Post by ajk on Oct 30, 2009 15:18:54 GMT -5
Cheonchu glares. Chiyang apologizes for what she's been put through and tells her he wants to talk it all out with her. That's never gonna happen, of course. Cheonchu is livid about the army--the army she built up herself--being turned against itself, and says so. And point-blank accuses him (correctly) of getting aid from the Khitans. The room is full of Chiyang's allies and subordinates and he certainly doesn't want them to know the truth, so he denies it and says that Cheonchu is overstressed and delusional. He tells Dokyun and Sa Illa to take her to get some rest. She doesn't leave willingly, shouting at everyone in the room that Chiyang has a secret agenda, has joined with the Khitans, and has some sort of connection to "ruined state Shilla. He is trying to bring Goryeo down! He is deceiving you. Kim Chiyang must be destroyed!" After she's gone he assures the room that "she is shocked and confused and she doesn't know what she's saying." They all seem to buy it.
"Answer me. What is Kim Chiyang really after? Who is he?" Cheonchu demands to know, but Sa Illa won't tell her.
Back in the throne room: Sa Gamun and Min Inui try to convince Chiyang to execute Cheonchu. She'll never cooperate with us, they argue, and she's too dangerous to us to be kept alive. No, Chiyang says, she'll come around eventually, and besides, if we kill her it will drive Gang Jo into a maniacal attacking frenzy. Not buying it, they ask him if he's being affected by his personal feelings and urge him to look at the bigger picture. But he just about bites their heads of for suggesting such a thing (undoubtedly they spoke the truth and it hit too close to home).
Out in the woods: The emperor's party is still trying to get to safety. Fortunately, they encounter Yang Kyu and Kim Sukheung leading a large contingent of troops. These are troops from the Two Armies. We learn that Yang and Kim (who disappeared from the storyline after we left them out in the woods covering the emperor's retreat) managed to get through enemy lines and make it to the Central Army Base; obviously they rallied the still-loyal Two Armies troops, and here they are. A big relief, to say the least. We meet to new generals: Choi Sawui of the Soaring Eagles, and Tak Sajeong of the Dragon Tigers. Mokjong has to break the bad news to all of the new arrivals that Cheonchu was captured.
Cheonchu is pacing back and forth. Chiyang enters the room, with their child Hwangju. But just for a moment; the boy is quickly ushered back out. He brought the boy to induce mom to cooperate. "I don't want him to grow up without a mother." Yikes. He argues that neither Mokjong nor Daeryang is fit for the throne, but their son "could become a benevolent ruler praised by all if the two of us join hands and raised him well." And he promises her, "I will make this country a hundred times stronger that it is now, and I will bring the Khitan to their knees before you." But she wants none of it and fires back the same accusations as in the throne room earlier. (Did he really think she'd accept any of this? Is this more of that I'm-her-man-and-women-follow-their-men stuff?) Just then, Mun Inui enters with news that the royal seal has been located, hidden in a well next to Shindeok Hall. What do you want with the seal?, Cheonchu demands. Chiyang won't tell her; he only tells her he still feels the same way about her as when he risked his life for her in Liao.
Back in the woods: Gang Jo has a plan to rescue Cheonchu; he wants Yang and Kim and the Two Armies to attack the east gate to create a diversion while he goes in and rescues her himself (one person being less likely to be spotted than if a group went in). Gamchan doesn't like the idea; for morale reasons it would be too costly to lose Jo, so it's too risky. Yang and Kim agree, and say they'll go in with him! Still risky, but Gamchan okays it; he'll take generals Choi and Tak and attack the east gate. BUT--"If you encounter difficulties, you must abort the rescue mission and come back."
Chiyang, holding the royal seal, starts dictating military orders to be drafted--and affixed with the seal--that will keep the northern troops occupied. (Oh, come on now. Does he really think the northern troops won't learn about the overthrow? And besides that, why is he holding the seal in the first place? Of course it would have been taken out of the palace with the emperor when he fled. Of course! This was a silly plotline, and not even necessary.) Suddenly Sa Gamun runs in with a report of trouble: enemy troops at the east gate!
Sa Gamun and Dokyun go to the east gate. Yeah, there they are: LOTS of them. They weren't expected, at least not so soon.
Elsewhere, Jo, Yang, Kim and a company of soldiers are all on horseback speeding through the countryside. They reach a deserted portion of the city wall, the three generals throw ropes with hooks to the top of the wall, and the three scale the wall. Rebel troops rush them, but then are frozen in their tracks upon seeing Jo. Jo demands to know where Choenchu is being held.
Back at the east gate: the troops have scaled the wall and its hand to hand chaos. Directing from below, Gamchan exhorts them on. And they're winning, if only by sheer numbers.
The courtyard outside the emperor's quarters, where Cheonchu is being held (remember, her own palace burned down): Sa Illa and a squad of rebel soldiers is standing guard. Suddenly, Jo, Yang and Kim charge into the yard. Jo spots Sa Illa: "Guess who's here, wench? I've come for your head!" Gulp. The three charge in and attack the guards; they're way outnumbered but their fighting skills are wildly superior and they're mowing them down. Gang fights his way through to Sa Illa, knocks her down and prepares to deliver a death blow, when out of the corner of his eye he sees a rebel soldier run into the building. That doesn't look good at all, so he has to run after him. Inside, the rebel runs at Cheonchu with a dagger; she tries to fight him off but that knife is getting closer, closer...but Jo runs in and kills him just in time. They talk for what seems like an eternity (but is really only a few seconds), and then run back out. I can't leave without my son, she says, but they tell her they have to for now. Cheonchu and the three generals make their escape, running past Sa Illa, who's lying unconscious.
Sa Illa revives and goes to tell Chiyang what happened. Chiyang can't believe that Jo defeated the Khitans so quickly and is here already. Then more bad news: the east gate is getting overwhelmed. It looks like Chiyang is starting to lose his composure, just a little bit; there wasn't supposed to be so much of a counterstrike so quickly.
Back out in the woods; Cheonchu is reunited with her son. Attendant Yu has been keeping track of all of the developments: along with the attack on the east gate, Gang Jo's troops from the northwest are now attacking the west and south gates. Cheonchu wants to go back and help with the attacks: "I will capture Kim Chiyang myself. And I must save my son." (After generals just risked their lives to get her out of there? A classic reckless Cheonchu move.)
Chiyang is waffling and indecisive, the pressure starting to crack him. He knows that he's in big trouble if Gang Jo's northwest armies show up and join the attack. His subordinates try to snap him out of it; they want him to evacuate and make a decision NOW, because soon there may not be a way out. This could all lead to desertions if the rebel troops see the tide turning. "A mere three days on the throne," he mutters; "Has Heaven forsaken me?" Sa Illa urges him to get out through the north gate; it's the least likely to be attacked at the moment (correct). Finally he agrees; he tells Mun Inui to defend the south gate and Dokyun to defend the west gate; Sa Illa to take Prince Hwangju and escape through the north gate; and everyone to meet up in the Jurchen village. They all leave except for Sa Gamun. Chiyang has a favor to ask him, in case something should go wrong....
Outside, Dokyun tells Sa Illa that her son is with Hwangju; "Would you take care of him?" She says she will, and she goes and gets the two kids. Then she runs into Sa Gamun, who gives her a startling instruction: Switch the two boys' outfits. (Startling, except for the fact that you had to know something like this was coming, ever since both boys were born on the same day. The old switcheroo. Just like the one that saved Chiyang's neck as a boy.) That's the favor Chiyang asked of Sa Gamun. It's a heck of a favor, to put his own son's life in danger for the benefit of Chiyang's son. Sa Illa just about freaks out: "Brother, are you out of your mind?! Sacrifice your own son?" Sa Gamun says it's only a worst-case scenario. "But it won't be easy to take the children out of here safely. And if we can only save one of them, we have to choose. And if it comes to that, it has to be the prince." Sa Illa is crying at the very idea of it, and Sa Gamun hugs his child, overcome with guilt.
We see Ahn Pae leading troops to the west gate.
In one of the palace courtyards (presumably the council hall courtyard): Steward Yi runs in with more bad news for Chiyang: now the south gate has fallen. You need to get out of here right now, Yi tells him. And just then, loyalist troops from the south gate attack come running in. Led by Yi Hyunoon! Of all people. Well just when you think you've seen everything. He doesn't look real comfortable in the midst of all this danger, but there he is and he's hanging in there. Rebel soldiers charge to meet them and a furious battle ensues right in front of Chiyang. (And once again, not an archer in sight to take him out. UGH.)
In the palace jail: In one cell we see all of the captured ministers and generals tied up. Most or all of them are facing execution. Mun Inui enters the jail and tells the guards that Chiyang has ordered them to give him the cell key and wait outside. Which they do. Then Mun opens the cell! "Everyone get out. General Gang Jo's army is at the palace gate." Choe Hang, who probably should just keep quiet and run but isn't the type for it, asks Mun what his motive is for releasing everyone. Mun explains, "All I ask is that you tell the empress dowager about this later. That I saved you all from being executed." Ever the opportunist. (I loved this; what an unexpected turn.)
Back outside in the courtyard: The bad news just keeps coming for Chiyang. The east gate has fallen and his troops have fled. The west gate has fallen, too. And sure enough, here comes Ahn Pae and his troops, fresh through the west gate and charging into the yard. Chiyang needs to get his sorry butt out of there; why isn't he moving? But uh-oh, now he's totally screwed, because here comes Gang Jo! Jo catches sight of Chiyang and goes bonkers. Now a big battle is going, Chiyang still just standing there watching it unfold. With so many loyalist soldiers coming in, the tide quickly turns against the rebels. In the middle of it all, Jo ends up battling Sa Gamun in what looks like it could be a defining moment. It doesn't last long. Jo quickly gains the advantage, knocks Sa Gamun off balance with his spear, lunges for his chest, and suddenly Sa Gamun is a human cocktail onion. Jo yanks the spear back and Sa Gamun falls to his knees...Flashback to Ep59, the birth of Ryang, and Dokyun telling Sa Gamun how she fears for their future with Chiyang in the picture...Flashback to a little while ago, Sa Gamun saying good-bye to his son...Flashbacks ending, Yang Kyu steps forward and impatiently delivers a finishing blow. A tear in his eye, Sa Gamun falls over, dead. Chiyang watched it happen and stands there dazed and speechless. Jo and a bunch of other soldiers make a run at Chiyang, who finally looks like he's about to move and defend himself, but just then an arrow flies in and hits him in the arm. And there's Cheonchu standing across the courtyard; it was her arrow. Chiyang's neck is surrounded by the blades of loyalist soldiers' swords. Cheonchu calmly walks over to him, glaring, and demands to know where her son is. No answer. Gamchan is with her; he urges her to focus on regaining control of the capital for the moment. "Lock up the criminal of high treason!", he orders, and Chiyang is taken away. Wow. (Note: In the middle of all this, daytime abruptly turned into nighttime. MAJOR error there.)
We see a one-horse carriage fleeing from the palace. Sa Illa is driving it and a child is with her (which one?). Soldiers led by the newly introduced generals Choi and Tak are chasing her, and we can see right away that this won't be much of a chase; Sa Illa is in big trouble. Soon she abandons the wagon, takes the child and runs into the woods. The soldiers pursue her, and soon she finds herself trapped at the top of a cliff overlooking a river. Trapped. The soldiers close in--"Wench! Hand over the prince!" She pulls out the bladed boomerang and throws a warning loop; everybody ducks for cover momentarily. So the generals call forth the archers. She turns her back to protect the child and a dozen arrows simultaneously pound into her back. (This should be a cause for celebration, the fact that somebody finally had the brains to just bring in the archers and be done with it already. Problem is, they fire at her when she's standing right between them and the child. They could easily have killed the kid. So it was a risky move.) She falls to her knees dying. She hugs the child and says "I’m sorry, Ryang." And then, hugging her nephew, she throws herself and the boy over the cliff and into the river. (Pardon my insensitivity here, but I sure hope the boomerang doesn't float.)
Liao imperial palace: Yelu Chu is getting a tongue-lashing from the emperor for failing so miserably against Gang Jo. But Chu's fellow generals urge the emperor to back off, saying it wasn't Chu's fault, it was Prime Minister Han's fault for sending too few troops to do the job. They're all frustrated and on edge because they don't know what's happening in Goryeo at the moment and because Chengtian's return has them stonewalled for the time being. Xiao Baiya offers to go talk to Han about it.
So they talk, over a game of Go. Baiya makes what sounds like a threat: "Prime Minister, the empress dowager is not well. Think about the future. I want you to enjoy a long life." "You dare threaten me?" Han slams his hand on the gameboard; a rare display of temper. No, Baiya says, I'm just concerned for you and it would be a good idea to find out what's happening in Goryeo. Han replies that there won't be any sudden change in Goryeo; "Please trust me and be patient. If you wait, the right time will come."
Nighttime: In the darkened throne room, Cheonchu stands alone, filled with regret and uncertainty.
"You never had what it takes." Chiyang, in prisoner's white, is sitting in solitary confinement in a jail cell. So who's that talking to him? Why, it's Evil Twin! And he's wearing prisoner's white too. "You were too weak to realize the great mission to begin with." Chiyang says he feels relieved now; "I can finally let go of the great burden. And I can die in peace." But ET fires back, "Fool. Now your son will inherit your burden. I'm sure he can do a better job than you could. Idiot." And he fades away. Didn't need to twist the knife (Or maybe he did--he IS the evil twin, after all), but he made a good point.
Kim Shimun, Choe Suk and Choe Wonshin (the three Shillan-descent ministers who skittered away from the palace before the trouble started) get the news that the rebellion failed. They're kicking themselves for not staying in the palace and showing support for the emperor. They start to head quickly back to the palace...and outside they run into Mun Inui. What is Mun doing there? Kim has nothing but contempt for Mun and threatens to turn him in, but Mun asks him to calm down and hear him out. "I've come to give you an opportunity to render a huge service to the state." Hmmm, what could he possibly have to offer?
We see Kim Shimun arriving at one of the palace gates, with Mun Inui walking behind him. Troops recognize Mun and move to arrest him, but Kim tells them that Mun has something to confess to the empress dowager. So they take him to her.
Cheonchu, Gang Gamchan and Gang Jo listen with amazement as Mun Inui reveals the whole story about Chiyang: his identity and ancestry, the murder of his parents by Choe Sum's father, and the Shillan-revival community that settled in Jurchen territory. Why are you telling us this?, Gamchan wonders. "To survive, sir." He offers to tell them the names of every one of Chiyang's co-conspirators if they'll spare his life. "History will repeat itself unless every last one of Kim Chiyang's men is captured. Your Highness, wouldn't that be more beneficial to the state than taking a petty man's life?" Can't argue with that. And he also tosses in the fact that he saved those generals and ministers from being executed. The guy is one shrewd operator, you gotta give him that.
At Lady Yunheung's villa: Kim Shimun has just told Yunheung the whole Chiyang story. Yunheung sees this as a "golden opportunity" to bring down Cheonchu, because she bore the child of a traitor. We have to rally the officials against her, she says, and we have to work on gaining Daeryang's favor since he'll be the emperor soon. Princess Jeong has repeatedly asked her mother not to get involved in politics, and does so once again. But Yunheung wants revenge on Cheonchu; she still sees her as being responsible for not only her father Wonsoong's death, but also the death of King Sungjong. How does she plan to gain Daeryang's favor? Simple. She'll get him to marry Jeong. Doink! Jeong is shocked to hear it, but Yunheung figures her daughter has the ideal bloodline for it, and is "empress material" too. "We will drive out the empress dowager and reclaim the glory we once had." Jeong isn't sure what to make of all this.
Shinhyeol Temple: Jin Gwan tells Bakdol and Myeongil that Daeryang will be leaving for the capital soon and the two of them will need to accompany him. Next he calls in Daeryang and gives him advice about how to conduct himself as emperor: be open in your heart and mind; listen to people you disagree with as well as agree with; have patience and strength; have compassion for the common people. The prince still doesn't think he's worthy of the throne and is visibly uncomfortable with the idea of leaving his life here. What's worse, Jin is talking to him as a subordinate would talk, and when he's finished he even bows humbly. Daeryang begs him to stop it.
Cheonchu looks like she's waiting nervously for news about something. Gamchan enters; he has it. He can barely look at her, but he has to break the news to her that her son Hwangju is dead. Cheonchu falls to pieces, understandably. She's filled with regret that because of the political situation with Chiyang, she cold never give the boy enough of the love and attention he should have gotten. "I had him grow up lonely, in a secluded corner of the palace. I told myself that I'd make it up to him when I left the regency and be a real mother to him. How could the poor child be dead when he never even got to feel a mother's love?" She slowly drops to the floor, overcome by grief. "My poor baby...Jin...Jin...."
"Answer me. What is Kim Chiyang really after? Who is he?" Cheonchu demands to know, but Sa Illa won't tell her.
Back in the throne room: Sa Gamun and Min Inui try to convince Chiyang to execute Cheonchu. She'll never cooperate with us, they argue, and she's too dangerous to us to be kept alive. No, Chiyang says, she'll come around eventually, and besides, if we kill her it will drive Gang Jo into a maniacal attacking frenzy. Not buying it, they ask him if he's being affected by his personal feelings and urge him to look at the bigger picture. But he just about bites their heads of for suggesting such a thing (undoubtedly they spoke the truth and it hit too close to home).
Out in the woods: The emperor's party is still trying to get to safety. Fortunately, they encounter Yang Kyu and Kim Sukheung leading a large contingent of troops. These are troops from the Two Armies. We learn that Yang and Kim (who disappeared from the storyline after we left them out in the woods covering the emperor's retreat) managed to get through enemy lines and make it to the Central Army Base; obviously they rallied the still-loyal Two Armies troops, and here they are. A big relief, to say the least. We meet to new generals: Choi Sawui of the Soaring Eagles, and Tak Sajeong of the Dragon Tigers. Mokjong has to break the bad news to all of the new arrivals that Cheonchu was captured.
Cheonchu is pacing back and forth. Chiyang enters the room, with their child Hwangju. But just for a moment; the boy is quickly ushered back out. He brought the boy to induce mom to cooperate. "I don't want him to grow up without a mother." Yikes. He argues that neither Mokjong nor Daeryang is fit for the throne, but their son "could become a benevolent ruler praised by all if the two of us join hands and raised him well." And he promises her, "I will make this country a hundred times stronger that it is now, and I will bring the Khitan to their knees before you." But she wants none of it and fires back the same accusations as in the throne room earlier. (Did he really think she'd accept any of this? Is this more of that I'm-her-man-and-women-follow-their-men stuff?) Just then, Mun Inui enters with news that the royal seal has been located, hidden in a well next to Shindeok Hall. What do you want with the seal?, Cheonchu demands. Chiyang won't tell her; he only tells her he still feels the same way about her as when he risked his life for her in Liao.
Back in the woods: Gang Jo has a plan to rescue Cheonchu; he wants Yang and Kim and the Two Armies to attack the east gate to create a diversion while he goes in and rescues her himself (one person being less likely to be spotted than if a group went in). Gamchan doesn't like the idea; for morale reasons it would be too costly to lose Jo, so it's too risky. Yang and Kim agree, and say they'll go in with him! Still risky, but Gamchan okays it; he'll take generals Choi and Tak and attack the east gate. BUT--"If you encounter difficulties, you must abort the rescue mission and come back."
Chiyang, holding the royal seal, starts dictating military orders to be drafted--and affixed with the seal--that will keep the northern troops occupied. (Oh, come on now. Does he really think the northern troops won't learn about the overthrow? And besides that, why is he holding the seal in the first place? Of course it would have been taken out of the palace with the emperor when he fled. Of course! This was a silly plotline, and not even necessary.) Suddenly Sa Gamun runs in with a report of trouble: enemy troops at the east gate!
Sa Gamun and Dokyun go to the east gate. Yeah, there they are: LOTS of them. They weren't expected, at least not so soon.
Elsewhere, Jo, Yang, Kim and a company of soldiers are all on horseback speeding through the countryside. They reach a deserted portion of the city wall, the three generals throw ropes with hooks to the top of the wall, and the three scale the wall. Rebel troops rush them, but then are frozen in their tracks upon seeing Jo. Jo demands to know where Choenchu is being held.
Back at the east gate: the troops have scaled the wall and its hand to hand chaos. Directing from below, Gamchan exhorts them on. And they're winning, if only by sheer numbers.
The courtyard outside the emperor's quarters, where Cheonchu is being held (remember, her own palace burned down): Sa Illa and a squad of rebel soldiers is standing guard. Suddenly, Jo, Yang and Kim charge into the yard. Jo spots Sa Illa: "Guess who's here, wench? I've come for your head!" Gulp. The three charge in and attack the guards; they're way outnumbered but their fighting skills are wildly superior and they're mowing them down. Gang fights his way through to Sa Illa, knocks her down and prepares to deliver a death blow, when out of the corner of his eye he sees a rebel soldier run into the building. That doesn't look good at all, so he has to run after him. Inside, the rebel runs at Cheonchu with a dagger; she tries to fight him off but that knife is getting closer, closer...but Jo runs in and kills him just in time. They talk for what seems like an eternity (but is really only a few seconds), and then run back out. I can't leave without my son, she says, but they tell her they have to for now. Cheonchu and the three generals make their escape, running past Sa Illa, who's lying unconscious.
Sa Illa revives and goes to tell Chiyang what happened. Chiyang can't believe that Jo defeated the Khitans so quickly and is here already. Then more bad news: the east gate is getting overwhelmed. It looks like Chiyang is starting to lose his composure, just a little bit; there wasn't supposed to be so much of a counterstrike so quickly.
Back out in the woods; Cheonchu is reunited with her son. Attendant Yu has been keeping track of all of the developments: along with the attack on the east gate, Gang Jo's troops from the northwest are now attacking the west and south gates. Cheonchu wants to go back and help with the attacks: "I will capture Kim Chiyang myself. And I must save my son." (After generals just risked their lives to get her out of there? A classic reckless Cheonchu move.)
Chiyang is waffling and indecisive, the pressure starting to crack him. He knows that he's in big trouble if Gang Jo's northwest armies show up and join the attack. His subordinates try to snap him out of it; they want him to evacuate and make a decision NOW, because soon there may not be a way out. This could all lead to desertions if the rebel troops see the tide turning. "A mere three days on the throne," he mutters; "Has Heaven forsaken me?" Sa Illa urges him to get out through the north gate; it's the least likely to be attacked at the moment (correct). Finally he agrees; he tells Mun Inui to defend the south gate and Dokyun to defend the west gate; Sa Illa to take Prince Hwangju and escape through the north gate; and everyone to meet up in the Jurchen village. They all leave except for Sa Gamun. Chiyang has a favor to ask him, in case something should go wrong....
Outside, Dokyun tells Sa Illa that her son is with Hwangju; "Would you take care of him?" She says she will, and she goes and gets the two kids. Then she runs into Sa Gamun, who gives her a startling instruction: Switch the two boys' outfits. (Startling, except for the fact that you had to know something like this was coming, ever since both boys were born on the same day. The old switcheroo. Just like the one that saved Chiyang's neck as a boy.) That's the favor Chiyang asked of Sa Gamun. It's a heck of a favor, to put his own son's life in danger for the benefit of Chiyang's son. Sa Illa just about freaks out: "Brother, are you out of your mind?! Sacrifice your own son?" Sa Gamun says it's only a worst-case scenario. "But it won't be easy to take the children out of here safely. And if we can only save one of them, we have to choose. And if it comes to that, it has to be the prince." Sa Illa is crying at the very idea of it, and Sa Gamun hugs his child, overcome with guilt.
We see Ahn Pae leading troops to the west gate.
In one of the palace courtyards (presumably the council hall courtyard): Steward Yi runs in with more bad news for Chiyang: now the south gate has fallen. You need to get out of here right now, Yi tells him. And just then, loyalist troops from the south gate attack come running in. Led by Yi Hyunoon! Of all people. Well just when you think you've seen everything. He doesn't look real comfortable in the midst of all this danger, but there he is and he's hanging in there. Rebel soldiers charge to meet them and a furious battle ensues right in front of Chiyang. (And once again, not an archer in sight to take him out. UGH.)
In the palace jail: In one cell we see all of the captured ministers and generals tied up. Most or all of them are facing execution. Mun Inui enters the jail and tells the guards that Chiyang has ordered them to give him the cell key and wait outside. Which they do. Then Mun opens the cell! "Everyone get out. General Gang Jo's army is at the palace gate." Choe Hang, who probably should just keep quiet and run but isn't the type for it, asks Mun what his motive is for releasing everyone. Mun explains, "All I ask is that you tell the empress dowager about this later. That I saved you all from being executed." Ever the opportunist. (I loved this; what an unexpected turn.)
Back outside in the courtyard: The bad news just keeps coming for Chiyang. The east gate has fallen and his troops have fled. The west gate has fallen, too. And sure enough, here comes Ahn Pae and his troops, fresh through the west gate and charging into the yard. Chiyang needs to get his sorry butt out of there; why isn't he moving? But uh-oh, now he's totally screwed, because here comes Gang Jo! Jo catches sight of Chiyang and goes bonkers. Now a big battle is going, Chiyang still just standing there watching it unfold. With so many loyalist soldiers coming in, the tide quickly turns against the rebels. In the middle of it all, Jo ends up battling Sa Gamun in what looks like it could be a defining moment. It doesn't last long. Jo quickly gains the advantage, knocks Sa Gamun off balance with his spear, lunges for his chest, and suddenly Sa Gamun is a human cocktail onion. Jo yanks the spear back and Sa Gamun falls to his knees...Flashback to Ep59, the birth of Ryang, and Dokyun telling Sa Gamun how she fears for their future with Chiyang in the picture...Flashback to a little while ago, Sa Gamun saying good-bye to his son...Flashbacks ending, Yang Kyu steps forward and impatiently delivers a finishing blow. A tear in his eye, Sa Gamun falls over, dead. Chiyang watched it happen and stands there dazed and speechless. Jo and a bunch of other soldiers make a run at Chiyang, who finally looks like he's about to move and defend himself, but just then an arrow flies in and hits him in the arm. And there's Cheonchu standing across the courtyard; it was her arrow. Chiyang's neck is surrounded by the blades of loyalist soldiers' swords. Cheonchu calmly walks over to him, glaring, and demands to know where her son is. No answer. Gamchan is with her; he urges her to focus on regaining control of the capital for the moment. "Lock up the criminal of high treason!", he orders, and Chiyang is taken away. Wow. (Note: In the middle of all this, daytime abruptly turned into nighttime. MAJOR error there.)
We see a one-horse carriage fleeing from the palace. Sa Illa is driving it and a child is with her (which one?). Soldiers led by the newly introduced generals Choi and Tak are chasing her, and we can see right away that this won't be much of a chase; Sa Illa is in big trouble. Soon she abandons the wagon, takes the child and runs into the woods. The soldiers pursue her, and soon she finds herself trapped at the top of a cliff overlooking a river. Trapped. The soldiers close in--"Wench! Hand over the prince!" She pulls out the bladed boomerang and throws a warning loop; everybody ducks for cover momentarily. So the generals call forth the archers. She turns her back to protect the child and a dozen arrows simultaneously pound into her back. (This should be a cause for celebration, the fact that somebody finally had the brains to just bring in the archers and be done with it already. Problem is, they fire at her when she's standing right between them and the child. They could easily have killed the kid. So it was a risky move.) She falls to her knees dying. She hugs the child and says "I’m sorry, Ryang." And then, hugging her nephew, she throws herself and the boy over the cliff and into the river. (Pardon my insensitivity here, but I sure hope the boomerang doesn't float.)
Liao imperial palace: Yelu Chu is getting a tongue-lashing from the emperor for failing so miserably against Gang Jo. But Chu's fellow generals urge the emperor to back off, saying it wasn't Chu's fault, it was Prime Minister Han's fault for sending too few troops to do the job. They're all frustrated and on edge because they don't know what's happening in Goryeo at the moment and because Chengtian's return has them stonewalled for the time being. Xiao Baiya offers to go talk to Han about it.
So they talk, over a game of Go. Baiya makes what sounds like a threat: "Prime Minister, the empress dowager is not well. Think about the future. I want you to enjoy a long life." "You dare threaten me?" Han slams his hand on the gameboard; a rare display of temper. No, Baiya says, I'm just concerned for you and it would be a good idea to find out what's happening in Goryeo. Han replies that there won't be any sudden change in Goryeo; "Please trust me and be patient. If you wait, the right time will come."
Nighttime: In the darkened throne room, Cheonchu stands alone, filled with regret and uncertainty.
"You never had what it takes." Chiyang, in prisoner's white, is sitting in solitary confinement in a jail cell. So who's that talking to him? Why, it's Evil Twin! And he's wearing prisoner's white too. "You were too weak to realize the great mission to begin with." Chiyang says he feels relieved now; "I can finally let go of the great burden. And I can die in peace." But ET fires back, "Fool. Now your son will inherit your burden. I'm sure he can do a better job than you could. Idiot." And he fades away. Didn't need to twist the knife (Or maybe he did--he IS the evil twin, after all), but he made a good point.
Kim Shimun, Choe Suk and Choe Wonshin (the three Shillan-descent ministers who skittered away from the palace before the trouble started) get the news that the rebellion failed. They're kicking themselves for not staying in the palace and showing support for the emperor. They start to head quickly back to the palace...and outside they run into Mun Inui. What is Mun doing there? Kim has nothing but contempt for Mun and threatens to turn him in, but Mun asks him to calm down and hear him out. "I've come to give you an opportunity to render a huge service to the state." Hmmm, what could he possibly have to offer?
We see Kim Shimun arriving at one of the palace gates, with Mun Inui walking behind him. Troops recognize Mun and move to arrest him, but Kim tells them that Mun has something to confess to the empress dowager. So they take him to her.
Cheonchu, Gang Gamchan and Gang Jo listen with amazement as Mun Inui reveals the whole story about Chiyang: his identity and ancestry, the murder of his parents by Choe Sum's father, and the Shillan-revival community that settled in Jurchen territory. Why are you telling us this?, Gamchan wonders. "To survive, sir." He offers to tell them the names of every one of Chiyang's co-conspirators if they'll spare his life. "History will repeat itself unless every last one of Kim Chiyang's men is captured. Your Highness, wouldn't that be more beneficial to the state than taking a petty man's life?" Can't argue with that. And he also tosses in the fact that he saved those generals and ministers from being executed. The guy is one shrewd operator, you gotta give him that.
At Lady Yunheung's villa: Kim Shimun has just told Yunheung the whole Chiyang story. Yunheung sees this as a "golden opportunity" to bring down Cheonchu, because she bore the child of a traitor. We have to rally the officials against her, she says, and we have to work on gaining Daeryang's favor since he'll be the emperor soon. Princess Jeong has repeatedly asked her mother not to get involved in politics, and does so once again. But Yunheung wants revenge on Cheonchu; she still sees her as being responsible for not only her father Wonsoong's death, but also the death of King Sungjong. How does she plan to gain Daeryang's favor? Simple. She'll get him to marry Jeong. Doink! Jeong is shocked to hear it, but Yunheung figures her daughter has the ideal bloodline for it, and is "empress material" too. "We will drive out the empress dowager and reclaim the glory we once had." Jeong isn't sure what to make of all this.
Shinhyeol Temple: Jin Gwan tells Bakdol and Myeongil that Daeryang will be leaving for the capital soon and the two of them will need to accompany him. Next he calls in Daeryang and gives him advice about how to conduct himself as emperor: be open in your heart and mind; listen to people you disagree with as well as agree with; have patience and strength; have compassion for the common people. The prince still doesn't think he's worthy of the throne and is visibly uncomfortable with the idea of leaving his life here. What's worse, Jin is talking to him as a subordinate would talk, and when he's finished he even bows humbly. Daeryang begs him to stop it.
Cheonchu looks like she's waiting nervously for news about something. Gamchan enters; he has it. He can barely look at her, but he has to break the news to her that her son Hwangju is dead. Cheonchu falls to pieces, understandably. She's filled with regret that because of the political situation with Chiyang, she cold never give the boy enough of the love and attention he should have gotten. "I had him grow up lonely, in a secluded corner of the palace. I told myself that I'd make it up to him when I left the regency and be a real mother to him. How could the poor child be dead when he never even got to feel a mother's love?" She slowly drops to the floor, overcome by grief. "My poor baby...Jin...Jin...."
