Original subtitles

Previously on ''The King & I''...

The three friends meet accidentally.

Chun-dong.

So-hwa.

Prince Jaeul.

Prince Jaeul falls for So-hwa.

So does Chun-dong, from a distance.

And so fate brings them together.

I'll never forget the piggyback rides you gave me.

So-hwa becomes King Sungjong's concubine.

Chun-dong castrates himself...

to stay at her side.

So-hwa's life isn't easy,

but Chuh-sun is with her at all times.

I will trust you, even if everyone else goes against you.

So-hwa has a son, and becomes queen.

Lady Hong, take the baby.

Yes, Your Highness.|

No, you can't do this! Don't do this!|

I wish this were all a dream.

I can't believe he betrayed me.

You mustn't see her.

Move!

Mother. Why do you look so gloomy?

You must learn well.

I will.

Please depose me.|

Mother!

Let go! Let go, I'll go with my mother.

Mother!

I...

love you.|

I see.|

So that's how you felt.

How dare she!

Mrs. Yoon wrote a letter that would've upset the prince,

and the queen was nearly poisoned.

What mother wouldn't die...

for her own son?|

Your back is...|

as warm as it used to be.

You killed my mother?!

I give him the Seal of the Crown Prince.

I will do my duty as crown prince.

I'll succeed my father and clear my mother's name.

Please take it back!

I won't forgive those responsible for this.

< Episode 5 5 >

My father consented to a memorial service.

So why is my mother's tomb in ruins as if no one has been taking care of it?!

I will...

move her tomb and erect a shrine in her name.

Think of what to write on her tombstone.

I'll pardon her family and let them take care of her tomb.

Your Majesty.

Her tomb is not to be moved...

within 1 00 years. You must not go against your father's wish.

He would've changed his mind had he known what state her tomb is in.

So carry out my order.

You promised you wouldn't mention your mother again.

Why do you want to move her tomb and erect a shrine?

Even a wild animal cries when its mother dies.

I couldn't bear to think my mother's tomb was in ruins.

Moving her tomb doesn't mean I'll forgive all the things she did.

Please let me do my duty as a son.

Alright.

Do as you please this time.

But if you bring her up again, I won't let it slide then.

Thank you for being so understanding.

I didn't know he missed her that much.

All men from kings to commoners miss their mothers just the same.

I hope this doesn't cause trouble for him.

You're his in-law. Support him.

I will.

Have you decided?

We came up with this together.

''Hyo sa myo. ''

It means ''to serve with filialness. ''

Thank you. I owe you one.

Your Majesty, it's Lady Kim.

Come in.

The officials are in court demanding that you take back your order.

What?

Please do not move your mother's tomb!

Do not move it!

I'm doing what any son would do. Why are you people against it?

Mrs. Yoon was a criminal.

What?

Moving her tomb...

and erecting a shrine means you forgive her.

Please obey your father's order!

Accept our petition!

Accept our petition!

The ministers even submitted a name.

Are you against your superiors too?

The ministers did so...

to flatter you.

Punish them for not doing their duty.

Punish them.

Please accept our honest counsel.

If you won't, then we will all resign.

You didn't object to my mother's killing.

What makes you think your counsel is honest?

Are you mocking the king you serve?

Please accept our loyal advice!

Threatening to resign for nothing is a challenge to my authority.

Withdraw now!

Please take it back!

Take it back!

Geum-pyo.

The buds appear and flowers bloom on that tree...

only because they waited out the winter.

The officials won't survive...

unless they learn to wait this out.

It's a pity.

I'm sure they have mothers too. Why can't they be more understanding?

I guess... they don't see me as king.

If I had the power to do so,

I'd beat them and exile them.

I can't do that.

My father recruited them. How could I punish them?

Then you'll just let them put you down?

What else can a weak king do?

I must do as they say.

Don't you feel sorry for your poor mother?

The officials have gone too far.

Going against the king and demanding that we be punished.

Yes, we must teach them a lesson.

Or they'll threaten us too.

We must see to it that the king gets his way this time.

Soo-geun, persuade the ministers.

I will.

This will be a long and hard fight.

My mother cared for her tomb for years.

It can't be in ruins.

Could someone have done it to provoke the king's pity?

What?

I was just wondering.

Gong-shin.

Find out who reported about her tomb.

What are you thinking about?

The king came to power not too long ago.

I'm trying to think of a way to help him through this mess.

Lord Kim told us not to get involved...

in politics, sir.

Doing our duty has nothing to do with politics.

Dr. Yang.

What brings you here so late?

I'm here to give you some advice.

I'm listening.

All men should be filial and return the love they've received.

Your people will praise you for the respect you show your mother.

I'm glad you understand me.

But a king must be different.

Your Majesty.

Don't you see respecting Mrs. Yoon is like disrespecting your father?

What?

Your father recruited young officials to help him govern.

Must you go against them?

Do as the officials say.

Honor your father's order and don't bring up the past.

I thought you were loyal to me.

Are you siding with the officials to mock me?

I'm just giving you some advice.

What?

Dr. Yang was beaten and imprisoned?

He told the king to give up on moving Mrs. Yoon's tomb.

What brings you here, Mr. Jo?

I heard you had Dr. Yang beaten and imprisoned.

I did so because he sided with the officials to mock me.

He treated generations of royals and he was Head of Eunuchs.

He just wanted to give you some honest and loyal advice.

He even treated your mother when she was ill.

Please show some mercy.

Alright, I'll let him go, for your sake.

You couldn't care less about politics.

I can't believe you got tortured for giving the king advice.

I'm not cut out for it.

I'm not a mind-reader like you, and I'm not as loyal as Chuh-sun.

I brought it on myself.

When you made me replace you,

it was torture, like I was being dragged down by millstones.

But now I feel so much better.

I guess I can go back to drinking now.

Ow. Goodness...

You should be filling in for Lord Kim. Why didn't you help Dr. Yang?

And you think you're doing your duty as eunuchs?!

We're sorry.

Not getting involved in politics...

doesn't mean we ignore what's going on.

Keep an eye on everyone...

and do your jobs properly.

I will not tolerate any behavior that'll make the king lose faith in us.

Yes, sir.

Mr. Lee.

Shouldn't you be beside the late king's tomb with Lord Kim?

Did you tell the king...

where Mrs. Yoon's tomb is?

Of course not. Why would I do that?

Don't abuse the power you have to cause chaos in the palace.

I thought you'd be busy spying on everyone for Lord Kim.

Thanks for worrying about me.

What?

Going against the officials will only harm your authority.

I think you should follow their sound advice.

Did you just say ''sound advice''?

They didn't object to my mother's death.

No queen had ever been deposed, but they remained silent.

Why do you think their advice is sound?

Your Majesty!

I'm sure your heart broke to see my mother get killed off.

Queen Junghyun would've been against it too.

Yet they remained silent and just left her to die.

How can I accept their advice? I cannot do that.

Please understand me.

What should we do?

He's just very upset.

I'm sure he'll get over it.

The ministers support your decision to honor your mother and her family.

Please do not worry.

You really are my loyal subjects.

I won't forget what you did.

I'm so grateful that the king remembers and honors us.

So what? I stand no chance...

of ever getting a title again.

We at least get to honor your sister.

Hello?

The king sent some food and fabric.

The king is very worried about you.

So he still remembers me. How thankful.

How would he ever forget his family?

I will come and visit you often.

Does he also remember me, his uncle?

Of course. I'll see to it that you get a title.

Thanks. You have my trust.

The king mustn't make any enemies. You watch out for him, father.

I will.

Thank you.

I know you think of him like a son,

but you must always be careful.

What do you mean?

I fear he's too attached to his birth mother.

If he wants her title reinstated, you and Prince Jinsung will suffer.

Your Highness, you must always do as your brother says.

I will.

Thank you for visiting me.

We're here to support you. Call us if you need anything.

We'll do what we can.

Thank you so much...

for your kindness.

We both...|

cared for the king like our own son.

He is very bright.

I'm sure he'll outshine his father.

He told me to respect and care for you well.

This is a small gift from us.

Thanks, but no thanks.

Have some tea.

Is something bothering you?

Her tomb was fine last time.

Why is it in ruins now?

It can't be an animal.

It's for the better.

Your job will be easier if there's a shrine.

Hello, Wolhwa.

It's very quiet here.

Mr. Choi moved away with his family.

There's no one to teach and no one to study, so we closed down.

Many eunuchs including me got castrated here.

It's a pity you're closed. Why don't you reopen?

We won't.

I can't force you.

Why are you here anyway?

I want Chuh-sun to remain as my son.

Will you talk to him when he comes back?

I know it won't be easy.

But please help me. I'm begging you.

You think Ja-won told the king about Mrs. Yoon's tomb?

He's even looking after Mrs. Yoon's family.

How is the department?

Mr. Jo heads the senior eunuch council.

Investigate the ministers on the list. See who they meet and what they do.

How dare we...

investigate the ministers?

It's for our department.

But Lord Kim forbade us from getting involved in politics...

How dare you.

How dare you disobey a senior's order.

This investigation is for the king's protection.

I'm sure Lord Kim will agree to this.

What did you just say?

My father is ill?

He became very ill this morning.

Your Highness, I have urgent news.

Come in.

Your father just passed away.

What, he... ?

Your Highness.

Your Highness...

Father...

My condolences, mother.

Your father was a loyal subject and a kind grandfather to me.

He passed away so suddenly.

I just don't know what to say.

But you must be strong.

Thank you for comforting me.

I will pay for your father's funeral.

Please get well soon.

I will. Thanks for being so considerate.

How is Mrs. Yoon's mother doing?

I gave her food and fabric, so she will do fine.

She's my grandmother. Serve her well.

I will, Your Majesty.

I will become a powerful king.

I refuse to let the ministers take over the great nation...

that my ancestors established.

Ma'am.

Wake up. Ma'am.

She seems to be at death's door.

She can breathe easily now. She needs to be looked after.

I have to go see the king. You take her to my mother.

Yes, sir.

Thank you for watching over my father's tomb.

I regret not being able to serve him in death.

Don't say that.

You don't know how much I missed your company.

I'm so glad you're back for good.

Thank you. I'll serve you as best I can.

Thank you for working together to fill in for me while I was away.

Especially you, Dr. Yang.

Now that you're back,

I can return to my herbs and drinking. This is just great.

I'm done mourning. I'll buy you a drink.

That's music to my ears.

How about we go to a bar and drink with some girls?

You might get caught and be punished again.

What?

He has a point.

You're right.

I took the lady to your mother's place.

The doctor says she's severely dehydrated.

Your mother is taking care of her.

Alright, well done.

Mr. Jo has called for you.

I'm glad you're back safely.

I was just doing my duty.

We called you here today...

to complain about...

how you treat us retirees.

What do you mean?

We don't get paid a salary, yet you want us to donate what we have.

You should be looking out for us, not force us to give up what we have.

Lord Kim, give us a break.

The retirees here spent their lives serving the king.

You should guarantee them a comfortable lifestyle.

Let them keep the fortunes they gained.

I can't do that.

What?

Ministers aren't paid after they leave office either.

I told the retirees to donate the fortunes they gathered...

to stop them from taking what's not theirs.

So you'll refuse our request?

The salary you received during your working days is enough to live off.

I'm sure you got my point. Goodbye.

Lord Kim, you'll retire too one day.

Jeez...

I'm Lee Gong-shin, Lord Kim's bodyguard.

Serve and protect him with your life.

Yes, sir.

You have something to say to me?

You're the best swordsman there is.

May I have a duel with you?

Your moves are too straightforward.

It's good to have a straight stroke,

but you must be able to think beyond that.

Then you can beat assassins too.

I'll remember that.

Is something bothering you?

If a eunuch who already has too much craves even more,

it's natural that they be condemned.

Pardon? What do you mean?

Nothing. Let's go.

Lift.

She's still unconscious?

Not really, but she keeps on sleeping.

No.

No!

Are you feeling any better?

Where... ?

You don't remember?

You've been sleeping for days.

Why did you save me? Why?

It seems like only yesterday when I wanted to become a castrator.

Time really flies.

Don't you think you should get married?

A eunuch, get married? Don't be silly.

Gwi-nam and Gae-nam got married too.

Have you thought how lonely your mother must be?

Your getting married...

and adopting a child would make her very happy.

I'm sorry for my mother, but no one should suffer as a eunuch's wife.

I know what you mean, but think of your mother for once.

Then how am I supposed to survive?

I missed you so much, I castrated myself to become a eunuch.

I see.

So that's how you felt.

Here.

A token of my thanks for giving everything up for me.

The officials seem to think too lightly of the king.

They just don't know their place.

I never thought...

a few young scholars could cause such a big problem.

We need to teach them a lesson.

Here you are.

What brings you here?

I came across something terrible that Kim Il-son wrote.

You must see it.

Why is it terrible?

How... How could he... ?

What's wrong?

This is treason, high treason.

We must tell the king.

What poem?

Why did Kim Jong-jik write it,

and why did Kim Il-son...

put it in our records?

Kim Jong-jik wrote about a king who killed his stepbrother.

He's hinting that King Sejo should be criticized for killing his nephew.

He's implying that King Sejo was a usurper.

I heard Kim Jong-jik and Kim Il-son were respected men.

Why would they write such nonsense in our records?

You must read everything that Kim Il-son wrote and punish him.

Sir, the king has summoned you urgently.

Lord Kim, bring all the records that Kim Il-son wrote.

What is this about?

I need to read the records.

They are records of what the king and ministers said.

They're kept for future reference.

The historians are the only men who may read them.

Please take your order back.

I know even the king isn't allowed to read them.

But no historian must be allowed to challenge the monarchy's legitimacy.

I need to read the records for myself.

If they hear you read the records, the historians will fear retribution.

Then no one...

will write what really happened. Please give in.

You're saying you'll disobey me?!

I cannot obey your order this time.

Ja-won, you bring what Kim Il-son wrote.

I will.

You stay right there!

Whatever the order may be, if it is illegal,

then it's your duty to stop him, remember?

Lord Kim, do as I say!

Ja-won, get the records!

Mr. Kim!

Take one step further and I'll punish you for disobeying me.

Does he serve you, Lord Kim or me?!

Lord Kim, you really won't obey my order?

Even if you threaten to behead me for treason,

I cannot let you read something that might go down badly.

If that's what you say, then I'll go and read them myself.

Your Majesty.

- You can't go. - Step aside!

- I'd rather you kill me. - I'll get them.

What's going on?

The king sent me to get everything Kim Il-son wrote.

Don't you know even the king cannot read what's in this room?

Go away!

If you won't hand them over, I'll have to take them.

How dare you eunuchs do this!

Eunuchs barged in and stole written records?

The king sent them.

What?

Why would he order such a thing?

How could he... ? How... ?!

Your Majesty, Queen Insoo is here.

Let her in.

Why did you steal the historical records?

No king can read what's written. Why are you doing this?

Return the books and apologize.

I read them for a reason. Leave me to do my job.

You'll scare the historians from writing the truth.

Your father hired them to make records for future reference.

What you're doing is ruining his reputation.

The historians deceived and mocked the royal family.

I need to put things right.

What?

Kim Il-son wrote that King Sejo killed his nephew and stole the throne.

I will not let someone mock his legitimacy and mine.

What? Is what you just said true?

It's here in this book.

I must do what's right to preserve my authority.

I will arrest and punish Kim Il-son for treason.

If Miss Yoon becomes queen, everyone in the palace...

including your department will end up killing each other.

That's enough.

Yes, sir.

Kim Il-son.

Why did you slander King Sejo and insult my name and my family's?

I only wrote what happened.

I had no ulterior motive.

Shut it!

Why did you insult King Sejo and his accomplishments...

when he took over and reorganized a failing nation?

How did you read all that?

If you check on us and threaten us like this, who'd be able to record the truth?

Who gave you the right to write about the king?

Who can be sure what you write is true?

Your belittling King Sejo...

means you aimed to belittle me and challenge my reign and authority too.

Torture him until he confesses.

- Torture him! - Yes, sir.

Your Majesty...

Why did you bring the records knowing what would happen?

I did it to save the king's face.

What?

If the king went there in person,

the officials would've scorned him and the people would've complained.

I'd rather be punished if it would help him.

If you really cared for him, you should've stopped him.

I should let his reign be threatened because of some nonsense?

Why are you defending the historians when you should be caring for the king?

Ja-won!

I don't see what I did wrong.

I'd do anything for the king, even if it got me tortured and beheaded.

We're eunuchs who'll be forgotten in time,

but what the king did today will be written in every record.

Your excessive loyalty just ruined his reputation forever.

Tell me what to do with Kim Il-son.

Punish him for high treason.

I don't think you should punish a historian.

But if you don't punish him,

King Sejo's reputation will be ruined and your legitimacy threatened.

He's right. You must do the right thing.

If the king punishes the historian, the officials will turn against him.

And he will be criticized forever.

You must persuade the king.

I know what you mean.

But the historians mocked King Sejo.

If King Sejo...

is recorded as a usurper and murderer,

Prince Yonsan and his father's legitimacy will be questioned.

Prince Yonsan knows that and that's why he read the records.

I trust in his decision.

Your Majesty, Lord Kim is here.

Let him in.

Why are you here?

Please stop torturing the historians and forgive them.

Do you think my great-grandfather is a usurper and murderer?

It's for your own good.

My own good?

A king mustn't fear what a few historians wrote.

I will punish them for mocking the monarchy.

- Your Majesty. - You may leave.

Is it because of your mother?

What?

Are you afraid of how they'd have recorded what your mother did?

I'm afraid your love for her will ruin your reign as king.

Forget about her. I'm sure that's what she wants too.

I am king.

I will not let my people down just for some personal emotions.

I'm doing this to strengthen my reign. You have nothing to worry about.

I trust you mean that.

What brings you here?

I heard the king read the records.

It's all my fault. But I'm sure the king will clear everything up.

I'm more worried that he'll find out about his mother.

The ministers and officials bond as fast as they turn against each other.

But if he reads about his mother, no one will be able to survive.

I'm warning you.

I will...

punish the historians who mocked the monarchy and its legitimacy.

I will show everyone I am king.

Behead Kim Il-son and his colleagues.

Kim Jong-jik mocked King Sejo in a poem,

so his corpse will be dug up and beheaded.

Sir...

Sir!|

Sir...

Sir!

- Disperse them! - Yes, sir!

Let's go!

I will eradicate anyone who dares to mock or challenge the monarchy.

The same goes for all ministers and officials.

My love, please don't forget about me

Dear heavens, let my love come true

We swore we 'd be together for life

Though we first met so long ago

I still can't let go of you, my love

I can still hear you call me

I can't forget your touch, your breath

I yearn for you, but I'm helpless