Original subtitles

[Episode 2]

It's been over two hours since the Hour of Yu.

Isn't it obvious she forgot the promise?

Let's go.

Yes.

What if she didn't forget, but something happened?

- Huh? - I mean, realistically,

is my face really that easy to forget?

Well, I guess the magnanimous me will just have to wait.

She treated Your Highness like some mad servant, right?

I think she realized it wasn't a reward but a punishment and ran off.

Gotta run to the restroom for a sec.

Heaven has given me only a few things.

Poverty, wretchedness, misery, tears...

Punishment?

I merely considered bestowing this upon you,

hoping it might serve as a modest blessing

in a life so starved of fortune.

Hurry up, Dae Chu.

We really must go now.

If I am no longer

allowed to live as a lady,

if this night

should be my last...

Why now

of all times?

Why him

of all people?

Why are you so late?

Do you know how long I waited for you...

Oh.

Well...

Reward...

I'll take this as my reward.

Your Highness.

Your Highness.

Why is your face so flushed?

Just now...

I was robbed.

What was stolen?

Well,

it's...

That is...

Did you see the thief's face?

- Yes. - What did they look like?

Beautiful.

Beautiful?

A thief? Beautiful?

I must find her.

I must be losing my mind. What on earth was I doing?

I'm bewildered myself.

How bewildered must he have been?

I need to go back and explain.

Huh? Is he gone?

What do I do?

After tonight, we may never cross paths again.

Jeez.

Seriously, what kind of madness is this now?

Where did she go?

It's already... getting late.

[Gwanghwamun Gate] It's curfew!

Close the city gates!

Why on earth...

You...

I will catch you for sure.

Your Highness.

She's nowhere to be found.

The curfew has passed.

You must return to the palace.

Let's go now.

Yes.

Ah, mustn't forget.

The grains are gone?

Not us! It was truly the work of a thief.

Look.

They left a drawing after stealing it.

How brazen...

Jeez.

Gil Dong really is something else.

Well, figures.

Halt! Who goes there?

[Curfew: No passage allowed] It's currently under curfew.

Show your pass!

Officer Park?

You startled me!

It's me.

Eun Jo?

Did you happen to see a man dressed in black just now?

Oh.

I only caught a glimpse while searching for my shoe.

Why?

Oh, my curfew pass...

No, never mind. Between us, no need.

Well.

The security is especially tight today, huh?

Keep this to yourself.

They say Gil Dong wears a butcher mask.

Ah.

Royal aide Kang Yoon Bok investigated that far?

No, actually...

Well, there's...

a newly appointed royal aide.

He has a clean and fresh appearance.

Oh, really?

He says those spreading rumors about Gil Dong are suspects.

A key suspect was interrogated.

Who?

Lady Dong Ju. You know her?

Had I dressed as Gil Dong as usual, I'd have been caught.

Ma'am.

You came?

What's wrong with him? Why can't he sleep?

It may be because of gamjeung.

I'll take a look.

This was found in Your Highness' outdoor clothes.

I brought the embroidered shoes.

Why did that person run away?

It's natural for a thief to run away.

No.

Not that thief.

This woman.

Tomorrow at Jin hour, gather all court ladies, including the head lady.

[Remonstrance: Criticize the King's faults] I'll receive your remonstrance. Begin.

Since Your Majesty's virtues reach the heavens,

the nation prospers more each day.

The credit belongs to you all.

Your Majesty must treasure your precious health,

and safeguard the nation.

I'll bear that in mind.

Save your daily flattery for tomorrow.

Isn't there anything interesting to discuss?

The palace feels stifling. I want to hear stories of the world.

Oh.

For nearly a year, petty thieves have broken into

officials' granaries, including mine.

And this fellow falsely parades himself as a righteous thief.

Has such a thing occurred?

Then, catch the scoundrel.

Is it worth getting worked up over a mere petty thief?

Such tales exist in every era.

Then,

you all should be careful.

What do you mean by that...

Did Im Kkeok Jeong only cut open rice sacks?

He split corrupt officials' bellies as well.

What's that thief's name again?

Ah, right.

He's called 'a companion on the road,' hence the name Gil Dong.

Not 'poop dumped on the roadside'?

Poop?

The remonstrances grow more shameless by the day.

I rather enjoy hearing them.

Do you dislike it?

I say it because they're all lies.

Aren't they worse than Hong Min Jik?

Chief Inspector Hong Min Jik, say it again!

Altering the royal annals is unprecedented in history.

Punishing them for petitions alone

will bring great misfortune to Your Majesty in the future.

Say your remonstrance too.

Punishing immoral writings

is a prudent course of action.

Your Majesty

is right.

Yes.

Hong Min Jik?

Do you miss him?

He irritated me, but at least Hong Min Jik was sincere.

What now?

There is sincerity here as well.

Really?

Let's see then. Where's this sincerity?

Father.

Leaving the palace already?

I must meet Hyeju.

If you're not going to eat that, I'll eat it.

I'm letting it cool.

If you dislike the gibang, let's go home.

This is a bribe asking you to take good care of my Eun Jo.

She doesn't take after you.

There's nothing soft about her.

She looks gentle, but she's strong inside.

Please consider this marriage my selfish desire.

A common wish to live comfortably in a powerful household.

I'm sorry.

For what?

I've always owed you apologies.

Don't be ridiculous.

I'll return the betrothal gifts you sent.

Don't. They're for your daughter.

[Liquor] Keeping it burdens my daughter.

With betrothal gifts worth a house, how much do you plan to exploit Eun Jo?

You embarrass me again.

Did you come

for a reason?

No.

Just to check in.

You've had that worried look all day.

What troubles you?

Huh?

I was just thinking about a book I read yesterday.

What's it about?

Even someone like me, who can't read, wants to enjoy it too.

So,

there was a woman...

His Highness has summoned everyone.

Is it an interesting story?

- Another heroic tale, perhaps? - Oh!

Quiet!

Quiet!

You there!

Well.

If the woman kissed first,

wouldn't that be love?

Love?

They met for the first time that night, sort of.

Exactly, so it was love at first sight.

Well, I do have the looks for it.

So, the woman in the book fell for the man, huh?

Huh? No?

But, why did she run away?

Oh.

She was so shocked by her own actions,

that she fled before she knew it.

She was just checking things out and bolted.

If it was love at first sight, why run away alone?

If it's love, you run away together.

- Exactly. - He's right.

Why do you think she fled?

I suppose she tried it out and found it lacking.

That can happen, can't it?

She expected fireworks when their lips met,

with bells ringing in her head.

But instead,

she felt nothing but his cold breath.

Ah, that would make things very awkward.

You're banned from answering now.

- Why? - Asking questions were banned long ago.

Jeez, then why did she kiss him?

She was curious herself,

but can't figure it out no matter what.

In that case,

one must feel it with the heart.

With the heart?

That's how affection works.

You can never understand it with logic.

Affection? Absolutely not.

And it mustn't happen.

She already has a betrothed.

Even if it's just a book, she's a dreadful woman.

She should be caught and punished.

Really?

Yeah.

A few cane strikes won't suffice, will they?

Excuse me!

What if she kissed him out of love,

but it was a forbidden love

that could never be fulfilled?

Forbidden?

Such love is often the most intense, you know.

For example, a noblewoman and a servant?

Or a madam and her laborer?

Laborer...

Nom! Eon Nom!

She thinks I'm a lowlife.

So, she believes we can't be together?

Then, let me ask.

What if that laborer

turned out to be a nobleman's son

or a prince?

Why are you all reacting the same way?

Would she accept or reject him?

About the laborer earlier,

you weren't referring to your friend, were you?

Just wondering.

Since when do I have a friend?

Of course, it's about me.

Then, what was stolen last night was Your Highness' kiss...

I'll go to the Police Bureau alone from here.

And what about me? Just wondering.

You have a very important task.

Because of my radiant complexion, the fabric looks dull, doesn't it?

Isn't it because of the dark cloud hanging over your head?

Why? What displeases you now?

Just...

everything.

Everything displeases me.

This is the woman who will be my concubine.

Or has she already become one?

Stay here. I'll go and change all of this.

No, it's fine.

I don't have the courage to defy the fate my brother chose.

What?

Let's just go with this.

Won't I grow attached if I wear it long enough?

Won't I find its beauty the more I look?

Shopkeeper, do you have the silk outfit I ordered last time?

Young lady, I'll come again later so as not to inconvenience you.

May I have a word with you?

- Could you step aside? - Alright.

I just got my hair done,

so I'd appreciate it if you'd just tug it gently.

Did you just say 'support'?

Yes, in the literal sense.

I intend to support both my future husband and your relationship.

I learned that's also a wife's virtue.

Who taught you such nonsense as virtue?

Your father? Your mother?

I lost both my parents when I was five.

Those virtues, I learned them from books.

From books...

Oh.

Then, you don't plan

to slap my face, or grab my hair?

Slap... what?

Listen, young master.

In ten years as a gisaeng, I've never met a lady who supports rivalry between wives.

Good heavens...

My betrothed is a saint who calls bad fate love and misfortune a blessing?

[Cheongheojeong Pavilion] Handle your annulment or divorce yourself,

and don't involve me in your fake schemes.

Why is No Eul storming off like that?

Because the one who should be angry has already reached nirvana.

Perhaps reason, not cruelty, will work on our saint.

Ugh.

Falling! Okay, punishment!

You can't even hit one shot?

Wasn't your father a military officer?

You can't even do it yourself.

Our family has been scholars for generations.

We wielded the brush like a sword.

Well, your father spoke sharply like a sword. That's how he ended up like that.

What did you say, you punk?

If it were Eun Jo, she would've hit every single one.

Oh please, stop bringing up that lowlife's daughter.

Shut up.

Hey, this punk started it!

Ahem...

Anyway, our Eun Jo used bows instead of dolls growing up.

She's twice as good as you.

Since when can a girl shoot better? Stop lying.

- Wanna bet? - Yeah, let's do it!

You boys are so childish.

What are you betting?

A fight between man and woman is always worth watching.

- You're here. - Yeah.

I got your message.

That Gil Dong committed another theft in the meantime?

Yes.

By the way,

why did you come alone?

You mean Dae Chu?

Has anyone seen this woman?

I can't go home until I find this woman!

Dae Chu is looking for embroidered shoes.

Do embroidered shoes suit your taste?

Well, the color's lovely, and the pattern too.

Most of all,

the heart is beautiful.

Embroidered shoes have a heart?

You mean the person, huh?

Seeing how you all keep saying it's pretty, she must be a beautiful woman, right?

Stop worrying about other people's women. Put your passion into investigation.

Is this the drawing Gil Dong left behind this time?

Yes.

What kind of thief has no consistency in what he steals?

Exactly,

seaweed of all things?

Perhaps his wife gave birth.

- You're here. - Did you summon me?

Officer Park saw a suspicious person the night Gil Dong stole again.

Really?

I couldn't be sure it was Gil Dong, but he was incredibly agile.

Eun Jo, who was with me, probably saw him more clearly than I did.

Was Physician Hong with you?

- Yes. - Is she someone you know?

By principle, females are examined by women.

Sometimes when we're short-handed, we rely on Physician Hong.

Where is that physician now?

Hong Eun Jo!

Young master? What's wrong?

It's urgent. You must come with me.

- A bet? - Yeah.

You just have to hit this apple, smaller than the target.

Jeez.

Is this really the time for this, young master?

When do you plan to pass the state exam?

Do you intend to idle away every day with them?

They're the only friends who stayed after my family's ruin.

Now, they're like family to me.

Then, I'll win it for you. Just make one promise to me.

That eolnyeo looks quite familiar.

How unpleasant.

A mere eolnyeo daring to act like a sister.

How irritating.

Your eolnyeo refused at first. Why did she change her mind?

Because I made her a promise.

A promise?

If she hits the target, I'm not supposed to hang out with you guys until I pass the exam.

Yeah?

You.

Do you really not know me?

The more I look, the more familiar you seem.

I'm not sure. This is my first time meeting you.

May I shoot now?

Hold on.

We need to change the rules.

You raised the stakes.

Pardon?

If you made such a serious promise with your brother,

you should stake something too.

You need to stand there instead of that target.

Jae Hee...

What?

Don't want to?

What's this?

Did it upset you?

Not yet.

Go.

You can make it, right?

Eun Jo.

Please.

Please...

Please...

Jeez.

I only meant for him to focus on his studies until the exam.

If this is because of the promise I asked of him,

punish me instead.

That's what I'm doing.

Does this look like I'm tormenting Dae Il?

The more Dae Il trembles,

the more your fingertips shake.

I'm delivering the perfect punishment.

Why...

Why are you going this far?

It's disgraceful for a mere eolnyeo to act like a sister and dote on her brother.

A concubine's child

that defies all proper law and order.

I had no intention of acting as a sister.

I was

simply showing concern.

If that concern itself is against the rules,

then I apologize.

Come on.

So why is the woman making a fuss and boasting about archery?

Huh?

I gladly accepted punishment,

so please keep your promise, young master.

I'm ruined.

I wagered my treasured sejo belt.

Tie it back on.

Did you hit a sparrow in flight?

Oh, how amazing!

You hit a smaller target than the apple. A perfect win.

Wow.

Pierced right through the heart?

That woman, who might become your sister-in-law, is quite formidable.

Sister-in-law?

You didn't know?

She's the low-born girl from Dae Il's family, rumored to become your brother's concubine.

The second son of Chief Secretary Im Sa Hyeong?

Why are you telling me this only now?

I told you we're like family.

Strictly speaking, my in-law and your future husband's younger brother.

Even more precisely, a grandson.

This is a mess.

Huh? Why are so many people gathered there?

- Look at this. - Is it really him?

Go ahead. I have to deliver medicine to the wife of the Chief Inspector by Mi hour.

- Will you look at that mask! - Is he really a butcher then?

[Issued by Chief of the Left Police Bureau] I thought it was a joke about the mask.

Nothing has been uncovered except the butcher's mask.

Until the investigation settles, I should mind my own business.

Oh.

I forgot about that.

Huh?

Huh?

Huh...

Your Highness, you must go now...

Has that court physician arrived?

Your Majesty.

Your Majesty,

why did you come all this way...

Are you royal aide Kang Yoon Bok?

Yes, I am.

If I ever set foot in the Police Bureau again,

it will be with an order to detain you.

Step outside for a moment.

Why did you reject the daughter of the Chief Inspector?

She was terribly unattractive.

The Police Bureau is not where you belong.

Playing a royal aide is a pleasure His Majesty himself has permitted me.

How long will you live as a wastrel?

'Wastrel, idler, rogue.'

Not everyone earns such titles.

Only someone like me, a Grand Prince.

How many more times

must I be disappointed?

There will be no more disappointment.

If Your Majesty

simply stops expecting anything.

You...

You truly are...

Seemed like she was quite upset.

Shouldn't you do something now?

Nothing.

Do not let the world know of your intelligence.

Stay out of my sight

and do nothing.

I will do nothing.

You are especially cold toward the Queen Dowager.

Sometimes unfilial behavior itself is filial.

Don't take Her Majesty's words earlier too much to heart.

She spoke so because she had nowhere to vent her anger.

I'm sorry you had to hear such things.

It's alright.

Waiting is truly tedious.

I'll go

meet Physician Hong myself.

Miss, are you reading it?

Why? Is it that amusing?

Why would you even read something like this?

Whether he's to be my husband or not,

I simply cannot understand this.

How intense.

Well... read the next chapter too.

They say Gil Dong is really a butcher.

Gil Dong?

That's what they say.

I want to get off.

Please move aside.

[Issued by Chief of the Left Police Bureau] Such overflowing artistic spirit.

Can you see the face behind the butcher's mask?

Yes, I can.

Not the face, but his heart that reveals itself.

[Searching for this man]

Huh?

Who is this man?

Name unknown.

Feature, somewhat foolish?

Making a fuss as if cold water were lightning.

Disrespect regardless of rank?

We should go now.

You should stop by Hyeminseo before you go.

Alright.

Will you look at that.

I brought some food because I thought you might be hungry, brother.

There's plenty for the patients too, so call everyone.

Do you think I don't see your trick of using snacks as an excuse to go sightseeing?

Your behavior is improper.

No, that's not it...

Don't talk back!

Go home before sunset.

Yes.

[Hyeminseo]

Huh? The one who is somewhat foolish?

Why are you looking at me?

No, no.

Excuse me.

See? She's calling to you.

What's the matter?

Is the person next to you...

somewhat foolish?

I can hear you clearly.

Oh.

You must've been mistaken.

- This is... - I'm a royal aide.

Oh.

My apologies.

I asked because you resemble the somewhat foolish person someone was looking for.

It's fine.

Surprisingly, this isn't the first time I've been called 'somewhat foolish.'

Alright, then I'll take my leave.

Be careful.

By the way,

what was Physician Hong doing all night?

It wasn't a time for women to be wandering, right?

Well, about that...

Ask her yourself.

Hey there, Jeom Baek.

Where is Physician Hong?

Eun Jo is off duty today.

Oh dear, where could she be now?

On her days off, she's out everywhere doing treatments.

So, it's impossible to know.

So, we can't meet her today?

This court physician is really making me restless.

My lord!

These are the people who visited the widow's house recently.

The woman living next door, the woman across the street,

the woman living behind her, the woman living two houses down.

Shaman, physician?

There were no men, only women?

Yeah.

And she didn't go out alone?

Well, if this counts as going out...

About two hours ago, all her household stuff was seized

and she was dragged to the master's house.

Seized? Who's the master?

The Chief Inspector.

Wait.

Gil Dong stole from the Chief Inspector's granary yesterday too, right?

Was there smoke

coming from that house's chimney?

Yes.

I heard they cooked rice in the morning and went into their room.

Why do you ask?

Bring the widow who was dragged away to the Police Bureau immediately.

Oh my,

jeez.

Finally, my shoulders feel loose.

How has your insomnia been lately?

I suppose I'll only sleep once I'm dead.

Master.

The child has done nothing wrong.

What's that about?

Oh dear, yes, yes.

The baby has gained some weight.

The mother must have had some milk left to give.

Did a servant like you, who can't even pay your master,

have any food to spare?

It came from Lady Dong Ju's house.

Oh, dear.

Where did this rice come from?

That's

what I brought her last night...

Did you get yourself a secret lover?

- Well... - Eat.

Eat.

Eat, eat, I said eat!

Confiscate her property and take her back home.

Yes, understood.

Excuse me, my lord.

I apologize,

but the baby and madam can't eat and are repeatedly ill.

Can't you at least provide rice for them?

My wife said you were a capable female physician,

so I held you in high regard.

But you've overstepped.

I am a physician, and these two are my patients.

That is why I'm making this request.

They need to eat for the medicine to work, don't they?

A beast dies

once it's useless.

That is

the way of things.

Go home now.

I'll drop by later tonight.

I intended to stay out of it for the time being.

Are you heading to the Chief Inspector's granary?

Who's that?

Don't worry.

This isn't the place where you'll die.

What?

What? Trying to cross over to my side?

Eon Nom?

Just stay there.

I want to keep some distance.

Tsk, I must be mistaken.

What are you doing?

Oh my, that's his voice. It wasn't a mistake.

Well, well!

Why is Eon Nom here?

I expected he wouldn't be ordinary.

But he's even stranger than I thought.

Wait, if he knows I'm going to the Chief Inspector's granary...

Gil Dong.

Does that mean he knows who I am? How?

No, more importantly, why is Eon Nom completely sane...

Did my preemptive setup catch you off guard?

What are you nodding for?

What's going on here?

Even I can't believe my own state.

You may not believe it, but it's true.

And you may not believe this either...

Is this because I didn't believe what he said?

Wait, then...

I thought he just borrowed that silk robe that night.

Then, he really isn't a servant...

If you steal enough,

you'll eventually get to know a royal aide or two.

Why so surprised?

Royal aide?

A newly appointed royal aide. He has a clean and fresh appearance.

Impossible.

Now is not the time to be shocked. I need to escape...

Stop.

I won't chase you.

If I intended to catch you,

I'd have followed you and revealed your identity.

Even knowing where the criminal is, you won't pursue?

If the Police Chief finds out later...

Bring the widow who was dragged away to the Police Bureau immediately.

Yes.

But, there's no solid evidence. Why do this?

Where would a widow facing property seizure for unpaid wages get rice?

Could it be that Gil Dong...

Perhaps the rumor that Gil Dong is a righteous thief might be true.

If that's the case,

how long has it been?

Where would he have gone?

Yes, I received it.

I ate it.

Because I was hungry.

Others who owe Gil Dong probably did the same.

It's stolen goods, so never speak of it.

The rumors spread because of me.

This kind of thing in my life feels too dreamlike,

so I forgot Gil Dong's request and spoke carelessly.

But I won't cause any more harm.

I'm the one who filled my belly with stolen rice.

Arrest and imprison me.

Are you saying the royal aide who interrogated me sent all this?

He said he'd be grateful if you just accepted it.

His Highness asked me,

'Can you punish the starving widow and child?'

I can't accuse Gil Dong of showing compassion

to the starving widow

and her child.

I haven't given an answer yet.

Why won't he arrest me?

That doesn't mean I condone your thievery.

Nor will I blame Joseon for tolerating corrupt officials. But...

But?

You may look after

your neighbors in your own way.

Does that mean I should keep stealing?

By the way,

that widow wanted you to know...

Gil Dong

always showed up that night,

somehow knowing when we were hungry and in pain.

The smartest person I know told me this.

Jeez.

Not only starving,

but getting beaten by the master...

Life becomes unbearable. Unbearable.

Though I've only been a court physician for five years,

I've learned something doing this work.

When a person is hungry and suffering,

their heart gets hurt more than anywhere else.

Yeah?

If the heart is deeply wounded,

even medicine

doesn't work.

No matter how precious the herbs,

they don't reach a wounded heart.

That person said

some people gain strength more

from a carefully prepared warm meal than from expensive medicine.

That was exactly me.

[It's stolen goods, so never speak of it]

That meal that choked my throat

reached my heart that's been distant for so long.

That's why it felt comforting.

The occasional care shown by that person...

'It was appreciated and comforting.'

That's what she said.

The reason I was certain you'd break into the Chief Inspector's granary tonight

is all because of that widow.

If it were you, as she said,

you'd come to check on the widow and child who were exploited by the Chief Inspector today.

Indeed, you don't stray beyond what I anticipate.

From now on,

stay within my reach.

Only as far as

I can embrace.

What?

Is he serious?

But, if you go beyond that

and disturb the foundation of Joseon, I will catch you.

Remember this.

Just because I don't chase you

doesn't mean I'm letting you go.

Isn't that Gil Dong over there?

The look matches, right?

- It's Gil Dong! - Gil Dong has appeared!

Darn it.

Was this a trick to stall time?

Wait!

Stop right there!

Here he is!

Hasn't the order to cancel the arrest been issued?

It was a sudden order,

so it seems the patrolling guards didn't receive it.

He removed the arrowhead and wrapped it in cotton.

Stop fussing over the pain and get up.

A reckless chase might put His Highness in danger.

Protect His Highness immediately.

Stop!

Cease your attack!

What twisted fate is this?

From now on,

stay within my reach.

Only as far as

I can embrace.

I almost fell for it.

I hope he escaped safely.

[Hyeminseo]

What? Why would he come here...

Has he been following Gil Dong?

The lights were on,

so I came in.

What do I do? What should I do?

Hyeminseo is closed. Please return home.

Was it you?

It's you, right?

Should I run away now?

Right, it is you.

Embroidered shoes.

Embroidered shoes?

Flower rain.

Flower rain?

Got you.

A whole bush of flowers.

♫ I want to hold you, loving you ♫

♫ I don't want to let you go for even a moment ♫

♫ Staying just like that dreamlike image ♫

♫ Will you stay forever, even as time passes ♫

♫ Now, come to my side, loving you ♫

♫ If you come one step closer ♫

♫ Every day filled with you and me ♫

♫ Will shine beautifully, I believe ♫

♫ You bloomed like a flower ♫

♫ Filling up my heart completely ♫

♫ Soothing even painful wounds ♫

What's wrong with your arm?

- Are you hurt? - How dare you.

You said you'd just take a look.

Well, a look doesn't seem to be working, though.

You seem quite close with the Grand Prince?

I could say we're extremely close.

I heard he's a playboy.

I told you to donate anonymously.

The rumors about you are already scandalous. We should make something like this widely known.

Are they about you?

Send someone to tail the Grand Prince.

Find out everyone he meets and where he goes.

She doesn't even realize she's hurt.

Are you always this clueless?

Does that guy know?

That you're marrying a seventy-year-old man.

It'd be even more entertaining if he found out.

What are you doing now?

I intend to win your favor.

Do you have a man you like?