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[Episode 121]

What do you mean you're leaving?

Who will attend the King?

We could not have gotten this far without Your Majesty's support.

But it is not exhaustive if we fail to reference the original texts.

Please allow your servant to travel to the Ming to consult them.

Do you care nothing for the royal family?

Sire, it cannot be permitted.

Sire, your royal decree did much to assist Doctor Heo's work.

Your word carries great weight for us and future generations.

If this text allows us to ease your people's suffering,

we can better serve them and the royal house.

Please, Your Majesty.

Sire, if you please.

I grant my permission.

Sire, thank you.

Doctor Yu, he wouldn't have agreed without your input.

Look after him and the Queen while I'm away.

With all my heart.

Have a safe trip.

Thank you.

I'll be back soon.

Be safe.

Have a safe trip.

Take care of your mother and grandmother.

Yes, sir.

Allow me to accompany you.

No. Look after the house.

Darling, if anything happens, you can ask Doctor Yu for help.

Yes, we'll be fine. Hurry back.

On-nyeon?

Yes.

I'm Jang Man-deok.

I was told you came to the house to see me.

But I don't remember.

You treated my mother.

Ah, I'm afraid I didn't notice you.

If I had, my heart would have been yours.

I've never seen anyone quite so lovely.

Could you be any slower? Huh? Could you?

Where did you find this bum?

Don't nag, he's workin' here.

You think I'm nagging?

Can't you hear yourself?

So you lost money. Why take it out on us?

Am I?

Think about it. Nag-nag-nag, all day long.

Just thinking about the money drives me nuts.

I'm mad at Jang-swe and Yeong-dal...

...and taking it out on you.

Sorry.

Ma'am.

Welcome.

Doing all right?

Oh, getting by.

How may I help you?

I would like a word.

Of course.

Kyeom would like to marry On-nyeon.

What do you think?

Huh?

Huh?

They couldn't possibly. Never.

Hush, you. The grown-ups are talking.

Ma'am, we would be honored.

Beyond words.

Is he so fond of her then?

His mother and I were arranging a match for him.

And he said he wants On-nyeon.

Oh, blessed day.

Blessed, blessed day.

To be Doctor Heo's in-law...

Am I dreaming? Lemme check.

It's true! It's real!

I can't believe it.

It's not a dream.

What's keeping her? Did something happen?

This means it's working out.

She's killing me, that girl, never a moment's rest.

Hun-bun! Sweetums!

Honey-bunny!

What now?

It's big. Huge!

Did something happen to On-nyeon?

Something? I should say so!

What? Spit it out.

We win! We win!

Win? Win what? Spit it out.

Kyeom's grandmother was just by.

They want him to marry On-nyeon.

He loves her.

No...

Really?

But they're of different classes.

Who cares?

If he likes her, he likes her.

Exactly.

Where is she... I mean, where is her ladyship?

Where is the Lady of the House of Heo?

She's meeting this guy...

Isn't your boy waiting? Better scoot now.

Off with you.

So, where is she?

Running errands.

None of that, oh no!

Look after her, our little blessing!

Sure, sure.

Well, Mother-in-law, shall we dance?

Shall we? Let's!

Come again? You don't like Kyeom?

Uh-huh. Blech.

Why? Why? Why?

You've chased him your whole life. Why, why, why?

Cause, that's why.

Blech. The end.

The what-now?

I found someone.

I'm marrying him.

Who is this bum? Who is the scum?

Who's the scummy-bum?

Would you wake up?

You going to pass up a noble house?

Kill me now, where's that poison?

Well, try and stop me and I'll take it too.

You know me.

- Hold on! - On-nyeon!

- Wait! - On-nyen!

What now?

Sweetikins, what's got into her?

How should I know?

She's just like us. Argh!

- Not like me. - Is too!

- What? - Exactly like you!

Exactly!

Any news from Doctor Heo?

Yes, Sire.

He is deeply entrenched in the Ming medical texts.

You're doing well in his place.

Your servant, Sire.

Sire, Sire.

What now?

Her Majesty is ill.

What is this?

I do not know, Sire.

Go find out, quickly.

Sire.

What are her symptoms?

It's not serious. She seems listless.

I'll see her myself.

Your Majesty, Doctor Yu.

Come in.

Your Majesty, with your permission?

Of course.

Your Majesty. Congratulations.

What did you find out?

Sire, congratulations.

Congratulations because she's sick?

Be clear.

Sire, Her Majesty is with child.

What?

Well?

Sire, there is no doubt.

- My lady. - My lord.

It has been a concern that I did not produce an heir while on the throne.

Until now. I couldn't be happier.

Thank you, my lady.

And you, my lord.

We are blessed.

His Majesty can rest easy now.

All that's left is to look after Her Majesty.

With the unanimous support of the court,

the succession is assured.

Quite right.

And the dignity of the royal house.

True.

I'm concerned about Doctor Heo.

Suppose Her Majesty takes ill while he's away?

Doctor Yu has looked after her since the wedding.

Not to worry.

Have him give her his full attention.

Of course.

People are so fickle.

Please, my lord.

I know how pleased you are for His Majesty.

Still, it's not that simple.

I hoped she would bear a child.

Yet I dreaded it.

I'm conflicted.

Your Highness.

Her tonics will be preventative and restorative.

Angelica decoction will steady her blood and reduce fever.

Angelica, yes, and restorative pills.

Made of the finest herbs.

I'll leave the herbs to you.

Yes, sir.

Tell the herbalists we'll need the angelica decoction.

I'll brew it myself.

Yes, Doctor.

Remember the grave responsibility we have.

Nothing else is as important, not even the compilation project.

Yes, sir.

What's all this?

Herbs for the royal pharmacy.

Only the very best for Her Majesty.

Excellent. Take it over there.

Sir.

Does your wife know about the money yet?

Shh. Would I be standing here if she did?

I know how we can make it back. What do you say?

Make it back?

What's the priciest stuff you buy?

Cattle gallstone and bear gallbladder.

Exactly. And I can get the gallstones.

You pony up the money and you'll be flush again.

Flush...

Are you ready to make Her Majesty's tonic?

Yes, ma'am.

Here are Doctor Yu's instructions.

You will prepare the herbs into the decoction.

Yes, ma'am.

Any luck?

They searched the archives but couldn't find the book you're after.

If the Ming archivists can't find it, who can?

You want what isn't there.

Perhaps so.

We've done all we can. Shall we go home?

You shouldn't be away from the palace too long.

You're right. Prepare to leave.

Yes, sir.

Your Majesty.

Are you all right?

Your Majesty, Your Majesty, are you all right?

Your Majesty.

Your Majesty... are you...?

Your Majesty. Are you all right?

Your Majesty.

What happened?

She complained of pain while we were out walking.

Your Majesty, if we may?

No, I'm fine. I just need medicine.

Your Majesty.

I said I'm fine.

Please, it is our duty to examine you.

If you must.

Tell me plainly what's wrong.

Swelling is common with pregnant women.

However...

Go on.

It usually appears in the fifth or sixth month.

Even the eighth or ninth.

But the third? We're not sure of the cause.

Is the child safe?

It could be over time, but not at this point.

Sire, swelling is easy to treat.

I merely need time to make the proper diagnosis.

Please do not be concerned.

Should I believe that?

Yes, Sire.

Doctor Yu.

Forgive me. But this doesn't appear to be a simple case of swelling.

I know.

But revealing that fact won't help Her Majesty or the child.

First she needs rest.

I'll discuss it with the Head Nurse. You stay with Her Majesty.

Yes, Doctor.

You haven't prescribed anything?

Acupuncture should do it.

At least until we know what it is.

This kind of swelling at three months is unheard of.

We should take our time and be sure.

Acupuncture has its limits.

We can't rest until we know what it is.

Doctor, I understand that, but if we're not certain,

the wrong medicine could be toxic.

Now is the time for caution.

You still don't know what's wrong?

Explain yourself.

The entire staff is working on it.

Give us time.

We'll help her.

Listen to you.

Doctor Yu, her well-being is YOUR well-being.

How long you going to drag this out?

If anything goes wrong, you'll pay for it.

That's enough of that.

Be patient. He's working on it.

Of course.

Unless it's beyond our Doctor Yu here.

This is because Doctor Heo is gone.

Punish me if you must.

But remember one thing.

Her Majesty needs peace and quiet.

Upsetting the King and Queen with a premature diagnosis...

...would only make it worse.

I agree with Doctor Yu.

The baby's health must come first.

Acupuncture has its limits.

If we don't prescribe something soon she could get worse.

But the wrong prescription could endanger the baby.

Doctor. Come quick.

What is it?

Her leg is infected.

Explain yourself.

You said I'd get better.

His Royal Majesty.

Did you lie to me?

Sire, I did not.

Then why is she still like this?

I cannot trust you.

Sire, if I am incompetent, I submit to your justice.

But please give me more time.

We could treat it with herbs.

But they may be toxic.

Silence. Her Majesty is in pain.

Treat her.

Sire, I cannot.

I said treat her.

I cannot, Sire.

My lord, he is concerned for my well-being.

He is concerned the wrong herbs may endanger our child.

No one is more concerned than he.

See that you are worthy of her trust.

Yes, Sire. With all my heart.

Her Majesty is getting worse by the day.

We don't know what it is, but I'm certain it's no more than prenatal swelling.

Any thoughts?

Swelling is common in the fifth or sixth month.

With her complications, perhaps an invigorating Atractylodes decoction?

That may be best for now.

It's your decision.

Her baby's life is in your hands.

If anything goes wrong, you and the whole staff will pay for it.

My lord.

What?

The Ming envoy has arrived.

They aren't due for three days.

They cancelled the Pyongyang stop.

They're early.

This is about compensation for the reinforcements they sent.

His Majesty is distracted over the Queen's illness.

What shall we do?

Perhaps the Prime Minister can assess their intentions and inform the King?

Excellent.

Good idea.

We've compensated the Ming twice already.

Now they're back for more?

This is our chance to strengthen ties with the Ming.

The Ming aren't what they once were.

An alliance with us will strengthen their borders against the Manchu.

If they defeat the Ming, we may be next.

But assisting the Ming will bleed our people dry.

We have paid our share. We can do no more.

Sire, deny their request and strengthen our own borders.

You keep talking with them while I think about.

That's all.

Sire, we have a request regarding Her Majesty's illness.

Yes?

The Ming envoy brought along a doctor.

Perhaps we could ask him to examine Her Majesty?

Who is that?

The ministers ask the King to let him examine her.

No. He can't.

You had your chance and you let me down.

Please speak to the King for me.

I said leave.

We're finished.

Doctor Heo seems uneasy.

Her Majesty is not pregnant.

You're telling the King?

There's no baby?

It's absurd.

Doctor!