01x01 - Episode 1

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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 k*ll 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 UNI

ASSEMBLED TO GUARD

THE KING AND CAPITAL

So, Superintendent Park Su-h*.

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 g*ng'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 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 TABLE

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 k*lled 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 ESTABLISHMEN

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-h*.

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-h*.

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 k*ll 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 sl*ve 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.

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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?