Post by ajk on Sept 3, 2008 14:58:14 GMT -5
Flash forward two years. It's 1422, the fourth year of Sejong's reign. At the archery grounds, we see the young crown prince Hyang shooting. His obviously proud grandfather (who's looking fairly healthy, all things considered) is watching and offering the boy advice. "You must first focus," he says. "Straighten your shoulders. Feet shoulder width apart. Aim slowly and slightly higher." Hyang then stops and thinks, and lowers the bow. "I will order someone else to shoot the arrow, grandfather," he says. Why, Taejong asks him; do you lack confidence? "No, I've deciphered the will of heaven: The king borrows his retainers' strength" for such things." Taejong gets a big kick out of that. He helps the boy aim and fire, and the boy hits a bullseye. Then he shares some of his wisdom on being a king; the boy listens intently. A sweet scene.
To the side, Hyobin is watching and discussing Taejong's condition with the royal physician. We learn that the ex-king has "a variety of problems from diabetes to dermatitis." But this kind of activity is good for him.
Evening: Jang Youngsil is examining star maps and viewing the heavens. Sejong is there with Hyang; Yun Hwe and Yi Sun are there too. In addition to explaining the constellations to the young prince, Youngsil points out a constellation named Jongdaebu, which appears on Joseon's star charts but not on Ming's. This, he says, is "irrefutable proof that the skies of Joseon and Ming are different." The group's conclusion: We need our own astronomical system so we can read our skies ourselves. As this is discussed, we see Jo Malseng's informant Gim Mun off to the side listening. (Note: Something here was fictionalized. There's no way an entire constellation would vanish across the relatively small distance between Joseon and Ming.)
"Joseon's own calendar science? Has the king lost his mind?" Jo Malseng has just been told by Gim Mun. "He's going to destroy this country!"
Sejong orders Yun Hwe and Yi Su to start on the project, and stresses that it must be kept secret or the ministers won't let us even start it.
As Hyang walks back home from stargazing, we see his two brothers Suyang and Anpyeong and his two sisters Jeongso and Jeongui waiting to play a trick on him. Hyang walks under an archway, the kids pull a rope, and a bucket of water is dumped on him. Just then the queen shows up. Buss-ted.
The queen is whipping her children on the calves to punish them, beginning with the oldest daughter Jeongso. "Where did she learn this naughty behavior?", she wonders out loud. She asks her daughter, "Why? You're supposed to love and protect your younger siblings." The girl won't talk, so the whipping resumes. Then Suyang stands up and says, "I'm the one who should be whipped. I'm the one who planned this." Why? "Because I hate Hyang! Because everything is his! Grandfather, father, the servants, everyone loves him!" He tells his sister to tell the truth, that she's taking the fall for him. "Punish me, mother."
Outside, the queen tells her attendants, "I wish [the king] would give his affection evenly among the children." She decides to go to the king's chambers for the night to talk to him about it, but escort Han tells her he won't be there; he's at the Hall of Worthies.
Jeong Inji and Choi Manli are put in charge of the astronomical project by Sejong. Yun Hwe cautions them that it's top secret.
Speaking to Gim Mun, Jo Malseng continues to voice his disapproval of the project. "This is a direct challenge to Ming China! Ming believes [that their emperor] is the son of heaven who rules the sky!" Gim challenges him a bit: "Do you believe only the emperor of Ming has the right to rule the sky?" It's a good question, but Jo understands what he's getting at: "Do I look pathetic and prideless for submitting to a superior state while the king is trying to rebuild the country's pride?...Politics is reality. In this case, what I think or what the king thinks is unimportant. What is important is what Ming thinks. The Ming emperor will see it as a direct challenge to his authority. Do you think the country will be safe with Ming as our enemy?" He certainly seems to have a point.
Evening, in the back room of the Hall of Worthies: Sejong, Yun Hwe, Yi Su, Jeong Inji, Choi Manli, Choi Haesan and Jang Youngsil are meeting; this seems to be the full membership of the secret project. Youngsil offers to go to Ming to learn the skills of making and using astronomical instruments. Then Yun Hwe hears a noise. He sneaks out of the room and into the main room to investigate. Turning around, Byun Gaeryang is standing before him, which scares the heck out of him. "Have you been here long?", Yun asks with concern. "You're acting very strange," says Byun (so apparently he hasn't been there long enough to hear what's going on). "I should be the one asking you that question, don't you think? I'm the director of the Hall of Worthies." (Which we now learn.) Yun tells him that the king is in the next room and wants to be left alone to review documents. Byun understands and leaves. But outside, he sees several pairs of boots by the doorway, and realizes that the king isn't alone after all.
Jo and Gim suspect that since Joseon does not have its own astronomical instruments or the knowledge to operate them for making observations, Sejong will try to seek the instruments and knowledge from Ming. Who could be capable of handling that, they wonder. Gim suggests Choi Haesan or Yi Chun. He also tells Jo that Choi has a "multi-talented whiz kid" among his slaves who might just be the one they'd rely on.
Back in the meeting room, Jeong Inji says uncomfortably that he doesn't like the idea of Youngsil being sent to Ming himself because he's a lowborn. But it's not out of prejudice. "A government slave cannot cross the border alone," he points out. "It's impossible without a direct order from the king." Yun Hwe sees his point; such an order will "create a buzz" and raise suspicions. But Jeong says says that if Choi Haesan goes, he can put Jang among his retinue and no one will be the wiser.
Jo informs Yu Jeonghyun and Huh Jo about the king's desire for astronomical instruments. He has to be stopped, they agree, but they can't exactly go public with their fight because the only evidence they have so far is the information from Jo's informant Gim Mun. So, "if he goes about this in an underhanded way, we will have to fight him in an underhanded way." A routine diplomatic mission is soon headed for Ming; Jo suspects that Choi Haesan will be put on the list of envoys for the mission. All we have to do, he says, is get him off the list.
The next day: Choi is given orders to leave tomorrow for an inspection tour in the lower states. The orders come from Jo Malseng, who, remember, is military minister.
Yun Hwe and Yi Su tell Sejong that information on their project must have leaked, because obviously Jo knows about it.
Jo and Byun Gaeryang are enjoying a meal in a gisaeng house. Jo tries to get under Byun's skin a bit about prime minister Yu (here we learn that Jeonghyun is the prime minister again) taking Byun's wife to be his woman. (I don't know what that's all about. Maybe it's because Yu has a bigger hat.) Then he starts talking about Byun being snubbed by the Hall of Worthies, even though he's the director. Byun is getting irritated, but Jo asks him, "Can you say with absolute certainty that you know everything that's gong on in the Hall of Worthies?" Byun thinks back to that nighttime encounter with Yun Hwe, and the extra boots by the doorway. "Keep a close eye on the scholars," Jo advises him. "If they make another risky move, everyone could be hurt including you." But he isn't any more specific than that.
Byun and Jo leave the gisaeng house. From a distance, Jeong Inji and Choi Manli see them leave together. They conclude incorrectly that Byun is Jo's informant.
Jo tells Gim, "Byun will get to the bottom of this, if only out of spite for being left out. And being a prude and living by the book, he will never tolerate what the king is trying to do. Won't it be interesting?", he says with a smile. He's confident that Byun will blow the whole thing up for him and that will be the end of it.
Jeong and Choi confront Byun privately and accuse him of eavesdropping. "How much did you tell him?", they ask. About what? is his answer. "Minister Jo told me I should be wary of a secret plot against the king." The two scholars realize that Byun didn't know anything about what was going on--that is, until right now when they blew their own cover. They panic about what he'll do now. "You gave me a very powerful piece of information," Byun tells them, "so I'll have to think about how I'm going to use it." He leaves and the two scholars squabble about their goof-up.
That evening: Byun is before the king. "Are you upset with me?", Sejong asks. "I'm not good at making assumptions, your majesty," he answers. "All I know is that you want to include Choi Haesan and Jang Youngsil in the entourage. Surely you have justifiable cause" for doing so. "You'll reveal that cause at the audience hall tomorrow; I'll decide on it then." So he doesn't know the specifics, but how can Sejong get this past him without revealing them?
Sejong barges in on Yun Hwe and Yi Su, looking like he's just had one of those Eureka Moments: "I think we got our reason to send Choi Haesan to Ming three years ago." (Hmmm, three years ago--that was when the Tsushima conquest took place.)
The next day in the audience hall: The king and ministers are having a regular meeting, and are discussing the diplomatic mission to Ming. Sejong says that he wants to send Choi Haesan on the mission in order to acquire new technology. Jo Malseng jumps in and says, I assume you'll want to assign Jang Youngsil to go with Choi? "How did you know?," the king answers with a smile. "I don't think I ever told the ministers about this." Jo clams right up. (Oops! Choke.) The purpose of their inclusion, the king says? To learn new gunpowder technology! This is news to everybody (including us), and throws Jo for a complete loss. Yun Hwe then explains that Ming has developed a new method of gunpowder production and that Joseon needs to go and learn about it. Jo responds that surely Choi Haesan can handle this on his own; he doesn't need Youngsil with him for that. "Not so," Yun says. The technology is certainly going to be regarded as classified, he says, and Youngsil is in a great position to help overcome that barrier. Yun produces a letter written by the Ming scholar Yehjin three years ago; it's a letter inviting Youngsil to visit Ming, as a gesture for Youngsil helping save his life on Tsushima. (Yehjin, recall, is a gunpowder expert and developed an immediate regard for Youngsil's ability.) Plus, Yehjin now has an important position in the Ming imperial court. This friendly relationship should help immensely in gaining access to the classified technology. Byun Gaeryang has listened to all this. "A new weapons development," he comments, unwittingly playing along; "Minister of military should be very happy about this." Sejong turns to Jo: "I agree. What do you think?" Jo looks like he just got bonked on the head with a mallet. All he can do is softly mutter, "I think it's wonderful," and bite his tongue. (None of this was played for humor, but the way they methodically steamrolled him just cracked me up. He never had a chance.)
Later, at the Hall of Worthies: Jeong Inji and Choi Manli see Byun enter. What do you want, Byun asks; do you have more classified information to spill? They tell him, "We just wanted to thank you." But Byun brushes them off and mutters, "pathetic fellows."
Yi Sunmong and Park Sil are with Jo Malseng; they're all concerned about stopping Sejong's project. Yi suggests taking the matter to Taejong. Park doesn't like it; without hard evidence it could lead to a treason charge. But Jo says, "I have no choice. If we let this happen, it could ruin the country. I guess it's time to finish the game once and for all."
Hyang is outside, sitting alone and looking sad. Grandpa comes and sits with him. The boy tells him that he won't be able to see him any more. He made his brother angry, he says, and asks Taejong to call his brother for visits instead of him from now on. "Your brother must be jealous," Taejong answers with good parental insight. Okay, he says; "From now on, I will call on all of you children together. Wouldn't that be better?" The boy immediately jumps to his feet and lights up; he's a happy kid again and doesn't have to give up his grandfather. Now I have something to ask you, grandpa: "Is it bad for Joseon to have its own calendar science?" Taejong gasps. The boy follows up, "Why does it have to be top secret?" (Remember, the boy was there when it was first proposed; apparently he's been wondering about it ever since. Daddy blew it--should have headed this off immediately.) Just then Jo Malseng appears to the side. Taejong is highly agitated. "What is this child saying?", he asks Jo. Jo responds, "I think this might be better if you asked the king directly." Taejong heads right off to do so.
Yun Hwe presents the final list of envoys to go to Ming, for Sejong's signature. At that moment Taejong barges in. "Leave us," he tells Yun, who obeys. "Call it off, my king." He glares at his son. "Joseon's own calendar science? Are you sending secret envoys to Ming for this cause? Don't try to deceive me. I want the truth." Sejong owns up: Is it wrong, he asks, for he king of Joseon to want Joseon's own calendar science? Taejong fires back that such a thing "would indicate cessation of diplomatic relations with Ming." I don't intend to let Ming know, Sejong explains. If we can make our own astronomical instruments, we can use them without Ming knowing about it. "The skies of Joseon belong to the people of Joseon...I want to give the skies of Joseon back to the people." Taejong is unmoved: "Are you saying you will not relent?" "Not even if you strike me."
Taejong leaves, visibly unhappy. He's so troubled, he even snubs his grandson. Jo watches him. "This is what they call playing both ends against the middle," he comments, somewhat disturbingly (he must see himself as the middle).
Taejong enters his chambers; Hyobin and Kyoungnyeong are with him. He's extremely frustrated and upset: "The king is intent on defying me to the very end!" Suddenly he grabs his head and collapses. Hyobin tends to him and tells her son to go to Sejong. "Tell him to obey his father if he doesn't want him to die." But Taejong grabs the prince's arm and won't let go.
Sejong and his astronomy group realize that they can't accomplish their goal with just the scholars and junior officials; the senior ministers simply have too many ways to thwart them. They realize that they need someone who can contend with Jo Malseng.
A weakened Taejong is lying in bed, still with Hyobin and Kyoungnyeong. "What I want first," he tells them, "is to fight Jo Malseng." He tells Kyoungnyeong, "You are a prince of Joseon, so you must protect the state before you protect me. Bring me just cause to destroy Jo Malseng. That's what you can do to serve me and to serve the country." He's weakened but speaks with determination. Then he falls asleep.
"A rival to contend with Jo Malseng? Who would that be?" Yun Hwe makes a suggestion: Hwang Hee. Sejong likes it. (You had to think the guy would show up again before it was all over.)
In Gyoha, Hwang's rural village: A celebration is taking place in the street with music and dancing. Hwang is in the middle of it all, dressed like a pauper but smiling broadly and enjoying himself far more than we ever saw from him before. Then he spots Jo Malseng standing to his side. The smile vanishes immediately. Jo says, "It's been a long time, my lord. Strangely, Hwang isn't all that surprised: "I knew you'd find me some day." Jo tells him, "It's time for us to join hands and straighten up this country together."
To the side, Hyobin is watching and discussing Taejong's condition with the royal physician. We learn that the ex-king has "a variety of problems from diabetes to dermatitis." But this kind of activity is good for him.
Evening: Jang Youngsil is examining star maps and viewing the heavens. Sejong is there with Hyang; Yun Hwe and Yi Sun are there too. In addition to explaining the constellations to the young prince, Youngsil points out a constellation named Jongdaebu, which appears on Joseon's star charts but not on Ming's. This, he says, is "irrefutable proof that the skies of Joseon and Ming are different." The group's conclusion: We need our own astronomical system so we can read our skies ourselves. As this is discussed, we see Jo Malseng's informant Gim Mun off to the side listening. (Note: Something here was fictionalized. There's no way an entire constellation would vanish across the relatively small distance between Joseon and Ming.)
"Joseon's own calendar science? Has the king lost his mind?" Jo Malseng has just been told by Gim Mun. "He's going to destroy this country!"
Sejong orders Yun Hwe and Yi Su to start on the project, and stresses that it must be kept secret or the ministers won't let us even start it.
As Hyang walks back home from stargazing, we see his two brothers Suyang and Anpyeong and his two sisters Jeongso and Jeongui waiting to play a trick on him. Hyang walks under an archway, the kids pull a rope, and a bucket of water is dumped on him. Just then the queen shows up. Buss-ted.
The queen is whipping her children on the calves to punish them, beginning with the oldest daughter Jeongso. "Where did she learn this naughty behavior?", she wonders out loud. She asks her daughter, "Why? You're supposed to love and protect your younger siblings." The girl won't talk, so the whipping resumes. Then Suyang stands up and says, "I'm the one who should be whipped. I'm the one who planned this." Why? "Because I hate Hyang! Because everything is his! Grandfather, father, the servants, everyone loves him!" He tells his sister to tell the truth, that she's taking the fall for him. "Punish me, mother."
Outside, the queen tells her attendants, "I wish [the king] would give his affection evenly among the children." She decides to go to the king's chambers for the night to talk to him about it, but escort Han tells her he won't be there; he's at the Hall of Worthies.
Jeong Inji and Choi Manli are put in charge of the astronomical project by Sejong. Yun Hwe cautions them that it's top secret.
Speaking to Gim Mun, Jo Malseng continues to voice his disapproval of the project. "This is a direct challenge to Ming China! Ming believes [that their emperor] is the son of heaven who rules the sky!" Gim challenges him a bit: "Do you believe only the emperor of Ming has the right to rule the sky?" It's a good question, but Jo understands what he's getting at: "Do I look pathetic and prideless for submitting to a superior state while the king is trying to rebuild the country's pride?...Politics is reality. In this case, what I think or what the king thinks is unimportant. What is important is what Ming thinks. The Ming emperor will see it as a direct challenge to his authority. Do you think the country will be safe with Ming as our enemy?" He certainly seems to have a point.
Evening, in the back room of the Hall of Worthies: Sejong, Yun Hwe, Yi Su, Jeong Inji, Choi Manli, Choi Haesan and Jang Youngsil are meeting; this seems to be the full membership of the secret project. Youngsil offers to go to Ming to learn the skills of making and using astronomical instruments. Then Yun Hwe hears a noise. He sneaks out of the room and into the main room to investigate. Turning around, Byun Gaeryang is standing before him, which scares the heck out of him. "Have you been here long?", Yun asks with concern. "You're acting very strange," says Byun (so apparently he hasn't been there long enough to hear what's going on). "I should be the one asking you that question, don't you think? I'm the director of the Hall of Worthies." (Which we now learn.) Yun tells him that the king is in the next room and wants to be left alone to review documents. Byun understands and leaves. But outside, he sees several pairs of boots by the doorway, and realizes that the king isn't alone after all.
Jo and Gim suspect that since Joseon does not have its own astronomical instruments or the knowledge to operate them for making observations, Sejong will try to seek the instruments and knowledge from Ming. Who could be capable of handling that, they wonder. Gim suggests Choi Haesan or Yi Chun. He also tells Jo that Choi has a "multi-talented whiz kid" among his slaves who might just be the one they'd rely on.
Back in the meeting room, Jeong Inji says uncomfortably that he doesn't like the idea of Youngsil being sent to Ming himself because he's a lowborn. But it's not out of prejudice. "A government slave cannot cross the border alone," he points out. "It's impossible without a direct order from the king." Yun Hwe sees his point; such an order will "create a buzz" and raise suspicions. But Jeong says says that if Choi Haesan goes, he can put Jang among his retinue and no one will be the wiser.
Jo informs Yu Jeonghyun and Huh Jo about the king's desire for astronomical instruments. He has to be stopped, they agree, but they can't exactly go public with their fight because the only evidence they have so far is the information from Jo's informant Gim Mun. So, "if he goes about this in an underhanded way, we will have to fight him in an underhanded way." A routine diplomatic mission is soon headed for Ming; Jo suspects that Choi Haesan will be put on the list of envoys for the mission. All we have to do, he says, is get him off the list.
The next day: Choi is given orders to leave tomorrow for an inspection tour in the lower states. The orders come from Jo Malseng, who, remember, is military minister.
Yun Hwe and Yi Su tell Sejong that information on their project must have leaked, because obviously Jo knows about it.
Jo and Byun Gaeryang are enjoying a meal in a gisaeng house. Jo tries to get under Byun's skin a bit about prime minister Yu (here we learn that Jeonghyun is the prime minister again) taking Byun's wife to be his woman. (I don't know what that's all about. Maybe it's because Yu has a bigger hat.) Then he starts talking about Byun being snubbed by the Hall of Worthies, even though he's the director. Byun is getting irritated, but Jo asks him, "Can you say with absolute certainty that you know everything that's gong on in the Hall of Worthies?" Byun thinks back to that nighttime encounter with Yun Hwe, and the extra boots by the doorway. "Keep a close eye on the scholars," Jo advises him. "If they make another risky move, everyone could be hurt including you." But he isn't any more specific than that.
Byun and Jo leave the gisaeng house. From a distance, Jeong Inji and Choi Manli see them leave together. They conclude incorrectly that Byun is Jo's informant.
Jo tells Gim, "Byun will get to the bottom of this, if only out of spite for being left out. And being a prude and living by the book, he will never tolerate what the king is trying to do. Won't it be interesting?", he says with a smile. He's confident that Byun will blow the whole thing up for him and that will be the end of it.
Jeong and Choi confront Byun privately and accuse him of eavesdropping. "How much did you tell him?", they ask. About what? is his answer. "Minister Jo told me I should be wary of a secret plot against the king." The two scholars realize that Byun didn't know anything about what was going on--that is, until right now when they blew their own cover. They panic about what he'll do now. "You gave me a very powerful piece of information," Byun tells them, "so I'll have to think about how I'm going to use it." He leaves and the two scholars squabble about their goof-up.
That evening: Byun is before the king. "Are you upset with me?", Sejong asks. "I'm not good at making assumptions, your majesty," he answers. "All I know is that you want to include Choi Haesan and Jang Youngsil in the entourage. Surely you have justifiable cause" for doing so. "You'll reveal that cause at the audience hall tomorrow; I'll decide on it then." So he doesn't know the specifics, but how can Sejong get this past him without revealing them?
Sejong barges in on Yun Hwe and Yi Su, looking like he's just had one of those Eureka Moments: "I think we got our reason to send Choi Haesan to Ming three years ago." (Hmmm, three years ago--that was when the Tsushima conquest took place.)
The next day in the audience hall: The king and ministers are having a regular meeting, and are discussing the diplomatic mission to Ming. Sejong says that he wants to send Choi Haesan on the mission in order to acquire new technology. Jo Malseng jumps in and says, I assume you'll want to assign Jang Youngsil to go with Choi? "How did you know?," the king answers with a smile. "I don't think I ever told the ministers about this." Jo clams right up. (Oops! Choke.) The purpose of their inclusion, the king says? To learn new gunpowder technology! This is news to everybody (including us), and throws Jo for a complete loss. Yun Hwe then explains that Ming has developed a new method of gunpowder production and that Joseon needs to go and learn about it. Jo responds that surely Choi Haesan can handle this on his own; he doesn't need Youngsil with him for that. "Not so," Yun says. The technology is certainly going to be regarded as classified, he says, and Youngsil is in a great position to help overcome that barrier. Yun produces a letter written by the Ming scholar Yehjin three years ago; it's a letter inviting Youngsil to visit Ming, as a gesture for Youngsil helping save his life on Tsushima. (Yehjin, recall, is a gunpowder expert and developed an immediate regard for Youngsil's ability.) Plus, Yehjin now has an important position in the Ming imperial court. This friendly relationship should help immensely in gaining access to the classified technology. Byun Gaeryang has listened to all this. "A new weapons development," he comments, unwittingly playing along; "Minister of military should be very happy about this." Sejong turns to Jo: "I agree. What do you think?" Jo looks like he just got bonked on the head with a mallet. All he can do is softly mutter, "I think it's wonderful," and bite his tongue. (None of this was played for humor, but the way they methodically steamrolled him just cracked me up. He never had a chance.)
Later, at the Hall of Worthies: Jeong Inji and Choi Manli see Byun enter. What do you want, Byun asks; do you have more classified information to spill? They tell him, "We just wanted to thank you." But Byun brushes them off and mutters, "pathetic fellows."
Yi Sunmong and Park Sil are with Jo Malseng; they're all concerned about stopping Sejong's project. Yi suggests taking the matter to Taejong. Park doesn't like it; without hard evidence it could lead to a treason charge. But Jo says, "I have no choice. If we let this happen, it could ruin the country. I guess it's time to finish the game once and for all."
Hyang is outside, sitting alone and looking sad. Grandpa comes and sits with him. The boy tells him that he won't be able to see him any more. He made his brother angry, he says, and asks Taejong to call his brother for visits instead of him from now on. "Your brother must be jealous," Taejong answers with good parental insight. Okay, he says; "From now on, I will call on all of you children together. Wouldn't that be better?" The boy immediately jumps to his feet and lights up; he's a happy kid again and doesn't have to give up his grandfather. Now I have something to ask you, grandpa: "Is it bad for Joseon to have its own calendar science?" Taejong gasps. The boy follows up, "Why does it have to be top secret?" (Remember, the boy was there when it was first proposed; apparently he's been wondering about it ever since. Daddy blew it--should have headed this off immediately.) Just then Jo Malseng appears to the side. Taejong is highly agitated. "What is this child saying?", he asks Jo. Jo responds, "I think this might be better if you asked the king directly." Taejong heads right off to do so.
Yun Hwe presents the final list of envoys to go to Ming, for Sejong's signature. At that moment Taejong barges in. "Leave us," he tells Yun, who obeys. "Call it off, my king." He glares at his son. "Joseon's own calendar science? Are you sending secret envoys to Ming for this cause? Don't try to deceive me. I want the truth." Sejong owns up: Is it wrong, he asks, for he king of Joseon to want Joseon's own calendar science? Taejong fires back that such a thing "would indicate cessation of diplomatic relations with Ming." I don't intend to let Ming know, Sejong explains. If we can make our own astronomical instruments, we can use them without Ming knowing about it. "The skies of Joseon belong to the people of Joseon...I want to give the skies of Joseon back to the people." Taejong is unmoved: "Are you saying you will not relent?" "Not even if you strike me."
Taejong leaves, visibly unhappy. He's so troubled, he even snubs his grandson. Jo watches him. "This is what they call playing both ends against the middle," he comments, somewhat disturbingly (he must see himself as the middle).
Taejong enters his chambers; Hyobin and Kyoungnyeong are with him. He's extremely frustrated and upset: "The king is intent on defying me to the very end!" Suddenly he grabs his head and collapses. Hyobin tends to him and tells her son to go to Sejong. "Tell him to obey his father if he doesn't want him to die." But Taejong grabs the prince's arm and won't let go.
Sejong and his astronomy group realize that they can't accomplish their goal with just the scholars and junior officials; the senior ministers simply have too many ways to thwart them. They realize that they need someone who can contend with Jo Malseng.
A weakened Taejong is lying in bed, still with Hyobin and Kyoungnyeong. "What I want first," he tells them, "is to fight Jo Malseng." He tells Kyoungnyeong, "You are a prince of Joseon, so you must protect the state before you protect me. Bring me just cause to destroy Jo Malseng. That's what you can do to serve me and to serve the country." He's weakened but speaks with determination. Then he falls asleep.
"A rival to contend with Jo Malseng? Who would that be?" Yun Hwe makes a suggestion: Hwang Hee. Sejong likes it. (You had to think the guy would show up again before it was all over.)
In Gyoha, Hwang's rural village: A celebration is taking place in the street with music and dancing. Hwang is in the middle of it all, dressed like a pauper but smiling broadly and enjoying himself far more than we ever saw from him before. Then he spots Jo Malseng standing to his side. The smile vanishes immediately. Jo says, "It's been a long time, my lord. Strangely, Hwang isn't all that surprised: "I knew you'd find me some day." Jo tells him, "It's time for us to join hands and straighten up this country together."