Original subtitles

How dare you hurt the king's face!

I can't believe you yelled at and even hurt him.

Do you think you'll be able to remain queen?

It happened while I was trying to advise him.

It wasn't intentional, so please forgive me.

Are you saying it's alright to harm him as long as it's a mistake?

You should be kneeling and begging for his mercy now!

I can't do that.

What did you just say?

Your Highness.

Why are you blaming me without listening to the full story?

How dare you...

If I beg for mercy, it means I admit my wrongdoing.

Then the king will never realize he's making a big mistake.

How dare you scorn the king.

I believe my duty as a wife is to help him correct his ways.

You should cover up his faults and protect his honor.

Yet you yell at him and get the concubines to rebuke him.

Is it your duty to hurt him out of jealousy too?

You're being too harsh.

Why do you think I'm being jealous?

Yes, I did dare to raise my voice.

I left the palace late at night,

and I brought someone in against palace rules.

But I did all that out of concern for the king and our nation.

You show concern by disobeying the rules?

Our strict rules and orders exist to preserve this nation.

I won't let our nation collapse just so the rules can be obeyed.

Your arrogance has gone too far.

So you want me to be quiet because you did it for our nation?!

Your Highness, I did my duty as queen.

And I will do my best to keep everyone in line.

If you insist on going against the king and being rude to me,

you won't be able to remain queen.

I never did anything wrong, so I will not be replaced.

I'm sure you got my point. Please excuse me.

I thought she was honest and upright.

Now I see she's twisted beyond help.

Mother.

Episode 42

What are you doing here?

I was waiting for you.

What?

Your hands are as cold as ice. Why did you wait for me?

I heard Queen Insoo yelled at you.

Don't say that.

She just misunderstood me.

You must never resent her. Understood?

Yes, mother. I won't.

I made you feel bad.

I promise I'll be careful, for your sake.

Let's go.

Queen Insoo is looking for you.

Mr. Kim.

How dare you forgo your duties and obey the queen's orders instead.

I did it...

to correct the king's errors.

That's why.

What?

That's why you escorted the queen out, brought Ulwoodong in,

and let things escalate so far that she drew blood from his face?

The queen did it to protect the king from ridicule.

Please try to understand her sincerity.

You don't care about the king, yet you know how the queen feels?

No wonder the ministers are afraid eunuchs will take over.

I can't just cover up for the king when he insists on making mistakes.

I assisted the queen because only she can make him come to his senses.

Please forgive me.

You can say all you want, but you haven't fulfilled your duties.

Help the queen once more and I will punish you with her.

I warned you.

Queen Insoo wants to downsize the department?

She's lost faith in us because of the rumors about the king's outings.

Sir.|

We're in big trouble.

If she does what she said she would, we'll become mere slaves.

Shut it!

Eunuchs have no reason to live if we lose pride in our job.

But we don't stand a chance against her.

We need your help, sir.

We really need you to come back.

Your Highness, Minister Han is here.

Why did you call me so urgently?

I need to ask a favor.

What is it?

The eunuchs should do all they can to protect us and the king,

but they're organizing outings and backing the queen.

Minister Han.

I'll teach them a lesson by reducing their numbers,

and making sure they don't have a say in politics.

I am a senior of the royal family,

but I alone can't reform a dept. that has been around for decades.

So can you get the ministers to back me up?

I too have been worried...

about the eunuchs.

If we work together, I'm sure the king will give in.

If that's what you wish, I'll help you as best I can.

Thank you.

I will make sure the eunuchs realize what their duty really is.

You lost her again. What's going on?

I nearly got her this time.

I'm sure we'll get another chance.

Your department might be reformed.

Pardon?

If you don't arrest Ulwoodong,

your life will be on the line.

That's Nakhwa Cliff.

3,000 court maids jumped off out of loyalty for the king and the country.

I'm more worried about you than them.

How will you manage in an unfamiliar place?

Are you worried...|

we might starve?

We'll get by. People will pay to hear my music.

Why are you trying to reform my department?

I'm here to ask you to give up on it.

I thought you were a wise person.

I'm surprised you can't see how corrupt your department is.

I told you...

to straighten things out and do your duty for the king and the country.

And what did you do?

The ministers are trying to slander the king's name,

yet you do nothing to help him.

Actually you encouraged outings and let outsiders in the palace.

Don't you know that even I've been cursed by voodoo dolls?

I've had enough of eunuchs who've forgotten their duty.

Do you still want me to give up?

We eunuchs are your shield.

If our department falls, then the ministers will take over.

If your department is at the root of all our troubles,

then I'll willingly take that risk.

If you won't give up on this, then I will have to go against you.

What?

Are you declaring war against me?

I refuse to let my department fall because of some stigma.

So what will you do?

Let me clear up the mess we caused.

If we really were responsible, then I myself will downsize the dept.

Give me some time.

Can I really trust you?

If I fail in any way, I'll pay for it with my life.

So you've been reinstated.

I'm glad to hear that.

I need you to promise me something.

Go on.

Let me do as I please with Ulwoodong.

What?

All that has happened so far stemmed from your relationship with her.

If I'm to clear this up and clear your name too,

I need you to let me do what I think is fit.

If you...

can't give up on Ulwoodong, then I can't help you at all.

You can do as you wish.

But will you promise me one thing too?

Tell me.

Tell me you'll let her live.

I don't want to harm a woman whose only crime was loving me.

You can do as you wish if you'll promise me that.

I give you my word.

You really don't know where she is?

I can just assume she left the capital.

You mustn't let the ministers find her.

Do whatever it takes to bring her to me.

Yes, sir.

As queen, I'm in charge of you all.

How dare you report to Queen Insoo and alienate me from everyone.

We didn't. Why would we want to alienate you?

Do you all want to get thrown out?

I won't tolerate any of your slandering from now on.

Remember that you must all report to me.

We will.

Queen Yoon talked back to Queen Insoo.

I can't even look at...

Queen Insoo in the face. Where does the queen get the courage?

She can do as she pleases.

She won't be queen for long anyway.

What do you mean?

She won't get away with upsetting Queen Insoo.

Queen Yoon has summoned you.

I heard the king yelled at you for defending me.

Thank you for standing up for me.

I'm just worried...

what we did made things worse for you.

Even if it did, I appreciate your sincerety.

I got you some snacks to thank you for what you did.

Thank you.

What happened to Ulwoodong?

How dare you mention her name.

It's alright.

She left the capital and will not return.

That's good news.

It's great to hear that.

Now the king can focus on all the state affairs.

You must help him reinforce what order has been lost.

I hope you won't let me down.

We won't.

What's wrong?

My stomach...

It hurts...

- Lady Jung. - Lady Na.

Yes.

Call the doctor.

- Alright. - Lady Jung.

- Wake up. - Wake up, Lady Jung.

Lady Jung.

What's wrong?

Lady Jung.

The queen made...

the cut on his face?

Is that true?

She admitted to it, so it's true.

Why did she do such a thing?

We must do something about this.

The king tried to defend her by saying he scratched himself.

We can't complain about it now.

Your Highness.

Hurting the king's body is a gravely serious crime.

If we ignore this incident, the queen might do something worse.

Then what should we do? We can't call her in and whip her.

If she won't admit she's done wrong, we must make her admit it.

What?

Your Highness, Royal Lady Jung is very ill.

What?

Queen Junghee is here.

How is she? How is her baby?

I'm afraid to say...

she has miscarried.

What?

How... How could this be?

How... ?

Your Highness.

This is terrible news...

How... ?

Dear Buddha...

How is Lady Jung?

She discharged a lot of blood...

but I'm sure she will recover.

What caused this sudden miscarriage?

I don't know yet.

What had she been doing?

We were having tea with Queen Yoon.

What?

Mr. Jung.

I'm sure you know Royal Lady Jung miscarried.

Yes, I do.

There must be a reason.

I want you to find out what caused it.

I will.

Did you drug her?

Sulyoung told me to.

But it was the king's baby.

Sulyoung's holding my family hostage.

You mustn't tell anyone about this. Understood?

Yes.

Why are you investigating her miscarriage?

Queen Insoo is very suspicious.

I see.

I think someone drugged Royal Lady Jung.

Is it the same poison the queen took a few years ago?

The poison that harms only the fetus.

How do you know so well?

Are you sure it's the same poison?

I think it is.

Are you sure someone poisoned Royal Lady Jung?

To harm a fetus that barely opened its eyes.

What monstrosity is this?

The palace stinks of evil.

A poison caused Royal Lady Jung's miscarriage.

You must be careful of what you eat from now on.

Tell Lady Na to double-check your food.

Thank you for worrying about me.

But my baby will be fine. Don't worry.

How can you be so sure?

If I were the target, I would've been poisoned first.

Royal Lady Jung was targeted for another reason.

What reason?

Someone is trying to frame me for it.

Who would do such a thing?

I need you to find out.

How can I... ?

The person who says I'm behind this will be involved.

What?

A poison caused her miscarriage?

Dr. Yang said so, so it must be true.

Who would do such a thing?

I have an idea, but I wouldn't dare say.

You can tell me anything.

Do you remember when the prince suffered from a poisoning?

Yes.

What does that have to do with this?

I think it was caused by the same poison.

So the one who tried to...

harm the prince caused this too?

I'm sure of it.

What is it you couldn't dare say?

Back then, I suspected Queen Yoon poisoned her own son.

Are you saying you think the queen did all this?

I'm sorry, but I'm just being truthful.

You must never tell anyone about this, understood?

I won't.

Are you sure she was poisoned?

Dr. Yang said so, so it's true.

How could someone do such a thing?

How terrible.

Why would someone do that?

I think it was to frame Queen Yoon.

A rare poison...

must've come from outside the palace.

It must be a maid or a eunuch who comes and goes freely.

It can't be...

We can never be sure.

What do you want us to do?

See what the maids know. And if they're close with any eunuchs.

How is Royal Lady Jung?

Devastated, of course.

Can you tell me what she ate before visiting Queen Yoon?

Why should I?

Dr. Yang needs to know to make her the right medicine.

She skipped breakfast...

She had tea with Royal Lady Um.

I need to ask you something.

I have some washing to do.

Just one minute.

Royal Lady Jung came here for tea before visiting the queen.

Did she show any symptoms then?

Are you suspecting me?

I just want to hear what happened.

Royal Lady Um had tea too.

If I poisoned her, then Lady Um would be ill too.

You got the wrong person.

That poison only works on the fetus.

You saved my life before.

I'll take care of you too when you're in trouble.

Please tell me the truth.

I don't know what you're talking about.

Who was that?

He brought news of Ulwoodong.

What?

What did I say?

We'll get her back.

Where is she now?

At a temple near Nakhwa Cliff.

We must tell Minister Han immediately.

Why did you cause Royal Lady Jung's miscarriage?

To replace the queen.

Don't worry, Hong Bi will have done it secretly.

You think you can fool Mr. Jo?

If he wanted to kill me, he'd have done so years ago.

Are your memories coming back?

I'm going to forget about the past.

What's the point in trying to remember a traitor?

What do you mean by that?

I can't hide anything from you.

My husband led the revolt to reinstate King Danjong.

I really want to find my child,

but being the son of a traitor won't do him any good.

I could never throw such a burden on him.

Staying away is the best I can do.

I'm going to accept Mr. Jo's kindness.

So you'll have a relationship with him?

If I do, that will make Chuh-sun my son.

I'll look after him like one.

I guess we have a special relationship.

Mr. Jo is here.

Hello, Wolhwa.

I'll leave you two to talk.

Why did you invite me over?

Please come inside.

I guessed your measurements.

I'm not sure if it will fit you.

I hope you don't mind the uneven sewing.

How could I ever mind when you'd have stayed up working on it?

Thank you so much.

I should go before it gets dark.

I'd like you to stay tonight.

I want to return your favor.

You don't have to return any favor.

I did what my heart told me to do. I don't want anything in return.

I'm doing as my heart's telling me too.

I'm here to hand Ulwoodong over.

You've found her?

Where is she?

I'm sure you remember you promised to replace the queen.

Yes, I do. Tell me where she is.

What?

He left in a hurry?

I think he found Ulwoodong.

How is Royal Lady Jung?

She's not doing very well.

I can imagine what it feels like to lose a child.

I should pay her a visit.

I'll go with you.

Nothing I can say will make you feel better.

Fortunately you're healthy. You can get pregnant again.

This happened because of the queen's jealousy.

Watch what you say.

She poisoned her own son so she could become queen.

She even drew blood from the king's face.

Causing a concubine to miscarry is nothing to her.

What if someone hears you?

I don't care.

I have nothing to fear now.

What did you just say?

I caused your miscarriage?

How dare you try to frame me.

Everyone knows of your jealousy.

What?

You had Ulwoodong brought in...

and tortured her so she can't walk.

Have you lost your mind?

Apologize right now.

You could've just killed me.

Why did you kill my baby?

You're a mother yourself.

How could you do this?

Shut your mouth!

I doubt your baby will be safe.

Not after what happened to mine.

What?

I came here to comfort you.

And you're blaming me for what happened?

Calm down, Your Highness.

She's not in her right mind.

Let me apologize instead.

I'll let you off this once...

because I know you're grieving.

But if you dare slander me again,

I will punish you severely.

What did you say?

Queen Yoon slapped Royal Lady Jung?

Royal Lady Jung won't stop crying.

Go and summon Queen Yoon.

You shouldn't slap a grieving person, you should comfort her.

What kind of nonsense is this?

She blamed me for what happened and threatened me.

I should punish her, but I decided to let it slide.

Punish her for something she said in her grief?

How can you do your duty as queen without being thoughtful?

You really upset me.

What?

How can you be so cruel and cold to me,

yet be so forgiving and kind to Royal Lady Jung?

Now you're preaching to me too?

You should question Royal Lady Jung...

before trying to make me admit to my shortcomings.

I see you will never admit you did anything wrong.

How can I when I did nothing wrong?

You look down on your mother-in-law...

and the concubines and court ladies don't like you.

You should watch out, for your own good.

Are you threatening me?

You think you're always in the right. Would any threat scare you?

Return to your chambers.

I don't want to see you again until you admit your mistake.

I lost your precious baby, Your Majesty.

And now Queen Yoon hates me so much.

Please let me leave the palace.

Bekmadae has been empty for years,

and Nakhwa Cliff has survived centuries.

If only they could speak,

I would ask about the past.

I wouldn't mind writing poems forever.

Don't worry.

I sorted something out, so we won't have to starve.

What do you mean?

Sulyoung told me to get in touch if you had to leave for any reason.

She said she'd help us settle down.

That she'd send us some money.

What?

I sent someone to tell her our whereabouts.

She'll send us money.

Why did you do that?!

Did I do something wrong?

We must leave immediately.

There she is!

Arrest her!

Yes, sir.

Don't resist!

Tell Minister Han that we have her.

They found Ulwoodong in Puyo.

I told the men to hurry, so they'll be here by daybreak.

She was so good at escaping.

Now we have her for good.

What was she doing in Puyo?

The king left her.

Maybe she wanted to die at Nakhwa Cliff.

Her and Nakhwa Cliff...

How poetic.

What will you do with her?

I'll reveal her crimes and reinforce our morals.

What if the king is involved?

If he really was involved with her, we can blackmail him all we want.

Minister Han told us to hurry. Walk faster!

Yes, sir.

What's going on?

Someone's here to save you.

Get on the horse.

Who sent you?

There's no time to talk.

If you're taken to the capital, the king will be in danger.

You really won't have any regrets?

A woman should have only one husband.

But all I can think of now is how good you were to me.

I'm sure my husband would want me to do this too.

I'd like to ask you something.

Go ahead.

Did you promise my husband you'd join the revolt?

How come you're alive and he died?

I wanted to talk him out of the revolt.

But it was too late.

I wanted him to live too, but he killed himself out of loyalty.

I see.

I thought I remembered you promising to join him.

Then I think I should go home.

No, don't.

I feel so much better now.

I trust in you.

You lost her?

You're supposed to be a captain!

I'm sorry, but they were great fighters.

Did you see their faces?

It was dark and they were wearing masks.

It was Mr. Jo.

Mr. Jo? Why would he betray his king?

I'm sure it was him.

Send men to guard his house.

Yes, sir.

They lost her while bringing her over.

It must've been Mr. Jo.

If he finds out we've been working with Minister Han, it's over.

What should we do?

First, we find out where Ulwoodong is.

Where have you been?

Dr. Yang.

Check if this caused the miscarriage.

What?

Where did you get this?

Don't ask, just test it for me.

Chuh-sun...

What's wrong?

I was joking, don't worry.

You really scared me.

What if it was really poison?

It kills fetuses. What harm would it do to us?

Go away while I test it.

What brings you here?

I'm here for Ulwoodong.

What?

Why look for her here?

You should know why.

You kidnapped her while my men were bringing her over.

Hand her over.

You're blaming me without any proof?

How dare a man with no title stand in a minister's way!

I have no title now, but I used to be Head of Eunuchs.

You can't treat me this way.

Let me see the king's order.

We don't need one to arrest serious criminals.

- Sergeant. - Yes, sir.

Get your men to search the house.

Ulwoodong will be here somewhere.

Yes, sir.

Sir.

Wake up. Sir.

It's daybreak already?

Did you do what I asked you to do?

Yes. I was up all night feeding mice and staring at them.

Pardon?

I think the poison you brought caused the miscarriage.

Can you prove it?

Look inside. I fed it to a pregnant mouse.

The mother's fine, but it miscarried its babies.

What's going on?

Why are they searching our house?

They want to frame me. But it's nothing to worry about.

We searched everywhere, but she's not here.

Are you happy now?

Let's go.

What brings you to my house?

You want to use Ulwoodong to take over the nation?

What?

If that's what you plan to do, you won't get away with it.

Are you threatening me?

No, I'm not.

I'm just saying some ministers are involved too.

Here's a list of people that Jigubi said Ulwoodong slept with.

Those involved can be punished by law.

But if you kidnapped Ulwoodong in the king's name,

you and your dept. will be in trouble.

Mr. Jo.

Hand her over.

Only then can you and your dept. survive.

Remember that Queen Insoo...

wants to reform your dept.

Why are you blocking my way?

You'll be punished for this.

How could a eunuch kill the king's unborn baby?

What?

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