The Great Merchant
Episode 19
Are you the one who planted the black cow goods on our ship?
Right, it was me.
How...
How could you do such a thing and be so shameless?
Our senior foreman's dead because of you, and the Eastgate people lost their home!
Eastgate has been shut down, so you've lost your home as well.
Let me take care of you now.
I'd rather jump into the ocean than to be with you.
Do what you will.
But don't forget.
Whoever you choose to cast your lot with next will end up just like Eastgate.
I, Gang Yuji, will make sure of it.
I won't cast my lot with anyone.
I'll rebuild Eastgate with my own hands and restore its good name.
Madam, it's Seoju.
- Did Mandeok leave? - Yes.
And after she stormed out, the foreman...
No, well... he threw a fit in his room destroying everything in sight.
What are we to do now that Mandeok knows that we're involved?
She'll probably go straight to Kim Ungryeol.
That's exactly what I'm after.
What you're after?
The information that Mandeok gives Kim Ungryeol will become the cause of this demise.
Deliver this good news to Minister Jeong, Kim Ungryeol's going down.
Nothing has happened yet. Isn't that premature?
Seoju,
watch Mandeok and Granny very closely and report their every move.
Okay.
I had my suspicions, but...
Come to think of it, Kim Pansul was acting strange the other day.
Acting strange?
On the day of Foreman Go's burial,
Kim Pansul stayed behind alone at Eastgate.
I thought it was strange of Kim Pansul to have stayed behind during Foreman's burial at the time,
but if he was working for Westgate...
Please call in Kim Pansul and Gang Yuji and investigate them.
Okay, I'll do that.
There's one more thing I need to tell you.
What is it?
I met with the rancher who released the black cow goods.
He was unsure that the man who took the black cow goods was Foreman Go.
An uncertain witness?
And they still arrested Foreman Go?
Yes.
But he refused to change his testimony,
there was nothing I could do.
If only he would come forward with this...
I'll go back and try to persuade him.
It won't be easy.
Westgate won't let that happen.
But I can't give up.
Just stick to the story no matter what Kim Ungryeol says.
Everything will be fine.
Don't worry.
I can handle this.
I only speak out of concern for you, so don't take it the wrong way.
The state guards are getting impatient...
Okay. Let's go.
This is Go Seoju's signature confirming Westgate's delivery of the tangerines.
It wasn't black cow goods but tangerines that Gang Yuji loaded on the ship that night.
Go Seokju's signature...
Yes, how did the questioning go?
Kim Pansul and Gang Yuji both stated that they were tangerines crates.
If they're in on this together, I'm sure they coordinated their stories.
The black cow goods were found right under Westgate's tangerine crates.
Don't you find that suspicious?
This happened the night before Foreman Go took inventory of the goods on board.
Does it make sense that Go Seokju didn't see the black cow goods right under the tangerine crates?
Merchandise loading was already closed when Gang Yuji went on board with those crates.
So happened they missed an item and delivered it late, and...
we've Go Seokju's signature that tangerines were received.
What other proof do you need?
This doesn't even merit an investigation, sir.
Where are the suspects?
Stop crying.
Oh, dear!
I spent half of my life here!
How could we go down so completely?
Where are we supposed to go now?
I'm so angry I can't contain myself!
That's why we've to get it back, mom.
Once it's proven that Eastgate's innocent, we can rebuild it from ground up!
Oh, dear! I think I need a drink.
No, we've to start thinking about selling drinks now.
I don't know how I'm going to make a living.
You'll call me back if you get Eastgate back, won't you?
Of course.
Mangan...
I'm glad everyone has found a place to go.
Madam... Mandeok...
You know the inn we're going to, right?
Come and join us there once you're done wrapping things up.
We'll have a clean room ready for you.
You should go before you're late.
Let's go inside.
Are you aware of the problems you've caused this office
by failing to deliver the tribute goods on time?
Forgive me, sir.
I'll make sure that it never happens again.
This is an important case that's being closely watched by the royal court.
But as it stands, there's no tangible proof of Westgate's involvement,
so I'll dismiss the investigation.
Magistrate!
You're released.
You can't do this.
I implore you to investigate further.
There are no grounds for further investigation.
I know they're desperate,
but to accuse their own junior foreman...
That's pretty pathetic, don't you think?
Watch your words, Assistant Magistrate.
Our mistake has caused damage to your reputation.
My apologies.
I don't know how I'm going to make a living now that my credibility as a merchant has been ruined.
Come and work for Westgate if you don't have anywhere to go.
We know you're a capable man since you held the position of junior foreman.
I'll find a position for you.
This is a blessing in disguise.
You got yourself a solid job when Eastgate has been shut down,
so you've to thank Mandeok.
It's gone!
Gone? What's gone?
The letter.
The family register with my name and birth date on it.
Did you look for it?
Why would that be missing?
I don't know.
I thought I had it in a safe place, but it's now gone!
Someone must've taken it.
Think. Who could it be?
Kim Pansul stayed behind alone at Eastgate on the day of Foreman Go's burial.
I thought it was strange of Kim Pansul to have stayed behind during Foreman's burial at the time,
but if he's working for Westgate...
That day, the day of the burial,
father said he ran into Kim Pansul as he was coming out of this room.
If Kim Pansul gave that letter to Moonsun or Foreman Gang,
they will use it against Lord Kim Ungryeol.
Destroying Eastgate isn't enough...
Where are you going?
I'll be right back.
The letter?
Didn't you have the junior foreman steal it from me to use as leverage?
Do I look that low to you?
I'm just a dirty, reprehensible thief to you, aren't I?
You got the wrong man. I know nothing about a letter.
Must you entrap me and Lord Kim Ungryeol like this to be satisfied?
You're low.
I said I don't know what you're talking about.
Give it back.
Don't disappoint me again.
What am I to you anyway?
First you try to get me implicated in the black cow hide case,
and now you accuse me of being a thief?
You're free to think what you want.
But you'll get nowhere hounding me about this.
- Was it Mother? - Huh?
Did she have Kim Pansul steal something that belongs to Mandeok?
Why do you always ask me such hard questions?
I don't know things like that.
Really? Then I'll ask her myself.
What?
You're not exactly her favorite person right now so don't make trouble over something like this.
I'm not afraid.
Please don't do this!
You always get into trouble when you react without thinking!
You take it out one me every time you get into trouble, I'm sick of it!
Did you promise Mother that you'd stop everything I try to do?
Name one person in Jeju who's more loyal to you than I am!
Don't let your temper get the better of you.
Think and plan your move first!
I hate it when you hit my head like that!
I'll take your advice.
Huh?
You're right.
I can't win like this.
I've to wait.
If I don't want her to get me first,
I've to wait quietly and catch her off guard.
What are you waiting for? Aren't you coming?
Huh?
Yes. Coming!
Everything went well as you said it would.
I heard you're all set to come work for us now.
You can stop now.
That ought to be enough to weaken Kim Ungryeol's position, don't you think?
Absolutely.
From what Yoha heard,
Magistrate doesn't trust him anymore since the inquisition.
Find Kim Ungryeol and tell him I want to see him.
Do you think that stiff man will come just because you ask him to?
Just say what I tell you to say.
Then he'll have to come.
From Hanyang and now here in Jeju...
you and I go a long way back, sir.
Dispense with the small talk
and tell me why you're here?
The madam owner of Westgate asks to see you.
Tell her that I've no business with her.
Kim Mandeok.
She says it's regarding the bearer of that name.
Please make your decision after considering who holds the sword.
It's chrysanthemum tea.
Nothing's better at clearing your head.
Why did you want to see me?
You were born between a woman of Jeju Eunhong and me, Kim Ungryeol.
And this is your name.
Kim Mandeok.
Your daughter Kim Mandeok was my childhood friend.
That's why I asked to see you before the situation gets out of hand.
Do you think I would renounce my duty to the state over your threat?
I'm sure if this gets out you can simply retire from service and be done with it,
but what happens to Mandeok who was just recently exempted from base status?
Do what you wish with the knowledge you have.
But don't bother me with this matter again.
Don't worry. I won't.
Because this is my last and only warning.
Warning?
You're threatening my company and my employees' livelihood,
how can I be idle?
So...
you're going to take this letter, report me and Mandeok?
Yes.
I'll tell the magistrate that Mandeok perjured herself when she testified that
her father was dead at her emancipation hearing along with irrefutable proof.
What will happen then?
She'll maintain her comer status since her father's a nobleman,
but she will be punished for perjury.
And if you to save her,
you've to see the King in Hanyang,
and by the time you get back to Jeju,
it might be too late.
[Jeong Dong's Estate, Hanyang]
Did Madam Oh send goods news, sir?
Good news indeed!
She found a way to get rid of Kim Ungryeol.
That's wonderful, sir.
I've sacrificed so much to eliminate Kim Ungryeol,
and at last my efforts will pay off!
I guess I'll never have to see Kim Ungryeol's face again in the palace, no, in Hanyang.
Never see Kim Ungryeol again? What do you mean by that?
What's the meaning of this? Don't you know how to knock?
Eliminate Kim Ungryeol?
Is that what you said?
This doesn't concern you. Leave us!
I'll find out myself then.
Don't start anything you can't be responsible for!
I'll assume responsibility for my own actions, so don't worry.
How dare he...
Yes. What's the urgent matter you wanted to see me about?
I'd like to go down to Jeju.
On what business?
There's something I neglected to mention to Lord Kim regarding the black cow case.
I'd like to go and straighten it out myself.
But this doesn't concern the Board of Punishments...
The truth is, I think Lord Kim Ungryeol's in trouble.
By chance, is Minister Jeong involved in this?
[Jeju Government Office]
Yes, what did you wish to see me about?
I'm walking away from this investigation.
Thank goodness.
You've been dragging a case that's already over.
I'm not talking about stopping the investigation.
I've sent a report to the royal court,
so please take over this investigation.
When did you send the report?
I apologize for embarrassing this office with my incompetence.
But this case can't be swept under the rug.
You're a stubborn man, Inspector.
The rancher who testified against Go Seokju's the key.
Please question him again.
Not yet?
Be quiet.
Please hurry!
Dongju!
What are you doing here?
Oh, that...
Why are you bent over in front of Madam Oh's room sweating like a hog
with your hands clinging the door knob?
I don't know.
Did you hide something in there?
Madam!
What's wrong?
It's... it's my back.
My back's been hurting since that time I got beaten up by the foreman.
I can't move, I'm stuck.
What?
That's why you're squatting here sweating like a hog?
That nasty boss's making your life so hard!
Yes.
But I'm lucky I've a sister like you.
Help me.
Okay.
Let's go.
Don't be such a baby.
I don't see him.
Who goes there?
Do you happen to know the man who lives here?
He hasn't been around for a few days.
A few days?
Then, do you know where he might have gone?
Perhaps to visit a friend or family?
No, he's a widower with no family and friends.
Without the rancher, this isn't going to be easy.
And with the bad rumor going around about Lord Kim Ungryeol...
Bad rumor?
People are saying that Kim Ungryeol made up lies trying to protect you and Eastgate.
I've to get to the bottom of this if only to dispel such false rumors.
What are you doing here?
It's an urgent matter so I came to deliver the message myself.
What is it?
They're going to reinvestigate the rancher who testified against Foreman Go.
What for when Foreman Go is dead?
It was Kim Ungryeol's last request,
so the magistrate obliged.
Uncle, find the rancher at once and make sure he doesn't talk.
Okay.
That man, Kim Ungryeol's making trouble to the very end...
Assistant Chief Jeong!
What are you doing here?
Are you alright?
Did you come for me?
From Hanyang...
From Hanyang... I heard you were in trouble...
I'm alright.
How's the investigation going?
I wanted to wrap up the case before I left, but I must return to Hanyang urgently,
so I've asked the magistrate to continue the investigation.
Are you sure you're alright?
My lord...
The hair pin suits you well.
Yes.
Thank you.
How have you been?
Would you be disappointed if I said I've been well?
I want to tell you that I've been well too,
but I'm afraid I look rather pitiable right now.
You don't look pitiable.
I know you're keeping up your spirit and doing fine.
I appreciate your trust in me.
But what brings you to Jeju anyway?
Sit down.
No.
Mandeok's my daughter.
And the letter you've in your possession
was written by me for her.
Don't worry.
Once you back off this case,
your secret will stay buried.
I'll go back to Hanyang
and submit my resignation.
But if you hurt Mandeok for any reason at any time,
I won't be idle.
I'll remember that.
Don't worry, baby.
I'll protect you better alone than ten fathers of that kind.
So don't worry.
Palace Matron Kim?
Dongju! Dongju, are you there?
Yes! Yes, did you call?
Do you know why people call Mandeok's grandmother Madam?
I heard the old woman used to be a matron of the royal palace.
Palace matron...
So that old woman's Palace Matron Kim...
Yes?
Do you know where the old woman and Mandeok are staying right now?
Yes, I know but...
Lead the way. I must see the woman at once.
He says he's going back to Hanyang because an urgent matter has come up,
but I think he's planning to resign.
Resign?
Why all of a sudden?
I think Westgate's using something against him to threaten him.
It's got to be my family register he gave me when he was here last time.
They're using that to blackmail him.
Junior Foreman has gone to work for Westgate.
It's certain that Kim Pansul was spying for them all along.
Then perhaps Westgate's hiding the rancher too.
Either that or they're looking for him to shut him up.
Dong-ah, you and I should keep an eye on Westgate and Kim Pansul.
Yes, my lord.
It's this place.
Be careful.
I'll take good care of him. Don't worry.
We'll find the rancher soon.
I'll wait here, sir.
Where are you going?
I'll come back when Mandeok isn't here.
Mandeok's always the problem!
By the way,
when did Jeong Hongsu came back and start hanging around Mandeok again?
Again? She's always the problem!
I found out where the rancher's hiding.
Good.
Take care of him before he can make trouble for us.
Okay.
Don't slip up.
Please don't resign.
You can't give up your career on account of me.
What's the point of holding a government post when I can't serve the country?
We need you to stand up and fight from the royal court.
I'm doing this more for myself than anyone else,
so don't worry.
Father...
I've asked the magistrate to continue the investigation.
Once the witness comes forward,
the truth will reveal itself.
Yes.
I'm sorry that I couldn't see the investigation through the end.
Don't worry.
I'll see it through the end.
What am I doing hiding in this dark cave on a beautiful day like this?
I... I've done nothing wrong!
Why are you hiding then?
We came to help you hide permanently.
You scum... what do you think you're doing!?
My lord...
You betray those who trust you and now you're trying to commit murder?
Get out of here.
Are you okay?
What do you want with me?
I'm not going to hurt you, so don't worry.
I'm an official of the Board of Punishments.
What? Board of Punishments?
They will come after you again to stop you from testifying.
Come forward with the truth, then the government will help you.
Then you'll be safe.
Oh!
What are you going to do tomorrow?
Are you going to see Lord Kim Ungryeol off?
I can't face him...
We found the rancher!
You lost him?
Did you say you lost the rancher?
That...
Jeong Hongsu came out of nowhere, and...
Jeong Hongsu?
Then you should've made sure that the witness was dead!
What now?
One statement from that man's mouth can shake the very foundation of our company!
I don't know what to say, ma'am.
Find and kill him at once. Immediately!
Okay. Let's go.
Uncle,
did you think of a way to quietly take care of Madam?
There are plenty of places in Jeju where an old woman can have an accident.
I'll get her after I take care of this.
I don't have a very good feeling.
Hurry.
Enjoy the food.
You're just leaving?
I heard you had a hard day today.
Eat and rest.
The truth is,
I never saw the face of the man who took the black cow goods.
I'll go to the government office.
I'll tell them that I made a mistake.
You really will do that?
Thanks for the food.
Why are you so startled?
Did you do something you don't want me to know?
I'm not startled.
Where are you going in such a hurry at this time of night?
Do I have to report to you everything I do?
I'm just worried about my son being out late at night, that's all.
Don't get so uptight about it.
I can take care of myself, so don't fret.
What do you want with me?
I found a very interesting book.
A ledger of a Jeju peddler named Gang Gaeman
till he became the Six Licensed Shops' Deabang
with detailed records of every back-handed dealings with Minister Jeong Dong.
Where did you get that book?
So you do know about it.
There were numerous secrets that can bury Minister Jeong.
I asked you where you got that book.
They said my father died of an illness.
My father's not the kind of man who would hold such a powerful card and conked out.
But he did.
We live and die by the will of Heaven.
Isn't it possible that it was the will of people not Heaven who caused his death?
I'm asking if you think the possessor of this ledger conspired with Jeong Dong to kill my father,
is that possible?
Why do you ask me such a question?
I know nothing, so leave.
Palace Matron Kim!
You're the one they called Palace Matron Kim, so you should know about this.
Jeong Dong tried to poison the King,
but you figured it out.
Jeong set you up and had you thrown out of the palace,
so you dug up where Jeong's minion acquired the poison and recorded all the details.
Are you still going to deny knowing about this?
It was decades ago.
I don't remember.
You raised Oh Moonsun and you know all about Jeong Dong's shady dealings!
I don't know!
Father, what are you doing here?
I've located the old woman as you ordered.
The Minister of Board of Punishments is here.
The Minister of Board of Punishments?
You must reinvestigate the black cow case.
Who do you think is the real culprit?
Gang Yuji's going to find the witness.
We must protect the witness.
I'll kill you all!
Give me Mandeok's family register.
Why do I have to?
Then I'll talk to Minister Jeong.
- About the ledger... - The ledger?
Does that make you want to change your mind?
The woman's supposed to be dead, why is she still alive?
Her death has already been planned.
You and I are the only ones who know about the ledger,
so one of us has to die.
I guess this is where this ill-fated relationship will have to end.