Post by ajk on Oct 7, 2008 14:53:12 GMT -5
(Note: Thanks to candylover for providing a translation of the unsubtitled text that scrolled at the end of this episode.)
(Later note: Thanks to jojo for catching an error in character identification in the third and fifth paragraphs.)
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In the Hall of Worthies, the scholars are up in arms. Now that Gim Mun has told them everything, they realize that Jo Malseng would have ratted out the astronomy project to Ming and that this untrustworthy man is headed to the northern states with the entire army, and almost certainly will bring down the country. It all seems to be a bit of an overreaction (although maybe the shock of Gim Mun's confession has spun their heads around a bit). One of them even throws a punch and knocks another down. Then a distraught Ogeun enters.
News of princess Jeongso's death is circulating. Inside her quarters, the king and queen are still sitting, Sejong still hugging his daughter's body. He regrets not taking his promised trip with her any sooner, and not granting her wish for her grandmother's restoration. Soheon wonders, "She's always been such a tolerant and patient little girl. Why did she let go of mommy's hand so quickly today? She's never defied me before. She always waited and hung in there like a trooper until I said it's okay to let go." Then, seeing her husband holding her: "This is an unfamiliar picture. She hungered for her father's affection. She yearned to be in your arms, and she's finally getting her wish." It seems a bit unnecessary for such an already-painful moment. "I always thought there would be tomorrow," he replies regretfully.
Back at the Hall of Worthies, the scholars resolve to restore Shim On's name and go after those who prosecuted him. That's a lot of people, including Jo Malseng, Huh Jo, even their own director Byun Gaeryang. "We can't win without sacrifice," Choi Manli says. They want to get the inspector general's office and the censorate going on this right away. But Jeong Inji says he's against it. After all, he argues, the king didn't act on it even though it was his own daughter's last wish, because those men are the most capable he has and he doesn't want to lose them. But Choi argues that they show no remorse for hanging a treason charge on Shim and killing him, and "now we're neglecting to settle this disgusting past" just to keep the government running? "The king has lost his daughter," Jeong answers; that's tough enough on him right now. But Choi says with determination, "We can't let her death be in vain, so we will gather strength."
The king and queen haven't moved. Jachi enters, kneels and gently tells them that a mortician is here for Jeongso. Reluctantly, they instruct that he be brought in. "I don't want her trapped in this palace any more," the queen says, still bitter.
At the inspector general's office, Choi Manli is imploring the investigators. "Please remember the dying wish of a young princess whose pure-hearted dream...was shot down and rejected." He also reminds them that the kind of "closed-door politics" that trapped Shim On could trap any one of us next, and if it gets you, your family will suffer for it as well. They seem to respond and will take on the task. Shin Jang is with Choi and tells them, "History will remember your patriotism for a long, long time."
Later, Huh Jo walks into the IG office and sees what they're writing. His eyes widen: "What are you men doing?" "Rectifying history," Gim Jongsuh calmly tells him. "Are you out of your minds?!" Huh asks angrily.
The king wants a morning meeting; even in his grief he realizes that he must give his formal authorization to send out the central army. Ministers are together in a conference room discussing this. But then Huh Jo comes in holding a scroll full of names, and informs them about the effort to restore Shim On's name. "This is the kill list, so take a look." They realize that nobody on the list is going anywhere until the matter is resolved. That includes Jo leading the army north and Huh and Byun leading the Ming delegation. Hwang Hee picks up the scroll and walks out without saying a word.
"Is this your work?" Hwang has come to the Hall of Worthies. The scholars are unfazed; Gim Mun nods towards the scroll and asks him, "Would you read back the part that you feel is false in that statement?" Hwang can't believe it. "What are you after? What do you want?", he asks with frustration. "Political cleansing, of course." It's Byun Gaeryang, who's just walked in. Then he asks Jeong, "Can you see this through to the end? If you're going to do this, do it right." Wow, that's some attitude from a guy who stands to be one of those prosecuted.
A shrine has been set up for Jeongso, and her brothers and sisters are before it, dressed in white and crying (too loudly and constantly--it's a rare fumbling of a scene; it just seems too contrived). The queen is there too, and escort Han tells her that the Hall of Worthies has started restoration action. Is this the king's doing?, she wonders. No, he couldn't have done it, she realizes, and reminds herself that the king authorized her father's arrest. Then, at the entranceway, we see lady Ahn.
The queen goes outside to her. "Jeongso loved you so very much. I'm sure she wants you more than anyone else to send her off. But I can't even ask you to come in for fear of public eyes." Ahn doesn't mind and even tells her, "I finally feel at ease. You will be a good mother to the people." Then Soheon opens up the spigot and an ugly torrent pours out. "I...I killed her, mother. I sat there with my phony smile and a blackened heart loathing the gods, hating, cursing and resenting my own husband, even my sick, dying father-in-law. I'm getting punished, mother. Heaven struck my poor child to punish my evil heart. It's my fault. I killed her. I killed my own baby!" She's inconsolable. But her mother tries. "No, it's not your fault! Oh, my poor child--why are the gods so cruel to you? How will you endure such a painful loss?" They're both sobbing in each other's arms.
In the throne room, Sejong is reviewing scrolls from the various offices about the Shim On restoration. Hwang Hee is before him. "You must deny the petition," he says. "Only a tyrant denies a censorate petition," Sejong replies. "Are the censors wrong? I'd like to know what you think. Was lord Shim On a criminal of high treason?" Hwang inhales and steels himself: "No, he was not." "Then you shouldn't be urging me to deny the petition." Hwang argues, "We cannot tie down Huh Jo, Byun Gaeryang and Jo Malseng, who are scheduled to be dispatched to Ming and the border states over [the crisis]." But Sejong instructs Yun Hwe to find substitutes for the assignments, over Hwang's objection, and he leaves.
Yun Hwe has gone to prime minister Yu, to relay the king's instructions; Yu tells him that no one can replace those men effectively. "His highness wants political revenge," he comments; "that's the bottom line." Yun tries to argue that Shim on wasn't guilty, but Yu won't argue the matter and tells him, "Deliver my message to the king: We will accept this fight. We got the message loud and clear." Yun cynically asks Yu what he'll do about the censorate and IG officers who are now investigating the matter; they're powerful and it will take a lot of money to buy them off, he says. Yu only tells him, "Thanks for your concern," and starts to leave the room. But as he leaves, Yun appeals to his better nature: "We shared a dream once; do you remember?" from when they were both in the north. Yu knows what Yun is talking about, but doesn't answer.
Evening: The ministers who stand to be prosecuted are discussing the situation. Is the king behind this? Why now, after six years?, they wonder. "A dead child is very powerful," Yu observes wisely. "Well," Jo Malseng tells them, "now that we know who we're fighting, all we have to do is win."
"Are you here to dissuade me?" Sejong is standing in a courtyard, and Hwang has approached the king (from behind; how did he know? That was weird. Or maybe Hwang doesn't bathe enough.) "Denying the censors' petition is the most radical abuse of absolute power," Sejong tells him. "You are the one who said the king must not wield absolute power." And you, Hwang fires back, are the one who said you wouldn't discard capable men lightly; "Are you intent on destroying them?" "My father-in-law was not a traitor. So my mother-in-law has no reason to suffer. I've been turning a blind eye to the simple truth that even a little girl can see for much too long. Do you know why?" Hwang offers, "You need these men despite what they've done." But Sejong tells him, "That's not the only reason. I was afraid. What if the experienced veteran politicians rallied against me? Would I be able to fight them back? That's what I was nervous and afraid of." Even when it was Jeongso's wish. "I am done ignoring the truth. I will order former prime minister Shim On's honor to be restored."
Prince Kyoungnyeong tells his mother Hyobin that he's leaving the city to lie low for a couple of weeks, until this thing resolves itself one way or another. "The Hall of Worthies will request my help," he presumes, because he was on the Ming mission that Shim On led and can confirm Shim's loyalty to Joseon. "I don't want to make enemies of competent and powerful retainers." So he's still coveting the throne, or at least is still considering the idea, and doesn't want to speak the truth because of it. Ugh.
A big stack of books and reports is put before Hwang by Huh Jo. This is five years of intelligence and information on the Ming government. Huh assembled it all. He tells Hwang, You should take my place and go to Ming yourself. (But that's a big stack of stuff.)
Meeting with military ministers, Jo Malseng turns over command of the central army to Choi Yundeok for deployment to the north. He tells them, "With war clouds hanging heavy over the border, deployment of troops cannot be delayed." This makes perfect sense; Choi knows the north better than anybody and was very effective as a leader up there. But that doesn't appear to be why Jo is proposing it, judging from his hint of a smirk.
A group of ministers and officials is meeting. Jo cynically tells Hwang, "I'm looking forward to your performance." Yun Hwe wonders what the replaced ministers plan to do while their replacements are away from the capital. "I think we'll have our work cut out for us," Jo says. Yun explodes; he realizes what they're planning. Huh Jo reminds Yun that "We didn't begin this fight....Did you really think we'd sit helplessly and let a bunch of juvenile minions crush us?" Yun says, "You're trying to get rid of us so you can crush the Hall of Worthies." It's an accusation, but not only does Jo not deny it, he admits, "We intend to demolish them," and says it as casually as he'd talk about the weather.
The scholars are concerned as they realize what is happening. Shin Jang ventures, "I'm really impressed. There's a reason these men have survived in the royal court as long as they have." Which is true. But the scholars aren't going to give in; they're in it to win it.
In the astronomy agency: Yi Chun, Choi Haesan and Jang Youngsil are there. The talk now is that both missions might be put off indefinitely, since neither "side" can afford to lose anyone. Yi Chun wonders who will end up going. Choi offhandedly remarks that "Youngsil and I have to go back there again soon." Why?, Yi asks. Choi is suddenly a bit tongue-tied; then he awkwardly comes up with something about wanting to buy more books. (Again it's implied that there's a still-untold story behind the last Ming trip.) Jang walks outside, saying nothing. We see a brief shot of Daion. Choi comes outside and puts his hand on Youngsil's shoulder: "Worried about the girl you left behind in Ming? Don't worry too much. I'm sure it's nothing."
Evening, back at Jeongso's shrine: Hwang has come, dressed in white. He bows to the queen and then surprises her, and us: "Your highness, I've come to make a very difficult request."
In the throne room: Sejong is worried: "I will have to renounce quite a few men. It is not easy to convince myself that I'm doing the right thing for the country," he tells Jachi. Peeking through a doorway, the queen is looking at him.
We see a surprising pair: prime minister Yu is before the queen, who obviously has called him in. She tells him why: "Six years ago, I buried my father in the cold soil. And today I buried my young child in my heart. My good husband must have felt my sorrow, because he says he will give me retribution. Isn't this most kind of him?" It's a rhetorical question, but the next one isn't: "What is my father to you, lord Yu? Just another criminal of high treason? Is that why you oppose my father's restoration against the king's wish? The king has fired his arrow and I don't intend to intervene. Answer my question carefully. I might have a hand in your future depending on your answer." WOW, is this a departure. This is the first time she's ever acted this aggressively; suddenly we think a bit of Wongyeong. "Answer my question," she presses. "Is my father still a criminal of high treason to you?" Looking down, Yu is silent. "That's what he said about you. My father always said you were a cautious man. Perhaps that's why he would still want you to answer that question differently than his daughter would." She produces a scroll and hands it to Yu. "This is the official position of the queen's office which reflects my father's wishes." Copies, she says, have been sent to the IG office, the censorate, and the Hall of Worthies. "I will expect nothing except respect and obedience."
While scholars and officials examine copies of the scroll, we hear the queen reading its text: "I declare as the queen of Joseon that it is not my desire to restore the name and honor of my father, the late prime minister Shim On. It is also my belief that prosecution of those responsible for his demise is uncalled for and ask that the disputes be stopped immediately. Abide by the request of the queen with due respect and consideration!"
As we see PM Yu leaving the queen's quarters, a flashback to the rest of their conversation: "I don't know about politics," she tells him. "I came to this decision not for you but for your families. If the head of the household becomes a villain, the family must suffer. I know because I've suffered. I will protect you and your family. So think about what you need to do to serve and protect the 'wise one' you hand-picked to be the king of this country."...Flashback ending, flashback ending, Yu stands alone in the night. The queen's words have gotten to him; we can tell.
In the Hall of Worthies: The scholars are together with IG and censorate officials discussing the situation in light of the queen's declaration. Then PM Yu comes in, surprising all of them. They're not happy to see him and ask him to leave, accusing him of wanting to spy on the opposition. But that's not why he's here. How about making a deal?, he offers. They want no part of a deal, but he drops a bomb: "I'm talking about a deal for my resignation." He puts a paper down in front of them; it's a resignation letter. "I am the principal offender who accused Shim On of high treason and had him killed. I'd like to settle this matter by accepting full responsibility and leaving the court." Gim Jongsuh says No deal; we want full punishment, not some bargain that will let you just walk away. Yu asks him, What do you want, to destroy me in the name of history? "Is that what Shim On would have wanted?" The scholars still don't like the idea because they wouldn't be able to fulfill Jeongso's dying wish. But Yu offers, "I'll recommend restoring lady Ahn's honor, and will argue that the family does not deserve to be punished for lord Shim's crime." (FINALLY. I don't know where this idea has been hiding all this time; hasn't it always seemed obvious? Couldn't somebody have proposed it a long time ago? Sejong should have thought of it, or one of those horse-trading ministers could have offered it to him as a bargaining chip at some point. Sheesh.) Then he surprises us by answering the queen's question to him: "I don't believe Shim On was guilty either, or at the very least that he had no treacherous intent. But I still think we should stop the scuffle and put an end to this now. What I am offering is not the most righteous resolution, but it is the best resolution given our current state of affairs." The scholars mull it over; they don't appear entirely thrilled but can see that the proposal does make practical sense. "And as for rectifying history," Yu tells them, "not repeating the mistakes my generation has made, can't we leave that as your future assignment for now? Show us that it is not just in the king's inner circle but also in the Hall of Worthies where the wisest men of Joseon are gathered." From their faces, the scholars respond favorably to that. "I'm sorry," he tells them sincerely. "I hope you'll forgive me for leaving you with such a huge assignment." And he steps back and bows deeply to all of them, a humble gesture that looks like it persuades everyone gathered and seals the deal.
The king and queen are at Jeongso's burial mound. Sejong tells his wife, "This couldn't have been an easy decision for you." "It was my father's decision," she tells him, "not mine. He is the one who said the king does not look back." (I got the impression that this was entirely Hwang's idea, but whatever.) Then she opens up to him for the first time in a long, long while. "If you ever need to cry, you can come to me now. Don't turn to your children to wipe your tears away. That's why your daughter calls you a crybaby. You've been made to suffer alone for too long. Perhaps it is because I've been neglecting the citizen whom the queen is supposed to feel the greatest compassion for." He takes her hand and she continues: "You don't have to be alone any more. Sharing your hardship and pain--I will accept that as my duty and my life." And they embrace. She's crying and still hurting bad; we can see it in her face. But she's trying hard, and it feels like she's turned a corner even in the face of her daughter's death. Or because of it.
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The episode ends with scrolling text that resolves the storyline for us: "Years after princess Jeongso died, in the 8th reign year of King Sejong (1426), the queen's mother Lady Ahn was reinstated to her former position. She was convicted of treason only because her husband Shim On was convicted of treason, so she was innocent. In his 13th reign year, King Sejong made it clear that every conviction must actually be proven, so that no one is convicted simply based on torture. But it was only after King Sejong died, in the first reign year of King Munjong (Sejong's son), that Shim On was reinstated."
(Later note: Thanks to jojo for catching an error in character identification in the third and fifth paragraphs.)
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In the Hall of Worthies, the scholars are up in arms. Now that Gim Mun has told them everything, they realize that Jo Malseng would have ratted out the astronomy project to Ming and that this untrustworthy man is headed to the northern states with the entire army, and almost certainly will bring down the country. It all seems to be a bit of an overreaction (although maybe the shock of Gim Mun's confession has spun their heads around a bit). One of them even throws a punch and knocks another down. Then a distraught Ogeun enters.
News of princess Jeongso's death is circulating. Inside her quarters, the king and queen are still sitting, Sejong still hugging his daughter's body. He regrets not taking his promised trip with her any sooner, and not granting her wish for her grandmother's restoration. Soheon wonders, "She's always been such a tolerant and patient little girl. Why did she let go of mommy's hand so quickly today? She's never defied me before. She always waited and hung in there like a trooper until I said it's okay to let go." Then, seeing her husband holding her: "This is an unfamiliar picture. She hungered for her father's affection. She yearned to be in your arms, and she's finally getting her wish." It seems a bit unnecessary for such an already-painful moment. "I always thought there would be tomorrow," he replies regretfully.
Back at the Hall of Worthies, the scholars resolve to restore Shim On's name and go after those who prosecuted him. That's a lot of people, including Jo Malseng, Huh Jo, even their own director Byun Gaeryang. "We can't win without sacrifice," Choi Manli says. They want to get the inspector general's office and the censorate going on this right away. But Jeong Inji says he's against it. After all, he argues, the king didn't act on it even though it was his own daughter's last wish, because those men are the most capable he has and he doesn't want to lose them. But Choi argues that they show no remorse for hanging a treason charge on Shim and killing him, and "now we're neglecting to settle this disgusting past" just to keep the government running? "The king has lost his daughter," Jeong answers; that's tough enough on him right now. But Choi says with determination, "We can't let her death be in vain, so we will gather strength."
The king and queen haven't moved. Jachi enters, kneels and gently tells them that a mortician is here for Jeongso. Reluctantly, they instruct that he be brought in. "I don't want her trapped in this palace any more," the queen says, still bitter.
At the inspector general's office, Choi Manli is imploring the investigators. "Please remember the dying wish of a young princess whose pure-hearted dream...was shot down and rejected." He also reminds them that the kind of "closed-door politics" that trapped Shim On could trap any one of us next, and if it gets you, your family will suffer for it as well. They seem to respond and will take on the task. Shin Jang is with Choi and tells them, "History will remember your patriotism for a long, long time."
Later, Huh Jo walks into the IG office and sees what they're writing. His eyes widen: "What are you men doing?" "Rectifying history," Gim Jongsuh calmly tells him. "Are you out of your minds?!" Huh asks angrily.
The king wants a morning meeting; even in his grief he realizes that he must give his formal authorization to send out the central army. Ministers are together in a conference room discussing this. But then Huh Jo comes in holding a scroll full of names, and informs them about the effort to restore Shim On's name. "This is the kill list, so take a look." They realize that nobody on the list is going anywhere until the matter is resolved. That includes Jo leading the army north and Huh and Byun leading the Ming delegation. Hwang Hee picks up the scroll and walks out without saying a word.
"Is this your work?" Hwang has come to the Hall of Worthies. The scholars are unfazed; Gim Mun nods towards the scroll and asks him, "Would you read back the part that you feel is false in that statement?" Hwang can't believe it. "What are you after? What do you want?", he asks with frustration. "Political cleansing, of course." It's Byun Gaeryang, who's just walked in. Then he asks Jeong, "Can you see this through to the end? If you're going to do this, do it right." Wow, that's some attitude from a guy who stands to be one of those prosecuted.
A shrine has been set up for Jeongso, and her brothers and sisters are before it, dressed in white and crying (too loudly and constantly--it's a rare fumbling of a scene; it just seems too contrived). The queen is there too, and escort Han tells her that the Hall of Worthies has started restoration action. Is this the king's doing?, she wonders. No, he couldn't have done it, she realizes, and reminds herself that the king authorized her father's arrest. Then, at the entranceway, we see lady Ahn.
The queen goes outside to her. "Jeongso loved you so very much. I'm sure she wants you more than anyone else to send her off. But I can't even ask you to come in for fear of public eyes." Ahn doesn't mind and even tells her, "I finally feel at ease. You will be a good mother to the people." Then Soheon opens up the spigot and an ugly torrent pours out. "I...I killed her, mother. I sat there with my phony smile and a blackened heart loathing the gods, hating, cursing and resenting my own husband, even my sick, dying father-in-law. I'm getting punished, mother. Heaven struck my poor child to punish my evil heart. It's my fault. I killed her. I killed my own baby!" She's inconsolable. But her mother tries. "No, it's not your fault! Oh, my poor child--why are the gods so cruel to you? How will you endure such a painful loss?" They're both sobbing in each other's arms.
In the throne room, Sejong is reviewing scrolls from the various offices about the Shim On restoration. Hwang Hee is before him. "You must deny the petition," he says. "Only a tyrant denies a censorate petition," Sejong replies. "Are the censors wrong? I'd like to know what you think. Was lord Shim On a criminal of high treason?" Hwang inhales and steels himself: "No, he was not." "Then you shouldn't be urging me to deny the petition." Hwang argues, "We cannot tie down Huh Jo, Byun Gaeryang and Jo Malseng, who are scheduled to be dispatched to Ming and the border states over [the crisis]." But Sejong instructs Yun Hwe to find substitutes for the assignments, over Hwang's objection, and he leaves.
Yun Hwe has gone to prime minister Yu, to relay the king's instructions; Yu tells him that no one can replace those men effectively. "His highness wants political revenge," he comments; "that's the bottom line." Yun tries to argue that Shim on wasn't guilty, but Yu won't argue the matter and tells him, "Deliver my message to the king: We will accept this fight. We got the message loud and clear." Yun cynically asks Yu what he'll do about the censorate and IG officers who are now investigating the matter; they're powerful and it will take a lot of money to buy them off, he says. Yu only tells him, "Thanks for your concern," and starts to leave the room. But as he leaves, Yun appeals to his better nature: "We shared a dream once; do you remember?" from when they were both in the north. Yu knows what Yun is talking about, but doesn't answer.
Evening: The ministers who stand to be prosecuted are discussing the situation. Is the king behind this? Why now, after six years?, they wonder. "A dead child is very powerful," Yu observes wisely. "Well," Jo Malseng tells them, "now that we know who we're fighting, all we have to do is win."
"Are you here to dissuade me?" Sejong is standing in a courtyard, and Hwang has approached the king (from behind; how did he know? That was weird. Or maybe Hwang doesn't bathe enough.) "Denying the censors' petition is the most radical abuse of absolute power," Sejong tells him. "You are the one who said the king must not wield absolute power." And you, Hwang fires back, are the one who said you wouldn't discard capable men lightly; "Are you intent on destroying them?" "My father-in-law was not a traitor. So my mother-in-law has no reason to suffer. I've been turning a blind eye to the simple truth that even a little girl can see for much too long. Do you know why?" Hwang offers, "You need these men despite what they've done." But Sejong tells him, "That's not the only reason. I was afraid. What if the experienced veteran politicians rallied against me? Would I be able to fight them back? That's what I was nervous and afraid of." Even when it was Jeongso's wish. "I am done ignoring the truth. I will order former prime minister Shim On's honor to be restored."
Prince Kyoungnyeong tells his mother Hyobin that he's leaving the city to lie low for a couple of weeks, until this thing resolves itself one way or another. "The Hall of Worthies will request my help," he presumes, because he was on the Ming mission that Shim On led and can confirm Shim's loyalty to Joseon. "I don't want to make enemies of competent and powerful retainers." So he's still coveting the throne, or at least is still considering the idea, and doesn't want to speak the truth because of it. Ugh.
A big stack of books and reports is put before Hwang by Huh Jo. This is five years of intelligence and information on the Ming government. Huh assembled it all. He tells Hwang, You should take my place and go to Ming yourself. (But that's a big stack of stuff.)
Meeting with military ministers, Jo Malseng turns over command of the central army to Choi Yundeok for deployment to the north. He tells them, "With war clouds hanging heavy over the border, deployment of troops cannot be delayed." This makes perfect sense; Choi knows the north better than anybody and was very effective as a leader up there. But that doesn't appear to be why Jo is proposing it, judging from his hint of a smirk.
A group of ministers and officials is meeting. Jo cynically tells Hwang, "I'm looking forward to your performance." Yun Hwe wonders what the replaced ministers plan to do while their replacements are away from the capital. "I think we'll have our work cut out for us," Jo says. Yun explodes; he realizes what they're planning. Huh Jo reminds Yun that "We didn't begin this fight....Did you really think we'd sit helplessly and let a bunch of juvenile minions crush us?" Yun says, "You're trying to get rid of us so you can crush the Hall of Worthies." It's an accusation, but not only does Jo not deny it, he admits, "We intend to demolish them," and says it as casually as he'd talk about the weather.
The scholars are concerned as they realize what is happening. Shin Jang ventures, "I'm really impressed. There's a reason these men have survived in the royal court as long as they have." Which is true. But the scholars aren't going to give in; they're in it to win it.
In the astronomy agency: Yi Chun, Choi Haesan and Jang Youngsil are there. The talk now is that both missions might be put off indefinitely, since neither "side" can afford to lose anyone. Yi Chun wonders who will end up going. Choi offhandedly remarks that "Youngsil and I have to go back there again soon." Why?, Yi asks. Choi is suddenly a bit tongue-tied; then he awkwardly comes up with something about wanting to buy more books. (Again it's implied that there's a still-untold story behind the last Ming trip.) Jang walks outside, saying nothing. We see a brief shot of Daion. Choi comes outside and puts his hand on Youngsil's shoulder: "Worried about the girl you left behind in Ming? Don't worry too much. I'm sure it's nothing."
Evening, back at Jeongso's shrine: Hwang has come, dressed in white. He bows to the queen and then surprises her, and us: "Your highness, I've come to make a very difficult request."
In the throne room: Sejong is worried: "I will have to renounce quite a few men. It is not easy to convince myself that I'm doing the right thing for the country," he tells Jachi. Peeking through a doorway, the queen is looking at him.
We see a surprising pair: prime minister Yu is before the queen, who obviously has called him in. She tells him why: "Six years ago, I buried my father in the cold soil. And today I buried my young child in my heart. My good husband must have felt my sorrow, because he says he will give me retribution. Isn't this most kind of him?" It's a rhetorical question, but the next one isn't: "What is my father to you, lord Yu? Just another criminal of high treason? Is that why you oppose my father's restoration against the king's wish? The king has fired his arrow and I don't intend to intervene. Answer my question carefully. I might have a hand in your future depending on your answer." WOW, is this a departure. This is the first time she's ever acted this aggressively; suddenly we think a bit of Wongyeong. "Answer my question," she presses. "Is my father still a criminal of high treason to you?" Looking down, Yu is silent. "That's what he said about you. My father always said you were a cautious man. Perhaps that's why he would still want you to answer that question differently than his daughter would." She produces a scroll and hands it to Yu. "This is the official position of the queen's office which reflects my father's wishes." Copies, she says, have been sent to the IG office, the censorate, and the Hall of Worthies. "I will expect nothing except respect and obedience."
While scholars and officials examine copies of the scroll, we hear the queen reading its text: "I declare as the queen of Joseon that it is not my desire to restore the name and honor of my father, the late prime minister Shim On. It is also my belief that prosecution of those responsible for his demise is uncalled for and ask that the disputes be stopped immediately. Abide by the request of the queen with due respect and consideration!"
As we see PM Yu leaving the queen's quarters, a flashback to the rest of their conversation: "I don't know about politics," she tells him. "I came to this decision not for you but for your families. If the head of the household becomes a villain, the family must suffer. I know because I've suffered. I will protect you and your family. So think about what you need to do to serve and protect the 'wise one' you hand-picked to be the king of this country."...Flashback ending, flashback ending, Yu stands alone in the night. The queen's words have gotten to him; we can tell.
In the Hall of Worthies: The scholars are together with IG and censorate officials discussing the situation in light of the queen's declaration. Then PM Yu comes in, surprising all of them. They're not happy to see him and ask him to leave, accusing him of wanting to spy on the opposition. But that's not why he's here. How about making a deal?, he offers. They want no part of a deal, but he drops a bomb: "I'm talking about a deal for my resignation." He puts a paper down in front of them; it's a resignation letter. "I am the principal offender who accused Shim On of high treason and had him killed. I'd like to settle this matter by accepting full responsibility and leaving the court." Gim Jongsuh says No deal; we want full punishment, not some bargain that will let you just walk away. Yu asks him, What do you want, to destroy me in the name of history? "Is that what Shim On would have wanted?" The scholars still don't like the idea because they wouldn't be able to fulfill Jeongso's dying wish. But Yu offers, "I'll recommend restoring lady Ahn's honor, and will argue that the family does not deserve to be punished for lord Shim's crime." (FINALLY. I don't know where this idea has been hiding all this time; hasn't it always seemed obvious? Couldn't somebody have proposed it a long time ago? Sejong should have thought of it, or one of those horse-trading ministers could have offered it to him as a bargaining chip at some point. Sheesh.) Then he surprises us by answering the queen's question to him: "I don't believe Shim On was guilty either, or at the very least that he had no treacherous intent. But I still think we should stop the scuffle and put an end to this now. What I am offering is not the most righteous resolution, but it is the best resolution given our current state of affairs." The scholars mull it over; they don't appear entirely thrilled but can see that the proposal does make practical sense. "And as for rectifying history," Yu tells them, "not repeating the mistakes my generation has made, can't we leave that as your future assignment for now? Show us that it is not just in the king's inner circle but also in the Hall of Worthies where the wisest men of Joseon are gathered." From their faces, the scholars respond favorably to that. "I'm sorry," he tells them sincerely. "I hope you'll forgive me for leaving you with such a huge assignment." And he steps back and bows deeply to all of them, a humble gesture that looks like it persuades everyone gathered and seals the deal.
The king and queen are at Jeongso's burial mound. Sejong tells his wife, "This couldn't have been an easy decision for you." "It was my father's decision," she tells him, "not mine. He is the one who said the king does not look back." (I got the impression that this was entirely Hwang's idea, but whatever.) Then she opens up to him for the first time in a long, long while. "If you ever need to cry, you can come to me now. Don't turn to your children to wipe your tears away. That's why your daughter calls you a crybaby. You've been made to suffer alone for too long. Perhaps it is because I've been neglecting the citizen whom the queen is supposed to feel the greatest compassion for." He takes her hand and she continues: "You don't have to be alone any more. Sharing your hardship and pain--I will accept that as my duty and my life." And they embrace. She's crying and still hurting bad; we can see it in her face. But she's trying hard, and it feels like she's turned a corner even in the face of her daughter's death. Or because of it.
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The episode ends with scrolling text that resolves the storyline for us: "Years after princess Jeongso died, in the 8th reign year of King Sejong (1426), the queen's mother Lady Ahn was reinstated to her former position. She was convicted of treason only because her husband Shim On was convicted of treason, so she was innocent. In his 13th reign year, King Sejong made it clear that every conviction must actually be proven, so that no one is convicted simply based on torture. But it was only after King Sejong died, in the first reign year of King Munjong (Sejong's son), that Shim On was reinstated."