Moon River
Episode 15
Meeting Mother
Baek Mae!
Put your sword away.
Did you come to meet your mother?
It would be wise not to attempt to capture me.
You got here just a bit too late.
Your mother...
she left.
Was this a trick to lure me here?
Your mother was indeed here.
Look at the table over there.
That's a table...
your mother has set.
I made a promise to your mother that...
I would make it possible for her to meet her son.
Solely on that promise, she came and sought me out here.
However,
when she learned that her son was a fugitive of the law,
she left.
She knew that for her to meet you through me meant that you'd be arrested by me.
I'm glad you're here.
Let's eat...
this food prepared by your mother.
What are you doing standing there?
Come and eat.
This food is really delicious.
That bastard!
I came because I have something to say.
Have your say then. What is it?
I have a level of prestige,
so bring the Chief to me.
You bastard! The Chief has already retired for the evening.
If you tell me what it is, I will pass it on to him.
I don't want any proxies. I want to tell him directly.
What are you saying? I can't understand what you're saying.
Bring... the... chief... here... Now!
If the Chief is not here, then give me some food.
Food?
That over there...
- Thank you. - Group Leader Ji!
I knew you would come for us.
Yes, you've all endured much. Let's go.
Yes, yes.
- Look here. Let's hurry. - Come, let's fly on out.
Here, here. Please over here.
Please free us as well. Weren't we in the same boat as you?
Those guys are Haedongcheong.
If I release you, will you pledge allegiance to us?
Of course.
You men, too?
If you'll accept us, of course.
Please just accept us.
What...?
Until you give me food, I will not move from this spot.
And make sure that the rice is cooked with black beans and corn.
Rice with legumes makes me happy!
Go and call for Chief Gu.
Yes, Sir.
You've heard the saying, 'Podecheong is one's esophagus'.
People are afraid of Podecheong, even if they didn't do anything wrong.
But there's something they fear even more than Podecheong,
and that is going hungry.
That's where the saying came from...
that 'Podecheong is one's esophagus'.
So, for now, let's eat.
She may not be here,
but if she knew we were sharing this meal,
I'm sure that would make her happy.
I don't know why
you and I met under these circumstances.
Eat up.
And please,
don't ever let me capture you.
I may now have to...
really come after you.
Do you think you can capture me?
Don't underestimate this Gu Ja Myeong.
I may not know much outside of capturing thieves,
but when it comes to doing that, there's not much that I don't know.
At any rate,
you are a thief, and...
I am a person responsible for catching thieves.
Chief Gu.
Are you asleep?
Who is it?
I am the Third in Command.
I apologize for disturbing you when you're resting but you are needed urgently.
What is the trouble?
The man with the golden blossom is on the move tonight.
Iljimae?
Yes.
Put additional men on alert and watch for horseflies*.
*watch out for thieves
Excuse me?
'horseflies'?
There is a strong possibility that horseflies are in hiding. Quickly!
Ah, yes. I understand!
Then...
It seems someone is using your name to free the imprisoned thieves.
Feel free to finish your meal before you go.
This...
is the end for you and me.
Move the bodies.
Yes, Sir.
Check the inner rooms!
- Yes! - Quickly!
From this moment on, we go after the escapees.
Check every place that's been empty for a long time and...
ask around and see if there were any unusual people or events around here,
and inform me immediately!
Yes, Sir!
Iljimae!
It must have been hard to find your way in the dark.
Have you had dinner?
Here, sit over this way.
Why do you run around at night?
Just like a thief.
Are thieves any different?
Is that so? Then, are you a thief?
Did you meet your mother?
Iljimae, did you meet your mother?
Did you see her face?
Mother...
she's gone.
Huh!
Where to?
Then you didn't even get to see her face?
So...
you're going after the person that's using your identity?
I can't let my defiled name reach the ears of my mother.
Hmmm.
I'm sure you didn't come here just to tell me that.
Master...
I wonder if you can find out about an available house around here.
What would you do with a house? A house is...
I may not need a house,
but Wol Hee and Geol Chi will need a home.
Are you thinking of leaving?
You're thinking of leaving?
I realized after the recent incident,
that I'm afraid of...
losing Wol Hee like I lost Dal.
Please look after those two.
I ask this favor of you.
For Wol Hee...
I feel bad. I really do.
But then,
show me any being that is not merely a shadow... Show me.
I haven't applied my makeup yet and this early in the day we have a customer?
But, what is this big load you're carrying?
It's money.
Money?
All that?
I would like to stay here a few days, so please give me a room.
It would be better still if it's a corner room.
Of all the rooms, why a corner room?
Because it has to be quiet.
What is it that you do that would require it be quiet?
Fine. I'll lead you to the Apricot room.
It's the room at the far end of this house.
Come this way.
Dear guest, may I enter?
Yes.
Bring it in.
Brew that tea nicely.
I will send the girls in as they get ready, so have a snack while you wait.
Here, take this.
Omona, why are you paying already?
It's a deposit.
If the girls are pretty, I'll pay more.
How does a young man have so much money?
Without my father's knowledge, I took some money to come here.
Omo!
To come to a Gisaeng house?
I like women better than food.
For some reason, I was like that from birth.
Hurry up and call in the girl.
And make sure she's pretty.
I understand. You came to the right place.
Being away from Hanyang for twenty years,
the only one she could turn to was Hye Ok, an old friend from her Gisaeng days.
- Is it all ready? - Almost.
In this tough world, I can't believe there are people that carry money around like that just to have fun with girls.
Oh, you. You haven't changed a bit.
There has to be men like that in the world for us to make a living.
It's a good thing for us.
We should get a good amount of money out of him.
Chun Wol? Where are you Chun Wol?
I'm right here, unni!
In and around Hanyang, Chun Wol was considered to be an ace in this profession.
He brought a lot of money with him.
Do your best tonight.
Why act like you don't know what I can do?
Once he's in my hands, there'll be nothing left but empty shells.
Why would you leave the shells? Make him leave those as well.
I understand.
Sir, may Chun Wol enter?
Enter.
And... don't let anyone else into this room until the morning.
Until tomorrow morning?
Chun Wol had never fallen for a customer,
but she found herself dumbfounded.
You're pretty.
Are you just going to sit there?
Come closer.
Please close the window.
You drink well.
Have another drink.
After being knocked out by Mohammed Ali, legendary boxer George Foreman
said he never told anyone what he did after falling in the ring.
And that was exactly how Chun Wol felt at that moment.
Can't you speak?
Please... Hold me.
Okay.
Move a little.
He's fallen for her completely.
Bingo!
However, it was someone else that had fallen.
Aigoo.
Did you sleep well?
Uh huh.
What did you say your name was?
It's Chun Wol.
Ah.
What is this?
It's money.
I don't need things like this.
What do you mean you don't need it?
I don't want to be with you for money.
I want to be with you in my heart.
I don't care if you take it or not,
you may go now.
And tonight, send another girl in.
What do you mean?
Aren't you happy with me?
It's not that.
Then why?
Did I do something wrong last night?
I drank so much last night.
It's not like that.
I already spent the night with you.
With so many girls,
why should I spend all my nights with you?
What did you say?
Me...
I don't touch a girl again if I've slept with her once.
Are you...
being sincere?
If it's because of money, I can give you more.
How much more do you need?
You bastard!
You son of a bitch!
What did you say?
Is there any one more vulgar than you in the world?
You with that smooth face of yours!
You dare to step on this Chun Wol?
You bastard! I'll kill you.
- Bastard! - What is wrong with you?
Madam! Is the Madam out there?
Madam!
Here! Have some water!
We've been ensnared by a wolf.
So, how could you fall for him?! How?
Even girls like us can feel love.
Love?
Listen girls, be on your guard. All men are like wolves.
Ask Baek Mae here.
Stop crying.
You'll ruin your face.
Who'll go in tonight?
- I'll go in and see what he's all about. - Not you.
Tonight, Gye Hwa...
You go to him.
Me?
The girls here have pretty nasty tempers.
We've met once before... on the street.
I didn't take you for this kind of person...
how did you fall so low?
Ahjumunni*,
*Ma'am
we all have to die in the end.
Whether you live this way or that way, isn't it all the same?
Even though we die,
our name lives on as a sweet scent.
Scent...
I don't know how...
but I find myself leaving only a stench.
Ahjumunni,
in all honesty,
I'm not that bad.
In this life, aren't there things you can't explain with words?
So please,
don't judge me so harshly.
You're not my child... what do I care?
It's that room at the end.
All this is money!
They said there was a guy with a bundle of money, and to come to the Gisaeng House.
If this is all money, we can buy a house with it.
- Let's see how much is in here. - Let's open it.
How much do you think is in here?
Rocks?
They're all rocks.
What is this?
Could this be...?
Iljimae?
Then are you saying we robbed Iljimae?
That is correct.
Who.. who is it?
I asked who it was.
It is Iljimae.
Iljimae?
Let's get him.
H...h..how?
There's only one of him but two of us.
Who was it that stole my identity?
T...t..that... is...
I will only let live whomever speaks first.
- It was a Chinese man. - It was Wang Hweng Bo.
Where is he right now?
We've all scattered so we don't know where he is.
We were all supposed to move separately and get out of Hanyang by month's end,
then meet up in Kyung Sang Do.
Kyung Sang Do?
Yes. The offerings for the King are being moved and the plan was to steal them.
Do you mean goods intended to be offered to our King?
Yes, that's right.
I don't know how I fell asleep but when I awoke,
he was gone along with all his stuff.
Did he run out on his bill?
He paid up front.
It's strange that...
he would go without saying anything.
Maybe he was afraid that Gye Hwa would beat up on him like Chun Wol, so he ran away.
Should we report this to Podecheong?
Leave it alone.
That would just complicate things.
And things are hectic with them right now, trying to capture the escapees.
But that was Iljimae's doing, wasn't it?
Did you just say Iljimae?
I did.
They're saying Iljimae released all the thieves that were locked up.
Hence the saying 'Even among robbers,
there are those that stand out to steal not only the name but also the soul'.
Iljimae-nim, you shouldn't be here. There are police hiding every where.
Then, what about you? What are you doing here?
Ah, I came to find you.
I thought I might hear something about you here.
Go home.
You might get yourself hurt.
Iljimae-nim,
where are you going?
That's something I cannot tell you.
Don't you trust me? I'm on your side.
Then...
will you run an errand for me?
An errand?
Cha Dol, you have a message from Iljimae?
Yes, Sir.
I am the messenger of Iljimae.
Where is Iljimae right now?
That... that's..
Even if you put a knife to my throat, I cannot say.
You little runt. Do you need a good beating to come to your senses?
- How can you treat a messenger this way? - Little brat.
Jeong Tae!
Fine.
What is the message that you have for us?
The thieves that escaped...
are going to Kyung Sang Do.
Kyung Sang Do?
Ahh... It just doesn't piece together.
What do you mean?
The thieves that escaped are going to Kyung Sang Do?
What do you think that means?
Don't you think Iljimae is also headed there?
That's what is strange. Eh?
The person who let loose the thieves tells the police where they're going?
Cha Dol, the front and the back do not fit. Eh?
Aigoo!
Seon Dal-nim...
did you really read all these books?
Hmm?
I think it's because the Iljimae at Podecheong is not the real Iljimae.
Huh?!
Not the r..real Iljimae, but an imposter?
A-aah, that's it. Now it's all making sense.
Then the real Iljimae notifies the Podecheong of where the thieves are,
so they can all be captured and the imposter identified? Ahhh...
Sometimes you can be so frustrating.
I go easy on you and then you get too big for your...
Who said you can eat this!
Our research shows those on the south of Kyung Sang Do, for the dedication to the King,
pass by Nak Dong River, gather at Moon Kyung, and move toward Choong Joo.
Those of the north gather at Young Yang, go to Dan Yang, and move north by boats.
Then, according to Iljimae, those thieves will be concentrating on the north.
Yes, as there will be fewer hinderances there.
There was something unusual so I brought it with me.
What is this?
These are Young Yang's Spring offerings and they call it Nam Man Cho.
*Nam= south, Yang= foreign, Cho= plant, grass, weed, greens
It's foreign food and they say it's supposed to be poisonous.
They are offering something poisonous to royalty?
That's what's so interesting.
It is said that our enemies wanted us to eat these in order to poison us,
but they are so delicious, we ended up enjoying them.
First, they place seeds in *soju, then store them in the royal kitchen.
*a type of alcoholic drink
Later, they ground these into powder and use it in foods in the royal courts.
What is this taste anyway?
So if they pass by Young Yang and go this way, then they will probably be looking at Mount Il Won.
It'll be easier to hide in that area.
ohhhh... ahhhh...
What's wrong?
Ahh... water. Eieee... water!
Merchandise is the nation's lifeline.
- The smell is... If lost, then the people will suffer that loss.
That is why Iljimae is on his way there.
The Ninja star* has a weakness.
*Japanese throwing star/weapon, called a Shuriken.
That is to say, the effect of the star depends on...
...the distance from where it's thrown.
If thrown from a distance, you have a chance to dodge it.
Therefore...
since you don't know when it'll come at you, always be prepared.
Yes, Sir.
He said he was going to look for a house for us.
How many days has it been already?
You're right.
Ahjussi! When Iljimae returns, tell him to not ever leave again.
You raised him, so he's like your son. He'll listen to you.
You're right! No matter what anybody says, I raised him.
When he comes back, I'll have a stinging talk with him.
Oh my!
What... what is it?
You took so long coming back, I thought I was a young widow.
Young... what?
Widow.
You didn't even marry and what... you're a widow?
Wol Hee, I have something you'll like.
Oh my!
When did you go there? Did you go there especially for me?
Iljimae, what about the house?
I have it ready.
Where is it?
What does it matter where? Wherever it is, just take me there.
Why have you not retired for the night yet?
You have to leave for Kyung Sang Do in the morning.
I'm waiting for someone.
Is it the person you sent to Gaesung?
Yes...
I thought perhaps she might have returned there.
I sent my man yesterday and since he's a swift rider, he should arrive by tonight.
She will not be in Gaesung.
How would you know that?
Well... I saw her.
You did? When?
Where did you see her? Are you saying she still in Hanyang?
Unni, there's someone here asking for you.
Me?
There's no one who would be looking for me.
Hurry and go see. He's very nice looking.
How did you know?
How can you leave without a word like that?
Our fate is as water under the bridge.
I no longer wish to be a burden to you, so please leave.
I won't leave. Until you go with me, I won't budge from here.
I'll wait for you here.
It's useless for you to do so.
I will wait here until you come out.
Long ago... just to catch a glimpse of you, I waited in the back alleys.
If I had waited here, instead of in the back alley... If I had... If I had...
This time, I shall wait here. I will not go back alone.
I will not leave you here and go.
Until you tell me that you will go with me, I'll stay here... in this very spot.
It's a useless act.
Even if it is useless, I must do so.
Even if it's useless, I need to try!
Even if I know that it's useless, I must still do it!
What's going on?
He's a man that says he can't live without Baek Mae.
Why would she refuse such a good looking man?
Aha-ha-ha! Let's go in and have a drink.
We're here already.
Oh, you greet us at the front door tonight.
Please, go on in.
We're not here for Gisaeng play.
Let's go.
Goodness! Why are they acting like that all of a sudden?
- Don't you know? - It's because of the Chief over there.
But still, they come all the way here and then just leave?
Anyway, he certainly is good looking.
Baek Mae, are you really not going to go outside?
With the Chief standing outside like that,
the guests think he's here to observe who's going in or out, and they won't come in.
Are you trying to ruin us?
Ouch!
And who told you to do that sewing? Can't you stop immediately and get out?!
Just leave it. I'll do it.
Aside from affecting business, the night air is so cold.
What are you going to do if he freezes to death?
Oh, I don't care.
I crumble even at the slightest memory.
Even the sight of the space you once filled makes me cry.
I want to run to you, for you to hear my sadness.
But the pain you'd suffer may be too great, so I just don't have the nerve.
I must let you go now.
Though I shall lose everything,
I must forget you.
I am just a man. I am just a man who wants to protect you.
I am just a fool.
Baek Mae asks you to come inside.
Please accept this drink.
About twenty years ago...
there was a man that used to stand in the alley,
waiting for me.
That man was different from all the other men.
He didn't come to me and try to touch me.
He didn't get drunk and become rowdy.
He didn't try to buy me with money.
He didn't try to overtake me with his strength.
All he did was stand there.
I felt bad for that man who came to see this broken, shattered servant.
But, there wasn't anything I could do for him.
The only thing I could do was to let him hear my voice,
so I would needlessly call out to the other girls.
When I heard that voice,
I felt reassured and was able to go home.
Please give me a drink.
And... why don't you sleep here tonight.
All men must be the same, just breezing briefly through.
All that's left are sighs and tears. All that's left is a broken heart.
The corner of my heart aches but then at the sound of your name, I smile.
Men are all the same, they think only of themselves.
If you were going to leave me, why did you take my heart?
Men are all the same.
To be hurt, to be in pain are the woman's lot, emptying the love that fills the heart each day.
I try hard to smile and hide what's in my heart, then your name reminds me of the pain.
Men are all the same.
To be hurt, to be in pain are the woman's lot, emptying the love that fills the heart each day.
To be with a man pains my heart. I must have held you deep in my heart.
Women are all the same. Even though abandoned and left to cry, she's still to love.
How foolish is my love. Though I want to hate, though I want to curse,
I still miss you so greatly.
Of all the noblemen in Sae Do, there are none unvisited by him.
Fortunately, not one gathered here tonight can be named as one of those.
However, if we are to let him continue,
how do we know when he will climb over the wall of one of our houses?
Right, because of that bastard... ahemm.
What I'm saying is because of the fear of him coming into our homes,
it's impossible to sleep soundly.
If it was possible to capture him, no expense will be thought in vain.
Right.
No matter how much is needed, we stand firmly behind you in capturing Iljimae.
That goes without saying! Why, if you're willing to go after Iljimae,
of course I will not just sit by and watch.
If need be, I will put up my entire fortune. So, you must succeed in capturing him.
Lord Sohn, with most of your possessions being burnt, there can't be much left.
Do you think what was in the storage room were the only possessions I had?
I will offer up even what I have received from the King.
I am relieved to hear that you all feel this way.
The expenses that are incurred will be submitted separately.
Is Attendant Park out there?
I am Park Bi Soo.
He used to head the special forces training,
but he stepped down and is now helping with other matters.
He's been preparing for a very long time to capture Iljimae.
I was able to gather a group of men capable of going up against Iljimae,
but I must say, it was not without difficulty.
Though not victimized by him, we must strengthen our defenses in precaution.
Certainly, capture Iljimae and make money doing so.
We've just got to make sure he doesn't get us first.
- Wow! - Aigoo.
Capture Iljimae and make money doing so...
The drink was especially sweet at the thought of this certain outcome.
Is this it?
Yes.
It's good, it's good.
The water's clean and the sound of the birds is nice.
How is it?
I like it. I like it a lot.
There's even a stream. I can do the laundry here.
Wow! There are even blankets.
Master Yeol Gong got those ready.
The floor is warm.
And it's not drafty here.
In the winter, it'll be warm
and in the summer, the open breeze will keep it cool.
These are retreats that were only for noblemen.
Oh, I guess since this is in the mountains, shall we call it the mountain retreat?
I should plant flowers all around.
In the front, I'll plant blossoms, chrystanthemums, and azaleas.
In the back, I'll plant banana ferns, pomegranates, and peaches.
In the spring, we'll have peach blossoms... in the summer, pomegranates.
In the fall, chrysanthemums... and in the winter, apricots.
I won't let any season go without flowers.
I'll spread gourds on the rooftop.
I'll plant watermelons and once they're ripe, let's sit on the floor and eat them.
I like watermelons.
What fruit do you like, Iljimae?
This is in the back of the mountains.
This house is so run down, it can't compare to the house you lived in.
Yet you still like it?
It doesn't matter to me.
In fact, I didn't even expect this much.
Even if we don't have a house, or reside in even worse conditions, I can live.
As long as you are with me.
Ah... hmmph.
It's almost time to eat. Where did they go?
Wol Hee!
Where are you Wol Hee?
Right here.
I'm preparing it now so wait just a little bit.
Okay, okay.
Where did he go?
Let's go eat. What are you doing here?
Aigoomeya! This will be a great spot for drying persimmons.
Ahjussi...
Please stay away from the town for a while.
Master Yeol Gong stocked up on everything, so it should be fine for awhile.
I understand.
I won't step outside of this place.
What more could this beggar possibly need?
If anything, Wol Hee might be a little uncomfortable.
If the braiding falls off, does that make a nobleman less a nobleman?
Ahjussi, please take care of Wol Hee.
If anything happens, discuss it with Master Yeol Gong.
What are you talking about? What is it? What?
There's somewhere I must go.
Go somewhere? Where?
Let's see.
Oh, that looks good.
Wol Hee.
Where is Iljimae?
He's gone.
What do you mean he's gone?
Where did he go?
H..he said he had to go to Kyung Sang Do.
He said there was something he needed to take care of.
When will he return?
That, that is... Oh my...
When will he be coming back?
He said he didn't know... when he'll return.
He abandoned us here, and left.
And he doesn't know when he'll return?
How long ago did he leave?
It's been a while.
No. It can't be. It can't possibly be!
Wol Hee!
Iljimae!
You're too much.
Return of Iljimae ~ Volume 16 The Sound of the Wol Geum* from Mount Ilwol
*lute - 'moon-harp'
Even if it's to the ends of the earth, I'm going.
We must show Iljimae's neck.
Yes, Sir!
They're here.
Stop!
Eyaaa....
Wol Geum?
Farewell.
No... No!
Wol Hee!
Yin Yang double sword?
Don't miss the next episode!
Where a flower with no name bloomed,
where the bird cage that he left was,
a heavenly smile, slowly forming,
brings me back to this place once again.
This world that follows the wind and the clouds,
the scenery that changes with each passerby,
the blade in my hand cries in my stead....
...won't you leave me be at last?
I am just one wolf.