Original subtitles

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[suspenseful music]

-It's gone that way, Sire.

[suspenseful music intensifies]

[horse neighs]

-Woah, woah, woah!

[Sung-Won grunting]

[heartfelt music]

[deer squeals]

[Sung-Won panting]

- Open your ears to hear the people.

Heed what they have to say.

First calm thy heart,

and serve the affairs of the nation.

THE CONCUBINE

[people laughing]

-[Shin] Your Highness, I apologize once again,

but you know,

he's such a reckless boy.

[Shin laughs]

-Perhaps your son should come with us next time?

-Oh, no, sir. That boy is not my son, Your Highness.

He once saved my life in battle, so now he's like a son.

I decided to take him in, and he's become like a son.

[Shin laughs]

-Let's go! -Should I be scared?

The prince? The prince is nothing but a thief!

-Talk about His Highness one more time!

-[Deputy-Minister Shin] Fool!

You let go of that man at once!

-Did I do something wrong in the forest?

I hunted. I caught a deer.

Or is there an order against that, too?

-[Shin] How dare you!

-Lock him away this instant! -Yes, sir!

-[Hwa-Yeon] Kwon-Yoo?

[enchanting music]

- I apologize for the disturbance,

that scoundrel caused, Your Highness!

We'll deal with him appropriately!

Your Highness, forgive me!

[Sung-Won gasps]

-Just wait until the prince has gone away.

-Why?

[enchanting music intensifies]

What worries you so?

Don't worry.

-I hear these days you aren't reading very much.

Just rumors of you wandering out on mad hunting trips.

-Men must not simply study, or they'll fall weak.

They must hunt and--

-That is not what I meant.

Why do you persist in frequenting

Deputy-Minister Shin's house?

Because of his daughter?

[Queen Mother tuts]

A mere Deputy-Minister's girl?

-I've never felt this way--

-The court is always critical of the King's half brother.

Stay away from her.

-It is only natural that twice a day I visit you here,

as you are my stepmother.

-You still call me stepmother, Sire?

I fret these visits are only to keep watch on me.

-Absolutely not!

-With no son and not even a concubine,

they say I'm stopping you with ulterior motives.

-It's because I still mourn my late queen.

Though I know the King's duty is to remarry.

-While I am a stepmother,

I must still attend to all my courtly duties.

[King sighs]

-Then please,

go find...

a suitable queen for the court.

-I shall see to it immediately. Leave it to me, Sire.

-[butler 1] Who is it?

Sir! Come in!

-Please come in! -[Sung-Won grunts]

-Your Highness! You humble me!

-How... how could you...

-how could you do this to me? -Sir!

It's maybe a bit late.

Let us inside and have a conversation there.

[Sung-Won pants]

-You promised her, didn't you? Didn't you say she'd be mine?

-Yes, I did, of course,

but could I refuse an order from the court directly?

The court demanded it by name, Sire!

-What should I have done? -Why?

-Does she hate me? -Let's go in.

-Let's go in, sir! -Bring your daughter out here!

-Let's go inside! -I must, I must speak to her!

-Come in! -I must! Where is she?

I must speak with her. Go get her!

[romantic music]

-[Kwon-Yoo] You went against the court.

You'll have to run for your life.

-Without you,

I'm not going anywhere.

-What can I do?

I can't protect you.

-Just be here with me a while.

[romantic music intensifies]

[birds chirping]

[Hwa-Yeon screams] Kwon-yoo!

[Kwon-Yoo grunts]

Kwon-Yoo! Kwon-Yoo!

-Take her outside! -Kwon-Yoo!

[Hwa-Yeon screams]

-[Hwa-Yeon screams] No!

No! Let go!

-[somber music] -[Hwa-Yeon cries]

[Hwa-Yeon] No, Kwon-Yoo!

Kwon-yoo!

-[Kwon-Yoo grunts] -[Hwa-Yeon screams]

[Hwa-Yeon] Kwan-Yoo!

No, Father!

I said we should elope together! Kwon-Yoo is blameless!

-This is going to come out,

then we'll all be killed.

He'd be first but we'd be close behind!

-Just let Kwon-Yoo go.

-It's too late for that.

-Guards! -Yes, sir!

-I'll go to the court like you asked.

But if you kill him,

I'll die too.

-[Kwon-Yoo] Let go!

What have you done to her?

Hwa-Yeon! Hwa-Yeon!

[Hwa-Yeon sobbing]

[Kwon-Yoo] Hwa-Yeon! Hwa-Yeon!

[somber music intensifies]

-I can do it on my own.

There is an order.

There are steps to bathing as well.

-I'm not supposed to have any right to my own body?

-[eunuch] Your Majesty,

Prince Sung-Won is here.

-It's been a long time, brother.

I trust you've been well?

-I've just been roaming here and there, Sire.

I'm...

ashamed to see you...

so weak and pale, Sire.

-I feel much better now,

seeing you here.

I'm glad you came.

How's the world outside doing?

-Well, Sire, the grain and crops have...

now ripened completely.

Your people are making spirits,

with chrysanthemums blossoms.

-Recently, the King has been quite sick rather often.

No one knows what could be going on

I'm afraid not even the physician.

-He'll return to normal soon.

Your Majesty shouldn't worry about matters like that.

-You left so suddenly.

I was worried about you.

-The Queen was worried about me?

How terribly foolish of me to worry you.

-You returned safely. That's what's important.

-When I heard His Majesty was ill, I came immediately.

I'll try not to stay long in the palace.

I'll leave when he's well.

I'm a burden to you and my nephew if I remain.

-What burden?

You're welcome to stay as long as you'd like.

-Oh.

I should be going now.

I've taken enough of your time today.

-His Majesty sits there blue and lifeless.

It's clear to me

that someone is attempting to assassinate him.

-Assassinate?

-You mustn't speak that way. -Gentlemen.

-Calm down please.

The court physician knows what's best in this situation.

-The King suffers from boils and they weaken him.

They sap his energy,

-and he isn't eating right. -Well then maybe it's the food.

-If anything's wrong with his food,

let's talk to the kitchen matron.

She enjoys complete access.

-What you're suggesting is absurd.

When the king recovers we'll have lots of time

to investigate whatever you want,

-but not before. -What nonsense is that?

What's behind the illness,

that's the mystery we need to investigate.

[suspenseful music]

-[minister] Your Highness!

His Majesty is in a critical state.

If you wouldn't mind returning another day when he's better.

-How dare you bar me from him. I am His Majesty's mother!

-Move aside. -[in unison] Your Majesty!

Why do you keep me from seeing my son when he's sick?

Please let me through.

I must see how he is doing!

-His Majesty has to rest and recuperate on his own.

Ask her to go for today.

- What is the Queen implying?

That I'd somehow interfere with his recovery?

-Fetch me the acupuncture set. Hurry!

-Yes, sir!

[suspenseful music continues]

[King gasping]

-His breathing has stopped!

Please help him! What are you waiting for?

-Right here.

That's the vital spot.

[suspenseful music intensifies]

-[minister] Please, Your Majesty!

Appoint a successor!

We beg you!

Appoint a successor, Your Majesty!

[King gasps]

[gasping continues]

-Your Majesty!

[suspenseful music continues]

-[Hwa-Yeon cries] -Your Majesty!

Your Majesty!

-Your Majesty! -Your Majesty!

[ministers crying]

Your Majesty!

[in unison] Your Majesty!

[in unison] Your Majesty!

[crying continues]

Your Majesty!

[Queen sobbing]

-Long live the King!

Long live the King!

Long live the King!

-[Queen Mother] Nice work, Minister Yoon.

That took courage.

-Though,

the prince and queen are still alive.

And the Queen's father...

has many followers left in the palace.

-You don't think I can take care of a woman and her child?

Without the Left-State Minister and her father,

she won't last very long at all.

-Your Majesty.

We have to move first,

before the Queen Mother can.

-She has the power now, and she'll probably pick the king.

She's not to be underestimated, and not to be trifled with.

-Remember,

it's not just you. If you're ousted here,

then certainly the prince's life will also be in jeopardy.

And by the way,

this is the royal kitchen's log.

There's nothing in the book at all around the day

that the king fell ill all of a sudden.

-But that means-- -Yes.

The woman who records these logs is also missing.

-[tense music] Possibly hidden away in the palace,

down in the dungeons. I'm sure.

-Inside here? -I'm afraid so.

You and I have got to find her,

to see if she knows who exactly is behind this.

With enough evidence,

I can gather up forces,

with other ministers.

-What are you doing?

Stop it! Get out!

-They're conspirators of high treason!

Seize them!

-Yes, sir! -That's an absurd accusation!

You two faced traitor!

You have no respect for the law!

-There is a new heaven now!

-The queen's father has been charged with treason!

-What do you mean?

-The Queen Mother's ordered it, ma'am.

He is to be arrested for treason.

-You're all fools!

Who are you to deliver orders like that?

-Leave us at once! -Over there! Go!

Stop!

[Deputy-Minister Shin grunting]

-Fools!

-[Hwa-Yeon gasps] -Take him away!

DIARY OF THE ROYAL KITCHEN

[tense music continues]

-The robe was made for you,

dyed with red sage and immersed in lye.

It must be soaked hundreds of times to get this...

bright, blood-like color that's so special.

It absorbs all other colors,

and then shines even more brightly.

It's the color of the King.

-Your Majesty! -[in unison] Your Majesty!

-We're humble servants.

We don't take part in the court's affairs.

[traditional music]

We look after His Majesty's necessities.

We maintain the court's order and customs.

We are the invisible hands that keep the palace running.

We exist only for His Majesty,

and the royal court he wisely leads.

You must all remember and never forget that simple fact.

-[eunuchs] Yes, sir!

- It hasn't been long since His Majesty

was given the crown.

Thus, the court eunuchs will stand guard until he is ready.

Don't fall! If you fall, His Majesty is at risk!

-Stand and fight!

Stand and fight!

-Who's that young man?

-Minister Yoon said I should give him a try.

-Yoon, huh?

Interesting. He'll be running the place before long.

-You think so?

-Don't play dumb with me, sir. You're bad at it.

You're safe for now, but this is the court.

Anything can happen and it usually does, eventually.

You'll want to stick around a while.

It'll be a good idea to stick close to him probably.

-[chief eunuch] Worried about your position?

You sound like an old man.

-What's more important than that?

I almost lost my life last time, didn't I?

I'm not worried.

I'm sure you'll watch out for me.

[Pil-Woon laughs]

[Queen Mother sighs]

-Your Majesty.

You must put yourself beside the Queen, lying down.

Your Majesty.

Lie over her,

with the line your heart along her left side.

First,

your lips must touch gently and carefully.

Lick and suckle them.

Then Your Majesty must swallow a bit of her saliva.

Then softly caress down to her lower stomach,

touching just above her vagina.

- Then, caress down farther. - [tense music]

Wait until you see her breasts become firm,

then grasp them,

and massage them slowly back and forth, Sire.

Your Majesty,

you may now begin intercourse with her.

The queen must grab his waist.

She must take his royal penis in her hand,

and accept it into her royal vagina.

Sire. Sire, I am ready for you.

You can put it in me now.

[Sung-Won grunting]

[concubine moans softly]

Take it slowly, Your Highness.

[concubine moaning]

-[Sung-Won grunting] -[concubine continues moaning]

[tense music intensifies]

Next,

in the rear position.

[Sung-Won grunting]

[concubine moaning]

[tense music continues]

Not yet, Sire!

You must try to ejaculate later, Sire,

- Later, Sire.

if you wish to impregnate her with a son.

-Please come back inside, Sire.

[Sung-Won sighs]

The Queen Mother,

if she were to find out...

-What did you learn?

-I couldn't get a word out of anybody in the royal kitchen.

All the maids run away when they lay eyes on me.

It's hard.

[Hwa-Yeon sighs]

-We have to figure out where the head of the kitchen is.

-Ma'am, I...

What do you know?

-Tell me everything!

-I don't know...

if she could still be alive.

But...

the other day,

I heard the eunuchs whispering in the courtyard.

Past the Queen Mother's court.

and beyond the hall where they do laundry.

They said there's a secret pathway that goes underground.

No sunlight gets through,

and they say it snows all day.

- Snows all day underground! - [suspenseful music]

It's a secret,

and only the Queen Mother's soldiers know about it.

And only they are allowed down there.

You wretch!

[Hwa-Yeon gasps]

Four years!

Four years without a visit!

I am the king's concubine.

Bow down!

Go and fetch a carafe of wine and some food.

The king is going to arrive for his visit soon.

What's taking the king so long?

-How'd you get out?

Let's you and me head back to your room, huh?

Let's put some makeup on, yeah?

A change of clothes?

-Why not? -Sounds good, right?

-Yeah. -[old lady laughs]

[soldier] This way.

-[tense music continues] -[lady crying]

-Your Highness!

Your Highness!

Your Highness!

I beg you, help me! You could get me out of here.

I was only listening to the

Queen Mother's commands. Help me.

-Relax.

You need to be quiet,

and look at this.

Is that your writing in that book?

-Yes, ma'am, it is.

-I wrote it. -Good.

Do you recall what His Majesty ate for lunch that day?

-Your Highness,

that day I'm certain the Queen Mother served him lunch.

-The Queen Mother?

She suddenly called upon His Majesty,

and ordered us not to prepare his lunch as usual.

[King sighs]

-What?

-Unhappy with today's soup, are we?

-It's just that...

-I've got indigestion today.

-Sire,

are you afraid that it might be poisoned?

-Of course not. -They say if His Majesty is ill,

well, the only reason for that is that I'm poisoning him.

-So she said,

but he had diarrhea all night.

[tense music continues]

-You two dare to disrupt the sacred order of the palace?

[prisoners crying]

Make sure that this punishment

will always live in their memories.

[prisoners continue crying]

-This fool in front of me,

remove his penis and make sure he watches!

And this one,

take out her womb and sew her genitals up!

Show them how strictly we keep order at the court!

-Yes, ma'am!

-[woman screams] -[man cries]

-Oh my.

Your hands are so soft, dear.

[Geum-Ok laughs]

I know, sir.

[Geum-Ok laughs]

[Geum-Ok gasps]

Your Maje-- Your Majesty!

-Who are you? -Sire,

kill me. I mean, please don't!

[Geum-Ok cries]

-I asked you a question.

-I deserve to die, I know!

-I believe she is Her Highness' handmaid from childhood.

-[Geum-Ok crying] -[Sung-Won sighs]

Please forgive me!

Please forgive me, Sire.

-What brings you to this humble shack this evening, Sire?

[Sung-Won laughs]

-I'm sorry I haven't visited.

I've been intending to since you moved here.

You disappeared last night.

Where'd you go with no guards to protect you?

-Well, my father's imprisoned right now.

What am I to do? Sit back and wait?

-I apologize.

Naturally, things around the court are busy.

[Sung-Won sighs]

And all the while, you've been devastated.

I'll personally see to your father's case.

You needn't be worried about that.

-Your Majesty,

I can't be another burden.

I...

I'm just happy to be alive right now.

And I'm very grateful.

[Sung-Won sighs]

-Well, it was empty here a while.

It must be quite uncomfortable.

[King clears throat] Anybody standing by?

Arrange furnishings appropriate for Her Highness's position.

-Sorry, Your Majesty. I can't.

The Queen Mother's already made decisions

about the furnishings.

-What?

Made her decisions?

[suspenseful music]

So,

you won't follow the King's order?

-Your Highness! Look at this!

[Geum-Ok laughs]

His Majesty sent over so many nice things.

This way!

-The Nakdong River flood control construction,

runs through and damaged a nearby tributary.

There was bad damage to all the farms nearby.

And then came the rains which wiped out

three hundred and twenty home in a single month

Over 200 people in the area have gone missing since then.

-Apart from what's required to keep

functioning, reduce their taxes.

Order the magistrates of every district

to send soldiers to help them rebuild.

We need them ready to plant.

-[Minister Yoon] Next is a list of pardoned criminals.

Sent from each district in honor of the coronation.

Excluding murders and those convicted of high treason.

Two hundred and eighty criminals in the capital,

and 137 elsewhere.

-What's going on? Am I invisible?

Why do things like that never get handed to me?

-His Majesty is still learning how the State operates.

-I think Queen Mother--

-Does it look like I'm learning here?

Just listening to ministers prattle on?

[Queen Mother clears throat]

-From now on, prepare reports for the King to see as well.

Continue if you would.

-The Queen's father is on the list?

[Queen Mother sighs]

-Have you completely lost it?

Do you not realize...

who it is exactly we're trying to get rid of him for?

Her father still has many followers who remain faithful.

When this turns ugly,

-there might be rebellion among--

-When you saw her,

did she beg you for his release?

-You kept watch on me?

No matter if you're acting regent,

the King still deserves respect!

-You've got a lot to learn.

In court and bringing up personal feelings.

Do you think a king would do that?

Have you forgotten how we got here?

If we don't take care of this, we could get hurt again.

We almost died when your court was burned.

I've never once forgotten about that.

-I beg you,

don't talk about that anymore, please!

-You can choose anyone

or anything in the palace, except her.

You will never touch that girl as long as you rule. Got it?

Go fetch all the eunuchs at the former queen's court!

In what way have I disobeyed you?

I've done everything you've asked of me, Mother.

I accepted Hwa-Yeon as my sister-in-law.

What more can I do to make you happy?

Is there any more I could have done for you, Mother?

-[man screams] -[suspenseful music]

[men crying]

-If the little bee will not agree

to be shooed away on his own,

we'll just have to pick the blossom then.

-I need a drink.

[Sung-Won sighs]

[suspenseful music continues]

-[Kwon-Yoo] Hwa-Yeon!

Hwa-Yeon!

-I brought you into my house as a son,

and you kidnap my daughter and defile her honor?

Hwa-Yeon! Hwa-Yeon!

-Remember why I let you live today,

and never come to the capital again!

-Guards! -Yes, sir!

I want you to castrate him and leave it for birds

Yes, sir!

[Kwon-Yoo grunts]

[Kwon-Yoo screaming]

-[Hwa-Yeon] Kwon-Yoo?

How did you here right now?

[Hwa-Yeon cries]

I thought you were dead.

[Hwa-Yeon sobs]

I prayed...

every moment of every day for you to be alive.

Kwon-Yoo.

It's so good to see you.

Alive and well.

-Kwon-Yoo died.

He died that day, madam.

-What does that mean, Kwon-Yoo?

You've got to help me.

Please, Kwon-Yoo.

I have no idea what's happening, I beg you.

I found evidence the king was assassinated.

-You must go back. -[somber music]

Don't you know?

I've become Minister Yoon's man now.

-What...

do you mean?

You're the only one...

in the palace who's on my side.

Kwon-Yoo,

how could you?

-Come now.

I'm not any good to anybody.

How could you ask for more?

You've already been made Queen.

[Hwa-Yeon cries]

-If you want to keep living, run away.

Live as a hermit.

Just be alone again.

Like you were.

Run away by yourself.

No visitors allowed.

-Even so,

the Queen is standing right there.

So maybe you could let her pass?

-If I let her pass, I'll die.

I'm sorry.

-My father's very old.

Could you bring him this, do you think?

It's rice porridge.

[people grunting]

[people coughing]

-[Kwon-Yoo] Your daughter sent this for you.

-You?

How are you here?

-That's a pretty risky move.

-My daughter...

my daughter's innocent.

-"I heard what happened...

from the royal kitchen matron.

Who should I go talk to about this?"

-Wait,

I'll die for the sins I committed!

But not her!

[Deputy-Minister Shin cries]

-Now you know,

you should've killed me when you had the chance back then.

-Stop!

Come back!

Don't go!

-How is the former queen doing?

-Well.

She's doing well, Your Majesty.

Visit her every morning and evening.

And make sure she's not uncomfortable.

-Yes, Sire.

-[Kwon-Yoo] What are you doing?

His Majesty knows...

persimmons will make his boils worse.

-And just who might you be?

Choong-Young, Your Majesty.

How did you know what I suffer from?

When you went to lean back on your throne you...

-hesitated for a moment. -So?

And what can one do against this affliction?

-Sire, blood runs quickly when the body is hot,

and slows when the body is cold.

Changing too fast can cause a boil.

It is best to avoid raw or cold foods.

-Especially on hot days. -Do I know you?

I feel like I know you.

-No, Your Majesty.

A lowly eunuch could never met someone like you.

-Give this one a promotion.

I've a good feeling about him. Make him senior eunuch.

Your Majesty,

in order to be a senior eunuch,

one must work in the capital over many years.

It took him over 20 years

to reach the position and serve here.

This man's only served a short while.

-What's that?

Is the king not allowed to promote his own eunuchs?

Why?

I suppose you only obey the Queen Mother and that's it?

-May it be so ordered, Sire.

-What brings Your Highness hereat this hour?

Is it because of this?

-Kwon-Yoo.

-Your parent will be executed at dawn.

Is it really worth all this trouble?

[suspenseful music]

That poor kitchen matron

lost her life because of what you've done.

-Madam? What's the matter?

I and this little prince,

we couldn't die with the former king.

So now I must watch my father's execution.

Sire, kill me before I have to see that, please?

-The penalty is far too high.

No matter how terrible a crime it was.

Please remove the order of beheading.

-I'm afraid the judges already ruled.

[suspenseful music continues]

-Please I'm begging you. Save her father!

I'll do anything you ask of me, I swear!

I won't visit her anymore if that's what you want.

-Many loyal ministers wish this to stabilize your reign

long into the future.

I won't discuss it further.

[Queen Mother sighs]

-Do you mean my ministers,

or are you referring to all the family

that you placed in the provinces?

Just because the former king didn't kill us,

she must suffer like this? For what purpose?

-Don't forget who you're talking to!

-You're just the regent.

I still rule this nation. I am the King!

I'm no puppet.

I'm no puppet, and I won't follow your commands.

-Sire! -Is the chief eunuch outside?

-[chief eunuch] Yes, Sire.

-Run quickly and stop the beheading.

-Your Majesty...

if you change the Queen Mother's order will--

-How about you then?

-This isn't up to us.

No judgments.

All gather and hear His Majesty's command!

Shin Ik-Chul and his men

have conspired to commit high treason.

[SINNER]

And have endangered all loyal subjects.

According to the national law,

-for this crime, -[TRAITOR]

-his entire family must die. -You fool!

You poisoned the late king,

and you dare speak of endangering his subjects?

Bring him forward.

[suspenseful music]

-Step aside!

I must speak with her now!

-Sire.

Sire!

Calm yourself, please!

-You!

[somber music]

[Hwa-Yeon crying]

[crying continues]

[Hwa-Yeon sobs]

[sobbing continues]

-Your Majesty, perhaps it's best if you go.

-How about that? I beat you again!

Well let's see about that.

Oh no, you did. Can I take back one move?

Take back another one? I'm sorry, nothing's free.

I've got nothing left but my balls.

Will those do?

Balls? That sounds great!

I've been dying for a pair of those.

I'll give you 10 moves!

[Pil-Woon laughs]

Did you pee on your feet or what?

Or stepped in shit, is that it?

-How is the game going?

-I always win and it's never fun.

Why? Court got you down?

-Thirty years of service.

I figured I was an expert.

But what's right and what's wrong?

Somehow I don't know.

-[Pil-Woon laughs] Not you, too.

It's hard to tell who's right and who's wrong,

because everyone is always right.

I came to this court and left my balls and reason at the gate.

The palace gate is littered with balls and reason.

Right or wrong has never been the question.

Just whether you have power or someone else.

Wait.

Did I just say that?

-Not bad at all! -Yes.

-Not bad at all. -[both laugh]

-What would you have done

if you hadn't become a eunuch for the palace?

-I'd have met a pretty young woman,

we'd have settled down, have kids.

[both laugh]

Just forget it.

Unless we die,

I'm sorry but people like us never leave here.

[Pil-Woon sighs]

[Pil-Woon gasps] Oh, man.

Trying to see whether my eyes will pop out of my skull or not?

I can't bear you skulking like that.

[Pil-Woon grunts]

KING

-These people,

it's obvious why they would plot treason.

Depose the former queen and her son.

And banish them from the kingdom.

-Your Majesty, please.

We ask you to punish her quickly.

We wish to avoid any harm she may cause in the future.

-Our king isn't joining, I suppose?

-Your Majesty, please,

You must give the order for the good of the palace!

-Please give the order for the good of the palace!

-You're going to have to convince the king as well,

so go and get evidence against her first!

You're all dismissed.

-[in unison] Your Majesty.

Please depose and banish the former queen and her son.

-Bring him in.

Why don't you look at me?

-Well, Sire,

since you are not in your royal robes,

I am terribly embarrassed to look upon you.

-This is embarrassing?

You should be embarrassed,

by your obvious ulterior motives, Chief Minister.

I'll ask you one thing.

What is the single, most important trait in a king?

-A king should demonstrate virtue in every action.

-Fine.

What's the highest virtue then?

-Compassion, Sire.

-Is banishing a widow and her helpless child compassion?

-Do you think that action's virtuous?

-Your Majesty,

you can kill us all if that is your will.

-You must consider the court-- -You're an idiotic old man!

I suppose you believe my mother

is going to stay regent forever. Is that it?

Gather the other minsters, and get out of my sight.

Or you'll find out what is my will.

Go back to your hole.

-[butler] His Majesty has arrived.

-Stay here.

I don't know what this is about,

but please return during the day.

-I heard you are ill.

-With my father's head hanging on the wall,

how can I be well?

-Is that why you're avoiding me?

Do you know...

what's happening now in the palace?

-Yes. I know very well, Sire.

They're discussing sending us into exile,

and seeing you here tonight with me

is precisely what they're looking for. So go,

Sire,

and don't come again.

-How can you be so mean?

Why am I keeping the throne?

Why am I holding myself hostage?

Why do you put me through this misery?

Yell at me instead,

for stealing from my nephew.

For allowing your father to be beheaded publicly.

Tell me you're mad. Just say what you want to say!

What's your name, maid?

-G-- Geum-Ok, Your Majesty.

-Why?

You're bringing her to your chambers?

-And why not, madam?

-[Geum-Ok cries] Ma'am, ma'am.

Don't let him do this, please!

Don't let me go!

-Please, don't let me go! -Get up.

-Let's go. -[Geum-Ok cries]

-Your Highness! Your Highness! Your Highness!

I don't want to go!

Your Highness!

[Geum-Ok sobbing] Your Highness!

-It's all as you wished.

Are you happy?

Happy to know have your revenge on us?

[Hwa-Yeon sighs]

I thought...

I thought you came to the palace for me.

[somber music]

[Hwa-Yeon cries]

And now?

[Hwa-Yeon sobs] Now what do I do?

-If you want to live,

if you want to leave the palace,

then maybe I can help you.

-Why?

Am I next?

-Do you know where I just came from?

I came from the wall.

I saw his head swinging up high.

[Hwa-Yeon sobs]

[somber music continues]

[Hwa-Yeon crying]

-She resents me, doesn't she?

-She's destroyed by the loss.

She's...

She's not even able to eat.

I'm not sure it'll ever get better.

-Tell me more.

Before she goes to sleep, how does she look in the evening?

-What?

Well,

she...

Her Highness she...

she changes her clothes. She...

She unties her hair,

and she sleeps in a white dress.

-Who takes off her clothes at night?

-I do, Your Majesty.

-How do you undress her?

Well, I start with...

with loosening the...

the breast tie.

-Do you bathe her, too? -Yes, Sire.

-How do you bathe her? -[tense music]

-She climbs into the tub.

[Geum-Ok cries]

It's scented with oils.

-Where do you wash her first?

-With...

with a fine cloth.

I wash her...

her breasts and her arms.

-Is she soft?

-Yes.

She's so soft and...

so pale.

-Go on. Tell me more. -Then she stands up.

I wash between...

her legs.

-[Geum-Ok crying] -[Sung-Won grunting]

-[Hwa-Yeon moaning] -[Kwon-Yoo grunting]

-[Sung-Won grunting] -[Geum-Ok crying]

-[Hwa-Yeon moaning] -[Kwon-Yoo grunting]

[tense music continues]

[Geum-Ok sobbing]

[tense music intensifies]

-Sire.

[Hwa-Yeon moans]

[moaning continues]

[Geum-Ok sobbing]

[Sung-Won grunting]

-This is your new room, madam.

You're not yet a concubine for His Majesty,

though you've certainly made an impression.

Please mind your behavior,

and please stay in this room and don't wander off.

-I won't, ma'am.

I understand.

-This one here will be your maid.

If you'll excuse me.

-Ma'am, is there anything you need?

-No thanks.

You may go.

- Yes, ma'am.

[Geum-Ok sighs]

[Geum-Ok cries]

[Geum-Ok laughs]

-Go away at once!

[Geum-Ok laughs]

Servants and maids!

[Geum-Ok laughs]

Sire.

Your Majesty,

you've ruined me forever.

[Geum-Ok laughing]

Your Majesty, you spoil me!

[Geum-Ok laughs]

[suspenseful music]

[Hwa-Yeon crying]

[prince laughs]

-Geum-Ok!

-Having fun, sir?

[Geum-Ok laughs]

[Geum-Ok sighs]

What a peculiar world.

Here I am, the concubine to the king!

And you've become a eunuch!

It's amazing, isn't it?

[Geum-Ok laughs]

-The king is here right now, ma'am.

-That's perfect timing.

-His Majesty is to be left undisturbed.

-You're a senior eunuch now, right?

Do you think you could help me get the king into my quarters?

It doesn't mean something to you? That we know each other?

-I've come here and I've forgotten

everything outside the palace.

-You're going to have to help me

if you want me to keep your secrets.

-Climbing a little high, aren't we?

-Watch your mouth,

or you could end up back where you started.

-Your Majesty,

I've caused you terrible pain

and suffering without knowing it.

I apologize from the bottom of my heart.

[Sung-Won laughs]

-I'm sorry.

[Sung-Won laughs] Actually,

all this with your father has me quite upset, too.

-I suppose...

the Queen Mother thinks...

a concubine and a boy could be a thorn in your side?

-Madam, I... -[Hwa-Yeon cries]

[Hwa-Yeon sobs]

My condolences.

I beg you to forgive me.

-Your blameless in my father's death, Your Majesty.

I guess it really is true that I'm not fit to be king.

-I'm sorry, Sire. What do you mean?

-[Sung-Won sighs] -The late king always said...

you had the wisdom and moral strength to be a great king.

[Sung-Won gasps]

Why make the Queen Mother regent anyway?

It's just...

a shame, and a true pity.

-It's time you gave the order, Your Highness.

Depose her and her son as well.

-Is that your only idea?

Deposing her is not the only way to get rid of her.

-What? -If she were to accidentally stumble,

or if there was some mishap,

would anybody try to uncover the truth?

[Queen Mother laughs] Don't worry at all about her.

How do you think she's managed to survive

in the palace for over 30 years?

Do you know how she ended up with just one ear?

-[servant 2 cries] -[tense music]

She heard something she shouldn't have.

She's a wise woman.

She knows better than anyone

how to follow the moon and the tide.

[Minister Yoon] He visited the former queen?

Do you...

know anything about poison?

-[Kwon-Yoo] I once saw nightshade

while working with ginseng diggers.

[suspenseful music]

-If they found this inside the palace

-I'd die.

Luckily,

for those who aren't experts, it appears to be a rock.

Are you familiar with how one makes poison from that?

By burning it.

Then do it.

If the former queen and her son...

don't want to leave the palace,

we'll help them along.

-You help the king get ready at night?

-Me?

[Eunuch laughs] I wouldn't dare.

-Lead him to me on the third.

That's the right day for me, you know?

-Please, madam. -Who needs to know?

If I give the king a prince, you'll be chief eunuch.

[Eunuch laughs]

-No. Even you can help me with my libido, little frog.

-What's the use? -Excuse me.

-[Geum-Ok laughs]

-I bet I can guess why you're here.

I've been doing this 30 years.

Let's see if you're fit to bear a son.

-[Geum-Ok gasps] -Oh, I'm just examining. Don't worry.

[Pil-Woon laughs]

-[Pil-Woon laughs] -I need something that's guaranteed.

Sure, sure. [Pil-Woon laughs]

-Are your breasts different? -What? No!

If they're different,

it can affect how the medicine works.

It'll be harder to have sons.

They're different, right?

-I'm not sure.

-Here, here. Let me take a look.

I'll have to feel them.

-Just to be sure. -Please, they're the same!

-Yes, I feel that. That's good news.

This one goes in.

That's for a son right here.

This'll turn a girl into a boy, no matter what you do.

[Pil-Woon laughs]

Day before, turn that into a tea.

Day before, got it.

Wait.

This is the son.

She took the daughter.

-People are just so clever.

Once you're up on top, it's hard.

People don't want to go back where they started.

Right, Your Highness?

With the king's favor,

who says I won't become a queen?

-How dare you!

-You watch your mouth, madam.

Who's the servant here now?

Huh?

With the king's favor, who do you think I would help?

Would I do anything to hurt you?

-I know you wouldn't.

So,

how can I help?

-I should definitely put on some jewelry.

Maybe jade?

-You know how to do it.

Take whatever you need.

[suspenseful music]

-If you ever manage to give birth to a suitable heir,

I'll build a convent somewhere,

and pray for the rest of my life.

-Your Highness, I'm sorry

I haven't yet given the king an heir.

I'm ashamed of myself.

-Your Highness?

His Majesty has sent word.

He is in a good deal of pain this evening,

and unfortunately will not be sleeping here.

-Well it's the most auspicious day in four years.

Doesn't he know that?

-Yes, Your Highness.

-Come now.

My son is ill. I have to see him.

-So,

have you learned about the qualities of a king?

[Sung-Won laughs]

It's alright, really.

You can tell me.

-Yes, Sire.

-Wisdom, virtue, and honor. -Good.

And what's wisdom mean for a ruler?

-Wisdom means that a king has open eyes

and open ears, always.

The eyes must be able to foresee things that others can't.

The ears must listen to the people and what they want.

The king has to listen to all of his subjects.

-Good.

That's really good.

Here.

-Sire,

the elixir is to be drunk hot.

-Now look at what a king is.

Nothing but a damn breeding pig.

-No, Your Majesty. That's not true.

But having an heir to the throne

is not something to be taken lightly.

-Just be quiet.

You drink it.

If only...

you were the king instead of me.

-[butler] Sire.

The Queen Mother has arrived.

[Kwon-Yoo sighs]

-What do you think you're doing?

-Listen.

I'm not a baby the Queen Mother can discipline.

I'm a king.

[Queen Mother sighs]

-You think a king just sits on a throne?

You don't even come to council.

-As if you'd give me any opportunity while I'm there.

Because all you want is a play puppet to dress like a king,

while you make the decisions for everyone.

-It's just until you have an heir and things stabilize.

Then I'll step down.

-When will that happen?

-What?

What do you need a puppet for

when you can sit on the throne, mother?

I'm fed up sleeping with that woman

like a displayed animal for your friends.

And anyway,

all I'm responsible for is getting a girl pregnant.

Whether it's the queen or a concubine, it doesn't matter.

Most auspicious day?

The concubines deserve a chance.

Who is it?

-It's Lady Geum-Ok, Sire.

-Let's go.

-Why you! -[suspenseful music]

-Sire?

-Where did you get this?

-Sire...

that's just, that's...

-Where did you get this? Tell me now!

-Sire!

I can tell you.

I can explain everything.

Your Majesty!

I have something you have to know.

[suspenseful music intensifies]

I have something I have to say.

-Why was this in a concubine's possession?

-Calm down, Sire. Take a seat.

-You must know my feelings for you.

Do you detest me that much?

What?

What is it exactly?

I'm no better than a eunuch to you?

Now!

I thought he looked familiar.

Maybe because he was the man who worked for your father!

And you smuggled him in as a eunuch!

-That's preposterous. -Explain yourself to me.

Why is this rat here?

-He worked for my father long ago.

only recently I saw he was a eunuch for the palace

I wasn't aware of his presence.

-You really expect me to believe your deception?

I remember him from back then,

always staring at you and you at him!

Maybe you've been sleeping with him!

Who's the father of the boy you call the prince?

Is he my brother's son or isn't he?

Undress him.

I want to see if he's truly a eunuch or not!

-Sire,

are you trying to humiliate me?

Pants off!

-Sire. No, Your Majesty. I'm too hideous!

Sire,

I beg you to leave me.

-Madam, don't you know how I feel?

-Do you believe I'm not aware of your feelings?

She's watching.

The Queen Mother has eyes on me always.

Queen Mother or no,

-I don't care anymore!

Look at me.

I'm a total mess.

I just want you that badly!

-Sire.

-[tense music] -[Hwa-Yeon gasping]

Sire!

Sire!

-When you become a true king,

then you may return to me.

[Hwa-Yeon cries]

-I swear I will be a true king.

I...

I swear I shall become a true king!

He betrayed our honor last night.

It's a threat to all of us.

Nobody can find out about this.

- Yes, Your Highness.

You know better than anyone what I had to do.

All so I could put him on the throne.

And for what?

Get rid of her.

[suspenseful music intensifies]

-Why?

Why didn't you tell me?

-What would change...

by telling you?

If you...

told me, we could've...

[somber music]

[Kwon-Yoo cries]

Let's run.

-And then what?

Remember years ago?

We tried.

-We can't live like this.

Let's just leave.

All of us together.

-Abandoning the palace?

That means death.

I won't put my son in harms way. He's the prince.

It doesn't matter what they say.

He'll die because of that.

No.

Whatever I do,

his safety is first.

[somber music continues]

-Then...

what can I do?

What...

what do you want me to do?

Hwa-Yeon.

-Sire,

you've shot 40 arrows already.

Think of--

-You called me, Sire?

-Shoot!

I'm curious about your ability.

-I dare not use the bow of the king.

-Get one for the eunuch.

Kwon-Yoo.

Why keep your name a secret just to come to the palace?

-I was a eunuch.

The only choice left was to come to the palace.

-A eunuch presumed to love the former queen?

-No, not at all. No, of course not.

-I'll go see the former queen.

I acted rather disrespectfully last night,

so I must speak with her.

-I have heard...

the Queen Mother's sick in bed, barely able to move.

Will you visit her f--

[suspenseful music]

-He suspects both of us.

I'm sure of it.

We can't keep meeting like this.

[suspenseful music intensifies]

-Sire,

please calm down.

Sire!

[suspenseful music continues]

[servant cries]

-Sire, what's the matter?

Sire?

-Kwon-Yoo?

Where's Kwon-Yoo?

Call Choong-Young.

[suspenseful music continues]

-I'm not drinking that elixir again.

-But, Your Majesty,

I prepare the elixir for you at the request of the Queen Mother,

and she checks to make sure you've drunk it.

-If it's so important, you drink it.

-Sire?

But eunuchs aren't even allowed to eat garlic,

or even kimchi, just to be safe,

and curb our libidos, Your Majesty.

-Oh.

You saying eunuchs have a sexual drive?

-If you'll allow me to correct me, Sire.

We can't get erections, that's true of course,

but we still feel desire.

[Sung-Won sighs]

-Choong-Young,

how about you?

What?

You can't do it?

Afraid you'll get too aroused?

Drink it.

[tense music]

[Hwa-Yeon] I won't put my son in harms way.

Whatever I do,

his safety is first.

Your drive is completely gone, so I wouldn't be too afraid.

[Kwon-Yoo grunting]

-No!

It can't be!

[suspenseful music intensifies]

-Who was it?

-Who ordered this? -Please calm down, sire.

-I do not know anything, Sire.

It was just delivered as usual.

I just took the medicine and made it.

Sire...

[Pil-Woon cries]

-Anyone who speaks of this will lose his head, understood?

Call the doctor and keep it quiet.

And keep him alive.

There's something I need to hear from him.

[suspenseful music continues]

-Forgive me. Forgive me, Sire!

-I'm sorry, I don't know anything.

-Show him what we know.

-Do you recognize that?

It was found in your quarters.

-I... I really don't know what that is, Sire.

-Why?

Queen Mother wants me dead, is that it?

No, of course not. Of course not.

-Sire. -The medicine, who's in charge?

And you better not say you don't know!

-It's Minister Yoon, Sire.

[suspenseful music intensifies]

-No one is allowed in right now, sir.

-Wake up.

Come on.

-Wake up. -[Pil-Woon grunts]

Pil-Woon, wake up, come on.

-Water.

-Here.

-More.

-Here.

Are you alright?

-I'm a picture to behold, huh?

I must look awful.

-If you're making jokes, you must be alright.

-He spoke out.

He gave the name of Minister Yoon.

Rivers of blood will spill through the palace...

soon.

Send me home before then?

-What--

Do you mean what I think?

-You know very well how power works here in the palace.

The king wants something out of this,

and we'll never know what it could be.

I know that living in manure is better than dying,

but...

I don't want to go on like this.

Please?

-I'm sorry, I can't!

-[somber music] -If the king...

if the king demands your name, what then?

What are you doing?

-Let's...

get you out of the palace.

-No, don't bother.

I...

I'm exhausted.

-I'll take care of everything!

Look at this.

-Thanks for your company all these years.

Sorry to leave you behind like this.

-Put it down! Don't do it! -[Pil-Woon grunts]

No!

No! Don't let go.

Wake up!

Pil-woon! I'm sorry.

[somber music continues]

Go in peace, my friend.

Don't dawdle.

Go straight there. Don't look back.

Look at the white light.

Just look at the white light,

and go straight there.

[Chief eunuch cries]

-I promise,

I'll bring the prince back safely.

We'll meet again soon.

Don't worry about us.

- Mother! I don't want to go!

Mother! Mother!

Mother!

-You're telling me the truth?

-I wouldn't dare to keep anything at all from you, ma'am.

-And she pretended a eunuch's child was the king's son?

And that's how she could call herself a queen?

That cheap whore!

-Enter now.

-Yes, Your Highness?

-Bring her to the dungeon.

[Geum-Ok laughs]

-Wait.

[Geum-Ok cries]

Ma'am, I...

[tense music]

I can go back as I was, as a maid!

Please not the dungeon!

[Geum-Ok crying]

Please kill me instead. Not there, please!

-Kill her then.

-But ma'am.

Ma'am. But ma'am! Ma'am, ma'am.

Ma'am? Ma'am? No, let go!

No, please! Why are you doing this?

Ma'am! Ma'am, please! Ma'am, please don't!

No!

[Geum-Ok cries] Ma'am, no!

No, let go!

Please don't do this! I don't want to die!

[Geum-Ok sobbing]

I don't wanna die!

[suspenseful music intensifies]

-[Geum-Ok] There's more! There's more!

-I've received strict orders from the Queen Mother

to escort you, Your Highness.

[suspenseful music continues]

-Minister Yoon! The king has charged you!

-Fool.

How dare you come here like that?

-What's going on?

-Minister Yoon must be arrested

with treason by the king's order.

-I'm sorry?

Leave my sight immediately.

-Sorry, Your Majesty.

The king's ordered that I take him to prison.

-To prison?

And who put you in this difficult position,

where you must raise your sword...

to me?

You would dare raise your sword?

[Queen Mother laughs]

The king and I will speak of this.

Meanwhile you'll go with him

and while you're there, kill her.

[suspenseful music continues]

-[eunuch] Your Majesty,

the chief eunuch has arrived.

-Sire!

Where are you?

I know you're in here!

Come out here now!

-Sitting up here, like this.

I can see why you became so attached to this spot.

-Why's Your Majesty up there?

Why make a show of arresting Minister Yoon like that?

-You barred the soldiers from entering.

-You sent your own mother

the palace guard!

-I guess...

I must just be a puppet for you.

You...

you liked that view so much,

you made your own son into a weak, little puppet.

And now you want to get rid of me?

-What do you mean?

-Did you give the order to poison me?

-What?

-Did you plot with Yoon to kill me?

The physician told me everything and I believe it.

What?

-That's preposterous! -Is it?

Then explain it to me, mother!

Your man, Minister Yoon,

who can't do anything without your say so, plots and plans!

-She's framing us.

This is all the former queen.

-That wretched little girl! -Ah!

Right.

Right.

Now I see.

You just...

alter the elixir, frame her for it.

Then we're all dead.

Her, and me,

and then the prince.

And put yourself on the throne in the end I suppose?

-That's ridiculous.

All we want is you up there.

The Minister made so many sacrifices.

-You've managed...

to get quite far, Your Highness.

[suspenseful music]

Kill her!

Kill them all!

Kill them!

-Seize them all!

Everyone with Minister Yoon is a traitor!

-Yes, sir!

[suspenseful music continues]

- Do you have any idea what she did?

The late king wasn't able to have children.

-Can you just be honest with me for once!

Please just stop lying.

Remember his first queen died in childbirth.

-I added nightshade to his lunch.

Circumstances were curious around the prince's birth.

-You what?

You...

you gave him nightshade?

[tense music]

Who was it that asked you to do that?

Who asked you?

[Sung-Won cries]

Who the hell asked you to do that, mother?

[Sung-Won cries]

When?

When did I ever say I wanted to be king?

When did I ever say I wanted to be king!

[Sung-Won cries]

-My child.

You're my son.

[Sung-Won continues crying]

[somber music]

The palace is a cruel place,

and everything I've ever done,

it was all to protect you from that cruelty.

-Why put me on the throne through force like that?

And make me someone suspicious of his own mother's motives?

-Suspicious? But why?

You dare...

disobey your own mother?

[tense music]

-We'll find the facts,

if we get face to face.

Guards, bring me Minister Yoon,

and Kwon-Yoo at once!

Don't delay!

-You will not do this!

-I will do this, mother!

-Yoon, I'm--

[Queen Mother gasps]

-I have brought, Your Majesty, the criminals as I was ordered.

-[Sung-Won] The physician confessed.

And do you know what he said when I asked?

Who's responsible for all of this?

-Sire.

How would I know what he said?

-You can't admit it, can you?

-Because I don't know anything.

I drank...

the elixir didn't I, Your Majesty?

-Yes but you hesitated before you did.

I made a demand and you disobeyed me.

You knew it was poisoned, didn't you!

-Enough! I mean it!

-What do you mean enough?

Can't you see I'm asking this fool a question!

Obviously, you knew!

How'd you know it was poisoned?

-Sire!

Do you know what the former queen did?

She slept with that thing and betrayed the family!

And then tried to masquerade as decent.

Drag her here. Make her confess to her crimes!

-[Hwa-Yeon] She's right, Sire!

- I am guilty. - [tense music]

Guilty for bearing the late king a son and heir.

-And guilty of just being-- -It's much more than that.

You're guilty of trying to pass your son

as an heir to the throne!

And also tempting the king to distraction!

-I ask you, Sire,

who is that man there?

He's Minister Yoon's puppet now,

and Minister Yoon killed my father!

What kind of daughter...

would prop up those who worked to

destroy her father's reputation?

You wretch!

How dare put on a show of fake tears in this sacred hall!

-What could my child be or know?

That I would want the throne for him?

If I thought that in the slightest,

I would cut out my own tongue

right in front of you, right here.

But I cannot die falsely accused.

As one without shame or honor.

[tense music continues]

-[Sung-Won] Confess your crimes, traitor.

Who was it who ordered you to do that to the elixir?

-The Queen Mother.

She said...

"Make the poison and give it to you."

-And Minister Yoon gave it to-- -That's preposterous!

It's a trap, sire!

[tense music intensifies]

-Sire!

-What are you doing?

-Why did you do it?

Why?

You wanted the throne so badly?

You would kill your own flesh and blood?

Tell me why you did it!

-Calm yourself, Sire!

The Queen Mother can't breathe!

Sire!

-Lock them up.

Call the executioner.

Make each of them pay!

And bring my mother to her chambers,

and bar her up there!

And I...

will punish...

anyone at all...

who dares try to contact her!

-[Minister Yoon] Your Majesty!

Your Majesty, please!

No! Your Majesty, please!

Your Majesty!

-[Hwa-Yeon] Thank you for keeping your promise.

I'll never...

forget what you did for me.

-Our son...

protect him well.

-Our son?

The prince is...

no one's son,

but mine.

[somber music]

[Hwa-Yeon] When you become a true king,

then you may return to me.

[romantic music]

-Now it's complete?

Now...

you will take me?

[romantic music continues]

[suspenseful music]

-[Hwa-Yeon moaning] -[Sung-Won grunting]

[suspenseful music intensifies]

[somber music]

[Hwa-Yeon cries]

[somber music intensifies]

-Long live the King!

Long live the King!

Long live the King!

-Open your ears to hear the people.

First, calm thy heart and serve the affairs of the nation.

Understood?

- [chief eunuch] Your Highness?

-So at last she did it.

-I wish it didn't have to be this way.

-I'm sure.

Yet here you are anyway.

Do it kindly.

[Prince laughs]

[Prince laughing]

[suspenseful music]