Who won who lost?
I lost, Master.
As we all know, Soon-shin began his training just a few short weeks ago.
Even if I had won by a full set, he would be the winner in this match,
but we scored a tie.
No, Master, I lost.
A match is a match regardless of experience.
My last arrow missed the target board all together, so I lost.
I agree. Both of you have lost.
You didn't lose against each other but you lost against yourselves.
This is evident by the last arrows you shot.
As you can see we have two losers and no winners.
Which of the two should leave institute?
Speak up!
Il, what do you think? You are the student leader.
This is quite unexpected. We will abide by your decision.
My decision?
Yes, Master.
I've always put observable talent first in selecting a pupil.
But this time it was different. I felt that a teacher should
consider the latent talent that may not have come to the surface.
This is virtue that you, too, must possess as future military
leaders of this state.
Both of you were visibly shaken with your final arrows remaining.
I cannot give praise for you have failed to govern your heart,
but I am aware that you acted out of friendship and loyalty.
You may compete for merit on the field of battle, but you must
protect each other and learn to embrace each other's flaws.
That is the way of a true superior soldier.
Is that understood?
Yes, Master.
How pretty! Was it the rain last night? The leaves look so clean!
How about those shingles over there? And that pillar?
Aren't they pretty?
You're thrilled, aren't you?
You're ecstatic now hat Sir Yi can stay, right?
Stop it!
I know what is the prettiest of all things right now?
Your face.
What could be more beautiful than a young girl in love?
Wonderful! It's absolutely wonderful!
I was afraid this would be a sad night for one of you,
but this is a wonderful day for both of you!
I owe it all to Kyun. If it weren't for him...
Nonsense. You made it happen yourself with your hard work.
Don't be so modest.
You were willing to give up a great deal to help Soon-shin.
Cut it out...
This reminds me of the pact we made when we were kids.
At least we're doing what we said we would, and I'm overwhelmed with joy.
But remember, Soon-shin, this is just beginning.
Yes, Sung-ryong.
This is a party not funeral!
Let's get drunk!
Get out of my way!
The baron will hear about what you did in Andong!
You useless parasite!
Sir, I only...
What do I do now?
You'd at least be in the middle if you stayed quiet.
Why did you have to stir things up?
He said his father was ill and he needed the money quick.
You got yourself to worry about! Are you in your right mind?
It just happened. What am I supposed to do?
I know you're not that smart but who'd pay money for that junk?
That's why I said I'd only give him half the asking price.
Fine. Let's say that the merchandise is decent.
Who are you to tell him that we'll buy the goods?
Are you the supervisor?
You know that the super looking for an excuse to fire you.
Why couldn't you just stay quiet and do what you're told?
What do I do, Mujik? Do you think they will fire me?
Supervisor Kim isn't going to let this slide. That's for sure!
Chun-su!
When did you get back? You must be exhausted.
Did everything go all right in Andong?
Why? Did you want something to go wrong?
What could go wrong? Everything was fine.
I'm glad you're back.
How about you? How did you do at the match?
Judging by grin you must've done well.
You must be happy. Everything is working out for you.
What do you mean Yi Soon-shin is staying at the institute?!
The match ended in a draw, so there are no grounds to expel him.
The truth is I was surprised.
Who would've ever thought that he'd learn so quickly?
Master Bang was giving him special attention to begin with.
Now he'll teach him even harder and make certain that he passes the exam.
Are you going to stand by idly and let this happen?
We have no choice. There is no grounds to get him expelled.
Brother, Father is back from the palace.
Very well. I'll be right over.
Congratulations on your promotion, Father.
How was your first day at Royal court?
What is there to tell? It's a post that should've been mine long ago.
It's true. You shouldn't be content with being a vice minister.
You deserve to be a Prime Minister.
Father, there is a rather disturbing situation developing.
About that boy Yi Soon-shin who humiliated us back in Ahsan.
What about that boy?
He might end up wearing a court robe.
What?! How?
Congratulations on your promotion, Vice Minister.
Thank you.
I owe everything to Attendant Ju.
Oh, I haven't done much.
I'm well aware that you put in a good word for me to Minister Yoon.
You are too kind.
You may be excused for now.
Vice Minister, this is a small token of my gratification.
Oh, you shouldn't have.
I didn't know how else to thank you for so kindly taking care of my company...
I would not be in business if it weren't for the two lords'
kind support. I humbly ask that you continue to guide us.
Don't worry. I told my successor in Andong about you.
Besides, my old assistant is still there to continue to help you.
Thank you.
By the way, Baron Huh...
Yes, my lord.
I hear there is an arrogant man in your company.
I don't quite understand.
A man by the name of Yi Soon-shin.
Pardon?
Oh, he is just a harmless hauler.
You mean you haven't fired him?
Forgive me, sir.
That young man has resolved a great dilemma in the company.
If his pas concerns you, you need not worry.
I will teach him and mold him into your faithful servant.
Our faithful servant? Then I have no reason to oppose.
It will benefit your business as well.
Yes, of course.
But first must test him to see if he is such material.
Test him?
Ahsan... Ahsan...
Sir, it's Supervisor Kim.
You asked for me, sir?
I know that you're busy preparing for the exam,
but I can't have you neglecting your work.
I'd like you to accompany Supervisor Kim to his trip to Ahsan.
Ahsan, sir?
I heard that's where your home is.
Yes, sir.
You can visit your parents while you're there.
It's been a while since you've seen them, right?
Yes, sir. I will do as you ask.
What? He wants us to go to Ahsan?
Will we be all right?
The magistrate and his henchman will not leave us alone.
They won't hurt us openly. We didn't commit any crimes.
But I'm not comfortable.
Don't worry. We'll be all right.
We can visit your father's grave too.
Then should we?
Put him in the forefront. All you have to do is observe
how he handles the situation and give me a detailed report.
Yes, sir.
Take his friend as well.
If he screws up again, you can do as you please with him.
Yes, sir.
Gosh, it's been so long!
Do you think you're here on a vacation?
You've got work to do! Move it!
Yes, sir! Coming, sir!
What is the meaning of this?
You tell us! Your company is demanding repayment of the
spring loan in full with interest without giving us any notice!
If you have something to say, come to the inn.
No, we need to settle this right now!
Didn't you hear the man? Come to the inn if you need to talk.
Soon-shin!
Chun-su!
What happened?
You mean they want to collect the loan and interest from all
of you all at once?
Yes, the magistrate's assistant gave us the letter of demand.
We have to pay the King for the salt we make, but the collectors
only want the best quality salt. And they impose a cash penalty
if the quality does not meet their standards.
So you took a loan from the trading company?
We had no choice.
Until this year, they were not so heartless as long as we paid
the interest on time.
I had no idea it was our company that did this.
Chun-su, your father was a shrewd man compared to the rest of us.
He would starve first before he took out a loan.
I'm so relieved that the two of you work for them.
What do you do for he company anyway? You look great.
Me? I'm a hauler.
Is that a high position?
Of course. It's a very high position.
Good for you. You made it big in Seoul.
Help us. We're counting on you.
Be lenient with the collection?
Yes.
I know those people. They had a terrible year this year.
I assure you they will pay when things get better, so...
Very well. I will give it some thought. You may go now.
Oh, and by the way, I sent a sack of rice to your house.
It's from the Baron, so be sure to thank him when we return.
Yes, thank you.
That's a surprise. Who ever thought he'd be so accommodating?
What's gotten into him?
Well, you better get going.
All right.
Is it true that you were in the salt business when you lived here?
Yes, sir.
Then you should have an eye for good salt. Are you to be trusted?
I'm asking you if I could put you in charge of our salt dealings.
Of course!
Come on in.
Huh? Me?
Why? Is that a problem?
Well, that's...
You haven't forgotten about Andong, have you?
No, but...
I could fire you, but I'm giving you a chance to redeem yourself.
This is your last chance. Don't forget that.
You're here.
Yes...
It must be heartbreaking to see your old place like this...
We shouldn't leave it like this for your departed father's sake,
but everyone is so busy making ends meet that we didn't have a chance.
It's all right. Don't worry about it.
Come by later. I told my wife to fix us a nice dinner.
Oh, you shouldn't have.
It's from the baron. Please continue to help us.
Don't worry.
The new magistrate mentioned about this, so I will do all that I can.
By the way, sir, do you know a man by the name of Yi Soon-shin?
Pardon? How do you know him?
He works for us as a hauler, and he came with us on this trip.
This town was once turned upside down because of him.
Yes, I heard about it.
He might get in your way of your work on this trip.
Be careful. Yi Soon-shin is a malicious character.
He works for us. He wouldn't get in the way.
Perhaps not. How ironic, though.
A man who once led a protest against excessive levy has
returned to this town to collect public imposts. Isn't that ironic?
Yes, it certainly is.
Mother!
Mother...
So you're working for a trading company. Are you doing all right?
Yes, Mother. Don't worry. Where is Father?
He went to Neung-ju.
He wanted to visit Master Jung-am's place of exile.
You know how much your father looked up to him.
His memorial is coming up soon.
I see.
I'm happy to see that you are healthy and well, but a part
feels so sad. I know you that you have great ambitions...
I know how you feel but don't worry, Mother.
I won't live like this forever and I will not disappoint you.
Are you in? We need to talk!
What are you waiting for? Go out here!
Is there something wrong?
You know there is? How could you flip like that in a matter
of hours after telling us you'd help?
Is that what happens to people that live in the city?
I don't understand.
Your people are going around from house to house taking
our salt for the loan!
Are they're arbitrarily downgrading our premium alt!
Why would you do this to us?
You put us at ease and betrayed us!
What is your job in this trading company?
Answer me!
I was certain that you'd remain honest and principled no matter where you are.
How could you hurt innocent people like this?
Mother, you got this all wrong.
I certain hope I'm wrong!
Go back there and rectify his wrong with your own hands!
Take a look at it gain. This is premium grade by any standards!
Medium grade!
- Next! - Wait.
He said it is medium grade!
We have to check the others, so step aside!
Sir, how can you say this finest salt is medium grade?
Boy, you are relentless!
If they say it is medium grade, it is!
What do you base this assessment? What is the standard of appraisal?
Stay out of this.
I'm asking a question.
Our company has been supplying salt to the palace for ten years.
I can tell just by looking at the color.
You're lying! Look! It doesn't stick to your palm at all!
This is fines salt there is!
Chun-su, you should know!
You grew up in this business ever since you could walk.
That's right. Give us your opinion.
You should be able to give us a fair assessment.
What are you waiting for! Check the salt!
Tell him, Chun-su! Tell him!
Medium grade.
What? Speak up.
It's medium grade.
Are you crazy, Chun-su? How could this be medium grade?
Check it again! Check again and tell the truth!
It's medium grade, I tell you!
Why do you insist that this is premium?
Chun-su, was that really medium grade? Was it?
It isn't, right? Then why are you lying?
Soon-shin, I have something to tell you.
Soon-shin, I was really lost and afraid when I burned our
salt barn down and left his town after burying my father.
My father died without ever having a chance to treat his
illness because we had no money.
I wanted to be rich.
I wanted both of us to become rich and successful in Seoul.
I dreamed of me becoming a wealth merchant and you
becoming a powerful magistrate.
Yeah, that salt is premium grade.
It's the finest you can find.
But if I told them that, Supervisor Kim would fire me.
I know what I did to my friends is bad, but...
Whether they are your friends or not is irrelevant.
It is wrong to hurt other people for your own benefit.
But they would've fired me!
Supervisor Kim has been looking for an excuse to fire me.
If i don't do what I'm told, he'll kick me out!
Chun-su...
Just this once. I'll never do it again.
Let's give our conscience a break just this once.
I promise I'll never do this when I become a supervisor.
It doesn't work that way. It's the first time that's difficult.
Once you give into it, it becomes easier and easier!
Please, Soon-shin!
Don't do this, Chun-su.
I'm here begging you and you're refusing to go along with it?
This is wrong. Don't you know that?
But I'm going to be fired!
Let's look for another way to survive.
Where? You're going to take the exam and leave the company,
but where am I supposed to go?
If I get fired, I'll be out on the streets!
What's wrong is wrong even if you're starving to death!
- Don't you know that? - No, I don't know!
Chun-su!
How could you be so cold? And you call yourself a friend?
I explained everything and begged you, and you can't bend just once?
Let's go.
We're going to tell Supervisor Kim that you made a mistake.
I can't! I won't!
If you can't, I will!
Soon-shin! Soon-shin!
You bastard!
I thought you were my friend! I thought you were my friend!
Soon-shin! Soon-shin!
Do you think that you could get away with the game you played?
I don't know what you're talking about.
I don't know what kind of mistake Chun-su made in Andong, but you
can't exploit an innocent man like this!
Is that what he told you?
I demand that you stop the loan collection at once and
re-evaluate the salt!
Who do you work for? Don't you work for Baron Huh?
It's the baron that wants the interest collected, and it's
the baron that wants accurate appraisal of the salt.
Then I'll go back to Seoul at once and inform him about this atrocity!
Do as you please.
What's the meaning of this? What are you doing?
No! Please don't! Don't do this?
Chun-su, have you gone mad?
Out of my way!
It's that house.
So you came back without doing your job?
I didn't think it was fair to forcefully seize their property
for the unpaid loans.
It's my money and I want it back. What fair or not fair in that?
Sir...!
This is a business not a charity organization.
I want my money back because I have an urgent investment opportunity.
I can't pass up a good opportunity because of their personal situation.
As for imposts, you say Supervisor Kim was ruthless
in his assessment of their salt, but my business philosophy is a
hundred times more ruthless.
What if we are generous with them and the goods come back rejected?
Who is going to be responsible for the loss?
I know you're a nobleman, but Supervisor Kim is your superior.
You must never go above our superior and come to me like this gain.
Do you understand?
But sir...
I will not hear another word. And I cannot keep you in this
company if something like this ever happens again.
That's great color.
Which is premium grade?
I need o know which of these is higher quality.
They're both finest of the finest.
Are you certain?
I've been selling salt for twenty years.
I can tell who cooked the salt just by looking at the color.
Oh dear, so that's what happened in Ahsan.
I suspect they've been toying with the grading of the tributary goods
and profiting from the difference for a long time.
That means the people of Ahsan are not their only victims.
They are causing loss to the Royal Repository as well.
Did you say Imperial Attendant Ju Tae-moon frequently visits the baron?
Yes.
Then the Royal Repository is suffering no loss.
Everyone knows about Attendant Ju's high-handed activities
under His Majesty's shield. And it seems his link was Baron Huh.
Let's go. There's someone we must see.
Gatekeeper! Gatekeeper!
Has Inspector Yi returned from the palace?
I don't believe my eyes... Yu Sung-ryong paying me a visit!
You didn't visit or write, so I thought you became a ghost.
You're making me feel guilty.
What brings you?
A friend of mine has something to tell you. Introduce yourself.
My name is Yi Soon-shin.
He's a childhood friend who studied under he same master.
I'm Yi San-hae. What do you wish to tell me?
Good afternoon. I'm Internal Affairs Inspector Yi San-hae
What can I do for you?
I have some questions regarding collection of tributary goods.
I'd like to take a look at your records.
Please wait a moment.
Sure.
Cotton goods, rice, salt... all of these items are being
handled exclusively by Huh Tae-man's company?
Yes...
May I see the records of other dealings with Huh Tae-man?
All of these are complaints about collection of tributary goods?
Yes, sir.
Yuh-ju, Ansan, Uisung...
These are regions where tributary goods are collected by Huh Tae-man.
So you gave the Internal Affairs Inspector everything?
I didn't give them to him. I just allowed him to see them.
You said he made detailed notes!
How could you do this without checking with me?
It's the Internal Affairs department's duty to check
our activities, and...
But that man is not in charge of the Royal Reserve!
No, but...
How could you be so careless?
Forgive me, Imperial Attendant.
Prime Minister!
Attendant Ju.
Oh, the Vice Minister is here as well.
I need to have a private word with you.
Is this true?!
Not only did he check Baron Huh's impost collection records, but he
checked the names of the entourage that accompanied the diplomatic
mission to Ming. And I'm told he seemed very curious about
who gave the baron such a special privilege.
Oh, dear! How did this happen?
Who leaked the information?
The Internal Affairs could not be conducting an investigation
based solely on a hunch.
I can't figure that out.
What brings you all the way here?
About your friend I met the other day...
Soon-shin?
Let's go somewhere and talk. This is bigger than I first suspected.
What your friend Soon-shin saw was just a tip of the iceberg.
Baron Huh is not only in charge of impost collection, but his company
won the privilege of accompanying the diplomatic envoy to Ming.
The disturbing fact is that not only Attendant Ju Tae-moon but
Prime Minister Yoon Won-hyung was invoked in making this decision.
Are you saying they accepted bribery?
Everyone knows that Yoon Won-hyung has been making fortune through
shameless abuse of his power, but finding evidence of a crime
has been difficult. But this time it's different.
If we can get to the bottom of this, we could bring him down.
I intend to conduct a thorough investigation of the Royal
Repository records and summon the agents for questioning.
But since they are connected to powerful ministers, I may
require help from the scholars of the academy.
Don't worry about that. Petitions from the students
of Sung-kyun Academy have never been rejected to date.
We will do everything we can to help.
What are you doing here?
Nothing, sir.
How could you let this happen!
Please forgive me...
How could you let one man jeopardize our whole operation?
What did I tell you? I told you to fire that bastard Yi Soon-shin.
I told you he was dangerous!
If it weren't for the Vice Minister's son, we wouldn't
have known what hit us?
I'm sorry... I will go at once and put that boy out of his misery.
Could you be more stupid?
This boy can move the agents of the Internal Affairs Agency and
the scholars of the academy. It's too late for that!
Firing him now would be tantamount to admitting our guilt!
Then...?
I've managed to cover up most of the dealings that went on between us.
I'm most grateful, Imperial Attendant.
But there's not much I can do about tributary goods.
Then Internal Affairs agent saw too much.
Find a scapegoat-someone to point the finger on.
Good work. Drink up.
Yes, sir.
I guess it's true that you can't judge a book by its cover.
I was wrong about you. Yi Soon-shin was the problem not you.
Pardon?
Yes, that's right?
How could he abandon a loyal friend like you? He is a man of cold heart.
Don't even mention his name. I've already forgotten about him.
I will put in good word for you when we get back.
I'll do my best to make you a regional manager.
You will?
You're of my men now. If you continue to do good
work like you did here, you will be a manager in no time.
Thank you, sir! Thank you so much!
I'll work my fingers to the bone to serve you if you give me a chance.
A sit-in appeal?
Internal Affairs Minister will not be eager to press charges.
We the students of the academy must do what we can.
Else exposing them will not be easy.
Sung-ryong...
Don't worry.
It will not be an easy fight, but we have a good chance.
This is our chance to clean up the government that has become filthy
by the power abusing royal relatives.
To protect the innocent people like your friends in Ahsan,
the government must be rectified.
Thank you, Sung-ryong. If there's anything I can do...
You've already done more than anyone could ask for.
How could we have started this investigation if you didn't come forward?
Try it.
Yes, sir.
How do you like the aroma? Does it please you?
Sir...
Once again you have come to my rescue.
I don't understand.
If I've said anything to hurt your feelings, let it go.
Supervisor Kim, sir!
We are back, sir.
How did it go in Ahsan?
We accomplished our task without any problems.
Without any problems? How can you say this?!
If it weren't for you. I would be finished?
If you didn't come forward about their evil scheme, I would've
never know what hit me!
Our evil scheme, sir? We were only following your orders?
You crooks! How dare you deny your crimes!
What's going on? What did you say to the Baron about this?
Sir, I don't understand.
You told me about the evil scheme they had going with the grading
of he salt!
Sir, I don't know what Soon-shin told you, but you're mistaken!
How could you!
How could you fill your own pockets with what belongs to the government?
Did you think you could get away with this?
Sir...!
Yi Chun-su and Kim Bok-nam, you are under arrest!
What's going on? I'm no criminal! I didn't do anything wrong!
Let go! Let go of me! I am no criminal!
Baron Huh! Baron Huh! Let go of me!