You knew?
Yes.
Perhaps...
in the garden...
Knowing it all, you were mocking me?
Hong Sam-Nom.
She's in the Palace,
sold off by thugs.
I'm sorry.
But,
I didn't mock you.
I was shocked,
then happy, and then
I couldn't speak.
When I sat in a palanquin,
you walked.
When I walked,
you struggled with a parasol.
I sat on silk,
you sat on dirt.
How could I say I cherish you?
For a serving eunuch,
it's expected.
But,
not for a man's beloved.
From now,
you're my precious woman.
I'll block the wind for you
and shade you from sun.
I'll cherish you.
May I do that?
~ I was trembling in closeness ~
~ I couldn't draw breath ~
~ and even though I was scared ~
~ if you call for my love, I will be brave ~
~ ensouled in frozen flower petals ~
~ in the blowing wind, when you come to me ~
~ don't pass me by, I'll look only at you ~
Yes.
I am a woman.
But...
I've never lived as a woman.
Now you can.
I cannot.
I was in a place I shouldn't be. I apologise.
- I can't harm you... - I don't blame you.
I blame myself for not realising sooner.
- So... - Jeoha.
I must go to my duties.
Now...
I'll treat you as a precious woman.
Yes.
I am a woman.
But,
I've never lived as a woman.
Hong Gyeong-Nae's daughter may be alive.
If it's so, we must find her
before Premier Kim.
Find out before others.
It will help gather our scattered forces.
Don't be like that.
I like you, Kim hyung.
[ Chapter 9: The Moment the Heart's Lock Is Opened ]
( Jahyeondang )
Kim hyung, are you worrying?
Nope.
I've a question.
Ask it.
What did you do before being a eunuch?
Didn't I tell you
I was in a troupe.
Before then?
I lived with Mother.
And your father?
I was told he died
when I was small.
I never knew his name.
All I have
are memories of my mother.
It must've been hard.
Why'd you ask about my past?
Do you still...
like the Palace?
Hong Sam-Nom. What's this complaint?
We're swamped now Seja's busy.
I'm sorry.
Ooh, you lasted ages.
What? Can't bear it?
Will I transfer you?
He can't leave his spot empty.
I'd fill that spot.
May I join in?
You're clueless.
No Officials attended Court
after Seja became Regent.
What did I tell you?
A Regent can walk on a garden path or a road to hell.
Eunuch Sung!
Hear that?
Every little thing tarnishes Seja.
I'll keep that in mind.
Jeonha. The three-yearly Exam
is the only way for provincial scholars to achieve prestige.
Please hold the Regular Exam
and let us show our skills.
Please reconsider.
Don't you feel the upset of scholars
who looked to the Exam?
Seja.
Is there a way to appease them?
Opening a way
needs a gate at the end.
How's the Exam an opportunity
when winners are predetermined?
Jeoha. Be prudent.
The future of hundreds depends on your whims.
( Dongungjeon )
I don't see Eunuch Hong.
I want to mention that.
You treated him well.
Did you scold him...?
Why?
He refuses to be here?
Yes.
He took on laborious tasks
outside Dongungjeon.
So?
Where is he?
Hide while I count to 10.
One.
My Lady.
Did you run out of paper?
I brought some.
You're playing now?
I'll wait. Go and hide.
Here I come.
Princess. Come out.
Princess. Where are you? Princess!
Eunuch Jang told me...
You're escaping from me?
Yes.
Why's that?
I shamed the Eunuchs Office and Palace.
Now you know it all,
how can I face you?
I've no confidence.
Don't you know...
I want you to step closer
as yourself.
Do you truly not know?
I'm lowly...and flouted laws posing as a man.
How do I stay by you, if not as a eunuch?
That's...
My Lady...!
You haven't found Yeong-Eun?
No. I shouted often
but she hasn't come out.
Where'd you see her last?
My Lady...!
My Lady!
My Lady.
My Lady!?
My Lady! It's Eunuch Hong.
Young Princess!
My Lady!
Princess! Are you alright?
My Lady!
She couldn't ask for help.
She must've been scared.
I'm so relieved Eunuch Hong
found her.
She used to be so bright and chatty
like a lark.
She must be frustrated
at being unable to speak.
She was able to be happy
because you taught her to write.
( 3 years ago )
I'll write it once,
you guess.
This time,
I'll write your favourite season.
Does she still...
remember nothing of that day?
No.
It was hard for her to beat that fever,
seeing she lost memory of that day.
Yoon-Sung.
Where are you going?
I'm off to the Palace.
What? The Palace?
Everyone vacated the Court
to teach Seja a lesson.
So, I want to go.
You brat!
Yoon-Sung.
Do you pity Seja, an old friend?
I believe his decision is right.
I see.
Everyone thinks fairness is right
but,
it isn't always best for citizens.
Honestly, I disagree.
How's expanding our clan power
help people's happiness?
If power is shared, does everyone prosper?
It causes unnecessary fights.
Politics isn't befriending citizens.
The strong must rule
and lead the people.
Is making Minister Jo an in-law
a way of keeping power?
It is.
Find another way.
I won't marry like that.
I wish to marry a woman who shares my words and heart.
I'll go now, Grandfather.
I frequent the bookstore
so Princess
lent me Palace library books.
Ah, you enjoy reading.
But,
that's not the only reason
I come to the Palace.
Pardon?
The man I told you about
is in this Palace
and very close to you.
Seja-Jeoha.
Why are you silent?
Are you shocked?
Yes, a bit shocked.
He says the bare minimum, and goes.
I'm tired finding excuses.
I saw one of those.
Couples sharing the bracelets
will meet again even if they part.
I didn't know its meaning.
You received it, not knowing?
The lady is desperate like me,
giving a man such a gift.
Now...
I'll treat you as the most precious woman.
- Try it. - It's my turn.
I'm good at this.
Your turn.
How long do I live as a boy?
Be quiet.
Till I'm 10? 20?
Till I die?
Ra-On.
It's not time yet.
I said, wait a bit longer.
Tell me why.
When will you tell me?
Won't you tell me before I die?
Word even spread here of Royal Court chaos.
Yeah.
Because you cancelled the Regular Exam,
the students' days...
begin and end berating you.
Will you hold the Special Exam? (conducted by the king)
I've begun this battle.
Seja can't lose, can he?
My Grandpa said,
"Spouses quarrelling with intent to win"
"ruin the family."
Why mention marital spats?
You intended to right Exam wrongs
and find talented people.
What about now?
Is this fight's goal
victory...
or change?
It's...
It's difficult not to lose your way.
My Lady, it's Eunuch Hong.
I'll tell you my story.
If it bothers you, I'll go.
If you won't write,
shall we use hand signs?
Here. "Happy" is this.
"Dislike" is...
Never mind.
Even if I ask,
you needn't answer.
Honestly...
I'm hiding things too.
Whatever your concern is, I empathise.
Because
I'm trapped too.
I'm forced to hide
but someone might open the door, and catch me.
I tremble in fear.
When will we be able
to open the door ourselves and walk out?
How's it feel to be here?
Each department is busy
but isn't it so quiet here?
Did you call me here to ask how I feel?
I'll hold the Regular Exam
so return to the Palace.
You mean it?
Would I be lying?
I wanted a King's Special Exam to be fair as in the past.
It wasn't to oppose senior statesmen.
Jeoha.
Managing matters
while ignoring procedure
isn't proper.
If you now wisely
use established procedure,
we'll all return
and serve you.
Don't worry.
I will...
hold the Regular Examination.
This is the question!
( Whose nation is Joseon? )
T-that...
All rise for Seja!
Here is the question!
What is this?
"Opposition for opposition's sake."
"How will you convince the other?"
There is no set answer.
Persuade me with your ideas.
I wait for new, diverse ideas
to light Joseon's future.
Proceed.
Opposition for opposition's sake.
You're skilful-
you avoided me everywhere.
You know me best
so if you hide,
I can't win.
Too many eyes are on you.
If I'm with you, it'll be uncomfortable.
Then...
am I comfortable
without you?
Jeoha.
As a eunuch beside you, I felt useful.
However,
I don't feel that now.
I might cause you trouble
or harm.
I'm too fearful
to step toward you.
Shamelessly, I ask to exit the Palace.
I'd gratefully live well.
Forgive me, Jeoha.
Is that truly
what you want?
Yes.
There are 1000s of things
I can and want to do for you.
But that's all you want?
Running off, to not see me,
is all you wish of me?
It is.
Now I know.
You may go.
( 3 years ago )
What's that?
What were you taking to Seja?
There's something you'd hide from him?
If you believe
you can hide the truth by killing me,
do as you want!
I will....
die here...
I won't leave...
this place.
I'll reveal the truth...
of the Queen's...
wrongful...death.
- My Lady! - My Lady!
What? Is she unharmed?
Yes, Jeoha. Princess is safe.
Let's go to Jipbokheon.
But, My Lady,
why'd you really go there?
I asked because you disappeared suddenly,
but you needn't answer.
You said you wonder
when we can open the door on our own
and leave.
I regret it.
I should've played dumb.
If I'd known you'd run off at every chance...
then I wouldn't ponder if you're a woman or eunuch
but ponder...how...
to keep you with me longer.
For not understanding you deeply,
I am sorry.
Take care...
Jeoha.
However...
despite all that...
can't you endure it?
Not anywhere else...
here...
at my side.
Young Master grew up!
How did you pass?
Dal Bong.
Will I be okay without you?
Be careful of that Myeong-Eun.
P-Princess doesn't know my face.
Be careful not to get caught.
Sure.
Let me hug you.
Wait.
- You go this way. - Yes.
I'll go that way.
No, this way.
Mama.
Are you alright?
I'm fine.
She looks so familiar.
She looks cold, all pointy.
A woman should be plump, like Princess-Mama.
Are your eyes faulty?
- Go, go. - That hurt.
The Exam went well.
I heard you changed the topic
and posed the question yourself.
Even under my procedure,
7 of 33 people who passed
are your clan.
Your clan talent in a fair Exam is impressive.
Your praise for my clan
is touching.
I promise you,
I'll uphold fair principles,
honestly, not expediently,
and reward meritorious talent.
So have all Officials returned to the Palace?
Yes, Jeonha.
They have been attending
every Court assembly since.
I'm relieved.
Chief Han.
Do you know why I'm an incapable king?
I have nobody.
None are 'my' people.
That's untrue, Jeonha.
No, no-one is mine.
Six ministers, Officials,
censors, advisors,
are Premier Kim's people.
Seja mustn't be like me.
I must find people only his.
Chief Han.
Prepare for Seja's marriage.
My Lady, where are we going?
Well?
My Lady.
Brother, you taught me writing.
But Eunuch Hong's hand signs are better.
If the palace learns 'signing',
you won't need this book
as they'd understand without words.
Then teach me too.
I...
like...
you.
No-
love you.
So please...
What's a hand sign to ask someone not to leave?
How about this?
Watch me.
Don't leave me.
Stay with me.
~ without you, days and nights ~
~ are endlessly connecting ~
~ I must breathe without the air that's you ~
~ all of us that sparkled ~
~ is breaking and scattering ~
~ although it hurts ~
~ fondly goodbye ~
Jeoha. What's this mean?
It says, stay back.
Yes, Jeoha.
When can we
open the door and leave?
Why? When will you tell me?
Age 10? 20?
Not until I die?
Until you can protect yourself
and can live without me.
Live as a girl then.
Despite all that,
can't you endure it?
Not anywhere else...
here...
beside me?
Mother.
Aren't I fine?
In 10 years on my own, I lived bravely.
I grew up, able to protect myself.
What lady's name do I call you?
Hong Ra-On.
Jeoha.
Hong Ra-On.
Ra-On-ah.
~ love is a star shining on me ~
~ my love is a star, shining like stars ~
~ I promise you, it will last ~
~ that's the kind of person you are to me ~