Original subtitles

I would like the two trade companies here to be in charge of all the paper trading in the land.

There will be no trade between the government and the trade companies this time.

We'll have the examination candidates be responsible for purchasing their own paper.

Then, by putting us in charge of the paper trade, are you having us create a monopoly over all of the paper sales in the nation?

Yes. You may also select the price of the paper at random.

What is the catch?

Both companies are you pay 30% of the profit to the government as tax.

I suspect that Yoon Tae Won is trying to use the state examinations for his personal agenda.

Personal agenda?

He ordered Jung Nan Jung and Gong Jae Myung's trade companies to take over all paper sales in the country.

In order to take the state examinations, one needs a large quantity of paper. So he is trying to raise the price of paper.

Lets use his plan to have it backfire on him.

Will you think of a way for us?

Yes, sir.

These days, the nation has been chaotic both inside and outside the palace walls, has it not?

Therefore, I plan on making an offering to Buddha by renovating the Bongeun Buddhist temple.

What do you think, Minister?

Your will is my will, Queen Dowager.

But in order to renovate the Bongeun Buddhist Temple, we will need an extraordinary amount of government funding.

Will you be take charge of preparing the funds necessary of renovating the Bongeun temple?

I will humbly accept your order.

I told the administrator of the Ministry of Marketplace Order to prepare the necessary renovation funds.

You mean... Yoon Tae Won?

Yes! Him. The Minister's son.

Your Highness, I will also help in preparing the funds.

You will? Do you have a plan in mind?

Yes, I do.

If you will manipulate the High Priest of the Rites Bureau for me,

I will bring a large sum of money to you as the royal family's funds.

The Head Priest of... the Rites Bureau?

Here are the resources you requested, Younggam.

Good, well done.

Younggam. Madam Jung Nan Jung has sent a message requesting your presence for a meeting.

Jung Nan Jung did?

Did she mention what it was regarding?

She needed her household's fortune read.

Their fortune read?

When it comes to fortune reading,

that is your specialty, is it not, Ok Nyeo?

Come with me. Being acquainted with Jung Nan Jung will be of benefit to you.

Episode 27

Madam, The head priest of the Rites Bureau is here.

- Escort him in. - Yes, Madam.

Welcome!

Madam, long time no see.

You wench! Why are you here?

I'm asking you why you are here?!!

Madam, what is wrong? Do you know this girl?

Why is that wench here?

This girl is our new administrative scholar at the Rites Bureau, Ok Nyeo.

Administrative scholar at the Rites Bureau, you said?

Yes, Madam. She has a profound comprehension of the Confucian Bible,

and her fortune reading skills exceed all the other scholars.

I brought her because I thought she would be of assistance to you.

I don't need any fortune reading done, so you can step outside.

Yes, Madam.

Madam! You weren't wanting your fortune read?

Fortune reading was only an empty reason to get you to come here.

What did you say?

Have a seat Younggam.

Yes, Madam.

I have something I must discuss with you.

Everything that I say from this point on, is something I have already discussed with the Queen Dowager, so take heed.

Yes, madam. Go ahead.

Hey! You're Ok Nyeo, right? Jeonokseo's damo.

Do you know me?

Yeah we do. But why are you in Hanyang?

Weren't you sent to the Haeju provincial office as a government slave?

What do you mean?

You were at the Haeju provincial office as a government slave?

Yes, Miss.

You. You know who I am, right?

Yes, Miss.

What do you mean you were in Haeju provincial office as a government slave?

You were a Jeonokseo damo.

Miss, Madam sent that wench over to the Haeju provincial office as a government slave.

Mother did?

I'm no longer a government slave and am an administrative scholar at the Rites Bureau.

If you were at the Haeju provincial office, then did you perhaps meet with Captain Sung?

Yes, I did. I saw the Captain while he was at the provincial office as a rural judge.

Can you tell me how the captain is doing?

Not too long ago, his father passed away.

I already know that too. Aside from that, is there any additional news on him?

The judge has resigned from his position at the Haeju provincial office

and has stepped away from government posts.

What did you say? Is that true?

Yes, Miss.

Miss! I told you I saw the captain in Hanyang.

I was curious as to why someone who should be in Haeju was in Hanyang.

Wow. He had good reason to be here.

Do you know his residence here in Hanyang?

I don't, Miss.

Long time no see, Miss.

You're right. What brings you here, Head Priest?

I met with the madam for a moment.

- Lets head back. - Yes, sir.

You. You find out where the captain is staying.

Pardon, Miss? How will I find that out?

If I tell you to, just find it out. Find it out no matter the means or costs. You got that?

She's driving me crazy. How am I to figure that out?

This is a big problem.

Is something the matter?

Now she's even trying to control the Rites Bureau according to her will too. I don't know how we can deal with her.

What do you mean by that?

What do you mean she's trying to move the Rites Bureau according to her will?

The Queen Dowager and Jung Nan Jung are wanting to use the Rites Bureau to manipulate the hearts of the people.

Excuse me?

If we disobey their orders, we may be putting our very lives at risk.

I don't know what we should do.

Sungnim. Were you looking for me?

Ok Nyeo has appeared as an administrative scholar at the Rites Bureau.

What?!!

The moment I saw her I had goosebumps spread all over my body!

Do you have any clue as to what might have happened?

I don't, Sister.

She truly is persistent.

It hasn't been long since I ostracized her as a government slave, and yet she has the audacity to stand before me again!

Even so, she's only an administrative scholar at the Rites Bureau. She is not in a position to do any harm to you. So don't you worry.

No, no. She is not one to underestimate.

You have her trailed and have her every move spied on.

Yes, Sungnim.

You're here, Madam.

Ok Nyeo, that wench, has appeared again in Hanyang as an administrative scholar at the Rites Bureau.

What did you say?

Find out every little detail on what happened,

and have one of your people spy on her.

Yes, Madam. I will.

You're here, Minister.

Your Majesty, what brings you here?

I had something to discuss with the Queen Dowager.

Your Majesty, this is my son.

Your son, Minister?

Thank you for today. I'll see you again later.

Yes, sir.

Hyungnim. I'm here. You were looking for me?

Have a seat first.

Did you ever tell me that Ok Nyeo met the King at some point?

Huh? Ok Nyeo met the King?

I'm asking you if Ok Nyeo told you she met the King.

No, never.

If she had, she would've definitely told me already.

But have you met Ok Nyeo yet?

Ok Nyeo seems to have misunderstood you about something.

Did you talk it through yet?

Why are you riding on the coattails of Daegam Yoon Won Hyung's power

to obtain the post of the administrator?

Why are you working with Jung Nan Jung?

Ok Nyeo! It's not what you think.

It doesn't matter why you decided to join forces with them.

What is important is that because of that choice of yours,

many people have already been hurt.

Ok Nyeo! Please hear me out here!

No. No matter what you say,

I cannot accept you like this.

Head Merchant.

Chun Doong, you can step outside now.

Yes, I will.

Bye now.

Have a seat over here.

Yes, sir.

Is the Minister of General Affairs here yet?

No, he isn't here yet. The table has been prepared though.

What does it look like to you, Head Gisaeng Lee?

Does it seem like I've changed?

Yes, sir. You have.

But I believe you need to change a little more.

You still think too much.

If you have put your mind to obtaining power, you need to be a little more cold-hearted.

If you sway because of your kind heart, and make exceptions left and right,

and can't call the shots that you need to,

than all this will be for naught.

A while ago, when I came to the courtesan house for the first time,

the head gisaeng there told me something.

If you are going to fight, then make sure you are strong to the end,

and trample on the enemy so that he will never dream of retaliating.

If you just push them over a little, they will come back at you and put you in a worse position than ever before.

Now that you've already declared war, you need to be clear about everything.

In order to become more powerful, you have to be stronger.

Sir, Daegam Yoon Won Hyung is here.

Welcome! This is the Minister of the Rites Bureau.

Blood is stronger than water indeed! He is a striking resemblance of you!

Is that so? Please look out for him in the future.

Is that even an option?

All the most highest government officials are waiting anxiously for a chance to meet you!

So I'm lucky to have seized such an opportunity so early on!

You wanted to meet with me?

Yes, Daegam.

What for?

- I have something I wanted to ask you. - What is it?

Not too far off from now, I heard that the state examinations will be held. Is that set in stone?

How did you find that out?

Only few of even the highest government officials are aware of that.

Did you tell him, Daegam?

Oh no, I never told him anything.

That is something I found out on my own.

He indeed does take after you, Minister.

To be an effective administrator of the Ministry of Marketplace Order you need at least that much of an information network.

We still need approval from His Majesty,

but the Queen Dowager has already allowed it. So it's almost as if it is set in stone.

But why do you ask?

I have a favor to ask of you, Daegam.

What is it?

For this round of state examinations,

please have the exam takers buy the paper that they will use, themselves.

Is there a reason that we must do so?

As you both know, due the prolonged years of famine, the government funds are almost empty.

During such times, using such a large amount of government funds on state examinations

would put a lot of pressure on you and the Queen Dowager.

You are absolutely right! That is a great idea indeed!

I'll discuss it with the government officials and make the formal decision to do so.

You sure have a brilliant son!

That's great.

Ok Nyeo!

Sir!

Are you prepared then?

Yes, sir.

It's this way.

How do you like it?

This will do. You worked hard.

Lets head inside. They're waiting for you.

I'm telling you I'm right!

That's not it.

Everyone, please be seated.

First of all, I thank you all for being here with me.

Above all, considering the fact that the two we are going against is Yoon Won Hyung and Jung Nan Jung,

and yet you were still willing to participate, thank you.

We just need to be paid as much as we work.

And not only that, it's something Ok Nyeo is working on, so of course we should help!

- You don't need to thank us. - That's right.

I also didn't think much before I came here.

I came because this was a far more lucrative option than staying a general administrator.

As for me, I'm not going to resign from my post at the Police Bureau.

I'm just going to help here and there when I'm needed.

Got it.

Before we officially open the trade company,

there is something you much pay careful attention to.

The trade company we are opening, must be kept secret.

Don't do anything that may reveal our identity.

In the future, all things that will be carried out must be in secret.

Trade companies are all about meeting people and explaining things about us.

How will we operate in secret?

It's going to be hard, but until we have grown big enough

we must keep it a secret.

If we are exposed, we will be heavily targeted and attacked.

We understand. So please tell us what we need to do from this point forward.

First of all, we will buy in all the paper mulberry trees.

Paper mulberry trees? So the trees that are mainly used for making paper?

That's right. It doesn't matter how much the cost is.

As quickly as you can, buy in all the mulberry trees out there.

Gong Jae Myung and Jung Nan Jung's trade company will seek to monopolize paper sales soon.

Before that, we need to buy up all the mulberry trees

and make sure to inflate the paper price as much as possible.

Your Highness, Madam Jung Nan Jung is here to see you.

Please let her in.

Welcome.

Please have a seat.

Did you meet with the head priest of the Rites Bureau?

Yes, Your Highness.

I obtained his word that he will be helping us.

If things go wrong this time around,

the repercussions will be hard for us to handle.

Please pay extra attention as you go about the process.

Yes, Your Highness. Don't worry.

Nan Jung, I'll trust you with this then.

Your Highness, I have something to give you.

Someone gifted this to me,

but it seemed too precious an object for me to possess,

so I thought I would give it to you.

Where did you get this from?

Your Highness. What is the matter?

I'm asking you where you got this!

Five hundred nyang? That's not we agreed on.

Please wait a bit for the rest.

I've put my hands out in all the places I can.

I'll get them soon enough for you, Sir.

Forget it. No need to find more.

Why are you saying this now?

I'll do everything I can to get them to you, Sir.

Five hundred nyang is enough is what I'm saying.

Five hundred nyang? Really, Sir?

I see that you're back to your sense now.

I'll bury this now. This will do.

Thank you.

Thank you, Sir.

I'll never forget this kindness.

Do you remember last time when...

Sir. Did something good happen to you?

I haven't seen you so happy in a while.

Good thing? Yup it sure did.

Let's all go to Mrs. Yeoju's bar after work today.

It's on me.

What happened?

You guys don't need to know.

Alright.

Sir.

Sir, big trouble.

What?

That...

Just say it.

I'm Captain of the Royal Guard, Gi Choon Su.

Which of you is Jeonokseo Constable Yoo Jong Hwe?

I am, Sir. Is something the matter?

Did you give Madam Jung Nan Jung a hair adornment piece?

Yes, it's true. But why do you ask?

Come and arrest that man immediately.

Yes, Sir.

What are you doing? Why?

Gently now! What did I do to warrant this?

Why are you doing this?

What's happening?

Heavens!

What's happening?

Sir. Why are you doing this?

What did I do wrong?

Why are you really... Sir.

Where did you get that accessory you gave to Madam Jung Nan Jung?

That's something I got incidentally.

Tell the truth in detail. Where did you get it?

At the Jeonokseo, Sir.

Where? I said the details.

I don't really know the details to tell you the details.

I really don't know anything, Sir.

Why are you like this, Sir!

Let go of me. What's wrong?

Clerk Ji. Did you have a hair accessory?

What accessory?

It was like this.

With a blue jewel in the middle.

How do you know about it?

I just knew it. What do we do?

It's big trouble.

I was cleaning the clerk's office space.

I saw a hair accessory.

But I didn't know who it belonged to.

So I took it to Constable Yoo for the time being.

I think he's in trouble because of that.

What?

A long time ago, there was a disease going around Hanyang.

There were dead crows spread wide in front of the palace,

and the wells had blood water in them suddenly.

The Rites Bureau attempted to pacify the public sentiment,

and they put a sacrificial ritual on.

But the public sentiment wasn't pacified.

Even worse, the people were even more distraught.

I found out later, but the disease,

the black crows dying,

and the blood well water

were all fabricated.

Madam Jung Nan Jung fabricated all that?

Yes. It was her plot to use the public fear for her political gain.

Then when she said she wanted to use the Rites Bureau

means she will devise another plot?

It seems to be so.

What is her purpose for creating such a conspiracy?

I don't know that yet.

Find my bodyguard, Jae Suh, if you wish to see me in the future.

Jae Suh will let you know how you can meet me.

In detail.

Yes, Sir.

The reason I wanted to meet you is as I said before.

I want to see how the world is developing through you.

Just think of it as if telling me is telling the king.

Tell me anything.

- Master. - What is it?

The head priest said you should leave the palace too as he was leaving the palace.

I have an errand to run outside the palace.

If the administrator who is on night watch is looking for me,

just let him know I stepped out of the palace for a brief trip.

Yes.

That girl is Ok Nyeo. See who she's meeting outside the palace.

Watch her closely.

Yes, Hyungnim.

I'd like to see Sir Han Jae Suh.

I'm Ok Nyeo. He will know me.

It will take a while even if I let him know now. What will you do?

I'm an administrative scholar at the Rites Bureau.

Please tell him he can find me at the Rites Bureau.

Alright.

Ok Nyeo.

Sir!

It's been a long time.

Yes, Sir.

There is somewhere we should go together. Can you make the time?

Court Lady Han is waiting inside.

There's someone you must meet.

How do you two know each other?

Ill tell you another time, but you should go in first.

Follow me.

Yes.

This girl is Ok Nyeo.

Pay your respect. She is a court lady in the Queen Dowager's quarters.

She is?

Have a seat.

Yes.

I have something I must ask you.

Tell me about your mother.

I'm sorry, but why do you ask about it?

May I ask?

Do you remember the name Gap Ee?

Yes, when you were working in the crown prince's quarters,

there was a court maiden who disappeared suddenly.

You said that maiden's name was Gap Ee, wasn't it?

Gap Ee was my closest colleague during our time as court maidens.

I asked you to come because I want to know if you are truly Gap Ee's daughter.

My mother was stabbed by a knife in front of the capital prison

and collapsed there.

Due to my current foster father's help,

she gave birth to me in the Jeonokseo

then died in the process.

Do you know anything else besides that?

This was my mother's keepsake.

It's definitely the pair of rings she received while in the crown prince's quarters.

Is the woman named Gap Ee my mother?

Is your job as an administrative scholar at the Rites Bureau going alright for you?

How do you know that?

Did you already forget I was a spy?

You're right.

Come find me if you run into trouble.

I will do all I can to help you.

After Lord Park Tae Soo died like that,

and when I think about what I did to you,

I still feel heavy in my heart.

Back then, I could only obey Daegam Yoon Won Hyung's orders.

But the situation is different now.

Now I plan to repay my debt to you no matter what.

Let's go.

How do you feel after seeing her in person?

In that child's face,

I saw the old Gap Ee.

I also did.

Should we tell that girl why Gap Ee died?

She is being watched by Yoon Won Hyung and Jung Nan Jung.

I think it's too early to tell her that.

I understand what you're saying.

But do you have any idea who that girl's father might be?

I can't be sure, but I have someone in mind.

Who is it?

When Gap Ee was in the palace,

she was fond of one of the captains of the Royal Guard.

Maybe she's that man's child.

It's this place. That girl went in here.

Whose house is this?

I haven't learned that yet.

Hello there. Do you know whose house this is?

It's Minister of Defense, Daegam Lee Jung Myeong's house.

Lee Jung Myeong?

Did you just say Lee Jung Myeong?

Yes, the house that Ok Nyeo went into was definitely the house of Minister of Defense, Lee Jung Myoeng.

You must find out who she met in that house.

Yes.

We witnessed that girl Ok Nyeo doing something suspicious.

What suspicious act?

That girl is going by Minister Lee Jung Myeong's.

Minister Lee Jung Myeong? Minister of Defense?

Yes.

The more I know about her the more she baffles me.

Why is she going to Minister Lee Jung Myeong's?

We haven't learned that yet.

Soon, our Daegam will get rid of Minister Lee Jung Myeong.

We'll get rid of that wench at the same time then.

Keep keeping a tight surveillance on her.

Yes, Sungnim.

Miss.

Miss. We found out.

We found out the captain's residence!

Where is he?

It's the same house in Hanyang. Their whole family's properties were taken away by the government

except for the house in Hanyang, I guess.

Where is that place?

It's in Gawuidong.

Sir.

What brings you here?

I came to see you.

I have no reason to meet you.

Sir...

I'm sorry. I'll apologize on their behalf.

Sir...!

My relationship with you is over. Please go back.

Sir! Sir! Sir...

Sir...

How pitiful our miss is.

Yes.

Sir. The Queen Dowager's looking for you.

What's it about?

I don't know about that but you should hurry and go to her.

I will.

Did you look into it?

Yes, Your Highness.

Where did it come from?

He said it showed up while cleaning the Jeonokseo,

and he doesn't know wo the owner is.

Are you sure he's not lying?

In my judgment, he doesn't seem to be.

We must find out who the owner is.

Yes, Your Highness.

You may leave.

Your Highness, the administrator of the Ministry of Marketplace Order is here to see you.

Please let him in.

Welcome. Come have a seat.

Did you think of a way to secure the renovation funds?

Yes, Your Highness.

Tell me what your plan is then.

Do you know that there will be state examinations held very soon?

Yes, I do. I've received a report from the government officials.

The paper needed for the state examinations

will be purchased by the exam takers themselves.

And then?

Before that, the trade companies I have preselected will take a hold of the paper market

and sell them at a high price.

The trade companies will give 30% of their profit

to the nation as tax.

Well then.

That is a brilliant idea indeed.

You flatter me.

You are wise beyond my imaginations.

I'll help you in any way you need, so prepare well.

Yes, Your Highness.

Yeoju Daek!

Oh! Ok Nyeo!

Is Chun Doong Orabeoni in?

He's been waiting for you for quite some time.

Head into the biggest tavern room.

Ok Nyeo. Do you have a moment for me?

I heard that you were excellent at fortune reading and physiognomy.

I'm a little interested in physiognomy.

Can you tell me when I can escape being a widower?

I see a lot of men around you Yeoju daek.

Then out of those many men,

do you see the supervisor of the Police Bureau?

You mean.. Supervisor Yang?

No, no. Not exactly him or anything.

You have feelings for Supervisor Yang?

Ok Nyeo! Have you heard of love sickness?

To tell you the truth,

I'm not even able to sleep because I'm wide awake at night thinking of him.

Can you not see how I'm drying up every day?

I got it. I'll set you two up sometime, for sure.

Thank you, Ok Nyeo!

I'll head in then.

Thank you Ok Nyeo!

You're here?

I heard you met Tae Won Hyungnim.

Yeah...

Ok Nyeo I think you are misunderstanding him a little.

In my opinion, Tae Won Hyungnim likes you very much.

When he heard you were taken by the mountain thieves, he went all the way to their headquarters in Chilsung mountains to find you.

Hey, that's no simple task! He put his life on the line!

Stop talking about him.

I asked you to meet me because I had a favor to ask of you.

What is it?

I need to have Man Ok and Man Su help me with something.

Huh?

It's not even hard. You just have to go and beg.

Sheesh that coward.

You punk! We have no time! Hurry!

Hyungnim!

What if I really die?

You sure are a talker! We won't die, so don't worry!

I'm a little worried.

He's there. Lets go.

Sungnim!

You bastard!

What are you two playing at?

You guys walked into your own death huh?

Hyungnim, we committed a crime punishable by death! Please forgive us!

You punk! If your crime is punishable by death, then you should die!

Forgive, my butt!

Aigoo! Hyungnim, I'll do anything you ask me to!

Please let it go just this once.

Why? You're going to stab me right in the back again huh?

No, no! I'm not crazy, you know!

From now on, we will work for you. Please accept us, Hyungnim!

Hyungnim!

Are you sure?

Yes! Just boss us around with anything!

We'll do anything! Come on, punk!

Yes! Anything, Hyungnim!

It's very rare.

Watch it!

I'm sorry. Sorry.

Wow, so pretty. The color is just so!

Where did this come from?

From Ming.

Ming?

The color is so good.

What the heck are you doing?

- What happened? - This wench tried to take your money pouch.

I don't do that stuff, so just let go of me.

Be quiet. I saw it personally. Don't try to deny it.

We're going to the Police Btation right away.

Hurry.

Let go of me.

I said, we're going to the police.

Let go of her.

What?

Come with me for a moment.

What?

Sungnim, where did you go?

I'm glad I ran into you.

Take her and get her dressed up.

Who is she?

She's a pickpocketer from the streets.

What?

Get on up.

Sungnim, who is this girl?

Where did she come from and who is she?

I don't know where she rolled from but she looks so cheap.

Hey! You want to see what a cheap girl can do to you?

What? Who do you think this place is for you to talk like that?

Quiet. Do you know dance and song?

No.

What about poetry and drawing?

What is that?

Have a seat.

My eyes weren't wrong.

What is your plan?

What else? She can be a gisaeng with her looks.

What is your name?

It's Man Ok.

Your name is Myung Sun from now on.

Are you interested in becoming a gisaeng?

What?

With your looks, you can earn a lot more than picking pockets.

You will get lots of tips.

But she doesn't have any skills.

That's something she can learn.

The girls at Sosoroo are not lower class gisaengs that just sleep with the customers.

They are the highest artists who serve VIPs.

If you will work hard to learn,

I will help you become a best artist in Hanyang's best entertainment house.

- How did it go? - It went well. She said I should be a gisaeng.

Good job.

It won't be easy becoming a gisaeng.

Don't do anything that catches anyone's eye and watch your behavior.

I will.

I'll slowly tell you what your duties at Sosoroo will be.

First, get used to that place.

I will.

Where is this place?

Are we still far away?

It's right there.

Hello there.

- Are you the owner of this place? - I am.

How many mulberry trees do you have here?

We have them in the storage and what you see here.

And this whole mountain has a ton of mulberry trees.

I will buy all the mulberry trees on tis mountain and all the wood here.

You are going to buy all of them?

Yes, hand them all to me.

I'll pay you well.

Here you go.

Not just today, but all the paper you will be producing.

We will buy it all.

I got it, Sir.

Chief.

Are you looking for the paper shops?

There's a problem now.

- A problem? - Paper cost has gone up by twofold.

Why? Did it leak out that we were looking for them?

It's not that.

I don't know why, but mulberry prices have doubled,

so paper costs went up by twofold as well.

What?

Mulberry trees doubled in price? Why?

I don't know why.

The paper dealers say this is a first too.

What do we do now?

What else? We need to buy them even if they are expensive.

It's the auditor's order, so we have no choice.

Chief, I'll go tell Tae Won this situation.

So he'll give us a pointer.

Go and tell him or whatever. You guys figure it out.

Why is he like that?

He's still upset at Tae Won, I think.

- Till when? - What are you getting mad at me for?

He takes his anger out at me.

You go and talk to him.

Call him Uncle and do something.

He totally dismisses what I say so what use would that be?

Hey, he sees us as lower than dog crap.

What dog crap is that?

Did you find out why the mulberry trees went up in price?

Someone bought out all the mulberry wood.

Bought out mulberry wood?

Yes. At this rate we will need to buy the paper at three times the normal price.

We will be looking at a loss before we even start this sale.

Why should we do, Sir?

What's the problem?

We can just sell it at an expensive price if we buy them at an expensive price.

The scholars who need to take the state exam cannot take the exam without exam paper.

They will buy the paper at any price.

So don't worry.

Aigoo, Sir.

Sir. What happened?

Yes, Sir.

That thing you gave me.

That jewelry with a gem you gave me. Where did you say you got it from?

What? I was cleaning the clerk's office.

- Clerk Ji. - Yes, Sir.

You know what I'm talking about right now, right?

No, I sure don't.

Jewelry with a gem?

I don't know.

You really don't know?

Both merchant bands bought out all the paper.

They must have bought the paper at three times the price because we bought up all the mulberry wood.

I guess they were desperate if they bought it at that expensive price without reservation.

What's the reason to buy paper at such an expensive price?

That's because they plan to sell at an expensive price what they bought at an expensive price.

The scholars need to buy the exam paper with their own money before entering the state exam.

I will have the state exam cancelled.

What?

How can you do that?

We will get the state exam cancelled, no matter what.

So both merchant bands can suffer a blow.

If there is a state exam, like Yang said,

they can just sell expensively what they bought expensively.

I get what you're saying.

But how can you cancel a state exam?

I really don't understand it.

You looked for me, Sir?

There is someone who bought out all the mulberry wood used for paper making.

Find out who they were at once.

Yes, Sir.

What is it?

Your Majesty, a message came from Ok Nyeo.

She wishes to see you.

I see.

I'll go out secretly tonight, so make the preparation.

Yes, Your Majesty.

Enjoy.

Sir.

Have you waited long?

No. I just got here too.

Let's go inside first.

Yes, Sir.

Where is it?

Follow me.

So, why did you want to see me?

I'm not sure it's a good idea to tell you this.

Just speak with ease.

Sir, do you know there will be a state exam soon?

I thought the king hasn't approved of the exam yet.

Why are you asking about that, though?

Do you know why they suddenly want to do a state exam?

I suppose that's because the royal court needs government clerks.

As I know it, that's not it.

It's not?

The Queen Dowager wanted to renovate the Bongeun Buddhist temple, but because the resistance from the scholars was so overwhelming,

they are opening up a state exam to take the attention away from it.

What did you say? How do you know that?

I can't tell you the details, but a lord I know told me about it.

The issue is that if you want to take the exam, you need to purchase the exam paper yourself.

But the stores are already sold out of it (paper).

So once the exam starts, the test paper cost will skyrocket.

The commoners are already living hard lives. To add that burden is horrendously unfair, right?

Of course.

Sir, I just thought you should know it so I asked to see you.

I see. I understand what you're saying and I'll look into it.

Is there anything else you'd like to say?

Not long ago, at the Rites Bureau where I belong, Madam Jung Nan Jung came.

Jung Nan Jung?

According to the head priest of the Rites Bureau, who met her personally,

she seems to want to use the Rites Bureau to manipulate the commoners beliefs.

Is that really true? Why?

I don't know the reason yet.

If that's true, this can't be overlooked easily. Are you certain?

Yes, according to Head Priest, this wasn't a first either.

Heavens!

Come again.

It's so late already.

Ok Nyeo, after talking to you today, I think I was right to think you are a suspicious girl.

Sir! I'm not!

Just kidding.

I will tell the king what I heard from you today.

I'll do my best to stop those things you worry about.

Thank you, Sir.

Alright. Let's go.

Yes.

Have I been a bother to you today?

No, Sir.

Who the hell are you?

Why are you tailing them?

Tell me who ordered you to do this if you want to live.

- Did you look into it? - Yes, Your Majesty.

It was Jung Nan Jung who wanted surveillance on Ok Nyeo.

I got it. You may go.

Yes, Your Majesty.

According to the head priest of the Rites Bureau, who met her personally,

she seems to want to use the Rites Bureau to manipulate the commoners beliefs.

Your Majesty, the Minister of General Affairs and the Minister of Rites, Jung Sang Ho are here.

- Have them come in. - Yes, Your Majesty.

- Have a seat. - Yes, Your Majesty.

What brings you here?

We'd like to get your approval for the special State Examination.

Here is the summarized report of the time, date, and agenda that the Ministry put together, Your Majesty.

- Your Majesty! - There will not be an exam.

But what do you mean? No exam?

Just as I said.

But, Your Majesty! There is great opposition directed toward the Queen Dowager about her decision to renovate the Bongeun temple!

Under this circumstance, if we cancel the exam too, who is to say what the scholars will do.

Yes, Your Majesty. Please have mercy.

In that case, we can simply not renovate the Bongeun Buddhist temple.

Your Majesty!

The exam is to hire government clerks. It is not to pacify public sentiment.

However, Your Majesty, this exam is propelled by the Queen Dowager.

Yes, Your Majesty. If the Queen Dowager finds out, she will be quite upset.

That's not for you two to worry about.

There won't be an exam.

What? Is that the truth?

Yes, Your Majesty.

Minister of Rites and I tried very hard to persuade him but he just says there won't be an exam.

I'll have to meet the king personally then.

Are you there, Court Lady Kim?

Did you look for me, Your Highness?

I'll be going to the Grand Palace, so prepare for it.

Yes, Your Majesty.

Announce that I am here.

Yes, Queen Dowager.

Your Majesty, the Queen Dowager is here.

Tell her I won't see her.

King, it's your mother.

I'll be coming in.

Don't let anyone in, Chief Eunuch.

King, I'm coming in.

Your Majesty.

Move aside at once!

Please just go back today, Your Majesty.

Move aside, or else!

Your Highness.

King, why are you avoiding me?

I know what you want to say.

But no matter what you say, I won't change my mind.

King!

Sir!

Big trouble, Sir.

What happened?

The state exam won't take place.

What are you talking about? Why, all of a sudden?

The king made the order to cancel the state exam.

The palace is in havoc.

The king did?

Yes.

Ok Nyeo!

Sir.

Everything's turned out the way we wanted.

You mean...?

There won't be a state exam.

♪ Because my floating memories of you may slip away ♪

♪ So I cover them with my hands and cry everyday ♪

♪ As if for you, and only you. Like my heart has stopped. ♪

The Flower in Prison ~ Preview~ ♪ I live through another day. ♪

Is this related to Jung Nan Jung and Queen Dowager?

Heavens! Don't you say that so recklessly or you will lose your life.

What are you trying to achieve here?

Queen Dowager has ordered me to personally manage and prepare the government funds.

That is something the likes of Yoon Won Hyung and Jung Nan Jung would do!

He's truly not an easy opponent.

I will try it.

It's not time for you to step in yet.

Have you thought about it?

Can you help me?

Don't worry. I will do it.