(This drama is a work of fiction created based on historical facts.)
(Most of the details and depictions of the characters are fictional.)
Have you lost it?
We could have taken the shortcut.
You know this route is full of bandits.
So why?
Jang Hyun.
Just forget about that Gil Chae already.
Look at me. I am completely fine.
Is Jong Jong the only one for me?
The world is full of girls like her.
Both...
my body and soul...
are yours.
Is there anything of yours that belongs to me?
Well...
Is it this?
Or this?
Perhaps this.
And...
this.
(My Dearest)
(Episode 11)
Put it here.
I am starving.
My lady.
I mean, madam.
You may leave.
You too, Jong Jong.
How is she so unabashed for a new bride?
That should have been my job.
I shall be a good wife.
Please trust me.
My dear.
Why do you look so perplexed?
Has Jang Hyun not returned?
Your Highness.
We have a lot to settle right now.
How can it be delayed?
Please get someone...
to call Lee Jang Hyun back.
He wants Lee Jang Hyun to be summoned back.
Jang Hyun stayed in Joseon to get paper.
He has yet to write back.
I am waiting for him too.
Otter pelt, squirrel pelt, and one sturdy horse.
Otter gallbladder, Japanese swords, honey, red fox leather, and...
Once you leave,
when will I see you again?
I will make sure to return to Joseon...
and atone for being undutiful.
All right.
By the way,
I heard Yong Gol Dae suggested that you wear a red dragon robe.
It is because they are uneducated and thoughtless.
I told them...
that only Your Majesty can wear robes with dragon embroidery.
And what did they say?
I think they understood.
Surprisingly, they seem to...
be pleased when Joseon subjects show their loyalty...
and when women keep their chastity.
Even the Qing wanted to learn from those values.
They were pleased?
When you sent in a mix of rice and millet,
they were also pleased, yes?
As they were pressuring us,
I told them that we could only make the deadline with mixed grains...
and it appealed to them.
They were different...
from the rumors I heard within these walls when I grew up here.
After meeting them in person,
they were more flexible than I thought.
So I...
Do you think that since I sit in this palace,
I am blind and deaf to the outside world?
The Qing emperor sent me a private letter.
His ministers criticized me for sending my adoptive son as hostage...
instead of my biological son.
Do you still think they are flexible?
Then tell me, what have you accomplished...
in Simyang thus far?
Five du of yellow chestnuts,
three sheets of red cloth,
and brushes...
Your Highness.
Interpreter Lee Jang Hyun is back.
Your Highness, please receive my greetings.
Have you been well?
Why are you so late?
Of course.
He would not just leave.
Did something happen in Joseon?
Why do you look like...
you just lost the woman you longed for?
This sly fellow...
Yes, I lost her.
This time,
I lost her for good.
So did I.
I lost my thing for good.
Even without them,
we will still live on.
There is nothing...
you cannot live without.
One way or another,
we will still live on.
It serves you right.
I knew a woman would stab you in the heart someday.
It must have been nice when you toyed with the ladies,
saying you were a misogamist.
This is why you can never avoid retribution...
even if you try to hide...
in deep waters or high mountains.
You passed out after drinking. Just stay in bed.
This is for the best.
Ryang Eum is not here either.
Let us stop doing that.
Gosh.
We need to go.
What?
Let us go.
Come on!
Ryang Eum is not even here. Why are we doing this again?
You are talking about Ryang Eum again?
Do you miss him that much?
When did I ever say that?
Then send him a letter...
saying you miss him to death.
I said that is not it.
Do you follow me around?
She must be a woman.
As if.
Did you follow me here?
Let us see who captures more people.
Go away!
- No! - No!
Come on.
Hey!
Catch them!
Get up.
Let us go.
Get close.
Yang Chun.
Are you...
capturing captives to sell them?
Ignore what you saw today.
Please.
Goodness. Yang Chun.
Okay. Here. Dig in.
Yes. Eat up.
Here.
What happened?
How in the world did you end up...
No, it is okay. Eat up.
You startled the kids.
If I were to get caught this time,
I knew I would die.
I cannot believe I ran into you guys.
In the end, I survived.
With the invasion of the intruders,
all the people of Uiju came to me to hide.
My reputation was on the line.
I could not ignore them.
They all died.
Ningguchin ran away.
But he probably died as well.
But...
how did you guys end up...
capturing captives to sell them?
What do you take us for?
Cut one heel each and send it to their masters.
Yes, My lord.
Please spare us!
Let me live!
Let me go!
If you cut off their heels,
their value will drop.
What a shame.
Let me go!
Darn you all!
You could probably sell them for 30 nyang.
Those feeble people for 30 nyang?
I doubt it.
I think I would be able to.
Please, spare me.
If I cannot,
it will not be too late to cut off their heels then.
Please, spare me.
Instead...
Spare me.
if I sell them for 30,
please give me three nyang.
I also need something to motivate me.
Stop.
If you deceive me,
I will cut off your heel.
Thank you for helping him.
I was not helping him. I was just complying with your request.
But can we really sell all of them for 30 nyang?
So what I am asking is,
how are you going to sell all of them for 30 nyang?
There are so many of them.
This is just unbelievable.
We were going to pay for them?
Did you take me for a master of trading?
That lot...
How could we ever sell them for 30 nyang?
How?
No.
Once they gain some weight,
could we sell them for five nyang?
Hey.
Did you really sell the fools for 30 nyang?
Yes.
I see.
What business acumen.
In that case...
Send them in.
Can you sell them for me as well?
Come on. Run.
Please, spare me.
Let me live.
Come this way.
You can rest here.
It is safe.
That man there will protect us all.
Things are getting...
just worse...
and worse.
The children...
are worth half an adult, so 15 nyang.
There are 12,
so 180 nyang.
Yes.
That is 180 nyang.
It is best to let me capture you!
We are your best option,
my gosh.
Big sister!
Jung In!
Jung In.
Do you not think Ryang Eum is too emotional?
Did you not promise you would open...
another Usimjeong branch for me?
I promised.
If we keep spending at this rate, when...
Gu Jam.
We have a visitor.
I will go and check.
I heard of you.
Send me to Joseon too.
I cannot if you kill me.
Please spare us.
We all die if you do not take us in.
Please help us.
- I have three daughters. - Help us.
Please spare us as well.
- Please. - Help us.
- Spare us. - Please help.
This is all Ryang Eum's fault.
You always give in to him.
But then, if he looks at you...
with eyes brimming,
you have no choice but to fold.
The darn fox.
Since we are together...
after a long while...
We should have some fun.
Have a drink.
We have gathered again,
so let us have fun like we did in Uiju.
I look like a right mess.
Yang Chun.
It is not like...
you did any physical labor.
All you have to do now...
is to tell others what to do.
Save up a fortune...
and Gu Jam, you...
open the Namwon branch of Usimjeong.
And in Uiju,
we shall build an even bigger lodging facility.
My gosh.
Dear Jang Hyun is talking sense for once.
I thought you would die of love-sickness after letting Lady Gil Chae go.
Hey.
I am Lee Jang Hyun.
Do you think...
I am...
a fool of a loser...
who would cry over a woman...
and lament my plight?
You know you are, then.
Very well, then. Tonight,
I will enjoy the company of some Simyang women.
Come in.
The foreigner's shaved head sparkled in the sun.
Come on.
You have a long way to go...
with me tonight, so drink up.
What did she say?
She will show you a good time all night long.
We shall go now.
What? Okay, then.
Sweet dreams.
Jong Jong.
Namwon's Usimjeong...
is mine now.
Shall I serve you tonight?
Sounds good.
Shall we switch rooms, then?
Sounds good.
Shall I just keep filling your cup?
Sounds good.
That would be good.
Very good.
Will you call me...
an ugly rock?
"Hey, you ugly rock."
Say it.
Oh, no.
I went to Uiju.
But it was already...
after you had been taken away.
I was too late.
It is fine.
Did you have a woman?
Is she pretty?
Pretty? As if.
If the woman is not even pretty,
why are you making such a fuss?
Just because.
She is a cool person.
Like you.
Thank you...
for being alive.
You must have...
wronged me quite a lot in our past lives.
That must be why you are my savior in this life.
Is that not right?
It looks as if flowers will bloom.
There is...
another woman you like besides me, is there not?
I already know.
Still, today...
Is there something you like?
I am not sure.
But how did a woman of noble birth...
end up selling things?
You look happy. You must have earned a lot of money.
You see, someone from the palace...
came looking for our daggers.
From the palace? Who?
Royal Concubine Cho.
She asked me how I ended up selling things,
so I told her everything that happened until now.
It is strange.
In Hanyang, the place you have left,
the closest I can get to you is that woman.
So if I do not see that woman every day at least,
I cannot bear it. This is...
so strange.
You dare...
to flirt with His Majesty?
(Wangya: A way to address the king with respect)
Wake up.
No.
No!
Please spare me!
His Majesty wants high-quality tiger skin.
Tiger skin is hard to come by.
I do not have anyone else to ask but you.
Please spare me!
No!
Again?
It is awful how jealous she is.
Please!
What is going on?
Hey.
You may not look in the garden carelessly.
Please do me this favor.
No! Please!
No!
Please!
Please spare me!
- Be quiet! - Let us get some sleep.
What is all the fuss about?
I will go and get a new towel.
Do not leave.
I will be back soon.
You saw Young Rang?
- That is why... - What?
I cannot. No.
We may have saved captives who had escaped,
but busting people out of the palace?
Do not even dream of it.
Fine.
You can sit out if you want.
Gu Jam is right.
Those women were already soiled by the intruders.
No one will treat them with respect in Joseon.
Why should we risk our lives for them?
Stop this nonsense.
Why are you not eating?
Is the porridge bad?
Have a bite.
Just try it.
Goodness, you have a good life.
All you do is cry...
Can you...
pass me the baby?
No way.
How dare an intruder's woman...
Come on.
There, there.
Stop crying.
He is sleeping.
He is asleep.
Goodness. I hope you stay asleep.
You are here.
Kkeut Soe and I...
were captured together.
As you know,
Kkeut Soe used to carry nets...
so he had a strong build.
But he was caught when he ran away,
and recaptured when he escaped again.
At first, they pierced his ears.
Then, they slashed his heel.
During his last recapture,
his former build had shrunk...
and he became...
a skeleton whose pupils quivered.
I know...
I did a lot of evil deeds...
and met all kinds of scoundrels.
But the intruders are different.
My jaw is shaking.
So do not...
try and save those women...
while cutting your life short in return.
You hear me?
Whatever.
I will get Young Rang out if she wants to escape.
What?
It is Young Rang, after all.
(Prince Yoon Chin)
Thanks a lot!
Perhaps,
would you consider selling your Joseon hostages?
I will...
make sure to fetch you a good price for them.
All the Joseon slaves...
are women who will attend to His Highness in bed.
He refuses to release them for money.
(Sokhwan: to release captives in return for money)
Bright and starry Young Rang.
Jang Hyun?
Do you want to leave this place?
I will help you if you wish.
As usual, he never listens.
Slave hunters are often seen here.
You must be careful.
Understood?
Please send me back to Joseon.
My wife is waiting for me.
He will bring you along too.
How tiring.
I am exhausted.
Hurry up, Hang Yi.
I do not think...
I can leave.
They threatened...
to chop off my hand next.
Joseon paper...
is very popular.
I am counting on you.
I am on my way to sell paper from Joseon.
Halt there!
I will lure them away.
A captive!
Go.
Yes, sir.
Why are you here?
You made it.
Goodness. Jang Hyun, you are amazing!
Gosh. What is taking them so long?
- Yang Chun. - We better hurry.
Jang Hyun.
If they find out you ran away,
they will do everything in their power to find you.
That is why you must cross this river today.
Brace yourself.
Jang Hyun,
did you fix your disease down there?
What?
You do not like me anymore,
do you?
You probably will not like a girl whose body is trash.
What do you mean?
You already know.
An intruder took advantage of me.
Are you going to say your body is trash if you get bitten by a dog?
If a lunatic punches you,
will that spot become dirty?
A man in his right mind...
will not think such an incident makes you trash.
So...
when you go back to Joseon,
think of meeting a normal man like that,
not a eunuch like me.
Jang Hyun.
Yang Chun risked his life...
to send you to Joseon.
Remember his efforts...
and live a good life.
I will.
We are ready.
Young Rang, go.
Please,
stay safe.
The envoy that came this time...
(Envoy: a messenger who carried royal letters from the Ming or the Qing)
told the eunuchs something.
What might that be, Your Majesty?
Since our country has not been capturing a lot of captives and sending them back,
(Soehan: sending fugitive slaves back to their owners)
he said I must go to the emperor of Simyang myself...
to inform him of this fact.
They are trying to make me go to the Qing...
for not being able...
to capture the escapees.
They are using that as an excuse...
to come up with a wicked plan.
They are certainly trying to make our country fall again!
- That is right. - That is right.
Do not jump to conclusions!
If any of this is leaked, the people will be shaken,
so we must keep our mouths shut.
It is quite strange.
The Crown Prince is bowing and scraping...
to Khan by learning the Manchu alphabet.
But why is the Qing still so caught up in capturing the escapees?
Does the Crown Prince not know how plagued...
I have been in regard to the escapees?
Is the Crown Prince...
just trying not to upset them...
in order to protect himself?
Your Majesty.
For now, you must respond to their request...
and calm them down.
You are right.
It is such a shame that we must...
send the escapees back,
but it cannot be helped.
Quickly capture those who have successfully escaped.
(Joohoiin: those who escaped from being held captive)
Send them back along with the envoy.
(Escapees, turn yourself in.)
Escapees, turn yourself in.
Those who do not...
and those who help the escapees hide...
will be punished equally.
Those who report these people will be rewarded greatly.
Wait.
Will we really be rewarded...
for reporting escapees?
Gosh. They risked their lives to run away.
Do you really want to rat on them for a few pennies?
Who said I would?
I was just curious.
The whole nation is trembling once again...
due to this incident.
I know my people risked their lives to escape.
But who knew the Namhan Fortress treaty would be this strict?
No!
Since they tie up the escapees...
and treat them like thieves,
some have hanged themselves to death,
and others have even cut off their hands and feet...
to hold off their farewells.
Some officials have even felt pressed...
to falsely capture their relatives.
- Yes! - Yes!
But the royal court cannot judge each and every person,
so many are being dragged away with much resentment.
I did not escape!
Even if the people who suffer from this matter...
are to rebuke and resent me,
I am at fault, so there is nothing I can do.
But...
please understand my intentions.
Do not think of dispersing...
or disobeying my orders.
May our 200-year state...
remain in existence.
That is my wish.
Goodness. Do not go.
I might be late today...
drinking with my superiors.
No.
Shall I come home early to be with you?
Why would you say that?
You must appease your superiors...
so you can become even more successful.
What if I get promoted?
You will become richer.
And if I become richer?
It is good to be rich.
I will do my best to appease your superiors' wives.
So do not sit all quiet and gruff.
Have fun while you are there.
Okay?
Okay.
To be rich. That would be nice.
See you later.
We are threatened...
to return the captives, so we have no choice,
but please let their parents, wives,
and children go free and take pity on them.
Show them your grace.
If the government were to pay for their return,
the people would not blame you...
if you were to charge them later.
Spy on Jung Myung Soo,
find out how much he wants,
and help our people return home.
My darling.
Why did you not interrupt me?
I dare not disturb you as you write an appeal.
What are you appealing about?
They are capturing the captives that got away.
Do you know what the foreign intruders want?
They are...
trying to get Joseon people to fight...
and hate each other.
And yet many in court...
want to side with them and plan our future.
Now no one...
cares about my appeals...
and wants to read them.
Other than you,
who would have the courage to appeal to the King that he stop...
recapturing the captives?
I am helping Gil Chae.
So you should...
do what you see fit.
When I see how much you care about...
and do for our country,
I feel pleased and proud.
- Come on, Grandfather. - Stop it.
Go and play elsewhere.
Go and play...
My goodness.
Take in the captive!
- Yes, sir. - Yes, sir.
What... I did nothing.
- I am not a captive. - Grandfather!
My lady!
What are you doing?
Take him!
- Spare me. - Grandfather.
My lady!
- Please help! - The poor man.
I am not on the run!
My lady.
Did you hide him knowing he was a captive on the run?
I did not hide him.
I had no idea he was a fleeing captive.
If it is revealed...
you hid someone you should not,
you will pay dearly.
Do you know...
who my husband is that you take that tone with me?
I am innocent, so I shall leave.
Oh, dear.
- My word. - I am so scared.
My lady.
Please help me.
I will die if I am dragged back there.
You want me to help you when you deceived me?
Do you know what you put me through?
I do not care if I die,
but I want my grandson to be spared.
You knew!
You took us in knowing we had escaped from the Qing!
Shut your mouth.
How would I know when you deceived me?
This was your plan from the start, was it not?
They will kill me if I return.
His Majesty insists I recapture the Joseon girl that got away,
but how am I to do something the Joseon king cannot?
Exactly.
"Exactly?"
You will pay yourself if we do not recapture the captives.
Come on.
Can you not be more flexible?
Do you think...
the servants are recapturing the actual captives that got away?
What, then?
The woman you just saw.
Was she not beautiful?
If I were to serve up such a woman,
I would not have to worry about the captives.
There is a way.
If we return to Qing,
my grandson Da Jim will die.
Why should I care?
Can you not release the children?
They will only drain your supplies.
If a child or two were to die on the road,
no one would care.
That man looks similar.
Yes, sir.
- Bring him. - Yes, sir.
I know, right?
I forgot something.
- Wait here. - Go ahead.
Why did you bring him? Who will take care of him?
Stop crying.
Your grandfather will not come back.
You are alone now.
You must be strong. Do you understand?
Come along.
Grandfather.
My lady!
Eat all you want.
You and I must keep each other company...
until our hair turns white.
Why are you being so gross?
Have you heard?
Joseon is in uproar because they are recapturing captives that escaped.
They will be sent back to Simyang.
Hey.
Stuff your face in silence.
Yang Chun.
That will never happen to you.
Trust me.
She is not in town.
What do you mean Gil Chae disappeared?
I am sure she left the forge this afternoon.
But she did not return.
Gil Chae...
I will look for her too.
- Let us go. - Yes, Young Master.
Come on.
Did she not say she was going to stop by somewhere?
And Jong Jong?
Did Jong Jong disappear as well?
Madam!
My dear!
Madam!
Madam...
Hurry up!
Madam.
Go on!
What on earth is going on?
You do not think she and Young Master Jang Hyun...
Shut your mouth.
I was just wondering.
Hey. What happened?
Gosh.
Go and tell the master.
Move aside. Why are you getting in the way?
Madam.
Please open your eyes, Madam.
Hurry up!
What on earth is going on?
What is this?
Where on earth are we?
Madam.
Please look after yourself.
Go to the back!
Madam, you once ran away from being taken as a captive of the Qing army, right?
That is why they are taking you back.
What?
I was never taken as a captive.
So let me go this instant!
If you try to leave now, you will end up like that.
Do you want to leave?
The envoy who is returning soon...
will be bringing runaways captured in Joseon...
and naturalized people.
(Hyanghwain: Those who have gained citizenship of another country)
This time, His Majesty...
has ordered you to watch the Joseon officials punish...
the runaway captives of war from Joseon.
You heard, did you not?
The captives will be coming from Joseon this time.
But there is a court official who says he cannot bear to watch...
the captives being punished.
Yes, I will take his place instead.
Will you do that?
What is so hard about that?
It is not like the captives...
will not be punished if I do not watch.
That is...
I just cannot understand what kind of man you are.
I will get going.
Madam.
There they come.
Goodness.
My gosh.
(My Dearest)
Please help me.
We can save them.
What do you mean, save them?
It is no use.
Your lady has been chosen by His Majesty.
I will go with Ryang Eum.
Give up.
If you do not listen,
they cut off your fingers or toes.
Do you know Interpreter Lee?
I will kill you today for sure.
If you think so,
go ahead and cut me right here.
Your husband will come and get you?
No husband has ever come to find his wife.
Do not forget.
Endure it until the end.
It is up to me to protect her.
(Subtitles are provided by KOCOWA.)