Post by ajk on Mar 29, 2013 22:16:18 GMT -5
As Wolya is being taken by guards through the Inspectorate building (for what reason we don't know), another guard steps forward and reports that he's been ordered to escort Wolya to see Bidam personally. Wait a minute, that's no guard--that's the subordinate we saw Wolya talking to in the previous episode, about all of the arrests of their fellow Gayans. He's gotten himself a guard uniform, and is convincing enough that he's given custody of Wolya. Just like that. As the two of them walk down the hall, they discuss what to do. Wolya doesn't want to simply escape from here because that would confirm the existence of the restoration movement he's resuscitated. But then he changes his mind and tells the subordinate to prepare an escape.
Now the subordinate his checking on Seolji. Looks like he slips him a key and a knife...
..and now the subordinate has been allowed to take Wolya outside the building, all by himself, simply by telling the other guards that he's been ordered to bring Wolya to see Bidam. Wolya's hands are bound behind his back, but geez, what crappy security. Now they're outside and almost free...but Yeom Jong happens to be walking by and spots them, and asks what's going on. And to his credit, smells a rat immediately and puts his sword to Wolya's throat. But Wolya's ropes have been loosened and in the next moment his hands are free and he's grabbed the subordinate's sword, deflected Yeom Jong's sword and knocked him down. The two make a break for it, Yeom Jong yells for help, and now the chase is on.
Back inside, Seolji opens his cell with the key he got, and holds the knife he got to the throat of an unsuspecting guard, which buys him the time and space to get out of the building. He and Wolya run to a prearranged place where two horses have been brought by the subordinate and are waiting. The pair gallop away and with the help of a cooperative (undoubtedly Gayan) soldier guarding the nearby city gate, escape into the countryside. Leaving the subordinate behind to be captured and the soldier to be killed on the spot by Yeom Jong.
Meanwhile, Deokman is still standing there deciding whether or not to okay Bidam's request to start investigating Yushin's relationship with Wolya. But before she can say anything, Yeom Jong runs up and has to tell Bidam about the escapes and the complicity of other Gayan separatists who have infiltrated the Inspectorate. Rather than berating Bidam for this staggering ineptitude within the agency he's in charge of, she glares at Yushin and sternly tells Bidam she consents to the investigation. Seriously!?
Seolwon, Bojong and Yeom Jong tell Bidam they've ordered surveillance of Yushin's home and also of "any of Yushin's followers ranked above private." Seolwon speculates that there must be a separatist stronghold of some sort nearby; says he'll try to force its location out of whoever among the separatists they can capture. And Yushin, he's been brought to the "questioning room." But Bidam is distracted and not paying attention. What's his problem?
Yongchun, Jujin and two other councilors discuss the apparent problem of the whole place being lousy with separatist spies. Yushin, well, the other two wonder if Yushin can be trusted. But Jujin has it diagnosed correctly: the real issue here is all about Yushin and Bidam and who will have more influence with the queen.
And now the six former elite Hwarang who we saw in new jobs in the last episode have gotten together, and are discussing the situation with unhappiness in their voices. Because of the trouble it's causing Yushin, and its effect on the military's morale.
Seohyeon and Manmyeong are told by Daepoong and Geoksaheun about the escapes. Seohyeon correctly realizes Yushin will be implicated in the whole mess, fairly or not.
"Not even once have I ever had ulterior motives against Her Majesty. And you know that just as well as I do." Yushin shouldn't even have to say this, but he says it to Bidam anyway in the questioning room. That doesn't matter, Bidam says; it's your status and influence that are at issue here...
...and QSD tells Chunchu the same thing. It's about Yushin's "sphere of influence." Which is harder to trust than simply trusting Yushin the individual. Yushin can't continue to exist as a Gayan, the queen says (He's not! Not politically, anyway, only ethnically). Chunchu counters, "But those same Gaya people are Yushin's very foundation. Yushin will never be able to abandon them."
The only way you can work yourself out of this, Bidam explains to Yushin, is to squash the separatist movement yourself. And "bring me Wolya's head." He's not being evil about it; he's making good sense, actually. Yushin argues that simply killing Wolya won't eradicate the movement--"Another leader will come forward"--and reminds Bidam about everything the queen has done to try to integrate the Gayans and how it could go to waste. Bidam's snotty reply: "And it's not merely because you fear losing your own foundation?" Which infuriates Yushin. Bidam offers, "Don't you know that both Her Majesty and I have no intention of abandoning you?" But you have to abandon Gaya, he says, "and start anew."
Chunchu is talking sense now, warning QSD about Bidam gaining too much power, with all of his present allies and Mishil's people behind him. And how Yushin's diminishment could make Bidam dangerous. She's skeptical: "So should I just accept the movement's existence? Can't you distinguish between right and wrong?" A wise reply from Chunchu: "The more knowledge I acquire, the more ambiguous shadows right and wrong assume. Judgments change depending upon circumstances and points of view." And then tells her, "You can neither act against Yushin nor against his followers." Is this balance-of-power thing that critical, that it should restrain her from acting? Interesting....
Bidam tells Yeom Jong that Yushin knows nothing about the separatist movement. He's convinced of this after talking to him. Which makes the situation even scarier, since the movement is strong enough to operate without Yushin's help. They'll likely be very difficult to capture, Yeom Jong says. Bidam smirks. "Capture?"
Seolji has made it to the separatist headquarters, where soldiers are training--with crossbows! Deadly accurate crossbows, as we can see. Where did they get those? Seolji goes inside where Wolya is waiting; he's brought a list of the separatist infiltrators still in the capital for Wolya to review. Seems like dangerous information to write down...so Wolya reviews it and promptly burns the paper. Seolji addresses the bad situation this all has put Yushin in, especially with them escaping. "That is exactly why we escaped," Wolya answers calmly, an answer so callous it shocks Seolji.
If not capture, only what? To his credit, Bidam has realized that Wolya's goal from early on would have been a Gayan ruler. Yushin would have absolutely refused to accept the throne for himself...so maybe Wolya escaped specifically to damage Yushin. How would that help Wolya?
"What? You escaped on purpose to force this situation upon Lord Yushin?!" How about that, the weird guy is right. Wolya explains to a stunned Seolji that if Yushin's situation becomes so dire that "his only choice becomes that of becoming king himself," then that will override his loyalty to the queen. Not sure why he thinks that's a sure thing...but he says Yushin is still not in enough trouble! "The situation must further deteriorate." Yikes.
Bidam has realized this too: Wolya's goal is "to force Yushin into a corner." And the next thing he'll probably try...
..."We must now help Yushin escape" while being held for questioning. Wolya tells Seolji their next move. That certainly would cause more of a mess for Yushin...but he would never be a part of any such thing, Seolji points out. Wolya doesn't seem to think that's a problem, though, for some unknown reason. And if he does escape..."he will instantly be accused of treason." That would certainly make Yushin's mess bigger, wouldn't it.
"He would unquestionably be responsible for treason!" Impressive reasoning by Bidam, seeing this just as it's being planned out. "But what is truly interesting," Bidam adds, now smiling in a not-so-nice way, "is that what Wolya wishes for, might just be the same as what I want." Uh-oh!
QSD goes to see Yushin in his cell. She has the same sour look on her face that she's had non-stop every time we've seen her lately. "I will give you all the troops you need," she tells him. "Bring me Wolya's head." Yushin reminds her that it will nullify everything she's done to integrate the Gayan people (not so sure that would be true, but whatever...) Must you turn your back on the Gayans?, he asks. "If I don't," she answers, "I will lose you." Yushin reminds her that this has happened before, having to abandon the Gayans because of Mishil. QSD assures him that she won't abandon them again..."but this country's ruler shall never embrace the restoration movement." He presses her: You can't execute Wolya; someone else will simply step forward and the Gayans will be even angrier. "They suffered eighty years of mistreatment," he reminds her; "They need more time to accept you as their ruler. It's not something that power can solve. All you can do is embrace them." It's heartfelt and brave...and the queen only responds in her snotty voice, "Is Gaya all you're concerned about? Doesn't your own safety concern you in the slightest?" Who is this woman? It's like she doesn't even know the guy. She adds, "How about me?" Huh? Yushin says he'll accept whatever punishment she wants to give him for what's happened, no matter how severe. "You may abandon me, but you must embrace Gaya at all cost, Your Majesty!" It's a gutsy stand, gotta give him credit. Clearly not what she wanted to hear, though...
...but as we see her now, sitting alone back in the palace and thinking to herself, she may be realizing that he's right. Especially after the insight that Chunchu gave her. Now Bidam arrives to tell the queen that "the palace is in tumult" because of all this separatist stuff and that "Someone must be held responsible for all this." The queen, finally, flatly states that "Yushin is innocent" and has no connection to the separatists. Which Bidam knows, of course, and tells her he agrees. "However, not everyone will believe it." And then she confesses to frustration at Yushin making this hard on her. "What disheartenment Yushin is bringing me."
Seolwon has cooked up an idea, which he shares with Yeom Jong and Bojong: Transfer Yushin out of the palace somewhere. The Gayan spies will find out about it and set up a capture attempt "and we will be there to apprehend them when it happens." Very clever; he's still got it. Now Hajong comes in, late and drinking. The guy needs some grief counseling, let's face it. And he's still whining about Bidam and the investigators having so much influence (meaning, more than he does now). Then Bidam enters and they try to start a meeting, but Hajong starts babbling about how the inspectorate should think about REWARDING the separatists for making the inspectorate so powerful and feared. You'd think Bidam would be angry at Hajong's drunken idiocy...but it turns out, he had the same idea. Huh? "I actually think it is a clever proposal. I plan to reward the restoration movement." Turns out, they're aware of three Gayan spies still working in the palace but not apprehended yet. "Order those three to transfer Yushin." So Bidam WANTS them to have Yushin? "The movement's existence is still beneficial to us," he observes, "and Yushin would cross a bridge of no return." Two for the price of one, in a way.
Now we see Yushin being transferred somewhere. Ten guards surround him, including Bojong. Yushin is bound hand and foot and shackles are on his wrists.
Jukbang tells Chunchu this is happening--moving him "to a more secret location". But Chunchu smells a rat--only ten guards? What if the separatists attack? Or, hey, maybe that's the whole idea. Very good, Chunchu. He gets up and leaves, purposefully headed somewhere.
Now we're out in the woods somewhere. It's autumn and piles of leaves are everywhere. Suddenly one of the guards reaches in and unshackles Yushin's hands. And in the next moment, chaos--a wild battle erupts as a squad of separatists emerges from the piles of leaves. Then Seolji charges in and cuts Yushin's ropes, says he'll escort him to safety, and urges him to flee. Yushin hesitates...and then does so. Big mistake, you dummy. Bojong watches it happen, with great delight.
Chunchu sees a commotion in the palace--guards running around--and calls out to someone. Oh no, it's Santak the Annoying ex-Hwarang! He has to tell Chunchu that he can't discuss what's going on. But Chunchu surprises him by guessing exactly right.
"It went just as planned." Bojong tells Bidam. Who's happy to hear it.
And it's Jukbang who goes to tell QSD about it. And about the three guards being spies. She wonders how many spies there must be, that three of them could end up getting the transfer assignment, the possibility not occurring to her that it might have been a setup. But wait a minute, maybe she understands more than we think she does. "Bidam," she says through clenched teeth; "Where is Bidam?"
He's back at the inspectorate, smiling. "She will have to proclaim Chief Marshal Yushin as an enemy of the state. It is a point of no return." Even Hajong gives credit for the idea. And now Misaeng is going to organize some sort of meeting tonight. What kind?
Evening: Yeom Jong's residence. His cabal is there, and so are what look to be some local nobles. No, wait, those are councilors, just not in their official robes. Bidam comes in and addresses them all, telling them that the nation is in crisis and "one of our illustrious heroes, Yushin, has been found to be involved." And asks everyone present for their cooperation. In what? "I shall take this opportunity to reshuffle and better organize every single agency in the palace." Wow! Asks Jujin to take over the military; says he'll "strongly suggest to her majesty" that he be named commissioner. At tomorrow's council meeting, he says, "You must all stress to Her Majesty how critical this situation is. If you do so, I shall never forget your devotion to our country's cause."
And now the councilors who are meeting with Deokman--this isn't a full meeting, just some of them--are speaking just as Bidam asked. Bidam is there too, which certainly helps explain their good effort, and so is Chunchu. Misaeng summarizes: "May you proclaim Chief Marshal Yushin as an enemy of the state." Oh, and remove Seohyeon from heading the military. Lots of pressure being heaped on the queen--and she sits there listening to it, looking totally annoyed but saying nothing.
"How could you do this to me?" Yushin is understandably furious with Wolya. And then decks him! And then he decks Seolji too for good measure. "I always treated you two with the utmost sincerity and kindness," Yushin fumes. And starts screaming at them. Wolya argues that even with everything QSD has done for the Gayans, she won't be around forever and she might even "have a change of heart." So, he says, I'm just preparing for whatever the future brings. Weird argument...but now that the whole thing has blown up on him, he says that there's "only one answer. And that is someone of Gaya descent on the throne." Not just anyone--Yushin. Yushin angrily tells him again he wants no part of such a thing. But Seolji fires back, "you have crossed the bridge of no return" and Wolya tells him he's in too deeply now. Yushin still wants no part of it: let's return to the capital and accept our punishment, he urges, and disband the movement. Of course Wolya wants no part of that idea.
Yushin's parents understand the situation all too well--that Yushin is in big trouble now that he left with the separatists. Seohyeon wonders if all of the Gayan people are in big trouble now.
And now even Godo, Daepoong, Geoksaheun and Yanggil are arguing about it--not really taking sides, just angry and frustrated about what Yushin should do to vindicate himself. If he even can. Godo is so angry he pounds the table and storms out of the room...
...and gets interrupted by Santak and a squad of inspectors, who force him to explain he's headed for the toilet. Why are they there? Apparently doing the surveillance that was ordered of Yushin's associates. Godo's in no mood for niceties and shoves them all aside.
Now Bidam is lobbying QSD privately. He reminds her of a talk they had the day before her coronation...and which we now see in flashback. "Being severe upon one's closest confidants, and generous and kind with one's people, is what makes a great ruler." Well that explains a lot, doesn't it--but is it right? She's realized that being uniformly kind and generous to everyone "will soil your rule in incompetence." Bidam smiles, realize she's telling him to be prepared that she'll be severe with him. "Indeed," she says, "You must be prepared to cope with it."...Flashback ending, he continues to press her, now arguing that she has to be stern with Yushin since he's her closest confidant. She turns to him and tells him, "What you say is right. Not a single word you said goes against principle." But..."It doesn't go against your personal interests, either." In that sentence, his expression changes as he looks at her. "Not to mention the interest of certain nobles, who would only fear the ever-increasing influence shown by Yushin." And then asks him what he thinks about that. He babbles something about whims and principles, but she's caught him off guard and he knows it. She gives him the skunk-eye.
Misaeng, Seolwon and Hajong are amazed at how Bidam has worked his way into such a favorable position. And "without going against principle a single time," as Seolwon puts it. Reminds them of Mishil.
Looks who's paying QSD a visit: Imjong, Dukchung and Piltan. They don't even greet her; they immediately fall to their knees in front of her and start appealing on Yushin's behalf. Arguing that this has all spun wildly out of perspective and reminding her that the morale and loyalty of the troops is at stake here. The queen just sits there listening to it and looking annoyed as they implore her to exonerate Yushin.
And now Jukbang is making the same arguments to Chunchu. Who undoubtedly accepts them, but knows that circumstances have conspired against Yushin. "It is a brilliant subterfuge by Bidam. Yushin was caught in his trap." Jukbang urges him to tell that to the queen, but Chunchu says he has nothing but his suspicions and no evidence, which doesn't make enough of a case to present. But wait a minute, suddenly he looks like he has an idea.
So he goes to QSD and tells her. Yes, he says, Bidam and the nobles are right to call for action. But no one has done more for the nation lately than Yushin, and he's become highly respected throughout the government and the nation. "Proclaiming such a distinguished man of arms as an enemy of the state would incur indescribable dissent and disorder." So what to do? The nobles, he says, aren't going along with Bidam because they agree with him; they're only afraid of Yushin becoming too influential. He figures, if Yushin returns, he'll immediately be captured and branded a traitor, and if he doesn't and joins the separatists, then he really will be a traitor. So, "there is no way he will return." Ouch. Or at least that's what Bidam's plan is. He even calls it a "diamond plan" because a diamond is virtually indestructible--that's how tough it will be to break the plan somehow. Interestingly, the queen reacts with resignation, as though she already has realized that Bidam has engineered this himself. But, he says, we can hope for one thing from Yushin--something very, very difficult. What?
The next day: It's a full state council meeting. QSD enters and sits, and the meeting starts. "His Majesty King Jinheung," she starts, "gave us the motto which defined our nation, that of heralding new virtuous achievements" including unifying the Three Kingdoms. Which includes the Gayan territory. I gave the Gayans their land back, she reminds them, and outlawed discrimination against them. But "those same Gaya descendants responded by fostering a restoration movement and resisting against Shilla." (All of them? I don't think so--but it would be nice if they showed us one way or the other.) "So this is an unquestionable act of high treason!" Yikes, that last bit was as angry and shrill as you-know-who was. Now they're all looking at her intently. She continues, carefully, "I hereby proclaim Board officer Wolya, Daedaegam Seolji, and Chief Marshal Yushin...as being responsible for an inimical act against our state..." Wait, someone outside is screaming for her attention. It's Alcheon. He comes running in with frantic news...
...which Yeom Jong brings to Bidam. "Yushin has returned!" Bidam looks rather bored and unsurprised by the stunning news. But is he?
A bizarre scene as Yushin walks into the palace grounds, with Godo, Daepoong, Geoksaheun and Yanggil guarding him and all number of soldiers and inspectors lining the sidewalks pointing swords and spears but utterly baffled about what to do. Yushin reaches the royal palace, falls to his knees and shouts to QSD that he's returned. And "Accepts any punishment, but first wishes to speak!" His four escorts do some shouting to help him out...but not much is needed because just like that here comes the queen from out of the council meeting. Yushin stands, turns, and as everyone clears a path for her, he again drops to his knees and his escorts do the same. The queen stands there, thinking back to what Chunchu told her. And now we hear the rest of it. That difficult thing? "Sincerity. Simply, sincerity." He'll try to do the right thing; he's not a weasely politician and doesn't play those games. His pure sincerity is what will vindicate him, Chunchu says. And sure enough, Yushin is here, trying to do the right thing even without regard for his own welfare. Yushin again shouts that he accepts and requests his punishment. Showing no tolerance, the queen orders the soldiers around her to arrest the "criminal," and then turns and walks away angrily. But then, to herself, smiles. And says to herself, "My gratitude, Yushin."
Now the subordinate his checking on Seolji. Looks like he slips him a key and a knife...
..and now the subordinate has been allowed to take Wolya outside the building, all by himself, simply by telling the other guards that he's been ordered to bring Wolya to see Bidam. Wolya's hands are bound behind his back, but geez, what crappy security. Now they're outside and almost free...but Yeom Jong happens to be walking by and spots them, and asks what's going on. And to his credit, smells a rat immediately and puts his sword to Wolya's throat. But Wolya's ropes have been loosened and in the next moment his hands are free and he's grabbed the subordinate's sword, deflected Yeom Jong's sword and knocked him down. The two make a break for it, Yeom Jong yells for help, and now the chase is on.
Back inside, Seolji opens his cell with the key he got, and holds the knife he got to the throat of an unsuspecting guard, which buys him the time and space to get out of the building. He and Wolya run to a prearranged place where two horses have been brought by the subordinate and are waiting. The pair gallop away and with the help of a cooperative (undoubtedly Gayan) soldier guarding the nearby city gate, escape into the countryside. Leaving the subordinate behind to be captured and the soldier to be killed on the spot by Yeom Jong.
Meanwhile, Deokman is still standing there deciding whether or not to okay Bidam's request to start investigating Yushin's relationship with Wolya. But before she can say anything, Yeom Jong runs up and has to tell Bidam about the escapes and the complicity of other Gayan separatists who have infiltrated the Inspectorate. Rather than berating Bidam for this staggering ineptitude within the agency he's in charge of, she glares at Yushin and sternly tells Bidam she consents to the investigation. Seriously!?
Seolwon, Bojong and Yeom Jong tell Bidam they've ordered surveillance of Yushin's home and also of "any of Yushin's followers ranked above private." Seolwon speculates that there must be a separatist stronghold of some sort nearby; says he'll try to force its location out of whoever among the separatists they can capture. And Yushin, he's been brought to the "questioning room." But Bidam is distracted and not paying attention. What's his problem?
Yongchun, Jujin and two other councilors discuss the apparent problem of the whole place being lousy with separatist spies. Yushin, well, the other two wonder if Yushin can be trusted. But Jujin has it diagnosed correctly: the real issue here is all about Yushin and Bidam and who will have more influence with the queen.
And now the six former elite Hwarang who we saw in new jobs in the last episode have gotten together, and are discussing the situation with unhappiness in their voices. Because of the trouble it's causing Yushin, and its effect on the military's morale.
Seohyeon and Manmyeong are told by Daepoong and Geoksaheun about the escapes. Seohyeon correctly realizes Yushin will be implicated in the whole mess, fairly or not.
"Not even once have I ever had ulterior motives against Her Majesty. And you know that just as well as I do." Yushin shouldn't even have to say this, but he says it to Bidam anyway in the questioning room. That doesn't matter, Bidam says; it's your status and influence that are at issue here...
...and QSD tells Chunchu the same thing. It's about Yushin's "sphere of influence." Which is harder to trust than simply trusting Yushin the individual. Yushin can't continue to exist as a Gayan, the queen says (He's not! Not politically, anyway, only ethnically). Chunchu counters, "But those same Gaya people are Yushin's very foundation. Yushin will never be able to abandon them."
The only way you can work yourself out of this, Bidam explains to Yushin, is to squash the separatist movement yourself. And "bring me Wolya's head." He's not being evil about it; he's making good sense, actually. Yushin argues that simply killing Wolya won't eradicate the movement--"Another leader will come forward"--and reminds Bidam about everything the queen has done to try to integrate the Gayans and how it could go to waste. Bidam's snotty reply: "And it's not merely because you fear losing your own foundation?" Which infuriates Yushin. Bidam offers, "Don't you know that both Her Majesty and I have no intention of abandoning you?" But you have to abandon Gaya, he says, "and start anew."
Chunchu is talking sense now, warning QSD about Bidam gaining too much power, with all of his present allies and Mishil's people behind him. And how Yushin's diminishment could make Bidam dangerous. She's skeptical: "So should I just accept the movement's existence? Can't you distinguish between right and wrong?" A wise reply from Chunchu: "The more knowledge I acquire, the more ambiguous shadows right and wrong assume. Judgments change depending upon circumstances and points of view." And then tells her, "You can neither act against Yushin nor against his followers." Is this balance-of-power thing that critical, that it should restrain her from acting? Interesting....
Bidam tells Yeom Jong that Yushin knows nothing about the separatist movement. He's convinced of this after talking to him. Which makes the situation even scarier, since the movement is strong enough to operate without Yushin's help. They'll likely be very difficult to capture, Yeom Jong says. Bidam smirks. "Capture?"
Seolji has made it to the separatist headquarters, where soldiers are training--with crossbows! Deadly accurate crossbows, as we can see. Where did they get those? Seolji goes inside where Wolya is waiting; he's brought a list of the separatist infiltrators still in the capital for Wolya to review. Seems like dangerous information to write down...so Wolya reviews it and promptly burns the paper. Seolji addresses the bad situation this all has put Yushin in, especially with them escaping. "That is exactly why we escaped," Wolya answers calmly, an answer so callous it shocks Seolji.
If not capture, only what? To his credit, Bidam has realized that Wolya's goal from early on would have been a Gayan ruler. Yushin would have absolutely refused to accept the throne for himself...so maybe Wolya escaped specifically to damage Yushin. How would that help Wolya?
"What? You escaped on purpose to force this situation upon Lord Yushin?!" How about that, the weird guy is right. Wolya explains to a stunned Seolji that if Yushin's situation becomes so dire that "his only choice becomes that of becoming king himself," then that will override his loyalty to the queen. Not sure why he thinks that's a sure thing...but he says Yushin is still not in enough trouble! "The situation must further deteriorate." Yikes.
Bidam has realized this too: Wolya's goal is "to force Yushin into a corner." And the next thing he'll probably try...
..."We must now help Yushin escape" while being held for questioning. Wolya tells Seolji their next move. That certainly would cause more of a mess for Yushin...but he would never be a part of any such thing, Seolji points out. Wolya doesn't seem to think that's a problem, though, for some unknown reason. And if he does escape..."he will instantly be accused of treason." That would certainly make Yushin's mess bigger, wouldn't it.
"He would unquestionably be responsible for treason!" Impressive reasoning by Bidam, seeing this just as it's being planned out. "But what is truly interesting," Bidam adds, now smiling in a not-so-nice way, "is that what Wolya wishes for, might just be the same as what I want." Uh-oh!
QSD goes to see Yushin in his cell. She has the same sour look on her face that she's had non-stop every time we've seen her lately. "I will give you all the troops you need," she tells him. "Bring me Wolya's head." Yushin reminds her that it will nullify everything she's done to integrate the Gayan people (not so sure that would be true, but whatever...) Must you turn your back on the Gayans?, he asks. "If I don't," she answers, "I will lose you." Yushin reminds her that this has happened before, having to abandon the Gayans because of Mishil. QSD assures him that she won't abandon them again..."but this country's ruler shall never embrace the restoration movement." He presses her: You can't execute Wolya; someone else will simply step forward and the Gayans will be even angrier. "They suffered eighty years of mistreatment," he reminds her; "They need more time to accept you as their ruler. It's not something that power can solve. All you can do is embrace them." It's heartfelt and brave...and the queen only responds in her snotty voice, "Is Gaya all you're concerned about? Doesn't your own safety concern you in the slightest?" Who is this woman? It's like she doesn't even know the guy. She adds, "How about me?" Huh? Yushin says he'll accept whatever punishment she wants to give him for what's happened, no matter how severe. "You may abandon me, but you must embrace Gaya at all cost, Your Majesty!" It's a gutsy stand, gotta give him credit. Clearly not what she wanted to hear, though...
...but as we see her now, sitting alone back in the palace and thinking to herself, she may be realizing that he's right. Especially after the insight that Chunchu gave her. Now Bidam arrives to tell the queen that "the palace is in tumult" because of all this separatist stuff and that "Someone must be held responsible for all this." The queen, finally, flatly states that "Yushin is innocent" and has no connection to the separatists. Which Bidam knows, of course, and tells her he agrees. "However, not everyone will believe it." And then she confesses to frustration at Yushin making this hard on her. "What disheartenment Yushin is bringing me."
Seolwon has cooked up an idea, which he shares with Yeom Jong and Bojong: Transfer Yushin out of the palace somewhere. The Gayan spies will find out about it and set up a capture attempt "and we will be there to apprehend them when it happens." Very clever; he's still got it. Now Hajong comes in, late and drinking. The guy needs some grief counseling, let's face it. And he's still whining about Bidam and the investigators having so much influence (meaning, more than he does now). Then Bidam enters and they try to start a meeting, but Hajong starts babbling about how the inspectorate should think about REWARDING the separatists for making the inspectorate so powerful and feared. You'd think Bidam would be angry at Hajong's drunken idiocy...but it turns out, he had the same idea. Huh? "I actually think it is a clever proposal. I plan to reward the restoration movement." Turns out, they're aware of three Gayan spies still working in the palace but not apprehended yet. "Order those three to transfer Yushin." So Bidam WANTS them to have Yushin? "The movement's existence is still beneficial to us," he observes, "and Yushin would cross a bridge of no return." Two for the price of one, in a way.
Now we see Yushin being transferred somewhere. Ten guards surround him, including Bojong. Yushin is bound hand and foot and shackles are on his wrists.
Jukbang tells Chunchu this is happening--moving him "to a more secret location". But Chunchu smells a rat--only ten guards? What if the separatists attack? Or, hey, maybe that's the whole idea. Very good, Chunchu. He gets up and leaves, purposefully headed somewhere.
Now we're out in the woods somewhere. It's autumn and piles of leaves are everywhere. Suddenly one of the guards reaches in and unshackles Yushin's hands. And in the next moment, chaos--a wild battle erupts as a squad of separatists emerges from the piles of leaves. Then Seolji charges in and cuts Yushin's ropes, says he'll escort him to safety, and urges him to flee. Yushin hesitates...and then does so. Big mistake, you dummy. Bojong watches it happen, with great delight.
Chunchu sees a commotion in the palace--guards running around--and calls out to someone. Oh no, it's Santak the Annoying ex-Hwarang! He has to tell Chunchu that he can't discuss what's going on. But Chunchu surprises him by guessing exactly right.
"It went just as planned." Bojong tells Bidam. Who's happy to hear it.
And it's Jukbang who goes to tell QSD about it. And about the three guards being spies. She wonders how many spies there must be, that three of them could end up getting the transfer assignment, the possibility not occurring to her that it might have been a setup. But wait a minute, maybe she understands more than we think she does. "Bidam," she says through clenched teeth; "Where is Bidam?"
He's back at the inspectorate, smiling. "She will have to proclaim Chief Marshal Yushin as an enemy of the state. It is a point of no return." Even Hajong gives credit for the idea. And now Misaeng is going to organize some sort of meeting tonight. What kind?
Evening: Yeom Jong's residence. His cabal is there, and so are what look to be some local nobles. No, wait, those are councilors, just not in their official robes. Bidam comes in and addresses them all, telling them that the nation is in crisis and "one of our illustrious heroes, Yushin, has been found to be involved." And asks everyone present for their cooperation. In what? "I shall take this opportunity to reshuffle and better organize every single agency in the palace." Wow! Asks Jujin to take over the military; says he'll "strongly suggest to her majesty" that he be named commissioner. At tomorrow's council meeting, he says, "You must all stress to Her Majesty how critical this situation is. If you do so, I shall never forget your devotion to our country's cause."
And now the councilors who are meeting with Deokman--this isn't a full meeting, just some of them--are speaking just as Bidam asked. Bidam is there too, which certainly helps explain their good effort, and so is Chunchu. Misaeng summarizes: "May you proclaim Chief Marshal Yushin as an enemy of the state." Oh, and remove Seohyeon from heading the military. Lots of pressure being heaped on the queen--and she sits there listening to it, looking totally annoyed but saying nothing.
"How could you do this to me?" Yushin is understandably furious with Wolya. And then decks him! And then he decks Seolji too for good measure. "I always treated you two with the utmost sincerity and kindness," Yushin fumes. And starts screaming at them. Wolya argues that even with everything QSD has done for the Gayans, she won't be around forever and she might even "have a change of heart." So, he says, I'm just preparing for whatever the future brings. Weird argument...but now that the whole thing has blown up on him, he says that there's "only one answer. And that is someone of Gaya descent on the throne." Not just anyone--Yushin. Yushin angrily tells him again he wants no part of such a thing. But Seolji fires back, "you have crossed the bridge of no return" and Wolya tells him he's in too deeply now. Yushin still wants no part of it: let's return to the capital and accept our punishment, he urges, and disband the movement. Of course Wolya wants no part of that idea.
Yushin's parents understand the situation all too well--that Yushin is in big trouble now that he left with the separatists. Seohyeon wonders if all of the Gayan people are in big trouble now.
And now even Godo, Daepoong, Geoksaheun and Yanggil are arguing about it--not really taking sides, just angry and frustrated about what Yushin should do to vindicate himself. If he even can. Godo is so angry he pounds the table and storms out of the room...
...and gets interrupted by Santak and a squad of inspectors, who force him to explain he's headed for the toilet. Why are they there? Apparently doing the surveillance that was ordered of Yushin's associates. Godo's in no mood for niceties and shoves them all aside.
Now Bidam is lobbying QSD privately. He reminds her of a talk they had the day before her coronation...and which we now see in flashback. "Being severe upon one's closest confidants, and generous and kind with one's people, is what makes a great ruler." Well that explains a lot, doesn't it--but is it right? She's realized that being uniformly kind and generous to everyone "will soil your rule in incompetence." Bidam smiles, realize she's telling him to be prepared that she'll be severe with him. "Indeed," she says, "You must be prepared to cope with it."...Flashback ending, he continues to press her, now arguing that she has to be stern with Yushin since he's her closest confidant. She turns to him and tells him, "What you say is right. Not a single word you said goes against principle." But..."It doesn't go against your personal interests, either." In that sentence, his expression changes as he looks at her. "Not to mention the interest of certain nobles, who would only fear the ever-increasing influence shown by Yushin." And then asks him what he thinks about that. He babbles something about whims and principles, but she's caught him off guard and he knows it. She gives him the skunk-eye.
Misaeng, Seolwon and Hajong are amazed at how Bidam has worked his way into such a favorable position. And "without going against principle a single time," as Seolwon puts it. Reminds them of Mishil.
Looks who's paying QSD a visit: Imjong, Dukchung and Piltan. They don't even greet her; they immediately fall to their knees in front of her and start appealing on Yushin's behalf. Arguing that this has all spun wildly out of perspective and reminding her that the morale and loyalty of the troops is at stake here. The queen just sits there listening to it and looking annoyed as they implore her to exonerate Yushin.
And now Jukbang is making the same arguments to Chunchu. Who undoubtedly accepts them, but knows that circumstances have conspired against Yushin. "It is a brilliant subterfuge by Bidam. Yushin was caught in his trap." Jukbang urges him to tell that to the queen, but Chunchu says he has nothing but his suspicions and no evidence, which doesn't make enough of a case to present. But wait a minute, suddenly he looks like he has an idea.
So he goes to QSD and tells her. Yes, he says, Bidam and the nobles are right to call for action. But no one has done more for the nation lately than Yushin, and he's become highly respected throughout the government and the nation. "Proclaiming such a distinguished man of arms as an enemy of the state would incur indescribable dissent and disorder." So what to do? The nobles, he says, aren't going along with Bidam because they agree with him; they're only afraid of Yushin becoming too influential. He figures, if Yushin returns, he'll immediately be captured and branded a traitor, and if he doesn't and joins the separatists, then he really will be a traitor. So, "there is no way he will return." Ouch. Or at least that's what Bidam's plan is. He even calls it a "diamond plan" because a diamond is virtually indestructible--that's how tough it will be to break the plan somehow. Interestingly, the queen reacts with resignation, as though she already has realized that Bidam has engineered this himself. But, he says, we can hope for one thing from Yushin--something very, very difficult. What?
The next day: It's a full state council meeting. QSD enters and sits, and the meeting starts. "His Majesty King Jinheung," she starts, "gave us the motto which defined our nation, that of heralding new virtuous achievements" including unifying the Three Kingdoms. Which includes the Gayan territory. I gave the Gayans their land back, she reminds them, and outlawed discrimination against them. But "those same Gaya descendants responded by fostering a restoration movement and resisting against Shilla." (All of them? I don't think so--but it would be nice if they showed us one way or the other.) "So this is an unquestionable act of high treason!" Yikes, that last bit was as angry and shrill as you-know-who was. Now they're all looking at her intently. She continues, carefully, "I hereby proclaim Board officer Wolya, Daedaegam Seolji, and Chief Marshal Yushin...as being responsible for an inimical act against our state..." Wait, someone outside is screaming for her attention. It's Alcheon. He comes running in with frantic news...
...which Yeom Jong brings to Bidam. "Yushin has returned!" Bidam looks rather bored and unsurprised by the stunning news. But is he?
A bizarre scene as Yushin walks into the palace grounds, with Godo, Daepoong, Geoksaheun and Yanggil guarding him and all number of soldiers and inspectors lining the sidewalks pointing swords and spears but utterly baffled about what to do. Yushin reaches the royal palace, falls to his knees and shouts to QSD that he's returned. And "Accepts any punishment, but first wishes to speak!" His four escorts do some shouting to help him out...but not much is needed because just like that here comes the queen from out of the council meeting. Yushin stands, turns, and as everyone clears a path for her, he again drops to his knees and his escorts do the same. The queen stands there, thinking back to what Chunchu told her. And now we hear the rest of it. That difficult thing? "Sincerity. Simply, sincerity." He'll try to do the right thing; he's not a weasely politician and doesn't play those games. His pure sincerity is what will vindicate him, Chunchu says. And sure enough, Yushin is here, trying to do the right thing even without regard for his own welfare. Yushin again shouts that he accepts and requests his punishment. Showing no tolerance, the queen orders the soldiers around her to arrest the "criminal," and then turns and walks away angrily. But then, to herself, smiles. And says to herself, "My gratitude, Yushin."