The Great Merchant
Episode 24
What do you want?
Never mind. Go ahead.
I'll check the port, so search for the foreman around this area.
- This line, let's go! - Yes, sir!
- Let's go! - Yes, sir!
So... you mean you couldn't find Gang Yuji?
Dongju even search the port inside out,
but I think we were too late.
Are you sure you didn't let him get away for old time sake?
Definitely not!
Foreman Gang,
no, Gang Yuji made my life a living hell!
I wouldn't.
However,
that thorn in the side Jeong Hongsu is back as the provincial magistrate.
Isn't this huge trouble for us!
Why do you talk like a coward?
We couldn't be rough with him back then when he had Kim Ungryeol and Minister Jeong Dong
covering his back.
Jeong Hongsu isn't someone who relies on connections.
He'll use whatever means he has to suppress Westgate.
I can't tell if you're worried or scared.
Junior Foreman's right in what he said.
Don't worry.
I'm certain Assistant Magistrate Choe can tame Jeong Hongsu that paper tiger.
Even paper can cut you if you mishandle it,
so always be on your guard.
An open bidding policy was put in place to prevent the negative effects of monopoly.
But never mind the bidding,
Westgate collecting and inspecting tribute goods,
how can you explain this?
Unlike Hanyang, Jeju doesn't have many businesses that can compete in biddings.
Tribute goods are government business.
I'm asking you why is the work being done by Westgate?
All goods go through Westgate anyway, so tribute goods also...
Call every registered merchant broker and leaders of each village.
They're busy people who work every day, why bother them?
If you want a welcoming party, I'll invite...
Carry out my order immediately!
Okay. Sure.
All merchant brokers have been called to the government office.
You should probably visit him before the meeting and say hello.
No.
Mandeok.
Lord Kim Ungryeol had to give up his post because of his relations with me.
If that should happen to Lord Jeong...
Lord Magistrate presiding!
Thank you for coming.
I called you here today to inform you that
future tribute goods collection and inspection will be done by this office.
Lord Magistrate, this office lacks resources for that task.
That's with Westgate's help we're able to send the tribute goods on time,
the sudden change will create problems.
I guess Westgate would be glad to have less work.
What benefit would it serve Eastgate for you to collect the tribute goods yourself?
It'll prevent Westgate from abusing its privilege to draw business,
so not only Eastgate, others will benefit as well.
Because of your personal feelings,
are you out to persecute Westgate?
Today's measure is the first step forward to bettering the lives of Jeju citizens.
If consumers descend into poverty, merchants can't survive either.
Always keep that in mind.
Did you ask your lover boy for help?
I intend to keep an eye on you.
You and the new magistrate.
Don't worry too much.
I already have a plan in action.
What kind of plan?
The list of tribute goods is huge from every variety of seafood,
grains, meats, etcetera, etcetera.
No way we can handle all that with the staffing we've right now.
Do you think that's enough to put off the new magistrate.
Besides,
I received an unusual number of staff vacation requests for the tribute goods collection day,
I approved them all.
[Merchants' Inn, Hanyang]
Good work, men. How did it go in Cheolla?
We started in Sooncheon and all the way to Gurae and Namwon.
Eastgate's fish were such a hit that we ran out before we got to Namwon.
Eastgate will be sending the seafood products to Hanyang this time.
But boss...
What is it?
I heard that fish prices took a nose dive in Jemulpo area.
Fish prices took a nose dive? What do you mean?
Boats are bringing huge hauls and prices are dropping right at the beach.
Is this information reliable?
Yes.
Find me the fastest messenger.
We need to alert Eastgate immediately.
Yes, boss.
Westgate Market Brokers, Jeju Island
Madam, the seafood products are ready for shipping to Hanyang.
Why are you so excited?
You've a hidden lover in Hanyang?
Excited? Are you kidding?
Thinking of the long travel makes me sea sick!
How are the goods?
They're the best we ever had in years.
The best of the best.
We mustn't lag behind Eastgate.
Get it there as fast as you can.
You can trust me on this, ma'am.
I'll get those little fishes to Hanyang in pristine condition.
Is it some kind of bad news?
It's not that...
The divers always gives us the best fish they catch,
what bad news?
That's right.
If things keep up, we should buy a freight ship!
Please stop talking about the stupid ship!
Don't yell at me.
You never learn your lesson.
Deokpal, that's enough!
Both of you, please buy some jars to make pickled fish.
Pickled fish?
We've top quality fish.
Why do you want to pickle them?
Ladies, call the divers in for a meeting.
And make sure Suwol, Gapsun and Oaksu come to the meeting too.
They're the worst divers we have.
What do you want with them?
I need their help on something.
Surprised I called you here suddenly, right?
Westgate's pestering me to give them the best fish,
but I'm saving them for Eastgate!
Go ahead and sell the best quality fish to Westgate at full price.
Why are you turning away what they're willing to give us?
Eastgate will take the mid to low grade fish.
This is so frustrating!
What on earth is happening? Tell us what you're up to.
We're going to be selling pickled fish.
Pickled fish?
If diving is too much for you,
you can help our ladies prepare the pickled fish.
What does she mean?
What's this about pickled fish?
I'll do it for you.
Mix it evenly.
We can make more profits selling them fresh.
With labor cost and expensive salt...
Why is Eastgate doing this?
The ocean harvest is abundant this year,
so there will be an increased supply of seafood in Hanyang.
That means price will drop.
Yes, but...
By the time our products reach Hanyang,
they will only be worth half the normal price.
It'll take months for the prices to come back up.
That's why you're making pickled fish which taste better with time?
Forewoman, come here and have a taste!
You really are an amazing cook!
I know.
My talent's wasted on this island.
Oh, absolutely. You're the star of Jeju!
It's an honor to be working with you!
Moonsun's Silk Store, Hanyang
I've even sent a letter that there's a surplus of seafood products in Hanyang.
What do you want me to do with all this?
Why are you yelling at me?
I'm just doing what I've been told.
Geez!
Minister Jeong Dong's expecting his money right now.
What am I supposed to do with all this cheap seafood?
Madam Oh will be livid if you can't take care of this.
I feel for you, Steward Oh.
What is it, ma'am? [Westgate Market Brokers, Jeju Island]
Seafood prices are on rapid decline and we're not to send a shipment.
But the ship has long set sail!
How could they tell us this now?
If you do business on the mainland,
you must take an interest in the mainland events.
I'm not a clairvoyant.
How could I know what's happening on the mainland sitting here in Jeju?
I heard Eastgate didn't send seafood to the mainland but pickled them instead.
How could we have been oblivious of information that even Mandeok knew?
[Eastgate Market Brokers, Jeju Island]
Sanghwang mushroom wine over here, please!
Why always order that expensive mushroom wine?
Because I can drink as much as I want and get up feeling great next morning!
We've tasty pickled damselfish as special appetizer today.
Have as much as you want!
This is the reason why I come to Eastgate!
Our wine.
If anyone else wants more pickled fish, just let me know!
Okay!
I come here for this stuff!
What are you doing here?
I'll buy some too.
With taste this good, they'll sell like hotcakes anywhere!
You bet.
Where's the forewoman?
What brings you here?
I heard things are going well for this place.
Well... so I came looking for an investment opportunity.
Are you interested in making an investment or loan sharking?
Let's just call it an investment.
But I'm not sure if I can get a decent return selling pickled fish of all things.
I'll expand the operation if you invest, but...
we're content with our current operation.
It's entirely your choice whether you invest or not.
All right.
I'll definitely invest.
Tribute collection deadline's a few days away, what are these letters for?
Deliver the letters to the people on the list.
This is...
It's to prevent chaos in tribute collection,
so don't let Assistant Magistrate Choe find out.
Okay.
It's been a long time since we last drank together.
What made you ask me for a drink?
I swear that Jeong Hongsu's going to drive me to my grave.
Isn't Magistrate Jeong Hongsu always been obsessed in changing Jeju.
What's wrong with Jeju as it is?
Exactly.
I don't know how I survived without my dear friend here.
Do you love wine that much?
I do indeed.
You just watch.
Soon Jeong Hongsu will come to me waving a white flag.
- What exactly do you have in mind? - I...
You think they can run the government office without Choe Namgu?
Of course not.
This is your turf and a veteran.
Can things be done without you?
It's good to have an old friend who appreciates me for who I am.
He'll get what's coming to him for looking down on Choe Namgu.
It'll be fun to watch.
[Jeju Government Office]
You've work cut out for you today, my man.
Here we go.
Is there only one man to take inventory of the tribute goods?
Several officials have taken leave of absence on account of unavoidable circumstances.
Is that so?
I couldn't make the deadline due to unavoidable circumstances.
A request for extension?
I'll take that.
Your fishing boat capsized in a storm.
Was anyone hurt?
We were lucky to survive.
I'll send an investigator to determine if you can be exempted from this collection.
Exempted?
Thank you! Thank you, sir!
What's this about extension and exemption?
Are we to collect what doesn't exist from victims of natural disaster?
Where are the horses and crops? Have you sent the notice?
Horses and crops will be collected on the 20th of next month.
20th of next month?
What are you talking about?
From now on, tribute goods will be collected by category on different days.
We made bigger profit on pickled fish sales from what we had projected.
Your foresight is incredible, Forewoman.
That's why she's the forewoman!
So I'd like to pay the divers generously for their labor.
That'll make them happy.
Is it true that the tribute goods collection went without a hitch?
Then I guess this means Westgate won't be involved in tribute collection anymore.
I'm dealing with the magistrate. I can't pick on him without a reason.
If you can't on the magistrate, pick on Eastgate!
You can do that, can't you?
How to pick on them when I've nothing?
Goodness!
Don't take it out on me because things aren't going your way.
I'm a business woman.
If I've nothing to gain, I've nothing to give.
Do you have any ideas?
This country has been under strict order prohibition since the previous King's reign.
But that order's just a mere scrap of paper in Jeju...
It's the law.
If there are businesses that sell liquor against the law,
there must be severe consequences.
Young Master, tell me if there's something you want to eat.
Look!
There are lots of yummy foods in Jeju.
We'll take some sweet rice cakes.
Young Mas...
Young Master?
Young Master!
We're back!
Look! He must've followed us from the market.
What a handsome boy! I wonder whose son is he?
You're...
Do you know who he is?
Your mother must be worried about you.
You should go home now.
What's this about, Assistant Magistrate?
Search every inch of the compound and find the wine cask!
Yes, sir!
What's the meaning of this?
What? This is a prohibition raid.
Aged to perfection!
Arrest the forewoman of Eastgate at once!
Yes, sir!
- Forewoman! - Let go!
Forewoman!
What's this?
It's wine recovered from Eastgate's kitchen.
Oh, my!
That's premium wine!
The forewoman of Eastgate has violated the prohibition order,
so I've placed her under arrest.
What's your command?
Lock her up.
- Take her away. - Yes, sir.
Assistant Magistrate Choe did his job for once.
Sahn!
What's wrong with him?
That's...
What happened?
He wandered into Eastgate while I wasn't looking,
and was frightened by the guards.
Eastgate? Why was my son at Eastgate?
Sahn, it's okay.
I'm not yelling at you, don't cry.
Leave. Right now!
Mommy's here, it's okay.
Everything's okay.
The forewoman?
Oh dear! What are we to do?
Who would've thought that my wine would cause this disaster?
Is this about the wine?
That Choe Namgu's the problem.
Forewoman...
You wish to see me?
The gisaeng house's guests for the past year,
get a list of those who attended Jeju's major festivals.
Yes, sir.
[Jeong Dong's estate, Hanyang]
Is this what you're paying me?
We barely scraped that together.
Does Oh Moonsun think that my time's over because we've a new King?
Don't misunderstand.
Misunderstand?
I heard that the silk store money has been flowing into other politicians' pocket.
Am I mistaken about that?
That's absolutely untrue.
It's just that we've lost the tribute goods collection privilege in Jeju,
and a huge loss due drop in seafood prices...
So?
You dare expect me to assume that loss, is that it?
Minister,
Lord Jeong Hongsu's appointment as Jeju's new magistrate is the very cause of this loss.
He harassed us by protecting the peddlers in Hanyang,
and now he's taking away the privileges Westgate has in Jeju,
what are we supposed to do?
Are you in? Sorry, wrong room.
Excuse me! Sorry, wrong room.
Foreman!
Oh! You shouldn't be carrying that backpack!
Why are you in Hanyang?
I brought a shipment of seafood products for the licensed market.
It's good to see you anyway.
Foreman, are you really that happy to see me?
- I really missed you, Foreman! - Stop!
People will think we're lovers or something!
Let's go inside.
Foreman.
How have you been doing?
I've been busy doing my legwork.
Let me give you a leg massage.
That's gross. Get away.
Gross? I'm hurt.
I'll give you a real nice rubdown.
No.
I'm afraid you'll get me back for all the beatings you took from me years ago.
Well, Foreman... well...
What? Is there something wrong?
I've to see a doctor to pick up some medicine for Young Master Gang Sahn.
This is the same doctor who took care of Daebang Gang.
And?
Perhaps that guy...
whether the daebang really died of a heart attack...
or...
if there was something else,
is it possible he knows?
I see your heart's elsewhere tonight.
I'm sorry.
What's bothering you?
Hongsu...
has learned that Westgate's dominance is driving the people of Jeju into poverty,
and he's trying to change that.
Knowing that the person protecting Westgate is Minister Jeong Dong,
must be real tough for him.
By the way, isn't your daughter also running a business in Jeju?
That's right.
I'm told she's pursuing a joint venture
bringing specialty items from Jeju into the mainland with the traveling merchants.
She's just as ambitious like you!
You think so?
If I ever get the chance to visit Jeju,
I'd like to meet her.
What health concerns bring you here?
I've come for Young Lord Gang Sahn's medicine.
Is that so? Just a moment...
I'm Daebang Gang Gaeman's son.
Tell me about you and my young stepmother's relationship.
What? I've never met the woman!
Do you need to be beaten to tell the truth?
We know that Madam Oh always came personally for Lord Gang's medicine,
you never once met the woman?
It was such a long time ago and my memory fails me...
Want me to refresh your memory?
I didn't do anything except give her medicine which treats heart disease?
She took nothing from you which could harm my father?
Of course not!
If you want to end up like this vase,
you can continue to lie.
I heard you became a rich man overnight after my father died.
I'll ask you one last time.
What do you know about my father's death?
I don't know!
How could I have know where she would use that thing?
That thing?
Madam asked for some poisonous herbs, so...
But who would've heard of a wife poisoning her own husband?
So I thought she had other use for it.
Foreman...
You toiled and moiled all your life...
only to be killed by a young wench?
Say something!
You pushed me out after being bewitched by that evil wench
and let her kill you?
How could you be that stupid?
Foreman, don't do this to yourself!
What are we, Father?
Are we nothing but puppets played in her hands?
Foreman...
I can't let that woman get away with what she has done.
I promise you she'll pay.
Mercy?
Give it to the dogs.
[Government Office, Jeju Island]
What's this?
Do you fellows have a death wish?
Sir!
What are you all doing here?
The offender will kneel!
What are you doing?
What's the meaning of this, Lord Magistrate?
This is a trial of those who violated the prohibition order.
Prohibition order?
Lord Magistrate, show me proof at once that I had violated the prohibition order.
Prohibition was ordered by the previous King to prevent the people from wasteful use of grain
to make wine during severe famine.
Lord Magistrate, if you know the purpose so well,
why have you arrested us?
That's right!
No one has ever been arrested for prohibition in Jeju up to date!
What's more, there is no famine and we've had good harvest!
I'm aware that's unreasonable to enforce the prohibition order in these conditions.
But the laws must be observed,
and laws must be fair.
So now I'll commence the sentencing of the offenders.
Sir! Lord Magistrate!
What is it?
How...
could we enforce the law...
word for word literally?
What do you mean by that?
It's unreasonable for the prohibition order to be enforced here in Jeju...
so I implore...
I can't hear you.
I implore you to be lenient!
We implore you to be lenient, sir!
As the newly appointed magistrate,
I feel compelled to pay heed to my native assistant.
Therefore, I hereby grant
the lightest sentence of monetary penalty to the offenders of the law.
Talk about bad luck!
Ridiculous getting arrested for drinking in this day and age.
Everyone's waiting for you.
I made everyone worry.
You're okay, right?
I just need a little rest.
Dong-ah,
I want to be alone for a little while.
My lord.
Yes, it has been a while.
My lord,
there's a place Mandeok goes to whenever she wants to be alone.
Foreman, what are you planning to do?
A national law has been broken and it ends with a measly fine?
You should've said you'd take lashes instead.
Look here!
That's easy for you to say.
That would've made the magistrate react differently.
You don't think he would actually give lashes to his dear Mandeok, do you?
If don't have guts, you should at least have a brain.
How can I trust either you or the Assistant Magistrate to take care of us?
Seoju, I want you to watch Mandeok's every move.
Yes, ma'am.
Junior Foreman, you'll watch Jeong Hongsu.
If the two do as much as exchange letters, I want to know right away.
Do you understand?
We were able to exploit the secret of father and daughter with Kim Ungryeol,
but isn't the situation different this time?
Who would criticize even if they were to carry on a relationship?
Exactly.
This was the perfect opportunity to have her whipped or jailed.
What a shame that is.
Are you saying that this is my fault then?
Stop the bickering!
If you've the strength to bicker, work on finding a solution!
If there's a way to shake the two of them up,
I don't care how low or contrived it seems, I want to hear it!
I'm sorry for putting you through this.
You should go back.
I'm okay.
But I'm not all right.
I missed you.