"Begin." "That's enough." "His skills are extraordinary, but accepting a runaway slave into our army could pose a problem later." "I'm sure his usefulness will outweigh the risk." "Find a way." "Follow me." "This is your room." "Then we're accepted?" "Not yet." "But the captain was impressed by your skills." "Wait for his word." "Goong-bok, you did it." "Where are you going?" "Looking for me?" "You're Yum Moon, aren't you?" "What happened?" "I thought you went to China." "I came back from China." "I led a group of merchants to make a deal with Madam Jami." "Led a group of merchants..." "Then you must be a very successful merchant." "You can say things have improved since I met you in Chunghae." "You ran away from a ranch?" "How did you end up there?" "Pirates attacked Chunghae soon after you left for China." "They changed my life." "Father passed away..." "And I was framed for colluding with pirates." "Father and I repaired a ship, not knowing it was a pirate ship." "After some life-threatening experiences," "I was sent to work at the ranch as a slave, where I heard I could be freed if I could join Madam Jami's private army." "So have you succeeded?" "The captain was impressed with my skills, but I'm not sure yet." "I'm sure he won't let your skills go to waste." "It'll work out." "You shouldn't tell him about our friendship." "Why not?" "You're Madam Jami's business partner." "We could be partners one day and become enemies the next." "That's the nature of business." "I should go now." "How is it going?" "I've chosen a few skilled men from each division, and I'm training them in secret." "Madam Jami has more skilled men in her private troop than those of the Mujinju army." "Even if you catch them in the act, it won't be easy to suppress them." " Are you ready?" " Yes, sir." "Should you get caught, kill yourselves." "If our existence is revealed, our plans will be in vain." "Who's there?" "What happened?" "A man broke into Madam Jami's quarters." "Is she all right?" "She's fine, but the man took an important ledger." "What were you doing?" "Take them away and punish them." "Yes, sir." "It was my negligence." "Please forgive me." "Stand." "Who do you think is behind it?" "The world knows I have guards more skilled than the Mujinju army." "Knowing that, who could have broke into my private quarters and stolen a ledger?" "As your commercial power has expanded to Youngan Harbor, you've made many enemies of the nobles who've been trading there." "But none would be brave enough to challenge me directly." "This must be the Mujinju governor's doing." "Two of my most skilled men have been drafted and assigned to another division recently." "It was said they were drafted into the navy, but rumor has it they've been drafted into the governor's secret force." "Secret force?" "What do you mean?" "It's rumored that the governor has created a secret force to investigate Madam Jami and the other nobles." "All right." "You may leave." "I must strike the governor first." "Bring Yum Moon." "Madam, he's here." "If you accept my proposal," "I'll give you a shop in my marketplace." "I'll give you an important assignment." "If you succeed, you'll be hired, and your identities reinstated." "Yes, sir." "The Mujinju army will be delivering tax grain to Youngan Harbor." "We'll disguise ourselves as bandits, and attack them at Changsoo Hill." "This will be a top-secret mission." "We'll only take Goong-bok and Yon." "But who else will join us as bandits?" "You'll find out." "What could this mission be?" "Do you have any idea?" "No matter what it is, let's give it our best." "According to the sergeant, it's a chance for men from all backgrounds to advance." "If you make sergeant and captain, you'll get wages and land." "It's better than being in the Mujinju army." "You want to advance?" "Of course." "We've suffered so much." "When I succeed and make money," "I'm going back to Chunghae." "Goong-bok, wasn't that Lady Jung-hwa?" "Goong-bok, that was Lady Jung-hwa." "She's been living here since childhood." "Would you take me to Sahyang Island?" "I'll never forget that you saved my life." "Follow me." "This is Lieutenant Kim of the Manbo Division." "I'm Kim Chang-gyum." "We have to deliver grain to Youngan Harbor, which is to be taken to the lmperial City for payment of taxes." "You're to lead the guards." "I'll do my best." "Are you ready?" "Yes." "Did you assess the geography?" "It's very rugged, but there are escape routes." "We'll be at a disadvantage if we take too much time." "Halt!" "This area is known for frequent bandit attacks." "We should camp out here tonight and continue tomorrow." "The Manbo division is the strongest of all the Mujinju armies." "Yet you're afraid of mere bandits?" "Continue on." "Yes, sir." "March!" "They're coming." "They're government troops." "It was my fault for underestimating the bandits." "Please punish me." "You're excused." "The Manbo division has the finest men of all the Mujinju armies." "It's impossible for bandits to have defeated them so completely." "We must find out what happened." "Madam Jami has granted you acceptance." "You are no longer slaves." "Your identifications have been reinstated." "You'll be guarding Madam Jami." "You'll be assigned to the inner quarters." "You'd better be on your best behavior." "Yes, sir." "I have a question." "Why did we attack government troops?" "You only need to follow orders." "Do not question your orders." "Get some rest." "Sit." "You fool, how dare you ask such a question?" "Drink up." "You saved the captain's life." "Your advancement is practically guaranteed." "No one has ever gotten a post in the inner chamber this quickly." "Sergeant, it's me, Hwa-sun." "Come in." "They'll serve you tonight." "It's a special arrangement from the captain." "We're grateful, but no thank you." "You fool, you say no to a girl?" "Just do as you're told." "My name is So-hee." "I'm..." "Yon..." "You're so shy." "What are you doing?" "You don't have to do anything." "I'll take care of everything." "It's me, Hwa-sun." "Come in." "What happened?" "I thought you went to serve the troops tonight." "He wouldn't even look at me." "Then he asked me to give this to you." "You may leave." "I'll give you a shop at the marketplace as promised, and begin trading with Master Yi." "We'll do our best not to betray your trust." "I wish to meet Master Yi in person in the near future." "I'll give him the message." "Everything has gone very well." "Master will be very pleased." "She is no easy match." "It's too early to let our guards down." "Send a messenger to Yangzhou right away." "YANGZHOU" "Go ahead without me." "There's someone I must meet." "All right." "I have heard you were sent to the ranch." "How did you come to be here?" "I impressed the captain, and joined Madam Jami's private army." "I'd forced myself to forget those horrible incidents in Chunghae." "You saved my life..." "I always regretted not thanking you properly." "I'm glad we've met again." "You saved me from death on that deserted island." "I was able to survive my bleak life as a slave at the ranch thanks to you." "It's unforgivable for me to have kept you in my heart all these years... but I've never forgotten you for a minute." "The survivors said the bandits showed extraordinary skills." "Some of them even used the sword style used only by government troops." "They must be trained men." "Who would dare rob tax grains on the way to the lmperial City?" "Any hunch?" "I've heard that Madam Jami employs former government troops." "Are you saying this was Madam Jami's doing?" "It's unforgivable for me to have kept you in my heart all these years... but I've never forgotten you for a minute." "What are you doing here?" "Has any man taken your fancy?" "No." "Stop." "Goong-bok, Yon, come forward." "They're the new soldiers." "What happened to Goong-bok and Yon?" "They're on their way to success now." "They just joined Madam Jami's army, but they're already serving as her private guards." "Then they'll be inspecting and managing the marketplace too." "That's right." "Wonderful." "Ask them to lower our rent." "We've spent so much money on them all these years." "This is the least they could do for us." "They're not there yet." "They'll do what they can when the right time comes." "We shouldn't do business with Jang-goo anymore." "Why not?" "She's always trying to dupe me." "She tried to sell me flat fish by passing it off as skate fish." "She once tried to sell me squid, saying it was octopus." "We should stop doing business with her." "Go in and get some rest." " It's all right." " Go on." "She's one bright girl." "What?" "You scare me." "Why did you seek my audience?" "I heard that bandits robbed tax grains on the way to the imperial city." "You must be very worried." "I should come to your aid." "I came to repay the kindness you've been showing me and my business." "I'll donate five hundred sacks of rice." "I hope they'll be of help to your finances." "Should we provoke him like this?" "We needn't be worried." "He'll pay dearly for provoking me." "Insolent wench." "She came here only to insult me." "I'll get her for this." "You mustn't let her ruffle your feathers." "Don't forget she has powerful clout." "You must be prudent until Choi Moo-chang secures solid evidence." "That insolent wench..." "Hello." "How is business?" "We make nothing after we pay our rent." "Offer me a bribe." "I'll lower your rent." "You might as well steal from a pauper." "How's business?" "So-so." "Where's Da-bok?" "She went to buy seaweed with Father." "She'll be surprised when she hears that Lady Jung-hwa is living at Madam Jami's." "What?" "Lady Jung-hwa is at Madam Jami's?" "Yes, Goong-bok and I were surprised too." "What is it?" "It's Joong-dal." "Goong-bok!" "We should've caught him!" "From the looks of him, he must be living a good life doing something illegal." "I'm sure we can find him." "We have to find him." "I'll find him and kill him with my own hands." "After what he put us through, tearing him limb from limb isn't enough." "I'll guard Madam Jami's chamber tonight." "You may retire now." "Make sure no one comes near the lady's chamber tonight." "Yes, sir." "The captain will stand guard himself?" "I wonder what's going on." "You've established your business in China in only a few short years." "I'm impressed with your business skills." "You're too kind." "I plan to trade directly with China someday." "You must share your secrets with me." "What secrets could a lowly merchant like me have?" "I'm in need of your assistance." "I have dealt with many merchants, but you are the only man who has made me nervous." "You just can't be read." "And I must confess the same of you." "Is that so?" "We have brought peacock feathers, tortoise shell, and sandalwood, as you requested." "I'll buy the lot." "Bring the money." "I wish to be paid in men, not money." "What do you mean?" "In China, slaves are the most sought-after merchandise from Shilla." "You mean to sell people from Shilla as slaves?" "Only pirates would do such things." "You buy little girls, and train them to be noblemen's mistresses." "How is that any different?" "I'll supply you all the prohibited goods you want." "Please provide me with men and women I can take to China." "I can't agree to that." "Any movement?" "Several men entered the house." "I've never seen them in Mujinju." "Let's go." "Moon, why did Madam Jami decline my proposal?" "She could get all the men and women we need with just a snap of her fingers, if she wanted." "Why would she turn down such profitable business?" "I believe she means to trade with China directly." "What shall we do?" "We must make her come to us first." "Can you do that?" "I'll try." "Chief Jang, escort Master Yi." "What is it?" "We're being followed." "Do you have any worries?" "No." "They're clothes." "I hope they fit you." "You said it was unforgivable for you to have kept me in your heart all these years?" "That's not true." "Since losing my father in Chunghae, and coming under" "Madam Jami's wing, I'm no longer a noble." "I'll become a nobleman's mistress, just like other girls." "I heard that Madam Jami adores you as her own daughter." "She wouldn't send you off as a mistress." "You say that because you don't know her." "If not for the fact that she's taken care of me all these years..." "I'd have left her years ago." "I'm not comfortable..." "serving her." "The first mission given to me since I joined her private army was to fight the government troops." "I promised myself I'd do anything she asked of me, since she saved me from the life of a slave, but I was confused why I had to fight government troops." "Finding out now that you feel the same way I do..." "I feel as if a great weight has been lifted off of me." "The inspector general is coming from the imperial city." "The news of the robbery has reached the imperial city." "The inspector general is coming to audit Mujinju Base's finances, and to evaluate the governor's performance." "You have put me in an important post, but I won't be able escape punishment for the incident." "The inspector general and I are old friends." "Do not fear anything, and keep me informed." "I have only you to trust." "Jung-hwa." "You have guests." "My lady." "It is I, Da-bok." "I'm Mak-bong." "I served under your father." "Do you recognize me?" "How did you find me here?" "I left Chunghae years ago, and now run a shop here." "He runs a dried seafood store at the marketplace." "I work for him too." "I had no idea." "And I go to the market often." "I know." "Had I known, it would have been easier for me to get a shop at the marketplace and pay lower rent..." "What happened to Master Chang-gyum?" "He's a lieutenant at the Manbo Division." "He's become so successful." "Your father would have been so proud." "Mujinju Base's finances were depleted long ago." "Tax revenue is low, and the government employees haven't been paid in months." "What is your reason for forgiving people's taxes and giving away government provisions as seed plants when your finances are in such a dire state?" "Starving people are risking their lives to go to China to beg for food, and the people of Shilla are sold at a slave market in Yangzhou." "The governor was only trying to save the people." "Don't you realize you can't replenish your finances if you don't collect taxes, and that without strong finances, you can't help your people?" "But stricter tax collection will only pit the people against the government." "Those bandits were once citizens who went to the mountains to escape taxes." "Silence!" "I can't overlook your poor performance as governor." "My poor performance has not contributed to the dire straits Mujinju finds itself in." "It is the fault of Madam Jami and the nobles who dominate the Mujinju marketplace." "Madam Jami disguised her private army as bandits, and robbed tax grains on route to the imperial city." "Before you punish my poor performance, you must bring" "Madam Jami's and the nobles' illegal dealings to light." "What are you saying?" "Are you saying that Madam Jami stole tax grains?" "We don't have solid evidence yet." "We must prove Madam Jami's illegal dealings soon." "That's the only way we can escape punishment." "We'll only invite more trouble if we act in haste." "The inspector general just left for her residence." "She's cunning enough to have him eating out of her hand." "Without solid proof, all our hard work will have been in vain." "It has been so long." "I hope everything finds you well." "I guess even time can't touch you." "You've become even more beautiful." "You're too kind." "This is the lord of the Naju Fortress." "I'm Park Young-moo." "This is the commander of the Midari Division." "I'm Kim Do-soo." "Nice to meet you." "I have heard a great deal about you." "You'll be going to the imperial city soon?" "Yes." "I'll seek your audience." "Please come in." "Since losing my father in Chunghae, and coming under" "Madam Jami's wing, I'm no longer a noble." "I'll become a nobleman's mistress, just like other girls." "I heard that Madam Jami adores you as her own daughter." "She wouldn't send you off as a mistress." "You say that because you don't know her." "If not for the fact that she's taken care of me all these years..." "I'd have left her years ago." "I'm not comfortable..." "serving her." "The governor of Mujinju is plotting against you." "You'd best be careful." "What do you mean?" "He believes that your private army disguised themselves as bandits and robbed tax grains in the Changsoo Hills." "Do you also believe that?" "You wouldn't be so reckless." "But he's watching you closely." "Be most careful." "Yes." "What is this?" "I hear a new regent will be appointed soon." "You must take the post this time." "I'll do everything in my power to support you." "Thank you." "Jung-hwa, are you there?" "Yes." "Come in." "They are here to serve you tonight." "Do any of them catch your eye?" "They are all fairly skilled dancers and poets." "You may leave." "Did you not like any of them?" "What was the name of the girl who brought the girls?" "Her name is Jung-hwa." "You asked for me?" "I think the time has come to let you go." "The inspector general took a fancy to you." "Sending you to him will benefit me, and it will benefit you as well." "He will become the regent soon." "A regent is just as powerful as the king." "If you win his affection, you can help your brother and save your fallen family name." "I believe you'll abide by my wishes." "I heard the inspector general has taken a fancy to you." "Is that true?" "If it is, it's a once-in-a-lifetime chance." "It's the best chance to save our family's fallen name." "Brother..." "Please help me." "Thanks to Madam Jami, I've earned a position in the Manbo Division, but with this last incident," "I have lost their trust." "I might even be held responsible." "If you become the inspector general's mistress," "I'll get an important post in the imperial city in no time." "Please help me." "I'll abide by your wishes." "You've made a wise decision." "The inspector general will return from his audit in a few days." "A ceremony will take place the same day, and you'll leave for the imperial city with him." "Goong-bok, I need to talk to you." " What?" " I need to talk to you." " Goong-bok." " What is it?" "Lady Jung-hwa is going to become the inspector general's mistress." "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" "Please see how sad I am" "What am I to do about all my regrets?" "My lady." "I heard you'll be leaving for the imperial city." "Why do you take a path you do not want to follow?"