Post by ajk on Jan 27, 2020 3:11:42 GMT -5
“I am not afraid of losing my life, but this could bring bloodshed in all of Song-ak and Shinchun.” This was the only weak point, and it’s a continuing weakness that we don’t need to rehash. I really would like to believe him but this whole thing just hasn’t been set up adequately to the point where you buy into it. Having to give up his woman to fulfill his destiny, nobody’s explained why and it feels like this whole situation has been forced upon us...
...but they certainly are making the most of it now that it’s happened. “His majesty has chosen me, but I will not go. No one can break our ties.” She sure must love him a ton to still hold out hope after the way he’s handled it. Or is she just clinging to the idea of anything else besides what's coming?
The first of two narrated texts:
A.D. 898, February, Year 3231 Tangun Era...Goongyae transfers his state capital from Chulwon to Song-ak. He eventually moves the capital back to Chulwon for a reason that still remains unknown. Whatever the reason, one thing is clear—that his decision to move the capital to Song-ak was a mistake from the start. What was Goongyae’s mistake? We will set that question aside and follow him to Song-ak for now.Jongkahn: “Your majesty, this is your imperial palace.” Well what did he think it was, the gas station restroom? Come on Jongkahn, don’t talk to him like he’s an idiot. But that aside, they did a very nice job with the procession and the clothes and the ceremony—it all looked great and really hammered home that Goongyae is The Man now.
Anybody know about those giant earrings he was wearing? I’m assuming they’re historically accurate.
The second text:
Goongyae had established a temporary ruling structure in Chulwon, but as he moved his state capital to Song-ak he instituted a more refined system of ruling power. The components are as follows: Legislative body and Supreme Council, Ministry of Military, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Rites, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Legal Affairs, Ministry of Royal Treasury, and Ministry of Construction which covered all administrative matters. Unfortunately records do not remain the names of officials who headed the new ministries as this was a fledgling country still in a state of war. Jongkahn remained without an official position and was simply called The Advisor for his unofficial role as an advisor to Goongyae.
Ministry of Construction – that’s a new one; haven’t encountered that before, at least not in the sense of the top agency. Sounds more like a censorate that reviews and oversees things.
Mihyang to Bok Jikyum: “You are the only one who has not forgotten about me.” Bok is so principled and he’s starting to get caught in a tough situation. These are two of the most interesting characters right now.
“Don’t take offense. Warriors dictate the world in times of turbulence.” Did that really come out of Park Sulhee’s mouth? A good piece of insight from a goofball...or maybe he’s not such a goofball after all.
Shin Seungkyum: “Isn’t it odd? Advisor Jongkahn appointed Master Guhn as the foreman of the wedding committee knowing that he is engaged to Lady Yunhwa.” THANK you sir—yes that is a real puzzler. I mean, if Jongkahn sees WG as a threat then the thing to do is marginalize him, isn’t it? Not tie him up more in the king’s business. Plus won’t this just be seen as rubbing salt in a wound and stir up sympathy for him?
Yu Geumpil: “There is something about that man Jongkahn. He is as cold as a snake. I’m sure [the king] is unaware of the engagement. Jongkahn controls everything in the middle.” Another solid piece of analysis from someone you don’t expect. Jongkahn must have his reasons and no doubt we’ll hear the explanation eventually, but it had better be a doozy. This was an effective scene with those three. If they can see through what’s happening, then who else can?
“This is not the Tang Empire and we are still at war. Make it modest. Not all things that are big and fancy are good. We must put the public first.” It was a relief to hear that from Goongyae. Shows us he’s still grounded, even after getting the palace and the ceremony and the man-earrings.
“The child has been incarcerated.” Well THERE’S a piece of news. We had no idea of what had happened to Mihyang’s baby. Maybe saving this for a big reveal down the road?
I loved how Kyun Hwon told the messenger That’s your problem, go away and we’ll think about it. Funny stuff. And then Neung Hwan sees right through what’s happening, another character shows a smart piece of deduction. And then KH: “That monk Goongyae is quite a man to be wedded twice.” HA! And they all laughed except KH’s wife—and her nauseous face was even funnier.
The panning-up shot from the water to WG’s group crossing that river bridge, what a nice piece of directing! Very clever; gorgeous moment. So many of these nice little touches throughout the series so far.
“What wretched fate-—He gave up his castle, then spent his entire fortune building the palace, and now he’s giving away his bride.” GREAT moment. Hearing it from common everyday people, now you really seriously wonder what Jongkahn was thinking. Seems like a major blunder. Perfect example of how valuable these kinds of real-people scenes can be.
“So it is Lord Wang who brings me the royal dowry. What an important task you’ve undertaken, Sire. I am thoroughly impressed.” Wow you don’t get a lot of bitter sarcasm in these historicals and she sure wouldn’t have been one to expect it from. But the walls are closing in on her and we’ve watched her getting more and more frustrated by it, so it’s totally believable. The two females are being written very well so far. And so are many of the other characters. This is the kind of episode that makes you excited to keep watching.