Original subtitles

[indistinct chattering]

[♪ Suspenseful music playing]

-[man 1] Whoa! -[crowd exclaiming]

Try to dodge this. [grunts]

[bandit 1 grunting]

[grunts, yelps]

[Dongmak grunting]

[screaming]

[yelping]

[bandit 2 grunting]

[bandit 3 grunting]

[yelps]

-[bandit 3 grunting] -[crowd exclaiming]

[screaming]

[bandit 4 yelling]

[Walwal shuddering]

[bandit 5 yelling]

[man 2] Stay back.

You're all useless.

Can't even teach one laborer a lesson.

[grunting]

[crowd chattering indistinctly]

[Bang grunting]

[crowd exclaims]

[Walwal shuddering]

Brother, are you all right?

[grunts]

-You're gonna regret that. -You're making a fool of yourself.

Just let it go.

[Bang grunting]

[snickers]

[grunts, pants]

[screaming]

[groaning]

[grunting]

[exclaims]

[panting]

[yells]

[squirms]

My wage.

Hand it over.

They didn't pay us either.

Strike the petition drum if you want.

You want to die over one doe of rice?

Do it.

Do it! [breathing heavily]

If I find out this is all a lie,

you're as good as dead.

[grunts]

The Murky Stream

TWO. THE WIND THAT STIRS IN MAPO

[crowd exclaiming]

[people speaking indistinctly]

-What now, brother? -What?

Huh? What about the boat charge

-and labor charge we pocketed? -[shushing] Will you shut it?

They'll catch us. And we'll be in big trouble.

-Don't you think so? -I said shut it.

A little risk isn't worth the reward? Huh?

[Walwal gulps]

Let's go!

You're going? All of them got injured, though.

It's hardship, so what?

We're bandits. We turn our backs.

[sighs] I gotta piss.

Be careful as you carry that.

[guard 1] How dare you? Where do you think you are?

[guard 2 grunts]

[people chattering indistinctly]

[Chief Kang] Stop!

[Jang Siyul breathing heavily]

What do you want?

I'm here to collect my wages from you.

What are you saying?

No one received their wages after the lady here went boating.

We merchants pay right away. We don't make deals on credit.

But even so, no one was given payment.

One side says that they gave it.

The other side says they never received it.

So, tell me, to whom do I enquire to receive my wage?

I see you haven't had enough.

[Jang Siyul exhales]

We said that we paid you all.

The Mapo bandits are likely at fault. Talk to that lot.

Someone ordered our work.

Yet no one claims responsibility for our payment.

"It's not me. Go ask them."

"And it wasn't us either. Go ask again."

We work ourselves to death for just one doe of rice.

How long will you have us dancing around in circles?

I've heard enough out of you, young man.

We are not the ones who pocketed it.

How dare you cause a scene? [yelps]

-[grunts] -[villager] Chief Kang!

-What do you think you're doing? -[villager] Are you all right?

You didn't say a word to those bandits.

But women are easier to pick on, aren't they?

Here... Exchange this, and you'll get one mal of rice at least.

I don't need your charity.

This is my wage.

Can't you be courteous?

Are you truly asking for trouble right now?

Take it with you and leave.

How can you treat us this way?

It's like we're animals.

Do you think you can just use your money to bribe us and order us around?

Well, that isn't usually how I treat people,

but you seem to deserve it.

You've proven you'd punch anyone for a little money.

Try starving for three days...

for a single doe of rice.

You'd be willing to untie your pretty sash.

Really?

Then I dare you...

untie it.

What's wrong?

You're reckless, but not brave enough?

[Jeongyeop] Halt.

Don't be so impolite to the lady.

Perhaps it's time somebody taught you a lesson?

It isn't worth starting a fight.

That's enough. Follow me.

This is my share.

I'll give the rest to the other laborers.

-[laborer 1] What's taking so long? -[laborer 2] He's coming.

[laborer 3] What did she say?

So... so what did you find out?

[laborer 4] Huh? Tell us.

-[laborer 5] Say something. -This is our wage from the guild.

[all exclaiming]

[overlapping chatter]

[laborer 6] Hey, hey.

I got it. I got it.

-Are you all right? -Are you positive you paid the wages?

-Of course. -[laborers yelling indistinctly]

Someone must have taken it.

[laborer 1] Damn you.

-[laborers grunting] -Give it to me.

That's Mapo for you.

[Yoon] Some drifter did this to you?

And I'm ashamed of it.

That why you didn't tell me?

If we're crushed, [chuckles] isn't it our law to never admit to it?

[sighs] Hey,

if you were going to fight alone, what was the point of joining the clan?

Huh?

No matter how strong a Tiger is,

it cannot fight a pack of wolves on its own.

I'll keep that in mind, brother.

Huh.

[Jeongyeop] Interesting.

You want to work out of Joseon?

I heard, you know, martial arts and were a general of a Jurchen Tribe.

But with five men alone, [chuckles] you can't take the Gyeonggang River.

-You would be dealing with violent thugs. -[sighs]

Do you not think this is foolish?

That's why I'm here asking you to help me.

You must help me, too, then. It's only fair.

Of course I will.

Otherwise you wouldn't agree.

Look at this.

It's a map of the Hanyang area.

The Gyeonggang River is surrounded by the sea.

It's convenient for reaching other regions.

If you're willing to look outward,

then your profits could be greater than you ever imagined.

So smuggling is your idea.

If I take over the Gyeonggang River,

half of the profit will be returned to you.

Listen well.

[Wanghae] Hmm.

Your strength doesn't matter here.

If you disobey the law, it's over.

This country belongs to His Majesty.

And don't forget, His Majesty is always watching.

[in Jurchen] Choi Jeongyeop. He is not suitable.

[Acham] What are you going to do now?

I need to find someone greedier and more powerful.

Do you truly mean to build a new foundation on this land?

Now is the time.

I cannot let my brothers and my children live as subjects of Mongol.

I would rather die than see that happen.

[Acham] Will I be able to live with my child and my wife?

Of course.

For their sake, we must take over the Gyeonggang River.

[Walwal whimpering, panting]

[in English] Brother.

[Mudeok] Oh, shit.

This is not good. [panting]

What?

Yoon said he wants to have a chat with you right now.

-What for? -Ah, it's the money we pocketed

from the boat and all the labor.

-Yeah? -Ahh! Malbok was talking about it

while taking a piss and he got caught.

-What a damn idiot. -[sighs]

-That damn babbler! -We're in trouble. [breathing heavily]

Everybody knows that Yoon's temper is really bad.

[sighs] What do we do now?

Why are you asking me?

I think we're both going to end up dead today.

[whimpering, panting in distance]

[all panting, whimpering]

Line up in order of seniority, and start from there.

Right there, yes. Yes.

-That's right. -[all breathing heavily]

[Yoon] There are some things you can and cannot pocket,

and yet you pocketed the laborer's wages.

[all] I apologize.

[sighs] Excuse me.

[panting] I think this is all a misunderstanding.

Please, keep on talking.

[indistinct shouting]

Hey, you're up first.

Yes, sir. [sobbing]

It'll go up by seniority.

-[wooden staff thwacking] -[groaning]

[men laughing]

-I swear I'll be better. [whimpers] -All right. Next. Come on.

Oh, no. Oh, no.

What? You feeling sick?

Get down.

[screaming in pain]

-[staff thwacks] -[Jungbok screaming]

[yells]

The hell is wrong with you? You're up next.

Now, come on.

-Uh, boss, about my backdoor. -What's wrong?

-It gets kind of sensitive there. -I'll just poke it.

-No. Oh, no. -Or I can beat it. You choose.

-Go! Stand there. -No, no. Don't.

-Yeah, that's good. -Wait. [hyperventilates]

[groans softly]

-[all groaning] -[staff thwacks]

-Forgive me. [groans] -[men laughing]

Back in line. Next.

[Yoon sighs]

[Walwal gasps]

Want me to hit your arm instead, huh?

[grunts, yells]

[whimpering]

[yells]

-[Yoon sighs] -Stop, please.

[yells] Why, why, why?

-[yells] -[Yoon] Come on.

[sobbing]

Brother, your turn.

What are you waiting for? Hurry and get over here.

-Come here now. -[Deokgae] Yoon.

Yes, boss?

[exhales]

That'll do for now.

What the hell are you smiling at?

I'm sorry. I was in such a rush.

I meant to let you know much sooner.

[Yoon] Is that so?

My actions were very wrong.

I'll reflect on myself.

-[staff clatters] -Stand straighter. Chest out.

Uh, brother, wait.

Do you have to do this with the young ones watching?

Yeah, they should see this.

I helped you when you begged on the streets.

[sobbing] You remember that.

-I appreciate it. -Yeah.

Stand up straight. Shoulders up now, like a man.

Huh?

Square your shoulders. Like that, good.

[Mudeok breathing shakily]

-[Yoon grunting] -[Mudeok groans]

[Yoon] Why did you do that when you knew better?

-[Mudeok breathing heavily] -Why disappoint me?

From now on, I... I won't disappoint you again.

That will do. Open up your shoulders again.

Stand up straight. [chuckles]

[Deokgae] Yoon.

[Mudeok exclaims]

I said that'll do.

[Yoon sighs]

Fucking bastard!

How can I respect you when you don't act your age, huh?

You're not worth the time and energy, but you never shut up.

[Walwal groans]

[Mudeok breathing shakily]

If you try something like this again,

-Okay. -I don't care how old you are,

-I'm gonna lose it. -Understood.

If it hadn't been for Brother Deokgae interrupting us,

you'd be in a coffin.

Now, fuck off.

First one back is spared!

-Yes, sir! -Yes, sir!

[all shouting, whimpering]

Brother!

[Mudeok groans]

[Malbok] Out of my way!

[Deokgae sighs]

Mudeok.

Yes?

Come here. Have a drink.

No, thank you. I'm all right.

Take it.

Huh?

You don't have to kneel.

Oh, I'm comfortable. Thank you.

Are you all right?

-Oh, yes. -Then drink.

A... All right.

[sighs]

Would you allow me to pour you a drink?

[chuckles]

Don't call me boss here.

We're friends.

Just Deokgae is fine.

Oh, no, boss.

Relax. It's just us.

[scoffs] You fool.

Boss.

I really do think this was all a misunderstanding.

Mudeok, look.

Yes?

It's all right.

I understand.

We started this life together.

I rose to a thumb,

but you're still struggling out in the streets.

Plus you're constantly beaten and challenged by the younger men.

It must be hard.

[Deokgae sighs]

I keep thinking about that.

And Mudeok...

This life just isn't right for you.

Oh, wait. Wait, but I...

I'm not done yet.

I see.

Why don't you return to your hometown?

You owe, what? Two cows worth for gambling.

Is that about eighty nyang?

How's this? I'll settle it for you.

Think about it.

You've got no fists and no guts.

Your liver is about the size of a walnut.

You know, you're soft-hearted.

Go fishing.

Catch anchovies.

Doesn't that sound nice?

[sobbing]

[gulping]

[breathing shakily]

D... Deokgae.

You mean...

You... you mean to say I should quit?

Deokgae. Deokgae, I won't do it again.

I'm not going back to my hometown.

I'm not even sure whether or not my parents are still alive.

How can I go back there? Hmm?

I swear I could do a lot better.

Hmm?

Deokgae, let me let me pour you one glass.

[breathing shakily]

[♪ Somber music playing]

[breath trembling]

[Walwal] Let's head back, Brother!

[Gaechun] Brother!

Let's go!

Leave me alone!

Bastards! [crying]

[♪ Somber music continues]

[Mudeok sobbing]

Walwal.

Yes, brother.

That kid.

The one who beat Bang to the ground.

Where is he?

He must have left.

And if he's caught, they'll beat him to death.

He won't return.

[axe thuds]

[grunts]

Set it aside.

I'm sick of that book.

Why do you take the state exams again and again?

We have the trade.

-You should learn it. -[sighs] Father.

What's the point of having so much money when I'd just be a merchant.

So the trade's not good enough?

Confucius said, "There are four social classes,"

of those classes, the last one listed is the merchant.

Your legacy is here. I've poured all my blood and sweat

-into protecting this guild. -Be that as it may.

You already know this work doesn't suit me.

You're a fool. If not you, then who?

Eun is right there, father.

-But she's a girl. -She's more capable than most men are.

Yet you refuse to acknowledge this.

Father.

I'll learn how to be a merchant.

Hey, hey.

I'm good with arithmetic, you said so.

I promise if Daeil ever wants anything,

I'll give him salt, wood, or anything at all.

All right?

I can do this.

We should eat.

[Eun sighs]

[Jeongyeop sighs]

The ledger.

I think I might give it to Eun.

So... teaching her is your plan?

What can I do?

The only son I have shunts his legacy.

She may be a lady, but she's clever.

Quite strong-willed too.

She isn't afraid to speak her mind. You two are similar.

You can stop now.

She has all the qualities you want.

She could take over the guild.

It's temporary.

Daeil will make a decision.

-Only until then. -Sure.

[Jang Siyul panting]

[wood clattering]

[♪ Tense music playing]

[Hwayeong] A new face, huh? He's right over there.

[man] Move. Move it.

Hey, brother.

You busy?

Why aren't you answering?

Huh?

-Did you come here to collect my taxes? -Look at you.

Aren't you a smart one. He must be a noble.

[Jugap] Do you want a lesson?

First off, the permission fee is two mal of rice.

The street fee is half a doe.

If the Police Bureau comes for an inspection,

it's two hops of rice.

Understood?

Since I have nothing now could I pay you once I sell my wood?

[sighs] That's a no.

You can trust me.

All right.

Let's go.

I swear, I'll pay you.

I'm a man of my word.

-[men exclaiming] -[wood clattering]

I told you to go.

[scoffs] You're something else.

Hey. What's with this glare then?

Huh? Guess you don't wanna keep your head.

Oh, don't be like that.

-You don't have to act so serious. -Look at him glaring!

Don't be so mean right from the start.

Look here, pretty boy.

I'll only say this once, because you're good-looking.

See? That way.

All the way over there is the West Gate.

[chuckles] No one's there. There'll be no taxes.

Thank you for that.

Hey, wait.

Leave that here.

I bought this carrier with everything I had.

I see no reason to give it to you.

What passes through this alley belongs to us.

That's just Seosomun's law. So leave it.

You don't wanna do this.

Just let me leave.

You're pressing your luck here.

-Hey. -[Jugap chuckling]

Why don't I show you who's boss, huh? [screaming]

Ow! Oh, my arm, my arm.

[groans] My arm, my arm, my arm.

Oh, please, please. I'm sorry. I'm sorry.

[moaning]

[groans] It hurts. It hurts.

[♪ Tense music playing]

[Jugap exclaims]

[men exclaiming]

-[laborers laughing] -Let's stop here.

I have no reason to fight anyone else.

Tha... That's him. He's the one who beat up Bang.

-What? Really? -Yes.

I hear he grabbed him and knocked him out.

Apparently, he hasn't woken up yet.

That must be him, then.

The Mokpo swordsman.

-The swordsman? -Uh-huh.

He beat a dozen men all by himself. To make sure they were dead,

he skinned and filleted their chests like fish.

I heard he munched the innards.

What the hell? That man's not a human. He's a monster.

[Jugap] There will be a bloodbath in Mapo soon.

Mark my words.

[exhales] What if he becomes the next thumb?

[Hwayeong exhales]

Now that's a fire I want to see.

-Gaedal. -[Gaedal sighs] Who's there?

[Mudeok] It's me.

[Gaedal] Mudeok. What brings you here?

[Mudeok shushing]

[whispering]

[Gaedal] Okay. All right.

Keep a lookout for me.

Yeah, go ahead.

[♪ Suspenseful music playing]

-[breathing heavily] -Here, this bundle, it's all he left.

-You better go. -Okay.

Ah, shit.

[exclaims]

Something's around here.

[sighs]

[Gaedal] Oh! You're back. Why are you back early today?

Oh, I see.

Wait, what is this?

Did you get robbed by the Seosomun bandits there?

Oh, you poor thing.

[hesitates] Well, are you all right?

[Jang Siyul] I'm fine.

[Gaedal chuckling] I'm just glad you're safe.

-[Mudeok grunting] -[Gaedal] Any wounds? Are you hurt?

No?

Ah. All right.

[Gaedal chuckling] Well, you must be tired.

Get some rest inside.

Get your ass in there. [chuckles]

[♪ Intriguing music playing]

[exclaims]

What the hell does it say? Hmm.

[exhales]

[♪ Dramatic music playing]

[officer 1] He passed the last military state exam

with the highest record.

He is Jung Chun. He's from Gyeongwonji, Hamgyeong-do.

[man] Straight to the mark!

Officer Jung Chun reporting.

I was selected for the Police Bureau, General.

Assistant Officer. Newly appointed.

I hear you were the finest among those who passed the exam.

It's an honor, sir.

Any family history?

-Has anyone served in office? -None, sir.

I will be the first one.

What a humble family you have.

This is his first post.

So I ask that you offer him guidance.

First things first, a celebration.

Going forward your top priority is guarding His Majesty.

By doing so he can continue to look after the people.

Do you understand?

I will keep that in mind.

You are dismissed.

Thank you. I'll go back to my duty, sir.

[General] All right.

I'm Captain Park. I oversee the central territories.

And I'm Captain Oh, in charge of the east.

You can call me Captain Ji, I oversee the south.

Since this is my first day, I'll require a lot of help from you.

I look forward to working together.

Yes, of course. We are all here to help you.

[all chuckling]

Well, then, could I see your inspection log?

Huh?

Well, you see, normally that isn't a task you'd do on your first day.

Every single day, the three of us run inspections,

so there's no need to worry.

Why aren't you moving? Go get it.

-Oh, yes, sir. -Yes, sir.

-[Captain Oh] Wow. How nice. -[Captain Park laughing]

[Captain Oh] It's beautiful.

Please accept this gift. Congratulations on your appointment.

What's the meaning of this?

Um, it's actually customary.

Yes, and you're expected to receive it.

You should follow the rules. [chuckles]

Well, we'll get going now. Lots to prepare for your procession.

Is that really necessary?

Uh, I think that people want to see you out there.

You should show them your authority.

It's a chance to meet them face-to-face and, well, listen to their grievances.

[captains laughing]

Sir, why don't we start with the village outskirts?

Ah, good idea. You'd enjoy it.

The outskirts are filled with wickedness. [chuckling]

[Captain Park] Now, sir...

Come with us.

The bureau, you see, has customs you'll need to get used to.

-[Captain Ji chuckling] -We're getting ready

for a procession on your behalf.

-[Captain Ji chuckles] -Let's go.

[captains chuckling]

-Captain! -An Assistant Officer...

receiving a nice bribe from the captains as soon as he arrives.

[chuckles, exhales]

It's okay. That's how you get started around here.

Please understand.

It's the custom [grunts] to share what you receive.

Keep this in mind.

The left side of the police bureau is under your watch.

I take the right side.

If you mess with my side without permission,

then you'll be sorry.

[♪ Tense music playing]

What do you think, brother? He seems pretty uptight.

He learned the world from books. So what would he know?

He'll get used to it.

Get ready for his party.

[Chief Kang] Our guild uses the bridge in Sampo.

Deokgae's the one in charge of collecting taxes.

Taxes?

So the country's taxes are collected by the bandits?

No, not quite.

These are different charges.

There's an additional charge when loading and unloading goods.

A rush charge for if the order changes,

a torch charge for night work, bridge charges for repairs.

But that's unjust.

They're taking advantage of us.

We pay the bandits money to get them to do our bidding.

If you don't feel like going, you don't have to.

But if it's worth the money,

a merchant would do anything at all, even bow down.

What do you say, my lady?

Then I have no choice.

There's no turning back.

Let's go.

[bandits laughing]

[bandit 1] Shut up, shut up.

[laughter continues]

[bandit 2] Oh, brother.

I have someone to introduce. The young leader of our guild.

She'll be in charge of salt and silk, so treat her with respect.

Just call me Yoon.

Do you want to have a drink with us?

[all laughing]

Lady, that look is kinda scary.

[sighs softly] It's only her first time here.

She's truly a brave and generous person.

-[bandits] Oh! -Well, here.

This is from her. Go and buy yourselves a drink.

Wow. I'd offer a bow, but my knee's aren't doing so good.

Young lady, thanks it means a lot.

[Dongmak chuckling]

Is your boss here with you?

We'd like to talk. Could you let him know

He's over at the tavern.

You know what? You should head over and say hi.

-[bandits laughing] -Yeah?

My lady...

Let's come back another time.

I'd rather not. Please lead the way.

[bandits laughing]

Wow. Wow. [chuckles]

[sighs]

-This bitch. -[laughter continues]

[men and women laughing]

[♪ lively music playing]

[indistinct chattering]

Chief Kang, what brings you all the way to the tavern?

Well, it was time for an introduction.

This is our new young leader.

We're here to ask for your cooperation.

Choi's guild had a son, least what I heard.

Why would his daughter wanna join us down this rough path?

[all laughing]

Is this how you greet your future business partners?

I know you're treating me like this because I'm a woman.

How about you consider it a part of becoming friends.

I'm Mapo's thumb, Deokgae.

Here.

Why don't you have a drink?

[Osam] That drink is too strong for a woman.

I'm not sure she'll be okay. [laughing]

[Gangseop] Of course not.

She could never drink something that strong. [laughs]

[all laughing]

You don't have to drink it.

-Seomsoem here. -Yes.

[Gangseop grunts]

[chuckles] Oh, my.

[chuckles] Oh, oh wow!

Oh, she's gulping it down!

She's gulping it down! [laughing]

-Good job! -[Osam] Good job.

[Gangseop] I'm dying here. [laughing] Drink another.

[man] Well done.

I don't intend to pay unfair taxes.

I highly suggest you all keep this in mind.

Suit yourself then.

Boats will be unloaded in the order they are docked,

so there won't be a need for a rush charge.

The authorities inspect cargo, so if you charge for inspection,

I shall report it to the police.

What an innocent subject you are.

Do you still think the authorities are trustworthy?

Looks like Choi's Guild is in good hands. Whaddya think?

There's a bright future ahead! Let's cheers to that!

-[laughing] -It was so nice to meet you.

Just don't expect to get much help from me.

However, my bandits are helpful.

A lot more helpful than the authorities.

To becoming rich.

[all] To becoming rich! [laughing]

To becoming rich!

[laughter continues]

That kind of person... [sighs] I truly despise.

My lady.

What they said is true.

The bandits... they're much more helpful than the authorities.

Are you all right?

-I'll carry your veil. -[exhales] No, I'm fine.

Why did you drink that strong liquor?

[♪ Tense music playing]

[Dongmak] Brother Yoon!

I found him!

The one who had that big fight with Bang.

-Where the hell is he? -[Dongmak] He's over at the West Gate.

I was passing by and I saw him out there selling wood with my own eyes.

Go get me Bang.

[Jang Siyul exhales]

Hold on. Do we need this many?

There's a rumor. That rogue, he's apparently a swordsman.

Remember you told me not even a tiger can defeat a wolf pack.

Yeah, I suppose I did.

[all shouting]

-[bandit 1] Let's go. -[bandit 2] Come on.

[bandit 3] Here we go!

[bandit 2] Come on, come on.

There he is.

Bang, is that him?

[inhales] Yeah.

Let's go say hello.

[spits] That bastard.

[horse whinnies]

-Brother! Brother! Look, look. -[grunts] What?

GYEONGWON JUNG CHUN

Come on. Hurry, hurry.

[man] Make way!

Here comes the newly appointed assistant officer!

Out of the way!

[♪ Tense music playing]

[Eun breathing heavily]

Make way.

Out of the way!

[exhales]

[breathing heavily]

[horse whinnies]

Hold a moment.

Siyul.

You rascal.

I see you're not dead.

[♪ Uplifting music playing]

[♪ Korean song playing]

[sobbing]

[gasps]

JUNG CHUN

JUNG CHUN

[continues sobbing]

[♪ Korean song continues playing]

[song fades out]