[Episode 11]
I’ll look for you when I’m back in Joseon.
Please, keep up your poetry.
I have seen Joseon through you.
What are you doing?
You wench!
Do you want to take your life?
I’m going to have you killed for contempt of a diplomat from China.
Contempt? That’s not true at all.
If it wasn’t contempt,
what did you just do right now?
I am lonely, all alone on the observation deck near the river.
The moonlight is like the river. And the river is like the sky.
I do not see the friend who was watching the moon with me.
The scenery has not changed.
Isn’t that my poem?
I’ve already memorized your poem.
So I don’t need it in writing.
You’ve memorized the poem that you only glanced over?
It would only make me weak to be relying on your token of gratitude.
So please leave your heart here.
Leave my heart?
Your warm friendship and your noble affinity to the arts.
Your determination to help out whenever there is trouble.
Please leave these thoughts in Joseon and to me.
I trust you greatly.
I’ll leave my heart here.
But I’ll take the inspiration from Joseon’s artists back to China with me.
Thank you.
I should thank you instead.
I’ve learned a great deal from this trip.
Good work.
The artists of the Songdo troupe are responsible for this positive outcome.
- You’re too kind, sir. - Of course he’s being too kind.
Sir, I think you should speak the truth.
You can’t say that Baekmu and her troupe won this round.
It was Myeongwol and her tongue that clinched the victory.
The dancers’ performance was great, too.
If the dance wasn’t that good, Myeongwol couldn’t have impressed him.
But Myeongwol,
why didn’t you participate in the dance?
I know your poetry is excellent, and I’m sure your dancing is just as good.
I don’t dance.
A gisaeng who doesn’t dance?
Yes.
What’s your reason?
I haven’t been able to find a dance that can move my soul.
Your teacher was once hailed as Joseon’s finest dancer.
Are you saying her dance didn’t move you?
It’s possible that she was famous for her dance, but there was something missing.
Something missing?
What is it?
You should ask her yourself.
If she doesn’t know it herself, I have no reason to tell you.
You wench.
How could you say such things to your teacher of 10 years?
That’s what I’m saying.
I think her head’s gotten too big.
How long will you keep this up?
Stop.
Stop it.
But, ma’am...
I don’t need to hear criticism from someone who can’t even dance.
How else can you dance in front of people?
It’s not like you can open a festival to show off different dances.
I wish I could get my hands on Myeongwol.
I’ll have to look for a way to have her sent to the capital.
I like the way her eyes light up when she’s talking about the arts.
Don’t you think you’re being too competitive?
What?
As the official said, the troupe’s dance was wonderful.
Booyong...
It wasn’t very flashy, but there was a certain nobleness to it.
It is on par with the dance performances from the king’s courts.
What did you say?
I guess what you’re saying is true.
The dance was taught by Baekmu.
At the sake of her reputation, it should be worth something.
But something was missing.
Something was missing? What was it?
A certain charisma to capture the hearts of the viewers was missing.
Once a dancer is on stage, she needs to attract attention.
What’s the use of dancing the right steps if the seasoning is lacking?
How could you not be able to see that,
when you have the reputation of being the best?
I don’t think that having a good eye for the arts means that one is talented.
That is true.
But if you’re talented and passionate, no one can beat you.
One should work very hard to satisfy one’s own desires first.
An artist’s dilemma lies in the fact that he or she must fight with oneself.
Don’t you think so?
Did you call for me?
I think I should thank you.
I don’t need your gratitude.
I didn’t do it out of obligation towards you.
I didn’t want anyone to beat me from getting to my prey.
What are you trying to prove here?
If things had turned sour, you may have not made it out alive.
I’m not afraid.
What’s the reason for this?
What’s the reason for you taking such dangerous risks?
Stop the act.
Such acts are for young children who are trying to be cute.
How could he slap Myeongwol’s face?
I guess she deserved it.
He shouldn’t have risked the future of Joseon like that.
It’s enough to make anyone mad.
Is that what you think?
Sir.
I guess that there are some things you don’t know after all.
Men aren’t cruel to women they don’t have feelings for.
It’s gotten dark.
I think you should go and rest.
Okay, I’ll do that.
But you know what?
Yes?
Are you the chief of the troupe around here?
Yes, I am.
You must know a lot about Myeongwol.
What is it you want to know?
You’ve seen her talents and confidence already.
She seems to have a grudge in her heart.
Do you know the reason for that?
I’m sure every gisaeng around here has one or two grudges.
It’s something that’s as familiar to them as their accessories.
I believe in the truth.
I know that the truth will move people’s hearts.
That’s what I believe in.
I believe in genuine hearts.
I believe that you’ll be able to protect Joseon’s music with your genuine heart.
My genuine heart?
There’s another fool that believe in such things.
You seem too worried for someone who just saved Joseon’s music.
You should be happy that everything went well.
But I guess you doesn’t feel good for being cruel to Myeongwol.
Am I right?
Oh, my...
You don’t look just worried.
You’re starting to look sick now, sir.
Look here.
Which is it?
Have you gotten sick for blaming yourself because you were cruel to Myeongwol?
Or is it because Myeongwol is in your heart and she’s not returning your feelings?
Have you gotten love sick over Myeongwol?
Why did you stop?
Continue on.
I don’t want to.
I won’t listen to your music for free.
My compensation will satisfy you.
I don’t need any money.
You don’t?
I’m not performing for you.
I hope you aren’t performing for the dead.
Am I not allowed to do that?
You can start to perform for me from now on.
No.
I don’t feel like doing that.
You are quite rude.
A gisaeng should treat her guest like a king.
Don’t you know that?
I think it would be even ruder to show off my talents when I don’t want to.
What?
The best music is performed when you ask for it with true dedication.
Are you saying that my request isn’t genuine enough?
People may be of different class, but there is no class when it comes to music.
If you want to request music, you must do it with all your heart.
Okay.
I’ll ask again once dawn breaks.
I’ll wait.
Are you asking me if I’m love sick over Myeongwol?
Of course not.
But...
I just feel sorry for her.
There are many types of people in this world.
There’re the really extreme types that won’t say a word even when they’re very sick.
These types of people hide their sadness with smiles.
That’s how they cry.
To be sad for such a long period of time is foolish.
It’s a very fast way to ruining oneself.
I see that you have a deep heart.
Go see Myeongwol when you have a chance.
I think you’d be able to comfort her.
I’d rather wipe away your sadness and tears with my dress.
A dancer knows a dancer when she sees one.
The same applies for musicians.
How do you expect to know the sorrows of
other people when you’ve been hiding your own?
It’s not the anniversary of Eunho’s death today.
I don’t think he’ll be able to rest in peace.
If he were alive today,
what do you think he would look like?
My lady...
Do you think he’d have on a formal suit and wear his top hat?
Well...
But I can’t remember what he looks like.
I can’t picture him.
My lady...
You want to quit your post again?
The job is too much for someone like me to carry out.
Are you afraid of the people that are against you?
Your highness...
I won’t allow it.
I haven’t been able to learn how to be a skillful manager yet.
I need people like you.
Don’t you think that the palace will be too corrupt with people who crave for power?
But...
I can’t let you quit your post now.
But I will give you time to learn more.
I told had an institution established in Kaesong.
It’ll help gather the musical scores that were burnt and destroyed.
Your highness...
They are the dance and music that the common people enjoy.
Nothing beats it when it comes to looking into the hearts of my people.
Please have it so that I can look into it.
I think it’ll help me a great deal.
The king is sending the minister to Songdo?
That’s not all.
Junghan will be sent to Songdo as well.
Why, all of a sudden?
He had asked to be sent to Songdo.
He said that he wants to help the country.
But I know that’s a lie.
He’s after something else.
The institution was installed at Songdo by the king to compliment you.
Please, do your best to master the arts.
The king has ordered that the names of the talented gisaeng be written up on a list.
The troupe with the most names will be made the official troupe of the palace.
So you still won’t dance?
Come to training starting tomorrow.
No.
A gisaeng that cannot dance is like a crippled person.
I don’t care if I get crippled.
How dare you?
Do you want to kill me?
I wouldn’t blink even if you tried to kill me.
How long will this last?
How long will you have that Eunho fellow deep within your heart?
Don’t even say his name with your dirty mouth.
Come to your senses. Look at reality as it is.
Love cannot determine a gisaeng’s life.
But musical talent is different.
Practice and learn the crane dance.
If you can impress the world with your dance, you’ll have your name listed.
Your name will be on the top of the list.
Do you know what that means?
When you’re alive, it’s about power. When you’re dead, it’s about honor.
What could be more valuable than that to a gisaeng?
No way.
I don’t want to be your clown anymore.
My clown?
Lacking love and dedication, you’re nothing more than a clown.
You rude wench!
Such talent won’t last long.
Talent without true dedication isn’t genuine.
A person without dedication is garbage.
The same goes for the arts.
So where does that leave you?
If an institution is set up in Songdo and since Baekmu is favored by all,
without a doubt, the gisaengs of the Songdo troupe will all get on the list.
So does that mean that Baekmu will end up leading the palace troupe?
That goes without saying.
What are you going to do?
Are you going to let this happen?
What are you doing here in the capital?
I’m here to ask for a request.
I want to learn how to dance from you.
Learn from me?
Yes.
You said that Baekmu’s dance didn’t impress you.
I don’t think my dance will impress you either.
I don’t need to be impressed.
What then?
Just give me your anger and fighting spirit.
Anger and fighting spirit?
I’m talking about the anger you feel towards the one who wish to take you down.
Sounds interesting.
Sure, it’s not hard.
One more thing.
If I’m able to win over Baekmu, I have a request.
Go ahead.
Give me your position as the palace troupe leader.
What?
Stop her, ma’am.
You don’t need to talk face to face with such a rude girl.
Fine.
Ma’am.
If you’re able to beat Baekmu,
I’ll do as you say.
I’ll do my best.
Please reconsider taking Myeongwol in as your pupil.
Reconsider? Why?
She came to you so that she can take down her teacher who is also your arch rival.
Someone who has betrayed once can easily do it again.
In the future, she is sure to stab you in your back.
So you’re worried on my behalf?
Yes.
I think this is about you being worried about yourself.
Ma’am.
You’re afraid that Myeongwol will take my place when you thought it would be yours.
Isn’t that right?
I know that I can beat anyone when it comes to dance.
If Myeongwol beats Baekmu,
all your have to do is beat Myeongwol yourself.
We need a hunting dog first.
After we hunt Baekmu and take her down,
it won’t be too late to deal with Myeongwol later.
I guess things haven’t gone well since Myeongwol isn’t here for practice.
You’re coming to Songdo quite often these days.
What are you doing? Why are you with Maehyang?
Myeongwol wants to learn how to dance from me.
She says that my sword dance has touched her heart.
What?
It’s hard to refuse a talented pupil who is asking for my help.
Don’t you agree?
So why’d you come all the way down here when you could teach her in the capital?
How could I stay in the capital when an art institution opened in Songdo?
I should be helping out with the musical scores.
Did you ask Maehyang to teach you how to dance?
It’s not right. Don’t do it.
My heart is set.
I won’t change my mind.
Maehyang is a dangerous creature.
She’s one hundred times more spiteful than Baekmu.
She’s trying to help out because she wants to use you.
But she’ll throw you out once you’re no longer needed.
She might even try to hurt you.
- I know. - You do?
It’s the best way to get back at Baekmu.
Jini.
Baekmu may call Maehyang her rival, but Baekmu looks down on her all the same.
It’ll devastate Baekmu the most to be crushed by Maehyang.
- Don’t you think? - Jini, please...
It's stuffy in here. Let’s go out.
Hey...
Let’s go for a walk.
Who is this? It’s the very famous Myeongwol!
What brings you here?
I wanted to see you.
What do you say to having fun with me for 3 months, day and night?
Don’t you want to?
Let us pass.
I can’t believe what I just said.
3 months is almost 100 days.
How many houses will I have to give to you in compensation?
Oh, I don’t think it’ll be possible.
It’ll work only if I gave you a big chunk of Joseon.
I guess it just isn’t possible.
- Don’t you agree? - Please, let us pass.
Stop being so mean.
I can tell that you have no intention of hanging out so I’m going to focus on work.
Who was that?
Some fool.
A fool?
It’s a long story.
He must be a nice person.
What?
Your voice is different from before.
It’s no longer sharp.
Stop making assumptions again.
If he wants to get to know you, don’t refuse him.
Mother...
Don’t be concerned about winning or getting revenge.
Have a comfortable life with someone you love.
Don’t you know that will never happen?
Why? Because of Eunho?
Let him rest in peace now.
You should send him off now.
It’s time that you let go of him.
Love is the best medicine for a broken heart.
What about you, mother?
Why can’t you do the same?
Jini, that’s...
Don’t ask me to do something that you can’t do yourself.
Are you the accompanist?
Yes, that’s correct.
I heard that you’re the best accompanist in all of Joseon.
I guess it’s not just the gisaeng who exaggerate the facts.
The world is full of liars.
I am here to ask you an urgent favor.
I won’t go rejoin the palace orchestra.
When one is attached, one’s music and voice will not be free.
Don’t worry.
I have gone through the same thing, so I can relate to you.
Maehyang, what did you just say?
You want to oust Baekmu from the troupe?
Yes, that’s right.
How can a leader of a troupe not be able to manage a single pupil?
Even the high government officials don’t know what to do with Myeongwol.
What if I were to turn her into a sweet little lamb?
I’ll teach her the knife dance within 3 months.
Coordination with fellow dancers is important in the knife dance.
I’ll make sure she dances it without a single mistake.
Wouldn’t that be good enough to prove that I have conquered her free spirit?
But...
I’ll do it.
If Myeongwol is able to perform the sword dance properly, I’ll quit my post.
And you must teach me all the dance routines.
Hey, Maehyang...
It’s not right for an ex-gisaeng to hold onto everything she knows.
It would go against the development of the arts.
Don’t you agree?
Fine, I’ll agree to it.
Tell her you can’t.
You must tell her that you can’t.
Why not?
Maehyang’s dance isn’t that bad.
But you’ll be kicked out of your post if she wins.
I’ve been the leader of the troupe for 30 years. It’s time I quit.
Ma’am...
I said I’m fine.
It’s Maehyang that I’ll be going against.
Maehyang is capable enough to take on Myeongwol.
But, ma’am...
Don’t you see that Myeongwol has agreed to dancing again?
I don’t know what has changed her mind.
But Maehyang has done something worthwhile.
Will you go back to the troupe?
I don’t think I can go against Baekmu’s stern stance.
I don’t want to see my daughter be scarred by the whole world again.
I was going to be oblivious to what was happening,
but I don’t think I should do that.
I think that Jini has gotten worse.
So, you want to return to that old man?
You’re going to get sick again. Don’t you know that?
I can’t help it.
I think I need to do my best as a mother.
What is it?
You’re coming with me.
Do you want me to break your leg?
What can I do to stop you from learning the sword dance from Maehyang?
Don’t get involved.
How can I not?
I can’t just stand back and watch you take down our troupe.
I can’t believe what you’ve become.
Do you want to be a troupe leader that bad?
Do you crave for power?
It’s not that I want power.
Being a troupe leader is the finest honor a gisaeng can have.
I want to achieve that with the help of others.
I guess you have your work cut out for you.
You’re someone that I need on my team.
Aren’t you part of our troupe?
I don’t care.
Do I have to break your leg to kick some sense into you?
Is that it?
What are you doing?
What’s going on here?
Myeongwol’s attitude is totally out of hand.
I wanted to teach her a lesson.
If you have time for such nonsense, use your time for practicing.
But, ma’am...
Go back to your quarters.
You want to take me down?
I’ll be waiting.
The scenery is superb.
With such great scenery, the place is bound to be full of artists.
It’s no wonder people call Songdo the most beautiful place in Joseon.
And what about the women?
There are so many nice women around here.
Oh, brother.
Let’s go.
This girl has organized the knife dances from the palace courts.
First, watch the knife dance.
You can make your own suggestions if you think it needs correcting.
I see. I’ll do that.
The training will start in four days.
Got it?
Yes.
Isn’t this Mr. Byeok we have here?
What are you doing in Songdo?
Are you here because of the women?
Isn’t that a good reason enough?
Of course it is.
I’ll be going on my way.
I had thought of sending a messenger.
But I thought it was best for me to come and ask you myself.
Come to my quarters tomorrow.
I want to hear your music.
I can’t tomorrow.
You can’t?
I have a previous appointment.
Come after lunch.
Don’t be late.
I want you to go to Mr. Kim’s shop.
What for?
Tell him I’m available for his ball tomorrow.
Okay.
How nice.
Great!
No, don’t get up.
Carry on with what you were doing.
Do you think you can make time?
I’m a bit busy.
There are so many people from the capital here to see you.
You should meet up with them.
And you should move your things to my place.
No, it’s okay. I like it here.
Why are you refusing my hospitality?
I just want to help you out.
I know I shouldn’t give you advice on how to do your job.
But I think that I can help you out with your project.
And the king has asked me to look after you.
Fine, you can help me out.
So you’ll ask Myeongwol to come to the ball?
Yes.
It’s been 6 years since he’s been back.
Of course, we need to hold a party.
And did Myeongwol say she was coming?
She did.
That’s a surprise.
What do you mean?
She said she’d come when we didn’t even send her a letter?
A letter?
She reads through the letter and decides if the sender is intelligent enough.
How can you know that with a single letter?
I know what you mean.
It’s not like she’s some poet.
Written words reflect a nobleman.
So a fine nobleman would do all he could to write out a single word.
Don’t you think that she wants to see if the person is up to par?
I guess it’s up to the individual.
I’m sure she’ll come running though.
After all, it’s Mr. Byeok.
He’s had all the fine gisaengs in Jangan running to him on their own.
He’s the very famous Mr. Byeok.
Isn’t that right, Junghan?
I guess so.
Welcome, sir.
Tell me who has the appointment with Myeongwol and take care of him.
Yes, sir.
Hurry.
Hurry and come closer.
No, I can’t, sir.
You can’t?
Why are you being so prudent?
That’s not it.
What is it then?
I don’t think that I should take my clothes off without being compensated for first.
You’re so difficult.
Fine. How much do you want?
I’m worth at least $30. Don’t you think?
$30?
Satisfied?
Go slowly.
That’s right.
What is it now?
You have to give me the money.
I gave you the money.
That was just for my top.
Now for my dress.
How much more do you want?
$50 is all I want.
No, sir.
You can’t do this to me.
How much is it in all?
We can add it all up later.
That’s not it.
It’s the same song, but it was played differently.
Did you hear Myeongwol play?
I think Myeongwol played a variation.
Sir. It is I, Myeongwol.
I was just about to call for you.
Have a seat.
The minister would like to hear you play the song with your own variation.
Can you play it for me now?
I can’t do it right now.
You can’t?
I’ll be playing at an important ball tomorrow, and I need to prepare for it.
An important ball?
What is it for?
It’s for the person I value the most in this world.
I see.
I want to be ready, not just artistically but mentally as well.
I heard that you got a place for the new minister.
Does he concern you?
Are you worried that he may snatch Myeongwol out of your hands?
I think you’re the smartest gisaeng on the planet.
I’m doing this for you.
Not for myself.
Sir.
I thought you were hungry for power.
But I guess you have a thing for guys as well.
I can’t have you crying over a guy that you finally like.
I’ve already cried my eyes out.
What?
The one and only man I love is you.
But you’re only concerned about Myeongwol.
What are you doing to do about my broken heart?
You’re being difficult.
What are you doing here at this time?
The master doesn’t want you at his party tomorrow.
What’s his reason?
The master has gotten very busy with work.
That can’t be true.
He was happy to hear that I would attend his party yesterday.
I’m sure he had taken everything into consideration.
Why are you being so stubborn about it?
Do you want me to go bankrupt?
Go bankrupt?
What do you mean?
Please, let me play at your ball as planned.
Go back.
Sir.
Please, save me.
If Mr. Byeok sets his mind on something, nothing can stop him.
I knew Mr. Byeok was behind this.
I think Myeongwol is a bit late.
Do you think she’s not coming at all?
I think she’s already an hour late.
Oh, brother.
I’m sure she’s running a bit late.
She’ll be here soon, so let’s drink up and wait.
Listening to Myeongwol’s music is important.
But we’re here today to celebrate the return of Junghan.
Isn’t that right?
Yes.
Wow, speaking of the devil.
Maybe she heard us talking.
I’m a bit late, sir.
But I don’t see your instrument.
I left it at home because I didn’t think I could play with my heavy heart.
Your heavy heart?
I think I’ve missed you so much.
That’s exactly why,
I want to be spend the night with you.
Would you allow me to do that?
That’s not bad.
I have no reason to refuse you.