I present to you envoys from Shilla.
Madam Jami and the governor of Mujinju.
It's been a long time.
I hope everything finds you well.
Is it true Madam Jami is here?
Yes, she's attending the head chiefs' meeting now.
She's attending the head chiefs' meeting?
She was deported from Yangzhou.
How could she have come back?
We don't know what's going on,
but she came with an envoy from Shilla.
I'm Kim Chang-gyum, the governor of Mujinju.
I am already acquainted with many of you here.
What is your reason for calling this meeting?
I come here with an important mission
from Shilla's imperial family.
And I need your cooperation in accomplishing my mission.
It will also bring great profit to Yangzhou merchants.
I did not wish to deal with Yangzhou merchants again,
but Madam Jami has persuaded me otherwise.
Would you like to talk to them now?
I believe this is a head chiefs' meeting.
Why do you allow an underling to attend?
You must be talking about Captain Jang.
Captain Jang is in charge of the Yangzhou merchant fleet.
He manages the fleets of all the merchants,
as well as overseas trading.
All the head chiefs have agreed to allow him to attend.
Shilla's imperial household is seeking a Chinese merchant
to supply them with silk for years.
If you're appointed as the imperial silk merchant,
you'll not only make big profits,
it'll be a great chance to establish your business in Shilla.
What is the condition?
The merchant who bids the lowest will win.
If you wish to participate in the bidding,
submit your bid by the fifth of next month.
What is going on?
What is Madam Jami doing in Yangzhou?
There was a man named Kim Chang-gyum
who worked for Madam Jami.
He has become the governor of Mujinju,
and he came here with Madam Jami as an envoy.
They're here to select an imperial silk supplier.
It seems like only yesterday
that she lost everything and was deported.
But she has come back even stronger.
She's a frightening woman.
There are many Chinese merchants in Yangzhou
that are bigger than Shilla merchants.
Why do you wish to do business with Shilla merchants?
I wouldn't want to bestow such a profitable business
on a Chinese merchant.
I can tell you this now,
but I've always wanted to do business with you.
I was terribly disappointed when you refused.
If you wish to start doing business with me,
I'll talk to the governor,
and select you as the imperial silk merchant.
I haven't decided whether to participate in the bidding or not,
but if I do decide to participate, I'll fight fairly.
I was worried you'd be killed on the battlefield.
But you have survived.
I did not expect you to recover so soon.
I am very impressed.
I am also impressed by your speedy advancement
enough for you to attend the head chief's meeting.
I still remember vividly
the humiliation you put me through.
Don't forget that my eyes are always on you.
What brings you here?
Is it true Madam Jami is in Yangzhou?
Yes.
Where is Captain Jang?
What is she up to now?
It's odd that she would offer a business opportunity
to Yangzhou merchants,
when she's suffered such humiliation here.
I believe she plans to create dissension
among Yangzhou merchants by pitting us against each other.
All merchants will compete fiercely to
win the trade rights with Shilla's imperial household.
Some will even take losses.
Will you let her play us like this?
I'll decide what to do after I fully assess the situation.
Captain, you have a guest.
Show him in.
Sir.
- Sir. - Captain Jang.
Yon!
Have you been well?
Yes, how have you been?
I've been doing all right.
Where is Soon-jong? He's not with you?
He couldn't come.
He married Da-bok, and she's expecting soon.
- Congratulations. - Congratulations!
Thanks.
Aren't you guys married yet?
I plan to wed soon,
but there is no telling when Captain Jang will wed.
You should find yourself a nice woman too.
Soon-jong sent this for you.
He said they're your favorites.
I hope they haven't spoiled during the journey.
- Thank you. - All right.
You're looking very distinguished now.
You have a beard now.
May I ask you a question?
What is it?
Madam Jami supplies silk to the imperial household
at ten coins per roll.
Just as I thought.
The merchant who wins the bid will be dealing
with Madam Jami, not the imperial household.
Madam Jami will buy silk at a lower price through bidding,
and she plans to make a profit with the difference in price.
I will not participate in this bidding.
I agree.
We can't fall victim to her scheme.
We must participate in the bidding.
Will you fall victim to her scheme
when you have a grudge against her?
A merchant must be able to do business with his archenemy.
I can't let my personal feelings get in the way of business.
You wish to conduct a losing deal?
I have set myself a lofty goal since my trip to Japan.
In order to realize that goal,
we need to establish our base in Shilla.
This trade is our opportunity to establish a base in Shilla.
What is this goal you speak of?
I plan to open trade
that will connect Shilla, China, and Japan by sea.
Japan lacks shipbuilding skills and can't trade by sea.
Shilla is trading with China, but the volume is negligible.
I'll open a sea route between Shilla and Japan,
and start large-scale trade.
In order to realize this goal,
we must establish our base in Shilla.
I won't bring any loss to our group.
Please have faith in me.
What will you do?
Will you participate in the bidding?
I have no reason to say no when I can smell money.
I can't remain the number two merchant in Yangzhou forever.
I'll take this opportunity to establish my business
in Shilla, and become the biggest merchant in Yangzhou.
Then how much will you bid?
What do you think?
I can tell you the price of any wine,
but I know nothing of silk.
I'll need to bid seven coins to win the bid.
But I hear that silk costs ten coins per roll.
You'll take a huge loss.
I'll just have to put up with it.
Master.
- Did you find out? - Yes.
Master Heum will bid seven coins,
and Master Choon will bid six coins.
What?
Are they out of their minds?
What brings you here?
I'm here to see Madam Jami.
She is with another guest now.
- Please wait. - All right.
What brings you here?
I'm sure you're here for the same reason.
- Was your visit successful? - Well...
I'll be seeing you.
Please come in.
Please sit down.
What brings you here?
You must know why I am here.
The bidding will take place on the fifth of next month.
I'm afraid I can't offer you any help.
What is this?
After your sudden departure from Yangzhou,
the Jiangsu government seized your headquarters and shops.
I have purchased your headquarters then.
You must re-establish your business in Yangzhou again.
If you wish, I'll relinquish them back to you.
You must still compete in the bid.
Your visit could cause suspicion among other merchants.
Please leave.
The price of silk has gone up since the war.
We must charge 12 coins per roll,
not even considering labor.
What are you doing here?
I came to discuss something important with you.
How much will you bid?
Well... Chae-ryung says we need to charge at least 12 coins.
Twelve coins?
Nonsense.
You have no idea what's going on, do you?
Did something happen?
Master Heum will bid seven coins,
and Master Choon will bid six coins.
Will they really bid such low prices?
Yes, everyone is out of their minds.
How much will you bid?
I'll withdraw if it comes down to this.
I can't fall victim to Madam Jami's trickery.
The competition is fierce, just as you expected.
Masters Jang and Oh, who've been doing business
with Master Sul, have requested a meeting with you.
Summon all the merchants who wish to meet with me.
- Everyone? - Yes.
But be discreet. Don't let Master Sul find out.
Yes.
I plan to organize a new Yangzhou merchant group.
She has put merchants under her influence in an instant.
She is frightening.
It seems the other head chiefs have already gone over to her side.
Will it be Sul Pyong or Madam Jami...?
What do you think?
I'd choose Madam Jami if I'm after profit,
but merchants also have loyalty.
- Loyalty? - We don't?
Loyalty, my foot.
Is it true she's trying to organize a new merchant group?
Yes. Head chiefs are being swayed.
So that is what she was after.
What about you?
Will you serve Madam Jami as the grand chief?
I have loyalty too.
I can't do that.
The Yangzhou merchant group will collapse at this rate.
We must come up with a plan.
The head chiefs have gone over to her side already.
What can we do now?
- I'll change their minds. - Do you have a plan?
Summon all the head chiefs for a meeting.
No one must find out about this meeting, understand?
Yes, sir.
The fierce bidding war Madam Jami has started
caused many of you to offer irrationally low prices on silk.
This has caused dissension mong Yangzhou merchant groups,
and Madam Jami is trying to use this situation
to her advantage to establish a new merchant group.
I decided to join forces with Madam Jami.
I can't stop you if that's what you've decided.
But please hear me out first.
Madam Jami has the trade rights to supply
Shilla's imperial household with silk.
This bidding is in name only.
She's merely selecting a merchant who will supply her.
We'll only fatten her pockets by lowering our bid.
I will purchase all your inventory of silk
at ten coins per roll.
And I will honor this price in the future.
If we do establish our base in Shilla with this trade,
we'll make it a base for all Shilla merchants in China.
Then we'd have no reason to join forces with Madam Jami.
What do you think?
My lady.
You must stop him now.
We can't afford to buy so much silk at such a price.
What will we do with the leftover inventory?
Have faith in Captain Jang.
My lady.
We have no other choice now.
Your offer unified the Yangzhou merchants again,
but paying such a high price for silk could be a problem.
What will you do with all that silk?
If anything goes wrong,
you'll be held responsible for everything.
Be prudent.
I won't take a loss from this trade.
Do not worry.
Are all the head chiefs in attendance?
- What is it? - Not one came.
What?
What happened?
No one participated in the bidding.
This is our bid.
We'll find another merchant group.
We don't have the time.
We must make the purchase now if we're to meet the deadline.
I promised to supply them silk at 10 coins a roll.
I'll take a huge loss if I buy them at 12 coins per roll.
I can't do that.
How much silk do we need?
We need 500 thin silks and 500 gold thread silks.
I'll deal directly with Chinese merchants.
- Did you find out? - Yes, madam.
Why did no one participate in the bidding?
Jang Bogo bought out all the silk
from all the Shilla merchant groups,
as well as other Chinese merchant groups in Yangzhou.
What?
He has paid them ten coins a roll.
The Sul Pyong Group is the only merchant
who has silk in stock in Yangzhou.
We have selected the Sul Pyong Group
to supply the Shilla imperial household with silk.
Be sure to have them ready in time.
Yes.
I know you have a grudge against me,
but you must be out of your mind to make such a reckless move.
You bought out all the silk in Yangzhou
just to inflict a loss on me?
I'll incur huge losses just as you wanted,
but you'll also suffer a great loss.
I'll never take a loss.
What will you do with all that silk?
You must have invested all your money to buy silk.
What could you do when your money is tied up?
I have trade rights with Japan.
If I take the silk to Japan, I'll make huge profits.
I'll also establish a base in Shilla,
and initiate trade between Shilla and Japan.
Then we'll make great profits.
The unity of Yangzhou merchant groups will never waver.
They have decided to buy silk at 12 coins a roll.
Did they really?
Yes, they seemed to be pressed for time.
What a victory.
Captain Jang, I knew we could count on you.
Well done.
If you wish, you may also join us in our trade with Japan.
I'd have no reason to refuse if a big profit is guaranteed.
Organize a merchant group to Shilla and Japan.
Yes, Master.
They're shipbuilders and navigators from Shilla.
- Where are you from? - I'm from the Chunghae Shipyard.
CHUNGHAE: PRESENT DAY WANDO
- Are you really from Chunghae? - Yes.
Take the shipbuilders to the shipyard for repair work,
and advise the navigators of our route.
Yes, sir.
Due to the superior skills of Shilla shipbuilders,
we can move up our departure date.
We have also hired more navigators.
Good work.
Chief Yoo, I need you to lead the merchant group to Japan.
This is an important trade mission with other merchant groups.
You must lead the group.
I must find a new sea route and port of call.
Do you have any place in mind?
Right here, Chunghae.
Chunghae is a gateway to Japan.
But the sea route from Yangzhou Harbor
to Chunghae is very rough.
We could lose ships in rough waters.
We have prepared our ships for rough waters.
Do not worry.
All right.
Chief Yoo, you'll lead the group.
Yes, sir.
MUJINJU, PRESENT DAY GWANGJU
What is it?
The ship carrying brassware to the imperial city
has been attacked by pirates.
What?
We have suffered enough attacks!
What is the Shilla navy doing
that pirates are able to roam the sea?
I must meet with the Mujinju governor now.
Do you realize how many merchant ships have suffered
pirate attacks since you took your post?
I'm sorry.
Don't you know the damage we suffer
if the sea route to the imperial city is so dangerous?
Pirates are no longer just pirates.
What do you mean?
Their power exceeds that of government troops.
Even naval ships deployed to wipe them out are defeated.
Four naval ships that set sail to wipe out pirates
suffered crushing defeats.
So?
You will take the defeat sitting down?
We're planning a major attack on the pirates soon.
TAMJI: PRESENT DAY GANDO
Please be patient.
We'll also expand the naval forces in Madojin, Gogeumjin,
and Shinjijin to strengthen our defense.
We'll soon launch an all-out attack on the pirates.
Put your worries to rest.
I didn't do anything wrong.
Wasn't he an underling of Master Yi?
Yes, his name is Joong-dal.
Halt.
What happened?
He was caught trying to sell goods seized by pirates.
He must be colluding with pirates.
That's not true. I have never colluded with pirates.
Shut up!
You have no idea who you're dealing with.
I have a temper too.
- Come. - You untie this rope...
That's...
Joong-dal, that son of a...
Did you really collude with pirates?
No, I've never done any such thing.
You'd better tell her the truth.
Please spare my life.
We have gotten you out of jail to save your life.
- Is Master Yi well? - Pardon?
I've never seen him since he and I parted ways in China...
Slay him.
Please don't kill me. I'll tell you the truth.
- Please spare my life. - Start talking.
Master Yi is on Sojuk Island now.
- Master Yi is pirating? - Yes.
He has established a base on Sojuk Island,
and has been attacking merchant ships in the area
since we returned from China.
Tae-bong, we go so far back. Come on, untie me.
- Go. - That was harsh.
Shouldn't we alert the governor and suppress them?
If what he said is true, their power will grow stronger.
They could pose a big threat to our business.
I must meet with Master Yi.
- Madam. - Send a message with him.
Master Yi is a pirate.
It could bring great danger if you join hands with him.
He could be of great use, if I use him to my advantage.
The governor must never find out.
Be discreet.
You wretch, you ran off by yourself
when you saw me arrested?
Whoever can survive should survive.
You expect me to die with you?
Why you, do you have a death wish?
You're dead meat. Come here.
Get him!
Head Chief! Why are you doing this?
How did you come back alive when you were arrested?
You must be colluding with government troops.
No, sir. That's not true.
Then did you overpower them and escape?
No, Madam Jami released me.
Madam Jami wishes to see you, and sent me with the message.
Then you disclosed our information to them?
Well... I had no choice.
Shut up!
Master, let me slay him right now.
Let him be.
Madam Jami won't reveal us so easily.
You must have suffered a great deal.
Go and get some rest.
Master!
I'll serve you like my own father!
Madam Jami is expecting you. Please come in.
Don't let anyone near Madam Jami's chambers.
- Understand? - Yes, sir.
It's been a long time.
I have suffered hell for the past two years.
But you haven't changed one bit.
It couldn't have been easy for me
when I lost everything in Yangzhou.
I have overcome many obstacles to get where I am now.
I heard Captain Kim has become the governor of Mujinju.
I had to work very hard to put him there.
But to have recovered so much so fast,
I am very impressed.
Why did you return to Shilla?
It couldn't have been easy to stay in China
after supporting Yi Sa-do, but you could have easily
hidden your identity and settled elsewhere
in the vast land of China.
I have returned to Shilla with a particular goal in mind.
Please don't tell me it was your goal to pirate.
Is Head Chief Yum Moon doing well?
I don't know what thoughts he holds in his head.
The only thing certain is
that he holds a sharp sword in his heart.
Where he'll wield that sword still remains to be seen.
I'll tell him where he should point that sword.
He'll be very interested
if the target is Jang Bogo.
Captain.
- Why did you want to see me? - Yon, I need your help.
I plan to open a sea route to Chunghae and trade with Japan.
CHUNGHAE: PRESENT DAYVVANDO
I plan to establish our base to Japan in Chunghae.
- Chunghae? - Yes.
We'll dock our merchant ships in the sea of Chunghae,
and do business with Japan.
We'll also build our shipyard in Chunghae.
In order to do that,
we must chart a new sea route from Yangzhou to Chunghae.
Come with me to Chunghae.
You still haven't given up on advancing in the Wu Ning Jun?
I'd like to help,
but I can't give up just yet.
- Commander. - What is it?
A Yangzhou merchant ship en route to Shilla was attacked by pirates.
Are you sure it was a Yangzhou merchant ship?
Yes.
Which merchant group?
We don't know yet. You must come now.
The captain of the ship returned alive.
Chief Yoo.
- Captain Jang. - What happened?
We were attacked by pirates.
They seized all our goods.
- What of our men? - I'm sorry.
A merchant and I were the only survivors.
You were guarded by skilled security officers.
How could you have been defeated so thoroughly?
We had no chance... the pirates overpowered us.
They knew our route and took us by surprise.
We attacked Bigun Island and defeated the navy.
Good work.
Madam Jami has sent a message that she is coming.
I'm sure she means to confirm our strength.
Madam Jami is no ordinary merchant.
She accumulates wealth because she has other intentions.
You can't realize your goal without using her ambition.
It's remuneration for your service, as promised.
We don't need remuneration.
I have gotten my revenge against the Sul Pyong Group.
Since you have granted me a wish,
I'll offer you a shop at the Mujinju marketplace.
I appreciate your offer,
but I do not plan to do business in Shilla.
You are the owner of Mujinju
and I do not wish to compete with you
for the market in Mujinju.
Then you wish to remain a pirate?
I'll expand my powers and rule the southwestern shores.
The Shilla government's influence can't reach
the southwestern shores.
If I rule the southwestern shores, I can expand to China and Japan.
If you join forces with me,
I'll be a great strength to you.
Will you join us?
You must cut your ties with Master Yi.
You must alert the governor of their base and suppress them.
The governor is facing a crisis
with these frequent pirate attacks.
He could be terminated from his post at this rate.
I'd have abandoned him anyway when his usefulness expired.
I must join forces with Master Yi.
YANGZHOU, CHINA
What has you so deep in thought?
I heard that the merchant ship to Shilla was attacked by pirates.
Yes.
Nothing has changed in Shilla since we left.
The government and the Mujinju military were helpless
in the face of pirate attacks.
Boss.
I must go to Shilla.
I will go to Shilla and suppress the pirates.
What are you saying?
How will you accomplish something the government couldn't do?
Pirates were the reason my life was thrown into such turmoil.
I lost my parents to pirates,
and overcame many life-threatening obstacles.
If I can't wipe out pirates, I can't realize my goal of
opening the sea route to trade with Shilla and Japan.
In order to get my vengeance and realize my goal,
I must suppress the pirates.
It seems your grudge has finally found a purpose.
I'm tired of wasting my life with wine.
If I can have the chance to use my sword for a good cause,
I'll return to Shilla with you.
Boss.
You're going to suppress pirates?
If you'll let me command the security officers,
I'll go to Shilla and suppress pirates.
I heard that even the Shilla government
can't suppress the pirates.
Will you be able to do it?
The security officers of Yangzhou merchant groups were
trained better than Tang soldiers
in the war with the Yi Sa-do Fanzhen.
With your permission, I'll carry this mission to success.
Captain Jang played a great role
in suppressing the Ping-Lu-Zi-Qing army.
No matter how strong the Shilla pirates are,
they couldn't be stronger than the Ping-Lu-Zi-Qing army.
Please have faith in Captain Jang.
Master.
If we can't suppress the pirates,
we won't be able to trade with Shilla and Japan.
It's too dangerous.
I would rather we give up on trading.
My lady.
You have always grieved for Shilla slaves
who were brought to China.
We can't stop the slave trade if we don't wipe out the pirates.
Please allow me.
Captain Jang.
Father and I have decided to put our faith in you.
My lady.
But I still feel ill at ease.
The pitiful lives of the slaves... Our business...
Your life is more important to me than those things.
Captain Jang.
Master Jo will also give you command of
his security officers and gladiators.
We only need to go to Shilla now.
With the Mujinju governor's permission,
I'll set up a base at Chunghae.
The Mujinju governor? You mean Kim Chang-gyum?
He practically works for Madam Jami.
I doubt he'd readily give you permission.
Madam Jami also needs a safe trade route
from Dukjin Harbor to the imperial city.
She has no reason to object.
Captain, it's me, Ha-jin.
Come in.
How did it go? Did you send word to Yon?
He has taken a troop to Mingzhou on the commander's orders.
He will be furious when he finds out
we went to Shilla without him.
It would be great to have him with us,
but the situation doesn't allow it.
Summon all lieutenants for inspection of security officers.
Yes, sir.
Send a message back as soon as you set up your base.
Yes, Master.
You'll ruin everything
if you let your emotions get in the way.
Take good care of Captain Jang.
Yes, Master.
Master Sul and I will soon join you in Shilla.
We'll give you full support in suppressing the pirates.
You must succeed.
Be on your way.
MUJINJU, PRESENT DAY GWANGJU
Captain!
- Captain. - What is it?
Jang Bogo is in Mujinju.
- Are you sure of it? - Yes, sir.
I saw him heading for the Mujinju military base.
We must attack and bring them under our control
before we attack Jang Bogo.
If we can bring Kwak Do-chool under our control,
we can easily dominate the smaller pirate gangs.
So is business going well?
I have prepared a place for you.
What is the purpose of this visit?
I need your help to suppress the pirates.