He lives in the palace, and feeds on human blood.
Elder chose you as next king.
Our plans to destroy Gwi are in my personal Journal.
I'll protect you with my life.
You'll get nothing from me!
Then I'll get rid of you.
What have you done to me?
You'll inherit my powers and face Gwi.
Did Hae-Seo create you?
Believe in yourself.
I love you, Myung-Hee.
Either drink her blood or die.
You must keep living.
Fulfil your destiny.
[ 120 years later ]
I got an interview with the scholar.
Will you live off selling him books?
EPISODE O2
Um, Scholar?
A bit more...
Lift your dress and show more leg.
Will this much do?
I should take everything off.
I guess books aren't his only passion.
What are you doing?
You're embarrassing me.
Sir, I'm bookseller, Jo Yang-Sun.
Sir?
I don't remember calling for you.
You got the wrong room.
You want the room at the end of the hall.
Right?
I knew this couldn't be it.
A distinguished scholar won't indulge in such debauchery.
Excuse me.
Is this your work?
It's like you captured life!
It makes you want to grab it!
These are erotic book illustrations, all the rage now.
See how it pales beside your work?
If you illustrated my books, we'd be wildly successful!
What is your name?
Why'd do ask?
I'm Lee Yoon.
Well, I'm...
I wasn't insisting you illustrate books...
Why are you here?
This man's time is worth gold.
Let's go.
Why are you bothering our guest?
Get a move on.
Yes, let's go.
Excuse me.
Come inside.
So you can find any book if it exists?
That's correct.
Valuable, old, obscene...
Can you find Crown Prince Jung-Hyun's Journal for me?
Prince Jung-Hyun's Journal?
I'd never heard of it.
Was he a Joseon prince?
You rascal!
I got you!
He's more beautiful than a woman.
You should go now.
It's fine.
I'm sure everyone tells you...
you're very handsome.
Treat that wound before you go.
I'm okay.
Scholar, Scholar!
Here's the list of books we need.
Return here in three days.
Thank you.
Thank you!
My hard work is paying off.
These are banned books.
The prince he spoke of...
But that can't be.
Is it a novel?
Are you searching for Prince Jung-Hyun's Journal again?
Didn't Gwi destroy all copies of that Journal 120 years ago?
So why look for it now?
Naeuri (lord) wants to see and read the Journal with his own eyes.
And he wants to know if Gwi really destroyed the plans.
That makes sense.
We searched widely for the last 10 years.
It may no longer exist.
Or it's been in one person's possession all along.
[ author: Forbidden Quest - both books ]
Prince Jung-Hyun's pen-name was Forbidden Quest.
And the accounts in 'Temptations of Father and Son'
are those of Prince Jung-Hyun.
It's no coincidence.
Are you saying this author plagiarized Prince Jung-Hyun?
But this novel was published only months ago...
If the pen-name and stories are identical...
Prince Jung-Hyun was erased from historic records.
Only you, Naeuri, and us two, know of the prince's existence.
All the books he wrote were destroyed back then.
This is the final copy in existence.
That's why you traveled to Hanyang?
This book was distributed here.
You think the banned book really holds Prince Jung-Hyun's secret plan?
Who knows? But one thing's certain.
This person has knowledge of His Highness
or kept records for him.
Behold, the raciest, most banned Joseon publication.
'Temptations of Father and Son': they're after the same woman.
I like the title!
How'd the son feel as he watched
his father pursue his woman?
Oh my!
But eventually...!
What?
What is it?
At night, while his father sleeps...
He flees with her to the watermill!
So they headed to the watermill.
That's where they went.
It's all over now.
Now you can experience this story...
for the price of 5 yangs!
And there are only 3 copies left.
We don't have 5 yangs! Give us a deal!
We work ourselves to death, then pay taxes.
I have no money to feed my kids.
Give us a discount.
Yes, we all must live.
Then we can enjoy reading.
Okay!
I'll knock it down to 3 yangs!
What's going on there?
Are you peddling banned books?
Come by the pharmacy tomorrow.
I'll knock off another coin.
One more, one more.
Hey, book merchant!
Stop there!
The book merchant's name is Jo Yang-Sun.
He's 21 this year, and following his father's path;
he's also a book merchant.
They're resourceful in the industry.
But he's not the one you seek.
His surprised look and feminine voice resemble Jin's.
It's been 10 years.
Even if he survived then, as a convicted felon's son,
it's unlikely he's alive.
Do you think he knows I'm searching for him?
Or is he avoiding me because he doesn't trust me?
You've done everything to find him.
It's time we accept he's no longer...
I know he's alive.
I choose to believe that.
I'm back.
Did you have dinner?
Yes.
Father, Mother.
Things are finally working out.
I received a big order from a renowned scholar.
Is that true?
Mother, next month,
I'll have money for Father's and Dam-yi's medicines.
I've got this big client...
There's no need for that.
People already whisper how we live off your back.
Close the door. You'll let in cold air.
Yes.
Goodness...
Be more loving. Why are you cruel?
Why'd I care? I didn't give birth to her.
Goodness...
He's that handsome?
How much?
The Night Scholar I always imagined was just like him.
He has a crystal white face
and an arched nose.
And he has red lips that makes you want to kiss them.
Really?
I can tell he's widely read.
There's deep meaning in every word of his.
He reminds me of the tales of the Night Scholar.
Do you believe the Night Scholar exists?
And he's a vampire, not a man?
He's not just any vampire; he's the good kind.
I heard from people who saw him firsthand.
When? Where?
It was last spring.
Peongan Province is unsafe.
The Chunsamtae Gang captured some people
for failing to repay a debt.
They didn't distinguish between woman and child.
They were headed out of Peongan Province.
They were waiting to be sold off the following morning.
From young girls
to newly married women...
hundreds of girls were held by the Chunsamtae Gang.
Help me! Save me!
That's when he appeared!
Where did everyone go?
Brother, help me!
Brother, save me!
Protector of the weak, defender of the commoners!
The Night Scholar!
Leave now.
That's how our Night Scholar
saved the captives and drove away the gang.
What do you think?
Won't you want to read it?
I don't care if he exists or not
but the scholar in your novel is so dreamy!
He does exist.
Mightn't I meet him one day?
He might read my novel and look for me.
I'll focus on illustrating the Night Scholar.
Thanks to you, Dam-yi, we'll sell many copies!
Once we make money, we'll go to Tamna to fix your leg.
You mean the man who knows Western medicine?
Yes, the son of the bookseller in Junju was treated by him
and he's as good as new.
Dam-yi, we'll get you healed too.
[ The Night Scholar ]
He had many enemies so he moved to Junju.
He had enough money to live comfortably the rest of his life.
Good work.
I checked
but that bookseller raised no suspicions.
You seemed nervous.
I've never seen you so nervous in ten years of serving you.
It was a scent difficult to resist.
A little while longer, and I'd have torn his throat.
A constant threat to humans is who I am.
You're nobler than any human I've known.
If you grant me eternal life, I'd serve you for all time.
I saw the blood of my beloved, and drained it from her body.
That is a vampire's nature.
Are you tempting me to bring you into this horrible life?
My heart is still human
yet my body demands living blood.
I continue to resist
but I must feed once a month to survive.
Do you realize how many people I killed?
Lord, the moonlight still shines.
You've been hiding like a rat since Hae-Seo turned you.
What have you been doing for 120 years?
Do you think you'll avenge your beloved
by running around killing vampires?
I love you.
This isn't your fault.
I killed you.
It's gruesome and painful, but I'll endure.
Come out.
Be a man and show yourself.
It's the only way I'll kill him.
It's the only way I can end my beastly life.
Father.
Mother.
Yes, good job everyone.
Soon you'll read tales of Jeon Woo-Chi
and Hong Gil-Dong on your own.
Yes!
I'd rather read The Night Scholar by Moonlight Rebellion.
I'll make sure you read that too!
You'll all read in no time.
You're the reason they live like this.
Right?
Brothers, it's been a while.
You told me your father was dying
and you needed medication for your sister.
So I lent you a hand.
This is how you repay me?
The harvest was bad so people read less...
When will you repay my 200 yangs?
200 yangs?
It was 80 yangs last month!
I know.
But you fell behind in interest.
I'll pay it all back by the month's end.
How will you do that?
I secured a deal with a prominent book collector
so I'll have your money soon.
I give you three days.
Get it by then.
How do I get that much in three days?
Three days, 200 yangs.
If you can't, I'll sell you off
with your father and crippled sister!
Got it?
- Let's go, Mak-Son. - Yes, sir.
That's the place.
The banned book was produced at that house.
Let's take a look.
Is anyone home?
Look here.
The cauldron's warm
so they were working here until moments ago.
Not many in Joseon use foreign printing methods.
Did Gwi do this?
No. It was done by a sword.
Vital points were targeted.
I'll investigate nearby swordsmen guilds.
Seems I'm not the only one searching for Forbidden Quest.
They'd all been attacked by the time I arrived
and I didn't see the body of the boy.
That boy can identify us.
Find the boy.
And expedite our plans.
Spread the wall posters tonight.
[ Forbidden Quest ]
You can own a copy of the Night Scholar for only 2 yangs.
The author traveled to find first-hand accounts before he wrote...
Oh. Look, young man. Be realistic.
Do those things really exist?
People make up stories of the Night Scholar or Hong Gil-Dong
to pass their free time.
No, I've heard stories about the vampire monster.
Forget the Night Scholar
and show us some romance books.
Don't you have forbidden love and hot, erotic books?
This new, three-volume romance
is hot enough to burn you.
You can have 5 yangs discount.
Okay, deal.
Me too, me too.
I want to share such a romance with the Scholar.
Still haven't given up? Dream on.
He doesn't find you interesting.
You're one to talk.
Who was driven out naked from his room last month?
Whom are you speaking of?
You met him, young man - the Scholar.
All the gisaengs here want him.
We all try to get close to him.
How'd he refuse you beauties?
Single-minded devotion.
Rumour says he gave up on women
after the death of his true love.
Some say he's broken down there
or he prefers males now.
Young man, be careful around him.
Your pretty looks may attract him.
He's rather handsome
so I imagine all sorts find him attractive.
Are you talking about me?
The lewd artist scholar!
I already told you my name.
I'm Yoon, Lee Yoon.
The position is...
This...
No, no.
That's the right side up.
How's this even possible?
Well...
I don't draw things I haven't experienced myself.
Incredible.
You raised the bar for lewd drawings.
Why do you look at me like that?
Did I err?
You remind me of someone I knew 10 years ago.
You're very similar to him.
- Were you separated? - He ran away from me.
And he took something precious of mine.
It must've been very precious.
It was.
Only two exist in the world.
Father, I'd like Jin to share the brush case you gave me.
It's yours, to do as you please.
Only two exist in the world.
Since you're like my brother,
I'd like you to have one.
Accept it, Jin.
I can tell it's precious to you.
I hope you find him.
I hope so. I will find him.
Young man, the Scholar is asking for you.
Yes, I'm on my way.
Sir, I'll see you at the medicine shop when you visit the market.
You must leave this place.
Seize him!
- Don't do this! - Move!
- Drag out every man! - Yes!
Young book merchant, are you joining us tonight?
No, I was just...
Excuse me.
Look in there!
Scholar, it's an emergency!
Scholar!
Drag out men only! - Yes!
You've forgotten something important.
Drag them all out!
Drag out men only!
They're royal guards.
Did you find my books?
Magic texts, signed texts and other banned texts.
Those weren't easy to obtain.
And Prince Jung-Hyun's personal Journal?
I haven't found that yet.
No one seems to know of its existence.
Are you saying I sent you after something imaginary?
That's not what I meant.
- Search in there! - Yes!
Please help me, Scholar.
Why should I do that?
You go round breaking the law,
even dressing like a man.
What if I get into trouble
for helping a merchant who sells banned books?
I'm my family's breadwinner.
Please help me this once.
If you help me, I'll repay you someday.
Please.
You'll repay me?
If it's something I can do, I'll do it.
How do you know what I'll want?
You can't enter this room.
An important guest is inside.
Will you face what lies behind the door?
Yes.
I'm here to meet this guest.
Open it.
My, this is awkward.
I didn't call for spectators.
I apologize.
I tried to stop them
but they have business with you.
Is the king looking for me?
If it isn't me, can you leave us now?
I have unfinished business with this woman.
Let's go.
I think they're searching for the prince who left the palace.
A prince who takes pleasure in gisaengs.
Amusing.
Aren't you used to eccentric princes?
I told you it'd be too risky.
We could've gotten caught back there.
I know.
I'm thankful you're by my side.
Did you go back to see that book merchant?
The gibang has beautiful women and booze...
and those who remind us of others.
Your Highness.
His Majesty is waiting for you.
Your Majesty, it is I, your grandson.
Your royal decree...
This literature speaks of a secret plot
within the palace and a struggle for power.
Let the prince read it aloud.
Yes, Your Majesty.
Young man, did you know what you were selling?
What are you talking about?
The erotic book you sold us
turns out to be our king's story!
Forbidden Quest's writings expose the conspiracy
behind the death of Crown Prince Sado.
The ones behind making Crown Prince Sado a criminal
were the ones lusting for power
and the king.
And this has happened before, 120 years ago.
So what are your thoughts?
You believe I killed your father in my lust for power?
Yoon.
Yoon!
Father!
- Yoon! - Father!
Grandfather!
Father never conspired against you!
Please show him your mercy!
Prince. Please calm down.
Grandfather!
Father never conspired against you!
"He is not your father".
I never forgot you put a sword to my throat and told me he is no longer my father.
Such words.
It's best to disown me instead.
My survival only complicates your rule.
In my 10 years outside the palace,
I spent time with Prince Sado's followers who spoke of my deposing.
Each time...
And I always maintained your innocence.
I didn't know you were the womanizer you revealed yourself to be.
If you're worried about me,
end your life yourself.
Getting rid of you would mean I admit to the conspiracy.
Why would I do that?
To reveal the truth to the masses
by spreading the message through banned books...
Impressive.
There are posters all across the kingdom
yet we don't know who's behind it.
It isn't the work of one man.
Someone is backing this.
From what I heard at the drinking tables,
the king is about to issue a decree about banned books.
He'll contend this is the work of people who murdered his son.
The king and powermongers didn't kill Prince Sado.
Gwi was responsible.
The two who tried to face Gwi lost their lives
and I just stood and watched.
In accounting events of 120 years ago,
this author surely knows about Prince Jung-Hyun.
But is Forbidden Quest unaware of Gwi's existence?
I must find Forbidden Quest before Gwi does.
I need to find out if he possesses Prince Jung-Hyun's journal.
Gwi will hear about this as well.
Want to hear something amusing?
It happened 120 years ago.
Prince Jung-Hyun tried to kill me.
He wrote a plan to destroy me in his journal.
So I destroyed everything...
the prince and his plan.
But someone's threatening to destroy me again.
Look behind you.
That's the prince I killed 10 years ago.
He stole Prince Jung-Hyun's Journal from me, and tried to kill me.
He was unaware there's no plan in the Journal.
So foolish.
But this Forbidden Quest seems to know all the details.
Did he get hold of the Journal stolen from me?
That would require me to kill him like the rest.
You're very pretty.
Do you want to look like that forever?
I can do it for you.
Find Forbidden Quest.
Find out who and where he is.
That's...
- I couldn't... - Why not?
Didn't you promise me anything in return for my help?
An important guest is inside.
Will you face what lies behind the door?
What do you say?
Yes.
I'm here to meet this guest.
Scholar?
The scholar who loves books more than anything?
My foot!
That playboy!
How can you make a deal with someone else's life!
I'm trying to make a living!
They have strong support here.
They posted wall posters all over Junju overnight.
And Soo-Hyang?
She went out investigating.
The book merchant left these for you 2 days ago.
Naeuri, why not employ another merchant?
That boy talks too much and he's unreliable.
"Man is the only hope in this world"?
"Forbidden Quest". Oh, this?
Prince Jung-Hyun wrote this to tell the world
about the vampire living in his palace.
They were all meant to be destroyed 120 years ago.
I thought this was the way back.
May I ask you a question?
What's the way to Eumseokgol?
I don't know who you are...
Kim Sung-Yeol, you finally took my bait.
Scholar, who are you?
You're not human?
PREVIEW NEXT EPISODE
He's following her blood scent.
You must get rid of her.
If I find her, will I find Kim Sung-Yeol?
I've found the secret Journal!
There is no plan!
While you wear this, no beast will threaten you.
Do you have feelings for her?
Myung-Hee?