Post by ajk on May 5, 2009 11:27:11 GMT -5
And one other thing--"Do not take one step north of Hwangju from now on," the king tells Hunae, or I'll have you put to death. She protests, claiming (correctly) that the ones making accusations against her are the ones who tried to kill the prince. But he doesn't believe her, and says it's only because she's his sister that he's ignoring the petitions on his desk to have her executed! Now go away and behave, he says, or I'll kill you--and your son too. With that he summons his attendants and has her physically removed from the throne room.
Outside, Prince Gaeryeong sees his mother and she runs to him and hugs him. I can't see you any more, she tells him, and then the king comes out and orders them separated. Which they are, slowly, with interminably long shouting and crying. Ugh.
The prince returns to his quarters; Lady Yunheung is there and sees him with tears on his face. She tries to comfort him, saying she understands his pain, but tells him he must be strong and endure this. Escort Yun tries to remind him that his mother committed treason by trying to have the king killed, but the boy will have none of that and shocks both women by sternly telling Yun to watch her tongue.
The Shillans are meeting again, still ecstatic that the assassination attempt turned into a boon for them. But Kim Shimun (who's the prince's master, remember) can see the change in his pupil after spending just a few days with his mother. If the boy becomes king, Kim says, the throne will belong to Hunae. Choe Sum says he'll urge the king to accept another consort, who will hopefully bear the king his own son if Yunheung can't. Kim Wonsoong won’t be too happy about his.
Seo Hui, Yi Gyeoumi and Yi Jibaek are deeply concerned about how badly things have turned out for the people in the north. This could be very bad for the northerners, they agree; the king might turn away from them permanently. We can't let that happen, Seo says.
Myeongbok Palace: Princess Sun is being taught by Hyangbi to ride a horse. Gang Gamchan observes that the girl looks much better than after her mother first died and she first came to Myeongbok. Hunae, though, is still weakened from the trauma of recent events.
The newlyweds are playing Go. Still happy, smiling, enjoying each others' company. Very cute couple (even though he's kind of a wussy-boy).
Gamchan tells Hunae that Seol's embroidery is what's supporting the couple until the weather warms and the prince can get a farm going. Hmm, maybe she's stronger than I am, Hunae says about her sister. Then Hunae asks about her son’s welfare. I don't know how he is at the moment, Gamchan says, but that's actually why I'm here--I believe I know who was behind the attack at the temple. He says it's Kim Wonsoong. (Bingo. What a bright guy.) His investigation of the clothing merchants paid off; he found out that it was Wonsoong's employee Jo Sun who bought the Jurchen clothes. Gang Jo and Hunae want to inform the king immediately--Hunae fears for her son’s safety, what with Wonsoong's daughter Yunheung caring for him--but Gamchan wisely urges caution. I have no evidence that Yunheung was involved in any of this, he says, and besides that, she's in line to be the next queen and so we have to tread lightly. What we need to do first is capture Jo Sun and get his confession. They decide to have Kim Chiyang do it. This makes sense because Jo Sun has taken a trading caravan north towards Khitan territory--meaning through Jurchen lands.
We see the caravan.
Kim Chiyang tells the group that it will be "a walk in the park" to catch Jo Sun as he goes through Jurchen territory. You can trust me, he says.
Near a temple building: A monk is being questioned about a boy named Kim Chiyang who lived there long ago. We don't recognize the man doing the questioning; who is he and what's this all about? This is the temple where we saw the flashback of the massacre of Chiyang’s family in Ep12. It was a long time ago, the monk says, and I don't know what happened to the boy. But I do remember one thing about that raid....
The king and ministers are meeting. The king says he's going to let the recent episodes of violence slide and end all investigation. All of the ministers disagree with this, but the king says he's given Hunae "fitting punishment" and that's the end of it (implying she was the one responsible). Then he tells them he'd like to elevate Lady Yunheung to queen, if no one objects. Kim Wonsoong is bubbling over, of course: "How could anybody object?" But then Choe Sum speaks up, and suggests a new consort.
Later, the Shillans are meeting, this time with Wonsoong present. Wonsoong is screaming, going bonkers about the possibility of a new consort. He's insistent that his daughter will bear the king a son eventually, but the others tell him that another consort is the smartest way to maximized the chance of the king bearing a son and keeping the throne away from prince Gaeryeong and the Hwangju line. But Wonsoong is furious: "You've milked me for all I've got, and now you're going to betray me? If the king ends up receiving a consort, you will live to regret it. Backstabbers!" He pounds the table and storms out.
He goes to his daughter, in a rage. "Let it go, father," Yunheung tells him, but he says he worked too hard to get her into her position to let it go. She tells him that Gaeryeong is her son, and so your grandson, but Wonsoong rejects that because the boy is not a blood relative. This is starting to irritate her, and she surprises us by telling him, "I have not completely renounced my suspicions about you" and you need to learn to accept Gaeryeong. Wonsoong can't believe what he's hearing.
Seogyeong: The northern fur trader from the previous episode is paid a visit by Jo Du (they know each other), who tells him that Jo Sun wants to see him. The two leave together; to the side, we see Sa Gamun and Sa Illa watch them leave.
The trader is brought inside a restaurant to meet Jo Sun. Sun explains that he's taking a caravan to Khitan, and tells the trader, I need your help. You have the Jurchen connections to get the caravan through Jurchen territory safely, he says, which the trader confirms enthusiastically. It's a whopping big caravan, we learn, and the trader stands to make good money if he can ensure its safe passage. I'm your man, the trader says; "just line my pockets" and I'll make it all happen. Off to the side, we see Kim Chiyang listening to this.
Alone with the king, Seo Hui tries to convince him to not spurn the north. But the assassination has understandably left the king skittish and he wants no part of the subject. Seo asks, So will you forsake the northerners forever? Then he actually gets on his knees and begs the king to not lose the northerners. They were important to Taejo, he reminds the king; embrace them and suppress the Jurchens as they want you to. But the king still refuses. "Then expel me from the royal court" and I will take my life, Seo says emotionally, for having failed in my service. "I implore you, your highness!" THAT gets his attention.
Hunae wants Escort Yun to go visit Seol and take some grain and cloth to help her out.
We see a very tired Seol doing housework. She's so tired she's asleep on her feet, and then before we know it she passes out and falls to the ground. Eventually, Gyeongjuwon comes home from gathering firewood and finds her lying there. (Hmmm, is she pregnant?) He takes her to bed. Eventually she wakes up; he offers her some food, but she doesn't want to eat it, she just wants to lie down. He's concerned that she might be sick and needs a physician, but she says she'll be fine.
The trader returns to his stall, and Sa Gamun is waiting for him. Sa Gamun already knows about the caravan, which surprises the trader greatly. "Why don't you see my boss?", he tells the trader, because my boss has something to talk to you about.
So they go to see Kim Chyiyang. Kim tells the trader that he wants to swipe the caravan's merchandise! The trader is aghast because this is the minister of revenue's caravan, but Kim tells him that in the north, Hunae trumps the minister of revenue, and Hunae can set you up for life if you work with me. It will be much better than the "chump change" you've been offered by Wonsoong's people. The trader is certainly interested....
The king is telling Choe Ryang of Seo Hui's position. "He has a point," Choe concedes, about not losing the northerners. He advises the king, If the astrologer's prophecy still bothers you, then "approach it from the opposite end." In other words, keep Hunae suppressed by working hard to win the northerners' favor yourself. The king resists, because he thinks it means attacking the Jurchens and he doesn't want violence. No need for that, Choe says; just declare that the Goryean army is moving north, and then the Jurchens will back off. But still the king resists, because the Shillans in his court will be angry if he tends to the north. You can quell them, Choe says, by accepting a consort like they've proposed. No, it won't work, the king says; I can't father a son (remember, the astrologer told him that). Choe tells him, You have to at least try because Hunae is behind Gaeryeong. And he dumps his own load on the king: If the consort doesn't produce a boy, then I'll give up as well.
Hunae is shooting arrows, looking stronger at last.
Hyangbi is very happy that she and her brother aren't leaving Myeongbok Palace after all and won't be separated. Then a Mr. Chu is announced and arrives. He's the man who we saw questioning the monk earlier. Turns out he's been investigating Kim Chiyang's background for Gang Jo. He couldn't find out anything about Chiyang--it was just too long ago and the monks didn't remember--but he did find out about the attackers. They worked for the family of a man named Choe Sum. Yes, THAT Choe Sum! Gang is extremely puzzled by this. Why would Shillans go to the trouble to raid a northern temple they had no apparent interest in, especially if Chiyang's father wasn't all that important a man?
The caravan is going through a Jurchen village. All is calm and seems to be going well. Jo Sun and Jo Du, leading it, are introduced to the local chief by the trader. We recognize the chief as Chiyang's adopted father. This is Chiyang's tribe and Chiyang is there too. He introduces himself to Jo Sun and Jo Du as "Geumbella." Then they get down to business. Jo Sun asks the chief to be their guide through Jurchen territory. The trader strongly encourages them to work together because of the mutual benefit that will result. The chief agrees to this and says his son will work out the details. Chiyang phonies up a businessman's face, smiling and making pleasant overtures.
Hunae is nervously waiting for news about the caravan....
We see the caravan is going through a wooded area. It's awfully quiet. Chiyang orders a halt, to take a break and scout the area, just as a precaution. Jo Sun, a bit nervous, agrees. So they take a lunch break; we see all of the caravan haulers (and there are quite a few) workers are relaxing and eating. But a lot of time is passing, and Jo Sun is getting more nervous. Then all of a sudden, arrows come flying in by the dozens and a band of attackers charges in, led by Sa Gamun and Sa Illa. A sword-fight ensues, but then another wave of attackers descends, this one led by Chiyang! The battle is quickly over; Jo Sun is subdued and knocked unconscious.
Escort Yun and Hyangbi arrive at Seol's humble house. Seol is very touched to see her nanny. Yun is very worried about Seol, but Seol tells her how happy she is.
Gyeongjuwon has gone to the local market; it looks like he's buying tea or herbs or some such thing for his wife. Choe Ryang happens to be there too, and is stunned to see Gyeongjuwon after so many years. Ryang is much happier to see the prince than the prince is to see Ryang, though. Gyeongjuwon politely excuses himself and walks away into the crowd.
Escort Yun has made some clam porridge, which Seol says she's been craving. But when she tries to eat it, she can't stomach it and pushes it away. She can't figure it out, but she just can't bring herself to eat the stuff. Then Yun (finally) puts the pieces together. "My lady, perhaps you're...."
We see Jo Sun tied up and gagged in a room somewhere. Hunae and Gang Jo walk in. Gang removes his gag. "Bastards--do you wish to die? Bring back my merchandise at once." I'll bring it back, Hunae says; just answer my questions. "Did you try to kill me and my son?" Jo is confused for a moment, and then he realizes what's going on and who this woman is. Answer her, Gang says, "or your head will come off right here. Answer her. Now!"
Outside, Prince Gaeryeong sees his mother and she runs to him and hugs him. I can't see you any more, she tells him, and then the king comes out and orders them separated. Which they are, slowly, with interminably long shouting and crying. Ugh.
The prince returns to his quarters; Lady Yunheung is there and sees him with tears on his face. She tries to comfort him, saying she understands his pain, but tells him he must be strong and endure this. Escort Yun tries to remind him that his mother committed treason by trying to have the king killed, but the boy will have none of that and shocks both women by sternly telling Yun to watch her tongue.
The Shillans are meeting again, still ecstatic that the assassination attempt turned into a boon for them. But Kim Shimun (who's the prince's master, remember) can see the change in his pupil after spending just a few days with his mother. If the boy becomes king, Kim says, the throne will belong to Hunae. Choe Sum says he'll urge the king to accept another consort, who will hopefully bear the king his own son if Yunheung can't. Kim Wonsoong won’t be too happy about his.
Seo Hui, Yi Gyeoumi and Yi Jibaek are deeply concerned about how badly things have turned out for the people in the north. This could be very bad for the northerners, they agree; the king might turn away from them permanently. We can't let that happen, Seo says.
Myeongbok Palace: Princess Sun is being taught by Hyangbi to ride a horse. Gang Gamchan observes that the girl looks much better than after her mother first died and she first came to Myeongbok. Hunae, though, is still weakened from the trauma of recent events.
The newlyweds are playing Go. Still happy, smiling, enjoying each others' company. Very cute couple (even though he's kind of a wussy-boy).
Gamchan tells Hunae that Seol's embroidery is what's supporting the couple until the weather warms and the prince can get a farm going. Hmm, maybe she's stronger than I am, Hunae says about her sister. Then Hunae asks about her son’s welfare. I don't know how he is at the moment, Gamchan says, but that's actually why I'm here--I believe I know who was behind the attack at the temple. He says it's Kim Wonsoong. (Bingo. What a bright guy.) His investigation of the clothing merchants paid off; he found out that it was Wonsoong's employee Jo Sun who bought the Jurchen clothes. Gang Jo and Hunae want to inform the king immediately--Hunae fears for her son’s safety, what with Wonsoong's daughter Yunheung caring for him--but Gamchan wisely urges caution. I have no evidence that Yunheung was involved in any of this, he says, and besides that, she's in line to be the next queen and so we have to tread lightly. What we need to do first is capture Jo Sun and get his confession. They decide to have Kim Chiyang do it. This makes sense because Jo Sun has taken a trading caravan north towards Khitan territory--meaning through Jurchen lands.
We see the caravan.
Kim Chiyang tells the group that it will be "a walk in the park" to catch Jo Sun as he goes through Jurchen territory. You can trust me, he says.
Near a temple building: A monk is being questioned about a boy named Kim Chiyang who lived there long ago. We don't recognize the man doing the questioning; who is he and what's this all about? This is the temple where we saw the flashback of the massacre of Chiyang’s family in Ep12. It was a long time ago, the monk says, and I don't know what happened to the boy. But I do remember one thing about that raid....
The king and ministers are meeting. The king says he's going to let the recent episodes of violence slide and end all investigation. All of the ministers disagree with this, but the king says he's given Hunae "fitting punishment" and that's the end of it (implying she was the one responsible). Then he tells them he'd like to elevate Lady Yunheung to queen, if no one objects. Kim Wonsoong is bubbling over, of course: "How could anybody object?" But then Choe Sum speaks up, and suggests a new consort.
Later, the Shillans are meeting, this time with Wonsoong present. Wonsoong is screaming, going bonkers about the possibility of a new consort. He's insistent that his daughter will bear the king a son eventually, but the others tell him that another consort is the smartest way to maximized the chance of the king bearing a son and keeping the throne away from prince Gaeryeong and the Hwangju line. But Wonsoong is furious: "You've milked me for all I've got, and now you're going to betray me? If the king ends up receiving a consort, you will live to regret it. Backstabbers!" He pounds the table and storms out.
He goes to his daughter, in a rage. "Let it go, father," Yunheung tells him, but he says he worked too hard to get her into her position to let it go. She tells him that Gaeryeong is her son, and so your grandson, but Wonsoong rejects that because the boy is not a blood relative. This is starting to irritate her, and she surprises us by telling him, "I have not completely renounced my suspicions about you" and you need to learn to accept Gaeryeong. Wonsoong can't believe what he's hearing.
Seogyeong: The northern fur trader from the previous episode is paid a visit by Jo Du (they know each other), who tells him that Jo Sun wants to see him. The two leave together; to the side, we see Sa Gamun and Sa Illa watch them leave.
The trader is brought inside a restaurant to meet Jo Sun. Sun explains that he's taking a caravan to Khitan, and tells the trader, I need your help. You have the Jurchen connections to get the caravan through Jurchen territory safely, he says, which the trader confirms enthusiastically. It's a whopping big caravan, we learn, and the trader stands to make good money if he can ensure its safe passage. I'm your man, the trader says; "just line my pockets" and I'll make it all happen. Off to the side, we see Kim Chiyang listening to this.
Alone with the king, Seo Hui tries to convince him to not spurn the north. But the assassination has understandably left the king skittish and he wants no part of the subject. Seo asks, So will you forsake the northerners forever? Then he actually gets on his knees and begs the king to not lose the northerners. They were important to Taejo, he reminds the king; embrace them and suppress the Jurchens as they want you to. But the king still refuses. "Then expel me from the royal court" and I will take my life, Seo says emotionally, for having failed in my service. "I implore you, your highness!" THAT gets his attention.
Hunae wants Escort Yun to go visit Seol and take some grain and cloth to help her out.
We see a very tired Seol doing housework. She's so tired she's asleep on her feet, and then before we know it she passes out and falls to the ground. Eventually, Gyeongjuwon comes home from gathering firewood and finds her lying there. (Hmmm, is she pregnant?) He takes her to bed. Eventually she wakes up; he offers her some food, but she doesn't want to eat it, she just wants to lie down. He's concerned that she might be sick and needs a physician, but she says she'll be fine.
The trader returns to his stall, and Sa Gamun is waiting for him. Sa Gamun already knows about the caravan, which surprises the trader greatly. "Why don't you see my boss?", he tells the trader, because my boss has something to talk to you about.
So they go to see Kim Chyiyang. Kim tells the trader that he wants to swipe the caravan's merchandise! The trader is aghast because this is the minister of revenue's caravan, but Kim tells him that in the north, Hunae trumps the minister of revenue, and Hunae can set you up for life if you work with me. It will be much better than the "chump change" you've been offered by Wonsoong's people. The trader is certainly interested....
The king is telling Choe Ryang of Seo Hui's position. "He has a point," Choe concedes, about not losing the northerners. He advises the king, If the astrologer's prophecy still bothers you, then "approach it from the opposite end." In other words, keep Hunae suppressed by working hard to win the northerners' favor yourself. The king resists, because he thinks it means attacking the Jurchens and he doesn't want violence. No need for that, Choe says; just declare that the Goryean army is moving north, and then the Jurchens will back off. But still the king resists, because the Shillans in his court will be angry if he tends to the north. You can quell them, Choe says, by accepting a consort like they've proposed. No, it won't work, the king says; I can't father a son (remember, the astrologer told him that). Choe tells him, You have to at least try because Hunae is behind Gaeryeong. And he dumps his own load on the king: If the consort doesn't produce a boy, then I'll give up as well.
Hunae is shooting arrows, looking stronger at last.
Hyangbi is very happy that she and her brother aren't leaving Myeongbok Palace after all and won't be separated. Then a Mr. Chu is announced and arrives. He's the man who we saw questioning the monk earlier. Turns out he's been investigating Kim Chiyang's background for Gang Jo. He couldn't find out anything about Chiyang--it was just too long ago and the monks didn't remember--but he did find out about the attackers. They worked for the family of a man named Choe Sum. Yes, THAT Choe Sum! Gang is extremely puzzled by this. Why would Shillans go to the trouble to raid a northern temple they had no apparent interest in, especially if Chiyang's father wasn't all that important a man?
The caravan is going through a Jurchen village. All is calm and seems to be going well. Jo Sun and Jo Du, leading it, are introduced to the local chief by the trader. We recognize the chief as Chiyang's adopted father. This is Chiyang's tribe and Chiyang is there too. He introduces himself to Jo Sun and Jo Du as "Geumbella." Then they get down to business. Jo Sun asks the chief to be their guide through Jurchen territory. The trader strongly encourages them to work together because of the mutual benefit that will result. The chief agrees to this and says his son will work out the details. Chiyang phonies up a businessman's face, smiling and making pleasant overtures.
Hunae is nervously waiting for news about the caravan....
We see the caravan is going through a wooded area. It's awfully quiet. Chiyang orders a halt, to take a break and scout the area, just as a precaution. Jo Sun, a bit nervous, agrees. So they take a lunch break; we see all of the caravan haulers (and there are quite a few) workers are relaxing and eating. But a lot of time is passing, and Jo Sun is getting more nervous. Then all of a sudden, arrows come flying in by the dozens and a band of attackers charges in, led by Sa Gamun and Sa Illa. A sword-fight ensues, but then another wave of attackers descends, this one led by Chiyang! The battle is quickly over; Jo Sun is subdued and knocked unconscious.
Escort Yun and Hyangbi arrive at Seol's humble house. Seol is very touched to see her nanny. Yun is very worried about Seol, but Seol tells her how happy she is.
Gyeongjuwon has gone to the local market; it looks like he's buying tea or herbs or some such thing for his wife. Choe Ryang happens to be there too, and is stunned to see Gyeongjuwon after so many years. Ryang is much happier to see the prince than the prince is to see Ryang, though. Gyeongjuwon politely excuses himself and walks away into the crowd.
Escort Yun has made some clam porridge, which Seol says she's been craving. But when she tries to eat it, she can't stomach it and pushes it away. She can't figure it out, but she just can't bring herself to eat the stuff. Then Yun (finally) puts the pieces together. "My lady, perhaps you're...."
We see Jo Sun tied up and gagged in a room somewhere. Hunae and Gang Jo walk in. Gang removes his gag. "Bastards--do you wish to die? Bring back my merchandise at once." I'll bring it back, Hunae says; just answer my questions. "Did you try to kill me and my son?" Jo is confused for a moment, and then he realizes what's going on and who this woman is. Answer her, Gang says, "or your head will come off right here. Answer her. Now!"