Post by ajk on Dec 29, 2012 0:00:02 GMT -5
Deokman drops the sword and walks away. Everyone else just stands there, stunned into silence. The remaining villagers, still on their knees, they're not crying out for mercy any more. Undoubtedly they're just hoping Deokman keeps walking away.
The royal procession heads home--and gee, they're all so well-behaved. Ha! Deokman is still hearing Mishil's words about discipline, and still seeing herself swinging that sword. After a while, Yushin gets off his horse and walks alongside the royal gama. Tells Deokman she did the right thing, and to stay strong. "You have to believe in yourself," he tells her repeatedly. She knows, even though it's hard to do right now...and adds that she realizes she has to find her own way. And then to herself adds, "alone."
Chunchu and Bidam are walking home too, but they've gone off the main road in favor of a smaller path for whatever reason. They both seem lost in thought, amazed at what happened back there.
"She killed him herself?" Mishil has just been filled in by Seolwon, who also adds that Deokman lowered the interest she had charged the villagers initially (Thank heavens!). Now it's Mishil thinking back to that fateful conversation and realizing that it had an impact. She believes (correctly) that Deokman will be upset by what she did. "Remember the battle of Maun Pass?", she asks Seolwon, recalling a bloody battle that they participated in as young leaders under King Jinheung. They had helped lead 3,000 troops into battle and lost more than 90 percent. Not all casualties--many deserters, it turns out. Mishil recalls catching one group of deserters herself, including one trainee who had saved her life at one point. "I felt such betrayal at his desertion," she remembers. She killed him (of course she did) along with the others (of course she did) but says it was terribly difficult for her. "Every commander must face it sooner or later," Seolwon tells her. But she confesses that the trauma of it changed her. Permanently. She wonders if Deokman will be similarly affected.
Now it's the village head man's begging that's in Deokman's head as she arrives home. Bidam is there to greet her, but she looks almost dazed. "I acted rashly," she tells him; "I didn't think ahead. The people have never experienced this before," she said, talking about regular people having control and ownership of their own land. But Bidam tells her how impressed he is with her and how the people will learn these things in time. And is he being a little more than friendly here? Very possibly...but Deokman just smiles at him and thanks him.
Evening: Something's going on. Are those physicians headed to the palace?
Yes they are. Uh-oh, the king isn't well. The head physician tells him it's cardiac; not enough blood getting to his heart. "Quite serious," he gently says. But not untreatable. The physician will send for the proper medicines.
Deokman wants Yushin to oversee the Ankang project. As they talk, Deokman's hands keep clenching and fidgeting. Hmmm...Mishil had said that the same thing happened to her after she had to kill those trainees. Yushin asks her if she's okay, and she forces a smile and assures him that she is and that she feels reassured by the people around her. But now Sohwa runs in to tell her that her father is asking for her.
Jinpyeong is resting. Looks tired, but at least no worse than when we saw him before. Maya and Manmyeong are there, and of all things for the king to bring up, he wants to discuss getting Deokman married! "It's the best way to ensure an heir," he tells them. "We have no son. Deokman's husband will have to do." Asks the two of them to find someone suitable and says he'll call a council meeting to discuss it. Now Deokman comes in and gets the full dose of "It's essential that you marry soon." Maya agrees. Hey, pressure from the folks. She says nothing.
Alcheon anticipates what we just saw, and talks to Yushin about it. "Deokman will stick with the plan," Yushin is certain (What plan?). He's equally certain that Mishil will try to interfere. As in, forcing Chunchu into the picture? Alcheon isn't sure Mishil will have enough control over Chunchu; says he's still spending a lot of time hanging around Misaeng.
And yeah, now we're back at the casino in front of the juryeonggu table and Chunchu and Misaeng are at it again. Drinking, gambling, women fawning over them. As they play, Misaeng gently raises the subject of marriage. Much better than "playing with courtesans," he says, and you can raise children. Tries to sell it as "a habit that's easy to break," as in, easier than drinking or gambling. Because after a year or two, "the fun is over" and it's not hard to walk away. (What a loser.) Chunchu smiles and responds, "Which would explain why you've tried it some 20 times." Meant to be a jab, I think, but Misaeng readily agrees with him...and asks him if he's interested in trying it.
The king summons Seohyeon and Yongchun to tell them to summon the Council of Nobles in four days to deal with this marriage business. "All eligible bachelors will be considered," he instructs. Especially with Mishil likely to try to pull something.
"There's no way around this marriage." Sohwa is trying to comfort Deokman but that's a pretty poor effort! Deokman is just staring into a reflecting pool on the palace grounds. Her hands are trembling again. Sohwa notices and asks, and Bidam is close enough by to hear her and become concerned. He grabs her right hand and examines it, and then very insightfully tells her that "It's been a while since you drew a sword" and says she should have asked Yushin or Alcheon to do it. Then gingerly asks about this wedding that's being proposed. "You're going to stick to your plan, aren't you?" Yes, Deokman assures him; "No marriage for me." (So that's the plan.) He smiles and looks away; is he a little disappointed? Who knows...but as he looks at her hand again and insists that she not kill anybody herself again like that, Seolwon happens by, close enough to see Bidam holding her hand and her smiling at him. It doesn't escape his notice.
Mishil is meeting with most of the cabal (no Hajong). They wonder who the groom is going to be. Yushin's married, of course. Seolwon wonders about Alcheon. "That might work," Mishil says. Alcheon's family is from Yukbu and has no significant power or influence, so Mishil sees no threat there. And she already knows something useful: his father, whose name is Hyogong, is an art collector. "Find the right piece to give him," she instructs Misaeng. And tells Seolwon and Sejong to keep an eye on both Yushin and Chunchu (Why Yushin?). Misaeng and Sejong leave, but Seolwon remains there and then gently raises the Bidam issue. "Bidam and the princess are very friendly. How would it be if Bidam married her." Uh-oh, she's bristling already...He hastens to add, "Isn't he your son? And he's of royal blood." It would be to her advantage, he insists, but she wants none of it. I abandoned him, she says sternly, and I won't take him back. And her lips are pressed together so tightly that obviously she ain't kidding.
Sejong and Hajong go to visit Yushin and his bride--who we learn is one of Hajong's kids. Who surprises the visitors with news that she's pregnant! Sejong and Hajong are ecstatic. And they have news of their own. Yushin is being given an adjunct position in the Office of Military Affairs. Which sounds like it's supposed to be a real plum, apparently...and it also sounds like Hajong arranged it to increase his ties with Yushin. Not sure how Yushin feels about that, or if he even wants the job.
But anyway, now the pair are back with the cabal, certain that they have no more to worry about as far as Yushin, since his wife is pregnant now. It convinces Mishil too. (I don't know why they're so sure Yushin wouldn't do something to thwart them if he had the chance.) Seolwon tells them that Chunchu is spending a lot of time with Boryang. So he'll be on their side, too, they think. And all of the nobles have been tipped off about the marriage announcement. They're certain that whoever manages to get picked, it will be someone loyal to them.
It's time for the Council meeting. Jinpyeong explains the situation, which everybody already knows, and then asks for names of potential suitors. A few names are offered by various councillors...and then Mishil speaks up and says just about the last thing we'd expect of her: "Isn't what Deokman wants the most important thing?" Apparently she has no doubt that every possible choice Deokman can make is a safe one for her. Be that as it may, the idea of Deokman's wishes being important actually seems to confuse the king. But now here comes Deokman into the meeting, late (Did she bring a note?) and sits down opposite Mishil. Mishil tells her what they're talking about and what she herself just said (sucking up!?). "Is there perhaps someone you'd prefer?" Without batting an eye Deokman fires back, "I'm not getting married." Doink! Every noble in the place turns and looks at her. This isn't acceptable to anybody, even her allies like Yongchun. And they start telling her why. She assures them that she's just as concerned about national stability and peace as they are. But she insists that there will be no marriage. "The next ruler of Shilla," she says firmly, "will be me." Now almost everyone is dumbfounded. Seohyeon is taking it in stride, but he seems to be the only one. Deokman adds, "I request that the Council of Nobles meet to ratify my proposal." And she smiles at Mishil.
Now Mishil is in a tower overlooking the palace, just staring out into space. Seolwon can't even get a word out of her. Finally, after a long silence, she turns and look at him. And simply tells him she's like to be alone for a while. Wow, she doesn't look good. Completely deflated and utterly stunned. Seolwon leaves her, and she reflects on her past conversations with Deokman. She's completely blindsided that Deokman would want the throne for herself (although I don't understand why! This should be no surprise at all).
Seolwon has to keep an angry Bojong away from his mother. "A woman on the throne? It's unheard of." But Seolwon is actually being very stoic about it, which is no surprise; Mishil wanted to be queen for so long that he's gotten used to the idea. But his main concern at the moment is how this is affecting Mishil. "All I care about is helping her get through this."
"What could Deokman possibly be thinking?" Way to support your kid, mom. Maya is agitated by the very idea of it. Yongchun is there with the king and queen, and he and Maya are commiserating in their irritation. But the king has heard enough and finally says, "It's a great idea." Really? "Shilla has a bone-rank system. Our greatest strength is the royal line. Have we ever had a ruler who is NOT of noble blood?" Her gender will be an obstacle, he acknowledges, but she has the bloodline. And he adds, "Surely you recall how an ignorant boy like me came to be king?" Well what are they going to say to that! I was a royal, he says, and that was about it. And at least Deokman's royal blood will be a weapon to keep Mishil from grabbing power.
Mishil has composed herself enough to head home. She happens to pass Bidam, who can't help himself. "You can't change it, you know." Aw come on, why bait her? She turns and looks at him, and smiles that uh-oh smile. "Change what?" "The fact that she sees so much farther than you." He's trying to rub her nose in it, but she seems only surprised by his pettiness. "You stood here waiting to say that?" She isn't fazed by him. At least not outwardly.
Now the elite Hwarang are whining about the idea of a woman on the throne. And most of them think Deokman is an oddball or unsuitable for one reason or another (the observatory; the grain speculation thing; didn't grow up royal).
The DFers get the news about Deokman from Geoksaheun and they don't even believe him, they think it's so outlandish. They leave him wondering if he misheard the whole thing.
Chilsuk is in a training yard, doing some martial-arts arm work on a straw dummy. Seokpum and the annoying Hwarang (Come on already, give us the guy's name!) arrive to bring him a written report on new recruits. He asks about Bidam and is told that Bidam hasn't participated in any Hwarang council meetings and hasn't recruited any new men. And what about Wolya? They've found out that he's General Chunju's son, and his entry into the Hwarang was sponsored by Seohyeon. (Continuity error? In Episode 25 we were told that Wolya is the son of Crown Prince Wolgwang of the Gayan state of Dae.) Chilsuk wants them to watch him; he doesn't trust him. Then the subject of Deokman's plans come up...and Chilsuk flashes back to that scene in Episode 4 where seemingly everyone in the desert trading post is held captive by the local lord, and Deokman is mouthing off to him: "A man with no time for his people has no place on a throne!"...Chilsuk actually laughs a little to himself. Wonder what he's thinking.
Outside on a porch, Chunchu is with Boryang; in fact, he's putting makeup on her. She likes his work. Misaeng happens by and sees this, and is ecstatic. Then Wolya comes up to him--How does Wolya know Misaeng?--and they start to talk about Deokman's decision. Chunchu happens to hear Misaeng confirm that "The princess claims she'll rule the country," and it stops him cold.
Yushin brings Deokman some good news: everybody in Ankang is behaving and doing what they're supposed to do. "Killing the head man taught them fear," she says. "Now it's time to teach them hope. Lend support to those willing to work." And adds that this is only the start; she wants to do this everywhere. Then Bidam arrives with news about all of the controversy she's stirred up. "They'll need some time," she says with a smile, very confident that everyone will accept it eventually (Too confident?). She wants to know whether or not Chunchu has heard about it; Bidam says he's meeting with Chunchu shortly and find out. She remembers their conversation from when they first met, back in Episode 35--the slightly creepy conversation that apparently led her to wonder if he had designs on the throne himself.
Wolya and Seolji are talking to Yushin, and they're not happy. They feel like he misled them. They don't want Deokman on the throne; they want a Gayan on the throne. Yushin says that's not what they agreed to; the goal was to put someone sympathetic to the Gayans on the throne, not necessarily someone of Gayan blood. He assures them that Deokman is sympathetic, but they insist that "only a king of Gaya descent will end the persecution" of the Gayans. Yushin is angrily insistent that Deokman will be their ally. "If she doesn't succeed," he adds, "I'll lead the rebellion myself." Well THAT shuts them up.
But they're still not totally happy. Or at least Seolji isn't. Afterwards he confronts Wolya about it; Wolya is calmer and tells him to send someone to Amnyang to unify the ranks; there could be dissension ahead. But for now he's going to trust Yushin.
Seohyeon and Yongchun have gone to the king to talk strategy about Deokman's request. "The opposition will be fierce," Yongchun says, "but they don't have any valid arguments." The king feels she's performed her duties "brilliantly" as princess and wants everybody to remember that, and remember that she's a royal.
"No one's directly voicing their opposition." The cabal again, and Chilsuk has joined them. No one of consequence wants to speak against the bone-rank system, it turns out (Of course not; that's why they're of consequence!). Chilsuk says the Hwarang will never accept her. And Hajong starts whining about the idea of a woman ruler...which draws a smile out of Mishil. Be careful, you stupid twit...But Mishil does realize that Shilla has never had a ruler from outside the royal bloodline, and so it does makes sense to her. She doesn't like it, obviously, but she understands it.
The evening before the Council meeting: Deokman is discussing the meeting with Yushin; she expects it to be long and intense--and she expects to be turned down! "But the people of Shilla will learn a new title. One that's never been used before. Never been spoken, never been written. 'Great Queen.' The title of Great Queen. Our first goal is to spread that as widely as possible."
"You're gonna make WHO ruler now? A girl?" Bidam has paid a visit to Yeom Jong. Yep, Bidam says; "First time in the history of Asia." Yeom Jong says he's heard of a country called Egypt, and he heard they had a "Great Queen" once. And he adds something else--Chunchu will never accept it. Oh, and that queen in Egypt? "It all came to ruin. She lost Egypt to the Roman Empire." Which ticks Bidam off.
The casino again; Chunchu is there but this time he's meeting quietly with Yeom Jong. Who tells him about Bidam's visit. Chunchu, as scared as he is of Bidam, says he'd like to try to win him to his side. Yeom Jong says Bidam isn't the type to be easily swayed. Chunchu knows that, and if he won't turn, "the I'll just have to kill him." Is that so. Then Yeom Jong starts to fill Chunchu in on everything Bidam told him about Deokman. Uh-oh. Hopefully Bidam was wise enough to be discreet.
Turns out, Bidam is at the casino too; apparently he's doing more than just teaching Chunchu; guess he's generally keeping tabs on him. Chunchu goes over to him and starts talking about Deokman taking the throne. Not very smoothly.
Mishil decides to go pay a visit to Chunchu. But just then Misaeng comes in to tell her that Chunchu is here to see her. She's genuinely surprised.
Evening: Deokman is outside thinking, trying to steel herself...
What does Chunchu want with Mishil? He smiles...
Now Deokman is holding that hair-comb ornament of her sister's...hoping that Cheonmyeong's spirit is standing by her...
Mishil is alone again, deep in thought. Misaeng comes back and asks what the kid wanted. "Get me Sejong," she says, offering nothing more. But it's late. "Then wake him up! We have much to discuss. And much to change." Hmmmm.....Now we see her alone again...thinking...thinking...and smiling broadly. She's got something cooking.
Next day: The council meeting. The nobles are all carping about a woman running the country. Yongchun fires back at the alternative--"an impure king"--and Seohyeon reminds them that Deokman is a royal "and a child of prophecy." Which the others acknowledge...But now here comes Mishil, late to the meeting and explaining that "important affairs" delayed her. Relevant important affairs, she says. Deokman and the king both look away, like they knew she'd pull some stunt and here it is..."I propose an eligible young man. Send him in." And in walks Chunchu. The king and queen are stunned, and so is Deokman. (Why? Did none of them expect this? Come on.) Chunchu introduces himself...flashback to the rest of Chunchu's first conversation with Deokman--and this part leaves no doubt: "What do you think led ME here? To make Shilla mine."...The king is at a loss for words, but Mishil states that if King Jinji had not been deposed, Chunchu would be of royal blood. Yeah, okay, but he WAS deposed--as Seohyeon stands up and emphasizes. Well, you know Mishil will have an answer ready for that. And she starts to answer him...but then Chunchu jumps in. "The bone-rank system...is a relic of the past." Good heavens. It unsettles everyone, and Seohyeon reminds him that it's the very foundation of the country. THIS is how he's going to argue his worthiness? Unfazed by the reaction, Chunchu says, I may be young and not well-read, but nowhere else in the world has anyone ever heard of "such a common and barbaric way of doing things." Everyone is dumbfounded.
The royal procession heads home--and gee, they're all so well-behaved. Ha! Deokman is still hearing Mishil's words about discipline, and still seeing herself swinging that sword. After a while, Yushin gets off his horse and walks alongside the royal gama. Tells Deokman she did the right thing, and to stay strong. "You have to believe in yourself," he tells her repeatedly. She knows, even though it's hard to do right now...and adds that she realizes she has to find her own way. And then to herself adds, "alone."
Chunchu and Bidam are walking home too, but they've gone off the main road in favor of a smaller path for whatever reason. They both seem lost in thought, amazed at what happened back there.
"She killed him herself?" Mishil has just been filled in by Seolwon, who also adds that Deokman lowered the interest she had charged the villagers initially (Thank heavens!). Now it's Mishil thinking back to that fateful conversation and realizing that it had an impact. She believes (correctly) that Deokman will be upset by what she did. "Remember the battle of Maun Pass?", she asks Seolwon, recalling a bloody battle that they participated in as young leaders under King Jinheung. They had helped lead 3,000 troops into battle and lost more than 90 percent. Not all casualties--many deserters, it turns out. Mishil recalls catching one group of deserters herself, including one trainee who had saved her life at one point. "I felt such betrayal at his desertion," she remembers. She killed him (of course she did) along with the others (of course she did) but says it was terribly difficult for her. "Every commander must face it sooner or later," Seolwon tells her. But she confesses that the trauma of it changed her. Permanently. She wonders if Deokman will be similarly affected.
Now it's the village head man's begging that's in Deokman's head as she arrives home. Bidam is there to greet her, but she looks almost dazed. "I acted rashly," she tells him; "I didn't think ahead. The people have never experienced this before," she said, talking about regular people having control and ownership of their own land. But Bidam tells her how impressed he is with her and how the people will learn these things in time. And is he being a little more than friendly here? Very possibly...but Deokman just smiles at him and thanks him.
Evening: Something's going on. Are those physicians headed to the palace?
Yes they are. Uh-oh, the king isn't well. The head physician tells him it's cardiac; not enough blood getting to his heart. "Quite serious," he gently says. But not untreatable. The physician will send for the proper medicines.
Deokman wants Yushin to oversee the Ankang project. As they talk, Deokman's hands keep clenching and fidgeting. Hmmm...Mishil had said that the same thing happened to her after she had to kill those trainees. Yushin asks her if she's okay, and she forces a smile and assures him that she is and that she feels reassured by the people around her. But now Sohwa runs in to tell her that her father is asking for her.
Jinpyeong is resting. Looks tired, but at least no worse than when we saw him before. Maya and Manmyeong are there, and of all things for the king to bring up, he wants to discuss getting Deokman married! "It's the best way to ensure an heir," he tells them. "We have no son. Deokman's husband will have to do." Asks the two of them to find someone suitable and says he'll call a council meeting to discuss it. Now Deokman comes in and gets the full dose of "It's essential that you marry soon." Maya agrees. Hey, pressure from the folks. She says nothing.
Alcheon anticipates what we just saw, and talks to Yushin about it. "Deokman will stick with the plan," Yushin is certain (What plan?). He's equally certain that Mishil will try to interfere. As in, forcing Chunchu into the picture? Alcheon isn't sure Mishil will have enough control over Chunchu; says he's still spending a lot of time hanging around Misaeng.
And yeah, now we're back at the casino in front of the juryeonggu table and Chunchu and Misaeng are at it again. Drinking, gambling, women fawning over them. As they play, Misaeng gently raises the subject of marriage. Much better than "playing with courtesans," he says, and you can raise children. Tries to sell it as "a habit that's easy to break," as in, easier than drinking or gambling. Because after a year or two, "the fun is over" and it's not hard to walk away. (What a loser.) Chunchu smiles and responds, "Which would explain why you've tried it some 20 times." Meant to be a jab, I think, but Misaeng readily agrees with him...and asks him if he's interested in trying it.
The king summons Seohyeon and Yongchun to tell them to summon the Council of Nobles in four days to deal with this marriage business. "All eligible bachelors will be considered," he instructs. Especially with Mishil likely to try to pull something.
"There's no way around this marriage." Sohwa is trying to comfort Deokman but that's a pretty poor effort! Deokman is just staring into a reflecting pool on the palace grounds. Her hands are trembling again. Sohwa notices and asks, and Bidam is close enough by to hear her and become concerned. He grabs her right hand and examines it, and then very insightfully tells her that "It's been a while since you drew a sword" and says she should have asked Yushin or Alcheon to do it. Then gingerly asks about this wedding that's being proposed. "You're going to stick to your plan, aren't you?" Yes, Deokman assures him; "No marriage for me." (So that's the plan.) He smiles and looks away; is he a little disappointed? Who knows...but as he looks at her hand again and insists that she not kill anybody herself again like that, Seolwon happens by, close enough to see Bidam holding her hand and her smiling at him. It doesn't escape his notice.
Mishil is meeting with most of the cabal (no Hajong). They wonder who the groom is going to be. Yushin's married, of course. Seolwon wonders about Alcheon. "That might work," Mishil says. Alcheon's family is from Yukbu and has no significant power or influence, so Mishil sees no threat there. And she already knows something useful: his father, whose name is Hyogong, is an art collector. "Find the right piece to give him," she instructs Misaeng. And tells Seolwon and Sejong to keep an eye on both Yushin and Chunchu (Why Yushin?). Misaeng and Sejong leave, but Seolwon remains there and then gently raises the Bidam issue. "Bidam and the princess are very friendly. How would it be if Bidam married her." Uh-oh, she's bristling already...He hastens to add, "Isn't he your son? And he's of royal blood." It would be to her advantage, he insists, but she wants none of it. I abandoned him, she says sternly, and I won't take him back. And her lips are pressed together so tightly that obviously she ain't kidding.
Sejong and Hajong go to visit Yushin and his bride--who we learn is one of Hajong's kids. Who surprises the visitors with news that she's pregnant! Sejong and Hajong are ecstatic. And they have news of their own. Yushin is being given an adjunct position in the Office of Military Affairs. Which sounds like it's supposed to be a real plum, apparently...and it also sounds like Hajong arranged it to increase his ties with Yushin. Not sure how Yushin feels about that, or if he even wants the job.
But anyway, now the pair are back with the cabal, certain that they have no more to worry about as far as Yushin, since his wife is pregnant now. It convinces Mishil too. (I don't know why they're so sure Yushin wouldn't do something to thwart them if he had the chance.) Seolwon tells them that Chunchu is spending a lot of time with Boryang. So he'll be on their side, too, they think. And all of the nobles have been tipped off about the marriage announcement. They're certain that whoever manages to get picked, it will be someone loyal to them.
It's time for the Council meeting. Jinpyeong explains the situation, which everybody already knows, and then asks for names of potential suitors. A few names are offered by various councillors...and then Mishil speaks up and says just about the last thing we'd expect of her: "Isn't what Deokman wants the most important thing?" Apparently she has no doubt that every possible choice Deokman can make is a safe one for her. Be that as it may, the idea of Deokman's wishes being important actually seems to confuse the king. But now here comes Deokman into the meeting, late (Did she bring a note?) and sits down opposite Mishil. Mishil tells her what they're talking about and what she herself just said (sucking up!?). "Is there perhaps someone you'd prefer?" Without batting an eye Deokman fires back, "I'm not getting married." Doink! Every noble in the place turns and looks at her. This isn't acceptable to anybody, even her allies like Yongchun. And they start telling her why. She assures them that she's just as concerned about national stability and peace as they are. But she insists that there will be no marriage. "The next ruler of Shilla," she says firmly, "will be me." Now almost everyone is dumbfounded. Seohyeon is taking it in stride, but he seems to be the only one. Deokman adds, "I request that the Council of Nobles meet to ratify my proposal." And she smiles at Mishil.
Now Mishil is in a tower overlooking the palace, just staring out into space. Seolwon can't even get a word out of her. Finally, after a long silence, she turns and look at him. And simply tells him she's like to be alone for a while. Wow, she doesn't look good. Completely deflated and utterly stunned. Seolwon leaves her, and she reflects on her past conversations with Deokman. She's completely blindsided that Deokman would want the throne for herself (although I don't understand why! This should be no surprise at all).
Seolwon has to keep an angry Bojong away from his mother. "A woman on the throne? It's unheard of." But Seolwon is actually being very stoic about it, which is no surprise; Mishil wanted to be queen for so long that he's gotten used to the idea. But his main concern at the moment is how this is affecting Mishil. "All I care about is helping her get through this."
"What could Deokman possibly be thinking?" Way to support your kid, mom. Maya is agitated by the very idea of it. Yongchun is there with the king and queen, and he and Maya are commiserating in their irritation. But the king has heard enough and finally says, "It's a great idea." Really? "Shilla has a bone-rank system. Our greatest strength is the royal line. Have we ever had a ruler who is NOT of noble blood?" Her gender will be an obstacle, he acknowledges, but she has the bloodline. And he adds, "Surely you recall how an ignorant boy like me came to be king?" Well what are they going to say to that! I was a royal, he says, and that was about it. And at least Deokman's royal blood will be a weapon to keep Mishil from grabbing power.
Mishil has composed herself enough to head home. She happens to pass Bidam, who can't help himself. "You can't change it, you know." Aw come on, why bait her? She turns and looks at him, and smiles that uh-oh smile. "Change what?" "The fact that she sees so much farther than you." He's trying to rub her nose in it, but she seems only surprised by his pettiness. "You stood here waiting to say that?" She isn't fazed by him. At least not outwardly.
Now the elite Hwarang are whining about the idea of a woman on the throne. And most of them think Deokman is an oddball or unsuitable for one reason or another (the observatory; the grain speculation thing; didn't grow up royal).
The DFers get the news about Deokman from Geoksaheun and they don't even believe him, they think it's so outlandish. They leave him wondering if he misheard the whole thing.
Chilsuk is in a training yard, doing some martial-arts arm work on a straw dummy. Seokpum and the annoying Hwarang (Come on already, give us the guy's name!) arrive to bring him a written report on new recruits. He asks about Bidam and is told that Bidam hasn't participated in any Hwarang council meetings and hasn't recruited any new men. And what about Wolya? They've found out that he's General Chunju's son, and his entry into the Hwarang was sponsored by Seohyeon. (Continuity error? In Episode 25 we were told that Wolya is the son of Crown Prince Wolgwang of the Gayan state of Dae.) Chilsuk wants them to watch him; he doesn't trust him. Then the subject of Deokman's plans come up...and Chilsuk flashes back to that scene in Episode 4 where seemingly everyone in the desert trading post is held captive by the local lord, and Deokman is mouthing off to him: "A man with no time for his people has no place on a throne!"...Chilsuk actually laughs a little to himself. Wonder what he's thinking.
Outside on a porch, Chunchu is with Boryang; in fact, he's putting makeup on her. She likes his work. Misaeng happens by and sees this, and is ecstatic. Then Wolya comes up to him--How does Wolya know Misaeng?--and they start to talk about Deokman's decision. Chunchu happens to hear Misaeng confirm that "The princess claims she'll rule the country," and it stops him cold.
Yushin brings Deokman some good news: everybody in Ankang is behaving and doing what they're supposed to do. "Killing the head man taught them fear," she says. "Now it's time to teach them hope. Lend support to those willing to work." And adds that this is only the start; she wants to do this everywhere. Then Bidam arrives with news about all of the controversy she's stirred up. "They'll need some time," she says with a smile, very confident that everyone will accept it eventually (Too confident?). She wants to know whether or not Chunchu has heard about it; Bidam says he's meeting with Chunchu shortly and find out. She remembers their conversation from when they first met, back in Episode 35--the slightly creepy conversation that apparently led her to wonder if he had designs on the throne himself.
Wolya and Seolji are talking to Yushin, and they're not happy. They feel like he misled them. They don't want Deokman on the throne; they want a Gayan on the throne. Yushin says that's not what they agreed to; the goal was to put someone sympathetic to the Gayans on the throne, not necessarily someone of Gayan blood. He assures them that Deokman is sympathetic, but they insist that "only a king of Gaya descent will end the persecution" of the Gayans. Yushin is angrily insistent that Deokman will be their ally. "If she doesn't succeed," he adds, "I'll lead the rebellion myself." Well THAT shuts them up.
But they're still not totally happy. Or at least Seolji isn't. Afterwards he confronts Wolya about it; Wolya is calmer and tells him to send someone to Amnyang to unify the ranks; there could be dissension ahead. But for now he's going to trust Yushin.
Seohyeon and Yongchun have gone to the king to talk strategy about Deokman's request. "The opposition will be fierce," Yongchun says, "but they don't have any valid arguments." The king feels she's performed her duties "brilliantly" as princess and wants everybody to remember that, and remember that she's a royal.
"No one's directly voicing their opposition." The cabal again, and Chilsuk has joined them. No one of consequence wants to speak against the bone-rank system, it turns out (Of course not; that's why they're of consequence!). Chilsuk says the Hwarang will never accept her. And Hajong starts whining about the idea of a woman ruler...which draws a smile out of Mishil. Be careful, you stupid twit...But Mishil does realize that Shilla has never had a ruler from outside the royal bloodline, and so it does makes sense to her. She doesn't like it, obviously, but she understands it.
The evening before the Council meeting: Deokman is discussing the meeting with Yushin; she expects it to be long and intense--and she expects to be turned down! "But the people of Shilla will learn a new title. One that's never been used before. Never been spoken, never been written. 'Great Queen.' The title of Great Queen. Our first goal is to spread that as widely as possible."
"You're gonna make WHO ruler now? A girl?" Bidam has paid a visit to Yeom Jong. Yep, Bidam says; "First time in the history of Asia." Yeom Jong says he's heard of a country called Egypt, and he heard they had a "Great Queen" once. And he adds something else--Chunchu will never accept it. Oh, and that queen in Egypt? "It all came to ruin. She lost Egypt to the Roman Empire." Which ticks Bidam off.
The casino again; Chunchu is there but this time he's meeting quietly with Yeom Jong. Who tells him about Bidam's visit. Chunchu, as scared as he is of Bidam, says he'd like to try to win him to his side. Yeom Jong says Bidam isn't the type to be easily swayed. Chunchu knows that, and if he won't turn, "the I'll just have to kill him." Is that so. Then Yeom Jong starts to fill Chunchu in on everything Bidam told him about Deokman. Uh-oh. Hopefully Bidam was wise enough to be discreet.
Turns out, Bidam is at the casino too; apparently he's doing more than just teaching Chunchu; guess he's generally keeping tabs on him. Chunchu goes over to him and starts talking about Deokman taking the throne. Not very smoothly.
Mishil decides to go pay a visit to Chunchu. But just then Misaeng comes in to tell her that Chunchu is here to see her. She's genuinely surprised.
Evening: Deokman is outside thinking, trying to steel herself...
What does Chunchu want with Mishil? He smiles...
Now Deokman is holding that hair-comb ornament of her sister's...hoping that Cheonmyeong's spirit is standing by her...
Mishil is alone again, deep in thought. Misaeng comes back and asks what the kid wanted. "Get me Sejong," she says, offering nothing more. But it's late. "Then wake him up! We have much to discuss. And much to change." Hmmmm.....Now we see her alone again...thinking...thinking...and smiling broadly. She's got something cooking.
Next day: The council meeting. The nobles are all carping about a woman running the country. Yongchun fires back at the alternative--"an impure king"--and Seohyeon reminds them that Deokman is a royal "and a child of prophecy." Which the others acknowledge...But now here comes Mishil, late to the meeting and explaining that "important affairs" delayed her. Relevant important affairs, she says. Deokman and the king both look away, like they knew she'd pull some stunt and here it is..."I propose an eligible young man. Send him in." And in walks Chunchu. The king and queen are stunned, and so is Deokman. (Why? Did none of them expect this? Come on.) Chunchu introduces himself...flashback to the rest of Chunchu's first conversation with Deokman--and this part leaves no doubt: "What do you think led ME here? To make Shilla mine."...The king is at a loss for words, but Mishil states that if King Jinji had not been deposed, Chunchu would be of royal blood. Yeah, okay, but he WAS deposed--as Seohyeon stands up and emphasizes. Well, you know Mishil will have an answer ready for that. And she starts to answer him...but then Chunchu jumps in. "The bone-rank system...is a relic of the past." Good heavens. It unsettles everyone, and Seohyeon reminds him that it's the very foundation of the country. THIS is how he's going to argue his worthiness? Unfazed by the reaction, Chunchu says, I may be young and not well-read, but nowhere else in the world has anyone ever heard of "such a common and barbaric way of doing things." Everyone is dumbfounded.