LOTTE ENTERTAINMENT PRESENTS
A HWANG KI-SUNG FILM COMPANY PRODUCTION
PRODUCER HWANG KI-SUNG
CHO YEO-JUNG
KIM DONG-WOOK
That way, sir
PRODUCER PARK SUNG-IL
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER HWANG YOON-JUNG
A KIM DAE-SEUNG FILM
Open your ears to hear the people
Calm thy heart first for the affairs of the nation
THE CONCUBINE
I apologize once again, sir
He is such a reckless lad
Perhaps your son should join us
No, sir! He is not my son, sir
He once saved my life at war, so I took him in like a son
You ruined the prince's hunt!
- Let's go! - How scary!
- The prince is but a thief! - How dare you!
Fool!
Let him go at once!
What have I done wrong?
There is an order to catching deer, too?
How dare you!
Lock him away at once!
- Yes, sir! - Kwon-yoo?
I apologize for the disturbance, Your Highness
Please forgive me
Wait until the guest has left
Why?
What worries you so?
Don't worry
I do not hear you reading these days
Just rumors of you wandering out in mad hunting
To not fall weak, men not only study but hunt and...
That is not what I meant
Why do you frequent Deputy-Minister Shin's house?
Because of his daughter?
A mere deputy-minister's girl?
I've never felt this way before
The court is always critical of the king's half brother
Stay away from her
It is only right that I visit you often, stepmother
You still call me stepmother, sire?
I fret you come to keep watch on me
Of course not
With no son and not even a concubine
They say I'm stopping you with ulterior motives
It is only because I feel sorry to my late queen
Though I am a stepmother, I have my courtly duties
Then, please find a new queen for me
I shall see to it immediately
Who is it?
Sir! Come in!
Your Highness!
How could you do this to me?
Sir! It is late Let us go in and talk
Did you not promise me?
Yes, but how could I go against the court's orders, sir?
Why? Does she not fancy me?
- Let's go in, sir! - Call your daughter out!
Let's go inside
I must talk with her! Where is she?
Since you went against the court, you must run for life
I'm not going anywhere alone
But there's nothing I can do for you
Just stay with me
Kwonyoo!
Escort her away!
Kwonyoo!
No!
- No! - Hwayeon!
Let go!
- Kwonyoo! - Hwayeon!
No!
No, Father!
I suggested we run away Kwonyoo is innocent!
If this gets known, we'll all die including him
Please let him go
It's too late
- Guards! - Yes, sir!
I'll go in the palace!
If Kwonyoo dies, so will I!
Let go!
What have you done to her!
Hwayeon!
I Will do it
There are rules and steps to bathing, too
I have no right to my own body?
5 YEARS LATER
Your Majesty Prince Sung-won is here
It's been so long How've you been, brother?
Just roaming here and there, sire
I'm ashamed to see you so weak and pale, sire
I feel much better seeing you
How are things outside?
The grain and crops have fully ripened, sire
Your people are making spirits with Chrysanthemums
Recently, he's been ill quite often
I'm afraid the court physician does not know why
He'll regain his health soon Don't fret, Your Majesty
You left so suddenly I was worried
You worried about me?
How foolish of me to worry you both
I'm glad you've returned safely
I came upon hearing His Majesty's ill
I shall leave when he recovers
It'd be a burden on you and my nephew for me to stay
What burden? His Majesty welcomes you so
I've taken up too much of your time, Your Majesty
His Majesty appears blue and lifeless
Someone is deliberately trying to assassinate him
- Assassinate? How dare you? - Sirs! Let's calm down
Let's listen to the court physician
He's grown weak from boils and can't eat well
Perhaps it's the food!
If so, we must interrogate the royal kitchen matron!
That's preposterous
We can always do that after His Majesty recovers
What do you mean?
We must get to the truth behind His Majesty's illness
His Majesty's state is critical
Please come another day
What do you mean?
I am His Majesty's mother!
Step aside
Your Majesty!
Why do you keep me from meeting my ailing son!
I must see how he is at once!
His Majesty must rest now Ask her to go for today
Is the queen implying that I'd interfere in his health?
- My acupuncture set! Hurry! - Yes, sir
He isn't breathing!
Don't just watch! Do something!
This is a vital spot
- Please appoint your successor! - Please, Your Majesty!
Your Majesty!
Farewell, My King!
Well done, Minister Yoon
But the prince and queen are still alive
The queen's father also has many followers
How hard can a woman and her child be?
Without the Left-State Minister and her father, she won't last
We must push ahead before the Queen Mother
She has the power to appoint the next king
They are not to be messed with
If you're ousted here,
you and the prince will be in danger
By the way
This is the royal kitchen's log
There's nothing around the day of the king's sudden illness
That means...
Yes. The matron who records the log is also missing
She must be hidden away somewhere inside the palace
Inside here?
Yes
We must find her and prove His Majesty was assassinated
With proof, I can gather up forces with some ministers
How dare you!
They're conspirators of high treason!
- Seize them! - Yes, sir!
High treason?
Why you!
Have you no fear of heaven!
There is a new heaven now!
The queen's father is charged with treason!
What?
The Queen Mother has ordered his arrest for treason
Fools!
How dare you! Go away at once!
Over there!
Stop!
Fools!
This color was made with red sage in lye
It must be soaked hundreds of times
to get this bright, blood-like color
It absorbs all other colors to shine even brighter
It's the king's color
Your Majesty!
It's not our duty to take part in the court's affairs
We look after His Majesty's necessities
We maintain the court's order and customs
We are invisible hands that keep the palace running
We exist only for His Majesty and the royal court
You must all remember and never forget that
Yes, sir!
It hasn't been long since His Majesty's been crowned
Thus, the court eunuchs will also stand guard for a while
If you fall, His Majesty is at risk!
Stand and fight!
Who is that lad?
Minister Yoon recommended him
Minister Yoon? He'll be the new power here
What do you mean?
Don't feign innocence
You're safe for now, but anything can happen
If you want to stay here long, stay close to him
Worried about your post?
You must be getting old
What's more important than that?
I almost lost my life last time
I trust you'll keep watching over me
Your Majesty
Lie to the left of the queen
Your Majesty
Lie over her with your heart to the left
Lick and suckle her lips then swallow her saliva, sire
Softly rub her lower stomach
Then, caress down farther
Wait until her breasts harden, then grasp them firmly, sire
Your Majesty
Begin intercourse, sire
The queen must grab his waist
and accept his royal penis
I am ready, sire Let it in
Go slowly, sire
Next is the anal position
Not yet, sire!
You must ejaculate later to impregnate a son
Please return to your chambers, sire
If the Queen Mother knew...
What happened?
I couldn't say a word in the royal kitchen
The maids run away when they see me
We must find the royal kitchen matron
Your Highness?
You found something? Tell me
Well, if she is still alive...
I once heard the eunuchs whispering
Past the Queen Mother's court and the laundry place
I heard there is a secret pathway underground
No sunlight can get through, But it snows all day there
And only the Queen Mother's private soldiers know of it
You wretch!
Greet the late king's concubine at once!
How dare you?
Bring me a table of food and wine!
His Majesty will come any moment
What's taking so long?
Why'd you come out? Let's return to your room
Let's put some makeup on and change your clothes
Why sure
Your Highness!
Please get me out of here
I just did as I was told
Calm down
And take a look at this
Did you write this?
Yes, Your Highness
But
Do you remember what His Majesty ate that day?
He had lunch at the Queen Mother's court
The Queen Mother?
She suddenly called His Majesty and ordered us not to prepare lunch
Why? Is it not to your liking?
It's because I have indigestion
Afraid it's poisoned, sire?
Of course not
They say you are ill because I'm poisoning you
Then, he had diarrhea all night
You two dare defile the palace order?
Make sure they never forget their sins!
Cut off the atrocious fool's penis!
Remove her womb and sew her genitals!
Show them the strict order of the court!
Yes, ma'am!
You have such soft hands
I know, sir
Your Majesty
Who are you?
Please kill me. I mean, no!
I asked who you are
I deserve to die
She is Her Highness' maid from home
Please forgive me, sire
What brings you to this humble sire?
I haven't visited since you moved to this place
Where did you go at night with no guards?
My father is locked up How could I just sit and wait?
I apologize
I've been too busy with things
You must be devastated
I shall see to your father's release
I cannot be a burden on you, sire
I am just grateful to be alive
It must be uncomfortable in this old place
Chief Eunuch!
Furnish this place suited to Her Highness
That is under jurisdiction of the Queen Mother, sire
What?
It's her jurisdiction?
So, you won't follow the king's order?
Your Highness! Look at this!
His Majesty sent such nice things
This way!
Embankment work on Nakdong River damaged tributary
The peasant shares in great harm
With the rainy season 320 homes were lost
And over 200 people went missing
Apart from what's required, reduce the taxes
Order all district magistrates
to send soldiers to help the people
Next is a list of pardoned sinners in honor of the coronation
Excluding murders and high treason
280 sinners in the capital and 137 elsewhere were...
Do you people not see me?
Why don't you submit reports to me?
While His Majesty learns affairs, the Queen Mother is...
Does it look like I'm learning by just sitting here?
From now on, prepare reports for him to see as well
Continue
Is the queen's father on the list?
Have you lost your mind?
Do you not know for whom they are being purged?
The former queen's father has many followers
I fret it'll perturb the people
You kept watch on me?
Though you act as regent, I am still the king
You're not ready
Mentioning personal feelings at court is no king!
Forgotten how we made it here?
If we don't nip the bud, we could get hurt again
We almost died when your court was on fire
I've never once forgotten that
Please stop mentioning that
Every woman in the palace is yours, but one!
You can never touch that woman
Bring all the eunuchs at the former queen's court!
What have I done wrong?
I did all you wanted, Mother
I accepted her as sister-in-law
And became the king as you wished!
What more do you want from me?
If the bee will not shoo away
the flower will be cut off
Get me a drink
Hwayeon!
I took you in like my own son
How dare you covet my daughter!
Hwayeon!
Remember why I let you live And never come to us again
- Guards! - Yes, sir!
- Castrate him at once! - Yes, sir!
Kwonyoo? How did you come here?
I thought you were dead
No. I prayed every moment for you to be alive
Kwonyoo
I'm so glad to see you alive and well
Kwonyoo died back then, madam
What do you mean? Please help me
I have no clue what is happening
I found evidence the king's been murdered
Please, go back
Do you not know I'm Minister Yoon's man?
What do you mean?
You're the only one I have in the palace
Kwonyoo
How could you?
How could I be of any help now?
What more do you want in life?
If you want to live, run away alone
Alone again
Like before
Run by yourself
No visitors are allowed
Still, Her Highness is here
Just for a moment?
I could lose my head I'm sorry
Could you at least give this to my elderly father?
It's rice gruel
Your daughter sent this
You?
How did you come here?
Such a dangerous act
My daughter is innocent
I heard what happened from the royal kitchen matron
Who should I tell this to?
Look. I'll die for my sin But not her!
You should've killed me back then
Stop! Come back!
How is the former queen?
She is well, Your Majesty
Visit her day and night to make sure she's well
Yes, sire
How dare you?
Persimmon is harmful to His Majesty's boils
What is your name?
Choongyoung, sire
How'd you know I have boils?
I knew from how you hesitated leaning against your back
Tell me, how can boils be subdued?
Sweat and chills can cause boils to form easily, sire
It is best to avoid raw or cold foods
You seem familiar
Have we met before?
No, sire. How can a lowly man meet His Majesty?
I like this lad Promote him as senior eunuch
Your Majesty
To become a senior, one must work over 16 years
It took him over 20 years to reach that post to be here
- This man came in recently - What?
Can't I do as I wish even with a eunuch?
Why?
Do you only follow the Queen Mother, too?
As you wish, sire
What brings Your Highness here this late?
Is it this?
Kwonyoo
They will be beheaded at dawn
Why make the effort?
The poor kitchen matron died because of you
Madam? What is it?
I must watch my father die for we couldn't die with the king
Please kill us first, sire
Beheading the former queen's father is too harsh
Please take back the order
The court has already decided
Please save her father!
I will do whatever you want
I will no longer seek her!
Loyal ministers wish this to stabilize your reign!
No further discussion
Who do you speak of?
The relatives on your side who all hold posts?
She must suffer so because the late king didn't kill us?
Watch what you say!
Am I this nation's king at all?
Not this time It won't be as you wish
Sire!
- Chief Eunuch? - Yes, sire
Run and stop the execution
Changing the Queen Mother's order will...
Then, you go!
No judgments That is not up to us
All hear His Majesty's command!
Shin Ik-chul and his men have plotted high treason
And endangered the court
By law, their entire family must die and...
Wretched fool!
You poisoned the late king to death!
Off with his head!
Step aside!
I must speak with her!
Your Majesty
Sire!
Please calm down
Why you!
Perhaps it's best to go, sire
There. Checkmate
Let me see
Oh no. Take back just one move?
Again? Nothing comes for free
I have nothing but my balls Want that?
Testicles? Why sure! I've been dying for them
I'll take back 10 moves!
Why look like you just stepped in shit?
How is the game?
I always win, but it's not fun
Why? Trouble in the court?
30 years here, I thought I knew it inside out
But I'm still not sure of what is right or wrong
Why you
It's hard to tell who is right because everyone is right
When I cut off my balls to come here I sealed off reasoning, too
It's not about right or wrong Just having power or not here
Wait
Did I just say that? Not bad, aren't I?
Yes. Indeed
What would you have become instead of a eunuch?
Just leading a happy life with a wife and kids
Forget it
Unless we die, we can't ever leave here
You fool!
Testing to see if my eyes will pop out or not?
I can't stand him!
KING
It is obvious for whom they plotted treason
Depose the former queen and banish her and her son
Your Majesty
Please punish the former queen to avoid any future harm
Our king isn't coming again?
Your Majesty Please give the order
Please give the order!
Find reason against her to persuade the king first!
Dismissed
Your Majesty
Please depose and banish them
Call the Chief Minister
Why not look at me?
I am embarrassed to see you without your proper robes, sire
This is embarrassing?
You who clearly show ulterior motives is far more shameless
I'll ask one thing
What trait is most important to be king?
Showing virtue with humanity, sire
Then, what is the root of humanity?
Compassion, sire
Is banishing a widow compassion?
- Is that a virtuous deed? - But, sire
You can kill us all, but think of the court and...
Old fool!
Do you think the Queen Mother's regency will last forever?
Take the others and go Or you'll get your wish to die!
Go away at once!
His Majesty has arrived
Stay here
Please return during the day, sire
I heard you are ill
With my father's head up on the street, how can I be well?
Is that why you avoid me so?
Do you know what is happening in the court?
I know very well, sire
Those dying to banish me will be avid to find you here
So please
Do not come for me again
How can you be so cruel?
Why do you think I endure being on the throne? For what?
Why put me in such misery?
Yell at me instead
For stealing my nephew's seat and letting your father die!
Say you are angry! Say it!
What is your name?
It's Geum-ok, Your Majesty
Why? Will you take her to your chambers?
Why not, madam
Please don't do this!
Don't let me go! I don't want to!
Let's go!
Your Highness!
Please! I don't want to go!
Everything happened as you wished
Are you happy to get your revenge!
I thought
you came into the palace for me
Now what?
What do I do?
If you want to live
If you want to leave the palace
I shall find a way
Why? Am I next?
Do you know where I just came from?
I saw your father's head hung in the street
Does she resent me greatly?
She is torn by the loss
She cannot eat
She is devastated
Go on
How does she look before sleeping?
Pardon?
Well, she changes her clothes
She unties her hair
And sleeps in a white dress
Who undresses her?
I do, sire
How do you undress her?
Well, I untie the breast-tie
- Do you bathe her, too? - Yes, sire
How do you bathe her?
She goes into a scented hot tub
Where do you wash her first?
With a fine cloth I wash her breasts and shoulders
Is she soft?
Yes, she is so soft and white
Go on
When she gets up, I wash between her legs
Your Majesty
This is your new room, madam
You've gained His Majesty's favor, but have yet to be a concubine
Please mind your conduct and do not wander from this room
Yes, ma'am
I see
She will be your maid
Madam
Is there anything you need?
- No. You may go - Yes, ma'am
Go away at once!
Servants!
Thank you, Your Majesty
Oh, Your Majesty
Geum-ok!
Having fun, sir?
What a strange world
I became a royal concubine
And you became a eunuch Interesting, isn't it?
His Majesty is here
We're just in time
They are not to be disturbed
You became a senior eunuch?
Will you help in His Majesty coming to my court?
Remember our ties from outside the palace?
I've forgotten all that happened outside
You must help me to keep your secrets
You've gone high enough
Watch your tongue to avoid bringing harm upon yourself
Your Majesty
How I upset you not knowing the great pains I've caused
No, madam
I, too, have been upset over what happened to your father
What harm does the Queen Mother think my son and I could be?
Madam
Forgive me about your father
How could I blame you, sire?
I must not be fit to be king
What do you mean, sire?
The late king always said you had the wisdom and morals
Why the Queen Mother's regency?
What a shame and a pity
It's time you gave orders to depose them, Your Majesty
Deposing her is not the only way
Pardon?
Who would seek the truth if she fell prey to a mishap?
Don't mind her
She's survived in the palace for over 30 years
Do you know why she has but one ear?
She heard something she should not
She is wise She knows to go along with the tide
He visited the former queen?
Do you know anything about poison?
I once saw poisonous aconite while with ginseng diggers
- Having this inside the palace... - Means trouble
But to those who don't know, it's just a rook
Know how to make poison with that?
- By burning it, sir - Then, make it
If the mother and son won't leave, there's only one way out of here
You deal with where His Majesty sleeps?
Me?
I wouldn't dare
Could you lead him to me on the 3rd?
- Please, madam - Who knows?
If I give birth to a prince, you'll be the chief eunuch
No use for the libido I get from eating frogs
Excuse me
30 years here, I can tell why you came
Let's see if you're fit to bear a son
Just examining Don't get excited
- I need something that works well - Sure
- Got different sized breasts? - No!
Your medicine depends on that It'll be harder to have sons
- They're different, right? - No
Let me take a look
I'll have to feel them to be sure
They're the same!
That's good
This'll go in
Is this for a son?
Turn a girl into a boy before birth
Decoct it and drink it the day before
The day before
Wait
This is the son She took the daughter
People are so cunning
When you go up, you don't want to get down
Right, Your Highness?
With His Majesty's favor, who says I can't become a queen?
How dare you!
Watch your words, madam
You dare tell me what to do?
With the king's favor who would I help?
Would I do anything to harm you?
Of course How can I help?
I should adorn myself to catch his eye
I need jewelry
Take whatever you think you'll need
When you give birth to a crown prince
I'll build a temple somewhere and pray there for life
I'm ashamed for being unable to give birth to a son
His Majesty sent word he is in pain and will not sleep here
Does he know it's the most auspicious day in 4 years?
Yes, Your Majesty
Let's go. My son is ill, I must see him
Have you learned the traits of a king?
It's okay. Tell me
Yes, sire It's wisdom, virtue, and honor
Good
What does wisdom mean?
It means having open eyes and ears
The eyes must foresee things
The ears must listen to the people
Good
That is correct
Here
Sire? The decoction is getting cold
I must be nothing more than a breeding pig
Of course not, sire
How can having an heir be taken lightly?
Quiet! You drink it
It would've been better if you were king
Sire. The Queen Mother has arrived
What are you doing!
I am not only your son, but the king
What king? When you don't come to the assemblies!
You don't give me a chance to do anything
You make all the decisions
Now, you want me to be a puppet?
When things settle and you have an heir, I will step down
When will that be?
What?
Why don't you just sit on the throne, Mother?
I am sick of sleeping with the queen before you!
I just have to sow the seeds?
It doesn't have to be the queen
An auspicious day?
I'll give the concubines a chance!
Who is it?
It's Lady Geum-ok, sire
Let's go
Why you!
Your Majesty
Why do you have this?
Your Majesty, please...
Tell me why you have this!
Sire! I can explain...
Your Majesty!
I have something to say, sire
There's something you must know
Why was this in someone else's hand?
Please calm your anger and have a seat, sire
Don't you know how I feel?
Do you detest me that much?
Am I...
no better than that eunuch?
Drag him in
He seemed familiar
He was the fool who lived in your house!
You disguised him as a eunuch?
- That's preposterous - Explain yourself!
Why is that fool here!
I didn't know he was here until recently, Your Majesty
You expect me to believe that?
I remember how he used to look at you!
You and that fool!
Who's the father of your prematurely born son?
Is he my brother's son or not?
Undress him
I must see if he is a eunuch or not!
Must you humiliate me like this?
Strip him!
Sire. Why would you see something so hideous?
Please leave, sire
Madam!
Don't you know how I feel?
Do you really think I don't know?
When the Queen Mother watches so viciously...
Queen Mother or not, I don't know care!
Look at me. I'm a wreck I want you so!
Sire
Sire!
When you become a true king, please return then
I shall become a king
I shall become a true king
He broke family morals and...
No one must know of this
Yes, Your Majesty
You know very well, sir
What I had to do to seat him on the throne
Get rid of her
Why didn't you tell me?
What would change by telling you?
If you only told me...
Let's run
Then what?
We tried that once
Rather than living like this, let's all leave together
Going outside the palace means death for us
I won't endanger my son
No matter what, he's the late king's prince
He'll die because of that
No
I'll protect him no matter what
Then
How can I help?
What do you want me to do?
Hwayeon
Sire
You shot 40 times Think of...
You called, Your Majesty?
Shoot!
Let's see how good you are
I dare not hold His Majesty's bow
Give him a bow
Kwonyoo
Why'd you come into the palace?
Becoming a court eunuch was the only way I had, sire
A eunuch dare loved the queen?
Of course not, sire
I must see the former queen
I acted disrespectfully last night, so I must see her
The Queen Mother is sick in bed Will you visit her first?
He still suspects it
We can't keep staying here
Sire, please...
Sire!
What is it, sire?
Sire
Kwonyoo? Where is he?
Call Choongyoung
I'm not drinking that decoction again
But, Your Majesty
The Queen Mother makes sure you drink this every day
Then, you drink it
Pardon?
But we don't even eat garlic to curb our libido, sire
Eunuchs have sexual drive?
We can't have erections but still feel sexual desires, sire
Choongyoung
You drink it
Why? You can't?
Afraid to be sexually aroused?
Drink it
I won't endanger my son
I'll protect him no matter what
No worries Yours is completely gone
No!
It can't be!
Who is it?
Who ordered this?
Please calm down, sire
I do not know anything, sire
I just got the medicine and decocted it as usual
Your Majesty...
Anyone who speaks of this shall be beheaded!
Call the physician in secret
Save him I have something to hear from him
Forgive me, sire!
I do not know anything
Show the evidence
Do you recognize it?
It was found in your room
I really don't know, sire
Why?
Did the Queen Mother say to kill me?
Of course not, sire
Then, who is in charge of the medicinal herbs?
It's Minister Yoon, sire
No one is allowed in, sir
Look
Wake up!
Pil-woon, wake up
Water...
Here
More
Are you okay?
I'm a sore sight, aren't I?
I must look awful
You don't look too bad
He gave Minister Yoon's name
Terror will soon strike the palace
Send me along before then?
What do you mean?
You know very well what power is
His Majesty must want something out of this
Though living in dung is better than dying
I don't want to go on
Please?
I can't!
What if the king wants your name?
What are you doing?
I'll get you out of the palace
It's no use. I'm exhausted
I'll see to everything!
Look...
Thanks for your company
Sorry to go first
Put that down!
No!
Wake up!
Pil-woon! No!
Go in peace, my friend
Don't stop by here and there
Just look at the white light and go straight there
I promise
I'll bring the prince back safely
We'll soon meet again Don't fret, Your Highness
Mother! I don't want to go!
Mother!
That is nothing but the truth?
I wouldn't dare lie to you, Your Majesty
She deceived a eunuch's child for the king's son?
And became a queen?
Wretched whore!
Come in!
Yes, Your Majesty
Send her to the dungeon
Me?
Your Majesty!
I'll go back to being a maid! Please, not the dungeon!
I'd rather die than go there!
Kill her
But, Your Majesty! No!
Let me go!
Why are you doing this to me?
Please save me, Your Majesty!
Let go! No!
Your Majesty!
I don't want to die!
There is more!
The Queen Mother sent strict orders to escort you
Minister Yoon! The king has charged you!
Fool! How dare you come here like that?
What's going on?
Minister Yoon is charged with treason
Treason?
Go away at once!
I apologize, but the king ordered to imprison him at once
The king's order?
Who put you in that position?
You dare raise your sword?
You dare raise a sword at me?
I'll go to the king Go to the dungeon and kill her!
The chief eunuch has arrived, sire
Sire!
Where are you?
I know you are here!
Come out here!
Sitting up here
I can see why you were so attached to it
What are you doing there?
Why did you order Minister Yoon's arrest?
You sent away the soldiers I sent?
How can you send soldiers to your mother?
I must really be a puppet king
You liked that seat so much, you cut me up into a puppet
Now, you'll get rid of me?
What do you mean?
Did you give the order to poison me?
What?
The physician confessed
You plotted with Yoon to kill me?
What?
- That's preposterous! - Isn't it?
I thought it was strange
Your man, Yoon, couldn't have plotted this alone!
This is a trap!
The former queen is up to this That wretch!
Right. Now, I see
Poison the decoction than frame her?
Kill me, her, and my nephew?
Then, who did you plan to seat here?
What do you mean?
Minister Yoon and I lived to out you on that throne!
You lasted quite long
- Kill her! - Yes, sir!
- Who are you! - Charge!
Kill them!
Seize everyone one of the traitors!
Traitors!
Do you know what she did?
The late king couldn't have children
Be honest for once!
Have you forgotten?
The late queen died while giving birth!
I poisoned him since
- The prince's birth is dubious - What?
You poisoned my brother?
Who asked you to do that?
For whom!
For whom did you do that!
When did I ever say I wanted to be king?
When did I ever say I wanted to be king!
My child...
Look at me
It was all to protect you in this cruel palace
I'm your mother
Why'd you force me on the throne
and turn me into someone who can't trust his mother?
You can't trust me?
You dare defy your mother!
If you all meet, the truth will come out
Guards!
Bring Minister Yoon and Kwonyoo at once!
That won't happen!
Yes, it will!
Minister Yoon!
I brought the criminals as ordered, Your Majesty
The physician confessed
Evidence was found in his room
Who do you think he said was behind this?
How would I know, sire?
Why can't you say it!
I do not know anything
I drank the decoction, did I not?
Then, Why'd you hesitate when I told you to drink it!
You knew it was poisoned, didn't you!
Enough! Stop it!
I'm asking this fool a question!
You knew!
How'd you know it was poisoned?
Sire!
Do you know what she did?
She defiled the royal court with that fool!
Drag her here to confess!
Yes!
I'm guilty
Guilty for bearing the late king's son
And guilty for being alive
You're guilty for this uproar due to your son
And guilty for distracting the king!
But, Your Majesty
Who is that man?
He's Minister Yoon's man who killed my father
What daughter would secretly plot with the enemy?
You wretch!
How dare you show fake tears here!
What would my young child know or do
that I'd covet your throne?
If I thought that in the slightest
I'd bite my tongue and die right here
But I cannot die falsely accused as someone so shameless
Confess the truth!
Who ordered you to poison the decoction?
The Queen Mother
She ordered me to make the poison
And Minister Yoon gave it to...
This is a trap!
It's a trap, sire!
What are you doing?
Why did you do it!
Was the throne that dear to kill your own son?
Tell me!
Calm down, sire!
She can't breathe! Sire!
Lock them up and execute them all!
Escort the Queen Mother to remain in her quarters
Anyone who dares contact her shall be gravely punished!
Your Majesty! No!
Thank you for keeping your promise
I shall never forget this
Our son... Protect him well
Our son?
The prince is no one's son
He is my son
When you become a true king, please return then
Is it all done?
Will you accept me now?
Farewell, My King!
Open your ears to hear the people
Calm thy heart first for the affairs of the nation
Understood?
Your Highness?
At last, it happened?
I am very sorry
So, you came for me?
Do me a favor