In case some of you are just joining this blog, let me reiterate. One reason this kdrama appeals to me is that it reminds me of a Jane Austen novel. Like an Austenite heroine, SoonDeok has an inner life, that’s reflected in her conversation with herself and relationship with the family members. Though there are duties and limitations imposed upon her as the widowed daughter-in-law of a powerful political family, she finds ways to make her life meaningful through her secret matchmaking adventures. She’s a busybody like Emma Woodhouse but without the arrogance and conceit.

Of course, instead of the village life of unmarried women belonging to the landed gentry in England, we see the village life of unmarried women belonging to the lesser nobility in Joseon period. It’s a bonus that SoonDeok and JungWoo are a widow and widower, respectively, because we get to see love the second time around.

The gentle courtship of SoonDeok continues in this episode.

Ep 10 Love blooms at the Dano Festival (May Festival)

JungWoo takes advantage of the weather phenomenon known as the “fox rain” in Korean folklore to ask SoonDeok a personal question. She told him that when there’s rain on a sunny day (or sunshower, as we call it), it’s an enchantment created by the wily fox. The fox is bewitching people with the sunshower so they won’t notice that he’s gone to find his mate. JungWoo then suggests that since they’re under the influence of alcohol…errr… under the spell of the fox, she can speak her hidden thoughts and feelings without fear. Meaning, he won’t take offense, and he won’t hold her words against her.

JungWoo: I will not raise an issue of what you say while we are enchanted. So you should also answer me without minding the current situation.
SoonDeok: (turning to look at him)
JungWoo: Why did you lie and say that you do not like me?
SoonDeok: (not answering)
JungWoo: In my opinion, it is certain that you like me as well. During the tower circling, you said you would be my shield. When I fainted at the inn, you came to me running before anyone else. And after hearing I was okay at the river, you were sincerely relieved. Additionally, you were talking to me as if you were calm, but your pulse was beating faster than usual.

Ooof! This is such a romantic moment. Why?

For one, it showed that he understood her true nature well because he caught every single one of her unguarded moments. He knew that she wasn’t the type to offer to become a shield to just any man. Nor was she the type to lose composure in emergency situations. But she was certainly the type who would mask her agitation behind a straight face.

For another, the actor’s soft-spoken delivery suggested that JungWoo didn’t wish to offend or embarrass SoonDeok as he itemized these public displays of affection. He wasn’t gloating or accusatory that he caught her lying. On the contrary, he was mindful that she might have reasons for the secrecy and lies. Hence his insistence that she be honest with him without apprehension of the future.

JungWoo: Based on all these situations, it is certain that you like me as well. Could it be I was mistaken because I am a shy nerd?

Again, this is such a swoon-worthy line. It reveals so many things. One, his awareness of being reserved and socially awkward. Two, his nervousness at being found inadequate (and remember he always acts superior). Three, his misgiving (and remember he always acts confident). And last, his tenderness towards her.

SoonDeok: My heart was in pain when you did not look at me when you were speaking.

Huh? What does she mean? What is she referring to? When was this?

SoonDeok: I did not know the reason back then. But I think I know the reason now. It was because I also had feelings for you. However…

And the rain stops. The rain has good timing! It means then he must disregard her love confession (because it was said during the “fox rain”) and now, he must heed what she was about to say (because they’re no longer under the spell).

SoonDeok: I cannot forget my deceased husband. Until I die, probably. So I cannot accept your feelings or give you my feelings.

Note the positions of their bodies. The body language is on point. His body is facing hers which indicates that he has (open) feelings for her. Meanwhile, she doesn’t want to face him because she’s hiding her feelings.

And with that, she stands up and leaves him behind to follow her.

My comments:

1. To me, this scene is made more poignant by the subtle auditory details like the orchestral music and the sound of rain in the background.

2. I like the contrast between JungWoo’s question and SoonDeok’s response. JungWoo asked his question on the spur of the moment because the unexpected fox rain gave him the opportunity to talk with SoonDeok about something that had long bothered him. In comparison, SoonDeok’s response sounded final – as if she had contemplated this issue a million times, and a different reply wasn’t an option for her.

3. As I mentioned, her romantic idealism is fixated on the bride-who-sat-still-for-20-years. To her, that’s how a loving wife and faithful widow should live the rest of her life. She didn’t expect love to bloom again – just like the title of this episode indicated – and is denying her feelings out of a sense of loyalty (misguided, I should say) for her late husband.

4. And I like that JungWoo isn’t discouraged by her reply. At the end of this episode, he approaches her again.

This time, instead of the “fox rain,” he takes advantage of the temporary lull in their matchmaking mission to get SoonDeok alone with him. He brings her to the parapet overlooking the swings and comments on the Dano festival.

JungWoo: This is the first time I have watched the festivities of Dano like this.
SoonDeok: Your first time? What did you do on Dano in the past?
JungWoo: I read books alone at home because I did not like the hectic environment. That is also not as bad as you think.
SoonDeok: Since you got to see it this year, do not just stay home starting next year.
JungWoo: Starting next year, I plan to watch the Dano festivities with you.
SoonDeok: (confused)
JungWoo: You do not need to forget your deceased husband. I also have not forgotten the princess. Like you, I probably will never be able to forget her. However, it is certain that I like you. Is that not also true of you, too?

My comments:

1. I like the contrast again. During the “fox rain,” they were in seclusion, hidden from prying eyes. This time, it’s a bright and sunny day, with one little puffy cloud in the sky. They’re in full view of everybody but that doesn’t seem to bother him.

2. This time, he tackles her concerns head-on. Since she considers the memories of her late husband to be an impediment to their relationship, he informs her that he too has memories of his first spouse. He understands her situation and will not hold it against her.

3. To me, his question is merely for formality sake.

He has already decided to propose to her on that day after the missions for the three sisters are done. That’s why he wasn’t shy about taking her hand after they matched the third sister with the Guard.

And to think he was a stickler for keeping proper distance between an unmarried man and woman!

And that’s why he even boldly wrapped an arm on her shoulder to lead her away from the swings.

He has made up his mind to propose to her and make her his wife on that day.

4. That’s why the success of their operation on Dano festival is critical to him.

SoonDeok was upset that her Orabeoni interfered with the third sister’s hair event and she scolded the two men.

SoonDeok: (to JungWoo) Did you not say there were no issues with the groom candidates? But Number 23 did not come. (to her Orabeoni) And why did you suddenly appear there, Officer?
JungWoo: I have no way of knowing why Number 23 did not come.
SoonDeok: Is this marriage only important to me?
JungWoo: It is very important to me, too. Since my life is on the line.
SoonDeok: (confused) Pardon?

What he means is that he can’t marry her if the three sisters’ arranged marriages don’t succeed. It’s critical that they marry off the sisters so he can have his own happily-ever-after with her.

🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸

That’s it for me. I have to keep this short so I can write more.