Subtitled by KBS America
Tomorrow is the deadline, right?
Yeah. We just have to wrap up the batch
we're drying now and we'll be set.
Great. You worked hard.
We had a lot of help.
Man Deok, is that you?
I heard you have exceptional skills in drying abalones.
Why don't you come and work for West Gate?
Don't waste your time and leave.
Just the thought of West Gate makes me ill.
Oh? Then I guess I have no choice.
She's not here. I can't find her anywhere.
Kids, how is it going?
We stopped by to see how the work was progressing.
I...
Are we bothering you?
No, it's not that.
So Rae... and the dried abalones... are gone!
Where are the abalones that were already processed?
So Rae had them stored separately, so...
You see? She's refusing to turn over the goods!
We must take this to the authorities!
You're mistaken. Why would Man Deok hide the abalones?
Senior Foreman, I saw her with the lady owner of West Gate at the marketplace.
They must've plotted this together.
Did you meet with the madam owner of West Gate?
Yes, I did.
But sir, please help me find the missing person first before you cast doubts about me.
All of this will be clarified once we find So Rae.
How can we find her if she doesn't want to be found?
I will find her. And I will see to it that the goods are delivered.
Did they find the abalones?
How can we find something that's been stolen?
Don't you dare accuse Man Deok! She's the most honest person I know!
Yes, Man Deok is honest and upright, and I'm evil and malicious!
If you like her so much, go right ahead and marry her!
Wait, Eun! He doesn't know what he's talking about. Don't take it personally!
Were you there? How do you know if she pilfered the abalones or not?
Not you, too, Mother!
You know our Man Deok would never do something like that!
You moron!
What? "Our Man Deok"? Since when is Man Deok ours, you fool!
My lord, I've been waiting for you.
Oh dear...
I came in the middle of work because you said it was urgent. What is all this?
You need to take a break once in a while. Let me pour you a drink.
Drink up and pour me a glass.
If you win Choi Nam Gu's favor and he opens up to you, your future will be set.
Did you bride-kidnap me
to put me in this hole?
Bride-kidnap?
Have you ever seen a girl get bride-kidnapped with her clothes packed?
Now you are a thief that stole East Gate's dried abalones.
You're no longer wanted anywhere but here, so be a good girl and dry the abalones.
Where are you keeping the abalones East Gate sent you to dry?
I ate them.
You wench!
Leave her alone.
Let's see how long she lasts.
After all that fuss about making everything
perfect, she didn't even touch the food.
I know. Why did she have us make all
this when no one's going to eat them?
Why?
That wench Yoha is working on Choi Nam Gu.
You just watch.
She's got something up her sleeves.
I'm worried about Man Deok.
I heard that someone she was working
with made off with all of the abalones.
That poor girl never has any luck.
Yeah. Let's drink!
Yong Cheon, we have all this
food and sorrows to drown,
so let's stuff our selves and get drunk!
Here, here!
Pour it to the top!
This is a little salty.
What? Who do you think you are
criticizing your elder's cooking?
Urrrgh!
"Urrrgh"? You little...!
We can still dry the abalones in the three days we have left if weather cooperate.
If only Man Deok can find So Rae...
Madam, Man Deok and Madam Oh had identical rings on their fingers.
I... am not so sure about this.
What did I tell you, sir?
We must turn Man Deok in to the authorities.
I will assume responsibility for all of this.
So do not talk about turning the poor girl in trouble in to the authorities.
How can you assume responsibility for the damage that's already done?
I will pay back for the loss even if I have to be a slave to East Gate for the rest of my life!
Madam, please, there is no point in placing blame at this point.
Let us just hope that Man Deok finds Baek So Rae.
But if she fails, then...
Has the woman begun working?
She's being stubborn as a mule.
She says she'd rather starve to death than dry abalones for us.
I catered to the wench because of her talent but she doesn't know her place.
Let her starve to death.
I'll have a talk with her.
You said you once bought dried abalones from Japanese merchants before.
Can you contact them?
Of course. I'll contact them right away.
That did they say at the government office?
They won't even listen to me.
I don't blame them.
Why would they waste their time searching for someone who packed her clothes and ran off?
So Rae didn't run off.
She always complained outwardly, but she was a different person when she worked.
But if you look at all the circumstances, it fits.
We have to find her quickly, or you and Granny will be in big trouble.
So Rae, where are you?
Oh, I found this. A sack of fresh abalones.
This net sack belongs to Chung!
Are you all right in this cold place?
Ouch! Let go, you wench!
Crooks!
- You! - Step back.
Aren't you Man Deok's friend?
I apologize for the harsh way Foreman Kang has treated you.
Forget your apology. Let me go or call Man Deok!
Stop acting like an animal and give it a good thought.
If you cooperate, Madam Oh will make it worth your while.
How? By throwing me back in the quarantine camp?
Crazy wench! Stop biting... please.
Don't be so stubborn.
If you cooperate, you might finally get your wish and get out of this island.
Get out of this island?
Madam Oh can arrange that in a snap if you'll just dry the abalones for us.
It's that darn abalones again.
Forget it. I've already been through this seven years ago.
I'd sooner die than dry abalones for West Gate.
Go ahead. Kill me if you want. Or send me to the quarantine camp.
There's obviously a misunderstanding.
I just wanted to help you.
I will come back when you're in a better mood.
Ladies!
Have you ladies seen So Rae?
Why? Did she leave?
She did say she was sick of abalones...
The dried abalones are gone, too.
What? She might be sick of abalones,
but she would never steal.
Have you seen Chong?
Chong? She's been acting
really strange since yesterday.
Chong!
Were you at So Rae's house yesterday?
Chong, please. I need you to tell me if you saw anything.
I... I went there to see So Rae would
show me how to dry abalones...
And?
I saw strange men coming
out of So Rae's house.
Strange me ?
I didn't recognize the others, but one
looked like Foreman Kang of West Gate.
I got scared and ran away.
It couldn't be... Foreman Kang?
We can't act hastily.
Let's just get near their building and watch their activities.
The Japanese merchants will be coming to see you tonight.
Have you told them what we need?
Don't worry. They will come prepared.
Those men work for West Gate.
Who are those people behind them?
They look like Japanese merchants.
What do you mean you can't give us the dried abalones?
Are you refusing to do business with us?
I did not come to sell abalones.
Then?
I've come to make a proposition.
One thousand pieces of Japanese silver.
It's yours if you make sure that no wins this bid for abalone trading.
You can't be forgetting that you are in Joseon,
and you must know what will happen if I report you to the authorities.
Yes, I do. But I also know that the madam owner of West Gate would not do such a thing.
You would not forgo profit that's within arm's reach.
You're asking me to put my neck on the line and obstruct international trade.
Do you think my life and West Gate are only worth one thousand pieces of silver?
Very well. How much do you want?
What are you going to do?
This deal is too dangerous to accept.
And if we don't accept? Do we have any other choice?
They don't want to compete with Joseon in abalone trade with Qing.
And we will make the most of it.
This will hinder future trading of Jeju products with Qing.
Seafood trade is dominated by Japan anyway.
We will just say that there aren't enough products for foreign trade
after allocation for the Royal palace.
An island merchant offering Japanese silver to
the King. Do you think they'll buy your story?
We will make them believe us.
That's our job.
No, it's too dangerous.
It's our chance to give up something small for a greater gain. There is no other alternative.
I will not discuss this again.
If you must insist, go ahead.
But if this should bring West Gate any kind of harm, I will not be idle.
Hunting clothes at this time of the night?
Something's not right. I'm going to follow him.
It's too dangerous. Wait for me at East Gate.
How can I just wait? It's okay. Let's hurry so we don't lose him
Moon Seon, what are you doing?
My scrumptious little darlings! I could eat them for you if you don't want them...
We have to render them completely useless.
So they will think there are no dried abalones in Jeju in this weather.
But these are valuable!
Spoil every single one of them. Move it!
Oh, I can't believe I'm doing this...
Uncle.
I have a job for you to do.
Go on. What is it?
You're the one Man Deok was with when I went to the quarantine camp to save her. Aren't you?
Now I remember. You're the man
that came to Man Deok's rescue.
You've become useless.
I brought you here, so I guess I will have to take care of you.
Or will you swear never tell anyone about this?
I can't promise you anything,
so shoot me if you want.
By the way, why would you say
you're going to kill me then untie me?
What?
Madam what's-her-name played you from the
start when she had you kidnap me. Didn't she?
And you just now figured it out.
Watch your tongue!
That's why you're testing me.
Because you don't want to be played for a fool.
How dare you!
No!
Get out of my way. I'm going to shoot.
Shoot.
Go.
You know I can't shoot you.
Let's hurry.
How dare you!
You dare put a sword to the foreman's throat?
Do you have a death wish?
You don't deserve to be the foreman.
Do you?
What you're doing right now isn't exactly for the benefit and welfare of West Gate or Jeju.
Since when did you care so much about West Gate and Jeju?
Image of a skirt chasing lost soul fits you better.
Fate of West Gate is riding on this.
If we do not come out on top,
I will hold you responsible and remove you from the position of foreman.
Do you understand?
You hid them in here?
Oh, no!
I needed to keep a fire going in here.
It's all full of moisture from being
left unattended the last few days.
What do we do?
I should've trusted you and told you about it.
It's my fault.
The company is going to suffer a great loss because of my lack of judgment.
I will accept my responsibility and resign from the advisor position.
I suppose there is no way to avoid the responsibility.
Foreman! Foreman!
What's the commotion?
Baek So Rae is back!
Baek So Rae? I thought she betrayed us and disappeared.
So Rae didn't betray us.
Here I am.
What happened?
We couldn't find you, so...
Why did you look for me?
It's not like you're paying me to work.
Here are the abalones.
But they've been ruined moisture.
You have the nerve to come back here after doing this to the abalones?
I've come to ask you a favor.
You have some nerve.
You caused us tremendous harm and now you want a favor?
The only way to make up for the loss I've caused is to enable you to enter this bid.
Enter the bid? How is that possible at this point?
Get us fresh abalones one more time and I will dry them.
You've ruined all of these abalones and you want more?
West Gate has taken them all and there are none left!
But we have to give it a try.
There is not enough time, so let it go.
But sir.
I'm afraid East Gate will have to forfeit this contest.
That is a shame.
We apologize for applying for the bid and failing to come through.
What is West Gate's situation?
We also have failed to acquire the required quantity of dried abalones.
So I would like to offer something else instead.
Bring it in.
Yes, madam!
Excuse me.
Open it.
Japanese silver have long been depleted. Where did you get all this?
We had it set aside for such use.
What happens if we offer Japanese silver to the state instead of dried abalones
in this situation with forfeiture from East Gate?
Three-year tribute goods delivery contract will be awarded to West Gate Market Brokers.
And the state will give you credit for abalones according to the value of the silver.
Thank you.
It's puzzles me how West Gate acquired such large amount of Japanese silver.
I'm sure Moon Seon got in contact with the Japanese and acquired the silver
when she couldn't secure the dried abalones.
Getting the Japanese involved in a domestic business competition...
Foreman Ko, let us give Man Deok a chance.
But the tribute goods contract has already been awarded to West Gate.
Officials from Hanyang are still here.
Don't just sit there. Go out and make dried abalones!
I oppose this. It makes no sense!
Sir, we have no way of getting the abalones,
and it makes no sense to work on a bid that's already over.
You are both right.
But we can't forgo this golden opportunity to introduce our marine product to Qing.
I agree with Madam.
West Gate has disgracefully replaced dried abalones with Japanese silver and foiled
our opportunity to open marine products trade with Qing.
This is not just a competition between two business rivals. Our national interest is at stake.
So let us all give Man Deok our support.
We can do it.
If So Rae and I can't do it alone, we will get the diver ladies to help.
Yeah, positive thinking always works for me.
Positive thinking doesn't give us abalones. We need money to buy them.
I will pitch in my own money to buy the abalones.
Are you sure you told the diver ladies to be here?
I told them I'd give them my famous family
secret to drying abalones, so they'll be here.
Then where are they?
Abalones! Ocean fresh, just picked abalones!
But why....?
We heard about the trouble
you're in because of So Rae.
It's not much, but we hope it will help.
Ladies!
Oh, look at your pale face!
I think you need to eat one first.
What can we do to help?
We need one thousand pieces of dried
abalones by mid morning tomorrow.
What?
In this weather and in just one day?
That's insane!
Yeah, it's insane.
But if you follow my instructions,
it just might be possible.
Do you want to learn my secret?
It'll come in handy when the weather is bad.
Let's get started!
Isn't the flame too strong?
Oh! It's so nice and warm that
I kept feeding the furnace!
If you dry them this way, the sparks protect the abalones from going bad.
We women of Jeju rarely get female
diseases. Do you know why?
Is it because we're by the fire all day and the heat drives the sickness away?
That's right. Jowang Goddess oversees
the water and fire in our kitchen
protecting us from ills
and bringing us prosperity.
Jowang Goddess, please help us
Man Deok, you're becoming a real Jeju woman!
Did you wish to see me?
Hong Soo, I found a perfect bride for you.
A bride?
She comes from a family close to the soon-to-be queen.
The Queen, Hong Soo! There could not be a better candidate!
I'm not ready to get married.
Preservation of the family name is imperative!
Or did you already produce a child in Jeju like you-know-who?
Father, who are you referring to?
Wife, please leave us.
I am well aware that Kim Eung Ryeol fathered a child while he was in exile
and committed a crime of treachery against the King.
Father, I beg you not to use that as a political weapon against him.
You'd bend your ethical standards just because you and he share same ideas?
How can you call yourself a public servant that walks the righteous path?
Please, Father.
If you overlook this, I will transfer to the Board of Punishments as you wish.
I heard there is a scarcity in sheepskin hats imported from Qing because of high demand.
Have you looked into this?
Yes, sir. It seems the high lords are buying up the market.
This must be nipped in the bud before it becomes a big problem.
Hasn't increased expenditure in luxury items create a shortage of silver that we
need for foreign trade?
That's correct, sir.
Captain Jung, investigate the pricing and distribution of Qing sheepskin hats
and work out a solution to this.
Yes, sir.
My man, why do you look so glum when this is not a matter of great urgency?
Is there something wrong?
The truth is, Captain Jung has requested a transfer to the Board of Punishments.
Board of Punishments?
What are you going to do?
He will eventually be forced to dig up his own father's corrupt dealings if he stayed under me.
Perhaps this is a good thing.
The Bureau work hasn't always been a chore thanks to you being by my side.
I'm just sorry I have to disappoint you like this, sir.
No, I am the one who disappointed you.
I'm certain you will be a good public servant wherever you go.
Please know that I will be with you wherever I am, sir.
Here, let us drink.
Don't worry about that.
It'll be impossible for East Gate to produce the required amount by tomorrow.
But if our contract should break,
you will have to give us double the silver we paid you for breach of contract.
We've already won the contract, and the officials are leaving the island tomorrow night.
Why are you so concerned? Please relax.
A dinner is prepared for you to enjoy. Please come with me.
I hope we haven't bitten off more than we can chew. This is nerve wrecking.
If we have bitten off more than we can chew, we'll deal with it then.
Stop the useless worrying and get some rest, Uncle.
Then rest. You must be tired too.
Man Deok!
The officials are leaving right now!
But they were supposed to leave on the last ship. What happened?
I think West Gate had something to do with their change of plans.
We just got word this morning.
Senior Foreman's already gone to the government office to see them off.
No way! You dried all this overnight?
No, they can't leave. We can't let them leave.
What are you going to do?
Show them the abalone at least. I can't just let them leave!
We'll come too!
Give me a batch! Hurry!
Stay out of this, Deok Pal?
What's going on here?
Isn't it obvious?
We have to show the goods to the officials!
What are you doing here in broad daylight?
Do you want the world to know that you're our spy?
Man Deok... Man Deok is on her way to the government office with dried abalones!
Man Deok?
How did she find out about the schedule change?
There's no time to explain. You have to stop her now!
Round up the men! She must be stopped!
All those abalones dried in that short time?
This is exciting. Let's see if she pulls through.
Are you all right?
What do we do?
I know another way to the government office.
Take the abalones and go.
Deok Pal and I will hold them back.
Me?
Thanks.
I'll see you at the government office.
Okay.
Don't worry, Man Deok! I'll take care of these goons!
Fight, you bastards!
Blood! Dang!
So I finally get to see you again, Hong.
I see that you're still quick on your feet.
Wench!
What just happened?
Let's get out of here!
So Rae!
So Rae, are you all right?
Don't worry about her. Go.
We prepared some food for you for the trip.
Thank you.
Then we shall be on our way.
Yes.
Have you gone any sightseeing around Jeju?
Perhaps a tour around the island on the way...
Thank you, but we have a long road ahead.
But...
Your ship will sail without you. You must hurry.
Yes.
Wait!
Please wait!
I brought you dried abalones.
What happened?
How dare you stand in the path of the government official!
Are these really locally harvested dried abalones?
Yes. Would you like to have a look?
Yes!
We will need to have another discussion.
We have seen Japanese dried abalones but these are by far superior in quality.
I'm truly astonished.
Is that right?
These will be worth much more than a thousand pieces of silver to the state.
Once this trading is established, it'll benefit both Qing and Joseon.
East Gate Market Brokers?
This is a remarkable display of abalone processing skill.
Naturally dried Jeju abalones are said to hold the secrets of Fountain of Youth.
But it's nearly impossible to produce them in wet weather such as this.
The only reason we were able to produce them is because of our divers' experience
and knowledge and because of efforts made by this woman Kim Man Deok.
Then does this mean you have made your decision?
We will award the contract to East Gate Market Brokers who delivered the goods.
Hurray!
Victory for Man Deok!
Hurray!
Tribute goods supply contract is hereby granted to East Gate Market Brokers.
You are ordered to fulfill your duty to the fullest.
Yes.
This is trouble. Lord Jeong Dong is not going to like this.
What is he going to do? Come all the way down here to Jeju?
It's not that. He and his men are our only protection.
What are you so happy about, Son?
Would you rather I cried?
I hope you're prepared.
I'm relieving you of your position as the foreman of West Gate like I said I would.
I want you to stay out of the company business altogether.
Actually, I do want to take a break for a while.
But make no mistake.
As the foreman of West Gate, I, Kang Yoo Ji, can resume command anytime I wish.
I do not need anyone's permission.
Take care of yourself.
You, too, Mother. Take care of you poor ego that Man Deok has crushed to smithereens.
We have been awarded a three year contact to trade abalones with Qing!
Hurray!
This is a product of Man Deok unrelenting faith and effort.
From now on, Man Deok will work as our warehouse keeper along with Deok Pal.
You're our family now, so let us take care of one another.
Thank you, Senior Foreman.
Yes, I will do my very best to be a good teacher to Man Deok!
Sir, now that we're going to be rich, may we have a party to celebrate?
Huh?
Certainly. Let us celebrate!
This is all I have to give you.
Would you... remember me?
I, too, want to make a family and live as a wife and mother.
But however desirable that life may be,
I cannot have it by sacrificing your dream.