Original subtitles

[Episode 18]

Daegam, I have a favor to ask of you.

What is it this time?

The day we will be distributing salt for the Ministry of Marketplace Order is not too far off.

Please send a message to the supervisor at the Ministry so that we will be able to move forward without any hiccups, as their distributor.

Aigoo... Do I really need to care about such things too? I'm Yoon Won Hyung!

Why are you being like this again?

Aren't you a mighty Honorable Lady Jeonggyeong now?

You have all the wealth and authority in the very palm of your hands,

why are you obsessing over a mere salt trade deal?

That is why people point fingers at us—because of that greed and obsession of yours!

Daegam! Do you really not know why I obsess over money like this?

- Do you really not know that the money I earn is given directly to the Queen Dowager? - What did you just say?

I fund and replenish both the royal family's funds and the money the Queen Dowager has at her disposal.

Why do you think the Queen Dowager supports and backs us? Because you are her family?

No, no. It's because of money.

Without the astronomical sum of money I give to the Queen Dowager,

you, Daegam, and I are no longer useful to her.

I-I didn't know that.

Hurry up and send a message to Supervisor Younggam at the Ministry of Marketplace Order.

Yes, I will.

As expected, the outside air is much fresher! Where should I go...

Where should I go... Huh?

- Why are you doing this to me? - Shut up and follow us.

Wait. I didn't do anything wrong this time.

Why are you doing this to me again?

Give this letter to that girl Ok Nyeo.

Yes, I definitely will.

- Let him go. - Yes.

I was overjoyed to hear that you reached out to meet me first.

What is it?

I have a favor to ask of you. (Yoon Tae Won)

What is it? Tell me! Anything you wish!

Soon, there will be a competition held by the Ministry of Marketplace Order to determine the sole distributor of salt.

Please help the trade company that I am a part of become the salt distributor.

That...

Hurry and send a message to Supervisor Younggam at the Ministry of Marketplace Order!

I'm not asking you to abuse your authority and make us win the competition.

Just help us to ensure that the competition will be carried out in a fair manner.

That is my only request.

- You're here. - Where's Tae Won?

Tae Won is currently meeting with Daegam Yoon Won Hyung.

What? All of a sudden? (Gong Jae Myung)

I don't know the details,

but anyway, I am sure that it was Tae Won who requested a meeting with Daegam Yoon Won Hyung.

Got it. After he sees Daegam Yoon Won Hyung off, tell him to come see me.

Yes, sir.

- Here. - What is it?

You know the owner of the twin jade rings? She wanted me to give this to you.

What does it say?

- She wants to meet me tonight. In front of the Tong In gates. - Huh?

- So what are you going to do? - I have to meet her.

Are you crazy? You don't know what harm might befall you!

Have you already forgotten that all the palace maids from the Crown Prince's quarters are now dead?

They may even kill you, too!

If I don't meet her, there is no way I will be able to discover the truth behind my mother's death.

I'll take care of it, so don't worry.

Wait, wait. If you really want to meet her, ask for Tae Won's help.

Don't go there alone. Go with him!

This is my personal matter. Don't tell Head Merchant. See you later.

Hey, Ok Nyeo! I won't care if you live or die!

You do as you please!

- Follow us. - Where are we going?

You will know once we get there.

If you don't tell me where we are headed, I will not move.

Quit the jabber and follow us now.

Stop it!

Move back.

What is all this?

We were just making sure that no one accompanied or tailed you, so please understand.

Can you show me the twin jade rings you were handed down as a keepsake from your dead mother?

Yes.

Were you perhaps... a palace maid at the Crown Prince's quarters?

How did you know of that?

I heard that those rings were presented as a gift to the palace maids

while the Crown Prince was still residing in those quarters.

You're right. These twin rings were indeed gifted to us by the former king.

Can you tell me about your mother?

I was told that my mother was pregnant and very close to her due date when she was stabbed by a sword and was found lying in front of Jeonokseo.

My adopted father, who is a clerk at the Jeonokseo, took my mother into Jeonokseo,

and my mother passed away soon after she gave birth to me.

That is all I know of my mother.

Do you have any idea as to who my mother might be?

I don't know... Seeing that she had these rings, she could have been a palace maid.

But I can't understand how she could've been pregnant with you if she really was a palace maid.

Madam, if you have any leads on who my mother may be, please tell me everything.

Among the palace maids that were with me, there was a girl named Gab Ee.

But one day, she disappeared without a trace.

The palace maids speculated and had many theories as to why Gab Ee disappeared like that.

I wonder if that the Gab Ee who disappeared had anything to do with your mother.

A long time ago, in order to find out who my mother was, I looked for other palace maids from the Crown Prince's quarters.

But I was only able to confirm that they were all dead.

So I sensed that they had to have all been murdered by a certain someone.

Do you perhaps know the reason behind that?

That... is better off untold, for your own sake.

Even if your mother was a palace maid at the Crown Prince's quarters,

you must not reveal that information to anyone.

If your identity is known, you will also be in danger.

Madam, I must find out

who my mother is, why she died, who killed her,

and also... who my father is.

Please help me.

There is nothing else I can do for you.

Now that you know the meaning behind your twin rings, you may leave.

Madam!

Is Daegam Yoon Won Hyung gone?

- Yes. - Have a drink.

Why did you meet with him?

I asked him to help us distribute salt to the Ministry of Marketplace Order.

Do you think he will help?

It doesn't matter if he does or not.

As you said, Chief Merchant, he will of course be

torn between me and Jung Nan Jung.

If Jung Nan Jung were to find out about that, it might lead to an even bigger fight.

If my predictions are right, he will try to help you with all his might.

You, punk, just need to use his power and authority a little.

What's so wrong with that? It's not a crime or anything.

I learned something from you, Chief Merchant.

Punk, so you do know, huh?

I'm not asking you to abuse your power and authority to make us win.

Please help us so that the competition

can just be carried out in a fair manner.

That is my only request.

Daegam, it's Mak Gye!

Come in.

Who is the administrator of the Ministry of Marketplace Order right now?

It's Younggam Lee Young Shin.

Please send him a message asking him to meet with me tomorrow.

Why all of a sudden?

Is it perhaps because of the salt distribution rights to the Ministry of Marketplace Order?

Yes, Nan Jung asked me to take extra care of it.

That is something that will resolve itself even if you don't get involved, Daegam.

You should avoid any rumors. They will just tarnish your reputation.

Do you not know Nan Jung's temper?

If I don't step up to take care of it, she will throw a royal fit, no?

Send the message.

Yes, Sir.

If you receive this letter, I will have already gone on to the next life.

With this letter I leave a map with you.

If you go to the location indicated on the map,

you will find something that will be of great assistance to you for the rest of your life.

Finally, the girl named Ok Nyeo who will relay this letter to you

is my greatest friend

and my only student.

Take care of Ok Nyeo

as much as your skills and talents allow.

Among the palace maids with me, there was a girl by the name of Gab Ee.

But one day, she disappeared without a trace.

There were many rumors and much speculation among the palace maids

as to why she disappeared so suddenly.

I wonder if that Gab Ee

was somehow connected to your mother.

Gab Ee...

Ok Nyeo.

What brings you here?

I just met with Chun Doong. He was concerned and said you may be in danger.

What's wrong?

You don't have to worry, it's nothing.

Why would Chun Doong say that if it's nothing?

Tell me what it is.

That is...

All the court ladies and palace maids from the crown prince's quarters are dead,

so I don't know how she managed to be the sole survivor.

Do you have any inkling as to what her identity may be?

No. Seeing that she has servants with decent martial arts skills,

she is no ordinary person.

If it is like you said, Ok Nyeo, I think the clue is to figure out the identity of the court lady.

But that's too dangerous.

I completely understand your will to find out about your mother's death,

but don't rush things.

Yes, I'll do what you say.

That aside, is the salt distribution competition preparation going well?

Yes, everything is proceeding smoothly.

But if you, Ok Nyeo, were to help out just once more, we may even win.

What is it? I'll do everything that I possibly can.

Just tell me.

Hey, Ji Chun Deuk!

Oh, yes, sir.

How much did you eat?

I didn't even have breakfast. What are you talking about?

Come on!

You and Prison Warden Jung shared a portion

of the profit gained from selling the inmates' labor.

H-How did you know...?

So it's true! My premonition was correct!

You excluded me and Associate Administrator Lee and the two of you gobbled it right up!

Wh-Wh-What do you mean, gobble it up? Eat what? No, no. No eating.

Lying through your teeth here, huh? That Jung Dae Shik,

what a bird brain. This just won't do! The past few months he pretended to favor me,

then he shuns me when money is involved?

Should I report this to the Ministry of Justice? Huh?

Whoa, not the Mi-Mi-Ministry of J-Justice!!

Should I? Should I? To the Ministry of Justice?

Aigoo, this is driving me crazy. Hey! Ji Chun Deuk!

Try treating me easy again and see what happens!

Shoot, he had me there.

Mi-Ministy of Ju-Ju-Justice?

So you're saying that Gong Jae Myung's company will distribute the salt, right?

Yes, I hear there is a competition for distribution rights soon.

But as far as I know, the company that usually distributes to the Ministry of Marketplace Order

is Jung Nan Jung's trade company.

I wonder if we will be burned out of the blue.

Burned, sire?

Think about it. If Jung Nan Jung experiences difficulties distributing salt,

she will get to the bottom of the reason, and won't it become problematic that we sold

the inmates' labor to Gong Jae Myung's trade company?

I have a way to take care of that, so don't you worry.

- Really? - Yes.

Sire! Sire! We are in big trouble!

What is it? Constable Yoo found out about everything.

- Found out what? - The profit we gained from selling the inmates' labor.

He is all riled up saying that he will report it to the Ministry of Justice because only you and I took the profit.

Do you think I am an idiot? Would I not know that that sly snake is telling you that

because he wants you to tell me he is planning all that?

I have my own solution for that, so he can rage or report all he wants!

Solution, Sire? What solution?

You should tell me deta...

Wow, I thought he was a birdbrain,

but when it comes to money he knows his stuff!

For anything else he may be naive, but when it comes to money he is incredibly precise.

That's why you need to be careful, too.

Okay, well that makes him no longer a bird brain, but money brain.

Ahjusshi!

Hey, Contable Yoo.

Yes, Sire?

Wow, your gaze is something else today.

Is there something troubling you?

Do you really not know?

I've always paid my loyalty to you.

But you have absolutely no regard for me, Sire.

If you continue to act like this, I have my own thoughts, too.

What thoughts? So you plan on reporting to the Ministry of Justice

that I took money from the labor of the inmates?

No, what I'm saying is, I'm disappointed to the point of maybe considering that route.

Aigoo, you're disappointed?

Yes! I thought that you, sire, would divide things evenly, even if we had just one bean to share.

- Bean my butt, Yoo Jong Hwe! - Yes?

How much did you receive in bribe money from Bae Chang Shik in Namsan village for getting him a substitute to get beaten in his stead?

- H-How did you know... - Not only that!

Go Dae Myung who runs that materials store at the Seven Flags Market...

How much did you receive for pushing forward his trial date?

So after you gobbled up all that money,

did you ever share one coin with me?

Should I continue?

No, no. You can stop now. I apologize!

I was being a bit harsh!

Hey, Constable Yoo. Don't you underestimate me.

I already know that you laugh at me and call me

bird brain behind my back.

But if I am a bird brain? Then that makes you poop brain.

Poop brain. Brimming and overflowing with poop. Welling with excrement!

- Welling with what? - Poop.

Yes, yes. This is all poop. Poop. What is it?

- Poop. - You are now Constable Poop.

Welling Constable Poop.

Sire, isn't 'poop' a little too...

No, no. Constable Poop is perfect!

- Record all this on the balance sheet without exception. - Yes.

How much salt have we saved?

Eight-hundred fifty sacks in total.

If we work until the very day of the Ministry of Marketplace Order competition, we would have secured 1,000 sacks.

How much will we set our bidding price to?

We haven't decided yet. I plan on figuring out how much Jung Nan Jung's crew will be spending first, and then we can decide.

How much money did we invest in the salt farms?

Twenty-three nyang.

If we are to make this profitable,

we need to receive at least 5 nyang per sack.

Last year's winning bid price was 7 nyang and 50 coins.

We will receive at least 5 nyangs, so don't worry.

The Ministry of Marketplace Order distribution rights competition is a matter of life and death for our trade company,

so be especially wary as you wrap everything up.

I must return to Gaesong soon, so please arrange a meeting with your in-laws. (Sung Hwan Ok)

We should finalize a wedding date before I return home.

Before that, there is something I wish to discuss with you.

What is it?

I was hoping to postpone the wedding.

What do you mean, all of a sudden?

I... want to rethink this marriage.

Rethink this marriage?

What is there to rethink?

Do you know the work I put in to make this marriage possible?

You are to become the son-in-law of the most powerful household in the nation.

Are you saying you will boot that opportunity out with your own feet?

Do you know the atrocious things I was compelled to do for Daegam Yoon Won Hyung and Madam Jung Nan Jung?

I arrested and tortured innocent people and even fabricated treason.

I thought that doing was in both my and my family's best interest,

but I no longer wish to be a lapdog to power.

Shut your mouth! Your in-laws' power is not just any power and authority.

In order to protect such power and authority,

it wouldn't be strange if they did worse things than that.

I gave up claiming power and authority and focused on amassing wealth.

Are you spewing that kind of nonsense because you truly don't know the work I put in

to gain the power and authority that our household lacks, through you?

- Father! - Don't you dare...

disappoint me any further!

Sir, you have a message from Madam Jung Nan Jung.

She wishes to see you.

Got it.

You summoned me?

Welcome. Have a seat.

Did something... happen between you and our Shin Hye? (Jung Nan Jung)

She is very frustrated these days.

It seemed like she was really disappointed in you about something. (Min Dong Ju)

I'm sorry.

No, no. I'm not blaming you for anything here.

Our girl Shin Hye is innately sensitive, so please coax her well.

Yes. But what was it you needed to see me about?

I have a favor to ask of you.

Soon a competition will be held by the Ministry of Marketplace Order to determine the salt distributor.

We have virtually monopolized salt distribution for the Ministry, year after year,

and although the outcome will likely be the same this year,

we always face troubles.

In Songpa, there is a chief merchant by the name of Kim Joo Gyeong.

He always butts his head in and ends up lowering our bidding price.

This year I wish to complete this competition over distribution rights without incurring any needless losses,

so please personally get rid of Kim Joo Gyeong.

What are you saying?

Much like you locked up Gong Jae Myung in Jeonokseo last time,

we're asking you to completely shake up Kim Joo Gyeong's trade company.

I apologize, but that might be hard for me to do.

Hard? For a captain of the Police Bureau like you,

this is not a hard favor to ask.

Didn't I already tell you? To run a trade company, it is inevitable that dirty practices are involved.

There is no trade company that is without fault once you put your mind to searching them.

Due to the years of famine, there are too many items on the Police Bureau agenda to deal with.

So from now on, there will no longer be action from the Police Bureau for your personal matters such as this.

If you say you can't do anything, then that can't be helped.

I will take care of it, so don't worry about this one.

I will take my leave then.

Why is he acting like that all of a sudden?

I don't know? He has never disobeyed you, Sister, until now!

Something is up!

There is something I must ask you, Sir.

Go ahead.

What is your relationship between you and the Jeonokseo damo, Ok Nyeo?

Why do you ask?

Because a while ago you ignored me when I had gone to see you at the Police Bureau

and continued talking with that girl.

Is she more important to Sir than I am?

I told you very clearly that I was working at the time.

I did not know you lacked discernment like this.

Why that little... He just slighted me, right?

You were a little rude, Miss.

Even if you were curious about the relationship between that Ok Nyeo and the Captain,

asking like that was a little out of line. Don't you think so?

W-Well...

What are you doing? Oh, so you want to look down on me, too?

Since I am nice to you, do you find me easy? Am I a joke?

Sister!

Why is she doing that to me?

Even if I am just a maidservant,

this is just wrong.

This is just wrong.

- Daegam! - Yes

Are you Lee Young Shin, the administrator at the Ministry of of Marketplace Order?

Yes, Daegam. What brings you here?

From what I hear, a competition is to be held at the Ministry over salt distribution rights.

Oh! You have no need to worry there.

I have already arranged things regarding Madam Jung Nan Jung's trade company.

- No. There's no need for that. - Pardon?

What do you mean?

For this year's competition and auction, you must judge each company rigorously

and do so fairly.

Daegam, if we do that it may be a detriment for the madam's trade comp...

That's not for you to worry about. Just do as I say. Got it?

Yes, Daegam.

Long time no see, Your Lordship.

You're here. (Jung Mak Gae)

But why did you request that I come see you?

I mulled over whether or not I should tell you this for quite some time.

I thought that mulling it over by myself won't give me an answer

even if I think about this for days on end. So I asked to see you.

What is it?

I met Daegam Yoon Won Hyung at the palace today.

Regarding this year's Ministry of Marketplace Order's competition,

he gave me the most baffling order.

What?

What do you mean? Judge fairly?

I can't believe it either, but Daegam met with the Administrator at the Ministry of Marketplace Order,

and ordered him to do so.

Why would he give such an order?

Well...

If you know, tell me.

Well that... I feel it might be because of Yoon Tae Won.

What do you mean, Yoon Tae Won? Why does his name need to be brought up here?

- Daegam wants to make amends with Yoon Tae Won at all costs. - What?

I couldn't bring myself to tell you this, but last time at Angookdong's funeral,

Daegam went all that way and met Yoon Tae Won. And even after that,

has remained in contact with Yoon Tae Won.

I think Daegam feels remorse for abandoning Yoon Tae Won all these years,

and therefore he is willing to help Yoon Tae Won now, in any way possible.

Why are you only telling me this now?

I'm sorry to tell you this, but what can one do about one's own bloodline?

So he abandoned him and now he talks of bloodline?

I cannot accept this!

Look here. Calm yourself and consider this prudently.

What do you mean, prudently?

If it is really because of Yoon Tae Won,

that means Yoon Tae Won, that punk, will also be participating in the Ministry's competition?

Judging by the fact that he bought the labor of the Jeonokseo inmates

and has increased salt production rates, that may be so.

If Yoon Tae Won continues to vex me like this,

I will never forgive him.

I will trample him to his demise.

Ok Nyeo!

Now we have completed the actual production of the salt,

so let's discuss where to sell the inmates' labor next.

I think it'll be fitting to send them to embarking and disembarking grain vessels at the Samgae and Songpa ports.

Ah! That sounds like a great idea. What do you think, Ok Nyeo?

I also agree with Associate Administrator, Sir.

Is that so? Then Associate Administrator Lee, you look into this yourself.

Yes, Sir.

And after that...

- Ok Nyeo, step outside for a bit. Someone is here to see you. - Who is it?

You know the person who came last time to audit the Jeonokseo,

the officer from the Ministry of Justice. It's him.

- Huh?! That Chief of the Ministry of Justice? - No the man that came with him.

Well, we all know they were fake! No, no. This won't do. Clerk Ji!

- Yes? - Report immediately to the Police Bureau

that we have a conman here pretending to be a government official.

Aigoo, aigoo! No, no. They're not frauds.

What? Then who are they? Who are they that they even patrolled Jeonokseo?

And those punks, why would they look for you?

Well th-that? I don't...

Ok Nyeo, don't meet them.

I somehow feel like you shouldn't meet them. Sir, I'll go now and report them to the Police Bureau.

No! No, no. Wait a moment.

I will tell you the details later.

- What is up with her? - O-Ok Nyeo? Ok Nyeo!

That girl. Sir, I'll go report it now.

No, stay put. Listen to Ok Nyeo.

Listening to Ok Nyeo leads to meals and rice!

The Inspector Sir would like to see you.

Where is he?

- Follow me. - Yes, Sir.

It is that punk.

He is waiting in the biggest tavern room, so head in.

Yes, sir.

Ok Nyeo? This time I can go and receive it from Yoon Tae Won, right?

Oh, yes, yes.

He looks like a nobility of the highest regard.

Who is he and why are you meeting him so often?

Oh... just someone I know from here and there.

Huh?

Oh! Welcome.

What brings you here?

Didn't I already tell you? (Myungjong, Joseon's 13th king)

I want to hear every detail of the affairs at Jeonokseo.

I worry that the things I reveal to you may be a detriment to you.

Such things will never happen, so don't worry.

From what I hear... the Jeonokseo inmates are laboring outside the Jeonokseo walls.

Can you tell me how that came about?

Yes, Sir.

Yeoju Daek, bring us a spread and liquor.

Yes, yes.

Tae Won, aren't you being a little uncaring?

Once you become the head of Sosoroo, you should buy us liquor with gisaengs on both sides.

Why come to the tavern with Yeoju Daek?

Aigoo, Hyung. Sosoroo gisaengs are like family to us now. You want to hug your family members as you drink?

Geez.

Well, if you put it that way, we have nothing to say to that.

- But still, I'm a tad disappointed. - Aigoo, here it comes!

This way! This way!

Aigoo, Ok Nyeo, is here in the biggest tavern room.

- Huh? Ok Nyeo is? - Yep.

With whom?

Oh, you know, the pretty-boy nobility that created absolute chaos here last time.

What are they doing?

I don't know that.

Drink up then.

Hey, that pale-faced pretty boy... Does he have some special relationship with Ok Nyeo?

Hey, hey, hey! What relationship?

Come on, let's just have a drink.

- Here! You, too. - Aish, it's hot.

Because of the years of famine, the rice supplies to the Jeonokseo were cut off.

So we were looking for a solution from within to prevent the Jeonokseo inmates from starving

and decided to sell the Jeonokseo inmates' labor.

With the profits we will aid the upkeep fees for Jeonokseo,

and distribute at least a little bit of money to the inmates that worked.

Wow, that is a extraordinary idea.

So where did you sell the inmates' labor?

We sent them to make salt at a trade company's salt farm.

And the trade company wants to distribute that salt to the Ministry of Marketplace Order.

- The Ministry of Marketplace Order? - Yes.

That is also a great idea.

But we have a problem here.

A problem?

Every year, the salt distribution to the Ministry of Marketplace Order is monopolized by Jung Nan Jung's trade company.

The competition is just a formality, when in actual fact they are just being handed the rights.

If it is against Jung Nan Jung,

isn't participation in the competition itself futile?

You're right.

So the Head Merchant is looking for a method that secures a possibility of victory.

A method?

That's not what I'm saying...

Sosoroo people are all like family.

They're out, they're out. Look over there.

It's that punk?

I'll be in touch again.

Yes, Sir.

Let's go.

Oh, Head Merchant.

- Come see me for a moment. - Pardon?

Ok Nyeo, who was that just before?

Who is he that you keep meeting him?

Well... that...

No, no. Even if I were you, I would be suspicious, too.

But you must keep my identity a secret.

It's difficult for me to tell you right now.

- Is it? - Yep.

If it's difficult, then that's that.

Are you angry?

No! Why would I be angry? It's not like that.

You are angry.

Oh... It's just that something bad happened before.

Hey now! Why do you make me into a petty person all of a sudden. I told you I'm not angry.

Well...

What's this?

Jae Seo, who is the administrator of the Ministry of Marketplace Order?

It is Younggam Lee Young Shin.

When I enter the palace, I will go to inspect the Ministry of Marketplace Order, so let the Chief Royal Secretary know.

Yes, Your Majesty.

Make it have a more yellow-brown tinge.

Sungnim, here.

Sungnim,

I got it for you.

It's really musk? (Musk extract: Obtained by drying the musk of a musk deer. Used as a heart stimulant or general stimulant.)

Yes, no doubt about it.

Ew, what kind of musk it this? It smells nasty!

It's because you don't know it yet.

To women it reeks, but men go crazy over this scent.

Truly?

But what do you need this for?

What do you think? To have men wrapped around my fingers.

Exactly, so which man?

- Daegam. - Huh? Are you crazy?

Are you asking to be killed by Madam?

I don't fear anything right now.

Whether it be Madam or that mean wench Shin Hye, let them all wait and see.

Is there a rule somewhere that I can't tempt the Daegam and become a concubine?

Sungnim!

We're going all in here!

Why haven't you left yet?

Should I give you a massage?

You said you won't die. When you die, will you hold it against me?

Oh no, Daegam.

When I think of you Daegam, my heart aches a little.

Why?

What do you mean, why?

Even if I am a woman like your Madam, she takes things too far.

Yes, you're right. You know how I feel.

Go ahead and give me a little massage.

Yes, Daegam.

What is this smell?

Smell? I don't smell anything.

It smells rotten and absolutely repulsive.

Quit the massage and go take a bath.

Pardon? Then if I massage a little longer...

Hey, what are you doing? Leave and take a bath first.

Why are you glaring at me like a viper again?

Why did you meet Yoon Tae Won?

Why? Did brother-in-law tell you?

Does it matter who told me?

I asked you why you met Yoon Tae Won.

Must there be a reason for a father to meet his son?

What did I tell you before? He thinks of me as his enemy.

He is a person who is always pointing a deathly dagger at me.

If you are wanting to take him in, that is the same as saying you are willing to throw me away.

Will you really throw me and Shin Hye out?

Quit the nonsense here.

Why would I throw away you and Shin Hye?

I just wanted to give him the fathering that I hadn't till now.

Is that why you ordered for the salt distribution rights competition at the Ministry of Marketplace Order to be conducted fairly?

That...

You wait and see. If you continue to act like this, that punk will have to go through even harsher troubles.

I will thoroughly trample all over him.

Why that...

Younggam!

- Younggam! This is big! - What is it?

His Majesty will be coming to inspect the Ministry.

- What? Is that true? - Yes.

Darn it! We must first clean up our records.

- Yes, Younggam. - Hurry, hurry!

Your Majesty, your presence here at our lowly Ministry of Marketplace Order is humbling.

The Ministry of Marketplace Order controls the livelihood and provisions of both the court and the people.

How could I call this place lowly?

Th-That... I should be punished by death.

- Please kill us. - No, no.

I am not here to berate anyone.

I just wish to know the proceedings here at the Ministry of Marketplace Order, so please report in detail.

Yes, Your Majesty.

I heard that the marketplace had some conmen who were messing with measurements and predictions.

Aren't measurements the responsibility of the Ministry of Marketplace order?

Yes, Your Majesty. That is a headache for us, too.

Yes, explain it for me in detail, clerk.

Yes, Your Majesty.

These containers look the same from the outside,

but the depths are different, and thus they can cut back on the amount contained.

Not only this, but they use scales that have been tampered with,

or use random rulers that were made by the vendors themselves and not distributed by us,

thus deceiving the length of items.

All of this leads to nothing but loss on the people's end.

Administrator, you are to enforce heftier punishments for those that mess with weights and measurements.

Yes, Your Majesty.

I also heard that there is a salt distribution rights competition at the Ministry soon.

Yes, Your Majesty.

What processes lead to a winning bid?

Yes, Your Majesty. After each trade company proposes their bid,

the Ministry of Marketplace Order confirms the quality of the salt from each company,

and selects the salt from the trade company that proposed the lowest bid amount.

I will keep a close eye on this year's competition,

so make sure that you send me a detailed report of the procedures and results, Administrator.

Yes, Your Majesty.

Sungnim, we are in big trouble here.

Big trouble?

His Majesty inspected the Ministry of Marketplace Order today.

But he also said that he will personally keep close tabs on the salt distribution rights competition this year.

- What? - He asked for a detailed report on the procedures and results.

We heard word from the administrator that it will be hard for him to favor our trade company.

So what do we need to do now?

We have no other choice than

to propose a lower price like the other trade companies.

Which trade companies are participating in this competition?

Songpa's Kim Joo Gyeong trade company and Gong Jae Myung's trade company.

We must find out what their bidding prices are at all costs. We must!

- Did you find out? - Your judgment was spot on, Head Merchant Yoon.

Jung Nan Jung's company is in an uproar like an angered hornet's nest.

- Did you predict that this would happen? - Not at all.

I think we are just lucky.

Ok Nyeo helped a lot, too.

How?

You want me to find out the bidding price?

Yes. We must find out before they make an official proposal to the Ministry of Marketplace Order.

That is the only way we can write in a lower price than the others.

How am I to find that out?

That is up to you, isn't it?

You can use as much money as you need, but you must find it out.

Yes, Madam.

Why are you doing this to us?

Wait, ow.

- Here. - Ow!

Lock them up in the storage shed.

Why are you doing this? Why?

Not here, either. Man Su! Man Ok!

Where can they be? Where can they be hanging out?

It's time they got a good beating again.

Man Su!

Chun Doong!

- Are you looking for your kiddos? - Yep, yep.

I have your kiddos.

Huh? Why, Hyungnim?

Let's go have a drink somewhere.

You know I can't drink.

Then we'll go play with some wenches then. Let's go.

Where are we going?

- What are you doing, punk? Why aren't you drinking? - I'm good.

You drink up, Hyungnim.

You two, serve your guest properly!

- What are you doing? Have a sip. - Orabeoni, have some.

I really am fine.

Chun Doong,

do you want to transform your life for the better?

Transform my life? How?

You're close with Yoon Tae Won right?

Yes, but why?

There will be a competition at the Ministry of Marketplace Order over salt distribution rights soon,

Gong Jae Myung's crew is also preparing for distribution.

You find out how much they write in as

their proposed bidding price. If you find that out,

I will make sure your life is transformed and also let your kiddos go.

Wait a second. Are you telling me to betray Tae Won Hyung?

You punk! What did that rascal Yon Tae Won ever do for you?

You just need to listen to what I say and you can transform your life!

Hurry out afterwards.

Are you alright?

What is going on? Why do we need to be locked up like this?

I'm sorry. I will let you go soon.

What are you going to do?

You don't need to know that. You just trust me and wait a little, got that?

Okay.

- Hyungnim! Hello. - Oh, Chun Doong!

Where are your minions? Why are you alone?

I got tired of dragging my minions along with me. It's more convenient to be alone.

I heard that your trade company are wanting to distribute salt to the Ministry of Marketplace Order.

- How did you find out about that? - It is already all over the marketplace.

We are in trouble if this gets out to the public. We are executing all this very secretively.

Anyway, what is your proposed bidding price?

What use is that information to you? What are you up to?

- See you later. - See you later.

At this rate, we will never figure it out.

What are you going to do then?

I will go about this my way, so let the kiddos go first.

You punk. Are you playing us again?

If I played you all, would you even let me live?

I'm not an idiot.

Anyway, what is Jung Nan Jung's bidding price?

She always proposed 7 nyangs and 50 jeons per sack,

so it should be the same this time round.

Then we should write in around 6 nyangs a sack.

We don't need to worry about Gong Jae Myung's company, right?

No, you don't, Head Merchant.

What are you talking about right now?

You don't need to know.

Drink up! Drink up!

Alright, alright.

Head Merchant.

Did you find it out?

Songpa will propose 6 nyangs per sack.

And they are all fairly certain that

Jung Nan Jung's company will write in 7 nyang and 50 jeons.

Well done.

Did you find out?

It looks like Songpa will suggest 6 nyangs a sack.

Then the mystery here is Jung Nan Jung's company. Wouldn't they suggest 7 nyangs and 50 jeon like they have done each year?

No, this time it will be different.

They know that if they don't they will be eliminated from the competition, so they won't be so reckless.

How much will you propose?

I will propose an amount that not even Jung Nan Jung nor Songpa can dream of.

You truly have a wonderful senior, you got that?

Sir, we are off to the Ministry of Marketplace Order.

- What for? - At the Ministry of Marketplace Order today,

there will be a competition over salt distribution rights.

We have been ordered by the chief of the Police Bureau to go supervise and oversee the competition.

- Go ahead. - Yes, sir.

Isn't he so odd lately? He seems so disheartened.

Isn't that a good thing? Thanks to that, we are more comfortable.

That's true. After the competition inspection, the clerk over at the Ministry of Marketplace Order will buy us a drink.

Not at the tavern but at a courtesan house.

Really?

Of course. That's the only reason why we are going as supervisors. Let's go!

Yes.

- When are the announcements? - The bids are received between 7-8 am and the announcements are at 11 am.

If it's at 7-8 am, we should hurry. You punk! Don't make any mistakes, you got that?

Am I a little kid? Don't even worry about me.

I will be there for the announcements, so do well.

Yes, sir. I'll get there first.

Hey, hey. You need to take this!

Yes, yes.

- Orabeoni! One second. - Why?

What, what?

This is a talisman.

- A talisman? - You need to wear it and hang it below your groin.

My hands are full though.

- I'll put it there for you. - No! No, no. I'll do it.

I-I'll do well! Thank you.

Do well!

Merchant!

Man Ok! What brings you here?

I am looking to see if there are any pushovers I can rob.

But I only see one pushover right here.

Of course, I am Man Ok's pushover anytime.

Then can you buy me some rice and soup?

Rice and soup? I don't have any time today, so I'll for sure make time and buy some for you later. Sorry.

If it's not today, then it's never.

Man Ok, why are you so hasty?

You said you were busy!

Let's go have some rice and soup!

- What have I done?

- Why did you hit me? - Are you alright?

- Oh no. - I told you we can go have a meal.

Why do you have such forceful hands?

Did you find out?

- Yes. - How much?

Three nyang per sack.

What?

That is preposterous. Are you sure you saw the numbers right?

Yes. It definitely said 3 nyangs per sack.

Even if they bought labor at next to nothing, 3 nyangs per sack?

Sungnim, this is Yoon Tae Won's futile attempt to win over you.

Suggesting a price lower than that is pure insanity.

Wouldn't it be better to give up on this round of bids and find an alternative sales method?

Yes, Sungnim. Salt never rots.

No. If we are pushed over now,

it gives way for Yoon Tae Won to become a roadblock to me.

I must make a bid.

Write in 2 nyang and 90 jeon.

Look here, Nan Jung!

Sungnim, our losses will be too large!

Do as I say.

Let's go.

Kim Joo Gyeong's trade company

Gong Jae Myung's trade company

Min Dong Soo's trade company

You're here.

We will conclude the bidding here.

Let it be known that the results will be announced at the hour of the sheep (11 am - 1 pm).

Jung Nan Jung will have been selected this time, too.

Gong Jae Myung's trade company, 3 nyangs

What's this?

Min Dong Ju's trade company, 2 nyangs 90 jeons

Were you looking for me?

Yes, how did it go?

They are looking over the bidding prices suggested by each trade company.

Got it. Let me know when the results are announced.

Yes, Your Majesty.

Head Merchant, they are announcing soon. This way.

Sungnim, our losses are too big.

It doesn't matter. As long as I can trample on that Yoon Tae Won.

That is enough.

Clerk, announce the results.

Yes, Younggam.

We will now announce the trade company

that will be distributing salt to the Ministry of Marketplace Order.

These results were obtained after close inspection of the salt's formation and quality and the influence of the trade company,

so even if your trade company is eliminated, please do not have any complaints.

We will first reveal each trade company's bidding price.

First, Kim Joo Gyeong's trade company - 6 nyang.

Wow... Yeah, that is indeed a reasonable price.

Next, Gong Jae Myung's trade company - 3 nyang.

What? Why...

Are they crazy?

No, no! That doesn't make sense!

With 3 nyang, what will they even have left over?

Finally, Min Dong Ju's trade company, 2 nyang and 90 jeons.

The trade company that has been selected for distribution is Min Dong Ju's trade company.

Let's go.

Yes...

I feel wronged.

This is great. We have been selected.

This is not something to be happy about. Do you have any idea how big a loss we need to bite because of this?

- Roughly 8,000 nyang. - Pardon?

Sungnim!

How did it go?

Our trade company was selected.

Good! Don't worry about the losses. Just prepare meticulously for the distribution.

- Yes. - Look here!

Look here. I think we were played by Yoon Tae Won.

What do you mean, played? Now that Yoon Tae Won's crew's plans to distribute salt has been jeopardized,

they will need to scramble to sell elsewhere at a very low price.

Now that their bidding price of 3 nyang has been announced to the public.,

Yoon Tae Won will suffer as much loss as we will.

That much loss is nothing for us,

but for Yoon Tae Won and Gong Jae Myung, it'll be a fatal blow.

No, no.

Why? Did something else happen?

I hear that Gong Jae Myung will not suffer any losses.

Not only that, but that they will gain several thousand in profit.

What? What does that mean?

How did it go?

It went very well! It all went according to our plan!

Is that true? That's great. Excellent, indeed!

It's all thanks to your help, Elder To Jung.

Woo Chi, Ok Nyeo! Thank you, thank you.

Elder To Jung!

Oh, yes, yes.

Yes, you also did well.

No, no.

Tell them not to participate in the Ministry of Marketplace Order competition.

Pardon? Why not?

I will tell you our sales route that will lead to much more profit

than participating in the Ministry's competition.

This year, the salt yield from the government-run salt farm was so low

that they have run out of salt that is to be sent to the military commands.

I will arrange for you to distribute salt to our military camps,

so you don't need to participate in the Ministry of Marketplace Order's competition.

The government-run salt farm? They are distributing there?

Rumor has it that is the case.

They already knew that they would be the distributors for the government salt reserves.

So I think that this time the Ministry's bidding participation was intended for the sole purpose of targeting us.

So they wrote 3 nyang as their bidding price

and tried to deceive us?

That's what I think happened.

I think the information that we retrieved that it will be 3 nyang was fabricated to begin with.

What?

What have you done!

I apologize.

Yoon Tae Won, you...

You did well, too!

No, no.

That's what I'm saying

♪ Because my floating memories of you ♪

♪ May slip away ♪

♪ So I cover them with my hands and cry every day ♪

♪ As if for you, and only you ♪

♪ Like my heart has stopped ♪

♪ I live through another day ♪

The Flower in Prison

- Preview - Here, here.

Stop right there!

♪ Even this heart ♪

My predictions were right. It was all a ruse to deceive us.

Is Shin Hye's father (Yoon Won Hyung) looking after Yoon Tae Won's back?

- What brings you here? - It is about Shin Hye's father.

What are you saying?

I have a request for you, Miss.

Tell me.

Please help me.

Nan Jung, what is your problem?

You keep protecting that punk, Yoon Tae Won!

Please get revenge against them for me!

That is too harsh.

If that is the case, should I get revenge against them myself?

Are you going to keep it a secret from me, too?

Yes.

Whoa, I'm beginning to be a little disappointed.

Don't meet him if you can help it.

Why not?

Just don't.

♪ Whisper, whisper ♪

♪ When I fall asleep I hear your voice ♪