Original subtitles

Subtitled by KBS America

What do you want?

Never mind.

Go ahead.

I'll check the port, so search this area.

- This line, let's go! - Yes, sir.

- Let's go. - Yes, sir!

What do you mean you couldn't find Kang Yoo Ji?

Dong Joo even search the port inside and out, but I think we were too late.

Are you sure you didn't let him get away for old time sake?

No, ma'am!

Boss I mean, that Kang Yoo Ji made my life a living hell!

I would never.

Thorn in the flesh Jung Hong Soo is back and this time as the provincial magistrate.

This is huge trouble for us!

Why do you talk like a coward?

We couldn't be rough with him back than because he had Kim Eung Ryeol and Jeong

Dong covering his back.

Jung Hong Soo is not one to rely on his connections.

He will use whatever means he has to suppress us.

I can't tell if you're worried of scared.

Junior Foreman is right.

Don't worry, madam.

I'm certain Assistant Magistrate Choi can tame that paper tiger.

Even paper can cut you if you mishandle it, so always be on your guard.

An open bidding policy was put in place to prevent the negative effects of monopoly.

But never mind the bidding even collection and inspection of the tribute

goods have been done by West Gate.

Do you care to explain this?

Unlike Hanyang, Jeju does not have many

businesses that can compete in biddings.

Tribute goods are government business.

I'm asking you why this work is being done by West Gate.

All goods to through West Gate, so tribute goods also...

Call every registered merchant broker and leaders of each village.

They're busy people that work everyday. Why bother them?

If it's a welcoming party for you, I'd gladly invite...

Carry out my order immediately!

Yes, sir. Sure.

All merchant brokers have been called to the government office.

You should probably visit him before the meeting and say hello.

No.

Man Deok.

Lord Kim Eung Ryeol had to give up his post because of his relations to me.

If that should happen to Lord Jeong...

Lord Magistrate presiding!

Thank you for coming.

I called you here today to inform you that collection and inspection of tribute goods

will be done by this office from now on.

Sir, this office lacks resources to assume that task.

It was only with West Gate's help that we have been able to send the tribute goods on time.

This sudden change will create problems for us.

I guess then West Gate should be glad now that they will have less work.

What benefit could it serve East Gate for you to collect the tribute goods yourself?

It'll prevent West Gate from abusing its privilege to draw business,

So it will not only benefit East Gate but the other merchant brokers as well.

Are you persecuting West Gate out of personal feelings?

This measure is the first step toward bettering the lives of Jeju citizens.

If consumers descend into poverty, merchants cannot survive either.

Always keep that in mind.

Did you ask your lover boy for help?

I intend to keep an eye on you.

You and the new magistrate.

You don't have to worry. I already have a plan in action.

What kind of plan?

The list of tribute goods is huge from every variety of seafood,

grains, meats, et cetera, et cetera.

There's no way we can handle all that with the staffing we have right now.

I don't think that's enough to put off the new magistrate.

And it just so happens I received unusual number of staff vacation requests for the

day of the tribute goods collection, so I approved then all.

Merchants' Inn, Hanyang

Good work, men. How did it go in Cheolla?

We started off in Sooncheon and made our way up through Gurae and Namwon.

But East Gate's fish were such a hit that we rant out before we got to Namwon.

East Gate will be sending the seafood products to Hanyang this time.

But Boss.

What is it?

I heard that fish prices took a nose dive in Jemulpo area.

Fish prices took a nose dive? Why?

Boats are bringing huge hauls and prices are dropping right at the beach.

Is this reliable information?

Yes.

Find me the fastest messenger. We need to alert East Gate quickly.

Yes, sir.

Madam, the seafood products are

ready to be shipped to Hanyang!

Why are you so excited?

Do you have a hidden lover in Hanyang?

Excited? Are you kidding?

Just thinking about the long travel makes me seasick!

How are the goods?

They're the best we have had in years, ma'am.

The best of the best.

We must not lag behind East Gate.

Get it there as fast as you can.

You can trust me on this.

I'll get those little fishes to Hanyang in pristine condition.

Is it some kind of bad news?

No, it's not that...

Divers always give us the best fish they catch. What bad news could there be?

That's right. If things keep up, we should buy a freight ship!

Please stop talking about a stupid ship!

Don't yell at me.

You never learn your lesson.

Deok Pal, that's enough!

Ladies, please buy some jars to make pickled fish.

Pickled fish?

But we have top quality fish.

Why do you want to pickle them?

And call the divers in for a meeting.

Make sure Suwol, Gapsun and Oaksu come to the meeting, too.

They're the worst divers we have.

What do you want with them?

I need their help on something.

I bet you were surprised when I called you here out of the blue.

West Gate is pestering me to

give them the best fish,

but I'm saving them for you!

Go ahead and sell the best quality fish to West Gate at full price.

Why are you turning away

what they're willing to give us?

East Gate will take the mid to low grade fish.

This is so frustrating!

Tell us what you're up to.

We're going to be selling pickled fish.

Pickled fish?

If diving is too much for you, you can help our ladies prepare the pickled fish.

What does she mean?

Picked fish?

I'll do it for you.

Mix it evenly.

We can make more profit selling them fresh. With the labor cost and expensive salt...

Why are doing this?

The ocean harvest is abundant this year, so there will be an increased supply of

seafood in Hanyang. That means prices will drop.

Yes, but...

By the time our products reach Hanyang, they will only be worth half the normal price,

and it will take months for the prices to come back up.

That's why you're making pickled fish which taste better with time!

Forewoman, come here and have a taste!

Wow, you really are an amazing cook!

I know.

My talented is wasted on this island.

Oh, absolutely. You're the star of Jeju!

It's an honor to be working with you!

I've even sent a letter that there is a

surplus of seafood products in Hanyang.

What do you want me to do with all this?

Why are you yelling at me? I'm just doing what I've been told.

Lord Jeong Dong is expecting his money right now.

What am I supposed to do with all this cheap seafood?

Madam Oh will be livid if you can't take care of this.

I feel for you, sir.

What is it, madam?

Seafood prices are on rapid decline

and we are not to send a shipment.

But the ship has long set sail! How could they tell us this now?

If you do business on the mainland, you must take interest in the events of the mainland.

But I'm not a clairvoyant.

How could I know what's happening on the mainland sitting here on this island?

I heard East Gate did not send seafood to the mainland but pickled them instead.

How could we have been oblivious of information that even Man Deok knew?

East Gate Market Brokers, Jeju Island

A bottle of sanghwang mushroom wine please!

Why do you always order that expensive mushroom wine?

Because I can drink it as much as I want and get up feeling great next morning!

We have tasty pickled damsel fish as a special

appetizer today. Have as much as you'd like!

This is the reason why I come to East Gate!

Oh, our wine.

If anyone else needs more pickled fish, just let me know!

Yes!

I come here for this stuff!

What are you doing here?

I'll buy some, too.

With taste this good, they'll sell like hotcakes anywhere!

You bet.

Where is the forewoman?

What brings you here?

I heard things are going well for this place, so I came looking for an investment opportunity.

Are you interested in making an investment of loan sharking?

Let's just call it an investment.

But I'm not sure if I can get a decent return selling pickled fish of all things.

I will expand the operation if you invest, but if not, we're content with our current operation.

It's entirely your choice whether you invest or not.

All right. I will invest.

Tribute collection deadline is just a few days away, sir. What are these letters for?

Deliver the letters to the people on this list.

This is...

It is to prevent chaos in tribute collection, so

do not let Assistant Magistrate Choi find out.

Yes, sir.

It's been a long time since we drank together last.

What made you ask for me for a drink?

I swear that Jung Hong Soo is going to drive me to my grave.

That man was always obsessed about changing Jeju.

What's wrong with Jeju the way it is?

Exactly.

I don't know how I could've survived without my dear friend here.

Do you love wine that much?

I do indeed.

You just watch. Soon Jung Hong Soo will come to me waving a white flag.

What exactly do you have in the works?

Do you think they can run the government office without Choi Nam Gu?

Of course not.

This is your turf and you're the veteran. Nothing will get done without you.

It's good to have an old friend who appreciates me for who I am.

He'll get what's coming to him for looking down on Choi Nam Gu.

It'll be fun to watch.

You have work cut out

for you today, my man!

Oh, here we go.

Is there only one man to take inventory of the tribute goods?

Several officials have taken a leave of absence on account of unavoidable circumstances.

Is that so?

I couldn't make the deadline due to unavoidable circumstances.

A request for extension?

I'll take that.

Your fishing boat was capsized in a storm.

Was anyone hurt?

No, we were lucky to survive, sir.

I will send an investigator to determine if you can be exempted from this collection.

Exempted, sir?

Thank you! Thank you, sir!

What is this about extension and exemption?

Are we to collect what does not exist from victims of natural disaster?

Where are the horses and crops? Have you sent the notice?

Horses and crops will be collected on the 20th of next month, sir.

20th of next month? What are you talking about?

From now on, tribute goods will be collected by category on different days.

We made bigger profit on pickled fish sales than we had projected.

Your foresight is incredible, ma'am.

That's why she is the forewoman!

So I'd like to pay the divers generously for their labor.

That'll make them happy.

Is it true that the tribute goods collection went without a hitch?

Then I guess this means West Gate won't be involved in tribute collection anymore.

I'm dealing with the provincial magistrate. I can't pick on him without a reason.

If you can't pick on the magistrate, pick on East Gate!

You can do that, can't you?

How can I pick on them when I have nothing on them?

Goodness! Don't take it out on me because things aren't going your way.

I'm a business woman.

If I have nothing to gain, I have nothing to give.

Do you have any ideas?

This country has been under a strict order of prohibition since the previous king's reign.

But in Jeju, that order is a mere scrap of paper...

It's the law.

If there are businesses that sell liquor against the law,

there must be severe consequences.

Young Master, tell me if there's anything you want to eat.

Wow, look at all this! There're lots of yummy foods in Jeju.

We'll take some sweet rice cakes.

Young Mas?

Young Master?

Young Master! Young Master!

We're back!

Look! He must've followed us from the market.

What a handsome boy! I wonder whose son he is.

You're...

Do you know who he is?

Your mother must be worried about you. You should go home now.

What is this about, Assistant Magistrate?

Search every inch of the compound and find the wine cask!

Yes, sir!

What is the meaning of this?

This is a prohibition raid.

Aged to perfection!

Arrest the forewoman of East Gate!

Yes, sir!

- Forewoman! - Let go!

Forewoman! Forewoman!

What is this?

It's wine recovered from East Gate's kitchen, sir.

Oh, my! That's premium wine!

The forewoman of East Gate Market Brokers has violated the prohibition order,

so I have placed her under arrest.

What is your command, sir?

Lock her up.

- Take her away. - Yes, sir.

Assistant Magistrate Choi did his job for once.

Sahn!

What's wrong with him?

Well...

What happened?

He wandered away into East Gate while I wasn't looking,

and were frightened by the guards.

East Gate? Why was my son at East Gate?

Sahn, it's okay.

I'm not yelling at you. Don't cry.

Leave. Right now!

It's okay, Sahn. Mommy's right here.

The forewoman?

Oh, what do we do?

Who would've ever thought that

my wine would cause this disaster?

This is not about the wine.

That Choi Nam Gu is the problem.

Oh, Forewoman...

Did you wish to see me, sir?

Bring me a list of guests that the Gisaeng house had in the past year

and of those who attended the major festivals of Jeju.

Yes, sir.

Jeong Dong's estate, Hanyang

This is what you're paying me?

We barely scraped it together, sir.

Does Oh Moon Seon think that my time is over because we have a new king?

Don't misunderstand, sir.

Misunderstand?

I heard that silk store money has been flowing into other politicians' pockets.

Am I mistaken about that as well?

That's absolutely untrue, sir.

It's just that we've lost the tribute goods collection privilege in Jeju,

and we took a huge loss due to a drop in seafood prices, so...

So?

So you dare expect me to assume that loss?

Sir, your son who has been appointed

new magistrate of Jeju is the very cause of this loss.

In Hanyang, he harassed us by protecting the peddlers,

and now he is taking away the privileges that West Gate has in Jeju.

What are we supposed to do?

Are you in? Sorry, wrong room.

Excuse me! Sorry, wrong room.

Boss!

Boss!

Oh, that backpack you shouldn't be carrying things like that!

What are you doing here in Hanyang?

I brought a shipment of seafood products for the licensed market.

Anyway, it's good to see you.

Really? Are you happy to see me? I really missed you, sir!

Stop! People will think we're lovers or something!

Let's go inside.

Sir.

How have you been doing, sir?

I've been busy doing my legwork.

Here. Let me give you a leg massage.

That's gross. Get away.

"Gross"? I'm hurt. I'll give you a real nice rubdown.

No.

I'm afraid you'll get me back for all the beatings you took from me years ago.

Sir, um...

What? Is there something wrong?

I have to see a doctor to pick up some medicine for Young Master Sahn.

And this is the same doctor that took care of Daebang Gang.

And?

Perhaps he knows if Daebang really died of a heart attack

or if there was something else.

I see your head is elsewhere tonight.

I'm sorry, sir.

What's bothering you?

Hong Soo has learned that West Gate's dominance is driving the people of Jeju

into poverty, and he is trying to change that.

It must be tough for him knowing that his father is the one protecting West Gate.

By the way, isn't your daughter also running a business in Jeju?

Yes.

I'm told she is pursuing a joint venture with the traveling merchants to bring specialty

items of Jeju into the mainland.

My, she is ambitious like her father!

Do you think so?

If I ever get a change to visit Jeju, I'd like to meet her.

What health concerns bring you here today?

I've come for Young Lord Kang Sahn's medicine.

Oh, of course! Just a moment...

I am Daebang Kang Kye Man's son.

Tell me about you and my young stepmother's relationship.

Pardon? I've never met the woman!

Do you need to be beaten to tell the truth?

We know that Madam Oh always came personally for Lord Kang's medicine.

You never met the woman?

It was such a long time ago and my memory fails me...

You want me to refresh your memory?

I didn't do anything except give her medicine that treats heart disease!

She took nothing from you that could harm my father?

Of course not!

If you want to end up like this vase, you can continue to lie.

I heard you became a rich man overnight after my father died.

I will ask you one last time.

What do you know about my father's death?

I swear I didn't know!

How could I have known where she would use that thing?

"That thing"?

She asked for some poisonous herbs, so...

But whoever heard of a wife poisoning her own husband?

So I thought she had other use for it.

Sir.

You toiled and moiled all your life... only to be killed by a young wench.

Say something!

You pushed me out bewitched by that evil wench and let her kill you?

How could you have been so stupid?

Sir, don't do this to yourself.

What are we, Father?

We're nothing but puppets played in her hands!

Sir...

I cannot let her get away with what she's done.

I promise you she will pay.

Mercy? Give it to the dogs.

What is this?

Do you have a death wish?

Sir!

What are you doing here?

Offender will kneel!

What is the meaning of this, Lord Magistrate?

This is a trial of those who violated the prohibition order.

Prohibition order?

What proof do you have that I violated the prohibition order?

Prohibition was ordered by the previous King to prevent wasteful use of grain

by wine making during a severe famine.

Lord Magistrate, if you know the purpose so well, why have you arrested us?

That's right!

No one has ever been arrested for prohibition in Jeju up to date!

What's more, there is no famine and we've had good harvest!

I am aware that it is unreasonable to enforce the prohibition order in these conditions.

But the laws must be observed, and laws must be fair.

So now I will commence the sentencing of the offenders.

Sir! Lord Magistrate!

What is it?

How could we... enforce the law... literally... word for word?

What do you mean by that?

It is unreasonable for the prohibition order to be enforced here in Jeju,

so I implore...

I can't hear you.

I implore you for lenience!

We implore you for lenience!

We implore you for lenience, sir!

As the newly appointed magistrate,

I feel compelled to pay heed to my native assistant.

Therefore, I hereby grant lightest sentence of

monetary penalty to the offenders of the law.

Talk about bad luck!

Getting arrested for drinking in this day and age? This is ridiculous!

Everyone is waiting for you.

I made everyone worry.

Are you all right?

I just need a little rest.

Dong Ah, I want to be alone for a little while.

My lord.

Dong Ah, it's been a while.

My lord, there's a place Man Deok goes to whenever she wants to be alone.

Boss, what are you planning to do?

A national law has been broken and it ends with a measly fine?

You should've said you'd take lashes instead.

Look here!

That's easy for you to say.

That would've made the magistrate react differently.

You don't think he would actually give lashes to his dear Man Deok. Do you?

If you don't have guts, you should at least have a brain.

How can I trust either of you or the Assistant Magistrate to take care of us?

Seo Joo, I want you to watch Man Deok's every move.

Yes, ma'am.

And you'll watch Jung Hong Soo, Junior Foreman.

If the two do as much as exchange letters, I want to know right away.

Do you understand?

With Kim Eung Ryeol, we were able to exploit the secret that they're father and daughter,

but the situation is different this time.

Who would criticize even if they carry on a relationship?

Exactly.

This was a perfect opportunity to have her whipped or jailed. It's a shame.

Are you saying this is my fault?

Enough with the bickering!

If you have the strength to bicker, work on finding a solution!

If there is a way to shake up the two of them,

I don't care how low it is or how contrived it seems. I want to hear it!.

I'm sorry for putting you through this.

You should go back. I'm all right.

But I'm not all right.

I missed you.

Subtitled by KBS America