No animals were harmed in the making of this program.
Episode 7
Acupuncture.
What?
Acupuncture. That's how I'll treat him.
This horse is worth 300 in gold.
When a horse dies, its doctor is beaten or killed.
You know why?
Because a horse is worth more.
And this animal is tribute for Qing China.
If you can't save this animal, your life is forfeit.
Are you still so keen?
Even if failure means death?
Yes, even so.
I will try.
Even if it costs me my head.
Give me a chance. I can cure it, I know I can.
He's insane. Risking his life when it's not even his business.
What will you do?
Baek Kwanghyon
Which do you think is better?
The steward's approach or the ranch doctor's?
Neither is likely to help.
What?
The stewards suggest a spa treatment,
but the move will probably kill the animal.
They also say treating a horse with acupuncture is unheard of.
. . . whiny little . . .
Let the kid try it.
We're no worse off if he can't heal it in three days.
Better to let him take the blame, don't you think?
Yes, my lord.
But my lord, he's an ignorant peasant.
How can you trust him?
Will you take the case?
Well? Will you accept responsibility?
Just as you say, my lord.
The stewards lucked out.
They dodged that one.
So did we. If they fail it hurts us.
Not so with the horse doctor. He's not part of the pharmacy.
My lord, he's a piece of work. And a little unhinged.
He'll do anything to save his mentor.
That's the way with his sort. He thinks he's being brave.
You nuts?
Got a death wish, maybe?
Why not stick your head in a tiger's mouth?
Or jump in the river?
Hush. I'm thinking.
It's bad enough that Kibae is in jail, you have to join him?
Scared or not, this is just insane.
Hey.
I'm scared. Very much so.
You think I want to die? My life is on the line here.
Then why? Why did you promise?
Kibae will die. And the horse, too.
But I can do something.
I can't stand by and do nothing.
Kwanghyon.
It will work, I'm sure of it. I have an idea.
Just trust me.
Kwanghyon, Kwanghyon!
His name was Baek Kwanghyon?
The police bureau.
Yes, my lady.
My lady, Baek Kwanghyon...?
Yes, he died eight years ago. You remember?
Then why...?
Are you sure he died?
My lady?
You said you saw him die. You saw the body.
Yes, that's true.
But why do you ask?
There's someone with the same name.
Another man named Kwanghyon.
I know, it's just a name.
Kwanghyon's dead, can't be him.
But the age is right and I have a feeling, a hunch that maybe...
Well, at least I can learn more about him.
One moment.
I'll look into it if you like.
Pardon?
It's not him, of course, but if it will put your mind at rest.
You'll do that?
Yes.
It can't be... it can't...
Wh-what are you?? I'm fine.
What's fine, girly? Your feet hurt.
Kwanghyon...
Is it him?
Could he be Kwanghyon?
Acupuncture? Did you say acupuncture?
Yes, sir.
You can't cure the humors with needles, you know that.
Yes, I know. Only restorative herbs work.
Then what will acupuncture do?
Knock it out.
What?
It will put it to sleep.
Kwanghyon, what??
Listen, I treated a wounded dog the other day.
He was weak. His infection was far advanced.
There was nothing I could do.
I wanted to ease his suffering by putting him to sleep.
But I made a mistake.
He seemed so weak, I used the bare minimum.
So he didn't die. He just slept.
You know what happened next?
He lived.
He opened his eyes and the infection was gone.
B-but how...?
He's alive.
How odd. I was sure he would die.
I know, that's why I ran to fetch you.
What do you think happened?
You said the medicine would put him to sleep.
You left and he didn't move a muscle all night. I thought he was dead, but?
But he lived. Like waking from a deep sleep?
I didn't understand at first.
All I did was ease its pain. How did it recover?
That's when it hit me.
What? What hit you?
It was easing the pain that saved him.
What?
Look.
The humors hurt more than the animal can bear.
But the restorative herbs ease the worst of it, give it time to heal.
So I will use acupuncture to knock the horse out.
The calming pressure point will put it to sleep. The pain will be gone.
Kwanghyon, you may be right. Maybe.
But it will need to rest for 3 days and nights.
But that's impossible with acupuncture.
You'd have to use every calming point...
You're not...?
Yes, I am. Every single one.
What?
I'll use all seven calming points.
Have you lost your mind?
Some points are fine, but the forehead, brain and lung meridians?
Those points can be fatal.
They're dangerous and difficult, especially on a horse.
But it's the only way.
So that's what I'll do.
No, Kwanghyon, you can't.
Sir.
Kwanghyon, don't do this, not for me.
If the horse dies, you die. Don't do this.
I'm bad enough, don't do this to yourself.
Stop, please. It's not your fault.
I would try regardless.
Kwanghyon.
I'm a horse doctor.
I may not be worth more than 20 gold pieces, but a doctor nonetheless.
Others may laugh, but I'm a doctor, I save lives.
What kind of doctor lets a patient die?
A doctor heals any way he can.
Kwanghyon.
Kwanghyon, it's not too late to take it back...
No, it's too late.
Kwanghyon.
Get away when you can, all right?
Where do you treat the horses?
See? Acupuncture.
First I ever heard of treating the humors with needles.
Has he read the Ming Dynasty "Diagram of Horse Meridians?"
He's just a quack, what does he know?
So let's hear what you plan on doing.
Where will you apply the acupuncture?
The calming points will put it to sleep.
What?
We can't use herbs, so we'll use acupuncture to knock it out.
Relieving the pain will have the same effect as the medicine.
But how? It will have to be unconscious.
Yes, for three days and nights.
The heart, outer shin, triple burner,
intestine, forehead, lung and brain points.
We'll use them all.
What? You'll do what?
Peasant! What nonsense is this?
You'll use all the calming points?
It's unheard of. The forehead, lung and brain points?
The head point is hard to locate, the lung and brain are even worse.
Even the finest stewards don't attempt it.
You think a peasant like you can do it?
Forgive me, but the head of the royal pharmacy entrusted this horse to me.
I choose the treatment. I bear the responsibility.
What? Filthy peasant...!
If you're going to fuss, you can go.
I have work to do.
And, yes, I have read "Diagram of Horse Meridians."
Huh? Wha...?
Get ready.
Right.
All of the horse's calming meridians?
Yes, my lord.
The points are dangerous for people.
All of them? Is it different for horses?
They must be. It's an animal, after all.
When will he do it?
Now you can rest.
It's dangerous, I know, but I'll do all I can.
Hang in there, all right?
Let's get started.
Right.
Look at him, he must want to die.
My point exactly.
Anyone can do that.
Now it gets rough.
The forehead.
How is it?
Fine. Stable.
This point is the seat of its internal energy. One slip will cause a seizure.
Can he hit the right spot?
Now the brain point.
One slip will enter the brainpan.
Here.
Ugh. Moron.
Two sheets too many.
Always two sheets too many.
I have to stop before that.
Can he find it? You yourself failed when you?
Further. He's going in further.
Here.
It's all right. It's fine.
I've never seen a needle so deep.
There's still the lung meridian. I've never done it for fear of piercing the heart.
He'll fail, count on it.
Half a sheet, stop at half a sheet.
No, not that deep.
He'll pierce the heart.
Now.
Take its pulse.
My lord, when did you..?
Well? Take the animal's pulse.
My lord.
Well? You detect a pulse?
Yes, my lord.
There is a pulse.
There. We did it. It's resting.
I did it. I did it.
Kwanghyon.
I did it.
No. How can this be?
It's only a horse, but how...?
There. Pulse steady. The animal is resting.
It's done. You should go.
Go where? We'll go together.
What? You couldn't hold the reins from shaking before.
Come on now. Would I do that?
You need warm water and a cloth? I'll get it.
Good work. I taught you well.
What?
Sleep well. Dream well.
Thank you for living.
The staff is busy. Something going on?
Yes, sir, qualifying exams for the novices.
Right, that's today.
Time flies as you get older.
Why did you take the test?
You can't cram it in. You have to know it.
I pity them. Filthy, stinky, miserable. Why do they bother?
Why did you?
The police had me by the throat. I had to feed my family.
Well? Chop-chop.
Yes, right away.
- Choe Yorim from Ansong. - Here.
- Bang Shim from Hwachon. - Here.
- Ma Sokkum from Yangju. - Here.
- Kim Gomin from Namyangju. - Here.
- Ji Dokkum from Jangseungbaek. - Here.
- Finally, Kang Jinyong from Gyedong. - Here.
Get ready.
Dokkgum is fine. Next, Kang Jinyong.
How...? What are you doing here?
To take the exam.
My lady.
You said I must qualify.
I intend to do so.
I must qualify, just as you said.
My lord, it's unheard of.
True. A score like this is unheard of.
Look, top of the class.
My lord.
What? She passed the test.
How can we turn her away now?
Your pardon, but please know I am sincere.
This isn't a game to me.
I want to treat the sick, learn the art of healing.
You may not remember, but we met when I was younger.
You helped my little brother.
Since then I...
No, I remember.
How could I forget?
Doctor.
You don't know this, but I met you long before that.
You and your father.
You know my father?
My late father?
Yes, I do.
A fine man.
More, a wonderful person.
A man who gave that which was most precious to him...
to save another.
Kang Dojun's baby is a girl.
Not a boy.
Here he is.
I switched them.
My girl for the young lord.
I didn't think.
Other than how I could save Lord Kang's child.
You see, he saved her life.
We owed him.
We had to repay him.
You're his daughter. You have his warmth.
I wish only the best for you, more than anyone else.
But the welfare clinic is different.
Ours is a land of rank and station.
Nurses are commoners. You are a noble.
From the finest family. You can't be hidden in a clinic.
That's not...
What maid would send for you?
Who would dare make you remove bloody garments,
much less clean up vomit?
They'll be careful of you.
Your presence will undermine order.
And upset the staff.
That's why I was so hard on you.
Not that it made any difference.
I'll try even harder. I don't ask for special treatment.
I never would have started if I thought that way.
No. You have no say in the matter.
They won't see you as a nurse, only as the most important noble in the capital.
Please.
But there's nothing else for it.
Now I've become a terrible hindrance to you.
Are they kidding?
Your best silk? This trash?
Your Highness.
This is a reward to one who did me a great service.
You dare pass off this second-rate trash?
Your pardon. We'll exchange it?
No. I'll look for it myself.
I don't trust your taste.
No, this won't do.
Much too drab for him.
There, let's see that.
Your Highness.
This is it.
This suits his pretty little face perfectly.
Uh-oh, this suits him, too.
So does this.
Which do you like?
Oh, well, men's clothing...
True. You wouldn't know.
Thanks for nothing.
You, come here.
Your Highness.
Let's see...
Similar build...
Forget it.
You're both guys, but totally different.
Your pardon.
Enough. This, this, this, this.
This, this... oh, all of it.
Your Highness? All of it?
What? You refuse?
Never. As you command, Your Highness.
There.
Your Highness.
Let's go.
Your Highness.
Your Royal Highness.
What is it? You're out of breath.
It's just, Your Highness, it's that man.
He's in the palace.
What? Whatever for?
I was at the stable getting feed. He's been treating a horse there.
Two days already.
What?
That should do.
What's that?
The horse will be up tomorrow.
I'm easing any stomach pain in advance.
You can get that from an herbalist. Why pick it yourself?
They won't even look at me.
Worthless.
But what do you expect?
You do stuff they never could, it gives 'em a bellyache, am I right?
There. Water.
For my face.
It will all be over tomorrow.
I'll sleep at the inn tonight.
Judging from its pulse the humors have passed.
A fine animal. All better.
Exactly. Worth every penny.
My lord, what will you do?
Ignorant little hair-boy has shown us up.
It's more than disgraceful. How can we show our faces if the animal lives?
Who says it will?
Sir? But...
That horse will not live, oh, no.
How dare he try to show us up?
Wait. Wait a minute.
Sir?
They want you inside. For an update, I suppose.
Yes, sir.
Nothin' like a good night's sleep.
Huh? It up already?
. . . pardon-me, coming-through, 'scuse . . .
No, no, no...
No, no...
Kwanghyon, what happened?
I don't know. The seizures started this morning.
What? Why? It was on the mend.
No, no.
What? The horse is worse?
Yes, my lord. It isn't likely to recover.
. . . no . . .
Why? What did you do wrong?
I didn't do anything wrong.
What?
It's strange. It resembles a heavy opiate.
An opiate? That's absurd. There are no opiates here.
That's why it's strange.
No, we need to counter it.
You, we need rhino horn, hurry.
Are you deaf? Rhino horn.
If we don't have it the horse will die.
Move, move aside.
See, my lord? Look.
What did I tell you?
I told you it was impossible.
No. It wasn't the acupuncture.
It's an opiate. We can save it with rhino horn.
Silence. We can tell this is from your "treatment."
No more excuses.
It's not an excuse. My lord, I can save it.
I just need medicine.
- You. - Sir.
- Take him away. - Sir.
My lord.
Well? Take him away.
Sir.
No, my lord, please, use rhino horn.
I can save him. Use rhino horn. Please!
I beg you. Use rhino horn. Please!
You, bastard. Do I have to shut you up?
Mommy, I'm dead. This time it's for real, Mommy.
Spare me, please, I'm beggin' here.
So he failed?
Yes, we just heard.
My lord, my lord.
The Qing China envoys. They're entering the palace.
Sire, I trust you've been well?
Naturally. You look well yourself.
Thanks to Joseon's fine air.
Well, shall we go to the banquet hall?
Yes, Sire.
Pity. We had such hopes.
Do what you must. Take care of this.
My lord.
Take it away.
Sir.
Right. I knew it was impossible.
What about this? It was the horse doctor's.
What about it? Toss it out.
Wait.
One moment.
He was using medicine?
Yes, so it would seem.
Let me see.
Sir?
I said let me see.
My lord.
This is...
An opiate, it was an opiate.
Halt.
Did you use this on the horse?
Sir?
Yes, sir, for stomach pain.
What did you use?
Sedge, radix and daisy.
Why, my lord?
You were right.
Sir?
The horse was given an opiate.
Have rhino horn prepared. Now.
My lord.
Well? Release him.
Sir.
- Release them. - Sir.
Kwanghyon.
What? We can't have the steed?
Why not?
The animal is ill at the moment...
Now look here. What sense does that make?
I requested the animal especially for the Emperor's birthday.
Am I to be ignored?
Try not to be upset. We've arranged for an even finer mount.
No.
Is this how you run your country?
You can't even manage a single horse?
Now wait. That's a bit much.
Proprieties must be observed. Manners.
Of course, Sire, I beg your pardon.
But your ministers were the first to fail in observing proper etiquette.
What?
And there is more to say besides.
The Emperor was upset when you refused his request for troops.
I arbitrated for you and this is what I get?
You can't spare one horse for our court?
Be careful. You go too far.
Sire.
Your pardon. A matter of some urgency has come up.
Now look here.
Sire, the steed is ready.
What?
The steed for the Qing court is ready, Sire.
But how? I heard...
The stewards were mistaken in their diagnosis.
The animal was already on the mend.
You're sure? The animal is cured?
The horse is healing, of course,
but it will be in full health when you reach the court.
I guarantee it with my own life.
Well? Is this settled?
Yes, Sire.
Thank you for living.
Thank you for pulling through.
Well? Come on.
All right, all right.
Look at him prance. You'd think he was the horse.
Kids today.
Sir.
Kwanghyon. Jabong.
Sir!
You all right?
Sure. You did it.
You really did it.
Sir.
You know great he was?
Sure I know. I know without seeing. Without seeing a thing.
Me, too. But if not for me?
Oh, yes, I know.
You did absolutely nothing, I know.
Nuh-uh! Holding the reins is hard work.
A fine showing. Well done.
Not at all, Your Majesty. I merely did my duty.
His Majesty was concerned. We are grateful.
You honor me.
But why did you say this morning that it was hopeless?
The reports were quite certain.
Ah, well...
An unfortunate mistake in diagnosis, Your Majesty.
Hm, I see.
Animal or not, you dare pull a stunt like this?
Did you think you'd get away with it?
My lord, it wasn't me.
Silence. How dare you deny it?
My lord, spare me.
I won't send you to the inquisitor's office.
But only because it came out all right.
But you are hereby stripped of rank.
I'm sending you to Jeju Island.
Understood?
M-my lord, my lord...
My lady.
Her Highness asked for me?
If you please? She has much to tell you.
The horse doctor is in the palace?
You mean the same man?
Yes, Baek Kwanghyon, the man that saved my Dolly.
He's been here for three days, treating the horse we're sending to the Qing.
Everyone had given up and he saved it.
Now it's all better.
He's an impetuous one. Like when he saved me in the trade village.
Not that I blame him.
Impossible.
What?
I thought he went to the ranch. Excuse me, but I have to go.
Where is the horse doctor from the ranch?
Who have we here?
My lord.
Seeing His Majesty?
Well done. Shall we?
Oh, I heard the news. The horse was saved then?
Yes, it was.
A real coup for you.
For me? Not at all.
Now, now, yes for you.
I was sure acupuncture would fail.
My lord?
I heard about it, the horse doctor and his needles.
Deep in the lung meridian.
That requires a deft touch.
Advanced technique for a ranch doctor.
I couldn't believe he did it.
You saw it yourself?
Impressive, huh?
Yes. But not too much.
A lot of luck and animals are much easier.
Oh?
Luck, huh?
You were there. You should know.
Right?
When he inserts the needle, the look on his face...
Rams it in, thick leather and all and bam, out like a light.
I'm so tickled, Kwanghyon.
But you, you suffered like the worst sufferer suffers.
I heard he's staying in an inn in Oeogae.
Why are the police looking for Kwanghyon?
Good question.
Wait... What if...?
You're asking after me?
What would a policeman want with me?
Never you mind. Just answer the question.
You came from a ranch. Were you born and raised there?
Is that the truth?
Answer me.
Were you born on the ranch?
Or did you go there from somewhere else?
There. Catch the traitor!
There he is! He's getting away!
There. There's the traitor's brat.
Well? Answer the question.
Did you come to the ranch from somewhere else?
No, I did not.
I don't know why you're asking me this.
I'm a slave, born and raised on the ranch.
They all know me there.
My lady.
Well? What did he want?
No idea.
You escaped from prison as a kid, huh?
To the ranch?
Careful.
Whatever you did, it can still catch up with you.
I said it wasn't me.
Well done. Well done 100 times.
If you're caught, it will go bad for the ranch.
Jabong, keep your mouth shut.
Of course.
His slave registry.
It lists him as being born on the ranch.
The ranchers confirm it.
I did all I could, as I promised.
My lady.
All right. Thank you.
You may go.
Don't be a fool. There was no hope.
You didn't really think it was Kwanghyon.
That guy will be back, let's hurry.
You were the one who got drunk, this is your fault.
Yeah? Who insisted I drink for getting out of jail?
You're both back-end heavy. Move it along.
Which of you is Baek Kwanghyon?
Um...
They're looking for you.
I am.
You're the horse doctor, Baek Kwanghyon?
Yes, that's me. Why do you ask?
Baek Kwanghyon, hear and obey.
Huh? A royal command?
Here, here, here.
I bet he's so surprised.
That's her? The noble?
"Her?" Her ladyship, you mean.
So? She can't hear.
Careful, it's not just any family. They're the richest in the capital.
Then why is she here? Is she cracked?
Watch your mouths.
Is this everyone?
Yes.
Then put them to work.
Yes. Come with me.
Wait.
Kang Jinyong, one moment.
Ma'am?
The stables? I'm to go to the royal stables?
Yes. As you know, the stewards tend to the horses there.
They have asked for doctors to instruct them.
You will assist the doctors.
Why? Why me of all people?
Why? Do you refuse?
This is part of your duties, or didn't you know that?
No. I'll go.
I wasn't thinking.
I beg your pardon.
If you think I'll give up, you've got another thing coming.
Who you messing with? Yongdal of the Kwangtong Bridge.
This is nothing.
What the...?
Pardon me. I'm from the welfare clinic, where do I--
Excuse me!
Ouch...
What's this?
Ugh. It's shit.
Move, move, move!
What's the idea? Watch were you're going--
Oh. You?
The lady-in-waiting?
What are you doing here?
What's it to... I mean, and you, your ladyship, in that outfit?
Ah, well...
Hang on. Something stinks.
Feces!
What are you doing here? Are you a steward?
I'm so good with a needle, I got a royal summons, sort of.
Well, a royal command, you know, to do acupuncture.
I mean, who ever learned anything from a girl?
Kang Jinyong.
It's a pleasure. No doubt you're quite curious.
Your Majesty.
Get ready. It all rests on you.
Whatever happens, it can't get out of the capital.
It will spread across the country if we don't stop it.
Animals will die all over.
A real baby face. Ever hear that?
Look after her from now on.
Father, I trust you've been well?
Songha.
You keep getting prettier. You're not a kid anymore.
We're not that different.
People, sheep, we all just want to get along.
Enough. I'm leaving.
Wait.
I'm Baek Kwanghyon. "Bright" Kwang, "Day" Hyon.
So this is what it means to be a man.