Post by ajk on Jul 2, 2014 15:25:10 GMT -5
JD got the meeting he asked for, and now the high officials are all in the king's office and pitching their arguments for and against moving the capital. Actually Ha Ryun is the only one pitching for it. Arguments for and against, back and forth...and then finally JD speaks up. Don't be swayed by "geomantic principles" being pitched by a Confucian scholar, he tells Seonggye (referring to Ha Ryun using Buddhist ideas). But then he shocks his allies by telling them he agrees with moving the capital! Says he doesn't like the idea because of the disruption it will cause the people..."But how can we call a place the capital if the king's heart isn't in it?" And he does agree that moving it will help put Goryeo in the past. He asks Seonggye not to move it, for the sake of the people who will suffer for it...but if you must, find a place that minimizes the suffering. Someplace suitable that's not too far away. Surprisingly, Seonggye says he knows of such a place: good topography, large enough area, and not far from Gaegyeong. Where? Hanyang, he says (today's Seoul). JD says he'll abide by the decision if that's the final decision. Nobody else in the room is all that pleased with it, but Seonggye and JD are basically talking to each other at this point. Just as we saw in the previous episode, the two of them can talk plainly and comfortably and have a level of mutual trust that lets them work things out quickly and easily.
Afterwards, Jo Jun isn't happy with JD at all for not telling him he would support moving the capital. I'm the head of the supreme council, he reminds JD angrily; "don't treat me like one of your factions." He storms away...and then Ha Ryun walks by. "I learned a lesson from you today" about politics, he tells JD...but JD isn't in a conciliatory mood. Tells Ha, I know you only raised this issue to distract from the effort to eliminate the private armies; don't do anything like that again...and stay away from Bangwon if he comes back alive. Ha doesn't seem too intimidated but is polite about it.
Ming: Bangwon has been bound! He's brought before the emperor and forced to kneel. "I am going to be generous" and let you choose, the emperor says: banishment to Yunnan, or imprisonment. Bangwon is submissive but he doesn't back down; says the whole situation with the Jurchens was the work of JD and not the king. Keeping me here isn't good for you or for Joseon, he argues, and claims he's the best choice for Joseon's future, and the best for Ming too. Well it works--the emperor is impressed enough that he decides to free Bangwon and send him back home. And adds, "You must be upset you weren't chosen as the crown prince. I will send a gift to comfort you soon. I hope you will use it well." Hmm...wonder what he means by that?
Narration tells us that on September 1, 1394 a government commission was established to oversee construction of the new capital. JD was in charge of the commission and of drawing up all the plans.
The commission is meeting and as we look in, there's a problem. The master plan for laying out the government buildings, JD takes one look at it and goes nuts. The guy who drew it (I think Shim Hyerang), JD orders him dragged out of the room and taken away for flogging! Geez! He learns the Buddhist priest Muhak played a big role in the design, so you have to think that’s what made him so mad. He summons Muhak and asks for an explanation. The priest gives a long explanation about situating things relative to this mountain or that mountain...but JD doesn't want these Buddhist topography ideas determining the capital's layout, not for a neo-Confucian state. Muhak warns him not to ignore the topography principles but we know JD thinks they're baloney.
Weeks later: new blueprints are completed. A wonderful sequence of narration and graphics shows and tells us how the capital city was planned and constructed. We see the king and queen and crown prince headed north for a dedication ceremony. And as we see JD and his allies--and his wife!--hard at work going over documents, we're told that JD later focused on preparing ideological, historical and governmental written works for the new country and "fulfilled his role as the founder and designer of Joseon." A year later, the capital was just about finished. We see the royal family head north for good and enter through one of the new palace gates for the first time. JD welcomes the king, shows him around, and explains all of the names that he's given the buildings. They all have important significance, as we learn. Wow he really put thought into every detail.
The first celebratory banquet in the new conference hall. High praise for JD all around; even Bangwon acknowledges that JD deserves credit. But JD reminds Seonggye that "it was the people who built this capital and the palace. You must forget that." He won't, of course. Eventually Seonggye has Eunuch Kim bring something into the room. It's a long scroll with some large characters written on it. it says "Yujonggongjong." It means "Best in neo-Confucianism and top in merit in establishing the country." Something Seonggye ordered prepared; it’s a new title, apparently. He steps down off his throne, goes to JD and presents the scroll to him. Takes his hands. "I know you suffered because of me." And sincerely thanks him for his efforts. JD is dumbfounded and moved to tears. Let us not forget the difficult says, he tells Seonggye, so that Joseon will last forever. The king's simple, honest gratitude is very touching, and so is JD's humble response.
Of course, Bangwon can't stand the sight of all that goes outside for some air. Ha Ryun goes out to find him and tells him, "A person who shows his true emotions is an easy enemy to fight." Just be patient and "A time will come." Then we learn that Jo Yeonggu died! Bangwon needs a replacement--especially since Ha Ryun is trying not to be seen in public with Bangwon, so they need a reliable go-between. Ha says he'll look for someone.
The banquet continues into the evening. Some un-kingly singing from Seonggye in what's supposed to be a sacred building, undoubtedly encouraged by all the wine he’s been drinking. Some discomfort among the councilors, but JD says it's okay; this is a happy day so "Sing loud enough for all the people to hear!" "You're the only one who understands me," Seonggye says half-seriously, and then launches right back into it. Soon it gets to the point where he forces JD to dance! It's a royal order, so JD does a dance called Gopsachum he learned while in exile in Sojaedong. It's a bizarre hunchback sort of dance...and pretty soon the king and many of the councilors are doing it too. As these middle-aged men continue their wine-lubricated display of silliness, narration tells us that some of the names assigned by JD to the geographic districts of the new capital are still in use today. And we even see the four city gates, all of which JD gave symbolically meaningful names to. The narration describes Hanyang as not just a new city but "the neo-Confucian utopia that Jeong Dojeon desired."
Hey it's Lee Saek! He looks older now, and frankly looks worn out. And from his dress he must still be in exile. Gwon Geum has come to see him; he wants his master's blessing to go and work for the new government, even though Saek and JD became political enemies. "Do what you want," he tells Gwon. Saek doesn't care any more; he's bitter about the loss of Jeong Mongju and Lee Sungin. "I have to see them soon. Why is my pathetic life so long?"
JD tells Gwon and some other new recruits from the former government that he wants to forget the past and just wants them to do their best for Joseon and its people. JD is glad to have Gwon there, we can see.
Bangwon's house: The prince and his allies are discussing JD's growing power. "Sambong is flying. We can't even crawl." Then they learn that JD has just given an order to begin military tactical training. Which they realize is the revival of JD's effort to eliminate the private armies.
Evening: We see Gwon Geum, furious and storming away from Ha Ryun's house. Apparently Ha tried to get him to join Bangwon's faction. Gwon wants no part of it. "I'd rather crawl under Sambong's legs than become a faction of Poeun's murderer." He leaves...just in time for Ha to see a big group walking by. It's JD, carried in a sedan chair (seriously?) and a crew of guards (or whoever they are). But wait a second: somebody steps up and stands in the street, blocking JD’s path. He tells JD who he is--Lee Sukbeon is his name and his title is Jwaseupyu--and he demands that JD cancel the tactical training. And says why: because Ming doesn’t trust Joseon right now and this is simply "pouring oil on fire." And because this is just an excuse to abolish the private armies. JD is impressed enough with him that he gets off his chair and walks up to him and they talk briefly. He’s not going to put up with this guy’s insolence, of course, but says “I used to be like you. Since I was like that, I will let this go." But Lee will not move or back down. And by now a crowd of citizens has gathered, and everybody's looking at this new guy who’s standing up to the architect of the new country. So JD reaches for a sword still in its scabbard...and proceeds to beat Lee into unconsciousness!! What the heck? That is totally unlike him—TOTALLY. He says loudly enough for everyone to hear, "This is what will happen to anyone who opposes the tactical training regardless of their position." Ha Ryun has been watching the whole thing...and you have to think he likes what he sees in this new guy.
Later, at JD’s home: "That wasn't like you." Nam Eun with the understatement. And JD agrees. "His majesty is getting weaker,” JD explains, “and the crown prince is growing up too slowly. I'm getting old too. I feel rushed." (Still, does that justify beating an unarmed man?) We're almost there, he says. “If we can just abolish the private armies...we're almost there."
Time has passed and it’s 1596 now: Somehow JD has succeeded in getting all of the private armies to show up at the military training ground. The princes are there too, including Bangwon and Banggwa. It looks like this is it; JD will get his wish. But where is JD? He’s late and hasn’t shown. The explanation arrives quickly: trouble in the court.
Yes there is. A letter from the Ming emperor has just arrived. It’s about the New Year’s greeting from the Joseon government that he recently received. A simple good-relations communication...but he says "it is frivolous and ridicules me." The letter adds, "from what I understand, the person who wrote this was Jeong Dojeon." Well that’s all baloney. JD wasn’t involved with the greeting at all...and a routine well-wish like that isn’t likely to have anything inflammatory in it. Clearly the emperor is stirring up trouble...but why? Well guess what: the emperor demands that JD be sent to Ming to explain himself! Bangwon is in the room...and the light bulb goes on in his head. As the king fumes and snarls, Bangwon realizes that this was the gift that the emperor had promised him. Didn’t exactly arrive soon, but "that was it."
Afterwards, Jo Jun isn't happy with JD at all for not telling him he would support moving the capital. I'm the head of the supreme council, he reminds JD angrily; "don't treat me like one of your factions." He storms away...and then Ha Ryun walks by. "I learned a lesson from you today" about politics, he tells JD...but JD isn't in a conciliatory mood. Tells Ha, I know you only raised this issue to distract from the effort to eliminate the private armies; don't do anything like that again...and stay away from Bangwon if he comes back alive. Ha doesn't seem too intimidated but is polite about it.
Ming: Bangwon has been bound! He's brought before the emperor and forced to kneel. "I am going to be generous" and let you choose, the emperor says: banishment to Yunnan, or imprisonment. Bangwon is submissive but he doesn't back down; says the whole situation with the Jurchens was the work of JD and not the king. Keeping me here isn't good for you or for Joseon, he argues, and claims he's the best choice for Joseon's future, and the best for Ming too. Well it works--the emperor is impressed enough that he decides to free Bangwon and send him back home. And adds, "You must be upset you weren't chosen as the crown prince. I will send a gift to comfort you soon. I hope you will use it well." Hmm...wonder what he means by that?
Narration tells us that on September 1, 1394 a government commission was established to oversee construction of the new capital. JD was in charge of the commission and of drawing up all the plans.
The commission is meeting and as we look in, there's a problem. The master plan for laying out the government buildings, JD takes one look at it and goes nuts. The guy who drew it (I think Shim Hyerang), JD orders him dragged out of the room and taken away for flogging! Geez! He learns the Buddhist priest Muhak played a big role in the design, so you have to think that’s what made him so mad. He summons Muhak and asks for an explanation. The priest gives a long explanation about situating things relative to this mountain or that mountain...but JD doesn't want these Buddhist topography ideas determining the capital's layout, not for a neo-Confucian state. Muhak warns him not to ignore the topography principles but we know JD thinks they're baloney.
Weeks later: new blueprints are completed. A wonderful sequence of narration and graphics shows and tells us how the capital city was planned and constructed. We see the king and queen and crown prince headed north for a dedication ceremony. And as we see JD and his allies--and his wife!--hard at work going over documents, we're told that JD later focused on preparing ideological, historical and governmental written works for the new country and "fulfilled his role as the founder and designer of Joseon." A year later, the capital was just about finished. We see the royal family head north for good and enter through one of the new palace gates for the first time. JD welcomes the king, shows him around, and explains all of the names that he's given the buildings. They all have important significance, as we learn. Wow he really put thought into every detail.
The first celebratory banquet in the new conference hall. High praise for JD all around; even Bangwon acknowledges that JD deserves credit. But JD reminds Seonggye that "it was the people who built this capital and the palace. You must forget that." He won't, of course. Eventually Seonggye has Eunuch Kim bring something into the room. It's a long scroll with some large characters written on it. it says "Yujonggongjong." It means "Best in neo-Confucianism and top in merit in establishing the country." Something Seonggye ordered prepared; it’s a new title, apparently. He steps down off his throne, goes to JD and presents the scroll to him. Takes his hands. "I know you suffered because of me." And sincerely thanks him for his efforts. JD is dumbfounded and moved to tears. Let us not forget the difficult says, he tells Seonggye, so that Joseon will last forever. The king's simple, honest gratitude is very touching, and so is JD's humble response.
Of course, Bangwon can't stand the sight of all that goes outside for some air. Ha Ryun goes out to find him and tells him, "A person who shows his true emotions is an easy enemy to fight." Just be patient and "A time will come." Then we learn that Jo Yeonggu died! Bangwon needs a replacement--especially since Ha Ryun is trying not to be seen in public with Bangwon, so they need a reliable go-between. Ha says he'll look for someone.
The banquet continues into the evening. Some un-kingly singing from Seonggye in what's supposed to be a sacred building, undoubtedly encouraged by all the wine he’s been drinking. Some discomfort among the councilors, but JD says it's okay; this is a happy day so "Sing loud enough for all the people to hear!" "You're the only one who understands me," Seonggye says half-seriously, and then launches right back into it. Soon it gets to the point where he forces JD to dance! It's a royal order, so JD does a dance called Gopsachum he learned while in exile in Sojaedong. It's a bizarre hunchback sort of dance...and pretty soon the king and many of the councilors are doing it too. As these middle-aged men continue their wine-lubricated display of silliness, narration tells us that some of the names assigned by JD to the geographic districts of the new capital are still in use today. And we even see the four city gates, all of which JD gave symbolically meaningful names to. The narration describes Hanyang as not just a new city but "the neo-Confucian utopia that Jeong Dojeon desired."
Hey it's Lee Saek! He looks older now, and frankly looks worn out. And from his dress he must still be in exile. Gwon Geum has come to see him; he wants his master's blessing to go and work for the new government, even though Saek and JD became political enemies. "Do what you want," he tells Gwon. Saek doesn't care any more; he's bitter about the loss of Jeong Mongju and Lee Sungin. "I have to see them soon. Why is my pathetic life so long?"
JD tells Gwon and some other new recruits from the former government that he wants to forget the past and just wants them to do their best for Joseon and its people. JD is glad to have Gwon there, we can see.
Bangwon's house: The prince and his allies are discussing JD's growing power. "Sambong is flying. We can't even crawl." Then they learn that JD has just given an order to begin military tactical training. Which they realize is the revival of JD's effort to eliminate the private armies.
Evening: We see Gwon Geum, furious and storming away from Ha Ryun's house. Apparently Ha tried to get him to join Bangwon's faction. Gwon wants no part of it. "I'd rather crawl under Sambong's legs than become a faction of Poeun's murderer." He leaves...just in time for Ha to see a big group walking by. It's JD, carried in a sedan chair (seriously?) and a crew of guards (or whoever they are). But wait a second: somebody steps up and stands in the street, blocking JD’s path. He tells JD who he is--Lee Sukbeon is his name and his title is Jwaseupyu--and he demands that JD cancel the tactical training. And says why: because Ming doesn’t trust Joseon right now and this is simply "pouring oil on fire." And because this is just an excuse to abolish the private armies. JD is impressed enough with him that he gets off his chair and walks up to him and they talk briefly. He’s not going to put up with this guy’s insolence, of course, but says “I used to be like you. Since I was like that, I will let this go." But Lee will not move or back down. And by now a crowd of citizens has gathered, and everybody's looking at this new guy who’s standing up to the architect of the new country. So JD reaches for a sword still in its scabbard...and proceeds to beat Lee into unconsciousness!! What the heck? That is totally unlike him—TOTALLY. He says loudly enough for everyone to hear, "This is what will happen to anyone who opposes the tactical training regardless of their position." Ha Ryun has been watching the whole thing...and you have to think he likes what he sees in this new guy.
Later, at JD’s home: "That wasn't like you." Nam Eun with the understatement. And JD agrees. "His majesty is getting weaker,” JD explains, “and the crown prince is growing up too slowly. I'm getting old too. I feel rushed." (Still, does that justify beating an unarmed man?) We're almost there, he says. “If we can just abolish the private armies...we're almost there."
Time has passed and it’s 1596 now: Somehow JD has succeeded in getting all of the private armies to show up at the military training ground. The princes are there too, including Bangwon and Banggwa. It looks like this is it; JD will get his wish. But where is JD? He’s late and hasn’t shown. The explanation arrives quickly: trouble in the court.
Yes there is. A letter from the Ming emperor has just arrived. It’s about the New Year’s greeting from the Joseon government that he recently received. A simple good-relations communication...but he says "it is frivolous and ridicules me." The letter adds, "from what I understand, the person who wrote this was Jeong Dojeon." Well that’s all baloney. JD wasn’t involved with the greeting at all...and a routine well-wish like that isn’t likely to have anything inflammatory in it. Clearly the emperor is stirring up trouble...but why? Well guess what: the emperor demands that JD be sent to Ming to explain himself! Bangwon is in the room...and the light bulb goes on in his head. As the king fumes and snarls, Bangwon realizes that this was the gift that the emperor had promised him. Didn’t exactly arrive soon, but "that was it."
