PIL INN: AN INN WHICH IS RUN
BY UNJONG STREET'S TOP MERCHANT GUILD
Did you bring enough money?
Of course I did.
Let's get started now.
-It is my lucky day! -Let's go!
Look who it is. Are you back for more, Kim?
I brought my house deed this time.
Take this, and let me have just one more game.
Sure thing!
Are you feeling lucky?
You bet I am!
Who the heck are you?
Your children are starving, and your wife gets beaten.
Who the heck do you think you are?
-Do you have a death wish? -No, not the house!
Time to win some money!
As if that was not enough, I have had to follow you all the way here.
If I ever see you here again,
I will not only take the deed to your house
but your life as well.
Who goes there?
Get him!
I bet 100 yang.
Are you still in?
I shall call.
It appears that I have won this round.
Oh, goodness. Two nines?
Who would have known?
TWO NINES: SECOND HIGHEST HAND IN TUJEON
I mean,
who knew that making money could be so effortless?
Is this not so much fun?
There he goes. Stop him!
Stop that thief!
Hurry up and catch him!
Hold it.
There is no such thing as easy money.
One must have hidden talents and make an effort in tujeon as well.
What?
Two tens?
TWO TENS: THE HIGHEST HAND IN TUJEON
Are there not supposed to be
only two tens in the deck?
What?
How could this be?
This was my first game in Hanyang.
What are you trying to accuse me of?
Who are you?
-You dirty cheat! -I should kill you right now!
You sneaky little swindler!
Oh, do not let me stop you.
Carry on as you were.
You sneaky little rat.
Get back!
Or I will slash open his throat!
Calm down.
Get a hold of yourself.
My money!
Wake up, my friend!
Let us not get overly excited now.
There is no need to be like this.
Get him!
You cheeky little…
-What are you doing? -A woman?
Attack him!
What? The paru is ringing already?
PARU: A BELL RUNG AT DAWN TO ANNOUNCE THE END OF CURFEW
I do not know this person.
Shut your mouth!
Let me borrow your fan.
What a brazen woman!
THE MAIN AND THE ALTERNATIVE PERSONA
Yeo-hwa.
Yeo-hwa?
Has she gone to the shrine?
-My lady! -I just saw Mother outside.
You must hurry.
Done.
Oh, my dear!
Mother!
Have you been here all night?
I dare not compare my grief to yours, Mother.
But thinking of my husband's sudden passing,
how could I rest in the comfort of a warm bedroom?
It was said that a calm and orderly demeanor
was the beginning of acquiring virtue.
I apologize, Mother.
Your mind has been disciplined at the shrine for decades.
How have you still not changed?
I will devote myself to disciplining my mind even more.
Very well.
Confucius's preliminary teachings
tells us to clear our distracted minds and focus on developing virtue.
We must be in control of ourselves,
including our words, expressions, and even how we walk--
Yes, I will transcribe Instructions for Women again--
How dare you interrupt your mother-in-law?
I apologize, Mother.
You must limit the amount you eat
to fully dedicate yourself to cultivating your character.
Pardon?
Starting today, limit yourself to only one meal a day.
Refrain from eating meat or anything that tastes sweet.
Not even…
Just a…
Yes, Mother.
I cannot relieve myself on a meal of vegetables.
How could I be ladylike, feeling bloated and constipated?
This is outrageous.
I am already feeling hungry.
What am I to do, Yeon-seon?
I get so scared whenever you go quiet like that.
Are you not going to ask how I got injured?
I would not dare to ask you such a thing, my lady.
Who cares if you break curfew or return at high noon?
Just do not get caught by Lady Yoo.
I feel like you are being sarcastic.
No, my lady.
It is not like I am worried sick for your well-being or anything.
Please do not worry about me, my lady.
I am just a maid.
I only went out to check up on Kkon-nim. That is all.
It has been days since she came to do her seamstress work.
I am sure you were very concerned.
I also feel concerned whenever I hear a thump,
hoping you did not get hurt jumping over the wall.
When the dog next door barks, I cannot help but worry
whether you were arrested by the patrolling guardians or not.
At least you returned safely today--
That is right! Has your one and only lady not returned safely once again today?
Please be careful, my lady.
What would you say if you came back with a broken arm?
I only just managed to get away today.
Swords were flying all over the place,
and I was still at Unjong Street while the paru--
Swords? Were you in a sword fight?
Did I just say "swords"?
No, Yeon-seon! I did not say that.
What are you talking about?
But I did learn something about myself today.
I can take on 17 people in a fight.
Lady Cho!
You startled me, Yeon-seon.
CAPITAL GUARD: A CENTRAL MILITARY UNIT
ASSEMBLED TO GUARD THE KING AND CAPITAL
So, Superintendent Park Su-ho.
You come from a renowned family and gained top marks in the state exam.
I had so much faith in you after I heard you even resolved
the tax evasion incident in Jeolla province.
I simply carried out my obligations.
That is right.
About your obligations!
I gave you your first mission to apprehend a swindler.
What did you do?
As you commanded, I caught the one disturbing the peace.
I handed him to the police as they are responsible for criminal investigations.
Every local government office is eager to capture him.
We, the Capital Guard, do all the hard work
and willingly surrender him to whom, exactly? The police bureau?
Rest assured, they will deal with him according to the law.
Perhaps even Confucius himself would want to take notes from you!
So, just because it's someone else's job,
you would willingly give up being praised for working hard?
How righteous of you.
I am so proud of you!
There was trouble at the inn.
Given the large scale of gambling and the suspicious intruder,
an increase in the level of security in the capital is needed.
Why are you telling me this?
Report it to the police bureau.
Better yet, why not capture and surrender him to the police bureau?
I will report back to you if there is any progress in the investigation.
I never have any luck with my recruits.
Did you get yelled at?
Sir, had you brought him here,
you could have been the star of the Capital Guard.
First, the tax evasion in Jeolla province, and then a swindler at the gambling den.
You could have become Captain Hwang's favorite!
And there goes my future.
I have a task for you.
Last night, a person in a black mask caused a scene at Pil Inn.
A mask, sir?
Was it an assassin? A thief?
Perhaps a hitman?
I am not sure, but the individual was highly skilled.
He disturbed public order, so find out who it was
and where they came from.
Find out all the details.
Yes, sir!
Your Majesty.
Everyone was worried about your absence from today's council meeting.
You know how my illness always improves once the council meeting is over.
That is right.
Did your brother not get promoted to the Capital Guard?
He must be busy after the transfer.
I have not even seen him yet, sire.
Everyone says that your adopted sibling has the potential to do great things.
That is actually what worries me.
What if he attracts attention--
It has been 15 years already.
Surely, no one would recognize that he is Im Gang's son.
But his presence has also piqued your interest.
I must never neglect the son of my father's loyal subject
who served him faithfully until the end.
Besides, is he not your younger brother now?
That was delicious.
Check!
It is your turn now.
If I win,
please attend tomorrow's council meeting.
I have earned another reason not to attend the council meeting.
Do not let down your guard.
I will protect my king
to the very end.
I heard he had a fever all night.
But he is playing janggi with the royal advisor.
He is at it again. Did you not know he was feigning illness?
His Majesty is one thing.
But the royal advisor gets to coast comfortably
all because he was His Majesty's childhood shadow.
CHILDHOOD SHADOW: CHILD CHOSEN
TO AID CROWN PRINCE'S SOCIAL SKILLS
You work hard day and night on state affairs, Left Councilor.
How could His Majesty be this way?
Your Majesty's chariot is in danger.
Please command the royal advisor to take back his last move, sire.
Left Councilor, what brings you here?
I came to see Your Majesty, hearing you could not sleep last night.
I started feeling better this morning.
Are you troubled by the three-month-long drought?
But how is the lack of rain Your Majesty's fault?
It is all due to my lack of virtue.
Since Your Majesty was young,
you have often suffered from fevers when your heart was heavy.
Please do not let the weight of state affairs burden you too much.
The court officials and I are here to always assist you, sire.
Thank you, Left Councilor.
However, I am relieved that His Majesty has the royal advisor by his side.
Take good care of him so he does not experience any discomfort.
Yes, Left Councilor.
I will do my best.
I shall take my leave, Your Majesty.
Very well.
It was said, a loyal subject does not serve two kings,
and a virtuous woman does not serve two husbands.
Lady Yoon from Suncheon, after her husband passed away,
lived in a straw hut by her husband's grave for seven years.
I am not scared.
I am actually scared.
I am not scared.
I am scared.
No, I am not.
But I am!
What was that?
Lady Ko from Dayang
fasted for ten days
and followed her husband to the afterlife.
Just
one spoonful…
Lady Kwak from Haeju,
overcome by her grief of losing her husband,
threw herself off a cliff.
No way. I am not doing this.
A virtuous woman…
-Jump now! -Follow after your husband.
-Jump! -Die now!
So then,
since you were in the arms of another man…
both of your arms will be sliced off,
and both of your eyes
will be gouged out.
VIRTUOUS WOMAN: A WOMAN WHO WOULD EVEN DIE
TO STAY FAITHFUL TO HER HUSBAND
Oh, my arms…
I really could not feel my arms.
Was it your arms this time?
It was my eyes as well.
What would make you so anxious for you to be having nightmares?
I am not anxious.
Yeon-seon.
This is definitely not about me.
But, this one widow was embraced by a man purely by accident.
No, she was pushed into his arms.
Did she die?
That is right.
In most stories, the woman is overcome by shame and dies in the end.
Or she cuts out the part the man touched.
It is either that
or die by fasting.
So, who is this widow, my lady?
Oh, it is just someone I know.
She is a friend of a friend.
If the widow who I know does not finish the transcribing by today…
She will die.
Why is transcribing so difficult for me?
How could a brush be heavier than a sword?
But you are good at martial arts.
That is right.
My older brother told me this when he taught me how to fight.
"How could a pretty girl like you have such a talent?"
"It is quite a shame I cannot let the world know about it."
And I am quite worried that the whole world might find out.
How much more do I have left?
I knew this would happen, so I did some too.
Yeon-seon…
You have ink on your cheek.
I will only ask for two yang this time.
-Two yang? -You know that's a good deal.
You said you wanted to buy a decent house in Hanyang.
Have you not already saved enough for it?
I still have a long way to go.
Oh, right! As Bongmal said earlier, Lady Yoo is seeing her in-laws today.
Is that right?
Does that mean she has left the house?
If only your esteemed family was granted the virtuous woman's gate,
it would be the ultimate symbol of prestige
for the most perfect family in Joseon.
I cannot believe the interior minister's daughter-in-law might get it.
Pardon?
What are you talking about?
It has become impossible for an average chaste widow to receive it nowadays.
Oh, I am sure.
Even his daughter-in-law is being talked about due to her ties
with the queen dowager's niece, the finance minister's wife.
The virtuous woman's gate was believed
to be bestowed by the heavens since the old days.
You are absolutely right!
One cannot receive such an honor based on connections.
I do not mean to be boastful, but it has been 100 days
since our eldest has left the shrine while only eating one meal each day.
Sincerity might not even be enough.
Why would one use connections to receive the virtuous woman's gate?
I pity the interior minister's daughter-in-law.
Oh, you are absolutely right!
Look at you, snooping into the kitchen in broad daylight!
Why on earth do I run into my sister-in-law so often?
I just wanted to sneak out some sweets.
This is why I keep saying that you seem so uneducated.
You cannot even skip one meal and snoop around the kitchen.
One meal a day at the shrine for 100 days?
I am well-mannered.
Do not tarnish the family name!
Do not be upset when she talks down to you.
I must be generous.
How could you go around with your head up?
I am so hungry.
I cannot stand you.
When my brother died, you should have just died too!
You are so frustrating!
Lady Cho!
How have you been?
Hello, Kkon-nim.
I have been worried about you for the last few days.
You have not had any trouble, have you?
I think my father has come to his senses.
He took the house deed to gamble but brought it back and left it at home.
Is that right?
That is a relief.
Dried persimmons?
Thank you.
Lady Cho, you are the prettiest when you smile.
I will get going then.
Take care.
I will head out now.
You fool!
-Who has turned my inn upside down? -I apologize.
A masked man appeared out of nowhere.
A mask?
What did you do while he made a mess of this place?
-He was so fast. -So, you let him escape?
Could he be…
the same person from seven years ago?
I am not sure, sir.
Are you ever sure of anything?
There was a sharper among the tujeon gamblers.
A Capital Guard superintendent was there in disguise to catch him.
Do you know how I got here?
How could you let a swindler and a superintendent be involved?
What if the rumors reach the higher-ups?
Are you trying to ruin all my hard work?
Please forgive me, sir!
A mere superintendent dares to disrupt my inn?
A skilled martial artist…
What are you doing?
…who is a woman.
As expected, he tries to show weakness at the last moment!
That is the virtue of humility!
How amazing!
I got my hopes up for nothing.
Welcome back, my lord.
I have been busy all day and had to leave work late.
Welcome home, Father.
Father.
Earlier today, the in-laws allowed Jae-i to come home
so she can rest here for a few days as she is feeling under the weather.
You are a married woman. Why do you visit us every other week?
You can spend the night here,
but return to your in-laws when the sun rises.
Yes, Father.
Did you hurt yourself?
I was returning from the shrine this morning…
-I apologize. -How are you so careless?
Be careful so it does not get infected.
You must be tired. Go inside and rest.
Yes, Father.
Let us go, my lady.
How could you tell your child to go back
when she came home to rest for a few days?
I would also like her to stay here for a few days,
but Yeo-hwa has no place to call home, so we must be considerate of her.
Would she not feel saddened if Jae-i visits us too often?
Must I be considerate when she just sits around all day?
All she must do is mourn her late husband.
All I ask is that you take a little more care toward her.
She is all alone and must be lonely.
Let her get some fresh air outside the house once in a while.
That is unacceptable. She is a widow in mourning.
That will only make people start to talk behind her back.
What is there to worry about when you are teaching her so well?
THE MEMORIAL TABLET
OF SEOK JI-SEONG'S LATE SON AND YEO-HWA'S HUSBAND
Come to think of it, I have not had any food today.
3 YEARS AGO
Did you embroider this?
I thought you looked like those pink flowers
because they looked like you.
What lovely carnations.
They grow around rocks, and their stems look like bamboo.
I have seen them a long time ago.
I know a place where they grow in bunches.
Would you like to see them?
I would love to,
but I cannot go outside.
But the door is wide open.
You are right.
But I am not allowed
to leave the house.
Then, I will embroider every handkerchief I give you
with flowers each time.
They say that a married couple must share everything.
My dear husband, whom I've never even met.
Apparently, I look like pink carnations.
Did you know that?
Lady Jae-i visited today.
She told me I should have followed you to the afterlife
and killed me with her words.
I suppose she said that because she misses you.
I will accept it as her mourning heart and do my best to endure it.
I hope you like it, my dear husband.
MYEONGDO INN: A 200-YEAR-OLD ESTABLISHMENT
LIKE MODERN LUXURY GOODS STORES
Distinguished guests are visiting us today.
Everything must be perfect.
-Yes, ma'am. -Yes, ma'am.
Attend the Peony Society meeting?
That is right.
You should also get some fresh air once in a while.
I think that today's meeting
will require your presence, Yeo-hwa.
Really?
How long has it been since I've left the house during daylight?
How do they style a lady's veil these days?
Should I wear it tightly?
Open faced?
The narrow slit?
Does it really matter now?
Lady Cho!
Yeon-seon!
What is going on? You are scaring me.
Did Lady Yoo scold you?
Mother is taking me to the Peony Society meeting.
She is?
I am going out in daylight.
It has been at least six months.
Are you that excited?
Of course I am.
The night is so lonely and quiet when everyone is asleep.
But in daylight, Unjong Street will be bustling with people.
In that case, have some snacks for the road.
These are tea cakes.
I thought you might get hungry.
Thank you.
Lady Cho, please come out if you are ready!
I will be right out.
I will be on my way.
THE GREATER THE NATION, THE SAFER THE CITIZENS
You left the inn in a total mess.
How could the Capital Guard do this to me?
On top of that, I have lost my precious golden toad.
A golden toad!
How will you make up for it?
Did you look for it at the inn?
What? You want me to find it?
You caused all this trouble.
Are you telling me to pick up after you?
He is a very lonely man.
Just get him another one that looks similar.
Why do we have to buy him a golden toad?
If we do not wrap this up quickly,
we will never hear the end of it.
In that case,
you could deal with Minister Yeom.
It is this way, sir.
Dried persimmons! Persimmons for sale.
Come and get some lovely dried persimmons!
What are those?
These are Kkon-nim's famous dried persimmons, sir.
Dried persimmons?
They look delicious.
Kkon-nim's famous dried persimmons?
What a pretty name.
I will take one.
Thank you, sir!
What about mine, sir?
Sir!
Make way!
Palanquin. Coming through!
Dried persimmons!
Dried persimmons, as pretty as flowers!
Dried persimmons!
-Kkon-nim's famous dried persimmons! -Oh, it is Kkon-nim.
-How much are they? -Would you like two?
Thank you, sir!
-Catch that chicken! -Grab it, will you?
HWAYEON: A 200-YEAR-OLD MERCHANT GUILD
RUN BY HEAD GUILDMASTER JANG SO-UN
They must not be open for business today.
What brings you here, sirs?
You are the new superintendent.
I heard that you transferred to Hanyang recently.
I am Head Guildmaster Jang So-un.
I am Capital Guard Superintendent Park Su-ho.
I am looking for something specific
but I guess you are not open today.
If you tell me what you are looking for,
I will send it to your office at a later date.
We are hosting the Peony Society at Myeongdo Inn today.
The Peony Society?
How have you been, Head Guildmaster?
Welcome, my lady.
Is this the flower vase you mentioned?
Yes, it is.
MYEONGDO INN
Welcome, my lady.
How have you been, Head Guildmaster?
It has been a while, Lady Yoo.
-Good to see you. -And you, also.
You look very youthful today.
You are very kind.
But no one can fight against time.
You brought your daughter-in-law.
What is the special occasion today?
This is the new superintendent who recently transferred
to the Capital Guard.
I am Capital Guard Superintendent Park Su-ho.
You are the adopted son of the chief scholar.
Well then.
It was nice to meet you.
Shall we head in now?
We have prepared some snacks.
Please come in.
After you, my lady.
It might be unfamiliar to you, sir.
The Peony Society is a gathering of the upper-hall officials' wives
who hold influence over women from noble families.
UPPER-HALL OFFICIALS:
OFFICIALS OF SENIOR 3RD RANK AND ABOVE
This is lovely.
This way, please.
-How have you been? -Very well.
I shall leave you ladies to it.
Today is a special day
because Lady Yoo, the left state councilor's wife,
has brought her eldest daughter-in-law.
Introduce yourself, Yeo-hwa.
It is a pleasure to meet you all.
The child has many shortcomings, but please look upon her kindly.
Oh, please, Lady Yoo.
You must have forgotten what that word means.
She is so well-mannered and tidy.
What shortcomings do you mean?
You must have never seen someone who is well-mannered and tidy, my lady.
Surely, having clean garments is such a fundamental quality.
How could a widow's garments have such dirty sleeves?
My second daughter-in-law has worn her mourning garment for five years.
Yet, I have never seen a single speck of dust on her garments.
I have heard many great things about your second daughter-in-law.
You should invite her sometime.
It would only be a matter of time before a widow would sin
with her mind and her gaze.
When one's mind is set in one place,
one does not have time to be distracted by such trivial things.
What you keep in your heart is your will, and what you say out loud are your words,
so we merely try to be cautious with them.
I miss being out in the quiet night at Unjong Street.
The Peony Society?
I have only heard about them, but they were quite impressive.
We have seen them with our own eyes.
You were in Jeolla Province with me.
How do you know about them?
Everyone in Hanyang knows about the Peony Society.
You did not know because you were uninterested.
The lady who dropped those cakes
must have been the left councilor's daughter-in-law.
The left councilor's daughter-in-law?
Yes, I hear that she is beautiful inside and out.
She is known for being elegant and classy.
A classy woman, you say?
Did you hear that he has taken a courtesan as his concubine?
Do not get me started.
The finance minister's wife paid her off to be sent away.
But word travels fast.
I would not put it past her to claim a bunch of boys to be his sons.
She is a living example of a proper lady.
It must have been difficult to endure it.
Do you not think it would be better to live as a widow instead?
If your husband is that messed up…
Would you not agree?
Would a woman's life be any different, whether she is a widow or not?
Worldly circumstances are not determined by an individual.
I just hope I can further discipline my mind
so I do not become a burden to my family.
The finance minister's wife is here.
It is good to have you.
How have you been?
I am sorry for being late.
Please have a seat.
Now, what kind of interesting conversations have I missed?
You have gotten even more beautiful since we last saw you.
-She has always been beautiful. -How could you always look so beautiful?
This is it, sir.
How nice!
I can feel the artist's spirit.
Imported goods are the best.
Look, it is on another level!
These are not imported goods.
They were made by artisans in Cheongsong.
People all the way from Qing are lining up to buy this white porcelain.
-Is that right? -Yes, sir.
I could tell there was something different about these.
I paid a lot of money and went through so much
to get my hands on these white porcelain pots.
The Pil Merchant Guild never ceases to amaze.
This is why I like you.
Please have a seat.
You were saying
that you want me to grant you the sea passage to Qing again?
Yes, an item is to be shipped to Beijing via Cheonjin in three days.
All it will take for me is to stamp my seal of approval.
However,
you will have to give me a bountiful cut this time as well.
Of course, sir.
I will also send this to your home tomorrow.
This is great.
From what I hear,
your eldest daughter-in-law is extremely well-skilled at drawing orchids.
What? Who?
Me?
She is only as good as everyone else.
I do not mean to brag about my daughter-in-law,
but each leaf she draws is sturdy and healthy,
and the flowers seem to give off a fragrance.
It is quite dignified.
I would like to see your daughter-in-law's orchid-drawing skills
since you are so proud of them.
No way…
It could not be.
If you insist, it would not be humble not to show you her abilities.
Is that not right, Yeo-hwa?
But… Mother…
I hope she does not try to draw anything.
Such grace and elegance!
I never had a doubt.
-No wonder she was so proud. -How could she be so skilled?
She smudged it.
It seems to be a bit abstract.
What was that?
Are those orchids?
Let us see what she does.
I apologize!
I made a mistake, and my hand slipped!
Oh, my, what should we do?
Her clothes…
I apologize, my lady.
I have prepared a small gift as a token
of my apology for today's unpleasant incident.
Be careful so this does not happen again.
Yes, I will.
Please forgive me, Lady Yoo.
I apologize for the lack of a proper change of garments.
We only have colorful garments at our guild.
She can only wear plain white anyway.
Do not worry about it.
I will make sure to be prepared when you visit again.
I will see you next time.
I will be leaving now.
-That looks great. -Thank you.
Let us go.
I knew it.
How could she know how to draw The Four Gentlemen?
It was strange that she was only good at drawing orchids.
That is enough.
I wonder if she is hiding something else from us.
Should I go and search?
What should we do?
Let me first think about what they could find--
Well, I am sure there is not much else other than embroidery and transcribing.
What could a widow do when she cannot even jump over the fence?
Be quiet.
I feel nauseous.
I can probably jump much better than you.
Now is not the time to say something like that, my lady.
Mom, this is all because you are too soft.
You should have cut her off when we saw her keeping
that baseless girl by her side.
How dare she do such a thing?
Pretending to be noble and drawing orchids?
Mom, you should not tolerate that.
I am sorry.
This is because of me.
No, my lady.
It is my fault for being so good at drawing orchids.
That is far too heavy.
I must do something.
Mother, I deserve to be punished for turning you into a laughingstock.
Instructions for Women says even if the in-laws beat or scold you,
it should be gladly accepted wholeheartedly.
As much as you love me, I shall fast for five… no.
I shall fast for ten days and offer my devotion at the shrine.
Do not do that, my lady.
That could really kill you!
Anything less will not do.
She is really angry this time.
Do not come out from the shrine until I give you my order.
Yes, Mother.
That must have been heavy.
-Goodness… -I am all right, my lady.
But are you really going to fast?
I must.
Oh, my legs.
Let us go.
I cannot feel my legs. Where are my legs?
You are late, sir.
I had to work late.
You must be tired. Please go inside and rest.
Thank you.
What did you learn at school today?
Father.
I have returned.
Sir, it is me, Bi-chan.
What are you doing here?
What do you mean, sir?
I was running around town doing the things you had asked me to do.
But I saw this tall and handsome creature and realized it was you,
so here I am.
By the way, whose house is this?
So, what have you found out?
The rumors about that masked man.
They were quite remarkable.
On a night when the moon is shining brightly!
Someone wearing a mask appears out of nowhere…
Help us!
Delivering rice to a household famished for three days!
Who is there?
-This is rice! -Oh, yes!
-We can eat now! -Thank you!
Giving medicine to a slave who was beaten or taking him to a doctor.
He is like the wind, faster than light,
and runs like a flying squirrel across the rooftops.
He is like a legendary altruist.
A legendary altruist?
That is a nickname I have given him.
When the people are in dire straits and left hopeless,
he extends his warm hands to help.
The legendary altruist!
So, who is he?
They say no one has ever seen who he is.
"Do not let the left hand know what the right is doing."
No one has seen his real identity?
Welcome back.
Do you even recognize my footsteps now, Lady Jang?
It is not just your footsteps.
I can read the tone of your voice as well as the nerves in your gaze.
I even know that you would have been scolded by Lady Yoo today.
I have been waiting for you.
I am sorry.
I put you in a difficult spot.
That was nothing for a merchant who deals with noblewomen.
You need not worry.
But I cannot allow you to lose your hard-earned cash.
Please deduct the cost of the hairpins from my cut.
I was planning on deducting it from what I owe you this month anyway.
Goodness, it was not long ago
since you offered me the entire guild for saving your life.
You definitely have a knack for business.
I run a business here. Is that not expected of me?
However,
if it is your wish, my lady,
I can hand over my guild to you at any time.
I do not want that.
But you cannot live forever getting drenched by the night's dew.
Who can I live as if I left my home?
Would I have a face?
Would I even have a name?
Lady Cho…
Cho Yeo-hwa, the left councilor's daughter-in-law,
will just be another dead person.
Would not it be a good idea to go far away and start a new life?
And what if
my brother comes to look for me?
I apologize.
I could not even find your brother,
and I spoke such nonsense.
That is not your fault, Lady Jang.
I am sure I will find him someday.
There is no news of his death, so I am sure
that he is alive.
RENTAL BOOKSTORE: AN ESTABLISHMENT
THAT COPIES AND RENTS BOOKS FOR A FEE
THE BIOGRAPHY OF HONG GIL-DONG
Are you hurt?
I am fine. Please do not worry.
I cannot do that. Since you fell because of me,
I should take you to a doctor…
If you care so much,
I would rather take the money for the doctor.
What?
That is why I said it is okay.
I am fine, so please go on.
Wait… What in the world?
"I Woke Up
as the Royal Advisor's Wife"?
What should I do? All has been wasted.
-Excuse me, Mister. -Yes?
Where is Kkon-nim?
You would never believe what happened.
Some people just came and took her
for the price of her father's gambling debt.
What?
Lady Cho!
My lady!
There is a big problem!
What is the matter?
Kkon-nim was taken away by debt collectors!
What?
PIL INN
Let us see.
-Oh, no! -There it is!
-That does not count. -Did you see that hand?
-I cannot accept this! -What an amazing draw!
Will you please excuse us?
It has been a while.
Have a seat.
Yes, Brother.
Your residence?
Where are you staying these days?
I will be staying at the Capital Guard for now.
So, what are you doing here?
-I went to your house and was told you-- -That is not what I meant.
You were eager to go to Jeolla Province.
Why did you return to Hanyang?
I was in Jeolla Province for too long--
You should keep your head down.
The fact that you are the talk of others
can cause problems for the family.
Yes, Brother.
How have you been, Brother?
As you can see,
I have been very well.
Is there anything more to say?
No.
I am going to drink some more.
You should go.
I will.
Father…
Mother…
Father.
Girls who are sold to repay gambling debts are made to work as servants at an inn
until they're sold as a nobleman's concubine
or handed over to brothels.
That will not do.
I must go to Pil Inn.
PIL INN
Come and get some lovely dried persimmons!
These are Kkon-nim's famous dried persimmons, sir.
Are you not Kkon-nim?
Sir…
What are you doing here?
Come with me for a second.
You cannot do this, sir!
I have something to tell you, so come.
Come with me.
What is going on?
Has she already been sold to him?
Let go of her hand.
I will buy the girl from you.
Who are you?
I do not know how much you paid for her,
but sell her on to me.
Wait a minute.
Have we not met before?
Where would we have ever…
What are you doing?
12 YEARS AGO, 3RD YEAR AS A WIDOW
That is Mother's favorite handkerchief.
I cannot just leave it hanging there.
I heard a man was chasing after you.
Was it someone you knew?
Never have I once been caught over all these years.
And I plan to keep it that way.
The superintendent was curious about the person who brought the child.
If I get the chance, I would like to see them in person.
Do you know Kang Pil-jik well?
He is in all kinds of dirty business, so I am sure you have seen him somewhere.
Who was it? Tell me!
Who dared to touch the property of the nation's finance minister?
By any chance, was he wearing a black mask?
Is this also the woman's doing?
Subtitle translation by: Christina Kim