Merchant Kim Man Deok
Episode 2
What were you saving the rice for?
For no special reason.
I just wanted to be prepared.
Prepared?
Saving a handful of rice at cooking time
is practiced by women of Jeju Island.
Is your mother from Jeju Island?
What?
Never mind.
Vending without a license is a serious crime that disturbs public order,
and there can be no discrimination in applying punishment.
Prepare for flagellation.
I'll take the punishment instead.
- No, I committed the crime. - Be quiet.
I stood next to her and didn't stop her,
So... I'm equally guilty.
It would not be amiss for me to take the lashes instead.
Very well. If that's your wish.
- Begin. - Yes.
Stop!
Young Master! Young Master. Oh, no.
Assistant Chief of the Ministry of Justice, what brings you?
The Minister of Justice wishes to have a word with you.
I'm in the middle of interrogation.
This is the son of the Minister of Justice.
Now will you step outside and see him?
What are you waiting for?
Proceed with the flagellation!
No! Please Stop!
Minister Kim, how are you?
Put a stop to this quickly, many eyes are watching.
Forgive me.
The young man I arrested isn't your son
but a commoner who violated the law.
Are you playing games with a superior official?
I do apologize.
I'm just going by the book.
Are you serious when I took the trouble to come here myself?
I only deal with the facts.
Your harsh words to this girl were uncalled for.
Young Master...
Where have I seen that woman? Where?
When will you grow up?
The son of the Minister of Justice was flogged because of you.
They could have you lunched, and you'd have nothing to say.
Is it that bad for me to associate with that young lord?
Don't you know the difference between commoners and nobles?
I do.
I must serve compulsory labor when I turn fifteen,
but nobles don't.
I know the difference and that's what frustrates me.
I'm a commoner.
That's why I wanted to become a merchant...
but you won't let me...
One hasty mistake you make could force this training center to shut down.
You're lucky,
before you act from now on, you must think,
and think again.
Yes.
But, ma'am...
I'm curious.
You said Hong can't meet the Commerce Control Bureau captain,
what's the reason?
There's no reason.
I just didn't think Hong could make it back in one piece if that man got hold of her.
I was just selling my rice that I saved a handful at a time when I cooked.
This is heavy. Aren't you taking it?
I'm not very hungry.
Is it because it's mixed with millet?
Do you know how valuable this food is?
It's my rice I put away a handful at a time every time I cooked.
Sir, what is it?
You've got some guts.
You flogged the son of the Old Doctrine faction leader only days after taking this job.
I was only doing my job in enforcing the law.
She was in Hanyang all this time?
I'm innocent.
Someone please help me!
Audacious wench!
I didn't put poison into His Highness's food!
- Silence the woman! - Yes.
I'm innocent.
Someone please tell him!
I didn't put poison into the King's...
My Lord,
it's this person who discovered the poisonous root in His Highness's soup.
She's someone who saved the King's life,
aren't you accusing Palace Matron Kim
despite this fact because you're somehow involved?
You don't want to put yourself in danger by having this exposed.
Listen, Matron,
I can get rid of this woman any time I want.
I suggest you watch your mouth.
Killing her will only backfire on you.
Removing her from the palace would suffice.
I had Keundol follow the boy who told us that young master was arrested.
And found Palace Matron Kim whom you removed from the palace 13 years ago,
running business of some kind taking care of misfortunate kids.
And that girl was one of them.
I listened to the head matron's advice...
and removed that wench from the palace instead of killing her,
but I never dreamed she'd be living right here in Hanyang...
Don't worry, sir.
I'll have Keundol get rid of her quietly.
No, that was thirteen years ago.
Let the past stay in the past.
The fact that nothing's happen all these years
tells me that she's moved on because neither of us have anything to gain.
Let's just see if anything develops.
Yes, sir.
Husband,
what they did to our Hongsu,
are you going to let them get away with it?
There's nothing I can do at this point.
Why not?
Hongsu had engaged in unlicensed vending with a peasant girl.
I've already talk to Chilbok about that.
I'm going to have the girl brought to me and cudgeled.
Don't stir up a commotion.
I've already been humiliated enough.
Husband.
What? Shut down the training center?
I heard Granny's conversation with the doctor.
He said the merchants might shut us down right away.
Is that why you tried to sell your rice and make money?
Yes.
Why did you something like that alone?
Right, we'll help too.
I'll go to the bookstore to see if there's any writing work I can do.
We got complimented on how well we make straw shoes today.
Yeah, we'll just work twice as hard.
I'll do anything if it means we can stay together.
We'll eat and sleep at the shoe store if we have to.
Let's protect the training center ourselves.
I'll make perfume pouches and look for a job on the side.
Maksun.
Don't take too long.
Okay.
Going to that house?
Yes.
Then can I ask you for a favor?
Give this to the young master for me.
Huh?
The young master got into trouble because of me.
Just tell him that a girl said she hopes his wounds heal soon.
Hong!
Dong-ah!
Would you take this to the bookstore for me?
I heard there's a job opening at the port, so I'm headed there now.
I just have to deliver it?
Tell him it's Jehol Diary. Please?
- Gold brocade is most popular right now. - Never mind.
Be it my son or silk,
nothing pleases me lately.
Then perhaps these will please you.
Oraboni.
We got these in just yesterday.
I brought them especially for you.
When we get new merchandise, you're supposed to report to me first.
You purposely kept it from me to score points?
I thought you already knew.
- I'll teach you a lesson. - What's going on here?
Young Master...
You must set good examples if you're older.
What's this despicable behavior?
Bring that girl to the rear garden.
Yes.
Young Master, thank you for helping me.
She didn't hurt you, did she?
No.
I heard you were in some of trouble at the government office, but are you all right?
Did the rumor get to you as well?
I'm sorry. How did this happen?
I was trying to help a child whom I found to be quite laudable.
She was very self-assured and outspoken despite her young age.
How could I turn a blind eye when a girl like that was trembling in fear?
You met a girl like that?
Yes.
That child reminded me of you as well and how hard you always work.
I remember the sad little girl crying on the boat like it was just yesterday.
Young Master, the physician is here to see you.
Mom...
Are you proud that your mother's a shaman?
Take that thing off!
I finally get settled down into this job and now this baggage...
Be careful!
This will warm you up a little.
I know you're scheming to marry into this family.
Dream on, you little wench.
Pick them up.
Oraboni...
you'll help me if anything happens to me, won't you?
Of course.
It makes me happy doing things for you.
Good job.
Thank you.
I'm looking for Jehol Diary.
Jehol Diary: A travelogue written by Bak Jiwon on his journey to China.
It's rather expensive.
(It introduced new culture and criticized Joseon's social system, thereby earning disapproval by the conservatives)
Would four nyangs be enough?
Jehold Diary's a hot item right now, and I'm afraid we're sold out.
Please come with me.
You've a knack for putting people in heart-pumping situations.
We're not supposed to be here.
Are you sure the book's here?
I just delivered a copy of it that a friend of mine transcribed.
It's got to be in here somewhere.
but, is that really a good book?
I've dreamed of reading that book.
The thought of it is what got me through the weary months of studying for the state exam.
Who's up there?
Young Master, please give me four nyangs. Hurry!
This is my flute!
Is it?
Then it finally found its owner.
What a relief.
I was so sad when I thought it was gone.
Does it have special value?
Yes.
My mother left it to me before she died.
I hold it tight like this when I'm sick or sad,
and believe it or not, it makes me feel better.
But, what do you have in your skirt?
You said it was your dream.
I didn't want it to get wet.
Hong, what's your dream?
I want to become a merchant who travels to places like Qing China.
A merchant?
Yes.
They say there's not an item you can't find on Qing merchant ships.
Silk, herbs, needles...
And Qing merchants go everywhere.
Japan to Vietnam, to countries west of China...
I want to own a ship even larger than the Qing ships and travel to the end of the world.
A merchant who travels to the end of the world?
Yes.
I'll take all my friends from the training center and embark on a great journey.
Take it.
I think this book belongs to you, not me.
I can't, it's yours.
I'm giving it to you as a gift because your dream is bigger and more valuable than mine.
Quickly take it.
I thought you were just thoughtful,
but you're an intellect as well.
"I'll cross the Yalu River and take my first step on China. "
I feel so tired.
Aunt Flo missed her visit two months in a row.
Give it back.
I said, give it back.
That's a precious item which girls like you never get to touch in a lifetime.
Do you really think the young master is interested in you?
If you want to survive here, go after a daebang like me, you idiot.
Then at least you've a chance of becoming the mistress.
You shouldn't have crossed the line.
Oh my, it's beautiful.
You look as elegant as a crane, Madam.
You're such a flatterer.
Oh dear!
What's this?
How did this happen?
Maksun always does the final work...
It's not Maksun's fault.
She's the one who's always doing the clean-up and hard job.
Hwasun does nothing but look the mirror all day.
Madam,
there's something I'd like to talk to you.
Would you mind clearing the room?
Hwasun unni is pregnant with the daebang's child.
What did you just say?
I'm certain it's the daebang's child.
You wench!
How dare you do this?
Is it really the daebang's child?
Tell me quick!
- You wench! - No, madam!
Madam, I committed a terrible crime.
Hwasun's pregnant with my child.
You're the father?
She became blind with greed when she learned she's pregnant.
I kept telling her we could make a good life together,
but she said that if she claimed it's the daebang's child,
she could take your place in this household and told me to keep quiet.
I don't want to hear any more of this!
Throw this wench out of this house right now!
No, Madam. It's not! That's a lie, madam!
I'm carrying the daebang's child!
My Lord, My Lord!
Please tell her, My Lord! My Lord!
My lord!
It was you?
I was afraid you'd settle here permanently with the daebang's child.
I asked Daebong oraboni to help me.
You shouldn't have irked me like that.
She was trying to get me kicked out of the silk shop,
she got caught in her own trap.
Maksun.
I'm sorry, I heard everything.
Did you set her up and deceive everyone?
Why?
I've to do what it takes to survive here.
What you did isn't right.
What's right?
Working hard's right.
That's what I'm doing right now.
I'm working very hard to make a decent living.
You know what I went though after I left Granny?
She was always playing favorites with you.
Okay, I understand.
You're my friend...
I haven't seen or heard anything.
What is it?
Did you give the perfume pouch to the young master?
I'm sorry, it slipped my mind.
But, is it that important?
Yes.
The young master...
took a flogging on my behalf.
He took a flogging on your behalf?
I was shocked too.
Because of me, such an exalted person...
I'm not going to give him that perfume pouch!
Maksun!
Do you want to get caught and be lynched?
His mother has men looking for the girl who was arrested with him that night.
So if you don't want to be hurt, don't go near the young master again.
Okay, Maksun.
I understand you're worried about me.
But I'll take care of myself.
So give me back the perfume pouch next time.
I'm going now.
Hong...
Who know there might be a job opening at the silk shop.
I'll talk to my uncle about you.
If it's to replace that girl who just left, no thanks.
No, we need another helper anyway.
Didn't you say you wanted a job?
I yelled at you just now because I'm really worried about.
You're my friend.
I know, Maksun.
I understand, so don't worry.
I'll be off then.
Prohibition of extravagance?
Commoners are starving in the streets
while the nobles live grand lives more than the King.
The King will be announcing an order very soon.
That'll create quite an uproar.
The Old Doctrine faction gets majority of its funding from the silk shop.
Daebang Gang Gaeman will be hardest hit.
On the day the Minister of Justice's son passed the civil service exam,
Daebang Gang Gaeman delivered a hundred bolts of silk to him.
There's no doubt the Minister of Justice is protecting Daebang Gang Gaeman's interest.
I heard he goes around advertising that the Minister of Justice is his backer.
Once this prohibition order's issued,
their relationship will crumble as well.
Move it!
- Put it up. - Aye!
Qing silk business is going well?
Yes, my lord.
It's all thanks to you.
But what can I do for you?
I call you because there is a 13 year old problem that I might need to take care of.
I've been doing some digging.
There is an old palace matron in the marketplace that the people call Madam...
Never mind.
Please go on.
If this is about that woman, it concerns me as well.
Can you find a way to quietly get rid of her?
I imagine I can,
but why?
Let's just call it personal.
I understand.
I'll work on it.
Please don't worry.
My lord. My lord!
Enter.
There's trouble. Right now outside... outside...
Out of my way!
Move!
Hereafter, gold and silver brocade silk of Qing China will be restricted for use
by the Royal house.
Possession and sale of the Royal items by anyone other than members of the Royal family,
is subject to capital punishment.
What's going on? My silk!
And possessors of these items must voluntarily surrender the items to the government office.
What's happening?
This is going to put the Six Licensed Stores out of business!
- I know! - So we must talk to Madam about this quick!
- Let's hurry, fellows! - Madam! Madam!
(*Granted monopolistic privileges in exchange for delivery of items required by the government)
???
Madam, the Six Shops are headed for ruin!
Ruin?
Daebang Gang Gaeman has manipulated silk prices in the marketplace
with Qing silk piled high in his warehouse and raking up exorbitant profit.
Everyone knows about that.
He signed an exclusive sales contract with Qing merchants and forced us,
the silk store owners, to sign a distribution contract with him.
But now the Royal house has banned the use of Qing silk.
Madam, we'll lose up to ten thousand nyangs each month as it stands.
Please Madam, you must drive Daebang Gang out of the marketplace.
We're begging you for your help.
Please help us, Madam.
You men have no morals.
Even if what you says is true,
how could you be so quick to ask me to drive the daebang out?
Business is about selling from your heart, not from your wallet.
You played right into Gang Gaeman's hands, you think you're fit to condemn him now?
I must ask you to leave.
The merchants went to see the old hag?
I'm sure they want to gang up against me and get rid of me.
My Lord,
I've an idea.
This prohibition order hasn't yet reached beyond the borders of Hanyang.
If we quickly sell off the silk to regional lords,
getting rid of 1,000 bolts of silk won't be very difficult.
Smuggle them out?
You think Kim Ungryeol will buy that story?
He'll instantly ask where my Qing silk went?
You've been robbed of your silk.
By the thieves that Granny sent out of bitter resentment.
I'll set up everything.
Use this opportunity to get rid of Granny?
Just give me the order, please.
Uncle!
Uncle,
about Hwasun's replacement I asked you...
Are you in your right mind?
There's no time for that right now!
Right.
Your friend's name?
Hong.
She's the smartest one in the training center.
Really?
Then... we can use that kid when we smuggle out the silk.
Use Hong to smuggle out the silk?
Why?
Didn't you say that kid wanted to work for us?
That...
She wants to work as a helper, not as a thief.
A thief?
It's against the law.
I can't.
You wench!
Then, you want to do it?
Why? You don't think I can make you?
You're from the training center too.
I'll just say Granny's been controlling you all along.
You think I won't?
I took you in and raised you when you and nowhere to go,
and if you can't be grateful, I'll get my use out of you this way.
What will it be?
Make your choice.
Will you do it yourself or call your friend?
Didn't you say you were always second best because of her?
Always in her shadow, at work and between friends...
Uncle...
Don't think too much.
Just do what you did with Hwasun.
You're not hurting anyone.
You're just trying to survive.
You don't have to lie to your uncle about Hwasun.
You did what you had to do.
This has to be done tonight, go right now.
Store A has approximately 300 bolds.
Store B has approximately 200 bolts.
We estimate Daebang Gang's Store C has about one 1,000 bolts of silk in stock.
Good work.
Captain...
We received a tip that a ship's leaving tonight from Songpa port for illegal trade.
I see.
- Let's go. - Yes.
What should I do?
I can't get Hong involved in this.
But...
I can't do this.
Not to anyone, I can't.
I'm going to tell uncle.
Don't tickle me!
We're lucky that we're getting a steady flow of sewing work.
But, what's gotten into you lately?
I've never seen you work so hard before.
It's because I never want to be apart from you little critters.
Why?
That hurts!
Aigoo, what a cheeky...
Who made you so cute and plump?
Our Granny.
Yeah, Granny's the one who fed and raised us.
So let's work really hard and make sure that none of us disappoints her.
Too late, someone's already disappointed her.
Who's that?
Maksun unni.
That selfish witch left the center saying she's going to make something of herself.
Yeah. Even when she was here, she called us bums and didn't want to talk to us.
No, Maksun isn't like that.
You're always on her side.
Yes, I'm on her side.
You've a problem with that?
I don't like that! Don't take her side.
You little...
Unni, stop it!
Didn't you say you were always second best because of her?
Always in her shadow, at work and among friends...
Unni, wait! Unni!
It's Maksun! Were you waiting for me?
Yeah.
It's cold out, should wait inside. Let's go in.
No, I don't have a lot of time.
Oh, really?
Go ahead, girls.
Let's go.
- Hong. - Maksun.
I've been thinking...
things are tough at the training center,
I'll take the job if this is the one.
Actually, that's what I'm here about.
You've to move all this?
Aren't these government property now?
Exactly.
So we've to move all these into a warehouse tonight
to make room for new merchandise coming in tomorrow.
The workers are put off by this sign.
My uncle is so worried.
No one wants to work because they're afraid they might get into trouble with the authorities.
Hong, I've talked to my uncle about you.
If you help us with this, you can get a regular job here.
Really? Okay, I'll do it.
This shouldn't be hard.
You can hire day laborers at the docks.
They're put off by this too, so you've to be discreet.
If you show them this, they'll know that you work for us.
Something's not right.
Maksun unni taking Hong out at this time of the night is strange?
Hong's still not back?
No. And I've a bad feeling about it.
How much further?
It's that store over there.
Let's go then.
Wait a moment, I left the back door open.
Come this way.
I've the cart ready to transport the silk.
And I'll take care of the laborers once the work is completely done.
You must silence everyone who knows about this.
I understand, sir.
Load up the silk quietly.
Where's the warehouse that it's going to?
It's not far from here.
These girls will lead you to it.
Come with us.
What's this? Who are you?
Get your girls to load up the silk.
Not on your life, bastard. Who are you working for?
Don't do a thing!
So you want to trade your life for these bolts of silk?
You wench, you let armed thieves right into this store!
Can't you differentiate thieves and laborers?
- I just did what I was told... - Shut up!
Granny put you up to this? She told you to steal out silk!
Granny has nothing to do with this.
She set this up to get back at the daebang.
No, Granny doesn't even know that I'm here.
That old woman will pay for this anyhow!
I told you she has nothing to do with this!
I'll prove she had nothing to do with this.
I'll prove it!
You... stop that girl. What are you waiting for, get her!
Here they are, the highest quality Qing silk.
You all did a good job.
The patrolmen are changing shifts soon, so we must leave at once.
Move it!
Yes!
There's no time, hurry!
Hurry, move it.
Be quiet!
Now, seize them!
If we get caught, it's all over for us! Fight!
Step back!
Or else this girl is dead!
All 1,000 bolts of silk have been stolen overnight?
Do you expect me to believe that?
The burglars were killed.
Authorities will be looking for you since you witnessed the crime.
Steward Oh will try to get ride of you before the authorities get to you.
Two tigers are after one helpless little rabbit.
No one who has seen or heard any of this can be left to live!
If that girl is alive, she can help us get to the truth.
Find her.
I've come to see Hong.
I must see for myself that she's all right.
Please leave...
Then give her this message.
That I believe in her... and she's important to me.