(The Secret Romantic Guesthouse)
(All people, organizations, locations, and incidents...)
(in this drama are fictitious.)
(8 years ago)
(Episode 2)
Chief Eunuch?
Is it truly you, Chief Eunuch?
Yes, Your Highness. It is I.
Get on your feet.
I thought I would never see you again.
I can die happy now.
How have you been?
I am safe and well.
At the expense of many others,
I stayed safe and well.
Why would you say that?
You are the only hope for Joseon.
I received my father's keepsake.
I thought it had vanished. Did you have it?
We must go inside.
I cannot stay.
Why did you wish to see me?
I apologize, Your Highness.
Those who remain must find a way to survive.
It is His Majesty's command that deposed heir Lee Seol...
be executed on sight.
I heard warriors change the world with their blades.
What are you changing?
What changes if you kill me?
To a warrior,
his master is his world.
Lee Chang's world will fade in time.
Watch and see how this world ends...
from the other side.
A watchman?
Stop!
That is enough.
Do not shed any more blood.
Who are you?
Hyun.
No, I cannot lose... No.
Hyun!
You young masters have had a spoiled life and know no fear.
We are from the Capital District Office.
We received a report that...
a traitor had hidden in one of the Hanyang inns.
A traitor? There is no such man in Garden of Flowers.
You should hope so...
if you wish the inn to stay standing.
Take a good, careful look. This is the last place.
I will.
What do you say?
He is...
not here.
- Are you sure? - Yes.
Show me your identity tag.
Is there a reason you cannot?
(Jung Yu Ha)
A Jung from Naju?
Is your father...
Ex-Inspector General Lord Jung Yoon.
The curfew bell rang long ago.
Does politics not care for day or night?
(Kang San)
You are not from Hanyang.
Where are you from?
Must I drag you to the Capital District Office?
I am from Jecheon.
Jecheon?
In Jecheon, there is a village where the Jinju Kang clan lives.
The governor of Jecheon is...
Lord Kang Ki Gab.
He is an elder in my family.
I see.
Excuse me.
What about me?
What is your name?
I am Kim Si Yeol.
I am Lord Kim Ho Ik's 14th...
Actually, no. Was it the 15th?
- Anyway... - Born of a concubine, I gather?
Yes, that is correct.
(Kim Si Yeol)
We searched every nook and cranny...
but did not find a single strand of hair that belongs to Lee Seol.
What do you think about this?
Let us wait and see.
We will catch him soon.
Chief Eunuch.
I do not keep those who are not useful.
I cut them off.
You have already been castrated.
This time, I shall cut your head off.
If there is anyone who seems even remotely suspicious,
I will report to you immediately.
Let us go.
"Garden of Flowers."
It will take hours to clean up this mess!
Wait.
You do not have to see us out.
You will see us again anyway.
Who sent you?
I need to know, to pay off the debt.
We are from Buyounggak.
Buyounggak?
What if Garden of Flowers turns into a kisaeng house at this rate?
What?
They want 100 nyang, in silver coins! Where will she get the money?
It does not look like she is earning any money.
That is rich coming from someone who has not paid for his room.
Look who is talking.
You were staying for just one night. How many days has it been?
Gosh.
Darn you.
You are avoiding me for you have nothing to say!
All right.
Please.
All right. Let us eat.
Oh, my.
I suppose Dan O is not home now.
No, she stepped out.
Now, I know...
no one wants to stay at this inn.
Yes, join us and have some.
Well, eat up.
The dumplings are delicious.
My gosh.
If those scoundrels show up again, report them immediately.
Sure thing, Scholar Kang.
Ms. Naju, by the way...
How come Dan O is...
still unmarried?
Right.
She is a beautiful girl. She will look stunning in a wedding dress.
She lost her parents, so no one would arrange a marriage for her.
That is why she is still unmarried.
When you think it is late,
it is already too late.
Shall I find an eligible bachelor for her?
No need.
Well, there are many men here.
Why does she not look around her?
Look around her?
Gosh, you are hurting my feelings without saying a single word.
- No. When did I hurt your feelings? - When?
Just now.
Those mean eyes.
Here, have another dumpling.
Well, this is...
Gosh, my stomach is upset.
You are such a dunderhead.
You are acting like a clueless horse.
A horse? What are you talking about?
What?
A crazy horse.
I would call him a colt.
What? This is...
Here, colt without reins.
Stop!
Stop, all of you.
Today has been...
I am so hurt.
Eat up.
If you do not finish your food, Ms. Naju will be sad.
Goodness, this is...
Let us eat.
(Buyounggak)
Would you like a cup of tea?
No, thank you.
There must have been some misunderstanding.
My father...
would never borrow money from a place like this.
Correct.
It was not Buyounggak who loaned him the money.
Then...
who loaned him such a large amount of money?
Even if I tell you, there is nothing you can do.
Please just tell me.
It was Master Jang Tae Hwa.
What did you say?
I said...
it was Master Jang from the Capital District Office.
Lady Yoon.
Did you know?
Poverty is like a cold.
You cannot hide it, no matter how hard you try.
Even if you do your best to look presentable,
you cannot hide the stitches...
on your torn sleeve.
What are you trying to say?
What I am saying is,
you are not capable of paying off such a huge debt.
So listen to me and hand over Garden of Flowers.
I cannot do that.
No matter what anyone says,
I will protect Garden of Flowers.
It will be taken away from you in the end.
Unless you have something bigger to offer.
You need physical evidence?
Yes.
Words vanish the moment they are uttered.
How could I believe what I cannot even see?
Your father wrote that promissory note himself.
This is his handwriting,
but why...
He wanted to train younger students when he could not afford it,
so he borrowed money from me.
Since you are no longer a child,
you should pay off your father's debt.
Even so,
you cannot suddenly demand such a large amount of money...
Many years ago, I promised your father...
that I would...
write off the debt...
if his eldest daughter and my son got married.
They were engaged but never got married.
So the debt remains unpaid.
- That is because your son... - Shut it!
They were engaged, which makes her a part of my family.
If she wanted to remain chaste, she should have been at my house.
- But Master Jang... - However, your sister...
stayed at Garden of Flowers under the pretence of her illness...
and withered away.
That is why...
I do not consider your family to be my son's in-laws.
(Garden of Flowers)
Gosh. San?
(Garden of Flowers)
There.
Check if it is levelled.
Could you let go of my shoulder?
- Is it straight? - Yes.
You should not creep up on people though.
Were you crying?
No, of course not.
You were crying all right.
Lying is like second nature to you.
Normally, others pretend not to have seen anything.
- But you... - Do not cry.
You should not cry.
It makes you look ugly.
(Garden of Flowers)
This is why you should never take in another human being.
You showed up out of the blue, requesting money.
It is not even chump change. You asked for 100 nyang.
Lend me the money, and I will pay you back.
No, I will not waste a single penny on you.
I loathed you from the very beginning.
From the second our father brought you, the lovechild, home.
Halt.
She is Royal Consort Park's mother...
and is here to help with postpartum care.
You went to escort her yourself rather than sending word?
Time was of the essence due to the birth being imminent.
Then...
Keep moving.
Wait.
Your Majesty, it is Eunuch Yoon.
Enter.
Your Majesty, Royal Consort Park has delivered the baby.
What about the child? Is the baby well?
Yes, Your Majesty. I congratulate you dearly.
You have welcomed a prince.
I do not see a son in your future.
(Garden of Flowers)
Is this not the marriage offer letter?
(Saju danja: a letter that contains...)
(the Four Pillars of Destiny of the groom-to-be)
What is the matter?
What is written on there?
Gosh, this is frustrating. Talk to me, my lady.
"I ask for your hand in marriage."
"It has come to my attention that you are in huge debt."
"Marry me,"
"and I will pay the 100 nyang in a heartbeat."
"From Master Hong."
Master Sleaze?
It is him.
The one with narrow eyes who follows you around.
How did he know about your personal debt?
I will return it, so give it back.
Leave it with me.
Hand it over.
I will not let my precious lady...
marry a man who is willing to buy a bride.
Precious? No one would agree to that.
Since when have I lived as a noblewoman?
To me,
you are the dearest.
So do not say otherwise.
I hear you.
But it will hurt his pride if I reject...
what is a formal proposal.
I am good.
Drink up while you can.
We might not get to drink her Sujeonggwa again.
Who sent over that marriage offer letter?
A marriage offer letter?
Which family is it from?
Tell us already.
Men are better judges of other men.
Maybe later.
Judging by your worried look, the man must be ugly.
Of course. No one can go from living in a mansion to a hut.
You see such a handsome man all the time...
that the average man would not satisfy you.
Sure. I will agree to that,
so enjoy the rest of the Sujeonggwa.
Wait. I thought you did not want it.
I changed my mind.
Are you off somewhere?
Yes, to the market. I just ran out of paper.
I have business at the market too. We should go together.
That sounds nice. I was too bored to go alone anyway.
Gosh, I am bored.
How can a day be this boring?
Would you like to come with us?
Sounds good. I have not been on a stroll for a while.
I doubt it has been a while.
Are you going too?
I have to attend business at the market too.
As in what? Do you need a carpenter to sharpen your blade?
Maybe I should sharpen something else.
As in what?
Anything, I guess.
I see fondness in your eyes.
What do you think I am fond of?
Garden of Flowers.
It does not seem like you want to leave.
Are we finally a family now?
I will check on some swords.
You can go without me.
Sure, go ahead.
Goodness, my lady. You came.
(Miscellaneous Goods)
Dan O is just like any other woman.
She is also distracted by the accessories shop.
Here.
I went the extra mile for these,
and the materials are all of good quality.
I am well aware of your skills, Lady Dan O.
Here you go.
Just five nyang?
This does not even cover the material cost.
It is made with only the best, such as coral and amber.
Why not give me ten nyang?
One hundred nyang of silver!
I will buy it off you for 100 nyang of silver.
If you will marry me.
You are bound to...
become mine, so why not just...
What makes you say that?
A woman steeped in poverty only has...
so many options.
Right?
Stop playing hard to get.
It will benefit us both.
- Who are you? - That is enough.
Not you again.
You failed to change your ways.
What a filthy sleaze.
How many men do you have wrapped around your little finger?
A woman of noble birth should be ashamed.
Darn you, Master Sleaze!
What? "Master Sleaze?"
Yes, you. Impolite and ignorant you.
I will say this only once, so listen up.
What is this chill that I feel?
The world might have changed a great deal,
but a woman should marry a human being.
What?
Am I not human?
Rather than marry a beast,
I would throw myself into the sea as a sacrifice.
Why are you suddenly taking that tone with me?
Is this not how one should speak to a dog?
What? A dog?
(Miscellaneous Goods)
Your proposal...
just got refused.
Come along.
What a fool.
My gosh, how embarrassing.
Did something just happen?
Not at all. Let us go.
(Miscellaneous Goods)
It will be taken away from you in the end.
Unless you have something bigger to offer.
Something bigger.
Something bigger?
Take a good, careful look.
This is the last place.
My gosh. They caused such a ruckus.
They searched all the rooms...
and checked all the men's identity tags.
They came to my inn as well.
Who was that man with them?
He did not look like a Capital District officer,
but they moved together.
I think they said...
he was an eunuch who used to serve the king.
He has been to Buyounggak often since that day.
He drinks and frolics with the kisaeng every day.
A eunuch...
looking for a traitor?
Do you not want to know...
why Lee Seol returned to Hanyang?
When those who want him dead hide in every corner.
Lee Seol is giving me a warning.
He will soon be coming for the throne.
Your Majesty, this is a joyous day.
Do not concern yourself with such things.
Who knows?
He could be somewhere, quietly gathering forces.
Lee Seol is guilty of high treason.
If he has forces,
I will eliminate them all.
I trust you will do so, Lord Sin.
I need Lee Seol gone as soon as possible...
if my son's future is to be without worry.
Stop right there.
Why is it just you maids? Where is the court lady?
Court Lady Yoon was gravely ill,
- so she left the palace. - She was ill?
Are you sure about this?
Widows are fine to kidnap, but an unwed young lady...
She has no parents or siblings to rely on.
What problem could there be?
Fine, then.
Why did you creep up on me?
You startled me.
What were you thinking about?
I almost went hoarse calling you.
See? I am hoarse.
I bet it is the liquor.
You drink as much as you should study.
No wonder you go hoarse.
Are you nagging me?
I like the sound of it.
What is that?
It is Bok Sil, not "that."
"Bok Sil?"
Yes. Cute, is it not?
You have a kennel...
but no dog, so I got one.
Who asked you to?
You never pay rent on time, and you brought...
another mouth to feed?
Bok Sil, watch whom you bark at. This is your mistress.
"My lady, please take me home."
Bok Sil, I will let you off because of your name.
The name?
The dog I had as a child was called Bok Sil.
Was it really?
This is fate. You are meant to have Bok Sil.
My lady. I am yours now. My lady...
- Hey. - Yes?
This is my opportunity.
I hate getting wet. Carry me.
Okay.
You there.
Here is some advice. Do not cross.
Or you will end up in the afterlife.
You are out of your mind.
Come on.
- Go ahead. - Okay.
No, you cross first.
You lunatic!
You, cross the river. Lead the way.
Darn it.
Go ahead.
Oh, no. Hey, you.
We will get more men.
Where are you going?
Hey!
Where are you going?
Come back!
No, wait.
Young man. Please let me live.
I am the second son of Hong,
the richest man in Jungcheon.
What do you want?
I will give you anything.
Wait!
Do you know who I am?
Do you not fear the consequences?
You will not get the girl you came for,
because I will pickle you instead.
I take back the offer of marriage.
I will not bother you again.
Please put in a good word to the young master.
I fear him so much.
What young master?
What does it say?
Oh, here.
"The young master."
"The..."
Oh, okay.
Right. So...
My gosh...
Knowing Yu Ha's personality,
he would never opt for violence.
Si Yeol?
Then the two of them would have been pummelled.
That leaves...
He seemed highly skilled in martial arts.
Could it be...
Why are you staring at the ground as if it is your enemy?
Did you have to go somewhere?
Hold on. Did you not come home last night?
Must I tell you every single thing?
No, but I can ask.
Wait, San.
By any chance, was it you?
- What? - Master Sleaze.
You must have totally scared him off.
What? "Master Sleaze?" Who is that?
It truly was not you?
I do not have time to worry about someone else's marriage.
You must have seen everything at the market, for you to say that.
You are the only one in this house...
whom that jerk, Master Sleaze, would fear.
- I doubt that. - It is true.
Sure, whatever.
But...
why did you...
Do not get the wrong idea.
I did not do it for your sake.
- Then why did you do it? - That is...
Because of Sujeonggwa. That Sujeonggwa was delicious.
What?
Here.
Eat it on the way.
You did not have breakfast.
Thank you for this.
And this too.
Would you just accept it?
It is not that much.
I thought you could use that money to pay the interest at least.
I wish to stay at Garden of Flowers for a long time.
I will get it all sorted out...
so that you can stay with us for a long time.
Anyway, how did you know this came from me?
Come on. Who else if not you?
It was very obvious.
Yu Ha!
We should sweep more often.
You are very sweet.
You sweep the front yard when flower petals flutter down.
Then why not accept this?
I have a thing called shame too.
An inn owner cannot borrow money from her guest.
Am I a mere guest to you?
What I mean is, I must take care of things at the inn on my own.
I know we are close,
but I cannot rely on you every single time.
Right. I should have thought about how this could make you feel.
No, it is okay. I appreciate you wanting to help.
Anyway, where are you going?
Right, I am off to visit my family. I will be home late.
Oh, I see.
Have a safe journey.
I will see you soon.
You are here. Take a seat.
Chapter Three.
("Book of Documents")
("The Secret Records of Samhan")
"A young king calls himself a ruler and tries to rule the world."
"High treason in the first year of the young king's reign..."
"will cause a bloodbath."
"A young king?" Could it be...
I hear His Majesty finally has an heir after a dozen years.
The tyrant king's wish has finally come true.
Now that he has an heir, it is only a matter of time...
before he gets rid of the only obstacle.
Right.
To His Majesty, it is like a speck of dirt that he cannot stand.
I bet he wants it gone for good.
The other day when I was staying at Buyounggak,
some men from the Capital District Office raided the inn at night,
saying they were looking for a traitor.
Could that be...
I went to a tavern yesterday.
Some men were looking for a traitor there too.
It is him. They want to find Snowflake and get rid of him.
I am done for the day.
What?
- I am off too. - What?
Goodness. If I win 1 more round, I can pay my rent for 3 months!
Darn it.
Are you the lady of unmatched beauty everyone speaks of?
The owner of Buyounggak.
I heard you were staying at Garden of Flowers.
Correct. Word surely travels fast.
How are you enjoying your stay at Garden of Flowers?
I wish it were bustling and lively like this place,
but it is very quiet there.
I suppose they do not have many guests.
Not as many as you have.
However, it is quite an eventful place.
"Eventful?"
Three young scholars are staying at the inn now.
They are just small things.
What are the other scholars like?
You have to learn to live together and be mindful of many things.
Yes, indeed.
I must say, you seem keenly interested.
I beg your pardon? What do you mean?
You seem very interested in Garden of Flowers.
You seem deeply concerned.
Do not be anxious.
He has been living in hiding for over ten years.
He will not get caught easily.
That is why I must catch him.
At all costs.
So if Snowflake gets caught,
what will happen?
Since he is a traitor,
he will be brought to his knees before His Majesty, right?
Snowflake will not meet His Majesty.
I will kill him before that happens.
(Garden of Flowers)
Why did you take so long to get dressed?
What are you doing here?
I was waiting here to cheer for you.
Do not ruin things for me.
Move. I must get going.
Everyone here must pass the state exam, you know.
The reputation of this premium inn, Garden of Flowers,
all depends on you now.
I will think about it.
What are you talking about? You must pass the exam no matter what.
He will most likely pass the exam.
Her fingers would all melt if she had to make rice Taffy again.
You made this yourself?
Of course. This is nothing.
As you know, I am an excellent cook.
Eat the Taffy and pass the exam!
It is time.
Let us begin, then.
Now,
we will begin the first test of the special military exam.
Bullseye!
What brings you by?
We are here to look around our new place.
I heard it was spacious,
but the rooms are smaller than expected.
Small, my foot.
Besides, who said you could look around?
Do not be cranky.
This place will be owned by Buyounggak soon.
I wonder if you have found a new place to live.
My lady...
The place is too small.
Are we supposed to let them be?
Kisaengs are here as if it were their home.
Do not fret for I will handle this matter.
You do not have a solution though.
You know how it is, Ms. Naju.
I cannot give up on Garden of Flowers,
- so... - I know.
I know why you need to preserve it.
But still...
Exactly.
So please...
let me handle it.
You should get rid of me.
What do you mean?
I am too old and weak now...
to be worth much,
but at least...
- Ms. Naju. - My lady,
I was born into your family as a servant.
This is my destiny, so...
Ms. Naju,
you became my mother after my parents died.
It has always been that way.
So...
do not mention that ever again.
Zero points!
Next up is Sang Yoon of the Hwangsan Kim family.
Get ready.
Ride.
- My gosh. - Oh, dear.
Zero points!
Lord Sin, you are present.
What brings you by?
You have your work cut out for you. May I observe?
I would like to see the talent of the applicants.
Of course. Please have a seat over here.
Next up is San of the Jinju Kang clan.
Ride!
He will also fall off his horse.
Two points!
Ever since Hong Sim saw a ghost by the well,
men have been lining up.
I heard that as well.
It is all because of the resentment harboured by the female ghost...
who died as a virgin.
Will we get to see it at the annex?
Of course.
Come on.
What?
They cannot go there.
Wait.
Shoot.
It is kind of scary out here.
Should we leave?
We are fine. Just follow my lead.
What? Young Master.
See? It already worked.
Get out of here right now.
Sorry?
Do not look behind you.
Young Master?
Keep your eyes on me.
Come this way.
Hurry.
Young Master, my goodness.
Did you miss us that much?
Goodness.
We had no idea.
What was that?
Out of my way!
Move.
- Help! - Run!
Is something up?
Where is she going at this hour?
Is anyone home?
I am here to see Master Jang.
Whose house is this?
I doubt you already have the 100 nyang.
I do not.
Then,
are you here to relinquish your residence?
I cannot relinquish...
Garden of Flowers.
What?
Instead,
I will let you have me.
A hundred nyang is enough...
to stuff my annex with kisaengs of my choosing.
I am not a kisaeng who sells her laughter.
I am far more valuable.
The audacity.
As if you can be of value to me.
What if...
I found him for you?
As if you knew who I was looking for.
I hear...
one calls him this.
Snowflake.
The deposed grand heir that disappeared.
Lee Seol.
(The Secret Romantic Guesthouse)
Dan O is searching for Snowflake?
Where did you say you were going?
Gwacheon-Hyeon.
I must go there.
Let me accompany you, then.
You are the reason I came.
Because I was worried.
Because I do not wish you harm.
What do you say to marrying me?
Have you ever pictured his life?
Who could he have grown up to be?
What are you truly after?
I am the one who has the best chance of finding him.
Many have lost their lives in search of Snowflake.
Do not look for him.
Do not look for whom you are after.