Post by ajk on Aug 22, 2014 23:51:48 GMT -5
Eunuch Choi sees SD staring at him, watching him jumping up and down with glee, and immediately sobers himself. Runs up to Gongmin and gets him to back off. "With all due respect, it seems you already accomplished your goal." Pleased with himself, Gongmin smiles and does back off and puts down the post he was pummeling Noh Suk with. "That does not befit a commander-in-chief," he says, referring to Noh's sleeping with Choi's consort. He heads inside, an angry sneer all over his face. And yeah, Noh is dead.
A horrified SD follows Gongmin inside, and listens to Gongmin explain that what Noh did was something Noguk would never have approved of. SD just stands there in silence. What can he even say?
Well of course word of this absolutely flies around the palace and everybody's talking about it. Lots of debate about whether or not the king has gone nuts.
Back at the palace, finally SD speaks. Turn over the shrine construction to someone else, he says to Gongmin, and come back to the government and be the king again. He even offers to take it over himself. But Gongmin refuses. It would dishearten the queen to have anyone else do it, he says...especially someone who opposes it like you do! But then he starts to rethink that: "Then again, you liked her just as much as I did. And she thought the world of you." But then suddenly he starts questioning SD's motives, and the idea gets rejected. Gongmin stands up and heads for Unam Temple, leaving SD standing there looking bitter and utterly disheartened.
So what's the queen dowager going to do about the paternity question? "We must take him to the palace," she tells Princess Deoknyeong, speaking of the baby (and assuming it will be a boy). We won't get caught up in the gossip for now; we need an heir first and foremost.
There's Ban Ya. Looking very, very pregnant. About ready to pop!
Park Seobang's wife has gone to Choseon to talk about how Ban Ya might be able to give birth in the palace. They really want her to, especially with Gongmin denying paternity at the moment; otherwise the child may never be accepted. Tough problem, though; won't be easy to make that happen.
Won Hyeon is complaining to SD...actually, no warning him. Arguing that it's only a matter of time before Gongmin disposes of him (SD) now, just like he's disposed of everyone else he's butted heads with over the years. "All our efforts will be in vain!" But SD isn't worried; says their reform efforts have come too far and no matter what happens, the people are better off now...and in any event has too much faith on Gongmin to worry about that. But Won is insistent, warning him that "you will risk being used, and then face the kind of demise Jung Se Woon or Kim Yong went through."
The king has summoned Master Bou to Unam Temple. Bou is there now, offering prayers before Noguk's portrait as Gongmin watches from the side. Then starts chanting and tapping his wood block.
Now it's Lee Chun Bu before SD. Something about the Inspector General position, and Gongmin being upset by the very idea of it. Lee urges SD to take the position himself. It sounds very important: overseeing all of the provincial finances. But before we can figure out the details of this, SD shocks us: "I am planning to leave my post soon." Lee urges him to not even consider such a thing, especially with the king in his present state. "You must take heed of how public fervor is changing. Where would that tide point to now? His Majesty? Of course not. If you only wished, you could turn this situation upside down!" Wait, doesn't that sound sort of treasonous? Well Lee doesn't deny it. "Ever heard of this parable? Displacing a king might be treason, but displacing a country is a foundation!" But SD has no intention of even considering any such thing; says he'll gladly die for his king. Lee is fearless and persistent about this, though.
Still at the temple, now evening: "I was deceived." Gongmin is complaining to Master Bou about events in the north. We learn that Lee Seong Gye's army had great initial success in the north, moving against Liaodong...but then had to withdraw because "Pyeonjo cut their supplies!" And he's concluded that SD wants to move the capital not to aid the Liaodong campaign but to leave the royal family and government behind so he can consolidate power for himself! Am I crazy or do you agree?, he asks. Bou manages not to scoff at that and says he agrees with Pyeonjo that "building such an opulent shrine is a squandering endeavor." But Gongmin is growing paranoid. SD burned all of those slave records and now the people think he's some sort of living Buddha...so "The only thing left that we can use to recapture the people's hearts is Princess Noguk." And so we need the shrine, he believes. Please help me, he implores Bou. Oh, and with the shrine, "Buddhism's legacy shall be reborn." In other words, there's something in it for Bou as well. Ugh.
Bou leaves, having agreed only "to join the celebrations once the shrine is complete." Jihyo has been with him and seems to be trying to get him to act against SD (Jihyo has never really approved of him), but Bou refuses to get involved.
"You may act." Nighttime and Lee Chun Bu has just whispered those words to a dumbfounded Won Hyeon. "The Regent...His resolve is wavering." Uh-oh, what are those two cooking up?
SD is alone, in his darkened office, looking like the weight of the world is on him. Obviously he really is serious about leaving his position. But now he's recalls his promise to a dying Queen Noguk, which we see in flashback...and the memory of it seems to give him clarity and visible relief.
Next day, at the Council Hall: SD walks in and places a sword on Gongmin's throne. I guess the symbolic sword of authority that Gongmin gave him. Turns to the gathered high officials. "After conquering Mt. Yuluo, Chief Marshal Lee Seong Gye has withdrawn back to the Northeast Region. Who on earth gave him the order to retreat?" Oh, so SD didn't give any such order! Says he checked with Gongmin and Gongmin didn't do it either. Lee Chun Bu speaks up and says he spoke with LSG and that the army was forced to retreat because of inadequate supplies. We do learn that a shipment of supplies went to them just a few weeks ago, but apparently it wasn't sufficient. Which suddenly launches into a big argument about the shrine's construction. Then Lee In Bok speaks. Says he agrees with halting the shrine until Liaodong is conquered...but also wants the capital move halted as well. Doesn't buy the idea that it's necessary to aid the conquest and adds that it "would be even more cumbersome than funding the shrine!" Turns to SD and puts him on the spot about both. It's an instant-silence, stop and stare moment for all of the officials. After a tense pause, SD announces, "We shall hereby defer the capital move to a later date, form a strong consensus,
and all request the suspension of this shrine's construction." Sounds more political than decisive, but really it's the right approach at the moment.
Another visit by Gongmin to the shrine's construction site. Still looks pretty ragged, frankly...and wait a minute: nobody's here! No workers! Not a soul to be found working on the construction. Of course Gongmin goes bonkers and heads straight for the palace. "Summon Pyeonjo!", he screams as he dismounts his horse and heads inside; "I shall get it over with once and for all!" Ah, but no need...
...because as he enters his office, SD is already there waiting. And immediately owns up to being the one to stop the construction. Kneels and offers Gongmin the ceremonial sword. "You bestowed this sword upon me so that I could slay anyone defying your wishes." And he bows to the ground so that Gongmin can kill him. Gongmin takes the sword, backswings..and struggles mightily...and then starts swinging wildly above SD's head. But he can't bring himself to go any lower. Soon he stops swinging, and falls into a heap on the floor, wailing and crying like a completely broken man. Utterly, completely broken. Begging SD to try to understand his pain. It's absolutely pathetic. SD starts to try to talk him past it all, gently but firmly. "How could it get to this point, Sire?" You were the one who committed us to strengthening the country to resist outside influences. Remember everything you went through for so long in Yanjing? "Where did the grieving tears you and Her Majesty shed every night go, thinking of our people's piteous fate? And why are you wailing like a child in this lowly servant's presence?" She would never want to see you like this. Go ahead and kill me right now, he says, and then lead the charge to reclaim Liaodong! "Was not this what Princess Noguk wished for?!" Well it seems to be working...or at least reaching him. His eyes are going back and forth like the gears are turning in his head and he's trying to make sense out of it all...Wait, definitely NOT working because he suddenly stands up, turns the sword towards himself and tries to take his own life! "I do not deserve to live! Only my death will save this country!" Eunuch Choi lunges at him and manages to pin his arms; ultimately it takes four eunuchs to wrestle the sword away from him as he desperately tries to plunge the sword into his own midsection. All he can do is fall to the ground in an exhausted, moaning heap.
SD leaves the building and finds Lee In Bok standing outside. Lee heard the whole thing, and is stunned that SD would actually offer his own life to support Gongmin. He looks a little humbled, like he suspected SD of too much self-ambition and now realizes he was wrong. SD tells him that of course, after so many reforms have been accomplished and after "I achieved more than I could dream of because of His Majesty," even my own life would not fully repay that. Lee nods and says he'll arrange for additional supplies and some reinforcements to be sent to Lee Seong Gye in the north. So it was him, apparently; he was the one who caused the trouble. Doesn't admit it, and SD doesn't challenge him on it; he simply thanks him.
"Grand Commander of the Northwest Region?!" A stunned Lee In Im is told by SD that he's getting a promotion. A surprising choice...or maybe not, since he's Lee In Bok's brother. Either way, SD has concern about keeping the military under control (understandable) and says that "all the merits of our conquering Liaodong would be bestowed upon our Grand Commander." Rather than on someone in the military, that is. Lee seems a little intimidated...
...but walks out with a chuckle, so apparently he took the job.
Lee In Bok has presented Kim Sok Myeong with a list of the supplies and reinforcements to be delivered to Lee Seong Gye's army. Kim says it will take all of the shrine's construction budget to deliver them! Just do as you're told, Lee tells him.
Now Gongmin is before Noguk's portrait, explaining how SD and the entire court have forced a shutdown of the shrine construction. "Pyeonjo deceived me," he says almost apologetically. And then, "Someday...he will attempt to slay me." Seriously? He must really think so, because he breaks down crying.
Military headquarters, northeast region: A big banquet for the officers and some of the men. Finally the supplies have arrived and they're celebrating what must be the first really good meal in a long time. But in his office, Lee Seong Gye looks angry. Lee In Im is with him, and has just given him the news about being appointed grand commander. Don't worry, In Im assures him; I know nothing about the military; "I can just take good care of you." LSG laughs; he looks bitter but sounds like he'll accept this without causing any problems (at least not now).
"The reason Pyeonjo sent your brother there as Grand Commander is because he does not trust you." Choi Young tells Lee In Bok that the idea is to prevent LSG from claiming credit for the conquest, and of course he's right. "Lee Seong Gye would have used his accolades to march back to Gaegyeong."
Lee Chun Bu says pretty much the same thing to SD and compliments him on making a shrewd decision. Would it really have come to that? Would LSG really have done such a thing? SD doesn't disagree with him, so apparently he thinks it was at least a possibility.
Nighttime, back at the military headquarters: LSG addresses his army. We had to retreat after taking Mt. Yuluo, he shouts, "but this time, we won't give back a single inch of land we conquer!" And adds that the coming battle "is the only way to restore Commander Choi Young's reputation!" So he's still loyal to Choi. Shouts of "Long live Commander Choi Young!" Wow, maybe SD is exactly right about all this.
Ban Ya is in labor! Park Seobang's wife is tending to her, and a midwife is there too. Choseon rushes to her side...
Royal temple: Deokun is alerted to the impending birth by Auntie--hey, there's Auntie! Haven't seen her in a long time--and summoned to Choseon's. Why him?
The QD learns of it too. Wow word gets around fast, doesn't it. "That girl is giving birth?! I beg you...Bless us with a son!"
Unam Temple: "That is not my child!" And now Gongmin knows, for all the good it will do. He's furious and orders Eunuch Choi, "Head to Choseon's home immediately! Should she give birth to a boy, take him from her embrace, and throw him into the river!" Oh good heavens. Fortunately SD happens to be outside the temple and hears this. Gongmin rushes to Noguk's portrait and frantically begs forgiveness like a misbehaving little boy.
Now Lady Kim is being scolded by the QD for her reluctance. "If she gives birth, didn't I tell you to bring me the child immediately?!" Well she seems to think it will be just that easy. Maybe not, though.
Crying! Sounds like a healthy baby. Looks healthy too...and it's a boy! Choseon is thrilled; thinks the boy will be king someday. But all Ban Ya can do is regret the child being "fatherless."
Next morning: Lady Kim is sent from the palace complex in a small gama, to Choseon's home. Yep, she's going to try. She's brought some opulent cloth to wrap the child in. Goes and tells Choseon of the QD's order. Choseon is rather concerned about the QD's motives and intentions...and has heard about Gongmin's hostility towards the baby. But she thinks it looks just like Gongmin and so there isn't any doubt that it's his child and a legitimate heir. Funny, from the way they're talking it doesn't sound like Lady Kim is entirely on board with her boss on this....
Back at Unam Temple: Eunuch Choi updates Gongmin on the birth. Fortunately Gongmin has calmed down and seems more resigned to it all. "My mother knows already, so who can stop her now? Just do what she tells you. She shall take care of all this herself." And tends to feeding the portrait some breakfast. Weird, the sudden passive acceptance of it all.
Hyebi and some of the court ladies are offering their congratulations to a beaming QD. She thinks it will take a lot of the pressure off her son, that the scheming to be next in line to the throne won't happen now. But where is Lady Kim with the baby?
"What should I do?" Yep, Lady Kim does NOT want to do this. She's still with Choseon, who's waiting for some guidance about sending Ban Ya to the palace along with the baby. But no word of that. "We are forced to send His Highness alone." Lady Kim assures her that "She is the mother of His Highness, so she shall soon be summoned as well." Not at all sure how she can be so certain of that. But when Choseon goes outside, her servants tell her that Ban Ya has vanished!
Well now look at this: Won Hyeon and Deokun have disguised themselves as butchers and are hauling a cart loaded with animal hides. Auntie came with them and is walking beside the cart. Hiding in the cart, underneath the hides, are Ban Ya and the baby! The guards at the capital gate, nauseated by the stench of the hides, are only too happy to forego an inspection and wave the cart through.
Eventually they make it to the rural outskirts. Ban Ya is very thankful to them..."I cannot live a single day without this child," she tells them...and now we sort of understand it all. Of course everyone will be looking for her and the baby now, so Deokun will lead them to Gaetae Temple where they can seek refuge. He takes the baby himself while Auntie assists Ban Ya (who's still weakened from the delivery) as they resume their journey. Ban Ya turns back and offers a final bow of gratitude to Won Hyeon, who watches them leave with a tear in his eye. Well that's not like Won, is it. What a nice thing to do for her...and he did it so calmly.
"At least give him a name." SD has returned to Unam Temple to try to talk to Gongmin about the baby. No luck. "I told you that is not my child!"
A horrified SD follows Gongmin inside, and listens to Gongmin explain that what Noh did was something Noguk would never have approved of. SD just stands there in silence. What can he even say?
Well of course word of this absolutely flies around the palace and everybody's talking about it. Lots of debate about whether or not the king has gone nuts.
Back at the palace, finally SD speaks. Turn over the shrine construction to someone else, he says to Gongmin, and come back to the government and be the king again. He even offers to take it over himself. But Gongmin refuses. It would dishearten the queen to have anyone else do it, he says...especially someone who opposes it like you do! But then he starts to rethink that: "Then again, you liked her just as much as I did. And she thought the world of you." But then suddenly he starts questioning SD's motives, and the idea gets rejected. Gongmin stands up and heads for Unam Temple, leaving SD standing there looking bitter and utterly disheartened.
So what's the queen dowager going to do about the paternity question? "We must take him to the palace," she tells Princess Deoknyeong, speaking of the baby (and assuming it will be a boy). We won't get caught up in the gossip for now; we need an heir first and foremost.
There's Ban Ya. Looking very, very pregnant. About ready to pop!
Park Seobang's wife has gone to Choseon to talk about how Ban Ya might be able to give birth in the palace. They really want her to, especially with Gongmin denying paternity at the moment; otherwise the child may never be accepted. Tough problem, though; won't be easy to make that happen.
Won Hyeon is complaining to SD...actually, no warning him. Arguing that it's only a matter of time before Gongmin disposes of him (SD) now, just like he's disposed of everyone else he's butted heads with over the years. "All our efforts will be in vain!" But SD isn't worried; says their reform efforts have come too far and no matter what happens, the people are better off now...and in any event has too much faith on Gongmin to worry about that. But Won is insistent, warning him that "you will risk being used, and then face the kind of demise Jung Se Woon or Kim Yong went through."
The king has summoned Master Bou to Unam Temple. Bou is there now, offering prayers before Noguk's portrait as Gongmin watches from the side. Then starts chanting and tapping his wood block.
Now it's Lee Chun Bu before SD. Something about the Inspector General position, and Gongmin being upset by the very idea of it. Lee urges SD to take the position himself. It sounds very important: overseeing all of the provincial finances. But before we can figure out the details of this, SD shocks us: "I am planning to leave my post soon." Lee urges him to not even consider such a thing, especially with the king in his present state. "You must take heed of how public fervor is changing. Where would that tide point to now? His Majesty? Of course not. If you only wished, you could turn this situation upside down!" Wait, doesn't that sound sort of treasonous? Well Lee doesn't deny it. "Ever heard of this parable? Displacing a king might be treason, but displacing a country is a foundation!" But SD has no intention of even considering any such thing; says he'll gladly die for his king. Lee is fearless and persistent about this, though.
Still at the temple, now evening: "I was deceived." Gongmin is complaining to Master Bou about events in the north. We learn that Lee Seong Gye's army had great initial success in the north, moving against Liaodong...but then had to withdraw because "Pyeonjo cut their supplies!" And he's concluded that SD wants to move the capital not to aid the Liaodong campaign but to leave the royal family and government behind so he can consolidate power for himself! Am I crazy or do you agree?, he asks. Bou manages not to scoff at that and says he agrees with Pyeonjo that "building such an opulent shrine is a squandering endeavor." But Gongmin is growing paranoid. SD burned all of those slave records and now the people think he's some sort of living Buddha...so "The only thing left that we can use to recapture the people's hearts is Princess Noguk." And so we need the shrine, he believes. Please help me, he implores Bou. Oh, and with the shrine, "Buddhism's legacy shall be reborn." In other words, there's something in it for Bou as well. Ugh.
Bou leaves, having agreed only "to join the celebrations once the shrine is complete." Jihyo has been with him and seems to be trying to get him to act against SD (Jihyo has never really approved of him), but Bou refuses to get involved.
"You may act." Nighttime and Lee Chun Bu has just whispered those words to a dumbfounded Won Hyeon. "The Regent...His resolve is wavering." Uh-oh, what are those two cooking up?
SD is alone, in his darkened office, looking like the weight of the world is on him. Obviously he really is serious about leaving his position. But now he's recalls his promise to a dying Queen Noguk, which we see in flashback...and the memory of it seems to give him clarity and visible relief.
Next day, at the Council Hall: SD walks in and places a sword on Gongmin's throne. I guess the symbolic sword of authority that Gongmin gave him. Turns to the gathered high officials. "After conquering Mt. Yuluo, Chief Marshal Lee Seong Gye has withdrawn back to the Northeast Region. Who on earth gave him the order to retreat?" Oh, so SD didn't give any such order! Says he checked with Gongmin and Gongmin didn't do it either. Lee Chun Bu speaks up and says he spoke with LSG and that the army was forced to retreat because of inadequate supplies. We do learn that a shipment of supplies went to them just a few weeks ago, but apparently it wasn't sufficient. Which suddenly launches into a big argument about the shrine's construction. Then Lee In Bok speaks. Says he agrees with halting the shrine until Liaodong is conquered...but also wants the capital move halted as well. Doesn't buy the idea that it's necessary to aid the conquest and adds that it "would be even more cumbersome than funding the shrine!" Turns to SD and puts him on the spot about both. It's an instant-silence, stop and stare moment for all of the officials. After a tense pause, SD announces, "We shall hereby defer the capital move to a later date, form a strong consensus,
and all request the suspension of this shrine's construction." Sounds more political than decisive, but really it's the right approach at the moment.
Another visit by Gongmin to the shrine's construction site. Still looks pretty ragged, frankly...and wait a minute: nobody's here! No workers! Not a soul to be found working on the construction. Of course Gongmin goes bonkers and heads straight for the palace. "Summon Pyeonjo!", he screams as he dismounts his horse and heads inside; "I shall get it over with once and for all!" Ah, but no need...
...because as he enters his office, SD is already there waiting. And immediately owns up to being the one to stop the construction. Kneels and offers Gongmin the ceremonial sword. "You bestowed this sword upon me so that I could slay anyone defying your wishes." And he bows to the ground so that Gongmin can kill him. Gongmin takes the sword, backswings..and struggles mightily...and then starts swinging wildly above SD's head. But he can't bring himself to go any lower. Soon he stops swinging, and falls into a heap on the floor, wailing and crying like a completely broken man. Utterly, completely broken. Begging SD to try to understand his pain. It's absolutely pathetic. SD starts to try to talk him past it all, gently but firmly. "How could it get to this point, Sire?" You were the one who committed us to strengthening the country to resist outside influences. Remember everything you went through for so long in Yanjing? "Where did the grieving tears you and Her Majesty shed every night go, thinking of our people's piteous fate? And why are you wailing like a child in this lowly servant's presence?" She would never want to see you like this. Go ahead and kill me right now, he says, and then lead the charge to reclaim Liaodong! "Was not this what Princess Noguk wished for?!" Well it seems to be working...or at least reaching him. His eyes are going back and forth like the gears are turning in his head and he's trying to make sense out of it all...Wait, definitely NOT working because he suddenly stands up, turns the sword towards himself and tries to take his own life! "I do not deserve to live! Only my death will save this country!" Eunuch Choi lunges at him and manages to pin his arms; ultimately it takes four eunuchs to wrestle the sword away from him as he desperately tries to plunge the sword into his own midsection. All he can do is fall to the ground in an exhausted, moaning heap.
SD leaves the building and finds Lee In Bok standing outside. Lee heard the whole thing, and is stunned that SD would actually offer his own life to support Gongmin. He looks a little humbled, like he suspected SD of too much self-ambition and now realizes he was wrong. SD tells him that of course, after so many reforms have been accomplished and after "I achieved more than I could dream of because of His Majesty," even my own life would not fully repay that. Lee nods and says he'll arrange for additional supplies and some reinforcements to be sent to Lee Seong Gye in the north. So it was him, apparently; he was the one who caused the trouble. Doesn't admit it, and SD doesn't challenge him on it; he simply thanks him.
"Grand Commander of the Northwest Region?!" A stunned Lee In Im is told by SD that he's getting a promotion. A surprising choice...or maybe not, since he's Lee In Bok's brother. Either way, SD has concern about keeping the military under control (understandable) and says that "all the merits of our conquering Liaodong would be bestowed upon our Grand Commander." Rather than on someone in the military, that is. Lee seems a little intimidated...
...but walks out with a chuckle, so apparently he took the job.
Lee In Bok has presented Kim Sok Myeong with a list of the supplies and reinforcements to be delivered to Lee Seong Gye's army. Kim says it will take all of the shrine's construction budget to deliver them! Just do as you're told, Lee tells him.
Now Gongmin is before Noguk's portrait, explaining how SD and the entire court have forced a shutdown of the shrine construction. "Pyeonjo deceived me," he says almost apologetically. And then, "Someday...he will attempt to slay me." Seriously? He must really think so, because he breaks down crying.
Military headquarters, northeast region: A big banquet for the officers and some of the men. Finally the supplies have arrived and they're celebrating what must be the first really good meal in a long time. But in his office, Lee Seong Gye looks angry. Lee In Im is with him, and has just given him the news about being appointed grand commander. Don't worry, In Im assures him; I know nothing about the military; "I can just take good care of you." LSG laughs; he looks bitter but sounds like he'll accept this without causing any problems (at least not now).
"The reason Pyeonjo sent your brother there as Grand Commander is because he does not trust you." Choi Young tells Lee In Bok that the idea is to prevent LSG from claiming credit for the conquest, and of course he's right. "Lee Seong Gye would have used his accolades to march back to Gaegyeong."
Lee Chun Bu says pretty much the same thing to SD and compliments him on making a shrewd decision. Would it really have come to that? Would LSG really have done such a thing? SD doesn't disagree with him, so apparently he thinks it was at least a possibility.
Nighttime, back at the military headquarters: LSG addresses his army. We had to retreat after taking Mt. Yuluo, he shouts, "but this time, we won't give back a single inch of land we conquer!" And adds that the coming battle "is the only way to restore Commander Choi Young's reputation!" So he's still loyal to Choi. Shouts of "Long live Commander Choi Young!" Wow, maybe SD is exactly right about all this.
Ban Ya is in labor! Park Seobang's wife is tending to her, and a midwife is there too. Choseon rushes to her side...
Royal temple: Deokun is alerted to the impending birth by Auntie--hey, there's Auntie! Haven't seen her in a long time--and summoned to Choseon's. Why him?
The QD learns of it too. Wow word gets around fast, doesn't it. "That girl is giving birth?! I beg you...Bless us with a son!"
Unam Temple: "That is not my child!" And now Gongmin knows, for all the good it will do. He's furious and orders Eunuch Choi, "Head to Choseon's home immediately! Should she give birth to a boy, take him from her embrace, and throw him into the river!" Oh good heavens. Fortunately SD happens to be outside the temple and hears this. Gongmin rushes to Noguk's portrait and frantically begs forgiveness like a misbehaving little boy.
Now Lady Kim is being scolded by the QD for her reluctance. "If she gives birth, didn't I tell you to bring me the child immediately?!" Well she seems to think it will be just that easy. Maybe not, though.
Crying! Sounds like a healthy baby. Looks healthy too...and it's a boy! Choseon is thrilled; thinks the boy will be king someday. But all Ban Ya can do is regret the child being "fatherless."
Next morning: Lady Kim is sent from the palace complex in a small gama, to Choseon's home. Yep, she's going to try. She's brought some opulent cloth to wrap the child in. Goes and tells Choseon of the QD's order. Choseon is rather concerned about the QD's motives and intentions...and has heard about Gongmin's hostility towards the baby. But she thinks it looks just like Gongmin and so there isn't any doubt that it's his child and a legitimate heir. Funny, from the way they're talking it doesn't sound like Lady Kim is entirely on board with her boss on this....
Back at Unam Temple: Eunuch Choi updates Gongmin on the birth. Fortunately Gongmin has calmed down and seems more resigned to it all. "My mother knows already, so who can stop her now? Just do what she tells you. She shall take care of all this herself." And tends to feeding the portrait some breakfast. Weird, the sudden passive acceptance of it all.
Hyebi and some of the court ladies are offering their congratulations to a beaming QD. She thinks it will take a lot of the pressure off her son, that the scheming to be next in line to the throne won't happen now. But where is Lady Kim with the baby?
"What should I do?" Yep, Lady Kim does NOT want to do this. She's still with Choseon, who's waiting for some guidance about sending Ban Ya to the palace along with the baby. But no word of that. "We are forced to send His Highness alone." Lady Kim assures her that "She is the mother of His Highness, so she shall soon be summoned as well." Not at all sure how she can be so certain of that. But when Choseon goes outside, her servants tell her that Ban Ya has vanished!
Well now look at this: Won Hyeon and Deokun have disguised themselves as butchers and are hauling a cart loaded with animal hides. Auntie came with them and is walking beside the cart. Hiding in the cart, underneath the hides, are Ban Ya and the baby! The guards at the capital gate, nauseated by the stench of the hides, are only too happy to forego an inspection and wave the cart through.
Eventually they make it to the rural outskirts. Ban Ya is very thankful to them..."I cannot live a single day without this child," she tells them...and now we sort of understand it all. Of course everyone will be looking for her and the baby now, so Deokun will lead them to Gaetae Temple where they can seek refuge. He takes the baby himself while Auntie assists Ban Ya (who's still weakened from the delivery) as they resume their journey. Ban Ya turns back and offers a final bow of gratitude to Won Hyeon, who watches them leave with a tear in his eye. Well that's not like Won, is it. What a nice thing to do for her...and he did it so calmly.
"At least give him a name." SD has returned to Unam Temple to try to talk to Gongmin about the baby. No luck. "I told you that is not my child!"