(The following program contains themes, language, imitative behavior and violence)
(that are not suitable for viewers under 15.)
(Viewer discretion is advised.)
(This program contains product placements and virtual advertising.)
(Production sponsors: Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and KOCCA.)
(All characters, locations, organizations, and incidents...)
(depicted in this drama are entirely fictitious.)
Nice to meet you. I am Seong Yun Gyeom.
The sky looks so beautiful today.
It is just ordinary.
You are so dry.
Take care.
Have you eaten?
- Be careful. - Are you okay?
- Take care. - Yes.
- Be careful. - Tes.
She came to me and said,
"My husband."
That is what she said.
Pardon?
Yes, I am your...
husband.
Today, thanks to you,
Cheongsu County smells sweet, like flowers.
It is the smell of manure.
Well, even so,
it is nice.
Come here. Let us walk together.
Yes.
We...
have decided not to leave.
Pardon?
You are not leaving? You are going to settle here?
- Yes. - That is great.
Mak Sim, we will not be separated anymore.
I am so happy.
That is a wonderful decision, Tae Young.
But will it be all right?
Why would it not be?
In Cheongsu County, he is already Yun Gyeom.
Still, you should remain careful.
Do not worry.
I will make sure we are not discovered.
Flawlessly, without the slightest error.
Why are you so troubled?
Can you read my thoughts through my expression?
Of course.
Then, guess how I feel.
First,
you feel a little embarrassed about having changed your mind.
And you worry it may bring harm to the family.
Am I right?
You truly are a genius, worthy of top honors.
Tae Young.
I brought Yun Gyeom here...
not for the family's sake.
It was solely for your sake.
Do you know this is the first decision you made for yourself?
So, do not worry about others.
Live your life now for your happiness.
(Song's Grave)
My goodness.
It seems she was not evicted.
It seems so.
If I were them, I would not be able to live with a murderer's daughter.
Should they not make her move out or something?
How can anyone live in the same neighborhood out of fear?
- That is true. - Unbelievable.
Just leave it be.
I can handle it alone.
Did you return safely?
Yes.
Thanks to your care, I was able to honor my mother well.
It was Yun Gyeom and Tae Young who suggested it, not me.
Yes.
You do not need to try too hard.
You probably have no feelings for me anyway.
My feelings...
You speak as if you know them all.
Even if you hate me,
please be a good father to the child.
Yes, do not worry.
I will try my best as the child's father without lacking.
The reason you brought me back.
Was it solely because of the child?
What other reason could there be?
The reason you followed me...
was also solely for the child. Is it not?
Please get some rest.
Ignore what the townspeople say.
She was acquitted, and both you and top scholar Seong accepted her.
What does it matter?
She is standing strong.
Seven years ago, after the Mt. Unbong outcrop incident,
I faced humiliation in Cheongsu County.
I even live apart from Deok Hun's father.
But does anyone dare slander me?
As long as you do your part,
no one can say anything against you.
Tell Mi Ryeong to join the Mother's Association.
Will the other women not oppose her joining?
What does it matter? I am the Chair Lady.
Besides, with the Chief Lady staying secluded,
any gossip will not last long.
Thank you so much for always taking care of us, Chair Lady.
So, will you open the legal advocate's office soon?
Yes, I must.
Why do you ask?
Opening the office is important,
but at your age, you should think of an heir soon.
You jest too much.
But truly, you are like a newlywed, am I right?
My goodness.
I should get going.
Tae Young.
Is it finally my turn now?
Yes, I am always quite busy.
But are you going through the ledgers now?
I was checking them to find fault with you, but...
as you can see,
there is nothing to criticize.
Without your husband,
handling the legal advocate work and the household
must have been overwhelming.
I will help you with everything from start to finish.
So take it easy now.
I will.
If you have any concerns, let me know.
What is there to worry?
Right. I am a bit worried about the delay in Do Gyeom's placement.
I hear bribery is rampant lately.
Could that be the cause?
Provincial positions favor corruption,
so many must be vying for them.
I am also worried about who will take over in Cheongsu County.
If someone like top scholar Seong became an inspector...
and cleaned them all up, it would be great.
That would make a great story.
The title could be "The Inspector and the Legal Advocate."
The inspector and his legal advocate sister-in-law...
join forces to root out corrupt officials together.
Even if you cannot perform,
why not write a novel under a pseudonym?
Your work has inspired and uplifted so many people.
It is a shame to stop because of me.
That will not do.
If people find out Chon Seung Hwi is alive and writing here,
it will be a disaster.
So you should not have...
But it is too late to turn back now. What can I do?
Will you not find this life boring?
Boring? Not at all.
Playing the role of a supportive scholar husband to a capable wife is...
incredibly enjoyable.
Then, dear scholar, as you must rise early,
get some sleep now.
Are...
Are you leaving?
Yes. Why?
It is nothing.
To welcome a new member...
- Cheers! - Cheers!
This is nice.
But why is someone from Lord Song's household part of ours?
When you ask so directly, I have no idea how to answer.
Right? I tend to be sharp and straightforward.
Yes, that is true.
He is the smartest one in Cheongsu County.
But as for Lord Song's household, I do not know.
Here is the thing.
He served the Elder Master when he was away.
- That is all you need to know. - Yes.
Then, since when did you stay with the Elder Master?
The Elder Master lost his memory,
so he only remembers the last two months.
If you knew him before that,
you would know where he was and who he is.
You would have known it all, right? Am I wrong?
Smart indeed.
So smart, really clever.
Stop dodging the question.
Tell me everything in detail.
Am I the only one unaware of what is happening in this house?
What good will it do if you know?
If the elders say it is so, then just accept it.
I suppose so.
Nice to meet you!
What is so important?
Come on, cheers!
- Cheers! - Cheers!
So, how old are you this year?
Now that we are family, should we sort out the ranks?
What ranks? He looks mid-thirties.
You seem young, so just call me Aunt Mak Sim.
Aunt? No way.
Come on, have a drink,
Miss.
Miss?
Then you should call me sir.
Sir? No way.
Hey, I am older than you think. I just look young.
- Really? - Yes.
Hey, even if you are old, could you be older than me?
If you keep acting like that, you will lose all your teeth.
Want me to fix you up?
Fix him up.
That is hilarious.
Be careful of the jar in the back.
Mak Sim, do you find this funny? Is it funny?
It is funny.
Hanyang folks even joke in style.
So, how old are you?
Why are you so curious?
Should I show my identification tag?
Show it! Show it right now!
Come on, no need for that!
Is age all you have to boast about?
Exactly, my goodness.
Miss, raise your glass.
This?
Now, link arms like this. Yes, that is right.
Now pull closer.
Pull more.
And drink up.
Mak Sim, what are you doing?
What is this?
This is called "love cheers," Miss.
I see.
Love cheers. Is this trending in Hanyang?
Like this?
How does it taste?
- Sweet. - Sweet?
Sweet bright moon
The moon Li Bai enjoyed
Have you gone mad?
Mak Sim, are you drunk already?
It is me.
What are you doing here?
What am I doing?
Preparing to sleep, of course, this late at night.
But why sleep here instead of in your room?
What?
Are you pretending not to know, or do you truly not understand?
Understand what?
What do you mean?
Do I really have to explain it all myself?
What?
Goodness.
Did we not agree to live as husband and wife?
Yes, we did.
Then, as a married couple, we should share the same bed.
The same bed?
My goodness!
What is so shocking?
What misunderstanding do you have?
What misunderstanding?
I said we should live like a married couple.
When did I say we should live as a married couple?
Is that not the same?
How can you be so slow to understand?
I am slow to understand? I have never heard that before.
You must have heard it before.
But you could not have gotten it since you are slow to understand.
We have not had an official wedding.
We are only pretending to be a married couple.
How could we share a bed?
You truly are a sly one.
I am not sly.
I just worry about your safety.
- Safety? - Yes.
When I pretend to be someone else,
I have to do it properly, or I will be exposed quickly.
How many times have I told you this?
This is the only way we can look like a real couple.
You may be slow to understand, but your words flow smoothly.
Are you insulting or complimenting me?
Anyway, you must leave before someone sees you.
Who would see me?
Your brother-in-law brought me here,
and that also means he gave me this room.
So are you saying my permission is unnecessary?
I give up.
Please leave.
Then,
- I will just hold your hand and sleep. - No.
That is so petty.
Do not change your mind later.
Fine.
- Even if you regret it later... - Fine.
Whatever.
Really...
I brought some food for when you feel hungry.
I joined the Mother's Association and will go to the Mother's Sanctuary.
I will get advice from the women who raised children and learn a lot.
Do you really have to do that?
It is for the child.
This is a gossip-filled town.
Do you not want me to go out?
If you are hurt by the gossip,
it will not be good for my child.
Fine.
I will tell Tae Young and stay home from now on.
I mean...
What?
Is breakfast ready already?
I was just about to go out.
That is how it turned out.
Here. Have some mung bean porridge.
Mung bean porridge?
The Elder Master asked what you liked and had it made.
He even tasted it himself.
- Really? - Yes.
Shall I try it?
It is salty.
Right?
- But it is still delicious. - Yes.
Right.
Before the harvest, we need to organize the granary again.
Can you ask the servants to double-check the quantities?
It is already done.
The Elder Master did it.
What?
Last night, he asked for every servant's name and details.
So, Samdori?
Here I am.
Go bring all the old furniture out.
Boknyeo.
Boknyeo, take out all the dishes...
and help Mak Sim organize the granary.
Childeuki.
Yes, that is me.
Bring all the old farming tools.
- Kkeutdongi. - Yes.
- Organize the records. - Understood.
Take this as well.
Here, Bokdol. Take it with you.
That is not all.
From counting kitchen spoons to checking granary tools,
he inspected every household item...
and recorded them meticulously.
He said he wants you to focus on your advocate work from now on...
and he would handle the housework for you.
How reassuring that is.
Stop cutting that.
Go fetch some cold drinking water for everyone.
Here, this one.
- Do you see the crack? - Yes.
If we leave it, the grains will absorb moisture and spoil.
Patch it up.
Also, do you see the cracks in the beams and rafters?
Fix that quickly.
Elder Madam already asked for repairmen to handle it.
From now on, report any house issues to me, not her,
so we do not trouble her anymore.
Yes, Elder Master.
Tae Young, are you heading out now?
Why are you so busy this early in the morning?
There is so much to fix.
I will check and handle everything carefully, so do not worry.
Then, will you join me on the way to work?
I would love to, but I do not know much about the law.
I fear I might only be a distraction.
Then I will be off on my own.
Yes.
Wait a moment.
Are you nervous about returning to work after so long?
Me?
Honestly, I get nervous every time I go on stage as well.
I have my own way of calming down.
Give me your hands.
Now, repeat after me.
I am the best. I am amazing.
What?
- I cannot watch this. - What? Where are you going?
Come on, repeat after me. I am amazing.
What are you doing? Go already.
Repeat. I am amazing.
I am amazing.
Louder.
I am amazing!
I am the best.
- I am the best! - Now louder together.
I am amazing! I am the best!
What you say will come true.
This works better than you think.
Thank you.
Was fasting not essential for you?
Have you given up on staying in shape?
I am not an artist anymore, so who cares?
I have waited so long for this moment.
This tastes so sweet.
Mak Sim, you are truly gifted in cooking.
I just learned by watching Elder Madam over her shoulder.
That is true. Madam has had great cooking skills...
since her days as a servant.
You have lost it, have you not?
I must have gone mad.
But what does this mean, all of a sudden?
What do I do?
What I mean is, Miss...
What he meant to say just now is...
Yes, what was he trying to say?
My goodness.
Yes?
Do not worry. I already know.
What?
As I expected, both of you already knew.
Well...
Then, in this house, only you knew all along?
Yes.
Quiet.
I was scared to death.
What if I slip up and say something?
Just keep your mouth...
Simply think of her as our Madam. That works for me.
I have learned another lesson, Miss.
Yes, I will do the same.
Exactly. If we are caught, it is over for all of us.
Yes.
But thanks to you, Mak Sim,
Tae Young must have been less lonely.
How could I have been any help?
After enduring such a long, lonely time,
to see a day as wonderful as this,
I am truly,
truly overjoyed.
Now if only...
you two would consummate, I would have no more wishes.
Hey, water.
Bring me some water!
I am telling you, last night he was completely rejected.
It must be because she is worried about having an heir.
That is why she refused to marry.
It is because of her background.
In a world where people adopt heirs, what is she worrying about?
- Exactly. - My goodness.
Miss, is there a long pole in this house?
Every household has one. Why do you need it?
- What are you whispering about? - You startled me.
Why do you sneak up like that, acting all sly?
I just got here.
What is it? Tell me.
You do not need to know.
Why not?
Do you lack awareness?
Why should I not know?
Why can I not know?
Come on...
Go inside.
Did you request a correction at the government office last time?
Is it still not resolved?
No.
The corrupt Magistrate kept delaying it until he was caught and died.
What should I do now, Madam?
I have no farmland left.
The head officer and the Yuhyangso...
keep demanding taxes from me.
My young ones have been starving for days.
We are all going to die.
Madam.
Take this and share it with your children.
I will resolve the farmland issue as quickly as I can. Please wait.
Thank you so much, Madam.
Truly, thank you!
Hey, I still have something for you.
What?
Thank you, Mak Sim.
Good thing no one took this.
What is this?
The Elder Master said since you talk a lot,
your throat must hurt.
So he prepared some bellflower tea for you.
I see.
And also,
he asked me to give you this.
Forgive me for my clumsiness last night, Tae Young.
Why does my heart always run ahead of yours...
like a child urging you to come?
I am truly ashamed.
From now on, I will never rush you, so do not worry.
However, if you call for me,
I will run to you barefoot without hesitation.
What did he say that made you laugh?
He said he would run barefoot.
What?
No matter how urgent, how could...
a nobleman discard decorum and run barefoot?
Right?
He is hilarious.
It is hot.
Why have you come here?
Look.
I came to read poems to the child.
Leave it here. I will read it.
I wanted the child to hear their father's voice.
If you read it instead, what is the point?
If I am uncomfortable, the child will feel it, too.
Bear with it for a little while.
I will leave as soon as I finish reading.
Why is this room so unbearably hot?
Your body being cold could harm the child,
so I had the fire kept up.
Please endure it for the child's sake.
To you, I am merely...
the mother of this child, am I not?
Yes, that is true.
Then...
I must abandon decorum and remove my clothes in your presence.
Wait...
Are you finished now?
Why wait outside instead of coming in?
I did not want to disturb you.
Not to disturb you, I will leave now.
Is there anything wrong?
Nothing. I just wanted to walk with you.
On my way here, I found such a beautiful starlit path.
Shall we go?
I will request that taxes be charged to the one who bought the farmland...
and ask the Yuhyangso to process refunds promptly.
They have probably already taxed the buyer, Joo, as well.
This must be boring for you.
No, not at all.
Hearing about your day makes me feel like I was right there with you.
Right. About the petition for the Yuhyangso.
You can give it to me, and I will deliver it.
As for Lee, whose children are starving,
and Kim from Daepung County, who was taxed twice,
we are lending them some grain, right?
Did you look at the loan records, too?
I thought you only helped the oppressed...
who lacked knowledge of the law.
I had no idea you were involved in charity work as well.
Everything will be repaid.
And from those who can pay,
I charge a sufficient fee, so do not worry.
I thought I knew you well,
but the more I learn, the more I admire you.
It is not admirable.
Having struggled myself,
I simply understand the struggles of others.
What do you mean the ceiling in Yun Gyeom's room collapsed?
- What? - It was perfectly fine before.
Now it looks like someone poked it with a long pole.
Why are you looking at me?
I do not know anything.
Anyway, it needs to be fixed quickly.
Take your time fixing it.
- What are you saying? - Nothing.
But where will I sleep tonight, then?
Sleep in the study. It is the largest room.
Why are you all glaring at me like that?
Sleep in my room. I will stay with Mi Ryeong.
Will you?
My goodness.
Who knows when the younger couple will share the room?
Indeed.
Is that so?
I guess it is.
Then what should we do?
I find this conversation truly odd.
You two are married. Why not share a room?
Is that not right?
That is exactly what I am saying.
- Exactly. - Yes.
Anyone would think you two were a fake couple.
Why?
Why do you speak like that?
Who are you calling fake?
Why are you upset? What did I do?
Enough, both of you. Go to bed now.
Am I wrong?
- Watch your mouth. - Be careful.
What do you mean? Sharing a room is what they should do.
For now, let us go inside.
- Quickly. - But I...
Come to think of it, it has been a long time since we lay together.
It was back at Mt. Unbong.
That must have been over seven years ago.
I never imagined we would be lying here as a married couple.
Neither did I.
Speaking of Mt. Unbong, I have been curious about something.
At that time,
when we fell into the water.
Did we kiss then?
I had almost lost my life then.
How could you call that a kiss?
No, I just wondered...
if we were ever to kiss, would it be...
the first time or the second?
It would be the first.
Understood.
Please stop pouting and lie down to sleep.
You must be tired.
Will you keep rustling around?
I am sorry. I am nocturnal, so I cannot sleep.
Would you like a book I used to read when I could not sleep?
They are over there.
(By Chon Seung Hwi)
Is this not my book?
Was my book so boring...
that you used it to help you sleep?
How could that be?
Why is this so worn out?
How many times have you read this?
I have severe insomnia.
Reading your book calms my mind,
so I read it over and over.
Your books have been my companions through many sleepless nights.
Father.
Die!
Die! Just die already!
Die, you wretched maggot!
Tae Young, are you okay?
What kind of dream brought such sorrowful tears?
Lady So Hye...
and my father.
He must have passed, right?
Does this happen often?
Yes.
And each time, you read my book to pass the sleepless hours?
Yes.
Then...
shall I become your storyteller again,
like I was at Mt. Unbong?
Will you read to me?
Come now, lie down...
before I change my mind.
In a hall where the crowd,
bewitched by joy, had lost themselves,
stood a young lord,
disguised and watching intently.
In the midst of a dull arranged marriage...
and a tiresome performance,
a peanut merchant in a bamboo hat approached unexpectedly.
The peanut merchant spoke roughly,
but the pretty features revealed...
she was a woman.
That day, snow fell from the sky,
and the young lord fell for the woman.
Of all people, the one to stir my heart for the first time is...
a maidservant of my betrothed.
What a cruel joke of fate.
If I were of the same status as you,
I would have confessed my feelings immediately.
For some reason,
I cannot sleep even as the night deepens.
I have wished for you to sleep peacefully just once...
yet how can life be so hard for you?
I am the one who poked a hole in the ceiling with a long pole.
Hey, when you went to Hanyang,
did you hear anything about Lady So Hye?
What?
Goodeoki's father. He was not caught or anything, right?
No, he was not caught.
And I heard Lady So Hye is getting married.
What?
Do you mean she is still not married?
How could she marry?
Her betrothed was taken by Goodeoki, a servant.
She got drenched in filth from head to toe.
They call her "Dung So Hye."
Lady, come and look at this.
This is another gift from Minister of Taxation
for your wedding.
Do you want to die?
Knowing that I am being sold as a concubine,
you call this a wedding?
My goodness.
Minister of Taxation is sending such treasures. What a generous man.
Does this please you?
Selling your house and your daughter to beg for a position?
You think your old father...
should not enjoy some comfort thanks to his daughter?
How could you...
send your only daughter to be a concubine to an old man?
Old man? Watch your words!
He is the Minister of Taxation, Lord Bak Jun Gi, the right-hand man...
of the Chief Minister, who practically holds Joseon in his grasp.
This is all because of that maggot, Goodeoki.
If I find her...
Enough already.
Do you know how much of my money you have wasted trying to find her?
We have searched all over Joseon, and she has not turned up.
She must be dead by now.
Of course, she must have died already.
If you had not helped her escape...
I told you we did not. There you go again.
Shut up!
Is being a cripple not enough?
Should I cut out your tongue like I did to your husband and brand you, too?
Now go and serve Minister of Taxation well.
Forget about the past.
I want to forget as well.
But every time I open my eyes,
the scar on your face reminds me of her.
And when I close my eyes,
that wench who clung to the young lord Seo In haunts my dreams.
Tae Young, open your mouth.
Like this?
Ta-da!
Chew it thoroughly even if it tastes bitter.
What is this?
It is a sleep elixir, said to be excellent for insomnia.
Until the roof is repaired, I will be your storyteller.
So sleep tight.
That is unnecessary.
You must be tired. You do not have to do this anymore.
No, I am not tired, but...
in exchange for my storytelling,
could you tutor me?
Tutor you?
Yes. I am thinking of taking the state examination.
Why would you want to take the state examination?
Well,
Earlier today, at the Yuhyangso...
Seventy-eight, seventy-nine.
Finally, it is here.
These are the petitions regarding taxes,
delayed due to the Magistrate's vacancy.
I have sorted them by urgency,
so please process them quickly.
Quickly? What do you mean quickly?
The Special Inspector fell ill,
leaving administrative work in chaos.
Do you not see how overburdened I am?
I see it. You are right.
Unpaid grain loans are piling up, and officials are complaining.
The people keep filing petitions about payment issues.
And now the legal advocate's office.
I am truly overwhelmed...
Why has that cursed Magistrate not taken office yet?
Instead of complaining, you should seek ways to stabilize tax management.
- Seek ways? - For example,
appoint me as Special Inspector,
and I could help you manage the workload.
Are you serious?
How can someone without a rank become a Special Inspector?
But you hold no official position, either. Is that not right?
But I am a scholar.
I passed the state examination, fair and square.
Besides, Cheongsu County has a monument from the palace...
and even produced a top scholar.
You are not qualified.
The monument was given thanks to my wife,
and the top scholar is my younger brother.
So, are you saying you would like to benefit from your wife and brother?
Well...
The local gentry can become the Special Inspector,
so a scholar is ridiculous.
This is absurd!
I agree.
He got his chief position by luck.
This is intolerable.
I should confront him immediately about this nonsense.
Do not.
You would only embarrass me further.
So, you truly intend to take the special examination?
Yes, I do.
I will pass the scholar's examination.
But you have never been interested in academic pursuits.
That is true.
To study is to reflect...
and strive for self-improvement.
Recite its meaning, Yun Gyeom.
Do we not need to accurately assess...
your level?
Fine...
To study is to reflect...
The reason for studying is...
to strive...
What was it again?
If you cannot recite even the basics, there is no hope.
It has been a long time. I simply forgot.
I may not have mastered...
all texts...
but I have finished "The Analects of Confucius."
The exam is near. It is impossible.
Do not waste effort on a whim.
I overcame my fear of blades to learn martial arts.
I will show you that I mean what I say.
Then will you come to the academy?
I will help you.
That would be...
No.
I will help you.
That would be excellent.
Yun Gyeom, think it through carefully.
If Yun Gyeom wants it, I must help him.
Fine.
Tae Young helped Do Gyeom become a top scholar.
I am sure she will be a teacher worthy of the best.
Can you handle it?
What is there to handle...
You must trust me completely.
Yes, I trust you.
(Daily Schedule)
Reading, copying, discussion,
and reviewing past test answers. Perfect.
You can do this.
Why has he suddenly decided to take the state examination?
How admirable.
It will be great if he takes this tonic and becomes a top scholar.
But that will be difficult.
Why?
When he was Young Lord Song in Hanyang,
his father repeatedly urged him to study,
but he never listened.
I am amazed he even learned to read.
Really.
To be honest...
They are all just fooling around.
Why do they always leave me out of their secrets?
Since that rascal Man Seok arrived, I have had no peace.
How frustrating.
What is this?
Who carelessly dropped this?
What does it say?
Soe, ddung.
Soeddung?
Soeddung? Is it cow dung or horse dung?
My goodness.
Look at those fools.
Drink up.
Wonderful.
It is bitter.
From tomorrow, you must start studying before the rooster crows.
What?
Then, work hard, Master.
If you study during the hours when the heavens open,
you will absorb knowledge better.
Absorb knowledge.
(Reading in the bathroom)
Bathroom...
Do I even have a fixed schedule for bathroom visits?
The state examination lasts all day,
so training your body in advance helps with endurance.
It seems my brother was forced to become a top scholar.
With so little time left until the special exam, time is gold.
You must sleep less...
and study more than others to succeed.
You must refrain from going out and focus entirely on your study for now.
Understood?
Yes.
If you lack confidence, give up now.
No, confidence is the only thing I have.
Then start preparing for the mock exam by reviewing the basics.
Study the "Prime Learning" and "Garye" thoroughly.
Understood.
I will check your progress daily when I return.
Yes.
Did you deliver the tonic properly?
Yes.
What is this?
What kind of plant looks this strong?
This is aloe.
It is my first time seeing fresh aloe.
This was originally imported as powder from Qing.
It is a rare medicinal herb used only in big clinics or the palace.
- Really? - Yes.
- Is it unavailable in Joseon? - That is right.
We use it for eating, applying to the skin, and all sorts of things.
So that is why your skin is so radiant.
- It is dazzling. - You.
Anyway, aloe rots if it gets...
too much water.
But because of Cheongsu County's dry weather,
it thrives.
That is not why it grows so well.
It is because of the cow dung we use as fertilizer.
Or is it Soeddung?
What do you think, Man Seok?
Is it cow dung or Soeddung for fertilizer?
Why are you suddenly talking about dung?
Man Seok, I want you to handle spreading dung in the aloe field.
Could you take care of that?
Did you sneak a look at my identification tag?
Do not talk to me like that.
You are ten years younger than me.
Have you?
What would I sneak? You dropped it yourself!
Where are you going, Cow Dung?
You should not leave when an elder is speaking, Cow Dung.
It is Soeddung!
Fine, Soeddung.
His name is Soeddung.
What is wrong with that? Servants all have names like that.
Mocking someone for their flaws?
How petty of you.
This feels like dung.
How long will you stay like this?
You must be glad not to see me, so why have you come?
This is a remedy to restore vitality. Please take it.
Giving the disease and then the cure?
What did I do?
This is all because of you.
I gave testimony to become Chair Lady of the Mother's Association.
You requested it in return for your testimony, and I agreed.
I did not suggest it first.
Either way.
I am terrified he will find me and kill me. I cannot move an inch.
So what?
With the special exam near, how can you neglect Young Lord Woongyi?
Neglect him?
He is studying hard with top scholar Seong at the academy.
He has not come out even once.
What?
This little brat!
What did you say?
Are you saying Woongyi...
has been frequenting a courtesan house instead of the academy?
I will drag that brat here and teach him a lesson.
This is all your fault.
What?
How is it my fault that Woongyi frequents a courtesan house?
He inherited your lack of brains, which leads to failure.
That is why he drowns his sorrows in drink.
Why am I the dumb one?
I passed the state examination...
after only five years.
Yes, what an achievement.
You never even held a rank.
Can you watch your words for once?
My son-in-law passed the greater exam and became an investigator.
Young lord Seong, who was his peer, became a top scholar.
What will become of Woongyi?
What do you mean?
Just drag him back and make him study.
Let us hire a proxy test taker.
Have you lost your mind?
Or...
how about purchasing a Magistrate's position in another district?
If you became a Magistrate elsewhere,
we could leave Cheongsu County.
Why would I leave Cheongsu County?
I am the Chief of Cheongsu County's Yuhyangso.
I am scared.
That one-eyed man might come to kill me.
I am truly terrified.
Goodness.
I was going to keep this to myself since I dislike you meddling around.
Keep what?
Rest assured.
That overseer you fear is dead.
Really?
Why?
Did he suddenly get struck by lightning?
According to a provincial officer,
he was eliminated by someone higher up.
Higher up?
Who would that be?
How would I know that?
Your father truly has a devoted daughter.
Thanks to you, your father will get the position he desires.
How could that be because of me?
I am merely an added bonus.
In exchange for the position,
taking all the properties in prime locations in Hanyang...
is your ultimate goal, I hear.
Pour me a drink.
The reason I agreed to be your concubine is...
not because I am a devoted daughter,
but because you are a powerful man.
Will you give me a wedding gift?
If there is something you want, speak.
Help me find someone.
It has been so long since I went home while the sun is still up.
Mi Ryeong is unwell, and I need to check on my husband's studies.
Okay.
Who are they?
I have never seen them before.
Could you find out who they are and what they are doing, Kkeutdongi?
Understood.
Yun Gyeom.
Why is the top scholar Seong home at this hour?
Well,
I heard Mi Ryeong is unwell, so I came out of concern.
Then you should go to see her. Why come here?
Goodness.
Where could he have gone?
Mi Ryeong, have you seen Yun Gyeom?
I told him not to go out, but he is not home.
I saw him leaving with Do Gyeom a moment ago.
I see.
Why are you so worried?
Why else? Because you care.
Because I care?
Because you care, you get angry, and because you care, you resent her.
Is that not right?
I care, but I resent her.
I want to see her, but I do not.
When I see her, I am happy, but I am also upset.
It is driving me crazy.
When I write or create stories,
the most beloved man by women is...
always the one who shows his true feelings.
No matter how capable or attractive a character I create is,
if he does not have a heart, he is never popular.
How are you so skilled?
Before marriage, when times were hard,
I supported my foster father with sewing work.
I see.
These are so adorable.
You should have a child as well.
You would surely be a wonderful and warmhearted mother.
What does it feel like to have a child?
It feels like it connects...
Do Gyeom and me.
I always felt lonely and struggled,
but now that we are together,
I feel so happy and secure.
I see.
To have someone to fully love and be loved by...
must be truly joyful.
It must be joyful,
but also frightening.
What are you afraid of?
That even knowing my heart, she might push me away.
Yes, that is what I fear.
Right.
It would hurt to be rejected,
but you must try until you win her heart.
When you love someone, that is what you are supposed to do.
I abandoned my family and honor to come here,
and now I am memorizing "Prime Learning" at this age...
just to be someone worthy of Tae Young.
Speaking of Tae Young,
she has never shown weakness.
Not then, and not now, either
She has always been strong and wise.
I feel so sad and affectionate about that.
Thinking about how she lived to appear that way...
trying so hard on her own...
breaks my heart.
I just want to ease her burdens a little.
So what if she pushes me away?
I like her, and I am fine with it.
No matter how I am treated,
I just...
want to be with her.
Here.
Ma'am.
Why is he so late?
Indeed, they are much later than expected.
Mak Sim, should I go out to find them?
They must not be here looking for Chon Seung Hwi or Song Seo In.
Everyone thinks they are dead.
Their funerals were held.
If they were after the director, soldiers would come,
not slave hunters.
What if they are slave hunters?
What if Lady So Hye is searching for me?
What if she sees me and my husband together?
No, that cannot happen.
- Kkeutdongi. - Everyone is out here.
Madam, they are slave hunters from Hanyang.
Did you ask who they are after?
They are so menacing.
When I tried to talk, they almost beat me to death.
So I could not ask.
Where could Yun Gyeom have gone?
He is here. I brought him.
Was everyone waiting?
We were so concerned.
Mi Ryeong.
Let us talk.
Yes, you two should talk.
I think you two need a conversation.
Mak Sim, come here for a moment.
Why? What is it?
Come in, Yun Gyeom.
I am scared.
Why is the atmosphere so tense?
It is catastrophic.
Why tell me to come?
Do you like Man Seok?
What kind of nonsense is that?
Am I not right?
Did you not say you would leave with him?
And also,
you are not thinking of me, not even the slightest bit.
You treated me like I was nothing after Man Seok arrived.
Do you think you have the right to say such things to me?
Who are you to talk to me like that?
Is that so?
Fine, let us have an honest conversation now.
Fine.
What am I to you?
What exactly is our relationship?
Are you really asking because you do not know?
Do you not know what we mean to each other?
Are you mocking me?
This is why I neither explain myself nor ask for forgiveness.
No matter what I say,
you will interpret it as you wish.
Did you ever like me?
Did you ever love me?
I mean...
I will make up for today's wasted time twice over tomorrow.
If anything I wrote was lacking,
I will copy it a hundred more times.
I only kept top scholar Seong company since he seemed troubled.
I did not drink a drop of alcohol.
Was I gone for long?
So please, let it go, yes?
Did something happen at the office?
Or is it...
because work is tough enough and you are exhausted from my studies?
Yes.
It is exhausting.
See? I knew it would be hard.
Do not worry about it anymore. I will manage alone from now on.
The more you do this, the more it weighs on my heart.
I am afraid of becoming weak.
I dislike having someone to rely on.
Being with you makes me nervous.
I was better off when you were not here.
I was better on my own.
I...
Kkeutdongi, have you seen Yun Gyeom? He just left.
He stormed out just now.
It is catastrophic.
Yun Gyeom.
Yun Gyeom!
Tae Young!
Tae Young, how did you...
Who are you people? Go away!
- Wait a second... - Go away, leave!
You may go.
- They are people I called. - What?
I called them to find your father.
They cross borders...
and enter plague villages.
They are famous for finding people. That is why I called them.
I thought you might finally sleep peacefully once your father is found.
My goodness.
It is just that I had a set time with them.
That is why I left in a rush without explaining. I am sorry.
Were you worried? Did you think I was kidnapped?
No.
I thought you left.
Because of what I said,
I thought you got angry and left.
Where would I even go?
Be as mean as you want. I will still never leave.
I do not know why I am like this.
I have never received such love before.
I have never felt such happiness.
These good days do not feel like mine.
I fear they will go wrong and vanish.
I am scared it is all just a dream.
I am so afraid.
So am I.
I am also anxious...
and scared.
So...
let us not fight, and live better together.
Do not keep telling me to leave when I have nowhere to go.
Do not leave.
Stay by my side, Yun Gyeom.
(The Tale of Lady Ok)
The special exam is approaching. It will be impossible for him to make it.
Elder Master.
Top scholar.
Then we are no longer pretending, we are truly husband and wife.
I want to unsee what I saw.
I cannot bear to face you, Do Gyeom.
So I leave this letter.
Do not suffer because of me anymore.
Are the rumors about buying a position with money true?
The new Magistrate is not doing his job.
I was only following the Magistrate's orders.
The Magistrate?
Go!
Where is Madam Tae Young?
She went out saying she was investigating.
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