Original subtitles

Men...

don't keep promises.

The king married the love of his life, yet he has ten concubines.

Men lure women with sweet talk...

then they leave like the wind.

I'll be here at 3 AM, three nights from now.

If you show up, I'll let you have me.

I love only one woman. That love will never die.

Episode 34

Thank you, Your Majesty.

What for?

You kept your promise to the queen as well as me.

I was so worried the woman would shake you up.

I was insane to refuse such a beauty.

Chuh-sun.

Do you think she will accept me...

if I return to her now?

Your Majesty, you... ?

I can't even joke with you.

Don't worry.

I won't betray the queen.

Did you meet the gentleman?

Yes. And he hurt my pride.

No way.

No man would ever refuse to have you.

It's just a show.

I'm tired. Leave.

Yes, ma'am.

I love only one woman. That love will never die.

The love of his life?

I'll prove how futile that love is.

A maid slept with a cook?

Such a disgrace must never happen again.

We sent out pictures of him.

He will be brought in.

We need to enforce our rules.

Don't worry, Your Highness.

I'll use this as an example and teach everyone a lesson.

We've had enough trouble already.

It's time to show some kindness.

You must regain trust and respect.

But if I don't deal with this now, they'll never learn a lesson.

Let me handle this.

Do as you wish.

We left you in charge. You have our support.

Thank you.

I heard maids and eunuchs pretend to be married.

Punish all who do so.

I will.

Supervisor.

If any maid misses her period, check if she's pregnant.

I will.

If anything disgraceful happens again, I'll hold you all responsible.

Yes, Your Highness.

At this rate, she'll want to check our virginity as well.

Even all the eunuchs had a physical.

She doesn't know she'll break if she's too rigid.

I'm afraid you're a bit too strict.

If the ladies are obedient, the maids will follow.

But you need the ladies to work for you.

If they respect me, they'll do as I say.

I have no need for disobedient subjects.

How gross.

It's freezing.

- Be careful, Miss Hong. - About what?

The queen forbade all dating.

She'll punish you if she finds out.

I don't care.

As long as Mr. Kim loves me.

Watch what you say.

Miss Song was just unlucky.

Besides, court maids have always dated eunuchs.

Goodness.

You won't ever give up.

I can still hear Mr. Shim crying as they took him away.

His life has been ruined.

I wonder what he's doing now.

You reap what you sow, I guess.

Why'd he go there?

He should've just run away.

He loved her.

And she died.

He wanted to apologize.

Why did you say...

one of the cooks fathered the baby?

You were both instrumental in solving the case.

So I will appoint one of you as Captain of Investigations.

You're both very capable.

I'm sure you'll make a great team.

So...

after much discussion,

I've decided to appoint Mr. Jung.

I will do my very best.

Mr. Kim, it was Mr. Jo's suggestion.

Both of you should visit him right now.

Congratulations.

It was all your doing. Aren't you upset about it?

The decision's been made. What more can I say?

I'm alright, don't worry.

I called you both over...

because our future lies in your hands.

Chuh-sun, do you know why I nominated Mr. Jung?

The reason is beyond my grasp.

Mr. Jung?

I think I do.

Chuh-sun, your intentions to reveal the truth were pure.

But if the royals found out, our dept. would've hung in the balance.

I put more value on protecting the dept. than revealing the truth.

I appreciate your understanding.

Do you think we should put our dept. before loyalty to the king?

Being loyal and honest is easy when you're alone.

But Captain of Investigations should sacrifice the small for the big.

Hello, ma'am.

How are you?

Congratulations...

on your return.

Thank you.

I don't know what you're thinking.

What do you mean?

Why appoint Han-soo and not the son you love so much?

I can't believe you care about Chuh-sun.

Chuh-sun's my son, whether I like it or not. I must wish him well.

Don't worry. I'm doing this to help Chuh-sun grow.

I should forgive Royal Lady Jung. Is she doing as I told her to?

Actually...

What's wrong?

She hasn't shown up for a few days.

What?

You're such a pretty boy.

Come by my chambers tonight.

We should have a few drinks.

Not again, Your Highness. You already got into trouble.

Please don't do this.

How pretty. You make my heart race.

What are you doing?

Nothing.

Why are you crying?

It's nothing.

Why are you upsetting a eunuch?

Pardon? It's not that...

You should watch how you act.

You follow me.

The queen summoned you.

Royal Lady Jung.

I told you to stand outside with the sign for an hour each day.

Why aren't you doing it?

I haven't been feeling well.

How dare you lie to me again.

No wonder your maids are getting into trouble.

Please forgive me.

Lady Oh. Get the switch.

Pardon?

Your Highness.

I said get the switch.

The queen is teaching Royal Lady Jung a lesson?

Yes.

Perhaps Royal Lady Jung deserves it.

But I heard she is with child.

What?

Hold up your dress.

Why won't you just listen to what I have to say first?

You're so rude.

How dare you talk back to me.

I did nothing wrong.

This won't do.

Lady Oh, put her up on the stand.

Queen Insoo is here.

What brings you here?

I suggest you forgive Royal Lady Jung.

But she called a eunuch into her chambers to drink with,

and she overlooked the pregnancy of one of her own maids.

Yet she lied to me just to avoid my punishment.

This is unfair.

I really have been feeling unwell.

Believe me.

How dare you lie to Queen Insoo's face too!

Queen Yoon, she's not lying.

What do you mean?

She's feeling unwell because she's pregnant.

Well?

Congratulations. She is pregnant.

Are you sure?

I am. I'll brew some medicine...

to help her stay healthy.

The good news has washed away all my recent worries.

Thank you.

Why didn't you tell me you're pregnant?

I thought I had indigestion.

It's your first time. You could think so.

Look after yourself and your baby.

I will.

Queen Yoon, be kind to her.

I will, Your Highness.

I'm certain she knew she was pregnant.

I wonder why she didn't tell me.

Thank you for congratulating me.

You deserve to be congratulated.

I bet the queen...

felt crushed at the news.

You must be even more careful.

I will be.

You should produce sons too.

I've been swallowing powder from a stone Buddha's nose.

But it's taking up the space the baby should.

That's nonsense.

We're failing in our duty as concubines.

I wish you have a prince and take that weight off our shoulders.

Don't worry, I will.

I'll make the queen pay for all her insults.

Pregnant concubines get pampered and loved.

But pregnant maids run the risk of getting killed off.

How unfair.

They're concubines and we're just their servants.

We're not even allowed to have a boyfriend...

Mr. Jung!

What is it?

Miss Hong, let's talk.

Have you heard from Sulyoung?

Not since she disappeared three years ago.

I heard you were close.

She saved my father and made me a court maid.

Come to me the minute you hear from her.

I will.

What's wrong? Are you alright?

I'm sick of this.

I don't want to be treated like a toy.

So-woon...

Give me a hug.

Cry for as long as you want.

Don't ever leave me. I can't live without you.

What are you doing?

Nothing.

People might think you're lovers.

What now?

I've missed you so much.

I don't love you anymore. I don't want to see you again.

Why are you doing this to me?

You know we can't be together. We'll both be killed.

I don't care, as long as we're together.

Don't leave me.

Your Majesty. I, Uh Yoo-so, am back from the war.

You have returned without any casualties. Well done.

Thank you.

Why didn't you...

attack the rebel tribes?

I couldn't.

The river hadn't frozen over.

He took 1 0,000 men for nothing.

The Chinese will doubt our sincerity.

If they do,

we'll be even worse-off than before.

What do you want me to do?

Send the soldiers back to conquer the tribes.

How can I recall the men who have already gone home?

I'm sure the Chinese will see that we tried.

Don't bring this issue up again.

I can't believe the king rewarded him for returning without so much as trying.

General Uh is too good a general to return without even trying.

What?

Then... ?

I'm sure the king told him what to do.

I heard the king's been going into the capital often.

He heard the people talk.

The king should trust us, not the ignorant people.

If not, our nation will fall.

That must not happen.

We must find out who is encouraging his outings.

Kill her lover and bring her to me.

Do that and I'll pay you double that amount.

We have a deal.

Are you good?

That's what'll happen to his head.

All ten concubines will have children one day.

Treat them and the children well, as they are our future.

I will.

Yoong, you will have a sibling soon.

I'll do my duty as an older brother.

Of course, you should.

I'm so glad the king's firstborn is so smart and gentle.

Your Highness.

Your mother and brother are here.

You're the prince's uncle. You should teach him well.

Why are you wasting your days drinking?

I'm sorry.

But Lord Lee Dong was good to me.

I can't just ignore him when his wife is causing him trouble.

I heard they're not together anymore. Why are they still married?

I don't know the details, but he hired someone to find her lover.

He seems to grow by the day.

All the royals wonder at his intelligence.

How are you doing, Gi-hyun?

My title is just a title. All I do is drink and talk.

I just can't wait until the prince comes to the throne.

Gi-hyun. How dare you say that.

Apologize immediately.

Please forgive me, Your Highness.

One small slip is enough to ruin us all.

Make sure you don't cause any trouble.

Uncle, please remember what she said.

I will.

You're really going to go tonight?

I can't break the promise I made.

Your husband might set a trap.

I wouldn't have left him if I were afraid of what he'd do.

What if she gets into trouble?

It's none of my business, so why... ?

But this all happened because of my visit.

What should I do?

Mr. Gang, are you there?

Yes.

You called for me?

Call Chuh-sun.

Get ready to go out.

Why won't you answer me?

You want to leave the palace again?

You promised not to visit her again.

It really will be the last time. I just want to check on her.

You cannot do that.

If you won't go with me, I'll go alone.

Please, think of the queen.

You look like an angel.

Do you think the gentleman will show up?

Butterflies never pass a pretty flower by.

He will fall for me in due time.

Are the fool's men still outside?

They must've gotten tired. I haven't seen them for days.

It's clear.

Your Majesty, this really is the last time.

Alright. How many times must I tell you? Let's hurry.

Ma'am, he's coming.

What's a royal's wife doing out here in the dark?

Did Lord Lee send you?

Escort her away.

Yes, sir.

No, you can't take her!

Let go of me!

Ma'am!

Do it.

Who are you?

That's her lover! Get him!

I'll take care of them. Get her away from here.

Can you manage?

Get out of here.

It's me they want. Let them take me.

I can't do that.

He's out of your league. Get going.

Giddyup.

Where is the king?

I think we lost them.

Who was that man?

I don't know.

We should find shelter.

You lost him? What the heck were you doing?

It's all my fault.

Geum-pyo, get your men to look for him.

Don't waste any time.

Yes, sir.

Who was the lady he was with?

Why won't you answer?!

I can't answer. The king made me promise.

His life is at stake.

We must find him immediately.

Tell me who she is.

Lord Lee Dong's wife.

What?

What are you doing?

It won't stop raining any time soon.

We might freeze to death.

You should take off your clothes too.

We can't light a fire. We'll have to hold each other.

We can't do that.

I know it's not right. But it's the only way we can survive.

You said your wife was your only love.

Why did you come for me?

I was worried about you. I didn't come to have you.

You were worried about me?

No gentleman would ignore a lady in distress.

I heard you're married to Lord Lee Dong.

I used to be.

But he's impotent, and claimed I was having an affair.

Then you didn't even consummate your marriage?

I feel so warm and sleepy.

What? He went out and hasn't returned?

Right. That's what I heard.

- Keep looking. - Yes, sir.

Is your mistress home?

Not yet. Please find her.

I was worried about you. I didn't come to have you.

I've been worried sick about you, ma'am.

Where did you spend the night?

Were you with him?

Did anyone come looking for me?

The gentleman's servant and a well-built man did.

Are you alright, Your Majesty?

Yes. Thanks for saving me, Mr. Doh.

I see that you're alright too, Chuh-sun.

I'm glad you're fine.

I'm sorry about everything.

No one else knows you're missing. We must return immediately.

Alright, let's go.

I'm very sorry. It won't happen again.

It's our fault for not escorting you properly.

Lord Jang, don't yell at Chuh-sun.

From now on,

tell us before you leave.

We'll arrange an escort so this never happens again.

I'll do that.

I heard you visit the capital often. So, how are the people doing?

It's not as peaceful as the ministers say.

Many don't have enough to eat.

I'm not surprised.

From now on, rely on the reports rather than visiting the capital.

Why do you say that?

What you see might bias you and influence your policies.

That's not a good thing.

As long as you care for your people,

you can do a good job even when relying only on the reports.

I'll keep that in mind, mother.

Sorry if I worried you. It won't happen again.

I feared something had happened to you.

Where did you spend the night?

I went into a storehouse to escape the rain and fell asleep.

That's all?

Yes.

I'm glad you're safe.

Father, don't make her worry.

Alright, I won't.

I hope you keep your word.

You must be proud of your son.

What does that mean?

It's a poem about a loved one.

Did you find her child?

Tell me.

I won't blame you, no matter what you say.

The shaman who found the baby...

left the capital years ago.

No... that can't be.

Where did she go?

I'd even go all the way to hell if it's to find her.

Forget about your child.

What's the point of looking for him now?

You weren't meant to be family.

I can't give up on him.

Even if it's from a distance,

I want to see how he looks.

Even if it's just once... I want to see him.

Calm down.

What's wrong?

I sinned. I tore a mother and her son apart.

I'll pay for this.

I'm sure you had a good reason.

I'll take any punishment for you.

I don't know what to say. I was careless.

No.

At least I know he's alive now.

I'm sure we'll meet again one day.

You're treating us too well.

Thank you.

You're all my relatives.

You can't get involved in politics, but do tell me what the people say.

We will.

Where is Lord Lee Dong?

He said he'd find his wife's lover.

He hired someone, but it didn't work out.

The fool.

He stands no chance of tracking down all her lovers.

Right.

He might have to arrest all the men in the capital.

What do you mean?

There aren't many nobles who haven't slept with Ulwoodong.

Not just nobles.

I heard she even sleeps with servants too.

At this rate, everyone in the capital will have a common experience soon.

We're done.

Keep your stomach warm. Then you won't skip your period.

Thank you.

It's all about lust.

What do you mean?

Nothing.

Chuh-sun.

I heard the king goes out at night. Does he have a secret lover?

Of course not.

We eunuchs feel nothing even if a naked woman throws herself at us.

But there's nothing wrong with the king dating someone in secret.

We wouldn't be human if we had no lust.

But what was once lust...

turns to greed for power, riches, and fame as time goes by.

It's because we're human.

You must be careful.

If you cling to lust too much,

you might just want to replace the king for your own sake.

Then you didn't even consummate your marriage?

But he's impotent, and claimed I was having an affair.

I want to be alone. Go 50 steps back.

Goodness.

You really scared me just now.

What's that look for.

How could you be with a court maid?

Chuh-sun...

I'm disappointed in you.

Chuh-sun... Hear me out first.

I have nothing to hear.

Chuh-sun...

Mr. Kim!

I have bad news.

The king is missing.

What?

I knew you'd come by.

Why did you deceive me?

I deceived you? What do you mean?

How could you lure me with such lies when you've been with so many men?

You came all the way here to ask me that?

All men are the same.

I thought you'd be different.

I guess I was mistaken.

Please go home.

Let go of me.

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