Post by ajk on Aug 19, 2008 14:59:38 GMT -5
As the battle in the supply depot rages, Park Sil, who's engaged with the enemy commander, deliberately knocks over a flame, which falls into a box of gunpowder charges and ignites them. This makes a bunch of BIG noises, and we see Joseon units elsewhere reacting to it. Smart move...The battle rages on, and soldiers from both sides are dropping left and right. Then the Tsushiman commander starts to realize what those big noises might lead to, and orders a retreat. Too late. A Joseonese regiment led by right army commander Yi Sunmong shows up and cuts off the retreat path. That ends the battle in a big hurry. But it was a costly one; more than 180 Joseon soldiers died.
The next day: Lord So finds out that Munetoshi and Toto Kumaju have been taken prisoner. (Kumaju may have been the enemy commander; it was all in the dark and I didn't get a good enough look.)
The Joseonese are arguing. Yi Jongmu wants to attack immediately. Yi Chun advises not acting on emotional impulse: "If a revenge battle could bring our men back, I would go out there right now." Just then Yun Hwe walks in, sent as an emissary by the king. He's there to initiate a negotiation. The military leaders don't like it: "A negotiation with Lord So? When this war is as good as won?" "All that's left is to wipe out the Japanese and put up our flag." But Yun tells them, "His majesty has a different idea."
Sejong and Taejong are talking. Sejong tells his father, "It is the lord of Tsushima's job to rule Tsushima. Joseon will not take possession of Tsushima Island. The objective of this campaign was in stopping aggression, not subjugation and occupation." Taejong replies that subjugation and occupation is the best way to stop aggression. But Sejong wants to find another solution.
We see Tsushiman prisoners, tied up and kneeling. Munetoshi is among them. Yun Hwe finds him, looks at him and says, "It's been a while." "Don't mock me," Munetoshi answers, "just kill me." But Yun tells him, "I'm going to let you live." "What's your motive?", Minetoshi asks as he's untied. Yun hands him an envelope; it contains a letter personally written by Sejong, to be delivered to So. "This is your last chance to save Tsushima, so you must obey" and take the letter to him.
So looks at the envelope and is skeptical: "An order to surrender, no doubt." He won't have it: "There will be no surrender. We will not live under their rule as slaves." But Munetoshi (who obviously has taken an advance peek at the letter), tells So that he's mistaken; that's not what Sejong wants. He wants "amity."
"Amity? You wish to make peace with the Japanese pirates?" Taejong is irritated with his son. 20,000 Joseonese troops are committed to the invasion and "if they come back empty-handed, they would have achieved nothing." This all must end with a "tangible achievement," that is, annexation. Then Sejong presents Taejong with a set of scrolls; they contain "real facts and data that compel me to give up the annexation."...Flashback to scholars working intently at the Hall of Worthies. They're studying books and maps and presenting information to each other. One explains that based on recent history, "If our troops have to be stationed for an extended period of time" in Tsushima, "there could be a civil insurrection." Another explains that lack of manpower is a huge problem, since farmlands and other industries such as salt production are underproducing because their labor supply has been depleted for the war. This will lead to another problem--a loss of tax revenue at a time when tax revenues would be badly needed to fund the occupation. And there's another problem: typhoon season is coming. If supply ships are delayed due to weather, troops could be left without adequate food, which would enrage the public back home...Flashback ending, Taejong reviews the scrolls as Taejong tells him, "The burden on the people is too heavy to trade for the tangible achievement. More importantly, if we have the means to put Tsushima under our influence through diplomacy, isn't it our moral obligation as a stronger nation to choose that option? Father, you must pull out the troops." Taejong looks annoyed but can't help but see the reality of it.
An interesting exchange between Park Eun and Jo Malseng. "You're a born fighter," Jo says: you've turned the Hall of Worthies into a force that defeated the former king. But Park doesn't like that idea and says that Taejong "has to be made the winner, on the surface at least. He is the one who started this conquest, so the victory must be his." "Is that the king's order?", Jo asks. Park just says, "I'll let you answer that question yourself." Jo smiles.
Taejong is shooting at the archery grounds; Jo Malseng is with him. "You must have known" that Park and the Hall of Worthies were researching the annexation issue. Yes, I did, Jo tells him. "Why didn't you tell me?" "Must I report non-military matters to you as well?" "How convenient," Taejong says with irritation; now you take a narrow view of what's military and what isn't. But Jo is unfazed and presses on, daringly: "Do you still wish annexation?" No answer. "Call the troops back, your Eminence. You must call them back now to take credit for both military and diplomatic success." And if I refuse? "You will face fierce opposition from the retainers as well as the public. I beg you to spare me the pain of committing such disobedience." (This is an amazingly gutsy stand from Jo, considering what happened to Shim On.) "I'm lucky to have a man like you beside me," says Taejong with dripping sarcasm. Indeed you are a faithful servant."
Evening. Taejong is alone, except for Noh Huibong. "Do you think they would have done this to me if I were the king?" he ponders. "Jo Malseng, that bastard; that was not a recommendation from him, that was an order. Even he has turned against me to be the new king's faithful dog."
Huh Jo and Byun Gaeryang discuss developments, as Meng Sasung listens: "I guess this round goes to the new king!" "This is going to be an exciting match to watch." Then Sasung speaks up: "What's so exciting? You think it's fun to watch a son knocking his father around? I underestimated the young king. In less than a year he has learned to suppress his political rival without lifting a finger. Politics--it's an ugly animal...."
Um Jachi and Jeong Ogeun are standing behind Sejong and smiling. Jachi leans forward and says to the king, "Everyone says this is your victory, your majesty. Aren't you happy?" We can see that he isn't. "My father once told me that kings have to give up their decency the moment they rise to the throne. I didn't know until today that it included having to fight your own father for political supremacy. No, I am not happy about beating my father. But I am not unhappy about protecting the people and protecting my political stance. Now we wait for the enemy to accept my proposal."
We hear Sejong reading some of the text of his letter to So, as So considers it: "Lord So of Tsushima: We rule different lands but I trust our desire to protect our people is alike. Amity is the only way to protect the people, so don't reject my offer."
Yehjin comes and visits the tent where Choi Haesan and Jang Youngsil are working. He advises them that they need to be wary of moisture getting into their gunpowder. Taking a stick and actually writing in the gunpowder (using Arabic numerals, which amazes Choi and Jang), he calculates that the rainy season comes two weeks earlier in Tsushima. They're very impressed with Yehjin's talent; how does he know all of this? Yehjin, remembering Haesan's comment in the previous episode, tells them, "It's because I'm a wacko." Haesan is caught off-guard (pretty funny): "Um...Uh...I was going to apologize to you about that." But then Yehjin thanks Youngsil for saving his life by blowing the lock off his cell door, "and for showing me new technology."
So surveys his camp; it's not pretty. There are many injured troops, and many refugee families huddled around fires to keep warm in the night air. He wonders, "Will these men continue to respect me as the lord of Tsushima and follow my leadership?"
The next morning (July 3) at the Joseon camp, Osaki: So and his subordinates approach under a white flag and meet the Joseonese. It's not easy for So, but he steps forward...and kneels. "I, lord So of Tsushima...surrender to Joseon." Yu Jeonghyun steps forward, helps him to his feet and says, "We salute your decision. Joseon and Tsushima are now brothers!" The Joseon troops cheer, while the Tsushimans look around uncertainly.
We see the Joseon forces return home on their ships. Voiceover narration tells us that the conquest army did not stay; Tsushima did not become a Joseon colony. We then learn that Sejong made Tsushima the entry point for all Japanese coming before the Joseon royal court; and that he granted them trade privileges and provided economic support; all of this to "raise its profile." And we're told that Tsushima was kept under Joseon's influence with diplomacy alone; this was the most significant aspect of the conquest. And we even see Munetoshi received by Sejong, apparently as some sort of permanent envoy.
It's the following summer (1420): Farmers are observing the demonstration of a new device; it's a waterwheel that will help them water crops during the dry season. The wheel is powered simply by walking on top of the wheel. The farmers are ecstatic. Choi Haesan and Jang Youngsil are watching the scene (and are apparently involved with it somehow; it wasn't clear). Then Sejong shows up in the background, dressed incognito, and, pleased with the favorable reaction, nodes approvingly to Choi and Jang.
Sejong enters the Hall of Worthies; the scholars rise from their chairs. "Oh dear," the king says, "I'm going to have to punish all of you? How many times must I tell you not to get up to greet me when you're focused on your work." But Choi Manli explains, "We can't do that, your majesty. Proper manners and tidy appearance are essential for scholars." (Wow, was THAT a long time ago.) So Sejong turns to Park Eun and tells him that "They're becoming nitpickers just like you." Everyone smiles; we can tell that the mood in the hall is very upbeat. Then Sejong asks Park for a weather forecast. Park tells him that the royal astronomer is "busy deciphering the stars." (So when they say "astronomer" they mean "astrologer.")
Inside the "Clay Room": We see Choi Chungu of the Bureau of Astronomy; he's kneeling and facing a star map. He puts some dust granules into a straight pipe and blows them towards the map. Then he checks diagrams in a book.
Chungu returns to the Hall of Worthies. "What is the result?", asks Yi Su.
"Another dry year?" Sejong has been told. Devote more effort to water conservation, he orders. We learn that Gim Jongsuh is out in the countryside investigating the water situation.
In a courtyard, two men are being punished by flogging with bamboo. Gim Jongsuh is overseeing it; these are men in charge of a reservoir and aren't maintaining a proper water supply. Later, we see prince Kyoungnyeong, who's with Gim on the trip; he suggests to Gim that he's being too tough on the officials, since this is actually the best reservoir that they've seen and that it might make people unhappy with the king. But Gim tells him that this will send a message to the other reservoir staffs that they should worry about their very lives, and that it's better for people to be unhappy with the king over how officials are treated than over a national crop failure. As Gim walks away, the prince is left smiling and impressed with Gim's wisdom.
At the Hall of Worthies: Sejong wants to mass-produce waterwheels--at least 100 of them. This is a tough task and needs skilled labor. Where to get it?
At the royal typecasting foundry: Yi Chun is there; he's apparently running the place. He's not happy with the quality of what he sees. He dresses down the foreman, in the process mentioning his frustration with being assigned here...and then he sees Sejong standing just outside. He concedes to Sejong that he's not happy working there. Sejong tells him that he put him there because of his meticulous nature. But if you find this boring, "How would you like to try something else for a while?"
Sejong shows Yi Chun a demonstration waterwheel, a redesigned version that will draw more water. How about taking over the production of them as a job? "It's...a little better," Chun says with obvious understatement. As Sejong and his associates leave: "Are you blind? What do you use your eyes for? This space is uneven." Chun has dived right in and is ordering the workers around already. Yun Hwe says, "It's going to be pretty noisy here for a while." Everyone smiles, knowing that good results will follow.
Huh Jo and other ministers are sitting idly in the lunchroom. As Park Eun enters, Huh complains to him that "The Hall of Worthies is running the state, so we have nothing to do." Yu Jeonghyun says that the king is neglecting other important matters and focusing excessively on the water issue. "Imbalance is not a good thing, left minister." Park answers that it's better than a public suffering from drought. Meng Sasung grumbles that "We do all the work and someone else gets the credit" and complains about "young scholars who sit around the palace pushing pencils."
"You must not push yourself, your eminence. If you're not careful...." The royal physician is with Taejong. "I heard you," Taejong tells him. "You may leave." "Please do not ignore my advice this time, your eminence. You must put state affairs behind and rest." Taejong says, "How much time do I have left?" (!!!) And then tells the physician, "This stays between you and me" and orders him not to blab.
A sort of token appearance for the Wongyeong as she visits the queen. The former queen tells escort Han that she needs to teach the queen that "she must always look poised and confident even when in excruciating pain inside so that all others will learn to fear her."
Hyobin comes to see Taejong, and as she approaches his quarters sees the physician leave. Inside, she asks him with great concern, "What does the physician say?" Sejong tries to calm her: "Are you afraid I'm going to die? Don't worry. It was just a routine examination." Hyobin presses, "Is that the truth?" "I will outlive you, my dear," he says reassuringly, lying through his teeth. It works; she smiles with relief.
At the Hall of Worthies: Female attendants enter and bring lunch to the scholars. Yi Sun brings Sejong his bowl and tells him, "They are from the queen" to encourage the scholars and thank them for their efforts. As she leaves, she looks back at the king and smiles giddily.
Evening: Sejong has come to visit his queen. He asks her, "Are you angry because this is an unscheduled visit?" She answers, "You must consider the royal consort who is waiting to serve you tonight." But he wanted to come and thank her for caring about the scholars. Surprisingly, she doesn't know what he's talking about. Outside the door, Escort Han and the queen's attendants are eavesdropping, and Han immediately points the finger at Yi Sun: "You must be behind this. Why would you aggravate the royal couple's relationship by doing something that would be exposed right away?" "I thought it would bring them closer together," Sun explains, but Han scolds her.
Nighttime: We see the king and queen asleep together (so he stuck around anyway). Outside, it's raining buckets. Yun Hwe comes running towards the queen's chambers through the rain, screaming in distress. Sejong arises and steps out onto the porch. "What is it?" Yun tells him, "The flash flood is consuming our farms and fields!" Other officials come running. We see the waterwheel equipment in the palace yard being blown around, and we see huge amounts of water flooding streets. (Yes, another triumph for astrology!) Sejong is told that embankments are collapsing around the country people are drowning. He's aghast at the news.
The next day: Lord So finds out that Munetoshi and Toto Kumaju have been taken prisoner. (Kumaju may have been the enemy commander; it was all in the dark and I didn't get a good enough look.)
The Joseonese are arguing. Yi Jongmu wants to attack immediately. Yi Chun advises not acting on emotional impulse: "If a revenge battle could bring our men back, I would go out there right now." Just then Yun Hwe walks in, sent as an emissary by the king. He's there to initiate a negotiation. The military leaders don't like it: "A negotiation with Lord So? When this war is as good as won?" "All that's left is to wipe out the Japanese and put up our flag." But Yun tells them, "His majesty has a different idea."
Sejong and Taejong are talking. Sejong tells his father, "It is the lord of Tsushima's job to rule Tsushima. Joseon will not take possession of Tsushima Island. The objective of this campaign was in stopping aggression, not subjugation and occupation." Taejong replies that subjugation and occupation is the best way to stop aggression. But Sejong wants to find another solution.
We see Tsushiman prisoners, tied up and kneeling. Munetoshi is among them. Yun Hwe finds him, looks at him and says, "It's been a while." "Don't mock me," Munetoshi answers, "just kill me." But Yun tells him, "I'm going to let you live." "What's your motive?", Minetoshi asks as he's untied. Yun hands him an envelope; it contains a letter personally written by Sejong, to be delivered to So. "This is your last chance to save Tsushima, so you must obey" and take the letter to him.
So looks at the envelope and is skeptical: "An order to surrender, no doubt." He won't have it: "There will be no surrender. We will not live under their rule as slaves." But Munetoshi (who obviously has taken an advance peek at the letter), tells So that he's mistaken; that's not what Sejong wants. He wants "amity."
"Amity? You wish to make peace with the Japanese pirates?" Taejong is irritated with his son. 20,000 Joseonese troops are committed to the invasion and "if they come back empty-handed, they would have achieved nothing." This all must end with a "tangible achievement," that is, annexation. Then Sejong presents Taejong with a set of scrolls; they contain "real facts and data that compel me to give up the annexation."...Flashback to scholars working intently at the Hall of Worthies. They're studying books and maps and presenting information to each other. One explains that based on recent history, "If our troops have to be stationed for an extended period of time" in Tsushima, "there could be a civil insurrection." Another explains that lack of manpower is a huge problem, since farmlands and other industries such as salt production are underproducing because their labor supply has been depleted for the war. This will lead to another problem--a loss of tax revenue at a time when tax revenues would be badly needed to fund the occupation. And there's another problem: typhoon season is coming. If supply ships are delayed due to weather, troops could be left without adequate food, which would enrage the public back home...Flashback ending, Taejong reviews the scrolls as Taejong tells him, "The burden on the people is too heavy to trade for the tangible achievement. More importantly, if we have the means to put Tsushima under our influence through diplomacy, isn't it our moral obligation as a stronger nation to choose that option? Father, you must pull out the troops." Taejong looks annoyed but can't help but see the reality of it.
An interesting exchange between Park Eun and Jo Malseng. "You're a born fighter," Jo says: you've turned the Hall of Worthies into a force that defeated the former king. But Park doesn't like that idea and says that Taejong "has to be made the winner, on the surface at least. He is the one who started this conquest, so the victory must be his." "Is that the king's order?", Jo asks. Park just says, "I'll let you answer that question yourself." Jo smiles.
Taejong is shooting at the archery grounds; Jo Malseng is with him. "You must have known" that Park and the Hall of Worthies were researching the annexation issue. Yes, I did, Jo tells him. "Why didn't you tell me?" "Must I report non-military matters to you as well?" "How convenient," Taejong says with irritation; now you take a narrow view of what's military and what isn't. But Jo is unfazed and presses on, daringly: "Do you still wish annexation?" No answer. "Call the troops back, your Eminence. You must call them back now to take credit for both military and diplomatic success." And if I refuse? "You will face fierce opposition from the retainers as well as the public. I beg you to spare me the pain of committing such disobedience." (This is an amazingly gutsy stand from Jo, considering what happened to Shim On.) "I'm lucky to have a man like you beside me," says Taejong with dripping sarcasm. Indeed you are a faithful servant."
Evening. Taejong is alone, except for Noh Huibong. "Do you think they would have done this to me if I were the king?" he ponders. "Jo Malseng, that bastard; that was not a recommendation from him, that was an order. Even he has turned against me to be the new king's faithful dog."
Huh Jo and Byun Gaeryang discuss developments, as Meng Sasung listens: "I guess this round goes to the new king!" "This is going to be an exciting match to watch." Then Sasung speaks up: "What's so exciting? You think it's fun to watch a son knocking his father around? I underestimated the young king. In less than a year he has learned to suppress his political rival without lifting a finger. Politics--it's an ugly animal...."
Um Jachi and Jeong Ogeun are standing behind Sejong and smiling. Jachi leans forward and says to the king, "Everyone says this is your victory, your majesty. Aren't you happy?" We can see that he isn't. "My father once told me that kings have to give up their decency the moment they rise to the throne. I didn't know until today that it included having to fight your own father for political supremacy. No, I am not happy about beating my father. But I am not unhappy about protecting the people and protecting my political stance. Now we wait for the enemy to accept my proposal."
We hear Sejong reading some of the text of his letter to So, as So considers it: "Lord So of Tsushima: We rule different lands but I trust our desire to protect our people is alike. Amity is the only way to protect the people, so don't reject my offer."
Yehjin comes and visits the tent where Choi Haesan and Jang Youngsil are working. He advises them that they need to be wary of moisture getting into their gunpowder. Taking a stick and actually writing in the gunpowder (using Arabic numerals, which amazes Choi and Jang), he calculates that the rainy season comes two weeks earlier in Tsushima. They're very impressed with Yehjin's talent; how does he know all of this? Yehjin, remembering Haesan's comment in the previous episode, tells them, "It's because I'm a wacko." Haesan is caught off-guard (pretty funny): "Um...Uh...I was going to apologize to you about that." But then Yehjin thanks Youngsil for saving his life by blowing the lock off his cell door, "and for showing me new technology."
So surveys his camp; it's not pretty. There are many injured troops, and many refugee families huddled around fires to keep warm in the night air. He wonders, "Will these men continue to respect me as the lord of Tsushima and follow my leadership?"
The next morning (July 3) at the Joseon camp, Osaki: So and his subordinates approach under a white flag and meet the Joseonese. It's not easy for So, but he steps forward...and kneels. "I, lord So of Tsushima...surrender to Joseon." Yu Jeonghyun steps forward, helps him to his feet and says, "We salute your decision. Joseon and Tsushima are now brothers!" The Joseon troops cheer, while the Tsushimans look around uncertainly.
We see the Joseon forces return home on their ships. Voiceover narration tells us that the conquest army did not stay; Tsushima did not become a Joseon colony. We then learn that Sejong made Tsushima the entry point for all Japanese coming before the Joseon royal court; and that he granted them trade privileges and provided economic support; all of this to "raise its profile." And we're told that Tsushima was kept under Joseon's influence with diplomacy alone; this was the most significant aspect of the conquest. And we even see Munetoshi received by Sejong, apparently as some sort of permanent envoy.
It's the following summer (1420): Farmers are observing the demonstration of a new device; it's a waterwheel that will help them water crops during the dry season. The wheel is powered simply by walking on top of the wheel. The farmers are ecstatic. Choi Haesan and Jang Youngsil are watching the scene (and are apparently involved with it somehow; it wasn't clear). Then Sejong shows up in the background, dressed incognito, and, pleased with the favorable reaction, nodes approvingly to Choi and Jang.
Sejong enters the Hall of Worthies; the scholars rise from their chairs. "Oh dear," the king says, "I'm going to have to punish all of you? How many times must I tell you not to get up to greet me when you're focused on your work." But Choi Manli explains, "We can't do that, your majesty. Proper manners and tidy appearance are essential for scholars." (Wow, was THAT a long time ago.) So Sejong turns to Park Eun and tells him that "They're becoming nitpickers just like you." Everyone smiles; we can tell that the mood in the hall is very upbeat. Then Sejong asks Park for a weather forecast. Park tells him that the royal astronomer is "busy deciphering the stars." (So when they say "astronomer" they mean "astrologer.")
Inside the "Clay Room": We see Choi Chungu of the Bureau of Astronomy; he's kneeling and facing a star map. He puts some dust granules into a straight pipe and blows them towards the map. Then he checks diagrams in a book.
Chungu returns to the Hall of Worthies. "What is the result?", asks Yi Su.
"Another dry year?" Sejong has been told. Devote more effort to water conservation, he orders. We learn that Gim Jongsuh is out in the countryside investigating the water situation.
In a courtyard, two men are being punished by flogging with bamboo. Gim Jongsuh is overseeing it; these are men in charge of a reservoir and aren't maintaining a proper water supply. Later, we see prince Kyoungnyeong, who's with Gim on the trip; he suggests to Gim that he's being too tough on the officials, since this is actually the best reservoir that they've seen and that it might make people unhappy with the king. But Gim tells him that this will send a message to the other reservoir staffs that they should worry about their very lives, and that it's better for people to be unhappy with the king over how officials are treated than over a national crop failure. As Gim walks away, the prince is left smiling and impressed with Gim's wisdom.
At the Hall of Worthies: Sejong wants to mass-produce waterwheels--at least 100 of them. This is a tough task and needs skilled labor. Where to get it?
At the royal typecasting foundry: Yi Chun is there; he's apparently running the place. He's not happy with the quality of what he sees. He dresses down the foreman, in the process mentioning his frustration with being assigned here...and then he sees Sejong standing just outside. He concedes to Sejong that he's not happy working there. Sejong tells him that he put him there because of his meticulous nature. But if you find this boring, "How would you like to try something else for a while?"
Sejong shows Yi Chun a demonstration waterwheel, a redesigned version that will draw more water. How about taking over the production of them as a job? "It's...a little better," Chun says with obvious understatement. As Sejong and his associates leave: "Are you blind? What do you use your eyes for? This space is uneven." Chun has dived right in and is ordering the workers around already. Yun Hwe says, "It's going to be pretty noisy here for a while." Everyone smiles, knowing that good results will follow.
Huh Jo and other ministers are sitting idly in the lunchroom. As Park Eun enters, Huh complains to him that "The Hall of Worthies is running the state, so we have nothing to do." Yu Jeonghyun says that the king is neglecting other important matters and focusing excessively on the water issue. "Imbalance is not a good thing, left minister." Park answers that it's better than a public suffering from drought. Meng Sasung grumbles that "We do all the work and someone else gets the credit" and complains about "young scholars who sit around the palace pushing pencils."
"You must not push yourself, your eminence. If you're not careful...." The royal physician is with Taejong. "I heard you," Taejong tells him. "You may leave." "Please do not ignore my advice this time, your eminence. You must put state affairs behind and rest." Taejong says, "How much time do I have left?" (!!!) And then tells the physician, "This stays between you and me" and orders him not to blab.
A sort of token appearance for the Wongyeong as she visits the queen. The former queen tells escort Han that she needs to teach the queen that "she must always look poised and confident even when in excruciating pain inside so that all others will learn to fear her."
Hyobin comes to see Taejong, and as she approaches his quarters sees the physician leave. Inside, she asks him with great concern, "What does the physician say?" Sejong tries to calm her: "Are you afraid I'm going to die? Don't worry. It was just a routine examination." Hyobin presses, "Is that the truth?" "I will outlive you, my dear," he says reassuringly, lying through his teeth. It works; she smiles with relief.
At the Hall of Worthies: Female attendants enter and bring lunch to the scholars. Yi Sun brings Sejong his bowl and tells him, "They are from the queen" to encourage the scholars and thank them for their efforts. As she leaves, she looks back at the king and smiles giddily.
Evening: Sejong has come to visit his queen. He asks her, "Are you angry because this is an unscheduled visit?" She answers, "You must consider the royal consort who is waiting to serve you tonight." But he wanted to come and thank her for caring about the scholars. Surprisingly, she doesn't know what he's talking about. Outside the door, Escort Han and the queen's attendants are eavesdropping, and Han immediately points the finger at Yi Sun: "You must be behind this. Why would you aggravate the royal couple's relationship by doing something that would be exposed right away?" "I thought it would bring them closer together," Sun explains, but Han scolds her.
Nighttime: We see the king and queen asleep together (so he stuck around anyway). Outside, it's raining buckets. Yun Hwe comes running towards the queen's chambers through the rain, screaming in distress. Sejong arises and steps out onto the porch. "What is it?" Yun tells him, "The flash flood is consuming our farms and fields!" Other officials come running. We see the waterwheel equipment in the palace yard being blown around, and we see huge amounts of water flooding streets. (Yes, another triumph for astrology!) Sejong is told that embankments are collapsing around the country people are drowning. He's aghast at the news.