Post by ajk on Jul 22, 2008 15:00:41 GMT -5
Choongnyeong, dressed in plain white, is kneeling in front of the palace and calling out to the king inside. "Withdraw your decision, father. I cannot accept your abdication." It's a bizarre scene; Um Jachi is standing there holding the royal seal. "I beg you to withdraw your decision to abdicate." Inside, the queen asks her husband, "Are you serious about this?"
Ministers are talking, not convinced that the king is serious, and trying to understand why the king would be doing it at such a difficult time, what with the drought and famine and the south coast pirate attacks. Prime minister Yu asks, "What could his majesty be trying to accomplish?" Shim On suggests that he's trying to send a message about all of the bickering over the prayer ritual proposal, and tells Park Eun he should turn in his resignation. Park angrily says he has no reason to resign. Then Jo Malseng quiets them down: "What if he's serious about his abdication?"
Taejong, outside, walks up to his prostrate son and tells him, "You mustn't abuse your body like this." "I am unprepared to rule the kingdom." "I will be your shadow. So do not be afraid. Rise up to the throne."
Yun Hwe comes running into the conference hall: "We have a problem."
In a palace courtyard: The king and queen step into their palanquins to leave for somewhere....
"His majesty is moving to Sugang Palace?" Ministers digest this and begin to think he really is serious. Jo asks Park if he's worried; will he be the new king's worst enemy? Other ministers wonder if this is a good time for a new king--can he deal effectively with the pirates and other pressing problems?
"Your majesty, we beg you to reconsider your abdication!" Ministers are in a courtyard at Sugang palace, begging him in unison to withdraw his decision.
Back at the palace, Choongnyeong remains kneeling in his white clothes. Eunuch Ogeun is holding a parasol above him, but the prince asks him, "Would you remove the parasol? It is unfitting for a sinner who seeks forgiveness." Ogeun does. At that moment, drops of water start to appear. Then suddenly, a deluge. Rain! At last. It's raining like crazy. We're shown a village scene; the crowd is going wild. Everyone's outside dancing in the rain. (And yet everyone still casts a full shadow from a bright sun. OOPS--rare production mistake there; could have at least waited for a cloud.)
Taejong steps outside before his now-soaking ministers and smiles: "I see that heaven approves of my decision." Then, more seriously: "Stop this protest now. This is my eighteenth year on the throne. You've been riding on a tiger's back long enough." He tells Noh Huibong to arrange for something "warm and soothing" to be brought from the royal kitchen, so that the wet ministers don't get sick and can properly serve the new king.
Inside, later, Taejong is before a smaller group of ministers: "I made this decision to step down for health reasons...So fight me no more on this matter." However, he tells them, Choongnyeong has been crown prince for only two months--not long enough to put all state affairs into his hands immediately. So I will remain in charge of military affairs until the king reaches "the ripe age of 30."
The ministers go outside and approach the prince. PM Yu addresses him: "Your highness, please rise and come inside. You must prepare for your enthronement." Slowly, the prince rises to his feet and faces the group.
The queen, with her husband, suggests a trip to the hot springs. "Doe may not be the eldest son, but you are passing on the scepter in your lifetime as you so desired. So why not unburden your shoulders and relax." But Taejong isn't ready for that: "Not yet, my queen. There is no time for that yet."
The prince has brought his supporters to a high hill. "Can I embrace the world with these arms of mine? I have doubts. To get a grip on the spiraling public sentiment, some of you suggested political negotiation, and some of you suggested that I pray to heaven. While you were butting heads with frustration, I did nothing but feed my fear in hiding. Yet the world says I am the wise one and tells me to be its king. But I am not the wise one. Collective wisdom! Would you share your knowledge and insight with me? Give me your wisdom so I may be a wise and benevolent king of Joseon." It's not exactly a rousing pep talk, but it seems to have an effect.
Evening: Taejong asks Jo Malseng, "How long have you been by my side?" Going on ten years, Jo answers. "Go to the new king now. Serve him as you served me...No, serve him better than you've served me. There are numerous men in this court who have had the thrill of choosing their own king. They will want to control the king next. That's human nature. I need you to be my eyes and ears. Stay close to the new king and tell me who dare tries to control him."
Jo Malseng as minister of memorials? Yun Hwe doesn't like it. He tells Shim On that he thinks Taejong is setting his son up to be a puppet king for the next eight years. How many retainers will obey a puppet king?
Late at night: Shim On has come to see the king; not as a minister, he tells Taejong, but as a fellow parent to discuss their son's future. "If you must abdicate your throne, turn over control of military affairs to your son as well." It's not the right time, answers Taejong, but Shim tells him, "You'll never know the right time. Children are the subject of constant worry for their parents" at any age. "That's just human nature." He continues, "You mustn't make a puppet out of the new king. No man will give absolute loyalty to a king who has his father looking over his shoulders." Does that include you?, Taejong asks with irritation. He tells Shim to leave, but Shim boldly says, "You must allow him to lead the country his own way." Taejong fires back, "That naive and unrealistic way where everyone is loved and forgiven, including those who conspire to commit high treason?" Shim presses: "You must trust your son. Not your dominance but your trust is what will make the new king grow bigger and stronger." (Agree or disagree, but give him credit: brave words to deliver to your own king.)
At the ancestral shrine: The king has summoned his son there. "Doe," he says; I never called you by your first name much, and "I feel somewhat sad and regretful that I will not be able to call you by your name after tonight." He continues, "Thank you for becoming a fine man. I never gave you much attention, but you grew up to be a great man, fit to lead a kingdom. And I'm very grateful. Be a benevolent king. Violence will end with me." We can see pride and satisfaction in his face.
The next day: Flags and canopies are being raised around the palace; Choongnyeong is being fitted for a ceremonial robe as his wife and daughter and son watch. In a village, we see an official decree being read: In honor of the new king, an amnesty of prisoners is announced, and town councils around the country will open their grain stores for a distribution to the public. We see the news reach Gyoha, where excited villagers scamper around as a subdued Hwang Hee walks among them. Then we see Hwang fishing, alone again.
The main palace courtyard: The big drum is being struck; everybody's in their extra-formal duds; the red carpet is laid out; it's a VERY impressive scene. A palanquin is set down; Choongnyeong emerges from it, wearing a whopping big hat that looks like a mortarboard with dreadlocks. He steps forward, onto the red carpet, climbs the palace steps and turns around, overlooking the whole scene. The royal seal is brought forth. Choongnyeong sits, and Yi Su reads aloud from a scroll: "After eighteen years of King Taejong's reign, in this 26th year of Joseon's birth, it is with trepidation that I hereby declare succession to the throne. The throne is a seat bequeathed by heaven and the people, and so I will serve the people as I serve heaven." And now he's King Sejong. (And now I don't have to type the name "Choongnyeong" any more, praise the heavens.) "Long live the king!" "Long live the king!" The shouts rise up into the sky. (It's a shame this scene wasn't longer and more substantial. It all looked so impressive, it just felt like we were short-changed a bit. And no sign of the queen at all.)
"Your majesty! Your majesty!" Jeong Ogeun comes running into the throne room. Sejong is meeting with ministers, who don't like this interruption at all. "What could be a greater problem than a subordinate official barging into an audience hall?", Jo Malseng asks rhetorically." Then he asks, "Are you talking about the order to conquer Tsushima island?" Yes, that was it. Jo reminds the new king that he cannot treat subordinate officers like friends any more. Then he informs Sejong that the abdicated king is preparing a conquest of Tsushima Island and has asked for a tax proposal to secure war funds. This is news to Sejong and he's not happy about it.
We see a Joseonese warship, on which Yi Chun is overseeing the firing of cannons. On shore, we see Taejong watching the demonstration along with the new defense minister Park Seup. This is a series of tests. The next test is to compare the speed of Japanese and Joseonese warships. (Somehow they got a Japanese ship and it's out there with a Joseonese ship.) They watch the test; the Japanese ship is clearly faster. Taejong asks why. Pyoung Dojeon (!?!) explains that it's mostly a matter of materials: the Japanese ships are made of cedar, while the Joseonese ships are pine. Can anything be done to make our ships faster, Taejong asks. Dojeon says that a certain bow attachment might help. Taejong says he's grateful to have Dojeon there to help. We also see Pyoung Mahngo there; he's Dojeon's son. (Note: This came clear out of nowhere. The last time we saw Pyoung Dojeon was Ep9, when he was about to be executed for being a Japanese spy but was spared for some unexplained reason. Now there he is, at Taejong's side. Go figure. And he's got a kid.)
We see So Sadamori, now identified as the lord of Tsushima Island. He asks, "Traitor Pyoung Dojeon's son? Can we win him over?" Kumotashi answers, "I don't think it will be a problem."
We see the inside of a gambling parlor. Four men including Pyoung Mahngo are seated around a table, playing a game of some sort using tall, narrow, thin wooden cards. A pool of money is in the center of the table. Suddenly Mahngo stands up with frustration and says, "This is bogus. You're all in this together. You set me up!" He reaches into the center of the table to take his money back; the others grab him and one pulls a knife. Suddenly we see So Shun, one of the men seen in the Tsushima council in the previous episode. He grabs the hand of the man with the knife, then reaches into the sleeve below it and pulls out a card (apparently the equivalent of the poker cheater sticking an ace up his sleeve). A fight breaks out, but So Shun makes quick work of the cheaters. Mahngo thanks him, and So replies, "It's the least I can do for a fellow Japanese. I'm from Tsushima." (The wooing begins.)
Sejong has gone to his father about the conquest plan: "Don't you think it's untimely?" Taejong replies, "They have been harassing our south coast for too long, my king." Sejong is concerned that public sentiment will turn sour if we attempt to collect taxes. But Taejong argues that overall, this will help restore public sentiment. I want to find a diplomatic solution, Sejong says, but his father advises him, "This is the first year of your reign. It's more important to display your strength than your love right now."
Later, Sejong and his supporters are discussing the situation; they don't like it and complain about it. But then Gang Sangin suddenly speaks up. He sees merit in the conquest plan. Things are chaotic in the southern provinces because of the attacks, he says, and "sometimes offense is the best defense." The others belittle him. "Stop this!" Sejong snaps. Yun voices his opposition, holding up a writing tool: "Why would you send thousands of men to war when you can solve the problem with this little thing?"
Outside, ministers are grumbling. Yun Hwe says to Shim On, "Without control of military affairs, he is just a puppet." Shim reflects, "I do believe it is critical for the stability of the state that orders come from one place. This is quite frustrating."
Evening: Gang Sangin is with Sejong, who wants to know if he should support the conquest plan. "Are you afraid to defy your father?", Gang asks. "No, it's because I trust your judgment. I've trusted your judgment as a soldier wholeheartedly since our days in Gyeongsung. if you think it's a good idea, I am ready to consider the positive aspects of this conquest."
The next morning: "Take it." Gang Sangin is before Taejong, who pours him a drink. "Relax," he tells a visibly uncomfortable Gang. "I'm comfortable as I am, your majesty," Gang answers unconvincingly. Taejong says, "You’re a leader of the military. When will you stop acting like my footservant?" But then, practically in the next breath, he tells Gang that "I need someone who will be my hands and feet." Gang says nothing but does not seem pleased by the request (although he hides that from Taejong).
Evening: Pondering the meeting, Gang seems unhappy: "A footservant...."
Yn Hwe is drinking--heavily. "Innkeeper! Innkeeper! Bring me more wine." Suddenly Sejong is standing there, dressed incognito and with only his two eunuchs. Yun stumbles all over himself trying to stand up. "You can't come to places like this any more," he tells the king. Sejong answers, "Stop drinking so much if you don't like me coming to places like this. Why are you partying when I'm the one who got the promotion?" I'm frustrated, Yun says, but Sejong thinks it's a lousy excuse. Besides, you won't have time for drinking, he tells Yun; you're going to be busy. "You told me once to make a deal. Remember?" The Park Eun deal. Sejong asks, "Is that offer still open?"
Returning in the evening, Sejong is met by Jo Malseng. "I was told you had a drink with a royal secretary at an unsecured location in the city." Sejong asks, are you having me watched? Again Jo reminds him, "You are no longer a prince but a sovereign king of this state. I've asked you to keep a distance from your acquaintances prior to kingship. Have you forgotten? How much longer will you act like a child surrounded by your aides?" Unbowed, Sejong tells him, "For a long time, I hope." Jo cautions him, "The censorate officials will not tolerate inner circle domination." Amused, Sejong asks him, "Are the censorate officials under your control as well? It's rather intimidating." He laughs and walks on.
"Inner circle domination?" Jo has reported back to Taejong, who digests this. "I guess I should start cleaning up around the king."
The next morning: Sejong brings Jo into a courtyard where a few dozen officials are seated. "What is this occasion, " asks Jo. Sejong explains, "This is an exam to select men of wisdom. There is no way I can fight you, master Jo. That is why I'd like you to be at the core of my inner-circle politics." Judge the best and pick the wisest from among the test-takers; "I know you are more than capable from what my father told me about you." He nods to Park Eun, who's there supervising, and the proceedings begin. The officials all begin writing busily, based on a poem subject that's been revealed on a banner. "Remember, minister Jo. Anyone who is willing an able to share their wisdom with me is my aide, no matter who they are or where they come from." (Poetry? A test of wisdom? Seriously?)
Afterwards, the exam papers are sorted and notarized by Yi Su and Yun Hwe and handed to Jo for grading.
"You'd like me to be the director of the Hall of Worthies?" Sejong has just told Park Eun. He knows that Park is already a state councilor, and this is more to do, but "I am acknowledging your outstanding ability as an auditor." He explains that it looks like the Tsushima conquest is going to happen, and to pay for it "I am thinking of gathering most of the revenue from tax audits." From the aristocrats?, Park asks. Sejong clarifies, "Unlawfully secured wealth." Sejong asks, will you research this with "the scholars of the Hall of Worthies and help put a feasible policy together?" Park seems honored by the request, and nods silently.
A sign is unveiled atop a palace building: "Hall of Worthies." Sejong tells everyone gathered, "I will use this place as a treasure house of wisdom and find ways that will benefit this kingdom."
Ministers are talking, not convinced that the king is serious, and trying to understand why the king would be doing it at such a difficult time, what with the drought and famine and the south coast pirate attacks. Prime minister Yu asks, "What could his majesty be trying to accomplish?" Shim On suggests that he's trying to send a message about all of the bickering over the prayer ritual proposal, and tells Park Eun he should turn in his resignation. Park angrily says he has no reason to resign. Then Jo Malseng quiets them down: "What if he's serious about his abdication?"
Taejong, outside, walks up to his prostrate son and tells him, "You mustn't abuse your body like this." "I am unprepared to rule the kingdom." "I will be your shadow. So do not be afraid. Rise up to the throne."
Yun Hwe comes running into the conference hall: "We have a problem."
In a palace courtyard: The king and queen step into their palanquins to leave for somewhere....
"His majesty is moving to Sugang Palace?" Ministers digest this and begin to think he really is serious. Jo asks Park if he's worried; will he be the new king's worst enemy? Other ministers wonder if this is a good time for a new king--can he deal effectively with the pirates and other pressing problems?
"Your majesty, we beg you to reconsider your abdication!" Ministers are in a courtyard at Sugang palace, begging him in unison to withdraw his decision.
Back at the palace, Choongnyeong remains kneeling in his white clothes. Eunuch Ogeun is holding a parasol above him, but the prince asks him, "Would you remove the parasol? It is unfitting for a sinner who seeks forgiveness." Ogeun does. At that moment, drops of water start to appear. Then suddenly, a deluge. Rain! At last. It's raining like crazy. We're shown a village scene; the crowd is going wild. Everyone's outside dancing in the rain. (And yet everyone still casts a full shadow from a bright sun. OOPS--rare production mistake there; could have at least waited for a cloud.)
Taejong steps outside before his now-soaking ministers and smiles: "I see that heaven approves of my decision." Then, more seriously: "Stop this protest now. This is my eighteenth year on the throne. You've been riding on a tiger's back long enough." He tells Noh Huibong to arrange for something "warm and soothing" to be brought from the royal kitchen, so that the wet ministers don't get sick and can properly serve the new king.
Inside, later, Taejong is before a smaller group of ministers: "I made this decision to step down for health reasons...So fight me no more on this matter." However, he tells them, Choongnyeong has been crown prince for only two months--not long enough to put all state affairs into his hands immediately. So I will remain in charge of military affairs until the king reaches "the ripe age of 30."
The ministers go outside and approach the prince. PM Yu addresses him: "Your highness, please rise and come inside. You must prepare for your enthronement." Slowly, the prince rises to his feet and faces the group.
The queen, with her husband, suggests a trip to the hot springs. "Doe may not be the eldest son, but you are passing on the scepter in your lifetime as you so desired. So why not unburden your shoulders and relax." But Taejong isn't ready for that: "Not yet, my queen. There is no time for that yet."
The prince has brought his supporters to a high hill. "Can I embrace the world with these arms of mine? I have doubts. To get a grip on the spiraling public sentiment, some of you suggested political negotiation, and some of you suggested that I pray to heaven. While you were butting heads with frustration, I did nothing but feed my fear in hiding. Yet the world says I am the wise one and tells me to be its king. But I am not the wise one. Collective wisdom! Would you share your knowledge and insight with me? Give me your wisdom so I may be a wise and benevolent king of Joseon." It's not exactly a rousing pep talk, but it seems to have an effect.
Evening: Taejong asks Jo Malseng, "How long have you been by my side?" Going on ten years, Jo answers. "Go to the new king now. Serve him as you served me...No, serve him better than you've served me. There are numerous men in this court who have had the thrill of choosing their own king. They will want to control the king next. That's human nature. I need you to be my eyes and ears. Stay close to the new king and tell me who dare tries to control him."
Jo Malseng as minister of memorials? Yun Hwe doesn't like it. He tells Shim On that he thinks Taejong is setting his son up to be a puppet king for the next eight years. How many retainers will obey a puppet king?
Late at night: Shim On has come to see the king; not as a minister, he tells Taejong, but as a fellow parent to discuss their son's future. "If you must abdicate your throne, turn over control of military affairs to your son as well." It's not the right time, answers Taejong, but Shim tells him, "You'll never know the right time. Children are the subject of constant worry for their parents" at any age. "That's just human nature." He continues, "You mustn't make a puppet out of the new king. No man will give absolute loyalty to a king who has his father looking over his shoulders." Does that include you?, Taejong asks with irritation. He tells Shim to leave, but Shim boldly says, "You must allow him to lead the country his own way." Taejong fires back, "That naive and unrealistic way where everyone is loved and forgiven, including those who conspire to commit high treason?" Shim presses: "You must trust your son. Not your dominance but your trust is what will make the new king grow bigger and stronger." (Agree or disagree, but give him credit: brave words to deliver to your own king.)
At the ancestral shrine: The king has summoned his son there. "Doe," he says; I never called you by your first name much, and "I feel somewhat sad and regretful that I will not be able to call you by your name after tonight." He continues, "Thank you for becoming a fine man. I never gave you much attention, but you grew up to be a great man, fit to lead a kingdom. And I'm very grateful. Be a benevolent king. Violence will end with me." We can see pride and satisfaction in his face.
The next day: Flags and canopies are being raised around the palace; Choongnyeong is being fitted for a ceremonial robe as his wife and daughter and son watch. In a village, we see an official decree being read: In honor of the new king, an amnesty of prisoners is announced, and town councils around the country will open their grain stores for a distribution to the public. We see the news reach Gyoha, where excited villagers scamper around as a subdued Hwang Hee walks among them. Then we see Hwang fishing, alone again.
The main palace courtyard: The big drum is being struck; everybody's in their extra-formal duds; the red carpet is laid out; it's a VERY impressive scene. A palanquin is set down; Choongnyeong emerges from it, wearing a whopping big hat that looks like a mortarboard with dreadlocks. He steps forward, onto the red carpet, climbs the palace steps and turns around, overlooking the whole scene. The royal seal is brought forth. Choongnyeong sits, and Yi Su reads aloud from a scroll: "After eighteen years of King Taejong's reign, in this 26th year of Joseon's birth, it is with trepidation that I hereby declare succession to the throne. The throne is a seat bequeathed by heaven and the people, and so I will serve the people as I serve heaven." And now he's King Sejong. (And now I don't have to type the name "Choongnyeong" any more, praise the heavens.) "Long live the king!" "Long live the king!" The shouts rise up into the sky. (It's a shame this scene wasn't longer and more substantial. It all looked so impressive, it just felt like we were short-changed a bit. And no sign of the queen at all.)
"Your majesty! Your majesty!" Jeong Ogeun comes running into the throne room. Sejong is meeting with ministers, who don't like this interruption at all. "What could be a greater problem than a subordinate official barging into an audience hall?", Jo Malseng asks rhetorically." Then he asks, "Are you talking about the order to conquer Tsushima island?" Yes, that was it. Jo reminds the new king that he cannot treat subordinate officers like friends any more. Then he informs Sejong that the abdicated king is preparing a conquest of Tsushima Island and has asked for a tax proposal to secure war funds. This is news to Sejong and he's not happy about it.
We see a Joseonese warship, on which Yi Chun is overseeing the firing of cannons. On shore, we see Taejong watching the demonstration along with the new defense minister Park Seup. This is a series of tests. The next test is to compare the speed of Japanese and Joseonese warships. (Somehow they got a Japanese ship and it's out there with a Joseonese ship.) They watch the test; the Japanese ship is clearly faster. Taejong asks why. Pyoung Dojeon (!?!) explains that it's mostly a matter of materials: the Japanese ships are made of cedar, while the Joseonese ships are pine. Can anything be done to make our ships faster, Taejong asks. Dojeon says that a certain bow attachment might help. Taejong says he's grateful to have Dojeon there to help. We also see Pyoung Mahngo there; he's Dojeon's son. (Note: This came clear out of nowhere. The last time we saw Pyoung Dojeon was Ep9, when he was about to be executed for being a Japanese spy but was spared for some unexplained reason. Now there he is, at Taejong's side. Go figure. And he's got a kid.)
We see So Sadamori, now identified as the lord of Tsushima Island. He asks, "Traitor Pyoung Dojeon's son? Can we win him over?" Kumotashi answers, "I don't think it will be a problem."
We see the inside of a gambling parlor. Four men including Pyoung Mahngo are seated around a table, playing a game of some sort using tall, narrow, thin wooden cards. A pool of money is in the center of the table. Suddenly Mahngo stands up with frustration and says, "This is bogus. You're all in this together. You set me up!" He reaches into the center of the table to take his money back; the others grab him and one pulls a knife. Suddenly we see So Shun, one of the men seen in the Tsushima council in the previous episode. He grabs the hand of the man with the knife, then reaches into the sleeve below it and pulls out a card (apparently the equivalent of the poker cheater sticking an ace up his sleeve). A fight breaks out, but So Shun makes quick work of the cheaters. Mahngo thanks him, and So replies, "It's the least I can do for a fellow Japanese. I'm from Tsushima." (The wooing begins.)
Sejong has gone to his father about the conquest plan: "Don't you think it's untimely?" Taejong replies, "They have been harassing our south coast for too long, my king." Sejong is concerned that public sentiment will turn sour if we attempt to collect taxes. But Taejong argues that overall, this will help restore public sentiment. I want to find a diplomatic solution, Sejong says, but his father advises him, "This is the first year of your reign. It's more important to display your strength than your love right now."
Later, Sejong and his supporters are discussing the situation; they don't like it and complain about it. But then Gang Sangin suddenly speaks up. He sees merit in the conquest plan. Things are chaotic in the southern provinces because of the attacks, he says, and "sometimes offense is the best defense." The others belittle him. "Stop this!" Sejong snaps. Yun voices his opposition, holding up a writing tool: "Why would you send thousands of men to war when you can solve the problem with this little thing?"
Outside, ministers are grumbling. Yun Hwe says to Shim On, "Without control of military affairs, he is just a puppet." Shim reflects, "I do believe it is critical for the stability of the state that orders come from one place. This is quite frustrating."
Evening: Gang Sangin is with Sejong, who wants to know if he should support the conquest plan. "Are you afraid to defy your father?", Gang asks. "No, it's because I trust your judgment. I've trusted your judgment as a soldier wholeheartedly since our days in Gyeongsung. if you think it's a good idea, I am ready to consider the positive aspects of this conquest."
The next morning: "Take it." Gang Sangin is before Taejong, who pours him a drink. "Relax," he tells a visibly uncomfortable Gang. "I'm comfortable as I am, your majesty," Gang answers unconvincingly. Taejong says, "You’re a leader of the military. When will you stop acting like my footservant?" But then, practically in the next breath, he tells Gang that "I need someone who will be my hands and feet." Gang says nothing but does not seem pleased by the request (although he hides that from Taejong).
Evening: Pondering the meeting, Gang seems unhappy: "A footservant...."
Yn Hwe is drinking--heavily. "Innkeeper! Innkeeper! Bring me more wine." Suddenly Sejong is standing there, dressed incognito and with only his two eunuchs. Yun stumbles all over himself trying to stand up. "You can't come to places like this any more," he tells the king. Sejong answers, "Stop drinking so much if you don't like me coming to places like this. Why are you partying when I'm the one who got the promotion?" I'm frustrated, Yun says, but Sejong thinks it's a lousy excuse. Besides, you won't have time for drinking, he tells Yun; you're going to be busy. "You told me once to make a deal. Remember?" The Park Eun deal. Sejong asks, "Is that offer still open?"
Returning in the evening, Sejong is met by Jo Malseng. "I was told you had a drink with a royal secretary at an unsecured location in the city." Sejong asks, are you having me watched? Again Jo reminds him, "You are no longer a prince but a sovereign king of this state. I've asked you to keep a distance from your acquaintances prior to kingship. Have you forgotten? How much longer will you act like a child surrounded by your aides?" Unbowed, Sejong tells him, "For a long time, I hope." Jo cautions him, "The censorate officials will not tolerate inner circle domination." Amused, Sejong asks him, "Are the censorate officials under your control as well? It's rather intimidating." He laughs and walks on.
"Inner circle domination?" Jo has reported back to Taejong, who digests this. "I guess I should start cleaning up around the king."
The next morning: Sejong brings Jo into a courtyard where a few dozen officials are seated. "What is this occasion, " asks Jo. Sejong explains, "This is an exam to select men of wisdom. There is no way I can fight you, master Jo. That is why I'd like you to be at the core of my inner-circle politics." Judge the best and pick the wisest from among the test-takers; "I know you are more than capable from what my father told me about you." He nods to Park Eun, who's there supervising, and the proceedings begin. The officials all begin writing busily, based on a poem subject that's been revealed on a banner. "Remember, minister Jo. Anyone who is willing an able to share their wisdom with me is my aide, no matter who they are or where they come from." (Poetry? A test of wisdom? Seriously?)
Afterwards, the exam papers are sorted and notarized by Yi Su and Yun Hwe and handed to Jo for grading.
"You'd like me to be the director of the Hall of Worthies?" Sejong has just told Park Eun. He knows that Park is already a state councilor, and this is more to do, but "I am acknowledging your outstanding ability as an auditor." He explains that it looks like the Tsushima conquest is going to happen, and to pay for it "I am thinking of gathering most of the revenue from tax audits." From the aristocrats?, Park asks. Sejong clarifies, "Unlawfully secured wealth." Sejong asks, will you research this with "the scholars of the Hall of Worthies and help put a feasible policy together?" Park seems honored by the request, and nods silently.
A sign is unveiled atop a palace building: "Hall of Worthies." Sejong tells everyone gathered, "I will use this place as a treasure house of wisdom and find ways that will benefit this kingdom."