Post by ajk on Apr 25, 2014 23:58:58 GMT -5
Nighttime, Gaegyeong: More from the invading Red Turbans that I won't even describe, it's so awful.
The royals are all fleeing under cover of darkness. Trying to find a boat to cross the Imjin River before daybreak. The queen dowager is whining about how the food she's given is totally unsuitable. Says this all because Goryeo lost Empress Gi's favor. But Princess Deoknyeong says the food is good--and she's actually tried it. Ugh.
The king and queen are served the same simple food. Noguk is totally classy about it; says it looks very good and will do fine. But Gongmin is wallowing in self-pity and beating himself up with guilt, which doesn't go with food, does it. Be strong, Noguk urges him, "so that we shall all use your resolve as our guiding light." Now eat up because we may not find food again for a while. Well he's still pouty but he lets Noguk feed him a few mouthfuls. Then from outside they hear someone screaming. It's Lee In Bok, begging for forgiveness for what's happened. The sound of his voice suddenly invigorates Gongmin--who wants to take Lee and go right back to the capital. Which is ridiculous, of course. But Gongmin is feeling terrible about leaving his people in the capital to their fates. The king insists he's going back but no one will help him, and Lee and everybody else, they're all begging him to come to his senses.
Now a group of the Red Turbans runs towards the royal shrine. Jihyo tries to stop them but they shove him aside and run into the building...and find Master Bou sitting before a Buddha statue, motionless and in prayer. They draw their swords to kill him--and suddenly the statue emits a blinding white light that sends the whole group of them fleeing from the building. Oh good grief, seriously?
Uh-oh...the Red Turbans are on the march southward, and the royal party still doesn't have a boat to get the king across the river. Refugees took them all. And it's too deep to cross by foot. But now an idea: maybe upstream it's not as deep, so let's head eastward. Gongmin has fallen asleep from exhaustion but Noguk is told of the idea and okays it. Of course the queen dowager is insulted at the very idea of it.
Gongmin wakes up talking about how he wishes he had Pyeonjo by his side. Says this wouldn't have happened with Pyeonjo around. (Doubtful.) But Noguk agrees with him! He would have cut off relations with the Yuan, she thinks, and the Red Turbans would have seen Goryeo totally differently and come peaceably and seeking Goryeo's help. (Doubtful.) Gongmin laughs at the idea of how happy Empress Gi must be about all this, seeing Goryeo's plight, and without her having to lift a finger to cause it...but now it's time to go. As the royals enter their gamas, the old battleaxe is nagging her son, right there in front of everybody, and demanding they beg the Yuan for help. Gongmin ignores her, or at least doesn't respond.
Now they're approaching the upper river...and bad news arrives: the Red Turbans have crossed it already. And in the distance, we see them. The whole royal party turns around in a panic. But wait, is that really the Red Turbans? Take a closer look through the darkness...No! It's Goryeo troops! Jung Se Woon and LOTS of troops. But how? They had found a boat and were waiting for the king, and apparently they lost communication in all the chaos. Gongmin is obviously grateful to them and treats Choi with the greatest respect.
Next day: We see the aftermath of last night in the capital's streets. Good heavens it's awful: dead bodies, burnt buildings, looted possessions strewn everywhere. And at the royal temple a lot of people have come seeking refuge. Master Bou is happy to welcome them...but how to feed them? That's going to be a problem, as Jihyo points out. Then Jihyo has to ask Bou about that blazing light from last night. Bou denies seeing any light at all. Says the Red Turbans are from Buddhist roots and "their nature is that of good-hearted people" so the sight of the Buddha statue overwhelmed them. (Doubtful.)
Pyeonjo's still in that stupid shed/temple box. Choseon brings him his latest meal; slides it through the little door. From outside she tells him about the invasion. It brings her to tears. "It wasn't just His Majesty who abandoned the palace and this country," she says with frustration. "Our people abandoned Goryeo. Not a soul even tries to fight the Red Turbans. When is this ever going to end?" Pyeonjo can hear her; inside we can see him making a fist in anger...but he doesn't come out.
Choseon's right: nobody wants to defend the country. We see soldiers and official in a town, trying to recruit citizens to form an army. They're offering very generous rewards--things like freedom from slavery. But no takers.
Bokju (contemporary Andong): A temporary government headquarters has been established. A few of the high officials are discussing what to do. Inspector Kim keeps harping on the need to send an envoy to the Yuan and beg for help. But Lee In Bok says it's too late for that, and Yeom Je Shin is disgusted by the very idea of it.
Kim Yong is there too...and he's with his nephew Kim Rim, who we meet for the first time. Kim is the chief marshal and has to go see the king, but according to Rim, Jung Se Woon is telling the king that "your cowardice alone was to blame for our defeat in Seogyeong." And there are plenty of witnesses to back that up.
The high officials bring bad news to the king: reorganizing the army for a full assault against the Red Turbans, it will take months. Inspector Kim starts up again with the Yuan-envoy idea. The queen snaps at him, "So you want to attract a tiger to the den to root out some hungry wolves?" Boy that shuts him up. Let's repel them ourselves, she says. But as the officials point out, they can't exactly do that with no one joining the army--even when promising great rewards. Well why should they trust you officials, she fires back. "After you established the Directorate to give them their land back, didn't you create an uproar and disband it right after?" Touché, queen. And In Bok agrees with her: "If the Yuan's help is all that is left, I shall rather bite my tongue and perish!" Then from outside someone starts shouting and disrupting the meeting. It's Kim Yong, telling the king that he's here after routing Red Turbans and driving them back across the Han. (Doubtful.) I'll lead our troops to victory, he says; trust me. Gongmin gets so angry he goes outside and tells Kim he never wants to see him again. Kim tells Gongmin he's "mortified" because the only reason Gongmin got across the Imjin River is "was because I was staking my life to stop the invading horde's advance!" But Gongmin knows that's baloney...And on the spot he fires Kim and promotes Jung Se Woon to chief marshal. And orders Kim imprisoned! "When the hostilities are over, I shall condemn him for his crimes!" Well it's about time.
Back inside, Chancellor Yeom nodes his approval. Inspector Kim complains that it's excessive, and argues "They say never to change your general during battle." But Lee In Bok fires right back, "Except nobody has ever seen him on the battlefield." (That is hilarious--maybe the funniest line in the series.) Other officials join in and in no time it's a loud, angry argument.
Later, Jung Se Woon goes to see the king and says the defeat in Seogyeong isn't only Kim Yong's fault. Says the Red Turbans were too powerful and nobody would have stopped them. Gongmin is shocked that Jung is still defending Kim after all this time. And he adds, "Lee Song Gye in the Northeast is bedecking his path in triumph. And have you seen the size of his army? He leads no more than two thousand men but still comes out victorious." No, Gongmin says, "The reason we didn't even contend with the Red Turbans in Seogyeong lies solely with Kim Yong's cowardice and incompetence." Incredibly, Jung begs for one last chance for Kim....
...and later goes and visits Kim in prison. Go to the king and beg forgiveness, Jung says. Kim won't do it; says Gongmin won't forgive him. And amazingly, tells Jung, You're letting me take the fall for your own selfish interests. Tears come to Jung's eyes. "You really can't understand what I did for you?"
So Kim goes to the king and grovels. Unwillingly. Gongmin receives him. Unwillingly. It's almost funny. I'll retire and go run my farm, Kim offers. But Jung changed Gongmin's mind, sort of. "Jung Se Woon implored me, so I shall give you one last chance." Eunuch An is standing there and nearly screams at his boss but catches himself just in time. Then Kim whines, "You only care about Jung Se Woon, and it fills me with envy." Let me stay by your side, he says with tears in his eyes...and reminds him of their days together in Yanjing.
Kim leaves the building with a coy smile all over his face. Tells his nephew, "Some apt bawling brought him to proclaim me Marshal Commander." And adds, "That is what is ruining His Majesty--all that affection. If I were king you would have seen my head displayed on the city walls many moons ago."
Back inside Noguk is scolding her husband. "Marshal Commander, isn't that the chief of security within the capital? It is inadmissible. He should be grateful he is still alive." Gongmin admits Kim's begging got to him...but says "I shall keep my eyes on him."
That evening, Kim Rim tells his uncle he's found a merchant sailing a boat to Yanjing soon. Get on it, Kim Yong tells him...and he gives Rim a letter to take to prince Deokheung. You must not get caught with it, he cautions; "Should you be exposed, our clan will be slaughtered." And then Kim mutters vengeance against...not exactly sure who--I guess the whole government.
Gongmin formally names Jung Chief Marshal in a ceremony. What's left of the government is here and looks on, and offers cheers for the king and the country...but it all has a sort of lifeless, forlorn feel to it.
Gaetae temple: Many refugees have come here, too. They're being fed--for now-- and Won Hyeon is there trying to act like a supervisor. Deokun takes him aside and scolds him for bringing in so many refugees. Won doesn't like that; tells Deokun that the temple is more than wealthy enough to feed them for a long time. And they do. Then he addresses the refugees, telling them that "His Majesty might have abandoned you all and run away, but Buddha shall never abandon his people." More just to hear himself talk and be impressed with himself than anything else.
Choseon and her female servant are back at Pyeonjo's shed. Pyeonjo didn't eat his last meal...or any meal for the last two weeks, we learn. Not good. And now Park Seobang brings even worse news: Red Turbans are nearby. Calls to Pyeonjo inside the shed that he needs to get out of there and find refuge. But Choseon tells him with admiration that Pyeonjo is committed to what he's doing and isn't going anywhere. And it sounds like she might not go either.
Now we see inside the shed, and suddenly Master Wolseon is in there and talking to Pyeonjo. Or more accurately, Pyeonjo is having a vision of him in there. "You wish to run out, don't you. To tear open those doors and go help those poor people, right?" He chuckles. "Your persistence surprises me, you little fool." They have a sort of weird telepathic conversation, with Wolseon being kind of annoying like we remember him. But he's has a point to make. "Never try to see me again, because I am part of the ties which bind you." And with that he disappears.
Nighttime, Northeast Region: Lee Seong Gye addresses his troops. They received orders to head south and help retake Gaegyeong. "What brought us endless triumphs until now was the indomitable spirit of camaraderie, and our willingness to die together for our cause! Never forget the resentment which colored our every day! Should we vanquish our foes in this battle, we shall wash away all discrimination following us around once and for all!" Wild cheers.
Back south, the remnants of the Goryeo troops are trying to organize. Choi Yeong and several other generals (An Woo, Lee Bang Shil, and Kim Deuk Bae) are with Jung Se Woon. They figure they only have about 50,000 men, and that isn't enough. And desertions are growing in number. Jung says they'll have to do the best they can with what they have, and do it now because circumstances dictate they can't wait any longer. Then news arrives that a couple of deserters have been caught. The generals go outside to see; the pair are kneeling and about to be executed. Choi halts it and kneels with them. "Are you afraid? Afraid of dying?" No, they insist...but they're shaking like leaves so yeah, they are. "I am, too," Jung tells them...and orders them released. And then announces to every soldier within earshot, "Anyone who fears for his life can return home. Only those willing to perish for their country should remain! If my future means living in cowardice and servitude for those pilferers, I would rather perish a proud Goryeo man!" It's just a spontaneous expression of how he feels, but the compassion he showed here and the sincerity in his voice, everyone starts cheering wildly for him.
Inspector Kim goes to the queen dowager and tells her they need to get rid of Chancellor Yeom and replace him with the QD's nephew Hong Eon Bak. "He's a man of great prudence and moral influence, so he is more than deserving of such a position." Really? The QD wonders if her son will accept him. "Leave that to me, Your Highness." Uh-oh, what's he cooking up? Later we see him talking to Kim Yong. Get rid of Yeom, and "we can see if Hong Eon Bak works for us, and take countermeasures if he doesn't." And in addition to getting rid of Yeom, they also want to get rid of Lee In Bok and Jung Se Woon. "Then His Majesty will be forced to play into our hands." I'll take care of Jung, Kim Yong says eagerly.
A whole bunch of appeals have been brought to the king by Kim Rim. They're all requesting Chancellor Yeom's impeachment! "It appears he committed impiety," Rim explains. During the invasion chaos, Yeom had gone to find his mother and get her to safety. But he was so worried about the king that he headed south to join the royal party. (We had seen him arrive there late, and mentioned his mother as the reason.) But he ended up having to leave her in Gaegyeong "and now her conditions are unknown." That's grounds for removal from office? In the middle of war chaos? Gongmin knows it's ridiculous and physically tosses the appeals right back at Rim.
Yeom hears about it and goes bonkers, understandably. Says he was terribly worried about the king, but "Not only don't they compliment my fealty, but...impiety?!"
Noguk is with Gongmin, who looks exhausted and is starting to cry from the sheer weight of it all. Again says he misses Pyeonjo. "If I hadn't abandoned him, would our country have turned this way?"
Meanwhile, Pyeonjo's still in the shed. Looks like he's going to sit in there the whole three years.
The royals are all fleeing under cover of darkness. Trying to find a boat to cross the Imjin River before daybreak. The queen dowager is whining about how the food she's given is totally unsuitable. Says this all because Goryeo lost Empress Gi's favor. But Princess Deoknyeong says the food is good--and she's actually tried it. Ugh.
The king and queen are served the same simple food. Noguk is totally classy about it; says it looks very good and will do fine. But Gongmin is wallowing in self-pity and beating himself up with guilt, which doesn't go with food, does it. Be strong, Noguk urges him, "so that we shall all use your resolve as our guiding light." Now eat up because we may not find food again for a while. Well he's still pouty but he lets Noguk feed him a few mouthfuls. Then from outside they hear someone screaming. It's Lee In Bok, begging for forgiveness for what's happened. The sound of his voice suddenly invigorates Gongmin--who wants to take Lee and go right back to the capital. Which is ridiculous, of course. But Gongmin is feeling terrible about leaving his people in the capital to their fates. The king insists he's going back but no one will help him, and Lee and everybody else, they're all begging him to come to his senses.
Now a group of the Red Turbans runs towards the royal shrine. Jihyo tries to stop them but they shove him aside and run into the building...and find Master Bou sitting before a Buddha statue, motionless and in prayer. They draw their swords to kill him--and suddenly the statue emits a blinding white light that sends the whole group of them fleeing from the building. Oh good grief, seriously?
Uh-oh...the Red Turbans are on the march southward, and the royal party still doesn't have a boat to get the king across the river. Refugees took them all. And it's too deep to cross by foot. But now an idea: maybe upstream it's not as deep, so let's head eastward. Gongmin has fallen asleep from exhaustion but Noguk is told of the idea and okays it. Of course the queen dowager is insulted at the very idea of it.
Gongmin wakes up talking about how he wishes he had Pyeonjo by his side. Says this wouldn't have happened with Pyeonjo around. (Doubtful.) But Noguk agrees with him! He would have cut off relations with the Yuan, she thinks, and the Red Turbans would have seen Goryeo totally differently and come peaceably and seeking Goryeo's help. (Doubtful.) Gongmin laughs at the idea of how happy Empress Gi must be about all this, seeing Goryeo's plight, and without her having to lift a finger to cause it...but now it's time to go. As the royals enter their gamas, the old battleaxe is nagging her son, right there in front of everybody, and demanding they beg the Yuan for help. Gongmin ignores her, or at least doesn't respond.
Now they're approaching the upper river...and bad news arrives: the Red Turbans have crossed it already. And in the distance, we see them. The whole royal party turns around in a panic. But wait, is that really the Red Turbans? Take a closer look through the darkness...No! It's Goryeo troops! Jung Se Woon and LOTS of troops. But how? They had found a boat and were waiting for the king, and apparently they lost communication in all the chaos. Gongmin is obviously grateful to them and treats Choi with the greatest respect.
Next day: We see the aftermath of last night in the capital's streets. Good heavens it's awful: dead bodies, burnt buildings, looted possessions strewn everywhere. And at the royal temple a lot of people have come seeking refuge. Master Bou is happy to welcome them...but how to feed them? That's going to be a problem, as Jihyo points out. Then Jihyo has to ask Bou about that blazing light from last night. Bou denies seeing any light at all. Says the Red Turbans are from Buddhist roots and "their nature is that of good-hearted people" so the sight of the Buddha statue overwhelmed them. (Doubtful.)
Pyeonjo's still in that stupid shed/temple box. Choseon brings him his latest meal; slides it through the little door. From outside she tells him about the invasion. It brings her to tears. "It wasn't just His Majesty who abandoned the palace and this country," she says with frustration. "Our people abandoned Goryeo. Not a soul even tries to fight the Red Turbans. When is this ever going to end?" Pyeonjo can hear her; inside we can see him making a fist in anger...but he doesn't come out.
Choseon's right: nobody wants to defend the country. We see soldiers and official in a town, trying to recruit citizens to form an army. They're offering very generous rewards--things like freedom from slavery. But no takers.
Bokju (contemporary Andong): A temporary government headquarters has been established. A few of the high officials are discussing what to do. Inspector Kim keeps harping on the need to send an envoy to the Yuan and beg for help. But Lee In Bok says it's too late for that, and Yeom Je Shin is disgusted by the very idea of it.
Kim Yong is there too...and he's with his nephew Kim Rim, who we meet for the first time. Kim is the chief marshal and has to go see the king, but according to Rim, Jung Se Woon is telling the king that "your cowardice alone was to blame for our defeat in Seogyeong." And there are plenty of witnesses to back that up.
The high officials bring bad news to the king: reorganizing the army for a full assault against the Red Turbans, it will take months. Inspector Kim starts up again with the Yuan-envoy idea. The queen snaps at him, "So you want to attract a tiger to the den to root out some hungry wolves?" Boy that shuts him up. Let's repel them ourselves, she says. But as the officials point out, they can't exactly do that with no one joining the army--even when promising great rewards. Well why should they trust you officials, she fires back. "After you established the Directorate to give them their land back, didn't you create an uproar and disband it right after?" Touché, queen. And In Bok agrees with her: "If the Yuan's help is all that is left, I shall rather bite my tongue and perish!" Then from outside someone starts shouting and disrupting the meeting. It's Kim Yong, telling the king that he's here after routing Red Turbans and driving them back across the Han. (Doubtful.) I'll lead our troops to victory, he says; trust me. Gongmin gets so angry he goes outside and tells Kim he never wants to see him again. Kim tells Gongmin he's "mortified" because the only reason Gongmin got across the Imjin River is "was because I was staking my life to stop the invading horde's advance!" But Gongmin knows that's baloney...And on the spot he fires Kim and promotes Jung Se Woon to chief marshal. And orders Kim imprisoned! "When the hostilities are over, I shall condemn him for his crimes!" Well it's about time.
Back inside, Chancellor Yeom nodes his approval. Inspector Kim complains that it's excessive, and argues "They say never to change your general during battle." But Lee In Bok fires right back, "Except nobody has ever seen him on the battlefield." (That is hilarious--maybe the funniest line in the series.) Other officials join in and in no time it's a loud, angry argument.
Later, Jung Se Woon goes to see the king and says the defeat in Seogyeong isn't only Kim Yong's fault. Says the Red Turbans were too powerful and nobody would have stopped them. Gongmin is shocked that Jung is still defending Kim after all this time. And he adds, "Lee Song Gye in the Northeast is bedecking his path in triumph. And have you seen the size of his army? He leads no more than two thousand men but still comes out victorious." No, Gongmin says, "The reason we didn't even contend with the Red Turbans in Seogyeong lies solely with Kim Yong's cowardice and incompetence." Incredibly, Jung begs for one last chance for Kim....
...and later goes and visits Kim in prison. Go to the king and beg forgiveness, Jung says. Kim won't do it; says Gongmin won't forgive him. And amazingly, tells Jung, You're letting me take the fall for your own selfish interests. Tears come to Jung's eyes. "You really can't understand what I did for you?"
So Kim goes to the king and grovels. Unwillingly. Gongmin receives him. Unwillingly. It's almost funny. I'll retire and go run my farm, Kim offers. But Jung changed Gongmin's mind, sort of. "Jung Se Woon implored me, so I shall give you one last chance." Eunuch An is standing there and nearly screams at his boss but catches himself just in time. Then Kim whines, "You only care about Jung Se Woon, and it fills me with envy." Let me stay by your side, he says with tears in his eyes...and reminds him of their days together in Yanjing.
Kim leaves the building with a coy smile all over his face. Tells his nephew, "Some apt bawling brought him to proclaim me Marshal Commander." And adds, "That is what is ruining His Majesty--all that affection. If I were king you would have seen my head displayed on the city walls many moons ago."
Back inside Noguk is scolding her husband. "Marshal Commander, isn't that the chief of security within the capital? It is inadmissible. He should be grateful he is still alive." Gongmin admits Kim's begging got to him...but says "I shall keep my eyes on him."
That evening, Kim Rim tells his uncle he's found a merchant sailing a boat to Yanjing soon. Get on it, Kim Yong tells him...and he gives Rim a letter to take to prince Deokheung. You must not get caught with it, he cautions; "Should you be exposed, our clan will be slaughtered." And then Kim mutters vengeance against...not exactly sure who--I guess the whole government.
Gongmin formally names Jung Chief Marshal in a ceremony. What's left of the government is here and looks on, and offers cheers for the king and the country...but it all has a sort of lifeless, forlorn feel to it.
Gaetae temple: Many refugees have come here, too. They're being fed--for now-- and Won Hyeon is there trying to act like a supervisor. Deokun takes him aside and scolds him for bringing in so many refugees. Won doesn't like that; tells Deokun that the temple is more than wealthy enough to feed them for a long time. And they do. Then he addresses the refugees, telling them that "His Majesty might have abandoned you all and run away, but Buddha shall never abandon his people." More just to hear himself talk and be impressed with himself than anything else.
Choseon and her female servant are back at Pyeonjo's shed. Pyeonjo didn't eat his last meal...or any meal for the last two weeks, we learn. Not good. And now Park Seobang brings even worse news: Red Turbans are nearby. Calls to Pyeonjo inside the shed that he needs to get out of there and find refuge. But Choseon tells him with admiration that Pyeonjo is committed to what he's doing and isn't going anywhere. And it sounds like she might not go either.
Now we see inside the shed, and suddenly Master Wolseon is in there and talking to Pyeonjo. Or more accurately, Pyeonjo is having a vision of him in there. "You wish to run out, don't you. To tear open those doors and go help those poor people, right?" He chuckles. "Your persistence surprises me, you little fool." They have a sort of weird telepathic conversation, with Wolseon being kind of annoying like we remember him. But he's has a point to make. "Never try to see me again, because I am part of the ties which bind you." And with that he disappears.
Nighttime, Northeast Region: Lee Seong Gye addresses his troops. They received orders to head south and help retake Gaegyeong. "What brought us endless triumphs until now was the indomitable spirit of camaraderie, and our willingness to die together for our cause! Never forget the resentment which colored our every day! Should we vanquish our foes in this battle, we shall wash away all discrimination following us around once and for all!" Wild cheers.
Back south, the remnants of the Goryeo troops are trying to organize. Choi Yeong and several other generals (An Woo, Lee Bang Shil, and Kim Deuk Bae) are with Jung Se Woon. They figure they only have about 50,000 men, and that isn't enough. And desertions are growing in number. Jung says they'll have to do the best they can with what they have, and do it now because circumstances dictate they can't wait any longer. Then news arrives that a couple of deserters have been caught. The generals go outside to see; the pair are kneeling and about to be executed. Choi halts it and kneels with them. "Are you afraid? Afraid of dying?" No, they insist...but they're shaking like leaves so yeah, they are. "I am, too," Jung tells them...and orders them released. And then announces to every soldier within earshot, "Anyone who fears for his life can return home. Only those willing to perish for their country should remain! If my future means living in cowardice and servitude for those pilferers, I would rather perish a proud Goryeo man!" It's just a spontaneous expression of how he feels, but the compassion he showed here and the sincerity in his voice, everyone starts cheering wildly for him.
Inspector Kim goes to the queen dowager and tells her they need to get rid of Chancellor Yeom and replace him with the QD's nephew Hong Eon Bak. "He's a man of great prudence and moral influence, so he is more than deserving of such a position." Really? The QD wonders if her son will accept him. "Leave that to me, Your Highness." Uh-oh, what's he cooking up? Later we see him talking to Kim Yong. Get rid of Yeom, and "we can see if Hong Eon Bak works for us, and take countermeasures if he doesn't." And in addition to getting rid of Yeom, they also want to get rid of Lee In Bok and Jung Se Woon. "Then His Majesty will be forced to play into our hands." I'll take care of Jung, Kim Yong says eagerly.
A whole bunch of appeals have been brought to the king by Kim Rim. They're all requesting Chancellor Yeom's impeachment! "It appears he committed impiety," Rim explains. During the invasion chaos, Yeom had gone to find his mother and get her to safety. But he was so worried about the king that he headed south to join the royal party. (We had seen him arrive there late, and mentioned his mother as the reason.) But he ended up having to leave her in Gaegyeong "and now her conditions are unknown." That's grounds for removal from office? In the middle of war chaos? Gongmin knows it's ridiculous and physically tosses the appeals right back at Rim.
Yeom hears about it and goes bonkers, understandably. Says he was terribly worried about the king, but "Not only don't they compliment my fealty, but...impiety?!"
Noguk is with Gongmin, who looks exhausted and is starting to cry from the sheer weight of it all. Again says he misses Pyeonjo. "If I hadn't abandoned him, would our country have turned this way?"
Meanwhile, Pyeonjo's still in the shed. Looks like he's going to sit in there the whole three years.