The Great Merchant
Episode 27
What brings you here, Lord Magistrate?
I've come to investigate Westgate for suspicion of smuggling.
Smuggling?
I've no idea what you talking about.
Myohyang was captured making an illegal purchase from Japanese merchants.
Is that so?
I know nothing of this.
Denying won't get you off the hook.
If you don't believe me,
conduct an investigation by all means.
But Westgate has nothing to do with whatever Myohyang was caught doing.
Search Westgate's compound,
find proof of illegal trading!
Yes, sir!
- Search the room! - Yes, sir!
What's this about?
Isn't this a place of business?
Where were you about an hour ago?
I was on a picnic with my son Gang Sahn, enjoying the spring sunshine.
We've searched the storehouse, no pearls or Dangyuja tangerines.
Lord Magistrate.
What is it?
These were found in Myohyang's room.
These are promissory notes.
Thanks to you,
we've caught an in-house thief.
Myohyang must've been filling her own pockets with illegal deals.
Lord Magistrate,
so you did indeed caught an offender this time.
Silence!
I want to see you in my office tomorrow morning.
The truth will come out once we question all of you together.
Certainly.
I've done nothing wrong,
so I'll be there with bells on.
How you can weasel out of this one...
let's see.
Uncle,
you've dumped all the pearls into the sea, right.
Would be disastrous if Assistant Magistrate Choe didn't tip us off.
They will never find the pearls in the vast sea anyhow.
There's no proof that you're involved in any pearl smuggling.
You made sure the workers won't open their mouths?
Yes.
Look how lustrous and beautiful that is!
I wish someone would buy me one.
Oh my goodness! Stop dreaming.
Just make sure these are no bad pearls mixed in.
Bad pearls?
No, no! Not that!
Just that there're so many imposter Jeju pearls out there.
Don't misunderstand.
I'm not saying you ladies did anything.
Those imposter pearls have us upset as it is.
I never said anything to Westgate because they collected the tribute goods all this time,
if they're smuggling Japanese pearls, I'll let them have it!
That's right!
A wench from the mainland’s driving the value of Jeju pearls down and getting rich.
We're disgracing our ancestors, letting her get away with it!
Please calm down.
The truth will come out soon enough.
How can we calm down?
My father's seventy this year.
He still have to do sentry duty because those darn Japanese keep plundering our village!
The mere mention of those Japanese makes my blood boil!
Did the forewoman tell you to say this?
If you denied Westgate's involvement,
she would set you up for life, is that it?
I was merely having a visit with a former client of mine back when I was a gisaeng.
A visit with a former client?
Accompanied by a band of armed guards at a hidden location?
Do you really expect me to believe that?
You've no choice but to believe.
Isn't that the situation?
If you still unconvinced,
ask the Japanese merchant directly.
Whether or not he has ever met me.
Well... I've never met this woman.
But I did ask Myohyang
whether she could sell the pearls for us.
I beg for leniency.
We're suffering a terrible famine in Daemado,
so we came in desperation to make some money.
Please have mercy.
Do you think financial hardship's an excuse for breaking the law?
We would have eaten the pearls if they were edible.
For the hungry like us,
food's more important than the law.
And since Myohyang said that she had forgotten about those received payment notes.
no crime has been committed if we don't press charges.
So are you asking me to release her?
Yes.
Is it a crime visiting an old client?
If no crime committed, you needn't worry.
Wait until the investigation's complete.
I'll find you the proof that you want.
Lord Magistrate!
- Guards, take them to their cells! - Yes, sir!
I... I beg for leniency...
We would have eaten the pearls if they were edible.
Magistrate.
What did you find out?
Not one ship left the port yesterday.
Then...
where do you think the Westgate's pearls had disappeared to?
Looks like someone was one step ahead of us.
Check Myohyang's records from back when she was a gisaeng headmistress.
Look for things like money siphoning, unlawful dealings with the Japanese.
Don't leave out any detail.
Yes, Magistrate.
Deliver this to Lord Kim Ungryeol.
It's a list of stores in the licensed market that sold Oh Moonsun's imposter Jeju pearls.
But foreman,
I just got back from Hanyang and found my older sister locked up in jail.
I can't leave her and go off again.
Dongju.
Yes, Foreman?
You're a brother to me now.
Trust me.
We need Lord Kim Ungryeol's help if only to save your sister.
Okay.
Foreman, then I'll come back as soon as I can,
so please be safe.
Madam, you'll get my sister out, won't you?
She's like a mother to me and my brother.
You've to help her.
Don't worry about that.
Just go and tell Myohyang to keep her mouth sealed.
Okay, I'll go right away now.
- But if Jeong Hongsu persists... - Madam!
What is it?
Madam, I found this outside your door.
What's wrong?
Gang Yuji... was here!
Don't be scared.
We doubled the guards and I'm here too,
so you just get Jeong Hongsu off our backs.
That's right.
We bought a little time with the notes, but...
We can't keep on trusting Myohyang.
She let Dongju slip away too.
What did Madam Oh say?
The pearls have been disposed.
The Japanese merchant has been bought, so they've to release you soon, she said.
So eat your food and hang in there.
Yes, okay.
Seoju, don't you worry.
Daemado envoy, Takeda Shin.
It's a 5 day diplomatic stay in Jeju in regards to our Daemado merchants
who are currently in your custody.
Welcome. Please have a seat.
May I ask for what reason you've detained the merchants of Daemado?
Your Daemado merchants were captured smuggling Japanese pearls into Jeju.
They will be sent to Hanyang for sentencing once investigation's complete.
If it's smuggling, please provide proof of allegation!
We haven't completed yet, we're still investigating.
Detaining a foreigner without proof of crime?
This is contemptible!
Releasing a suspect in a criminal investigation who entered this country unlawfully,
isn't your request contemptible?
If Japan and Joseon's relationship's marred as a result,
you'll be held responsible for this.
I'll be responsible for what I need to be.
If you must insist on charging these men,
let's take care of this quietly instead of involving Hanyang.
Looks like you rushed here because you're afraid that
this incident will reach Hanyang,
damaging Japan's trading relations with Joseon, isn't it?
I told you that Jeong Hongsu was watching and to refrain from smuggling for a while!
My lord, none of this will amount too much if Myohyang doesn't talk.
The magistrate's bent on bringing you down!
I can't help you this time.
What is it?
It's time to take care of Myohyang.
My lord,
Myohyang's a potential source of trouble for you as well.
If things go wrong, I don't know...
this might cost me more than just my job.
Chump change won't do.
I heard an envoy's here from Daemado.
They're concerned that this smuggling case might damage Hanyang's trading relationship with them.
They say that people of Daemado plundered Jeju villages
because their land's infertile and there is a shortage of food.
Yes, I know.
It's unfair when people are people no matter where they live...
So I'm thinking about a plan to do something about it.
My lord,
how about we can increase our existing trade activities with Daemado?
Then both countries acquire need items,
Daemado Japanese won't have to plunder Jeju villages every time there's a drought.
I always believed that business is about getting the right product
to the people who need them.
Getting the right product to the people who need them?
Yes.
Very well.
I'll write to the royal court right away about increasing trade with Japan.
By the way,
what's happening with Myohyang?
Despite all that has happened,
she still trust Moonsun, refusing to talk.
I can't get a confession out of her.
It's a report regarding trade for Jeju with Daemado,
so send it to Hanyang.
Yes, sir.
By the way,
I always find you in a good mood after Mandeok pays you a visit.
Does it show?
I better be careful.
Magistrate, detainee Myohyang...
Why did the detainee fall unconscious? What happened?
Magistrate,
it appears someone poisoned her food.
Find out who's behind this at once!
Okay.
You must save her.
I need special herbs to rid the toxins in her body,
but I don't have them now.
I can't guarantee anything.
I've contacted Eastgate for now.
They sometimes carry rare medicinal herbs that I don't have.
That's our only hope right now.
Eastgate?
Judging by the blue lips,
swollen tongue and blisters on her body,
I would say it's aconite poisoning.
I think so too.
Sis!
Sis! Sis, who did this to you?
Sis...
I don't have the herbs you need either.
But if it's aconite poisoning...
Was my sister really poisoned?
No, can you please save my sister?
She'll be okay, right?
No, no, no! Please save my sister!
Dong-ah, get the kitchen ladies for me.
Sis!
Sis, wake up! Sis!
Sis!
Sis...
One more. Just one more spoon.
- Sis! - Calm down!
Sis, what's wrong?
Have one more spoon!
Sis, please don't do this!
Don't do this!
You're awake!
You've been unconscious from toxic herb poisoning for three days.
The worst is over,
but now you need emotional rest to get better.
Your voice...
You can't... talk?
Sis! Sis, who am I? Do you recognize me?
She can't talk.
Sis! Sis, it's your money crazed sister Seoju.
Say my name. Say something!
No, don't say anything.
Don't strain your throat.
Sis! Sis! Sis, please calm down!
Calm down! Sis, calm down!
Oh dear!
Sis!
Sis! Sis, calm down! Sis, please calm down!
Sis!
What are we to do?
You haven't be home in days. Are you okay?
Yes.
I'm sorry to have worried you.
I heard Myohyang lost her speech from poisoning, didn't she?
Good, she had it coming!
Money's the devil, not the person.
She was Jeju's most talented singing gisaeng with a voice born once every 100 years.
I've been away from Eastgate too long.
These are the proceeds from the black hat sales for the month.
What should we do about the cattle gallstones we just got?
Send them to Sooncheon through the itinerant merchants.
The order came in months ago,
but we couldn't send them because of the quality issue.
Be sure to tell the itinerant merchants to give them a discount.
Yes, Forewoman.
But I'm being watched by Magistrate Jeong Hongsu.
I'll need you to complete this transaction on my behalf.
I packed my bags and left Westgate!
I almost set the place on fire for what they did to you!
Sis!
Sis, where are you going?
Sis!
Oh Moonsun has been paying off politicians in Hanyang for their favor,
and protection of her business in Jeju over the tribute goods collection.
Her primary backer's Noron leader Minister Jeong Dong.
Lord Magistrate,
it's Madam Oh who forced her to give false testimony on the pearls.
So can you help me to obtain proof against her?
The pearls were dumped at sea,
so you won't be able to find them.
I fully understand how you feel.
The sword of law can't be used for personal revenge,
but I'll judge the facts without prejudice and make sure justice is served.
You just get yourself well.
Be careful.
Should she be moving around?
She's still not well...
She's much better thanks to you.
I'm glad to hear that.
But Doctor Shim has ordered complete bed rest.
These herbs aren't hard to find,
so make sure she takes them regularly.
Sis, you might be dead right now if it wasn't because of Mandeok!
It's okay.
I still hate you too.
I didn't come here to sympathize or take delight in your misfortune.
I'm here because I can't stand by idly and watch a person die.
If I'm not wanted here,
I'll send someone else from now on.
Is... this it?
You're...
sure... you... don't want... to punish me?
How could I punish you?
Aren't you just living your life the best way you knew how?
All of us are just living our lives the best way we can,
but isn't sometimes our best turns into greed and makes us hurt other people?
Life is already a punishment for those who live in misery as slaves
to what we must leave behind.
What would I gain by adding more to their pain?
Oh, sis...
Don't cry.
Don't cry, sis.
[Kim Ungryeol's home, Hanyang]
I serve the son of Daebang Gang Gaeman, Boss Gang Yuji.
My name's Kim Dongju.
The former foreman of Westgate Market Brokers?
That's right.
My boss said that if you search the shops associated with the silk store,
you'll find the phony Jeju pearls,
and asked me...
to deliver this to you.
It's an imposter Jeju pearl.
It's quite big in size but low in quality pearl with thin nacre layer that will peel easily.
Gang Yuji wanted you to deliver this to me?
Yes.
He asks you to stop the imposter pearls from being distributed in Hanyang
and bring Westgate's Oh Moonsun to justice.
The Commerce Control Bureau
has been investigating the imposter Jeju pearls for don't know how long.
This will certainly be of great assistance.
It has been revealed that the imposter Jeju pearls were smuggled in from Daemado,
the smugglers and the Japanese involved have been captured.
The Commerce Control Bureau has yet to uncover the distribution source,
but involvement of the licensed silk store has been confirmed.
Since when have the royal court meeting been dominated by trivial topic of merchants?
Just punish those selling the fake pearls.
The matter must be resolved at source.
Food shortage in Daemado's the cause of pillage and smuggling,
so why isn't it fitting to help Jeju and Daemado by increasing official trade?
It's ridiculous!
Smugglers are to be punished and pillagers are to be restrained, that's all.
Isn't it a proven fact that trading is an effective way to stop pillage and smuggling?
You sound as if you came to this meeting with your already made up.
It's not my decision.
This...
is His Highness's decision.
His Highness's decision?
That's right.
His Highness is also very curious as to how this vast distribution of illegal goods was possible.
And I intend to do whatever it takes to find out who was behind this.
Judging by His Highness's decision, they're bent on getting to the bottom of this.
I'm afraid that this smuggling incident isn't going to pass quietly.
The silk shop, the fish market and the pearl business...
Oh Moonsun...
I wonder how you'll get out of this mess?
Judging by how she's been putting pressure on you with the ledger...
Right.
That wench will sell me out in a heartbeat to save her own neck.
And if she can't save herself, she'll take me down with her.
I could deny it all if she didn't have the ledger, but...
Get ready. We're going to Jeju.
Yes, Minister.
Eastgate Market Brokers, Jeju Island
There's a limit to how much merchandise we can keep at Haenam Port.
How about setting up an Eastgate branch facility on the mainland?
Do we have the funds for that?
Yes, for at least three facilities.
Three? Have Eastgate made that much money?
With forewoman's knack for business we'll have four, no, five branches.
Promoting Jeju's goods to the mainland
and providing a secure and steady supply of land goods to the people of Jeju
is my dream since we sold our first bowl of soup.
Naju and Gangjin are good locations.
Dong-ah's in charge of setting up the branch facilities.
Yes, Forewoman.
Forewoman, it's a message from the magistrate's office.
My lord, what did you wish to see me for?
We received the King's permission on expansion of trade with Japan through Choryang Trading Center.
I'm hoping merchants of Jeju would come together and stimulate trading with Daemado.
That's wonderful!
Would Eastgate be able to take the lead on this?
What?
Isn't Eastgate one of the biggest market brokers in Jeju now?
I've actually grown quite curious about Daemado with the pearl smuggling incident.
Would you be able to arrange a meeting with the envoy from Daemado for me?
Shouldn't be difficult.
I'm Takeda Shin, an envoy of Daemado.
Magistrate has asked me to discuss trading with you, but...
he didn't say you were a woman...
You wouldn't forgo an opportunity to do business because I'm a woman, would you?
Well...
I don't know if you're aware,
but Joseon has always coveted our sulfur.
We'll provide you with high quality sulfur if we get a good price.
Demand for sulfur's being met by domestic producers,
so we're unable to give you the deal.
Okay.
Then, how about our highest quality pearls?
If Daemado can guarantee the quality and agree to pay taxes,
we'll accept them.
Very well.
We'll do everything in our power to procure the grains you need as soon as possible.
You really will? Thank you.
The people of Daemado are now barely surviving on last year’s harvest gokoimo.
Gokoimo?
Are you talking about potatoes?
Yes, I heard they were called sweet potatoes in Joseon.
You use such rare delicacies as emergency food in Daemado?
Does it yield such large harvest?
They're everywhere you look in fall.
Export grains and textiles.
Import highest quality pearls with tax imposed.
Potatoes? What's this?
They're called sweet potatoes on the mainland.
Farmers gave up on the crop due to poor yield compared to labor.
Why did you choose sweet potatoes among all other good items?
If we pick up Daemado's method of cultivation and study it again,
It might work in Jeju since our soil characteristics are similar.
The Japanese envoy having meetings with Kim Mandeok...
Do you think I'm paying you to send me this kind of information,
Assistant Magistrate Choe?
Madam!
Stop call me Madam and figure a way out of this rut!
That wench Mandeok's working on international trade,
and I'm being investigated for smuggling.
Madam, a message has come in from Hanyang.
What kind of message?
Our Hanyang's pearl business is done for.
The CCB has confiscated all our pearls,
and the nobles are moving to have all the merchants who sold our pearls arrested.
They're Hanyang merchants.
They're here because of the pearls.
The pearls?
Hanyang's a complete mess now with the CCB confiscating the pearls.
We got into big trouble because you sold us phony Jeju pearls!
We never mentioned anything about you,
but you've to compensate us for our loss.
Compensate you?
You purchased those pearls with full knowledge of the poor quality.
You assumed the risk.
If you refuse to compensate us,
we'll go to the Commerce Control Bureau!
Merchants around the country who suffered a loss because of your pearls
are coming for you right now!
There's nothing we can sell off for cash right now.
I've been too wrapped up with the pearl business to pay any attention to the stores.
Uncle,
our freight ship... how much is it worth?
You... you can't be...
No. Not the ship.
Madam, what did you wish to see me about?
I want to sell my ship.
Find me a buyer as quickly as possible.
But there's one condition.
Condition?
Don't let word out that Westgate's ship is up for sale.
We're all set!
All the items are of highest quality, and we've ample quantity.
We'll get there on time if we set sail before day end.
Good work.
Forewoman,
business's growing daily and if Eastgate's going to be the lead trader with Daemado,
the current freight ship isn't adequate.
Are you telling me to buy a ship?
Yes.
How's everyone?
What kind of ship?
A merchant ship,
but it's up for sale as it's no longer needed.
Are you interested?
What's the asking price?
250,000 nyangs.
I get lots of ships out there for that kind of price.
I think I can negotiate with the seller
to put it in your hands for 200,000 nyangs.
Then it's worth considering.
Who's ship is it?
The seller wanted me to keep it confidential
if you don't mind.
I can't buy a ship without knowing who it belongs to.
It belongs to Westgate.
Westgate's Madam Oh doesn't know that I'm here.
I heard that Westgate's being hounded by creditors.
But a ship's like a pillar to a trade broker.
Is it her intent to close her business?
I've to refuse.
You've to sell that ship to someone else.
I was trying to get you a good deal,
but I understand.
Westgate's Madam Oh will be very disappointed.
How did it go?
Not many people can afford to buy a ship in this economy.
Madam!
Madam, the young master is now...
Seoju, are you there?
Call the doctor.
Don't be too angry.
We only have each other now.
Mother, I'm afraid...
Sahn, mommy's here.
I'll be right here with you even if everyone leaves us.
You're my life.
He looks better now, so get some rest.
Uncle, I've to go out for a while.
Goodness!
Well... what's she doing here?
Are you surprised to see me here all of a sudden?
No.
Are you having some kind of problem?
Problems?
What kind of problem could Westgate possibly have?
Our business's doing so well in fact that we're buying a new ship.
That's why we've no need for the small ship we're having right now.
I thought I might do an old friend a favor since I'm getting rid of it anyway.
Okay.
Thanks for thinking of me.
What do you think?
You want to buy our ship?
I think it's a good opportunity for you.
Okay. I'll buy it.
If 200,000 nyangs, how does it sound?
No. I'll pay 300,000 nyangs.
Westgate's ship is top notch.
It's still be a good deal at 300,000 nyangs.
That's why I'll pay that price.
Really?
If that's how you feel, I guess I've no choice.
I'll pay you right now.
Have some tea while you wait.
Put out the urgent fire first.
Moonsun...
I'll never stoop to Mandeok again.
Don't cry. This isn't like you.
I sold my ship to the woman I looked down with contempt.
I feel like I sold my soul.
I know.
I know how you're feeling,
but we'll get over this hump like you said.
Is this really our ship?
I guess it's really over for Westgate...
This way.
We can always make money again,
so you've to come to your senses...
You wench!
You had the ledger in your possession and lied to me!
That... what are you talking about?
Confess the truth,
or you can say goodbye to your son!
Min... Min... Minister!
Where's the ledger?
It's true that I had it once.
Now... it's gone.
Find and bring it back this instant!
I'll take care of your son until then.
We've to find Gang Yuji and get back that ledger.
What are you thinking?
I'll have to decide.
Whether to hand it over or use it against Jeong Dong.
It belonged to your grandmother.
You're the one who should know what to do with it.
Deliver it to Minister Choe Jegong in Hanyang.
Lord Magistrate's in pain because of his father's mistakes.
The ledger that Gang Yuji stole from us.
I'll leave you alone.
Eastgate.
It's in Eastgate forewoman's possession.