(Episode 15)
The man who adopted Park Tae Soo's grandson...
is Kaesong's richest man.
His name is Sung Hwan Ok.
- Sung Hwan Ok? - Yes.
Guess what his son's name is.
- What is it? - Sung Ji Heon.
The chief administrative officer at the Police Bureau.
The man who is...
about to marry Lord Yoon's daughter...
is Park Tae Soo's grandson.
Ok Nyeo, why are you here?
I have something urgent to tell you.
To Officer Sung?
Yes.
Sit.
Thank you.
What do you have to say?
I know it is impertinent of me to bring this up,
but I'm here because I must confirm something.
I heard that...
you were adopted into your family.
Do you know anything about your birth parents?
What on earth are you talking about?
How dare you insult my heritage.
I was adopted?
Who told you such nonsense?
I heard it from a reputable source.
Shut your mouth!
I have no reason to hear more of this.
Get out of here.
Sir.
Please calm down and hear me out.
I know very well about your birth parents.
I've had enough!
Get out of here!
Ok Nyeo.
Why did you want to speak with him?
I had to ask him something.
Do you know he's betrothed to Lord Yoon's daughter?
Yes.
He's arrogant enough as it is.
I heard the parents met up recently.
Once he's married, he'll become even more unbearable.
I can't bear to think of it.
I think Officer Sung...
has it out for you.
Be careful.
I will. Bye.
Bye.
Master.
Your grandson...
is about to marry Lord Yoon's daughter.
I think I should stop it from happening,
but I don't know what to do.
I have something to ask of you.
Once you return to Joseon,
find my grandson for me.
This.
Give this...
to him.
Here.
What's this?
Is this it? Don't you want my business?
No one buys stolen goods when the economy's rough.
Take it or leave it.
This is insane.
I can't make a living off this.
I got my niece and nephew to work for you instead.
I don't need help. Send them away.
Don't be like this, Chun Doong.
I'll bring you a table laden with food.
Wait right here. I won't be long.
She always wants to pay with food.
This isn't enough.
Ok Nyeo.
Did you meet him?
I don't think...
he knows that he was adopted.
Are you sure that he's Sir Park's grandson?
Is your contact sure? Did he check?
You bet. I spent a fortune trying to find him.
I spent all the money you gave me.
But then...
I guess it's possible that he doesn't know.
My contacts said that most people in Kaesong...
don't even know that Sung Hwan Ok adopted his son.
My people only found out the truth from a slave...
who had worked for the Sung family for many years.
Sung Hwan Ok could have...
kept the truth from his son,
and raised him as his own.
Did you call us?
Have a seat.
We get...
over 10 reports of robberies a day.
It's because of the poor harvest.
People have no food for their starving bellies,
so they turn to stealing.
I'm afraid...
the bandits might end up coming to Hanyang.
I heard that a group raided Pyongyang's government office.
Poverty cannot become an excuse to break the law.
We must remind the people of the consequences.
Increase patrol in areas...
hit worst by the famine.
- Yes, Sir. - Yes, Sir.
You should all know that...
we are suffering from a terrible famine.
His Majesty the King is distributing extra grain,
but people are still starving.
For those reasons, our supplies...
have stopped altogether.
We have no choice but to feed you less.
We used to give you porridge twice a day.
Now you will only get it once a day.
Sir, Sir.
I know it's not enough for any of you.
From today,
I'll allow the prisoners to receive private supplies from outside.
In other words, you can get private meals now.
Gosh, Sir! Sir!
One meal per day?
We can't live with only one meal a day.
Then we'll starve to death!
That's why I'm allowing private supplies.
As you know,
most of us can't afford...
such private meals and supplies.
One meal a day...
- is total nonsense! - Then what do you want me to do?
The government has stopped giving us rice.
My goodness!
Don't you stuff your bellies to the full everyday?
- And you want us to starve? - Shut it.
You rascals. Calm down unless you want a beating.
You brats!
You're not in jail to stuff yourselves.
If you didn't want to starve to death,
you shouldn't have committed crime in the first place!
Don't stand like that. Put them back to their cells!
Stop complaining. You have no choice.
Hurry.
Goodness.
Gosh, they're such jerks.
Our chief is already perturbed.
They never try to understand him.
All they ever do is complain.
Would you be satisfied with one meal a day...
without complaining?
What? Chun Deuk,
are you taking the prisoners' side?
- I'm not taking anyone's side. - Stop.
Be quiet.
Sir, the prisoners won't be easy to control...
with just one meal a day.
Then what do you suggest we do?
Is there any other way?
If you are that worried about the prisoners,
why don't you buy rice with your money...
- for the prisoners? - Stop it.
Stop talking rubbish.
I already have enough worries. Don't add to that.
Sir.
Please ask the Ministry of Law Enforcement for more ration.
According to its ledger, there are 200 sacks of grain left.
That won't work.
They don't have enough ration for the people.
No one cares about the meals for the prisoners now.
Sir, I'm afraid that...
the prisoners might start a riot.
Yoo Geum, Ok Nyeo, do you remember?
Prisoners raised a riot when the former chief was here,
and set fire to Jeonokseo.
I do remember.
Did they really set fire?
Yes, Sir. Many constables lost their lives.
She's right.
Gosh.
Now we have no choice...
but to control them more strictly.
The prisoners are not allowed to set foot outside as of today.
If there's a sign of riot,
we must stamp them down in advance.
Of course, we will.
Gosh.
This is making me worry.
It's time for food.
Ok Nyeo.
How can we live on this?
We'll soon die.
We'll starve to death.
Well...
You know...
it's already sad to be here only because we have no money and power.
Now they've cut down on that pigwash we used to have.
How are we supposed to live?
I am sorry.
My goodness.
- Be more gentle. - Okay.
Take you hand off.
- And hold this. - Okay.
Dear me.
Can't you be more careful?
I'm trying my best. Stop being a baby.
Ouch!
Oh, gosh.
- Sir. - Hi, Ok Nyeo.
What happened?
It's nothing.
What do you mean it's nothing?
A prisoner threw his bowl at Treasurer Ji.
I'm going to tell on him so that he pays for this.
That's not necessary.
- Why not? - Try to be more understanding.
I'm just worried how we're going to manage for the next three months.
Even after three months,
we won't know for sure if they'll give us more rice then.
Why are you so pessimistic?
Why are you covering my left eye?
I'll fix it.
Ok Nyeo is here.
Good.
Did you find anything about the ships?
Seizing ships that are carrying the grain tax...
won't solve the problem.
What do you mean?
Those ships that bring in the grain from Jeolla Province to Hanyang...
belong to Jung Nan Jung's organisation.
But Jung Nan Jung...
and the supervisors of the ship already colluded...
to siphon off the grain.
In the ship that arrives at Samgae Dock,
there's nothing but the mixture of sand and rice bran.
So there's no point...
in taking over that ship.
They're such jerks.
When the people are suffering from the famine,
how can they defraud that grain?
Woo Chi,
it's your turn.
Share your idea with us.
I'm not sure about going against Jung Nan Jung.
You coward. Be a man.
How can you be afraid of her?
She's a mere concubine.
She's not a concubine any more.
She's registered as Revered Lady, Lord Yoon's official spouse.
Just tell us if you have any ideas.
For a con to be perfect,
we should never let others...
notice that they're being fooled.
In my opinion, the idea of hijacking those ships...
is total nonsense.
Do you think Jung Nan Jung would just sit back and watch it?
Then,
what should we do to make her not notice...
that she's being conned?
That's why duping others is difficult.
The second principle of a perfect con...
is using and manipulating...
the target's greed.
We must find out what Jung Nan Jung...
desperately wants the most.
Greed and money.
I heard that Jung Nan Jung has very extravagant tastes,
and she's especially obsessed with gold.
That's it.
Although she has everything she wants,
she loses her mind when it comes to gold.
She loves the sight of it.
Does it have anything...
to do with conning her?
It does.
We should use Jung Nan Jung's greed.
In other words, if we use gold as our bait,
it's highly likely...
to successfully con her.
That's right. Ok Nyeo is right.
Then,
we must discuss how to swindle her.
Right. I have a good idea.
Tell us.
Do you all understand what I'm saying?
I thought you were nothing but a braggart.
But now I see how smart you are.
What do you think?
I think it's feasible.
What about you, Ok Nyeo?
I think it's doable too.
But there is one problem.
In order to con Jung Nan Jung,
I must meet with her.
How can I meet her?
She has become the Revered Lady.
Why would she meet a nobody like me?
They came from every nook and corner of the nation to meet Lord Yoon.
These people...
bring everything they have, including gold and silver...
just to have the slightest acquaintance with Lord Yoon.
There's a simple way.
What is it?
Let's send a gift that can enthral Jung Nan Jung.
Then, she'll meet Woo Chi.
What kind of gift?
I can't tell you right now.
But I think I can prepare the gift for her.
Oh, what are they doing here?
Why are they here?
It's none of your business. Leave the room.
Didn't she...
come visit you before?
I said leave.
Gosh.
Who's that lady?
She's a clerk of our organisation. Please don't mind her.
Okay. Ok Nyeo will find a way to meet Jung Nan Jung.
Let's call it a day here.
Ok Nyeo.
Where are you going?
I'll walk you to Jeonokseo.
It's too dark and dangerous now.
I can't let a woman go on her own at this late night.
Well...
Do you really think I'm a woman?
Of course, I do. What else can you be, then?
I think...
you still think of me as a little kid...
that you met in Jeonokseo.
That's a long time ago.
Then,
do you...
really think of me as a woman?
Well...
that's a difficult question.
I knew it.
I'm still a little kid to you.
That's not true.
You can bravely stand against Jung Nan Jung.
You're not a little kid any more.
Then,
I'll just take it as a yes.
You can,
if you want.
Let's go.
Okay.
Go in.
Thank you.
Don't mention it.
You must be busy with your organisation,
but you helped me so much.
I didn't really help you.
If it's about taking revenge against Jung Nan Jung,
it's something I have to do, as well.
- I'll get going, then. - Okay.
You should wear this jacket at your birthday banquet.
I told the seamstress to make sure it's made to perfection.
It is exquisite.
Don't make too much fuss about my birthday. Let's keep it simple.
What are you talking about?
This is your first birthday banquet after becoming...
the Revered Lady.
The celebration should go on for 10 days at the very least.
10 days?
Of course!
We also have to celebrate you earning the Revered Lady title.
Many people will travel from all over the country to meet you.
If you want to meet at least half of all those people,
you would need a minimum of 10 days.
You're right.
I should listen to you.
Nan Jung.
The famine has left many people upset and devastated.
Wouldn't it be better to keep it a little low-key?
It's not like shortening the duration of the celebration...
will make the famine go away.
I will go with your suggestion.
Okay.
Make it look pretty.
Prepare the ingredients well.
We received those ingredients today, right?
Okay. Prepare them well.
Gosh, this is too much.
The celebration will go on for 10 days which means we'll be dead.
Does this make any sense to you?
No, it doesn't.
I heard that many people are starving to death at the moment.
This is really excessive.
Overworking like this...
could shorten our life span.
Yes, I should go.
Oh, where are you going now?
This will be a long battle.
We need to use our energy effectively to survive this battle.
I'll take a little break. Keep up the great work.
Wait!
Were you looking for me?
As all of you already know,
Lady Jung's birthday celebration begins today.
It has to be prepared perfectly to befit Lady Jung's grace and honour.
- Got it? - Yes, Ma'am.
This one looks good. We should use this.
- The Revered Lady Jung! - The Revered Lady Jung!
- We wish you a happy birthday. - We wish you a happy birthday.
- It's so good to see you. - What a happy day.
Let's go inside.
- Oh, my. It's been a long time. - Indeed.
These people came from all over the country...
just to meet Jung Nan Jung.
I've heard about her, but I didn't think...
she'd be this influential.
So her birthday celebration will go on for 10 days?
Yes.
I have a question.
What is it?
Am I...
really your son?
What... What are you talking about now?
I heard...
that I was adopted.
What did you just say?
Who told you such a hideous thing?
That does not matter.
Please tell me the truth.
I was going to tell you...
eventually at some point.
It looks like that day arrived sooner than I thought.
It is true.
I adopted you when you were four years old...
and have raised you since then.
It's all in the past, so it should not matter now.
I've always thought of you as my child...
and raised you as my son.
No matter what anyone says, you are my son.
Then...
who are my biological parents?
I don't know.
I desperately wanted a son,
so I hired someone to find you who had no family or relatives.
Your discovery about this matter...
does not change anything.
However,
your wedding is just around the corner.
Make sure your in-laws don't find out about this.
- So Jung! - So Jung.
So Jung, So Jung. Wait!
Where are you going?
Let's just have some more drink. Don't play so hard to get.
Tell me what you want.
I can give you anything you want.
Please don't do this, Sir. You've already had enough to drink.
Please go home now.
So Jung, my So Jung.
I guess you don't know the true taste of wine yet.
I know.
There are many things I'd like to teach you tonight.
- So let's go back in. - Let's go.
What are you doing now?
You witch. Are you out of your mind?
- What? - What's this now?
Who is this jerk?
Who are you?
You better stay out of this. Get lost!
It looks like you guys had a good time here.
Stop causing a commotion and get out of here now.
What? A commotion?
You fool. Do you even know who we are?
- Goodness. - Shall we teach you a lesson?
Judging from your attire, I think you're...
- just palace attendants. - What? Just palace attendants?
That's not even a proper post, is it?
Get lost unless you want to end up further humiliating yourself.
What?
I will teach you a serious lesson today!
Goodness.
What's going on? Isn't that Tae Won?
- You're dead. - Tae Won!
Leave it.
You rat, how dare you!
Remember my face, you jerk!
I'll be sure to get back at you!
- Are you okay? - Yes.
- Did you get hurt at all? - No, no.
I'm totally fine.
Tae Won!
Tae Won, are you okay?
How did you get into a fight with those idiots?
They're known for their nasty and malicious behaviours.
Why did you provoke them?
Those blokes...
cause a commotion every time they come to Sosoru,
so I've been meaning to teach them a lesson. Don't worry.
You're so headstrong.
Madam's funeral was still very recent.
Sir Gong.
Thank you for coming.
I heard you wanted to speak with me.
Yes, Sir. Please come in.
Tae Won already told me briefly.
So you want Tae Won to run Sosoru.
Yes. It's too much for me to handle on my own.
How do you feel about it?
I'd like to try it...
if I can get your permission.
I'll leave it up to you two, so you can decide.
You'll be part of it too, though.
I'm asking Tae Won to be in charge of Sosoru...
because I'd like you to help us out.
What could I do to help, though?
Just the fact that you're on our side will help us tremendously.
The head merchant in Kaesong whom I used to serve...
told me that the business...
of a kisaeng parlour is the same as that of a merchant organisation.
Both businesses are about people and moving their hearts.
If you join hands with us,
both Sosoru and your organisation will benefit greatly.
Sir Gong.
Wouldn't it be too much for Tae Won to take care of all of his duties...
at the organisation while running Sosoru?
I will visit Sosoru often...
and do my best to help Tae Won!
You can come and go.
I won't do that.
I'll stay here full-time...
and help Tae Won.
I can't let him...
slave away all alone.
You're blinded by your love of the ladies.
- You're banned from Sosoru. - What?
- Banned? - Banned?
- But... - But...
Good luck.
Thank you.
Mister.
Leave me alone.
Don't you see I'm all skin and bones?
I can't move.
Come with me.
Where to?
I'll take you to where you can eat your fill.
Will you really?
- Come along. - Let's hurry.
Okay.
- Come this way. - I just put on my shoes.
I'm right behind you.
What can I eat?
Soo Chang.
Shouldn't you be in Jeonokseo?
Why do you care where I should and shouldn't be?
You were of no help.
What?
What's going on?
I need to ask for his help.
Pretend we weren't here.
I'm not yet over...
the fact that you caused me...
a huge loss.
If you don't pay me back,
I will get it from you some other way.
Okay.
I will pay you back before I die.
- Don't you worry. - What?
You need to learn a lesson.
Stop it already.
Why did you bring me here of all places?
Eat up.
Hello.
Have a seat.
Who is he?
He's a Jeonokseo prisoner.
He'll help us out.
What is he in for?
For making silver pieces.
Do you mean fakes?
Yes. He has an amazing skill in shaping...
crude Japanese silver.
That means he makes three times the profit.
Yes.
This woman has a temper, but she can cook a mean chicken.
Why do you need fake silver pieces?
I want to do something to feed...
the starving prisoners.
Will you buy rice with them?
It's not that, so don't worry.
Eat all you want.
Come on in.
Here.
Take a seat.
My babies.
I made all these with Japanese silver...
to look like fine quality silver.
I bet I'm the only man in Joseon...
who can make them this well.
They look like the real thing.
You do have great skill.
I think these will do just well.
I don't know who you'll dupe,
but even if it works,
they'll find out about the silver after about a month.
We'll be done before the month is over.
Don't you worry.
Okay.
What happened?
That woman...
killed her children and husband's parents.
Why haven't you tied up this horrendous criminal?
Once you hear...
how it happened,
you wouldn't be able to say that.
She said...
they'd been starving for three days.
So she went...
out to the pier...
and brought back some fish guts to cook with.
For some reason,
there were blowfish guts.
The whole family died.
What were they doing there?
How does that make sense?
Why didn't she die if the whole family ate the food?
She didn't eat any just so the others...
could get a bit more.
Where is her husband?
He's in Jeonokseo.
- Be quiet, you fools! - Be quiet.
What's wrong with you?
Please stop it. I understand.
We'll feed you as soon as...
we get some rice.
Please don't cause any trouble.
You've been saying that for four days.
The porridge we get once a day is practically water.
How long...
do we have to put up with this?
Please, Jae Deok.
Even the King can't help.
There's nothing I can do for you right now.
Please let me go.
What is going on here? Open this door right now!
- Yes, Sir. - You fools!
- I won't let go. - Are you...
trying to get killed?
Open the door. Get off him!
What do you think you're doing?
How dare you.
- Die. - Sir.
- Stop it, Sir. - Die!
Please calm down, Sir. Stop it.
- Let go! I can't calm down! - Calm down, Sir.
- Don't do this. - They just won't listen!
You fools.
I know you're all starving.
Do you think I don't care?
I'm the chief in charge of this place.
I stay up most nights...
trying to think of...
ways to feed you!
Come on, Sir.
That's more than enough.
You can't expect them...
to understand your great intentions.
You can tell them all you want,
but it'll fall on deaf ears.
Calm down and come with me.
Let's go.
Sort things out.
Come on now.
Jae Deok.
We're trying to find a way to help.
Hang in there just a little longer.
Let's go.
Kill me. Kill me.
Just kill me.
Forget all about it, Sir.
Don't let it get to you.
It's not your fault.
They drive me insane.
Sir, please forgive them.
I'm doing my best.
What more do they want?
They're going crazy with hunger.
Try to understand that.
- I'm sick of them. - Sir.
Sir.
Go to your office.
Officer Yang from the Police Bureau is here.
Officer Yang? What's he doing here?
Gosh.
He comes here way too often.
Do you mean...
his parents and children are all dead?
Yes.
What's worse is that...
his wife is alive because...
she didn't eat anything so her children could have more.
My goodness.
That's so sad.
That's so terrible.
The commissioner ordered that...
we release the husband...
so he can bury his family.
I understand.
Officer Lee.
Yes, Sir.
Go and tell Deok Soo about this.
Yes, Sir.
- You can all leave. - Yes, Sir.
Oh dear...
- Let's go. - That's so sad.
Oh dear.
Sir.
I have something to say.
What is it?
Could you please...
increase the rations?
Increase the rations?
What are you talking about?
Do you think I don't want to do that?
I'm trying to get my hands on rice to feed the prisoners.
I'll take responsibility.
Could you please...
feed them more even if it's just once a day?
How can you take responsibility?
Where will you get the rice from?
I can't tell you the details.
But please trust me.
Okay, then.
I'm at least half a noble.
I have noble blood in me.
- What? - Listen up.
It may be just half, but I am still a noble.
She didn't eat any just so the others...
could get a bit more.
Hello, Sir.
You're late.
My mother is waiting.
Come with me.
I can't.
I have something urgent to take care of.
Apologise to your mother for me.
Sir. Sir!
What's wrong with him?
I asked my acquaintance who went to Ming...
to get this from Yanjing.
What do you want from her?
I wish for a magistrate position at a small regional district.
That's all I'd wish for, my lady.
I'll see what I can do.
Thank you. Thank you, my lady.
You may leave now.
Yes, my lady.
Where's Officer Sung? Why are you here alone?
He just left.
Why?
I don't know.
Mother, I think he's a little strange.
What do you mean?
It's really hard to read his mind.
I think I'll have to think over this marriage.
How can you be that immature?
We've already had a family meeting. You can't have second thoughts.
Do you mean you'll break off your engagement?
I will if it's necessary.
Shin Hye!
What's the matter with her?
I think she's just a bit upset. Don't worry too much.
Come this way.
Who are they?
Good. Put it here.
What is that?
Who sent this?
It's from a guy named Cho Dal Ho in Hamheung.
He says he has urgent issues to discuss with you.
There's no reason to say no.
He sent such great gift.
Please arrange a meeting with him.
- Okay. - My goodness.
This must be very expensive.
I think this is the most luxurious gift...
you've received for your birthday.
Gosh.
I can't stand the noise any more.
How long is this thing going on for?
It's supposed to be held for 10 days.
So there are four more days left.
Do I have to bear that noise for another four days?
Goodness.
Come here and massage my shoulders.
Sorry? Me?
Who else is in this room?
Oh my.
Yes, my lord.
Goodness. Now I feel much better.
What's your name?
I'm Jong Geum.
Okay. You're Jong Geum.
Wow, you're very good at massaging.
I feel great.
Great.
My lord.
What?
May I say something?
Okay. Go ahead.
Lady Jung warns us, the maids,
every once a month.
What is the warning about?
If she finds out...
any of us having an affair with you,
she said she'll kill her right away.
I don't want to get killed, my lord.
Please save me.
Okay.
I can't let you get killed.
It's enough. You may leave now.
Thank you. Thank you, my lord.
I promise to work harder.
Seriously.
How did it go?
I got a message from Jung Nan Jung.
She wants to see me in three days.
That's good.
We successfully deceived her with fake silver.
But what should I do now?
To con her, we need real gold.
Sir Yoon will prepare that.
Do you have any idea?
A merchant from Jung Nan Jung's organisation...
collects money from regional organisation...
every 15 days.
And he returns through Samgae Dock.
There must be a considerable amount of money...
in his money bag.
Are you going to steal it from him?
Yes. We already asked Chun Doong to steal it.
There he is. Can you see him?
He's our target.
Go for it. Don't make any mistake.
Yes, Sir.
Sir!
Why don't you come with me for gambling?
I'm sure you'll earn handsomely if you win.
What are you talking about?
You little punk. Do you know me?
What a crazy jerk. Get lost.
You just missed a jackpot.
- He won't budge. - Idiot.
Sir, let's go for a round.
Gosh, I don't gamble.
If you're lucky, you can easily get double.
Double?
Where... Where is it?
It's right there.
Right there?
- Please come with me. - Oh, shall I?
- We're almost there. - Good.
Please come this way.
All right. I'll begin now.
To hunt bears, you must go to the mountain.
To catch fish, you must go to the sea.
Please put your doubts aside.
To earn money, you must bet money.
It's time to bet your money. One, two...
Come on!
I'll bet for this.
Then, I'll bet for this.
- Sir. - Yes?
I think this is the right one.
Do you think so?
Fine! Men must listen to women!
Then, I'll bet for this!
Wow, you made a great choice!
All right. Let me open them now.
Wow!
Congratulations!
You just earned double!
She must be my lucky charm!
Indeed! She helped you earn money.
That's so true.
- Then, let's go for another round. - One more round?
Here it is, Sir.
We've pulled it off.
It wasn't easy.
You did a great job. Thank you.
I'll see you later, then.
Sir.
We need our share.
- Your share? - Yes.
There's nothing for you.
Sorry? You know we make a living off this.
This doesn't make sense.
Didn't Ok Nyeo tell you?
This is not to make money.
Just think you donated your talents.
Wait.
What? Donation?
What is this?
We got nothing in return.
We can't work with you like this. What's all this?
Hey, I'll make sure...
to pay you. So stop complaining.
Do you want me to teach you a lesson?
Gosh, did he say donation?
I just wasted whole day.
What happened?
A merchant who arrived at Hanyang through Samgae Dock...
had his money bag stolen.
What? How much did he lose?
It's about 1,000 yang.
You must find out who's responsible for that.
The loss isn't the matter.
But if people find out someone picked our pocket,
it'll undermine Lady Jung's reputation.
- Understood? - Yes, Ma'am.
Next.
My name is Cho Dal Ho.
I wish you a happy birthday, my lady.
Sit down.
It's such an honour for me to meet you, my lady.
So you want to discuss something with me urgently?
Yes, my lady.
Go ahead.
May I...
keep this conversation private?
They're the ones I fully trust. So don't mind them and go on.
I spent my entire life looking for veins of gold.
Do you mean gold mines?
- Yes. - That doesn't make sense at all.
Such private gold mining...
is strictly banned by the government.
Yes, that's true. That is why...
I came to visit you, my lady.
Does it mean you want me to violate the law...
and give you the right to mine gold?
There are veins of gold in Hamgyong and Pyongan Province...
where an enormous amount of gold will be found.
I know where all of them are located.
Even the government...
does not have this information at the moment.
As you just said,
developing a gold mine myself...
would be against the law.
Hence, I'd like to ask two favours from you.
Go ahead and tell me.
First, please lend me...
your power and authority momentarily.
So you are asking for the authority to develop a gold mine.
Yes, that is correct.
Second, please provide me with the entire amount of the fund...
required for the development of the mine with your immense wealth.
If you do so, I will give you half of the profit...
generated from the gold mine.
What makes you so confident...
about suggesting such a reckless deal?
These are...
They are pure gold pieces dug from one of the gold veins.
Goodness.
I've never seen pure gold pieces of that size.
I'm not sure if you know this.
Even when you find a very large gemstone,
only a minute amount of gold can be extracted from it.
Being able to mine...
pure gold pieces of this size directly from the vein...
is such a rare thing.
So you know where this gold vein is?
Yes, my lady.
How did it go?
The bait has been thrown,
so we'll have to wait and see.
What do you think she'll do?
I'm not Jung Nan Jung.
I can't read her mind.
She's obviously not an easy target,
so I don't think she'll be persuaded easily.
I've never seen pure gold pieces of that size.
What are your thoughts about it?
I'm not sure.
I don't know what to say.
We don't know much about him, so we can't blindly trust him.
At the same time, no one would ever dare to swindle you, either.
Nan Jung, have you heard...
of mining surveyors?
Mining surveyors?
Yes.
The Royal Court created the position in order to prohibit...
private developments of gold mines.
Those who try to develop gold mines for personal profit...
dread mining surveyors as much as the Grim Reaper.
If you get caught while being engaged...
in such endeavour, you'll be beheaded immediately.
Where do they reside?
Many gold veins are located in Pyongan and Hamgyong Province,
so most of them live in Pyongyang.
The mining surveyor...
should have information about Cho Dal Ho.
Send a message to Pyongyang right away...
and let him know that I'd like to meet him.
I will do so.
Let me introduce...
the new head of Sosoru...
who has joined us as of today.
Tae Won.
I am Yoon Tae Won.
I'm sure...
some of you already know who I am,
so I'll be open and honest with you.
I'm quite well known as one of the scoundrels...
at Samgae Dock and Chilpae Market.
Now, I also work...
as the head merchant of a merchant organisation.
If anyone gets drunk and causes a commotion,
don't hesitate to tell me.
I don't know about other things,
but I can definitely teach those drunkards a lesson.
I'm sorry to interrupt,
but I have a question.
Will you act as our procurer, too?
If so, could you be my ponce?
- Stop it, Jae Sun. - That wench.
Jae Sun, stop it.
Ok Nyeo.
I listened to you and increased the ration,
and we now only have enough to last for about 10 days.
Will you really be able to get rice within that time?
Yes. I'll be sure to get rice, so don't worry.
Sir, please come out.
The new officer of Law Enforcement...
is here for an inspection.
- The officer of Law Enforcement? - Yes.
What is going on?
Goodness.
- Sir, please hurry. - Okay.
Hello, Sir.
I'm the chief of Jeonokseo, Jung Dae Shik.
I'm the officer of Law Enforcement, Lee Ki Joon.
Nice to meet you. What brings you to Jeonokseo?
I am here to see how the prisoners are doing...
after the ration supply being cut off...
as per the minister of Law Enforcement's order.
I'll need to take a look around...
and see how the prisoners are holding up.
To be honest with you,
all of them are on edge right now because of hunger.
I'm afraid something might happen during your inspection,
so please come to my office so I can report the situation to you.
No, I should inspect the situation myself.
Yes, Sir.
It'll be dangerous, though.
We're feeding them porridge in bowls of this size.
This is the amount for two days.
- We're starving! - Give us food!
- Sir, please give us some food. - Sir, help us.
We'll die soon at this rate.
Please don't let us die, Sir!
- Sir, please! - We don't want to die!
- Don't let us starve to death! - Give us food!
As you just saw,
they're barely alive.
If this continues,
a riot could happen at any moment now.
So is there no good put aside for emergency situations?
Well, we never had any surplus of food.
We haven't been able to put anything aside.
I heard that the reserve of food will completely run out in 10 days.
What is your plan?
Well, it's...
We do have a plan, Sir.
We sent messages to the prisoners' families...
and allowed them to visit to take care of the prisoners.
We also allowed them...
to bring food when they visit.
Allowing families to visit with food.
That's a good solution.
Yes. Thank you, Sir.
No.
That isn't a good solution at all.
- Ok Nyeo. - What are you doing now?
Ok Nyeo, be quiet.
The Ministry of Law Enforcement is in charge of Jeonokseo.
That is a very irresponsible thing to say as the ministry's officer.
- Ok Nyeo. - Hey, stop it.
Who are you?
I'm a warden here, and my name is Ok Nyeo.
You wench! How dare you talk like that in front of Officer Lee...
- as a mere warden? - Stop it.
Be quiet.
What makes you think...
that I'm irresponsible?
I know that I am young,
but I've lived in Jeonokseo...
for longer than any officials here.
Hence, I'm very well aware of how the kings have been...
managing Jeonokseo...
since the former King's reign.
The former King...
never let the prisoners here starve...
no matter how difficult the situation was.
I am aware that we're going through famine,
but how could the ration supply for Jeonokseo be cut off?
Did you say that allowing families...
to visit with food is a good solution to the issue?
They all come from poor families,
so they can't expect food or help from their families.
It won't solve any problems.
It's a nonsense idea that avoids dealing with the reality altogether.
Ok Nyeo.
Ok Nyeo, stop it.
That was rude.
Sir, please generously forgive her...
and understand her.
My goodness.
Ok Nyeo, are you out of your mind?
What were you thinking?
Why did you say such a reckless thing?
That's enough! Don't scold her.
I'm so glad you said that.
Gosh, that made my day.
Those officers just leisurely read and write inside the Palace.
They have no idea what we have to go through here.
I'm truly glad that you brought it up to him.
Don't you think so, Officer Lee?
Yes. I agree, as well.
Ok Nyeo, that was great.
Sir, did Ok Nyeo do the right thing?
Yes, of course!
Ok Nyeo, you did the right thing. It was my mistake to scold you.
- I made a mistake again. - Sir.
Please think first before you speak.
Hey, why are you scolding me now?
- I didn't scold you. - Let's go!
- Let's go. Think first, please. - Be quiet.
- Ok Nyeo, let's go. - Let's please go now.
- Come on. - Ok Nyeo.
Where is the King?
I'm asking where he is now.
I'm not sure if I can tell you this,
but I think...
he left the Palace dressed as a commoner.
What did you just say?
I told you clearly that...
the King must never leave the Palace for any reason.
Why didn't you stop him?
I apologise, Your Majesty.
Court Lady Kim.
As soon as he returns,
tell him I wish to see him.
Yes, Your Majesty.
- Did you call for me, Sir? - Sit.
You know Ok Nyeo very well, don't you?
Not very well, Sir. Just a little.
Tell me all you know.
Yes, Sir.
From what I know, she was born in Jeonokseo...
and grew up there.
She was known for being very smart.
She could guess accurately what sentence a prisoner would get,
and she was very good at reading fortunes.
She even tried to become...
a Police Bureau investigator.
I was present at her interview.
Never in our history...
had we seen such talent.
Why did she fail?
This is just my guess,
but I think...
they wanted to make her a spy.
A spy?
Yes. The group Chief Kang Sun Ho...
was in charge of.
Please calm down and hear me out.
I know very well about your birth parents.
Officer Sung.
Hello, Sir.
What brings you here?
Shall I call my chief?
No.
I'm here to see Ok Nyeo.
Pardon? Why would you need to see her?
That's none of your business.
Call her for me.
I apologise.
She left to run a few errands...
and is not here.
Very well, then.
Your Majesty.
The King is here.
Mother, did you ask to see me?
Have a seat.
Your Majesty.
Did you leave the Palace?
I did.
What did I tell you?
It is dangerous out there.
I told you never to leave the Palace.
The famine...
is causing unrest among the people.
Yes. You are very right.
I wanted to see the troubled people for myself...
so I could think of ways to help them.
That is up to me and the court officials.
You need not get involved.
Mother.
For how much longer must I just obey your orders?
I am the King of Joseon.
Your Majesty.
The mining surveyor is here from Pyongyang.
Bring him in.
I am Mining Surveyor...
Lim Chang Goo.
Have a seat.
Why did you ask to see me?
Do you know...
a Cho Dal Ho?
How do you know him?
Can you tell me what you know about him?
I have been after him for years.
Why are you looking for him?
He is trying to mine gold,
which is forbidden by law.
He is a felon...
who deserves to be executed on the spot.
Ok Nyeo.
I just heard from Jung Nan Jung.
What did she say?
She bit. She took the bait.
(The Flower in Prison)
Things are only getting worse.
She's under scrutiny.
Let's keep her hanging.
She took the bait. Now we just have to reel her in.
What do you think about Lord Yoon?
He hurt Tae Won and left a wound that will never heal.
I haven't seen Ok Nyeo around much.
What is she up to, Sir?
Who on earth is he?
What are you up to?
Why are you doing something even the King can't?
I wouldn't have started it if I weren't sure.
I have bad news.
What should we do now?