Original subtitles

(The Tale of Lady Ok.)

(The following program contains themes, language, imitative behavior and violence)

(that are not suitable for viewers under 15.)

(Viewer discretion is advised.)

(This program contains product placements and virtual advertising.)

(Production Sponsors: Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, KOCCA)

(All characters, locations, organizations, and incidents...)

(depicted in this drama are entirely fictitious.)

What is your name?

My name is Goo Deoki.

Your name is Ok Tae Young.

Become Tae Young in every way from head to toe.

I wish to see you living as yourself.

Hiding for the rest of your life wearing that headpiece skirt...

does not suit you.

Have you forgotten who you really are?

Do you think you are actually Lady Tae Young...

now that we call you our lady?

Never forget this. You are not Lady Tae Young.

And the Goo Deoki who wished to live on the beach with her father...

died in the fire at the inn two years ago.

I am living my young lady's life in her stead.

Hence, I cannot live this life as Goo Deoki.

This is more like you.

They killed my servant, Baek Yi,

and staged it as suicide.

I am reporting...

Baek Do Gwang's family for the murder of my servant, Baek Yi.

Arrest everyone in Baek Do Gwang's family!

- Let go! - Hey!

What do you think you are doing?

By the way, what is...

your name?

My name is...

Ok Tae Young.

What were you thinking, letting things get out of hand like this?

You must be grateful...

that I came to your rescue instead of running away with a man.

My lady, you sure hold grudges.

Yes, I do. What did you say to me?

Do I think I am actually Lady Tae Young because you call me your lady?

I did not know that you were...

so displeased with me acting like your young lady.

It is not that I am displeased with it.

You know that I only said it out of concern.

I am...

not trying to enjoy the privileges that come with being a noble lady.

I am simply trying to do the things Lady Tae Young would have done.

I know that.

I was hiding behind my fear,

and Baek Yi got me out of that place.

So, the people who did this to Baek Yi...

I will never forgive them.

- Mak Sim! - My lady!

- Where are you? - Mak Sim!

I am here.

- There she is. Mak Sim! - What?

Oh, no! What is wrong?

- Did you break your arm? - What happened?

Is your shoulder blade broken?

I have strong bones. They do not break easily,

so you need not worry.

- Be careful. - Gosh, I am truly relieved.

Thank goodness you have such strong bones, Mak Sim!

Hey, stop it.

Anyway, I hear everyone in Baek Do Gwang's family has been arrested.

I know.

How did the magistrate find out and show up right there and then?

The body and the autopsy report were sent back...

before I could even see them?

Sir.

In Cheongsu County, the magistrate never observes...

the autopsy of someone who died by suicide.

That is the custom.

The autopsy report by the coroner in the magistrate's office...

clearly stated that she hanged herself,

so I questioned the wound on the back of her head...

and had the coroner in the upper village take a look.

I am certain that a brain contusion was what caused her death, sir.

Who can hang themselves when they are already dead?

- Right. - Yes.

How come the original autopsy report...

does not mention anything about the brain contusion?

That was...

Please take my life! I was only following orders.

Did the orders come from Special Inspector Baek's family?

- Is that true? - Yes.

Tie him up at once.

We will re-examine the body,

so move her to the office.

Did you arrest us because you believe...

the words of a mere coroner?

Between 9pm and 11pm last night,

where were you and who were you with?

I was packing to get ready to leave for Hanyang.

Then what was your relationship with the dead girl,

Baek Yi?

There was nothing to be called a relationship.

Like I said, Baek Do Gwang chased her.

But they said the opposite was true.

That Baek Yi chased him.

Baek Yi? No.

She had no interest in him whatsoever.

Then perhaps, it was not Baek Do Gwang after all.

The person who killed Baek Yi.

Me?

Are you suspecting me now?

I asked you where you were...

and who you were with between 9pm and 11pm last night.

What do you think I was doing?

I was preparing for a farewell party.

Look, Magistrate.

That wench just wanted to turn her life around,

but things did not go as she had planned,

so she became angry and frustrated and took her own life.

It is getting late.

You may all leave now.

You will pay for insulting my family like this.

Let us go now.

Until the investigation is completed,

none of you can leave Cheongsu County.

Magistrate!

We must leave for Hanyang in the morning!

Then shall I keep you behind bars...

until the investigation is completed?

Who does she think she is? She took off her headpiece skirt...

and said, "I am reporting you for the murder." How dare she!

I heard rumours about her being ugly,

but she looked much more beautiful than I thought.

She is young!

"Anything young is nice to look at." Do you not know this saying?

But do you think...

Special Inspector Baek's family actually killed the servant?

It is possible.

If a lowly servant girl...

seduced my son, I would kill her too.

Even if that is true, they could just pay some money for the servant.

How dare they arrest a noble family...

just because a servant died?

The magistrate will use this...

to limit Yu Hyang So's powers.

That is why he arrested...

Special Inspector Baek's family in front of the servants.

Guilty or not,

we must win, no matter what.

You are absolutely right.

If we lose this time,

all the lowborn rats will forget their place and...

You need to be careful!

Can you not see that we are having a conversation here?

I am sorry, my lady.

My baby is due anytime now.

I am in a lot of pain now.

Look at this.

These rats are already acting up like this.

My lady.

I am a servant that belongs to the government.

While working at one of the local offices in Hanyang,

I heard there was a law that allows...

female servants like me to take a month off upon giving birth.

How brazen.

How dare you speak of the law?

Here in Cheongsu County, we have our own set of rules.

Get back to work at once!

This is why I say how we handle this case is so important.

Should we not come up with a plan?

My husband put them in touch with a legal advocate,

so do not worry too much.

He is the most renowned legal advocate in Hanyang.

I am Bae Tae Rang, a legal advocate.

- What is a legal advocate? - A legal expert.

He carries around a thick law book.

I heard they paid him a great deal of money.

I suppose they are trying all they can to weasel out of it.

Tell us more. Did you hear anything else?

I hear the legal advocate will set a counter fire.

A fire in Cheongsu County?

Is that man insane?

A counter fire? Could that mean he wishes...

to report me because I reported them for the murder?

- What? - What is that?

- What is going on? - You have come to the wrong place.

- My lady. - Is this the counter fire?

- Oh, no. - What is going on?

What is this about?

- How may we help you? - Drag her out!

No!

- Take me instead. - Hey, Mak Sim.

- What? - What is this?

- Oh, no. Why... - Are they really arresting me?

- No! - You cannot take her!

Oh, my goodness.

I am asking you what this is about!

Someone reported this servant...

for falsely accusing an innocent nobleman.

They are investigating the murder at the moment.

What do you mean she falsely accused them?

She will try to flee if they are acquitted.

- What... - The coroner confessed...

that he was bribed,

so they will not be acquitted.

The coroner bit through his tongue last night.

- What? - Come along.

- Oh, no. - My lady!

- Mak Sim. - No, Mak Sim!

- What do I do? - Oh, dear.

- What will I do without you? - Stop!

If you are questioned at the magistrate's office,

say you know nothing.

- Yes, my lady. - Yes, my lady.

Servants who betray their master...

will pay with their lives. You all know that, right?

Ok Bi, tell them that Baek Yi...

was often seen coming in and out of our house.

Yes, my lady.

Dol Seok, come and see me...

once you finish your morning tasks.

Yes, my lady.

Orphans are awfully rude.

Did you kill the coroner as if bribing him was not enough?

I know you were stuck in that detached house all the time.

I see that you have a talent for writing novels.

Why did they take Mak Sim?

Our legal advocate said a false accusation is a punishable crime.

Since she falsely accused my family of murder,

that witch will meet her death too.

Did you bribe the legal advocate to get rid of evidence...

and kill Mak Sim to get back at us for insulting you?

You are utterly clueless.

You did not just insult my family.

You dared to challenge Yu Hyang So that leads Cheongsu County,

thinking that the meagre magistrate has your back.

And you must make me pay...

No, I am not paying you pay. I am setting an example.

There was no murder.

That wench, Baek Yi, had vain dreams and ended up taking her own life.

And you forgot your place and acted up.

Now, you are going to get her mother killed as well.

Come with me.

Is it true...

that you never chased Baek Yi?

Yes.

I do not even know who Baek Yi is.

It must have hurt a lot.

I will send you some aloe. Apply it on the wound.

Please let me meet the magistrate.

I must speak to him.

We cannot let anyone enter without permission.

I have the right to know what is happening with the investigation...

of the murder case I reported.

Like I said, we cannot let you enter.

I will jump over the wall, just this once.

No, I must not. I am a noble lady now.

What if someone sees me?

The situation is urgent. I have no choice.

- Come on. - Hold on a moment.

Goodness. Come on!

- Oh, dear. - I told you.

Young Master?

What? I thought...

you left, did you not?

Wait, what are you doing here?

You tell me first. What are you doing here now?

What are you wearing? And what is with that sword?

You cannot even jump over a wall. This does not suit you.

A wall? Me?

Do you truly have to do all this to chase me?

Think about how I must have felt when I refused to leave with you.

Could you not respect my decision?

- Pardon? - And your face.

How could you walk around like this, showing your face to everyone?

- My face? Why? - Do not tell me...

you also lied to me about the reason you had to cover your face.

Did you make it all up so that I would take pity on you?

- What? - Your job is to make up stories,

but you truly are out of line.

Did you hear about what happened to Baek Yi?

Will you write about this pain of losing my friend this time?

Must you be so cruel?

Look, my lady.

Just call me Goo Deoki!

"Goo Deoki?"

You are a great actor.

You are an incredibly talented storyteller.

Storyteller?

It is my heart.

- No, you cannot... - One moment.

Oh, I see.

I think I know who you are confusing me with,

but I am not the man you are thinking of.

Then who are you?

Are you a soldier working for the government or something?

We are ready.

Are you...

truly not the young master I am thinking of?

Goodness.

What was that?

There is no way he has such incredible martial arts skills.

But how could that man look just like him?

No way. He is... Is it not him?

Maybe it is not him.

Hold on. Oh, no! What do I do? I said all sorts of things.

Oh, boy.

- Father! - Yes.

Father.

You got home just now?

Yes. It is cold. Let us go inside.

Okay.

The rumour must be true.

Yu Hyang So seems to have a lot of power over the county.

Even some people in the magistrate's office obey their orders.

I thought Cheongsu County was known for its clean water.

How did it become such a rotten place?

Actually, someone has been requesting that they do something...

about the problem involving Yu Hyang So for the past three years.

Who is this righteous person?

The daughter of Lord Ok Pil Seung, who is now deceased.

Her name is...

Yes, Tae Young.

She was the master of Baek Yi, the servant who died recently.

Did you hear about what happened to Baek Yi?

Will you write about this pain of losing my friend this time?

She cares about a mere servant's life.

She is trying hard to find out the truth.

What a righteous woman.

Yes.

Do you think it is possible...

to find out the truth behind the case?

(Legal Proxy)

Everyone else turned us down. You are the only one left.

Could you please help us?

I can pay you more if you would like.

Money is not the problem here.

No one can win against Bae Tae Rang.

- Even so, please... - Okay? Goodness. Forget it.

- Oh, dear. - Wait!

My goodness.

(Legal Proxy)

Are you all right?

I am suddenly feeling the urge to take a dump.

Go and take care of it now.

Oh, boy. Move!

Out of my way! I cannot hold this!

They say those who hide are fugitives!

What are you doing? Give it back.

What am I doing? I am trying to make ends meet.

Hold on. We have something to take care of.

I am the daughter of Lord Ok Pil Seung in Cheongsu County,

Ok Tae Young.

Some clever rascals these days are not afraid to act like nobles.

- Let me see. - Oh, she is pretty.

What are you doing?

- She is my type. - You go ahead.

It is okay. Go.

What? What will you do with that?

If you are curious, come at me.

I want to get stabbed by this girl.

- Do you know how to use it? Do it. - Go ahead and stab us.

- Hey! You little... - Darn it!

Hey! Get her!

What was that?

- What happened? - Get her.

Stop her!

Hey, you!

- Get out of the way! - My goodness.

My gosh.

You are quite something. You are no lady, are you?

I am not as merciful as the lady.

- We shall go. - We are done here.

- Bye. - We are leaving.

- Come along. - Oh, my gosh.

What are you...

doing here?

You do not confuse me with the storyteller today.

He is...

not that skilled a fighter as you.

Is that man your lover?

You said you refused the offer to leave with him.

Did you part ways?

I sincerely apologize for that mishap.

I would like you to forget...

all that you heard.

Do I look that much like him?

Unless there was a secret to your births,

you two...

could be identical to each other.

"Identical?"

It means two people look so similar to each other...

that others would be shocked and bewitched.

In other words,

you could be alter egos.

Thank you for your help today.

I must search for a legal advocate.

You called the dead servant a friend.

Baek Yi...

was my one and only dear friend.

A servant girl?

I believe all lives under the sky,

regardless of gender, age, or social standing...

are equally valuable and precious.

Then...

why not give it a try and be a legal advocate?

No legal advocate...

could represent the sentiment you have.

How could I...

I know nothing about the law.

You need not memorize the entire book of law.

Was it Mak Sim?

You only need to save Baek Yi's mother.

Where can I find a book of law?

The magistrate's library has a copy,

as well as the details on how a trial is held.

And the key to that library...

is in my possession.

No official should use that key for personal use.

The magistrate could dismiss you.

I doubt he will do that.

I am Seong Yun Gyeom.

The Cheongsu County magistrate is my own father.

Are you trying to die?

I am bound to die anyway.

They spared me to use as a scapegoat...

if they were caught.

Here.

Kkeut Dong brought it.

My goodness. This precious thing.

The young mistress said it is for you to cure your wounds.

Come along!

My goodness.

Oh, no.

What happened to your shoulders?

Are you all right?

- How could they beat you? - Be quick.

My lady?

It has only been a few days, and she looks dreadful.

What are you talking about? You look even worse.

Eat this.

I asked the jailer for some medicine.

It will help reduce the pain.

It looks terrifying, but it does not hurt at all.

And this looks bad because it is healing.

Look.

Do you see this?

Do not worry about me.

Be sure to watch your health and safety.

Eat this.

It is over there.

My lady. We must go that way.

This way is faster. Do you not know the shortcut?

How do you know the shortcut?

I memorized it when I was last here.

I am good at memorizing.

Will you hurry up?

Why are you so slow when we have so little time?

Are there any characters you do not know?

No.

I studied with my older brother while he was grave-keeping.

Did that brother teach you how to use a sword?

Yes. He taught me,

saying he was afraid I would be left alone.

What are you writing down?

The magistrate carries out the investigation.

In case the suspects try to evade being sentenced,

I will look for laws or precedents that prevent...

Mak Sim from being wrongfully accused.

May I borrow a few more books on law?

I wish to read as many as possible.

Of course. They are over there.

Do you know why I am helping you?

Because I look so desperate, I presume.

I was moved...

to see you jump over a wall and threaten thugs with a blade.

I thought a woman was someone men had to protect.

In you, I saw a spirit strong enough to protect even a man.

I thought that if anyone could do it, you could.

So I decided to help you.

I will make sure to do it.

And in return for your help,

I promise to save you one day.

What are you doing?

Dol Seok vanished?

Get your men to find him immediately.

You must move quietly.

The magistrate will postpone the trial if he hears.

What will happen if Dol Seok went to the magistrate?

Do not worry.

Before he talks to the magistrate,

he will end up like the coroner.

He escaped once before. I believe he got out again.

The ruling is two days away.

Will everything go well?

How about bringing an end to it sooner?

Your insolence...

damaged Yu Hyang So's reputation.

As Chief of Cheongsu,

I was going to punish you severely.

To preserve the honour...

of your family that lived here for generations,

I will close the case only by putting you in your place.

Are you requesting...

a reconciliation?

He is saying he will forgive you.

- Forgiveness? - If you are acquitted,

Mak Sim will be killed.

If the case is dropped before the sentencing,

Mak Sim will be released,

and he will even compensate you for the dead servant.

Accept the offer.

In return, go on your knees in front of everyone here.

Without our father the magistrate,

are they allowed to mistreat a noble lady like this?

For now,

let us see how things go.

Then...

how much will you give me for Baek Yi's life?

In Cheongsu County, a servant is worth ten yang,

and a horse is worth 30 yang.

You will be given 30 yang, which is the price of a horse.

Is that not a generous offer?

On top of that,

how about your house too, Special Inspector?

Including all your land and assets.

Does she have a death wish?

Even all that would not cover Baek Yi's worth.

How foolish of you to refuse.

There is no witness or evidence. Do you not know that?

It is not that there is no evidence.

You got rid of evidence.

Offering to settle before the sentencing...

is as good as a confession.

Watch what you say!

Do you want to be jailed for insulting a noble?

Those who must be jailed are you officials...

and your wives.

According to Article 323 of The Great Ming Code,

it is illegal to try to reconcile a criminal case in private.

And Article 405 says...

there is an additional punishment if you attempt to make such a deal.

The legal advocate...

would have known that.

I will see you at the magistrate's office tomorrow.

What a brave and dignified lady she is.

Do you think so too?

My dear Baek Yi.

This is all she had.

Are you home?

Are you here for more aloe?

Wait here a moment.

I will die whatever happens,

so I came to apologize before I did.

- What do you mean by that? - It is all my fault.

I should be...

the one to die.

What is all this?

What is this? That was you, Dol Seok?

Are you out of your mind? What are you doing?

Are you crazy?

What are you doing?

What is this about? Will you stop it?

Do you think I am doing this because I want to?

I must do as I was told if we are both to live!

Who told you to do this?

Baek Yi.

Where are you?

Why is the young master...

Baek Yi.

Baek Yi.

My lady said...

he must see us together in order to get over you.

No. I will not do it.

What is the occasion?

You asked to see me for once.

Did you change your mind?

No!

Baek Yi.

Baek Yi.

What did you do?

What did you do to her?

Stop it!

You fool.

Was this your idea, Mother?

Did you tell him to kill Baek Yi?

You could not even follow an order and made things worse?

Baek Yi did nothing wrong.

She did not return the feelings I had for her.

Why did she have to be killed when she did not even like me back?

She was a lowly servant girl.

Her crime was that she made you fall for her.

None of our family was here tonight.

I will send the coroner.

Make it look like she killed herself.

Yes, my lord.

What did Baek Yi...

do wrong?

I deserve to die for what I did.

What did she say?

What did Baek Yi say before she died?

Hey, Baek Yi.

What is wrong? Open your eyes.

I would rather...

die like this.

Instead of letting the man I love...

see me get up to no good with another man.

She said I was...

the man she loved?

Then Baek Yi also...

Yes.

Not once...

did she even smile in my direction.

She only pushed me away.

I thought my feelings for her were one-sided.

You were in different social classes.

She forced herself to push you away.

I fell for her the moment I laid my eyes on her.

I was just seven...

when I gave her this pebble as I confessed my love.

It is smooth and white. Just like her, do you not think?

I did not know she had kept everything.

She would have taken them out to look at...

whenever she thought of you.

She refused to leave with me when I asked her to.

That also...

must have weighed on her.

Please do not deny the feelings you had...

for Baek Yi.

Do not say you did not know her.

Please remember her.

I...

I cannot be a witness.

The penalty for threatening someone with adultery is decapitation.

I could never testify against my parents.

Thank you for getting Young Master Baek to meet me.

I am surprised.

I did not know he and Baek Yi were in love with each other.

Young Master Baek...

will not be able to testify what his parents did.

That does not matter.

As long as you have Dol Seok,

you are bound to win.

I am not trying to win.

I am trying to save Mak Sim.

We must punish Special Inspector Baek and his family...

to restore order in Cheongsu County.

In doing so, Dol Seok will die.

He tried to rape Baek Yi.

He should be punished.

A servant must commit...

even the worst crime if his master commands.

Because when servants refuse or stand against their masters,

they die.

Though it may be most unjust,

servants face death when they harm their masters.

Even if they get lucky and escape,

they will have to live in hiding for the rest of their lives...

because once exposed,

they would be killed.

Then how do you plan to save Mak Sim?

I must do whatever I can to save her.

By kneeling before them?

Legal advocates...

do not fight by kneeling.

I do not want them to wear out.

My lady bought these precious shoes for me.

I ought to save them for important occasions.

I just thought...

you seemed too lonely and sad.

Regardless of that man's class, if he really were your lover,

I wished for you to elope with him, so I did what I could.

I wanted you...

to be happy.

Why was I...

so clueless about you?

I am sorry, Baek Yi.

This will go well, right?

- I hope so. - Yes.

Dol Seok is not here.

It seems he indeed ran away.

We reinvestigated the death...

of Ok Tae Young's servant, Baek Yi.

We found a brain contusion on the head of the deceased servant.

We found bloodstains...

in the haunted house on Mount Unbong.

It is clear that the servant, Baek Yi, was murdered.

- Right. - Yes.

Moreover, the witnesses' statements concerning the relationship...

between the servant and Baek Do Gwang are inconsistent.

As we cannot prove that his family was connected...

to the servant's death,

I hereby acquit Baek's family...

of the murder charge.

- What? - What?

Then what is going to happen to Mak Sim?

If they are found innocent, what will happen to Mak Sim?

- My gosh. - Goodness.

- Mak Sim! - My gosh, Mak Sim.

- Mak Sim. - Mak Sim!

- Oh, no. - Are you all right?

- My gosh. - Mak Sim.

- My goodness. - What do I do?

- Are you all right? - Are you okay?

- My lady. - Mak Sim! Are you okay?

- Oh, no. - What will happen to her?

Magistrate, according to Article 359 of The Great Ming Code,

one who falsely accuses must face the consequence of the same charge.

Servant Mak Sim accused my clients of murdering the girl.

Consequently, she must receive the death penalty as punishment.

- They are going to kill her? - Oh, no.

The one who accused Baek Do Gwang's family...

of murdering Baek Yi was me, not Mak Sim.

However, they reported Mak Sim instead of reporting me...

to kill her for dishonouring a noble family...

and to make an example out of her.

That is an absurd assumption.

We are simply asking you to punish her as the law states.

As Mak Sim did not report them for murder,

Mak Sim will not receive the punishment...

for the false accusations.

- That is right. - Yes.

What will happen now?

However, she will be punished...

for insulting a noble family.

When servants insult a noble family, the law states they must be hanged.

If the noble family servants insult are not their masters,

they cannot be hanged.

According to Article 347 of The Great Ming Code,

when a servant insults a member of a noble family,

the family is not allowed to punish the servant...

without reporting it to the authorities to settle it.

However, Mak Sim was...

already mistreated and assaulted by the family.

She had to endure the hardship of being locked up in jail.

I believe finding her innocent and releasing her will be just.

- Right. That is true. - Yes, she is right.

How could a parent not fight back when her child was...

murdered unjustly?

Please take the sorrow of a mother who lost her child...

into consideration.

My son and my family were gravely dishonoured...

because of that worthless servant and your trickery.

Why must he take that into consideration?

I urge you to punish her by death.

Please...

Servant Mak Sim.

According to Article 347 of The Great Ming Code,

insulting a member of a noble family is a crime.

You shall be flogged ten times.

- My goodness. - Oh, no!

- Poor girl. - No!

Magistrate.

She was already in jail. She cannot endure ten lashes.

It seems we have won.

Considering her state, 1 or 2 lashes will be enough to finish her off.

Mak Sim.

My lady.

Oh, no!

- My gosh. This is unbelievable. - Oh, no!

Mak Sim!

- Oh, no. What do we do? - My gosh.

Goodness!

How could this be?

- My lady. - Mak Sim.

- My lady. - Mak Sim!

Stop!

Magistrate.

The one who reported them for murder and insulted them...

was me.

If anyone needs to be punished for those actions,

it is only fair that I face the punishment.

Allow me...

to face the flogging.

No! You cannot do that!

- That is a great idea. - No! Just flog me now.

Magistrate, you must tell them to flog her instead now.

That cannot be.

How could a noble lady be flogged in front of these lowly servants?

Exactly.

Nothing can be more insulting as that. Do you not agree?

My gosh.

Oh, my.

- How can a noble lady... - Goodness.

- get flogged for her servant? - My lady.

- My lady. - Why are you just standing here?

Tie her up and flog her.

Magistrate. Order your men to do their job.

Tell them to flog her!

- Flog her! - I killed her!

Baek Yi...

was my beloved.

Baek Yi...

was a woman I loved ever since I was a child.

Have you gone mad?

- Is that a confession? - A confession?

- My son did not do anything. - Yes. That is right.

I met her in secret and asked her to elope with me.

But she turned me down. I was angry, so I killed her.

Then I disguised the murder as a suicide.

Shut your mouth!

- No. - Oh, my!

That is not true!

Baek Do Gwang confessed to the murder.

We will detain him first...

and then conduct the trial anew in accordance with our protocol.

Dol Seok did it.

Where is Dol Seok? Find Dol Seok!

Dol Seok tried to rape her!

- You saw it yourself, did you not? - Do Gwang!

- Step back. - Do Gwang!

- My gosh. You are safe. - Do Gwang!

Get up now. Are you all right?

My lady.

As of this moment, in Cheongsu County,

noble families will no longer be permitted...

to punish their in-house servants by their own rules.

I have the right to discipline my own servants.

Why are you interfering in my family affairs?

Are you not aware that the national law...

has no place regarding matters of private servants?

In the closet of the magistrate's office,

I discovered an unreported petition from three years ago...

that requested Yu Hyang So to be rectified.

So I reported it to His Majesty despite the passage of time.

"The agenda of Yu Hyang So is to establish order in our county."

"But in serving their own interests,"

"they have been exploiting others and acted with cruelty."

"Servants come from humble origins."

"But they became our people by the power of the skies."

"From this day forward, in Cheongsu County,"

"those who punish the servants..."

"without reporting it to the authorities."

"or those who use government servants for personal reasons..."

"and tarnish the order of our country..."

"shall be punished the most severely..."

"according to the national law."

It is a royal command.

- Oh, my. - Thank you.

Thank you, my lady.

My goodness.

This is great news.

Baek Yi.

In your next life,

be happy with your beloved, a joy you were denied...

in this one.

Goodbye, Baek Yi.

My baby.

Baek Yi...

In your next life,

be born into a noble family.

In your next life, do not be born as my daughter.

Baek Yi...

Why do you think Baek Do Gwang made such a decision?

I suppose he could not deny...

his love for Baek Yi.

Anyway,

congratulations on your first win as a legal advocate.

It will be my first and last case.

Then the reward of helping you will not feel so significant.

You asked me if the man who resembled you...

was my beloved.

I believe...

he may be my first love.

At first, I chose to look away as our circumstances and class...

were not suited to one another.

Afterward, I turned down his offer to elope...

as there was something I had to do.

I always kept the present he gave me and remembered him by it.

So I must have loved him.

I only realized that now.

I am unable to share my feelings with him.

But I did not believe it was right to deny...

or ignore my feelings for him.

Do you regret not leaving...

with him?

You said I was the only person...

you wanted to remember from the days when you were Goo Deoki.

You even want to erase me from your memory now?

Young Master. You should forget me now too.

I am living my young lady's life in her stead.

Hence, I cannot live this life as Goo Deoki.

This is more like you.

Right.

Even if we part ways,

we ought to let them stay together. So they are not lonely.

And when there comes a time that I cross your mind,

will you look at them?

If you do,

I will not feel so lonely.

My lady, they said I could take a break.

This is all thanks to you, my lady.

There is Lady Tae Young!

- Thank you. - Thank you.

- Thank you, my lady. - Thank you.

- Thank you. - We have you to thank for this.

- My gosh. It was all thanks to her. - My lady.

No.

I do not regret it.

Even if I never see him again,

it does not mean my memories with him will disappear.

Young Master Baek was banished to an island I never heard of.

And Special Inspector Baek's family was ruined.

The reputation of Yu Hyang So has been utterly tarnished.

The men who have been providing us with information from the office...

will switch places with the men from Songju County.

To make matters worse,

the magistrate will appoint someone...

to fill the vacant position of Special Inspector.

Pardon?

When we agreed to the appointment of Special Inspector Baek,

you promised that my husband would be the next special inspector.

My goodness. Stop it.

What do you plan to do with your daughter's marriage?

Why are you suddenly asking me that?

The magistrate also has a son who is of marriageable age.

Is that Chon Seung Hwi?

Hello. Shop reasonably.

Why are there so many people at the tailor's shop?

Have you not seen the poster?

The drought has lasted for months now.

I did see it.

But what does that have to do with the shop being crowded?

You see, His Majesty said...

the harmony of yin and yang would bring forth rain.

He ordered unmarried noblemen and women to wed.

So everyone is so busy trying to buy wedding clothes.

You know what? Let us be frank here.

How could the skies tell the commoners from nobles?

Are we not even human beings?

But His Majesty insisted that...

only a noble must marry another noble.

I truly hate this kind of stuff.

Then...

Well, Goo Deoki will probably get married too.

She is a noble lady now.

What a turn of fate this is.

How did you and Goo Deoki come to switch classes like this?

Indeed. Fate is...

quite the nasty thing.

This shop is full of women who cannot stop staring at you.

- Are you still upset? - Yes.

So much so that I even regret becoming a storyteller.

The magistrate wishes to see me?

Yes.

For what? Why?

How would I know? I am not the magistrate.

Hold on.

Could it be...

Maybe, he wants her...

Why would he want her? What do you mean?

Perhaps, he wants her to be his daughter-in-law!

- My gosh. Goodness! - Oh, my.

- My goodness! This is great news! - Goodness.

This is amazing!

We ought to tell our lady in Hanyang right away!

Yes! We must! Goodness!

- I am off now. - Thank you.

- My gosh, this is great news. - My lady. Let me come with you.

- Get out of my face, will you? - Yes, I should.

My lady!

I am so happy.

Goodness. Oh, my!

You recommended her. So you tell me.

My lady.

Would you like to serve as a legal advocate?

Yes, of course! She will!

What did he say?

A legal advocate?

- This was not a marriage proposal? - Mak Sim!

Please continue.

Well...

Good grief.

I want all the people of Cheongsu County...

to have the means to bring a lawsuit...

to ensure there's justice in our county.

So I wanted to ask you to help our illiterate people...

regarding legal matters.

Come on.

I am not sure if I can do a good job as a legal advocate.

You did very well for Mak Sim's case with so little time on your hands.

That was about my servants, Mak Sim and Baek Yi.

For three years, you requested...

to reform Yu Hyang So for the sake of the county.

You even looked after Dol Seok.

Please do not tell me you told the magistrate about Dol Seok.

Which part?

The part where you gave him money...

and helped him flee in disguise?

Stop being mean. Please speak softly.

A man will not murmur.

But if it is known that you helped a criminal run away,

you will be punished...

Seriously. Can you please speak softly?

- You will be... - Those two are ridiculous.

Good grief.

About Special Inspector Baek's incident.

It is my fault for failing to see Yu Hyang So's flaws as its chief.

From now on, Yu Hyang So...

will solely be faithful to preserving the magistrate's office.

I was concerned...

Special Inspector Baek's incident would put a distance between us.

But your generous words put me at ease.

I plan to open my warehouse and distribute relief supplies...

to Cheongsu County's people suffering from the drought.

I am nothing but grateful for your benevolence.

I heard you were to appoint the next special inspector.

If you do not mind, I will recommend three qualified candidates.

How about appointing one of them?

That is a good idea.

Our families just happen to have daughters.

Why not choose a daughter-in-law as well?

Your son is at a marriageable age. Finding him a bride...

is killing 2 birds with 1 stone, no?

Goodness. That, too, is a good idea.

In other words,

you are using my marriage for political purposes.

Do you not agree it is a good idea?

If the special inspector of Yu Hyang So is our in-laws,

you cannot punish them for their wrongdoings.

It is the opposite.

If we become in-laws with the next special inspector,

they will also be cautious. Right?

But you know very well that I do not wish to get married.

It is a marriage ordered by His Majesty.

Go against it, and even Father will get punished.

- But to wish not to get married? - This is not your business.

By any chance...

You have feelings...

for a lady, yes? He does, yes?

I think Lady Tae Young of the Ok Family is perfect for him.

Look at you hesitating. Forget it.

Get married to the next special inspector's daughter.

Is there a person...

worthy of the special inspector among the candidates?

Become the magistrate's wife,

and your father will surely become the special inspector.

More will be guaranteed.

If we become in-laws,

Father will become the chief in time.

Is that right?

Hey.

So you are marrying Lady Seon Hui?

Lady Seon Hui, the prettiest in Cheongsu County?

To choose such a lady when you acted like you had no interest in women.

It is not like that.

I am simply obeying the marriage order.

I know you are happy.

Hey. Your bride is passing by just in time.

Goodness.

The magistrate's son is marrying Lord Cha's daughter.

Unbelievable. What now?

To which man can our lady get married?

I did some looking into.

Scholar Jang's son in the upper town has no marriage arranged.

Think about the reason.

It is because the family does not have a single thing to offer.

And have you seen that son's face?

He is much uglier than you.

Good grief. It was my first time seeing a man more hideous than you.

Oh, my. I feel bad for him.

No. Hold on a minute.

Were you praising me or insulting me?

Either way, he is a no.

Never ask that family again. Understood?

All right, so calm down.

By the way, why did the magistrate have my lady come by his house...

when she was not a daughter-in-law candidate?

It must be heavy.

Please take your time.

To be a female legal advocate. That is very wonderful of you.

Had it not been for my lord, I would not have even dreamed about it.

Goodness.

Various lawsuits have been recorded.

Have a careful read of them.

I expect you to be of great help...

to Cheongsu County.

My lord. Please do not be so formal with me.

Gosh, now.

I will accept the offer.

Oh, welcome back.

I did not know you were here.

I was about to leave.

Please come and ask anytime you have a question.

It is quite late now.

Walk the young lady to her house.

No. It is all right. I have my servant with me.

With the marriage just ahead,

I am worried about unnecessary malicious gossip.

Goodness, that was thoughtless of me.

Go home. It is late now.

Why can you not marry Lady Tae Young of the Ok Family?

That is because I cannot defy Father's wish...

of becoming in-laws...

with the Special Inspector.

Am I not right, Father?

Do not live such a slow-witted life like your brother.

- Let us go inside. - Yes.

Good grief.

My apologies, my lady.

It is all right. Take your time.

- Let us go now. - Yes, let us go.

Judging by sending her home with many gifts,

the magistrate must want to...

marry again after his son's wedding.

I knew it.

They have spoken the same language since Special Inspector Baek's case.

The more I think about her, the more cunning she is.

Since she has no suitable groom despite the need to marry,

she wants to become the magistrate's second wife and wield power.

I guarantee she will join...

and make a mess of the Mother's Sanctuary.

You know that family has a young son,

so why did you go to that house in the dead of night?

What...

How dare a murdered family's daughter...

hit on a man with a filthy body tainted by a bandit?

Do you think that will make you the lady of the Seong Family?

- Mother. - Even a magistrate will fall...

for a young lady if seduced.

If needed, I will look for another marriage partner.

You cannot possibly join the magistrate's family.

Until now,

I have ignored the ill rumours about me and my family...

because they were all false.

But today will be the last day I put up with it.

And what will you do if you do not put up with it?

I will report every single person for defamation...

and make them pay for their sins.

So stop insulting me and my family...

with groundless words.

How is it groundless?

A man clearly saw you dropping by that house.

I went to receive the lawsuit records...

as I was offered to work as a legal advocate.

It will be wise of you to stop speaking ill about the magistrate.

Especially if you are to become his family.

Do not approach that family...

for whatever reason if you do not want to be misunderstood. All right?

What an absurd excuse.

- Let us go. - Such an excuse...

Can you even believe her?

It is not my hobby to eavesdrop,

but I just happened to hear everything.

I am sorry for the misunderstanding...

I caused.

- From now on... - Talking like this...

will cause more misunderstandings.

Please excuse me.

Wait...

- Welcome home. - Father.

Lord Moon became the special inspector?

He was not even a candidate.

The magistrate had no intention...

of accepting the chief's proposal from the start.

To think I would get stabbed in the back.

What a waste of my rice!

What about my marriage?

What will happen to it, Father?

I heard the son was getting married.

But Lord Moon's family has no daughter.

Who is he getting married to?

Tae Young.

Grandmother!

What brought you here without notice?

I was in a rush and could not write a letter.

What is the rush? What happened?

I received a proposal of marriage in Hanyang.

"A proposal of marriage?"

(Marriage proposal)

"I hope you will allow my insufficient first son,"

"Seong Yun Gyeom, to welcome..."

"your very wise, bright, warmhearted young lady..."

"as his wife."

It is him, yes? The magistrate's son, yes?

Goodness, hold on. She is not finished yet.

"No matter what adversity,"

"we will become a solid roof and fence to protect her."

We also promise as a whole family to overcome...

whatever difficulty together.

Please allow the marriage,

and it will be an honour and hope for our family.

Are you certain about this?

Yes.

I wish to marry Lady Tae Young.

You should have said so earlier.

"Gyu Jin from the Seong Family."

- Gyu... Yes! - Goodness!

- It is here! Nice! - This is great news!

Yes!

What splendid news!

- Right? - Great work, everyone!

With this,

we will not be in a win-win relationship with Yu Hyang So.

Having such a relationship with Yu Hyang So was never the plan.

Did you consider Lady Tae Young...

as your daughter-in-law from the very beginning?

If not, why would I have kept her by my side and watched her?

You could have told me right away to marry her.

The one who hesitated was you.

Good grief.

In the first place, marriage is...

taking away the entire life of a woman from her.

So I waited for you to pledge...

to protect her forever...

and make the decision yourself.

I believed Lady Tae Young was too good for me.

I see. Always keep that in mind.

Live happily while taking good care of...

and respecting each other...

and discussing all kinds of matters together.

- Understood. - That is, of course,

only if Tae Young accepts your proposal. Right?

Yes.

What?

Do not tell me...

Why are you hesitating?

That is what I mean.

He is the best father-in-law you can possibly get.

And the groom is the most successful man in Cheongsu County.

Both of you know why I am hesitating.

What if my identity gets disclosed after the marriage?

It will not only be the Ok Family.

The Seong Family will also face great trouble.

You will not get caught.

Your identity has been safe until now. Do not worry.

Nobody recognized you even without the headpiece skirt.

What if I give birth to my husband's child?

And then I get caught.

I will be quartered.

My children will become slaves.

Goodness. Despite not wanting to get married,

did you imagine having children?

You know that is not what I meant.

This is bad.

If you do not get married, I will get dragged away and beaten.

I will most likely die...

after a couple of beatings.

Goodness, my lady.

Either way, it is an order from His Majesty.

You will have to get married to someone.

If you cannot accept the magistrate's family,

you can marry into Scholar Jang's family.

I heard the family would make the son's wife have 12 children.

If anything happens,

I will take responsibility. Do not worry.

Can I even get married...

in Lady Tae Young's stead?

It is not instead.

No matter what others say, you are my granddaughter Tae Young.

You brought justice to Baek Yi's case...

and saved Mak Sim.

That is how you caught the magistrate's eye.

Everything is a fate you have created.

Why are you putting off the marriage proposal?

Are you, by any chance, planning to turn down my proposal?

Young Master.

Why do you want to marry me?

I do not have many suitable marriage candidates, but not you.

You know very well that I have a lover.

You told me you refused...

to go with him and do not regret it.

And if he was a professional storyteller,

you two could not have married...

due to the different social standing.

Since I look exactly like him,

you may think of him as me.

You must get married either way.

From what I heard, Scholar Jang's...

Jang Pil Ju from the upper town was your only other candidate.

Am I not better than him?

I simply have my own reasons.

And you have yet to tell me why you asked me to be your wife.

Among...

all the ladies I know,

I like you the most.

We are like-minded.

And I wonder what you would think...

whenever I do something.

But if you were to marry someone else,

we would not be able to talk at all.

I do not think I can put up with it.

Is that a good enough answer?

Your answer has made it more impossible.

- How come? - What if I have...

a secret that must not be exposed...

to anyone?

Everyone has a secret.

Hide it.

You simply have to keep it from everyone.

I cannot do it.

Then tell me.

I will protect that secret.

You cannot leave in the middle of our conversation.

I am not the one you want to marry.

The young lady with the same ideal as you is not me.

Who is it then?

Is she your other ego?

Do you hate me to the point of acting...

as if you have schizophrenia?

No, that is not what...

Young Master, I am...

truly not me.

I have no idea what you are talking about.

I am...

Kim Nak Soo's daughter...

as well as Lady So Hye's...

(The Tale of Lady Ok)

Please help me.

I beg you to forget about Goo Deoki.

Let us leave this annoying Chungcheong Province.

I cannot seem to leave easily.

I am not sure.

If you must go that far.

Those are all gold.

It was found in that very mountain, Mount Unbong.

All I heard was that this was the last trade.

Arrest the remaining rebels of the mob at once.

Go in. Hurry.

Do you know me?

I am trying to help you.

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