Post by ajk on Sept 29, 2009 12:33:05 GMT -5
Cheonchu and Prime Minister Han talk privately. As they make pleasant small talk, she brings up the assassination attempt. Han blames it on "radical forces" and urges her not to take it too seriously. And then he gets to the point: there will be "considerable consequences," he says, if Goryeo joins with Song and attacks Liao. But she's bargaining from strength here and she knows that he knows it. "You must bring a gift," she tells him, and says the Chinese offered the old Balhae territory. Surely you aren't bringing a lesser gift, are you? Very well, he says; "If Goryeo honors its alliance with Liao, I'll do my best to deliver your cherished wish." She seems to accept that, but it's not exactly a firm promise he's made.
State council meeting: Hunae tells the ministers the two offers. Dae Dosu says they've prepared for war against Liao and should go ahead, and now is the time to strike. Gang Jo agrees, and so does Gamchan. It's pretty clear that Song is the better option.
Han and Yelu Dilie talk privately. Dilie is concerned that the Goryeans will ask for more territory once they get Balhae. Han says, That's why we need "anti-war forces" to gain power in the Goryeo government. What can Liao possibly do about that? Han seems to have an idea; he asks Dilie if Dokyun is still available.
Nighttime: Dokyun is awakened by a poor imitation of a bird whistle. She goes outside and is shocked to find Han and Dilie standing there in the woods. She kneels before Han. Dilie drops a dagger in front of her--"You know what traitors have to do"--but Han says, "Let's have a chat first." Privately, Han tells Dokyun that he allowed her family to live despite her betrayal of Khitan. Which she's very happy to hear, understandably. But he has a request. He wants her to tell him anything she knows about Kim Chiyang (from being around him and working with him and Sa Gamun). He's suspicious of Chiyang and is trying to find about his background and his agenda.
Yu Hangan has reported to Chiyang. Chiyang is angry at him: "You're the one who said the emperor may be homosexually inclined" but now he's chasing a woman? Hangan explains that it was a perfectly sensible conclusion based on the emperor's behavior (which it was; I'm sure most of us watching had the same suspicions). And yes, he's fallen for Milhwa, but he still trusts me just as much, Hangan assures Chiyang. Chiyang instructs Hangan to keep watching the emperor and also Milhwa, and keep reporting back to him.
The next morning: Cheonchu tells the empress about Milhwa. I'm too busy, Cheonchu says, to talk to him about it; why don't you ask him about her? (Seriously?)
Later, serving him tea, Sunjeong does indeed manage to delicately raise the subject. Mokjong promptly chokes on his tea (Oh for a good spit-take here! A real missed opportunity.). I don't mind, Sunjeong says; "I'm the empress no matter how many women you have and I'm taking an interest because the imperial house must flourish." Wow, that's a heck of a good attitude about it, and it gets Mokjong to talk about his attraction a bit. "I wouldn't say she's a peerless beauty, but she's different." He apologizes to Sunjeong for this, but she says it doesn't bother her; if he's happy, she's happy. And she looks like she means it, too.
Wonsoong tells Kim Shimun and Han Ingyeong to look after Milhwa once she becomes an imperial consort and is in the palace. Which he thinks is in the bag. And not only that, he's sure that Milhwa will bear the emperor children. Even if the rumor about Mokjong's impotence is true? "Just wait and see. I've planned everything. If he can't have children on his own we will make him have children." (What's he gonna do--sneak in ringers? Keep an eye on this one; this could get real weird.)
Milhwa is brought before Cheonchu and Sunjeong to discuss her becoming a royal consort. Sunjeong likes her and has faith that she'll bear her husband an heir.
An arrow whooshes right by Chiyang and Sa Gamun and thwacks into a post. It bears a note: "I know you tried to kill prince Daeryang. Come to your den Shiwangsa." Who the heck could be behind that?
So Chiyang goes to Shiwangsa Temple. And look who's waiting for him in the main yard but Yelu Dilie. They go inside and there's PM Han. Han says he knows that about the failed attempt on Daeryang--"That Sa Gamun must not be very competent"--but Chiyang stays cool and tosses it right back at Han, saying that it was a Khitan attempt. But Han has more: "And you're embezzling taxes to build a warrior monk army?" Again Chiyang stays cool and tries to argue that it's for defense against Liao. But Han doesn't buy it. And then: "Does the Emperor know that his mother almost died because there was poison in the herbal tonic you gave her?" This one stops Chiyang in his tracks; all he can do is mutter to himself, "It was Dokyun!" (I can't for the life of me figure out how he deduced that. He wouldn't have known that Dokyun was the poisoner. I think this may have been a big continuity error.) For a moment Chiyang entertains the thought of bringing in backup and killing Han right then and there, but Han warns him not to try anything because Cheonchu knows that he's here visiting this temple. What do you want from me?, Chiyang asks. "It's quite simple. I need you to stop this war." And then throws in a carrot, implying that he can help Chiyang rise to power if Chiyang is so inclined.
Cheonchu informs the Song envoy that he's the winner; Goryeo will join with Song and attack Liao. The envoy tells her it will be at least six months more before the attack is launched. This is a very unwelcome surprise for Cheonchu. That's too long to wait, she tells him, but he explains that there's dissension in the Song court and it will take time to unify it. Plus, their emperor doesn't want to attack unless they're attacked first. Besides, the envoy asks, "Is there any reason why you want to rush this?" That's a very good question; Goryeo has no need to rush it, but Cheonchu says "I have a personal reason" why she wants it done quickly. Probably her pregnancy.
Chiyang slaps Dokyun, right in front of Sa Gamun. Dokyun admits to telling PM Han about the attempt on Daeryang, and confesses to being behind the poisoning attempt on Cheonchu. He presents a sword and orders Sa Gamun to kill her on the spot. Instead, Sa Gamun kneels before Chiyang. She'll cause no more problems, he assures Chiyang; "If this happens again, I'll kill her and take my life as well." I beg you, don't kill her.
Hyangbi is coming to visit Cheonchu. Sa Illa is happy to see her former partner, and escorts her in. On the way, Hyangbi innocently throws this out there: "Have you ever heard of Crown Prince Mahi?" Sa Illa is momentarily startled. Hyangbi says she heard some soldiers talking about the story of the Shillan prince and is curious about it. Sa Illa lies, saying that as a Jurchen she's never heard of him. Hyangbi drops it and they keep walking.
Inside, Cheonchu and Hyangbi have a pleasant conversation, mainly about Cheonchu's pregnancy.
By the same riverbank we've been seeing recently: Yunheung wants to talk to Milhwa; they arranged to meet here so Milhwa isn't seen entering Yunheung's villa. Milhwa updates Yunheung on the meeting with Cheonchu. Yunheung reminds Milhwa that Cheonchu is their enemy and "our job is to make the emperor stand on his own." And if you do a good job and get the emperor in the palm of your hand, "you can become the empress. All you have to do is drive the current empress out of her place." From her expression, Milhwa seems to like that idea.
"Cheon Hyangbi talked to you about Crown Prince Mahi?" Sa Illa has reported to Chiyang. Sa Gamun reminds them of that report of the woman asking questions at Hangae Temple. They wonder if this is trouble. Chiyang doesn't know. He also is also unsure about what to do about PM Han.
Dokyun feels guilty for giving her former prime minister so much information. But Sa Gamun says he forgives her, and he hugs her.
"That again?" Hyangbi is trying to get Gang Jo to take an interest in the whole Prince Mahi/Hangae Temple mystery. "Sa Illa's eyes fluttered when I brought it up," she says. But he doesn't see any connection to Chiyang and again gently encourages her to forget it. She doesn't look like she's willing to forget it.
Shiyulsa Temple, Yangju Province: This is where Gang Gamchan has brought Prince Daeryang to live. The head monk tells Gamchan that the boy now has the Buddhist name of Sunjae, and that no one else knows his real identity. They go inside and Gamchan visits the boy. He's doing well; seems happy and healthy. Gamchan reminds him to study the books he's been sending him--books about royal statecraft.
State council meeting: With the envoys gone and domestic affairs on the agenda, it's time for Mokjong to take over the meeting. But Cheonchu has one last announcement, about the new consort coming in. The ministers are pleased by the announcement (all but Chiyang); they nod their approval and offer congratulations. Mokjong is rather uncomfortable about this being public discussion, but manages to thank them.
We see Milhwa brought into the palace on a palanquin. That evening she and Mokjong dine together. Milhwa tells him she's heard the rumors about his wild behavior. I want to see you become a benevolent and successful ruler, she tells him, but you'll never get there if you don't change your ways. He tells her he respects her boldness in speaking to him that way. And then he reaches over to her, and the smoochies start....
The next morning: Milhwa tells Cheonchu that she and Mokjong consummated their union last night. Cheonchu (nosy as ever) couldn't be more pleased to hear it.
We see Mokjong is walking around the palace with a goofy smile on his face. He runs into Yi Hyunoon and they have a nice little talk, and as Mokjong leaves Hyunoon remarks to himself that Mokjong is in a better mood lately, probably because of his "new woman." Mokjong is on his way to the morning state council meeting.
At the meeting: Mokjong asks for the most pressing domestic issue to discuss first. Ministers immediately start to criticize the stipend land policy, specifically the giving of stipend land to military officials (which is cutting into their own takes). Choe Hang argues that with the military in intense training at the moment, this isn't the time to be endangering morale by disrupting the policy. But he seems to be alone. It's almost like the whole thing is pre-planned, the way different ministers are jumping in with one argument after another, to try to railroad the inexperienced emperor. But then one of them (Choe Wonshin) suggests that the real heroes of the last war were not soldiers but civil officials like Seo Hui. "What do soldiers do but follow orders and swing their swords?" That went too far for Gamchan; he jumps in with a vengeance and angrily refutes Choe. Mokjong is getting angry, too, and cuts off all discussion. And then he scolds the complainers with stunningly unexpected skill and presence: "Are you starving because you have a little less land? Or are you unclothed? You are servants of the state. Did you gather here to fight over who gets a bigger piece of bread? Then why don't you go into business with Commissioner Kim here instead? I want to hear issues that concern the people and the state, not your pocketbooks! There will be no changes made to the stipend land policy. Move on to the next issue." Stunned silence. Well, what do you know--the kid's a natural. So much for an incompetent ruler! Even snuck in a zinger at Chiyang's expense, too. Off to the side, we see Go Hyun beaming and nodding his head (maybe the funniest moment of the series; I'm still laughing about that). Chiyang looks a bit shocked.
Cheonchu is meeting with the top generals. A strategy for conquering Liao is being laid out in detail. Every unit's assignment is in place. The only problem with the strategy is that it commits such a massive force to the north, a Khitan unit might possibly be able to maneuver around it and strike the Goryeo capital. "Don't worry about that," Cheonchu tells them; Chiyang's warrior monks will defend the capital if that should happen. Gang Jo doesn't look too comfortable with that, but no one raises any objection.
PM Han has made it back to Liao and debriefed the emperor and the empress dowager. Shengzong is furious about Cheonchu's request for the old Balhae territory, and even Chengtian agrees with him for once, saying it's too much to give them. Shengzong wants to attack Goryeo right now (go figure): "I might kneel to Song," he says, "but never to Goryeo." Han doesn't disagree but suggests waiting to launch an offensive until Cheonchu has her child--and is incapacitated "so that her inferior son can take charge."
Some of the ministers have been invited by Chiyang to a gisaeng house. "Don't be so shocked," Chiyang tells them as they sit down to a meal; my trading business is doing well and this is simply a reward for your hard work. But he does sneak in some business talk; he asks them how they feel about the impending war. They reluctantly tell him that they're not big supporters of the idea and particularly of the power the military officials have gained. Chiyang tells them, to their surprise, that he too is against the war, but Cheonchu won't listen to him. "That's why I need your help," he tells them. "Let us work together to prevent public suffering and stop the military officials from gaining excessive power."
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Flash-forward six months
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We see troops on the move. Gang Jo runs into a state council meeting to tell Mokjong that both Liao and Song are mobilizing their forces. Then it's time for Goryeo to move its troops as well. Somebody should inform Cheonchu, right? Not so fast; she's just gone into labor!
And guess who else has too? Dokyun! We see them both in the midst of it. Cheonchu, in the midst of her labor pains, is asking for war news.
State council meeting: Hunae tells the ministers the two offers. Dae Dosu says they've prepared for war against Liao and should go ahead, and now is the time to strike. Gang Jo agrees, and so does Gamchan. It's pretty clear that Song is the better option.
Han and Yelu Dilie talk privately. Dilie is concerned that the Goryeans will ask for more territory once they get Balhae. Han says, That's why we need "anti-war forces" to gain power in the Goryeo government. What can Liao possibly do about that? Han seems to have an idea; he asks Dilie if Dokyun is still available.
Nighttime: Dokyun is awakened by a poor imitation of a bird whistle. She goes outside and is shocked to find Han and Dilie standing there in the woods. She kneels before Han. Dilie drops a dagger in front of her--"You know what traitors have to do"--but Han says, "Let's have a chat first." Privately, Han tells Dokyun that he allowed her family to live despite her betrayal of Khitan. Which she's very happy to hear, understandably. But he has a request. He wants her to tell him anything she knows about Kim Chiyang (from being around him and working with him and Sa Gamun). He's suspicious of Chiyang and is trying to find about his background and his agenda.
Yu Hangan has reported to Chiyang. Chiyang is angry at him: "You're the one who said the emperor may be homosexually inclined" but now he's chasing a woman? Hangan explains that it was a perfectly sensible conclusion based on the emperor's behavior (which it was; I'm sure most of us watching had the same suspicions). And yes, he's fallen for Milhwa, but he still trusts me just as much, Hangan assures Chiyang. Chiyang instructs Hangan to keep watching the emperor and also Milhwa, and keep reporting back to him.
The next morning: Cheonchu tells the empress about Milhwa. I'm too busy, Cheonchu says, to talk to him about it; why don't you ask him about her? (Seriously?)
Later, serving him tea, Sunjeong does indeed manage to delicately raise the subject. Mokjong promptly chokes on his tea (Oh for a good spit-take here! A real missed opportunity.). I don't mind, Sunjeong says; "I'm the empress no matter how many women you have and I'm taking an interest because the imperial house must flourish." Wow, that's a heck of a good attitude about it, and it gets Mokjong to talk about his attraction a bit. "I wouldn't say she's a peerless beauty, but she's different." He apologizes to Sunjeong for this, but she says it doesn't bother her; if he's happy, she's happy. And she looks like she means it, too.
Wonsoong tells Kim Shimun and Han Ingyeong to look after Milhwa once she becomes an imperial consort and is in the palace. Which he thinks is in the bag. And not only that, he's sure that Milhwa will bear the emperor children. Even if the rumor about Mokjong's impotence is true? "Just wait and see. I've planned everything. If he can't have children on his own we will make him have children." (What's he gonna do--sneak in ringers? Keep an eye on this one; this could get real weird.)
Milhwa is brought before Cheonchu and Sunjeong to discuss her becoming a royal consort. Sunjeong likes her and has faith that she'll bear her husband an heir.
An arrow whooshes right by Chiyang and Sa Gamun and thwacks into a post. It bears a note: "I know you tried to kill prince Daeryang. Come to your den Shiwangsa." Who the heck could be behind that?
So Chiyang goes to Shiwangsa Temple. And look who's waiting for him in the main yard but Yelu Dilie. They go inside and there's PM Han. Han says he knows that about the failed attempt on Daeryang--"That Sa Gamun must not be very competent"--but Chiyang stays cool and tosses it right back at Han, saying that it was a Khitan attempt. But Han has more: "And you're embezzling taxes to build a warrior monk army?" Again Chiyang stays cool and tries to argue that it's for defense against Liao. But Han doesn't buy it. And then: "Does the Emperor know that his mother almost died because there was poison in the herbal tonic you gave her?" This one stops Chiyang in his tracks; all he can do is mutter to himself, "It was Dokyun!" (I can't for the life of me figure out how he deduced that. He wouldn't have known that Dokyun was the poisoner. I think this may have been a big continuity error.) For a moment Chiyang entertains the thought of bringing in backup and killing Han right then and there, but Han warns him not to try anything because Cheonchu knows that he's here visiting this temple. What do you want from me?, Chiyang asks. "It's quite simple. I need you to stop this war." And then throws in a carrot, implying that he can help Chiyang rise to power if Chiyang is so inclined.
Cheonchu informs the Song envoy that he's the winner; Goryeo will join with Song and attack Liao. The envoy tells her it will be at least six months more before the attack is launched. This is a very unwelcome surprise for Cheonchu. That's too long to wait, she tells him, but he explains that there's dissension in the Song court and it will take time to unify it. Plus, their emperor doesn't want to attack unless they're attacked first. Besides, the envoy asks, "Is there any reason why you want to rush this?" That's a very good question; Goryeo has no need to rush it, but Cheonchu says "I have a personal reason" why she wants it done quickly. Probably her pregnancy.
Chiyang slaps Dokyun, right in front of Sa Gamun. Dokyun admits to telling PM Han about the attempt on Daeryang, and confesses to being behind the poisoning attempt on Cheonchu. He presents a sword and orders Sa Gamun to kill her on the spot. Instead, Sa Gamun kneels before Chiyang. She'll cause no more problems, he assures Chiyang; "If this happens again, I'll kill her and take my life as well." I beg you, don't kill her.
Hyangbi is coming to visit Cheonchu. Sa Illa is happy to see her former partner, and escorts her in. On the way, Hyangbi innocently throws this out there: "Have you ever heard of Crown Prince Mahi?" Sa Illa is momentarily startled. Hyangbi says she heard some soldiers talking about the story of the Shillan prince and is curious about it. Sa Illa lies, saying that as a Jurchen she's never heard of him. Hyangbi drops it and they keep walking.
Inside, Cheonchu and Hyangbi have a pleasant conversation, mainly about Cheonchu's pregnancy.
By the same riverbank we've been seeing recently: Yunheung wants to talk to Milhwa; they arranged to meet here so Milhwa isn't seen entering Yunheung's villa. Milhwa updates Yunheung on the meeting with Cheonchu. Yunheung reminds Milhwa that Cheonchu is their enemy and "our job is to make the emperor stand on his own." And if you do a good job and get the emperor in the palm of your hand, "you can become the empress. All you have to do is drive the current empress out of her place." From her expression, Milhwa seems to like that idea.
"Cheon Hyangbi talked to you about Crown Prince Mahi?" Sa Illa has reported to Chiyang. Sa Gamun reminds them of that report of the woman asking questions at Hangae Temple. They wonder if this is trouble. Chiyang doesn't know. He also is also unsure about what to do about PM Han.
Dokyun feels guilty for giving her former prime minister so much information. But Sa Gamun says he forgives her, and he hugs her.
"That again?" Hyangbi is trying to get Gang Jo to take an interest in the whole Prince Mahi/Hangae Temple mystery. "Sa Illa's eyes fluttered when I brought it up," she says. But he doesn't see any connection to Chiyang and again gently encourages her to forget it. She doesn't look like she's willing to forget it.
Shiyulsa Temple, Yangju Province: This is where Gang Gamchan has brought Prince Daeryang to live. The head monk tells Gamchan that the boy now has the Buddhist name of Sunjae, and that no one else knows his real identity. They go inside and Gamchan visits the boy. He's doing well; seems happy and healthy. Gamchan reminds him to study the books he's been sending him--books about royal statecraft.
State council meeting: With the envoys gone and domestic affairs on the agenda, it's time for Mokjong to take over the meeting. But Cheonchu has one last announcement, about the new consort coming in. The ministers are pleased by the announcement (all but Chiyang); they nod their approval and offer congratulations. Mokjong is rather uncomfortable about this being public discussion, but manages to thank them.
We see Milhwa brought into the palace on a palanquin. That evening she and Mokjong dine together. Milhwa tells him she's heard the rumors about his wild behavior. I want to see you become a benevolent and successful ruler, she tells him, but you'll never get there if you don't change your ways. He tells her he respects her boldness in speaking to him that way. And then he reaches over to her, and the smoochies start....
The next morning: Milhwa tells Cheonchu that she and Mokjong consummated their union last night. Cheonchu (nosy as ever) couldn't be more pleased to hear it.
We see Mokjong is walking around the palace with a goofy smile on his face. He runs into Yi Hyunoon and they have a nice little talk, and as Mokjong leaves Hyunoon remarks to himself that Mokjong is in a better mood lately, probably because of his "new woman." Mokjong is on his way to the morning state council meeting.
At the meeting: Mokjong asks for the most pressing domestic issue to discuss first. Ministers immediately start to criticize the stipend land policy, specifically the giving of stipend land to military officials (which is cutting into their own takes). Choe Hang argues that with the military in intense training at the moment, this isn't the time to be endangering morale by disrupting the policy. But he seems to be alone. It's almost like the whole thing is pre-planned, the way different ministers are jumping in with one argument after another, to try to railroad the inexperienced emperor. But then one of them (Choe Wonshin) suggests that the real heroes of the last war were not soldiers but civil officials like Seo Hui. "What do soldiers do but follow orders and swing their swords?" That went too far for Gamchan; he jumps in with a vengeance and angrily refutes Choe. Mokjong is getting angry, too, and cuts off all discussion. And then he scolds the complainers with stunningly unexpected skill and presence: "Are you starving because you have a little less land? Or are you unclothed? You are servants of the state. Did you gather here to fight over who gets a bigger piece of bread? Then why don't you go into business with Commissioner Kim here instead? I want to hear issues that concern the people and the state, not your pocketbooks! There will be no changes made to the stipend land policy. Move on to the next issue." Stunned silence. Well, what do you know--the kid's a natural. So much for an incompetent ruler! Even snuck in a zinger at Chiyang's expense, too. Off to the side, we see Go Hyun beaming and nodding his head (maybe the funniest moment of the series; I'm still laughing about that). Chiyang looks a bit shocked.
Cheonchu is meeting with the top generals. A strategy for conquering Liao is being laid out in detail. Every unit's assignment is in place. The only problem with the strategy is that it commits such a massive force to the north, a Khitan unit might possibly be able to maneuver around it and strike the Goryeo capital. "Don't worry about that," Cheonchu tells them; Chiyang's warrior monks will defend the capital if that should happen. Gang Jo doesn't look too comfortable with that, but no one raises any objection.
PM Han has made it back to Liao and debriefed the emperor and the empress dowager. Shengzong is furious about Cheonchu's request for the old Balhae territory, and even Chengtian agrees with him for once, saying it's too much to give them. Shengzong wants to attack Goryeo right now (go figure): "I might kneel to Song," he says, "but never to Goryeo." Han doesn't disagree but suggests waiting to launch an offensive until Cheonchu has her child--and is incapacitated "so that her inferior son can take charge."
Some of the ministers have been invited by Chiyang to a gisaeng house. "Don't be so shocked," Chiyang tells them as they sit down to a meal; my trading business is doing well and this is simply a reward for your hard work. But he does sneak in some business talk; he asks them how they feel about the impending war. They reluctantly tell him that they're not big supporters of the idea and particularly of the power the military officials have gained. Chiyang tells them, to their surprise, that he too is against the war, but Cheonchu won't listen to him. "That's why I need your help," he tells them. "Let us work together to prevent public suffering and stop the military officials from gaining excessive power."
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Flash-forward six months
-----------------------------------------------------
We see troops on the move. Gang Jo runs into a state council meeting to tell Mokjong that both Liao and Song are mobilizing their forces. Then it's time for Goryeo to move its troops as well. Somebody should inform Cheonchu, right? Not so fast; she's just gone into labor!
And guess who else has too? Dokyun! We see them both in the midst of it. Cheonchu, in the midst of her labor pains, is asking for war news.