01x04 - Episode 4

[bunniefuu]

Does your shoulder not hurt?

Why did you insist

on fixing this yourself?

I am sure someone will worry

that the old woman

has no shelter from the rain.

So, that someone would come

and fix it themselves, would they not?

Here you go, sir.

You should at least put this on.

You need to wear something like this

when working in such a dusty place.

If you do not, your throat will be sore,

and your nose will be running all day.

Bi-chan.

There we go.

I look ridiculous.

There is no one around to see you anyway.

-Turn around, sir.

-What?

If you are trying to work…

Your arm, please.

It is important to work

as comfortably as possible.

How does that feel?

Well, it does not seem too bad.

I will work on the rest, Bi-chan.

You should go and find out

where the old woman is staying.

Yes, sir.

You three again?

What is going on here?

-Are there two masks now?

-It seems so.

I feel as if I have seen someone

who is as tall as you before.

What is that you are carrying?

A sack of rice.

-Are you crazy?

-Why would you tell him that?

Did you steal it?

My goodness.

What? Of course not.

-We look nothing like thieves!

-That is right.

Tell me the truth.

Where did you get that rice?

-I swear we did not steal it.

-That is right.

Someone in a mask like yourself

-gave it to us to eat.

-That is right.

-A mask?

-Yes.

Where is this person now?

Well…

He was… Over there.

Something about this situation feels…

It feels familiar, does it not?

It sure does.

Stop!

You have caught me,

so let the old woman go.

What are you doing here?

And what are you wearing?

Are you a team?

-No.

-No!

Stop getting in my way and be on your way.

I am trying to help.

Be quiet.

Do you not see this sword?

-Take me instead, so--

-No, take me.

I want the girl, not either of you two.

Why do you insist on being captured?

Come closer, and I will k*ll this--

Well, that is not my business.

Is that not too harsh?

This all happened because of you.

Oh, really?

So, this was all my fault?

Are you trying to test me?

Why would you lose your sword?

Do not worry.

I will return it when I am done.

Thank you.

Go now.

Oh, my dear Suk!

Go to Myeongdo Inn

and say the mask helped you.

-Go on!

-Yes, sir.

I shall be dealing with you.

Superintendent Park!

-Where are you, sir?

-It must be the Capital Guard.

-Let us go.

-Superintendent Park!

Should you not be going after them?

Why must you come after me?

While I know who sent them here,

I do not know why you are here.

Of course you do. You were watching me!

I certainly have, which is why I cannot…

What on earth are you doing?

Unhand me.

Unhand me.

That will do.

-Are you crazy?

-I became curious.

I wondered who could be

so bold in the presence

of a superintendent.

Perhaps they have strong connections.

Or perhaps

they are from a noble family

that does not fear a mere superintendent--

Superintendent Park!

Are you all right, sir?

A mask

and a bright full moon…

The legendary altruist?

Sir!

That was the altruist.

Bi-chan.

My shoulder seems to have got worse.

That is not important right now.

The legendary altruist is here.

What are you talking about?

I do not see anything.

I was sure that was him.

Did you not see him?

-Bi-chan.

-Yes, sir?

I feel unwell, so let us go.

Yes, sir.

Goodness.

-Oh, dear.

-Watch your step.

Did you really not see him, sir?

No. Come along now.

I am sure it was the altruist.

Goodness.

-Yeon-seon.

-Yes, my lady?

Why do you think

Kang Pil-jik's men wanted

to take those children?

It is not like they were sold off

by their fathers like Kkon-nim.

They would not have any intention

of looking after them.

They are very different from you, my lady.

Then, why?

If it was not for you,

I, too, would have been taken by such men

to be sold off

as a courtesan or a concubine.

No one would even notice.

It is

quite common to see death in this place.

Or she may have run away

because life was so difficult.

Those worthless b*stards.

It is great that you saved someone.

But you said they were Kang Pil-jik's men.

Have you forgotten

they tried to k*ll Lady Jang?

How could I forget?

I am furious

that they are still running freely.

They k*ll people without batting an eye.

You must not get involved with them.

I should have been done with them

by driving them out of the capital.

They chase children with swords.

Please spare me, sir.

"They say enemies meet on a new bridge."

What an ignorant fool.

Did he recognize who you were?

Perhaps they are from a noble family

that does not fear a mere superintendent--

It cannot be…

How could he know who I am?

They will search the whole capital

to identify the mask.

My lady.

You really must be cautious, all right?

I will really be cautious.

Send word to Myeongdo Inn.

Ask if the old lady and girl are safe.

Yes, my lady.

Lady Cho.

Lady Yoo has urgently called you

to the main building.

So, my mother-in-law wants to see me.

I must now face the music.

Do not worry.

It will only upset you even more.

Yeon-seon…

Does it really matter why

when you get scolded every day anyway?

You are the worst.

Did you want to see me, Mother?

The finance minister has sent you

a magnificent gift.

For me?

It is a copy of Instructions for Women,

transcribed by the queen dowager herself.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR WOMEN:

A MANUSCRIPT COMPILED

BY QUEEN SO-HYE TO EDUCATE WOMEN

I am so deeply grateful.

That is not enough.

This is a family heirloom

to be passed down for generations.

It is a huge honor for our family

and something to be truly proud of.

It makes me so happy

to see you this jovial, Mother.

A virtuous woman's gate may even be…

I could jinx it if I speak too soon.

There was just one thing

that I felt regrettable about yesterday.

What are you waiting for?

Are we going somewhere?

Just step in for now.

What? The masked man appeared

and took the child?

It was the same one

who caused trouble at the inn.

But now that I think about it,

I believe he was also the same man

who saved Jang So-un seven years ago.

What? It was the same one?

Yes, sir.

On top of that,

another strange man appeared.

That was why we lost the child.

How could you lose the kid and the mask

and still be so bold?

-I am sorry--

-Are you?

You know better than anyone

how much I resent him.

Forget about the child.

The mask should have been k*lled!

-I apologize--

-Do not even dare!

If I hear you apologize again,

I will shove this fan down your throat.

Please forgive me, sir.

Every single time you make a mistake…

I remind myself of the time

I was a hungry butcher

and the half of a rotten potato

you shared with me.

I think about it over and over again…

to hold myself back.

Boss!

Go and find out who the mask is at once.

Yes, sir.

Did I not tell you

to stay out of my sight?

You told me to return it, did you not?

Unhand me.

Good day, sir.

A new novel has just arrived.

DAY FLOWER

Two deaths were confirmed

in Gyeongsang Province.

The following are three men

who are still missing.

Jung Hae-jun, Pyo Hyeon-ung,

and Cho Seong-hu.

Tell them to send

the next volume with haste.

Yes, sir.

Go ahead and try it on.

Try it on.

It may be safer than a mask

to dress up as a man.

-How much is this?

-This one is one yang.

-What about that one?

-That is also one yang.

-How about this one?

-You chose an expensive one.

You must be buying a gift for a lover.

A lover?

I have no such thing.

It is fine if you do not.

There is no need to get upset.

Well, you should not have assumed.

Then, who are you buying that gat for?

Well…

It is for me.

What brings you here anyway, sir?

I was looking to buy a gat as well.

Since we cross paths so often,

I would like to at least exchange names.

I am Park Yun-hak.

Thank you for letting me know.

Wait.

Why did you not respond?

Are you asking for my name too?

Who else would I be speaking to, then?

My name is Yeon-seon.

Lee Yeon-seon.

Very well.

Let me see.

This one will suit you best.

I shall see you again.

I did not doubt for a moment

that you would find this for me.

I was so upset after losing my painting.

I could not even eat.

Can you notice?

I have even lost weight.

-I did manage to find the painting.

-Yes.

Did you catch the thief

whom I want to tear apart myself?

The thing is,

the culprit could not be caught.

What?

How could that be?

Also, after retrieving the painting,

I saw that the bar was cracked.

What? Where?

It truly is cracked.

This piece is priceless!

There must not be

a single flaw in this painting.

This cannot be!

Look at this bar!

It was carved from the wood

of a 100-year-old empress tree.

What will you do about this? Tell me!

I apologize.

To hell with your apology.

You must take responsibility.

Pardon?

You failed to catch the thief

and cracked the bar.

You must be held responsible.

-But, sir--

-If you do not find

an exact replacement for it,

I will not let this slide.

Do you understand?

Unbelievable!

This is outrageous.

Let us try that once more.

No.

You must not waddle like that.

You must step lightly like a butterfly.

No, that is not right.

You must not flail your arms like that.

Move gently like the first snow falling

on a tree branch.

No, not like that.

Your legs must not bend so awkwardly.

No.

You must not waddle like that.

You must step lightly like a butterfly.

No.

Do not lurch forward or wobble.

Yes, there you go.

Now, lower your hands

and gather your legs.

No.

Goodness.

Have you gone crazy?

Why on earth can you not do this?

Do it again!

What are you doing, my lady?

You have returned, sir.

Were you waiting outside for me

until this late hour?

You should have stayed inside.

Welcome home, Father.

Hello, Yeo-hwa…

-Father…

-What were you doing in there?

Yeo-hwa is setting

a good example for all women.

She was practicing

how to beautifully and gently exit

a palanquin in a picturesque way.

I see.

However, the sun has already set.

I think it would be best

to call it a night and continue tomorrow.

Very well, I shall.

Go inside and rest now.

Yes, Mother.

-Let us go inside.

-Yes.

My lord.

The queen dowager has bestowed Yeo-hwa

a copy of Instructions for Women.

This is it.

Thanks to Yeo-hwa,

we can finally stand proud

when we face our ancestors.

That is wonderful.

However,

how is it thanks to Yeo-hwa?

It is all thanks to you

for teaching her so well, my lady.

She was an orphan from a poor family.

It was you who has properly educated her

ever since we took her in.

My lord…

Is that not an apple?

Cheongsong offered them up to His Majesty.

I remembered

that you like apples, my lady.

-So, I secretly took one.

-Goodness.

You look more beautiful than the apple.

Oh, dear.

This was all because of you.

SEOK-JEONG, MEMORIAL TABLE

OF YEO-HWA'S HUSBAND

My lady…

Do you know how many times

I went in and out of the palanquin today?

I can barely even stand.

I was seeing stars after a while.

I feel nauseous too.

Stretch out your legs.

I will massage them for you.

Any word from Myeongdo Inn?

They sent the old lady

and girl somewhere safe,

but the girl said

something strange as they left.

What did she say?

They said they will share

the details in person.

Stretch your legs.

-I had better go there.

-Right now?

-Goodness.

-Oh, dear.

I cannot wait.

I knew you would say that.

So, I prepared

a ride for you just in case.

A ride, you say?

You will not be able to run

with your sore legs.

Your pouty lips may reach

the capital fortress wall.

Are you still upset?

I cannot help but find it strange.

What do you mean?

The legendary altruist.

You know him, do you not?

Preposterous.

No, I do not.

How did you get the painting

that the altruist stole?

And what about yesterday?

Please be honest with me, sir.

Bi-chan.

Do you know of a place that sells bars

made of 100-year-old empress tree wood?

Do not change the subject.

It seems that this legendary altruist

has cracked the bar

of Minister Yeom's painting.

When I saw him earlier,

he seemed set on k*lling--

Myeongdo Inn.

Yeon-seon told me

to prepare a ride for you

since you cannot move easily.

But she said it must not be a palanquin.

Do not even say the word "palanquin."

Yes, my lady.

LAND OF PEACE AND PROSPERITY

We are almost there.

Please hold on a bit longer.

Do not worry. I am very comfortable.

It feels like I am lying on a cloud.

Gosh, you are working hard.

-Hello.

-Yes, hello.

It is good to see you.

MYEONGDO INN

-Goodness.

-Be careful.

Gosh, my legs.

What is going on, Lady Jang?

After receiving your letter,

I asked the child a few questions.

She said she heard other children's voices

while she was captured.

There were other children?

Are you saying this may be more

than a kidnapping of a single child?

I am scared.

I also found it strange,

so I have been looking into it.

For the past few years throughout Hanyang,

many children

of a similar age have gone missing.

-Help.

-Please let me go.

-I want to go home.

-Spare me.

-Let me go.

-Please help.

Was Kang Pil-jik really

that horrible of a person?

He is certainly capable of it.

He would sell children without remorse

if it would make him money

to line his own pockets.

Lady Jang. You must keep an eye

on the goods being handled by his guild.

Also, see if there is a place

in or around Pil Inn

where they may be holding children.

And what do you plan on doing?

If we find actual evidence

of human trafficking,

what will you do then?

This is different

than what you have been doing thus far.

You could end up in great danger.

You could even become

a target to Kang Pil-jik.

Head Guildmaster.

I know what you are concerned about.

However,

if there are children out there

desperately waiting to be saved,

should I not do as much as I can?

We need someone to tie off loose ends.

Moreover,

they must be a trustworthy person

who can go up against Kang Pil-jik.

What is it?

The superintendent

of the Capital Guard is here.

Why has he come here again?

For now, you must hide in here.

-This way.

-Gosh, my legs.

What brings you here?

I apologize for my late visit.

On Minister Yeom's painting…

The bar on this painting has been cracked.

I came to ask

if you have something like it.

The wood of an empress tree.

If I do not restore it

to its original state,

he will not stop chasing after the thief.

Are you trying to help the one

who stole the painting?

That is ridiculous.

I just do not want

to deal with the hassle.

From what I heard,

Myeongdo Inn has everything

one could ever need.

You have come to the right place.

I will see if we have the item you need.

-Would you please wait a moment?

-Very well.

I know you have been eavesdropping.

You can come out now.

If you do not come out,

then I will come in.

I barely fit in here alone.

You are always so loud.

Oh, goodness.

What are you doing here again?

The bar of the painting was cracked.

Finish up and be on your way.

You cannot just leave like this.

Thanks to a certain someone,

Minister Yeom berated me,

and my head was almost split open.

I was planning on going to your residence.

I was scolded for the bar you broke,

and it felt so unfair.

How would you know where I live?

I do not, which is why I came here.

If you fear being scolded

by Minister Yeom, I will return this.

Put that down.

I shall jump over his wall again.

Hand it over.

Give it back to me.

What on earth is going on?

-Did you put that in there?

-No. Did you?

Have you found the mask?

I kept an eye on Myeongdo Inn all day,

but there were no signs of him.

However,

I did see

Superintendent Park enter Myeongdo Inn.

He was at Myeongdo Inn?

I doubt he was there

to buy a ring for his lover.

The mask, Park Su-h*, and Myeongdo Inn…

What of the cargo?

We found a replacement,

so we will send them at once.

No one would even notice if they died.

If we send them on the next boat,

it should make up for the loss

after paying off Minister Yeom.

Yes, sir.

Please take your time

and talk things over.

What happened to those people yesterday?

The old lady and the child were sent

to a safe place.

Is this something that you always do?

What do you mean?

Providing assistance to the needy,

like the child or Kkon-nim.

Oh, that?

We need someone to tie off loose ends.

Moreover,

they must be a trustworthy person

who can go up against Kang Pil-jik.

If someone were to break the law,

can you arrest them,

no matter who they are?

That is my job.

Can I take your word for it?

Of course.

I think

Kang Pil-jik is kidnapping children.

The child we saved yesterday said

she heard other children's voices.

Someone from Myeongdo Inn will look

into it first--

I cannot allow it.

Our nation is governed by law.

This matter must be dealt with

by the Capital Guard,

not Myeongdo Inn.

If what you say is true,

we will formally proceed

according to the law.

"According to the law," you say?

I am saying a measly masked figure

must not disturb the capital

over something like this.

Unbelievable!

The two men were confirmed dead

in Gyeongsang Province,

while the three men listed are

still missing.

Jung Hae-jun, Pyo Hyeon-ung,

and Cho Seong-hu.

Did they all serve

General Im Kang of the king's guards?

Yes, Your Majesty.

They are soldiers of the king's guards

who vanished after the late king's death.

That night,

someone left with my father's royal seal.

If we find him,

we may be able to learn

the truth from that day.

We are searching

for every last trace they left behind,

so please wait a little longer.

I am sure we will find out

the truth this time, Sire.

CHO SEONG-HU

CAPITAL GUARD

So, what is it you want to do?

We must investigate Kang Pil-jik's guild.

Forget it.

How many times have I told you

to just leave them be?

Why are you trying

to stir up a hornet's nest?

Not only was there

an ill*gal gambling den at the Pil Inn,

but I saw one of Kang Pil-jik's men trying

to kidnap a child yesterday.

They tried to kidnap a child?

That man was probably acting alone.

The man basically owns

the entire Unjong Market.

What would he gain

from kidnapping a child?

Kang Pil-jik looks down on us

because you keep looking the other way.

What? He looks down on us?

Think about it.

You are the face of the Capital Guard.

How could he bill you

for the incident at the gambling den?

How lowly does he think you are?

Captain Hwang.

I have no complaints

regarding my salary cut.

But if we let him weasel out of it again,

how will he think of us next?

That weaselly scoundrel!

How measly does he think we are?

I have the evidence to prove it.

With your approval,

I will bring him in

and raise the Capital Guard's esteem.

Listen, Captain Hwang.

This endeavor will help you move up

the ladder.

You are right.

How much longer must I remain

stagnant as a captain?

The Capital Guard's esteem

and my future are in your hands.

No, that will not do.

Let us go right now.

I will lead the way.

"A measly masked figure"?

Oh, sure. That is all I am.

See if I care if they handle everything.

Who hurt you so, Lady Cho?

I am not hurt.

It was not as if he said anything wrong.

What could I ever do to help?

It is not like I can have Kang Pil-jik

imprisoned or exiled.

If the law is so mighty,

why do people still feel wronged,

and why would you jump over walls?

What good would that do?

I am just a measly masked figure.

He said the Capital Guard would

investigate Kang Pil-jik.

So, do not be upset.

I do not care how I am treated

if the law can take care of everything.

I am just a measly mask.

Superintendent Park witnessed it himself,

so I am sure he will hurry.

Will he really follow the protocol

and look for the children first?

Lady Cho.

What is it?

The Peony Society is here,

so you must come down.

Very well.

I will be back.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR WOMEN

-You must be overjoyed.

-Yes, you must be.

Now, you must also receive

the virtuous woman's gate.

Have you decided to send her

to guard her husband's grave?

Well…

Do not tell me that you assume

you will receive the virtuous woman's gate

because the queen dowager bestowed you

a copy of Instructions for Women.

A virtuous woman's gate is not given

for only guarding a grave, either.

PIL INN

Will you lead the way?

After you, sir.

I will show them the authority

of the Capital Guard today.

It is a pleasure to see you all.

Have you been well, Lady Cho?

I have, thanks to you, my lady.

Have a seat.

Yes, Mother.

I wish to show you all

my gratitude for your help

at the last relief effort.

Would you like to go out

and see the flowers tomorrow?

-How wonderful.

-I would love to.

How about…

letting your daughter-in-law join us?

How would you feel about that, Yeo-hwa?

I must read Mother's mind.

What is she thinking?

MOTHER'S INNER THOUGHTS

I am grateful for your offer,

but I worry

that seeing the beautiful flowers

will distract me from my duties.

So, I must respectfully decline.

That is such a shame.

What brings you here, Captain Hwang?

So…

About what happened at the gambling den--

My goodness.

Were you upset that we sent a bill

to the Capital Guard for the damages?

No, it is not that.

Is it not ill*gal to run a gambling den?

It was simply a social gathering

of men with high status.

I heard there is evidence

of children being sold off

as high-interest loan payments.

I cannot let people steal

my hard-earned money.

Also…

What else…

-The kidnapping.

-Right.

Several days ago,

someone witnessed your men

kidnapping a child.

That incident has nothing to do with us.

Recently,

my men did save a child

who was almost kidnapped by a masked man.

Is that a problem?

Since we received a report…

let us follow the protocol.

Shall we go back to the Capital Guard

and discuss the details over a cup of tea?

Captain Hwang,

you are hurting my feelings.

-Come inside!

-Yes, sir.

Step aside!

Out of the way.

What is happening?

Search the inn for gambling dens

or any other ill*gal acts.

-Yes, sir.

-Yes, sir.

Look for a place

that can confine children.

Yes, sir.

Kang Pil-jik was arrested

by the Capital Guard.

-The almighty Kang Pil-jik was arrested?

-Really?

-That is crazy.

-Unbelievable.

Alewife.

Is that really true?

Did you not know?

Are you already done?

I do not think they are inside.

It might be somewhere outside.

You must stay behind

and check the surroundings.

Yes, sir.

Will you return to the Capital Guard?

I must speak with Kang Pil-jik.

Where are you going dressed like that?

This is a letter from Hwal-yu.

They followed protocol

and arrested Kang Pil-jik.

It means they have yet

to find the children.

This is the Pil Inn we are talking about.

I will just go

and see if the children are safe.

They may really be held c*ptive there.

Still, it is dangerous

for you to wear the mask.

Should I wear my mourning dress instead?

I only prepared this

for the worst possible scenario.

But since it is a very urgent situation…

Bring me some drinks.

Yes, sir.

I doubt you brought me here to show me

how comfortable these chairs are.

I am a busy man.

Why have you brought me here?

Several days ago,

someone witnessed children being kidnapped

by some suspicious men.

Precisely.

I hear a masked man has been causing

trouble in the capital lately.

Should you not be going after him

instead of bringing me in?

PIL INN

According to the witness's testimony

of the incident that day,

it was not a masked man but your men

who threatened a child with a sword.

My goodness.

I do not know who,

but someone must be trying

to frame me for an old grudge.

You must know

that it is very common among merchants.

It seems that you went to all this trouble

over a trivial matter, Superintendent.

Further investigation will show

whether or not it was worth the trouble.

We shall see

if what the witness saw was true.

Naive curiosity can lead

to great peril sometimes.

Where are the Capital Guard officers?

They must have left

after not finding anything.

Good thing we moved them in advance.

Until we send them to Jemul Port tomorrow,

make sure

that not even a rat can get past you.

I will, sir.

NO ENTRY

Who are you?

Can you tell me where the toilet is?

It is over there. Go that way.

Thank you.

I said it was that way!

What is the matter?

Thank you very much.

The moon shines brightly tonight.

Is the toilet this way?

Or is it that way?

INJEONG GATE

Why are you doing this?

Please stop now.

Royal Advisor Park,

Minister Yeom is

clearly abusing his authority!

Although Minister Yeom is close

with Guildmaster Kang Pil-jik,

I doubt his actions were

for his own personal benefit.

They say that Minister Yeom

regularly receives bribes

from that scoundrel Kang Pil-jik.

-I have heard all of the rumors.

-What are you saying?

-How dare you try to frame me?

-I am sure it is not true.

The rumor is that you even stole gifts

offered up to His Majesty.

-Surely, that cannot be true.

-Right.

You even stole gifts

offered up to His Majesty?

What did you just say?

Say it again, you fool.

-Let us end this right now.

-Gosh.

-Come here, you fool.

-You are always full of it!

You look like a coward.

By the way, are the finance minister

and the justice minister not coming?

Why are they absent with no explanation?

A short while ago, the two ministers had

a minor argument over a trivial matter.

That must be why…

Are you saying

the two of them got into a fight?

Can you tell us what was going on?

From what I heard,

the finance minister gave the order

to release someone

in the Capital Guard's custody.

Why would he interfere

with the Ministry of Justice?

That must be

why the justice minister was so upset.

Who exactly did he order to be released?

He is a close friend

of the finance minister

and the guildmaster

of the nation's largest merchant guild.

The largest merchant guild in Joseon?

Is that not the Hwayeon guild?

Your Majesty.

It has been a long time

since Kang Pil-jik's guild took the title.

If Royal Advisor Park is telling

us the truth,

this is a constitution of misconduct

in the royal court.

Your Majesty.

I shall summon both ministers

and strictly reprimand them.

Do not scold them too harshly.

If it is not a serious issue,

just let them off with a warning.

Yes, Your Majesty.

I will look into the details

of this incident

and settle the matter correctly.

Very well.

Superintendent Park Su-h*!

What is the matter, sir?

I told you

it was a hornet's nest, did I not?

Do not say another word

and release Kang Pil-jik at once!

But the investigation is still ongoing.

That is not important.

I might get fired from my post.

Are you determined to screw me over?

I heard that you even broke

Minister Yeom's expensive wooden bar!

Darn it!

It seems you have no fear

since your brother is

the royal advisor.

How could I compare my brother…

to the connections you have,

Guildmaster Kang.

If you knew how strong my connections are,

you should not have made

such a big deal of things.

I can hold quite the grudge,

so your life may be in grave danger, sir.

Are you concerned for my safety?

I will not just let it go next time.

Kang Pil-jik was released?

Everyone found out about it

as soon as he got out.

What of the children?

I am sure they are locked up

at the Pil Inn warehouse.

Since Kang Pil-jik was released,

the Capital Guard may not be able

to move right away.

That darn superintendent.

I should have known

when he went on his power trip.

Goodness.

Look who it is.

Oh, dear.

You do not look very happy to see me.

I heard you were released after a day.

Your influence must be truly incredible.

"Influence," you say?

I was simply released

because I was innocent.

You cannot expect

to keep the truth hidden forever.

You will pay the price someday.

I wonder if you will be

alive to see the day, you wench.

I am behind on work, so please excuse me.

Let us go.

It truly is flawless.

Great work. You may go now.

Yes, sir.

-Brother.

-Did you arrest Kang Pil-jik?

He was released

before I could finish questioning him.

Was it your idea to do so?

Did I not warn you

that he was no ordinary merchant?

I have personally witnessed

several of his crimes already.

From the ill*gal gambling den at Pil Inn

to the abduction of children

from the slum.

I could not ignore it any longer.

Did you think

this could easily be resolved?

He has many connections

in the royal court alone.

I am an officer of this nation.

How could I turn a blind eye to injustice?

If it were you,

could you do such a thing?

What is this?

It is a record of evidence

showing that his guild has been stealing

gifts meant for the royal court.

A few pieces of circumstantial evidence

will not be enough to bring him down.

You must gather as much as you can

and take him down in one.

Brother…

Be careful.

Understood?

Yes.

How were things at the inn?

There have been no issues, sir.

What of the Capital Guard?

They have been keeping their distance.

I should have k*lled those punks.

I am tired

after being kept up by a pesky mosquito.

I must go inside and rest.

My White Tiger in the Mountain.

The bar was replaced

with an identical one.

Made from a 100-year-old empress tree?

Yes, sir.

Please check and see if it is the same.

It appears to be.

Good work.

Here.

Have a drink.

What is this?

It was inside the bar of the painting.

You should have just thrown it away.

Are you messing with me?

Are you?

What did you bring this garbage for?

Please excuse me.

I heard it was you…

who summoned Guildmaster Kang

to the Capital Guard.

Do you know

how much of a hassle that was for me?

A person should not be too upright.

One should also know

when to let things go.

You may go now.

How long has it been?

How many days have I been waiting?

Her lady says

you must make up your mind soon.

Very well.

You may go.

Darn you, Justice Minister!

My lord!

That foul scum…

You have had too much to drink.

Just leave it.

Please stop for today and get some rest.

How dare you touch me?

My lord…

You are the embodiment

of a virtuous woman.

Look how arrogant you have become

after being treated so highly.

You are drunk, sir.

If those brown-nosing fools were

ever to find out

who your wench of a mother was,

I wonder how they would see you then.

I am so curious.

Please stop now.

Three years after being widowed,

the vulgar wench had relations

with a servant.

That is your wretched mother.

That is enough, my lord!

How dare you!

How dare you look down on me?

How dare you, you wench!

Get up.

Do you know who I am?

Die, you wench.

I am fine.

I am the finance minister.

A minister of Joseon.

That is who I am.

It is late, sir.

I will bring water to your bedside.

WATER KEPT BY THE BEDSIDE

TO DRINK AT NIGH

You persistent wench.

It has been a long time, my lord.

I apologize for troubling you

with my shortcomings.

While doing business,

I caught attention over a trivial issue.

"A trivial issue," you say?

Your name was even mentioned

within the palace.

And yet,

how could you see this as trivial?

I will not act carelessly ever again.

Have you forgotten?

I turned you from a brute

into the respected master

of a merchant guild.

Was that not enough?

Of course not, my lord.

I will never forget your generosity--

Did you think the small part

you played 15 years ago

was some kind of a great achievement?

I swear I would never even dream of it.

Pil-jik.

Yes, my lord.

I know that a horse must be fed

in order to make it run.

However, would a horse that bothers

its owner to feed it deserve to live?

You see,

I truly dislike bothersome things.

Do not forget that.

Yes, my lord. I will always remember.

I told you that this was a job

for the Capital Guard.

EPILOGUE

What is this?

I prepared it just in case

you could not go out in your mask.

Have you been spending

your hard-earned money on such things?

I had no idea.

I was worried the money you took from me

was still not enough

to buy a house for yourself.

-What do you mean, my lady?

-What?

It will cost one yang per wear.

The gat and trimmings will be extra.

Deal?

You never miss an opportunity.

Deal.

Thank you.

This is…

Where will you take the children?

I found the children, so I will take them.

Find where that punk is now!

Are you not afraid

of getting your identity exposed?

If you want to arrest me,

you can do so now.

Minister Yeom has passed away!

Are you saying he was m*rder*d?

It was not me, sir!

What did you do last night?

Last night, I…

Well, you see…

Was he not seen

meeting a lady in a mourning dress

at the town shrine?

A widow?

-Were you meeting your lover?

-I can never tell you--

Even if it costs you your life?

Is this what they call… love?