Original subtitles

ALL CHARACTERS AND EVENTS ARE FICTITIOUS

FILMING FOR CHILD ACTORS DONE UNDER BROADCASTING GUIDELINES

Get your taffy!

Since when do you like snacks?

Hello.

My wife developed a sweet tooth after conceiving.

What about your wife?

Get her proper ones rather than this junk.

Goodness, my lord.

I have not sold a single taffy since yesterday.

Is that so? Then, I will buy all this pumpkin taffy.

Pardon? All of it?

Goodness, my lord!

My lord, I must say I bear a humble talent.

I tell fortune with taffy sticks.

Should I tell yours?

Fortune-telling taffy sticks? Sounds like fun.

- Here. Do tell mine. - Yes, my lord.

Goodness.

I see your wife carrying a clever little girl.

The name should be…

JAE-HWA

"Jae" as in wealth and "hwa" as in fortune.

Your child will accumulate the utmost wealth.

"Jae-hwa"?

It is a name too grand.

Anyway, thank you.

But all I want is for my child to be healthy.

Then, let me have it.

No, my lord.

The name was already bought for a price.

It will not hold the same power for someone else.

But it might be a different story should you take one character each.

I will give you one.

That is the least I can do for a friend.

Take the character "hwa."

HWA

I will earn money for you.

Money?

Is that all you can offer?

I already am the richest man in Joseon.

Hence my offer.

Where there is wealth, there is hidden greed.

You can use this opportunity to see what pests flock your way.

Who are you to run your mouth like that?

Maybe you can decide after you hear my proposal.

Put the dismissal on hold.

My lord, what will the other clerks think…

It will set an example.

It will show how much Yongcheonru cares for its members.

As you have suggested, you shall prove yourself on your own.

Yes, I shall, my lord.

You shall officially be reinstated after you achieve

what was promised.

That should be good enough.

You should have never returned to Yongcheonru.

Why not?

I worked very hard to get here.

You seem to have a lot to say about me.

No matter what anyone says,

I made it here on my own merits.

Nothing is out of reach for me now.

I even made it back safely from prison.

Hong Deok-su. You are...

I know who tipped off the police bureau

to frame me for murder.

I will never…

run away like a coward.

What are you doing out here, Eun-ho?

You brat!

You should have come straight back after being released.

Where have you been all this time?

Were you worried about me?

When I am the manly Hong Deok-su?

That is not our room.

What?

Follow me.

Did we move?

Make haste.

- Hurry inside. - But…

- Where are we? - He is here. Grab him!

- What? - Grab him!

- What are you doing? - Open up.

What is this, Su-ra?

Something one must eat after time in prison.

- Good, is it not? - It is.

By the way, how did you know I would be back?

I am Cheon Jun-hwa.

I am aware of everything about you.

Jun-hwa prepared all this for you.

One needs a little pick-me-up after the hard time in prison.

As in what, you ask?

Pork.

All right. Sure.

How is it? Does it not taste elegant?

It does.

It is delicious, Jun-hwa. Thanks.

I feel a sudden surge of energy.

Here. This white rice cake is from me.

However, if it had not been for me, Ko Su-ra,

who covered for you while you were absent,

would you have been able to return safely?

Right, Su-ra. You are the best.

I lucked out with friends. Here you go.

The Elementary apprentices are the best.

Now, Jun-hwa.

Let us eat.

- It is good. - Yes, it is.

It truly is delicious. Dig in.

Why do you remain at Yongcheonru?

I am not done.

I need more time.

Grand Proprietor Cheon will soon know that the brass key is missing.

You must make your move first.

Hong Deok-su only just returned.

Pardon?

I must see if the two pieces match.

But for that reason, you went to the Minister of War

to have Hong Deok-su released. Why have you not...

Nothing comes before the safety of a person.

He just came back after undergoing hardship.

It would be wrong to prioritize the brass key.

I may be out of line, but...

I am also well aware

of why I chose to come here under an alias.

Do not worry, Beom-ho.

It will soon be over.

- You like Deok-su, do you not? - What?

No.

- No? - Do not get the wrong idea.

Why would I like Deok-su when he...

You know she is actually a woman.

It seems you found out before I did.

When was it?

When Deok-su fell into the stream while washing the cloths.

You have known for that long?

I was about to change her wet clothes when…

No!

You cannot go in.

I see. That is why you forbade me to enter.

Right. So when did you find out that Deok-su is a woman?

When Myeong-ho was suspecting it,

I found out while helping her.

Goodness.

If people find out one by one like this,

everyone will discover the truth soon.

I know. There is also Eun-ho who has to sleep in the same room as her.

Should we tell him in advance?

No.

We should keep it a secret until she reveals it first.

Do you think so?

Once I combine the pieces, it will be over.

Deok-su, why are you not in a clerk's uniform?

Get changed already. We are expected at work.

Oh, about that…

There is a situation.

What could be the problem when the police bureau released you?

Were you not reinstated as a clerk?

Well…

It has not been approved.

Not approved?

Whose approval do you need?

Well…

You see…

Do not make me frustrated and just tell us.

YONGCHEONRU

NORTHERN ANNEX

A gambling den? Deok-su.

Was that truly the only way?

So, let me hear your proposal.

Every kind of business in Joseon is in Yongcheonru

except for just one.

Something Yongcheonru does not have?

That is…

a gambling den.

You want Yongcheonru to open a gambling den

which is against national law?

Is this audacity or recklessness?

The higher the stakes, the greater the profit.

Do you not agree?

That will get me reinstated.

Lord Cheon promised to reinstate me

if the gambling den is successful.

Are you saying he made that deal himself?

Right. Hear me out.

The greatest entertainment facility in Joseon

and the cherry on top at Yongcheonru.

I will create a space that brings joy to its patrons.

So your solution is to open a gambling den?

It is illegal. I cannot approve it.

I am also against illegal businesses.

This will not be a gambling den that opens illegally at the marketplace.

Proper procedure will be followed, and only special guests will be invited.

What on earth is Grand Proprietor Cheon thinking?

You should be reinstated since you were released from prison.

Deok-su.

I am well aware of how determined you are to make it at Yongcheonru.

But this is wrong.

For me…

This is my last chance.

This gambling den must be a success.

Look, Su-ra, we are a team.

Together, we have muddled through all hardships so far.

Right?

Oh, I will not ask for your assistance.

This matter is my responsibility, and my problem to solve.

Goodness, Su-ra.

He will soon come around despite his harsh words.

If you are arrested for this,

you will not be let go easily.

Deok-su,

find another way.

Holding off on his reinstatement was not what you promised.

Father.

You knelt down right there referring to me as the grand proprietor

only to soon return to your childish self.

You will reinstate him anyway.

That is why you met with the Minister of War.

I did not have Hong Deok-su released.

Pardon?

What are you talking about?

How could he have been released if it had not been for you?

How much do you know about the Elementary kids

that you call "friends"?

I know my friends well.

Then,

are you aware that one of them is His Majesty's son Prince Muyeong?

And that Prince Muyeong was the one who had Hong Deok-su released from prison?

Cheon Jun-hwa.

Did you say you know your friends well?

No, you know nothing.

He is not the culprit.

Go back without me. I need to stop by somewhere.

Eun-ho!

If you are arrested for this,

you will not be let go easily.

Lee Eun-ho…

is Prince Muyeong?

If you do not know who your so-called friends truly are,

you will allow others to beat you to the punch.

Will you let this continue?

To obtain what you want,

you must strike first.

Think about what you should do.

What Hong Deok-su proposed.

Allow me to take point.

I will ask you bluntly.

Grand Proprietor Cheon

sent me a piece of paper with the character "cheon" written on it.

Enlighten me.

Am I right to understand that it is worth more than a fortune?

Did Grand Proprietor Cheon send it to you as a gift?

Darn.

I let that sly fox get the better of me.

He came to me with it

and requested that I release the Red Certificate thief Hong Deok-su.

Is that why you had him released?

No, that was not the reason.

As I promised you,

I was going to let you take him.

But who knew that Prince Muyeong would request his release?

Either way, I apologize.

But all is good since he was safely released.

Anyway, about that Hong Deok-su…

There is something about him.

He is nothing but a mere thief who stole a Red Certificate.

I doubt that.

You of all people, who know about everything in this world,

would surely know.

Something is off.

Would I dare to keep it a secret if I knew?

You must not think it is the right time to tell me.

I hear you.

I will put my trust in you and wait.

Let me start by cleaning up.

GEUMUI CHAMBER

Thank you.

May I have your name?

Go on and carry his luggage.

You are staying for four days. The Cheongui Chamber…

What use is he to anyone when he is that slow?

I hated it when the Elementary brats were always together,

so it puts me in a good mood to see him by himself.

- By the way, - What the…

I heard that Hong Deok-su was back.

But he was expelled without actually being appointed.

How could he be back?

He even slept at the clerks' quarters last night.

Where is Jun-hwa?

I do not know.

How is the work at Cheongui Chamber?

I am not sure.

The work is probably the same.

Eun-ho.

Should we not talk Deok-su out of it?

It is obviously too dangerous.

Ten tables, forty chairs, ten piles of silk,

and Korean pine wood for a plaque.

Ordinary pine wood would also do.

Sure. I can get you these.

Thank you, my lord.

- Right. Here. - Sure.

- Pay up. - Pardon?

But those are for a business at Yongcheonru.

That is why you must pay for the supplies.

What? But…

Lord Cho!

Stay back.

I have something to tell you.

No.

Every clerk is to follow a designated schedule.

Maybe I could do it on my days off.

How could I help you with a matter that goes against Lady Seol's wishes?

I cannot.

However,

this is Yongcheonru's business.

Lady Seol is my direct supervisor,

so how could I possibly…

Forget it.

Just leave.

That being said,

I would like you to make a dessert that one would crave like golden ice.

It is a chance to boast your talent as a chef.

But my talent is already well-known.

Please. Just help me out this once.

For free?

- Well… - Move!

I will peel onions for you.

- Or I could work the millstone... - Hey!

My time is worth a small fortune.

Do you have any idea what they pay me here at Yongcheonru?

If it becomes a success, you will be credited.

- If it becomes a success? - Yes.

- If you succeed? - Yes!

Come find me once you do.

Lord Jang, please.

Come to me with an offer once your business succeeds.

Lord Jang, please.

Jun-hwa, what are you doing?

I told you, you do not have to help me.

Come on, friend. I am helping during my lunch hour.

I thought about it, and I believe it will be a huge hit.

Let me in on it.

Forget it.

This is something I must do myself.

What? Never did I think you were this selfish.

Let me in on it.

What? Stop it.

You never take me seriously, do you, Jun-hwa?

The answer is no.

Now, go.

If I were in that situation, would you turn your back on me?

Would you not help me?

Are we not friends, Deok-su?

What… Goodness.

Mind you, I will still take my share of the profit.

Fifty percent.

Follow me, then.

Right, off we go.

All right.

Watch your step.

- Put it here. - Here?

No, stay seated.

- I told you to stay seated. - Come on.

Stop it.

Wait for me.

How dare you trespass?

What is the matter, Master Bang?

Hong Deok-su was not expelled.

I heard your expulsion had been put on hold,

but since you are not an official clerk of Yongcheonru,

you are not allowed in its chambers.

But I will soon be reinstated.

Who says that it is a given?

You ruined the appointment ceremony and were dragged off by the police bureau.

You have got some nerve, showing your face here.

Kick him out of here, Master Bang!

Quiet, you brats!

Your sacks have been packed, so hurry on out.

But that is…

How could you kick someone out overnight?

Master Bang, please give him some time.

Rules are rules.

You may stay here when you have been reinstated.

Also, leave the apprentice uniform here.

There is no need to be this harsh.

Jun-hwa, that is enough.

Run along, then.

It is all right.

I am fine.

The commute has been terrible for me anyway.

It might be better to just bunk there.

I will be fine. See you.

Deok-su.

I see you are back.

I wonder why.

This is worth ten nyang of silver.

Wait, these are…

This is worth five nyang of gold.

Look here. This is a pawnshop.

I needed to profit in some way. Goodness.

Even so,

just a nugget of silver for all of these?

Goodness.

Today, I will pay double for your items.

Before,

despite Yongcheonru banning your transactions,

you cheated me out of a decent price.

And you said

you were daringly letting me pawn these in secret.

That is only because you seemed desperate...

Take a look.

As if whatever it says on here would make a difference.

The Cheon family?

Are you not aware of the Cheon family when you do business in the marketplace?

I must say, that is fearless of you.

It is not like you are the son

of Yongcheonru's Grand Proprietor Cheon.

Are you really?

Yes.

So tell me. Would the pricing be on point this time?

Please take this back first.

Of course. Absolutely.

I appreciate you granting me this opportunity.

Actually, from the moment I met you, I knew you were someone extraordinary.

Just so you know, my calculations and pricing are always…

on point.

It is ash wood.

It is firm enough to be used to make flogging sticks.

- Are you up? - Yes.

However, it is also pliable enough to make these pieces for tujeon.

I picked this wood to save money, but it is better than expected.

So you are adamant about opening a gambling den.

I must.

After all I did to get this far?

I have come too far to stop.

Was succeeding at Yongcheonru

the final request of your late father?

Is that why you have come this far with that item he left on you?

Why would you ask about that?

I doubt it is something you should be interested in.

Grand Proprietor Cheon will soon know that the brass key is missing.

Do not worry, Beom-ho.

It will soon be over.

Let me help you.

What?

In return,

you will do something for me once this is over.

- Eun-ho. - Will you

accept my terms?

Stop acting suspicious and leave.

I already told you.

This is for me to handle.

Are you aware that one of them is His Majesty's son Prince Muyeong?

If you do not know who your so-called friends truly are,

you will allow others to beat you to the punch.

Will you let this continue?

You seem highly interested for someone who was against the gambling den.

If the business can be profitable,

I have a reason to change my mind.

Let us talk. Have a seat.

I am exhausted from running here and there

trying to raise the money we need.

Do you still need a lot more?

I handled it.

By the way, Eun-ho, where are you from?

We barely know anything about each other.

Ask whatever it is you want.

When we all went to the police bureau,

you did not return to your chamber that night.

Where were you?

Did I not return? My memory is fuzzy.

I cashed in everything I had to rescue Deok-su

only to fail.

It turns out that someone else had him released first.

Whoever it was, we should be glad he was released.

His release was a relief,

but my ego took a punch.

That is why there is something I now wish to do.

Which is?

Becoming the grand proprietor of Yongcheonru.

That is unexpected.

What? Don't you think I can do it?

Out of everyone I have seen, you are the most relaxed and free-spirited.

Who knew you had such an ambition?

Is that how you saw me?

But I now have a goal.

This time around, I will strike first.

Let us try our best.

These are from Yongcheonru, Your Majesty.

How should they prepare for the guests?

Let Grand Proprietor Cheon take the reins.

Have you finally found it?

This piece was found in Grand Proprietor Cheon's residence,

but I cannot help but be skeptical.

You have doubts?

It was kept in a place that was easy to find as if he knew

someone would come for it.

Grand Proprietor Cheon set a bait by placing a decoy for someone to find?

I would not put that past him being the cunning man he is.

Father.

Who made this brass key?

Why would you ask that?

It is of a unique design as two pieces are needed.

It made me wonder if there was another story behind it.

What story would there be?

No.

Whatever it is, you can tell me.

I said no!

Forgive me.

The crown prince will soon be appointed.

You must hurry.

You must find the brass key

and return to the palace.

I will do everything in my power to unveil Lord Cheon's secret.

Prince Muyeong,

you are my eldest son and the future crown prince

who will serve the royal family and the nation.

Keep that in mind.

Yes, Father.

That troublemaker from before.

Hong Deok-su who was arrested in Yongcheonru.

The one you had released for lack of suspicion?

Yes.

Why is he wanted by Seol Mae-hwa?

Even Prince Muyeong advocated for his release.

And why is Lord Cheon also interested in him?

I cannot help but wonder.

Find out everything you can about him.

Yes, Minister.

It is important to have the right name.

Look further into Hong Deok-su's father.

And into his connection to Grand Proprietor Cheon.

Recruit more people if you must and hurry back with information.

Yes, Your Highness.

Also…

I await your order, Your Highness.

Beom-ho.

Do you have some money?

Pardon?

Strangely, for most of the days Geumok Hall has not been booked.

Yes, I am aware of it.

It is for Lord Cheon's guest, so I will handle it myself.

Just leave it be.

Yes, Lady Seol.

Will the VIP guest of Geumok Hall arrive tonight?

Is there anything I should prepare?

Leave it be.

Until when will you busy yourself with frivolous details?

A gambling den sounds risky.

It is banned by national law.

My money trumps the law.

So what is there to fear?

All will be well as long as word does not travel outside these walls.

But Young Master Jun-hwa is also...

It is the perfect test for him.

Why are you giving Hong Deok-su a chance?

That Hong Deok-su.

He has a way of raising the stakes.

I must admit he is an amusing one to observe.

Jun-hwa will have to learn the ropes anyway,

so for it to be fun is icing on the cake.

Which one do you prefer?

I prefer the purple one.

Allow me to serve your tea.

This will make the skirt, and this the shirt…

My word! Do you know how expensive this silk is?

I expect compensation!

I am terribly sorry.

Ko Su-ra, apologize to them properly. Is this the best you can do?

Bring me the one in charge!

How dare you touch it?

I will wash it clean for you.

How could you be so careless?

- I apologize. - Shut it!

That silk is from Qing and costs quite a small fortune.

What are you going to do?

The price can be deducted from my salary.

Then how will your family back home manage?

Just swallow your pride and join the pack under me, huh?

Fraternizing with your roommates will only put you on the bad side of our seniors.

Grasp the opportunity when I give it to you.

Ko Su-ra!

What is it?

What is with him?

I would have taken his offer.

Come on.

With this money, you will pay for the guest's silk

in Ko Su-ra's stead?

But you were to pay for the supplies.

I will soon come up with the money for them.

You must be richer than I thought.

I will await the payment,

but you must hurry. There is not much time.

Yes, my lord.

Please do not tell Su-ra about this.

Sure.

What?

You spent all that money?

Well, you see…

I apologize.

It may have been a loan, but I should have discussed it with you.

I spent it on something good. On something meaningful.

What on earth did you spend it on?

You were going to buy new chairs.

Now that they are all fixed up, they are as good as new.

Hong Deok-su. There should be no secrets between business partners.

Could you have…

"If I were in that situation, would you turn your back on me?"

"Would you not help me?"

"Are we not friends?"

Those were your words.

Right. You made the right choice.

Darn. What am I supposed to sell next?

- What? - That will not be necessary.

So this man right here is your older brother?

He is not my brother by blood,

but a distant cousin of mine.

Wait. Are you not the one I met…

The taffy.

Goodness. It sure is nice to see you again.

He is that guy I met at the marketplace.

He is one of the wealthiest whales in all of Hanyang.

Goodness.

Right. I heard from him that there was a solid investment to be made.

He has more than enough money, so do not hesitate to accept it.

Sure thing.

This seems off. Are they really related?

They do not look alike.

I guess you can say I was granted the looks in the family.

You said this was urgent.

Come to a decision quickly.

He is right. Accept the investment and double the money for him.

What? What if he is a fraud?

Look here. I can hear you, you know.

Eun-ho, you said so yourself.

No one is generous for no reason.

Did I?

If you are not interested, I will be on my way.

- Wait. - Hold on.

I said I would vouch for this.

It will be for a minimum interest, so accept the loan.

A minimum interest?

A minimum interest it is.

No.

The interest will be at market price.

Then it seems that we have a deal.

Cheers.

Goodness, how sweet is that?

The aroma is to die for.

Hey.

Did you pay for the silk I ruined?

Oh, that?

When did I ask for your help?

Who are you to pay off my debt for me?

I had taken out a loan and happened to receive it that day.

- Your gambling den must be a success. - Still…

You are just as important.

We promised to make it here together.

Here? How about here?

- Is this good? - Hold on. Let me help.

Hurry.

Come on. Keep moving.

All right.

Pull. There you go.

I am not done eating.

Hurry.

Are you dense or carefree?

Look at you sleeping just anywhere.

Hong Deok-su, wake up. Your face will freeze off.

Have I been working too hard lately?

I guess that is plausible.

I should have the royal physician pay me a visit.

Hong Deok-su, wake up. Hey!

Right.

Hey, you are back.

You cannot fall asleep outdoors like this.

Why are you flushed? Are you not feeling well?

That is bad for the opening.

Are you more worried about the den than me?

Of course.

I am sick, so check if I have a fever.

You are fine and will not die over this.

I have a fever. Thoroughly confirm.

What…

I should tidy up the board.

Oh, right.

Here.

You win if this points to your number.

All right. One, two, three.

Three.

Lee Eun-ho! Gosh, congratulations.

- What on earth could they be up to? - One more!

This is clearly a gambling den.

When it is banned by national law?

- Dong-gyu. - Yes?

What if our Uiju Guild swallowed Yongcheonru as a whole?

Yes!

What?

Congratulations!

No, not like that. Only take what is on the board.

It is all right. You are fine, Deok-su.

It will be over soon.

BULLAKHO

"Bullakho."

Meaning "how is it not joyful?"

BULLAKHO - HOW IS IT NOT JOYFUL

Naming a gambling den by quoting the Analects of Confucius?

How cheeky of you.

It is a place for all to have fun as if they have met an old friend.

You mean well,

but we will see if the joy and pleasure can continue.

Map of Life and Death was designed to mimic our lives.

Your move can grant you the fortunes of this world

while you may die by being hunted by Death.

Would you like to play?

I am good.

The owner only observes.

A gambling den

cannot profit if the patrons only play against one another.

That is why the den needs a host.

A host?

Yes. Fortunately, I know just the right person.

You summoned me?

Someone gifted enough to bewilder the patrons…

who also plays her cards terrifyingly close to the vest.

Lady Seol, how about you be the host?

Now that I think about it, you were gifted at dice-rolling.

That was a long time ago.

One's talents never fade. Give it a try.

Roll your dice first.

And I will chase you as Death.

Today, I will host the game.

Do you believe that you will be able to catch me?

Yes.

I will hunt you down no matter what.

So be careful.

You acquired golden treasure, Lady Seol.

It is now my turn.

Death…

is right behind you, Lady Seol.

Welcome.

Oh, dear.

Your pawn…

has been caught by mine and died.

Even having all the gold of the world…

would be useless in the face of death.

Right.

You won.

A game where one lives or dies.

How amusing.

We also have cards and a fortune wheel.

Oh, right. If you are to be the host of the house,

you ought to practice with me.

Take it easy, my child. Take it easy.

Did you enjoy the game?

You should stop here.

You are the one…

who backed me into this corner.

Are you not excited for tomorrow?

Bullakho, is it?

Did you engrave the name on the plaque yourself?

I see you are crafty.

Have you been working your people well?

He even made a plaque. Bullakho, is it?

Yes. Our combined efforts are making it a lot easier.

Check.

I will defend.

I lost.

By not giving up your pawns, you ended up losing your king.

Who do you see yourself as?

You are not a cannon

nor are you a chariot.

You are not even the king.

You must be the one designing the game.

Do not be the pieces on the board.

Be the one moving them!

You must own the game.

I came across something peculiar while looking into Grand Proprietor Cheon.

It involves the missing person poster from the marketplace.

Lord Cheon had a business partner who died a long time ago.

And he put up the poster to find the missing daughter.

I wonder why he is looking for her.

It was my father's.

It is the only item of his that I have left.

It is also the reason I must find success at Yongcheonru.

Whatever it is, you can tell me.

It is still being investigated,

but I took this from the marketplace.

The contact information belongs to someone at Yongcheonru.

Fortunately, I know just the right person.

You summoned me?

Someone gifted enough to bewilder the patrons…

who also plays her cards terrifyingly close to the vest.

How could that boy know about that?

Leave.

Seol Mae-hwa.

If you want your sword back,

meet me where you taught me dice-rolling.

You taught me a long time ago

that to win,

one should switch to a game they are better at.

Today, I finally realized what you meant.

Jae-on.

We will now open.

Congratulations on your reinstatement, "the manly Hong Deok-su."

For my immature Jun-hwa…

I was after Prince Muyeong,

but it seems I have ensnared a far superior catch.

- Hong Deok-su. - Yes, my lord.

You possess the boldness of a great hero.

The more I look at you, the more familiar you seem.

Grand Proprietor Cheon

is searching for the daughter of his late business partner.

I looked for her my whole life for the sake of Jun-hwa.

Deok-su. I have something to say. Can you spare me some time?

What? You will confess your love?

Have you lost your mind? Why would you confess your feelings?

I have never felt this way about anyone before.

Above all else, I found her smile the sweetest.

Get a grip on yourself, Eun.

He is nothing but the holder of the brass key.

What is the brass key that Hong Deok-su has?

Hong Jae-on…

Hong Deok-su…

A woman you fell in love with at first sight?

Help me figure out how to confess my feelings.

Subtitle translation by: Hyelim Park