Original subtitles

Subtitled by KBS America

[East Gate Market Brokers, Jeju Island]

This is such a wonderful feast.

Please eat.

Wow! Everything is so delicious!

My mother is the best cook in the world!

Mother, we need some more pancakes!

Such big fuss over one little deal...

I'll hit something big, too. Just watch.

Okay, okay.

Where is Man Deok anyway?

Have you seen her?

Wow! Look at all this money!

I feel full and I haven't even had any food!

This is the beginning for us East Gate Market Brokers!

Let us eat well, work hard, and build a strong company!

West Gate Market Brokers, Jeju Island

What does she want with us in the middle of the night?

Diver Leader Goga Dongsuk, come forward.

Take your divers and leave the company.

Leave?

We've worked for West Gate for over a decade.

What are we supposed to do if you

kick us out without a moment's notice?

Leave quietly when

you're being paid to leave.

How could you do this?

Silence!

I want all those who worked on the abalone contract bid packed up and gone tonight.

If I see any of you tomorrow,

I will hold you responsible for the loss to the company and make you slaves.

I will see you all in my room.

What do you think was the biggest reason for our failure?

Have you all gone mute?

I never thought that wench Man Deok would be so tenacious.

You were her mother for seven years, and you didn't know that?

It's no wonder she was able to tear you down to nothing.

Go easy on them, Mother.

You'll scare everyone away down to the last gopher.

I've made an important decision today.

Effective immediately, I am removing Kang Yoo Ji from his position as the foreman.

I'm sure I don't have to tell you the reason.

You've placed West Gate in danger bearing the title of Foreman,

so you must pay the price.

Nothing gets by you, does it?

You'll have to turn over the company seal and the storage keys.

Who says I have to comply?

Then who would you like me to kick out instead?

Dong Joo? Seo Joo? Should I kick out everyone else left in West Gate?

After all, you don't care.

You couldn't care less what happened to this company.

Very well. A promise is a promise, so I will step down.

Dong Joo will bring the seal and the keys to you.

Sir. Sir!

I will not hesitate to dismiss anyone who fails to live up to his or her title.

Don't do this, sir!

One more word out of that mouth and I'll smash your face in.

Your father worked hard to build this company. You can't give it away like this!

Apologize to Madam Oh and work with her instead.

It's your loss if you give it all up like this.

I said stop.

Yes. Hit me. Hit me all you want.

But make no mistake.

Madam Oh is not the one who took everything from you? Man Deok is.

Shut your mouth!

I'm going to say what I have to say even if you beat me to death.

You bastard.

Who got her out of the gisaeng house?

You did by giving her the census register.

I said shut up!

You turned over the company's books to save her life when she was in jail, but...

...Daebang Kang died as a result of that.

I'd praise you and say "That's true love!" if Man Deok became yours as the result, but...

You really want to die, don't you?

Think about it.

I hate the wench who's laughing it up in East Gate when you're about to lose it all.

This used to be our world!

Who's the reason why things have become so cut-throat?

I said shut up!

I... feel... sorry for you.

Get out of here.

Sir...

Stay out of my sight or I'll kill you.

Sir...

Let us hurry.

Ouch!

- Hold still! This is expensive duck egg! - Be gentle!

Madam Oh had me scared stuff tonight.

Sis, I'm afraid we're going to end up homeless if Foreman Kang doesn't come to his senses.

Me, too.

Daebang Kang is dead, so Madam Oh is kicking him out of the company.

If she gives birth to a baby boy...

That's why we have to get on Madam Oh's side.

Are you suggesting we turn out backs on Foreman Kang?

Then would you rather go down with him?

What are you two doing?

Bickering like children....

Foreman or Madam, we will do what the situation dictates.

Who says we have to be

eternally loyal to one side?

Huh?

Important thing is knowing

who is holding the sword now.

Madam Oh, of course.

First we need to know exactly what she is after.

Then we can start to draw up a plan to secure our future.

Oh dear...

Sir, the jail keeper is here from the government office!

The jail keeper?

Do you think Lord Jeong Dong will be idle?

We've botched up the deal he brought us, so I suppose we will have to compensate him.

Tell him we'll give him 50% of the silk store's income.

Fifty percent?

We're already giving him too much at current 20%.

You want to pay him half of our income?

He is certain to demand as much.

If we're going to pay him anyway, this is better to set up for our next favor request.

This is all because of that wench Man Deok.

She was always taking what's yours when you were kids, and she's still getting in your way.

Yes.

She was always taking what's mine.

And always with someone else's help when she was a penniless no-body.

Just say the word. I'll take care of the wench for you.

There's no hurry, Uncle.

First I want the world to know how incompetent and helpless Kim Man Deok is.

I will cut off her limbs one by one and render her powerless.

Who do you think you are? You can't go in there!

What brings you here?

I want to have a talk.

What does this mean?

You said this was a token of our friendship.

That's why I'm giving it back to you.

Then I guess this means you and I are no longer friends.

It's wrong to hurt and deceive other people.

Then is it right to take what other people have achieved by cheating at the end?

We did not cheat.

We fulfilled out commitment with hard work and dedication.

When it's you, it's hard work and when it's other people it's cheating.

How convenient.

Are you done?

Remember what you did to Hwasoon from the silk store years ago?

Why would you bring that up now?

Do you know why I looked the other way when you manipulated Daebang Kang's

first wife to get Hwasoon kicked out?

Because you wanted me to get you a job at the silk store.

No, that's not why.

I thought you were a good person deep down who just veered off course

a little because no one was giving you the love you need.

I thought you'd come to regret what you had done and live an honest life.

Regret? Regret fighting back someone who was trying to hurt me?

I would never be here today if I didn't live the way I did.

Do you think I had an old woman protecting me like you did?

No one told you to live your life alone.

You're alone because that's the life you chose.

Madam! Madam!

The jail keeper was just here.

Tribute ship bound for Hanyang was capsized, and the tribute goods were buried at sea!

Settle down, Assistant Magistrate!

Sir, the tribute goods transport ship has been destroyed. This is a catastrophe!

The entire island of Jeju might be held responsible for this.

Then you and I will be the first to...

Then let us quickly respond to the situation.

I will reacquire the goods

for the royal wedding first.

Yes, let's start with that.

What about the ship?

How do we get another cargo ship?

I don't know. It's not as if we can build one overnight...

All those valuable goods tossed overboard?

Sir, they had no other choice

to keep the ship from sinking.

It's fortunate that no one was killed.

Fortunate?

What's fortunate about losing the goods that were to be used for the royal wedding?

Magistrate of Jeju is gathering the tribute goods again as we speak.

I don't think this is a cause for great alarm.

Tribute goods are only half of our problem!

The tribute transport ship has been destroyed!

What are we going to do about this?

Minister Jeong, please calm down.

How can I calm down right now?

The new Queen's coronation is just around the corner!

Are you going to assume responsibility if the goods do not arrive on time?

The tribute goods transport ship? But that's run by the government.

Yes, but I just heard that it was destroyed, and the government office is having problems.

The government office's trouble does not concern us!

Maybe it does.

If they hold a bid for tribute goods transport contract, aren't we eligible to enter?

We'd make fools of ourselves entering without a ship.

We can lease a ship.

I'm sure we can still gain profit even if we operate with a leased ship.

You think we have money coming out of our ears just because we got the abalone deal?

The fact is, we will barely be breaking even if we pay back the loan we owe.

East Gate doesn't have the resources to lease a ship to go into cargo transport business.

It's a good idea but not feasible.

Perhaps you could have a talk with the provincial magistrate.

About the tribute goods transport ship, Madam?

Yes. I was thinking about what Man Deok said, and she is right.

Even if they accept the idea of using merchant ships to deliver the tribute goods,

West Gate will get the contract since they own a ship.

Maybe not.

The new policy dictates that all government contracts be awarded via open bid process.

Even private ship owners should be eligible to enter the bid.

Yes, in theory, but...

East Gate has gotten over a hump, but now it is in need of new ventures.

But it's too risky to enter a bid with a leased ship.

Wouldn't it be a risk worth taking?

Sir!

Come in.

I've been looking all over for you.

Didn't I tell you to stay out of my sight? What do you want?

Oh, it's not like this is the first time you beat me up...

Sir, East Gate is going to propose use of

private ship for delivery of tribute goods.

If the government decides to use

a private ship, they will naturally use ours.

Why would East Gate go out of their way to make such a proposition?

Man Deok, that little wench, is scheming to lease a ship and enter the bid for the contract.

When Man Deok goes out to lease a ship, no doubt Mother will intervene...

So please take care of this and reclaim your position as the foreman.

I get sick to the stomach every time I see that Steward Oh's flaring nostrils.

He acts like he's the boss!

Be quiet and come with me.

Huh?

My mouth is parched from running around all over the place.

Sir!

The items we had sent for the royal wedding have been buried at sea.

I need full cooperation from all merchants to quickly collect the items again for delivery.

Of course, sir. We will make this our top priority.

Thank you.

Magistrate, may I ask what your plans are for the delivery of the tribute goods?

The damaged ship is in repair at Gangjin, but...

Wouldn't it be imprudent to use a badly damaged ship after a rushed repair?

Perhaps it would be wiser to use a private ship instead.

That is an excellent idea.

But this is not regular tax season.

Would market brokers be able to make the necessary arrangements in such short notice?

We will make it available even if we have to set other work aside.

It does not have to come from West Gate.

You're not the only company that owns a ship on this island.

Then East Gate will lease a ship and enter the bid for the contract as well.

Lease a ship?

Yes. There're quite a few private ships in the harbor that are not being used,

so this will be a good opportunity for the ship owners as well as us if we make use of them.

That is also a good idea. Go ahead.

Assistant Magistrate.

Do you have something to say to me?

If tribute ships are operated by a private company, shouldn't that be West Gate?

Who decided this?

Certainly not me.

A grown man holding a grudge like a child...

What are you going to do?

Give Lord Jeong details of this situation and ask him for help.

Choi Nam Gu is mistaken if he thinks I can't do this without him.

What brings you here?

I came hoping to make peace with you, Assistant Magistrate.

I wonder why almighty Kang Yoo Ji is polishing the apple.

Is it true that you lost West Gate to Madam Oh?

I need your help to teach her a lesson.

What makes you think I have such power? Forget it.

I thought you were quite disgruntled with Madam Oh.

Was I wrong?

What are you trying to say?

They say enemy of an enemy is a friend.

Don't you want to vent that rage?

It'll hurt you if you keep it bottled up.

That may be true, but...

I will call the ship owners together to discuss the tribute goods transport contract.

I trust you'll be there.

That will be decided by a fair contest.

What business would I have with the ship owners?

Helping West Gate doesn't necessarily mean you'll be helping my mother.

You will be helping me, Foreman Kang.

I never forget a favor.

But the opposite is true as well.

Besides, it serves you no purpose to allow East Gate to become powerful, does it?

No...

But Man Deok is at East Gate. Are you sure you have the heart to crush East Gate?

That's all the more reason why I need to crush East Gate.

Kang Yoo Ji went to see Choi Nam Gu.

Kang Yoo Ji?

I thought he'd be somewhere getting drunk. This is a surprise.

And?

Gang asked Choi to help him defeat Madam Oh who stripped him of his position,

and Choi agreed.

Really? Perhaps the prodigal child is finally growing up.

Yoha came by.

Foreman Kang, I mean Kang Yoo Ji, went to Choi Nam Gu to seek a favor?

With help in defeating you, Madam.

He went to Choi Nam Gu? I guess my stepson isn't a complete idiot after all.

He asked Choi to stop the ship owners from renting their ship to East Gate.

He's trying to back Man Deok into a corner and crush you at the same time

by winning the tribute goods transport contract himself.

He's moving faster than I thought. I'm beginning to have hopes for him.

Ugh! Ah! Ouch!

You're back.

My feet are on fire from walking all day.

What are you doing? Get away from me! You stink!

Where did you go that your feet stink like fermented soybeans?

We must've talked to every ship owner in Jeju.

What's gotten into him? Why is he working so hard all of a sudden?

Maybe he finally grew up and came to his senses out of guilt after he beat the living

daylights out of you the other day.

No, this is Madam Oh's doing.

She is an enigma. Taming that rapscallion...

You mean she manipulated him to do this?

I knew she wasn't an ordinary woman, but she is the winner in this vie for power.

I knew she was the real deal the moment I first saw her.

Ahhh! I'm going to kill you!

Now my face stinks!

Minister Jeong, assist us so that West Gate may win the tribute goods transport contract.

This is a matter of vital importance in reclaiming commercial dominance in Jeju.

West Gate is asking for help in acquiring the tribute goods transport contract...

Ask Chief Clerk Gang to pay me a quiet visit.

Yes, my lord.

Please get acquainted.

This is former captain of the Commerce Control Bureau Jung Hong Soo who has

joined the Board of Punishments as

assistant section chief. Good luck.

If you wouldn't mind waiting,

I'd like to finish this paperwork Minister Jeong personally ordered before I give you a tour.

Please take your time.

It looks like you're working on something that concerns the tribute cargo vessel of Jeju.

Yes. The government cargo vessel is in inoperable condition, so we're advising

them to utilize West Gate Merchant Broker's merchant ship until a new vessel is built.

Tribute transport is a matter for the Board of Taxation.

Board of Punishments has authority to advise such action?

Nothing gets done in Jeju without Minister Jeong's approval.

What's the progress on the ship repair?

We have every carpenter in Gangjin working on the ship, but I'm afraid it'll take some time.

The royal wedding is drawing near,

so let us utilize a merchant ship for transport of tribute goods this time.

Then per your recommendation, we will use West Gate Market Brokers to do the job.

Businesses that deals with local government in Jeju are required to be chosen though an

open bid process.

This is a promise between the magistrate of Jeju and his people, so I ask that you honor it.

An open bidding?

This is a matter of extreme urgency! Ridiculous!

What if this causes delay for the royal wedding? Will you assume responsibility?

They can hold the bid in the time that it takes to procure the tribute goods again.

It will make no difference, sir.

If this is a promise Jeju magistrate made to his people, let us allow it, Minister Jeong.

Very well.

Lord Magistrate, please tell us why you have called us together today.

As proposed by Foreman Go,

it is decided that the tribute transport ship will be chosen through competitive bidding.

Competitive bidding?

What for when West Gate is the only market broker that owns a ship?

This is the policy when it involves rights and interests of market brokers,

so there will be an open bidding regardless.

So be noted.

Shall we go, sir?

This is wonderful.

Now we must work quickly to acquire a vessel.

Working quickly won't get you something you don't have.

Don't waste your time, Foreman Go.

Don't worry about our business, Madam.

You should practice self-discipline if only for the child in your womb.

Let us go, Senior Foreman.

Yes.

Does this mean all we have to do now is to lease a ship?

This is a waste of time.

Who would lease out their ship for such paltry profit?

If we get the contract, they will have steady income.

If we emphasize that, I'm sure we can persuade them.

But won't be end up working for nothing if we pay them for renting the ship?

No.

The government pays a part of the operating cost, so it is indeed a profitable business.

No one can't predict the outcome of the bidding

but if we do win this contract, it will help us greatly in running a stable business operation.

Sir, I'm afraid we will only end up making West Gate look better.

Pan Sul, I want to give this a shot.

Man Deok and Eun, find ship owners who might be interested in renting out their ship.

Yes, sir.

Competitive bidding? How much longer do we have to play this tiring game?

This is all because Jung Hong Soo.

What do you mean by that?

I found out from my men in Hanyang that Minister Jeong named us for the contract,

but Jung Hong Soo intervened and insisted that they hold an open bidding.

We really must get this contract.

Don't we need to work on the ship owners?

I already have someone working very hard on the ship owners.

So you're basically proposing a partnership since we have a ship and East Gate has the

right to bid for the contract?

You'll be working for the government. so you never worry about not getting paid,

and just the experience it self would be a huge gain.

If we win the contract, we will give the ship owners full disclosure of operation expense.

And profit sharing will be done precisely.

It's like all of the ship owners on his island got together and made a pact.

I knew West Gate would get in our way.

This was a lost cause from the start.

I heard Captain Hwang lost all of his ships but one.

I guess he won't be a captain for long.

That man would play cards with his toes if his hands were cut off.

Did they say "Captain Hwang"?

Captain Hwang? He's a crazed gambling addict.

But they did say that he owns a ship, right?

You'd go as far as to rent a ship from a gambling addict to do this business?

Why not?

Did you put enough water in the rice?

The taste isn't very important, so don't waste so much spice.

Just make them look good.

We've had men that knock the table over

because of the food. Don't you know that?

When I become the headmistress, things like that will never happen.

Your customers have

always been the rowdiest!

Did you forget that?

When I become the headmistress...

When you become the headmistress, let me

be the first to know. So I can quit this job!

Foreman Kang and Assistant

Magistrate Choi is here...

I want you to prepare the food.

I don't think these kitchen maids are up for it.

Life is cruddy, so wine tastes cruddy, too!

Then let's make some new wine.

It's all we have to cheer us up after all.

Unbelievable!

I'm sure you already know about the government ship being destroyed.

Luckily, West Gate's merchant ship will replace the government ship and take over its duty.

I heard East Gate is renting a ship to enter the bid.

Yes, they approached me about it and what they said made sense.

So you'd turn your backs on West Gate after all these years we took care of you?

West Gate has always been there in your times of need offering generous loans.

Am I wrong, Assistant Magistrate?

The government will choose a company with maritime experience.

So you can just ignore East Gate's petty tricks.

Open bidding? Open bidding my foot.

Then should we just continue doing what we've been doing?

Yes, exactly.

You only have a few months until delivery.

But the fetal movement is weak, and I'm inclined to think it's because of your girdle.

Please think of your child and refrain from using the girdle.

I will consider.

Madam!

Come in.

It's a message from Gisaeng Yoha.

Go on.

Assistant Magistrate gathered the ship owners, and...

Like I said, I'm not interested.

Please leave.

Captain!

Let's call it a day.

We've talked to over ten ship owners today.

Eun, you said you knew Captain Hwang. Right?

Do you know where we can find him?

Not so fast.

Darn it!

I'm looking for Captain Hwang.

Who are you?

Are you Captain Hwang?

Yes.

I'd like to rent your ship.

Ship? My ship?

Yes.

I'll let you use my ship right away, so don't you worry.

Then please sign here.

What? You want me to sign a contract for measly fifty nyangs?

It's a letter of intent.

Once we win the contract, we will pay you for the lease, and formally...

Your friends what to know what you're going to do.

I'll be right there, so tell them to stay put.

I will sign this, so bring me some more money for deposit tomorrow.

How much more?

Two hundred nyangs will do.

My ship is actually in Haenam right now. It'll cost me money to bring it back to Jeju.

You can manage, can't you?

Yes, I will bring it. Now if you will sign this...

All right. Don't forget to bring me the money tomorrow.

I have to go now.

Thank you! Thank you, Captain Hwang!

Wonderful work!

You finally found a ship owner who will lease us a ship!

But if it's in Haenam, it'll cost us extra expense to have it brought here.

I can pay that expense, so don't worry.

No, Madam. The company is not completely without funds.

No. Man Deok and I insisted on this venture, so I'd like to contribute.

It remains to be seen whether or not this is a credible contract.

Man Deok is a good judge of character.

Good work.

Yes, good work indeed!

Kim Pan Sul that fool! What is he? A spy or a liaison?

He does nothing for us, and only brings us bad news!

Calm down. This isn't over.

They have a ship!

That old hag and Hong will beat us again.

Madam!

I'm back.

What did you find out?

That Captain Hwang is a compulsive gambler who blew away his family fortune.

His ship is old and useless,

and it's anchored in Haenam right now because he's got no money to bring it back.

I guess they really are desperate.

A gambler captain and a ship that's not even here in Jeju...

- Seo Joo, - Yes, Madam.

I want you to pay Captain Hwang another visit.

You dare gamble with my money and try to run off?

No, you're making a mistake. I was just going out to relieve myself...

You need someone to teach you a lesson.

Boys!

Yes, sir!

My goodness! You're going to kill him!

Go easy on the poor bugger.

What do you want?

I thought I might take this man off your hands.

That'll make me a happy man.

So impatient!

When a woman comes looking for him, show her this.

A ring?

Tell her that Captain Hwang is now on the same boat with the owner of this ring.

Did you get that?

You got it!

That was simple.

Take him!

Why isn't it here?

Man Deok said today was the day, so let's wait a while longer.

Dong Ah, you trust everything Man Deok ever says. Don't you?

Pardon?

Never mind.

We waited all this time, but the ship didn't come.

Are you sure today is the right day?

Yes, I'm sure.

I heard a rumor that this Captain Hwang is not a credible man. Is this true?

That can't be true.

I'll find him and bring him back.

Give me a good hand.

What do you want?

Is Captain Hwang here?

Captain Hwang is on the same boat with the owner of this ring.

What's the matter?

It's Moon Seon. This is Moon Seon's doing!

You took longer than I thought you would.

Did you buy off Captain Hwang?

Buy him off?

He came to me on his own.

You can't fool me with your shallow lies anymore.

I want to see Captain Hwang right now.

Right now!

Subtitled by KBS America

Kim Eung Ryeol kept digging and checking up on everything Minister Jeong was doing.

So he brought false charges against him and had him exiled?

Give me your ship.

I don't have a ship.

I will report you to the authorities.

Our staff and the oarsmen are badly injured!

I can't give up like this.

I'm going.

Man Deok!

You might need an extra oarsman.

Go to East Gate and see if Man Deok is there.

Man Deok went with them?

No one can know about this.

We're looking for Captain Hwang's ship.

We've come to take the ship back.

I am not releasing the ship until that bastard Hwang shows up himself.

Where is Man Deok?

It needs to pass inspection to be used as tribute goods transport ship.

If the ship comes, Man Deok will die...

And if the ship doesn't come, it'll be the end of East Gate.

The ship?

It will be here.

There it is!

Approaching Jeju!

An inspection?

It's a procedure to see if the ship is fit to be used for transporting tribute goods.

Search every inch of the ship

once it disembarks!

Someone might be on that ship.