Post by ajk on Oct 14, 2009 12:38:54 GMT -5
Wow, talk about bad timing. Attendant Yu thinks quickly and tells Cheonchu that Mokjong is drunk, but she's seen plenty of that before and goes inside anyway. She finds Mokjong alone in bed, in a daze, his shirt open. Where did Hangan go? Mokjong asks his mother where Milhwa is; "She was here just a moment ago" and touched me and held me. But moments later he snaps back to reality and grieves over his having killed the woman she loves. Treason or not. Cheonchu leaves him to sort out his emotions and get some rest. She didn't realize the depths of his grief.
Back inside, Hangan comes out of hiding. He's also somewhat unclothed (Okay, did they or didn't they?). Then attendant Yu walks in and insists that Hangan leave. He's surprisingly forceful for an attendant, angrily telling Hangan to "Leave when I ask nicely" or I'll bring Cheonchu back.
The next morning, state council meeting: Cheonchu (Still no Mokjong--what's the deal already?) announces that the one-third cap on private landholder assessments is to take effect today. Ministers complain that the law is unenforceable, too drastic, and in Gamchan's words, "could result in chaos and confusion" for being implemented so abruptly. Only Dae Dosu supports it, as the best possible option to support the military. And again, most of the ministers speak up for simply reducing the size of the military. But Cheonchu challenges the ministers to set the example as landowners themselves and be the first to reduce their own assessments. That doesn't go over too well.
Later, in private, Chiyang tells Cheonchu that he agrees the policy change is too drastic. He reminds her that even Taejo had to placate the nobles when he united the three kingdoms, and that she needs their loyalty. He supports downsizing the military, and tells her that the Liao Ministry of Finance has made a request for an official trading market. "This is an indication that they are done with war," he says. But she doesn't buy that and doesn't trust them. And she won't back down; the one-third cap stays as is.
Shangjin, Liao: The generals Yelu Dilu and Xiao Baiya have arrived at the capital, called back from their regional assignments. They head into the palace, encountering Prime Minister Han on the way, and go in to meet the emperor. "I want to destroy Goryeo," Shengzong tells them calmly. What about his mother's opposition? "She may never return to the imperial city" because of her illness; I won't attack Goryeo while she's alive, he says, but he wants to prepare for it. Xiao Baiya is especially eager for the war, because his brother "suffered humiliation and death in Goryeo" and he wants to avenge him. We also learn that Yelu Dilu is Yelu Pennu's master and trained him in martial arts.
"This means he will defy the empress dowager's wishes and strike Goryeo." Han is with Yelu Dilie and realizes the significance of the two generals being in the capital. Dilie advises Han that since war is inevitable, he turn his focus to finding a way to win it. But Han knows that a war is a losing proposition for Liao now. "If Goryeo must be destroyed, it must be destroyed from within." Han asks Dilie about the messenger hawk that flies to Goryeo; he wants to get in touch with Dokyun, unreliable as she may be to their cause.
Byuklan Port: Yi Jujeong and Dokyun are overseeing the unloading of a cargo ship. Dokyun spots a hawk overhead. Sensing something familiar about it, she whistles to it, and it swoops down to her.
Mun Inui reports to Chiyang that Hangan administered the osuksan to the emperor. That's all; nothing else. Chiyang remarks, "I guess sodomy is pushing it." (So apparently Hangan's playing along with Mokjong's hallucination was planned, or at least some such action by Hangan. And apparently it didn't happen, at least not yet.) Then Dokyun enters bearing a note for Chiyang; it came from the hawk. Chiyang reads it and immediately says that he needs to go to Boju (present day Uiju, up north by the Yalu River).
"What!? Are you sure?" The emperor and Yu Hangan?" Attendant Yu has just told Gamchan what he saw. Gamchan knows this will end Mokjong's reign if it gets out.
Chiyang tells Cheonchu that he needs to go to Boju on important trading business.
The next day: Hangan is before the emperor, who doesn't remember much about the night before last, just that he hallucinated holding Milhwa. Hangan tells him it wasn't a hallucination; "It was me" and it was real. "I am in the body of a man, but my heart is of a woman." That's why I did the female-dancer act, he explains. And I've loved you from the moment I met you. He goes on a bit about his feelings, but Mokjong doesn't want to hear it and orders him out. Afterwards, Mokjong has an idea: "Perhaps you are my ticket out of here," he says, thinking out loud.
A shabbily dressed Princes Jeong is at the palace gates, begging to see the emperor. Choe Jil doesn't believe she's a princess and won't let her in, but Kim Hoon happens by and recognizes her because they met once. Please tell the emperor I'm here, Jeong begs him.
Cheonchu is informed by Yu Bang of Jeong's arrival. Empress Sunjeong tells her to let her see the emperor. "Her mother committed the crime," Sunjeong says; "The daughter has done nothing." And besides, Mokjong was very friendly with Jeong when they were kids, so it would be good for him to see her.
Jeong enters the emperor's quarters. Mokjong is pleased as punch to see her after so long. Jeong falls to her knees and begs for clemency for her mother. Then Cheonchu is announced, so Jeong leaves and Cheonchu enters with Sunjeong.
"It's good to see you sober," Cheonchu tells her son. She's here to try to shape him up. She asks, "Are you going to ignore state affairs altogether?" (So that's why we haven't seen him at council meetings lately; it's been his decision. That should have been made clear to us.) You were an "absolutely exemplary" emperor until Milhwa died, she says, and you need to get a hold of yourself now. Sunjeong adds, "It's time to let go of the dead" and move on; what happened to Milhwa wasn't your fault and you shouldn't feel guilt over it. Mokjong changes the subject, abruptly asking Cheonchu to grant Jeong's wish and release Yunheung. Cheonchu asks, If I do, Will you go back to the meetings and start doing your job again? Yes, I will, he says. Done! Cheonchu looks almost confused at how easy that was. It did feel a bit odd.
Hogyeong: Ahn Pae and Yi Hyunoon compare life stories and commiserate over their supposedly unjust demotions. Through this we learn that Ahn Pae used to hold the rank of general and was indeed punished for his cruel actions as garrison commander with a demotion to colonel. While they're talking, Gamchan arrives to see Gang Jo. Ahn Pae tries to make himself inconspicuous, but Gamchan spots him and is shocked to find him here (like we were). "You're not back to exploiting the less fortunate again, are you?", he asks suspiciously. Ahn assures him he's working hard to redeem himself.
Gamchan has come to check on Jo. It looks like Jo has been drinking; he's obviously still hurting over Hyangbi. Gamchan asks Jo to go to Boju for him, because he knows Chiyang is headed there. "He said he was going to the border trading market but it doesn't sound right." Gamchan feels his investigation of Chiyang is finally coming together, but there are still plenty of questions to be answered. Jo says he'll do it, and assures Gamchan he won't lose his cool upon seeing Chiyang. (This is a bad idea. Couldn't Gamchan find anybody else to do this? A rare lapse in judgment from him.)
Cheonchu is meeting with her generals, who report to her that the soldiers are still in high spirits and are very appreciative of the one-third assessment cap. It's been a big help to the soldiers' families and is encouraging them to work even harder. We meet two new faces during the meeting: Colonel Ha Gongjin of the Left and Right Guards, and Colonel Ji Chaemun of the Divine Tigers.
State council meeting: Mokjong is back at the helm. The ministers are tickled pink to see him back, because they want him to reverse his mother's one-third cap policy. He doesn't seem all that interested, but then asks them if this was something that his mother was particularly interested in. Very much so, they tell him.
Jeong brings her mother the good news: her exile is lifted. We learn that her shabby attire for her palace visit was Jo Sun's idea, a deception to evoke sympathy. Jeong is a bit uncomfortable about that, but it did work. Yunheung is surprised that Cheonchu would give her her freedom back, but she knows that she has no power: "I'm alive but lifeless. That's why she is setting me free." Jeong tells her mother, "Take no interest in power from now on. I'm just happy that we can live together again." But from the intent look on Yunheung's face, it doesn't seem like she's going to take her daughter's advice.
Evening: Cheonchu goes to see the emperor. Turns out, he overturned her one-third cap policy. They argue about it, but it's clear the only reason he did it was to make her angry. "It will not be enforced as long as I am on the throne. So if you must enforce it, depose me." So that's the deal; he wants out and is trying to provoke her. She leaves, and he mutters to himself, "Yes, mother. Make a bold decision. You have to."
Narration tells us that the Boju Border Market was established in 1005. "Goryeo exported gold, silver, copper, paper, ink, brushes and crafted products; and imported mainly silk, yarn, horses, sheep, and other livestock from Liao." The market was suspended after the second Khitan invasion but reopened seventy years later.
Boju: We see Chiyang meeting with Prime Minister Han. Sa Gamun and Dokyun are with Chiyang; Yelu Dilie is with Han. Chiyang and Han want to talk privately, so the other three go outside onto a balcony. Gang Jo, Hyunoon and Ahn Pae are watching the building and spot them.
Chiyang fears that Han is trying to blackmail him again, as he did in Ep58 when Han wanted to stop Goryeo from attacking (a problem solved for him by the earthquake w saw). But Han assures him he wants "not to threaten you but to help you." As in, help you put your son Hwangju on the throne. Chiyang distrusts Han's motives, but Han explains, "I think Goryeo would be more open to Liao with your son on the throne than with Cheonchu in power. Frankly speaking, both my emperor and your empress dowager want war. But I believe you want peace as much as I do. Have you looked around this border market? I'm talking about how our people mix and mingle benefitting each other. I believe this is the future of Liao and Goryeo." Han asks him how he can help; Chiyang instantly fires back an idea: "Would you be willing to rally your army for me?" Uh-oh, what's he up to now.
Mokjong tells his wife he's going to Sung-gyo temple to pray for his health. He apologizes to Sunjeong for causing her pain, "And I may cause you even more pain in the future. But you must know that my heart is with you. So forgive me if no one else will. I don't want to be forsaken by you." Sunjeong worries and asks him what this all means, but he won't say.
We see Mojkong arrive at Sung-gyo temple, and we see him praying.
Sunjeong goes to Cheonchu and tells her what Mokjong said. "Your Highness, something is wrong. He looked different. As if he is giving up his life. Please go check on him."
Back at the temple: Hangan is with Mokjong; he's brought more osuksan. He mixes it in wine and serves it to Mokjong. "You will spend the night her with me tonight," Mokjong tells him. "I'm ending this dreadful charade. I was never supposed to rise to the throne." And he orders Hangan to drink some of the concoction. Hangan isn't a drinker and doesn't want to touch the stuff, but emperor's orders. "It's my last command to you as the emperor." So he does.
Boju, nighttime: Chiyang is on the balcony with Sa Gamun and Dokyun. Suddenly his name is called. Gang Jo confronts him. Hyunoon and Ahn Pae are with him and they're all brandishing weapons. "What did you and the prime minister of Liao talk about?" Stunned silence. "Answer the question. What are you conspiring this time?" (As expected, bad move by Jo. Now Chiyang will have time to come up with a cover story. What was Gamchan thinking?)
Nighttime: Cheonchu shows up at the temple to check on her son. The sight of her throws Go Hyun into a panic, but he can't exactly turn her away. She calls out to him from outside his quarters, but no answer. He must be asleep. She starts to leave but then spots a strange pair of boots left outside the house. Men's boots. So she ventures inside the building, looks around and is stunned to discover her son and Hangan sleeping in bed together.
Back inside, Hangan comes out of hiding. He's also somewhat unclothed (Okay, did they or didn't they?). Then attendant Yu walks in and insists that Hangan leave. He's surprisingly forceful for an attendant, angrily telling Hangan to "Leave when I ask nicely" or I'll bring Cheonchu back.
The next morning, state council meeting: Cheonchu (Still no Mokjong--what's the deal already?) announces that the one-third cap on private landholder assessments is to take effect today. Ministers complain that the law is unenforceable, too drastic, and in Gamchan's words, "could result in chaos and confusion" for being implemented so abruptly. Only Dae Dosu supports it, as the best possible option to support the military. And again, most of the ministers speak up for simply reducing the size of the military. But Cheonchu challenges the ministers to set the example as landowners themselves and be the first to reduce their own assessments. That doesn't go over too well.
Later, in private, Chiyang tells Cheonchu that he agrees the policy change is too drastic. He reminds her that even Taejo had to placate the nobles when he united the three kingdoms, and that she needs their loyalty. He supports downsizing the military, and tells her that the Liao Ministry of Finance has made a request for an official trading market. "This is an indication that they are done with war," he says. But she doesn't buy that and doesn't trust them. And she won't back down; the one-third cap stays as is.
Shangjin, Liao: The generals Yelu Dilu and Xiao Baiya have arrived at the capital, called back from their regional assignments. They head into the palace, encountering Prime Minister Han on the way, and go in to meet the emperor. "I want to destroy Goryeo," Shengzong tells them calmly. What about his mother's opposition? "She may never return to the imperial city" because of her illness; I won't attack Goryeo while she's alive, he says, but he wants to prepare for it. Xiao Baiya is especially eager for the war, because his brother "suffered humiliation and death in Goryeo" and he wants to avenge him. We also learn that Yelu Dilu is Yelu Pennu's master and trained him in martial arts.
"This means he will defy the empress dowager's wishes and strike Goryeo." Han is with Yelu Dilie and realizes the significance of the two generals being in the capital. Dilie advises Han that since war is inevitable, he turn his focus to finding a way to win it. But Han knows that a war is a losing proposition for Liao now. "If Goryeo must be destroyed, it must be destroyed from within." Han asks Dilie about the messenger hawk that flies to Goryeo; he wants to get in touch with Dokyun, unreliable as she may be to their cause.
Byuklan Port: Yi Jujeong and Dokyun are overseeing the unloading of a cargo ship. Dokyun spots a hawk overhead. Sensing something familiar about it, she whistles to it, and it swoops down to her.
Mun Inui reports to Chiyang that Hangan administered the osuksan to the emperor. That's all; nothing else. Chiyang remarks, "I guess sodomy is pushing it." (So apparently Hangan's playing along with Mokjong's hallucination was planned, or at least some such action by Hangan. And apparently it didn't happen, at least not yet.) Then Dokyun enters bearing a note for Chiyang; it came from the hawk. Chiyang reads it and immediately says that he needs to go to Boju (present day Uiju, up north by the Yalu River).
"What!? Are you sure?" The emperor and Yu Hangan?" Attendant Yu has just told Gamchan what he saw. Gamchan knows this will end Mokjong's reign if it gets out.
Chiyang tells Cheonchu that he needs to go to Boju on important trading business.
The next day: Hangan is before the emperor, who doesn't remember much about the night before last, just that he hallucinated holding Milhwa. Hangan tells him it wasn't a hallucination; "It was me" and it was real. "I am in the body of a man, but my heart is of a woman." That's why I did the female-dancer act, he explains. And I've loved you from the moment I met you. He goes on a bit about his feelings, but Mokjong doesn't want to hear it and orders him out. Afterwards, Mokjong has an idea: "Perhaps you are my ticket out of here," he says, thinking out loud.
A shabbily dressed Princes Jeong is at the palace gates, begging to see the emperor. Choe Jil doesn't believe she's a princess and won't let her in, but Kim Hoon happens by and recognizes her because they met once. Please tell the emperor I'm here, Jeong begs him.
Cheonchu is informed by Yu Bang of Jeong's arrival. Empress Sunjeong tells her to let her see the emperor. "Her mother committed the crime," Sunjeong says; "The daughter has done nothing." And besides, Mokjong was very friendly with Jeong when they were kids, so it would be good for him to see her.
Jeong enters the emperor's quarters. Mokjong is pleased as punch to see her after so long. Jeong falls to her knees and begs for clemency for her mother. Then Cheonchu is announced, so Jeong leaves and Cheonchu enters with Sunjeong.
"It's good to see you sober," Cheonchu tells her son. She's here to try to shape him up. She asks, "Are you going to ignore state affairs altogether?" (So that's why we haven't seen him at council meetings lately; it's been his decision. That should have been made clear to us.) You were an "absolutely exemplary" emperor until Milhwa died, she says, and you need to get a hold of yourself now. Sunjeong adds, "It's time to let go of the dead" and move on; what happened to Milhwa wasn't your fault and you shouldn't feel guilt over it. Mokjong changes the subject, abruptly asking Cheonchu to grant Jeong's wish and release Yunheung. Cheonchu asks, If I do, Will you go back to the meetings and start doing your job again? Yes, I will, he says. Done! Cheonchu looks almost confused at how easy that was. It did feel a bit odd.
Hogyeong: Ahn Pae and Yi Hyunoon compare life stories and commiserate over their supposedly unjust demotions. Through this we learn that Ahn Pae used to hold the rank of general and was indeed punished for his cruel actions as garrison commander with a demotion to colonel. While they're talking, Gamchan arrives to see Gang Jo. Ahn Pae tries to make himself inconspicuous, but Gamchan spots him and is shocked to find him here (like we were). "You're not back to exploiting the less fortunate again, are you?", he asks suspiciously. Ahn assures him he's working hard to redeem himself.
Gamchan has come to check on Jo. It looks like Jo has been drinking; he's obviously still hurting over Hyangbi. Gamchan asks Jo to go to Boju for him, because he knows Chiyang is headed there. "He said he was going to the border trading market but it doesn't sound right." Gamchan feels his investigation of Chiyang is finally coming together, but there are still plenty of questions to be answered. Jo says he'll do it, and assures Gamchan he won't lose his cool upon seeing Chiyang. (This is a bad idea. Couldn't Gamchan find anybody else to do this? A rare lapse in judgment from him.)
Cheonchu is meeting with her generals, who report to her that the soldiers are still in high spirits and are very appreciative of the one-third assessment cap. It's been a big help to the soldiers' families and is encouraging them to work even harder. We meet two new faces during the meeting: Colonel Ha Gongjin of the Left and Right Guards, and Colonel Ji Chaemun of the Divine Tigers.
State council meeting: Mokjong is back at the helm. The ministers are tickled pink to see him back, because they want him to reverse his mother's one-third cap policy. He doesn't seem all that interested, but then asks them if this was something that his mother was particularly interested in. Very much so, they tell him.
Jeong brings her mother the good news: her exile is lifted. We learn that her shabby attire for her palace visit was Jo Sun's idea, a deception to evoke sympathy. Jeong is a bit uncomfortable about that, but it did work. Yunheung is surprised that Cheonchu would give her her freedom back, but she knows that she has no power: "I'm alive but lifeless. That's why she is setting me free." Jeong tells her mother, "Take no interest in power from now on. I'm just happy that we can live together again." But from the intent look on Yunheung's face, it doesn't seem like she's going to take her daughter's advice.
Evening: Cheonchu goes to see the emperor. Turns out, he overturned her one-third cap policy. They argue about it, but it's clear the only reason he did it was to make her angry. "It will not be enforced as long as I am on the throne. So if you must enforce it, depose me." So that's the deal; he wants out and is trying to provoke her. She leaves, and he mutters to himself, "Yes, mother. Make a bold decision. You have to."
Narration tells us that the Boju Border Market was established in 1005. "Goryeo exported gold, silver, copper, paper, ink, brushes and crafted products; and imported mainly silk, yarn, horses, sheep, and other livestock from Liao." The market was suspended after the second Khitan invasion but reopened seventy years later.
Boju: We see Chiyang meeting with Prime Minister Han. Sa Gamun and Dokyun are with Chiyang; Yelu Dilie is with Han. Chiyang and Han want to talk privately, so the other three go outside onto a balcony. Gang Jo, Hyunoon and Ahn Pae are watching the building and spot them.
Chiyang fears that Han is trying to blackmail him again, as he did in Ep58 when Han wanted to stop Goryeo from attacking (a problem solved for him by the earthquake w saw). But Han assures him he wants "not to threaten you but to help you." As in, help you put your son Hwangju on the throne. Chiyang distrusts Han's motives, but Han explains, "I think Goryeo would be more open to Liao with your son on the throne than with Cheonchu in power. Frankly speaking, both my emperor and your empress dowager want war. But I believe you want peace as much as I do. Have you looked around this border market? I'm talking about how our people mix and mingle benefitting each other. I believe this is the future of Liao and Goryeo." Han asks him how he can help; Chiyang instantly fires back an idea: "Would you be willing to rally your army for me?" Uh-oh, what's he up to now.
Mokjong tells his wife he's going to Sung-gyo temple to pray for his health. He apologizes to Sunjeong for causing her pain, "And I may cause you even more pain in the future. But you must know that my heart is with you. So forgive me if no one else will. I don't want to be forsaken by you." Sunjeong worries and asks him what this all means, but he won't say.
We see Mojkong arrive at Sung-gyo temple, and we see him praying.
Sunjeong goes to Cheonchu and tells her what Mokjong said. "Your Highness, something is wrong. He looked different. As if he is giving up his life. Please go check on him."
Back at the temple: Hangan is with Mokjong; he's brought more osuksan. He mixes it in wine and serves it to Mokjong. "You will spend the night her with me tonight," Mokjong tells him. "I'm ending this dreadful charade. I was never supposed to rise to the throne." And he orders Hangan to drink some of the concoction. Hangan isn't a drinker and doesn't want to touch the stuff, but emperor's orders. "It's my last command to you as the emperor." So he does.
Boju, nighttime: Chiyang is on the balcony with Sa Gamun and Dokyun. Suddenly his name is called. Gang Jo confronts him. Hyunoon and Ahn Pae are with him and they're all brandishing weapons. "What did you and the prime minister of Liao talk about?" Stunned silence. "Answer the question. What are you conspiring this time?" (As expected, bad move by Jo. Now Chiyang will have time to come up with a cover story. What was Gamchan thinking?)
Nighttime: Cheonchu shows up at the temple to check on her son. The sight of her throws Go Hyun into a panic, but he can't exactly turn her away. She calls out to him from outside his quarters, but no answer. He must be asleep. She starts to leave but then spots a strange pair of boots left outside the house. Men's boots. So she ventures inside the building, looks around and is stunned to discover her son and Hangan sleeping in bed together.