(Episode 18)
Can you do me a favour?
What is it now?
I soon have to supply salt to the Price Policy Division.
Could you contact the officer in charge...
and instruct him to expect our delivery?
Oh dear.
Do I have to do things like that, too?
I'm Yoon Won Hyung.
What is it now?
You are now my official wife.
You have all the money and influence you need.
Why do you still want to sell salt?
That is why people mock us.
They know how greedy you are.
My lord.
Do you not know why I want to be rich?
Don't you know that...
everything I earn goes to your sister?
- What? - I manage...
the Palace and the Queen Dowager's expenses.
Why do you think the Queen Dowager puts up with us?
Is it because we're family?
No. It's because of money.
She would have no use for either of us...
if I were to stop offering up huge sums of money.
I had no idea.
Contact the chief of the Price Policy Division.
Okay. I will.
The air out here smells lovely.
Where should I go today?
What do you want with me?
Be quiet and come with us.
Wait.
I didn't do anything wrong.
Come here.
What do you want now?
Pass that letter to the girl called Ok Nyeo.
Yes, Ma'am, I promise I will.
- Let him go. - Yes, Ma'am.
I was pleased that...
you asked to see me first.
What is this about?
I have a favour to ask of you.
What is it? You can ask anything.
There will be an auction...
to supply salt to the Price Policy Division.
I want you to help...
my merchant organisation enter the auction.
That's...
Contact the chief of the Price Policy Division.
I'm not asking you...
to help me win the auction.
I just...
want you...
to ensure that this auction will...
be fair and just.
That is all I ask of you.
Hello, Sir.
Where is Tae Won?
He is with Lord Yoon at the moment.
What? Why would they meet up?
I don't know the details,
but I'm positive that...
Tae Won requested to see Lord Yoon.
Okay.
Tell him to see me afterwards.
Yes, Sir.
Take this.
- What is it? - The jade ring lady.
She said it's for you.
What does it say?
She wants to meet tonight.
By Hongin Gate.
Really? What will you do?
I should go.
Are you crazy? What if something bad happens?
All the court ladies were killed, remember?
She might kill you, too.
If I don't meet her,
I'll never find out about my mother's death.
I will fend for myself. Don't worry about me.
Wait, wait.
If you plan to go, ask for Tae Won's help.
Take him with you.
This is a personal issue.
Don't tell him anything.
I'm going, bye.
Ok Nyeo.
Fine.
I don't care if you die or not.
Just do whatever you want.
Come with me.
Where will you take me?
You'll see when you get there.
If you don't tell me,
I won't move an inch.
Be quiet and just follow us.
Stop it.
Step aside.
What was that?
It was to ensure...
that no one followed you.
I hope you understand me.
Can you let me take a look at the rings...
you received from your mother?
Yes.
By any chance,
were you a maid at Dongungjeon?
How do you know that?
I heard that...
the former king bestowed...
those jade rings to the court maids.
That's right.
These were given by the late king.
Tell me about your mother.
My mother was passed out in front of Jeonokseo,
struck by a sword when she was pregnant with me.
My foster father, a treasurer of Jeonokseo,
took her inside.
And she passed away...
after giving birth to me.
That is all I know...
about my mother.
Do you have any idea...
who my mother was?
Well...
Considering the fact that she had these rings,
she might have been a court maid.
However, it's hard to understand how she got pregnant...
when she was a court maid.
Ma'am,
if anything comes to your mind,
please tell me more about my mother.
Among the maids I worked with,
there was a maid named Ga Bi.
However,
she disappeared without a trace one day.
There were many rumours...
about Ga Bi's disappearance...
among court ladies and maids.
Maybe her disappearance...
has something to do with your mother.
I looked for...
the court ladies and maids of Dongungjeon...
to find out about my mother long ago.
All I could find was...
the fact that all of them were dead.
So I assumed...
that someone must have killed them...
on purpose for a reason.
Do you know...
why they were killed?
You'd better not...
find that out for your sake.
Even if...
your mother was a maid at Dongungjeon,
you should never tell anyone. Do you understand?
If people find out,
your life will be put in danger.
Ma'am,
I...
must know...
who my mother was,
why she had to die,
who killed her...
and who my father is.
Please help me.
There's nothing I can do for you.
You know about the rings now.
You may go.
Ma'am.
There you are. Please come have a seat.
Sir, let me pour you a drink.
- Great. - Cheers.
Good.
Did Lord Yoon leave?
Yes, Sir.
Have some drink.
Why did you meet with him?
I asked him to help us for the salt supply contract...
with the Price Policy Division.
Do you think he'll help us?
It doesn't matter if he helps us or not.
But as you said,
he'll be torn...
between Jung Nan Jung and me.
And if Jung Nan Jung finds that out,
they'll get into a bigger fight.
If my guess is right,
he'll help you as much as he can.
Tae Won,
you just need to use his influence.
There's nothing wrong with that.
You can do that much.
You taught me an invaluable lesson, Sir.
Goodness.
It's good that you know it.
I'm not asking you...
to help me win the auction.
I just...
want you...
to ensure that this auction...
will be fair and just.
That is all I ask of you.
My lord, this is Mak Gae.
Come in.
Who is the chief of the Price Policy Division?
It's Lord Lee Young Shin.
Tell him that I want to see him tomorrow.
Why do you want to see him all of a sudden?
Is it because of the salt supply to the Price Policy Division?
That's right.
Nan Jung asked me to take care of it.
Well...
I think it should go as planned. You needn't worry.
If that instigates...
bad rumours about you,
it'll only tarnish your reputation.
Don't you know how ill-tempered Nan Jung is?
She'll get furious if I don't do as she said.
Go contact him.
Yes, my lord.
By the time this letter falls into your hands,
I may be gone from this world.
I'm leaving you...
a map along with this letter.
If you go to the place I marked on the map,
you'll find something valuable...
which can help your life.
Lastly,
Ok Nyeo, who will give you this letter,
was my dearest friend...
and the only trainee.
Please take care of her...
as much as you can.
Among the maids I worked with,
there was a maid named Ga Bi.
However,
she disappeared without a trace one day.
There were many rumours...
about Ga Bi's disappearance...
among court ladies and maids.
Maybe her disappearance...
has something to do with your mother.
Ga Bi...
Ok Nyeo.
What are you doing here?
I just met Chun Doong.
He was worried about you, saying you might be in danger.
What happened?
It's nothing. Please don't worry.
If it's nothing, why was Chun Doong worried?
Tell me what happened.
Well, it's about...
All the court lades and maids of Dongungjeon died.
I don't understand how she survived.
Did you notice anything about her?
Well...
She commands a group of pretty skilled fighters.
She isn't an average lady.
If you are right,
identifying that lady should be your first step.
But that seems too dangerous.
I know that you want to find out why your mother died,
but don't rush into it.
Okay. I'll do as you say.
Forget about that.
How are preparations for the salt auction going?
Everything's going according to plan.
If you were to help me out once more,
I think we could stand a chance.
What do you need? I'll do anything I can. Tell me.
Chun Deuk.
Yes, Sir.
How much did you swallow?
Swallow what? I didn't even have breakfast today.
Don't lie to me.
We earned quite a bit by putting the prisoners to work,
and I know that you and Chief Jung took some of the profit.
How did you hear about that?
I'm right, then. I was right.
You two made a bit extra...
leaving me and Officer Lee out.
No one made any extra money.
I didn't, I tell you. None at all.
I know you're lying.
I should do something about this birdbrain of a chief.
He pretended to care for me for the past few months,
but he leaves me out of things that involve making money.
I've had enough of this!
I should just report this to the Ministry of Law Enforcement!
You can't go to them.
I might head over there right now!
No...
All this is driving me crazy.
- Chun Deuk! - Yes, Sir.
Don't you dare snub me, too.
I walked straight into that fool's trap.
Wait, the Ministry of Law Enforcement? Oh dear, no.
Sir Gong's organisation...
plans to supply salt to the Price Policy Division?
Yes. I heard there will be an auction soon.
From what I heard, Jung Nan Jung's...
merchant organisation supplies the salt.
I'm concerned this could backfire.
What do you mean?
Think about it.
If she isn't able to win the auction,
she will wonder why.
Wouldn't she make an issue...
of the fact that we let...
Sir Gong hire our prisoners as labourers?
I know how to deal with that. You won't have to worry.
- Really? - Yes.
Chief.
My goodness.
Chief. I have bad news.
What is it now?
Officer Yoo found out.
- About what? - About us...
sharing the profit from hiring out the prisoners.
He knows we took a commission...
and he wants to report us to the Ministry of Law Enforcement.
That sly fox...
told you exactly what he wanted you...
to tell me right away.
Does he take me for a fool?
I know what I'm doing.
He can report us all he wants.
What are you up to?
Could you tell us what your plan is?
Maybe not.
I thought he was a birdbrain,
but he knows what to do with money.
He's not great at much else, but he knows how to manage money.
That's why you need to be careful.
I will be.
Should we start calling him money-brain instead?
Stop it.
Officer Yoo.
Yes, Sir.
The look you're giving me isn't the usual one.
Are you upset?
Do you really not know?
I served you very loyally,
but you don't care about me one bit.
If things don't change, I'll do something about it.
Like what?
Will you report me to the Ministry of Law Enforcement...
for taking all the profit?
That's my way of showing just how displeased I am.
Are you displeased?
Yes, I am. I thought you were a decent man...
who would share everything, down to one last pea.
What pea?
- Officer Yoo. - What?
How much did Bae Chang Sik give you...
for finding someone to be flogged in his place?
How did you know that?
Ko Dae Myung who sells brassware in Chilpae Market.
He paid you for bringing his trial forward.
After taking all those bribes and payments.
did you ever offer me a penny?
Shall I go on?
Not at all, Sir.
I heard more than enough and I'm very sorry.
I went a little too far.
- Officer Yoo. - Yes?
Don't take me for a pushover.
I know that...
you call me a birdbrain...
- behind my back. - I see.
If I'm a birdbrain,
then your brain is full of faeces.
It's overflowing and spilling out...
from all your orifices. It's what?
- Spilling out. - Exactly.
All I'm seeing are faeces.
- This is what? - Faeces.
You are now Officer Faeces.
Officer Faeces the Overflowing.
Sir.
Isn't that a bit too harsh?
No, it's a perfect nickname. Officer Faeces.
Make sure to write everything down.
Okay.
How much salt do we have?
A total of 850 sacks.
If we keep production going until the auction,
we should have about 1,000 sacks.
How much should we ask for the salt?
I haven't decided yet.
I want to find out how much Jung Nan Jung will demand.
How much did we spend?
2,300 yang.
If we're to make a profit,
we need to ask for at least five yang per sack.
Last year's price was 7.5 yang per sack.
We should be able to get at least five.
Our organisation's future...
depends on this auction.
Don't make any mistakes until it's all over.
I have to return to Kaesong soon.
Arrange a meeting with your in-laws.
Before I leave,
I want to set a date for the wedding.
Before I do that, I wish to discuss something.
What about?
I would like to postpone my marriage.
What are you talking about?
I want to reconsider...
marrying into that family.
Why do you want to do that?
What is there to reconsider?
Do you know how much work...
I put into trying to make this happen?
You shall become the son-in-law of the most powerful man in Joseon.
Are you about to turn down the greatest opportunity ever?
Do you know...
what kind of things I did for Lord Yoon...
and his wife so far?
I arrested and tortured innocent people,
and helped them fake a revolt.
I thought doing so...
was the best for me and my family.
I don't want to be...
a pawn for the powerful few any longer.
Shut your mouth!
You know just how powerful Lord Yoon is.
People in his position...
do worse things to stay in control.
I gave up on gaining power...
to focus on making money.
Do you really not know how much effort I put in...
so that I could gain the power we don't have...
through your marriage?
- Father. - Do not...
disappoint me any further.
Master, Lady Jung just sent word.
She would like to meet you.
Very well.
Did you ask for me?
Welcome.
Have a seat.
Are you and Shin Hye going through a rough patch?
She's been upset for a while now.
I think she's upset about something you did.
I apologise.
Don't. I don't blame you.
Shin Hye's a delicate young girl.
Try to comfort her.
I will.
Why did you want to see me, my lady?
I have a favour to ask you.
An auction for salt supply...
to the Price Policy Division will be held soon.
Our organisation...
exclusively supplied salt to the division every year.
And we'll become the main supplier this year as well.
But problems occur every year.
A head merchant named Kim Joo Kyung in Songpa...
always gets in our way every year...
only to lower our bidding price.
We want to win the contract...
without any complications.
So I need you to take care of Kim Joo Kyung.
What do you mean?
Just like you locked up Gong Jae Myung in Jeonokseo before,
she wants you to expose...
all the faults of his organisation.
I'm afraid to say...
that I must refuse your request.
What do you mean by that?
It's not an unreasonable request,
considering your position at the Police Bureau.
I told you before.
Forming an organisation always involves illegal acts.
Every man has his faults.
Due to the famine,
we have too much on our plates in the Police Bureau.
Therefore,
I don't think I can work for your personal gains...
as an officer any more.
Too bad that you can't.
I'll take care of it myself.
- Don't mind it. - Then...
I'll leave, my lady.
What has gotten into him?
That's what I'm saying.
He's never defied you before.
There must be something.
I would like...
to ask you a question.
Please go ahead.
What is your relation...
to a warden named Ok Nyeo?
Why are you asking?
Well...
Earlier,
when I went to see you at the Police Bureau,
you ignored me and went to have a talk with her.
Is she...
more important than me to you?
I told you that I was on duty.
I never knew you'd be this imprudent.
What a jerk.
He just humiliated me.
You were a bit rude to him though.
Even if you wanted know what's going on between Ok Nyeo and him,
you should have been more polite.
Am I wrong?
Well, it's...
What's the matter with you?
Are you trying to humiliate me too?
Do you think you can act up like that now?
Do you?
Jong Geum.
What's wrong with her?
I know I'm a mere servant,
but she can't do this to me.
This isn't right.
- Jong Geum... - How can she do this to me?
My goodness.
My lord.
You're here.
Are you...
Lee Young Shin, Chief of the Price Policy Division?
Yes, my lord.
What brings you here?
To my knowledge, there will be an auction...
to supply salt to your division.
Please set your worries aside.
I've already made it favourable...
to Lady Jung's organisation.
No. That's not necessary.
Sorry?
- What do you mean, my lord? - I am saying...
you should check thoroughly and conduct a fair competition...
for the participating organisations.
Well. My lord.
Then, it might become...
- unfavourable to Lady Jung. - There's no need to worry about it.
Just do as I say, okay?
Yes, my lord.
It's been a long time, my lord.
You're here.
Why did you want to see me?
I couldn't decide whether I should tell you or not...
for a very long time.
But I figured that I'll never be able to find...
an answer myself.
That's why I called for you.
Oh, what happened?
I met Lord Yoon...
in the Palace today.
And he gave me...
preposterous order...
regarding the upcoming salt supply auction.
Sorry?
What does he mean by that?
Make the auction fair?
It's hard for me to believe, too.
The chief said Lord Yoon...
ordered him to do so.
Why would Lord Yoon ever give him such an absurd order?
Well...
Tell me if you have any idea.
Well, I think...
it's because of Yoon Tae Won.
Yoon Tae Won?
What does he have to do with the auction?
Lord Yoon wants to recover...
his relationship with Tae Won.
What?
I couldn't tell you this...
but Lord Yoon visited the funeral...
in Anguk-dong to meet Tae Won.
And he's been in contact with Tae Won since then.
Lord Yoon seems like he feels guilty toward Tae Won...
for having neglected him.
So he wants to help Tae Won...
in any way.
Why didn't you tell me that earlier?
I am sorry,
but blood is thicker than water.
He abandoned him a long time ago. What use is the blood now?
- I will never let him be. - Nan Jung,
please calm down...
and ponder upon this matter.
How could I?
If he met the chief because of Tae Won,
that means he'll participate in the auction as well.
He hired the prisoners of Jeonokseo...
and is increasing the salt production.
Considering that, I guess you're right.
If Tae Won keeps...
irritating me like this,
I will never forgive him.
I will...
destroy him completely.
You're here.
Hello, Ok Nyeo.
All right.
Now, the labour at salt kiln is over.
Let's figure out where to sell...
- the labour of the prisoners. - Yes, Sir.
I think it'd be good...
if we send them to load and unload cargos at Samgae...
and Songpa Docks.
That's right. That's a good idea.
Ok Nyeo, what do you think?
I am of the same opinion with Officer Lee.
I see. Then, Officer Lee,
why don't you contact those in charge?
- Yes, Sir. - Good.
Gosh. Then, let me see...
Ok Nyeo, go outside.
Someone is waiting for you.
- Who is it? - He's the Law Enforcement clerk,
who inspected Jeonokseo before.
What? Do you mean the Law Enforcement officer?
No. The other one who accompanied him.
My goodness. The swindlers!
We should do something. Treasurer Ji.
Report the Police Bureau now.
Report that there are people...
- who claim to be officers. - No. No, Sir.
They are not swindlers.
What? What are they, then?
How dare they inspected Jeonokseo?
And why do they want to see you?
Well... I have no idea, either.
Ok Nyeo,
don't meet them. I have a bad feeling.
Sir,
- I'll go report the Police bureau. - No, that's not necessary!
Please wait.
I will...
- tell you all the details later. - What?
- What's wrong with her? - Wait. Ok Nyeo.
- What happened to her? - Gosh. Sir.
- I'll go and report the bureau now. - No, wait. Stay here.
Just listen to Ok Nyeo. Do as she says.
She's always right.
He wants to see you.
- Where is he now? - Come with me.
Yes, Sir.
It's him.
He's waiting for you in the room.
Go in.
Yes, Sir.
Ok Nyeo.
I don't have to go tell Tae Won about this, do I?
No, you don't.
He seems like...
a man of high position.
Why do you see him so often? Who is he?
Well...
He's just my acquaintance.
- What? - Then...
You're here. It's good to see you.
Why did you want to see me?
As I told you,
I want you to tell me...
everything about Jeonokseo.
I'm worried...
that I might inconvenience the officers...
in Jeonokseo.
Don't worry. That won't happen.
I heard that...
the prisoners...
are working outside Jeonokseo.
Can you tell me more specifically about this?
Yes, Sir.
Hello.
- Please get us drinks and food. - Okay.
Tae Won, you can't treat me like this.
You're now in charge of Sosoru, which means you could have...
easily let me drink with kisaengs.
How can you bring me to this tavern again?
Gosh, Do Chi.
They're like my family now.
You're going to drink with your family members?
- What I meant was... - My goodness.
I can't really say anything if you put it that way.
Hey, you hurt my feelings.
Here it is!
- Thank you. - Here, give it to me.
I hope you guys enjoy it.
By the way, Ok Nyeo is in the room now.
- Ok Nyeo? - Yes.
Who is she with?
The one who caused a commotion here the other day.
I'm sure you remember that pasty-faced nobleman...
who looks like a fop.
Well...
What are they doing now?
I don't know. How would I know?
Enjoy the wine.
Hey, is there something going on between...
that pasty-faced guy and Ok Nyeo?
Hey, shut it. What would be going on between those two?
Come on. Let's just drink.
- You, too. - Oh, thank you.
Gosh, it's hot.
As you know, Jeonokseo's ration has been cut off due to the famine.
We were looking for a way to secure food...
so that the prisoners wouldn't have to starve...
and decided to sell the prisoners' labour.
The profit from it will help us run Jeonokseo,
and we'd also like to pay the prisoners who provide labour.
That's a great idea. I'm impressed.
Tell me. Whom did you sell the labour to?
They're working at a salt kiln owned by a merchant organisation.
The organisation will sell the salt...
to the Price Policy Division.
The Price Policy Division?
Yes.
That's also very clever.
There is a problem though.
What is the problem?
Lady Jung Nan Jung's organisation gets its exclusive...
salt supply contract with the Price Policy Division renewed every year.
They say it's an auction,
but her organisation is obviously getting a special treatment.
If you have to compete against Jung Nan Jung,
participating in it will be a reckless thing to do.
That's right.
Hence, the head merchant is...
trying to find a way to win against her.
A way to win against her?
- That's not what I meant. - Those at Sosoru aren't my family.
Tae Won, look. They came out. Look over there.
- Is it that jerk? - Gosh, stop it.
I'll be in touch soon.
Yes, Sir.
- Let's go. - Yes, Sir.
Sir.
Spare me a minute.
Pardon me?
Ok Nyeo.
Who is that man, really?
Why do you keep seeing him?
Well, it's...
It's okay. I would've been suspicious too.
You must not tell anyone about my position, okay?
I can't really tell you at the moment.
Is that so?
- Yes. - If that is the case,
I won't ask you any more.
Are you mad at me?
No! Why would I be mad at you? I'm fine.
You are upset with me.
I'm upset about something else.
You kid!
Why are you making me look so petty all of a sudden? I'm not mad.
Wait, but...
What was that about?
Jae Seo.
Who is the current chief of the Price Policy Division?
It's Sir Lee Young Shin.
I'd like to conduct an inspection of the Price Policy Division.
Inform the royal secretary.
Yes, Your Majesty.
Grill it until it's golden brown.
Jong Geum, come here.
Jong Geum.
I got it.
It's real musk, right?
Yes, I'm sure of it.
Gosh, why does it smell like this?
It smells like urine!
You're saying that because you don't know.
That's how it smells to women,
but that very aroma drives men crazy.
I see. You're sure, right?
By the way, why do you need this?
What do you think? I need it to seduce a guy.
Right. So who is this guy?
Lord Yoon.
Sorry?
Are you out of your mind?
Do you want to get your throat slashed by Lady Jung?
Nothing scares me any more.
Whether it's Lady Jung or that wench, Shin Hye,
I'll teach them all a lesson.
There's no reason why I can't become Lord Yoon's concubine.
Jong Geum, please!
Nothing's going to stop me.
Gosh...
Are you going to stay there or what?
Well, may I give you a massage?
You said you don't want to die.
What will you do if you lose your life? Will you just blame me?
Not at all, my lord.
Whenever I think about you,
my heart aches so much.
Why is that?
Why do you think it is?
I'm trying to understand Lady Jung from a woman's perspective,
but she's too harsh on you.
You're right.
Yes. You understand how I feel.
Well, then... You may give me a massage.
Yes, my lord.
What is this smell?
Oh, do you smell something?
I don't smell anything, my lord.
I don't know what it is, but that foul odour smells putrid.
Forget the massage. You should go and wash up.
Pardon me?
Please let me do it just a little more...
Gosh, what are you doing now? Just go and wash up.
Why isn't it working?
Why are you giving me that spiteful look again?
Why in the world did you meet with Yoon Tae Won?
Why do you ask? Did Mak Gae tell you?
That's not important!
I asked you why you met with Yoon Tae Won.
Does a father need a reason to see his own son?
What did I tell you?
He thinks of me as his enemy.
He is aiming his dagger at me.
If you're thinking about taking him under your wing,
that means you'd be willing to abandon me for him.
Are you actually going to leave me and Shin Hye?
Stop talking nonsense.
Why would I abandon you and Shin Hye?
I just wanted to be...
a father to him for once in my life.
So? Is that why...
you told the Price Policy Division to conduct the salt auction fairly?
Well, that was...
You just watch. If you keep being like this,
he will be put through a greater torture.
I will chew that rat to pieces.
That little... I wish I could hit her.
Sir!
Sir! Sir, we're in trouble.
- What is the matter? - His Majesty...
is on his way here to inspect us.
What? Are you serious?
- Yes. - Darn it.
First off, get the books. Take care of the books first.
- Yes, Sir. - Goodness!
Your Majesty. I'm beyond honoured that you came all the way...
to such a trifling place.
The Price Policy Division is in charge of sustenance...
of the Royal Court as well as of the people.
How could you talk yourself and your division down like that?
That is... Well...
I sincerely apologise. I deserve to be punished.
No.
I didn't come here to reprimand you.
I'd like to find out how things are going in the Price Policy Division.
Please report all details to me.
Yes, Your Majesty.
I heard some merchants use false measurements to swindle people.
Your division is in charge of managing the measurement standards.
Yes, Your Majesty. That issue has been...
causing us a headache for some time now.
Yes.
Tell me about it in detail.
Yes, Your Majesty.
These measuring cups...
appear to be the same size,
but their depths are different.
This is how the merchants cheat.
That's not everything.
Some also use scales that have been manipulated.
In addition, some merchants make...
their own rulers in order to deceive customers...
on length of fabrics.
The people have to suffer because of these cunning tricks.
As the chief of this division,
you should make sure that those...
who use these swindling tricks are severely punished.
Yes, Your Majesty.
I also heard...
that an auction for the salt supply contract will take place soon.
That is correct, Your Majesty.
What will the bidding process be like?
I can explain, Your Majesty.
Each merchant organisation will suggest a price first.
Then we will examine the quality...
and purchase salt from the organisation...
that suggested the lowest price.
I'll carefully observe the entire process of the auction.
You must report everything about the progress and the result to me...
in detail.
Yes, Your Majesty.
Nan Jung. Nan Jung, we're in trouble.
What do you mean?
His Majesty inspected...
the Price Policy Division today.
He said that he would like to observe...
the entire process of the auction himself.
- What? - He told the officers to report...
everything about the auction to him in detail.
The chief of the Price Policy Division said...
that he won't be able to give us any sort of special treatment.
What should we do then?
We'll have to follow the rules...
and suggest a price that is lower than that of other organisations.
That is all we can do.
Which organisations are participating in this auction?
Kim Joo Kyung's and Gong Jae Myung's organisations in Songpa.
We must do whatever it takes...
to find out the prices they will be suggesting.
We have to.
Did you look into it?
Sir Yoon, you were right.
Everyone at Jung Nan Jung's organisation...
is going crazy right now,
trying to figure out a way to get the contract.
Was this all calculated from the beginning?
Not at all.
I guess I'm just lucky.
Ok Nyeo helped me a lot.
How?
You want me to find out the prices they'll be suggesting?
Correct.
We must know before they submit it to the Price Policy Division.
Only then, we can make sure that our price is lower than theirs.
How can we find out such confidential information?
That's for you to figure out.
You can use as much money as you need.
Be sure to find out.
Yes, Ma'am.
- Gosh, let go of me. - Shut it!
- Why are you doing this to us? - Hurry up!
Sir, wait...
On your knees!
- Lock them up in the warehouse. - Yes, Sir!
Pardon?
- Why are you locking us up? - Come on!
Are they here?
No, they're not.
Man Soo! Man Ok!
Goodness.
Where did they go? Where are they hiding?
It's time for me to teach you another lesson, isn't it?
Man Soo!
- Chun Doong. - Oh gosh.
- Are you looking for your minions? - Yes.
They're with me.
Sorry? Why?
Let's go and have some drinks.
- You know that I can't drink. - Gosh, this idiot.
Then have some fun with girls instead.
- Let's go. Come on. - Pardon?
Where are we going now?
What are you doing? Are you not going to drink?
I'm okay.
Just enjoy your drink.
Why are you two just sitting there? Serve your customer properly!
Sir, please.
Here. Drink this.
Sir, drink up.
Gosh, I'm really okay.
Hey, Chun Doong.
Yes?
Do you want to find out a way to live comfortably?
Live comfortably? How?
You're close to Yoon Tae Won, right?
Yes, I am. But why do you ask?
An auction for the salt supply contract...
with the Price Policy Division will take place.
Gong Jae Myung's organisation will participate in it too.
Find out how much...
their bidding price will be.
If you can get that information,
I'll make sure you can live comfortably.
I'll set your minions free too.
Wait a second. Are you saying that I should...
- betray Tae Won? - Don't be such an idiot.
What does that jerk even do for you?
If you do as I say,
you can live a completely new life.
Don't be too long.
Guys, are you okay?
What in the world is going on now?
Why do we have to be locked up in here?
I'm sorry. I'll get you guys out of here soon.
What are you going to do?
You don't need to know that. Just trust me and wait a little bit.
Got it?
Okay.
Tae Won.
- Hello. - Yes, Chun Doong.
Where are your minions? Why are you alone?
It's a headache to have those two always tag along after me.
I prefer to be alone.
By the way, I heard that your organisation is participating...
in the auction for the salt supply contract.
How did you know?
Word about it have already spread.
Gosh, that's not good.
It must be kept top secret.
Anyway, how much will your bidding price be?
You rat. Why do you need to know that?
What are you thinking?
See you later!
Have a good day.
This won't go anywhere.
Then what are you going to do?
I'll do it my way. Let my minions go first.
You jerk. Are you trying to trick me again or what?
I know that you won't let it slide if I trick you.
I'm not a fool.
Well, what's Jung Nan Jung's bidding price going to be?
Well, she has always...
submitted 7.50 yang as her price for 180L.
She'll probably submit the same price.
Then we should suggest about 6 yang.
What about Gong Jae Myung?
I won't need to worry about him, right?
- Yes, Sir. - Yes, Sir.
What are you talking about?
It's none of your business.
- All right. Let's drink up. - Yes, let's drink.
- This is great. - Indeed.
Sir.
Did you find out?
Yes.
The other organisation in Songpa will suggest six yang.
They're guessing that Jung Nan Jung...
will submit 7.50 yang as the price.
Thank you.
Did you find out?
Yes.
It looks like the other organisation in Songpa will suggest six yang.
Then Jung Nan Jung is the problem.
Wouldn't she stick with the price...
she's been getting every year which is 7.50 yang?
No, she'll change it up this time.
She knows that she'll lose in the auction otherwise.
She won't be that reckless.
How much will you suggest?
I'll be submitting a shocking price that neither Jung Nan Jung...
nor the other organisation could have imagined.
- Be grateful I'm your superior. - Yes, Sir.
Oh gosh.
Sir.
We'll quickly visit the Price Policy Division.
- Why are you going there? - There is an auction...
for the salt supply contract.
The commissioner of the Police Bureau wants us...
to go there and monitor the auction.
- I will see you later then. - Yes, Sir.
Isn't he acting so strange these days?
He seems so down.
Isn't it a good thing?
It's making our lives easy.
That is true.
The chief of the Price Policy Division...
will take us out for drinks after the auction today.
We won't be going to a tavern. He'll take us to a kisaeng parlour.
Are you serious?
Of course! That's why we're doing this job. Let's go.
Yes!
When will they announce the result?
We have to submit our price by 9am.
The result will be announced by 1pm.
We don't have much time. You should hurry.
Hey, you better not make any mistakes.
Gosh, I'm not a kid.
Stop worrying already.
I'll get there before they announce the result.
Best of luck.
Yes, Sir. I'll get going then.
You fool! You have to take this!
Oh right.
- I'll see you soon. - Gosh, that idiot.
Do Chi!
- Oh, yes. - Just a moment.
What is it?
Take this. It's a lucky charm.
A lucky charm?
You have to wear this under your trousers.
My hands are tied though.
- Then I'll do it for you. - No! Wait!
I'll do it. I'll put it on.
Don't worry, Sir! I'll do a good job.
Thanks.
Good luck!
Sir.
Oh, Man Ok.
What brings you here?
I'm here to see if I can find any pushovers to seduce.
But...
you are...
- the only pushover I see. - Of course.
- I can do anything for you. - How sweet.
- If that is the case, - Yes.
could you buy me some soup?
Soup?
I'm a bit busy today. Maybe some other time.
- Sorry. - Forget it, then.
Man Ok, why are you so impatient?
You said you're busy.
Let's go and eat.
Oh no.
Why did you slap me?
Are you okay?
- I'm fine. - I'm so sorry.
Let's go and eat.
You slap really hard for a girl.
- Did you find out? - Yes.
What's their price?
Three yang per sack.
What?
That's impossible. Are you sure?
Yes. That's what they had written down.
Even if they used prisoners as labourers,
salt cannot be that cheap.
Nan Jung, Tae Won is pushing too hard...
just to beat you.
It would be crazy to offer a price lower than that.
Why don't you give up and find another supply route?
Yes, Nan Jung. Salt doesn't rot.
No. If I give in this time,
I will end up giving Tae Won a way to beat me.
I will take part in this auction.
Our price is 2.9 yang.
- Nan Jung. - Nan Jung.
We will lose too much.
Do it.
Let's go.
Hello, everyone.
Thank you for your entries.
We will announce the result today at noon.
- At noon? - I hope we win.
- Good luck. - Thank you.
Did you ask for me?
Yes. What is happening right now?
They are checking the bids from each merchant organisation.
I see.
Tell me when they reach a decision.
Yes, Your Majesty.
Sir, they'll announce the result shortly.
Come this way.
Nan Jung, we will incur a huge loss.
I don't care.
If I can crush Tae Won,
that's good enough for me.
Make the announcement.
Yes, Sir.
I shall announce the merchant organisation...
that will supply us with salt.
We checked the price...
and quality of salt and each organisation's capabilities.
I hope you are not discouraged if you didn't win the bid.
First of all,
I will announce the price each organisation demanded.
Kim Joo Kyung's organisation.
Six yang.
- That's a decent price. - It is.
Gong Jae Myung's organisation.
Three yang.
Is he crazy?
- What? - Just three?
What was he thinking?
Min Dong Joo's organisation.
2.9 yang.
What are they doing? Do they want to ruin us?
How is this possible?
The supplier we chose is Min Dong Joo's organisation.
Let's go.
- We did well. - Thank you.
We won the right to supply.
It's not a good thing.
Do you know how much we stand to lose?
8,000 yang.
What?
Nan Jung.
What happened?
We won the auction.
Good.
Make sure to deliver on time. Don't worry about the loss.
- Okay. - Nan Jung.
Nan Jung.
I think Tae Won duped us again.
What do you mean?
They can't supply their salt to the Price Policy Division,
so they'll have to sell it at a discount.
Because everyone knows how much they bid for.
Tae Won will lose just as much as we will.
We can lose that much and still survive,
but it will cripple Gong Jae Myung and Tae Won's business.
- You're wrong. - Why?
Is something wrong?
I heard that...
Sir Gong's organisation won't lose anything.
Some even say they will make thousands in profit.
What? How is that possible?
- They're back. - Sirs.
How did it go?
Very well. It went just as we wanted it to.
Is that true? Well done. That is great news.
We owe you a lot, Sir Lee.
Woo Chi.
And Ok Nyeo, thank you so much.
Sir Lee.
You're very welcome.
- You did very well. - Not at all.
Tell him not to enter the auction.
What? Why?
I will tell him of a way...
he can make much more profit.
The government-owned salt kilns didn't produce...
much salt this year,
and we don't have enough to feed the soldiers.
I will help him win the right to supply my army,
so tell him he doesn't have to enter the auction.
What? He will supply salt to the army?
That's what I heard.
He already knew about that deal.
The price they offered at the auction...
was just to bait us.
Are you saying they suggested that a low price...
to deceive us?
I think so.
The information we got was actually fake.
What?
What have you done?
I apologise.
Tae Won...
- Well done. - Thank you.
I feel great.
(The Flower in Prison)
- This way. - Okay.
Stop right there!
I was right.
It was a trap.
Lord Yoon must have Tae Won's back.
What brings you here?
It's regarding Lord Yoon.
What are you talking about?
I have a favour to ask.
Tell me.
Please help me, my lady.
Nan Jung,
what is the problem?
You are trying to protect Tae Won.
Please punish them.
- That's too harsh. - Then,
I shall punish them myself.
Are you going to keep it secret from me?
Well... Yes.
Hey,
that hurts.
Try not to meet with him.
Why?
Just don't.