Hello? Is anyone home?
Who are you?
Ma'am, this is not what it looks like...
I got the fire going. It'll get warm soon.
It's not much, but please eat.
No, I'm all right.
Don't make me feel bad. Please eat.
How could I eat when you're not eating?
I'm not the one on the run.
Don't worry about me. I'll find something else to eat.
Don't be so surprised. It's obvious.
You're famished and in disguise.
What did you do? Are you a traitor or a thief?
Ma'am, I'm not...
What else could it be if you're running from the law?
You must've either defied the bastards who are ruining the country
by deceiving the king or ruined your life following vigilantes like Yim Kuck-jung.
Either way, it's the mother who ends up with a broken heart...
Eat. You should have some food in your stomach if you have to travel.
I have a son just about your age.
It's been three years since he left home.
He saw Yim Kuck-jung raiding the government agencies and giving
loot to the poor and joined his gang.
It's been a while since Yim Kuck-jung got caught and died, but I
haven't heard from my son.
If he is alive, he wouldn't look much different from you...
starving, sleeping out in the cold...
I took you in so that someone else might take care of my son if he is
out there somewhere.
Oh dear, I didn't bring you any water.
Please eat.
If your voices are used to malign high ministers of court without
evidence to support your claim, you are to be kept at a distance.
Act with discretion and practice restraint.
What are you doing here when you should be in class?
Class...
What are we learning here?
Sung-ryong...
What is the path of a scholar?
What can we really do with what we learn here?
Powerful ministers and Royal relatives are covering the
King's eyes and ears. We'll just end up becoming their
pawns when we go out into the world.
Here you are! What are you doing here?
We have to leave now if we are not going to be late.
What do you mean?
Haven't you been informed? Minister Yoon Won-hyung is
holding a festive dinner for the academy scholars.
We the scholars of Sung-kyun cannot attend such an event!
We must go. It is a personal invitation of the Prime Minister.
There will be consequences if we defy the order.
He may be a powerful man, but he does not have the authority to tell
the scholars of the academy what to do.
Senior!
What was the purpose of our petition?
It was to punish Yoon Won-hyung who is amassing a fortune by extracting
from the people? How could we possibly attend his banquet?
I will not eat and drink the blood sweat and tears of the people!
I'm told this banquet was at the order of the King.
His Majesty is terribly concerned about our display of impetuosity.
We cannot turn down the invitation at our whim.
What did you say? Our display of impetuosity?
How can you refer to our petition as a display of impetuosity?
It's just a banquet.
Don't read too much into it. And how can we say no when
he is holding this event at the King's command?
You shouldn't make a problem out of nothing.
Where are the other students?
Perhaps they are already at the banquet.
What do you mean? Leave the academy?
But the great exam is just around the corner.
Let's drink our tea.
Sung-ryong...
I've been reading ever since I could walk, so I've spent nearly
two decades buried in books.
You were very passionate about learning.
So much so that we teased you and called you a bookworm.
I was so happy learning new things everyday...
Acquiring new knowledge, practicing new skills...
But now I'm beginning to think that knowledge may be burden
more than it is joy.
I never thought education would weigh me down like this.
So the King rejected your petition. Don't let that break your spirit.
It's not as if you didn't know about corruption in the royal court.
Those pathetic idiots! The Japanese pirates are
put of control in the south, and the nomads are still running rampant in
the north. I swear those bastards will ruin this country someday!
Don't think so much and just take the exam.
You can change the government once you enter civil service.
Do you think this government will change?
All literary societies have ceased their activities since Master Jung-am's death.
You think too much. Just jump in first think later.
Do you think that's because they are content with the government?
Or you'll get nothing done.
I think I might go away for a while.
Sung-ryong!
I'm sorry I can't be here for your military service exam.
Go back home now.
Do you have to do this?
So we are divided once again...
Be safe.
Open your eyes.
We are only a day away from the military service exam.
Whether it is archery and javelin or theory, remember that the most
important thing is focus.
All of you are competing against each other, but your most formidable
foe is yourself. Is that understood?
Yes, Master!
Master, I will place first on this military service exam.
You may indeed possess the talent, but arrogance could hurt you.
But if I do place first, I have a request.
Would you grant me the request, Master?
What is the request?
I shall ask after the exam.
I should've stopped you. I knew I should have.
Borem...
You're here sighing as if the world is about end.
Didn't I tell you that he couldn't clear his name in
time to take the test? Once those wanted posters go up all
over the city, your chances of clearing your name is nil!
No, you're wrong.
He'll come back, prove his innocence and take the exam.
You're dreaming!
What are you doing?
I'm going to give it away to another student who is taking the test.
Borem!
You're only going to get more depressed looking at this thing!
I have something for you.
Lady Yun-hwa wants you to have this.
What is it?
Lady Yun-hwa made it herself for you to wear it to the exam.
You have to place first only for her.
We have to hurry if we're going to be in Seoul by tomorrow morning.
Are you ready for the exam? We have to pass this time.
I know. I cant even look at my wife in the eyes anymore after,
failing so many times.
Let's go if you're done.
Excuse me, sir, may I ask you a question?
Sure.
I'm trying to get Master Twe-gae's house. Could you point me the way?
What's your business with Twe-gae?
Well, I'm not really sure yet.
You look like you've been traveling for a while.
Sit down and rest your legs for a bit.
I have some food and water over there if you'd like.
Thank you, sir.
Sir, it appears you forgot to put the bait.
I didn't bring any bait.
Fish isn't the only thing that you can catch by fishing.
Kang Tae Gong fished for the right time with the secret
plan to capture the world. What are you fishing for, sir?
Did you say you were going to Twe-gae's house?
Yes, sir.
Let us go. I shall take you there.
No. If you could just point me the way...
I live there.
Then you are Master Twe-gae?!
My lady! My lady!
- Have you heard? - Heard what?
Sir Won placed first placed on the military service exam!
Oh?
Is that all you can say?
Lord Bang's pupil placed first on the exam! Aren't you happy?
I'm sure he knows that today is the day of the exam.
How disheartened he must be...
Lady Yun-hwa!
I told you! You have to get Soon-shin out of your head!
Starting with Kyun who placed first, Il, Moowon, and Hyung-bok
have passed the exam. I could not be more pleased.
We owe it all to you, Master.
Yes. We could not have done it without you.
No, you have worked very hard with passion.
You must carry that passion with you when you become a military leader.
Yes, Master.
You said you would make a request if you place first on the exam.
Speak. What is your request?
Go ahead. I will give you anything you ask.
I would like you daughter's hand in marriage, Master.
Give me your permission.
I did no now that you had feelings for my daughter.
I am an unworthy man, but I will protect her and love her with
all of my heart.
But in that picture, there were no bees or butterflies.
And that's how he knew that the flower was scentless.
Marriage, Father?
I feel he would make a suitable husband for you.
What do you think?
I guess you really are a woman now.
You are blushing at the talk of marriage.
Your mother would've been so proud if she were alive.
And she would prepare a wonderful dowry for you.
But I think Borem can do a good job as well.
Don't worry, my lord.
Yes, I know you won't let me down.
My lady, what brings you out here at this early hour?
I knew you wouldn't miss your practice although you passed the exam.
You came out to see me?
Let me congratulate you.
Thank you! You don't know how much this means to me.
I must tell you something.
My father told me about your proposal.
Oh, that?
I'm afraid I cannot accept.
My lady...
Please take it back. My, my heart is with someone else.
Could it be...?
It is the man you suspect.
I see...
May I ask why?
I cannot explain why.
I wish I could. But words cannot explain the reason.
That's enough. You don't have to say anything else.
Pardon? You declined?
Don't do this, my lady. A woman's life depends on the man she marries!
You'll be living in the lap of luxury with Kyun, but
your hole life will be a struggle with Soon-shin?
Stop, Borem. There's nothing you can say to change my mind.
I just don't understand. What is it about him that you like so much?
I wish could explain, but I can't.
Why does my heart feel so much for one man and nothing for another?
I don't think it's something that can be explained.
Where is the manager?
Do I have to turn this table over to get the manager in here?
My lord, please stop.
I've already brought in seven different girl's for you.
I told you I want the prettiest!
Is that you, Yun-hwa?
What are you doing out here, Father? It's cold.
I cant stop thinking about your mother tonight...
She married me at the young age of sixteen and ran a tight ship
in this house for me while I roamed the borders with the troops.
But I never got to do anything for her.
Even when she took ill, she was more concerned about me than
about her own illness.
I didn't even get to say my final goodbye to her.
Father...
You're becoming just like your mother as you get older.
You're strong and you're clear about what you want.
Did you... hear us?
Soon-shin is a fine man of integrity who lacks nothing
as a man and as a pupil.
But how selfish we are...
Hearing you say that you are in love with him makes me sad
as your father.
Father...
Come close.
No one... No one can replace her...
My lord...
She was my first love.
No one can replace her...
What is the meaning of this?
We're looking for a fugitive!
A fugitive? Who is this fugitive?
Take a look.
He embezzled government funds and stole valuable gifts for the King.
That can't be true! My son would never do this!
And he would not run from the law even if he did commit a crime.
He would turn himself in and bear the consequences.
Every man's goose is a gander.
What are you waiting for? Search every inch of this house!
He's not here.
Harboring a fugitive is a crime. We will be checking frequently.
Let's go!
He's an honest man.
He would never commit such a crime. I know him better than anyone.
The days are getting colder.
Does he have a roof over his head? Does he have food to eat?
Almighty creator, gods of heaven and earth, please watch over my son
and protect him.
Just keep him from harm wherever he is.
Go to Gon-yang and find Master Nam-goong.
He will teach you valuable lessons.
I will not be defeated, Mother. Not anymore.
I will fight force with force, and authority with authority.
I will never let anyone step on me again.
Is everything comfortable, sir?
Master, please lower your form of speech.
I am mortified at your use of honorifics.
Everyone in this world is a teacher to me.
Lowborn, highborn, young or old, they all teach me valuable lessons.
How could I treat anyone as my inferior?
So how much longer do you intend to stay?
Isn't it time that you return to the city?
No, Master. It's been long time since I've enjoyed such
peace in joy of learning.
Joy of learning...
Then what do you think is at the end of that learning?
Have you given much thought about what is at the end?
Why are you hesitant to answer?
I do not know the answer.
I suspect you know the answer but you don't want to accept it.
Am I right?
Master...
I thought you were different from the rest of my pupils.
But your weakness disappoints me.
I don't want to think about it.
Nothing is going to change even if I do.
What is the greatest foe that scholars must guard against?
It is attitude like yours.
If you don't practice what you've learn, your knowledge has no value.
But the world does not allow me to apply what I've learned.
True learning begins and ends with each step that you take to change
the world in the face of adversity.
You said you were greatly discouraged when your appeal
to the King was rejected. But that's just a beginning.
There will be many obstacle to overcome in order o rectify the world.
Master, please allow me to stay.
Allow me to live under your wings as a scholar who enjoys learning,
just for the sake of learning.
I know this isn't an easy path. But if you do not give up and
wait or the right time, time will be on your side.
What a shame...
He'll destroy himself first carrying so much thirst for blood...
Who are you and what do you want?
Are you too old to see who we are?
Now can you guess?
I guess it's true what they say about this world belonging to the bandits.
Shut up and give us what you've got!
How could I give you what belongs to Buddha? Never!
There's no reasoning with this old man.
Stop right there!
How are you do this to a helpless old man!
Let him go!
You know, we're kind of busy. Be on your way, boy.
Let the old man go, I said?
Wow, this guy Is making me mad!
Well, if he wants to die first, we'll kill him first.
What are you waiting for?
What an idiot.
Now who else wants to get their skull bashed in? You?
Is anyone home? Anyone here?
Hello? Is anyone home?
Who are you?
Drop your sword!
I'm turning you into the authorities?
I'm innocent. I was set up.
It's not him.
Are you a Chosun citizen?
Chosun citizen? What do you mean?
We thought you were a Japanese in disguise by your bamboo hat
and that sword.
Who are you? Why are you snooping around our house?
I'm sorry. I waited but no one answered the door.
What's the commotion?
Sir?!
What are you doing here?
Bang Jin sent you?
Yes, sir. He said you'd teach me valuable lessons.
Sir!
How dare he?
Bang Jin that bastard? Now he is trying to belittle me!
Sir, what do you mean?
I'll have nothing to do with you! Leave at once!
Didn't you hear me? Get out of here!
Why, sir? I must know why...
Go back to your master for that answer!
Sir!
Eunu, get that boy out of here!
Master, it's very late, and...
Get him out of here!
He'll destroy himself first carrying so much thirst for blood...
He's a man of great heart. He will teach you valuable lessons.
Leave at once?
What's all this commotion?
Master, over there...
Did you sleep well, sir?
Huh?!
I told you to leave last night! What are you still doing here?
Didn't you hear me? Leave at once!
No, sir. I will not!
I will not take a step until I know why you are refusing to take me!
I told you to ask your master!
I will not, sir! Master Bang has his reason for sending me here.
And I will not turn around like this!
Do as you wish! Do you think this is going to change my mind?
Very well.
I will not move an inch until I know why you can't have me.