Episode 6
So, are you awake now?
It took me a whole day to find you. How did you even get all the way here?
Who are you?
Who am I?
We have a long history of fighting each other.
What's with his eyes?
Wait, did he really lose his memory?
If he really lost his memories, then this changes everything.
Who is this brat?
He is a demon that eats humans.
You'll soon be able to taste hell with this guy.
Like I said, who is he?!
A slave. He was running away, so I caught him.
So what do you think? I'll give him to you for 10 nyangs.
Five nyangs.
Five nyangs?!
Ever since you started selling salt, you've become quite a cheap bastard.
Just take the five nyangs when I offer it to you.
You don't like it? Then, nevermind.
Even if I go through hell,
I guess I won't be able to beat my Demon orabeoni. Okay, give me the five nyangs.
But orabeoni, I have one condition.
Until I come buy him back, don't let this bastard step one foot in Hanyang.
Just work his ass off in the salt field.
To the point where his eyes are glazed over.
You got that?
Look here! How many fingers?
Aigoo, would you look at that?
I will take this as payment for treating you!
Just fix him up to the point he is usable.
I'm sure I'll have use for him somewhere.
Who're you?
Where am I?
Everyone calls you Ban Poon. (Farthing ) Don't you even know your name?
My name?
You must have really lost your memory.
Anyhow, nice to meet you. I'm Seo Rim. Gae Seo Rim.
Where did that wench, Seo Rim go off to?
I'll see you around!
You're quite handsome.
Look at him. That guy is this salt farm's owner, and
his nickname is, "Demon".
Since he's a guy that can make a perfectly normal person into a cripple,
be very careful around him, okay?
Is Demon here?
Why are you coming now?
I'll be able to use you soon.
All the people here were sold here for a paltry sum of money.
And all they do is work their backs off.
But, even if they work their backs off, they can't even pay such a small amount back, and end up dying.
How much were you sold for?
I was only sold for 20 nyangs.
And even after I've worked here for 2 years, I couldn't even pay half of that money back.
Do you see that over there?
Each of them is worth 10 nyangs, so 30 nyangs. How about it?
If they have worked their backs off and run out of energy, they get sold off again like that.
But even still, that's better.
Most just die here.
They die under the heat of the sun or from receiving lashes.
And if they didn't die from that,
they die from hunger.
- Aigoo, Father! - Why are you stopping?!
Aigoo, Father!
It's no use even if you go there.
What Seo Rim said is correct.
Follow me.
What is this, you bastard?
Who are the people that brought me to this place?
Huh!
Why? What are you going to do if you know that?
Name. What is my name?!
Your name is Ban Poon, and you are now mine.
See? You have a debt of 45 nyangs to me.
Baek Dae Gil? Is that my name?
Before you pay all of this off, you won't be able to leave, you got that?
And what if I don't want to?
This bastard... just because I was going easy on you, do I look like a joke to you?
Step on it.
Look how you stare. Hey, if you want to pay me back a day sooner, get on up and go work.
Move quickly! Move quickly!
Over here.
QUICKLY!
If you want to eat, don't think about anything else but working.
Move!
Hey, Ban Poon! What are you doing not working?!
Please have some.
Thank you.
Father, have some more.
You guys eat it.
Don't be like that, Grandpa. Please take some.
You guys eat it.
Eat.
It's no use.
You won't be able to escape this place no matter how hard you try.
What?
You don't remember?
This... You gave it to me.
What?
Why would I do that?
Because we're friends.
Cross him out.
You guys watch this carefully. The day you escape from this place, you will die.
What are you doing? Hurry up, slice that bastard's neck, and throw it in the pigsty
Yes, sir!
No! Please spare him! Please!
He is my son! Please spare him!
- Father! - Please spare him!
My son! My son! Please spare him!
Let go of my hand.
Father!
My son!
What's with the stare? What? You want to croak too?
Starve that bastard, Ban Poon from today.
Yes, sir!
Your Highness.
You should be busy both night and day, so what is your reason for being here?
For what reason have you called the Wol Ryang Restaurant's owner...
October 13th, Gyeyu year (1693).
Whose date of birth is this?
This is something you should not concern yourself with.
If it was Month 10 of Gyeyu (1693), that would be the date of birth of my older brother, a six-month-premature baby, who died before my birth.
Just why would Royal Mother have the dead older brother's date of birth?
I wonder why our Highness is so moody today?
I am thinking right now. So let's just drink in quiet today.
You're thinking? Your Highness is?
The biggest playboy on Earth has thoughts? The passing mutt dog would laugh at that.
My Lords! Please come over this way!
Fine! Then let's play to our heart's content!
Please tell me.
What is it? Is it something that you cannot even tell your mother?
Royal Mother. What is your reason for having the dead older brother's date of birth?
I was merely wondering, if that child is alive,
what kind of life he would be living right now. What other reason do you think I have?
What is it?
Is there something you're still curious about?
No.
Your Highness...
Sookjong
Were you looking for me, Your Majesty?
Do you want to be the King?
That is outrageous, Your Majesty!
You, who is smarter and wiser than anybody else,
just why on earth are you living like a playboy?
It's probably because your mother made you do that.
She probably told you to stay far away from politics, and instead be close to drinks and women.
That's how you evade the eyes of the high subjects who are like coyotes.
And build your cow barn (build up power) to claim the throne.
Isn't that right?
That is not true, Your Majesty.
I just wanted to serve under you, Your Majesty, and...
Cut that bullcrap...
and just answer my question.
If I give you the throne, do you have any intentions of becoming the King?
That is impossible, Your Majesty! When we have hyungnim, the Crown Prince, how could I ever...
How can you hardly understand what I say?
Is there a law that states that the Crown Prince has to become the King?
I am right now folding my two hands, two feet (pleading), and my pride by asking if you have any intentions in being the King.
Come closer.
You can choose to be either a righteous king like King Sejeong, or a monster king like King Yeonsan. That is completely up to you.
So do you...
want to become one or not?
There is no law that states the Crown Prince must become the King.
I am right now folding my two hands, two feet, and my pride
by asking if you have any intentions
in being the King.
Your Majesty, the Uniform Land Tax Act
is garnering much resistance by the rural aristocratic landlords.
How about we evaluate it further and rewrite the law?
What the Right State Councilor said is true.
The total enforcement of Uniform Land Tax Act
has not met it's ripened time as of yet.
Then...
Pathetic things.
Since
my eye disease is severe,
I'm having a hard time reading the reports.
Now a days, my ears are going lame too.
Your excellent opinions,
I don't hear them well.
Crown Prince,
- what do you think?- Yes.
It appears Your Majesty's royal body has weakened much due to overwork.
I will have the royal physician read your pulse.
I'll concede the throne.
You mustn't! Please take back those words!
Your Majesty, that is an act that startles both the Heaven and the Earth!
Your Majesty is strong. How can you decree a concession of the throne?
May Your Majesty take back the royal edict!
Take back the royal edict!
My eyes are blinding and my ears are deafening, so I want to step off of the throne
and take some rest, but you all are saying no and no?
Then, we'll come half way (compromise) and have Crown Prince be the Proxy King.
It mustn't be!
Please take back the concession of the throne!
It mustn't be, Your Majesty!
Please take back your edict!
If you gain one,
then you ought to give one! That is the order of things!
I'm done with going back and forth.
So you all can stop!
Your son,
instead of wearing the crown, I shall behold the sword.
Those who exploit the people,
the limbs of the corrupt officials, I shall cut it off.
I will purge the traitors to the throne,
and I shall go first on the road Your Majesty will go
to open up the road first.
Does that seem as easy as the words sound?
That's harder than being the King, you rascal.
You should yak about when you know what you're saying.
I'm sorry, Father King.
Crazy punk.
Fine then.
Just what kind of a sword you'll behold,
I shall wait and see.
Father King.
Please take back the proxy order.
Father King!
Your son can never accept this decree!
Please take back your royal edict!
Please take it back!
- When did it start? - Father King.
- What are you talking about... - When on earth
did you start throwing up blood like that?
I'm talking about your blood vomit.
Your body's not even well,
so stop the shivering and take on the proxy role.
Prince Yeoning.
Why is your face full of gloom?
Is Crown Prince taking up proxy as King,
causing your mind to panic?
In case the royal throne has become distanced from you?
That this might lead to losing everything?
It isn't so.
If there is what worries and panics me,
it is solely His Highness, my royal brother's health.
His chronic illness, plus the fevers and chills,
as well as phlegm inflammation.
How will he be able to handle a proxy post,
under the watchful eyes of Father King?
It's a case of the mouse worrying for the cat.
Isn't it so?
Be it His Majesty's fiery temperament.
Be it the sanctions of the royal subjects.
Or be it his congenital chronic illness.
These are all just what the Crown Prince
must overcome.
These are not what you need to worry, Prince.
Your Highness, Royal Brother.
It's been a long time since we faced each other like this.
Your Highness, enforce the proxy post.
I will be the eyes and ears to Your Highness.
I will be the arms and legs to Your Highness.
Father King, as well as you,
you both put such heavy burdens on me.
Hurry and move! Or else there's no dinner tonight!
Sun's about to set! Hurry it up!
Two at the crossing, one to the left, and one on the right.
A tiger.
Kim Che Geon
- Keep a tight watch. - Yes, sir.
Quiet down. It's not like I'm going to eat you whole.
You little...!
What? Am I doing something wrong? You're mine!
- Stay still! - No!
Let's go.
What's happening?
What, what's happening?
What are you doing?! Go and catch them!
Yes, sir! Hurry!
Hurry and run!
Wait.
If we go up there, we will be the tiger's food.
W-where are we going? I heard that a tiger lives on this mountain.
That's why we need to pass this mountain.
H-how about we go b-back?
If we go back now, they might forgive us.
Forgive? What will you do after you salvage your life then?
Just work in the salt farm until you're dried up to death?
Go by yourself.
Without me, you can run away.
At least that man, Demon, won't kill me.
Live, then we both live. Die, then we both die.
Let's go together.
You need to go back to your hometown!
Hurry!
Only look towards the front and go. I'll take care of you.
When I count to three, run down the mountain. Absolutely, don't look back.
Whatever happens, run.
What about you? What about you then?
I'll figure something out.
One...
Two...
THREE!!!
Which way is it?
Let's go.
Yes, sir!
Ban Poon...
Just now, how did you do that?
With just a sword, how can you catch a tiger?
What about you then? Were you thinking you'd catch the tiger with that rod?
I don't know if you're lucky or you're gutsy.
If you had cowered by the tiger's force or ran away,
you would have been the tiger's meal.
In this mountain, other than him, there's another tiger.
If you don't want to die, go back.
Ban Poon!
I thought you died!
Are you alright?
What happened?
If the lashing doesn't do it, we'll have to have him taste poop.
How's the taste of poop?
If you're keen on living, just say the words, "I did wrong."
"Please save me. I really did wrong." Go on, say it.
Why this bastard!
This bastard. This incessant bastard.
Put that bronze coin hanging by his neck in his mouth.
It reeks!
It's your road money for your trip to hell.
For Joseon's best gambler, one nyang should suffice.
It's you punk again?
W-w-water...
What are you?
Should we make a bet?
Whether I die or live?
Live (you should).
Beg for your life right now.
Then you can live.
I'm going to live and return.
Definitely.
Father, don't worry.
I'm not going die.
That bastard that killed you.
Before I pluck his neck, I will never die.
I can't die, I said!
Is Ban Poon here?
Look at me.
So your gaze is still fierce and alive.
Only your mouth is alive.
That's why your nickname is Demon?
Oh yeah?
Let's see if you can still say that when your arms and legs are broken.
That bastard, break his arms and legs.
And put a fire rub in those fierce gaze of his.
What is it that you want?
Is it money?
Then I'll earn enough to make you more than a millionaire.
What is that bastard yakking about.
That.
Double ten's
A d-double ten?
Eight and Two
How did you do that?
What is this?
How... how did you do that?
I did it well. How else?
Watch.
Ta-da!
Oh my. What is this?
What?
Pull. Do a pull.
Until I come and buy him back, don't let this bastard step one foot in Hanyang.
So this Ban Poon bastard is a master gambler?
How about it?
How about we go to Hanyang and sweep a big one?
Go wash up.
I'm coming in.
What kind of a girl...
doesn't know shame.
Thanks. Really thank you.
Without you,
I don't know what would've happened to me.
Maybe I would have bit my tongue to die for real.
How did you get to be here?
That day, my father,
he even bought me a ring, you see.
But instead of betting money, he put my wrist up.
Then he goes and dies himself.
But do you know what's more bitter?
Even so
I miss him.
My father.
Father.
It's all because of that Yook Gwishin.
I grind my teeth and endure this.
For my father, for my mother's grudge.
Until I shatter that Yook Gwishin's neck
I can't die.
And you?
Did you get your memory back?
Not yet.
Not all of it.
Then you'll regain it soon.
You...
Don't forget me.
Do you understand?
You know what happens to you if you get any other ideas, right?
Don't worry. I'm just a mutt dog.
I'm just a mutt that bites and brings you brass coins.
We'll see then.
If you're a mutt that bites brass coins from the betting table for me,
or a crazy dog that bites his owner.
Sister! Sister Hong Mae!
What?
That...
Move! Move you bastards!
There.
Aigo, Sister Hong. Have you been well?
See how uppity that face looks.
Royal Concubine Yang's going to cry about it.
That rotten! Did my words go out your ear?
- I clearly—- Clearly,
you said you'd buy him back, right?
So just say what you want, before you croak.
As promised, you buy him back.
Buy him back? How much?
- Five nyangs?- Five hundred.
Five hundred?
Orabeoni, you're not joking with me right now, are you?
Nope. Sister Hong.
I don't want to draw blood here either.
How about a round? With him as the wager.
What trick are you playing?
If he loses, fine.
I'll disappear for good.
If you lose, Sister Hong, at 500 nyang,
you take him back. How about it? Nice and tight, right?
He's a punk who can't remember anyway.
Just don't say otherwise after it's done.
I'll put a stake of your head on your salt field first.
What's with the fierce talk?
Now then.
Let's have a round.
Got anymore players?
Double-five's
So the best gambling den in Hanyang hasn't got much to it.
Well then. I should be the one to pluck off your neck anyway.
I was thinking you looked familiar. Do you by chance know me?
Gamblers all look alike anyway.
Mix the sides and spread the tags.
Boys, grab your weapons tight.
Yes, Sir!
Who knows what our Sister Hong might do once she's pissed.
What is this ruckus?
Oh my, big trouble. Big trouble.
Lee In Jwa
You're here, My Lord. And Miss is here too.
Baek Dae Gil?
My Lord, let me explain...
I'll settle on hearing your excuses later.
It is indeed quite startling to see you with your face looking so normal.
Just that, as soon as you managed to salvage your life, you sit in the gambling den?
Do you know me?
Did you lose your memory?
Hey, you noble lord, I'm asking you!
Do you know me?
Of course I do. Baek Dae Gil.
What are you? Tell me what you know. Everything!
I'm sorry, but I can't tell you.
What?
It was what you yourself chose,
hence finding your memory is also your fate, isn't it?
Fine, let's play a round against me.
Since I must hear it. Everything you know.
For your noble standing, isn't this better than some crazy knifework?
What? The money at stake's too low?
If I lose, I'll wipe your bottom too.
So cut the worry and play a round with me.
So you're sincere. Huh?
We'll do a single-round match.
If it's your wish, choose two tags first.
If you are with sincerity, everything can be achieved.
So your fate hangs on that tag.
Fate? Don't think that's something that should come out of an animal's snout.
Nine
White-faced Scholar.
No, was it Lee In Jwa?
So was your memory not lost or did you just regain it?
Why did you kill him? Why did you kill my father!
Double nine's
It's a double-nine.
Double-nines...
You must have endured bone-cutting pain all for this one play.
Such a regret indeed.
Double-ten's
It's a double-ten!
What...
What crazy...
Is this everything?
If you've got more tags you've prepared to get me, bring it out.
It's a swindle.
A swindle?
What happens when you strike a swindle in the gambling den?
If you get caught striking a swindle, then you'll get your wrist cut off. No?
One swindle and it's the wrist.
But twice, and it's the neck that goes flying.
A swindle, you say? Do you have proof?
What if I do?
You should be well aware that I didn't play a swindle.
If you're confident, place the wager. You can live fine without a wrist!
What? Scared?
Then lay down the stake money, your self-respect and get on up!
Alright. If it's what you so desire, I shall wager my wrist.
However, if you are wrong, you shall never hear it.
The reason why your father, Baek Man Geum died.
Hey, Demon! Come and dig his cuff.
Pardon me a bit. Let's have a look.
What?
What's this?
An eight! An eight!
So you hid the ten and switched it with your swindle of eight.
Was it when he grabbed me by the collar?
The proof is out and the wager was bet.
What are you waiting for, Boss? Hurry and cut off his wrist.
Didn't you hear me!
What to do now.
What's so difficult about cutting a mere wrist off?
Noble Lord, I'm Demon, a Demon. Remember that well.
Baek Dae Gil.
What are you doing? Cut it off!
♪ Longing for you even if the tears well up ♪
♪ I will withstand you. Even if my heart collapses ♪
♪ Because the words which have not yet been said remain ♪
Jackpot♪ Because I cannot live a time without you ♪
A prince of a nation, yet there is not one thing I can do on my accord?
You... are you crying?
- Dae Gil! - Aigo, you're going to break my face. Stop the touching.
Daebak. That rascal is going on the path set for him.
Hey, over there! You're Lee In Jwa?
From now on there will be a lot of things for you to do.
I'm also aware of Lady Sook Bin's past.
- You wench!- Help me have an audience with His Majesty.
The king you serve is one who deserves death.
Hence we shall come collect his head.
Why do you cast such a heavy mission upon your son?
I'm telling you to pull the sword to your content!