Original subtitles

(Lim Ji Yeon)

(Choo Young Woo)

(The Tale of Lady Ok)

(Production Sponsors)

(Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, KOCCA)

Nice to meet you. I am Seong Yun Gyeom.

Do you not think the sky looks exceptionally beautiful today?

It looks all right.

Come on. Do not be so dry.

Get home safely. Have you eaten yet?

- Oh, be careful. - My goodness. I am sorry.

- Have a good day. - You too.

- Be careful. - Will do.

She came to me and...

My husband.

And she called me so.

Pardon?

You are right.

I am...

your husband.

I suppose it is because of you.

Cheongsu County is filled with a sweet floral aroma today.

It is the smell of manure.

It does not matter. It is...

very nice.

Come here. Walk with me.

- Oh, hello. - We have decided...

not to leave this house.

- Pardon? - My gosh!

You will not leave?

- Then you will settle down here? - Yes.

That is such great news!

So, we do not have to be separated again!

I am so happy!

You made the right decision, Tae Young.

But will it be okay?

Why not?

Everyone in Cheongsu County already knows that he is her husband.

Even so, you still have to be careful.

Put your worries to rest.

They will never find out.

We will do a perfect job without making a single mistake.

Why do you have so much on your mind?

You can see what is going on in my mind when you see my face?

Of course, I can.

Then...

guess what I am thinking.

First,

you are a little embarrassed that you reversed your decision.

You think your decision might negatively affect the family,

so you are concerned.

Spoken like the man who won first place in the state exam.

Tae Young.

The family...

was not the reason I brought Yun Gyeom here.

I did it for no one else but you.

Do you know that this is the first decision you have made for yourself?

So, do not worry about anything else.

From now on, live your life and only think about your happiness.

(Lady Song Rests Here)

Are you looking for anything specific?

My goodness.

I suppose she was not banished?

I suppose not.

I would not be able to live with a murderer's daughter...

even just for one day.

Something must be done.

Do you not think she should be forced to move away?

I am terrified, knowing someone like her lives in our village.

- I could not agree more. - My goodness.

Leave it.

I can do it by myself.

Did everything go well?

Yes.

Thanks to your help,

I managed to give my mother a proper burial.

It was not me. My brother and Tae Young said to help you.

Right.

You need not try so hard.

You probably do not care about me anyway.

You are talking...

as if you think you can read my mind.

Even if you hate me,

please be a good father to our child.

Yes, do not worry.

As a father, I will do my very best.

You brought me back home...

solely for our child's sake, right?

What other reason...

could there be?

After all, you followed me back here...

solely for our child. Am I wrong?

Get some rest.

Even if the villagers gossip, do not worry.

She was acquitted,

and both you and Master Seong have accepted her back,

so why should it matter?

I must say, she is staying strong.

Seven years ago, I had to face utter humiliation...

in Cheongsu County because of the Mount Unbong case,

and I have been separated from Deok Hun's father since then,

but no one can dare to talk about me behind my back.

What I am saying is,

no one can say anything if she does her job well.

Tell your sister-in-law to join the Mother's Association.

Do you not think the other ladies might be against it?

Who cares? I am the head of the association.

Besides, the chief's wife is confined inside her home now,

so it will die down soon even if there is any gossip.

Thank you always for your concern. I truly appreciate it.

So? Do you plan to open an office as a legal advocate right away?

Yes, I should.

Why do you ask?

I understand it is important to work as a legal advocate,

but you are not getting any younger. You should have a child.

You are making me blush.

Right. You are practically like a newlywed bride now. Am I right?

Oh, my goodness.

I should get going.

Is it finally my turn?

Right? I had such a busy day.

Hold on. Were you going through the ledger?

I checked the household ledger to find fault with you.

But as you can see here...

It is impeccable.

Without a husband,

you worked as a legal advocate while managing the household.

You must have been so busy.

From now on, I will help you with everything,

so I hope you can take it easy now.

- Okay. - If you have any worries,

do tell me.

What am I worried about?

Do Gyeom has not been appointed yet.

That worries me a little.

I hear many pay bribes to get a government title these days.

Is that why it is getting postponed?

Many would want magisterial positions...

in the countryside as it is easy to take bribes in such positions.

I wonder who would come to Cheongsu County.

It truly concerns me.

I hope someone like Do Gyeom becomes a secret inspector...

and catches all the corrupt officials.

This will be an interesting novel.

The title would be "The Inspector and the Legal Advocate."

The inspector and the legal advocate, who is his sister-in-law,

join forces to catch and punish all the corrupt officials.

You may not be able to perform anymore,

but how about you write novels under a different pen name?

Your work comforted and inspired so many people.

I cannot believe you have to quit that because of me.

No, I cannot write novels.

If people find out that Chon Seung Hwi is writing here...

while pretending to be dead, we will have a serious problem.

Right, so why...

Well, what can I do now? It cannot be undone.

But living like this...

Will it not bore you?

Why would it bore me?

Playing a loving husband who takes care of such a competent wife?

It is very amusing.

You have to wake up very early and keep busy all day,

so you should go to bed now.

Wait, but...

- You are off? - Yes.

Why?

It is nothing.

To welcome the new family members...

- Cheers! - Cheers!

- My gosh. - Nice.

By the way, why would Lord Song's family from Hanyang...

become our family?

You are being so straightforward...

- that I do not know what to say. - Right.

Right? You see, I am quite smart.

Yes, he is right.

He is the smartest guy in Cheongsu County.

Well, I do not know about Lord Song's family's situation.

But this is Master Yun Gyeom's servant...

who served him while he was away. Just know that.

- That is right. - I see.

Then how long have you known Master Yun Gyeom?

Because of his amnesia, he does not remember anything...

that happened more than two months ago.

If you have known him since before that,

you must have known where and who he was. Right?

- He really is smart. - I told you!

- My goodness. - You are very smart.

Stop digressing to avoid the question.

Just tell me what really happened.

What is happening in this house? I am the only one who does not know.

Why do you need to know?

Just listen to what the adults tell you and believe it.

Fine, I believe it.

Nice to meet you. Why does any of it matter?

All right. Cheers.

- Cheers! - Cheers!

Well, so? How old are you?

Should we not determine seniority among us since we are family now?

Why bother asking him?

I can tell he is in his mid-30s.

Right. You look young, so just call me Mrs. Mak Sim.

What are you talking about?

Here, let me pour you one.

My...

sister.

"Sister?"

Then call me "big brother."

"Big brother," my foot.

Hey, I am old. I just look very young for my age.

- Is that right? - Yes.

Hey, you cannot be older than me.

If you keep acting up like that, I will knock all your teeth out.

Should I fix you up?

- Nice one. - Oh, my! That is so funny!

Mind the jars behind you.

Mak Sim, you think this is funny?

- Yes. - Yes, it is funny!

You from Hanyang. You sure can crack jokes.

Yes!

Hey, how old are you?

Are you that curious?

Fine, should I show you my identification tag?

Yes, show me. Right now!

Goodness. Show you what?

You must have nothing else to brag about but your old age.

She is right. Good grief.

Sister, pick up your bowl.

- This? - Here, wrap your arm around mine.

Like this. Yes, good. All the way around.

And drink up.

Bottoms up.

Mak Sim, what are you doing?

What is this?

It is called a love shot, sister.

A love shot, I see.

Is this the latest trend in Hanyang?

Like this?

- How does it taste? - It tastes sweet.

Sweet?

- The sweet moon, the bright moon - The sweet moon, the bright moon

- The moon Li Bai - The moon Li Bai

- Used to dance under - Used to dance under

Are you losing your mind?

Mak Sim, are you drunk already?

It is I!

My goodness. What are you doing here?

What do you think I am doing?

It is late. I am getting ready to sleep.

What? Why would you sleep here when you have your own room?

What?

Are you acting like you do not know? Or do you really not know?

What are you talking about?

What do you think?

Do I... I mean, must I explain it?

- What? - Come on.

Did we not say we would live as a married couple?

We did.

A husband and wife must share the same blanket.

The same blanket?

- My gosh! - Why are you so surprised?

What caused such a misunderstanding?

What misunderstanding?

I said we should pretend to be married.

When did I say we should live as a married couple?

Is it not the same thing?

What are you going to do if you are so dense?

I am dense?

- I have never heard that before. - I highly doubt that.

I am sure you have but could not understand because you are so dense.

We are not actually married.

We have no choice but to act like we are.

How could you suggest we sleep together?

You are unbelievably sly.

I am not sly.

I am doing this because I am concerned about your safety.

- My safety? - Yes.

When you are disguising yourself as someone else,

people will catch on quickly if you are just pretending.

How many times have I told you?

We must do this...

to make others truly believe that we are a married couple.

You are very well-spoken for such a dense man.

Is that an insult or a compliment?

Anyway, we cannot do this. Get out before anyone sees you.

Who would see me here now?

The fact that my brother accepted me into this house...

means that he has no problem with me using this room.

So? Do you mean you do not even need my permission?

Fine, you win.

- Hurry up and get out. - Then I really will...

- just hold your hand and sleep. - No, I refuse.

Fine, you are so mean!

Do not go back on your word later.

I will not!

- Do not regret this... - I will not!

I packed some snacks for you.

I have decided to join the Mother's Association,

so I will be going to Mother's Sanctuary.

I can get advice from mothers who have already raised their children.

- I will learn a lot from them... - Do you have to do this?

I am doing it for our child.

You know that the people here like to gossip.

Does the idea of me going out to socialize...

bother you?

If you hear hurtful things and get upset,

it will not do my child any good.

Right. Then I will let Tae Young know...

and just stay home.

Wait.

Goodness.

Why is breakfast so early?

I was about to join you.

It so happened, my lady.

It is mung bean porridge. Have some.

Mung bean porridge?

Master Yun Gyeom asked what you liked,

told me to make it, and even tasted it.

Did he?

Shall I try it?

- It is salty. - It is, yes.

- But it is still nice. - Yes.

Oh, right.

We must reorganize the storeroom before the harvest.

Will you tell the servants to count everything?

That was taken care of already.

- By Master Yun Gyeom. - What?

Last night,

he asked for all the servants' names and temperaments.

- Let me see. Sam Dol. - I am over here.

Bring out all the old furniture.

Bok Nyeo.

You can bring out all the tableware.

And then help Mak Sim in the storeroom.

- Chil Deuk? - Who, me?

I need you to get all the old farming tools.

- Kkeut Dong. - Yes?

- Organize the ledgers. - Sure.

- And this. - Yes.

- Take them. - That is not all.

He counted the spoons in the kitchen...

and the farming tools in the shed.

He checked and counted every single item in the house,

and then wrote everything down meticulously in a ledger.

He said he would help...

run the household so you could...

concentrate on being a legal advocate.

He is so reliable.

You can stop slicing that...

and get some water for everyone.

- Sure. - Be sure it is cold.

My goodness.

Yes, this cabinet.

- It is cracked, right? - Yes.

The grain inside will absorb moisture and rot.

Fill in the crack.

Do you see the cracks in the rafters and crossbeam?

Fix those right away.

Lady Tae Young told us to hire workers to fix those.

From now on, instead of bothering her,

if anything needs fixing, talk to me.

Yes, my lord.

My dear wife. Are you going out?

Why are you so busy this early in the morning?

There are so many things to take care of.

I will check everything thoroughly.

Do not worry.

Then you will not come to work with me?

I would love to accompany you, but I know nothing about law,

and I fear I will only get in your way.

- Then I will go ahead. - Yes.

No, wait.

You have not worked in a while, so you must feel nervous.

Me?

I get extremely nervous before I take to the stage.

I have a trick that helps me relax.

Will you give me your hands?

All right. Repeat after me.

I am the best. I am amazing.

What?

- I cannot stand this. - What?

- Bye. - Where are you going?

Repeat after me. "I am the best."

What...

- Look at them. - What are they doing?

- My goodness. - How sweet is that?

Go on your way.

Say it. "I am amazing."

- I am amazing. - Louder.

I am amazing.

"I am the best."

- I am the best. - Say the full sentence loudly.

I am amazing. I am the best.

What you say will come true.

It is more effective than you think.

My goodness. Well, thank you.

You used to skip lunch.

Have you decided to let your figure go?

I am no longer an entertainer. Who cares?

I looked forward to this so much.

The food is delicious.

Mak Sim, you are the best cook ever.

Lady Tae Young taught me how to cook.

Yes. Even when she was a servant,

she was an amazing cook...

You have lost your mind at last.

I really must have. My gosh.

What on earth did I blurt out?

Oh, dear.

So...

Sister, what I meant was...

Yes, so what he meant was...

Yes. What did that mean?

Oh, no.

Well?

Well?

Do not worry. I know as well.

What?

You both knew, just as I thought.

What the...

Then out of all the servants here,

only you know that?

Yes. So keep quiet.

My heart almost stopped.

What if I make the same mistake elsewhere?

Then your mouth...

I never made that mistake because I considered her...

my true mistress.

You taught me yet another thing. You have my respect.

Yes.

- We all die if she gets caught. - Right.

But still,

she would have felt a bit less lonely with you around.

I am not much help.

She survived the long years of loneliness,

and at last, the good times have returned.

I am so pleased...

for her sake.

I would have...

no other wish if you were to sleep together now.

Water. I need some water.

Water!

I bet she rejected him last night.

She must be worried about leaving an heir.

That must be why she refused to marry.

She is wary of her low birth.

Why worry about that when nobles adopt boys...

to continue their lines?

- Exactly. - Goodness.

Mak Sim.

Do you have a long pole?

Every house has a pole.

- What is it for? - Well...

- What are you whispering about? - My goodness.

Oh, gosh.

Why did you sneak up without alerting us?

I alerted you just now.

What are you discussing? Let me join in.

You need not know.

Why not?

- He is unpopular for a reason. - Why do I need not know?

Why do I need not know?

Darn you.

Go on inside.

I requested the magistrate's office correct it,

but they still have not done it?

That is right. The darn magistrate...

kept putting it off before he died while under arrest.

What am I to do now?

I have no farmland.

Yu Hyang So and my landlord...

insist I pay my taxes.

Meanwhile, my young children are starving.

They are all but dead.

My lady.

Take this and feed your children.

I will sort out your farmland issue as soon as possible, so wait.

Thank you so much, Madam Advocate.

Thank you very much!

Do not worry. I brought yours too.

What?

Thank you, Mak Sim.

I am glad you did not give this away.

What is this?

Master Yun Gyeom said...

your throat would hurt because you speak a lot.

He made you bellflower root tea.

I see.

And...

he told me to pass you this.

Forgive me for my clumsiness last night.

Why is my heart always a step or two ahead of yours...

like a child urging a friend to catch up?

It is so embarrassing.

From now on, I will not rush you.

Do not worry.

However, whenever you call for me,

I will rush to you with stockinged feet.

What did he write that made you laugh?

He said he would run in stockinged feet.

- What? - He should not, however urgent.

What noble would do something so distasteful...

as to run without wearing shoes?

Right?

He is so funny.

It is so hot.

What brought you here?

I will read to the baby from the Book of Odes.

Leave the book with me, and I will read it myself.

I was hoping to let the baby hear its father's voice.

It would not be the same if you were to read it yourself.

If I feel uncomfortable, so will the baby.

Bear with the discomfort.

I will read just a few poems and go.

Why is it so hot in here?

I thought it would be bad for the baby if you felt cold,

so I told the servants to keep your room heated.

Bear with it for the baby.

Do you think of me...

only as the mother of your baby?

Yes, that is so.

Then...

I must take off a layer, regardless of what you think.

What...

Are you done for the day at last?

You could have come inside. Why did you wait out here?

I did not want to disturb you.

I will go ahead so as not to disturb you.

Is something the matter?

No. I only wished to walk with you.

I noticed a path where you could see the stars.

Come along.

I will ask Yu Hyang So to tax the person who purchased...

the farmland and to rush the refund.

I am pretty sure they taxed the landowner Joo as well.

- What? - Was I boring you?

Not at all.

It is nice to hear what you did. It feels like I was there.

If you leave the note to Yu Hyang So with me,

I will deliver it to them.

And Lee whose children are starving...

and Kim who did double the labor...

need a grain loan, right?

Did you see the loan ledger too?

I thought you were...

using the law...

as a legal advocate...

to help the wronged and the illiterate.

I did not know you ran a charity as well.

I will claim everything back.

Also, those who can afford my services,

I charge handsomely, so do not worry.

I thought I knew you very well.

The more I know you, the greater a person you become.

I am not a great person.

I only know how much they suffer...

because I suffered the same myself.

There is a hole in the ceiling in his room?

What do you mean?

- What? - I wonder too.

It was perfectly fine,

but now it looks like someone poked it with a pole.

Why look at me? I know nothing.

It must be fixed as soon as possible.

- Fix it slowly. - What do you mean?

I did not say anything.

Wait. Then where should I sleep tonight?

You can sleep in the study. That is the largest room.

Why are you all giving me death glares?

You can sleep in my room. I will sleep with Mi Ryeong.

Well...

- Shall I do that, then? - No.

You never know when Master Do Gyeom might want to visit his wife.

Yes, that is right.

- Is that so? - That is so.

What should we do, then?

I find this conversation so strange.

You two are married. You can sleep together in the same room.

- Am I wrong? - No. That was my point too.

- Right? - Yes.

Anyone watching would think you were a fake couple.

What is the matter?

Why would you say that?

Who are you calling a fake?

Why are you yelling at me? What did I do wrong?

Enough, both of you. Go to your rooms.

Am I wrong or not?

- Keep your mouth shut. - Watch what you say!

- Who, me? - Yes.

- Be quiet, all of you. - Who was right?

Let us go inside for now.

- Come along. - But...

It has been...

a long time since we laid side by side like this.

The last time was on Mount Unbong.

That was over seven years ago.

I never imagined then that we would act like a married couple.

Me neither.

Since you mentioned Mount Unbong,

I would like to ask you something.

Back then.

When you almost drowned.

Did we...

kiss at the time or not?

How could you call it a kiss...

when I was at death's door?

I only wanted to know because...

if we were to ever kiss again,

I would like to know if it would be our first or second kiss.

It would be the first.

Very well.

Stop being so angsty and lie down and sleep.

You must be tired.

Goodness.

Must you keep rustling about?

I apologize. I am nocturnal, and I cannot sleep.

Then would you like to read...

what I read when I cannot sleep?

("The Gisaeng's Son")

("The Young Master's Love Story")

Is this not a book I wrote?

Was my book so boring...

you would read it when you could not sleep?

As if that were the case.

Why is this so tattered?

How many times did you read it?

I have dreadful sleeplessness.

Reading that book made me feel calm and at ease,

so I read it over and over.

Those books kept me company throughout the long nights.

Father!

- Father. - Die!

Die!

Die!

Just die, you maggot!

Wife. Are you all right?

Who did you dream of...

that you cried so sorrowfully?

Lady So Hye...

and my father.

I suppose he probably passed away.

Does this happen often?

Yes.

Whenever you could not fall asleep,

you read my books.

Yes.

Then...

shall I be your personal storyteller just like the time...

on Mount Unbong?

Do you mean you will read a book for me?

Well, then.

Please lie down before I change my mind about it.

At the place of a lively performance...

where everyone was joyously swept away in merriment,

stood a cleverly disguised young nobleman...

who forced himself to come out...

to witness the performance.

His disinterest in the nuptial arrangement...

and the dull performance had left his mind unsettled.

Then a straw-hatted peanut merchant approached him.

Though her words were rough,

the lines of her face were gentle.

I could tell at a glance the merchant was a woman.

That day, snow had come down from the sky.

The young master fell in love with the woman.

Of all people,

the one who stirred my heart for the very first time...

turned out to be the servant of the woman from my arrangement.

Truly, fate has its cruel ways.

Had we been in the same social class,

I would have confessed my feelings to you without hesitation.

Today, for some reason,

I cannot seem to fall asleep...

as the night deepens.

I had wished that you might sleep at ease even for just a day.

How is it that you lived such a difficult life?

I made a hole in the ceiling with a pole.

Hey.

Have you heard any news about Lady So Hye...

when you went back to Hanyang?

- What? - It is about Goo Deoki's father.

You did not hear any news that they caught him, did you?

No, he was never caught.

I heard that Lady So Hye was getting married.

What?

She was still unmarried then?

How could she?

The young master whom she was to marry chose the slave, Goo Deoki.

She was covered in poop water from head to toe.

They called her Poop So Hye.

My lady. Take a look.

The Minister of Revenue has sent you this as the wedding present.

Do you have a death wish?

You know that I am being sold off as his concubine.

- What? A wedding? - Oh, my. Look at this.

He indeed sent us a lot of rare items indeed.

Are you pleased?

To sell your home and even your daughter...

to beg for a government post?

I just wish to spend my final years in comfort with your help.

Does that upset you this much?

Even so, how could you sell your only daughter...

as the concubine of that old man?

Stop calling him old. Watch your mouth.

He is the right-hand man of the Left State Councilor,

the man who now holds Joseon in his grasp.

He is Minister of Revenue, Bak Jun Gi.

This is all Goo Deoki's fault.

- If I find that wench... - That is enough now.

Do you know how much money you wasted trying to find her?

We searched all eight provinces of Joseon,

but we failed to find her.

She is probably dead somewhere.

Truly.

She must have died a long time ago.

Had you not helped her flee...

We did not help her. You are accusing us again.

Shut your mouth.

Was becoming a cripple not enough for you?

Should I cut your tongue off and brand you like your husband?

Now, you must marry the minister and take good care of him.

Forget about the past.

I want to do so.

But whenever I open my eyes, I see the scar...

on your face. And that reminds me of that wench.

When I close my eyes, I see that wench who stole...

Young Master Seo In from me in my dream.

Open your mouth, my lady.

Ta-da.

Make sure to chew it well even if it is bitter.

What is this?

It is a ball made of guibitang. It is effective for insomnia.

Until the ceiling is fixed,

I shall be your storyteller.

So sleep well.

No, you must be tired. You do not need to do so.

No, I am not tired.

Then in exchange for my story, could you help me with my studies?

Your studies?

I would like to take the civil service exam.

Why would you want to take the civil service exam?

Well,

I went to Yu Hyang So earlier today.

Seventy-eight, seventy-nine.

Seventy-nine.

This is a petition regarding delayed tax matters...

due to the vacancy in the magistrate's office.

I have organized the most urgent matters respectively.

Please proceed with them swiftly.

How could you ask me to be swift?

The magistrate suddenly fell ill, so the position is vacant.

So the administrative tasks are backlogged.

Could you not see that I am swamped here?

I can see that. You do have a lot of work.

With a surge in defaulters on grain loans,

the clerks are in an uproar.

The people are constantly filing complaints about payments.

Now, the legal advocate is piling on to this.

This is too much for me.

Good grief.

Why has this darn magistrate not been appointed yet?

Then instead of complaining like this,

you should seek a solution to ensure stable tax management.

- A solution? - For example,

you could appoint me as a special inspector...

and make use of my assistance.

How dare you? You do not hold any official post.

How could you think to become a special inspector?

Well, you say that.

But you do not have any official post either.

But I am a certified scholar.

I passed the civil service exam. Understood?

Anyway, Cheongsu County...

has been recognized by the King...

and is a place of dignity with the top-ranking scholar.

So you are not qualified.

My wife received the recognition.

And my brother was the top-ranking scholar.

Then are you telling me...

you would like to benefit from their hard work?

Well...

Any member of Yu Hyang So can be the special inspector.

One must pass the civil service exam?

This is just absurd.

I agree.

He became the chief by sheer luck.

I cannot believe his gut.

I cannot allow this.

I must go to the chief and make a complaint right now.

Do not do that.

If you do, it will only embarrass me more.

Then are you telling me you will truly take the special examination?

Yes, I will.

I will ensure I receive the scholar certificate...

from the upcoming exam.

But you are not fundamentally interested in academic learning.

No, I am not.

"Busoidokseohakmun."

"Bonyokgaesimmyeongmok." "Ieohaengi."

Recite the meaning of the phrases.

I must know precisely where you stand in your studies.

"Busoidokseohakmun."

The reason one studies and pursues knowledge...

"Bulgae..." So...

that means... What was that?

It is impossible if you cannot recite "Elementary Learning."

It has been a long time. I cannot remember it. That is all.

I may not have mastered "The Four Books and Five Classics."

But I have at least mastered "The Analects."

The exam is around the corner. It is too much.

Do not trouble yourself immaturely.

The blade frightens me. But I mastered martial arts.

I will show you once I set my mind to it, I can do it.

Then will you come to the academy?

I shall help you.

No.

I shall help him with a crash course.

That would be lovely.

You ought to take some time and give it another thought.

This is what my husband wants. I ought to help him.

Excellent.

Well, she has already helped you...

get the highest marks on the civil service exam.

I fully believe that she shall be a teacher...

as great as a distinguished scholar.

Do you think you can handle it?

Well, what do you mean?

You must trust me entirely.

Yes. I do.

Reading, transcription, debates,

mock exams, and reviewing wrong answers. Great.

We can do this.

But why does he suddenly want to take the civil service exam?

My goodness. Are you not proud of him?

I hope this chongmyungtang...

will help him earn the highest marks on the exam.

- That will be difficult. - What?

When he was Young Master Song in Hanyang,

his father used to nag him to study and all.

But he did not even listen to his father.

I am just amazed that he can read. You know?

My goodness.

To be honest...

I cannot believe those two.

But why are they always whispering secrets to one another without me?

I cannot seem to enjoy my time here even for a day...

after Man Seok arrived.

Good grief. How frustrating.

What is this?

Who dropped this here? How careless.

What does it say here?

So...

Dong.

So Dong?

So Dong? As in Soe Ddung?

Darn it.

Good grief.

Look at him all smiling.

Drink it up. There.

Nice.

It is bitter.

Starting tomorrow,

you must begin your studies before the rooster crows at dawn.

- Pardon? - Then study hard.

Studying from the time when the energy of the sky awakens...

will help you absorb the knowledge better.

I see.

So that says "outhouse."

There is a specific time I can use the outhouse?

The civil service exam lasts all day.

You must get into the habit, so your body gets adjusted too.

It seems my brother was forced to earn the highest marks.

With so little time remaining until the special examination,

every moment is precious.

You must sleep less...

and study more than others to stand a chance.

You are not to go out for a while.

You must focus. Understood?

Yes.

If you do not feel confident, you must stop now.

No.

All I have is my confidence.

You will take a mock exam to prepare for the preliminary exam.

Until then, you must skim through...

"Elementary Learning" and "The Family Rites."

- Yes. - Once I come back,

I shall check on your studies every day.

Yes.

Did you give him the chongmyungtang?

Yes. Gosh, what is all this?

What kind of plant looks so powerful?

This is called aloe.

I had never seen fresh aloe in my life.

Usually, people import powdered aloe from Qing.

I hear it is only used by esteemed physicians or in the royal court.

- Is that so? - Yes.

- There is no fresh aloe in Joseon? - No.

But we can easily eat and put it on our faces.

That explains why you have such glowing skin.

You will make me go blind.

My goodness.

Anyway, here is the thing with aloe.

If you water it too much, it will rot and die.

Is it because drought is frequent here?

It grows very robustly here.

That is not why.

It grows well because we give cow dung as the fertilizer.

No? Or should I pronounce it as "ddung?"

What?

What do you think, Man Seok?

What is the best fertilizer? The cow dung? Or cow ddung?

Why are you suddenly talking about dung?

Man Seok. You know, someone has to scatter dung here.

I want you to do it.

Did you peek at my identification tag?

Do not speak to me without honorifics, you punk.

You are ten years younger than me. You little...

So did you peek at my tag?

I did not have to peek at it. You dropped it.

(Soe Ddung)

Where are you going, Cow Dung?

I am talking to you. Where are you going, Cow Dung?

- It is Soe Ddung. - Yes, Soe Ddung.

His name is Soe Ddung.

So what?

That is nothing new for names of servants.

My goodness.

You found out his vulnerability and bullied him with it.

You are such an awful guy.

This really stinks.

How much longer will you keep this up?

You must be happy not to see me.

Why did you come?

This medicine is good for reinvigorating your energy.

Please have it.

You want to help me after causing this trouble.

What have I done?

This is all your fault.

You said you would let me become the leader,

so I fell for it and testified.

You named the condition in exchange for your testimony.

I did not bring it up first.

That does not matter now.

I am so terrified that he might find me and kill me.

I cannot leave my house at all.

So? The special examination is around the corner.

Will you continue to neglect your son?

What do you mean?

He is studying hard at the academy with Master Seong.

He has not come in even for a day.

What?

That brat!

What?

Our son has not been going to the academy?

He has been going to a gisaeng house?

I shall catch this brat at once and teach him a lesson.

This is all because of you.

What?

Why is it my fault that he is going to a gisaeng house?

He keeps failing the exam because he is not clever...

as he takes after you.

He is drinking away his troubles.

What do you mean I am not clever?

I passed the scholar certificate examination...

just in five years.

Sure. That is something to brag about.

You had never held any official post.

Could you not be so harsh?

Our son-in-law passed the higher civil service exam...

and became an assistant officer.

Our son's friend, Master Seong, won first place on the exam.

But what will we do with our son?

What do you mean?

Go and get him. So you can make him study.

Oh, how about this?

Let us hire an expert to take the exam in his place.

Have you truly gone mad?

Well,

we could bribe someone to buy the magistrate's post...

in another village. What do you think?

If you become a magistrate in another village,

we could leave Cheongsu County.

Why would I leave Cheongsu County?

I am the chief of Yu Hyang So in Cheongsu County.

I am terrified.

I am so scared that the one-eyed man might come and kill me anytime.

Truly, I am terrified.

Good grief.

I hate you interfering,

hence I was going to keep it to myself.

What is it?

Do not worry.

It seems Leader Ji has died.

Is that real?

How come?

Did he get struck by lightning?

According to the government military officer,

the one above him cut him off.

"The one above?"

Who are they?

How would I know that?

Your father has quite the devoted daughter.

Thanks to you, your father...

will get the position he has wanted.

I did not do anything.

I am simply a bonus.

I heard your goal...

was to buy all the houses on the best land in Hanyang...

in return for the government post.

Pour me a glass of the liquor.

I agreed to become your concubine...

not because I am a devoted daughter...

but because you have power, my lord.

Would you give me a wedding present?

Tell me if you have something in mind.

Please find this person.

Gosh, it has been ages...

since we last got off work when the sun was still out.

Mi Ryeong is not feeling well,

and I want to help my husband with his studies.

I see.

What? Who are they?

They are new faces.

Can you find out where they are from...

and what they are here for, Kkeut Dong?

All right.

If so... then...

Brother.

What brings Master Seong home at this hour?

Well...

I got worried after hearing my wife was not feeling well.

Then why come here and not go to her room?

Goodness...

Where did he go?

Mi Ryeong. Have you seen my husband?

I told him not to leave the house, but he was nowhere to be seen.

I saw him leave with my husband just a while ago.

I see.

Why are you so worried?

That is obvious. It is because there is love.

"Love?"

As there is love, you get angry at her.

Do you not agree?

I like her, but I hate her.

I miss her, but I do not.

I am happy to see her,

but when I do, I get angry.

It is driving me crazy.

When writing my book, that is making a story,

men who showed their true feelings...

were most popular among women.

Strangely enough, the most competent...

and cool male character...

was not popular compared to one with a heart.

How do you have such excellent craftsmanship?

Before getting married, my family was barely making ends meet.

I supported my foster father by taking in sewing.

I see.

These are so adorable.

You should bear a child as well.

I am sure you will become a great and warmhearted mother.

I wonder how it feels...

to have a baby.

It connects...

my husband and I together.

I was always lonely and in a tough spot.

But being together all the time...

makes me happy and reassured.

Is that so?

Having someone to exchange love wholly...

makes you incredibly happy, no?

It does make me happy.

But I am also scared.

What are you scared of?

Pushing me away despite knowing how much I care for her.

Yes, that is what I am scared about.

I can relate. You feel the pain when you get hurt.

But work hard until she accepts you.

That is only reasonable when you have feelings for her, no?

Take me for example. After abandoning my honor and parents,

I am here studying "Elementary Learning" at this age...

to be a befitting man to your sister-in-law.

While we are on the subject of your sister-in-law,

she has never once...

shown her vulnerability until now.

She has always been the strong, heroine type.

That makes me sad and adore her more.

Thinking of how much effort she must have put all alone...

to look and live like so...

breaks...

my heart.

What I wish is to lessen...

the exhaustion.

What if she pushes me away?

I like her. And I am fine with her doing so.

Regardless of how I am treated,

I...

simply hope to be together.

Here.

Lady!

Why have they not come back yet?

Right? They are out much longer than expected.

Mak Sim. Should I go and look for them?

I doubt they have come to look for Chon Seung Hwi or Song Seo In.

Everyone thinks he is dead.

We even held a funeral.

And if they were after Master Chon,

the military officers should have come, not the slave hunters.

What if they are slave hunters?

What if Lady So Hye is looking for me?

What if they see me and my husband together?

That would be bad.

- What? - Hey.

Why is everyone out here?

My lady. Those men are slave hunters from Hanyang.

Did you ask who they are looking for?

They were so intimidating.

They threatened me when I tried to have a chat, so I could not ask.

Where in the world did my husband go?

He is on his way. I brought them back.

I kept you waiting, did I not?

Goodness, we were very worried.

My lady.

Let us talk for a moment.

Yes, you two should talk.

You need to have a heart-to-heart.

Mak Sim.

I need a second with you.

What? What is it?

Come with me, my lord.

I am scared.

What is with the sudden change of air?

It is a catastrophe.

Why did you want to see me?

Do you have feelings for Man Seok?

Good grief. What nonsense are you spouting this time?

Am I wrong? Last time, you talked about leaving with Man Seok.

And you do not care one bit about me.

Ever since Man Seok came,

you have been ignoring me like I do not exist.

Do you think you have any right to say that to me?

Who are you to say such a thing to me?

I see.

Fine. Since we are on the topic, let us be frank with each other.

- All right. - What am I to you?

What is this relationship that we have?

Are you asking because you truly do not know?

Do you not know what we are, my lord?

Are you being sarcastic?

This is the reason I do not explain myself or ask for forgiveness.

Whatever I say,

you will simply interpret as you fit.

Did you...

ever have feelings for me?

Did you...

ever love me?

Listen... I will study twice as much tomorrow...

for the time I wasted today.

If any of it is insufficient,

I will rewrite it 100 times.

It was just that Do Gyeom was having a hard time.

I only kept him company.

I did not drink at all.

But we might have returned late.

Come now. Please forgive me.

Or did something happen at the legal advocate office?

If that is not the case...

Are my studies adding to your burden when work is already tough enough?

Yes.

It is tough.

I told you it was not going to be easy.

Do not let my studies bother you. I will manage on my own.

The more you act this way,

the more it causes emotional stress.

I am scared of becoming weak.

I do not want to rely on someone.

Being with you bothers me greatly.

It was better when you were not here.

I was better alone.

My...

Kkeut Dong. Have you not seen Master Yun Gyeom? He just left.

He left with speed.

What a catastrophe.

My lord...

My lord...

My lord...

My lord?

My lady?

My lady! Why are you here?

- What? How... - Who are you, men?

- Go away! - Hold on.

You may leave.

I called for those men.

- Sorry? - I hired those men...

to find your father.

They are famous...

for finding people well, even crossing borders...

and visiting the sick's town. That is why I asked for them.

It seems you will sleep well...

only when your father is found.

Oh, good grief.

You see, we agreed to meet at a certain time.

I apologize for rushing out without telling you.

Were you worried I might be getting kidnapped?

No.

Thinking you left for good...

I thought...

my words made you furious and leave.

Where would I possibly go?

I will not leave even if you treat me unwell every day.

I do not know what is wrong with me.

Never once did I receive such love.

Never once did I feel such happiness.

I do not feel these joyful days are mine.

What if everything turns sour? What if it disappears?

What if it is all just a dream?

I am immensely terrified and anxious.

Me too.

I am also...

anxious, terrified,

and more.

So,

rather than fighting,

let us live more happily.

Stop...

telling me to leave when I have nowhere to go.

Do not leave.

Stay with me, my lord.

(The Tale of Lady Ok)

The upcoming special examination is just around the corner.

Will he make it?

- Master Yun Gyeom! - Master Yun Gyeom!

- Win 1st place! - Win 1st place!

We are a genuine married couple and not pretending to be one.

I wish I could unsee that.

As I have no confidence in facing you in person,

I am leaving my lord a letter.

Please stop being troubled by me.

Is the rumor true that he bought the official post with money?

The new magistrate is not doing his job properly.

I simply did as the magistrate told me to.

"The magistrate?"

- Go. - Where is Lady Tae Young?

She went out to investigate the facts.