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.)

Do not leave.

Stay by my side, Yun Gyeom.

Let us go in now.

I worry you might catch a cold in the night breeze.

Yes.

Why are you crying?

I am not.

Really...

Even if you like me this much,

a noblewoman should not run out barefoot without decorum.

Though it was long ago,

Lady So Hye once came looking for me.

Here, in Cheongsu County?

She is probably still searching the country to this day.

No, I believe she has forgotten everything by now.

I heard she married and seems to be living well off.

If so, that is fortunate.

I will find your father, no matter what.

At first, I searched for him myself. Then hired others for years,

but I failed to find him and nearly gave up entirely.

Even if it takes time,

I will find him, so do not worry.

Thank you.

And earlier, I know I left so suddenly without saying a word.

I truly apologize.

From now on, I will even tell you when I go to the bathroom.

Then we are no longer pretending.

We are truly husband and wife.

Here, take this.

Why?

Get on my back.

No. What if someone sees us?

What does it matter? I am carrying my wife on my back.

Or should I carry you in my arms instead?

No...

Hurry, get on my back.

I will never forget tonight for the rest of my life.

Because this is the night my wife ran out barefoot to find me.

To be honest,

I thought it would take much longer and did not get my hopes up.

I am sorry for making you wait so long.

We are here.

You can put me down now.

But you are barefoot. Let me escort you safely to your room.

The servants will see.

Who will see us at this hour? No one is around.

What?

What are you doing there?

It is still a battlefield here.

They are still fighting?

Then go and stop them. Why are you just standing here?

It is a bit tricky to intervene in this situation.

Tricky? Let us see.

What am I to you, really?

What exactly is our relationship?

You and me?

We are people who share meals. What else?

- Is that all? - What else is there?

Do you really not know?

What do you mean? You are the one asking.

Me?

You are being petty and jealous for no reason.

Jealous? Who is jealous here?

And what did I even do?

You asked if I liked Man Seok.

- Because you do! - What?

No.

So, this fight is because of you?

I swear, I have no idea.

Since the love cheers...

and calling her "Miss," I knew something was going to happen.

"Miss?" Did I not tell you to behave properly?

It is a misunderstanding, I...

Quiet.

What am I supposed to do if my charm is too overwhelming?

I have a naturally friendly personality.

And the important thing is,

she has no such feelings for me.

- That is not the point. - Fine.

So what if I do like Man Seok? What then?

This is driving me crazy.

You...

Is it true?

True or not, what does it matter to you?

We are not even married or anything.

Your words hurt me.

I even delivered your baby.

So, since you saw my best and worst,

does that make me yours?

Are you not?

Stop answering with questions and just say it!

How am I supposed to say that?

How can I know if you do not?

Should you not just know without me telling you?

Goodness, let us just stop talking.

My goodness.

I...

I like you.

What...

A public confession?

I want to unsee what I saw.

My goodness.

Where are you going?

I told you already. Come here!

- You. - Mak Sim, come here.

- No. - Mak Sim, come here for a second.

- No, this is not right. - Mak Sim, just come here.

Where is the honey jar?

I need to make some honey water for Do Gyeom.

Leave it. I will do it myself.

I am so mortified, I could die.

- What do I do? - My goodness.

Really...

It is fine.

Do you really like me, or...

was it solely to take revenge on Tae Young...

that you approached me on purpose?

Do not make excuses or ask for forgiveness.

Just tell me the truth. No,

tell me your true feelings.

I do not care if it hurts me. Just tell me, please.

When we first met, when you dropped that ornament.

Was that a coincidence?

Or...

was it planned?

At the time, I did not know you were Seong Do Gyeom.

I was simply in a rush to the legal advocate's office.

What else? What else do you want to know?

When you said you wanted to be like Tae Young,

was that how you truly felt?

Yes.

Despite my resentment at the time,

I came to truly respect her while staying by her side.

What about at the Lantern Festival?

Did you throw yourself at the cart...

just to win my favor and marry me?

No.

It was instinctive.

I leaped because I was afraid you would be hurt.

You must be so tormented.

I never thought you would agonize over each detail.

If not for this child,

you would not have to keep...

someone like me by your side.

No...

No!

Mi Ryeong!

No! Tae Young!

Call the doctor quickly. Now!

- Tae Young, what do I do? - Mi Ryeong.

- What do I do? - It is okay, it will be okay.

- What do I do? - It is okay.

Tae Young.

I must have lost my mind.

Did you have a fight with her?

I just wanted to talk to her,

but I think I pushed her too hard.

Goodness.

What is wrong?

Well...

Did something happen to the baby?

No.

You just missed your monthly cycle.

You were never pregnant to begin with.

What are you saying?

I suffered from severe morning sickness.

When someone desperately wants a child,

the body might mimic pregnancy symptoms.

It is possible for the body to be fooled.

So, it was all an imagination?

I must have truly lost my senses, Tae Young.

How could I delude myself like this?

It can happen.

I have heard of such cases before.

The entire household was concerned.

I feel so ashamed.

Do not think that way.

Who could be more upset than you?

But did you have a quarrel with your husband?

For a long time,

he has struggled because he could not trust me.

He endured only because of the child.

But now, he might think even the pregnancy was a lie.

Please speak to him on my behalf.

You mean she thought she was pregnant?

Yes.

So do not blame yourself.

Then, is Mi Ryeong okay?

Yes, she is fine.

That is a relief.

It is truly a relief.

From now on, I will take good care of her.

I trusted Mi Ryeong,

and that is why I stopped her from leaving.

I kept things from you...

to protect you from being hurt.

Yes.

Then why could you not trust Mi Ryeong?

Even if you could not trust her,

once you brought her back from the court,

you should have buried the past and done your best.

I apologize.

Mi Ryeong worries that even now,

you will misunderstand this as deception.

My child,

thank you for coming to such an unworthy mother.

Until we meet, please grow healthy and strong.

My child, did you hear your father's voice today?

Even though he must be tired from his time at the academy,

he read you a book.

He is the first from Cheongsu County to achieve the top scholar rank.

He is an honorable man.

Moreover, he forgave and understood your lacking mother.

He is a generous man.

If I feel this empty, how must Mi Ryeong feel?

She feared that if no child was born, she might grow distant from Do Gyeom...

or be forced to leave this house.

That fear made her imagine pregnancy.

Mi Ryeong believed a child...

was what tied her to Do Gyeom.

Do Gyeom...

thinks his wife does not love him.

How could that be true?

Exactly.

Now that they have spoken, things should improve.

This might even make their bond stronger.

I should go check on them.

Where are you going at this hour?

I worry they might argue again.

How did you know they fought?

Well...

- I overheard them. - Unbelievable.

It was not intentional.

Why do you meddle so much in your married brother-in-law's affairs?

As the matriarch of the household, I arranged the marriage,

and since I am partly the cause of their troubles,

I feel responsible for resolving them.

If we have a child, it will be a disaster.

What?

A disaster, I said.

Does that mean...

you are implying I raised Do Gyeom poorly?

Of course not. Top scholar Seong is a pride of this family.

Do not mock me.

Are you saying I raised him too lovingly...

so all he knows is how to receive?

No.

Do Gyeom is not someone who only knows how to receive.

Did he not risk his life...

traveling to Qing for you?

I just mean he struggles a bit with expressing emotions.

Do not be too upset.

I never intended to diminish your hard work.

- It is just... - Just what?

Do not try to handle everything for him.

He needs to experience it himself.

He must experience failures and setbacks himself...

to overcome them.

Of course, I understand your wish...

to spare him even the smallest pain.

But keeping the truth from him to spare his feelings...

was a mistake in the first place.

It seems like my valid points are annoying you.

That is correct.

You are skilled at reading others' feelings.

Why are you laughing?

Because I am happy.

Arguing like this makes me feel like we are husband and wife.

It feels normal, and I like it.

The moment we officially become a couple, you start nagging.

How did you hold back this long?

Okay.

Since we have broken the dam of restraint, let me add one more thing.

Do not meddle in Mak Sim and Dokki's affairs.

Why not?

Just leave them be. They will sort it out on their own.

But...

Instead of spending time on them, pay attention to me.

Stop looking at others and focus on me. Understood?

Whatever.

Will you come closer?

No.

Okay, I will not push you.

- You are here. - Yes. It has been a while.

Yes.

It has indeed been a long time, Chief Lady.

Yes, you have stayed indoors for some time.

What brings you here today?

I no longer have a reason to hide.

I heard the one-eyed overseer died.

Really?

How...

I am not sure,

but I heard his superior cut him off.

Right. I heard your husband is taking the state examination.

Yes.

He wishes to become a Special Inspector for Cheongsu County.

Did he not lose his memory?

The special exam is approaching. Would it not be hard for him to make it?

He may have lost his memory, but not his knowledge.

Somehow,

my husband and Young Master Woongyi have become friendly competitors.

The results will be most intriguing.

Indeed, they will.

By the way, I heard the new Magistrate on his first day...

held a drinking party in the government office with courtesans.

This is truly concerning.

With the drought this year,

people are selling their land to pay taxes.

So how could he...

The Chief will request solutions.

Let us wait and see.

Eternal ginseng? What is that?

Normal ginseng? Mountain ginseng?

Because you are from the countryside, you are unfamiliar with many things.

That is...

Eternal ginseng is an extremely valuable and rare crop.

Historically, it was used solely by the royal family,

but now it is a prominent export to Qing and Japan.

It has become highly sought after.

And how does this relate...

to Cheongsu Country's current predicament?

A dear friend of mine, Heo Soon from Hamcheong County,

is selling eternal ginseng seeds.

It is so scarce that people clamor for it,

but he has agreed to sell them exclusively to Cheongsu County.

How fortunate is that?

How can you call someone a true leader if he only solves crises?

With a small investment,

we can transform Cheongsu County's people into prosperous landowners.

This is an opportunity you should not miss.

- Stand back. - Step aside.

Legal Advocate Madam, please see this.

Magistrate.

The new magistrate looks quite formidable.

Yes, he is new.

But can eternal ginseng grow...

in Cheongsu County amid this drought?

They claim it is a drought-resistant crop that grows easily.

If true, it sounds like a great proposal. What is there to hesitate about?

We spent everything hiring an expert for Woongyi,

and now we cannot even afford to pay taxes.

Why would you hire an expert without consulting me first?

First, it was Ok Tae Young's brother-in-law.

And now, Ok Tae Young's husband is competing with Woongyi.

What if Woongyi fails again? Would that please you?

Anyway, agree to grow eternal ginseng!

But there is something...

that feels suspicious.

Suspicious?

About what? The Magistrate?

I will think this through carefully.

You must promise...

to act as though you heard nothing.

You seem to be enjoying studying despite disliking it.

I even hear you humming.

Do you not feel sad seeing me live like this?

Well, I did feel sad and worried when you stopped being an artist.

But now,

living in this countryside, hidden away, free from being recognized,

it feels nice.

By the way, what happened with Mak Sim?

Well,

I just whispered something about Madam Tae Young's past with her.

That is all.

So Dokki misunderstood?

Exactly. He completely misread it.

Here he comes.

Master, the roof is fixed now.

So you can return to your room.

You bothered to fix it?

Seriously?

You.

Be nice to Mak Sim.

What are you talking about now?

She likes you, does she not?

I will wish both of you happiness,

so good luck to you.

- What? - I cannot even.

Hey, I have no feelings for her.

You punk! There is nothing wrong with Mak Sim for you not to have feelings!

She has a heart as warm as a fluffy quilt.

- Seriously? - And not only that.

She is wise, and she has dexterous fingertips.

No matter how hard my day is, just seeing her makes me...

laugh like a madman.

Do you understand?

I cannot listen to this anymore.

- Hey, Dokki. - Yes.

Why did you say all that just now to Man Seok...

instead of saying to Mak Sim last night?

Exactly. Why cry over spilled milk?

It is too embarrassing to say such things to her face.

Is this a distinct feature in Cheongsu County?

Or is this house cursed?

Why are all the men here so incompetent at romance?

I absolutely agree.

This will not do.

I will use my talents...

to teach you how to win Mak Sim's heart.

What do you say? Will you follow my advice?

Yes, I will follow it.

Just tell me what to do.

This is a pawn receipt left by Bang from the lower village.

But the items were sold before the deadline.

What do we do?

Here, take a break and have some of this while you sort it out.

Why is there so much food?

Did the Elder Master send more?

He said to prepare something good for your strength, so I made steamed fish.

It looks delicious. Let us eat together.

You both clearly like each other,

so why not stop playing hard-to-get...

and just consummate your relationship with Dokki?

How shameless of you to say that in front of Madam!

It is because I am frustrated.

Dokki's sighs kept me awake all night.

Why is everyone here having love quarrels?

I am the only lonely one.

Will you shut up?

Did the two argue in the bridal chamber again?

No. The Young Master has not even gone to the academy.

They seem to be staying together.

Really?

I cannot bear to face you, Do Gyeom.

So I leave this letter.

Because the only reason...

you accepted me into your family has vanished,

I no longer feel I belong in this place.

Please, stop suffering because of me.

When was it?

Mi Ryeong's mother, a distant relative,

suddenly came and left her here...

as if she was abandoning her.

I told her that if she stopped crying and behaved,

her mother would come back for her.

Mom.

Since then, without a single complaint,

she lived only to take care of me, a single father.

How happy she must have been when her mother came back.

Afraid her mother might leave again,

she must have done everything asked of her.

I wish I could take a break from washing.

Okay, go inside.

- Good luck. - Thanks. Bye.

I just saw Lady Mi Ryeong earlier.

I think she came to see her father.

No, she was heading into Yeonpunggak.

Really? She went into a courtesan house?

Goodness.

- Mae Hyang. - Master, you have visited after so long.

It seems you want to make me happy today, Myeong Wol.

Master, you are quite drunk.

Come closer.

My goodness, not just your face but even your skin is so fair.

I...

Sorry.

Yes, I will bring out the drinks now.

You look new here. Are you alone?

I am looking for someone.

Who shall I call for you?

Yeong Rang? So Yool?

Mi Ryeong.

Is there a woman named Cha Mi Ryeong here?

Mi Ryeong.

She is probably by the corridor over there.

Pour me a drink.

Let me have a taste.

So beautiful.

- You are making me shy. - Shy?

Here, pour me a drink as well.

You should come and sit, too.

Let go of my hand.

I am not a courtesan.

If you are in a courtesan house, you are one. What nonsense is this?

Just ignore her.

Play with me instead.

Let go.

What are you going to do?

One should not treat a woman not listed in the registry with disrespect.

And if I do?

Then what?

If you are curious,

go ahead and try.

What is this?

What does it look like?

Will you move aside?

I will not move.

Why? Who are you?

Me?

Her husband.

Why are you here?

Do you really not know why?

Are you ashamed that I am working in a place like this?

Even before marriage,

I sewed and cooked here.

I have nowhere else to turn to at the moment,

but I will move soon.

Why leave a perfectly fine house to rely on this place?

Do you mean to sever ties with me?

I have countless reasons to be kicked out of that house.

Since I have no child, do not feel responsible.

Do not pity me. Feel free to cast me out.

Do not burden yourself because of me.

Simply request separation, and it will be done.

No.

You said you hated me.

I make you miserable. So why?

Because I love you.

Regardless of your intentions, your actions,

your origins, and so on,

I love you.

I did not hold onto you because of the child.

I held on because, thanks to the child, I had an excuse to keep you.

For all the times I lacked honesty and acted foolishly,

I am sorry.

I knew how hard it must have been,

but I was not someone you could lean on.

I hurt you and made you feel lonely.

I am truly sorry.

Careful.

See?

I told you they would work it out themselves.

Let us unload. One, two, three.

This way. Yes, thank you.

Everything seems fine.

I wanted to stay close to you,

so I am flustered about being assigned to Hongmungwan.

Everyone dreams of a central post. It is a privilege, not a burden.

But what if I miss you, Tae Young?

Our dear young master.

When did you grow so mature?

Do you remember the day I packed my things to leave?

Father has passed, and my brother is gone.

I am no more than a stranger to you.

I cannot bring disgrace to your household.

A stranger?

You are the only family I have left now.

You are my only family, too.

I do not wish to leave, either.

If you had not stopped me that day,

I would not be here now.

Thank you for raising me with boundless love.

I am forever grateful.

Honor your late father's wishes,

and be someone the people can rely on.

I will remember that.

Young Master has grown so much...

to earn a post in Hanyang.

How admirable and praiseworthy.

- I am moved to tears. - Goodness.

It is a joyous occasion. Why are you crying?

- I am not crying. - Right.

Young Madam, there will be many good things in your future.

I will miss you.

Please visit me in Hanyang.

I am comforted knowing you are here, Yun Gyeom.

Do not worry about the house...

or Tae Young. I will take care of her.

Understood.

- Tae Young. - Yes?

I will never take off this bracelet.

Neither will I.

This is the first heartfelt gift I have ever received.

Are you trying to make me cry?

Please stay healthy, Tae Young.

Yes.

If your husband troubles you, send word.

Yes.

Take care.

Safe travels.

Stay well.

Thanks to you, I found a fine residence in Hanyang for them.

You raised him like your own,

so you must feel empty now.

I have many clients,

and my husband's state examination is soon,

so I will keep myself busy.

That is good.

By the way, have you heard of eternal ginseng?

Eternal ginseng?

I have not.

What is it?

I am not sure, either.

I heard that the Chief Lady...

was encouraging investment in eternal ginseng farming.

After the mining losses seven years ago,

I worry she is plotting another reckless scheme.

Should I look into it for you?

There is no need. The exam is near, so do not mind.

It is probably nothing serious.

Knowing how fanciful she is, I just asked out of caution.

But this time, your husband must pass the scholars' exam.

The Chief Lady is going around saying he will fail.

My goodness.

You have read the required texts,

studied the writings of the Eight Masters,

and broadened your perspective...

by reading the history book and "Hundred Schools of Thought."

In the remaining days,

it would be wise to review model compositions.

Your writing tends to lean on emotion,

which worries me.

Why are you doing this?

I just wanted to poke you.

Focus on your studies.

The Chief Lady is wishing for your failure.

Do not pressure me.

- Let go. - No.

Let go.

Just once more.

Hi.

I brought you a snack. Eat while studying.

Thank you.

Did you see that?

Mak Sim!

It is so pretty.

This? Dokki gave it to me.

He said he found it on his way home or something.

By the way, could you read this while you eat?

Dokki gave it to me, but I cannot read what it says.

Really?

- Dokki wrote you a love letter. - What?

Dear Mak Sim who is as warm as a fluffy quilt.

I thought it was some account from the fish market.

Enjoy your snack.

Wait, I will finish reading it.

But you told me not to interfere.

Was it you who told Dokki to do this?

Not only did I tell him.

The script, acting, and plot were all my direction!

Here.

The fact that your teeth can be hidden does not mean you can neglect them.

There is a forest here.

Stay still. One, two, three.

Be gentle.

Do you want smiling eyebrows or crying ones?

- Smiling ones. - Smiling? Okay.

Good, one more. It looks great.

More sweat.

Stop being distracting. Go outside.

You fit perfectly.

When giving it to Mak Sim, should I just hand it like this?

- No, not like that. It is too scary. - Okay.

Here it is.

Here it is.

Smile.

That is good, but can you smile a little prettier?

- Here it is. - Yes, that is the one.

Yes, excellent.

Here it is.

What is this?

I asked you a question.

You did well.

But why are you neglecting your studies?

Then,

if I pass the exam, will you grant me a wish?

- How unexpected. - Do you not want to?

If you pass, I will. What is it?

I will tell you after I pass.

Eat this. If you do not rest, you will get sick.

Okay.

Here.

I am too busy studying to use my hands.

So here.

Dip it in syrup for me.

Open your mouth.

Sorry.

This will not do.

What?

At this rate, I will fail the exam.

Yes, that makes sense.

Well,

Dokki fixed the roof,

so until the exam is over, let us sleep apart.

In separate rooms?

If I fail the exam and fail to become the Special Inspector,

the Chief Lady will ridicule me mercilessly.

The entire village is interested in my state examination.

I cannot humiliate myself.

Take the sleep elixir and sleep tight.

Sorry.

One cow.

Two cows.

Three cows.

Four cows.

Three hundred twenty-six cows.

Three hundred twenty-seven cows.

In a market where the crowd, bewitched by joy, had lost themselves...

Stood a young lord,

disguised and watching intently.

I am truly mad.

Why are my eyes so blurry?

It hurts.

Again. There is a flow to this, and you lost it.

Try answering this.

To learn and practice, is it not a delight?

Correct?

No.

I am okay.

- Moon Ji Ho. - Scholars have come from all regions.

Han Kyung Soo.

Passing the exam is not everything in life.

You can try again. This is not the end.

What are you saying?

Think of this as the last chance. Understood?

- Okay. - Cha Woongyi.

- Here. - Eat this.

- Stay calm. - Like you have always been.

Stay calm.

Do not be nervous, Yun Gyeom. Just do your best.

Even if I do not pass, do not be disappointed.

Of course.

Now is not the time for such lack of confidence.

Repeat after me.

I am amazing. I am the best.

I am amazing. I am the best.

Yes.

Say it, and it will come true.

Seong Yun Gyeom.

That is us.

Elder Master!

Top scholar!

- Elder Master! - Top scholar!

Are they not too loud?

Just focus on Woongyi.

Goodness.

Top scholar!

- Elder Master! - Top scholar!

A question about politics?

An essay question was given about politics again?

Yes.

Why is there an essay question about politics in a scholars' examination?

Perhaps the King wishes to gather scholars' opinions.

My goodness.

We did not prepare for an essay question on politics.

Was it difficult?

I poured my feelings into it, writing with all my heart.

I just wrote earnestly.

Feelings, okay.

- As long as you tried your best. - Yes.

But why feelings? It is not a letter.

- I am satisfied. - Yes.

A fine piece of work. This is a pass.

This is the essay of candidate 63.

They have the results.

Wait.

- Is it there? - What does it say?

Hold on a second.

He passed!

Our son passed.

You are remarkable.

Hold on.

Not there.

- Seong Yun Gyeom is not listed. - What?

What did I say?

Do you think just anyone can pass the scholars' examination?

I am sorry, everyone.

- It is okay. - Absolutely.

- There is always a next time. - You did great, son.

I am so proud of you.

The top scholar of the scholars' exam.

Seong Yun Gyeom.

- What? - Top scholar.

Top scholar! Our master is the top scholar!

This is...

Unbelievable.

You should not be amazed like that.

This is embarrassing.

You are the top scholar.

Hurry, come here.

Let us not just gloss over this.

We should not let this pass without a proper celebration, right?

Stop it.

Two top scholars in one family?

We should hang a plaque for this, should we not, Elder Master?

Certainly.

Did you just call him "Elder Master?"

He is now the Elder Top Scholar Seong.

Stop it, everyone. Just eat. You guys are flattering me too much.

You should be flattered all the way.

- Eat up. - Let me serve. Sit down.

You have worked so hard.

I am truly proud of you.

A fine teacher and a fine student.

Well then,

to celebrate our Elder Master having won the first place in the exam,

- cheers! - Cheers!

- Hold on. - What?

What is it?

My goodness.

Why did you suddenly do that? You made me shy.

I am applying what I have learned.

Well,

now that I have passed the exam,

will you grant me my wish?

Of course.

What is your wish?

What I postponed for the state examination.

Our first night.

Do you mean our first night together?

Wait a minute. What do you mean?

First night?

You have been sharing a bed all this time, and now you call today the first night?

Then, until now...

I postponed it so it would not interfere with his studies.

But still...

Wait, what should you wear?

Let us check that.

My goodness.

This one?

Let us see.

You prepared everything like a blushing bride.

This is for you, Mak Sim.

For me?

Tonight, I will be your wedding matron.

What do you...

You and Dokki should marry.

It would be great for you two to stay together from now on.

What is all this about? It is not necessary.

It is not grand, but I prepared it in advance.

Yun Gyeom has also filled the biggest guest house

with new furniture and bedding.

Do you remember?

The flower shoes I gave to Baekyi.

Baekyi never got to walk a flowery path,

but I hope you can walk one.

Being with you here feels like a flower field to me.

You like it though, do you not?

What if she does not want it? What should I do?

Then we wait again. Do not worry too much.

Right.

It is just us, so there is no shame if the bride runs away.

True.

If you are too nervous, follow my lead.

I am amazing.

I am the best.

I am amazing. I am the best!

- How do you feel? - I feel full of energy now.

That is it. Good.

- I am amazing. - That is right.

- I am the best. - Great!

I am the best!

Here she comes.

- Why? - My goodness.

How beautiful.

I have admired you for such a long time.

This is so embarrassing, so just get on with it.

Yes, let us move on.

Tomorrow at dawn, I will go to Baekyi and make my pledge...

to take care of you for the rest of my life, so she can stop worrying.

But will Baekyi grant us her blessing?

She will be happy.

She followed you like a father.

Cheers.

You two drank it.

Now there is no turning back.

You will live together until your hair turns gray.

So please, stop fighting because of me.

May you grow old together in harmony.

Now.

Get on with it!

- My goodness. - Get on with it!

My goodness, what to do? Wait, what is all this about?

What is this all about?

Start with linking arms.

What now?

Just put your arms around her and start from there.

The happiest days of my life were passing by.

Unaware of the trials that awaited us ahead,

we simply basked in our happiness.

Thank you for granting my wish.

How is it that you always know exactly what I want?

That is because your wish is my wish.

You share all your time with me,

and cherish the people dear to me.

I cannot imagine a single day without you anymore.

This is serious.

It seems you cannot go a day without me now.

Right. How did you know the answer to the essay question about politics?

I heard they asked about famine relief measures.

Right.

My response is this.

Despite consistent relief efforts, the suffering of the people deepens...

due to the greed of corrupt officials...

engaging in bribery and exploitation.

That was your answer?

It is a miracle you were not arrested and flogged for saying that.

Of course, I proposed a solution.

I suggested that nobles open their granaries...

and actively engage in private relief efforts.

By promoting a spirit of generosity...

and rewarding those who lead such efforts,

we could expedite the relief process.

You asked nobles to open their granaries?

Yes.

Is that not what you are doing now?

Indeed, it is.

I merely emulated and applied what I learned from you,

and I became a top scholar.

You are truly remarkable.

But did you think...

my wish was our first night together?

No, of course not.

I was just worried you might have misunderstood.

Do Gyeom.

You startled me.

I am not going anywhere. What is it?

Yun Gyeom passed the scholar exam with the highest marks.

Really?

See? I knew he would succeed.

I miss everyone so much.

I am so homesick it hurts.

Is my daily affection not enough for you?

No, so you must try harder.

Do not be like that.

You told me to try harder.

I am leaving now. Eat well.

Yes.

The petitions still have not been processed?

The new Magistrate is not doing his job.

Are the rumors that he bought his position with money true?

Next, please.

Madam.

Are you not Goo?

It seems I have fallen victim to a scam.

A scam?

Explain everything in detail.

There is a guy named Heo Soon in Hamcheong County.

He claimed to sell the rare eternal ginseng seeds, and I...

Eternal ginseng?

It seems you know of it.

I mortgaged my fields to buy those seeds.

Days have passed since the promised date, but I have heard nothing.

What should I do?

Did not Bang make a similar request earlier?

It seems this is not just an ordinary matter.

A family with two top scholars.

Your late father must be so proud from above.

I believe it is thanks...

to the positive encouragement provided by you, Chief.

Me?

Yes, of course, it is thanks to me.

Indeed.

You know how to flatter others.

What is this?

Hey, explain to me.

Why is there no word from Heo Soon?

Heo Soon? Why ask me?

Do not feign ignorance.

The entire Cheongsu County is in turmoil.

What is happening in Cheongsu County?

What is happening?

Everyone has spent their entire fortune on those eternal ginseng seeds!

- What? - Eternal ginseng?

Eternal...

Eternal ginseng?

Yes!

No, I rejected the Magistrate's proposal.

What do you mean?

Your wife agreed and took charge...

with your consent.

This...

Come out immediately!

We know you are in there!

If you do not come out now, we will break into your house!

I have many children with me.

We will all starve to death now.

Madam, please save us!

I have a headache.

My head hurts.

What is all this, Lady Hong?

I have no idea how this happened...

Give me my money!

- What is wrong? - That money was everything we had!

Let go of me.

Stop her.

Give me my money!

Give me my money first!

What are you doing? Show some dignity!

Stop it.

What is going on here?

We are ruined.

Cheongsu County is completely ruined because of this woman.

Why me? What did I do?

I was only following the Magistrate's orders.

The Magistrate?

(Cheongsu County)

He could not get through me, so he went to lure my wife?

Magistrate, come out!

I said come out, Magistrate!

What is all this commotion?

What is going on here?

What do you mean?

That is Lord Kim Nak Soo.

Kim Nak Soo?

The official from the Board of Rites, Kim Nak Soo.

He is Lady So Hye's father.

Quickly, go to the legal advocate office and hide with Madam Tae Young.

Hurry, go!

What? Eternal ginseng?

I am the Chief of Cheongsu County.

And you made everything fall apart...

You.

Are you the new Special Inspector?

You seem familiar.

Is that so? But this is my first time seeing you.

I am the Special Inspector of Yuhyangso, Cheongsu County, Seong Yun Gyeom.

Man Seok.

Where is Madam Tae Young?

She went out saying she was investigating.

Where to?

Did I not clearly refuse?

Do you think my Cheongsu County is a joke?

You could not get through me...

so you lured my wife to take over Cheongsu County?

Is anyone there?

How dare you be like this to me!

Who do you think you are?

Who do you think you are!

Calm down. Let us stop.

Stop? Over my dead body.

Okay, both of you calm down.

- Let go of this. - Over my dead body.

Let go already!

I am not going to take it back.

Wait a minute.

Are you not Goodeoki?

It is so good to see you, Goodeoki.

(The Tale of Lady Ok)

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