Didn't I tell you to forget about me?
That night, that incident...
to forget about it.
So...
did you forget about everything?
Everything?
The fact that two of us are here
is committing a crime to Head Merchant.
Don't ever come back.
I didn't...
come here because I wanted to.
--Episode 14--
If Head Merchant sees this,
he would catch back of his neck and collapse.
Head Merchant seized the land of our stable.
I came here as if a cattle is going to a slaughterhouse.
I'm here...
I'm here to bow my head to your husband's feet,
and to beg him...
beg him for life.
If Head Merchant seized the property, then that's it.
Clear out the stable and leave.
Only if the stable members' lives weren't depending on it,
I wouldn't be here.
Your members' lives are important,
but our lives aren't?
If Head Merchant finds out,
we won't be able survive.
One thing that's important to me is
my life.
Are you trying to kill me?
What's important to me is not my life, but my stable members' lives.
Let's...
act like strangers to each other.
Being able to eat and live is important.
That short, instant...
that temporary love... What's so great about it?
Don't worry.
I have no reason to threaten your life.
Please, forget about everything.
Live well.
Same with me.
I will forget about you.
Mistress.
Chun Bong-Sam, that man is the head cattle broker of Song-pa Stable.
He was here to borrow some money.
Yeah.
He has burden to bear,
but I hurt him so much.
But I had no choice.
Just cry it out.
Then you will feel better.
I'm okay.
It's okay if I die.
But I don't want him to be in danger.
Or get caught by Head Merchant.
Wol.
Mistress.
Poor mistress.
It seems like I really have to step down as Lord Ambassador of Sun-hye Palace.
Originally, a person who is not a kinsfolk shouldn't handle the money bank.
Sun-hye Palace is the courts' money bank,
Lord Min Kyeom-ho should be in charge of it.
As matter of fact...
I would like to prepare my retirement gift.
Are you trying to embezzle the grain paid as the nation's tax?
Let's do 1,000,000 nyang,
1,000,000 nyang.
I heard Japan is in a huge year of famine.
It is true though.
Wonsan trafficked grain with Japan, and people are talking about it.
They are crediting ten times the actual price of grain,
The Wonsan Maritime Customs is having a headache.
I'm telling you!
So, all you need to do is snatch 100,000 nyang of grain.
If we hand them over to the Japanese merchants,
then you can get 1,000,000 nyang.
In this year's grain paid as the nation's tax,
there's no embezzlement allowed!
What did you just say?
In front of this Shin Suk-ju,
no one will be able to snatch the grain paid as nation's tax.
You have grown big, huh?
You're not afraid anything anymore.
Huh?
You don't even listen to the King's order,
and you offer to embezzle.
It seems like you're not afraid of anything, too.
People say that you're the king of Yook-ei-jeon or whatever.
You think you're really a king?
Is it poop or soybean paste? Choose one.
You like both poop and soybean paste, but you can't mix them together.
You can't eat it!
Humans can't eat it, and pigs can't eat it.
So either pick me,
or pick Min Kyeom-ho.
Just choose one.
I'm not choosing you
nor Ambassador Min Kyeom-ho.
I choose the King's order.
How did this Shin's Major Gaekju succeed?
Embezzling the grain, running a prostitution ring,
and conspiring against the high government officials.
That's how you succeeded!
Your career, too...
Hey!
You can die if you change so suddenly.
Watch out.
You just got married, so you should live long.
Very long, Head Merchant!
Yes.
I should live long.
This Shin Suk-ju still has a lot to do.
Lord Ambassador!
How dare that aged man look down on me?
Let's go.
Yes, Lord Ambassador.
Why are you turning your back on Ambassador Kim Bo-hyeon?
Why is that, Head Merchant?
Because my heyday is about to come to an end.
I want my son to become a merchant that people respect.
I didn't achieve it, but
I want my son to get respect from not only in Yook-ei-jeon,
but from merchants all over the world.
He must become a respected merchant.
Therefore, I need to cut out unnecessary people out of my life.
What?
I'm sorry, Head Merchant.
You should.
You must raise your successor of Shin's Major Gaekju.
Shin Suk-ju.
How dare a middle-class merchant assault me like that?
If a needle is sticking out,
you need to hammer it down.
Who doesn't know that?
What am I supposed to do to someone who received the King's proclamation?
Lord Ambassador, she is here.
She's here.
Welcome.
Come... on in.
Alright, alright.
Over here.
Uh... that's...
that's my seat.
This must be your first visitation to a nobleman's house, you female shaman.
You can call me Honorable Mama.
Honorable Mama?
You're merely a shaman...
Hey!
The First King of this country built Guksadang Shrine of Mokmyeok Mountain.
I am serving the King and his mentor at that Guksadang Shrine!
Honorable Mama...
Okay, Honorable Mama.
You can sit there.
When I was in Song-pa, I saw a miracle.
Over Honorable Mama's head, the lightening was...
I have a huge headache these days.
I got struck by someone I truly trusted...
My head hurts crazily.
How can there be two kings in one country?
Huh?
Don't look back.
End the relationship.
Can you explain it more clearly?
Shin Suk-ju?
You're talking about Head Merchant, huh?
Well, I came here just to introduce myself.
Whoa, just sit there!
Honorable Mama.
You have to tell me more than that. You can't just leave.
If you want to catch a snake, you need to use a whip.
They say Head Merchant's nickname is the snake.
That's right.
The black snake of Yook-ei-jeon.
Those eyes over there.
They're the eyes of a hawk hunting for its prey.
Are you going to sit there and remove ticks forever?
You're not going to go see Head Merchant?
What happened yesterday? You're keeping your mouth closed.
Mr. Bong!
Mr. Bong! Head Cattle Broker!
You know Maeng Gu-bum,
the head merchant under Head Merchant. He's here in Song-pa.
Here?
Yeah.
Why are you doing this to me?
You ignorant bastards.
Hey, you rascals.
How is offering you to get on the grain ship a crime?
Huh?
I'm offering you compensation that you won't be able to touch in your life.
What's the big deal about getting on the grain ship?
Our boss told us to never allow you to cross the river and enter our property.
So don't come here!
If you mention anything about the grain ship or whatever, I will break your head!
Don't even think about crossing anywhere, you bastards.
I will break all of your necks and lock all of you up.
What the hell?
Let's go.
Okay.
You couldn't even bring a single gang?
Well, if they were merchants,
I can play around with them by making small deals.
They were impossible to communicate.
So?
If you can't communicate with them,
you're not going to put them on the grain ship?
Who will run the ship?
And who will block the pirates?
Why don't you put Mapo gang on board?
Or there are Wangshimli gang and other gangs nearby.
Hey, hey. When didn't we have them on board before?
They're all thieves.
Song-pa guys are rough, but they do the work right.
Go!
Go back!
Bring the Song-pa guys.
Head Merchant, there's a message for you.
Head Merchant.
It's from Ambassador Kim Bo-hyeon of Sun-hye Palace.
He said he wants to discuss with you about the grain ship.
Are you prepared to send out the grain ship?
I need to receive the departure date, and everything should be ready.
I called you because I have someone to introduce you to.
Introduce?
Oh.
Sun-hye Palace appoints one superintendent, who is allowed on board.
Therefore, I brought him here so you, as the head shipowner, can meet him.
You're very fast.
I haven't even received the departure date,
but you already appointed a superintendent?
Is the superintendent out there? Come on in!
Look carefully.
It's someone you would be happy to see.
Head Merchant.
Gil So-gae...
Gil So-gae, that punk.
It's Gil So-gae.
You're right, Merchant Maeng. I'm Gil So-gae.
What? Merchant Maeng?
Are you out of your mind?
Hey, hey. Merchant Maeng!
Head Merchant.
It's been a while. Hello.
I heard that you went around the countryside and sold salted seafood.
You, little punk.
How dare you speak like that in front of Head Merchant?
With Lord Ambassador's help,
I...
got hired as the superintendent yesterday.
What's so big about a nobleman?
Money is nobleman now.
Gil So-gae bought a certificate of appointment for 3,000 nyang.
Now, he is the superintendent.
He worked for you for 10 years as a merchant. Aren't you proud of him?
Head Merchant, where are you going?
We have a table filled with dishes.
Why don't we catch up and discuss about the grain ship?
Let's do that next time.
I will call you out on another day.
It's good to see you.
Good to see you.
Work hard.
Look at him dashing out, eh? Dashing out!
Head Merchant!
Gil So-gae!
He said he'll call you next time!
Congratulations on your marriage.
I prepared a small gift for you.
If it wasn't for these 2 nyang,
Gil So-gae wouldn't exist today.
Nice.
Very nice.
I will trust you.
Here.
When I was here 40 years ago,
on my first step into Yook-ei-jeon,
this is what I had in my pocket.
Well, let's see what you can do with the same amount of money.
No matter what,
I will come back to Yook-ei-jeon.
Through those entrance doors,
I will be back.
I will take down the Shin's Gaekju sign,
and hang a Gil's Gaekju sign.
Even a tiger...
can get beaten by a child holding a rod.
This Shin Suk-ju became arrogant.
I became too conceited.
I've looked down on Gil So-gae!
Why do you care about that punk?
I made a mistake.
A mistake.
He's a novice.
You shouldn't worry about it.
You, you...
Head Merchant.
What is it?
Chun Bong-Sam from Song-pa Stable is here again.
These rascals...
Are you guys deaf?
I told you not to allow anyone in.
Hurry up and kick them out!
Yes, sir.
Let's go, you rascals.
I found the goods.
I found the goods!
Hand them to Head Merchant!
Okay.
What are the goods?
What are the goods that I need?
Song-pa's labor gang.
I will have the Song-pa labor gang on the grain ship.
What?
Song-pa gang?
Don't try to open Head Merchant's money bag with such nonsense!
A gaekju doing business in Song-pa would have some relationship with labor gangs.
Don't you think so?
They have close relationship with our stable.
Is that possible?
I'll have them on board.
I'll make sure they get on board.
Head Merchant.
200,000 nyang.
Lend me 200,000 nyang.
Even though the goods are really good,
I can't do unfair business.
Grain paid as the nation's tax.
If you bring it to Port of Seogang in perfect condition,
then, I will lend you 200,000 nyang.
You're saying...
you want me to get on the grain ship?
You said you'll have the gang on board.
Then, who will lead them?
If you bring the gang,
I will appoint you as the general manager of the grain ship.
Head Merchant.
I'll give you two days.
Bring the Song-pa labor gang.
Thank you.
Head Merchant, thank you.
Guard well.
Merchant Maeng of Shin's Major Gaekju couldn't even hire them.
Song-pa gang looks down on Merchant Maeng, too.
Can we do it?
Hey, you're my friend.
Who am I?
I'm the famous Song-pa Head Cattle Broker.
In Song-pa, a head cattle broker is more than what Head Merchant is here.
Am I wrong?
Oh...
Anyway, brother.
Go tell the head of the Song-pa gang that I would like to meet him.
Go now.
Okay.
Okay, come here.
This is the only option we have.
Song-pa Stable. This is our last chance.
Got it?
Yes.
Let's go.
Guard well. Okay?
Head Merchant.
How could you make Chun Bong-Sam in charge of the grain ship?
Since when did you know him that well?
We're going against Gil So-gae.
I will go on board as planned.
You!
Do you know what kind of man I need to fear the most?
The one who knows me well.
The one who knows me and hates me.
The one who shows his teeth to eat me.
If I fight against him,
I will lose no matter what.
I don't even have to fight. I will lose.
You are worrying too much.
No, no!
This is why you can't win against Gil So-gae.
How...
how could you say that?
Even before he got kicked out of this house,
you weren't able to win against him.
You guys are on different business skill levels.
He has bigger capacity!
Head Merchant!
Head Merchant.
You're having late dinner.
I prepared your favorite clam soup.
Let's go in.
You misjudged him.
Not just Gil So-gae, but you also misjudged me.
You know what?
If someone messes with me,
I pay back with a blade scar,
using an ax!
Hey!
Our boss said he would only allow Head Cattle Broker in.
Okay.
Bong-Sam.
Recently, they got a new head of the gang, so be careful.
If anything happens, call us. We will break in at any time.
Okay, Bong-Sam?
Don't worry.
I'm Song-pa Stable Head Cattle Broker, Chun Bong-Sam.
You, Chun Bong-Sam, welcome.
Welcome to hell.
You crazy bastard.
Brother.
Man-chi!
You, rascal.
Why am I your brother?
Brother. Wait.
Stop it.
Listen to me.
Why would I listen to you?
Don't you know? We're enemies!
Wait.
Listen to me!
Head Cattle Broker died.
He died, and
our stable is about to collapse.
What does that have to do with me?
Move.
I said move!
Sister-in-law!
Brother.
Our stable... please help our stable just once.
Let me...
Let me use your subordinates once.
What did you say?
You crazy bastard.
Do you really not know why I came back to Song-pa?
I came here...
to behead you!
Hey.
Do you want to die in my hands, too?
Brother.
Why can't she talk?
Do you want to see what you men did to us?
After...
After seeing this,
could you still ask me to help you?
You're shameless, eh?
Why don't you ask me again?
So I can chop your tongue!
What to do? What to do?
Man-chi is the head of the gang.
Let's go in.
No!
Sir.
Song Man-chi and our Head Cattle Broker have an old debt owed to each other.
We can't do anything about it.
Whether they survive or die, they need to resolve it themselves.
Please stop it, and have a seat.
Sit down and talk to me.
Brother.
Don't you remember you're the one who ruined our stable?
That's how Head Cattle Broker...
died.
Who died?
Why would Cho Sung-jun die?
Do you think I'll believe that?
Also,
the one who ruined Song-pa Stable is you.
I am begging you.
Let's regain our stable first, and then argue who's right or not.
Whether it is your fault or my fault, let's regain the stable first!
What?
Okay, okay! I get what you're saying!
After you recover the stable,
what's after that?
You and I...
will fight and see who wins.
If I win,
leave the stable.
Return your peddler's license and leave Song-pa.
Never come back to Song-pa and end your business.
If you promise me so,
I will let you use my guys.
Fine.
Let's do that.
Very nice.
Your confidence. Very nice.
Hey, Ms. Shaman.
You rude bastard!
How dare you open those doors and call her a shaman?
Hey, don't you know Gae-ddong?
How am I supposed to know?
Whether it is Gae-ddong, So-ddong, or Sae-ddong...
He looks just like you, Honorable Mama.
You don't have any younger siblings?
Why are you looking for a person named Gae-ddong?
Gae-ddong...
Our Gae-ddong is my one and only younger brother.
If it's destiny, perhaps I can't avoid it, eh?
Wow!
Our So-gae looks so good in that outfit!
Who would know you're a former salted seafood seller?
Whoa, you...
You're Gae-ddong?
You're so slow! We used to live together for 8 years.
Gae... Gae-ddong.
Gae-ddong!
Brother!
Hey! Gae-ddong, come here!
Gae-ddong!
Wow, Gae-ddong!
Hey, Gae-ddong!
Brother! / Gae-ddong!
Gae-ddong.
Whoa, our brother is so handsome!
Brother.
I got prettier, huh?
Gae-ddong! / Brother!
You don't have to look at me like that.
Whether I am called Gae-ddong or Mae-wol,
I'm who I am.
Right.
Gae-ddong is Gae-ddong.
Thanks.
Because of you, I became a superintendent, wearing these nobleman's outfit.
There's a long way to go.
I'm going to make you the next Head Merchant of Yook-ei-jeon.
Even for me, you have to have power.
Okay.
What should I do to my Gae-ddong with that power?
Chun Bong-Sam.
Step on Chun Bong-Sam.
Bo... Bong-Sam?
There's no business with Bong-Sam.
He's going to get kicked out of Song-pa Stable soon.
Ill-fated relationships don't end so easily.
You'll see him again.
When do you,
step on Chun Bong-Sam.
Break his wings.
That's one thing you can do for me.
Okay.
If I see him again, I will do so.
I will step on Chun Bong-Sam for you.
Mr. Bong.
Just as you ordered, we sent them away.
We gathered all the money we have,
and sent them that money along with alcohol and a pig.
Good job!
It's very odd of them to order this.
Do you think they're merely a gang?
We'll follow you.
Sun-dol.
Gangs are ranked by body strength.
You saw them. That Gom-bae dude. He's really strong!
Man-chi can make his subordinates to get on board.
But if I can't control them, then it's meaningless.
If they don't behave, the grain will fly off.
At the same time, our Song-pa Stable will fly off, too.
Just wait.
Okay.
Look how fearless you are!
How dare you sit there?
That's our boss's seat!
Hey you toerag.
Did you wash today? You stink so much.
Toerag?
Do you want to die?
Lie down and be still!
He's as thick as a brick.
Sit.
Sit!
Listen to me carefully.
I am...
the general manager
Chun Bong-Sam.
I will list three rules that you all need to follow.
First, from now on,
if anyone other than me tries to control you,
you cannot listen to them or get played by them.
You must listen to me.
Got it?
Yes.
Got it?
Yes!
Second,
don't fight each other.
There are other people you need to fight.
If you fight each other,
you won't be able to survive from the pirates.
And finally, third,
make sure you don't let anyone take every grain of rice.
You have to protect it with your life.
With your life!
All the way to Port of Seogang,
if all of you protect every grain of rice,
I will issue everyone a peddler's license
and hire everyone as our Song-pa Stable member.
Are you serious?
Do you think you were a gang member from birth?
While selling goods,
while farming,
while serving as a servant,
and then you ran out of place to go.
You had no other choice than to become a gang member, right?
Am I wrong?
Whether you become my member or not,
I will issue everyone a peddler's license no matter what.
In order to compensate for getting on the grain ship,
I will open a way for you to start a business.
Do you understand?
Yes, sir!
Alright.
Everyone, fill your cup.
Did you fill your cup?
Yes!
Let's drink!
Cheers!
I'm Yook-ei-jeon Head Merchant, Shin Suk-ju.
Good to see you again, Head Merchant.
You... you are....
Wait. Who is this?
The famous Honorable Mama from Guksadang Shrine was you?
The day after tomorrow is the deadline.
Then, let's do the departure ceremony the day after tomorrow.
Sure.
Um...
So...
Do you have something to say?
Well, remember last time...
when you, Honorable Mama, were traveling with us...
Remember what you told me in Cheongju...
That you will bear a son.
You will see have a strong and clever son.
He will exceed your achievements and become an important figure.
Thank you.
Honorable Mama, thank you.
Merchant Maeng!
Head Merchant is already waiting for you. How dare you young rascal...
It's so difficult to act as a nobleman.
It's so complicated, including the outfit.
Ugh.
Go in!
Oh!
I heard you failed.
I heard that Head Merchant has someone else in mind as his successor...
I told you to go in!
Stop talking and go in!
Such is life.
When a dog becomes old, you steam it in a pot.
That... that piece of crap!
Sorry I'm late, Head Merchant.
That's fine.
Come on in, come on in.
Meet our general manager of the grain ship.
I'm Chung Bong-Sam...
Wait.
You guys know each other?
Yes.
It's very common to bump into people with peddler's license.
I think I remember your face.
I'm Gil So-gae.
Oh, okay.
I'm...
the general manager of the grain ship, Chun Bong-Sam.
Okay, okay. Have a seat.
Sit down.
You guys are the superintendent and the general manager of the grain ship.
You two must act as one...
I'm glad that you guys already know each other.
Yes.
Okay. Take my drink.
Superintendent Gil, please safely bring the grain paid as the nation's tax.
They're known as our people's blood and sweat.
I must bring them safely.
General Manager.
Please safely bring the grain paid as the nation's tax.
Let me make a promise to you.
Just as this superintendent mentioned,
it's the people's blood and sweat, so I will bring them for my life.
Thank you.
Alright.
Why don't you young people enjoy the rest of the drink?
Drink! Let's drink all night long.
Alright.
I will drink it up with you all night.
Sounds good.
We can talk about the grain paid as the nation's tax once we get on board.
Alright, drink!
This is really good.
I...
I met someone, who would be a perfect fit to stay next to my son.
There's someone that caught your attention?
He's a one of a kind.
He's risking his life to protect his love and trust.
He's the head cattle broker of Song-pa Stable named Chun Bong-Sam.
If this grain ship successfully does its job,
I will chase Chun Bong-Sam and have him join our Shin's Major Gaekju.
Oh, my! Whoa, whoa.
Hey, hey.
I don't want my pretty wife's hands to get hurt.
Oh no.
Wait.
What took you so long?
Who are you?
Huh?
Oh, you're Mr. Bong's brother.
Whoa, look at you. You became a nobleman.
Such things happen in life.
Alright. Where is Bong-sam's room at?
Over there.
Whoa, wait.
Brother.
So-gae.
Let's drink a little bit more.
Let's talk about my father and your father.
My sister, Chun Soh-leh.
Brother.
Okay, let's go in!
I don't really like that man.
Come on.
Once you get on the grain ship, you won't be able to survive.
Bong-Sam, either you die,
or I die.
There's no other way around.
Sister.
Chun Soh-leh.
Where are you right now?
Your father, Merchant Chun...
Your sister, Chun Soh-leh...
And now you.
What kind of bloody fate is this?
Once we get on the grain ship,
I will tell you.
Soh-leh, the one you're looking for,
is the woman you threw away in the river.
That was your sister, Chun Soh-leh.
--The Merchant: Gaekju 2015--
Don't get on the grain ship.
Throw him away in the river.
His life depends on you.
If you mess around with Chun Bong-Sam,
I'm not going to help you anymore.
Run away. You need to run away from Shin Suk-ju.