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.)

(Professional Storyteller Chon Seung Hwi)

Oh My goodness!

What's your name, young lady?

- It's Ye Ju. - Ye Ju, huh?

Ye Ju. Got it.

Don't get sick, and don't dream about Seung Hwi.

We'll pick this back up after a short break.

Why are there soldiers everywhere?

They're keeping an eye on any group...

of five or more people.

What's there to protect?

Why do you look so miserable?

Were you up all night dreaming of wealth?

I couldn't sleep, thinking about giving it back.

Why would you return it?

Was my reading that bad?

You'll think that's true when you hear me out.

Did something happen to Goo Deoki?

- That's just how life works. - Yep.

Oh well.

Eat and drink as much as you want.

Thank you kindly.

I heard the magistrate was sick for a while.

It's hard to believe he's gone just like that.

At our age, we need to watch out for early deaths.

Or maybe we're not as young as we think.

If the magistrate were still alive,

you'd have lost this big house.

That would've crushed you, wouldn't it?

Am I wrong?

If he hadn't gotten so hung up on that legal advocate,

he might still be around.

I heard a group of bandits killed her family...

including her father and all their servants.

Yeah, that's true.

- That really happened. - No, just don't.

A woman with bad luck and a hard life...

is bound to bring trouble to everyone near her.

The day I got caught hiding in your room.

I should've just died then.

Or...

I should've been killed by those bandits at the inn.

I survived when my mistress didn't,

and now I'm paying the price.

I was cursed with bad luck from birth.

That's why everyone leaves me behind.

The woman at the inn.

Lady Tae Young, Baek Yi.

Even my father-in-law. They're all gone.

I have no idea where my father is if he's even alive.

And my husband...

You too...

should stay away from me.

I don't deserve to live.

I'm nothing but filth.

You said Goo Deoki was long gone.

You said you'd live as Lady Tae Young.

But now you're acting like...

that same scared woman hiding under her skirt.

Why are you still pretending to be someone you're not?

What?

If you really were Ok Tae Young, would you stand here crying?

Stop living...

like Goo Deoki, afraid of being exposed.

Be the real Ok Tae Young.

You need to tell the truth.

Expose everything...

and get your revenge.

Have some more.

You said you hadn't eaten in three days.

Are you finally full now?

Why is it...

you look even worse?

There, that's better.

It's nice to see you smile.

Did you seriously...

travel for three days just to put a smile on my face?

Did you think I'd come all this way to ask you...

to run away with me again?

Yes.

Man Seok told me to do just that.

He said, stop talking nonsense,

and just bring her back.?

But how could I?

She's married! What am I supposed to do? Abduct her?

Her father-in-law's dead, and her husband's disappeared.

Hey!

Where do you think you're going? Come back here.

- We're having a serious talk! - Yes!

Go bring her back. She's got no one to protect her.

What if she gets caught...

pretending to be a noblewoman?

You're absolutely right.

Hey! Chon Seung Hwi!

I'm heading out. Hold down the fort.

- Don't worry. - Where are you headed?

- Where's that idiot running off to? - He's got urgent business.

- Unbelievable. - Go after her!

Bring her back!

You've got to fight for love!

Go get her!

If it's too much to handle,

running away is always an option.

Not long ago, you told me to reveal the truth and get revenge.

That was barely half an hour ago.

Even if you're the best legal advocate,

you can't just overturn the King's orders overnight.

So, for once in your life, let yourself be selfish.

With your husband gone,

you don't need to carry the weight of the family anymore.

I'll stay at the same inn I was at before for now.

Tae Young, are you in your room?

Do Gyeom.

Why...

What's in the bag?

I heard I've got a relative in Hamgyeong Province.

I'm planning to go see him.

Why on earth would you do that?

Let me leave.

I don't want to bring any more trouble into your life.

What are you talking about?

My father's dead,

and my brother's gone too.

We're practically strangers now.

I can't stay here and burden you any longer.

You're not a stranger.

You're the only family I have left now.

You're all I have left too.

I don't want to leave either.

You can't go. I won't let you.

I'll cry just for today,

but I swear I won't cry again.

I'll do everything I can...

to rebuild our family.

And so will I.

As the Seong Clan's daughter-in-law, I'll restore Father's honour...

and protect our household.

Governor, I've got something important to say.

What is it?

Please search Mount Unbong.

Why Mount Unbong?

The children the Myeongju Guild sold are hiding there.

My father-in-law was going to investigate...

but now the new magistrate should take over.

They're just kids.

Who knows what might happen to them?

You must act now, my lord.

I have other, more urgent matters.

Then what about treason?

Is treason serious enough for you to care about?

Why did you label this...

as treason so quickly?

Why did you...

jump to such a conclusion...

when there's no evidence to back it up?

Didn't you see the notice...

that gatherings are considered treason?

And the hidden room...

was full of signs that treason was being planned.

It wasn't treason.

They were just helping poor kids. Please, investigate again.

Do you have proof? Or a witness?

What were you even doing in that place?

Did Chief Lee from Cheongsu County tell you about it?

No.

I heard it from Mining Inspector Bak Jun Gi.

Welcome, my lord. Please come inside.

You sure like to party a lot.

Your door must be wearing out by now.

But then again, you didn't pay for this mansion, did you?

I'd be showing it off too.

Lord Bak Jun Gi is visiting today.

It's only proper to host him.

Oh, I know. You two are very... close.

He saved your neck, after all.

Wait. You.

This woman.

She's the mother of that girl who died...

trying to win over Special Inspector Baek's son.

Don't you know she's the reason Yu Hyang So was disgraced?

That woman caused the downfall of Baek's entire family.

The guests will be here soon. Let's go inside.

Ok Tae Young is probably plotting her next move.

She might team up with this woman to do something terrible.

Not a chance.

I'll live as quietly as a ghost. Please...

Lady Kim, what if she poisons your food?

Oh no, I would never do something like that.

We should sell her off as soon as...

the Pungchon-ri slave market opens.

No, my lady! Please let me stay here.

It's the only way I can hear about Lady Ok.

Please, my lady.

Did you hear that?

She's definitely going to team up with Ok Tae Young.

Me, conspiring? I'd never do such a thing.

My lady, please.

Oh no.

What should we do now?

What's going on?

Well, Mak Sim...

- Is that true? - Yes.

- Deok Hun. - Yes, Father?

You have a truly great father.

You do know that, right?

Yes, I do.

He drove out the traitors and kept Cheongsu County safe.

I'm very proud of him.

You should be.

Make sure to visit me when you come to Hanyang.

I'll give you all the support you'll need.

Your father and I are sworn brothers.

That makes me your uncle, doesn't it?

All right, take me home, idiots.

- Goodbye. - Stay safe.

Treat him with respect, as you would an uncle.

Yes, Father.

Why are you here so late?

How dare you show up here?

I heard...

you're planning to sell Mak Sim.

So what if I am?

Please, my lord. I'm begging you...

let Mak Sim stay with me.

How much are you willing to pay?

Whatever amount you want, I'll pay it.

A servant is worth ten yang.

But on top of that,

how about your house, land, and all your assets?

What? Didn't you once boast that your servant...

was worth far more than that?

Or perhaps you should kneel, since you refused last time.

Go inside, my lord.

Take your wife with you.

- Yes, Mother. - Let's go.

What are you doing?

Get up right now!

Tell her to get up before the servants see her.

Please, my lord.

If you let Mak Sim stay with me, I promise one day...

to help you, Chief Lee.

I give you my word.

You arrogant woman!

Did you hear her? She says she'll help me.

Please, my lord. I'm begging you.

You'd be nothing...

if not for marrying the magistrate's son.

How dare someone like you...

claim you could help me when you're powerless?

I have nothing for you. Now leave immediately.

Unbelievable.

Come inside.

I should've watched over you more carefully.

I'm such a fool. What was I thinking?

On Baek Yi's death anniversary,

pour some wine where I scattered her ashes.

Once I'm sold,

I doubt I'll ever make it back.

What am I supposed to do now?

How will I survive without you?

When you're strong enough,

please look out for Lady Ok.

Promise me?

Tell her I was sold to a good family so she won't worry.

Don't cry, don't drink too much,

and forget about me.

Mak Sim, run away with me.

Let's find a place far away from everyone.

Do you want to live on the run forever?

Then take me with you. I'll go and be sold too.

There's no guarantee we'll end up in the same house.

Isn't there?

What am I supposed to do, then?

- Poor me... - Listen.

- Lady Ok is outside. - How did she find out?

Which idiot told her?

I don't know, but she came here...

and begged on her knees to that scumbag lord.

Oh no. What do we do now?

This is tearing me apart.

Oh, no.

Were you here all night long?

Please, my lady.

What if we say no?

Then I'll leave with her.

I have to...

bring her back.

She's...

like a mother to me.

I can't lose...

anyone else I care about.

Mak Sim.

I was going to come see you.

What are you doing here so early?

Come see me??

Thank you so much, my lady.

Take her.

Serve your lady well.

Do you really mean that?

Mak Sim.

I thought I'd never see you again.

Oh, my goodness...

Thank you. Truly, thank you.

I swear I'll repay this kindness.

Mak Sim, are you okay?

Yes, I'm fine.

Let's go.

Come with me.

My lady...

Oh, my poor lady...

I told you to sell her,

but instead, you brought her back?

I only did what you wanted.

- What? - I started thinking...

that she might harm me if I kept her here.

Well, fine.

You can afford to give up one servant.

Considering everything you've taken.

What do you mean by taken?

His Majesty the King rewarded us with these gifts.

Oh, of course. That's exactly what happened.

Why do you...

always mock me like this?

If you've got something to say, just say it.

I don't have anything to say.

I'm just wondering if you've always been this clueless.

Could you help me find someone to escort me...

to Mount Unbong?

Are you going...

to rescue the children in the mountains?

If the provincial governor knows there are children,

he might actually help.

Once you've made up your mind, I can't stop you.

I'll ask around and find some strong men to help.

I'm so glad you're here.

I didn't feel right leaving my brother-in-law alone.

I said I'd wait, but she never sent word.

Oh, my goodness.

- Hey! - Why are you just getting back now?

Where were you all this time?

What do you mean, where was I?? Who are you?

Why did you kick me?

That wasn't hard enough to make a fuss, brother.

Bro...

I am not your brother.

This isn't the time for jokes.

I said I'm not your brother. I don't even know you!

Then take off the mask.

My gosh. I told you I'm not your brother.

You've got some nerve telling me to show my face, you brat.

Fine, here you go.

You look like him from behind,

and your voice is almost the same.

Are you really not my brother?

If I were your brother,

why would I insist I'm not?

What were you doing outside this house?

Just passing through.

Do you own all the land here?

How could you kick a stranger without checking first?

My apologies.

I was angry at my brother.

Don't do it again.

Goodness.

He's a bold and clever young man.

- What? - Why'd you hit me again?

Why say again? When I only hit you once?

What happened to you? Were you in a fight?

Are you okay?

How do you think I fared, looking like this?

I bet they walked away without a single scratch.

You're right. I got pummelled at the end.

I told you not to bite off more than you could chew.

If people complain, give them refunds.

Do you think I didn't?

I swallowed my pride and gave them refunds,

but they screamed...

that I bring you back to perform.

They kept the rest of the group as hostages and sent me...

to bring you back.

That's ridiculous.

Why am I so ridiculously popular?

Whatever, we need to go back.

Did you settle things with Goo Deoki?

Is she coming with us?

What? She's not coming?

She has a younger brother-in-law.

- What? - His father passed away,

his older brother left home,

and now he's staying with Goo Deoki at her old house.

How could I bring her and leave him all alone?

- So yes or no? - He has no other family?

I thought you couldn't come to the academy...

because of the three-year mourning period.

We'll mourn when my brother returns.

Did you secretly hope I wouldn't return?

Of course not. I hoped you would.

Now that you're back,

I can blame you for taking first place again.

If you stay away from the academy,

my mother will hound me until I'm top of the class.

I'm glad to hear it.

I'll be staying with my sister-in-law nearby.

I'll come every day and study hard.

Honestly, I feel bad for you.

Your father didn't do anything wrong, but you still lost your home.

That's the risk of being a magistrate.

He couldn't catch the ringleader, so he was blamed.

No, they pinned it on Devoted Hearts House...

to throw your father off track.

There were no traitors.

- What? - That's what I heard.

Apparently, Chief Lee was hiding something.

What difference does it make?

We just need to frame him.

Exactly.

We tricked the magistrate,

so he won't suspect us.

- What the... - Who's there?

It's me.

What did you just say?

What?

I didn't say anything.

Hey.

Repeat what you just said.

Chief Lee hid what?

No, what exactly did Woong say?

He framed Devoted Hearts House...

to mislead your father.?

There were no traitors? That's what he said.

To mislead him??

Mak Sim made some delicious chive pancakes.

Eat some while you read.

I'll step out for a bit, okay?

Are you all right?

My lady.

Did you give the magistrate a proper farewell?

I think my instincts were correct.

- What do you mean? - Chief Lee...

was trying to deceive my father-in-law.

That's why he stopped the search of Mount Unbong...

to prevent the discovery of the Myeongju Guild children.

I don't know what Chief Lee was trying to hide,

but the person who destroyed Hae Gang...

by accusing them of treason...

was none other than Chief Lee.

He didn't eliminate traitors...

but erased evidence proving there were no traitors.

What do you mean by fake?

His Majesty the King granted us these things.

I'm just wondering if you've always been this blind.

So, you've finally figured it out.

Have you been digging gold?

Or have you just become Bak Jun Gi's lackey?

And now you're borrowing money from our in-laws?

I did all this so Deok Hun could have strong connections...

Stop using Deok Hun as an excuse!

Deok Hun...

could've found his own way.

What's done is done now.

You could just turn a blind eye and enjoy your luxuries.

- Why stir up trouble? - My lord.

That troublesome magistrate is gone now!

What's left to worry about?

Are you telling me...

you framed the magistrate to get rid of him?

Even if that's true,

there's no way to prove it. So don't fret.

I personally killed the musician from Devoted Hearts House...

who could've been used as evidence.

Why are you so upset?

What's done is done.

Do you even understand the risks of funding such a scheme?

Do you know what would happen if this were exposed?

Why would it be exposed?

Everything will stay fine as long as you keep your mouth shut.

Withdraw from the mine immediately.

I'll report this to the Royal Court.

That is all I will say to you.

If you do that,

you'll destroy not just our families...

but also our children.

Would you really feel satisfied ruining my son-in-law's future?

And what about your own children?

Unbelievable.

Having our children marry truly was a wise decision.

Please just overlook this.

You didn't know until now.

That's why you could sleep...

so peacefully in the magistrate's former house.

You didn't know the truth,

and you returned the servant to Ok Tae Young...

out of the generosity of your heart.

That was truly laughable to watch.

Where did she go? What's going on?

Was that your pathetic attempt at following me?

I wasn't following you. I was accompanying you.

Do I look like someone who needs company?

Why does it feel like you don't care about me at all?

As you already know, I have a lot to deal with.

Where are you heading?

Wait a moment. Let me ask you something first.

Go ahead, but make it quick, I'm busy.

I heard the musician from Devoted Hearts House,

the one accused of treason, wasn't like most men.

Is that really what you're curious about?

I'm more curious about the connection

between that musician and your husband.

Why did your husband bear the same treasonous mark

as the musician?

You can't tell anyone about this.

Which part?

The part about the mark?

Or the fact that he's not a regular man?

We made a vow to keep each other's secrets...

and then got married.

Exactly.

So why did you reveal your secret about being a servant?

Did you expect to marry him while hiding such a thing?

Marriage is a sacred vow before the gods.

What if I got punished for lying?

Would you take responsibility for that?

Why would you be punished? He's the one who should be punished.

He abandoned you to save himself.

My husband...

left to protect the children under his care.

Your husband should be protecting you, not those children.

Doesn't it bother you that you're not his priority?

Should I be angry? Should I cry about it?

Didn't you come all this way to make sure I wouldn't cry?

Yes, I did. But...

And besides, why do you care about who I marry?

What business is it of yours?

Of course it's my business!

No one else in this world wants you to be happy more than I do.

I need to leave now.

I have plans to carry out.

What plans? Let me help you.

- It's dangerous. - That's exactly why I want to help.

I'm the only one who can help you right now.

Don't you know that burdens are easier to carry when shared?

Stop being so stubborn and let me help you.

I already owe you for helping my husband before.

Please stop risking...

your life for my sake.

But...

Goodness, Chief Lee.

Your wife left a suicide note and disappeared?

She must've been deeply troubled.

What did she write?

She said she doesn't want to harm her children,

so she'll take responsibility for our crimes...

and end her own life.

Oh no. What should we do? This is terrible.

I'll hire someone to look for her quietly.

What if my son-in-law finds out?

- I can't let that happen. - Agreed.

I'll spread a rumour.

That she fell in love with a man from the village...

and ran away with him.

What? That's humiliating!

Exactly. It needs to be. Her son will feel so ashamed...

that he won't even try to look for her.

Hurry up.

- Get on with it. - I will.

This is unbelievable.

Was that Kkeut Dong climbing over the wall just now?

I thought we wouldn't get caught, but I guess we did.

Don't you know we're not allowed outside?

I should tell the lady... No, I'll tell the lord instead.

Wait. Things already seem tense in the household.

Don't stir up any more trouble.

What if you speak up and end up getting punished...

for failing to supervise him?

You're right. That's a good point.

Well, you know Kkeut Dong...

is at that age where he's full of energy and passion.

The girl he promised to marry is waiting at the waterwheel,

ready to sweep him off his feet. Wouldn't you go too?

- At the waterwheel? - Yes.

So let's go drink some of that horny goat weed liquor.

Wait, what? Put the broom down.

Fine.

You know about the liquor, right?

An 80-year-old man had a sip of it,

and he ended up... well, let's just say it worked wonders.

You're all here.

- Kkeut Dong. Take this. - Yes?

It's a map of Mount Unbong.

I drew it back when I used to collect herbs there.

Wow, this is incredibly valuable.

This will be a huge help. Thank you so much.

No need to thank me. I should be thanking your mistress.

Thanks to her,

I was able to reclaim the farmland Deogheung Temple stole from me.

Yes. Thank you.

Right. What about your brother?

Were you able to talk to the watchman?

He'll be keeping an eye on the mountaintop. If anything strange happens,

he'll light a signal fire.

That's great. I really appreciate it.

Everyone, be careful. If word gets out about this...

Don't tell anyone. Got it?

Now, scatter!

Kkeut Dong just stopped by.

Looks like everything went smoothly.

I'm so thankful to everyone.

But is it safe for Kkeut Dong to be out so late at night?

Chief Lee's family is still in chaos over his wife's disappearance.

It makes sneaking in and out easier.

Please keep an eye on Do Gyeom.

We've already gathered enough men.

Why are you insisting on going alone?

If we move in a group, we'll attract too much attention.

If the village looks deserted, they'll start getting suspicious.

I'll come down as soon as I find solid proof.

Don't worry so much.

Are you sure you'll be okay alone?

I'm not going alone.

What?

What's wrong?

You look just like my husband, dressed like that.

What are you talking about?

Take a closer look. I'm way better looking than him.

You're right. You're nothing like him.

In fact, you actually look like a man in that outfit.

I'll take that as a compliment.

Come to think of it, you were also disguised as a man...

when we first met.

You wore a straw hat and sold peanuts...

while making a fortune.

And you were just a lazy bum who didn't know any better.

Yes, that's true.

Wow, I just realized how many memories we've shared.

That day, I gave you my gat ornament.

And we exchanged feelings for each other.

I never did such a thing.

Don't twist things around.

Don't be so cold.

I was happy to see you again,

so I was just reliving the good old days.

Reliving what?

Reliving... You know what I mean! Why...

Could you take a step back? I'm a married woman.

I beg you...

not to misunderstand my pure intentions to help you.

Honestly,

I don't expect you to be much help.

Just wait and see.

When we come down from this mountain,

you'll be thanking me.

You do know what we're doing up here, don't you?

Chief Lee of Yu Hyang So in Cheongsu County...

framed the Devoted Hearts Association...

as traitors...

to hide his activities on Mount Unbong...

and took everything from your family.

So...

I'm here to uncover...

why he did it, what he's hiding on the mountain,

and how he's getting away with it.

Then I'll rescue the children.

After that, I'll find proof...

that the Devoted Hearts Association is innocent.

In the end, I'll restore your family's honour.

What?

How did I do? I sounded like an inspector, right?

I've been writing detective novels lately.

This is what we call method acting.

Method acting?

Yes. Method? Means goblins,

Acting? Means summoning skills.

It's about pretending to be someone else...

by summoning multiple talents like goblins.

- You just made that up, didn't you? - Yes.

I can make up words too, you know.

Method?

The magistrate left some evidence...

in a small temple at the base of Mount Unbong.

This should be your top priority now.

My lord, his hand...

He's lost too much blood.

I'm not sure when he'll wake up.

Oh, merciful Buddha...

The monk will care for Hae Gang.

We should go up now. We need to search for the children.

Young Master.

Do you know how to use that sword?

This?

I've performed sword dances during my shows before.

What do you think?

I asked you a question.

Cool, right?

Go on, strike it.

Wow. I can slice it easily!

To be honest, I've never actually cut anything with this sword.

Could you take your stance again?

All right.

Adjust your footing.

When you step forward,

channel your energy from your core.

Imagine pushing that energy all the way to the tip of the blade.

You must strike in one clean motion.

Try again.

Focus your energy...

It worked!

If we encounter a soldier, that's exactly what you must do.

You want me to do this to people?

I thought we were just searching the mountain.

If we're unlucky, the soldiers might find us first.

Even if they do, it'd only be a couple of them, right?

We'll carry out the mission quickly and efficiently.

Understood?

- Yes, sir! - Yes, sir!

Take your positions! One, two.

Let's move.

Kids, hurry up now!

How many times must I tell you? Move faster!

Hey, you fool! Do you even know how valuable this is?

You useless brat. Get up already.

I know it's been a while since you came by,

but my wife isn't home right now.

Sorry for the modest hospitality.

I heard about your wife.

What brings you here?

I had a few questions.

I didn't think to ask them before, as things were chaotic.

Lord Bak Jun Gi isn't originally from Cheongsu County.

How did he know about...

the supposed treason by the Devoted Hearts Association?

And how did you know enough...

to arrive at Devoted Hearts House at just the right time?

I don't know how he found out,

but I only went because he sent me a message.

I heard Lord Bak Jun Gi...

is close friends with the Minister of Defence.

Yes, I've heard that as well.

Why are you asking, though?

You have a truly impressive house.

You can see Mount Unbong perfectly...

from the main hall.

The fact that he mentioned Mount Unbong...

suggests he might be suspicious and probing.

A sharp man like him?

wouldn't let things slide quietly.

What if he mobilizes soldiers...

and searches Mount Unbong?

I've got your back,

and the Minister of Defence has mine.

What are you so afraid of?

Anything that gets in the way? Remove it.

I'll take full responsibility.

Still, things feel unstable here.

I think I should send a message to the mountain.

Being cautious is always better. Agreed.

My goodness.

Is it warm? I already lit the fire in the room.

I told you I could've done it.

You don't even know how.

I'm sorry that I don't know how.

I'll learn if you teach me.

I'm a quick learner, aren't I?

Forget it.

Isn't this supposed to be a desolate mountain with no bandits?

But there are so many abandoned houses.

Judging by the clusters of them nearby,

people must've lived near the mountain's entrance.

Entrance? We're already halfway up the mountain.

Do you know how exhausting this was?

This is the last one.

Starting tomorrow, we'll have to find food ourselves.

Really?

That sounds fun.

Let's worry about tomorrow when it comes.

Here, take the bigger piece.

It's delicious.

But why is it sweet, salty, and so well-seasoned?

Is it because you touched your toes first?

I see. That must be why it's perfectly seasoned.

Let me touch yours too.

I prefer bland food, thank you.

From tomorrow onward, the path will get steeper and rockier.

After this peak, there are many more to climb.

We don't know when we might encounter armed soldiers.

What are you trying to say?

You've helped me a lot by coming this far.

Once the sun rises,

it's best if you leave the mountain.

No way.

Didn't you see my incredible sword dance?

They might actually kill you, Young Master.

Don't scare me like that.

Can't you see I'm enjoying this moment while I still can?

You literally just ate a rice ball in an abandoned house.

What's so funny about that?

And you, do you really think you just ate a simple rice ball?

Or that this is just an abandoned house?

What do you mean?

This is no ordinary house, it's a cozy little inn.

A place where weary travellers stop to rest for a while.

If we were to walk in together, the innkeeper would greet us with,

"My goodness, welcome!"

Then she'd ask, "Are you two a couple? Just one room, then?"

"But even if you're not, it doesn't matter?

"Because we only have one room left."

That's exactly what she'd say.

After that, the innkeeper would catch the biggest hen they have

to prepare a delicious meal just for us.

I'd take the juiciest drumstick, blow on it to cool it down,

and then offer it to you.

Hungry, we'd eat so quickly that we wouldn't even notice

the food smeared on our faces.

"Here, open up. That's it."

"Have more."

"Try this!"

"How is it?"

And after all that, do you still think this is just a rice ball?

You're quite the storyteller, Young Master.

Even in a situation like this, you manage to make me laugh

and forget my worries.

Right? It was funny, wasn't it?

So don't ask me to go back down the mountain.

Fine.

What now? Want me to keep going?

Let me be your personal storyteller for the night.

All right.

As the night deepens, the inn grows quieter.

The customers gradually disappear.

And finally, it's just you and me?

alone for the night.

You'd walk into the room and declare,

"I'm married."

You'd grab a pillow, draw a line down the middle of the room,

and say, "Cross this line, and I'll report you to the magistrate."

And I'd respond,

"Come now... People can cross pillows in their sleep, can't they?"

No?

You wouldn't let me?

Not bad.

We'd fall asleep while bickering over the pillow barrier.

But of all things, the firewood for the heated floor burns out.

Cold in the middle of the night,

you'd have no choice but to snuggle close to me...

and fall back asleep.

That...

is the kind of life I want with you.

Life doesn't need to be extravagant.

Just sharing simple meals together,

laughing at silly jokes,

shielding you from the rain with my hands,

and cheering you up...

when you're feeling down.

Without needing to try too hard,

we could just be happy.

When we go back down this mountain...

You should rest now, Young Master.

Thankfully, there are...

two rooms in this abandoned house.

Pull out!

- Let's go! - Pull out.

Get moving!

- Quickly! - Move it!

- Hurry up! - Come on!

- Can't you go faster? - Hurry! Move your feet! Inside!

Did we grab the essentials?

- Yes. - Let's leave.

- Sir! Help us! - If we all leave now,

- Sir! - who will care for the children?

- Sir, help us! - Taking them along will only slow us down.

We can always find new ones when the time comes.

The lucky ones will survive.

Or wait...

Are the dead ones the lucky ones?

- Pull out! - Let's go!

- Let's move! - Let's move!

Help us, sir!

Sir! Please, help us!

Good grief.

Our assistant officer with outstanding martial arts skills...

has no talent for climbing mountains.

I can't go on. I'm done.

(Mount Unbong)

By the way,

how are you so good at mountain climbing?

I've climbed countless mountains looking for my father.

There's nothing I can't do.

Travelling with you and discovering your irritating side is delightful.

But why bring children to such a dangerous mountain?

- I have no idea. - Then think about it.

There's a fork in the path. Which way should we go?

Please, my sharp assistant officer...

with the brilliant mind for investigating criminals.

Let me think.

They have children with them, so they must have eaten and slept.

For food, they would've gone back and forth.

Let me take a look.

- It's this way. - Stop guessing randomly.

What do you mean, guessing?

When you're lost in the mountains,

you're supposed to follow the Plantago asiatica.

It tends to grow along paths that people frequently walk.

It reproduces along these trails and doesn't die easily.

Look over there.

See it?

What is it?

Did you just fall in love with me?

No, I was just thinking...

even the most foolish person can sometimes be useful.

Stop looking at me with those mischievous eyes.

I'm just acting right now.

I'm pretending to be an assistant officer helping a woman in need.

You know impersonating a public official...

can get you three years in prison?

under Criminal Act Article 383, right?

I'm not impersonating anyone.

This is called a creative excuse.

A bit advanced for you, isn't it?

The woman in my story started as a slave.

After countless hardships, she became a noblewoman.

She then marries a man who harbours a dangerous secret?

a man who looks exactly like her first love...

who also happens to be her current companion, the assistant officer.

First love? Companion? Who said that?

Let me ask you something while we're here.

Why did you marry him, of all people?

Why choose a man who looks exactly like me?

It was just a coincidence.

Then why did you ask me to come with you?

After rejecting me, why seek my help again?

Was it because, deep down, you wanted to spend time with me?

Yes, I did.

But I still think...

your feelings for me are simply unresolved regrets.

Spending time like this with me...

might help you move on from liking me, no?

What a ridiculous idea.

Instead, you've only become more special to me.

Yes, I've been a fool.

But just wait.

You'll thank me once we make it off this mountain.

Darn it.

What is it?

It's an edible fruit.

Why are you whispering?

Loud voices could attract wild animals.

Also, we should stay cautious when following this trail.

Is it bitter?

No, it's sour.

It's unripe.

You should still eat it. It'll help with your thirst.

Not being able to light a fire makes the stars shine brighter.

You're right.

For some reason,

I feel like I won't sleep well tonight.

Young Master. It's time for us to move.

What is it?

What's wrong?

There are bottlebrushes everywhere.

"Bottlebrushes?"

Aren't those common plants?

Bottlebrushes are often found near gold deposits.

They're used as an indicator of gold-rich areas.

I've read about this in Mining Inspector Bak Jun Gi's reports.

Do you know...

what a mining inspector does?

A mining inspector...

identifies regions with special resources, right?

Wait, special resources? Minerals?

Gold?

Does that mean there's gold here?

That's why they needed children to mine the gold.

Their small sizes made them ideal.

We're in the right place.

The children must be here. Let's hurry.

Where are you rushing off to?

There's nothing down this path.

We're just passing through. Please step aside.

You look familiar.

Weren't you working for the magistrate?

Well, since you're here, we can't let you leave.

Then we'll take another route. Come on, let's go.

Not so fast.

What are you hiding?

Are you mining gold illegally?

Wait...

No, stop!

- Hold on. - What's wrong? We need to move!

We can't just run. We need a plan. Go hide. I'll distract them.

Come on, hurry!

Wait. Stop.

We've got you now.

- There are too many of them. - We have to fight.

We can't just die here.

Even so...

this way gives us a better chance.

- What possibility? - The possibility of...

...surviving and making it down this mountain alive.

Goo Deoki.

Goo Deoki.

Hey.

Goo Deoki?

Goo Deoki! No, Goo Deoki.

Open your eyes, Goo Deoki.

Goo Deoki. Wake up, please!

Goo Deoki, don't do this.

Let's go. Come on, we need to leave.

Young Master?

Are you okay?

I thought there was nothing you couldn't do.

So why can't you swim?

I didn't know I couldn't swim.

Stop saying I'm useless.

I...

I saved you, didn't I?

You didn't save me.

You nearly got me killed.

Are you cold?

Because of those men, we couldn't make it to the mud hut.

And I couldn't light a fire. I'm sorry.

You look cold too.

You're burning up. You have a fever.

Why do you have...

such soft hands?

You must be really sick...

to say something like that.

There...

might be wild animals nearby.

You should head down alone, Young Master.

If we stay here, our body temperatures will drop,

and we'll both die.

If I have to die on the same day and at the same time as you...

I'll consider it a blessing.

I was too greedy.

I thought I could handle everything.

Don't say things like that. I...

I should've stopped you. I'm sorry.

You tried to stop me more than once.

You even suggested giving up and going back.

If only I'd listened to you...

and agreed to leave.

Goo Deoki, wake up.

It's all over now, okay?

You've done enough.

All that's left is to find the children and the gold mine,

and report it to the provincial governor.

Can you manage that for me?

I just need to rest for a little while.

No. No, you can't, Goo Deoki.

No, Goo Deoki!

Wake up, Goo Deoki!

Goo Deoki!

Go ahead and wait for me.

I'll follow you soon.

I've got nothing left to lose now.

So...

let's enjoy my final sword dance.

(The Tale of Lady Ok)

Setting a trap was a smart move.

Die!

The provincial governor will investigate. What now?

We don't need anyone's testimony.

There are...

enough witnesses.

You shouldn't use the law you know so well as a weapon.

How could a little money ever compensate for the pain

of being ripped from their parents, sold into slavery,

beaten, starving,

or dying trapped in rocks...

high up on this mountain?

No matter how clever you are,

you won't be able to uncover that incident.

Ripped and synced by WEISSACHsubs