Original subtitles

Subtitled by KBS America

Hong's foster mother Myo Hyang is the one that caused her birth mother's death?

What else do you know about Eun Hong?

Myo Hyang lost her parents to pestilence,

and Eun Hong's parents took

her and her two siblings in.

One day, Eun Hong learned that Deputy

Choi Nam Gu was embezzling tribute goods,

and told a man from Hanyang who

was exiled on this island about it.

But Myo Hyang betrayed her friend and ratted

on her, so Choi Nam Gu came after Eun Hong.

Wait, did you say Eun Hong's

daughter became a gisaeng?

Then that girl is Myo Hyang's...!

Yes,

she became Myo Hyang's foster daughter.

Granny!

Hong, what are you doing here?

Why did you come here? Do you know how worried I was?

Is this the girl?

Who is she?

An acquaintance from long ago. Let's go now.

Handoogi Diver Master, take care.

Goodbye.

Let's go now.

Hong!

Hong, is that really you?

I'm Hong, a government gisaeng of Jeju. Am I the one you are looking for?

The Hong I am looking for is a friend of mine.

A girl who was always confident and sweet...

She had a dream grander than mine...

It's good to see you again!

Jung Hong Soo and Hong... know each other?

Hong, why did you pretend not to notice me?

Were you ashamed of having become a gisaeng?

It's been seven long years since I saw you last.

In that time I often wondered about you?

If you had received the letter I sent from Hanyang,

how you are doing,

what I would say if I should run into you...

Hong, I want to know something.

Have you thought about me like I thought about you?

I've been resentful of the cruel ocean that I could never cross again,

but now I'm thankful.

It opened up the path for you to find me.

Why did you turn around and come back when you rode out there in such a hurry?

Please leave. I have a lot on my mind.

Aren't you going to do something about our problem?

Don't delude yourself.

I am not your assistant. I'm the foreman of the West Gate Market Brokers.

If you have a job to do, talk to your men.

An inspector from Hanyang is

investigating West Gate Market Brokers.

They're not only after you

but your father in Hanyang as well.

Why is everyone so afraid of that one single man Jung Hong Soo?

Do you want to get kicked out of Jeju because of that one single man Jung Hong Soo?

Are you done?

I'll leave for now for the daebang's sake.

Thinking about a dead friend?

What? What did you just say?

Do you know a diver named Eun Hong?

Yes. She was a dear friend of mine.

Then you must remember

killing her as well.

Why? Are you afraid someone might hear it?

Get Hong off the gisaeng register and seek atonement.

I don't know what you're talking about.

If that's the case, I will ask Hong myself?

What she would do if her foster mother turns out to be the one that killed her birth mother?

I don't want to divulge this for Hong's sake.

But I will tell her if you don't let her go.

Give it some thought.

20 years ago...

One of those girls is the squealer that told the man from Hanyang about me.

Find out who it was.

But I don't know anything...

Do you have a crush on the exiled man from Hanyang as well, Myo Hyang?

No!

If anyone lies to me to protect the squealer, I'll punish that person as well.

Myo Hyang, my man promised me that he would help us.

"My man"?

The truth is,

I haven't had my period in months.

I think I'm pregnant.

I can feel it moving.

I will remove Hong's name from the gisaeng register.

But it requires permission from the government office, so I need time.

You have 15 days.

I'm sure I don't have to tell you what will happen if you break your word.

I won't.

You've been cooking for the gisaeng house forever.

Why can't you get the japche to taste right?

My japche is made with bracken,

clams and bellflower roots,

and left to age overnight with mustard seasoning.

If you ask me, your abalone kimchi is the problem.

Problem?

Problem!

Problem?

Stop!

I brought Hong, so let her be the judge.

Okay? Is that fair?

It melts in your mouth, doesn't it?

I think the tang of the mustard will balance out the other rich appetizers.

It's your favorite abalone kimchi.

Isn't it delicious?

Delicious? It's pure salt!

Don't spit it out, or I'll put rocks in your granny's food!

Water. Water.

This is wine!

Auntie!

What are you doing here?

I came to deliver the grocery list for the province clerk.

Where are you going?

To the quarantine camp to see the diver master.

May I come with you and help?

To the quarantine camp?

Excuse me...

Who are you?

Help me up.

Please tell me what you know about the corruption in the local government.

This is an inspector from Hanyang here to investigate the abalone tribute collection.

I'm here to help, so tell me everything you know.

Assistant Magistrate!

Enter!

The inspector is at the quarantine camp with Hong!

The quarantine camp?

You'll have to eliminate the old diver.

I can't make hasty moves.

Inspector has probably learned everything by now.

People die in the quarantine camp all the time.

They die from diseases and they kill each other over food.

Death of an old and sick diver won't even raise an eyebrow.

Would you be willing to repeat everything you just told me to the magistrate?

Yes.

She's tired today, so come back tomorrow.

Who wants to see me?

You gave the inspector too much information.

Choi Nam Gu, it's you.

Have you come to commit another

crime to cover up your crime?

That wench Hong will be next.

Stop!

Bastards! Don't lay a hand on the diver master!

How could they do this!

It's Choi Nam Gu, isn't it? He did this!

You're all working for that bastard Choi Nam Gu! Get out of here!

I'll testify everything I heard from her at the government office.

Hong.

They killed her.

You don't know how much I regret getting you into this dangerous investigation.

Please, Hong. Stay away from this and out of Choi Nam Gu's sight.

Hong.

Granny, Handoogi Diver Master is dead.

What?

But she was fine yesterday. How did this happen?

It's my fault. I had told the inspector about her, and...

Hong, don't get yourself involved in this investigation.

Granny...

She couldn't have just died all of a sudden for no reason.

Just keep silent and do nothing. Do you understand?

I'm sorry, but I can't do that.

Hong!

Here, here, let's drink!

Eat up!

What are you girls waiting for?

What is the meaning of this?

Mother, may I ask what you are celebrating in this festive gathering?

Don't beat around the bush and say what you wish to say.

Assistant Magistrate, you must be happy now that your malfeasance will be buried forever.

What are you talking about?

You've killed the diver master to shut her up, and now she cannot expose you.

Are you sure this party is big enough?

You need a bigger celebration!

You wench! How many lives do you think you have?

You're begging to be killed.

You're supposed to protect the people, but you killed a woman to cover up your crime.

I think the magistrate should know about this. Don't you?

Do you have proof that I killed anyone?

I'll show you what happens to those who speak in haste without any proof.

Men, take this wench outside. This instant!

Yes, sir!

What's going on here?

I'm teaching a lesson to a gisaeng who has insulted a government official.

Whatever she has done,

treating a fragile woman this way is also unbecoming of a virtuous leader.

This wench accused me of killing someone to cover up malfeasance in tribute collection.

I will investigate this.

No,

the province clerk is in charge of maintaining discipline in government gisaeng house.

Isn't that right?

Yes, sir. I will teach her a lesson she won't soon forget.

Jeju local government is still under investigation

for possible embezzlement of tribute-in-kind.

She may have a reason for making this accusation, so I will take her for questioning.

Very well. But when falsity of her accusation is revealed,

I will have this girl killed to establish discipline in the gisaeng house.

I told you to stay silent.

I couldn't stand by and watch...

I won't let him get away with what he's done.

I will find proof somehow, so trust me and hang in there.

Okay?

Impossible.

I don't think you understand.

Hong is my woman.

It's you and me that Hong is trying to bring down.

She went around with the inspector and found the diver master in the quarantine camp.

Snap out of it and forget about Hong.

If you lay a finger on Hong, I will crush you.

If we let Hong live, she will crush us both!

I don't know about you, but I don't intend to die like this.

Do you understand?

Have you found proof to put Assistant Magistrate Choi away?

Not yet.

Take it.

What is it?

It's the proof you've been looking for.

Arrest Choi Nam Gu.

But if I take this, you... You won't be safe either.

Hong is in danger.

Dozens of gisaengs have been killed by falling out of favor with Choi Nam Gu.

If I don't do this, Hong won't make it.

I'm giving you this so you can save her.

Wait. Yoo Ji, wait.

Hong doesn't need to all the details. Don't tell her I did this. Well then...

What do you want?

Arrest this man at once!

Yes, sir!

Take your hands off of me! Don't you know who I am?

Let go of me this instant! You've all gone mad!

West Gate Market Brokers

What's this?

Offender Kang Yoo Ji, come forth!

Foreman...

Kang Yoo Ji,

you've embezzled tribute goods that belongs

to the state for trading in Hanyang black market.

I have nothing to say. Take me swiftly, Inspector, sir.

Take him.

Yes, sir!

Foreman! Foreman!

Foreman!

Why do you look so serious?

I am Kang Yoo Ji. You think something like this is going to faze me?

Everything's in a muddle at West Gate.

State Guards have turned the place upside down, and merchants are turning away.

Don't worry. West Gate Market Brokers will not be destroyed by this.

More importantly, what's happened to Hong?

Foreman, this is no time to worry about her!

She's been released.

How did I get out?

Inspector found a ledger with details of Choi Nam Gu and Foreman Kang's shady dealings

So they released you.

Then what happened to Foreman Gang and the assistant magistrate?

They're both in confinement.

Hong, stay out of this matter now. Do you understand?

The merchants are coming! Listen, everyone!

What?

West Gate Brokers got shut down.

All of the merchants are coming

here to get their goods for sale!

Senior Foreman!

Senior Foreman, the merchants are...

Pan Sul, I want you and Yi Eun to handle the negotiating.

Yes, sir.

Deok Pal, make sure the guest rooms are clean so the merchants can rest.

Yes, sir!

Ban Guan and Yu Bong, you two are porters.

- Yes, sir! - Yes, Senior Foreman!

Is this East Gate Market Brokers?

Yes!

- Welcome! - Let me take that for you!

West Gate Brokers embezzled the tribute goods,

but it wouldn't have been possible without help

from the government office.

The central figure in this crime is Assistant Magistrate Choi Nam Gu.

Please conduct a thorough investigation.

And please send this to Lord Kim Eung Ryeol of the Bureau of Commerce Control.

I heard there is a ship that will reach Hanyang before I do.

Yes, I will deliver it right away.

Your ship will leave port soon.

We've just met but we have to part again...

I'm not going anywhere.

Just remember that I am here.

Would you take this back?

I don't need this now to remember you.

So hold on to it for me until I get back.

I'll take good care of it until you return.

Arrest Kang Kye Man without delay.

I have secured proof of West Gate Market Brokers' criminal dealings.

What will you do now, Minister Jeong?

What does this have anything to do with me?

What if Captain Jeong finds out about your association with Kang Kye Man?

Are you using my son to threaten me?

Thinks about what it would do to him when he learns the truth about his father.

I speak out of concern for a good man being torn between duty and filial piety.

Turn yourself in before Captain Jeong returns to Hanyang.

I beg you.

Daebang is just fine when we gave him

herbs that's supposed to weaken the heart.

Are you sure this is working?

The other day he said his chest felt heavy and

that he had tightness on his neck and shoulders.

Those are signs that his heart is weakening.

It's working.

You're evil.

Isn't Minister Jeong afraid of you?

What makes him think that you'll help him?

Minister Jeong wants to see you.

Even Kim Eung Ryeol won't suspect the woman that shares his bed.

You would get rid of your own husband for me?

Daebang is planning to give his repository key to his prodigal son in Jeju instead of me.

I can't very well allow the child in my womb to become a beggar, can I?

Daebang Gang's child...?

Then his business will naturally become yours.

You're taking the best medicines for the heart but there is no improvement.

I'm so concerned...

It's frustration. Nothing's going right.

My lord, you've been cooped up at home the last few days.

Perhaps some fresh air will help.

Yes, I haven't been out of the house since the attack.

Our baby is pestering me to take him out.

Yes, this is so much better!

I can breathe easier as well.

It's all the worrying that has harmed your health.

The doctor says you have symptoms

of organ deterioration as well.

Don't worry

I would not leave our baby and die.

But I'm afraid that the shock you are about to take might kill you.

The shock I'm about to take? What do you mean?

The truth is, Captain Jeong is on his way back from Jeju with proof that will expose

your criminal activities.

And your prodigal son's West Gate Market Brokers is on the verge of ruin.

What? What did you say?

My first dream was to work at the silk store, but soon I wanted the silk store for myself.

I do respect your acumen, so I thought I'd just be content where I am,

but I changed my mind when I found out that all you care about is your prodigal son.

You wench!

I know what's going through your head right now.

'How did I end up like this?'

'Where did I go wrong?'

'What mistake did I make?'

Wench... How could you...

Wench...

Your biggest mistake was betraying Granny.

Why did you do it?

If Granny had been around, I would never have been able to conceive of this idea.

How could you... do this to me? You evil wench...

How could you...!

Yoo Ji...

Yoo Ji... Yoo Ji...

I will raise the child in my womb to be the next Merchant Daebang of Hanyang.

Minister Jeong, it's time to make a decision.

Captain Jeong is due to arrive shortly.

Sir!

What is it?

We just received a report that Daebang Kang Kye Man is died!

What?

He suffered a heart attack on an outing.

Do you know why I haven't told Hong about you yet?

Because I don't want her to know that the woman she loved and respected

as a mother for seven years is human trash.

But if you don't keep your promise to remove Hong from the gisaeng register,

I will have to tell her that you're the one that killed her mother.

Now, what are you going to do? Have me killed as well?

Choi Nam Gu isn't here to do your dirty work.

Why are you doing this?

Is that a rhetorical question?

Today is the day you promised to have Hong's name removed.

If you don't deliver on the promise by tonight,

I will go to the magistrate with Hong and divulge everything. Understand?

The old hag is trying to destroy me!

What am I supposed to do if you're locked up in here like this?

Shut up!

You're in this mess because you didn't want to

return Kang Yoo Ji's money for Hong's virginity!

I don't care about the money anymore.

Just figure out a way to get yourself out.

Why don't you get me out?

Then I'll take care of that old hag for you.

I do have one idea, but...

If I get you out, you must get that woman and Hong out of my sight for me.

Sure. I'll kill off both of them for you right away.

Do what you want with the old hag, but.... I want Hong sent to the quarantine camp.

The quarantine camp?

I get it.

You don't want her blood on your hands. You just want her in the grave for the living.

So what's this idea you have?

Who killed the diver master?

The province clerk?

Is it true that you plotted with West Gate Market Brokers and embezzled tribute goods?

No, Magistrate, sir!

I am innocent!

But punish me if you will.

If tribute goods were misappropriated, I am responsible as the official in charge.

Why is this man here?

We caught him getting on a ship to the mainland, sir.

Forgive me! I am the one that's been embezzling tribute goods!

Punish me as well, sir, for failing to control a subordinate official!

You're not at fault for this man's crime.

I apologize for doubting you.

You bastard! How dare you exploit the good people of Jeju!

You will take care of my family for the rest of their lives as you promised. Right, sir?

Yeah. All you have to do is keep your mouth shut.

Take him!

I will pay them back for this humiliation someday!

But first... Hong, that wench...!

These are pearls!

It's not much, but we want you to have them.

We just want to thank you.

Ladies...

Mother.

It's trouble, Hong!

Assistant Magistrate Choi has been released!

Granny asked me to send you to the port.

I think she's going to get you out of here tonight.

But Assistant Magistrate found out and went after Granny!

He went after Granny?

Go. You have to go now!

Don't worry about me and go somewhere safe for now.

Foolish child... Go join your mother.

What are you doing in this room?

Do you know where Hong has gone?

What kind of trick are you up to now?

You don't have time for this.

Hong has gone to the port to save you.

To the port? What kind of trick are you up to, I said!

If you want to see Hong for the last time, I suggest you go to the port.

Granny!

Granny!

Granny!

Hong!

Granny!

Hong, we must get out of here!

What happened? Where's Assistant Magistrate Choi?

We can't stay here. We have to go!

What? But Mother said...

Mistress Myo Hyang tricked you to kill us both.

Don't move!

Granny, what's going on?

Hong, listen to me carefully!

Your mother's name is Eun Hong!

- Mistress Myo Hyang is the one who... - Granny!

- Let's go! - Hong!

- Why are you doing this? Granny! - Be quiet! I said be quiet!

- Granny! - Be quiet!

Where did you take Hong? Where is she?

Hong! Hong!

Where did you take Hong? Hong! Hong!

Where are you, Hong? Hong! Hong!

Hong... Where is she?

Why are you doing this?

Hong, you wench, you know your crime.

How dare you attempt to escape this island when you're a government gisaeng!

Mother!

Don't call me mother.

I fed you, clothed you, and made you who you are, and you dare attempt to escape?

Guards, take this girl to the quarantine camp.

Yes, sir!

Subtitled by KBS America

Hong and Granny got caught trying to escape, and the whole town was turned upside down!

How can I find Hong and get Granny out?

I think Myo Hyang and Choi Nam Gu set them up

and made it look like Hong was trying to escape.

Daebang Gang is...

Kang Kye Man is dead.

Kang Kye Man is dead?

I will go to Hanyang!

Yoo Ji is coming.

The silk store belongs to me.

We found Hong at the quarantine camp.

There is no time.

You must find Hong no matter what the cost.

Where has Foreman Kang gone?

The quarantine camp.

Where the gisaeng is named Hong?

We have to leave now!

Those that killed my mother are here on this island.

I'm not going anywhere!

Turn Hong over.

I'm done playing nice.

Keep searching!