Hwang Jin-Yi
Main Translators: wingyee, hot_saranghae
Spot Translator & Editor: MrsKorea
Timer: kiss the rain.
Final QC: ay_link
Coordinators: mily2, ay_link
Brought to you by WITH S2 Written In The Heavens Subbing Squad
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Episode 4
Yes. They want us to nominate the most outstanding novice courtesan.
Did you say novice courtesan?
They want us to send them the most beautiful and the most talented novice.
They are really asking too much!
They already have the loveliest and most talented girls.
And now they want to take the girls that we've trained?
Be quiet!
Nonetheless, we have to send them a girl.
Besides, the Song-Do Troupe is known to be one of the finest troupes in Korea.
It would be inadvisable to refuse.
Mistress Im, who will you send?
If we are to choose by beauty and talent,
there is no one else but Hyun-Geum's daughter, Jin-Yi. Am I not right?
Is that so?
You didn't see us here, right?
Why should I lie?
You can't go that way! The Mistress' quarters is this way.
She told us to find you and we have been waiting here for two hours!
Why? Why is the Mistress looking for her?
Maidservant, you should stay out of our business and focus on fetching water.
Eng-Moo, you...!
And stop taking her side.
I agree. And what trouble did you cause this time?
What did you do this time for the Mistress to be searching for you?
Did you walk the tightrope at the market?
I asked if you walked the tightrope with the roadside entertainers?
Did you or did you not?
No.
I walked the tightrope.
And what did you learn?
You practiced for two months and yet you learned nothing?
Did you waste your time learning this useless skill?
If so, what use do I have for you?
I wished to learn more about the feel of my feet.
But... I was not able to attain it.
However... I was able to learn something more important.
And what is that?
Concentration.
Just like I focused all my energy on staying on top of the tightrope,
focusing all my strength and mind to my movements...
Perhaps this is the true path of an artist...
That is what I realized, Mistress.
That is fine.
Go and pack your bags.
We must head somewhere at sunrise.
Will you really send Jin-Yi?
Is that really the best thing to do?
Have you forgotten what you went through and how hard it was to keep her here?
For six years you raised her!
Mistress!
Did you say she went to the capital city?
Yes, she left with the Mistress as dawn...
Why has she gone to the capital all of a sudden?
What was it again? It was something about her being the best novice in training.
Did you just say the best novice? Then...!
I don't know what that means...
But they say that the Mistress might leave Jin-Yi behind in the city.
What will you do? You just met her and now she's leaving you!
What a pity!
She probably feels worse than you!
And besides, she's my only friend!
This place...
is the palace where our Imperial Majesty resides.
These gates are flocked and unyielding.
People of low-status cannot even dream of entering this place.
However... there is one exception to this rule.
Do you know who that is?
They are the elite artists who perform at the palace banquets.
They are the palace courtesans.
Jin-Yi.
Yes, Mistress.
You are a child gifted with an extraordinary passion.
It was that passion that made you step through the gates of the Song-do Troupe.
Do you remember that day?
Yes.
Now... It is that gate you must now step through.
Like being on the edge of a cliff, or like walking on the tightrope,
you must be alert at all times, and never let your guard down.
If you do this,
you will step through that gate with much dignity and favor.
Hyang-Min and Young-Mae from the Eui-Joo Troupe.
Here.
Il Ta-Ryun from the Pyongyang Troupe.
Here.
Chun-Hae from the Jun-Joo Troupe.
Here.
Song-Do Troupe...
Mistress Im, why have you not submitted a name?
It is because I find it unreasonable that
we must always offer our best girls to the palace.
Unreasonable?
Yes, my Lord.
What are you saying?
It has always been tradition for the Palace Troupe to choose girls in this manner.
I doubt you have forgotten this.
It is not so much a tradition as an outdated custom.
I beg your pardon?
My Lord.
No doubt the palace banquets are important,
but who is to say that provincial banquets are not?
In that case, we must also distribute the good courtesans outside of the Palace.
Do not forget your place! Your opinion is not important.
- Our decision is... - No no...!
- Mistress Im has a point. - My Lord...
My Lord...
There is a way we can resolve this issue.
Resolve this? How?
What do you think about a competition
for all the novices in the country to show their talents?
A competition?
The troupe that wins the competition
should be given control over the palace courtesans.
I am sure that we all here understand that
competition is the best teacher of exceptional skill.
You haven't lost your stubbornness yet.
So...
Do you mean to perform at royal banquets yourself?
I am just a middle-aged woman who suffers from back pain.
How would it be possible for me to perform?
Then?
This child... and her compatriots will do so.
Is that so?
I remember you.
It has been a long time, Mistress. My name is Bu-Yong.
I am eager to see your improved skills.
If that is so, you will regret your insistence on this competition.
Regret?
We are the best courtesans in the country, Mistress.
We entered the troupe before we were old enough to walk.
We were taught by the best, and have been practicing every second of our lives.
We will not lose.
No one can beat us.
What do you think? Do you think you can win with your abilities?
Look at your rigid expression.
It seems like you have no confidence.
If so, tell your Mistress that this competition is in vain!
It does not matter to me whether we lose or win.
There is something else I wish to gain.
Something else? And what is that?
I wish for His Majesty to reward me.
Look at this outrageous girl!
It is already an honor to perform at a royal banquet before His Majesty!
How can you be so impertinent!
An artist's occupation is to show her abilities and talents in front of others.
Why should we not be rewarded when we perform for His Majesty?
So, how much do you wish for?
Although it is priceless and worth more than a million pieces of gold,
if His Majesty so desires, he can bestow it at any time.
What is that thing?
It is the overflowing presence of His Majesty's smile.
We have kept you for too long. We must be on our way.
- Let us go. - Yes, Mistress.
Mistress...
You look weary.
It is my heart that is weary, not so my body.
So...
What kind of person is the Mistress of the Palace Troupe?
She is a master in the Sword Dance.
Her Sword Dance is said to be the best in Korea.
And...
She was my most dearest and best friend.
What?
Why do you look so shocked?
Her hostility towards you was so obvious...
To be an artist is to envy. How can I fault her?
When this competition is over,
perhaps we can meet and have some wine like old times.
Jin-Yi.
Yes Mistress.
What do you think is the most important thing to a courtesan?
Is it wine?
No.
Then... is it talent?
Not exactly.
If that's not it... is it love?
Impertinent girl! Do you know what love is?
Mistress...!
Wine, talent and love...
Although they belong to us, none of those are the most important.
The most important thing to a courtesan...
... is pain.
When you can swallow your pain and overcome your desires,
that is when you become a true courtesan...
and a true artist...
Enter the courtesans!
So you have decided to enter the competition?
Yes.
Was it not you that said Song-Do had the finest dancers,
and that you were content to live the rest of your life here?
Why have you changed your mind?
It is futile to resist water. Rather, step into the sea.
How can I ignore the fact that rivers flow into the sea?
So you want to go to deeper waters?
The deeper the water, the bigger the fish.
The most important thing for these girls to become big fish.
Big fish!
Put in all your effort!
And when you all become big fish, do not forget about me!
We will remember that, my Lord.
In order to optimize our entire troupe's chances in the competition,
we will need to examine our individual talents.
We will test you on the poetry and literature you have studied thus far.
It will be a difficult exam, so you must study.
Additionally, you must choose either song or musical instrument.
Those who have chosen song will be Geum-Choon's responsibility.
Those who have chosen instruments will train under the music Master,
as well as the music courtesan Hyun-Geum.
Above all, you must increase your standards for training yourselves.
- Do you understand? - Yes.
Young Master! Young Master! She's back! She's here!
She traveled a long distance, but she's back!
Really?
That's what I said!
Who are you talking about?
Didn't you say someone's back?
Oh... that...!
It's nothing. Don't worry.
- Let's go. - Yes.
I am sure my intuition is right.
What?
It's erotica! I'm sure he's got his hands on some!
- It can't be! - It can!
Didn't you hear him say something about traveling a long distance?
It must be a very special piece! It could be from other countries or China!
- It can't be. - You're doubting me?
Anyone else would, but not him!
It's always the quiet ones that get in trouble!
You...!
If it's not that, then why is he being so secretive?
If you're so curious, ask him to let you see it too!
I don�t need to.
I already bought one!
Young Master.
Do you know what your expression is right now?
Like this, like this.
You've completely lost it!
What? What is it?
There! Look who's there?
What are you doing? Why are you going off like that?
I have to go practice. I should be doing nothing else but practicing.
I can't lose focus.
- Hey. - So tell him not to come here anymore.
Tell him I can't see him anymore.
So you want to learn the Guhmungo (Korean lute).
That is right, sir.
Most courtesans play the Gayageum (korean harp).
You also have spent many years learning the Gayageum.
Why do you now wish to learn a new instrument?
- The Guhmungo is... - played by scholars.
That is why I want to learn the Guhmungo.
The Gayageum creates the sound of a young woman and that's why I don't like it.
You don't like it because it sounds like a young woman?
How can a young woman not like an instrument which portrays her own voice?
I do not like having been born a woman.
Jin-Yi.
When you are born a woman,
you are not allowed to show your true emotions nor do what you want.
I do not want to have any obstacles such as useless emotions
in my path to becoming an artist.
Pardon me...
Oh no! I should not have surprised you like that!
I did not think anyone would be here at this time of night.
But who...?
My father is the magistrate of Song-Do.
And I must ask who you are to be coming to this place at night?
I am from the troupe. My name is Jin-Yi.
I came here because I wanted to find a book.
So what shall we do? We have ruined a precious book!
I have an idea.
We just have to copy the page that has been covered in ink and place it on top.
Your solution is remarkable.
Unlike myself who could barely memorize these words after reading them so often,
how did you memorize them so fast?
I am indebted to you.
No, my lady.
It is my turn to help you now.
Did you not say you were looking for a book?
I will help you look for it.
The book I was looking for is this one.
You were looking for a book of poetry?
Do you like this poem?
Your beautiful beautiful skin, my heart longs for you.
They say that this poem portrays the longing of a young girl for a scholar.
~ Reciting Chinese literature ~
Who would like to explain the meaning of this poem?
Eun-Ho! Would you like to try?
Go on and recite it!
I do not want to.
What did you just say?
I said I did not want to recite Chang-Ja's poem.
Is it because it is not going to be in the State Examination?
A noble scholar of literature does not discriminate based on intent.
I... still don't want to.
You rascal! Do you dare to rebel against my order?
Read the poem out loud this instant!
I... don't want to.
Eun-Ho! What are you doing?
Hey you! Are you crazy? What is wrong with you lately?
Go on and read!
I think you need a little thrashing to get your senses back!
Come out here this instant!
Beg for forgiveness!
A teacher is utmost in a student's respect.
How... dare you... refuse to what I say!
You impertinent rascal!
Let me look at it. Does it still hurt?
Oh man! You're crying too!
He must have hit you really hard!
Is it really painful?
Yes. It hurts.
Here...
It really hurts here.
What?
Duk-Pal! A long time ago...
There was a man named Chang-Ja.
He doubted his woman's sincerity, and eventually lost her love.
I do not like how he gambled on someone's heart without cause.
I am not like that.
I am really prepared to how her my sincerity.
But she does not give me a single chance.
It's not that she doesn't like you! She just has to practice!
Young master, what about this!
Really! He said he really won't bother you during your practice.
He said not only will he not bother you when you are plasticizing,
And if there is anything else you need, he said he'll help you with all of his might.
Please meet him just this once. My young master's is bad condition!
Think of it as saving a man's life and show your mercy to him.
Yes. Just meet him once, Jin-Yi. He seems so pitiful.
You play really well.
And you didn't want me to learn.
This is just the start.
It's still too early for me to produce a more beautiful, more moving music.
No. Your music is touching and deep.
Come close.
Come closer quickly!
Is there a reason for you to be so happy?
Reason to be happy?
You can lie to other people, but you cannot lie to your mother.
There is no such thing.
I have no special reason to be happy.
That is strange.
This hand tells me that your face is blooming like a flower.
Mother.
Yes.
Father...
What did he look like?
This is strange. Why do you suddenly bring up your father?
Don't you want to see him?
You don't miss him?
Mother...
Can't we do both?
Living to fulfill your life as an artist...
and living as Father's woman...
Couldn't you have had both?
Did something happen to you?
What happened?
No matter what happened, you can talk about it with your mother. Tell me.
There you go again. You're nagging again.
Nothing happened.
I just felt that you must be lonely. I only asked because I was worried.
Jin-Yi.
I'm going back to my room.
I have practiced from day to night. And I'm feeling a little tired.
You should rest too.
This silly competition is just giving me aches and pains all over!
Do we really have to do this?
So what if we're not the best?
It's not as if we don't have nice clothes and good food to eat here.
The quality will be different!
I'm really tired.
Look at this small face.
It's gotten so dark! Eng-Moo's pretty face is looking old!
Impertinent girl.
Don't say that in front of us.
That's right.
If you are tired, you can just sleep and all will be well again, but what about us?
When we wake up in the morning, our faces are pale and wan.
And what about our wrinkles?
That's why it's good to have me around.
By the way, what is it that you want?
The cost really depends on what kind of water you use.
What?
You can use the water from the well.
Or the creek water collected at dawn
Or tea made from the creek water.
Different types of water give different results in whitening.
That's why the price is all different.
Please come to the point. So which is the best water?
Of course it's the tea made from the creek water!
It really is most effective in whitening skin!
How much is it?
The well-water will be one coin.
The creek water will be 2 coins.
The tea-water will be 3 coins.
Use the best water.
Yes. Who will look after a courtesan
if she becomes an old lady?
That's true.
Please do it for me too.
There is not enough hot water.
Please wait a while. I'll get more water.
What is that girl going to do with all the money she's making?
Maybe she wants to buy something good to eat.
That is you.
Or maybe she wants to buy a new pair of silk shoes from China.
Jin-Yi was it you?
Did you bring this water here?
No.
Why?
It's nothing. Come inside!
Why did your mother call for me?
My intuition tells me she will ask you if something has happened to me.
She will pester you with this.
Did she find out Young Master Eun-Ho?
No. It's not about that.
Whatever it is, you can't tell my mother anything.
Don't let her find out. You understand me?
Don't worry. Who am I?
Who else can you be? You're the ever-loyal Dan Shim!
Gae-Ddong! Gae-Ddong!
Gae-Ddong, where did you hide?
I said my name was Dan-Shim!
What nonsense is this?
Gae-Ddong, you better go on. Mistress Hyun-Geum is looking for you.
I told you to call me Dan-Shim.
Go on now!
Please take a seat.
It's alright.
Please come closer.
You have long fingers.
My hands are dirty. I have not washed them after doing my work.
So your name is Dan-Shim?
What?
That is the name you wanted. Isn't that right, Gae-Ddong?
How did you know?
I can hear clearly even though I can't see.
That is not what I mean.
You have nice long fingers.
They are good hands to play the Gayageum.
Are you serious?
Do you want to learn?
Do you want to be a courtesan?
Do you have to ask...
Of course.
Would you like me to teach you how to play the Gayageum?
Really?
I think Jin-Yi has a beau.
You know about it, don't you?
How did you...
So I was right.
I knew that you would know something.
No. No. I don't know anything.
About Young master Eun-Ho and Jin-Yi? I know nothing.
Will you play with me today?
Who else can better make the rhythm for my performance?
It can only be you, sir.
It seems that Jin-Yi has someone in her heart.
Jin-Yi? That is surprising.
He seems like the son of a rich nobleman.
But, because of my inability to see,
I am unable to see him for myself.
Could you perhaps look upon him in my place?
I trust your opinion.
It will be a difficult road for her.
I know.
The love between a nobleman and a courtesan...
Everyone knows it is not possible.
If that man is not sincere in his intentions towards Jin-Yi,
I wish to stop them before it's too late.
But if it is like a bee to a flower,
or a heavy cloud to rain,
then I wish to help them in their love.
I do not wish her to be like me,
growing old in memories.
Can you please take care of them?
Can you help them?
I will go and see that young master.
Thank you.
I think we will be able to produce good music today.
Will it be possible for you not to dance?
Is there anything lacking in my dance?
It is not that.
It's because it's just too beautiful.
I... I know I shouldn't say this,
and I don't care about anything else,
But I wish you wouldn't...
perform that dance in front of others.
Is that a bad thing?
How are you raising our son?
I could not even raise my head before the Head Master.
My Lord.
He showed disrespect to his teacher and was disciplined.
But now he has taken to skipping his classes!
What?
Have you not heard anything about it?
That cannot be... Eun-Ho is not like that.
How can you call yourself a mother when you do not know your own son?
Isn't raising my son properly the most important job for you as a wife?
It's not like you gave me any other children!
- Are you back? - You fool!
My God! Madam!
Where is Eun-Ho?
I do not know.
If you still value your life, then open your mouth!
That... that...
Are you the young master of Minister Kim?
Yes, and who are...?
I am the musician Uhm-Soo.
No. I'm still not of age.
Jin-Yi is a courtesan-in-training.
She will soon become a courtesan.
Are you aware of that?
Yes.
And you also know that you and Jin-Yi are born of a different class?
A living flower... A flower that understands words.
Officials sometimes call courtesans a caressing wind.
Did you need a flower to pick?
I am asking if you chose her to become your entertainment?
You...
If you consider her a plaything to be discarded later,
will you not consider stopping your game now?
What are you talking about?
I say this because you seem to be too young for having playthings.
A plaything? What are you talking about?
If not a plaything,
then what is Jin-Yi to you?
That...
Why should I tell you that?
What are you willing to sacrifice for her?
Are you willing to give up everything for her?
Of course.
Mother. Mother!
Mother! Mother!
Mother. Please listen to me.
Get out of the way.
Mother. Please.
Didn't I tell you to get out of the way?
Sister. It is I.
Come on in.
Did you just get back?
Mother. You are also here?
Yes.
But mother.
I saw Eun-Ho hyung and his mother outside.
I wonder what Madam Kim is doing here?
Are you Jin-Yi?
Mother.
I asked if you are Jin-Yi!
Yes.
Oh!
Brought to you by WITH S2 Written In The Heavens Subbing Squad
Main Translators: wingyee, hot_saranghae
Spot Translator & Editor: MrsKorea
Timer: kiss the rain.
Final QC: ay_link
Coordinators: mily2, ay_link
If the burden is too heavy, you can let it down.
No one will fault you even if you let it down.
You don't know how futile this is...
or how difficult it will be for you...
and how sad you will be...
I will give that girl to you.
I will inform the troupe of this.
Go and spend the night with her. Make her your woman.
But you must marry my Ga-Eun.