Original subtitles

CJ Entertainment Presents

Executive Producer JEONG Tae-sung

Co-executive Producers Michelle KWON Simon LEE

Produced by Peter ZHU BANG Mi-jeong

Drought has left the people despondent,

so officials advise the king to arrange a wedding for the princess.

-King Yeongjo's 29th year-

Still no news of rain?

Even after rain-calling ceremonies?

I reduced my number of meal dishes, pardoned law-breakers,

and dismissed servants to suppress yin energy.

1753

What more do I have to do?

Your Majesty, it's due to lack of harmony between yin and yang.

We must properly pair men and women of marrying age to restore balance.

Does the Royal Astrologist agree?

I do, Your Majesty. To set an example for all,

the princess, whose wedding was canceled 3 years ago, should marry.

My thoughts exactly.

So I suggest an open invitation for selecting the groom.

Your Majesty,

the princess is also a woman who must submit to her husband.

To choose a groom from the public is inappropriate.

Please reconsider!

You said this wedding could end the drought.

We should do whatever it takes to put an end to this misfortune.

I hope you'll go along with my decision on this.

The chosen groom will receive a title fit for a king's son-in-law

and also be given an estate in Ganghwa.

The Minister of Rites will start preparations.

Yes, Your Majesty.

Pay upfront! 15 minute time limit!

You should date men born in the year of the snake, sheep, dragon, or ox.

Avoid rabbits, tigers, or horses

because my element is fire.

How'd you know?

This is my third time here. Don't you remember me?

Meow!

Damn! Why are you here again?

No rabbits, they die from heat if they sleep together in summer.

Did you memorize this?

But if I marry an ox, I'll live well with him.

I was so happy when I found out you're an ox.

I'm not a family kind of guy.

What difference does that make?

A 4-year age gap is a match made in heaven.

15 minutes!

Time's up. Next!

6pm, Oct 14, 1721

I have the same birth date and time!

What would you like to know?

See if these two make good business partners.

6am, Mar 11, 1717

Bak... In?

Let's have a look, shall we?

Skillful talker meets bright mind, the two are far from incompatible.

Spare me your wisdom. Just look at compatibility.

Such bad luck today.

Are you trying to insult me?

If you know so much, then you do it!

The earthly branches are ox, pig and, rooster,

and the year and month pillars have water energy.

But the 2 streams of water are held in one bowl.

Judging from this, this person must be a twin.

Good heavens...

But the tiger and horse show animosity,

and the heavenly stem is iron buried in wet earth,

meaning dark and damp energy.

Unfortunately, one of the twins died.

You know my brother died?

Next, the one on the left shows cleverness,

good balance, and fortune.

If he was really smart, he'd be an official.

Official?

But he's only out to make money.

Fire can't crush iron, the rabbit and rooster are contradictory.

Excess greed will lead to horrible fates.

Therefore, the two's compatibility is

excellent.

One gathers customers, the other scams them.

There's no better match for scammers.

Who are you?

Me?

I'm the person here to catch you.

Just let me ask you one thing.

How did you know I'm a twin?

Was it background research?

I want to learn from you. Please, teach me!

I'll do anything. Teach me your secret!

What? So you can scam more people?

Don't judge me. I used to work at the Royal Astrology Office.

I know you were a teacher there.

See?

Look, I'll tell you this.

You use Chinese zodiac to see compatibility. It's not that simple.

Luck changes depending on the person you meet.

The right partner can turn negative energy into luck.

What else?

Study.

Study...

Study?

They're selecting a groom.

They must be desperate to marry her off.

Isn't she the jinxed princess?

Who would marry her?

I'd take her off their hands.

You would!

What's with them?

They're talking about Princess Songhwa.

That name sounds familiar.

Rumor has it just looking at her brings you bad luck.

That's a complete exaggeration.

Have you ever seen her face?

I told you I used to work in the palace!

Not only did I see the princess,

I briefly served her myself.

13 years ago

His Majesty suddenly fell very ill.

To help him, someone of iron element was needed In the palace.

That's why the princess was allowed to return.

The princess was raised outside the palace?

Oh, you act uninterested, but you're listening!

The princess is daughter to one of the king's royal consorts,

but she died while giving birth to the princess.

The child was born with bad luck, so she was sent away.

They chased her off because of her fortune reading

then brought her back because of her fortune reading.

Come closer.

Why is she covering her face?

She has a skin disease.

If I don't see her face, how do I know it's my daughter?

Buttercup!

Even worse, her nanny had conflicting energy

so the two were separated. The poor thing...

Buttercup!

Buttercup, don't go! Please...

Then there was a big fuss trying to remove the princess' bad luck.

Do you know the smell of ginkgo fruit?

Every 3 days, we bathed her in ginkgo and red bean juice.

Must chase misfortune away.

For His Majesty's health.

Mani, they say I smell like poop.

It's because of the ginkgo.

It's mint candy.

Mint smell is strong, so keep it with you.

One, two...

The royal family will be at peace when yin and yang are balanced.

Again!

One...

Amazingly, the king's disease was cured.

From then on, the king blindly believes anything the Royal Astrologist says.

- 82... - 83...

- 84... - 85...

- 86, 87, 88... - Your Highness!

- 89... - 90!

There will be a public selection for the groom!

Your Highness!

Are you alright?

What?

If chosen, how many acres do you get?

A whole estate in Ganghwa!

You'll be given a title too.

High time to change fate, huh?!

Every man imaginable is here.

We should set qualifications.

First, not too much of an age gap.

I'm still young. I want to marry!

Second, no one whose last name is Lee.

Third, four functioning limbs and good health.

What kind of exam is this?

The beans... wait, wait!

The 12 candidates who pass the first round will contend in the second.

Given the urgency of the matter,

the candidates for final selection will appear on feast day.

I was so happy to hear you came to the palace.

How's the wedding coming?

We're on schedule.

You're finally getting married.

The way things are, I feel I'm being pushed from behind.

But I hope to find a match made in heaven like you.

Match made in heaven, my butt!

Sister...

If only that Bak In didn't blabber about heaven and matches.

I wish I could yank his tongue out!

Everyone is talking behind my back

because there's no news of pregnancy.

We're strangers sharing the same bed.

There's no joy in life!

Do you know how lonely it is?

I don't want to have lovers like our sisters do!

They have lovers?

You're so naive...

That's why you keep talking about love.

You haven't seen your husband's face. Where's love in that?

Sister gave me this before my own wedding.

You'll find it useful.

What is it?

Agh! Uh...

It's good. Very good.

If you give it to me, what about you?

I've memorized it.

But what's the point? I can't use it on anyone.

I'm sorry for being so negative.

It's okay.

Just... keep your expectations low.

For your own good.

Perfect, Inspector Yoon.

As always!

Is he the guy?

Help me! I'm innocent!

Take these off!

Let's save time then.

Wait, a little lower. Hit a little lower.

Royal Astrologist Bak In

accepted bribes from state exam students.

I even have proof.

You have proof against Bak In?

Yes, yes.

Arrest Bak and everyone involved!

Take them away!

What are you doing?

Your Highness, Inspector Yoon is here.

Cover up the incident, destroy all evidence,

and you'll be rewarded.

As ordered, I found someone with a broad knowledge of divination.

Who?

Just come out, brother.

You noticed?

Didn't I tell you I don't like you following me?

I do it because you get hurt like this.

Take the medicine.

I'll be blind with or without it.

Stop wasting money on that stuff.

Match made in heaven, my butt!

If only that Bak In didn't blabber about heaven and matches.

You haven't seen your husband's face. Where's love in that?

When did you say you're leaving?

What? Oh.

My sister is all cured, so I decided not to go.

Ah... that's a relief.

Still, it was a rare opportunity. You must be disappointed.

I haven't told the upper palace yet.

Really? Then I have a favor to ask.

No way!

How can you ask me to pretend to be you?

You want to sneak out?

Aren't they trying to find you a groom?

Mani.

I have never lived my life the way I wanted.

I just wanna see the face of the man I'm going to marry.

That's all I want.

But if you get caught, we'll get into huge trouble.

That's why I want to go in secret.

You're the only person I can trust.

Inspector Seo Doyoon, I heard you excel at divination.

If your abilities match those of Bak In,

I'll have you read the compatibility for this marriage.

Woman: 10pm, Oct 4, 1736 Man: 4pm, Feb 29, 1784

Now, judge compatibility for this union.

Both are of wood element, so their characters are similar.

Their union's akin to the left hand meeting the right to clap,

so I'd say it's rather good.

I see... And you?

I'm sorry to say... I didn't read their compatibility.

Why is that?

The woman's pillars suggest there'll be an accident this year.

Pig and dragon show resentment

so her iron energy will cause major illness.

The entire palace is talking about it.

So they'll be reading my match?

Yes.

Inspector Seo Doyoon and Officer Bak In.

Did you find out about the groom candidates?

When the Qing envoy arrives on feast day, they'll be announced.

Really?

I bribed a eunuch.

He'll go to the royal wedding office and look at the list.

Well done!

But I have scheduled tasks that day.

If I'm not there, they'll notice.

I'll do it!

Yes.

- Those broad shoulders! - So handsome in red!

- Who are you talking about? - Inspector Yoon Sigyeong.

The guy who refused to marry Princess Songhwa before?

Yeah. And rightly so.

- Who would marry her? - Poor princess...

Yoon Sigyeong?

Inspector, let's go inside.

Here are the final candidates' birth dates.

The judging begins in 3 days.

Keep them safe until then.

Yoon Sigyeong

Agh, he's not here?

This is killing me.

Where is he?

Your name's on the final list.

It seems so.

Didn't you consider marrying the princess 3 years ago?

Get your facts right. It was

one-sided, and I was considered.

I heard she'd had bad luck from the day she was born.

Who would accept her marriage offer?

I was young, and I thought if I even kissed her,

I'd have bad luck my whole life. So I refused.

I'm curious why you're not refusing this time.

Let's talk about that later.

There's something I want to discuss.

His Excellency wants to see you.

Excuse me.

I thought if I even kissed her, I'd have bad luck my whole life.

Bad luck...

Inspector Seo, where are you?

Over here.

What took you so long? I was about to leave.

I'm sorry.

- Here. - What is this?

The final candidates' birth dates.

The actual list?

I told you to look at the list, not bring the whole thing!

I know that! And I tried,

but it didn't work.

Just take it!

- It's not my problem anymore. - Hey!

Jo Yoosang - Kang Hwi Nam Chiho - Yoon Sigyeong

How do I get this back?

So bored.

Let's get a drink after this.

At the House of Violet?

You read my mind.

Excuse me.

Let's go.

Seo, are you coming?

Yeah...

Your Highness?

Yes.

I packed everything you need.

Got it.

When you get there, my sister will be waiting.

Thank you.

- And... - What?

I packed plenty.

Please come back safely.

Don't worry.

Mani...

Excuse me.

There was no one suspicious here that day?

Not even a shady looking ant.

That's weird. That woman said something different.

What... woman?

You know, that woman in a mask.

Confess while you can.

Please, forgive me.

I needed money, I was foolish!

I stole it but under the order of the court lady!

What's this court lady's name?

Mani. Cheon Mani.

She serves the princess.

Pass!

Next.

Hey! That's my bread.

Stop!

No!

Damn, will this year be dry too?

Man... if Princess Songhwa rnarries, will it rain?

Well.

Brother... I'm hungry.

Just wait a little.

I'm hungry too.

Eat slowly.

Anyway, is it always this empty?

It's because of the drought.

Can I have another bowl?

Sure.

One more, please.

But if Princess Songhwa gets married, maybe it'll rain.

She's too ugly to get married. Wanna bet?

She's really ugly.

Are you saying this because you've seen the princess?

Yes.

She looks like this... and this!

Hey, look at me.

Princess Songhwa looks like me.

See? Told you she's ugly.

Like... serious.

I heard Minister Jo's son will be the groom.

I pity him.

Really? Their son applied?

You know their son?

He's handsome and has a fine presence.

A real man.

Oh, really?

What's his name?

I don't know.

I know where he lives.

Where?

Over there.

Incredible.

You make these and do their hair and face too?

Is it fun?

It's not easy making money.

Something fun is just work when it's your livelihood.

When I get married, let's live together. You, me, and Mani.

I want to talk to you about that.

I know one of the candidates,

Kang Hwi. He's my customer.

Really?

I'll get you two together.

Good.

Here's what you asked for.

Will it work?

Of course.

Anybody home?

This won't work...

Why are you spying on people?

You're not even going to say hello?

You think you can pass as a man with a hat and overcoat?

Who are you?

Get out of my way!

Sorry for this.

Hey! Why are you being so rude?

Give it back!

Where's the list?

What list?

You serve the princess, right? Your name is Mani.

I met the eunuch. He confessed everything.

I do serve the princess, but I don't know anything about a list.

That's all nonsense to me

and possibly slander.

Just admit you lost the list!

Are you threatening me?

I saw you the other night.

More than just saw you, right?

What're you talking about?

I worked my butt off that day!

Go ask anyone about it!

Then why are you dressed like that, and what are you doing here?

I should report you to the palace.

Your sick sister's fine, and you're snooping around people's homes.

The truth is, it's the young master of this house...

The young master?

I've fallen in love with him.

You're a court lady!

That's why I'm hiding my identity.

I wanted to see him one last time.

Do you know what my being here means?

I put my life on the line to do this.

Come on.

Hello!

Candidate 1: Jo Yoosang

I was rude, and I'm sorry.

Let's call it even.

But you're still not off the hook.

So...

what's so attractive about the young master?

Why do you want to know?

Because you risked your life to see him.

He has the presence of a man.

A real man.

Have a cup of tea.

Have a drink.

You can leave now.

Yes, sir.

My father is out, so as the only son of the house,

I welcome you.

Let me introduce myself.

My name is Jo Yoosang.

I'm Inspector Seo Doyoon with the Inspector General's Office.

This is my younger brother.

What have you come here for?

We were passing by and thought we'd say hello.

Is that so?

While we're waiting, how about a fortune reading for fun?

How old are you?

I'll be thirteen in 2 days.

Thirteen years old...

Young master! The master's home.

Oh, excuse me.

Of course.

That's quite an age gap.

You look at least 10 years older.

Maybe 15.

No. Only 6.

- No way. - It's true!

- You were born in the year of snake? - That's right.

- What date? - April 13th.

- What time? - The hour of the horse.

Why are you asking me this?

12pm, April 13, 1737

2am, Oct 7, 1743

Ha... thirteen.

Judging from the reading, I see why you're in love with him.

What...

You're both weak and think too much so you need each other.

It's 'misery loves company.'

Cut it out. I didn't ask you to read my compatibility.

I was moved by your dire love! If you don't like it, fine.

I don't like it, and I don't need it.

I just know when I see the person.

I see. You read faces.

Princess, your meal is ready.

We came unannounced. Thank you for your generosity.

A valuable guest like yourself.

It's my pleasure to have a valuable guest like yourself.

But why is your sister dressed as a man?

Otherwise she would die young.

But who'd believe she's a man?

Brother, at what age... did you get pubic hair?

What? You just talk about anything!

You don't even have hair on your chin.

I need to be a man before I can be a groom.

I have a lot of worries.

I don't get taller no matter how much I eat.

Your time will come for all that.

I actually know a little about women.

I even have erotic art from China.

Wanna see?

When I eat chicken, I get a rash.

Why do you only eat meat?

And you still can't use chopsticks properly?

Sit up straight.

If you eat slouched, you'll never get taller. Just fatter.

Forgive me. He's a precious son born in my late years.

I can't help but dote on him. Please understand.

My wife lives far from here. I have to care for many things.

I see... but why is that?

The mother and son's compatibility is bad.

I was afraid it would harm him, so they live apart.

If you're so weak, how can you be the groom?

I will marry the princess.

It's what my father wants,

and it's how I can see my mom.

But... I'm so pathetic.

Let go.

It's embarrassing for men.

It's not your fault.

What isn't?

Everything.

So don't blame yourself for something that can't be helped.

You will become a man of men.

And I have a secret erotic art collection too.

I'll show you next time.

Now, pour your energy into study and don't worry about your father.

I have good fortune with people.

You mean the Crown Prince and Yoon show excellent compatibility?

Yes,

Your Highness. Yoon's pillars contain intelligence and bravery,

which complement the Crown Prince and will help him become king.

But he still doesn't fit with the princess.

So if Seo interprets...

Stop! I didn't summon you to hear that.

Forgive me.

Turn his pillars into whatever satisfies the king's standards.

Yes, Your Highness.

Only then can we welcome Yoon as the groom, right?

If it helps the Crown Prince, then anything goes.

Did she eat?

She emptied her bowl.

Wait.

This outfit didn't work. Everybody was staring at me.

What about being a book reader?

Book reader?

So what kind of person is Kang Hwi?

He's so handsome everyone falls in love with him at first sight.

Plus, his zither performance will touch anyone's heart.

And that's not all.

Rumor has it he's gifted in other areas too.

You make him sound like a playboy and a libertine.

But women who've seen him just can't stop smiling.

He's funny?

No. When they see his face,

their cheekbones rise toward the sky.

They must be women of easy virtue.

Candidate 2: Kang Hwi

You're late.

Forgive me.

Okhee is sick, so I brought a new book reader.

Alright.

You're the one? Follow me.

Your generosity overwhelms me!

You were right!

If you become the groom, you can't have concubines.

And even if the princess dies, you can't remarry.

Is there still time to back out?

Don't talk nonsense.

But what if you really become the groom? The princess isn't blind.

I'll jump the walls to come see you.

Help me become the groom.

How do you mean?

Read my pillars as the best match for the princess.

You want me to lie to the king?

What an outrageous request.

Don't act aloof now that my father has passed away.

As a kid, you studied the pillars because my father liked them.

You were desperate to win his favor.

I'll never forget his kindness when he took me in.

Then return the favor.

If I become the king's son-in-law, you'll have a man inside.

Also, I've been looking for a doctor in Qing

who can fix Gayoon's eyes.

I'll wait for your reply.

"In the mountains, an old tiger holds a dog in its jaws."

"Teeth gone, the tiger can't eat the dog, only rubs its gums against it."

That's enough.

Come here. Piggyback time!

No, no. With me.

How dare they...! What do I do?

Hop on my back.

You brats!

Listen up!

Conspiracy and treason are punished by death.

Refusing orders is punished by severe penalty and exile.

Don't be sad you're about to die!

- "...yells Chunhyang." - Stop reading.

I've been waiting for you.

- Take a seat. - Thank you.

Who's that?

A master of Taoist sex arts who started here recently.

Really? Taoist sex arts...

Weak heart, timid, cannot achieve great work.

Are you a peeping tom?

You're a real master of the bedroom!

In your case,

a woman with dark skin, small and round face, big eyes,

round waist, and huge...

No! Small breasts will be a good match.

That woman is...

You!

However!

Sir, you should start by regaining your confidence.

This contains great medicine that helps impotence.

This is the pubic hair of

a 45-year old widow whose husband died

on the wedding day when she was 15.

Never consummated.

If you merely carry this with you...

Steady, boy. This isn't the place.

Okay! So... how much?

Oh, really?

Look who's here?

You've become a master of the bedroom arts since we parted.

I was shocked by you then,

so I studied extensively.

Where did you get the widow's hair?

You saw that? Want some?

I don't have a lot left but here.

I want to talk to you later about an important matter.

Just tell me now.

Now's not a good time.

I told that young master about you.

He asked if you could give him a reading.

Can you?

I can't.

He's the mayor's son, and he might become the king's son-in-law.

I heard you're good at reading compatibility.

I have little time. I can only read one couple.

Okay.

- Master, what about me? - Who with?

Over here, master!

Well, how about the book reader?

The book reader...

Tell me your birth date and time.

10am, June 14, 1735.

He can tell her pillars just by looking at her.

The rumors are true.

Slide over.

You're a little tipsy. Let me look at your face closely.

Kang Hwi's pillars have both talent and wit.

His reputation and popularity attract both men and women.

Are you home?

If the two can overcome the obstacles,

they'll have similar minds, share good times and live happily.

That creep...

So tell me. How's our compatibility?

Stay away from that woman.

Why?

It's so bad that I can't even say it out loud.

Together, you two have many harms. Even premature death within 2 years.

Or death by dismemberment from treason.

Stop. You're ruining my buzz.

I beg to differ, sir.

- If you look here... - Shut it!

How many times did I tell you to be honest?

Masters, time to go outside.

What the hell?

Why do you keep following me?

Who are you?

Why did you brazenly come to a place like this?

What? Brazenly?

How dare you...

Stop following me around with your fortune reading.

What's the matter with you?

I don't know why you're always on my mind.

Ugh, it's hot.

Princ... sister!

Are you okay?!

Geez! Are you drunk?

- I am. - How much did you drink?

Hey! You keep your hands off!

How dare you...

Are you alright? Your face is so red.

But I didn't do anything.

Are you alright?

Wait!

Smells nice.

Oh, do you want one?

Yeah.

Here.

- Brother? - Yeah?

Don't you hate sweets?

I guess people's tastes change.

- Huh?! - Um...

What're you doing here?

Hey, you must be hungry. Wait a little. It's almost done.

If you're finished, you can go.

Why are you so rude? Isn't he your student?

Student?

He had a twin brother who looked like me

but passed away.

I almost called him brother first time we met.

How old are you?

I'm 18.

Same zodiac as me then.

Quit the chitchat and go.

I told you I have something to talk to you about.

Do you really think I'm the main culprit behind that incident?

Me, a young inspector, did all that wrong by myself?

Think about your own wrong, not others'.

Those jerks framed me.

Those jerks?

Inspector Yoon destroyed the evidence.

Behind Yoon is Bak In, and behind Bak is...

Royal Consort Yeong.

Do not insult the upper palace!

I had something to show you but forget it.

Fortune reading is the eyes that discern a situation.

But if you're blind, interpretation is worthless.

Brother, the errand boy said a woman sent this to you.

Ow, my head!

That man clearly said... I'm on his mind. What does that mean?

It must be because of the candidate list.

Now that you've returned it, you won't be on his mind anymore.

You're right.

Men are simple.

If they like you, they say it outright.

Really?

Your Highness, you should go back to the palace.

I was going to return today anyway.

I'll just meet one more person.

Appeals from scholars to solve the drought are pouring in.

Hurry and prepare for the wedding.

Yes, Your Majesty.

These were confiscated recently.

They look like candles but are actually a strong hallucinogen.

Why did you call me?

How long should I wait?

For what?

You thought my request was a joke?

Shall I ask again?

I'm sorry, but I can't do it.

That's my answer.

This is the princess' birth date and time.

You'll do a compatibility reading for each candidate and the princess.

12pm, April 13, 1737

Is this really the princess' birth date?

Yes. Something wrong?

Here's the court ladies' register.

Cheon Mani: 6pm, Mar 24, 1740

12pm, April 13, 1737

- Birth date? - April 13th.

- Time? - Hour of the horse.

If Seo and Yoon are cousins, isn't that good for us?

Even if one seems to be on your side, don't lower your guard.

Why? Have you seen his true colors?

We can't know his true colors. That's why we must watch out.

Don't you know I'm only thinking of the Crown Prince's safety?

Why wouldn't I know that?

The Crown Prince is the reason we are here.

What's the matter, my boy?

Oh, my baby!

Why isn't the medicine working?

It's due to the princess, who has come back to the palace.

What do you mean?

When siblings' energies clash, the weaker one receives bad luck.

The princess' iron energy brought the Crown Prince's energy down.

The problem is,

for the king's health, the princess must stay near him til she's of age.

It'll be another 10 years until she turns 16.

What will happen to the Crown Prince?

First, we must separate the princess from those who strengthen her energy.

But the best method would be

to marry her to someone who suppresses her energy

and nourishes the prince's energy, aiding him to power.

Recover soon. I'll leave after I see you eat.

When did you become left-handed?

What is this?

Where on Earth is the princess?

Help yourself.

Candidate 3: Nam Chiho

"Sookhyang left her parents at age 5 and reunited with them at age 20."

"She lived in wealth and honor, and had 3 children..."

Did I interrupt you? My mother loves this story.

I was mesmerized by your storytelling.

What happened to her?

I shouldn't have asked.

It's okay. She's a warm-hearted person.

When a maid died in an accident, she fell ill from shock.

After that happened,

I started paying more attention to the sick and needy.

Such devotion can move the Heavens.

I'll send your pay to Musim in the servants' quarters.

I have business to see to. Thank you for your help.

The kids... they look starved.

Of course, they do. They get one meager meal a day.

Is the storage room empty?

Empty? It's so full it might burst.

Only the young master can open it.

Shut up, you little brat!

Go on, leave.

The princess has left the palace and is spying on the candidates.

What're you talking about?

Why aren't you doing your job?

How did she sneak out?

How can I be the king's son-in-law?

Inspector Yoon...

I'm losing my trust in you.

Take this back with you.

I bought it. Please just accept it.

I'll tell the young master myself.

Mom, I'm hungry.

Start the fire. Hurry.

- Let's eat! - Rice! Rice!

Chiho: 6pm, June 22, 1735 Songhwa: 12pm, April 13, 1737

In Nam Chiho's pillars, the woods are bent.

Wood's energy is life, but later,

the wood will disappear, revealing sharp blades.

Eat plenty.

Insatiable avarice.

He's full of evil thoughts, so his mind is unclear.

Clashing of the tiger and monkey means violence.

He is only satisfied when he cuts something.

Where'd you get this? The storage room?

I'll cut you into little pieces!

The book reader... she brought it.

Ha!

Where's she at now?

Come on.

What's happening?

Hurry or he'll hurt you!

But his mother?

Who do you think caused her illness?

- It was an accident. - No, it wasn't.

Her adopted daughter opened the storage room.

So he buried her in the ground, all the way up to the neck.

Left to endure the scorching sunlight.

Lady Nam collapsed from shock.

Go through here and run. Now!

Go!

- But... - Now!

Go! Go!

Over there!

Catch her!

Catch her!

If she unites with Nam Chiho, she will not avoid disaster.

The blade he wields will ruthlessly cut her.

Do you think I'm stupid?

Don't kill me.

Why would I kill you?

But you insulted me in front of my servants, so I can't just let it go.

Should I gouge out your eyes or break your legs?

Do you know who you're talking to?

If you want to continue living, release me right now!

Let's start with the tongue.

Let go!

Put it down.

If you're passing by, then keep passing.

I'm just teaching an insubordinate a lesson.

Stay out of it.

Get him! Get him!

Step back.

Shhhh!

Let go! Let me go, you creep!

Let go!

Stop!

- Let go! - Why?

They're not here.

Tonight...

Are you hurt?

Why didn't you tell me?

- It's not my blood. - Let me see.

There you go.

Thank you.

Did you make this yourself?

It's buttercup. That's also my nanny's name.

We were separated when I was young, but I never forgot her.

I wish I could tell her that.

It's all wet.

There's something I haven't told you. I'm...

I'll take you back to the palace at dawn.

So you knew?

You didn't hide it very well.

You told me your birthday as soon as I asked.

You visited the candidates.

You couldn't wait?

I just wanted to see who they were.

You were brazen and imprudent.

The upper palace handles the selection anyway.

Instead of doing nothing, I wanted to see what I could do.

So I took a chance.

I want to go somewhere far away

and live my own life.

Get some sleep.

But... the princess? Where is she?

The princess is sick and cannot see you now.

Candidate 4: Yoon Sigyeong

This is a shabby place, but I still serve you with honor.

Do you know me?

Inspector Seo asked me to take care of you.

I'm Yoon Sigyeong.

Are you Inspector Seo?

Your brother has asked you to come home immediately.

Gayoon!

Hello. I've come to take something from you.

What are you doing? Release him right now.

Gayoon! Don't move!

Your brother's life is in your hands.

I'll do what you want. Just let him go!

Create a set of four pillars.

If the groom's pillars have both monkey and dragon,

all government officials will look up to him, but

he will be misunderstood for having a king's destiny.

He will have good fortune but lack real luck.

But if the missing energy is

made up for with children, it'll make the perfect match.

Let's go.

Gayoon...

Gayoon!

I'm impressed.

He made the perfect pillars so quickly.

Now, the only thing left is to become the king's son-in-law.

How about I give you a fortune reading for fun?

What're you doing here?

I'll return to the palace now. I can't wait any longer.

If she asks, these candles are for special guests.

Yes, master.

Deliver this safely.

Bastards of vicious intent...

they have dirty faces and only do dirty things.

If only I wasn't tied up.

Teacher!

Princess?

Your Highness!

- What are you doing here? - Your Highness!

What on Earth happened?

I feel hot...

and so dizzy.

It's supposed to be like this.

Yoon! Yoon!

These were confiscated recently.

They look like candles but are actually a strong hallucinogen.

You should've listened to me when I was civil to you.

Put the sword down!

Your Highness!

Your Highness?

Your Highness!

Your Highness?

Turn around!

Be careful.

Let's go back. Hurry.

What kind of humiliation is this?

You fell for some man and snuck out of the palace?

No, father.

Never. That's not true!

I won't hear of it!

How can you do that at a time like this?

I don't want to see you, so leave.

Yoon claims to have had intimate contact with the princess.

When did this happen?

I'll put him to death right now!

Consider public opinion.

If anything's wrong with this marriage,

the people already worn out from drought will be even more resentful.

Please, don't sacrifice the greater cause for personal feelings.

Inspector Yoon destroyed all evidence.

Behind Yoon is Bak In, and behind Bak is Royal Consort Yeong.

This is a new relationship reading I created.

Love, hate, like, dislike, and... resent.

Resent.

We resent each other now. Let's break up.

I'll change my name.

Call me Malnyo.

'Nyo' makes you forget. I'll forget you.

You'll remember!

We're just not meant to be.

- We think about each other. - No.

- But we do. - What's with you?

You think of me!

The bedroom compatibility...

Did you wash your hair?

With sweet water!

Not rag water?

Oh, you!

You said you have something to show me.

You should've listened when I tried to tell you.

Look.

This is a tight knot.

I cut my nails yesterday.

I knew Bak In would come, so I sneaked these out in advance.

All of his corruptions are juicy.

Here it says Royal Consort Yeong manipulated the princess' energy.

What about Inspector Yoon?

If you don't put it back, I'll call the guards.

Inspector Yoon said you would steal the list.

So he asked me to tighten security.

My master's waiting for you.

For all candidates, excluding Nam Chiho, who committed great offense,

here are the results from the compatibility analyses.

The person with the highest score is Yoon Sigyeong.

Princess, tomorrow is the wedding. Get some rest.

- Hurry up. - Yes, yes.

This house is huge!

Hold on, I'll save you.

Hey! Over here!

Let's go! Ya!

- Stop. - Let's go!

Here's the couple's compatibility results.

Stop there!

I have the results between

8am, Dec 31, 1731 and 12pm, April 13, 1737!

- Stop. - Stop!

Born the year of the water rat, Yoon has wood energy.

The princess, born the year of the snake, has iron energy.

Yoon's energy is full and shows ambition,

greed on top of greed, ruthlessness.

He exploits women and hides a desire to rise to the highest position.

- How dare you?! - Continue.

The ox in Yoon's pillars

clashes with the horse in the princess', showing disputes.

This couple will end up with death, loss of wealth,

and bad luck for their future children.

It's destructive compatibility.

Punish me with death.

I, Seo Doyoon, was abetted by candidate Yoon

to alter his birth date and time.

The compatibility reading I just gave

is from Yoon Sigyeong's real birth date,

and the reading given before

was a fake that I created.

Therefore, this marriage can absolutely not happen.

Is this true?

Your Majesty, why would I do such a thing?

Seo Doyoon insults the court and slanders me.

For what reason?

He's jealous... because I'm the groom.

Seo Doyoon, tell me yourself.

Why did you do this?

I realized that

my mistake could ruin someone's life.

Who is that someone?

The princess.

Take these men away!

Let go.

- Let go! - Inspector Yoon?

What is going on?

Seo Doyoon has been stripped of his title and exiled.

Pardon Seo Doyoon? Are you out of your mind?

I beg you. It's all my fault.

Why would you say that?

I wanted to marry someone I could love and live happily with.

Not just because I'm a princess.

So I left the palace.

What?

The world I saw is one that

changes so quickly all the time.

I want to be brave and protect myself,

to love and be happy.

Father...

please don't send Seo away.

You have feelings for him?

He's the only person who came to save me, not the princess.

He insulted the royal family.

He should've been punished by death, but I spared his life.

If it weren't for me, he wouldn't have done it.

Stop! You're a princess!

For the royal family's dignity, he should still be punished.

Then...

I will renounce my title.

Please, forgive him.

Enough! How dare you say that to me.

You are royal blood.

You are privileged, but there are things even you cannot have.

So stop the silly love talk!

What's left in life

if there's no love?

Seo Doyoon submitted this.

Please, forgive me for submitting evidence so late.

I apologize for this, but

it takes a man who truly understands people to know compatibility.

Your Majesty, I committed crimes punishable by death!

Please, forgive the royal consort

who acted out of her love for the Crown Prince.

Please, understand her deep pain.

When compassion rules,

doors open for Heaven and Earth to join, and wishes are fulfilled.

That is how a person moves the Heavens.

It's raining! It's raining!

Finally, it's raining!

Do you not regret what you told me yesterday?

Father...?

If you leave now, you'll never be able to return.

Do you understand?

Seo is probably at the pier by now.

I'll send a messenger and cancel the exile order.

Father...

What are you doing? Hurry!

The princess disobeyed court law and left the palace.

This offense cannot be ignored, so she'll be stripped of her title,

made a commoner, and banished from the palace.

All records of the princess will be deleted from the annals.

So slow...

Stop!

Your Highness!

Please, don't do anything rash.

Wait! Don't!

There's no other way, is there?

- Your Highness! - It's faster on foot!

What are you doing here?

I missed you!

I missed you so much.

What am I to you?

Have you...

ever seen me as a woman?

Never once have you not been a woman to me.

SHIM Eun-kyung

LEE Seung-gi

KIM Sang-kyung

YEON Won-jin

KANG Min-hyuk

CHOI Woo-shik

JO Bok-lae

Directed by HONG Chang-pyo

THE PRINCESS AND THE MATCHMAKER