[The Matchmakers]
[Production supported by] [The Ministry of Arts] [Korea Creative Content Agency]
[This is a work of fiction. Characters, places, agencies, incidents, organizations, religion, and the setting have no connections to real life.]
[Kim Oh Bong / 28 years old / Jung Woo's Footman] Right now?
[Note: Newlywed] I feel even sorrier for His Excellency now that I am married.
To age into an old man without knowing what it is like to be in a happy marriage.
More than His Excellency taking office, I hope he weds after succeeding in this matchmaking.
That way, he will learn how cruel it is to
make me work overtime on my first Buddha's Birthday as a newlywed.
Please delete what I just said.
Should I start now?
[Gae Dong / 30 years old / Commute Servant / Note: Likes money] If I think about my younger madam, I'm always so nervous.
She is clueless as to how scary her mother-in-law is
and just wanders around outside.
Huh?
Did you not hear the rumor?
That she killed her oldest daughter-in-law and received the Virtuous Woman's Memorial Gate.
Gosh, so scary.
Well, don't go around and say you heard this from me.
All right, here.
How is this a lotus flower?
What?
This won't do.
Let's go buy one at the street market tomorrow.
Must be nice.
Is it that bad?
Young Madam has a heart of gold.
[Episode 4: It Takes 4.5 Seconds to Fall in Love]
You need three head coverings?
Except for this one, I need flower embroidery on the other two.
Please request them to the skilled seamstress from last time.
Mine, yours...
Who is the remaining one for?
These are not for us but for prospective brides.
You have plenty of head coverings.
I don't have ones to actually wear.
Make me a new head covering for me, too!
Excuse me, are you in a rush?
Actually, the seamstress is a noblewoman who lives in Namsan Village.
Looks like she'll be wearing the covering she makes.
I do not know if I can ask her because their house is a mess right now.
A mess?
The madam of that family has gone senile and refused to marry off her daughters.
- The government office has arrested her. - What?
Unni, you cannot.
It is time to make dinner.
My goodness...
Can you tell me in detail?
How could my mother be a criminal?
What is the crime?
According to the law, if the reason a woman cannot wed before the age of 24,
is not due to impoverishment, then the responsibility is on the parents.
Therefore, though, as a mistress, someone wants to take you as his bride.
But for a parent to refuse is a felony.
Therefore, with the power bestowed as Mayor,
I order 30 beatings to Madam Jo, the wife of Maeng Sang Chun.
Mayor sir, my mother is gravely ill.
I am currently looking for a match, so please withdraw the punishment.
Did you not say this during the widespread marriage season for older people three years ago?
From what I hear, the problem is in your mother's wrong mindset.
I cannot let this go easily.
However, if Madam Jo decides to approve her daughter to wed,
then I will overwrite this.
Even if my daughter wishes to,
I can never allow it.
Mother...
Maeng Ha Na's mother has been taken to Hanseongbu.
Since she is a filial daughter, she probably will not merely watch her mother suffer.
I never thought I would gain something I wanted, thanks to Gyeongwoonjae.
[A Few Days Ago]
Let us do that!
Gosh, the Left State Minister was so furious.
The Left State Minister orders me around when I am not even his subordinate.
He does as my older sister orders anyway.
Here, please take a glass from me and rest easy.
If Prince Jin Sung takes the throne,
wouldn't the Defense Minister become the King's uncle, not the Left State Minister?
Yes, that is right.
That is right.
Aigoo, that is right!
You people!
How could you...
say all the right things?
That is right!
Raise your glasses!
So, what happened with Gyeongwoonjae setting up the old maidens?
I am not quite sure.
In any case, while they are at it, I hope they marry off the eldest daughter, at least.
Since she is already 24.
What is wrong with 24?
If a woman cannot wed before the age of 24,
unless it's due to poverty, it is the responsibility of the parents and Hangseongbu.
It may trouble me as well.
I shall be able to solve your worries, Mayor.
I will bring Master Maeng's eldest daughter as my mistress.
Mistress? A woman who is so lewd?
I made false rumors that she was possessed by a virgin spirit.
I wanted to fix her attitude since she was acting so arrogant as a spinster.
O-Oh I see.
There were great intentions.
Of course.
Is it not the spirit of a real man to desire women?
You have to come out right away.
Madam, I am Yeojudaek.
I will definitely resolve this with Lady Ha Na before noon.
So please buy some time before the punishment.
O-Orabeoni!
Why are you here at this hour?
Well, I have to make breakfast, but I have an urgent request.
What is it?
There is a lady who has been treated unjustly.
Could you open the door to Sinmungo*? (A drum that was hung on the gate tower outside the palace for special petition)
Why hasn't she returned since leaving at dawn?
Gosh, I don't know about this. I've done what I can.
You are not an early riser. What a surprise to see you come out to bid me farewell.
Did the sun rise from the west today?
Mother is not home. Of course, I should see you off.
Have a good day.
How about Geun Seok's mother?
I do not think I saw her during breakfast, either.
W-Well... she is not very well...
Where did you go this morning?
Did you spend the night outside?
Of course not.
I cleaned your sedan seat, Father.
You should have the maids do that.
I wanted to wipe it myself for you, Father.
When Ye Jin's mother is not here, you are the lady of the house.
You should manage the servants and not be negligent in serving guests.
Yes, Father.
Mother, please eat.
You must eat well at times like this.
All right.
Gosh! What kind of crappy law is this?
Yeojudaek and Unni said they would resolve this. Where are they?
It is now time for the punishment.
I have not eaten yet, so wait.
What?
Why is it taking so long for her to eat?
Sit over here.
What are you doing? Hurry up!
Well, have you changed your mind overnight?
Even if I am beaten to death, I will never change my mind.
P-Punish her!
Yes, sir!
- Gosh... - Mother!
The Defense Minister of a nation
has not looked after the people starving due to drought
but is stealing wealth using usury
and taking young daughters of the people in exchange for interest.
The Defense Minister's lechery does not stop here.
He is forcing me to become his mistress using the law as an excuse.
As the eldest daughter, I am only trying to take care of my blind, widowed mother.
How could this be my mother's crime?
Gosh, what is going on?
She made a complaint against the Defense Minister's usury practice.
My goodness, she is a brave woman.
What in the world!
What is she doing?
Stop the punishment!
The injustice of Madam Jo has been reported to Sinmungo.
His Majesty ordered the Royal Investigation Bureau to hold the punishment until the investigation was over.
H-His Majesty's order?
There will not be any legal problems, right?
What if I get in trouble while trying to help the Defense Minister?
- Release her immediately. - Yes, sir.
- Mother, are you okay? - Yes.
What a relief.
That damn bitch...
How dare she ring the Sinmungo!
Honorable Lady Jeonggyeong has sent a letter from Temple Seonhwa.
Noonim did?
Does she already know?
[Temple Seonhwa]
It has not been long since he's brought in a mistress. [Defense Minister's Mother]
I guess he wanted to take care of it while I was here. [Defense Minister's Wife]
Please do not worry too much.
I have sent a letter telling him not to say anything or respond in any way.
So, you will do nothing in this situation?
Noonim advised me to stay put.
What does a woman know about politics that you listen to her?
W-Well, Noonim said...
The Defense Minister has not done anything illegal.
It will be difficult to prove his usury practice, which is merely a rumor.
Not doing anything is best in these situations.
The atmosphere within and outside the palace is extremely bad.
Unless you give an acceptable explanation, the King will dwell on your usury practice.
Then, is there any solution?
I have taken some action,
so you go to...
- Gyeongwoonjae now. - Gyeon...
Understood.
Just stand there with a pitiful face.
The Left State Minister said
he would find a government position if I helped him this time,
so please help me.
It is not difficult for you to come up with a justification.
If I do not do well as the eldest son, it is over for our family.
Imagine how much our deceased father would resent you.
How much longer do I have to look after you, Hyungnim?
This will be the last time.
Think about your pregnant sister-in-law, nephew, and niece.
Move it. Hurry up! Hurry!
Aigoo, get me off.
I received a message from the Left State Minister.
What terrible luck.
So, is there a justification for me to avoid the consequences?
Since this matter is quite serious, you will have to pay a pretty high price.
Are you okay with that?
I do not care how much it takes.
Yes.
Just give me the justification.
"Following the drought from last year..."
I do not think I have made a mistake yet...
"Following the drought from last year to this year."
You have forgotten "to this year."
How will you recite all this in front of His Majesty if you are like this from the start?
Could you shorten the content?
I cannot shorten it anymore.
No matter how good the justification is,
how could I, a military officer, possibly memorize all this tonight?
How about this?
What...
A former master at Sungkyunkwan,
Maeng Sang Chun's eldest daughter, Maeng Ha Na
ringed the Sinmungo yesterday.
She expressed resentment toward the Defense Minister's treatment.
Do you have anything to say, Defense Minister?
Your Maj...
your humble...
The Defense Minister has suddenly lost his voice due to his cold.
Before entering the Royal Council Hall today, he has written his position on this incident.
I see.
Then, read the Defense Minister's letter, Chief Royal Secretary.
Yes.
I inform you that the origin of this incident stemmed from my loyalty.
What?
You're saying bringing in a mistress and practicing usury is loyalty?
Keep reading.
Yes...
Due to consecutive droughts, the people were unable to repay the grain they had borrowed last year.
They had to borrow grain again, and this is happening repeatedly.
Accordingly, from last year to this year,
I have provided grain to the starving people at a low fee.
I cannot lend you more grain since you have not paid back
for the grain from last year.
Please give me enough to last until barley harvest season.
My family is all about to starve to death.
You will be able to borrow some from the Defense Minister.
But the interest there is way too high.
Next.
In the process of giving out loans,
Kim Tae Jin, a past tenant of my house
asked me to take his daughter to be in my family in exchange for canceling his debt.
Saving Kim Tae Jin's family became the start of a misunderstanding.
Your daughter is just interest. You still need to pay the principal.
- Father! - No!
This is unjust!
Not my daughter! No!
Not my daughter!
I was unaware of such a story.
Also, bringing in Maeng Ha Na as my mistress is also out of loyalty.
Since the previous kings' era, it has been said that when people's resentment reaches heaven,
plagues and natural disasters will spread throughout the country.
I deemed the greatest sorrow among the people was the sorrow of old maidens.
Even at the age of 24, because of rumors about her misbehavior,
Maeng Ha Na had no hope of wedding.
With my heart of a saint, I wanted to reduce the resentment
of the people by taking Maeng Ha Na into my family.
Defense Minister, you care for our nation so greatly.
I misjudged you for a moment.
Because I am moved by the Defense Minister's loyalty,
I grant him ten rolls of cotton fabric.
I shall read the rest.
The rest? That should be all.
What?
Defense Minister, you are sick.
Do not force yourself to speak.
Continue to read.
Since the oblivious people of the nation do not understand my deep concern for them,
I shall change the ways I express my loyalty according to their level.
Since Maeng Ha Na is not over the age of 24 according to the law,
I shall recommend her to wed on her accord before the end of the year.
For those who borrowed grain from the government last year
are to pay back only the principal.
And borrowing grains shall not take interest this year.
In regard to the government interest, I shall use my own money!
I shall use my own money to pay for the interest!
The Royal Investigation Bureau shall give administrative support
to ensure that the Defense Minister can do as he says.
Report to me efficiently and continuously regarding the issue.
I will proceed immediately.
Immediately!
Aigoo...
I worked so hard to build my wealth!
Shim Jung Woo! I will crush you!
The first part was enough as a justification.
Why did you offer a resolution we did not ask for?
In order to turn the scandal into a good story,
an unconventional follow-up was necessary.
This, again, was approved by the Defense Minister beforehand.
When did I?
Since this matter is quite serious, you will have to pay a pretty high price.
Are you okay with that?
I thought it was the cost of coming up with a justification.
Then you should have said it clearly!
How could I have been more clear?
I mean...
He really did not say it clearly.
Then, I shall get going.
Did you see Gyeongwoonjae smile just now?
That bastard deliberately did us dirty.
You could not memorize that and led us into this situation?
If you could not memorize it, you should have at least read it thoroughly!
It was much too long.
You went through a lot.
I heard you told Ha Na to ring the Sinmungo.
I am in great debt to you for this matter.
Thank you.
Actually, the Inspector helped more than I did.
He went to the palace and made a request to the King himself.
The Bukchon geezer?
[One Day Ago]
[Two Days Ago]
[Three Days Ago]
Gosh, you scared me.
Did you do that, Sir?
W-What are you talking about?
Due to the law that says if you cannot wed before the age of 24, the responsibility is on the parents,
you are making Lady Ha Na become the Defense Minister's mistress.
In regard to that, is it not good since the eldest daughter will get to marry easily?
I had my doubts...
but it was indeed your idea as expected, Sir.
I am extremely disappointed in you, Sir.
You are disappointed in me?
For what?
Since the eldest will be taken care of that way, didn't her marriage issue become much easier?
Please do not refer to marriage...
as something to be "Taken care of."
All right.
Since you broke the promise to follow my matchmaking methods first,
our matchmaking contract is not in effect as of now.
W-Well, that was not my fault-
For the next two months, I will strive my best so that none of
Master Maeng's daughters get married.
What do you mean by that?
From now on,
I will make sure you cannot fulfill your Royal orders.
There is no way...
Meang Ha Na is ringing the Sinmungo or something, right?
- That cannot be. - That is right.
Maiden Ha Na is ringing the Sinmungo.
Do you really think you can punish the Defense Minister with the Sinmungo?
Yes.
The Defense Minister harassed citizens with usury
and everyone in the city knows he loves to play around with women.
A month ago, as a payment for interest,
he took a 14-year-old girl who is not even at a marriageable age as his mistress.
That is human trafficking.
It makes no sense that we cannot punish someone like him!
First, the usury issue is separate from the current matter.
It will be difficult to prove and, thus, difficult to punish.
And a man's affinity toward women does not become a legal problem.
What does become a legal problem is
Madam Jo who is preventing her daughters to wed.
Since she is ringing the Sinmungo even after committing a crime...
the crime of obstruction of official duties will be added.
What kind of nonsensical law is that?
As an inspector, I would know a lot more about the law than you do.
True...
Oh, no. Maybe I shouldn't have told her to ring the Sinmungo.
I shall take care of this for you.
Pardon?
Why?
Contrary to your hasty misunderstanding, I did not do this.
And I am capable of resolving that issue.
Hold on...
This was not your doings, Sir?
T-Then you should have said so before I started to throw a fit.
Did you give me a chance to say anything?
Also, one thing. I must make this clear.
I am..
not the type of a man who will disappoint you.
I sincerely ask that you take care of this well.
Do not worry.
Whatever you imagine, I can go above and beyond that.
Did you not say people were suffering greatly from the Defense Minister's high-interest loan?
Is there a way...
I can punish the Defense Minister for his usury practice?
However, no one will come forward
to testify about the usury in fear of the Defense Minister's retribution.
Also, since the reason for ringing the Sinmungo was not because of the usury practice,
but to stop her mother's punishment.
Technically, Madam Jo is the one who broke the law.
The case is very complicated.
Your Majesty! His Excellency Gyeongwoonjae has arrived.
Let him in.
Yes, what is it?
Regarding Maeng Sang Chun's eldest daughter Maeng Ha Na's Sinmungo case,
there is a resolution to punish the Defense Minister's usury practice.
Out of the blue?
Go ahead and speak.
The Defense Minister will bring the solution himself.
Your Majesty, I ask that you gather the ministers
and make a space to reprimand the Defense Minister.
All right. Will do.
By the way...
is the case of setting up marriages for old maidens going well?
With less than two months left, and you are putting yourself out in these-
Hold on a minute. Come over here.
You...
You won't ask me to forget the old maidens and bachelors case over the Defense Minister's case, right?
Punishing the Defense Minister is a process of encouraging old maidens to wed.
Right, no wonder you came with great urgency.
Since life is very important to everyone.
I did not think the Defense Minister would do such a thing.
But I guess it was all Inspector's idea.
Wow, Inspector is quite cool.
What's so cool?
It doesn't change the fact that
Unni becomes the Defense Minister's mistress if she can't wed this year.
Then...
she shall wed.
Within May, all three of you shall wed with those you wish to.
Please trust me.
I am tired. Let us go home.
Yes, Mother.
- All right, then. - Yes.
Thank you for today.
Get home safe.
I heard what happened at Royal Council Hall.
I tried to stay put like you advised, Noonim.
But Brother-in-law said I should defend myself.
I shouldn't have asked Gyeongwoonjae.
If that's what the Left State Minister did, there must be a reason.
If you think about it, all this happened because of your carelessness.
Noonim, if Brother-in-law had not instigated-
What is done is done!
You must make sure not to repeat this in the future.
Have you looked into who opened the door for her to Sinmungo?
I-I have not...
If Master Maeng's daughter, who has no connection to government office, opened Sinmungo,
she would have gotten someone's help!
That is right...
I will find out immediately.
You are certain my family will not be harmed, right?
They will not be suspicious of you, either.
So, certainly, no harm would be done to your family.
Do not worry.
Your Majesty, Shaman Do is requesting your audience.
Yes, what is it?
Please dismiss the others.
Wait outside.
The vigor in the palace is very strange.
Just like the day...
the Princess died eight years ago.
If you do not move His Highness the Crown Prince outside the palace,
his life will be in danger.
That is a custom order, so it is not for sale.
Over there. Pick one from the back.
I am looking for the person who ordered this.
Yeojudaek?
This is Yeojudaek.
During the tax paying season every year,
I make the facial powder and take them to Yeojudaek's house in Hanyang.
Yeojudaek...
You are going to Hamgyeongdo before Buddha's Birthday?
The porters who were moving with us said they would leave early.
Because of the circumstances, I don't think
I can go to your house to receive the marriage date after the Buddha's Birthday.
What should I do?
I cannot stop you from going away to make a fortune.
I will figure it out on my own.
Are you taking Bok Hee, too?
Bok Hee decided to stay at the merchants' inn.
Bok Hee, you must be upset that your mom is not here on Buddha's Birthday.
It is better they go now if they are going to go anyway.
You have such a trustworthy daughter.
You saved Bok Hee, Madam.
[8 Years Ago, Pyeongyang] I am very excited to see Mt. Geumgang in person.
Let us go quickly. Quickly.
You might trip. Be careful.
E-Excuse me!
Orabeoni!
Hello? Wake up! Hello?
What are we to do?
That is true. Since you were pregnant with Bok Hee back then.
You heard, right? I am the one who saved you.
You cannot act like you don't know me when you grow rich later.
You know your promise to find me a husband for free comes first, right, Madam?
Gosh, she sure is smart.
Gosh, she is so cute.
Welcome back, Sir.
I am here to see Yeojudaek.
- I have heard. - Where did she go...
W-Where-
I never knew there was a space like this here.
Yeojudaek said she would be responsible, so I am letting you in.
But you are not working for
Hanseongbu or the Royal Investigation Bureau by pretending to set up matches, right?
I do not like Hanseongbu or the Royal Investigation Bureau, either.
Anyway,
you are saying Yeojudaek is here, right?
Gosh, it smells musky in here.
I wonder if anyone ever cleans this place.
I need to enter through this door, right?
W-W-What are you doing!
I really am not part of Hanseongbu nor the Royal Investigation Bureau!
You wretch! Who do you think I am!
Door... Please open the door.
You really are very fearful.
A-Are you there?
Aigoo.
Gosh.
Goodness.
Gosh.
You were here.
This place is used to transcribe novels.
It has been empty for a while due to strict Hanseongbu crackdowns.
So, we should use this place as a matchmaking mission base.
Oh, yes, and if there is something you urgently need to say while working,
you can leave a letter to the head merchant at the merchants' inn.
Do not make unscheduled urgent plans.
Yes, yes. But you must be prepared just in case.
Answering once is enough.
Yes.
Ta-da!
I have written this to boost our motivation.
[Master Maeng's Three Sisters' Matchmaking Mission]
No wonder it felt a bit empty.
I can read, but writing is quite difficult.
If you are not confident in Chinese characters, you should just write in hangul.
If it is all written in Hangul, it does not look as nice.
Making a mistake is worse.
Anyway. Like you spoke of... the...
Explain the "Matchmaking Mission."
I shall inform you of the schedule of the "Matchmaking Mission."
Please take a look at the map.
[April 8th] First, we will find the ladies' their husbands on Buddha's Birthday.
Make fate into destiny on May 5th.
Receive formal proposals from the grooms' family on May 15th.
A joint wedding will be held on the 25th day of that month.
The overall schedule looks decent.
Thank you.
It shall begin on Buddha's Birthday at the Temple Seonhwa.
Temple Seonhwa is where the capital city's old bachelors gather.
We will find the ladies' husbands with "first-sight."
My special move, "first-sight,"
has the great power to offset a person's family background or reputation.
It is a perfect plan for the ladies who are haunted by false rumors.
There is no record of how Ssangyeonsulsa found the matches
so, there is no way to find out.
They each have their own skill for finding the match.
Could she really be Ssangyeonsulsa?
So, what we need to do now...
is to prepare for first-sight at Temple Seonhwa.
"First-sight" does not refer to
literally looking at each other's eyes, right?
Why would it not be?
It is literally the first moment a man and a woman see eye to eye.
Come on now. How could someone find her forever partner in that way?
It would be much more reasonable to find someone by looking at their family background.
Do you know how long it takes for a man and a woman to fall in love?
[4.5 seconds] That's half of one-hundredth of a corner, almost in an instant.
It pretty much happens in an instant.
That fast?
People who have experienced it at least once would know.
W-Well, most noblemen cannot experience first-sight.
If you are lucky, it happens at the wedding hall, so do not worry.
I met my husband through first-sight.
In the bookstore.
- In the bookstore? - Yes.
The first moment we met was like a scene from a novel.
A man who reaches for a book from the high shelf seems common only in novels.
But this unrealistic scenario happened to me that day.
After getting married, my husband said he fell in love with me then, too.
How dare you bring your experience as a merchant to the marriage of noblemen?
For nobility, marriage is to
firstly, respect the ancestors, and secondly, produce the next generation.
You do not always need love.
No, love is everywhere and the beginning of everything.
The heart to love your parents and to love your children.
It all starts with a couple's love.
Such a sentimental fallacy of a woman.
It is true, though.
Let us go teach the ladies the skill of first-sight.
Do you need skills to look someone in the eye?
Of course. The marriage is half-way successful if the first-sight goes well.
It requires very exquisite and delicate skills.
Let us go.
Ladies Ha Na and Du Ri, it will just be a moment.
Could you join us in the front yard?
I can do it well just by looking from here, so do not worry.
- Mother, should I read the "Book of Han" today? - Sure.
Then, how about you, Lady Du Ri?
Can't you see I'm backed up with sewing?
Then, we should start with Lady Sam Soon.
Sir, please stand against the wall over there.
A little more to the left.
To the left.
W-Wait, no, to the right.
My gosh, just say it at once.
Yes, that is perfect.
I wonder what the fuss is about.
Today, you will learn the skill of first-sight.
I shall demonstrate, so please watch carefully.
First, you wear the head covering like this.
And come back wearing the head covering again.
That is it?
Yes. It looks very easy to do, but it is actually very detailed and difficult.
The key to "first-sight" is when you reach the spot I designate after Topdol*, (A Buddhist ritual)
wear the head covering so just a bit of your face shows.
You strike a soft smile toward the wall.
Would you like to try?
I think I have gotten the gist.
As the author of "The Madam's Private Life," of course, you would be great, Hwa Rok.
- Shall we? - Yes.
Maiden Sam Soon!
Why are you frowning? She said to smile!
I am smiling right now.
Are you serious?
- This is tragic. - Lady Sam Soon?
You might be awkward since this is your first time.
However, it shall get better with practice.
Let us meet here in two hours.
This is good for me since I will be paid and get to rest.
But are you sure you do not need to go to your mother's family?
As long as you keep your mouth shut, I'm fine.
It's especially a secret from my sister-in-law. Got it?
I've been paid, so of course, I won't tell.
What brings you here?
I am here to see you, Orabeoni.
Ladies Ha Na and Du Ri, could you both walk while I am here?
Maidens, you promised to cooperate.
Du Ri, let us get this over with.
Since a promise is a promise.
Mother, please wait for a moment.
H-Hey! That's an order, so you can't get it dirty.
Use yours, Unni!
I think the head coverings you are making now are all ours.
This one without a flower embroidery is mine.
- Is that not true? - She sure is smart.
That is right.
Really?
- Is this mine? - Yeah...
Wow, it's so pretty.
You did so well. As expected.
She did not look at the wall or even smile.
My youngest sister, the first-sight skill Yeojudaek speaks of
is to take off the head covering and show your breaded hair.
The goal is to show the men by the wall that
I am a virgin and show them my face.
I do not need to smile since I am extremely pretty.
That would mean...
that I am ugly.
But you are cute.
I am only cute in your eyes, Unni.
It is not your fault you are not pretty,
so do not be upset about that.
The rumor that the eldest is an idiot
must have been a false rumor due to her good looks.
Is it okay to be here like this without going to see your mother's family?
My grandmother went to Temple Seonhwa, so she's not there.
And my grandfather's mind comes and goes.
So he wouldn't recognize me even if I went.
Let me see your hand.
- What? - Hurry!
What is this?
Don't you dare take it off.
You're coming to Temple Seonhwa on Buddha's Birthday, right?
No, I am working at the rice paddy field that day.
You're not working until night.
Other than that, I have a lot of work to do. So I cannot go.
Then, who will make my lantern this year?
Lady, would you like to try?
Do I need to practice to look good to men?
Lady Du Ri, how about thinking of it this way?
It is not to look good to men,
but it is a skill for choosing the man I want.
There is no man I want.
If you are this uncooperative, I shall sue your younger sister to Hanseongbu!
Gosh, seriously!
S-Stand in front.
I will never smile in front of a man.
Sir, go stand against the wall.
- She will put the needle away first, right? - Gosh, she will.
Everyone knows it's her style.
I see why there is a false rumor about her frequenting a courtesan house.
It was because of her strange charm.
Lady Du Ri, you have also passed the test.
You may continue sewing.
You have to make those head coverings by Buddha's Birthday
for all three of you to wear them.
All right, then. Lady Sam Soon, shall we try again?
I think I have finally gotten the idea.
It's all good, but I think it would be nice if you could just
smile a little bit like this.
W-Well, maybe a bit softer. Loosen your expression.
Why don't you try again?
Aigoo, gosh.
Why is she so late?
It is time for Father to return home.
Gosh, Young Madam!
Why are you so late?
I am sorry. Work took a lot longer than expected.
Ye Jin, did something bad happen at Mother's family?
Did someone say something that wasn't nice to you?
Why would I have a bad day? Let us go already.
She catches on quickly.
Lower your voice.
What is it?
Where is everyone roaming around at this late hour?
Father, that is...
I asked Unni to go to Mother's family with me.
But grandfather kept repeating himself again and again.
So we left Mother's family a little late.
I see.
You went through a lot, too, Geun Seok's mom.
Let us go inside.
Lady Ye Jin is getting better at lying just like you, Young Madam.
You call this "The pupil has become the master."
"The pupil has become the master."
So cool.
A maid from Eastern Palace* (Crown Prince's palace)
is on the verge of death after eating the Crown Prince's leftover food. (Crown Prince's palace)
Since we do not know the source of the poison,
we cannot leave the Crown Prince in Eastern Palace.
But my Queen,
did you not say you made the food yourself?
That is why I am ever more worried.
My Queen, please calm down for now.
The physician said that we cannot conclude the cause was the poison.
It could be the palace maid's illness at the Eastern Palace.
But the palace maid's symptoms are far too similar
to the late Princess's symptoms.
Eight years ago, Shaman Do said
the Princess faced misfortune instead of the Crown Prince.
Like Shaman Do advised, please allow the Crown Prince to stay at the private residence for a while.
We cannot send the Crown Prince of this country
outside the palace just because of what a shaman said.
I said I would not go, but you had to drag me out.
You asked for a new head covering to wear on Buddha's Birthday.
Why the sudden change of mind?
I don't know...
Everything is boring now.
Aunt, why is the Lotus Lantern Festival held for Buddha's Birthday boring?
You will know when you become my age.
You are not even 20. It is too early to blame your age.
Exactly.
Let us go.
Are you really not going to see the young master who is to become your husband?
I will see him when I get married anyway.
Nothing will change even if I see him beforehand.
Yeojudaek will come to find you. Stop looking around for her.
I mean, my looks do stand out.
Do you have chest pain again?
I expected this much since there are a lot of people.
I am fine.
What is it? Did you find Yeojudaek?
No. I must have mistook someone.
There is no way someone in the palace would be out here.
Are there any changes at the Eastern Palace?
One of the palace maids of Eastern Palace died suddenly.
Since then, on the pretext of cracking down on misbehavior,
the palace ladies searched the quarters of my maids.
They must be looking for poison.
Poison?
This sounds like trouble.
How did you manage this?
The Crown Prince is fine while our cards are all on the table.
Isn't this just narrowing down Royal Consort Sookbin's range of actions?
The goal is to keep the Crown Prince unharmed.
What kind of nonsense is that?
If the Crown Prince leaves his food unfinished,
eat the medicine I gave you with his food.
The poison which was difficult to attain.
Why did you waste it on a palace maid?
In order to bring the Crown Prince outside the palace.
With this, do you think we can bring the Crown Prince outside the palace?
Do you not think they will try to find where the poison came from and complicate our side?
Please do not worry about that.
They could not reveal that the geumjam was poison eight years ago.
They will not be able to reveal that it was poison this time, either.
Also, I have recruited a person who will bring the Crown Prince outside the palace.
Bring her in.
Aren't you the shaman of Sungsoocheong*? (Institution where shamans resided for maintaining the wellness of the royal family)
I thought you were the Queen's person.
Not Her Majesty the Queen,
but I follow the future owner of the palace.
Right. Has the Crown Prince left the palace?
I have advised the Queen to move specifically on the crowded day of Buddha's Birthday.
Tonight...
he would have moved to the private residence.
It is a secret between you and me that you are staying here.
When you return to the palace, I will personally come and get you.
Keep that in mind.
Where is the Crown Prince staying?
The Queen was very cautious
and have not told me, either.
If we do not know the whereabouts,
it is the same as if the Crown Prince was in the Eastern Palace.
You have made things so complicated.
The Crown Prince shall most likely
reside in Princess's residence or wet-nurse's home.
It shall not be difficult to find those places.
Also, when we succeed, we shall not be blamed
but rather the Queen for secretly sending the Crown Prince to the private residence.
It is not a bad idea.
Why is everyone bringing this up now?
You could have given us a heads-up.
Mistakes cannot be made in oblivion.
I should slowly transform into Yeojudaek soon.
I wonder which family she belongs to.
I have never seen her before, either.
Gosh, my makeup must be perfect.
Where could be good?
Maybe here?
I-I-I am v-very sorry.
Oh, no...
Goodness, why are there so many people this year?
I need to meet with Sir, but I can't find a place to put my makeup on.
Don't be nervous.
My brother cannot even recognize me before and after makeup.
Yes...
What do I do?
You!
What is this outfit?
Do you...
recognize me?
How could I not?
♫ I don't know what's happening ♫
♫ My world changed the day you arrived ♫
[The Matchmakers]
♫ So I'm unsure of this feeling ♫
♫ Is it love? Oh, yeah, yeah, yeah ♫
♫ I really wonder if it is ♫
♫ My heart races and aches since the moment I met you ♫
What do you mean Gyeongwoonjae Prince is setting people up?
I wonder if he is helping the King.
Let us find good fate and live happily.
Hooray!
Excuse me for a moment.
So you were Hwa Rok, Maiden.
You should manage your widowed daughter-in-law well.
A tutor will be here, so come to the annex.
Your heart races when you see someone you like.
What was your wish?
Stand and hide there for a moment.
Just look at me while you walk.
I will be your shield.
♫ A moment like fate. ♫
[The Matchmakers]