The Great Merchant
Episode 16
You took longer than I thought you would.
Did you buy off Captain Hwang?
Buy him off?
He came to me on his own.
I simply didn't turn him away.
I'm not buying your shabby lies anymore.
I want to see Captain Hwang right now.
Right now.
Sit down.
What did you do to Captain Hwang?
What did I do to him?
He begged me to buy his ship, so I did.
He signed a contract to rent us that ship!
He didn't confess to that until after we executed our contract.
That's why I left that ring for you so you don't run around looking for him.
Do you really expect me to believe that?
Why can't you fight fair when you're the owner of mighty Westgate?
I'm fighting fair enough as Oh Moonsun.
So you should do the best you can as Kim Mandeok too.
And stop lecturing me.
I want to see Captain Hwang.
If you're not lying, you've nothing to hide.
Sure, I'll give you your wish.
Seoju!
Oh...
Captain!
What are you doing here?
I came to get your ship.
I don't have a ship. I sold it.
Whether that's true or not,
you signed a contract, please honor it.
Something came up and I had to sell it off.
What's the problem, when I sold my own ship?
Here, take your deposit back.
If this is what you want,
I've no choice but to turn you in to the authorities.
Turn me in?
You had an agreement with us before you sold your ship.
That's why I'm giving you back your money.
But why are you giving me a hard time?
You left us with no time to find another ship.
If you won't be responsible for this,
I'll let the judge tell you what to do.
Let me pour for you, sir.
Like I said, my ship's too old to compete in the bid.
We just need to go to Haenam and back.
I'm not interested in doing business with Eastgate.
We'll double the offer.
And if we win the contract,
we'll use your ships as tribute goods transport vessels as well.
Then you'll certainly be treated differently from the rest of the merchants.
Well, if it really doesn't interest you...
Wait.
You must keep your promise.
Of course.
We got the boat like Mandeok said,
so all we've to do now is wait for the contract.
Hey, Dong-ah.
Hi!
Ladies, what are you doing here?
We couldn't stand the sight of that wench, so we left.
We'll do whatever it takes to make a living.
Are you boys really going to Haenam to fetch Captain Hwang's ship?
Where did you hear about that?
Dong-ah, if you go to Haenam for Hwang's ship,
there's a skipper named Jang among the seamen.
That man just loves my millet wine.
Gulp, gulp...
I'll pack a bottle for you, so use it to butter him up.
Thank you, ladies.
What are you doing up so late when you're carrying a precious child?
Captain Hwang has agreed to rent his ship to Eastgate.
So?
I heard you're going around talking to ship owners to thwart Eastgate.
Why did you skip Captain Hwang?
That's not my job.
Eastgate's going to Haenam to bring back Captain Hwang's ship.
Aren't you trying to stop Eastgate from acquiring a ship?
Where's that man right now?
What are you going to do with him?
I'll stop the ship from being brought back even if I've to beat him up.
Get your men together and follow me.
Yes, sir.
I turned Captain Hwang over to his debtors.
Dong-ah!
It's the contract.
We've got the ship and the crew, so let's go talk to Senior Foreman now.
Who's there?
Get them!
Dong-ah!
That's enough! Clear out!
We know who it is.
Let them go for now, Dong-ah.
I think we've been swindled.
We haven't heard a word from Mandeok.
I think we'll have to drop out of this bid for tribute goods transport contract.
I'm more worried about the staff we haven't heard from right now.
Senior Foreman!
Our guys and crew are badly hurt!
Calm down. What are you talking about?
Our men were checking out the ship that's going to Haenam,
and a group of masked men attacked them.
What?
My...
What in the world has happened?
Dong-ah... Blood!
Did you've a nice encounter with Mandeok?
Did you goad me knowing she was there?
It's good to see you looking manly for a change.
Did you beat them up like you said?
Mother.
Yes, my son.
Listen carefully.
Play me Ike this one more time,
and...
I'll destroy you and this company. Do you understand?
Do you really think you can get Mandeok without Westgate?
Don't worry.
I'm perfectly capable of bringing down Eastgate
and making Mandeok mine without your help.
It'll be exciting to watch you try making Mandeok yours.
What's this?
It's the formal binding lease contract I got from Captain Hwang.
Then did you tell Dong-ah and Deopal to find a ship and crew?
I was going to get your permission once we had the contract and ship ready.
You're just a hired hand. Talk about audacity!
Who told you we were going to Haenam?
Take it back to Captain Hwang tomorrow.
What?
We were in over our heads to think we can do this.
And our people are injured.
But sir, now we can get a ship.
We can't give up now.
The ship isn't the issue.
There's an injured crew in the next room!
Not only are we stuck with their medical bills,
we must compensate them for their loss as well.
But...
Mandeok, come with me.
How are they?
Luckily no one's seriously injured,
but they'll need a lot of care.
You took matters into your own hands, and innocent men were nearly killed.
I'm sorry.
Proper steps must always be taken. More so when you're in a rush.
What if something worse has happened?
Who would want to sail our ship now?
What's more, Dong-ah and Deokpal are hurt.
We've neither men nor time.
It's regrettable, but we should withdraw from the transport contract bidding.
There are times when you must boldly cut your losses and get out.
What are you trying to do?
I can't give up like this.
If no one can go to Haenam, I will.
Are you out of your mind?
You were once framed for trying to leave the island and even spent time in jail.
Please listen to me.
Nothing to listen to.
I like it here at Eastgate.
In Eastgate, you're here and I've Dong-ah...
Everyone here's like family...
taking care of each other like we did at the training center when I was a little girl.
I feel as though this is where I belong.
That's why I'm afraid.
afraid of being separated and losing everyone like we lost those kids in Hanyang
because we don't have the money and strength to protect them.
That's why our company needs that tribute goods transport contract
to build strength and security.
That's why I don't want to give up.
I can't give up.
We've no time to lose.
We can't just walk away from this and think that it's over.
We must keep the promise we made to those who lent us the ship to go to Haenam.
The bidding's only a few days away.
There's no time to find another crew and go out there.
We'll go.
What do you think you can do with that arm?
All the male staff members have already agreed to help.
Please let us go.
You mean the staff have already discussed and greed to this?
Yes.
My father was a seafarer.
I learned over the shoulder, but I'm sure I can do this.
Mangwa says he's been to Haenam numerous times and he's familiar with the waterway.
Senior Foreman, I've never worked harder on anything in my life.
Please let us go.
Goodness! What's gotten into you? It's not your place to meddle!
We don't have to listen to this.
I used to think I just need to work as much as I get paid and that's it,
but for the very first time, I really want to be an indispensable member of this company!
Please, sir. Let us go.
Get moving.
What?
You've got work to do if you're going to set sail in the morning.
A group of men from Eastgate will leave for Gangjin in the morning.
Then pack your bag as well.
Are you telling me to go with them?
Then were you just going to sit back and wait?
Go with them and do whatever you need to do to stop them from bringing back a ship.
Dong-ah!
You're slower than an ox going to the slaughter house.
I still have to make sure you get on that ship.
How can we work together if we don't trust each other?
Then give us a reason to trust you.
Junior Foreman!
Why do you look so surprised? I'm one of you guys too.
Yes! You're the man!
Come on board, sir. We're almost ready.
Mandeok!
I thought you might need an extra oarsman.
It's too dangerous. Go back.
Yeah, we've more than enough men. Go back home.
No, we can use all the help we can get. Come with us.
But, sir!
Is he trying to get me caught? Why does he keep looking this way?
He's so stupid!
Didn't Kim Pansul say there were five of them?
Yes, that's what he said, but I counted six when they left.
You must've miscounted.
Dong-ah, Mangwan, Yubong, Deokpal, Pansul, and...
What? Why is it only five?
- Seoju! - Yes!
Yes, Madam. What can I do for you?
Go to Eastgate and check to see if Mandeok's there.
What?
You mean that last person is...
I hope they're sailing safely...
Hey Eun, what do I do if I lose Deokpal like I lost his father?
Oh, don't say things like that.
Where's Mandeok anyway?
She should be doing laundry not me!
I heard Senior Foreman sent her on some errand last night.
What kind of errand could it be?
You'll never get done working at that speed.
I'm going to the kitchen, so speed it up.
You!
Well... long time no see.
I... our well's dry, so... I see you've plenty of water.
Well... have fun.
Madam, I'm back.
Yes, is Mandeok there?
She wasn't at Eastgate.
I heard Mandeok was sent on an errand.
Looks like Kim Pansul has done something helpful for once.
What?
I'll go to Eastgate myself
and hear what our honest Granny says about this.
Mandeok went with them?
I guess she wanted to look after Deong-ah's injury.
She's violated the departure prohibition order!
Oh dear...
No one can know about this.
I've told the workers that you sent her on an errand.
What happened in Jeju?
Did they decide who will deliver the tribute goods?
The contract bidding's still in progress.
When will they send the tribute goods if they're still carrying on with the bidding?
There's still time before the due date.
Chief Clerk Choe's not at fault.
Will it be on time for the royal wedding?
Yes, I think we'll make it.
If they can't get the goods delivered in time for the royal wedding,
I'll abolish the open bid policy in Jeju altogether.
Thank you for saving me back there.
Let me buy you a drink.
I was merely stating my opinion.
Come on, let me buy you a drink.
Your speech and your demeanor reminds me of Lord Kim Ungryeol.
You know Lord Kim?
Of course I do.
I put two and two together when I heard you transferred from the Commerce Control Bureau.
Your father and Kim Ungryeol are arch enemies.
I can imagine the hard time you must've had.
How did they become such enemies anyway?
Kim Ungryeol almost destroyed Minister Jeong digging things up and checking everything he did.
Luckily we were able to tie him into a crime and got him exiled.
He was framed and exiled for something he didn't do?
You didn't know?
Things were so nice and peaceful when he was gone...
He got lucky and was exonerated.
We should've killed him when we had the chance...
Young master, why were you out so late?
Lord Jeong said you left the office early and was looking for you.
What does he want?
What?
Young master, Lord Jeong's looking for you!
Never mind.
Young master!
I heard Mandeok's working for Eastgate in Jeju.
Really?
She wanted to be a merchant.
I guess she went into Eastgate.
She must be the reason you pushed for open bid on tribute goods transport contract.
She wasn't the only reason.
Thank you.
Sir, what's your relationship with my father?
Your father and I...
are simply on two different paths.
- Yeah! It's Haenam! - We're here!
It's Haenam!
[Haenam Harbor]
Excuse me, would you happen to know where we might find Captain Hwang's ship?
Right over there.
Yes.
Who are you?
We've come to take the ship.
Hwang said he'd rent this ship to your trading company?
Skipper Jang, just ignore it.
I can't give you the ship.
What?
I'm not realizing the ship to anyone until that bastard Hwang shows up himself.
So get out of here!
What are you talking about? You saw the contract.
You heard the man. Get out of here.
What's the meaning of this? We legally rented the ship
You're not taking it!
- What's this? - This is ridiculous!
Stop!
- Junior Foreman! - Be quiet!
You rented a ship from a gambling addict. What did you expect?
What are you waiting for? We're going back!
I stopped by to see how the tribute goods preparation was going for you.
Aren't you more interested in bidding for the tribute goods transport contract?
If this petty competition between us causes problems in delivery of the tribute goods,
wouldn't it cause problems for the whole of Jeju?
Since when were you so concerned about Jeju?
Tribute goods preparations are going well, so you don't need to worry.
Is that so?
Well, then I'll visit a friend since I'm here.
Where's Mandeok?
Are you sure you and Mandeok are still friends?
Did she go somewhere?
She's gathering medicinal herbs.
Please let me know when Mandeok returns.
Sure, I'll tell her.
The longer we stay, the more work we'll have to do when we get back.
Let's do some buying since we're here and go back.
We can't do that.
Being stubborn isn't going to change anything.
What to do?
They didn't look like they would budge.
Where's Mandeok?
Why did you come back here? You're not going to get the ship.
I heard you didn't get paid for you work you did, is that true?
Yes.
Hwang works us to the bones and skipped out on us.
We've to sell this darn ship,
but it'll be stolen goods if we sell it without Hwang.
So we're stuck with it.
Are you saying you'll pay us what Hwang owes?
Unfortunately, we don't have that kind of resources either.
What?
Then why did you call us here for?
There's a rental fee that we owe Captain Hwang.
And you want to give us that money?
Of course we can't do it without Captain Hwang's knowledge.
But the plan is to pay you that money provided Captain Hwang approves.
I don't know how much you owe him.
I'm sure it doesn't come close to what he owes us.
Yes, you're probably right for now.
But if the ship's chosen as tribute goods transport vessel,
I want you to be the crew.
Then every time we pay Captain Hwang rent,
you'll have a chance to collect from him.
- We can get our money! - That's great!
This will be much better than keeping watch over an anchored ship.
But if you don't get the tribute goods contract,
we get nothing, would we?
- I don't think this will work... - I won't deny that there is risk.
But there is an equal chance that we'll get the contract.
Skipper Jang, right?
We'd love to take you back with us.
How did you know my name?
It's Jeju gisaeng house cook Choksae's millet wine.
She wanted me to deliver it to you.
Choksae?
You can have as much millet wine as you wish while you're working for us.
What will you do?
Will you sit here wasting your days away or will you take a chance with us?
Please make your decision.
That's good!
Kim, go wake up Ma and Goh,
and get the ship ready.
We're going to Jeju!
Yes, sir!
What are you going to do if Eastgate brings a ship?
She's cool as a cucumber.
She must've a plan.
Vessel must be inspected and approved to be used for transporting tribute goods.
Son, I need you to talk to Assistant Magistrate Choe.
About what?
Tell him that if Eastgate brings a ship, it must be thoroughly inspected.
What if I get him to act and there's nothing wrong with the ship?
Kim Pansul wouldn't have left the ship intact.
So son,
tell Choe Namgu to turn the ship inside out and find every little flaw there is.
Very well.
You're making Foreman Gang turn Mandeok in for attempted escape?
How mischievous you are.
Wouldn't this please you as well?
This will be a hard one for Mandeok to weasel out this time.
Absolutely. I'll be indebted to you for life.
Let Choe Namgu know through Yoha that Mandeok's on board that ship.
We'll then just sit back, relax,
and let the dogs fetch us the quarry.
If the ship comes in, Mandeok will die,
and if the ship doesn't come, it's over for Eastgate.
You're sure brilliant, Madam.
Wh... what are you doing here?
How about you, sir?
Why are you on the deck?
I... I came to check the ship before we set sail.
Keep up the good work, my man.
Inspect the ship upon arrival?
Yes.
Inspect the ship inside out and find every flaw there is to find.
Those are my mother's instructions.
The things that woman will have me do.
Do you really think this is something I should bother the magistrate about?
I don't know.
You'll have to see the ship to know what's the condition.
How can he navigate the ship completely drunk?
Don't worry. We're almost home.
But Mandeok, are you going to be okay entering the port?
I didn't really leave Jeju.
I'm coming back, so it should be alright.
What if Westgate noticed you were gone and plotted another...
Why?
Are you under prohibition order from leaving the island?
Not at all.
Or are you a slave diver?
What are you doing?
You're a woman!
What's the meaning of this?
Don't you know it's bad luck to have a wench on board?
I'm going back to Haenam!
You can't do this now!
She wouldn't have come with us if this weren't a dire situation.
That's your problem!
The girl must get off this ship!
Please don't do this.
We're in the middle of the ocean, where is she going to go?
There's a canoe tied to the end of the ship, so get her off!
If I get off, would you go to Jeju?
No!
- Are you okay? - Yeah. How about the others?
Skipper Jang!
The sailing rope was just fine.
How did it snap like that?
Junior Foreman!
There is a knife mark on the sailing rope.
You mean someone intentionally cut the rope?
Let's get back to Haenam and investigate this while repairs are being done.
But Junior Foreman, how did you know that the rope snapped
and that it didn't come undone when you didn't even see it?
What are you insinuating?
Skipper, are you awake?
Was I out long?
Is it already dark?
It's daytime now.
What do you mean?
It's so dark.
Can it be... your eyes...
I'm finally going to get that wench Mandeok for violating the departure prohibition order!
It'll feel so good to give that wench what she deserves.
Yes, it will.
I'll be praying that their ship safely reaches Jeju.
Skipper, you shouldn't be out of bed in your condition.
You still haven't gotten off this ship?
This happened because you jinxed us!
Darn it!
It's my own fault for getting sucked into this over free wine and a few nyangs!
You could've died if Mandeok wasn't here to treat your wound.
Please sit down.
I'm sorry.
I sincerely apologize for deceiving you.
If you want me to get off this ship, I'll do so immediately.
Mandeok!
But please guide this ship so that it may reach Jeju safely.
I beg you.
Where are we now?
We're not sure.
If you tell us what to look for,
we'll be your eyes.
What you trying to accomplish with an injured man?
Just go into the cabin and get some sleep.
No.
If we want to make it for the bidding, we've to keep moving!
Why is this bidding so important that you're risking your lives for it?
The bidding isn't the only reason.
We gave our word that we would bring this ship back.
And we can't be merchants who go against our word.
You're doing this to keep your word?
Tell me the position of the moon.
It's left of the sail.
How about Rock Island?
About two miles away to the right.
Does anyone here know how to read stars?
Yes.
I studied astronomy when I was preparing for the interpreters exam.
Then tell me where the North Star is.
It's directly above Rock Island.
Then the archipelagos of Jeju must be nearby.
Turn the ship left three notches.
With a little help from the wind,
we should be able to eat breakfast in Jeju tomorrow.
Please bring my Deokpal back safely...
I pray to you, Dragon King of the sea...
Please bring my son back safely.
I pray to you.
- Please bring my son back safely... - Madam.
You left at dawn, have you been here all this time?
Praying is just about all we can do for those kids right now.
Isn't the ship here yet?
Seeing as your ship's not here yet,
it looks like this contract will go to Westgate.
The ship will be here.
Do we need to wait longer?
Westgate's the only company that has met all the conditions for this bidding.
The ship! The ship's coming!
Yes, my Deokpal!
Deokpal, hurry!
Approaching Jeju!
Bring her in slowly to the dock.
Magistrate,
I'll carry out an inspection of the ship immediately upon arrival.
An inspection?
Why does that surprise you?
It's normal procedure to see if the ship's fit to be used for transporting tribute goods.
It's just coming in from Haenam.
After a light maintenance...
The tribute goods vessel has to leave for Hanyang right away.
Inspection should be done in current condition.
If you're short-handed, my men will help.
Looks like Mandeok's still not back from collecting medicinal herbs.
I waited, but I haven't heard from her.
Search the ship inside out immediately upon arrival!
Not a slightest detail must be overlooked down to the last wooden nail.
Absolutely.
There might be someone on that ship who shouldn't be on board.