Post by ajk on Dec 9, 2008 15:46:31 GMT -5
Jo Malseng leads the Joseon diplomatic mission into the Ming throne room. They bow before the young emperor Yingzong, who opens up a scroll. They're presenting him with the plans for the design of the rain gauge. Prince Anpyeong is there too. Jo explains the rain gauge's value and usefulness in flood control. But Yingzong's response? "Indeed your king is as insolent as rumored. Great Ming attends to the people of great Ming." Then he tells Jo that Ming will no longer share its calendars with Joseon. "It means great Ming is no longer a sister state to Joseon." Why?, a stunned Jo asks. "Let your king answer that question for himself!" The whole Joseon delegation is baffled. Wang Zhen has been standing at the emperor's side for all of this; he can barely suppress a smile. (We see Poongae in this scene, among the Ming receiving party.)
Gim Jongsuh, who's now Minister of Rites, has been informed by Hwang Hee that a Ming envoy is approaching for an unannounced visit.
Jo realizes that the emperor knows about Joseon's ganui.
Gyeonggi province: Haishou is the envoy; Gim has gone to Gyeonggi to receive him. He tries to welcome Haishou and be friendly, but Haishou is all business. He intends to discover Joseon's Ganui, he says intently.
The Joseon delegation has sent a messenger to Sejong, and thankfully it arrives several hours ahead of Haishou. The message tells Sejong that Huang Zan has fallen out of favor with the emperor and that the emperor knows about the ganui.
Meeting with Joseon officials, Haishou demands an immediate inspection of the Joseon palace grounds, or else the diplomatic relationship between Ming and Joseon is over.
Sejong realizes that they're going to have to comply with the inspection request, but they need to work quickly and find a way to minimize the damage somehow.
As Haishou continues towards the capital...Flashback of Haishou receiving instructions from Wang Zhen: "Don't leave a stone unturned. The palace is likely to be a warehouse of information. Confiscate everything. Not just the ganui but their new weapons as well!"
At the palace: Lots of scurrying around as offices are shut down and security procedures implemented. At the Hall of Worthies, books and files are being removed for storage, and scholars are being sent home. Yi Sunji (the astronomical specialist) enters, furious about the situation and the possible fate of the ganui. Choi Manli tells him that even if Joseon must give up its calendar science, it's still better than isolation from ming.
Sejong orders the ganui disassembled immediately, and also orders the weapons office shut down and the secret weapons hidden.
Several young scholars enter the Hall of Worthies; they support Sunji and want to resist the inspection to try to save the ganui. Sunji is desperate, but Jeong Inji tells him that it's too late now.
Sejong wants to come up with something to delay the envoy, to buy more time.
At the Imjin River ferry dock: Gim Jongsuh offers to find Haishou a boat for the river crossing (and undoubtedly he'd take his sweet time doing it). But Haishou has thought ahead. A subordinate has already found someone in his own to handle their crossing. Smart thinking.
Sejong is informed of the envoy's progress. He's with the queen, and asks for her help, which she's ready and willing to provide, no questions asked.
Back at the Hall of Worthies, Yi Sunji and the young scholars are standing their ground, fully intending to make trouble when the envoy arrives. So Jeong Inji calmly calls in Yi Gak and a squad of soldiers, and tells them to detain and guard the group (at a sufficiently remote location) until the envoy leaves.
Outside, crown prince Hyang and Jang Youngsil come upon the soldiers hauling the scholars away. The scholars are still angry, still complaining, and when they see Youngsil they challenge him: Why did you risk your life and go to Ming to bring back the astronomical technology if you're just going to stand here and let them take it? But Youngsil is trying to be practical: "Do you want to end up with nothing trying to hold on to everything?" Then they try to challenge Hyang, asking him what kind of king he plans to be, but he's being practical too: "Now is not the time to indulge in such discussions," he tells them, and walks away. He feels bad, telling Youngsil that those scholars had vowed loyalty to him and now they stand against him. But he can't fret about it now because he's headed off somewhere to do something.
Changqui Gate, capital city: Haishou arrives. They don't just let him into the city, though; Gim Jongsuh tells him that Sejong has ordered everyone entering the city to be searched. Swords are drawn on both sides and an ugly confrontation almost breaks out, but just then the crown prince shows up and asks what the commotion is. Haishou tells him, "I was admonishing an official of an insolent feudal state who was obstructing the envoy's path." But Hyang tells him that a rash of violent thefts has been occurring in the city, and the thieves have supposedly been wearing Ming attire. We don't suspect you, he says, but they need to check his entourage over for "suspicious characters." "And if I say no?" "The grace and dignity of great Ming will be questioned." And he adds, "If you are the noble man I think you are, you must have compassion for the prince of a smaller kingdom who is trying to protect his people." Haishou glares, not buying it and obviously thinking he's being played, but says he'll allow the inspection. "But be prepared to pay thoroughly for this." He keeps glaring at Hyang, but the prince glares right back and doesn't flinch.
Even the secret alphabet research room is being cleaned out. Prince Jinyang asks if this is really necessary. Sejong isn't sure how thorough the inspection will be, and says it's not worth risking it since discovering this project would cause a bigger stir than the calendar science project. As they leave, though, we see a single sheet of paper left behind under a shelf.
An irritated Choi Manli tells Jeong Inji that if the envoy's inspection manages to turn up proof of the alphabet project, it will be a good thing because it will save Joseon from descending into barbarism.
Horsecarts are loaded with documents and books. Choi Haesan and Jang Youngsil, dressed incognito, lead the carts away and out of the Youngchu gate. Gim Mun is watching, and goes back to tell Choi Manli.
The queen emerges from her quarters and steps into a covered palanquin. Inside, three cloth-covered bundles are next to her. A total of seven palanquins are there, and are picked up and carried from the palace. Jeong Changson is watching; he goes back to the Hall of Worthies and reports to Choi Manli that seven palanquins left the palace but that only five royal ladies were in the group. Choi concludes that the other two must have been carrying documents, which means the king's secret alphabet research office must be near the Changqui gate. They study a palace map to try to figure out what building it might be in, and as they discuss this, Jeong Inji silently realizes to himself where it must be (we can see his Eureka moment in his face). But outwardly he plays it cool and tries to discourage their speculation. The queen is just leaving the palace to get away from the commotion, he tells them, nothing more than that. And she might be going to a Buddhist service, in which case she wouldn't go empty-handed, she'd bring "valuable items" which would explain the two extra palanquins. Choi thinks about it and says it makes sense, and that seems to satisfy him.
But later, we see that Choi didn't agree at all. He still suspects, and is waiting to see what happens with the envoy.
Hwang Hee has come out to meet Haishou, who's impatient to get inside. But Hwang Hee reminds him that diplomatic protocols must be followed first. Then, off to the side, we see the queen's party leaving the palace. This raises Haishou's suspicions immediately. Hwang Hee tries to downplay it, saying that the queen is leaving to attend a Buddhist service. But Haishou responds, "I guess that could mean two things. Either the queen is a simpleton, blind to state affairs"--which infuriates every Joseonese who hears him--"or...those palanquins are carrying classified documents that shouldn't be found in the palace. Am I wrong?" Hwang awkwardly smiles and tries to laugh him off: "You have quite an imagination." Haishou agrees that he does: "It's vital as an intelligence agent. Now I must confirm my suspicion to complete my job." And he charges over to intercept the procession...which he does. He wants to inspect the queen's palanquin, and when the queen opens the little window on the palanquin's side, he tells her so directly. We see nervous looks from Jachi and escort Han, who are accompanying the party. Then crown prince Hyang arrives on the scene and objects strenuously. But Soheon interrupts her son and says she'll allow the inspection. "I have one question," she asks Haishou as she steps out of her palanquin. "Is this a custom of Ming? I'm asking you if this boorishness is a tradition of great Ming." He fires back, "Only when we are dealing with an insolent state." She stays very cool, and even chuckles at him. "An insolent state? I certainly hope you won't regret having said that." And then the Ming guards RUSH at that moment to the palanquin and inspect it. They rummage through the whole thing, turning over all of the pillows--and find nothing. (Where did those bundles go?) She chuckles again. "Now it's time for the boorish envoy of great Ming to apologize to the queen of an insolent state." But he's not ready to admit defeat: "What's in those two palanquins that no one came out of?" So the guards go to them. Han and Jachi unlock them, and the guards open them up. In one is a Buddha statue, and in the other is a large urn, apparently of some religious purpose. No documents. We see just the hint of a sly look back from the queen; obviously she pulled one over on the envoy. Haishou has to eat humble pie. "Forgive me for my lack of courtesy, your highness." "I forgive you," Soheon says. "And let me give you some advice as well. There are manners to be observed when you visit someone else's home. And much more so when you visit another government. Whether it is an official visit or an inspection, you need to be more mindful of your actions." Haishou stands there, head down, and quietly takes his medicine, and then the crown prince gently suggests proceeding with the diplomatic protocols now.
Later, Hyang is talking to his brother Jinyang, amazed about the hidden documents. How did they get removed from the palanquins? They didn't, Jinyang tells him; they were there all along. In secret compartments built into the floors of the palanquins. It was Youngsil's idea. (What a chump I was--I was sure that the whole thing was a setup to humiliate Haishou and that they weren't carrying any documents. There, I admitted it.)
Yi Chun reports to Sejong that Youngsil and Haesan have reached a safe distance from the palace. Proceed with the inspection, Sejong says.
Haishou reaches the top of the observatory. He finds a ganui...but not THE ganui. It's wooden! It's a prototype, Hwang Hee tells him. Haishou doesn't buy it. "Jang Youngsil stole the technology from Ming over ten years ago," he points out; do you expect me to believe that you only have a prototype after all this time? Hwang plays innocent again: I'm an old man and I'm not really literate about this technology, he says, but I would think it's extremely complex, so why wouldn't it take a long time? Then he tells Haishou that Sejong is ready to give up the astronomical project entirely. You can destroy the prototype if you like, he offers. Ignoring this, Haishou says, "I will ask you one last time, where did you hide the astronomical instrument?" Oh dear, Hwang says, What can I do to convince you? You're welcome to search the palace. Haishou's hilarious response: "I guess that means you've taken it safely out of the palace." (His deadpan irritation was very funny.) Then he completely changes the subject: "Who is the secret agent you've planted in my government?"
Ming: Poongae sneaks into the Joseon delegation's sitting room. Shin Sukju and Sung Sammun are there; they want to se Huang Zan to ask scholarly advice of him. But Poongae tells him it isn't possible; Huang has been charged with high treason for turning over astronomical technology. But then Gang Hui, who's with them, actually speaks up! And explains that the alphabet project is the king's dream, that's how important it is. So Poongae says he'll see what he can do.
Haishou and Hwang Hee are talking alone. Haishou, resigned to his being outfoxed, tells Hwang that "Joseon's intelligence capacity and quick response is quite impressive." Hwang doesn't accept the compliment; Haishou didn't expect him to. But then Haishou adds, "Although you did give me indisputable cause to take Jang Youngsil to great Ming for stealing our astronomical technology."
Back in Ming: Wang Zhen tells Jo Malseng that they want to put Youngsil on trial. Jo looks and acts dumbfounded; he's putting on a good show. He argues that he's proven himself loyal to Ming and asks for some time to "turn the king" (not sure on what). No, Wang says; you may be loyal to Ming "but I'm more concerned about your loyalty to the Joseon king." "Give us one more chance," Jo pleads, but Wang says it's too late for that.
Sukju, Sammun and Gang Hui return to their sitting room to find it ransacked. The phonetics books they acquired have been taken, as has a personal letter from Sejong.
The phonetics books and the king's letter are placed on the table between Wang Zhen and Jo Malseng. Jo, still putting up the false front, says that the king simply wants an academic exchange with Huang Zan and other such scholars. But then Huang is brought before them, under guard and wearing prisoner's white. He reads the king's letter, which asks specific questions about Chinese vowel and consonant sounds. Huang asks Jo, "Does the king aspire to create a writing system?" This is absurd, Jo says, but Wang shoots back, "Don't try to deny it. Dongchang has been watching closely since the day Joseon acquired the Menggu Ziyun (Mongolian rhyming dictionary) from Mongolia five years ago. Three trips to Japan, two trips to India, four trips to Mongolia. Shin Sukju and Sung Sammun were on all these trips." And now this letter to Huang. Jo remains calm: "Don't you think your speculation is a bit farfetched?" But Huang tells him, "You can fool everyone but you can't fool me. What your king dreams of is creation of Joseon's new writing system." Jo says nothing, only maintains his poker face of cluelessness. (Knowing Jo, you couldn't help but wonder throughout this scene if he was suddenly going to grab some kind of personal advantage at Sejong's expense, but give him credit, he was loyal all the way through.)
Later, as Huang Zan is being led through a courtyard to his cell, he crosses paths with the Joseonese. Annoyed by Huang's selling-out and blatant accusation, Jo says, "I thought you were a scholar before a politician." "Right now," Huang candidly replies, "I'm nothing more than a coward who will do anything to stay alive. What I just did will keep me from being executed." "That's why you made up this lie and drove Joseon into a corner?" But Huang is convinced that there really is an alphabet project, and firmly tells Jo, "I spoke the truth as a scholar. Frankly, I am very curious to know if your king will get over this hump and succeed in developing a new writing system. That's another reason I want to stay alive. Creating a new writing system, that was my cherished dream as well. Chinese script holds a great civilization, but it is very difficult. That's why over 90 percent of my people are illiterate." It's an impediment, he feels. "But it's impossible for one man to create a writing system overnight. If it were possible, I would have done it first myself!" He laughs as he's led away.
Wang Zhen is with Poongae, talking it all through (more to himself, not to Poongae). The Mongols, he states, developed a writing system because they wanted to rule the world. So he concludes that Joseon is doing the same thing for the same reason. "Joseon will be thoroughly punished. We will start with Jang Youngsil."
Hwang Hee has suggested to Sejong the possibility of having to give Youngsil up. This upsets the king a great deal, understandably. But Hwang argues, "We might end up losing too much if we don't give them what they want and put an end to this." You need to at least think about it, Hwang advises--"We don't have a lot of choices, your majesty."
Apparently a number of days later: Sejong and Wang Zhen, both backed up by delegations, are sitting at a table across from each other in a large gazebo-like structure (I'm not sure where this is: obviously somebody did some traveling. I'm guessing this on the Joseon palace grounds and Wang came as an envoy, but it isn't clear.) Wang challenges Sejong: "Do you aspire to crush Ming and become a mightier empire?" Sejong reminds him, "Joseon has worked diligently to maintain peace with Ming." "Then why are you trying to create your own writing?" Sejong smiles calmly. "You shouldn't be bringing baseless conjecture to the negotiating table." "That remains to be seen." Wang continues, "The emperor is enraged by Joseon's recent behavior." "It is a shame that the emperor does not share my view," Sejong answers. "I hope he'll soon realize that the heavens belong neither to the emperor nor the king but to the people." That seems like a dangerous opinion the moment we hear him speak it, and Wang reacts as expected: "Is that a declaration of war?" "I believe I already conveyed my desire for peace. Joseon is willing to give up astronomy. The ganui, the observatory, I will destroy all in front of you." But that's not what Wang wants: "It's too late, your majesty. We want to put Jang Youngsil on trial at the Ming state tribunal." "If Joseon refuses?" "Our diplomatic relations will be severed and there will be punitive military action." Both men stand and glare at each other, as Wang presses: "I am give you one last chance. Peace with Ming, or self-destruction. Which will you choose?"
Gim Jongsuh, who's now Minister of Rites, has been informed by Hwang Hee that a Ming envoy is approaching for an unannounced visit.
Jo realizes that the emperor knows about Joseon's ganui.
Gyeonggi province: Haishou is the envoy; Gim has gone to Gyeonggi to receive him. He tries to welcome Haishou and be friendly, but Haishou is all business. He intends to discover Joseon's Ganui, he says intently.
The Joseon delegation has sent a messenger to Sejong, and thankfully it arrives several hours ahead of Haishou. The message tells Sejong that Huang Zan has fallen out of favor with the emperor and that the emperor knows about the ganui.
Meeting with Joseon officials, Haishou demands an immediate inspection of the Joseon palace grounds, or else the diplomatic relationship between Ming and Joseon is over.
Sejong realizes that they're going to have to comply with the inspection request, but they need to work quickly and find a way to minimize the damage somehow.
As Haishou continues towards the capital...Flashback of Haishou receiving instructions from Wang Zhen: "Don't leave a stone unturned. The palace is likely to be a warehouse of information. Confiscate everything. Not just the ganui but their new weapons as well!"
At the palace: Lots of scurrying around as offices are shut down and security procedures implemented. At the Hall of Worthies, books and files are being removed for storage, and scholars are being sent home. Yi Sunji (the astronomical specialist) enters, furious about the situation and the possible fate of the ganui. Choi Manli tells him that even if Joseon must give up its calendar science, it's still better than isolation from ming.
Sejong orders the ganui disassembled immediately, and also orders the weapons office shut down and the secret weapons hidden.
Several young scholars enter the Hall of Worthies; they support Sunji and want to resist the inspection to try to save the ganui. Sunji is desperate, but Jeong Inji tells him that it's too late now.
Sejong wants to come up with something to delay the envoy, to buy more time.
At the Imjin River ferry dock: Gim Jongsuh offers to find Haishou a boat for the river crossing (and undoubtedly he'd take his sweet time doing it). But Haishou has thought ahead. A subordinate has already found someone in his own to handle their crossing. Smart thinking.
Sejong is informed of the envoy's progress. He's with the queen, and asks for her help, which she's ready and willing to provide, no questions asked.
Back at the Hall of Worthies, Yi Sunji and the young scholars are standing their ground, fully intending to make trouble when the envoy arrives. So Jeong Inji calmly calls in Yi Gak and a squad of soldiers, and tells them to detain and guard the group (at a sufficiently remote location) until the envoy leaves.
Outside, crown prince Hyang and Jang Youngsil come upon the soldiers hauling the scholars away. The scholars are still angry, still complaining, and when they see Youngsil they challenge him: Why did you risk your life and go to Ming to bring back the astronomical technology if you're just going to stand here and let them take it? But Youngsil is trying to be practical: "Do you want to end up with nothing trying to hold on to everything?" Then they try to challenge Hyang, asking him what kind of king he plans to be, but he's being practical too: "Now is not the time to indulge in such discussions," he tells them, and walks away. He feels bad, telling Youngsil that those scholars had vowed loyalty to him and now they stand against him. But he can't fret about it now because he's headed off somewhere to do something.
Changqui Gate, capital city: Haishou arrives. They don't just let him into the city, though; Gim Jongsuh tells him that Sejong has ordered everyone entering the city to be searched. Swords are drawn on both sides and an ugly confrontation almost breaks out, but just then the crown prince shows up and asks what the commotion is. Haishou tells him, "I was admonishing an official of an insolent feudal state who was obstructing the envoy's path." But Hyang tells him that a rash of violent thefts has been occurring in the city, and the thieves have supposedly been wearing Ming attire. We don't suspect you, he says, but they need to check his entourage over for "suspicious characters." "And if I say no?" "The grace and dignity of great Ming will be questioned." And he adds, "If you are the noble man I think you are, you must have compassion for the prince of a smaller kingdom who is trying to protect his people." Haishou glares, not buying it and obviously thinking he's being played, but says he'll allow the inspection. "But be prepared to pay thoroughly for this." He keeps glaring at Hyang, but the prince glares right back and doesn't flinch.
Even the secret alphabet research room is being cleaned out. Prince Jinyang asks if this is really necessary. Sejong isn't sure how thorough the inspection will be, and says it's not worth risking it since discovering this project would cause a bigger stir than the calendar science project. As they leave, though, we see a single sheet of paper left behind under a shelf.
An irritated Choi Manli tells Jeong Inji that if the envoy's inspection manages to turn up proof of the alphabet project, it will be a good thing because it will save Joseon from descending into barbarism.
Horsecarts are loaded with documents and books. Choi Haesan and Jang Youngsil, dressed incognito, lead the carts away and out of the Youngchu gate. Gim Mun is watching, and goes back to tell Choi Manli.
The queen emerges from her quarters and steps into a covered palanquin. Inside, three cloth-covered bundles are next to her. A total of seven palanquins are there, and are picked up and carried from the palace. Jeong Changson is watching; he goes back to the Hall of Worthies and reports to Choi Manli that seven palanquins left the palace but that only five royal ladies were in the group. Choi concludes that the other two must have been carrying documents, which means the king's secret alphabet research office must be near the Changqui gate. They study a palace map to try to figure out what building it might be in, and as they discuss this, Jeong Inji silently realizes to himself where it must be (we can see his Eureka moment in his face). But outwardly he plays it cool and tries to discourage their speculation. The queen is just leaving the palace to get away from the commotion, he tells them, nothing more than that. And she might be going to a Buddhist service, in which case she wouldn't go empty-handed, she'd bring "valuable items" which would explain the two extra palanquins. Choi thinks about it and says it makes sense, and that seems to satisfy him.
But later, we see that Choi didn't agree at all. He still suspects, and is waiting to see what happens with the envoy.
Hwang Hee has come out to meet Haishou, who's impatient to get inside. But Hwang Hee reminds him that diplomatic protocols must be followed first. Then, off to the side, we see the queen's party leaving the palace. This raises Haishou's suspicions immediately. Hwang Hee tries to downplay it, saying that the queen is leaving to attend a Buddhist service. But Haishou responds, "I guess that could mean two things. Either the queen is a simpleton, blind to state affairs"--which infuriates every Joseonese who hears him--"or...those palanquins are carrying classified documents that shouldn't be found in the palace. Am I wrong?" Hwang awkwardly smiles and tries to laugh him off: "You have quite an imagination." Haishou agrees that he does: "It's vital as an intelligence agent. Now I must confirm my suspicion to complete my job." And he charges over to intercept the procession...which he does. He wants to inspect the queen's palanquin, and when the queen opens the little window on the palanquin's side, he tells her so directly. We see nervous looks from Jachi and escort Han, who are accompanying the party. Then crown prince Hyang arrives on the scene and objects strenuously. But Soheon interrupts her son and says she'll allow the inspection. "I have one question," she asks Haishou as she steps out of her palanquin. "Is this a custom of Ming? I'm asking you if this boorishness is a tradition of great Ming." He fires back, "Only when we are dealing with an insolent state." She stays very cool, and even chuckles at him. "An insolent state? I certainly hope you won't regret having said that." And then the Ming guards RUSH at that moment to the palanquin and inspect it. They rummage through the whole thing, turning over all of the pillows--and find nothing. (Where did those bundles go?) She chuckles again. "Now it's time for the boorish envoy of great Ming to apologize to the queen of an insolent state." But he's not ready to admit defeat: "What's in those two palanquins that no one came out of?" So the guards go to them. Han and Jachi unlock them, and the guards open them up. In one is a Buddha statue, and in the other is a large urn, apparently of some religious purpose. No documents. We see just the hint of a sly look back from the queen; obviously she pulled one over on the envoy. Haishou has to eat humble pie. "Forgive me for my lack of courtesy, your highness." "I forgive you," Soheon says. "And let me give you some advice as well. There are manners to be observed when you visit someone else's home. And much more so when you visit another government. Whether it is an official visit or an inspection, you need to be more mindful of your actions." Haishou stands there, head down, and quietly takes his medicine, and then the crown prince gently suggests proceeding with the diplomatic protocols now.
Later, Hyang is talking to his brother Jinyang, amazed about the hidden documents. How did they get removed from the palanquins? They didn't, Jinyang tells him; they were there all along. In secret compartments built into the floors of the palanquins. It was Youngsil's idea. (What a chump I was--I was sure that the whole thing was a setup to humiliate Haishou and that they weren't carrying any documents. There, I admitted it.)
Yi Chun reports to Sejong that Youngsil and Haesan have reached a safe distance from the palace. Proceed with the inspection, Sejong says.
Haishou reaches the top of the observatory. He finds a ganui...but not THE ganui. It's wooden! It's a prototype, Hwang Hee tells him. Haishou doesn't buy it. "Jang Youngsil stole the technology from Ming over ten years ago," he points out; do you expect me to believe that you only have a prototype after all this time? Hwang plays innocent again: I'm an old man and I'm not really literate about this technology, he says, but I would think it's extremely complex, so why wouldn't it take a long time? Then he tells Haishou that Sejong is ready to give up the astronomical project entirely. You can destroy the prototype if you like, he offers. Ignoring this, Haishou says, "I will ask you one last time, where did you hide the astronomical instrument?" Oh dear, Hwang says, What can I do to convince you? You're welcome to search the palace. Haishou's hilarious response: "I guess that means you've taken it safely out of the palace." (His deadpan irritation was very funny.) Then he completely changes the subject: "Who is the secret agent you've planted in my government?"
Ming: Poongae sneaks into the Joseon delegation's sitting room. Shin Sukju and Sung Sammun are there; they want to se Huang Zan to ask scholarly advice of him. But Poongae tells him it isn't possible; Huang has been charged with high treason for turning over astronomical technology. But then Gang Hui, who's with them, actually speaks up! And explains that the alphabet project is the king's dream, that's how important it is. So Poongae says he'll see what he can do.
Haishou and Hwang Hee are talking alone. Haishou, resigned to his being outfoxed, tells Hwang that "Joseon's intelligence capacity and quick response is quite impressive." Hwang doesn't accept the compliment; Haishou didn't expect him to. But then Haishou adds, "Although you did give me indisputable cause to take Jang Youngsil to great Ming for stealing our astronomical technology."
Back in Ming: Wang Zhen tells Jo Malseng that they want to put Youngsil on trial. Jo looks and acts dumbfounded; he's putting on a good show. He argues that he's proven himself loyal to Ming and asks for some time to "turn the king" (not sure on what). No, Wang says; you may be loyal to Ming "but I'm more concerned about your loyalty to the Joseon king." "Give us one more chance," Jo pleads, but Wang says it's too late for that.
Sukju, Sammun and Gang Hui return to their sitting room to find it ransacked. The phonetics books they acquired have been taken, as has a personal letter from Sejong.
The phonetics books and the king's letter are placed on the table between Wang Zhen and Jo Malseng. Jo, still putting up the false front, says that the king simply wants an academic exchange with Huang Zan and other such scholars. But then Huang is brought before them, under guard and wearing prisoner's white. He reads the king's letter, which asks specific questions about Chinese vowel and consonant sounds. Huang asks Jo, "Does the king aspire to create a writing system?" This is absurd, Jo says, but Wang shoots back, "Don't try to deny it. Dongchang has been watching closely since the day Joseon acquired the Menggu Ziyun (Mongolian rhyming dictionary) from Mongolia five years ago. Three trips to Japan, two trips to India, four trips to Mongolia. Shin Sukju and Sung Sammun were on all these trips." And now this letter to Huang. Jo remains calm: "Don't you think your speculation is a bit farfetched?" But Huang tells him, "You can fool everyone but you can't fool me. What your king dreams of is creation of Joseon's new writing system." Jo says nothing, only maintains his poker face of cluelessness. (Knowing Jo, you couldn't help but wonder throughout this scene if he was suddenly going to grab some kind of personal advantage at Sejong's expense, but give him credit, he was loyal all the way through.)
Later, as Huang Zan is being led through a courtyard to his cell, he crosses paths with the Joseonese. Annoyed by Huang's selling-out and blatant accusation, Jo says, "I thought you were a scholar before a politician." "Right now," Huang candidly replies, "I'm nothing more than a coward who will do anything to stay alive. What I just did will keep me from being executed." "That's why you made up this lie and drove Joseon into a corner?" But Huang is convinced that there really is an alphabet project, and firmly tells Jo, "I spoke the truth as a scholar. Frankly, I am very curious to know if your king will get over this hump and succeed in developing a new writing system. That's another reason I want to stay alive. Creating a new writing system, that was my cherished dream as well. Chinese script holds a great civilization, but it is very difficult. That's why over 90 percent of my people are illiterate." It's an impediment, he feels. "But it's impossible for one man to create a writing system overnight. If it were possible, I would have done it first myself!" He laughs as he's led away.
Wang Zhen is with Poongae, talking it all through (more to himself, not to Poongae). The Mongols, he states, developed a writing system because they wanted to rule the world. So he concludes that Joseon is doing the same thing for the same reason. "Joseon will be thoroughly punished. We will start with Jang Youngsil."
Hwang Hee has suggested to Sejong the possibility of having to give Youngsil up. This upsets the king a great deal, understandably. But Hwang argues, "We might end up losing too much if we don't give them what they want and put an end to this." You need to at least think about it, Hwang advises--"We don't have a lot of choices, your majesty."
Apparently a number of days later: Sejong and Wang Zhen, both backed up by delegations, are sitting at a table across from each other in a large gazebo-like structure (I'm not sure where this is: obviously somebody did some traveling. I'm guessing this on the Joseon palace grounds and Wang came as an envoy, but it isn't clear.) Wang challenges Sejong: "Do you aspire to crush Ming and become a mightier empire?" Sejong reminds him, "Joseon has worked diligently to maintain peace with Ming." "Then why are you trying to create your own writing?" Sejong smiles calmly. "You shouldn't be bringing baseless conjecture to the negotiating table." "That remains to be seen." Wang continues, "The emperor is enraged by Joseon's recent behavior." "It is a shame that the emperor does not share my view," Sejong answers. "I hope he'll soon realize that the heavens belong neither to the emperor nor the king but to the people." That seems like a dangerous opinion the moment we hear him speak it, and Wang reacts as expected: "Is that a declaration of war?" "I believe I already conveyed my desire for peace. Joseon is willing to give up astronomy. The ganui, the observatory, I will destroy all in front of you." But that's not what Wang wants: "It's too late, your majesty. We want to put Jang Youngsil on trial at the Ming state tribunal." "If Joseon refuses?" "Our diplomatic relations will be severed and there will be punitive military action." Both men stand and glare at each other, as Wang presses: "I am give you one last chance. Peace with Ming, or self-destruction. Which will you choose?"