw.
So he's shy around girls?
Is that what you're saying?
When around precocious women
His Highness becomes soft and shy.
He loses all confidence.
When around learned, educated, and intelligent women
he becomes so cruel and treats them like servants.
Do you know where His Highness releases all that anger?
Had you seen it you would have been astounded!
We jumped the palace walls
and kidnapped a widow he'd picked out in advance...
That's why Queen In Hyul had him on such a tight leash!
She caught him many times.
Just the thought of it makes me nauseous.
That dirty man.
He'll ask for me again.
Our Yam Jun of all girls is a perfect match for His Highness.
This time, use every secret known to mankind
and make sure she has a son.
There is a secret to having a son...
That place was never yours to begin with, Your Highness!
You were just very fortunate!
So you must give it back.
Isn't that so, My Lord?
[Queen Jo - later Queen Jang Ryul]
Please wait just a bit, Your Highness.
We will send someone to the King's palace--
Please do not rush things.
I... am okay...
Your Highness!
Please come with us to the Queen's quarters!
Advisor Kim!
Your Highness!
It is getting late!
Your Highness, you should go and see Her Highness now.
Pour me another drink.
Now!
I got re-married like they wanted. Isn't that enough?
If you do not go, Your Highness
Her Highness will be very lonely.
They said the Queen is 15 years old!
If I say I spent the night with a 15-year-old bride
what will they say about me behind my back?
That Shim Ki Won...
intentionally picked a 15-year-old Queen to mock me!
What about His Highness?
We went to bring him here.
People will talk.
Just make sure your ladies do not talk.
And who will take off Her Highness's headpiece?
His Highness slept in Court Lady Lee's room last night.
Her Highness stayed up the entire evening waiting for him.
He was probably humiliated.
To touch a young girl who still smells of breast milk.
You're quite talented.
What secret skills do you have that kept His Highness with you all night?
- I have a few tricks. - Really?
Share a few with me.
If you wear celandine and a raccoon heart with you at all times as a talisman
they say that men stick to you like glue.
Celandine and raccoon heart?
My! That's so crude!
What does it matter if it's crude?
I must give it a try as well.
Did something funny happen?
Were you also wearing the talisman?
What do you mean talisman?
It's too crude.
I hear you've made quite an impression!
Her Highness will not forget what you've done for a very long time.
It must be our turn.
Let's go on in.
Yes, sister!
You go in later.
Please...
Know your place, I tell you.
I will make sure to live just to see that girl die!
Do not worry, My Lady.
I asked my brother
and I will bring you something that will silently kill her.
You must bring it to me before His Highness sees her again.
That is the only way for me to survive.
Do you think His Highness would go to see her again?
You don't understand how fickle His Highness is.
He is an unpredictable man.
Her Highness seems quite healthy.
I like her quiet personality.
Is that how you saw it?
I thought she was an old woman inside a child's body.
Now that you mention it, it does seem so.
But what is it to us?
It's Court Lady Lee or Kim Sook Won that should be worried.
That's right. We can just sit back and enjoy the show.
[Queen Jo - later Queen Jang Ryul]
Do you have something to say?
If you do, please say what it is.
No I do not.
Your Majesty
Do you know what kind of place the palace is to come here?
In my year here, I've been stabbed many times with a poisoned needle.
What do you mean poisoned needle?
I am telling you I overcame many life-threatening situations.
Is that so?
Your Highness
you must not trust anyone in the palace.
When darkness falls on the palace
there is only one sane man within the walls of the palace.
The royal concubines pray while
the elder court ladies to young servants
all sit and wait for His Highness.
So battles, schemes, and mischief are inevitable.
Is it really that dangerous a place?
Your Highness.
You are not safe just because you are the Queen.
Especially since a young woman is now Queen
countless individuals who have been after your throne
will try to bring you down in any way possible.
I did not know it was like that here.
Your Highness, I've told you I overcame many life-threatening situations?
When I reflect back on each incident
I was able to somewhat figure out how to protect myself.
Your Highness...
I will protect you.
Thank you.
Starting today, please call for me for meals so we can eat together.
Even water, you must let me try it first before you drink it.
And any tonic drinks that the doctors bring you
you should let your ladies try it and only have it
three to four days later if they are all okay.
Do you understand, Your Highness?
It's hard to believe what I'm saying, isn't it?
There is nothing wrong with being cautious.
You probably think I have lost my mind.
I am okay with that.
One day, you will believe what I am telling you.
Go on in. I've put in a word with her.
My Lady, your words were too harsh.
It's not like I lied.
Who would do such horrendous--
- I'm going to want to do it! - Excuse me?
Just wait and see. You will drive yourself crazy.
Is it true His Highness has selected a new Queen?
Yes...
Were you not aware of it?
I...
Shouldn't the Crown Prince be the first to hear about such things?
I apologize, Your Highness.
The Crown Prince should have been at the ceremony!
I...
told them not to tell you.
Then...
Does that mean you knew about it?
There is no way they would let me go back!
What do you mean there is no way?
Have you even tried speaking to them about it?
Well...
Are you saying you didn't even try mentioning it?
Fine.
I will go get permission.
It's useless!
They act like they don't even hear us!
Crown Princess, where you are going?
What is it you need? You cannot go in there!
Stop!
Stand back!
Is it tradition in China for a son to not attend his father's wedding ceremony?
How dare you come in here uninvited!
I will ask you one more thing.
Was Joseon's Crown Prince brought here as a hostage
or is he here as a symbol of peace and unity between the two nations?
That is insulting! How dare a woman calling herself the Crown Princess--
What an evil woman!
She is a wiser woman than the Crown Prince.
She is not one to be taken easily.
Up to now, the Crown Prince of Joseon
has been proactively providing support to your government.
Have the Joseon people who were dragged here
ever caused trouble even once?
China is benefiting greatly from trade with Joseon.
In order for you to defeat other nations in this country
you need the supplies and cooperation of Joseon.
However, if you treat the Crown Prince as a hostage
Tell me what it is you want.
Please let the Crown Prince go back to Joseon.
While he was unable to attend the wedding ceremony
is it not only right that he pays his respects to his step-mother?
The Crown Prince cannot.
But if the Crown Princess would like to go I grant permission.
If the Crown Prince does not go
the people of Joseon will think
the Crown Prince is being held hostage here!
Did you not leave a newborn child behind in Joseon?
Don't you miss him?
Do people who are trying to break ties between a father and son
dare speak of maternal instincts?
Don't be stubborn. You should go.
Lucky. You're going home.
You should be going in my place.
I have no family and I am no different than an orphan.
Prince Do Reu Gohn has sent a gift to take back with you.
The head of the household died
and the servant that worked alongside him wept more tears
than the son who had moved to live elsewhere.
A father-son relationship is similar to that.
If you are separated for a long time
the heart also grows distant.
Until they defeat the Mungs
they will not let you go back to Joseon.
- So if for some reason-- - Stop.
That's enough.
The Crown Princess is right.
If anything happens to Your Highness--
Prince Bong Rim and I are alive
and His Highness has his people watching out for him!
You never know what will happen, Your Highness.
My step-mother is 15 years-old.
That is not an age to cause trouble!
There is no guarantee your father will remain King
to the day you are released and you return to Joseon!
I told you to stop!
You must face reality.
Your Highness...
why do you think I've learned to ride horses like the women of Manchu
and farmed crops with my own hands up to now?
It was to survive.
Though it may be the barbarians' way...
it is because we would not survive if we don't act accordingly.
Power is only given to those who reach for it.
The person that works harder to attain it...
To pick the person who thirsts for it...
That is power.
Get back... safely...
Let's go!
Where are you trying to go, Lady Kim?
I am here to see His Highness.
- His Highness is-- - I know he is in his quarters.
My Lady! Sook Won!
Stand back.
Your Highness...
are you going to let Her Highness sleep alone tonight as well?
What kind of habit is that?
Is it fun teasing the people below you like that?
Even on the night I came to the palace
Your Highness did not come to see me.
Advisor Kim, standing here, removed my headpiece instead of my husband.
Have you forgotten?
Go back.
I accepted that as my fate.
I accepted it as my fate and was going to live with it.
However, Her Highness is different.
She is now part of the royal family.
To shove away such a person in the Queen's quarter's--
You are out of place--
Think about it from the other person's point of view.
The other person is shedding tears of blood.
Your words--
How dare an advisor who can't even fulfill his manly duties...
Your Highness...
You should go to the Queen's quarters right now.
Is the mouse looking out for the cat?
Are you looking out for the Queen right now?
If the Queen is unhappy, it is more difficult for those below her.
Are you truly concerned for the Queen?
Your Highness...
it is only right that the royal concubines fight for your attention.
The hatred and competition they have are mutual.
They're mutual?
Meaning in the end, all our lives are sad and pathetic.
Let's get up now.
If Your Highness is unkind to Her Highness
it only worsens the battle among the concubines.
Her Highness was left alone! Would any of us want to miss such an opportunity?
She is a young and beautiful person.
The new Queen that is.
Since having a daughter
you've matured.
Had I given birth to a son, I would have been absolutely fearless.
I've lost my chance
so I've let go of my greed.
Okay.
Let's go.
Please die for me.
For me and your son...
My love...
I will make sure your death...
was not in vain...
Congratulations, sir!
I hear His Highness has ordered you return to the palace!
I have been told to report in as a royal constituent.
A royal constituent?
That is the second highest position!
Who cares if it is the second or third highest position?
As long as I am going back to the Royal Court.
You are right!
This is all thanks to Yam Jun.
You daughter is doing lots of good things for me!
You have saved me.
It wasn't much, Father.
It seems Her Highness will believe anything you tell her from now on.
Excellent job.
The Crown Princess is coming back from Shimyang
so a tornado will wipe through the palace.
Did you say the Crown Princess is coming back?
She's no ordinary woman.
Advisor Kim! Advisor Kim!
- Are they back? - Yes, Advisor Kim.
Hurry and let His Highness know.
Yes, Advisor Kim.
Your Highness. I am Advisor Yang.
Have you received news?
Yes, Your Highness.
Come inside and speak to me.
She left him behind when he was just a newborn.
I can't imagine how much she's missed him.
So how far along are they?
They passed Jangdan earlier this morning.
Is that so?
If that's the case, she will probably arrive early evening.
That sounds about right.
Pardon me, but...
Why are you hesitating?
Hurry and tell him what it is.
But they say she has just passed through Hongjaewon.
Hongjaewon?
That quickly?
The Crown Princess must be flying here because she misses her son so much.
Well... well...
It's not like that...
Why are you being so frustrating!
The Crown Princess is riding here on a horse, so she is traveling quickly.
What?
Riding here on a horse?
Did you just say the Crown Princess is riding here on a horse?
Yes, Your Highness!
What shameful news!
How can the Crown Princess ride in on a horse?
They look so happy.
This is all because of Your Highness's generosity.
Nonsense...
I am so humiliated I cannot lift my face.
Crown Princess...
Let's rest here for a bit before proceeding.
I miss my son so much! How can I rest?
- Let's go now. - Yes, Your Highness.
Stand aside! The Crown Princess is coming through!
Your Highness, pardon me, but you should change your attire...
If you wish to see His Highness...
I am in a rush.
I will change into something appropriate later.
Even the greatest female warriors do not ride around on a horse!
So how dare the Crown Princess do so!
Lower the palace doors
and don't let her take a single step inside the palace!
Subtitles by DramaFever
Have you locked all the palace doors?
She has probably come to see her son.
This is no place for you to speak!
I will accept any punishment. Please just let me see my son one more time.
Foolish man...
I am going to make sure the Crown Prince and Sae Sohn lead this country.
That wretched girl!
This is my last chance!
I hear His Highness has stopped coming by all together.
I just have to do whatever I can to bear the King's child!
Who are you?
If you're never going to see me again, please just kill me now.
I cannot live like this any longer!