The Great Merchant
Episode 15
[Eastgate Market Brokers, Jeju Island]
This is such a wonderful feast.
Please eat.
Everything's so delicious!
My mother's the best cook in the world!
Mother, we need some more pancakes!
Such a big fuss over one little deal...
I'll hit something big too, just you wait.
Okay, okay.
How come I don't see Mandeok anyway?
Have you seen her?
Look at all this money!
I even haven't had any food, I feel full!
This is the beginning for us Eastgate Market Brokers!
Let's eat a lot, work hard, and built a strong company.
[Westgate Market Brokers, Jeju Island]
What does she want with us in the middle of the night?
Diver leader Goga Donsuk, come forward.
Take yourself and your divers,
leave this place.
You want us to leave?
We've worked for Westgate for over a decade.
What are we supposed to do if you kick us out without a moment's notice?
Leave quietly when you being paid to leave!
- How could you do this? - Silence!
All those who worked on the abalone contract bid,
I want them packed up and be gone tonight.
If I see any of you tomorrow,
I'll hold you responsible for the loss to the company and make you slaves.
I'll see you all in my room.
What do you think was the biggest reason for our failure?
Have you all gone mute?
I never thought that wench Mandeok would be so tenacious...
You were her mother for seven years, you didn't know that?
It's no wonder she was able to tear you down to nothing.
Go easy on them.
You'll scare everyone away,
down to the last gopher.
I've made an important decision today.
From today,
I'm removing Gang Yuji from his position as the foreman.
I'm sure I don't have to tell you the reason.
You placed Westgate in danger while bearing the title of foreman,
so you must pay the price.
Nothing gets to you, does it?
You've to turn over the company seal and storage keys.
Who says I've to comply?
Then who would you like me to kick out instead?
Dongju? Seoju?
Or should I kick out everyone else left in Westgate?
You don't care after all.
You couldn't care less what happened to this company anyway.
Very well.
A promise's a promise,
I'll step down.
The seal and keys,
Dongju will bring them to you.
Sir... sir. Sir!
I won't hesitate to dismiss anyone who fails to live up to his or her title.
Don't do this, sir!
One more word out of that mouth and I'll smash your face in.
Your father worked hard to build this company, why give it away like that?
Apologize to Madam Oh and work with her instead.
It's your loss if you give it all up like this.
I said stop.
Yes, hit me.
Hit me all you want.
But make no mistake.
Madam Oh's not the one who took everything from you,
Mandeok did.
Shut your mouth!
I'm going to say what I've to say even if you beat me to death.
You bastard.
Who got Mandeok out of the gisaeng house?
You did by giving her the census register.
I said shut up!
You turned over the company's books to save her life when she was in jail, but...
And Daebang Gang died as a result of that.
If Mandeok became yours as a result,
I'd praise you and say "That's true love!" but...
You really want to die, don't you?
Think about it.
I hate the wench who's laughing in Eastgate when you're about to lose it all.
This used to be our world!
Who's the reason why things have become so cut-throat?
I said shut up!
I... feel... sorry for you.
Get out of here.
Sir...
Stay out of my sight...
or I'll kill you.
Sir...
Let's hurry.
- Hold still! This is expensive duck egg! - Be gentle.
Madam Oh had me scared stiff tonight.
Sis,
if Foreman Gang doesn't come to his senses,
I'm afraid we're going to end up homeless.
Me too.
Daebang Gang's dead,
so Madam Oh's kicking him out of the company.
If she gives birth to a baby boy...
That's why we've to get on Madam Oh's side.
Are you suggesting we turn our backs on Foreman Gang?
Then would you rather go down with him?
What are you two doing?
Bickering like children...
Gang Yuji or Madam, we'll do what the situation dictates.
Who says we've to be eternally loyal to one side?
What?
The important thing is knowing who's holding the sword now.
That's of course Madam Oh.
First we need to know exactly what she's after.
Then we can start to draw up a plan to secure our future.
Oh dear...
Sir, the jail keeper's here from the government office!
The jail keeper?
Do you think Lord Jeong Dong will be idle?
We botched up the deal he brought us, we've to compensate him.
We'll give him 50% of the silk store income.
50%?
We're giving him too much at current 20%, you want to pay him half of our income?
He's certain to demand as much.
If we're going to pay him anyway, this is better to set up for our next favor request.
This is all because of that wench Mandeok.
She has been taking what's yours when you were kids, and she's still getting in your way.
Yes.
She has always been taking what's mine.
And always with someone's help when she was a penniless nobody.
Just say the word.
I'll take care of the wench for you at once.
Uncle, there's no hurry.
First I want the world to know how incompetent and helpless Kim Mandeok is.
I'll slowly cut off her limbs one by one
and render her powerless.
Who do you think you are? You can't go in there!
What brings you here?
I want to have a talk.
What does this mean?
You said this was a token of our friendship, right?
So I'm giving it back to you.
Then I guess this means you and I are no longer friends?
It's wrong to hurt and deceive other people.
Then is it right to take what other people have achieved by cheating at the end?
We didn't cheat.
We fulfilled our commitment with hard work and dedication.
It's hard work to you and to other people it's cheating.
How convenient.
Are you done talking?
Remember what you did to Hwasoon from the silk store years ago?
Why would you bring that up now?
When you manipulated Daebang Gang's first wife to get Hwasoon kicked out,
do you know why I looked the other way?
Because you wanted me to get you a job at the silk store.
No, that's not why.
I thought you're a good person deep down
who just veered off course a little because no one was giving you the love you need.
I thought you'd come to regret what you had done and live an honest life.
Regret?
Regret fighting back someone who was trying to hurt me?
I would never be here today if I didn't live the way I did.
Do you think I had an old woman protecting me like you did?
No one told you to live your life alone.
You're alone because that's the life you chose.
Madam!
The jail keeper was just here.
The tribute ship bound for Hanyang has capsized,
and the tribute goods were buried at sea!
Assistant Magistrate, settle down!
Sir, the tribute goods transport ship has been destroyed, isn't this a catastrophe?
The whole of Jeju island might be held responsible for this.
Then you and I will be the first to...
Then let's quickly respond to the situation.
I'll reacquire the goods for the royal wedding first.
Yes, let's start with that.
But, what about the ship?
How do we get another cargo ship?
I don't know.
Not like we can build one overnight...
All those valuable goods tossed overboard?
They had no way of keeping the ship from sinking,
they don't have any other choices.
It's fortunate that no one was killed.
Fortunate?
What's so fortunate about losing the goods that were to be used for the royal wedding?
The Jeju magistrate's gathering the tribute goods again as we speak.
I don't think this is a cause for great alarm.
Tribute goods are only half of our problem!
The tribute transport ship has been destroyed.
What are we going to do about this?
Minister Jeon, please calm down.
How can I calm down right now?
The new queen's coronation's just around the corner!
If the tribute goods from Jeju don't arrive on time,
are we going to assume responsibility?
The tribute goods transport ship?
That's run by the government.
Yes, but I just heard that it was destroyed,
and the government office is having problems.
The government office's trouble doesn't concern us!
Maybe it does.
If they hold a tribute goods transport contract bid, aren't we eligible to enter?
We'd make fools of ourselves entering without a ship.
We can lease a ship.
I'm sure we can still gain profit even if we operate with a leased ship.
You think we've money coming out of our ears just because we got the abalone deal?
The fact is, we'll barely be breaking even if we pay back the loan we owe.
Eastgate doesn't have the resources to lease a ship to go into cargo transport business.
It's a good idea but not feasible.
Perhaps you could have a talk with the provincial magistrate.
About the tribute goods transport ship?
Yes.
I was thinking about what Mandeok said, and she's right.
Even if they accept the idea of using merchant ships to deliver the tribute goods,
Westgate will get the contract since they own a ship.
Maybe not.
The new policy dictates that all government contracts be awarded via open bid process.
Even private ship owners should be eligible to enter the bid.
Yes, in theory, but...
Eastgate has gotten over a hump,
but now it's in need of new ventures.
But it's too risky to enter a bid with a leased ship.
Wouldn't it be a risk worth taking?
Sir!
Come in.
I've been looking all over for you.
Didn't I tell you to stay out of my sight? What do you want?
It's not like this is the first time you beat me up...
Sir,
Eastgate's going to propose use of a private ship for delivery of tribute goods.
If the government decides to use a private ship,
they will naturally use ours.
But why would Eastgate go out of their way to make such a proposition?
Mandeok, that little wench,
is scheming to lease a ship and enter the bid for the contract.
When Mandeok goes out to lease a ship,
no doubt Mother will intervene...
So please take care of this
and reclaim your position as the foreman.
I get sick to the stomach every time I see that Steward Oh's flaring nostrils.
He acts like he's the boss!
Be quiet and come with me.
Yes.
My mouth's parched from running around all over the place.
Sir!
The items we has sent for the royal wedding have been buried at sea.
I need full cooperation from all merchants to quickly collect the items again for delivery.
Of course, sir.
We'll make this our top priority.
Thank you.
Magistrate,
may I ask what are your plans for delivery of the tribute goods?
The damaged ship's in repairs at Ganjin, but...
Wouldn't it be imprudent to use a badly damaged ship after a rushed repair?
Perhaps it would be wiser to use a private ship instead.
That's an excellent idea.
But this isn't a regular tax season.
Would market brokers be able to make the necessary arrangements in such short notice?
We'll make it available even if we've to set other work aside.
It doesn't have to come from Westgate.
You're not the only company who owns a ship on this island.
Then Eastgate will lease a ship and enter the bid for the contract as well.
Lease a ship?
Yes.
There're quite a few private ships in the harbor that are not being used,
so this will be a good opportunity for the ship owners as well as for us if we make use of them.
That's also a good idea.
Go ahead.
Assistant Magistrate.
Do you have something to say to me?
If tribute ships are operated by a private company,
shouldn't that be Westgate?
Who decided this?
Certainly not me.
A grown man holding a grudge like a child...
What are you going to do?
Give Minister Jeong details of this situation and ask him for help.
Choe Namgu's mistaken if he thinks I can't do this without him.
What brings you here?
I came hoping to make peace with you, Assistant Magistrate.
I wonder why almighty Gang Yuji's polishing the apple?
Is it true that you lost Westgate to Madam Oh?
I need your help to teach her a lesson.
What makes you think I've such power?
Forget it.
I thought you were quite disgruntled with Madam Oh.
Was I wrong?
What are you trying to say?
They say an enemy of an enemy is a friend.
Don't you want to vent that rage?
It'll hurt you if you keep it bottled up.
That may be true, but...
I'll call the ship owners together to discuss the tribute goods transport contract.
I trust you'll be there.
That'll be decided by a fair contest.
What business would I have with the ship owners?
Helping Westgate doesn't necessarily mean you'll be helping my mother.
You'll be helping me, Foreman Gang.
I never forget a favor.
But the opposite is true as well.
Besides, it serves you no purpose to allow Eastgate to become powerful, does it?
No...
But Mandeok's at Eastgate.
Are you sure you've the heart to crush Eastgate?
That's all the more reason why I need to crush Eastgate.
Gang Yuji went to see Choe Namgu.
Gang Yuji?
I thought he'd be somewhere getting drunk. This is a surprise.
And?
Gang asked Choe to help him defeat Madam Oh who stripped him of his position,
and Choe agreed.
Really?
Perhaps the prodigal child's finally growing up.
Yoha came by.
Foreman Gang, I mean Gang Yuji, went to Choe Namgu to seek a favor.
For help in defeating you, Madam.
He went to Choe Namgu?
I guess my stepson isn't a complete idiot after all.
He asked Choe to stop the ship owners from renting their ships to Eastgate.
He's trying to back Mandeok into a corner and crush you at the same time
by winning the tribute goods transport contract himself.
Is that what he's trying to do?
He's moving faster than I thought.
I'm beginning to have hopes for him.
You're back?
My feet are on fire from walking all day.
What are you doing? Get away from me.
You stink!
Where did you go that made your feet stink like fermented soybeans?
We must've talked to every ship owner in Jeju.
What's gotten into him?
Why is he working so hard all of a sudden?
Maybe he finally grew up and came to his senses out of guilt
after beating the daylights out of you the other day.
Not that, this is Madam Oh's doing.
She's an enigma. Taming that rapscallion...
You mean she manipulated him to do this?
I knew she wasn't an ordinary woman,
but she's the winner in this vie for power.
I knew she was the real deal the moment I first saw her.
I'm going to kill you!
Now my face stinks!
Minister Jeong,
assist us so that Westgate can win the tribute goods transport contract.
This is a matter of vital importance in reclaiming commercial dominance in Jeju.
Westgate's asking for help in acquiring the tribute goods transport contract...
Ask Chief Clerk Gang to pay me a quiet visit.
Yes, my lord.
Please get acquainted.
Former Commerce Control Bureau captain Jeong Hongsu now Board of Punishment assistant section chief.
Take good care of him in future.
If you don't mind waiting,
I'd like to finish this paperwork Minister Jeong personally ordered before I give you a tour.
Please take your time.
Looks like you're working on something that concerns the tribute cargo vessel of Jeju.
Yes.
The government cargo vessel's inoperable condition, so we're advising them
to utilize Westgate's merchant ship until a new vessel's built.
Tribute transport is a matter for the Board of Taxation.
The Board of Punishments has authority to advise such action?
Nothing gets done in Jeju without Minister Jeong's approval.
What's the progress on the ship repairs?
We've every carpenter in Gangjin working on the ship,
but I'm afraid it'll take some time.
The royal wedding's drawing near,
so let's utilize a merchant ship for transport of tribute goods this time.
Then per your recommendation,
we'll use Westgate Market Brokers to do the job.
Businesses dealing with local government in Jeju
are required to be chosen through open bid process.
This is a promise between the magistrate of Jeju and his people,
so I ask that you honor it.
Open bidding?
This is a matter of extreme urgency! Ridiculous!
What if this causes delay for the royal wedding, will you assume responsibility?
They can hold the bid during the time taken to procure the tribute goods again.
It won't make a difference.
If this is a promise the Jeju magistrate made to his people,
let's allow it, Minister Jeong.
Very well.
Lord Magistrate,
please tell us why you've called us together today.
As proposed by Foreman Go,
it's decided that the tribute transport ship will be chosen through competitive bidding.
Competitive bidding?
What for when Westgate's the only market broker who owns a ship?
This is the policy when it involves rights and interests of market brokers,
so there will be an open bidding regardless.
So be noted.
Sir, shall we go?
This is wonderful.
Now we must work quickly to acquire a vessel.
Will working quickly get you something you don't have?
Please don't waste your time, Foreman Go.
Don't worry about Eastgate's business.
You should practice self-discipline if only for the child in your womb.
Let's go, Senior Foreman.
Yes.
Does this mean all we've to do now is to lease a ship?
This is a waste of time.
Who would lease out their ship for such paltry profit?
If we get the contract, they will have steady income.
If we emphasize that, I'm sure we can persuade them.
But won't we end up working for nothing if we pay them for renting the ship?
No.
The government pays a part of the operating cost, so it's indeed a profitable business.
No one can predict the outcome of the bidding
but if we do win this contract,
it'll help us greatly in running a stable business operation.
Sir, I'm afraid we'll only end up making Westgate look better.
Pansul, I want to give this a shot.
Mandeok and Eun,
find ship owners who might be interested in renting out their ship.
Yes, sir.
Competitive bidding?
How much longer do we have to play this tiring game?
This is all because of Jeong Hongsu.
What do you mean by that?
I found out from my men in Hanyang that Minister Jeong named us for the contract,
but Jeong Hongsu intervened and insisted that they hold an open bid.
We really must get this contract.
Don't we need to work on the ship owners?
I already have someone working very hard on the ship owners.
So you're basically proposing a partnership since we've a ship
and Eastgate has the right to bid for the contract?
You'll be working for the government.
You needn't worry about not getting paid, the experience itself would be a huge gain.
If we win the contract,
we'll give the ship owners full disclosure of operation expenses.
And profit sharing will be done precisely.
It's like all of the ship owners on this island got together and made a pact.
I knew Westgate would get in our way.
This was a lost cause from the start.
I heard Captain Hwang lost all of his ships but one.
I guess he won't be a captain for long.
That man would play cards with his toes if his hands were cut off.
Did they just say "Captain Hwang"?
Captain Hwang?
He's a crazed gambling addict.
But they did say that he owns a ship, right?
You'd go as far as to rent a ship from a gambling addict to do this business?
Why not?
Did you put enough water in the rice?
The taste isn't very important, so don't waste too much spice.
Just make them look good.
We've had men who knocked the table over because of the food, don't you know?
When I become the headmistress, things like that will never happen.
Your customers have always been the rowdiest!
Did you forget that?
When I become the headmistress...
When you become the headmistress, let me be first to know, so I can quit this job!
Foreman Gang and Assistant Magistrate Choe are... here.
I want you to prepare the food.
I don't think these kitchen maids are up to it.
Life's cruddy, so wine tastes cruddy too!
Then let's make some new wine.
It's all we've to cheer us up after all.
Yes, unbelievable!
I'm sure you already know about the government ship that was destroyed.
Luckily, Westgate's merchant ship will replace the government ship and take over its duty.
I heard Eastgate's renting a ship to enter the bid.
Yes, they approached me about it and what they said made sense.
So you'd turn your backs on Westgate after all these years we took care of you?
Our Westgate has always been there in your times of need offering generous loans.
Am I wrong, Assistant Magistrate?
The government will choose a company with maritime experience.
So you can just ignore Eastgate's petty tricks.
Open bidding? Open bidding my foot.
Then should we just continue doing what we've been doing?
Yes, exactly.
You only have a few months until delivery.
But the fetal movement is weak, and I'm inclined to think it's because of your girdle.
Please think of your child and refrain from using the girdle.
I'll consider.
Madam!
Come in.
It's a message from Gisaeng Yoha.
Go on.
Assistant Magistrate gathered the ship owners, and...
Like I said, I'm not interested.
Please leave.
Captain!
Let's call it a day.
We've talked to over ten ship owners today.
Eun, you said you know Captain Hwang, right?
Do you know where we can find him?
Not so fast.
Darn it!
Oh dear!
I'm looking for Captain Hwang, who's he?
Who are you?
Are you Captain Hwang?
Yes.
I'd like to rent your ship.
Ship? My ship?
Yes.
I'll let you use my ship right away, so don't you worry.
Then, please sign here.
What?
You want me to sign a contract for a measly fifty nyangs?
It's a letter of intent.
Once we win the contract,
we'll pay you for the lease, and formally...
Your friends want to know what you're going to do.
I'll be right there, so tell them to stay put.
I'll sign this, so bring me some more money for deposit tomorrow.
How much more?
Two hundred nyangs will do.
My ship is actually in Haenam right now.
It'll cost me money to bring it back to Jeju.
You can manage, can't you?
Yes, I'll bring it.
Now if you'll sign this...
Okay.
Don't forget to bring me the money tomorrow.
I've to go now.
Thank you! Thank you, Captain Hwang!
Wonderful work!
You finally found a ship owner who will lease us a ship!
But if it's in Haenam,
it'll cost us extra expense to have it brought here.
I can pay that expense, so don't worry.
Madam, the company's not completely without funds.
No.
Mandeok and I insisted on this venture, so I'd like to contribute.
It remains to be seen whether or not this is a credible contract.
Mandeok's a good judge of character.
Good work.
Yes, good work indeed!
Kim Pansul that fool!
He's spy or a liaison?
He does nothing for us, and only brings us bad news!
Please calm down. This isn't over yet.
They've a ship!
That old hag and Hong will be at us again.
Madam!
I'm back.
What did you find out?
Yes.
That Captain Hwang's a compulsive gambler who blew away his family fortune.
His ship's old and useless, and...
it's anchored in Haenam right now because he's got no money to bring it back.
I guess they are really desperate.
A gambler captain and a ship that's not even here in Jeju...
- Seoju. - Yes, Madam.
I want you to pay Captain Hwang another visit.
You dare gamble with my money and try to run off?
No, you're making a mistake.
I was just going out to relieve myself...
You need someone to teach you a lesson.
- Boys! - Yes, sir!
My goodness! You're going to kill him!
Go easy on the poor bugger.
What do you want?
I thought I might take this man off your hands.
That'll make me a happy man.
So impatient!
When a woman comes looking for him, show her this.
A ring?
Tell her that Captain Hwang's now on the same boat with the owner of this ring.
Did you get that?
You got it.
That was simple.
Take him!
Why isn't it here?
Mandeok said today's the day,
so let's wait a while longer.
Dong-ah, you trust everything Mandeok says, don't you?
What?
Never mind.
We waited all this time, but the ship never came.
Are you sure today's the right day?
Yes, I'm sure.
I heard a rumor that this Captain Hwang's not a credible man,
is this true?
That can't be true.
I'll look for him.
Give me a good hand.
What do you want?
Is Captain Hwang here?
Captain Hwang's on the same boat with the owner of this ring.
What's the matter?
It's Moonsun. This is Moonsun's doing!
You took longer than I thought you would.
Did you buy off Captain Hwang?
Buy him off?
He came to me on his own.
You can't fool me with your shallow lies anymore.
I want to see Captain Hwang right now.
Right now!
Kim Ungryeol kept digging and checking up on everything Minister Jeong was doing.
So he brought false charges against him and had him exiled?
- Give me your ship. - I don't have a ship.
I'll report you to the authorities.
Our staff and oarsmen are badly injured!
I can't give up like this.
I'm going.
- Mandeok! - You might need an extra oarsman.
Go to Eastgate and see if Mandeok's there.
Mandeok went with them?
No one can know about this.
We're looking for Captain Hwang's ship.
We've come to take the ship back.
I'm not releasing the ship until that bastard Hwang shows up himself.
Where's Mandeok?
It needs to pass inspection to be used as tribute goods transport ship.
If the ship comes, Mandeok will die.
And if the ship doesn't come, it'll be the end of Eastgate.
The ship?
It'll be here.
There it is!
Approaching Jeju!
An inspection?
It's a procedure to see if the ship's fit to be used for transporting tribute goods.
Search every inch of the ship once it disembarks!
Someone might be on that ship.