I told you to go ask your own master!
I will not, sir! Master Bang sent me here for a reason.
I will not turn around like this!
Do as you wish! Do you think this will make me flinch?
Very well.
I will not move an inch until I know why you must refuse me!
Eunu, what's going on?
Who is that man? Why is he just sitting there?
How should I know?
If you don't know, who does?
Father, it's raining very hard.
Master, listen. It's pouring outside.
Eunu, did you store the clay properly?
Of course.
Father, don't be so stubborn. Don't you feel sorry for him?
Why should I? He's doing this to himself.
I don't understand.
You're the one who's always telling us to be kind to strangers.
Why are you so cold to that man?
I know. Master, don't be so...
Aren't you going to eat?
Then go back outside! There's work to be done!
The man that I send to you is full of passion and desire to
change this world.
Righteousness in this corrupted world? It is truly an empty dream.
Looking at him I'm reminded of another stubborn man who had
similar spirit at young age.
But as you know, such spirit wears out the body and soul.
Take him in and teach him about pottery.
But if you feel that he is worthy of more...
An empty dream?
Bang Jin, that man getting cocky on me.
He thinks he's funny.
And that kid isn't anything like me!
I was never that stubborn.
My master wants to see you.
Stop being so stubborn and go home.
I can't. I will not go until I have mastered the martial arts.
I am just a pottery maker.
I know that's not true. I saw you with my own eyes.
Sir, please accept me as your pupil.
Look at this boy! Are you a debt collector?
What makes you think you can tell me what to do?
I will work very hard to learn.
You really are suborn.
Why do you want to learn martial arts?
Answer me!
I want to have strength.
I won't be kicked around anymore because I am weak.
I want to beat the world with my own strength.
Beat the world?
You mean kill those who did you wrong?
If there is no other way, that might be an option.
That might help save many more lives.
You are dangerous? Only god can take lives?
Who do you think you are to talk of ending precious lives?
What if I refuse to take you in?
I will not leave until you do.
Then will you do as you are told?
Sir...
Did you just ask me to fetch dirt?
Sir...
Get to it! Don't you know what clay is?
Clay for pottery, sir?
Of course. Did you think it's for baking cakes?
But sir, I'm...
You don't want to do it? Then you can leave!
Throw it away.
Sir...
You don't have an eye for anything. What can you possibly learn?
I've never seen pottery clay, so I just followed the villagers and
brought what they were talking. They said this was used for pottery.
This is not pottery clay. It's dirt used in the firing process.
Why would you try to take the easy way?
Didn't you think to check the clay we have and see for yourself?
Go back out there!
I've come to say goodbye on the way to my assigned post, sir.
It's very sad to leave the place that I've become so attached to.
Be well, Master.
Maintain self-discipline no matter where you are.
A leader who cannot govern himself cannot govern his men.
Remember that examples are the sternest and most powerful
military discipline.
Yes, Master.
Be safe.
Will you be all right?
Soon-shin might be gone for a while.
It may be a difficult wait.
I know.
My lady, are you just going to let him leave like this?
You're going to regret this, I tell you!
How is dinner coming along?
My lady, that's not important right now!
Father accepted new pupils today.
This is a special dinner. How can you be so careless?
My lady...
Don't you know what's important? I'll check the kitchen myself!
Are you almost done with the tributary goods?
Not even close. They want thirty vases and that's just the start.
Making thirty vases is backbreaking enough, but they want serving
bottles, plates, bowls? They are killing us!
I know. And it seems like the tax season comes around quicker every year.
I swear those collectors were here just yesterday, but
they're due to be here again!
How many days has been doing this?
I don't know. He's been at it for a while.
And he's going back and forth several times a day.
Poor man... And I heard he's not trying to become a pottery maker either.
Five days, exactly five days?
Judging by the way you look right now, you're not going to last more
than five days.
Right? You want to give it up right now, am I right?
Be honest.
Frankly, I haven't thought about that.
I'm just taking it day by day.
Why are you putting yourself through this?
You're here to learn to fight, right?
You came to wrong place. He'll never teach you.
There were others than came from the city to learn martial arts,
but all of them left after some shoveling and getting yelled.
He'll just work you and kick you out.
I must earn my keep, so I don't mind the work.
Do I look that pathetic?
Do you have to ask? A nobleman worrying about earning his keep?
Nobles mastered the art of taking from the peasants without lifting
a finger themselves. Do you think I'm wrong?
No, you're right.
My name is Yi Soon-shin. What's yours?
I'm Jang Pyung.
Get up.
Did you say that you needed clay to earn your keep?
Not bad. Good work. This is suitable for bowls.
Yes, that's nice!
You must be tired. You can go and rest.
Sir,
there is something I must confess.
I did not find that clay on my own.
I know.
Sir..?
I knew you couldn't do it alone.
Then why aren't you admonishing me?
What made you think that I would admonish you?
Well...
I told you to find pottery clay, but I did not tell you not to
seek help from others. A pottery maker must take the time to find
good clay in order to make fine pottery, and a warrior must be
cautious in order to avoid mistakes.
You can always throw out bad clay and find better clay,
but a sword, if used improperly can cause senseless slaughter.
It is not a shame to seek help of others to make the right decision.
So, what did you want to talk to me about?
It's been months since I came here, sir.
But you have yet to teach me anything.
You haven't complained in a while, so I thought there was hope for you,
but I guess I was wrong.
But sir, I did not come here to become a pottery maker.
Did you not tell me that you would do as I ask? What is this whining?
I don't mind the work. In fact, I'll do more if you ask. But...
But you want to learn martial arts as well?
Yes, sir.
When will you grow up? Stop the whining and get out!
It is not your time yet!
When will it be my time?
How should I know?
If you don't know, who does?
Do you know why you lost? It's not because I am stronger.
It's because your heart was only on winning.
Your mind's eye was blinded by ambition to win.
Until you open your mind's eye, you cannot see through the enemy.
How can you expect to win if you cannot see the enemy?
Open your mind's eye. Then you will be ready to learn.
No, not like that.
You're just going to get tired and the clay won't be smooth.
Try pushing outward like this.
- Like this? - Yes.
It's hard, isn't it?
But my faith doesn't do anything without a reason.
She help him all day long kneading the clay with her chicken legs!
She's going to get herself sick with exhaustion!
Is that why there's smoke coming out of your ears?
I don't want her to get sick.
Are you sure it's not jealousy?
Yi!
Are you going to make Mijin your woman?
Ouch!
You little twerp! Watch your mouth!
Why did you hit me for?
I'm really hurt.
She never helps me when I knead clay.
What does he have that I don't? The looks?
Yes, the looks...
Yi!
Education...
Don't let it bother you.
She's teaching him because he's new at this.
Stop that drinking and go home. Master Namgoong is working alone.
I told you to rest. What are you doing outside?
How can I rest? It'll take me, you, and our son all day and all
night to fire all the pottery we need to turn over to the state.
It'll cost us more if you get sicker working that way.
Go back inside.
Don't mind me. What's the worst that can happen but death?
Don't talk that way in front of your child.
Are you all right?
Hang in there. I'll be able to set aside a few vases from this batch.
We'll sell those and get you some medicine.
I feel so bad putting your through this alone...
If it weren't for Nalbal, I'd just?
Would you stop hat?
Lie down and rest if you really want to help me.
Would you lie down?
Open your mind's eye. Then you will be ready to learn.
What are you doing here in hiding?
I didn't mean to snoop.
I just didn't want to interrupt.
You are a woman. Why do you do this?
I mean, your day work is strenuous as it as...
I'm used to it. Besides, I'm not the only one who lives like this.
We all work our fingers to the bone, and if there's something we want
to do for ourselves, we make time for it afterward like this.
Is martial arts what you want to do for yourself?
Is there any special reason?
No, I do this because I just want to.
Why? Isn't that a good enough reason?
Wow, good job!
Give it to me! Give it back!
Wait. I just want to take a look!
But it's mine!
Jang-pyung, I see you made another white porcelain vase.
What do you think? Is it pretty good?
Jang-pyung, your skills are improving all the time.
I don't know how much about pottery, but it's very nice.
Isn't it? It's not bad, as it?
Sir, don't do this!
Let go of me!
Pyung, what did I tell you?
Let it go!
Get out of the way!
Give that to me!
No.
Give it to me right now!
Please, Father! Look, isn't it nice?
I really did a good job this time!
Why? Why do you have to do this?
I didn't do anything wrong!
Don't you talk back at your father!
I told you not to make another piece of pottery!
I told you you'd get a whipping if you did!
When will you learn your lesson?
Where do you think you're going?
Let him go.
Sir, you know why I am doing this!
Try to understand. He's young.
All of us went through that, remember? Once in a while
we'd get it right and feel like the whole world is ours.
Chil-bok is right.
Why do you always react with rage to a kid who doesn't know any better?
Do you think I enjoy this?
Why are you defending him when you know exactly why I'm upset?
Nothing good can come from being a good pottery maker.
Average, average is best!
Jang-pyung!
Let go of me! I'm not going to take this anymore!
I'm out of here! I'm never going back to that hell hole!
Stop it now. This doesn't make your father happy either.
No, he is happy.
He won't even flinch if I went out there and drowned!
In fact, that's what he wants!
What did you say?
Why? Do you think I'm wrong?
Ungrateful bastard...
Why did you hit me for? Who do you think you are?
Bastard!
Fine, you want to fight? I'll show you!
You got sand on your face.
And do you think you don't?
I'm sure you know why your father reacted that way.
It's not because he hates you.
I know. We pottery makers are treated worse than animals.
If we're talented, we are taken to ruthless compulsory labor.
I know, I know that, but I still want to make beautiful pottery.
You wouldn't understand, but clay and fire have magical powers.
On a good day, clay will just melt at your fingertips.
And that glaze will just glide over surface.
If you end up with just one perfect piece, you feel like the whole world is yours!
And you forget that you were ever tired.
It's a messed up world.
They love the things that we make, but they treat us like dogs.
If they appreciate our work shouldn't they appreciate us too?
- Why are you doing that? - Step side!
No, Father! No!
Stop that at once!
Don't do this, Father!
What did you say? Civil service examination?
Did you listen to anything I said?
- What did Yo-shin do wrong? - What?!
Soon-shin!
Why are you trying to stop him? How could a young man of noble
birth not bear ambition for a post in the royal court?
The world is corrupt and the royal court is corrupt!
How dare you even think to apply for the exam!
There is no place for descendents of traitors in the royal court!
You're going to blow the roof away with that sigh.
What beautiful moonlight!
Were you with Jang-pyung all this time?
Yes, sir.
Did you send him back home?
Yes.
The world is so unfair...
Who can blame Jang-pyung for his rage?
You sure do have a big heart.
Don't you have plenty of your own problems to worry about?
Suh-ae, may I come in?
Yes, Master!
Let us sit down.
What's this?
It's one of the texts.
I copied it down for myself after the lesson.
"The source may appear empty but reason is revealed through
exhaustive study." It seems to embody the spirit of scholars,
so I was reading it over and thinking about it.
It seems you are still not thinking about returning to the city.
Joy of finding reason through exhaustive study is more than
enough for this man.
You mustn't stop there.
At I've said before, knowledge without achievement has no value.
Master...
A scholar that recently returned from the city told me of a rumor
that there is royal energy in Sajik-dong.
Not the palace but Sajik-dong?
It's not surprising since the throne is without heir after
Crown Prince Soon-hwe's death.
I had once met Prince Duk-heung's sons on my visit to the capital
who happens to reside in Sajik.
His third son Prince Ha-sung had caught my attention.
It's silly for a learned scholar to give credence to such rumors,
but I couldn't stop thinking about Prince Ha-sung.
And I find myself hoping that the rumor is true.
What about this prince impressed you?
Why don't you go and see for yourself?
He may be younger than you, but he will make a good friend.
- Soon-shin... - Yes?
Could you teach me how to read?
Why do you want to learn how to read?
I want to go to Ming.
- To Ming? - Yes.
I once went to the port with my father, and the merchants there
told me of a place in Ming where ceramics artists are treated like
national treasures.
I should at least know how to read and if I'm going to go to Ming.
Sure. Come to my place after work starting tomorrow.
Really?
Wow, it's a huge celebration!
Today is the biggest day of the year for us.
If we were farmers, this would be harvest day.
We'll barely have anything left once the collector sweeps through town, but still...
Don't look so sad. This how we've always lived.
Today we forget about everything and live it up!
Come on, let's go!
I see the whole village is celebrating the harvest.
What brings you here today, sir?
I've come to collect the tributary goods, of course.
But, that's tomorrow.
There is shortage at the palace so I came a little sooner.
We will have to collect more than we had notified.
What do you mean?
Go back to your homes and get your goods ready.
I'll go around personally to check the quality.
Eunu and I can handle this, so go to Nalbal's house.
They will need a hand since his mother is ill.
Yes, sir.
Where am I going to hide this?
Why do you want to hide it?
Hush, son. Don't tell anyone that we have more than what's out here.
This is all we made. Do you understand?
Take this and lie down under the blanket.
But what if we get caught?
Hurry!
Young man...
What have you got there?
Doesn't it belong on that table with the other chinaware?
Oh, this...?
You weren't going to hide it, were you?
No, but this is... Count, sit. It's all here.
But this one isn't for the palace.
Are you trying to cheat the government for your own profit?
Sir, please be kind just this once.
My wife is very ill. I can get her some treatment if I sell this.
Silence! Turn it over!
No. Count it, sir. It's all there.
Didn't you hear me?
Men, tie him up!
I will take him back and give him a good whipping!
No! We will give it to you! Please don't take him!
Stay out of this!
Just give it to them! I don't need the medicine!
They'll hurt you! Then what? Think about our son!
- Men! - Yes, sir!
Quickly, quickly! Load it up!
Is this it? Don't you have any nicer pieces?
No, sir. This is all we have.
I already know about you. You were the best pottery maker in Kwang-ju.
I'm sure you have finer pieces hidden somewhere.
Turn them over.
Sir, do you know how old I am? That was back when I was young.
Are you telling the truth?
Why would I lie?
Then I will conduct a search.
Go right ahead.
I'm very disappointed!
What did you find?
See for yourself!
Did you think you could get away with lying to me?
What are these? Did you make these and hide them in here?
Father...
What are you waiting for? Load it up?
Yes.
No, you can't have this! I won't let you have his!
Father!
Step away now!
No. These are my son's life! I can't let you take this!
How dare you!
Father! Don't hurt my father!
Father! Father! Let go! Let go of me!
Stop!
Now are you ready to surrender the goods?
No. I told you, this is my son's life.
Is that right? Then your son will pay the price!
Men, teach the boy a lesson!
Pyung! Pyung!
Don't hurt my son!
Fools!
What are you waiting for? Load it up!
Yes.
Don't lay a hand on that crate!
Step back! I will not let you take this!
How dare you!