[Episode 20]
[3 Years Later]
Has a bird made a nest on your hair?
What’s wrong with your hair?
How can you call yourself a gisaeng when you don’t know how to dress yourself.
I need to talk to you.
Why are you laughing?
Go to the practice room.
Look at them walk. They’re so ungraceful.
I told you that gisaeng should walk very softly.
Walk properly in a single file.
What time is it now?
How many times must I tell you?
How many times did I tell you that you must get up earlier than the girls?
I’m sorry.
I don’t know if I’m doing the right thing.
What?
I don’t know if I did the right thing by making Parrot in charge of discipline.
Of course it was the right thing.
No, I think it’s a mistake.
Even Chisun is having a hard time after taking over Baekmu’s post.
I think I should’ve hired someone smarter for Parrot’s job.
I’m telling you that’s not true.
If a leader of a troupe is single-minded, the person in charge of discipline...
must be warm and kind.
Just like you.
You’re right. Parrot may be a bit awkward but she has heart, right?
She’s a lot like you.
Yes. And Myeongwol is a lot like Baekmu.
Keumchoon.
It would’ve been much better for our troupe if she were still with us.
Oh, my goodness. I’ve said something totally useless.
Do you miss your daughter a lot?
Miss my daughter?
She was half-dead before following her love to live with him.
I don’t miss her at all.
We haven’t heard anything from her. How could she so cold?
If she only knew what her mother was going through...
Even if she did know, I don’t think there’s a way for her to send us a message.
Did you order the sign to be posted on every busy road?
Yes, of course, sir.
Have you still not heard from Myeongwol?
No, sir.
If you’re lying, your life will be in jeopardy.
I’m sure of it.
The same applies to you.
If you don’t want me to break you into pieces,
when you see Myeongwol’s shadow in Song-do,
catch her and tell me about it.
I’ll remember that, sir.
Did you say that Mr. Byeok was here again?
He’s a very stubborn man, sir.
You said it.
For 3 years, he would come to Song-do every month or so and stir up frenzy.
If he gets his hands on Myeongwol, she won’t make it out alive.
I hope she’s hiding very well.
I hope that she’s totally hidden from society.
I just wanted the wind blocked.
I didn’t want you to be in such a humble place.
We don’t know when we’ll have to run off again.
No, that’s not true.
We’ve been here a year already.
We have been safe without many worries.
I think we can be at peace now.
I’m sure the world has forgotten about us.
So have peace.
I’ve heated up the floors so it should be warm.
Go and warm your hands.
I’ll go to the river and catch some fish.
Are you still afraid?
Are you afraid that while I’m gone people will hunt you down?
Go inside and put on some warm clothes. It’ll be cold near the river.
See? What did I tell you?
Why are you going through all this trouble when you could’ve stayed home?
Why don’t you stop looking for Myeongwol.
Get me some more wine.
It’s been three years, sir.
For the last three years, your vain efforts have made you drink without end.
I’m afraid that you’ll become weak.
Get me some more wine.
Stop it.
You’ve had a lot to drink already.
You talk too much for a gisaeng.
Didn’t you hear me say that I want more wine?
I had loved a girl for the first time but that’s no longer the case.
Sir.
I don’t want to take away the arts that she treasures more than life.
Sir. Please keep your dignity.
I told you to shut up.
If you don’t like how I’m acting, go and find the two and take them to me.
Bring them to me, now!
Sir.
I had something planned.
I had planned to regard Myeongwol as an artist and not a woman.
But everything has turned out to be scheme by Junghan to get Myeongwol.
Junghan ended our long friendship because of a single girl.
I won’t forgive him. I’m not going to forgive at all.
3 years isn’t a big deal.
I don’t care of it takes 100 years.
I’m going to catch them and make them cry in front of my face.
Rub my back for me.
When Mr. Byeok stops by, it’s like I’ve had a hundred customers. So tiring.
That stubborn man. He’s just so stubborn.
It’s way past time for him to give up.
Don’t ask of others what you can’t do yourself.
What?
Haven’t you ordered your own men to look all over for Myeongwol?
You wouldn’t be yourself if you let such a talented pupil go to waste.
Stop the nonsense.
Then why aren’t you passing on your post to me?
Is that true?
Is what Booyong saying true, ma’am?
I feel sorry for you.
Don’t you remember how Myeongwol created such an emotion?
It’s a crime to run away from the troupe.
In addition, she seduced the Minister of Rites whom the king thinks so highly of.
But you’re looking for that girl?
You should regard her dead. A dead person.
There is a way out of every situation, in life.
Why? Are you mad?
Do you wish that I would give you my post and forget about Myeongwol?
Of course not.
I don’t want that, either.
I no longer have it in me to ask for your job like a little baby, ma’am.
If you hadn’t ordered a search, I would’ve looked for her myself.
I, also, do not want to lose a chance to compete against my rival.
Why are you doing?
Give it to me.
Here.
Are you happy?
Are you content?
Are you unhappy?
Of course not.
All I need is you.
I’m happy with that.
Then, it’s the same for me, too.
Is she not satisfied with the knife and crane dance?
Now she’s trying to take a stab at the crane dance?
That’s Booyong for you.
I really can’t put my finger on what you’re thinking.
You recognize her talents, yet you’re so cold to her.
Cold?
If I were in your position, and a talented pupil practiced for hours,
I would give her ten troupe leader posts recognizing her passion and efforts.
But you’re totally infatuated with Myeongwol that you’re oblivious of all else.
I’m infatuated with Myeongwol?
Isn’t that right?
Yes, you’re right.
I admire Myeongwol more than anyone as an artist.
But the person that I treasure most on earth is Booyong.
What?
She leaps over all obstacles that come her way.
I feel sorry for her when I see that she works so hard to be the best.
If she’s able to accomplish it,
I would like to see her rise to the top at least once.
It would be a warm condolence for people like Booyong, you, and me that are ordinary.
Ma’am.
That’s the reason we need Myeongwol.
Myeongwol is the last obstacle that Booyong must leap over.
You’re back again.
What happened to the tree?
You had really liked this tree. I had no other choice.
We were hungry. I didn’t have anything to eat.
Someone from the other village wanted me to sell it.
It would’ve made a nice closet.
Why don’t you buy her a closet? She wants a closet very badly.
Do you want a closet?
I’ll get you one if it means having to steal it.
No, that’s not it.
I guess not.
Closets aren’t the only thing the paulownia tree is good for.
What are you thinking?
I think you know it already.
Look here.
Do you want to play the geomungo again?
Don’t you know that it’s not that I can’t play, but I won’t?
Would you play again if you could?
Isn’t it time for the kids to come study? Let’s go back.
Onto our next word.
Sir, is this edible?
No, it’s not. Throw it away.
I should be handling the carrier.
It’s fine. You’re not physically well.
- You worked hard today. - You, too.
What happened?
Is the king still unchanged in thought?
I think we should give in to the king this time.
How could you say that?
If you recommend any random person for the post, we’ll end up with another Kim Junghan.
But we can’t disagree with the king every single time.
If the king takes a disliking to us,
all our efforts to pursue power will go up in smoke.
Let’s agree to it first.
All we have to do is know who the candidates are beforehand and take them down.
Am I mistaken?
Is it wrong for me to want a qualified individual?
Of course not.
If the former Minister of Rites Kim Junhan was still in office,
would I have been struggling with this fight?
Your highness.
I told him to stay in office because that’s the way to be with the people.
I told him that again and again.
What a waste.
Your highness.
I can’t forgive him.
I won’t forgive him anymore.
You want me to go into government services?
That’s right.
I don’t think I’m cut out for such a difficult job.
- It’s not possible. - That’s not true.
I’m not even of the noble class.
Government positions are for people like you.
Of course, you’re not eligible to take the government test.
But you can be successful with lesser jobs.
Lesser jobs?
You can be a translator if you speak Chinese or Japanese.
You can become a doctor if you study medical texts.
You can work for the astronomy department if you’re good at math and astronomy.
These jobs are just as important as serving the king and managing the country.
It’s a job that can help others.
This is the reason why I work hard to teach you.
Try to study so that you can help others.
Then, the world will be willing to have uses for you.
Look here.
Is it that hard to forget?
Is it hard for you to forget the life you had as an artist at the troupe?
I don’t think it was a wise choice.
I don’t think it was wise of me to bring you out here.
No.
That’s not true.
It’s a good thing.
That’s what makes a woman happy.
Becoming one man’s wife, cooking for him, and having his baby...
You must live the life of a woman.
I still don’t know what my mother meant when she wanted me to live like a woman.
I know that I could never go back to my life at the troupe.
It was because it was to accept my life without the arts.
Maybe that’s why I wasn’t able to live with two feet on the ground.
But now I think that I can be totally grounded on the earth.
I think that I have found the way to live even though I’ll never be an artist again.
What is all that written over there?
How should I know?
Why can’t you still read when you’ve been studying with that nobleman from the capital?
Oh, father.
What does it say there?
The king is looking for men of competence.
He is looking for an intelligent man with high morals to do important work.
An intelligent man with high morals?
Yes.
What is it?
I didn’t know that such a great man as yourself was hiding in the mountains?
Why can’t you accept the recommendation?
It’s a great chance.
Although I am of noble birth, I was born of a concubine.
I’m sure you know that the law bars sons of concubines to rise to high government posts.
I thought that I was going to do a good deed by recommending a great man.
Actually, the young couple looks familiar somehow.
- Don’t you think so? - I don’t know.
Where did I see them?
I’m sorry that I made you feel bad by doing something stupid.
It’s okay. Don’t worry about it.
Why don’t you go for the lesser important posts like you’ve suggested to me?
What?
Isn’t it a waste to not be using what you’ve learned?
I can’t.
I can’t do that even if I wanted to.
Is a son of a concubine something worse than a fool like me?
I want to hear the voices of the people.
So who will be protecting voices of the people?
I need someone.
Didn’t you say that the palace is full of people who crave political power?
I hope you can take care of the people like you’ve been doing.
Your highness, are you lonely?
Are you still fighting alone in the palace?
Please don’t forgive me for not being able to be on your side.
- How have you been? - I haven’t seen you for a long time.
I have some great stuff. Want to look?
This, too.
Have you been all over the nation, from Pyeongyang and Song-do to the capital?
Of course.
I bet you have great tales to tell.
Yes, I do. In Song-do...
She still hasn’t taken the bait?
How long has it been since you’ve spread rumors that her mother is dying?
About 2 months.
That’s enough time for the rumor to spread all over Joseon.
Yes, but...
Do you think Myeongwol had already come and gone?
I hope you haven’t missed her.
Of course not.
What is it?
It could be a false rumor.
My mother is on the verge of death.
It may be a trap set up by Mr. Byeok.
We’ve been put into difficult situations by him once too many.
I know, but what if it’s true this time?
I can’t let my mother die all alone without her only child by her side.
But you mustn’t hurry like this.
I’ll send someone to Song-do tomorrow.
It won’t be too late to find out more about it.
What is it?
This is a montage of the slave that stole the cow.
Okay. Place it in the downtown area.
And sir.
- Wait. - What?
Montage?
Yes, that’s it.
Bring me all the montages that’s been posted.
Yes, sir.
Minister of Rites, Kim Junghan. He’s a big catch.
The biggest of them all.
What is it?
You know where the former Minister of Rites Kim Junghan is staying?
I think this is a sign from heaven.
Now, the king will know for sure.
He’ll know that by recommending random people, it’ll only cause trouble.
You must do whatever it takes to catch him.
If you’re successful, I’ll reward you handsomely.
I understand, sir.
Did you ask me to send someone to Song-do?
If I send one of my men, people will be suspicious.
So send one of your fastest men to Song-do. Hurry.
Sir.
Mr. Jang is a trustworthy fellow.
He’ll find a way to help you out.
Okay. I’ll send someone right now.
Kim Junghan moved out? There’s just one place he could be.
Sir.
I guess having spread the rumors at the market worked after all.
He’s taken the bite.
Gather all the men you possibly can.
I’m going to head for Song-do right now to catch them.
Go to Samcheon Valley in the province of Choongcheong.
Guard the village entrance.
If they go back to their home, there’s no way for them to live.
Okay.
Moomyeong,
don’t tell anyone else.
Not even to Myeongwol’s mother.
It’ll only make her nervous.
Yes, sir.
Let’s take a rest here.
If we continue, the horses won’t bear it.
Why don’t you turn back here?
What are you saying?
It wouldn’t be a big deal for me to die after I see my mother off.
But I don’t want you to be in a difficult situation.
You want me to live with guilt for the rest of my life?
How could you be so cruel?
Junghan.
Have you forgotten?
I said I wouldn’t let go of your hand.
Even if you wanted me to let go, I can’t let go now.
Let’s go.
It would be best to get to Song-do at early dawn to avoid people’s eyes.
Are they still not here?
They’re not on strong horses.
They can’t be here already if they’re coming from Choongcheong Province.
I’m sure they’re not on well paved roads.
That’s why I was thinking, sir...
Why don’t we have the kids go home and come back early morning?
What are you saying?
I’m always telling you that all’s best when you’re prepared.
Where are you going so early in the morning?
We’re heading to the temple.
The temple.
I’m having a hard time coping with the loss of my daughter so I want to pray.
I don’t think you have to worry about Jini. She’s doing well.
What did you just say?
She’s well?
Did you hear from her?
She did, didn’t she?
You know something, don’t you?
How would I know what you don’t?
No news is good news.
I’m sure she’s in hiding somewhere since we haven’t heard from her.
Go on to the temple since you’re already heading there.
Take good care of her in the cold.
Yes, sir.
I’m sure that they are men that Mr. Byeok has employed.
They are waiting for our return.
They must’ve heard that your mother is on the verge of death.
He must’ve anticipated our return.
We can’t go through the front gate.
Why don’t we go to the temple and ask the monk for help?
Myeongwol’s mother isn’t at the troupe?
Why weren’t the men able to guard a single blind woman?
She went to pray at the temple.
How am I supposed to believe that?
I’m sure that Myeongwol had informed her.
Or else, why would she have gone to the temple so early in the morning?
You’re being impossible.
If Myeongwol had called her mother to the temple,
do you think the mother would’ve told everyone where she was headed?
I guess you’re right.
Of course.
Okay. Go back to work.
Okay.
Wait. About that temple...
Isn’t it the place that Myeongwol and her mother used to frequent?
Yes.
Send the men there right now.
What?
She’s going to be there.
Sir.
Kim Junghan isn’t so stupid.
He would take the safe path even if he were in a hurry.
It would be dangerous for them to come directly to the city.
So they’re going to try to ask the help of the monks.
My lady.
Jini.
What did you say?
You were safe.
That’s a relief.
I’m proud of you, my baby.
Are you okay?
Aren’t you sick?
I’m fine.
I’m fine as along as you are.
I don’t know how to thank you.
You made a person out of her when she was about to die.
I don’t think you should thank me.
Where is Hyungeum?
What is it?
You shouldn’t be here. Go escape right now.
Take this and go away.
There are too many people looking for you here.
You have to hide well. You mustn’t be caught.
Go back first.
I’ll try to sell this at the shop.
Go slowly if you can.
What?
Wash your face and do your hair.
When you return home, we’ll have an important guest waiting.
A guest?
Is it someone more important than the guest that I will invite?
What?
Go back home quickly. I’ll bring along my guest.
But the guest is so shy that I’m not sure how it will turn out.
Sir.
What are you doing here?
What’s wrong?
Dad, keep guard. Hurry.
Okay. Okay.
I have the geomungo you’ve asked for. Take it and leave.
What are you talking about?
The palace men are looking for you.
They are staking out at your house.
What?
Sir. Sir.
Just stay here. I’ll bring the lady here.
She may have reached the house already.
There’s nothing we can do about it.
You should save your own life.
I can’t let it happen. I can’t let her be taken away.
Who are you?
Let’s go.
I didn’t know you’ll be coming to us on your own.
What are you doing? Arrest him right now!