(This drama is fictional and people or stories are not tied to reality.)
Your Highness.
Why are you so kind to me?
Because it hurts.
Sorry?
My heart aches whenever I see you.
We need to find a shelter from the rain.
Stay with me for a bit.
My apologies, Your Highness.
I was to meet her first.
Your Highness, one moment.
Stay still.
You were to meet her?
Scholar Ha, were you the one who let her walk in this rain?
- It's not... - Answer me.
Was it you?
I did not realize she was walking in the rain.
You didn't know?
You let her walk in this rain, and you just didn't know?
How inconvenient.
I'll see you later. Let's go.
Your Highness.
Scholar Ha is unable to see, so...
But do you not see me here?
I apologize.
Prince Yangmyeong!
You suddenly disappeared, so I looked everywhere for you.
Let's go.
(Go Pil: A servant of Prince Yangmyeong's family)
I'll be waiting for you in Maejukheon.
Yes.
Let's go, Scholar Ha.
What is it?
Why did you come back for me in this rain?
Nineteen years ago, on the day of our promise.
That was the day...
when I became blind,
in return for the rainfall after a long drought.
I couldn't...
come and see you with eyes like these.
Even if I went to see you,
what could we have done?
Ever since that day, I stayed on this one journey.
After I lost...
both my father and mother,
I turned my back on this world.
I lived my life like that,
then I met you, who reminded me...
of myself in the past.
I missed you.
I missed you very much.
But right now, I can't let you...
stay by my side.
If I stay with you,
I'll want to be the Ram I was in those old days.
I'll want to live as that boy who promised...
to pick peaches with you...
in those old days.
But now,
I can no longer live that life.
So please,
continue on with your life...
pretending like you never knew me.
I ask of you.
There are times...
when I am...
afraid of living.
Whenever I felt like that, I always think of the words...
you once told me.
"Don't blame yourself."
"I don't know,"
"but what happened to you is out of your control."
You went blind,
your father passed away, then your family disintegrated,
but everything was...
out of your control, Ram.
Share how you truly feel with me...
from time to time.
That's all I ask for.
Goodbye.
Please wait for me,
until when...
I come and find you again.
(Episode 8: The burned King's Portrait)
Prince Joohyang is aware...
that the Demon's seal came undone on the day of the rainmaking ritual.
He had been searching for the Demon since that day.
You must stop Prince Joohyang.
If you received this secret letter,
it means something unfortunate happened to me.
(Dear Yangmyeong)
(Dear Joohyang)
My King, come near me.
You will never break away from me.
Am I running out of time?
I must finish everything...
before I abdicate the throne to Kang.
This is for Prince Yangmyeong, and this is for Prince Joohyang.
Yes, Your Majesty.
We must quickly restore the late King's portrait.
You get a month.
Expert Han, find a divine painter...
and finish restoring the painting before then.
That's not enough time.
No matter how divine the painter is, that is impossible.
Make it happen.
We don't have much time left.
Your Highness.
Why are you so kind to me?
I became...
fond of you.
Scholar Ha is unable to see, so...
Goodness.
- Prince Yangmyeong. - Oh my.
Someone just came from the palace.
He startled me.
Did he say anything else?
He asked you to go to Gohwawon and meet with Expert Han Geon now.
I understand. I'll do that.
Give me your support.
Hoo!
You must leave!
I'll stop the Demon!
The eyes! Do not look at its eyes!
The Demon.
I must...
I must find the Demon.
Take your seats.
Mi Su.
Do you remember a painter named Hong Eun O?
Hong Eun O?
A former painter of Gohwawon who drew the late King's portrait.
That mans is the painter who drew the King's portrait...
during the sealing of the Demon.
The first place of Maejukheon Painting Contest,
Hong Cheon Gi, is that man's daughter.
What?
Hong Eun O's girl.
Stop. Please stop, okay?
Lord Ha Sung Jin.
This is my daughter.
My name is Hong Choen Gi.
How did that blind girl open her eyes?
Ha Sung Jin's son lost his sight,
but Hong Eun O's daughter gained her sight?
If that painter really is Hong Eun O's girl,
she may be the divine painter...
who's able to paint the portrait to seal the Demon in.
Did my father invite in that divine painter...
to draw the portrait?
Please confirm the Demon's existence residing within Scholar Ha.
Of course. We must check before my father finds out.
We need Scholar Ha's blood.
Blood?
Send a message to Scholar Ha, that I want to see him tonight.
Let me go.
I've already set something up.
(Man Soo: A steward for Ha Ram's family)
Who are you?
I have a message from Prince Joohyang.
Prince Joohyang asked to see you at sulsi tonight.
(Sulsi: Between 7pm to 9pm)
I understand. You may go.
And...
Lady Hong left this behind.
What's this?
It's a painting.
It looks like a sehwa of a tiger.
(Sehwa: A painting drawn to celebrate the New Year's.)
A painting of a tiger.
I hoped to bring peace to you in your search for a divine...
Focus on restoring the King's portrait.
The sealing ceremony.
Does it have something to do with that day?
Your Highness, a messenger is here from the palace.
The stars in the skies are...
interpreted, operated, and drawn by different people.
You should enjoy the starlight.
Stay within that light.
That's the only way you will stay safe.
Message well received.
You may leave now.
Yes.
Father.
I will remember your message.
So do not let me catch you when you lower your guard.
I will never let anybody take my position away.
I missed you.
I missed you very much.
But right now,
I can't let you...
stay by my side.
A man's feelings are impossible to figure out.
Your Highness.
Why are you so kind to me?
Because it hurts.
My heart aches whenever I see you.
This is good enough to repay him for the chungsimwon, right?
Is anybody here?
I must be going crazy. I'm hearing things now.
Is there anybody here?
Take these.
Are these Chungsimwon?
Yes, there are Chungsimwon, the medicine you were looking for.
Your Highness.
I'm not sure if I am worthy enough to take these.
I, Lee Yul, promised to grant you your wish
and I do not make that promise lightly.
Take these.
Thank you for your kindness.
I felt uneasy after saying goodbye to you...
in such a way on that day.
So I prepared something for you.
Nothing is free in this world.
It's all right. You do not have much.
I did my best to prepare this for you,
but you won't bother to find out what it is.
What do you take me for?
It's not a crime to be poor, so do not be ashamed.
It's all right with me.
Are you sure you won't regret this?
I'm not a man who's that calculating.
I made a painting just for you,
but I'll put it away. You can't take it back.
A... A painting?
You were going to pay for Chungsimwon with a painting?
It's not a crime to be poor,
so I'll sell it and use the money for my father's medicine.
Goodness, how are you so inflexible as a painter?
Well, if you say you made it for me,
let me take a look.
Oh my. This is a painting that bids safety and peace.
There are quails, which stand for peace,
and rice, which also means peace.
There are four Java sparrows in the painting...
and five rice plants,
hoping for an abundant harvest and peace in all four seasons.
You have shown kindness to me, Prince Yangmyeong.
I painted this hoping to bring riches, honors, and peace to you,
and may everything in your life unfold as you wish.
Do you like it?
Yes, of course, I do.
But I have one question for you.
What is it?
What happened...
on that day?
Never mind.
Not giving an answer is also a form of an answer.
The painting isn't dry yet.
I'll tell my servants to pick it up when the day breaks.
Your Highness.
What were you looking to hear from me?
That day,
Scholar Ha stood before me in the midst of the rain.
Do you honestly not understand what that means?
Are you unable to be honest with me...
because of Scholar Ha?
You're very poor at hiding your feelings.
I'll get going.
Father, this is Chungsimwon.
Make sure you take this, and get better. Okay?
Please come inside.
Prince Joohyang, it's Scholar Ha.
Come in.
Let me have your cane.
This way, please.
How do you do?
I hear His Majesty adores you deeply.
My name is Mi Su, and I once worked for Seongjucheong.
I've never heard your voice before. It's nice to meet you.
You're Mi Su, the former royal shaman of Seongjucheong?
Up close, I can see he looks just like Lord Ha Sung Jin.
Let me pour you a drink.
You two have met before. Are you aware of that?
Is that so?
Yes. The day you lost your sight,
I was Seongjucheong's head priestess who led the rainmaking ritual.
Do you remember?
I apologize.
I was too young then and I do not recall.
How could I forget?
Everything is fresh in my mind as if it were yesterday.
From the day you came to Hanyang...
with your father Lord Ha Sung Jin,
to the moment you fell into the water...
then was revived during the ceremony.
What was the energy that transported you that day?
I still cannot find the answer.
It's too bad you still don't have the answer.
So,
Scholar Ha. Do you know what that energy is?
I regret to inform you that I also do not know what it was.
If that's how you reply,
the invitation I extended to you becomes useless.
Since that day, I have been unable to see.
My memory has also faded, so however many times you ask,
my answer will be the same.
How am I...
to believe you?
I read the stars.
I wouldn't dare lie to you.
Your Highness.
If Scholar Ha were to suffer another memory loss,
I fear the King will summon us all to reprimand us for our actions.
That's true.
The night you vanished on Mount Inwang,
you lost your memory.
How are you now?
Yes.
Sometimes,
my mind...
blacks out.
When does that tend to happen?
The day my father died,
and on Mount Inwang not long ago.
And...
It cannot be. Those are all...
the days I met Cheon Gi.
What did you remember?
What is it...
you wish to learn from me?
I did not remember anything.
The Demon.
Do you know the Demon?
The Demon?
Lord Ha Sung Jin, you must get out of here!
I will stop the Demon!
No.
I haven't heard of it before.
What is it?
Come on, now.
I see His Highness is concerned...
how Scholar Ha sometimes blacks out.
Scholar Ha, I heard you play the geomungo very well.
May I request you play us a tune?
If you'll forgive me for my past impudence,
I will play you many tunes.
Bring in a geomungo!
Arrange a meeting with Scholar Ha, and I will think of a plan.
Do you wonder...
what the Demon is?
What is it?
Red eyes.
You are no ordinary being.
What do you mean?
You're managing to...
withstand the sharpness of this special sword.
(The sharp and strong features of a blade)
You will soon learn about the Demon.
Now you no longer owe me 300 bags of rice.
Are you all right?
Find the Demon.
I think...
it's connected to everything.
Including my past.
I understand.
My gosh. You look lovely.
Cheon Gi, I packed your favorite snacks.
Eat them in secret.
- What? - Don't ever share.
Ms. Gyeonju.
I get why Troublemaker's going,
but Frown, I didn't think you'd join too.
Why not? At the celebratory party,
all painters who made the third round can join Gohwawon.
Did Expert Han Geon say that or not?
Ink, brush, and paper always go together.
Aren't us three a set?
Cheon Gi, since you joined Gohwawon,
live up to your father's reputation.
Where is Master Choi?
He said he already said goodbye and that he won't come outside.
Really?
But still...
Okay, then. We'll get going.
Have a safe trip. Bye.
- See you. - Bye.
- Goodbye. - You can come back.
If it's too much,
(Choi Won Ho, Master of Baekyu Painters Society)
come back instead of trying to fight through it.
Okay.
Serve and respect the seniors...
who joined Gohwawon before you.
I'll do that.
Don't throw your brush because they make you draw the same thing.
I won't, Master Choi. Don't worry.
When you return,
be prepared to finish painting Lord Yoo's screen.
- Pardon? - You work at Gohwawon,
but you still have a debt to pay off at Baekyu Painters Society.
Master!
You don't bow to people below us.
Be quiet.
Look. This is called a Dan-something.
- It's a Dancheong. - A Dancheong.
It's good to see you. We meet again.
Who are you?
Hey, isn't he Mr. Bamboo Hat?
The magical touch.
What's a man with a free spirit...
doing in Gohwawon?
I got sick of traveling the country and decided to settle for a while.
So, today I will introduce to you...
the new painters who will be joining us.
- What? - There are more?
- These painters... - There are enough of us.
were commanded by the King...
to join Gohwawon under special circumstances.
They reached the final round of the Maejukheon Painting Contest.
This week, we're busy working on a lotus flower screen.
Next week, we must paint ceremonial peacock fans.
Next month is the Queen Mother's 70th birthday banquet,
so we will have even more work.
This is where the painting tools and materials are stored.
Everything imported from Yeon are brought straight here.
Isn't this a brush made with sheep's wool?
Look at these.
These are special inkstones.
What isn't here doesn't exist anywhere in the country.
If you take something thinking no one will notice,
and you get caught, you'll lose a hand.
We keep count of everything.
- Okay. - Okay.
- What are they doing? - How much is it?
- This is where we rest too. - Tell me your name.
While painting portraits?
Her name is Ok Hee. What a lovely name too.
Have you heard?
There's talk that Scholar Ha's girl will join Gohwawon.
The girl who seduced Prince Yangmyeong with her looks?
If a pretty face is all it takes to join,
Ok Hee, you'd be in charge.
Oh, come on...
What are you doing?
- Hey. - Don't.
Oh, no...
Watch what you say.
If he were to hear you paint court maids' portraits in storage,
Expert Han would be very pleased.
You can't do this in the Palace!
Here you are. I've been looking for you everywhere.
Let's get going.
Let go.
Should I have let them off after what they said?
Painter Hong.
Expert Han Geon wishes to see you urgently.
Me?
A star suddenly appeared in the fifth hour.
It appeared above the Blue Dragon.
After that, clouds gathered and rain fell,
so I could see no more.
Welcome, Prince Yangmyeong.
What brings you here?
Scholar Ha.
We must talk.
Yes, Your Highness.
I ask you this.
What is your relationship with Painter Hong?
Miss Hong saved my life and cared for me in the dye house.
I'm positive that you knew each other before then.
You're right. We've known each other for a long time.
- What? - For a very long time,
we knew each other.
- Then I'll ask again. - Before you do,
I'd like an answer from you.
Why are you so interested in my relationship with Miss Hong?
Even if I were interested in her,
those are my private feelings. Are they not?
Do you know what you're saying?
You as good as confessed your feelings for her.
Even if you take it as such,
there's nothing I can do.
- Are you sincere? - I am sincere.
So...
why is it that I don't feel your sincerity?
It's because...
sincerity doesn't come from words alone.
If what you say is true,
if you are sincere and you mean it,
then do not, ever again,
let Painter Hong walk in the rain.
Then...
will you irresponsibly put her in danger...
to satisfy your curiosity?
You asked if I'm sincere.
I don't believe that's a question...
a prince should ask when his duty...
is to uphold the royal authority and serve the country.
I understand.
I will remember your advice.
Scholar Ha.
Remember this day.
As of today,
I will do all in my power to win Painter Hong's affection.
I apologize, Your Highness.
I cannot let you take Cheon Gi.
Expert Han, Painter Hong is here.
Good. Send her in.
Did you look around Gohwawon?
Yes.
How is it? You must still be confused.
I heard of our work...
and was marveling at how much we must do.
Gohwawon exists for His Majesty the King.
Did you expect it to be easy here?
Well, no. That's not what I meant.
Your father and I were once close friends in Gohwawon.
Were you really?
Yes, but I'll tell you more some other time.
I asked to see you in private...
because I have something urgent to tell you.
Okay.
I will give you a very important task.
Something important?
During the day, you will work on Gohwawon's usual tasks.
At night, you'll work on something else with me.
Is this something else a task just for me?
The details aren't decided yet.
Let's just say it's work different from anything you've done before.
I understand.
Go and check what job you were given,
and come to Gyeongwon Pavilion at 8pm.
You'll be escorted there.
Is it a special viewing?
The old maps... in storage.
You want me to make copies of the old maps?
That's right.
I can't bring the maps with me,
so I'll have to come every day.
That's right.
This is Seomungwan. Let's go inside.
Okay.
(In charge of astronomy, weather, and calendar)
Hello. She's new.
Hello.
We haven't met in a while.
Where did Scholar Jang go?
Oh, dear. This won't do.
I have to go. You wait here.
He'll be right back.
Who do you mean?
Oh, Scholar Jang.
He studies fengshui.
He will monitor the restoration.
- Okay. - Good.
Take care.
I apologize.
Sir.
What are you doing here?
That's what I'd like to ask.
Why are you here?
Oh, well,
I'm the painter who will help restore your old maps.
I'm here to be briefed about that.
The map room is that way.
That's where I just came from.
I was looking around.
Now that I think about it, you're Seomungwan's Scholar Ha.
Yes. Seomungwan is where I work.
I'll leave you, then.
What are you doing?
I want to make sure you didn't catch a cold.
Why are you touching my wrist?
I'm good at reading pulses.
Does your heart usually beat this fast?
You're not well.
No, I'm just fine.
I will get back to the map room.
Do you know where it is?
Pardon?
The floor has strange grooves.
They mark the paths I take.
This is my office.
You cannot enter without my permission.
I won't enter even if you allow it.
What is this drawing?
It's the Cheon Sang Yeol Cha Bun Ya Ji Do.
(Stars mapped by areas and signs)
Cheon Sang Yeol Cha...
It's a map.
It depicts the stars in the 12 areas...
and their signs.
It has a complicated name,
(There are 12 sections and 28 signs)
but it's a grand drawing.
There's a place you would love.
(Cheoneuidae: Observation facility)
It's beautiful.
This is Cheoneuidae.
It's where we observe the stars.
I see the Big Dipper.
Is this a star?
Yes. The Big Dipper.
The Big Dipper.
Do you remember?
It's the first star I drew. How could I forget?
Do you know about the Big Dipper?
Not really.
What star is it?
It's the star...
that foretells the good, bad, joy,
and sorrow since Samsin gave you life.
Is someone's fate sealed...
the moment they're born?
At least...
in the world I live in, that is so.
Then there's no point in...
working hard to better yourself.
Changing one's decided fate...
is no easy feat.
I guess that's true.
Why did you send her to work at Seomungwan?
Your father commanded that no one...
is to know we're restoring your grandfather's portrait.
If Cheon Gi works at Seomungwan,
no one at Gohwawon will mind what she does.
It's a good idea.
But why is my father rushing the restoration?
I'm not sure, but his health...
is worsening each day.
Is that so?
We must begin as soon as possible.
This is our storage.
You will restore the maps here.
I was told there would be a supervisor...
who would help me with the restoration.
When will he arrive?
I should say hello.
The supervisor who will help you restore the maps...
is me.
What?
Is that true?
You won't have to worry about me making you feel uncomfortable.
It's fine.
We don't know each other anyway.
Oh, dear. Look at the time.
I should get going.
Thanks for showing me around.
Sir.
Where is Gyeongwon Pavilion?
I'll show you.
Samsin, you worked really hard on this.
Expert Han.
You're here.
Aren't you Scholar Ha?
Why are you here?
Well,
she didn't know the way here.
I will return, then.
Yes. You do that.
Thank you, sir. Get back safely.
Let's go inside.
(Gyeongwon Pavilion: Late kings' portraits were kept and honored)
This is Gyeongwon Pavilion where...
portraits of the four previous kings are kept.
(The king's portrait)
Expert Han.
Why...
did you bring me here?
Do you know...
what the last thing your father Eun O painted was?
Wasn't it a king's portrait?
That's right.
The painting you'll work on every night...
is the king's portrait.
Pardon?
Only the greatest painter within Gohwawon...
is allowed to do so.
(The king's face)
Why would that be me?
Look at the portraits here.
The lines of the facial features are thin and cautious,
and other than wrinkles and shading,
there are no marked shadows.
The areas around the eyes, nose, and cheeks...
are drawn with multiple strokes to add detail.
The lines are very fine and the colors close to the skin tone,
so they almost don't show.
Yes.
It's truly exceptional work.
This is how a skilled painter draws a person...
encompassing the features...
as well as their character.
(Description of a person)
The description of a person...
To depict the subject's true character in the portrait,
that is a skill you must learn.
Every hair must be true.
If even one strand of hair is drawn wrong,
it's no longer that person,
so the portrait must be true to the subject.
Not only that, you must also depict...
the subject's character and beliefs.
Do you understand?
(To depict one's mind and thoughts as well as their looks)
Expert Han.
I've never painted a portrait.
Cheon Gi. You can do it.
Just like your father.
The king's portrait my father painted.
Is that here as well?
Is this...
the king's portrait my father painted?
Why does it look like this?
19 years ago,
there was a fire.
That's when...
King Youngjong's portrait, your father's work, was damaged.
This is the portrait you will work on.
You must restore this burned painting.
What's wrong? Are you all right?
I'm fine.
Why...
We must get out of here.
Do you feel better now?
Yes.
Expert Han.
A portrait must be a true depiction of the subject.
How am I to restore a painting...
when the original is damaged?
You'll copy King Haejo's portrait...
and fill in the body first.
Once that is done, King Youngjong's face...
will be painted from memory.
From memory?
You'll hear a description and draw that.
As you saw,
King Youngjong's portrait is damaged and we can't use that.
Someone will help give you a description.
This is where you will work.
Oh?
Who is that?
Prince Yangmyeong?
Are you surprised?
What are you doing here?
I told you that I once saw my grandfather's portrait.
I'll be so detailed, I'll even tell you...
how many hairs he had on his beard, so don't worry
Do you truly remember all that?
Even if I get the facts wrong,
I'm sure you'll paint well enough.
You are Painter Hong.
Sit down at the desk.
Okay.
For the next few days, you will copy an original...
on paper as an outline before you paint on silk.
Oiled bamboo pulp paper, charcoal, ink, fine brushes.
Everything you need has been laid out.
This is your first day, so practice drawing clothes.
You must paint in a solemn, quiet atmosphere.
I will.
So...
will you stay here from start to finish?
Yes. There's nothing you can do.
We'll be together every night, so get used to it.
Every night?
Oh?
Hey.
What's wrong? Are you all right?
What is it?
Pardon?
I think I dropped something in Gyeongwon Pavilion.
I'll go and get it.
A random star appeared in the Samtae.
Did that random star linger?
I think it will.
What will happen?
Someone important in the Palace could die or be in danger.
I'm the painter who was here with the Gohwawon Expert.
Can you let me back in?
Not without a pass.
Well...
- I left something... - Miss.
Sir.
Are you all right?
Pardon?
I think I left something important in Gyeongwon Pavilion.
Let us in. It won't take long.
You must come right back out.
Okay.
Thank you.
Let's go inside.
Okay.
What were you doing in here?
Expert Han will teach me how to paint the king's portrait.
King Youngjong's portrait.
Wait here. I'll go look for it.
My eyes.
Those are my eyes.
My eyes.
Mine.
Are you sure it's the Demon?
Congratulations, Your Highness.
She is positive that the Demon resides within his body.
The royal shaman. Where is she?
She's preparing to summon the Demon.
Has the time come at last?
Oh?
I found it, sir.
Sir!
What's wrong?
Do you have another headache?
Let's get out of here. Come this way.
Are you okay?
Sir!
Sir. Are you all right?
Sir.
Sir, wake up. Sir!
Sir. Are you all right? Sir.
No.
Is the Demon showing already?
I must find him fast.
Sir. Are you all right? Sir!
Sir.
- Painter Hong. - Sir!
What took you so long?
- Your Highness. - Are you okay?
Yes.
(Lovers of the Red Sky)
I searched for the Demon for 20 years.
Have someone follow Prince Yangmyeong.
Scholar Ha means a lot to me.
Is Scholar Ha involved with the dead men on Mount Inwang?
I believe the time has come for you to learn everything.
I'd like you to not see Painter Hong for a while.
I must eliminate Yul?
How can I help you?
I must become king.
The fate of the royal family lies in your hands.
You must never paint the king's portrait.