Post by ajk on Mar 26, 2008 15:44:35 GMT -5
An envelope is placed before the king by minister Hwang Hee. It's his resignation! Hwang offers it to try to prevent the execution of Pyeong, the Japanese spy. "Killing a spy is tantamount to a declaration of war," he tells the king. "We cannot take a country that is solidifying its foundation to war. You must find an effective solution without exhausting great resources."
Daytime, in a public square: The spy and his goons are about to be executed and an excited, cheering public awaits. Surprisingly, Hwang is actually supervising the execution. Choongnyeong shows up, dressed incognito, and is horrified that the spy is about to be killed after all of the effort that was put into catching him. The goons have been lined up in rows, but Pyeong is getting special treatment, four ropes tied from his limbs to four different cows. Hwang orders the execution to begin. The goons' heads roll, and the cows begin to move away, almost tearing Pyeong apart. With Pyeong in excruciating pain, Hwang orders the cows halted and asks him, "Do you wish to live?" Pyeong nods.
Baron Ok Hwan is talking to Foreman Jeon and Muby, who witnessed the execution. Ok is pleased that the spy didn't die and asks that a message be sent quickly to the palace "to get what we need" (whatever that means).
Later, Choongnyeong is walking with Yun Hwe (who still is unaware of Choongnyeong's identity). Yun, amazed that the spy was caught as soon as he gave the sketch to his companion, suddenly grabs the prince by the collar and demands to know who he is. But Choongnyeong laughs him off and won't tell him.
In the restaurant, Yun mentions the names of several books to Choongnyeong, who makes a list. Yun says What's the point, you'll never get the books, they're only available through the royal library. The prince says Don't worry about it; I'll get them somehow. Yun concludes that Choongnyeong is a eunuch working for the crown prince.
A strange, unclear nighttime sequence follows. It begins in a government office: a shadowy figure is inside, writing by lamplight. Four guards pass through on their nightly inspection; the figure hides and eludes them. Next, Foreman Jeon, with a mask over his face (and I think it was Muby with him), is talking to a man named Haishou; Jeon shows him a document and they discuss evidence that Joseon is in secret contact with Japan. Then, outside, two men are walking; one is selling government secrets. He wants to be paid double for his extra risk; the other man offers to pay triple. But as the buyer-to-be walks away, the seller-to-be is snatched and dragged away. (Note: I may have failed to recognize someone in this sequence, but that notwithstanding, the sequence left much to be explained.)
The ministers are meeting for their morning lecture with the king, but the king is much more concerned about "spies running about in broad daylight." He wants nothing to do with the lecture; he wants a solution. As he starts to leave the room, Park Eun blurts out, "Identity tags." He suggests that identity tags are the best way to identify citizens. The king is intrigued by the idea and wants immediate action taken on it. Prime Minister Ha strongly objects, saying it's a breach of proper procedure to abruptly adopt Park's suggestion and that such things will lead to the king being considered a tyrant. But the king replies, "It's better than losing the country."
Outside the meeting room, Hwang is telling Park that he doesn't like what just happened either, because of the lack of review. Park replies, "Effective problem solving is more important than following procedures." Next, even Jo Malseng tells Park that he's being overaggressive. But Park points out that Joseon has been established for twenty years and they still don't have control of the people.
PM Ha is meeting with the two Yis and the two Mins, who are grumbling that they put the king on the throne, and What should we do if he starts turning despotic.
Inside the royal library: The crown prince comes to visit Choongnyeong at Choongnyeong's request. Choongnyeong shows him a stack of books he's assembled about Japan. If we study them, Choongnyeong suggests, we may understand what Japan is up to. But Yangnyeong says that the books are too old; we're better off using the spy. But what if he gives false information, Choongnyeong asks; we should at least have basic information to test the spy. Yangnyeong remarks, "You're a bookworm and you think like a bookworm. But I won't stop you if you want to do this." He smiles and pats his brother, which makes Choongnyeong visibly happy. In the hallway on their way out, the princes encounter ministers Byun and Shim. Byun reminds them that books can't be taken outside of the library, not even by princes. Yangnyeong says, "Then I'll have to change that policy." And the princes leave, Choongnyeong somewhat uncomfortably so but carrying the books nonetheless.
The crown prince is meeting with the ministers. He wants to organize a special new artillery force to add to the military. The ministers remind him that it will take lots of money--money that the regime doesn't have. So the prince offers to cut his office's budget by a third, and will ask the former king and queen to cut their budgets too. The ministers are beyond impressed by the prince's dedication. Minister Gim Hanlo, the prince's father-in-law, wants to show his appreciation and offers to serve Yangnyeong some drinks, but the prince politely refuses on the grounds that he wants some alone time with the wife.
Leaving the meeting, the two Yis see Hyobin and they have a strange, tense exchange. (We still don't know what the relationship is between them, but she previously has asked for their support in getting her son Kyoungnyeong to become king.) She clearly is not happy about them being so impressed with the crown prince, and warns them metaphorically about allying themselves with the wrong side.
King Taejong is troubled that his son called a meeting with his ministers. "First he plays soldier and then he wants to play king."
Kyoungnyeong is practicing at the archery grounds. The king and his entourage show up; the king wants to shoot arrows to clear his head. The prince offers to leave, but the king asks him to stay and they shoot together. (They're both good.) Hyobin, watching, is thrilled by this. "I must find a way to destroy the crown prince," she tells her attendant. "Only then will a path open up for my son."
Evening, and Queen Wongyeong has a visitor: it's the king's attendant Noh Huibong, who saw what unfolded at the archery grounds and is informing the queen. She listens but shows no concern. "His majesty feels guilt for that child. It's natural that his heart would go out to the less fortunate one." She tells him she's not worried but appreciates his good intentions towards the royal family. He leaves, and her nonchalance evaporates. She doesn't know if Noh is completely trustworthy, but still...She instructs her attendants, "Pick someone from our staff to plant in Hyobin's quarters. If that's too hard, see if there's anyone we can buy off" to use as a source of information. "So I can crush her futile dream."
Evening: Yangnyeong is practicing archery; an attendant tells him that he was surprised that the prince turned down his father-in-law's invitation, but the prince says he didn't want to hang around with "a bunch of old men." Besides...flashback to the uncomfortable scene in Ep6 of Yangnyeong piggishly hitting on ex-king Jeongjong's consort, and her refusal...Flashback ending, the prince resumes practice and asks his attendants, "What do you think would be easier: hitting the bullseye, or getting her out of the ex-king's villa?" The attendants fidget uncomfortably.
Nighttime: Shim On has come to ask Choongnyeong to return the library books because it's against policy. "Please return them and stay out of state affairs." He knows Choongnyeong was behind the spy's capture too. But the prince suggests that Shim is really more concerned about his daughter (Choongnyeong's wife). Shim leaves, and outside encounters Yi Su. "How could you let your pupil do this?" Yi is unconcerned, but Shim cautions, "The brothers may be thick as thieves right now, but when one rises to the throne, an able brother is an enemy."
Choongnyeong returns the library books to minister Byun. (He must be in charge of the library in some capacity.) But he pleads for permission to keep the books, because he wants to compile a reference book on Japan. Byun initially refuses, but then asks incredulously, You're going to read all these and put a reference book together in four days? Byun more or less says, I'd like to see that. A visibly happy Choongnyeong takes the books back for four days.
The king and ministers are meeting. The artillery-army proposal is raised. Hwang points out that Ming could question our intention if we formed a new force. The king tables its consideration. Then he asks about the identity card project. Park says that there's no money for it. The king instructs PM Ha to give Park whatever is left in the budget, and to put some of the "lazy" people on the staffs of the crown prince and the ex-king to work on the project. Ha is visibly uncomfortable with the instruction.
Yangnyeong is before his father, unhappy that his artillery proposal wasn't considered. The king reminds him, I didn't reject it; I postponed it. Diplomatically it's just not a good time. Yangnyeong is dissatisfied that concern about Ming is driving the decision, and wants to give the people something to be proud of. But the king counters, "Having respect for a senior state is not cowardly. It's sound diplomatic policy." He cautions his son that it's too soon for him to get involved in state affairs, and sternly reminds him that you're a king-to-be, not a king. The prince leaves, angry.
Minister Park meets with ex-king Jeongjong, conveying the king's order that he reduce his staff and forego budget. An angry Jeongjong stands up and begins to walk out, but then suddenly has some sort of attack.
Daytime, outside on the long bridge: The king has called for PM Ha. Why are you giving the crown prince lessons in politics, he asks him. Ha answers that You’re basically doing my job for me, and leaving me with not much else to do. So that's it; Ha is miffed. "A king is not a king without his royal retainers' trust," he says with some audacity. Told by the king that Yangnyeong is no longer attending to his studies as he should, Ha responds that "he grew up watching the king consistently ignore his senior statesmen. How could he have any respect for his teachers?" So the king tells Ha to find the prince a mentor, someone to keep him on track with his studies.
Ha meets with the queen and the two Mins, and asks that Min Muhwe be the crown prince's mentor. But the queen doesn't care for the idea; she says it will give the impression that Mins are trying to control the crown prince. She advises Ha to find someone more detached--but someone who will follow your will, of course. Ha smiles.
Ha goes to Shim On, and asks him to be the mentor. Shim doesn't want it, considering it too much of a promotion and preferring to be promoted normally and gradually. Ha reminds Shim that he came to him twenty years ago and asked Ha to be his mentor. "You are the best scholar that Joseon has. And your meticulous personality is just right to keep the hot-headed crown prince at bay."
Assisted by the princess, Choongnyeong is working late at night compiling his reference book. She falters and rubs her sore writing arm, and he tells her to go rest for the baby's sake. She does, but she tells him, "I'm sure the baby is happy to watch you working so passionately."
Morning: Shim On goes to meet the crown prince to begin mentoring him in his studies. Outside, the prince is waiting for him with attendants, who release falcons that swarm Shim and land around his feet. The prince tells him that it's a welcome and that the birds will keep him company because "I have more important matters to attend to." Shim tries to step away but the falcons squawk menacingly. The prince won't attend to his studies and leaves with his attendants, even as his wife protests.
Prince Hyoryeong is visiting ex-king Jeongjong; he's chanting sutra to his uncle while he's sick. (Hmmm...Isn't that supposed to be illegal?) Suddenly it's announced that the crown prince is here and seeks an audience. Why are you here out of the blue, Jeongjong asks him intently, and the atmosphere darkens, but then Jeongjong smiles and says, "Don't get so tense. I'm just playing with you." Outside, Yangnyeong sees the ex-king's consort and they make small talk. By now she's much more receptive to him and she smiles demurely. She congratulates him on his recent accomplishments for Joseon; he replies, "I can think of better ways you can thank me."
Nighttime: It's the night before the library books have to be returned, but Choongnyeong realizes that he needs more books to finish his reference book. But he'll never be able to get into the palace at such a late hour, will he?
Consort Hyobin is informed that the crown prince has called a woman into the palace. She senses a huge opportunity....
Eunuchs Um Jachi and Jeong Ogeun arrive at the palace gate, holding a paper and telling the guard that they have an urgent message for the crown prince. But it's not Ogeun, it's Choongnyeong in Ogeun's uniform! The guard lets them through.
Yangnyeong and the consort are together; he starts to caress her face, and they kiss passionately....
Hyobin is visiting the king. She tells him that she had food and wine sent to the east palace. The prince is twenty years old now; this is a good time to teach him how to drink (I think that was the gist of it). She encourages the king to go and do so; it will show praise for what the prince has accomplished. Of course, she’s engineering a setup.
The king leaves his quarters to go visit the crown prince. He walks right by Choongnyeong and Um Jachi, who turn their faces away and manage to avoid being recognized in the darkness.
The crown prince and consort get down to business, and just at that moment an attendant announces, "His majesty the king is coming!"
Daytime, in a public square: The spy and his goons are about to be executed and an excited, cheering public awaits. Surprisingly, Hwang is actually supervising the execution. Choongnyeong shows up, dressed incognito, and is horrified that the spy is about to be killed after all of the effort that was put into catching him. The goons have been lined up in rows, but Pyeong is getting special treatment, four ropes tied from his limbs to four different cows. Hwang orders the execution to begin. The goons' heads roll, and the cows begin to move away, almost tearing Pyeong apart. With Pyeong in excruciating pain, Hwang orders the cows halted and asks him, "Do you wish to live?" Pyeong nods.
Baron Ok Hwan is talking to Foreman Jeon and Muby, who witnessed the execution. Ok is pleased that the spy didn't die and asks that a message be sent quickly to the palace "to get what we need" (whatever that means).
Later, Choongnyeong is walking with Yun Hwe (who still is unaware of Choongnyeong's identity). Yun, amazed that the spy was caught as soon as he gave the sketch to his companion, suddenly grabs the prince by the collar and demands to know who he is. But Choongnyeong laughs him off and won't tell him.
In the restaurant, Yun mentions the names of several books to Choongnyeong, who makes a list. Yun says What's the point, you'll never get the books, they're only available through the royal library. The prince says Don't worry about it; I'll get them somehow. Yun concludes that Choongnyeong is a eunuch working for the crown prince.
A strange, unclear nighttime sequence follows. It begins in a government office: a shadowy figure is inside, writing by lamplight. Four guards pass through on their nightly inspection; the figure hides and eludes them. Next, Foreman Jeon, with a mask over his face (and I think it was Muby with him), is talking to a man named Haishou; Jeon shows him a document and they discuss evidence that Joseon is in secret contact with Japan. Then, outside, two men are walking; one is selling government secrets. He wants to be paid double for his extra risk; the other man offers to pay triple. But as the buyer-to-be walks away, the seller-to-be is snatched and dragged away. (Note: I may have failed to recognize someone in this sequence, but that notwithstanding, the sequence left much to be explained.)
The ministers are meeting for their morning lecture with the king, but the king is much more concerned about "spies running about in broad daylight." He wants nothing to do with the lecture; he wants a solution. As he starts to leave the room, Park Eun blurts out, "Identity tags." He suggests that identity tags are the best way to identify citizens. The king is intrigued by the idea and wants immediate action taken on it. Prime Minister Ha strongly objects, saying it's a breach of proper procedure to abruptly adopt Park's suggestion and that such things will lead to the king being considered a tyrant. But the king replies, "It's better than losing the country."
Outside the meeting room, Hwang is telling Park that he doesn't like what just happened either, because of the lack of review. Park replies, "Effective problem solving is more important than following procedures." Next, even Jo Malseng tells Park that he's being overaggressive. But Park points out that Joseon has been established for twenty years and they still don't have control of the people.
PM Ha is meeting with the two Yis and the two Mins, who are grumbling that they put the king on the throne, and What should we do if he starts turning despotic.
Inside the royal library: The crown prince comes to visit Choongnyeong at Choongnyeong's request. Choongnyeong shows him a stack of books he's assembled about Japan. If we study them, Choongnyeong suggests, we may understand what Japan is up to. But Yangnyeong says that the books are too old; we're better off using the spy. But what if he gives false information, Choongnyeong asks; we should at least have basic information to test the spy. Yangnyeong remarks, "You're a bookworm and you think like a bookworm. But I won't stop you if you want to do this." He smiles and pats his brother, which makes Choongnyeong visibly happy. In the hallway on their way out, the princes encounter ministers Byun and Shim. Byun reminds them that books can't be taken outside of the library, not even by princes. Yangnyeong says, "Then I'll have to change that policy." And the princes leave, Choongnyeong somewhat uncomfortably so but carrying the books nonetheless.
The crown prince is meeting with the ministers. He wants to organize a special new artillery force to add to the military. The ministers remind him that it will take lots of money--money that the regime doesn't have. So the prince offers to cut his office's budget by a third, and will ask the former king and queen to cut their budgets too. The ministers are beyond impressed by the prince's dedication. Minister Gim Hanlo, the prince's father-in-law, wants to show his appreciation and offers to serve Yangnyeong some drinks, but the prince politely refuses on the grounds that he wants some alone time with the wife.
Leaving the meeting, the two Yis see Hyobin and they have a strange, tense exchange. (We still don't know what the relationship is between them, but she previously has asked for their support in getting her son Kyoungnyeong to become king.) She clearly is not happy about them being so impressed with the crown prince, and warns them metaphorically about allying themselves with the wrong side.
King Taejong is troubled that his son called a meeting with his ministers. "First he plays soldier and then he wants to play king."
Kyoungnyeong is practicing at the archery grounds. The king and his entourage show up; the king wants to shoot arrows to clear his head. The prince offers to leave, but the king asks him to stay and they shoot together. (They're both good.) Hyobin, watching, is thrilled by this. "I must find a way to destroy the crown prince," she tells her attendant. "Only then will a path open up for my son."
Evening, and Queen Wongyeong has a visitor: it's the king's attendant Noh Huibong, who saw what unfolded at the archery grounds and is informing the queen. She listens but shows no concern. "His majesty feels guilt for that child. It's natural that his heart would go out to the less fortunate one." She tells him she's not worried but appreciates his good intentions towards the royal family. He leaves, and her nonchalance evaporates. She doesn't know if Noh is completely trustworthy, but still...She instructs her attendants, "Pick someone from our staff to plant in Hyobin's quarters. If that's too hard, see if there's anyone we can buy off" to use as a source of information. "So I can crush her futile dream."
Evening: Yangnyeong is practicing archery; an attendant tells him that he was surprised that the prince turned down his father-in-law's invitation, but the prince says he didn't want to hang around with "a bunch of old men." Besides...flashback to the uncomfortable scene in Ep6 of Yangnyeong piggishly hitting on ex-king Jeongjong's consort, and her refusal...Flashback ending, the prince resumes practice and asks his attendants, "What do you think would be easier: hitting the bullseye, or getting her out of the ex-king's villa?" The attendants fidget uncomfortably.
Nighttime: Shim On has come to ask Choongnyeong to return the library books because it's against policy. "Please return them and stay out of state affairs." He knows Choongnyeong was behind the spy's capture too. But the prince suggests that Shim is really more concerned about his daughter (Choongnyeong's wife). Shim leaves, and outside encounters Yi Su. "How could you let your pupil do this?" Yi is unconcerned, but Shim cautions, "The brothers may be thick as thieves right now, but when one rises to the throne, an able brother is an enemy."
Choongnyeong returns the library books to minister Byun. (He must be in charge of the library in some capacity.) But he pleads for permission to keep the books, because he wants to compile a reference book on Japan. Byun initially refuses, but then asks incredulously, You're going to read all these and put a reference book together in four days? Byun more or less says, I'd like to see that. A visibly happy Choongnyeong takes the books back for four days.
The king and ministers are meeting. The artillery-army proposal is raised. Hwang points out that Ming could question our intention if we formed a new force. The king tables its consideration. Then he asks about the identity card project. Park says that there's no money for it. The king instructs PM Ha to give Park whatever is left in the budget, and to put some of the "lazy" people on the staffs of the crown prince and the ex-king to work on the project. Ha is visibly uncomfortable with the instruction.
Yangnyeong is before his father, unhappy that his artillery proposal wasn't considered. The king reminds him, I didn't reject it; I postponed it. Diplomatically it's just not a good time. Yangnyeong is dissatisfied that concern about Ming is driving the decision, and wants to give the people something to be proud of. But the king counters, "Having respect for a senior state is not cowardly. It's sound diplomatic policy." He cautions his son that it's too soon for him to get involved in state affairs, and sternly reminds him that you're a king-to-be, not a king. The prince leaves, angry.
Minister Park meets with ex-king Jeongjong, conveying the king's order that he reduce his staff and forego budget. An angry Jeongjong stands up and begins to walk out, but then suddenly has some sort of attack.
Daytime, outside on the long bridge: The king has called for PM Ha. Why are you giving the crown prince lessons in politics, he asks him. Ha answers that You’re basically doing my job for me, and leaving me with not much else to do. So that's it; Ha is miffed. "A king is not a king without his royal retainers' trust," he says with some audacity. Told by the king that Yangnyeong is no longer attending to his studies as he should, Ha responds that "he grew up watching the king consistently ignore his senior statesmen. How could he have any respect for his teachers?" So the king tells Ha to find the prince a mentor, someone to keep him on track with his studies.
Ha meets with the queen and the two Mins, and asks that Min Muhwe be the crown prince's mentor. But the queen doesn't care for the idea; she says it will give the impression that Mins are trying to control the crown prince. She advises Ha to find someone more detached--but someone who will follow your will, of course. Ha smiles.
Ha goes to Shim On, and asks him to be the mentor. Shim doesn't want it, considering it too much of a promotion and preferring to be promoted normally and gradually. Ha reminds Shim that he came to him twenty years ago and asked Ha to be his mentor. "You are the best scholar that Joseon has. And your meticulous personality is just right to keep the hot-headed crown prince at bay."
Assisted by the princess, Choongnyeong is working late at night compiling his reference book. She falters and rubs her sore writing arm, and he tells her to go rest for the baby's sake. She does, but she tells him, "I'm sure the baby is happy to watch you working so passionately."
Morning: Shim On goes to meet the crown prince to begin mentoring him in his studies. Outside, the prince is waiting for him with attendants, who release falcons that swarm Shim and land around his feet. The prince tells him that it's a welcome and that the birds will keep him company because "I have more important matters to attend to." Shim tries to step away but the falcons squawk menacingly. The prince won't attend to his studies and leaves with his attendants, even as his wife protests.
Prince Hyoryeong is visiting ex-king Jeongjong; he's chanting sutra to his uncle while he's sick. (Hmmm...Isn't that supposed to be illegal?) Suddenly it's announced that the crown prince is here and seeks an audience. Why are you here out of the blue, Jeongjong asks him intently, and the atmosphere darkens, but then Jeongjong smiles and says, "Don't get so tense. I'm just playing with you." Outside, Yangnyeong sees the ex-king's consort and they make small talk. By now she's much more receptive to him and she smiles demurely. She congratulates him on his recent accomplishments for Joseon; he replies, "I can think of better ways you can thank me."
Nighttime: It's the night before the library books have to be returned, but Choongnyeong realizes that he needs more books to finish his reference book. But he'll never be able to get into the palace at such a late hour, will he?
Consort Hyobin is informed that the crown prince has called a woman into the palace. She senses a huge opportunity....
Eunuchs Um Jachi and Jeong Ogeun arrive at the palace gate, holding a paper and telling the guard that they have an urgent message for the crown prince. But it's not Ogeun, it's Choongnyeong in Ogeun's uniform! The guard lets them through.
Yangnyeong and the consort are together; he starts to caress her face, and they kiss passionately....
Hyobin is visiting the king. She tells him that she had food and wine sent to the east palace. The prince is twenty years old now; this is a good time to teach him how to drink (I think that was the gist of it). She encourages the king to go and do so; it will show praise for what the prince has accomplished. Of course, she’s engineering a setup.
The king leaves his quarters to go visit the crown prince. He walks right by Choongnyeong and Um Jachi, who turn their faces away and manage to avoid being recognized in the darkness.
The crown prince and consort get down to business, and just at that moment an attendant announces, "His majesty the king is coming!"