Original subtitles

[Episode 15]

The person who took Park Tae Soo's grandson in and raised him is the wealthiest person in Songdo.

The millionaire, Sung Hwan Ok...

- Sung Hwan Ok? - Yes.

- Do you know what the son's name is? - What is it?

It's Sung Ji Hun. He's the Police Bureau Captain.

The person who'll soon be the son-in-law of Yoon Won Hyung and Jung Nan Jung, the police bureau captain,

is Park Tae Soo's grandson.

Ok Nyeo, what is the matter?

I have something important to tell you, Sir.

To the captain?

Yes.

- Have a seat. - Alright.

What is it that you have to tell me?

I know what I am about to say may be impolite, but I am telling you because there is something I need to confirm.

I heard from another that you were adopted.

Do you by chance know who your biological parents are?

What the hell are you saying right now?

Are you planning on making my parents who are alive and well into adoptive ones?

What do you mean by "adopted"? Who the hell is saying that kind of nonsense?

I have heard this from someone who is trustworthy.

Shut up! I don't have a reason to hear what you have to say for any longer so leave right now.

Lord, don't overreact and please hear what I have to say.

I know about your biological parents very well.

I don't want to hear it! Leave immediately!

Ok Nyeo. Ok Nyeo!

What did you meet the captain for?

Just... Oh, just something.

You do know that the captain is soon to be Daegam Yoon Won Hyung's son-in-law right?

Yes.

He already has an attitude and is confident. To add to that the two families even had an official meeting.

I wonder how much more arrogant he will become once they become officially married.

Aigoo, just thinking about it gives me a migraine.

Be careful as the captain is looking for a chance to tear you apart because of how you got away last time.

Alright. Goodbye.

Master, your grandson is to become Daegam Yoon Won Hyung's son-in-law.

I feel that I need to prevent that from happening.

I'm not sure what I am supposed to do.

I have one favor to ask of you...

When you return to Joseon, please find my grandson.

This... This... Please give this to him.

Here.

Huh? What is this? Is this all?

You don't want to make a deal with me?

In these hard times, who would spend money on ornaments? Take this and leave.

Ah, seriously. I'm going to go crazy. How am I supposed to eat and live with this?

Oh, that's why I sent my niece and nephew to help you.

I don't need any of this, so take everything and leave.

Why are you doing this, Chun Doong?

I will make a great meal for you, so

wait just a little bit, Chun Doong. Wait just a little bit.

She always tries to pay me with meals.

What am I supposed to do with this?

Oh, Ok Nyeo. What happened? Did you meet with him?

Yes, but it seemed as though the captain wasn't even aware that he was adopted.

Is the information that Sung Ji Hun is Park Tae Soo's grandson trustworthy? You looked into this properly, right?

Of course. Do you know how much money I used to figure that out?

All of the money you saved and gave me was used for that.

But now that I think about it, it is possible that Sung Ji Heon doesn't know.

From what the boys told me, even most people in Songdo weren't aware that Song Hwan Ok's son was adopted.

The boys that I sent were able to obtain that rare information through an acquaintance that had been a servant in Sung Hwan Ok's household for many years.

So Sung Hwan Ok hid the fact that Sung Ji Hun was adopted by him

and raised him as his own.

You asked for us?

Have a seat.

More than ten counts of robbery are reported to the police bureau daily.

That is because of the lean year of famine. (Yang Dong Goo)

Their rice containers are empty, but they must fill their stomachs, so the people become thieves overnight.

I fear that at this rate, gangs of thieves my form even right here in Hanyang. (Song Suk Woo)

I hear that in Pyeongyang, a gang of thieves even attacked the authorities.

Poverty cannot be an excuse for breaking the law.

We must show the hardness of the law to the people, even more so, during times like this.

Increase the policemen on patrol, starting with the areas with the highest criminal activity.

- Yes. - Yes.

As you all know, the country is experiencing years of famine.

His Majesty, the King, has distributed emergency rations of rice, but there are many who are starving.

Due to all that, all grain supplies to the Jeonokseo have ceased.

Therefore, the Jeonokseo also has no choice but to decrease rations.

The porridge that you ate twice a day, you will only be able to eat once a day.

I know that this is a ridiculously insufficient amount.

Therefore, I will allow the families of inmates to serve you here if needed.

So you can eat as much outside food as is brought to you.

Lord, Lord! One meal a day? How are we supposed to live by eating one spoon of porridge a day?

You are telling us to starve to death.

So eat outside food!

Honestly though, out of all the inmates, how many of us have people who would bring us food?

One meal a day is absolutely ridiculous!

So what are we supposed to do? The country won't give us any rice! No rice!

Aigoo! Yeah, right! They stuff their stomachs full

and yet they want us to starve to death?

Ah, seriously. Why are you all acting crazy? Do you all want to die?

You rascals! Did you enter the Jeonokseo to eat as much as you please?

If you don't want to starve to death, then you shouldn't have committed a crime in the first place.

What are you doing? Get them out of here!

Why are you saying so much? Do as you are told!

Hurry on! Hurry on!

- Ah, seriously. - Those useless bastards.

Our sire is already disappointed. They never understand our sire.

Why are they causing a commotion?

Well, if it were you, Sire, wouldn't you complaina bit if you were given this small a portion a day to eat?

Ji Chun Deuk, are you siding with the inmates here?

Who here took sides?

Please quiet down.

Sire, we can't keep the inmates tame with just one meal per day.

Then look here. What can we possibly do here? Is there another way?

If you are so concerned for the inmates,

why don't you use a portion of your salary to buy extra rice, Associate Administrator Lee?

Look here, you. Say something that makes sense!

What are you two doing! Things are already chaotic!

Sire, you should plead with the Ministry of Justice to send us at least a little bit of emergency rice.

According to the accounts, there should still be 200 sacks of rice that have yet to be distributed.

Don't talk nonsense. We don't have enough rice for the people to eat.

Who would care about what the prisoners have to eat?

Sire, at this rate the prisoners might rise up against us.

Yoo Geum and Ok Nyeo, you two remember right? While the former Prison Warden was in office, the prisoners revolted

- and set Jeonokseo on fire! - Yes, we remember.

They seriously started a fire?

Yes, multiple prison guards died in that incident, too.

Whoa... Well. there is no other way right now than to manage affairs in a more stern and meticulous manner.

From now on the inmates are not allowed out of their cells.

If there is even a flicker of revolt, we need to nip it in the bud.

Sire, of course we should.

Aigoo, this is a concern, indeed.

Meals!

Ok Nyeo, how are we supposed to live by eating this?

We'll all die soon. We will die of starvation.

I already feel wronged being put in Jeonokseo because I have no money or influential supporters.

How am I to live when you reduce the portion of this meal that not even pigs nor dogs would eat?

I'm sorry.

Ah, seriously.

- Do it gently, - I got it. Take your hand away.

Hold it there for a bit.

Why are you so rough with your hands?

My hands are small. How can they be rough?

- What happened? - Oh,

it's nothing.

What do you mean, it's nothing?

One of the prisoners threw his bowl at Clerk Ji's head.

I will tell the warden so the prisoner will be punished.

No need to do so!

How angered must he have been to do something like that?

I don't know how we're supposed to hold up for another three months.

Even after three months, we don't know if we'll get a continuous supply of rice, right?

Why are you so pessimistic? Why are you covering the good eye?

It's here.

- We're here. - Alright.

Did you look into the route for the taxed grain ships?

It looks like seizing the taxed grain ships won't be of much use here.

What do you mean there is no use?

So the taxed grain shipments arriving from Jeolla Do are those of Jung Nan Jung,

and Jung Nan Jung's trade company and the supervisors had a prior agreement about the taxed grain

and are already siphoning away the taxed grain.

The taxed grain shipments that are actually arriving at the Samgye ports

are filled with sand and rice shells,

and that is why seizing those shipments will be of no use to us.

Those bastards. The people are hungry enough to eat 100-year-old rice

and they are fooling around with government-owned taxed grain?

Woo Chi, we only have you now. If you have a plan, tell us.

Well, I really don't like the fact that we are up against Jung Nan Jung.

You punk. You only die once, not twice!

Be a man! No man would be afraid of a mere concubine!

She is no longer a concubine. She has been recorded in the court ladies' records as the Honorable Lady Jeonggyeong.

Whatever the case may be, if there is a way, then tell us!

The art of the con is

in the way the one that is conned is absolutely clueless that they are being conned.

In my opinion, siphoning the taxed grains?

This doesn't make any sense. Do you think Jung Nan Jung will stay still?

So how can we make sure that the enemy doesn't know they are being played?

That is why scamming someone would be difficult.

The second rule of successfully scamming someone is using that person's greed and desire.

You must find out what Jung Nan Jung wants the most and where her greed lies.

Greed. Fortune. Jung Nan Jung, who loves luxurious things...

I've heard that she is obsessed with gold.

That's it. The Jung Nan Jung who does not lack in any aspect,

goes crazy over gold.

I have heard that she flips out at the sight of a lump of gold.

What is the connection between scamming and her obsession over gold?

There is a connection. We have to dig into Jung Nan Jung's greed for gold.

In other words, if we use gold as a bait to scam Jung Nan Jung,

there is a higher possibility of being successful.

That's right. That's right. What Ok Nyeo said is correct.

Now, the problem is figuring out how to scam her.

Now that I think about it, there is something I remember.

What is it?

Did you all follow?

You. I thought that you were full of it. But!

You have a brain that is quite useful. What do you think?

It is something that is possible.

What about you, Ok Nyeo?

It's good. It's worth a try.

However, the problem is that if I am trying to scam Jung Nan Jung...

I have to meet Jung Nan Jung.

How would I meet Jung Nan Jung?

She has become the Honorable Lady Jeonggyeong...

Would she even meet a nobody like me?

These are all people that have come to meet with the madam.

You see those people come seeking to build even a tiny relationship with our Madam.

They bring gold, silver, money, and silks.

There is a way that won't be too difficult.

What is that?

We would give Jung Nan Jung a gift she would go head over heels for.

Then we would be able to meet her.

What kind of a gift?

I can't tell you right at this moment, but

I will be able to get a gift for Jung Nan Jung.

Who are these people? Why are they here?

It's nothing. Please leave.

Huh? This girl... Wasn't she here to meet you before?

I told you to stay outside.

Who is that woman?

The secretary of our trade company. Don't worry about her.

Then Ok Nyeo will find a way to meet Jung Nan Jung.

Let's call it a day for now.

Ok Nyeo.

Are you going somewhere?

I want to escort you home. There are trolls out there!

I am a bit worried about sending a woman home on her own this late at night.

Do you even see me as a woman?

Of course. If you aren't a woman then what are you?

I think that just like when you first saw me at Jeonokseo,

you still seem to see me as a little kid.

That was such a long time ago!

Then, do you really see me as a woman?

That... is a little ambiguous.

I told you! I'm still a little kid.

No, it's not like that. To see you deal with Jung Nan Jung without fear,

you aren't a little kid.

Then I want to think that you view me as a woman.

You do whatever you want.

Let's go.

Go on inside.

Thank you.

For what?

You must be busy with the trade company, and yet you are helping out with this.

I'm not helping you.

Betraying Jung Nan Jung

is what I have to do.

I'll be leaving now.

Okay.

This is the upper jacket you will wear for your birthday banquet.

I paid special attention to it and the embroidery maid took special care of it.

It's beautiful.

Prepare this birthday to be simple, not too overdone.

What do you mean by that?

It is your first birthday banquet after receiving an official title.

We need to celebrate for at least ten days.

A whole ten days?

Yes! It is also a time for us to congratulate you for becoming the Honorable Lady Jeonggyeong.

There are many who are here from all over the country to see you,

so if you are to meet even half of them, you will certainly need at least ten days.

Now that I've heard what you said, I'd better do so.

Look here. The people have become despondent due to the continuing years of famine...

Wouldn't it be better to be a bit frugal?

Will shortening my birthday banquet solve the years of famine?

Do as you please.

Yes, Madam.

Chop them in a neat manner.

Clean them well.

- Are these the ingredients we received today? Handle them carefully. - Yes.

Sister! What is all this?

Ten days of banquets... This is a death sentence for us. Does this even make sense?

I know, right? There are hundreds of people starving outside.

She is really stepping over the line here.

If she keeps acting foolishly like this, things might end abruptly for her.

Yes.

Where are you going?

This is a long-term battle. In order not to die, I must maintain my health.

I will come back after getting some rest. Work hard.

Sister!

As you all know, starting today we will begin the Madam's birthday banquet.

Prepare thoroughly so that no shame falls on the Madam.

Yes.

This one is strong. Let's hit her with this one.

Madam, we wish you a happy birthday!

Congratulations!

These are people who came from the eight provinces to meet Jung Nan Jung.

I already knew there would be many, but I didn't know there would be this many.

She's doing a birthday celebration for ten days?

Yes.

I would like to ask you a question.

What is it?

Am I of your bloodline?

W-What is this you're asking, all of a sudden?

I've heard that I am adopted.

What? Who said such a thing?

It's not important who this is coming from.

Please tell me the truth.

I was planning on telling you this someday.

That day has arrived sooner than I expected.

That's correct. I adopted you when you were four years old.

But, why does this matter now?

I've always raised you as you were of my own blood.

You're my son, no matter what others say.

Then, who are my biological parents?

I don't know that, either.

But at that time, I sincerely wanted a son and asked someone to bring you in as you had no connections or ties.

Even if you have found that out now, there is nothing that will change.

It's just... that you are now right before the steps of marriage.

Watch what you say so that your in-laws do not find out about this.

So Jung! So Jung!

So Jung! So Jung!

I'm asking you to have one more drink with me. Why are you playing so hard to get?

What is it that you want? I can do anything you want.

Why are you doing this? You already drank so much. Please return home.

So Jung. So Jung! You seem to not know how to drink properly yet.

I know, I know. I have too much to teach you tonight.

So, let's go.

What are you doing right now?!

Does this wench seriously want to die?!

Who are you? Who are you, you bastard?

Who are you? Don't interfere and get lost!

It seems like you were drinking and in a good mood.

Why don't you leave immediately and stop making a commotion.

This bastard. Are you messing with us, knowing who we are? Do you want to die?

- Judging by your attire, you look like a mere commander... - Mere...?

Why strut about a position that's not even a big deal?

Get lost if you don't want to be shamed even further.

What? This bastard is going to die today.

Isn't that Tae Won?

- Tae Won! - Hey! - Let him be.

Look at me! Look at me properly!

We will come back for you!

- Are you alright? - Yes.

- Are you hurt anywhere? - No, I'm alright. I'm alright.

Tae Won!

Tae Won! Are you alright?

Why are you getting in a fight with those people?

Those two have a bad reputation as dirty scoundrels!

Why were you messing with them?

They always make a commotion every time they come to Sosoroo. I always wanted to give them a good beating.

Don't worry.

Punk, that temper of yours. It hasn't been long since you ended a funeral.

Chief Merchant, you're here.

You have something to tell me?

Yes. Let's go inside.

I heard a little bit from Tae Won. You are going to put Tae Won in charge of Sosoroo?

Yes, it's too overwhelming for me alone.

What do you think?

If you will allow it, Chief Merchant, I want to take care of it.

I won't interfere, so try doing well.

Why won't you interfere?

Leaving things up to Tae Won is me also asking you to look after our Sosoroo.

What would I be able to do?

Just having you here, Chief Merchant, is a big help.

A personal entrepreneur who I served in Songdo once told me

that running a trade company is no different than running a courtesan house.

They are both businesses where you meet people and sell hearts.

If you help us out, it will be a great help to both Sosoroo and the trading company.

Chief Merchant.

Wouldn't it be too much for Tae Won if he were to take care of both trading company tasks and affairs at the courtesan house?

I will also go back and forth from Sosoroo and help Tae Won diligently!

You go back and forth. As for myself,

I will just live here at Sosoroo and help him out.

We surely can't leave Tae Won with all the rigorous work!

You punks are interested in the wrong things! You two are banned from entering Sosoroo!

What? Banned from e-entering?

- Try doing well. - Alright.

- Ahjusshi. - Don't mess with me.

Can't you see that my stomach is stuck to my back? I have no energy.

Go out with me for a bit.

Where?

If you go with me, I'll let you eat until you're full.

Are you serious?

- Let's go. - Let's go quickly.

Alright, let me put on my shoes. Let's go.

What can I eat?

Soo Chung, you! Shouldn't you be locked up at Jeonokseo?

Whether I'm locked up or not or dead and smelling my own incense, what is it to you?

What? What is wrong with him?

I have something to talk to him about so he came out for a little while. Please act like you didn't see him.

It still vexes me to think about the monetary loss this rascal has caused me.

If you don't give me back my money I won't let you go.

Okay, I'll pay you back before I die, Yeoju Daek.

Don't worry.

Ah, seriously.

Out of all the taverns, why this one?

Please eat.

Okay.

Please sit here.

Who is this?

He is an inmate imprisoned at Jeonokseo. He will be helping us out.

What crime has he committed?

Making phony coins.

You mean he forged money?

Yes. He has an extraordinary knack of turning cheap Japanese silver into quality silver that is worth three times the price.

So we can profit up to three times?

Yes.

Yeoju Daek has a terrible temper, but she sure knows how to boil her chickens.

But what do you need fake silver coins for?

To feed the starving inmates at Jeonokseo.

You are going to buy rice with phony coins?

It's not like that, so don't worry.

Eat a lot. Please eat.

Come this way.

Please sit.

Aigoo, my babies.

This is phony high quality silver made of cheaper Japanese silver.

I am the only one in this country that can forge something as well as this has been.

Wow, this is uncanny.

You're an amazing person. This would be enough.

I don't know who you're trying to scam, but the truth will be revealed in about a month.

Our plan will end within a month, so there's nothing to worry about.

Alright.

What happened?

That woman killed her children and her in-laws.

Why are you not tying up a despicable and immoral criminal?

After you hear her story... It's not so simple.

According to her, her entire family had starved for four days

and she boiled thrown out fish intestines as a very last resort.

But the intestines also contained blowfish intestines... and that is how her family all died.

Blowfish intestines...

Does that make any sense?

They all had blowfish intestines. Why is she still alive?

She didn't have any in order to feed her family a little bit more.

Aish.

Where is her husband?

He is imprisoned at the Jeonokseo.

Be quiet!

As soon as we receive the rice, we will distribute the meals,

so please don't be like this!

You have said that for four days already.

The one meal of porridge we get is like water.

How long are we supposed to wait?

Look here, look here, Chae Deuk...

Even the King can't do anything about this. What good will come of doing this to me?

Please let me go. Let me go.

What are you doing? Open this door!

Yes, you punk.

All these punks are asking to die?

Open the door.

You punk! Punk!

- Die! Die! - Sire!!

Stop this, Sire!

Sire! Calm down, Sire!!

Does it look like I can calm down?

None of these people will listen to me, will they?

You punks, all of you are starving here.

Do you think I feel good about this? I am the prison warden.

I am losing sleep over ways in which

I can keep you all from starving!

Sire! Sire, calm down, calm down.

How will a mere crow understand the intents of a mighty stork.

It's like reciting holy words to a cow.

Sire, calm down and let's go.

Aigoo...

Aigoo, you all. Chae Duek...

We are looking for other ways right now,

so please hold on a little longer. Just a little longer.

Let's go.

Kill... Kill me...

Just leave them be. Don't worry, Sire.

It's not your fault, Sire.

You've done all you can.

Sire! Please calm down.

I've done all I can. What more can I do?

Please understand the situation of the inmates

driven almost mad with hunger!

Sire! Sire! Please go to the administrative office.

Supervisor Yang Dong Gu from the Police Bureau is here.

Yang Dong Gu? Why would that punk come here again?

That punk comes here whenever he pleases.

So she killed her kids and her parents-in-law?

Yes. The more unbelievable thing here is that

she survived just because she wanted to give her children another bite.

My goodness... How can this be...

Aigoo...

The Head of the Police Bureau has ordered the release of the man of the household

in order to at least see to it that their funeral is carried out.

Yes. Associate Administrator Lee.

Yes, Sire.

You tell Oh Deuk Soo about these events.

Yes, Sire.

You may all leave.

Yes, Sire.

Sire, I have something to tell you.

What is it?

From today, increase the portion sizes for the inmates.

Increase the portions? What are you saying?

You think I don't want to?

I am in the process of obtaining rice to feed the inmates.

I will take care of the consequences. At least increase the portion

for the one meal that they receive, so that they feel like it is a proper meal.

How in the world will you take responsibility for this?

Where in heaven and how will you obtain rice?

It is hard for me to relay the details.

Please trust me.

Why are you eating so much, you punk?

I'm a high class nobleman!

She wanted to feed her family at least one more bite

and she didn't eat any herself.

Are you here, Sir?

Why are you so late? Mother is waiting.

Go on in.

No, I must leave as I have something important to attend to.

Please convey my apologies to Madam.

Sir! Sir!

What is wrong with him?

I obtained it from Yanjing from an acquaintance who went there

on an errand.

Do you wish something from the Madam?

If I were to become but a mere rural district magistrate,

I wouldn't have any other wish!

I will look into it.

Thank you. Thank you, Madam!

You may leave.

Yes.

Where is the captain? Why are you coming alone?

He just left.

Why?

I don't know. Mother, he was a little strange.

What was strange?

I just can't grasp him.

I think I need to rethink this marriage.

Even if you are naive, we have already gone through with the official meeting between the families.

How can we rethink this?

We should, if need be!

Shin Hye!

What to do with her!

She is just throwing a temporary tantrum. Don't worry.

Here, here. Come this way.

Brother.

Here, put it down here.

What is it?

Who sent all this?

Cho Dal Woo from Hamheung.

He wishes to meet with you to discuss some matters.

He has shown such astonishing care. There is no reason not to meet with him.

Pick a date.

I will.

Aigoo, how much is all this worth?

This is the biggest out of all of your birthday gifts this year.

Aigoo, it's so loud. I can't bear it.

How long will she carry on with the banquet?

I hear it will be for ten days.

We have four days left.

Do I really need to bear four more days of that mayhem?

Come over here and massage my shoulders.

Huh? Me, Your Excellency?

Who else is here besides you?

Yes, Your Excellency.

Aigoo.

What is your name?

Jong Guem. It's Jong Geum.

Ah, good. Jong Geum. Jong Geum.

Jong Geum, you have tactful fingertips.

It relieves me down to my very bones.

Daegam.

What is it?

May I say something here?

Go on.

We maidservants are educated by Madam once every ten days.

What education?

If there are any maids that get too friendly with Your Excellency,

they will be put to death immediately.

I want to live, Daegam, please let me live.

Okay, I can't have you killed.

Oh, alright. You may leave.

Thank you! Thank you!

I will live well.

How did it go?

I received word from Jung Nan Jung. She wishes to meet me in four days.

Oh, good.

We deceived Jung Nan Jung with fake goods, but now what?

If we are to swindle Jung Nan Jung, we need real lumps of gold!

The head merchant will take care of that.

Is there a way?

Yes. Once a fortnight a merchant from Jung Nan Jung's trade company

collects money from the rural branches and rides into the Samgye ports.

And among all the payments that merchant collects

there is a sizable sum of money.

Are we going to rob him?

Yes. I already arranged it with Chun Doong.

He is getting off. You see that man there, right?

It's that man.

Do well. No mistakes!

Yes.

Hyungnim! Why not buy money with your money?

Today's gambling scene is off the hook!

Off the hook, my butt! Why am I your hyungnim?

You crazy rascal. Get lost!!

The gambling scene is great today, though!

Orabeoni, play a match with us.

What match...

If you guess the right picks, you can double the money in no time!

Double?

- Wh-Where is it? - Over there!

- Th-There? - Let's go.

Sh-Shall we?

- Aigoo. - We're almost there.

Let's see.

Let's begin!

Look at the mountain to catch the tiger! Go to the water to catch the fish!

Guess to win! Bet money to win money!

Place your bets! One, two, three!

Here.

Then here for me.

Orabeoni, I think it's here, not here.

Really?

Right! A man must listen to his woman! This one!!

Woohoo! You won big!

Look here! Here we go again.

Congratulations! Double!

My luck just came running into my arms!

You found yourself a great woman!

- You're right. One more round. - One more round?

Here it is, Hyungnim. We finished it off in style.

It wasn't easy.

Good work.

See you later.

You need to give us our shares.

Your shares?

There is none.

Huh? We don't work for nothing! This doesn't make any sense!

You didn't hear the news from Ok Nyeo?

This is not to make profit.

Consider it as you donating your talents. Donation.

Wha...

Aish. Talent donation?

Hyungnim, what is this? Did we work for nothing?

If we go on like this, we won't work with you. What is this?

Hey you, I'll get you your share, so quit the murmuring.

Why you!

Aish, talent donation? What did I do today?

What is it?

One of the merchants who was in charge of collecting the money and bringing it in through the Samgye port was robbed.

What? How much money did we lose?

About 1,000 nyang.

We must catch who was behind this.

This is not because of the money, but if word gets out that our trade company was robbed, it will put Madam's name to shame.

Do you understand?

Yes.

Next person.

I am Jo Dal Ho. Congratulations on your birthday.

Have a seat.

It is a true honor to meet you in person, Madam.

You have something to discuss with me?

Yes.

Go ahead.

I don't mean to be rude, but I wish to speak with you in private.

They are all my people, so speak without any reservations.

I have chased gold sources my entire life.

Sources of gold... So gold mines?

Does that even make sense?

The nation regulates individual excavation of gold.

Yes, this is true.

That is why I am here to see you.

You are asking me to grant you authority to develop a gold mine and go against the country's laws?

I know all the sources of gold from Hamgyeong Do to Pyeongwon Do and all the places where gold will spill out.

These are things the nation has no idea about.

As I said, if I were to develop a personal gold mine, that would be against the law.

And so, I have two favors to ask of you.

Go ahead.

First, please lend me your authority.

As I thought, the authority to develop a gold mine?

Yes. Secondly,

please fund the tremendous costs required to develop such a gold mine.

Then I will give you 50% of the profit from the gold that we excavate.

On what foundation are you even suggesting this tremendous deal?

This!

They are lumps of pure gold that I just excavated from the gold sources.

There are really lumps of gold this size?

I don't know if you know this, but gold is something that only comes in small amounts after scraping them from large rocks.

It is truly rare that one is able to excavate such a large lump of gold straight from the source.

You know where the source is?

Yes, Madam.

How did it go?

I threw the bait out there, so we need to wait.

What do you think will happen?

I wouldn't know since I am not Jung Nan Jung.

She's not an easy foe, so she won't fall for it easily.

I've never seen such a big chunk of pure gold!

What do you think?

Well... I am not so sure.

To trust someone we don't know anything about...

But there won't be a person brave enough to con you, either!

Have you ever heard of the Mining Inspector?

Mining Inspector?

Yes.

It's a position created to prohibit civilians from mining gold.

They are beings as scary as the Grim the Reaper for those who try to mine gold.

If civilians are caught trying to mine gold, they are beheaded on the spot.

Where are they?

They usually reside in Pyongyang since there are a lot of gold veins in Pyungan Province and Hamgyung Province.

Mining Inspectors must have intel on Jo Dal Ho.

Send a message to Pyongyang right away and tell them I want to meet them in person.

Alright.

He's a new head who will be in charge of Sosoroo from today.

Tae Won?

I am Yoon Tae Won.

Some of you must already know me so I will speak frankly.

I am a roughneck who's pretty well known in Samgye port and Seven Flags Marketplace.

I currently also head a trading company.

If anyone throws a fit at a drinking table, please let me know.

I will take care of them, for sure.

Excuse me. I have a question!

If you happen to act as a pimp, can you become my pimp? (In this instance, a pimp is like a support and pseudo-husband for a gisaeng.)

Saeson!

Ok Nyeo, now that I increased rations as you told me to,

we only have enough supplies to last ten more days.

Can you really get some rice in the meantime?

Yes, I will. So don't worry about it.

Sire, you must go outside at once.

The newly appointed Chief of Justice is here for inspection.

Chief of Justice?

Why on earth?

Goodness...

Sire, this way.

I am Jung Dae Shik, the prison warden of Jeonokseo.

I am Lee Ki Jun, Chief of Justice.

What brings you here?

The Daegam Minister of Justice ordered me to inspect the condition of the inmates of the Jeonokseo which has had no food distributed thus far.

I will personally go around the Jeonokseo and inspect the condition of the inmates.

Well, in all honesty, the inmates are all on the edge due to hunger.

We don't know what will happen during the rounds, so come with me to my office and I will give you a detailed report.

No, no. I will personally inspect how things are.

Yes, Sir.

It's dangerous...

They are eating one bowl of porridge in a bowl of this size

and are receiving one meal every two days.

We will die at this rate!

Sire! We will die soon!

Please give us some food!

As you have seen, they are hanging on by a thread.

At this rate, they may revolt at any time!

Does Jeonokseo not have emergency provisions for such times?

We were always short as it was...

We have no such provisions saved.

I hear that in ten days you will have absolutely nothing.

What are your plans for after that?

W-Well...

Sir, we have sent out a message to the families of the inmates

and have allowed them all to bring in food for their prisoners.

And we have allowed receipt of outside food.

Support from family and outside food deliveries...

That is a great solution.

Yes, Sir.

No, it is not. That will never be a good solution.

What is wrong with you, Ok Nyeo!?

Why are you...

As an official of the Ministry of Justice overseeing Jeonokseo,

how could you say something so irresponsible?

Ok Nyeo!

Who are you?

I am Jeonokseo's damo, Ok Nyeo.

You wench! How dare a mere damo speak in such a manner in such a presence!

Stop. Be quiet.

On what grounds are you saying that I am irresponsible?

Although I am young,

I have lived at Jeonokseo for even longer than the overseeing sirs here.

So I know how the former King has taken care of Jeonokseo

since way back during those times.

During the former King's reign, no matter what trials the nation faced

Jeonokseo's inmates never had to starve.

But now, how could you halt all provisions allotted to Jeonokseo just because we have famine in the land?

Did you say that support from family and food deliveries would be a good solution?

How are the poor inmates to receive support from their families and have outside food brought in?

That is an empty solution

and a method that is set up purely to evade the situation.

Hey now, don't be too harsh...

Sir, please forgive her with your generosity...

Aigoo...

Ok Nyeo, are you crazy?! How dare you say something like that!

Hey! Don't say such things to Ok Nyeo!

Good for you, girl! I feel like my shoulders are even lighter!

How would those uppity scholars that fought with their brushes and ink inside the palace know anything about the going ons of Jeonokseo?!

You spoke extremely well. Don't you also think so, Associate Administrator Lee?

I also think so.

Ok Nyeo, you did well.

Sir. So uh... Did Ok Nyeo do well?

Of course she did!

He says you did well. Oops, my bad.

My bad!

Think before you speak, Sir.

You, why are you also scolding me?

When did I scold you, huh?

Let's go.

- Just be quiet. - Well, think before you speak next time!

- Let's go. - You go!

Let's go.

Where is the King?

I'm asking you where he is!

Please forgive me for bearing this news,

but it seems he has gone outside the palace to inspect the streets.

What?

I told you many times that the King must never leave the palace.

What are you doing, exactly?

I'm sorry, Your Majesty.

Lady Kim, you are to let the King know

that I wish to see him as soon as he returns.

Yes, Your Majesty.

Did you call me?

Please sit.

Do you know Ok Nyeo well?

Not much, but I do know her a bit.

Please tell me about her.

As far as I know, she was born in Jeonokseo

and grew up inside Jeonokseo.

She is well-known to be extremely clever, ever since she was young.

She would predict prisoners' sentences unbelievably well,

and I hear that she is also great at telling people's fortunes.

She also took the examinations to become a damo here at the police bureau.

I interviewed her myself,

and in all the history of examinations at the police bureau, I have never seen anyone as advanced as her.

But, why did she get disqualified?

This is just my prediction,

but I think she was recruited as a chaetamin (secret intelligence agent), instead.

A chaetamin?

Yes, sir. The operation involving the likes of Supervisor Kang Sun Ho...

Sir, please don't get worked up and just hear me out.

I know about your birth parents really well.

Aigoo, Captain, Sir!

What brings you here? Should I bring the prison warden for you?

No, sir. I'm here to meet Ok Nyeo.

What? Why do you want to meet her?

I don't need to tell you. Please call her for me.

I'm sorry. Ok Nyeo is running some errands now.

She's not at Jeonokseo.

I understand.

Your Majesty, the King is coming in.

Mother, I hear you were looking for me? (Myeongjong, the 13th king of Joseon)

Have a seat.

Your Majesty, is it true that you left the palace?

Yes.

What did I tell you?

It is dangerous outside the palace walls and therefore you must not leave.

Due to the prolonged famine, we don't know when the people will rise up against us.

Yes, you were right, Mother.

I wanted to personally inspect and come up with a solution for the people

who are suffering with starvation and could revolt at any moment.

The solution will be formed by the government officials and myself, and there is no need for you to get involved!

Mother, until when am I to merely follow your orders?

I am the king of this nation!

Your Majesty!

The Mining Inspector from Pyongyang has just arrived.

Tell him to hurry in.

I am Im Chang Gu, a mining inspector.

Have a seat.

Why did you want to see me?

Do you know a man by the name of Jo Dal Ho?

How do you know Jo Dal Ho?

Tell me what kind of man he is.

Jo Dal Ho is someone who I have been pursuing for quite some time.

What is the reason you are pursuing Jo Dal Ho?

He is someone who is trying to go against the law and develop a gold mine.

He is a felon who we must execute the moment we find him.

Ok Nyeo! Ok Nyeo!

I heard word from Jung Nan Jung.

How did it go?

She caught onto the bait. She is hooked for good!

♪ Because my floating memories of you ♪

♪ May slip away ♪

♪ So I cover them with my hands and cry everyday ♪

♪ ♪

♪ Like my heart has stopped ♪

♪ I live through another day ♪

- Preview - When times are bad in the nation, such atrocious things occur.

I think we need to play hard to get with Jung Nan Jung, who is quite suspicious right now.

She has bitten the bait and all we need to do is hook her right up.

What do you think of Daegam Yoon Won Hyung?

He is someone who left a irremovable scar on Tae Won's heart!

I don't see Ok Nyeo around at all these days, Prison Warden Sire.

What is her true identity?

What are you up to? Why should you get involved in something not even the King himself can resolve?

If I wasn't confident, I wouldn't have even started all this.

We are in big trouble, Elder!

What should we do now?