My lady.
I heard you'll be leaving for the imperial city.
Why do you take a path you do not want to follow?
I chose this path.
For my brother, who has led a miserable life
since our parents' death, for our fallen family...
I chose to take this path.
You and I are both indebted to Madam Jami,
but we can't ruin the rest of our lives because of that.
I'll serve you.
Let me serve you.
Please go.
My lady.
Captain, we're back.
What is going on?
The inspector general is staying at Madam Jami's guest house.
The rumor is that the Mujinju governor will be
stripped of his title when the audit is completed.
Madam Jami is to be feared.
She's sending a girl who was like a daughter to her
off as a mistress for the inspector general.
She means to strengthen
her alliance with him at all costs.
- Mistress? - Yes.
Why would Lady Jung-hwa be anyone's mistress?
Exactly.
There are many girls at her house reared to be noblemen's
mistresses, but Lady Jung-hwa is different from them.
Lady Jung-hwa is of noble descent.
But things are different if
the noble is the inspector general.
What's the difference?
Fool, he could become the next regent.
If she becomes his mistress, she'll live in luxury.
I think it's a pretty good deal.
What I'm saying is,
rather than living like Madam Jami's maid,
she should live a life of luxury in the imperial city.
Let's go.
That brat.
Was I wrong?
Would you pass up a chance of having a life of luxury?
No matter what luxury awaits me,
I can't live with an old man.
Old man?
What is Goong-bok doing?
He locked himself in the room.
Why?
- You didn't know? - What?
Goong-bok has feelings for Lady Jung-hwa.
Are you sure?
I thought he was just grateful
that she saved our lives back in Chunghae.
But that wasn't it. He really likes her.
Is he in his right mind?
How dare he harbor feelings for Lady Jung-hwa?
A slave can't love a noblewoman,
even if the world were turned upside down.
You said it was unforgivable
to have had feelings for me all these years?
That's not true.
I chose this path.
For my brother, who has led a miserable life
since our parents' death, for our fallen family...
I chose to take this path.
Jung-hwa.
Come in.
My sincere congratulations.
Congratulations.
I wish to go to the imperial city soon just like you.
All the girls are talking about you.
They say they can provide for their poor families
if they become mistresses of such powerful men.
Why are you crying?
Aren't you happy?
Yes... I am happy.
Jung-hwa, are you inside?
It's your gown for the ceremony.
The inspector general will arrive shortly.
Get ready.
So it can happen to us too
I never thought we'd have to say goodbye
I guess my love wasn't enough
I guess it wasn't enough
I'm sorry for everything
But to tell me to live as a stranger
To tell me to meet someone else
Your words still don't seem real
You're leaving me
How can you leave me?
Don't do this
Serve with the utmost care.
Please see how sad I am
What am I to do about all my regrets?
I want to turn back time
Don't leave me
I miss you so much it breaks my heart
It is I, Jung-hwa.
My lord.
My lord...
My lord!
My lord, please wake up!
Goong-bok.
My lady.
What's going on?
I'm afraid the inspector general is...
What do you mean?
He's been killed.
What happened?
He was already dead when I entered the room.
It seems to be the work of an assassin.
Assassin?
There were guards everywhere!
I'm sorry.
It must be an insider's doing.
Lock all the gates and question all the troops.
Yes.
I don't see Goong-bok.
Find him at once.
He's nowhere to be seen inside the residence.
If he ran off, he couldn't have left Mujinju yet.
Myung-chul, go to Paryong Mountain.
Tae-bong, go to Baekryong Mountain
and block all the roads leaving Mujinju.
Yes, sir.
Capture him alive.
Yes, sir.
What happened?
Goong-bok ran away.
He's a new recruit, a slave from the horse ranch.
I sent the troops after him.
They'll catch him before daybreak.
You may leave.
You may retire.
I...
Do you wish to say something?
The runaway Goong-bok and Jung-hwa were...
Sit.
You must be in terrible shock.
I'm only worried you'll be in trouble.
Should anything go wrong, I could lose everything
I've worked for in the blink of an eye.
Who do you think is behind this?
Someone who stands to gain the most from his death.
I understand that Lord Kim Won-ji
of Jingol descent was competing with
the inspector general for the post of regent.
He's not capable of such a plot.
A guard named Goong-bok ran away.
Do you know him?
Do you?
Yes.
How do you know a slave from a horse ranch?
He was a slave at a shipyard when I was in Chunghae.
When pirates attacked Chunghae,
he rescued me from them.
And you've carried on a relationship since?
He must have killed the inspector general
when he heard you'd be his mistress.
That's not true.
Then why did he run away?
I've misjudged you.
Captain, Goong-bok didn't do this.
He was guarding the chamber with me the whole time.
We'll find out the truth when we capture him.
Leave.
Where have you been?
I asked you a question.
I killed the inspector general.
Why did you not discuss such an important task with me?
Why did you kill him?
The inspector general was to be
appointed as the new regent.
Once he becomes regent,
Madam Jami, who's been supporting him,
will be awarded all trade rights to Shilla.
Once she gains that kind of power,
she'll ignore you and attempt to trade with China directly.
But Madam Jami will be driven into a corner
by this incident, and will approach us first.
Good work. Get some rest.
Capture him!
Goong-bok!
Back off.
Goong-bok!
Tell us what happened.
I left my post to chase after the assassin.
If you chased him, what happened to the assassin?
I lost him. He was a better swordsman than I.
Then how did you come back alive?
I don't know why he spared my life.
Silence. You're not making any sense.
You've killed the inspector general,
and now you're resorting to silly excuses.
No, I didn't kill him.
I'm aware of your relationship with Jung-hwa.
You killed the inspector general
out of affection for her.
Throw him in jail!
Goong-bok!
We must report this to the governor's office.
We can't delay it any longer.
We can't report it to the governor
when we haven't decided on the next course of action.
But delaying will only put you in more danger.
Do you believe that Goong-bok killed the inspector general?
I don't believe he's that reckless.
The inspector general's death will put us in a huge crisis.
Someone has to take the blame for this.
If anything goes wrong, I have to hand him over at least.
Inform the governor of the inspector general's death.
Yes.
Out of the way.
Out of the way!
What's going on?
The inspector general died last night.
What?
But why? He was just fine.
I don't know.
But this is wonderful.
You have a death wish?
Watch what you say.
Then what will happen to Lady Jung-hwa?
Jung-hwa.
What happened to him?
He's locked in jail now.
Lock all the gates and put guards outside.
No one is to leave the house without my permission!
What happened?
It seems to have been an assassin's doing.
But your private army boasts many skilled officers.
And you couldn't even stop an assassin?
Take his body and send a messenger
to the imperial city.
We'll question every man in this house,
including your officers.
What will you do about Goong-bok?
It won't be too late to decide later
after we assess the situation.
Goong-bok.
I begged the captain to allow me to bring you food.
How is Lady Jung-hwa?
Madam Jami ordered her to stay in her quarters.
She's practically under arrest.
The Mujinju army is standing guard outside the house.
All the officers are being questioned.
No one is allowed to go out.
Did you really chase after the assassin?
Well... about that assassin...
If he was a better swordsman than you...
Why didn't he kill you, since he went so far as
killing the inspector general?
No one believes your words.
I don't know either.
Eat.
That dagger in the inspector general's chest
was no ordinary dagger.
What are you saying?
Plum blossoms were engraved on the handle.
What's so special about that?
I've seen a boy with the same dagger back in Chunghae.
He said that Chinese swordsmen have
swords with their own unique design.
And he had plum blossoms engraved on his sword.
He was young,
but he showed extraordinary skill with daggers.
Are you saying he's the man who
killed the inspector general?
I can't understand how anyone could have penetrated
Madam Jami's private guards to kill the inspector general.
Then it means it was an insider's doing.
But that can't be.
She stands to lose from his death.
She couldn't have done that.
I've bought some time with the inspector general's death.
We have to secure solid evidence
to incriminate Madam Jami within that time.
Yes, sir.
We must dissolve her private army when we have the chance.
I hear that her private army consists of
former soldiers and slaves.
Find out if there were
any illegal activities involved in that.
Make sure Madam Jami does not find out about our plan.
Yes, sir.
Choi Moo-chang was an officer of the Manbo Division.
His skill in martial arts was known
even in the imperial city.
But he was accused of treason and went into hiding.
The governor sought him out at the horse ranch
where he was hiding, reinstated his identity,
and established a secret force with him as the leader.
What is their mission?
They're investigating the illegal activities
of Madam Jami and the nobles.
They're also investigating
the Changsoo Hill robbery and smuggling activities.
Come out.
Captain.
Leave us.
Yes, sir.
I do not believe you killed the inspector general.
But all clues point to you.
If Madam Jami is cornered,
she'll be forced to turn you over to the governor.
I'll give you an important mission.
If you succeed, you can get out of this plight.
Who are you?
Boss!
It's me, Goong-bok.
What happened to Yon?
He joined Madam Jami's private army with me.
If you had persevered, I'd have come for you.
I pleaded with the governor to reinstate your identities.
At any rate, I'm glad you're alive.
But if you don't kill me, your life will be in danger.
How did it go?
It is done.
How did it go?
He's dead.
I saw them bury his body.
His unit has been dissolved,
and the men were sent back to their bases.
Well done.
We still can't let our guards down.
The governor is the source of our problem.
He'll soon be retired from his post.
I've been in contact with a minister in the imperial city
regarding getting rid of the governor.
A new governor will soon replace the current governor.
Goong-bok!
What happened? How did you get out?
I was released for carrying out the captain's order.
What did you do?
I can't talk now. I'll tell you later.
You're keeping secrets from me?
You don't need to keep secrets from me.
Yon.
Yes.
The boss is... alive.
Really?
Where is he?
Calm down and lower your voice.
You can't tell anyone about what I'm about to tell you.
The boss is leading the secret force under the governor.
The captain is looking for you.
Yes, sir.
Madam Jami praised your service.
You'll be pardoned of all charges against you.
You'll aid me in the management of
our trade in the future.
But you won't be spared if you
carry on your relationship with Lady Jung-hwa.
For Lady Jung-hwa's sake and for your own,
don't go near her again.
I've taken in many girls over the years,
but none of them were brighter or more beautiful than you.
And unlike any of them, you're of noble descent.
Your opportunity was lost with the inspector general's death,
but you'll come into great power someday.
Don't ever ruin your life by associating with a lowly man.
I'll overlook this incident.
But if you betray my expectations again,
neither you nor he will be forgiven.
Master.
What brings you here?
Madam Jami wants to trade with you.
My terms have not changed. Is she still willing?
She'll accept all your terms.
Fine.
I'm returning to Yangzhou.
You'll head this trade. YANGZHOU
Yes, sir.
It's a report of the number of troops stationed in
the harbors of Mujinju, and their patrol schedule.
How are things at the marketplace?
Sandalwood and cotton are in short supply.
We'll soon receive a big shipment from China.
Wouldn't it be risky to smuggle in goods when
the governor is watching you so closely,
in the wake of the death of the inspector general?
The bigger the risk, the bigger the profit.
Jie Du Shi of the Fanzhens is starting to rebel
against the emperor in China.
The Grand Canal will be shut down soon.
Once the canal is shut down,
all trade from the West will come to a halt.
That means we won't be able to carry on our trade with China?
That's right.
If Chinese merchants can't secure goods,
all trade will come to a stop.
A lot of time would pass before
the rebels could be quelled.
We must secure enough goods before the rebellion.
Once trade with China ceases,
goods from China will be in short supply at
marketplaces in the imperial city and Mujinju.
We'll make huge profits if we have
an abundant supply of goods.
This is our opportunity to
reorganize our business and expand.
Make sure there are no mistakes.
Yes, ma'am.
The future of our merchant groups rests on this trade.
Tae-bong, select men skilled in the martial arts.
Myung-chun, watch the troops closely.
I'll put you in charge of the transport of goods.
Make no mistakes.
Boss!
Boss...
You haven't changed at all.
A man shouldn't show tears so easily.
But how can I not cry...?
I thought you were dead.
Let me bow to you.
I heard that Madam Jami's private army boasts
skilled swordsmen, but if she accepted you,
the rumor must be false.
Only you would look down on me.
I'm a master of the martial arts.
All the shopkeepers shake with fear at the mere sight of me.
Tell him.
You weren't followed?
No.
Let's go.
There will be a large-scale smuggling operation soon.
The date and time haven't been set yet,
but she's even brought in funds from the nobles. HANZHOU
Goong-bok is in charge of transport.
This is our chance.
If we can't strike Madam Jami now,
the governor will be in danger.
Then our future will be uncertain too.
Keep your eyes on the movements of her private army.
And inform me as soon as the trade date is set.
Yes.
The governor promised to grant your wish if all goes well.
Goong-bok.
What?
What was the boss saying?
The governor promised you what?
If all goes well, I'm leaving Mujinju with Lady Jung-hwa.
My lady.
You'll be killed if you're caught.
I'm prepared.
I was accused of colluding with pirates
and led a harsh life as a slave at the horse ranch.
But it wasn't as painful as when I found out
you were to be a mistress of the inspector general.
Will you leave Mujinju with me?
If people find out you're living with a lowly slave,
you may not escape death for violating the caste system.
Will you still go?
I'll go.
We might have to live deep in the mountains
for the rest of our lives.
Will you still go?
I'll go.
I'll go anywhere.
Captain.
Let's go.
Just as you requested, gems from Arabia,
sandalwood, and silk will be arriving soon.
When can the ship arrive?
It's docked on a deserted island near Dukjin Harbor.
It'll arrive shortly as soon as the date is set.
We'll have slaves ready as payment, as you requested.
The trade will take place tonight
at Dukjin at around one.
Should you be caught by troops,
you must defeat them and bring the goods here.
Inspect your weapons and make all the preparations.
My lady.
The trade will take place tonight.
I'll go to Yul Island Harbor as soon as
the government troops catch them in the act,
and capture the smugglers.
I should be able to get there by six. Meet me there.
All right.
A trade will take place at one tonight at Dukjin Harbor.
Summon troops from the Sajakeum and Noh Divisions,
and send them to Dukjin.
Governor, I'll handle this matter with my men alone.
Madam Jami's spies in the army
are watching the troop's movements.
If they find out we're on to them,
it could ruin everything.
All right.
You'll come face to face with Madam Jami's
skilled guards on this mission.
If you fear death, you can stay behind.
Will you follow me?
Yes!
I wish to see all of you back here alive.
March to Dukjin!
What is it?
Choi Moo-chang is alive.
The fate of our merchant group rests on this mission.
There will be rewards if we succeed.
If government troops block our path,
defeat them and carry this mission to success.
Yes!
Go!
Captain.
What is it?
Madam Jami has summoned you.
Go!
Boats are coming.
Keep close to the ground.
Unload the boat.
It's past the appointed time.
Something must have gone wrong.
Wait.
It's past the appointed time.
We need to capture Madam Jami's men.
Wait until her troops arrive.
Yes, sir.
Goong-bok, this is not the way to Dukjin Harbor.
Maybe they're on to us.
Goong-bok.
Calm down.
How long are we going to wait?
Waiting isn't going to solve anything.
We have no time to delay.
We must attack them now.
Something must have gone wrong.
We have to pull out.
Pull out.
We're going back.
Halt!
Kill the two of them!