Post by ajk on Dec 24, 2008 17:43:08 GMT -5
Okay, guys, here it is--the episode we never saw in Chicago. I've added a bit more detail than usual, just to try to give a better description since the episode didn't air. Now before you read this, three things. First, I've also tweaked the Episode 82 summary to remove the comments I had made about not being sure what was going on at certain points. Since the Ep81 information is now here on the board, those comments aren't necessary and it would be silly to leave them in. And now 82 makes a lot more sense to us.
Second, and more importantly: Each of us in Chicago who didn't see this episode, before you read the summary, please turn to the southwest, bow humbly and say, "THANK YOU MIKEY!" It was our Arizona member mikey who made a tape of the episode and promptly sent it to me so I could prepare this. Your grace is immeasurable, mikey.
And finally, I mentioned this earlier, but if anybody wants to watch the episode, just PM me your mailing address and I'll send you the tape to borrow. The summary covers what you need to know, but of course it's always better to see the episode.
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Youngsil is by himself, continuing to work on that piece of glass. He stares through it and we can see Choi Haesan approaching, his image clarified (and inverted) by the refraction of the glass. Choi is frustrated at Youngsil: "Stupid fool; how can you work at a time like this?" Ming is out to get you and you're just sitting there calmly. Not even a response from Youngsil, so Haesan grabs his wrist. "Go to the king. At least ask him what's going on. No, tell him that he'll go to Hell if he deserts you." Still nothing. Haesan gets frustrated and leaves.
Outside, Sejong is practicing his accuracy with a croquet-like ball and mallet while ministers watch. (This is almost certainly the gyeokbang game that we saw then-prince Choongnyeong playing in Ep16 and Ep39.) Hwang Hee, visibly concerned, offers to set up a discussion on how to deal with Wang's demand (that Youngsil be delivered to them for trial, under threat of military action). Sejong calmly says that it won’t be necessary, and asks for one day to think about the situation.
At the Hall of Worthies: The scholars are gathered; crown prince Hyang is there too. Yi Sunji is furious at the possibility of Ming taking Youngsil. He and Jeong Inji have spent five years working on the Joseon calendar system, and he won't accept Choi Manli's and Jeong Changson's advice to just drop the whole matter. Jeong certainly won't want to drop it, Sunji says...but Jeong isn't present. Where the heck is he at this difficult time?
Jeong is alone, is studying a map of the palace complex. "The type foundry....Gunchun gate is right nearby." He's trying to figure out where the secret writing system research room is, assuming that there is such a thing.
Back at the Hall of Worthies: Sunji says angrily that even if the Ming emperor knows about the work, Joseon still needs an accurate calendar system. "It's not too late to fight," he says; "We can't let them take Jang Youngsil!"
Ministers are meeting. They know that a heated argument is going on at the Hall of Worthies. Yi Chun says that's normal; what's NOT normal is how passive things are here in this room. Choi Yundeok tells Yi he's being childish; Ming is contemplating massive military action that could wipe out the country, and that's the bottom line. But Choi Haesan jumps in and argues, What about our new weapons and all the lives they've saved? Hwang Hee assures Choi that no one is happy about the possibility of turning Youngsil over, "but we have to make a realistic decision." But then Jo Malseng, of all people, jumps in and questions the wisdom of letting Ming take him. (Wonder why?)
In the secret writing system research office (the relocated one, at Jingwan temple): Sejong, Jachi, Shin Sukju and Sung Sammun are working. Then the two scholars stand up as if to leave; they simply can't sit there any longer with Youngsil in peril. Sejong immediately tells them, "Your job is writing systems research." In other words, sit down and don't make trouble. "How can we work at a time like this? We want to hear your answer." But Sejong doesn't give them an answer, and instead simply asks for some documents. "No," Sammun says defiantly; "We do not wish to be part of this project any longer." And he goes further: "It's a waste of time anyway, isn't it? If we can give up the astronomical research just because Ming found out about it, who knows when we will give up the writing systems research. No, we should've already given it up." Sukju adds that Ming has apparently found out about the writing systems research already. But Sejong calmly tells them, "I never said I was giving up either of them." Prove it, they tell him, by protecting Youngsil. When you have that proof for us, we'll continue our work here. And they bow and walk out on their king! But Sejong doesn't even flinch at the audacity.
Back at the Hall of Worthies: The scholars want to know what the crown prince thinks of all this. "You are the next king of Joseon," Ha Wiji tells him; "If we must serve a prideless king, we'd rather forsake this country." Strong words. Hyang replies, "I do not wish to go up against Ming." But he also says, "I will save Jang Youngsil." (How's he gonna do both?) He sits down calmly. Ha Wiji challenges him: "The king must fight. It is time to fight!" But Hyang fires back, "Will you be held accountable for the lost lives if we are defeated? You want me to have pride? I believe the king's pride is his people and how well they are taken care of. And it is that pride that I intend to protect by protecting Jang Youngsil." Then Choi Manli stands up, sarcastically clapping at Hyang's words. "It's inspiring but very naive," he tells the prince. "Your inspiring speech won't be so inspiring unless you have a viable plan that will save Jang without turning Ming against us." Calm and unfazed, Hyang matter-of-factly responds, "If plans always had to come from the sovereign, we wouldn't need the Hall of Worthies." (What a great answer. Here, smartass, your job is to solve problems so solve this one. Nice going.) All right, Choi says; if there were a way to save Youngsil without Ming retaliating, "would you take that route regardless of the sacrifice that it might require?" Hmmm...Just then, Shin Sukju and Sung Sammun walk in and offer their assistance. Having walked away from the king, they want to do anything they can to save Youngsil.
Sukju and Sammun follow Choi Manli into the hallway. Choi tells them, "I need leverage to negotiate. Something I can give Ming instead of Jang Youngsil as a tradeoff. What do you think that is?" They have no idea. "Give it a thought," Choi says; "The two of you could be holding Jang Youngsil's fate in your hands." Apparently not having put the pieces together yet, the two scholars simply bow and leave Choi, who lets loose an evil laugh...and then stops it at his sight of Jo Malseng walking down the hall towards him. "Big man Choi Manli has rolled up his sleeves to save Jang Youngsil?", he says, dripping with sarcasm. Not missing a beat, Choi shoots back, "Your political career must really be winding down, sir. What happened to all of the spies you used to have. I'm surprised to see you doing the snooping yourself." Jo asks him, "What is your ulterior motive? Saving Jang Youngsil is not what's on your mind." Choi tries to bluff: "It is indeed my interest in this as a Hall of Worthies scholar to protect a talented mind, sir." But Jo doesn't buy that any more than we do: "Hiding you true intent? You're learning." Choi laughs. Jo continues, "Then let's hear about your powerful plan. How do you intend to save Jang?" "I'm not the one holding the key, sir. And I'm afraid I can't tell you who is either. I should keep my plans firmly to myself until I have the winning hand, since I'm being criticized anyway." And with that he bows and walks away. Quite a scene, these two devious, clever minds locking horns.
Jeong Inji goes into the type foundry by himself. As he explores the walls, we hear his thoughts: That the type foundry was built above a secret underground passageway created by Eunuch Gim Sahaeng. (We learned about that in Ep28 and Ep29). But why build, of all things, a type foundry on top of it? Touching the walls, Jeong manages to find the access to a secret door, and he opens the door. Could there be a secret room through there that the king is using?
Sejong and Jachi are still at work in the relocated office. Then Sejong orders Jachi to summon Gang Hui.
Hwang Hee has summoned Jo Malseng. "How well do you know the king?", Hwang asks.
A bit later, Jeong goes into the secret room by himself. He looks around; the room is completely empty. So there is a room, but..."Am I letting my imagination go to far?", he wonders. Then he spots that one stray piece of paper that was left behind under a shelf when the room was evacuated. He picks it up and studies it. It's about the worst possible piece of paper to leave behind, because it appears to be some kind of a cover sheet with "Language of Joseon" printed on it. As Jeong is kneeling and examining the paper, suddenly there's a hand on his shoulder. It's Choi Manli, who either followed him in or else figured out the room's location and access independently. He sees the paper and tells Jeong, "At last we have proof. How does it feel to confirm that?" Jeong seems a bit overwhelmed by it all. We've known the king for over thirty years, he says, "But he kept a secret from us. Why didn't he discuss this with us? Could it be our fault?" Choi argues that No, it's because the project is "inane," but Jeong isn't sure: "Maybe our closed-mindedness is what kept the king from bringing this into the open and discussing it with the Hall of Worthies." But then he starts to get angry about the king's perceived snub, and that makes up his mind for him: "He has to earn the right to share our wisdom. From now on, I do not support the king. I stand against him, Choi Manli." Choi smiles, and asks for the paper that Jeong is holding "to use as leverage...to make a deal with Ming and save Jang Youngsil." (We don't see Jeong give it to him, though, so it's not clear who ends up with it.)
Youngsil is working on a frame to hold the magnifying glass. Just then several soldiers led by Gang Hui rush in, seize Youngsil and bind him. It's his majesty's order, Gang tells him. He's gagged and thrown into a covered carriage, and the soldiers charge into the night on horseback, with the carriage in tow....Flashback: "He will not comply willingly," Sejong says to Gang Hui; "Use force if that is what it takes. Get Jang Youngsil out and away from the city tonight and send him to Japan."...Flashback ending, the group is suddenly blocked in the road. It's Jo Malseng, backed by a group of other soldiers. Jo correctly guesses that Youngsil is in the carriage; Gang doesn't react. Inside, Youngsil manages to free his hands using the fragments of something in his boot that he smashed (couldn't see exactly what it was; might have been another piece of glass). Outside, Jo slaps Gang Hui. That's right; slaps him. "The royal guards are supposed to help the king." "It's the king's order," Gang answers, whereupon Jo slaps him a second time. (Not a guy I would slap, that's for sure.) Jo says, "If I were you, I would have chosen to kill him instead." Then Youngsil gets out of the carriage and walks up to the group. Jo tells him, "You must know the danger the king and the country will face if we send you into hiding." He holds up a dagger. "Do you want to do it yourself or should I have my men do it for you?" It's best for Joseon that he dies, Jo explains to Gang. Then he tells Youngsil, "You do know what Dongchang will do to you in Ming, don't you?"
At the Ming envoy's quarters: Haishou asks Wang Zhen if it's necessary to take Youngsil all the way back to Ming; why not just kill him right here? "What makes you think I intend to kill Jang Youngsil? Depending on his attitude, he could become an invaluable servant to Ming." (Sound thinking.)
Swords are drawn all around. "I can't let you do this!", Gang tells Jo. But Jo knows what would happen: "Dongchang will attempt to put him to their service. They will put him through treacherous torture and threaten him. Human will becomes infinitely powerless when your life is being threatened." That's not enough for Gang, who replies, "Whether he lives or dies is for his majesty to decide alone." Jo then turns to Youngsil. "Now you are a problem to Joseon. If we turn you over to Ming, we'd be turning over all of our national secrets. Nothing could be more dangerous. But we have no choice but to turn you over if you are alive. What do you think? if you choose wisely, I'll do my best to put you on top of the king's merit subject list." (I didn't understand this offer. Is it a postmortem honor? Jo certainly wouldn't be offering anything to tempt Youngsil to stay alive.) Not saying a word, Youngsil walks right past them, headed who knows where.
Choi Manli goes to see crown prince Hyang. There is a way to save Youngsil, he tells Hyang, but you need to confirm for me that you're still willing to accept whatever sacrifice is necessary. "Is that still true?" "Yes, of course." "Even if that includes making an enemy of your father the king?" Yikes.
Sejong is back at work in the office. Youngsil walks in. "Someone must have interfered," Sejong says, not batting an eye. Youngsil is angry: "Did you think I would thank you for this?" But Sejong merely tells Jachi, "Find another way," that is, another way to get Youngsil away from here. And he tells Youngsil, "Don't get cocky and do as I say." But Youngsil refuses: "The price of my life has become too high. I can't put you through this for me." That's all Sejong can take; he slams his hand on the desk, stand up and glares. "Who do you think I am? I am the king! I will not go down just to protect your life." Youngsil asks to be delivered to Ming, but Sejong tells him, "That's enough. I don't need your loyalty any more." Youngsil fires back, "But this country needs me. This uniform, I didn't put on this uniform just to serve you. This country Joseon doesn't belong to you alone, your majesty. It belongs to this man, who once was a lowly slave, as well. That's why I'm refusing to do anything that will harm this country." He turns to leave, but Sejong appeals to him, "You are my friend of thirty years! At times you were more important to me than my brothers, wife or children. Don't think so much and grant me this request." The king's words carry weight and we can see that they make an impact on Youngsil. But it's not enough of an impact: "I'm sorry. I guess my country is more important to me than a friend."
The next day, at the Hall of Great Peace (Ming envoy's quarters): An outdoor banquet is being served. Scholars from the Hall of Worthies and Ming's Hanlin Academy are sharing public policy ideas. Then Haishou arrives, and tells Jeong Inji that Wang Zhen is pleased to have the Hall of Worthies scholars here. Jeong says it would have been rude not to comply with such a request. Everything seems calm and benign. Then Haishou tells Jeong, "By the way, academic exchange is not the only thing we great Ming can share with the Hall of Worthies." Sitting at one of the tables, Sukju and Sammun watch them talk and wonder if a deal has been made. Has Choi found the leverage that said he needed? What leverage would they have?, Sammun wonders. Sukju says, "It could only be one thing. Councillor Choi has definitely caught on. That's why he approached us." Sammun fears for the future of the writing system project, and worries that they won't be able to work with Sejong any more.
Hyang tells his father that Choi Manli was in the secret office and found something there, and that it's likely he'll turn it over to Ming to try to save Youngsil. "Is there no chance you might give it up?", the prince asks gingerly. "Don't speak frivolously," Sejong answers with a sneer. Hyang reminds him that not only was Jang Youngsil important to you and the country, "but he was my mentor and at times he was like a father to me. If we can protect Jang Youngsil by giving up the writing system...?" Sejong cuts him off: "Do you want to take that route? As you should...As any man with a heart should..." He understands his son's point of view.
A strange group is sitting around a negotiating table. On one side are Jeong Inji, Choi Manli and Jeong Changson. On the other is Haishou, with an aide. At the head of the table is Wang Zhen. The Joseon scholars are trying to make a deal to save Youngsil. But Haishou reminds them that Youngsil was ordered arrested by Ming imperial command. "What do you have that you could trade him for?" Silence. "It must be something quite important." Choi comments, "That depends on how you look at it." Wang Zhen, at the head of the table, is silent but smiling, enjoying all of this. Haishou asks, "Is it the king's writing system development?"
Finally, back to Hwang Hee and Jo Malseng: Hwang asks, "Do you think Ming would trade him for that?" Maybe, Jo says, if Sejong also gives up the astronomical research and swears never to restart either project. Ming's goal, he says, is "taming Joseon and the king to be submissive," and to save Youngsil, Sejong will have no choice but to make such a deal. Not only that, but "Imagine if the king's writing system development project ever got out. The nobles will become furious and rise up against him. And if he doesn't relent, they could call to replace the king. Choi Manli will jump at the chance to put that force behind him. He's a man with good political instincts, after all."
Haishou tells the scholars, We need to see definitive proof of the writing system research before agreeing to anything. And Wang Zhen backs him up. At that Jeong Changson tells his colleagues, "It's time to show them the proof." But just then, Poongae walks in and informs Wang that someone from the royal court has arrived to see him. And in walks Gim Jongsuh! What are you doing here, he asks the three scholars. "We are here for an academic exchange," Choi tells him, but Gim doesn't buy that: "It looks rather serious for an academic exchange." No matter, he's about to bust up the party anyway. He walks over to Wang Zhen, bows, and informs him that "At 9:30 a.m tomorrow, his majesty will personally deliver Jang Youngsil to the Hall of Great Peace." That's all he came to say; he leaves, and the three scholars sit stunned, their negotiation attempt thoroughly squashed.
Hyang is back before his father, asking him to reconsider. "We cannot forsake Jang Youngsil like this." But Sejong isn't budging, and delivers a firm instruction to his son: "We cannot give up the writing system development under any circumstances. That is my principle and it must be your principle as well. If I should die before I can complete the project, you must continue my work and see it through to the end." Hyang asks, "Is this more important than a man's life?" (By know he should know his father's answer to that, certainly.) Sejong answers, "That's all the more reason why we need our own writing system--to prevent the loss of any other man's life because we are too weak to protect him. Our script will be the vessel that holds the spirit of our people. It will be the centripetal force that brings the souls of the nation together. Only with this centripetal force can we become stronger, and only when we are stronger can we protect ourselves from tragedies such as this. And I will be as cruel and heartless as I need to be in order to achieve that." Hyang meekly tries to protest as his father talks, but he sees that there's no point.
Jeong Inji is in a courtyard, walking purposefully towards the throne room building. Youngsil sees him, walks over and blocks his bath, and asks him where he's going--to see the king--and why. "I think you already know why." Youngsil doesn't believe that this is simply a matter of Jeong wanting to save him. They go inside a side building and Youngsil says, "Is your position in the Hall of Worthies becoming insecure? Or you just can't get the trust of your peers? I can't think of any other reason why you would play into the charade about saving me...You don't want to protect me. You're angry with the king [because you] refuse to use the same writing that the peasants use!" Jeong strongly denies this; he says his motivation is to fight Sejong's "backroom politics" and "tyranny." (So we see that he's being driven by anger over the king's perceived snub of the Hall of Worthies.) But Youngsil argues that if Sejong had been open about the writing project from the beginning, he never could have even gotten the project started. "You proved that today," he says, and asks, What happened to you? You were so willing to support the idea of a slave getting a government post and showing him respect. "Is that Jeong Inji no longer with us?" Silence. "I won't let you hurt the king or destroy the king's dream to save me." He starts to walk away but then says, "Let me give you some presumptuous advice. If you're still the king's man and a true servant of Joseon, this is the time to answer the king's call that you've been holding back on for the past five years." He leaves, his powerful words bringing Jeong to tears for just a moment. But are they enough?
Hyang has gone to see Youngsil, who appears to be working on the wheels of a carriage. They reminisce about how long they've known each other; Youngsil remembers, "You were only three years old when I made you that hoop with these hands (which we saw in Ep35). You were about this tall," he says, gesturing. Then Hyang asks, "Aren't you afraid?" Youngsil doesn't want to discuss it. "You have to be stronger than ever," he tells the prince. "Because the king needs you more than ever." Hyang is having a hard time with all of this and tells him, "Youngsil, I...I refuse to have a servant like you. A man who knows nothing except selfless loyalty--I will not have such a foolish servant in my life." And he walks away, overcome with emotion (or maybe nauseated by that pop ballad that's been foisted on us once again here). Youngsil goes back to working on the carriage wheel.
The next day: The king's carriage is brought out. Ministers are gathered as the king emerges. Youngsil, in custody, is brought forward. Sejong steps into the carriage...and CRASH! The thing collapses with him inside of it. The wheels literally crumble to pieces. He nearly falls out of it, but he's okay and he steps from the wreckage. Yi Chun steps forward and demands, "Who serviced this carriage last night?" Youngsil readily admits it: "I did, of course." He stands there and tells Sejong to his face, "How else am I able to express my rage to the king who has forsaken me?" Sejong orders Youngsil arrested right then and there. "I will personally decide his punishment."
Second, and more importantly: Each of us in Chicago who didn't see this episode, before you read the summary, please turn to the southwest, bow humbly and say, "THANK YOU MIKEY!" It was our Arizona member mikey who made a tape of the episode and promptly sent it to me so I could prepare this. Your grace is immeasurable, mikey.
And finally, I mentioned this earlier, but if anybody wants to watch the episode, just PM me your mailing address and I'll send you the tape to borrow. The summary covers what you need to know, but of course it's always better to see the episode.
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Youngsil is by himself, continuing to work on that piece of glass. He stares through it and we can see Choi Haesan approaching, his image clarified (and inverted) by the refraction of the glass. Choi is frustrated at Youngsil: "Stupid fool; how can you work at a time like this?" Ming is out to get you and you're just sitting there calmly. Not even a response from Youngsil, so Haesan grabs his wrist. "Go to the king. At least ask him what's going on. No, tell him that he'll go to Hell if he deserts you." Still nothing. Haesan gets frustrated and leaves.
Outside, Sejong is practicing his accuracy with a croquet-like ball and mallet while ministers watch. (This is almost certainly the gyeokbang game that we saw then-prince Choongnyeong playing in Ep16 and Ep39.) Hwang Hee, visibly concerned, offers to set up a discussion on how to deal with Wang's demand (that Youngsil be delivered to them for trial, under threat of military action). Sejong calmly says that it won’t be necessary, and asks for one day to think about the situation.
At the Hall of Worthies: The scholars are gathered; crown prince Hyang is there too. Yi Sunji is furious at the possibility of Ming taking Youngsil. He and Jeong Inji have spent five years working on the Joseon calendar system, and he won't accept Choi Manli's and Jeong Changson's advice to just drop the whole matter. Jeong certainly won't want to drop it, Sunji says...but Jeong isn't present. Where the heck is he at this difficult time?
Jeong is alone, is studying a map of the palace complex. "The type foundry....Gunchun gate is right nearby." He's trying to figure out where the secret writing system research room is, assuming that there is such a thing.
Back at the Hall of Worthies: Sunji says angrily that even if the Ming emperor knows about the work, Joseon still needs an accurate calendar system. "It's not too late to fight," he says; "We can't let them take Jang Youngsil!"
Ministers are meeting. They know that a heated argument is going on at the Hall of Worthies. Yi Chun says that's normal; what's NOT normal is how passive things are here in this room. Choi Yundeok tells Yi he's being childish; Ming is contemplating massive military action that could wipe out the country, and that's the bottom line. But Choi Haesan jumps in and argues, What about our new weapons and all the lives they've saved? Hwang Hee assures Choi that no one is happy about the possibility of turning Youngsil over, "but we have to make a realistic decision." But then Jo Malseng, of all people, jumps in and questions the wisdom of letting Ming take him. (Wonder why?)
In the secret writing system research office (the relocated one, at Jingwan temple): Sejong, Jachi, Shin Sukju and Sung Sammun are working. Then the two scholars stand up as if to leave; they simply can't sit there any longer with Youngsil in peril. Sejong immediately tells them, "Your job is writing systems research." In other words, sit down and don't make trouble. "How can we work at a time like this? We want to hear your answer." But Sejong doesn't give them an answer, and instead simply asks for some documents. "No," Sammun says defiantly; "We do not wish to be part of this project any longer." And he goes further: "It's a waste of time anyway, isn't it? If we can give up the astronomical research just because Ming found out about it, who knows when we will give up the writing systems research. No, we should've already given it up." Sukju adds that Ming has apparently found out about the writing systems research already. But Sejong calmly tells them, "I never said I was giving up either of them." Prove it, they tell him, by protecting Youngsil. When you have that proof for us, we'll continue our work here. And they bow and walk out on their king! But Sejong doesn't even flinch at the audacity.
Back at the Hall of Worthies: The scholars want to know what the crown prince thinks of all this. "You are the next king of Joseon," Ha Wiji tells him; "If we must serve a prideless king, we'd rather forsake this country." Strong words. Hyang replies, "I do not wish to go up against Ming." But he also says, "I will save Jang Youngsil." (How's he gonna do both?) He sits down calmly. Ha Wiji challenges him: "The king must fight. It is time to fight!" But Hyang fires back, "Will you be held accountable for the lost lives if we are defeated? You want me to have pride? I believe the king's pride is his people and how well they are taken care of. And it is that pride that I intend to protect by protecting Jang Youngsil." Then Choi Manli stands up, sarcastically clapping at Hyang's words. "It's inspiring but very naive," he tells the prince. "Your inspiring speech won't be so inspiring unless you have a viable plan that will save Jang without turning Ming against us." Calm and unfazed, Hyang matter-of-factly responds, "If plans always had to come from the sovereign, we wouldn't need the Hall of Worthies." (What a great answer. Here, smartass, your job is to solve problems so solve this one. Nice going.) All right, Choi says; if there were a way to save Youngsil without Ming retaliating, "would you take that route regardless of the sacrifice that it might require?" Hmmm...Just then, Shin Sukju and Sung Sammun walk in and offer their assistance. Having walked away from the king, they want to do anything they can to save Youngsil.
Sukju and Sammun follow Choi Manli into the hallway. Choi tells them, "I need leverage to negotiate. Something I can give Ming instead of Jang Youngsil as a tradeoff. What do you think that is?" They have no idea. "Give it a thought," Choi says; "The two of you could be holding Jang Youngsil's fate in your hands." Apparently not having put the pieces together yet, the two scholars simply bow and leave Choi, who lets loose an evil laugh...and then stops it at his sight of Jo Malseng walking down the hall towards him. "Big man Choi Manli has rolled up his sleeves to save Jang Youngsil?", he says, dripping with sarcasm. Not missing a beat, Choi shoots back, "Your political career must really be winding down, sir. What happened to all of the spies you used to have. I'm surprised to see you doing the snooping yourself." Jo asks him, "What is your ulterior motive? Saving Jang Youngsil is not what's on your mind." Choi tries to bluff: "It is indeed my interest in this as a Hall of Worthies scholar to protect a talented mind, sir." But Jo doesn't buy that any more than we do: "Hiding you true intent? You're learning." Choi laughs. Jo continues, "Then let's hear about your powerful plan. How do you intend to save Jang?" "I'm not the one holding the key, sir. And I'm afraid I can't tell you who is either. I should keep my plans firmly to myself until I have the winning hand, since I'm being criticized anyway." And with that he bows and walks away. Quite a scene, these two devious, clever minds locking horns.
Jeong Inji goes into the type foundry by himself. As he explores the walls, we hear his thoughts: That the type foundry was built above a secret underground passageway created by Eunuch Gim Sahaeng. (We learned about that in Ep28 and Ep29). But why build, of all things, a type foundry on top of it? Touching the walls, Jeong manages to find the access to a secret door, and he opens the door. Could there be a secret room through there that the king is using?
Sejong and Jachi are still at work in the relocated office. Then Sejong orders Jachi to summon Gang Hui.
Hwang Hee has summoned Jo Malseng. "How well do you know the king?", Hwang asks.
A bit later, Jeong goes into the secret room by himself. He looks around; the room is completely empty. So there is a room, but..."Am I letting my imagination go to far?", he wonders. Then he spots that one stray piece of paper that was left behind under a shelf when the room was evacuated. He picks it up and studies it. It's about the worst possible piece of paper to leave behind, because it appears to be some kind of a cover sheet with "Language of Joseon" printed on it. As Jeong is kneeling and examining the paper, suddenly there's a hand on his shoulder. It's Choi Manli, who either followed him in or else figured out the room's location and access independently. He sees the paper and tells Jeong, "At last we have proof. How does it feel to confirm that?" Jeong seems a bit overwhelmed by it all. We've known the king for over thirty years, he says, "But he kept a secret from us. Why didn't he discuss this with us? Could it be our fault?" Choi argues that No, it's because the project is "inane," but Jeong isn't sure: "Maybe our closed-mindedness is what kept the king from bringing this into the open and discussing it with the Hall of Worthies." But then he starts to get angry about the king's perceived snub, and that makes up his mind for him: "He has to earn the right to share our wisdom. From now on, I do not support the king. I stand against him, Choi Manli." Choi smiles, and asks for the paper that Jeong is holding "to use as leverage...to make a deal with Ming and save Jang Youngsil." (We don't see Jeong give it to him, though, so it's not clear who ends up with it.)
Youngsil is working on a frame to hold the magnifying glass. Just then several soldiers led by Gang Hui rush in, seize Youngsil and bind him. It's his majesty's order, Gang tells him. He's gagged and thrown into a covered carriage, and the soldiers charge into the night on horseback, with the carriage in tow....Flashback: "He will not comply willingly," Sejong says to Gang Hui; "Use force if that is what it takes. Get Jang Youngsil out and away from the city tonight and send him to Japan."...Flashback ending, the group is suddenly blocked in the road. It's Jo Malseng, backed by a group of other soldiers. Jo correctly guesses that Youngsil is in the carriage; Gang doesn't react. Inside, Youngsil manages to free his hands using the fragments of something in his boot that he smashed (couldn't see exactly what it was; might have been another piece of glass). Outside, Jo slaps Gang Hui. That's right; slaps him. "The royal guards are supposed to help the king." "It's the king's order," Gang answers, whereupon Jo slaps him a second time. (Not a guy I would slap, that's for sure.) Jo says, "If I were you, I would have chosen to kill him instead." Then Youngsil gets out of the carriage and walks up to the group. Jo tells him, "You must know the danger the king and the country will face if we send you into hiding." He holds up a dagger. "Do you want to do it yourself or should I have my men do it for you?" It's best for Joseon that he dies, Jo explains to Gang. Then he tells Youngsil, "You do know what Dongchang will do to you in Ming, don't you?"
At the Ming envoy's quarters: Haishou asks Wang Zhen if it's necessary to take Youngsil all the way back to Ming; why not just kill him right here? "What makes you think I intend to kill Jang Youngsil? Depending on his attitude, he could become an invaluable servant to Ming." (Sound thinking.)
Swords are drawn all around. "I can't let you do this!", Gang tells Jo. But Jo knows what would happen: "Dongchang will attempt to put him to their service. They will put him through treacherous torture and threaten him. Human will becomes infinitely powerless when your life is being threatened." That's not enough for Gang, who replies, "Whether he lives or dies is for his majesty to decide alone." Jo then turns to Youngsil. "Now you are a problem to Joseon. If we turn you over to Ming, we'd be turning over all of our national secrets. Nothing could be more dangerous. But we have no choice but to turn you over if you are alive. What do you think? if you choose wisely, I'll do my best to put you on top of the king's merit subject list." (I didn't understand this offer. Is it a postmortem honor? Jo certainly wouldn't be offering anything to tempt Youngsil to stay alive.) Not saying a word, Youngsil walks right past them, headed who knows where.
Choi Manli goes to see crown prince Hyang. There is a way to save Youngsil, he tells Hyang, but you need to confirm for me that you're still willing to accept whatever sacrifice is necessary. "Is that still true?" "Yes, of course." "Even if that includes making an enemy of your father the king?" Yikes.
Sejong is back at work in the office. Youngsil walks in. "Someone must have interfered," Sejong says, not batting an eye. Youngsil is angry: "Did you think I would thank you for this?" But Sejong merely tells Jachi, "Find another way," that is, another way to get Youngsil away from here. And he tells Youngsil, "Don't get cocky and do as I say." But Youngsil refuses: "The price of my life has become too high. I can't put you through this for me." That's all Sejong can take; he slams his hand on the desk, stand up and glares. "Who do you think I am? I am the king! I will not go down just to protect your life." Youngsil asks to be delivered to Ming, but Sejong tells him, "That's enough. I don't need your loyalty any more." Youngsil fires back, "But this country needs me. This uniform, I didn't put on this uniform just to serve you. This country Joseon doesn't belong to you alone, your majesty. It belongs to this man, who once was a lowly slave, as well. That's why I'm refusing to do anything that will harm this country." He turns to leave, but Sejong appeals to him, "You are my friend of thirty years! At times you were more important to me than my brothers, wife or children. Don't think so much and grant me this request." The king's words carry weight and we can see that they make an impact on Youngsil. But it's not enough of an impact: "I'm sorry. I guess my country is more important to me than a friend."
The next day, at the Hall of Great Peace (Ming envoy's quarters): An outdoor banquet is being served. Scholars from the Hall of Worthies and Ming's Hanlin Academy are sharing public policy ideas. Then Haishou arrives, and tells Jeong Inji that Wang Zhen is pleased to have the Hall of Worthies scholars here. Jeong says it would have been rude not to comply with such a request. Everything seems calm and benign. Then Haishou tells Jeong, "By the way, academic exchange is not the only thing we great Ming can share with the Hall of Worthies." Sitting at one of the tables, Sukju and Sammun watch them talk and wonder if a deal has been made. Has Choi found the leverage that said he needed? What leverage would they have?, Sammun wonders. Sukju says, "It could only be one thing. Councillor Choi has definitely caught on. That's why he approached us." Sammun fears for the future of the writing system project, and worries that they won't be able to work with Sejong any more.
Hyang tells his father that Choi Manli was in the secret office and found something there, and that it's likely he'll turn it over to Ming to try to save Youngsil. "Is there no chance you might give it up?", the prince asks gingerly. "Don't speak frivolously," Sejong answers with a sneer. Hyang reminds him that not only was Jang Youngsil important to you and the country, "but he was my mentor and at times he was like a father to me. If we can protect Jang Youngsil by giving up the writing system...?" Sejong cuts him off: "Do you want to take that route? As you should...As any man with a heart should..." He understands his son's point of view.
A strange group is sitting around a negotiating table. On one side are Jeong Inji, Choi Manli and Jeong Changson. On the other is Haishou, with an aide. At the head of the table is Wang Zhen. The Joseon scholars are trying to make a deal to save Youngsil. But Haishou reminds them that Youngsil was ordered arrested by Ming imperial command. "What do you have that you could trade him for?" Silence. "It must be something quite important." Choi comments, "That depends on how you look at it." Wang Zhen, at the head of the table, is silent but smiling, enjoying all of this. Haishou asks, "Is it the king's writing system development?"
Finally, back to Hwang Hee and Jo Malseng: Hwang asks, "Do you think Ming would trade him for that?" Maybe, Jo says, if Sejong also gives up the astronomical research and swears never to restart either project. Ming's goal, he says, is "taming Joseon and the king to be submissive," and to save Youngsil, Sejong will have no choice but to make such a deal. Not only that, but "Imagine if the king's writing system development project ever got out. The nobles will become furious and rise up against him. And if he doesn't relent, they could call to replace the king. Choi Manli will jump at the chance to put that force behind him. He's a man with good political instincts, after all."
Haishou tells the scholars, We need to see definitive proof of the writing system research before agreeing to anything. And Wang Zhen backs him up. At that Jeong Changson tells his colleagues, "It's time to show them the proof." But just then, Poongae walks in and informs Wang that someone from the royal court has arrived to see him. And in walks Gim Jongsuh! What are you doing here, he asks the three scholars. "We are here for an academic exchange," Choi tells him, but Gim doesn't buy that: "It looks rather serious for an academic exchange." No matter, he's about to bust up the party anyway. He walks over to Wang Zhen, bows, and informs him that "At 9:30 a.m tomorrow, his majesty will personally deliver Jang Youngsil to the Hall of Great Peace." That's all he came to say; he leaves, and the three scholars sit stunned, their negotiation attempt thoroughly squashed.
Hyang is back before his father, asking him to reconsider. "We cannot forsake Jang Youngsil like this." But Sejong isn't budging, and delivers a firm instruction to his son: "We cannot give up the writing system development under any circumstances. That is my principle and it must be your principle as well. If I should die before I can complete the project, you must continue my work and see it through to the end." Hyang asks, "Is this more important than a man's life?" (By know he should know his father's answer to that, certainly.) Sejong answers, "That's all the more reason why we need our own writing system--to prevent the loss of any other man's life because we are too weak to protect him. Our script will be the vessel that holds the spirit of our people. It will be the centripetal force that brings the souls of the nation together. Only with this centripetal force can we become stronger, and only when we are stronger can we protect ourselves from tragedies such as this. And I will be as cruel and heartless as I need to be in order to achieve that." Hyang meekly tries to protest as his father talks, but he sees that there's no point.
Jeong Inji is in a courtyard, walking purposefully towards the throne room building. Youngsil sees him, walks over and blocks his bath, and asks him where he's going--to see the king--and why. "I think you already know why." Youngsil doesn't believe that this is simply a matter of Jeong wanting to save him. They go inside a side building and Youngsil says, "Is your position in the Hall of Worthies becoming insecure? Or you just can't get the trust of your peers? I can't think of any other reason why you would play into the charade about saving me...You don't want to protect me. You're angry with the king [because you] refuse to use the same writing that the peasants use!" Jeong strongly denies this; he says his motivation is to fight Sejong's "backroom politics" and "tyranny." (So we see that he's being driven by anger over the king's perceived snub of the Hall of Worthies.) But Youngsil argues that if Sejong had been open about the writing project from the beginning, he never could have even gotten the project started. "You proved that today," he says, and asks, What happened to you? You were so willing to support the idea of a slave getting a government post and showing him respect. "Is that Jeong Inji no longer with us?" Silence. "I won't let you hurt the king or destroy the king's dream to save me." He starts to walk away but then says, "Let me give you some presumptuous advice. If you're still the king's man and a true servant of Joseon, this is the time to answer the king's call that you've been holding back on for the past five years." He leaves, his powerful words bringing Jeong to tears for just a moment. But are they enough?
Hyang has gone to see Youngsil, who appears to be working on the wheels of a carriage. They reminisce about how long they've known each other; Youngsil remembers, "You were only three years old when I made you that hoop with these hands (which we saw in Ep35). You were about this tall," he says, gesturing. Then Hyang asks, "Aren't you afraid?" Youngsil doesn't want to discuss it. "You have to be stronger than ever," he tells the prince. "Because the king needs you more than ever." Hyang is having a hard time with all of this and tells him, "Youngsil, I...I refuse to have a servant like you. A man who knows nothing except selfless loyalty--I will not have such a foolish servant in my life." And he walks away, overcome with emotion (or maybe nauseated by that pop ballad that's been foisted on us once again here). Youngsil goes back to working on the carriage wheel.
The next day: The king's carriage is brought out. Ministers are gathered as the king emerges. Youngsil, in custody, is brought forward. Sejong steps into the carriage...and CRASH! The thing collapses with him inside of it. The wheels literally crumble to pieces. He nearly falls out of it, but he's okay and he steps from the wreckage. Yi Chun steps forward and demands, "Who serviced this carriage last night?" Youngsil readily admits it: "I did, of course." He stands there and tells Sejong to his face, "How else am I able to express my rage to the king who has forsaken me?" Sejong orders Youngsil arrested right then and there. "I will personally decide his punishment."