EARLY 19TH CENTURY HANYANG, JOSEON
Everyone, come and listen to the romance novel!
Moonlight Love Affair by Maehwa!
Come and listen to the romance novel!
-It's starting. Please excuse us. -Moonlight Love Affair by Maehwa!
"In the hands of Master Kim,
were a single bunch of magnolia blossoms.
Ja-gyeong could only exclaim in surprise.
'Oh, my!'"
"'Master Kim, magnolias won't bloom for another month. Am I wrong?'
Ja-gyeong asked.
Then Master Kim answered with a delightful smile on his face."
"'I brought them from Jeju-do.
I wanted you to be the first one to see them.'
Then Master Kim walked up to Ja-gyeong."
"Ja-gyeong closed her eyes.
-Her heart..." -"Her heart"!
-"Her heart..." -My gosh!
"It felt like her heart would explode."
-Gosh! -Oh, my!
"Then when their lips
were about to meet..."
-At that very moment! -My gosh!
MOONLIGHT LOVE AFFAIR
Hurry.
Here, quick!
"Ja-gyeong's...
trembling..."
"All his limbs...
THE SORROWS OF YOUNG WERTHER
...were paralyzed.
The bullet had pierced through Werther's right eye
and gone through his brain.
His brain...
had splattered everywhere.
When a vein in his arm was cut, blood spouted from it like a fountain,
but it was all in vain.
He was still breathing.
Judging from the blood on the chair,
it seemed like Werther had pulled the trigger
while sitting at his desk."
Wait, hold on.
Is that how Werther dies?
He dies a bachelor?
A noble lady mustn't be so impatient.
It is an ordeal he must overcome in order to meet his true match.
How about if you just skip to the wedding night?
This is how the story ends; with Werther's death.
I mean, he shot himself in the head. Who can survive that?
It's not like he can stitch his brains back together.
What?
You've been reading a story in which they don't even end up together?
You said this novel was from the West. I was waiting for a steamy...
I mean, I expected it to be a little different.
It has to have something that we never get to see in Joseon.
It certainly is "different."
Seeing the young and foolish Werther completely ruin his own life
because of his fleeting feelings teaches us
that we shouldn't live like that.
Where else can you learn such a valuable lesson?
I'm speechless. How could you call this a romance novel?
I never said it was a romance novel.
I said it's a story of a man who devotes his body and soul to--
I get the soul part, but when did he devote his body to her?
You just heard it. He did it through his death.
So what you meant by "body and soul"
was a lovesick man taking his own life?
That's correct. That is the highlight of this novel.
Compared to other romance novels, this one is on a whole new level.
Dol-soe!
Gosh, let go. Let go of me, will you?
Goodness.
My lady. You can kick me out, but you should pay me first.
Pay me for my work.
You expect to get paid for reading us this garbage?
Get lost!
I read to you for two weeks until my voice was almost hoarse.
How could you do this to me?
How dare a lowborn talk back to noble ladies after fooling them so shamelessly?
Should I order some punishment to knock some sense into you?
"Policies change,
as do family customs. This results in changes
to teachings and rules.
Being preoccupied
with the nation's gains and losses
leads to a harrowing moral breakdown.
Saddened by the brutality of punishments and rules,
we lament and sing of our innate empathy
so that we can
transcend change--"
My lady.
I'm your book reader.
I'm sorry about the other day. I should've been more thoughtful.
I brought the books you asked for,
so please forgive me.
I will continue to comb through the collection at the book rental store
and try to find as many steamy and erotic books as I can.
I'll be off, then.
UNCOVERED YOUTH
MY INSATIABLE LUST
What's all this?
Honey!
My gosh, stop!
-How dare you! -Sir.
How dare a eunuch and a court lady
fool around here, knowing His Majesty is right around the corner?
Do you realize that this can cost you your lives?
She didn't do anything.
I practically dragged her here. It's all my fault, sir.
No, he didn't do anything wrong. I asked him to meet me here.
I planned all of this because of my infatuation for him.
-Punish me instead! -Why, you little...
Are you both that smitten?
Do you like each other that much?
Enough to sacrifice your lives to protect each other?
May I ask who you might be? Why are you asking such--
-Answer his question truthfully, now! -Yes, I'm completely smitten.
I love him so much that I would gladly sacrifice my life for him.
Hong-yeon.
Tell me how it began.
-Pardon? -Pardon?
Tell me about the day the two of you first met,
the day you found out that you like each other,
and the day you first held hands.
Tell me how you fell in love with each other.
I want to know everything.
Well, the place where I saw Hong-yeon for the first time...
Congratulations, Your Highness.
You obtained some invaluable information today.
Goodness.
Why is it so hard for you to compliment me?
I went through hoops to make sure we could catch them in the act today.
I almost got beaten up
by that cranky Court Lady Choe when I snuck into the ladies' chamber.
And in order to coax Eunuch Kim's friend into spilling the beans,
I gave him with 50 yagwas as gifts. No less than 50, I'm telling you!
Kick those two out of the palace.
Pardon me?
Feelings are considered a sin here.
Isn't it a pity they have to live with that burden all their lives?
I was going to come up with an excuse to kick them out anyway.
That way, they can be lovey-dovey and live happily ever after.
-Sam-bo. -Yes, Your Highness.
Have you ever...
felt such deep feelings for someone?
Are you implying that a eunuch isn't even considered a man?
Look at you, getting all riled up again. I'm just asking because I'm curious.
Back in the good old days, I used to imagine
all sorts of things in my head
whenever a lady's gaze met mine.
Wait, hold on.
How would you feel about basing this novel on my story?
The title can be "Eunuch Heo and His Three Thousand Ladies."
The protagonist is the manliest man of all time, Heo Sam-bo.
THE CLOUD DREAM OF THE NINE
You're late, Lady Hae-ryung!
Lady Hae-ryung! Gosh, my lady.
Oh, dear.
Lady Hae-ryung, you're late. Wake up, okay?
Please wake up! Come on!
Gosh, it's still so early. Let me get a little more sleep.
What are you talking about? It's well past 9 a.m.
What? 9 a.m.?
Why didn't my alarm go off?
That piece of junk breaks all the time.
If I were you, I'd much rather rely on the rooster next door.
Why bother working as a book reader every night? It's such a waste of time.
-That's why you always sleep in. -It's not a waste of time.
I get paid to read interesting books and have meaningful conversations.
I can't think of a better job.
Sure thing.
The job is so fantastic
that you always get on those noble ladies' nerves and get kicked out.
And they say all kinds of nasty things to you. You don't even get paid at times.
In Master Kim's eyes,
a faint...
Faintly...
A faint...
A faint beam of light flickered.
In Master Kim's eyes,
a faint beam of light flickered.
I love you so much
that I would gladly sacrifice my life for you.
I love you so much
to the point that I would gladly give up my life for you.
"When you are eating with your husband,
do not take big mouthfuls
and do not spill your soup.
Take small bites and swallow quickly."
I have no idea.
Can't we just have our servants figure these things out for us?
Why don't you ask Hae-ryung?
She's the most experienced one out of all of us.
That's right. Who knows? All those lonely years of being single
might have taught her how to calculate these things.
Hae-ryung, tell me what you think.
When would be the best day to conceive a baby boy?
The answer is...
It should be September 23.
Did you refer to the chart?
No, I just calculated it on my own.
Then tell us how you arrived at the answer.
You told us that two conditions must be met in order to conceive a boy.
First, it has to be an odd-numbered day within the four days
after the cotton inside your underwear turns gold.
Second, we must consider the sexagenary cycle.
Gap and eul for spring, byeong and jeong for summer,
gyeong and shin for autumn, im and gye for winter.
-And? -September 20 is the day of muo
in the month of gyeongsul that falls in the year of jeongmyo.
It's autumn, so if we look for days
that fall on gyeong or shin, there are two days, September 22 and 23.
It's said that girls are conceived on even-numbered days,
so September 22 can't be the right day.
That leaves us with September 23.
The day of shinyu, the month of gyeongsul, year of jeongmyo.
Do you expect us to believe you calculated all that just now?
I bet she cheated. Please check.
All those lonely years of being single taught me how to calculate these things.
You're wrong.
It's wrong. Try again.
It can't be. I'm certain that my calculation is correct.
I'm not talking about your answer.
I mean that arrogant attitude of yours is wrong.
A virtuous woman must hide her talents
and not speak about the things that she knows.
Why are you always so eager to show off your brightness?
The Classic of Poetry states
that women mustn't do anything bad or great.
Do you understand?
Yes.
Hae-ryung, let's go for a walk. We can enjoy the night breeze too.
I don't want to go. Just go by yourself.
Will you say no to even this?
You're such a bad influence.
Drinking with a sister who's past the marriageable age?
You're spoiling me.
And that's why everyone picks on me.
Who picked on you?
I shall teach them a lesson.
I do not want to receive bridal lessons.
I do not want to get married either. Please just cancel everything.
I really can't take it anymore.
I'll grow old and die as the spinster Goo Hae-ryung of Sajik-dong.
-Hae-ryung. -I really mean it.
I mean, can't we just live like this?
We can read all day.
And when we see a fascinating object,
we can bring it home and dissect it together.
And from time to time, we can drink together like this.
Can't I live a fun, joyful life like this?
Do you think your marriage only concerns you?
When there is an old maid in a village, it is the headman who gets punished for it.
That's the custom of this country. I've been doing my best to protect you,
but with time, there will come a day when an appeal about you will reach the Court.
And eventually, your name will be added to the list of people to be married.
Then I'll probably have to marry some ruined nobleman in the countryside
or a widower somewhere as soon as I can.
That is why I am trying to find you a man that suits you
while the opportunity still allows.
Someone who will cherish and understand you.
Someone who is good-hearted.
That's sweet of you, but do you know what that sounds like to my ears?
"What will you choose? Dog poop or cow poop?"
I suppose I did teach you badly. You are too spoiled indeed.
Yes, that is right. I am a defective person.
So don't marry me off to anyone.
Just let me live with you forever.
My lord.
THE STORY OF HO DAM
This novel written in the Korean alphabet is popular in the northwest.
Have you heard of it? It's called The Story of Ho Dam.
My lord, if you could tell us what the book is about...
Fifth Counselor Goo, do you not know about it?
No, my lord. I have never heard of it.
Then I suppose its popularity hasn't reached the capital yet.
This is why I gathered all of you here today.
We must destroy every single copy of this book.
There should be no copy of this book left in Joseon.
THE STORY OF HO DAM
I must marry Hae-ryung off soon.
Deliver this letter to that family.
Yes, my lord.
It's fixed. It's ticking again.
My gosh, you sure have such skillful hands.
I can't fix people, but I'm very good at repairing things like this.
You certainly are.
My gosh. Here, be careful with it.
-Thank you. -No problem.
-Get home safely. -Thank you.
A freight wagon is behind you! Make way.
A freight wagon is behind you! Step aside.
A freight wagon is behind you! Make way!
A freight wagon.
Hey!
You!
What's going on?
Stop right there.
You're a pretty good runner. You little rascal.
Let go!
You should've done a proper job if you didn't want to get caught.
You don't even know the basics of pickpocketing.
Why steal something so heavy and big to begin with?
What? Goodness.
See? What kind of pickpocket runs toward a dead end?
Where do you live? Where is your father?
Lead the way.
I'll take you to the Police Bureau if you don't answer.
I don't have one!
What's going on? Where's the money?
You have to bring me money if I tell you to!
What do you want?
Excuse me!
What do you think you're doing? He's still a child.
Are you crazy? Mind your own business!
As if telling the boy to steal wasn't enough, you're now hitting him.
And you call yourselves men?
What?
Do you want to see for yourself whether we're men or not?
Threatening women and children using your strength
is a vile act.
What?
I will take this child.
-How dare you-- -Don't touch me with that filthy hand.
-Are you out of your mind? -You will be beheaded.
Any lowborn who hits someone of noble birth
gets beheaded. Did you know?
-Damn it. -What's all this commotion?
Boss, this wench barged in here and...
You fool, I told you to do something about that foul mouth of yours.
You can't go around calling everyone a wench. You coarse fool.
And who might you be?
Why are you causing a commotion in my front yard?
I don't know what kind of relationship this child has with you people,
-but I will take him with me. -To do what?
If he has parents, I will take him to them.
If not, I'll try to find someone who can adopt him.
Goodness. Find what?
Don't be ridiculous.
This kid is my slave.
His dad sold him to pay off his gambling debt.
In other words, no one can say anything even if I boil him to death
or beat him up and feed him to the wolves.
I can do whatever I want because I'm his master.
Even if he is your slave, you shouldn't treat him like this.
Then go and complain to the King.
Escort her out nicely. She's starting to get on my nerves.
Yes, Boss.
What do you think?
Tell me what you think.
Your Highness,
this will make even the most ruthless ruffian burst into tears.
It's a true masterpiece.
It's heartbreaking.
It's heartbreaking, Your Highness.
It's "heartbreaking"?
Its sublime beauty cannot be described in words.
Master Kim...
Gosh, that poor man...
You're lying.
Last time, you also said that it was a heartbreaking masterpiece.
You said the exact same thing and cried.
Why is your reaction exactly the same every single time?
Well,
I only cried because the tears flowed.
If you ask me why I'm shedding tears,
what am I supposed to do? Shed snot instead?
I just want to know your honest opinion. What do you think of my writing?
How many times must I tell you?
The scribes cried so much while transcribing your novel
that they all have puffy eyes now.
There's more.
People have been waiting in line since last night
to read Maehwa's new novel as soon as it comes out.
They even set up tents to camp out.
That's why...
That's why I hate my situation.
All I can do is hear about it through you.
I can't see it for myself.
I'm curious.
I want see whether people actually enjoy my stories.
and if my novels actually make them laugh and cry.
I wish to leave this palace
and see for myself.
Even if it's just once.
Sam-bo.
Your Highness!
Please! My goodness.
Your Highness!
Reconsider your decision. Please?
His Majesty clearly ordered that you never leave Nokseodang.
But what? You'll leave the palace?
And you'll go today of all days, when the streets will be bustling
with people who are excited for the release of Maehwa's new novel?
If you get even the slightest cut on your precious body,
who will be punished for it?
Who says I'm that precious? My father, who's confining me here?
Strictly speaking, His Majesty didn't say that, but...
I mean, he didn't.
In any case, if anyone finds out that you stepped out of the palace--
It's been two years since I last stepped out of the palace.
I think I've been patient enough.
Am I wrong?
Don't worry.
No one really knows what I look like anyway.
No one will ever find out as long as you stay silent.
Your Highness.
Your Highness, look over there!
-What now? -There! Over there!
Jin?
No, don't.
That will look even more suspicious. Just bow!
Be back by sulsi at the latest.
SULSI: FROM 7 TO 9 P.M.
You two.
Jin just gave me permission to go out.
-Right? -Yes.
I wonder what His Royal Highness is thinking?
Let's go!
You will be my bodyguard today.
"Bodyguard"?
Your Highness,
I even lack the thing that all men have. How could I protect you?
Are you making fun of me?
Let's go!
Yes, it's here!
Moonlight Love Affair by Maehwa.
Volume Three, the last of the series!
You can borrow them starting at 9 a.m.
The greatest novelist in Hanyang, Maehwa.
Volume Three of Moonlight Love Affair by Maehwa is finally here.
Hurry, everyone!
All the copies will be gone in a flash!
-Maehwa's new novel! -Excuse me.
-What's wrong with you? -What are you doing?
-Line up, will you? -Stop pushing.
Maehwa's Moonlight Love Affair. Starting at 9 a.m., his new novel--
Kim, I have to talk to you.
Who are you?
I'm not sure who you are,
but if you wish to borrow a book, you need to get in line.
Come on, Kim.
Kim, don't be like this.
Brush off all the dust over there!
Don't be like that. If you have any work...
These books haven't been stacked properly!
Can you find me some work?
Work? "Some work," did you say?
My lady, do you know what I had to go through after I introduced you
to the wife of the Assistant Section Chief of the Ministry of Taxation?
She cursed me out with every single insult you can imagine
for bringing her a ridiculous book reader like you,
that I almost wet my pants at this age!
Goodness, I did not know something like that happened.
Anyway, if I recommend you to read books for one more person,
I doubt I'll be able to live much longer.
If you refuse to read proper novels like this one,
then we are done working together, Lady Hae-ryung.
Done, I tell you!
I told you to be careful with that!
Kim, wait.
MOONLIGHT LOVE AFFAIR
Over there.
Are all those people really here to read my novel?
Maehwa is well-known for a reason.
People will continue to come and go for at least half a month more.
I'll go and get your account settled.
Stay put right here, okay?
MOONLIGHT LOVE AFFAIR
Maehwa's new novel is amazing.
It'll definitely become the most rented book.
Maehwa, I knew you were amazing.
Maehwa, please work hard and write your next novel as soon as you can!
I've been saving up to buy at least ten copies.
Maehwa is a much more eloquent writer than Su Dongpo.
I'll love you for life. I hope only good things happen to you, Maehwa.
MAEHWA
The book was just too boring.
I almost fell asleep on my feet.
Why don't you...
Why don't you like Maehwa's novel?
Do I have to like it?
I want to know what the reason is. The sentences are beautiful,
there are so many twists in the plot,
and the characters are full of life.
Why don't you like a novel that was written with so much effort?
What does it lack?
What's lacking is some manners in your speech.
They say there are distinctions between men and women,
but which scholar taught you that it's okay to speak so casually
to a noble lady whom you have never met?
It's because
I am not used to using honorifics.
-My lady. -Good.
And how should you address a woman like me?
My lady?
Precisely.
Now, you may ask me the same question, with some manners.
My lady.
Why don't you like Maehwa's...
novels?
Great job.
Why don't I like Maehwa's novels, you ask?
There are so many reasons, I can't just pick one.
-Nothing is right about this novel. -"Nothing is right"?
While I was reading this book, I did cry three times with my heart.
I couldn't believe such precious paper was used to make a book like this.
The second time, I felt so bad for the Korean alphabet
that was used to write this novel. And last but not least,
I was afraid that the delusion of this writer, Maehwa,
might spread all around the capital like an epidemic.
I can't believe this writer published a book like this just to earn some money.
Don't you find this person shameless?
If the writer has any shame, they should quit writing.
Anyway, that's my take on it.
Goodbye.
Wait. Wait!
It looks like Maehwa didn't show up today either.
I've told you many times already that you cannot meet the writer.
Just give me the money.
There is someone who is dying to meet Maehwa.
It's a chance to earn a huge sum of money.
Goodness, what's wrong with you?
I told you to forget it.
BOOKS AVAILABLE TO LEND MOONLIGHT LOVE AFFAIR
Who are you people?
Where's Maehwa?
How would I know? I don't even know who that is.
Stop lying to me.
We already know that you work for Maehwa.
Come on, sir.
Let's not waste each other's time.
Do you think I'll give in if you threaten me like this?
How dare you?
I see that you're not just impolite, but also a man of no principle.
You should learn to act more like a gentleman.
There's a saying that goes, "You only see what you know."
A pig sees the world from a pig's point of view.
The reason you don't enjoy reading Maehwa's novels
is because you know nothing about beauty.
There's also, "Perfection can be found in sentences."
True beauty is not something you can see.
Beauty is something that should exude naturally.
It's not something that can be forced out by using techniques.
"Forced out by using techniques"?
I see. A sparrow can never understand the views of a wild goose, so I'll just--
And a wild goose will never be able to understand a phoenix.
So I'll just be generous and forgive you.
"Forgive"? Forgive whom?
You're going to forgive me?
You're being impolite by wasting my time.
I also wasted my precious time listening to your absurd remarks.
You came to a book rental store
in broad daylight when you're a scholar who should be studying.
It seems you have plenty of time on your hands.
That proves that Maehwa's novel is worth my precious time.
You should rather spend that time
reading another classic book and accumulating more knowledge.
You are so interested in romance novels.
I am very worried about the education
-of this country's scholars. -Why, you...
And
if you keep acting so suspicious,
-it gives me no choice but to doubt you. -Doubt me?
I'm starting to doubt that you might actually be Maehwa.
Please move aside.
I'm not Maehwa!
I'm...
Run!
Hurry up! Run!
Come on! We need to run!
Run! Hurry!
-Sam-bo, what's wrong? -It's Maehwa!
-Stop! -Your Highness!
-Hurry! Run! -Catch them!
-That's cool and refreshing. -It's "cool"?
This is lukewarm water.
Today, I taught this naive man a lesson.
What?
My goodness, look at this.
That hurts.
-My gosh. -Unforgivable.
It is utterly unforgivable.
Yes, of course.
We've been doing business with Kim for so long.
-But he totally betrayed us-- -No, not him.
That lady.
The sparrow.
I see.
How could she call my novel a useless romance novel?
She said I needed to accumulate my knowledge.
Your Highness,
why are you so bothered by the words of a mere woman when there are already
so many people who love your novels?
I'm sure she ate something bad
and lost her mind.
So don't worry too much.
-And send an assassin to kill her. -I'll do a background check on her.
Forget it. I'll deal with her myself--
My gosh, Your Highness. Please!
Didn't you learn anything today?
You almost broke your knee
while trying to escape from a bunch of roughnecks.
But I'm okay now--
I am not okay, Your Highness.
How many times have I told you
that I'll be killed if His Majesty finds out that you got injured?
If you really want me killed, you should just kill me yourself.
Here. Go ahead and kill me!
THE OFFICE OF ROYAL DECREES: THE OFFICE WHERE HISTORIANS WORKED
My gosh.
-The Royal Secretariat. -Yes, sir.
-The Office of Special Advisors. -Yes, sir.
-The Ministry of Personnel. Get going. -Let's go.
What? The royal lecture is over already?
You guys are lucky.
His Majesty talked for two hours when I attended yesterday.
We were kicked out.
What are you talking about?
Who dares to kick out historians?
Who do you think is capable of
kicking us out so he could talk one-on-one with His Majesty?
Did you not hear?
His Majesty ordered me not to let anyone inside. Please leave.
A historian is not just "anyone."
Please announce that I'm here so that I may enter.
Must you get a scolding from His Majesty to give up and go back?
Please announce that I'm here.
You want to establish an Office of Banned Books?
Yes, Your Majesty.
Why couldn't you ask the Crown Prince, who is currently acting as regent?
Why are you bothering me with this?
THE STORY OF HO DAM
That book was found in a bookstore in the Pyongan Province.
Are you saying that this is being read by people all over this country?
I have no words, Your Majesty.
Who would dare to do something like this in the country that I rule?
Your Majesty, a historian is here to see you.
Didn't I tell you not to let anyone in?
Tell him to leave immediately!
Your Majesty, the law of Joseon states
that no one is allowed to meet with you one-on-one
without the presence of a historian.
I am merely trying to abide by the rules and fulfill my duty,
so please let me enter.
How dare you?
Are you trying to lecture your King about the law?
Your Majesty.
Officer Min.
Was it you, Second State Councillor?
His Majesty isn't in a good mood. You should go back.
A historian is not someone who can be sent away.
It's nice to abide by the principles, but a true loyal subject
should also know how to be considerate of the King's mood.
A true loyal subject
should not be hesitant
to keep a record of everything he reports to the King.
Then go ahead and write this.
"The Second State Councillor, Min Ik-pyeong, ignored the laws of Joseon
and prevented a historian from entering."
That's what you should write.
I'm not here as a royal subject.
I'm here as His Majesty's friend of 20 years.
We did not talk about political affairs. Stop being so stubborn and go back.
U-won.
Where's Kim?
Over here!
I'm here, sir.
I absolutely hate people who don't keep their promises.
Why would you do something to upset me like that?
Pardon? What did I exactly promise?
Didn't you tell me that I'd be able to buy
at least two big houses in Hanyang if I held a book reading with Maehwa?
Didn't you tell me that I'd be able to earn
a government official's yearly pay
if I sold a book that was signed by Maehwa?
Well, I was merely stating that it might be possible.
But I never promised that I would bring him to you.
Do you know how much money I spent because of your promise?
I'm so angry that I want to cut off your hands and feet.
Please give me another chance, sir.
I'll try to convince him to come here again.
He's not going to come here after getting chased by those roughnecks.
-Hey. -Yes, sir.
-Bring me the axe. -Yes, sir.
No, don't! Please have mercy, sir.
I have a wife and children I need to take care of.
Should I slice off their hands and feet as well?
No, sir! That's not what I'm saying!
Sir! Sir.
I have a brilliant idea.
What?
Think about it.
Maehwa never...
Maehwa never reveals their face.
And?
Lady Hae-ryung!
-Lady Hae-ryung, wait. -Kim?
Who in the world wants a book reader to read to them in broad daylight?
Why would they ask specifically for me?
You're the one who asked me to give you work.
You'll be paid very generously.
Come on.
Kim! This place is...
You want me to act like I'm Maehwa?
Kim already told me everything.
I heard you're the most famous book reader in Hanyang.
It's no big deal.
You just need to do a book reading for one night
and pretend to be Maehwa.
I'll decline your offer. You should ask someone else.
I know what you're thinking.
You're a noble lady,
so you must want to refuse a couple of times before accepting the offer.
I prepared enough money to meet your reputation.
This is a deposit.
Do you think money is what I'm after?
Are you still upset about what happened that day?
I've already apologized.
I was rude to you because I didn't know you were from a noble family.
Is it okay to mistreat people who aren't nobles?
Do you even know the basic duties of a human being?
My goodness. Of course, he knows.
Lady Hae-ryung, please don't be like that.
Use that clever brain of yours to calculate the profits.
Imagine how much money you'll make
if you charge five nyang per person.
You won't be able to find a better deal anywhere else.
I asked you to find me work,
not someone with whom I can scam people.
-"Scam"? -I won't even do it for millions,
so stop bothering me.
I'm not silly enough to sit down and read those useless romance novels to people.
And I'm definitely not rotten enough to work with people like him.
-But Lady Hae-ryung. -Wait.
Let me show you what it's like to be humane.
This is the certificate that says the little boy is my slave.
If you help me out for just one night,
I promise that I'll destroy this.
Lady Hae-ryung, do you know how many people you saved today?
Me, my wife, my seven kids, and this boy...
My goodness. Hey, get over here!
Let's go before I change my mind.
Kim.
Can you take care of him for a couple of days?
-I'll look into where he can stay. -This isn't necessary. Please don't worry.
I'll feed him meat, and I'll even buy him new clothes.
Don't go around causing trouble.
Just stay with him at his house, okay?
Thank you.
An Office of Banned Books?
What is this nonsense?
How would I know what the high officials are thinking?
Those old men at the Office of Special Advisors
should take care of things on their own.
Why would they gather everyone and get all of us involved?
I guess that's how urgent the situation is.
Even so, how could they involve us historians in this?
I agree. This hand is no ordinary hand. This is the hand that records history.
Hey!
Hurry up and get over here!
Yes, sir! We'll be right there! We're coming.
We're on our way. Goodness.
I must've surprised you all,
seeing that you're not even standing up after seeing the Crown Prince.
Your Royal Highness.
What brings you to such an insignificant place?
"An insignificant place"?
You're right.
It's in this insignificant place
that you have been handling our country's affairs.
That is absurd, Your Royal Highness.
We are just trying to be of help in any kind of way--
Be quiet.
Do you think I don't know that you're in league with the Second State Councillor?
You're right, Your Royal Highness.
We have a duty to take care of this country,
and we are all loyal to our King,
so you could say that we're all in this together.
Is that why you decided
to establish an Office of Banned Books behind my back?
Is that the kind of loyalty you mean?
You must keep forgetting things now that you're growing old.
I'm the foundation of this country and the Crown Prince.
You may have power over the officials, but you are obligated to be loyal to me.
His Majesty himself asked me to do this.
I visited His Majesty a couple of days ago
and was given the right to handle banned books.
I may have grown old,
but I haven't forgotten that I'm serving the King,
Your Royal Highness.
What are you trying to hide
that you even made His Majesty get involved in this?
His Majesty is worried that the novels written by civilians
might destroy our custom and taint our country's education.
Therefore, I made a quick judgement, thinking that this was an urgent matter.
But I didn't think far enough to consider that this could offend you.
So I apologize for my carelessness.
Goodbye, Your Royal Highness.
LOVE AFFAIR BANNED
EON-NYEON'S LOVESICKNESS BANNED
THE STORY OF HO DAM BANNED
ROBINSON CRUSOE BANNED
THE SORROWS OF YOUNG WERTHER BANNED
MOONLIGHT LOVE AFFAIR BANNED
MOONLIGHT LOVE AFFAIR 3 BANNED
MAEHWA
My gosh.
That's not good enough.
Add some more of your artistic spirit.
Write in a way that looks indifferent but very classy at the same time.
My gosh, why are you being so fussy about signing a book?
It's best to just write "Maehwa" in bold letters.
You're a great lady, but you know nothing about business.
This book reading isn't going to make us that much money.
The important part is to sell these signed books at an expensive price.
Let's try again.
Write it in cursive.
Make it look like you put in a lot of work, but be natural at the same time.
My gosh.
"'Get up.'
Ja-gyeong looked up at the Crown Prince's orders.
The person in front of her looked somewhat familiar.
It was Master Kim wearing a royal robe."
-My gosh. -Incredible.
"Ja-gyeong was extremely startled.
'Master Kim
is the Crown Prince?'"
-The Crown Prince? -Gosh.
"Master Kim said this to Ja-gyeong
as she stood there, startled.
'Welcome to the royal palace of Joseon,
my lady.'"
Out of the way!
What's your name?
Jin-hyang.
I couldn't sleep a wink last night because I was so excited to see you.
I love you so much.
Why can't I remember what I wanted to say?
Here you go. Yes, here's your book. Thank you.
I hope you'll continue to like my books. Next.
Already? Wait.
Can I hold your hand before I go?
No, you can't. Next.
No, wait.
What's your name?
I have a question.
How did you come up with such a beautiful scene
where Master Kim confesses his love beneath the cherry blossom tree?
Well, that's...
I visited Yudalsan last year,
and I was deeply moved there. That's where I got my idea.
Yudalsan?
You're wrong.
If you don't tell me your name, I'll just go ahead and give this back to you.
Maehwa.
Please write my name
as Maehwa.
You?
You're Maehwa? No wonder you were so defensive.
You're very confident for a fraud.
Do not forgive me, sir!
I will crush you!
From this day onward,
Prince Dowon shall be forbidden from reading or writing any books!
Without them, I have nothing.
Only three people in this country know Ho-dam.
Why are you trying to enter the Second State Councillor's territory?
And I give him my consent.
And I, the Crown Prince, will decide the topic.
-We just need one person to pass the exam. -I found you a husband.
You cannot live under my roof and my protection forever.
-An exam for a female historian? -I cannot go ahead with this marriage.
Subtitle translation by Liya Choi