Post by ajk on Jun 20, 2014 23:58:31 GMT -5
Lots of buzzing around the palace about the joyous news. The high officials visit the king and queen to praise Gongmin's successes and now the resolution of their one final concern about an heir. "Our deepest congratulations," they offer, as they come and go a few at a time. And now even the opponents of Gongmin's policies are wondering if it's time to make peace with him about everything. "Now that Her Majesty is pregnant, what else is there to complain about?", wonders Lee In Im out loud. And that includes the whole Shin Don thing.
Back inside, the latest group is asking for a prince. Gongmin says if it's a princess we'll just have to get a prince next time. So they ask Noguk for five kids! It's all in good fun, though, and we haven't seen such happiness in the palace since Gongmin took the throne. But now SD shows up. And he doesn't look so happy. He wants Inspector Kim to explain why there are armed guards surrounding the palace. Says "This is a day of celebration" and it isn't appropriate. What a strange thing to complain about. Says the presence of so many weapons nearby is unsettling for the queen's pregnancy. Demands that the guards be sent outside the palace complex walls. Kim reluctantly complies, and only after SD literally yells at him. So who's going to stand guard inside the walls? Those young eunuchs that we've seen in training. This is their debut. Well they're armed, at last, and Lee Chun Bu speaks up and says it's fitting to have eunuchs. His praise for the decision defuses the tension, temporarily at least. Well fine, eunuchs inside and soldiers outside...so the soldiers head outside of the gates and take positions there.
Of course, Inspector Kim is going bananas over the confrontation with SD and goes to badger Chancellor Yoo about it, saying the guard change isn't the king's wish, it's SD's, and you need to go verify it with the king. Let it be, Yoo answers; if the king doesn't want this he'll say so.
Lee In Bok and Choi Young fear that this is a sign that Gongmin distrusts the military officials. Choi feels hurt, you can see it, and wonders what it will do to morale. Will soldiers be willing to risk their lives fighting the Japanese pirates if they see this as some sort of snub? And goes so far as to say that "If the royal family wishes to be protected by the army, they must oust Pyeonjo from power." Wow; that seems awfully drastic. He urges Lee to go talk to the king immediately, but Lee tells him this isn't the time, not with Gongmin's popularity going through the roof right now; Gongmin isn't likely to entertain any such suggestions.
Gongmin, well, he says he was uncomfortable with soldiers in the palace and tells SD he did a good thing. And adds that with the queen's pregnancy, there's a great opportunity at the moment--to "repress both the army and powerful clans with one strike." Take it, he orders.
Noguk thanks Choseon for encouraging her to try for a child. Choseon offers to attend to her personally during her pregnancy and Noguk accepts, says she was going to ask that very thing. Choseon also offers to bring Noguk outside of the palace, to her own estate. Because it will be quieter and more peaceful, and because all of the nosy people in the palace won't be bothering her. Noguk turns to Lady Kim and asks if there's any precedent for such a thing. "There have been numerous precedents during tumultuous times" is the answer. And Choseon spins it: "Think of how elated the people will be, knowing you gave birth among them."
But when Choseon pitches the idea to SD, she's not as upbeat. The baby may die or may be a princess, she warns, in which case "the officials will swarm like voracious vultures around a carcass. And treasonous intents to install Prince Deokheung as the King shall revive strongly."
Noguk goes to her mother-in-law and pitches the idea to her. Says she feels too stressed around the palace and wants to do this. The answer...amazingly, incredibly..."I understand your situation. How disheartening it must be. The palace is indeed cumbersome." Wow, she's letting her do it with no argument? Then after Noguk leaves, she tells Princess Deoknyeong, "I always pestered her for not granting us an heir, but now she fulfills my wishes, so what can I do?" She laughs and actually acknowledges that she approves of Noguk now. "She's the most shining pearl of this palace!" Unbelievable.
We see Noguk being taken through the capital's streets to Choseon's estate. Cheering crowds have lined the route.
Gongmin is cracking up laughing at the idea of Noguk leaving the palace. He's happy she's doing it; thinks it makes sense...but he thinks it's funny because he tells SD he's going to hang out at his house from now on. He thinks that's funny and SD doesn't. Guess he doesn't like houseguests.
In Choseon's courtyard, her employees have prepared a meal for all of the attendants and workers who accompanied the queen to the estate. Inside, Noguk stretches and relaxes her legs in Choseon's private quarters. Something she could never do in the palace. "I could endure everything about Goryeo," she tells Choseon and Lady Kim, "except your customs about sitting and heating rooms." No chairs, sitting on the floor with legs crossed all the time, "only ended up numbing my legs and hurting my back." So maybe this is a very good idea after all. No palace etiquette here, Choseon says with a smile, so be as comfortable as possible so you can have an easy birth.
Inspector Kim is banging on the front door of the empress dowager's home. There are kid-aged eunuchs watching the door and they won't let him in! What's the deal with that?
Hyebi has brought Gongmin his afternoon tea. Odd duty for a consort, but she tells him she asked for it. "Even if this was the only way, I wanted to be by your side and serve you." Poor Hyebi. Gongmin apologizes for not being more friendly to her and, somewhat awkwardly, invites her to sit down with him for tea. A good gesture from him, as difficult as it obviously is.
Lee In Bok heads to SD's home. Outside a bored-looking Won Hyeon is sitting there. Not showing Lee any respect. Not cool, frankly. Inside, SD urges Lee to capture Prince Deokheung. But Lee is getting more and more frustrated over what he sees as Gongmin's growing disregard for all of the officials, and quickly the discussion between them grows tense. SD gives him an un-needed lecture about the corruption among the officials and how "His Majesty shall suffice as our people's one and only owner." But Lee accuses SD of not really caring about the king and wanting to hand the entire country over to the common class. This is all beside the point, though, because Lee is still under orders to go to Yanjing and secure the capture of Prince Deokheung, and SD reminds him that he has a job to do.
Now Lee is at Gongmin's office, ready to bid his official farewell before leaving for Yanjing. But Gongmin left word with the eunuchs that "you may save your farewell for a later date, and just depart." That's not very supportive, is it...and on top of that, "His Majesty shall not have audience with Your Excellency until you bring him the head of Prince Deokheung." Lee takes it rather well, outwardly at least; bows and leaves.
Evening: Noguk and Choseon are praying at the royal temple. The queen silently implores Buddha to bless her with a prince. It looks like some time has passed now; there appears to be a baby bulge beneath her robe.
Gongmin admits to SD that he's very anxious about his wife's health and what might happen when she gives birth. He mentions her previous pregnancy (finally somebody does!) and now is despairing that he impregnated her. But he also knows that she wants to do this badly. "Those are her wishes, so how could I stop her?"
Will Noguk allow the public to offer well-wishes at the temple? "Think I don't know what you're thinking?," she tells Choseon, who suggested it. "I must spend time with our people, if Pyeonjo is to gain resolve, hence your offer." So she'll do it.
Yanjing: Lee In Bok has arrived safely. He's pacing the grounds of the palace. Then from off to the side: "Did you come for my head?" It's Prince Deokheung himself. But why is he here, and looking so carefree? And then, "What an arduous trip you undertook." It's Commissioner Park! He was exiled! What happened? Park tells Lee that the crown prince managed to get rid of the rebels and restored his mother to power! Well how about that. Lee is totally blindsided and at a loss for words.
Now Lee is inside and in front of the empress, telling her that reconciliation between the Yuan and Goryeo is impossible without Prince Deokheung's head. But he gets hit with more news: the emperor will be abdicating to her son soon, and her son--who's standing there next to her--says that while the Yuan's decision to recognize Gongmin as King of Goryeo will stand, "until the King comes to Yanjing to pledge allegiance, Prince Deokheung shall remain here." And with that, Lee is dragged forcibly out of the room. Screaming the whole way out. And then she mutters, "Once His Majesty abdicates the throne, I shall send a huge army and carry Prince Gangneung to Yanjing." Yikes.
Master Bou has been visiting a temple out in the countryside and is about to leave. The monks there are complaining that SD is pressing the temple too hard for assets and they want him to push back. Bou surprises them (and us) by telling them, "I think the temple has way too many slaves myself." The monks protest that they need time to do their worship, but Bou won't have it. "Leaving the hard work to your slaves, and spending all your time on a cushion hitting that woodblock--is what you call being a monk?" He walks away without another word. This is very different from what we've heard from him in the past!
A group of officials is standing around SD's front yard as Won Hyeon throws some papers into a fire. Apparently they're records that the chancellor gave SD--records of the slaves owned by not only him but of his entire clan. SD walks out the front door with a big stack of more papers for the fire. More slave records, apparently from other officials. The group buzzes about the importance of the display that's being presented here...and they step forward with their own records and willingly put them into the fire. It's an amazing moment, spoiled only slightly by Won's manic raving.
Well now look at this...SD has a visitor: Lee Seong Gye. Lee doesn't look happy to be there. Sits there looking annoyed as SD gives him a little lecture about how the king shouldn't have to face the possibility of another Kim Yong situation again. "The army pledged fealty to His Majesty," Lee reminds him. But SD thinks it really was a pledge to Choi Young. And he adds, "I know all too well. How the moment you gain control of the army, you will start looking in the palace's direction." Really? Why would he think that of Lee? Lee simply wants to know, "So what is it you are commanding me to do?" "Pledge fealty not to Choi Young, but His Majesty." But didn't he do that already?
it's the first day at the new Sungkyunwan academy. SD is addressing the students, telling them that scholars must "value integrity and principles above all" and rise above partisan politics. And says that while Goryeo is officially a Buddhist nation now, "we cannot send this country back on its path" with Buddhism alone. "Unless the court is filled with young and honest officials, there will be no way to end the powerful clans' tyranny." To the side, Lee Saek nods approvingly.
Chancellor Yoo is before Gongmin, protesting the burning of his slave records. Gongmin laughs. A public burning might have been an over-the-top gesture, Gongmin concedes, but says SD acted correctly by destroying them. And he humbles Yoo by pointing out that the powerful clans employ huge numbers of slaves, more than the number of attendants in the entire government. "I shall repeat once again. What Shin Don is doing is consistent with my wishes. Let this be the last time I hear grievances about his work."
Lee Saek is expressing his gratitude to SD for establishing the academy. SD tells him that "In due time, His Majesty will deprive all the officials of their titles and replace them with young scholars." Wow--he'd better not let any of the officials hear him say that.
Choi Yeong and Lee Seong Gye are talking, wondering about this Shin Don person. Lee says "I could not sense any selfish motives," but apparently SD has been grilling Choi's subordinates like he's grilled the other officials, and it's affecting their morale. Choi wonders if SD's goal is to undermine the military. Lee tells him not to worry, and assures him that he (Choi) has firm command of the army. In any event, Seonggye and his troops are heading home now. Their work here is finished and they're not needed here any more.
Lee In Bok made it back home safely, thank goodness. He's having an evening meeting with secretary Gyeong and Inspector Kim. But will the king see him without Deokheung's head? Lee isn't worried about that; actually he's worried about Noguk's pregnancy. "She must have a safe childbirth," Lee says...which infuriates Kim. "If the Queen bears a prince, we will all ride away with the Grim Reaper!" No, Lee says; with Empress Gi back in power, Gongmin will need his officials.
Nighttime, at Choseon's estate: Yeah, Noguk has a big baby bulge, and Noguk says the little one is kicking like crazy in there. A good sign of a healthy baby. But suddenly Noguk doesn't look so comfortable. Like a twinge of some sort. She says it's nothing she can't handle...but there it is again.
Noguk turns out the lights and goes to sleep, and Choseon goes outside and finds SD waiting there, wondering how the queen is doing. Doing well, Choseon tells her. But then from inside we hear some whimpering. Choseon goes to check...and suddenly we're hearing bad, troubling things...
...and now Noguk is in a carriage with Choseon, being rushed to her palace, shrieking in agony.
Gongmin gets the word just as Noguk has been taken inside. He rushes to her palace and is frantic to get in there, but he can't enter--Lady Kim tells him that Noguk's labor has started and she may well give birth tonight. Two months premature, we learn. Inside, Noguk is writhing in agony. They have her all set up for the birth. This is a nasty one, though--she is NOT in the normal childbirth agony. Gongmin is going frantic outside as her screams pierce the night. And now it looks like she passes out cold.
Back inside, the latest group is asking for a prince. Gongmin says if it's a princess we'll just have to get a prince next time. So they ask Noguk for five kids! It's all in good fun, though, and we haven't seen such happiness in the palace since Gongmin took the throne. But now SD shows up. And he doesn't look so happy. He wants Inspector Kim to explain why there are armed guards surrounding the palace. Says "This is a day of celebration" and it isn't appropriate. What a strange thing to complain about. Says the presence of so many weapons nearby is unsettling for the queen's pregnancy. Demands that the guards be sent outside the palace complex walls. Kim reluctantly complies, and only after SD literally yells at him. So who's going to stand guard inside the walls? Those young eunuchs that we've seen in training. This is their debut. Well they're armed, at last, and Lee Chun Bu speaks up and says it's fitting to have eunuchs. His praise for the decision defuses the tension, temporarily at least. Well fine, eunuchs inside and soldiers outside...so the soldiers head outside of the gates and take positions there.
Of course, Inspector Kim is going bananas over the confrontation with SD and goes to badger Chancellor Yoo about it, saying the guard change isn't the king's wish, it's SD's, and you need to go verify it with the king. Let it be, Yoo answers; if the king doesn't want this he'll say so.
Lee In Bok and Choi Young fear that this is a sign that Gongmin distrusts the military officials. Choi feels hurt, you can see it, and wonders what it will do to morale. Will soldiers be willing to risk their lives fighting the Japanese pirates if they see this as some sort of snub? And goes so far as to say that "If the royal family wishes to be protected by the army, they must oust Pyeonjo from power." Wow; that seems awfully drastic. He urges Lee to go talk to the king immediately, but Lee tells him this isn't the time, not with Gongmin's popularity going through the roof right now; Gongmin isn't likely to entertain any such suggestions.
Gongmin, well, he says he was uncomfortable with soldiers in the palace and tells SD he did a good thing. And adds that with the queen's pregnancy, there's a great opportunity at the moment--to "repress both the army and powerful clans with one strike." Take it, he orders.
Noguk thanks Choseon for encouraging her to try for a child. Choseon offers to attend to her personally during her pregnancy and Noguk accepts, says she was going to ask that very thing. Choseon also offers to bring Noguk outside of the palace, to her own estate. Because it will be quieter and more peaceful, and because all of the nosy people in the palace won't be bothering her. Noguk turns to Lady Kim and asks if there's any precedent for such a thing. "There have been numerous precedents during tumultuous times" is the answer. And Choseon spins it: "Think of how elated the people will be, knowing you gave birth among them."
But when Choseon pitches the idea to SD, she's not as upbeat. The baby may die or may be a princess, she warns, in which case "the officials will swarm like voracious vultures around a carcass. And treasonous intents to install Prince Deokheung as the King shall revive strongly."
Noguk goes to her mother-in-law and pitches the idea to her. Says she feels too stressed around the palace and wants to do this. The answer...amazingly, incredibly..."I understand your situation. How disheartening it must be. The palace is indeed cumbersome." Wow, she's letting her do it with no argument? Then after Noguk leaves, she tells Princess Deoknyeong, "I always pestered her for not granting us an heir, but now she fulfills my wishes, so what can I do?" She laughs and actually acknowledges that she approves of Noguk now. "She's the most shining pearl of this palace!" Unbelievable.
We see Noguk being taken through the capital's streets to Choseon's estate. Cheering crowds have lined the route.
Gongmin is cracking up laughing at the idea of Noguk leaving the palace. He's happy she's doing it; thinks it makes sense...but he thinks it's funny because he tells SD he's going to hang out at his house from now on. He thinks that's funny and SD doesn't. Guess he doesn't like houseguests.
In Choseon's courtyard, her employees have prepared a meal for all of the attendants and workers who accompanied the queen to the estate. Inside, Noguk stretches and relaxes her legs in Choseon's private quarters. Something she could never do in the palace. "I could endure everything about Goryeo," she tells Choseon and Lady Kim, "except your customs about sitting and heating rooms." No chairs, sitting on the floor with legs crossed all the time, "only ended up numbing my legs and hurting my back." So maybe this is a very good idea after all. No palace etiquette here, Choseon says with a smile, so be as comfortable as possible so you can have an easy birth.
Inspector Kim is banging on the front door of the empress dowager's home. There are kid-aged eunuchs watching the door and they won't let him in! What's the deal with that?
Hyebi has brought Gongmin his afternoon tea. Odd duty for a consort, but she tells him she asked for it. "Even if this was the only way, I wanted to be by your side and serve you." Poor Hyebi. Gongmin apologizes for not being more friendly to her and, somewhat awkwardly, invites her to sit down with him for tea. A good gesture from him, as difficult as it obviously is.
Lee In Bok heads to SD's home. Outside a bored-looking Won Hyeon is sitting there. Not showing Lee any respect. Not cool, frankly. Inside, SD urges Lee to capture Prince Deokheung. But Lee is getting more and more frustrated over what he sees as Gongmin's growing disregard for all of the officials, and quickly the discussion between them grows tense. SD gives him an un-needed lecture about the corruption among the officials and how "His Majesty shall suffice as our people's one and only owner." But Lee accuses SD of not really caring about the king and wanting to hand the entire country over to the common class. This is all beside the point, though, because Lee is still under orders to go to Yanjing and secure the capture of Prince Deokheung, and SD reminds him that he has a job to do.
Now Lee is at Gongmin's office, ready to bid his official farewell before leaving for Yanjing. But Gongmin left word with the eunuchs that "you may save your farewell for a later date, and just depart." That's not very supportive, is it...and on top of that, "His Majesty shall not have audience with Your Excellency until you bring him the head of Prince Deokheung." Lee takes it rather well, outwardly at least; bows and leaves.
Evening: Noguk and Choseon are praying at the royal temple. The queen silently implores Buddha to bless her with a prince. It looks like some time has passed now; there appears to be a baby bulge beneath her robe.
Gongmin admits to SD that he's very anxious about his wife's health and what might happen when she gives birth. He mentions her previous pregnancy (finally somebody does!) and now is despairing that he impregnated her. But he also knows that she wants to do this badly. "Those are her wishes, so how could I stop her?"
Will Noguk allow the public to offer well-wishes at the temple? "Think I don't know what you're thinking?," she tells Choseon, who suggested it. "I must spend time with our people, if Pyeonjo is to gain resolve, hence your offer." So she'll do it.
Yanjing: Lee In Bok has arrived safely. He's pacing the grounds of the palace. Then from off to the side: "Did you come for my head?" It's Prince Deokheung himself. But why is he here, and looking so carefree? And then, "What an arduous trip you undertook." It's Commissioner Park! He was exiled! What happened? Park tells Lee that the crown prince managed to get rid of the rebels and restored his mother to power! Well how about that. Lee is totally blindsided and at a loss for words.
Now Lee is inside and in front of the empress, telling her that reconciliation between the Yuan and Goryeo is impossible without Prince Deokheung's head. But he gets hit with more news: the emperor will be abdicating to her son soon, and her son--who's standing there next to her--says that while the Yuan's decision to recognize Gongmin as King of Goryeo will stand, "until the King comes to Yanjing to pledge allegiance, Prince Deokheung shall remain here." And with that, Lee is dragged forcibly out of the room. Screaming the whole way out. And then she mutters, "Once His Majesty abdicates the throne, I shall send a huge army and carry Prince Gangneung to Yanjing." Yikes.
Master Bou has been visiting a temple out in the countryside and is about to leave. The monks there are complaining that SD is pressing the temple too hard for assets and they want him to push back. Bou surprises them (and us) by telling them, "I think the temple has way too many slaves myself." The monks protest that they need time to do their worship, but Bou won't have it. "Leaving the hard work to your slaves, and spending all your time on a cushion hitting that woodblock--is what you call being a monk?" He walks away without another word. This is very different from what we've heard from him in the past!
A group of officials is standing around SD's front yard as Won Hyeon throws some papers into a fire. Apparently they're records that the chancellor gave SD--records of the slaves owned by not only him but of his entire clan. SD walks out the front door with a big stack of more papers for the fire. More slave records, apparently from other officials. The group buzzes about the importance of the display that's being presented here...and they step forward with their own records and willingly put them into the fire. It's an amazing moment, spoiled only slightly by Won's manic raving.
Well now look at this...SD has a visitor: Lee Seong Gye. Lee doesn't look happy to be there. Sits there looking annoyed as SD gives him a little lecture about how the king shouldn't have to face the possibility of another Kim Yong situation again. "The army pledged fealty to His Majesty," Lee reminds him. But SD thinks it really was a pledge to Choi Young. And he adds, "I know all too well. How the moment you gain control of the army, you will start looking in the palace's direction." Really? Why would he think that of Lee? Lee simply wants to know, "So what is it you are commanding me to do?" "Pledge fealty not to Choi Young, but His Majesty." But didn't he do that already?
it's the first day at the new Sungkyunwan academy. SD is addressing the students, telling them that scholars must "value integrity and principles above all" and rise above partisan politics. And says that while Goryeo is officially a Buddhist nation now, "we cannot send this country back on its path" with Buddhism alone. "Unless the court is filled with young and honest officials, there will be no way to end the powerful clans' tyranny." To the side, Lee Saek nods approvingly.
Chancellor Yoo is before Gongmin, protesting the burning of his slave records. Gongmin laughs. A public burning might have been an over-the-top gesture, Gongmin concedes, but says SD acted correctly by destroying them. And he humbles Yoo by pointing out that the powerful clans employ huge numbers of slaves, more than the number of attendants in the entire government. "I shall repeat once again. What Shin Don is doing is consistent with my wishes. Let this be the last time I hear grievances about his work."
Lee Saek is expressing his gratitude to SD for establishing the academy. SD tells him that "In due time, His Majesty will deprive all the officials of their titles and replace them with young scholars." Wow--he'd better not let any of the officials hear him say that.
Choi Yeong and Lee Seong Gye are talking, wondering about this Shin Don person. Lee says "I could not sense any selfish motives," but apparently SD has been grilling Choi's subordinates like he's grilled the other officials, and it's affecting their morale. Choi wonders if SD's goal is to undermine the military. Lee tells him not to worry, and assures him that he (Choi) has firm command of the army. In any event, Seonggye and his troops are heading home now. Their work here is finished and they're not needed here any more.
Lee In Bok made it back home safely, thank goodness. He's having an evening meeting with secretary Gyeong and Inspector Kim. But will the king see him without Deokheung's head? Lee isn't worried about that; actually he's worried about Noguk's pregnancy. "She must have a safe childbirth," Lee says...which infuriates Kim. "If the Queen bears a prince, we will all ride away with the Grim Reaper!" No, Lee says; with Empress Gi back in power, Gongmin will need his officials.
Nighttime, at Choseon's estate: Yeah, Noguk has a big baby bulge, and Noguk says the little one is kicking like crazy in there. A good sign of a healthy baby. But suddenly Noguk doesn't look so comfortable. Like a twinge of some sort. She says it's nothing she can't handle...but there it is again.
Noguk turns out the lights and goes to sleep, and Choseon goes outside and finds SD waiting there, wondering how the queen is doing. Doing well, Choseon tells her. But then from inside we hear some whimpering. Choseon goes to check...and suddenly we're hearing bad, troubling things...
...and now Noguk is in a carriage with Choseon, being rushed to her palace, shrieking in agony.
Gongmin gets the word just as Noguk has been taken inside. He rushes to her palace and is frantic to get in there, but he can't enter--Lady Kim tells him that Noguk's labor has started and she may well give birth tonight. Two months premature, we learn. Inside, Noguk is writhing in agony. They have her all set up for the birth. This is a nasty one, though--she is NOT in the normal childbirth agony. Gongmin is going frantic outside as her screams pierce the night. And now it looks like she passes out cold.