You may go.
I'll escort you to Dongungjeon.
He's about to drop dead.
Ah...I'm fine.
Jeoha! Jeoha.
Where'd you go after causing chaos?
Wh-what's this?
You saved Eunuch Hong.
- Are you hurt? - One question at a time.
- Jeoha... - Ask tomorrow.
We'll go, Jeoha.
I'll see you at Dongungjeon.
Jeoha.
Kim hyung.
You got hurt for me?
It's my job, not your fault.
That's not right. You worry about me.
You saved me; and nursed me one night.
I told you it wasn't me.
Who else was it?
The only people here-
How'd you know I lost Mother?
I dreamed of losing Mother.
Kim hyung.
It's amazing.
Now I'm back,
I feel so at ease.
You said no-one likes the Palace.
But if you like someone there,
it becomes bearable.
Maybe I did.
You're tired. Sleep.
Kim hyung.
You know...
I'm worried I'll like the Palace more.
[ Chapter 7: Confession ]
Oh, why, th-that...
Eunuch Hong.
Naeuri.
What brings you here?
I needed to check something.
Pardon?
You're not hurt?
No, I'm fine.
Were you worried?
Yes. Don't worry me again.
You're special to me.
Pardon?
You're the only eunuch who made me run.
Naeuri, really.
It's a relief you're safe.
I heard of your role
in bringing the Inspector.
It mattered to me,
so I helped a little.
It mattered enough to disobey your grandfather.
So you didn't do it for my benefit.
Correct, Jeoha.
I'll go now, Naeuri.
Mama, may I ask
what made you laugh?
Isn't it interesting?
Why's he so kind only to that eunuch?
When did Seja care for inferiors?
No wonder strange rumours are circulating.
He might favour men.
What?
How pathetic.
He's called Sam-Nom?
Yes.
Why you...
I-I'm sorry, Mama.
'Sorry' isn't enough.
You expect me to drink a tonic you gagged at?
I-I deserve to die, Mama.
I've had indigestion...
I won't listen. Drag this wench out.
Yes, Mama.
Mama, please spare me.
Mama, spare me-
Mama. Mama!
Is this safe?
Wild ginger swells you up.
Exactly.
A little smooths wrinkles
and plumps out eye-bags.
It's 'boe', helpful; 'doak', poison; a helpful poison.
And he specialises in 'doak', so his name is Do Gi!
Well, have you heard?
The furnace is 'hot' lately.
In this hot weather, why's it hot?
It's deserted, how nice is that?
At night, a lonely eunuch with nowhere to go
and a palace maid
hide there and...
H-hide?
Gosh, it's almost sunset.
- Huh? - Not leaving?
- I'm going. - Let's go.
- You must go? - We're going.
They hide?!
Do they hide...
- Hide... - and eat meat?
The Queen is concerned about rumours.
That girl gagged in front of Mama.
Who'd believe it, oh my.
Jeonha hasn't visited Court ladies in years.
If it's not the King,
it's a statesman or Official.
Who knows?
Some eunuchs "revive".
The female Court must be in an uproar.
The Queen ordered we bring in
eunuchs we suspect.
We'll physically examine
all eunuchs.
That's wise.
Let's use this chance
to get rid of rumours.
But what about trainees?
Why haven't you eaten?
I can't eat food not taste-tested (for poison).
Where'd the maids go?
I'll call them.
You do it.
Come close and sit.
I should taste-test it?
It's not poisoned, Jeoha.
It's salty.
It's fishy.
Truly he's fussy.
I can't eat it. You eat it.
Eat some of the cooks' efforts.
If you won't eat, they can remove it.
- Is someone there! - I'll eat it.
I will eat it.
Here.
Where'd all this go
in that small body?
Um...Jeoha.
My Grandpa said,
- ask questions of a learned man. - I understand.
Just ask.
Um...
"Stay by your side" means what?
Just as it says.
Can't I keep a eunuch I like beside me?
Oh...I see.
You're five steps behind.
What? Ooh.
Yea, Jeoha.
You're back, my Lord?
Is Yoon-Sung inside?
Were you reading?
Yes, Grandfather.
I requested your marriage to Minister Jo's girl.
Next, I'll marry Seja into our kin.
Pardon? I'm not ready.
This isn't merely for you.
You're still heedless?
Grandfather, I...
Do as I say.
She's beautiful and intelligent.
Go in for a minute.
- I don't want to. - Just a moment.
We should end it.
You know the pregnant Court lady disappeared?
That's why I'll be careful.
I don't like meeting secretly like thieves.
We have no choice.
Everyone meets secretly.
Can you say you like me in front of others?
Are you nuts?
And the penalty?
Our love hurts each other.
You...
Hey.
Scaredy cat.
Wol-Hee.
Ah, um...Master Ma.
I didn't mean to see-
You...
better stay quiet.
..four..
..five..
How many's that?
You did 25.
But, Mama, are many Court ladies around Seja?
Well, yes.
He must want to be alone sometimes...
He walks alone in the gardens.
Gardens?
How many's that? Uh?
Oh my, five...huh?
Where'd she go?
Seja, is that you?
You do remember me?
I remember you.
But why are you here?
I'm seeing the Princess.
You got lost again?
Beautiful flowers led me here.
This place can't be "led" to.
So, Myeong-Eun told you of the shortcut-hole?
Pardon?
Are you saying I crawled through a dog-hole?
It all went wrong.
Coincidence masked as fate
was my plan.
Coincidence masked as fate?
I can't undo getting caught.
[ I Ching ]
'I Ching' says,
make a strenous effort
but rest when it's taxing.
Seo Gyeong-deok says, guard against complacency,
by meeting hardship.
When you are resting, rest?
Yes.
If it's alright with you,
walk with me a while, Jeoha?
"No, thank you. No specific reason."
I'm offended.
Why'd he smile saying that?
My heart fluttered.
Me...
I'm Ma Jong-Ja.
Jong-Ja? Get me food.
I said I'm Ma Jong-Ja!
Come out.
Come out now.
Come out, Wol-H...
He's crazy.
What's he doing?
Why'd you follow me?
You better let Wol-Hee be.
It's just...
I worry for you.
Who's worried for whom?
Acting as a eunuch...
Are you okay?
You're not dead.
Act like a man.
Um, Kim hyung. Can a Court person not leave the Court?
Eunuchs and Court ladies?
Only with Jeonha's consent.
I'll pretend I didn't hear,
so don't get involved.
Ah. You heard it all?
- Still, is there a way... - It's against the law.
Yes, it is unlawful
but how is one's heart right or wrong?
You...
You hit me and ran off.
Want to die?
I didn't hit you.
That night, you acted badly.
You drunkenly went to her place and...
- "Come out, Wol-Hee." - You!
What do you wish to do?
Who?
Me?
What can I do?
I can do nothing.
Shall I help you?
Trying to kill me?
If there's a way?
The Office of Famine Relief got attacked
and Taxation Minister, Kim Jang Suk, resigned.
Yes, since he's in charge.
I heard Kim Jang Suk stole and sold national grain.
Why's that not in here?
How are you blinded by ignorant people
picking on Officials' small flaws?
Didn't you hear
who attacked that Office?
Tell me, who is it?
Those culprits all
wore these masks.
Their figurehead is
Hong Gyeong-Nae.
That man died.
Yes, so they're urgently seeking
- his kin. - What?
Those people seek his kin
as figureheads?
Yes. I hadn't told you due to your health.
Hong Gyeong-Nae mob is acting suspiciously.
Arrest them all.
Never again... can history repeat itself.
( Jahyeondang - Repentance Hall )
Kim hyung. Are you worrying?
Sewing is good for distraction.
- Can you help... - Be quiet.
Fine. I didn't expect help.
Think this is easy?
You couldn't sew.
You're so amazing.
You sure have skills.
- Put out the light, sleep. - Kim hyung!
If a man plied a needle...
do this one?
Ah, Kim hyung.
How can you say that?
- Gosh. - Stop at once!
Jeoha.
Your mouth is staying shut-
Is that it?
Okay, if you can't trust me,
where do I send you?
Eunuchs Office? Uigeumbu?
- Men! Bring Chief Eunuch Han. - Jeoha.
They were talking rot.
More racy than rot?
I can't always hear nice things.
Tell me.
They said Jeoha
likes...
likes men.
How can they say despicable things?
Goodness.
That's not serious. Forget it.
Why fight over a joke?
- They say you dote on Eunuch Hong. - Forget it.
Your closeness isn't ordinary.
Uhoh. Stop!
As you'll be Regent soon,
it harms you. I defended you.
Please forgive me.
What's this?
It's nothing.
Tell me the truth-
What are you planning?
If you don't tell me...
It's to convey feelings
so no-one gets hurt.
I said, stay out of Eunuch Ma's matter.
I won't break any laws.
It's futile.
Conveying his feelings
changes nothing.
We don't stretch to the sky,
thinking we'll touch it.
I know Court ladies belong to the King.
Then?
You can't help loving someone futilely.
Still, you want your feelings known.
Confessing for self-comfort
is selfish.
Can't we confess to someone impossible?
A proper parting is as warm as love.
The memory of love
could give lifelong strength.
You won't understand, though.
Oh my. You say whatever, and can't let a man win.
What do I do with you?
Why'd you point that out?
Who'd accept a rude daughter-in-law like you?
Daughter-in-law?
Naeuri.
I need this tree as well.
Who is it? Who upset you?
It's me making myself angry.
I feel bad I burden Jeoha.
You mean, as a eunuch?
Of course.
Isn't it not your place?
This uniform ill-suits you.
Naeuri.
Isn't this for someone special?
Yes.
I waited for her to accept it.
But why bring it?
Today I...
want to ask her.
Don't you wish to live as a woman?
Premier Kim's family?
So surprised...are you a child?
Premier Kim has an outstanding grandson.
You haven't answered him?
Why? You dislike it?
I'm flustered as it's unexpected.
Father.
If I must marry,
I'd like someone I want.
I'm comfortable like this.
Even in disguise, it's dangerous.
You know that.
I'll help you leave and live as a woman.
I mean...
Can I do that for you?
I wanted to say this
since buying this outfit.
Naeuri, I...
I will wait
till you decide.
( 'The Court Lady's Man' )
Joseon's most beautiful flower is Do Hwa!
She became a Court lady to be the King's woman.
I, Do Hwa, dislike casual men!
In 10 years, she hasn't met the King.
Instead, Eunuch Wang ('King')
chases her everywhere.
Stop. Don't come close. Stay there.
Did I come to the Palace to meet a eunuch?
However, the only one she can rely on here
is Eunuch Wang.
- She's here. - She's here?
Why are they excited?
Eunuchs are giving them a puppet show.
How frivolous in this strange mood...
Who are they?
Well, it's...Hong Sam-Nom?
He told love fortunes.
Hong Sam-Nom?
Yes.
Finally, her first night with the King!
But she only thinks of Eunuch Wang.
You used to say you like me.
Why can't you say it?
"This woman is mine!"
What can I do?
A Court lady and a eunuch?
You won't see me?
We'll see each other in the Palace.
I'm leaving.
No use holding onto me.
Fine. Go.
Go and live well!
You'll die if you stay with me!
But...
I finally want to tell you this...
in front of many people, out loud!
I love you!
I truly, truly, love you!
You heard?
How much I cherish you?
You're only one of many Court ladies to the King...
But to me,
you're my whole world!
~ past the misty road, if you're looking for me ~
~ will you follow the moonlit path? ~
~ if only our spring day can bloom again ~
You heard me, right?
~ how nice it would be ~
Can't you confess to someone impossible?
A proper parting is as warm as love.
The memory of being loved
might give lifelong strength.
What are you doing now?
What is this?
The instigator, step out.
What brings you to Jungungjeon so late?
You never showed up when I, your mother, called.
I took the bait you threw and came here.
Since you saw my face,
I'll take this child with me.
Get him up.
That can't be done.
A mere trainee
did something insolent.
Don't you know all Court ladies are the King's?
Don't be upset.
A eunuch and Court lady love story
is standard parody.
They even say the King is
a womanising fool stuck under the Queen's skirt.
Shall I drag all those people before you?
Seja!
Stand up.
I have sinned, Mama.
I said stand up!
Jeonha can't sleep as riots increase daily.
Aren't you afraid of scandals
about you?
You should stop now.
A trainee made a simple mistake.
If you expose your feelings,
this will blow up.
Let's go.
Mama, are you alri-?
That's no gaze at a eunuch.
It's a man's gaze
at his lover.
Jeoha, you endured well.
The Queen used Eunuch Hong to provoke you...
Anyway, I'm relieved, Jeoha.
What's odd in keeping my favourite eunuch with me?
As you'll be Regent soon,
it harms you. I'm sorry, Jeoha.
Aren't you afraid of scandals about you?
We're in a stand-off?
You're pushing me?
Drop your pants for the physical check.
Oh, frustrating.
Well...
Master Sung, I've something to tell-
Forget telling me.
Pull. Your. Pants. Down. Quickly.
Um, well, I'm...
I'm...
What is it now?
It's nothing.
We received croaker fish.
The Queen said to take it to Premier Kim.
- Never mind. I'll take it... - Hey.
Why would you go there?
I serve the Queen.
You looked busy.
Gosh.
Hey. Examine his body.
- Check everything. - Yea.
( Pass )
Um, how long have you known?
Since a decade ago.
I'm sorry.
Yeah. Sorry is sorry, but...
Thank you.
Watching you two comforted me.
Why?
You got away with it,
but even the King isn't safe.
You know, right?
Yes.
I should leave when I can.
Straighten up, look at me.
Jeoha, it's eunuch posture.
I know.
Did anyone scold you
for walking beside me and gazing directly?
- No. - Then...
you're upset with me.
Jeoha.
Don't treat me so well.
I can't be your friend
or anything else.
Not a friend
or anything else.
I was told a eunuch stays one step behind.
I can't go closer or further.
You are my person.
Who decides distance between us?
Treat me like other eunuchs.
I'm grateful with that.
~ in thoughts of you far away ~
~ I toss and turn night after night ~
You know it's futile but you love them.
Still, you want your feelings known.
~ today again, I'm sorry ~
~ but if you take yourself away from me ~
~ am I really myself? ~
~ endless days and nights without you ~
Won't you live as a woman?
I should leave when I can.
~ the love that was you ~
~ clearly sparkled, all of you ~
~ is scattering ~
~ it hurts, but fondly goodbye ~
Jeoha, you wish to see me?
I lied to you.
"Stay by my side"
didn't mean as a eunuch.
Then why...
did I tell you that?
To erase this impossible confusion,
every night I questioned myself.
And I have the answer.
Jeoha.
What are you doing?
Before being Seja,
I am a person...
and a man.
I...
I love you.
That's my answer.
Wait...wh-...
What are you doing?
Flower Scholar, you're Seja.
To like a man, no, eunuch,
you must not.
Don't say my heart is wrong.
You said it.
How is love right or wrong?
What?
I did.
But...
there is good love
and bad love.
This is...whoever sees...
No-one will approve...
- It's forbidden! - I know.
However,
I'll try it once...
that bad love.
~ it's swallowing my heart ~
~ holding a white moonflower ~
~ it's colouring my heart ~
~ with a bright smile ~
~ a fragrant, captivating breeze is blowing ~
~ the love I predicted has come to me ~
~ it's you ~
~ my heart's blooming out of season ~