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Episode 33

Isn't that Ae-Jong?

Hey! Where's Lady Jung?

We don't know.

You don't work here anymore, so why are you here?

What about Jung-Im?

Why don't you look for them yourself?

I'm going to...!

You... you're lucky I'm in a hurry.

- What's wrong with her? - I don't know.

Did something else happen?

What? Lady Chun has gone to see the Queen?

Yes, and everyone knows the Queen is eager to see her destroyed!

I'm so afraid something terrible is going to happen!

My Lady...!

So you'll offer your own life for the release of your attendants?

You must have said that fully expecting His Majesty to help you.

But you made a mistake.

This is the Inner Court.

Lives come and go at a single word.

Not even the King can intervene in the Inner Court.

I'm aware of that.

And you'll do it anyway?

Why are you doing this? To buy your attendants' loyalty?

What a fearsome girl you are.

You first said that you weren't worthy to even be a palace maiden.

But all this time, you had the same ambition as me.

Am I wrong?

Was your ambition the reason you stood up for me many years ago?

I don't know what ambition you are referring to.

But if you mean standing up for the truth,

then yes, you are right.

That is my ambition, Your Majesty.

I will not allow any innocent person to suffer wrongfully.

Those with power have always been behind acts such as these all throughout history.

But if I can do something in my position now,

I will do it.

That is the reason why I believe that

fate has put me in this position.

Indeed? Then go ahead.

As always, you are naive and reckless.

Why do you think these acts have happened all throughout history?

Because that is power.

Because that is authority!

You will soon find out for yourself.

That you are powerless and can accomplish nothing.

My Lady, are you all right?

Lady Cho!

Did you summon me, Your Majesty?

Your Majesty!

Dong Yi has declared that she will find out who is behind this incident.

- Who is involved in this? - Your Majesty?

Who is involved in this?

Your Majesty, what do you mean by that?

Did you think I wouldn't know?

Did you not hear me?

I'm asking you who is behind this?

Eun-Geum!

- Eun-Geum, where is Madam Chief? - She's inside. Why?

- What...? - Madam Chief! Madam Chief!

What? Dong Yi is here?

I mean, Lady Chun is here?

Yes, Madam Chief.

Long time no see.

I beg your pardon, Madam Chief, but it appears you have forgotten your manners.

Pardon me for asking, but what brings you here, My Lady?

I've come to consult you regarding the mysterious illness in the Palace.

Consult me? I thought the Tribunal was investigating that.

Because it started at my residence, I told Her Majesty that I would take charge.

But in order to do so, I need the help of the Office of Investigations.

That is why I am here, Madam Chief.

My Lady, why did you say such a thing to the Queen?

I'm not sure myself. When I came to my senses, that's what I had said.

My Lady!

The Inner Court takes words very seriously.

That is the law of the Inner Court, My Lady!

I'm aware of that. Please don't worry.

My Lady...!

So we have no time to waste. We have to make sure I live!

Give this to him and tell him to stay low until I tell him otherwise.

- Yes, Madam. - Hurry.

- Madam! - What is it?

I have bad news. Her Majesty has found out about this.

How? I told you to keep this a secret!

We didn't tell her. She already knew.

What?

- Your Majesty! - You have done a foolhardy thing, Mother.

- Your Majesty! - I didn't know at first.

How could I have known that you would risk the Crown Prince's life?

Your Majesty, this will never harm the Crown Prince.

Would I be that foolish?

This was only meant to target the palace girls.

And that wench, Dong Yi, will be held responsible for everything!

Did you really think it would be that easy?

- Your Majesty... - Do not underestimate her, Mother.

Many years ago, she was the one who saved me from the Dowager Queen's trap.

So how can you even think of trying to corner her with something like this?

You should have been wiser in your approach.

Your Majesty, you mean...?

Many years, Brother said something to me.

He said that I was able to attain this position because I had people to do my dirty work for me.

So if that is how I attained my position and if that is how I will keep it,

Then yes, now I will do everything myself.

Your Majesty...

We were wrong about something.

It is not her life we should be after.

The first thing and the most important thing she must lose is,

His Majesty's trust.

Don't worry, Your Majesty.

I'm not going to say that she's responsible for the disease.

That is merely gossip and superstitious talk from Palace Maidens.

But if Lady Chun does not wish to be the target of further gossip, this must be taken care of.

So what is it that you want to do?

This is a matter of the Inner Court.

Therefore, I wish to handle it. May I do so?

Your Majesty, it is I.

- What did you find out? - Lady Chun has returned to her residence.

- She has? - Yes, Your Majesty!

An illness that only claims palace maidens...

It's impossible for a disease to discern positions in the palace.

There has to be a common factor!

You're no longer a Lady Investigator but a Special Court Lady!

Why are you doing this yourself?

I was a pretty good Lady Investigator, you know!

We can't just sit around and do nothing!

Do you really want to waste your immense talents?

I surrender! I thought I'd live a life of comfort when I came here.

But now I have to work twice as hard!

- My Lady! - Where have you been?

This isn't the time for that. His Majesty is here!

Your Majesty!

So you're telling me to just stand back and watch?

- Yes, Your Majesty, that's right. - Dong Yi!

This is a matter of the Inner Court, and I am now a part of it.

I am not at fault for this illness and neither are my attendants.

So I will solve it myself.

You don't think the Queen is behind this?

How could you say that even if you thought so?

Your Majesty...

I hope I'm wrong, but I can't help but to suspect her.

She has suffered the most from incidents like this in the past.

But power has the ability to make one do to others what one has suffered in the past.

Hey! Are you all right?

My Lady!

- What happened? - She collapsed while serving rice.

She has the same symptoms as the others!

Did you eat the same food as them?

No...

- Did you go to their rooms? - No... no, My Lady.

I can't figure it out, My Lady! It's not just palace maidens now, it's servant girls too.

No records? How can a slave girl not have any records?

It was just her, but Cha Chun Soo too. Neither of them have clear records of their history.

What information is missing?

There is a record of him working as a corpse-handler many years ago.

But after that, there are no records of where he lived and what he did.

I doubt the wench fell out of the sky. Her parents must have been slaves too.

- There's no information about them? - That's what is strange, My Lord.

Strange?

So she wasn't a slave at the Bureau of Music from the start.

Twelve years ago, she was twelve years old.

It's odd that a young girl would enter the Bureau of Music as a slave.

The Bureau of Music doesn't normally take children or women as slaves.

There is something suspicious about her.

There were no records of her before she joined the Bureau of Music as a slave.

And no records mean that there must be something to hide.

Yes, it means that it was necessary to hide something.

I will arrest the man who brought her into the Bureau of Music.

No, don't do that.

If you draw your sword and take blood, there are bound to be eyes watching.

I'm sure you'll find a better way.

Are you sure this is the place? This is where we're supposed to meet?

Yes, I'm sure.

I feel strange about this. I'm more scared of them than His Majesty!

You're finally here! I'm glad you've come!

- My Lord! - Director!

So these are the men? The best manager and the best musician?

Yes, they are the Bureau of Music's prized possessions!

Come here!

Sir!

- Sir! - Yes, yes!

They are very important, so you must treat them well!

Stop acting like you don't like it!

Go on and drink up! I should have done this ages ago!

So you want us to introduce you to our Dong Yi... I mean Lady Chun?

That's right! She's the rising sun and the Queen is the setting sun!

But I don't know if a few drinks and a few dishes of food will do anything.

Although our Ladyship does everything we ask of her,

but we're used to drinking with the King, you know.

- I'm not sure if this will do. - This can't compare of course!

Don't worry about that! This isn't everything!

That's right! We have food and wine and gisaengs too!

Don't worry!

Isn't that good enough? You like gisaengs, don't you?

Make sure they let their guard down, but find out everything you can about her.

Yes, My Lord. But...

Are you sure those men can do it?

That's why I chose them. No one would suspect them.

- Welcome, My Lord. - You're here.

You should have told me earlier that you opened up this place.

I didn't want to burden you.

You look pleased about something.

Do I? Perhaps it is because I'm seeing you again.

What? Qing envoys have passed Uiju?

Yes, Your Majesty.

That's strange. It's not time for their annual visit. I wonder why they're here?

Perhaps they have a special reason for this visit?

A special reason?

Take this horse!

Imperial Seal

Yes, My Lord!

Find us a place to rest while our horses are being changed.

Yes, My Lord. But before you rest, a message is waiting for you.

Indeed? All right.

It must be from Sariwon.

Sariwon? Isn't that on the envoy's route to the capital?

I asked them to let me know when the envoy passes through.

Why do you think they're going to the capital?

That's our job to find out. Before Jang Hee-Jae does, that is.

You mean Dong Yi has become a Special Court Lady?

Why are you making me repeat myself?

If I return to the capital, I can use her to advance my career!

Don't you agree?

Why are you looking at me like that? I'm just joking!

Words like that make me uncomfortable. Please watch what you say.

You're not even her real brother. Why are you so sensitive?

Why do you look so surprised? You said your name is Officer Cha.

But I would have known by your eyes even if I didn't know your surname.

What do you mean by that?

Your eyes, dear fellow. Your eyes aren't of a brother.

You should try to hide your emotions better.

- Now look here...! - Don't worry, I won't tell on you.

But you better be careful. Others won't be as nice as me.

If she is to have a child and have him ascend to the throne,

you need to learn more about politics.

What do you mean by that? Ascend to the throne?

Why not? If she has a son, anything is possible.

You say the impossible! His Highness the Crown Prince is in the Palace...!

His mother, the current Queen, also started as a Special Court Lady.

My current situation is shabby, but I have ambitions too.

- We have to return to the Capital. - What is it, Sir?

I think something bad has happened to Lady Chun.

Ae-Jong, wake up! Ae-Jong!

Ae-Jong! What happened?

She had a fever for a few days, but I never thought Ae-Jong would get it too!

- Ae-Jong! - Summon the physician! Hurry!

- Ae-Jong! - My Lady...

Please come to your senses! Can you see me?

My Lady, I'm all right...

The illness will run from me in fear, so don't worry...

Ae-Jong...!

My Lady...!

How is this happening? Why are only palace maidens getting it?

Why did it start at my residence?

My Lady...!

How is the servant girl?

She hasn't gotten better, but she hasn't deteriorated either.

There must be a common factor somewhere, but I don't know what it is.

I've looked at their food, water and medicine.

But I can't figure it out.

They have searched everywhere, but I don't think they've found anything.

Of course they haven't.

What are we waiting for? I'm going mad just anticipating her reaction!

No, we must wait.

She must suffer through this time, knowing she is powerless.

This is our opportunity to regain what we lost.

We can take our time with this.

Yes, Your Majesty. I will be patient.

It is Lady Bong. Bring it in.

- I'll eat later. - No, My Lady. You skipped breakfast too.

But I really don't have an appetite.

You need to be strong at a time like this!

Please do it for me.

Wait.

You've been burned!

Yes, I was boiling dishes when it happened.

Wait a moment.

This is a salve made from 300 herbs. It will help the wound heal faster.

I'm fine, My Lady! It's really nothing.

It's not fine. I had many injuries as a slave too.

It's so painful and uncomfortable to have a wound on your hand.

This salve will help it.

But...

Forgive me, My Lady, but I can't use that.

You can't use it?

Kitchen maidens can't apply anything to their bodies.

I see.

- Can't apply anything...? - What?

The kitchen...?

The Royal Kitchen! No one is sick there!

- The Royal Kitchen? - Yes.

Every other office has had patients, but there has been none from the Royal Kitchens.

Come to think of it, no one from the Royal Kitchens have been quarantined either.

Because they have to touch food, they aren't allowed to wear any cosmetics or apply any salves.

That means the palace maidens' cosmetics or salves...

Yes, we may be able to find the culprit there!

These books are the records of the Office of Investigations for the past three months.

Read through if there have been any cosmetics brought in within the past three months.

You will also investigate if there are any confiscated items that could potentially cause a health problem.

- Do you understand me? - Yes, My Lady.

How is she?

Her symptoms are the same, but they are in the early stages.

You must answer my question truthfully.

Have you ever taken anything from a palace maiden?

- My Lady...! - All will be forgiven if you tell me the truth.

We have to know what caused this so that we can save you and the others.

Have you ever taken anything from a palace maiden?

My Lady...!

- It was because of the powder? - Yes.

The only thing all of them had in common was that they all used this powder.

We confirmed it with the servant girl as well.

She said she used powder that she stole from a palace maiden.

But powder is something all the palace maidens use.

So how can it cause such a reaction?

We don't have the answer to that yet, but we are looking at where the powder came from.

I'm sure we'll find something. But...

But what?

But according to the records, the powder was distributed around the time...

It was around the same time when you returned to the Palace, My Lady.

Our suspicions were right. This was meant to target you.

- Welcome, Madam. - Is he inside?

Please come this way, Madam.

That ill-mannered...!

Why is that woman going into the cosmetics shop again?

What do you think? Is that enough for all your troubles?

If you don't find the cause in three days time,

will you and your attendants bear the responsibility?

Yes, Your Majesty.

Three days... I will find it in three days.

Today is the deadline. Has there been any news from her?

No, Your Majesty.

What is she doing now?

It looked like she was asking around the Bureau of Cosmetics.

The Bureau of Cosmetics...

She found the Palace office in charge of developing cosmetics for the women of the palace.

She's truly remarkable.

-Bureau of Cosmetics- (Office in charge of developing and supplying cosmetics for the Palace)

This is it.

My Lady, this powder wasn't made here.

It looks like they replaced the original powder in the box we provide.

Yes, I know that. Can you tell what this powder is made from?

And if there is an ingredient in there that can cause problems, can you tell me how?

- Yes, My Lady. - My Lady! My Lady!

What is it?

The girls who brought in the powder have been arrested!

This powder isn't from the Bureau of Cosmetics! Where did you get this powder?

Who ordered you to do this?

No one ordered us, My Lady!

We heard this powder was popular, so we just brought it in to sell to the others.

This powder that you brought in has caused your fellow maidens to come to harm.

We need to know why so that we can treat them.

I really don't know anything, My Lady. A peddler sold me a few of them.

- A peddler? - Yes, a woman who sells cosmetics from a cart.

She said this powder was popular amongst the gisaengs because of the fragrance.

So I bought some to sell to my friends.

It's true, My Lady!

Lady Chun!

What is it?

My Lady, please come with us to the Office of Investigations.

The Office of Investigations? What do you mean?

Stand aside!

I hope you don't mean to break your promise to Her Majesty, Lady Chun?

- My Lady! - I'll go with you, so cease this commotion!

My Lady, you can't go with them! Don't you know what that would mean?

I made a promise to Her Majesty. I should go and resolve it myself.

My Lady!

In the meantime, you need to do something for me.

My Lady...! Where is it?

The sickness can be attributed to poison.

Therefore, it's lead poisoning.

It's not a coincidence that it started from our residence and then moved over to the East Palace.

I'm certain the Queen is behind this!

My lady, you must not be hasty in your conclusions.

First, we must find the peddler who sold the powder with the lead in it.

Peddler? You mean a cosmetics peddler outside the Palace?

Yes, it's important that we find the peddler who sold the powder to my attendants.

We have to find out who is involved and why they sold this lead powder.

Please find out if this powder was sold to gisaengs in the city as well.

Yes, My Lady.

Hey! Hey!

Were you calling me?

Yes, do you know where Bean Sprout and Dimwit are?

What? Who and who?

You know, the lanky musician fellow and that dimwit of a manager!

Oh, you mean Musician Bang and Manager Hwang?

That's right! Where are they?

Here it is. This is Sulhee's gisaeng house, My Lady.

This place?

Is this the powder?

Yes, this is it! How are the gisaengs here?

Has anyone been sick?

Actually, I was getting concerned because a few of my girls had fever and nausea.

Who did they buy the powder from?

She's a peddler who comes here often.

Actually, I just saw her in the gisaengs' room.

What?

See if any of the girls are sick or in discomfort.

- Steward! - Yes, Madam.

- Where is the peddler? - What? Oh, she just left.

What?

Try it. Look at you! Take it and use it well!

I'll be off then. Have a good day!

How did it go? Did you find anything?

We watched the cosmetics shop, but we found nothing out of the ordinary.

- Is that so? - Yes, but there was something strange.

Something strange?

One of their peddlers is a woman who is seen frequently at Madam Yoon's house.

She's been seen there more often these days.

Sir, it's here!

- Find her! - Yes, sir!

Lady Jung! Jung-Im!

Byunhee! What are you doing here?

Me? I'm looking for the powder peddler.

What about you? You too?

Sir, you need to see this!

- My Lady...! - What happened here?

Goodness, they certainly caused a mess here!

Lady Chun?

What did you just say?

What is it?

Your Majesty...

I asked you a question!

What? The Queen gave orders to have Lady Chun arrested?

Yes, Your Majesty.

For what reason?

Lady Chun asked Her Majesty for time to solve the palace maidens' mysterious illness.

So she had Lady Chun arrested because she missed the deadline?

I heard you were investigating this incident.

But have you found nothing yet?

It is too early to give you a report as it is unconfirmed...

It's all right. Go on and tell me.

Lady Jung!

It isn't confirmed yet, but it appears Madam Yoon may be involved.

You mean the Queen's mother?

My Lady...!

You mean Lady Jung said that to His Majesty?

That's right!

That means His Majesty will be here soon.

Lady Cho, send a message to Madam Chief Yu.

Tell her to do what I told her earlier.

Yes, Your Majesty.

Her Majesty has given orders.

You may come out, My Lady.

Eunuch Han!

Halt! Who gave you the orders?

- We don't know. - Tell me the truth!

Halt!

Your Majesty!

- Take these girls away at once! - Yes, Your Majesty.

- Release them. - Yes, My Lady!

Your Majesty, what brings you here?

My Lady!

My Lady, are you all right? Did they hurt you at all?

I'm fine.

I'm so glad to hear that!

- What's going on? - The Queen has arrested the peddler!

What? The Queen?

Yes! She is questioning all of the girls who brought in the powder!

Were you worried that I would put Lady Chun through torture?

My Queen...!

I can't help but be a little upset that you would think that of me, Your Majesty.

My Queen...!

But that is also my fault for not having taken control of this situation well as the Queen.

The culprit behind the mysterious illness was the lead found in the girls' powder.

Lead in the powder has a stronger effect, but the toxicity causes illness.

How did you find this?

Once several of the girls got sick, I asked the Tribunal to investigate everywhere.

Fortunately, my mother knew the peddler and she helped me.

I told you that I didn't believe the malicious rumors regarding Lady Chun.

But you must not have believed me, Your Majesty.

Then why did you have her arrested?

This is the Inner Court and she is a part of it now.

It is the law of the Inner Court that she be taught the importance of one's own words.

As head of the Inner Court, I was merely trying to teach her a lesson.

Welcome!

How are the girls?

Now that we know it's lead, we'll begin treatment right away.

That's wonderful news!

It's not wonderful at all! We are the ones who found out it was lead!

But the Queen is taking all the credit! And not only that!

Now everyone thinks the Queen was supporting you all this time! Unbelievable!

- In any case, the truth was revealed... - No, My Lady, this is most likely not the truth.

Don't you know the Queen by now? This was her plan from the start.

- My Lady! - I was foolish and naive.

I shouldn't have told His Majesty anything.

I fear that this will confuse him even more.

I told you that I didn't believe the malicious rumors regarding Lady Chun.

But you must not have believed me, Your Majesty.

Why do you think these acts have happened all throughout history?

Because that is power.

Because that is authority!

You will soon find out for yourself.

That you are powerless and can accomplish nothing.

If you are here to convey your gratitude, you don't need to do so.

You and I don't have a relationship that requires such small talk.

I am curious about something.

Did you really do this for me?

If so, Your Majesty...

Pardon me. I couldn't help but laugh.

You asked me that with such innocence.

I can't believe I was filled with angst at not being able to stop you.

Your Majesty!

Since you once helped me out of a situation,

let me give you a valuable piece of advice.

Did you say you wanted to do the right thing by doing everything in your power?

Then you need to watch and learn.

The Palace isn't a place where one does the right thing.

This is a place where wrong things are made to be considered right.

So if you want to defeat me,

and if you want to replace me with the deposed Queen,

you must not show me such desperate eyes again.

Do you understand? This is only the beginning.

- Why are you so slow! Hurry! - Yes, Excellency!

- It's so hot, My Lady. - Yes, this summer seems especially hot.

Oh, you're here, your Excellency!

- Your Excellency! - Is Her Majesty inside?

Yes, please go in.

So the Qing envoy is headed towards the capital?

Yes, Your Majesty.

They should be within the city gates by now.

But isn't it too early for their annual visit?

We are concerned about that as well.

We don't know why they are here so early.

Perhaps it is because of the Crown Prince's recognition?

I heard the Queen is using her influence for that.

We'll know when they arrive, Your Majesty.

My Lord! Chun Soo!

Your Highness...!

We heard about the unfortunate events in the Palace. Are you all right?

Yes, I'm fine. Please don't worry about me.

Why did this have to happen while we were away?

How is Lord Shim Woon-Taek? Did he not come with you?

He is somewhere safe for the time being.

Once he is ready, we will bring him into the Palace.

That is good news.

Now that you have returned, we have proof of their guilt!

What is the matter?

You don't look so good.

Chun Soo!

What happened to the men who went to find out about the Qing envoys!

- I'll send more men out, My Lord. - Send a hundred if you have to! Hurry!

My Lord!

What is it?

You have been urgently summoned to the Palace!

What? The Palace? What about the Qing envoys?

His Majesty has summoned you to the Palace immediately!

What? His Majesty?

What? His Majesty has summoned my brother?

Yes, Your Majesty. He has summoned him to come immediately.

Why? For what reason?

- They have passed through Youngeun Gate? - Yes, Your Majesty.

Your Majesty!

Lord Jang Hee-Jae of the Bureau of Hospitality has arrived.

- Bring him in. - Yes, Your Majesty.

Your Majesty... Did you summon me?

I did. Come closer.

Well done. I heard that this is all due to your efforts.

What?

The Qing envoys have just crossed Youngeun Gate.

They bring with them the long-awaited official recognition of the Crown Prince.

Your... Your Majesty! Is that true?

Official recognition?

The Qing envoy is really here to acknowledge the Crown Prince?

That is what we heard.

But the Registration Archive they took was fake!

So how did they come to acknowledge the Crown Prince?

We don't know how this came to be.

But if the Crown Prince is recognized by Qing,

not only will they escape punishment of their crimes,

but as his relatives, they will have more power than before.

Then what about this? Does this mean that it is useless to us?

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