Post by ajk on Aug 24, 2012 22:38:31 GMT -5
Well, they surround the weird guy, and he's outnumbered 11 to 1. But in exactly 32 seconds he manages to kill several of them and send the rest fleeing for their lives. (Ugh!) Meanwhile Deokman is pretty much just standing there the whole time, sword brandished in front of her, completely baffled by what's unfolding. Or actually she's sort of kneeling; she did get knocked back at one point. The weird guy approaches her, and she doesn't lower her sword because she certainly isn't about to trust him. He sees Yushin's headband lying next to one of the dead men and, with a chuckle at Deokman's attempt to look threatening, picks up the headband. Wait, now he picks up the dead man's sword and heads straight for her. Why? But now here comes Yushin running up to the lodge; he surveys the scene and quickly decides the weird guy is a danger to Deokman. So he pulls out his sword and goes flying at him. He swings hard and they lock swords briefly, and then Deokman prudently calls them off each other (although letting them have at it would certainly be interesting). "He helped me," she tells Yushin. Yes he did. The guy looks in Yushin's direction. "Hey, drumstick!" Holds up the headband and asks for his payment for last night's chicken. Yushin doesn't have the money yet. But he takes off his leather chest-armor and offers it as payment. Deal. Yushin thanks him for his intervention and asks where he's from. He tells Yushin he's kind of a drifter but is staying at Yangji for the moment. "If you want to thank me," he says, "find some wild ginger" to help combat the local plague. He turns to leave, shaking his hand slightly, and then turns back to tell Yushin, "You've got some swing on you. My hand's still tingling." And then saunters away, goofy smile intact. Yushin leads a weary Deokman away from the lodge--"anywhere's better than here," as in, safer. One of Seohyeon's men has stayed behind, hiding around the corner of the lodge, and watches them leave.
Some of the survivors from the 11 report back to Seohyeon, with embarrassment. "Some stinky guy stopped us," they tell him. But the leader tells Seohyeon, "It's been a while since I've seen martial arts like that. His technique was similar to Imjong's Loyal Youth Guard." But even Imjong isn't nearly that good, he adds. Seohyeon wonders if Mishil sent him. "Probably not," the leader replies, "judging by his clothes and funny way of talking."
The leader of Iseo Province receives Seolwon and his party; Seolwon tells him they'll be staying there for a few days. They're waiting for a report from their spy. Meanwhile, Seolwon orders Seokpum's Hwarang to do surveillance of all of the local villages (so obviously there were more people headed this way than the five we saw).
Yushin and Deokman cautiously enter a quiet village. Deokman stops Yushin in his tracks with a question: "What's going on with your father?" Turns out, she recognized his field sergeant among her attackers (that must have been the leader). "Is Kim Seohyeon trying to kill me too?" Yushin ignores the question, but Deokman angrily shouts, "He had orders to kill me! Never mind Mishil; now everybody wants me dead?" Yushin doesn't want to hear it. "Enough!", he barks. "Later...we'll think about it later." But his defensiveness shows he's already thought about it, and figured that his father is indeed trying to kill Deokman. Then, just in the nick of time to duck and hide, they spot six Hwarang walking through the village. Seven Stars Hwarang. "Mishil's men are here," Yushin realizes.
So they run out into the countryside...but what to do? Deokman figures that all of the roads will be blocked. But Yushin has an idea, and once again grabs Deokman by the wrist to urge her along.
Some idea. They're back in Yangji village, plague and all. It's a perfect cover, he says; Mishil's men won't willingly come here. And then he tells her he agrees with her, that everybody is after her: the king, Mishil, his own father..."There's no one to help us. We're on our own." But "I'll never give up," and urges her not to give up either. They head into the village...but that looks like one of Seohyeon's men back up the street there. Did he see them?
Yeah, he did. He reports back to Seohyeon with the news. And the spy is in the room too. Geez, this just keeps getting worse and worse for Deokman. Seohyeon tells his men that he won't have them attacking Deokman while Yushin is around because "his character is such that he'd risk his life for a friend." So just keep watch for now. But that won't stop Mishil's men, of course....
Evening, Yangji village: Still a bad scene. More plague victims dead and dying, more audible weeping. The weird guy (I know, he's Bidam, but nobody knows that yet) is kneeling before Munno, who sees blood on clothes but no sign that he's brought the needed ginger. I was trying to help someone, he explains; "This guy was in trouble..." Munno cuts him off, angry that he killed anyone at all. But the weird guy has a strangely empathetic look in his eye as he answers, "I had to save him..." "You're not the type to save anyone," Munno says (again being sort of nasty to him; what is the deal with that?). "Since when have you ever worried about others? Is there an ounce of compassion in you? Isn't it more likely you just lost your temper?" "No, sir--I really did save someone this time." "Lies!", Munno screams at him, but he screams right back, "It's true!" You can't help but wonder why all this tension between them..."Pardon me." From off to the side, Yushin and Deokman come walking up and temporarily interrupt the argument. The weird guy stands up, looking relieved. "This is them. That's the guy I saved," he says, pointing to Deokman, who confirms it. So there, cranky Munno. Unapologetic (and surprisingly blank-faced at the sight of two Hwarang appearing before them), Munno tells the weird guy to try again tomorrow to find some wild ginger. And tells Yushin and Deokman that they should leave because of the plague. "There's a reason we have to stay," Yushin answers, which surprises him....
The next day: Seolwon and the Hwarang are walking through a different village. Nearby, at the marketplace, the weird guy is trying to convince a street merchant to get some wild ginger for him, even warning him that the plague may well break out of Yangji if it isn't stopped. But the merchant has none and can't get any. Seolwon has been close enough to hear all of this...
...and next thing we know, the weird guy is being brought into Seolwon's quarters! Goofy face and all. "I didn't do nothing," he says offhandedly; "What do you want?" Cautioned to show respect (not sure if he would know the reason), Seolwon simply wants to ask him about Yangji village. The weird guy explains that he and his master are treating the plague there. Then Seolwon asks him if he's seen a Hwarang and a trainee there. Thinking for a moment (Okay, acid test, just how weird is this guy...), he finally shakes his head and says, "No sir, never seen 'em." Seolwon doesn't believe him, because he comes right back with, "I have what you need." Give me the trainee and I'll get you lots of wild ginger. "Which one's the trainee?", He immediately asks (ugh, gave that one up pretty quickly!). "The pretty one who looks like a girl."
He leaves and walks out into the main street, Seolwon's promise echoing in his head: "I'll have all the wild ginger you need in three days. Bring the trainee when you come to get it."
Yushin and Deokman are chopping wood, making themselves useful (and maybe earning a little cash). Deokman tries to convince Yushin to leave: "Why stay here and make an enemy of your father?" I won't give up, she promises, but I sure wish I could. "It's enough that my mom died for me" and I won't see you die too. "Stop talking like an idiot," Yushin answers abruptly, and they have an argument about the choice Yushin should make. It ends with Yushin shouting, "I choose you!" and visibly surprising himself by his conviction. Deokman doesn't want to hear that and walks away crying...past Munno, who has shown up and now is surprised to see that Yushin's last angry wood-chop split the stump he was using. Yushin apologizes. What's your name?, Munno asks. He looks Yushin over, particularly noticing his blistered hands that apparently aren't rough enough, and observes, "Your training has been lacking." (Ouch!) Don't you have a master? He diagnoses Yushin as too sheltered and inexperienced (sure don't agree with that; he led the DFers to safety out on the battlefield against some pretty long odds). "You don't know what you're capable of." And walks away. Yushin doesn't know what to make of that. Who is this guy to make an assessment like that?
Deokman goes inside a room that looks to be a storeroom for herbs. She spots a bag marked "Bisang--poison" (from what I've found, it's some sort of arsenic compound. So yes, poison). She thinks to herself, "Is this the best way out?", forgetting that it's only Episode 22....
Later, Yushin and Deokman walk into the courtyard of a small, run-down abandoned building. The weird guy is there with them. This was the jail, he explains. Was used to hold criminals before their trials, "But with the plague and all, they escaped. My master wants to turn it into an infirmary." And guess what--this is now their job, to pay for their meals. "Chop-chop," he says to them, looking as weird as ever.
Seohyeon's leader brings him the bad news that Seolwon is in Iseo. "Do you think we have a leak?" Hey, this is a smart guy. Seohyeon ignores that and tells him instead that we can't let Mishil get Deokman. "Better to kill him before we let that happen."
Later: Yushin and Deokman have cleaned up the place pretty well. The weird guy comes and looks it over...but what's he carrying and hiding behind his back? Looks like some sort of metal hook? Wait, no, it's a lock. Guess what's coming? He asks Yushin to take out some of the straw in one of the cells...and when Yushin goes in to do it, he locks him in. And then holds a knife to Deokman's throat. Ties her hands and ties her to a tree. "Nothing personal." Deokman glares at him. "Who's paying you?" "I didn't ask his name," he answers with a smile. But I will. "Don't take it too hard," he says as he leaves. "There's what, 200 people? You'll save them all." And her calmness and lack of struggle surprises Yushin. All of her possible outcomes are terrible, she reasons to herself, and if giving up will save the villagers somehow, well....
"You've definitely got them?" The weird guy is back visiting Seolwon. Yeah, I've got them, he says; "Now you keep your end." Seolwon whispers to Bojong, "We need Deokman alive. Get everything ready." Now the weird guy leans in and asks Seolwon who he is. "You don't look like you're from here," he says with a smile. Bojong, irritated at his impudence, tells him forcefully that "this is Shilla's Minister of Military Affairs." Seolwon more calmly praises him for serving his country. But he just wants the ginger. Don't worry, Seolwon says. "Bring us the trainee tomorrow and you'll get your medicine." He leaves, and Seolwon tells Bojong to get word to Mishil that "we have the lost twin." A little hasty there, aren't we?
Seorabeol: Misaeng arrives at a cabal meeting and gives the good news to Mishil. "At last," Mishil says, "My time has come." Everyone is ecstatic. Well, almost everyone. Seori has a different take, quietly reminding Mishil about the Big Dipper prophecy. Mishil thinks back...Flashback to Episode 3, Mishil reading the letter Munno left for her to tell her of the prophecy (and I'll say it again, it was a bleeping stupid letter to send her because none of this trouble would have happened if he'd just kept quiet about it)...Yes, Seori agrees, we need the twin to prove that twins were born. But this could be a dangerous person if the prophecy is true. "You need to kill her...if you can." Some talk from a clergyperson! Mishil's response? "You still believe that stuff?" Obviously she doesn't. "Rain flows from my fingertips," she says arrogantly. "The moon goes dark at my command." A star prophecy? "Don't make me laugh." Seori is visibly concerned that Mishil isn't taking this as seriously as she should.
"What are you suggesting?" Eulje is trying to sell something to the king, as his wife and daughter listen intently. It's the wedding--he's pushing the Cheonmyeong/Yushin wedding idea again, as a way to have a successor locked in and thwart Mishil now that she knows about the lost twin. "Once the question of succession is resolved," Eulje explains, "Mishil will lose power." (Oh for crying out loud, then why didn't they just do that a long time ago??? AAAAUUUGHHH.) And it will firm up Seohyeon's position in the government too. Cheonmyeong doesn't want to talk about this now, because Deokman's life is in danger, But Eulje argues that this marriage would take the heat off Deokman too. And he's right; it would. "Yushin as crown prince will put to rest any question of the male line ending in the royal family."
Later, Maya apologizes to her daughter for rushing her into marriage. But Cheonmyeong sees it as a wise move--joining with a Gayan will consolidate their power. Then Imjong interrupts them with news that the Council of Nobles is meeting. This is unexpected....
Sejong addresses the council. King, queen, princess, Mishil, all present. He explains he's called this emergency meeting to deal with the possible end of the male line of the royal family. Brings up the ancient prophecy, and claims that twins have been born to the king. Chilsuk is ushered into the meeting and given permission to speak. He tells his story, briefly: twins were born twenty years ago; he chased the lost twin and the maid "to prove they exist"; and now they're both back here in Shilla. Okay, now what? (Hey, Eulje, the guy is on the hot seat--you can cross-examine and make him admit he was ordered to kill a princess! That will REALLY hurt Mishil.)
The weird guy brings Yushin some food, which he angrily rejects. Deokman ignores him. "Minister of Military something," he says, answering their earlier question, and turns to walk away. "Thank you," Deokman says quietly. Huh? What? "I sell you and you thank me?" That's too weird even for the weird guy! He calls her "nuts" and walks away.
"When did you find out that Deokman's your sister?" The council meeting is over and Mishil and Cheonmyeong are in the room alone. Cheonmyeong keeps a solid poker face and won't acknowledge any of the truth, but Mishil reminds her, I have Chilsuk and Sohwa "and Princess Deokman's birthmark behind her ear will be proof enough." "So it would seem," the princess says calmly, "IF you can produce Deokman." Mishil says it's a done deal, but Cheonmyeong fires back that if you don't, "the nobles and the people will not be pleased that you insulted the royal house in the council." "Yes, quite right," Mishil acknowledges. And adds, What do you think the king will do if he gets Deokman? "Kill her, of course. And hide the body." Some tense words between them about heaven's mandate; the princess warns Mishil to beware it; Mishil says she doesn't need to, and leaves.
Princess Manmyeong and Eulje are trying to reassure the king and queen that Seohyeon must have gotten to Deokman before Mishil did. But the king isn't so sure...and is consumed with regret for what happened to his child.
Later, outside, Eulje quietly warns Manmyeong that Seohyeon had better kill Deokman and dispose of the body; otherwise both his family and the royal house will certainly not survive. (What can SHE do about it right now? Ugh.)
Evening: Deokman tells Yushin that the queen and princess will be deposed, "and who knows what will happen to your family," if Mishil gets her. "So wouldn't it be best if I disappear?" Feeling sorry for herself, she whines, "My life has been worthless," as Yushin gets angry at her sense of resignation. "And my death won't be much better. I have nothing to live for." But, she thinks to herself, at least my fate will save these villagers. She tells Yushin, "I won't let that woman use me for her own ends. I won't." The weird guy has been standing there for part of this; is curious about "What woman?" but gets no answer.
Morning: "Time to take him to the Minister." A frantic, screaming Yushin watches the weird guy escort Deokman away. Deokman turns to Yushin and quietly says, "Thank you." And is led away, offering no resistance.
Now the weird guy is leading Deokman through the countryside...and happens to notice that her hands, behind her back, are holding something. He manages to pry it from her. Jinheung's dagger. Well, at least he's not dumb: "You had this knife the whole time? Why didn't you free yourself?" Deokman doesn't explain, says only, "Just make sure you get the medicine to save those 200 people."
It's a long, slow walk...but finally they've arrived at the rendezvous point. Not at the building where Seolwon was staying, but out in the countryside (don't know why). There's Seolwon and his whole company waiting for them. "The ginger?" Seolwon points to a bunch of boxes on a cart, filled with ginger. Bojong and Seokpum step forward and take custody of Deokman. Seolwon actually bows to her. "Fate's funny," he observes. "Now you're a princess." Deokman is unmoved. "I won't help you. Not even a little." The weird guy takes the cart, looking back at Deokman and now looking a little sheepish for what he's done to her.
Later, pulling the cart back to Yangji, he keeps looking back. And even stops. Having second thoughts?
Back in the jail, Yushin has fashioned a rope out of straw and manages to snag a short pole of some kind. It's roughly sword-length. He starts to do his rock-smacking routine, using the pole on one of the thick wooden jail bars. His energy is fueled by the words of the strange man in the village (Munno) having told him, "You don't know what you're capable of."
"You what? You traded that young man for medicine?" Munno finds out. "Moron!" The weird guy is baffled. "Aren't 200 lives worth more than one?" "Who are you to judge the worth of a man's life?", Munno asks angrily. "You think the end justifies the means?" They said they wouldn't kill him, the weird guy argues. "And the kid even thanked me for doing it." "THANKED you? Why?" He doesn't know. But he thinks back to Deokman's selflessness...And then with a sudden burst of resolve, tells Munno he's sorry, "but you'll have to yell at me later." And then bolts! And goes running down the same path as before.
We see Seolwon's company, with Deokman. They're moving very slowly. (Of course they are...)
Hey, how about that--Yushin smacks that jail bar until it breaks! Surprised for a moment by his perseverance, he charges out of the jail...
The weird guy is running like a maniac...
Deokman has her knife back in her hands and is surreptitiously using it to cut the ropes around her wrists. Suddenly she frees her arms, knocks a Hwarang down, and brandishes the dagger at everyone. They all surround her, eighteen sword-wielding Hwarang against her and her three-inch dagger. They're almost amused; what does she think this will accomplish? But now she holds it up to her throat! Bojong tries to grab the dagger but she slashes his hand. Other Hwarang subdue her, and she's bound again and gagged this time for good measure. But now the weird guy has caught up to them. "Was there something else you wanted?", Seolwon asks, surprisingly politely. With his goofy smile he answers, "I got to thinking this isn't right. I've changed my mind. Later I'll pay you back for the ginger. But for now I'll be taking the boy." The Hwarang think he's crazy, and it particularly annoys Seokpum, who steps forward and with a sneer warns him, "Leave while you still can. Do you have any idea who you're dealing with?" No, dude, he doesn't! And that's all it takes, because he whips out his sword, and now guys are getting knocked down and he's even running on their shoulders to get through them to Deokman. Quite the moves. And just like before, he and Deokman are half-surrounded, by the side of the road. He removes Deokman's gag; she promptly asks him about the 200 people, and he parrots back Munno's lesson about valuing life by numbers. But NOW what's this? Suddenly there are six black-clad, masked men running up into the scene. And then more? There must be close to twenty of them. Who the blazes are THESE guys? Deokman looks around and says, "What now?", the understatement of the series. Again with the goofy smile, the weird guy says, "Now I kill them all." All of the Hwarang brandish their swords at him...and so do the black guys! Why them too? "My master's gonna be mad," he says with a smirk. And then, just to maximize the chaos of all this, of course here comes Yushin running into the scene. He's still got his pole and he charges in, whacking Hwarang with it to knock them aside and get to Deokman. And he gets there, but now he's just as surrounded as the other two. "How'd you escape?", the weird guy asks, more interested in Yushin showing up than the thirty-something swords in his face. "I'll show you when we're done here," Yushin snaps back, as in I'll show you some punishment. Which only brings out the weird grin. The two stand directly in front of Deokman and dare the group to try to lay a hand on her.
Some of the survivors from the 11 report back to Seohyeon, with embarrassment. "Some stinky guy stopped us," they tell him. But the leader tells Seohyeon, "It's been a while since I've seen martial arts like that. His technique was similar to Imjong's Loyal Youth Guard." But even Imjong isn't nearly that good, he adds. Seohyeon wonders if Mishil sent him. "Probably not," the leader replies, "judging by his clothes and funny way of talking."
The leader of Iseo Province receives Seolwon and his party; Seolwon tells him they'll be staying there for a few days. They're waiting for a report from their spy. Meanwhile, Seolwon orders Seokpum's Hwarang to do surveillance of all of the local villages (so obviously there were more people headed this way than the five we saw).
Yushin and Deokman cautiously enter a quiet village. Deokman stops Yushin in his tracks with a question: "What's going on with your father?" Turns out, she recognized his field sergeant among her attackers (that must have been the leader). "Is Kim Seohyeon trying to kill me too?" Yushin ignores the question, but Deokman angrily shouts, "He had orders to kill me! Never mind Mishil; now everybody wants me dead?" Yushin doesn't want to hear it. "Enough!", he barks. "Later...we'll think about it later." But his defensiveness shows he's already thought about it, and figured that his father is indeed trying to kill Deokman. Then, just in the nick of time to duck and hide, they spot six Hwarang walking through the village. Seven Stars Hwarang. "Mishil's men are here," Yushin realizes.
So they run out into the countryside...but what to do? Deokman figures that all of the roads will be blocked. But Yushin has an idea, and once again grabs Deokman by the wrist to urge her along.
Some idea. They're back in Yangji village, plague and all. It's a perfect cover, he says; Mishil's men won't willingly come here. And then he tells her he agrees with her, that everybody is after her: the king, Mishil, his own father..."There's no one to help us. We're on our own." But "I'll never give up," and urges her not to give up either. They head into the village...but that looks like one of Seohyeon's men back up the street there. Did he see them?
Yeah, he did. He reports back to Seohyeon with the news. And the spy is in the room too. Geez, this just keeps getting worse and worse for Deokman. Seohyeon tells his men that he won't have them attacking Deokman while Yushin is around because "his character is such that he'd risk his life for a friend." So just keep watch for now. But that won't stop Mishil's men, of course....
Evening, Yangji village: Still a bad scene. More plague victims dead and dying, more audible weeping. The weird guy (I know, he's Bidam, but nobody knows that yet) is kneeling before Munno, who sees blood on clothes but no sign that he's brought the needed ginger. I was trying to help someone, he explains; "This guy was in trouble..." Munno cuts him off, angry that he killed anyone at all. But the weird guy has a strangely empathetic look in his eye as he answers, "I had to save him..." "You're not the type to save anyone," Munno says (again being sort of nasty to him; what is the deal with that?). "Since when have you ever worried about others? Is there an ounce of compassion in you? Isn't it more likely you just lost your temper?" "No, sir--I really did save someone this time." "Lies!", Munno screams at him, but he screams right back, "It's true!" You can't help but wonder why all this tension between them..."Pardon me." From off to the side, Yushin and Deokman come walking up and temporarily interrupt the argument. The weird guy stands up, looking relieved. "This is them. That's the guy I saved," he says, pointing to Deokman, who confirms it. So there, cranky Munno. Unapologetic (and surprisingly blank-faced at the sight of two Hwarang appearing before them), Munno tells the weird guy to try again tomorrow to find some wild ginger. And tells Yushin and Deokman that they should leave because of the plague. "There's a reason we have to stay," Yushin answers, which surprises him....
The next day: Seolwon and the Hwarang are walking through a different village. Nearby, at the marketplace, the weird guy is trying to convince a street merchant to get some wild ginger for him, even warning him that the plague may well break out of Yangji if it isn't stopped. But the merchant has none and can't get any. Seolwon has been close enough to hear all of this...
...and next thing we know, the weird guy is being brought into Seolwon's quarters! Goofy face and all. "I didn't do nothing," he says offhandedly; "What do you want?" Cautioned to show respect (not sure if he would know the reason), Seolwon simply wants to ask him about Yangji village. The weird guy explains that he and his master are treating the plague there. Then Seolwon asks him if he's seen a Hwarang and a trainee there. Thinking for a moment (Okay, acid test, just how weird is this guy...), he finally shakes his head and says, "No sir, never seen 'em." Seolwon doesn't believe him, because he comes right back with, "I have what you need." Give me the trainee and I'll get you lots of wild ginger. "Which one's the trainee?", He immediately asks (ugh, gave that one up pretty quickly!). "The pretty one who looks like a girl."
He leaves and walks out into the main street, Seolwon's promise echoing in his head: "I'll have all the wild ginger you need in three days. Bring the trainee when you come to get it."
Yushin and Deokman are chopping wood, making themselves useful (and maybe earning a little cash). Deokman tries to convince Yushin to leave: "Why stay here and make an enemy of your father?" I won't give up, she promises, but I sure wish I could. "It's enough that my mom died for me" and I won't see you die too. "Stop talking like an idiot," Yushin answers abruptly, and they have an argument about the choice Yushin should make. It ends with Yushin shouting, "I choose you!" and visibly surprising himself by his conviction. Deokman doesn't want to hear that and walks away crying...past Munno, who has shown up and now is surprised to see that Yushin's last angry wood-chop split the stump he was using. Yushin apologizes. What's your name?, Munno asks. He looks Yushin over, particularly noticing his blistered hands that apparently aren't rough enough, and observes, "Your training has been lacking." (Ouch!) Don't you have a master? He diagnoses Yushin as too sheltered and inexperienced (sure don't agree with that; he led the DFers to safety out on the battlefield against some pretty long odds). "You don't know what you're capable of." And walks away. Yushin doesn't know what to make of that. Who is this guy to make an assessment like that?
Deokman goes inside a room that looks to be a storeroom for herbs. She spots a bag marked "Bisang--poison" (from what I've found, it's some sort of arsenic compound. So yes, poison). She thinks to herself, "Is this the best way out?", forgetting that it's only Episode 22....
Later, Yushin and Deokman walk into the courtyard of a small, run-down abandoned building. The weird guy is there with them. This was the jail, he explains. Was used to hold criminals before their trials, "But with the plague and all, they escaped. My master wants to turn it into an infirmary." And guess what--this is now their job, to pay for their meals. "Chop-chop," he says to them, looking as weird as ever.
Seohyeon's leader brings him the bad news that Seolwon is in Iseo. "Do you think we have a leak?" Hey, this is a smart guy. Seohyeon ignores that and tells him instead that we can't let Mishil get Deokman. "Better to kill him before we let that happen."
Later: Yushin and Deokman have cleaned up the place pretty well. The weird guy comes and looks it over...but what's he carrying and hiding behind his back? Looks like some sort of metal hook? Wait, no, it's a lock. Guess what's coming? He asks Yushin to take out some of the straw in one of the cells...and when Yushin goes in to do it, he locks him in. And then holds a knife to Deokman's throat. Ties her hands and ties her to a tree. "Nothing personal." Deokman glares at him. "Who's paying you?" "I didn't ask his name," he answers with a smile. But I will. "Don't take it too hard," he says as he leaves. "There's what, 200 people? You'll save them all." And her calmness and lack of struggle surprises Yushin. All of her possible outcomes are terrible, she reasons to herself, and if giving up will save the villagers somehow, well....
"You've definitely got them?" The weird guy is back visiting Seolwon. Yeah, I've got them, he says; "Now you keep your end." Seolwon whispers to Bojong, "We need Deokman alive. Get everything ready." Now the weird guy leans in and asks Seolwon who he is. "You don't look like you're from here," he says with a smile. Bojong, irritated at his impudence, tells him forcefully that "this is Shilla's Minister of Military Affairs." Seolwon more calmly praises him for serving his country. But he just wants the ginger. Don't worry, Seolwon says. "Bring us the trainee tomorrow and you'll get your medicine." He leaves, and Seolwon tells Bojong to get word to Mishil that "we have the lost twin." A little hasty there, aren't we?
Seorabeol: Misaeng arrives at a cabal meeting and gives the good news to Mishil. "At last," Mishil says, "My time has come." Everyone is ecstatic. Well, almost everyone. Seori has a different take, quietly reminding Mishil about the Big Dipper prophecy. Mishil thinks back...Flashback to Episode 3, Mishil reading the letter Munno left for her to tell her of the prophecy (and I'll say it again, it was a bleeping stupid letter to send her because none of this trouble would have happened if he'd just kept quiet about it)...Yes, Seori agrees, we need the twin to prove that twins were born. But this could be a dangerous person if the prophecy is true. "You need to kill her...if you can." Some talk from a clergyperson! Mishil's response? "You still believe that stuff?" Obviously she doesn't. "Rain flows from my fingertips," she says arrogantly. "The moon goes dark at my command." A star prophecy? "Don't make me laugh." Seori is visibly concerned that Mishil isn't taking this as seriously as she should.
"What are you suggesting?" Eulje is trying to sell something to the king, as his wife and daughter listen intently. It's the wedding--he's pushing the Cheonmyeong/Yushin wedding idea again, as a way to have a successor locked in and thwart Mishil now that she knows about the lost twin. "Once the question of succession is resolved," Eulje explains, "Mishil will lose power." (Oh for crying out loud, then why didn't they just do that a long time ago??? AAAAUUUGHHH.) And it will firm up Seohyeon's position in the government too. Cheonmyeong doesn't want to talk about this now, because Deokman's life is in danger, But Eulje argues that this marriage would take the heat off Deokman too. And he's right; it would. "Yushin as crown prince will put to rest any question of the male line ending in the royal family."
Later, Maya apologizes to her daughter for rushing her into marriage. But Cheonmyeong sees it as a wise move--joining with a Gayan will consolidate their power. Then Imjong interrupts them with news that the Council of Nobles is meeting. This is unexpected....
Sejong addresses the council. King, queen, princess, Mishil, all present. He explains he's called this emergency meeting to deal with the possible end of the male line of the royal family. Brings up the ancient prophecy, and claims that twins have been born to the king. Chilsuk is ushered into the meeting and given permission to speak. He tells his story, briefly: twins were born twenty years ago; he chased the lost twin and the maid "to prove they exist"; and now they're both back here in Shilla. Okay, now what? (Hey, Eulje, the guy is on the hot seat--you can cross-examine and make him admit he was ordered to kill a princess! That will REALLY hurt Mishil.)
The weird guy brings Yushin some food, which he angrily rejects. Deokman ignores him. "Minister of Military something," he says, answering their earlier question, and turns to walk away. "Thank you," Deokman says quietly. Huh? What? "I sell you and you thank me?" That's too weird even for the weird guy! He calls her "nuts" and walks away.
"When did you find out that Deokman's your sister?" The council meeting is over and Mishil and Cheonmyeong are in the room alone. Cheonmyeong keeps a solid poker face and won't acknowledge any of the truth, but Mishil reminds her, I have Chilsuk and Sohwa "and Princess Deokman's birthmark behind her ear will be proof enough." "So it would seem," the princess says calmly, "IF you can produce Deokman." Mishil says it's a done deal, but Cheonmyeong fires back that if you don't, "the nobles and the people will not be pleased that you insulted the royal house in the council." "Yes, quite right," Mishil acknowledges. And adds, What do you think the king will do if he gets Deokman? "Kill her, of course. And hide the body." Some tense words between them about heaven's mandate; the princess warns Mishil to beware it; Mishil says she doesn't need to, and leaves.
Princess Manmyeong and Eulje are trying to reassure the king and queen that Seohyeon must have gotten to Deokman before Mishil did. But the king isn't so sure...and is consumed with regret for what happened to his child.
Later, outside, Eulje quietly warns Manmyeong that Seohyeon had better kill Deokman and dispose of the body; otherwise both his family and the royal house will certainly not survive. (What can SHE do about it right now? Ugh.)
Evening: Deokman tells Yushin that the queen and princess will be deposed, "and who knows what will happen to your family," if Mishil gets her. "So wouldn't it be best if I disappear?" Feeling sorry for herself, she whines, "My life has been worthless," as Yushin gets angry at her sense of resignation. "And my death won't be much better. I have nothing to live for." But, she thinks to herself, at least my fate will save these villagers. She tells Yushin, "I won't let that woman use me for her own ends. I won't." The weird guy has been standing there for part of this; is curious about "What woman?" but gets no answer.
Morning: "Time to take him to the Minister." A frantic, screaming Yushin watches the weird guy escort Deokman away. Deokman turns to Yushin and quietly says, "Thank you." And is led away, offering no resistance.
Now the weird guy is leading Deokman through the countryside...and happens to notice that her hands, behind her back, are holding something. He manages to pry it from her. Jinheung's dagger. Well, at least he's not dumb: "You had this knife the whole time? Why didn't you free yourself?" Deokman doesn't explain, says only, "Just make sure you get the medicine to save those 200 people."
It's a long, slow walk...but finally they've arrived at the rendezvous point. Not at the building where Seolwon was staying, but out in the countryside (don't know why). There's Seolwon and his whole company waiting for them. "The ginger?" Seolwon points to a bunch of boxes on a cart, filled with ginger. Bojong and Seokpum step forward and take custody of Deokman. Seolwon actually bows to her. "Fate's funny," he observes. "Now you're a princess." Deokman is unmoved. "I won't help you. Not even a little." The weird guy takes the cart, looking back at Deokman and now looking a little sheepish for what he's done to her.
Later, pulling the cart back to Yangji, he keeps looking back. And even stops. Having second thoughts?
Back in the jail, Yushin has fashioned a rope out of straw and manages to snag a short pole of some kind. It's roughly sword-length. He starts to do his rock-smacking routine, using the pole on one of the thick wooden jail bars. His energy is fueled by the words of the strange man in the village (Munno) having told him, "You don't know what you're capable of."
"You what? You traded that young man for medicine?" Munno finds out. "Moron!" The weird guy is baffled. "Aren't 200 lives worth more than one?" "Who are you to judge the worth of a man's life?", Munno asks angrily. "You think the end justifies the means?" They said they wouldn't kill him, the weird guy argues. "And the kid even thanked me for doing it." "THANKED you? Why?" He doesn't know. But he thinks back to Deokman's selflessness...And then with a sudden burst of resolve, tells Munno he's sorry, "but you'll have to yell at me later." And then bolts! And goes running down the same path as before.
We see Seolwon's company, with Deokman. They're moving very slowly. (Of course they are...)
Hey, how about that--Yushin smacks that jail bar until it breaks! Surprised for a moment by his perseverance, he charges out of the jail...
The weird guy is running like a maniac...
Deokman has her knife back in her hands and is surreptitiously using it to cut the ropes around her wrists. Suddenly she frees her arms, knocks a Hwarang down, and brandishes the dagger at everyone. They all surround her, eighteen sword-wielding Hwarang against her and her three-inch dagger. They're almost amused; what does she think this will accomplish? But now she holds it up to her throat! Bojong tries to grab the dagger but she slashes his hand. Other Hwarang subdue her, and she's bound again and gagged this time for good measure. But now the weird guy has caught up to them. "Was there something else you wanted?", Seolwon asks, surprisingly politely. With his goofy smile he answers, "I got to thinking this isn't right. I've changed my mind. Later I'll pay you back for the ginger. But for now I'll be taking the boy." The Hwarang think he's crazy, and it particularly annoys Seokpum, who steps forward and with a sneer warns him, "Leave while you still can. Do you have any idea who you're dealing with?" No, dude, he doesn't! And that's all it takes, because he whips out his sword, and now guys are getting knocked down and he's even running on their shoulders to get through them to Deokman. Quite the moves. And just like before, he and Deokman are half-surrounded, by the side of the road. He removes Deokman's gag; she promptly asks him about the 200 people, and he parrots back Munno's lesson about valuing life by numbers. But NOW what's this? Suddenly there are six black-clad, masked men running up into the scene. And then more? There must be close to twenty of them. Who the blazes are THESE guys? Deokman looks around and says, "What now?", the understatement of the series. Again with the goofy smile, the weird guy says, "Now I kill them all." All of the Hwarang brandish their swords at him...and so do the black guys! Why them too? "My master's gonna be mad," he says with a smirk. And then, just to maximize the chaos of all this, of course here comes Yushin running into the scene. He's still got his pole and he charges in, whacking Hwarang with it to knock them aside and get to Deokman. And he gets there, but now he's just as surrounded as the other two. "How'd you escape?", the weird guy asks, more interested in Yushin showing up than the thirty-something swords in his face. "I'll show you when we're done here," Yushin snaps back, as in I'll show you some punishment. Which only brings out the weird grin. The two stand directly in front of Deokman and dare the group to try to lay a hand on her.