Are we there yet?
We're almost there. Look.
- Excuse me. - Hello.
Our first task is to purchase paper mulberry trees.
Yes. The price is of no issue.
Buy all you can as soon as you can.
- Why? - Sir Gong and...
Lady Jung's organisations will try to take over the paper market.
Before they do that, we must purchase the trees...
and inflate the paper price as much as possible.
We have a problem.
A problem?
The price of paper doubled.
Why?
For some reason, the price of paper mulberry tree doubled,
and the price of paper went up as well.
What?
The price of paper mulberry doubled? How did that happen?
I don't know that.
Merchants who sell paper say this has never happened before.
What do we do now?
We don't have a choice. We have to buy it anyway.
It's Chief Yoon's order.
Did you find out the reason for the elevated price of the tree?
It looks like someone is buying up the paper mulberry tree.
Someone is buying up the tree?
Yes. If the price doesn't go down,
we'll have to buy the paper at a price three times higher.
Gosh. We're going to suffer a loss before we start selling it.
What should we do, Sir?
What's the problem?
We buy it at a higher price, we sell it at a higher price.
The scholars...
must buy the paper to take the state exam.
No matter how expensive it is, they will buy it.
Don't worry.
Both organisations bought up the paper.
Because we bought all the paper mulberry trees,
they must've bought the paper at a price three times higher.
I guess they were desperate. Even at such a high price,
they bought it without hesitation.
Why would they buy it even at a higher price?
I'm sure they think they can sell it at a higher price as well.
The scholars must buy the paper to take the state exam.
We're going to cancel the exam.
- What? - What do you mean?
What do you mean you'll cancel the exam?
How are we going to do that?
Do you know the reason why they're having the exam in a hurry?
Isn't it...
because they need to hire officials?
That's not what I heard.
What? What is it then?
The Queen Dowager wants to rebuild and expand Bongeunsa.
The scholars are strongly opposed to that.
They're having the state exam to calm them down.
What?
The problem is that the scholars...
must buy the paper to take the exam.
Organisations already have taken over the paper market.
If the exam takes place,
the price of paper will soar up.
It's already hard enough for the people to earn a living.
Isn't it unfair to place...
such a burden on them?
Of course it is.
We need your permission...
to hold a state exam.
My department came up with the dates and topics...
for each of the exams.
- Your Majesty. - There will be...
no state exam.
What do you mean?
- Why will there be no exam? - It is like I just said.
Your Majesty.
Your mother's plans to expand Bongeunsa...
is causing unrest among the scholars.
Add to that a cancelled state exam,
no one knows how they will react.
Yes, Your Majesty. Please rescind your order.
Then...
cancel the plans to expand Bongeunsa as well.
Your Majesty.
A state exam's purpose is to hire officials.
It is not to calm the public.
Your Majesty. The Queen Dowager...
approved of the idea to hold an exam.
Yes, Your Majesty.
If she were to hear of this,
she would be very displeased.
That is none of your concern.
There will be no exam. That is final.
Sir!
(Episode 28)
I have terrible news.
What is it?
There will be no state exam.
What do you mean?
Why not?
The King gave his order...
to cancel it completely.
The Palace is in uproar.
- The King? - Yes.
Ok Nyeo.
Sir.
What happened?
We got our way.
Then...
There will be...
no state exam.
My lord, what happened?
Why is the exam cancelled?
The King didn't give his approval.
You said the Queen Dowager had given hers.
Are you saying the King went against it?
The King and his mother haven't been getting along.
The King's been going against...
every decision the Queen Dowager made.
There's nothing we can do this time.
I assumed the exam would happen...
and told the merchants...
to purchase a huge amount of paper.
They'll incur a huge loss if there's no state exam.
When the King said there would be no exam,
that was my biggest worry.
Let's think of a way to solve the problem.
You idiot. Can't you even tail a woman?
I apologise.
Who's the man Ok Nyeo met?
Do you remember the nobleman...
we once went after?
I will warn you one last time.
If you drop your weapons and step back,
although I will punish you,
I will let you all live.
Yes. I remember.
Who is he?
I'm sorry, but I couldn't find out.
Your cover is blown.
- Find someone else to tail Ok Nyeo. - Yes, Sir.
Hello, Officer Yang.
Why haven't you been by in so long?
- Is Jong Hoi here? - Yes.
He's in the room. Go on inside.
- Thanks. - Wait.
Officer Yang.
- Do you have a stuffed nose? - No.
Are you free tonight?
I'll leave the side door slightly ajar.
Can you come by in secret?
Do you want to see me in private...
in the middle of the night?
Yes, of course, Officer Yang.
I can't do that. I shouldn't.
You're scaring me. I just got chills.
He looks perfectly smart and all that,
but he can't take a hint.
Why am I wasting my good looks on him?
When will he realise what I want?
Why are you drinking in the middle of the day?
Is something wrong?
I've been having rotten luck.
I need an exorcism.
I heard the Palace Guards roughed you up.
How did you hear that?
I hear about everything that happens to you.
I'm Officer Yang.
Why did you want to see me?
Do you know that a state exam...
is coming up?
- I do. - Then...
do you know of any scholars...
who will be taking the exam?
I know a lot of them.
One of them is a friend my age.
He took the exam dozens of times...
and he failed them all.
He lives off the riches he inherited,
but he never held a title in his life.
Nothing could be more embarrassing than that.
Ask that friend of yours if he'd be interested in...
hiring someone to take his place.
- A cheat? - Yes.
One of the Jeonokseo prisoners...
took the exam for others for a fee and so far he got...
four people into office.
He's a true master at his game.
Is he?
Are you sure about this?
You were just questioned by the Palace Guard.
It's all or nothing.
If I don't make a little money now,
my family will lose everything.
I will pay you handsomely.
Set up a meeting.
Okay, then. I'll do that.
Will you?
Hello, hello.
Did you ask for me?
Do you know a prisoner called...
Lee Jong Do?
Yes, Sir.
- He was caught cheating. - Correct.
Sneak him out of his cell.
- What? Why? - Isn't it obvious?
I plan to make him cheat in the state exam.
Get him out of Jeonokseo.
If all does well, I'll pay you more.
Sure, Sir.
I can't believe...
you just gave me money.
- It's so heavy. - Things happen.
- You can go. - Thanks.
This is so heavy.
Let's hurry up.
There's so much to carry.
Right there. Stop here.
Just a moment.
Man Soo.
- How are you? - Chun Doong.
- How long must we work here? - What?
Why do you think Ok Nyeo wants us here?
We need to get some information if we want to quit.
I know it's hard, but hang in there, okay?
Okay.
Ma'am.
I have bad news.
- What is it? - Hello.
- You're back. - Get lost.
Sorry.
Ma'am.
What? Is that true?
Yes, I'm positive. What should we do?
Send a message to Tae Won. I need to see him.
Sure.
Have a seat.
Is it true the exam is cancelled?
Yes.
The King did not give his permission.
We did as you said...
and bought every piece of paper for three times the price.
If there's no exam,
we have no one to sell the paper to.
Sir, we spent all our reserves...
- to purchase paper. - That's right.
All our money's in it.
- Other sales are stalled. - Yes.
This is no time for silence.
We need a solution.
I will come up with something. Give me time.
I will sort out your finances, too.
Just wait.
- Hello, Sir. - Hello.
What is it?
Have you heard?
About what?
The state exam is cancelled.
What? Is that true?
Yes, Sir.
I didn't believe it when Ok Nyeo said there will be no exam,
but it really happened.
Isn't her foresight amazing?
That's why she's become a clerk at Sogyeokseo.
This can't be true. What am I to do now?
- Sir. - Yes?
What did you just say?
It's nothing.
Now I'm in trouble.
Both organisations must be in uproar.
Of course. They can't sell the paper they purchased at a high price.
How did you find out that the exam would be cancelled?
It's obvious.
Ok Nyeo is a possessed shaman.
That's not true.
What we'll do from now on is more important.
Now, we should...
consolidate small organisations in Hanyang.
Consolidate organisations? Why?
In order to carry out our plan, we must consolidate...
small but influential organisations...
in Joseon's business arena.
It will require huge sums of money.
Do we have such money?
Don't worry about finances.
This is a list of organisations we need to contact.
Hong Man Jong's organisation in Samgae Dock operates...
a fleet of fishing ships.
We need their ships...
and the certificate to operate a fleet.
Moon Ik Jun's organisation in Chilpae Market...
trades silk with Ming.
We must trade with him in order to expand our organisation.
Please look more closely into the organisations on the list.
If there's any problem in management,
see who the most influential person is,
and what kind of scoundrels they are related to.
Find everything about them.
Okay, we will.
- Did you hear that? - Goodness.
- You should take care of it. - Don't worry.
Sir.
It's a good day. We must have a drink.
I got things to take care of. I must leave now.
Sir!
I was going to treat you nicely.
Why are you not asking me to join you?
Does it still bother you that you conned me?
Gosh, it's water under the bridge. You should forget about it now.
We did that for Ok Nyeo's sake.
I've been in Hanyang for more than a month,
and I haven't visited any kisaeng parlour yet.
Why don't you...
- treat me to some drinks? - You must've been lonely!
Fine. Let's go.
- Goodness. - Thank you.
This is a good chance. There he is.
Hey.
Come here.
It's him.
I'm Yoon Tae Ho.
I'm Yoo Jong Hoi.
You all know why you're here. Let's get to the point.
Where's the cheater?
I already took him out of the cell.
When will you pay me?
I'll pay you after the exam. Don't worry.
He's right.
We need to talk.
Go on.
Where's my commission?
It's a 100-yang worth promissory note.
I'm no longer a part of this. I wish you good luck.
Fine.
- So, is everything good? - Yes.
Let's go to a quiet kisaeng parlour and continue our discussion.
Okay.
Did you meet Yoon Tae Won?
Yes, my lady.
What did he say?
He'll contact us when he thinks up something.
Tae Won couldn't help it either.
He had no idea that His Majesty would make such decision.
That's not true.
Because of Tae Won,
we spent too much on buying up the paper.
We must hold him accountable for this.
I agree with you.
Tae Won should make up for the loss we suffered.
If he fails to come up with a solution,
I'll make sure he pays the price.
My lady, this is Jong Geum.
Come in.
What is it?
Lord Yoon wants you to come over.
Okay. Tell him I'll be there soon.
Yes, my lady.
Did you want to see me?
Yes. The Queen Dowager wants us to visit her.
What is it about?
I don't know.
Are you aware that Tae Won caused a great loss to our organisation?
Don't ever try to side with him in front the Queen Dowager.
I will not let it slide if he fails to come up with a solution.
Stop talking rubbish. Just go get prepared.
My lady, you can't wait for him here forever.
I won't move until he changes his mind.
Your waiting here won't change anything.
How can you be so sure?
If you don't stop, we have no choice but to tell Lady Jung.
I'll kill myself if you tell her. Tell her if you want me dead.
It's too expensive. I'll come back later.
Who are you?
Tell me who you are.
I'm being tailed after. We must change the place.
Really? To where?
I'll contact you again.
How are things going there?
It's been chaotic since the exam was cancelled.
Tell Chun Doong to meet me at the organisation tonight.
- Okay. - Good.
Master.
Have you thought about it?
I pondered upon your suggestion.
I'll join you...
and your business.
I'm sure your support will be of a big help.
That's not true. I'm the one who needs help.
What do you mean?
So far,
I've tried to find the way to help the poor.
If only I could,
I'd teach them what business is...
so that they would be able to stand on their own feet.
I'm planning to teach them how to make and sell goods...
and let them know there are ways to make a living other than farming.
Can you help me?
Of course, Master.
Think harder.
It'll require a lot of money,
and you'll have to take the responsibility of that.
Don't worry. I will take care of it.
Your Majesty.
Why are you avoiding me?
I know very well what you are here to say.
However, nothing you say...
will make me change my mind.
Your Majesty,
Lord Yoon and Lady Jung are here to visit you.
- Let them in. - I will.
Did you call us?
- Come sit down. - Yes, Your Majesty.
Your Majesty, you don't look well.
What happened?
If it's because of the extension of Bongeunsa, don't worry.
I will make the funds for that.
That's not why I summoned you.
His Majesty...
has gone too far.
He now even ignores me...
in my face.
Sorry?
I don't understand what made him change so much.
Do you know anything about this?
It's probably because of Lee Jeong Myeong.
He must have influenced the King with his sly tongue.
I'm keeping a seamless watch...
on Lord Lee and his followers.
I will find a way to repel him soon.
Please set your worries aside, Your Majesty.
If we don't do anything,
His Majesty will earn a mighty power.
Don't forget this.
- Yes, Your Majesty. - Yes, Your Majesty.
I need to talk to Nan Jung privately.
You may leave the room.
Yes, Your Majesty.
I'll leave, then.
How is the Sogyeokseo plan going?
It's all prepared.
Initiate it.
Yes, Your Majesty.
What did you and the Queen Dowager talk about?
That's something you don't need to know.
Tell me now.
I promised the Queen Dowager...
to offer privy purse...
needed to expand Bongeunsa.
- Did you? - Yes.
I'll pull off what Tae Won couldn't.
Your organisation suffered a huge loss...
because of the paper you bought up.
How will you make the money?
You'll see in due time.
Gosh, now you're looking down on me right in my face.
Hey, Jung Nan Jung.
I'm Yoon Won Hyung!
If you keep getting on my nerves like this, I won't forgive you!
Do as you please, then.
Gosh, what a wench.
What?
Goodness.
A few days ago, Lady Jung Nan Jung...
sent someone to Sogyeokseo.
- Jung Nan Jung? - Yes.
The commissioner of Sogyeokseo met with Lady Jung...
and he said he thinks she is...
trying to use Sogyeokseo to control the public sentiment.
Is that true? Why?
I couldn't find out why.
Goodness. If what you're saying is true,
it is no light matter.
- Are you sure about this? - Yes, Sir.
According to the commissioner,
this has happened before.
- Did you want to see me? - My mother and Jung Nan Jung...
are laying a conspiracy by using the commissioner of Sogyeokseo.
Find out what they're up to.
Yes, Your Majesty.
Your Majesty, Prince Deokheung is here.
- Let him in. - Yes, Your Majesty.
Welcome, my brother.
- Please have a seat. - Yes, Your Majesty.
I met with Lord Lee...
upon your request.
Would you help me?
If you would allow me,
I'd like to follow you.
Thank you.
If you support me,
it will be a big help to me.
Please tell me what I should do.
In order to strengthen my authority,
it's necessary to weaken the power...
my mother has seized.
That's true.
However, the Queen Dowager has been dominating...
for more than a decade.
It won't be easy to weaken her influence.
That's why I need your help.
It might not be easy, but we must accomplish it.
Prince Deokheung.
Yes, Your Majesty.
- So Jung. - Ma'am.
- Have you heard about it? - What?
I think Tae Won is in trouble as the state exam has been cancelled.
He's so perturbed...
and is gulping drinks alone.
Why don't you go in?
Yes, Ma'am.
Sir.
I heard that the state exam was cancelled.
I got stabbed in the back nicely...
by His Majesty.
I have to prepare money for the state coffer,
but I'm now in big trouble.
I don't think...
you're aware of how influential you can be.
What do you mean?
If you put your mind to it,
your position would be the best to make a lot of money...
than any other posts.
If you make organisations compete for supply rights,
you'll be able to earn...
a large amount of money with bribes and kickbacks.
Besides, if you increase the taxes...
on the rights the organisations have,
such as operation, trade and rent,
you'll be able to make a fortune.
Of course, I'm aware of it.
I just don't want to do so.
No, Sir.
You should do so.
What's urgent is to make money...
and gain the Queen Dowager's favour, isn't it?
Please do not miss this opportunity.
It is not...
the time to hesitate.
What are you doing?
Why are you so startled?
This parlour is too huge.
I got lost.
Hey, follow me.
Stand here.
- Myo Hyang and Shin Bi. - Yes?
Go get me a cane.
- Okay. - Okay.
What do you need a cane?
I will teach you from the basics, okay?
If you have no talent, you better behave yourself.
All you do here...
- is eat. - You.
You don't know how strict the rules among kisaengs are, do you?
I will teach you a lesson today.
Roll your skirt up.
Did you just sniff at me?
What an arrogant wench you are.
- Do you want to die? - Let's stop here.
- What? - Do you know...
what I did before I came to Sosoru?
What?
Gosh.
I was a pickpocket.
If you get on my nerves,
I'll cut your face like a pocket with this.
Is that what you want?
I want to keep the peace in my life.
Don't you dare...
irritate me, okay?
You met Tae Won, right?
Oh, I did.
I think you misunderstood something about Tae Won.
The way I see it, Tae Won cares a great deal about you.
When he heard you were taken by the bandits,
he went to Mount Chilsung himself to save you.
Do you think that's easy to do? He risked his life for you.
Hello, kid.
I'm sorry.
I should no longer call you a kid.
You've become a grown-up now.
It's great to see you here.
The trip to Ming won't be boring any more.
Your interpretation is crucial in this deal.
So be careful not to fall sick until I come back from Yanjing.
Tell me immediately if you don't feel well.
What are you looking at?
You don't have to do this.
Ok Nyeo.
You're here.
Are you okay?
I thought I was going to die.
I really wanted to see you before I die,
and luckily, you're here.
Hey, kid!
Are you seeing anyone these days?
I'm waiting for a nice lady.
That's way too ridiculous.
Officer Yang!
Why are you here?
We need to talk.
I need to talk to Officer Yoo. Get back to work first.
Yes, Sir.
- Come here. - Okay.
Come!
What is it again?
You heard that the state exam has been cancelled, right?
I did.
Where's my money then? Why are you pretending you don't know?
I've already used the money.
What?
It's not my fault that it's got cancelled.
How can you do this to me?
I don't have money. Report me, or do as you want.
You're driving me crazy.
Officer Yang, what's wrong with you?
I borrowed that money from someone else.
What's the matter with you?
You...
If you don't pay me back,
I'll tell on you.
Tell on me? Go on then.
Let's see who's at bigger fault. You let a prisoner out of prison,
and I took a bribe.
Let's go for a trial. Go ahead.
Gosh, I thought we were friends.
You're stabbing me in my back.
- I drank at Sosoru. - Gosh.
You can't live like this.
You'll have to pay for it someday.
Sir!
Where have you been?
Why?
Officer Lee of Law Enforcement is looking for you.
What? Officer Lee?
Yes. Please hurry.
Where have you been during the working hours?
I... I had something to take care of.
I apologise, Sir.
I came here to deliver the minister's order.
Minister?
"Officer Jung Dae Shik will move back"...
"to the chief position of Jeonokseo."
"And Senior Officer Yoo Jong Hoi will be demoted"...
"to Officer of Jeonokseo."
Well... Sir.
What's going on?
Why are you doing this to me out of the blue?
I'm just here to convey the minister's order.
Sorry?
I'll leave, then.
Thank you, Sir.
- Wait. - Thank you, Sir.
I will do my best.
What was that?
Goodness.
What is this out of the blue?
This can't be true.
After what it took me to be here?
I can't just lose it like this.
No way.
This isn't right.
I must be dreaming.
This must be a dream. I have no idea what's going on.
Great. This way, Sir.
Then, have a good day.
Yes, Sir. Please take care!
I will try my best! Thank you, Sir!
Please take care!
Let's go in!
Sir, I hate my life.
Let's go in.
My goodness.
I knew this day would come.
My perseverance finally paid off!
Life is full of ups and downs.
Old sayings are always true.
Aren't they, Officer Yoo?
Congratulations on your promotion.
Congratulations, Sir.
Good.
Officer Yoo, don't you have anything to say to me?
I am extremely happy now.
But looking at your grimace...
totally ruins my mood.
- I apologise, Sir. - It's all right.
When I was an officer,
I realised that officers' job is very important.
I could see all the problems of Jeonokseo.
From today, I will stamp out all the malpractices in Jeonokseo.
So be prepared, okay?
Officer Yoo, you're listening to me, right?
Are you sleeping?
No, Sir.
Hey, you there!
Are you up there?
Why are you doing this to me? I did nothing wrong!
Don't you think it's too harsh?
Where did you get the accessory you presented to Jung Nan Jung?
Well, I got that by some chance.
Untie him.
Yes, Sir.
Thank... Thank you, Sir.
Thank you, Sir.
You're not forgiven yet.
Find out why the accessory was in Jeonokseo.
Or you'll be taken here again and interrogated.
Understood?
Yes, Sir.
I'll find that out.
I'll make sure to find that out, Sir.
Hi, come here for a second.
Hey, Treasurer Ji.
Come over here.
Yes, Officer Yoo.
You know why I'm demoted, right?
How did you manage to do that?
This is all because of...
that hair accessory!
Tell me where you got it.
Where did you get it from? Who gave it to you?
Come on.
I have no idea.
I have never seen it.
No one gave me that.
Are you really not going to tell me?
I can find out if I probe into it.
Sure. Go ahead.
Do what you have to do. I know nothing about it.
Did you want to see us, Sir?
I will have a meeting with head merchants in Hanyang today.
Contact all the organisations immediately.
Yes, Sir.
Please remain seated.
The reason why I called for this meeting is...
because there is a problem with the authority that...
Price Policy Division has given you. We need to rearrange it.
Rearrange it? What do you mean?
I know all of you have suffered a severe loss...
due to...
the long poor harvest and drought.
That's why I remained silent on many problems.
However, I can no longer afford any more...
loss of state coffers.
I decided to impose heavier tax on you...
from now on.
For the organisations that have operating rights of...
the fleet including transport ships for grains paid as tax...
in Samgae Dock, Songpa Dock, Gwang Dock and Yanghwa Dock,
I will increase their current tax of 10 percent...
to 30 percent.
- Did he say 30 percent? - By that much?
For organisations that transport and supply...
the tributes from the provinces to the government,
I will increase their current tax of 20 percent...
- to 40 percent. - 40 percent?
Moreover, tax on trade rights between Ming will be 50 percent,
and trade rights between Japan will be 40 percent.
These changes are...
- effective immediately. - Sir.
It's unfair to impose heavier tax...
without giving us time to prepare.
With that heavy tax,
we can't operate the fleet.
I'm sure you know how much it costs...
to manage the fleet.
Ming has imported...
many of our goods because of the low tax.
If you do this, we wouldn't be able to trade with Ming any more.
- Of course. - That's right.
- Ming would stop the trade. - Listen.
Listen to me.
This is why your organisations get swayed by small issues.
The problem is your complacency.
If you're not confident to afford it,
give up your organisation now.
- How can he do this? - I can't believe this.
Sir.
Each organisation has different size and operation method.
If you impose the same tax on all of us,
the small organisations won't be able to survive.
I can't have any exceptions.
You need to figure out...
how to survive on your own.
- That's unfair. - My goodness.
- Unbelievable. - That's nonsense.
You can supply the paper goods...
to Price Policy Division.
We will buy them at the same price...
you bought them.
How are you going to use that much of paper?
I will use it for publishing books.
You don't have to pay the taxes...
I imposed on them today.
Don't worry.
Does this...
- solve your problem? - Yes.
I'll let Lady Jung know.
- I'm worried if it's something bad. - I know.
- Why did he call for a meeting? - Gosh.
- Goodness. - Sir!
You're here.
Why did Tae Won...
call the head merchants for a meeting?
Nothing will happen to our organisation, right?
Uncle!
When is he going to compensate for our loss?
Jak Doo, Do Chi.
- Come inside. - Yes, Sir.
Jak Doo... Gosh.
We are short of funds!
When is he going to compensate for it?
My gosh.
What?
Is Tae Won crazy?
How can he impose...
- such heavy tax? - Gosh.
Tae Won must have a plan.
Tae Won, that jerk has changed.
He's a totally different person.
I want to trust Tae Won,
but things are not looking good.
I've seen countless...
terrible chiefs of Price Policy Division,
but no one was...
as awful as Tae Won.
- Don't you think so? Don't you? - What?
Yes. Sir, I will go and...
- talk to Tae Won. - No.
I'll go. Do Chi,
tell Tae Won that I want to see him.
Okay, Sir.
Sir Gong is here.
Should I prepare some food and drink?
No, thank you. I'm not here to drink.
Please excuse us.
Yes, Sir.
Please have a seat.
Are you here because of the meeting?
Your organisation won't suffer a loss.
Why...
are you doing this?
You're extorting money from them.
How would you handle it if they revolt?
The Queen Dowager...
ordered me to fill up the state coffers herself.
For now,
it's my first priority to make funds for that.
Can't you see what you're doing right now?
That is something...
Lord Yoon and Lady Jung would do.
Tae Won.
I'm not telling you...
to give up everything you've worked for.
Still,
you shouldn't do something you'll regret.
I'm saying this...
because I'm truly worried about you.
- Did you find out? - Yes.
She was a court maid at the Palace Kitchen.
That's good.
I once worked at the Palace Kitchen.
It shouldn't be a problem.
Just try to adjust yourself until Lord Lee...
gives you an order.
Okay.
Please come in.
Wash them thoroughly.
Jong Geum.
Jong Geum. I brought her.
My name is Soo Ok.
I heard you worked at the Palace Kitchen.
Yes, Ma'am.
But you're not any more.
Keep in mind that I am the person in charge here.
If I don't like you,
I can kick you out any time.
- Yes, Ma'am. - Let's see...
how well you cook.
You can prepare Lady Jung's dinner today.
Yes, Ma'am.
- Hello, Sir. - How is it going?
- It's going well. - All right.
Are you Hong Man Jong, the head merchant?
I am. Who are you?
I'm Jun Woo Chi, a merchant from Jeonju.
Would you like to make a deal with me?
Tae Won is...
imposing heavier tax on organisations.
From the operating rights of the fleet to trading rights,
he's increasing the taxes on...
every right.
If that happens, he can easily recover from the loss...
he suffered from paper goods.
He won't go down easily.
It's more urgent to unite the organisations...
rather than keeping a watch on him.
Darn it.
What? What happened?
We got beaten up by Hong Man Jong.
For what reason?
There was no reason.
He is just a scoundrel disguised as a merchant.
We asked him if he wanted to...
make a deal with us, but he just started punching.
I tried to...
treat that jerk nicely, but I shouldn't.
We don't need to make deals with someone like him.
We should teach him a lesson.
I'll try.
He won't listen.
Let's just do it our way.
It's not yet time for you to step forward.
Tae Won demanded the merchants to pay more taxes.
Fortunately, we're exempt.
He also said...
he will buy the paper we bought.
Good.
I knew he would make the right decision.
He's cunning.
Is everything prepared for tonight?
Yes.
It's the Queen Dowager's order.
We cannot afford to make a mistake.
Don't worry about that.
What's this?
It's 30,000 yang.
The exam was cancelled...
and your plan to sell paper failed.
How did you make such a large sum so soon?
I made the merchants...
pay more taxes.
Did they not retaliate?
I am ruling them with a firm hand.
You won't have to worry about that.
Well done.
Are you ready?
- Let's go. - Yes, Sir.
Where are you going?
- You don't have to know. - Dong Chang.
Let me come along. I can help if you need something.
I said I don't need your help.
- Man Soo. Man Soo. - What?
Follow him and see where he goes.
What? Me?
Who else is there, you idiot?
Are you begging for a beating? Get going. Go.
- I'm going. - Go.
Where is he going?
This way.
Keep your wits about you, okay?
Yes, Sir.
- Is everyone here? - We're ready.
- Let's go. - Yes, Sir.
Move it.
You will already know what you have to do.
If someone finds out about this, your lives will be in danger...
and Lord Yoon and Lady Jung will be in trouble.
If you are found out,
you must take your own lives.
- Do you understand? - Yes.
- Begin. - Yes, Sir.
- Go. - Yes, Sir.
You go that way, you go that way.
The rest, follow me.
Your Majesty.
Lord Yoon and the Minister of Culture are here.
- Let them in. - Yes, Your Majesty.
- Have a seat. - Thank you.
Why are you here?
I have terrible news.
There are signs of a plague...
all over the Capital.
What? A plague?
Yes, Your Majesty.
The free clinic is teeming with people...
showing the same symptoms.
That's not all.
Cattle and horses are vomiting blood as they die.
No one can explain it.
The people are disturbed.
We must find a solution.
Yes, Your Majesty.
Your Majesty.
What is it?
A plague is spreading throughout the city.
I heard reports that cattle and horses...
are vomiting blood and dying.
What?
Has the King been notified?
He is with Lord Yoon...
and the Minister of Culture who are informing him.
Very well. You can leave.
Yes, Your Majesty.
The commissioner asked to see you.
Thank you.
A plague?
Yes. It is spreading...
and cattle and horses are vomiting blood and dying.
Prepare to host a ceremony to calm the people.
Sir.
Does this have something to do with Lady Jung...
and the Queen Dowager?
Did Lady Jung say anything else?
I was only told to prepare a ceremony.
If they are really behind this,
a ceremony won't solve anything.
Be quiet.
Watch your tongue.
Do not mention that to anyone else.
If you do, your life will be in danger.
Yes, Sir.
Your Majesty.
Did you find out?
There are soldiers showing symptoms.
It is true that cattle and horses are dying and vomiting blood.
Is there evidence that my mother and Lady Jung are behind it?
Could this be fake?
I found no such evidence.
Oh dear.
Very well. You can leave.
Yes, Your Majesty.
Hello, Ok Nyeo.
Why is the place so empty?
Don't even ask. There's a plague.
No one's in the town centre or the marketplace.
- That's terrible. - It is.
Is Chun Doong here?
Yes, he's waiting for you inside. Go on into the room.
Thanks.
- Chun Doong. - Hi.
What did you find out?
Two nights ago, Dong Chang went out...
with 15 or so of the workers.
I told Man Soo to follow them.
Do you know who Min Dong Joo and Jung Mak Gae are?
Yes.
I think those two...
sent Dong Chang and the men...
to do something during the night.
I wasn't able to hear what they said.
Ok Nyeo.
Where is your master?
- Follow me. - Yes, Sir.
Sir, did you wait for long?
No. I just arrived.
What you said is happening.
A plague is spreading...
and strange things happened.
What do you think?
Do you think Lady Jung...
and the Queen Dowager did this?
I suspect so, but I have no evidence.
If, just if...
you happen to be right,
what do you think they wish to achieve...
by going to such lengths to threaten the public?
I don't know that yet.
I do know that we must know the reason...
to find a solution.
Find out what you can.
I will see what I can do.
I will find out what's going on.
Good.
Did you ever meet Lady Jung...
after that incident?
No.
Well... Sir.
What is it?
Strange things are happening and a plague is spreading.
I think Lady Jung is involved.
Find out what you can and report to me.
Yes, Your Majesty.
Ok Nyeo.
Why...
are you here?
We need to talk.
I'm sorry.
I have...
nothing to say to you.
(The Flower in Prison)
Do you know...
a plague is spreading?
Then did you...
plan all this?
I need your help.
I can't accept that...
- the innocent public must suffer. - Don't be so naive.
This is politics.
The people believe your lack of virtue caused this.
I think you should watch yourself from now on.
What do you mean?
Why do you fail to see the big picture?
What you must do first is calm the people.
- Let's go. - Yes, Sir.
Now I get it.
I see why Officer Sung changed.
It's because of Ok Nyeo.
I will make her pay for it.