Post by ajk on Sept 8, 2009 11:58:57 GMT -5
The bizarre 50-on-50 matchup to decide the fate of Goryeo's empire declaration is underway. It's taking place in a fenced-in area, so it feels like some sort of cage fight/battle royal but with weapons and horses. The Khitans are the ones with the horses, of course, but the Goryeans have brought those newfangled "spear carts" and they prove decisive at the outset, disrupting the cavalry and giving the Goryeans an early advantage that carries through to the hand-to-hand combat. (Which disproves the old saying that you shouldn't put the cart before the horse.) Eventually the casualties get too high on the Khitan side and Chengtian reluctantly orders the fight stopped. Goryeo wins.
Afterwards, Shengzong throws the expected temper tantrum. Prime Minister Han worries that the fighting skill Goryeo just displayed indicates that they're getting stronger and might soon even become stronger than Liao. Chengtian has already figured the angles and realizes that they have to back down for the moment and propose an alliance, "at least until we have suppressed Song China."
Also afterwards, Cheonchu and the Goryean leaders congratulate each other and discuss their victory. But Gang Jo isn't there. He's with Hyangbi. Hyangbi suffered an injury in the combat and he's checking on her. It's not a serious injury, fortunately. Cheonchu comes to check on her, is glad to find her okay but finds it necessary to mention that she's not married yet. I hope you don't have a scar, Cheonchu says.
"You've become quite a leader." Chengtian and Cheonchu are alone, staring out over a scenic overlook. I'm proud of you, Chengtian says, but "I made a mistake letting you go five years ago." Which flatters Cheonchu, of course. Then Chengtian proposes that Goryeo break its alliance with Song and ally with Liao. (Now wait just a minute--when did they break their alliance with Liao? We were never told such a thing ever happened. We knew that an envoy was sent to China by Chiyang and that some sort of military arrangement was apparently made, but nothing about a complete switch of alliances. Very, very, very poor writing and continuity here. Inexcusable.) Cheonchu is skeptical that Liao can be trusted, but Chengtian makes her an offer: "How do you feel about forming sibling ties with my son?" As in a sort of brother-and-sister. And you'd be the older sister so "you'll be above Great Liao Empire after I'm gone."
"Are you really a Jurchen?" Han and Chiyang are talking; Han thinks Chiyang just isn't enough of a barbarian to be a Jurchen. Chiyang pleasantly deflects the question and doesn't answer, but instead asks a question in return: "Are you content being where you are?" As in, have you ever thought about becoming an emperor yourself? Han chuckles; he wants no part of a top spot. It's lonely at the top, he says, and I prefer to be in someone else's shadow. But Han asks, "Do I detect such ambition from you?" No, Chiyang replies, lying through his teeth; I'm like you and am content where I am now.
Goryeo royal palace: It's supposed to be a state council meeting, but the ministers are told that Mokjong has gone hunting again. They're concerned for his safety in this time of alert, and also frustrated because there's state business to attend to.
Out in the countryside somewhere: Just like before, Mokjong sends most of his military guards home. General Yu Bang has to go back and apologize to Empress Sunjeong about this, and for not having any idea where Mokjong went.
Mokjong has located the troupe of Mujari entertainers and is watching their performance. Dancers, musicians, magicians, all good stuff and he enjoys it, but what Mokjong wants to see is Yu Hangan, the male-as-female dancer. Later, Mokjong and Hangan are talking alone. Hangan's troupe has been all over the country performing; Mokjong says he envies Hangan because "I live in prison." Then: "It's strange. Why do I feel so at peace when I'm with you?" Mokjong lies on the grass, looking and feeling care-free.
"Sibling ties? No thank you." What else did Chengtian think her son would say? But she has a plan. This is just temporary, she tells Shengzong, while Liao finishes its war with Song China. And then we'll go after Goryeo. This is a temporary humiliation for you but you must do it to keep Goryeo from joining forces with Song. Shengzong nods; he gets it.
At a formal ceremony with everyone from both sides present, Shengzong and Cheonchu each cut their hands with knives and drip their blood into a common cup. Chengtian holds up the cup and declares to the gods the forming of sibling ties. Then Shengzong and Cheonchu each take a drink from the cup. Yum, yum. Shouts of mutual respect and loyalty from both sides.
Afterwards, a royal banquet and a dance performance. We see Shengzong pour wine for Han as a token of apology for his recent behavior. A nice gesture, and so sincerely offered that it's almost disorienting to watch, considering how we've always seen him behave. Then Chengtian suggests his pouring wine for his new sister. He actually gets up, goes over to Cheonchu and does it. He's playing his part well. Cheonchu uses the wine to offer a toast to eternal peace between Goryeo and Liao.
Goryeo throne room: Kim Shimun is back, kneeling before Mokjong and grateful for the lifting of his exile. Mokjong scolds Shimun severely for Shimun's role in the plots to kill him. But then he tells Shimun what he wants from him: I want you on my side, to build power for me so I can stand up to my mother's men.
At the trading warehouse (still-unidentified location, but apparently in or near the capital and not at Myeongbok Palace as I commented in the previous summary (which has now been corrected)): Lots of activity; plenty of goods coming in. Jo Du shows up and tells Sa Gamun that Kim Wonsoong wants to meet with him.
Kim Shimun goes to see Lady Yunheung; she's happy to see him after so long. As they talk we learn that Yi Yang and Seol Shinyu both died at their place of exile. Yunheung explains to Shimun why she recommended him to Mokjong: she thought he could help Mokjong break his mother's grip on power. "So bring the Shillan descent officials together and start building your influence. That's the only way for us have any kind of future."
Chiyang sees through the Khitan ploy: "This alliance is no doubt a strategic move to buy time." And Cheonchu knows too: "This peace will not last very long" and they'll come after us as soon as they're finished with Song. But at least this buys time for them to build up the Goryeo military. Still, Cheonchu frets over her son's ability to protect the nation when her regency ends.
Sa Illa tells Gang Jo, "Be good to Hyangbi." She understands Hyangbi's situation and her emotions. Jo goes to check on Hyangbi as she sleeps; she awakens as he leaves and smiles.
Cheonchu returns to the state council hall for the first time, where ministers are waiting to greet her. As she walks among them, she spots Kim Shimun.
"Are you out of our mind?" A wide-eyed Cheonchu is giving Mokjong an earful, horrified that he reinstated a man who tried to kill them both. But he's ready for it, and is giving it right back to her--and then some. First: "I hear you and Shengzong just become sworn siblings. Weren't you archenemies that wanted each other dead?" And I can't even pardon my former mentor? Then: "I need someone in this court to fight for me against you. Am I really an Emperor? Or am I just a puppet in an Emperor's robe?" And then, after Cheonchu says she'll never forgive a criminal of high treason, the smackdown: "Weren't you once a criminal of high treason as well? Don't tell me you forgot." Shut your mouth, she shouts at him, to which he smashes an urn to the ground and storms out. (This was a great scene. Mokjong may be in desperate need of therapy, but he is one sharp cookie.)
Merchant Yi welcomes Chiyang back to the trading headquarters, with much gloating and insulting talk about the victory over the Khitans. But Dokyun is there too, and POW! pops him one right in the kisser. He asked for it. Inside, Mun Inui fills Chiyang in on Mokjong's trips to see the dancer and the dancer's visit to the palace. But they can't figure out the reason. Next, Sa Gamun mentions Jo Du's visit; apparently Wonsoong wants to meet with Chiyang. Then they discuss the temple-building project that Chiyang proposed to Cheonchu in Ep47. He sold it to her as a public benefit, but it turns out, these aren't going to be ordinary temples; Chiyang secretly intends to use them to build a warrior monk army that will help him conquer the Goryeo palace!
Dokyun tells Sa Gamun she doesn't want to get married any more. I betrayed my country, she says, and my emperor has been humiliated. "I must live the rest of my life in guilt and shame."
Gang Gamchan and Choe Hang are actually trying to convince Cheonchu to let Kim Shimun stay. You can't keep overriding your son, they argue, and besides, Shimun is powerless and has no associates in the court so he won't be able to cause any real trouble.
At the archery ground: The young Prince Daeryang is watching Mokjong shoot arrows.
Empress Sunjeong is before Cheonchu and delivers an update on her sex life: so far, it's been just the one time. Cheonchu is greatly troubled, because "the Emperor has the duty and obligation to produce heirs." (Okay, but she's still being a busybody.) Sunjeong blames herself, but at the same time reluctantly tells Cheonchu that her husband's behavior has been odd lately.
Somewhere in the countryside: Yu Hangan is brought to meet Chiyang. This is obviously a clandestine meeting. "You have the face of a girl," Chiyang finds it necessary to say for whatever reason, but he's brought Hangan there to offer some sort of proposition. "If you do as I say, your entire group will never have to worry about where your next meal is coming from. But if you defy me, all of you will be slaughtered." Hard to say no to that.
Gang Jo urges Cheonchu to give in and let her son keep Kim Shimun. She listens, but that's not why she summoned him: "I heard about how Hyangbi fells about you" and you should marry her. He respectfully tells her to butt out.
Later, he goes to talk to Hyangbi, who's back on her feet again. I'm sorry, he tells her; I've given up on Cheonchu, but "to accept you as a woman...my heart is just not ready. I need time for my heart to heal." I'll wait as long as it takes, she says. He puts his hand on her shoulder; maybe he's thinking about it after all. (What about all of that you're-my-sister stuff?)
Evening: Chiyang and Sa Gamun are brought to a fancy gisaeng house to see Kim Wonsoong. Inside, Wonsoong shamelessly fawns over Chiyang, and then asks to be a partner in Chiyang's trading business. He makes a good pitch, saying he has the contacts and influence to expand Chiyang's business throughout the country and into China as well. And what does her want in return? "Protection." I've lived a rough life, fallen from grace, and fear for my safety. "You protect me and I make you money. What do you think?" It's surprising that Chiyang is even listening, especially to what seems like a weak and suspicious argument from Wonsoong about "protection," but he is. (This could be a major turning point.)
The next morning: At a state council meeting, Cheonchu rips into Kim Shimun but tells him that she's decided to accept the emperor's decision and allow him into the court again. No minister will speak in opposition, so it's done. Incidentally, where's Mokjong?
He's at the archery ground, drinking and shooting arrows. Of course his aim is terrible; we see him completely miss the target board. Then mom arrives, angry that he's not at the council hall. He gives her backtalk, even after she tells him she's approved Shim's reinstatement. What is your problem?, she wants to know; "Why are you making your innocent wife sleep alone at night? And why are you going out of the palace to be in the company of lowly itinerants?" Tired of her surveillance of him, he answers, "Why don't I just abdicate?" Daeryang would be better for the throne, Mokjong says, and should have been put there in the first place. But as Mokjong loads up an arrow to go back to his shooting, Cheonchu stops her scolding and drops a huge bomb: "If this is about the Finance Commissioner, I will give him up." Wow; did not see that coming. Surprisingly, though, Mokjong isn't at all startled by the offer, and even says that it isn't enough for him. At that moment Chiyang enters the archery ground. What more does Mokjong want? "How about this?" Bow drawn, he turns and aims straight at Chiyang--and fires! The arrow whizzes right by Chiyang and caroms off a wall. "Oh dear, I guess I'm too drunk. I'll never be as good as you, Mother." He throws down the bow and walks off. Chiyang is bleeding; he has a wound on his left cheek.
Afterwards, Shengzong throws the expected temper tantrum. Prime Minister Han worries that the fighting skill Goryeo just displayed indicates that they're getting stronger and might soon even become stronger than Liao. Chengtian has already figured the angles and realizes that they have to back down for the moment and propose an alliance, "at least until we have suppressed Song China."
Also afterwards, Cheonchu and the Goryean leaders congratulate each other and discuss their victory. But Gang Jo isn't there. He's with Hyangbi. Hyangbi suffered an injury in the combat and he's checking on her. It's not a serious injury, fortunately. Cheonchu comes to check on her, is glad to find her okay but finds it necessary to mention that she's not married yet. I hope you don't have a scar, Cheonchu says.
"You've become quite a leader." Chengtian and Cheonchu are alone, staring out over a scenic overlook. I'm proud of you, Chengtian says, but "I made a mistake letting you go five years ago." Which flatters Cheonchu, of course. Then Chengtian proposes that Goryeo break its alliance with Song and ally with Liao. (Now wait just a minute--when did they break their alliance with Liao? We were never told such a thing ever happened. We knew that an envoy was sent to China by Chiyang and that some sort of military arrangement was apparently made, but nothing about a complete switch of alliances. Very, very, very poor writing and continuity here. Inexcusable.) Cheonchu is skeptical that Liao can be trusted, but Chengtian makes her an offer: "How do you feel about forming sibling ties with my son?" As in a sort of brother-and-sister. And you'd be the older sister so "you'll be above Great Liao Empire after I'm gone."
"Are you really a Jurchen?" Han and Chiyang are talking; Han thinks Chiyang just isn't enough of a barbarian to be a Jurchen. Chiyang pleasantly deflects the question and doesn't answer, but instead asks a question in return: "Are you content being where you are?" As in, have you ever thought about becoming an emperor yourself? Han chuckles; he wants no part of a top spot. It's lonely at the top, he says, and I prefer to be in someone else's shadow. But Han asks, "Do I detect such ambition from you?" No, Chiyang replies, lying through his teeth; I'm like you and am content where I am now.
Goryeo royal palace: It's supposed to be a state council meeting, but the ministers are told that Mokjong has gone hunting again. They're concerned for his safety in this time of alert, and also frustrated because there's state business to attend to.
Out in the countryside somewhere: Just like before, Mokjong sends most of his military guards home. General Yu Bang has to go back and apologize to Empress Sunjeong about this, and for not having any idea where Mokjong went.
Mokjong has located the troupe of Mujari entertainers and is watching their performance. Dancers, musicians, magicians, all good stuff and he enjoys it, but what Mokjong wants to see is Yu Hangan, the male-as-female dancer. Later, Mokjong and Hangan are talking alone. Hangan's troupe has been all over the country performing; Mokjong says he envies Hangan because "I live in prison." Then: "It's strange. Why do I feel so at peace when I'm with you?" Mokjong lies on the grass, looking and feeling care-free.
"Sibling ties? No thank you." What else did Chengtian think her son would say? But she has a plan. This is just temporary, she tells Shengzong, while Liao finishes its war with Song China. And then we'll go after Goryeo. This is a temporary humiliation for you but you must do it to keep Goryeo from joining forces with Song. Shengzong nods; he gets it.
At a formal ceremony with everyone from both sides present, Shengzong and Cheonchu each cut their hands with knives and drip their blood into a common cup. Chengtian holds up the cup and declares to the gods the forming of sibling ties. Then Shengzong and Cheonchu each take a drink from the cup. Yum, yum. Shouts of mutual respect and loyalty from both sides.
Afterwards, a royal banquet and a dance performance. We see Shengzong pour wine for Han as a token of apology for his recent behavior. A nice gesture, and so sincerely offered that it's almost disorienting to watch, considering how we've always seen him behave. Then Chengtian suggests his pouring wine for his new sister. He actually gets up, goes over to Cheonchu and does it. He's playing his part well. Cheonchu uses the wine to offer a toast to eternal peace between Goryeo and Liao.
Goryeo throne room: Kim Shimun is back, kneeling before Mokjong and grateful for the lifting of his exile. Mokjong scolds Shimun severely for Shimun's role in the plots to kill him. But then he tells Shimun what he wants from him: I want you on my side, to build power for me so I can stand up to my mother's men.
At the trading warehouse (still-unidentified location, but apparently in or near the capital and not at Myeongbok Palace as I commented in the previous summary (which has now been corrected)): Lots of activity; plenty of goods coming in. Jo Du shows up and tells Sa Gamun that Kim Wonsoong wants to meet with him.
Kim Shimun goes to see Lady Yunheung; she's happy to see him after so long. As they talk we learn that Yi Yang and Seol Shinyu both died at their place of exile. Yunheung explains to Shimun why she recommended him to Mokjong: she thought he could help Mokjong break his mother's grip on power. "So bring the Shillan descent officials together and start building your influence. That's the only way for us have any kind of future."
Chiyang sees through the Khitan ploy: "This alliance is no doubt a strategic move to buy time." And Cheonchu knows too: "This peace will not last very long" and they'll come after us as soon as they're finished with Song. But at least this buys time for them to build up the Goryeo military. Still, Cheonchu frets over her son's ability to protect the nation when her regency ends.
Sa Illa tells Gang Jo, "Be good to Hyangbi." She understands Hyangbi's situation and her emotions. Jo goes to check on Hyangbi as she sleeps; she awakens as he leaves and smiles.
Cheonchu returns to the state council hall for the first time, where ministers are waiting to greet her. As she walks among them, she spots Kim Shimun.
"Are you out of our mind?" A wide-eyed Cheonchu is giving Mokjong an earful, horrified that he reinstated a man who tried to kill them both. But he's ready for it, and is giving it right back to her--and then some. First: "I hear you and Shengzong just become sworn siblings. Weren't you archenemies that wanted each other dead?" And I can't even pardon my former mentor? Then: "I need someone in this court to fight for me against you. Am I really an Emperor? Or am I just a puppet in an Emperor's robe?" And then, after Cheonchu says she'll never forgive a criminal of high treason, the smackdown: "Weren't you once a criminal of high treason as well? Don't tell me you forgot." Shut your mouth, she shouts at him, to which he smashes an urn to the ground and storms out. (This was a great scene. Mokjong may be in desperate need of therapy, but he is one sharp cookie.)
Merchant Yi welcomes Chiyang back to the trading headquarters, with much gloating and insulting talk about the victory over the Khitans. But Dokyun is there too, and POW! pops him one right in the kisser. He asked for it. Inside, Mun Inui fills Chiyang in on Mokjong's trips to see the dancer and the dancer's visit to the palace. But they can't figure out the reason. Next, Sa Gamun mentions Jo Du's visit; apparently Wonsoong wants to meet with Chiyang. Then they discuss the temple-building project that Chiyang proposed to Cheonchu in Ep47. He sold it to her as a public benefit, but it turns out, these aren't going to be ordinary temples; Chiyang secretly intends to use them to build a warrior monk army that will help him conquer the Goryeo palace!
Dokyun tells Sa Gamun she doesn't want to get married any more. I betrayed my country, she says, and my emperor has been humiliated. "I must live the rest of my life in guilt and shame."
Gang Gamchan and Choe Hang are actually trying to convince Cheonchu to let Kim Shimun stay. You can't keep overriding your son, they argue, and besides, Shimun is powerless and has no associates in the court so he won't be able to cause any real trouble.
At the archery ground: The young Prince Daeryang is watching Mokjong shoot arrows.
Empress Sunjeong is before Cheonchu and delivers an update on her sex life: so far, it's been just the one time. Cheonchu is greatly troubled, because "the Emperor has the duty and obligation to produce heirs." (Okay, but she's still being a busybody.) Sunjeong blames herself, but at the same time reluctantly tells Cheonchu that her husband's behavior has been odd lately.
Somewhere in the countryside: Yu Hangan is brought to meet Chiyang. This is obviously a clandestine meeting. "You have the face of a girl," Chiyang finds it necessary to say for whatever reason, but he's brought Hangan there to offer some sort of proposition. "If you do as I say, your entire group will never have to worry about where your next meal is coming from. But if you defy me, all of you will be slaughtered." Hard to say no to that.
Gang Jo urges Cheonchu to give in and let her son keep Kim Shimun. She listens, but that's not why she summoned him: "I heard about how Hyangbi fells about you" and you should marry her. He respectfully tells her to butt out.
Later, he goes to talk to Hyangbi, who's back on her feet again. I'm sorry, he tells her; I've given up on Cheonchu, but "to accept you as a woman...my heart is just not ready. I need time for my heart to heal." I'll wait as long as it takes, she says. He puts his hand on her shoulder; maybe he's thinking about it after all. (What about all of that you're-my-sister stuff?)
Evening: Chiyang and Sa Gamun are brought to a fancy gisaeng house to see Kim Wonsoong. Inside, Wonsoong shamelessly fawns over Chiyang, and then asks to be a partner in Chiyang's trading business. He makes a good pitch, saying he has the contacts and influence to expand Chiyang's business throughout the country and into China as well. And what does her want in return? "Protection." I've lived a rough life, fallen from grace, and fear for my safety. "You protect me and I make you money. What do you think?" It's surprising that Chiyang is even listening, especially to what seems like a weak and suspicious argument from Wonsoong about "protection," but he is. (This could be a major turning point.)
The next morning: At a state council meeting, Cheonchu rips into Kim Shimun but tells him that she's decided to accept the emperor's decision and allow him into the court again. No minister will speak in opposition, so it's done. Incidentally, where's Mokjong?
He's at the archery ground, drinking and shooting arrows. Of course his aim is terrible; we see him completely miss the target board. Then mom arrives, angry that he's not at the council hall. He gives her backtalk, even after she tells him she's approved Shim's reinstatement. What is your problem?, she wants to know; "Why are you making your innocent wife sleep alone at night? And why are you going out of the palace to be in the company of lowly itinerants?" Tired of her surveillance of him, he answers, "Why don't I just abdicate?" Daeryang would be better for the throne, Mokjong says, and should have been put there in the first place. But as Mokjong loads up an arrow to go back to his shooting, Cheonchu stops her scolding and drops a huge bomb: "If this is about the Finance Commissioner, I will give him up." Wow; did not see that coming. Surprisingly, though, Mokjong isn't at all startled by the offer, and even says that it isn't enough for him. At that moment Chiyang enters the archery ground. What more does Mokjong want? "How about this?" Bow drawn, he turns and aims straight at Chiyang--and fires! The arrow whizzes right by Chiyang and caroms off a wall. "Oh dear, I guess I'm too drunk. I'll never be as good as you, Mother." He throws down the bow and walks off. Chiyang is bleeding; he has a wound on his left cheek.