01x02 - Episode 2

[bunniefuu]

I'll go my way.

Please come and meet me, my dear husband.

My lady?

Your grace?

Oh, no. What's she doing?

My lady, what are you doing?
It's not safe!

-You could be badly injured!
-[servant 2] Madam!

-Oh, dear. [grunts]
-[servant 3] Your grace! My lady!

-Oh, my dear. My lady, please.
-Hurry, quickly!

[servant] Oh, dear.

-[sighs]
-Eun-sil.

Onwards.

[Eun-sil] Your grace.

[Won] Wait here.

[tense music playing]

I…

I wa…

[sighs]

"An Hui-yeon."

-[birds squawking]
-[cattle lowing]

Because it's always been my wish…

to hold a child in my arms
that has your eyes.

Do you see, dear cousin…

those tokens of memories
expose your utmost desires.

Could…

Could you mean it?

[Gye-hwa] My lady!

Madam, it is I, Gye-hwa.
With your leave, may I enter?

[sighs] Madam,

the Lady of the First Rank has sent
another gift of medicinal herbs again.

What would you like to do?
Shall we return it?

The Left State Councilor's family matters.

I trust you're aware of the sudden passing
of their son several years ago?

Along the journey to Hanyang,

I encountered the young widow,
I'm nearly certain.

Though I only caught a glimpse of her.

[sighs]

But she had an allure even
the most decorous gentleman would see.

As if she deliberately hides
her sensuality to create this magnetism.

And you believe this?

You scoffed once at the mention of So-ok.

Clearly, the widow evokes in you
a more eager response.

[chuckles]

Can you see the obvious here?

Comparing a young girl to a woman of fate.

The woman of fate in full bloom
is far more interesting.

[chuckles]

Speaking so boldly, cousin.

As if you've already charmed
the young widow into your comforting hold.

[chuckles]

Mmm.

Anyone like that young widow…

I could freely and easily
have her within a month.

That woman has kept her virtue
untarnished by men for decades.

You believe you can coax her
into your affections?

A woman whose modesty
will not be compromised easily?

Be honest.

What do you wish me to achieve?

What do you mean?

I only intend to caution you,

as harm is inevitable
if you manage the widow properly now.

Plus,
the Left State Councilor's family ties.

Regarding the proposal concerning So-ok,

I'll retract my words,
so put aside your reckless games.

[chuckles] Reckless games?

Have faith, my dear cousin.

Your jealousy is too apparent.

It is for your consideration,
I say these things.

Yet you only assume jealousy?

Yes.

I merely meant to have some fun,
which you have ended.

And now you…

stir my curiosity even more.

Cousin.

So you attempt to break it

though the cost of these actions
will bring you harm?

Why?

Am I not trustworthy?

And if the mission is successful?

I made my concerns known,

but if you insist that you will
go forward with the plan then…

In that case, you shall be rewarded

with whatever it is that you desire.

Whatever

I desire?

[cups rattle]

Dear cousin, you alone drive my desire.

Surely you must know

I have waited for you for over ten years.

Then, my dear cousin.

Can you provide the sounds
of that young widow opening herself to you

after decades with untarnished virtue

in a mature piece of heartfelt writing?

[exhales shakily]

Yes.

If it would please you,

I could offer to read them aloud to her.

How will you make it up to me

if the objective is left incomplete?

You'll have many wishes.

First, I shall plant
a maternal seed in So-ok.

Are you going to commit to your word?

For you, I…

give you my word.

[chuckles]

-We're nearly prepared, correct?
-Most were handled this morning.

[sighs] I'm looking forward to the meal.

-[Eun-sil] All right! I understand!
-Hmm.

This is nonsense.
To offer her boiled meat.

So now I'm meant to suffer
because my womb is devoid of child?

[scoffs] I would die to eat some meat too.

[servant] Eun-sil.

Eun-sil! I said,
we're going to leave soon!

I already said I heard you! [huffs]

-[gate opens]
-[yelps]

Uh, nice to… to meet.
[stammers] A pleasure.

-Is your name Eun-sil?
-Yes.

A beautiful name
suited for your nice looks.

Oh, wow.

What you conceal down there is also nice.

[sighs] Very nice.

Hmm?

-[gasps]
-Hmm?

[grunts] Get your hands off me,
you wretched man.

No, just…

Wait! Hey!

I wanted to ask
if you're craving any meat today?

-[Eun-sil scoffs]
-[stammers]

My lord!

My lord.

I think she has a craving
for fresh meat. [chuckles]

-Fresh meat?
-Yes.

Well, now to be eating meat
while still in mourning…

It's Eun-sil, though.

The lady's servant girl.

-Eun-sil?
-Yes.

-You've already introduced yourselves now?
-Yes.

You see,

it is only thanks to my fine master,

who so kindly has given me pork
and beef and many meats.

Yet others at my station have never
had the honor to experience such things.

Correct?

I'd like to know where
that girl Eun-sil has gone.

Mmm. Yes.

[crying]

[crying continues]

[Won] Here.

Perfect.

My lady,

you cannot escape my mind.

Your thoughts, Chil-seong?

Good. Yes.

Nah, not that.

I must do better.

Tormented by your face each day

of the first…

first moment's sight.

That feels right?

Yes.

[sighs]

[chuckles]

[grunting]

-[grunts]
-Dimwit.

You mustn't move yet.

[sighs] This is all wrong.

Again.

[Won] My lady!

Oh, my. Oh, my, look who it is!

It has been a long while.

-Your name, sir?
-Which family are you from, sir?

I'm unfamiliar with your face.

You say I'm not familiar to you?

Pardon, the brother-in-law
to Minister Yoo, my lady.

Cho Won is my name.

I simply intended to greet you
as I assumed we had met.

But please forgive me
if I have offended you.

Our home is quite near
to Lord Yoo's estate,

so you may have seen each other
in passing.

Ah, then that means you are the Lady Cho's
striking younger brother?

We are cousins, madam.

[chuckles]

If you please, I can arrange a call
with my dear cousin.

Please do so.

[Eun-sil] My lady.

My lady, madam, wait, wait.

Hey.

-Here, take it.
-What's this?

[Chil-seong] It's a letter.

-You know how to write?
-Just hurry up and deliver it.

[palanquin bearer] Heave h*.

Whoa, whoa.

Oh, my lady.

[Yun] Your hard work is appreciated.

Thank you.

Oh, I happened to run into your cousin
through an unexpected meeting.

Pardon?

I have heard so much about him, of course.

He was exceptionally refined,
even in our small exchange.

With no thoughts of doubt,
I knew you shared the same blood.

That is quite the commendation.

Please.

Young Master Geum-h*…

[sighs] I humbly apologize.

I had grown accustomed to…

Please keep your husband's memory alive.

In our study annex,
back when he was with us,

he consumed every book he could manage.

It seems that he transcribed this book
while studying on his own.

Give it a proper look now.

[Hui-yeon breathes shakily]

[curious music playing]

Do you feel his boldness?
His steadfast resolve?

It's right on the page.

Do you think you could tell me

more of the person it was
that I was meant to wed?

The young master had many traits
that made him remarkable.

The sound of his reading
coming over the wall never ceased.

He was the object
of the family elders' high expectations.

I also heard that he scored higher

than the other scholarly men
who took the initial examination.

However,

the version of him inside the mind
is another man entirely.

He was a gentle and tender man.

He once held a loose petal gently
in between his fingers.

He admired it so quietly.

His eyes would sparkle with curiosity
at every turn

as he'd observe and admire the world
as it would propel from season to season,

absorbing it all.

When I think of him again,

I'll remember his eyes.

[chuckling]

[sighs]

-Wait.
-Come. Now. Hurry. Go.

Bun-hui?

[Bun-hui] Go.

Bun-hui.

-Oh! [gasps]
-Bun-hui!

Wait.

I haven't seen you in a moment at least.

[gasps]

[exclaims]

You dare to address me informally?

-Hey, pleased I got a look at you.
-[scoffs]

-Huh.
-[chuckles]

So, I trust things are going well, huh?
Bun-hui.

But I…

still have etched in my memory

that subtle smell you drenched all over,

after all this time.

[grunts] You need to move.

Oh, come on, Bun-hui.

Sir, you have arrived.

Ah, your grace.

I would like you to meet the mother
to my lord's future concubine.

Your grace?

Wait a minute. Just a moment.

Mother of the concubine destined for my…

brother-in-law?

B… Brother-in-law?

Huh. Brother-in-law. My goodness.

Wait, then So-ok's mother…

[scoffs] Brother-in-law.

Why must…

[grunting]

That damn aristocrat.

[sighs] This is miserable.

[meat sizzling]

[Eun-sil grunting]

That young woman…

Most wenches aren't like her.

[whispering] Chil-seong!

-Chil-seong!
-Mmm.

Fan the scent. [exhales] Go on.

Ah.

This meat is so tender
it melts in the mouth!

-That it does, sir!
-Oh, man that's fresh!

Fresh indeed, sir!

[Won sighs]

[Chil-seong] Just wait a moment.

Thoughts so full of tasting meat.

You'll come soon.

[sighs]

The sun will set soon,
and she cannot resist.

Could…

[both chuckle]

Eun-sil.

[gasps]

[Chil-seong] Wait. One moment.

Here, here. Careful, careful.

Water, water, water, water, water.

A drink to wash it all down?

I am only moving it.
You'll choke if you don't drink.

[Eun-sil clears throat]

Can I ask why you would share meat
so voluntarily?

Well, despite my lowly servant role,

I am aware that the costs paid
for favors is rarely low.

The message went, but has she read it yet?

What you wrote?

Your letter is safely tucked away
inside this robe.

You don't, uh… Why haven't you, uh…

Hey, now.
Wasn't that for me to read though?

No. Oh. Uh… Oh, no.

Looks like the meat is burning.

I shall leave now to go get the meat. Yes.

Ah, yes, it is good. Yes, yes.

Tell me, will mourning come to an end
within the year?

About fifteen days away.

Then once mourning stops,
everything will be over.

[Chil-seong] Good heavens.
This looks good. Yes.

Isn't it a good thing
if everything is over?

During the mourning period,
you miss fine dining.

-What of the Memorial Gate?
-W-What is that?

Virtuous women
chase their husbands after they go.

-[scoffs]
-Oh.

So ignorant of which you speak.

[Chil-seong] I truly did not know.

Hmm.

I am your guide now.

Watch and listen carefully
for instructions.

Yes.

[weaver 1] Sister, there are
two more baskets coming.

[weaver 2] All right,
hurry and hand them over. Quickly.

[sighs]

A moment, cousin?

In our household, one's manners
are required to meet a certain standard.

Ah, his lord's future concubine.

So-ok, she's called.

It is a pleasure, my lord.

Pleased to meet you.

Did you go and pay a visit
to the young widow?

Were your words of your cousin flattering?

Back in my family's home library,

the Young Master Geum-h*
would use our study annex for many hours.

-Ah.
-He left his writings.

It seemed correct to return it
with gentle conversation.

[sighs] Unbelievable.

[laughs] Her husband's very own notebook?

How she begged me to please tell her
everything she did not get to know.

I told her everything I could recall.

How she looked at that notebook
as though his mind lived inside.

And you missed it.

I will remember the look in her eyes,
dear cousin.

Now imagine the widow,

the same look fills her lonely eyes,
and then she begs for me to love her.

I believe tonight's sweet slumber
may leave me troubled.

[chuckles]

I shan't worry then,
if you are so confident.

It could really be quite the task

if you do replace all those thoughts
of her husband that keep her mind full.

He is a ghost.
How could he fill her thoughts?

And where does his soul measure by
a living mortal who stands firmly present?

She longs for a man she has not seen.

Once our fated paths do meet,
my widow will beg for my touch.

And do you believe,

putting her lack of bravery aside,

your widow would summon the courage
to withstand the eyes and ears of Bukchon?

If one falls into love
and loves with all their might…

one knows these obstacles
pose nothing to fear.

I feel assured, dear cousin,

you have known that feeling before.

I…

know that I can fill this role.

And for you, cousin,

become for her whatever it is you specify.

That said,

the ghost,
would he be Geum-h* by name then?

[Gye-hwa] Madam.

[footsteps approaching]

The Left State Councilor
sends a welcome visitor, my lady.

[gasps]

Oh, madam. By chance, did you forget?

I had gone to Andong
to study among Confucian scholars.

-I'm In-h*.
-[chuckles]

Oh, my. Grown so very tall.

That small boy is now a fine young man.

[chuckles]

I trust all is well here?

Mmm.

I am the youngest son
of the Left State Councilor,

Kwon In-h*, your grace.

I come here of Minister Yoo's family ties.

Cho Won is my name.

Oh.

You're the Cho Won renowned for
his writing during the initial examination

about the southern sacred herb, no?

Are you the same Cho Won?

I am honored and humbled
to hear I am renowned.

I have to thank one good friend
of remarkable prowess for literature.

[In-h*] It is an honor to meet you.

My fellow scholars and I

have pondered over ways we should
learn further of your work's complexities.

Past examinations are available
to review in the study annex.

Why don't you two scholars go

and have a nice quiet read
and perhaps discussion follows?

[In-h*] Yes.

Why don't you come with me, dear?

We could certainly use
a little ladies' time, wouldn't you agree?

Let me.

[Won] Shall we go, young master?

My mother-in-law asked me to thank you

for bringing me
the keepsake of my husband's.

She almost journeyed here for herself,

but I begged Mother
to come instead in her place.

I wanted to see you again.

Oh, I hope I've not overstepped,
calling on you unannounced.

For your presence, I am so grateful.

You see that I myself have been missing
those sparkling eyes of yours.

[sighs] That's very kind.

[In-h*] It stayed in place.

Every single title.

Did you visit often?

My brother would bring us over here.

-"This house holds any book you'd like."
-Hmm.

Oh, I know of you, thanks to my brother.

Thanks to him, wise master.

Ah.

Tell me then…

That present in your writings
are principles of both schooling

and the scale of which
we experience life's joys and sorrows.

Unfortunately, I was not prepared

to comprehend his meaning
at that young age.

This year,
the lovely peonies bloomed quite nicely.

Yes, you have quite a lovely garden.

This peony reminds me of

my husband's concubine.

[So-ok] Mal-ttong,
there's a pretty flower over here.

She is ever so lovely.

-[So-ok grunts]
-[Mal-ttong] Be careful!

[Yun] And much like a peony,

she dons a pink smile on her soft lips
and dances throughout the house,

her floral perfume wafting behind her.

[sighs]

What were you like at that age, my lady?

I'm sure you were
as lovely as you are today.

Younger me believed
that joy would only come to me

when I find a husband to marry and serve.

Once the marriage was decided,

I was no longer a child
and that feeling awakened my heart.

Mmm.

[Won] You asked me earlier

why I gave my answer
during the palace examination.

Well, your brother
happened onto something.

At the time, I…

had countless matters
that were plaguing me

far more than one my age could bear.

There was once a man I loved
with all my heart.

Had we been foolish enough to act,
we surely would've been k*lled.

Drifting from joy mixed with anger.

From sorrow to pleasure.

And so the content
of that heightened emotional era

was poured into my answer.

And yet, when I find I am weary,

I think of the connection we once shared.

It feels as though

he could come
to the central hall right now,

and could throw the door open,
and say I miss you.

[sighs]

[Yun] I would like to use this petal

to wrap in confidence my secret for you
as a reminder of our friendship.

Please come to me
if you are ever in need of help, my lady.

Trust me,

my ear is open for you
to safely share also.

[Hui-yeon breathes shakily]

[gasps]

You can trust I can harbor a secret
better than a million men ever could.

Honestly…

[Eun-sil squealing] Oh my!

[moaning]

I once thought that pheasant
was my favorite thing,

but it seems my thoughts have changed.

You see this pheasant dish
barely compares to tasty cow.

I may never even know what it says.

The letters are just so very pretty.

Take a look here.

What?

I hope I have a son.

So that I can teach every letter to him.

[moaning]

[So-ok] An alarm clock.

From when my father would gift souvenirs
of his travels to the Great State.

Wait, but it isn't food or anything.

Why do you want that?

You are not above my status.

Hear me?

Miss, what's it used for?

[clears throat]

This one works as a time-teller.

These small needles go around and around
all day to keep track of the time.

-Whoa.
-If it weren't for me,

not a person here would have known of this
rare and ornate clock my old father gave.

-Are you not grateful to have me show you?
-[gasping]

Hey, where are you… I was not finished.

What might you be doing here, my lady?

-Well…
-[gasps]

[scoffs] How are you so thoughtless
with something this special?

[In-h*] Pardon me, is that an alarm clock?

I have only read of these.

Oh, books cannot compare here.

Lord Yoo wants for nothing, as expected.

Oh.

If you take this…

[metal creaks]

…give a little spin…

[clicking]

-[alarm ringing]
-[all gasping]

-Oh. Hey!
-[ringing stops]

[all panting]

I feared the heavens were torn apart.

Uh, how could it do that?

Come follow me, sir.

[sighs, gasps]

I'm sorry.

[So-ok] No.

Damn it.

There.

-[chuckles]
-[cattle lowing]

Your palanquin has gone down the road,
my dear cousin.

Who was in it?

Cousin…

I have many thoughts
of the day at the ferry landing.

Thoughts of you waiting for me
a very long time.

How much pain you have to hold…

about that day, dear cousin.

[sighs]

And what did you do that day?

[melancholic music playing]

Now, if you hurry up,
you can catch that palanquin.

The only passenger is likely able
to give you the help you need.

Could it be the young widow there?

Why are you helping like this?

Do you feel burdened by the past we share?

We can say that today
I have feelings of extreme loneliness.

You should hurry,
or she'll go so far you might lose her.

The more I get to know you, cousin…

[sighs]

…the less I understand about your mind.

A marriage proposal has arrived.

Scholar official Yoo Hong-sang
seeks your hand.

The family shows no reproach,

even towards a presumptuous woman
who reads proper script.

It is a house where a man possesses

both of the boldness
and the graceful regard

to create a rhyme, recite poems,

and share a lifetime
of harmony with his wife.

[crying]

MUN-HEUL

Please take it.

What would you do?

I'm leaving at dawn.

-How will I--
-Look, if you can deliver the letter,

our journeys will not diverge.

[sighs]

[Yun] Won,

it seems I am a woman
who desires to love after all.

Even now,
as my future is fated to another.

My eyes, my hands,

and my heart are all searching for you.

So I shall ask you one favor.

At the place
where sorrowful tears once flowed,

I will set a lonely ferry afloat.

Could you please wait for me?

I will return to you.

[gasps]

[person sobbing]

Oh, father.

Yun, is that you?

What are you doing up right now?

What brings my father to weep
on a night out by himself?

[sighs]

It was such a waste.

If you were born a man,
you'd achieve top honors on your…

If only, instead, you were a man.

You would have had
countless opportunities for recognition.

But now that your marriage
has been arranged,

how many times

will I be able to see your face
before I die?

[sobbing continues]

[boat creaking]

[water lapping]

[creaking continues]

[sighs]

[officiant] Now we exchange mutual bows.

The groom will bow from the side.

[guest] My lady, live well.

[sobbing]

[officiant] Let the ceremony proceed
to the next rite.

Bring forward the groom.

-[people giggling]
-[sighs]

Hey, madam! Just a little peek.

Come closer, I won't tell.

Dearest Kkot-bun, come here. Come, come.

-[laughs] Come hither, child. Come to me.
-I've gone and done it all.

Here, here.

[giggling]

Young master.
I'm grateful to welcome you here.

I did not recognize you.

-Madam!
-Please, this way to collect your clothes.

Madam!

Madam.

Please mend my jeogori.

Here we are.

Mm-hmm.

All right, this arm first.

[gasps] Oh, no.

Do forgive me for this foolish error.

I will mend it
so you have the perfect fit.

I managed somehow
to mistake your measurements.

No, I think that I grew.

And these measurements were taken when…

Would you tell me…

just why I noticed you filled
with so much grief on the river's shore?

That's a strange thing to think.

The tears on your face
sparkled in the sun.

They were still wet.

The one I loved dearly,

now has gone away.

[gasps] Oh.

Oh, now.

No use for this sobbing, my lord.

Do you still see…

tear marks on my cheeks and face?

Mm-hmm.

[customer] Missus!

Missus.

Hand me the mirror.

Did you finish all the clothes?

Oh! [giggles]

[giggling]

Do you have any tobacco to share, madam?

The temper you're showing.

[clicks tongue, huffs]

[giggling]

[hums]

[Won] Dear cousin.

[gasps]

Huh? Would you look at this lord?

[giggles] That tickles!

You.

How are you…

beyond gorgeous?

[giggling]

[breathes shakily]

[Won grunts]

[giggling]

-[Won grunting]
-Oh, wait. Wait, sir.

Oh, why are you in such a hurry?