Original subtitles

I don't want to see you again.

- Your Majesty... - She didn't give the order.

You sided with her to deceive me?!

- Your Majesty... - That's enough!

You mustn't see her.

I don't care if you don't see me again.

But I can't let you ruin your reputation.

Move!

Your Highness.

Your Highness.

Are you alright?

How could you do this to her?!

She's the one to blame.

I refuse to tolerate your jealousy toward a harmless woman.

Your Majesty.

Think of your reign.

Don't ruin your reputation by letting emotions take over!

Say that... to yourself.

Your Majesty! Your Majesty!

Your Highness.

Are you alright?

Your Highness.

- Your Highness... - Ma'am...

What happened? I'll call a physician.

I'm fine. Don't cause a commotion.

But...

I don't want to cause a fuss.

I need to lie down.

- Spread the blankets. - Yes, ma'am.

Chuh-sun.

You may go.

I'll explain what happened. Take care of yourself.

Sure. I will.

There's a cut on your face. How could this be?

What?

Where did you get it?

I don't know.

It won't leave a big scar. Don't tell anyone what happened.

We won't.

Your Majesty, Mr. Jung is here.

Let him in.

Episode 41 Where is Ulwoodong? Is she safe?

I think so. There's no news of her arrest.

I see.

I'll try to find out where she is hiding at now.

Alright. You have my trust.

Is the king safe?

Your life is in danger.

Yet you worry about him. I guess you really love him very much.

How did the guards find out?

The queen must've sent them out of jealousy.

She loves the king very much.

She wouldn't do anything to harm him.

She's a woman too. Why wouldn't she be jealous?

I should leave the capital.

If you try that and get arrested, the king will be put on the spot.

I'm sure they won't search temples.

You should lie low here for now.

You want to talk with me?

Why are you alienating the queen?

What?

I told you I kidnapped Ulwoodong, that Queen Yoon knew nothing of it.

Why did you tell the king that she had Ulwoodong brought in?

You're in over your head.

What?

I don't know if you're being loyal to the queen or if you love her,

but you shouldn't dare even think of lying to the king.

What kind of eunuch would even think of that?

If the king...

and queen are both in danger, we must save the king.

A queen can be replaced,

but we have one and only king.

I think you have that mixed up.

Don't let your feelings for the queen get in the way of your doing your duty.

What do you mean, you lost her?

I saw the king enter the house,

but we found neither him nor Ulwoodong.

Mr. Jung got them out.

You must find Ulwoodong, even if it means searching every house!

How did the palace guards find out?

I think the ministers are spying on the king.

The king got back safely and Ulwoodong is in hiding too.

Minister Han insists on using her to bring the king down.

He'll do anything to stay in power, so he won't stop looking for her.

You mustn't let him find Ulwoodong.

I won't.

Lady Hong.

Is this the doll that was used to curse Queen Gonghye the year she died?

I'm sure it is.

Are you sure?

It's just like the one I found behind the queen's chambers...

when she was a royal lady.

What did the queen do tonight?

I'm sorry to say so, but she argued with the king.

What?

What did they argue about at this time of night?

I don't know the details, but I heard the king yelled at her.

I told her to cover up the king's shortcomings.

Why won't she just do as she's told?

Mr. Kim is kneeling outside your chambers.

What?

Chuh-sun.

I excused you hours ago. Why didn't you leave?!

Please hear what I have to say.

I said I don't want to!

You must, even if you don't want to.

What? So now you're ordering me around?!

I must say something, even if it means your killing me.

What are you doing? Go away right now.

OK then, let's hear it.

What's so important that you'd risk your life to say?

Why can't you see how much the queen cares for you?

Please clear up the misunderstanding.

Misunderstanding?

Getting jealous and threatening a woman her husband adores...

is how she shows she cares for me?

The queen isn't jealous.

She was afraid the ministers would use your affair against you.

She got down on her knees and begged.

She begged Ulwoodong to leave the capital.

No queen would do that unless it was out of love for her king.

Your Majesty.

Clear up the misunderstanding and comfort the queen.

Then I wouldn't mind dying right now.

You know her better than I do and I'm her husband.

Your Majesty, how... ?

You care for her more than you do me. You should comfort the queen instead.

If that's all, you're excused.

What do you mean, you want to...

arrest and question Ulwoodong's lovers?

She slept around with many men, regardless of social status.

We can't seem to arrest her, so we want to question her lovers.

Give us your permission.

What nonsense.

How can you...

arrest people based on a rumor?

Minister Han.

How can you prove...

who she slept with? It'll cause unnecessary trouble.

Ulwoodong...

tattooed her name on their arms.

All we have to do is check their arms.

So you'll inspect every single man?

Why not, if it's to fight crime?

Your Majesty.|

We must arrest Ulwoodong as soon as possible.

If you give us the order and send out more men,

we can end this soon.

That's enough.

I can't let you question people just because of a rumor.

You're all excused.

I wonder why the ministers keep talking about a royal's wife.

However immoral she may be,

is it worth discussing in a court meeting?

It's because the king is involved.

What? The king...

is involved with Ulwoodong too?

I'm sure it's just a rumor someone spread to shame us.

Still, if the king is implicated, then we must do something.

She must be arrested and questioned at once.

The fact that the king was implicated is enough to tarnish his reputation.

Rather than investigating, I think we should cover this up.

Is this why he doesn't get along with the queen these days?

It's about the queen's unforgiving temperament, not the rumors.

You don't look very well. I fear for your baby.

My heart...

aches more than my body.

Forget about Ulwoodong.

The ministers will punish her.

She won't be able to see the king.

I'm so sorry you have to see me like this.

I'm just worried the king won't see the truth.

He doesn't love me anymore.

I doubt I'll be able to treat him like before.

The king and queen yelled at each other last night.

The king has a cut on his face and the queen tore her robe.

What? I don't believe...

such a thing happened.

Hong Bi, is it true?

From what the maids say,

they did yell at each other.

They heard the maids talk.

Right, Miss Kim?

Yes, I overheard them.

If that's true, it's very serious.

True.

But it might be a good thing for us concubines.

Your Highness, Royal Lady Yoon summoned you.

The ministers can't stop talking about Ulwoodong.

I'm sure you've all heard the rumor that the king met her.

Queen Yoon was yelled at for trying to talk him out of it.

I think we should help her. What do you all think?

How could we meddle with their business?

Right. We should stay put.

We're concubines, but we're the king's wives too.

Shouldn't we all try to stop him from making a mistake?

I can't sit and watch the queen fight and get hurt alone.

I'll lead the way. I could do with your support.

I'll do as you say.

So will I.

What about you two?

I guess we have no choice.

I'll help.

Thank you. I'm sure the king will accept our advice.

We know the ministers are bothering you about the rumors regarding Ulwoodong.

We're all here as your wives.

You can't let one woman take down all you've worked for.

Please don't let us or the queen down.

You must forget about her.

Forget about her.

The queen is your wife and the mother of our nation.

She is doing all she can to make sure your integrity is intact.

Why do you just keep hurting her?

Clear up the misunderstanding and comfort the queen.

Comfort the queen.

Did she put you up to this?

I'm sure she feels the same.

We always did as we were told.

What?

Please accept our request.

Please do.

How dare you come in here and pressure me?

Your Majesty, we're...

That's enough!

Now I don't like any of you either.

Go away.

I said go away!

Your Highness.

Your morning sickness should've been long gone.

You must eat...

to regain your strength.

Don't worry. All I need is some rest.

The king is here.

I didn't know you were so thorough.

What do you mean?

You tell on me to get me in trouble, and now the concubines.

Why do you keep upsetting me?

What is going on? I don't know what you're talking about.

I won't be deceived by your tears anymore.

If I'd known you were like this, I wouldn't have proposed to you.

Your Highness.

Be strong. I'm sure he didn't mean it.

I'm alright.

I finally got to hear the truth.

I thought you were a careful person. Why did you do such a thing?

I was hoping to get the king to reconcile with the queen.

Did the queen tell you to do this?

Not at all.

She knew nothing of this. It was all my doing.

I'm sure she pressured you.

She didn't, I swear.

Alright, I believe you.

But from now on, don't get involved with politics.

I won't.

Where did you get that cut?

I must've scratched myself in my sleep.

You represent our nation. You should've been more careful.

Did you see the doctor?

It's not deep, so it won't leave a scar.

Good.

The rumors must be bothering you. No wonder you can't sleep soundly.

That's why...

I want to ask you about reinstating Mr. Jo Chi-gyum.

Pardon?

You need a smart and thorough subject like him to solidify your reign.

What do you say?

What do you say?

Water flows from high to low.

I'll visit you whenever you need help. You should appoint someone younger.

If you reject the position, then I'll appoint Captain Jung.

What do you think?

Well...

Mr. Jung is very capable of being a good Head of Eunuchs.

But you won't be able to confide your secrets to him.

You have a point.

I could confide in Chuh-sun.

But...

Chuh-sun has changed these days.

He's closer to the queen than me.

He's grown distant.

Neither Mr. Jung nor Chuh-sun is as trustworthy as you.

I'd like you to accept the position.

Give me some time to discuss with the eunuchs.

Sure.

Do you know what this is?

It's the doll that was used to curse Queen Gonghye.

Right.

I covered it up because I didn't want to cause trouble.

But this was found nailed to a pillar.

Pardon?

The writing proves it's meant to curse me.

Mr. Jung. Do you remember saying Queen Yoon did it last time?

That's because you said it was found behind her chambers.

Right.

I'm sure someone wants to alienate the queen and me.

But Queen Yoon isn't in the clear.

Mr. Jung.

I want you to see who's behind this as Captain of Investigations.

Find out and bring me proof.

I will.

Your mother made you some porridge.

You didn't have to go to this much trouble.

I'm sure you get to eat delicacies.

But you don't like oily food much.

So I made you porridge with white rice.

Please try some.

What's wrong, Your Highness?

Mother...

Where are you going?

The meeting's over, so we're going home.

Good. Can you help me read the Great Learning?

You're reading that already?

I have to learn all I can if I'm to get rid of corrupt officials.

You are very right.

You'll become a great king.

Let's go.

Under Prince Yoong, we'll have no future.

We should stop them from encouraging the prince.

I heard you asked for me.

You look worried. Are you feeling unwell?

No. But I have...

an urgent question to ask you.

Go on. I'll tell you...

all I know.

You entered the palace years ago, so I'm sure you know everything.

And you're Mr. Jo's best friend.

In some ways, yes.

Do you know Kim Ja-myung, King Danjong's Head of Guards?

How do you know him?

I was his wife.

What?

Is that true?

I lost my memory, so I don't know much.

I just remember bits and pieces and it's very confusing.

I heard my husband was killed...

trying to reinstate King Danjong.

He and Mr. Jo swore to help each other.

Why did my husband die a traitor,

while Mr. Jo lives as a cherished subject?

I don't know much either.

I do know Chi-gyum was very close with your husband.

But I know nothing of the promises they made.

However I can say they'll have chosen different paths.

Still, Mr. Jo would have done all he could to save his friend.

I'm sure he would have.

I suggest you forget your past and live in the present.

Living in the past will do nothing but hurt you.

What brings you all the way here?

I'm not here to see you. I'm here to see your beautiful wife.

You're still as beautiful as a flower in the spring.

I know it's a joke, but thank you.

My husband never says that. He never even gives me hugs.

Stop it.

You're so cruel. You should give her affection.

Or you'll regret it when you're old and weak.

Ma'am, I'd prefer a drink made with grain.

I'll bring you some wine then.

You and your jokes.

I just met Lady Oh.

What did you have to see her about?

She asked me about Ja-myung's death.

What?

I've known for a long time that you've had feelings for her.

But you practically killed her husband.

How can you look after her now?

Is it because of the guilt? Or your love for her?

Did you tell her?

If you really love her, come clean and beg for forgiveness.

That's the least you can do.

It's been a while, Dr. Yang.

You're the one who tore Mr. Noh and Chi-gyum apart.

What are you doing here?

Mr. Jo is my master now.

What do you mean, ''master'' when you killed your foster father?

I don't know why you work for Chi-gyum now,

but beware. Change sides too often...

and it will be the death of you.

I'll remember that.

Life is...

but a dream

How is Ulwoodong?

She has nothing to do but pray.

Sulyoung.

Send her away from here and see that she never returns.

If you can't do that, make sure she'll never talk.

Do you think she deserves to be killed?

I don't care if she slept with all those men just to vent her anger.

But I won't forgive her for putting the king in danger.

But isn't it a waste to kill her off?

What do you mean?

As long as we have her,

we can control the king or bargain with Minister Han.

Why are you giving up such a blessing?

I don't want to gain or control anything.

If you try to do anything, you will pay with your life.

I wouldn't dare disobey you.

Trust me.

Praying for another chance to see the king?

How are things?

The ministers can't stop talking about you at meetings.

They want to arrest all the men you slept with.

I guess about half the capital is trembling.

You seem to wish for chaos.

I don't know what you're planning,

but I won't let you use me.

I'm not hiding anything.

I find it amusing.

The high and mighty nobles...

in trouble because they slept with you.

I don't want the king to get into trouble.

I'll let you meet him when things die down.

Be strong and wait for a while.

Where is Ulwoodong?

She's at the temple, safe and sound.

I heard the king and queen fought. Minister Han's intervention helped us.

A voodoo doll was found and Queen Insoo is very angry.

Was it you?

So Hong Bi did her job.

Why did you do it?

Queen Insoo thinks Queen Gonghye was cursed. She'll investigate this.

Not even her pregnancy can save Queen Yoon now.

You think such curses really work?

What harm could a doll do to someone?

I'd rather use poison.

Voodoo dolls are about causing suspicion, not actual curses.

Lost trust and suspicion will turn them against each other.

Suspicion is the most effective poison.

You just tell Queen Insoo that Queen Yoon could've done it.

Queen Insoo will do the rest for us.

Even her son won't be able to shield her from this.

What will you do, Your Majesty?

I heard there was a debate regarding her punishment.

The ministers have much work to do.

Why are they wasting time talking about some immoral witch?

I'm sorry. I should've stopped them.

Your indecisiveness is causing havoc in the court.

What will you do about Ulwoodong?

I'll think of a way to quiet down the ministers.

Bring her in yourself and question her.

Mother.

That's the only way to redeem yourself and regain the people's trust.

You must silence her before she talks about your liaison.

If you don't, your authority will be challenged.

I'm warning you.

How did you know I'd be here?

That's not important.

Queen Yoon got down on her knees and begged.

How could you ignore her heartfelt plea?

I wanted to see the king for the last time.

I don't want to hear such excuses.

If you won't leave,

then I must kill you where you stand.

Make up your mind.

Will you leave quietly or die by my hands?

I don't want to cause any trouble either.

But...

I won't leave just because you threatened me.

If you wish to kill me for your master, then do it.

I won't blame you.

Why are you making me so miserable?

I didn't think I'd fall so deeply in love.

I thought of leaving many times,

but I just couldn't leave my love.

Having you kill me would be much easier.

Stab me right now.

I castrated myself with this dagger...

because I couldn't leave my love.

You think I don't know what it's like trying to forget your love?

I castrated myself, yet my love still burns within me.

The king has lost all the authority and power he had,

and the queen has been alienated because no one trusts her.

The king even threatened to give up on his love for her.

I'm sure this isn't what you wanted.

Please give up on the king.

You can never be together anyway.

I...

became a eunuch because I couldn't give up on my love.

If you can't give up on yours either,

then stab me with this.

I'd rather have you kill me than let the king leave his queen.

So she's the one you love so much?

You'd give your life for her... I envy the queen.

We were born too early for our good.

Alright.

I'll leave the capital, as you wish.

Thank you.

But promise me one thing.

Tell me.

You're the king's servant, so if I ever ask...

please let me see him again, just once.

Will you promise me that?

I will, on my life.

I trust you'll keep your word.

The king will understand one day.

You got her out?

She just wasn't meant to meet you.

How dare you mock me.

Would a mere eunuch's daughter mock you?

I'll let you have her if you promise to replace the queen.

What, replace the queen?

You've lost your mind.

Mr. Jo helped the present queen become a concubine.

If her son succeeds to the throne, then you'll have to bow to Mr. Jo.

Replace the queen, and her son won't become king.

What do you say? Will you help me?

Where is Ulwoodong?

You must hurry. Mr. Jo wants her dead.

Are you inside?

What's going on?

Are you sure she was here?!

Excuse me.

Where's the lady who slept here?

She left several hours ago.

What?

She couldn't have gotten far. Go after her.

Yes, sir.

Follow me!

Yes, sir.

Ma'am. You really won't return to the capital?

Gilnyuh.

When people risk their life to leave, they never think of coming back.

What do you mean?

Let's hurry. We have to catch the first boat.

What do you mean, Ulwoodong's disappeared?

I think she left the capital.

I guess we embarrassed ourselves.

Say hello.

She's the headmistress.

I'm Ukswe.

We teach eunuch hopefuls.

We have many boys and guests, so there's a lot to do.

I make a living by doing odd jobs.

I'm used to all kinds of hard work.

You do look quite strong.

Mr. Choi, show him around.

Sure.

Come with me.

Gaedochi, great timing.

He is...

the greatest castrator in the whole of Josun.

Hello. I'm Ukswe.

I won't be much help.

Do your best to help Mr. Choi.

I'll invite you for a drink soon.

OK, so...

this is the boarding house.

What do you think?

Nice build. He'll be a great help.

So I guess I really am of no use.

Don't say that.

I just felt bad because you had to do all the work.

We really need you around here.

I know you do.

I just felt like joking around.

Where are you going?

I have something to take care of.

Don't be too late.

I won't. See you.

Why aren't you doing your job?

You let rumors of the king's outings spread...

and now immoral outsiders come and go as they please.

How am I supposed to entrust you with important duties?

I'm sorry.

You can't protect our reputation, let alone the king's safety.

What use are you when you're not worth your salaries?

I should shut down your department.

Give us another chance.

I called Mr. Jo and told him to straighten things out.

Why are you still a mess?

It's all my fault, Your Highness.

Please give us another chance.

Listen to me very carefully.

If the rumors don't go away and you don't clear everything up,

then I'll downsize your department.

You'll all be demoted and your salaries reduced.

Do you understand?

I will do all I can to clear this up.

What are you doing here?

I have a pass to come when I please.

I heard you lost Ulwoodong.

She left before daybreak.

Don't worry, we can always bring her back.

I'll see you later.

Ulwoodong has left the capital. There's nothing to worry about.

Is that true?

Now that she's gone, the king will come to his senses.

Please wait until he does.

Even if he does come around,

I doubt my love for him will.

What do you mean?

Nothing.

I just wish all the rumors would go away soon.

Here.

What's this?

It will cause a miscarriage.

What?

Then... ?

Don't make any mistakes.

I'll reform the eunuch dept. and reinforce your rules too.

I expect you court ladies to assist me carry everything out.

We will.

Head Court Lady, what caused the king to scratch himself?

What if it leaves a scar?

I'm sorry.

Your Highness.

I heard the king didn't scratch himself.

What? What do you mean?

Then what happened?

Why won't you answer me?

Answer me, Head Court Lady.

Actually His Majesty got hurt... while arguing with the queen.

What? What did you just say?

You mean Queen Yoon hurt the king?!

Are you feeling better, mother?

Yes. You made me feel much better.

You must look after yourself. I'll help you.

Alright.

Your Highness.

Queen Insoo summoned you.

You asked for me?

Your Highness.

Why did you hurt the king?

How dare you hurt the king's face!

I guess I can't have anything at all

I bet all I had, yet I'm still alone

Perhaps I have to wait even longer

Or perhaps we just weren't meant to be

I fear life even more than death

I can't run away, I can't even hide

I pray at night, alone under the moon

I wish it could all end right now

My love sways and wanders

I'd rather be anyone...