4 years later.
How hard is it to watch one person?
Did you go to Hyun Wol Jung?
Yes, I did.
She was not there either?
No.
Maybe I should have gone to the temple.
Why do you want to worry her?
Look for her elsewhere.
She couldn't have gone far.
The night is deep.
You should retire to your quarters.
You are not well. You must not tire yourself...
Today... is the anniversary of his death.
Her heart will be restless.
But...
There's nothing else I can do...
The only thing I can do as her mother,
is to pray for his restless soul.
Look here!
Let go! Let go!
What do you think you're doing!
Are you alright?
I told you to let me go.
I told you not to interfere!
Then... you want me to let you kill yourself?
To your eyes, do I look like I'm alive?
How dare you talk down to me?
Bring me something to drink!
Look here...!
I must make a toast!
I must make a toast to my pointless and wretched love!
This is Sandalwood oil, miss.
Stop!
It's been four years now.
It's about time she forgot about him.
Even in forty years, she will never forget him.
She's worse because of you!
What?
Even though Minister Kim left in disgrace and you had nowhere to go,
you should not have come here.
What?
Come to think of it, you're just ridiculous!
You've gone crazy since you exchanged your rags for silk!
Your eyes must have gone blind!
You...!
I'm not here because I have nowhere else to go!
When Young Master passed away, I wanted to protect Miss Jin-Yi.
That's why I am here.
You know?
Ouch... that hurts!
How dare you scold her!
You see, Gae-Ddong that wench...!
Miss Dan-Shim!
Do you carry your head around only for balance?
She has a lovely courtesan name. Why do you insist on calling her Gae-Ddong!
It doesn't matter what others say. My Dan-Shim is now a courtesan.
So stop calling her a wench, and be courteous to her!
She belongs to a special class now!
Understand?!
Gae-Ddong! Gae-Ddong!
What did you say?
Miss Dan-Shim!
Beautiful Miss Dan-Shim!
Don't pay attention to that. Continue what you're doing.
If you're going to show respect, do it properly or don't do it at all.
Did I offend you?
How dare you...!
She is the Headmistress!
I was taught that courtesy should be heartfelt.
Am I right?
Let's go.
Where are you going?
Didn't you hear the drums?
It's training time!
You have a lot of energy.
Do you have enough energy to carry out training?
Myung-Wol!
I told you I won't dance again.
That's enough. You've been this way for four years now.
Stop tormenting the Mistress!
I was thinking the same thing.
What are you saying?
Did you just tell me to remove Myung-Wol from the Courtesan Register?
It is the wish of the Minister.
But sir...! It is against state law to take a courtesan as a second wife!
Are you trying to teach me about state law?
Do you think I'm saying this because I do not know the law?
But sir...!
I told you it is the Minister!
He is a very powerful official.
He is so powerful that not even His Majesty can deal with him lightly.
How easily would his request then be accepted?
Let us go!
It is the end of the world!
I knew all noblemen were thieves!
But how can you steal food from beggars?
This isn't stealing! I'm empathizing with you.
Then that's much worse!
A nobleman should have self-respect even if he's starving. Don't you agree?
Self-respect?
If a royal prince is starving, nothing will stop him from jumping over the walls.
I can't believe you almost dropped your food...
But you must have seen Myung-Wol!
Myung-Wol?
Who is she?
Don't you know Myung-Wol from the Song-Do Troupe?
Don't you know her?
How can a mere courtesan ride in such a elegant palanquin?
I would believe it if you told me she was the princess!
Of course you would!
She is wealthy beyond belief!
I heard that to hold her hand,
you must give her a house!
It seems you are the most celebrated courtesan in Song-Do!
I am considering spending the night with you.
It is impossible.
Is it because I look like I cannot afford to give you a house?
The man I am to see today is offering me two houses, my Lord.
But if you can offer a higher price,
I may be able to cancel my appointment.
You can see that I will not be able to offer you that much.
How can one only consider material goods as rewards?
Foolish man... Let us go.
Her name is Myung-Wol?
The most talented, and yet the worst-tempered...
You can say her hauteur reaches the limits of the sky.
She must be broken.
How?
What do you take me for?
You have been in foreign lands for too long.
In the two years you've been in China, you have not been privy to local news.
Numerous men have tried to obtain her heart.
Justice ministers, Ministers of the Left and Right Cabinets...
Even Governors of all provinces travel to Song-Do to try their luck.
That's not all...
Ambassadors from foreign lands that exchanged poetry with her
often send her tokens of their high regard for her.
Is her poetic talents so magnificent?
Can't you tell by the way she acts?
Unless someone can beat her talent,
Myung-Wol will be the best.
Wretched girl, look at your temper!
Myung-Wol, Myung-Wol, Myung-Wol!
How magnificent is her talent really?
All men talk about is her!
Don't get too excited.
She's just a provincial courtesan!
Let her be.
Without her competitiveness, this wench would just fall apart.
She has been practicing her instruments until her legs went numb,
even though no one has forced her to.
So when she hears there is someone whose talent comes naturally, it angers her.
Mistress!
Don't frown like that. You'll get wrinkles.
Don't worry yourself.
That Myung-Wol... You've seen her before.
She was lovely in appearance, but had a mouth on her.
She may have a talent for verbal sparring,
but she will not be talented in the arts.
You cannot be sure of that.
For the past four years, the Song-Do Troupe has not participated in the Tournament.
If Myung-Wol had talent in dance as well,
Baek-Moo would not have kept away for so long.
If that does not satisfy you, then beat her with your dance and music!
That should be enough.
It offends you that someone else has added their sound to your performance...?
So you'll increase your tempo and leave him behind...?
You are peerless in your beauty, and your musical gift is extraordinary!
How was it?
Did you like my offer?
It wasn't bad.
Then will you allow me one night with you?
Why not?
What?
What shall I do, your Excellency?
This woman just told me
that she prefers the lowly sound of my flute
to the two houses you paid for with corruption and bribery!
Stop your nonsense!
Can you not tell you have offended His Excellency?
Why have you been offended?
It is our fate as courtesans to go where the price is higher.
Your Excellency...
If you should offer me a higher price,
I shall accept it immediately.
You don't want to?
In that case, I shall take my leave.
Wait!
What is it that you want?
I shall give it to you.
Do I have your word?
I swear by my ancestors.
What about making me your lawful wife?
Wh... What?
Why do you look so shocked?
It was in jest, Your Excellency, a jest!
How can a low-born courtesan dream of being a lawful wife?
How dare I even utter it? It would be impossible.
That is not what I want.
Then...?
Give me your wife's quarters as my own.
And remove your wife from my sight so I will never lay eyes on her.
Is this too much to ask as well?
I said stop it!
No no... It can be done.
I will do as you ask.
I'll make it happen as you wish.
Can I have your word?
You scheming wench!
You must have no scruples or honor!
Remove his wife from your sight?
You inhumane bitch...!
I can see why you are angry.
But I do not think you need to exert yourself here.
What is this?
I brought them here.
I have committed a crime to ask you of this thing.
But have you not broken the law
by trying to make me your concubine, your Excellency?
Shall I prepare to be beaten first,
or will you take the lead, your Excellency?
You bitch!
Look at you now!
You're at the complete mercy of a courtesan.
How can you call yourselves scholars and officials of this nation?
You...!
What are you doing? Go and catch him!
Grab him! Grab that man!
You! Stop right there!
I have been waiting for you, my Lord.
Since I have received a great price, I will serve you to my utmost power.
It's alright. No need for that.
The sound of my flute could not compare to your Guhmungo.
You cannot call that a great price.
I will be on my way.
Criminal Kim Jung-Han, receive your arrest warrant!
The State Tribunal...?
That is the place where criminals against the throne are kept.
In that case...
That means he's a traitor?
I wish to reinstate you as Minister of Rites.
I cannot accept, your Majesty.
Will you go against my wishes again?
Please take back your request.
I will not back down this time.
If I were not so desperate,
do you think I would bring you here like this against our laws?
But your Majesty...!
Will you go against my wishes?
In that case...
I have no choice but to go against you.
Will you surrender... or will you choose death?
Make your choice.
I would rather choose death.
How can you take your life so lightly!
I should have died six years ago.
What then...
What will happen to our music?
Who will protect it?
Stop!
What are you doing?
Can you not tell?
No!
You cannot burn these precious music scores!
Precious?
These are just books on Korea's vulgar music.
But this vulgar music is being used in shrines and temples,
and even at royal banquets!
How can you call yourself a developed nation?
This music is our history from the time of King Sejong!
Korea...
is under the jurisdiction of the Empire of China.
Thus, your music must follow ours as well!
Stand aside.
I won't!
I cannot let this happen!
Will you stand against China?
I ask you, is Korea greater than China?
Don't just stand there. Burn this vulgar music!
They want the music of Korea.
Jung-Am was your teacher,
but he was my friend.
Although it was I that turned my back on him,
I still treasure his dream.
Which is it?
Will you stand against China and fight to protect our music?
Or will you throw away your life for the sake of your loyalty?
Which would Jung-Am prefer?
Let's drink!
Welcome back. I'm glad you're here.
I have not met anyone who holds the responsibility of official better.
I do not know if I can handle the responsibility.
Your first duty would be to go to him.
Since you have traveled to China many times,
and have good relations with the officials there, you must help me.
I shall try and find a way to be of help.
Thank you.
But...
What is your plan with Ambassador Chang?
Did you just suggest a wager?
That is correct. I wish to challenge you with poetry.
And what will be the prize?
I was told that you rejected all banquets in your honor.
I am not interested in banquets
that play Korea's vulgar music and use courtesans as dancers.
If I win, please attend one of our banquets.
You can decide for yourself
whether or not our music is truly vulgar.
Please attend one with an open heart.
What if I win?
What will happen then?
Then... you can destroy our music.
I will persuade His Majesty to destroy our music myself.
Fine. Let us do so.
Please start the rhyme.
Let us start with "Min" and "Rung".
- How is it going? - They have both written over thirty poems.
- The Ambassador is providing the rhymes? - Of course.
He's the incomparable Kim Jung-Han. He is doing well.
But... I wonder how much longer he'll last?
He won't just last.
The winner of this challenge will be his Lordship.
How do you know that?
It is the duty of the Ambassador
to relate his experiences during his travels to the Emperor.
Ambassador Chang is highly-educated and well-respected.
So, he will have written several poems in his travels here.
- So? - If he is the one starting the rhymes,
then he is probably using the poems he has already written.
But Minister Kim has no such preparation, and yet he has no great difficulty.
When Ambassador Chang runs out of his poems,
what do you think will happen?
Whose side are you on?
Whose side?
I'm asking who would you rather have win?
Is it your friend who has a duty to protect the music of our nation,
or...
Ambassador Chang, who may hold the key to your future?
Impertinent wench!
They are holding a poetry challenge for the future of our nation's music?
It has been going on for two days.
What happens if he loses?
Our music will be lost.
And since China also frowns upon female artists,
they may also abolish all female art forms?
Would they go that far?
I must start plasticizing drawing water and sewing.
When they make me a government slave, this is what I will have to do everyday!
- Myung-Wol! - Or I can become a prostitute.
What nonsense is this?
We must wait and see.
The new Minister of Rites, Kim Jung-Han, is supposed to be quite accomplished.
Did you say the new Minister of Rites was Kim Jung-Han?
I did.
I thought he held bitterness for this insane world
and thought to offer him my friendship.
But seeing how he accepted the position the moment he was called up,
it appears he was susceptible to power after all.
Look here, sir!
What are you doing?
I liked your poem so much that I myself wrote another one.
Here.
So... Please provide another rhyme.
If it pleases you, your Excellency, may I offer a rhyme this time?
I knew it. I knew you would win.
I have not won anything yet. This is just the beginning.
Now, it all rests on the courtesans.
Yes.
Welcome, your Excellency!
You must offer your greetings. He is the new Minister of Rites.
Greetings, my Lord. I am Bu-Yong.
You practice until the late hours.
We are doing what we must.
Your Sword Dance movements are fierce and elegant.
You flatter us, my Lord.
I hope your dance stirs the Ambassador's heart.
I do not know if that is possible.
How hard have you been practicing for your hands to be so?
All we need is your heart that is revealed by these hands.
Your heart will not only move the Ambassador, but it will move Heaven.
I have faith in this.
- You cannot put together a banquet? - Now look here, Mae-Hyang!
What nonsense is this?
Our talents are too humble to perform in front of the Ambassador.
That is not so. I have already seen your girls perform!
- So do not fear... - No, my Lord.
Our humble talents cannot live up to this task.
Do you wish for our music to be destroyed?
- How can that be? - Then what?
Although she is a provincial courtesan and humble,
there is someone who is far talented than I.
Who is that?
She is the Mistress of the Song-Do Troupe, Baek-Moo.
- Baek-Moo from the Song-Do Troupe? - Look here, Mae-Hyang!
This is something that His Lordship is well aware of.
Am I right, my Lord?
That... That's...
Command Baek-Moo and her courtesans to host a banquet for you.
If so, the Ambassador's heart will surely be moved.
You will have heard from the Magistrate
how important this banquet is to us.
You must keep in mind that the future of female art rests on your shoulders.
Do you understand?
We will give our utmost to your request, my Lord.
Was your name, Myung-Wol?
That is so...
I was touched by your Guhmungo performance last time.
Must I also return the praise about your flute?
No.
I just wanted to request your utmost in your performance as well.
As you wish.
Why did you push the banquet to the Song-Do Troupe?
Do you even have to ask? Why fight a battle we will lose?
Mistress!
It is their intention to destroy our music completely.
No matter how great the performance, they will consider it vulgar and unworthy.
This is a matter of pride for our nation!
Foolish girl... Do you think you're an official?
Mistress!
What is so bad about the music being destroyed?
We can perform to China's music.
Actually, Chinese music can be more elegant.
In any case, we must prepare to welcome the Ambassadors.
I must see Baek-Moo's failure with my very own two eyes!
Isn't this called jumping into the fire?
Our nation's music hangs in the balance.
- We cannot sit idly by. - This is not worth fighting for!
They are like thieves who have come to plunder!
What is the use of telling them what is precious?
You never know what might happen.
Even the King himself couldn't change his mind!
Look here, Geum-Choon...!
No wonder that wily fox Mae-Hyang handed him over to us!
We're going to labeled as vulgar dancing wenches, or sent off as government slaves!
We have no choice but to put in our utmost effort.
But you know what, Mistress?
Why do you think that Myung-Wol has been so compliant to all of this so far?
What are you implying?
I say it smells fishy!
Do you think she's planning on ruining the banquet?
A banquet for the Ambassador...
Myung-Wol is not anywhere to be found? How can that be?
Baek-Moo, say something!
I am to blame for all of this, my Lord.
I don't care who is to blame right now!
Tell me what we should do!
She... she said she didn't feel like attending the banquet...
- and left for the temple... - The temple?
You should return to the Gyobang!
You said that if you weren't there, it might influence things negatively.
When will you stop being so wicked?
I gave you your new name so that it may enhance your faith in Buddha.
The moon's omnipresence in this world, regardless of location and status...
I have abandoned that faith, Reverend.
Then you should have abandoned your name as well!
Do you not think that it is better for the moon to be cold and unfeeling?
I will use that moon as a weapon.
The moon can also be a weapon to destroy...
and a poison to make others blind.
I will be this moon.
And what do you have to gain from that?
Don't you know that you hurt yourself when you hurt others?
Come with me.
- Please go back. - Come now...!
No matter how much you try to persuade me,
you will not succeed.
Don't you feel any responsibility as an artist?
Did you mention responsibility?
You noblemen are an interesting lot.
You treat us always like low-class beings,
but when it comes to times like this,
you call us artists and blame us for being irresponsible!
Please go back.
I feel so nauseated I cannot stand it any longer.
When I see you officials conduct state affairs for personal gain
I feel like vomiting.
You are right.
You are absolutely right.
We government officials...
even though the world is collapsing and the citizens are crying out,
are too busy feeding our own mouths.
We don't care whether or not the people are starving to death.
But... The music of Korea...
It is the sound of a mother, a nation caring for her people.
We all forgot that. And that is why we are here.
That is why I can never surrender our music.
If I do...
We will lose the sound of our mother's heart forever.
It is a hopeless battle.
He is determined to destroy our music, and has closed his eyes and ears.
There is no music in this world that will be able to change his mind.
I... I believe in the power of sincerity.
The sincerity that rings true from your fingertips...
I believe that sound has the power to guard our nation's music.
- Myung-Wol and the Minister? - They're not here yet...
What a disaster this is...
When I see you officials conduct state affairs for personal gain
I feel like vomiting.
I... I believe in the power of sincerity.
The sincerity that rings true from your fingertips...
I believe that sound has the power to guard our nation's music.
They are wearing attire from China!
And the dance is also influenced by Chinese dance...
It was choreographed to celebrate the good relations between our two nations.
Your Excellency!
Ambassador Chang, what is your opinion?
Is there nothing else you have prepared?
That's right!
Play an instrument. Something that matches the scenery of Song-Do!
Your Excellency...
You mean you have nothing prepared?
Why do you not answer me?
Will you accept the humble sound of my instrument?
I am Myung-Wol.
Your name is highly-esteemed, your Excellency.
I have a feeling today that you may hear the most beautiful sound
in the whole world.
Your arrogance is truly remarkable!
Myung-Wol? How can you play an instrument that has no strings!
- Are you trying to offend me? - How would I dare?
Impudent wench!
Is there any music in the nation
or even in the world that will change your mind?
How dare...?
Music is not heard with ears, but with the heart.
However... You already have a purpose.
You closed off your heart long ago.
Therefore, no matter how skilled I am nor how much effort I put in,
it would be impossible to change your mind. Am I not right?
So then, there is only one sound that can change your mind.
And that, is the sound of your heart.
I truly believe that amongst all the people here,
your love for the arts may be the greatest.
Am I not right?
Therefore, through this Guhmungo,
I wish to hear the sound of that heart.
So if I find your Guhmungo despicable?
It means the sound of your heart is despicable.
And if I find the sound glorious...?
Then your heart is filled with the glory of the Heavens.
Impertinent wench! You have a talent for words!
Why don't you ask her to recite a poem? She is renown for her poetry as well.
Is that so?
Well then, will you recite something for me?
Will you give me a theme?
What about fantasy, and self-reliance?
Hwang Jin Yi's Poem "Bak Yeon Waterfall"
A long line of Heaven flows out of the rocks.
The roar of the waterfall is hearty and loud.
I will flow the opposite way to become the Milky Way.
The white rainbow tries to comfort the angry waterfall.
The swirling water gathers in the Valley,
The jade broken on the stony jewels scatter into the sky,
Stranger, do not favor Yuh-San the monk.
This is a place where Buddha goes to be by the East Sea.
By stranger, do you mean me?
If that is how you thought it, that may be right.
You have compared our great Yuh-San to your humble Bak Yeon Waterfall.
Because this is offending China, I can have you punished.
Is not China a great nation?
How can such a great nation be offended by a courtesan's silly poem?
That is not possible, your Excellency.
You said that Buddha comes here first?
I am proud of the place where I was born and raised, your Excellency.
Isn't this the same for everyone
regardless of status nor gender?
Proud...?
Can there be a boundary between mountain streams and rivers,
and can there be better or worse than what nature has already provided?
We must appreciate everything in this world.
And it is our duty as human beings to cherish what nature has give us.
I had always thought Korea as a small and undeveloped nation.
But your poem today has taught me a valuable lesson.
You flatter me, your Excellency.
Since you have taught me a valuable lesson, I will give you a reward.
Will you lend me your skirt?
I will give you a token of appreciation.
If I ever return to Korea, I will come and look for you.
I pray you will not lose your poetic sense.
Through you, I will see Korea.
What is the meaning of this?
You...!
Brought to you by WITH S2 Written In The Heavens Subbing Squad
Main Translators: the.elephant, MrsKorea
Spot Translator and Editor: MrsKorea
Timers: kiss the rain. , MrsKorea, jann
Final QC: ay_link
Coordinators: mily2, ay_link
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