Original subtitles

Subtitled by KBS America

What brings you, Lord Magistrate?

I've come to investigate West Gate Market Brokers for suspicion of smuggling.

Smuggling? I have no idea what you're talking about.

Myo Hyang was captured making an illegal purchase from Japanese merchants.

Is this true? I know nothing of this.

Denying won't get you off the hook.

If you don't believe me, by all means conduct your investigation.

West Gate has nothing to do with whatever Myo Hyang was caught doing.

Search the compound and find proof of illegal trading!

Yes, sir!

- Search the room! - Yes, sir!

What is this about? This is a place of business!

Where were you about one hour ago?

I was on a picnic with my son enjoying the spring sunshine.

We've searched the storehouse, but there are no pearls or dangyuja tangerines, sir.

- Sir, - What is it?

These were found in Myo Hyang's room.

These are promissory notes.

It seems we've captured an in-house thief thanks to you.

Myo Hyang must've been filling her own pockets with illegal deals.

So you did indeed capture an offender this time.

Silence! I want to see you in my office tomorrow morning.

The truth will come out once we question all of you together.

Certainly. I've done nothing wrong, so I will be there with bells on.

Let's see how you weasel out of this one.

Uncle, I hope you've dumped all of the pearls at sea.

There could've been a disaster if Assistant Magistrate Choi hadn't tipped us off.

They will never find the pearls in the vast sea.

There's no proof that you're involved in any smuggling.

Did you make sure the workers won't open their mouths?

Yes.

Look how lustrous and beautiful that is!

I wish someone would buy me one.

Stop dreaming.

Just make sure there are

no bad pearls mixed in.

Bad pearls?

No, no!

It's just that there're so many

fake Jeju pearls out there.

Don't take it the wrong way.

I'm not saying you ladies did anything.

Those imposter pearls have us upset as it is.

I never said anything to West Gate because

they collected the tribute goods all this time,

but if it turns out that they're smuggling

Japanese pearls, I'm going to let them have it!

Yeah!

A wench from the mainland is driving the

value of Jeju pearls down and getting rich.

We'd be disgracing our ancestors

if we let her get away with it!

Calm down, ladies. The truth will come out soon enough.

How can we calm down?

My father is seventy this year.

He still have to do sentry duty because those

darn Japanese keep plundering our village!

Mere mention of those

Japanese makes my blood boil!

Did the forewoman tell you to say this?

That she'd set you up for life if you denied West Gate's involvement?

I was merely having a visit with a former client of mine from back when I was a gisaeng.

A visit with a former client?

Accompanied by a band of armed guards at a hidden location?

Do you really expect me to believe that?

You have no choice but to believe it.

Isn't that the situation?

If you're still so unconvinced, ask the Japanese merchant directly?

Whether or not he has ever met me.

I have never met this woman.

But I did ask Myo Hyang if she could sell the pearls for us.

I beg for leniency.

We're suffering a terrible famine in Daemado, so came in desperation to make some money.

Please have mercy.

Do you think financial hardship is an excuse for breaking the law?

We would have eaten the pearls if they were edible.

For the hungry like us, food is more important than the law.

And since Myo Hyang says those notes are payments received she had forgotten about,

no crime has been done if we don't press charges.

So are you asking me to release her?

Yes. There is no crime in visiting an old client.

If no crime has been done, you have nothing to worry about.

Wait until the investigation is complete. I will find you the proof that you want.

Magistrate!

Guards, take them to their cells!

I beg for leniency...

We would have eaten the pearls if they were edible.

Sir.

What did you find out?

Not one ship left the port yesterday, sir.

Then where did West Gate's pearls disappear to?

It looks like someone was one step ahead of us.

Check Myo Hyang's records from back when she was a gisaeng headmistress.

Look for things like money-siphoning, unlawful and dealings with the Japanese.

Don't leave out any detail.

Aye, sir.

Deliver this to Lord Moon Seon.

It's a list of stores in the licensed market that sold Oh Moon Seon's fake Jeju pearls.

Boss, I just got back from Hanyang and found my older sister locked up in jail.

I can't leave her and go off again, sir.

Dong Joo.

Yes, sir.

You're a brother to me now.

Trust me. We need Lord Moon Seon's help if only to save your sister.

Okay, sir. Then I'll come back as soon as I can, so be safe.

Madam, you'll get my sister out, won't you?

She's like a mother to me and my brother.

You have to help her.

Don't worry. Just go and tell Myo Hyang to keep her mouth sealed.

Yes, sir. I'll go right now.

But if Jung Hong Soo persists...

Madam!

What is it?

I found this outside your door.

What's wrong?

Kang Yoo Ji... was here!

Don't be afraid. We've doubled the guards and I'm here, too,

so you just focus on getting Jung Hong Soo off our back.

Yes. We bought a little time with the notes, but...

We can't keep on trusting Myo Hyang. She's the one who let Dong Joo slip away.

What does Madam Oh say?

The pearls have been disposed of, and the Japanese merchant's been bought,

so they have to release you soon, she said.

So eat your food and hang in there.

Okay. I'll be all right, so don't worry.

I am envoy of Daemado Takeda Shin. This is a diplomatic instruction to stay in Joseon

for the next 5 days for the purpose of taking back our merchants currently in your custody.

Welcome. Please have a seat.

May I ask for what reason you have detained the merchants of Daemado?

Your merchants were captured smuggling Japanese pearls into Jeju.

They will be sent to Hanyang for their sentencing once the investigation is complete.

Smuggling? Provide proof of this allegation!

We're conducting an investigation due to insufficient evidence.

Detaining a foreigner without proof of crime?

This is contemptible!

What is contemptible is your request to release a suspect in a criminal investigation

who entered this country unlawfully!

If Japan and Joseon's relationship is marred as a result of this, you will be held responsible.

I will assume responsibility for what I need to assume responsibility for!

If you must insist on charging these men,

let us take care of this quietly instead of involving Hanyang.

It appears the reason why you rushed here, sir, is because you're afraid this incident

will reach Hanyang and damage Japan's trading relationship with Joseon.

I told you that Jung Hong Soo was watching and to refrain from smuggling for a while!

None of this will amount to much if Myo Hyang doesn't talk.

The magistrate is bent on bringing you down!

I can't help you this time.

What is it?

It's time to take care of Myo Hyang.

She is a potential source of trouble for you as well.

But if anything goes wrong, this could cost me more than just my job.

Chump change won't do.

I heard an envoy is here from Daemado.

They're concerned that this smuggling incident might damage

our trading relationship.

They say that people of Daemado plunder our villages because their

land is infertile and there is shortage of food.

Yes, I know.

It's unfair when people are people no matter where they live...

So I'm thinking about a plan to do something about it.

Perhaps we can increase our existing trade activities with Daemado.

Yes, then both countries acquire needed items,

and Daemado Japanese won't have to plunder our villages every time there is a drought.

I always believed that business is about getting the right product

to the people that need them.

Getting the right product to the people that need them?

Yes.

Very well. I'll write to the royal court right away about increasing trade with Japan.

By the way, what is happening with Myo Hyang?

Despite all that has happened, she is still trusting Moon Seon and refusing to talk.

I don't think I can get a confession out of her.

It's an official report regarding trade with Daemado, so send it to Hanyang at once.

Yes, sir.

By the way, sir, I always find you in a good mood after Lady Man Deok pays you a visit.

Does it show? I better be careful.

Lord Magistrate, it's detainee Myo Hyang!

What happened? Why did the detainee fall unconscious?

Lord Magistrate, it appears someone has poisoned her food.

Find out who is behind this at once!

Yes, sir.

You must save her.

I need special herbs to rid of the toxins in her body, but I don't have them, sir.

I can't guarantee anything.

I have contacted East Gate for now.

They sometimes carry rare medicinal herbs that I don't have,

so that's our only hope right now.

East Gate?

Judging by the blue lips, swollen tongue and blisters on her body,

I would say it's aconite poisoning.

I think so too.

Sis! Sis!

Sis!

Sis, who did this to you? Sis, open your eyes...

Sis...

I don't have the herbs you need either.

But if it's aconite poisoning...

Save my sister!

No, can you please save my sister?

She'll be all right, won't she? Please save my sister!

Dong Ah, get the kitchen ladies for me.

Sis! Sis! Wake up, Sis!

Sis...

One more. Just one more spoon.

Sis, stop! Calm down!

Have one more spoon! Sis, please don't do this!

Calm down!

You're awake!

You've been unconscious from toxic herb poisoning for three days.

The worst is over, but now you need emotional rest to get better.

Your voice... You can't... talk?

Sis, who am I? Do you recognize me?

She can't talk.

Sis, it's your money crazed sister Seo Joo.

Say my name. Say anything!

No, don't say anything. Don't strain your throat.

Sis! Calm down!

Calm down! Calm down, sis!

Sis! Sis! Sis, wake up!

Sis! Sis! What do we do?

You haven't been home in days, ma'am. You must be exhausted.

I'm all right. I'm sorry to have worried you.

I heard Myo Hyang lost her speech from poisoning.

Good. She had it coming!

Money is the devil, not the man.

She was a talented singing gisaeng with a voice

that might be born once every hundred years.

I've been away from East Gate too long.

These are the proceeds from black hat sales for the month.

What should we do about the cattle gallstones we just got?

Send them to Sooncheon through the itinerant merchants.

The order came in months ago, but we could not send them because of the quality issue.

Be sure to tell the itinerant merchants to give them a discount.

Yes, ma'am.

But I'm being watched by Magistrate Jung Hong Soo,

so I will need you to complete this transaction on my behalf.

I packed my bags and left West Gate!

I almost set the place on fire for what they did to you!

Sis, where are you going?

Sis! Sis!

Oh Moon Seon has been paying off politicians in return for their favor and protection of her

businesses in Hanyang and Jeju.

Her primary backer is Noron leader Lord Jeong Dong.

Lord Magistrate, it's Madam Oh that forced her to give false testimony about the pearls.

Can you help me to obtain proof against her?

Pearls were dumped at sea, so you won't be able to find them.

I fully understand how you feel.

The sword of the law cannot be used for personal revenge,

but I will judge the facts without prejudice and make sure that justice is served.

You just get yourself well.

Should she be moving around? She's still not well...

She's much better thanks to you.

I'm glad to hear that. But Doctor Shim ordered bed rest.

These herbs aren't very hard to find, so make sure she takes them regularly.

Sis, you might be dead right now if it weren't for Forewoman Man Deok!

That's all right. I still hate you, too.

I didn't come here to sympathize or to take delight in your misfortune.

I'm here because I can't stand by idly and watch a person die.

If you don't want me here, I will send someone else from now on.

Is... this it?

Are... you sure.... you... don't want... to punish me?

How could I punish you?

Weren't you just living your life the best way you knew how?

We are all just living our lives the best we can,

but sometimes our best turns into greed and makes us hurt other people.

Isn't that right?

Life itself is already a punishment

for those who live in misery as slaves to what we must leave behind.

What would I have to gain by adding to their pain?

Sis...

Don't cry.

Don't cry, Sis.

Don't cry, Sis.

My name is Kim Dong Joo. I serve the son

of Daebang Kang Kye Man, Kang Yoo Ji.

The former foreman of West Gate Market Brokers?

Yes, sir. My master said you would find the phony Jeju pearls if you conduct a search

of the shops associated with the silk store, and asked me to deliver this to you.

It's an imposter Jeju pearl.

It's quite substantial in size but it's a low quality pearl

with thin nacre layer that will easily peel.

And Kang Yoo Ji wanted you to deliver this to me?

Yes. He asks that you stop the imposter Jeju pearls from being distributed in Hanyang

and bring Oh Moon Seon to justice.

The Commerce Control Bureau has been investigating the imposter Jeju pearls.

This will certainly be of great assistance.

It has been revealed that the imposter Jeju pearls were smuggled in from Daemado,

and the smugglers and the Japanese have been captured.

The Commerce Control Bureau is yet to uncover the distribution source,

but involvement of the licensed silk store has been confirmed.

Since when have the royal court meetings been

dominated by trivial topic of merchants?

If there are people selling fake pearls, just punish them, for heaven sakes!

We must resolve the matter from the source.

Shortage of food in Daemado is the cause of pillage and smuggling,

so wouldn't it be fitting to help Jeju and Daemado by increasing official trade?

Ridiculous!

Smugglers are to be punished and pillagers are to be restrained. That is all.

It's a proven fact that trading is an effective way to stop pillage and smuggling.

My! You sound as if you came into this meeting

with your mind already made up, Lord Choi.

It is not my decision.

It is His Highness the King's decision.

His Highness?

Yes. His Highness is also very curious as to how this vast distribution

of illegal goods was possible.

And I intend to do whatever it takes to find out who was behind this.

Judging by their attitude, they're bent on getting to the bottom of this.

I'm afraid this smuggling incident is not going to pass quietly.

First the silk shop, then the fish market and now the pearl business...

I wonder how Oh Moon Seon will get herself out of this mess.

Judging by how she's been putting pressure on you with the ledger...

You're right. That wench will sell me out in a heartbeat to save her own neck.

And if she can't save herself, she'll take me down with her.

I could deny it all if she didn't have the ledger, but...

Get ready. We're going to Jeju.

Yes, sir.

There's a limit to how much merchandise

we can keep at Haenam Port.

How about setting up a branch facility on the mainland?

Do we have the funds?

Yes, we can set up at least three facilities.

Three? Have we made that much money?

Why, we'll have four, no, five branches in no time with our forewoman's knack for business!

Promoting Jeju's goods to the mainland and providing a secure and steady supply of land

goods to the people of Jeju has been a dream of mine since we sold our first bowl of soup.

Naju and Gangjin would be good locations.

Dong Ah, I'd like you to be in charge of setting up the branch facilities.

Yes, ma'am.

Forewoman, it's a message from the magistrate's office.

Sire, what did you wish to see me about?

We received the King's permission on expansion of trade with Japan through

Choryang Trading Center.

I'm hoping merchants of Jeju would come together and stimulate trading with Daemado.

That's wonderful!

Would East Gate be able to take the lead on this?

Pardon?

East Gate is one of the biggest market brokers in Jeju now.

I've actually grown quite curious about Daemado with the pearl smuggling incident.

Would you be able to arrange a meeting with the envoy for me?

It shouldn't be difficult.

I am an envoy of Daemado Takeda.

Magistrate has asked me to discuss trading with you, but...

he did not say you were a woman...

You wouldn't forgo an opportunity to do business because I am a woman. Would you?

I suppose not...

I don't know if you're aware, but Joseon has always coveted our sulfur.

We will provide you with high quality sulfur if we could get good price for them....

Demand for sulfur is being met by domestic producers, so we would not be able to give

you the deal you are looking for.

Oh, I see.

Then how about our highest quality pearls?

If Daemado can guarantee the quality and agree to pay a tax, we will accept them.

Very well.

We will do everything in our power to procure the grains you need as soon as possible.

You will? Thank you.

People of Daemado are barely surviving on last years harvest of gokoimo.

Gokoimo?

Are you talking about potatoes?

Yes, I heard they were called

sweet potatoes in Joseon.

You use such rare delicacies as emergency food in Daemado?

Does it yield such large harvest?

They're everywhere you look in the fall.

"Export grains and textiles and import highest quality pearls with tax imposed."

Potatoes? What's this?

I heard they're called sweet potatoes on the mainland.

Farmers gave up on the crop because of poor yield compared to labor.

Why did you choose sweet potatoes among all other good items?

If we pick up Daemado's method of cultivation and study it again,

I think it might work in Jeju since our soil characteristics are similar.

The Japanese envoy is having meetings with Kim Man Deok...

Do you think I'm paying you to send me this kind of letters, Assistant Magistrate Choi?

Madam!

Stop calling me and figure a way out of this rut!

That wench Man Deok is working on international trade,

and I'm being investigated for smuggling.

Madam, a message has come from Hanyang.

What kind of message?

Our pearl business in Hanyang is done for.

The Commerce Control Bureau confiscated all the goods,

and the nobles are moving to have all of the merchants who sold our pearls arrested.

They're merchants from Hanyang.

They're here because of the pearls.

The pearls?

Authorities have confiscated the pearls, and everything is a complete mess in Hanyang.

We got into big trouble because you sold us phony Jeju pearls!

We said nothing about you, but you're going to have to compensate us for our loss.

Compensate you?

You purchased those pearls with a full knowledge of their poor quality.

You assumed the risk.

If you refuse to compensate us, we will go to the Commerce Control Bureau!

Merchants around the country who suffered a loss because of your pearls are coming

for you right now!

There's nothing we can sell off for cash right now.

I've been too wrapped up with the pearl business to pay any attention to the stores.

Uncle, how much is our freight ship worth?

You're not thinking about... No, not the ship.

Madam, what did you wish to see me about?

I want to sell my ship.

Find me a buyer as quickly as possible.

But there's one condition.

Condition?

Do not let the word out that West Gate's ship is up for sale.

We're all set!

All of the items are highest quality, and we have ample quantity as well.

We will get there on time if we set sail before the end of the day.

Good work.

Ma'am,

business is growing every day, and if we're going to be the lead trader with Daemado,

the freight ship we have may not be adequate.

Are you telling me to buy a ship?

Yes.

How is everyone?

What kind of ship is it?

It's a merchant ship, but it's up for sale because it's no longer needed.

Are you interested?

What's the asking price?

250,000 nyangs.

There're lots of ships I can buy out there for that price.

I think I can negotiate with the seller to put it in your hands for 200,000.

Then it's worth considering. Who does the ship belong to?

The seller wanted me to keep it confidential if you don't mind.

I can't buy a ship not knowing who it belongs to.

It belongs to West Gate. Madam Oh doesn't know that I'm here.

I hear West Gate is being hounded by creditors.

But a ship is like a pillar to a trade broker. Is it her intent to close her business?

I have to refuse.

You'll have to sell that ship to someone else.

I was trying to get you a good deal, but I understand.

Madam Oh will be very disappointed.

How did it go?

Not many people can afford to buy a ship in this economy.

Madam!

Madam, it's Sahn!

Sahn!

Seo Joo!

Call the doctor.

Don't be too angry. We only have each other now.

Mother, I'm afraid...

Sahn, Mommy is here.

I'll be right here with you even if everyone leaves us.

You're my life.

He looks better now, so get some rest.

Uncle, I have to go out for a while.

Goodness! What is she doing here?

Are you surprised to see me here?

No. Are you having some kind of a problem?

Problem? What kind of problem could West Gate possibly have?

Business is doing so well in fact that we're buying a new ship.

We have no need for the small ship we have right now,

so I thought I might do an old friend a favor since I'm getting rid of it anyway.

Oh, okay. Thanks for thinking of me.

What do you think?

Do you want to buy our ship?

I think it's a good opportunity for you.

Okay. I'll buy it.

How does 200,000 nyangs sound?

No, I'll pay 300,000.

West Gate's ship is top notch.

It will still be a good deal at 300,000 nyangs.

I'll pay 300,000 nyangs.

Really?

If that's how you feel, I guess I have no choice.

I'll pay you right now.

Have some tea while you wait.

Put out the urgent fire first.

Moon Seon...

I will never stoop to Man Deok again.

Don't cry. This isn't like you.

I sold my ship to the woman I looked down on with contempt.

I feel like I sold my soul.

I know.

I know how you're feeling, but we just have to get over this hump like you said.

Is this really our ship?

I guess it's really over for West Gate...

This way, my lord.

We can always make money again, so...

You wench!

You had the ledger in your possession and lied to me!

I don't understand what you mean.

Confess the truth or say goodbye to your son!

My lord!

Where is the ledger?

It is true that I had it once, but it's gone.

Find it and bring it back this instant!

I'll take care of your son until then.

Subtitled by KBS America

We have to find Kang Yoo Ji and get that ledger back.

What are you thinking?

I'll have to decide.

Whether to hand it over to him or to use it against him.

It belonged to your grandmother.

You're the one person who will know what to do with it.

Deliver it to Lord Choi Jegong in Hanyang.

Lord Magistrate is in pain because of his father's mistakes.

The ledger Kang Yoo Ji stole from us? all I need is to get that back.

Then I will leave you alone.

East Gate.

It's in East Gate Forewoman's possession.