Original subtitles

[Episode 21]

My lady.

What brings you here at this hour?

Forgive me. I thought to send a note.

But didn't want to cause you problems.

Is there something you wanted to talk about?

Actually, I wasn't sure I should tell you.

But you saved my life.

I felt I should say something.

My lady.

Beware of Yi Myonghwan.

Pardon?

You understand? He's capable of anything now.

Be extra, extra cautious.

My lady, I'm not sure what you mean.

Beware of Yi Myonghwan?

Why?

Welcome home, sir.

Uh-huh.

Her ladyship?

She had somewhere to go.

Oh? At this hour?

Please explain.

What are you telling me?

I don't have much time.

I shouldn't even be here.

Just don't forget what I've said.

You've come this far.

Lord Yi won't leave you alone.

Fathe...

What? You'll stop Lord Ko from treating the King?

Just so.

Everything is prepared. Leave it all to me.

Please understand I can't tell you everything.

Just remember what I've said.

Beware of Yi Myonghwan.

You've come this far.

Lord Yi won't leave you alone.

You've got a lot on your shoulders now.

You must feel like crowing over beating me, eh?

But don't get to cocky.

What goes up must come down.

How are you now?

Stop fussing. I'm fine.

You're wearing yourself out with my tonics.

My lord, shouldn't you find out who did this?

Though I think I can guess...

No. Ignore it.

There's no use stirring it up now.

What if it happens again?

We have to hope it won't.

Not for me. For him.

We have to hope this is the end of it.

Hello.

Kwanghyon, did you hear?

What?

About Yun Taeju.

What's that?

You want to change the selection results?

Yes, I do.

But that's...

Apprentice Baek correctly diagnosed the King, not me.

It is only fair that he be selected over me.

What is this?

It's in the past...

Yes, he has a point.

But the results have been announced.

Any changes must be made by the medical council.

Then at least retract my appointment.

What?

I cannot accept the appointment.

I'm clearly not qualified yet.

Look here.

It appears you've heard.

Did you really...

Yes, I declined the appointment.

I clearly lost to you.

A fact I'd rather die than admit.

It won't happen again. Be ready.

Listen, Taeju.

About what you said before.

About my being different and everyone hating me.

And that this fight will never be over.

Does that include you?

Will you stand against me until I quit?

I'm asking.

No. I would see that as a personal loss.

I would lose my chance to beat you.

I much prefer you stay right here to fight another day.

Thank you.

Truly.

Don't be so happy.

I still don't like you.

A difficult choice.

Doctors always are.

This year and the next.

Most important is our criterion.

The clinic has many fine men.

I'm proud of all of them.

Then you're satisfied?

They will revolutionize the clinic.

It's time we got started.

Wait, are you saying..?

What do we lose most of our patients to?

Boils.

And what kills most of our populace?

Again, boils.

Exactly. Boils are that serious.

They are caused by ill-favored energy.

This energy in itself is inconsequential.

But it can infect the skin, the five viscera and six entrails and the bones.

Skin lesions result, as well liver, lung, kidney and other internal tumors.

Boils claim the lives of patients across the land.

Regardless of station or status.

How do we treat it?

The royal house and nobles can afford the best medicines.

But the average person can afford only plasters.

If not caught in time, they will die.

This is reality.

The disease affects all equally.

But the treatment is far from equal.

Again, a reality.

The clinic is now dedicated to the eradication of boils...

among all our people.

But, my lord, the medicinal herbs are expensive.

Most people can't afford them.

True. We must use acupuncture.

Acupuncture?

Herbs are expensive. Needles are not.

If we work together, we can do it.

Not with money, not with herbs.

We can save our people with acupuncture.

That is why we must make acupuncture a priority.

Treat boils with acupuncture?

Yes. Lord Ko had a reason for his reforms.

He wants to focus on research and education for treating boils.

But acupuncture has very few uses in boil treatment.

Skin boils, yes, we can vacate the pus.

But acupuncture can't help internal tumors.

No, you're wrong.

Have you read Treatments of Swelling?

Pardon?

Treatments of Swelling?

Yes, Treatments of Swelling.

Written by Im Onguk in the reign of King Myong Jong.

In it he discusses acupuncture surgical procedures.

Surgical procedures?

As in opening up the body like we do with animals?

Exactly.

Unfortunately it was lost during the Imjin War.

After that it was regarded as impossible by doctors.

But I believe that we can discover Im Onguk's procedure.

Of course, it hasn't been studied for years...

Due to the lack of money.

Acupuncture doesn't bring in money like herbs.

Exactly. Right again.

That's why doctors ignore acupuncture.

And so the poor die from lack of money.

This is Lord Ko's vision.

To improve acupuncture techniques.

So none need die for lack of money.

May I study as well?

May I study at the new techniques under Lord Ko?

Yes, of course you may.

Pssh, acupuncture?

Talk about an obscure branch of study.

No kidding. Everyone knows medicine is based in herbs.

True.

And treating boils with acupuncture?

Needles? C'mon...

Is that possible? Boils... with acupuncture?

Here you are.

Huh?

Nurse.

I heard. The new school for treating boils.

Will you be studying here too?

You think you get to do it alone?

Just you wait.

Before you know it, I'll be treating livers.

Then lungs, kidneys, you name it, whack-whack-whack.

Don't kid yourself.

I've opened up many an animal in my day.

Are animals people?

We'll just see who comes out on top.

Fine.

Five gold coins to the first one.

Five-by-five, that's ten.

Ah-hah, a gambler.

You got it. Deal.

Deal.

Can you handle it? Ten in gold is a lot of money.

Just petty cash.

It's fine, since it will be mine.

Who says? It's mine, so there.

Just don't cry.

Don't you cry.

What was that? Five-by-five?

Gimme, gimme, gimme, some girl you are.

- Stop. - What was that?

- Five-by-five? - Stop.

- Ouch. - Some man you are.

If it hurts, it hurts, if it doesn't, it doesn't.

A snowball fight then?

Snow? I got your snow right here.

I got YOUR snow...

They look happy.

No thought of status or station.

If only it could last.

Perhaps.

But I doubt it.

It can't be denied.

Status and station are different.

You may hope otherwise,

but sooner or later,

it will end in pain.

Enough.

Snowballs? You ready?

Snow this, hair-boy. Stop already.

Get your hands wet, come on.

He'll be back by mid-winter.

Chef Oh Jangbak's friend has retired to the country.

Once we find him, we'll have our answers.

What's this used for?

I don't know, what's it used for?

Incisions, maybe?

It looks like a knife.

Mid-winter is in a few days.

What will happen then?

If the facts can no longer be denied...

what then?

You're way too rough. Some acupuncturist.

What? A lantern festival?

Yes, Your Majesty.

They have it every year at the winter solstice.

I would love to go see it.

Princess.

Your Majesty, why not?

It's a lovely sight.

Your Majesty and I have seen it.

But the princess has not.

My point exactly.

No foolishness this time?

Your Majesty, foolishness?

I'm not the old Sukhwi.

Woohoo!

Any luck? Shall we prepare for the worst?

Hush, you. She gave her permission.

This isn't fitting for a lady, much less a princess.

- To ask first... - Shhh.

Hush, you. Someone might hear.

Your Highness.

Say what you like,

my mind is made up.

I'm going to tell Doctor Baek how I feel.

I'm sorry to report that his lordship is unwell.

I see.

I bring solstice greetings.

And this.

I was instructed not to accept... any...

What?

How dare he treat you this way?

Forget it. Don't make a scene.

But my lord...

No.

The viceroy won't hurt me.

He knows what I hold in my hands.

He doesn't dare.

Do you dare be so inhospitable.

I have to be.

It's nothing compared to the disgrace he caused me.

Still, he's the guardian of the House of Kang.

Better to placate that kind of money and power...

That's what bothers me.

I won't miss that arrogant twit.

But Kang Jinyong is another matter.

Yes...

Is it true that Jinyong...

is marrying his son?

What?

You're going to tell Apprentice Baek what?

Your feelings?

Yes. All of my feelings.

Your Highness.

What?

You're against me too?

Unfitting for a lady or a princess?

No, Your Highness, it's not that...

I don't really know what to say.

But you're not against it?

You approve?

Thanks. I knew I could count on you.

You're open-minded.

But what brought this on now?

It's been a long time coming.

It's been so hard, hiding it because of who I am.

I couldn't tell him how I felt...

...and had to act differently.

That's all I want. I know it can't be anything more.

I just want to be with him, to be open and honest.

To show him I care.

Ring out the old year, get it?

You two go. I have too much to do.

Kwanghyon, come on.

We need you for the honeys.

He's right. What does a day matter?

You skipped enough of my classes.

I can't. I have class tomorrow.

You know what a chance this is for guys like us?

All those people, all those honeys,

all so natural and easy...

I've waited all year for this.

He has to get married.

I can't argue with that.

All right, all right, fine...

Yeah? You mean it?

Kwanghyon, come here.

Her ladyship is outside.

Huh? The nurse?

Nurse.

Ah, hello. Doing all right?

What? You just saw me.

Ah, right, I did, didn't I?

What is it? Something wrong?

The house...

Um...

"Um" what? Nurse?

Um...

Come-to-the-lantern-festival-with-me.

Huh?

What?

You know, for the winter solstice.

You know?

Sure I know.

You mean you and me... together?

Yes. But if you don't want to...

Of course I do.

Of course, no question.

Who says I don't want to?

Sure I do.

I mean, it's not just anyone, it's you.

Huh?

But wait a minute, my clothes...

I'll be right out. I just need to change, all right?

Wait, it's snowing. Want to wait inside?

No, I'll wait here.

You're sure?

Just a minute. I'll be really quick.

Kwanghyon, let's go.

Sorry, you're on your own.

What about the honeys?

Just remember this. Don't stare.

Glance... glance...

Wait, wait.

Glance at what?

Glance...

It's just as well.

We'd lose all the ladies to him.

Uh-huh, this from the hold fart.

The last time...

You chased ‘em off, you.

Listen to you.

Come in and have some nice warm porridge.

Porridge is for old farts!

Oh, a dragon, a phoenix, a fish, how fun.

It's no big deal.

Want me to make you one?

Pssh.

Why the face? Think I can't?

I'm Lord Dexterity.

I can make one in a snap.

I'm sure.

I came here once as a kid.

This your first time?

I came once with Songha.

A long time ago.

Oh, and one other time.

With him.

The young lord?

No.

Oh, a shoe shop.

So pretty.

Huh, you're such a girl.

You and your shoes.

What? See something you like?

This?

This?

No.

Tell me. I'll get you a pair.

Not those sandals?

Come on, I can afford it.

Let's go. I'm hungry.

But these are pretty...

Make it seem natural, by accident, all right?

Please, Jinyong.

It's getting late.

Let's go that way.

That way?

There's lots to see over there.

All right. Anything the lady likes.

Thanks.

Wait!

Be careful...

Where are they? It's time.

Oh, there they are.

Where? Where?

Your Highness.

Right, right.

One, two, three.

Jinyong.

Your Highness.

Your Highness, how..?

Oh, my, what a coincidence.

Hello, Doctor Baek.

Y-Your Highness, I trust you're well?

Yes.

You're here for the festival?

I am, too.

Huh?

Oh, I see...

Of all the people here...

It must be fate.

It must be, with all the people here.

Just as you say.

Thank you. I'll never forget this.

Not at all.

Officer Mah, fate is funny, huh?

And persistent and scary.

Huh?

Try not to be too shocked.

Doctor Baek.

Sorry. Been waiting long?

Not at all.

Where is Nurse Kang..?

Hm? Oh, uh, she had to go.

Oh, really? To the clinic?

Who knows?

It was urgent so off she went.

Without a word..?

Perhaps I should go, too.

No. You stay with me.

Pardon?

It's just, uh, I don't know the capital.

I need you as a guide.

Lady Kwak...

Officer Mah...

Yes, Your Highness.

At your service, of course.

Where would you like to go?

I'm not sure. What's over there?

A famous red bean porridge shop.

Blech, disgusting.

And there?

Oh...

Lots of things. Bread kiosks...

And liquor...

And there? What's there?

Not a whole lot.

Oh? Then liquor it is.

Truly, Your Highness?

This is great.

With the dancing and all.

Isn't it just? The royals come here sometimes.

We might even see fireworks.

The best treatment, thanks to you.

Cause of me?

Oh, I have a present.

Ta-da.

What is this?

Wait. An almanac?

Yes. A gift for the solstice.

This is far too precious for me.

I have nothing for you.

It's all right. Giving it to you is enough for me.

Thank you, Your Highness.

If I may ask, what are the days in red?

Ah, those?

The days we first met.

Pardon?

You know, the trade village.

Ah, that's right.

You remember that?

How could I forget?

I was so happ... er, I mean... surprised.

The meridian nerve.

It protects the heart and the sexual organs.

But if I press harder, your arm will be paralyzed.

I know. So was I.

I'll never forget.

Really? You, too?

Yes, of course.

Doctor Baek...

There's something I want to say.

To me?

Too many people.

Everyone in the capital.

Ow...

Oh, no...

This your first festival?

Stumbling around in a daze...

What, is it so amazing?

Uh-oh...

Their Royal Majesties..?

What are they doing here?

What to do, what to do?

Here now, what are you up to?

Shh, just a minute.

I've got a shop to run.

Why are they here? Why? Why?

It's been too long.

Yes, indeed.

Sukhwi was right, it's nice to get out.

She had a good idea.

Where is she, you think?

I think I know. Jinyong will show her a lovely spot.

Oh? Shall we join them?

In love? Your Highness?

And he's a commoner?

It's been forever.

But I haven't told him yet.

Ah, I see.

Pardon my saying this, but I can understand.

We're as different as night and day,

but I know that feeling.

You?

Yes.

It's impossible.

But you can't help how you feel.

I know that feeling.

I see. So you feel the same.

Pardon?

Your words give me courage.

So... what I mean to say is...

Should we be here? The proprieties...

Why not? You deserve a break, too.

You think?

Sure.

And what about you?

For myself, you mean?

Yes, please.

I'd just as soon retire from the board.

What?

Sure, be done with this and live my own life.

Tsk-tsk-tsk.

I understand.

I have the same thought.

Lady Kwak.

Officer Mah.

My lady.

Where is Her Highness?

Well?

Here we are.

Let's hurry.

As for me...

Well, if you must know his name...

The man I love is...

Your Majesty.

Huh? "Her Maj..?"

Their Majesties. Uh-oh.

What now?

Your Highness?

Come on, hurry. We've got to go.

But, Your Highness...

Quick-quick-quick.

But Your Highness...

Quick-quick-quick.

Wasn't that Sukhwi?

The girl with that man?

I shouldn't think so.

It looked like her.

What is it?

- Hurry. - Your Highness.

Oh, no.

They didn't see me, right?

Are you all right?

If she finds out, I'm dead. Not just me. You, too.

Pardon?

I have to get to the palace.

Go find Lady Kwak.

Yes, Your Highness.

Wait here.

Don't move.

Shoo-shoo-shoo.

Nurse, what's going on? You're at the clinic.

Her Highness? Where is the princess?

Over there.

Your Highness, Your Highness.

Your Highness.

Lady Kwak, over here. Here-here-here.

Are you all right?

You saw? Their Majesties are here.

I know. We have to get to the palace.

Keep an eye out.

Ma'am.

Lead the way.

Your Highness.

Huh? She's gone.

I left her right here.

You're sure this is the place?

You're sure?

Wait here. I'll go look.

Rain, eek, eek!

This way, hurry.

What now?

You left Jinyong in the street?

Yes. She must still be looking for the princess.

What?

So! Jinyong is with who?

Be careful.

It's freezing.

It looks empty.

We can wait out the rain here.

Right.

Cold?

Well, um...

Put this one.

Maybe we can build a fire.

Jinyong, Jinyong!

Anything?

Not that way.

Keep looking.

My lord.

Jinyong!

Better now?

Yes.

Here. This should warm you up.

I'm all right.

You don't look it.

You think Her Highness is all right?

Probably.

If she weren't back by now we would hear the palace alarms.

You look pretty relaxed.

I thought you'd be shocked.

Hm? About what?

What Her Highness said. Weren't you surprised?

Ah, that.

Her guy?

So you know.

Huh?

Of course you do, as close as you are.

That's it? She didn't tell you?

Tell me what?

Nothing.

It never occurred to me that she felt that way.

We're all the same inside, I suppose.

It's impossible...

it's foolish...

but you can't help what you feel.

That's what I envy about her.

She doesn't keep her feelings inside.

Impossible or not,

she doesn't hide how she feels.

Outside these gates...

she's still a noble and you're still a commoner.

I hope you won't forget that.

For everyone's sakes.

At least it cleared up in time.

True. They'd be worried if I wasn't back.

Come on, I'll walk you.

It's late. I'm all right.

It's late so I'll walk you.

Don't be stubborn, come on.

Ouch...

What is it?

Huh? Your shoe...

It happened earlier.

You should have said. You ran around like that?

Say something. You ran around like that?

What are you doing?

Taking off my shoe.

Don't. I'm fine.

What's fine? Your feet hurt.

Wh-what are you?? I'm fine.

What's fine, girly? Your feet hurt.

I'm fine.

Move it over here.

Good enough. A little big, but better than nothing.

There. A little big, but better than nothing.

There we go.

Look at this.

Don't worry about me.

I'm fine. See?

. . . silly . . .

Nothing to it.

That reminds me.

I had a friend a long time ago, the same thing...

Jinyong.

Songha.

Jinyong.

I'm sorry, Father. For all the trouble.

You were with him again?

With him all this time?

Father, tonight...

No. We won't discuss it anymore.

Why bother when you ignore me anyway?

Father.

But as your father I can't have you ignoring the proprieties.

You're to marry Songha.

What?

I'll set a date. You leave the clinic.

Father, what are you saying?

Marriage?

Father.

I asked you not to do this.

I want what she wants...

What she wants?

Who ever gets what they want?

Nobles marry for convenience, they always have.

Father.

I've waited long enough.

I won't have you disobeying me on this.

Hello.

Ma'am.

What happened? You had me worried.

The river froze over.

I was delayed.

Your pardon.

And? What did you find out?

May I look a this one?

So he... he...

Yes, him.

The apprentice is the boy you're looking for.

Oh Jangbak brought the boy with him to the capital.

They stayed with the boy's father.

Later, after the father's death,

Baek Sokgu's name was cleared.

But for now there is no doubt.

The boy you're looking for is Baek Kwanghyon.

It's him, Lord Dojun.

Your own flesh and blood.

He is your son.

Did you hear?

You know the new administrator?

He and Jinyong are getting married.

Really? You're sure?

They're getting married?

You didn't know? Everyone else does.

Except you.

What will she do now?

Will she leave the clinic?

Of course she must.

She never really belonged anyway.

Her Majesty told me.

Jinyong is getting married?

Just so, Sire.

So you're not here about your resignation?

Just about the wedding?

Your pardon, Sire.

A father's conceit.

Of course.

And the date?

I was thinking of next month, Your Majesty.

Hm. She'll be a fine daughter-in-law.

I envy you in a way.

You're too kind.

Congratulations.

You've waited for so long.

Congratulations.

Now your future is assured.

True. Thank you.

So we meet again.

You were with the King?

Yes.

I hear congratulations are in order?

Yes, just so.

We hope to see you there.

It's about time.

Now you'll join the old married men.

Now look...

I didn't say anything, but you had me worried.

Is he going to spend his life with books?

What about a man's needs, eh?

I thought maybe you weren't interested.

But you are. Oh yes!

Oh, dear, look at you.

Just close your eyes and endure it.

Endure? Is that anything to say?

Now, now, it's Songha after all.

You knew him as a boy.

But he's a fine man with a bright future.

That's nothing to sneeze at.

That's not it.

Not at all.

No? Then what is it?

I swear...

I'm not sure if these are the one's she liked.

You.

Ma'am.

A pleasure, Jang Inju.

My lord.

Ma'am, is something wrong?

Ma'am?

We... We need to talk.

There's something you need to know.

What's that again?

Everything is wrong?

Inju.

My lord.

It's great.

You want to show me?

Yes. Tonight.

Fine then.

Yongdal, wait till you meet her.

Nurse.

Then... then...

What's all this?

Wedding presents, of course.

And her? What about her feelings?

What does that matter?

What? She's meeting who?

Eunso... Eunso...

They're arresting Baek Kwanghyon?

Do what now?

It will work itself out.

The proprieties are one thing.

But I can't allow him to go on like this.