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.)

This is...

for my mother's revenge.

Wait a minute.

Are you not Goodeoki?

It is so good to see you, Goodeoki.

To think you are alive.

I searched all over Joseon, but could not find you.

So I thought you had died somewhere.

Are you talking to me?

Yes, this shamelessness is just like you.

By the way,

you look so much better now.

I almost did not recognize you.

Whoever you confuse me with,

this is my first time meeting you.

You may fool everyone, but you cannot fool me.

Did you think I would not recognize you?

Did you just laugh?

I am the eldest daughter-in-law of the Cheongsu County's Seong family.

My name is Ok Tae Young.

So, please stop this rudeness.

Look at her. Is that not Goodeoki?

No, Madam, she is not.

Are you blind? Look properly.

I looked closely, Madam.

In Cheongsu County,

we do not mistreat even the house servants.

What?

You seem to be the Magistrate's wife.

Show some dignity appropriate to your status.

No! The Magistrate is my father.

I see.

I am the wife of the Minister of Taxation, Bak Jun Gi.

Bak Jun Gi.

I am the father-in-law of Bak Jun Gi, the Minister of Taxation.

What? Bak Jun...

- My goodness. - My apologies.

Why the sudden apology?

By the way, I heard it was you who introduced Heo Soon.

What do you want me to do? I am looking for him now.

Why are you raising your voice?

You are not in a position to raise your voice, are you?

What did you say?

Come on, let us head back and discuss this calmly.

No, finish what you were saying first.

- No, let us discuss it back home. - Why?

My apologies.

Why are you acting like this? Who is Bak Jun Gi?

Calm down.

You really look like Goodeoki.

I will not tolerate further rudeness.

Please, let us head back. The Magistrate is waiting for you.

Let go! Look at her! That is Goodeoki, I am sure!

I remembered that face for ten years, as clear as day.

Every day, I imagined how I would tear her apart.

But...

who is Goodeoki?

What?

I am curious who resembles me so much.

My runaway slave.

I see. I hope you find her.

Well then, I have urgent business, so I will take my leave.

Father, arrest her immediately.

My goodness.

Who?

Goodeoki.

Where is she this time?

Here in Cheongsu County.

She is living pretending to be a noble.

Drag her here, torture her, brand her if needed.

Do whatever it takes to make her confess, right now!

What happened? Did she recognize you?

I think she thought I looked similar.

How can you be so calm about this?

Because I have imagined this hundreds, thousands of times.

I was always prepared for...

what to do if we met.

You two are here...

I went to the office, but you were not there.

I was on my way to the government office and I heard you were here.

Hurry, we need to run, Madam.

Kim Nak Soo is here!

- I know. - Come.

You know? Then why are you standing here? We need to run.

What if Dung So Hye comes here? Let us go.

She is already here.

Already?

Dung So Hye is here? What do we do?

What do we do?

Keep your voice down.

Let us go. Quickly.

Why did she come down here? Why?

So, how much did you borrow?

Fifty nyangs.

Even selling the house will not cover it. What now?

Hold on.

Wait a moment.

Speak one at a time. My head is about to burst.

Where are you going, Mother?

Catch that scoundrel right now.

He is the swindler.

Mother, why did you follow me here?

So, everyone here borrowed money...

from Hwang, the moneylender, near the provincial office?

Yes.

He sent thugs to threaten us for repayment.

They say they will kill us.

My goodness, wait a moment.

That is clearly an illegal collection tactic.

Please, help us. Will you?

Soon Deok's father even hanged himself.

Do not think of doing anything rash. Hold out for now.

I will figure out a solution. Do you understand?

My goodness, Sweetheart. Do not carry heavy things.

- Give it here. - Do not run, Sweetheart.

If you fall and hurt your back, it will be a big problem.

Do not worry. You know me.

Sweetheart, have you heard?

The village is in total chaos.

I know.

What is this eternal ginseng that caused everyone to get scammed?

Cheongsu County is in big trouble.

I even heard Administrator Shin will sell servants to pay off debts.

The noble families can at least pay back their debts.

But what about the poor?

Exactly. They have nothing left to sell.

They will lose their land and homes,

and end up on the streets.

What do we do, Sweetheart?

Sweethearts, do not let anyone into the house.

If anyone asks questions, say you know nothing.

- What are you talking about? - What is going on?

Do you think we got scammed too?

Are we going to be sold off too?

- That cannot happen. - Sweetheart.

Please no. Just let us love each other in peace.

What is this? Why are you all meditating?

Is this the time for that?

Come on, start packing your things.

We need to run away right now.

Hurry up.

Goodeoki, it is Lady So Hye, your master.

Listen here, late Master Song Seo In.

Get a grip right now.

Okay?

Do you want to get caught and go hand in hand to the afterlife together?

Look at this. She does not look like she plans to leave at all.

Excuse me, are you not listening to me?

Why are you frozen like a stone?

Lady So Hye saw me.

If I disappear now,

it will confirm that I am Goodeoki.

That makes sense.

Besides, Cheongsu County is in chaos. How could I leave now?

Do not nod. This is not the time to nod.

Fine, let us say Cheongsu County matters.

But does it matter more than your life?

Man Seok is right.

You should leave with Man Seok.

- Come on, let us go quickly. - Just me?

Wait.

Hold on.

- What is that? - What is this about?

It is something I prepared since the day you arrived in Cheongsu County.

Let us go.

Wait a second.

You want only me to leave?

If it were just me, I could deny everything.

But if Lady So Hye sees us together,

then it is truly over.

Exactly. Stand up now. Let us go.

Wait, just hold on.

That is the only way for both of you to survive.

I cannot do that.

I took the state examination...

to become the Yuhyangso Special Inspector of Cheongsu County...

just to stay by your side.

How could I leave Cheongsu County? I cannot.

Yun Gyeom.

And also, Bak Jun Gi.

The Minister of Taxation, Bak Jun Gi.

Do you remember him?

How did someone like him become Minister of Taxation?

It seems Kim Nak Soo...

bought the Magistrate position from Bak Jun Gi.

So he might have scammed others to make up his costs?

First, we need to find that Heo Soon or whatever his name is.

- My goodness. - Why? What?

If you are that scared, just leave.

I will not stop you. Just go.

I love Cheongsu County too.

This is my home.

When I die, my bones will be buried here.

You are really not leaving?

No.

Kim Nak Soo has never seen me before, so he will never recognize me.

And as for Kim So Hye...

Would she even imagine we are together?

What if you meet her?

Would she look at my face that closely, really?

Honestly, I am disappointed.

I mean Kim So Hye.

She had a marriage proposal with me.

But associating with you led to this mess.

- And so? - I am saying...

if she truly longs for someone,

should she not recognize me even from afar?

Is it not so?

Who would recognize someone running away like a startled bird?

How could anyone notice?

Your point is...

You ran so fast.

This is crazy.

You are jesting and laughing?

Living together makes you alike, even in madness, it seems.

Come on, stop it.

Are you really not going to arrest Goodeoki?

Send officers immediately before she escapes.

On what grounds? Arrest her just because she looks similar?

That is why you should interrogate her.

Only then will she confess.

How do you interrogate a noblewoman?

She is not a noblewoman.

Go. You are being noisy. I am going to sleep.

Focus on serving the Minister well, or you will be cast aside.

What about you, Father?

What have you done right after taking office?

Did you scam people again, trying to pocket money?

Do you want to lose the position you got by selling your daughter,

and end up in prison in your old age?

Quiet.

If the Minister finds out, you are the one in real trouble.

I said be quiet!

What?

The Magistrate's son-in-law is Minister Bak Jun Gi?

That same Bak Jun Gi...

who ruined our fortune with the mine scandal seven years ago?

Yes, and I had no idea.

But I have seen Minister Bak Jun Gi's wife.

She seemed about the Magistrate's age.

My goodness.

She is a concubine, right?

It must be that the Magistrate's daughter is Minister Bak Jun Gi's concubine.

In this situation...

Seriously, is that what matters now?

Are you not curious?

Even if my life were at stake, I would still want to know.

That curiosity of yours!

Must I tie your ankles to keep you still?

Even without tying me down, I truly cannot go outside anymore.

People are dying to tear me apart out there.

What did the Magistrate say?

He claimed he is also looking for Heo Soon...

and told us to wait.

You went to confront him,

but when you heard Bak Jun Gi is the son-in-law, you fled back right away.

Keep that mouth of yours shut.

I cannot stay quiet.

This is unfair.

Who could have imagined that the new Magistrate...

would scam his own people?

We cannot yet confirm that he is involved.

What do you mean?

It is obvious the Magistrate colluded with Heo Soon...

and used me as a pawn!

Without evidence, provoking the Magistrate...

could result in retaliation from Bak Jun Gi.

Then what do we do?

What should we do?

We have no choice but to trust Legal Advocate Ok.

Do you think she will find a way for us?

Honestly, she was irritating as an enemy,

but thinking of her as an ally is...

surprisingly reassuring.

What is wrong? Another nightmare?

It seems...

I need to meet someone.

Who?

You are the Madam I met earlier today.

Earlier, Madam So Hye seemed to mistake...

Aunt Geumbok.

It is me.

It is Goodeoki.

Is it really you, Goodeoki?

My goodness, I was unsure...

Dear, look at Goodeoki.

This Madam is our Goodeoki.

Goodeoki, we worried so much for you.

You have been well here.

But...

what about my father?

Is he not with you?

We were separated while escaping.

So that is what happened.

But, Aunt, why is your leg like this?

And Uncle, your face?

What happened to you?

Nothing happened.

Uncle, can you not talk? What happened?

Do not tell me...

Is it all because of me?

What do I do?

It is fine. We are fine.

Really.

Seeing you living well like this...

puts his heart at ease.

I am sorry.

I am sorry.

No, do not be.

It is really fine.

It is okay.

I am sorry.

I am sorry.

No, it is fine.

Goodeoki.

Are you sure that woman is not Goodeoki?

No, definitely not.

By the way,

you saw the Magistrate at his position.

So you should head back, Madam.

His Lord must be waiting.

Our house is nothing but the Minister's secret storage, anyway.

I am just a pretty guard dog for the Minister's treasure.

Woof.

I wonder if Goodeoki's scalp healed after I tore her hair out.

But I cannot just go digging into a noblewoman's hair.

Of course not.

What a shame.

If only I had broken her leg completely...

she would be limping like you.

That would have made her easier to spot, right?

Yes.

You must never run into Kim So Hye.

And you must never face Kim Nak Soo.

- Yun Gyeom. - You being like that makes me sad.

You say you cannot live without me, but you keep telling me to leave.

It is because I am worried.

Let us see it as something inevitable.

Life cannot always be joyful and easy.

Sometimes hardships like this...

give life its flavor.

Anyway, we are one in body and soul now.

So we do everything together.

Understood.

In that spirit...

Right now?

For men, any time is the right time.

I am terrified. Please give me courage.

Great.

What is this? Poison?

This...

It is Ssanghwatang, good for fatigue recovery.

You have been looking pale recently.

I still look handsome, though.

Ever since the news of Cheongsu County, your complexion has not been great.

The whole county has been scammed.

I have been losing sleep because I am so worried.

Still, try to take naps at least.

Also, avoid going out as much as possible.

Why?

Well,

someone might try to steal you away.

I am leaving now.

Remember to eat well too.

Listen, Special Inspector Seong.

What is the point of seeing the Magistrate? What can we do?

He is Bak Jun Gi's father-in-law.

Besides, did I not grab him by the collar last time?

- I am scared. - My goodness.

I will handle the Magistrate.

You just stay put, Chief.

Maybe I should just quit while I am here.

Where are you going?

That is right. Yes.

You should be the Chief.

Do not be like this.

I only got this position because my in-law got fired...

thanks to your wife.

I am just a pathetic, incompetent man.

How can someone like me who cannot handle crises...

overcome such a massive situation?

Listen. Is this the time to be weak?

Remember this.

The true leader of Cheongsu County...

is not the Magistrate, but you, Chief.

Nonsense. Me, a leader?

This is not working. Repeat after me.

I am amazing. I am the best.

- What are you doing? - Just repeat. Come on.

I am amazing. I am the best.

I am amazing. I am the best.

Louder, with confidence.

I am...

amazing.

I am...

the best.

I am amazing.

I am the best.

Yes, that is it.

I am the best.

Yes, I am the leader.

I care the most for Cheongsu County.

I will overcome this crisis...

and restore everything to its place. Understood?

Yes, I can do this.

You really are a reliable man.

Thank you.

I truly have no one else to depend on but you and your wife.

I...

I am the best.

On my way here,

I almost got my hair grabbed countless times.

State your purpose.

Yes.

I...

I have done so many awful things...

to you before, but please...

would you help me?

What would that be?

Pardon?

What awful things have you done to me?

How petty.

How could I possibly recount all of them...

when there are so many?

So you do know.

But is that not all in the past?

Everyone makes mistakes, do they not?

And we are neighbors...

and friends in Cheongsu County, right?

No.

I am not asking for you to help me.

I am asking you to help the scammed villagers.

If I do not assist you,

you will be accused as an accomplice...

and will have to pay and even face imprisonment.

What?

Tell me everything from the beginning.

Yes.

The Magistrate introduced that man to me.

He claimed that eternal ginseng...

is resistant to pests, drought,

and has a growth period of only three months...

making it a treasure-like crop.

Selling such a valuable thing to Cheongsu County.

How generous of him.

I only suggested it because Cheongsu County...

was facing a farming crisis.

I have not been sleeping well lately.

The cries of those poor souls reach over the walls...

and it is truly heartbreaking.

So heartbreaking...

that you would cut tongues, break legs, and bury alive?

What?

Did you not hear me?

Your hearing seems poor.

How exactly do you know this Heo Soon?

Do rural folks not know even this?

Heo Soon is a well-known figure.

He used to be a famous doctor in Hanyang.

If you doubt me, go investigate.

Why should we investigate? You should be the one looking into it.

You must think I am a swindler, so I am suggesting you investigate.

No one said you were a swindler.

But if you insist, we can look into it.

While we are at it, we will also investigate the damages.

You should submit a report,

request assistance from the Magistrate of Hamcheong County, and conduct a search.

And...

He is the father-in-law of the Minister of Taxation.

Please tread lightly.

Since you introduced Heo Soon,

you know this makes you an accomplice, right?

So, are you going to sue me?

Well, possibly?

No.

Commoners cannot sue the high class. You should know this.

Local officials or commoners cannot sue Magistrates.

Let us stop here.

Magistrate, you seem misinformed.

If a governor commits corruption or illegal acts,

the victim can report it...

to the provincial office.

Really?

Our Special Inspector Seong's wife is a legal advocate.

Are you threatening me when you are merely a Special Inspector?

What is there to feel threatened about?

Do you have a guilty conscience?

What would I have to feel guilty about?

- Let us leave, Chief. - Yes.

I am still speaking here.

Apologies.

He has lost his memory, and also his manners. Please excuse him.

Insolent little brat.

What? Brat?

Did you hear that? It was just a mumble to myself.

Yes, my hearing is quite sharp.

Then, we will take our leave.

Does he think Cheongsu County is his backyard?

Why is he acting like this?

Is he a dog?

Yes, I am a dog.

- Why? - I am a dog.

I was just mumbling to myself.

He cannot hear well anyway, right?

You did not hear, did you?

We will take our leave.

The Magistrate is only pretending to search for him.

It seems he will drag it out until everyone gives up.

From what I found...

Heo Soon was indeed a renowned doctor in Hanyang.

Even the people at the pharmacy in Cheongsu County know his name.

Still, I cannot trust Kim Nak Soo,

so I will send someone to find Heo Soon myself.

Meanwhile, I will meet the usurer who loaned money...

to the villagers.

They demanded immediate repayment after hearing about the scam.

I will try to negotiate to buy some time.

Will they agree?

The law caps interest rates at 20 percent per year.

It seems most victims borrowed at higher rates.

So...

you plan to use that illegality to buy some time?

- Yes. - What a clever wife you are.

Are you joking again? I am serious.

What good is being serious about something already done?

Come here.

What?

Stop.

What are you doing there?

Have you never seen a loving couple before?

Of course, I have.

We have the Sweethearts at home.

Did you collect all the damage reports, Kkeutdongi?

Yes, but not all.

But most are gathered.

But there are strange rumors spreading in the marketplace.

Strange rumors?

What rumors?

(Closed Temporarily)

My goodness.

Look at the empty streets.

Even the pharmacy is shut.

Cheongsu County is really in trouble.

How can there be sellers without buyers?

Exactly.

- Guys. - Yes?

I heard something strange.

- About your Madam. - Yes.

They say she was a servant like us.

What? What nonsense is this now?

- Our Madam? - Yes.

The Magistrate's daughter was asking people earlier.

Is she out of her mind?

Where is this nonsense coming from?

I am not the one who started it.

- You should leave now. - What?

Listen up.

If you go around spreading this nonsense,

I will sew your mouth shut. Do you hear me?

Baseless rumors are nothing new.

Do not get so worked up, Sweetheart.

Just go. See you next time.

How did the Magistrate's daughter find out?

What brings you to drink with me today?

How long has it been since you came to Cheongsu County?

Did you hear the rumors...

that I was once a servant?

Yes.

The Magistrate's daughter came by.

She said your name was Goodeoki.

She proudly claimed she named you that...

to make you live like a maggot.

When did she appear here?

When exactly did she return from Qing?

They say you are the most respected woman in this village.

A runaway slave guilty of high treason...

pretending to be nobility must be caught.

High treason?

She almost killed my father.

The scar on his face. She caused it.

What reason would a servant have to attempt killing her master?

She refused and fled when I ordered her to serve him in his chamber.

What?

She should have been grateful to be made a concubine...

since she is a mere servant.

Instead of dragging this on, investigate immediately.

She ran away ten years ago, yes?

Yes.

Legal Advocate Ok came here long before that.

Is that true?

Based on a mere resemblance, you roamed Cheongsu County...

slandering Legal Advocate Ok?

It is not slander. It is the truth.

Legal Advocate Ok is the daughter of Lord Ok Pil Seung...

and the eldest daughter-in-law of the esteemed Magistrate Seong.

Her husband aced the state exam, and her brother-in-law was...

the top scholar on the national exam.

The most respected woman in Cheongsu County is not me,

but Legal Advocate Ok.

You are being deceived.

Everyone in Cheongsu County is being deceived.

Do you suffer from delusions?

How dare you...

insult the wife of the Minister of Taxation?

Does the Minister's lawful wife know...

that his concubine parades as the legal wife?

You want to protect the Magistrate who has become involved in a fraud case...

by smearing the victims' legal advocate. I get that.

But if you continue, the legal wife will pull out your hair and punish you.

So restrain yourself. Do you understand?

I mimicked the Chief Lady.

I did not realize provoking people could be so entertaining.

I should have tried this often.

But…

why did you lie?

I came to Cheongsu County...

nine years ago.

I just wanted to avoid...

scandals.

- Chair Lady. - The Magistrate's scarred face.

Was it truly your doing?

It was a sickle,

not a knife.

I hoped it was not true.

I am sorry.

Since when were you not Goodeoki...

but Ok Tae Young?

When Lord Ok Pil Seung was on his way to Cheongsu County,

he was killed by bandits at an inn near a mountain.

Lady Tae Young died there too.

How...

Only I, a worker at the inn, survived.

When I regained consciousness,

I was in Cheongsu County.

Does your late grandmother know?

My grandmother...

knew everything,

but still accepted me as Lady Tae Young.

What an audacious woman...

to send a runaway slave as a Magistrate's daughter-in-law.

Your master has appeared.

Why do you not flee?

If they find evidence amidst the uproar,

you will be killed.

Magistrate Kim Nak Soo...

buried my sick mother...

alive in the ground.

What?

Such a man...

is threatening Cheongsu County, a place akin to my hometown.

How can I possibly run away?

Moreover,

as penance for living in the lady's stead,

I must live as a legal advocate, Lady Tae Young's dream,

and help people.

Once I drink this,

I will forget everything I heard today.

What kind of wretched events are these?

Exactly.

Just when life seemed to settle down for you two,

those crazies came to Cheongsu County again.

Should we really just sit around like this?

Right, you cannot leave while Cheongsu County is in turmoil.

But with that Magistrate's insane daughter digging around everywhere,

we need to come up with a plan.

Just wait.

It seems he is scheming something.

Scheming what?

The setup is perfect,

but I need actors.

Why are you people looking for me?

Lord Bak Jun Gi sent us with a message.

The Lord? What for?

It is Goodeoki.

We have captured her.

What?

Will she really fall for it?

It will not be easy.

Of course.

She is greedy, calculating, and mean-spirited.

She is not an easy one.

That is why you need to do well.

I have searched all over Joseon for...

No, this is wrong.

There. You have the perfect face for disguise, Dokki.

Honestly, I have no idea what is going on right now.

You do not need to know anything.

Really? Then I will know nothing.

It is better than getting a headache.

Are you sure this will work? Would Kkeutdongi not be better?

No. He is too clever.

If he finds out, his head will explode.

Are you sure you can handle it?

Of course. I was in a troupe for years.

Honestly, I am the best at acting. I even memorized the lines.

How many times must I say this?

Lines are not memorized, they come naturally.

Just immerse yourself. Imagine you are in this moment.

Become one with it.

You wench!

I am sorry, I just got into it.

- Well done. - Right.

Yes, immerse yourself like that.

He is already acting like a bounty hunter. Try it yourself.

Immerse.

I was there.

No...

I was actually there.

Are you sure?

Did you really capture Goodeoki?

Yes. Even after searching all over Joseon, we could not find her.

But she was in Soonpyeong near Hanyang.

She is truly a clever woman.

Where exactly in Soonpyeong?

Haengrigol.

A village filled with ginkgo trees at the entrance, just like its name.

We stopped at a guesthouse briefly,

and we found her by chance.

She fell in love with the innkeeper,

got married, and even had kids.

Really?

She was so fierce,

wielding a sickle and charging at us.

We nearly died.

She has not changed.

She scaled walls like a professional and ran faster than ever.

We barely caught her...

and came here right after.

Geumbok, pack up.

We are heading to Hanyang tomorrow.

This is exhausting. My goodness.

Finding Goodeoki truly proves Lord Bak's prowess.

Indeed, it does.

Are you happy now?

Get going and tell the Lord everything here is under control.

Yes, Father.

Excuse me.

Madam asked me to deliver this.

She packed medicine and money.

I am taking good care of her, so do not worry.

Thank you.

Take care.

We are collecting data on suspected cases of a strange disease,

but we have yet to determine the transmission routes or cause.

It is spreading faster than anticipated.

We are preparing quarantine spaces outside the capital.

His Majesty is concerned...

about public unrest.

I heard you reported Cheongsu County's affairs to His Majesty yourself.

I apologize.

I received a letter from my sister-in-law,

and when His Majesty inquired about my pale complexion,

I explained the matter myself.

His Majesty has ordered recommending an Inspector General.

Would I be suitable?

We have the right candidate.

Come in.

To be appointed as an Inspector General...

right after joining the Ministry of Constitution.

It is truly an honorable return.

Will you not accompany me?

No.

How could I shamelessly go to Cheongsu County?

If your mother ever asks about me,

just say I am doing fine.

You are unwell. I hope you return to your hometown to rest.

I...

I cannot bring myself to pass the gates of the Seong family.

How angry would the late Magistrate Seong be with me?

Is that not all in the past?

Perhaps weakening health brings a weakened heart.

I cannot stop thinking of my wrongdoings.

How are your symptoms?

- Let me examine you. - Do not come closer.

I need to check.

Stay there.

That is...

I am being punished.

I should have mentioned Bak Jun Gi's name then.

Put it here.

Gather all the finest medicinal ingredients available.

Yes.

Spread rumors of a strange disease.

Once quarantine is enforced,

the value will skyrocket.

Understood.

Sending an Inspector General?

But no formal report must have been filed. Where was it requested?

Cheongsu County.

It seems Ok Tae Young contacted her brother-in-law...

to reach His Majesty directly.

Ok Tae Young.

Where is Goodeoki? Where is she being held?

Where is she? Answer me!

Are you ignoring me?

What is this commotion?

Where is Goodeoki?

You claimed to have captured her. Do you not know?

What on earth are you talking about?

Goodeoki deceived me.

She deceived me.

Go fetch water.

You said you would give me a wedding gift. Why are you not keeping your promise?

Are you not listening to me?

I said, be quiet.

Why do you not listen to me?

From now on, obey the first time I say so. Understood?

- My goodness. - He was not there.

Then let us conclude the search of Daepung County.

And as team one headed to Chilgok County today,

team two shall proceed to Sinreung County now.

What? Now?

But we just got back.

Everyone has worked hard.

Can we not rest a bit, Special Inspector?

- Is that so? - Yes.

Then let us rest today.

Let us reconvene refreshed in the morning.

- You are dismissed. - Rest well.

Deokje County is in Jeolla-do, is it not?

It seems the scam with eternal ginseng here...

resembles what happened in our village.

But by now, Kim So Hye should have reached Hanyang.

Why is it still so quiet?

I told you we have countermeasures. Do not worry.

For someone telling me not to worry, you seem awfully worried.

The affected areas are not just in Chungcheong-do.

There are victims in Jeolla-do too.

So you mean this Heo Soon sold eternal ginseng seeds there as well?

Neither Heo Soon nor Eternal ginseng.

But there is a commonality.

What is it?

They target impoverished regions...

and lure the villagers to invest.

If we wait, will we get ours too?

Why is the line not moving?

Thank you very much.

How could I not? We must help during tough times.

We are not in a position to worry about others.

Thank you.

But what business does the Chair Lady have here?

What about the Chief Lady?

How could she come out?

After committing such a crime,

she is fortunate not to be exiled.

The Chief is taking responsibility as you can see.

He sold his household and slaves...

yet he is distributing it all instead of repaying his debts.

We ran out of rice long ago.

The fall barley and wheat are gone too. What will we do now?

You are right.

Even the unripe grains seem to have been steamed and eaten.

We will all perish...

and will not make it to next year.

My goodness.

Good heavens.

What is all this? My goodness.

Be careful.

I asked for just a little, but she sent so much.

Do not worry. We kept enough for ourselves.

This precious aid, not even granted by the King...

What else can we do?

People have stripped the bark and roots of trees.

Mt. Unbong is now bare.

I even heard...

someone boiled pinecones and they tore their bottoms apart.

Is that already a rumor?

I heard it is leaking.

Mother.

Deok Hun.

Deok Hun?

Do you truly not recognize me?

You are too good-looking to forget even after a glance.

But I cannot remember.

Memory loss is this terrifying.

You are jesting. It is not like you.

Is it?

But why seek this place before visiting the office?

Lord Heo Jong Moon of the Royal Tribunal sent me.

Lord Heo Jong Moon?

Minister of Taxation Bak Jun Gi...

moves through offices with the Chief Minister's support.

He leads in exploiting citizens for personal gain.

He is a loyal treasurer for the Chief Minister.

The way to undermine the Chief Minister's grip on the nation is...

to stop Bak Jun Gi and cut off his financial resources.

We must investigate whether the fraud cases in the southern provinces...

are connected to Bak Jun Gi.

This must be done discreetly.

Kim Nak Soo, Bak Jun Gi's father-in-law,

was assigned to Cheongsu County, and this trouble began right away.

It is harder to believe it is not connected.

But for now, these are mere suspicions.

We were also becoming aware this is not limited to Cheongsu County.

Is that so?

I will share our investigation process and gathered information.

Wait.

My goodness, what are you doing?

Chun Sik.

Chun Sik.

Why is this still here? Did you pocket it?

Pocket it? This has always been mine.

No.

There is nothing of ours left. We have nothing.

Hand it over.

This is for Woongyi's trip to Hanyang for his higher examination.

That does not matter at the moment.

What could matter more than this?

How could you be so heartless?

You are the one who brought Cheongsu County to ruin.

That is why we sold the servants, the land,

the cattle, the chickens, and everything.

Let us at least use this for Woongyi.

Please, I beg you.

We cannot.

Selling this could help everyone survive for a few more days.

Since when have you cared about others? Who do you think you are?

I am the Chief.

I am Cha Chun Sik, Chief of the Cheongsu County's Yuhyangso.

What is good about being a Chief?

You got that title by default.

Madam.

Let us end this now.

What?

When everyone demanded I cast you out,

I pretended not to hear.

I thought you did what you did to raise the children to success.

I tried to understand.

I defended you, no matter what anyone said.

Why?

Because I still found you beautiful.

But now?

I can no longer bear to watch how you behave.

Chun Sik.

Leave this house.

I no longer see you as the Madam of this home.

I...

I will change.

Here, take this.

Chun Sik.

I will change.

It is too late.

Chun Sik.

Please, I will do whatever you say.

Why are you doing this to me?

Then will you go to the Yuhyangso and assist the Chair Lady from tomorrow?

No, I cannot.

If I go there, people will eat me alive.

Then will you go to Mt. Unbong to gather greens?

Fine, I will go.

A tour of Jeolla-do performances...

could earn us funds to hold out for months.

What happened to the money you earned so far?

I split it fairly when the troupe disbanded.

And your share?

Could you bring that out?

I spent it all...

looking for your father.

I see.

Wait.

Why?

Man Seok probably has money.

I surely gave him his share as well.

That is why he is always clutching that small bundle of his.

Even during searches, he clutches it tightly...

Wait a second. How do we get it out of him?

My goodness, what a pitiful sight.

Exactly. They look just like beggars.

You are back.

How far did you go?

Take off your bundle.

No, it is fine.

- It must be heavy. Take it off. - It is not heavy. I am fine.

So, what happened? Did you find him?

- We could not find him, - Yes.

but we gathered some information.

What is it?

Apparently, Heo Soon was cast out by his family in Hanyang...

due to gambling.

- Gambling? - Yes.

He lost all his money at gambling dens in Jongno.

And what are we supposed to do with that information?

We should set a trap.

- A trap? - We bait him.

Bait him?

We will set up a gambling den.

What do you mean?

How frustrating. How did you even pass the state exam?

- I may look clueless, but... - Come here.

(Change your life. A chance at instant fortune)

(The greatest gambling den at Geumbawigol, at five)

- Geumbawigol, at five. - Yes, only at five.

Geumbawigol does not open every day.

High payouts, fast games, clean players.

If you want to be rich, come visit.

Change your life. You can be rich too.

Yes, let us all become rich.

At five.

Come on, step right up.

Let the guests in.

You just wait.

I will pay you back soon.

Hurry up, just give it to me.

You are really something.

This amount should do just fine.

This is an heirloom of my family.

Well, take it or leave it.

Why waste time complaining? Go inside and win more.

- Take it. - Fine.

Spin it quickly, hurry up.

My goodness, this is my first time visiting a place like this.

Could you stay with me? I am scared.

Stop making it obvious.

Where do we go now?

Just go.

- Show me your cards. - Half.

Six.

Is that Heo Soon?

Where did he go?

Did your wife not find out?

- Please, deal properly. - Sure.

This should be about right.

But what is your family name?

Heo.

Heo? And your name?

Soeddung.

Enjoy your time, Heo Soeddung.

What? They went to look for Heo Soon? Where to?

I am not sure about that.

What if they find him?

Are we not supposed to find him?

Do you have a death wish? You took those drinks happily before.

It was you who drank, Magistrate. We did not touch any of it...

Keep talking nonsense, and I will cut your tongue out.

- Got it? - Got it.

Get lost.

Get lost!

Here we go now.

Pick your cards.

Be bold, pick your cards.

Let us see.

- My goodness. - I am going all in.

Throwing money around?

Then die.

What a bluff.

Are you all just bluffing?

My card is bad, I will die.

What about you?

Me?

I...

No retractions.

No takebacks.

Make your choice.

How could he bet everything?

I have four pairs.

I have seven pairs.

What?

He will take everything.

I have nine pairs.

Today is not my day. The mighty Heo Soon is out of luck.

Are you Heo Soon?

Yes, why?

- Are you Heo Soon? - Do you know me?

The Heo Soon from Hamcheong County? Is it you?

How do you know me?

Everyone knows me?

Nice to meet you.

Yes.

- Pleasure to meet you. - Nice to meet you.

Everyone seems happy to see me.

What is this?

We got him!

- Let us go! - What is going on here?

Money!

We caught the culprit.

Heo Soon, you scoundrel.

Give me my money back!

- Hold on. - What is this?

Why are you acting like this? Will you untie me?

Why would we untie you? So you can run away?

Where? Where is Heo Soon?

You said you caught him.

Why are you looking around?

Heo Soon is right here.

- That is not him. - What?

This man is not Heo Soon.

Yes, I am. I am Heo Soon.

He says he is.

Something seems off.

He must be someone with the same name.

The gambling addict,

Heo Soon. Are you him?

I keep telling you I am! How many times must I say it?

- Then... - What nonsense is this?

Did I not describe him clearly?

Cheekbones sticking out, a big mole right here...

Did you even check the composite sketch?

Maybe your memory is mistaken.

He said he was Heo Soon, so I believed him.

He is not.

He is not Heo Soon?

My goodness.

Do you know Kim Nak Soo?

I do not. It is my first time here.

First time?

Someone must be impersonating Heo Soon to scam people.

My goodness. Chun Sik.

Chun Sik.

What is all this commotion?

Bak Jun Gi.

The Minister of Taxation.

What brings you to Cheongsu County, Lord Bak?

My family home is nearby.

While I am nearby, I thought I should pay a visit.

And since you came as an Inspector General, I had to see you.

How is your father doing?

That wench...

was pretending to be a noble.

She was shamelessly working as a legal advocate in Cheongsu County.

A legal advocate in Cheongsu County? Do you mean Ok Tae Young?

How do you know that woman's name?

Are you saying Ok Tae Young is a runaway slave?

She deceived me and sent me here. It is undeniable.

Ok Tae Young, the legal advocate?

Do you know me?

(The Tale of Lady Ok)

This land is perfect for growing aloe.

It is amazing how precious aloe can thrive here in Joseon.

Elder Master suggested we process aloe scraps...

to sell.

We should focus on reclaiming Cheongsu County's lands.

Even Bak Jun Gi cannot bend the law at will.

Follow the plans we prepared and handle this well.

Should we accuse Ok Tae Young of being a slave or...

I hoped you would bow.

I finally feel like we are truly one, Tae Young.

It is there. The land document exists.

Why are you acting like this?

How could a nonexistent document suddenly appear?

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