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Post by jojo on Aug 8, 2008 13:27:04 GMT -5
Tinks, your comment about Baron Ok Hwan reminds me of Yun Hwe's 'lesson' for Choongnyeong: diplomatic relations is like gambling; you don't play with what you see on the surface. And here I was thinking that the Baron was being open and truthful!
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Post by jojo on Aug 11, 2008 8:41:22 GMT -5
Ep 12
I found this episode a little confusing, switching back and forth between the eunuch plot line and the Choongnyeong/Yun Hwe plot line. Had to rewind the tape and review. Good move on Hwang Hee's part, to isolate the eunuchs from the Ming envoy, Huang Yan. Finally someone's getting the upper hand on this guy. Choong says he has a job for the eunuch's to do. Hmmm, wonder what that is?
So far, in all of this political turmoil, no one in the government has any suspicions about a third party stirring things up.
I liked the King's flashback scene to the advice given by Choongnyeong on yielding to the public, but not to the CP. Choong's advice could have easily been about the King's relationships with his own sons. "If a father gives his children love, they return that love with trust."
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Post by tinkerbell on Aug 13, 2008 11:50:16 GMT -5
EPISODE 12 I agree. Hwang Hee's plan (which was actually Prince Choongnyeong's idea) was clever but it's a shame the eunuchs had to be tortured. I'm actually really enjoying all the plotting that's going on. I'm surprised no one has found out about the people from Goryeo and their secret meetings and schemes. Yun Hwe is quite a character. He's very smart and funny. I can just imagine him working as a spy in The Great Hall. How many times are the Confucian scholars going to get beat up? I think the King should be more benevolent to them. The situation with Daion and Youngsil is sad. I can't see her father ever approving of their relationship. I think they are taking him along to maintain the weapons to keep him away from Daion. EPISODE 13 I was a bit surprised at first when it looked like Muby was shooting the arrow at the Crown Prince. They are really keeping things stirred up. It seems Prince Hyoryeong and Prince Kyoungnyeong are showing their true ambitions. Each prince has someone behind them spurring them on. I'm a bit puzzled at ex- king Jeongjong trying to get Prince Hyoryeong to go for the throne. What's his motive? I'm also surprised at the amount of power he seems to have. The Queen must be a real thorn in King Taejong's side. I think she struck a nerve asking him what his real motive was for going after the scholars." You're angry because the scholars never supported you like they're supporting him (the Crown Prince), right?" She's quite feisty. Now she's planning to poison the Ming envoy. I don't see how having him out of the way would change things except ridding themselves of the pompous pain in the neck. It should be interesting to see how the poison switch turns out. That's if that picky envoy even drinks it. I laugh every time I see Yun Hwe sampling the food. I thought he was supposed to be the cook not the official food taster.
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Post by jojo on Aug 14, 2008 13:29:17 GMT -5
We must not be seeing Jeongjong's true motives yet. When he told King Taejong about taking a more active role in state affairs, I had to laugh (in an ironic kind of way) at the look on the King's face. He went from smiling to being utterly dismayed. Just what he needs, someone else butting into state affairs. I was surprised with Prince Hyoryeong going along with Jeongjong; Hyoryeong doesn't seem to have enough ambition and motivation to go for the throne. Perhaps he is only doing it because Jeongjong is prodding him. I agree the Queen is a thorn in the King's side. She's also a cacophony in his ears with all her yelling. I wish we'd get to hear Yi Su speak instead of just seeing him sitting with Choong and Yun Hwe. All that food Hwe is sampling does look mighty tasty!! ;D
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Post by jojo on Aug 18, 2008 12:19:33 GMT -5
Ep 14 If it wasn't for Choongnyeong making Yun Hwe the chef in the Great Hall of Peace, and if it wasn't for Attendant Han dropping dishes all over, Huang Yan would be d.e.a.d. Clever how Choongnyeong had the whole thing covered up to protect his mother. Unfortunately she doesn't 'appreciate' it. The Queen is one of my least favorite characters so far. I think she is a great hinderance to the success of the new regime. Towards the end of the episode, we see short scenes of various characters thinking over the latest plots, but only Choong is working on something positive for the nation. Prince Hyoryeong broke a leaf on his orchid! not paying attention!! I think I'm getting Baron Ok's conversations with Shim On and Han Younglo mixed up. Where both of them with Baron Ok from the beginning? In this episode Shim On turned out to be the traitor to Ok, but I thought Han Younglo was told that his daughter would become queen. In any case, turns out Foreman Jeon was right in calling off the revolt. But I forgot... the envoy was kidnapped during the invasion of the Great Hall of Peace. So Baron Ok may still be successful.
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Post by tinkerbell on Aug 19, 2008 11:01:30 GMT -5
EPISODE 14
It's a good thing Yun Hwe came in when he did. Escort Han would have been blamed for killing the envoy. It was clever of him to put vinegar in the punch to cover up the poison. Yun not only saved the escort's life, but the Queen would've been in hot water too.
I don't trust Han Younglo at all. Who's side is he on? Probably which ever side benefits him at the time. Han has no intentions of giving his daughter to Youngsil. He's being used by Han Younglo to further his own agenda and he also wants to get rid of him. I hope he survives the arrows he was shot with.
The rebels were exposed but the envoy was kidnapped. It will be very interesting to see how this plays out.
Prince Choongnyeong loves his mother a lot more than she cares about him. It's all about the Crown Prince to her. Speaking of the CP, he's pretty bold. Over and over again he speaks his mind. I'm surprised he conceded to going to Ming as a hostage. Poor Choongnyeong is always being accused of coveting the throne, this time by his mother. I wish she appreciated him more too.
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Post by jojo on Aug 19, 2008 12:55:35 GMT -5
Ep 15 Never would have thought that Choongnyeong abducted the envoy!! What a great episode! So many good scenes. Great speech by Wang Ahn, and brave action biting off his tounge (though yucky). I liked how his actions made Minister Park Eun question himself, to Jo Malseng, "Are we doing the right thing?" Seeing some of the cool, calm and collected characters break down into tears was surprising! The scene with Baron Ok questioning himself was good, but I didn't expect him to cry. Will he continue to persue the revolt or give up.... Watching Hwang Yan eye's tearing when being reunited with his sister was amazing. Brought tears to my eyes as well. But I have to say, I never thought I'd see Hwang show any emotions!! Cool line by Choongnyeong that you were born a citizen of Joseon, so we will continue to protect you, even if you are a Ming envoy. The scene where Choongnyeong gives his wife the apples was good too. She tells him he is cruel for not lying and saying that it was all his idea, but ended up being cruel to him by saying so! The final scene at the feast with Hwang Yan's comments about Choongnyeong shocking. Loved watching everyone squirming. Hwang is very crafty indeed.
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Post by tinkerbell on Aug 19, 2008 17:37:29 GMT -5
EPISODE 15 I too was shocked to find out it was Prince Choongnyeong who kidnapped the envoy. Great move. I knew something was up with those buckwheat crepes and envoy Huang claiming he had them on his last trip to Yongwanggol. I had an inclining he may not be Ming after all but never expected what unfolded. The reunion scene with him and his sister was very moving. I'm glad Choongnyeong is a wise negotiator. He really turned this situation around. I never expected Baron Ok Hwan to be moved to tears. I actually felt sorry for him. I almost thought Wang Ahn was going to succumb to the torture and give up the rebel leader's name. I was kind of hoping he would say the leader was Han Younglo. He's such a rat. I only believe part of the conversation he had with his daughter Daion." I'm trying to become more powerful, so that my only child could live a decent life." This was a promise he wanted to keep to her mother. We remember how much he cared for his wife. I don't know why, but I'm glad the Crown Prince is not going to Ming. It was nice to see Yun Hwe back in a uniform. ;D He's a great asset to Choongnyeong and the country. The final scene was a bit worrisome. The more things Prince Choongnyeong does, he is becoming a bigger threat to the CP and the other princes. The comment made by envoy Huang just added to it, although that wasn't what he was trying to do.
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Post by tinkerbell on Aug 24, 2008 19:37:14 GMT -5
Episode 16
I think the target on Prince Choongnyeong's back is growing larger. Everyone now knows it was Prince C the envoy was referring to. The CP is not pleased with him at all. I was very impressed with Prince C challenging the CP to first study your enemy and learn about them. If you then think it can be done, find a way.
I was a bit surprised at the Queen expressing her regret at the cruel things she had said to Choongnyeong earlier. I think she only regretted it because she found out he was trying to help his brother and wasn't after the crown.
Now we have the ministers vying for position and scheming to align themselves with the Crown Prince or Prince Choongnyeong. King Taejong seems to have come to the realization that Prince C is the better choice, but I think the Queen will vehemently support the CP. It was a bit strange seeing her whip the CP on the legs. I've only seen that done to children.
Minister Park proposing a Ministry of Slavery Reparations has opened another can of worms. Obviously most of the aristocrats are going to be angry over this. I wonder if Youngsil will become a free man if this proposal goes through? That's if Han Younglo doesn't kill him first.
The CP doesn't seem to learn his lesson. I can't believe he summoned the ex-king Jeongjong's consort again. He's becoming more incompetent and taking huge risks.
I was shocked to see Jeongjang (ex-king) meeting with rebel leader Ok Hwan! That man will never give up and will use any situation or person to accomplish his goals.
Can't wait to see this meeting with the entire royal family. ""I will rename the heir apparent of Joseon." Wow!
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Post by jojo on Aug 25, 2008 12:45:47 GMT -5
Doink!! I missed Saturday's episode. I was so tired Saturday evening, I completely forgot to tape it. Dang nab it! Luckily ajk writes those marvelous summaries... The CP is totally blind to the consequences of his actions with the envoy, and has an unrealistic view of the state of the nation. I wonder what trouble he will get into next. Nasty comment to Jeongjong's escort. He knows she is risking her life to see him and he drops her just like that. Sunday is an early night for me, so I'll watch that episode tonight.
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Post by tinkerbell on Aug 25, 2008 13:14:39 GMT -5
EPISODE 17
I guess Crown Prince Yangnyeong hasn't had much practice in humility. He shows up late for the ceremony at the shrine, shows defiance by throwing the scroll into the fire and practically chokes on his words. Obviously he feels he doesn't have any reason to ask for forgiveness.
Why is the CP ignoring escort Chogungjang? Is it because now that she wants to be with him, he's not interested? Was it only exciting because of the challenge? Did he give up because he could lose his position as the Heir Apparent? Was it a coincidence that he and Chogungjang got caught by Jeongjong and the other princes, or did she or someone else set him up?
What exactly did King Taejong mean after giving that instrument to Prince Choongnyeong and telling him "Practice and when you're good at it, play a tune for me." ? I really don't think he was talking about the geomungo.
What was the king's purpose in having Minister Park have the Buddhist monks beaten? I don't think his reason was the true motive.
I'm glad the queen's attempt to humiliate the princesses didn't work. Princess Shim is wise and the perfect wife for Prince C. They are very much alike. She is a great asset to him.
I was surprised to see Yun Hwe drinking once again, but whether sober or not, he always has something good to say. I hope what he said makes Hwang Hee think.
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Post by jojo on Aug 26, 2008 14:59:49 GMT -5
The Crown Prince is unbelievable!! He still acts like a defiant teenager who thinks he knows everything. After the ceremony when he asked Choongnyeong how to "break" the King, I was mad! It was great to see Choongnyeong tell the CP off. I was shocked by her actions, which seemed extremely out of character. It seemed like she kept throwing herself at the CP until she knew they were caught. She's up to something, but I hope she doesn't get herself killed! I personally think the King gave Choongnyeong the geomungo as a symbolic way of saying to continue with what he is doing, and eventually he will become the crown prince. But that's a guess! Who knows what the King is thinking. I can't fathom the brutal beating of the Buddhists either! Princess Shim was great! It took a lot of nerve to stand up to the Queen like that. I wonder what the Queen was thinking, other than that Choongnyeong is still trying to become crown prince. I don't think she will ever stop thinking that. She looked impressed with Princess Shim's response. I'm glad I taped this because I had to watch the beginning scenes with Shim On a few times. I think there was some funny editing going on. First Shim On is talking with Park Eun and Jo Malseng, then there's some harp music in the background, and the scene jumps to Shim On talking to Ha Ryun & others. The scene then focuses on Gim Hanlo and Min Muhwe and no more shots of Shim On. But then leaving the meeting is Gim Hanlo, Min Muhwe and Min Muhyul. A bit confusing. Another thing I don't get is why Choongnyeong would be destroyed if the new Office of Slavery Reparations got into control of Ha Ryun. Luckily the King saw through all of those contrivances, or as Yun Hwe says: dog fight. Yi Sookbun seemed relieved that he didn't have to head the new office. (How about Ha Ryun telling Yi that there's a lot of dirt that can be dug up on him!) I hope Yun Hwe doesn't take up drinking again...
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Post by tinkerbell on Aug 26, 2008 18:44:36 GMT -5
I agree jojo. I think the King is proud of Choongnyeong and wants him to continue to grow as the person he is. I really believe he would rather Prince C become the next king instead of his trouble making brother. I loved what Princess Shim said to the Queen. I'm a bit surprised she had the guts to stand up to her, but I'm glad she did. Plus it's great that she was so good at weaving. I'm sure the Queen wanted to criticize her. At the beginning of the drama, WYBE cut a few scenes. They may still be doing it and that's why some parts are a little confusing. I wish they'd leave it as it is.
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Post by jojo on Aug 31, 2008 14:42:07 GMT -5
Thanks for the info, tinkerbell, on wybe cutting out some scenes. I thought I was missing something. Ep 18 Another Crown Prince problem solved by Choongnyeong, with an assist by Hyoryeong. Geeze, the CP is soooo arrogant. He never stops belittling anything that he is not interested in. Jeongjong was pretty cool when talking to the King. Loved seeing all the uncomfortable attitudes of Choongnyeong and Hyoryeong. Yangnyeong looked like, let’s get this over with; I’m bored. I can’t believe he later mutter “thanks” to Choongnyeong when they were out on the beach. Finally. Poor Chogungjang! Looks like she really loves the CP and now she’s banished. Can’t believe Baron Ok’s men were that easily caught trying to abduct her. They could have had someone tailing the entourage from Induk Palace. Full out battle between Minister Park and the exceedingly crafty PM Ryun!! Park better start out-thinking Ryun. Wonder if Yun Hwe will find any ‘dirt’ on the PM.
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Post by jojo on Sept 3, 2008 18:04:38 GMT -5
Ep 19 So Park Eun was informed about the Crown Prince’s affair… but who tipped him off? Watching the Crown Prince loose his rapport with the Confucian scholars was not un-expected (or not out of character), but seeing them loose hope and burning their books was very sad. Looks like Choongnyeong has reached a turning point. He may not be trying to become the Crown Prince yet, but looks like he is no longer going to serve Yangnyeong.
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