Post by ajk on Apr 30, 2008 14:45:03 GMT -5
Morning, at the royal ancestral shrine: The entire royal family is gathered. A ceremonial rite is to be performed, but everyone is on pins and needles because the king is to rename the heir apparent. The queen realizes that the crown prince isn't there and orders that he be sent for.
Flashback to the previous night: Choongnyeong is before his father. The king asks him, "Do you want to be the crown prince?" The question boggles the prince; his eyes bounce around like lottery balls. "Does silence mean yes?"....
Ministers Park, Jo and Shim are talking, discussing the possibility of assembling a private army to protect Choongnyeong.
Separately, prime minister Ha, the two Mins, and Yi Sookbun are meeting; the king has been spending much time with Hyobin recently, they observe, so maybe Yi could shift the king in their favor.
Back at the shrine, Taejong says that he wants the new heir apparent to conduct the memorial rite. Then he turns to his brother Jeongjong and asks, "What would you do if you were in my shoes?" "I would abide by the law," he answers. "In the royal house, there is an order of succession." Taejong stands to begin the ceremony, walks towards where the princes are standing...and just at that moment Yangnyeong walks in and bows to his father, apologizing for being late. Do you know the purpose of the rite?, the king asks. Yes, says his son. "Then you know what is expected of you."...Flashback to the previous night. Taejong tells his son that he'll be expected to confess his transgressions before his ancestors. He refuses. So an attendant hands him a scroll to read; it's a prepared statement of confession. Yangnyeong is dumbfounded that he'd have to read the scroll like a "parrot." The king tells him he must read it or else lose his position...Flashback ending, Yangnyeong takes the scroll that's handed to him...
Flashback to the previous night; the king tells minister Hwang to compose a royal decree, and have two separate decrees ready. (I gathered from subsequent scenes that one is to rename Yangnyeong as heir apparent and the other is to name a different prince.)
...and he throws the scroll into a fire. The king watches him and says, "You leave me no choice but to forsake you." Yangnyeong responds, "I said I would not be a parrot." Then from inside his sleeve the crown prince pulls out his own scroll. (Note: I'm not clear on what happened here. Did the prince simply prepare his own version of what the king wanted him to say? Or was there some point to be made by throwing the king's scroll into the fire? Or maybe it was something else; I just don't know.)
The royal family gathers inside the shrine. In front of them, Yangnyeong kneels, opens the scroll, and begins to read aloud: "I, great grandson crown prince Yi Jae, declare to my royal ancestors..." He pauses, trembling, but continues: "I have forgotten humility and caused great confusion in the state by violating laws and traditions. What's more, I have hurt my father by repeatedly defying him, and brought shame upon my ancestors by doing so. How could I ever undo the wrongs I have done? I will work my hands to the bone until the day that I die in service of this country to pay for my transgression." Reading this is a terrible internal struggle for the prince; he's tearing up with humiliation and trembling with anger at the same time. But he gets through it.
Back outside, the king begins to speak: "A king less kingly than a king who misrules is a king who cannot reflect on his own mistakes. Crown prince Yi Jae has confessed his mistakes before the royal ancestors and displayed courage to face punishment, thereby proving himself worthy of the throne. At last today, Joeson has reclaimed its crown prince!" Among everyone standing silently you can see the collective sigh of relief.
PM Ha and other ministers talk as they leave the shrine. The others are relieved, but Ha says that nobody can relax; by having to reinstall a crown prince who's already installed, it only shows that the king has concerns about the crown prince's competence.
Outside, Yangnyeong is standing with Hyoryeong and Choongnyeong. He asks Hyoryeong, "How can I win. How can I break the king?" Hyoryeong is stunned. Choongnyeong tells his brother not to even consider such a thing, but Yangnyeong first snubs his brother and then challenges him to help him. They begin to argue, with Yangnyeong questioning his brother's intentions. "I just don't like your kind," he says. "The kind that always looks calm and innocent" and proclaims selfless, noble intentions. "You don't have any ambitions?" Choongnyeong fires back, "You want to break the king, but you're doing exactly what he does. You make threats and you test people. For as long as you behave this way, you will never defeat the king. And if you're trying to test me, I refuse to answer your question. I'm not a thirteen-year-old child any more." And he storms away. It was an ugly exchange.
The two separate groups of ministers walk into the same hallway and encounter each other. Ha asks Park, "You don't look content. Is something worrying you?" Park answers that he shouldn't be looking happy; "We're getting paid to worry about the state." Amused by the clever answer, Ha says, Then I'd better find a way to calm your worries "or you and the others might become absolutely miserable." And he and his group walk away. A suspicious Park tells his group that he believes Ha wants to get his hands on the new Ministry of Slavery Reparations.
Choongnyeong is with the king, who's awkwardly plucking a stringed instrument called a geomungo (a kind of large zither). He gives it to Choongnyeong. Practice it, he tells him, and when you're good at it, "play a tune for me". Clearly there's an underlying message there--but what is it?
Yangnyeong is outside, alone, practicing his sword skills...Flashback to the scene in EP5 where he and Choongnyeong are holding swords together and Choongnyeong asks him to be more like a brother...Flashback ending, Yangnyeong drops the sword.
Ha, the Mins and Sookbun are meeting. First they discuss the possibility of getting Choongnyeong banished, but Ha squashes that idea as ridiculously dangerous to try. Get our hands on the Office of Slavery Reparations, Ha says; that's how we'll get rid of Choongnyeong.
Evening: Ha and Hwang are together before the king. They tell him that Shim On is unsuitable to head the new office, because he's needed at the ministry of rites. The king agrees, and says let's find a different candidate. The ministers are pleased. (Kind of a surprise to see Hwang in on this.)
Shim On is drinking; Yun Hwe is attending to him. "Was I being overambitious?", he asks. He's never been rejected like this before. But maybe I've been too cautious, he wonders. "I wanted to make this world just little bit better and allow my young son-in-law to pursue his grand dream. But I might have driven him to his doom." This is too much for Yun; he suddenly grabs the wine bottle and starts chugging the contents.
Still that evening: Choongnyeong is with Yi Su and is examining the geomungo. "What could my father be telling me by giving it to me?", he wonders. "Enjoy art and music and live the life of a hedonist? That can't be it." The geomungo is a meditation tool for learned men, he observes; my father must be telling me to continue to become smarter and wiser.
Yun Hwe barges in on Hwang. Hwang observes that Yun is drunk; Yun denies it and then topples over and falls down. Getting up, he starts yelling at Hwang: "Don't pretend like you're working. Don't act like a noble patriot when you're the first one working to get the crown prince's favor...I can understand the others being fickle in a time like this, but not you. You're better than that. That's how you got away alive from Dumondong." Other councilors come in and drag Yun away, but he continues on screaming at Hwang: "You're all dogs fighting over a bone! This is not politics! This is a dogfight!" From Hwang's face, the words have not been without impact.
Outside, Choongnyeong and Yi Su hear a commotion and find Yun, who came to see the prince. He babbles on about the situation and says he wants to protect Choongnyeong "even if I have to give up my own life!" The prince can do little but smile at him.
Minister Byun is with Hwang. Byun, not one to go against the status quo, tells Hwang that even he is surprised at Hwang's action! Hwang snaps back, "Personnel selection is choosing the best man for the job, not a tool to be used in a fight."
PM Ha is visiting Yi Sookbun. They're eating and drinking. Ha offers Yi the head position of the new reparations office. Called out of the room, Yi is asked to see prince Kyoungnyeong, who's there waiting for him....
The next morning: The king and ministers are meeting. The issue of heading the reparations office is raised. Ha nominates Yi Sookbun. Good choice, the king says. But Park argues that it's impudent to remove a defense minister at this crucial time when the artillery army is being formed. The king agrees with this and decides to let Shim On have the office after all.
Later, outside, the king is with Park. He tells him, "I'm giving you the sword. But the sword must only be used to strengthen my authority. if you attempt to use the sword for your personal gain, be very clear that the sword will strike you first." Ha happens to come around a corner and from a distance sees the two having the conversation. He goes inside, sits down alone and stares ahead, looking like he sees a future that excludes him.
Hyobin, Kyoungnyeong and Yi Sookbun are meeting, trying to discern the king's intentions. They still believe that Yi is going to be given the reparations position.
The queen is with escort Han. She says, "I guess he's going to put the two brothers in a fight again." Han volunteers, "Then your highness, perhaps you can find a detour." She thinks about this....
The queen goes to see the crown princess, who's all dressed up. "Where were you about to go dressed in that manner?" she asks. The princess replies, I was on her way to see you; you had sent for me....
Princess Shim and Princess Jeong, both dressed up to meet the queen, are in a weaving room waiting for her. She enters with the crown princess. The queen scolds them for wearing so many ornaments and dressing so lavishly; it's not the right message to send to the people in this time of austerity. But then, "not everyone is fit to be a mother of the state." The crown princess is standing there; she's changed clothes and is dressed plainly! This was a setup to embarrass the other two princesses (although it seemed kind of weak). They sit at looms and begin to weave silk. Eventually the queen notices that Princess Shim is particularly adept. "You have able hands," she observes. Then, "It would help us all if you'd use your able hands to help restrain your husband." But the princess has only reassuring words for the queen. "A servant is to take pleasure from work and return glory to the king." This is one of Choongnyeong's guiding principles, she tells her, "so please don't be overly concerned." The queen smiles, happy with the answer.
Han Younglo is before minister Park and is complaining that he feels improperly compensated for his role in exposing the rebellion. Park angrily tells him to leave. In the hall, Han encounters PM Ha, who smiles at him.
Han is back home, with a despondent Daion. He's unhappy and she can tell. "I guess the royal court is treating you like chopped liver." She's almost glad to see him unhappy; she still hates him for setting up Jang Youngsil to get killed. He tells her that marriage brokers will be coming tomorrow, so you better shape up. You're just trying to use me to gain power, she charges (apparently correctly). He tells her to cooperate or he'll hurt Youngsil's mother; she's the servant who's there with them. Later, alone in her room, she discovers an elaborate hairpin left for her. It matches one that Youngsil had made for her previously. So Youngsil is alive! She's ecstatic.
Hyoryeong is with ex-king Jeongjong. You must be pleased, he tells him; if I had become crown prince, your days would have been much lonelier than they are now! Jeongjong laughs. Hyoryeong suggests holding a Buddhist service (I think a service of thanks; I didn't catch the reason).
Park is summoned to see the king. The king says, "I called you to tell you who your first target is." Park looks at the king, surprised.
The next day: Soldiers are at Jeongjong's palace, beating up the Buddhist monks who have gathered. Jeongjong and Hyoryeong come upon the scene and react with disbelief. They see minister Park in the middle of it all and ask what is going on. It's the king's order, Park tells them. "He ordered me to protect the elder of the royal house from guileful monks." This is a Confucian state, not a Buddhist one, Park reminds them. "I respectfully ask you for more prudent conduct, your highness." Jeongjong seethes.
Ok Hwan and Foreman Jeon are talking; they observe that the successor issue is now calm. Jeon suggests, "I don't think it would hurt us to shake it up again."
Ok goes to visit Jeongjong, who's indisposed; he's literally become sick from rage. I'd like to help you get better, Ok offers. "Isn't retribution the only way to relieve such a malady?" Jeongjong looks at him with surprise.
The next day, outside at Jeongjong's palace: Yangnyeong is there; escort Chogungjang finds him. Can I speak to you alone, she asks. He refuses, but she says, "I don't want to make problems for you by making a scene." So they go behind a closed door into a side area. What do you want, he asks. "Aren't you going to ask me how I am first?" Then, "You haven't answered any of my letters." Why not? He answers, "It's no fun when a wench gets clingy." Grabbing and holding his hand, she says, "It's okay if you don't come to see me; just tell me I'm in your heart." She keeps touching him and pressing his hand to her heart, and then starts hugging him. Suddenly we hear, "What is the meaning of this?" Jeongjong is standing there, with the other princes behind him.
Flashback to the previous night: Choongnyeong is before his father. The king asks him, "Do you want to be the crown prince?" The question boggles the prince; his eyes bounce around like lottery balls. "Does silence mean yes?"....
Ministers Park, Jo and Shim are talking, discussing the possibility of assembling a private army to protect Choongnyeong.
Separately, prime minister Ha, the two Mins, and Yi Sookbun are meeting; the king has been spending much time with Hyobin recently, they observe, so maybe Yi could shift the king in their favor.
Back at the shrine, Taejong says that he wants the new heir apparent to conduct the memorial rite. Then he turns to his brother Jeongjong and asks, "What would you do if you were in my shoes?" "I would abide by the law," he answers. "In the royal house, there is an order of succession." Taejong stands to begin the ceremony, walks towards where the princes are standing...and just at that moment Yangnyeong walks in and bows to his father, apologizing for being late. Do you know the purpose of the rite?, the king asks. Yes, says his son. "Then you know what is expected of you."...Flashback to the previous night. Taejong tells his son that he'll be expected to confess his transgressions before his ancestors. He refuses. So an attendant hands him a scroll to read; it's a prepared statement of confession. Yangnyeong is dumbfounded that he'd have to read the scroll like a "parrot." The king tells him he must read it or else lose his position...Flashback ending, Yangnyeong takes the scroll that's handed to him...
Flashback to the previous night; the king tells minister Hwang to compose a royal decree, and have two separate decrees ready. (I gathered from subsequent scenes that one is to rename Yangnyeong as heir apparent and the other is to name a different prince.)
...and he throws the scroll into a fire. The king watches him and says, "You leave me no choice but to forsake you." Yangnyeong responds, "I said I would not be a parrot." Then from inside his sleeve the crown prince pulls out his own scroll. (Note: I'm not clear on what happened here. Did the prince simply prepare his own version of what the king wanted him to say? Or was there some point to be made by throwing the king's scroll into the fire? Or maybe it was something else; I just don't know.)
The royal family gathers inside the shrine. In front of them, Yangnyeong kneels, opens the scroll, and begins to read aloud: "I, great grandson crown prince Yi Jae, declare to my royal ancestors..." He pauses, trembling, but continues: "I have forgotten humility and caused great confusion in the state by violating laws and traditions. What's more, I have hurt my father by repeatedly defying him, and brought shame upon my ancestors by doing so. How could I ever undo the wrongs I have done? I will work my hands to the bone until the day that I die in service of this country to pay for my transgression." Reading this is a terrible internal struggle for the prince; he's tearing up with humiliation and trembling with anger at the same time. But he gets through it.
Back outside, the king begins to speak: "A king less kingly than a king who misrules is a king who cannot reflect on his own mistakes. Crown prince Yi Jae has confessed his mistakes before the royal ancestors and displayed courage to face punishment, thereby proving himself worthy of the throne. At last today, Joeson has reclaimed its crown prince!" Among everyone standing silently you can see the collective sigh of relief.
PM Ha and other ministers talk as they leave the shrine. The others are relieved, but Ha says that nobody can relax; by having to reinstall a crown prince who's already installed, it only shows that the king has concerns about the crown prince's competence.
Outside, Yangnyeong is standing with Hyoryeong and Choongnyeong. He asks Hyoryeong, "How can I win. How can I break the king?" Hyoryeong is stunned. Choongnyeong tells his brother not to even consider such a thing, but Yangnyeong first snubs his brother and then challenges him to help him. They begin to argue, with Yangnyeong questioning his brother's intentions. "I just don't like your kind," he says. "The kind that always looks calm and innocent" and proclaims selfless, noble intentions. "You don't have any ambitions?" Choongnyeong fires back, "You want to break the king, but you're doing exactly what he does. You make threats and you test people. For as long as you behave this way, you will never defeat the king. And if you're trying to test me, I refuse to answer your question. I'm not a thirteen-year-old child any more." And he storms away. It was an ugly exchange.
The two separate groups of ministers walk into the same hallway and encounter each other. Ha asks Park, "You don't look content. Is something worrying you?" Park answers that he shouldn't be looking happy; "We're getting paid to worry about the state." Amused by the clever answer, Ha says, Then I'd better find a way to calm your worries "or you and the others might become absolutely miserable." And he and his group walk away. A suspicious Park tells his group that he believes Ha wants to get his hands on the new Ministry of Slavery Reparations.
Choongnyeong is with the king, who's awkwardly plucking a stringed instrument called a geomungo (a kind of large zither). He gives it to Choongnyeong. Practice it, he tells him, and when you're good at it, "play a tune for me". Clearly there's an underlying message there--but what is it?
Yangnyeong is outside, alone, practicing his sword skills...Flashback to the scene in EP5 where he and Choongnyeong are holding swords together and Choongnyeong asks him to be more like a brother...Flashback ending, Yangnyeong drops the sword.
Ha, the Mins and Sookbun are meeting. First they discuss the possibility of getting Choongnyeong banished, but Ha squashes that idea as ridiculously dangerous to try. Get our hands on the Office of Slavery Reparations, Ha says; that's how we'll get rid of Choongnyeong.
Evening: Ha and Hwang are together before the king. They tell him that Shim On is unsuitable to head the new office, because he's needed at the ministry of rites. The king agrees, and says let's find a different candidate. The ministers are pleased. (Kind of a surprise to see Hwang in on this.)
Shim On is drinking; Yun Hwe is attending to him. "Was I being overambitious?", he asks. He's never been rejected like this before. But maybe I've been too cautious, he wonders. "I wanted to make this world just little bit better and allow my young son-in-law to pursue his grand dream. But I might have driven him to his doom." This is too much for Yun; he suddenly grabs the wine bottle and starts chugging the contents.
Still that evening: Choongnyeong is with Yi Su and is examining the geomungo. "What could my father be telling me by giving it to me?", he wonders. "Enjoy art and music and live the life of a hedonist? That can't be it." The geomungo is a meditation tool for learned men, he observes; my father must be telling me to continue to become smarter and wiser.
Yun Hwe barges in on Hwang. Hwang observes that Yun is drunk; Yun denies it and then topples over and falls down. Getting up, he starts yelling at Hwang: "Don't pretend like you're working. Don't act like a noble patriot when you're the first one working to get the crown prince's favor...I can understand the others being fickle in a time like this, but not you. You're better than that. That's how you got away alive from Dumondong." Other councilors come in and drag Yun away, but he continues on screaming at Hwang: "You're all dogs fighting over a bone! This is not politics! This is a dogfight!" From Hwang's face, the words have not been without impact.
Outside, Choongnyeong and Yi Su hear a commotion and find Yun, who came to see the prince. He babbles on about the situation and says he wants to protect Choongnyeong "even if I have to give up my own life!" The prince can do little but smile at him.
Minister Byun is with Hwang. Byun, not one to go against the status quo, tells Hwang that even he is surprised at Hwang's action! Hwang snaps back, "Personnel selection is choosing the best man for the job, not a tool to be used in a fight."
PM Ha is visiting Yi Sookbun. They're eating and drinking. Ha offers Yi the head position of the new reparations office. Called out of the room, Yi is asked to see prince Kyoungnyeong, who's there waiting for him....
The next morning: The king and ministers are meeting. The issue of heading the reparations office is raised. Ha nominates Yi Sookbun. Good choice, the king says. But Park argues that it's impudent to remove a defense minister at this crucial time when the artillery army is being formed. The king agrees with this and decides to let Shim On have the office after all.
Later, outside, the king is with Park. He tells him, "I'm giving you the sword. But the sword must only be used to strengthen my authority. if you attempt to use the sword for your personal gain, be very clear that the sword will strike you first." Ha happens to come around a corner and from a distance sees the two having the conversation. He goes inside, sits down alone and stares ahead, looking like he sees a future that excludes him.
Hyobin, Kyoungnyeong and Yi Sookbun are meeting, trying to discern the king's intentions. They still believe that Yi is going to be given the reparations position.
The queen is with escort Han. She says, "I guess he's going to put the two brothers in a fight again." Han volunteers, "Then your highness, perhaps you can find a detour." She thinks about this....
The queen goes to see the crown princess, who's all dressed up. "Where were you about to go dressed in that manner?" she asks. The princess replies, I was on her way to see you; you had sent for me....
Princess Shim and Princess Jeong, both dressed up to meet the queen, are in a weaving room waiting for her. She enters with the crown princess. The queen scolds them for wearing so many ornaments and dressing so lavishly; it's not the right message to send to the people in this time of austerity. But then, "not everyone is fit to be a mother of the state." The crown princess is standing there; she's changed clothes and is dressed plainly! This was a setup to embarrass the other two princesses (although it seemed kind of weak). They sit at looms and begin to weave silk. Eventually the queen notices that Princess Shim is particularly adept. "You have able hands," she observes. Then, "It would help us all if you'd use your able hands to help restrain your husband." But the princess has only reassuring words for the queen. "A servant is to take pleasure from work and return glory to the king." This is one of Choongnyeong's guiding principles, she tells her, "so please don't be overly concerned." The queen smiles, happy with the answer.
Han Younglo is before minister Park and is complaining that he feels improperly compensated for his role in exposing the rebellion. Park angrily tells him to leave. In the hall, Han encounters PM Ha, who smiles at him.
Han is back home, with a despondent Daion. He's unhappy and she can tell. "I guess the royal court is treating you like chopped liver." She's almost glad to see him unhappy; she still hates him for setting up Jang Youngsil to get killed. He tells her that marriage brokers will be coming tomorrow, so you better shape up. You're just trying to use me to gain power, she charges (apparently correctly). He tells her to cooperate or he'll hurt Youngsil's mother; she's the servant who's there with them. Later, alone in her room, she discovers an elaborate hairpin left for her. It matches one that Youngsil had made for her previously. So Youngsil is alive! She's ecstatic.
Hyoryeong is with ex-king Jeongjong. You must be pleased, he tells him; if I had become crown prince, your days would have been much lonelier than they are now! Jeongjong laughs. Hyoryeong suggests holding a Buddhist service (I think a service of thanks; I didn't catch the reason).
Park is summoned to see the king. The king says, "I called you to tell you who your first target is." Park looks at the king, surprised.
The next day: Soldiers are at Jeongjong's palace, beating up the Buddhist monks who have gathered. Jeongjong and Hyoryeong come upon the scene and react with disbelief. They see minister Park in the middle of it all and ask what is going on. It's the king's order, Park tells them. "He ordered me to protect the elder of the royal house from guileful monks." This is a Confucian state, not a Buddhist one, Park reminds them. "I respectfully ask you for more prudent conduct, your highness." Jeongjong seethes.
Ok Hwan and Foreman Jeon are talking; they observe that the successor issue is now calm. Jeon suggests, "I don't think it would hurt us to shake it up again."
Ok goes to visit Jeongjong, who's indisposed; he's literally become sick from rage. I'd like to help you get better, Ok offers. "Isn't retribution the only way to relieve such a malady?" Jeongjong looks at him with surprise.
The next day, outside at Jeongjong's palace: Yangnyeong is there; escort Chogungjang finds him. Can I speak to you alone, she asks. He refuses, but she says, "I don't want to make problems for you by making a scene." So they go behind a closed door into a side area. What do you want, he asks. "Aren't you going to ask me how I am first?" Then, "You haven't answered any of my letters." Why not? He answers, "It's no fun when a wench gets clingy." Grabbing and holding his hand, she says, "It's okay if you don't come to see me; just tell me I'm in your heart." She keeps touching him and pressing his hand to her heart, and then starts hugging him. Suddenly we hear, "What is the meaning of this?" Jeongjong is standing there, with the other princes behind him.