Original subtitles

[singer] Shh!

What's this sound I'm hearing with my keen ears?

Sure, I've got good hearing, but that's not the point here.

-[moaning, panting] -♪ It's the sound of desire, of course ♪

-♪ Coming from deep down inside ♪ -[person] My lord.

-[drums beating rhythmically] -[singer] Who could that be?

Isn't that the young master who was looking for his cousin?

I was mistaken. I never imagined you would be

-so well-endowed. -[singer] Goodness!

-You know nothing at all! -Don't be silly, please.

[singer] ♪ Listen I'll show you how it's done ♪

♪ What is big and long May not be the best ♪

♪ A hand plow when you dig for clams Is better than a pickaxe! ♪

♪ Don't go tossing your pail in a stream Just blow gently ♪

♪ Put your lips down Suck, suck, suck ♪

Hey now, Director, will you stop teasing us like that?

Huh? A waterwheel?

♪ Slosh and… ♪ [vocalizes]

♪ Squishing here, squishing there ♪

♪ Thump and thud It digs mighty well ♪

You must hold a flower gently.

Hold it too tight, and it will break.

[Won] At this rate, the iron will never get hot.

[singer] Planning to dig in dry ground?

[chuckling] Would you care to check for yourself, young master?

♪ That's right, is it going in? ♪

♪ Let's check It's going in ♪

♪ For the pestle's standing Tall and hard ♪

♪ And is going up, going down All over again ♪

♪ It's going in ♪

♪ Splash! Trickle! ♪ [vocalizes]

♪ Squeaky here, squeaky there ♪

♪ Thump and thud It pounds mighty well ♪

♪ Well, that young master Is nowhere to be found at all ♪

[courtesan] We should not be doing this here.

♪ In time or space ♪

♪ In a palanquin ♪

♪ Swaying, bouncing Heaving and bobbing ♪

♪ Let's check It's going in ♪

[imitating courtesan] "My lord, just how many women have you seduced?"

Do you keep track…

of how many grapes you've eaten?

[singer, normal voice] Well now, a wise answer to a foolish question.

[imitating courtesan] "So of course I've heard the rumors,

but I never imagined you this lewd."

And those whispers…

What were they?

[singer, normal voice] Goodness, you don't even know.

[imitating courtesan] "They say you're a gentleman of the night."

A gentleman of the night?

[singer, normal voice] ♪ Right Not just a gentleman, but a saintly one ♪

If he is truly that…

takes great delight in meeting talent

wherever he goes and then offering them his guidance.

And tonight, I shall…

take great delight in giving you guidance as a gentleman always should.

-Now, this is the teaching of Xunzi. -[moaning]

[singer] ♪ Drift and glide Like floating along ♪

♪ Like strolling along On feathery clouds ♪

♪ Then suddenly you go crashing down ♪

♪ Is this a dream? ♪

♪ Ah ♪

♪ Did you just wake me up? ♪

♪ Vanishing just like bubbles ♪

♪ It can never be captured ♪

♪ Like a fleeting shadow It goes around and brings you right back ♪

-♪ To where you just started ♪ -[distorted] Cousin!

-[singer vocalizing] -Dear cousin!

-Dear cousin! -♪ It's love ♪

Cousin!

-♪ It's love ♪ -Cousin!

♪ What is this love? A love that haunts me even in dreams ♪

♪ This love Also when I'm awake ♪

♪ This love ♪

♪ It is so cruel ♪

♪ Why are you holding me back? ♪

♪ This love ♪

♪ My love ♪

♪ Sweet love of mine… ♪

[door opens]

[door creaking]

I'm sure you've heard from the Left State Councilor already,

but I…

I shall be staying up here for a while.

Nevertheless, whatever the reasons are, I guess it's fate.

Eun-sil, please say that's all I can hear.

-My lady says she-- -I do regret that I didn't say farewell

the last time we were together.

[sighs deeply]

I was merely wondering if you had returned home safely.

But if you turn away from me, what choice have I got left?

Or did you not understand me?

Tell him there is no misunderstanding.

[Eun-sil] My lady says there is no misunderstanding.

[Won] The first time I saw you,

I found this where you'd been standing, my lady.

[breathing shakily]

I shall accept your thanks in the form of a letter addressed to me.

There are many ears and many eyes about us.

He praised your cousin in truly effusive ways.

For a man of so few words, that is.

My lady. My lady!

Madam is approaching.

This will be the death of me.

[Hui-yeon] Please, my lord, don't do this.

Please give it to me.

[Eun-Sil] My lady.

[Lady of the First Rank] Oh, he's precocious,

-but very delightful as well. -[Won] All right.

[courtier] Lady of the First Rank.

[Lady of the First Rank] Oh, my dear. You're here.

[courtier] I saw you from afar and I almost spilled over in delight.

[chuckles] Come, let's go now.

I can't wait for today's poetry reading.

Should you not feel up to it,

-I shall be glad to write to you first. -[door opening]

[whimpers]

You will do it, won't you?

Yes, I will. Please make haste.

[sighs] Right here.

Are you unsettled?

I was on my way to the rear garden with the lady,

and when I saw you like this, I came to see.

You need not worry.

I'm quite sure the lady noticed nothing.

[sighs]

[breathing shakily]

[Yun] You can tell me anything and everything.

I humbly apologize. The truth is, I…

I should've come to you straightaway

to thank you for what you did for me last time.

Please forgive my tardiness.

[curious music plays]

[chuckles]

[courtier] I can just feel the heartbeat of a mother.

[courtier 2] Oh, then this time, I shall read a poem I have prepared.

[clears throat]

"My lover has not yet returned

Though the full moon is waning now

The endless sound of the loom Fills my lonely heart"

[sighs]

Well, were you attempting to avoid me again

because you were lonely?

How are you getting along?

I must say it's easy.

[scoffs] So much so, I almost feel sorry for you.

You're in good spirits.

You must remember, when the task is near completion,

to stop by for a visit, won't you?

Why?

Are you thinking of rehearsing

before I receive just compensation?

It would perhaps be better

if you stopped by during the night.

I tremble with anticipation.

[chuckles]

Uh-uh-uh.

-[door creaks] -Here we are.

[Yun grunts]

Hmm?

-[door creaking] -[sighs]

[scoffs]

[grunts]

Hmm.

[chuckles]

[So-ok] Here they are.

Huh.

You have worked very hard

on copying the chapter on the introduction to Confucian learning.

"A young woman, upon reaching ten years of age,

should come and go modestly.

At 15, she should put her hair up with a binyeo.

And before turning 20, she should be married."

That is correct.

Like a flower, she should bloom.

Yes, indeed. [chuckles]

[Chil-seong] Go on, take it. Take it.

Come on, take it. It's all right.

Come, come! Your lady has promised to write back.

-Have you forgotten who you are? -There, there.

It's all right. Take it, hmm?

[Eun-sil] Son of a…

[footsteps departing]

[door opens, closes]

[Hui-yeon] It is written that a husband may take a second wife,

but there is no mention of a wife taking a second husband.

If one's conduct is at odds with the will of heaven and earth,

the heaven's punishment shall rain down.

[Won] I have duly received your reply.

Thanks to you, this has been an informative time

in which I could learn the kind of things ladies study and memorize.

[Hui-yeon] If one's conduct is at odds with the spirits of heaven and earth,

the heaven's punishment shall rain down.

If there is fault in a woman's manners and loyalty…

[Won] I saw a pair of cuckoos in the rear garden.

The male and female were sitting side by side, singing so sweetly.

As I stood there, enraptured,

listening to the noble song of love sung by such lovely creatures,

I couldn't help but feel jealous.

[Hui-yeon] If one's conduct is at odds with the spirits of heaven and earth,

the heaven's punishment shall rain down.

If there is fault in a woman's manners and loyalty,

her husband will soon treat her coldly.

[Eun-sil, Chil-seong panting, moaning]

[Eun-sil snoring]

[Hui-yeon] Eun-sil…

Eun-sil, stop making that racket.

[Eun-sil] Hmm.

[snoring continues]

[sighs]

[Won] Yesterday, I took a walk with Young Master In-ho,

and we discussed many things.

I did not probe any further, though,

for fear the young master's feelings might be hurt.

But it seems he feels the absence of his late brother quite acutely.

Lord.

My lord.

[Won] I am aware I am overstepping,

but I wished that I could help fill that void,

however modestly.

[Hui-yeon] If one's conduct is at odds with the spirits of heaven and earth,

the heaven's punishment will rain down.

If there is fault in a woman's manners and loyalty,

her husband will soon treat her coldly.

[chuckles]

[stream trickling]

Oh my.

What'd you say your name was again?

[gasps] You remember, don't you?

Chil-seong. It's Chil-seong.

[groans]

I'm very insulted.

Like "Seven Names"?

A fitting name for a servant.

[chuckles]

Ah, not so.

When I was an infant, I was known as Container.

Then it was Dog Balls a while.

Then Straw Mat, you know? Meongseok.

'Cause I was beaten by a straw mat.

[chuckles]

How can that make you laugh?

Anyway, who gave you the name of Chil-seong?

Cho Won.

Lord Cho Won.

I have served seven masters in all.

A different family name for each one that I served.

Which is why I'm Chil-seong, "Seven Names."

Imploring that the Chos would be my last master.

With that name, I couldn't be sold to anyone else.

It's been a difficult life for you as well.

Wait, move aside.

Oh, dear.

Oh, dear. This…

[grunts] Oh, my God. You might have taken care of this.

-I… -[blows, groans]

[Eun-sil] My lady.

[Hui-yeon] Who's there?

[Eun-sil] Who else? It's Eun-sil.

I have something for you.

[door opens]

[Hui-yeon] Where on earth have you been?

[door closes]

There's a letter for you.

[Won sighs]

A letter?

[Hui-yeon] If one's conduct is at odds with the spirits of heaven and earth,

the heaven's punishment shall rain down.

If there is fault in a woman's manners and loyalty…

[groans, sighs]

Here. Insert this and deliver it to her.

[Chil-seong] Huh?

[physician] Hmm…

Hmm…

Right.

I shall prepare a concoction of pomegranate and velvet antler.

Please make sure she drinks it before going to bed.

To ensure your body is in child bearing condition,

you must be sure to take it every single day.

I am grateful, my lord. Thank you so much.

[Lord Yoo chuckles]

You should be thanking my lady.

Isn't that right, my lady? [chuckles]

[grunting]

[door closes]

[Hui-yeon] Keep a fair countenance and hold fast to your virtue.

Conduct yourself with modesty

-and decorum, and serve your husband. -Replying to a blank letter, huh?

She isn't even reading them, is she?

[Eun-sil] Oh my. Aren't you pretty?

My lady, how about this one?

-[gasps] -Do you even read…

all the letters I've been sending?

How can you possibly be so impolite?

Without even bothering to see or read what is in my heart, you send a reply?

My lord…

have you not ignored the many requests that I've earnestly made?

All the while, I have kept every one of my promises.

Have you no pity for my aching heart?

Hmm.

[groans]

[servant] Tie it securely.

Take those. You can take those with you.

-[palanquin bearer grunting] -[palanquin bearer 2] Heave ho.

Hmm.

[Lady of the First Rank sobbing]

[In-ho] Mother.

I shall very shortly be at your side,

dear husband.

[servant] Take it easy.

Dear me, we didn't know the elders of this household left

for the end of the mourning period

and brought along this precious alcohol!

[servant 2] Huh?

So now, what do I do with this?

-Oh my. -[servant 2] What is it? Alcohol?

[servant] Hey!

-Here we go. -Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, come on!

What do you think you're doing?

Chil-seong, I didn't take you for such a man.

What am I supposed to do?

Should I just disobey orders from my lord? Can I?

Everyone, look at this!

This piece of land will be quite fertile next year,

so you can plant whatever you want.

-Hey, hey, hey, hey! Hey! Hey! -Don't do that!

That's precious! Why would he tell you to throw it away?

Hurry up, hurry up! Continue as your lord commanded.

Keep throwing it away!

-Throw it away? Wait, should I? -Come on! Here. Pour it off into this.

Throw it away by pouring it off here. You're not disobeying.

-What do you think you're doing? -Throwing it away.

[servant 3] We have some leftovers for the ancestral rites in the kitchen, don't we?

[servant 2] Hey, Chil-seong!

You're a right good scoundrel of a servant!

[birds chirping]

[sighs]

[breathing shakily]

[gasps]

I HAVE READ IT

-[servant 3] Wait, stop! -[servant 2] Hey, Chil-seong!

You're a right good scoundrel of a servant!

[servant 4] Stop wasting it!

This is…

With a face like this, really.

And I've added so much sweet tenderness.

[clicks tongue] What else could you ask of me then, huh?

[Won] Your reply is duly received. Your handwriting is as beautiful…

[Hui-yeon] You are shameless and inconsiderate.

I can scarcely believe you've written me again

even after my preposterous reply.

Why on earth do you torment me so?

[Won] Yesterday, I took a walk with Young Master In-ho.

We conversed on many topics.

[Hui-yeon] I was sure I judged you correctly.

Deep in your heart, my lord,

there is such gentleness, such considerate regard.

But for some unknown reason,

when you say you wish to help fill that void for the young master,

I grow jealous of him.

Surely I deserve to die for having such thoughts.

My lord, whom I miss so dearly.

Appear before my eyes, I pray you.

My heart is in turmoil, and sleep has utterly forsaken me.

Please appear before me, if only in dreams.

[scoffs]

Eun-sil, are you there?

[clattering]

Eun-sil.

[gasps]

Don't be alarmed, my lady. It is I, Cho Won.

[breathing shakily]

I have come here to see you.

What peculiar words you speak, sir.

Please leave at once.

Then I shall pretend this whole thing never happened.

Do you mean to say that you did not wish to see me?

How could one so well-versed in duty and propriety

ask me such an embarrassing question as that?

Have I heard you right?

Do you consider me an embarrassment then?

[sighs]

I have learned over time that your heart resembles mine.

So however could I not?

However could I not have come to see you?

Isn't that why…

you have deigned to respond to the letters I sent?

[breathing shakily]

[Won] I…

have seen every single one of your replies.

Don't do this, my lord. I'm begging you.

Why must you be so cruel to me?

How can you aspire so earnestly to a fate…

that cannot be in this life?

[Won sighing]

If not in this life…

then in the next…

could you and I be together?

-If so, then I beg you… -[gasping]

…send me to my next life right now.

If you can't oblige…

then there is no other choice.

We shall be together in this life.

Just as we are now.

Tonight, I am certain…

in our dreams, we shall meet.

I can swear to that.

[door closes]

[Won sighs]

-[chuckles] -[door opens]

[clears throat]

She's falling for it so easily, it's almost disappointing.

[laughing]

She might cry herself to sleep, I daresay.

[Gye-hwa] Madam.

Lord Cho Won is here.

[chuckles]

You told me to come when I felt it was almost done.

So despite the lateness of the hour…

I couldn't help but come. My apologies, cousin.

Well, I see you're optimistic about your success.

I have just now been with the young widow.

Just the two of us alone.

Most… discreetly.

How very ingenious you are.

There must have been at least ten pairs of eyes observing.

Yes, but what have I to fear when I am guided by such clear intent?

Especially now that the woman, once biting and distant,

is nestled in my arms so very sweetly?

Nestled?

The young widow?

Isn't this her first time in a man's embrace?

She's all but melted in my arms.

-[chuckles] -Honestly, I could not help but smile.

Until tonight, I had been acting as planned in advance.

But now, I've…

nearly been found out.

Nearly found out?

-On what score? -Oh, I think you know.

[scoffs]

[laughs] All this gaudy tomfoolery I indulge in.

So what did you do then?

You've made me most curious to know the details.

If I could be with you in our next life, then I would like to…

move on to that next life without delay.

After all this time,

I finally encounter a man who leaves me breathless.

[Won sighs]

[chuckles]

These hands of yours, strong and thick,

how I've missed holding them so close.

Just as I…

every single day…

have missed the sound of your sweet breath.

As I'm listening to this,

I know these words will get me wet and keep me wet all night.

"Again and again, my legs keep spreading,

but I have no husband to fill the void"…

[writer] These hands of yours, strong and thick, how I've missed them.

"Come here, very close,

and scold my womanhood most moist, I beg of you."

[scoffs]

"Bun-hui"?

[chuckles] Hmm.

So why…

Why is it that you only brush her shoulders and then stopped?

-[chuckles] -[huffs]

It's from So-ok's mother.

The one who sells tobacco.

[scoffs]

[paper rustles]

Ladies who can't get me out of their heads

are abundant across the nation.

All eight provinces, I'm sure.

She is just one of them.

As you must be aware,

if there's one thing a woman hates, it's talk of other women one has seen.

Wait a second.

Have I been upsetting you so much now?

Well, then.

You still have the remnants of a bitter smile on your brow.

It would not do for me to try to imitate it for you.

Well, by way of apology,

I shall entrust this letter to you, dear cousin.

I'm sure you'll find greater use for it than I.

I'm talking about the daughter of the woman who wrote this, of course.

Use this to teach her.

I'm sure there's no better way to make her a good concubine.

Reciting this, as is, will make my brother-in-law

a happy man indeed.

Count on me then.

I shall put your apology to good use.

I think someone else may need it more than So-ok.

I could give it to the young widow, wouldn't that be kind?

Ah. It is mine now,

so your opinion about it isn't necessary.

Oh, no.

I'm seeing you swallowing and gulping so nervously.

I can only assume that you're flustered.

Oh, dear.

It would not do for me to try to imitate it for you.

On the contrary.

It's just,

I'm imagining how that young widow,

upon reading this letter, will react to my manhood.

Oh, yes, do you think she'll lose consciousness?

[Won sighs]

Gye-hwa,

would you possibly be outside?

[Gye-hwa] Did you call for me, ma'am?

Go see the Left State Councilor's daughter-in-law at once

and bring her this letter.

Gye-hwa.

Did you hear me? What did I say?

[Gye-hwa] Sorry, ma'am.

I will open the door now.

[sighs]

I do wonder how the young widow will react to the letter when she reads it.

If you bid me to cease at once,

I could still stop that letter from reaching the young widow's eyes.

Just say the word.

What shall I do…

dear cousin?

Let's see what happens.

Let's push it to the end.

[chuckles]

Where is… Ah.

Here it is.

[gasps]

[animal howls]

-[Lady of the First Rank] You there! -[gasps]

[Gye-hwa gasps]

You're Gye-hwa, are you not?

[stammers] Yes, I am, madam.

Come quickly.

[sighs]

So, in the middle of the night, she sent you here

with something belonging to Geum-ho, is that right?

Yes, madam.

She said it was precious and that I should deliver it here right away.

Ah, very well.

Ganghwa,

you take it for now, give it to Hui-yeon at daybreak.

Yes, ma'am.

[Gye-hwa gasps]

Is that a tobacco container?

[stammers, breathes shakily]

[chuckles] How considerate she is.

With all this happening, she even thought of me.

Take it and go inside.

Yes, madam.

You may go. You're dismissed.

Sorry.

-[birds chirping] -[door opens]

[Gye-hwa gasps]

[sighing]

[Gye-hwa] Madam. It is I, Gye-hwa.

May I have your leave to enter?

[door opens]

[panting]

I humbly apologize, madam.

The Lady of the First Rank…

[panting]

…took the tobacco box.

[sobbing]

What about the letter that was in the box?

That too.

This is my fault. Please do not forgive me.

I will accept any punishment.

Gye-hwa.

Yes, ma'am.

When have I ever punished you for anything at all?

[breathing deeply]

Let us send my lady a present,

and let's make it something fitting.