Jung Yi, the Goddess of Fire
I'm pregnant!
What? A baby?
Including not killing myself after that night with you.
Yukdo is all I need.
Will you kill your lord's own blood?
She will take it to her grave.
Someday she will make porcelain for the King.
I will rear her to be the first female artisan in our nation.
I hate it.
What is our nation's most precious commodity?
Royal white porcelain.
We must control those funds.
Kangchon...
Treason!
Punish him.
Cheater! You call that hunting?
Stealing like a stealing stealer?
What did we catch?
Creep-boy!
I am a prince.
Ri-i-ight.
- Silence. - Shut it!
[Episode 2] Your Highness! Where are you?
-Your Highness! -Your Highness!
Here! Over here! Come get mmph!
What was that?
You're really... a prince?
I mean...
For really real? Really?
I kept telling you.
Back off.
Your Highness, just a minute.
Let's talk this over...
Look, first we've got to get out of there.
Over here!
It's Kwanghae!
Your Highness!
You hear me?
I'm over here!
Careful of the pit...
Your Highness.
- Prince Kwanghae. - Where are you?
Your Highness!
Kwanghae!
...ouch...
Your Highness!
Your Highness! Your Highness!
Your Highness, wake up.
Prince.
- Prince, Prince...! - Jung, Jung!
Where are you? Jung, Jung!
Taedo?
- Taedo... - Your hand.
Taedo, where have you been?
What happened?
How did you get in there? Who's that?
Well...
I couldn't help it.
Are you all right?
Which way now?
Get me that peasant.
Your Highness, he's gone.
What? Argh!
I found him. The Prince is here.
Over here. It's the Prince.
Your Highness.
Your Highness, Your Highness.
Your Highness, are you all right?
- Your Highness. - Are you all right?
Jung, no matter what, run.
Run home and don't look back, all right?
Are you awake?
Oh, my head.
You're up? Moron.
Falling into a pit?
Where's the girl?
Girl?
The girl that was with me.
Where is she?
You were in the pit alone.
Can't be.
You really didn't see her?
A girl, he says. Nice dream.
Maybe it was a foxy lil nine-tailed fox?
Who found me?
- The first one here... - Me!
I found you.
Don't forget to tell Father, alright?
Yes.
Jung, no one's behind you.
Drink this. Catch your breath.
Thanks.
What happened?
Taedo?
Suppose...
Suppose I... I mean, suppose someone...
...slapped the Prince...
...what would happen?
Who would dare?
Just suppose.
Capital punishment.
Beheading or...
...the whole family enslaved.
Dad, too?
Hwalyong, if anyone asks, I don't live here.
I'm sorry for all the trouble.
Sire, it could have been much worse.
He was knocked out in a pit...
He's fine now.
Your Majesty...
The first one to find me... was Imhae.
Yes, Sire, it was me.
This Taedo peasant...
...runs an inn?
Sire?
Yes, Sire.
Jung, where's my husband?
Huh? What do you mean?
Weren't you with Taedo?
Ah, well...
Oh, dear...
It's him.
Oh no. I bet it's all burnt.
What are you doing in here?
Give me a hand.
Shhh. Hush.
Hush? Take this.
It's going to burn!
Almost done?
Coming!
Drinks all around.
Allow me, Sire.
Sure.
Wait.
Where did you get this bowl?
Forgive me, Sire.
I asked where you got it.
Sire.
A potter named Euldam.
Euldam?
He made those jars as well, Sire.
Is his family name Yu?
How did you...?
Master, one moment.
Euldam, if you could...
Yes? What is it?
I trust you've been well, Sire?
You're the same Artisan Yu?
Yes, Sire.
How have you been?
Very well, thanks to your mercy.
Making pots? Tsk-tsk-tsk.
A waste. You have a great gift.
I've yet to see an artisan with your skill.
Your honor me.
- Imhae. - Sire?
- Kwanghae. - Sire.
You remember Her Majesty's porcelain tea service?
Yes, of course.
It was one of her most prized possessions.
This is the man that made it.
A great talent.
You honor me.
Make the memorial service vessels.
Sire?
I wouldn't dare. I've lost the skill.
Pardon me, please.
I know what you can do.
Don't be modest.
The artisans would be furious.
Then don't tell them.
Sire, I don't have the means.
It's a command.
Don't disappoint me.
Your Highness, may I help you?
It's nothing, just...
How may I help you?
Never mind, I just...
Come on. It's time we got back.
Your Majesty, I want to go hunting with my brothers and Father.
You will, Sinsong.
His Majesty is quite fond of you.
I'll study extra hard and practice my archery.
As you should.
If you'll excuse me?
Going to bed?
No. I want to be there when Father comes home.
Of course.
His Majesty favors young Prince Sinsong.
We have a long way to go.
He must be invested as Crown Prince.
I'm working with the civil and military officials.
They will petition the King.
Don't act alone.
Rally the court and the nobles.
Lord Yi is doing that now.
Your prices are going up.
We don't have an endless supply of gold.
Now, now.
Had I known it was difficult, I wouldn't have bothered you.
Perhaps a slight discount next time?
No, I wouldn't want to force you.
I ran into Kim the other day.
He offered twice the money.
I said no out of loyalty to you, but now I'll have write to him.
Such a kidder.
Price before loyalty? You? Never.
Still I'm afraid I can't budge an inch.
I look forward to profitable bargain next time.
What is this?
A small token of the minister's appreciation.
It's nothing. Open them.
The minister assures me you know how best to use this...
...for the good of all.
His Majesty has been on the throne twenty years now.
The princes are of age, yet we have no heir apparent.
I'm petitioning to invest a Crown Prince.
Oh? You mean Prince Sinsong...
Yes. Help him and the rewards will be great.
I trust you will call on me at the Punwon Kiln.
Yukdo.
Yes, your lordship.
We're alone. Relax.
Yes, Father.
What's all this?
For the Royal Ancestral Shrine.
Surely His Majesty will order vessels when he gets back.
So you're preparing now?
Yes, Father.
Good for you.
Let me handle the ugliness.
You focus on your talents.
Fool.
Sir?
You're still so slow you're up half the night.
I can't help it, I love it.
I was the same at your age.
Sire, we had a chance to talk while you were away.
Not the crown prince again?
Yes, for the good of the Royal House.
Please, Sire.
His Majesty is in the prime of life.
Why are you rushing the investiture?
I admire your patience.
But the investment is crucial to the future of the nation.
Exactly. How can such a crucial...
Enough, enough.
Do you think I would ignore my duty...
...and fail to name an heir apparent?
Never, Sire.
Imhae, Kwanghae, Sinsong.
Selecting a crown prince is serious business.
As of today I'll be judging your capabilities.
First, Kwanghae.
I'm placing you over the Punwon Kiln.
Oversee the memorial vessels and make your recommendation.
You need to go to the palace.
Prince Kwanghae has been placed over the kiln.
Prince Kwanghae?
Prepare to leave.
Pack these up and bring them to my studio.
Me?
You.
Right.
Score.
The finest bowl from the reign of King Taejo, founder of our dynasty.
He intended it to last a thousand, ten thousand years.
Yes, Sire.
Not you. Kwanghae.
Sire.
Serve as Master of Ceremonies for the offerings.
Yes, Sire.
I am pleased to hear you have been placed in charge.
We are at your service.
I appreciate that.
I sent for you to discuss the memorial vessels.
Yes, we have already prepared something.
Ah, well, I'm not sure how to say this.
Your Highness?
We have arranged for vessels from the provinces for the service.
You needn't bother.
But, Your Highness, the Punwon artisans serve the royal house.
The provinces?
I'm counting on your cooperation. I want to see his work.
As does His Majesty.
May I ask the name of this artisan?
Yu Euldam.
Ah, you know him.
Yu Euldam, Your Highness?
Jung.
Take these to the workshop.
Huh?
Change out the jars and don't spill any.
Go on now.
The best of the best.
How many can you get?
Oh, fifty or so.
But we'll need money up front.
Twenty bars of silver.
That's it. Hold.
Call.
Eight! Bwa-ha-hah!
That's mine! Mine-mine-mine!
Move out.
No, no! Mine!
I had an eight. I was finally out of debt.
Just gimme mine, just mine!
Jung, my bath ready yet?
It's so hot out and he wants a bath?
Ready, Father.
Hot.
Taedo, is he trying to kill himself?
Are you burnt?
Hot.
Sorry.
Could he take any longer in there?
Watermelon...
Here.
Thanks.
Teach me, too.
Hm? What?
Archery. Fencing.
Everything you're teaching Jung.
You?
I'd probably be better at it once I learn.
Why not?
You couldn't be any worse.
I can be worse if you like.
Hm?
If you like how Jung pouts and giggles and throws fits...
...I can do that.
Hwalyong.
I should go.
Jung, get up. Jung.
Come in here.
It is a command. I must obey.
Father, can't you just not? Must you?
Jung, what's got into you?
We'll have to see His Highness and...
I mean, I'm...
Anyway, I just hate those highfalutins.
It doesn't matter. It's a command.
I can't do much, but I'll help anyway I can.
No. I'll be concentrating on this for now.
You can return home.
Father.
Hwalyong, don't go.
Yes, Master.
Taedo, will you see her home?
Sir? Me?
Sure. You can't let her go alone.
Yes, sir.
Jung.
A gift. You said you liked it.
On you. On me, not so much.
No. Here.
Thanks.
What can I give you?
Anything you want?
The slingshot.
It's not mine. It's Taedo's.
My first day you nearly hit me with it. Remember?
Sorry. I was after a sparrow.
And there you were.
Did it hurt?
No, you took off. Taedo took the blame.
True.
Take it.
And think of me.
Even though it's Taedo's?
He can make another. It's fine.
Where are they?
Huh?
There were a lot more.
Where are they? Why are we left with these?
I hear there's a black market for royal wares.
If you're involved...
Never, I would never.
They must be outside.
I'll go get them.
Wait.
Do you know Yu Euldam?
Of course.
He was an artisan here.
He competed for the Master Artisan chair, but naturally your father won.
They competed?
Uh-huh.
That explains the look on his face.
Can I see his work?
Look after your dad. Don't go in to the woods with Taedo.
When will you be back?
And don't forget, laundry in the evening.
When?
Thanks for everything.
What is this? You leaving for good?
Who can tell?
Hwalyong, you...
See you soon.
Hwalyong! Bye!
I'll be fine from here.
Hwalyong.
Even if I waited...
...it wouldn't do any good.
You'll never be mine while Jung is around.
Jung and I shared the same mother's milk.
She's like my sister, a friend.
You would like to think so.
I should go.
I can't force my way into your heart.
So please don't push the love from mine.
I'll never see you again.
Come on now, stop! We can talk!
Why are you breaking my stuff?
How are you going to pay?
I have some fine goods, I just need time.
Be patient, give me time.
Then you're dead.
Help! Help!
Father!
What's going on?
This doesn't concern you. Go.
Go on, go.
Your father owes us money.
How much? What does he owe?
Why? Can you pay?
Get your boss.
I'll deal with him.
What?
Mouthy little...
Slap her around too.
No, I'll pay. Hwalyong, go!
I'll pay, I'll pay...!
- Enough. - I'll pay...
You wanted to see me?
I'll pay his debt.
With your permission?
What can you do?
Ceramics.
And I will only improve with time.
Jong, what is it?
I can't sleep with Hwalyong gone.
All right.
Dad, tell me a story.
I swear.
C'mon.
All right then.
Long, long ago there was a woodcutter...
Not that one.
Something about you.
How you know the King...
...how you met my mom...
...how you ended up here with me, that sort of thing.
Jung, your old dad used to be an artisan at the Punwon Kiln.
Have you heard of it? They make wares for the royal house.
Oh.
Your mother was so cute.
She had a gift with ceramics.
And her dream was...
Thief!
Who made this?
You won't get away with it. Leave.
Where is the studio?
I'm not a thief. Answer me.
Over there.
And the clay?
It's...
Who are you?
Who are you to come here asking questions?
Who are you?
Me?
I'm the daughter of the house.
Say who you are or beat it. Go on.
Jung.
Father.
Artisan Yu Euldam?
And you are?
Yi Yukdo from the Punwon Kiln.
You're making the royal ancestral vessels this year?
I came to see for myself.
It's about what I expected.
How can you make a royal dish in that kiln?
You don't have any workers.
Are you telling me to give up?
No. I'm here for our kiln.
We have clay, workers.
You can work there.
Is this Lord Yi's doing?
Not pottery. True ceramics.
What? You went to Euldam?
Yes. I saw his work.
His form, colors, patterns, they're all unique.
And?
I asked him here to teach us.
Do you think serving under him will get you ahead in this world?
Father.
Never go there again.
But...
Mapung.
Jung.
What is it now?
Why haven't I seen you all day?
And get in the way?
You even fussed at sweet little Hwalyong.
Never mind me.
Father.
Did you and Mom do this?
You said she had a gift.
Do I remind you of her?
Is that why you push me to study?
Keep going.
May I help you?
Long time.
What... what brings you here?
I hear you saw the King.
Ah, so that's it?
Someone from Punwon was already here.
Yukdo. Your son.
Whatever he may have said...
...as Master Artisan, I say you will never set foot in the Punwon Kiln.
You're not up to royal commissions.
That's our business.
It's beyond you. You've gone to seed.
Take my advice. As a friend.
Who are you to talk to him like that?
Father, who is this?
Respect your elders. Go inside.
And let him get away with it?
Apologize to my dad.
You have a daughter?
I thought you were above marriage.
What? How dare you?
Listen, my mother...
Go inside.
Please leave.
I won't go to Punwon.
Don't you come here.
Fair enough.
'Above marriage?'
What am I then?
Father, who was that nasty piece of work?
Where are your manners? Respect your elders.
Jung. Melon!
Oh, yeah, melons.
Yum!
Jung.
Yum. This is even better. Sooo yummy.
Don't eat it all.
Let's go to the woods.
What for?
Palace people are coming.
The Prince might be there.
Retreating?
You go on. I've got errands.
I'll be there soon.
Don't take too long.
Okay.
I am a prince.
Shut it!
If I had known I would have been a lot nicer.
Over here! It's Kwanghae!
Careful of the pit...
What was I thinking?
At least he didn't die. Yep. Yep.
Father!
Spare me!
Jung, Jung...
Taedo, don't scare me like that.
Sorry.
There's a drop. It's dangerous.
There is. I might have died if not for you.
Why? Is someone after you?
Uh-huh, he might not have seen me, but...
Jung, it's dangerous, come back.
Come back!
Hold it!
Forgive me.
Draw.
Huh?
You started it.
I will not draw on a royal.
And I will not fight...
...with sheathed swords.
I lost.
Lost?
With real swords you would have drawn first blood.
But I didn't.
So I lost.
Wooden swords don't count.
Defend yourself.
Don't give up so easily.
If I lost, I lost.
I knew my weapon going in.
Fair is fair. This was fair.
Fine. Next time will be in earnest.
A real contest.
No. There won't be a next time.
I lost a boar to your brother.
I lost a fight to you.
I'm scared of what I'll lose next time.
Let's see.
- Is it bad? - Sort of.
You wore the skin off.
It was too dangerous.
What's a little danger?
The Prince would have me killed.
Let's see the other one.
The Prince?
I'll go look.
Quick, hide.
Did something keep you?
Oh, yes, something.
Everything loaded up?
Yes. Did you find who you were looking for?
I hoped to, but it's not so easy.
Jung, it's all right.
Wow. Where did you find it?
Taedo.
Me, too. Let me up.
Let me ride.
Let me up.
Will you get carried away again?
Nope, not me.
What are you packing?
The service I made for the memorial.
His Highness said he's definitely using Euldam's work?
No, but I know mine can't compare.
What makes his so much better?
He pours his heart and soul into them.
If I could have, I would have studied under him.
Oh?
What does that make your time with me?
Euldam, I will not let this rest.
Yu Euldam is back.
His Majesty commanded that his vessels be used for the royal memorial.
He may well use this to try for the Master Artisan chair.
Euldam, Euldam.
What does he have that you don't?
Who got you your position in the first place?
Her Majesty.
Forget Euldam.
Concentrate on what you can do for Her Majesty.
Your Highness, why here?
It's not fitting.
I can't sleep.
A drink will do me good.
But if His Majesty knew...
Relax. I'm in disguise, aren't I?
No one will recognize me.
Your Highness.
If you will allow me? Please.
I'm incognito to see how our people live.
How dare you interfere with my good works?
I realize your noble intentions, of course.
But I was hoping to have a word in private.
Please pardon me.
A word about what?
We thought you would be Master of Ceremonies.
Such a shame.
Now you're laughing at me too?
Adding oil to the fire?
I'll have your head.
Hear me out before the beheading.
I have something to say.
Go on.
A drink first.
No, I'm fine.
Just one.
All right. But only as a favor to you.
I understand you met Euldam during the last hunting trip?
That's right. His Majesty said he's the best artisan there is.
Do you know what kind of man he is?
Why should I?
He poisoned Her Majesty's tea.
What?
Poison?
Why is he still breathing?
Her Majesty was allergic to peach blossom.
He knew that and used it in his porcelain glaze.
Her Majesty collapsed.
Are you sure about this?
Yes, Your Highness. All the officials were there.
Myself included.
Unbelievable. Incredible.
Now Prince Kwanghae is using a traitor's wares in the ceremony.
Incredible, indeed.
That...
...that...
That...!
Imhae, what brings you here?
Why? Can't I be here?
Only the Master of Ceremonies?
Leave us.
No, Imhae, that's not what I meant.
Tell me.
Are these Euldam's dishes?
Yes. Made especially for the royal memorial service.
I didn't believe it. But it's true, it's true.
What's bothering you? Come on.
Look. The handiwork of a traitor.
Don't. Not that.
This little thing was the Great King Taejo's?
Father values it more than life.
Please put it down.
Life?
It doesn't look so great to me.
How about you?
We've had it since the founding of our dynasty.
It has meaning far beyond the cosmetic.
Now you're lecturing me?
You know what I hate about you?
Her Majesty died after giving birth to you.
Because of you...
...I have no mother.
Imhae.
If she were alive, I would be heir apparent by now.
Thanks to you I've lost the crown and I'm a joke.
You know why Sinsong might be Crown Prince?
He has a mother working for him.
I'm firstborn and you're Master of Ceremonies?
Working with the man that caused my mother's collapse?
I won't let you!
Imhae.
You didn't catch it. It's your fault.
Something seems to be wrong.
Kwanghae will have to pay.
Someone that can fix the pot...
Why don't you meet Jung-yi?
What now? It's broken.
This is your chance.
I'll fix it.
If it's gone it's the end of the dynasty.
Enough!
Prince Kwanghae and Euldam both.
Please allow me to take responsibility. Just save Jung-yi.
How dare you?
Listen to me!
Let you make it?
I don't think I can.