The Great Merchant
Episode 17
We waited long enough.
- Let's go! - Yes, sir!
Search every inch of this ship!
Don't let anyone slip out unnoticed!
Are you happy?
Or are you afraid?
Should you jump for joy now that you've a ship to enter the bid
or should you weep in fear that Mandeok will be caught on board?
It must be rather confusing.
So it's your guileful tongue that has Assistant Magistrate Choe acting up like this.
There won't be much Eastgate can do once Mandeok's captured.
Why don't you leave Eastgate and join me at Westgate?
I can help you.
Shut your mouth!
It's men like Choe Namgu who's manipulated by your trickery, not me.
Do as you please.
Anyone who refuses me...
will pay dearly for it.
Sir, no one's in the cabin!
Damn...
What's this search about? Who are you looking for now?
Who can it be?
It's Kim Mandeok?
- We're back, sir! - Good work.
- Mom! - Oh, my son, you're back!
Oh, my precious baby!
I guess you'll be the one weeping.
What was the result of the inspection?
Is the ship fit to enter the bid for the contract?
- Well, that's... - Magistrate,
any more delay will cause problems with the royal wedding.
Let's proceed with the bidding.
Very well. If both ships qualify,
the bidding for the tribute goods transport contract will be held tomorrow morning at nine.
I'll see you all then at the government office.
- Yes. - Yes.
- Shall we, sir? - Yes.
Madam, now we've a chance.
Senior Foreman Go, forgive me for belated compliments.
Congratulations on getting the abalone distribution contract.
It's such a huge responsibility and a bit nerve-racking.
Nerve-racking?
Why, when you've Madam?
She got you a contract that Eastgate wouldn't even dreamed of before she joined you.
I'm sure I don't have to tell you.
Nothing can go wrong if you listen to Madam and obey what she says.
What are you blathering about?
Am I wrong?
I thought Foreman Go relied on you for everything.
Well then.
It's a good thing you left Mandeok at Woodo.
There could've been a huge disaster.
But why were the state guards swarming at the pier anyway?
Moonsun found out somehow and got the assistant magistrate involved.
I'm sure it wasn't hard for her to find out knowing how cunning she is.
I've something to tell you.
We nearly didn't make it back from Haenam because someone had cut off the sailing rope.
I hope I'm wrong,
but I suspect it was the junior foreman.
You mustn't accuse anyone without proof.
Wait for the right time and bring Mandeok back.
But first, tell the gisaeng house cooks that I'd like to see them.
Okay.
Junior Foreman.
Eastgate Junior Foreman Kim!
Why do you have to botch things up
and force a peace-loving man like me to be violent?
I never dreamed Mandeok would convince the skipper to release the ship.
Do you use your mouth for anything other than making excuses?
Shut him up for good.
What?
Give me one more chance. Just one more chance.
I'll do anything you ask.
Just give me one more chance to prove myself to you!
I believed in your word and risked losing my job at Eastgate for you.
I can't lose everything I have.
Madam,
if you give me one more chance,
I'll give my life for you, madam!
- Your life? - Yes!
I'll do anything you ask.
Fine.
I'll give you one last chance.
Stop the old woman from helping Foreman Go run Eastgate.
What? I don't understand.
Turn the senior foreman against Granny.
So that he won't listen to her anymore.
The warehouse looked half empty.
Check the inventory and see what we need to restock.
Only you'd notice something like that while interrogating a man.
I must be getting close to my delivery date.
I feel so heavy...
Who in the world would do this?
Take a guess.
Foreman Gang?
He know that I was trying to use him to put Mandeok away.
This is a warning threat to kill me if I toy with him again.
How dare he! You're an expectant mother!
Leave him alone.
It's not wise to provoke him right now.
Thank you for coming.
Welcome.
We heard good things about Jeju deer antlers and came to see if we can buy some.
Dear antlers...
Let me show you what we have. This way, gentlemen.
Yes.
Unbelievable! About Madam, sir.
Some merchants are looking for deer antlers.
Shouldn't you be handling sales of such high cost items, sir?
She acts like she's the owner. I'm embarrassed to face the employees.
Don't say such things.
She's the reason we got the abalones distribution contract.
This is precisely the reason why people are saying she's more capable than you are, sir.
I'm sure you know what they used to say about Gang Gaeman in Hanyang.
He was a mockery of the merchants because he couldn't get out of Madam's shadows.
I'm truly afraid you might suffer the same disgrace, sir.
Sir,
a group of merchants came looking for deer antlers, so I made the sale.
What do you think you're doing?
Is this a report or an announcement?
Don't you think you should've acquired the senior foreman's permission first?
Don't make a fuss.
But Madam,
the deer antlers in the storeroom were already spoken for by another merchant...
I made a big mistake.
I'll speak to the merchants and get them back.
Be clear on this.
Madam, you're not the owner of Eastgate.
Where is this coming from?
Didn't you hear Madam Oh earlier talking as if you're the real authority of Eastgate?
Please pay no heed to her words.
She's cunning and manipulative.
Yes, I know.
But be that as it may, please confer with me before you make decisions such as this, Madam.
To keep things running smoothly, that is.
Of course.
Sir,
this tribute goods transport contract must be won under your supervision.
If you let Madam run the show,
no one will want to listen to you anymore.
Anyone who refuses me...
will pay dearly for it.
Did you wish to see us?
Yes, I wanted to ask you for a favor.
All we know what to do is cook...
That's the favor I need.
Would you do some cooking for us?
Granny told everyone that you were in the mountains gathering herbs the last few days.
And the bidding's tomorrow at nine.
How's the wage negotiation going with the ship's crew?
They're still talking.
But more importantly, the state guards were after you.
Westgate's doing, no doubt.
Mistress Myohyang, Gang Yuji and Moonsun?
You've a lot of enemies, be careful.
I will. Let's go.
We've to get ready for the bidding.
Thank you for coming all this way to help us.
We're not here to help anyone. We just want our money.
We won't be able to do that until we win the tribute goods transport contract.
It'll leave us with nothing paying you a daily wage of two nyangs each,
and we've no choice but to forfeit this bid.
So let's lower your wages.
You charlatans!
We brought the ship all the way from Haenam because we were promised our money.
What? You want to cut our wages?
Forget it! Let's go back, fellows!
What's this?
I'm sure the long ocean travel was physically taxing for all of you.
These are nutritious island foods that will help you restore vigor.
Do you think you can soften us up with food?
Wait. Are you by chance from Samgae Docks in Hanyang?
Yes, I am.
What's this?
Can't you see that we're in the middle of a meeting?
Why didn't you talk to me first before you prepared this food?
Then please continue with your discussion.
You see?
She hired the gisaeng house cooks without saying a word to you.
And this wage negotiation wouldn't be so difficult if it weren't for Mandeok.
She coaxed them to come here by promising them 6 months back pay owed by Hwang.
What authority does she have to make such an offer?
Both Madam and Mandeok,
think they are above you.
We're running out of time and we can't reach an agreement.
What are we to do?
Sir, please let me handle this.
I'll have it out with the seamen.
Okay.
Win this tribute goods transport contract for us.
I heard Senior Foreman kicked Madam out of the meeting room.
What? But they seem to get along so well. Why?
Mandeok!
I'm back.
Is there something wrong?
Go on inside.
I think the senior foreman and Granny are having an argument.
Watch your tongue!
The smallest rumor will spread like wildfire if it gets out of that door.
Yes, ma'am.
Did you work out the details with the crew?
The bidding's tomorrow.
If you break the agreement with us,
we'll report you to the authorities for fraud.
So give us our six months back pay or go to jail.
The choice's yours.
Please calm down.
I'm sure the senior foreman didn't mean what he said.
You don't know what you're talking about.
He was trying to lower our wages!
He said he would forfeit the bid unless we do.
If you win the tribute goods transport contract,
you told us you'd give us our back pay.
But your boss's telling us to be quiet and do what we're told.
Please don't be angry.
He wants his profit even if he can't pay us.
If this is how you want it,
we'll take the ship and go back to Haenam!
Sir, may I have a word with you?
I told you to stay out of the meeting! Did Madam tell you to spy on us?
No.
I came to ask you to honor the promise I made to the crew.
It doesn't help either side to lower the bid by cutting their wages.
Then do you have a suggestion?
Please give me authority to make adjustments so no one gets short changed.
It's in their interest to win the bid too, or they won't get anything out of this.
Senior Foreman, it'll be morning soon.
We can't hold off making a decision when they won't even budge.
Junior Foreman's right.
We're not in a position to give concessions.
Leave us.
What happened?
Senior Foreman totally won't even listen to me.
Were you in his room?
Yes.
But he's going to submit the bid at 98,000 nyangs.
We're paying 30,000 nyangs to rent the ship which is a critical disadvantage.
Westgate's well aware of that.
The only way for us to compete is to sacrifice the 37,000 nyangs of labor cost.
But how are we to approach the crew about this,
and why would they work with us when they won't get anything out of this?
Senior Foreman and Junior Foreman are taking care of this,
so stay out of it.
98,000 nyangs?
Yes.
The crew won't budge,
so we won't be able to go any lower than that.
Sounds like Madam wasn't involved in this decision.
Senior Foreman's no longer seeking her advice and making all the decisions with me.
Good. You may go now.
Are you making fresh rice for the crew?
Why are you wasting precious white rice on them again?
Just give them some millet rice!
You can't make a decent living on seamen's wages anywhere.
Do you think they're the only ones who are desperate for a bowl of rice?
When they're young, they all work their hands to the bone dreaming of owning their own ship.
When they get old,
they find out that life isn't that easy.
And that makes them angry and bitter.
You've to feel sorry for them.
The older they get, they become more desperate for a bowl of rice...
rather than owning their own ship...
Senior Foreman's leaving. Aren't you going with him?
- Let's see him off. - Wait.
I've to talk to him.
Senior Foreman!
I must talk to you.
What's it this time?
There's something I'd like to run by you and get your permission on privately.
Go on.
Do you think it's possible?
Yes.
It's just a matter of both sides making a concession.
Please trust me on this.
What kind of scheme...
You'll need everyone's signature for this to be effective at the bidding.
Yes.
Do you wish to join us?
Please go without me. I'll tend to matters here.
Let's go.
Maybe we should go to Gangjin and look for work there.
Jeju island is not the only place we can work in.
Isn't this unmilled rice?
It's your pay for bringing the ship to Jeju.
I can cook you a hot meal with this.
But what if I said you can sow this on a field and get back 100 times as much next fall?
What would you do if you can run your own ship with this one little sack of rice?
Our own ship?
How strange.
Mandeok and the old hag aren't here.
Are all bidders present?
Now we'll accept the bidding documents.
Review your final proposal carefully and bring it forward.
Please wait a bit longer.
What do you think you're doing?
Didn't Mandeok say she'd convince the seamen?
She did.
But I don't know if she can make it on time.
She will.
Please trust her and give her more time.
The tribute goods transport contract's the field that could give us abundant harvest.
But we're on the verge of losing that field because we lack seeds to sow.
You gentlemen, are holding those seeds right now.
So you want to cut our wages to get the contract and share the profits with us?
"Wage" is for hired hands.
Each of you will become partners in the tribute goods transport business
investing three years of your labor.
We're partners in the tribute goods transport business?
Yes.
If we come together and lower the bid,
we can beat Westgate and win the contract.
The profit Eastgate earns from this contract will be shared fairly with you all.
These aren't just empty words.
It's a promise the Eastgate Market Brokers's Senior Foreman's making himself.
Sir, the bidding's about to close. We must hurry.
Westgate's ready to submit the bid.
This is Eastgate's bid.
Please wait!
Sir, here.
This is Eastgate's bid.
The bidding's now declared closed.
I'll now review the documents
and award the contract to the company with a superior proposal.
I've concluded that both companies are equally qualified for the responsibility.
So the contract will be granted to the company with the lowest bid.
Make the announcement.
Yes, Magistrate.
Westgate Market Brokers.
67,800 nyangs.
What's this?
A 100,000 nyang job for 67,800 nyang. There won't be any profit.
That's insane!
Now for Eastgate Market Brokers.
Eastgate Market Brokers submitted a bid of...
60,000 nyangs.
The tribute goods transport contract's hereby awarded to Eastgate Market Brokers.
Magistrate, sir, this is fraud!
There's no way they can meet this price!
That's right! This is a scam!
Preparation and labor alone will cost over 67,000.
And they don't even have a ship!
This isn't a scam.
According to their business proposal, their oarsmen won't be paid wages.
You wench! If this isn't a scam, what is it?
Our ship's crew has agreed to share Eastgate's profit
from the actual business instead of taking wages.
So they will be our business partners, not hired hands.
Eastgate will, for the next three years,
handle the shipping of all Jeju's tribute goods.
Quickly proceed with the delivery of tribute goods for the upcoming royal wedding!
Yes, sir.
We lost...
We lost! This is an outrage!
How could you let this happen with your eyes wide open?
Quick! Call the Physician!
- Yes! - Seoju!
I'm so glad the royal wedding went well.
I was afraid the goods for the wedding may not arrive on time from Jeju.
Westgate Market Brokers has always come through for the state so I wasn't worried.
It was the Eastgate Market Brokers that brought the tribute goods actually.
That can't be!
According to the crew members of the freight ship,
Eastgate beat Westgate on the open bid and won the contract.
Where's Steward Oh?
I've been humiliated!
What was Moonsun doing while this happened?
Well, that...
A woman's but a woman.
She'll be even more useless once she gives birth to her child.
This can't go on.
Bring me names of rising merchants in Hanyang that might be of service to me.
Yes, my lord.
When Minister of Justice finds out about this, he'll surely discard us.
Maybe you should write him a letter of apology and turn him around.
I'll go see him personally.
I need to sit face to face to assuage him.
Did you say Captain Hwang owes money to loan shark Mu Mengdal?
Call him.
Okay.
Madam, it's Myohyang.
How do you feel?
What brings you?
I heard you're going to Hanyang.
I thought I'd tell you a funny story before you go to lighten your step.
I hope you're not wasting my time.
Go on.
When I was a young, there was an incident
where a deputy was caught smuggling ten sheets of cowhide and died after receiving 100 lashes.
A man was killed for stealing cowhide?
That just wouldn't have been ordinary cowhide.
Right, Madam.
Have you ever hear of black cows?
Black cows?
Jeju black cow hides are sacred objects use in royal funerals offered only to the king.
That's why they are raised on government ranch.
Stealing them is bad enough,
but if caught selling them in the black market...
There will be something far worse than lashes for the offender.
I got the arrow you left under my sheets.
Why do you shoot arrows, my son?
Does a man need a reason to want to become stronger?
After all this training to sharpen your skills, why do you aim your arrow at your mother?
You should know that I'm not your enemy.
We're going to have to join hands on this one.
Why would I want to do that?
I've an idea that won't harm a hair on your precious Mandeok's head
and completely destroy Eastgate.
Don't tell me it doesn't interest you?
Completely destroy Eastgate?
Madam, Mu Mengdal's here.
I've come to meet the owner.
I'm the owner.
My name's Mu Mengdal.
I'm interested in Captain Hwang's ship that's being used as the tribute transport vessel.
I heard Hwang received a loan from you with the ship as collateral.
Yes,
but may I ask why you're interested in my business?
What I'm about to propose will bring you bigger profit than your lending business.
Are you interested?
Well, this isn't costing me anything,
so please do indulge me.
Sell Captain Hwang's ship to Eastgate for half its worth.
Half its worth?
You know how much money we're talking about?
I'll pay you the other half.
That's if you're successful in talking them in to buying the ship.
It's a winning proposition for you.
I don't care where the money's coming from as long as I get paid.
Since you're set on doing this, your generosity will be much obliged.
That's right.
Skipper Jang, you're back!
I was just cooking your favorite fish soup for you.
I hope you've some millet wine too. Let's start with that.
Gulp, gulp.
Good work, fellows.
Welcome back.
You must be exhausted. Please come inside.
Yes.
Captain Hwang!
What? Captain Hwang? You bastard!
How dare you skip out on us without paying?
Mercy, fellows! Mercy!
Where's he?
You bastard!
Please stop!
If you hurt him, you won't get the money he owes you.
What's this commotion?
I thought I was throwing you to the dogs...
but this is too boring.
Who are you to provoke this despicable fight?
What's this fearsome glare from a little old woman?
Allow me to introduce myself.
My name's Mu Mengdal.
I've come to collect a debt.
I've already told your people that we'll pay you when we get paid by the government.
I'm not talking about your debt,
I'm talking about his debt.
Should we continue this out here?
This man says he'll be collecting monthly fees for the ship he rented out to you.
Yes,
but the unpaid wages issue must be resolved first.
You won't take one step out of this place until you give us our money!
Please...
I get the picture.
I understand Eastgate's doing some work for the government with the rented vessel.
How about this?
It would benefit you if you can buy the ship at a bargain price,
and Captain Hwang can pay off his debt with the proceeds of the sale.
Senior Foreman, why don't you buy my ship?
We don't have the resources to purchase a freight vessel at this time.
At what price are you willing to let it go?
The 100,000 nyang loan plus 50,000 delayed interest,
150,000 nyangs will do for me.
The ship's worth 300,000 nyangs,
but I'll let it go for 200,000?
No, 150,000 nyangs.
You would be willing to sell your ship for 150,000 nyangs?
Sir, if we buy a ship,
we can continue reaping profits beyond the three year contract.
I'll loan you the money if you'd like?
You've well established credit.
We get paid a monthly operating fund from the state.
You can pay him back with that money.
50,000 nyang interest on a 100,000 nyang loan...
That's an exorbitant loan!
I'm going to be here all night!
Do whatever you wish.
Wait.
Would you give us time to consider?
Senior Foreman,
why are you counting your eggs before they hatch?
It's too risky.
If I don't hear from you by tomorrow, I'll go somewhere else.
Let's discuss this.
No.
I'll think about this alone.
[Jeong Dong's estate, Hanyang]
I'm sorry to have disappointed you with both the abalone and transport contract.
I gave you plenty of chances.
I want you to leave this house.
I said leave!
You dare refuse?
I'll leave.
But before going,
may I ask you a few questions about you and Madam Kim, the former palace matron?
Madam Kim?
I once overheard a conversation between her and another former palace matron years ago...
that you had tampered with the King's meal...
Silence!
You must've a death wish!
How dare you attempt to vilify me!
We're on the same boat, my lord.
I'm not trying to dig up the past.
I'm trying to tell you that Madam Kim now works for Eastgate Market Brokers.
What?
But there's no need to be alarmed.
I already have a plan to take care of this situation.
Young Master, you're home.
Where is the minister going in such a hurry?
That's... the owner of the silk store was here just now.
As soon as she left, he...
Owner of the silk store?
You mean Moonsun?
What did she want with my father?
I'm not sure about that,
but something about tribute goods transport ship.
Palace Matron Kim's alive?
How could a woman who died twenty years ago be still alive?
I thought Gang Gaeman had taken care of her...
but she's alive.
How could this have happened?
If she comes back here and dredge up the past...
Then our safety can't be guaranteed.
You know how many people were killed as a result of that incident?
We can't let that come up again.
Let's find the woman and get rid of her.
It shouldn't be a difficult task.
We can't act in haste.
Minister Jeong's right.
This isn't the right time.
Weakened by the royal wedding,
the Westerners are zealously watching us, looking for an excuse to strike us.
If Kim Ungryeol should get wind of this, nothing good can come from it.
Then what do you suggest?
We can't kill her nor keep her alive.
I'm sure Moonsun has some kind of a plan or she wouldn't have come to me with this.
Let's just observe what happens for now.
I hope I'm not bothering you visiting like this unannounced.
I've been meaning to talk to you about Jeju.
Sit down.
About Jeju?
I'm sure you heard about Eastgate acquiring the tribute goods transport contract.
Yes.
I heard from one of the crewmen when I went to the port for inspection
that Mandeok played a crucial role in winning the contract.
Did you know about that?
Is that right?
I worry about her all the time,
but I guess she's doing alright.
Did you want to talk to me about something specific?
No.
That way! All the way in!
All the way!
Yes. Have you given it some thought?
If you're low in funds,
I wouldn't want you to over extend yourself.
Let's just go.
Hold on.
Why? Do we have anything left to discuss?
Let's do it.
I'll buy the ship.
I wouldn't want you to over extend yourself on account of me.
Are you sure you want to do this?
Don't worry.
Eastgate isn't completely without resources.
You made a very wise purchase.
You won't regret it.
Thank you.
Let's have dinner sometime.
Well then...
He must've signed the contract.
Things are moving too fast.
Dong-ah, I want you to quietly follow that man.
Okay.
You're right about Kim Pansul and Mu Mengdal being suspicious.
I followed Mu as you asked, he went straight into Westgate.
I guess all we can do now is to pray that our fears don't come true.
No.
Our fears will come true.
What?
Actually, there's a good chance that something even worse will happen.
What's this?
Black cow hide.
I'll use this to close down Eastgate for good, and drive Madam out of Jeju.
Go get some shuteye.
I'll keep watch for a while.
What is it?
There are items on this ship that shouldn't be there.
- This is... - Black cow beef and hide.
Arrest those illegally trading black cow and get to the bottom of their operation!
Arrest the senior foreman of Eastgate Market Brokers!
Collect on the promissory note now.
You're going to have to pay me back the loan at once.
Something terrible happened!
Senior Foreman's dead!