You!
Father...!
Duk-gu!
Put down your sword!
Don't you want your daughter alive?
I'd be a coward if I escaped alone! What do I do?
Who the heck are you?
Please, please don't kill me!
Chun-su, what are you doing here?
Sir Won, I'm so glad to see you!
Something's going down in there!
What do you mean?
I know I've caused you great pain.
You can take my life if you wish, but let my daughter go.
Shut up, you bastard!
I'm going to kill your daughter first!
I'll make you suffer the pain of losing your child.
I know you turned to a life of crimes because there was
no oher way to make a living, but if you commit a crime, you must...
I only wanted to feed my ailing son a hot meal!
Not all men in your situation turn to crimes.
I begged you in desperation so let me out just for a day so
I could see him just once before he died, but you didn't give a hoot?
Pardon me, sir, but may I go?
I have nothing to do with this family.
What?
It's the truth. I am here running an errand. That's all.
What are you trying to pull?
Do you think I'm going to fall for that trick?
I knew this would happen. It's just my luck.
Then kill them quickly, and let's get out of here together.
What?!
What are you waiting for? Get it over with!
Who are you to tell me what to do?
I'm not interested in your story with this man, but staying here
much longer is a bad idea!
Hurry up and kill the daughter!
Do you want me to do it?
Stop right there!
Are you trying to kill me as well?
Show yourself!
Bastards, put your swords down at once!
What are you waiting for? Kill him!
My lady!
Duk-gu!
My lady, are you all right?
My lady, wake up! My lady!
My lady, wake up!
My lady my lady? Please wake up, my lady!
My lady, my lady, please be all right, my lady?
Withdraw your sword.
But Master!
Let them go.
But they broke into this house armed with swords.
We must turn them in.
No one broke into this house tonight.
No one saw them, and none of this took place. Understood?
Yes, sir.
Get up.
Go.
I denied your request because I would not be doing my job if
I took every prisoner's story personally,
but I was not without regrets. But what's more disturbing is
that you're still wasting your life away!
Stop destroying yourself and return to your homestead.
Your departed son would not be pleased to see you like this.
Let's go.
You mean the two of you are best of friends?
Yes, Master.
What amazing coincidence! In any case, I must thank you.
You saved me and my daughter's life.
I didn't do anything.
Kyun showed up just in time and saved all of us.
I must say that was quite bold. What if he really struck us?
It's human nature to want to do the opposite of what you're being told.
And judging by the trembling in that man's eyes, he was not the
kind that kills for a living.
My lady!
Are you all right, my lady?
What happened? My father?
Don't worry. The intruders are gone, and...
Oh, that young man we saw this afternoon saved your life!
Turns out he is Sir Kyun's friend.
Is that right?
Yes! Isn't that amazing?
He's a nobleman, but you'd never know by the way he looks.
What? That girl is a lady of nobility?
Yeah. What are you going to do now?
They're going to roll you up in a straw mat and beat you up for
for contempt when they find out what you did to her.
It's darn wine! That's the culprit!
Yeah, more man have drowned in wine than in water they say.
Chun-su, help me! You have to help me!
But I'm powerless.
Didn't you say that you beat up all the intruders?
Yeah, but her father is an excellent marksman with his arrow.
They say he can hit an ant three miles away.
So if you get caught, you'll be a porcupine.
Chun-su, sir, uncle, please help me!
Yeah, so be good to me. Who knows? I might block those flying arrows
for you with the hands that beat up all those thieves.
You're fooling me again, aren't you?
Think what you want. I don't care.
But if I open my mouth you're...
Oh, uncle, please help me!
Get off of me!
Soon-shin is in a trading company?
He's working as a hauler.
Let us pay him a visit soon.
No, let's watch him and give him room until he comes to us.
I'm sure he's feeling a lot of conflicting emotions.
And he may not want us to see him in this situation.
By the way, there's another reason why I'm here.
There is an archery competition at the Deung-ryong Pavilion soon.
Pyunsa: An archery contest between two teams
I heard. Some of the academy students are entering the event.
Master Bang is hoping you will enter as well.
Your master wants me to enter?
You're here.
Oh, yes.
Let's go inside.
Wait!
What are you doing here?
Sir Song!
Did you bring that man here?
May I speak to you privately?
Why is that bastard still working for you?
Please, this way.
Let's go.
What do you mean you're not going to dismiss him?
Attendant Ju will hear about this!
Calm down and hear me out!
I've heard enough!
Don't you think keeping him around would be entertaining?
Entertaining?
Yes, to watch the boy get stepped and kicked around.
Take today for instance. You are here as a scholar of the academy
competing in the contest, but Soon-shin is but a hauler who
tagged along with me to work.
Crush him before your eyes!
Pay him back for the humiliation he made your father suffer.
Crush him before my eyes?
Yes.
Come to think of it, that's not a bad idea.
Very well, I'll do as you advise.
Let's go.
Tighten your shoulder.
That's much easier.
You should watch where you're going.
How are you going to do our job when you're so clumsy?
Let go!
Don't get involved.
But you saw what that bastard did to Soon-shin!
You won't be doing him any favors by making a big deal out of this.
He'd feel even more embarrassed.
What kind of place is Sung-kyun Academy?
How could such a common street thug be a scholar of the academy?
Bull's eye!
Even the arrow seems to know your crooked heart.
You've displayed fine sportsmanship today. Drink!
This event bears special significance in that the
scholars of Sung-kyun Academy have joined us.
The bow and arrow is a tool to govern your heart before it
is a weapon to suppress the enemy.
That is why Confucius scholars consider archery one of the Six Rites.
Your name was Yu Sung-ryong?
Yes, sir.
I'm told you are the student body president of the academy.
Yes, sir.
I've invited you here specially to ask you to strengthen and
maintain close relations with Deung-ryong League.
Develop camaraderie and mold yourselves into true pillars of this state.
We will, sir.
Those are truly valuable words.
I am very grateful for your undying support, Baron Huh.
My pupils are feely developing their skills thanks to you.
Thank you for your kind words.
How could I lay idle when you are working so hard to create
new leaders of the state?
I'll take that now.
It isn't much, but please put in to good use.
Join us, my man.
Sit down and have a drink.
Come. It is impolite to refuse an elder's courtesy.
How would you like to join us and enter our next archery contest?
Forgive me, but I haven't had an opportunity to learn archery.
Don't worry. I'll teach you.
Did I hear you correctly?
Do you mean to take Soon-shin as your pupil?
Exactly.
Thank you for your offer, but I'm a humble hauler in a trading company.
And I have many thins to learn to perform my duties as I am expected.
Now if you'll forgive me, I will be outside.
Who is this guy Yi Soon-shin?
Master has never volunteered to take anyone as his pupil.
Both you and I entered this league after a grueling ordeal.
But he has offered to take this man as his pupil warts and all.
Is he that talented?
I wouldn't now.
He is a good friend of yours. How could you not know?
It was the master's decision. I'm sure there is a reason.
What kind of place is Deung-ryong Private institute?
If you welcome descendants of traitors, this must be a
dangerous organization with potential for sedition.
What did you say?
Why did you say no?
Wouldn't it be better than being a hauler at a trading company.
Hush up and go to sleep.
But it's true. Passing the military service exam is
practically a guarantee if you go under that man.
Wow, you're so knowledgeable! You're brain is working overtime.
Is that why you're so hungry all the time?
Stop aggravating him and be quiet!
How am I aggravating him? He's a nobleman, right?
What does he have to fear? If I were a nobleman, I'd...
What's up with him? Did I say something bad?
Get this off me!
Why do I want him as a pupil?
Yes, Master. I couldn't be happier, but the others are rather disturbed.
Baron Huh had sent me a letter asking me to judge Soon-shin's character.
There's no doubt Baron Huh has found a gem in the rough.
But I mus see before I can decide whether he is worthy of my tutelage.
Do you mean you will observe his potential as a military leader?
Perhaps. I can't say anything for certain right now, but he
is definitely different from the pupils I've taught thus far.
Different?
Observe, then you shall see as well.
Yes, Master.
Take this to him. Tell him it is a gift from me and that I expect
to see him at the archery field soon.
What do you mean? This is great news!
Not necessarily. We could be picking on his wound.
Being in the league won't change Soon-shin's situation.
No, but...
But it's a decision Soon-shin will have to make.
It's Master Bang's proposition, and we shouldn't intercede.
Soon-shin! Soon-shin!
This is not something I need.
Soon-shin, you don't have to think so much.
That's right. We're well aware of your situation.
It's not a bad idea to get out and shoot some arrows sometime.
Oh guys, don't you know I can't afford that kind of luxury?
I'm breaking my back trying to keep up with my job as a hauler.
And you want me to take up archery as a hobby?
Soon-shin, things will not always be like this for you.
Who knows what change will occur?
There's nothing wrong with being prepared for that day.
I've already had my share of pain and disappointment.
I stopped hoping long ago.
I'm not going to waste my time chasing after a pipe dream.
Soon-shin...
Why didn't you tell me this sooner?
Forgive me, Master.
I didn't want to expose a friend's flaw if it were not necessary.
His grandfather was executed with Master Jung Ahm during the purging
of the scholars in 1519?
He came to the capital city after being disqualified in the civil
service exam because of his background.
I know your kind intentions, but please leave him alone.
I fear he will be hurt again.
Master...
Kyun?
In the night air is cold. Let us go inside.
Don't you think the moonlight is lovely?
Does the moon discriminate?
It sheds light on everyone equally without prejudice.
But the world is so unfair...
Is the schedule set for the military service exam?
Yes, Master.
His Majesty has shown social interest on this exam.
With the increasing threat of Japanese invasion, he has even
issued a special announcement.
A special announcement?
Wow, that feels good!
Excuse me.
Excuse me. My master wants a word with you.
Who? Me?
I'm innocent! I won't go!
Have mercy. I didn't know what I was doing!
How was I to know that she's a lady of nobility?
I would have never done such a crazy thing if I knew.
So then you admit your crime?
Of course I do. So be nice.
It's going to cost you.
Here!
But it's not you that my master wants to see.
It's him.
He wishes to see me?
Yes, sir.
You little wench! Why didn't you tell me?
You didn't give me a chance. You're the one who got scared
and started whimpering like a dog that needs go.
What?!
Thanks for this. I'll put in a good word for you to my master
when get a chance. Shall we go, sir?
Yes, okay.
Wow, girls in Seoul are really something!
That little girl just hoodwinked the infamous swindler Mujik!
Oh, be quiet!
Read it.
The rampancy of the Japanese has the country astir and causing
the people great distress. His Majesty is very concerned
about this, and he has issued this special announcement.
He instructs the military leaders to place men of talent in service
regardless of their background or origin.
Sir...
Kyun has told me all about your situation.
If you sought to enter the civil service not for honor and fame
but for true desire to serve the people and the state,
what's the difference between civil service and military service?
What are you doing out here?
Chun-su.
What?
Should I take the military service exam?
Military service exam? What are you talking about out of the blue?
Don't even mention another exam!
This time it's different.
The King has issued a special order to judge the exam solely based on
talent without any kind of prejudice.
Is that true?
Does that mean you're really going to be a magistrate?
That we have to see.
No, you can do it if you put your mind to it. I know you can.
I know you better than anyone.
Chun-su...
This is great! This is really great!
The master is here!
Get acquainted. This is your new colleague.
My name is Yi Soon-shin. It's a pleasure to meet all of you.
Is that true? He's become my father's pupil?
Yes! I saw him with my own eyes!
Wonderful! That's wonderful!
You're acting funny.
Me?
Lord Bang has countless pupils.
What's so wonderful about taking on one more?
Well... Well, that man saved my life, and, and...
Borem!
What a pleasant surprise. What brings you, my lady?
No particular reason. Well then...
Are you cleaning that or covering it up with spit?
Don't you see how shinny it is? This is how you're supposes to do it!
That's good enough. You must be tired.
Let me finish. I'm enjoying it.
So you take the exam with this, huh?
This will make you a magistrate!
Soon you'll be rich and famous!
Don't you know anything? Once he passes the exam, he'll be out of here?
Once he gets a government job, he'll be higher than the baron!
I am concerned for you, though.
After all, you got this job because of him.
And if he leaves, you'll be left out in the cold.
What did you say?
Stop. How could you say that? No such thing will happen.
You'll see who'se right in due time.
Worry about your own business? Soon-shin is going to be a
magistrate, and I'm going to stay here and get rich. You'll see!
I hope you're right.
Did you hit the mark?
I don't think I did.
I released the string too soon.
But it's a imaginary arrow. What makes you certain?
The velocity of the wind, the direction of the wind,
I did not take the time to notice them before I took the platform.
Only after releasing the string I realized that the wind was
blowing from the left behind me.
That's right.
If you had compensated for the wind and held the string to the right,
you would have hit the mark.
I'm sorry, Master.
No, hitting the mark is not what's important to you right now.
You've just learned an important lesson. Don't let it be forgotten.
Kyun!
You're out here early.
I have my job at the trading company in the afternoon.
You must be exhausted with your hectic schedule.
I'm all right, Kyun.
Watching you today I can see why Master Bang wanted
so much to take you in as his pupil.
What you learned today is very important.
But it isn't something that's easy to learn.
It took me and the others a long time before acquired that insight.
With dedication and discipline, I'm sure there will be good results.
Whatever do you mean?
We cannot train with Yi Soon-shin. It's bad enough that he entered
the league without tryouts, but he refused the master's
request not once but twice!
That's all in the past now. He is our colleague now.
There is another reason why we want him out.
You know his background better than anyone here.
Why must you bring that up?
You know darn well why.
We can't accept a traitor's grandson as a member of the league.
Th whole organization's political propensity could be questioned!
Il!
We cannot accept him as one of us, so please go along with it.
Master Bang is the one who accepted him into the league.
Are you going to challenge him?
Master Bang may be our teacher, but he has to go along with
the committee's decision. You know that as well.
Look!
Don't try to defend him.
Remember, you can not act independently against the
decision of the committee!
Soon-shin is coming!
Soon-shin?
What's going on?
This is as far as you will go.
We cannot accept you in our league.
Why? What's the reason?
Why are you doing this? How could you block him at the gate?
You know darn well why.
We will not have a descendant of a traitor among us!
Stop this! Break it up now!
What is going on?
What are you doing here during your training hour?
Very well. I will dismiss Soon-shin from the league.
But there's one condition.
In one month, one of you will complete against him in the
category of ancient writing and archery.
If Soon-shin is defeated, he will be removed.
But if he wins, the opponent must leave.
Who would like to be his opponent?
How about you?
No, Master. How could I possibly compete with him?
He must be a man of great talent if he became your pupil without a test.
He must compete with the best.
I think Kyun might be his match.
What do you think, Master?
It's not a bad idea.
Very well. Kyun, you will compete.
Master!