Sae-ryung.
Is something wrong?
Episode 7
Palace maid Yang.
Be careful on your way back, Mama.
I'll send you home.
It's okay. You don't need to worry about me. You can go back.
You must be tired from today.
It must have been very boring too.
No, it was very interesting. Goodbye.
Mama, see you tomorrow.
Oh, ok.
I'm sorry for my lack of manners just then.
Are you okay? It seemed like you weren't in a good mood just then.
Did something happen?
Do I look really unhappy?
Yeah, and what just happened was because you were too angry, so...
I've already apologized for what just happened, Mama.
If you weren't satisfied with that, I can apologize again.
It's okay, don't worry.
I've had the same experience after I was drunk.
I'll pretend that it never happened.
I'll forget it completely, don't worry.
Don't forget, that was my first kiss.
Yang Soon-yi.
What?
I know you tend to zone out, but you're especially bad today.
You only ate a bit of breakfast.
Tell the truth.
Tell what truth?
When did you come back last night?
Don't try to lie.
Because I was so curious, I didn't go to sleep until 3 in the morning waiting for you!
The party couldn't have gone on till that late.
Where did you go? With who?
Something happened, right? I knew it!
Nothing happened at all.
Didn't I tell you it was really boring?
And I haven't been to Han River in a while, so I just went wandered around a bit.
In the morning?
What, I can't? There were a lot of people there.
Seems like a lot of people were like me and had lots of troubles.
Living is so tiring.
Why are you so moody all of a sudden?
Don't leave without telling me everything!
Your abilities have grown.
Thanks to your guidance.
Are you feeling better?
A lot better.
How very fortunate.
I'll be leaving first.
Officer Min. Officer Min.
Yes?
Moon Sung Gong, has he learned martial arts for a long time?
He started learning when he was young and he kept continuing it.
Is there any way you can improve your martial arts really quickly?
Mama, martial arts and the soul must be one.
So it is unnecessary to compare with anyone else.
So you're saying my only enemy is myself, right?
Yang Soon.
Palace maid Yang.
I will take care of it soon, Mama.
I have something to say.
There's nothing that I want to hear out of you.
Just for a little while.
What is it? I'm very busy, so hurry up.
What happened last time...
Last time? When?
That one time...
When is that one time?
After I was drunk...
That time? What about that time?
That time I kissed you.
I didn't mean it, I was drunk...
You remember now?
Didn't you say you couldn't remember?
I remember now.
You remember?
Nevermind. Forget it. I've forgotten it.
How can I forget it?
Well you didn't remember it at first!
How could you just suddenly remember it? You must be so disappointed,
Remembering something like that.
What are you saying? I'm apologizing. Why are you being so angry?
I already said sorry. I'm sorry.
That's why I'm so angry!
Idiot.
What? So that's why you're angry?
Nevermind, I'm leaving.
You should go rest too.
It must be tiring to apologize to everybody you've kissed.
Please watch the time or we may be late for the academy.
Yes.
Young Sung Gong.
Those words there were written by teacher Park Jiwon.
Please explain them.
If the dung beetle saves the horse dung for himself, he does not covet the dragon's magic ball.
Likewise, the dragon does not mock the dung beetle's horse dung because he has a magic ball.
I didn't ask you.
He's expressing the metaphor he uses for his interpretation.
Saying if we are not stopped by the frigid structure of the past,
Then we can understand life more clearly.
A lot of people in this room don't seem to have good hearing.
I was asking Lee Hoo Gong-ja.
The dung beetle has horse dung... the dragon has his magic ball...
So...
The dung beetle cares more for his own horse dung than the dragon's magic ball.
So he doesn't feel like it's necessary to feel inferior.
And doesn't feel it's necessary to feel more proud than anyone else.
Something along those lines.
I often tell people to not think too hard.
How can a line that even a ten-year-old child can understand be hard?
Everybody has their own personality and their reason for existence.
You can't use a scale to measure the value of existence.
How silly.
Why'd you take that away?
I'll be leaving first.
Why'd you take it away?
What do you mean why? It was mine in the first place.
How is that yours? You already gave it to me.
Give what? When did I give it to you?
You gave it to me! Give it back!
I'm not giving it back! What,
How can I let an innocent little life die of lack of water?
Who said I was going to let it wither?
Give it to me. It's my present.
Where'd you get the present?
If you really want a present, then go find Shin Sae-ryung!
Why'd you bring her up all of a sudden?
What Sae-ryung... that was a misunderstanding.
Whatever, idiot!
Idiot?
Palace maid Yang, what sort of behavior is that?
Han Sang Gung Mama...
Come with me.
That...
I've said it so many times and yet you still haven't changed!
As a palace maid, treating Gong-ja Mama like you're treating your friend,
Is blasphemous!
I was wrong.
It seems like you still aren't addressing Gong-ja Mama politely.
My God, you really don't know how tall the sky is and how thick the earth is!
I will be careful not to make the same mistakes twice.
Remember it every moment.
You are only a palace maid serving Gong-ja Mama.
Yes, mama.
No matter how things change,
There is a clear difference between the upper and the lower in the palace. Do not forget this.
Do you understand what I am saying?
Yes, mama.
Yang Soon.
I'm sorry.
No, as a palace maid, it was my fault.
In the future, I will remember my place.
Palace maid Ma. Palace maid Ma!
Sleeping in the middle of the day.
Did you know they're beginning sign-ups for accepting palace maids at the Royal Academy?
That quickly?
Quickly what? They published that a long time ago.
They're accepting applications so hurry up and sign up.
These are the requirements for the students they're accepting.
How pitiful. Seems like he's still attached to the Academy.
Why does he care so much about Academy accepting palace maids?
Palace maid Yang.
What's that?
I found a few books.
They should be helpful for the entrance test for the Academy.
How did you know?
How could I not know?
I guessed that you must really want to be an Academy palace maid, right?
Work hard. It'll be interesting, seeing you at the Royal Academy rather than the palace residences.
Thank you, but I will work hard to prepare on my own.
I can't accept these books.
Then return these to me when you're done.
What are those books for?
You're going to study?
Yes.
Really? Then I can help you study.
I've improved a lot. I know English pretty well.
May I help you?
Although I'm sorry to say this,
But if you want to be Hwang Taeja, that level of English is embarrassing.
It seems like you need to study harder as well.
I'm sorry. I was being presumptuous.
No, you're right.
If studying was so easy, then everybody could do it.
I'm going out for a walk.
Palace maid Ma, Attendant Kwang is looking for you.
Me?
What is it?
Don't know.
I... put the dress in the palace maid waiting room.
Please wait for me. I will get it immediately.
Are you innocent? Or is that all an act?
What?
I heard you were old classmates with Young Sung Gong?
Just return the dress to Moon Sung Gong.
I'm not sure which one of the two you're eyeing as your target,
But shouldn't you at least be decisive about it?
Thank you for your concern.
But I still feel that I should return this dress to you.
Of course it's good to become a academy palace maid then getting promoted to being a Sang Gung.
But I really can't keep on studying.
Yang Soon-yi, in school, you were good at studying, right?
Completely ignoring me.
Attendant Kwang, seriously... I already told him I wouldn't accept his friend application.
Where'd you go with the dress?
Did you return it to Shin Sae-ryung?
I shouldn't have said it like that.
Why? Now that you think about it, do you want it back?
Then ask for it back!
Or is that too embarrassing?
You've already returned it. Forget it.
We also have self-esteem.
It doesn't matter. He's such a simple guy, I'm sure he's forgotten it already. Yeah.
Ah, but there's no reason for that!
This is for both the internet and TV, but how do I get it so that it's only for the internet?
Nevermind!
What are you doing?
You scared me!
Palace maid Yang, at least make some sound when you're walking!
Palace maid Yang, hold those things.
Why?
Han Sang Gung made orders to keep these at another place.
But Gong-ja Mama really values these things.
You're going to go against Han Sang Gung's orders?
Hurry up and come with me.
I have to go to the palace tower for preparations.
Then you should've said that earlier. Go then.
What is it, Gong-ja Mama?
The things in my room are gone.
My motorbike is gone and so are my tin boxes.
Did Attendant Kwang take them?
That...
The motorbike is very dangerous so you cannot ride it anymore.
And things that do not fit with Gong-ja Mama's taste, I ordered them to take them away.
Those things, to me, are very precious.
Please put them back.
No, there are Palace rules.
The Palace rules?
I'm not too clear with them yet.
But throwing away my motorbike and my tin boxes is like throwing away myself.
Gong-ja Mama, then you want to be a jjajangmyun deliverer forever?
It is time for your private tutoring lessons. Hurry up and go to the palace tower.
Attendant Kwang, what are you doing?
Hurry up and lead the way for Gong-ja Mama.
Yes.
You must throw away other thoughts and focus on your studies.
It's hard for me to continue to read such hard and strange words.
Palace maid Yang.
Yes, Han Sang Gung Mama.
Bring the book on reflections of Court life.
These books have the precedents set by previous emperors.
Han Sang Gung Mama, I'm sorry.
I did not prepare the book on reflections of Court life.
I only got orders to prepare the Book of Poems.
What?
Attendant Kwang, you didn't order her to do that?
I ordered palace maid Yang...
Then palace maid Yang is lying?
I'm sorry, perhaps I had forgotten.
It is Gong-ja Mama's learning time.
As Gong-ja Mama's close palace maid,
You haven't even prepared his learning materials?
What have you been doing?!
Hurry up and get them!
Yes!
Wait a second, Palace maid Yang.
Forget it.
I'm not in the mood to study today.
I want to go outside for a breather.
No, Gong-ja Mama, you cannot be lazy towards learning.
From now on, you must do things fit as royalty.
Royalty is a birth right blessing from the Gods.
You have a different type of blood from commoners.
My mother was also a commoner.
Thus you must act greater with greater authority as royalty.
I'm leaving.
Please sit down, Gong-ja Mama.
I'm going outside for a breather, I'll be back immediately.
Please listen, Gong-ja Mama.
Pye-ha appointed me to be responsible over your affairs.
I am also in charge of Young Sung Gong's education.
This means that she has given me her authority.
That means while in the prince's quarters, what I say is like the Pye-ha's decree.
Please sit down, Gong-ja Mama.
I can't continue studying today.
I'm sorry, Han Sang Gung.
Pye-ha, Young Sung Gong is here to see you.
You were looking for me, Pye-ha?
Young Sung Gong.
Yes, Pye-ha.
Why did you disobey Han Sang Gung?
Although Han Sang Gung is strict, you have to accept her sincerely.
I cannot stand it when she takes away my personal items.
To others, it may be junk.
But to me, those are items which carry many treasured memories.
I cannot stand it when others look down on those memories.
I'm sorry.
Do you feel tired?
You look tired.
I don't know.
I am not sure if I really am the bloodline of the Royal family.
I'm sorry for saying this.
Please give me some more time.
To get used to the life in the Palace.
I will try my best.
You took away Young Sung Gong's items?
That is a little too much.
He can only run away from it.
Han Sang Gung.
How about trying to put yourself in his shoes as a Gong-ja?
Mama.
My job is to get rid of Young Sung Gong's bad habits from the commoner life as soon as possible,
so as to suit the status of the Royal family.
This was the responsibility that I was given.
I hope you'll understand.
Han Sang Gung.
Through his commoner life, Gong-ja actually had developed some good qualities.
Although I've known Young Sung Gong for only a short while, he has an honest, clear personality.
Don't you feel the same too, Han Sang Gung?
I understand, Mama.
Through Han Sang Gung's guidance, I'm sure there'll be good results.
Being strict in education is fine.
All I ask from you is not to hurt his feelings.
How about that?
I will keep that in mind, Mama.
If in the end, Young Sung Gong doesn't have the qualities to qualify as Hwang Taeja.
What do we do?
If the position was meant to be Moon Sung Gong's from the start, I'm sure it will be so.
Umma Mama.
Just treat it as it was destined by heaven.
A person nobody would have expected becoming King.
Moon Sung Gong won't do.
Why do you dislike Moon Sung Gong?
I do not dislike Moon Sung Gong.
You are well aware of how greedy Hyo-jang Dae-gong is.
His greed is formed with hatred, anger and revenge.
How can we entrust the future of the Royal family to one who grew up under such circumstances?
If you are speaking of that,
You cannot be free of anxiety with Young Sung Gong either.
About that...
But the more I see him, the more I'm reminded of his mother.
I wonder if everything resulted from the Royal family's greed, and will repeat itself. It makes me afraid.
For the light to grow brighter, the darkness must grow darker.
But seeing someone so healthy and cheerful by nature
become sick in the heart, if not in body,
Really... I feel unsettled.
How did you know that I was here?
I went to all the places that you could have possibly been.
Yang Soon, please.
When we're alone, speak informally.
I'll feel even more burdened if you speak that way.
Is there anything wrong?
What?
Before, because of what happened with Han Sang Gung...
I heard Pye-ha summoned you.
It's no big deal.
I'm tired.
Whenever I try to do something, I always get into trouble.
No matter how I tried, it always turns out that way.
What should I do?
I always bother Pye-ha.
You too.
Hey, listen carefully to what I have to say.
People always bother others.
Don't you know?
How can people live only ever doing good things?
It's so tiring. How would we live like that?
Everyone else lives that way too.
You're fine!
I can assure that.
You are doing well like this.
Not only can you be a Hwang Taeja, you can even be a Hwang Taeja's grandpa.
Go ahead and bother me.
Got it?
You kid.
About that time, I'm really sorry.
Over there, that time...
Didn't you apologize already?
Why bring it up?
It's alright.
What I said, how drunken acts aren't sincere, cancel that.
I think I did it because I was feeling glad and grateful.
That's the truth.
It's alright.
Because we are young.
We'd often make mistakes.
I will treasure it.
When I get married in future, I'll smile when I think about my first kiss with Hwang Taeja.
I'll tell my kids.
You are pretty compatible with Sae-ryung.
Do well!
Don't worry about the kiss between us.
That's a misunderstanding.
I'll get going first.
Don't make people look for you, hurry up get going.
Kang Hoo!
FIGHTING!
Kang Hoo, fighting.
Kang Hoo...
Kang Hoo... Fighting...
Are you going to just let it go this round?
When in the world will Joon be crowned Hwang Taeja?
Don't be too anxious, wife.
The plan is in its process.
What plan?
I am deciding whether to add some little spices to it.
People often worry about life and death.
If he knew that his mother was chased out of the Palace, do you think he'll stay on?
If he himself gets all suspicious, it'll advance into a situation whereby no one can stop him.
I will throw the huge stones into the river.
All you have to do is stay one side and throw the stones.
Do you mean you intend to bring up the past about her departure?
I feel that is unnecessary.
That isn't like you.
What I mean is...
Don't worry.
The arrow has left the bow.
Gong-ja Mama.
Hyo-jang Dae-gong is here.
Why are you here?
I wanted to see Joon, but he wasn't around. So I came over to have a look.
I heard something dangerous happened just before you were about to enter the Palace.
I heard it even concerns your life.
How do you know about it?
I am part of the Royal family too.
How can I be called part of the Royal family if I didn't know?
As part of the family, I've been neglectful in taking care of you.
I'm really sorry.
I've never greeted you formally before.
I'm really sorry, Hyo-jang Dae-gong.
I am your father's cousin (dang sook).
Call me that when there's only the two of us.
Yes, Dang Sook.
Young Sung Gong.
I came here today to tell you to be strong.
Your second cousin, Yeo-wang Pye-ha, is in a dangerous situation.
Many people are hoping that Pye-ha would step down.
If the Young Sung Gong and Moon Sung Gong are not strongly supported,
it'll shake the existence of the Royal family.
In time, Pye-ha will choose between the two of you to crown Hwang Taeja.
I still have many shortcomings.
It will most probably be Moon Sung Gong.
Don't think that way.
Young Sung Gong is suitable as well.
What would you like to do for Pye-ha?
Only then will you be able to quickly prepare to suit the position of Hwang Taeja.
And then you can have a fair competion with Moon Sung Gong.
Actually... I'm very scared.
There isn't a thing to be afraid of.
So what if you used to deliver jjajangmyun?
That could be your strength.
Your mother, Hyo-in Dae-gong's wife, was the same too.
She did well in a completely new environment.
You have probably heard about it already.
But I'm sure there was a misunderstanding about her being cut off from the palace.
I'm sure you will work hard for the Royal family and for the country.
And not becoming Hwang Taeja purely for revenge.
What is this?
It's called "the smart soup," your brains will become alert.
Really?
I hate bitter things.
I'm only drinking it cause you brought it here.
If only it works.
Bitter.
Do you remember my mother?
Of course I do.
My mother is a very fine person, right?
Friendly, kind, benevolent, beautiful.
My mother is not someone who would deceive others, right?
Why do you keep showing off who your mother is?
That's right.
It's the first time in my life meeting someone so flawless and pure,
like an angel.
You're just as pure.
Are you complimenting me or insulting me?
Insulting you. How do you live like that?
I can live well on my own. Don't worry.
Your oppa will be sad if you behave like this.
What oppa are you talking about?
I have to go now.
Don't be like this. Stay a little and go.
What are you doing? Such a kid...
Leave later.
No way.
Study!
I didn't know you were in the room.
I'll leave after I place the letter.
Do you like music?
Yes, I do.
Yang Soon-yi.
Yes?
What kind of person am I?
A good person? Or a bad one?
Of course, you are a good person.
I am actually a bad one.
I want to have everything I want.
But I hate using despicable methods.
I would like to get what I want through fair means.
Yes, that should be the way.
Sae-ryung, lessons are over, right?
What are you going to do today?
If you are free, how about watching a movie?
I'm sorry. I have a date with Young Sung Gong Mama.
Really?
He seldom speaks in the Academy, and yet you have to give him tutorial in the palace,
it has been hard on you.
But I heard Young Sung Gong Mama is very naive. Is that true?
How about watching what you say?
We just pity you.
Joon can master all his courses, but can he even pass his physical segment?
Are you looking down on me?
That's true, you are there to help him.
See you some other day.
You haven't read half of it yet?
That... I did try.
Try reading it aloud.
Using both your sight and hearing at the same time makes it easier to remember.
Ah, so that's how you do it.
My mother used to tell me...
If you are unable to concentrate, read it aloud.
So did you follow suit?
No, I wanted my mother to read to me.
It's weird, but when my mother read to me, I find it easy to remember.
So that's why I know the details in books, but not the author and title.
The author and title is not important. It's better to know the details.
That's quite true.
When I was a delivery guy, I thought I'd be laughed at since I pretended to know everything, so I didn't say anything.
And right now I only have a general picture, so I can't say anything, either.
I feel so confused.
Thank you, Gong-ja Mama.
For pretending nothing happened.
Frankly speaking, it's awkward.
It probably is, even if you pretend not to feel that way.
It'll be alright. Don't worry about it.
How about I read it to you?
Really?
Just for today.
From here.
In the 25th year of San Do, under In Jin rule,
With the establishment of trade and development, over 20,000 boarded 350 ships and arrived in Busan.
Lee Hang Deok. In 1582, he repeatedly failed the civil service examination,
and finally succeeded the following year.
In 1583, he read historical accounts, becoming an expert, editing and transposing,
writing his first volume of classical works.
In 1589, he supressed an uprising and took over control.
With his position, he officially ruled...
Haven't you not played the guitar for quite some time?
Did anything happen?
Before it's too late, before we can't turn back anymore,
Let's just end things.
What are you talking about?
The kiss between Young Sung Gong and me on my birthday meant nothing.
It just happened because I was drunk.
I thought you'd understand.
I'm sorry.
I thought that I could be with you forever.
Because we grew up together, I'd grown attached to you.
But I don't think this is it.
To you and to me, it isn't right.
Oppa, you are just wavering right now.
I can understand this.
Do you love me?
Fine.
I am unable to say that I love you.
But I like you.
Isn't that enough?
Whatever it is, you can't be with a palace maid. You know that as well.
I haven't thought that far.
I just don't want to be engaged like this.
I can't do it.
Do you think the adults will agree to it?
So I am asking for your help.
I am unable to help you.
The ceremony will proceed as it is.
Even if I don't want to, it's already too late to stop it.
Why are you asking for a facial mask all of a sudden?
You can do this on your own.
It has to be done properly.
Think about it.
Being in the Royal family is like being a star.
You get on TV for the slightest reason.
I have to take extra care.
What is this? I hate sticky stuff.
This isn't sticky at all.
You've been tired lately. You've got dark circles under your eyes.
And your face is getting rough.
Apply some of this.
And your skin will be as smooth as baby's skin.
Really?
Do you apply this too?
Sometimes.
Do it everyday then.
Your dark circles aren't small either.
Do it gently.
If the mask cracks, it'll get wrinkles.
Hey! What!
What are you doing?
Why do you keep sticking it into my nose?
I'm sorry.
Do it on your own.
What's with her all of a sudden?
I have to finish it.
Is this the schedule for today?
Yes.
You look handsome, Mama.
I shall go prepare the car first.
Go ahead then.
You look handsome today too.
Palace maid Yang, how is it?
Gong-ja Mama is handsome, right?
Why aren't you serious in your studies these days?
Is your vanity acting up again?
I'm going.
What?
Gong-ja Mama is leaving.
Shouldn't you greet me?
You're not saying?
Be careful.
Be careful?
Of what?
Nothing.
Just be careful. You're always getting into trouble.
You should be the one being careful.
I'm going.
There's someone coming from the Palace that you'll be very happy to see.
Someone I'd be happy to see?
There isn't someone like that in the Palace.
I mean the Chinese Restaurant, Palace.
I've invited Jo Sang-ki.
It's a present for Gong-ja.
Really?
It's true.
Ahjussi, have you arrived?
You came because you missed me, right?
Where are you?
Attendant.
Everything is going well.
We'll meet at the auction.
Ahjussi!
I'm sorry.
Are you okay, Gong-ja Mama?
Yes, ahjussi.
I've seen that person somewhere before.
Where was it?
That man! Ahjussi, it's that man!
That man who wanted to kidnap me!
Pye-ha.
Professor Esterhaus is here to see you.
I'll take my leave.
It has been quite some time.
7 years and 2 months.
Have you been doing well?
I've been good. Thank you.
Why did you come to Korea? Could it be...
I was offered a great position at the Royal Academy, so I took it.
Nothing else, your highness.
Your eyes tells me you blame me.
You look bitter.
I did blame you.
But you seem to have forgotten all about you, and you moved on.
So I did the same.
I didn't forget about it at all.
I wasn't doing well too.
Alex.
Can't you just understand me?
What are you doing here? Speak!
Today I shall reveal who you are.
You are actually using martial arts from the Palace.
Which department are you from?
Everyone, these teddy bears are wearing our designer clothes.
Attendant.
Yes, Pye-ha.
Why don't I see Gong-ja?
The Prime Minister is looking for him.
What are you all doing?
What is this?
What are you doing?
Gong-ja Mama.
Don't move!
Or else he'll lose his life!
Gong-ja Mama!
Gong-ja Mama, are you alright?
I'm fine.
The auction has started.
What is that?
Is everything going well?
Yes, it is.
Target.
The symbolic queen figure.
Get ready to attack.
The donations made today will go to UNICEF charity organization.
This project was able to gain success.
We would like to thank Yeo-wang Pye-ha for her continuous support.
It is ready now.
I'll get ready.
Yeo-wang Pye-ha is in danger.
Seven years ago, these teddy bears were designed based on the formal clothing worn by the Pye-ha.
The symbolic queen. What's the symbolic queen?
Stand by.
No!
Hit.
Gong-ja!
Security!
Gong-ja Mama!
Are you alright?
Protect Gong-ja!
Gong-ja Mama! Gong-ja Mama...
Can I believe that this has nothing to do with you?
Do you think you are still able to become Hwang Taeja?
Just based on your ability, are you able to?
Thank you for worrying about me.
Are you a fool?
How can I not be worried about you?
I thought I wouldn't be able to see you again.
Do you think he is alright?
There must be something.
Ever since Hyo-In Dae-gong's wife passed on, you were the one who took care of Young Sung Gong.
I can't believe there is such fate.
Dad.
I would like to cancel the engagement between Sae-ryung and I.
Gong-ja doesn't know how to take care of himself.
In future, you have to learn to take care of yourself.
I would like to know who was the one who did it.