Post by ajk on Nov 18, 2008 16:08:35 GMT -5
Weapons Bureau: It's evening and everyone's going home for the night...Flashback to Yehjin and Haishou discussing possibly kidnapping one of the weapons specialists to get the information on Joseon's new weapons...Flashback ending, several men are tailing Choi Haesan as he talks home alone. Uh-oh. But we learn that they're undercover guards placed by Gim Jongsuh. Jo Malseng learns of this and commends Gim, but tells him that "going after one of the specialists would be too direct." Dongchang doesn't work that way. "They're more likely to go after someone less directly associated...Men who have something to gain by turning over the weapons technology."
Jeong Changson and Gim Mun are eating together, alone. They're talking about Choi Manli; with an invitation to Hanlin Academy being dangled in front of him, it's going to be hard for him to resist turning over the information on the new weapons. Outside of the room, Gim and Jo are listening. (I've said this before, but there's an awful lot of eavesdropping going on in this series!)
Crown prince Hyang has brought to his father the weapons book that Choi Manli had. How is this possible? I'm not the only one with a copy of this manual, he says. So that's how. He presses his father to stop the weapons development, fearing that Ming will stop them anyway. "There are things we can and cannot give away," Sejong says, dismissing the crown prince's arguments. "Autonomy is unattainable without constant effort to keep ourselves strong." Then he shows he's getting a little tired of his son's constant opposition on this matter: "You need to practice prudence and restraint instead of giving me advice. Reflect on your behavior [and] what you've done wrong." And he leaves Hyang standing there.
Haishou walks right into the room where Huang Zan and Choi Manli are standing, and takes the weapons book right off the table like it's his. "Intelligence gathering is Dongchang's job," he tells Huang, and then he tells Choi his "loyalty to Ming will not be forgotten." He walks out with the book.
But outside the room, Haishou is detained by guards, brought to Jo Malseng, and searched. And of course they find the book on him. "What's this?", Jo asks mockingly. Haishou says, Joseon is provoking Ming," and then opens the book to show Jo. But the book's pages are blank!
Haishou barges back into the room and grabs Choi by the collar, and then scolds Huang for "being played for a fool by a nobody." But Choi tells him, "I did not make a fool of you. I displayed respect for you. I deeply admire Ming's superior literary culture and level of intelligence. So if you need new weapons technology, you will be able to fill those pages yourself. You said you wanted peace between Ming and Joseon, and that's why you wanted to investigate our weaponry. But weaponry is not my area, so how could I have that information? I suggest you try official means. Request an official talk with the Ministry of Rites and find a resolution. I believe that is how you're supposed to resolve diplomatic issues." He bows and leaves, having pulled a fast one on the two of them.
Choi goes into the Hall of Worthies. Jo Malseng is waiting for him, surprised that he didn't take the bribe. "Wasn't it too good to pass up?" "I don't sell off top government secrets for personal gain," Choi answers, making no effort to hide his contempt for Jo and his checkered history. "I wouldn't have the dignity to stand up and oppose issues if I did." He still opposes the weapons development and the territorial expansion, though: "I don't believe size equals strength." Jo smiles derisively and asks, "Do you think a greenhorn like you can change that?" "DON'T TREAT ME LIKE A CHILD!", Choi yells, surprising Jo (and us). I can influence people just like you can, he says; the difference is, you do it with money but "I do it with principles and reasoning." Jo smiles at him, amused.
Choi is with his pupil prince Hyang. "Did we fail?", Hyang asks. Choi tells him, It appears so. Hyang still doesn't believe that this is the way to peace, but says that we can't be overly preoccupied with this at the expense of domestic issues. It's a good observation, but he seems very discouraged nonetheless. Choi talks him up a bit: "Confidence is something you build by fighting for what's right. It doesn't come overnight. You're doing just fine."
An angry Gim Jongsuh is telling Sejong that Choi Manli, Gim Mun and Jeong Changson all must be expelled from the court. But Sejong won't do it. Yun Hwe points out to Gim that if we prosecute them, we're acknowledging that a secret technology exists after all. Hwang Hee advises Sejong, "officially speaking, nothing happened between the Ming and Joseon governments tonight." Sejong nods in agreement.
Haishou is angry and frustrated, but Huang Zan tells him to just go home. What are we going to do about it? You were exposed for your attempt and I couldn't even persuade a low-level official. Not a good result. "The least I can do," he tells Haishou, "is spare you the humiliation of the whole world knowing about your failure." (What about your own, pal?) Cut your losses and go home now, he advises. Haishou storms out.
The next morning: The Ming delegation is leaving. Sejong and Huang Yan are sharing tea; they exchange kind words about the visit. And they exchange read-between-the-lines statements about the previous evening's events, Sejong making clear that he knew what happened and Huang making clear that he won't forget Choi's "hospitality from last night."
As the delegation leaves, an irritated Huang observes that "Perhaps Dongchang chief Wang Zhen was right about Joseon! Joseon might be even be bolder and more brazen that Wang Zhen's assessment."
A large marble rolls along a floor. It's the Ming prince imperial's. Wang Zhen is there; he picks up the marble and hands it to the boy. The prince is bored because his master is in Joseon; he asks Wang to tell him about Joseon. Joseon, Wang says, is like that marble: "It's a toy you can do whatever you want with." The kid smiles. So does Wang, undoubtedly for different reasons.
Sejong tells Yun Hwe to carry out the planned personnel changes in the Hall of Worthies. What changes?
Yun Hwe enters the Hall of Worthies. All of the scholars are at work; they rise apprehensively as he enters. Is the hammer going to drop? Accompanying Yun is Jeong Inji, in a red robe. Jeong has just been promoted to assistant director. Yun Hwe tells them that since he's been doing double duty as leader of the Hall (news to us), Jeong will be their day-to-day leader. The scholars congratulate him, a few, including Choi, rather awkwardly.
Later, alone, Choi seems almost sullen. Jeong Changson and Gim Mun walk in on him. "You should have turned over the information," Jeong tells him. Choi responds, "I don't know who your contact is at Hanlin Academy, but you should stop exchanging information." (Strange.) Gim tells Choi, you were the most influential of the scholars but Sejong gave the position to Jeong. "This is punishment any way you look at it." Choi is irritated but tells him, "You think I'm done? I'm just getting started."
Sejong has summoned his sons Anpyeong and Jinyang. Sejong is assigning them to work at the Hall of Worthies. They're surprised because princes other than the crown prince aren't supposed to be involved in politics. Their father tells them, That's changing staring now. They're happy about the opportunity to both serve the public and expand their knowledge.
The princes enter the Hall of Worthies and are greeted by the scholars. They return the greeting, and then Jinyang zeroes in on Choi. Looking at Choi, he asks Jeong Inji, "Didn't you (Jeong) say we were all on the same side whether we agree or disagree? It looks like you (Choi) might be the one to teach me that lesson by example." Message delivered.
Ogeun gingerly suggests to Hyang that he shouldn't defy the king so openly. But Hyang isn't concerned.
The king and queen are together. Soheon doesn't want Jinyang and Anpyeong to work at the Hall of Worthies. But Sejong is firm: "They are smart boys, so they will help with state affairs." The royal lessons are enough, she says, "if you don't want trouble." Sejong freezes; what was that? She spoke awkwardly and rephrases: "It is to prevent trouble." He un-freezes. People in the palace like to talk, she says; they might think you're weighing your sons against each other. Sejong answers, "Then it's up to the crown prince to quiet such talk. Not just the eldest prince but the one who is most worthy of the throne deserves to be the true crown prince." (Well, what else would we expect to hear from him?)
Jeong Inji informs Choi Manli that he won't be teaching the crown prince's lessons any more. That duty has been reassigned away from the Hall of Worthies. Choi gets very angry.
"I will not accept this." Hyang is with Meng Sasung and Huh Jo, who have been assigned to be his new teachers. "I have no doubt you are competent teachers, but I have no desire to change mentors." It's the king's decision, they tell him; accept it. Hyang protests that Choi was an excellent teacher, but Huh says, "An excellent teacher who toys with secret government information." Weren't you against the military spending, too?, Choi asks Huh, but Huh points out the obvious difference between opposing policies and taking risks with national secrets. Hyang then walks out, brushing aside their cautions that an overreaction to this will be seen as unsuitable behavior for a crown prince.
Hyang is banging the Petitioner's Drum!
Gim Jongsuh, still irritated, tells Sejong that this is happening because Choi wasn't punished enough, that he should have been dismissed.
Hyang is before his father. "Did you like what I did, father?", he asks snottily. "It did indeed strike me," Sejong answers, no pun intended. Hyang continues, "I'm sure it made you a bit nostalgic as well. After all, I'm following in your footsteps." (Which is true--see Ep2--but it was poor judgment then too.) Sejong did NOT like it, and an argument starts: "It was childish." "What you did to Choi Manli is wrong." "If I didn't value his talent, he would have received a much harsher punishment." "You're the one who drove him to commit this crime. Ming is wary enough of us to approach the Hall of Worthies to get our secret." "If we give them our new weapon, they could turn it against us." Then Hyang says, "While you've been preoccupied with weapons development, domestic politics is crumbling", which is why we need peace now and not territorial expansion. Go out into the world in commoner's clothes, he says, and see what's going on out there. Like you used to do.
Outside, Jinyang confronts his brother as he leaves. "Father is doing the right thing," Jinyang says, reminding Hyang that Sejong has given the people clocks and agricultural handbooks, and besides, he goes out into the city often. But Hyang points out, those visits are official inspections, where "they only show you what they want you to see." He hands Jinyang a note and makes a comment about how "this will help you in your travels." And he leaves.
Sejong shows the envelope to Hwang Hee and says, "It looks like my son has been investigating my misrule." It's apparently some sort of statement of problems that Hyang has found in the country. Sejong is concerned about how the censorate will react to this display of arrogance. Can you quiet them?, he asks Hwang: "Call it a humble father's pride. And I think I will take my son's advice and travel incognito." Hwang tells him, You probably will see what's in the report "since there is no such thing as perfect government." Let me handle this, Hwang says, but Sejong tells him that the day when he went out into the city as a young boy (Ep2) was when he first was inspired to enter politics. "For me it was that day...the city square was my inspiration point. So I don't think it would be a bad idea to go there and humbly reflect." Outside, Yun Hwe is waiting and offers to escort Sejong. "The city square was my inspiration point as well."
So the two of them put on commoner's clothes and go out, with Gang Hui discreetly behind them as a bodyguard.
The queen goes to see Hyang, concerned about her son's "investigation." She's not happy: "Why do I have so many conflicting emotions?"
Sejong and Yun Hwe sit down to tea in an outdoor cafe. Then who shows up to join them but Jinyang. He was a little late but wanted to come along. "Do you want to confirm my misrule for yourself as well?" "I want to confirm progress and accomplishments." And if I find a cause to devote myself to, the prince says, all the better.
Soheon continues, "Hyang, it pains me to see you...I know that both you and your father are struggling to become a better king. That's why you...are so strongly standing up to your father. And that in the long run you are after the same thing." But then: "I wish the crown princess knew this as well. Share what you're going through with her. I'm not saying this for her but for you. Life as a crown prince and later as king is gong to be long, hard and lonely. You will need someone to lean on. The most precious joy for us women of the palace is sharing our loneliness. Allow your princess that happiness. It will help both you and your princess." (So she did feel empathy for the princess after all.)
It's 11:00 p.m.; we hear the water clock chime. Hyang is just now finishing working to go home for the night. On the way, he stops for a moment and asks Ogeun, "How is the crown princess doing lately?"; apparently the queen's words made an impact. But no answer from Ogeun.
Huang goes to his wife's chambers. "Announce me." The attendant awkwardly bites her lip and shies away from him, saying nothing. Then from inside we hear women's voices and giggling: "Come here! Oh, your grace! Stop teasing!" Suddenly a half-undressed Sosang opens the door. Hyang's eyes practically bug out. He faces the princess, but then storms away in anger without saying anything. (And without even considering his options!)
Later, outside, the couple speak, Hyang with his back to his wife. "When did this start?" "Shouldn't you ask me why first?" "Three days--you have three days to clean this up." "Does this mean you forgive me?" "It means I don't want a scandal." "I"m your wife. Your woman!" "That won't change." "Why don't you look at me when you talk to me?" "I'm doing everything I can under the circumstances. "Then why aren't you getting angry? "This is my mercy's limit. And if you can't be a proper crown princess, then pretend." "I want to be your wife, not a crown princess. I want to live like a human being!" She's crying now. He asks her, alluding to his difficulties dealing with his recent separation from his previous wife, "Why didn't you practice patience and wait for me? It might have been possible if you just had a little patience." Then he tells her, "Not getting you deposed--that's all I can do for you at this point." He still won't look her in the eye, even as she begs forgiveness: "I'm sorry. I made a mistake. Can't you give me one more chance?" He walks away without once looking at her, leaving her sobbing in the courtyard.
Evening. We see some kind of a fight taking place inside a room, the two men silhouetted against the inside light and seen through a translucent wall. The fight ends with one of the men getting stabbed and dying. The other runs out of the building and runs away. He ends up stumbling right into Sejong's path. The man is panic-stricken; Sejong wants to know what happened to him. He sees that Sejong and his companions are wearing respectable-looking robes, and concludes that they must be literate and at least not paupers. Then before anyone can react, he puts a headlock on Sejong, pulls out a knife and holds it to the king's throat. "You're going to have to help me. If you refuse, I'll kill you!"
Jeong Changson and Gim Mun are eating together, alone. They're talking about Choi Manli; with an invitation to Hanlin Academy being dangled in front of him, it's going to be hard for him to resist turning over the information on the new weapons. Outside of the room, Gim and Jo are listening. (I've said this before, but there's an awful lot of eavesdropping going on in this series!)
Crown prince Hyang has brought to his father the weapons book that Choi Manli had. How is this possible? I'm not the only one with a copy of this manual, he says. So that's how. He presses his father to stop the weapons development, fearing that Ming will stop them anyway. "There are things we can and cannot give away," Sejong says, dismissing the crown prince's arguments. "Autonomy is unattainable without constant effort to keep ourselves strong." Then he shows he's getting a little tired of his son's constant opposition on this matter: "You need to practice prudence and restraint instead of giving me advice. Reflect on your behavior [and] what you've done wrong." And he leaves Hyang standing there.
Haishou walks right into the room where Huang Zan and Choi Manli are standing, and takes the weapons book right off the table like it's his. "Intelligence gathering is Dongchang's job," he tells Huang, and then he tells Choi his "loyalty to Ming will not be forgotten." He walks out with the book.
But outside the room, Haishou is detained by guards, brought to Jo Malseng, and searched. And of course they find the book on him. "What's this?", Jo asks mockingly. Haishou says, Joseon is provoking Ming," and then opens the book to show Jo. But the book's pages are blank!
Haishou barges back into the room and grabs Choi by the collar, and then scolds Huang for "being played for a fool by a nobody." But Choi tells him, "I did not make a fool of you. I displayed respect for you. I deeply admire Ming's superior literary culture and level of intelligence. So if you need new weapons technology, you will be able to fill those pages yourself. You said you wanted peace between Ming and Joseon, and that's why you wanted to investigate our weaponry. But weaponry is not my area, so how could I have that information? I suggest you try official means. Request an official talk with the Ministry of Rites and find a resolution. I believe that is how you're supposed to resolve diplomatic issues." He bows and leaves, having pulled a fast one on the two of them.
Choi goes into the Hall of Worthies. Jo Malseng is waiting for him, surprised that he didn't take the bribe. "Wasn't it too good to pass up?" "I don't sell off top government secrets for personal gain," Choi answers, making no effort to hide his contempt for Jo and his checkered history. "I wouldn't have the dignity to stand up and oppose issues if I did." He still opposes the weapons development and the territorial expansion, though: "I don't believe size equals strength." Jo smiles derisively and asks, "Do you think a greenhorn like you can change that?" "DON'T TREAT ME LIKE A CHILD!", Choi yells, surprising Jo (and us). I can influence people just like you can, he says; the difference is, you do it with money but "I do it with principles and reasoning." Jo smiles at him, amused.
Choi is with his pupil prince Hyang. "Did we fail?", Hyang asks. Choi tells him, It appears so. Hyang still doesn't believe that this is the way to peace, but says that we can't be overly preoccupied with this at the expense of domestic issues. It's a good observation, but he seems very discouraged nonetheless. Choi talks him up a bit: "Confidence is something you build by fighting for what's right. It doesn't come overnight. You're doing just fine."
An angry Gim Jongsuh is telling Sejong that Choi Manli, Gim Mun and Jeong Changson all must be expelled from the court. But Sejong won't do it. Yun Hwe points out to Gim that if we prosecute them, we're acknowledging that a secret technology exists after all. Hwang Hee advises Sejong, "officially speaking, nothing happened between the Ming and Joseon governments tonight." Sejong nods in agreement.
Haishou is angry and frustrated, but Huang Zan tells him to just go home. What are we going to do about it? You were exposed for your attempt and I couldn't even persuade a low-level official. Not a good result. "The least I can do," he tells Haishou, "is spare you the humiliation of the whole world knowing about your failure." (What about your own, pal?) Cut your losses and go home now, he advises. Haishou storms out.
The next morning: The Ming delegation is leaving. Sejong and Huang Yan are sharing tea; they exchange kind words about the visit. And they exchange read-between-the-lines statements about the previous evening's events, Sejong making clear that he knew what happened and Huang making clear that he won't forget Choi's "hospitality from last night."
As the delegation leaves, an irritated Huang observes that "Perhaps Dongchang chief Wang Zhen was right about Joseon! Joseon might be even be bolder and more brazen that Wang Zhen's assessment."
A large marble rolls along a floor. It's the Ming prince imperial's. Wang Zhen is there; he picks up the marble and hands it to the boy. The prince is bored because his master is in Joseon; he asks Wang to tell him about Joseon. Joseon, Wang says, is like that marble: "It's a toy you can do whatever you want with." The kid smiles. So does Wang, undoubtedly for different reasons.
Sejong tells Yun Hwe to carry out the planned personnel changes in the Hall of Worthies. What changes?
Yun Hwe enters the Hall of Worthies. All of the scholars are at work; they rise apprehensively as he enters. Is the hammer going to drop? Accompanying Yun is Jeong Inji, in a red robe. Jeong has just been promoted to assistant director. Yun Hwe tells them that since he's been doing double duty as leader of the Hall (news to us), Jeong will be their day-to-day leader. The scholars congratulate him, a few, including Choi, rather awkwardly.
Later, alone, Choi seems almost sullen. Jeong Changson and Gim Mun walk in on him. "You should have turned over the information," Jeong tells him. Choi responds, "I don't know who your contact is at Hanlin Academy, but you should stop exchanging information." (Strange.) Gim tells Choi, you were the most influential of the scholars but Sejong gave the position to Jeong. "This is punishment any way you look at it." Choi is irritated but tells him, "You think I'm done? I'm just getting started."
Sejong has summoned his sons Anpyeong and Jinyang. Sejong is assigning them to work at the Hall of Worthies. They're surprised because princes other than the crown prince aren't supposed to be involved in politics. Their father tells them, That's changing staring now. They're happy about the opportunity to both serve the public and expand their knowledge.
The princes enter the Hall of Worthies and are greeted by the scholars. They return the greeting, and then Jinyang zeroes in on Choi. Looking at Choi, he asks Jeong Inji, "Didn't you (Jeong) say we were all on the same side whether we agree or disagree? It looks like you (Choi) might be the one to teach me that lesson by example." Message delivered.
Ogeun gingerly suggests to Hyang that he shouldn't defy the king so openly. But Hyang isn't concerned.
The king and queen are together. Soheon doesn't want Jinyang and Anpyeong to work at the Hall of Worthies. But Sejong is firm: "They are smart boys, so they will help with state affairs." The royal lessons are enough, she says, "if you don't want trouble." Sejong freezes; what was that? She spoke awkwardly and rephrases: "It is to prevent trouble." He un-freezes. People in the palace like to talk, she says; they might think you're weighing your sons against each other. Sejong answers, "Then it's up to the crown prince to quiet such talk. Not just the eldest prince but the one who is most worthy of the throne deserves to be the true crown prince." (Well, what else would we expect to hear from him?)
Jeong Inji informs Choi Manli that he won't be teaching the crown prince's lessons any more. That duty has been reassigned away from the Hall of Worthies. Choi gets very angry.
"I will not accept this." Hyang is with Meng Sasung and Huh Jo, who have been assigned to be his new teachers. "I have no doubt you are competent teachers, but I have no desire to change mentors." It's the king's decision, they tell him; accept it. Hyang protests that Choi was an excellent teacher, but Huh says, "An excellent teacher who toys with secret government information." Weren't you against the military spending, too?, Choi asks Huh, but Huh points out the obvious difference between opposing policies and taking risks with national secrets. Hyang then walks out, brushing aside their cautions that an overreaction to this will be seen as unsuitable behavior for a crown prince.
Hyang is banging the Petitioner's Drum!
Gim Jongsuh, still irritated, tells Sejong that this is happening because Choi wasn't punished enough, that he should have been dismissed.
Hyang is before his father. "Did you like what I did, father?", he asks snottily. "It did indeed strike me," Sejong answers, no pun intended. Hyang continues, "I'm sure it made you a bit nostalgic as well. After all, I'm following in your footsteps." (Which is true--see Ep2--but it was poor judgment then too.) Sejong did NOT like it, and an argument starts: "It was childish." "What you did to Choi Manli is wrong." "If I didn't value his talent, he would have received a much harsher punishment." "You're the one who drove him to commit this crime. Ming is wary enough of us to approach the Hall of Worthies to get our secret." "If we give them our new weapon, they could turn it against us." Then Hyang says, "While you've been preoccupied with weapons development, domestic politics is crumbling", which is why we need peace now and not territorial expansion. Go out into the world in commoner's clothes, he says, and see what's going on out there. Like you used to do.
Outside, Jinyang confronts his brother as he leaves. "Father is doing the right thing," Jinyang says, reminding Hyang that Sejong has given the people clocks and agricultural handbooks, and besides, he goes out into the city often. But Hyang points out, those visits are official inspections, where "they only show you what they want you to see." He hands Jinyang a note and makes a comment about how "this will help you in your travels." And he leaves.
Sejong shows the envelope to Hwang Hee and says, "It looks like my son has been investigating my misrule." It's apparently some sort of statement of problems that Hyang has found in the country. Sejong is concerned about how the censorate will react to this display of arrogance. Can you quiet them?, he asks Hwang: "Call it a humble father's pride. And I think I will take my son's advice and travel incognito." Hwang tells him, You probably will see what's in the report "since there is no such thing as perfect government." Let me handle this, Hwang says, but Sejong tells him that the day when he went out into the city as a young boy (Ep2) was when he first was inspired to enter politics. "For me it was that day...the city square was my inspiration point. So I don't think it would be a bad idea to go there and humbly reflect." Outside, Yun Hwe is waiting and offers to escort Sejong. "The city square was my inspiration point as well."
So the two of them put on commoner's clothes and go out, with Gang Hui discreetly behind them as a bodyguard.
The queen goes to see Hyang, concerned about her son's "investigation." She's not happy: "Why do I have so many conflicting emotions?"
Sejong and Yun Hwe sit down to tea in an outdoor cafe. Then who shows up to join them but Jinyang. He was a little late but wanted to come along. "Do you want to confirm my misrule for yourself as well?" "I want to confirm progress and accomplishments." And if I find a cause to devote myself to, the prince says, all the better.
Soheon continues, "Hyang, it pains me to see you...I know that both you and your father are struggling to become a better king. That's why you...are so strongly standing up to your father. And that in the long run you are after the same thing." But then: "I wish the crown princess knew this as well. Share what you're going through with her. I'm not saying this for her but for you. Life as a crown prince and later as king is gong to be long, hard and lonely. You will need someone to lean on. The most precious joy for us women of the palace is sharing our loneliness. Allow your princess that happiness. It will help both you and your princess." (So she did feel empathy for the princess after all.)
It's 11:00 p.m.; we hear the water clock chime. Hyang is just now finishing working to go home for the night. On the way, he stops for a moment and asks Ogeun, "How is the crown princess doing lately?"; apparently the queen's words made an impact. But no answer from Ogeun.
Huang goes to his wife's chambers. "Announce me." The attendant awkwardly bites her lip and shies away from him, saying nothing. Then from inside we hear women's voices and giggling: "Come here! Oh, your grace! Stop teasing!" Suddenly a half-undressed Sosang opens the door. Hyang's eyes practically bug out. He faces the princess, but then storms away in anger without saying anything. (And without even considering his options!)
Later, outside, the couple speak, Hyang with his back to his wife. "When did this start?" "Shouldn't you ask me why first?" "Three days--you have three days to clean this up." "Does this mean you forgive me?" "It means I don't want a scandal." "I"m your wife. Your woman!" "That won't change." "Why don't you look at me when you talk to me?" "I'm doing everything I can under the circumstances. "Then why aren't you getting angry? "This is my mercy's limit. And if you can't be a proper crown princess, then pretend." "I want to be your wife, not a crown princess. I want to live like a human being!" She's crying now. He asks her, alluding to his difficulties dealing with his recent separation from his previous wife, "Why didn't you practice patience and wait for me? It might have been possible if you just had a little patience." Then he tells her, "Not getting you deposed--that's all I can do for you at this point." He still won't look her in the eye, even as she begs forgiveness: "I'm sorry. I made a mistake. Can't you give me one more chance?" He walks away without once looking at her, leaving her sobbing in the courtyard.
Evening. We see some kind of a fight taking place inside a room, the two men silhouetted against the inside light and seen through a translucent wall. The fight ends with one of the men getting stabbed and dying. The other runs out of the building and runs away. He ends up stumbling right into Sejong's path. The man is panic-stricken; Sejong wants to know what happened to him. He sees that Sejong and his companions are wearing respectable-looking robes, and concludes that they must be literate and at least not paupers. Then before anyone can react, he puts a headlock on Sejong, pulls out a knife and holds it to the king's throat. "You're going to have to help me. If you refuse, I'll kill you!"