Kim Yoon Shik!
It's no use, Kim Yoon Shik.
No matter how hard I try, I can't help but seek you out like this.
So now it is your turn.
Run away from me, Kim Yoon Shik.
Wait!
You have to listen to my answer before you go!
Kim Yoon Shik. Kim Yoon Shik.
Wake up, Kim Yoon Shik! Kim Yoon Shik!
What were you doing sneaking up behind the kid?
No...we were just thinking of playing in the water together.
Getting along nicely. Since it's a get-together trip.
That water play...
Do it with me.
Getting along very nicely.
Kim Yoon Shik...you...
You are a woman?
What's that?
Let's stop. How about here?
Stop! It's too hard. Let's not go any further.
Let's just go a little further.
- That's why Confucius said... - What?
The water play you like so much, we'll play to our hearts' content here.
We already played enough!
Can't we please come out now?
Try stepping even one foot out of the water before my return.
Then this rascal will play with you with its entire body.
I should go back now.
You're telling me...to let you go like this?
I can't let you go.
Hey, Kim Yoon Shik! Let's go down now!
Kim Yoon Shik!
Where is this kid?
Kim Yoon Shik!
Has Kim Yoon Shik come here?
You! Have you seen Kim Yoon Shik?
I don't know.
Where the heck has this punk gone?
Don't worry too much. He's fine.
Are you sure? Where is he now?
Just ask one question at a time, my friend.
I didn't see it for myself, but I'm certain.
He's now safely where his roommate is residing.
What?
Big Shot is with Lee Seon Joon.
If you're that worried, go over there.
Go and check with your own two eyes that he's safe and sound.
That's okay. As long as he's fine...
I've finished changing.
I don't know where to start or what to say.
Since you must be tired, first get some rest.
Here, in this room?
I'll sleep outside, so you don't need to worry.
Where do you think you're going, young master?!
Pretty boy scholar!
Tonight you must convince my young master and take him back with you to Sungkyunkwan.
He'll be ruined if he continues to stay in this room all by himself.
Even if I have to die in his place,
I'm not going to sit by and watch my young master wallow in pain any longer.
Have you been sick?
It's lovesickness! He doesn't eat, doesn't read, and doesn't sleep!
Soon Dol..
He was in a daze, just thinking about that person he misses so much.
Soon Dol...you...stop it this instant!
Pretty boy scholar, make sure you convince my young master, okay?
There's only one blanket in here.
Geez! My young master is so finicky. Where would I get another blanket this late?
It's not like you guys need to keep your distance from each other.
Sungkyunkwan!
- Kwan ahk san! - San gi seulk!
Seulk...seulk...ahhh!
- Confucius didn't use the word "seulk." - Drink up!
If you're going to be lying here with just an outer shell of yourself,
why be so stubborn, so stubborn, huh?
Your inside is down there with Big Shot.
See? Deng! Deng! It's making this hollow sound.
If you keep making assumptions and it becomes a habit, your wrist may break.
You like Big Shot.
What about you? Don't you as well?
That's true. Who wouldn't like that bright-eyed guy?
I'm going to sleep.
Don't waste your energy trying to act cool, Geol Oh.
Pretending not to want...pretending not to be jealous...
and pretending to be strong and not be affected by such petty things.
If I were you, I wouldn't waste useless energy, but devote my all into making her mine.
As of now, you still have the advantage over Lee Seon Joon.
Since Lee Seon Joon couldn't possibly imagine Big Shot's secret.
The light has to be turned off to sleep.
I haven't finished reading what I had to read by today.
So don't mind me and go to sleep.
I think I'd rather read a book as well.
Back there at the creek... before you fell into the water...
Didn't you say that you had something to tell me?
I thought it may be important...and thought you should say it before you forget.
Scholar Lee Seon Joon.
You must mostly read books like this.
That...Yong Ha gave it to me...why is that there?
And I thought you were reading a really impressive book.
I wondered what it was that you read every day so diligently without fail.
Who's the reason I even got that book?
I told you we should turn off the lights and go to sleep.
I'm all right.
But still, I'm a man and you're a woman. Moreover, you fell into the water...
Last time on the island,
who was the man who got sick with a fever after getting slightly dunked in water?
I'm all right.
I can sleep rolled up like this.
Since when was it...
that you started to mask your beautiful face under the guise of a man?
If it's too difficult, you don't have to answer...
I once told you that I have a sick younger sibling, didn't I?
Because we didn't have any money for the medicine,
I paid the doctor by copying the medical record book for him.
And he got me work from Mr. Hwang's bookstore.
It was about...two years after my father passed away,
so I was about 12 years old.
Were you using your brother's name Kim Yoon Shik?
Yes, that's what happened.
Then your real name is?
Kim Yoon Hee.
Kim Yoon Hee is my name.
Kim...Yoon Hee.
I know Lee Seon Joon better than you do.
There's something between the two of you.
Tell me. I can only help you if you tell me the truth.
I know...that you don't like my lord.
So can you just pretend you don't know?
Hyo Eun, you...
I am going to try harder and wait.
My lord is a proper man.
And he is an upright man.
So as long as I don't broach breaking off the engagement, it'll be fine. So...
Is he being respectful by having our side be the one that breaks off the engagement?
Brother...
It's not my lord's fault...it's because I'm lacking.
What did you just say?
You're telling me to leave Sungkyunkwan?
Isn't that the obvious thing to do?
- How is that the obvious thing to do? - It's prohibited by law.
Because men and women are different according to the strict moral code?
You know well that this can't be, so why...?
Have you already forgotten who had me dream impossible dreams, and made miracles possible?
- That... - Is it because I'm a woman?
Even the poor people and the persecuted Namins can all dream of a miracle,
but to a woman, it is not permissible?
Being a woman was something I had no choice in.
I am not afraid of the nation's law, or the king's command.
You really don't know what I'm worried about?
This is an extremely dangerous matter.
You could get hurt... your life could be in jeopardy!
I don't want to live in fear about a tomorrow that has not yet come.
Even if I leave Sungkyunkwan,
I'll still have to dress in a man's hat and robe,
and wander around Woonjong Street doing transcription work.
And if I can't do even that,
I'll have to just marry anyone in order to lessen the burden on my struggling family.
So to me, there is no tomorrow that I should want to protect with all my might.
I want to enjoy this moment now, with all my heart and with all my strength.
Because these are moments that will never be allowed in my life again.
Oh, Big Shot!
Where have you been so early in the morning?
Oh, Senior, this punk was nowhere to be seen all night.
Big Shot, judging from your sunken eyes, it's suspicious.
You definitely look like you met a lover overnight.
Huh, what lover?
Jae Shin!
Jae Shin...last night...things just turned out that way.
Jae Shin!
You punk, why do you only think of yourself?
Act with some thought for others who might be worried about you.
Did you meet up with Lee Seon Joon okay?
How did you know?
I'm Gu Yong Ha.
Even after I leave Sungkyunkwan,
I'll still have to dress in a man's hat and robe,
and wander around Woonjong Street doing transcription work.
And if I can't do that,
I'll have to just marry anyone in order to lessen the burden on my struggling family.
I want to enjoy this moment now.
This is an extremely dangerous matter.
You could get hurt...your life could be in jeopardy.
Cho Seon is here!
Big Shot!
Big Shot! Big Shot! Big Shot!
I had something to tell you, so I came to see you despite the rudeness.
Since you don't come to see me, there was no other way to meet you.
I'm glad you came.
I was thinking of going to see you today, too.
We should give them some privacy!
Wow, she fell deep!
The great Cho Seon became a faithful Cho Seon.
This scent...do all gisaengs use this perfume?
Of course not!
Oh, this is a perfume worn only by Cho Seon.
The scent is so strong that it only suits someone with Cho Seon's beauty.
Most gisaengs wouldn't be able to wear it.
Our lord Big Shot really doesn't know about women at all.
What does she like about this inattentive man...
that our Cho Seon even wants to remove her name from the gisaeng registry.
What are you talking about? Removing her name from the gisaeng registry?
You didn't know?
Don't talk nonsense!
Is it true?
Would you accept me?
Of course not.
This is a perfume only worn by Cho Seon.
As a lowly woman, I won't even dream of becoming your wife.
Ever since becoming a gisaeng at a young age, I lived a considerably glamorous life.
But you were the first person...
who treated me with respect as a proper woman,
and not a mere plaything for men.
Cho Seon!
If I can be by your side, whether as your lover or as your mistress,
I think I might be able to live a life in which I can respect and cherish myself.
Will you give me permission to live, waiting for the day when you can return my feelings?
No, I can't allow it.
For such a beautiful and kind person as you, I am too shameful and unworthy.
So...don't give me your affections anymore.
I...don't deserve it.
If you reject me with such kind words, how would I be able to let you go?
I'm sorry.
I'm sorry, Cho Seon.
Going to a gisaeng's house in broad daylight,
what are you going to be when you grow up?
About Cho Seon...
You should keep your distance from her.
She's a good person. Someone who's too good for me.
Just listen when I tell you.
It's unbecoming of a young lad to waste his time visiting a gisaeng's house.
Jae Shin, are you still mad at me?
Don't worry so much.
I'm Big Shot...Big Shot!
That's why...because it's you that I worry.
Myung Shik, you carry this!
It's Hwang Gam Je! Hwang Gam Je! (5th of 5 seasonal exams for scholars)
Hwang Gam Je?
Have you guys ever tried a tangerine?
Tangerines from Tamna, presented to the king. (Jeju Island)
You don't know anything until you've tasted it.
It's sweet and tangy, and there's no taste like it in the world.
To the first-place winner of Hwang Gam Je,
the legend has it that tangerines are given as the prize.
We had a good harvest of tangerines this year, so I prepared plenty for the scholars.
Throughout the eight provinces of Joseon,
Sungkyunkwan scholars are probably the only ones who get to taste tangerines.
The thought of being a student again is dreadful.
But when I think of Hwang Gam Je, it might be worthwhile if I get to eat some tangerines.
Isn't he Left State Minister?
It's already time for Hwang Gam Je this year, Your Majesty.
I know, Left State Minister.
You can look forward to Hwang Gam Je this year.
Wise words, Your Majesty.
Whether it be writing poems or skilled talent, who but Lee Seon Joon would place first?
Wait.
I understand that the Left State Minister's son is studying at an academy.
You didn't know?
He returned to Sungkyunkwan today.
I called him back.
I heard that my inflexible son was only digging himself into books.
I thought it would be better for him to study at Sungkyunkwan, close to the capital city.
Hwang Gam Je?
Excuse me...
Is this the book you're looking for?
You've returned to Sungkyunkwan?
If you're preparing for Hwang Gam Je, there's no need.
You were right, Kim Yoon Sh...
Anyway, since I'm the one who made you a scholar at Sungkyunkwan,
I'll take responsibility.
You'll take responsibility?
Before anyone finds out, I will help you leave Sungkyunkwan quietly.
This is something I'm doing.
There won't be any mistakes.
So what you're saying is, you came back just to kick me out?
Then, did you see me as a fool...
who would leave the woman I like at male-infested Sungkyunkwan?
Me?
What gives you the right?
I don't want you to get hurt.
And I also have the duty to protect you.
What other right do I need?
You can help me.
So that I can finish well until the very end.
Will you be satisfied if I show you how well-suited I am for Sungkyunkwan?
How will you show that to me?
That...
That! Hwang Gam Je!
How about if I place first at Hwang Gam Je?
Hwang Gam Je?
Do you know that this exam tests both essay writing and scripture recitation?
Well...
For writing, you'll have to write one essay and one of these three.
For scripture recitation, one of the Four Books and the Three Classics.
Do you know that this exam requires that they all be memorized?
It's not like others won't be doing the same. I'll give it a shot!
- There's one more. - What now?
More than anything else, you will have to beat me.
I thought it'd be something great.
Ever since I started school, I have never once lost first place.
So if I win, you promise me to say no more on this subject.
Fine. Let's try it then.
Is it supposed to be like this?
I heard Lee Seon Joon returned.
Oh! There's Lee Seon Joon.
Confucius said, "Yu Boong Ja Won Bang Lae, Bool Yuk Nak Ho."
"When a friend comes from afar, isn't it joyful?"
I'm not joyful.
I said I'm not joyful!
He'll surely place first at Hwang Gam Je.
You're back.
Was Kim Yoon Shik that effective indeed?
Hey, Noron.
I told you not to confuse people.
Don't go back and forth.
It's disorienting to me.
It's a first time in ten years...
That's a warm welcome from Geol Oh.
Then, I'm going to sleep first, Senior.
Hey, Noron!
That's my spot.
Your spot, my spot. There's no such thing.
You were the one who said wherever one lies down, that is that person's spot.
You're not going to move?
Hey! What is it with you today?
What's with you?
What are you two doing?
You should sleep, too.
No, Scholar Kim Yoon Shik's spot is here.
Since Scholar Kim Yoon Shik has wild sleeping habits,
it's better that he sleeps next to the wall.
That's enough! Just sleep the way we've been doing.
- No, Senior. - Hold on!
I'll decide where I sleep.
The noise...did you hear that noise?
It's a gumiho, a gumiho! (fabled nine-tailed fox that eats men's livers)
I'll sleep in this room tonight. Got it?
- Hey! - Yong Ha!
Then I'll sleep in Yeorim's room.
- Wow! - That's strange.
What is that?
"An idea differs from an opinion. This is the only way."
Everyone is working hard.
Even if the civil service exam was tomorrow, it'd be impossible to study any harder.
What the professors failed to achieve how ever hard we tried,
a basket of tangerines solved everything.
This is really embarrassing, Sir.
Who do you think will come in first at this year's Hwang Gam Je?
It'll likely be Lee Seon Joon.
Not once has he lost in a verbal debate.
He'll perform exceptionally well in short-answer questions as well.
Kim Yoon Shik is also a winning candidate who cannot be dismissed.
Based on his speed in memorizing classics, he's definitely one of the rare few.
A competition between Kim Yoon Shik and Lee Seon Joon?
Looks like it'll be an interesting competition.
Now that you've returned to Sungkyunkwan,
you'll soon take your civil service exam.
And you'll soon marry the lady you are engaged to.
That won't happen.
Because we didn't get engaged that day.
I told you that I won't lie to myself again.
I really wish to change young lord's heart.
I thought that Scholar Yeorim might know the way.
So I've inconvenienced you into meeting me.
A way to change one's heart?
I will do everything within my capabilities.
No matter how difficult or tiring, I can do it.
So, please help me.
Wow, this is very touching!
You want to become a woman who is to Lee Seon Joon's liking?
First of all, don't suddenly meet with male strangers.
Change your bad habit of only reading meaningless and cheap romance novels as well.
Your behavior in oppressing the weak and the small should be cleaned up, too.
I'll do my best.
What else?
If doing your best will not win you your lover's heart, then you should accept it.
In this romance novel, your role... is of a character who does not receive the love.
That will make you feel more comfortable.
You won't have to cry again.
And there won't be reason for you to hear such pitiful advice from someone like me.
You jerk!
Why are you so cruel to me?
Because at least one person should tell the truth to the precious princess.
Oh, look at that! So pretty!
This one.
We're here to accompany you, young lord.
Stop this act.
The Red Messenger...
did you think I wouldn't know it was you?
Ever since the Shin Hae Tong Gong, (free trade law)
after you scattered the red messages and won the hearts of the people,
the Left State Minister and Minister of War have been itching to nab the Red Messenger.
I too know that the fake Red Messenger is a trap they set up.
However, until the fake Red Messenger is caught, you will have to be blamed for all his crimes.
So please, take care of yourself!
Then, will you present an appeal to the king on my behalf, Father?
"My son was killed while he was convoying the Geum Deung Ji Sa."
"In the hands of the Norons, and not a gang of bandits."
Jae Shin!
Then starting that day, I'll stop.
So this time it's Gwangtong Bridge?
Don't cross over the line.
I wouldn't cross over even if you begged me to, so don't worry.
You have not seen the way you sleep, so you must not know.
Why is Geol Oh Senior staying out on a night like this?
I know.
The room feels so empty without Geol Oh.
This is exactly why you can't stay at Sungkyunkwan.
Since today will be the last of your nagging, I'll willingly listen to it.
Tomorrow is Hwang Gam Je.
And I'll very easily beat Scholar Lee Seon Joon and win first place.
So you'll no longer be able to tell me to leave Sungkyunkwan.
Let's sleep already. Sleep.
But...last time at the creek,
didn't you say that you had something to tell me?
It's not that I'm curious.
Isn't it the heart of every scholar to want to know the truth?
Are you listening to me?
Are you asleep?
Hwang Gam Je!
What is the meaning of this?
Confucius said...
Confucius said to unite a country, every matter must be done respectfully to earn people's trust.
What does this mean?
Pass!
Scholar Lee Seon Joon!
The topic for the Hwang Gam Je finals this year was given by His Majesty.
"The correct attitude in which this country's officials must treat its people."
Use this paja to express your answer. (Chinese characters combined to form new words)
But, the basis of paja may only follow the "The Book of Rites" study guide, Chapter 42.
His Majesty is always so talented in creating a topic that is slightly more complicated.
That's true.
If one has not perfectly memorized "The Book of Rites,"
and if one has not read the study guide,
and if one does not have one's own thinking,
it is impossible to correctly answer.
To whomever answers this question correctly,
giving these tangerines won't be a waste, Professor Yoo.
Chapter 42 of "The Book of Rites" is on "The Great Learning."
If it's "The Great Learning,"
it means that officials need to enlighten the virtues of the people.
I can't remember.
If it's the study guide...
You have 15 more minutes.
Scholars Lee Seon Joon and Kim Yoon Shik, reveal your answers now.
Xin Min ("New People")
Qin Min ("Close to People")
Although similar, they wrote completely different answers.
The "virtue" in "The Great Learning" refers to refreshing the people's virtue daily.
So I wrote Xin Min ("New People").
Nobility should use all their energy to guide the people and encourage them to be better.
This is my understanding of the study guide.
I couldn't fully recall the scripture, but one line in "The Great Learning."
"A wise man likes what its people like and hates what its people hate."
Qin Min. An official's virtue is in making amity with its people. That's my answer.
I will now disclose the correct answer.
The scholar who wrote the same answer as this will be this year's Hwang Gam Je winner.
"New People" and "Close to People."
"New People" is Lee Seon Joon and "Close to People" is Kim Yoon Shik.
The first place has been decided.
Tell Big Shot and Lee Seon Joon that they've worked hard.
What's going on?
I thought the Jalgeum Quartet would have a clean sweep at Hwang Gam Je.
You must have decided to yield first-place finish to Lee Seon Joon and Kim Yoon Shik.
Then what about you?
Rather than participate in an immature exam, I have an even more important exam.
Xin Min ("New People")
The first-place winner of this year's Hwang Gam Je is Scholar Lee Seon Joon.
Congratulations, Scholar Lee Seon Joon.
Stupid! Idiot! Why couldn't I remember?
I wonder if you have such leisurely time to regret what's already too late.
Preparing to leave Sungkyunkwan...
and packing up your things.
They should take a long time.
Can't you give me another chance?
Scholar Lee Seon Joon, just once.
I still can't accept a woman being at Sungkyunkwan.
I have never dealt with someone who easily disobeyed the law.
But...I have no choice.
An official who would choose to be close to the people rather than to guide them,
I too would like to see.
So I'll just have to let you stay.
Morever, if I let this woman who thinks lightly of the law and imperial orders...
out alone in the outside world,
I can't even imagine what kind of major trouble she'll cause.
So, in that convoluted way, you're saying that I can stay at Sungkyunkwan?
I thought I was going to die of nervousness.
W...Wait, Kim Yoon Shik.
I have something I want to hear, too.
I would really like it...if you told me now.
That day, at the creek...
What were you going to tell me?
You really don't remember?
- If not... - About what?
Didn't you tell me to hear your answer before I leave?
Well, it seems like I might have...
Please think back carefully. Try harder!
Do I really have to put it into words for you to know?
If you don't tell me in words, how am I supposed to know?
You really don't know?
I think I'll die of frustra...
Getting startled?
That's why you shouldn't do bad things.
Gwangtong Bridge to Woonjong Street is heavily guarded.
Stay over at my house tonight.
My bracelet!
The. Red. Messenger.
Catch him now.
That rascal who disgraced me and belittled my family...
Catch him now!!
Yes!
It's too dangerous to go now.
It's the only memento...left by my brother.
They treated my precious friends roughly.
Professor!
I have a secret order to give you.
You will follow my order...
to start a new Joseon.
Jae Shin!
You didn't even return last night. Is your investigation going well?
If we bring over royal guards to arrest him, Father can say no further.
Secret investigation.
Is it because of Lee Seon Joon? If not, Kim Yoon Shik?
This... Why is this here?