Meaning that in the end, one of us would have to shed blood.
Kim Jongseo does not fear demise.
Suyang! Even demise shan't quell my vengeful wrath!
Don't you want to take a saunter outside the palace gates?
Outside?! And how about the lectures...
I could take your place.
So I wanted to have a look at him firsthand.
Actually, I might be betrothed to Lecturer Kim Seungyu.
But alas, neither a calf nor any other scandalous exposure would make me sway.
Women might walk in a man's shadow,
but what woman would trust and rely upon such puerile and spurious men?
Charming and full of wisdom, just as I had heard.
Impart your precious knowledge upon the crown prince as well.
Your grace is immeasurable.
I am eagerly looking forward to your retort on that missive, Your Excellency.
- Episode 2 -
Your Highness!
I shall appoint Kim Seungyu...
as Royal son-in-law.
Your Highness!
Your Highness.
What is all this commotion?
His Majesty just announced he will proclaim Kim Seungyu as Royal son-in-law.
Lecturer Kim Seungyu?!
Do you realize what you just risked?
Were you blessed with more than one life?
How can a woman be so heedless?
May you repeal that order, Sire!
How can you appoint a Royal son-in-law without any due process?
This is a clear affront against our long-standing mores.
So personally choosing my own son-in-law would be an affront?!
Your humble servant Kwon Ram dares to speak.
Will you appoint someone whose credentials haven't been deliberated upon?
Are you suggesting that the son of Councilor Kim would lack credentials?
Your humble servant shall speak on behalf of all royals.
If you believe Kim Seungyu to be the most suitable candidate,
how could these subjects defy Your Majesty's wishes?
And if I may say so...
Like his father, Kim Seungyu is a man of remarkable wisdom and disposition,
so I believe he would be more than qualified to become Royal son-in-law.
But pleas suggesting we should abide by our mores are just as legitimate,
so as a formality, let us follow protocol and appoint Kim Seungyu after a selection.
Being put in charge of the proceedings would be a true privilege for me, Sire.
You should indeed lead the selection process.
Proceed as suggested.
I suppose that was the retort to my betrothal missive.
Was it you choosing His Majesty over me?
My most earnest congratulations.
Could you be more brazen?!
Let us forget the fact that you're actually a princess,
but what judicious damsel would frolic about impudently riding a horse?
Did I just hear "impudently"?
I ought to reproach all the palace guards and attendants responsible for this.
You're the one who deserves reproach.
For daring to address a princess with such insolent remarks.
What?!
But I guess if you'd like to avoid trouble, just ignore this whole matter.
I am truly overwhelmed by the urge to do so,
but how can I renege on my duties as your teacher?
After you.
If you could lend me your back for a moment...
Back?!
Didn't you tell me to get on the horse?
And you'd step on my back to do it?!
Why not?
It wouldn't hurt your pride now, would it?
Are you telling me you're brazen enough to defy a princess over petty pride?
Pardon me.
Why even make the effort, when you're so daunted by it...
How could men comprehend a woman's heart?!
If that man happened to be your teacher, would it not be feasible?
Is it true?
That riding in such vast spaces liberates your mind?
Only if you ride fast enough to feel the wind.
No matter how daunting, I'd like to feel that.
Women are plagued by solitude after marriage, unable to walk past their gates.
So I should make precious memories to help me endure all that.
Announce my presence.
His Excellency Councilor Kim is conferring with His Majesty.
I see no better candidate.
Imprudent as he might be, he shall be of great service to Your Majesty.
- Not to me, but to the crown prince. - That will certainly be the case.
What is this place?
You cannot enter the palace in this state, so acquire some clean garments first.
Aren't you getting off?
My Lord.
Please.
Ahh... Careful.
Naeuri!!
Go ahead.
- Naeuri, it's you! - Naeuri!
Naeuri... Why didn't you visit us last night?
I'll have to importune you for some clean garments.
- Why? - Why, Orabeoni*.
*Archaic form of oppa (older friend/brother)
What would you need them for?
And pray tell, who would this homely-looking damsel be?
Such unworldly charms... I wonder what waters she trod on her way here.
- Ohh Ohh... - But look at his garments.
My! Don't tell me you've trodden the same waters?
You two!
She's not someone you can so flippantly ridicule.
Escort her inside.
Wastrel. Libertine.
So my darling was here, all right!
Here... Give me a hug!
I'm afraid you're mistaken.
Aigoo... I said come here!
Ahh! Look at this wench! Playing hard-to-get!
Here... Come here.
Ahh... Really!
Naeuri! This is not the room.
- Come with me. - I said this is the one!
Come on!
Here... Let us have a look.
That color...
You can see through, can't you?!
How gaudy.
Ehh Ehh... Is this what you call decent garments?
Wouldn't these do?
And how am I supposed to wear these?!
You cannot enter the palace in this state, so acquire some clean garments first.
Where are you going, Your Highness?
Where is the horse?
It looked too fatigued, so I prepared a carriage instead.
Please.
How could you choose such salacious garments?
Find me something more befitting.
Befitting?!
It wouldn't seem what someone who bares her calves even in her sleep should say...
The palace will be in tumult as we speak. May you hasten.
Your Highness?!
Ohh Ohh... Where did everyone go?!
I left my trinket inside.
- Over there! - It's precious, so please recover it yourself.
Let us hasten.
Here I am.
Not sleeping again, are you?
Where did she go?
Aren't you Lecturer Kim?
What brings you here at this juncture?
I came to oversee whether our gates are properly defended.
Listen to you!
I left inside books I need to peruse, so it will only take a moment.
Right now?
They're needed for Her Highness' lectures in the morrow, so...
But make it quick, or we will face consequences as well.
Yes.
What brings you here?
What is Her Highness doing?
And why would you ask that?
There is something I need to know.
Her Highness is having audience with His Majesty the King.
With His Majesty...
So she did make it back.
What?
Never you mind.
Never lose sight of Her Highness.
Should any harm be brought upon her, I shall hold you responsible.
Yes...
Right...
Give it to her.
Yes.
Do you disapprove of Kim Seungyu that much?
What would possibly move me to feel that?
As you were so obediently taking part in his lectures,
I was thinking you might have grown fond of him...
I believe the crown prince still needs my guidance,
so I would like you to defer the Royal son-in-law's appointment.
If the crown prince is whom concerns you, join Kim Seungyu in conjugal ties.
How much longer will you stay by his side?
Until he comes of age? Or perhaps when he ascends the throne?
Father...
If anyone can help him, it's certainly not a father at the end of his path,
nor a sister oblivious to our affairs of state.
It is no one but Kim Jongseo.
- But if good spirits keep blessing you... - Will you let such futile vagaries...
decide the fate of your brother?
I no longer have the strength to cope with such frivolous whims.
Every step along my path must be taken in haste,
and will pierce my already grievous heart.
How can Seryeong's prospective spouse join me in conjugal ties?!
Have you ever experienced something so baffling before?
Your Highness...
I wonder if Seryeong even knows...
This won't do. I'll have to meet with Lecturer Kim and reveal the truth.
He just left.
Who did?
Lecturer Kim Seungyu.
Kim Seungyu?!
What for, at this hour?
He brought this.
This...
It's the same one Your Highness gave to Lady Seryeong.
First you ride a horse, and now wear garments befitting a gisaeng?!
Are you out of your mind?
My Lady!
Promise you will never ride horses again.
I said promise!
I will never do it again.
If I ever see you anywhere near a horse, it'll be the last time you see me.
Is that clear?
Yes.
Look at how battered these poor calves are.
Just looking at them won't ease the pain, so spread those herbs.
I'm almost done, so be a little more patient.
But at least those bruises on your ankles have healed.
Befitting?!
It wouldn't seem what someone who bares her calves even in her sleep should say...
Did he do it himself?
What?
Never mind.
My sincerest congratulations.
Your Excellency will now become in-laws with the royal family.
You and His Majesty managed to brilliantly outsmart Prince Suyang, didn't you?!
Witnessing him volunteer to preside the selection was a true sight to behold.
- Min Shin (Minister, Board of Military Affairs) -
But it is beyond comprehension.
- Jo Geukgwan (Vice Minister, Board of Punishments) -
Did he not clamor to make Seungyu his son-in-law?
How could he possibly accept this situation,
fully knowing the extent of your relationship with His Majesty?
And what else could he do but accept?
When His Majesty the King and our right state councilor join forces.
The Royal son-in-law has not been appointed quite yet.
Now that Suyang has volunteered to preside over the selection,
the entire procedure is under his control.
Royal son-in-law?!
He dares to spuriously turn you down and endorse his own son as a candidate?!
This is nothing but a joint declaration of war against you by the both of them.
We must devise a solution. Can we just sit and let it happen?
And how magnanimous of you, volunteering to preside over the selection.
Why not do the matchmaking yourself?!
What are your intentions?
Find a suitable substitute for Kim Seungyu.
What does it say?
It's an edict banning nuptials amongst yangban because of Her Highness' wedding.
My Lady. Looks like Her Highness is getting married,
seeing as they are selecting candidates all over the capital.
- Where is Her Highness? - She left, intimating us not to follow her.
We're approaching her nuptials, so it must be weighing heavily on her mind.
I've heard. They're selecting the Royal son-in-law.
But, what about that trinket...
- Uh? - The one you received from Her Highness.
I must have left it at home.
Your Highness.
Lady Seryeong's lecture just started.
If a man holds a woman's trinket...
What would that suggest?
Th... That...
I'll have to verify firsthand.
- So is it bearable? - What?
Ahh... Her Highness' lectures?
Honestly I find it hard to comprehend the nature of my colleagues' misgivings.
It took quite the strenuous effort to bring him back.
But tell me, how is Her Highness faring?
She is a most...
vivacious specimen, for sure.
Say what?
Why not? It wouldn't hurt your pride now, would it?
Are you telling me you're brazen enough to defy a princess over petty pride?
Your Highness, Lecturer Kim seeks audience.
Did you enjoy a peaceful repose?
Yes.
I wonder why Your Highness' safety would afflict me, given your composure.
Certainly an excess of concern on my part.
I can only be grateful for your kind patronage.
Have you perchance heard talebearing of a licentious lady who...
risks demise only to ride horses whose mere gallop daunts her,
and gleefully frolics about in the embrace of men?
I was told that someone brought her to a bizarre brothel...
and forced her to don awfully garish garments?!
What happened to that trinket of hers which ended up in the hands of that man?
They told you even that?
You mean the one belonging to the same lady who fell asleep beside him...
Ohh Ohh...
I could not believe my eyes.
Why engage in such perilous jests?
When it comes to perilous jests, are we not on the same boat?
You're donning a princess' robes, can't I dress like a court attendant?
And why did you do that?
How can this be...
My attendant received it last night from Lecturer Kim.
Are you telling me he visited your quarters to bring this back?
Don't tell me the licentious lady falling asleep next to that man was you?!
What?
We met outside the palace by mere chance, and yet all that hyperbole...
Sounds quite intimate to me?!
Intimate?!
He's nothing but a petulant standpat much too enamored with his noble old mores.
But then I wonder.
This is the same man who treated my bruised calf...
I shall take my leave now.
Right... I've heard news of the Royal son-in-law's selection.
My congratulations.
Thank you.
Kim Seungyu...
is not your man.
Sire, His Excellency Counselor Shin Sukju seeks audience.
- Shin Sukju -
It is good to see you. Come closer.
Ohh Ohh... I said come closer.
Sire. I see distress on your face...
I fondly long for those sleepless nights we spent debating at the Hall of Worthies.
Were it not for the former king's wish to leave the hall's scholars out of politics,
I would have put you in charge of the state council.
You would be more than qualified to become our chief state councilor...
Your grace is immeasurable.
I need your resolve.
The court is completely under Suyang's control,
so be mindful of his subterfuges in my stead.
I shall bear it in mind.
Shin Sukju?!
His inflexible repute precedes him even at the Hall of Worthies.
Inflexible as it might look, the bamboo is but an empty shell.
Did you find a suitable replacement for Kim Seungyu?
Yes. I selected a few candidates with solid credentials.
That is inadmissible.
Neungsan magistrate Song Giseo has no less than four consorts,
so I seriously doubt his demeanor would befit this cause.
Therefore, his son is not to be considered a suitable candidate.
How about the Wonju County magistrate's son, Jo Gyeongtaek?
Jo Gyeongtaek's father Jo Hyeon and grandfather Jo Euiseop...
spent time in the state prisons for embezzling valuables.
Sons of corrupt courtiers are not suitable candidates to become Royal son-in-law.
The selection itself is a mere formality!
Must you quibble over every minute detail?
Are you suggesting that not a single one of my candidates is suitable?
I would rather focus on verifying whether Kim Seungyu's birth date...
is deemed propitious when confronted with Her Highness'.
Don't you know that such practices are reserved for the final selection?
If this selection process is a mere formality, why quibble over protocol?!
Ohh... Look!
The counselor made a remarkably sound observation.
So I'll entrust the task of confronting their birth dates to Your Excellency.
As for you, select candidates to take part in this perfunctory selection.
Yes, Your Highness.
Fine.
Would that be to your liking?
There is something we must give heed to, irrespective of rank.
What would that be?
The fact that Park Sucheon of the office of astronomy should be handed that task.
And for the duration of this entire selection process,
the Royal Palace Guard will be entrusted with his office's security.
The results of his research cannot be disclosed, so entrance must be forbidden.
How truly scrupulous of you.
Entrusting this task upon you can only reassure me.
But even more crucial is Your Highness' role in all this.
I am grateful to hear that.
- Are you leaving the office? - Yes.
His Highness Prince Suyang.
I'm Royal Lecturer Kim Seungyu.
People trying to compare you with your esteemed father,
does it not burden you?
I tend not to let people's views weigh too heavily on my mind.
I've heard you've been entrusted with the princess' lectures.
I am sure His Majesty's concerns will be allayed by now.
I am merely in charge of her Xiaojing lectures.
I feel great regret every time I see you.
You may go now.
I see you're familiar with the young lecturers of the royal institute?!
He's one of my son's friends.
As of late, rogues have been increasingly disrupting public peace.
And I shall by no means tolerate their behavior.
So capture these shameless varmints feeding off our people's suffering!
Yes!
That way!
Catch him!
[Cheongpung Mansion]
What are you hesitating for?
These quarters are often frequented by high-ranked courtiers.
It is nothing but a mere gibang*.
*gisaeng parlor
Open the gates!
They will not open.
Jump the wall!
Why importune our eminent patrons with such discourteous demeanor?
We are looking for rogues who might have found refuge here.
I'm afraid you're mistaken.
Are you oblivious to the fact that harboring criminals is no less of a crime?
How can closing the gates to better provide for our patrons be construed as a crime?
We could search the premises, if necessary.
Meseems the real rogues might be standing before me.
It shan't take long.
Ransack the whole place!
Yes.
What is all this commotion?
What else do you want?
Seeing you here can only confirm that it's indeed a rogue's nest.
You could have chosen a better day.
Come another time, and I shall make it worth your while.
- Han Myeonghwe -
What is the matter?
I am Capital Bureau Prefect Shin Myeon.
I came here to apprehend the ringleader of a rogue syndicate.
The ringleader of a rogue syndicate...
Looking for me, all right.
Then, I would appreciate if you could follow us to the capital bureau.
Tell me, Prefect.
Do you perchance know whom you're facing?
Pay your respects! It's His Highness Prince Suyang!
Your Highness. May you pardon this affront.
But do you actually believe it to be an affront?
The inflexible gaze of an officer not swayed by power...
Shin Myeon, you said?
Yes, Your Highness.
And what clan do you come from?
My father is Vice Counselor of the Hall of Worthies Shin Sukju.
This is the only place able to quell my perpetual disquietude.
Would such dwellings possibly welcome a throng of dissidents?
I shall remember this as a fateful meeting.
How did it go?
Peculiar, is it not?
I met one of that fellow's closest friends at the palace today.
Are you referring to Councilor Kim's son, Seungyu?
What great loss to squander such virtue on anyone else.
Was your betrothal missive turned down?
He chose to forsake me to join forces with my brother.
It must be prevented.
Wouldn't impeding this union suffice?
Lowly miscreant or esteemed courtier,
conceal all your traces and the stench of a corpse is all that your actions will leave.
Save for all the spiteful daggers of insinuation it will attract.
But what would that matter?
Insinuations without evidence will only make them aimlessly shiver in fear.
Jong! Are you home?
Jong! It's me, Seungyu.
Aren't you home?
Seungyu, it's you.
Why are your servants having you open the gates?
Who would remain here, when your keeper can't even afford your wages...
Isn't Jong home?
No way.
No more excuses, I said no.
Ehh Ehh! How can you be so obstinate?
Didn't I tell you I would settle all my debts this time?
When you actually find the money to do it, come back for your medicines.
Come on... Physician Heo.
How much would that be?
Aigoo, thank you.
- I'll get going. - Yes! Have a safe return.
Thank you. Mother will be ecstatic.
When I'm appointed Royal son-in-law, your kindness will be rewarded.
Royal son-in-law?! Who said I'd let you?
Ohh Ohh! Listen to you.
Is our mighty lecturer standing up for his pupil now?
Ahh... I see we've got another competitor here!
Myeon is out of the equation because of his brother's candidacy,
but I'm sure you were added to the list?!
It's nothing we should concern ourselves with.
Hasten back home and give your mother her medicine.
All right.
I'll get going, then.
A princess' spouse?!
Father, I'm back.
Come inside a moment.
Yes.
What was your impression of Her Highness?
Pardon me?
Was all the talebearing about her true?
What are you referring to?
It suggests that His Majesty pampered her to a fault, so she tends to be immature.
I can only note how misguided those insinuations are.
Why is that?
Her Highness is brimming with wisdom and vitality.
That is most reassuring.
I shall add you to the list of candidates for Royal son-in-law.
But the entire procedure is a mere formality.
What?
His Majesty has already chosen a suitable candidate.
And his choice is none other than you.
My Lady!
Looks like His Highness will soon depart for an hunting spree.
We should hasten and get the horse back.
Right... His horse.
I could have gone myself, why bother following me?
"So where is it, here or there?" I'd let you if you could find your way around?!
Why is it so far...
Here we are. This is the place.
You wait here.
My Lady! Lady Seryeong!
My Lady, where are you?
My Lady...
How can you leave the palace as if it was nothing?
I shall punish all your attendants' spurious negligence once and for all.
Good to hear.
I will take this opportunity to inform the office of inspector-general...
of a certain licentious lecturer who frequents gibang as if it was nothing.
So what do we owe today's escapade to?
My need to find a horse.
How trivial an excuse.
Could you have not sent your varlets to do that?
I'm in a predicament you wouldn't understand.
So you will ride again, regardless of your lecturer's admonitions...
and the risk of once again injuring yourself?
I won't.
I will not ride again.
And why is that?
For I promised someone whose grievous concerns I respect.
Is it true?
That riding in such vast spaces liberates your mind?
Women are plagued by solitude after marriage, unable to walk past their gates.
So I should make precious memories to help me endure all that.
I shall take this path back to the palace, so fret you not and be on your way.
Join me.
And experience firsthand how truly liberating it can feel.
Remember to always hold the bridle and mane when first mounting the horse.
Yes.
And when mounting it, always do it from the left.
Be mindful of not kicking the rump with your right foot.
You would invite a sudden fall.
Ahh... I remember doing that once.
Here... Watch your posture.
Make sure your head, hip and foot form a straight line.
Head.
Hip.
Always focus your center of gravity on your back,
for pushing forward would result in a fall.
Firmly hold the reins at all times.
Here... Now softly hit its belly with the edge of your foot.
The harder you hit, the faster the horse will go.
Give it a try.
Never close your eyes!
Finding someone of Kim Seungyu's caliber is no easy feat, Your Highness.
He will not be able to participate in the selection.
What are you implying with that?
Open your eyes.
I will increase our speed.
I'm right here with you. Open your eyes.
I'm scared!
I will not let you get hurt. Trust me and open those eyes.
Are you all right now?
Yes.
We'll go a little faster now.
Master!
It feels as if the entire world is flashing by!
Feel the breeze.
- Does it feel good? - My heart is beating just as fast!
- Can't we do it a little more? - It is late, so I suggest we head back.
Ohh Ohh... Will you let go of them?
You've had your fair share of horse riding, so consider it your last.
- Teach me more. - What?!
Learning how to ride made all my fears and misgivings vanish.
So I want to learn more.
Let us meet again under the full moon, before that gibang's gates.
Don't forget.
Kim Seungyu...
shall not live to see the morrow.
Your Highness!
Are you all right?
Master.
Master!
THE PRINCESS' MAN - Episode 2 -
julier