Gu Am Heo Joon (Hur Jun, the Original Story / Guam Heojoon / 구암 허준)

- Did you get it? - That I did.

I went all the way to the port.

Good job. Let's take a look.

It stinks something awful.

Means it's fermented well.

Are we almost done?

Yes, Milady.

The Mayor of Euiju is gracing my husband's birthday feast today.

Everything must be perfect.

Yes, ma'am. Not to worry.

What is this smell?

Is it coming from that?

Yes, from the skate.

What use would you have for something so unsavory?

It is a favorite dish of the lord.

He would refuse to eat without it while he served in Haemi.

I thought it would be a nice nostalgic reminder of the past.

I acquired it with great difficulty.

Reminder of the past?

He took you in as his concubine while he served in Haemi.

A pleasant memory for you, but a nightmare for me.

I had my heart torn to shreds.

Forgive me.

Away with the stench and the memories! Get rid of them all!

Yang-tae! Gil-sang!

Jun, it's your father's birthday? My mum's gone to help out.

Promised to bring home tasty treats.

- Wow, rice cakes! - Wow!

Dig in.

- So delicious. - So good.

So good.

Slow down, you'll choke.

What about you?

I already ate. These are for you guys.

- You're so lucky. - I am?

You eat good food every day.

That doesn't mean my life is good.

Why not?

Well... you guys wouldn't understand.

Jeez, my pa has a saying for situations like this.

What does he say?

Don't know your luck, what a schmuck.

Jun!

Brother.

I told you not to hang out with these riffraffs.

They're my friends.

Shut up, you imbecile!

You're tarnishing Father's reputation right now.

Don't let me catch you with these commoners again.

Or your mother will pay with a beating.

It's fine. Let's go sledding at the lake.

- So fun! - Right?

Yeah, loads of fun.

- Another run? - I'm in.

Huh? Jun, over there!

Father.

You've come out too far in this bitter cold.

The barbarians appear here after the sun sets.

Run along home.

Yes, Father.

He's the man.

He killed loads of barbarians, right?

A hundred? No, over a thousand.

- Wow! - Wow!

- Really? - Super cool.

I'm going to become a general that fights barbarians, just like him.

- Really? - Truly?

Barbarians, en garde!

Come, change into these clothes.

Aren't these silk clothes?

Many important guests are coming, including the Mayor of Euiju.

Be on your best behavior. Speak clearly if he asks anything.

Yes, Mother.

You're like a boy in blue.

A boy in blue?

The handsome child who serves an esteemed Taoist hermit.

Get on your way.

Aren't you coming?

I have other business to attend.

Okay, Mother. I'll be back.

Why are you here?

Mother sent me to congratulate Father.

Not necessary. You may leave.

Ma'am?

I said, leave.

It is my duty as a son to congratulate my father...

You have no place among these people.

Hearing you say "father" infuriates me. Refer to him as "His Lordship."

Answer me.

Yes, ma'am.

Ever since you took office, the foreign attacks have lessened.

The border patrol has grown more vigilant.

Your services have been acknowledged. You can expect good news soon.

I owe everything to Your Lordship's consideration.

I will repay your good graces with the head of the leader, Lee Sang-gae.

That would be a weighty burden off both our shoulders.

- Let us drink. - Sir!

What is your name?

Your Lordship, I am Seok of the family Heo.

And what do you aim to become?

Someone who brings honor to the family.

Honor to the family? And how will you do so?

Your father is Joseon's top military officer.

Will you follow in his footsteps as a general?

Your Lordship, I am more interested in civil service.

- Civil service? - A civil officer?

May I ask why?

Military officers are stationed mostly in the frontier.

I plan to stay in the capital and become a top minister.

I see.

The child is too young and doesn't know any better.

Please overlook his errors.

You say he doesn't know better, but actually he's quite intelligent.

It is true that life in the capital is better than life on the frontier.

Isn't that so?

Mother, I'm back.

Come inside.

How did it go? Were you on your best behavior?

Yes, I had a great time and plenty to eat.

Did you see the Mayor of Euiju?

I did.

Did he ask you anything?

He asked what I aimed to become.

I said a general that fights barbarians, just like Father.

Good. That is a good answer.

Mother, are you sleeping?

No. What is it?

How did you meet Father?

Why do you ask?

Just curious.

We first met in Haemi of the Chungcheong Province.

He was fighting off Japanese raiders at the time.

And you?

I was a gisaeng allocated to the government office.

My family was too poor to feed all our mouths.

My father sent me there so that I wouldn't starve.

When I first saw your father, he was handsome and distinguished.

And after meeting him, I was truly happy for the first time.

Not once have I regretted meeting your father.

But because of my low social status, you are forever a concubine's son.