Subtitled by KBS America
I followed Mu Meng Dal as you asked,
and he went into the West Gate Market Brokers building.
I guess all we can do now is to pray that our fears don't come true.
No, our fears will come true.
What?
Something even worse might happen.
What do you mean?
First the junior foreman, and now Mu Meng Dal...
And this is not what I had imagined.
What do you mean by that?
I thought the tribute goods transport contract would bring the company stability.
But...
Never mind. Maybe I'm just overthinking this.
We should be working on building internal strength, but we are expanding externally.
Is that what's bothering you?
And the staff is overly excited. That really worries me.
This isn't the only marker broker in Jeju! Let's get out of here!
Why are you gentlemen leaving?
Everyone is busy celebrating and
no one is helping the customers!
Come join us, Madam!
You, too, Man Deok!
I cooked up my best dishes for us!
Drink for the food and drink for the mood!
What is the meaning of this? Customers are turning around and leaving!
It's okay, Madam. They're just small time peddlers.
We got more business than we know what to do with now!
"Just small time peddlers"?
All customers are equally important.
Since when did we discriminate our customers?
Don't be so harsh, Madam.
It's not like we do this everyday.
We just bought our own ship and we're happy.
Can't we enjoy ourselves just one day?
We haven't even been paid for the freight yet.
Money is coming.
It's not going anywhere. Relax!
Here, have another drink.
What is this?
It's black cow hide.
Black cow hides are rare items used only in the royal house.
What's your reason for bringing this?
I intend to use this to shut down East Gate Market Brokers and drive Madam out of Jeju.
Continue.
We will plant the goods in the East Gate's freight vessel.
Only thing I need you to do is to have Kim Eung Ryeol find them.
Have Kim Eung Ryeol be the one to shut down the company his daughter works for?
Yes, sir.
Would you be able to eliminate the old woman permanently?
Don't worry. I will take care of everything once I get back to Jeju.
Very well.
I will make arrangements so that Kim Eung Ryeol inspects the tribute transport vessel personally.
Thank you, Minister Jeong.
West Gate Market Brokers, Jeju Island
Is this it?
Yes, sir.
She wants me to sneak this on board East Gate's freight ship?
If all goes according to plan,
we can destroy East Gate without hurting a hair on your precious Man Deok's head.
Destroy East Gate by putting prohibited trade items on their ship?
I have to hand it to Mother. She's a crafty lady.
We have to be here all night,
but I'm already getting sleepy.
I have to go take a whiz.
Junior Foreman.
Go get some shut eye. I'll keep watch for a while.
No, that's all right, sir.
All right? You're falling asleep on the job.
Just catch a short nap.
So you can stay alert for the watch.
Then we'll be back soon, sir.
Then just a few minutes.
We found a good spot and put them on board, sir.
I hope they like our little gift. Good work.
Sir,
I'm under suspicion among my peers at East Gate.
Please remember that I am risking my life for you.
Let's go.
It looks like no one's been
working since I left Hanyang.
Uncle, I'm going to have to make some personnel changes before I go back to Jeju.
All right. I'll do some staff evaluation and fire those who aren't performing.
I'm coming in.
What brings you here, my lord?
I must have done something wrong again judging by the look on your face.
I know that you've been talking to my father about East Gate's freight ship.
Minister Jeong sought my opinion on East Gate's
ability to run the tribute goods transport operation, and I obliged.
Why don't you share your opinion with me as well?
I told Minister Jeong that East Gate lacks experience and resources,
so problems are foreseeable.
This meeting you had with my father, isn't that one of those problems?
What do you mean?
Aren't you plotting a scheme against East Gate to get back the privileges West Gate lost?
Are you here because you're worried about East Gate?
My father is the head of the Ministry of Punishments.
Keep in mind that it doesn't bode well for him to have repeated visits with a merchant.
Hong Soo came to see you? Why?
He was trying to feel out why you and I were talking about East Gate's freight ship.
What? How did he find out about that?
Don't be alarmed.
I told him that you were just concerned about
a small company handling such an important work.
You don't have to worry.
No one will ever find any evidence that you and I are involved in this.
There can be no mistakes.
I know.
Hanyang Harbor
Sir!
What is it?
There are items on the ship that should not be here.
Items that shouldn't be here?
These are...!
Black cow beef and hide, sir.
They are not on the manifest of tribute goods for this shipment.
Then why are they on this ship?
Perhaps there's an error on the manifest.
I don't think it's an error, sir.
They were hidden under the tangerine boxes.
We might have missed it if you hadn't ordered us to check each box.
Did you say black cow?
Why did they bring unauthorized goods on board?
I've contacted Jeju and ordered an investigation on the suspected illegal trade.
This is a serious matter.
It's more than just profit related matter.
What do you mean?
Black cow is only used for national funerals and royal entrees.
If this is an attempt to tamper with the food that goes on the King's table...
That's a bit farfetched, sir.
If anyone was after the King, why would they use
the tribute transport vessel to smuggle the goods?
So you're suggesting...
It's more likely that this is a conspiracy against
the company running the tribute transport vessel.
A conspiracy?
Yes.
Tribute goods transport service is a lucrative contract and subject of competitors' envy.
And the ship is not being guarded by state guards,
so items could be slipped on board for a set-up.
Assistant Section Chief Jeong has a good point.
And it's likely that the ship's crew had no idea since
none of the items on the manifest were missing.
Nonsense!
However fierce competition might be,
how could these alleged conspirators acquire such rare item?
So that eliminates our list of suspects.
We will start investigating those with resources to acquire the rare goods, and...
The Bureau of Commerce Control!
...will interrogate the smugglers and get to the bottom of this attempt against the royal family.
Regardless of your exalted position,
you cannot give groundless orders before an investigation, sir!
Don't you have anything to say to me?
I heard you assigned Sir Kim Eung Ryeol to investigate East Gate Market Brokers.
Is this a safety measure just in case something goes wrong?
You punk!
Or is this all part of the plan?
How dare you.
It's not enough that you humiliate me in front of my peers, now you're trying to vilify me?
Father, stop this.
You cannot hurt innocent people.
You dare continue?
I will not let you bring dishonor to me and this family.
East Gate Market Brokers, Jeju Island
Arrest the foremen of East Gate!
Yes, sir!
What is the meaning of this?
I know all of you are money crazy,
but what balls you have using a ship that transports
royal tributes to run a smuggling operation!
Assistant Magistrate!
A smuggling operation? That's ridiculous!
They found the black cow beef and hide you had on the ship.
You won't be able to get out of this one.
Take them away!
Yes, sir!
Black cow?
Sir! Sir!
This is a mistake. We did no such thing!
I heard Lord Kim Eung Ryeol inspected the tribute transport ship himself.
Listen well. If you do not answer my questions honestly, you will not get out of here alive.
Yes... Yes, sir.
Did you release black cow goods without permission from this office?
Forgive me, my lord.
It was late at night, and he said it was urgent...
He promised to bring me the release order later, so I...
Who was this man?
He said he was the senior foreman of
East Gate Marker Brokers that runs the tribute transport ship.
Do you still deny the charge?
No, it wasn't me.
Continue the torture until he confesses the truth!
Yes, sir!
How dare you barge in here! Do you think this is your living room?
Sir Magistrate, I beg you to stop the torture and conduct an investigation.
Senior Foreman Go would never be involved in illegal trade.
That's right. Black cows are a rare commodity, so only a few people can get hands on them.
You little punks!
Stop.
The truth has already been exposed. Don't waste your time.
Truth has been exposed?
We have a witness. The rancher at the
black cow farm has testified against him.
You mean the rancher said Senior
Foreman Go received the goods?
Did you think the government office would punish a man without proof of guilt?
But that can't be...
We won't be long. It'll just be a moment.
Senior Foreman! Senior Foreman!
Are you all right?
What are you doing here?
I don't know what to say...
Don't say things like that, sir. How could this be your fault?
Sir, I promise you we will get to the truth, so don't worry.
They have a witness. They won't believe us no matter what we say.
We're going to talk to that rancher who testified against you.
The kids are doing everything they can for you and East Gate, so don't lose your strength.
Thank you, and I'm sorry for all this...
I am to blame for everything.
If I had been more prudent...
I worry about what this will do to the company.
Madam, please take care of East Gate.
Don't worry.
This old woman will keep East Gate safe until the day you return.
Bureau of Commerce Control, Hanyang
What brings you here?
I heard you are going to Jeju.
Yes, I'm going to conduct an investigation on the black cowhide smuggling case.
There's got to be more to this case than meets the eye, sir.
Man Deok? no, Senior Foreman Go? would not commit this kind of crime.
Don't worry. I'll conduct a thorough investigation and expose the truth.
Be very careful, sir.
Thanks.
Black Cow Ranch, Jeju Island.
What the heck! I make one little mistake and there is no end!
Get out of here before I throw you out!
Go ahead and throw us out. But you'll have to answer our question before you do.
Do you know how much work I've got piled up
being hauled in and out of the government office?
We won't take too much of your time.
Are you certain it was the East Gate's Senior Foreman that came to you that night?
How many times do I have to tell you?
He said he would send the release order later and to come to East Gate if there's any problem.
Are you sure that man was Senior Foreman Go?
Was it the same man you saw at the government office?
Huh?
Well...
Let me call a sketch artist.
You can describe the facial features of the man that took the goods.
How can I remember the man I saw once in the dark?
You mean you testified against a man you don't even recognize?
Someone was posing as Senior Foreman Go!
He said he was senior foreman of East Gate Market Brokers!
Stop harassing me and get out of here!
A man's life is at stake.
Think back and give us the details of the man that came to you that night.
We will make certain that no harm comes to you.
Junior Foreman! Oh! What have they done to you!
What happened to the senior foreman?
He's going to be exiled.
Exiled?
Oh, no! This can't be happening!
Oh no! No! What do we do?
Oh, the poor man!
Did you have a good trip to Hanyang, ma'am?
Collect on East Gate's promissory note without delay.
I'll get on it at once.
And no one will ever find out about your involvement.
You catch on quick.
You can't survive in lending business without keen eye and sharp wit.
The rancher that testified against the senior foreman said
he doesn't remember the man's face.
Perhaps we can request a second investigation.
It's not an easy matter.
The rancher will not change his testimony first of all,
and Deok Pal and those who were guarding the ship that
night could also be implicated and harmed.
I hate to suspect one of our own especially at a time like this, but...
The junior foreman?
Yes. We might find some clue that will help us uncover the truth
if we trace his whereabouts the night before the ship set sail.
If there is a reason to be suspicious,
we must look into it whether it is an outsider or one of our own.
I will help anyway I can.
Okay.
Madam! Madam! There's trouble!
What is the meaning of this?
You're going to have to pay me back the loan at once.
But the note is not due yet. Let is not do this out here. Come inside.
Actually, the note is due today.
How could this be...?
Didn't you know?
We agreed on an open note to be paid back on the day that I decide.
I will not demand repayment from you people since the senior foreman is in custody, but...
You will have to leave this property today.
Then where are we supposed to go?
Any and all items belonging to this company must be left untouched.
Look!
Everyone!
I have terrible news!
Officer Kim, what brings you here?
The senior foreman... is dead!
This can't be happening!
Granny!
Oh! Why is this happening to us?
This can't be real!
How are things at East Gate?
I'm sure it's as somber as a funeral house.
I wonder how Man Deok is taking all this.
Madam! Madam!
I just heard that Foreman Go of East Gate has died!
Go Seok Ju is dead?
Oh my! It has really become a funeral house!
You got your wish, my son. This will be the end of East Gate.
Bring the deceased home, you say?
This place is no longer East Gate Market Brokers.
It's my house now. Mu Meng Dal's house!
He is the senior foreman of East Gate!
His mourning must be observed here!
I don't want to hear this gibberish, so just pack your bags!
What are you waiting for? Get these people out of here!
Yes, sir!
Stop!
I know that you're a coldhearted loan shark,
but how could you be so ruthless when a man is dead?
Stop us if you can.
But we are going to bringing back Senior Foreman's body.
Senior Foreman...! Senior Foreman...!
Men, I want nothing to go missing, not even a spoon! Watch carefully!
Yes, sir!
This must be so hard on you.
I heard that the company's been taken over by a creditor, too.
Tell me if there's anything I can do to help.
You and Granny can come work for me if you'd like.
Do you really want to help?
Of course.
Then how about restoring East Gate back to its original condition?
What do you mean by that?
You can't bring a dead man back to life,
but I'm sure you have the resources to revive a dying business.
I truly wish I could,
but I can't very well go out of business paying back someone else's debt now, can I?
But I can take care of you, so I'm asking you to join West Gate.
Aren't you the one behind Mu Meng Dal?
I know you're upset,
but I can't have you accusing me and West Gate every time things don't work out.
I just hope you're being truthful.
Because I do not intend to forgive whoever did this.
What are they taking inside?
It's an island custom to share whatever
you have with the family of the deceased for consolation.
I think that woman is taking
rice cakes my favorite.
Poor Man Deok... I can only imagine
what she must be going through.
I hope she can put this behind
her and get back on her feet soon.
Foreman Go is the dead man, but everyone is worried about Man Deok.
Well, Man Deok does have a lot of friends on this island.
On account of her being such a nosey-parker that she is...
East Gate Market Brokers, Jeju
Inspector! What brings you here from Hanyang?
Why does the compound look so empty?
Foreman Go has passed away.
Foreman Go is dead? What happened?
After being accused and tortured for illegal trade...
Has the case already come to that?
Where is everyone? Why are there men guarding the gate?
Men at the gate work for a loan shark, and the staff has gone to Senior Foreman's burial.
I see.
We have to clear the compound as soon as the funeral is over.
Was it really necessary to destroy East Gate?
Are you feeling duped because it looks like you'll never be a senior foreman?
Well, Man Deok is suspicious of me,
and the company is up to its neck in debt, so I'm not sure what I'm supposed to do...
You're so dense.
As long as Granny is in control, you can't have East Gate anyway.
Did you find what I told you to look for?
This will serve as a definitive proof that Man Deok is Kim Eung Ryeol's daughter.
Kim Eung Ryeol is back in Jeju.
Good. That's perfect timing.
As for you, wait for the right time and move into West Gate.
I will find a decent position for you.
Thank you.
One more thing.
In case anything happens, remember that the man behind all this is Kang Yoo Ji.
I understand.
I put my hair up myself.
I see.
I heard about the senior foreman.
Are you here because of the cowhide that was found on the tribute goods transport ship?
Yes.
Good, I'm glad. Please conduct a thorough investigation.
Yes.
I will get to the bottom of it, so don't worry.
Thank you.
Are you doing all right?
It breaks my heart to think about the senior foreman,
but I don't believe this is the end for East Gate.
I'm going to rebuild East Gate with my own hands.
Spread a rumor that Kim Eung Ryeol rushed here the moment he heard East Gate was in trouble.
Kim ungryeol is here again?
But why do we want the whole world to know when the man is only going to harass us?
That's exactly why.
East Gate is gaining public sympathy after the senior foreman's death.
What will happen once it becomes known that
they have a powerful government official behind them?
I'll make sure that the whole island thinks that
East Gate got both the abalone distribution contract
and the tribute transport contract through it's powerful connections.
It's vital that this rumor reaches the magistrate.
So tell Yoha to work on Assistant Magistrate Choi.
Don't worry. No one will believe a word Kim Eung Ryeol says when we get done.
Yes, yes.
Ugh! Why does the food taste like this?
It's salty on one bite and bland on the next. Is this some kind of shock treatment?
Oh, my lord, does it really matter what the food taste like when you're drinking?
The best appetizer with a drink is having someone to bad-mouth.
That's true.
I heard Sir Kim Eung Ryeol is here again in Jeju.
News travels fast.
There's a rumor all over town that Kim Eung Ryeol is the one who got
the abalone distribution contract and the tribute goods transport contract for East Gate.
Really?
Kim Eung Ryeol did indeed zealously defend East Gate.
Some people even make bets trying to figure out
why a man all the way from Hanyang would do such favors for East Gate.
Is that right?
You cannot conclude that Go Seok Ju took the black cow goods based
on one rancher's testimony.
And now that suspect has died during interrogation...
Cowhide was found on his ship. What more do you need?
Sir, did you wish to see me?
Hello... again.
Bring the inspector the black cow hide case file.
There's a rumor that you're East Gate's more specifically Man Deok's guardian angel.
That you're the reason why East Gate got all the government con...
Assistant Magistrate Choi! Are you using a groundless rumor as an excuse to malign me?
Gentlemen, please.
I will not let a groundless rumor stop me from doing my job, so expect your full cooperation.
Oh, how kind!
You're cleaning up the place for us when you're getting kicked out!
Don't back us into a corner.
I know we owe you money, but aren't you being unreasonable?
I let you have the funeral service because I'm a compassionate man,
but you will leave today.
Men, start loading up the merchandise.
We're taking it to the marketplace for liquidation!
Yes, sir!
No, you can't do this! Stop!
No, stop!
No, stop! We'll be out on the streets if you do this!
I beg you! Please give us an extension on the loan.
Not a chance!
We've lost our leader, but we don't want to lose our company.
Wouldn't it benefit you if we rebuild our business and pay you back?
Everyone in your position say the same thing.
"I promise to pay you back."
But I have to protect my own interest, so I can't give you an extension.
I never break a promise.
I don't believe in promises.
I only believe in money.
I want all of you gone by the time I get back from liquidating this merchandise!
Oh, this is the end for us! It's over!
You all know the situation, so I'll make this short.
Leave the company as soon as you find a place to go.
We can't give up like this.
It's already over. Let it go.
Junior Foreman, please help the staff find new jobs so they have a place to go.
Yes, Madam.
We just got this job and now this!
We never have any luck...
The company, the goods, everything is gone. Why stay behind in misery?
I've been waiting for you.
For me?
The night before the ship sailed,
I heard you filled in for watch duty for Deok Pal and Mangan.
And there is a witness who saw strange men loading things up on the ship.
W-w-What do you mean?
It was me. I saw you letting them on the ship!
Don't lie to us anymore.
Who were those men that brought the cargo on board?
I only let them on board because they said an authorized tribute item had been left out.
Who was it?
Foreman Kang Yoo Ji of West Gate.
Foreman Kang Yoo Ji?
Yes, Foreman Kang!
Why didn't tell us this before?
We must go to the authorities at once and clear East Gate's name!
Do you want me dead as well?
What good would it do to go to the authorities?
Senior Foreman is already dead, and it's Kang Yoo Ji will deny it all!
Are you the one who planted the illegal trade items on our ship?
Yes, it was me.
How? How could you do such a thing and be completely shameless?
A man is dead because of you, and the people of East Gate have lost their home!
East Gate is gone now, so you don't have anywhere to go either.
Why don't you let me take care of you now?
I'd rather jump in the ocean than be with you.
Do what you will.
But don't forget it.
Whoever you choose to go to will end up just like East Gate.
I, Kang Yoo Ji, will make sure of it.
Subtitled by KBS America