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[Resemblance to any historical figures or incidents is fictitious.]
[Episode 1]
It has been a long time since the skies of Joseon have seen the sun.
Darkness covers the sun, and the people of Joseon
are falling prey to despair and diseases.
This terrible calamity doesn't seem to have an end
and the populace is becoming less loyal to the country.
Thus, the royal family's power is beginning to wane significantly.
I, Choi Hyun Seo, ardently pray for the mercy of the heavens
to be bestowed upon this land, as well as our Imperial Taoist Branch.
The king must walk upon a righteous path for this country to thrive once more.
The darkness enshrouding this land is only exacerbating the situation.
Please, bestow us with a new sun that will grace our land with its light.
And when you do finally allow light to shine upon this land
peace will finally come to the land, the royal family, and the citizens.
I had quite a strange dream.
What kind of dream was it, that you sought me out so early in the morning?
To be frank, I dreamed that a black shadow entered my belly.
Can't these sorts of dreams be considered to be
a precognitive dream regarding the birth of a child?
Did you say... a black shadow, Your Highness?
Yes. It was a shadow large enough to cover the sky.
When the shadow reached the sky, the bright sky became as dark as night.
I still can't forget the look in that spirit's eyes.
What's the matter?
All right. How is it?
This shocks me greatly to say, but you are not with child, Your Highness.
Did you hear the news? She's not pregnant this time, either!
They say that the Dowager Mother is quite angry because she isn't conceiving
even thought they're praying for her at the Imperial Taoist Branch every morning.
I bet the the Queen Dowager is really mad at them right now!
Well, isn't this a good thing, really?
The Queen Dowager has been favoring those Taoists way too much, anyway.
Thanks to them, us Sungsuchung shamans have had it rough!
Yeah. Whenever something happens, the Dowager Mother runs over to Choi Hyun--
- Huh? What's with her this time? - What's she doing now?
Hey, look. She's at it again.
She's not pregnant this time, either?
It's been over five years since you married into the royal family.
So how could you still have not given birth to an heir?
Does this make any sense?
I deeply apologize, Your Highness.
Also, weren't you two supposed to sleep together last night?
Myungjong. Did you visit her quarters yesterday?
Did you spend the night together?
I told you to sleep with your heads facing the north
because the vibes coming from there were good!
And told you two that you must assume the sexual position I told you!
So did you really do as I'd advised?
- Eunuch Park. - Yes, Your Highness?
When's the next day that you two will be sleeping together?
It's this upcoming Saturday, Your Highness.
Cancel all my plans for that day.
I will be there to witness the coupling of these two.
Tell all the doctors of the palace to clear the schedules and spectate, too.
I heard that you exited her chambers after a minute or two.
I'll see with my own eyes just what the issue here is.
Please, stop already.
What did you just say?
I said, stop this already! I'm not a child anymore.
- Your Highness. - It's because you keep acting like this
that people keep calling me an incompetent king!
Who exactly is the ruler of this country, anyway?
Do you know what I went through to hand you that position?
Did you forget all the struggles I went through
to secure and maintain that position for you?
No. What you've been struggling to protect this whole time
was not my position, but your own.
I can't just sit and watch this happen.
- Eunuch Park. - Yes, Your Highness?
Summon Hong Joo, right this moment.
Shamaness.
Shamaness?
Your Highness. This flood has wreaked much havoc unto the people
and the spirits of the people are beginning to falter.
They say that there is much calamity sweeping the land
and there's even one family that elected to end their own lives!
That truly is a shame.
Deploy the archers in charge of disaster relief
and take care to lessen the struggles of the people as quickly as possible.
Yes, Your Highness.
Wait.
How could you deploy the palace archers for such a trivial matter?
I think it'd suffice to just lower their taxes, don't you think?
Then do that, then.
Yes, Your Highness.
What's next on the agenda, Do Seunji?
Yes, Your Highness. About your previous command regarding--
Insolent wench! How dare you enter while court is in session?
You must be really crazy, you wench! Listen, is there nobody out there?
I'm the one who called her here.
You're here? I was waiting for you.
It has been a while since I've had the pleasure of greeting you, Your Highness.
Yes, indeed. Have you been well?
Yes, all thanks to your tremendous grace.
That's a relief to hear.
- To be frank, the reason why-- - I know, Your Highness.
Don't worry. I'll give you an heir through any means necessary.
As to be expected of you, Hong Joo!
This is the outfit you'll be wearing at the next celebration. Do you like it?
What troubles you, Your Highness?
I really did think that I was pregnant this time, for certain.
If that dream wasn't a precognitive dream regarding the birth of a child...
just what kind of dream was that, then?
Please don't be too disheartened, Your Highness.
I'm sure that you'll be hearing good news very soon.
Your Highness, someone from Sungsuchung is here to see you.
From Sungsuchung? Let them in.
Hello, Queen Shim.
I am Hong Joo, who will be the Chief Shamaness of Sungsuchung starting today.
All right. But what brings you here?
Please send all of your attendants out, Your Highness.
How dare a mere Sungsuchung shamaness like you--
I was commanded by the Queen Dowager to speak only to Queen Shim about this.
Step outside.
All right, then. What's this all about?
What are you doing?
I apologize, Queen Shim. But I'm just following the Queen Dowager's orders.
What are you doing? Strip her down.
You wenches! What are you doing? Stop this right now!
How dare you treat me this way, you wench!
I'm currently casting out the bad energy in your body.
You must become imbued with good energy and become pregnant
for you to become a legitimate Queen Mother yourself.
What are you doing? Continue.
Chief Shamaness.
- It is impossible. - What do you mean?
I am sorry to tell you this, but the Queen is barren.
What did you say? The Queen is barren?
How could this be? What do we do now?
- Don't worry too much, Your Highness. - What do you mean by that?
Do you have a solution?
- N-no way... - There's no other way.
But who knows what will happen if the spell is improperly cast!
That is true, Your Highness.
However, isn't it the top priority to get an heir as soon as possible?
The decision lies with you. I will do whatever you command.
All right, then.
The top priority right now is getting an heir to the throne.
And that heir must come out of the Queen's body.
- It has been a while, sir. - How did you get back into the palace?
Did the Queen Dowager call you again?
No matter how hard the Imperial Taoist Branch prays every day
the Queen cannot get pregnant, so the Queen Dowager is quite distressed.
Thus, I came here to offer her some consolation.
There are some things even the heavens cannot do.
Yes. The Queen has a body that cannot conceive.
Lower your voice!
However, that's not to say that it's impossible for her to get pregnant.
This wench will try to do what the heavens cannot.
What do you mean by that?
You're not... are you?
We're still feeling the aftermath of what you did five years ago!
Just what kind of vile deed will you commit at the palace this time?
What do you mean, vile?
You and I are the same, are we not?
We're both people who pray for the sake of this nation, after all.
Watch your words!
How could you call us the same, when I worship the heavens
while you worship devils?
So you squandered your prayers every day on the heavens, who don't even listen
to your prayer of asking a flower to blossom in a field of stones?
You sure are naive.
It seems that most of your wounds have healed up.
You witch. If you ever try to defy the will of the heavens again...
I will not just stand for it this time.
Chief Shamaness! Chief Shamaness!
What is it?
This is an urgent matter, ma'am! That person... that person is in danger!
You said that in exchange for covering up what happened five years ago
you'd never call Hong Joo to the royal courts again!
You promised me this, didn't you?
So why did you call her back here?
I tried my very best through the means that the Imperial Taoist Branch offered.
But, how could this be? You backstabbed me.
What... do you mean by that, Your Highness?
You knew, didn't you? That the Queen is barren.
Yes, I know. How could I not know?
There's nobody else who wishes for stability in the palace more than you.
However, securing an heir is also a part of maintaining stability
within the palace, and within the country!
So how could you deceive me like this?
What do you think would have happened if I'd told you the truth?
The Queen would have lost her life.
- Just like the previous queen. - Sir!
Your Highness.
I can no longer trust the Imperial Taoist Branch.
Therefore, all of the supernatural affairs around the palace
will be handled by Sungsuchung's Hong Joo.
So step down from your position, sir.
Queen Dowager, I don't care what you do to me!
But you can't keep that woman, Hong Joo, around!
Due to the calamitous weather we've been plagued with
there is so much political instability as it is.
So why is it that you're so vehemently against this?
I know how you must feel, Queen Dowager.
But you must not fall for Hong Joo's deceptions!
You know that Hong Joo's black magic only brings forth disastrous results!
The royal family will soon be entrenched in her curse!
Shut your mouth! Do I seem like some shamaness's toy to you?
Just what do you take me for?
I've said all I have to say, so leave the palace immediately.
And don't you ever wander anywhere near the palace again!
- Your Highness! - I told you to get out!
Your Highness!
Queen Dowager! It's a disaster!
What is it?
- The king is in critical condition! - What did you say?
What happened?
Your Highness, it seems that he had a severe case of indigestion.
- Severe indigestion? - Yes, Your Highness.
Thankfully, we were able to discover it early, and were able to take care of it.
That's quite a relief.
But... how did you know?
- Um... that is... - It's all right.
Don't be scared, and tell me.
I deeply apologize, ma'am, but I'm not sure myself.
- You don't know? - Yes, ma'am.
I... just heard something, is all.
A sound?
I... am able to hear sounds that others cannot.
When I hear such things, the things I hear soon come to pass, no matter what.
Since when have you had this ability?
I'm not exactly sure, but I've been able to hear such things since I was young.
You did an amazing thing as a shamaness
so I'm sure that you'll be rewarded quite handsomely.
Return to your quarters.
Yes, ma'am.
I feel a strange aura. She's definitely no ordinary girl.
Wow, she must be so happy!
They even gave her a palanquin for her to ride in for the trip home!
Wow, I'm so jealous. She was able to foresee the king's illness in her sleep.
But meanwhile, all I get in my sleep are cramps!
How come I don't have an ability like hers?
- I know, right? - Sheesh!
- Hey, it's Hae Ran! - Hae Ran?
Wow, you look so pretty!
You must be so happy! Can you pick me up a comb on your way back?
And get me some makeup, okay?
Hey, is there anything you heard about me? If you did, let me know!
Move aside! Move aside!
Queen Shim prepared this gift for your family.
Thank you, ma'am!
- What is it now? - Queen Shim.
You are barren.
What did you just say? Is that really the truth?
Does the Queen Dowager know about this, too?
Queen Shim. Do you really wish to become pregnant?
If you do as I say, I'll help you become pregnant.
Would you like that?
I'll do it. What must I do?
Please, help me.
We're here. Please get out.
Are you the Sungsuchung shamaness, Hae Ran?
Yes, Your Highness!
You will follow my commandments from this point onward.
Spend the night with the king.
What? What do you mean by that, Your Highness?
- How could a lowly woman like me-- - This is something that I
and those from Sungsuchung have decided on, for the sake of the king's vitality.
All you need to do is follow my command. Understand?
I am a shamaness who already has a spirit dwelling inside of her.
I cannot allow my body to be touched by a man!
He's not just a man! He's the king of Joseon!
You're a mere shamaness, so all you need to do is purify his body with energy.
- But... - I heard you had a little brother.
If you serve the king well as I've commanded
I'll watch over you and your family forever.
Must you still defy me?
You must not look at the king directly.
Furthermore, you must not make any noises.
And you must not harm his body whatsoever, even if it's by mistake.
Do you understand?
Your Highness. Please begin.
Please accept His Highness's body.
Your Highness. Please assume the position.
Your Highness, I really am fine.
I heard from the ladies-in-waiting that you haven't had much of an appetite.
I need to make sure everything is fine, so be silent and receive treatment.
I'm really fine, Your Highness. I just don't have an appetite.
Your body is no longer yours. It belongs to the king.
So be quiet and sit still.
Why are you laughing?
I... I apologize, Your Highness! I was just reminded of my mother.
My mother would always have that sort of expression when I was ill
and would look at me.
Thank you so much, Your Highness.
You're always taking care of me.
I'll be sure to get up tomorrow and pray for you to become pregnant!
What do you mean, have someone get pregnant in my stead?
Someone else will get pregnant, but the baby will come out of your body.
Someone else will get pregnant? Who?
I'll have a shamaness who has strong powers do it.
I'll take care of it so that there aren't any loose ends
so worry not, Your Highness.
- And if you don't? - Kill me.
- She's pregnant. - Are you positive?
Yes, Your Highness.
- Does that girl know? - No, Your Highness.
She believes that she has a slight cold.
All right. Now is the time. Did you bring it, Your Highness?
These all belong to Hae Ran.
Please strengthen your resolve now, Your Highness.
This will be quite an arduous journey for you.
Abra... kadabra... Abra... kadabra...
Are you the only one who's come here to stop me?
Haven't you done enough, deposing the previous king?
It was my duty to replace a king who had burned out.
Why are you getting so worked up over the mere switching of monarchs?
That's why I'm going to try and create a king with my own two hands, this time.
Are you not aware of the potential consequences of using black magic?
No, I'm very well aware of the risk involved
since I could end up losing my own life by using black magic, too.
Don't delude yourself into thinking that
you're the only one who wants to do some good for this country.
I'm laying down my own life right now for the sake of this country.
You mean you, who hates this country more than anyone?
What are you going to do about it?
Are you going to kick me out, like you did five years ago?
Or are you going to use that sword to kill me?
Stop casting this spell, right now.
This is your final warning.
Just cut me down. You won't be able to stop me otherwise.
Stop right there!
How dare you come into the palace? I told you not to come anywhere near it!
Queen Dowager! You must not go any further!
You must stop her from casting her spell immediately!
Creating an heir to the throne is the best thing one can do for the royals.
And to be against that is nothing short of betrayal.
Is that what you're doing right now? Betraying your country?
- Your Highness! - What are you doing?
- Capture the criminal! - Yes, Your Highness!
What are you all doing? Capture him! Now!
- Yes, Your Highness! - Yes, Your Highness!
Yoh Gwang!
Stop!
No!
- Oh, geez. - It's okay, Yoh Gwang.
To tell you the truth, I dreamed that a black shadow entered my belly.
Was everything predestined to play out this way?
Am I really powerless to stop this?
Good work! This is all thanks to you.
Great job, really! I'll reward you handsomely for this.
I offer my humblest thanks, Your Highness.
However... it's not over yet.
Black magic?
Don't struggle, and follow me.
If you do, I'll pray that you'll go to heaven.
To think that the Chief Shamaness, who is supposed to protect this country
is defiling the palace with black magic!
Are you not afraid of the consequences?
Calamity will befall Joseon due to your black magic.
The king will die after struggling with an illness
and the palace will become bathed with blood
after the royals become rendered completely powerless!
Looks like you still have some energy, seeing as you're chattering on.
Kill her.
Your Highness! Please, save me!
If I die, there will be nobody to take care of my mother and brother!
Please, let me live, Your Highness! Please!
Don't worry too much about your family. They'll be right behind you.
- Hae Ran! - Hae Ran! Hae Ran!
- This is scary! - Please, spare us!
- Please, spare us, at least! - Please, spare us!
You killed my innocent mother and younger brother
because you wanted to play with black magic?
How dare you!
Die, you bitch! Die!
The rule is that you can foresee others' future, but not your own.
I'm sure it's the same for you!
Well, let me enlighten you. Your own black magic will be the death of you!
And your body will be torn to shreds!
You're going to die like that, without leaving behind a trace!
Die, you bitch! Die!
So you were in on this too, weren't you?
Congratulations, Your Highness. You're pregnant with twins.
However... when your children become seventeen, they'll die.
And if they escape death somehow...
they'll live a life that'll be more painful to bear than death itself!
The people who fall in love with that child will all die!
And the person who that child falls in love with will die, too!
Please, muster a bit more strength, Your Highness!
You're almost there!
Congratulations, Your Highness! It's the future Crown Prince!
Y-Y-Your Highness! We see another head!
- What? - What do we do?
Congratulations, Your Highness. It's the Princess.
Princess?
So they're twins? I gave birth to twins?
Call Hong Joo immediately! Now!
It's just like that shamaness said. I gave birth to twins, just like she said.
What is that?
- It's a curse. - W-what?
There is a curse on the Crown Prince and the Princess's bodies.
No! What do I do now?
What do I need to do? How can I save my children?
We must transfer the curse onto just one child, and kill them.
Kill... my child? How could I do that?
Stop saying such unreasonable things! I can't, no matter what.
I can't, no matter what!
You only wanted the Crown Prince, anyway. All you have to do is kill the Princess
to get yourself a Crown Prince for the throne.
You must decide: will you lose them both, or keep the Crown Prince?
My baby. My baby!
- Is it this child? - Yes, Your Highness.
What do we do now?
This is the child that carries the curse. Therefore, she must die.
If it's for the sake of keeping the Crown Prince, then of course we must.
However... she's cursed, so we won't be able to kill her easily.
What do you mean by that?
The only person who can kill this child is her twin brother, the Crown Prince.
W-w-what did you just say?
But the Crown Prince is just a newborn!
Is there really no other way?
We can also burn her in a rite of purification.
However, the only ones who can do that are Taoist monks.
And among them, only Choi Hyun Seo can do this.
Look alive, sir. The Crown Prince was finally born today.
This is the Crown Prince's twin sister, the Princess.
However, we've run into some... complications.
That child's body carries a curse.
What did you just say?
So in the end, you...
Didn't I tell you that using black magic would have terrible consequences?
One must sacrifice something to achieve something extraordinary.
And we need your help in order to put an end to that curse.
What did you say?
Kill that child.
Do you think that that man will really do it?
He prioritizes the well-being of this country more than anyone.
If he's really the Mr. Choi Hyun Seo I know, he won't be able to refuse.
Sir, if the curse cast on this child begins to take shape
the Crown Prince, who was born through such laborious means, will die.
If you act foolishly stubborn like you did five years ago
all you will accomplish is leaving the royal family without an heir.
This child must die, for the sake of this nation.
They say that there isn't anyone who should never have been born.
That's what my older brother told me.
No matter who you are, or what family you were born into
or whether or not you were born with a disease...
Everyone will help the world by existing, in one way or another.
Yeon Hui. Everyone who is born into this world
is born with a purpose to help the world, in one way or another.
And finding that purpose is what life is about. So don't be so sad.
Because I'm sure that there was a reason why you were born, too.
I've never been sad, because I'm going to find that reason.
No matter what.
----
[Mirror of the Witch]
- 500 nyang coins! - Hyah!
I find myself wanting that kite whenever I see it fly.
I'll bring you those 500 nyang coins.
Um, I really need it, no matter what.
- Move. - Step aside, you ghost!
I'll just apologize. Yeah. La! La la!
The Crown Prince said that he sees a girl in his dreams every night!
Those fools. Do you even know what that child's curse is?
The reason why you're doing so well right now is because of that child.
No!
I'll protect you.
Hey, is your name Yeon Hee, by any chance?
If you get lost again, listen for this sound and come find me.
Father... why am I like this?