The Great Merchant
Episode 6
Did Yoha put you up to this?
Give me death, sir!
Sure, I'll give you death. Take him.
What? Foreman, no! Spare me!
Come with me,
- Sir! - If you don't want to die.
Don't kill me, sir!
Your somersault was a little weak today.
Why? Afraid of making an impression on the new magistrate?
Do it right.
So I don't look bad as the sponsor of this event.
That's why I made up for it at the end.
This is the perfume pouch I gave to Byeolim.
Wait a moment.
What's this?
I... I'm just taking out some rotten fish.
Byeolim...
Open your eyes! Byeolim!
This is rotten fish?
Remove the body at once!
I hope Byeolim's lesson has taught you something.
Refusing the chignon means death for gisaengs.
What's a chignon?
What's your idea of a chignon?
I was taught that putting your hair up in a chignon signifies yourself to the man you love,
that's the most glorious and beautiful moment in a gisaeng's life.
Am I wrong?
Go on.
But you and the assistant magistrate chose for her a man she's never met,
when you knew Byeolim's in love with someone else.
Did she deserve to be beaten to death for preserving her virginity for the man she loves?
Love's a luxury gisaengs can't afford.
Duty comes first for government gisaengs.
And you bound by law to give your virginity as ordered by the state.
Assistant Magistrate!
I was just about to call you, but here you are.
Why did you kill Byeolim?
She died paying for defying the order of the state.
How dare you accost me!
Forget about the girl.
Just do a good job serving the new magistrate tonight.
Consider it an honor having your hair pinned up by a high official.
What?
Byeolim's dead and you want me to serve a man in bed?
Do you have a death wish as well?
Hong, was it?
I'll never forget her incredible riding skills.
Not only is she talented but her beauty is unsurpassed in Jeju.
It's Hong.
What's the meaning of this mourning garb?
My lord,
even animals grieve when they're in pain.
As a human being, I should be granted time to mourn a friend's death.
Servants!
Get this wench out of here at once!
If you've time for this,
you should practice your performing arts and work on your faces.
Chastity means nothing to gisaengs.
If you're not joining us, leave.
What's the meaning of this?
What in heaven's name is this? What point are you trying to make?
We seek postponement of Hong's chignon event until the 49 day mourning period's over.
We won't move an inch from here until our wish's granted!
Very well. Do as you wish.
Hong.
Byeolim's dead.
This is the least I can do for Byeolim.
Please don't kill me, sir!
[Westgate Market Brokers, Jeju Island]
Sir...
Please don't kill me, sir.
You tried to break my toy, so you've to play with me instead.
Why? Aren't you having fun?
Foreman.
This better be something important.
I don't hate you enough to shoot you.
It's about Hong.
What about Hong?
Who did this to her? You?
Hong did this to herself.
It's your duty as government gisaengs to serve the officials.
I can put all of you into prison for this!
A departed friend's spirit's still among us.
How could we sell our smile and serve drinks?
I shall fulfill my duty when it's due, so please allow me time to grieve.
You're stubborn girl.
But your friendship's as laudable as your equestrian skills,
so I'll grant your request.
Move!
Do you remember how we used to stand here and imagine Granny getting off that ship?
That was seven years ago.
I think that's what helped us get through it.
Don't do anything to upset the assistant magistrate again.
If anything should happen to you...
I don't want to talk about that man.
Oh boy!
- Oh, the things I've to put up with! - Let it go, Mother.
[Eastgate Market Brokers, Jeju Island]
Did you argue gain?
No, Madam Bae's trinket's missing and she's accusing my mother of taking it.
Talk about bad luck... Don't accept work from the Bae's again!
What?
We can go to Hong and ask for cleaning work at the gisaeng school.
Who are you?
I heard that the new magistrate likes to ride horses.
I'll go and meet him.
Take that away.
But it wouldn't hurt to take a gift.
I told you that I'll ask for his fairness in dealing with tribute products to the king.
Senior Foreman.
What is it?
This woman insisted on seeing you.
Have I changed so much that you don't recognize me?
Madam...
Here's the rice you asked for.
What do you want with a woman who sold off her own daughter to be a gisaeng?
I'll leave now.
Okay.
Mother, doesn't Hong have a heart of an angel?
Oh, you rotten boy.
This woman will be doing maid service for us from now on.
But I'm in charge of maid service.
It's Senior Foreman's order, so just do as you're told.
I'll earn my keep, so just give me work to do.
Oh boy...
That wench...
She makes her mother look bad even after she's dead and gone...
I heard you, you can go.
I've to go diving for more abalones if I'm going to pay my tribute.
Wait...
Byeolim left this for you.
She's been saving her money so you could have it.
That foolish girl...
I just wanted her to take care of herself...
I never asked her to worry about me.
Byeolim...
We're going to bury her in the public cemetery.
You took all the abalones I picked just a few days ago!
Why are you here again.
That was interest on your back tribute in kind and we're here for this month's.
There they are.
How are we supposed to live if you take everything we have?
Don't do this. Don't do this!
Don't do this!
Don't do this.
Please don't do this.
How are we supposed to live?
Did you get it?
I had to lied to get it. I've to put it back soon.
They take more than 8,000 abalones from the divers.
That means they get more than 80,000 from the village.
I doubt that all of them end up at the palace.
Look.
Only 60,000 abalones get sent to Hanyang.
Then where's the remaining 20,000?
An investigation of the clerk in the taxation office should reveal the answer.
Hong, you're putting yourself in danger.
Byeolim was the only friend who ever looked after me in the gisaeng school.
I wouldn't have made it through if it wasn't for her.
Still this is too dangerous.
She was always worried about her mother.
I've to do something to ease her mother's burden so she could rest in peace.
Help me. You will, won't you?
80,000 abalones delivered to Westgate Market Brokers for preparation.
But why they got back...
30,000 dried abalones...
20,000 sliced dried abalones...
10,000 flattened dried abalones...
Then the remaining 20,000 abalones went to...
Westgate Market Brokers?
Who's there?
What are you doing here?
I came to find something which belongs to Byeolim.
We were playing by the pond a few days ago,
and she had lost his perfume pouch.
Is there a problem, sir?
[Unlicensed Market in Hanyang]
My lord.
They're half the price you'd pay at the marketplace.
Do you have a resale license?
What?
These are unlicensed vendors!
Arrest them!
Get her!
Stop!
Captain?
She's an illegal vendor. Take her.
Yes.
One bowl for one nyang! Three bowls for two!
The more you buy, the more you save!
Step right up, folks!
Get your delicious rice!
Didn't you say you were going to help?
Rice... buy rice.
You won't even attract an ant with that voice.
Sir, it's tonight.
Did you find out where?
Your attention, gentlemen.
The lucky winner of the bid for this product is Park Gilsang of Samgae Port!
I'm Park Gilsang.
Oh, congratulations.
You're a lucky man, buddy. A lucky man.
Yes, I am.
Since I busted the secret ring trading Royal tributes.
Men!
Freeze!
They confiscated all the precious abalone?
You know how much that's worth?
Who was it? Kim Ungryeol again?
I'm sorry, sir.
The list of state officials in Jeju and recent tribute goods delivery log you asked for.
They've a newly appointed magistrate, and assistant magistrate is Choe Namgu.
Choe Namgu?
He's got close ties with Jeong Dong.
That man has Jeong Dong covering his back...
is none other than Gang Gaeman.
Daebang can take care of this himself. Must I get involved in these petty matters?
The abalone trading operation that has been active for years without any trouble,
has been busted by your son.
If the Commerce Control Bureau comes down on us,
it's a matter of time Young Master Hongsu finds out about your relationship with us.
I'll get Hongsu to leave the Bureau.
My lord,
don't you know your own son?
Do you really think he'll leave the Bureau just because you tell him to?
That'll make him dig even harder.
You must stop the Commerce Control Bureau.
That's the only way to ensure peace for us all.
How did it go?
Have I ever failed at anything up to now?
By the way, uncle,
the favor I asked of you regarding madam...
Don't worry.
She's probably boiling mad and looking all over for you right now.
What brings you here, madam?
You wench, you know exactly what brings me here!
You scheming little wench!
You suck up to me like you're on my side and you steal my husband?
How did you do it?
What did you say to seduce my husband with your guileful tongue?
You dirty scum!
How could you push your young niece to an old master's bed?
Yes, how much did you gain in return?
What's this commotion?
Husband!
Husband, how can you leave me? I've been with you through thick and thin!
You can't do this, husband!
Jealousy has blinded you to the truth.
You should've been thrown out years ago for failing to produce an offspring.
Get this woman out of this house at once!
Husband! Husband! You can't do this to me, husband!
You wench!
Husband!
Husband...
Do you have definitive proof that these abalones are tribute goods from Jeju?
Sir, how about we give the Bureau a chance to secure that proof?
If tribute goods are being traded in the black market,
the local people must be suffering a great burden.
We can't prosecute the innocent...
based on the Bureau's conjecture.
We can't overlook the crooks who embezzle tribute goods that the people work so hard for.
You saw the Minister of Justice's reaction.
It could hurt you if you're not careful.
But I can't turn a blind eye.
I'm planning on going to Jeju myself.
Personally?
Yes.
Westgate Market Brokers in Jeju is owned by Gang Gaeman,
and Jeong Dong's associate Choe Namgu's the assistant magistrate of Jeju.
I'm certain I can find the proof we need to crack the case in Jeju.
The Minister of Justice was supposed to stop the investigation, how did this happen?
The Minister of Justice,
couldn't have foreseen Kim Ungryeol would volunteer to go all the way to Jeju himself.
Kim Ungryeol!
He's always getting in our way.
Shall I alert our people in Jeju at once?
First we need to buy time.
You must slow Kim Ungryeol down.
How?
It's a long, rough road to jeju.
And accidents happen when you're traveling.
I'll see you off at the docks.
No, I'll go alone.
Captain Jeong, you should get back.
Well then...
Sir!
Let's go.
Sir!
How did you...
I'll explain later. Let's get you out of here.
Should we go after them and finish them off?
Idiot. Do you know who that is?
Go to daebang and tell him that we bought some time.
I'm going straight to Jeju from here.
This is an attempt to stop you from going to Jeju.
There's got to be something there.
I'll go to Jeju instead.
You?
Did Kim Ungryeol order you to go on this dangerous trip to Jeju instead?
I volunteered.
Volunteered?
Do you want to get hurt like Kim Ungryeol pursuing this investigation?
He was attacked by mountain bandits.
Why do you speak as if his injury is connected to our investigation?
I'll see you when I return.
Madam's waiting for you.
Hongsu, what's this I'm hearing?
Hongsu, Lord Yi's sending his daughter's birth facts for your marriage with her.
But how can you go on a trip right now?
Mother, I can't postpone the matter of the state for a personal business.
You're heartless...
Do you think I don't know that you and your father are fighting?
Isn't that why you're going to Jeju?
No, you can't.
I won't send my precious son to that island of exile so far away...
Madam, please don't worry.
We operate a costal trade broker agency there,
and it's not dangerous as you might think.
So cast off any negative thoughts.
I hope she's not hurt.
- Out of my way! - This way.
What are you looking at? Get out of here! Shoo!
I don't think she'll be able to walk again ever.
Ten different doctors came by,
but they all say she's lucky to be alive.
Let's go.
Do you want Jeong Hongsu that badly?
I'm yours, my lord.
How could I want any other man?
But...
But?
I just thought the future daughter-in-law of Minister Jeong Dong should be someone that we approve of.
What made you do that?
The entire Hanyang knows that your relationship with Minister Jeong has turned cold.
We've to take steps to be prepared.
Is that why you "took steps" with Lord Kim's daughter that Jeong Hongsu was engaged in marital talks with
and made her commit suicide?
Be careful... or you'll get caught.
It's a risk worth taking for you, my lord.
If Minister Jeong should establish marital ties with a man of great wealth like Lord Yi,
won't you and I become useless to him for sure?
Scheming wench.
I'm cold.
Won't you come in...
and help me with my bath?
[Westgate Market Brokers, Jeju Island]
We've stopped the investigator who was coming to Jeju for now.
Then that's settled.
Sir, this matter isn't to be taken lightly.
Steward Oh's right.
If we tell the magistrate that an inspector's coming,
he'll want to audit the books himself right away.
So you must cook the books first and make sure no one talks.
Better yet, I'll handle it myself so there are no mistakes...
Are you slighting me because I've been cast out by my father?
No, sir. Of course not.
Of course not.
Assistant Magistrate will take care of the inspector.
Don't worry about it.
However...
it's that Hong I'm worried about.
She's just a young gisaeng,
what harm can she can do?
I know how you feel about her,
but if she does something stupid, I won't have a choice.
This...
is a matter of life and death for the Westgate Market Brokers.
There are no heated stone floors in Jeju.
Because if divers enter a heated room,
their skin will crack, blister and make them ill.
So even in the freezing winter,
they sleep on cold floors.
Tributes-in-kind paid to the King by these people who live such hard lives
are being misappropriated by a group of men who use them to fill their own pockets.
Don't let her meddle in the diver's affairs anymore.
But Hong's so stubborn...
Perhaps you can put her hair up instead.
Then no one will be able to harm her.
Unni! We're in trouble, Unni!
What's the fuss?
It's Hong...
She tried to send a letter to the Royal court through a man going to Hanyang.
Luckily, Dongju found out in time and snatched the letter,
but the assistant magistrate read it, and...
You dare to petition to the King to investigate the local government?
If you're innocent, this shouldn't bother you.
Why are you so concerned, sir?
Silence!
Sir, she wrote that letter without thinking in grief of losing a dear friend.
I'll teach her a lesson she won't soon forget.
Her mind's elsewhere when she should be focused on her duty.
49 day mourning for Byeolim's now over.
Put your hair up as it was scheduled.
Are you prepared? It'll be in two days.
She'll be ready. Rest assured.
Please postpone it for me.
Child, don't you understand?
Assistant Magistrate's counting on your refusal.
He's like nothing more than to kill you like he killed Byeolim and silence you.
Give us a few minutes alone. I'll have a talk with her.
So this is punishment.
A lowly gisaeng went over her head and caused a stir,
so I'm getting punished.
I can protect you,
but Assistant Magistrate Choe will go after your mother as well.
But... are you that repulsed by the idea?
I'm just angry that I can't make my own decisions about my own life.
I also wanted to wait until you're ready and willing.
I just wanted to be around you until then...
but judging by Assistant Magistrate Choe's reaction,
it doesn't look like we can postpone the chignon ceremony anymore.
Couldn't you... just think of this as a favor for me?
Hong!
Leave. Run away from here.
I ran away from Hanyang to Jeju,
where would I go this time?
Jeju may be a small island,
but there's got to be a place you can hide.
I'll help you...
Dong-ah, I don't want that.
I don't want anyone else getting hurt because of me.
All the children from the training center were separated because of me...
and Granny's dead.
Now Mother's in trouble because of me... run away again?
Mistress!
Who's this?
She says she was sent to work here from Eastgate Brokers.
Yes, Foreman Go had mentioned it.
Give her work to do.
Yes, ma'am.
To a gisaeng, the man who gives her a chignon's like her husband.
If you've your hair pinned by Foreman Gang Yuji,
ordinary men wouldn't even be able to approach you.
So this can't hurt you.
What's more,
Foreman Gang's holding a grand chignon ceremony for you complete with boat ride.
Isn't that generous?
Are you Captain Jeong from Hanyang?
I'm the clerk of the Jeju Taxation office, sir.
I see.
Shall we go?
Captain, what brings you all the way to Jeju?
I'm here on Commerce Control Bureau business.
How about you?
Why, I'm here on trading business, of course.
Well, I wish you luck with whatever you're here to do, sir.
Well then...
Let's hurry.
Yes.
Who does this room belong to?
The gisaeng who's having the chignon ceremony today.
How lucky she is.
She's getting her hair put up by the richest man in Jeju.
What's her name?
Her name's Hong.
Hong?
Did she by chance come to the island about seven years ago?
That's right.
She was a complete bum when she first came here.
But now she'll be the envy of all women on this island.
But, how did you know?
Why are all those people escorting that palanquin?
They're taking Jeju's top gisaeng to her chignon ceremony.
Why the extravagance for a gisaeng's chignon ceremony?
That's because the richest man in Jeju, Foreman Gang of Westgate Brokers,
is doing her the honor.
We've uncovered a secret operation in Hanyang trading tribute goods from Jeju.
My business in Hanyang's in jeopardy because of the problem in Jeju.
Westgate Market Brokers? That's Gang Gaeman's...
Do you know my father?
Who are you?
If Gang Gaeman's killed, everything will go up in smoke.
I heard the inspector's the Minister of Justice's son.
There's a girl I want you to meet.
This is Inspector Jeong Hongsu.
How did this happen? How did you become a gisaeng?
So you made her a gisaeng for the price of saving her life?
The diver that old woman was looking for is Eunhong.
Who's my mother?
You know who she is, don't you?