Moon River
Episode 8
The Man in the Black Mask
Looks good.
They're breaking the law engaging in illegal smuggling.
Deliver this confidential message to Hanyang.
I'm going to catch these smugglers together with the police.
I want to find out who is behind this smuggling operation.
Yes, Sir.
Who are you?
Do you know when tobacco tastes the best?
That would be sitting in front of your desk reading.
You have been reading for half a day,
and your throat is dry, just then nothing tastes better than tobacco, is that not so?
There is a time when it's even better.
When would that be?
That would be when you are standing in front of the King.
Standing there for a long time with your mouth shut your tongue turns bitter.
You smoke as soon as you walk out of the palace gates,
and your whole body feels so good.
That is true, that is true.
Oh! Did you hear the news?
What are you referring to?
On the festival day, there was a message sent from Ueiju.
The royal investigator who was sent to look into the illegal smuggling
of Qing traders has been killed.
Who could have done such a thing?
It must be the work of the bandits.
Nowadays, the bandits are running rampant throughout the nation.
What has happened to this country?
A royal investigator murdered by bandits!
A royal investigator murdered is one thing, but what about our relationship with the Qing?
The law forbids trade between Qing and Joseon, which is why there is smuggling.
Qing is a country of barbarians.
They forced us to be brothers with them by holding a knife to our throats.
This resulted in nothing but a long-lasting hatred in our hearts.
How could we possibly have any friendly relations with the Qing?
If they were to attack our country again, what should we do?
Should we not be prepared?
We don't need to worry.
We have the Ming.
The Ming will definitely help us.
Making preparations for war will only give the Qing an excuse to invade us.
Isn't it right, Minister Kim Ja Jeom?
We should take this opportunity to throw those who are against friendly relations with the Qing into prison.
That will silence them.
That's right!
Let us petition the King tomorrow.
If all of us here are in agreement on this matter, wouldn't the King also agree?
If we take this side, there will be an outcry from the other side.
If we take the other side, there will be an outcry from this side.
It is difficult to rule a country.
It certainly is. Who can understand our stress and the sleepless nights we face.
They say a great name is remembered for a hundred years.
Though we're not recognized now, we will surely be remembered by our future generations.
You are right.
Kim Ja Jeom...
became a minister of Han Seong, which would be the equivalence of Mayor of Seoul today,
was highly ambitious and sought an even greater power.
A look at his secret backyard, filled with items not allowed for personal use, may give a glimpse of that.
Preparations for war will give the Qing an excuse to invade us?
What is the use of grabbing on to a dying dragon's tail?
Perhaps they are afraid that it will affect their livelihood.
What a bunch of fools!
Did you have those men investigated?
Yes, Sir.
We are watching their every move.
Park Bi Su is here, do you want to see him?
Yes, tell him to enter.
Close the door.
Have a seat.
Have you taken care of the matter?
He asked for death.
Open it.
Everything is going as planned.
The government is incompetent and corrupt, and society is in chaos.
This is good news.
The Qing now has more reasons to invade Joseon.
This gold will be useful when that time comes.
Bulgasari's violent rampage has many people scared.
In order to calm the people's fears, the government recalled Gu Ja Myeong, back to his post.
When they received the secret report, the Bongseoni gang sent men to set up a roadblock...
to intercept the messengers carrying the order.
The name of this plan is the Bulgasansung Plan.
You bastards!
It is Bulgasari! Get him!
If you don't step aside, I'll kill you!
I'm going to kill all of you!
You... you... scumbag!
How dare you act in such an unruly manner?
What did you say?
Stop!
Who are you?
Let them go.
What?
Let those riding on horsebacks go on their way.
And the rest of you go home and sleep.
What is he?
What a peculiar person.
Listen carefully or you'll be sorry.
Come over here and I'll kill you first.
What just happened?
If you wish to have a taste of this sword, then step forward.
Yah! Let's run.
What are they doing?
Why are you looking so dumbfounded?
Why don't you go on your way before this beast wakes up?
Thank you.
Let's go men.
You need to hurry and bring back Gu Ja Myeong.
1..2..3..4, forward, good, good.
1..2..3..4, sideways, no, no.
1..2..3..4, forward, good, good.
1..2..3..4, sideways, no, no.
1..2..3..4... Gu Ja Myeong is coming back.
Wasn't he sent to exile not too long ago?
How come he's coming back so soon?
The Joseon government is so inconsistent.
They're ordering him back so fast because Bulgasari is terrorizing the people.
This isn't good.
I've to get out of here before Gu Ja Myeong comes.
Get out of jail? How?
I've done it before.
There are plenty of things I know.
I did it! I did it! I did it!
Three years of training and I have finally succeeded.
I can walk forward, backward, sideways, and even while I am sitting. I'm going forward.
Hey! You have to be well mannered while you are in front of the boss.
I've lived my life being well mannered.
Don't imitate me.
Let's go.
Have you been well?
You bunch of idiots!
I heard you were caught by the police and thrown in jail.
Why don't you just die! Die! Fools!
We are ashamed of ourselves.
But we brought a friend who could be of use to us.
He is really useful.
What kind of tricks are you trying to pull now?
The men you recruited in the past were all useless.
No, no, this time it's different.
Shut up!
Shut up?
Shut what up? Why don't you shut up first!
What do you take me for? Worthless thing!
What? Worthless thing!
What did you just say?
Where did this dimwit come from?
Dimwit? What dimwit? You're the dimwit!
You don't even know me, how dare you say I'm a dimwit?
You belittling, worthless fool!
Who is this man?
Yes? Yes... yes... yes...
He is a friend we escaped from jail with.
He has some amazing abilities.
Do you want to see what I am capable of?
I can see what that basket contains without using my hands.
It's dried corn.
I can use my feet to kick you in the face.
This isn't all.
It's only the beginning.
Do you know how to handle a sword?
What do you want?
Buy me. If you'll buy me, you won't be disappointed.
Buy you?
Buy my talents.
It will be beneficial to you if you do.
Unfortunately for Gu Ja Myeong, he was a day too late in returning from his exile.
You have arrived.
Has everyone been well?
Why don't you rest for a few days, and then come back to work.
I heard the dire situation won't allow that.
I have your uniform ready.
Thank you.
Even though he let Wang Hweng Bo escape,
Gu Ja Myeong distinguished himself when he captured Bulgasari
with some unexpected help from Iljimae.
What does this notice say?
I say, isn't that Bulgasari?
I can't read so how am I supposed to know?
The government has already captured Bulgasari.
The citizens should be thankful to the King.
There is no need to be afraid anymore.
Citizens should go about their daily lives.
If something like this should happen again, those who are involved will be severely punished.
That is the content of the notice.
The end.
Bulgasari has already ruined everything, so why is the government putting on a show now?
Furthermore, wasn't Iljimae the one who caught Bulgasari?
Yeah! I heard that also.
Iljimae accomplished something that even the police officers couldn't do.
Iljimae must be really something!
That kid who was present at that time said that Iljimae could fly here and there.
That kid has nerves of steel.
Although Iljimae caught Bulgasari, it was the kid who lured Bulgasari to Iljimae.
Is that what the kid said?
That he lured Bulgasari.
Yes, I heard it with my own ears.
That kid is quite extraordinary.
Aigoo!
Where should I meet him?
Miss, Miss.
Oh, it's you.
Have you seen Iljimae yet?
I have searched everywhere but I haven't seen even a shadow of Iljimae.
Oh, really.
Go ahead and eat.
Miss, why do you want to meet Iljimae?
I've told you already.
I think he is someone I know.
What is your relationship with him?
Relationship?
I met him very briefly three years ago.
Hmm?
You met him very briefly? And that's three years ago?
You cannot forget him and you've been searching for him.
This must indeed be...
Does it look like that to you?
The look in his eyes was like an abandoned animal.
And that is why I can't forget him.
You're right! He's someone you can't easily forget.
I have to go.
If you find Iljimae, be sure to let me know.
I am at Yeom Jin Sa's place at Namchong.
Yes, I understand.
She doesn't seem to be a good match for Iljimae.
How can I say it?
It seems like her face is a little too round.
Oh! How terrible.
Why don't you pay and take it home with you?
If you just read it all here, I'll be out of business soon.
Excuse me! You don't have any of these from the 9th volume?
Their spots are all empty.
Those books are very popular, everybody wants to borrow them.
I've already asked someone to transcribe additional copies.
Once they are ready, I'll let you know.
Please let me be the first one to read them.
Don't you worry. I'm doing this because I have to make a living.
But I am a nobleman.
Would a nobleman lie to you?
Then for today, I'll take these.
These are volumes three to eight.
As for the books you have borrowed so far...
Oh! You have passed 20 books.
That will be five coins, please.
I gave you one for free.
Yes, five coins.
All right. Thank you.
Here.
Yes.
Goodbye.
Oh, are you done already?
Yes.
Wow. I'm sure you don't have much spare time.
This is the original.
These are the ones that I transcribed.
Oh, you've worked hard.
Ah! Your penmanship is remarkable.
Please take these back with you and transcribe more copies.
'The Three Kingdoms' is very popular and many people want to read it.
It is especially popular with the ladies.
How many copies should I make?
It doesn't matter how many copies. Do whatever you can and bring them when finished.
You can do it, right?
I am getting paid for the work, so of course I'll do it.
Right, right..
For this, I will pay you more for all your hard work.
I'll be on my way now.
Wol Hee.
Oh, Uncle!
Even though our family fortunes have fallen, you're still a noble lady.
Therefore, you must act like one.
So how much longer will you be doing this kind of work?
Should one starve just because one is a nobleman?
That's why I'm telling you to get married.
What are your reasons for refusing so many marriage proposals?
You needn't concern yourself about this matter, Uncle.
My brother has already passed away.
How could I just sit and watch while my only niece fends for herself.
Please don't worry too much.
There's a saying that even though one digs in the mud in ten different ways, one can only catch earthworms.
I'll be happy if I can catch an eel.
What do you mean by that?
Why don't you think about it slowly?
This is my first time here.
I heard that a Chinese teahouse had opened.
It looks like business is doing well.
Wol Hee, don't try to change the subject.
At that moment, Iljimae with a loud "Ahh!" used his hands and hit Bulgasari on his head, causing him to fall.
What martial art form is that?
It is 'Jangbaek Geom's Chung Chun Byuk Ryuk'.
And just as the words say, it means 'a thunderstorm from a clear sky'.
Wait a minute.
How is it possible that it's Jangbaek Geom?
He didn't even use a sword.
Does anyone know?
Aigoo! Why is that?
Aigoo! No one knows!
Well, those who don't practice martial arts wouldn't know of course!
All right, all right.
To those of us who practice martial arts, the hand, the hand...
What's with the hand?
Huh, where I have seen that person before?
Those eyes look so familiar.
Hey, what happened next? What happened next?
Then...
Yah, yah, yah.
Oops, next time! I'll tell you the next time!
Hey, where are you going?
Come on! Tell us!
Excuse me! You are very pretty.
Brat! I asked you to look for Iljimae but again... and again you...
Brat! Just exactly who do you take after?
I take after you, of course.
Rascal!
What are you doing over there?
Where should I put this?
Deliver it to that room.
Yes, Madam.
Hurry up and go in.
You said you want to work here for the night?
Where are you from?
A gisaeng gave birth to me, so I don't know where my birthplace was.
There are two reasons why Iljimae disguised himself as a gisaeng.
The first is to find out what has been happening in Hanyang for the last three years.
The second is perhaps he can find out about his mother from the gisaengs.
Hey you!
You!
Didn't you hear me?
I said for you to follow me.
I am a little deaf.
Do you happen to know of a gisaeng by the name of Baek Mae?
Baek Mae?
Well...
This is the first time I've heard of that name.
Have you just arrived?
Tell me quickly.
I heard you have some news you wish to sell us.
Gosh, what is the hurry?
Let me get a drink first, and then we'll talk.
May we enter?
Yes.
Oh my! Oh my!
You're a new face here.
So what is your name?
What is your name?
Hey, I asked you for your name!
Hong Mae.
Why do I have to ask you so many times?
I was told she is a little deaf.
In order for her to understand, she has to read your lips.
She is so pretty.
It's a pity that she's deaf.
Take good care of them.
Enough of this nonsense!
What is the good news?
Hey! Jeez! Hey!
Turn your head to the other side.
There is a merchant by the name of Lee Song Gu.
He's transporting gold out of town.
He needs bodyguards, and we intend to do the job.
Gold?
They're being very hush hush in their movements. I think there is something suspicious going on.
But there is one problem.
What problem?
The truth is...
Don't worry about it.
Then I will entrust everything to you.
Hey, what's wrong with you?
I don't feel well so I was leaving early.
How are you unwell?
I'm having my monthly visitor.
Her cramps must be really bad.
Those clothes make you look like a bridegroom of a noble family.
I have no wife so how can I be a groom?
These are just really awkward and ungomfortoble.
Ungomfortoble?
Oh, uncomfortable.
You feel uncomfortable.
The sleeves are too wide and they are annoying.
Oh, so annoying!
You'll get used to it.
Why have you gathered everyone?
The Left Police Bureau Chief, Gu Ja Myeong, has returned to his post.
Furthermore, Bulgasari is now in jail and useless.
The situation is bad, and it will be tough for us to carry on with our activities.
We need to recover from this.
As a matter of fact, something big is going to take place.
Something big?
There is a merchant, Lee Song Gu, who has amassed a lot of wealth.
Since the conditions in Hanyang have been unstable lately,
he is turning all his assets into gold and transporting them back to his hometown.
I like gold.
The problem is someone else besides the Bongseoni is eyeing the gold.
Are you talking about Haedongcheong?
Yes, but don't worry.
We can turn things around to our advantage.
To our advantage?
After those men grab the gold chest...
Right. ThatÕs what weÕll do.
The rain has stopped.
The English poet, William Wordsworth, once said when he sees a rainbow his heart leaps up,
and he would rather die if he can't experience the joy of seeing a rainbow.
It is so beautiful.
They say if you see a rainbow, then someone whom you wish to see will turn up.
But that person will probably not turn up.
Oh my!
It's Wol Hee, right?
Do you remember me?
Of course I do.
Please do come in.
You didn't use honorifics with me before.
Come in.
Is your father in?
He passed away three years ago.
I feel uncomfortable entering a woman's room.
You weren't like that before.
Why don't come here to the heated floor?
The floor is warm. It feels good.
You've gotten prettier.
That's something I should say to you.
You're saying I've become prettier?
Yes.
To say that a man has become prettier doesn't sound right.
But it's the truth.
That is a lute.
When my father went to the city of Yan Jing in Ming China,
he brought this lute home with him.
Can you play?
I can play a little.
The love that consumes my entire being,
is approaching me.
Look into my eyes.
Forever, I will be by your side.
Show me now
what is in your heart
Please allow our love,
forever, until the end of time,
I can't see your eyes.
be just as it is at this moment.
It's better now.
There will be
Wol Hee, what is your surname?
no more parting for us.
You, my love forever.
It is Yum, the Yums of Pa Ju.
How about you, Iljimae?
I don't have a surname. It's just Iljimae.
Then your last name must be Heaven.
Please allow our love,
forever, until the end of time,
be just as it is at this moment...
Let neither one of us change
but remain as we are forever
When IÕm with you
I am always just one vulnerable man
I am your man.
I came because I have a favor to ask from you.
A favor?
I'm going to retrieve something and I'm hoping you can keep it here for me.
Something?
It's something that others must not see.
Last time I had to hide your body. I wonder what I have to hide this time.
It seems like I'm always hiding things for Iljimae.
I'm always thinking of you.
Cha Dol!
Yes.
T..t..thank you.
Come out!
I wonder who it is.
Who is it?
State your name first.
Stop this nonsense and open the door quickly.
We are from the Police Bureau.
You rascal, is there something you did wrong?
I've already turned over a new leaf.
Police Chief Gu.
My house is a little cluttered.
It's not a little cluttered but very cluttered.
Su Ryeon has told me everything.
You helped clear Iljimae of false accusations and also helped in my return to Hanyang.
I didn't do much.
I just told them what I saw.
I came today to thank you and also to ask you about something.
What is it?
Actually, it was something that happened before I returned to Hanyang.
The Bongseoni gang and Bulgasari tried to stop my return by trying to set up a roadblock.
Is that so?
Yes, but a black-masked man came and helped clear the way for the messengers.
Did you say a black-masked man?
So?
I'm wondering if perhaps it could be Iljimae.
Did you say Iljimae?
Is there something that makes you wonder so?
That's why I came to confirm with you.
You said that during the fight between Iljimae and Bulgasari, Iljimae drew out his sword.
Seon Dal was hiding and didn't see anything.
But I saw the whole thing very clearly.
Did you see the scabbard?
No, but I saw him draw out his sword from his backpack.
Another man said he didn't see the sword, only the scabbard.
One man saw the sword while another man saw the scabbard.
Therefore, what the men saw in common was...
the handle?
Right, and what did the handle look like?
There was something strange about that sword.
Strange?
The hand guard was different from that of a typical Joseon sword.
Seon Dal, what is a hand guard?
That is a good question.
Excuse me, please.
The hand guard is part of a sword that is just above the handle.
It protects the wielder's hands from an opponent's sword should it happen to slide down the blade.
- Ah! You mean the bridge of the nose? - Yes, that's right.
It can be called the bridge of the nose.
Thank you.
Ah, looking at the hand guard, that sword could be a Ninja sword.
A Ninja sword?
Yes, I was doing some research on Japanese weapons.
I happened to come across a drawing of a Ninja sword.
The hand guard was the same as the one that I saw during the fight.
Wow, Iljimae has mastered Chinese Eung Jo Kwon, Joseon Jangbaek Goem, and Japanese Ninja arts!
Where could Iljimae have learned those skills?
Could it mean he's been training in other countries?
You know Iljimae grew up in Qing China.
So he didn't necessarily travel outside the country.
Iljimae grew up in Qing China?
Oh, no wonder!
The first time I met Iljimae, he was dressed in Qing attire.
Police Chief!
Police Chief, do you know of Iljimae's young life?
It's a long story to tell.
It doesn't matter.
Why would Iljimae show up in a black-mask?
If it is about the market center incident 3 years ago, shouldn't he have gotten over it by now?
What's he trying to do?
We'll find out in due time.
Police Chief, tell us about Iljimae's past.
Police Chief Director.
This path is muddy and is slippery to walk on.
- Let's hurry even though it's difficult. - Hurry!
Yes, Sir.
Hurry up!
- Yes, Sir. - Hurry!
We have to get to our destination safely.
Sir! Sir!
What?
Please go ahead first.
What's the matter?
I need to go.
Ah! It would've been so much better if you had taken care of business before.
Just go and hurry back.
I will be back.
So what's happening?
There are 15 men.
They are hiding in the pine forest. Where is that rascal?!
Why is he taking such a long time?
Bandits! Bandits!
You think all this is gold?
I'm sure it is.
Let's open the chest and check.
It could be a fake.
Oh! It is cotton?
Gold! Gold! Gold! Gold!
It really is gold!
Rascals!
Don't move!
We are from the Bongseoni gang.
Keep the chest safe.
Attack!
How many men are left?
Just the three of us.
We have to leave this place immediately.
The Haedongcheong gang and the police will be arriving soon.
Let's go.
Who are you?
Just leave that there.
What did you say?
There is only one man.
We can get rid him.
You've worked very hard but,
I'll be taking this.
Is this what you wanted me to hide for you?
Yes.
What could it be?
It is something that the bandits left behind.
Oh my goodness! It's gold!
Shhh!
Wow, it is all gold.
Where did Cha Dol go?
I haven't seen him all day.
He's probably somewhere telling fantastic stories to anyone who would listen.
Seon Dal!
Seon Dal, I've been looking for you everywhere!
What is the urgency?
Hey, you brat!
Seon Dal.
Yes.
Iljimae has finally appeared.
Iljimae!
What is the matter?
The Police Bureau just received a report that Lee Song Gu was robbed by bandits and has been killed.
What?
What did you say?
Who would dare to do this?
I don't know what Lee Song Gu said.
Both the Haedongcheong and Bongseoni gangs were fighting over the gold.
Then who has the gold now?
It seems that the Bongseoni gang may have taken it.
As yet, it is still unclear which gang has possession of the gold.
I've already sent Park Bi Su to check.
There should be word soon.
We must find the gold!
We must absolutely find the gold!
What happened?
How could this virtually foolproof plan have failed?
A black-masked man suddenly appeared!
So just who is that black-masked man?
I really don't know.
What is this?
You defeated all of Haedongcheong's men, yet you still lost the gold!
That is just what happened!
What do you mean ŌThat is just what happened!Õ?
I was struck by this shuriken.
It happened right after the Haedongcheong was eliminated,
and we were about to transport the gold back.
A black-masked man appeared, and with one breath, he took down two of our men.
Then he threw the shuriken and it wounded my shoulder.
So?
What else could I do?
I could only watch while that masked man took the gold away.
No matter how you throw it, it will pierce its target.
I know what this is.
This is a shuriken used by the Japanese.
A Japanese shuriken!
Shuriken...
Then.. then does that mean he's Japanese?
Why on earth would a Japanese come here and do something like that?
He could just disguise himself, right?
A Japanese disguised himself and stole the gold here.
That doesn't even make any sense.
Such a pity!
If you had put me in charge instead of these bunch of fools.
Look here!
How could we entrust you with such an important mission?
You still don't trust me!
Enough!
This is so infuriating!
If you fight with each other,
will it make that gold appear here?
Sit down!
Such a pity!
It's such a pity that my tears are ready to fall.
What is gone is gone.
Now we must find the man who was responsible.
Not only we will find the masked man, but we will find the gold as well!
You just watch!
What are you going to do with the gold pieces after you've cut them up?
I am going to make a golden hairpin for Wol Hee.
Do you have charcoal?
Charcoal?
The storage room has a whole basket of charcoal that has never been used.
They say gold is evil. Here I am
right by him and he doesn't even see me.
I have brought the charcoal.
Can you bring the stove here as well?
The stove?
Can you bring me some clay?
Huh, he even wants that.
Is this enough?
If I have to marry a man like you, Iljimae, I'll be in trouble.
I wait all day for you while you devote yourself to your work.
I'll surely turn into an old lady.
What do you want now?
What is it this time?
Should I bring a spoon or a pot?
This time I want Wol Hee.
Oh, oh. This is going to fall off.
Iljimae's charm is melting Wol Hee's heart.
While Wol Hee's charcoal is melting the gold.
It's going to be ready soon.
Just a little while longer.
How can you tell?
The metal is boiling.
My insides are boiling even more.
Oh, pass me that wooden planks.
So the fetching begins once again.
Can you bring me a bucket of ice water?
You should just give me a list of things you want so that I can bring them all at once.
Quickly!
Wow, it's really pretty!
Volume 9 ~ Golden Apricot Blossoms
For me, there's just one thing I've got to have.
Where is the gold?
Iljimae.
You're really out of line!
You villain!
Kim Kyeong Cheol.
We must capture every single one of them.
... going in...
This is the beginning.
The place that I'm dreaming of
is the place where my love is
I will smile to my heart's content.
My love, the one I love
Don't let me go
My love, the one I love
whisper into my ears.
Loving me the most
and laying everything down.
My love, the one I love.