Alchemy of Souls (2022) s01e06 Episode Script
Episode 6
1
ALCHEMY OF SOULS
Yul from the Seo family.
Do not come back here ever again.
If we meet again,
I will kill you.
Wait--
I could not stop her from leaving.
I could not ask her why.
The moment she sliced
my sincerity in half,
I could no longer cherish
our memories together.
It became a secret
that I had to bury within my heart.
You are up early. Why are you out here?
Why…
did you come here?
I caught a bird. I will cook it for you.
I do not enjoy eating.
I will be cooking rice with chestnuts.
The chestnuts here are very sweet.
Danhyanggok has very sweet chestnuts.
I do not enjoy sweet things.
You could have just declined.
Given your power,
you could have killed me just now.
Do not overreact.
While it is true I pushed you away,
it was with no intention to kill.
So you did push me away.
Do not bother to prepare breakfast.
I will leave once Dang-gu wakes up.
Be my guest if you do not wish to eat.
Why are you still here?
I will eat before I go.
Prepare some food for me.
I thought you did not wish to eat.
I never said that.
Do not put words in my mouth.
Since you were drunk yesterday,
I thought you would still be hungover.
I only declined
because I did not want to burden you.
I understand.
In that case,
-I should rinse some more rice.
-Where is it?
-I will do it.
-Have you cooked rice before?
I have not, but I can do it
as long as you teach me.
It is quite simple.
Rinse it in water,
then pour in a decent amount of water,
and cook it on high heat.
Then let it sit for some time.
It is pretty simple.
You said you could do it if I taught you.
You said it was simple.
I was wrong. I am sorry.
Jeez. Look at this.
It is all burnt.
Let me make it up to you.
How about those vegetables?
Teach me how to chop them.
-Jeez, what a waste of rice.
-Goodness.
Dang-gu.
Hey.
You should bathe here before you go.
The mineral water makes your skin soft.
Have some breakfast too.
Right.
Mu-deok and Yul
are making breakfast together.
-Together?
-Yes.
Yul is cooking rice with Mu-deok.
Goodness.
I told you to cut
the green onions into big pieces.
-This big?
-No.
Do you not understand
what "big pieces" mean?
Big pieces.
Big pieces…
You are wrong.
Those are too small.
Like this.
Big pieces. Like this.
You should have elaborated more.
How was I to know
when all you said was "big pieces"?
I thought you were
the best mage of Jeongjingak.
How could you not differentiate
what is big from small?
Forget it.
Pour a bowl of water into that soup.
Wait…
Which bowl are you talking about?
This one?
Or do you mean
this one?
That one.
Why does it look like
Mu-deok is scolding him?
Are you sure she likes him?
That is the type of girl she is.
She does not easily like
or feel shy in front of others.
Goodness. Look at Yul.
He is still learning well
despite being scolded.
-Learning?
-Look.
I said that was enough.
I do not enjoy salty food.
Jeez.
He was never like that
-Taste it yourself.
-in front of Master Heo or my uncle.
This is interesting.
Does he not look like
an intimidated pupil?
It is bland, right?
See? You should have stopped
when I told you to.
-I am sorry.
-A cute master and her diligent pupil.
That is enough. It needs to boil down.
-A master and her pupil?
-Let it sit.
Why were you so stubborn
when this was your first time cooking?
All right.
Let me see how well you taught him
and how well you learned from her.
Let me have a taste.
It is tasty.
Tasty?
I seasoned it just as Mu-deok told me to.
Well done.
You must have been elated
to be complimented by your master.
I thought I was good at everything
since people called me a genius.
But I learned that there are things
I am not good at.
Mu-deok.
Thank you for helping me realize this.
It was frustrating
since he could not understand me at all.
But he was determined to keep learning.
That is why I kept teaching him.
Look at you exaggerating.
Is this a royal meal or something?
There are things you can learn
from preparing a meal.
-You should learn as well.
-Sadly,
I do not have a great master like he does.
I am sorry, but the rice is a bit burnt.
-I see.
-You can learn how to do it again.
Mu-deok, do you think
Yul can do better next time around?
He is not completely hopeless.
Thank you for your words.
Why are you washing them alone?
Ask your wonderful pupil to help you.
He prepared the meal,
so I ought to clean up.
Were you happy to teach him?
Do you want him
to be your pupil?
It would have been easier
had he been my pupil.
He is diligent and obedient.
He is not lazy or reckless like you.
Master, do not cheat on me.
What?
I get that you like him
since he is diligent and obedient.
But I am your one and only pupil.
A master should not have
multiple pupils and vice versa.
Are you upset
because I taught Yul how to cook?
Yes, I am. How could you
teach someone else
when your pupil is standing
right in front of you?
If you are going to teach someone
how to cook, it should be me.
Teaching someone else
is betrayal and cheating.
I can try to understand the betrayal part.
But cheating?
I am speechless.
I am certain
that I sensed cheating.
What was that?
What is it this time?
Mu-deok, do not cheat on me.
It hurts and upsets me.
I did not know
my pupil was this possessive.
Fine. My one and only pupil
will be you who spews nonsense
first thing in the morning. Happy?
-But--
-Mu-deok!
Mu-deok!
Young Master.
Would I be cheating
if I addressed others as Young Masters
and answered their calls?
That cannot be helped.
But when you address them,
be a bit indifferent.
How ridiculous.
Young Master Park! I am coming!
Mu-deok, you are hurting my feelings.
I told you to be indifferent.
That is one tall tree.
Yul, was this the tree you wanted to see?
I think so.
I cannot believe it really exists.
How did you know that I was injured?
There is a really tall tree nearby.
I can see the entirety
of Danhyanggok from up there.
You can see the entirety
of Danhyanggok from up there.
Does that mean you have climbed up
that tree before, Mu-deok?
That was just my guess
since the tree was so tall.
Then do you want to climb it?
Should I help you get up there?
Dang-gu, you cannot climb that tree.
You need to have mastered
at least Chisu to go up there.
Is that so?
Should I try?
Yes.
Maybe you could do it.
Mu-deok, go with him.
Do you want to go up there?
No, thank you.
I do not want to climb
such a special tree with just anyone.
"Just anyone"?
I guess she is too afraid to go up there.
Let us go.
I examined the core of his energy.
He was a commoner, not a mage.
I am certain that there are more victims.
There is a soul shifter among us.
What should we do, Master Lee?
Locating the origin of
this sorcery is direr
than catching the soul shifter.
I suspect Cheonbugwan.
This soul shifter
who had entered Songrim recently
was a constellation recorder mage there.
Also, the one who killed Naksu,
who died while soul shifting,
and destroyed all traces of her men
was Assistant Gwanju Jin Mu.
Naksu…
We identified him
with the possessions he had.
Who was he?
He was a low-ranking servant
from Cheonbugwan.
What? Cheonbugwan was involved once again.
I will confront Jin Mu right now.
Follow me.
Yeom!
Yes?
Do not do anything.
You used to ruin everything
due to your recklessness back in the day.
You may have aged now,
but your temper remains.
I am sorry, Master Lee.
It is not the time yet.
We must observe Cheonbugwan discreetly.
Jin.
You have grown up well.
You used to wear a diaper and roam around.
I cannot believe you are all grown up
and leading your people.
Master Lee.
Who is he?
He was the pupil
of Master Seo Gyeong,
the founder of Songrim.
But he is so young.
He is not.
I still remember singing…
at his 100th birthday party.
I even danced.
Is this dog Gwigu?
So it was you
who took Gwigu from Jinyowon.
He will find the soul shifter.
Naksu was the one
who died while soul shifting, right?
Yes, Master Lee.
She was a notorious assassin
who was talented in spells.
Was it Naksu's soul that I sensed?
The one who has Jang Gang's sword
-is his son, Jang Uk, right?
-Yes.
Have you seen him before?
I met a boy with a binding bracelet
and his maid who followed him around.
It was interesting.
Mu-deok packed us some chestnuts.
Yes, they are sweet.
Give some to Maidservant Kim as well.
Sure.
Why did you bring your father's sword?
Oh, that? Mu-deok brought it.
You are not going to train,
so why did you bring this precious sword?
Should I give it to Maidservant Kim?
You…
are not
his son.
Do as you wish.
-Let us go.
-Sure.
Did you say
you came here often to pick herbs?
Have you ever encountered someone
who lived here?
No, Young Master Seo.
Who would live in a place like this?
I see.
One more thing.
Did it get pretty cold during the winter?
Why do you ask?
I never came here during the winter.
I worried whenever it started snowing.
I worried if it was too cold
or if things were all right amid the snow.
It is actually warmer
than you think.
The snow quickly melts in the sunny spots.
Is that so? I am relieved.
There is a variety of food
to eat during the winter
and many places
to take refuge from the snow.
-I bet this will be tasty.
-They are really sweet.
Should we stay a day more?
Mu-deok must really like him.
She does not
like him.
I am telling you. She does.
Look.
She does not look at us
the same way she looks at him.
The wind keeps blowing.
Is it coming from her?
Dang-gu, let us go.
All right.
Goodbye, Mu-deok.
Let us go.
I will see them off.
-Bye.
-Bye.
Try to remember
where you had lost your Spirit Plaque.
-I will.
-Lie low.
The Unanimous Assembly
was summoned because of you.
I guess all 12
of my former masters attended it.
They were all so heartless
to their former pupil.
They even mentioned
cutting off your energy flow.
-Why would they say that?
-What?
Because you avoided your duel by fleeing.
But it is a ridiculous duel.
And you did not want it either.
Nobody is expecting you
to come to that duel.
So just stay here
and be laid-back like always.
The leader wanted to know something.
He asked if you were doing
as you were told.
You are
the result of your mother's love affair.
But we cannot allow you
to lead Cheonbugwan after your father.
So stop dreaming of becoming…
like your father.
Just stay a clueless Young Master
of the Jang family.
Can I tell him that you are?
Have I ever listened to anyone?
Tell him I am doing
the very opposite and being reckless.
Dang-gu, leave that here.
Why?
I want to help Mu-deok catch a pheasant.
Goodbye.
Did we hurt his pride?
Let him be.
We cannot ask him to come
and meet a dignified death.
So you retrieved the sword you threw away.
It hurt my pride to hear
that I was a laughingstock.
In that case, let us train
as if your life depended on it.
You seem happy
to hear that your pupil
became a laughingstock.
Since we are on the topic,
let me add more motivation.
Your friends did not ask you
to return home with them.
Had they been in your shoes,
they would have fought to their deaths.
But they told you to hide and run away.
Can you guess why?
That is because you are worthless.
Your tongue is sharp like a sword.
You do not hesitate to cut me
with your words. How merciless.
I would not hesitate
to stab you with a sword
if that could get you back on your feet.
Yes, Master.
Keep stabbing your worthless pupil.
Why are you not motivated
after what I said?
Why are you dispirited?
Your spiteful words demotivated me.
I need to bathe and cool myself down.
Why does he bathe so much in one day?
You worthless and lazy scumbag.
I hope you burn yourself in hot water!
Unbelievable. What kind of a master
says such a thing to her pupil?
Did Uk not know
how he lost his Spirit Plaque?
Maybe someone sold it
after he had dropped it,
and that is how those men got hold of it.
I heard there was a place
where they sold such plaques.
Keep tracking his Spirit Plaque.
-Yes, my lord.
-Yes, my lord.
How…
is Uk doing?
He is doing well. He fishes and drinks.
He has yet to unfasten
the binding bracelet.
You may go.
It is not that heavy anymore.
It does not hinder my movement either.
Some mages train with an iron rod
to strengthen their arms
to better wield their swords.
You were unknowingly
strengthening yourself
by wearing that heavy bracelet all day.
It was not intentional,
but you found yourself
an excellent training tool.
You are extraordinarily lucky.
If I take this off,
I will be faster and stronger.
But if you fail to control yourself,
you will become even more reckless.
I…
Never mind.
What did you and Yul talk about?
About Danhyanggok.
He asked how it was during the winter.
You have met Naksu
when you were young?
I was still unsure after seeing her body.
But going to Danhyanggok
helped me confirm it.
That is why I am telling you now.
Danhyanggok is
a deep and dangerous valley.
A young girl cannot possibly
survive there on her own.
It seemed like she was living in hiding.
After she learned
of my name and my family,
I was not able to see her again.
That must mean she recognized your name.
Tell me everything you know about her.
There is nothing.
I do not know her name or age.
Other than the cliff
where we called out for birds,
I have never been to her abode.
There is one thing.
She once mentioned her father.
My father wrote down the stars.
I did not think much of it back then.
But writing down the stars
is what a constellation recorder
from Cheonbugwan does.
My lord.
Among their constellation recorder mages,
do any of them have a grudge against us?
A constellation recorder
from Cheonbugwan?
A mage?
Twenty years ago, there was
one constellation recorder mage who died
in the hands of the four families.
His entire family
lost their lives that day.
Except for one member.
His one and only daughter disappeared.
So our family was involved
in her father's death.
She must have been hostile toward you
because your family was involved
in her father's death.
Is there anything else that you remember?
This was a very long time ago.
I do not remember anything else.
Because I missed them.
The broken leg did not bother me.
And I was not scared to get scolded.
I liked them a lot.
I saw you using that
to summon your bird a few times.
I would also like to try.
Can I have that?
The Crown Prince is powerful.
There is only one way
my pupil can subdue him and stay alive.
Tansu.
What do you want me to do?
Slice through the water drops
as they fall.
They are not raindrops.
Even someone unskilled as you
can slice through
such slow-moving water drops.
Go on.
Only three drops in one breath.
That does not matter.
Tansu, the skill you will master,
will only require you to slice one.
Tansu?
Look here.
I understand that I am a quick study,
but mastering Tansu is pushing it.
I guess having 12 masters
in the past has taught you something.
That is correct.
You can only learn that skill
once you have mastered Chisu.
You barely mastered Ryusu,
yet you are still struggling
to control your energy.
A subpar pupil like you cannot learn it.
But?
But that is the only way
for you to fight against the Crown Prince
and come out alive.
Tansu is swordsmanship that involves
flicking energy with your sword.
Your right arm may lack the skills,
but it has become stronger
thanks to the binding bracelet.
Just one drop.
Hit one waterdrop
so you can gather and flick your energy.
You will not master it that quickly.
Let us eat and resume.
Tansu?
He will never master that skill.
That is not a relationship
of a maid and her young master
but that of a master and her pupil.
Mu-deok.
So you are training him.
I see he was studying Tansu.
Where did you learn that?
Young Master Jang is quite knowledgeable
thanks to his former 12 masters.
Is he trying to run
before learning to walk?
He has a long way to go.
In any case, he should try.
His next step could lead him to his death.
Is your young master aware of that?
Why did you not dodge it?
Seriously.
That is the result
of forcing your energy to come out.
Your arm could burst if this continues.
It looks like it could rot.
Then you will have to cut it off.
Are you serious?
If the rotten energy spreads
throughout your body,
you could die.
The heat has subsided. You are fine.
Rest up. That is the best remedy.
What a liar.
Everything he said was true, right?
But then again, whether I die of poison,
flogging, being stabbed,
or my hand exploding,
this merciless master does not
worry about her pupil.
That is right.
It is because you are
extremely lucky and worthy.
Lying is becoming second nature to you.
I am just not trying to dispirit you.
I see. Thank you, my cruel master.
But stay away
when I am holding a sword from now on.
You almost got stabbed back there.
I only stood still
because I wanted you to control it.
I was not trying to hinder you.
You were not hindering me.
I am just worried about you.
Think of me as a mother bird
who is worried
about her egg cracking.
Can you even relate?
Whatever. What you did
barely made me crack.
I could have dodged it.
It was not dangerous?
How could you have dodged it
when I was so fast?
You were not that fast.
You little…
Could not dodge that, could you?
You attacked without warning!
Really? Then I will warn you.
Mu-deok, your eyes.
Jeez…
You bastard.
I cannot believe you fell for that again.
Do that again.
From this up close?
-Really?
-Try me.
Mu-deok.
The blue marks are barely visible now.
They were quite pretty.
And you should not provoke me
when we are this close.
Do you not think I would do
something else from this distance?
I guess you understood what I meant.
Maybe there are things
I can teach you in this field.
Jang Uk.
You must think I am naive
for having lived alone here.
Well, I guess.
I will have you know
I can teach you in other ways too.
Such as?
Hey! You…
A truly skilled individual attacks
when their enemy least expects it.
Keep that in mind, my pupil.
Unlike me, you poked me really hard!
Mu-deok.
Hey. Mu-deok.
Is that a new concubine?
He does not even bother
to follow the formalities anymore.
She is from a small family of mages
from the east.
A comet brushed past the Big Dipper
the day she was born.
At this rate, he will summon every woman
born with strange horoscopes.
He just wants the King's Star.
When the late king ascended the throne,
it was prophesized that the next king
would have the energy of the King's Star.
The people of Daeho were delighted.
However,
your father who had an ordinary horoscope
ascended the throne next.
And you are no different either.
So people started talking.
The divination was incorrect.
Gwanju Jang Gang fled
after giving such a ridiculous divination.
Your father believes in it.
That is why you are afraid.
I am not afraid.
You are afraid that someone
with that energy will appear
or that your father
may have a son like that.
I am aware of that.
Your duel against Jang Uk
is around the corner.
Eliminate the son of that man
who gave such a terrifying divination.
You must get rid of your fears
when you can.
Do you think
he will even show up that day?
I heard he fled.
Rumor has it that he is even
contemplating marriage to avoid it.
Marriage?
I heard he is marrying into the Jin family
so he can earn the Jin family's plaque.
Uk and Cho-yeon are getting married?
Did they not break off
their engagement before?
That is why
it is easier to prepare for it.
She still had the marriage gifts
from last time.
I see.
After the marriage ceremony, Jang Uk…
I mean, my husband will move in here.
But my current room
is too small for both of us.
Can we use
the big room in the east instead?
But that is your sister's room.
It is the best room we have.
It is such a waste
to keep it vacant for over a decade.
It was never vacant.
Bu-yeon will return.
I am sorry, Mother.
Your father is looking for her.
Your sister will return home soon.
Bring me the yin-and-yang jade
from Jinyowon.
The yin-and-yang jade?
You have been wanting that.
They say when you and your lover
wear rings made of that jade,
your love for each other deepens.
Craft your wedding rings with it.
Thank you, Mother.
What an annoying pot.
It was you, was it not?
How annoying.
I guess it annoys you
that I am getting married.
But wait and see.
I will become even more annoying
once I wear a ring made of this jade.
Eat up.
All right.
I had brought home a pheasant earlier.
So why are there only greens?
It is inside--
It is in the soup.
The pheasant was so tiny.
There was not much left
after making that broth.
I do get a very faint taste of it.
I overheard this
while selling herbs in Songrim.
Two prominent families
will be marrying off their kids.
Who will be getting married?
Lady Jin's daughter is getting married.
Cho-yeon is getting married? To whom?
To the son of Cheonbugwan's Gwanju.
Is that not you?
I was never told I was getting married.
What is going on?
What is up Maidservant Kim's sleeve?
Most hastened weddings
tend to be shotgun weddings.
That is not true.
You were previously engaged to her.
Maybe you could not control yourself.
How could she be pregnant
when we were never this close?
Right. You are all talk.
What?
Then why did you refuse
the chaste herb tea?
That is because…
I have plans to marry later on.
You must want to get married one day.
Yes, I do.
I truly want to.
I will get married at all costs.
Wait up.
Why did you want to see me?
When will the mother-of-pearl cabinet
that I ordered from Songrim come?
It is for Uk and me.
The trade from the south
will arrive in two weeks.
That will be too late.
I should have ordered sooner.
Forget about the mother-of-pearl cabinet.
You should inform Uk first.
He has no idea about this.
That is why
I have written a letter to him.
Read it and share your thoughts.
Sure.
It is fragrant.
This is a perfume
that incurs the feeling of love.
A treasure of Jinyowon.
Gosh, it is very fragrant.
Why are you sniffing it?
Stop that!
Hold your nostrils shut!
I almost wasted the precious perfume.
Please give this to him.
And make sure there are no women
around him when he opens it.
I will.
What are you doing?
Uk's hand size is similar to yours, right?
Why do you ask?
Come with me to get our wedding rings.
Lend me your hand.
Why would I go there with you?
Go with your groom.
Marriage should only happen
when both sides agree to it.
I pity you for being like this.
Why?
Do you think I am getting ahead of myself?
Do you think he will break it off again?
Whether you are getting ahead
of yourself or not,
I will help you.
Just make sure it pans out.
And I will lend you my hand.
Come to think of it,
Maidservant Kim was against the
idea of me living with the wife's family
the last time we discussed
marriage with Cho-yeon.
There is only one reason
why this is being discussed again.
She wants to save me.
She must have made
a deal with the Jin family
to avoid your duel with the Crown Prince.
She probably needed Lady Jin's help.
If that were the case,
will you get married?
What should I do, Master?
Should I get married?
Can I?
If you do, we can
no longer stay in Danghyanggok.
Right. I should return home.
Even still,
we cannot have this relationship.
Why not? I can still keep you
by my side as my maid.
I have no plans
to stay by your side as just a maid.
You can go ahead alone.
I will be at Chwiseonru.
If you do not pick me up,
I will go back alone.
CHWISEONRU
What is going on?
We are from Cheonbugwan.
We were told to escort you.
Let us go.
This is the Crown Prince's sachet.
I have His Royal Highness' protection.
You cannot touch me.
What are you doing? Let me go!
This is the Crown Prince's sachet.
We brought her
from Chwiseonru like he wanted.
Chwiseonru?
The girl you wanted is here,
Your Royal Highness.
Where?
Over here.
Her?
Lift your head up.
Lift your head up.
Why are you dressed like that?
I do not know.
She did this to me
after I was dragged here.
Did you do that?
Is she not the gisaeng
from Chwiseonru?
No, she is not.
-She is Filthy Mu-deok.
-Filthy?
Get out.
Go.
Look at you.
Why did you want to see me?
I had something to tell you,
so I told them to get you.
But you are not Filthy Mu-deok right now.
Filth and silk do not go hand in hand.
Maybe in your dictionary, it does.
Did you just snap at me?
No, Your Royal Highness.
I am grateful that you dressed someone
as filthy as me in silk.
All right. This new look…
does not suit you.
Since you do not like it
and I am uncomfortable in this,
let me go get changed.
No.
It is all right. Just keep it on.
Tell me what you want, and I will do it.
Tell your young master
not to show up that day.
I do not want to kill him
and become enemies with Songrim
or the Jang family.
It is best that he fled,
and let us keep it that way.
So he just needs to be the laughingstock.
That is right.
If he becomes stubborn, dissuade him.
He will die if he fights me.
Tell him to stay hidden,
then get married to the Jin family.
So it is true
that getting married will save his life.
What will happen to you
if he gets married?
Will you go with him?
No, I will not.
Why not? Did he refuse?
You were even willing
to drink filthy chamber pot water for him.
He knows neither loyalty
nor duty.
He does know a bit, Your Royal Highness.
Are you taking his side?
You were always bad-mouthing him.
I am sorry, Your Royal Highness.
It would please you if I bad-mouthed him.
But I have no energy
to run my mouth right now.
You are a filthy mutt
who will be abandoned by its owner.
Should I take you in?
I can do that.
There must be things you can do here too.
No, thank you.
I may be a filthy girl
whom everyone avoids,
but I refuse to serve just anyone.
Forget it. I do not want
someone filthy by my side either.
-You may leave.
-Yes, Your Royal Highness.
I will go now,
Your Royal Highness.
"Just anyone"?
But I am the Crown Prince.
Filthy Mu-deok does not know
to whom she is speaking.
-Be gentle. Take your time.
-Yes, ma'am.
Maidservant Kim.
How have you been?
Young Master!
My dear Young Master!
-Young Master!
-Were you worried?
Have you been eating well?
Yes, I have. I have been well.
Goodness.
Your skin is radiating.
Oh, please.
Let us go inside.
Was she the one who tried to sell…
Songrim's Spirit Plaque?
It was not me. It was Mu-deok.
Mu-deok tried to sell Uk's Spirit Plaque?
I just introduced her to the seller.
In the end, Ae-hyang snatched it herself.
So Mu-deok and I are innocent.
What is this?
Why are you dressed like that?
It is a long story.
Have you returned to Chwiseonru?
Did Uk send you back
since he is getting married?
No, Young Master Seo.
Even if that was the case,
I would never come back here.
Ju-wol finally caved in and told me
that you tried to sell Uk's Spirit Plaque.
Yes, I did.
Why?
Because I needed money.
I wanted to wear pretty clothes,
have good food,
and have fun at places like this.
Was that the case
when you were drunk last time?
That is correct. I stole
Young Master Jang's money and drank.
I am just so puzzled by you.
I cannot understand you.
You do not need to.
Just stay that way.
I am going inside.
Would you like to come with me?
That is all right.
Goodbye, then.
CHWISEONRU
The Spirit Plaque…
So it was you, Naksu.
Young Master.
Why do you not want to get married?
Do you dislike Young Lady Jin?
It is not that I dislike her.
I am just not interested.
You have feelings
for someone else, do you not?
Who is it?
Do I know her?
No, you do not.
So there is one.
I knew it.
Who is she?
Well…
She is like
a single bird egg on top of a tree.
I am the only one she has,
so how could I possibly get married?
Those kinds of girls
are the most dangerous!
Those who have nothing to brag about
but are just clingy!
She is not like that.
Who is she? Tell me this instant.
I will take care of it.
Exactly how?
Once I give her
a silk pouch full of money,
she will crack out of her egg
and fly away.
She cannot fly anywhere.
It is not that easy.
In any case, I cannot get married.
So take care of it for me.
You better take care of it, got that?
Young Master.
What is wrong? Are you hurt?
Let me see.
What happened to your arm?
Did it get out of control again?
Please sell that dress.
-It is made of silk, so make it worth it.
-All right.
Our madam is tending
to a customer at the moment.
Young Lady Jin from Jinyowon is here.
She is looking for someone
who can craft her wedding rings.
She is marrying
a young master from Songrim.
Then how about this one?
These are the works
of Daeho's best craftsmen?
They are stylish but a bit tacky.
Then may I see the yin-and-yang jade?
Seeing it for myself will help me
give you better recommendations.
They say when you and your lover
wear rings made of that,
your love for each other deepens.
Why did the jade break?
It was fine when I took it with me.
I see. That is when it broke.
Mu-deok.
Young Lady Jin.
Why are you suddenly leaving?
That is Mu-deok. Is Uk here as well?
No.
-I see.
-Since they are attached at the hip,
he must be somewhere in the fortress.
Attached at the hip?
As his maid, she is serving him.
Watch what you say.
Mu-deok is not just
any ordinary maid to him.
He came by to pick Mu-deok up
when she was drunk recently.
He adores her so much.
He even carried her on his back.
It is obvious
that he picked her from the get-go
because she won his heart.
Is Mu-deok from here? Was she a gisaeng?
She is one poor girl.
No wonder he cares about her so much.
Hey.
You know who I am, right?
Of course, I do.
You are Young Lady Jin from Jinyowon.
You will have to address me
as "Lady" soon.
Because I will marry
your young master soon.
Goodness. Congratulations, my lady.
As your master's wife,
you will serve me too.
There is something you must do.
First, carry this.
What is this?
What was that?
A broken stone?
It is a precious object.
If it breaks or cracks,
you will have to take responsibility.
Is she saying that
when it is already broken?
Take that and follow me.
My lady.
You are not someone I must serve yet.
I must go
to Young Master Jang now. Goodbye.
Is she looking down on me?
Was that real back there?
It is best that
I do not cross paths with him.
Hey! You!
The dangerous man?
Or this mean brat?
My lady.
Give that to me. I will carry it.
Sure.
Make sure you do not break it.
So it is broken.
She is going to put the blame on me.
Is this the Jin family's abode?
Why are you not coming?
Mother.
You cannot leave like this.
Say that you will marry her
in front of your late mother's portrait.
That is the only way
to protect your father's position.
Maidservant Kim.
Do you think
I really am my father's son?
Do you know
who my real father is?
What do you mean?
You are Gwanju Jang Gang's son.
Yes. That is what I believed all my life.
I do not want to deny it now.
So…
I will not sit still.
Do not stop me
no matter what I do.
Maidservant Kim,
the Jin family sent someone.
From Jinyowon? What is it about?
Something happened there.
They want Young Master Jang to hurry over.
You were looking for me?
What is this about?
A precious treasure of ours
has disappeared.
And an individual
has disappeared with it.
So this is Jinyowon.
Hey.
So it is you.
It has been a long time.
You are saying Mu-deok
-disappeared here?
-Yes.
Your maid, Mu-deok,
stole our yin-and-yang jade and ran away.
Subtitle translation by: Soo-ji Kim
ALCHEMY OF SOULS
You have been thinking about me,
Your Royal Highness,
so I came to see you.
You were longing for
the one you met at Danhyanggok.
I was longing for you?
I have never done that.
Open the door.
Open the door to Jinyowon,
where relics and artifacts reside.
You could be possessed by sorcery
and be unable to return.
You are just too scared to touch them.
What was that?
Bring Jang Uk.
I must hand you over so I can live.
It is what must be done.
So Mu-deok was Naksu.
Fight like your life depends on it,
my pupil.
Ripped and synced by
TTEOKBOKKIsubs
ALCHEMY OF SOULS
Yul from the Seo family.
Do not come back here ever again.
If we meet again,
I will kill you.
Wait--
I could not stop her from leaving.
I could not ask her why.
The moment she sliced
my sincerity in half,
I could no longer cherish
our memories together.
It became a secret
that I had to bury within my heart.
You are up early. Why are you out here?
Why…
did you come here?
I caught a bird. I will cook it for you.
I do not enjoy eating.
I will be cooking rice with chestnuts.
The chestnuts here are very sweet.
Danhyanggok has very sweet chestnuts.
I do not enjoy sweet things.
You could have just declined.
Given your power,
you could have killed me just now.
Do not overreact.
While it is true I pushed you away,
it was with no intention to kill.
So you did push me away.
Do not bother to prepare breakfast.
I will leave once Dang-gu wakes up.
Be my guest if you do not wish to eat.
Why are you still here?
I will eat before I go.
Prepare some food for me.
I thought you did not wish to eat.
I never said that.
Do not put words in my mouth.
Since you were drunk yesterday,
I thought you would still be hungover.
I only declined
because I did not want to burden you.
I understand.
In that case,
-I should rinse some more rice.
-Where is it?
-I will do it.
-Have you cooked rice before?
I have not, but I can do it
as long as you teach me.
It is quite simple.
Rinse it in water,
then pour in a decent amount of water,
and cook it on high heat.
Then let it sit for some time.
It is pretty simple.
You said you could do it if I taught you.
You said it was simple.
I was wrong. I am sorry.
Jeez. Look at this.
It is all burnt.
Let me make it up to you.
How about those vegetables?
Teach me how to chop them.
-Jeez, what a waste of rice.
-Goodness.
Dang-gu.
Hey.
You should bathe here before you go.
The mineral water makes your skin soft.
Have some breakfast too.
Right.
Mu-deok and Yul
are making breakfast together.
-Together?
-Yes.
Yul is cooking rice with Mu-deok.
Goodness.
I told you to cut
the green onions into big pieces.
-This big?
-No.
Do you not understand
what "big pieces" mean?
Big pieces.
Big pieces…
You are wrong.
Those are too small.
Like this.
Big pieces. Like this.
You should have elaborated more.
How was I to know
when all you said was "big pieces"?
I thought you were
the best mage of Jeongjingak.
How could you not differentiate
what is big from small?
Forget it.
Pour a bowl of water into that soup.
Wait…
Which bowl are you talking about?
This one?
Or do you mean
this one?
That one.
Why does it look like
Mu-deok is scolding him?
Are you sure she likes him?
That is the type of girl she is.
She does not easily like
or feel shy in front of others.
Goodness. Look at Yul.
He is still learning well
despite being scolded.
-Learning?
-Look.
I said that was enough.
I do not enjoy salty food.
Jeez.
He was never like that
-Taste it yourself.
-in front of Master Heo or my uncle.
This is interesting.
Does he not look like
an intimidated pupil?
It is bland, right?
See? You should have stopped
when I told you to.
-I am sorry.
-A cute master and her diligent pupil.
That is enough. It needs to boil down.
-A master and her pupil?
-Let it sit.
Why were you so stubborn
when this was your first time cooking?
All right.
Let me see how well you taught him
and how well you learned from her.
Let me have a taste.
It is tasty.
Tasty?
I seasoned it just as Mu-deok told me to.
Well done.
You must have been elated
to be complimented by your master.
I thought I was good at everything
since people called me a genius.
But I learned that there are things
I am not good at.
Mu-deok.
Thank you for helping me realize this.
It was frustrating
since he could not understand me at all.
But he was determined to keep learning.
That is why I kept teaching him.
Look at you exaggerating.
Is this a royal meal or something?
There are things you can learn
from preparing a meal.
-You should learn as well.
-Sadly,
I do not have a great master like he does.
I am sorry, but the rice is a bit burnt.
-I see.
-You can learn how to do it again.
Mu-deok, do you think
Yul can do better next time around?
He is not completely hopeless.
Thank you for your words.
Why are you washing them alone?
Ask your wonderful pupil to help you.
He prepared the meal,
so I ought to clean up.
Were you happy to teach him?
Do you want him
to be your pupil?
It would have been easier
had he been my pupil.
He is diligent and obedient.
He is not lazy or reckless like you.
Master, do not cheat on me.
What?
I get that you like him
since he is diligent and obedient.
But I am your one and only pupil.
A master should not have
multiple pupils and vice versa.
Are you upset
because I taught Yul how to cook?
Yes, I am. How could you
teach someone else
when your pupil is standing
right in front of you?
If you are going to teach someone
how to cook, it should be me.
Teaching someone else
is betrayal and cheating.
I can try to understand the betrayal part.
But cheating?
I am speechless.
I am certain
that I sensed cheating.
What was that?
What is it this time?
Mu-deok, do not cheat on me.
It hurts and upsets me.
I did not know
my pupil was this possessive.
Fine. My one and only pupil
will be you who spews nonsense
first thing in the morning. Happy?
-But--
-Mu-deok!
Mu-deok!
Young Master.
Would I be cheating
if I addressed others as Young Masters
and answered their calls?
That cannot be helped.
But when you address them,
be a bit indifferent.
How ridiculous.
Young Master Park! I am coming!
Mu-deok, you are hurting my feelings.
I told you to be indifferent.
That is one tall tree.
Yul, was this the tree you wanted to see?
I think so.
I cannot believe it really exists.
How did you know that I was injured?
There is a really tall tree nearby.
I can see the entirety
of Danhyanggok from up there.
You can see the entirety
of Danhyanggok from up there.
Does that mean you have climbed up
that tree before, Mu-deok?
That was just my guess
since the tree was so tall.
Then do you want to climb it?
Should I help you get up there?
Dang-gu, you cannot climb that tree.
You need to have mastered
at least Chisu to go up there.
Is that so?
Should I try?
Yes.
Maybe you could do it.
Mu-deok, go with him.
Do you want to go up there?
No, thank you.
I do not want to climb
such a special tree with just anyone.
"Just anyone"?
I guess she is too afraid to go up there.
Let us go.
I examined the core of his energy.
He was a commoner, not a mage.
I am certain that there are more victims.
There is a soul shifter among us.
What should we do, Master Lee?
Locating the origin of
this sorcery is direr
than catching the soul shifter.
I suspect Cheonbugwan.
This soul shifter
who had entered Songrim recently
was a constellation recorder mage there.
Also, the one who killed Naksu,
who died while soul shifting,
and destroyed all traces of her men
was Assistant Gwanju Jin Mu.
Naksu…
We identified him
with the possessions he had.
Who was he?
He was a low-ranking servant
from Cheonbugwan.
What? Cheonbugwan was involved once again.
I will confront Jin Mu right now.
Follow me.
Yeom!
Yes?
Do not do anything.
You used to ruin everything
due to your recklessness back in the day.
You may have aged now,
but your temper remains.
I am sorry, Master Lee.
It is not the time yet.
We must observe Cheonbugwan discreetly.
Jin.
You have grown up well.
You used to wear a diaper and roam around.
I cannot believe you are all grown up
and leading your people.
Master Lee.
Who is he?
He was the pupil
of Master Seo Gyeong,
the founder of Songrim.
But he is so young.
He is not.
I still remember singing…
at his 100th birthday party.
I even danced.
Is this dog Gwigu?
So it was you
who took Gwigu from Jinyowon.
He will find the soul shifter.
Naksu was the one
who died while soul shifting, right?
Yes, Master Lee.
She was a notorious assassin
who was talented in spells.
Was it Naksu's soul that I sensed?
The one who has Jang Gang's sword
-is his son, Jang Uk, right?
-Yes.
Have you seen him before?
I met a boy with a binding bracelet
and his maid who followed him around.
It was interesting.
Mu-deok packed us some chestnuts.
Yes, they are sweet.
Give some to Maidservant Kim as well.
Sure.
Why did you bring your father's sword?
Oh, that? Mu-deok brought it.
You are not going to train,
so why did you bring this precious sword?
Should I give it to Maidservant Kim?
You…
are not
his son.
Do as you wish.
-Let us go.
-Sure.
Did you say
you came here often to pick herbs?
Have you ever encountered someone
who lived here?
No, Young Master Seo.
Who would live in a place like this?
I see.
One more thing.
Did it get pretty cold during the winter?
Why do you ask?
I never came here during the winter.
I worried whenever it started snowing.
I worried if it was too cold
or if things were all right amid the snow.
It is actually warmer
than you think.
The snow quickly melts in the sunny spots.
Is that so? I am relieved.
There is a variety of food
to eat during the winter
and many places
to take refuge from the snow.
-I bet this will be tasty.
-They are really sweet.
Should we stay a day more?
Mu-deok must really like him.
She does not
like him.
I am telling you. She does.
Look.
She does not look at us
the same way she looks at him.
The wind keeps blowing.
Is it coming from her?
Dang-gu, let us go.
All right.
Goodbye, Mu-deok.
Let us go.
I will see them off.
-Bye.
-Bye.
Try to remember
where you had lost your Spirit Plaque.
-I will.
-Lie low.
The Unanimous Assembly
was summoned because of you.
I guess all 12
of my former masters attended it.
They were all so heartless
to their former pupil.
They even mentioned
cutting off your energy flow.
-Why would they say that?
-What?
Because you avoided your duel by fleeing.
But it is a ridiculous duel.
And you did not want it either.
Nobody is expecting you
to come to that duel.
So just stay here
and be laid-back like always.
The leader wanted to know something.
He asked if you were doing
as you were told.
You are
the result of your mother's love affair.
But we cannot allow you
to lead Cheonbugwan after your father.
So stop dreaming of becoming…
like your father.
Just stay a clueless Young Master
of the Jang family.
Can I tell him that you are?
Have I ever listened to anyone?
Tell him I am doing
the very opposite and being reckless.
Dang-gu, leave that here.
Why?
I want to help Mu-deok catch a pheasant.
Goodbye.
Did we hurt his pride?
Let him be.
We cannot ask him to come
and meet a dignified death.
So you retrieved the sword you threw away.
It hurt my pride to hear
that I was a laughingstock.
In that case, let us train
as if your life depended on it.
You seem happy
to hear that your pupil
became a laughingstock.
Since we are on the topic,
let me add more motivation.
Your friends did not ask you
to return home with them.
Had they been in your shoes,
they would have fought to their deaths.
But they told you to hide and run away.
Can you guess why?
That is because you are worthless.
Your tongue is sharp like a sword.
You do not hesitate to cut me
with your words. How merciless.
I would not hesitate
to stab you with a sword
if that could get you back on your feet.
Yes, Master.
Keep stabbing your worthless pupil.
Why are you not motivated
after what I said?
Why are you dispirited?
Your spiteful words demotivated me.
I need to bathe and cool myself down.
Why does he bathe so much in one day?
You worthless and lazy scumbag.
I hope you burn yourself in hot water!
Unbelievable. What kind of a master
says such a thing to her pupil?
Did Uk not know
how he lost his Spirit Plaque?
Maybe someone sold it
after he had dropped it,
and that is how those men got hold of it.
I heard there was a place
where they sold such plaques.
Keep tracking his Spirit Plaque.
-Yes, my lord.
-Yes, my lord.
How…
is Uk doing?
He is doing well. He fishes and drinks.
He has yet to unfasten
the binding bracelet.
You may go.
It is not that heavy anymore.
It does not hinder my movement either.
Some mages train with an iron rod
to strengthen their arms
to better wield their swords.
You were unknowingly
strengthening yourself
by wearing that heavy bracelet all day.
It was not intentional,
but you found yourself
an excellent training tool.
You are extraordinarily lucky.
If I take this off,
I will be faster and stronger.
But if you fail to control yourself,
you will become even more reckless.
I…
Never mind.
What did you and Yul talk about?
About Danhyanggok.
He asked how it was during the winter.
You have met Naksu
when you were young?
I was still unsure after seeing her body.
But going to Danhyanggok
helped me confirm it.
That is why I am telling you now.
Danhyanggok is
a deep and dangerous valley.
A young girl cannot possibly
survive there on her own.
It seemed like she was living in hiding.
After she learned
of my name and my family,
I was not able to see her again.
That must mean she recognized your name.
Tell me everything you know about her.
There is nothing.
I do not know her name or age.
Other than the cliff
where we called out for birds,
I have never been to her abode.
There is one thing.
She once mentioned her father.
My father wrote down the stars.
I did not think much of it back then.
But writing down the stars
is what a constellation recorder
from Cheonbugwan does.
My lord.
Among their constellation recorder mages,
do any of them have a grudge against us?
A constellation recorder
from Cheonbugwan?
A mage?
Twenty years ago, there was
one constellation recorder mage who died
in the hands of the four families.
His entire family
lost their lives that day.
Except for one member.
His one and only daughter disappeared.
So our family was involved
in her father's death.
She must have been hostile toward you
because your family was involved
in her father's death.
Is there anything else that you remember?
This was a very long time ago.
I do not remember anything else.
Because I missed them.
The broken leg did not bother me.
And I was not scared to get scolded.
I liked them a lot.
I saw you using that
to summon your bird a few times.
I would also like to try.
Can I have that?
The Crown Prince is powerful.
There is only one way
my pupil can subdue him and stay alive.
Tansu.
What do you want me to do?
Slice through the water drops
as they fall.
They are not raindrops.
Even someone unskilled as you
can slice through
such slow-moving water drops.
Go on.
Only three drops in one breath.
That does not matter.
Tansu, the skill you will master,
will only require you to slice one.
Tansu?
Look here.
I understand that I am a quick study,
but mastering Tansu is pushing it.
I guess having 12 masters
in the past has taught you something.
That is correct.
You can only learn that skill
once you have mastered Chisu.
You barely mastered Ryusu,
yet you are still struggling
to control your energy.
A subpar pupil like you cannot learn it.
But?
But that is the only way
for you to fight against the Crown Prince
and come out alive.
Tansu is swordsmanship that involves
flicking energy with your sword.
Your right arm may lack the skills,
but it has become stronger
thanks to the binding bracelet.
Just one drop.
Hit one waterdrop
so you can gather and flick your energy.
You will not master it that quickly.
Let us eat and resume.
Tansu?
He will never master that skill.
That is not a relationship
of a maid and her young master
but that of a master and her pupil.
Mu-deok.
So you are training him.
I see he was studying Tansu.
Where did you learn that?
Young Master Jang is quite knowledgeable
thanks to his former 12 masters.
Is he trying to run
before learning to walk?
He has a long way to go.
In any case, he should try.
His next step could lead him to his death.
Is your young master aware of that?
Why did you not dodge it?
Seriously.
That is the result
of forcing your energy to come out.
Your arm could burst if this continues.
It looks like it could rot.
Then you will have to cut it off.
Are you serious?
If the rotten energy spreads
throughout your body,
you could die.
The heat has subsided. You are fine.
Rest up. That is the best remedy.
What a liar.
Everything he said was true, right?
But then again, whether I die of poison,
flogging, being stabbed,
or my hand exploding,
this merciless master does not
worry about her pupil.
That is right.
It is because you are
extremely lucky and worthy.
Lying is becoming second nature to you.
I am just not trying to dispirit you.
I see. Thank you, my cruel master.
But stay away
when I am holding a sword from now on.
You almost got stabbed back there.
I only stood still
because I wanted you to control it.
I was not trying to hinder you.
You were not hindering me.
I am just worried about you.
Think of me as a mother bird
who is worried
about her egg cracking.
Can you even relate?
Whatever. What you did
barely made me crack.
I could have dodged it.
It was not dangerous?
How could you have dodged it
when I was so fast?
You were not that fast.
You little…
Could not dodge that, could you?
You attacked without warning!
Really? Then I will warn you.
Mu-deok, your eyes.
Jeez…
You bastard.
I cannot believe you fell for that again.
Do that again.
From this up close?
-Really?
-Try me.
Mu-deok.
The blue marks are barely visible now.
They were quite pretty.
And you should not provoke me
when we are this close.
Do you not think I would do
something else from this distance?
I guess you understood what I meant.
Maybe there are things
I can teach you in this field.
Jang Uk.
You must think I am naive
for having lived alone here.
Well, I guess.
I will have you know
I can teach you in other ways too.
Such as?
Hey! You…
A truly skilled individual attacks
when their enemy least expects it.
Keep that in mind, my pupil.
Unlike me, you poked me really hard!
Mu-deok.
Hey. Mu-deok.
Is that a new concubine?
He does not even bother
to follow the formalities anymore.
She is from a small family of mages
from the east.
A comet brushed past the Big Dipper
the day she was born.
At this rate, he will summon every woman
born with strange horoscopes.
He just wants the King's Star.
When the late king ascended the throne,
it was prophesized that the next king
would have the energy of the King's Star.
The people of Daeho were delighted.
However,
your father who had an ordinary horoscope
ascended the throne next.
And you are no different either.
So people started talking.
The divination was incorrect.
Gwanju Jang Gang fled
after giving such a ridiculous divination.
Your father believes in it.
That is why you are afraid.
I am not afraid.
You are afraid that someone
with that energy will appear
or that your father
may have a son like that.
I am aware of that.
Your duel against Jang Uk
is around the corner.
Eliminate the son of that man
who gave such a terrifying divination.
You must get rid of your fears
when you can.
Do you think
he will even show up that day?
I heard he fled.
Rumor has it that he is even
contemplating marriage to avoid it.
Marriage?
I heard he is marrying into the Jin family
so he can earn the Jin family's plaque.
Uk and Cho-yeon are getting married?
Did they not break off
their engagement before?
That is why
it is easier to prepare for it.
She still had the marriage gifts
from last time.
I see.
After the marriage ceremony, Jang Uk…
I mean, my husband will move in here.
But my current room
is too small for both of us.
Can we use
the big room in the east instead?
But that is your sister's room.
It is the best room we have.
It is such a waste
to keep it vacant for over a decade.
It was never vacant.
Bu-yeon will return.
I am sorry, Mother.
Your father is looking for her.
Your sister will return home soon.
Bring me the yin-and-yang jade
from Jinyowon.
The yin-and-yang jade?
You have been wanting that.
They say when you and your lover
wear rings made of that jade,
your love for each other deepens.
Craft your wedding rings with it.
Thank you, Mother.
What an annoying pot.
It was you, was it not?
How annoying.
I guess it annoys you
that I am getting married.
But wait and see.
I will become even more annoying
once I wear a ring made of this jade.
Eat up.
All right.
I had brought home a pheasant earlier.
So why are there only greens?
It is inside--
It is in the soup.
The pheasant was so tiny.
There was not much left
after making that broth.
I do get a very faint taste of it.
I overheard this
while selling herbs in Songrim.
Two prominent families
will be marrying off their kids.
Who will be getting married?
Lady Jin's daughter is getting married.
Cho-yeon is getting married? To whom?
To the son of Cheonbugwan's Gwanju.
Is that not you?
I was never told I was getting married.
What is going on?
What is up Maidservant Kim's sleeve?
Most hastened weddings
tend to be shotgun weddings.
That is not true.
You were previously engaged to her.
Maybe you could not control yourself.
How could she be pregnant
when we were never this close?
Right. You are all talk.
What?
Then why did you refuse
the chaste herb tea?
That is because…
I have plans to marry later on.
You must want to get married one day.
Yes, I do.
I truly want to.
I will get married at all costs.
Wait up.
Why did you want to see me?
When will the mother-of-pearl cabinet
that I ordered from Songrim come?
It is for Uk and me.
The trade from the south
will arrive in two weeks.
That will be too late.
I should have ordered sooner.
Forget about the mother-of-pearl cabinet.
You should inform Uk first.
He has no idea about this.
That is why
I have written a letter to him.
Read it and share your thoughts.
Sure.
It is fragrant.
This is a perfume
that incurs the feeling of love.
A treasure of Jinyowon.
Gosh, it is very fragrant.
Why are you sniffing it?
Stop that!
Hold your nostrils shut!
I almost wasted the precious perfume.
Please give this to him.
And make sure there are no women
around him when he opens it.
I will.
What are you doing?
Uk's hand size is similar to yours, right?
Why do you ask?
Come with me to get our wedding rings.
Lend me your hand.
Why would I go there with you?
Go with your groom.
Marriage should only happen
when both sides agree to it.
I pity you for being like this.
Why?
Do you think I am getting ahead of myself?
Do you think he will break it off again?
Whether you are getting ahead
of yourself or not,
I will help you.
Just make sure it pans out.
And I will lend you my hand.
Come to think of it,
Maidservant Kim was against the
idea of me living with the wife's family
the last time we discussed
marriage with Cho-yeon.
There is only one reason
why this is being discussed again.
She wants to save me.
She must have made
a deal with the Jin family
to avoid your duel with the Crown Prince.
She probably needed Lady Jin's help.
If that were the case,
will you get married?
What should I do, Master?
Should I get married?
Can I?
If you do, we can
no longer stay in Danghyanggok.
Right. I should return home.
Even still,
we cannot have this relationship.
Why not? I can still keep you
by my side as my maid.
I have no plans
to stay by your side as just a maid.
You can go ahead alone.
I will be at Chwiseonru.
If you do not pick me up,
I will go back alone.
CHWISEONRU
What is going on?
We are from Cheonbugwan.
We were told to escort you.
Let us go.
This is the Crown Prince's sachet.
I have His Royal Highness' protection.
You cannot touch me.
What are you doing? Let me go!
This is the Crown Prince's sachet.
We brought her
from Chwiseonru like he wanted.
Chwiseonru?
The girl you wanted is here,
Your Royal Highness.
Where?
Over here.
Her?
Lift your head up.
Lift your head up.
Why are you dressed like that?
I do not know.
She did this to me
after I was dragged here.
Did you do that?
Is she not the gisaeng
from Chwiseonru?
No, she is not.
-She is Filthy Mu-deok.
-Filthy?
Get out.
Go.
Look at you.
Why did you want to see me?
I had something to tell you,
so I told them to get you.
But you are not Filthy Mu-deok right now.
Filth and silk do not go hand in hand.
Maybe in your dictionary, it does.
Did you just snap at me?
No, Your Royal Highness.
I am grateful that you dressed someone
as filthy as me in silk.
All right. This new look…
does not suit you.
Since you do not like it
and I am uncomfortable in this,
let me go get changed.
No.
It is all right. Just keep it on.
Tell me what you want, and I will do it.
Tell your young master
not to show up that day.
I do not want to kill him
and become enemies with Songrim
or the Jang family.
It is best that he fled,
and let us keep it that way.
So he just needs to be the laughingstock.
That is right.
If he becomes stubborn, dissuade him.
He will die if he fights me.
Tell him to stay hidden,
then get married to the Jin family.
So it is true
that getting married will save his life.
What will happen to you
if he gets married?
Will you go with him?
No, I will not.
Why not? Did he refuse?
You were even willing
to drink filthy chamber pot water for him.
He knows neither loyalty
nor duty.
He does know a bit, Your Royal Highness.
Are you taking his side?
You were always bad-mouthing him.
I am sorry, Your Royal Highness.
It would please you if I bad-mouthed him.
But I have no energy
to run my mouth right now.
You are a filthy mutt
who will be abandoned by its owner.
Should I take you in?
I can do that.
There must be things you can do here too.
No, thank you.
I may be a filthy girl
whom everyone avoids,
but I refuse to serve just anyone.
Forget it. I do not want
someone filthy by my side either.
-You may leave.
-Yes, Your Royal Highness.
I will go now,
Your Royal Highness.
"Just anyone"?
But I am the Crown Prince.
Filthy Mu-deok does not know
to whom she is speaking.
-Be gentle. Take your time.
-Yes, ma'am.
Maidservant Kim.
How have you been?
Young Master!
My dear Young Master!
-Young Master!
-Were you worried?
Have you been eating well?
Yes, I have. I have been well.
Goodness.
Your skin is radiating.
Oh, please.
Let us go inside.
Was she the one who tried to sell…
Songrim's Spirit Plaque?
It was not me. It was Mu-deok.
Mu-deok tried to sell Uk's Spirit Plaque?
I just introduced her to the seller.
In the end, Ae-hyang snatched it herself.
So Mu-deok and I are innocent.
What is this?
Why are you dressed like that?
It is a long story.
Have you returned to Chwiseonru?
Did Uk send you back
since he is getting married?
No, Young Master Seo.
Even if that was the case,
I would never come back here.
Ju-wol finally caved in and told me
that you tried to sell Uk's Spirit Plaque.
Yes, I did.
Why?
Because I needed money.
I wanted to wear pretty clothes,
have good food,
and have fun at places like this.
Was that the case
when you were drunk last time?
That is correct. I stole
Young Master Jang's money and drank.
I am just so puzzled by you.
I cannot understand you.
You do not need to.
Just stay that way.
I am going inside.
Would you like to come with me?
That is all right.
Goodbye, then.
CHWISEONRU
The Spirit Plaque…
So it was you, Naksu.
Young Master.
Why do you not want to get married?
Do you dislike Young Lady Jin?
It is not that I dislike her.
I am just not interested.
You have feelings
for someone else, do you not?
Who is it?
Do I know her?
No, you do not.
So there is one.
I knew it.
Who is she?
Well…
She is like
a single bird egg on top of a tree.
I am the only one she has,
so how could I possibly get married?
Those kinds of girls
are the most dangerous!
Those who have nothing to brag about
but are just clingy!
She is not like that.
Who is she? Tell me this instant.
I will take care of it.
Exactly how?
Once I give her
a silk pouch full of money,
she will crack out of her egg
and fly away.
She cannot fly anywhere.
It is not that easy.
In any case, I cannot get married.
So take care of it for me.
You better take care of it, got that?
Young Master.
What is wrong? Are you hurt?
Let me see.
What happened to your arm?
Did it get out of control again?
Please sell that dress.
-It is made of silk, so make it worth it.
-All right.
Our madam is tending
to a customer at the moment.
Young Lady Jin from Jinyowon is here.
She is looking for someone
who can craft her wedding rings.
She is marrying
a young master from Songrim.
Then how about this one?
These are the works
of Daeho's best craftsmen?
They are stylish but a bit tacky.
Then may I see the yin-and-yang jade?
Seeing it for myself will help me
give you better recommendations.
They say when you and your lover
wear rings made of that,
your love for each other deepens.
Why did the jade break?
It was fine when I took it with me.
I see. That is when it broke.
Mu-deok.
Young Lady Jin.
Why are you suddenly leaving?
That is Mu-deok. Is Uk here as well?
No.
-I see.
-Since they are attached at the hip,
he must be somewhere in the fortress.
Attached at the hip?
As his maid, she is serving him.
Watch what you say.
Mu-deok is not just
any ordinary maid to him.
He came by to pick Mu-deok up
when she was drunk recently.
He adores her so much.
He even carried her on his back.
It is obvious
that he picked her from the get-go
because she won his heart.
Is Mu-deok from here? Was she a gisaeng?
She is one poor girl.
No wonder he cares about her so much.
Hey.
You know who I am, right?
Of course, I do.
You are Young Lady Jin from Jinyowon.
You will have to address me
as "Lady" soon.
Because I will marry
your young master soon.
Goodness. Congratulations, my lady.
As your master's wife,
you will serve me too.
There is something you must do.
First, carry this.
What is this?
What was that?
A broken stone?
It is a precious object.
If it breaks or cracks,
you will have to take responsibility.
Is she saying that
when it is already broken?
Take that and follow me.
My lady.
You are not someone I must serve yet.
I must go
to Young Master Jang now. Goodbye.
Is she looking down on me?
Was that real back there?
It is best that
I do not cross paths with him.
Hey! You!
The dangerous man?
Or this mean brat?
My lady.
Give that to me. I will carry it.
Sure.
Make sure you do not break it.
So it is broken.
She is going to put the blame on me.
Is this the Jin family's abode?
Why are you not coming?
Mother.
You cannot leave like this.
Say that you will marry her
in front of your late mother's portrait.
That is the only way
to protect your father's position.
Maidservant Kim.
Do you think
I really am my father's son?
Do you know
who my real father is?
What do you mean?
You are Gwanju Jang Gang's son.
Yes. That is what I believed all my life.
I do not want to deny it now.
So…
I will not sit still.
Do not stop me
no matter what I do.
Maidservant Kim,
the Jin family sent someone.
From Jinyowon? What is it about?
Something happened there.
They want Young Master Jang to hurry over.
You were looking for me?
What is this about?
A precious treasure of ours
has disappeared.
And an individual
has disappeared with it.
So this is Jinyowon.
Hey.
So it is you.
It has been a long time.
You are saying Mu-deok
-disappeared here?
-Yes.
Your maid, Mu-deok,
stole our yin-and-yang jade and ran away.
Subtitle translation by: Soo-ji Kim
ALCHEMY OF SOULS
You have been thinking about me,
Your Royal Highness,
so I came to see you.
You were longing for
the one you met at Danhyanggok.
I was longing for you?
I have never done that.
Open the door.
Open the door to Jinyowon,
where relics and artifacts reside.
You could be possessed by sorcery
and be unable to return.
You are just too scared to touch them.
What was that?
Bring Jang Uk.
I must hand you over so I can live.
It is what must be done.
So Mu-deok was Naksu.
Fight like your life depends on it,
my pupil.
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