PARK HYUNG-SIK
JEON SO-NEE
PYO YE-JIN
YUN JONG-SEOK
LEE TAE-SEON
OUR BLOOMING YOUTH
THIS DRAMA IS A FICTION AND
ALL CHARACTERS, ORGANIZATIONS, LOCATIONS, INCIDENTS, AND RELIGIONS
ARE FICTITIOUS
SCENES OF ANIMALS
WERE FILMED WITH PROPS AND VISUAL EFFECTS
EPISODE 5
The posters for the third murder are up.
Young Master!
You can't just take that off...
Don't be so surprised.
You're the only one who gets all worked up
when I do that.
My hair...
What are you doing? Follow me!
-Did you glare at me with that cute face? -No.
You can't say things like that to man.
I called you cute because you are.
Should I call you...
Ugly?
Gosh, that's so not funny.
That's a terrible joke.
Cute.
Excuse me. Anyone home?
Are you upset?
When was I ever upset?
-Eunuch Go. -When did you get here?
I called you from the outside, but no one was home, so I came in...
There was something I wanted to ask you.
Why do you think that sinner is the one who solved
all those cases, not her brother?
The first cases Min Yun-jae solved five years ago
wasn't something he could solve.
He passed the examination and was a sixth counselor at the Academy of Literature,
so how could he have possibly solved that case?
So naturally, Min Yun-jae couldn't have
solved all those other cases as well.
My wish is to meet Lady Jae-yi
and solve cases all over the country with her.
But she's dead.
-Just let it go. -She can't be dead.
She's alive somewhere. I'm sure of it.
No, she's dead for sure.
No, she isn't.
-What's wrong with you? -What's wrong with you?
I know I'm not the lady you're in love with,
but I'm here to ask you to work a case with me.
I know why you're here.
Look at this. He tore off another poster.
You're going to get in trouble, Master.
If going to jail is your wish, I'll make it come true.
-Is this the Cardinal Point Case poster? -I heard Section Chief Han
named these cases the Cardinal Point case.
He believes there will be a fourth murder.
I think so too.
Me too.
If the culprit follows the pattern, the next killing will be in four days.
So I have to recheck the second body
to see if the culprit left behind any letter
and you're the best in this field.
Say no more.
You need it, don't you?
Yes. It.
What is it?
I'll need time to get ready.
I'm sure you know that already.
I trust you, Young Master Kim.
What are you planning to do?
We are
-going to dig up a grave. -What?
You're going to dig up a grave?
Why?
We need to get the body.
Well, well.
I have never met someone who thought alike.
It makes me happy.
I can't do that.
My Lord.
We went through the registry of the east
and narrowed it down to people who are around the same age as the victim.
-Did you let the Constabulary know? -Yes, My Lord.
We will meet up with the soldiers and start patrol.
Okay.
Young Master Kim of Manyeondang
was expecting me.
What was he like?
He seemed all goofy on the outside,
but I could tell he's a genius.
His new assistant seemed useful as well.
He was fast and quick-witted.
Have you never met him, Your Highness?
I just heard rumors.
I thought I could trust him, so I sent the arrow
that shot me through Tae-gang,
and he instantly knew it was from me.
Oh, we will be digging up the body
tomorrow around sunset.
I will send one more person to go with you.
-One more person? -Yes.
Who is it, Your Highness?
I'm not sure
how to describe him as he is.
Scholar Park from Namsangol?
The sun is about to set. Where is he?
Who is he?
You'll know once you see him.
He always catches people's eyes.
He's tall and handsome
that everyone can't stop looking at him.
He said he's very handsome.
Why do we need a handsome guy to dig up a body?
I hate those scholars who think they can get out of anything
with their good looks.
What about his skills or talents?
He is skilled in literary and martial arts
and he's the best talent in Joeson who can do anything.
Let's say,
he is a perfect man.
His Highness said that Scholar Kim will be a big help in the investigation.
He must be one great scholar.
I wonder how great he is
that he thinks it's okay to show up late.
Is that him?
-That is Scholar Park. -Definitely Scholar Park.
His face is shining.
I can tell from afar.
I can even tell with my eyes closed.
Nice to meet you, Scholar Park.
I'm Kim Myeong-jin, the owner of Manyeondang,
the laboratory.
I've heard a lot about you.
People in Namsangol know about me?
I see my fame has no boundaries.
Is there anyone else with you?
Are you really alone?
Come on, Eunuch Go.
He is definitely Scholar Park.
He's just like how His Highness described him.
I'm Young Master Kim's
apprentice.
It's nice to meet you.
Then you must be Go Sun-dol, the eunuch of the East Palace.
Nice to meet you.
I'm Scholar Park of Namsangol.
Yes, My Lord.
I'm Eunuch Go Sun-dol.
EUNUCH GO SUN-DOL IS
A SOLIDER PRINCE HWAN BROUGHT TO THE HUNTING GROUNDS
HE IS NOT A EUNUCH
What do you mean His Highness isn't here?
I heard that he wasn't at the lecture today either.
He said he'll be at the library to read.
When he goes to the library, he usually locks the doors and reads all night.
He ordered us to stay here.
What about Eunuch Go?
He's at the library with His Highness.
He took Eunuch Go with him
because of the Cardinal Point Case.
It seems like he has a lot on his mind because of that.
Take good care of him.
Of course, Your Highness.
That is so annoying.
I can't believe even Her Highness knows Go Sun-dol.
We will make sure to find your killer
so you can rest in peace
Just hang in there.
What are you doing?
Dig.
We poured the alcohol, so dig up the grave.
-Me? -Then would I do it
when I have an apprentice?
But...
Gosh.
The master I used to serve
was nothing like you.
He would do all the dirty work with me
and there was a lot to learn from him.
When you have ten masters, you will learn ten things.
So if you have the energy to talk, start digging.
And the other shovel...
Scholar Park, don't you have
a servant or an apprentice?
Oh! Are you going to dig?
-Who? Me? -Yes.
What are you looking me for?
I never even touched one of those before.
It's called a shovel.
Of course, I know that.
You've never used a shovel before?
Just take the shovel and start digging.
There's no one else who can do it.
I'll have a lot to do
once we dig up the body
and he's from the palace.
He serves the Crown Prince,
the future king of Joseon.
So you're the only one left.
What do you think, Eunuch Go from the palace?
His Highness said you are
a man of many talents
and you are very skillful,
so I'm sure you're also good at shoveling.
Isn't that right?
Come on, Scholar Park.
Here. Take the shovel.
Start shoveling. Come on.
Gosh.
Gosh, put your back into it.
I am.
Judging by your speed,
it'll take us three months and ten days to dig up the brave.
Forget it.
I'll just do it myself.
Eunuch Go.
I thought you're only good at deduction, but you're also good at shoveling.
Aside from the victims,
solving this case probably matters to me the most.
I will solve it no matter what.
Digging up the grave?
They really went to dig up the body?
People saw him leave with
a few other suspicious people.
Bring the horses. I must head to the east.
Good news.
Thanks to the cold air, the body hasn't decayed as much.
The wound on the chest is definitely the cause of death.
There has to be a letter on the body.
Look carefully.
I don't see any letters.
That's not possible.
-Strange. -What is it?
I'm sure he died of his chest wounds...
What is it?
When you get stabbed, the skin and flesh tend to shrink and blood gushes all over.
Like this chest would over here.
But when you're stabbed post-mortem,
there's no blood or shrinking.
Since there is no blood,
the wound looks like this one here.
So he was stabbed in the chest
and stabbed once again
after he was dead?
Strange, isn't it?
Why was he stabbed again
when he was already dead?
Can you open his hand?
GA
I heard they concluded it as a mugging case.
That's why it wasn't investigated well.
What does it say?
"Ga" which means "Family."
The first letter in the first case was "Song."
the third letter was "Myeol."
So in order it's...
Song.
Ga.
-Myeol. -Destruction to the Song Family.
So the culprit wants to destroy the Song Family.
Who's in the Song family?
Why would the culprit want to destroy them? What did they do?
It could mean one person from that family
or the whole entire family.
He must be carrying a huge grudge seeing how
he killed three people to curse them.
But we don't know what the next letter will be.
So could the meaning of these letters change depending on the next one?
Don't you think so?
You must hear the end to know what it means.
Do you have any idea what the next letter might be?
-Gosh, Master! -Well, I...
Now's not the time.
We haven't figured anything out.
Gosh, there's no need to blame your stomach.
I suppose we're all hungry
after all that hard work.
When we go back to the capital city,
it'll already be passed curfew. Will we be okay?
I have a way.
Don't worry.
-Coming! -Excuse me!
Eat up.
I'm here.
Young Master.
Welcome.
-Is there a table for four? -Of course.
Hello.
I heard the drum sound. Doesn't that mean it's past curfew?
Come on. What's life without a little risk?
Running a tavern at this hour is against the law.
How can we keep every single law?
-It's suffocating. -How arrogant.
-Laws are made to be kept. -You grew up in a noble family, right?
My father's just the Prime Minister.
I see your apprentice takes after you.
Then what would you like to do?
Starve because of the law?
Your soup is served.
It looks so good.
Young Masters, please enjoy.
-Thank you. -Thank you.
Those who want to starve can starve.
I'm going to enjoy this.
It's so good.
Have some.
People in Joseon eat this a lot.
Delicious.
They didn't give me a knife.
-What did you just-- -He wouldn't do that
if he didn't have solicitude for you.
Solicitude? What's that?
Care or concern for someone.
Gosh, I envy you, Scholar Park.
Can I have a piece?
Sure.
See?
He has no solicitude for me.
Oh, right.
I don't give kimchi to just anyone.
It comes from my heart.
How is it?
It's good.
Listen up!
This isn't just alcohol.
It represents the friendliness of Joseon.
Gosh. You didn't have to.
Oh, how's the rat situation? Did you do as I said?
The rats in the ceiling
has become very quiet, Young Master.
Good. Thanks for the drink.
Let me know if you start hearing rats again.
Yes, Young Master.
Thank you.
Here. Have a drink.
-Have a drink. -Thank you.
Here you go.
And a cup for Myeong-jin.
Okay. To friendship!
To family!
To love!
What?
Do I have to say something?
Friendship, family
and love. What do you think comes next?
What is it? Tell me and I'll do it.
Then you go first.
-To friendship. -To family.
To love.
Cheers!
You actually drank that? Not just pretending?
You know how to drink?
Well, it's meant for people, so why not?
But you...
-You're... -A eunuch.
A eunuch who loves drinking.
-Here. Have another. -With pleasure.
I'd like a glass.
Have some.
-Cheers! -Cheers!
-Eat up. -Thank you.
Who taught you how to drink?
No one taught me.
Joseon never teaches a woman anything.
Oh, wait. They do.
They teach us how to sew and cook.
Then you know how to drink without being taught?
All you have to do is pour the drink, pick up the cup,
twist your wrist and pour the drink into your mouth
and swallow it.
Why does someone need to teach you that?
Never heard of the drinking etiquette?
There are rules and laws...
What's the use of all that?
When you drink, rather than following the rules
you just chat and hang with people.
That is the fun of it.
I taught myself.
No matter how fun drinking is,
it's not your whole life.
Once you're done drinking,
your life is still waiting for you.
You've been thinking about the fourth murder.
I can't stop thinking about that last letter.
How do you have all the almanac memorized?
The almanac is the basis of agriculture.
People think of it as their guideline for life, so of course I should read it.
I do think the almanac is important,
but the whole fortunate and unfortunate dates seem like a myth to me.
I guess you could think that if you don't know.
But if you study the almanac, you'll see that it covers the topic of
the providence of nature and the phases of life in depth.
Four phases of life…
Although it was used for a heinous crime...
-What are you… -Quiet!
They are soldiers who go on patrol here.
But do we have to hide like this?
If we get caught, we'll get spanked. Do you know how painful it is?
Do I have to know that?
Do you think I'll ever get spanked?
-Do you even know what hide-and-seek is? -I may not know life outside the palace,
but I do know what that is.
We're playing hide-and-seek and we can't get caught.
Whoever gets caught first gets flicked.
You're going to hit a crown prince?
Then don't get caught.
Doesn't your heart race?
Why would my heart race? It's not.
Well, my heart is racing.
When I get scared, my heart races,
but usually I'm half scared half excited.
I love it when my heart races.
It's racing really hard right now.
Master.
Master, wake up.
We're home. You can't sleep here.
No, leave me alone.
You're going to get arrested in front of your house.
Young Master.
Myeong-jin.
-Myeong-jin. -No.
I don't want to go.
Excuse me.
Young Master Kim is here.
Can someone come out?
Excuse me.
Quiet.
Lord Kim is still awake.
You brought Young Master Kim here?
Young Master Kim.
What are you doing? Help me.
Young Master.
-Get him on my back. -What?
So heavy.
How do I get him up?
Careful.
His shoes!
He's drunk again?
How much did he drink?
Not a lot. Just a little, My Lord.
Who are you?
I've been learning under Young Master Kim.
And you just let him drink that much?
I'm sorry.
Gosh...
I told you to not let him in if he shows up drunk.
Why are you bringing him here?
Leave him be, brother.
He may be pathetic, but he's our brother.
If we leave him outside, it'll just be a disgrace to our family.
-Go lay him down. -Yes, Master.
And lock the doors so he can never leave!
Watch his head.
Aren't they his family?
Why do they all think he's pathetic?
Don't you know who his father is?
He has only one he serves and the rest serves him. He's the prime minister.
His first son works at the Censors Office,
second son works at the National Academy
But his youngest barely got into the National Academy
and ended up getting expelled.
No wonder he's upset.
Please make some
hangover soup for Master Kim.
Hangover soup, my foot. He'll be lucky to get a bowl of rice.
Do you have any idea how scary his mother is?
Thank god she fell asleep early today.
Tomorrow, Young Master Kim
will wake up to a broom smacking him.
What?
Don't go. Don't leave me.
Master Kim
is such an amazing person. They just don't know it yet.
Isn't it uncomfortable to go up against Seong-on?
It would've been nice to not meet like this,
but I have no choice.
I do not see this as a competition.
Everyone's trying in their own way
to stop innocent people from getting killed
and to arrest the culprit.
There's something I'd like to ask you, Your Highness.
What do you think of Section Chief Han?
I feel like this isn't just about
testing my abilities.
It feels like
you're testing his loyalty as well.
It's not like that.
I admire his skills, abilities,
and his loyalty.
Is it because of the ghost's letter?
Bung-ja-bae-do, woo-ja-hyang-geom.
Man-eok-dang-eon, yin-yeo-ji-woo.
"Your best friend will stab you in the back
and a lot of people will be killed because of your stupidity."
Is that why you're keeping your distance?
You're worried he might stab you in the back
and that he might get killed
because of you?
The messenger was killed.
It's my fault.
If I didn't send him, he wouldn't have been killed.
And
you also blamed me for getting your family killed.
I had no idea you kept that in mind.
I just said those things because I was scared
you might kick me out.
It wasn't your fault.
I guess Seong-on still hasn't gone home yet.
Don't you think the dates are a bit weird, Section Chief Han?
The reason the culprit carved the letters while risking getting caught
is the motive for these killings.
Go on in.
Pardon? Why would I go in there?
He's probably upset because
I made him compete against a eunuch.
And he probably had a lot on his mind
because of you, his fiancé.
What could I possibly say to him?
-You should go in and console him. -What?
Aren't you worried about him too?
Go and comfort him.
What are you...
Your Highness.
Are you traveling in disguise?
Yes.
What are you doing at the War Department at this time of night?
Is it because of the Cardinal Point case?
Well...
I was going to visit you in the morning.
This is a compass.
It was one of the things the man from the Office of Taoisom
sold in the market.
Then why did you tell me you didn't find anything?
Do you know who this belongs to?
It must be your father's.
Prime Minister Han Jung-eon.
It wasn't my father's.
There are others who...
It was given to others when the Ming Dynasty's envoy visited two years ago.
What should we do?
Now you're asking me.
You dared to lie to me
and now you're asking me what to do after finding out it wasn't your fathers?
I wanted to come to you the moment I found the compass.
But you didn't tell me the truth.
I thought I should check with my father first as his son,
but even if it was my father's,
I would've told you the truth.
Do you really think so?
Do you?
If your father messed with the prayer,
what would've happened to your family?
Do I think I would've covered it? Wasn't that what you were worried about?
Your Highness. To me,
before you're the Crown Prince,
you are my friend.
If we're friends...
If I am your friend,
what should you have done?
Can't you understand the despair
I felt when I found out that my own father
could've been in on it? Why I hesitated?
Even if I hesitated...
Even if it belonged to my father,
I'll always be on your side.
Can you really not trust me?
I...
Is it because of the ghost's letter?
You're worried he might stab you in the back
and that he might get killed
because of you?
When I became the Crown Prince,
I decided to let go of all my friendships.
But I will remember
what you said tonight.
You said you would've been on my side
even if this compass was our father's.
Don't you forget it.
Who's there?
Section Chief Han. You're still here.
What is going on?
He was outside past curfew
and he was even snooping around,
so we caught him.
Stop this instant!
You...
Yes, My Lord. I'm Eunuch Go.
We know who he is.
You can leave him here.
You were traveling under disguise
with him and not Tae-gang?
There was something we had to deal with. I should get going.
You can flick me.
Whoever gets caught, gets flicked. Remember?
I do not like
flicking people.
Don't regret it.
Ministers of the Six Bureaus and the three censorates...
Who does the compass belong to?
Prince Myeong-ahn always asks for late-night snacks
at the Queen's palace.
I know, right?
He always has snacks even when he's studying.
If he just studies as much as he eats.
Look at His Highness.
He's good at literature and martial arts.
Didn't you see him playing the stick game?
How can he be terrible at anything?
Even Prince Ui-hyeon who passed away was very smart.
I heard Prince Myeong-ahn was born two months earlier.
Maybe he's not as bright
-because of those two months. -Come on.
How dare you!
How dare you talk about him with that foul mouth of yours!
Please forgive us.
You dare
disdain His Highness?
What is going on out there?
It's Lord Cho...
Uncle?
Please forgive us.
Do you really think I'll forgive you after that?
We've committed a grave sin.
Uncle. What is going on? Please calm down.
Beat them senselessly and kick them out!
Yes, My Lord.
Make sure they don't step foot inside the palace!
Were you surprised, Your Highness?
Uncle, why were you so harsh with them?
They may be court ladies,
but they are only 14 years old.
They must be punished if they do something wrong.
That way they know how to respect us.
Your Highness,
up until now, I always thought of myself as your grandfather.
Yes. I know.
And I do not think you're my niece.
I think of you as my own daughter.
I know and I am very grateful.
If anyone bad-mouths you,
I will not let it slide.
Even if people say that you're slow,
don't let that get to you.
Understand?
Yes, grandfather.
It's getting late.
Court Lady Han, are you there?
Yes, Your Highness.
You should go back to your room, Prince Myeong-ahn.
-Court Lady Kwon, please give us the room. -Yes, My Lord.
Uncle, about what happened earlier...
Did those girls say things about Prince Myeong-ahn...
No, it wasn't like.
Don't mind what those lowly girls said.
I'm worried you might get chest pains again.
All you have to do is to trust me.
I don't know how I would've endured life here
if it weren't for you, Uncle.
Don't endure it, Your Highness.
You have to be comfortable
in your own home.
This palace is your home, Your Highness.
And not just you.
From now on,
Prince Myeong-ahn's future children
will eat, sleep and live here.
When he gets married
he has to move to a private residence.
That can't happen, Uncle.
If Prince Myeong-ahn leaves, I'll stay here alone.
That won't happen.
Your Highness, since Joseon was founded
the crown prince has changed many times.
But not all of them ascended the throne.
They were all murdered, dethroned
or they died because of an illness.
You saw why there are so many flowers
that wilted before they bloomed.
I'm talking about Prince Ui-hyeon.
What happened to him could happen to Prince Hwan.
Uncle.
And what's funnier is
this country called Joseon.
The royal family can't get involved in politics, but not maternal relatives.
Since you have become the queen,
our family has become the maternal relatives
and the most powerful family in Joseon.
So
isn't it right for Prince Myeong-ahn
to ascend the throne and become king?
Your Highness, you must become the Queen Dowager.
Uncle.
Become the royal grandmother and the Grand Queen Dowager.
Become the most
powerful woman in Joseon.
I will
make sure that happens.
The Crown Prince
will be dethroned.
How could you say something like that?
You can't do that, Uncle.
I'll pretend I heard none of that.
Please don't say such a thing.
Don't you know how scary the palace is?
If someone finds out,
we'll be in big trouble.
After hearing your horrible words before…
Don't listen to what I said
with half an ear.
Once I put my mind to something,
there's no going back.
"Song, family, destruction."
What comes next?
Come on, Jae-yi. You can do this.
You can figure it out.
I'm sure there's something you missed.
People think of it as their guideline to life,
so of course I should read it.
But if you study the almanac, you'll see that it covers the topic of
the providence of nature and the phases of life.
He even read this book for the people.
It covers the topic of the four phases of life?
Like he knows anything about life when he grew up comfortably in a palace.
Four phases of life.
Saeng-ro-byeong-sa.
Saeng-ro-byeong-sa!
So he was stabbed in the chest and stabbed once again
after he was dead?
A senior with no distinguishing features. "Ro" as in "old."
A man who was sick. "Byeong" as in "Disease."
He was stabbed again after he died.
He killed him again. "Sa" as in "Dead."
Then what's left is...
"Saeng" as in "Life."
Someone who's alive.
Someone who just got a new life.
Someone who's about to be born. An expectant mother.
What is it?
It's me, Eunuch Go.
Is Eunuch Soh inside?
-May I… -No.
Please. It's important.
What is going on here?
My apologies, but time is of the essence.
His Highness just fell asleep after reading.
Well...
We can't wake him up, can we?
Do you want to get spanked? Get out of here!
Then if he wakes up please tell him
and I figured out the pattern of the Cardinal Point case.
Tell them I'll stop another crime from happening!
Please tell him!
Section Chief Han!
Is that Eunuch Go of the East Palace?
What is he doing here?
Section Chief Han, there's something I must tell you.
I figured out the pattern.
He is just a eunuch.
Don't mind him.
This is about saving a life.
If he has something to say, I will listen.
What is the pattern you found out?
I knew you would listen to me.
Even if I'm just a mere eunuch,
I knew you'd listen.
Tell me.
If we can save a life, then we should.
Leave the soldiers in the east.
Gather the rest and look into midwives
to figure out who are about to give birth.
-You must hurry. -Yes, My Lord!
Let the constabulary know and join us.
-I'm heading right to the scene. -Yes, My Lord.
Let's go!
I will go with you too.
Catching a culprit and investigating
is completely different.
You've done your part, so go back to the palace.
I know it's dangerous,
but I insist.
Please don't worry. I will not be a burden.
Let's split up. One group follow the army staff official, the other follow me.
Yes, Sir!
Do you know anyone who's about to give birth?
There's one living over there.
Do you know anyone who's about to give birth?
I'm not sure.
-Is there anyone pregnant in this house? -No sir.
What's going on?
-Surround this house! -Yes, sir!
We came to the far west of the capital,
but there's no guarantee the crime will happen here.
All three previous murders
happened in the far north, east and west of the capital.
It's highly likely it'll happen here.
-Where did you learn all that? -Pardon?
How to investigate.
It's not a skill a eunuch normally has.
And you also know how to ride a horse.
I heard there's a woman who's about to go into labor around here.
Push.
Almost there. Just a little more.
Push.
It's a boy.
No!
Why are you doing this?
I have to kill...
to get my revenge...
Answer me properly!
You...
Aren't you the shaman from the Office of Shamanism?
Why would a shaman...
Sun-dol.
Sun-dol, wake up.
Can you hear me?
Open your eyes.
Take her under detention.
Do you know who I am?
Your Highness.
I saved someone.
But you got hurt.
You should've been more careful.
How did you get hurt?
You scared me half to death.
My family
or the messenger didn't die because of you.
So it's not your fault
that I got hurt.
Tae-gang, where are you?
There's no need.
I'll take him myself.
Your Highness, I'll carry him.
Your Highness, why are you carrying him?
-You can't do this. Give him to me. -Stop.
He is a eunuch from the East Palace.
I trust him,
so I'm the only one
who can touch him.
Can't you see that His Highness
doesn't even trust you, his best friend?
When I became the Crown Prince,
I decided to let go of all my friendships.
-You can't do this. Give him to me. -Stop.
I trust him...
I trust him,
so I'm the only one
who can touch him.
OUR BLOOMING YOUTH
This isn't a simple murder.
Does it have something to do with Master's death?
We must find the real culprit.
The only way to sanctify oneself of those crimes
is death.
You must've been afraid.
Of course, Go Sun-dol isn't real.
No one knows?
I will stand by you, Your Highness.
Was everything he said to me
a lie?