Episode 6
You know...
I always thought
love was sharing happiness together.
More importantly,
I thought it was my duty
to protect my loved one through times of sadness.
But... I was unable to.
You must have suffered and been lonely...
and resentful...
But you know...
Even if we returned in time to that terrible moment again,
I probably would make you
suffer alone once more.
My mother...
Her whole life,
my mother has been nursing her personal wounds.
Knowing that, I cannot stand against her.
No... I will not stand against her.
Going head to head with her is not an option.
But no matter what, no matter how
I will persuade my mother.
But she...
You want to tell me it's not easy.
That in this world, many things are impossible.
So let's give up.
You don't want to suffer this way anymore.
But I believe in the power of love.
Only sincerity has the power to move hearts.
That is what I believe.
So just a while longer...
Won't you trust me just a little while longer and wait for me?
I don't know about anyone else,
but my mother will accept us. She will try to accept us.
And after all this is over,
she will wipe away all the tears
you have shed thus far with more love and sorrow than you can imagine.
So... trust me.
Wait for me.
What is this?
Ga-Eun...
I did not know what else to do.
I know that I should not have come to you.
That boy is becoming worse and worse...!
Do your parents know about this?
That is why I am here, my Lady. I was afraid they would find out.
I was afraid that if we do nothing now,
my parents would find out. What would I do then?
What a disgrace this is...
Where would he find another woman as patient and understand as you?
How can he worry us like this?
My Lady...
Why are you calling me that?
That is too formal for you and I.
Mother, you should just call me mother.
What is going on? Why isn't she back yet?
Did they... did they do something crazy?
Jin Yi!
Gae-Ddong!
You left determined to end it, but it looks to me like you could not do it.
What did the Young Master say?
What did he say to make you so listless and forget to call me by my new name?
Oh..
Oh you...!
How frustrating! Tell me what happened!
What is this?
Did he ask you to marry him?
He is really in love with you!
Am I right?
Will... will it work, do you think?
Jin Yi.
I always thought the wall I built around me was quite strong.
I spent a long time building it,
and I built a high and strong wall.
But...
Everytime I look, he's already on top of the wall.
He's too tall.
So tall that my wall cannot prevent him from coming in.
What?
Do what with that low-born thing?
Mother, I want to marry her.
Are you crazy?
You've gone completely crazy.
Is it wrong to marry the person I love?
Of course it is wrong.
That child is a low-born courtesan!
What difference does class make when we truly love each other?
Eun-Ho!
You were the one that taught me
that true love was the most important thing to a human being.
True love is for your wife.
I have never taught you to give true love to an low-class courtesan!
She is a good woman.
Her status is not the same as us!
The law is unbending!
Even the King can marry someone of low-born status if he so desires.
Are you telling me you want to follow in Prince Yeon San's footsteps?
Do you expect to survive that crime?
- Mother. - I will not allow it.
I will never allow it.
Even if dirt covers my eyes... no.
Even if my bones turn to dust, I will never agree to this.
I will wait, Mother.
I never expected you to agree easily anyway.
But is there not a saying that sincerity moves the hand of the gods?
If we both combine our sincerity,
I believe that one day,
you too will bless our union
and wish us happiness and joy.
Enter the courtesans!
Did you summon us, my Lord?
Here...
I just received news that
the Palace Courtesan Tournament
has been designated to be early next month.
Is that so?
But before that, you must present your skills
at the Governor's banquet.
If your talents fall below expectations,
you will not permitted to enter the Tournament.
Do you understand?
Yes, my Lord.
In order to enter the Tournament,
you must first raise your hair. (Lose your virginity)
Thus, at the Governor's banquet,
most of the novice courtesans will raise their hair.
If your talent and ability fail to meet expectations,
you will not catch the eye of anyone there.
If so, you will not be able to raise your hair.
One cannot be a true courtesan without having raised her hair.
Not only will you be exempt from the Tournament,
but you will not be able to stay in the Gyobang.
In your preparations for these events,
you must neglect neither your physical body nor your skills.
Do you all understand?
Yes.
Vice Mistress!
So...
If you have something to say, do so quickly. I am very busy.
You know...?
I know...!
Are you going to say something or not?
Are you waiting for me to die first?
Why do you have to raise your hair to be a true courtesan?
For a courtesan, raising her hair is the same as getting married.
One becomes a woman only after she has known a man.
And one becomes a courtesan only after she has become a woman.
What does it mean to known a man?
How should I say it?
At first, your whole body will ache.
The body will... ache?
Why?
After you've spent the night with a man, no woman will be perfectly fine!
If you're not fine, then what? Do you get injured?
What?
Sister, what is this method of teaching the girls?
Tell them in detail what happens! In detail!
At this rate, won't they do exactly what you did?
What do you mean?
Won't they all run out with their pillows on their first night?
Where was it that you hid with that pillow?
It was the warehouse in the back, I think.
Come on out, you! I am here to raise your hair, not to play hide and seek!
Ji-Sun, you wench!
You girls...!
Did you say raise the hair?
At the next banquet, my Jin Yi might raise her hair?
She is of that age now.
Sir...!
Let fate take its course
Let her live the way Heaven intended her to.
How can you...!
How can you say something so cruel?
It is not I who is cruel, but you.
How much more...
do you want Jin Yi to be hurt by her futile love?
Sir...!
I...
don't want to see Jin Yi suffer for love's sake like you.
- Sir... - Let her accept her fate.
A courtesan cannot marry one man and serve only him.
If she meets a man of the same status,
they may even enjoy a loving relationship.
This is the only kind of love that is granted a courtesan.
If that is not possible,
then let her life be focused on on improving her artist talents.
Don't you think that is much better
than ruining her life for a love that can never be?
You're here already? You always come so quickly!
Don't be like that.
Look at you, why are you being so shy?
I did that because you're so adorable.
Wench, why are you teasing him?
Let's see if I can turn my hair into silk today.
Are you the one raising your hair? Why are you so excited?
Sum-Sum, you're acting a bit strange today.
What did I do?
Do you really need me to say it?
Any other day you would have agreed with me!
Aren't I right, Eng-Moo?
Of course you're right!
The most important time for a courtesan is when she raises her hair.
A silly girl is one who won't even receive a ring for her first night.
But a clever girl can get her hands on the deed to not only the house but land!
It can be only a matter of time before you can stop being a courtesan.
Why are you dallying?
Take your Juhgori off and let your hair down.
Even though they say talent and beauty is important,
the most charming part of a woman is her silky hair.
Is there anything else that can capture a man's heart
other than that of a woman's silky hair when she removes her ribbon?
The minister has informed us that the food will be delivered by the clerks.
Mistress, what do you think about changing the supplier for the meat?
The color of the meat is always a bit off...
Alright. I will take care of it.
Mistress! Mistress! Mistress!
Look at this...!
You are the Vice Mistress...!
If there is nothing else, you may leave.
Yes, Mistress.
What is the big incident that has made you charge in here with such impropriety?
Your behavior is the reason that the novices are the way they are.
What is it?
What?
You must have had something important to tell me by your actions?
Ah, that...!
Minister Kim's residence sent a man here.
Their Lady wishes to see you immediately.
Minister Kim's wife wants to see me?
Do you think that perhaps Jin Yi has gotten in trouble again?
How can she create trouble when she's been hard at practice?
If it wasn't that, then why would that menacing fox want to...?
Again, again!
How will I control that mouth of yours?
How can you speak before you know the situation?
She just started learning this instrument recently...
How is she playing the Young Shin Hwe Sang (Buddhist music)?
Is it alright to learn the music at such a fast pace?
I worry that
that child will learn to play only by technique
but not her heart.
I do not believe I can be the judge of that.
You should ask yourself,
since you have been listening to her play the Guhmongo
without letting us know you were there?
Now see here...!
You asked to see me, my Lady?
That is why you are here, is it not?
What can I do for you?
You said you would give me your life?
Did you not tell me
that if that low-class hussy commits another crime
that you would give me your life?
Has Jin Yi got herself into trouble again?
I suppose she has.
Do you suppose she has or do you know she has?
If it wasn't for her, Eun Ho would not be so confused and troubled.
Do you have any proof?
How dare you! How dare you ask me for proof?
If there is no proof, I cannot punish her.
Didn't I just say that my son was confused and troubled?
Does that mean that we are responsible
for returning your son's troubled mind back to normal?
How dare you talk back to me?
Do you intend to insult a noblewoman who is superior to you?
Insult you? How can that be?
As you said, we courtesans are inferior.
And what is being inferior?
It is our fate as inferior beings to work in order to survive.
A courtesan's work is to improve her talents.
And although it may be audacious to say,
but that work is just as hard as a scholar learning the classics.
Each hour is precious to the courtesan.
Do you dare to teach a superior?
Jin Yi is one of the most talented girls in our gyobang.
That means
she is focusing all of her efforts in mastering her artistic techniques.
Thus there is little chance she is doing something else.
If you have no other questions,
I will take my leave now.
The most important step to painting your face is to apply the toner.
Apply it to your face gently and wait for it to be absorbed.
Add water to the white foundation, and apply it to your face.
Once that is done,
use the cloth ball to tidy up.
That is all for the foundation.
Once the foundation is finished,
take the charcoal stick and draw in your eyebrows like crescent moons.
And finally, use the brush to complete your face painting.
You have hands of clay!
What has happened to your eyebrows? They look like caterpillars!
Why are you bare-faced?
I'm asking you why you have not applied any face paint!
Sum-Sum.
Jin Yi, she...
What?
She's still thinking of that young master, don't you think?
She's lost all her focus since she heard about us raising her hair.
Don't you think?
Whatever.
You've applied... face paint?
You look lovely.
You didn't know that before?
So, you might be raising your hair?
That's right.
Are you happy?
Do you even have to ask?
If he gives a large sum of money for raising my hair, I'll be rich.
Why wouldn't I be happy?
You think you're talented, and you're lovely,
so you don't need to learn how to paint your face?
That is not it, Vice Mistress.
If it's not that, then apply your paint!
Apply it to your best ability and come to my quarters.
- Do you understand? - Yes.
Why are all your works so poor in quality and workmanship?
It is nearing the day of Her Majesty the Queen's birthday.
I asked you to produce a finer piece of work
so that I may offer it as a tribute to the Queen!
Forgive me, my Lord.
Show me another one. Another one!
This is it. I want this one.
The quality is good enough.
Who made this?
I did.
I knew it.
Myung-Bo, your workmanship has always been the best.
This is worthy to be presented to Her Majesty.
You must not do so, my Lord!
If it were me, my Lord,
I would have broken that vase before any of the others.
What?
Not only that but I would have the maker of the vase executed.
You audacious girl! Who are you to...!
Bu-Young, what is this you are doing?
How dare you speak before his lordship?
Please forgive us, Lord Byuk Gae-Soo.
I am to blame for not teaching my subordinates properly.
What are you standing there for?
Beg forgiveness for your offense this instant!
I cannot do that.
You stupid girl! Do you know who this is?
He is Lord Byuk Gae-Soo!
His expertise in the fine arts is paramount in Korea, no the world!
Then...
why is it that he cannot see the evil intentions hidden in the vase?
The evil intentions in the vase?
That is so, my Lord.
What is your reasoning?
You must have a reason.
Will you step away with me?
I will tell you my reason.
If you offer this vase to Her Majesty the Queen,
you will suffer great humiliation.
Although there are many flowers,
unfortunately there are no butterflies.
It is a well-known fact that His Majesty
has not visited Her Majesty for a long time.
If the flower is Her Majesty,
and the butterfly His Majesty,
what do you think this vase is implying?
Her Majesty is a useless flower that cannot attract a butterfly?
That is so.
Then, the person presenting this vase will be seen as mocking Her Majesty.
That is so.
You must investigate this matter.
You will find that there was intent to cause you much trouble.
Mae-Hyang, your eye for character is much appreciated!
How did you find such wisdom in such a young girl?
Your kind words embarrass me, my Lord.
No, that is not so.
If it were not for her, I would have been humiliated.
Your name was Bu-Yong?
That is so, my Lord.
I owe you a great debt.
That is not so, my Lord.
A great debt it is.
So what shall we do? How shall I repay my debt?
Tell me your wish. I will give you anything you desire.
Is that true?
Will you give me anything I desire?
That is what I said.
Is it riches you want? How much do you desire?
I do not need riches, my Lord.
No need for riches...?
Then...?
Please raise my hair.
My only wish is for your lordship to raise my hair.
Your hair?
That is so.
Very well then. That will be easy for me.
What an honor this is!
If you raise the hair for this child,
there will be no greater honor, my Lord!
It is an honor for me!
A beautiful young woman is asking me to raise her hair.
What man in his right mind would refuse her?
Are you certain no one has trailed you to this place?
As this is our first transaction, I have added more money.
It is a symbol of our future relationship.
- Send me a message anytime. - I will.
Was all of this your doing from the beginning?
If I denied it, would you believe me?
Your clever plan has sent an innocent soul to purgatory!
There was no other way of capturing Lord Beok Gae-Soo's attention.
It was you that told me that world was unfair, was it not?
Impertinent girl! So you're smarter than me, are you?
You must raise your hair.
One cannot be a courtesan without having raised her hairpiece.
You will not be able to enter the Tournament.
A promise that goes beyond a thousand years,
that beautiful promise, I give to you.
Is that you, Jin-Yi?
What took you so long? Didn't Gae-Ddong tell you?
I sent her several times to fetch you.
She told me.
Let's go inside.
Just a while longer. Let's just stay like this.
Can't I just stay in your arms like this?
Jin-Yi...
It's so warm here.
Jin-Yi?
You know...
Will you be able to raise your hair?
Do you like living as a courtesan?
I chose this for myself.
Will you be happy?
Probably.
Good. Then it is enough.
As long as you want this, that is good enough for me.
When I look back now,
I realize that if I had never known love from a man,
I would have been perfectly content
just playing the Gayageum.
Mother...
It is one thing if your love is possible,
but if either of you become weak
and cannot hold up your love, how will you overcome the heartbreak?
How will you live the rest of your lives
nursing that heartbreak and pain?
And how will I be able to watch you go to that heartbreak?
If I think about it in that way,
I wish that your life would turn out different than mine.
As the music master said, you are a talented child.
It would not be a bad thing
for you to live your life
as a talented and skilled artist.
Don't you think it would be a good life?
Yes, Mother.
Let's drink.
I have lived my life thus far
because of you.
You are not only honorable and sensitive,
but diligent in your pursuit of scholarly knowledge.
Soon you will go out into the world,
and make me proud with your many accomplishments.
But if you are to do all this,
you must put that girl out of your mind.
- Mother...! - Do not oppose me in this.
I do not have the strength to fight with you.
I am sure she is a good person.
Why else would you have fallen for her?
But... there are things that can never be.
If you take that girl as your wife, you will lose everything that you have.
The government will never use someone who has taken a courtesan for a wife.
Do you wish to live a life with neither distinction nor merit?
Is that what you desire?
I know that it is my duty to bring honor to the family.
That's right! You're absolutely right!
But...
if I must abandon her to accomplish those things,
I choose not to go that path.
Eun-Ho!
If I must throw away someone's love and dedication,
I would rather live humbly as one woman's husband,
and a parent's dutiful son than a life full of merit and distinction.
That is how I feel.
My Lord, it is I.
Welcome, my wife!
No wonder people say "two hearts, one mind"!
I was just about to visit your quarters.
I just received news from His Excellency the Prime Minister.
His Majesty has indicated to him
that He wishes for me to be in his Cabinet.
Is that so?
Why... is your countenance so dark?
You do not look happy at the news of my promotion!
How can that be?
There is no better news.
So... what do you think of hastening Eun-Ho's nuptials?
Since we will be moving to the Capital,
it would be good to take our daughter-in-law with us.
Don't you agree?
Yes, my Lord. Of course I agree.
It is late. Why aren't you sleeping?
What do you think?
Everyone wanted their skin whitened before they got their hair raised.
So there was a lot of cloth to be washed.
What about you?
Why are you creeping about at night like a stray cat?
Why? Is your heart troubled?
Do you feel guilty to that young master because you're getting your hair raised?
Why? What's the use?
You'll just worry yourself.
- Sum-Sum... - What?
You know that Baek-Ah who lost his friend Chong Ja-Gi?
You mean that master of the Guhmungo?
What about him?
What did he want to prove?
What was it that he was trying to say
when he cut the strings of his instrument?
Jin-Yi!
Do you think he regretted
his decision to never play the Guhmungo again?
Is it possible to not regret anything?
What's the matter with you? This is so unlike you!
Come here.
Follow me!
Practice! Let's practice together.
What do you want to do? You want to play the Guhmungo?
I'll play the Gayageum. No, let's practice dance.
Let's do that. Let's do that now.
Let's stop our wandering minds and focus on practice!
We have to become palace courtesans! We have to be the best!
- Sum-Sum! - Am I wrong?
Then let's practice. Let's begin now.
I'm doing well.
I'm doing really well today. Don't you think?
I was hoping...
that I could see you.
It was not my intention, but I have caused you pain.
So... Still you hold on to that courtesan girl?
Forgive me.
I did not request to meet you to hear an apology.
But...
Have you not given thought to what you will lose?
What I will lose will be nothing
compared to what she has gone through.
Then...
What will you do about my loss?
What will happen if my loss and my pain
is greater than anything you two have gone through?
Did you summon me?
Do you love him? Do you really love him?
He will suffer. He will suffer tremendously for you.
If you love him, you must let him go.
That is the proper thing to do.
Do you refuse me?
Do you insist on becoming an obstacle to his future?
But that is one thing I cannot forgive.
Let us share this love.
I will accept you as his concubine.
That is not possible.
Love cannot be shared so easily.
We do not have to share his love for now.
I can accept that his heart does not belong to me.
But do not be so confident. Do not be confident that you have him.
Nothing is immune to time.
As time passes, and it always does,
the world will change, and people will change.
Ten years later, no, even five years later,
no one will know where that love is.
If he is not able to fulfill his true destiny,
all he can worry about is what he will wear and what he will eat.
Is that what you wish for him?
Do you think he would be happy with that kind of life?
He is an honorable man who does not know how to blame others.
He will suffer his heartbreak and disappointment in silence.
Will you be able to watch him live this way for the rest of his life?
Will you be able to watch him without feeling guilty the rest of your life?
Why won't you answer me?
My answer is the same.
I have nothing else to say to you.
Young master!
Over there!
Young master, over there!
Go on and talk to her!
Did the sun rise from the west? I cannot believe you asked me to see me first!
There isn't anything wrong, is there?
Or... did you just miss me?
I think I was right! You missed me so you asked to see me!
If you are weary, you can let go.
Do you want me to let go?
It will not be an easy road.
If you decide to let go, no one will blame you.
You know I won't.
You may feel that way... now.
- Look here...! - Think with your mind, not your heart.
Then perhaps things will become more clear.
You'll realize how reckless this is.
How wearisome it will be...
and how sad you will be.
But everytime I feel that way, will you not be beside me?
Won't you?
That will be enough for me. I want nothing more than that.
Did you know that you are much more faint-hearted than I expected?
What of it? Would you like to learn more of this dance?
Can I really?
Your movements cannot be disconnected.
Continue the breath of the last movement...
begin your new step and connect as if your soles were dancing on the ground.
I wish to receive a reward from His Majesty.
There is no need to forget.
Love is cold and painful.
When you can smile through your loss,
when you can smile through heartbreak and suffering,
you have become a true courtesan and a true artist...
What do you mean?
I wish to be a courtesan no more.
I wish to keep my love.
If you truly love that young man, then fight for him fairly.
If you win the wager, I will not hold you back from leaving.
You said you wanted to kill Jin-Yi?
If you really take her life, my Lord...
that young man will never marry your daughter.
Then what can I do?
What can I do to end their love?
Let's see some benefit from you now.
Make her the loveliest of all women.
We must make it so there is no one else who can compare to her.
That is the only way she can win the heart of a man incomparable to others.