Original subtitles

In that case,

let me take care of this marriage.

What made you

change your mind?

I'm just trying to fix my mistake.

It was my fault that you two

couldn't get married.

Why are you saying it was your fault?

I failed my job as a matchmaker, that's all.

Are you that confident?

What do you mean?

If Gaettong finds out the truth

that you're the King of this country,

will she still want to be with you?

That's...

I could try to help you two be together,

but the choice is ultimately hers.

So whether or not you can make her choose you is up to you.

One thing. Until I'm fully prepared,

please keep this a secret.

I...

have the title of a king, but I'm still powerless.

When I become strong enough,

I'll tell Gaettong myself.

I understand.

Keep an eye on Councilor Ma.

Do you know him?

Everyone in this country does.

Father.

I'm going to protect her

no matter what.

Do not lay a hand on her!

Do not lay a finger on this lady.

He meant nothing.

I was in danger, so he just said whatever he could think of to help.

I know. I sure do.

I know very well where I belong.

But...

Don't get hurt.

Pardon?

But I just can't stop thinking about it.

I know you're not asleep.

Come out for a second. I need to talk to you.

Do you still want to be a noble lady?

Why do you ask?

It's not like you'll help me.

I'll give you a chance.

Really?

I'll make sure...

you can return to Kim Su.

Return to Su?

Isn't that the reason

you wish to become a noble lady?

I will expose your dirty lies to the whole world

and sell you and your brother off as slaves.

Now that you found Su,

you'll go back once you find your brother too.

Go back to where?

Where else?

Where you belong.

Are you sure about this?

Your life will change forever.

I'm sure.

Very well.

You should mentally prepare yourself.

I'm a strict teacher.

If that's what you meant by where I belong...

Then I'll accept it.

Flower Crew Rulebook, Chapter 15.

"A matchmaker should never

let his personal emotions affect the client's marriage."

Never.

Never.

A noble lady?

How can she even become one?

Kim Su is now an aristocrat.

Kim Su?

Isn't he the bastard who made our business go downhill?

You found him?

Watch your words.

You might end up regretting this moment sometime in the future.

Do you think I'd be scared of that scumbag now that he's an aristocrat?

I've clearly warned you.

Anyway, we'll be arranging their marriage again,

so I'd like you to groom her.

She has to look like a real noble lady.

I don't care what happened to Kim Su or whatever his name is.

It would be easier for me to become a noble lady

than turning Gaettong into one.

I think it'll work.

We've already tried it once, you know.

What's up with you both?

Once a client, always a client. We have to take care of them.

"Take care"? Goodness.

Three Months almost ruined our career.

Anyway, count me out.

I'll take you shopping.

I'll buy you ten things that you pick.

Not interested? Forget it.

Come on. I didn't say that.

It's not because I want to go shopping.

I feel bad for her,

so I want to help.

I really do.

He loves shopping too much.

-You should-- -Correct her posture?

You said you wanted to send her back to where she belongs.

Why do you look so sad?

If people saw you now, they'd think someone stole your bride.

Nonsense. I'm happy to get rid of her.

Is that so?

By the way,

do you know anything about the King?

The King?

Someone asked for information about the King, and it's so confusing.

"Confusing"?

The deeper I investigate, the more confused I get.

Where he came from,

what he looks like,

and how he came to ascend the throne. There's no information.

How would I know what even you don't know?

I felt like you would know something.

Something's fishy here.

How's Jeong-suk doing?

What do you mean, "how"?

She's staying in one of the empty rooms.

I don't care how she's doing.

Close the door on your way out, will you?

Don't you frequent the kisaeng parlor like it's your home?

You're going to sleep here?

I don't have a home.

Home is wherever I sleep.

Your Majesty, it's Eunuch Jang.

Come in.

You're here.

Why are you working in your bed chamber, Your Majesty?

"Why"?

You should know.

Pardon?

I'm not going to hide it from you anymore.

Only then

will you stop going through my things.

Forgive me, Your Majesty!

It's such a trifling matter.

I will not punish you for that.

Your Majesty.

Do what you have to do.

But don't tell Councilor Ma about this conversation, okay?

If I lose you as well,

I'll be too lonely.

Your Majesty...

Your Majesty! There's an urgent matter!

Your Highness.

The Medical Bureau made this herbal medicine for you.

Good.

My health might deteriorate further,

so tell them to make more.

More?

Of course, Your Highness.

Your Highness, His Majesty is here.

Mother, are you all right?

Oh, you're here.

Please don't get up.

What happened that you have fallen so ill?

It's all because I'm too worried.

A matter worth being praised

is being awfully delayed.

This is all because I'm powerless.

You're right, Mother.

People who did good deeds deserve to be praised.

If you give her a commendation in front of everyone

for being such a virtuous woman,

no one will dare to look down on you any longer.

Please allow me a chance to be a good son to you, Mother.

Your Majesty, I mean...

It must be hard

to live in this palace as a woman.

I'll take care of you from now on.

Your Majesty.

Then,

I'll think that we're on the same page

and leave now.

All right, then.

He's more thoughtful than I thought he'd be.

Gaettong.

I will survive in this palace.

I'll survive and make sure you can come to me.

They will groom you into a noble lady within the next 15 days.

Thank you in advance.

It all depends on how much effort

you're willing to put in.

I'm just going to say three things.

First, if you get three warnings,

you won't have another chance.

That's not fair!

Second, you're grounded.

Starting now, you cannot leave this place

unless I grant you permission.

I can't even go to places that I want to go?

Lastly, no talking back to your teachers.

You may quit now if you don't think you can do it.

This is your last chance to back out.

This is also

my last chance at this.

-Come, quick. -Gosh.

-Come on! -I don't want to.

I won't be able to visit you for a while.

So eat well and take care, okay?

Don't let anyone hit you again.

I will

come back for you soon.

It's hot!

Matchmaker Ko!

Eight, nine, ten.

Let's see.

Three Months! When was the last time you took a bath?

Hey, stop. Don't count!

Stop counting! I get it.

This water was boiled with crushed yuzu seeds.

Soak yourself in the water and do a full-body scrub.

Goodness. That was so gross.

I'm clean enough.

Lee only bathes on national holidays.

Hold this.

What is this?

It's a facial mask made with eggs.

It'll make your skin glow.

Stay still.

Do I have to try on all of these?

This is only the first batch.

-But... -Go, now.

Come out when you're ready, okay?

Something is missing.

Do I have to try on another dress?

What?

I knew it.

Your face is the problem.

What?

Hey, Three Months!

Stop it!

Thank you for finding me a place to stay.

But...

why is such a competent, smart man like you

practically living at a kisaeng parlor?

Your mother will be worried.

She ran away with a man, leaving her child behind.

I don't think she'd have time to worry about me.

Must you get remarried despite all this hassle?

Yes, I must.

So you're leaving your daughter for your future.

I hope...

it's worth it.

Mother, please let me out.

Mother, please! Let me out!

Mother!

My Lord!

Let's go inside.

You need to make an appointment first.

I'm very busy at the moment.

Where is Jeong-suk?

How would I know that?

The last time I saw her was at Jun's funeral.

I can only tolerate so much, even if you're my son.

People say that you have all the power in the world now.

What a strange coincidence.

You acquired so much power right after the Crown Prince died.

What are you trying to say?

I just wanted to congratulate you.

Bring Jeong-suk to me.

If you taint the reputation of our family,

I won't forgive you even if you're my son.

Done ransacking the place?

Why don't you search more thoroughly?

You might find what you're looking for.

I don't know what you're talking about.

If you'll excuse me...

Try not to get on Lord Ma's nerves.

I see

you've been acting like his son in my absence.

Shall we shake hands as brothers?

You're hurt.

A cat scratched me.

Is that so?

Be careful.

You might get bitten by a tiger next time.

How did it go?

She's not here.

As expected.

Keep an eye on Hwa-jeong.

Those two will definitely try to communicate.

Goodness, slow down.

Anyone who gives me good food is a kind person.

Listen. If you get into trouble one more time,

I won't bring you food ever again. Got it?

He's pretty decent-looking when he doesn't speak.

Oh, my goodness! What am I thinking?

I'm too lonely. That's why.

But I can't get married before Lady Kang does.

She has such high standards though.

She doesn't like Councilor Ma's son,

and she doesn't even like the King.

Is it good?

Take your time.

This is the most luxurious meal I have ever been served.

Is this really all for me?

Yes, it is all yours.

Thank you!

Only if you can eat it properly.

What is it now?

According to Instructions for Women,

you must never scoop large spoonfuls of food.

You must never make any chewing sounds.

Also, you must not chew too slowly

or too fast.

Is this galbi? The dish that only rich aristocrats can eat?

Beef galbi.

The chopsticks are not for show.

Put one between your thumb

and your ring finger.

Then put the other one between your index and middle fingers.

And use them like this.

Use only your index and middle fingers to move them.

Like this.

Sit up straight.

The distance between you and the table

should be about the size of a fist.

Like this?

Like this.

I'll try it myself. I can do it.

Sir, you have a guest.

He's calling for you. You should go.

Keep practicing until I come back.

Concentrate. I must focus.

Goodness.

All these delicacies are right here, but I can't have any!

I'll just say I did it.

Your first warning.

Wait. This is not fair! You should at least let me eat something!

Please give this to Madam Im.

Who is this from?

Tell her

that it's from the owner of the wall, and she'll know.

I'll be off, then.

"The owner of the wall"?

Is this a love letter?

So was that young man the reason

why she said no to all other candidates?

NANGJAE: BRIDEGROOM CANDIDATES

WOLHYANGGWAN

My dear.

The other day, some eunuchs had a get-together here.

I heard them saying the new king

used to be a blacksmith

in Bukjeong Village.

And he grew up thinking the commandant of the Palace Guards was his father

for 20 years.

The King was a blacksmith?

She will be shocked to hear this.

So this client of yours is a woman?

But you're the only woman I care for.

Then come fly a sky lantern with me on July 7.

Promise?

A blacksmith from Bukjeong Village...

Bukjeong Village.

Jun.

What brings you here?

I need to talk to Jeong-suk.

Thank you, Hun.

Jeong-suk.

I'm thinking of canceling this arrangement.

You don't truly wish to get married again anyway.

The one who should get married is Hwa-jeong. Am I wrong?

How did you know?

When you said you exchange letters with her

through a little hole in the wall,

I thought it was strange.

I understand that you two are very close,

but you live in the same house.

Why leave letters

that your in-laws might dislike in the wall?

The love letter was for someone else.

In my family, there's no young man like the one

who delivered the letter to me.

Also, the jade ring he was wearing...

That jade ring

is only given to the daughters of the Ma family.

Hwa-jeong must have given hers to her fiancé.

If you were to be commended as a virtuous woman,

the family might enter Hwa-jeong in the queen selection process.

That is the real reason you came to us, saying you wish to get remarried.

You're right.

Hwa-jeong is...

engaged to someone.

DEAR HWA-JEONG I SUPPOSE SPRING IS FINALLY HERE

THANKS TO YOU, I'VE BECOME THE LUCKIEST WOMAN IN JOSEON

That young man

made her happy

in a way that I couldn't.

When a woman marries someone,

she gets thrown into an unfamiliar environment

and has to live for her husband's family for the rest of her life.

It's such a lonely journey.

She'll need at least one person to rely on.

Hun.

Can you please help me so that I can make sure

the family doesn't destroy her happiness

out of greed?

I heard my niece-in-law is staying at a kisaeng parlor.

A kisaeng parlor?

-Court Lady Choe. -Yes, Your Highness.

Take the other court ladies and bring Madam Im to me.

-Yes, Your Highness. -You cannot do that.

The kisaeng parlor is where

all the government officials hold their secret meetings.

What will happen if His Majesty hears

that the court ladies showed up there?

Then what else can we do?

We only have two days left to bring her to the palace.

I have a plan.

Copy this handwriting

and write down what I say.

Can you do that?

Yes.

Let's start.

Do you like it?

I fermented it well for days,

so it's very sweet and delicious.

Su-yeon.

It's been a long time, Lord Yun.

How did you know

you'd find me here?

It's Lady Yun's death anniversary today.

You're the only one that remembers it.

I'd like to say

a proper goodbye to her now.

I wanted to keep her alive

in the family register at least by keeping her name on it,

but it was all for my selfish greed.

Please keep it that way.

There's someone who needs that family register.

I'm here because of the promise you made back then.

Bow to each other.

Su-yeon's last wish before her death

was to get married,

but no one was willing to help.

Thanks to you,

her wish has now come true.

I know that it's a fake marriage with a fake groom,

but I made sure to prepare the ceremony like a real one.

So please smile, Lord Yun.

It's a happy day.

Yes.

Thank you so much.

I'll return this favor someday. I promise.

Just like Lady Yun, she is kind and selfless.

Could you consider letting her borrow your daughter's name

so that she can see and experience a better world?

Darn it.

That's better.

How do the noble ladies put up with all this every day?

Like this?

Like this.

Focus on getting Kang back.

Only think about Kang.

Anyone here?

I think something happened to Lady Ma.

What?

Mother, something terrible happened.

"There is something I must tell you,

so please

stop by our house.

You must come,

Mother."

PLEASE STOP BY OUR HOUSE. YOU MUST COME, MOTHER

This will do.

She'll definitely have no choice but to come.

YOU MUST COME, MOTHER

My gosh.

What should we do?

I will...

Starting now, you cannot leave this place

unless I grant you permission.

Where is everyone when I need them?

I'll go talk to Madam Im. You keep an eye on Lady Ma, okay?

Okay.

I asked one of the servants there.

The Chief State Councilor is secretly looking

for his nephew's wife.

A virtuous woman refused the honor and ran away?

Goodness, Councilor Ma.

This is a huge dent on your pristine background.

He must be awfully anxious right now.

Father. It's me, Ji-hwa.

Come in.

You wanted to talk to me?

Get your measurements taken at the draper's shop.

All of a sudden? Why?

When they announce they'll be selecting

the King's bride-to-be, yellow jackets and scarlet skirts will sell out,

so it'd be wise to get them made in advance.

I never said I wanted to marry the King.

I'm not interested in your opinion.

I'm not interested in the family's opinion either.

-Ji-hwa. -After all,

my life will always be controlled by men

because that's how it is for all women.

Hence, I wish to take control of my own marriage at least.

She should've been born as a son.

Are you heading out, My Lady?

-I'm going alone. Don't follow me. -My Lady!

It's too dangerous for you to go alone.

My Lady!

Why did she have to come here of all places?

Are you here to see me?

Please step aside.

It seems like you're flustered to see me.

Are you also thinking about what happened that day?

I don't know what you're talking about.

Step aside.

I found out some things about the King.

How about we go somewhere quiet

so that we can talk in private?

MOTHER SOMETHING TERRIBLE HAPPENED

PLEASE COME BY I NEED TO TALK TO YOU

Did you run all the way here to show me this?

It seemed urgent.

You're so kindhearted.

You deserve a good husband.

Right. How did it go?

What do you mean?

The foolish client.

She decided to return

to her fiancé.

It's a happy ending, right?

A happy ending for everyone, indeed.

Except for that client.

Is this

the "quiet" place you were talking about?

It'll become quiet once we start focusing on our conversation.

Do you now understand what I mean?

Every time we meet,

you manage to find a new way to make me feel uncomfortable.

Others say that's my charm.

This was a waste of time.

His Majesty's name is Su.

As you can imagine, "Su" came from the character for "water."

He was born in the year of jeongyu.

At 4 a.m. on the day of gihae in the month of eulsa.

He's 23 years old.

Did you bring me here to tell me what everyone knows?

Don't be so impatient.

According to the court ladies,

he used to be a blacksmith in Bukjeong Village.

You're such a strong-spirited woman.

Why are you obsessing over choosing a husband?

Is marrying the King that important to you?

Because His Majesty

is the most powerful man in Joseon.

Right.

All you do

is collect information at kisaeng parlors day and night,

so what would you even know?

What happened here?

Big sis.

Where is Gaettong?

No idea. No one was here when I got here. The garden is all messed up.

I told you to keep an eye on her.

Why would you go wandering off?

Why are you mad at me?

Where on earth have you been?

-Well, I had to-- -I clearly told you that you're grounded.

You can't even put on your shoes properly.

You can't achieve anything with that attitude.

Just quit if you're going to keep this up!

Let me explain.

Actually, you might fail anyway even if you don't quit.

You got your second warning just now.

I'm trying my best.

I really am! But...

My legs are numb from constantly sitting down and standing back up.

I can't breathe well because my waist is tied so tight.

You don't even let me eat because I can't use the chopsticks well,

so I'm starving.

I'm trying so hard.

It's my first time doing all these things!

I had to work nonstop. Sitting down and having a proper meal was a luxury.

Do you even know what it's like?

Fine, I got my second warning.

But I'm giving you a warning too. For being so stubborn!

Why did you scold her?

This is all my fault.

This letter is not from Hwa-jeong.

How can you tell?

Her handwriting

has thinner and softer strokes.

And she always adds

a drawing of a small flower in her letters,

but this letter doesn't have one.

It's a trap.

Still, I'd better return home.

If I don't,

my uncle will really hold Hwa-jeong as hostage.

You're willing to go there, knowing that it's a trap?

My daughter might be in danger.

I have to do something.

You shouldn't return home.

But...

You need to get further away.

Come out for a minute.

I'm not some puppy.

Do you think I'll come and go just because you tell me to?

I heard the Chief State Councilor is your father.

Why did you pick such a narrow alley to start your business?

You must be rich.

Because it's fair to everyone.

The alley is narrow,

so palanquins and horses can't pass through.

If anyone wishes to visit Flower Crew, they have to walk.

Whether they're lowborns or aristocrats, it doesn't matter.

It's the same for everyone.

We're here to help people find their mates.

Everyone deserves a fair chance at that.

I wanted to give this to you.

What is this?

YUN SU-YEON, PAPYEONG YUN FAMILY FATHER, YUN DONG-SEOK

Your reward.

"Su" means "outstanding," and "Yeon" means "beautiful."

Yun Su-yeon.

Become an outstanding, beautiful lady.

This name...

It's the name I used at the tea party.

So...

This is officially my name now?

It's my first time

being given a name.

I didn't have a name,

so people just called me "Gaettong."

So I really have

my own name now?

That is your name and your identity from now on,

so make sure you memorize it.

But what about the real Lady Yun?

Where is she now?

Lady Yun

passed away.

Then,

what about her father?

He lost his daughter?

That's why you should be careful not to disgrace her name.

If you disgrace her name,

he'll be heartbroken.

I'll do my best.

I promise.

Thank you.

She is His Majesty's woman now.

The King's woman.

Yun.

Su.

YUN SU-YEON, PAPYEONG YUN FAMILY

Yeon.

My name.

Listen.

I want to thank her father

for letting me have her name.

He wouldn't like that.

And he's been away for a long time.

But still...

Okay. I'll go to sleep.

YUN SU-YEON, PAPYEONG YUN FAMILY FATHER, YUN DONG-SEOK

We've noticed nothing out of the ordinary.

Head over to Wolhyanggwan with the guards

and bring my niece-in-law to the palace.

Yes, My Lord.

-Search! -My gosh!

Search thoroughly.

-Yes, sir. -Yes, sir.

Councilor Ma.

Is she not here yet?

Your Majesty, that woman

dared to disobey a royal order.

Please withdraw your order and punish her according to the law.

Your Majesty.

Im Jeong-suk is here.

She may enter.

As you had predicted,

Councilor Ma's men raided the kisaeng parlor.

Jeong-suk must have arrived at the palace by now.

Are you going to send Gaettong to the palace too?

You stopped talking about the arrowhead some time ago.

I found that strange.

So I did more research.

The person who benefited the most from the Crown Prince's death

was your father.

And he probably thinks that the biggest roadblock to him

is the King's first love, the woman the King is still in love with.

That is our newbie.

Aren't you working on their marriage again

to protect her from your father?

You...

Councilor Kang's daughter is here.

I'd better leave. I like to keep a little mystery.

Hey.

Did you borrow money from her or something?

Some might think she's here to get you.

She's more aggressive than you think.

Wait, you can't come in here.

Yeong-su.

Excuse us for a minute.

Three Months.

Let's listen in.

Please have a seat.

What brings you here?

Would you like to

marry me?

Let's get married.

Are you really going to marry that mean lady?

She's so scary when she glares at you like this.

You two have good teamwork only at times like this.

-Are you sure you can handle it? -There's no other way.

It's the safest place she can be.

Will you choose me?

What can you do for me?

I wish to meet His Majesty in person.

Accidents always happen on days like this.

The way you look at her... You obviously can't let her go.

At the moment of enlightenment, I realize my love.

Subtitle translation by Jin-young Hyon