Original subtitles

Teach him a lesson!

Kick his ass, boss! Don't go easy on him!

Yes!

You've got some real fire in you, I'll give you that.

Where did you learn to fight?

Didn't come here to talk.

Hey. Let's end it here.

You can't win with courage alone.

It's not over.

You're only going to get hurt.

How considerate of you.

The Murky Stream

FIVE. WINNER AND LOSER

Boss, this is treason.

And the only answer is the sword.

-Oh, what do we do? -This is not good.

Brother Siyul, get up.

Get up, brother Siyul.

Don't blame me. I'm just restoring order.

If you plan on crippling me...

I'd rather you just kill me.

He's going to cut him!

Show them how we treat traitors, boss!

Come on, do it, boss!

Here we go.

Oh, here it comes!

Come on, do it!

No more!

Boss!

Don't do it, you bastards!

-Boss! -Boss!

-Hey! Help him! -Boss! Boss!

What's that?

What's on your hand?

Is that blood?

Where are you going?

It's not like I had anything to drink, I don't get it.

What's wrong with me?

Why'd you come back alone?

Where did the others go?

Can't you hear me? Huh?

We're in hot water.

W... What?

I... I don't know.

I... I got a sickle and stabbed Deokgae.

Is he awake? How is he doing now?

He's crippled. There's nothing I can do for him.

Let's do this.

We'll go. We'll ask him to forgive us.

Tell him that we sinned. We'll beg for mercy.

We'll get on our hands and knees. What do you say?

Are you listening?

Did you hear what I said?

Why grab the sickle if you're gonna be this scared?

What?

You treated the thumb like he was everything.

So why did you stab him?

I don't know why.

I must be crazy! I lost control, so what?

Aren't you next?

Look, if the boss steps down, then...

then you'd be the best candidate in line.

You're the best fit in age and rank.

Anyone there?

Yes, coming, boss.

-Where is Mudeok? -Want me to get him?

You think you'd be able to?

Just tell him we need to talk.

As you wish.

Hey, all right. Let me ask something then.

Why'd you show up and start fighting? Huh?

All of your problems would be solved if I died!

Was it something like, your pride as a man or what?

-Answer me! -It wasn't that at all.

Then what, were you worried about your little friend? Huh?

It's just that I swore an oath.

What kind of oath?

I made a promise that I would never run away.

What the fuck are you talking about?

You make no sense!

There was no other reason.

Ugh, shit.

Things happen every day that I can't understand.

I don't even know why I did what I did!

I'm not afraid.

Dying isn't the thing I'm scared of.

It's this... having to live like this.

That's what scares me.

I can't believe I have to sit here and listen to this shit.

What if we tried making it on our own?

On our own?

We'll live together...

as brothers.

On good terms, what do you say?

T... Together?

Brother.

I will protect you.

I had a dream last night.

I saw my mother.

She held my hand and wrapped me in silk.

And here, I thought that was a good omen.

The thing about being a man is...

sometimes you succeed...

sometimes you fail...

sometimes you have to leave.

You can't, boss.

If you leave,

then who will guard this place?

With my leg like this?

I have no regrets.

This was fate.

The will of fate.

That young man.

He's strong.

If Yoon hadn't stabbed him before we fought...

I wouldn't have won.

He deserves it.

You meet a tiger in the woods.

If you try to fight it, you're going to die.

And if you tried to run,

you wouldn't get far.

So what do you do?

You climb on his back and hang on.

Deokgae.

Never get off.

Don't you ever get off his back.

Deokgae.

Sorry, I...

-I'm sorry... -Live with everything you have.

There goes King Yeomra, just like that.

You heard about the man who took on the thumb, right?

He was one of us.

You think things will get any better?

They might if he's in charge.

Don't get your hopes up.

Deokgae used to be a laborer himself back in the day.

He and I used to take beatings side by side.

Right.

The second they go up the ladder is when they change.

They start to forget their roots.

They'll live their way.

And we'll live our way.

Ain't that the truth.

Deokgae.

Take care.

-Move it further. -Hey, don't fall in!

Oh?

Everyone, get out.

Move.

Move, move, move.

Siyul, you stay put though.

Shut the door.

So Mudeok became the thumb.

Or so he says.

What does that mean though?

Means just that.

How does that make any sense when the man can't even take care of himself? Huh?

You know he doesn't have what it takes to lead anyone.

You did this.

He's the thumb because of you.

Siyul, listen.

My father was a servant.

It was the worst for our family during the famine,

so Father sold my oldest sister.

In the next barley harvest, he sold my second-oldest sister, too.

It was unthinkable to sell his son.

So I was next in line.

I was sold to a lord...

but when I got sick and started vomiting blood...

he tossed me to bleed out on the street.

I was burning up with a fever.

I lay down in the snow.

I couldn't feel how cold it was.

I woke up in this house.

That man, for months, he gave me medicine and food.

He looked after me.

And he nursed me back to health.

After that, I settled down here.

And now, I live as his wife.

Listen to me.

It doesn't look like it, but Mudeok has a kind heart.

It just happens to be so small, it's almost like it doesn't exist.

It's still there, though.

He deserves a chance to live, doesn't he? Even just a little?

Look, I promise that I'll cook for you.

Just don't abandon him, that's all.

Please?

Can you promise me that?

There's no need to worry.

Can I finish my dinner?

I'm placing my trust in you.

Cut.

And... there. Done. Would you look at that?

Wow, you look great!

Just like a true thumb, right?

-Oh! You look so dashing now! -Yeah.

Take a look. See?

Boss, from now on, we can stand tall. Oh, and piss with our legs stretched.

That's not the half of it.

Even the air smells different if you breathe it in.

Smell it, smell it.

Jungbok, you idiot.

-You farted, didn't you? -Yes.

Still smells nice.

We will serve you with our best, boss!

Everyone!

D... Do your best for the clan!

We'll do our best!

Move. Now.

I hope you do well, boss.

-Congratulations. -I will give you my best, sir.

Please accept my gratitude!

Thank you, boss!

Boss! I will serve you to the end!

Congratulations, boss.

-Congratulations, boss. -Boss!

Congratulations.

Congratulations.

Th... Thank you.

Congratulations on the position, boss.

Brother! I've got them here! Here!

Hey! Quit running, man!

-You'll get hungry! -Brother, I got it!

Why isn't he taking it easy? We get to eat good now.

He doesn't have to do all that anymore.

He's gotta be an idiot for working so hard.

Sorry, um, what are you doing exactly?

We're throwing up a little shade for the workers here.

It gets hot workin' in the sun!

Our forefinger brother ordered it for you.

Oh.

Push the stick a little to the back.

Look at our forefinger.

He's clueless about the world.

What a fool.

They'll walk all over you if you treat them too good.

If you're kind to them, you'll get stabbed in the back for it.

And being modest is for losers.

Exactly. Why is it that people wanna rise in status?

So they can live comfortably without having to work.

That's right.

He's just wasting time doing all that for nothing.

I can't believe this is our home now.

Poke around a bit.

Do you like it?

I'm so happy, but also worried.

No need to worry.

Now you'll only use a golden chamber pot.

And you'll start wiping your ass with a silk cloth.

As of today, there's no more excrement charge.

If you need to relieve yourself,

the shithole is now free for anyone to use.

Are you serious?

All I ask is don't let it overflow.

Take turns to keep it clean. Stick to the schedule you make.

This comes straight from your thumb.

Sitting right there. His decree.

What the hell is with all this chatter!

What is it, you miss it already, you want me to give you more taxes?

Look, if I'm being nice, just say, "Thank you for your boundless generosity."

-How dare you all disrespect me? -All right now! Dismiss!

That was great, boss. Good job.

All this time, and you learned nothing.

You're just spoiling these idiots rotten.

Here you are.

I had to pay seven pil of silk for this.

Thank you for your work.

Sir...

a map can be very dangerous.

You need explicit permission from the government to use them.

Without that, it could look suspicious.

What can I do? The Guardian General himself asked for this.

There's no need for you to be concerned.

He is one of the highest-ranking nobles in the land.

He has direct ties to the throne.

It's important to leave a good impression.

I implore you, sir.

Please be careful.

Have you been well, my lord?

Good. You're here.

The Gyeongsang merchants use this map

whenever they need to travel in the Geochang area.

And this one, Seocheon's landscape in detail.

It shows the flood controls.

It has wear and damage...

but you should have no trouble interpreting it.

You did well.

You're not at all interested?

The reason why I commissioned these, aren't you curious?

There is only one thing a merchant cares for,

and that's how to make a profit.

Your reasons are no concern of mine, my lord.

Is that so?

My lord, sorry to interrupt, but the Assistant Officer

from the Left Side Police Bureau is here.

-From the Left, you say? -What would you like me to do?

Bring him in.

You should leave.

Go out through the back gate, just in case.

Yes. Then I shall take my leave.

Wait.

I've heard that the Police Bureau is blocking your salt trade.

-What? -Be careful.

They wouldn't do that without cause.

If you need help dealing with the Police Bureau...

I will do whatever I can.

I appreciate it.

The Police Bureau is looking for missing horses?

Yes, I'm following up on it.

In the logbook, there are records of you borrowing the horses.

But there's no record of their return.

Do you have any idea whom you're addressing?

Yes sir, you are Lord Yu Taeseok,

maternal uncle to Princess Soho.

And Senior Guardian General of the Commandant.

Knowing all of that,

you still came to see me.

I'm just following the evidence, my lord. And the logbooks led me here.

So you're saying

you believe the information in the logbooks to be accurate?

I have no reason not to.

What kind of official would fabricate records?

That so?

The records indicate you borrowed the horses.

Yet you claim the logbooks are false.

Only one of these things can be true.

And that is why I am here.

To ascertain the truth, my lord.

What an upright yet foolish official you are.

My apologies.

Your name, young man.

My name is Jung Chun.

Assistant Officer, Left Police Bureau.

Well, Officer Jung, someone in the Left Police Bureau is up to no good.

-Let me pour you a drink. -Ah.

Now, this is the life.

If we could just make this time last forever,

-I couldn't ask for more, boss. -Hey, boys.

Let's make this our home for a thousand years!

We'll paint a mural on the walls with our own shit!

That's what I'm saying!

Hey, boss, have you heard

-what's goin' around? -What?

We're the talk of the town, everyone's talking about us.

What do they say?

Siyul, they're going crazy for him.

How Brother Siyul fought Brother Deokgae and... and whacked his face right off!

Whole neighborhood is losing their minds!

-Oh, it's great. -Not only that,

he beat him all by himself.

-He did it himself? -Yes!

-Well? And? -And?

Anything else?

I... I was the one who slashed Deokgae's leg with a sickle!

I don't know. Haven't heard nothing.

Impossible.

Hey. If any of you need anything at all...

-I'll take care of it. -Yeah, right.

I'm being serious!

-Who? Me? -Snap it.

Look at this weakling. You'll break your arm. Give me that. Give it here.

-You're so pathetic. -Oh, seriously?

Breaking a bunch like this isn't possible.

See, this is what family means.

When we're together, nothing can break us.

What kinda bullshit...

He's right.

That's what family is.

-We eat together. We starve together. -Huh.

B... Brother Siyul. If that's the case, can you teach me to fight?

Me, too. Teach me, too?

A bandit's power comes from his fist. I can't let anybody think we're weak!

He's right. Now we have class after all!

That sounds good.

What do you want to learn?

How about a power technique? Huh?

Something that knocks the enemy out in one blow.

Like a wind blast, do you know that one?

Wind blast?

I can't do a wind blast,

but well, this is similar.

Whoa, that's...

-What the... -It's stuck!

-That's incredible! -That was amazing!

-Teach me, teach me! -How did you do that?

Teach me!

Greet him properly! This is Assistant Officer Lee Dolgae.

Hurry up and bow.

I heard the port has been turned upside down 'cause of you.

Seems it's true.

Your name, what is it?

I'm just a bandit.

I do not have one.

You don't have one?

The Jang clan.

That's what they say. The family Jang.

Yeah? The Jang clan?

Yes.

If you want to survive this life, then show etiquette.

If you're too weak, you'll get trampled. But if you're too strong, you'll snap.

Do you understand what I'm saying?

I'll keep that in mind.

Then you may leave.

Go, go.

He's a sly fox.

Even knows how to play tricks.

How strange.

Now, where did you find someone like that?

It is all... all thanks to you, my lord.

The second of the month. The meeting of the thumbs is scheduled that day.

So now, it's time for you to be a thumb.

Let's see how you do.

Thank you.

I'm grateful for your generosity.

You know Wang Hae? Donghonaru's his now.

Yes, I heard the rumors.

Seems a war for the ports has started.

And Mapo's already suffering casualties.

Now that Deokgae's gone, someone's bound to invade this place soon.

How can you possibly handle this?

That's too bad.

You made thumb how long ago?

There it is.

That priceless expression of panic.

What?

Do you want protection?

My lord...

do you have any specific orders for...

That's right. This is why

I'm not sure I can ever hate you.

You forget your manners?

Do you need help?

Oh.

That's right. Travel safe, my lord.

Keep this in mind,

your life is in my hands.

I'm your angel of death.

Oh. Of course.

Safe travels, my lord.

When there is a new thumb,

it is custom for the merchants to pay him a visit.

We pay our respects.

This visit isn't just a custom.

It's an excuse to rip us off.

This dock will change hands many times.

The merchants only have to act according to the circumstance.

Good day.

Hello.

Mudeok became a thumb when he can't even take care of himself.

It seems the world is turning upside down.

-Does he even have what it takes? -Who knows?

Like putting lipstick on a pig.

Oh, look, Chief Kang is here.

I came to congratulate the new thumb.

Ah. I look forward to working together. Yeah.

I'm sure I'll consult you often, as partners in trade here.

Wow, look at you! He makes it look easy.

Bet there's so much for him could teach us.

But you know, I don't really concern myself with money or power, you see.

If our town is good, that's all I care about.

You worked hard to get that seat.

Settle in it until the Three Ports wear out. And live a long and healthy life.

Sure.

Here you are.

-This is from our young leader. -Whoa.

It's a bit humble for a first greeting.

Just joking.

But what's this? The young leader doesn't seem to appreciate my humor.

A prickly attitude here won't get you anything good from us.

Please don't misunderstand her.

She's not yet familiar with these customs.

Whatever, not like I care that much about that.

It's a good day after all.

Oh, hey, why don't we have a drink?

-That's a great idea! -I'll take one!

Drink till we can't walk straight!

If we are all finished up here, I'll be taking my leave now.

Eh?

Well then.

Go, go.

Young leader!

Get filthy rich!

What the hell is that shit?

-Arrest everyone! -Yes, sir.

Oh!

Do not miss any of them.

Yes, sir!

Hey, Siyul. Siyul!

-Let's go! -Don't let anyone get away!

Move, get out of here!

Let's go!

-Oh. -You! Over here!

Drag the ones that resist, use force if necessary.

Hit him!

Snake!

There's a snake! There's a... snake.

-Oh, there's a snake! -On your knees!

So, have you decided then?

I go back to your words.

You said you wanted Joseon to be a good nation for all.

I did.

And that begins with the hearts and lives of the commoners.

They must be able to smile.

I agree with you, my lord.

Assistant Officer Jung.

Yes.

Half of the items going in and out of the South Gate

use the Gyeonggang River course.

If you count it, the amount of money that comes through there

is 700,000 to a million nyang, if not more.

It is equivalent to the total amount of silver the government has.

The problem is, most of that money is being siphoned off.

Who's the money going to?

-Do you suspect the officials? -No.

Someone who sits higher.

The hand at the top in the shadows who's pulling the strings,

controlling where it all goes. You see, they're the one.

That's who we have to root out and find.

In that case, I'll hit the bandits first.

You're going to kick the beehive?

That's the fastest way to find the owner.

And that's who matters.

Officer Jung, you have a rough journey ahead.

Halt right there.

You're an arrogant commoner, to make such a big scene.

Who said you could get arrested?

Ooh...

Do you acknowledge your wrongs?

Of course, my lord.

I deeply, deeply regret it all.

I'm going to reflect on myself to do better.

That will do then.

You may leave, just don't cause any more trouble.

Be loyal to the country.

Oh. Y... Yeah.

Release them.

These men are to remain in custody.

I told you about the dangers of overreaching.

And yet, you didn't listen.

I stay in my lane, you stay in yours.

I said you would be sorry, didn't I?

You're a disgrace to the law.

I'm trying to carry out my duty here. And you're squabbling about lanes?

Tie them back up and start marching!

Don't you dare move.

Did you know a letter arrived the other day?

You take bribes from bandits in exchange for protection.

Therefore, the general himself has put out an order for your arrest.

-Do you have evidence? -Evidence?

Coming up with that, that's light work.

You can run wild as long as I'm there to let you.

There isn't a lot you can do on your own, though.

Ooh!

You're pathetic.

You're no different from these bandits.

-You bastards. -What are you doing?

Hurry up and arrest this man. Throw him in a prison cell, now!

Yes, sir.

You bastards.

Now you have a debt to pay.

You'll pay, right?

Yeah, yes.

Of course.

Then you may leave.

See that?

The order here isn't set by the king.

Instead, it's that man.

Our lives are in Lee Dolgae's hands.

And not just ours, the life of your friend as well.

-I heard all bandits were arrested. -Yes, right on the spot.

Then what is going to happen to the dock now?

Yeah. Doesn't matter, some other bandits will just take over.

Are you saying they are all the same?

-Make way, make way! -Hey! Move!

-We're back! -Make way, the boss is coming!

-That's right! He's back! -Make way!

Hey! Get back to work!

You miss us?

Quit your staring!