Post by ajk on Aug 1, 2015 23:37:03 GMT -5
Yi protests that he can't possibly send the Ming army all of those rations; after all, what would his own soldiers eat? Fine, Shen says; "I'll concede a little." Send us 70 percent of it. Afterwards his subordinates complain that this is obviously a strategy to keep them from attacking the enemy and they should refuse. But Yi says it would cause too many problems to refuse, and orders the rations be sent.
Later Yi formally bids Shen goodbye and tells him he'll send the rations. Shen assures him that the Ming army will attack from land so that Yi's navy can finish them off at sea. Yi responds, "If you would do that, even if we starve to death we would be eternally grateful." (What a great line!) Shen leaves...and no sooner is he out of sight before Yi tells his men he has an idea how to replace the lost rations. They're going to farm salt from the ocean water and sell it at local markets.
And this is very interesting, we see them doing it. A fascinating process and we don't see enough of it, but darned if it doesn't work like a charm. In no time they're taking salt to market, and their supply buildings are being restocked with grain. Later Ryu sits down and writes a letter to his friend Ryu and tells him about it.
We see Ryu reading the letter. Then he gets great news: appropriate quarters have been prepared so that the king can return to the capital. Finally.
Seonjo gets the news and is understandably happy. Then he surprises everyone by telling the crown prince to stay here in Yeongju (or is it Haeju; either way it's still north of the capital). He argues that because the prince is pretending to be ill (because of Song's insistence on splitting the government again, remember), he can't be seen making the journey. Also says it will help keep public sentiments stable here in the north. Well maybe so on both counts, but everybody knows he's really just ordering it for selfish reasons.
Gwanghae goes back home and starts drinking. Then, hey it's the queen! Pays him a visit and tries to calm him down, but all of the frustration is really starting to boil inside him and he's not in a good state of mind. She generously offers to stay behind with the prince and keep him company until he can return to the capital himself. Nice offer and it touches him deeply, we can see. But now some unsettling news; Song Yingchang is here to see him. Quickly he puts on bedclothes and receives Song and Shen Weijing in bed, feigning the illness he said he has. They know he's not sick and ask him what the real issue is. Gwanghae won't budge and sells the illness. As Song leaves he tells Gwanghae he intends to show Seonjo and the court "the real power of Ming" for disregarding his wishes.
Then Song and Ming go to Seonjo and tell him the Ming army is withdrawing to Yodong! The war is over, they argue. It's not, though; not until the emperor accepts the (phony) surrender it isn't. But Song says he already gave the order and there's nothing more to say. They smugly walk out. Ryu tells Seonjo not to worry about this; says if they withdraw and the enemy advances north, the emperor will execute Song, and Song knows that. And Yun Dusu, he basically says good riddance to them, let them go! They didn't fight and they're using up our rations, and we can defeat the enemy ourselves now. Can't argue with 1 and 2, but 3 concerns Ryu and of course Seonjo definitely does not think Joseon can win on its own. Well it's all academic now anyway because news arrives that the withdrawal has already begun! So it wasn't an idle threat after all.
Later Ryu tells Seonjo that whatever they may think of the Ming army, at least they have a deterrent value while they're here, so it's better to have them here than not. He suggests reconsidering Song's insistence on the dual government. Not committing to it but "reconsidering."
So Ryu goes to Song and cuts a deal. Song knows what the goal here is; immediately asks if Joseon is just trying to buy time to delay his wishes, and Ryu just as immediately answers Yes we are. But he reminds Song that he risks getting in trouble with his emperor by withdrawing his army. Tells Song they'll "reconsider"--which he acknowledges is diplomacy-speak for We'll accept your proposal when the king finally returns to the capital--if the army stays. Song says he'll leave 10,000 troops here for now and return the rest when Joseon makes good on that commitment. Deal. Song is pleasantly surprised that Ryu came to him and worked it out...and is friendly enough to him now to offer a warning. "There e is going to be a strong gust in the Joseon capital. Be careful you're not blown away."
Li Rusong has just asked his generals for volunteers to stay here in Joseon, and now he's upset with them because nobody volunteered. Well they came straight here after suppressing that internal insurrection; easy to understand why everyone just wants to go home and rest. But then Luo Shangzhi offers to stay, which pleases Li immensely. It's an opportunity for Luo to come clean: he gets on his knees, admits he's the one who helped with the Joseon army training, and begs forgiveness. Well this is serious, from everyone's reaction. "I felt so sorry for them," Luo explains, and I wanted them to be able to defend themselves without our having to help them. His colleages are furious with him because all the suspicion they've been under about who was behind the training. But Li laughs! "You are a fine man! He is a true general. Who would risk his life and admit to such a wrongdoing?" It didn't help the enemy, he says, and it helped a feudal nation of ours. "It's not a huge crime." I'll take care of Song Yingchang ,he tells Luo; you stay here as you volunteered to do, and continue to help them. Pats him on the shoulder and smiles. Well how about that.
As we watch most of the Ming army leave Hanyang, narration tells us that in August 1593 only around 10,000 Ming soldiers remained behind and the rest withdrew to Yodong. And that in October, Seonjo finally did return to the capital, which was a ruined city with corpses everywhere. Oh, and that Ryu became first state councilor. (Huh? That was simply a narrative footnote? Seriously?)
As Seonjo returns, Yun Dusu warns him not only about the corpses but also about some sort of epidemic in the city. Oh and not only that, there isn't enough rice at the moment to feed everyone. Seonjo gets very angry and orders all measures taken to bring emergency supplies here...
...and when it arrives we see him distributing him rice personally to citizens. He's remorseful and apologizes to them for their suffering but asks them to be patient and he will defeat the enemy. But they have no interest in what he has to say. They're so tired and emotionally broken; they don't care that it's the king in front of them; they just need the rice. Even Prince Imhae's attempt to start the "Hurray for his majesty!" cheers fall utterly flat.
What has Lee Bongsu cooked up now? He shows Ryu. It's a wagon wheel with a hollow spoke. Perfect for hiding a message from the king. Geez, they should have thought of that the first time.
Now who's this? His name is Si Xian and he's a Ming envoy. Shows up in Joseon bringing a message from his emperor. Ryu and Lee Deokhyeong receive him politely...but then ask why Song Yingchang isn't there with him. Oddly, Si is amused by the very question. I'm from the ministry of rites, he explains, and bear a letter from the emperor; Song is a military administrator and wouldn't be with me. He didn't say "just" an administrator but he sure implied it. And then adds that from what he saw on his trip here, "Your country is in a pathetic situation." Wow, that was unnecessary. Seems like he's another pain in the butt from Ming.
Si goes to Seonjo and tells him that the emperor still hasn't met the Japanese envoys, which makes Seonjo wonder why he's bringing a letter. He's sorry he asked. The letter faults the Joseon king for the war and orders the dual government revived and the crown prince "to oversee the ministries of war, public works and taxation" as well as all military training. "Divide the country in two...to keep the country safe." Everyone is aghast. But Si is unmoved; scolds Joseon for allowing an enemy to plow though so much of its territory so quickly and approach the Ming border.
Elsewhere, Song and Shen are laughing about what the reaction must have been when the letter was read. This is just what they wanted, and now they know they have Gwanghae in a bind now because they have the emperor's will to back them up.
And Gwanghae knows it--he's in a bind. He's angry, even though he knows by now that Ming favors him.
The Joseon officials are at a loss. They know the emperor's order was based on Song's meddling and false report...but what to do about it?
Seonjo calls his officials in to see him and tells them he knows that this is all a criticism of him. And shocks them by saying he's decided to pass he throne to Gwanghae. The officials are furious. You can't do this, they argue; this is all just because of Song's pressure. But he feels he's let the people down, Song or no Song.
That evening, Ryu kneels before him as he eats his dinner. Ryu has to ask him what we're wondering too. "Are you sincere or is it a strategy?" Bold question, but he's used this as a strategy before, remember. Ryu thinks it's a strategy. Tells Seonjo that if he's sincere, history will remember him as incapable and unwilling to take responsibility. But "It makes sense If you're testing the crown prince." Seonjo smiles. Or wait, is this just to delay Song plan from being implemented? Because it will take time to inform the emperor of a passing of the throne? Yep, that's it. "Will the crown prince know this?", Seonjo wonders. Ryu assures him that Gwanghae will figure it out. A very interesting scene, just the two of them turning their cards over.
Seonjo has drawn up a written proclamation. Gwanghae is looking at it while Yu Join urges him to take the throne. Then Ryu shows up and starts berating him for even considering it. "Are you planning to ruin this country and offer it to Ming?" We're trying to win a war and you're wavering like this. "If you're going to serve as crown prince then do a proper job of it." Ouch! Reminds him that his father is only doing this because of pressure from Ming. But Gwanghae has had enough of being a political pawn. We saw a hint of it earlier, with the queen, but now he's really angry. "How long do I have to be used for his majesty's politics!?" I'm just going to be deposed when the war is over anyway, he reminds Ryu....so he says he'll go to the king and ask to be deposed now! He's had enough. "I'm his son and I'm a person too."
Later Yi formally bids Shen goodbye and tells him he'll send the rations. Shen assures him that the Ming army will attack from land so that Yi's navy can finish them off at sea. Yi responds, "If you would do that, even if we starve to death we would be eternally grateful." (What a great line!) Shen leaves...and no sooner is he out of sight before Yi tells his men he has an idea how to replace the lost rations. They're going to farm salt from the ocean water and sell it at local markets.
And this is very interesting, we see them doing it. A fascinating process and we don't see enough of it, but darned if it doesn't work like a charm. In no time they're taking salt to market, and their supply buildings are being restocked with grain. Later Ryu sits down and writes a letter to his friend Ryu and tells him about it.
We see Ryu reading the letter. Then he gets great news: appropriate quarters have been prepared so that the king can return to the capital. Finally.
Seonjo gets the news and is understandably happy. Then he surprises everyone by telling the crown prince to stay here in Yeongju (or is it Haeju; either way it's still north of the capital). He argues that because the prince is pretending to be ill (because of Song's insistence on splitting the government again, remember), he can't be seen making the journey. Also says it will help keep public sentiments stable here in the north. Well maybe so on both counts, but everybody knows he's really just ordering it for selfish reasons.
Gwanghae goes back home and starts drinking. Then, hey it's the queen! Pays him a visit and tries to calm him down, but all of the frustration is really starting to boil inside him and he's not in a good state of mind. She generously offers to stay behind with the prince and keep him company until he can return to the capital himself. Nice offer and it touches him deeply, we can see. But now some unsettling news; Song Yingchang is here to see him. Quickly he puts on bedclothes and receives Song and Shen Weijing in bed, feigning the illness he said he has. They know he's not sick and ask him what the real issue is. Gwanghae won't budge and sells the illness. As Song leaves he tells Gwanghae he intends to show Seonjo and the court "the real power of Ming" for disregarding his wishes.
Then Song and Ming go to Seonjo and tell him the Ming army is withdrawing to Yodong! The war is over, they argue. It's not, though; not until the emperor accepts the (phony) surrender it isn't. But Song says he already gave the order and there's nothing more to say. They smugly walk out. Ryu tells Seonjo not to worry about this; says if they withdraw and the enemy advances north, the emperor will execute Song, and Song knows that. And Yun Dusu, he basically says good riddance to them, let them go! They didn't fight and they're using up our rations, and we can defeat the enemy ourselves now. Can't argue with 1 and 2, but 3 concerns Ryu and of course Seonjo definitely does not think Joseon can win on its own. Well it's all academic now anyway because news arrives that the withdrawal has already begun! So it wasn't an idle threat after all.
Later Ryu tells Seonjo that whatever they may think of the Ming army, at least they have a deterrent value while they're here, so it's better to have them here than not. He suggests reconsidering Song's insistence on the dual government. Not committing to it but "reconsidering."
So Ryu goes to Song and cuts a deal. Song knows what the goal here is; immediately asks if Joseon is just trying to buy time to delay his wishes, and Ryu just as immediately answers Yes we are. But he reminds Song that he risks getting in trouble with his emperor by withdrawing his army. Tells Song they'll "reconsider"--which he acknowledges is diplomacy-speak for We'll accept your proposal when the king finally returns to the capital--if the army stays. Song says he'll leave 10,000 troops here for now and return the rest when Joseon makes good on that commitment. Deal. Song is pleasantly surprised that Ryu came to him and worked it out...and is friendly enough to him now to offer a warning. "There e is going to be a strong gust in the Joseon capital. Be careful you're not blown away."
Li Rusong has just asked his generals for volunteers to stay here in Joseon, and now he's upset with them because nobody volunteered. Well they came straight here after suppressing that internal insurrection; easy to understand why everyone just wants to go home and rest. But then Luo Shangzhi offers to stay, which pleases Li immensely. It's an opportunity for Luo to come clean: he gets on his knees, admits he's the one who helped with the Joseon army training, and begs forgiveness. Well this is serious, from everyone's reaction. "I felt so sorry for them," Luo explains, and I wanted them to be able to defend themselves without our having to help them. His colleages are furious with him because all the suspicion they've been under about who was behind the training. But Li laughs! "You are a fine man! He is a true general. Who would risk his life and admit to such a wrongdoing?" It didn't help the enemy, he says, and it helped a feudal nation of ours. "It's not a huge crime." I'll take care of Song Yingchang ,he tells Luo; you stay here as you volunteered to do, and continue to help them. Pats him on the shoulder and smiles. Well how about that.
As we watch most of the Ming army leave Hanyang, narration tells us that in August 1593 only around 10,000 Ming soldiers remained behind and the rest withdrew to Yodong. And that in October, Seonjo finally did return to the capital, which was a ruined city with corpses everywhere. Oh, and that Ryu became first state councilor. (Huh? That was simply a narrative footnote? Seriously?)
As Seonjo returns, Yun Dusu warns him not only about the corpses but also about some sort of epidemic in the city. Oh and not only that, there isn't enough rice at the moment to feed everyone. Seonjo gets very angry and orders all measures taken to bring emergency supplies here...
...and when it arrives we see him distributing him rice personally to citizens. He's remorseful and apologizes to them for their suffering but asks them to be patient and he will defeat the enemy. But they have no interest in what he has to say. They're so tired and emotionally broken; they don't care that it's the king in front of them; they just need the rice. Even Prince Imhae's attempt to start the "Hurray for his majesty!" cheers fall utterly flat.
What has Lee Bongsu cooked up now? He shows Ryu. It's a wagon wheel with a hollow spoke. Perfect for hiding a message from the king. Geez, they should have thought of that the first time.
Now who's this? His name is Si Xian and he's a Ming envoy. Shows up in Joseon bringing a message from his emperor. Ryu and Lee Deokhyeong receive him politely...but then ask why Song Yingchang isn't there with him. Oddly, Si is amused by the very question. I'm from the ministry of rites, he explains, and bear a letter from the emperor; Song is a military administrator and wouldn't be with me. He didn't say "just" an administrator but he sure implied it. And then adds that from what he saw on his trip here, "Your country is in a pathetic situation." Wow, that was unnecessary. Seems like he's another pain in the butt from Ming.
Si goes to Seonjo and tells him that the emperor still hasn't met the Japanese envoys, which makes Seonjo wonder why he's bringing a letter. He's sorry he asked. The letter faults the Joseon king for the war and orders the dual government revived and the crown prince "to oversee the ministries of war, public works and taxation" as well as all military training. "Divide the country in two...to keep the country safe." Everyone is aghast. But Si is unmoved; scolds Joseon for allowing an enemy to plow though so much of its territory so quickly and approach the Ming border.
Elsewhere, Song and Shen are laughing about what the reaction must have been when the letter was read. This is just what they wanted, and now they know they have Gwanghae in a bind now because they have the emperor's will to back them up.
And Gwanghae knows it--he's in a bind. He's angry, even though he knows by now that Ming favors him.
The Joseon officials are at a loss. They know the emperor's order was based on Song's meddling and false report...but what to do about it?
Seonjo calls his officials in to see him and tells them he knows that this is all a criticism of him. And shocks them by saying he's decided to pass he throne to Gwanghae. The officials are furious. You can't do this, they argue; this is all just because of Song's pressure. But he feels he's let the people down, Song or no Song.
That evening, Ryu kneels before him as he eats his dinner. Ryu has to ask him what we're wondering too. "Are you sincere or is it a strategy?" Bold question, but he's used this as a strategy before, remember. Ryu thinks it's a strategy. Tells Seonjo that if he's sincere, history will remember him as incapable and unwilling to take responsibility. But "It makes sense If you're testing the crown prince." Seonjo smiles. Or wait, is this just to delay Song plan from being implemented? Because it will take time to inform the emperor of a passing of the throne? Yep, that's it. "Will the crown prince know this?", Seonjo wonders. Ryu assures him that Gwanghae will figure it out. A very interesting scene, just the two of them turning their cards over.
Seonjo has drawn up a written proclamation. Gwanghae is looking at it while Yu Join urges him to take the throne. Then Ryu shows up and starts berating him for even considering it. "Are you planning to ruin this country and offer it to Ming?" We're trying to win a war and you're wavering like this. "If you're going to serve as crown prince then do a proper job of it." Ouch! Reminds him that his father is only doing this because of pressure from Ming. But Gwanghae has had enough of being a political pawn. We saw a hint of it earlier, with the queen, but now he's really angry. "How long do I have to be used for his majesty's politics!?" I'm just going to be deposed when the war is over anyway, he reminds Ryu....so he says he'll go to the king and ask to be deposed now! He's had enough. "I'm his son and I'm a person too."
