It is an honor to have you here.
Are you the grand chief of the Yangzhou merchant groups?
Yes.
Have a seat.
What?
The prime minister is in Yangzhou?
Yes, he's meeting with Master Sul now.
Who is the prime minister?
His name is Mu Won-hyong.
He's the most powerful man in Chang'an.
What is such a powerful man doing in Yangzhou?
And why is he meeting with Master Sul?
I must go find out for myself.
Why do you think the prime minister is
visiting Master Sul?
He must be here to appoint the Sul Pyong group
as the military merchant.
It will be a far reach.
What do you mean?
No matter how big a Shilla merchant becomes in China,
he is discriminated against.
If he is appointed a military merchant,
he'll also be given an official position.
Only a Chinese merchant will be appointed a military merchant.
The Tang government is losing ground to Yi Sa-do.
They're in no position to be choosy.
If he does select the Sul Pyong group as the military merchant,
we'll have lost a great opportunity.
I am Jo Jang-gil, a Yangzhou merchant.
I'm here to see Master Sul Pyong.
You can't go in.
It's an urgent matter. I must meet with Master Sul.
You can't go in.
What do you think is going on?
- I can smell money. - What?
A big deal must be going on in there.
I can smell money even from here,
but I can't even get in.
What are you thinking about?
Any problems with the security?
No. There are dozens of soldiers
guarding the prime minister anyway.
What's taking them so long?
Yon.
Yes.
I saw Yum Moon.
When the prime minister's procession arrived...
I saw Yum Moon.
What are you saying?
What would he be doing back in Yangzhou?
The posters of Master Yi and Yum Moon are still
plastered all over the streets of Yangzhou.
Why would he come back when he won't escape death
if he's caught? You must've made a mistake.
I'm back.
Head Chief...
It's been a long time.
Sit.
I am in a desperate situation, and in need of your help.
If we're caught, you'll be in danger as well. I'm sorry.
Don't say that. I'm glad I can be of help to you.
Did you find out?
Yes, the prime minister is still
staying with the Sul Pyong Group.
Head Chief. Now is our chance.
When the prime minister enters Jiangsu Castle,
we must face hundreds of soldiers.
We must kill him while he's staying with the Sul Pyong Group.
Security has been tightened on the streets of Yangzhou
since the prime minister's arrival. You must be careful.
What happened? Did you find out?
No, I can't find Goong-bok and Yon.
Not even a rat can gain entrance into the Sul Pyong group.
What's going on?
Is the prime minister still with the Sul Pyong Group?
Yes, it seems he'll be staying there.
Let's wrap up and go.
What is the purpose of the prime minister's visit?
He wants our group to deliver rice and salt to Chang'an.
Does he mean to appoint us as the military merchant?
Yes.
Then we'll make big profits and revive our group.
So why the dark shadow on your face?
We won't be making any profit.
Not only that,
we must risk our lives.
As you know, Yi Sa-do's troops are blockading the Grand Canal.
We must breach his troops
if we're to deliver rice and salt to Chang'an.
We're taking such risks for bigger profit.
The prime minister has told me there will be no profit.
The finances of the Tang government have been plundered.
We can't make any profit from such a dangerous mission?
I don't understand.
We can't make any profit,
but if we succeed,
we can elevate the status of Shilla people in China.
Many Shilla people are living in China,
but we don't get the same treatment from the government.
The prime minister has promised me
he'll elevate the status of Shilla people
to equal that of the Chinese if we succeed.
How did you answer?
I told him I'd decide
after hearing the opinions of the other head chiefs.
What do you think?
I'll obey your decision.
What is a military merchant?
You don't even know that?
What man would take a blockhead girl like you for a wife?
- You needn't worry. - What?
I don't wish to live with you, so don't worry.
Are you angry?
I was just kidding.
I guess you're just a petty girl after all.
I'll take you if no man wants you.
I said I was just kidding. Sit down.
A military merchant is a merchant who provides the military
with provisions, salt and weapons.
Then our group has become the military merchant?
We'll find out when the captain comes back.
What happened? Are we the military merchant now?
Master said he'd decide after the head chiefs' meeting.
But I think he's decided to take the offer.
Then we'll be roaming the battlefields.
We'll be like soldiers.
And you'd like that?
Yes, I'm not interested in business.
I want to join the military and become a soldier.
Go check on the prime minister's security.
What happened?
We captured some assassins.
Is the prime minister safe?
Yes.
Unmask them.
He's the captain of the prime minister's security guards.
Who put you up to this?
Withdraw your sword.
It was my order.
What do you mean?
I ordered them to disguise themselves as assassins
to test your security officers' skills.
It seems you can breach Yi Sa-do's troops,
and deliver rice and salt to Chang'an.
What is your name?
I'm Jang Bogo.
You have put your sword to the imperial guard's neck.
I'm impressed.
Who are you? Come here.
Stop there.
- Joong-dal? - Mak-bong?
Joong-dal who followed Yi Do-hyung's tail
out of Yangzhou in the middle of the night?
So you're still here?
Should you be out and about like this?
Is it any of your business what I do?
You... shouldn't... talk to my father that way.
What?
You have a death wish?
- You! - Yes.
Just go ahead and open your big mouth to Goong-bok and Yon.
I'll slit your throat before anyone can see you.
Got that?
Yes, sir.
Like father, like son.
That son of a...
I should've captured him and turned him in.
Are you sure it was Joong-dal?
Yes, that wretch even threatened father and me.
If Joong-dal is in Yangzhou,
it must've been Yum Moom that you saw.
What are they doing back here in Yangzhou?
Captain Jang.
Send notice of a meeting to each merchant group.
Yes, sir.
Master Sul has called a meeting.
Did you find out what the prime minister wants with Master Sul?
Yes.
He asked Master Sul to become a military merchant.
What?
It seems you were right.
If he becomes a military merchant now, on the brink of war,
he'll become the biggest merchant in China.
Can we really become military merchants?
Yes.
I knew it.
I was starting to get jealous thinking you were
hogging this opportunity all to yourself.
Madam, would you join us?
I'll make my decision
when I know how much money I'll make.
You needn't worry about that.
If you can get the goods to Chang'an,
you can charge several times what you charge here.
Isn't that right?
We'll sell them at the same price we do in Yangzhou.
The price of rice and salt is soaring by the day.
What is the point of becoming military merchants
if we have to risk our lives for no profit?
Please don't tell me you accepted this offer.
I decided to accept the prime minister's offer.
Are you in your right mind?
How did it go?
The head chiefs are opposing him.
It was to be expected. No one is willing to join us?
No.
The people of Shilla living in China have suffered
so many times, whenever there was upheaval in China.
You must all know very well why.
We may not make big profits from this trade,
but if we succeed, the prime minister promised
to give the people of Shilla equal status in China.
How can we trust his words?
Don't you see what the prime minister is up to?
He makes sugar-coated promises in desperate situations,
but he could change his mind when he gets what he wants.
And why must we make such a sacrifice
for all the Shilla people in China?
Madam Jami is right.
We're merchants.
We're no longer merchants
if we engage in trade for no profit.
Would you join Master Sul in this trade?
Well...
What do you think?
Should I join Master Sul in his cause?
You'll incur a loss up front, but it's for a good cause.
Forsake profit for a good cause...
Have you heard of Lu Buwei?
He was a merchant, but he ascended to
the position of prime minister in the Qin Dynasty.
You're right.
How did Lu Buwei gain such power?
He rescued Prince Zichu, who was held hostage in Zhao.
And he used his wealth to make him an emperor of Qin.
A mere merchant put an emperor on the throne,
and put the world at his feet.
Isn't it amazing?
If you can use a war to your advantage,
you can gain the world.
It would be ridiculous to forsake such an opportunity
just to pursue some cause.
I'll soon be returning to Shilla.
I have no reason to pursue such a silly cause.
Will you join Master Sul in his cause?
What would you do?
I don't know anything.
I only obey your orders.
How did it go?
Madam Jami and Masters Choon, Heum, and Jang
have all sent letters expressing their rejection.
No other merchant group will join you in this cause.
And it is too big a task for us to handle alone.
You should give up.
If you'll make your decision,
I'll take our merchants to Chang'an.
I don't believe we're forsaking profit in this trade.
There is no profit in the near future,
but we'll somehow make a bigger profit in the long run.
You're right.
We must do it, even if we have to do it alone.
I'll join you.
- Master. - What?
What made you decide to join Master Sul's cause?
I may be out of line in saying this,
but while it's in Master Sul's character to make such a decision,
it's very unlike you to do such a thing.
Don't tell me you've decided to make sacrifices
for the sake of the Shilla people in China.
You're reading my mind now.
Please teach me a lesson.
He said we can't make any profit from this trade,
but we can expect special privileges.
- Privileges? - Yes.
After risking our lives to help the imperial household,
they'll grant me at least one wish.
And that could prove to be more profitable than any cash.
That sounds more like you.
The prime minister will leave Yangzhou in three days.
Our plan will be ruined if we don't kill him before he leaves.
There are soldiers and security officers
surrounding the residence.
It's impossible to penetrate.
I'll do it myself.
Head Chief. It's too dangerous.
Master is practically being held as a hostage.
If we don't kill the prime minister,
the master's life will be in danger.
We must do it.
It is wine from my brewery. Let me pour for you.
Very good.
I heard that you train gladiators.
It would be an honor to accompany you to an arena.
Captain Jang, who'll be delivering rice and salt,
was also a gladiator once.
Thank you for making this difficult decision.
If all goes well, I'll support both your merchant groups.
We only need you to keep your word and elevate the status
of Shilla people in China. We don't ask for anything else.
Master Jo, do you have any request?
I'm grateful for your consideration of Shilla people in China.
I can't ask for anything more.
We must take rice and salt
to Chang'an with Master Jo's group.
In order to succeed,
we must breach Yi Sa-do's troops blockading the Grand Canal.
The task of the security officers is most important.
Prepare the men well for the task.
Yes, Master.
Select highly skilled gladiators,
and recruit them as security officers.
Yes, sir.
Please take the post of commander of our security officers.
What do you mean?
I'll support you. You must be the commander.
You have served as an officer of the Mujinju military once.
We're no longer just security officers.
We're soldiers going to war.
You must be our commander.
I agree with him.
I appreciate your offer,
but I'm not qualified to take the position.
My incompetence has killed my men in Mujinju.
I can still see their faces.
I can't take the post again,
when I haven't even avenged their deaths yet.
Captain Jang, you should be the commander.
I have many shortcomings.
I need your help.
All right.
The prime minister will return to Chang'an at daybreak.
It'll be impossible to kill him if we don't do it tonight.
The soldiers and security officers are
guarding the place tightly.
There is no chance of getting past them.
If we can't jump the wall,
we must walk in through the gate.
Head Chief, it is me, Joong-dal.
Come in.
Did you find out?
A minister from Jiangsu Castle is meeting
with the prime minister tonight.
Let me come with you.
No.
If I don't make it back in time, you must flee.
- Head Chief. - Don't worry.
It's the minister from Jiangsu Castle.
Who is he?
A minister from Jiangsu Castle.
I'm sorry, but we must search you
before you enter the prime minister's chamber.
It's a special dish I brought for the prime minister.
Are you the minister's guards?
Yes.
Are you from Jiangsu Castle?
Yes.
If you're from Jiangsu Castle,
why is there no mud on your shoes?
The road from Jiangsu to Yangzhou is covered with mud.
The minister from Jiangsu Castle has
entered the prime minister's quarters?
Yes.
He's not a minister. He's an assassin.
Head Chief!
Goong-bok.
What happened?
I lost him.
He was killed in our residence.
I'm afraid you'll be held responsible.
It was his wish to stay with us.
He also had his own guards. Do not worry.
Soldiers are blocking all the roads out of Yangzhou.
It will be difficult for the assassin to escape.
Who do you think is behind this?
The prime minister insisted on suppressing Yi Sa-do.
Only Yi Sa-do would dare assassinate the prime minister.
The assassin was...
...Head Chief Yum Moon.
If your guess is right,
Master Yi and Yum Moon must have gone to Yi Sa-do's camp.
Well...
Father!
Father.
Why did you leave your shop unattended?
- There is big trouble. - What is it this time?
The prime minister was assassinated
while staying with the Sul Pyong Group.
What?
That's why the whole place has been turned upside down.
What happened to Captain Jang?
He's in charge of security for the group.
Will he be held responsible?
Don't worry. No harm will befall him.
What is it?
The prime minister was assassinated.
Do they know who did it?
I haven't heard anything.
- Find out what happened. - Yes, ma'am.
What? Are you sure?
Yes, it was Yum Moon.
Yi Do-hyung and Yum Moon must
have gone to Yi Sa-do's Fanzhen.
Then Yi Do-hyung must know that we're
planning to go to Chang'an through the Grand Canal.
They will tighten the security around the Grand Canal.
This is a serious problem.
What happened to Yum Moon? Did he get away?
Soldiers are standing guard on all the roads out of Yangzhou.
I doubt he has left Yangzhou yet.
There are soldiers everywhere.
We have no way of escaping.
We can't guarantee our safety here indefinitely.
It was Yum Moon who killed the prime minister.
What?
Yi Do-hyung and Yum Moon must have gone to Yi Sa-do's camp.
That is so like Master Yi.
What happened to Yum Moon?
Soldiers are standing guard on all the roads
out of Yangzhou to catch the assassin.
I doubt he has escaped yet.
Leave me.
Who's there?
- I hope all finds you well. - What happened?
Did you really kill the prime minister?
Yes.
If that is true, what are you doing here?
Do you wish to drag me down with you? Get out at once!
You'll need to help me.
There is no way for me to get out of Yangzhou.
Is Master Yi well?
Yes.
Master has become the military merchant for Yi Sa-do.
He has made a dangerous decision.
But the risk will reward us by reviving our group.
I need your help to get out of Yangzhou.
Our entire group will be in danger should we be caught.
If it is true that they joined Yi Sa-do's camp,
we must not help Yum Moon.
If they hadn't joined Yi Sa-do's camp,
I wouldn't have given it a second thought.
What do you mean?
The reason I'm contemplating whether I should help him or not
is because he joined Yi Sa-do's camp.
Master Sul does business for no profit,
but I must do business that will make profit in this war.
Do you mean to say you'll join Yi Sa-do's camp as well?
That's right.
It's not so heavy.
Lift and move it to the middle...
Be careful.
I need you to load the ship with cargo for Shilla,
and take the merchants to Mujinju.
I have a very important task for you.
It is written in this letter.
Read it on board after you're out of Yangzhou.
Yes.
I have faith in you. Do not fail me.
Yes.
Head Chief Yum Moon will leave first.
Chief Jang and Joong-dal should leave when security is lax.
All right.
There's a hiding place for you in the back of the carriage.
Thank you.
Halt.
Where are you going?
We're from Madam Jami's merchant group.
These are goods bound for Shilla.
Search them.
Pass.
Captain Jang.
I'll go back to the ship.
I was afraid I wouldn't get to see you before I left.
I'm glad I ran into you like this.
I'm going to Mujinju on Madam Jami's orders.
While you're traveling to Mujinju,
I'll be leading our merchants to Chang'an.
I heard it's dangerous, with Yi Sa-do's troops
blockading the Grand Canal.
- Please be careful. - Don't worry.
I'll see you when you get back.
The ship you're on is not headed for Shilla.
It is sailing to Shandong, to Yi Sa-do's Fanzhen.
Seek an audience with Yi Sa-do,
and request to be his military merchant.
Head Chief Yum Moon will arrange the meeting.
I trust you will succeed.
My lady.
Master, he's coming.
I'm back.
Well done.
Why were you so late?
The rumor reached us before you did.
I have already heard that the prime minister is dead.
I hadn't hoped for much, even after I sent you.
You have accomplished a great task.
Appoint Master Yi as the military merchant of our camp.
Yes, sir!
It'd be a shame to waste your skills as a merchant.
You shall join my army and serve me.
I'll pledge my loyalty to you
if you'll give me the opportunity.
I'll appoint you commander of the Ping-Lu-Zi-Qing army.
Your majesty, it is an important position
commanding five thousand soldiers.
Please withdraw your command.
What do you mean? He killed the prime minister.
It is a feat worthy of killing tens of thousands of the enemy.
I have a request.
What is it? You can tell me anything.
I was unable to escape after killing the prime minister.
But Madam Jami of the Yangzhou merchant group aided my escape.
A chief of Madam Jami's group will arrive in two days.
Please grant the chief an audience with you.
I'll grant your wish.
Who is the chief that Madam Jami sent?
It is Lady Jung-hwa.
Madam Jami must have plans to become a military merchant.
What is the war situation?
Yi Sa-do's blockade of the Grand Canal is taking effect.
Chang'an is withering away,
since there is no inflow of goods to Chang'an.
At this rate, Yi Sa-do will be triumphant,
and it'll lead to our victory.
We'll soon regain our shops in Yangzhou,
and become the biggest merchant group in China.
Drink.
Our trip was delayed due to the prime minister's death.
We must deliver rice and salt to Chang'an as soon as possible.
We must load our cargo,
and leave for Chang'an in five days.
Find a way to breach the Grand Canal.
Please come in.
I'm Chief Jung-hwa of Madam Jami's merchant group.
I have already heard of her.
I hear she's a grand dame who has great influence
over the Mujinju and Yangzhou marketplaces.
Yes.
Why did you wish to see me?
It is a letter from Madam Jami to your majesty.
Did you find a way to breach the Grand Canal?
While the ship carrying cargo is docked here,
I'll lead our security officers to the Grand Canal,
and wipe out the troops blockading the canal.
Yon and I will attack the troops east of the canal,
and Captain Jang will attack the troops west of the canal.
When we've defeated the troops,
Master Yoo will lead our group through the canal.